The Newtown Meeting House, decorated for the holiday season, will open its doors to the public on Sunday, December 12, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, for the re-dedication of this historic building.

Second Division Governor's Horse Guard, in colonial regimental dress, will greet guests. A short program will feature town and state officials; a plaque will be presented to the Newtown Congregational Church in commemoration of the church's gift of the building to the town. Choral and instrumental music will be followed by a reception and refreshments.

The Newtown Meeting House, which originally housed town officials as well as weekly worship services, has sat on the same location since 1792 and is the only documented meeting house in New England which can make that claim. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Borough of Newtown.

In the 19th century the Meeting House became the Congregational Church, but in 1988 the church deeded the building back to the town. That same year, the Heritage Preservation Trust of Newtown, Inc., a private not-for-profit group, was founded to save this colonial building from destruction. The original restoration was completed in 1991 and received that year's Award of Merit from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

For 207 years, the Meeting House has stood at the center of this community, providing a place for all kinds of activities. During the past year, the building has again been completely refurbished, inside and out, and continues to be available for use by civic and public groups, as well as corporate and private functions. It is in great demand for wedding ceremonies and clergy from all religious groups, as well as civil officials, are welcome to perform ceremonies here.