21 South Batavia Avenue
Religion was very important to the early settlers. In fact, once settlers finished building their cabin homes, often the next thing they would do was to begin constructing their church. While everyone was getting settled, it was customary for missionaries to travel by foot or horseback in order to hold religious services. Prayer service was such an integral part of their lives that in 1856 the city passed an ordinance that stated it could fine anyone, up to five dollars per incident, who worked or played on Sundays. The only exceptions were for necessary or charity work.
In 1834, Reverand Nathaniel Clark conducted the first sermon in Big Woods, which would become Batavia. It was attended by all of the pioneers in the settlement. Then in 1835, Rev. Clark and Rev. Ralph Gridley assembled the Church of the Big and Little Woods. For many years, members of this Presbyterian congregation would gather for services at one another’s homes until a church was eventually built in 1841, located at 16 North Batavia Avenue. In 1843, it became known as the Congregational Church of Batavia. Then, in 1856, a new church was constructed at 21 South Batavia Avenue, which is the current home of the Congregational Church of Batavia.
