Dr. W. Millard Stevens was the next pastor to supply our pulpit.  He came in December of 1955 and remained here in Southington for nine years.  The first few months of his ministry brought about changes and revisions in our Church Constitution and By-Laws.

The building project, which had been started under the pastorate of Rev. Allen, was continued under Dr. Stevens and brought to completion while he was here.  The Barnes Memorial Chapel and the new section of classrooms and offices were all part of this project.  The church bought the old town hall lot during Dr. Stevens’ pastorate, which is now our parking lot.

The church became part of the United Church of Christ while Dr. Stevens was here, and this led to much controversy among many of our members.  The church did, however make the transition and now functions as part of this large organization.

Dr. Stevens left this church in November of 1964.  Shortly before Dr. Stevens and his wife June were to leave, Mrs. Stevens suffered a heart attack and died.  Dr. Stevens was asked to stay on to serve the church, but he chose to go on to the church in Chuckatuck, Virginia, which he still serves.  Dr. Stevens has since remarried.

1998 update on the pastorate of Dr. W. Millard Stevens
In July of 1974, Dr. Stevens retired from the active pastorate and moved with his second wife Kathleen, to Burlington, N.C.  Here Dr. Stevens spent the last 24 years supplying local pulpits when needed and also occasionally served as an interim pastor.  He has served in 45 different churches during the 24 years.  Dr. Stevens also served as an active member of the board of trustees of Elan College until 1995 when he retired and was honored by being made Trustee Emeritus.

During the past year, Dr. Stevens has not been as active, and on January 20, 1998 he celebrated his 87th birthday.  Occasionally Dr. Stevens participates in special celebrations.

Dr. Stevens writes that he is very pleased our church is growing and doing so well.  He still has very fond memories of the nine years he spent in Southington as our pastor.  He writes "Kathleen joins me in greeting and best wishes to the Southington church as you celebrate your 275th anniversary’" faithfully yours, Millard Stevens.