The First Congregational Church (FCC) of Bristol was gathered in 1680 as the first congregational church in Rhode Island and the first church in Bristol. After the Revolutionary War, FCC and Rev. Henry Wight originated the Bristol Patriotic Exercises that became the longest continually running Fourth of July parade in the United States – the Bristol Fourth of July Parade. The current church building, built in 1856, is the congregation’s third edifice and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our active congregation founded the East Bay Food Pantry and works to improve our community and to welcoming to all.