Fairfield megachurch moving out of town

It's the "mega" in megachurch that has the town fathers in Fairfield uncomfortable enough to block expansion of Black Rock Congregational Church. Following the town Conservation Commission's decision to block their expansion plans, BRCC is seeking elbow room in neighboring Easton after 150 years in Fairfield.

From the Fairfield Citizen-News:

Dr. Joseph Ricciotti, who resides on Lindmir Lane, a cul-de-sac behind the church, is a member of the local grass-roots opposition group Preserve Upper Black Rock Turnpike, which had been opposed to the expansion proposal ever since its beginning. "We felt that the wetlands were in jeopardy and we felt that that the size of the structure was inappropriate for area," he said.

"Needless to say we're pleased that we don't have to be concerned about the building projects that we felt were not appropriate," said Ricciotti. "We wish them well and we hope they are successful in their new location."

Currently, the BRCC has 1,200 church members and at the Sunday services, as many as 1,300 to 1,400 people attend the church. The growth in church members prompted the plans for the expansion last winter. "We've had a steady growth over the years," said [church business administrator Timothy] Kanuch.

At the BRCC's new membership classes, there are approximately 40 new members who join the church three times a year, which Kanuch said is a growth rate of approximately 8 to 10 percent each year.

We know some fine folks at BRCC and we wish the congregation well.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Fairfield, Easton