New Mexico Congregational Association

The first Congregationalists arrived in Albuquerque in 1880. In April of the following year they dedicated their first church in New Town. Though the numbers of Congregationalists remained relatively small, they were active in education and the temperance movement. Before legislation provided for public schools in New Mexico, the Congregationalists coordinated four academies and six rural schools through the Congregational Education Society. A number of Congregationalists, such as Charles Hodgin, were associated with and profoundly impacted the University of New Mexico. The Congregational Association of New Mexico was formed as a communications network for the Church's members and their various endeavors.