Killam's Point

Killam's Point Conference Center covers approximately 55 acres of church-owned nature preserve located twenty minutes east of New Haven on the Connecticut shore. Extending out into Long Island Sound, Killam's Point is a quiet refuge of undisturbed woodland, salt marsh, and rocky tidal area. It is available to educational and non-profit groups as well as churches. It is an ideal spot for school field trips and nature walks.

History
Philosophy
Accommodations
Point House Programs
Vacation Bible School

Directions

email us regarding reservations

Terry and Bob Reinwald - Killam's Point Hosts/Caretakers
203-488-4846 for reservations

In the late 17th century, King Charles II of England made a grant of aproximately 70 acres of forested land bordering what is now called Long Island Sound to the First Ecclesiastical Society of the town of Branford,   In 1868, the Society in turn leased the land on a 99 year term to a Mr. Russell, and then the lease was transferred to the Killam family, prominent New Haven coachmakers, in the early 1880s. The area became known as Killam's Point and several houses were consructed on its upper reaches.

With the expiration of the lease in 1967, the homesites on the upper 20 acres were sold to the residents, leaving approximately 45 acres of wilderness, salt marsh and rocky shore. Under the leadership of its minister, Roger Manners, and with the assistance of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, the First Congregational Church of Branford acted with neighboring churches and individuals to form the Branford Royal Grant Corporation, a non-profit organization to develop the remaining area with the cottages at Shepard's Point into a conference and retreat center.

The members of First Congregational Church voted to assume management of Killam's Point effective 12/1/2005. It offers a year round facility with a ministry geared to its unique setting on the largest section of Connecticut coastline still in its natural state.

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"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us."                  2 Corinthians 4:7

These words of Paul seem especially appropriate to the ministry of Killam's Point Conference Center. Killam's Point is an earthly treasure of rare delicacy and beauty. For many, it is in the quiet beauty of a sunset, the gentle sound of the wind passing through the trees, or the expansive sky over the water that they sense God's presence. Here they get in touch with something or someone that renews them and empowers them to go about the task of living with energy and purpose. With a sense of the fundamental need of all human beings to be in such places, and with a desire to be good stewards of this land that has been entrusted to us, Killam's Point exists as a haven for reconciliation - with one's self, with one another, with one's environment, and with God.

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The Point House

Visiting groups may stay at the Point House, which contains four dorm-style bedrooms, three modern bathrooms, a complete kitchen, and large living area with fireplace. The house can comfortably accommodate as many as 50 for daytime use. Visitors provide their own meal and do their own clean-up.

Ample space for picnics and three beach areas are located in the immediate vicinity. Hiking trails run along the perimeter of the Point, through the forest, along cliffs, and beside the salt marsh.

The Point House is accessible to the physically challenged and the elderly with first floor bathroom as well as an entrance ramp. Two small campsites equiped with stone fire rings (and outdoor chemical sanitary facilities in season) are available.

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Members of First Congregational Church may get beach parking permits for Loves Beach. Please contact the church office.

In order to respect the privacy of groups on retreat, all visits to the center must be pre-arranged. To schedule a visit or for more information, write or call the resident directors, Killam's Point Conference Center, Branford, CT, 203-488-4846

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First Congregational Church 1009 Main Street Branford Connecticut
203-488-7201