SOUTHAMPTON — There’s a reason the First Congregational Church is in the center of town.
Centuries ago in Massachusetts, a town could not be established without a church.
The church was more than a place to worship — it housed the town offices, it was the venue for gatherings, and the church’s safe held town records, according to the Rev. Jennifer Valentine.
First Congregational Church was founded in 1743, and Southampton became a town about three decades later, in 1775.
To celebrate its 275th anniversary, First Congregational Church has begun several months worth of events and special commemorations leading up to the anniversary next June. All events are open to the public. The church’s last big anniversary was in 1993, celebrating 250 years.
Valentine said recognizing the 275-year mark is “evidence of God’s continual participation” regarding the church’s strong foundation in the changing culture.
“It allows us to move forward in hope during a time of uncertainty for all types of institutions in our culture and is evidence that we can be a vital part of the community going forward,” Valentine said.
For the past four years, a church committee has focused on planning the events, which include a special dinner using recipes from old church cookbooks and a 1950s-themed sock hop. Also in November, the church will dedicate the grave markers of the Rev. Jonathan Judd, the church’s first minister, and his wife, Silence Sheldon Judd. The grave markers were recently restored through community preservation funds.
The celebration began Sept. 10 with a Sunday worship, followed by a rally with 18th-century games and activities.
Judd founded the church in 1743 with 32 men. A short time later, their wives were able to join, boosting the membership to 63. Today, the church currently has 113 members.
The present church building was built in 1788, facing Maple Street. The church steeple was built and the bell was installed about 34 years later. In 1840, the church was turned to face east onto Route 10.
In 1859, a melodeon was purchased for $61.33, a very different instrument than the digital Allen organ the church purchased this year for $50,000 using donations from church members.
In 1900, the steeple was struck by lightning, and the ensuing fire was fought off by men and women around town.
“Every well in the neighborhood was pumped dry with the exception of that of Frank Boyd’s house, where one of his two pumps still drew water,” a book on the church’s history, “A Continuing Story,” reads.
Parish Hall was constructed in 1957 and houses church school classrooms, a kitchen and a common room that is utilized by many community groups such as Boy Scouts and Weight Watchers.
While the church has seen many changes over the years, some things have remained relatively the same.
The Women’s Missionary Society was established in 1803. Back then, dues were 1 cent per week or 50 cents a year, and so the group was nicknamed the Female Cent Society.
According to “A Continuing Story,” during the first year the group was formed, they received a request “to raise a fund to purchase copies of the Bible and other books of piety to be sent to the needy inhabitants of the new settlements of the United States.”
Some of the church’s groups focused on benevolence, such the Sunshine Band, a group of girls whose motto was “do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, just as long as you can,” according to Valentine.
A men’s group, the Southampton Congregational Church Brotherhood, focused on donating money to worthy causes. It existed from 1910 to 1949, according to Gazette archives.
While the Brotherhood and Sunshine Band have been long gone, Valentine said the work continues through the missions committee as well as the Prayer Shawl Ministry, a group that knits and crochets shawls for people in need of love and prayer.
“Now we all work together,” Valentine said, rather than through separate groups based on gender and age.
While the church no longer hosts town gatherings or houses the town offices, it continues to open its doors to the community. Space at the church is used by town groups and twice a month, the church operates “Community Cupboard,” providing food for people in Southampton and neighboring communities.
Upcoming events to mark the church’s birthday include:
October: A performance of “The Patriot,” a play directed by Southampton resident Judith Miller Conlin and Nicole Migliozzi, on Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29. Show times have not been announced.
November: Dedication at the Center Cemetery of the restored grave markers of the Rev. Judd and his wife.
December: Throughout the month, a timeline will be displayed outlining the church’s history.
January: The church will host a New England contra dance. All ages are welcome.
February: A dinner will be held with historic recipes from church cookbooks.
April: A special worship by a regional choir.
May: The church will host a 1950-themed bandstand and sock hop. All ages are welcome.
June: There will be a docent guided tour of the church as well as a scavenger hunt. On June 10, the church will have a “grand celebratory worship” marking the 275th anniversary.
Times have not yet been announced. More information will become available as the events approach. Check the church’s website for updates at www.shcong.org.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.