New interim minister to lead Unitarian Society’s 200th birthday bash this weekend in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — Though the Rev. Eric Cherry’s tenure at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence may be brief, it will certainly be historic.

Cherry, who has served as interim minister for the congregation since August 2024, will preside over the church’s 200th anniversary celebration, to be held this weekend to coincide with the Hampshire Pride Parade. It’s a big responsibility for Cherry, who was named interim minister to replace Janet Bush, who retired after 15 years at the society.

“This is a healthy congregation, with a potential for a very bright future,” Cherry said. “That was an attractive opportunity for me.”

Originally from Long Island, Cherry felt the call to ministry from a young age. He received a Masters of Divinity degree from the Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago and was ordained as a minister in 1997. He has previously served congregations in Iowa and Rhode Island and has called Massachusetts his home since 2001.

Interim ministry is a set period of introspection during which a congregation works to prepare for a new settled minister after the departure of a former settled minister, selected through an in-depth search process guided by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Following an interview process, Cherry was selected as Northampton’s newest minister last year.

Marking 200

Now, the society is getting ready for what will likely be the most significant event of Cherry’s time with the church. Festivities for the congregation’s 200th year of existence include a concert presented by the Smith College a capella group the Smithereens on the front lawn of the church’s 220 Main St. location, from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner. Another concert will be held later in the day by folk singer Peter Mayer.

On Sunday, the festivities will continue with a 200th anniversary worship service titled “Pride Unfolding,” that will reflect upon the society’s history and the role it has played in the city’s progressive past.

Though the society traces its origins to the founding of the Second Congregational Society in 1825, the present Unitarian Universalist church in the city is actually the result of a 1944 merger of the Second Congregational Society and the Free Congregational Society of Florence. The society, as well as its two progenitors, have been known for championing liberal and progressive causes throughout their existence.

“The Free Congregational Society in Florence was on the forefront of all the progressive justice movements of the 19th century,” Cherry said. “The Second Congregational Society in Northampton was also active in abolitionism, in prohibition and the civil rights struggle. So all of those movements were important to both of the predecessor congregations.”

Though inclement weather is in the forecast over the weekend, Cherry remains confident the spirit of the congregation will shine through for the celebration.

“There is a spirit of great joy, excitement and engagement in the society these days,” Cherry said. “That’s just a real pleasure to be a part of.”

Following the weekend festivities, the church will step up its efforts to find a permanent minister, with a search committee to be established at the society’s annual meeting later in the month.

“They’ll take almost a full year to determine who our next settled minister will be,” Cherry said. “The congregation and I share goals of preparing for their next settled minister to make sure the congregation is sturdy, strong and ready to embark on new adventures.”

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.