Some History of the Centre and United Churches: 1826- to the Present
It’s a funny thing about history; there wouldn’t be any history if nothing happened! Our churches have a wonderful history, full of rich learning; dramatic decisions, stagnant times of discouragement and a great fluctuation in membership and leadership.
One historian writes: “Time will not allow to speak of the severe trials, the dark days and heroic struggles amidst discouragement, or of the favors received, the blessings enjoyed and the victories won. But like Paul, ‘Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before us, we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Amen!
History informs us but should never hold us prisoner. The past offers a magnificent tapestry of experience from which we may learn and grow as we move forward. History is what has made us what we are today and the decisions and actions we make will be tomorrow’s history! At times churches can become stagnant, feeling locked in to ‘what has been’ rather than ‘what might be’ when Christ leads us forward to new horizons of possibility. History is important and always to be valued, but not worshiped!
Looking at the history of our churches in Gilmanton we find many changes over the years. In the year 1826, some members of the Smith Meeting House were dismissed to form two new Congregational churches in the villages of Gilmanton Corner and Gilmanton Iron Works. Both churches were originally called ‘Meeting Houses’ in the custom of the day.
The Centre Church was established as ‘The Academy Village Congregational Church’ and then as ‘The Congregational Church’ in Gilmanton Center; later known as Gilmanton Corner. As far as research shows at this time, this name was still held in 1912 at least.
The United Church was called ‘The Iron Works Meeting House’ in Gilmanton. As early as 1888 The Free Will Baptist Church and the Congregational churches had union services when one or the other were without a pastor.
There was a devastating fire in the Iron Works in 1915 which completely destroyed The Free Will Baptist Church. “There began at this time, united efforts in the calling of The Rev. Arthur V. Dimock as the pastor for 6 months and on January 1, 1917 ‘Articles of Federation of the Free Will Baptist Church and the Congregational Church’; were accepted that called this new alliance to be known as the ‘Federated Churches of Gilmanton Iron Works’.” In 1946 the Federated Church became incorporated. It was not until February 27, 1952 that the name ‘The United Church of Gilmanton Iron Works’ came into being.
Just prior to the formation of the Gilmanton Town Ministry:
“In 1948 The Rev. Arvel M. Steece, who was at the same time Assistant Pastor of the Congregational Church of Laconia, was hired as a full time minister. The Rev. Steece was the first minister to try to do something for the youth of Gilmanton. He started Sunday night services with members of the youth group leading the meetings. He retired in December of 1948.
The Town Ministry
On September 6, 1949 it was voted to have a Town Ministry Council which included the Centre Church, the United Church, and the Lower Gilmanton Church. On April 17, 1950 the Rev. Donald Osborne was hired to serve the three churches, which included three sermons every Sunday. Records of May 4, 1950 tells us of a ‘Regional Council of the Gilmanton Churches’ made up of 12 Council members from the three cooperating churches, yoked together. These cooperating churches were “The Federated Church of Iron Works, The Centre Congregational Church and the Lower Gilmanton Community Church. The Lower Gilmanton Church finally withdrew from the Town Ministry Council as that congregation was unable to share in the expenses.
At first pastors were expected to preach three separate sermons at each of the three buildings on a Sunday; two in the morning and Lower Gilmanton in the evening. Eventually joint services between Centre and United were held with Easter Services always held at United in the Iron Works and Christmas Eve Services always at Centre in the Corner.
“During the Seventies, the two churches continued to work more closely and became more unified in their endeavors, promoted by having the annual meetings at the United Church, preceded by a supper, social hours with refreshments after Sunday Services during the summer, and the Sunday School of the two churches being held together.”
Pastors of the Gilmanton Town Ministry/Gilmanton Community Church as they can be traced from 1950 to the Present Time
The Rev. Donald Osborne served the Town Ministry from May, 1950 to November, 1955
On July 1, 1956 William Flemming, still a student at Andover-Newton Theological Seminary became the new preacher.
After Rev. Fleming left, in April 1958, the pulpit was filled by supply ministers, many times by Marshall Gifford, a lay minister, who was later to return for further service.
Rev. (Mrs.) Easter Peters was welcomed as the new pastor in September, 1958, resigning in 1960 for reasons of health.
The Rev. Vernon Wittenberg served during the summer of 1960.
The Rev. John Morrison was called in December of 1960 and served the Town Ministry until November, 1966. .
After Rev. Morrison retired the Town Ministry was very fortunate to be able to call Mr. Marshall Gifford, to return to the pulpit and he served until November 1968.
“The Town Ministry Council and members of both churches would have liked Marshall Gifford to stay on as pastor, but he declined the offer feeling that the churches should have a regular, resident minister.
The Rev. William H. Marsell was called to serve the Gilmanton Town Ministry in December of 1968. “One of the first changes for the better was the new calendar format for both churches, with the sketches of the Centre Congregational church and the United Church on the front and a short history of each church on the back cover.” Presently we continue to have the two churches and have people now walking between them as well as open doors to symbolize the joy of ‘welcome’. Rev. Marsell also reestablished the continuation of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Groups.
Rev. James A. Martinez was called to serve following Rev. Marsell’s leaving, in October, 1978. The date of Rev. Martinez‘s leaving is uncertain.
The Reverends Kathy and John Betournay were called to serve the Gilmanton Town Ministry in 1981 and ministered for 8 years. During their ministry there were strong adult education programs, a marriage enrichment group, a spiritual growth group and an excellent youth fellowship.
Following the Betournays, the Rev. Robert Fronterhouse served the Gilmanton Town Ministry from August, 1989 to August, 1994. The Rev. Oliver Northcott then served as Interim Minister from August, 1994 until July, 1995.
On July 1, 1995 The Rev. Linda Bolton was called as pastor of the Gilmanton Town Ministry.
And now, March 2, 2009 The Rev. Christopher Stevens, his will answer the call to serve as pastor of The Gilmanton Community Church!
January 2, 2000
In this history making service of worship the moderators of our two separate church bodies came forward to light a candle of unity from the two separate candles which represented the individual congregations of the Centre and United Churches.
As the Unity Candle was lit we all shared in the following Covenant litany:
Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all life, Author of salvation and Giver of all grace; look with favor upon the world you have made and redeemed, and especially upon this congregation as we move forward together, one in body and one in Christian faith.
Grant us wisdom and devotion in our daily lives that we may be to one another a strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, a spiritual friend in perplexity, and a companion in joy.
Grant that our wills may be so knit together in your will, and our spirits in your Spirit, that we grow in love and peace with you and with each other all the days of our lives.
Grant us the courage when we hurt each other to recognize and confess our faults and the grace to seek your forgiveness, even as we forgive each other.
Gracious God strengthen us and your church in every place to serve you faithfully. May we proclaim your grace, justice, joy and peace to all the world.
May we in our life together be a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world. By our witness may our unity overcome estrangement; our ability to forgive help others to forgive; our grace help to heal those who are overcome by guilt; and our joy and encouragement help those who are in despair.
Holy God, help us to walk together humbly, knowing that without you we would be nothing. With your loving Presence to guide and help us, may we trust that all things are possible in your will and power. May we grow in our ability to love as you love; to be patient and kind; to not envy or boast; to be gentle, not arrogant or rude. Let us not insist on our own way but listen prayerfully, always open to other points of view. May we rejoice in truth and be careful that our words encourage, build, and uphold one another in love. As you have loved us, grant us the power to share that love. May the light of your Presence in our lives be an invitation to others to seek the grace and new life that you offer in Christ Jesus to all who call upon you with earnest hearts and voices. In Jesus’ name, we ask these blessings, Amen.
We celebrate the faith, the courage, the dedication of people in this and surrounding communities who have comprised the memberships of our two churches. We honor and thank those who had the vision to raise the two churches and to build the undercrofts as they are today. For those who took part in this valiant and important mission who are with us today - you made history and we are deeply grateful for your energy, time, talents and treasure.
In the 1970’s the United Church was raised and moved back from the road. The Ladies Aid felt that a parlor was needed and with great passion managed to raise the funds for this additional, very beautiful room.
In the 1980’s the Centre Church was raised and the undercroft added with many people from both churches helping in this endeavor. Linda and Winn Barney spearheaded this vital undertaking which renewed the Church’s vitality and membership.
The Centre Church Quilters and the Women’s Guild have been primary contributors and supporters of the Centre Church’s mission.