PETERSHAM — Since its formation in 1823, the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church has had a history of community involvement.

Over the next few months, these stories and much more will be shared with the community as part of a bicentennial celebration. The kickoff was held on Friday, May 12, with a bonfire, food and live music. Rev. Geoffrey Smith said the event was originally planned for June at the Nichewaug Lot, but scheduled repairs necessitated a change. Even so, many people made it, with the church’s oldest member Nancy Carruth signaling the bonfire’s start. Smith added that the town’s fire and highway departments helped make the event a success.

“We had almost 100 people of all ages,” Smith said.

The church’s founding came about following a split within the Unitarian and Congregational communities in Massachusetts, said Smith. Those of the Congregational faith made up the minority in town, and so had to find a new building. They formed the Orthodox Congregational Church in 1823, later opening the doors around 1830. The current church is the same building as what was first built, with the exception of interior renovations near the 100th anniversary to add a kitchen and parlor and an addition in 1950 that became Andrew Hall.

Smith said the church follows a belief known as “disinterested benevolence,” which means to do good without want of reward. To that end, the church holds monthly dinners and offers free meals to those in need. It’s also a part of the town’s Interfaith Committee, which holds three services a year. They hold a blessing of the animals and bikes and Firefighter Sunday, which honors first responders. The church worked with Saint Scholastica Priory in Petersham to help a person to get out of a difficult personal situation and find a new home.

“We’re very responsive to needs when we find out,” said Smith.

Last Friday’s bonfire is just the beginning of the 200th anniversary celebration. More events are planned for the summer and fall, with the goal of having as many people involved as possible. On June 24, the church will hold a living history presentation with the town’s historical society and library. People will take on the roles of different historical characters, such as Rev. Aaron Whitney, the town’s first Congregational minister or Luther Wilson, a Unitarian minister at the time of the separation.

“We decided if we’re going to throw a party, why not invite everybody,” said Smith.

In September there will be a dual event, with keynote speaker Rev. David Purdy, Smith’s predecessor, talking about looking to the past and future. There will also be a museum exhibit at the church with a timeline highlighting significant events, which Smith said ties into the history of Petersham.

“This will be on the north common, on the site where the separation happened,” said Smith of Purdy’s speech.

On Oct., 7, the historical society will host its annual cemetery walk, and the church will host an art show entitled “Hope and Faith,” with the two organizations promoting each other’s events. Smith said the art show will feature works that exemplify the Congregational and Unitarian faiths on multiple mediums. Submissions for the show will be accepted and the church will work with the Petersham Art Center

“Anything that depicts the difference between Congregationalists and Unitarians,” said Smith of the artwork. “Anything that has to do with faith and hope.”

For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page.

Max Bowen can be reached at mbowen@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 265.

]]>