PETERSHAM – Last Sunday, Sept. 17, the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church held a commemoration ceremony as part of its bicentennial celebration.

Pastor Rev. Geoffrey Smith guided the festivities and spoke about previous celebration events—the community bonfire, living history re-enactment and a timeline exhibit, providing the backdrop for the commemoration’s reception. As earlier events dove into the church’s history, this commemoration focused on the ministers’ reflections and changes in the worship service over the last 80 years.

Church members Nancy Carruth, Janice Olsen and Diona Laford provided the memories about the changes in worship. Previous pastors Rev. Natalie Maynard, Rev. Deb Arnold and Rev. Tim Sweeney sent messages which were read by members present during their ministry. Minister-raised-up and previous Superintendent Rev. Cynthia Crosson-Harrington was present to share her memories as well.

The Petersham Select Board, represented by Annette Ermini, spoke on the church and community service and offered a town proclamation. State Rep. Aaron Saunders presented a citation from the State House congratulating the church.

The Bicentennial Address was delivered by past pastor Rev. David Purdy, entitled “Looking Back & Looking Forward.”

Rev. Smith concluded the ceremony, thanking the Bicentennial Committee—Barbara Hanno, Janice Olsen, Karrie Hammond, Kassie Mahoney, Shelley Modzeleski and Tally Lent, along with the assistance of Mark VanScoy and Kevin Mooney.

Several organizations in town were thanked for their support and cooperation—the Town of Petersham, Petersham Historical Society, Petersham Fire Department, Petersham Memorial Library, the Unitarian Parish, Petersham Art Center and the Petersham Lions Club.