History
OLD PARISH CELEBRATES ITS 275TH!
This fall Old Parish will be celebrating its 275th anniversary – the
second oldest church in Berkshire County. A committee has been hard at
work organizing a proper celebration. Here are some of the highlights:
* Tuesday, September 28: a special exhibit at the Stone Store;
* Saturday, October 2: A spirit walk at the Center Cemetery;
* Friday, October 22: The 275th Anniversary of the Founding of the
Church, featuring dinner at the American Legion. Cost will be $25,
with children under 12 free. Cash bar. Nick Joseph will be caterer.
Outstanding entertainment.
* Sunday, October 24: Colonial Worship Service. Worship in the
style and spirit of 1735. Dress in appropriate clothing. Service will
be followed by a picture of all those who attend. A time capsule,
containing items appropriate to 2010 will be dedicated and placed at
an appropriate place in the building.
* Sunday, November 14: The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, President of
the United Church of Christ, will speak at 1:30 pm. There will be no
worship in the morning. Berkshire Association churches will be invited
to worship with us.
In addition, various souvenirs will be offered for sale:
- A history of our church
- Grocery bags
- Note cards
- Aprons
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275 YEARS OF OLD PARISH HISTORY
What happened in our country and our church from 1735 to 2010? In celebration of our 275th Anniversary, many of these events have been catalogued on an Old Parish Time Line, which is displayed in the south parlor. This is intended to be an interactive poster, so all members are invited to add to it. In particular, there is an enlarged version of the years between 1945 and 2010 in the north parlor. We encourage you to use this enlarged segment to record major events in your life, particularly as they relate to the church, e.g. the date you joined the church, were married in the church, had your children baptized, etc.
In addition we want to display pictures or articles about you and the church. Please give us a copy of anything you wish to keep and identify the people in the picture.
More celebrations are being planned for this year, so watch the Messenger and the church bulletin for announcements of coming events.
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October 22, 2010 we will celebrate our 275th anniversary! Stay tuned to future plans to celebrate this historical building and community.
Established in 1735, the present church building was erected in 1760 after the congregation outgrew its earlier meeting house on Sheffield Plain. Old Parish was the original town meetinghouse and the site of adoption of the famed Sheffield Declaration of 1733. Originally built in the center of the broad main street, the structure was moved back from the highway in 1819, at which time the steeple and bell were added.
The colonial atmosphere of the building has been carefully maintained by the church members. The historical preservation has been balanced with the needs of the times, as Old Parish Church has become handicapped accessible. The Sheffield Antiques Show, sponsored by Old Parish Church, is into its fifth decade as the longest continuously running antique show in the area.
The church continues as a center of town activity. Our doors open wide to host the annual town Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing. Other groups that have used the building include The Sheffield Art League, the Red Cross Bloodmobile, 4-H clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Food Program, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Youth Hockey League, and the Children’s Health Program Play Group. It is also the venue of performing arts presentations. Music is especially wonderful in this acoustically vibrant space.