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Gilsum Congregational Church was first formed on October 28, 1772.

It is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). But did you know that congregational churches have their origins in the Reformation? Here’s a short history:

Reformation Day first started 500 years ago on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of All Saints Church in Germany. The Theses criticized the Roman Catholic Church for drifting away from salvation as a means of going to heaven and were doing things like selling indulgence or certificates to reduce punishment for sin. This created a rift that lead to the Reformation. The Reformation was the formation of churches that followed the Luther and John Calvin theology of Salvation by the cross.

The Reformation produced the German Reform Church and the German Evangelist Church, two streams that would eventually be part of the forming of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The Congregational Church was formed by Englishmen who separated from the Roman Catholic Church, some of whom came over on the Mayflower, including the Elder. Another group that formed the UCC were the Christians, who felt the denominations were out of control and we should all band together and just be Christians.

In 1957 all of these groups merged into the UCC. The UCC took on the Autonomy of the Congregationalist: That is, it is a self-governing church in that each congregation handles its own affairs. Jesus Christ is the sole head of the Church. Its organization includes a Synod (national level), Conference (state level), Association (local level) and local churches, but all are on the same level. One can not force another to do anything; they can only make suggestions.

We thank God for the Reformation and the early reformers who risked their lives to bring the church back to the basic truth of the Bible, that we are “Saved by Faith, apart from the works of the Law”. ~ Romans 3:28

Come visit us! Services start at 10:00 AM, with coffee hour following. Bible study starts just after 9 AM every week.

–Dan Hackler, Gilsum Congregational Church

See all the Halloween/Fire Station fun in the Halloween 2017 gallery http://gilsum.org/galleries/halloween-2017/

Gilsum Congregational Church will hold its annual Blessing of the Pets on Saturday, October 14th at 10 AM on the church lawn. Reverend Jim Berry will have treats on hand for your dog or cat, as well as for their owners! Come join the fun with your dog or cat. This event is open to both children and adults.

Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm the Historical Society of Cheshire County will host a screening of a 1921 silent film as part of its New Hampshire Film Series. The program is co-sponsored by the Marlow Historical Society. The Hope Diamond Mystery is based on the life story written by May Yohé who lived for a time in Marlow, New Hampshire. In 1894 Yohé, an American musical theater actress, married Lord Francis Hope and possessed the Hope Diamond. She divorced Lord Francis in 1902, and Lord Francis later sold the diamond to pay off debts.

The Hope Diamond Mystery was a fifteen-part serial about “the most sinister jewel in history.” A curse follows the diamond bringing tragedy and heartbreak to all who possess it. In the forty-minute episode to be shown at the Historical Society, Boris Karloff stars in his first major screen role as the Hindu servant Dakar.

At the Historical Society’s screening Larry Benaquist – film maker and Keene State College professor – will talk about the history of the film. Local historian Tracy Messer will talk about May Yohé and her connections to Marlow, New Hampshire.

The Historical Society of Cheshire County is located at 246 Main Street in Keene. The organization has been collecting, preserving, and communicating the history of Cheshire County for 90 years. The Society puts on about 150 programs each year to help people of all ages “find their place in history.” For more information, visit hsccnh.org or call 603.352.1895.