Turley Publications photos by Angela L. Zajac

Janice Howland, Carolyn Glidden, Bill Howland, Sue Ellen Stott


Barbara Clough and Carolyn Glidden.

Betty Davis, Florence Thompson, Joanne Goodfield, Alice May Lowell

 

Updated church hosts Strawberry Festival

By Angela L. Zajac
Turley Publications Correspondent

 

NEW BRAINTREE - For the first time in over 100 years, the historic Congregational Church sponsored the town's annual Strawberry Festival to keep the tradition alive and to raise funds to complete the restoration of the Church in time for its 100th birthday dedication.
The festival was formerly sponsored by the Grange and many Grange members joined with the church at the town hall to help prepare and enjoy the traditional 50-year-old menu: ham, kidney/navy beans, potato salad, coleslaw, rolls, biscuits and the "to die for" strawberry shortcake, made with locally grown strawberries.
Alice May Lowell, a Grange and Congregational Church member from Hardwick said, "It's people coming together to bring something back to the community.  Most of us are lifelong residents who grew up together on large dairy farms."
Bill Howland, a lifelong New Braintree resident and trustee of the church, graciously explained the history of the meal, church and restoration project.
"Strawberries are in season this time of year, so the festival is always held the second week of June. This year we got our strawberries from the Howe farm. Three years ago, we took on the task of refurbishing the church for its upcoming birthday. The church is the only historical public building in the town."
The Congregational Church, which sits atop "Grassy Pine Knoll”, was originally voted on January 1, 1752 (seven months after the incorporation of the town) to be a meeting house that also served as the town church. It was replaced by a more formal building in 1801. This building served the needs of the town until 1911 when it was destroyed by fire. 
The engineering of a new church was started soon after the fire by the Fullman Family of North Brookfield who added the new invention of steel beams to its structure.
Howland continued, "Our goal is to maintain and keep an old church livable."
So far, the church has been made handicap accessible with the addition of handicap parking and walkways. Smoke detectors, emergency lighting, electrical outlets and emergency lighting have all been added. The church's organ has been refurbished, including the pipes, and the sanctuary and the front hall has been painted.
"We painted the sanctuary similar colors as when it was first painted and present and past church members have painted the same stencil design on the walls. All of the other painting was done by local painter, Doug Morrison. Mr. Morrison will also paint the pillars," Mr. Howland revealed.
Proceeds from the Strawberry Festival will be used to make the bathrooms handicap accessible, the pillars in the front of the building will be refurbished and the roof will be replaced.
The church had a very good turnout on Saturday night with one seating of 200 people, instead of the Grange's usual two seatings of 400 people. A total of 193 tickets were sold.
The New Braintree Congregational Church is also used by the Tri-Parish Church of Hardwick, Gilbertville and New Braintree.
The anticipated date for the church's 100th birthday celebration and newly refurbished dedication is September 18, 2012.