Members of the New Boston Congregational Church have much to celebrate this year. In an era when traditional Protestant churches in America are closing at the rate of some three-thousand per year, the doors of Sandisfield‘s last functioning church are wide open.

Sustained attendance at year-round, bi-weekly Sunday services is robust. This remarkable revival owes in large part to the arrival in 2017 of a charismatic and upbeat pastor, Rev. Eric Kriebel. (See “New Boston Church Enjoying Revival,” Sandisfield Times, August 2022).

Congregation moderator Sandy Morrison, who stepped in as lay leader 17 years ago after Theresa Campetti passed away, can also take justifiable pride in what has transpired. Her steady presence from an attendance low point to today’s filled pews deserves much credit.

This year a well-designed website was introduced, which includes information about new committees and activities in community outreach, communication, fund raising, and for the care and preservation of a splendid, historic building. The church is a significant “contributing element” to the New Boston Village National Register Historic District which was listed by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2022.

On Sunday, September 29 the congregation will dedicate the service to the many hundreds of Sandisfield residents since the 1870s who worshiped there and were good stewards who ensured that later generations could enjoy this beautiful space and place.

Special guest speaker

A very special guest speaker and former pastor (1970-71), Reverend Michael Gantt and his wife, Barbara (organist) will attend, coming from their current home in Brattleboro, Vermont. Rev. Gantt will recall his ministry here and how the experience in a small rural community church influenced his career in the clergy, including missionary work in Africa. Rev. Gantt, an author, conducts a radio show in Brattleboro. His poignant visit to New Boston in April 2018 after 48 years was covered in the Sandisfield Times that July).

Rev. Gantt also wrote the foreword for the limited-edition book, The Little Brown Church of New Boston, Mass which was published earlier this anniversary year. The 400-page book is a comprehensive history of the church including the history of congregationalism in Sandisfield, the inception of the New Boston congregation, and everything known about the building and its role in New Boston’s history. Copies for purchase to benefit the church will be available at the service.

In a letter to The Times, Rev. Kriebel said, “This special day will be made even more special if we can get people who have moved away or who have ever attended or had any connection to the church to join the celebration. Perhaps it could be a version of the popular Old Home Sunday tradition when families, friends, and neighbors [and former pastors too] used to meet here for a day of reminiscing. Everyone in the community is welcome on this remarkable anniversary occasion. I really hope we can fill the church!”

Donations of any amount are dearly needed especially for building maintenance and repair. Donors may go to the website, newbostoncongregationalchurch.org and tap the “Donations” button or donate by check made to New Boston Congregational Church. Mail to NBCC, P.O. Box 81, Sandisfield, MA 01255.

Cookout to follow services

Immediately following services and fellowship there will be a cookout on the premises. Hamburgers and hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for picnic-style or take-out.

Talk and tour of the Church

For those interested after services, there will be a brief historical summary and a tour of the inside of the church which is in virtually original condition. If you have never been inside or it has been years, this is your chance for a real treat and to reconnect with and appreciate this precious Sandisfield heritage.