Attendees at the regular service of the New Boston Congregational Church on Sunday March 15 cheered upon learning that the church had been awarded a substantial grant from the "Hurting Churches" fund of the Northeast Fellowship of Congregational Christian Churches.

The grant of $20,000 in two payments in 2026 and 2027 will be applied to addressing the most urgent and critical needs - repair or replacement of the roof, steeple, and belfry. The award will cover a significant but partial amount of the total cost of the project which is expected to be upwards of $50,000. The award is contingent on meeting certain policies including securing the balance required from internal or external sources and updates on the project's progress.

Pastor Eric Kriebel thanked the committee which prepared the application. He said that the Fellowship cited two important reasons for the (unanimous) approval by the Fellowships' directors: robust and sustained attendance over the past eight years and that the church has demonstrated vitality and sustainability. In other words, the Fellowship is confident in the management and direction of the NBCC. The approval letter said that the NBCC application was thorough and well done and could serve as a model for others. Since the arrival of Pastor Eric in 2017, average attendance at Sunday services has increased five-fold from only about ten to the mid-fifties by 2025, a remarkable statistic that probably few if any other congregations in this area have enjoyed.

While the Church will apply for other grants as possible, the balance required to complete the project is considerable and will need donations from individuals and patrons together with proceeds from community events such as the very successful yard sale held last year which will be organized again this September.

The NBCC, also affectionally known as "The Little Brown Church," was constructed in 1879, entirely of American chestnut wood. One of the most architecturally important historic structures in Sandisfield, the building is a "significant contributing element" in the New Boston Village National Register Historic District (2022). The Little Brown Church is the only survivor among six Christian denomination churches that existed in Sandisfield since the mid- 1750s. The Society has operated continuously since it was formed in 1874. Pastor Eric is the forty-third minister at this church. For more information about services or to donate, please visit newbostoncongregationalchurch.org.