Holden Congregational Church to celebrate 175th anniversary

HOLDEN – A lot has changed in town over the past 175 years, but one thing has remained constant – the little white clapboard church located on the corner of Church Road and Rider’s Bluff.

The Holden Congregational Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Sunday with a day of remembrance.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., worship services will be conducted by the Rev. Katherine Fisk, followed by a lunch at noon and a special anniversary service at 3 p.m. During the lunch meeting, past and present members and former pastors are invited to share stories, photos, mementos and songs.

Built in 1829, Holden Congregational Church was formed a year earlier by 26 men and 42 women who sought to break away from the already overcrowded churches in Brewer. With membership now numbering 130, the church has had slow, but steady growth over the years and has included worshippers from as far away as Veazie, Hermon and Ellsworth.

“We are off the beaten track, but we are a warm and loving congregation dedicated to the concerns of the community,” Fisk said. “We are one of Holden’s best kept secrets.”

Regular worship services are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (September through mid-June) and at 9:30 a.m. during summer.

For information, call 989-4550.