At a gathering held on Brown Hill on September 21, 1821 itinerant minister Charles Bowles, administered the hand of fellowship to a group of settlers declaring them a Free Will Baptist Church. That fellowship continues two hundred years later as the First Baptist Church of Starksboro.

All are invited to a bicentennial celebration at 10:00 on Sunday, September 19th. Mike Blakeslee, who serves as a Chaplin at civil and revolutionary war reenactments will share messages that Charles Bowles delivered and lead a hand of fellowship gathering. A social gathering with refreshments will follow.

Charles Bowles was born into slavery in Boston, MA in 1761. At the age of 15 he became a soldier in the Continental Army. Individuals who served as revolutionary soldiers were granted freedom from slavery. In 1816 Charles entered an itinerant ministry as an evangelist and church organizer. He was quite instrumental in the planting and growth of churches in Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Starksboro Senior Meal begins at 11:30 on Thursday, September 23. Judy Clark has prepared a special dessert in honor of the church's 200th anniversary. The bell in the church's belfry will be rung prior to the meal.

Jan 18, 2025, 5 PM

Jan 20, 2025, 12 PM

Jan 25, 2025, 5 to 8 PM