December 13, 7 p.m.
900 Main Street
Colchester Village

About this event:
The Colchester Historical Society and the United Church of Colchester are pleased to announce the return of the Annual Holiday Choral Concert and Party. Music for this event will feature the beautiful and festive musical styling of Colchester High School choral groups. Fellowship and a variety of refreshments will immediately follow the concert.

"Colchester is very fortunate to have this beautiful historical building in our community," said Bonnie Potter, Historical Society President. "That it continues to be actively used and appreciated nearly 200 years after it was built is a wonderful added bonus. These talented high school students have been working diligently in their music practice and are excited to bring us their presentation."

This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the church, the library, the Meeting House, Historical Society, and overflow parking at Our Lady of Grace Church. Due to the increasing number of recent thefts around the community, please be sure to lock your vehicle.

Building history:
The First Congregational Church of Christ was organized September 14, 1804, at first in a schoolhouse on the Farrand farm, standing on the west side of East Road near the railroad. From there, the church held its meetings in various schools, barns, or homes. In 1838, the brick church was built by the Congregational Church and shared with the Baptist Church until 1861 when the Baptist Church was built.

In 1919, it became the United Church of Colchester. Electricity was installed in both the parish house and the brick church in 1921. Some remodeling also occurred at that time, including installation of the stained glass windows. The kitchen, restroom, and a coatroom were added in 1927, as well as a furnace in the main room, and the horse sheds were torn down. Later, a new furnace was installed in the cellar.