You're Invited!
Annual Holiday Choral Concert and Party
December 10, 7 p.m.
900 Main Street
Colchester Village

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 stylings of Colchester High School choral groups. Fellowship and a variety of refreshments will immediately follow the concert.

"We are very proud and honored to co-host this event in the oldest church within the Town of Colchester," said Bonnie Potter, Historical Society President. "It is a beautiful gem in its historic simplicity. 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 Burnham Memorial Library, the Meeting House, Historical Society, and overflow parking at Our Lady of Grace Church.

*** Members, please note: Our members and guests are invited to bring along savory snacks, if possible. (The United Church will furnish sweet treat items). Examples are slow-cooker meatballs, cheese and crackers, celery stuffed with cheese, individual pizza bites, little sandwiches, etc. Of course, you are welcome to bring whatever you wish. Just remember that these young singers will have not yet been home from school for supper and they will be hungry!***

Church and 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 coat room 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. The church steeple is currently in the process of being renovated.

The United Church of Colchester is Christ-centered and family oriented. The pastor is Reverend Doctor Russell E. Willis. For more information about this church, please visit https://www.churchofcolchester.org.

To learn more about the Colchester Historical Society, please visit https://colchestervt.gov/422/Colchester-Historical-Society, and be sure to follow on Facebook.

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