Houlton churches celebrate bicentennial

The Houlton Congregational Church and the Houlton Unitarian Church were founded as The First Church of Houlton in 1811. In the early years, the congregation met in the parlor of Joseph Houlton and maintained close correspondence with the Congregational Church in New Salem, Mass. and their minister Rev. Alpheus Harding. In 1835, a portion of the congregation formed the Unitarian Society of Houlton. The two organizations each constructed church buildings and continued their own distinct histories, yet were linked by their shared heritage. As part of their bicentennial year celebration, the two churches will have a joint historic display at The Houlton Museum from July 1 through Labor Day. One special item in the show is the communion set sent from Rev. Harding in New Salem as a gift to First Church of Houlton Plantation in 1820.
There is also a First Church Open House and craft/food sale on the front lawn of the Unitarian Church on Saturday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both congregations are working together to offer arts and crafts, a fabric painting booth, fried egg rolls and other foods. Milkshakes and smoothies will be available in the café. An art show featuring local artist Viki Kennedy is on display at The Cup Café and will be running through the summer. Historic tours of the building are at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.