BRIDGEWATER, Maine — The Bridgewater Free Baptist Church will mark its 150th anniversary celebration this weekend with the theme “Proclaiming Christ for 150 years.”
Special events and celebrations are planned at the church Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30, and all are invited to join in the festivities.
The weekend schedule is as follows. Activities, all free of charge, will be held inside in case of rain.
Friday, Aug. 28
5 p.m.: Cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts and drinks.
6:30 p.m.: Outdoor Singspiration with music from area churches. Bring chairs.
8 p.m.: Outdoor movie with popcorn, drinks and snacks.
Saturday, Aug. 29
3-5 p.m.: Outdoor kids’ activities and adult fellowship.
5 p.m.: Old-fashioned bean supper and anniversary cake.
6:30 p.m.: Service with speaker, special music and historical presentation.
Sunday, Aug. 30
10 a.m.: Service with speaker, special music and remembrances.
12 noon: Light lunch and fellowship.
The church’s history
“From time to time,” church officials said, “we want to share a little bit of our church history. We can be proud of what God has done over the past 150 years in our church.”
The First Baptist Church in Bridgewater was organized in 1865 by Rev. W.E. Pennington in the Bunker Hill School House.
In 1877, Joseph C. Smith Sr., gave a piece of land on the corner of Snow Road and Main Road for a church and graveyard. Not only did he give the land, but he solicited a large share of the money with which to build the church. This church stood where the Smith cemetery is now. This church was dedicated by Rev. John Perry Aug. 9, 1877.
In the spring of 1893, the church was moved to the present site in Bridgewater Center at a cost of $1,000, with $500 going to John Hughes for moving and $500 for repairs.
In 1899, the church was again repaired and painted with improvements made, including the building of a belfry and purchase of a bell at a cost of $400. Rev. Z.M. Miller was pastor.
On Jan. 23, 1903, when G.C. Campbell was church clerk, his store was destroyed by fire, and also all church records except one church book, which was in his safe.
By 1909, the old church would not accommodate the congregation, so a new church was built at a cost of $6,000, using the old church for a vestry. The land had been given April 25, 2904, by George T. Freeman in his will. Rev. E.W. Churchill was pastor at that time, and worked tirelessly for this new church, which was dedicated Jan. 30, 1910.
