Open and Affirming
We, the members of the Gilead Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church.
In this community of faith, all people are encouraged to participate and share their talents and energy in worship and sacraments, leadership positions, learning, service, mission and fellowship as we grow together in faith and love.
Where the Past Lives, and the Future Begins
We are rooted in history and tradition, and growing into our future. Here are some key dates in our story.
| 1747 | Petition to separate from the Hebron Society granted |
| 1748 | Bounds of Parish laid out by the Colonial Legislature |
| 1749 | First Meeting house built where present one stands |
| 1751 | First settled minister called – Rev. Elijah Lothrop |
| 1825 | Church bell installed |
| 1829 | Sabbath School Association of Gilead formed |
| 1833 | Women formed the “Ladies Benevolent Association of Gilead” |
| 1838 | Second Meeting House built |
| 1848 | 100th Anniversary |
| 1861 | Parsonage built |
| 1923 | Women admitted to membership in the Ecclesiastical Society |
| 1943 | Dissolving of the Ecclesiastical Society |
| 1948 | 200th Anniversary |
| 1961 | Parish House purchased for Sunday School and Office use |
| 1970 | Major remodeling of the Sanctuary following a fire in 1969 |
| 1984 | Rev. George Milne installed as “Pastor Emeritus” |
| 1998 | Major renovation of the Parsonage |
| 1998 | First woman pastor called – Rev. Denise Esslinger |
| 2010 | Fellowship Hall addition and renovations dedicated |
| 2021 | Pastor Denise retired; Pastor Matt McCaffrey joined as Interim Pastor |
| 2023 | Pastor Matt retired; Rev. Dr. Brian C. Hardee joins as next Settled Pastor |
