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First Congregational Church of Lebanon

8 South Park Street
603-448-4281

Ancient records confirm that the first church in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the Congregational, was established on February 25, 1768 by six men who had come up the river from Connecticut and Massachusetts to form a settlement in this area. With humble beginnings, the church has served the community well for 238 years and is still going strong.

Church meetings were first held in a log schoolhouse and in homes of the settlers, but soon after the Reverend Isaiah Potter was called as minister in 1772, worship services were held in what is now known as Colburn Park.

By the 1820's, three other denominations shared the town quarters and the Congregationalists became desirous of having a building of their own. A Congregational Church Society (for business purposes only) was formed and plans were laid out for the present house of worship. A plot of land was purchased and Ammi B. Young, a local man who later achieved national prominence as an architect, was chosen as the designer and builder. "Mr. Young did not make anything on the job though he and his helpers worked before breakfast and until pitchdark on the longest days." The cost of the project, land, and building was $3,162.

In 1992 the Women's Fellowship celebrated 100 years of service to the church and as always, its members are continually on hand to help with various projects.

More than 100 years ago it was written in a local publication: "The Congregational Church of Lebanon has a history which is replete with stirring events, rich in sacrifice, devotion and noble work. The influence of this church has been a power for righteousness in this community and far beyond its borders."