WILTON- This year the Second Congregational Church is celebrating their 200th anniversary with several special programs.

An anniversary worship service and reception will be held on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other events include “an old-fashioned hymn sing” on Sept. 9 at 4 p.m., the annual fall dinner plays Nov. 10 and 11; and the Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Last week the Missions Committee hosted a “Luncheon with the Pastor,” introducing new minister Rev. Dr. Gary Klingsporn who accepted a call in June. The church had been without a pastor since the retirement of Rev. Dr. Regina Kinny in 2019. The arrival of COVID halted a search at that time.

A congregational society was founded in Wilton Center in 1763, 24 years after the founding of the town. The location of that first church is marked with a monument on Isaac Frye Highway. According to a history of the church written by the Rev. Jane Hawkin for the 175 anniversary booklet, “the peace and harmony was shattered by a group of individuals” with a list of demands regarding qualifications for membership.

In May of 1823, by an act of the New Hampshire legislature, 19 men formed the Second Congregational Society.

The First Society, which occupies the original building in Wilton Center, is now The First Unitarian Congregational Society.

The new church decided, because of changes in the town’s population center and the arrival of the railroad in East Wilton (now down town) in 1851, to build a church there. The new building was dedicated on June 10, 1852.

Over the years, the church building has been enlarged and modernized including building “the link” which connects the church and the parish hall in 2002 and added handicapped access, a new kitchen and bathrooms.

The Parish Hall is also used by the Wilton Collaborative Center for cultural and educational programs.

The church, located at 25 Gregg Street, is an “open and accepting congregation” and is a member of the United Church of Christ. For information, see the church web page.