Berlin Church Celebrates 225th Anniversary
On a crisp autumn Sunday, October 13, the First Congregational Church of Berlin marked a significant milestone in its history: the 225th anniversary of its founding in 1798. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a heartfelt service, a communal potluck lunch, a concert, and exhibitions showcasing the church’s rich history through photographs and artifacts.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The anniversary service was a vibrant tapestry of history and community spirit. Members of the congregation donned historical costumes, bringing to life the church’s storied past. The music performed during the service echoed the melodies of the late 18th century, immersing attendees in the sounds that would have filled the church’s halls over two centuries ago.
Jeanine Kelley shared captivating “Stories of Old Berlin,” weaving narratives that connected the congregation to their roots. Adding a theatrical touch, Rob Griffin portrayed Reverend James Hobart, the church’s first minister, allowing attendees to glimpse the early days of their beloved institution.
A Feast for the Community
Following the service, church members gathered for a sumptuous potluck lunch, where laughter and reminiscences filled the air. The communal meal not only nourished the body but also strengthened the bonds of fellowship among attendees. It was a time for sharing stories, recalling fond memories, and celebrating the church’s role in the community over the years.
The displays of photographs chronicling the church’s history were a highlight, inviting attendees to reflect on the many lives touched by the First Congregational Church. Each image told a story, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and unwavering faith.
Musical Tribute
In the afternoon, the celebration continued with a concert led by music director Christopher McWilliams. The choir, accompanied by guest musicians Kailea Silvers on cello and Lotta Suter on violin, performed a selection of classical works by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, and Handel. The music resonated beautifully within the church, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy.
The 225th anniversary celebration was not just a look back at the past but also a hopeful glance toward the future. The First Congregational Church of Berlin stands as a testament to resilience, community, and faith, looking forward to many more years of service and celebration.
Haunted Cinema: A Spooky Film Experience
As the leaves turn and Halloween approaches, the Savoy Theater is set to host a unique cinematic experience on Monday, October 28, at 7 p.m. Rick Winston, a familiar face in the Montpelier community and former co-owner of the Savoy, will present “Haunted Cinema: Films About Ghosts and the Supernatural.”
A Journey Through the Supernatural
Winston promises an engaging evening filled with chills and laughter, showcasing twenty clips that illustrate the diverse ways the supernatural genre can be portrayed. From spine-tingling horror to romantic drama and lively comedy, the evening will explore the elastic nature of ghostly tales.
The lineup includes classic Hollywood films like “The Uninvited” and “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” as well as contemporary indie films such as “A Ghost Story.” International films will also be featured, including “The Devil’s Backbone” from Mexico, “The Orphanage” from Spain, “The Dybbuk” from Poland, and “Kwaidan” from Japan.
Tickets for this hauntingly delightful event can be purchased at savoytheater.com or at the door.
Nominate a Vermont Book for the 2024 Awards
In the literary world, the Vermont Book Awards are approaching, and the public is invited to nominate books for the 2024 ceremony. Nominations must be submitted by December 31, and eligible titles must have been published in 2024 by authors who reside in Vermont for more than half the year.
Categories and Criteria
The awards will recognize excellence in four categories: children’s literature, fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Self-nominations are welcome, but self-published books and anthologies with multiple authors are not eligible.
A rotating panel of judges will review the nominations and select finalists and winners, who will be announced during a ceremony in the spring of 2025. Each winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a handcrafted trophy created by a Vermont artist, commissioned by the Vermont Arts Council.
The Vermont Book Awards, established in 2015, are now produced in partnership with the Vermont Humanities Council and the Vermont Department of Libraries. For more information and to submit nominations, visit vthumanities.wufoo.com/forms/vermont-book-award-nomination.
Vermont State Troopers Assist in Hurricane Recovery
In a show of solidarity and support, four members of the Vermont State Police have traveled to North Carolina to assist with recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
A Commitment to Service
Lt. Thomas Mozzer, Sgt. Christian Hunt with K-9 Loki, and Troopers Clay Knight and Zachary Trocki embarked on a 14-hour journey to Newton, North Carolina, on October 16. Their deployment is part of a collaborative effort facilitated by the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to share resources during times of crisis.
The Vermont State Police will work alongside local law enforcement to ensure safety and security in the affected areas, embodying the spirit of community and cooperation that defines the law enforcement profession.
Vermont Women’s Rally: A Call for Equality
On November 2, Montpelier will host a women’s rally on the Statehouse lawn at 10 a.m., coinciding with a national women’s march in Washington, D.C. This rally aims to empower women and advocate for their rights.
A Day of Empowerment
Melinda Moulton will serve as the master of ceremonies, and the event will feature performances by Taiko drummers and singer-songwriter Patti Casey. Notable speakers include former governor Madeleine Kunin, Rep. Becca Balint, and Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone, who will deliver a poem.
The rally will also honor Indigenous inhabitants with a land acknowledgment, featuring speakers Beverly Little Thunder and her daughter Lushanya Echeverria. The event will conclude with a performance by singer-songwriters Dwight and Nicole.
This rally highlights the collective power of women to combat discrimination and advocate for human rights. For more details, visit vermontwomensrally.com.
These events and initiatives reflect the vibrant community spirit of Vermont, showcasing the importance of history, culture, and advocacy in shaping a brighter future for all.