The Town Church overlooks the village of Stoddard. Situated on Route 123 North and School Street, it was built in 1836. Stoddard Congregational Church is a non-denominational Christian Bible-based church. The bell in the steeple is still rung every Sunday at 10 a.m. to mark the beginning of Sunday services. Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month. During the sermon part of the service children's church school is held upstairs in the Sunday School room, under the direction of Mrs. Carol Clark and Mrs. Kim Rumrill. The Children's Choir sings for special services - Easter, Mother's Day, Rally Day and Christmas. We are pleased that the church sanctuary is now handicap accessible.
The interior features the original pews with doors along the aisles. The historic Johnson Organ is located at the rear of the sancruary. Built in 1853, the organ was restored and re-dedicated in August of 2003. It is now listed as a National Historic Organ.
The "Church Society" was originally organized before the town was incorporated in 1774 and became the "Congregational Church" on September 4, 1787. A modern heating system was installed in January, 1999, and a year-round services have been held again since that time.
Currently Stoddard Congregational Church does not have a resident Pastor. The church has been fortunate to have several visiting pastors who are well received by the congregation. Pastor Danny Schmidt has been filling the pulpit and is also on the staff of Dublin Christian Academy. Aside from teaching courses in Religion, Pastor Schmidt is also the basketball coach and Athletic Director of the academy.
Upcoming Events
Summer Concerts There will be two concerts held during the summer months for the community.
The first by Ken Fernald, a Christian Gospel singer and humorist, will be at the church on the Sunday of Olde Home Days. This will begin at 5 P.M. with coffee and pastries offered after the concert.
The second concert will be on August 27th at 7 P.M. which will be part of a tour of historic organs of Vermont and New Hampshire. Approximately 100 visitors will be coming to the church to hear a recital played on the historic Johnson Organ that was built in 1852. The community is invited. Donations will be accepted to help fund the steeple restoration.
Vacation Bible School During the month of August Vacation Bible School is held at the Faulkner Elementary School, which is always well attended.
The Church Steeple
The church steeple is in dire need of repairs and painting. To help with the funding of this project plans are in the works for raising funds. The walk will be held on the roads encircling Granite Lake. The second opportunity will be a raffle to be held during the month of May. Watch for further details and posters announcing these events.
Additional community events include several Sunday breakfasts during the summer months, a Mother's Day Tea in May, and a Spaghetti Dinner.
The Church Leaders are:
Trustees: Mrs. Ruth Ward, Mrs. Kathleen Ellis, Mrs. Carol Clark,
Mrs. Kim Rumrill and Mr. Dean Eaton
Deacons: Mr. Frank Stuckey and Mr. James Kelly
Treasurer: Mrs. Jean Kelly
Nominating Committee Chair: Mrs. Linda Stuckey
Officers of the church are elected by the Congregation during the Annual Meeting. Quarterly Congregational meetings are also held to review any needs of the church and make decisions regarding the church body. For any further questions, please call any of the church officers. Visitors are always welcome.
