March 28, 2023 Submitted by Amanda Cease
Hingham Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (HCCUCC) is kicking off its 175th anniversary activities, with the hopes of getting the Town, the parishioners and even the Public Library involved in the celebration. The year-long celebration, which kicked-off in January and will continue throughout 2023, is being called Jubilee 175. The slogan for the year is “175 Years of Faith and Community.”
HCCUCC has been providing financial assistance and outreach to many local organizations for decades, including long-standing relationships with Wellspring, Father Bills, Interfaith Social Services, DOVE, Taste of Hingham and more. HCCUCC also hosts the iconic “Christmas Tree Lot” at Bathing Beach every December to support Youth Programs and a yearly service trip.
Now, as a way to celebrate its 175th year, they will also be partnering with The Hingham Public Library through the “175 Book Drive.” Throughout 2023, HCC will be hosting fundraising activities with the goal of donating 175 books to the Hingham Public Library by the end of the year. In addition to partnering with HPL, HCC will also host a community event with food and music in September, as a thank you to the town of Hingham for supporting HCC for 175 years, and a float in this year’s 4th of July Parade!
“We are delighted that the Hingham Congregational Church will be donating funds to purchase 175 new books for the Hingham Public Library in honor of their 175th anniversary,” said Linda Harper, Hingham Public Library’s Director, who notes that the library just turned 150 and feels both organizations have deep roots in the community and history of Hingham. “Funds donated by the Hingham Congregational Church will go towards the purchase of books on various subjects – including justice, climate change, and LGBTQ+ issues – which reflect a common mission to work toward individual development and the removal of ignorance, intolerance and indifference in the community. We are grateful for their generous donation and support of the Library as a valuable community resource.”
HCCUCC first opened its doors in 1847, when minister E. Porter Dyer was sent to Hingham to survey the “practicability of establishing the evangelical congregational preaching in this ancient town.” In the late 1800s, electricity was added, along with a “peace window” and balcony. In 2017, the church enjoyed a vast renovation of Hale Hall, including an updated kitchen, accessible bathrooms, a handicapped ramp in the front of the building, and a new elevator. Today, HCCUCC has an active, committed, Spirit-filled congregation that is appreciative of the greater community of Hingham to which they belong.
Dr. Reverend Peter Allen, (Rev. Pete), the Senior Pastor at HCC describes the importance of this occasion: “The Hingham Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, has been a vital presence in the Hingham community since its founding in 1847. For many generations, we have been growing in faith, making music, serving our neighbors, and speaking out for inclusion and equity. We feel that working with our partners in Hingham, on the South Shore, and beyond, helps us to fulfill our mission and makes us stronger as a congregation. We are thrilled to be celebrating 175 years!”
Hingham Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, and all are welcome.
For more information about HCCUCC, or to donate to the “175 Book Drive,” please go to www.hccucc.com and click on “175 BOOK DRIVE.”