of Trustees Hingham Public Library, Rev. Dr. Peter Allen, Hingham Congregational Church.
January 25, 2024 Article submitted by Kathi Blair and Amanda Cease
The Hingham Congregational Church recently wrapped up their 175 Jubilee year-long celebration with a sizable donation to the Hingham Public Library. “This was one of the highlights of the year,” said Debbie Edmundson, Co-chair of the Jubilee Committee. “Having decided that much of our celebration should be focused on giving back to the community, we initiated a book drive to benefit HPL early in our planning.”
In honor of the church’s 175th anniversary, it was decided that 175 books would be donated and that the titles chosen by the Library would focus on the two organization’s shared values; racial justice, climate justice, LGBTQ+ issues, and social justice. Edmundson reached out to Linda Harper, Hingham Public Library’s Director and invited her to partner with the church.
“We were delighted that the Hingham Congregational Church donated funds to purchase 175 new books for the Library in honor of their 175th anniversary,” said Harper, who notes that the library just turned 150 and feels both organizations have deep roots in the community. “Funds donated by the 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.”
Kathi Blair, the other Co-chair of the 175 Jubilee Committee and current Moderator, added “As an active and spirit-filled congregation, it was important that we show appreciation of our surrounding community – and it was an honor to show support for the Library – one of our most cherished Hingham institutions. The church hosted 5 fundraisers throughout the year in order to raise money for the 175 books funds; Baking for Books, (a bake sale), Bowling for Books, Bingo for Books, Bottles for Books, (a bottle and can drive), and Bargains for Books, (proceeds from the Church’s Consignment Center were donated to the cause). Members of the church as well as non-members from the community also made generous donations.
Rev. Dr. Peter Allen, Senior Pastor, was happy with the celebratory anniversary year. “The Hingham Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, has been a vital presence in the Hingham community since its founding in 1847,” noted Allen. “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 were thrilled to be celebrating 175 years!"
The slogan of the year-long celebration was “175 Years of Faith and Community” and featured several events in addition to the Library fundraiser. The church entered a float into the Hingham 4 th of July Parade which won “Best of Parade”. It also hosted a community event to show heart-felt appreciation to the town for supporting HCC for 175 years, including music, food and fun. Proclamations and citations were presented to HCC by the Governor’s Office, Representative Joan Meschino, Senator Patrick O’Connor, and Hingham Selectboard Member William Ramsey. The church also partnered with Wellspring Multi-Service Center who provided food from their traveling catering truck. It was at this event that the Library donation check was presented to Aylene Calnan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Library.
“The timing of the celebration couldn’t have been better,” says Rev. Pete, “It was an extraordinary way to re-ignite the energy and spirit of the church after years of Covid restrictions. And we’re proud to have shared our enthusiasm with so many
in our community – both for our 175th year, and through our Outreach every year.” Outreach is one of the most important missions of HCC, and the church has been providing financial assistance to many local organizations for decades – including long-standing relationships with Wellspring, Father Bills, Interfaith Social Services, DOVE, Taste of Hingham and more. HCC also hosts the iconic Christmas Tree Lot at the Hingham Bathing Beach every December to support Youth Programs and a yearly service trip.
The two Co-chairs, Edmundson and Blair, stated that they were happy to have led the church in the year-long observance of the important milestone, and that they are grateful for those who stepped up to help make the memories. HCC is committed to continuing the work of “The Church with a Heart in the Heart of Hingham” for another 175 years.
Hingham Congregational Church is on the corner of Pleasant and Main Street. HCC is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, and all are welcome. For more information, and to learn about the history of HCC, visit their website at HCCUCC.com.