Since 1806, a Christian Congregation has contributed to the life and well-being of Colchester Village. By the 1830s there were two active congregations, one Baptist and the other Congregationalist. who decided they needed a permanent place to meet and worship. They chose a spot on the village green and erected "The Brick Church." Since then, this church, and the congregations that have called it home, have weathered many crossroads.
Since then, the brick church, and the congregations that have called it home, have weathered much. Just like the winds that turn the beautiful weather-vane on our magnificent steeple, the winds of time have blown through many lives for almost two centuries now. The frontier gave way to an agricultural way of life, which now feels more modern than old world.. The traffic through the crossroads where the brick church stands has changed from horse-drawn carts to automobiles to e-bikes and hybrids. There have been times of peace mixed with wars and rumors of wars. As evidenced in the cemetery that lies behind the church, families have come and gone.
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In April of 2021, I wrote a poem about our beloved church as we sat at another crossroads in the history of our church. We were still reeling from the COVID Pandemic, but were eyeing a future where we would be required to create a new normal for our individual lives, for our community life, and for the life of faith and fellowship of our congregation.
Today, that poem -- "This Old Brick Church" -- was published by the Writer's Club, an online literary review. In fact, it was chosen as this week's featured piece. As with the church's website and blog ("The Messenger"), our YouTube Channel, and the Love Win's Blog (edited by Wendy Hinsdale), we have expanded the reach of our church beyond the confines of the Old Brick Church. But as the poem suggest, we move into the future (physically, virtually, and spiritually) reflecting the rich history that this beautiful building continues to represent.
not still, but alive with what is still to come through the crossroads on the hilltop at the village center these many years hence
and yet to come . . .