First Parish Church's Third Annual Heritage Day Celebrates Important Local History

Business Wire,  July 16, 2008  

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Antique Appraisals, Presentations and Tours, Local Organic Herbs and Honey, Artisan Demos, Historic Kids Crafts and Games, and More

EAST DERRY, N.H. -- In 1719, sixteen Scotch-Irish families settled in Nutfield -- what later became the greater Derry/Londonderry/Windham area -- and established First Parish Church on the hill in today's East Derry. On Sunday, July 27, First Parish celebrates this long history and invites the entire community to come learn more at the Third Annual Heritage Day.

This year's event again focuses on the historic church and cemetery, but also includes the Taylor Library, the Upper Village Hall, and other aspects of the registered East Derry Historic District. Activities run 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and include:

Antique and Coin Appraisals from expert Donna Welch and From Out of the Woods Antiques Center in Goffstown. Available 11:00 AM through 2:00 PM, these informal verbal appraisals are just $5 for each item, and are a great way for people to learn the value of household treasures while also benefiting First Parish Church.

Highland Games Exposition and Contests led by church members the Cobban Clan let people see up close and try for themselves these fascinating tests of strength and skill.

History Displays and Tours of First Parish Church will help explain the long, fascinating story of the church buildings and people for the thousands who drive past this prominent landmark every day.

The results of colonial-style self-sufficiency are available for purchase in the form of Local-Grown Perennials, Organic Herbs, Honey, and Hand-Spun Yarn Goods from Tulip Tree Farm in Hampstead.

The early pastors of First Parish Church rest in Forest Hill Cemetery -- as do most members of their congregations -- and its history will come alive though a talk and tour by photographic documentarian Dorothy Goldman.

Children can have fun all day with Historic Crafts and Games for Kids led by the Met Children's Museum and Nutfield Cooperative School.

The young dancers of the Cunniffe Academy of Irish Dance will give exciting Irish Step Dancing Performances at 3:00 and 4:00 PM.

First Parish lies within the East Derry Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can learn more about the buildings and history of this center of old Nutfield. Featured are a talk about the history and efforts to save the Upper Village Hall with an outdoor tour, and an open house and chance to see the many unique resources within the Taylor Library.

Live craft demonstrations by Mike Gibbons of Nutfield Pottery and other local artisans will offer insights into early colonial life, when most everyday goods were hand made.

Derry Town Historian Rick Holmes and the Derry History Museum will share rousing stories and display unusual pieces of Nutfield's interesting past.

Heritage Day visitors can keep their strength up by purchasing historically-delicious Refreshments and Lunch throughout the event, including a fresh-barbecued chicken meal, and samples of treats that Derry's early settlers might have enjoyed.

Except as noted, all events are free (donations are welcome, and go to support First Parish Church). For more information, readers can visit www.fpc-ucc.org/heritage, or call the church office at (603) 434-0628.

About First Parish Church

First Parish Congregational Church is part of the United Church of Christ. The oldest church in the immediate area, First Parish was founded by Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in the spring of 1719, and is located in historic East Derry Village. Pastor Rev. Alice Ling and Associate Pastor Lucy Alexander lead a large and enthusiastic congregation, and the church itself is an active community center hosting numerous groups and meetings every day, as well as being home for the Nutfield Cooperative School.

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