The establishment of the Downing Award

Along with the Town of Hampstead the Hampstead Meeting House is celebrating its 275th anniversary. I have heard that it is the oldest continuously used meeting house in NH. According to Wikipedia: “The Hampstead Meetinghouse, also once known as Hampstead Town Hall, is a historic meeting house... The core of this dual-purpose (religious and civic) structure was begun in 1749, although its interior was not completely finished until about 1768. It is one of a number of… 18th-century meeting houses in southeastern New Hampshire, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. …It is a two-story wood frame structure, with a gabled roof and clapboarded exterior. Unlike 19th-century churches, it has its original main entrance on the long side, at the center of a five-bay facade. The entrance is framed by pilasters and a triangular pediment. A bell tower rises just to the left of the main block, with a similarly styled second entrance at its base. It rises square to an open octagonal belfry and spire. …Its original configuration would also have had box pews on the main floor, and a raised pulpit with sounding board on the wall opposite the main entrance. …The tower was added during renovations in 1793, which also included the construction of a porch. The bell which hangs in the tower was added in 1809; it is the product of a short-lived partnership between Paul Revere, Jr. (son of the Revolutionary Paul Revere) and George Holbrook, and may be its only surviving casting. The building ceased to be used for Congregational services in 1837, and in 1856 the gallery level was enclosed, making a full second story, which was set up for theatrical productions.” We invite all the faith communities of the Hampstead area to participate in this community event as well as all individuals who enjoy reliving a little bit of history. Its a great way to begin the winter holiday season. Contact The Rev. David Yasenka (Isaiah58nh@gmail.com) for details. November 23rd was the last day of “Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week”. The Rev. David Yasenka, of Isaiah 58 “Waymarks” will join other local clergy participating in an event related to this national effort. The event is this year’s Thanksgiving Service in Hampstead. The gathering will focus on the theme of “Hunger and Homelessness” and will raise funds and collect food for the hungry and homeless. It will be a very upbeat service focusing on what we can do, not in how bad things are. We hope you can join us. Contact David Yasenka for more info at Isaiah58nh@gmail.com The Hampstead Annual Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, November 24th at 4:00 PM at the historic 1745 Olde Meeting House located at 22 Emerson Avenue. The community is invited to attend this over 40 year holiday tradition of music, readings and prayers. A freewill offering will benefit Heaven’s Kitchen food outreach ministry - non-perishable food items are also welcome. Light refreshments will be served by Heaven’s Kitchen.