After the first three buildings were destroyed by fires and another intentionally torn down over a dispute, having the current First Congregational Church building stand for its 100th year is a cause for celebration.

On July 9, the church, located on 11 Gibbs Ave., will hold a special service at 10 a.m. followed by cake and ice cream.

The church was first organized in 1730, but its building wasn't created until 1826.

“Originally, all of the town affairs were conducted at the church meeting house. All of Town Meetings,” said Church Administrator Jean Smith.

This building is the longest standing building in the church's history.

When it was rebuilt and dedicated in January 1916, the stone structure was chosen to, hopefully, prevent another fire from taking it down.

“It's always in the back of your mind that we've already lost buildings to fire,” said Smith.

According to Smith, who researched a bit of the church's history, one time it burnt down due to burning grass in the area.

“Before there was lawnmowers, you either got your cows to come over and chew the grass or you burnt it,” she said.

In David Lewis Bodfish's book, “A History of the First Congregational Church,” details of the church and its history are chronicled.

He wrote that a fire, set to burn leaves around the Noble Everett house adjacent to the church, became unmanageable and destroyed both the house and the church in 1904. Lost with it were the organ, clock and bell.

A new church was dedicated in 1906 and stood until 1913, when a sexton was adjusting the oil lights in the church for the last time, just before the electric lights were all installed.

“They were like chandeliers and when he was lighting them, they fell to the floor, and that burnt down,” said Smith. “That’s why they made it stone that last time. Knock on wood, it’s lasted 100 years.”