History

See our new and growing feature Historical Highlights, or read the following brief istory of First Parish.

The Early History

Religious freedom was the foremost reason for emigration to North America. The first settlers of this community were no different. Although, referred to as the "Scotch-Irish", they were, by all means Scottish in tradition and manner. Presbyterians, by faith, they were forced out of Scotland in the 1600's to Northern Ireland. They were not welcome in Catholic Ireland, but tolerated. The Revolution between King James and William of Orange (the conflict between Papal troops and Protestantism) culminated the Battle of Londonderry. Our "Scotch-Irish" ancestors were the brave defenders of the stronghold. So important did the King consider the defense of Londonderry, Ireland, that an act was passed allowing these brave people tax exempt land grants in the American Colonies.

In 1718, the people embarked in five ships with their ministers, set sail and arrived in Boston August 4, 1718. Sixteen of these families sailed to Casco Bay to claim a tract of land but were frozen in the Bay by early severe sinter weather. They suffered greatly from lack of shelter and food. By Spring of 1719, the ice broke away and they journeyed to Haverhill.

Nutfield

They heard of a fine tract of land, about 15 miles distant, called Nutfield. After investigating the land, they determined to take up the grant. They gathered their people and their leader, the Reverend James MacGregor and met at a spot known as Horse Hill (E. Derry Rd). On the following day, April 12, 1719, Rev. MacGregor delivered the first sermon ever preached in Nutfield. The spot chosen was under a large oak on the east side of Beaver Pond. Thus, the first Presbyterian Church in New England was formally organized. Brave and faithful people pioneering the wilderness in territory now known as Derry, Londonderry, and Windham.

Church Buildings -- A History of Change

In 1721, a small house of worship was built a little west of the present site. It was a timber framed building while their own homes were of bark covered logs. The small group of 16 families grew rapidly and in 1769 the present church was built. It was well finished and equaled or surpassed most of the church edifices of that time. The undertakers of the work were Col. Daniel Reynolds, Joseph Morrison and Mathew Thornton. In 1824 this church building was enlarged to its present size by cutting it down the middle and building between the two halves. Twenty-four feet were added to the center and a lofty steeple. In 1845, the church was remodeled. It was sectioned into two floors. The lower floor housed town offices, the upper floor the sanctuary.

The People

The first settlers were a devout, faithful, rugged and industrious lot. They planted the first white potato in North America. They had perfected the linen weaving trade and produced the finest linen available. Education was a priority and they were sought for their teaching abilities throughout the original colonies. Many famous Americans hailed from this very location. Nutfield was changed to Londonderry (which later formed the three above mentioned towns). In 1845, the denomination of the church was changed to Congregational. They left us a great legacy in First Parish Church.