Congregational Church Struck by Lightning and Burned
Entirely destroyed
July 15, 1902
During the heavy thunder storm, Tuesday afternoon, the Congregational church was struck by lightning and entirely destroyed. The bell was rung to summon the fire companies until the bell-rope was burned off. The three fire companies quickly responded to the call, but the fire was under such head- way it was impossible to control it. Only a few things were removed from the lower part of the church-a piano, settees, etc. This is a great loss to the town. History tells us that work was commenced upon this meeting house early in 1812. The plan of the house was drawn by Seth Nason. Its dimensions were 92x69 feet. The raising of the frame was commenced on election day, and occupied three days under the direction of two skillful master workmen, Capt. Roffe of Ashby, and John Butman. The hands employed upon the frame were all picked men., No accident occurred. The house was completed early in 1813, and far exceeded in dimensions, elegance and convenience any other church in the vicinity. It is said to have been the second church edifice in this region in which the modern slips were introduced, in place of the square pews-Park street meeting house in Boston, after which the interior was modelled, being the first. The dedication was March 11, 1813. Rev. Richard Hall preached the sermon from Genesis xxviii, 17-"This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." In 1815, a few individuals by private subscription raised $593 for the purchase of a bell and voted that the bell be presented to the town of New Ipswich for the use of the inhabitants forever, on condition that they cause the same to be rung on Sabbath days for public worship and on each week day at noon and at 9 p. m., and such other hours as the selectmen may direct, also on public days and for funeral services." One of the old landmarks has disaрpeared and one so dear to the hearts of all the citizens. We shall miss sweet tones of the curfew bell.
Church Fire
James Roger diary entry
September 7th 1908 (Monday)
Fair and cool. Swept Hall and fixed lamps also hung up Otis Preston’s picture. David at Club for the wind up Labor Day. Mr. Tobey & party came to see Church. Henry Royce & C Whittemore fixing cemetery roads. John & Mrs. Cummings left this morning. Fred Preston also went today, he came on Friday night and hoodooed the train lifted some of our garden beans and put them in wagon shed loft.
September 14, 2024 - 13:30
New Ipswich Historical Society cordially invites the public to its Annual Meeting and Program.
FINNS: An Oral History of Finnish-Americans
in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region
Presented by Patricia Kangas Ktistes
New Ipswich Museum of History (72 Academy Road) - formerly Appleton Academy
Our 30-minute business meeting will be followed by this year’s featured speaker, Patricia Kangas Ktistes, who will describe her experience of interviewing Finnish-Americans in New Ipswich and surrounding communities for the purpose of preserving their stories for future generations.
In addition to sharing interesting anecdotes and audio clips that she collected for her Master’s thesis in the 1990s, Patricia will provide participants with her recommendations and useful tips for collecting family histories before elders pass and their knowledge and experiences are lost to time.
Patricia Kangas Ktistes was born in New Ipswich in 1952, and attended town schools through ninth grade. In 1967, she moved out of state with her family. In 1987, she earned a B.S. from Colby-Sawyer College and received her MALS degree at Dartmouth College in 1997. Her master’s thesis is entitled FINNS: An Oral History of Finnish-Americans in New Hampshire's Monadnock Region. Patricia has two daughters and five grandchildren; she and her husband John Ktistes reside in Rockport, MA