The church dates back to 1736, when Maine was part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, the town was the Settlement at New Boston and the church was known as the First Parish. 1774, the Congregational Society was organized and in June 1774, the Rev. Samuel Nash was ordained as the town’s first “official” minister.
The early church building was located at what is now commonly called Gray Corner. In 1825, Cumberland County laid out a new road, now called Portland Road or Route 100, that would run right through the church. The congregation built a new building east of Gray Corner on Yarmouth Road. On Jan. 2, 1901, the current building was dedicated on that site.
In summary, the first 250 years of First Congregational:
- 1736-The township of New Boston is established, later to become Gray.
- 1774-The first parish church is established in the center of town.
- 1829-A new road in town requires the relocation of the church. It was built in its current location.
- 1901-A new church (current building) is built and a reed organ is purchase and installed shortly after.
- 1912- Officially incorporated as the First Congregational Church of Gray.
- 1935-During the Great Depression, the church collected a total of $381. Careful investment by the trustees allowed survival of the church.
- 1957-The United Church of Christ is formed.
- 1973-The parish house opposite from the church is dedicated after four years of construction.
- 1998-A new parsonage is purchased and refurbished directly across the street from the church.
- 2000-The church website is created.
- 2001-The church celebrates its centennial of the construction of our current building with visits and well wishes from former pastors.
- First Congregational Church, UCC, of Gray celebrates 250 years.
