It was a full house in the Great Room of Newtown Congregational Church, Friday evening, October 17, as members and friends of the congregation gathered for food and reflections on the church’s 300th anniversary, being celebrated this year.

Photo albums and two slideshows gave dinner guests ample opportunity to explore the church’s more recent past, and in two brief talks during the course of the evening, Reverend Matthew Crebbin addressed the early years of the Newtown Congregational Church and its growth over three centuries.

Three hundred years ago, remarked Rev Crebbin, the church’s senior pastor, residents probably gathered in a private home to worship.

“That early group would get together and share food,” he said, and the Friday evening feast provided by LeReine’s Cuisine, LLC was a continuation of that early practice.

“Harvest time was an important time for our forebears, and it is a time for us to remember and be grateful for how God sustains us. We’re here to celebrate the abundance that has been a part of our community for 300 years,” Rev Crebbin said, noting that Newtown Congregational Church (NCC) is the oldest institution in the town.

After tucking in to a meal of roasted turkey, butternut squash with leeks and apples, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, and rolls, satisfied diners took a break to hear more of the history of the church.

The original meeting house, located in what is now the center of Main Street, was paid for through taxes, Rev Crebbin told the group.

“There was not separation of church and state, and taxes also funded the salary of the pastor.” Of course, he added, the pastors were not disappointed to be paid not only in pounds, but also in goods… and barrels of rum.

Throughout the history of the church, women members have always been involved in social services, particularly during war years.

“And we can’t remember our 300th anniversary without remembering our decades of the Cornerstone,” said Rev Crebbin, referring to the church’s consignment/thrift shop that has been of service to the community for many years.

“Over the years, we have raised and nurtured our children,” he said, as picture after picture flashed on the screen at the head of the room. “We feel blessed that people are here tonight to honor our 300 years together.”

Pumpkin pie, cupcakes and cookies, as well as tea and coffee completed the 300th anniversary harvest meal, while guests listened to a song written by Newtown resident Jim Allyn, and performed by Mr Allyn on electric piano and Rev Crebbin on guitar. The verses of “Three Hundred Years” captured the spirit of the celebration, as Mr Allyn sang, “… this house on a hillside road opened its doors for all… voices in prayer and song…. Three hundred springs reborn will bloom at the open door calling us on again each day to give all we can and more.”

The evening was not yet over, though, as Rev Crebbin called former assistant minister Rev Janice Touloukian to come forward for the unveiling of her portrait, to be hung in the church’s library. The congregation has been nurtured over the centuries by many ministers, Rev Crebbin said, and the portrait of Rev Touloukian honors her commitment to NCC, her service being “a testament to what this church is about: caring for the congregation through generations.” Rev Touloukian retired in 2013.

While he was not able to be there for the harvest dinner, former minister Steve Gordon sent his regards from Montana, and Peg Forbell shared a letter from former minister Alastair Sellers.

Rev Crebbin also took a moment to read a Certificate of Special Recognition from Senator Richard Blumenthal, issued to Newtown Congregational Church in honor of its 300th anniversary. Rev Crebbin also asked those in attendance who had been members of NCC for 50 or more years to stand and be recognized. Nearly a dozen people received applause when they stood up at that point.

In closing, all gathered sang “God of Love, We Sing Your Glory,” accompanied by church organist Phil Crevier.

“Go forth from this place to serve, tomorrow and the next day, and for 300 years to come,” Rev Crebbin charged those present, “… with thanksgiving for all who have come before us… for those who come after us.”