More History, The Later Years

In the early 1940's, the First Baptist Church of Chester decided to give up independent support of a church building, due to dwindling membership, but wished to continue its existence as a Chester congregation rather than disperse to Baptist churches in other towns. Upon invitation of the Congregational Church of Chester, an agreement was worked out , and this agreement has continued with exceptional harmony and is still in effect. The two churches agreed to act as one congregation and to support one ministry, but each retains its own denominational affiliation {United Church of Christ and The American Baptist).

In 1953 a restoration of the interior of the church was begun: A new heating system and electric lights were installed, the pipe organ was electrified, the old pulpit was restored and installed in the sanctuary, the interior of the building was remodelled and painted, and the front of the sanctuary simplified in keeping with the colonial architecture of the rest of the building. In 1956, the Congregational and Baptist congregations entered a yoking agreement with the Longmeadow Congregational Church of Auburn, NH. These two communities supported a joint ministry for more than 20 years, terminating the agreement in 1980 when the Auburn Church felt ready to once again support their own ministry.

In 1971, the members of the church agreed to share the use of the church building with the members of Chester's St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Community, on a rental basis. This relationship continued through summer 2004, and provided the opportunity for ecumenical cooperation in shared worship experiences and a joint outreach through the Chester Community Pantry.

A major project was undertaken by the men of the church in 1960 when, under the leadership of Deacon John West, they began to excavate below the sanctuary and build a large room in the church basement, giving added space for the Sunday school and other church activities and a church office. In 1989, this area was completely renovated; dividing space into a large meeting room, closed classrooms, and offices, adding new lighting and heating, new paint and carpeting. In the past three years, the church buildings have undergone extensive renovation, including restoration of the Woodberry & Harris Pipe Organ by New Hampshire organ builder, George Bozeman.

Through the years, the Chester Congregational and Baptist Churches have had a dedicated ministry of many laypersons and pastors working together to the glory of God. In worship, in planning for the future, in mission outreach, in teaching, in maintenance, in caring for one another, the Spirit of Christ has been reflected in the commitment and remembrances of so many. It is with deep gratitude for that commitment and Spirit which continues to exist, that we look to the future with hope and faith.