After a town meeting of settlers in 1883, a generous gift of land was provided on which there was to be built a church in Randolph. In the spring of 1883, after a winter of “exceptional severity, high winds, intense cold, furious storms and deep snow in the mountains,” ground was broken with an organizing plan focused on three issues: money, labor, and lumber. Money came from the missionary societies, friends of Mrs. Benedict from Philadelphia, “butter and egg” money, and children’s “mite boxes.” According to George Cross, one woman set hens in the spring, “watched over the goodly brood all summer and in the fall placed the proceeds of her flock in her mite box.” According to the subscription list of givers and expenses, it appears that much labor contributed, and the church building cost $903.19 ($22,905 today).
George Cross wrote, “From all over town and Gorham Hill came men, tools in hand, ready to work. The planning, framing and direction of the work were placed in the hands of Sylvester Wilson, of Gorham Hill, an experienced carpenter. The hilltop was a busy place. Borne on the spring air with sound of robin and bluebird were the sounds of broadax, hammer and saw. Soon, according to one observing citizen, the little meeting house on the hill ‘is beginning to look quite sanctimonious.’”
Work on the church was suspended during the winter of 1884 and resumed in the spring. The church building was finished in the early summer. The very first use of the church was on July 21, and the church edifice was dedicated the following week on July 25.
The building has housed generations of congregations and has seen many changes across its almost 200 year lifespan. The original stained glass windows were replaced by clear glass to provide a view of the surrounding trees and landscape. Chandeliers with hanging lamps were removed and replaced. The original benches were replaced by pews and taken to the Town Hall. Three generations of organs have been installed and the building has undergone work and upkeep in order to house the instrument.
With highway improvements, the church itself has been moved back from the road to newly acquired land. There was a near loss of the church building when a heavy snow buckled the entire structure but it was saved and still stands strong. The Church will continue to serve the congregations of Randolph for many years to come.
