"We thought it appropriate to recognize the first responders in town," said Lisa Leonard, a member of the 375th committees for both the church and town.
So a special service titled "Celebrating Wethersfield's First Responders, will take place at 7 p.m. on April 26 at the church, 250 Main St.
The special service in the Meetinghouse will honor Wethersfield's fire, police and volunteer ambulance personnel, as part of its contribution to the celebration of the town's 375th anniversary. Attention will be called to the historic connections between this church and these organizations.
The town's first fire station, for example, was on the ground floor of our church spire, Leonard said.
In the early days of this country, towns were incorporated only when a church had been established. The church was the focal place not only for worship but also for the governance of the town. Town meetings were held there, disputes were settled there. The church bell peeled when danger from Indians was present and when the towns' people were needed to gather to assist one another due to fire, flood, famine and likely other emergencies.
As Wethersfield was settled in 1634 and First Church was established in 1635, this town and this church have a common history. First Church's 375th anniversary celebration begins officially in September this year and continues through 2010. By holding the service on April 26, the church joins in the Town's celebration and, at the same time, recognizes the efforts of those who work for the safety and wellbeing of the community.