The sun was just setting across the panoramic White Mountains when we pulled into the drive of the Ridge Church. Bathed in a deep golden glow, the stately church and its iconic bell tower looked like a souvenir postcard or the cover of a travel magazine. Wildflowers swayed serenely in the tall summer grass as a gentle breeze stirred the stately fir trees.
“This is better than I ever imagined!”
I smiled at my mother’s words and glanced over at her. She stood entranced by the scene before her, hands clasped in front of her, a broad smile playing across her face.
At age 83, she had finally determined to take her “dream trip” to visit historic Free Will Baptist sites in New England. Smiling at her enraptured expression, I thought to myself: “The Ridge Church was definitely the right place to start!”
The Ridge Church started in a New Hampshire farmhouse in 1780, when seven men and women signed a church covenant and 13 articles of faith written by Elder Benjamin Randall. The congregation quickly outgrew the farmhouse and moved into the Meeting House in nearby New Durham, where it remained nearly four decades. However, in September 1818, a decade after Randall died, plans were finalized on a new building to be constructed on the ridge above New Durham.
The work was completed the following summer, and two centuries later, the original building remains standing, though the church has experienced multiple changes: chimneys and a bell tower added, decorative metal sheets applied to the walls and ceiling, and electric lights to replace the oil lamps in the chandelier.
As might be expected, the historic structure is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is such a vital part of the town history it appears in the Town Seal.
In recent decades, Master’s Men has been heavily involved in the renovation and maintenance of the Ridge Church. Volunteers have repaired and replaced the roof, painted both the interior and exterior (including pews), secured the weak foundation, removed sagging chimneys, and replaced windowpanes, among dozens of other smaller projects.
The result of all their hard work? The enraptured look on my mother’s face.
Over the next five days, my mother and I visited a half dozen Free Will Baptist historical sites, but the Ridge Church was (by far) her favorite. We returned three times. She explored to her heart’s content, played the piano, and took enough pictures to fill an album. In the full light of day, however, we saw things that had not been as noticeable in twilight, details where renovation remains a little ragged around the edges. So, mom decided to get involved.
After our trip, I sat down with Master’s Men Director Ken Akers to ask what she could do to help. After some discussion, mom settled on paying for new carpet. It’s not a huge or expensive project, but it is a small way she can take part in preserving the Ridge Church (honoring my father’s memory in the process).
What about you? Would you or your church adopt and fund one or more of these small projects to help complete and maintain the restoration of this amazing historical site? Let’s work together to help future generations connect to their Free Will Baptist heritage. Maybe they will have their own magical moment during sunset on the ridge. Contact Master's Men to find out how you can get involved.
About the Writer: Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of
ONE Magazine.
