Church History:

The First Congregational Church of Buckland was organized in October 1785 with eighteen members.

The erection of the church building, which is known to have contained a balcony and box pews, was completed in 1800. In 1846 this building was remodeled and enlarged. It was also raised in order to provide a hall beneath the sanctuary, in which the town meetings were held for a period of about forty years. The roof had very little alterations. The massive trusses of the original building can still be seen in the attic. Although built at the end of the 18th century, the construction looks backward in style and has some features in common with the roof construction of the famous 17th century “Old Ship Church” in Hingham, Massachusetts.

In 1907 the interior of the sanctuary was equipped with metal sheathing on the walls and ceilings. The pews, which are being used today, were installed, replacing a set which had been in use since the removal of the box pews. Other changes during the 20th century included the installation of memorial windows in the sanctuary in 1909 and an electric organ in 1958.

Mary Lyon, founder of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, has been the church’s most distinguished gift to the world. Miss Lyon was baptized and received membership in 1822. Through the generosity of an admirer, a memorial tablet was placed on the south wall of the sanctuary, above the central door. It is altogether fitting that this church should be known as “The Mary Lyon Church”.

The tribute to Miss Lyon should be accompanied with an equally grateful tribute to the host of men and women of lesser fame, living and dead, who have helped to make the church what it is today.