Early in the 19th century, the Congregational Church, having abandoned Presbyterianism, became part of the Lincoln Association of Congregational Churches. This Sunday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m., Chip Griffin will tell the story of what happened as the town church, responsible for local administration of law and discipline, moved away from such responsibilities and into a First Amendment understanding of what it means to be the church. This shift took place even as Freewill Baptists and Methodists were organizing locally.

Griffin is co-author of "Lively Stones," a history of the evolutions of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor from its origins in 1766 to 2016. This book, a history of the Boothbay community as well as the church, is available through Sherman's or through the Congregational Church. Everyone is welcome to this compelling history talk.