"Lively Stones," a history of the church now called "The Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor," will be launched on Wednesday evening, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Several years of research and preparation went into the work, which was written by John F. Bauman, retired history professor and author of numerous scholarly articles and books; Robert Dent, retired Presbyterian minister; Chip Griffin, local attorney and author of many articles and books about local history; and Sarah Foulger, current minister of the church. The book was edited by Doreen Dun, former writing consultant at the Ford Foundation. The authors and editor are all active in the life of the Congregational Church.

Some thirty years after its founding as a Presbyterian church in 1766, the faith community that next became the Congregational Church of Boothbay adopted in 1798 a covenant that continues to guide its successor, the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, United Church of Christ. The covenant's key commitment declares, "We will make it our business as far as in us lies, to build up of lively, and only lively, stones, a spiritual house, growing into an holy temple in the Lord," Like the nation and the world, the eighteenth-century church community in the Boothbay region has experienced enormous change of the past 250 years. This history explores that change, enshrining in particular the role of human actors in the long historical drama, those "lively stones" who undergird this religious institution's long growth and development.

The "lively stones" theme that continues to inspire the people of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor in 2016 emerges chapter by chapter in descriptions of people whose faith, fortitude, and wisdom have enabled the church to endure and over 250 years to prosper, despite multiple challenges to its survival.

At the book launch, authors will speak briefly about their experiences in preparing the book and will answer questions. Coffee, tea, and a simple dessert will be served. Books will be available for purchase and signing: paperback edition - $20; hardcover edition - $35. Everyone is welcome.