NEW GLOUCESTER – Members and friends of New Gloucester’s First Congregational Church will gather in worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 8, to dedicate the Baldwin grand piano to the service of God.

The congregation purchased the 5-foot 2-inch 1950 Queen Anne style mahogany grand at auction last winter and had it refurbished by George Family Piano Co. of South Paris.

The service will be devoted to worship through music and will include selections from several pianists from the congregation as well as anthems from the Sanctuary Choir and God’s Little Voices, the church’s children’s choir.

The church had to replace its existing piano in October when the owners reclaimed it after allowing the church to use it temporarily nine years ago.

A fund-raising campaign ensued and the search began for just the right piano. In January, Pastor Linda Gard, a frequent customer at Cyr Auction in Gray, noticed a particularly handsome small grand coming up on the docket. After consultations with church members and assessments by professionals, she placed the successful bid and the refurbishment began.

Beth Barefoot-Jones of Harrison is minister of music All are welcome to the service of dedication, which will also include recognition of mothers in attendance. The church is located at 19 Gloucester Hill Road in the historic Lower Village. For more information, call 926-3260.

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