WILTON – Members and friends of the Wilton First Congregational Church UCC will celebrate their 190th anniversary over the next two weekends.

A panel of church members will provide brief historical stories about the church during a history night Saturday, Nov. 1. The panel includes moderator Robert Fast, Ruth Adamo, George Farnum, Betty Karkos, Calvin Sewall and Ruth York.

“The church, started in 1818, faced a period of rebuilding when the roof fell in during a severe snowstorm in 1859,” Adamo said. “It was rebuilt within a few years despite slow construction due to the civil war.”

A celebration and history night begins with a potluck supper at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Main Street church followed by the historical panel presentations.

Displays of historical items from the church and life in Wilton, including photographs, will be set up in the church parlor.

The celebration continues with worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, All Saints Sunday, featuring a candlelighting service in memory of those who have gone before from not only the church but also members’ personal lives.

Each individual or family will be given a candle of hope for the future.

Recognition of members and friends who served as committee members, officers and volunteers will be held and special music will be provided by the senior choir and youth musicians.

The following weekend, Nov. 9, the celebration continues with a youth-led worship planned for 9:30 a.m.