Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.fpc-ucc.org/.
Place
Derry, NH US 03038
Description
A virtual race that can happen anytime between April 17th and 24th. Come tackle the course that was challenging and picturesque running around Beaver Lake and the adjacent farm fields or pick a place that shows some of the historic sites in Derry such as the Robert Frost Farm or Taylor Sawmill. Or take a stroll past the house where Alan Sheppard of NASA fame grew up. His fame gave the local high school, Pinkerton Academy its mascot, the Astros.
Race Contact Info
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History of First Parish
The oldest church in the immediate area, First Parish Church was founded by Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in the spring of 1719. Faith was and continues to be a priority. Worship was held one day after arrival, a church body was organized in one month and a building was built in 1722. A “more imposing structure” replaced the first in 1769, and although altered and expanded through time, the main building and sanctuary remain our center of worship. First Parish Church became an independent community church in the Congregational tradition about 1810 as new settlers came to the area. Through the years the church has always had a strong instinct for both survival and faithfulness. In 1973 and again in 1985, we made major commitments to educational and community ministry through the additions of Noyes Hall and Currier Hall. We joined the United Church of Christ in 1995.
1719
April 2 – Sixteen families make their way to Haverhill. They decide to consider Nutfield, fifteen
miles north, called such for its abundance of oak, chestnut, butternut, and walnut trees. The men
left, found a suitable place, built temporary shelters, and returned for their families and provisions.
April 11 – The first Scotch-Irish settlers arrived in Nutfield, after wintering in the area of Casco
Bay, Maine, and then returning to Haverhill, MA. Rev. MacGregor joined them, after spending
the winter teaching school in Dracut, MA. They met on the hill near the upper meadow, since
known as "Horse Hill" because they tied their horses there.
April 12 – The Rev. James MacGregor preached the first sermon near the shore of Beaver Lake.
June 17 – The town ordered a sawmill to be erected on Beaver River and authorized James Gregg
to have a gristmill on the same stream.
September 8 – The first person born at Nutfield was Jonathan Morrison.
October 20 – The settlers purchased the Nutfield territory from John Wheelwright by a deed that
was drawn up in Boston. John Goffe was the first Town Clerk.
Famous Londonderry Linen produced by settlers who brought art of weaving to Nutfield.
The Irish potato was planted for the first time in New England by First Parish members.
Directions
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