In 1890, the need for a church building was a pressing want. Mrs. Elizabeth Shorey Price visited with friends in town and in August, 1890 she proposed to the members to build a chapel with a connecting room to accommodate the Temperance Meetings. At a Fellowship Meeting in October, the Shorey Chapel Association was formed and Mr. and Mrs. D. Collins Luce donated the land and Mrs. Price donated $500 towards the building. On November 9th, the ground was broken for a foundation and before winter set in the cellar had been dug and stoned. When two key fundraisers passed away and the project came to a stand still, Mrs. Price assumed the responsibility and expenses for the remainder of the project.
In completing and furnishing the Chapel, the good judgement and business ability of Mrs. Price is shown in every detail and to the best advantage including the 720 pound bell in the tower, the stained glass windows, the choir area, hymnals in every pew, the alcove for the minister, the vestry, even a kitchen.
One year and one day after the ground was broken, Shorey Chapel was dedicated on November 10, 1891. The dedication began with the ringing of the bell and soon the pews which hold 150 people, were full and chairs were being set up in the aisle to accommodate everyone who attended. The first minister of Shorey Chapel was Rev. Truman A. Merrill, who read the Resolution of the Church which was unanimously adopted. Mrs. Elizabeth Shorey Price in her vision of the future responded as follows:
“This house, erected to the memory of my deceased parents, Pelatiah and Sarah (Fogg) Shorey, was built for the worship of the true and living God, and although it is to be dedicated as a Congregational Chapel, it is my wish it be made free to all Christian denominations desiring to worship here.”
Today 119 years later, Shorey Chapel United Church of Christ, members and guests still believe “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”