A History of the Episcopal Church in Nashua, New Hampshire
1700s
In 1736, infrequent services were held in the area called Dunstable, a township encompassing what is now Nashua, Hollis, Dunstable and Tyngsboro. A circuit priest of the Church of England was sent from either King’s Chapel in Boston or Queen’s Chapel in Portsmouth. Services were held in the homes of members of the Anglican Church, where the priest would administer baptisms, weddings, communions, and other rites.
1800s
When the United States became independent, we became the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America. In 1845 a group of Episcopalians petitioned the Bishop of the Missionary District of Northern New England for permission to establish a mission in Nashua. Bishop Alexander Griswold granted permission and a congregation was established.
Initially services were held in private homes and then in the courtroom of the old City Hall. In 1857 the Rev. Isaac Hubbard of Grace Church in Manchester called a meeting to consider organizing a parish — resulting in the formation of St. Luke’s Parish. The cornerstone of the church building was laid in April 1858.
Unfortunately, St. Luke’s suffered from rapid turnover of clergy. In ten years the parish was served by seven different Rectors, with the longest tenure being only eighteen months. In 1868, the Bishop refused to send further clergy and closed the church.
For about two and a half years after the church was closed, services were held in the home of a faithful laymember. On June 11, 1871, the building erected by St. Luke’s was used for a Roman Catholic Mass — from which eventually grew several parishes of the French Catholic community in Nashua. As an unintended gift, the Episcopalians played a role in helping plant the seeds of Catholic community in the city.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
After the closing of St. Luke’s, the Episcopal community in Nashua persevered. In time, a new congregation was established — the Church of the Good Shepherd — which has grown into the vibrant, welcoming community we are today, located at 214 Main Street in the heart of Nashua.
Over more than 150 years, the Church of the Good Shepherd has been a place of worship, service, and community for generations of Nashua families. We are proud of our history and look forward to continuing to grow and serve in the years ahead.
For a more detailed history including photographs and records, please contact the church office.