The historic Bliss Union Chapel in Plainville celebrated its long-awaited reopening on Sept. 15, after being closed for decades.
The chapel was built around 1871 and originally served as a school until 1907. Upon its closure as a school, Mr. Bliss donated the building to the community with one condition —that at least one religious service be held there annually by a visiting clergyman, according to Pastor Stephen Trimble.
Trimble, who serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church in North Attleborough, led the reopening ceremony. The event was promoted through Facebook and local newspapers, and drew 23 attendees, including people from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Plainville.
Lori Beagan, a member of First Baptist Church, helped facilitate the event by borrowing an electric keyboard from White’s Music Education Center to accompany the service inside the chapel.
Plainville Town Administrator, Brian Noble, shed light on the unused space, noting that he wished it was more reliable, but “a lack of bathrooms have resulted in a lack of congregation” within the building.
Although the group may not meet at Bliss Union Chapel regularly, Trimble expressed joy for the gathering, stating, “It was great to get together with people inside Bliss Union Chapel to sing to the Lord and stand inside this hidden gem of a building.”
He also described the infectious energy that filled the chapel as the group sang hymns, making the occasion a memorable and uplifting experience for all who attended.
The reopening of Bliss Union Chapel not only marked the revival of a historic building but also rekindled a sense of community and spiritual connection. For those in attendance, it was a celebration of faith, history, and togetherness that will be remembered for years to come.
