History of the Church of the Good Shepherd

Nov. 21, 1871 – The church building was dedicated, taking just four months to build.  Mrs. Lucia Rand donated $20,000 for this project and an additional $6,500 was raised to purchase the property.  The cost to build the church was $14,000 and the first organ cost $2,000.

1882 – The CGS mission was officially incorporated as a parish.

1885–1893 – The Rev. William Moreland was first Rector to later become a Bishop when he was elected as Bishop of Sacramento. He also raised the money to build the current Diocesan House in Concord, originally used as the Bishop’s home.

1896 – Electric lights were installed in the church.

1902–1938 – The Rev. William P. Niles, longest serving Rector and outstanding pastor, is known for his distinguished service and accomplishments in the parish, Diocese, and the community of Nashua.

1904 – The current marble altar installed in memory of Henry Norwell, generous parishioner.

1928 - The current Parish hall was built at a cost of $45,000.

1948 – The current stained glass windows behind the altar installed in memory of William P. Niles.  The current pipe organ was also added at this time.

1953 – Children’s Wintergaden started as a kindergarten ministry to meet the rising population of children in the city.

1954-1972 – The Rev. Walter Righter pastured CGS through the boom times of the 50’s and 60’s. He became the second rector to become Bishop when elected as Bishop of Iowa in 1972.

1954 – The current office/ classroom building added on to the Parish Hall.

1972-1984 –  While The Rev. Robert Schenkel was Rector, the church made the significant decision to remain at it’s downtown location, and began a 10% tithe of all of its income to outreach.

1986-present – Under the leadership of The Rev. Dr. Robert “Odie” Odierna, CGS has grown significantly from 350 households to 500 households, strengthening the parishes worship, fellowship, Christian Education, and outreach programs.  A healthy parade of Assistant Rectors has also greatly aided the ministry of the parish.

1987 – The Nashua Pastoral Care Center was founded under the direction of Odie, Carl Swenson and the Vestry.  It is now a premier outreach agency responding to those in need in Nashua.

1988 – Gift from the estate of Esther Harless, generous parishioner, enables improvements and additions to organ, landscaping, outreach, scholarships and endowment funds.

1992 – Second story added to offices to house the growing demands of the Care Center.

1997 – Parish Hall auditorium and downstairs classrooms totally renovated.

2000 – The Care Center moves into it’s own building on Concord St. The space was converted to much needed additional classrooms for the parish.