BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Looking down from the choir balcony in Hopkinton’s First Congregational Church, Ruth White recalls the many changes that have taken place over the years, from the paint on the walls to the chandelier, and to friends who have come and gone.

A lot is different then it was when White became a member of the church in the late 1950s.

“It’s been a total change since I joined because the church was going through a transition. It was a period when the attendance was so minimal sometimes there would only be 13,” she said. “The interior of the church also used to be very sad. It hadn’t been tended to. The old saying, bats in the belfry -- we had them. Through the years, the congregation has been renovated and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

In November the church is wrapping up yearlong celebrations of its 250th anniversary. Over the last several weeks, the congregation has had members dress up in costumes to represent different time periods.

“It’s been exciting because it takes us back and honors our past members as well. Historically, it’s been so educational as well, which is exciting. The young people have been involved as well too,” said White.

One group who has been involved with the church since 1986 is Bill Hill and his family. In 1993, Hill’s wife passed away and he found a group of people to turn to in the congregation.

“The church was very helpful in getting me through that and helping us deal with a very difficult time. It was a lifesaver and incredibly important. Having that foundation to lean on and help me through was critical,” said Hill. “It’s important that the family do things together. Church is an important thing for the kids as well as adults to take part in.”

Hill has continued to be involved with the church by singing in the choir. His son, Sam, has also been involved with the anniversary by dressing up each week in the costumes of the different time periods.

In his 21 years with the church, Hill said he has seen many changes as well.

“I don’t know the exact numbers, but the church has grown a lot with families since I was there. If you were in the church any given Sunday and the kids leave for Sunday school, at least half of the membership is gone when they leave. It’s a very youthful church,” he said.

Currently, the church has an organ that was restored, an upgraded chandelier that is far different from the one that used to hang only feet over church-members’ heads, plus a variety of other upgrades in the church’s interior.

White, however, remembers when the church wasn’t as visually pleasing.

“We used to wear spiked heels that would catch on the carpet. You took your life in your hands,” she said. “We had huge black robes and there was a hot-air furnace that if you walked across blew you up like a balloon. We had some lighter moments and some difficult times with funding, but it was all taken care of over the years. It’s been a wonderful family home for many.”

Despite all the changes in the church since she became a member 50 years ago, White’s favorite part remains the same.

“The fellowship of the church has always been amazing. We have so many warm, loving people in our church,” she said.