Crossing through the doors of Versailles United Methodist Church, one feels a warm welcoming feeling, and that is the same way Pastor Wanda Greaves greets her guests.

The church on the hill overlooking the Shetucket River in Baltic has stood for 150 years, and it’s Greaves’ hope that it will continue on the same stable foundation for many more to come.

“There are a lot of people out there that need connection. We just want to be able to keep it going,” said the 15-year pastor of the church.

In 1871, what was a Congregational Church, became Methodist Episcopal upon a vote, thus spawning a 150-year history of faith and service. That original church burned down and the new church, the one that stands today, holds in it a Bible that survived the fire.

The enduring strength of that Bible resonates in the people of this church, and on May 1, they held an anniversary service and celebration with both Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and District Superintendent Reverend Dr. David Calhoun in attendance.

“It’s a small church. The fact that it’s lasted 150 years is amazing,” Greaves reflected. “I’ve always loved small churches. The love, care, family, and atmosphere. People believe you can’t get anything done unless you’re a big church, and this church is a testament that you can.”

After their anniversary event, Versailles UMC plans to continue celebrating with a year of ministry, reaching out to the community to make people aware they’re available for those in need, their door always open.

Their “Fifth Sunday” program began in January, offering a drive-through food distribution with bagged lunches. The end of the month can be hard on some families, and this helps. These events will continue May 29, July 31 and Oct. 30.

The church continually helps those in the community, partnering with St. Jude’s, Norwich Animal Control, and the Norwich Food Pantry. A new service called “Blessings Box” provides free food out in front of the church.

“A lot of people who need food won’t go into places to get food,” Greaves explained.

This brings forth a way for people to get the food they need without having to ask, and they, along with an anonymous member of the congregation, are frequently restocking it. The church also holds the Blessing of the Animals in October and a Blue Christmas Service.

The intimate details of the church — a lift elevator, children’s artwork, a handmade Jesus at the pulpit — are contributions of people who have built this church on their devotion, and demonstrate how love and faith will continue to guide it for future generations.

“I love this church. I love when I round this corner and come up the hill and see the flowers,” Greaves said. “I open the door and hear everyone talking — happy and reconnecting. Christ is about love, and they project it through the community.”