New Hampshire congregation is building bright hope for tomorrow
Bedford Presbyterian Church, an Earth Care Congregation, is erecting solar panels and documenting its work
Last year, to mark its 275th anniversary, Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, New Hampshire, launched its Bright Hope for Tomorrow solar power initiative, representing a significant milestone in the church’s Creation Care mission and sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, BPC received certification as a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation.
Traditionally, the church has relied on fossil fuels for heating, leading to rising costs and challenges in energy efficiency. To combat this, the church is launching a solar project expected to cut electricity costs by 86%, saving more than $15,000 annually, which accounts for 41% of the church’s total energy expenses.
The initiative will significantly reduce the church’s carbon emissions. Currently, the church annually uses about 50,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity for all its needs, including the Bedford Community Food Pantry. The new solar system is expected to generate around twice this amount of electricity annually, allowing the church to transition away from fossil fuels by replacing its heating and cooling systems with modern energy-efficient heat pumps that run on electricity provided by the solar panels.
The project involves installing two groups of solar panels placed on a hillside next to the church’s parking lot, thus avoiding disruption to surrounding buildings. The solar panels will be low-profile and bifacial, meaning they can capture sunlight from both the front and the back, which allows them to generate more electricity — even from reflected sunlight on snow. The panels will be mostly hidden from view by existing evergreen trees and bushes bordering the road, and they’ll be partially shielded from the neighboring property below by that property’s solar panels.
The church is considering planting shade-loving, pollinator friendly plants beneath the panels.
Partnering with Revision Energy, a New Hampshire-based solar provider, Beford Presbyterian Church’s Bright Hope for Tomorrow initiative has actively engaged a diverse array of shareholders. The commitment and expertise of community members, the church’s members and friends, and sustainability professionals has helped the church’s Green Team address various logistical, financial and regulatory challenges. The installation of the solar panels is now in its third week.
“Our Earth Care certification reflects our deep belief that caring for Creation is an essential expression of our faith and love for God and neighbor,” said the Rev. Dr. John Sawyer, the church’s pastor.
Jessica Maudlin, the PC(USA)’s Associate for Sustainable Living and Earth Care Concerns, said that Bedford Presbyterian Church is one of 361 congregations in 41 states that have “dedicated themselves to the intentional care of God’s Earth this year.”
Like Bedford Presbyterian Church, 10% of those churches are certifying for the first time in 2025.
“It’s the individual churches that deserve all the credit for the program’s success,” Maudlin said. “Our Earth Care Congregations are vital parts of their communities and unrivaled witnesses to caring for God’s Creation, and we are so thankful for their work in the world.”
About Bedford Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1749, Bedford Presbyterian Church has the oldest Presbyterian sanctuary in New Hampshire and is the Granite State’s second-oldest chartered congregation. Today, Bedford Presbyterian Church invites newcomers of all ages into its church family as it seeks to serve the Lord with love, compassion, generosity and humility. Learn more about the church here.
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