MINOT — The annual after-Christmas evening service at the historic Minot Center Congregational Church on Center Minot Hill Road will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31.

The original church on the site, built in 1805, was torn down and rebuilt as the present church in 1846. Services have continued to be held at the church for at least one month every year. Last summer, with only two surviving members, the church was deeded to the Minot Historical Society.

The Rev. Robert Crist began the annual holiday celebrations in 1979 while he taught at Hebron Academy and was the summer minister at the Minot Center Church. Services have been held on the Sunday evening after Christmas ever since and have been canceled only twice because of weather.

Eda Tripp, a church member and community leader who helped coordinate the services over the years, died on Dec. 11, and this year’s observance will honor her memory.

“Eda’s Elves” will continue the traditions of specific Christmas decorations for the interior of the church as well as providing hot cocoa and other refreshments after the service.

Everyone is invited to join in the fellowship, sing Christmas carols and listen to the special Christmas music by organist Connie Benwitz and Minot residents Richard Creighton and Wayne Bridgham.

Minot Center Congregational Church