Deyverson nets 6th BR 2025 hat-trick, Galo his favourite target

Wednesday (12) was special for Deyverson, who scored all three goals for Fortaleza in the 3-3 draw against Atlético-MG at Arena MRV. This match was a postponed game from the 16th round of the Brasileirão.

With this performance, Deyverson showcased his striking prowess, leading his team to an impressive comeback. The thrilling encounter kept fans on the edge of their seats as both sides fought hard for every point.

Fortaleza’s resilience was on full display, with Deyverson playing a pivotal role in securing a valuable point away from home. The draw keeps the competition intense as the Brasileirão season progresses.
https://onefootball.com/en/news/deyverson-nets-6th-br-2025-hat-trick-galo-his-favourite-target-41944288

Estrella’s 23 points, 10 boards leads No. 20 Tennessee over North Florida 99-66

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — J. P. Estrella scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench to lead No. 20 Tennessee to a commanding 99-66 victory over North Florida on Wednesday night.

Teammate Ja’Kobi Gillespie contributed 21 points and 7 assists for the Volunteers, who improved to 3-0 on the season.

Nate Ament also played a key role, adding 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists as Tennessee dominated the game from start to finish.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-game-stories/10178641/estrellas-23-points-10-boards-leads-no-20-tennessee-over-north-florida-99-66.html

The timeline for SNAP benefits remains uncertain, even after Congress agrees to end the shutdown

**SNAP Food Aid Uncertainty Looms as Congress Moves to Reopen Government**

By Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press

Congress has taken a significant step toward reopening the government, but uncertainty remains regarding when all 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP food aid will regain access to their full November benefits.

On Wednesday, the House adopted a plan to reopen the government, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. Included in the plan is a provision to restart the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, questions persist about when benefits will be loaded onto the debit cards beneficiaries use to purchase groceries.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, stated in an email Wednesday that funds could be available “upon the government reopening, within 24 hours for most states.” The USDA did not immediately clarify whether this timeline applies to when money would be available to states or when funds would be loaded onto beneficiaries’ debit cards.

Court Battles and State-by-State Variation

SNAP, the largest government food program, serves about one in eight Americans. Court battles have affected the program’s fate in recent weeks, with seesawing rulings and varied USDA communications meaning that beneficiaries in some states have already received their full monthly allocations, while others have gotten nothing or only partial payments.

States report that it’s faster to provide full benefits than to calculate and program for partial payments. According to an Associated Press tally, at least 19 states and the District of Columbia issued full benefits to some recipients last week. Many accomplished this within a day or so, during the narrow window between a Nov. 6 court ruling requiring full payments and a Nov. 7 U.S. Supreme Court action that stopped it.

Jessica Garon, spokesperson for the American Public Human Services Association, anticipates that most states will issue full benefits within three days of receiving the go-ahead, though it may take up to a week for others. Experts suggest that states which have not distributed any November benefits, such as South Carolina and West Virginia, will likely be the quickest to act. A complication arises for the 16 states that issued partial benefits, as technical hurdles may delay the issuance of the remaining amounts.

Delays Impact Millions of Recipients

Timing is critical for millions of Americans counting on SNAP benefits. About 42 million lower-income Americans receive an average of $190 monthly per person through the program. Recipients report that benefits rarely cover their full grocery needs, even with careful budgeting. Delays make things worse.

Doretha Washington, 41, of St. Louis, is struggling to feed herself, her husband, and their six children on limited resources. Her husband works servicing heating and cooling systems, but the family still needs SNAP to make ends meet. By November, they had received nothing, though Missouri reported Tuesday that partial benefits would be issued soon.

“Now it’s making things difficult because we can’t pay our bills in full and keep food in here,” Washington said. “I’m down to three days of food and trying to figure out what to do.” She has been rationing their supply, while others have turned to food charities, facing long lines and diminishing provisions.

State Governments Scramble as Funding is Cut Off

The USDA notified states on Oct. 24 that SNAP would not be funded for November if the shutdown continued. This led states to scramble—most Democratic-led states sued for funding restoration. Some Democratic and Republican-led states sought to cover SNAP payments with state funds, boost food banks, and even deploy the National Guard for food distribution. Others used federal SNAP funds only after a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore payments.

The Senate-passed bill to reopen the government calls for states to be reimbursed for spending their own money on programs usually funded federally. Details about SNAP reimbursement eligibility remain unclear.

While the USDA has promised to reimburse states that paid partial SNAP benefits under a system allowing up to 65% of regular allocations—and said that even states paying full benefits could receive partial reimbursement—it also clarified that amounts already loaded onto EBT cards would not be reduced.

Confusion and Chaos

States that pursued legal action for benefit restoration noted in a Wednesday court filing that the USDA’s late and sometimes contradictory information “illustrates the chaos and confusion occasioned by USDA’s multiple, conflicting guidance documents.”

**Associated Press reporters Margery A. Beck and David A. Lieb contributed to this report.**
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/12/timeline-for-snap-benefits/

‘Is that a hint?’ Epstein helped top Trump advisor attack Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser

One of the emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein recently released by the House Oversight Committee reportedly shows correspondence with Steve Bannon, one of President Donald Trump’s longtime advisors, about getting Trump’s embattled second Supreme Court nominee through a major controversy.

On Wednesday, journalist Sean Morrow of More Perfect Union posted a September 2018 email exchange between Epstein and Bannon. In the exchange, the two discuss a potential line of attack on Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of assaulting her at a high school party.

According to the emails, Epstein suggested that Kavanaugh’s attorneys press Ford about medications she may have been using, which can sometimes cause memory loss. Epstein wrote from a personal Gmail account, “I delayed my trip a day. So I’m still around.” Bannon responded, “Tell [Kavanaugh attorney Bill Burck] they should make sure they ask Ford about her medications, what type and for how long. My guess is that [Ford lawyer Debra Katz] won’t let her answer.”

Epstein then sent Bannon a link to a 2015 Pharmacy Times article entitled “8 Medications That May Cause Memory Loss.” Bannon replied, “Is this a hint,” to which Epstein responded, “Duh.”

The convicted child predator followed up with another email containing a link to a 2017 University of São Paulo study titled “False Memories in Social Anxiety Disorder.” Bannon later wrote back, “She couldn’t recall if the lie detector was given the same day as her mother’s funeral or the next day? MEDS. Oh I get it now.”

Although Bannon was no longer Trump’s White House chief strategist after August 2017, The Washington Post reported several months after his firing that Bannon and Trump kept in regular contact through phone calls, with Trump usually initiating them. According to the Post, Bannon continued to address Trump as “sir,” despite no longer being an administration employee.
https://www.alternet.org/epstein-trump-kavanaugh/

The $100M Built Network Blending Blockchain, AI, & Privacy

**Crypto Presales: Discover How Zero Knowledge Proof’s $100M Built-First Network with Encrypted Smart Contracts and Live AI Compute Is Redefining Blockchain and Emerging as a Top Crypto to Buy in 2025**

In a market filled with projects that sell promises long before delivering results, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) has reversed the model entirely. It built everything before selling anything. With over $100 million invested in infrastructure, a testnet live on day one, and AI compute integration, ZKP isn’t pitching a concept; it’s presenting a finished product.

Now entering its whitelist phase, ZKP is being touted as a frontrunner among the top cryptocurrencies to buy in 2025. It represents a new class of blockchain project—one that combines operational credibility with privacy-focused technology designed for large-scale enterprise and AI adoption.

### A Build-First Approach That Changed the Game

ZKP’s approach breaks the unspoken rule of the crypto market: don’t build until you raise. Instead, the team delivered a functioning ecosystem before opening its presale. The result is a network that already supports real-time computation, proof generation, and privacy-preserving transactions.

The four-layer architecture that powers ZKP is already operational:

– **Hybrid Consensus Layer:** Merges Proof-of-Intelligence and Proof-of-Space to balance computation and energy efficiency.
– **Execution Layer:** Enables private smart contracts compatible with both EVM and WASM standards.
– **Zero-Knowledge Layer:** Handles real-time proof compression and verification for scalability.
– **Storage Layer:** Integrates IPFS and Filecoin for decentralized, encrypted data handling.

This infrastructure doesn’t just exist in theory; it’s already running compute tasks that demonstrate how blockchain and AI can coexist securely. That early functionality gives ZKP a credibility advantage that few other presales can claim, solidifying its place among the top cryptos to buy before 2026.

### Where Privacy Meets Productivity

The defining feature of the ZKP ecosystem is its privacy-first compute model. Every process—from validation to AI computation—happens in a zero-knowledge environment. This means data can be verified without ever being exposed.

For industries struggling with data security, ZKP’s technology offers a transformative solution. Enterprises can now deploy smart contracts and run AI workloads that remain compliant, private, and verifiable. Instead of relying on third-party trust, they rely on cryptographic proof.

This makes ZKP not just another blockchain; it’s the foundation of a verifiable AI economy. In that sense, ZKP is not chasing hype; it’s addressing real-world problems that exist across healthcare, fintech, logistics, and data science.

In a year when privacy, compliance, and digital sovereignty are taking center stage, ZKP’s readiness and reliability are exactly what make it a top crypto to buy for investors seeking long-term value.

### Proof Pods: Decentralized Compute in Motion

Beyond its blockchain layer, ZKP integrates a tangible hardware component: Proof Pods. These compact devices are designed to perform verifiable computational work for the network.

Each Proof Pod validates AI tasks, generates zero-knowledge proofs, and contributes compute power to the decentralized network. This isn’t mining as usual—instead of burning electricity to guess hashes, each device performs useful, privacy-preserving compute tasks that advance the network’s goals.

The hardware integration gives ZKP something the market rarely sees: physical proof of utility. With Proof Pods manufactured, tested, and ready for deployment, users entering the whitelist now are joining an ecosystem prepared for real-scale adoption.

When the presale launches, operators will be able to connect their devices and earn ZKP coins directly from validated compute work. It’s a reward system built on productivity, not speculation—and that’s exactly why ZKP is being watched as one of the top cryptos to buy now before its next phase.

### Transparent Auctions, Real-World Participation

The upcoming ZKP presale isn’t a private deal for insiders; it’s a transparent, on-chain auction open to everyone. Each 24-hour auction window will distribute 200 million ZKP coins proportionally to all contributors based on their share of total contributions.

This proportional model eliminates unfair advantages, ensuring early access is open and auditable. The auctions also set daily price benchmarks for the ecosystem, which are used to calculate Proof Pod rewards.

Every action is recorded, verified, and visible—embodying the transparency that blockchain was built to deliver. The combination of working infrastructure, fair access, and real-world compute makes ZKP stand apart in a field dominated by speculative launches.

For early adopters seeking credibility and clarity, this positions ZKP as one of the top cryptos to buy right now as 2026 approaches.

### AI, Blockchain, & the Future of Verification

The intersection of AI and blockchain is shaping the next trillion-dollar frontier in technology, and ZKP sits at its center. Traditional AI systems struggle with verification and privacy, while public blockchains face scalability and confidentiality challenges.

ZKP’s architecture bridges both simultaneously. Through zero-knowledge cryptography, AI models can compute, learn, and verify outputs without exposing raw data. This makes collaboration possible in industries where data security is paramount.

The result is a network capable of powering decentralized AI agents, enterprise-grade smart contracts, and privacy-preserving data economies—all from a single, unified architecture.

ZKP’s integration of cryptography, hardware, and compute aligns with what business leaders and investors see as the next logical step in blockchain evolution: systems that work before they market.

### The Bottom Line

Zero Knowledge Proof didn’t launch with a promise; it launched with proof. By investing over $100 million upfront and building a live, functioning network before its presale, ZKP has positioned itself as a credible disruptor in a market fatigued by empty promises.

Its privacy-first compute model, transparent auction mechanics, and integration with real-world AI workloads make it more than a speculative token; it’s a functioning economy of verifiable computation.

With the whitelist now open, ZKP is giving investors early access to a project that could define the standard for blockchain credibility and utility in the coming cycle.

For anyone searching for the top crypto to buy, ZKP represents a rare combination of readiness, transparency, and technological relevance—exactly what the next era of crypto needs.

**Explore Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP):**
Website: [zkp]

Stay informed with forecasts for digital assets and crypto market trends by following reliable sources and experts in the field.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/blockchain/the-100m-built-network-blending-blockchain-ai-privacy/

US House votes on ending US government shutdown — WSJ

The House of Representatives was approaching a final vote late Wednesday on legislation aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in US history, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

The bill, which had already passed the Senate on Monday, was gaining significant momentum. Its approval by the House would clear the way for US President Donald Trump’s signature, potentially bringing the shutdown to an end.

**Market Reaction**

At the time of writing, the US Dollar Index (DXY) was up 0.05% on the day, trading at 99.50.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/us-house-votes-on-ending-us-government-shutdown-wsj/

‘I just hit somebody’: Woman streaming on TikTok addresses camera while driving. Then a thud interrupts everything

**Deadly Car Accident in Zion, Illinois Possibly Caught on TikTok Livestream**

Police in Zion, Illinois are investigating a tragic car accident that may have been recorded during a TikTok livestream. The crash occurred on November 3 around 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Sheridan Road and 33rd Street in this Chicago suburb.

According to TMZ, a 43-year-old woman was driving a 2015 Ford Edge when she struck 59-year-old Darren Lucas as he was crossing the road. Emergency responders rushed Lucas to Vista East Medical Center, but despite their efforts, doctors were unable to save him. Medical examiners later confirmed that he died from the severe injuries sustained in the collision.

**Possible Livestream Footage Surfaces**

Days after the accident, a video began circulating online showing a TikTok user named Tea_Tyme_3 seemingly filming herself while driving. In the clip, viewers heard a loud bang, followed by the driver screaming, “F***, f***, f***. I just hit somebody.” Just before the video abruptly ended, someone who sounded like a child asked, “What was that?”

**Investigation Details and Eyewitness Accounts**

Fortunately, the woman stopped immediately after the crash and called 911. She cooperated with police upon their arrival. Lt. Paul Kehrli of the Zion Police Department stated that there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.

Authorities are now working to verify the authenticity of the livestream video. An anonymous Reddit user claimed they were watching the livestream when the crash occurred and described feeling shocked by the driver’s distracted behavior. According to this witness, the driver “wasn’t paying attention to the road because she was reading comments and grinning at her phone.” The user added, “A man died because she wanted attention from a livestream.”

**Remembering Darren Lucas**

Lucas worked at Torres Fresh Market, a grocery store located just across the street from where the accident happened. His son-in-law, Chris King, spoke about the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the family.

“We are trying to find our ways to live, without someone we cherished so much,” King told the Lake and McHenry County Scanner. He also expressed sympathy for the driver, saying the family would “continue to pray for what the driver must be going through.”

**Current Status of the Case**

Following the video’s viral spread, the TikTok account involved was switched to private, with changes made to the username and removal of location details from the bio.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office says they are aware of the video but cannot provide additional information at this time due to the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made yet. The Zion Police Department, along with the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team, continues to work on the case.

**A Sobering Reminder**

This heartbreaking incident highlights a growing concern over distracted driving and young drivers causing fatal accidents shortly after obtaining their licenses. It serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of staying focused behind the wheel and the devastating consequences that can result from momentary distractions.
https://wegotthiscovered.com/fyi/i-just-hit-somebody-woman-streaming-on-tiktok-addresses-camera-while-driving-then-a-thud-interrupts-everything/

Colorado high school football playoffs: Chalk, toss-ups and upset alerts in the second weekend of postseason play

CHSAA State Football Playoffs: Round of 16 Preview

The CHSAA state football playoffs have been whittled down to 16 teams in the top three classifications. Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s matchups, with coveted quarterfinal spots on the line.

Class 5A

The Chalk

No. 17 Fountain-Fort Carson (8-3) at No. 1 Cherry Creek (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: The Trojans were the only road team to win in the first round, but now face a tough trip to Stutler Bowl. Cherry Creek hasn’t lost at home in three years and has allowed just 27 total points over their last six games.

No. 14 Eaglecrest (7-4) at No. 3 Mountain Vista (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: Mountain Vista’s junior QB Marquise Reese is on fire, averaging 310.4 yards and 4.4 touchdowns on 67.7% passing over the last five games. Eaglecrest’s defense showed promise limiting Legacy to 10 points, but this game will be a major test.

No. 12 Erie (7-4) at No. 5 Valor Christian (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday: Valor’s sophomore quarterback Titus Huard has been almost flawless since taking over as starter. Their defense has allowed just 20 points in the last four games. Erie has proven it can compete with top 5A teams but faces another stern challenge.

The Toss-Ups

No. 10 Mullen (7-4) at No. 7 Pine Creek (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday: Mullen is riding a six-game winning streak — their longest since 2016, the last time they reached the quarterfinals. Pine Creek leans heavily on 195-pound junior running back Xavier Lukes (231 carries, 1,429 yards). Expect a hard-fought, physical game.

No. 9 Arapahoe (7-4) at No. 8 Fairview (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Fairview’s only loss was by a single point to No. 6 Arvada West. The Knights average 51.5 points per game and stunned No. 2 Mountain Vista last year. Arapahoe has won six of seven games recently and features senior Jayden Tackitt, who gained 330 yards last week. This should be a high-scoring affair.

Upset Watch

Since 2021, only three double-digit seeds have reached the 5A quarterfinals, making these lower-seed matchups potential long shots.

No. 15 Columbine (6-5) at No. 2 Ralston Valley (10-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: Ralston Valley has dominated all season and welcomes back senior QB Zeke Andrews after injury. But Columbine coach Andy Lowry is known for making every game a battle.

No. 13 Fort Collins (9-2) at No. 4 Legend (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Fort Collins faces Legend’s powerful senior running back Jack McKeon, who rushed for 370 yards and four touchdowns against ThunderRidge recently.

No. 11 Grandview (6-5) at No. 6 Arvada West (9-1), 4 p.m. Friday: Grandview is battle-tested, having faced three of the top four teams. They crushed Chatfield 32-13 in Round 1 — a team Arvada West barely edged on Oct. 24. This promises to be a gritty matchup.

Class 4A

The Chalk

The top three seeds appear dominant in 4A, and they face comparatively weaker opponents this weekend.

No. 16 Golden (8-3) at No. 1 Dakota Ridge (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: The teams met on Oct. 24, with Dakota Ridge dominating 49-10. Golden faces a steep challenge trying to turn things around in just two weeks.

No. 15 Frederick (8-3) at No. 2 Montrose (10-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Montrose has a history of playoff success, reaching quarterfinals seven straight years and posting multiple double-digit-win seasons recently. A Western Slope trip will not be easy for Frederick.

No. 14 Mesa Ridge (6-5) at No. 3 Palmer Ridge (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: Palmer Ridge, a contender since moving to 4A in 2020, already defeated Mesa Ridge 35-7 earlier this season. But Mesa Ridge has improved since and aims to make this competitive.

The Toss-Ups

No. 9 Northfield (9-2) at No. 8 Pueblo West (7-3), 6 p.m. Friday: Northfield is on an eight-game winning streak but faces a Pueblo West defense allowing just 11.6 points per game. This clash of hot offenses and stingy defenses should be exciting.

No. 10 Riverdale Ridge (11-0) at No. 7 Monarch (8-2), 6 p.m. Friday: Despite an undefeated record, Riverdale Ridge’s low seed is likely due to strength of schedule. Their defense allows just 7.1 points per game but faces a Monarch offense averaging 40.9 points, setting up an intriguing battle.

Upset Watch

No. 13 Ponderosa (7-4) at No. 4 Durango (8-2), Noon Saturday: Durango’s only losses came against top seeds, and they’ve dominated other opponents. Ponderosa has won four of five recently and could challenge Durango in this regional showdown.

No. 12 Grand Junction (9-2) at No. 5 Heritage (7-3), 6 p.m. Friday: Grand Junction boasts a high-powered offense on a six-game winning streak, topping 40 points five times recently. Heritage is strong against lower classifications, so expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game.

No. 11 Vista Ridge (8-3) at No. 6 Broomfield (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday: Broomfield freshman Kashus Clarvoe is one of the state’s best running backs with 1,566 yards and 16 touchdowns. After a strong start, Vista Ridge faces a tough test against a solid Broomfield squad.

Class 3A

The Chalk

The top seeds in 3A are clear favorites though no guarantees exist in this competitive bracket.

No. 16 Severance (4-6) at No. 1 Windsor (10-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Windsor faces a surprisingly tough first-round opponent. Severance led Windsor 3-0 at halftime when they met earlier this season and could be a dangerous underdog.

No. 15 Coronado (7-3) at No. 2 Pomona (9-1), Noon Saturday: Pomona has lost just two games to 3A competition since moving down classifications. However, Coronado and QB Thomas Buckmiller, fresh off a 70-point, 317-yard performance, are formidable.

No. 13 Lewis-Palmer (6-4) at No. 4 Mead (8-2), 1 p.m. Saturday: Mead aims for a repeat title appearance after thrashing Lewis-Palmer 50-9 earlier this season. Although Lewis-Palmer has improved, this will be a tough road test.

No. 12 Thompson Valley (7-3) at No. 5 Holy Family (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Defending champion Thompson Valley ended the regular season with two losses. They now face a hot Holy Family team that has won six straight and scored 299 points over that stretch.

No. 11 Pueblo County (7-3) at No. 6 Roosevelt (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday: Roosevelt has shown toughness against top teams and opponents from higher classifications, making them a potential dark horse this postseason.

The Toss-Ups

No. 9 Pueblo South (8-2) at No. 8 Conifer (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Conifer’s defense has recorded five shutouts, and their offense averages 43.9 points per game. Senior WR Solomon Washer has been a standout. This game is a strong early test for Conifer.

No. 10 Lutheran (7-3) at No. 7 Eagle Valley (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: After a recent loss and a bye week, Eagle Valley is well-rested but faces the perennial power of Lutheran. If Eagle Valley is to earn its first playoff win in 13 years, the Lions will make them work.

Upset Watch

No. 14 Timnath (6-4) at No. 3 Palisade (8-2), Noon Saturday: Timnath may seem like an underdog but has played at a high level, shutting out the defending champion Thompson Valley and competing against Mead and Windsor. This could be a tough night for Palisade if they aren’t prepared.

Stay tuned this weekend as these thrilling CHSAA playoff games unfold, with quarterfinal berths on the line across Colorado’s top high school football divisions.

https://www.denverpost.com/2025/11/12/colorado-high-school-football-playoffs-second-weekend-2025/

October Jobs, CPI Data Release Unlikely: White House

The October jobs and consumer price index reports are unlikely to be released due to the ongoing government shutdown, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday.

Bloomberg’s Margaret Collins provides insight into what is known so far regarding the situation.

(Source: Bloomberg)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-11-13/october-jobs-cpi-data-release-unlikely-white-house

The ‘Church on the Hill’ still stands in Brunswick today

Though many men have come and gone, and many buildings have been built and destroyed, one Brunswick landmark has remained a town centerpiece for 180 years. Its impressive history includes some of the most legendary names in American history.

“The First Meeting House of the First Parish Church” was originally built in 1735 and was situated about one mile south of the college, in front of the graveyard. This meeting house served the community as a place of worship and as a center of government for over 70 years.

In 1756, an additional meeting house was erected at the upper part of the New Meadows to serve the mixed community of East Brunswick. Referred to by some as the second meeting house of the First Parish, this structure was abandoned by 1834 and “carried off piece meal.”

By 1806, property was purchased from Robert Dunning and William Stanwood, and a new meeting house was built on the site of the present edifice on the hill by the college. Built by Samuel Melcher, the structure was over two stories tall, with many windows and a tall belfry tower. It was the first heated church in town, and the first bell ever rung in Brunswick was placed on this meeting house.

By February 1845, the decision was made to build a new meeting house for the First Parish Church on Maine Street. After nearly 40 years of service, the 1806 structure was torn down and the current meeting house was built in its place.

On July 10, 1845, while the new St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was being dedicated on Pleasant Street, construction began on this newest First Parish Meeting House. This impressive Gothic Revival–styled structure was designed by Richard Upjohn, a famous British-born architect from New York. Upjohn’s similarly styled design was also employed in the building of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and he designed the King’s Chapel at Bowdoin College, which was completed 10 years later.

The present First Parish meeting house was completed and dedicated on March 18, 1846, at a cost of $13,101.68. The 80-foot tower included a tall spire designed by Bowdoin College mathematics professor William Smyth. This made the church the tallest structure in town and eventually one of the most historically significant locations in Brunswick.

By the winter of 1850-51, during a sermon by the Rev. George Adams, author Harriet Beecher Stowe received an epiphany of a young slave being cruelly handled by an evil slave master. This divine inspiration led Stowe to write her first anti-slavery novel, *Uncle Tom’s Cabin*, which is often credited with igniting the passions that led to the American Civil War.

By 1855, a new bell was cast and installed in the tower, where it remains in use to this day. The bell underwent repairs, including work on its striker and carriage, in 1977.

As the First Parish Church could hold the largest number of people in Brunswick, numerous Bowdoin College commencements were held there, and many notable figures have delivered speeches within this great meeting house. Among them were Civil War General Ulysses Grant, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, former President William Howard Taft, suffragist Jane Addams, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On October 30, 1866, during a terrible gale, the tall spire atop the tower of the First Parish Church was blown off and crashed to the ground below. Though repairs were likely made to the tower itself, the spire was never replaced.

The church was prominent in the life of Joshua Chamberlain. On December 10, 1882, to honor his late father-in-law who had led the First Parish congregation for 40 years, Chamberlain paid for the beautiful stained glass window that still adorns the east wall behind the pulpit. In 1914, Chamberlain’s funeral service was held in the church where he had worshipped since his days as a Bowdoin College student and where he married Frances Caroline Adams, the minister’s daughter.

By 1969, this historic church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, history was made again when the Reverend Mary Baard became the first woman to lead the church as pastor.

For nearly 200 years, this third meeting house has stood as the home of Brunswick’s longest continually serving spiritual community. It has been the center of many historic events that have shaped the legend and lore of Brunswick. These stories are now forever inscribed in the many chapters of our *Stories from Maine*.

Historian Lori-Suzanne Dell has authored five books on Maine history and administers the popular *Stories From Maine* page on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/11/12/the-church-on-the-hill-still-stands-in-brunswick-today/

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