Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC welcomes new pastor

Rev. Eliza Tweedy became the 20th settled pastor to serve the Congregational Church of Laconia, United Church of Christ in February, as the church prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024. Tweedy is the first female sole pastor of the church in its history. Prior to joining the Laconia church, she served as the pastor of First Congregational Church of Rochester for 11 years.

Originally hailing from Acton, Massachusetts, Tweedy earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh in French and Spanish, an MA from New York University in French Studies (Political Science and Sociology), and a Masters in Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. Her ministerial experience has included time as a supply preacher in Brooklyn, a Youth Director in Sharon, Massachusetts and internships as a Chaplain at Hospice of the South Shore and Rhode Island Hospital/Miriam Hospital.

Tweedy loves preaching, storytelling, and making real connections between scripture and modern life. She has worked closely with communities dealing with substance use disorder, including harm reduction and needle exchange programs, as well as peer recovery groups and mental health advocacy. She served on a regional planning task force around homelessness and housing insecurity. She has long advocated for the LGBTQ+ community, including at the State House, and has been the keynote speaker at Pride on multiple occasions.