Church History

Church & Pastors' History

In 1974, Rev. Irene Harding proved the reality of the saying, "Thoughts are things."  She put her thought into action when she rented our church building  with an option to buy from the Plymouth Portuguese Methodists.  Her dream of a healing sanctuary came into fruition through her determination, sweat, and tears and in June of 1975 she was able to purchase our building.  The Plymouth Spiritualist Church was born in Rev. Irene's thoughts.  She has cared for it, guided it, and been a strong foundation for this well respected church of Spiritualism.  The forerunners and pioneers of Spiritualism must be very proud of her accomplishments.  For over the years she has nurtured the church and all those who have come through its doors, while promoting the religion of Spiritualism in a positive and dignified manner.

Rev. Irene has set a tremendous example for us to emulate, through her work ethic, integrity, and devotion to the education of those who seek knowledge regarding the religion of Spiritualism.  She has stimulated her students into furthering themselves through education and service to others.  Rev. Irene is one of a kind, but in reading her accomplishments it is amazing that one person has been able to do so much and so well.

Rev. Dr.  Irene Harding's  vast resume includes the following:

·         President, American Federation of Spiritualist Churches

·         President, Massachusetts Association of Spiritualist Churches

·         President, Plymouth Spiritualist Church

·         President, Plymouth Area Interfaith Clergy Association

·         Dean of Education, American Federation of Spiritualist Churches

·         Past Vice President & Secretary of the American Federation of Spiritualist Churches

·         Co-Founder of the American Federation of Spiritualist Churches

·         Past President of the Etna Spiritualist Association, Etna, ME

·         Ordained Minister

·         Certified Medium

·         Commissioned Healer

·         AFSC Teacher

·         Registered Nurse/Operating Room Nurse

·         Psychotherapist

·         Nursing Degree

·         Doctorate in Psychology

·         Author, College Professor, Lecturer

As Dean of Education for the AFSC, Rev. Irene has written and copyrighted the courses of study for Commissioned Healer, Certified Medium, and Ordained Minister.  She has also designed and conducted numerous pastoral skills courses for those seeking ordination.  Rev. Irene has been interview on television and radio. She  has traveled extensively conducting missionary work for Spiritualism through  seminars, lectures, and church services.

Rev. Irene's mediumship is renowned throughout the U.S.A., Canada, and Europe.  She has been asked by police agencies to assist in solving several high profile criminal cases.

Rev. Irene began her ministerial education at the Onset Church of Spiritualism in Onset, MA.  From there, she founded a church in New Bedford, MA before founding the church in Plymouth, MA.  During this time she found that serving a light meal at the end of each service provided sociability and a home cooked meal for those who may be alone during the week.  This tradition has continued and remains an important and integral part of our Sunday time together.

Rev. Charles Harding also brings to our church, much dignity, knowledge, integrity, and devotion to the religion of Spiritualism.  He also obtained much of his ministerial education at the Onset Church of Spiritualism in Onset, MA.  Rev. Charles came to the Plymouth Spiritualist Church to assist in the Pastoring duties and became its co-pastor in 1981.  He is the husband of Rev. Irene.

Rev. Charles has set the standards high for the religion of Spiritualism and the various Spiritualist organizations to which he belongs.  His working knowledge of parliamentary law and "Robert's Rules of Order" has kept many meetings on course.  He has helped many churches and organizations frame their constitutions and by-laws.

Rev. Charles has also traveled extensively  as a missionary and teacher of  religion, philosphy, and science of Spiritualism.  He is an ordained minister, American Federation of Spiritualism Teacher, and Certified Medium.  He has been interviewed on television and radio talk shows, and taught many classes nationwide.  Rev. Charles also has a distinguished resume:

·         Past President, American Federation of Spiritualist Churches

·         One of the original AFSC founders

·         AFSC's First President serving from 1987-1994

·         Past President, Massachusetts Association of Spiritualist Churches (1982-1987)

·         Past Vice President, MASC (1972-1982)

·         Former Trustee of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches

·         Past President, Plymouth Spiritualist Church

·         Past President, Plymouth Area Interfaith Clergy Association

·         Decorated U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict receiving a Silver Star, Purple Heart, e Oakleaf Clusters,  and 3 Campaign Ribbons

·         Industrial Engineering Degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology

·         Engineering work experience at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, the U.S. Air Force,  and Packaging Industries/Sentinal Products

We at the Plymouth Spiritualist Church are fortunate to have two exceptional Pastors.  They are honorable individuals who work hard at promoting the religion of Spiritualism in a dignified manner.  They have set quite an example for all of us to follow and their congregation appreciate all that they do.