In early October, the First Congregational Church of Wareham received a grant from the Mass Cultural Council to fund the Church’s arts and humanities programs.

The council awarded the church, located at 11 Gibbs Ave., $2,500 on Oct. 11 to “highlight the talent of both emerging and experienced South Coast creatives,” according to the church.

First Congregational hosts artists in the Stone Church Cafe, which has seen more than 29 performers since March 2024. The performances are not genre specific with blues, pop, jazz and gospel artists taking the stage in recent months.

The cafe has also hosted poetry readings, a Gay Pride exhibit and a Juneteenth celebration.

The Mass Cultural Council, which is primarily funded by public dollars, works to “amplify creativity” and according to their website will award at least 2,500 grants totaling $38 million by the end of the fiscal year.