Westminster Presbyterian Church Celebrates its 150th Anniversary
This year, Westminster reached a milestone-- 150 years of religious, historic and social significance in our community. The congregation is what it is today due to 150 years of perseverance, struggles, change, and commitment. What has made Westminster continue to thrive? Perhaps it’s energy from the leadership of the present minister who challenges patrons to think outside the box; perhaps it’s the diverse personalities of the membership who are not only thinkers but doers; or perhaps it’s the vigor of how each person treats fellow human beings.
Westminster was founded over the issue of abolition in turbulent times. Certainly, we all continue to face challenges in our world today as well. The denomination struggles with divisive issues, the community and the church faces economic challenges, and our nation is divided political and socially. Westminster lets the lessons of our ancestry guide the congregation through these times and the future. The Church’s legacy and spirit are something to celebrate.
The theme of the 150th anniversary is celebrate the church’s history, but more importantly to see how to continue that legacy today and in the future, by taking bold action on the current social justice issues, just as the founders took a stand against slavery.
The celebration begins with a year of events that will help residents recall Westminster’s impact on the Auburn community. The committee has been vigorously working to prepare for the celebration, please enjoy some of the events that have been planned.
Anniversary Events
Exhibit at the Cayuga Museum
The Westminster 150th Anniversary exhibit runs through November 6, 2011 at the Cayuga Museum at 203 Genesee Street. The exhibit will look at the major themes and events throughout the history of the church, ranging from education and outreach to the Church’s famous Tiffany window. The exhibit will also highlight Westminster’s strong involvement in various civil rights movements: the church was founded in 1861 when 66 abolitionist members left Second Presbyterian Church following Rev. Henry Fowler, who was forced to leave because he prayed publicly for the soul of John Brown.
The exhibit will feature objects and photographs from both the collection of the Cayuga Museum and Westminster Church. Members of Westminster’s history committee have been working to collect the images and objects, and write labels for the exhibit. Go explore the interesting story of how this church was founded and still remains vibrant today!
Sanctuary Renovation
The newly renovated sanctuary was rededicated during worship on September 18, with a special service to dedicate the worship space to our present and future worship of God. Special guests Henry and Brett Swiatek, of Swiatek Studios, joined for worship and the forum, which followed the 2011 church family photo and fellowship time.
Lori Rhodes Pettit will perform a concert on Westminster’s magnificent Skinner organ on Sunday, October 30 at 3PM. The concert is part of Westminster’s year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of its founding, and will feature classical and traditional selections which showcase the orchestral sounds of the Skinner organ.
Special Sunday Service Jan 29, 2012, marking the actual anniversary of the organization of Central Presbyterian Church
Adams Piano Series
The eleventh season of the Adams Piano Series welcomes back John & Richard Contiguglia with guest percussionists Robert Bridge and Joshua Dekaney on Sunday, October 16 at 3PM, performing Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos with Percussion. They will also be performing works by George Gershwin and Percy Grainger, in addition to the Bartok piece.
Next spring’s concert will feature Frederic Chiu on April 29, 2012, performing the program “Classical Smackdown: Debussy/Prokofiev.” Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets early so they don’t miss either of these fantastic performances. Tickets are available in the church office.
Social Media Platforms
People can now follow Westminster Church news on Twitter. And don’t forget to “like” the church’s Facebook page too, so you’ll never miss any news or photos.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Westminster-Presbyterian-Church-Auburn-NY/186112622250
-Content provided from the History Celebration Committee, 2011, Linda MacKay, Moderator
