By the time you read this newsletter, we will have
celebrated the One Hundred and Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the founding of the
Church at Parma and Greece.
On the 23rd day of August 1834,
Elder Doubleday, after hearing the Christian experience of fourteen persons,
organized them into a church. Isaac
Chase was ordained deacon.
On this date, like that group so long ago, we will
have gathered together to worship, to study and to serve…and to celebrate: to
celebrate 175 years of worship, of study, of service to the community and
supporting each other.For over 175
years, our congregation has had a presence at the corner of Latta and Manitou.
Just imagine what members of our congregation have experienced and participated
in over 175 years.
And what were things like back in 1834, when our
congregation began?Let’s take a look
back at some of the events in 1834………
The City of Rochester was incorporated. In June, the Common Council
elected the first mayor, Jonathan Child.
The Congress of the United States censures Andrew
Jackson.
Slavery is abolished in the British Empire
Sixth Kaffir War; severe clashes between white settlers and Bantu
peoples in CapeColony.
Tomatoes begin to catch on in the USA (despite their 300-year
presence), but will not become popular until 1900 as they are commonly
believed to be poisonous.
MedicalSchool
of Louisiana was founded later to become TulaneUniversity
Edgar Degas, French artist known for his paintings, drawings, and
bronzes of the human figure in motion, born in Paris, France
Louis Braille perfects his Braille system
US blacksmith Thomas
Davenport constructs the first battery-powered electric motor. He uses it
to operate a small car on a short section of track – the first electric
streetcar !!
1834 was an election year for the House of Representatives.With the Democrats holding 143 seats
(59% of the House) and the Whigs holding 75 seats (31% of the House).
So in 1834, like in 2009, there was a lot going
on.Just like 2009, 1834 had its share
of invention, of culture, of conflict, and political controversy. But in 2009,
just like in 1834, a group of people took time out from their busy lives to
come together on August 23 to worship.
For the last several months a lot of people have
worked very hard to prepare for this special celebration. As we celebrate this
extraordinary event, I would ask that each of you take some time to pause a
moment. Pause to take a few minutes out from the Anniversary celebration
to think about 175 years of service, to think about all those who have been
helped by the efforts of our congregation, to think about our continuous
support of the Wider Church, to think about all the times over the years we
have worked together, disagreed with each other, laughed together and cried
together; and pause to think that over the years, we have rejoiced through the
good times and supported each other in our not so good times…for 175 years.
But we are not done yet!The Celebration continues! Be sure to check
the church calendar
and the weekly announcements to keep up on the
latest information.
