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"When you reach 375 and are still going strong, only a yearlong celebration will do, and we know just the ways to do it!" |
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Photos by Bill Hensley courtesy First Congl. Church of Stamford |
by Rev. Susan De Simone and staff
STAMFORD (03/24/2010) -- First Congregational Church of Stamford UCC inaugurated its 375th Anniversary celebration on March 21 with worship, a festive luncheon, and a procession through downtown Stamford to the place where a plaque commemorates the church's birthplace in a log cabin. Conference Minister the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree preached, welcomed by the church's Senior Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson.
In her sermon, Dr. Crabtree reminded the congregation of some of the highights in its history, such as its declaration in 1880 that the church welcomed all people regardless of race or ethnicity. In a mark of the congregation's embrace of the 21st century, the church launched a new web site design as part of its year-long observance of its founding.
Worship was followed by luncheon in the dining room and a procession to the spot in downtown Stamford where a plaque commemorates the original log cabin meeting house. After a brief ceremony at that historic place, led by Fairfield County Regional Minister the Rev. Sarah Velasco, the congregation returned to the current meeting house for birthday cake and coffee. The celebration continued with informal 5:30 pm worship in the Parlor led by Dr. Jackson.
The congregation plans to mark its anniversary year by presenting gifts to its community, in keeping with its 375 years of service. Neighborhood cleanups, community service work projects, concerts, lectures, and study series already have places on the calendar.
On their new web site, the church declares, "FCC Stamford brings diverse communities together by partnering with local businesses, other religious and community organizations, and individual neighbors across Stamford. We strive to address the needs of individuals and neighborhoods that are often underserved or overlooked. We are especially seeking volunteers from local businesses to help retrofit homes of older Stamfordites."
"When you reach 375 and are still going strong, only a yearlong celebration will do, and we know just the ways to do it!"
The Rev. Susan De Simone is a member of the First Congregational Church UCC of Stamford.
