Newark Church continues to celebrate 175 years

Sunday, September 24 begins a week of congregational activities at Park Presbyterian Church in Newark, celebrating its 175th anniversary as a local church.

The Rev. Dr. Douglas McGillivray, former associate pastor at PPC from 1984-88, and presently the senior pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church in Downington, Pennsylvania, will be the guest preacher at both the 8 and 10 a.m. services. He has entitled his sermon, 'The Bigger They Are...'

At 11:30, a light lunch will be served. Robert Hoeltzel, church historian and Arcadia Town Historian, will narrate a program using slides taken by the Rev. Walter Hobkirk during his pastorate from 1947-1978. Members and friends are invited to attend the lunch and program.

Next Friday, September 29, the congregation will gather in its dining room for a chicken and biscuit dinner prepared and catered by the Oaks Corners Presbyterian Church. Oaks Corners and the East Palmyra Presbyterian Churches were the 'mother churches' to Newark in 1825.

Representatives of these two congregations, as well as the Moderator of Geneva Presbytery, Dr. William Sterling, will bring greetings. Following dinner, a program will be presented in the newly refurbished sanctuary with its restored dome, crowned with the original circular colored glass window, which has been lighted from behind and above the glass.

A hymn sing, directed by Becky Short, interim choir director, will precede an inspiring message delivered by Dr. William Myers. Dr. Myers is currently the Director of Leadership Education at the Association of Theological Schools in Pittsburgh, PA. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served as youth minister in several congregations and also from 1981-1999 was professor and Academic Dean at Chicago Theological Seminary.

He has written extensively and has co-authored a book with his wife Barbara entitled Engaging in Transcendence: The Church's Ministry and Covenant with young Children. Dr. Myers will entitle his remarks, 'God's Surprising News About the Future of the Church,' subtitled, 'Being Faithful and Walking on Water.' During the adult program, a separate activity for children is planned.

On Saturday, September 30, the congregation will enjoy boat rides on the Erie Canal, in conjunction with its own 175th anniversary. Rides will depart from T. Spencer Knight Park at 10 a.m. and l p.m. A stop at the Cultural Center in Lyons will be included. Tickets for the Friday meal and Saturday rides are available in the church office.