LEWIS — Plans are being formulated for the 200th-anniversary celebration of the founding of the First Congregational Church in Lewis.
It is recognized as the oldest Congregational Church in northeastern New York.
Some of the events being considered for the weekend of July 21 and 22 are a barbecue, special church service, a historical presentation by Margaret Bartley, a walking tour of the grounds that will stop at gravesites of prominent area figures, the presentation of a new pulpit Bible, having former pastors relate anecdotes, a plaque commemorating the event and a time capsule.
The committee is looking toward community participation, not just church members.
People are being asked to provide the Bicentennial Committee with ideas and feedback for prospective activities during the celebration weekend.
Also sought are church records that may be stored in homes, family anecdotes, old photos and any artifacts that could be borrowed for display.
Formation of the church started on June 12, 1812, when the Rev. Cyrus Comstock, known as the father of Congregationalism in Essex County, met with a handful of people at the home of Dr. Alexander Morse in Elizabethtown to organize a full-time Congregational Church in Lewis.
In 1818, a committee was formed with the intent of building a permanent building for services. The church frame was raised and covered in 1823 but remained unfinished, although services were held in the unfinished structure. During the warmer months, parishioners sat on planks, while in the winter, they met in a local school and homes.
The church was finally completed in 1834.
Although Comstock's labors in 1812 are generally considered the church's inception, some relate to Deacon Lewis Brown's efforts in 1807 to be the inspiration. In 1814, the parishioners met in a barn, as there was only one framed structure in Lewis at the time. The benevolence of local attorney Jonathan Steele provided for the land for the church, on a hilltop that overlooks the village.
By 1874, the structure had developed some problems and was dubbed as "inconvenient," so in 1875, George O. Roberts rebuilt it to the needed tolerances.
Preacher Herbert Ward Beecher arrived on July 18, 1876, to give the rededication in front of 2,000 people.
In 2005, during the celebration of the Town of Lewis Bicentennial, First Congregational Church held a dedication in honor of its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recently, trees on the hillside were removed and the area planted with a garden and grass, and the crumbling wall at the bottom of the hill was replaced.
Future efforts will be directed toward the restoration of the church proper, which will include a new coat of paint.
&boldtext;Email Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com
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