St. John’s Episcopal Church to Host Series of Anniversary Events

From St. John's Episcopal Church:

St. John’s Episcopal Church located at 365 Strawtown Rd., New City is holding a series of events to mark 150 years since it was founded.

A celebratory Eucharist on October 22 was held commemorating the 150th anniversary. The service was officiated by Bishop Mark Sisk & assisted by Rev. Karen Henry, Priest-in- Charge. A luncheon reception immediately followed the service. Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann presented a proclamation from the town honoring St. John’s anniversary.

A dinner dance will be held Nov. 5 th at the Nyack Seaport. Attending will be current & past parishioners and clergy. County Executive Ed Day, a member of the church for over 30 years, will be presenting a proclamation from the county in honor of St. John’s anniversary. Other events included the children carrying banners commemorating the anniversary for the church and their Christian formation programs (toddler to youth). In addition, the children will bury a time capsule to be opened in 50 years.

The church was incorporated on December 28, 1866 and built two years later. It was originally located on Main and Second streets, where the Chase Bank currently stands in New City. In the 1880’s many of Rockland County’s historic families including the Cropsey, Vanderbuilt, and DeBevoise families attended St. John’s. In 1960, Ernest Flender donated the four and a half acres on Strawtown Rd., where the church is currently located to the parish as a gift. The new church was dedicated in June 1963.

In the years since, the church has been involved in both the local and global outreach. Locally, the church works with People to People food pantry and Christ Church soup kitchen. Globally, it supports Heifer International and last year over $5500 was raised to provide sustainability in developing nations. This year St John's is focused on praying for persecuted Christians throughout the world and raising funds to provide bibles to them through Voice of the Martyrs.

Photos courtesy of St. John's Episcopal Church