"Vital and diverse," Voorheesville church celebrates bicentennial
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Bicentennial: The next three weeks are dedicated to celebrating the anniversary of the Voorheesville United Methodist Church, which was originally built outside the village and called the Black Creek Methodist Church. Celebrations include honoring long-time members, a potluck supper, honoring past reverends, and a special guest speaker.
— Photo from Lee Flanders
New 59 years ago: The Voorheesville United Methodist Church is 200 years old this month, but its social hall was constructed in 1956, as the parish grew and expanded along with the village of Voorheesville and town of New Scotland.
VOORHEESVILLE — The First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville is celebrating its bicentennial this month.
Lee Flanders, a 48-year member of the church, said the parish is “much more vital and diverse” now than it was 200 years ago.
The original church was built on Altamont Road in 1815, and, at that time, was known as the Black Creek Methodist Church. It was formed prior to the existence of the village of Voorheesville and the town of New Scotland.
Over several decades, said Flanders, the name changed to the Episcopal Methodist Church of New Scotland, and, by 1890, when a small village had been established, the church trustees voted to relocate the building to Maple Avenue.
“There was a remarkable undertaking to dismantle the church, move it nine-tenths of a mile, and rebuild it,” said Flanders.
He said the growth of the parish has kept pace with the growth of the village and town; in 1956, the sanctuary was remodeled and a social hall was constructed.
There are currently approximately 150 members of the church.
The next three weeks will be dedicated to celebrating the anniversary.
— On Sunday, April 19, the church will recognize members of 50 years or more. Flanders said there are roughly a dozen such members.
— On Saturday, April 25, there will be a potluck supper, from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring recipes from cookbooks the church has produced in the past. For each cookbook, parish members supplied their favorite recipes.
— On Sunday, April 26, the 10 a.m. service will honor three of the church’s former pastors, including Reverend Walter Taylor, whom it considers its “pastor emeritus,” with a service of music and ministry.
On Sunday, May 3, District Superintendent of Churches Reverend Rich Weihing will attend the service and deliver a special message.
A display of church memorabilia, including photographs, letters, and articles dating back to the 1800s, will be on display throughout the rest of the year.