To the Editor:

In 1866, the McKownville United Methodist Church, located at 1565 Western Ave., opened its doors to the Guilderland and McKownville community members as a center of spirituality and fellowship.  Since that time, the church has been the home to a nursery school, and offered community groups the opportunity to host dance and yoga classes as well as meetings for Boy Scouts  and Girl Scouts.

Our church has been a welcoming, inviting host to many weddings, showers, and end-of-life celebrations.  Our private parking area and meeting rooms have helped with the healing and recovery efforts of many who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction to get back on their feet and become, or continue being, productive members of our community.

Throughout the past 150 years, our church has offered to the community delicious chicken barbecues, roast beef and spaghetti dinners, fish fries, concerts, craft fairs, a live Nativity, and a place to cast your vote in an election.  Of course, let’s not forget how many memories have been created through the carving of thousands of pumpkins that have been purchased from the pumpkin patch each fall.

As a way to mark this momentous occasion of offering the word of God and a place for hundreds of area residents to meet on a weekly basis for the past 150 years, the church is building a memorial patio and we invite members of the community to take part in our celebration by purchasing a patio brick. This memorial patio will be built behind the sanctuary and will provide a great place for photos, gathering together with friends or family, or simply enjoying quiet time.

Bricks are 12-by-12 inches and can be inscribed with your personal message and a symbol if you desire.  It can identify your personal or business name, the name of a loved one, or be “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” persons who are important to your life.

You can also request a custom logo by including the image with your order form. Whatever the message, it will be enjoyed for generations in a convenient, outdoor location for viewing at all times. The memorial patio will be formally opened with a celebration on Nov. 6, 2016 and all purchasers of the memorial bricks will be invited to attend.

To purchase a brick, visit our website at:  www.mckownvillechurch.com and fill out the order form and return with your check made payable to the McKownville United Methodist Church no later than June 26.  You can also pay by credit card by adding a transaction fee of one dollar to your order.  For further information, you may send an email to or call (518) 456-1148.

Noreen VanDoren, trustee

McKownville United Methodist Church