Arts & Entertainment
Community Church of Syosset Celebrating 150 Years
Country fair is just one of many events to commemorate milestone.
Roasted corn, barbecue chicken and ribs, lemonade, home-baked goods, a petting zoo, pony rides and the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band playing tunes from the Civil War era: The Community Church of Syosset began celebrating its 150th anniversary with a good old-fashioned country fair last Saturday, offering something for everyone.
Steve Meehan, who helped organize the event, is thankful to be a member of the church.
"I grew up here," he explained. "I like the welcoming atmosphere of this church. 150 years is a long time and this is a great church."
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In an effort to recreate the Civil War era, may individuals wore costumes. With a little convincing from his son Steve, church member Ed Meehan dressed up as Abraham Lincoln.
"I had my reservations, but I like it," said Ed.
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With a huge grin, Steve added, "We needed a tall, skinny guy, and he fit the bill."
The Community Church of Syosset was founded in 1860 by five Syosset residents: Abraham Vooris, William Horton, Cornelius E. Van Sise, Oliver D. Burtis and Samuel W. Cheshire. They met in Cheshire's home and agreed to create the first church in Syosset named the Free Church.
"The free referred to any denomination," said Community Church of Syosset Rev. Sean B. Murray. "The Free Church was based on welcoming everyone, and we still welcome everyone 150 years later. In the early years, services were led by Baptists and Episcopal ministers. Mr. Cheshire and the four men signed on as trustees. They cleared the land and built the church."
When originally built, the church had a one-story-and-basement clapboard structure. The building featured steps and a stoop across its south end, providing entry through two doors, an altar at the north and a belfry and three windows on each side. The six windows with the original glass remain in the church to this day. The church grounds house a nursery school, a meeting place for community organizations, a church museum and the AHRC.
The church will continue marking the anniversary with several other events over the next year:
Nov. 20: Dedication of a new lamppost for the church and fellowship dinner outing.
Nov. 21 : Thanksgiving interfaith service.
Feb. 13, 2011: Renewal of marriage vows (all couples married in the church are welcomed to renew vows).
June 30, 2011: 150th Anniversary Dinner at Fox Hollow in Woodbury.
For more information, call 516-921-2240 or visit www.communitychurchofsyosset.org.
