Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church commemorated its 125th anniversary on Sunday with a building rededication ceremony and reception open to the community.
Around 100 people attended the outdoor celebration, which was punctuated with music, prayer and perspectives, spiritual and historical.
The Rev. Greg Gillispie called the milestone event a “merger of the treasured past and opportune future.”
“I think it’s eye-opening for those of us who are relatively new to the community to hear some of the stories and see the love for the things that date back farther than we know in our own lifetimes,” he said. “What happened in the past isn’t just for the museum purposes, the historic purposes, but also a springboard for what’s next.”
Descendants of some of the original parishioners were present to witness the historic event. The Rev. Dr. John Law, during his spiritual perspective, recognized these people by asking for a show of hands.
Law relayed stories of the traditional Christmas Eve and family dinner celebrations at Bryan Neck Church.
“Those were good times, and there will be more good times thanks to the work of these people,” Law said, addressing those responsible for restoring the building.
Following the rededication ceremony, home-cooked food and refreshments were served inside the adjacent Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church Manse.
Gillispie said he was pleased with the afternoon’s turnout and events.
“It means a lot – the people of the community coming to celebrate what’s going on, and it’s really important for our congregation … we’ve just really been blessed by a great celebration today.”
The church, located at 7196 Belfast Keller Road, underwent major renovations in anticipation of the event. It is now open for a new generation of service and worship.
Around 100 people attended the outdoor celebration, which was punctuated with music, prayer and perspectives, spiritual and historical.
The Rev. Greg Gillispie called the milestone event a “merger of the treasured past and opportune future.”
“I think it’s eye-opening for those of us who are relatively new to the community to hear some of the stories and see the love for the things that date back farther than we know in our own lifetimes,” he said. “What happened in the past isn’t just for the museum purposes, the historic purposes, but also a springboard for what’s next.”
Descendants of some of the original parishioners were present to witness the historic event. The Rev. Dr. John Law, during his spiritual perspective, recognized these people by asking for a show of hands.
Law relayed stories of the traditional Christmas Eve and family dinner celebrations at Bryan Neck Church.
“Those were good times, and there will be more good times thanks to the work of these people,” Law said, addressing those responsible for restoring the building.
Following the rededication ceremony, home-cooked food and refreshments were served inside the adjacent Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church Manse.
Gillispie said he was pleased with the afternoon’s turnout and events.
“It means a lot – the people of the community coming to celebrate what’s going on, and it’s really important for our congregation … we’ve just really been blessed by a great celebration today.”
The church, located at 7196 Belfast Keller Road, underwent major renovations in anticipation of the event. It is now open for a new generation of service and worship.