Members of the First Congregational Church in Clarkston remembered the past and said ‘Hello? to the future as they celebrated their 175th anniversary.
While the actual anniversary was Feb. 6, the church celebrated on May 21 following their regular 10 a.m. service. The program starting around noon, included videos of personal interviews, church activities from the ?90’s and speeches from former ministers.
‘They’ve done a great job putting (the celebration) together,? said the longest running member of the church Dave Edwards. ‘Through the years, the biggest change was moving from the old church in downtown (Pontiac) into the new one.
‘I hope in the next 25 years it continues under the great leadership we have today. It’s as great a church now as it was then.?
‘I think it’s like being married. It’s a commitment to go to church every Sunday. There’s a draw there,? said Hill when asked about the church’s longevity. ‘I really think the people that moved from Pontiac to this location became friends and look out for each other. That’s been a mainstay. As more people come aboard they’ve been welcomed.?
On display were records of the first meeting beginning in Pontiac in 1831, with several record books picked up from the Bentley Library at the University of Michigan. According to a church press release, the Anniversary Committee displayed the church’s historical artifacts, photos and memorabilia for people to peruse.
Another highlight of the festivities included the burial of a time capsule to be opened in 2031 to mark the church’s 200th birthday.
‘I thought it was a good idea. I’d heard of it being done before,? said chairperson Nancy Hill who pitched the idea.
Greg Davis, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout played a key role in the time capsule. He was looking for a project when he discovered the church’s cornerstone sinking.
Davis? initial plan was to stabilize the cornerstone and build drainage underneath to keep the area secure. Halfway through the project the idea was presented for him to place a time capsule under the cornerstone.
‘I thought it was a great idea. What a better place to put the messages for the future than under the past,? said Davis.?
According to Hill, the time capsule contained a current membership list, book of the church’s history compiled by Amanda Iodice and personal messages from the church members. All items places in the 24 by 6 inch stainless steel time capsule were in protective sleeves for preservation.
Following the program a catered dinner was held in Keough Hall featuring a special tiered cake donning a lighted church on top.