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Smithtown Church History Day

By 
May 11, 2015
3 mins read

Sunday May 17th is hereby designated Smithtown Church History Day. The Smithtown 350 Foundation recognizes the role of religion as part of the town’s historic significance.  The Houses of Worship participating; including Smithtown’s first Church founded by Richard Smythe, will offer a look into the story behind their beginnings, educational tours and other fun activities and event. Take the tour and be a part of the Smithtown 350 foundation efforts to inspire residents about the roots of our beautiful town and the many faiths which unite our fellow neighbors.

Churches participating in Smithtown Religious History Day on Sunday, May 17, 2015:

Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church – Edgewater Avenue, Smithtown

Visitors are welcome to attend our regular Sunday Divine Liturgy at 11:15am. An open house and guided tours of the Church will follow from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.

Smithtown United Methodist Church – 230 Middle Country Road, Smithtown

The church will be open from 12:30 – 3:30pm on May 17th for tours of the church. Additional activities are being planned and light refreshments will be available.

St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church – 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown

Public is welcome to attend 8am and 10 am services and to stay for coffee after each service. From 12 noon – 2pm, volunteers will provide brochures and tours of the church and gardens. There will be a demonstration of how to use the Meditation Labyrinth.  A DVD presentation about the church history will be available.  Refreshments will be served in the Church Hall.

Smithtown First Prebysterian Church -“The Church on the Corner” of Middle Country Road and North Country Road

Founded by Richard Smythe in 1675, the Church on the Corner invites you to explore the beauty, fun, history and mission of Smithtown’s oldest church. The Presbyterian Church, or the Old Meeting House as it is known, was built in 1827 and will be open to visitors throughout the afternoon of Sunday, May 17th.  Many other activities are planned for Church History Day:

  • Tours of the Church will be conducted from 1 pm and continue throughout most of the afternoon. DVDs on the Church and its history will be shown in the Narthex. Light refreshments and lunch will be available in the Parish Hall.
  • Family activities will take place on the Church lawn throughout the afternoon, including dances around the Maypole.
  • At 1:30 pm, the Pipe Organ in the Old Meeting House will be played.
  • At 2 pm, Town Historian Brad Harris will talk about the first church that was erected on the NW corner of Middle Country Road and North Country Road.
  • From 2:30-2:50, the Bell Choir and the Sanctuary Choir will present some heavenly music in the Old Meeting House.
  • At 3:15, Dr. Lavandera will present a short concert of “wonderful piano” music in the Parish Hall.
  • And from 4:00 to 4:20, the Bell Choir and the Sanctuary Choir will again create heavenly music in the Old Meeting House.
Smithtown Landing Methodist Church – Landing Ave

The little church in the Landing will be open for tours from 10am – 2pm on Sunday, May 17th, Church History Day.  Members of the Ladies Auxillary will be presenting the history of the church and as well as providing back-ground information about founders of the church who are buried in the little cemetery on the grounds. Presenters will be in period clothing.

St James United Methodist Church – 532 Moriches Road, St. James

See the interior of this church, originally built in 1869, destroyed by fire and then rebuilt in 1899. The stained glass windows in this church are awe inspiring. The Church will be open Sunday afternoon for tours and a historical booklet about the church will be available to visitors.

Trinity AME Church – 229 New York Avenue (corner of Wildwood)

On Church History Day, the church will open its doors at 12 noon and remain open until 2pm. Brochures detailing the history of the church and its pastors will be distributed. Light refreshments will be served. We invite the community to come in and meet and greet with us..

Hauppauge United Methodist Church – 473 Townline Road, Hauppauge

On Church History Day, this historic church founded in 1806, is open for worship services 9 am. All are welcome in the church where the parishioners consider themselves to be the “Small Church with a Big Heart.”

  • From 2pm to 3pm, there will be tours of Church where you can learn more about the fascinating history of this church.
  • From 3pm to 4 pm, tour the old Hauppauge burying grounds behind the church with graves dating back to the Revolutionary War.
St. James Episcopal Church – 490 North Country Rd., Saint James

“A friendly, community church that welcomes everyone for worship. service, education, fellowship, and fun.” On Church History Day, Sunday May 17th, worship Services will be held at 8 am and 9:30 am to which everyone is invited.  An open house will follow from 12 noon until 4pm planned activities include:

  • Guided tours of the Church see the Tiffany stained glass windows and historic plaques commemorating the lives of some of St. James earliest residents.
  • Guided tours of the historic cemetery that includes the graves of many Smith family members as well as the grave of Stanford White.
  • A display of historic photos and documents in the parish hall that offers an opportunity to learn more about the church, its history, and the history of Smithtown.
  • There will also be a picnic lunch (open to all) featuring hotdogs, apple pie and other goodies.
  • For more info call 584-5560 or visit www.stjamesstjames.org

Cited: Smithtown 350 Foundation – Pat Biancaniello

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