Congregational Church Celebrates A Milestone

It may have been unseasonably cold outdoors for early April, but many warm thoughts, feelings and memories were shared indoors. Such was the scene at The Congregational Church of Manhasset and the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club on Sunday, April 10, as the church celebrated its 75th anniversary in gala style.
The festivities began at 10 a.m. in the church’s sanctuary with a celebratory worship service as the adult handbell choir performed “Masterpiece for Handbells” by J. Mouret. Later in the service, the children’s choir, under the direction of Christy Weppler, sang the retro song “Day by Day” from the musical Godspell. Two inspiring anthems, “Hymn of Praise” by Mack Wilberg and G.F. Handel’s “Swell the Full Chorus,” performed by the church’s Chancel Choir and soloists, were highlights of the service. The choir and congregation sang a beautiful hymn entitled “Blessed Community,” lyrics written by Rev. James Only with musical arrangement by Music Director Craig Tocher. The hymn was dedicated with gratitude and love to the members of The Congregational Church of Manhasset for the 75th anniversary.
Rev. Maurice Fetty, who served as senior minister of the Church from March 1988 through June 2001, delivered a stimulating sermon, Pilgrimage—Out of the Past, Into the Future. Other participating clergy were the church’s current ministers, Rev. James Only and Rev. Lori Burgess, and Supply Minister Rev. Maureen Kessler. Rev. Freeman Palmer expressed greetings on
behalf of the New York Conference
of the UCC, where he serves as
the associate conference minister
for Congregational Development.
A photo of the congregation was taken at the sanctuary to immortalize the moment.
Over 185 people attended the celebration, which took place in a lavishly decorated sanctuary that contributed to the festiveness of the service. Candles embellished with a white satin bow were on every other pew. The sills of the four etched-glass Gospel windows were adorned with candles of varying heights with a floral arrangement in the center. The altar table was graced with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers in a crystal vase, the open Bible and three candles in brass candlesticks, graduated in height, at each end.
The milestone celebration continued with a buffet brunch at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club in Port Washington, attended by 200 people. Rev. Lori Burgess offered an opening prayer and Marie Horowitz, chair of the 75th Anniversary committee, welcomed those present. Rev. Jimmy Only read excerpts from congratulatory greetings received from several former ministers, members and families. His wife, Colleen, also read some amusing, imaginary congratulatory messages from various prominent world figures, including the Pope. Rev. Only expressed thanks to the other committee members including Nancy Gilman, Betty DeVries, Beth Miller, Nancy Nevins, Jennifer Stern, Craig Tocher, Joan Walter and Carolyn White.
The program continued with a toe-tapping performance of “Accentuate the Positive” by a talented P.F. Ensemble of Katherine Bell, Donna Callery, Annie and Katie Miller, and Charlotte and Lindsay Ryan. Interspersed with humorous and sometimes reminiscent commentary and accompanied by Tocher on the keyboard, Peter Maravell, longtime former bass soloist at the church, sang a selection of songs. A closing prayer was offered by Rev. Maurice Fetty to commemorate this milestone in the history of The Congregational Church of Manhasset.