ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - Folks in Fairport gathered to a celebrate a huge milestone Saturday evening: The 200th anniversary of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairport!
"We're the first church that was incorporated in the Fairport area," said Steve Smith, the 200th anniversary co-person. "I'm not sure that it was Fairport back then, but - we're hoping another 200 years we can last like all the other churches. We're kind of proud of it!"
According to its website, the church got its early start following a gathering between six women and three men on Dec. 18, 1824.
Rochester's gospel choir, Akoma, kicked off the festivities with a live musical performance for the congregation.
Akoma pictured performing within the church Saturday evening in front of a crowd. (WROC/Melanie Sosa.)
"This has always been a very musical church. We used to have, like many churches, probably 45 years ago, we had 30 or 35 people in our choir. Today we have about nine or 10. But we had two groups last year to help us celebrate that gave concerts here, and now Akoma. So, we're planning - we have one more concert planned for May 22nd this year. So, hopefully we'll keep going," Smith said.
It's a lot of hard work to keep the church up and running, Smith said, but we're told the community makes it all worth it.
"It takes a lot to keep a church going. But really, I think it's dedication from the people that go to the church, and they just help us keep going - financially as well as spiritually," he added.
The church is located at 26 E. Church Street in Fairport.