The oldest church in Greenwich continues its historic celebration on July 19 with its 350th Founder’s Day and the community is invited! Bring the whole family and “travel back in time” to experience a re-creation of a 17th Century worship service.
There will be 350th anniversary activities for children of all ages, singing, fun historical facts, and a special photo op, too!
Peter Tesei. Contributed photo
First Selectman Peter Tesei will be on hand to read the official Founder’s Day Proclamation.
Period costumes are optional, but definitely encouraged! There will even be a real live “Tithingman!” What’s a “Tithingman,” you may ask. Come on July 19 and find out!
And, after the service, stick around for lobster rolls on the church front lawn, specially prepared by our own Senior Pastor, Rev. Richard DenUyl.
There will also be free hot dogs for the kids (and those who don’t eat lobster).
You may ask: ‘Isn’t lobster too high end for a church lunch?’ and ‘What does lobster have to do with Founder’s Day?’ Well, according to Rev. DenUyl, “…around the time First Church was founded, lobster was considered ‘poor man’s protein.’ In fact, when the first Puritans arrived in North America, lobsters were so plentiful that they would reportedly wash ashore in piles up to two feet high! Hence, during hard times they were literally a lifesaver on land. During this same period Native Americans ate lobsters too. They prepared their meal by covering the lobsters in seaweed and baking them over hot rocks, which, according to tradition inspired the classic New England clambake.”
So, mark your calendars, invite your friends and plan to join us in celebrating this historical event.
Please RSVP for the lobster luncheon ($10 ticket/person includes lobster roll, cole slaw, chips, beverage and dessert) by July 13 by calling 203-637-1791 or emailing [email protected]. You can also purchase tickets directly from the First Congregational Church Office.
The First Congregational Church of Greenwich is located at 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich (across from Binney Park). 203-637-1791, www.fccog.org. All are always welcome.