Jamaica church celebrates 345th anniversary

The heavens were smiling on Sunday, October 21 as the community came out to celebrate the 345th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica.
The 11 a.m. service was filled to capacity, and featured guest speakers, a video that spoke to the timeline of religion in light of world events, and even a dance troupe.
Drawing on music as a form of worship and praise, the light-filled, historical church - founded in 1662 - was filled with the sounds of prayer.
“It is so good we are here to celebrate 345 years,” said Reverend Patrick H. O’Connor, lead pastor. “So good that God started this work so long ago and in His providence and wisdom it continues today.”
Elder Norman Bumgardner, moderator of the Presbytery of New York City, which represents 114 congregations, served as a guest speaker, as well as Brian Simon, a representative of Congressmember Gregory Meeks.
“We celebrate with you a momentous occasion,” Simon told the rapt audience. “[Reverend Patrick O’Connor’s] mentorship of the young people is astounding. He takes care of the needs of the current generation and prepares the next . . . to keep the 345-year tradition.”
The interesting, interactive service then recognized member Robert McKinley, 85, who helped to institute an integration program in the church.
“Today, First [Presbyterian] Church is stronger than it ever was,” said the elder and life-long worshipper in a video message.
After five new members were installed and welcomed, guest preacher Reverend Anthony Trufant, senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, gave a stirring sermon that drew on current issues and congratulated the institution and its congregants.
“We are privileged to be in a place celebrating 345 years of worship, witness and work,” he said.
Continuing in the joyful spirit of the day, a liturgical dance was then performed.
The “Blessings of Abraham” had everyone dancing in the aisles as the troupe entertained.
First Church Jamaica, which looks forward to the future, responds to the needs of a diverse community. Membership has doubled in the last five years and now counts 750 active members.
The house of worship is ideally located at 89-60 164th Street, in the heart of Jamaica Center, at the end of the main subway line and two blocks away from one of the major bus terminals in Queens.
Programs include mid-week Bible study, GED and ESL classes, tutoring, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, a soup kitchen, clothing closet, emergency food distribution, volleyball, basketball, youth/adult choirs, parenting classes, the Alice Horn Gift Shop, computer training, a comprehensive youth program incorporating education, recreation, socialization, mentoring, and leadership training. An Adult Program that is intellectually challenging provides opportunities for participants to enhance physical and mental health, develop social networks and remain actively engaged in living life to the fullest.
To learn more, call 718-526-4775 or visit www.firstchurchjamaica.org.