Presbyterian church marks 275th anniversary

The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury.

SHREWSBURY - - The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury is celebrating its 275th anniversary with a series of Sunday celebrations to which the public is invited.

"Religious Freedom," a pageant depicting the early history of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, will be presented Sunday. In music, drama and fiery dialogue, a large cast will depict the story of the founding of the church. The pageant will be staged in Fellowship Hall beginning at 10:30 a.m. and will serve as the worship service for the day. Reading the newly revised "History of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury" ($8) is excellent preparation for maximum enjoyment of the pageant.

A mini-museum of the congregation's early days will be presented Sunday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 28. This exhibit of artifacts will be presented in the Terrace Room. Some items are loaned from private collections. A model of the church building is included. The exhibit is available immediately after worship each Sunday and can be opened during the week by special arrangement.

A Colonial worship service will be held Sunday, Oct. 21. If you were to attend worship in colonial times, you would plan to spend several hours. On this Sunday, join the congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary for a Colonial worship service, authentic in many ways but adapted for modern day Presbyterians (music, length, etc.). Enter into the spirit by wearing Colonial garb. The Coffee Hour will be in a Colonial style as well.

On Sunday, Oct. 28, the congregation will host a "Birthday Party for Our Church." Beginning at 10:30 a.m., congregants will celebrate the church's 275th birthday with local dignitaries and invited guests from the offspring congregations - Tower Hill in Red Bank and Hope Presbyterian in Tinton Falls. Guest preacher is Executive Presbyter Bill Jordan. Following the worship service, there will be a gathering at Coffee Hour for a light lunch and, of course, birthday cake.

"Planting for the Future" on Sunday, Nov. 4, will be a look ahead to the future with a youth-oriented worship service. It is a Communion Sunday. Post-worship activities include planting a sapling that will grow into a majestic sycamore.

All of the festivities are dedicated to the church mothers and fathers who have made the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury and congregation what it is today.

The public is invited to participate fully in all of the celebrations.