Church Celebrates 225th Anniversary

The Glen Cove United Methodist Church, formerly Carpenter Memorial, celebrates its 225-year anniversary in 2010.

Originally founded in 1785, it is the oldest church in The City of Glen Cove and one of the oldest Methodist Congregations on Long Island. As part of its year long celebration, the congregation had an official anniversary recognition and worship service on Sunday, May 23. 

Many local officials were on hand to participate. Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi presented the pastor, Rev. William F. Wendler with a Proclamation from the city recognizing the congregation's commitment to local community service.

"Everywhere I go, Rev. Wendler seems to be there," said Suozzi.

Bayville Mayor Victoria Siegel also attended bringing greetings from The Village of Bayville where the Glen Cove congregation now worships; and Nassau County Legislator Dianne Yaturo presented a Proclamation from the County Legislature.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine's office brought a Commendation from The New York State Assembly. The Methodist Church's commitment to local community service was evidenced by representatives from the Glen Cove Inter-Agency Council and Safe, Inc. both of whom expressed appreciation for the congregation and encouraged the pastor's participation and leadership in community affairs. 

A plaque was presented during the celebration to the person who is the longest member of the congregation. Well known Glen Cove resident and World War II veteran Howard G. Nelsen, who now lives at the Veteran's Home in Northport, holds that distinction having joined Carpenter Memorial United Methodist Church 68 years ago in 1942.  

The celebration also included the dedication and blessing of new church entrance doors, which were a gift from the Glen Cove congregation to The Village Church of Bayville. Both churches have shared the same building since forming a cooperative ministry in January 2005.

The United Methodist Church building on School Street in Glen Cove was sold in 2008 to Hanmuam Baptist Church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Denomination.

Officiating at the dedication in addition to the resident Pastors, Rev. William F. Wendler of Glen Cove and Rev. Dr. Robert Liebold of Bayville was United Methodist District Superintendent, Rev. Adrienne Brewington who preached the morning's sermon.

Following the service, a brunch and anniversary cake were served.

Glen Cove United Methodist Church will continue its anniversary celebration with various activities in 2011, concluding with an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that will include ports of call on three continents enabling members to visit many of the earliest sites of the Christian history and early church growth.