First Presbyterian Church of Chili marks its bicentennial reflecting on the past and looking toward the future
In June 1816, the residents of Chili were embarking on what was known as the year with no summer. It snowed in July and most of the farmers’ crops did not survive. “There was a real need for community,” said Pastor Brandi Wooten of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili. “People realized that they were better together and that is what church is all about.” So what is now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Chili was born as people began meeting in their homes and barns.
Two years later, a simple church was built on the land where the current church is located – up on a hill at 3600 Chili Avenue and Stottle Road. A sign that read “God is Love” was placed over the pulpit. A similar sign made of the wood from the original church now hangs in the foyer of the current building, which was constructed in 1832.
The sign is just one of the artifacts that was saved from the church’s 200-year history. Many of the other artifacts, including a German Bible, communion table cover, hymnals, cross, and communion cup and plate were on display in the Floyd R. Neuman Community Heritage Cabinet at the Neuman Riga Library in June.
June is when the main celebration took place – a special service that included local dignitaries, the unveiling of a communion tablecloth made with over 100 pieces of cloth handpicked by each member of the congregation, and the performance of a song titled “Here in This Place” that was written by Adam Scoville especially for the anniversary celebration. “The celebration was so filled with joy and that reflects who we are,” said Wooten.
Other events included a “retro dinner” held in May that featured the same menu served at the 150th anniversary celebration, including a ham loaf recipe from beloved church member Aldythe Stowe. The congregation also put together a combination recipe and history book that features over 200 recipes from the approximate 135-member congregation.
“It reflects not only our history over the past 200 years, but who we are today as a community,” said Wooten. Copies of the cookbook cost $15 each and are available for purchase by calling 889-9896.
Coming up on October 22, the church will hold a fashion show and high tea in conjunction with Genesee Country Museum as part of the bicentennial celebration. The event will feature fashions through the ages and will take place at the church. More details will come soon and will be posted at chili-presbyterian.org.
“The pride of our church is reaching out into the community and sharing God’s love,” said Wooten. That includes an upcoming mission trip to Honduras where 11 church members will travel with Shoulder to Shoulder, a not-for-profit that works with the people of Intibuca, Honduras.
“Our church has so much to offer and we are looking forward to God working with us for the next 100 years,” said Wooten.
