'SPECIAL' COMMUNITY CHURCH TURNS 175

The Kenyon name goes back several generations in connection with the First Seventh Day Baptist Church in Hebron. Nonagenarian Rachel Kenyon was among faithful parishioners who drew a special fulfillment from Saturday's 175th anniversary celebration at the church that has been the setting for so many important moments in community members' lives.

It is been the site of life's greatest joys and deepest sorrows.

But on Saturday, the First Seventh Day Baptist Church in the tiny Potter County village of Hebron was filled with nostalgia and faith, as parishioners and well-wishers came from miles around to celebrate the 175th anniversary of its founding.

"There must be something besides a good location, hard work and a strong sense of community that keeps the church going," said the present pastor, Jo Anne Burdick Kandel. "There must be the blessings of God. While there have been challenges, sorrows and dark days for the church here, God's grace and his holy spirit has surely been shared with our church on the hill."

A worship service in the morning was followed by an afternoon-long program of praise, reminiscence,

From its early days as a Sabbath center formed by Christians from Alfred, N.Y., the First Seventh Day Baptist Church has been filled with scripture and song. Traditional hymns rung out with special enthusiasm during Saturday's worship service. The present church building was erected in 1889. In 1926, the Hebron Community Building was constructed next door.

recognition of former pastors and long-time parishioners, as well as music and fellowship.

"This is a very special day in a very special place," declared longtime Hebron resident Bill Thompson, who now lives in Coudersport with his wife, Kathryn.

Roots of what would become

the First Seventh Day Baptist Church in 1833 were planted four years earlier when Clarke Crandall came to what would become Crandall Hill with the intention of establishing a colony for the denomi- nation.

The following year, a dozen men followed Crandall to the region from Alfred, N.Y., and began holding Sabbath services in homes in Hebron.

Pastor Jo Anne Burdick Kandel said the continued vitality if the First Seventh Day Baptist Church in Hebron reflects God's grace. She spoke during worship services and a commemoration program marking the church's 175th anniversary.

As part of the church's formation in 1833, a school house was built and used for worship services.

Today's church building was erected in 1889. In 1926, the Hebron Community Building - still in use today - was built as a joint project of the Ladies Aid Society and the Grange.

An addition to the church last year accommodates a classroom, office, fully accessible bathroom and indoor ramp.

Church historians have kept meticulous records, including a roster of 37 clergy members serving since 1836. Pastor Kandel was called in 2005 as successor to the late T. Lee Bennett, who served from 1999 to 2004.

Other pastors in recent years include Rev. Michael Burns (1990- 98), Charles Thomas (1985-88), Rev. Marion H. Vincent (1983), Rev. Stephen Crouch (1979- 1983), Rev. Kenneth VanHorn (1973-79), Harold King (1968-72), Rev. Herbert F. Saunders (1964-67), Rev. Thomas McIntosh (1962-64), Rev. Eugene Fatato (1959-62), Rev. Delmer VanHorn (1955-59) and Rev. Darrell Barber (1952-54).

This was just a portion of the parishioners, family visitors and other well-wishers who attended Saturday's celebration at the landmark church in the Crandall Hill village of Hebron. Photographer Judy Gamon assembled the group for this picture at the church's front entrance.

Parishioners plan to continue living their faith during this anniversary year with donations to food pantries, visits to long-term care homes, family activities and a community picnic and hymn sing on June 21 in the Hebron Community Park, located across from the church.

Bill Thompson and wife Kathryn moved from Crandall Hill to Coudersport several years ago, but he maintains his ties with that tight-knit community where many of his relatives remain. Thompson was among those offering testimony at last weekend's celebration.