Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The kick-off event was a dinner for more than 200 people that included members, former members and pastors, community leaders and friends of the church. Many speakers spoke fondly of the years spent turning the familiar 'barn' on Sherwood Hall Lane into a sanctuary, and footage showing the barn conversion from of an old film, "City Spires," was viewed.
MVPC has long been an active presence in the Mount Vernon community, and the invited guests came to honor MVPC for all the local programs that have had their beginnings in this congregation over the past 50 years: UCM, Meals on Wheels, and the Eleanor Kennedy Homeless Shelter. RPJ Housing is a partner in the current Families in Transition program, and Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services has been generously supportive through the years. Enjoying the festivities in the Fellowship Hall were Gerry Hyland, Mount Vernon Supervisor; Sharon Kelso and Sheri Zeman from UCM; Patty Dennis representing RPJ Housing; and Shannon Steen from Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services.
WHILE SOME PROGRAMS have become community-based and grown to service the entire Route One corridor, two programs remain church-based: Families in Transition and the Agape Reservoir. Families in Transition provides four apartments and two townhomes for families. The families receive reduced rent and, more importantly, work with a mentor from the congregation on issues such as budgeting, family, medical and work problems.
The newest initiative of MVPC is Agape Reservoir, a ministry that has reached out to people affected by emotional or mental disorders. Each Friday night, 50-70 people gather at the church fellowship hall for a meal and a time of fellowship, learning and fun. To many of the attendees, this is a lifeline to stability and to reengaging with society. Shepherded by MVPC's first associate pastor, Jeri Fields, the group has filled a need in the three years of its existence, growing from four members to over 70.
THE CELEBRATION continued with activities at the church. The 'barn,' now used to house a Seventh Day Adventist congregation, was open, and tours and its history were recounted by charter member, Howard Walker. Home movies from a former member, Ted Dougherty, recalled the early building years. Children of all ages left their handprints on a wall for the next generation to see, easels held pictures of members, and refreshments were served. The worship service included special music from all the singing choirs, bell choir, Westminster Winds, and a hymn, Pilgrim's Song, written for the occasion by choir member Valerie Norville. More activities, such as a Homecoming Picnic and an all-church retreat, are planned for the remainder of the year.