Union AME Church to dedicate new building Aug. 9
WARWICK - “We are truly blessed,” said Rev. Vernon Peters, pastor of Warwick’s Union African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. “And God willing, our new church will be completed right on schedule.” On Saturday, Aug. 9, the public is invited to assemble by the old historic AME church building on Forester Avenue in the Village of Warwick at 9 a.m. Accompanied by a marching band, the parishioners and others will then proceed down Main Street, turning up McEwen Street and arriving at the new church building for at dedication ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Following the formal dedication, everyone is invited to enjoy a special luncheon at Lewis Park. Two years ago an engineering report had all but condemned the original historic church building on McEwen Street which had served the congregation for more than 100 years. The only reasonable solution was to replace it with a new facility estimated to cost from $500,000 to $600,000. Last July, Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Peters, members and past pastors of Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, local officials, pastors from several other churches, members of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, local residents and other guests assembled outside the old church building to witness an historic event: the official ground-breaking ceremony for the congregation’s new church building. And on Saturday, July 9, many of those same dignitaries and others will witness the official designation of the completed new church building. Last year, shortly after ground breaking for the new building, the original church facility, which stood at 98 McEwen St. since 1906, was moved to a property, owned by the Historical Society, which sits across from Wisner Library. The building is planned to one day serve as an African American museum. During a visit to the new facility, Peters explained that the design, traditional and similar to the older building in style, will normally accommodate 200 worshipers but about 50 more if the sliding doors to the fellowship room and kitchen are opened. The original building could only hold 64. With the altar now facing in the opposite direction from the old church building, parishioners will enter from the side of the building and rear of the seating area instead of the former street side entrance. The pastor and his family will also occupy an apartment and office on the second floor. In a statement of appreciation, found on the church’s Web site, Peters stated: “We thank God for those who have paved the way for us after willingly answering the call of God, and came together as one people united in God. For their works have benefited us both in the past and the present as we all have been blessed and touched in one way or the other.” Peters was especially thankful for the work of members of the building committee as well as the support and generosity of the community and especially the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Mayor Michael Newhard. The pastor also expressed his gratitude to engineer Dave Getz and architects DeGraw and DeHaan who waved their fees and to Duane Albro CEO of WTC Communications, a strong financial supporter of AME. Among others, Peters praised Felter Construction company, Key Bank and the law office of Stage, Nathans and Ziobro for the successful completion of the project. As with any project there were some cost overruns and future expenses will be incurred for stained glass windows, kitchen appliances and furniture for the parsonage. The parishioners would also like to burn the mortgage as soon as possible. Any person, business or organization wishing to help the Union African Methodist Episcopal Church should call 986-3649. Donations can also be mailed to Union AME Church, attention: Building Committee, P.O. Box 352, Warwick, NY 10990.