Back-to-back Presbyterian churches. I had actually planned to visit a different church this Sunday, but because their website was not updated, I found myself searching for a new pew at 10 a.m., not long before service began. This one fit the bill, starting at 10:30 a.m. and right around the corner from my apartment. It worked out perfectly, as this congregation started as an offshoot from the First (Scots) Presbyterian Church https://ashleyadventures.blog/2021/04/01/house-of-worship-5-first-scots-presbyterian-church/ in 1809.  I’ve always wondered about the “first,” “second” etc. in church names, and I think it is as simple as the obvious— first one to form, second and so forth.

This church had the most welcoming members so far – inviting and friendly without being invasive. There was a young violinist who was a guest soloist before the service started. She was outstanding. I feel like I am repeating this observation, but it is true week after week that the size and beauty of these churches are magnificent. The design detail on the columns as well as the altar were gorgeous. After a few searches, I have learned the sanctuary is considered a Classic Revival style. It is stuccoed brick with two tiers of windows, a square tower with an octagonal belfry, and a tetra Tuscan portico. The size of the sanctuary presented a problem because it strained the voices of the ministers. Therefore, in 1833 the floor was raised three feet, the ceiling lowered sixteen feet, and the rear wall of the nave moved to enlarge the vestibule. Lastly, the pews again were low , and as a woman on the taller side, I find these uncomfortable.

The service started with an open call from the Pastor to ask him questions. I found this intriguing and very sincere. We then went into a confession similar to the other services that included a read-aloud group confession then silent time for your own. The pastor assured us on the other side of the read confession that our “slate was clean,” so I felt good. Ready to sin again! 😎

I appreciated that their bulletin included an overview of the Apostles Creed explaining why they say “descended into hell” and why the C in Catholic has been in lower case potentially in the Anglican services from earlier (https://ashleyadventures.blog/2021/03/03/house-of-worship-2-saint-michels-church/) . From their bulletin:  

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

The sermon this day was about if you knew the world was ending what would you do?  It was centered upon Jesus’s last week and how his various disciples acted—or didn’t.  I liked Pastor Darwin’s message, but interestingly, felt it ended too soon. I was expecting more of rally cry for the week. They served communion and again, I chose not to partake out of respect for the church’s different beliefs if a non-member can participate. I know Methodists welcome all Christians (I am a baptized Christian) yet not sure with each new denomination so decided to abstain.

Their service ended with an applause benediction. The sports fan in me liked this – like a “Go Team!”

  

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