Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Huguenot Memorial Church.

On Sunday, December 16, Huguenot Memorial Church marked 100 years in the Sanctuary in Pelham Manor. The rededication service was the culmination of an 18-month-long celebration that started with commemorating the June 1917 laying of the Sanctuary Cornerstone. The Celebration was marked with Music Sunday and all choirs participating:

• The Cherub/Angel Choir (ages 4-1st grade)
• The Celebration Choir (grades 2-5)
• Cantata Choir (middle schoolers – 9th grade)
• Gabriel Ringers (Handbells for boys grades 3-12)
• Adult Choir
• Adult Handbell Choir
• The Third Sunday Band

The Adult Choir was also joined by a string quartet to mark the Sanctuary’s Centennial. Some music played at the 1918 dedication of the Sanctuary was played again on Sunday to mark 100 years.

Huguenot Memorial Church has lovingly maintained the Sanctuary over the years, including:

• Installing a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system
• Rebuilding the organRestoring the stone bell tower
• Implemented a zero-waste program with vigorous recycling
• Upgrading the Sanctuary lighting system with programmable bulbs
• Installing live-streaming video of Sunday worship, which recently allowed family members in Ghana to witness a baptism

The Centennial Committee organized events and celebrations beginning in June 2017 which included installing a time  capsule marked with a plaque and set in the ground near the cornerstone. The time capsule will be opened in June 2118. The Centennial Committee, chaired by Eric Smith, included Jon Coss, Archivist, Lynne Dintrone, Bill Hoare, Kathy Jones, Jeff Marks, Chip Nyborg, Donna Randles, Tim Rood, Rev. Dr. Paul Seelman, Liselle Sakhrani and Elasah Schaff-Smith.