BALDWINSVILLE — When it comes to celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church is a little late to the party, thanks to the pandemic.
FUMC will hold two events this weekend to ring in its 150-plus years in the heart of the village. The family-friendly Fall Fete takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and a special worship service will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. (See sidebar for details.)
Heading up the Fall Fete is church member Sharon Cook, who first heard the term “fete” on a travel show about the United Kingdom.
“It’s an older word. It’s like a festival or a celebration,” she said. “In the UK they use it mainly as fundraisers for nonprofits.”
FUMC’s apple-themed Fall Fete will feature games and activities for the whole family, historical presentations, community nonprofit fair, a picnic and plenty of live music.
Adults likely know Bill Ali from his gig as the lead vocalist of area rock band Scars N’ Stripes, but he will present an acoustic set for children at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Vocalist Lisa Kisselstein — daughter of historian Bonnie Kisselstein — will also present a concert for kids.
FUMC Music Director Nancy James and Organist Marianne Miles will perform on piano and organ, respectively.
“Our worship leader is going to be doing some music out in the parking lot, weather permitting,” Cook added.
Festivalgoers also will have the chance to meet Pastors Bill Mudge and Jeff Hodge and other members of the FUMC team.
As the home of Baldwinsville Nursery School, FUMC is planning plenty of fun for kids. BNC will host apple-themed activity stations and a make-and-take painting craft. Kids can also explore the playground and the “box room,” building forts and crafts out of cardboard. Two younger FUMC members, Taylor Hoffman and Keenan Smith, will host the Royal Reading Room dressed as a princess and a prince.
“We’re hoping it’s great weather and a wonderful day for everyone,” Cook said.
The church also will host a showcase of area nonprofits such as PAC-B, Canton Woods Senior Center, Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, the Female Charitable Society and the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center.
“We decided we didn’t want to make this just about our anniversary,” Cook said. “We’d like to make it a day of joy and give a platform to other nonprofits. There’s nonprofits in the community that people don’t even know about.”
Bonnie Kisselstein is a lifetime congregant of FUMC, local historian and officer of the Female Charitable Society. She said the church’s birthday bash was originally planned before COVID-19 hit, and she is “very excited to be able to have the celebration.”
“I’ve been a member of the church since I was baptized there as an infant,” said Kisselstein, who turns 80 later this year.
Kisselstein will be on hand at the Fall Fete to answer questions about the history of Baldwinsville, FUMC and Methodism, which in 2021 celebrated its 200th anniversary of having a presence in B’ville.
“I love our Rose Window especially because of its center. It is the Good Shepherd [Jesus holding a lamb],” Kisselstein said. “Whenever I’m worried or anxious about something, I picture Him holding us in his arms. With the world in such a state, I picture the globe there.”
While many passing through Baldwinsville have admired the Rose Window from the outside, the FUMC community is hoping their neighbors will take the opportunity to see it from another side, either by attending the Fall Fete on Saturday or the special anniversary church service on Sunday, Sept. 25.
“A lot of people have never been in our church and we want them to see what’s behind that beautiful stained glass window,” Cook said. “It’s the people inside of it that make it beautiful too.”
Schedule of events
All events take place at the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church, located at 17 W. Genesee St. For additional details, call the church office at 315-635-6442, visit bvillefirstumc.org or follow @bvillefirstumc on Facebook.
Fall Fete
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
The Baldwinsville community is invited to celebrate Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church’s 150th-plus anniversary, by attending the Fall Fete: an open house with live musical performances, including performances by local musician Bill Ali (10:30 a.m., for kids) and the Baldwinsville Community Band (1 p.m.); a community showcase of local nonprofits, church and service organizations; community history picture display, art and play activities, fun and refreshments.
Special Worship Service
9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25
The Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church is celebrating 150-plus years in this building and 200-plus years as a faith community with a special worship service. All are invited.
