The congregation of Park Presbyterian Church has known the highs of economic prosperity brought by the world-changing effect of the Erie Canal, and the consistent economic and social decline that followed as the canal was superseded by rail and highway. Yet as the community found itself in greater need, the church responded.
Over the years, the church building was expanded to provide meeting space and updated and upgraded to offer greater flexibility for other users. The congregation has contributed to support the more than 50 groups who use various areas at no cost. Each month, over 40 different organizations use the lounge, meeting rooms and dining hall. Every summer, Park hosts hundreds of teens participating in mission work camps. Most recently, the congregation unanimously agreed to become a “host church” for a new chapter of Family Promise, an ecumenical program that provides transitional shelter and support to homeless families.
For almost 200 years, the needs of the local community have changed drastically – and Park Presbyterian Church has been changing to meet those needs, step for step.
— Kirk Baker, transitional minister
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