History | The Park Church

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Worship 10 AM Sundays: in-person

Welcome to the Park Church,
Congregational,United Church of Christ

Continuing a Legacy of Activism in the Southern Tier

a just world for all

Welcome to The Park Church History page! Here you will find an overview of the history of The Park Church, a Thomas K Beecher timeline, an interactive 360 panoramic tour, events such as Mark Twain Summer Lectures at Park, scheduled in-person tours of our historic building, and music performances. Finally we have a published online an extensive history of The Park Church from 1846 through 1979, written by devoted members of the Church.

History of The Park Church

360 Panoramic Tour

History - 1846 - 1979

Come Celebrate Slide

Come Celebrate Slide

October 12, 2025 - Come Celebrate

What : 150th Anniversary of The Park Church's Landmark Sanctuary - Service of Celebration and Re-dedication When : Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 2 PM Where : The Park Church Sanctuary With special guests and a reception to follow Homily - “ Verbs ” Scripture: Micah 6:6-8 (Guest clergy may robe/vest. For Christian clergy, the color of the day is red.) Watch the recorded service

WORSHIP RECAP RECORDING

July 13, 2025 - Mrs. Beecher and Mark Twain

July 13, 2025 - Mrs. Beecher and Mark Twain

July 13, 2025 - Mrs. Beecher and Mark Twain

Service of the Word : Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 10 AM Message Title : "Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain" Presented By : Jenny Monroe 📖...

WORSHIP RECAP RECORDING

The History of The Park Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ - An Overview

The History of The Park Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ - An Overview

The History of The Park Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ - An Overview

🔙 The Park Church History Home Page Our History Set Our Course Incorporated on January 3, 1846 by 41 abolitionists who broke away from First Presbyterian Church over the issue of slavery to form a new congregation Original bylaws include this statement: “That the using, holding or trading in men as slaves is a sin in the sight of God, a great wrong to its subjects and a great moral and political evil, inconsistent with the Christian profession. And that this church will admi

Interactive Elmira Maps

Interactive Elmira Maps

Interactive Elmira Maps

Small Town 360 creates stunning virtual tours including interactive maps. Select from the options below to explore local maps of your...

Center for Mark Twain Studies - Archived Lectures Page

Center for Mark Twain Studies - Archived Lectures Page

Center for Mark Twain Studies - Archived Lectures Page

Each talk from the 2024 Trouble Begins Lecture Series and Park Church Summer Lecture Series can now be viewed online. If you were unable...

August 4, 2024 - Walking Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery

August 4, 2024 - Walking Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery

August 4, 2024 - Walking Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery

What: Walking Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery When: Sunday, August 4 at 2 pm Where: Meet and park at the Walnut Street gate Walking tour at...

July 24, 31, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

July 24, 31, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

July 24, 31, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

The 2024 Park Church Summer Lecture Series is presented by the Center for Mark Twain Studies (CMTS) and The Park Church. The series will...

July 10, 17, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

July 10, 17, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

July 10, 17, 2024 - Mark Twain Lectures

The 2024 Park Church Summer Lecture Series is presented by the Center for Mark Twain Studies (CMTS) and The Park Church. The series will...

May 18, 2024 - Open House - Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain

May 18, 2024 - Open House - Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain

May 18, 2024 - Open House - Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain

What: Mrs. Beecher & Mark Twain - Open House and Presentation When: Saturday, May 18, 2024 at these times 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM 1:30...

New! The Park Church 360 Panoramic Tour

New! The Park Church 360 Panoramic Tour

New! The Park Church 360 Panoramic Tour

The Park Church is grateful to "Deetroit" Dave for creating several high-resolution panoramic photos of the Church's sanctuary and other...

March 19, 2023 - Historic Walking Tour of The Park Church

March 19, 2023 - Historic Walking Tour of The Park Church

March 19, 2023 - Historic Walking Tour of The Park Church

What: Historic Walking Tour of The Park Church When: Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 11:15 AM Where: Start in Beecher Hall Come poke in the...

Park Church History - November 27, 1845

Park Church History - November 27, 1845

Park Church History - November 27, 1845

Happy Birthday Livy and Sam! November 27, 1845 for Olivia Louise Langdon and November 30, 1835 for Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Here they...

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