Within the sanctuary of the Searing-Roslyn United Methodist Church in Albertson, halfway between the last row of pews and the altar, is a faint line of spackle that extends up each wall and across the ceiling.
The spackle connects about 70 years’ worth of construction to 230 years of sermons and baptisms, weddings and funerals, Sunday School sessions and Alcoholics’ Anonymous meetings.
The line is one of several reminders throughout the church that link its past, present and future together.
“The American Methodist Church and America are intertwined. We were born together at the start of our nation, we struggled together, we were blessed together,” said Rev. Charlie Yun, 56, who lives in a house adjacent to the church at 134 I.U. Willets Road with his wife and son. “We’ve continued to grow.”
The church was founded in 1785 by Philip Cox, moving from various Long Island and Queens Methodist church circuits before joining with the Roslyn United Methodist Church in 1979.
“At the time, we were in the easter season,” said Yun, who was assigned to the church in 2011. “And I’m sure if we had a calendar, we could go back to when Easter was in 1785, but I’m sure that their Easter spirit carried on either way.”
Artifacts and old photographs line the church’s walls. Back offices and a meeting area were built in the 1940s.
In mid April, the church celebrated its 230th anniversary with a sermon that was led by Yun and Bishop Jane Allen Middleton.
North Hempstead town officials were on hand to deliver a proclamation to Yun to mark the occasion.
“The theme of our homily that day was, ‘It is a new day,’” Yun said. “[Middleton] said it’s a new day, a new challenge. Hold on to your history and let’s continue.”
Over the years, the church has offered its space for Sunday School classes and addiction recovery programs. It also partners with Island Harvest Food Bank for collections and donations.
“We have a hope and vision,” Yun said. “Every single day, God gives us a new day and a new ministry and gives us our vision for peace in the community and the world.”
