Colonial church celebrates 240th birthday

This Saturday, July 20, the Oakdale Historical Society raised over $500 at a community picnic and yard sale at St. John’s Church. The second-oldest church in Suffolk County, the celebration was for St. John’s 240th birthday.

Society president Maryann Almes encouraged the community to “bring your family, friends, and celebrate our great town with your neighbors!” when first advertising the event.

The church provided requisite summer and picnic eats like hot dogs and burgers, along with a birthday cake.

“In the spirit of community, please try to bring a cold or hot dish (or your specialty dish!) to share with your neighbors,” encouraged Almes before the event.

Vendors, who set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., were able to reserve a 10-by-10 spot for a donation of $30 for the church’s substantial upkeep costs.

Local musician Nick Russell donated his time and talent, performing live in the gazebo.

“Everyone was delighted to spend the day with great food, great music, and new friends,” said Almes.

Dating back to colonial times, St. John’s in Oakdale has inspired art and ardor for almost 250 years of its history. Last summer, the church provided itself as a muse for both the Patchogue Arts Council sketch club and photography club.

With over two-dozen artists in attendance, St. John’s was a centerpiece for contemporary art expression. The Oakdale Historical Society is one of a number of caretakers of the building and the surrounding land, especially the cemetery that has Revolutionary War-era graves.

Dating back to 1689, when it was known as Charlotte Church, St. John’s was the “mother church” to many of the Town of Islip’s surrounding churches that still function today.

St. John’s was the name bestowed to the church in 1764 when it served as a hospital for the Revolutionary War.

St. John’s runs mostly on volunteerism and funds raised from the attached thrift store.

The annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony is held on St. John’s sacred ground, with community members saying prayers and honoring those from the area that were victims of the attacks.

In the winter, the church hosts the Civil War Christmas, which features local elementary and professional choruses performing on the grounds of the historical church in front of the stained-glass windows.