The history of the Ogden Presbyterian Church of Ogden goes back to August 20, 1811, when a small group of settlers met to discuss forming a church in their new settlement (Parma at the time). The congregation met in homes and schools for the next few years. The church building was erected in 1824 and the church's 975-pound bell was installed in 1849 after the original bell was moved to the new Congregational Church in Spencerport. This church has played a large role in the life of our community. From raising funds for church building improvements to supporting members in time of national, local and personal disaster, it has been a religious pillar of the community. The last few years have been a challenge for the parishioners as they have added on to the building, repaired the roof and dealt with the demise of the historic and famous steeple. It has been said that the steeple is a landmark for pilots who are coming into the Rochester International Airport and it was always an item of interest as the gold dome was visible to all who passed by. On Sunday, April 30, the congregation rededicated the 1849 bell which now hangs in the front yard of the church. According to Harry Pittman of the Ogden Presbyterian Church, the bell and the steeple was removed from the roof in 2001, because of structural issues. Members of the Bell Committee are: Bill Everett, Todd Ewell, Ryan Gruendike and Al Webster. A brick walk is planned from the front of the church to the bell. A new fiberglass steeple has been ordered and planned installation is for the fall of 2006. The old steeple has been stored in the church parking lot since its removal. It will be disposed of soon. Community members and the congregation have made considerable donations to this $45,000 project. An additional $4,000 must be raised to complete all the work. The church is selling inscribed bricks for the walk to help fund the steeple replacement. Donation forms may be obtained from the church or from the Ogden Farmers' Library. Submitted material May 14, 2006 |
