09/01/2026
The 200th Anniversary Service of Forest Presbyterian Church was held on August 30, 2026, with 53 people in attendance. It was a beautiful celebration filled with music, memories, and heartfelt reflections on the many ways Forest Church has touched the lives of generations.
Music for the service was carefully and thoughtfully selected by Choir Director Tricia Kennison and Guitarist Steve Kennison. Organist Andrea Radesi shared her gift of music with the congregation, beautifully accompanying the service. Members of the youth, Tobe Sampson and Bella Anderson, led the Call to Worship and Prayer of Confession.
Helen Gydesen, the longest living member of the congregation, was presented with a well deserved Certificate of Appreciation for all she has done and continues to do for the Church.
During the service, members of the congregation, along with children of former pastor Rev. James O’Hara, shared personal memories and stories of how Forest Church has touched their lives and the lives of their families.
Tom Osborne reflected on the special significance of having four of his great-grandchildren baptized at Forest Church in 2024—74 years after he himself was baptized there.
Mary Dixon recalled attending Forest Church with her parents, Harold and Jane Allen. She shared some of her favorite childhood memories, including the penny jar for children’s birthdays and Children’s Day. She fondly remembered Mrs. O’Hara’s reminder to “Never hide your light under a bushel basket.” Mary also shared a humorous memory from an Easter service. During the sermon, Rev. McKellar asked the congregation who could have had the power to roll away the stone. A young boy sitting in the pew in front of Mary and quietly playing with his action figure, confidently answered, “He-Man could roll back the stone,” bringing a memorable moment of childhood innocence to the Easter service.
Katie Liendecker shared the story of being raised Catholic and attending two church services each Sunday with her husband, Paul—one at the Catholic Church and one at Forest Presbyterian Church. When Joyce O’Hara approached Katie and asked her to teach Sunday School, Katie responded, “You know I’m a Catholic.” Mrs. O’Hara simply replied, “A Christian is a Christian.” Katie went on to become a member of Forest Presbyterian Church in 1971.
The children of Rev. James O’Hara also shared cherished memories of their years at Forest Church. Mary O’Hara recalled that one of her fondest memories was her wedding at Forest Church in 1971. Mike remembered folding church bulletins on Saturday nights while watching Gunsmoke on television. Dermitt O’Hara shared special memories of Christmas Eve, when children from both Forest Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Catholic Church would gather together to sing. The evening would conclude at Ellen Blodgett’s home with hot chocolate and cookies—a wonderful example of the friendship and community that has long been a part of Forest Church. Gerald fondly remembered the penny jar on birthdays, family dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, and movies shown in the church basement.
Sarah Anderson shared how Forest Church has been a symbol of friendship and love throughout her life. The church has been part of many important moments for Sarah’s family, including baptisms, funerals, and most recently, the marriage of her son, Jacob. Sarah also reflected on her father, Rev. Paul Joslyn, who served as pastor of Forest Church for five years. She shared that God, family, and community were of the utmost importance to her parents—values that continue to be reflected in the life of Forest Church today.
The service concluded with Tanya Roy giving the Benediction as it was given by Rev. James McKellar in 1994, beautifully connecting the congregation of today with those who gathered at Forest Church more than three decades ago.
Following the service, the congregation and guests gathered for a time of fellowship and enjoyed a special anniversary cake.
The 200th Anniversary Service was more than a celebration of a building or a date in history. It was a celebration of the people, families, friendships, faith, and memories that have made Forest Presbyterian Church a special part of the community for two centuries. The stories shared reminded everyone that while generations change, the love and fellowship found within Forest Church continue to live on.
