Middlebrook
Celebration

A service to celebrate 200 years of history of the Presbyterian Church in Erie County was held at the sight of the original service in August of 1801, at Middlebrook.  (The Presbytery still owns the property, on the east side of Route 89, several miles south of Colt Station, just south of the Camper’s Hill Campground.)

The worship service was held on Sunday, August 26, 2001.   This recreation of the first church service in Erie County was held on the hill where, in August 1801, a preacher rode in and delivered a sermon and a few days later, a long cabin was erected to become Middlebrook Church. Now, there are only trees, as no doubt there were then; and a few grave markers, which weren't.

But on the afternoon of August 26th, approximately 200 people (and 1 horse) braved a threatening sky to celebrate the birth of our faith in Erie County.  While the lengthy service planned in the old-fashioned style had to be cut short, all those present realized the awesome power of God and of our faith.  The "elements" of Communion took on a whole new meaning.  Such a strong faith will endure!