Canandaigua, N.Y. – The First Congregational Church celebrated its 200th anniversary with a rededication Sunday.
The church is the oldest public building in Canandaigua. The rededication took place 200 years to the day it was originally dedicated, during the War of 1812, when workers built the church during the day and trained soldiers at night.
Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy attended the ceremony, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a proclamation saying the church played an important role in New York state history.
“Throughout the history, for 200 years, things have happened here and across this country, it's been a beacon,” Duffy said of the church. “It's just a beautiful church, it's a national landmark and a treasure, so to be a part of this today – the 200th anniversary to the exact day when this church was dedicated – is a pleasure."
