Our United Church brought together the Presbyterian and Baptist churches of Genoa. The Second Presbyterian Church of Genoa dates back to 1817, soon after the town was founded. Central New York was in the midst of a religious awakening and the church grew rapidly. In its first twenty-five years, the church was twice heavily damaged by fire. Faithful members rebuilt the church and the present building was dedicated in 1843. Students from the Auburn Seminary often provided pastoral leadership until the Federation in 1929. As a result, there were few pastorates that lasted longer than a couple of years. Periodic revivals added to the membership, but it was a church that was small in numbers for most of the 19th century.
The Baptist presence in Genoa began in 1876 with meetings held in various places throughout the town. The First Baptist Church of Genoa was organized in 1881. The church building and parsonage on Academy Street were dedicated in 1883.
By 1929, both churches recognized that they would be able to function more effectively as one church rather than two. They came together as the Federated Church of Genoa. Under federation, each church had its own constitution, officers and membership. In 1971 we became the United Church of Genoa with a unified structure and a single membership. With federation came greater stability in pastoral leadership. Some of our pastors have gone on to become missionaries (Clifton Bohanan, Glenn Kennedy) and denominational executives (Ken Roadarmel, Ivan Cash).
The years following World War II were glorious days for the church and the community. The church was a thriving center for social and spiritual life. In 1957, three classrooms were added to the Presbyterian church building. The Genoa School rented them for classroom space. For many years the old Baptist church was used as a fellowship hall. But two buildings were difficult to maintain so in 1982, the Baptist church was torn down and everything was placed under one roof. The following year the present fellowship hall and kitchen were built, incorporating two of the classrooms and an addition.
Today the United Church of Genoa is the only church in town and is appreciated by the community for the many things it does to serve the current population. The church is well known for its ministry of Hospitality, opening its arms and its kitchen to provide special services and meals to any and all. And most everyone's favorite--the annual Harvest Supper is a tradition of community service which the church has sustained for over 70 years.
The Baptist presence in Genoa began in 1876 with meetings held in various places throughout the town. The First Baptist Church of Genoa was organized in 1881. The church building and parsonage on Academy Street were dedicated in 1883.
By 1929, both churches recognized that they would be able to function more effectively as one church rather than two. They came together as the Federated Church of Genoa. Under federation, each church had its own constitution, officers and membership. In 1971 we became the United Church of Genoa with a unified structure and a single membership. With federation came greater stability in pastoral leadership. Some of our pastors have gone on to become missionaries (Clifton Bohanan, Glenn Kennedy) and denominational executives (Ken Roadarmel, Ivan Cash).
The years following World War II were glorious days for the church and the community. The church was a thriving center for social and spiritual life. In 1957, three classrooms were added to the Presbyterian church building. The Genoa School rented them for classroom space. For many years the old Baptist church was used as a fellowship hall. But two buildings were difficult to maintain so in 1982, the Baptist church was torn down and everything was placed under one roof. The following year the present fellowship hall and kitchen were built, incorporating two of the classrooms and an addition.
Today the United Church of Genoa is the only church in town and is appreciated by the community for the many things it does to serve the current population. The church is well known for its ministry of Hospitality, opening its arms and its kitchen to provide special services and meals to any and all. And most everyone's favorite--the annual Harvest Supper is a tradition of community service which the church has sustained for over 70 years.