Ascension church in Rockville Centre to mark a century and a quarter

The Church of the Ascension, Rockville Centre's oldest active church still in its original building, will launch a year-long celebration marking its 125th anniversary with a special morning service this Sunday, May 23. 

The prayer service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the landmark Episcopal church (founded in 1885 and erected three years later), will repeat much of what its parishioners would have heard during the building's dedication. Music sung and played at the service, found in the church's historical archives, will be performed under the direction of organist/choir director Kenneth Dyer. Dignitaries representing local religious organizations, government representatives including Rockville Centre Mayor Mary Bossart and Sen. Dean Skelos and other notables will be on hand. 

An afternoon tea with a Victorian theme is set to begin at noon for the church's congregation and special guests, during which Mayor Bossart will present a program on the history of a Tea. The chairman of the event is Frank Seipp.

  Additional events centering on the Church of the Ascension are currently in the planning stage and will be announced during the year.

  Erected in 1888 and enlarged in 1942, The Church of the Ascension is located two blocks north of Sunrise Highway at 71 North Village Ave.