Two centuries of light

Sugar Loaf-The Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church celebrated its bicentennial on May 16 with a visit from Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, spiritual and temporal leader of 450 United Methodist Churches for the New York Annual Conference. Bishop Lyght led the worship service that day, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Dennis R. Winkleblack. His message, "Fresh Beginnings," challenged the congregation to find new ways of bringing Methodism into the 21st century. The service was the religious highlight of activities planned by Pastor Mary Howell and the Sugar Loaf Church for its bicentennial. The Bellvale United Methodist Church, Sugar Loaf's sister church, also joined in the worship and celebration. The theme of the Sugar Loaf bicentennial is "Two Centuries of ‘His' Light in the Valley." On Jan. 31, Dr. Richard Hull, professor of African Studies at New York University, gave a lecture and historical presentation entitled "Two Hundred Years of Methodism in the Hamlet of Sugar Loaf." On March 20, the church hosted a dinner party to honor former pastors and their families. The Rev. Arthur Hewitt, the Rev. James Hoffman, the Rev. Lee Gangaware, and the Rev. Dr. Marion Cox each shared memories of their time at the church. The celebrations will continue on Saturday, Sept. 25, with a community picnic. All residents in and around Sugar Loaf will be invited to share in the festivities. A pancake supper will be served on Saturday, Nov. 20. This final celebration will put aside the past and focus on planning for the next 100 years of the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church.