After 175 years, Tomkins Memorial Church still a centerpiece of community

BY KATHY KAHN

Tomkins Memorial Church has been standing in Tomkins Cove since 1840; first on Church and Spring St. in the hamlet and since 1973 at its current prominent location on Route 9W. If its small but active congregation has its way, it will be there for another 175 years.

The church on July 18 held a party to celebrate its longevity, serving food, family fun and inspirational entertainment from the ministry’s band. Pastor Peter Brayda said the close-knit community has helped keep the church alive and well, staying relevant to today’s needs.

Since 2000, Tomkins Memorial has been renamed The Living Hope Fellowship. “Everyone’s welcome,” said Brayda, who has been the pastor for the past quarter century. “We have many special ministries going on here that appeal to both our members and people who are looking for a place to worship.”

The non-denominational church can be found on Facebook.