By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
FEURA BUSH—The Onesquethaw Reformed Church marked a significant milestone on Sept. 14, as it celebrated its 200th anniversary with a day of worship, history and festivities.
Established in 1824, the church has been a cornerstone of the local community, both spiritually and historically.
The day began with a special worship service at 10 a.m., led by guest minister Kent “Uncle Kent” Busman, director of Camp Fowler, who delivered a heartfelt sermon in the church’s beautifully simple sanctuary. The service focused on praising God for the church’s two centuries of continual worship and service, as the congregation reflected on the church’s roots and its lasting impact on the community.
Preaching Elder Deb Relyea Dailey, who currently leads the church in the absence of a full-time minister, shared her journey to her current role.
“I’ve gone through classes and examinations with the Albany Classis,” she explained. “It’s an honor to serve this historic congregation during such a significant time.”
The Onesquethaw Reformed Church traces its origins to a group of six men and eight women from New Scotland who, in 1824, petitioned to form their own congregation due to the long distance they had to travel to worship at the Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem. The land for the church was donated by Cornelius Slingerland, and construction began shortly after with stones rejected from the building of the Erie Canal because they were too small, giving the church a unique place in local history, according to Dailey.
“These smaller stones that were cast aside by the canal builders were perfect for our church,” said Dailey. “Our building, in many ways, is built from what others rejected, just like the Bible verse we chose to represent this anniversary: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’”
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a variety of activities celebrating both the church and the broader history of the region. Albany County Historian John McEneny gave presentations on what life was like in the area in 1824 when the church was first established. Church Clerk Sandy Swann also led guided tours of the historic building, offering visitors insights into the architecture and history of the church.
The event wasn’t just a historical celebration—it was also a family-friendly affair. The day featured live music, classic cars, a book giveaway, and plenty of activities for children, including balloon animals, face painting, and visits with local firefighters and police officers. The community was invited to sample foods made from old recipes, like Copper Carrots and Cardinal Punch, and browse through the church’s newly compiled cookbook.
Reflecting on the church’s deep connection with the community, Dailey emphasized the congregation’s ongoing commitment to service.
“We’re a small church, but we do a lot of mission work. Since 2004, we’ve donated 10% of our weekly income to deserving non-profits, amounting to over $100,000 over the past 20 years,” Dailey said.
The church also operates a food pantry, supported by donations from six local churches, which provides essential resources to local families in need.
Marking 200 years of continuous worship, the Onesquethaw Reformed Church has stood the test of time, offering spiritual guidance and community support to countless generations. As Dailey noted, “This isn’t just a church—it’s a family. When you walk through those doors, you are immediately part of something larger. No one is ever turned away.”
With a rich history and a strong foundation of faith, the Onesquethaw Reformed Church looks forward to continuing its mission for many more years to come.
