On Sunday, September 8, starting at 3 p.m., the fellowship hall at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Highland Falls will be alive with local history. And everyone is invited to stop by and take it in.

The church will host a Memorial Program “honoring the saints” who worked hard building the Muller Ave. church. We’re not talking about those who physically built the structure – that was back in 1921 – but those who have given the church its long traditions and its legacy.

Michelle McQueen and Mary Perdue are the two-person committee who, working with Pastor Rev. Lieta Singleton, has spent the Summer delving into every record they can find inside the church, and found by members of the congregation. The idea was McQueen’s. After an interview on Tuesday at the Highland Falls Library, the two sat for a while chatting about the gathering, while McQueen took photos of Perdue’s extensive funeral program collection. Things like the funeral documents have helped them piece together the church’s timeline.

“I am the youngest consistent member of the church,” McQueen said this week, “and I am worried about the history. Who is passing it down? I worry it will be lost, and I think a lot of it is already lost.”

So, they organized this event, which will take the form of a three-part program, examining first “the history we know of,” second “a tribute to those who have served” and third, show off “a collection of programs and photos from previous events.” They are relying on some testimony from the family members of former pastors, ushers and church members, many of whom are expected to join those in the fellowship hall by conference call. They are also hoping to livestream the event.

It’s probably going to be about a two-hour program, McQueen said, with Rev. Singleton delivering a message as well. There will be light refreshments served, and McQueen and Perdue want all to know that everyone is welcome – other church members, those interested in local history, families (children are welcome), and even those with mobility issues – the fellowship hall has no steps to it from the outside of the church.

“We are trying to bring people into our church,” McQueen said, noting the church has an official congregation of 47 people, but usually has just 8-10 in attendance any given week. They offer a conference call of their Sunday service live each week, for those who can’t get to the church. “Since COVID we haven’t had any events outside the congregation, and we want to get back to that.”

What might you learn about? Well, the fact that twice-pastor Rev. Petty McKinney was a noted Freedom Rider, a civil rights activist.

You might also hear about the time former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the church in 1954. It was Rev. McKinney who went and picked her up at her Hyde Park home.

Also, you might learn something you didn’t know was possible – St. John has had, photos prove, Caucasian ministers, for instance Rev. Theodore Howard. He, McQueen has learned, was instrumental in getting local Black children into nursery schools.

Rev. Singleton is looking forward to the day.

“As the first female pastor of St, John I am humbled and grateful to be given the privilege and honor to serve this membership and community,” she said this week. “Our church’s legacy is truly something all members of St. John are proud of. Additionally, our denomination has a legacy of notable historical Americans like Fredick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, just to name a couple. When we consider the tenacity and commitment of those who have gone on before us and what they were able to accomplish in such perilous and trying times it gives us strength to press on. For instance, people like Rev. Dr. Moses Carter is one who also dedicated his life to the service of this country, church and community.”

She continued: “Today, as we seek to serve this present age, our faith in God remains firm. We are building on a firm foundation of Christ Jesus. As well, we understand the power of unity and hope. Tapping into that positive energy is what we’re all about at St. John! Therefore, our best days are not behind us! We remain united in our mission and vision. In the spirit of the old gospel hymn, Onward, Christian Soldiers, we are marching onward and forward to do greater works!”

There is no need to RSVP, and you can “come as you are,” McQueen and Perdue say. They are anxious to share what they have learned about St. John with you.