Three long-term members share their experiences
Eve-Ann Kristiansen, left, Janet Selleck Rust, and Rose Champlin, the longest-term members of the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown (Photo courtesy of the church)
On Sunday, Dec. 9, the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown observed the 184th year since its inception. During the morning worship service, three of the longest-term members of the congregation lit the candles on the Advent wreath for the second Sunday of Advent.
These members are Janet Selleck Rust of Cold Spring, who joined the church on April 2, 1950; Rose Champlin of Cold Spring, who joined in March of 1955; and Eve-Ann Kristiansen of Garrison, who joined in March of 1956.
During their tenure as members, they have seen the church building change completely, adding a fellowship hall, library, office and Sunday School room. They have seen the formation of the Hudson River Presbytery and 16 Installed Pastors of the church. Together, these three women have a combined experience of 175 years of church membership. As they stated on Sunday, “That’s a lot of promises fulfilled, a lot of faith, and a lot of hope!”
