Rockville Centre's Church of the Ascension marks 125 years

One hundred sixty seven congregants and guests, including the great, great granddaughter of the architect who designed the Church of the Ascension on N. Village Avenue, were present at its 125th anniversary celebration on May 23.

They attended a prayer service officiated by Long Island Episcopal Church Bishop Lawrence Provenzano, that repeated much of what parishioners would have heard during the building's dedication in 1885. After the service, everyone enjoyed a Tea, synonymous with the Victoria era, which was when the church was founded. Young church members served as waiters and waitresses.

“It was a super affair, there were many good comments about it from our many guests," said Frank Seipp, who along with his wife, Toni, organized the celebration. "The music was absolutely beautiful," he added, "we have an excellent choir who, under direction of Kenneth Dyer, performed lovely Old English music."

Among the visitors were Sen. Dean Skelos, who presented a proclamation, as did representatives from town Councilman Anthony Santino's office. The entire Rockville Centre Board of Trustees attended, as did Msgr. William Koenig, of neighboring St. Agnes Cathedral, and Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran.

Before enjoying the Tea, Mayor Mary Bossart presented a 15-minute history on the preparation and use of tea. She brought books and different tea pots along to demonstrate. In the solarium, which is the church's formal parlor, there was a display of tea canisters, tea pots and other tea-making paraphernalia, including infusers. Each attendee received a souvenir from the event — a teacup and saucer with a little red ribbon that said "Church of the Ascension's 125th Anniversary."

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