The First Presbyterian Church of Titusville released the first edition of Shall We Gather…175 Years Along the Delaware on April 28.
Written by church member James J. Dawson, the book tells the narrative history of the Titusville congregation and the community that it has called home since 1838.
Shall We Gather was produced after nearly a year-and-a-half of members and former pastoral interns transcribing and collating 175 years of primary source documents from the church’s archives. Dawson said in statement that Presbyterians have had a tendency to collect detailed records.
“As we delved deeper into what we came to discover was a real treasure trove of 175 years of handwritten minutes and ledgers, it became clear that our church’s story was extraordinary—not because of any single major historical event, but because what happened here was and is so emblematic of churches and their home communities across America,” Dawson said.
Not only does the book tell the deep history of the church, it also gives readers a sense of America’s climate and culture throughout the church’s 175 years.
Shall We Gather features first hand accounts by Titusville developers Joseph Titus, who allotted land within his new subdivision for a new Presbyterian congregation and parochial school.
The book was released during a reception at the church for members and friends April 26.
The church plans to sell copies to the public in front of the church during the Annual Titusville Yard Sale May 4, at a booth during the Spirit of the Jerseys History Fair in Washington Crossing State Park May 11, at a booth during Pennington Day May 18, at the church’s Titusville Heritage Day Festival set for June 1 and in front of the church after the Titusville Fourth of July Parade.
The church suggests a donation of $20 for a copy of Shall We Gather and $10 for a commemorative coffee mug.
The First Presbyterian Church of Titusville is located at 48 River Drive in Titusville. Its worship services are scheduled for Sunday 11 a.m.
More information is online at titusvillechurch.org.
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