From the Thursday, March 19th 2009 Service:
A Responsive Prayer for MRC’s 175th Anniversary
O Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. We bow in humble awe tonight at your majesty, your eternity and your steadfast love and care. We also bow in humble tribute to those who have preceded us in this place of worship; Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come:
We thank you for your steadfast love and care.
We think of the saints who have gathered here, first in a wooden Colonial church building, and then later in this structure of stone to worship and adore you, to know your love in Jesus Christ, and to make your love through him known in fitting ways for each new generation. For 175 years, you have graced this sacred parcel of land and the two church buildings that have stood or now stand upon it with your presence and your blessing. Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come:
We thank you for your steadfast love and care.
This congregation has seen 38 of our nation’s 44 presidencies; from Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama the saints who have gathered here have born witness to, contributed to, and been changed by social transformations in our nation not least of which were women’s suffrage, the end of slavery, and the civil rights struggles; For your guiding hand during those turbulent times, Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come:
We thank you for your steadfast love and care.
continued . . .