"Where were you in '62?" That's a familiar phrase for Modestans and fans of the movie "American Graffiti" and George Lucas, our famous native son. But this isn't about 1962.
We're talking 1862.
That's the year local Methodists gave birth to a church that has served its congregation enthusiastically for 150 years. First United Methodist Church of Modesto will celebrate its sesquicentennial with a series of special events Sept. 29-30.
Saturday morning, the church will participate in an historic walking tour downtown that will include the McHenry Museum, the McHenry Mansion and the church building at 16th and I streets. Tours begin at 10 a.m.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, a reunion concert at the church will feature current and former choir and ensemble members.
Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. will lead a celebratory worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. A potluck reunion luncheon and opening of a time capsule planted when the current church building was dedicated in 1932 will follow.
Coincidentally, Lucas' parents were married at FUMC on Aug. 3, 1933, and their daughter, Kate Nyegaard, is a faithful member.
ED WILLHIDE
150th anniversary committee
Modesto
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