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So, what do you know about Rhode Island?
Do you know that it is our smallest state measuring 36 miles
across and 47 miles north to south? Did you know that it is
known as "The Ocean State," or "Little Rhody," or, even in some
circles in the past, as "Rogues' Island?" Did you know that
it was founded by Roger Williams in a quest for religious freedom?
It has been a state of dissidents. Did you know that there
are 414 miles of coastline - imagine all those beaches and quohogs
- the State shellfish? Did you know there is a little town
called "Galillee" and another called "Jerusalem?" Did you
know that a favorite casual food is a "stuffie?" Did you
know that you can find three types of chowdah: New England, Rhode
Island and Manhattan?
The Host Committee for this year's Annual
Meeting has been collecting interesting information to share with
you that will make your visit to Rhode Island pleasant and fun.
When we are in Providence, there can be an interesting range of
weather from warm and sunny to cool and rainy. Be sure to
bring along an umbrella or raincoat and protection from the sun.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, too. We will be having our
Sunday morning service and our Tuesday evening communion service
at historic Beneficent Church, which is about a fifteen minute
walk from the hotel. Transportation will be provided for
those who would prefer to ride.
The state is such a manageable size that you
might want to allow an extra day or two to discover the many
delights it holds. Boston is easy to reach as is Plimoth
Plantation and Newport. Narragansett Beach and Point Judith
are beautiful spots and the ferry runs from Galilee to Block
Island on a regular basis. There will be opportunities to
sign up for tours to Plimoth Plantation on the Friday before the
meeting begins and to Newport and its mansions on the Wednesday
following the meeting.
During the meeting we will be having our usual
times of singing led by the Rev. Stan White of Preston City
Congregational Church, Preston City, CT; Bible lectures by Dr.
James Sanders, President of the Ancient Biblical Manuscript Center
in Claremont, CA; the Congregational Lecture given by the Rev.
Karl Schimpf, North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI;
and the Keynote Address delivered by the Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth
Mauro of Rockland Congregational Church, Rockland, ME.
Come to the "Ocean State" for a time of
fellowship, fun and an opportunity to grow in your faith.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES
South Vigo Congregational Christian Church, West Terre
Haute, IN, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. A
big celebration is planned for May 2.
Grace United Congregational Church, Farmington,
CT, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. They are planning a
special worship service on May 16, with a dinner following
service.
Goshen Congregational Church, Lebanon, CT, is
celebrating its 275th Anniversary. A series of celebratory
events are planned leading up to the big event on November 14.
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