VERONA N.Y.-It's been a long time since churches have been able to hold in-person services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One church in Verona held a gathering Friday night for the first time in a while and for a great reason.
Verona Seventh Day Baptist Church is celebrating its 200th anniversary this weekend.
Friday was the first time church members were able to get together in 14 weekends. The church members gathered in their cars for the service.
Prior to the 200th anniversary service, members of the church gathered at J.D. George Elementary School in Verona.
From there, members of the New London and Verona Fire Departments, as well as a State Trooper escorted them through Verona to the church for a parade.
The Church's Pastor Steven James says church members feel they are closer to getting on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We feel we're getting on the other side of it." said James. "We feel that God's in control no matter what. And we've done our best not to be fearful, and not to be foolish. But, just to go forward on the facts as we would know them." James added.
If you missed Friday night's outdoor service don't worry. The church is planning a special online service the morning of Saturday June 20th at 10:00 am.
You can find a link to the service on the church's Facebook page.
The church hopes to re-open the building the weekend of July 4th.
