Homecoming Sunday is a special day at Germonds Presbyterian Church in New City, but yesterday was a particularly special Sunday as member on the congregation celebrated the church's 150th anniversary.

"We have our homecoming every year, the weekend after labor day. Families are home from summer vacations. The homecoming is our way of welcoming everyone back to the church for another year," said William Kay, a deacon and member of the church since he was confirmed there in 1958.

Scott Ramsey is the pastor of Germonds Presbyterian Church and was very excited for Sunday's event.

"We have been geared up for today's homecoming for over a year. It is the biggest event we've had in quite some time. The weather held off and today has really just been a wonderful day," said Ramsey.

The celebration went on for most of the afternoon. It began with a worship service at 11:15 a.m. held outside and finished with a rededication service in the church's sanctuary at 3 p.m.

There were a number of family-friendly activities between the two services. The entire congregation in attendance posed for a group picture and then enjoyed a meal. A tour of the cemetery that surrounds the church was given along with a wagon ride in the cemetery parking lot.

Children were kept busy and smiling about it. There was a bounce house set up from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids movies were shown in the church's Horn Room and an ice cream social was held in the kitchen.

The church welcomed newcomers to Sunday's event and made sure to welcome back returning church members. Newcomers had the chance to get to know the rest of the congregation and the church leaders.

The Treasurer of Germonds Presbyterian Church, Jack Krause was also in attendance.

"This brings back a lot of memories. Even though I have only been a member of the church for 18 years, I have made a lot of long time friends. It's nice to see people who no longer live in the area returning today," Krause said. "It's really good to see everyone and today is special."

Germonds Presbyterian Church holds Sunday School classes for children that will begin Sept. 19 for grades 5 and below and on Sept. 26 for grades 6-12. They also hold a weekly bible study on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11 a.m.