United Methodist Church, Lyons

Pastor: Ellen Knight

Office Hours: Mon- Fri 9am to Noon

            Sunday Worship 10am

Location: 93 William St., Lyons, NY

Phone: 315.946.6035

Email: LUMC@rochester.rr.com

Language: English

 

 

Church History:

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lyons was originally in a log cabin, which was used as a meeting space for the “Genesee Conference”.  In 1810 it was decided the cabin was too small; funds were raised and a new church was built and completed in 1818.  The church stood until 1851 when it was destroyed in a fire.  Shortly after the devastating fire the church was rebuilt and the new building is still in use today.

 Exterior:

The West entrance is positioned along William Street, presenting two welcoming large wooden doors with stain glass windows.  The church is constructed of brick with a limestone base.  The 140 foot tower of the church is centered over the east end contains a 4,000lbs bell.

The church is located in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by houses and is close to the local high school. On the south side there is a large parking lot for visitors as well as accessible street parking.

Interior:

The interior of the United Methodist Church is relatively simple in comparison to a Roman Catholic Church. The interior of the sanctuary is predominantly wood with little ornamentation on the walls, other than the windows, and is one large open room. There are ten stained glass windows in the sanctuary, five on both sides, which reach from nearly the ceiling to the floor. The three sections of pews are wooden and four sets of aisles run along the sides of each. The church could be described as small, seating less than 500 people. The pulpit for the minister is raised and encircled by a low dividing railing. A table alter with a cross upon it faces the pews along with a baptismal font. The choir area behind the pulpit is raised as well and includes a wooden pipe organ. The organ has a cross at the top and carved below is a griffin and a sheep. Between the two is a cross of equal length sides surrounded by four smaller crosses of equal length; this is the Jerusalem or Crusaders Cross. There is also a wooden carving of a Celtic Trinity knot, or a triquetra on the opposite wall of the altar.

Iconography of the Stain Glass Windows:

There are ten beautifully decorated stained glass windows in the sanctuary. There are two pointed arches in each window that are topped with a smaller window, which produces one uniform arched window. Five different images are represented on the uppermost part on each window, this includes, sheep, lilies, a dove, stone tablets, cross and crown. The center of each pane is the same painted on design of grape leaves, which at first glance looks as if it is the Fleur de lis, which might make sense in a Catholic context with association with nobility, but more logically these are probably grape leaves. This represents the interconnectedness of Jesus and followers (I am the vine, you are the branches…John 15:5)

There are many meanings behind sheep, most popular is the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, and his followers are the sheep. (John 10:11) The edging of this window is a wheat sheaf pattern, which is a symbol of sacrifice and productivity. In order for its seeds to be dispersed, the wheat kernel has to die, much like Jesus’s crucifixion in order to save humanity.

Wheat is also connected to the vine pattern because of the idea that the blood and body of Christ comes from the wine and bread made from the grapes and the wheat. Harvest is a popular subject in parables, such as the last judgment (Matthew 13:24-30).

Lilies represent the rebirth of Christ and his purity and innocence. The dove with an olive leaf in its beak is a long standing symbol of peace, and comes from the story of Noah’s Ark, in which God flooded the earth 40 days and nights (Genesis 8:8). Doves are mentioned throughout the Bible as well as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22). The stone tablets are the Ten Commandments set down by God to Moses. These are the fundamental laws and are an important part of Christian theology (Exodus 24:12). The cross and crown represent that Jesus carried the burdens of all the people, making him the king of kings in his sacrifice (Revelation 17:14). The border of a few of the windows looks like a leaf pattern, possibly oak. Oaks are known for their strength throughout the Bible (Amos 2:9). They represent the strength of faith, and the idea of religion growing from small acorn to a large tree.

Lyons, NY, Information:

Straddling the winding Erie Canal- at the foot of the Finger Lakes Region- is a spirited small community founded on the Erie Canal and New York Central Railroad, peppermint oil and pottery.  Lyons, New York is the seat of Wayne County and a meeting point between miles of lakeside vistas, rolling hills, quaint antiques shops, road-side farmers’ markets and wine trails.

The village is marked by an old-fashioned downtown business district- which still contains numerous family-owned shops, historic churches, quaint side street neighborhoods and a network of close-knit community members- who celebrate their Peppermint Days festival.

As the county seat, it contains historic old Wayne County Courthouse- whose silver dome is a crowned jewel that can be seen for miles. And a stone’s throw away is miles of sandy Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes beaches, doldrums-laden recreation routes and urban cultural centers. Information found on the Lyons, NY website.