They will arrive on Saturday, September 28.
Volunteers needed to unload the truck at 9am.
The 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch will be open 7 days a week, for four weeks or until the pumpkins are sold. Any and all volunteers will be gratefully accepted. No experience necessary.
Check your calendars now!
Chris Briley, Richard Leigh, Bob and Joanne Myers
Sign Up Here
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First Parish Church/Town of York
Land Agreement
SUPPORT THE CHURCH/TOWN LAND AGREEMENT
WHAT HAPPENED?
Several months ago, we became aware of a challenge to our land ownership. After months of negotiation, and after counsel was retained, a fair and equitable Land Agreement was negotiated. (First Parish Church ownership was never questioned before November 2018.)
This Land Agreement eliminates the need for a long and costly legal battle with the town and allows for the expansion of Town Hall. There are risks to all parties in a protracted legal dispute. The Church owns the land, but that is not the issue before the voters. What is before the voters is the Land Agreement, which both the Church and the Board of Selectmen have voted unanimously to support. The public will vote on this Agreement on November 5. Please vote to support the Town and Church who have come “Together for York.”
WHAT ARE THE BASICS OF THE AGREEMENT?
The Church was granted their land in 1671. Local historians publicly agree. Scott Stevens, former director of OYHS, and Professor Tad (Emerson) Baker who said: It is my expert opinion that they (First Parish) have a very strong legal claim to the lands included in the Settlement and that First Parish is likely to ultimately prevail in any legal contest, and I’d be willing to testify to that in court. (A sole historian has a different opinion.)
The Church and Town have been good neighbors for over 300 years, and this Land Agreement was written in that spirit. The Town will receive one half the Green to allow expansion of Town Hall (saving taxpayers approximate $700,000), and the land under the historical buildings. The Church will receive deeds for the remainder of their land included in the Agreement. Having DEEDS will settle the issue of ownership for future generations!!
FIRST PARISH—DOING GOOD IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
For generations, the Church has shared our land and buildings for the public good and the community’s welfare.
The Church has leased the land to Town Hall - at no cost since 1874.
The Church has leased land to Old York Historical Society for one dollar per year. Current leases go through 2042.
The Church owns the cemetery land. The First Parish Cemetery is privately owned and maintained and open to all citizens of York. The Town, therefore, does not have to buy land or actually operate a cemetery.
The Church is a very active non-profit that provides numerous services for the residents of York including: weekly donations of space to 12-Step Groups, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Table of Plenty (free community meals). Additionally, we support the following local organizations with our time and finances: York Community Service Association, York Food Pantry, End 68 Hours of Hunger, York County Community Action, York Ready for 100%, & more!
Our Creation Care Committee has held several beach clean-ups since spring and our Health Ministry offers daily low-cost exercise classes open to all. We hold a Drive Through Nativity in December for the benefit of the community.
First Parish Church is very active in national and global mission. One of our most well-known mission activities is the sale of pumpkins in October which benefits the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo Native Americans.
WHAT ABOUT THESE THINGS I HAVE HEARD?
Inaccurate: You may have heard that the Church land in question “abuts the Davis Property”.
Fact: The land in the Settlement does NOT abut the Davis Land - and it does NOT abut the Village Elementary School
(The Church PURCHASED the land that abuts the Davis property in 1937 - and we have a DEED.)
Inaccurate : You may have heard that the Town owns the Parish House (old Library) and that the Church is just using it as our church office.
Fact: The Church PURCHASED the Parish House (old library) in 2002.