As a young town Easton became a leader in the fight for freedom and was chosen as one of the three cities where the Declaration would be publicly read. From the steps of the old Court House in the Great Square the Declaration of Independence was read on July 8, 1776 by Robert Levers in the shadow of our historic First U.C.C. Church (Then known as "The German Reformed Church of Easton"). Here the Easton flag, the first to use red, white and blue with stars and stripes was first unfurled and Easton's Liberty Bell made by the Moravians at Bethlehem added its bronze note of rejoicing from the cupola of the historical Court House. Easton resident George Taylor was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Easton Area Heritage Day is a celebration of these historic events and our historic church stood witness to it all!
So we join in this annual celebration! This year First U.C.C. again will participate in the community worship service and open our doors to visitors for tours, a very special organ concert, refreshments and other kid friendly activities. Everyone is invited to stop in and visit and beat the heat with some refreshments in our air-conditioned parlor.
FIRST CHURCH HERITAGE DAY SCHEDULE, Sun., July 10, 2011: (info as of 6/17/11)
~ 9 a.m. - Congregation gathers with the community at First Presbyterian Church on Spring
Garden St. for morning coffee and fellowship.
~ 9:45 a.m. - We will make our way on foot (if you are able) or by car to the Riverside Ampitheater
for the 10 a.m. Community Worship Service.
~ NOON - The Declaration of Independence will be read on the steps of the Bachman Public
House for all to hear!
~ 1 p.m. til 4 p.m. - First Church will open it's doors to the public for tours of our historic Sanctuary,
with organ music accompaniment, refreshments, facepainting and other family friendly
activities.
~ DUSK - The day closes with a fabulous Fireworks display at the confluence of the Lehigh and
Delaware Rivers (Larry Holmes Drive).
Link to the "Official Easton Heritage Day 2011" Website for more details and info.
