By Peter Kougasian
NEW YORK – Culminating a year of observances, on the weekend of June 10-11, the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York celebrated its 120th anniversary with a gala banquet and church luncheon. Attendees came from as far away as California, and even Jerusalem, to enjoy music and dance presentations, listen to scripture and historical presentations, and of course, to eat.
The church prides itself on being the first Armenian church in New York and one of the first Armenian churches in the United States, tracing its origins to prayer meetings conducted by Rev. Garabed Nergararian in 1881. The prayer meetings became an organized church on November 14, 1896 when seminary student H. H. Khazoyan conducted services at the Adams Memorial Presbyterian Church.
The church’s remarkable history was celebrated at a gala luncheon at the Liberty House in Liberty State Park, New Jersey on June 10. Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) recalled the crucial role played by the New York Church in founding the AMAA, and the continuing close association of church and mission for nearly a century. Levon Filian added his warm congratulations from the West Coast office of the AMAA. Rev. Berdj Djambazian extended congratulations from the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, and stirred the audience with deeply personal reflections on the spirit of Armenian martyrs that inspired the creation of the Union and infuses it still. And Rev. Djambazian commended the church’s pastor, Rev. Haig Kherlopian, recalling an evening when together they walked the streets of New York, and suddenly Rev. Kherlopian was greeted warmly by a homeless man who considered the pastor his cherished friend.
Plaques and gifts were presented to eleven faithful servants of the church, including former pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji, and 102-year-old Armine Mardiguian. Cultural presentations at the banquet showcased traditional Armenian arts in a modern context.
Milena Nalbandian performed a traditional Armenian dance in costume, flavored with contemporary dance elements. The Armenian a cappella trio Zulal sang Armenian folk melodies invigorated with a modern spirit. Church moderator Jon Brothers, a professional singer, along with members Christina and Aaron Santana-Smith, led the banquet audience in singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
