Dayton Presbyterian Church celebrates centennial

Dayton Presbyterian Church’s centennial celebration, held last Saturday on the church’s front lawn, did little to emphasize the passing of 100 years.

Rather, the old-fashioned charm of the celebration acted as a portal, transporting event-goers to the bygone era of the church’s founding.

Approximately 60 community members from Dayton and the surrounding towns enjoyed the event’s refreshments, music and entertainment — all planned by a church group over the last six months.

Alison Meslin, head of that church group, said she was very pleased with the celebration.

“It was a lot of fun,” Meslin said. “There was a really good turnout, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.”

According to her, the welcoming event was reflective of the church’s community.

“It’s a small congregation, but it’s a very warm and inviting church. It’s a special place,” Meslin said, adding that the congregation consists of people from Dayton, Big Arm, Proctor and Rollins.

Highlights of the day, according to Meslin, were the magic show and kids’ choir.

“And of course everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream,” Messlin said.

Another high point of the event was the music provided by the bell choir, a type of music that several event-goers said they had never heard before.

On loan from the Polson Presbyterian Church, the men and women of the bell choir played three moving pieces, all of which they learned at a recent conference in Missoula.

Sunday morning, the church held a special centennial service and brunch, which attracted about 100 people, Meslin estimated.

Putting together the weekend’s events took a concerted effort and dedication, but in the end, it all seemed to be worth it.

“There were lots of people, and so many volunteers, working on the preparation for this.” Meslin said. “But then Saturday came, and everyone just enjoyed themselves.”

For those who missed last week’s fun, historical exhibits and a booklet on the history of the church are still on display in the church lobby. The public is encouraged to stop by and take a look at them on any Sunday through the end of the summer.