— ACQTC Announces —
The Quinnipiac Tribal Council and
Old Stone Church, UCC, of East Haven
300 Year Anniversary
Celebration of Friendship
In the year 1711 — as the first official reservation in what would become the USA began to decrease from its original 1200 acres at Mioonkhtuck (East Haven, CT) — a stone church and spiritual sanctuary was established.
In the many relocations forced upon most of our ancestors, who were scattered in many directions to live with other bands and clans of the Algonquian and Iroquoian Nations, this sanctuary and church congregation welcomed the refugees, especially in times of true hardship for our ancestors.
This year, on 25 June 2011, the Old Stone Church Congregation and the Quinnipiac Tribal Council are joining hands once again in fellowship for this 300th year celebration of Old Stone Church and 12,000 years of Quinnipiac survival. A full day's powwow and several public ceremonies are planned to take place at the church and on its grounds.
There will be music by the Nimham Mountain Singers drum group from the Wappinger-Mattabesec Confederacy homeland, with traditional singing, drumming, and dancing in a powwow grounds arena and drum arbor with sacred fire. There will be a demonstration village of wigwam and longhouse, traditional false face and sacred pipe ceremonies, information booths, craft tables, and vendors. Inside the church, historically significant ancient ceremonies will be conducted, lectures held and many demonstrations, as well as exhibits of artifacts from area museums. Scout Troops will be there to help us celebrate and perform their woodland skills.
A special event will take place on Saturday morning from 11 a.m. to noon : elders and leaders of the Quinnipiac and direct descendants of Captain Miles Standish with other church members will perform the ancient "Wiping Away the Tears" ceremony to signify the removal of all past grief and guilt between the groups. This will be followed by a formal signing of the traditional "The Sacred Bond of the Covenant" to recommit ourselves to a future of fellowship and healing of Mother Earth. Signing and exchange of traditional gifts at the covenant will be part of a photo-op for the media to commemorate this auspicious historical event.
This Celebration of Friendship is sponsored as a fund raiser for both parties as non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations, etc. will be furnished, but donations are needed to help defray the costs.
SUGGESTED DONATIONS:
Adults – $7.50
Students (18-25) – $5.00
Elders (over 50) and Children (10-18) – $2.50
CHILDREN face painting and feather $ 2.00
RAFFLE ITEM TICKETS: donations as posted.
Also, please support the various food and craft vendors. Their prices are as posted.
Map & Directions
Old Stone Congregational Church
From I-95 northbound, take Exit 51, proceed straight to the first light, and take a right onto Forbes Place. At the end of Forbes, take a left onto Main Street. At the next light, bear left onto Messina Drive. You will see the church beyond the park. Church parking lots are located off Messina Drive.
From I-95 southbound, take exit 52. Take a left onto North High Street. After the overpass, the church is about three blocks on the left. At the light, take a left onto Messina Drive to access church parking lots.
Please note that the church has two parking lots; one is to the north of the sanctuary, and the other is behind the church.
The church has a gym, basement, full convenience rest rooms, and several lots where the powwow and village displays will be set up. For more information, please contact the church:
