The Episcopal Church of  the Covenant will turn 160 years old on Sunday, Sept. 22. The congregation still worships in the same church building that was built beginning in 1859. Church officials said Covenant is the oldest church building in continuous use in the Episcopal Diocese.

Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 22 Episcopal Church of the Covenant Day in Kansas.

The church was founded in 1859 by Ft. Riley officers.  Lt. J.E.B. Stuart, of Confederate Civil War fame, helped raise money to build the church. Through the years, the church has been home to other famous soldiers including Gen. George Patton, Jr. and Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright, IV.

The Rev. Doreen Rice said the congregation and community will honor the 160th anniversary with a worship service on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. that would have been held in 1859 followed by a celebration lunch.

Today, the people of the Church of the Covenant continue to be engaged in the community, especially with regards to efforts to combat poverty and food insecurity among school-aged children and their families. For example, members of the church founded a mobile food pantry called Wheels of Hope. The congregation also provides laundry money to residents at a low-income apartment building.