Sacred Events at Westminster
Westminster is proud to offer its glorious sanctuary to our members and friends for baptisms, weddings, and memorial services in the Presbyterian tradition. Read on to learn more about holding an event at Westminster.
BAPTISMS
Baptism is the church’s way of welcoming a child into the love of God and the nurture of the congregation. We speak about God’s love, which is present in each new life; we receive parents’ commitment to giving their child the love of a community of faith; we promise to be “the village” for each person who is baptized.
We also baptize adults who would like to become members of the church but who have never received the sacrament. If you are interested in scheduling a baptism or learning more about baptism, please see the documents below.
Weddings
A wedding ceremony is a public affirmation of the trust and love you have with your partner. The decision to marry is a sign that two people have been drawn together in the closest of relationships, where dependence upon the grace of God, gratitude for one another, and commitment to each other are fundamental.
Westminster is proud to have hosted the first same-sex wedding in a Presbyterian Church in New York State. As a More Light Congregation, we support the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in all sacraments and aspects of church life.
The marriage ceremony is a religious service of worship, dedication, and a time of thanksgiving for the gift of God’s love for us and your love for each other. Below, you will find information about weddings at Westminster.
MemorialS
At Westminster, it is an honor to conduct Services of Witness to the Resurrection for both members and friends. Westminster’s pastors and a community of friends and family can provide much needed support, comfort, and hope during this difficult time.
If you are interested in holding a memorial service at Westminster, we invite you to send an inquiry using the contact form.
Upcoming Memorials
Upcoming Memorials
Henry Doubleday Waters—Born April 20, 1930,
Passed January 4, 2019
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Henry Doubleday Waters, born on April 20, 1930, in Buffalo, New York, to Grace Siegfried and John M. Waters, passed away on January 4, 2019, at the Avow Hospice Facility in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Henry graduated from Nichols School (1948) and Dartmouth College (1952). After college, he worked at the Canteen Corporation and became president in 1957. Following his time at Canteen, he went to Nichols School in 1965 as an English teacher and coach of multiple sports, including 16 years as varsity hockey coach. Henry was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Sibyl Dann Waters. He is survived by his life partner of 23 years Ann Merrick of Naples, FL, his children John Waters (Liza) of Andover, MA, Henry “Jay” Waters (Anna Cieri), of East Amherst, NY, and Sibyl Taylor (Ken) of Columbia, SC; and seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Molly Anderson of Redding, CT and Joan Keesling of Bethesda, MD. A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, on Friday, May 10 at 4 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in Henry’s honor to: The Nichols School, 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216, or Avow Foundation, Office of Development, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105-3847. Online condolences may be offered at: www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.
