The Valencia Presbyterian Church is more than 100 years old and has almost 150 active members today. The sanctuary was dedicated on Jan. 21, 1906. It stands at 80 Sterrett St. in Valencia. Inside, parishioners get a good view of the unique stained-glass windows.

VALENCIA — A quaint church has stood for more than 100 years, providing faith and love through its worship services based on traditional values and contemporary ideas.

The Valencia United Presbyterian Church at 80 Sterrett St. has nearly 150 active members. They are searching to replace their retired pastor.

The Rev. Gary Weston, who served the church for 17 years, retired last July and was elected pastor emeritus.

The Rev. Dr. William Jackson is the church's interim pastor until a new leader is named.

Annamary McMullen, a member of the board of sessions, which leads the church, said church members recently completed a history of the church as part of the search for a new pastor.

Most people, when they first visit the church, comment on the building's unique stained-glass windows.

"The biggest window has a dove coming down to the Bible, symbolizing the Holy Spirit coming down," said McMullen, who has been a church member for seven decades.

"Other windows people like are the sower of seeds and Jesus and the Lambs."

The historic church rose from humble beginnings with a small group of Christians looking for a place to worship.In 1842, about 12 Christian families living in what now is Valencia wanted a church home so their families could worship God.The original church, known as the West Union Church, was built in what is now called Treesdale Farms. A log church was built on the grounds bought from James Wallace and Patrick McCond.A frame building replaced the log church in 1858 and was used until 1900, when the congregation moved to the Valencia Hall on Sterrett Street, one of the largest centers of population in the area at that time.For several years, the hall was used by the United Presbyterians as the church home.On April 24, 1905, ground was broken for the present church.The new sanctuary was dedicated on Jan. 21, 1906, as the congregation became the Valencia United Presbyterian Church.Sometime between 1916 to 1923, while the Rev. A.W. Martin was the pastor, the church's parsonage was built.In 1947, a church building committee was appointed and a fund drive began for a church annex. In 1950, work on the annex began. It was dedicated in 1952.Later, a new heating system was installed and the basement in the church was remodeled to include more classrooms and a lounge.In 1965, the Manse was extensively remodeled in the interior with some remodeling work done to the church's exterior.

In 1969, the church's building committee presented plans for extensive renovating and remodeling for the sanctuary.During August 1970, the sanctuary was stripped of all its furnishings, some modifications of the chancel were made and new carpeting and pews were set in place.A rededication service was held on Sept. 20, 1970.Weston was called as the 17th minister of the 150th year of the church. Weston served for 17 years before retiring.In the first half of the 2000 decade, the lounge and office areas were renovated to expand the nursery.The church is active in the community with participation in events such as the Mars Applefest as well as sponsoring an annual Easter egg hunt and vacation Bible school.The church provides a Medical Lending Closet, a paper recycling center and a clothing drop. It also supports the Lighthouse Foundation, Meals on Wheels and a food bank.Valencia Presbyterian has supported missionaries in places as diverse as Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Iraq, Central Africa and Haiti.

A stained-glass window in memory of Austin Adam Sauer is seen Tuesday at the church.