The President is Coming to Kingston - Friday, 2/20

This used to be a men-only dinner, but no more. Congratulations to the Old Dutch Church on your 350th anniversary.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER ?

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY TWENTHIETH, TWO THOUSAND AND NINE MARKS THE EIGHTY SIXTH ANNUAL DINNER

AT THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH IN KINGSTON, NEW YORK

Ticket Sales: Old Dutch Church Office, Info@olddutchchurch.org (845) 338-6759

Reception and Dinner $40.00

Image via Wikipedia

Dinner $25.00/ $30.00 Patron

On the 16th of November, 1782, General George Washington visited Kingston. The future father of our country, was greeted upon arrival by the Elders and the Dominie of the Old Dutch Church. Following his visit, he wrote to the church consistory to thank them for "their public mark of esteem." Since 1923, an annual community dinner has been held in his honor. The event is sponsored by the Old Dutch Church Men's Club.

The George Washington Dinner and it's program, though nonpartisan in any political or religious sense, stresses the importance of God and Country. It is a time honored tradition and opportunity for the community to come and join in fellowship to enjoy a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. There have been many illustrious keynote speakers throughout the years, Among the more prominent were: Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932, Haywood Hale Brown in 1979, Norman Vincent Peale in 1986, and most recently, Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey in 2008.

This year, the 86th annual dinner, marks two other important milestones, the Men's Club is inviting women to be a permanent part of this tradition, in which all are included to celebrate and sing the praises of our community, church, and our glorious first President of the United States. This special 350th Anniversary of the Old Dutch Church should prove to be the highlight of the first decade in this millennium for Kingston. We recently have been officially designated a National Historic Landmark. This ushers in a new era for our community through this year's grand celebration honoring the Father of Our Country, by making him our guest speaker for the first time; General George Washington.

Actor and Historian Dean Malissa is an accomplished scholar and renown for his portrayal of our first President. For more then a decade, Mr. Malissa, who cuts an imposing figure, has mastered the expertise to converse in the fashion of the day of our founding fathers,and has been much sought after to appear as George Washington around the country. He has performed at The White House, Mount Vernon and also in Europe to audiences of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other Dignitary. Old Dutch Church is honored to welcome him to Kingston for this auspicious occasion.

There will be a VIP "Meet and Greet" Reception for General Washington at the Wiltwyck DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) ballroom on Green Street, Kingston, NY. from 5:00 to 6:45 PM. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Old Dutch Church. Special musical guests will be Molly Mason and Jay Ungar. The Men's Club Dinner at the Church will start at 7:00 PM. Proceeds from the sale of the VIP tickets will be donated to the Old Dutch Church Restoration Fund. The Friends of Old Dutch Church is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the dinner go to help in the projects of the Old Dutch Men's Club. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be for sale at the door. To purchase tickets, please contact the Old Dutch Church office.

The George Washington Dinner will kick off one of many public events scheduled throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary of the Church which was founded in 1659. A community heritage festival is planned for May. For additional information on the Old Dutch Church and upcoming events.

Please visit www.olddutchchurch.org or email info@olddutchchurch.org.