To the Readers' Forum:
After 19 terrific years at First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, I am leaving in November to accept the call of a church in Harrisburg.
I am spending this month within the church thanking an incredible congregation for its graciousness and lively sense of adventure across the years. I know I shall be unable to see and to thank personally all of my friends and partners in the community who have made these years so rich and robust. I am very grateful to each and all.
There has not been a single minute in these 19 years when I have been anything but honored to tell people that my home is Jamestown, New York. While no city or community is without its serious problems, few have the exquisite mix of history and culture, beauty and soulfulness, and opportunity and resolve that Jamestown does.
Starting with the positive tone set by Mayor Teresi and his colleagues, there are myriads of people in our community who care deeply about what happens here, who give themselves unstintingly and often in unsung ways, to make life better for all of us.
Any small contributions I have been able to make over the years are overshadowed by the gift of what I have received by living and working here. Jamestown is a community beyond compare and I trust you will continue to nurture it and make it even better for everyone.
And from on down the road a bit, I shall cheer and cheer.
The Rev. Thomas A. Sweet
Jamestown