GILBERTSVILLE – The public is invited to attend the annual ice cream Social at 2 p.m., Sunday, at the White Store Church.

The speaker at the event will be Rev. Donna Steckline from Gilbertsville, after which ice cream will be served to all in attendance. Donations are greatly appreciated as this helps maintain the church.

The church, which is non-denominational, is located approximately 1.5 miles south of the hamlet of Holmesville, at the junction of Route 8 and White Store Road.

The Evergreen Cemetery was established in 1805. However, a marked burial is dated 1795, and the White Store Church was built in 1820. Both are on the New York State and National Historical Registers.

The White Store Church is one of the very few buildings left standing that represents a typical New England meeting house. It was built by people from the New England states, many from Rhode Island, who settled here very early in Chenango County history.

For almost 200 years, individuals and families have contributed money, time, and labor to maintain this historic structure and cemetery. However, it has been discovered there are significant repairs to the church that need to be addressed. The board of trustees has been very fortunate that a gentleman, who truly appreciates the beauty and significance of this structure, has very generously donated a large sum of money to help make the necessary repairs. He has also pledged matching funds, which we are hoping to raise with your support to cover the extensive cost of repairs.