TOGI’S PLAYHOUSE: The City of Bradford isn’t the only thing turning 140 this year.

After reading our column about the city’s anniversary, Steve Stidd of Bradford stopped by with an old newspaper article and certificate — memorabilia from the former East End Presbyterian Church, now Togi’s Playhouse.

The Bradford City charter was granted on Jan. 14, 1879.

The article is from the June 21, 1979, edition of The Bradford Journal, published 100 years after the church was established.

“The East End Presbyterian Church of Bradford is pictured shortly after it was built and organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Kendall on June 30, 1879,” the article stated. “The pastor at that time was the Rev. C.F. Goss, who led a congregation of 15 members.

“The original structure is basically unchanged today, but in 1923, the building was raised and a basement was added. The Pastor at that time was the Rev. Paul G. Miller.”

Steve said he couldn’t believe how little the church has changed over the decades.

In fact, here is a photo of how the church looked in January 2011, just after it closed as a church.

The Journal article explained that the church’s name changed to the East End Presbyterian Church when East Main became part of Bradford City. At the time of the church’s centennial anniversary, the pastor was the Rev. Vern O. Mueller.

Steve also brought in a certificate from the Presbyterian Historical Society and Office of the General Assembly that was given to the East End Presbyterian Church on June 27, 2004, in celebration of its 125th anniversary.

The facility closed as a church a few years ago, holding its final service Dec. 26, 2010. At that time, the church donated about $35,000 and many of its belongings to other local churches and organizations.

The church is located behind Togi’s Family Restaurant — owned by Steve and his family — and is now Togi’s Playhouse. It has been the home of the Bradford Little Theatre since 2015.

Steve said he is impressed with how active the theater group is.