AUBURN - Many great changes took place in the City of Auburn in the year 1805.

It was the year that the city took its name change from Hardenbergh's Corners, and it was also the year that the Episcopal Church of St. Peter became an incorporated congregation.

Although St. Peter has since changed residence four times, it remains the oldest ongoing church in Auburn.

Two hundred years to the day of its official incorporation, SS. Peter and John celebrated its bicentennial anniversary with a picnic barbecue at the church Friday.

"It is great that we are the oldest church in Auburn," said David Ward, senior warden for the church.

"I was born and raised in the church and even married my wife, Deb, here four years ago."

When the founding members of the church first came together, services were held at the Bostwick Tavern, the city's meeting house of the time.

"In 1805, there really wasn't much in Auburn," said the Rev. Robert Ayers, former rector emeritus.

"Most everything was held at the tavern: city meetings, court and the church congregation. It was the only meeting place in Auburn and was used for many things."

Ayers, also a writer, penned the history of the church in his book "From Tavern to Temple." The book traces the roots of the church through its 200 years.

In the early years of the church, many of the city's most influential residents were patrons of the congregation. Yet today it is a warm and welcome place for anyone.

"There is a great mix of people who attend our church," Ward said.

"There are those who have been Episcopalian their whole lives and those who have not. It is just a wonderful mix that makes up a warm and inviting congregation."

In 1911, a wooden church was erected to replace the use of the tavern, but it burned to the ground in 1832 due to a wood-burning stove.

A stone structure was built that same year and stood untouched until a new stone building was erected in 1870.

That church still stands today.

In 1986, due to financial hardships for St. John and the city's other Episcopal church finding themselves without a rector for a period of time, the two churches came together as one. The church also found itself with a new name, The Episcopal Church of SS. Peter and John, as it is known today.

"It is a wonderful church," said Joan Taylor, congregation patron since 1950.

"Anything that is still going strong after 200 years must be well worthwhile.

The church and its people are like a second family to me."

Having an ongoing history of 200 years is a great feat, yet patrons of the church say it will go on for another 200 years, and more.