[KHTS] – One of the Santa Clarita Valley’s oldest churches is welcoming the community to celebrate its 124th anniversary Sunday, officials said.

The First Presbyterian Church, located in “the heart of Newhall,” has roots that go back to the 1870s, according to the church’s website.

The church originally started as a Sunday School on the second floor of a Newhall School in the 1870s, and opened its first building, a wooden chapel, on May 31, 1891.

The church claims to be the second oldest surviving in the valley.

For their 124th birthday celebration, church officials will be holding a cross dedication, an ice cream social and a Little Shepard’s Open House, the church’s preschool.

The Little Shepherd is the oldest preschool in the valley, named in honor of the Rev. Wolcott Evans, who was known as the “Great Shepherd of the Hills” after rescuing many in the St. Francis Dam Disaster.

A cross dedication will also be held as part of an Eagle Scout project, meant to bring the old wooden cross that was once railroad ties, back into visibility, according to Pastor Bill Barnes.

A church service is planned for 10 a.m., followed by the celebration picnic.

Pulled pork and sides provided by the church’s community will be served, along with cake and homemade ice cream, according to the church’s website.

There will be bounce houses and games for children.

The event is open to the public.