On October 3, 2026, three ecclesiastical districts of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in the United States of America, namely, New York, New Jersey, and Washington DC, united in beautifying via a nature replenishment activity the compound of the town of Johnsonville in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Upon seeing Johnsonville town’s transformation, couple Bill and Judy Juul, who are non-Church Of Christ members, enthused, “Amazed, with how beautiful [the town] has become, it’s so nature-like, and [the brethren] are welcoming and doing a wonderful job—it’s certainly is God’s work.”

Purchased in 2017, the 62-acre formerly abandoned town has undergone various renovation, cleanup, and beautification since its acquisition by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Among those completely renovated was the 150-year-old chapel, finished in 2024. Not long after, it was dedicated to God on February 1, 2025 to become the house of worship of the Johnsonville, CT Extension.

After the registration of all brethren in attendance and the opening prayer, East Haddam First Selectman Todd Gelston delivered his opening remarks. Part of his speech was his appreciation for the positive impact of the Church in the town.

Mr. Gelston then joined Brother Sheridohn R. Santos, New York District supervising minister, in digging the soil to plant a young cherry tree in an area within the compound. The brethren proceeded in doing so as well with seeds of the said tree and tulip beds at the surroundings of the Johnsonville house of worship.

“As we conducted this beautification project here to show our care for Church properties where we uphold our services to God, and for nature, it is also our way of celebrating early the upcoming birthday of our dear Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, on October 31,” said Brother Santos.

“We are blessed to have activities like this for this did not only help us enjoy the presence of one another, but allowed us to have a remembrance of this day whenever we visit this place,” expressed Brother Neil Omelda, assistant supervising minister. “In his upcoming birthday, we promise to our dear Executive Minister that we’ll continue to help him in edifying our fellow brethren so that altogether we’ll remain hopeful of salvation.”