The contest honors the fact that the Historic Parish Church of Saint Andrew, founded in 1708 and chartered by Queen Anne in 1713, has been the focus of many artists. From the time the church was rebuilt in 1872, artists have represented its beauty and unique design in various art mediums, according to a news release from the parish.

The Island Wide Young Artist Contest is open to high school students, grades 9 through 12. The students are invited to submit an artwork depicting the Church of Saint Andrew.

There are three categories: oil or watercolor painting, charcoal or pencil sketch, and photography. The winner in each category will be given a monetary prize as well as the honor of having their work professionally matted and framed and presented to the British royal family, according to the news release. The deadline for submission is January 25. Judging will be May 15.

More information is available by calling Peter Loehner at 718-351-0900 or emailing ploehner@mac.com.

St. Andrew's year-long celebration began November 30 with a Solemn Evening Prayer Service according to the rites and customs of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Many parishioners, as well as a large number of visitors, filled the church, according to a news release from the parish. Many of those attending wore 17th and 18th century clothes.

The Rev. Michael Delaney, St. Andrew's rector, welcomed the Rev. Frederick Wm. Schraplau, former curate at St. Andrew's and now rector of the St. Alban's Episcopal Church on Staten Island, as guest preacher. The St. Andrew's Medal was awarded during the evening to parishioner Shirley Juliano for work in chronicling the parish's many events, and therefore its ongoing history, through her photography.

After the prayer service, participants attended a reception in the church's Burch Hall or a sold-out colonial dinner in Hemsley Hall. In keeping with the spirit of the 17th and 18th century, period music was played, and dinner was chicken served with corn and cornbread. The beverages were apple cider and beer.

Delaney was presented with a proclamation from the New York City Mayor's Office and one from the New York State Assembly. Assemblyman Lou Tobacco told attendees he was honored to join them for the opening event.

The parish, which is known as the Mother Episcopal Church on Staten Island, was the family parish of Elizabeth Bayley Seton, who converted to Roman Catholicism and was later canonized. "Despite our age and heritage we are a vital congregation proclaiming the presence of Christ among us," the parish's website says. "We are a parish of 'all sorts and conditions,' (BCP p. 814). We are young and old, married and single, we are straight, gay and lesbian; we come from many races, traditions, and nationalities, yet in our diversity we strive to be of one heart, mind and soul."