About Us
The Way
Inn was begun in 1999 in Carthage, NY, by Robert & Stephanie Sly.
They had a desire to provide a place where folks in the local community
could gather and enjoy clean, family-oriented entertainment, fellowship
and sharing.
For the first few years, the Inn grew in popularity and became well
known for its weekly musical shows, featuring top local and regional
Christian singers and groups. The Sly's not only labored to find
funding to engage various entertainers, but they also decorated the Inn
with family heirlooms and antiques in their possession. The idea was to
create as "home-like" a place for everyone's enjoyment as possible.
In March of 2002, the village of Carthage suffered a tragic fire that
saw the destruction of a major portion of its historic downtown
buildings, including the structure that had been home to The Way Inn.
Lost in the conflagration were the homes of dozens of people,
long-established businesses, and all the property of the Inn, including
not only the Sly family's priceless personal possessions displayed there but also
thousands of dollars' worth of electronic equipment.
The Inn had no insurance coverage. But, various local organizations
took up a collection to help replace some of the lost equipment, tables
& chairs, etc., to aid the Inn's continuance in support of the open
community.
An interim arrangement brought the Inn to another Carthage location for
a
time and weekly shows continued, but without the ambiance of the
beloved Music Center. Friends at Pleasant Meadows Baptist Church in
Evans Mills invited the Sly's to bring the Inn to the Church building
there soon afterward.
Pastor Bob has since brought many nationally known groups to the new
Evans Mills venue including Les & Linda Green, The Wilsons, Lynn
Swizinsky, Randy Simpson, Ron Brewer, Howie Campbell, The Couriers and
more.
All entertainment is provided free to the public, though a freewill
offering is accepted to help offset performers' traveling expenses and
reduce overhead costs of the Inn. Everyone involved with
Inn operations serves in a volunteer capacity, and each typically
contributes to the maintenance of programs and general support.
You are cordially invited to join us and enjoy the fellowship
and wonderfully inspiring Christian entertainment the Inn provides.
Phone Pleasant Meadows Baptist Church at (315) 629-4800 or Pastor Bob
at (315) 493-2022 anytime to learn more.
We pray God's wonderful blessings to
you & your family always!
- Len Hamilton, TWICMC webmaster and supporter.
