Calcium oxide15 is known as lime1116 and is one of the top 10 chemicals1217 produced annually by thermal decomposition of limestone. The thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate to lime18 is one of the oldest chemical reactions known. For several thousand years, lime has been used in mortar (a paste of lime, sand and water) to cement stones to one another in buildings, walls and roads. The setting of mortar involves several chemical reactions.
1 Congregation Shearith Israel, 1654, Upper West Side, Manhattan, is the oldest congregation in New York and the United States. 2  Temple Society of Concord, 1839, Syracuse, New York.  Angel Orensanz Center, 1849, Lower East Side, Manhattan, is the oldest synagogue building still standing in New York State.
One of Syracuse's oldest churches closes on Easter. Ellen M. Blalock/The Post-Standard This is the pipe organ at the back of First Presbyterian Church United, 620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. The church will close on Easter, April 8. The organ is for sale. One of Syracuseâs oldest church congregations â it formed in 1824 â is closing . First Presbyterian Church United, at 620 W. Genesee St., holds its last service on Easter, April 8. Shutting down brings a new, smaller congregation to life, one devoted to serving First Presbyterianâs Near West Side neighborhood.