FPCY Navigation Bar

Church History

The birth of our church in 1730 was simply an assemblage that convened weekly for the worship of God. A 220-acre tract was leased in 1737 and a meeting house was constructed in 1738. Itinerant preachers provided worship leadership until the first resident pastor was called in 1761.

During the Revolutionary War, the church became an arsenal and barracks, and a meeting place for the patriots. British troops destroyed the parsonage and storehouse in early June 1779, and burned the church to the ground shortly after. After the war, a second church was built in 1785. There is a monument in front of the church, celebrating the all-black First Rhode Island Regiment, which figured prominently in the British raid in Yorktown in 1779.

For more on the Battle of Yorktown, May 14, 1781, CLICK HERE

Under the leadership of the second pastor, the church gradually took on the Congregational form of government. This led to a division in the church in 1806, and a second church was started on Granite Springs Road. The two churches were reunited after 60 years, in 1865. Our church still owns and maintains the East Yard Cemetery at the site of the Congregational Church. Among the buried of the East Yard Cemetery are 30-40 black members of that church. Both the East Yard Cemetery and the current church building are listed as sites on the Westchester African-American Heritage Trail.

The 1875 structure was replaced in January 1840 by the present building, which was built in the same style as before. The church and Sunday School services were held in this one building until 1930. Since then, there have been numerous building additions. In 1998, the Christian Education Building was expanded, and a passageway built between the Sanctuary and the CE Building. In 1985, the 1840 Sanctuary was restored to its original appearance.

The Congregation Circa 1910

Monument to Rhode Island Regiment -- dedicated 1900

Dedication to the Rhode Island Regiment

From the History of our Congregation…

May 2010

We will look back at the fifties which were very active and had a lot of growth in the church.

Membership in 1950 was 118 members, in 1951 it was 168 members and in 1952 it was 175. In June 1958 there were 33 new members who joined the church. The Sunday School en-rollment was high in a 1958 report stating ―when the present addition was made to the parish house, it was anticipated that not more then 160 students could be housed at one session. We reached this point sometime ago; we will have about 215 students per session with space for only 160 by 1959‖.
Estimated income in 1951 was $5,561 per year. Estimated expenses were the same amount. Present indebtedness was $1,760 and the Benevolence quota was $822 per Arthur Lee’s book.

Let’s take a look at the buildings through the years: The parish hall was built in 1950, which included a kitchen, large room (the bicentennial room) and cost around $10,000 with a lot of labor from church members. Only 5 years later, in 1955, an addition was added for $36,000. I see that the first plan, which was changed, would have included one big room with two folding partitions and a stage which could be used for a class room, followed by an office at the end of the building. Next to the kitchen was going to be men’s and ladies’ bathrooms, also a boiler and storage room. Instead they made an L shape and continued the building towards the church, ending where the library room is now. The next addition was in 1961. If you now go in the gathering room to the nursery room on right you will see a brick wall that was the original out-side wall of the end of the building. I also came upon an early drawing, showing a two story building with a canopy going to the church, but I guess cost eliminated it. 1969 the acquisition of adjacent property, 2.75 acres, and house was acquired. It was sold in the 80’s. The last addi-tion was erected in 1997.

Highlights:

1950 floor of the church seemed insecure - services had to be held in parish house. The repairs cost $330.30. T. Niblo Creed, a neighbor and friend donated lumber and materials. 1951 Pastor’s salary was $2,500.

1952 began our monthly newsletter ―The Disciple‖.
1956 two church services 9:00am and 10:30am began.
1958 budget was $21,550.

Check the history board for pictures of the repairs on the steeple.

See you in September,
Dick Hunter

April 2010

Some events from the ‘60s

1963 Budget recommendations made by the Executive Comm. were: estimated income was $43,700 with $7850 of this amount for benevolences. Our church was one of three in Yorktown that participated in a plan to resettle 2 Cuban refugee families. Through Church World Service, 2 families came from Miami, Florida, and the community task was to find housing and work opportunities.

1963, Oct. 25-27: The church observed its 225th anniversary with a family dinner on Friday, Oct. 25 in the Parish Hall. The caterer was confused on the date, expecting to come on the 26th, therefore, those who came for the dinner were disappointed and had to eat at local restaurants.

1964: A new carpet was installed in the Sanctuary, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Anson L. Lee by their son, Arthur. Also 30 new members were received at the service on Nov. 28, 1965.

Dick Hunter, Church Historian

March, 2010

As I look at the church I try to imagine how it was in the early days, and how time changes things. These are some of the changes that came about over time.
As you pull up in front of the church on the dirt road in our horse drawn carriage or wagon you might use the built in steps (stone) that are part of the stone wall. After the people were dropped off the driver put the horses and wagon in the long shed, which was where the C E building is located now.

As you enter the church, the sexton would have the wood burning stove doing, gas lights or candles (depending what year). There were wide wood plank floor, no rugs, no cushions on the bench (pews) seats. There were wood door s on each pew at one time, if you notice there are still two on each aisle on two pews near the pulpit. Today: oil furnace, electricity, rugs all around, cushions on the pews, electric organ - now a pipe organ.

Speaking of the organ, where the organ pipes are located was a walk between the two balconies, also used by the choir with mirror, coat rail, plus a pull down stairs to the attic. The memorial side door with the plaque on it, was put there for easy in and out for a casket - it was a window before it was a door. The addition in 1997 put the C.E. building and church together.

The church does not stand alone anymore. Iron railings on the front steps with a ramp on the east side, sound system with speakers hanging from the balconies, wood shingles (roof) replaced with asphalt, air-condition compressor outside in the back with the air exchanger units in the attic with vents in the ceiling.

But as I sat there during the Christmas Eve service with the candles lit and the lights off my thoughts went back in time and how it was early on with the candles flickering and the smell of the wood burning in the stoves. How simple life was, but I guess you worked hard during those times, plus families were together more working on the farms.

Well, whose turn is it to hitch the horses to the wagon next Sunday to that little old white church built with the help of the people of the church 1839 - dedicated in 1840.

Dick Hunter, Church Historian

February 2010

The Memorial Chapel room was built as part of the third addition to the Parish House. The room was set aside as a Memorial Chapel to be used as a quiet place, reading, meditation and prayer. However it has become necessary to use the room for many other purposes, e.g. instruction for new member groups, rehearsals for both the senior and junior choirs, and Bible classes.

Memorials: The blue cross on the wall in front of the room is in memory of Mrs. Lillian Gemmill, who died in 1961. The cross is given by her family, who were not members of the church but friends of our pastor, Rev. George N. Barford.

The library was established in memory of Miss Minnie E. Waite, who died in 1959. She was a librarian for many years and, with her sister Mary Louise, became a member of the church on coming to Yorktown. Miss Minnie Waite was later chosen to be an elder.

The ceramic sculpture is in memory of Mrs. Barbara Briegs Barford, the first wife of Rev. Barford. The sculpture was executed by Mrs. Nellie Dodd Speers, a talented sculptress and a member of the church.

The furniture, except the metal chairs, was purchased with funds given in memory of Arthur C. Lee, Jr. who died after an operation in April 1961.

In the Church building, there are many articles purchased and given as memorials. Notable among them is the bronze tablet on the rear wall of the sanctuary. It was given by members and friends of Rev. William James Cumming, pastor for 30 years, 1876-1906. The candelabra were given by the George Groht family in memory of Mrs. Groht's papents. The piano was purchased from funds given in memory of John F. Wilkens, Jr. There are other memorials as well.

P.S. This was posted on the wall in the Chapel (music room) by Arthur Lee before the addition in 1997. Read the history board.

Submitted by Dick Hunter, Church Historian

An excerpt from a sermon by Rev. William J. Cumming on August 6, 1876. He was the congre-gation’s 10th pastor, serving from 1876 to 1906.

This church antedates the Declaration of Independence by nearly half a century. When it was organized, no one then thought of a separation from the mother-country, nor had it then entered into the minds of even of the most visionary the astounding changes a century would make.

At this time, the population of this entire county, outside of a few of the large towns in the south-east corner, was not more than one-fourth of that of Peekskill today. The country was sparsely settles. Many, perhaps most, of these hills were covered with forests. These roads were but bri-dle-paths. The saddle, whish has since been superseded by the wagon, was then in vogue. The main road was called the “King’s Highway”, and what is now known as Crompond Street was styled “Kingston Street”.

Then there was but one Synod in the entire American Presbyterian Church, while now they number thirty-seven; and four Presbyteries, while now there are 175 in the northern church alone. The General Assembly, with which we have become familiar by its annual sessions, did not exist until sixty years later. The Yorktown Church has passed through all the periods of both church and state. It was born in colonial times, it passed through the fiery trial of the Revolution, and has remained to witness and rejoice in the one hundredth anniversary of our national birth.

It lived under royal governors, and it enjoyed the beneficent rule of the republic. It began its existence when the divine right of kings was an established dogma, and it has lived to see accepted in profession, even by the tyrannical Sultan of Turkey, the fundamental principle of our national government, that rulers derive their authority from the consent of the people.

It was born in the slow-coach days of the sailing vessel and the saddle, and it has seen these give way to the wagon, the steamer and the railroad. At its birth there was going on in the American Presbyterian Church a conflict between Old and New sides, which culminated in the Division of 1741.

Submitted by Dick Hunter, Church Historian

From the History of our Congregation October 2009

From 1912-1926, during Mr. Roberts pastorate, Sunday worship was at 10:30 followed by Sunday School. All this was held in the Sanctuary as there were no other buildings at that time. Evening service began with Christian Endeavor at 7:30 p.m., followed by a short devo-tional service at 8:15. Prayer meeting was held on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Communion was observed quarterly, preceded by a Preparatory service held the Friday evening before.

From 1914-1918, during the First World War, the service flag hung by the pulpit with a star for each young man in the service.

In 1925, the Church was closed for 2 months for decoration of the interior. The exterior had recently been painted so that the renovation was complete. The Ladies Aid Society helped with a liberal donation for the expense.

From May, 1949 to February 1950, the pulpit was vacant except for supply each Sunday or a prospective candidate. Fourteen candidates or ministers helped during this period. The Church did suffer during that time, both financially and from lack of interest.

Check the history board for pictures of the 1940’s.

Dick Hunter, Church Historian

History Corner - May, 2008

In the 1940’s the WWII came about which 21 church members were put on the Honor Roll - 8 in the Navy, 9 in the Army, 3 in the Air Corps and 1 in the Coast Guard. They mention a Victory tax, but no further information on the tax was found. Maybe some of the older members of the church know about this victory tax? The church was in the Wartime Service Program of the General Assembly. The citation’s one from 1942-1943 the other 1943-1944 has the gold seal of the “Presbyterian”.

In 1947 a new Hammond Organ was installed:

February 20, 1947 Initial Payment $731.00
March 18, 1947 Final Payment $1,461.00
October 29, 1947 Organ Light $27.50
Total $2,219.50

Parish House roof collapsed Sunday, February 1, 1948. A benefit for rebuilding the Golden Rule in action was exemplified. A community social arranged by parishioners of St. Mary’s Church of Mohegan and the Granite Springs Chapel of Good Shepherd. The benefit was to raise funds for reconstruction for Shrub Oak Methodist and First Presbyterian Church which both had damage from heavy snow. Several hundred people filled to capacity the Shrub Oak High School Gymnasium. A one act play by the junior class of Yorktown High School plus the band raised $800.00.

A contract for the Rev. Donald MacVicar for 3 years, term beginning September 15, 1945 and ending approximately September 15, 1948 at the sum of $1,600 yearly in semi-monthly payments together with free use of the manse and manse property, water rates and vacation of one month each year. He was from Quebec, Canada the 15th pastor of the church. The 1948 budget was $3,278.20 with 118 members.
Dick Hunter

History Corner - April, 2008

As April 2009 is upon us, looking back just one year to April of 2008 was the marking of tenth year of the dedication of the new expansion. Dedication of the new building was April 26, 1998.

Here is some of the time line:
1994                Mission Study
1995                Expansion needs task force to explore facilities needs
January 1996   Congregation approves expansion needs and votes to proceed, hires architect
April 1996        Congregation votes to expand; plans for capital fund campaign and engages
architect
January 1997   Congregation begins a capital fund campaign
June 1997        Congregation votes to proceed, estimated cost 1.3 million
July 1977        Construction begins
February 3, 1998 Church receives Certificate of Occupancy
April 26, 1998 Dedication

The original structure, 2,400 square feet, was expanded by an additional 6,300 square feet.

click on the image (right) to see some photos

The original structure, 2,400 square feet, was expanded by an additional 6,300 square feet.

More Facts:
• First Parish House’s roof collapsed Sunday, February 1, 1948.
• New Hall started in 1948 - 1949 and finished in 1950. There is a picture posted on the History Bulletin Board. Most of the labor on this building was done by members of the church.
• Another addition added an education/office building in 1956; further addition to C.E. building in 1961.
• Picture and information is posted on bulletin board with regards to the 1997 expansion. Some newspaper articles and pictures that members took.

I will look into the war years of the 1940’s and how it involves the church. Remember, “The only thing new in the church is the history you don’t know.”
Dick Hunter

History Corner - March, 2008

1930-1941

Knapp Farm, Jefferson Valley, NY on route 9N, 85 acres:

The church was left by will of Elizabeth Knapp, a farm after certain heirs were paid. Church had to take a mortgage of $5000 in order to get clear title to property and pay off the heirs. Due to condition of the house, buildings, etc., church was forced to sell the farm. The house had 9 or 10 rooms, large barn with cow house attached and some small buildings. There was a lot of communication between brokers, lawyers, etc regard to the farm. One broker said “The price I have it at is $11,000. Mortgage $5000. Cash required $6000. The fields are A-1, and the view very splendid. House much the worse for wear, and without improvements. But the land is really valuable, and in good state of cultivation.

There is a folder on the Knapp Farm with all the correspondence. I will do more on the farm later. Check the history bulletin board.

Dick Hunter, Church Historian

History Corner - February, 2008

A song written by Emma H. Everitt to celebrate our bicentennial in 1938.

Tune: “Hail to the Brightness of Zion’s Glad Morning.”

The Yorktown Church 1738-1938

     Hail to the church that was started in Yorktown,
     Long, long ago, just two hundred years.
     Faithful its been during many hard trials,
     Never yielding to doubts and to fears.

     Hail to the church that has given to Missions
     Money and men for the great foreign field.
     Trustful and earnest and still going forward
     Working for peace, hoping war will soon yield.

     Hail to the people, and hail to their leader,
     Willing and able to conquer all need,
     Giving of service and prayer and substance
     Planting on earth all the true gospel seed.

                Dick Hunter, Church Historian

Click on the image (at right) for more history of our Church in the 18th and 19th Century.
Click on the image (at right) for a brief history of the First Rhode Island Regiment, an African American unit that fought in this area between 1779 and 1781. For the North County News writeup on the Battle of Yorktown -- May 14, 1781 -- click HERE
Reverend Silas Constant was the Second Pastor of the Yorktown Presbyterian Church, from 1785 to 1825. Click on the Image (at right) to see his journal.
The earliest marriage on record in Yorktown between two African Americans is found in the records of the First Presbyterian Church. Click on the image (at right) to see some of the early Church involvement with the Yorktown African American Heritage Trail.
FPCY Pastor List -- 1741 - 1974 Click HERE

page last updated April 30, 2010 7:49:59 pm