Honor Church's 250th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2729 BY: Senator METZGER COMMEMORATING the 250th Anniversary of The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh, New York WHEREAS, Throughout the storied history of New York State, there have emerged among its noble institutions certain houses of worship which have become distinguished through their spiritual leadership and commitment to service, and therefore warrant special recognition; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those commemorative historical events which symbolize the growth and development of religious institutions and organizations which comprise the community of this great State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh, New York, which was celebrated in October 2019; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1769, The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh was erected on what is now the site of Neelytown Cemetery; as the congregation moved around, the church followed, eventually moving again in 1832 to a site located near the bridge crossing the Otterkill River; and WHEREAS, From 1844 to 1893, the church took up residence in a columned edifice on the corner of Sarah Wells Trail and Hamptonburgh Road; a steepled church very similar to the present one was built in

1893 on the current site, where it served the congregation until it was devastated by a fire in 1909; and WHEREAS, The fifth and final iteration of The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh rose on that foundation in 1910, and has solidly stood ever since; and WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to its community, The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh has shown a commitment to its neighbors well-being, whether it's through the annual coat drive, or its red-berried giving tree out front every January, which contains warm hats, gloves, socks and scarves for all those who need them; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Reverend Gary Fox, The First Presbyterian Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of such venerable institutions as The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh, New York, commemorating a milestone of its glorious history, and recognizing its faithful ministry on behalf of the members of its parish; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh, New York, upon the occasion of its 250th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend Gary Fox, and The First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh, New York.