| Serving God's people and the world since 1751 |
| 1736 - The earliest evidence of the existence of our congregation is in the records of the old Dutch Church in Kingston, under the date of October 21, 1736, when Rev. George W. Mancius baptized five children at "Schavegonk". From this early date the Dutch, French-Huguenot and German settlers in this area began to look to the Kingston Church for pastoral care, because there was no formally organized congregation here at Shawangunk |
| 1728 1730 1732 1736* 1738 1740 |
1751 - Isaac Hasbrouck purchased a six-acre site for a future
church. Our parsonage was completed in 1751, and a Subscription
List to finance a church edifice was drawn up. The 86 signers
pledged 692.15.6 pounds in money and labor, and work on our
present stone structure commenced in 1752, with the sale of pews
in the completed church being held on December 26, 1755.
According to tradition, the workmen were forced to construct a log
stockade around the site to protect themselves from hostile Indians
while the work proceeded. Meanwhile the pioneer settlers had joined
with the New Paltz Church to obtain the services of our first Pastor.
Rev. Barent Vrooman. He began his work here in 1753, but
remained only one year.
On October 10, 1753, 23 members of the Kingston church were
dismissed to create our formal organization as a congregation here
at Shawangunk
church. Our parsonage was completed in 1751, and a Subscription
List to finance a church edifice was drawn up. The 86 signers
pledged 692.15.6 pounds in money and labor, and work on our
present stone structure commenced in 1752, with the sale of pews
in the completed church being held on December 26, 1755.
According to tradition, the workmen were forced to construct a log
stockade around the site to protect themselves from hostile Indians
while the work proceeded. Meanwhile the pioneer settlers had joined
with the New Paltz Church to obtain the services of our first Pastor.
Rev. Barent Vrooman. He began his work here in 1753, but
remained only one year.
On October 10, 1753, 23 members of the Kingston church were
dismissed to create our formal organization as a congregation here
at Shawangunk
| 1750 1751* 1752 1753 1754 1755 |
| 1760* 1770 1780 1790 1800 1810 1820 |
In the course of our long history,
this congregation has been the
source of five other Reformed
congregations in this area. New
Hurley 1770, New Prospect 1815,
Guilford 1833 - 1930, Wallkill 1869
and Gardiner 1890.
Today it continues to inspire and
encourage the further progress of
the Kingdom of God through
strong preaching, teaching and
corporate worship. Come and join
us for worship this Sunday.
Worship is at 11:00 a.m. If you
need to start your day earlier we
have a shorter service at 8:30 a.m.
In either case we would love to
have you come.
this congregation has been the
source of five other Reformed
congregations in this area. New
Hurley 1770, New Prospect 1815,
Guilford 1833 - 1930, Wallkill 1869
and Gardiner 1890.
Today it continues to inspire and
encourage the further progress of
the Kingdom of God through
strong preaching, teaching and
corporate worship. Come and join
us for worship this Sunday.
Worship is at 11:00 a.m. If you
need to start your day earlier we
have a shorter service at 8:30 a.m.
In either case we would love to
have you come.
| 1760-1771 - Rev. Johannes Goetschius, served from 1760 until his death in 1771. He was buried beneath the pulpit, under the floor of the church. Our churchyard has tombstones from 1752, including those of 43 of at least 143 men in the congregation who fought in the Revolutionary War. During the years 1794-1797 our church building underwent a series of modifications. The west windows were converted into doors to be used as the main entrance, and the pulpit moved to the east wall, the pews were then turned to face it. The present galleries (never used for slaves) were then constructed, together with the unique exterior staircase. At the same time the 1 1/2 story parsonage was converted into a full 2-story dwelling. During 1833 and 1834 further work was done, and the 5 pillared porticoes were built to protect the stairs. The original entrance on the south wall was then closed in 1881. Our colonial-style pulpit and choir lofts were added in 1961. |
| Our Mission We are a family called of God in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, to worship and faithfully carry out His ministry to God's people and to the world so loved by Him. |
The original entrance was
located on the south wall
and was then closed in 1881.
Our colonial-style pulpit and
choir lofts were added in
1961.
located on the south wall
and was then closed in 1881.
Our colonial-style pulpit and
choir lofts were added in
1961.
| Consistory Elders Bud DePuy Jake DeVos Dan Myers Edwina Overton Deacons Carole Parker Jerry Jillson Adrienne Crawford Staff Sarah Williams Minister of Music Wilma Gilbert Adm. Assistant Jerry Jillson Sexton Ann Smiley Pianist Wilma Gilbert Organist |
| To Contact Us: |
| The Reformed Church of Shawangunk 1166 Hoagerburgh Road Wallkill, New York 12589 Email:refgunk@frontiernet.net Website: www.shawangunkreformed.org 845-895-2952 |
| The Christian Resource Center 1166 Hoagerburgh Road Wallkill, New York 12589 Click :Here for the Read of the Week! Email:refgunk@frontiernet.net 845-895-3660 |
| For More Information Call 845-895-2952 Or Fax 845-895-3660 |
Help us keep this beautiful
and still in use historical
building by becoming a
Heritage Partner and
making a contribution to
the Reformed Church of
Shawangunk Historical
Preservation Fund.
and still in use historical
building by becoming a
Heritage Partner and
making a contribution to
the Reformed Church of
Shawangunk Historical
Preservation Fund.
Donations Welcomed