To the Editor:

Two-hundred years ago, a small group of parishioners met at the house of David Cheesebrough in what was then part of the town of Bethlehem, to form the Union Dutch Reformed Church, also known today as Unionville Reformed.

As stated in the original Sept. 9, 1825 minutes, “The male members having convened, elected the following persons as Elders and Deacons — and with these the church was organized — with the title of Union Dutch Reformed Church. The consistory consisting of Peter A. Bradt (and) John Becker Elders — and John Oliver (and) Philip Smith Deacons — after public service in the church were regularly ordained to their respective offices.”

Peter Bradt and John Oliver were Revolutionary War veterans.

A deed for an acre of land along the Delaware Turnpike and 150 yards from the house of David Cheesebrough was written in December of 1824. The deed states that the church be built “for the glory of God and the benefit of perishing souls.”

As far as can be determined, the sanctuary part of the building was constructed in the spring and summer of 1825. The first pastor, Rev. Ira C. Boice, came in 1826. He served the New Salem church as well.

In 1840, the horse shed was erected for the protection of the congregants’ horses and carriages. This shed still stands.

In 1841, elevated platforms were built at both front corners of the church. These enabled the ladies to disembark from their carriages without revealing their ankles. These no longer stand.

Throughout its history, the Union Dutch Reformed Church, like all of us, has seen times of progress and times of challenges. Through it all, by the grace of God, we still meet “for the glory of God and the benefit of perishing souls.”

At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, please join us for a service of grateful celebration led by Rev. Chris Vande Bunte, senior pastor at Delmar Reformed, our daughter church, established in 1841.

After the service, a 30-minute organ concert on our Kilgen pipe organ will be given by our organist, Amy Heebner and by Jim Slingerland, former organist currently serving at First Reformed Church of Wynantskill. The pipe organ was built in 1955 and installed here in 1980.

A traditional potluck-style lunch follows featuring dishes from our bicentennial cookbook, “By God’s Grace,” which is available for purchase. After lunch, a tour of the church and a presentation about the beautiful stained-glass windows installed in 1925 for our centennial, will be offered. A free booklet about the history of the church will be available, and a display of historical memorabilia and photos will be ongoing.

At 10:30 on Sunday, Oct. 19, a special service, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” led by our pastor, the Rev. Dr. David Corlett (and Pastor Emeritus of Delmar Reformed) will take place. This will be followed at noon by a catered luncheon. All are invited, but a reservation for the lunch, made by calling Kim at 518-439-1541, would be appreciated.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our friends and neighbors.

Judith Kimes

Elder

Unionville Reformed Church