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The
Church's heritage dates back to 1675 when the first meeting
house was built near the mouth of the Nissequogue River. The exact location
is not known, but it was near the junction of River and Moriches Roads.
A monument marks the approximate location. The land and the expense of
the building were a gift from the children of Richard Smith, founder of
Smithtown. By 1750 the population center of the Town shifted and the original
building was relocated on the property of the present Church, land donated
by Obidiah and Epenetus Smith. The preacher at that time (1751-1755) was
the Reverend Napthali Daggett. He became a professor at Yale College,
where he subsequently became its sixth president. During the Revolutionary
War the pastor was the Rev. Joshua Hartt. He was fired on by British soldiers
while preaching in the pulpit and eventually imprisoned by them in New
York City because of his inflammatory sermons. The Church was officially
incorporated in New York State on April 29, 1794 and the first trustees
elected.
In
April of 1823, the Congregation voted to construct a new building, the
Trustees having $1410 for that purpose. The Church records tell that,
On the 26th of April 1823 A.D., an agreement was made between the Trustees
and one George Curtiss, to build a new House of Worship of Almighty God.
On September 9, 1827 the Reverend Ithamar Pillsbury officiated at the
dedication of the Presbyterian Meeting House. The Narthex was added in
1898, providing space for Sunday School, meetings and social gatherings.
The organ was installed in 1909. The Church was electrified in 1916. The
Parish Hall was added in 1950. In 1963 the Christian Education wing was
dedicated. The most recent addition of offices was completed in 1975.
On December 23, 1977 the Church was included in the National Register
of Historic Places. Commemorative plaques are located in the vestibule
behind the pulpit and beneath the bell tower in the balcony. Historic
documents, pictures and a roster of ministers are displayed in the Narthex.
Download
"Church and Community" the 1975 history of the church written
by J. Richard Mehalick, church historian.
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