First Baptist Church of Cold Spring (Nelsonville, New York) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church On The Hill
Front (north) elevation and east profile, 2007
Religion
Affiliation	Baptist (former) Non denominational Christian (current)
Year consecrated	1831
Status	active
Location
Location	Nelsonville, NY, United States
Architecture
Architect(s)	Davenport
General contractor	William Bowne
Completed	1832
Construction cost	$825
Direction of façade	north
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Added to NRHP	1982
NRHP Reference no.	82001241

The Church on the Hill is a historic building in Nelsonville, New York. It sits on Main Street, also known as NY 301. This church is the oldest one in the town of Philipstown. It has been used continuously since it was built in 1831.

Its tall white steeple is a well-known landmark in Nelsonville. The church also owns a house called the parsonage in Cold Spring, New York. This parsonage is also listed on the National Historic Registry.

The Church on the Hill is special because it is the only important frame church in the Hudson Highlands area. A frame church means its main structure is made of wood. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.

About the Church Building

The Church on the Hill is built with a wooden frame and covered with clapboard siding. It rests on a strong stone foundation. The main entrance sticks out from the front of the church.

This entrance has decorative pilasters, which are like flat columns. Above them is a simple entablature, a fancy band of decoration. The doorway itself also has pilasters and a decorative cornice (a molding along the top).

The Steeple and Roof

A tall, pointed steeple rises from the church. It sits on an eight-sided cupola, which is a small dome-like structure. The cupola has arched openings filled with louvered panels. These panels have angled slats to let air in but keep rain out.

The church roof is gabled, meaning it has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. The edges of the roof that stick out, called eaves, are also decorated. All sides of the church have rounded stained-glass windows. There are also pilasters at each corner of the building.

Later Additions

Over the years, parts have been added to the church. A newer section at the back has a similar, but lower, roof. It also has a dentilled cornice, which looks like a row of teeth. Two other additions were built in a similar style, blending well with the original church.

Church History

The church congregation, or group of people who worship together, started in 1799. For many years, they met in people's homes. By 1831, the group had grown large enough to build their own church.

Samuel and Mary Gouverneur, who owned a big estate in what is now Nelsonville, gave the land for the church in 1831. A person named Davenport designed the church. William Bowne built it for $825. This would be worth much more money today!

Changes Over Time

The church has been expanded several times and rebuilt once.

• In 1854, the steeple and a lecture hall at the back were added.
• Twenty years later, in 1874, a baptistry was created inside the church. A baptistry is a pool used for baptisms.
• In 1962, more additions were made to the back. These included classrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room.

A fire damaged the inside of the church in 1978. However, it was carefully restored and reopened two years later.

Modern Era

In recent years, the church changed its name from "The Cold Spring Baptist Church" to "Church on the Hill." It also became a "non-denominational Christian Community." This means it is not officially part of a specific Christian group like the Baptists anymore.

The current pastors are Rev. Tim and Rev. Beth Greco. Pastor Beth Greco is also the CEO of the Hoving Home. This home helps people in different locations like Garrison, NY, and Pasadena, CA. Pastor Tim helps with media for the home. The Church on the Hill is a Christian church that believes in the Bible and focuses on Jesus.