First Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay
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Oyster Bay Presbyterian Church, 2008
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | E. Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1873 |
| Architect | J. Cleaveland Cady |
| Architectural style | Stick/Eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001232 |
| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1976 |
The First Presbyterian Church in Oyster Bay, New York, is a historic building. It was built in 1873 and is known for its unique Stick/Eastlake style. This style is a type of Carpenter Gothic architecture.
The church is located at 60 East Main Street. A famous architect named J. Cleaveland Cady designed it. He was just starting his career then. Later, he designed many other important buildings. These include the original Metropolitan Opera House and parts of the American Museum of Natural History. He also designed buildings at Yale University and Trinity College.
This church is special because of its connection to the Roosevelt family. Theodore Roosevelt Sr., his wife Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, and their children attended services here. Their son, Theodore Roosevelt, later became a President of the United States. The funeral for Theodore Roosevelt Sr. was held in this church in 1878.
On December 12, 1976, the church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
History of the First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church started its work in Oyster Bay in 1842. In its early years, the church did not have its own building. A pastor from Hempstead, Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, would preach in different places. He often used the Oyster Bay Academy or the Baptist Church.
The first church building was on East Main Street. It was behind where Nobman's Hardware is today. In the 1850s, the church faced money problems. It was hard for the congregation to keep going.
Growth and New Beginnings
Things improved for the church in the 1860s. The congregation grew and became stronger. By 1872, led by pastor Benjamin L. Swan, they began building a new church. This is the building we see today on the hill. J. Cleaveland Cady was chosen as the architect for this new church.
Inside the church, you can see beautiful arched entryways. These arches have Bible verses written on them. A special pipe organ, made by Hilborne Roosevelt, was placed at the front of the church. William L. Swan gave this organ to the church. He also played it for 52 years!
Roosevelt Family Connection
The future President, Theodore Roosevelt, had a strong connection to this church. His father's funeral was held here. Theodore Roosevelt later wrote in his diary about that day. He said he could see his father sitting next to him in the pew. It was "as distinctly as if he were alive." This shows how important the church was to him and his family.
See also
