Prattsville Reformed Dutch Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reformed Dutch Church of Prattsville
Prattsville Reformed Dutch Church, December 2015
Religion
Affiliation	Reformed Church in America
Leadership	Rev. Rebecca Town
Year consecrated	1835
Location
Location	Prattsville, NY
Architecture
Architectural style	Federal / Greek Revival
Completed	1835
Materials	Wood
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Added to NRHP	1996
NRHP Reference no.	96001430
Website
https://prattsvillereformed.wordpress.com/

The Reformed Dutch Church of Prattsville is a historic church building in Prattsville, New York. It was first built in 1804. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1835. The church shows off two cool styles of building: Greek Revival and Federal style.

This special building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 1996. This means it's an important place in history! Sadly, the church building was badly damaged by Hurricane Irene in 2011. Even though the main building needs repairs, the church community is still active. They meet in a different building for now.

A Look Back: The Church's Story

The church started way back in 1798. It was first known as the Society of Schoharie Kill. For a few years, people met in houses or barns. They didn't have a church building yet.

Building the First Church

By 1804, the community built their first meeting house. It was on Main Street, where the church stands today. Records show that Catherine Bird, a six-year-old, was the first person baptized there in 1798. Later records from 1833 show Luther Maben and Elizabeth Dutcher as the first couple married. Ophelia Osborn was the first person whose death was recorded.

A deed from 1803 shows that land was given for a cemetery. This land was for burying people from the church community.

Rebuilding After a Fire

The first church building was later destroyed by fire. But the community worked together to rebuild it in the 1830s. This new building is the one you see today. It was also restored and fixed up in 1971 and 1972. This was made possible by the O’Connor Foundation.

Pastors and Travel

In the early days, church members didn't see their pastor very often. Pastors had to travel to many different places. They rode horses over 100 miles on tough roads. This meant they could only visit each church about once every three weeks.

Pastors were paid by all the churches they served. But a man named Zadock Pratt helped the Prattsville church hire its own pastor. Reverend Hamilton VanDyke became their pastor in 1833. He was paid $400 a year. He passed away in 1836 when he was only 29 years old.

Growth and Community

Many people moved to Prattsville when the tannery was busy. This was from about 1825 to 1845. Farmers, shopkeepers, and other workers came to the town. As the town grew, the church also grew. People wanted to support their spiritual leader.

The Reformed Dutch Church has been around for over 200 years. Some years were hard, especially when they didn't have a minister. But the church community has always stayed strong. They continue to share their faith and hope to do so for many more years.

Official Church Documents

The church has official documents that show its history.

1835 Church Incorporation

In 1835, the church officially became a corporation. This meant it was legally recognized. On January 26, 1835, male members of the church met. They decided to elect six trustees to manage the church's property. They also chose the official name for the trustees: "the trustees of the reformed Dutch Church and Congregation of Prattsville." John Brackney, Robert More, Zadock Pratt, John Laraway, Dwight Brockett, and Henry T. Beeker were elected as the first trustees.

1955 Church Incorporation

Later, in 1955, new official papers were created. This happened because the original 1835 documents couldn't be found. The minister, elders, and deacons signed these new papers. This made sure the church remained a legal organization.

Images for kids

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  A drawing from the mid-1800s of the Church.

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  The church can be seen in an 1844 lithograph of the town.