Brief Church History

 Plattsburgh was settled in 1785, but discussion to organize a church did not occur until November 10, 1792.  This meeting elected trustees, and later called a minister.

             Rev. Frederick Halsey began his service in October 1795 with a salary of $250 plus a $125 settlement.  The church was formally organized on October 1, 1797.  It first met in the Old Block House (now the Elk’s Club), and later at the Court House.  A frame church was begun in 1812 at the present site, but was not completed until 1816, due to the War of 1812.  The building was remodeled in 1865.

             The Second Presbyterian Church in Beekmantown was organized in 1817 by members living in that village.  In 1864 a split in the congregation of First Presbyterian Church over pew rentals and dogma resulted in the formation of the Peristrome Presbyterian Church (southeast corner of Brinkerhoff and Oak Streets).

            A fire on the night of August 21, 1867, after a wedding, destroyed the first building (on the present site).  Worship was then held in the Academy (present library).  The second and present building was dedicated on July 8, 1873, built of blue limestone in the Gothic style.  It cost $56,000 and was without debt when dedicated.  A bell, town clock and fire alarm were added at various times.

            Remodeling and redecoration have taken place in 1909, 1928, 1946, 1962 and 1987.  Telephone service was installed in 1902.  Electricity was installed in 1909, along with a new Estey organ.  The first printed bulletin also appeared.  A new tracker organ was installed during the summer of 1975.

            On October 13, 1967 the educational wing was completed and dedicated.  On November 2, 1958 the Prospect Avenue manse (the 4^th) was occupied.  It was later sold.  On November 12, 1982 the church was put on the National and State Historic Registers.  In 1988 Korean Presbyterians, using our building, became an organized church.

            Over 200 plus years the church has been served by twenty three pastors.  The present is the Rev. Kathleen Crighton, the first installed woman pastor.

             The Session, the Diaconate, Sunday School, Presbyterian Women, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Junior and Senior High Fellowships and three choirs are among the current organizations.