Remembering Our Past

A landmark in the community, dating back to its founding and dedication in 1871, the First Presbyterian Church was the first house of worship built in Oceanside. At that time, Oceanside, then called Christian Hook, the name dating from 1642, was a town of 200 families. In official records, the church is still known as First Presbyterian Church of Christian Hook although the community officially became Oceanside in 1874. The original building is still apparent in today's structure, with the same front, but the church extended only to the steps of the present chancel. Land for the building was donated by charter member Townsend E Southard. The total cost of construction was $2,300. Improvements and enlargements through the years have included the following: In 1892 - present chancel area and south entrance added. In 1913-1914, the sanctuary was remodeled and the first pipe organ in Oceanside was installed and operated manually until 1939, and is still serving. The large stained glass window purchased through donations was installed and dedicated to the organizing pastor, the Rev. Marcus Burr, who preached his final sermon in the church on that day, only seven weeks before his death. In 1925, the parish hall was begun, and built in two stages, the basement in 1925, and the remainder completed in 1929. The parish hall was and still is the focal point of all church activities except worship. With construction of the parish hall, the stable behind the church was torn down and in 1928, the outdoor sanitary facilities were removed. In 1929 additional land, now the parking lot, was purchased. At the same time the trustees were outbid in an effort to purchase the land where the stores are now. In 1937 stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary, designed by the minister at that time, the Rev. Humphrey Walt. In 1947 the final land acquisition was made on which the manse was erected in 1951. In 1955, chimes were added to the organ. In 1962, another renovation of the sanctuary was made, during which worship was held in the parish hall. In 1966 the parish hall was renovated and the connecting link from the church was constructed. The 1977 building program brought the church plant to its current state. In 1998-99 the historic organ, which had been installed in 1914, was rewired and extensively refurbished. While we hold this historic place of worship close to our hearts and try to be good stewards in its upkeep, we realize that the Church is not a building, and its history is not just the history of a place. The Church is people who gather to worship and follow Christ's teachings. In the year 2000, we join the ten charter members from 1871 and the hundreds of worshippers who have praised God in this place. Together, we become and write the ongoing history of the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside.

The First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Oceanside Road, Oceanside, New York 11572

e-mail: elder@firstpresbychurch.org  phone: 516-766-5916 fax: 516-766-5014

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