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History of Orange County
Town of New Windsor
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NEW WINDSOR CHURCH.--“On the 14th of September, 1764, a meeting was held at New Windsor, and Elders were elected preparatory to the organization of a Church.”
“The Church was on the 5th of May, 1766, by Rev. Timothy Johnes, a committee of the Presbytery of New York.”
“In October, 1767, Rev. Francis Peppard took charge of the congregation in connection with that of Bethlehem, and continued his labors till 1771. During this period a few were added to the Church.”
The congregation stood vacant till 1773, when Rev. John Close commenced his labors, and continued as stated supply until 1799. During the greater portion of this time his labors were divided between this congregation and that of Bethlehem.
“During the latter part of this time the congregation was associated with that of Newburgh.”
In 1766 Mr. Close became the colleague of the Rev. Ebenezer Prime, the father of the Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime, at Huntington, Long Island, and was dismissed in 1773, when he came to this Church. When he left in 1796 he went to Waterford, where he died.
“The time of his ministry embraced the period of the Revolutionary war. During this time the church edifice was used as a hospital. Religion was at a very low ebb during the whole period. There were, however, a few added to the Church.”
“On the 5th of May, 1801, the Rev. Jonathan Freeman was installed pastor of this Church, in connection with that of Newburgh. In 1805, he was dismissed. Under his ministry there was some special attention to religion, and about twenty were added to the Church.”
“On the 20th of November, 1805, Rev. Eleazer Burnet was ordained and installed pastor of the associated congregations of New Windsor and Newburgh. The Church enjoyed his labors but a short period. He was suddenly removed by death while on a visit to New Jersey.”
“On the 5th of August, 1807, Rev. John Johnston was ordained and installed pastor of the associated congregations of New Windsor and Newburgh. In 1810 the pastoral relation between this Church and Rev. Mr. Johnson was dissolved. During his labors several were added to the Church.”
“After the time the Church only enjoyed the occasional labors of the gospel ministry until the 1st of May, 1827, when Rev. James H. Thomas commenced his labors with this Church in connection with that of Canterbury. He was installed pastor of both Churches on the 12th of February, 1828, by the Presbytery of North River. On the 14th of February, 1828, the new Church edifice was dedicated.”
“On the 1st of May, 1834, the pastoral relation between Rev. J.H. Thomas and the Church of Canterbury was dissolved, and his labors were confined exclusively to this congregation till the 1st of June, 1835, when the pastoral relation with this people was dissolved. During his ministry about 100 members were added.”
“On the 5th of August, 1835, Rev. James Sherwood was ordained and installed pastor. His labors were continued until April, 1840.”
Since then the pulpit has been supplied--first, by Rev. N.S. Prime--secondly, by the Rev. Henry Belden--thirdly, by Rev. Isaac C. Beach--and fourthly, by Rev. James Bruyn, the present pastor.
“In February and March 1841, the Church enjoyed a gracious outpouring of the Spirit, when 28 members were added, on a profession of their faith.”
“The first ruling elders were: Joseph Wood, William Lowrence, Samuel Brewster and Henry Smith.”
“The present Elders are: Silas Corwin, Samuel B. Moores, Ebenezer Colby and Daniel Moores.”