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History...The earliest records available trace the roots of Protestant preaching in this area to two Presbyterians, Rev. John Shepard and Deacon George Ramsey, beginning in the late 1700's. Preaching was conducted near the Fort Brewerton embankment. Deacon Ramsey built a schoolhouse nearby which was used for both instruction and worship. In 1810, New York State Governor DeWitt Clinton visited Brewerton and was told John Shepard was the only preacher in the area. As time went on, Methodist circuit riders began to visit the countryside preaching and forming groups that met in houses, schools, or other available space. Various denominations in the area were organizing and desirous of having a sanctuary in which to worship. In 1848, the townspeople of Brewerton collected $1,700 to construct a building to be known as the Union Church which would allow the various groups to hold services at different time. A Methodist Local Preacher, Ebenezer Trakey, and his brother, William Milton, newly-arrived from New Hampshire, were instrumental in erecting the building which was completed in 1849. This is the date we consider to be the founding of the Brewerton Methodist congregation. The Union Church was 60' x 38', roughly finished inside and out, with timbers made fast by use of wooden pins. The original building had a tall spire or steeple with a belfry with four latticed windows. A bell was forged in 1855 in West Troy, New York, and brought on a canal boat to Brewerton where it was installed in the belfry. This bell still serves our church today. In 1854, the Brewerton Methodist Church was listed as a member of the Syracuse District of the Black River Conference. By 1868, all other denominations, which had been meeting in the Union Church (Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, Unitarian and Baptist), had pulled out and were erecting their own buildings. Rev. Ebenezer Arnold, pastor at Central Square, assisted the Brewerton congregation in taking over the Union Church facilities. It was at this time that Brewerton became part of the Oswego District of the Central New York Conference. Several times during its history, the Brewerton Church overcame the threat of closing because of financial problems or waning membership, but always managed to rebound and continue in service to God and the community. In 1923, under the leadership of Rev. Mary Moore, the church building was practically rebuilt, with a corner vestibule housing the bell, addition of a Sunday School and recreation hall, new pews, stained glass windows, entry and complete redecoration of the sanctuary. In 1961, The Quarterly Conference voted to relocate the Brewerton Methodist facilities since there wasn't adequate room for expansion at the existing location (W. Washington Street). Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wickham generously donated two acres of land on Orangeport Road and an additional five acres were purchased. The church also bought a new parsonage. The groundbreaking for the new church building (our current structure) was held on Sunday, July 7, 1963. By 1999, it was obvious that the church needed to expand and renovate. A thriving before-and-after school Child Care program, local Food Pantry, growing Sunday School and youth programs, and a desire to offer additional ministries to the Brewerton area, were responsible for a unanimous vote by the Church Conference to build a new addition and completely renovate the sanctuary as well as all existing facilities. The Brewerton United Methodist Church continues to reach out to the community in love and service. We have been blessed by God and sense the leading of the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to the One who leads us! Additional Notes:
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© 2006 ~ Brewerton United Methodist Church ~ 5395 Orangeport Road/P.O. Box 879 ~ Brewerton, NY 13029, USA ~ Telephone 315/668.3999 ~ www.brewertonumc.com |
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