The Elizabethtown United Church of Christ
Established in 1821 as the Congregational Church of Elizabethtown, our church has served the people of our community for over 200 years. This milestone will be celebrated when the COVID-19 pandemic allows us to lead a more normal lifestyle.
In 1961, due to the declining membership, both the Methodist and Baptist Churches in Elizabethtown were forced to close their buildings. Their members voted to become part of our church.
Our governing structure consists of a Worship Board, Board of Trustees, and Church Council, all of which meet on a regular basis. An annual membership meeting takes place as well. A regular newsletter keeps our members and friends up to date on what is happening in the Church.
A special Deacon’s Fund offering made each month helps to provide assistance to those in need of temporary help. We also give to the One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need and benevolence as part of our weekly pledge.
Our church hosts several Holy Week activities; Maundy Thursday dinner and a Tenebrae service; Easter Sunrise service at our local golf course followed by a pancake breakfast and two annual concerts by the Pleasant Valley Chorale. Several of our members are very active at the community thrift shop with provides additional income to our four local churches, as well as serving a valuable need in our communities.
Due to age, our active membership has declined. However, dedicated members work hard to take care of the needs of our people and buildings, but we need an infusion of younger members to keep us active in the future.
We feel that God is calling us to become a more integral part of our community. Our large parish hall/kitchen complex is under-utilized and plans have been started to improve and update the facility, making it a greater asset for community use. Currently, it is used on a regular basis by Alcoholics Anonymous and the Adirondack Community Action Program. Other groups are encouraged to request space as needed.
We continue to be a caring, friendly, and supportive church community.
In. 1916 the ladies of the church converted a carriage house for use as a Parish Hall. An addition was added and the current building was dedicated in 1954.
The United Church of Christ was formerly known as the Congregational Church of Elizabethtown and was established in 1821. The first church building was a simple rectangular wooden structure built in 1850. The present stone church was completed in August, 1889. The Methodist Society joined our church in 1940 and the First Baptist Church in 1957. In 1961 all members voted to become part of the United Church of Christ.
The present stone church was completed in 1889.
Stained glass windows above the altar are in memory of Augustus and Marsha Hand c. 1896. Pipe organ was given in memory of Abiel Marks c. 1893. Tiffany stained glass windows in memory of Henry Marks c. 1892.
Rear stained glass windows given in memory of Samuel Hand 1896.
Parsonage c. 1967
Rev. Fred Shaw’s 10th Anniversary 1999
Easter sunrise service at the Cobble Hill golf course in Elizabethtown
Church ladies decorating for Christmas.