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A History of the New Hackensack Reformed Church
(Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of New Hackensack)
1758-2008
Pastors
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Rev. Keith W. Tamlyn, Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Marie F. Sheldon, Associate Pastor
Rev. James A. Neevel, Pastor Emeritus
Ministers
All Members of the New Hackensack Reformed Church
Foreword
Christians, when they profess their faith in the Apostles' Creed, tell God and each other that they believe
in the communion of saints. When the beloved hymn, The Church's One Foundation is sung, voices blend
together in the fourth verse, where reference is made to the "mystic sweet communion" of the church. These
instances remind us that we are not alone on this earthly plane. We are inextricably linked with those who went
before us, with those who are sharing their faith journey with us now, and with those who will follow us long after
we have joined the glorious Church Triumphant in eternity.
This year, 2008, New Hackensack Reformed Church celebrates 250 years as Christ's church - a church
that has worshiped God and provided a vibrant mission and ministry in Jesus Christ's name for two and a half
centuries. The logo we have used throughout the many celebrations of our anniversary year is also reminiscent of
the theology of the communion of saints: "Honoring the Past. Serving God in the Present. Following Christ into
the Future." Throughout these long, joyful and sometimes challenging years, we have not been alone in our quest
to do God's work. The psalmist reminds us: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations."
The history which follows in these pages tells the story of generations of people who were connected
to New Hackensack Reformed Church through the grace of God. In 1983, when the church was celebrating its
225th anniversary, Pastors James A. Neevel and Jack R. Branford wrote: "Their story is our story, their vision is
our vision!"
We, as your pastors today, invite you to rejoice in our church's history, to be aware of the blessings we
have today, and to pray for those who will continue the traditions and innovations of New Hackensack Reformed
Church in the centuries to come. May God continue to be our dwelling place in all generations.
Rev. Keith W. Tamlyn, Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Marie F. Sheldon, Associate Pastor
November, 2008
Acknowledgements
Weare indebted to Rev. Alexander M. Conger, pastor from October 1914 to 1921, for compiling the fIrst
historical sketch of the New Hackensack Reformed Church on the occasion of the church's 150th anniversary and
to Carl Christensen for preparing the history for the 225th Anniversary celebration in 1983.
,
Compiled and updated by James Ray, December 2008
Early New Hackensack
In the Town ofWappingers, Dutchess County, New York there is a place where three roads converge and form
a triangle called White Corner. Near the triangle are grouped a few dwellings and stores, while on the north on a
low hill overlooking the Dutchess County Airport stands a church. This community widely spread out and hardly
numerous enough in population to be termed a village, is called New Hackensack.
The land now occupied by the New Hackensack Reformed Church is a small part of a great tract sold by the
Wappinger Indians in 1683 under what became known as the Rombout Patent. The lands included in the Rombout
Patent, comprising some 85,000 acres, were subdivided and changed hands several times during the remainder of
the seventeenth century and the fIrst half of the eighteenth century.
In the general vicinity of the present church site many farms were taken up by men who were of diverse
origins. They came from other parts of Dutchess County, from Westchester County, Long Island, Esopus and
New Jersey and included in their number representatives of families, which, several generations earlier, had come
to America from the Netherlands, upper Rhine and the British Isles.
As the new neighborhood grew it became known as New Hackensack, undoubtedly because some of these fIrst
settlers were from Hackensack, N.J. The name, we assume, was given by them for their former home or because
they thought the physical features of the two places were somewhat similar.
The Low Dutch from the Netherlands predominated in language and religion, and (probably) in numbers. It
was logical, then, that due to their influence, a church congregation would be gathered and organized in union with
the Reformed Church of Holland.
The Founding of the Church
The history of the Dutch Reformed Church in this region began in 1715 when the Reformed Churches of
Poughkeepsie and Fishkill were organized by the Rev. Petrus Vos of Kingston, pastor of one of the pioneer
churches in America. For many years the churches of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill remained under the jurisdiction
of one Consistory.
In 1757 the church at Hopewell was organized. One year later, 1758, 250 years ago, the New Hackensack
congregation elected to form a church. In 1763 the four churches, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Hopewell and New
Hackensack, sent a call to the classis of Amsterdam, which read in part as follows:
"Inasmuch as the pure preaching of God's Holy Word in corifunction with the saving work of the Spirit of the
Lord is the true means ordained of God to lead sinners from their misery to eternal salvation, and whereas
we have now for a long time been deprived of the stated ministry of the Word, yet realizing its necessity we
have taken it to heart to put forth means to secure the same - During six months of the year he shall preach
twice on each Lord's Day - in the forenoon on a freely chosen text - and in the afternoon he shall follow the
Heidelberg Catechism, during the six winter months but once each Lord's Day. "
This call was placed in the hands of the Rev. Isaac Rysdyck and was accepted by him. In September, 1765, he
was installed as pastor of the four churches.
With no church building available at this time, the fIrst services at New Hackensack were held in private
homes. On November 18, 1765, Joris Brinckerhoff and his wife, Ida Montfort, presented the congregation with
land for a church and a burial ground. During 1766, the second year of the Rev. Rysdyck's ministry, the fIrst
church edifIce was erected. It stood in the present New Hackensack cemetery (near the end of the airport runway)
not far from the gate where a stone marks the spot. In one of the earliest records of our church, written in Dutch
and dated October 31,1765, we read:
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"The church shall be built here in New Hackensack in the place where the schoolhouse now stands, near the
house of Joris Brinckerhoff. Hereto help us the Almighty to whose honor this house shall be builded that it
may be said, 'THE LORD IS HERE'.
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The Days of the Associated Church
The churches of Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Hopewell and New Hackensack, or, as they are spelled in the old
records, Pokeepsie, Viskil, Hoopwel and New Hakkinsak, formed one Consistory and were served by one minister
or "dominie" as he was called in those days.
Dominie Rysdyck came to this pastorate at a time when the strife between the Coetus and Conferentie parties
was at its height. This division plagued the Dutch church for many years. The church, at this time, subscribed to
the constitution and church order of the mother church in the Netherlands. Those who felt that colonial status
should be preserved were the Conferentie. Those of the Coetus party, however, sought to cut off this foreign
ecclesiastic control. They wanted the church in America to establish its own seminaries and to conduct its services
in the English language. The congregations at Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Hopewell and New Hackensack were
strongly divided on this issue and great conflict of feelings and rivalry prevailed during much of Rev. Rysdyck's
ministry. The Coetus party would not accept Dr. Rysdyck's ministry so they united in calling Henricus
Schoonmaker, a student, who accepted. So vehement was the opposition of the Conferentie party to Mr.
Schoonmaker and his followers, that on the day of his installation at Poughkeepsie, the Conferenties closed the
church doors against him and the installation service took place outside of the church under a tree. Faced with
unfavorable feelings at the Poughkeepsie Church, the Coetus party went to Fishkill to hear Mr. Schoonmaker.
Feelings, however, still ran high and Dominie Rysdyck had a trying time. For example, feelings became so
intense at the Fishkill church once, that the Coetus party knocked the church door down with an axe and the heads
of families sat in their pews with clubs in their hands. Many times during the sermon people shouted derogatory
and irreverent words at the preacher. Dr. Rysdyck himself, though a leader of the Conferentie, had little of the
narrow mindedness and bitterness of spirit that so typified many of his congregation and associates. He always
sustained the character of peacemaker and it was he, together with the great and eminent Dr. Henry Livingston,
who was finally able to effect reconciliation between the factions at a convention in New York City in 1771.
In 1773 Dr. Rysdyck was asked to preach alternately in Dutch and in English at the Fishkill church. At this
time, he left the Poughkeepsie church, continuing his ministrations in Hopewell and New Hackensack almost
entirely in Dutch. The early Consistory records were kept exclusively in Dutch until 1783. During this period
Rev. Isaac Blauvelt was associated with Dr. Rysdyck as colleague in charge of Fishkill and Hopewell, while Dr.
Rysdyck continued the entire charge of New Hackensack until his death in 1790.
The Rev. Rysdyck, it is said, was one of the most learned men in the Dutch Church, writing in Greek and Latin
with as much facility as his native Dutch. The church records kept by him are written in a beautiful hand, but are
largely in Dutch. His pastorate ran through the troublesome days of the Revolution. His discretion, ability, and
personal excellence well fitted him for his difficult mission. He was buried under the pulpit of the original church
and, in 1835, his remains were moved to the pastor's plot in the burying ground marked by an inscription which
may still be seen today. A new grave stone was placed as a part of the 250th Anniversary Celebration, a gift from
the Poughkeepsie, Hopewell and Fishkill Reformed Churches in honor of New Hackensack's 250 years.
Dr. Rysdyck was succeeded in 1791 by the Rev. Nicholas Van Vrankin, a man of scholarly attainments, an
eloquent preacher, and a devoted servant of God. He spoke with equal fluency in both Dutch and English and was
in the habit of delivering a brief address in each at the Communion table. It was during his pastorate, however,
that English gradually became the exclusive language of the pulpit. Rev. Van Vrankin was a perfect gentleman, a
gifted conversationalist, and given to humor. On one occasion when making a call on a parishioner, the
parishioner said to him, "Dominie, the next time you come, bring a bag and I will fill it with oats". On this next
visit, Mr. Van Vrankin produced a large bag made by sewing two bed sheets together. His friend was not to be
outdone so he took the bag and filled it with oats in the sheaf.
During his ministry he lived at Swarthoutville, a location rather central to Hopewell, Fishkill and New
Hackensack. He was greatly loved and at his death in 1804 a great throng gathered at the parsonage. On
his gravestone in the Fishkill churchyard is the inscription, "Glory to God alone. Sacred to the memory of
Nicholas Van Vrankin, Minister of Jehovah Jesus and Pastor ofthe Dutch Reformed Congregations of Fishkill,
Hopewell and New Hackensack. This excellent man lived tenderly beloved and died deeply lamented by the
people of his charge."
Rev. Van Vrankin was the last pastor of the three associated churches.
In 1805 the churches of Hopewell and New Hackensack separated from the church at Fishkill and called as
their new pastor the Rev. George Barculo. His was one of the short pastorates in a succession oflong ones. He
resigned his call after five years and his annual report for 1810 read "number offamilies, 105. Received on
confession, 5, by certificate, none. Total in Communion, 51", Commenting on the state of religion he wrote, "The
state ofthis congregation presents many things which are just cause of regret and humiliation. Iniquity but too
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much abounds, lukewarmness, carelessness and indifference in matters of eternal moment prevail and the fervor of
love and spirit of devotion languish.... We are not however warranted to mourn as those who have no hope; there
is still cause of gratitude and rejoicing before the Lord that He has not wholly forsaken us. . . .
The next pastor was the Rev. Thomas Dewitt, D.D. who was born in Kingston, N.Y. and was a member of the
fIrst class that graduated from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. In the same year, 1812, he was installed
as pastor over the two churches of Hopewell and New Hackensack. It was during his ministry that the separation
of the two churches took place. At this time, February 1826, Mr. Dewitt formally resigned from his double
pastorate and accepted a new call from the church at Hopewell.
The Independent Church, the Second Building (1834), and the Nineteenth Century
After dissolution of the relationship with Hopewell in 1826, the Rev. Maurice W. Dwight, D.D. was called to the
New Hackensack pastorate. He was installed in December 1826 after his fIrst
New Hackensack - as it appeared in early 20th century.
pastorate off our years at Waterford, N.Y. Dr. Dwight's was another ofthe few relatively short ministries in the
church, for he continued only until 1832, at which time he accepted a call to the First Reformed Church in
Brooklyn. His successor here writes of him, "I knew him quite intimately, and considered him a man of more than
ordinary taste and refInement. . . He did a good work here and embalmed his memory in the hearts of these
people, who always spoke of him with great respect and affection."
On December 17, 1833, the Rev. Cornelius Van Cleef, D. D., a graduate of Dickinson College, was installed as
pastor ofthe church. While a young man at college, he learned that there was one other student ready to stand
with him as a professed follower of Christ. These two young men started a prayer meeting which at fIrst was
ridiculed and avoided by all. In time their prayers were answered, and the number began to increase until the
room was fIlled. A religious awakening stirred the student body and a majority of the young men were drawn into
the Kingdom of God. Of Dr. Van Cleef's own class, all but six entered the ministry. The memory of those college
days was always a joy to him and it may be said that they were a portent of his later usefulness.
In 1823 he graduated from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and went to Palatine, N.Y., where, in
fIve years, the membership grew from 40 to 161. In 1833 he accepted a call to New Hackensack and entered upon
a triumphant ministry that was to last for 33 years.
It was during the ministry of this remarkable man that the second sanctuary and parsonage were erected. One
reads with reverence the only reference to the building of the new church in the Consistorial Minutes under the
brief entry for February 10, 1834:
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"The object of the meeting being stated, was that the elders go through their several beats of the
congregation and know the minds of the pew-holders and congregation respecting the erection of a new and
more commodious house of worship and report accordingly. "
The second church was erected by the end of 1834 and six years later, in 1840, the spacious parsonage was
completed, forming a suitable complement. These stately and beautiful buildings were a fitting tribute to Dr. Van
Cleef and the generous, faithful lives of our predecessors of nearly 175 years ago.
Former sexton's house south of parsonage - site of present airport observation parking lot.
It has been written of Dr. Van Cleefthat, "No one could listen to him without feeling that he stood before the
people with a heart full of kindly affection and with sincere desire to minister to their good. . . they could not but
feel that he was one anointed by the spirit of God."
After an outstanding ministry of33 years, Rev. Van Cleefretired and moved to Poughkeepsie, where he lived
until his death nine years later. In reviewing the minutes of the Consistory, one comes to the last record in his
hand under which is written this postscript: "Here ends my record. God bless my successor. Amen and Amen."
His successor was the Rev. Dr. Henry Ward, who was installed as pastor in July 1867. Dr. Ward came to New
Hackensack as his first charge, and until the end of his days he had a warm affection for the people here. For 20
years he continued in this pastorate, and during that time 158 new members came into the fellowship of the
church. In 1887 Dr. Ward was called to the pastorate ofthe Reformed Church ofCloster, N.J. where he served for
22 years until his retirement in 1909.
Dr. Ward was succeeded in New Hackensack by the Rev. William A. Dumont, whose ministry here was to last
for 23 years. Coincident with the beginning of the Rev. Dumont's pastorate in the spring of 1888 was the
establishment of the envelope collection system. Prior to 1888, the income of the church was derived primarily
from pew rentals, free will offerings, and pledges toward the minister's salary made by parishioners at the time of
calling a new minister.
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Former parsonage across from 1834 church - site of the present airport observation parking lot.
The following paragraphs were excerpted from a "Special Circular" to the Congregation, dated May I, 1888:
"That our Church shall be in good working condition, it is very necessary that the finances should be so managed
as to have everyone contribute something, thereby relieving the pastor and his co-workers from the anxiety always
attending an empty treasury.
"Your Finance Committee are desirous that some plan be adopted whereby each individual can do his share in
bearing the expenses of the Church, however small the contribution may be. They therefore propose to put into
the hands of each one in the congregation an envelope for each Sabbath Day in the year, in which to put whatever
weekly contribution you may choose to give."
Contributors will be classified as follows:
Class A will give weekly 25 cents
Class B will give weekly 15 cents
Class C will give weekly 10 cents
Class D will give weekly 5 cents
Class E will give weekly 3 cents
Class F will give weekly 1 cent
"We earnestly entreat all the congregation to heartily cooperate with us in carrying out this our plan for always
having enough money in the treasury to meet every obligation."
The records of the church during the pastorate of Rev. Dumont reveal that many made profession of their faith
and came into the communion of the church. Perhaps such records provide a more challenging and a more
enduring monument to a man's character than can any other accomplishment. The early days of the twentieth
century were witness to an event that must be almost unique in church history and it happened at New
Hackensack. It has been described in an October 1901 issue of the Poughkeepsie Eagle from which the following
excerpt is taken:
"Seldom is a church building after a service of sixty years in one community taken down and rebuilt in another
locality. This has transpired in the removal ofEllesdie Chapel from its site north of New Hamburg to New
Hackensack where it now stands beside the Reformed Church." The chapel was originally positioned on the north
side of the sanctuary.
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Ellesdie Chapel in its first location north of the sanctuary
Tuesday afternoon, October 22, 190 I, the opening services were of unusual interest. An historical address was
delivered by Rev. 1. K. Wight, who had preached in this chapel nearly 40 years. He told of the building of the
chapel in 1840 by three gentlemen, Mr. James Lenox and his two brothers-in-law, Mr. Sheafe and Mr. Donaldson.
From the initials of these names - L.S.D. - the name was given "Ellesdie". Rev. Wight reviewed the work done in
the chapel, gave an interesting sketch of the founders, and spoke of many prominent persons who had served in
this place.
The pastor of the New Hackensack church, Rev. W. A. Dumont, then recounted the steps which led to the
transfer of the building and contents to the New Hackensack Reformed Church.
By the will of Mr. Sheafe the building was left to a niece, Mrs. Isabel Satterthwaite, and the fund to maintain
service was placed in the care of another niece, Miss Rachel Lenox Kennedy. Miss Kennedy died in 1898.
Through some legal complication concerning the estate, the fund was no longer available, and the chapel was
closed. Mrs. Satterthwaite regarded the chapel bequeathed to her as a sacred trust. Since it was no longer needed
in its original location, she decided to donate the building and contents to the New Hackensack Church on
condition that the church remove the building and maintain it for Protestant Church purposes. In 1893 a Miss
Mary E. Remsen died and left a legacy of$IOOO dollars to the New Hackensack Church for the purpose of
building a chapel. The fund was found sufficient to remove and rebuild, to paint outside and inside, to prepare and
drain a cellar, but not enough to furnish the building. This fact was made known to friends of the Church, and the
following special gifts were received: "Mr. W. W. Smith of Poughkeepsie gave chandeliers and lamps, General C.
W. Darling of Utica, N.Y. promised a furnace, Miss Hattie Phillips of Lansingburg, N.Y., a former infant class
teacher, furnished chairs for the infant class. Chairs for the pulpit were promised by J. S. Van Cleef, Esq. of
Poughkeepsie, and the circle of Kings Daughters in the church added a kitchen as their gift toward the furnishing.
The pastor stated however, that there were two things yet needed, namely, chairs for the chapel and a covering for
the floor. At the close of the service Mrs. R. W. Bull of Camelot left a check for $25.00 towards the furnishing.
Among the additional improvements made to the properties of the church during the pastorate of Rev. Dumont
were the erection of church sheds, the placing of the slate roof on the church, and the installation of furnaces in the
parsonage and chapel.
During World War II, the airport was used for training pilots from West Point and the chapel was considered to
be an obstruction and it was moved to the south side of the sanctuary.
In 1911 Rev. Dumont was called to West Coxsackie, N.Y. and the Reverend Ellwood R. Ackerly came to the
New Hackensack church as supply minister.
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On October 20, 1914, the Reverend Alexander M. Conger was installed as minister. He, with his mother, and a
sister, Miss Bertha Conger, served with unselfish loyalty over a period of seven years. Mr. Conger, an earnest
man, did much to advance the cause of missionary work by the people. We are also indebted to Rev. Conger for
compiling the first historical sketch of the New Hackensack Reformed Church on the occasion of the church's
150th anniversary.
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Early view of the church sanctuary.
Architectural detail on the walls was painted. Gas lamps can be see mounted on columns.
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Later view of sanctuary - church organ is at right front.
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The Period of Supply Ministers
After Reverend Conger left New Hackensack in 1921, there followed a long period of supply ministers.
Church records covering this period are sparse, but it seems evident that during the period between the first and
second World Wars the church suffered a falling off in attendance, vigor and general interest.
The Rev. Chester E. McCahan was installed as minister in 1931, and we note that the lOOth anniversary of the
building of the second church was celebrated in 1934. In 1936 the Rev. McCahan wrote, "At the present time,
many see nothing but futility. Activity seems to have been reduced almost to the level of self preservation in
behalf of the struggling country church."
Rev. McCahan accepted a call to Upper Red Hook and was succeeded by the Rev. A. C. Dykema, whose
pastorate extended from 1937 to 1940.
The next three years saw another succession of supply ministers, the last of which was the Rev. Delmer
Cooper, who was subsequently installed as minister in the New Hackensack Reformed Church on April 24, 1944.
The Pastorate of Rev. Delmer Cooper
Delmer Cooper was born in Fort Edward, N.Y. on September 25, 1902, the son ofa Baptist clergyman. He
received his early education in the Millbrook Memorial School and at Hyde Park, in 1916, suffered an accident
that was to shape his entire career. A four-foot cannon he was setting off as part of a celebration backfired and a
blast of power struck him in the face, causing the loss of his eyesight. He continued his education at the Batavia
School for the Blind. In 1923 he was graduated from the Ithaca Conservatory (now Ithaca College), where he was
a Speech Arts major and a Music minor. He received his ministerial training from the Crozier Theological
Seminary in Philadelphia.
Over a period of many years, Mr. Cooper gave lecture recitals in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and
maintained a studio for children's theatrical work in Poughkeepsie. His arrival on the scene at the New
Hackensack Church, coincident with the expansion of industry and the influx of many new residents in this part of
the County, presaged the awakening of a new era in the history of our church.
At the beginning of his pastorate here, the church comprised some 40 active members and 26 Sunday School
pupils, with music provided by a trio of Arlington High School girls who received a dollar each per service.
During his pastorate he received into membership some 378 persons, performed 182 baptisms, 86 marriages, and
62 funerals. The choir developed from a trio to a youth choir and finally, to a full, four-part choir.
The transition from the quiet country church to a thriving active church in a rapidly growing suburban
community presented many problems, which were painstakingly and successfully resolved under the leadership of
Rev. Cooper. The Sunday School session at the hour of church was a wartime, gas-rationing expedient that was
well received and which became a prime factor in attracting newcomers to the congregation. His close supervision
was reflected in the steady growth of the Sunday School and these activities became an integrated part of adult
church life.
Counseling was one of Rev. Cooper's strong points. Not only did people of our church and community come
to him, but members of other churches and other faiths sought him for guidance. He had the faculty for attracting
support from people entirely unrelated to the church. Anonymous gifts from local industrial executives, one a
Roman Catholic, amounted to more than a thousand dollars over several years.
In the ministry of the spoken word, Mr. Cooper worked long and diligently on sermons, prayers and the ritual
of worship. Other aspects of the worship service were enhanced by responses and descants written by Mr. Cooper,
and his experience in programming and dramatics proved invaluable in the production of pageants and other
special events.
His talents and activities were widely used in the community at large, as well as in the church. He was
instrumental in establishing the New Hackensack Fire Department and was Chaplain of this and two other fire
companies as well. He was active in the Grange, the Dutchess County Council of Churches, the Dutchess County
Ministerial Association, and was ever sought for as an after-dinner speaker. The termination of his pastorate came
with Rev. Cooper's untimely heart seizure and subsequent death on September 6, 1956. Gifted with vision, ifnot
sight, he left us a heritage of challenge and of inspiration.
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Easter service during ministry of Rev. Delmer Cooper. Choir sat at front right of sanctuary.
The Third Century Begins
Reverend Harold VerBerkmoes 1957-1960
Rev. Cooper's demise left a void difficult to fill. Within six months, however, the Rev. Harold VerBerkmoes,
from Old North Reformed Church in Dumont, N.J., accepted the call to be his successor and was installed in
March 1957. He was a tall, impressive man, who quickly made his presence felt in the pulpit. The high point of
his three-year pastorate was the completion and dedication of Delmar Cooper Memorial Hall in late 1958. In
addition, in the winter of 1959-60, the old reed organ was replaced with a Kimball electronic organ, and the
parsonage underwent its fIrst extensive renovation in several years.
In the spring of 1960, Rev. VerBerkmoes received and accepted a call to a leadership position in the Reformed
Church of America's Education Department in Muskegon, Michigan.
Reverend Theodore Brinckerhoff 1960-1964
The 1960 Pastor Search Committee, after visiting seven different ministers, unanimously recommended
the job be offered to Rev. Theodore Brinckerhoff of the Greenville Community Reformed Church in Scarsdale.
Rev. Brinckerhoffs name had been forwarded to the committee by the Field Secretary of the Particular Synod
of New York, Rev. Alvin Neevel, the father of our recent pastor, James A Neevel.. However, when the committee
members fIrst visited Rev. Brinckerhoffat the Scarsdale church, they thought they must have made a mistake.
Why should the minister of an imposing and prosperous suburban church even be interested in considering
a move to a little church in the country? The committee soon learned why after speaking with the minister.
Rev. Brinckerhoffwas a native of Beacon with relatives in Dutchess County, owned property at Lake Walton, and,
as it turned out, knew New Hackensack and its Reformed Church better than most of the congregation. Not only
was he a descendant of Joris Brinckerhoff, who gave the land the fIrst church was built upon in 1766, he also had
preached his fIrst sermon at New Hackensack in 1925. He was familiar with the pastorates of Rev. Cooper and
Rev. VerBerkmoes, and the potential for growth in Dutchess County, particularly in the Towns of Poughkeepsie,
LaGrange and Wappinger. He gave two reasons for wanting to leave Scarsdale: a 19-year association with the
same congregation was more than sufficient for the pastor and the people; and the congregation had grown to the
point where an assistant minister was needed and he preferred to work alone in a smaller congregation.
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To the relief and delight of the Pastor Search Committee, he accepted the call to New Hackensack.
Rev. Brinckerhoff and his wife, Martha, moved into the recently renovated parsonage and he was officially
installed in October 1960. The congregation warmed to them immediately.
As 1960 closed and 1961 began, the .New Hackensack Reformed Church received another bounteous blessing
in the form of a $300,000 trust fund established for the church by the will of Miss Mary Bergen. Miss Bergen and
her family resided for years in the house known as G1eneagles and had always been a generous member of the
church. Notable among earlier Bergen gifts are the Tiffany stained glass windows and the church bell which were
moved to the present church building in 1989.
The church was saddened during the Easter season when it learned of the passing of Martha Brinckerhoff on
March 20, 1961. Chimes for the Kimball organ, Communion silverware, the pulpit Bible, and sanctuary public
address system were purchased with funds donated in her memory.
It soon became apparent that even Rev. Brinckerhoffhad underestimated the growth and vitality ofthe New
Hackensack congregation. In late summer of 1961, the Reverend Leonard Sibley, a long time friend of both
church and minister, retired from his position as Secretary of the denomination's Board of World Missions and
accepted the position of Assistant Minister. By the end of 1961 church membership had grown to 229 families
and 429 active members, an increase of79 members in one year. This growth was accompanied by needs for
additional Sunday School classrooms and parking space. Additional folding walls were purchased for Cooper
Hall. An overture requesting openings in the cemetery association's driveway fence was made and accepted, thus
providing access to county owned property north of the church. County airport expansion became a matter of
concern, that was temporarily alleviated when it was learned that runway extension would be to the west across
Jackson Road, rather than east across Route 376 in front of the church. The Consistory Long Range Planning
Committee was challenged to consider the future growth of the church and its need for additional space.
Dual worship sessions and Sunday School sessions were inaugurated in September 1962 and a proposal for a
two story building to replace the chapel was received for study. The organ and choir were moved from the front of
the sanctuary to the rear balcony a year later.
In light of the need for expansion of the church's facilities in preparation for new growth, Rev. Brinckerhoff
advised the Consistory of his intentions to begin his retirement in the summer or fall of 1964. In a letter dated
November 1963, he wrote:
"At our recent Planning Retreat at Altamont in MiIlbrook, it was agreed that this church is entering upon a
period of rapid growth resulting from the increase of population in this area. It was also agreed that this growth
will require a major building program to provide the physical equipment needed to accommodate this larger
program. The planning, construction and financing of such a building program may be expected to extend over a
period of at least three years, and such a program should be carried through under single leadership."
A committee to seek his replacement was formed in January 1964. At that time Rev. Sibley's letter of
resignation was received and accepted with regret.
Meanwhile, the burgeoning Sunday School threatened to "burst the seams" of Cooper Hall. Since a new
building to replace the Chapel was still in the planning stage, interim relief was found in a recommendation to use
the parsonage as an educational annex and provide other facilities for a parsonage. The recommendation was
accepted and the Education and Property Committees were authorized to implement the changes in time for fall
1964 occupancy.
Soon after he endorsed his resignation, Rev. Brinckerhoff and Ruth Cambridge Webb were united in marriage
on June 20, 1964, and set up residence in Mrs. Brinckerhoffs home in Beacon. The former parsonage was
converted for use as Sunday School rooms and Church offices. It was renamed The Church House.
In September 1964 the efforts of two of Consistory's special committees were successfully concluded with
results that were to be especially significant in the years to follow. At a special Consistory meeting held
September 24, a committee to investigate acquiring new property reported that the Mc Allister home (known as
the Seward House) and 12 acres ofland located about a half mile south of the church had become available to the
church for $55,000. Its purchase was immediately authorized.
The printed program for later tours of the parsonage included the following paragraphs of interest regarding the
Seward Homestead:
"The main part of the Seward House was built in 1840 by Philander Seward, son of the Reverend William
Seward. The rear part is believed to have been built about 1813, with the brick for the basement floor, fireplaces
and chimney having come from Holland as ballast in a Dutch trading vessel. Above the basement was a single
room, containing a fireplace with a bread warmer and parson's closet, that was most likely the living-dining area.
11
From this area, two narrow stairways lead to the upper level where are found two rooms which are probably the
master bedroom and a child's room.
The Seward family purchased several parcels of land totaling 352 acres in 1795, which is referred to as the Old
Hundred. The Dutch style house by Route 376 was part of the original Seward Homestead which included mills
and outbuildings. These have since been taken down with only the Seward House and the house known as the
"Old Hundred" remaining."
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Early view of present parsonage (Seward House) - side entrance.
The Pulpit Committee recommended the Rev. William Babinsky as the new pastor. The formal dissolution of
the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Theodore Brinckerhoffand the New Hackensack Reformed Church, and
the call to the Rev. Babinsky were accomplished at the September 28 meeting of Consistory. Consistory also
agreed to engage Mrs. Margaret Babinsky as Director of Religious Education.
Plans for the building to replace the Chapel had progressed to the point where an architect had been engaged
and a target completion date of September 1966 established. At Rev. Babinsky's suggestion, further action
regarding new construction was deferred until he could be present for long range discussions, including plans for
the new site.
Rev. Brinckerhoff's last sermon as pastor was preached on Sunday, January 10, 1964. A grateful congregation
said its farewell to him that evening at a tribute dinner attended by most of the church family.
Reverend William Babinsky 1965-1974
Reverend Babinsky came to New Hackensack after an outstanding twelve year ministry at the historic Old
Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood, N.J. His wife, Margaret, was born in China, the daughter of missionary
parents, and lived there until age 18, when she returned to the United States to obtain her college degree in
education. Although Reverend Babinsky accepted the call to New Hackensack in September 1964, he stayed in
Ridgewood until early 1965 to permit their youngest of three daughters, Lois, to complete her first term as a Junior
at Ridgewood High School. His first sermon at New Hackensack was preached on January 17, 1965, and he was
formally installed on February 7.
It had been Consistory's plan to provide a housing allowance that would permit Reverend and Mrs. Babinsky to
rent or purchase a home of their own choosing. After visiting several potential homes in the area, the Babinskys
12
inquired whether or not Consistory would consider allowing them to live in the century old house that had been
part ofthe recent Mc Allister purchase. Consistory had in fact considered such a possibility, but had dismissed it
because they thought the new pastor and his wife preferred something more modem. Thus the inquiry was
welcomed and preparations were made to have the house ready for occupancy by February 1.
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Parsonage as it appeared in 1983.
Attention was shortly redirected to still unresolved problems regarding Sunday School space, parking,
further airport expansion, and best use of the McAllister property. To assist in its deliberations, Consistory
engaged Mr. John R. Scotford, Church Building Consultant, to survey the situation. His report largely
underscored the now familiar problems and recommended serious consideration of a gradual move, beginning
with the youngest Sunday School grades, to the McAllister site. His report was sent to all members of the
congregation, and the New Building Committee was replaced by a series of study groups to be known as the
Church Building Council. By January 24, 1966, Consistory had gone on record as "favoring the relocation of the
entire church facility to the new twelve acre site now occupied by the parsonage."
The June 5, 1966, Mid-Week summarized activity to date as follows:
(l) During the past year a Church Building Council has been studying the physical needs of our church from
the following points of view: Architecture and Theology, Worship, Music, Fellowship, Administration, and
Religious Education. Almost sixty people from our church have been involved in these studies.
(2) A Master Plan Committee during the last month or so has taken these studies and coordinated them into
one report which will be used by the architect to determine the type offacilities we need. The Master Plan
Committee has also been responsible for studying the use of the new site.
(3) A Building Committee has been authorized which, along with a sub-committee on procurement of
an architect, are studying architects and will be contacting them shortly with a view to developing
Preliminary Sketches.
(4) A Financial Resources Committee has been studying our needs and potential. The financial needs cannot
really be established until some kind of over-all plan has been developed by an architect. The potential can be
ascertained only in a carefully directed program. The firm of Ward, Dreshman and Reinhardt has been engaged,
hopingfor afinancial campaign in the spring of 1967. Before that time a complete, well planned, Master Plan
Program will be placed before the congregationfor approval.
Meantime, the various committees are working and the studies go on. Our next step will be to hire an
architect. This will not be done in a hurry. There are interviews, visits to Church sites, discussions, etc. These all
take time. But we are moving ahead.
13
By the end of 1966 an architect had been engaged for the project and 1967 was a year of intense activity
related to planning for the new building and its financing.
At a November 17, 1967 Congregational Meeting, the overall Master Plan was accepted. Phase I of the plan
called for the construction of educational facilities, Phase 2, a new sanctuary, and Phase 3, a multipurpose hall
with kitchen and stage. Approval was given to proceed with Phase I and to conduct a fund raising campaign. The
"Our Venture in Faith" capital funds campaign was organized in December and officially launched with a Loyalty
Dinner at the Hellenic Center with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale as featured speaker. Our Venture in Faith had a
$225,000 goal. At the conclusion of the campaign in February 1968, pledges totaling $226,165 had been received.
This amount was later increased to $233,837.
View of education center during construction - parsonage can be seen in background.
After several Consistory meetings, agreement was reached on submitting the following resolution to
the Congregation:
"The Congregation of the New Hackensack Reformed Church authorizes the Consistory to take all necessary
steps to proceed with the construction of a Religious Education Building on the new site under Phase I of the
Master Plan as submitted by the architects on November 17, 1967. Such authorization shall include placing a
mortgage on the church properties not to exceed $375,000. "
The resolution was approved at a Congregational Meeting held March 22, 1968. The education building was
completed in 1969.
14
Education Center in 1969.
The Rev. Nancy Carol Stahl accepted the call to serve New Hackensack as Minister of Christian Education
beginning January 1971. Her installation by Classis took place on May 2.
As the three-year "Venture in Faith" pledging period drew to a close, an "Adventure in Faith" fund raising
campaign was conducted by the Kirby-Smith organization. Two hundred nine 3-year pledges, totaling $142,000,
were received.
A need was seen in the community in 1967, to have a program for young children of the community and the
New Hackensack Nursery School was started under the sponsorship of the church. The program continues today
(2008) and is highly regarded as one of the best in the local community.
The church's music program received a boost in 1971 when Walter S. McCormick, Jr. donated handbells to
New Hackensack. The Klokken Ringers, composed of young people in the church, were formed soon after. By
1983 the church had two regular bell choirs for young people, (Klokken Ringers I & II), two training bell choirs,
and the Campanola Ringers for adults. More than 200 young people and adults, under the direction of Betty
Garee, had participated in handbell ringing over the 12 years since Mr. McCormick made his gift. The Klokken
Ringers I have become well-known throughout the United States and have been touring since 1974, a highlight for
the group being an appearance at the First International Handbell Festival in the Netherlands in 1982. In addition,
the ringers have made three recordings. In 1983 a commissioned work of Betty Garee "For all the Saints", music
score for organ, choir, handbells, soloists, and congregation was premiered on October 30, at both worship
services. After the untimely death of Betty Garee in 1986, Clifford Schofer directed the choirs until Constance
Lacey was appointed the Director of Bell Choirs and Celebration Choir (3rd thru 8th grade) in 1987.
Consistory started 1972 by "getting away from it all" at a weekend retreat where they could pause, take stock,
and make plans. There was real concern about the ever-growing "busyness" of Consistory meetings and the lack
of adequate attention to other than routine matters. They resolved to reorganize into four divisions, each of which
was responsible for an important segment of church activity, and each of which was to include non -Consistory
members as well as Elders and Deacons. By spreading responsibility and encouraging action by the divisions
between Consistory meetings, Consistory planned to spend less time on details of day-to-day church operation and
more on matters of significance. The reorganization took a while to take hold, but generally was successful.
15
In mid-1972, Rev. Babinsky celebrated his 30th anniversary in the ministry, one fourth of which had been
devoted to New Hackensack.
Also in mid-year, the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America approved the ordination and
installation of women as Elders and Deacons. In anticipation of this move, Consistory voted to add four Deacons
to its membership. As was expected, the November 17,1972 Congregational Meeting approved this expansion
and elected women to three of the four new positions. The same year the sexton's family was moved to The
Church House and the former sexton's house was demolished.
Rev. Nancy Stahl resigned at the end of August 1973 to take a position with the First Christian Church in
Peoria, Ill. The Consistory and the Board of Christian Education accepted her resignation with regret, and
expressed appreciation for her dedicated service, her innovative thinking, and her Christian love for all.
On Sunday, August 26, 1973, the congregation was stunned to learn of Margaret Babinsky's death the night
before. A moving service in her memory was conducted the following Wednesday. Whenever there was a need,
Margaret always helped to meet it, and the many tributes that poured in from friends and congregation attested to
her dedication.
The Rev. Donald Hicks, a retired pastor of the Woodstock Reformed Church, was engaged as a part-time
Assistant Minister in October 1973 to help replace the loss of Rev. Stahl.
Since the last year of the three-year "Adventure In Faith" building fund would draw to a close in March 1974,
plans were made to conduct a third campaign called "Achievement In Faith" with a $200,000 goal, in the fIrst
quarter of 1974. A total of$153,000 was pledged - somewhat short of the goal, but sufficient to sustain mortgage
payments for another three years.
At a special meeting of the Consistory on March 30, 1974, Rev. Babinsky announced his resignation.
Consistory accepted it with regret, but agreed to dissolution of the pastoral relationship, effective May 31, 1974.
Consistory agreed to provide Rev. Babinsky with four weeks vacation during May to permit him time for the
transition to his new pastorate at the WoodcliffCommunity Church in North Bergen, N.J.
Rev. Babinsky served more than nine years at New Hackensack, providing the church with the leadership to
complete the Christian Education building, the three capital fund campaigns that yielded a total of more than
$500,000, and the sustained giving of congregational time and resources to the ever-growing activities of a very
busy church. Beyond that, lives were touched and changed by his wisdom and compassion.
Perhaps as important as any of the above to the life of the New Hackensack Reformed Church was his legacy
ofleadership and vitality that was instilled in the membership of the church. If the hundreds of pages of
Consistory and committee minutes recorded during Rev. Babinsky's pastorate contain any message between their
lines, it might be, "He brought out the best in us, he made us better church people."
That churchmanship and vitality was demonstrated again in the months that followed.
A large Pastor Search committee was formed to provide a Church ProfIle - an introduction to the congregation
and its goals, needs and desires and to begin the pastor search. The ProfIle activity consumed the month of May
and the search was to take from June through January 1975.
The Rev. Martin Punt agreed to serve as a part-time interim pastor, but soon found that the part-time he was
serving was considerably more than what he had anticipated. A mutual affection between Rev. Punt and New
Hackensack rapidly became apparent, and it continued for many years..
Robert Jutton assumed the position of Director of Music and Jane Konitz became Christian Education
Coordinator. A highly successful Vacation Bible School, with the registration in excess of 170, and an
outstanding production of "Oklahoma! "by the Youth Choir, were two highlights of the summer.
The fall started with a pancake breakfast arranged by the Program Division and enjoyed by more than 180
people. The church parking lot was paved. Every Member Commitment plans were put in place, and Meals on
Wheels was inaugurated. The Board of Education reported complete success in its efforts to recruit teachers and
staff for the church school. Church school attendance approached 200 and 28 young people started ConfIrmation
Class with Reverend John Elliot from the Fishkill Reformed Church.
About 350 people attended an Evening of Sacred Music beautifully performed by the singers and ringers
of New Hackensack. The year 1974 closed with encouraging fmancial reports for both the building and
operating funds, and a 1975 budget about equal to that of 1974. Even more encouraging was a report by the
Pastor Search Committee that the new prospect list had been narrowed to two names and a selection of one might
be made in January.
The committee unanimously endorsed the hiring of Rev. James A. Neevel, the minister of the Pitcher Hill
Community Church in North Syracuse. Consistory promptly extended an invitation to Rev. Neevel to preach at
New Hackensack on January 26, 1975. He did, and at a Congregational meeting held the next evening, those
present voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. Neevel.
16
Reverend James Neeve11975-2000
James Neevel represented the fifth generation of his family in the Reformed Church Ministry. A 1959
graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, he served a seven year pastorate at the Clarksville (N.Y.)
Community Church before moving to North Syracuse in 1966. His wife, Barbara, a Hope College graduate, taught
English and had been active in Reformed Church Women and many other church and community organizations.
Their four children, Kay, Ken, John and Jeff, helped their parents restore life to the empty parsonage and quickly
entered into the youth activities of the congregation.
Reverend Neevel was formally installed by the Classis of Mid-Hudson on May 18, 1975.
A series of cottage meetings at members' homes was arranged to facilitate the get acquainted process for
Rev. and Mrs. Neevel. They worked well - it seemed that by the end of summer the new minister and his wife
knew nearly everyone by name. And at the Christmas Eve Service, Rev. Neevel surprised and delighted the
congregation with his beautiful and moving baritone rendition of "0 Holy Night", an event that became an annual
tradition for the length of his ministry at New Hackensack.
October 1975 was a high point of New Hackensack's Bicentennial celebration ofthe United States. Tours of
the "Seward-Jane House", now the Parsonage and "The Old Hundred House", owned by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley
Kaminsky, were conducted, and guests were entertained by the Klokken Ringers.
In the spring of 1976, Consistory's Ministerial Relations committee recommended that an Associate Minister
be sought to assist Rev. Neevel. Richard Weyer, a recent New Brunswick Theological Seminary graduate,
accepted the call. He was ordained in June, moved to New Hackensack shortly thereafter, and was formally
installed in October.
In June, 1979 Rev. Richard Weyer, accepted a call to the Huguenot Reformed Church in Staten Island.
The same month, Gleneagles, a domiciliary care facility for the elderly, located midway between the 1834
Church and the Education Center, was offered for sale to the church. Consistory expressed interest and
inaugurated studies regarding possible church involvement with such a venture. In July, agreement was reached
on proceeding with the purchase, and in September, the congregation was informed of New Hackensack's new,
next-door mission ministry.
The main house at Gleneagles was built in 1863 by a Mr. Schenk Ackerman, who at a later date sold it to
Mr. Leffert Bergen, father of Mary Bergen, whose long and beneficent association with the church has already
been noted. After Miss Bergen's death, the house was purchased by the Joostema family and operated as the
Joostema Nursing Home. The wings were added in 1965, the ranch house in 1968, and the manager's house in
1973. Reverend Charles McDonald became the next owner in 1974 and renamed it Gleneagles after a family hotel
in the Scottish highlands.
The acquisition of G leneagles was both a blessing and a challenge. The director and key staff members
resigned just prior to Christmas and operation of the facility in their absence provided a severe test for the Board
of Directors and the Consistory. Fortunately, the congregation rose to the occasion, and devoted countless
volunteer hours in sustained service to keep Gleneagles going.
17
Gleneagles
A combination of needed capital improvements and low occupancy made it necessary for the church to
advance funds to Gleneagles. The efforts and funds invested, however, began to bear fruit. Gleneagles became
one of the finest facilities of its kind in the County, one in which we were all proud. Nevertheless, increasing
regulatory pressures became more than the board and the facility could meet and a very difficult decision was
made in September 1991 to close the facility in October and sell the property,
Consistory reorganized itself from the former division structure to its present council organization early in
1980 and the Rev. Martin Punt was engaged as a part-time calling pastor.
After years of on-again, off-again negotiations with the County, agreement was finally reached on the Church
House property, across the road from the second church building. The church granted Dutchess County permanent
"air rights" over the property. In exchange the County would demolish the building and reimburse the church
$100,000. A 100 car parking lot was constructed, a mobile home was purchased for use by the sexton, and the
remainder ofthe funds was invested and held for future use.
There was other action along Route 376. Improvements made by the State Highway Department required the
taking of some land and parking places from the Ed Center property. Payment received was used for parking lot
rebuilding and expansion.
Thanksgiving Sunday, November 19, 1979, saw the dedication of an Allen digital computer organ given by
Alfred Pfaff, former choir member, in memory of his wife, Helen. The Schober organ was moved to the
Education Center Chapel.
About 200 people attended 30 cottage meetings to discuss church life at New Hackensack in 1981. All
comments received were constructive and useful. Concern was often stated for Rev. Neevel's long hours and
hard work. The need for a second minister was frequently noted.
The need was fulfilled when Reverend Jack Branford accepted the call of the New Hackensack Reformed
Church in June 1981, and began his pastorate here the following August.
18
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Interior of second church building in 1983
The final check for the mortgage on the Education Center was mailed in October, thus concluding more than
13 years of sustained giving by a dedicated congregation. The mortgage was burned with appropriate ceremony
on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22, 1981.
The pastor of the New Brooklyn Reformed Church noted in 1982 that the close relationship between the
church and New Hackensack was entering its twelfth year. This has been a topic perhaps treated too lightly in this
summary of our church's history for it, along with many other programs, shows the scope of concern, caring and
reaching out that personifies this congregation.
1983 was a year of celebrating the first 225 years of the New Hackensack Reformed Church, culminating with
more than 250 people attending the dinner meeting in November with the Reverend Norman Vincent Peale, Pastor
of the Marble Collegiate Church, New York City, as the key note speaker.
The church enrolled in the Bethel Bible Series in 1985. Several members of the congregation were trained as
instructors and the program was very active for many years.
In June of 1985, Reverend James A. Neevel was elected Vice President of the General Synod of the Reformed
Church in America, a position occupied by his grandfather sixty years before and by his great-grandfather 81 years
earlier. By custom and tradition, the vice president for one year becomes the president the following year and the
immediate past president becomes the chairman of the General Synod Executive Committee. Thus we were
honored to share Jim with the entire Reformed Church in America for 3 years. During his term as president, he
and Barbara traveled to the Middle East and Far East representing us and the RCA on a visit to many of the
missions of the RCA in these areas. Reverend Branford, the Consistory, Staff and Congregation assumed further
responsibilities in support ofthe church during the time that Reverend Neevel served the larger church.
19
Exterior of the second church in 1983, note the Ellesdie Chapel on the south side of the sanctuary
In 1988 the decision was made to consolidate the church facilities on one site, which had been the plan when
the education center was built in the 1960' s. It had been determined that the cost to restore the existing building
was excessive, and local government agencies were interested in acquiring the property and razing the building as
a safety buffer for the airport. A committee was formed and 6 months was spent determining the long range plans
and requirements for the church. A capital campaign was organized, which pledged close to $1,000,000 over 3
years, toward the building ofa new facility. James OJeg Kruley and Associates of Philadelphia were hired as the
architect to design the new facility and on October 16, J 988, ground was broken for the new church.
Groundbreakingfor the current church, October 16, 1988
Left to Right, Rev. James A Neevel, Heinz Walter, Mary Smith, James Ray and Rev. Jack Branford
20
The cornerstone was laid on September 10, 1989 and a copper time capsule was placed behind the
cornerstone containing:
1. A Bible, the Living Word of God
2. The 1989 Membership List of the New Hackensack Reformed Church
3. A Bulletin of the Groundbreaking Service
4. A Bulletin ofthe Cornerstone-Laying Service
5. A copy of the 225th Anniversary Book
6. Picture of the new building in progress
7. 1989 coins and a $1.00 bill
8. 10th Anniversary Booklet from Gleneagles and pictures of the residents
9. The Sunday, September 10,1989 POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL
10. A copy of the SOUTHERN DUTCHESS NEWS, September 6,1989 edition
11. A video of Channel 6 interview (local cable) and interior pictures of the 1834 sanctuary, the ground
breaking, and the Comerstone- Laying Services
12. A September 1989 CHURCH NEWS
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Steel structure of the current sanctuary under construction, July 1989
The dedication of the new 3.1 million dollar facility which included the sanctuary, gathering area, choir room,
and temporary fellowship hall and kitchen, was held on Sunday, January 22, 1990, with many national and local
religious and government leaders in attendance. The design of the church was honored with the architect
receiving the Philadelphia AlA Gold Metal for Design in 1991. The long range plan for the facility is to build a
large fellowship hall in the area outside the pastor's study and for the current area used as a fellowship hall to be
converted to office space.
21
Brickwork being completed on new sanctuary
The [mal settlement with Dutchess County was completed in 1991 and the county announced plans to tear
down the old church building to provide an additional safety buffer for the airport runway. In April of 1992 the
Bowdoin Park Historical and Archeological Association shared with the Executive Committee ofNHRC, the plans
to move the Ellesdie chapel from New Hackensack back to a site close to its original location in Bowdoin Park
from which it had been removed in 1898.
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Front view of sanctuary 1995
22
In February, 1990, the Reverend Jack Branford accepted a call to be the pastor of the United Church of Spring
Valley, NY. A search committee was formed and the Reverend Gloria McCanna was called to be the associate
pastor and she was installed in May 1991, having begun her service with NHRC in February. In 1993 the
community was challenged by significant downsizing of employees at IBM, the largest employer in the area.
NHRC responded by starting support groups and providing resources to those affected by the actions. The church
continued to grow and consistory determined that a 3rd staff member should be called to serve the youth of the
church. Again a search committee was formed and in October 1997, the Reverend Michael Ploeger was called to
be the Associate for Youth and Family Ministries.
Charles Kelley was appointed Director of Handbells and Celebration Choir in 1995, replacing Constance
Lacey who had been the director for 8 years. Charles had been a member of the Klokken Ringers during his
youth at New Hackensack and had additional experience in his college education at the Crane School of Music
at SUNY Pottsdam.
The "Year ofthe Bible" program was introduced in 1997, during which each member of the congregation was
encouraged to read the Bible from cover to cover.
1998 marked 25 years of service for Jane Konitz as the Christian Education director and she was honored with
a reception on Apri129th. There were 211 children enrolled in Sunday School in 1998. This was also the year that
the Klokken Ringers attended the AGEHR (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) International Festival
in Japan. Reverend Gloria McCanna was elected President of the Classis of Mid-Hudson in April 1998.
On April 7 1999, Reverend McCanna informed Consistory that she had accepted the position of Assistant
Director of Ministry and Personnel Services for the Reformed Church in America.. While at New Hackensack,
Rev. McCanna was very involved with the youth program, providing a role model for many young girls, and was a
leader in bringing new elements to Sunday worship. Also in 1999 Charles Kelley was appointed Director of
Music for the church. The handbell choirs had over 70 ringers. Mary Ann Bahnsen accepted the position of
Christian Education Director, replacing Jane Konitz after Jane's many years of dedicated service.
Interior of sanctuary in 2008
23
In March, 2000, Reverend Neevel announced to Consistory that he would be retiring and moving to Clifton
Park, NY. A large, sold out, retirement dinner was held to honor Jim's 25 years of dedicated leadership and
faithful service to the New Hackensack Reformed Church. The dinner was held at the Holiday Inn in Fishkill, the
nearest facility large enough to accommodate all those who wanted to attend.
With Reverend Neevel's retirement, the Reverend Richard Brihn was called to be the interim senior minister to
assist with the transition to a new senior pastor.
Reverend Ploeger resigned as the Youth Minister in 2001, after starting several new programs, including some
contemporary worship services, and converting the chapel in the Education Center to Youth Room.
The Reverend Sanjiv Kattekola was called to be the interim associate pastor and brought his gifts from his
nursing career to assist those who needed pastoral visitations in October 200] .
Reverend Keith Tamlyn, 2002 - Today
During the time that Reverend Brihn was serving as the interim pastor, a search committee was formed which
put together a church profile and set out on a task to fmd a replacement for the long term pastorship of Reverend
Neevel. The Reverend Keith Tamlyn was called March 4, 2002 to be the Senior Pastor and started his service
following Easter. Rev. Tamlyn was the Senior Minister at the Wallkill Reformed Church, Wallkill, NY, before
accepting the call to New Hackensack.
Many new programs have been instituted since the arrival of Reverend Tamlyn and many have continued. One
significant addition to the services that the church provides is that of a Parish Health Ministry. Mary Lou Grott,
R.N., was hired as the first Parish Health Nurse, who along with providing medical counseling, assists with
visitations, adding another dimension to the spiritual support of the pastors. Along the same lines, the church has
started a Stephen Ministry which provides confidential one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around
our congregation..
February 22, 2004, the Reverend Dr. Marie Sheldon was called to be the Associate Pastor with her formal
installation on November 7,2004. She has started many small group programs, led many adult studies, introduced
new forms of Reformed and Presbyterian Church liturgy to the church worship services and provided ministerial
leadership to Christian Education Council.
The Youth Programs, under the guidance of Youth Director Lane Lorefice have undertaken many new
activities, including summer work camps. The Sunday School under the successive direction of Jennifer Jackson,
Karen Federico and Sue Kimmerle continue to flourish. The Klokken Ringers, under the direction of Robert Ward
continue their music ministry representing the New Hackensack Reformed Church throughout the world.
Birthday Dessert (a night of dessert, fun and fashion) and Piggy Bank Bazaar (an inexpensive Christmas
shopping experience for children) also serve as outreach to our community. Midnight Run (supporting the
homeless in New York City), Hudson River Housing (supporting the local homeless shelter) and many other
local missions continue to be a part of our outreach programs. The music program of the church continues its
excellent tradition, with leadership from the Director of Music, Karen MacLeod and organists Robert Jutton
and Roderick Macleod. The church is blessed to have a wonderful and talented staff and musicians to serve the
congregation through their many gifts in the Senior Choir, Celebration Choir, Cherub Choir, Klokken Ringers,
Campanola Ringers and instrumentalists.
Before our Anniversary Celebration began, members of the congregation were asked to submit their
suggestions for an Anniversary "Theme" and "Logo". The theme that was overwhelmingly received was
submitted by Jacqueline Carey and the logo by Kris Rice. Both the theme and logo were incorporated into our
weekly church bulletin for the entire year and could be seen everywhere as over 250 T-shirts were sold with the
logo and theme on them. In addition a beautiful banner hung in the sanctuary for the entire year.
As the New Hackensack Reformed Church celebrated its 250th year of existence there have been many
programs, starting with a birthday party in January, and an evening with "Thomas Jefferson", who spoke to an
overflow crowd about life and religious freedoms in the late 1700's, in February. In the summer, a wonderful
concert by the Kings Brass was presented in our sanctuary, and an Old Fashioned Church Picnic was held at
Bowdoin Park. The picnic was celebrated with over 250 people in attendance, including our guests from the
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls whose new church had burned to the ground on Mother's
Day of2008. The celebration concluded with a worship celebration in October with the Reverend Dr. Gregg
Mast, President of New Brunswick Seminary, as our keynote speaker. A part of the Anniversary Celebration
service was an emotional roll call of all pastors who have served our church.
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As a part of the 250th Anniversary Year a committee was formed to plan and build a Labyrinth on the church
property. It was dedicated November 2,2008, with a time capsule being buried under the center stone to be
opened as a part of the 300th Anniversary celebration. Highlights of the contents of the capsule include:
1. "Notes to the future" from the Sunday school children with their hopes for the future
2. A album of photos of the church staff, Sunday school classes, choirs, buildings, parsonage and grounds
3. Membership directory and lists of consistory, committees, councils and staff
4. A pew Bible and hymnal
5. The Reformed Church in America Book of Church Order
6. The Sunday, October 19, 2008 Poughkeepsie Journal
7. 2008 coins
8. A digital camera with photos and videos of the packing of the time capsule
... --
~
.--=.
View of the Labyrinth in the fall of2008
At the same service as the Labyrinth dedication, the Reverend James A. Neevel was named Pastor Emeritus of
the New Hackensack Reformed Church, an honor well deserved.
New Hackensack is also proud that many of its congregation have entered the ministry: Rev. William Hill-Alto,
Rev. Scott Brown, Rev. David Willerup, Rev David Jones, and Rev. Jeffery Neevel (6th generation of the Neevel
family to enter the ministry) and Janet Fritzinger, now studying at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
Our church has come a long way since its beginnings in 1758. The many accomplishments through the years,
however, cannot be attributed to one person or one event. It has been the work of thousands who have given
countless hours of their time each year for the enrichment of the New Hackensack Reformed Church.
This is a dynamic process that never stops. New Hackensack Reformed Church has a proud heritage of
working towards a better tomorrow. This history describes the many cornerstones our forefathers left for us to
build upon. This is not the end, but the beginning of a great new era in our church's history.
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We believe that it is appropriate that we end this history with the call to worship that we have used each
Sunday of our 250th Anniversary year.
Welcome to the New Hackensack Reformed Church
where we are celebrating our 250th anniversary.
Honoring the past.
We proclaim the good new of Jesus Christ according to the Word of God.
Serving God in the present.
As we grow in our commitment to Jesus Christ, we reach out in love, compassion and
kindness to the people of our community and our world.
Following Christ into the future.
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Consistory Notes
March 1766 - It was decided that the size of the new Church to be built by the congregation would be 20 feet
by 25 feet, with the steeple to be set at one end of the building. A member of the congregation at that time was
referred to as a subscriber, and for the right of investing in construction of the Church (half down at the beginning
of construction, the other half to be paid when the building was completed) subscribers had fIrst rights to the
purchase of pew seats. It was decided by the Consistory that the seats would be sold with the understanding that in
the case of death, if the seat of the deceased was not sold or exchanged within one year and six weeks, the seats
would be returned to the possession of the Trustees or fall to the Church.
May 1789 - Consistory requested the Classis to aid the church in paying the salary of its fIrst minister, the
Rev. Isaac Rysdyck. The minister for the Fishkill, Hopewell and New Hackensack congregations since 1766,
the Rev. Rysdyck was obliged to release the Fishkill and Hopewell churches from their obligations to him in
exchange for the payment of his back salary and an additional sum of money. This done, the New Hackensack
Church was unable to raise a suffIcient salary for the minister.
May 29, 1789 - Resolved, that for the time to come, every-one of the members of the kerkraad (consistory),
having had previous notice of the time appointed for holding the kerkraad and not appearing, shall be fined in the
sum of four shillings and whosoever comes after the appointed hour, in the sum of two shillings. Lawful reasons,
however shall be excused.
1789 - The rent on the minister's leased house, of which one-third was to be paid by New Hackensack, was
taken from the Poor Fund.
1790 - After the death of Rev. Rysdyck, Mrs. Rysdyck and her six children were moved to the former
school house.
July 11, 1799 - The Consistory having admonished Messrs. Edward Schoonmaker & William Huffman with
regard to the unhappy difference existing between them and having obtained an acknowledgement from both as
anxious for a reconciliation accompanied with confession of sincere sorrow together with a promise of mutual love
& harmony - therefore resolved that they be again admitted into full communion.
September 7,1813 - Resolved that John Cornell be hereby suspended from the privileges of the Christian
church until he furnish evidences of repentance and reformation.
Resolved that the Elder John Luyster and Deacon James Vn. Keuren wait upon Harman Jewell and wife and
admonish them for unchristian conduct, and suspend them from church privileges if they deem it expedient.
October 31,1840 - H. D. Hayt was appointed to attend to any business connected with the disposal oflots in
the burial ground. Consistory resolved to put a new fence in front of the parsonage, and to try to raise additional
money for the choirmaster when collecting the minister's salary from the congregation.
September 1848 - Church Deacon Seward Jones, on behalf of the Organ Society asked the Consistory for
permission to put an organ in the church. The Consistory unanimously approved the suggestion for an organ,
provided the congregation did not object and the Consistory did not incur any expense in connection with purchase
of an organ, now or in the future.
March 2, 1852 - At a meeting of the Consistory the committee reported that they had discharged the duty
assigned them and that the amount of what Mr. Philip B. Van Der Belt said was the following. That he
acknowledged that he was selling liquor without license, but he justifIed his conduct saying that his business
was no more hurtful than farming and that if the Church was not satisfIed with him he asked no odds of them
or of any body else.
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October 25, 1854 - Resolved that the Consistory purchase twelve ofthe new psalm and hymn books eight of
the small books for the choir and four for Elders and Deacons of the large ones. Resolved that the books be paid
for out of the Poor Chest.
1862 - Henry Burroughs - (deacon) refused to worship in the church because a flag had been raised upon the
church tower. He was removed from his position of deacon.
July 4, 1865 - Church tower struck by lightening.
February 8, 1875 - Application was made to Classis to allow church members to vote (Prior to that time,
Elders and Deacons were elected by Consistory).
December 14, 1890 - Wm. Seward died after having served the church as clerk of Consistory for 39 years and
for 40 years as elder.
April 6, 1891 - There were 10 church members present at the Annual Church meeting. At the Consistory
meeting, it was resolved to collect offerings by pledges rather than pew rents.
December 2,1900 - A responsible builder gave an estimate of$500 for taking down and putting up the Sheafe
or "Ellesdie" chapel. The church was closed for 2 months so that it could be painted and redecorated and have the
stained glass installed.
September 29,1902 - The Kings Daughters requested permission to add an extension to the chapel kitchen.
Requested granted. Resolved that the Consistory request all who arrange for entertainment in the chapel be careful
to exclude all that borders on the irreverent and rude and all that is unbecoming a chapel.
June 14, 1908 - The pastor read a notice sent by the King's Daughters which stated that they had arranged for a
professional palmist to be present at a festival in the chapel on Thursday evening next and tell fortunes. It was
unanimously decided not to allow this.
February 2,1913 - The purpose of the meeting was to engage Luther Gidding for Sexton after specifYing the
labors expected of him as follows: to keep the church in clean condition, care oflamps, open when necessary for
services of any kind, except funerals for which he is to receive $1.00 for each case. The case of the chapel
included in the same manner and to care for horses of ladies in proper manner, also to give the church yard care
and attention, keeping all weeds and dry grass cut for the sum of $50 a year and house rent free.
September 23,1925 - A motion was made and carried at the Consistory meeting to install electric lights in
the parsonage.
October 14, 1926 - A debt of$180.00 was reported by the treasurer. This was so because the "electrifmg" of
the church cost $230.00. The King's Daughters were to be contacted about raising money with a chicken supper.
April 3, 1935 - The average attendance for the year was 41 a week.
September 30,1935 - Plans were made to secure paper strips for collecting pennies as a means of meeting the
church deficit.
May 4,1938 - Mrs. Francis Hicks was offered $.00 (sic) a Sunday for the position of Organist.
April 23, 1944 - Meeting held to form a call to Rev. Cooper to become regular installed pastor because as
supply pastor he cannot perform all rites of the church.
February 16, 1948 - Redecorating the interior of the church would cost $1600. $685 had been raised so far.
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October 14, 1949 - A special meeting was called to decide what to do about the organ whether to repair the
present one or purchase a new one. A letter from the John Wanamaker Co. of New York proposed to rebuild the
organ and gave a new organ guarantee for one year for the sum of $600, which was accepted.
April 11, 1950 - Pastor's salary was increased to $2000 per year.
January 2,1951 - Sexton's salary was raised to $150.
February 1, 1951 - After lengthy discussion Mrs. Cooper was granted $500 a year as organist and choir
director. Motion made, seconded and carried.
April 1, 1952 - Minister's salary was increased to $2500 a year.
January 19, 1954 - The church oil burner was not functioning properly and Bacu Fuel Corp. was to be
contacted. The committee wished to draw attention to Consistory to the condition of parsonage furnace and
heating facilities. Some discussion on this took place and it was decided to look into the matter more thoroughly
in the future. The north wall of church seemed to be cracking and the pews were pulling away from wall. The
parsonage heating was brought up again and discussed. Also the advisability of insulating parsonage and
completing storm windows. A trunk and suitcase full of papers and records with a box containing a communion
service has been delivered to the church from Mr. Joseph Diddell. Sixty-five very nice place settings of china had
been donated to the church by I. B. M.
September 7,1954 - The King's Daughters purchased a kitchen range and they asked permission to install it in
the kitchen. Permission granted. It was decided to use steel rods 7/8" in diameter instead of steel cables in
repairing the church wall because the cables might have stretched. The material will cost about $150.
February 7,1956 - Rev. Cooper's salary was increased to $3300 per year.
February 22.1994 - The ancient steam boiler at the parsonage cracked and blew up on February 21. The
Neevels are without heat other than the fireplace and space heaters. A new boiler will be installed Friday,
February 25th at a cost of approximately $4,500.
Congregational Meeting, April 21, 1996 - "Church attendance has increased to an average of 400 people, not
counting children, attending Sunday services, and there are about 1100 people who are involved in our ministry."
May 5, 2002 - Rev. Sanjiv Kattekola: "I've been here for 6 months and have 6 months to go. I can sum up
this church with these words, "NHRC is a house devoted, and God fearing people".
January 23, 2007 - Consistory formally adopts a set of By Laws for the governing of the New Hackensack
Reformed Church. This is believed to be the first set of By Laws adopted by the church in its 249 year history.
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250th Celebration Committee
Peter John Brent, Chairperson
Eleanor Burch
M. Gretchen Carpenter
Irven Carpenter
Christina Paige-Cogan
Nancy Cooper
Carol DeWoody
Annie Lou Disbrow
Keith Fritzinger
Susan L. Meaney
Harold Oakhill
Rev. Dr. Marie Sheldon
William Shimmin
Alexander Summers
Rosemary Summers
LaClaire Wood
Revised January 4, 2009
New Hackensack Reformed Church, 1580 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
845-462-0810, e-mail: office@nhrc-church.org
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December 27,2008
To The Members of New Hackensack Reformed Church:
In June of 2006, I volunteered to be the Chairperson for the 250th Anniversary
Celebration Committee for this glorious institution we call NEW HACKENSACK
REFORMED CHURCH. Little did I know, at that moment, how much concentration, time and
effort would be needed to accomplish this task in a proper manner. But, neither'did I fully
understand how beautiful and rewarding the process and the end results would be, not only for
me, but hopefully for many of you also. As we conclude our year long celebration, I sincerely
hope that you have enjoyed our Kickoff Birthday Party; our Evening with Mr. Thomas
Jefferson; our Birthday Dessert; The Kings Brass in Concert; our Old Fashioned Church Picnic
in Bowdoin Park; our Day of Prayer on September 11; our beautiful 250th Anniversary
Celebration Worship Service on October 19; the unveiling of our Labyrinth on November 2;
and our final celebration and gathering in Fellowship Hall on December 28.
I thank all those who contributed to the events we sponsored, but in particular, I want to
give extra thanks to the members of our 250th Celebration Committee as noted elsewhere in
this history booklet.
I believe that the best way to end this brief note of thanks is to paraphrase the words that
we used at every Sunday worship service for this celebration year; words that were originally
submitted by Deacon Jacqueline Carey and made part of our Call to Worship by Elder Harold
Oakhill, Vice-President of Consistory:
HONOR THE PAST
SERVE GOD IN THE PRESENT
FOLLOW CHRIST INTO THE FUTURE
Thank you for the privilege of serving New Hackensack Reformed Church, and thank
you for the memories of a beautiful year. As I said at the ground breaking for our Labyrinth,
"The years go by quickly, but...moments can last forever". I hope each of you now have your
own moments to take with you into your future forever.
Re~~
Peter John Brent, Chairperson --..
250th Anniversary Celebration Committee
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<!Citation
Wbuw. the Empire State is home to many outstanding religious institutions and organizations that
serve as cornerstones of their communities and enrich the spiritual lives of their members; thus, the citizens of
New York welcome this opportunity to commemorate the 2Sf1" AnniversaLy of the New Hackensack Reformed
Church; and
WbUW. founded in 1758, the New Hackensack Reformed Church provides compelling testimony to the
special gift of its effective ministry, whose longstanding tradition of guidance and direction - carried today by
Senior Pastor Reverend Keith W. Tamlyn and Associate Pastor Reverend Dr. Marie Sheldon - continues to serve
as a source of inspiration for a congregation where feUowship, respect and service to others are held in the
highest regard; and
Wbuw. the prayers and good works of the New Hackensack Reformed Church parish reflect a devoted
unity of faith and truly exemplify the solid foundation of this church and the meaningful purpose it has fostered
in the lives of its congregants; and
WbUW. by promoting important values and working to benefit those living in the communities across
the Hudson VaUey through benevolent and charitable endeavors, New Hackensack Reformed Church has earned
distinction as an institution that makes a positive difference and strengthens the bonds that foster spiritual and
moral fortitude within today's society; and
Wbu",. this occasion marks an extraordinary milestone, and the respected leaders and patrons of the
New Hackensack Reformed Church can be deservedly proud as they gather in joyful celebration of their shared
belief in and commitment to giving of one's self for the betterment of aU humankind;
1io1u. C(Jnefore. I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby confer this Special
Citation upon
THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE NEW HACKENSACK REFORMED CHURCH
in respectful acknowledgement of its glorious past and the religious stewardship that will shape its future.
JY~ ~.f'~
4Jobemor
1Becember 14, 2008
32