Church Receives Sacred Sites Grant

The Friends of the First Presbyterian Church announced last week that the church has received a $22,000 grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, a statewide preservation group dedicated to protecting and preserving important landmarks throughout New York State, as part of its Sacred Sites program. 

The grant will be used to help restore the church's metal roof. The church is one of seventeen historic religious properties recognized by the Landmarks Conservancy in 2021.

The press release from the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church announcing the grant says this about the church:

There is an unmistakable aura to the church and its location in Hudson. It was on the church site that the Marquis de Layfayette addressed the city's citizens in 1824 as the last surviving French general of the American Revolution. The visit was part of a 24-state tour in recognition of Lafayette's critical role in helping win the Revolution. Originally built in 1837 of locally quarried stone, it was also the place of worship for President Martin Van Buren and his wife. Landscape artist Frederic Church, who brought dramatic light and panoramic views to the Hudson River School of painting, chose to worship in this architecturally important building and was instrumental in the church's ultimate design.

As the City of Hudson has evolved, so has the church. Now, in addition to being a center of religious worship, the church is a lively hub of community activity, including hosting plays and concerts, community meetings along with Hudson Promise Neighborhood and community radio station WGXC.

"We are so grateful to New York State Sacred Sites for once again coming through to support First Presbyterian Church," said the Rev. Kathryn Beilke, the church's pastor. "They recognize the significance of this building to Hudson both historically and culturally and that it has a viable future ahead in service to this city we all love, Knowing they are behind us provides us great momentum to take steps in our fundraising ahead."

The total cost of the roof replacement is expected to be $250,000. The $22,000 grant must be matched by the Friends. To make a donation to the roof project, go to FriendsofFPC.org or send a check to First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534.