Hudson Icon Needs Million Dollar Restoration

A new assessment of the historic First Presbyterian Church has identified more than $1 million in necessary restoration work to steeples, masonry, woodwork, and electrical and safety systems.

The First Presbyterian Church is a centerpiece of Hudson’s historic downtown. It was completed in 1837 at Fourth and Warren streets. In 1876, an addition was constructed along Warren Street, adding a gabled front entrance and two steeples, one of which contains the four-sided city clock. 

The building assessment was conducted this spring by Architecture+ of Troy, NY. It identifies $1.1 million in recommended work on the building, about $600,000 of which is identified as "high priority," or "items which need immediate attention in order to protect public safety and/or to arrest current deterioration of the building." A similar assessment by Architecture+ in 2021 identified $533,000 in unsatisfactory conditions, including the need for a new roof, which was installed in 2024. 

The new assessment identifies two areas of concern not previously studied: accessibility and electrical and safety improvements. Both are regarded as high priority needs. To address the lack of handicapped accessibility into and within the building, the report recommends creating exterior accessibility at the center entrance by resetting the slates to provide a ramp and landing area. Also, a new handicapped accessible elevator is proposed for the church's west tower to provide access to all levels of the building. 

Electrical and safety systems also need immediate attention. The report recommends replacing wiring, equipment connections, and wiring devices. Exit lights and signage should be installed, according to the report. Importantly, it recommends installation of new fire and smoke alarm systems. 

Other high priority projects identified in the report include:

• $150,000 in repairs to exterior stonework and the bluestone steps at the church entrance
• $65,000 to repair or replace deteriorated exterior wood trim along the building's eaves and metal trim at the north facade and towers 
• $35,000 to repair and replace interior wall and ceiling plaster from a past roof look and to add insulation in the attic

Architecture+ was contracted to develop the report by the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church, a secular 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preservation of the church. The survey focused on the tower roofs, exterior masonry, exterior woodwork and metalwork, handicapped accessibility, sanctuary interior envelope, electrical, and site conditions. It does not include architectural costs in its estimates. 

The mission of the Friends of the First Presbyterian Church is to raise awareness of the building’s needs, secure funding, and preserve the church’s structural, historic, and architectural integrity. 

"First Presbyterian Church is in dire need of help," said Gary Sheffer, president of the Friends. "In many ways, it's the heart of Hudson, aesthetically, historically, and practically for children and adults who use the building. For the balance of 2025, the Friends will be talking to residents, business owners, public officials, and other members of the community about the building's future in advance of launching a capital campaign in 2026 to fund preservation work." 

Anyone interested in working on the preservation of the First Presbyterian Church can contact the Friends at HudsonFriendsofFPC@gmail.com.