History :

The First Church: 

When the thrifty Dutch people came to America to settle in the new land, they made their homes near the streams which reminded them of their homeland. The country along the Hudson River south of Albany and extending several miles back was settled by the Dutch, who came as tenants of Patroon Van Rensselaer, and over forty families were mentioned in Bleeker's Survey in 1767.

These early settlers were a church-going people and soon established a church. A log building was erected on a rise of ground north of the Schodack Landing Cemetery sometime in 1756 or earlier. Sometime between 1756 and 1770, this log church burned and was replaced by a frame structure erected on a site near the first church. In the earliest years of the Reformed Church in America, the "Dominies," (ministers) were trained in Holland and reported annually to the Church authorities there.

This second church building was built in the usual fashion of that time, and was nearly square with a gallery extending around three sidles. The pulpit was near the entrance and was small, built high, and reached by a winding stair. The stove was in the center of the room on a platform reached by a ladder; during singing of the second hymn, the sexton replenished the fire with wood.

At this time the church had about 100 members, whose names were all enrolled in the record book in Durch. The men and women sat in separate aisles, and the individual seats both in the body of the church and in the gallery were auctioned or rented for two, three, and four shillings per year.

The Church at Muitzeskill :

Inasmuch as the larger part of the congregation was now living around Muitzeskill and eastward, it was felt that there was a need to move the church building to a more central location. In 1810, the building at Schodack Landing was taken down and moved by oxen to the present site at Muitzeskill. The entire frame of the old structure was used, besides much of the other timber. Approximately ten years afterward, a steeple was erected in which a bell was placed, and an addition built on the north side. This church also had a gallery around three sides and was heated by two stoves.

On February 27,1876, a disastrous fire destroyed the church building. Almost immediately, the congregation was called together by the Consistory and plans for rebuilding were made. Pledges were secured and the church was rebuilt at a cost of $6,000, including a bell which weighed 1,033 pounds

The new House of Worship was dedicated to God on Wednesday, December 6, 1876, in the presence of a large audience. One resident reported that fifty-seven wagons passed his residence on their way to the service, and as the church was built where four roads meet, the size of the audience must have been very large.

Several changes have been made over the years such as electric lighting, an oil burner for heat, an electric organ, and a sound system.

The Friendship Building :

In October 1906, the Consistory approved the construction of another building in addition to the church proper, where varied social activities could be held. The men of the congregation erected the building. The Christian Endeavor Society then took over and furnished the upstairs auditorium, providing such things as chairs, lamps, curtains, etc. The Ladies Aid Society furnishing the kitchen and dining room. Tables were made by the men, and stoves were purchased. Many friends contributed dishes, silverware, tablecloths, and kitchen equipment.

Throughout the years, many changes have been made. The kitchen has been remodeled, a well was drilled providing a good supply of water. The dining room furniture has been replaced and folding doors installed between the ante-room and dining room. Upstairs, the "stage" in the auditorium was removed to provide a larger seating capacity. A fire-escape stairway was added on the outside.