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The early history of New Hempstead Presbyterian Church is that
history of Rockland County itself. The first settlement in the
territory that is now Rockland County was made at Haverstraw around
1681. The pioneer families who first lodged in this vast
wilderness were Dutch-- thoroughly Dutch--in their customs, language and
religion.
In this area of the Dutch settlement, New Hempstead Presbyterian
Church was founded in 1734, and was the first English-speaking
congregation west of the Hudson River. For that reason, it was
long known as the English Meeting House. Our present sanctuary was
erected in 1827 and retains essentially its original structure. In
1978 it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Murchison Hall, a modern building located on the church's beautiful
five-acre campus, was constructed in 1961 for educational and social
activities.
After 270 years, the New Hempstead Presbyterian Church
continues to witness to Jesus Christ and to serve the community of which
it is a part.
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