Beneath a canopy of Bronx trees stands Williamsbridge Reformed Church. What stories could these walls tell if they could talk? Let’s journey back to the roots of faith in New York.
In the early 17th century Dutch settlers arrived. They carried their traditions and beliefs to a new land. By the 1650s these settlers recognized the importance of maintaining their faith. They built the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Staaten Eyelandt. This was in the area known as Niu Nederlands.
Reverend Petrus Tesshenmacker was the first ordained minister in the United States. He arrived via the Reformed Church on Staten Island. He built what is known today as part of the Frederick Law Olmsted farmhouse in 1685. Sadly Rev. Tesshenmacker met a brutal end. He was killed and scalped by French and Indians after relocating to Schenectady.
Henderyck Kroessen a Voorlezer led religious gatherings near Oude Dorp. He was also the first school teacher in the United States. Kroessen documented the church’s early baptisms in a book. This book is still in the archives at the current Reformed Church on Staten Island. The burial ground began with the Corsen family around this time. The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church maintains the cemetery to this day. They work with local organizations to restore old headstones. These headstones belong to U.S. Veterans from the wars of 1812 and The American Revolutionary Wars.
During the American Revolutionary War British soldiers burned down the wooden church. This happened along with other historic churches in New York City. But the church was quickly rebuilt.
In 1896 the Reformed Church on Staten Island was rebuilt by James G. Burger. A Sunday School room was added in 1898. Oscar S. Teale a magician and architect designed it. Teale worked with Harry Houdini. He became the first president of the American Magicians Society. Teale designed many other churches in New York and New Jersey.
Since its creation the church has served the community of Port Richmond. In 2010 the church became a filming location. It was used for television series like HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Hulu’s Wu Tang Clan.
In 2019 the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on Staten Island celebrated 395 years of history. They hosted a ‘History Day’ with hot dogs and cemetery tours. They recreated the New Dorp ‘Rose and Crown Tavern’ dinner. General Howe addressed his officers there. The Battle of Long Island was planned there in the summer of 1776.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the church launched a YouTube channel. This enabled them to video record their weekly Sunday services. In the summer of 2022 they hosted their first Film Festival. It was called ‘Staten Island Summer of Shorts Film Festival’ in conjunction with the Historic Port Richmond Preservation Association.
Today Williamsbridge Reformed Church stands as a testament to resilience. It is a pillar of faith and community. Its story echoes through the Bronx and beyond. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day role this church remains a beacon of hope. It is a reminder of the enduring power of faith. It is a place where history and community intertwine.