We are Undertaking the Renovation and Restoration of TWO of our Historic Churches.
Community UMC in Copake
Built in 1854 The United Methodist Church of Copake is a largely intact example of mid-19* century timber-frame meetinghouse construction which displays distinctive design attributes of the Greek Revival style.
The history of the Copake United Methodist Church for all intents and purposes begins in 1832, eight years after the formation of the town, when the Methodist preachers Revs. Richard Hayter and Edward S. Stout visited the hamlet, helping inspire a series of local “grove meetings,” open-air meetings much like the larger religious “camp meetings” popular in frontier areas in this period.
The present church was erected at the cost of $3,500 by a membership of approximately 20 persons, during the pastorate of Marvin R. Lent. Lent was likewise affiliated with Methodist groups in Spencertown, Columbia County, and groups to the south near Patterson, Putnam County. The new
building—^with accommodations for approximately 350— was dedicated in March 1854 by Reverend Joseph B. Wakely, DD, of New York, with Lent serving as the first pastor.
Today, the church is still active but in need of renovation. A Capital Campaign is being set up to raise the necessary funds.
North Hillsdale UMC
