Undergirding An Essential Foundation

East of Route 9W on Washington Spring Road, you can find a classic example of Carpenter Gothic architecture — the Palisades Presbyterian Church — the only active congregation in the hamlet. Founded during the Civil War, the church began as a community hub, intent on bringing people together in hope and safety as the nation fractured over the issue of slavery. The church’s bell, which can still be heard throughout theca town on Sunday mornings, was first rung on New Year’s Eve of 1863. The first service was held on January 3, 1864.

Built on this foundation, the Palisades Church has served the wider community ever since, becoming a beacon for justice and human dignity through countless religious and secular controversies.  “Early on, it was a place to steady oneself in the midst of war,” says its current pastor, The Rev. Erin Moore. “In moments when the world feels uncertain, people look for places where they can come together, care for one another and take meaningful action in their community. For many of us, Palisades Presbyterian Church is that place.”

 Decades ago, this church welcomed women into ministry when that was still a rarity. It helped numbers of student ministers get their bearings early in their careers. During the AIDS crisis in the 80s, when fear and stigma left many isolated, the church hosted picnics for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis so that people living with AIDS could experience a sense of dignity and belonging. 

 During the AIDS crisis in the 80s, when fear and stigma left many isolated, the church hosted picnics for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis so that people living with AIDS could experience a sense of dignity and belonging. 

As reported in an earlier issue of 10964, “The Presbyterian Church USA struggled mightily with the ordination of gay and lesbian elders and ministers. The denomination’s official position was that homosexuality was inconsistent with biblical teachings and those who practiced same-gender love were barred from ordination. The Palisades Church…stood in defiance of this rule and ordained three gay members [as elders] and during the 90s the Palisades Church was in the forefront of advocating for full ordination among gay and lesbian members –  a Presbyterian constitutional victory not won until 2011, after forty years of debate.” [See 10964 “Stories Behind the Stones - The Presbyterians” Dec 2024 by Blythe Chase]

Now, a new and urgent challenge confronts the Palisades Church. “This foundation that has built us up to go out and serve our community is now collapsing under our feet,” says Reverend Moore. “Engineers have informed us that the original joists, girders, and beams that support our foundation – and hold up the very floor we stand on – are beyond repair and need to be replaced. The work required to secure our foundation is extensive, costing more than our total annual budget.”

As they have confronted many past hurdles, members of the Palisades Church are undaunted about the challenges ahead. Says Elder Mercy Garland, “At first, I felt overwhelmed, knowing we had to raise so much money and complete such a large project. But I have since reframed my thinking. Now I am grateful that we get to be the ones to fix the foundation, allowing it to survive the next 150 years. The opportunity to do such important work for this church is a real gift.” As a first step, the church will hold a fundraising silent auction on May 2, 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Donations for the renovation fund are welcome at any time and can be sent to the church at PO Box 687, Palisades, NY, 10964.

"Throughout its history, this congregation, alongside this community, has faced challenges and responded with courage, compassion and a renewed commitment to service,” says Reverend Moore. ”Time and again, those moments have brought us together and made us stronger than before. I believe this challenge will do the same.”