A Brief History of the Waterloo Presbyterian Church

1807   The first pioneers arrive in what is now Waterloo, a land previously settled by the Cayuga Indians.

1817   Meeting held on July 7th to form a Presbyterian Church in Waterloo; eight original members.

1817   First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo legally incorporated on Nov. 10th.                            

1821   Mr. Aaron Lane called as our first pastor.

1822   Cornerstone laid for the first church near the corner of West Williams and Stark Street. This wooden structure, known as the White Church, was completed in 1824.  The land was a gift from Elisha Williams and Reuben Swift.

1836   Reverend Samuel Hart Gridley (1836-1873) was called as pastor.  An opponent of slavery, he led his congregation to take this position.

1850   Construction began on the brick church at 42 East Main St.  The building dedication service was held November 12, 1851.  The land was a gift from James Webster, a woolen manufacturer.

1861   Reverend Gridley was pastor officiate at the first Memorial Day (Decoration Day) services.

1876-1897   A Presbyterian Chapel was erected on Washington Street on land donated by the family of Samuel Bear (the first settler in Waterloo).  In 1897, the chapel was sold to make way for a railroad.

1880   Construction begins on the present brick chapel addition at 42 East Main St.  The Sunday school children began the fund raising, donating the first $750.

1909   The Tiffany figural windows were installed the sanctuary in memory of Etha Cadmus Spare.

1950   Austin Pipe Organ with 1457 pipes was dedicated.  Money was raised over a three-year period.

1961 Rev. Marcy Punnett (1944-64) did a one-year pulpit exchange with

Rev. Kenward of New Zealand.

1966   Gift of $18,500 was made for a swimming pool at Presbyterian Camp Whitman.

1995   Sanctuary tile ceiling fell down; replaced with a more historically accurate ceiling.

1996   42 East Main St. was listed on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

2003   Betsy’s Playroom at Five Points Prison began and continues today.  This is a mission outreach project.

2004   Friday Free Lunch mission outreach project began and continues today.

2005 Church food booth at the Seneca County Fair began and continues today.  This is a major fund raiser.

2013   Capital Campaign began and continues to raise funds for needed updates and repairs.

2015 Chair lift installed. Funds used from memorial gifts and donations.