White Lake Reformed Presbyterian Church

Location: 90 miles northwest of New York City in White Lake, N.Y.

Presbytery: Atlantic

Organized: 1808

Membership: 93 communicant, 29 baptized. The oldest member is Florence Lynn, 102.

Pastor: David Coon

Web site: www.whitelakechurch.com (download monthly newsletters)

Our History

The psalmist compares God’s growing children to the flourishing of a palm tree. The White Lake RPC was truly planted by God’s grace. It was established at the beginning of the 19th Century by hearty settlers debarking from New York City. God blessed the congregation with long-tenured pastors like Rev. John Williams and used them to establish a thriving congregation in what was a growing farming community. Covenanter names like Lynn, Millen, Tacey, and Frazier were pillars in the church.

The mountainous location meant it had the opportunity to minister to a burgeoning summer population. During Rev. Pritchard’s pastorate, the White Lake Covenanter Camp was established. As the area moved away from an agrarian economy toward a tourism-based one, the congregation declined in numbers and was officially disorganized in the 1960s.

God wasn’t ready to extinguish this witness for the gospel. By His grace, the work was reopened with a few families in 1978. The congregation was reorganized in 1980 with David Coon as pastor. The church leadership now includes four elders and six deacons.

Our Ministries

God has blessed the ministry of His Word by the power of His Spirit during times of worship, fellowship, and service. Worship is central to the life and witness of the congregation. Many members have joined as a result of recent conversions and others because of a new-found appreciation for the Reformed faith. The teaching of God’s Word is further reinforced during church school, Bible study groups in various homes, women’s and men’s groups, and an annual retreat. The church also enjoys monthly fellowship dinners.

The congregation is thankful for the addition of Faith Hall to respond to the needs of community families. After-school programs for elementary children (Adventure Club) and teens (Kids for Christ) are held there. God has blessed the church’s efforts to reach adults recently through a parenting seminar. In August, the church established contacts with many through a community fair. A weekly Bible study is held at a nearby drug rehabilitation facility, Daytop Village. The Shepherd’s Pantry helps supply provisions for over 50 families twice a month, and a monthly seniors luncheon and a family movie night have been started. The congregation is thankful to use the gifts and opportunities God has given them to minister to people in need so that His grace may abound.

Prayer Requests

1. The church has a sign next to the second most-traveled road in the county. Pray that God would continue to use its messages to touch the hearts of passersby.

2. Pray for those with health problems, vocational needs, and relational issues.

3. Pray that members would demonstrate maturity in Christ as they respond to the needs of people.