Coldenham-Newburgh RPC

Location: Walden, N.Y.

Presbytery: Atlantic

Organized: 1798

Membership: 34 communicant; 10 baptized

Pastor: Charles Leach

T he Coldenham-Newburgh RPC got its start in the mid-1700s when a “Society of Covenanters” began meeting in New York’s Hudson Valley in a community called Coldenham. A visiting preacher periodically traveled there on horseback. The congregation was officially organized in 1798, a simple building was erected in 1799, and Alexander McLeod became the first pastor in 1801. Coldenham was also the site of the first RP seminary, presided over by Professor J. R. Willson.

The church gets its unwieldy hyphenated name from a merger that took place in 1975 with the nearby Newburgh RPC. The building and property have seen many changes over the past 210 years, and many pastors have served there.

During its long history (long by American standards), the church has often taken a biblical stand on social and political issues. From its inception, the church opposed slavery. An anti-slavery sermon by Pastor McLeod was published and distributed widely along the eastern seaboard of the new nation. Later, the congregation participated in the work of the Underground Railroad. In the early 1800s, Pastor James Renwick Willson, known for his powerful preaching style, served as chaplain of the New York state legislature until his outspoken advocacy of Christian government led to rioting in Albany. More recently, the church has taken advantage of opportunities to take a stand against pornography and abortion. But most of all, the church has been committed to teaching biblical truth and proclaiming the gospel.

Today they are a small congregation, but with enough members and adherents to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” each Sabbath Day. Regular activities include Bible study groups, prayer meeting, Women’s Missionary Fellowship, and men’s prayer breakfasts.

Since God has blessed them with a large and lovely facility, they are praying that God will fill it with worshipers. This past year they took on various projects to increase their visibility and extend their witness. They held an evangelistic Road Rally in August and distributed free water bottles at a large community event in September. An attractive new church sign was recently put up that is easier for passersby to read. They are also working at getting to know the families of children who attend a preschool that meets in the renovated church basement.

—Susan Leach

Prayer Requests

•That the congregation will be steadfast in prayer. Give thanks that participation in weekly prayer meetings increased significantly this year. •That the congregation will be bold in evangelism and have the energy and resources for community outreach, so that the church may glorify God for generations to come. •That God will bless their relationship with the preschool teachers and families. •That God will enable them to meet their financial obligations, better maintain their facilities, and have more to give.