Our History


The Fishkill area was settled in the early 1700's by Dutch immigrants who came up the Hudson River in search of a place to make a living.  By 1716 they wanted their own Dutch Reformed church so they would not have to cross the river to Kingston or New Paltz to worship.  In that year two congregations were established on October 10th: one in Poughkeepsie and one in Fishkill.  Poughkeepsie's church building was finished in 1723, and Fishkill's in 1731.  The first Dominie (minister) who arrived from the Netherlands in 1731 to serve both churches received an annual salary of 70 pounds.

The church was used as a military prison during the American Revolution.  The 4th New York Provincial Congress met in the church in 1776, making Fishkill the state capital, until the Congress moved to Kingston in 1777.  Part of the New York State Constitution was written in our church.

After the Revolution, a decision was made to enlarge the church and today's exterior design dates to 1795.  A gilded cock, which was placed atop the new steeple at that time, is symbolic of  Peter's denial of Jesus.  Formerly found on most Reformed churches, ours is one of the few which remains.  The church interior has been remodeled several times.

The 20th century has brought additional changes to the property.  A Christian Education building was constructed in 1964, and a Memorial Garden for cremains was added to the cemetery in 1980.  The Glenham Reformed Church merged with our congregation in 1976.  The sanctuary's exterior was refurbished for the country's bicentennial, and interior repairs were completed in 1989.  A slate roof was installed in 1997.

The most recent addition to our property is the DuBois House, a building with its own history, which was purchased in 1991. Extensive repairs have created beautiful offices and a church parlor, as well as space for the Food Pantry and meetings.  Visitors from around the world come through our doors to visit the church of their ancestors, to trace their roots, and study its history.  Our churchyard, behind these buildings, while no longer used for burials, has many well preserved stones dating back to the late 1700's, and attracts it's own visitors.  As a congregation, we are most proud of our heritage of God's blessings, and want to share that with all who come.

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