HISTORY
“The first building erected in Troy for public worship was a meeting-house constructed of timbers furnished by local citizens.” It was this building that is our present day town hall. “In 1813, two years before the town received its charter of incorporation; the meeting-house was completed and dedicated. This structure was a place for town gatherings as well as a place for public worship.” In 1815, the Town of Troy was incorporated. The following day, on September 15, 1815, the Congregational Church was first covenanted. Thus began the Church’s first of two hundred years experiencing God’s great faithfulness from generation to generation. In 1816, the church sold “the building to the Town of Troy, and the church continued to hold its services there.”
Twenty years later, on September 26, 1835, the construction of our current location was completed. “Esquire Daniel W. Farrar had given the land on which the building was erected. Great slabs of granite from the quarry in Troy were used for the foundation and outside steps. Brick from the local kiln were laid for its walls. The sills and beams for the first floor were hewn from pine trees which Easman Alexander cut on his West Hill farm and hauled by oxen to the village. More than two years passed before a bell to call the worshippers to services was hung in the steeple” and it continues ringing to this day every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m.
Music has played a vital role throughout the past 200 years. When the congregation moved to its present location in 1835, the choir began singing from the balcony. Later the choir would transition to singing at the front of the sanctuary by the organ. Under the leadership of many great directors over the years, the choir has always been an integral part of music in the church. Today, the choir continues to lead the singing of congregational music while also presenting special music.
In the year 1900, Franklin Ripley, Sr. gave the church a most precious gift – an 1889 Steere & Turner Opus 284 pipe organ which he had purchased for the sum of $1,100.00. With over 570 pipes, the sound of this beautiful organ continues to fill the sanctuary every Sunday. Several pianos have been gifted to the church throughout its history. In 2015, the church was blessed with yet another amazing gift of a beautiful Wm. Knabe grand piano which was donated in loving memory of Dr. Michael A. D’Alessio by his wife, Mrs. Joan D’Alessio. What an honor it is to be the recipient of this beautiful, storied piano and an even greater honor to worship the Lord through it.
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Throughout the past two centuries, many people have devoted themselves to maintaining the church building itself. The church has seen multiple renovations, additions, improvements, & maintenance projects. What a privilege is to care for the house of God! Ultimately, the church is more than a building – it is truly the people within it. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Beginning in 1815 with Rev. Ezekiel Rich through the present day, thirty four pastors have diligently sought to share the truth of God’s word to all who would enter. Today Pastor-Theologian Stanley Charles Clark and his family consider it an honor to serve and love those in the church and in the Troy community.
Countless believers have worshipped within these walls while also laboring faithfully by serving in many different capacities following the example of Romans 12:4-6, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” A wide variety of ministries have sought to care for the needs of the church and the greater Troy community over the past 200 years. Some of these include: the Deacon, Deaconess, & Trustee boards, Music, the Men’s Fellowship, the Ladies Benevolent Society, Sunday school, the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, Missions, Library, and the Laymen’s Fellowship. Today, these ministries (some with different names) are still thriving and continue to provide fellowship, learning, and leadership opportunities. It is clear that the Lord began a good work at the onset of this congregation in 1815. We are thankful that He is continuing this good work today, and that He will continue to do so throughout the many years to follow. Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”