Montrose Church Celebrates 300th Year Anniversary

A historic landmark in Montrose is bringing together the Westchester community to mark an incredible milestone anniversary this month. The Reformed Church of Cortlandtown in Montrose will celebrate 300 years in the community with special events, worship services and musical festivals for all ages. To celebrate their remarkable milestone community members are welcome to attend the following events: a candlelight service on Friday, April 21st at 7 pm; an Anniversary Worship Service on Sunday, April 23rd at 10 am or join the congregation for a musical journey and discover what 300 years of music sounds like at the Tri-centennial Music Festival on May 7th at 3 pm.

The documented history of this local church dates back to April 21, 1717 when a list of communicants was recorded as constituting the Dutch Reformed congregation of Van Cortlandt Manor. This marked the beginning for the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown that stands today. In the early years of settlement, the local congregants of Van Cortlandt Manor were associated with the historic Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. In 1717 they established their own presence and constructed a church on Montrose Point. This church burned down during the Civil War and a new church was constructed on the current Albany Post Road site where they worshiped until 1969, when the congregation voted to erect a new church building. The first worship service was held on March 28, 1971 at what congregant; William (Bill) Bailey (of the famous Ringling Brothers) called “the little white church on the hill” in his poem “The Village Church.” Worship services continue for many local worshipers in that same sanctuary today.

“We are excited to welcome our neighbors and invite the community to help the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown celebrate such an important and historic milestone,” said Jill Davis, Co Chair of the Anniversary Committee. “To reach 300 years of service in the community is an incredible journey and we are grateful for the support we have gotten through the years.” In addition to the special events being held for the 300th Anniversary, there are many ways the community is invited to participate and support the RCC as they celebrate this milestone anniversary. Community members can purchase a brick for the commemorative prayer garden, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt or purchase a “Now and Then” cookbook. For more information on any of these events please contact the church at 914-737-6482.