PORT JERVIS – As churches across the region held Easter services Sunday, members of Deerpark Reformed Church and First Presbyterian Church joined together for a combined service. They met at Deerpark Reformed Church where a combined choir and Elder Darrayle Williams led the congregation in worship, song, and prayer.
A historical marker erected on the lawn of Deerpark Reformed Church denotes its significance as the ‘oldest church’ and oldest congregation in the area. Both of the churches have served the city since its earliest days, holding countless such church services and special gatherings over time.
Williams spoke of the spirit and bond shared by members of the two congregations. As he prepared to begin Easter services, he envisioned how these members would always carry age-old traditions and their solid faith forward.
“There is so much spirit and faith here. This is a wonderful group of people. If this church was taken down tomorrow, we could still meet here together and celebrate Jesus Christ,” Williams said.
The Deerpark Reformed Church is currently under contract of sale, its future use and fate as yet unknown. With its formation dating back to early Dutch settlers in 1737 and its current East Main Street structure erected in 1868, members and clergy of the church have struggled over past decades to maintain the aging structure. With limited resources and volunteers to make needed repairs, they made the difficult decision to place the historic church and parsonage on the market for sale.
The First Presbyterian Church will soon be led by a minister who grew up as a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Rev. Zachary Pearce. Pearce recently accepted the position of Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and will help lead the combined congregations of both churches into the future.
As Easter services were held in multiple churches across the region, a group of veterans also got together for a purpose. They met at the Tri-State Naval Ship early in the morning and prepared and delivered 80 full-course Easter dinners to those who might otherwise be alone or without a special dinner on Easter.
