FCC at 269 Mill Street

The first in a series of articles about how the buildings at this location have evolved.

FCC originally worshiped in a church that the 2^nd Presbyterian’s built at the corner of Mill and Vassar Streets, down the hill (West) from where our church is now located. When the 2^nd Presbyterian Church eventually closed, some of their members joined FCC. Approximately 20 years later, a new location for the church was sought.

Two houses on Mill Street were purchased in 1858 for $5,000, and moved to make room for the construction of a new church: our Sanctuary building.

FCC Founding Member James Dudley, a Poughkeepsie builder, was the head of a three member building committee (nice how the committee tradition continues!) which presented a proposal for a Romanesque style building that would seat 620 adults. Construction started on this in 1859.

Just a few years prior to this, the Village of Poughkeepsie was incorporated as a city. Note that the city boundaries at this time were essentially square shaped. Over time the city annexed portions of the town, so as to result in the very irregular area that we have today.

FCC at 269 Mill Street

The second in a series of articles about how the buildings at this location have evolved.

On June 5 th , 1860 the church building was finished and dedicated.

A picture postcard from about the time of the dedication shows the overall building looking very much as it is today. There are, however, a few differences. The triple archway entrance that we have currently is not original to the building. In the front gable is a round rose window that after many years deteriorated and was then closed up. The interior of this opening is in the attic.

As the picture pre-dates the construction of Alan House, the building to the left is a private residence.

Note also that Mill street was a dirt road – the automobile had yet to be invented!

The only interior picture of the sanctuary that I am aware of is one that was taken in 1896. Evidently more seating was required after the sanctuary was first opened for in 1864 side galleries (or balconies) were added.  Clearly the big differences from today are the organ and pulpit locations. Also the figurative stained glass windows were not yet in place – the balconies were removed to expose the windows.

By:  Fred Roe