On January 22, 1828, a decision was made to form a church, which was to be a Dutch Reformed Church. This was about 30 years after the Chittenango area was first settled. The grounds for the church were donated by The Honorable John B. Yates. The cornerstone was laid on April 24, 1828. The church was dedicated on January 15, 1829. The first pastor was Rev. Hutchins Taylor and he stayed until 1830. He received $200 annually and use of a house. Between 1829 and 1888, there were over a dozen Dutch reformed ministers. As fewer Dutch Reformed pastors were available, an 1888 resolution asked that the church be made a member of the Syracuse Presbytery. This was the first church meeting at which ladies were allowed to vote. Rev. Charles H. Walker became the first Presbyterian minister and 53 new members were added to the church.
The congregation has faced its share of challenges. Pastors changed frequently because money was often limited and pastors left for better pastorates. The church sustained two fires: one in October 1918 due to a lightning strike, and one in October 1943 due to an overheated furnace. The church sustained almost a complete loss each time, but each time the church was rebuilt.
Some of the best years were in the years following World War II. Pastorates tended to last more than two or three years. A major improvement in facilities was the 5,000 square foot educational wing completed in 1967. Other significant renovations were made to the building during the post-war years.
Community has been a part of the church since our founding. The early leaders of the church were also leaders of the community. The original sanctuary seated more than twice as many as our current sanctuary. There was an upper gallery around three sides of the sanctuary which provided space for community activities whether they were public meetings or school graduations. Adding the education wing provided space for community activities as well as church activities. At the present time, a nursery school, a variety of Chittenango Area Association of Churches activities, and social service programs utilize our facilities.