First Presbyterian Church, Southampton

Brief History of The First Presbyterian Church of Southampton 2 South Main. Founded on 12 June 1640 by Puritans from Lynn, Massachusetts. 

October 1640 - The Reverend Abraham Pierson of Boston was chosen to be the first minister. He was the first Presbyterian Minister to minister to Native Americans. He left Southampton due to a disagreement in 1647. 

1641- Olde Towne- The first Meeting House was built where the Southampton Hospital stands today. 

1648 - Towne Street (Main Street) was laid out. 1649 - Reverend Robert Fordham became the second minister until his death in 1674. 

1651/52-The second church was built on the east side of Towne Street. The second church served the community for 55 years The Sabbath Day lasted from sundown on Sat. until sundown on Sun. During the services the men sat on one side and the women sat on the other side. The congregation meant everyone in town. 

1679 - All the inhabitants of the town were appointed their proper and distinct places in the meeting house on the Lord's Day to prevent disorder. 

1707-The congregation built the third church on the NW corner of Towne Street and Meeting House Lane. The purchase deed of the church stated that the new building was to be used by those "Congregations of Christian Protestants usually known and distinguished by the name or stile of Presbyterians." 

British troops occupied Southampton during the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Presbyterians who were loyal patriots dismantled the two cannons the town had and hung them in the bell tower so the British could not use them 1716 - The church joined the Philadelphia Presbytery. 1717 - The LI Presbytery was formed. 

1843 - Southampton was a prosperous and thriving community. The whaling industry had brought great wealth to the area. The fourth church was built in Gothic Revival style-a 19th century revival version of the medieval gothic style sometimes called Victorian Gothic which originated in France. 1895 Addition of Church Parlor, chapel, choir room, Sunday School rooms and church offices, 1957 - An education wing was added to the church. 1965 – The Bethel Presbyterian Church (the first African American Presbyterian Church on Long Island) merged with this congregation in 1965 in the midst of the Civil Rights Movements.

Recorded by Pastor Joshua Williams of the Presbyterian Church in Southampton during his pastorate 1785-88

           The original document appears here. The digitzed copy can be seen here.