>From the book: The Souvenir Industrial Edition of Plattsburgh 1897 edited and published by W. Lansing & Son, Plattsburgh pages 29 and 30 First Presbyterian Church The First Presbyterian Church entered October 1, on the centennial year of its existence as an organic body, having been organized on the first day of October, 1797, by the Rev. Fredric Halsey. It has stood as a tower of strength in the community ever since. Its history during the past decade, the period this sketch is intended to cover, has not been signalized by any special events. It has held its own with dignity, and continued its course with marked prosperity, especially on financial and benevolent lines. As its stately stone edifice, with its lofty spire, is a conspicuous object of admiration to all the adjacent country, so has it, as a church of Christ, been a spiritual land-mark through all the region 'round about. The pastor and session of the church are expecting to hold a centennial service next October, in commemoration of its adult age. A full history of the church, from its organization, will be given at that time. It has one of the most complete, comfortable and commodious parsonages in Norther New York, furnished with all the modern conveniences for the pastor's family. The pastor's study is under the apse of the church edifice, and with its book-lined walls is as snug a student's retreat as one could wish to find, and where the pastor may be found by those wishing to consult him on spiritual matters. The present membership of the church is about 269 communicants on the roll of active members. During the past thirty-two years the church has had but two settled pastors, Rev. Edwin A. Bulkley, D.D., from 1864 to 1878, and Rev. Joseph Gamble, D.D., from 1880 to the present time. Rev. Arthur J. Waugh served as stated-supply during the interval between the pastorates of Dr. Bulkley and Dr. Gamble. The officers of the church are as follows: Pastor, Rev. Joseph Gamble, D.D; Ruling Elders, R. O. Barber, G. E. Barber, G. H. Beckwith, H. W. Cady, E. N. Jones, Ph. D.; E. G. Moore, T. B. Nichols, M.D.; Deacons, H. S. Johnson, G. E. Barber; Board of Trustees, G. E. Barber, G. H. Beckwith, A. D. Boomhower, E. F. Botsford, H. W. Cady, D. F. Dobie, E. G. Moore, T. B. Nichols, W. C. Watson; President, Hon. Winslow C. Watson; Secretary, E. F. Botsford, Esq,; Assistant Suprintendent, G. E. Barber. Women's Missionary Society, President, Mrs. Joseph Gamble; Vice-President, Mrs. C. E. M. Edwards; Secretary, Mrs. E. S. Dodds; Treasurer, Miss Dora Percy. Willing Hearts Mission Band, President, Mrs. Joseph Gamble; Secretary, Miss Reba Jones; Treasurer, Miss Adeline Martin. Ladies' Aid Society, President, Miss Erminie J. Hall; Vice-President, Miss Edwards; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. E. F. Bottsford. Young People's Society Christian Endeavor, President, Paul F. Reynolds; Vice-President, Miss Alberta Boomhower; Recording Secretary, Miss Elizabeth M. Sowles; Treasurer, Mr. Maus Stone. The musical department of the church is under the efficient direction of Mr. Herbert Barber, who, with Mr. W. W. Connaughty, Miss Gertrude Loomis, and Mrs. Earl Bromley, constitute one of the best quartette choirs in this part of the State. Mr. Silas D. Barber presides with grace and efficiency at the organ. The attractiveness and devotion of the church worship is improved by a semi-ritual service, fashioned after the Reformed Church model. The pews are assigned to their holders, but strangers and visitors are cordially welcomed to any seat in the house at all services of the sanctuary.