St Paul's United Methodist Church, 58 W Main St, Middletown, NY 10940, US

Grace Church is a diverse, inclusive, multi-generational family, aspiring to support one another's journey through prayer, love and encouragement. We strive to ensure that the grace that flows from the Altar is carried to our neighbors through the outreach of the Guild of St. Margaret and we are open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in responding to other needs as they arise. History As early as 1790, what was to become Middletown was a loose cluster of houses built up along a strategically located road, formerly trails, used for the transportation of produce to the Hudson River. The first physician settled in the area in 1810, Dr. David Hanford. From 1829 until 1849, the hamlet was called South Middletown and changed to Middletown in 1849. From 1807 to 1842, this hamlet grew in population from 45 inhabitants to approximately 500. In 1841, the Erie Railroad was completed causing Middletown to become a large shipping center drawing businesses and people from surrounding areas. The last train through Middletown was in April 1983. In 1842, the Wallkill Academy, the first institution of secondary education was completed. Prior to 1845, there were no Episcopal services in Middletown. There were parishes in existence in neighboring areas: St. George's in Newburgh, St. Andrew's near Walden, St. James in Goshen, and St. David's on the Otterkill, Burnside. Elisha Wheeler came to Middletown as a result of the Erie Railroad and was largely responsible for creating Grace Episcopal Church. He was a signer of the Act of Incorporation, the first Junior Warden, then Senior Warden for the rest of his life. Mr. Wheeler, an important man in the community, founded Orange County Furnace Company, a major employer and industry of the era, was first president of the Board of Education, a village trustee, a trustee of the first Board of Trustees of the State Hospital, and prominent in the Lyceum and fraternal organizations. He was ruined financially in the depression following the inflation after the Civil War. Some newcomers to Middletown were Episcopalians who missed and wanted services of their church. Grace Episcopal Church parish was incorporated on February 18, 1845. Services were held on Sunday afternoons in the Congregational Church, the old Methodist Church on South Street, the Baptist Church on Mulberry Street, Lyceum Hall and Gothic Hall. From its beginning Grace Church attracted many of the foremost and prominently wealthy citizens of the village. ( Presently the church is predominantly middle class. ) In 1845, after much deliberation, land was purchased to erect a church on North Street, the current location. Although there were churches of other denominations in the area that were founded long before Grace Church, it is now the second oldest church building still in use in Middletown, with the First Baptist Church being the oldest. The first church service was held on Christmas Eve, 1847. Consecration of Grace Church was by Bishop William Heathcote DeLancey, D.D., L.L.D., of Western New York, on September 12, 1848. The Reverend G.W. Timlow was the first rector. He served from 1845 until 1851. Early services were held in the afternoon since that was the most convenient time. The salary of the first rector was $600 a year. To augment this salary, a "donation" visit ( dinner and entertainment ), was held with a collection plate passed, generally raising an extra $250 to be added to the rector's salary. The Rev. J. Selden Spencer was the second rector, serving from 1851 until 1855. The first Grace Church fair organized by ladies of the church was held January 11, 1852. This was to become the prototype of all bazaars and dinners to follow. The proceeds went toward building a fence around the church and other necessary projects. A portion of that original fence still stands, although it has been moved. ( Proceeds from current bazaars and dinners are still raised to meet the needs of the church. ) In 1856, there were approximately 25 communi