Where we came from
When visiting new friends and getting acquainted, our interest is in them rather than in their home. But since our present home, the church building and grounds, is so much a part of the history of Marlboro we would like to acquaint you with some of it.
Our quaint little chapel was once part of a larger church facility called Amity Baptist Church in midtown Manhatten. There was a building project undertaken at Amity Baptist church so the building would have to go. The Pastor at the time, Leighton Williams, owned approximately 200 acres of property here in Marlboro, so he decided to take the chapel down and reconstruct it on 49 Bingham Rd. The chapel was the center of community activity for many years having at one time the largest Sunday School in Ulster County.
About 1920 changes occurred and little use was made of the building which fell into disrepair. In 1961 the Trustees of Amity Foundation were reformed and several members of Moulton Memorial Babtist Chruch of Newburgh became trustees. Repairs were made to the chapel and the old house. Services were started again on Sunday July 1, 1962. On October 20 1972 Pastor Cliff La Forge was called as the full time Pastor. He served until 1987. Pastor Spangler came in 1989 and though the attendance was down to less than ten people, gradually the church family started to grow. Pastor Ray served until 2007, and our growing church is now led by Pastor Geoff Bruschi. Because we are striving to follow the Lord's leading, we are currently considering installing Pastor Frank Minutolo to serve alongside Pastor Bruschi.
The church grounds at 49 Bingham Rd are ideal for family events. We hold family picnics under our big tent, a bonfire each fall and our grounds get transformed into a theme park for our summer vacation Bible School. There is a sand volleyball court, basketball court, playground for the little ones and acres of property for active kids to play on.
Our leadership team has been led by God to continue holding services at our present location. Many renovations have been completed and many more are on the agenda for 2010. We have seen God provide the funding for a brand new roof, brand new windows, and other cosmetic improvements. Currently, we are planning on installing new carpet, refurbishing our nursery, and installing modern sanctuary seating. We hope that our building will soon be worthy of the beautiful land that it sits on!
While Chapel Hill Bible Church has a rich and deep history of men not afraid to "stand in the breach", we honor their work and faithfulness best by looking to the future. We, like they, will not neglect the house of God. We are marching on with a plan to revitalize the building, and the congregation.
Our church is more than a building and grounds. It's people growing together, worshipping God together, and working together. Come and visit us in our growing church. Better yet, catch our vision, and get dirty for God with us!
