Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Building, Religion

Location

18 Cherry St, Homer, NY 13077, USA

Lat/Long

42.632545815601, -76.186017525453

Grant Recipient

Town of Homer

The Congregational Church of Homer, NY was organized in 1801. A few years later, its first church was erected on the village green. As the congregation grew, so did its need for specialized space. In 1844, a chapel, frequently referred to as the Sessions House or “lecture room” was dedicated just south of the main church.

For decades, the chapel served as the center of the church’s social and spiritual life. It hosted weekly prayer meetings every Thursday afternoon and served as a primary meeting place for local church societies. The building also functioned as a lively venue for socials, suppers, and parties.

By approximately 1887, the chapel was sold to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and reportedly moved to the northern side of the Green.

In 1892, the structure was sold to Mrs. Dennis Griffin for $80. It was moved once more to Cherry Street, where it was refitted as a private dwelling and still serves the same purpose as of 2026.