Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Building, House, Site

Location

128 Wetsel Hollow Rd, Schoharie, NY 12157, USA

Lat/Long

42.676781848639, -74.357086142646

Grant Recipient

JAAN Inc

By 1816, residents of the Schoharie area had established a congregation known as the Old School Baptist Church. The group initially gathered in private homes until 1855, when Benjamin Livingston sold a parcel of land to the Old School Baptist Association for $50. The deed noted that the lot included a building recently constructed for the church. This agreement stipulated that the property remain in use by the church; should it cease to be an Old Baptist Church, the land would revert to Livingston or his heirs, or the proceeds of any sale would be directed to his family. The congregation occupied the building for nearly ninety years. In 1944, Laura C. Shafer, Livingston’s daughter, sold the property. It subsequently served as a private residence.

Historically, church members supported various missionary and charitable efforts. Some members likely served as Thomasites, who were educational missionaries sent to the Philippines during the early 20th century. The congregation also provided financial support to the Baptist Female Society, a missionary branch for women. Also referred to as the “Female Mite” society, this organization focused on using small donations from women to fund the spread of the gospel.