The mission of the Fonda Reformed Church is to develop believers
and unbelievers into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
   

The records of this church go back to 1758 but the church itself was not built until 1763. History tells us that it was the first Low Dutch church west of Schenectady and the congregation being organized soon after the year 1754. 

    It is not known from whom the title to the original church lands was obtained. By some it is believed to have been embraced within the 2000 acres of the Collins patent granted 1714; by others to have stood upon lands belonging to the Butlers; and for that reason was not destroyed during raids through the valley during the Revolutionary War. 

    The church is described as a massive stone building about square, much larger than one is led to believe from illustrations of it. It was built of rough limestone, having a curb roof, and stood with its gable end toward the street. The entrance was a double door the middle of the east side. There were two windows on the east side, one on each side of the door and two on the south end toward the street, which furnished the light. These window ledges were so wide inside that occasionally a tired child found them a convenient place for a nap. In the gable end toward the street, close to the ridge of the roof, was a small circular opening in the wall, while half way down from this to the tops of the windows were two oval ones, a trifle larger inclined toward each other at about the same angle as the sides of the roof opposite them, after the fashion common in ecclesiastical architecture of the age. This may account for the saying that the church was built with loopholes and could be used as a fort. Both doors and windows presented the flat but graceful Norman Arch which was thought to be more becoming a sober church of this kind than the pointed and shooting Gothic. 

    In 1783 Zephania Bachelor was asked to furnish consistory with an estimate of the cost of building a tower to the church but not until 1795 was this done together with extensive repairs under the direction of Frederick Sammons, contractor, and at a cost of $2,250. The tower was placed on the north gable end and it was a curious thing to many to see a church with the spire at the rear. 

    The church was without a bell until the property of Sir William Johnson. was sold during the Revolution. Then the former dinner bell of Sir William Johnson was bought by several male members of the congregation, carried on a pole by friendly Indians, and lifted in place amid shouts, cheers and smiles. The bell weighed about 100 lbs. and the inscription on it read; "Sir William Johnson, Baronet" 1774, made by Miller & Bros in Elizabethtown. In 1795 the church records read: Cash paid for ringing bell, 3 pounds. The pulpit stood against the western wall, a little five sided coop perched aloft on a slender support, reached by the narrowest of stairways and canopied by a sounding board, that completely roofed it over. There was room in it for one person only. On the wall on either side of the pulpit hung a pole, several feet in length, suspended by an iron loop or ring, from which also hung a little bag with a bell at the bottom. These were used for taking collection, the bells tinkling a warning for the congregation to be ready with their offering. 

    The pews were high and square and had a door at the end. After the persons entered and the door was closed it was like a small room. A space at the north end had benches placed there for Indians and the Negro slaves and a gallery ran around three sides of the room. The pew at the left in entering is said to have been occupied by Sir William Johnson who had contributed liberally toward the erection of the building. No proof has been found to substantiate either of these beliefs. 

    Some curious resolutions in regard to the pews were adopted in 1795. These resolutions were to be read in service twice a year and were as follows: "The women's seats to begin with the first bench facing the pulpit on the north side of the aisle and the men's seats to be along the south wall beginning on that side of the pulpit. No man's seat shall descend to any his heirs being female, nor a woman's seat to any of her heirs being male. Upon the death of the owner the seat shall descend to the next of kin of the same sex. In default of such heirs, seats shall revert to the church. After the death of the owner the transfer of the seat to the persons entitled to have it shall take place within one year and six weeks." 

    At first the church was supplied by the pastor of the Dutch Church at Schenectady, The Rev. Barent Vrooman, The first stated pastor of the church was the Rev. Thomas Romeyn, who came in the fall of 1771, and served for 22 years. Both preaching and records were in Dutch. In 1790, an assistant was called, who was able to conduct services in both Dutch and English, and who preached alternately on both sides of the river in proportion to the sum of money subscribed by the residents. It is recorded that Dominie Romeyn made a contract with Cornelius Van Syel to collect the salary once a year, the Dominie promising him, that if he went at the appointed time, to give him 20 shillings for each side of the river. It is also on record that those who refused to pay as promised to the salary of the Dominie, shall be made to pay by the magistrate. In 1788 it was decided that the wood for the use of the Dominie should be furnished by the congregation, and those refusing to bring wood must bring one skipple of grain for each person in the family.

    In 1783 the Consistory met at the parsonage with Dominie Romeyn to listen to the petition of those who resided on the south side of the river to establish a free ferry to the church. It was agreed that wood be delivered by the congregation on both sides of the river at the home of John Wemple, who consented to keep and run for the congregation, Sundays and other church days, a ferry, for those who attended church. John Fonda agreed to allow a road over his lands to the ferry. This ferry was in operation as late as 1825, when it was conducted by Peter Fonda. 

    On August 17, 1788, the church organization was incorporated under Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Caughnawaga." When Dominie Romeyn died in 1794, he was buried under the old church and near him a short time later, one of his first elders, Peter Coyne. A tablet in the present Reformed Church commemorates the memory of Rev. Thomas Romeyn. 

    The next pastor was Rev. Abraham Van Horns who preached his first sermon June 21, 1795 and continued his pastorate for 38 years the longest term of any of the pastors. He preached in both Dutch and English, but at the close of his pastorate, the preaching in Dutch ceased. His records show 1500 marriages and 2300 baptisms. It is said he waited outside the church until the elders and deacons had assembled on each side of the door then entering to the pulpit, the officers following in dignified procession. 

    On September 2, 1800, the Classis of Montgomery was organized in the Caughnawaga Church, The Rev. Van Horne being the first stated clerk and Rev. Rynier Van Nest of Schoharie, the first President.  Those who conducted the organization were Chancellor Dr. John H. Livingston, Rev. Dr. Dirch Romeyn, founder of Union College and Dr. Solomon Froeligh, a professor in New Brunswick Seminary. At the time of the organization there were 24 churches in the Classis of Montgomery. 

    During the last two years of Dominie Van Horne's pastorate, he was in poor health and it was thought advisable to have an assistant. The Rev. Isaac S. Ketchom of Stone Arabia was called, but he came poorly recommended for he had been regarded as a troublemaker in Dominie Spinner's congregation at Herkimer. There were some members of the Caughnawaga congregation who wished the Rev. Ketchom to come. There were others who objected. Two dates were chosen for his installation, which was postponed in both cases, but he was finally installed over the protest of Dominie Van Horne and his adherents. The matter was then carried to the Particular Synod of Albany on appeal and the call was annulled. The strife and ill feelings brought the pastorate of Dominie Van Horne to a close and divided the congregation. The Rev. Robert A Quinn was the next pastor. He served 2 years.

    The Rev. Jacob D. Fonda was the last regular pastor serving from 1836 to 1842. It is interesting, to note that his wife was a sister of Dr. Scudder, the first medical missionary to India. On December 9, 1842, the entire original church edifice and parsonage were sold at a Sheriff's sale at the Old Court Rouse to Rev. Jacob Fonda for $1,316.56, who took it because of the debt the remainder of the congregation owed him for salary and were unable to pay. 

    On January 21, 1843, a congregational meeting was called to discuss the erection of a new house of worship. Several sites were selected but the congregation could not agree and it wasn't until only those who subscribed to the new building had the right to vote on a site that an entirely new site was chosen. The new site was offered for sale by George W. Hatch who acted for John B. Borst and was located on the corner of Railroad and Center Streets and was purchased for $300. It had taken the congregation 5 years to agree on a site for their new church. This indicates the disturbed and disordered state of affairs of the congregation. The edifice of the Reformed Church of Fonda stands today as a fitting tribute to the Rev. Andrew Yates, for it was his broadness of mind, untiring energy and his ability to restore peace and tranquility where chaos had reigned, that made the new church possible. 

    A Committee was appointed to call on the Sheriff, Mr. Thomas Bunn to obtain permission to hold services in the Court House every Sabbath afternoon until the new church was completed. 

    The new building was constructed at a cost of $3,500, all but $500 being met by subscription. The contractor was a Mr. John Stafford of Canajoharie. The cornerstone was laid on Wednesday, June 8, 1843.

    The church faced the railroad. The pulpit was in the front of the church and the choir in the rear. A gallery ran. Around the entire room to which one ascended by stairs from the entrance. The pews faced the entrance and people coming into church had to face the congregation until they reached their pew. The pews had doors, kept shut by a small wooden button. The church had a belfry but no bell, so the sexton went to the Court House and rang the bell to call the congregation to worship. The new church was dedicated during the latter part of October 1843 but no account of this was recorded. It was resolved at this time to have services in the new church in the morning and in the old Caughnawaga Church in the afternoon. The sheriff's deed of the property had not yet been given. Rev. Douw Van O. Linda was the first pastor. 

    October 1843: Consistory resolved that the seats be sold at the appraisement put upon them, as the minimum price and the sums above that be considered as premium for the privilege of choice. The purchasers be required to pay ½ of their purchase money on the 1st day of February 1844 and ½ of the balance the 1st day of April 1844 and the rest due on the 1st day of September following with interest.

    The time of the Sheriff's Certificate of sale of the old church had now expired and as the congregation did not redeem the property the Rev. Jacob Fonda, who had taken it for the debt owed him, sold his rights to the Rev. Douw Van 0 Linda. The latter part of the year he converted the building into an Academy with Jacob A. Hardenbergh, a graduate of Rutgers, as principal. The consistory agreed to leave the bell for the use of the Academy. Through lack of support it failed and the building was then converted to a dwelling. In 1861, in need of repair, the owner decided to have it torn down. People tried to persuade him to leave the old Church standing and N. Y. State offered him a large sum of money, which he refused.  Thus there disappeared an old land mark, a building in which God's children had worshipped for 80 years. 

    June 8, 1848: The following preamble and resolutions were passed: Where as great inconvenience and danger occurs in passing out the church in consequence of the wagons driving directly in front of it and so leaving no way for those persons who leave on foot to pass with convenience and safety: Resolved that a committee have the platform in front extended even with the sides of the church edifice and raised sufficient to enable p9rsons to step directly into their wagons and also make a fence around the yard in front of the church of oak posts with oak staves between them, also to place posts along the west side and south side with substantial rail along the top of the posts to fasten horses securely.

    In 1852 records show that the new building needed strengthening. In 1853 the ladies of the church met and deemed it most advisable to remodel the pulpit, and carpet the church. A new pulpit was drafted by Charles Timmerman. In 1863 an important action was taken by the church, which materially changed the policy of its government when a board of trustees was established. In 1864 an effort was made to persuade the new pew holders to convey the title of their pews back to the church so they could be rented by auction. This was soon after accomplished. 

    By 1868 the church was becoming dilapidated and improvements were necessary. The building was too small, the noise of the trains was annoying, the crossing of the railroad was dangerous. A meeting of the pew owners, pew holders and members of the congregation was held September 15, 1868 at which time it was decided to remove the church building to a lot on the corner of Broadway and Prospect Street. The lot was purchased of D. V. Berry and wife for $2,300. Once again the congregation met in the Court House for services and work was immediately begun toward moving the church. Mr. John Burlap of Canajoharie was the contractor. Large rollers were placed under the building and strong chains fastened to it and then to a large capstam and sweep. A horse hitched to this sweep and driven round and round, winding the chain around the drum, moved the church along. When the entire length of chain was wound around the drum, the chain was unwound, the capstan and sweep moved ahead and the operation repeated. In this way the church was moved into Center Street, along the street back of the jail, turning the corner of the street that leads to the railroad. Notice was given the congregation to be on hand Sunday morning to move it across the railroad. Between 10 and 11 O'clock an order was given to halt the trains, the telegraph wires were taken down. All was ready and the building was taken across the tracks. There were plenty of workers and a large crowd to watch. So careful were they, that the plaster inside was not cracked. After it was across the tracks, the people went to church. This was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. When the new foundation was ready for the church to be placed upon it, the children of the Sunday School marched around it singing and carrying flowers. The contract for reconstruction of the church was let to Thaddeus Avery Of Canajoharie. The cost to be $2,650. The bell for the church was purchased from the Presbyterian Church of Amsterdam and was hoisted to the belfry during these repairs. On Friday, September 3, 1869, the first Consistory meeting was held in the new church. The Rev. T. W. Jones was called September 27, 1870 and installed November 10, 1870. His salary to be $1,600. 

The financial report for 1870 read as follows:

    The building was raised, the gallery and plaster torn out and the whole church was remodeled, with audience room above and prayer meeting and Sunday School rooms below. The doors to the pews were discarded and were used in wainscoting the room below. The whole cost of the removal and repairs exceeded $9,000. The old church site was sold for 
$1,250, which was purchased in 1843 for $300. On August 22, 1869, the church was dedicated by Rev. John C. Boyd, pastor. The congregation manifested their approval of the work done by canceling the balance due for repairs of $3,300. 

    In 1871, the lot and buildings adjoining the church was purchased of G. F. and A. H. Mills for $3,000. The house was then sawed in half; one half sold and moved to Court Street and the remaining half was remodeled to become the home of the ministers of our church. 

    September 25, 1871: Notice given from the pulpit for the purpose of giving all persons an opportunity to erect sheds on the church lot. 

    January 15, 1872: Resolved that this church now recorded in the county Records under the corporate title of "The Ministers Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Caughnawaga in the County of Montgomery", be known as "The Reformed Church of Fonda". Approved by the Classis, April 17, 1872. 

    June 14 1872: Notice given from the pulpit: On motion it was resolved that the gate On Prospect Street be permanently closed during the week and the gate on the alley way be furnished with lock and key for the use of owners of the stalls during the week. 

    August 1873: It was resolved that the church edifice be enlarged. 

    August 11, 1873: it was moved and carried that the trustees erect an addition to the church edifice not to be less than 27 feet nor more than 30 feet in length and that the pulpit be placed in that end of the church. 

    September 11, 1873: Resolved that a window be put in the west end behind the pulpit. 

    February 21 1874: The whole expense of the churches- tension was $4,667.89. 

    September 19, 1887: The congregation voted to install steam heat, not to cost more than $655. 

    1901: The church contracted with Cayadutta Generating Company to wire the church, for electric lights for $199.76. This was paid for by Mr. J. Ledlie Hess. 

    On July 20, 1903, it was moved that a collection be taken each Sunday evening that services are held for the expense of the electric lights.

    December 5, 1915 Notice: The Trustees and Ladies Aid Society are about to refinish and decorate the interior of the church and solicit donors for memorial windows. The size will be 4  feet by 15 feet. There will be 8 windows and those applying first will have the privilege. The cost is to be $125.00 each. 

    October 19, 1917, the church contracted with Samuel Brown of Amsterdam to place a new slate roof on the church not to exceed $600. This slate roof was removed in 1970 because the weight of the slate had caused the framework of the church to pull apart. It cost about $6,000 to replace the roof with 3 in 1 asphalt shingles.

    A round Rose Tiffany window was given by Mr. J. Ledlie Bees and installed in the rear of the balcony. 

    On November 22, 1936, a Bronze tablet was dedicated in memory of Dr. Rorneyn, our 1st minister, at the sight of the first church in Caughnawaga by the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

    In December of 1955, Carillion Chimes, given by Miss Nancy Ingersol, were dedicated. 

    In 1956, Fellowship hail was redecorated and folding curtains costing $4,000, dividing the room into 10 classrooms, were installed. This room hereafter to be known as "The Waffle Memorial Sunday School Room". 

    In the late 60's and early 70's aluminum siding was put on the parsonage and church. The sheds at the rear were torn down and replaced with a 2 car garage. The entire parking lot was blacktopped. All this has given our property a very trim look. 

    MINISTERS WHO SERVED OUR CHURCH: 

Matthew 4:19    "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
You may contact the Fonda Reformed Church at: fondareformedchurch@yahoo.com  
You may call us at (518)853-3621.

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