About Stone Presbyterian Church
Our Mission
Stone Presbyterian Church strives to provide a community for Christian spiritual growth for all ages, as well as love, companionship and support. We worship the Lord with Scripture and song, nurture our children through our family Sunday school, and serve our community locally and worldwide. All people have a constant need for God's comfort and blessing. Stone Presbyterian Church provides opportunities for people of all ages to receive that comfort and blessing.
Our History
Stone Presbyterian Church, formally Stone Street Presbyterian Church, was originally known as the Second Presbyterian Church Society, organized in 1831 out of the need for a second Presbyterian Church in Watertown, New York.
Our first church building, a small wooden structure, was constructed at the corner of Factory and Mechanic Streets. A major contributor was Levi S. Beebee, who wielded considerable influence on the church and on the community. However, in 1883, fire destroyed Mr. Beebee's cotton mills. The mills were never rebuilt and, as a result, the community and the little Church suffered a great loss of finances and population.
With another disastrous fire in Watertown in 1849, the residential section gradually grew away from factory Street. Instead, businesses and industry expanded there. The Second Presbyterian Church found itself in an unsuitable location.
A new Church building was built on Stone Street. Dedicated in 1864, it was named, appropriately, Stone Street Presbyterian Church. It remained our Church home until October 1981 when, shortly after our 150th anniversary celebration, it was damaged extensively by fire.
On May 23, 1982, the congregation voted to construct a new building. A year later, our present structure on Chestnut Street was dedicated. The congregation subsequently voted to amend the building's name to Stone Presbyterian Church.
Our Leadership
Pastor: Rev. Sarah Lee
Elders
Chrissy Dear Clerk of Session |
Kathie Strader Pastoral Care |
Bob Siver Stewardship |
Jeannie Greenwood Nurture |
Maxine Perkins Mission Outreach |
Stuart Price Worship and Music |
Staff
Organist Chris Hyde-Hall |
Choir Director Jeannie Greenwood |
Handbell Choir Director Nancy Boynton |
Secretary Linda White |