First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus
The First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus is a local Presbyterian church in the village of Marcellus, New York. Located at the intersection of North Street (New York State Route 174) and East Main Street (also NY 174) in downtown Marcellus. The church is the oldest and one of four churches in the village alone. The original formation of the church dates back to October 1801, when the Reverend Caleb Alexander was successful in creating an 18-member church in Marcellus known as the Church of Christ. Two years later, a wooden meeting house was constructed, but was not the normal style for a regular church. Levi Parsons was the reverend for several decades, starting in 1807 to 1841, when he was replaced by a new pastor.
| First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus | |
|---|---|
The church viewed in its full capacity from NY 174 | |
| 42°58′58″N 76°20′23″W | |
| Location | Intersection of East Main and North Streets in Marcellus village, New York |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Eastern Religious Society of Marcellus Marcellus First Religious Society |
| Founded | October 13, 1801 |
| Founder(s) | Reverend Caleb Alexander |
| Dedicated | October 13, 1851 |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1851 (current) |
| Construction cost | $3,800 |
| Clergy | |
| Pastor(s) | Interim pastor |
By 1819, three churches had been built in the land that contained Marcellus, but the second church constructed eventually hit an ill-fate when membership dwindled. This second church is located now in the town of Skaneateles. The third church was opened in January 1819, when the society was moved off of the local State Road (now U.S. Route 20. From 1948 to 1956, the entire church was revamped, along with being raised. The church was then dedicated in April 1952. In 1957, the church then elected its first woman elder, and by 1978, the church had nine women of 18 members.