A Brief History of Sayville Congregational Church

Started as branch of the Patchogue Congregational Church, Sayville formed an independent congregation in 1858. . The original church building on this site1849-1888.

When Reverend Thomas Douglas became pastor in 1887 When Reverend Thomas Douglas became pastor in 1887. He conducted a revival that doubled the membership and called for a new building. 34 year old member and builder, Robert Nunns sketched a design and formal plans were drawn by his friend, local architect, Isaac H. Green Jr.

The Plans were approved in mid August and construction began with Robert Nunns as ‘boss builder’ and a project estimate of $10,000. The cornerstone was laid on Thursday, October 11 The inscription on the trowel reads, Presented to Mr. Willett Green On the occasion of his laying the Cornerstone of the Sayville Congregational Church Oct 11th 1888

The church was completed in 1889 at a final cost of $14,750. $6500 The church was completed in 1889 at a final cost of $14,750. $6500. of which was secured by a mortgage. (In 2017 dollars, about $373,000. and $165,000., respectively. Still a bargain!)

The Windows The ‘Good Shepherd’ and flanking windows in the south wall are original to the building and were given by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Terry. He is purported to have been a local jeweler.

The seven small windows under the ‘Good Shepherd’ were given by members Willitt Green, James M. Edwards, Thomas Price, Wilson Terry, N. Clark Green, Jonah N. Hawkins and in memory of Daniel Aldrich (apparently given by Robert Nunns), each name being included in the window design. In 1894 Willet Green and Robert Nunns along with Samuel P. Green and Israel Green, each contributed $500. to pay off the mortgage. Original contributors to the project included architect Isaac Green ($200.) and William K. Vanderbilt ($250.)

The ‘Knock and it will be Opened’ (Matthew 7:7)window was donated the mid1950s in “Memory of Mrs. George W. Harris by her sisters, Mrs. Bernard Hiddink and Mrs. Florence Montgomery”

Other windows in the west wall were dedicated in memory of members who, over the years, made major contributions to the life and well being of the church.

The original interior Oak panels and organ pipes lined the back of the chancel. A half-wall partition separated the sanctuary from the choir loft and windows flanked the north wall. Also visible on the extreme right is part of a moveable wall. The top portions raised into the upper wall and the bottom portions lowered into the floor thus connecting the sanctuary with the adjacent vestry room.

Modifications in the 1950s and ‘60s moved the organ and paneling to make way for the new center window. The moveable wall was also covered and now hosts a rotating exhibit of work by local artists.

The ‘Welcoming Jesus’ window at the back of the chancel is “In Memory of Alfred C. Edwards given by his daughter, Nancy Ann Edwards” during the 1950s renovations.

We hope you are enjoying your visit. Feel free to wander around, ask questions and stop toward the back of the adjacent hallway for some light refreshment and to see more displays of our church history. This slideshow will begin again in one minute.