From the beginning, the United States was intended to be a haven for religious freedom. Accordingly, rural counties throughout New York have borne witness to many religious movements, which have helped shape our spiritual landscape into what it is today.

Here in Washington County, the freedom to worship as you will remains an incredibly strong sentiment even in the modern day. In fact, many different congregations continue to peacefully coexist within our scenic countryside communities, including Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Catholics. After all, as settlers came to the region from various parts of New England and Europe, their religious backgrounds, ideas, and beliefs contributed to the growing “melting pot” of Upstate NY.

Let’s explore how Washington County, NY became a haven for religious freedom for folks from all walks of life!

Officially founded in 1784, the early villages of then-Charlotte County were served by small, simple churches, many of which were eventually replaced by grander structures.

One of the most prominent religious leaders in these early days was Lemuel Haynes of Granville, NY. Not just a Patriot who fought in the American Revolution, Haynes was also the minister of South Granville Congregational Church and the first ordained African-American minister in the United States. Fueled in part by the abolitionist movement, he wrote many essays arguing that slavery denied black people their right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Read more about Washington County’s history with the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.

Several other significant religious leaders were born here, as well! These include both Edwin Hubbell Chapin (Universalist preacher and editor of the Christian Leader) and Martin Harris (an apostle of the Latter Day Saints).

Later on in the mid-18th century, the Great Awakening swept through the nation, reviving interest in religion and emphasizing personal experience and emotional conversion. As time went on, the area’s growing population brought forth a diversity of beliefs, which led to the establishment of new churches and denominations, such as the Methodists and Baptists.

Naturally, Washington County’s commitment to liberty and religious tolerance made it a region ripe for new beliefs to emerge. This included several prominent movements, which we’ll explore below.

Quakers

One example of religious freedom in Washington County was the Quakers, a pacifist religious group often persecuted in other parts of the country. Here in Washington County, they found a safe place to live and worship in peace.

Their belief in the spiritual equality of all people helped shape a young Susan B. Anthony, who grew up just outside of what is now Greenwich, NY. Of course, she’d later go on to play a large role in the women’s suffrage movement, alongside several other local women.

Millerites and Adventists

Near the beautiful town of Whitehall, NY you’ll find the William Miller Home and Chapel, a historic site known as the “Birthplace of Adventism in America.” An American farmer and Baptist preacher who served in the War of 1812, Miller struggled with his faith, reinterpreting the Bible to indicate the end times were drawing near. Thus, the Millerites worked to spread this word. When it did not come to pass, the various factions convened in Albany, eventually splitting into the many Adventist groups around today.

Amish

In recent years, more than a dozen Amish families have moved to Washington County, establishing farms and lumberyards. Their faith emphasizes simplicity, community, pacifism, and a separation from popular culture. Accordingly, their horse-drawn buggies, hand-made clothing, and simple building tools give us a glimpse into the way things used to be.

Pictured: smaller chapel at New Skete Monastery

Our region’s deep history of religious freedom and tolerance remains a source of pride for residents. In the present day, you can visit several unique faith organizations throughout the region, which include:

The Community of St. Mary, the first Anglican religious order in the United States, was founded in 1865. The Sisters live a traditional, contemplative life, enjoying a simple agrarian lifestyle and active ministry within local communities. In this vein, their On-the-Hill Farm not only produces food for the Sisters but also raises award-winning North American Cashmere goats.

New Skete Monasteries is an Eastern Orthodox monastery founded in 1966. From the beginning, the monks worked to “translate the essentials of early Christian monasticism to an American culture capable of transforming us today.” Now also home to a group of nuns, New Skete supports itself by offering unique iconography workshops, world-class dog training, simply divine cheesecake, and more.

The Christ the King Center is a vibrant community of ministries that offers people of all ages and denominations a tranquil and transformative space for spiritual retreats and conferences, healing ministry, and youth programs. Plus, this year-round destination provides a variety of outdoor experiences for its guests, including a trail system, lake activities and more.

A Land With A Rich Religious Past

Many of the area’s oldest churches still exist today, ranging in architectural style from Colonial to Victorian Gothic. You’ll find a range of unique and charming churches scattered throughout our towns and villages! Some of the most notable ones you can still see include:

• Fort Miller Reformed Church Complex in Fort Edward, NY – Built in 1816, this church is over 200 years old and has been in nearly continual use since 1822
• Hartford Baptist Church in Hartford, NY – A gothic church designed by Philadelphia architect Benjamin Price
• Tiny Church on the Rock in Hudson Falls, NY – one of the smallest churches in the United States
• Welsh Hall in Granville, NY, the first church built in town, is now a private residence featured on Cheap Old Houses

Love old buildings, cemeteries, and other spooky places? Check out some of the best along our Haunted Trail.

As we look back on the past in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to share our community’s commitment to tolerance. After all, this country was founded on the principle that everyone should be free to practice their religion without fear of persecution.

From the early days of European settlement to the present day, Washington County county has been home to various religious denominations and spiritual practices. Over time, this community-wide acceptance of diversity has weaved together to create the cultural and social fabric that holds us together.

You’ll find many unforgettable experiences among the rolling hills and winding rivers of Washington County, NY! Explore some of our most memorable museums, scenic golf courses, world-class wineries, or artistic excursions.

Or, why not explore places to stay, from unique historic stays to traditional bed & breakfasts? Of course, you may also want to check out our variety of hiking, fishing, learning, and shopping opportunities. Either way, you’ll love exploring the variety of breathtaking scenery Washington County has to offer!