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WEBB HORTON MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A desire to organize an "old School" presbyterian Church led to ordination of elders by the old school Presbytery of Hudson on September 22, 1854. The name "Second Presbyterian Church of Middletown" was adopted. On March 23, 1855, it was decided to build a church. A lot, now covered by the present church building, was purchased March 28th from Egbert J. Crans for $600. In April, a lot in the rear on East Avenue was purchased from J.J. Kirkpatrick for $255. Construction began later in 1855 of a frame structure 46 by 70 feet with a 25 foot ceiling and a steeple which rose 103 feet from the ground. The church was dedicated March 13, 1856. Masonary work had been done by James G. Crawford. The architect and carpenter was 2.H. Luckey from Bloomingburg. An addition to the rear of the church was made in 1866, and a’ parsonage was built on a lot to the east side of the church in 1867. On September 11, 1906, the name was changed to "Westminster Presbyterian."
Rev. Edward Vandyke Wight, D.D., came to the church in 1907. He soon began "campaigning" for a new church to be built. A Committee to investigate building a new church was appointed in July, 1909. It was determined about $75,000 would be needed, and fund raising efforts were started. By June, 1911, the situation appeared pessimistic. Webb Horton, who attended the church, died September 14, 1909. When Dr. Wight learned Webb Horton's son Eugene intended to erect an elaborate mausoleum in Hillside Cemetery, he suggest a more beneficial tribute; a new church. Eugene did not reply.
Several years later, Eugene Horton called upon Dr. Wight at the manse and unexpectedly stated he would build a church. The news was announced in November, 1911. The famous New York City architectural firin of Carrere & Hastings was selected to design the church. The building contract was awarded to the Miller-Reed Co., also of New York City, July 29, 1912. On August 18, 1912, the last service was held in the old church. Windows in the old church were given to the Hopewell Church in Thompson Ridge.
Ground for the new church was broken September 2, 1912, and the cornerstone laid May 10, 1913. Services were held in the Stratton Theatre on James Street, which had been leased for the purpose. The church was also designed to serve as a community center with a gym, swimming pool, and bowling alley. Trustees met in the new parish house December 9, 1913, with the first service held January 11, 1914 in the gym. The church was dedicated April 19, 1914.
The Italian Chapel: In 1914, it was agreed by the Webb Horton memorial Church to assume responsibility for an Italian Mission. A minister was hired in the spring of 1915, and church was held in the former Cottage Street School on the corner of Cottage and School Streets. The mission occupied the second floor; a brewery the first. Evicted in mid-1915, services were