Diamond Point Community Church

Diamond Point Community Church, formerly the Union Evangelical Church (1876-79) and St. John's Community Church
(photo 10/01/1)


This building, located on the corner of Diamond Point Road and Rt. 9N, appears in Adirondack Churches as an illustration for the wagon shed which once was a feature to many rural churches. 


From the church website a portion of the churches history.        


" Although known by many different names over the past 130 years, the mission of this church has remained the same; to welcome all who wish to worship here. Mr. George H. Cramer commenced construction of the building in 1876 as a memorial to his brother John Cramer. Built of native rough stone it consisted of a tower and belfry at its east and a chancel at the west displaying a handsome stained glass window also dedicated to his brother. Displeasure with the progress caused Mr. Cramer to unceremoniously close down the job, leaving the building available for use but possessing a barn-like floor, unpainted and soiled walls, and a generally uncomfortable and unwelcoming atmosphere. Called the Union Evangelical Church, it was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God on August 12, 1879. At that time the church and the property on which it rests were presented by Mr. Cramer to the then trustees, G. H. Cramer, Jefferson Smith, and Dr. Edwin L. Patrick. Unfortunately the disrepair of the building reflected upon the behavior of the parishioners. Children were unsupervised, youth both male and female munched apples and tossed chestnuts among themselves, while the young men came and went as they pleased, frequently disrupting the service. During its first few years the church was served by local Methodist ministers and even and itinerant evangelist who offered to preach without pay."


There is much more information on the church website:

www.diamondpointcommunitychurch.com

Stony Wold Hall

Stony Wold Hall (1909)  (photo October 20 2007)

Stony Wold Sanatorium was built on Lake Kushaqua in 1903.  SWH, built in 1909, was a multi-purpose building including both Catholic and non-Catholic space for worship. In the 20's a space was provided for Jewish worship.

In the 70's  the sanatorium was bought by NY State and included in the Forever Wild ADK Park. SW Hall is all that remains. Now a private residence.

At this point I should acknowledge a tremendous resource for anyone interested in Adirondack Churches and their history:  Adirondack Churches  by Sally E.  Svenson, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, 2006.

I came across this book some time after my initial idea of photographing ADK churches and other houses of worship and was incredibly thankful that someone had done the real research that was beyond my ability and my intent.  I will resort to this book on occasion for identifying churches that have gone on to other uses. But if you want real, well researched detail you will buy this book!