Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
July 13, 2016

Historic Sag Harbor Old Whaler’s Church Celebrates 250th Anniversary With A Homecoming Weekend

Eileen Caseyby Eileen Casey
in Community
Home Community

Affectionately known as the The Old Whalers’ Church located in Sag Harbor, The First Presbyterian Church will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding with a Homecoming Weekend scheduled for Friday, July 15th through Sunday, July 17th.

Built in 1844, the historic structure has evolved to its present state from the Old Barn Church that was built in 1766 as a meeting house referred to as “a homely structure with a leaky roof,” then to a church built in 1816 to accommodate a growing congregation, to the now beautiful church we all see and know today.

Some background information provided by the Church reveals, that “The earliest known record of the Presbyterian Church in the village records ‘a meeting of the inhabitants of Sagg-Harbour, Hog Neck and adjacent places, Feb. ye 24th, 1766, in order to consult upon the affair of erecting a house of publick worship at Sagg-Harbour.’ A site at the northeast corner of Church and Sage streets, which became known as Meeting House Hill, was selected for the construction of a wooden building referred to for the next 50 years as “God’s Old Barn.” Until 1789, prominent members read lengthy sermons to the congregation. The first preacher, John Taylor, arrived that year and alternated preaching between Sag Harbor and Shelter Island.”

An Old Whalers’ Church postcard. (Photo: Old Whalers’ Church)

Further, “By the 1840’s Sag Harbor was at the height of its prosperity, with 63 whaling ships calling the village their home port. The money was available to build a grand new structure, and ship owners, captains and local businessmen readily agreed to contribute to the project. A well-known New York architect, Minard LaFever, was commissioned to design the building; the property was bought for $2,000 and the building, without furnishings, cost $17,000. The structure, which combines elements of both the Egyptian Revival Style and the Greek Revival Style, was topped by a magnificent steeple of 185 feet, which could be seen by returning mariners as they sailed towards home. When the church was dedicated on May 16, 1844, the vessels in port were granted an extra day at home by the ship owners so that all could attend the ceremony.”

In 1994 the church was named a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over these many years funds have been raised to complete much needed repairs to the church, including interior and exterior painting, refinished woodwork, new carpets, and important reconstruction and renovation of the 1899 Chapel. It is also hoped to someday erect a new steeple to replace the one that fell during the Hurricane of 1938.

Some upcoming activities planned for the celebration include a Family Movie Night on Friday, July 15th, which will kick off the weekend with a screening of Finding Nemo at dusk on the front lawn of the church. The movie is free, refreshments will be available for purchase, so bring chairs or blankets to sit on the grass. The drawing for a “Fun-Raising” Raffle will take place at a party in the church Social Hall on Saturday, July 16th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. First prize is $1,000; second prize, $500; third prize, $250. Tickets are a reasonable $50 which admits two to the party and includes two drink tickets and food – only 250 tickets will be sold, however, any tickets remaining on the day of the party can be purchased at the door.

The fun continues on Sunday with a worship service at 10 a.m. in the historic church sanctuary, featuring the choir, led by church music director Dominick Abbate, and bell choir, led by Walter Klauss. Fellowship Coffee Time will follow the service, at 11 a.m. according to the church’s announcement, and the celebration will conclude with a free organ recital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, given by Prince Namatai Nyatanga from Harare, Zimbabwe, who among his previous organ teachers is Walter Klauss, artist-in-residence at Old Whalers’ Church.

Reverend Christopher Mergener, current Pastor since 2015, relayed, “This celebration is a time for the whole community to come together. There are so many people who have fond memories from experiences they have had at Old Whalers’ Church over the years, and this is truly a weekend of celebration. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!”

And for a bit more history…”The organ at Old Whalers’ is the oldest in a church on Long Island. It was built in 1845 by the firm of Henry Erben in New York City. The freestanding case, which contains gilded wooden ‘dummy’ pipes, is a miniature of the church façade, complete with carved blubber spades alternating with whales’ teeth along the cornice, with the addition of carved waves.”

The Old Whaler’s Church is located at 44 Union Street in Sag Harbor. For more information and/or tickets call 631-725-0894 or email [email protected], or go to www.oldwhalerschurch.org.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

Spreading the Buddha Berry Love: Southampton Location to Open This Summer
Community

BuddhaBerry: Bringing Happiness in Every Spoonful to the Hamptons

September 1, 2025
Southampton Arts Center Honors Christine Mack at SummerFest Gala
Entertainment

Southampton Arts Center Honors Christine Mack at SummerFest Gala

September 2, 2025
“Memories of Gosman’s Dock” Brings Montauk’s Past to Life
Community

“Memories of Gosman’s Dock” Brings Montauk’s Past to Life

September 1, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

03
Sep
03
Sep
-
30
Sep

TERRAIN AND TABLE Oil Paintings by Ann Lombardo

September 3 @ 09:30 AM - September 30 @ 08:00 PM
Rogers Memorial Library | 91 Coopers Farm Rd., Southampton, NY 11968
04
Sep
04
Sep
-
11
Sep

Mysteries, Deceptions, and Illusions

September 4 @ 06:00 PM - September 11 @ 08:00 PM
Green Room bar at the Sag Harbor Cinema
04
Sep
04
Sep
-
04
Sep

Lina Maxine at Stephen Talkhouse

September 4 @ 08:00 PM - September 4 @ 10:00 PM
Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St, Amagansett, NY 11930
05
Sep
05
Sep
-
05
Sep

Upon This Ground: Beadwork with Savannah LeCornu presented by BHM and Ma’s House

September 5 @ 01:00 PM - September 5 @ 03:00 PM
The Nathaniel Rogers House, 2539 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton, NY 11932
05
Sep
05
Sep
-
05
Sep

LongHouse Reserve: Ai Weiwei in Conversation — Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads

September 5 @ 01:00 PM - September 5 @ 02:00 PM
LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, NY, 11937
Load more listings
Next Post
East End-Based Performing Arts Center Presenting Summer Edition Of Finest In World Cinema Series

East End-Based Performing Arts Center Presenting Summer Edition Of Finest In World Cinema Series

  • Jessica Seinfeld hosted the Good+ Foundation summer dinner earlier this month at her stunning East Hampton home. The elegant evening benefitted the Good+ Foundation’s mission of supporting under-resourced families. Founded by Jessica in 2001, the non-profit supports families through donations, programs, and partnerships.⁠
⁠
The dinner featured a star-studded guest list including Jimmy Fallon, Sarah Silverman, NBA star Kevin Love, Michael J. Fox, Molly Sims, SNL’s Lorne Michaels, and more. ⁠
⁠
Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, and Sarah Silverman took center stage and delivered performances focused on family, parenting, and why this cause is essential. These performances were the perfect blend of comedy and reflection. Guests were treated to a family-style dinner, with wine provided by Wölffer Estate Vineyard and cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose and Patrón. ⁠
⁠
📸: Photo Credit: Matteo Prandoni and Todd Rubin of BFA.com⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#jessicaseinfeld #hamptons #goodfoundation #jimmyfallon #sarahsilverman #kevinlove #michaeljfox #mollysims #jerryseinfeld
  • #ppl #wölffer #padeltennis #vineyardviews
  • On August 25th, The Center at West Park held a special one-night-only reading of All The President’s Men at Guild Hall in East Hampton.⁠
⁠
📸: By Jessica Dalene 
⁠
⁠
#guildhall #centeratwestpark #easthampton #roberdowneyjr #markruffalo #reading
  • An inside look on the Hampton Classic
#hamptonclasic #horseshow
  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
⁠
⁠
📍 The Montauk General X Lands’ End⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sun, Aug 31 | 10am–3pm⁠
📌 Montauk General Store at The Brunch Playhouse, 14 Amagansett Square⁠
🎁 Free limited-edition tote with orders over $100 (while supplies last)⁠
⁠
🐎 50th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sun, Aug 31 | 8am–5pm⁠
📌 240 Snake Hollow Rd, Bridgehampton⁠
⁠
🍇 Wölffer Estate Vineyard PPL All-Star 2025⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30⁠
📌 Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponack⁠
🎾 World-class padel at the Hamptons’ most iconic vineyard⁠
⁠
😂 Zarna Garg at WHBPAC⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 8pm–9:30pm⁠
📌 76 Main St, Westhampton Beach⁠
⁠
🎶 Joe Delia & Friends at The Clubhouse Hamptons⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 6pm⁠
📌 174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton⁠
⁠
🎧 Silent Disco Dance Party in the Garden⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 8pm⁠
📌 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
⁠
👗 Marfa & Friends Trunk Show⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sat, Aug 30⁠
📌 Sag Harbor⁠
⁠
🎬 Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Screening at Sunset Theater⁠
🗓 Fri, Aug 29 – Mon, Sept 1⁠
📌 Water Mill⁠
⁠
👠 Hamptons Fashion Week⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30 | 2pm⁠
📌 Location TBA⁠
⁠
🎸 Dogpark at The Stephen Talkhouse⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30 | 8pm⁠
📌 Amagansett⁠
⁠
🍴 Stirring The Pot: Florence Fabricant & Pete Wells⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 11am–1pm⁠
📌 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
⁠
🌊 ANOTR at Surf Lodge⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 4pm⁠
📌 Montauk⁠
⁠
🎷 Garden Concert ft. Freddy DeBoe⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 6pm⁠
📌 Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays⁠
⁠
🔗 Link in Bio⁠
⁠
#hamptons #wolffer #padel #landsend #montauk #fashion
  • Earlier this month, Shelter Island’s Rams Head Inn hosted a riveting Gilded Age Finale screening featuring lead actress Cynthia Nixon, award-winning costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone, and executive producer/director Michael Engler.⁠
⁠
📸:Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#ramsheadinn #gildedage #shelterisland #cynthianixon #shelterislandny
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us