THREE EARLY CHURCHES

Religion and Churches played a large role in the settlers’ new lives and homes.  Early on in their history in Mohawk Valley the Nellis families were involved in the pursuit of their newfound religious freedoms and the establishment of suitable houses of worship to practice and further their beliefs.  There are three churches in the Mohawk Valley area which still exist which were founded by various factions of these settlers, each representing a significant aspect of the area history.
     The first, which is considered the center of the Nellis history, Stone Arabia Trinity Lutheran Church.  Founded in 1729, this church initially served both the Lutherans and the Reformed until a Reformed Church could be built.  The earliest account of the original church was found as a carving on the powder horn of one Tim Frank in 1753.
     The initial log edifices were both destroyed by fire in 1780 in one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War.  A new wooden Lutheran Church building was erected in 1792, and this is the church that continues to serve the Lutheran worshippers of the area.  This is also where most of the Nellis reunions take place each summer. 
     The second is the Stone Arabia Reformed Church that shared equally the 52 acre lot provided for the churches for the settlers.  The exact beginning of the Reformed Church is not documented, but there was a recorded Baptism there in 1745.  It too was burned in 1780.  In 1788 work started to erect a stone edifice, which when completed was touted as the best church building west of Schenectady.  In 1799 a parsonage was built adjacent.  Although the church is not used today, it remains intact as does the parsonage and can be visited with prior arrangements.
     The Old Palatine Church was built in 1770 by members of the Palatine Evangelical Lutheran Church, which included the Nellis, Wagner, Reber, and Hess families.  The church has been maintained and is currently in excellent condition, used frequently for special services and occasions. The interior boasts a spiral pulpit with a sounding board, wooden pews, and a balcony. The Rooster weathervane was donated by the Nellis Family. Located just off Highway 5 passing through Palatine, it is currently owned by the Palatine Society, and can be viewed with advance notice
                                    

Contact Person: Richard Hayes

This page was last revised on February 22, 2006