CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Just beside the entrance to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation sits the Cross River Baptist Church — an unassuming 36-by-30-foot building overlooking the river that has quietly stood for more than two centuries.
With its gallery, steeple, and bell tower, the white clapboard structure holds the distinction of being the oldest public building in Lewisboro. Built in 1791, it was once the site of weekly worship, Sunday school, and community suppers — a spiritual and social cornerstone of the region.
But today, time has taken its toll. The congregation has dwindled, the roof leaks in several places, and the church — which has no plumbing and still relies on a two-seat outhouse — has fallen into disrepair.
With a 234-year legacy at stake, a neighboring congregation has stepped forward to help preserve this piece of Westchester history.
Shared History and Shared Calling
“I wouldn’t be who I am without this place,” says Pastor Tim Wagner of the Croton Falls Community Church.
For Wagner, the connection to Cross River Baptist Church is both personal and deeply rooted.
“In 1993 I preached at Cross River as a ‘test drive’ for my role at Croton Falls,” he recalls. “My parents and sister, along with members of Croton Falls, came to see if I would be a good fit as their pastor.”
The two congregations’ histories have been intertwined for more than a century. In 1924, Cross River and Croton Falls shared the same pastor, Rev. Smith, who served both flocks. And when tragedy struck Croton Falls in 1977 — a fire that destroyed their historic wooden church — Cross River was the first to come to their aid.
“Cross River made the first donation to help rebuild,” Wagner says. “That generosity has never been forgotten.”
Now, nearly fifty years later, it’s Croton Falls’ turn to return the favor.
Last week, the Croton Falls congregation voted unanimously to accept the title to the Cross River property as a “bridge to the future.” The move ensures the structure will remain under the care of a faith community committed to its preservation and renewed purpose.
Keep the Bell Ringing
Deacon Billy Bowen, one of the effort’s early champions, has a deep affection for the historic meeting house.
“Cross River has the sweetest sounding bell,” Bowen says. “Once heard, you will fall in love with this special place. Help us keep the bell ringing.”
That 1856 Menelly bell — silent for many years — became a symbol of hope when Bowen climbed to the steeple to repair its mechanism.
“We took one look around, and Billy said, ‘We have to save this place,’” Wagner recalls. “I agreed — but after seeing the roof, I realized we were in for more than we expected.”
The post-Revolutionary structure had two significant leaks, with an estimated $5,000 repair bill.
“We didn’t have $5,000 available,” Wagner admits. “I began to think, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’”
But divine timing, it seems, was on their side.
After ringing the repaired bell, Wagner sat on the church steps to reflect — and moments later, a nearby resident, Alex Morales of Morales Roofing & Contracting, appeared, drawn by the sound. When Morales heard about the church’s plight, he offered to help fix the roof at a reduced cost.
Friends of the Meeting House
Out of this moment grew a broader preservation effort. The Friends of the Cross River Meeting House was formed to support the legacy of the First Baptist Church of Cross River and its historic 1791 colonial building.
Their mission: to preserve the church as a house of prayer and a gathering place for all people.
The Friends’ immediate goal is to raise $50,000 for critical structural repairs. They are also seeking community and grant funding to ensure the building’s long-term stability and use.
In partnership with Croton Falls Community Church, at least two religious services per year will continue to be held in the historic space — keeping worship alive within its 18th-century walls.
The effort has also drawn inspiration from Reverend Jerrod Hugenot, the new executive minister for the region, who has championed creative ways to repurpose church structures that no longer have active congregations.
Preserving a Local Treasure
The Cross River Baptist Church traces its origins to 1789, when members of the Reynolds family — longtime farmers and millers in the area — helped organize the congregation. The group’s first 37 members gathered in homes before building the church two years later on land safely above the floodplain of the soon-to-be-dammed Cross River.
Now, more than two centuries later, the small wooden meeting house remains a testament to resilience and community spirit.
Pastor Wagner believes that same spirit can carry it forward.
“We have a vision, we have willing hands, and we need community support to preserve this historic treasure,” he says.
As the Friends of the Cross River Meeting House work to rally donors and volunteers, the sound of the church’s bell — once again ringing through the valley — serves as a hopeful reminder that history is worth saving.
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