Amboy Belle Isle United Church
Syracuse
NY

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Statement of Faith

This Church is created under the laws of the State of New York as a successor corporation to, and by consolidation of, the "Amboy Presbyterian Society" (Presbyterian Church (USA)), and the "Belle Isle United Methodist Church," both listed in the Town of Camillus, New York. The name of this Church shall be "Amboy Belle Isle United Church."

The Purpose of this Church is to re-establish the effectiveness of the churches at the local level and to achieve a new sence of unity -

by providing for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

by providing for Christian education at all age levels.

by providing Christian service within this Church and the Church universal.

by providing for Christian witness and mission within and beyond the local community.

by providing Christian fellowship.

by providing financial support for the Church's work.

This Church shall maintain equal affiliation with both the Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery (Presbyterian Church (USA)), and the Crossroads Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Membership in this Church shall be open to any person:

who has been baptized and who has made a "Profession of Faith" in Jesus Christ as his/her personal Lord and Savior; or

who desires to transfer his/her membership by letter from any Christian church.

The Church Council shall be the policy-making, coordinating and administrative body of this Church.

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http://www.amboybelleisleunitedchurch.org/

Gail Banks

Pastor

(315) 484-0250

Marlene Iak

Secretary

(315) 730-0662 or (315) 484-0250 or (315) 364-8127

Coming from Western, New York:

FROM NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY – I-90 EAST, to EXIT 39. MERGE onto I-690 East toward FAIRGROUNDS / SYRACUSE. Stay in right lane, taking first exit (JONES ROAD, EXIT 2). At stop sign, turn left (JONES ROAD). At traffic light turn left (VAN BUREN ROAD which turns into AIRPORT ROAD). Approximately 4 miles – after 2 sharp curves, look for church sign on the left side of the road.

Coming from Auburn, New York:

FROM Route 5 EAST, as you approach Camillus, see Gillfilin’s Golf Course on your right. At that light, turn left, turn immediately turn right. Speed limit is 35 MPH to stop sign (2 ½ miles). Go straight. At first road (Thompson Road) turn right. Go 2 miles to stop sign (40 MPH). Turn right. Go ¼ mile and cross small bridge – make first left turn (Airport Road). Look for church sign (3 houses, then Amboy Church) on right side of the road.

Coming for Eastern, New York (Albany area):

FROM NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY – I-90 WEST, to EXIT 39.

MERGE onto I-690 East toward FAIRGROUNDS / SYRACUSE. Stay in right lane, taking first exit (JONES ROAD, EXIT 2). At stop sign, turn left (JONES ROAD). At traffic light turn left (VAN BUREN ROAD which turns into AIRPORT ROAD). Approximately 4 miles – after 2 sharp curves, look for church sign on the left side of the road.

Coming from Syracuse, New York:

FROM I-690 WESTBOUND to Route 5(695) West ramp, exit 6. Continue in right lane, keeping on Route 5 (695) West. Take 1st exit for Camillus. At stop sign, turn left (Warners Road/Route 173). Go approximately 3 miles. Look for Reed Webster Park sign on your right. Airport Road is ½ mile further on your right. Look for church sign (3 houses, then Amboy Church) on right side of the road.

Coming from Northern, New York:

FROM I-81 SOUTH – to exit for I-690 WEST. The exit ramp will take you to Hiawatha Blvd. to join I-690 WEST. As you merge on to I-690 WEST, stay in right lane. Continue in right lane, taking exit ramp for Route 5 (695) West, exit 6. Go about 6 miles. Take 1st exit for Camillus. At stop sign, turn left (Warners Road/Route 173). Go approximately 3 miles. Look for Reed Webster Park sign on your right. Airport Road is ½ mile further on your right. Turn right. Look for church sign (3 houses, then Amboy Church) on right side of the road.

Coming from Southern, New York:

FROM I-81 NORTH – to exit for I-690 WEST. This is a single merging lane. As you merge on to I-690 WEST, you will be in the left lane of I-690. Within the next 2 miles, move into the right lane, taking exit ramp for Route 5 (695) West, exit 6. Go about 6 miles. Keeping on Route 5 (695) West, take 1st exit for Camillus. At stop sign, turn left (Warners Road/Route 173). Go approximately 3 miles. Look for Reed Webster Park sign on your right. Airport Road is ½ mile further on your right. Turn Right. Look for church sign (3 houses, then Amboy Church) on right side of the road.

Weekly Service Hours:

Sunday

Morning Worship
at 10:30 AM

Sunday School
at 10:30 AM

Thursday
Bible Study
6:15 PM

Choir
7:15 PM

Service Times last updated on the 15th of March, 2018

Church History

as written by Ralph Sims

Prior to 1845, there was no church in the village of Amboy. Church services were either performed by a traveling preacher, called a "circuit rider," or a leading member of the community would lead a church service. In most cases, church services in the early days were held in private homes.

The nearest churches, at that time, were the Camillus Presbyterian Church, built in 1822, and the Camillus Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1831. While we visualize everyone in those days as having a horse and buggy to travel to church, such was not necessarily the case. Simply, many people could not afford this mode of travel. In inclement weather, many of the residents of Amboy could not get to church in Camillus.

On March 12th, 1844, a meeting was held in the village for the purpose of forming a religious society. With the election of officers, headed up by Jonathan White, Chairman, the members resolved that their name would be called the Amboy Presbyterian Society.

During the year 1845, the membership erected a meeting house at its present location. The property was a gift from Ira Hinsdale and the building costs were placed at $3,000.00

On December 23rd, 1845, a meeting was held in the new meeting house for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church. 28 members of the Camillus Presbyterian Church and 21 members of the Congregational Church of Van Buren became founding members of this new church called the Presbyterian Church of Amboy.

Many early settlers of the Amboy area made up the backbone of the new church. These founding members included the Hinsdale, Hopkins, McCracken, Peck, Reed, Skinner and White families. Many other early settlers joined the church some time after, but the above-mentioned families were some of the people that made the church effort a success.

The first minister to serve the church was the Rev. C. A. Lathrop, who served three years. Most of the ministers that succeeded Rev. Lathrop served a year or two at most during the 19th century. The one exception was the Rev. John S. Bacon, who served from 1862 to 1870. Rev. Bacon was very active in the church. Records indicate that there were 136 members in 1872, mostly due to the efforts of Rev. Bacon.

The parsonage was built in 1862. Most of the early ministers used this parsonage as their home while they were preaching in Amboy.

The Presbyterians were very serious-minded about their religion. A few members were suspended for a period of time due to gambling, use of profanity, public intoxication, dancing or working on Sunday, riding to Syracuse on the Sabbath, and absence from communion or church attendance for one year. Only seven charges resulted in suspension.

The church was the center of religious activity, as well as social activity. Any fund-raising activity by the church was a good reason for all members of the community to join in, whether members or not. It gave the community a chance to meet neighbors and renew friendships.

The community was close to the church for other good reasons: contagious diseases and serious accidents, such as farm accidents, fires and drownings, which took their toll on the community. Death was always close at hand. Small pox and typhoid were two serious, contagious diseases that, at times, seeemed completely out of control. Unfortunately, sometimes it took these kinds of circumstances to bring some people closer to the church. The addition of a church to any community made it a better place to live.

Running water and electricity were installed in the church around 1926. In 1944, Mrs. Gladys Kimberly and Miss Leona (Filkins) Hardy became the first female elders. In 1946 Mrs. Alice Keller became the first female trustee. The women of the church were finally being recognized as being capable of handling the positions of officers in the church.

In 1962 the Amboy Presbyterian Church entered into a yoke agreement with Belle Isle Methodist Church, another older church that had come into being in 1851. With dwindling membership and rising expenses, it became necessary for both churches to find a solution to their problems. The joint relationship has been a good one and the yoke agreement was a wise move.

Rev. Dr. Donald Wright became pastor of the two combined churches in 1972. Rev. Wright served the churches for a period of 14 years, retiring in 1986. Rev. Wright served the church for the longest period of time since the formation of Amboy Church. A tireless leader, he was well-liked by members of all faiths. On June 5, 1988, the combined churches honored him with the title of Pastor Emeritus, a title that he richly deserved. He continued to fill in as guest speaker until his death.

In 1986 Rev. Howard Rose took over the reins of Amboy Presbyterian Church. In 1987 he was honored by the combined congregations for his 30 years in the ministry. Rev. Rose served the two churches for 6 years. He was known to have a good sense of humor, as well as a serious side. He easily related to the two church memberships. He was deeply involved in church activities, including serving as a member of the choir.

Even today, the church is famous for its delicious suppers held throughout the year.

Appearing as an article in the Advocate 10/20/1995:

Editor's note: Amboy Presbyterian Church is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. Following is a history of the church prepared by members Pat Milliman, Phyllis Wright and Ralph Sims.

On December 23, 1845, a meeting was held in the new meeting house in Amboy for the purose of organizing a Presbyterian church and dedicating to the service of God the new house of worship. 28 persons from the Presbyterian Church of Camillus and 21 persons from the Congregational Church of Van Buren expressed their desire to become members of the new church. Having renewed their profession of faith and entered into covenant with God and each other, they were declared the Presbyterian Church of Amboy, once known as "the Little Church by the Creek". The Rev. Alfred C. Lathrop was called as the first pastor.

The parlors were built on the back of the church in 1890. Many changes have been made to the buidling over the years with several memorial gifts being part of these changes.

At the 100th Anniversary celebration in 1945, total membership was 64. Today the membership stands at 54. Despite the fact that we are a small congregation, we continue to study the teachings of Jesus - "Where two or three are gathered together, I am with you" - and carry out many projects within and beyond our community.

Since the church's organization, there have been 38 pastors with several lay ministers and interim ministers. Currently, Rev. Howard J. Rose is our pastor - he joined us in July 1986, following the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Donald G. Wright who had been with us for 14 years. Dr. Wright celebrated 50 years in the ministry in 1983 and was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus at a special service on June 5, 1988. Rev. Rose celebrated 30 years in the ministry in 1987 with special music and a reception.

In June 1958, James E. Morris was ordained, the first ordination at Amboy Church. In June 1970, Gordon M. Wendell, Jr., was ordained.

A Yoked parish with Belle Isle United Methodist Church was formed in 1962 with Rev. Morris serving both churches. Until June 1962, we had received financial assistance from the Board of National Missions, but with the forming of the Yoked Parish, we became self-supporting.

We have continued over the years to be in a cooperative yoked parish arrangement with the Belle Isle Church, worshiping together using two buildings until the fire in 1990 that destroyed the Belle Isle building. Since that time, we have worshiped in the Amboy building and have recently voted to prepare a constitution in the process of becoming a united church.

Alice Keller is our oldest active member. She wrote a letter to the editor back in 1972 indicating our need for help to make several necessary repairs; donations received from individuals and other churches were fabulous and we were able to complete the work and carry on.

We celebrated the 100th anniversary in 1945 and the 145th anniversary in 1990 with special services and dinner. We also sponsored Amboy's celebration of the Bi-centennial in 1976.

In 1964, Mr. A Thomas Balraj from India and Malaysia, who was a student at Syracuse University, was adopted by the Yoked parish. He took part in various worship services and other programs, and prepared an Indian dinner for the congregation. A frequent guest over the years was Ernest Johnson, a black tenor from the Boston area, who traveled around the northeast, presenting his sermon in song in a different church each week. He continued this ministry into his early 90's and passed away a couple of years ago; he would have been 100 in July 1995.

We have a very active women's group (and always appreciate the help of our men!) as well as an excellent volunteer choir.

We are now celebrating our sesqui-centennial (150 years); we look forward to the celebration and many more years as a house of worship in this community.



appearing as an article in the Camillus Advocate 6/12/1996:

To be called Amboy Belle Isle United Church

by Ralph Sims

Downsizing isn't something that's confined to big companies. Many organizations are experiencing it and religious organizations are no exception.

With less than 100 members left between them, the memberships of two of the oldest church organizations in the Town of Camillus recently decided to merge.

On May 22, the members of Amboy Presbyterian Church and Belle Isle United Methodist Church met to choose a new name for the merged organization.

By balloting, the name chosen was Amboy Belle Isle United Church. To recognize the new organization, the public is invited to the first official service of the new church at 10:30 AM, June 16th, at the former Amboy Presbyterian Church building.

Amboy Presbyterian Church and Belle Isle United Methodist Church had been pillars in the community for a total of approximately 300 years.

Amboy Presbyterian Church came into being on Dec. 23, 1845 when the first service was conducted in a new church building. 28 parishioners from the Presbyterian Church of Camillus and 21 parishioners from the Congregational Church of Van Buren became members of the newly formed church. Rev. Alfred C. Lathrop was the first pastor. In the early days of this church, it was often referred to as "The Little Church by the Creek". Today this church is the second oldest in the Town of Camillus.

Belle Isle United Methodist Church building was dedicated as a house of worship on Oct. 8, 1851. Previous to that time, members of this church had worshipped at the Little Red School House, located at the fork of Van Buren and Winchell Roads. This church was originally called the State Road Church and sometimes referred to as the Old North Church. Records state that it was organized as the "Second Methodist Church of Camillus". Its first pastor was Rev. J. W. Coope.

Since 1962, these two churches have had a yoked parish, with one minister serving both churches. Services were rotated between the two church buildings until tragedy struck the one church. On Dec. 5, 1991, Belle Isle United Methodist Church burned to the ground with very little being saved. Since that day, all church services have been held at Amboy Presbyterian Church.

To meet the future needs of both churches, especially with dwindling membership, numerous meetings have been held to discuss the best course for the two churches and its service to the community. The two churches finally agreed to join as one with a new constitution being adopted. The last step for the joint congregation was choosing a name.

For 14 years, the Rev. Dr. Donald G. Wright served the needs of these two churches. The current pastor is the Rev. Howard J. Rose, who has served since 1986.

Amboy Presbyterian Church recently celebrated its 150th year. On Sunday, June 16, we look forward to members of the community joining us in worship to celebrate this new occasion involving both church groups as one.