About Us
Some Information About Our Church
Our Church is a member of the Adirondack District of the Upper New York Annual Conference. Our congregation is led in worship and action by our pastor, Rev. Derek Hanson. Our lay leadership speakers are Jerry Manning (Lay Leader), Michael R. Martin, Bill Kelting, Cindi Smith and our many active laity. We are an active part of the Saranac Lake Community, through outreach, support and as a community center.
Our Mission Statement - "Welcoming All Persons, Nurturing Spiritual Growth, Sending Christian Disciples".
Our Mission Statement - "Welcoming All Persons, Nurturing Spiritual Growth, Sending Christian Disciples".
An old postcard of the First United Methodist Church of Saranac Lake, NY
Note the cross on top of the tower. This cross was lighted and revolved. Also note the ramp in the foreground used to wheel tuberculosis patients into the sanctuary.
Note the cross on top of the tower. This cross was lighted and revolved. Also note the ramp in the foreground used to wheel tuberculosis patients into the sanctuary.
A Brief History*
Rev. Samuel Smith, Born 7 Feb 1804 probably at Vermont -
Died 23 May 1883 at Saranac Lake, NY
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"The Methodist Circuit Preacher"
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Samuel Smith, a Circuit Rider, came to this area in 1838 with his wife and 7 year old son, Robert. In 1846, he was appointed an elder in the church by Bishop Janes and given four charges: Saranac Lake, Bloomingdale, Lake Placid and Harrietstown. The church met in homes and schools until our first building was built on Main Street where the Hotel Saranac parking lot is now. In 1927, we moved to our current building† on the corner of Church and St. Bernard Streets where we continue our ministry to the community and the world. Over 50 pastors have served our church sharing their gifts and graces and helping our church grow in mission and ministry over the years. In addition to our beautiful vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, our church is blessed with a vintage classical Allen Pipe Organ.
†Our present building, like many of the great stone Methodist and Presbytarian churches of the early twentieth century, was designed by the famed Charles Bolton and Sons Architects. An article about the architects who designed our church, courtesy of Sandra L. Tatman of the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project can be found at the link below.
*Thanks to Cindy Smith, our church historian.
†Our present building, like many of the great stone Methodist and Presbytarian churches of the early twentieth century, was designed by the famed Charles Bolton and Sons Architects. An article about the architects who designed our church, courtesy of Sandra L. Tatman of the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project can be found at the link below.
*Thanks to Cindy Smith, our church historian.
Samuel Smith Family Headstones - Harrietstown Cemetery
Rev. Samuel SMITH Died May 23, 1883 AE 75 Yrs. I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course Then [left] the earth. [I have kept the faith. From: 2 Timothy 4:7-8]
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Eliza R. Wife of Rev. Samuel SMITH Died April 26, 1881 AE 63 y'rs. ( actual death date: 26 Apr 1870—-age 63—source: The Elizabethtown Post. No. 38)
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Edward J. SMITH Son of Samuel & Eliza R. SMITH Born June 10, 1831 Drowned Aug. 3, 1849
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Mary Daughter of Samuel & Eliza SMITH Born April 19, 1841
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Click On Cover Image For Link To HSL Web Store.
Main Street Photograph about 1900
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
- Dr. E. L. Trudeau’s Home - Now Medical Associates of Saranac Lake
- Methodist Church (Built 1896) - Now Hotel Saranac Parking Lot
- Saranac Lake Main Street School - Current Site of Hotel Saranac
Main Street Methodist Church about 1900
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Saranac Lake History Sites
Wiki Page About Our Church History in Saranac Lake
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