Brief History
It all began back on April 5, 1813, when some godly women formed a women’s missionary society named: “The Christian Church and Society of Conklin.” It was incorporated on November 2, 1857. On June 11, 1948 the name of the church became Langdon Christian Church. Seventeen years later, the church was renamed to its current name “The First Christian Church of Kirkwood, NY.”
Since the church’s history dates back nearly two hundred years, most of the original records have been lost. Much of what we know comes from the oral history of longtime members. Many pastors have served FCC. Rev. Harold Stenzhorn served here from the 1940’s-1980’s and is fondly remembered as a man of outreach. His “ten dollar miracle” began on a trip to the Holy Land. He gave his interpreter $10 to begin a church. Thousands of dollars later, FCC of Kirkwood had planted an FCC of Seoul, South Korea! This church grew to plant several other churches. They are now setting up a world mission’s headquarters in the Philippines!
Another note of interest was FCC’s Sunday School program. Headed by the late Cecil Smith, this ministry was a vibrant outreach in its day. Many hundreds came to know Christ through the contests and presentations.
Today FCC is a multi-generation community with 100-120 people. We desire to honor our past by allowing God to use us today and create a life-changing future that impacts both our neighborhood and our world for Christ!