THE TOWN OF CORTLANDT. 1 49 



Dr. Halliday's pastorate was of unusual length, extending over a 

 period of twenty-four years. The membership had increased five fold 

 to what it had been. Mr. Halliday was compelled by the impaired 

 state of his health to resign Oct. 20th, 1867, and is now residing at 

 Princeton, N. J. 



For some time after the resignation of Dr. Halliday, the pulpit re- 

 mained vacant; finally, in April, 1868, Rev. John N. Freeman, then a 

 student in Princeton Theological Seminary, was tendered a unanimous 

 call, which he accepted — and on the 14th day of May, following, he was 

 ordained and installed by the Second Presbytery of New York. 



After a pastorate of nearly eight years, Mr. Freeman resigned Jan. 

 5th, 1876, and was dismissed to the Presbytery of Niagara, and not long 

 after was installed pastor of the church at Lockport, New York. 



On the 10th day of April, 1876, a call was presented to the present 

 pastor, the Rev. J. Ritchie Smith, who was installed on the 26th day of 

 June, 1876. 



This church, since 21st day of June, 1870, has remained under the 

 care of the Presbytery of Westchester. 



Toward the close of Mr. Haliday's ministry, a lot had been secured 

 immediately opposite the church, at a cost of $3,750, for the erection 

 of a parsonage. In the spring of 1870, the building was completed, at 

 an additional cost of $9,8oo,*and is considered one of the handsomest 

 and most convenient mansions along the line of the river. 



The fiftieth anniversary of the organization of this church v/as cele- 

 brated on Sunday, June 25th, 1876, on which occasion an historical dis- 

 course was delivered by the Rev. J. Ritchie Smith, pastor elect." 



In the cemetery adjoining the church, are monuments to Capt. Isaac 

 Conklin, who departed this life, January 13th, 1815, aged 68 years; 

 Zebulon Philips and Samuel Strang, M. D., and others. There are also 

 inclosures belonging to the Brown, Bedle and Rundle families, in which 

 numerous interments have been made. 



The second Presbyterian church of Peekskill, is located on the cor- 

 ner of South and Union streets. This society was organized Nov. 17th, 

 1 841, and the first structure was erected A. D. 1845, and dedicated to 

 the service of God, 9th of April, 1845; the society was incorporated by 

 its present name, July 29th, 1846. In 1870 the church edifice was en- 

 larged and rebuilt. The first pastor was the Rev. Daniel Brown, who 

 was installed May 4th, 1842, and who died November 8th, 1846, and 

 was succeeded by the Rev. Livingston Willard, April 15th, 1847. 



a For much of the foregoing history of this church, we are greatly indebted to the semi- 

 centennial anniversary of the Presbyterian church of Peekskill, N. T., by Rev. 'J. Pdtchie 

 Smith. Printed at Peekskill, N. Y. The Highland Democratic Steam Print, 18T6. 



