New Hempstead Presbyterian Church Participating In Sacred Sites

Two Rockland County churches will participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s third annual “Sacred Sites Open House Weekend” on May 18. New Hempstead Presbyterian Church in New City and Christ Church in Sparkill are participating and opening their doors to visitors to explore their religious art and architecture.  

New Hempstead Presbyterian Church at 484 New Hempstead Road will be open for tours on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is the second year in a row the church is participating in the program.

Christ Church at 416 Valentine Avenue in Sparkill will be open Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Christ Church is the oldest Episcopal congregation in Rockland County. The Gothic Revival style church was constructed in 1864 and 1865 and designed by Charles Babcock, a one-time associate of Richard Upjohn.

During the Sacred Sites Open House Weekend, New Yorkers can step out their front door to see the opportunity to see the history, cultural programming and social services of local religious institutions. 

“Religious art and architecture is perhaps our greatest creative achievement.  Nowhere in the United States is this better demonstrated than right here in New York with its rich diversity of religions and ecclesiastical buildings,” said Peg Breen, president of the Landmarks Conservancy.