Watervliet in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

North Dutch Reformed Church Bell

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 2, 2021

1. North Dutch Reformed Church Bell Marker

Inscription. This bell was cast by the Meneely Bell Factory (1826-1951) for the former North Dutch Reformed Church located on the North West Corner of 1st Avenue and 15th Street. This was the third Meneely Bell which tolled for its congregation. The first bell was cracked on March 18, 1854 when the steeple of the church fell to the ground destroying both the clock and the bell during a raging storm. The second bell was destroyed on April 18, 1900 when fire broke out in the steeple. Ironically the fire was caused by the electric wiring which had been installed to operate the ringing of the church bell as a fire alarm for the city. You will note that the inscription on the bell documents the tragedy of the fire.

The first church in the present City of Watervliet was "The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Washington and Gibbonsville". It was dedicated March 22, 1814 and located south of the former main gate of the Watervliet Arsenal on Broadway. As the congregation grew, there was a need for a second church to accommodate the residents north of the Arsenal. On July 19, 1839, the governing body of the church approved another church

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be built. The first church then became "The South Dutch Reformed Church" and the later "The North Dutch Reformed Church". The congregatjon split in the 1860's and the South Dutch Reformed Church eventually became the Jermain Memorial Presbyterian Church on 6th Street and 5th Avenue.

The North Reformed Church merged with the Baptist Church on April 28, 1968 and became "Christ Church" until 2001 when it no longer could support itself and was bought by the City of Watervliet. The annex (Church Hall) was built in 1865 and has housed the Watervliet Historical Society Museum since 2008.

This monument was dedicated June 2021.

Erected 2021.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 18, 1854.

Location. 42° 43.57′ N, 73° 42.063′ W. Marker is in Watervliet, New York, in Albany County. It is on 1st Ave, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 1st Ave, Watervliet NY 12189, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 2, 2021

2. North Dutch Reformed Church Bell Marker

The marker is to the right of the bell. The 1865 Church Hall, left of center, is home to the Watervliet Historical Society Museum.

this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Saint Patrick's Church Bell (here, next to this marker); Civil War Parrott Rifle (within shouting distance of this marker); Meneely Bell Foundry (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Watervliet (within shouting distance of this marker); Meneely Foundry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Those Who Served (about 600 feet away); Peter J. Dalessandro (about 600 feet away); U.S. Army 3 Inch M5 Antitank Gun (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watervliet.

Also see . . . Watervliet Historical Society on Facebook. (Submitted on November 2, 2021, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)

North Dutch Reformed Church Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, September 22, 2021

3. North Dutch Reformed Church Bell

North Dutch Reformed Church Bell Markings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 2, 2021

4. North Dutch Reformed Church Bell Markings

Embossed markings on Bell;

Sept.2nd.1900.
—•—
Continuing The Work Of My Predecessor
Destroyed By The Fire of
April 18th, 1900.
—•—
Let Him That Heareth Say, Come.

The North Dutch Reformed Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 2, 2021

5. The North Dutch Reformed Church

North Dutch Reformed Church Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, November 2, 2021

6. North Dutch Reformed Church Plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2021, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 704 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 2, 2021, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.