Our History…

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.Living Hope Fellowship is 180 years rich in history. What began as home services on Sunday mornings, grew into an organized church during the Methodist revival of the 1800’s. Eventually pulling away from denominations altogether, we have become a church preaching and teaching on the Truth of God alone. To many within the community, we are known as “The Little White Church with the Sign”.

Prior to 1840, Tomkins Cove was part of a Circuit that consisted of towns within Rockland County, North from Tomkins Cove, south to Rockland Lake. At the time, Reverend Robert Woodruff would travel this circuit and would preach once each month in Tomkins Cove. During this time, there was no church structure that the town’s people would congregate in; instead, services were held in homes around the community.

In 1840 a revival took place in the area and it is during this time that the church was organized. In 1841, Reverend T. K. Witzel became the first Pastor of the church. Until 1853, services continued to be held in homes of those within the community. In 1853, Calvin Tomkins (owner and operator of the Tomkins Lime Company), donated a parcel of land to the church organization. This parcel of land is located at the intersection of Church and Spring Streets in Tomkins Cove. In 1854, Mr. Tomkins also helped to fund the construction of the current church building. The total cost at the time was $6,000.00. In 1877, the church was incorporated and became known as the Tomkins Cove Methodist Church.

In 1940, the church celebrated its 100th Anniversary with William H. Oliver as Reverend. It was during Revered Oliver’s tenure that the church board decided to pull away from the Methodist denomination. The church then became named Tomkins Cove Memorial Protestant Church. Although no longer connected to the Methodist Church, Reverend Oliver and its members were dedicated to the preaching and teaching of the Bible. The church services remained similar in content and structure of those of the Methodist church until the early 1990’s. Reverend Oliver pastored the church for sixteen years.

In 1965, the Tomkins Cove Memorial Protestant Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary. Two years later, the church board voted to approve the purchase of a 3 acre lot on Route 9W in the same town. The land was purchased for $15,000.00 and is the current location of the church building and property. In May of 1973, the church board approved and prepared the building for its historic move from Spring and Church Streets to Route 9W. After months of planning and preparation the church building was moved in September of 1973. Many of those in town who were around for the move can recall the big day and are willing to share their memories. During the move, the original steeple and belfry were shattered and have not since been replaced. On September 29, 1974, after a year of reconstruction and work by Reverend Terrance Smith and the many members of the church, a service was held to re-dedicate the church building at its current location.

In July of 1975, Reverend Smith and the congregation led what was known as the Did You Know? Tent Revival. This event was held locally at the Lowland Town Park, now known as Charles Eccher Park in Stony Point. The revival took place on Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19th, and brought many speakers, various bands, and many people in attendance.

In 1987 the church membership voted on bringing Pastor James MacDonald on board as their pastor. It was during his tenure at the church that the services changed from a more traditional service to what we know today. Pastor MacDonald also offered a second service held on Sunday Evenings. In 1989, Pastor Peter Brayda, our current Pastor was hired. In 2004 the church members voted to change the name from Tomkins Memorial Church (TMC) to Living Hope Fellowship (LHF), citing 1 Peter 1:3-9

Over the years our “Little White Church” has experienced many blessings. We have had the opportunity to learn and fellowship together during at home Bible studies, Wednesday Night Family Night, Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigade, Youth Group, Junior Church and VBS, as well as both adult and children Sunday School. We have also been blessed with the opportunity to worship together by participating in Saturday and Sunday Services, Adult and Children’s choir, and Worship Team.

In July of 2015, Living Hope Fellowship celebrated its 175th Anniversary and dedicated that celebration to “His faithful servants of yesterday, today, and forever”, Hebrews 13:8. This three day event reached out to the many who attended the church over the years to remember as well as looked towards the future as we re-dedicated the original church bell. As of present we remain a non-denominational church that practices in the preaching and teaching of the Holy Bible. Our current congregation consists of a group of unique individuals. We currently serve members who have grown up in the church and who are blessed to have their grandchildren now attend as well as regular attenders who have attended each week for several years, along with those who are new to the Living Hope Fellowship family.

We open our doors each week to host Bible studies on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We offer two weekly services, the traditional Sunday service and the Alive @ 5 service held on Saturday evenings. We meet each Sunday after the service to enjoy bagels and coffee and some fellowship with one another as well. We have a young children’s ministry which provides teaching to our young children on Sunday mornings. Every second Friday of the month, the church is open starting at 7:30pm for Prayer Meeting. In keeping with our church’s tradition, we celebrate Children’s Day each June and Rally Day each September. Each year we also host a Christmas Eve Candlelight service, a Good Friday Service and Sunrise Service on Resurrection Sunday.

God has been faithful to bless our “Little White Church” for the past 180 years and we look forward to continuing to serve the communities of Tomkins Cove, Stony Point, and Haverstraw for as long as God will allow. We stand firm in the foundation of His Word and go forth wearing His armor. It is our hope that you will see how special our church is and pray that wherever your path leads,