_Presbyterian._--The earliest record of religious worship came from Bethlehem, which was at first the name of the church, and then extended to the neighborhood. It was Presbyterian in form and ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Challoner, who had charge also in Cornwall, New Windsor and Blooming Grove. The building was erected in 1730. In point of seniority it was the third oldest congregation west of the Hudson and north of the Highlands. The second incumbent was the Rev. Enos Ayres, who was followed by Mr. Close in 1764. He remained for forty years, and was chaplain during the Revolutionary War to soldiers stationed in the vicinity. The Rev. Artemus Dean was installed in 1813 and served for twenty-nine years. During his pastorate the church that had stood for ninety-six years was torn down and replaced by the present edifice. In 1872 the Rev. Mr. Atwater was appointed. In 1827 the Rev. James Thorn, of Canterbury, gathered some members of other churches together and, obtaining letters of dismissal from their several organizations, formed them into a congregation. A small church was erected, and in 1828 he was installed by the Presbytery of the North River as pastor for New Windsor and Canterbury. He was succeeded in 1835 by Jonathan Silliman, who remained pastor for twenty-six years. The Rev. Messrs. Baker, Eddy and Clarke succeeded each other for short terms, but in 1872 the Rev. Lyman Abbott took charge. He labored faithfully for many years, and only severed his connection when the call came from Plymouth Church, Brooklyn. His place was filled by Mr. Egbert, who proved to be a thoroughly live man, leaving the impress of his personality not only on his church but the whole neighborhood. A call to a larger field took him away, and his mantle fell on the Rev. Mr. Beattie, who had been taught in that Sunday School. He too gave up and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen. [Illustration: John Orr.]