~FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PINE PLAINS~ 

The History Of The Pine Plains Council of Churches

    The first vestiges of organized cooperation that grew into the Pine Plains Council of Churches began some time ago in the mid 60's. A very popular Vacation Bible School was being held principally through the auspices of the United Methodist Church. Dorothy Barnett from Gallatin served for many years as Superintendent and coordinated the efforts of volunteers from all denominations to affect a highly successful program.

    Through a cooperative effort between our several church congregations, the clergy were minimally involved. When it came time for Mrs. Barnett to relinquish her position, a committee of lay representatives was formed and called for a greater involvement on the part of the clergy. The first combined meetings of clergy and laity were devoted to the operation of this program.

    By the mid 1980's it was evident that many other programs could be facilitated by working together. It was decided to hold quarterly meetings of this ad hoc committee and expand its focus to other shared events. The name Pine Plains Council of Churches, rather than a ministerium, was adopted with the hope that the committee would always be comprised of more than clergy and be truly representative of the Christian community as a whole.

    As time went by the original program was expanded to include worship services, bible study, baccalureate services, the food pantry as well as the V.B.S.. The influence of this group of dedicated individuals has been felt by young and old alike. Names and faces have changed but the enthusiasm and foresight of that original  group has continued to inspire to the benefit of countless numbers of Pine Plains residences.

                            ~G.W. Chestney