A Congregation on Old Post Road Since 1788
St. John's Reformed Church stands on Old Post Road North in Upper Red Hook, a quiet stretch of northern Dutchess County where the same congregation has gathered for more than two centuries. The official founding date is November 9, 1788, the day its first consistory was elected and Domini Petrus DeWitt became the congregation's first minister. The roots of the community reach back further, however. As early as 1721, German Reformed, Lutherans, and Dutch Reformed residents of the area worshipped together, most likely under the pastoral care of Domini Petrus Vas of Kingston. The Red Church on Route 9G in Tivoli, no longer in use as a worship space, is considered St. John's parent church, and its ministry continues in the Upper Red Hook congregation.
Part of the Oldest Protestant Denomination in America
St. John's belongs to the Reformed Church in America, the oldest continuously worshipping Protestant denomination in the United States, tracing its roots to 1628 and the Reformed tradition of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Locally, the church sits within the Mid-Hudson Classis and the Regional Synod of New York. Through its national body, St. John's is connected to the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
The church's motto, taken from Micah 6:8, captures its sense of calling: "Do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God." The congregation confesses a mainline Christian faith and follows the creeds and confessions of the Reformed Church in America. St. John's welcomes all of God's children regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cognitive or physical limitation.
Sunday Worship and the Children's Program
Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m., the congregation gathers in the sanctuary for worship, with a Children's Program running at the same time so younger members can learn and play alongside the service. Pastor Alisha Riepma-Hosier, the church's Minister of Word and Sacrament, preaches and presides. The Worship and Technology Committee plans services around the RCA lectionary, weaving together music, scripture, communion, and a message with attention to the rhythms of the liturgical seasons.
Music is led by organist and choir director Max Brey, who trained at Westminster Choir College in Princeton with degrees in music, music education, and choral conducting. Services last about an hour and are followed by coffee and snacks in the Fellowship Hall, a regular gathering that many members look forward to as much as the service itself.
Joining from Home
For those who cannot attend in person, services are livestreamed on YouTube and recorded so they can be watched at any time. The Sunday bulletin and announcements are posted online each week, and the congregation's monthly newsletter, called the Kerk, is available by email subscription.
A Place for First-Time Visitors
St. John's keeps things easy for newcomers. Members are invited to dress in whatever feels comfortable, whether that means dressing up or coming casual. The sanctuary is open to all, and the greeting at the door is warm. Visitors with questions can call the church office at 845-758-1184 during weekday hours or write to office@stjohnsreformed.org. The office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Deacons' Fund Food Pantry
One of the most visible expressions of the church's ministry to the wider community is the Deacons' Fund Food Pantry, run out of the Old Post Road building. The pantry is open Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A printed list of needed pantry items is available on the church's pantry page, and donations of food and supplies are welcomed. The pantry is overseen by the deacons and supported by church volunteers, including members of the Mission and Outreach Committee.
Groups and Committees
Members of St. John's stay involved through a healthy mix of standing committees and small groups. The Worship and Technology Committee shapes Sunday worship and maintains the sanctuary for prayerful engagement through the liturgical year. The Property Committee cares for the buildings and grounds, while the Finance Committee oversees the budget, offerings, and insurance. Christian Education nurtures faith formation for all ages, and Fellowship works to build hospitality within and beyond the church.
Smaller groups meet regularly for study and connection. A Bible Study led by John and Karen Roberts gathers for ongoing conversation about Scripture. The Women's Fellowship and the Men's Breakfast provide separate spaces for fellowship. A Book Club, led by Desiree Albizu, brings readers together around shared titles, and the Shepherds group offers a quiet ministry of care within the congregation.
Governed by Elders and Deacons
St. John's uses a presbyterian form of church governance, the word itself coming from a Greek term meaning "elder." A board called the consistory, made up of the minister, the elders, and the deacons, oversees the life and ministry of the congregation. The consistory meets every third Thursday of the month, following Robert's Rules of Order and opening and closing in prayer. Elder and Deacon terms run three years, and an Elder and Deacon sit on every committee of the church. Current elders include Beverly Kipp, who serves as Vice President, Paul Hallenbeck, Eileen Wambach, Paul Finch, and Elizabeth Young. Deacons include Colleen Grover, Clifford King, Annamarie Woelm, Kayla Bell, and Mary Hennessy.
Supporting the Ministry
Gifts to St. John's can be made in person at the office, online through the Givelify app, or by mail to 126 Old Post Road North. With around seventy confessing members and an average Sunday attendance of forty to sixty, St. John's is a small congregation by choice, one where faces are known and the work of the gospel is shared across many shoulders.