The First Presbyterian Church of Clyde was organized on July 4, 1814, in the Lauraville cobblestone schoolhouse on Waterloo Street. The congregation continued to meet in the upper room over Sylvester Clark’s store located on the south shore of the Clyde River. In 1829, the first church building of frame construction was built on the corner of Lock and Caroline Streets, facing east. There were galleries on the north and south sides. The pulpit was on the east. The tower was square with a clock. The building cost $5,500 to build.

      The second Presbyterian Church building was constructed of brick. Having a had a north-south orientation, the structure was 99 ft x 85 ft with two towers. The east tower was 135 ft tall with a 35 ft base and housed a cornerstone placed there on August 25, 1871. The west tower had a base of 15 ft and housed the cornerstone from the 1829 church. The church stood on one of the tallest hills in Clyde. The taller tower was struck by lightning three times – having major damage. 

      Reverend Charles Mosher was pastor from 1820-1822. About 1825 he was brought before the Presbytery on charges of Falsehood, Dishonesty, Prevarication and Engaging in worldly business. After taking testimony and deliberating they found that the first three charges were generally not supported. The fourth charge was supported, and although he was financially embarrassed by the lack of salary, he should not have been engaged “in the business of excavating the canal.” He needed to spend that time tending his congregation.

     In 1970, the Clyde Presbyterian and Clyde United Methodist voted to merge. A final service in the Presbyterian Church was held August 23, 1970. The building was demolished in 1976. 

Thanks to Loreen Jorgensen for information and images. Loreen is author of “The First Hundred Churches of Wayne County, New York” – available at many local historical societies – including the Museum of Wayne County History in Lyons. The book is also available at local libraries in Wayne County: https://evergreen.owwl.org/eg/opac/record/576657?query=Loreen%20Jorgensen;qtype=author;fi%3Asearch_format=;locg=1;sort=;detail_record_view=0