History of Densmore Church

~ October 24, 1901 - A parcel of land is conveyed by John Calkins and Juliana Calking to T.H. Nunn, W.F. Newton, J. Calkins, J. Hazlewood, George Donough, and J.A. Morris, Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wellesley Island, for the sum of $75.

~ August 15, 1902 - The new church holds two services of dedication, with this statement in its program:

THIS CHURCH IS DEDICATED BY THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE TO

1. All people who love our common Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2. To all classes of every belief and unbelief.

3. Especially to those who have never yet attended church regularly.

"Come, let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1

~ In 1988, the Densmore United Methodist Church is accepted for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

~ In 1994, a small group of residents of Wellesley Island and nearby communities come together as Friends of Densmore to save the building, which has deteriorated to the point where the roof, windows and walls all leak. Phase I of the restoration is carried out.

~ June 5, 1995 - Worship services resume in the newly refurbished church.

~ March 27, 1996 - The certificate of incorporation of Densmore Church is officially recorded in Watertown, creating Densmore Church, Inc. as a religious corporation registered in the State of New York.

~ October 31, 1996 - Title to the Densmore property is officially acquired by the new corporation. Phase II of the restoration is begun.

~ February 1998 - The IRS issues a Letter of Determination, confirming that it considers Densmore Church, Inc. a non-profit entity because of its historical preservation work.

~ July 2017 - New Life Christian Church of Watertown, NY begins Sunday morning worship services at 9AM through the summer and continues to do so.

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