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DRC exterior
The former Dutch Reformed Church in December 2006.

 


Background


The former Dutch Reformed Church in Newburgh, New York, is an outstanding Greek Revival building designed in 1835 by Alexander Jackson Davis.

The monumental structure borrows proportions, siting, and details from classical Greek precedents. Intended as a symbol of the community's enlightened taste, it commanded a dominant view over the Hudson. The DRC is "the greatest surviving ecclesiastical commission of America's greatest architect of the era" according to J. Winthrop Aldrich, former New York Deputy Commissioner of Historic Preservation.

Deconsecrated since 1967, the structure has suffered severely on the exterior, although the sweeping interior is remarkably well preserved. Long appreciated by architectural historians, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 2001. In 2002, the Newburgh Preservation Association funded the building's Historic Structure Report, delivered April 2003. In the next year, foundations and drainage were repaired, and the first window was restored. In 2005 the DRC was named one of the "100 Most Endangered Sites" in the world by World Monuments Fund. In 2006, all four columns were restored. In 2007, temporary exterior lighting begun nighttime illumination.

About this Website

Explore this website to learn more about the building's significance, setting,and early history; the architect and his circle; and the structure's later history, and why it was declared a landmark. Learn about the progress we've made in the last few years, the organizations that have supported us, the events we've held, and how our efforts have been covered in the press. You can see who we are, how you can volunteer, and how you can join the NPA or make a contribution.

For background, see DRC Press Kit

Open House Dates

Come see the interior of the former Dutch Reformed Church on the following "Last Saturdays" of the month:

  • June 28, 1-4 pm
  • August 30, 1-4 pm
  • September 30, 1-4 pm

Recent News

Cruise graphic

Weather cooperated once again to provide a pleasant evening for NPA's 4th annual Summer Soltice Cruise on June 21.

 

Night Lighting

On June 21, 2007, exterior night lighting was installed at the DRC, allowing the building to be illuminated at night. Funded by proceeds from the cruise events, the installation was designed by Deke Hazirjiam. The project was directed by sculptor & NPA VP Stuart Sachs.

Column Shaft Restoration Complete!

The shafts of the columns of the Dutch Reformed Church were restored through the donated labor of Gerry Sanchez of Polonia Restoration, Chris Yeagley/All-Around Home Improvement, and Minnow Associates. Restoration followed specifications from the National Park Service.

The 3rd annual Summer Solstice Cruise was great fun.
2007, DRC Adaptive Re-Use Study completed.

The Dutch Reformed Church named to the 2006-07 list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites World Monuments Fund.

The 2006 Summer Solstice Cruise was a great success!
In April 2006, a "visioning charrette" invited public opinion on the uses of the DRC as input to utilization study.
The 2006 Queen's Day Concert with the Amelia Piano Trio.
Davis Day 2005 celebrated the architect's birthday.
Supporters enjoyed the 2005 Summer Solstice Cruise.
The 2005 Queen's Day Concert with Sara Davis Buechner.
Restoration Begins... (Times Herald-Record, Oct. 6, 2004)
An essay on the DRC in the Times Herald-Record.

Last updated: June 23, 2008   Website by HDE. Send comments on website to webmaster.