Help us keep the bell ringing
Croton Falls Community Church is preserving the Cross River 1791 Meeting House, the oldest public building in Lewisboro, as a house of prayer and a gathering place for all people.
When we lost our church, Cross River was first to help
The Croton Falls and Cross River congregations have been linked for more than a century. In 1924 they shared a pastor. In 1977, when fire destroyed our 1878 church, Cross River Baptist Church made the very first donation toward rebuilding. And in 1993, Pastor Tim preached his “test drive” sermon for Croton Falls from the Cross River pulpit.
Over the years Cross River's own congregation dwindled. Pastor Tim and Deacon Billy Bowen led the celebration of life for its last member, Lois Reynolds, who lived to 106. In October 2025, our congregation voted unanimously to accept the title to the Cross River property as a “bridge to the future.”
“Cross River made the first donation to help rebuild. That generosity has never been forgotten.”
About the Meeting House
- Congregation organized June 23, 1789; building completed in 1791
- A 36-by-30-foot white clapboard meeting house on Route 121, beside the entrance to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
- Gallery, bell tower, and steeple added in 1853
- Its 1856 bell, silent for years, rings again thanks to Deacon Billy Bowen
- Spared when the Cross River Reservoir rose in the early 1900s
- Still without plumbing, relying on a two-seat outhouse
Our goal: $50,000
Funds raised by the Friends of the Cross River Meeting House go only toward preserving the building.
Roof
Repair the leaks. A neighbor, Alex Morales of Morales Roofing & Contracting, heard the bell ringing and offered to help at a reduced cost.
Electrical
Upgrade the building's electrical systems so it can be used safely.
Clean & paint
Clean and repaint the building and stabilize it for the long term.
Worship & gathering
Hold at least two services there each year, including Easter sunrise and Christmas Eve, and open it to the community.
Give, volunteer, or simply visit
- GiveMake checks payable to Croton Falls Community Church, write “Cross River Meeting House” in the memo line, and mail them to P.O. Box 25, Croton Falls, NY 10519.
- VolunteerHelp is needed with cleaning, painting, and repairs, and with finding grant funding for the building's long-term care.
- Worship thereJoin us at the Meeting House for the Easter sunrise service and the Christmas Eve afternoon service.
“We have a vision, we have willing hands, and we need community support to preserve this historic treasure.”Pastor Tim Wagner
“Cross River has the sweetest sounding bell. Once heard, you will fall in love with this special place. Help us keep the bell ringing.”
— Deacon Billy Bowen