How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Photos provided.
For one hundred and seventy-five years, a little church by the side of the road has been a big part of the Quaker Springs community.
Generation after generation, local families have come together here.
“The church is truly a family,” said one parishioner of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church.
Built to Last
Many of the church’s members have similar stories.
The Quaker Springs United Methodist Church (as it is known as today) was originally built in 1844 from a salvaged hand-hewn wooden post-and-beam barn frame.
Later, additions to the building included the 1899 commission of six stained-glass windows, a belfry, porch and portico. In 1927, electric lights were first installed.
Volunteers have continued to maintain, restore, and rejuvenate the structure through the years.
“Everyone steps up and gets it done if there’s a need,” said Pastor John Iseman.
The hearts and hands of its members have built this building.
“Everything you see here is part of the church but is also a symbol of the families within it,” said Marion Craine, the church’s longtime organist and choir director.
Dedicated to Service
Whenever the church, or one of its members is in need, the community here pulls together to respond. This church brings people together in an extraordinary way.
In 40 years, the original debt for the church was paid in full by donations from the congregations collected at the I.W. Meader Store (the local place to be at the time).
Through the years of slavery, societal changes and several wars, these are people who have been here for one another and their community.
“This small country church is something that I believe is a part of my being,” said one parishioner.
They carry on a longstanding community tradition by co-sponsoring the annual Halloween Party with the Quaker Springs Fire Department.
Twice a year, the best cooks do a Third Saturday supper to raise money for church expenses, as well as to support their missions and service. A team volunteers in Guatemala, they support the local Boy Scout Troop 13, and Rebuilding Together Saratoga County.
Plant sales, pie sales and silent auctions help to keep the church open and active. The Annual Riverside Service held in conjunction with Schuylerville United Methodist Church, is always well attended. Church members
volunteer at The Way used clothing store, and at SAFER, the local food pantry.
Pastor John Iseman still recalls the advice he was given 15 months ago when he began working at the church.
“Paster Ben Lalka told me, ‘The one thing I’ll say to you about the Quaker Springs Church is - they’ll love you,’ and it’s absolutely true. My family and I feel very loved and supported,” said Paster Iseman.
MarkYour Calendar
All are welcome to attend the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, held at 466 Route 32 in Quaker Springs, on Sunday, September 29, at 1 p.m.
To mark the occasion, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner will present an assembly citation. The Town of Saratoga will present a Proclamation, and previous pastors will be in attendance. A selection of choir music will be performed, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
