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In the early 1850's, the old School Baptists began to alternate their meetings between the church in Rockville and Beebe's Hall on Orchard Street (this is what is now the empty lot next to the Boy Scout Building, on which the substantial Denton home was erected, and later demolished). The Roberts Street church was built in 1871, with services first held there on November 29, 1871. The architect was Thomas Butcher, who was also the builder. Brick and mason work was done by James E. Mapes, who later became an architect. Plastering was done by Robert Lemon, with painting by McCormal. The cost was about $10,400.
Following the death of church leader Elder Beebe in 1881, the membership gradually declined. In 1931, the building was purchased by the Seventh-day Adventists who occupied the building until their present church on Courtland Street between Highland and Wickham Avenues was completed in 1961. Purchased by the Second Baptist Church, on July 9, 1961, the congregation marched from their old church on Fulton Street to their new church on Roberts Street.
The Second Baptist Church had been organized here in 1932. Construction of a church at 68 Fulton Street was begun but only the basement was completed. This was used for services and social activities. The site was acquired by the city during Urban Renewal. The church subsequently purchased their present building.
2000 ST. JOHN'S A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
Sassar
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church began as the Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Middletown incorporated November 20, 1861. Following a dormant period, interest was revived and a church built on East Avenue which was dedicated October 29, 1871. By 1923, the old church had been outgrown and a new building was planned by architect Edwin P. Valkenburgh. This was completed in 1924 and stood on the corner of East Avenue and Everett Street. Everett Street is now covered by a portion of the Days Inn property on Fulton Street.
In 1962, during the Urban Renewal Program, a new foundation was built on East Avenue at the corner of Genung Street and the 1924 church was moved to its present location.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH IST
After reports of "hellfire and damnation" preaching going on in Middletown reached New York City, a Brooklyn Universalist thought the people of Middletown needed an alternative. In 1894, the president of the Universalist Laymen's' Society rented a room for open meetings. A Universalist society was organized January 19, 1896 and a resident minister was installed at the service of