What Do You Know About French Church?




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From the Newsletter

What Do "You" Know About The French Church?

By Lew Crispell, President Emeritus

For several years, HHS has been sponsoring an event, originally known as Stone House Day, but renamed "Colonial Street Festival". At this event, the houses and French Church are open to visitors while colonial activities, crafts, and period-dressed members fill the street.

The French Church, an unusual architectural piece, brings many questions from visitors. It is important for the family members who greet people at the door to be able to answer such questions - but how many could YOU answer?

1	Where did the stone come from for the walls of the church?
2	Where did the pine beams for the steep roof come from and how were they prepared?
3	How was the cupola placed on the church?
4	What was the "pattern" for the weathervane?
5	Where did the glass come from for the windows?
6	Where did the pine flooring come from?
7	What was the "origin" of the pews?
8	Who is responsible for the ironwork fixtures?
9	Where the "furnishings" come from?
10	A French Bible, printed in 1653, was willed to the French Church under what conditions?
11	Where did the flagstone for the pathway come from?
12	Why was the consecration scheduled for 1972 delayed until 1973?
13	Why are there steps to the cupola - where is the bell?

(Answers)

1	Stone for the church came from the fields at Kettleborough, the farm of Kenneth E Hasbrouck. The stones are all weathered and similar to those used in the Stone Houses.
2	The pine beams came from trees in Maine and were hand-adzed to reproduce the flared effect of the Flemish Hip Roof.
3	The cupola was placed using a helicopter. A photo appears in Volume I of "The Crispell Family in America"
4	The weathervane was patterned after a primitive rooster which once adorned a large Dutch barn at the Col. Josiah Hasbrouck House, Locust Lawn.
5	The windows were made by hand with small panes of poured French glass imported from Europe. The doors were made to order by Lumb Woodworking in Poughkeepsie NY
6	The pine flooring, measuring 2" by 24", was furnished by Mr. Weise of Roxbury, CT
7	The Pews were reproduced by Max Meyer from the original pews in the Shawangunk Church. The Brass Name plates on the pews signify which family donated the pews to the church. The pulpit was fashioned by Mr. Myer after that of the stone church in Herkimer NY. The floors, pews and pulpit were treated by hand with burnt umber, linseed and turpentine to give the effect of aged wood. Pumice was used on the floor to harden the surface.
8	The ironwork was done by G. B. Paklkowicz of New Paltz. The hinges, bolts and other equipment were copied from existing items in the stone houses.
9	The French Provincial communion table was purchased by Kenneth Hasbrouck in 21968 for the Crispell Family from a Mrs. Capozzi, who bought it in Canada. The chair was purchased from Mrs. William Lohrman in 1971. Both items date from the early 1700's. The Warden or Deacon's Bench is 17th century and was brought to this country by Mrs. Mary H. Denalecz. It was restored by Frank S. Landolla of Poughkeepsie. The Pewter items were given by the Crispell family.
10	The French Bible was willed to the church in 1730 by schoolmaster Jean Tebenin. According to his bequest, when the French Language ceased to be used in the Church, the bible was to be sold at auction and the proceeds given to the poor. This was done. The bible was purchased by Jacob Hasbrouck and cherished by his descendants. It now finds its place again in our French Church.
11	The stones for the pathways came from Shady NY
12	Although the church was "completed" in 1972, interior and exterior details remained unfinished; postponing the consecration of the church.
13	A young man was sent up the stairs to the cupola to blow a "conch shell" to bring worshipers to service or sound an alarm. There was no bell because bells were "taxed" by the English and very expensive.

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