The Church of the Holy Comforter, located at 18 Davies Place in Poughkeepsie, holds vast historical significance. Built in 1883, the church stands as one of the last remaining links to the city's 19th century identity as a hub for woodworking companies. This area housed numerous woodworking businesses which spanned generations of family ownership.
The Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church (Archdiocese of New York) is a constituent part of Holy Orthodoxy in America.
We are awaiting, provisionally, the time when the Orthodox Western Rite will be fully and properly accepted within Orthodoxy as a legitimate and equal expression of Orthodox Faith and Mission. We have come out of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia to more freely spread the Orthodox Catholic Faith in America.
The Archdiocese has chosen not to join with the organization known as the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America in order to better preserve the Orthodox Faith and protect it from many administrative, phyletistic, and political issues the Assembly has.
The Archdiocese endeavors to produce holy and faithful priests who will spread Holy Orthodoxy by both word and example using the ancient Orthodox Western Rite. It is our mission to do all that we can to support efforts for unity within Holy Orthodoxy. In order to accomplish this mission, we are doing a number of things: 1) pressing for a better educated clergy, 2) contacting other jurisdictions to create a forum for traditional non-Assembly Churches to spiritually unite and work together for the common good, and 3) working to make quality liturgical materials available to all people.
With a humble group of several Church Missions and Sketes, spread across several of the United States, we are a small Orthodox Jurisdiction which embraces the past and future of Orthodoxy. The past, because we continue in the Apostles’ Teaching, and Fellowship, The Breaking of Bread and the Prayers. The future, because we believe that the timeless message of Orthodox Christianity, faith and morals, is the only way to remain faithful and to assure a place in the kingdom of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
“I do not know a Greek Christ, a Russian Christ, an English Christ, an Arab Christ. Christ for me is everything, the super cosmic being. If we confess in the creed, Christ is very God, the Saviour of the Universe, the Creator of the World, by whom all things are made, how can we bring our understanding of Him down to a question of nationality, place or epoch?”
Poughkeepsie, located in New York, has a rich history intertwined with its early settlers and ancestral heritage. The area was originally inhabited by the Wappinger Native American tribe, who cultivated the land and lived along the Hudson River. In the 17th century, the Dutch arrived and established settlements, including one known as the "Little Red Church" in Poughkeepsie, which marked the city's first known religious institution.
During the American Revolution, Poughkeepsie played a significant role as the capital of New York State. In 1788, the city hosted the ratification convention for the United States Constitution, where New York voted in favor of its adoption. This event solidified Poughkeepsie's place in American history.
Poughkeepsie, a city with a rich history, has witnessed the interplay of churches and woodworking throughout the years. In the 19th century, Poughkeepsie was known as a hub for woodworking companies, and the area around N. Water and Lower Main Streets was bustling with numerous woodworking businesses. The craftsmanship of these woodworking companies, such as Lumb Woodworking, can be seen in prominent buildings and homes across the region, including churches like the Church of the Holy Comforter.
Today, Poughkeepsie's architectural heritage and the contributions of its woodworking industry are celebrated, with churches like the Church of the Holy Comforter serving as living reminders of this vibrant history. These churches stand as testaments to the city's past, reflecting the intricate woodworking details that adorned their interiors.
Lumb Woodworking factory on Lower Main Street with Holy Comforter steeple in the background (collection of Dutchess County Historical Society).
Rosewood, the Innis mansion at 40 Main Street.
Period photo showing Lumb family home c. 1883 (Lumb family collection).
The Community's Growth
Poughkeepsie's growth continued through the 19th century, with industries like woodworking, ironworks, and textiles taking root. The city attracted immigrants from various countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe, who brought their cultural traditions and contributed to the vibrant tapestry of Poughkeepsie's heritage.
Do You Have Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at the Holy Comforter Orthodox Church about our history, services, or community involvement. Our friendly staff is here to assist you and help you feel connected to our rich heritage and vibrant community. Contact us through email, phone, or by visiting our welcoming church.