A roadhouse on Albany Post Road purchased late in the 19th century by Elliott Fitch Shepard and his wife, Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt, eventually became the Scarborough Presbyterian Church. The roadhouse building was enlarged and renovated by the Shepards and in 1892 used as a small church.
The current church building was designed by Augustus Haydel, a nephew of Stanford White, and August Shepard, a nephew of Elliott F. Shepard and in 1893 the cornerstone for the new building was laid. During construction workers found quicksand and had to dig 30 feet down to find firm ground on which to build the foundation. William Smith, an immigrant stonemason from Scotland, became one of the founding members of the church.
Sadly, Elliott Shepard died before the church was completed. The church was dedicated on May 14, 1895 in his memory and was briefly known as the “Shepard Memorial Church”, but later organized as Scarborough Presbyterian Church. The first pastor was Frank Fenton Blessing. Mrs. Shepard continued to play a significant role during the early years of the church. In 1908 the family contributed the Parish House building and in 1913 built the Manse property.
The church grew slowly from the 1920’s to the 1940’s, serving the relatively small population of the Sparta area of Ossining and Scarborough. During World War II, Edmund Wylie, father of the novelist Philip Wylie, was the minister, leaving his mark in the building of steps leading up to the chancel in the sanctuary, making the staging of dramatic performances easier in the church.
In the postwar years the congregation grew. First under the leadership of Pastor Robert Montgomery, who ran a notable Adult Education program called a “School for Skeptics”; and later with Rev. Roger Huber, who carried through plans for the construction of the Education Building.
Rev. Adam Craig and later Rev. Robert Hare carried on the educational and activist traditions during their leadership. Under Rev. Hare, a counseling center and a nursery school were started. Pastoral and Lay leadership helped in the formation of a Hospice Program at the nearby Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow and in a non-profit housing program set up with the Ossining Ministerial Association, called the Interfaith Council for Action (IFCA).
During the term of pastor Christian Iosso (1993-2005) the church strengthened membership, increased programs and renovated facilities including converting an old carriage house in the center of the campus into offices and an apartment. In addition to its education and mission programs, the Church’s music program grew, as Organist and Music Director Stanton Daugherty upgraded the Odell pipe organ, which was installed in 1894.
During the term of pastor Christian Iosso (1993-2005) the church strengthened membership, increased programs and renovated facilities including converting an old carriage house in the center of the campus into offices and an apartment. In addition to its education and mission programs, the Church’s music program grew, as Organist and Music Director Stanton Daugherty upgraded the Odell pipe organ, which was installed in 1894.
Scarborough Presbyterian Church’s current Minister, Tim Ives, arrived in 2008. In the years since, the church has continued its service to the community and in its commitment to mission. The Children’s Center is now a New York State Licensed Day Care Facility; members of the church participate in Midnight Run, a program to feed the homeless; Riversweep, helping to clean up Scarborough Park; contribute to the Ossining Food Pantry; support IFCA; help prepare and serve Thanksgiving dinner for the Ossining community; support the Presbyterian Prison Partnership by writing letters to prisoners; and provide housing for the homeless of Ossining two weeks a year through the Homeless program founded by the Briarcliff Ossining Ministerial Association.
Scarborough Presbyterian Church remains a place of warmth and fellowship. The Christmas Eve service and pageant is a particular favorite date each year, attracting many people from the community while celebrating the season in a most joyous way. Adding to the warmth and welcome of Scarborough is the music program directed by Ken Potter, with help from his wife Chris. Ken, Chris and the choir are dedicated to excellence and continue a long tradition at Scarborough.
As part of the Scarborough Historical District, the sanctuary continues to be a beautiful landmark in our part of the world, now more than 125 years old.