Methodist Circuit riders first passed through the Saugerties area in the 1780's as they moved throughout the six circuits which ran from New Rochelle to Lake Champlain. For many years class meetings were held in private homes and in the village school building on Partition Street until John Crawford became the first regular Circuit Rider for Saugerties. He preached to small groups in the DeWitt barn, where the Exchange Hotel now stands. By 1825, the village of Saugerties was growing rapidly, and with it, the Methodist movement. The Village Classes enjoyed a Circuit Rider just once every six weeks until 1828 when the first formal congregation was organized. S. L. Stillman was the first pastor, average weekly collections were $1.50, and property (present location) was purchased to "build a house of Public Worship. . ." at a cost which was not to exceed $1,500. The church building was dedicated in May 1829. By 1840, a parsonage was completed to house the circuit preacher until the congregation was large enough for a resident minister in 1848. During the following twenty years the sanctuary was turned to face Russell Street, a bell was installed, and in 1871, a pipe organ was added. Along with the rest of the country, this was a time for great revivals. It is noted that William Ostrander, Saugerties pastor in the mid-1860's, led "good revivals." Methodist tradition was strict in those years. Women who wore flowers or feathers in their hats were not permitted the Sacraments, and anyone who missed three weekly class meetings without proper excuse was expelled. By the end of the century, there was need for a new sanctuary, but plans did not progress until after World War I.