Sloatsburg’s United Methodist Church has a new pastor, Ross Topliff, who is motivated to revitalize the once vital Village landmark – Topliff’s efforts are quietly paying off.
Pastor Ross Topliff hasn’t wasted any time after taking on the challenge of revitalizing a Sloatsburg landmark – the United Methodist Church across from the village Municipal Building.
With the old Chapel built in 1843 and the main sanctuary, complete with signature stone details, constructed in 1907, the UMC buildings are alive with local history — and sit on land donated by Jacob Sloat. The stone sanctuary was designed and built by important and locally famed architect Robert McCready, who built many homes and structures throughout Sloatsburg and Tuxedo.
This coming Tuesday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. clergy and members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth Memorial Chapel, and the Sloatsburg United Methodist Church will join forces for a traditional Thanksgiving Service, all in support of strengthening community and the Sloatsburg Food Pantry.
Pastor Topliff’s UMC effort was featured in an August Rockland County Times article, which described how Topliff was personally tapped for the Sloatsburg church leadership by Methodist District Superintendent Betsy Ott, his first pastoral experience.
Beautifying the church and grounds has been one of the first orders of business for Topliff. Working with the parish youth group under Wendy Paul Paige, including contributions from members of the Sloatsburg Food Pantry, Topliff and company gave the sanctuary building a much-needed new paint job in August.
Topliff also discovered and uncovered a wonderful Memorial Garden in front of the sanctuary building. Altogether Pastor Topliff and crew recently put the finishing touches on improvements, repairs and plantings at the church.
The Sloatsburg UMC Chapel is also home to the popular Sloatsburg Food Pantry, which serves area residents and members of both the Ramapo Central and Tuxedo Union Free School Districts. Pastor Topliff’s mission is to revitalize the church and grow its flock so that the UMC church property remains a viable place of worship in the local community.
In the article, written by RCT editor and publisher Dylan Skriloff, Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright recalled how the church at one time saw some 70 people attend Sunday services and was at the heart of the Sloatsburg community.
Stained glass windows at the United Methodist Church in Sloatsburg, NY, donated by the Sloat family.
The clergy and members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth Anglican, and the Sloatsburg United Methodist churches join together for a traditional Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact your local church, or call UMC at (845) 753-2059.
