Gates Hall

On December 27, 1825, a group of hearty, thoughtful frontiersmen gathered together to frame a church constitution which was to foster the religious and cultural growth in the Hamlet of Pultneyville for the next 200 years. The church that was to be built would be called the Union Church of Pultneyville and would be administered by six trustees: two Methodists, two Presbyterians, and two "goats" or unaffiliated persons. The two- story frame Federal style structure was built on land given to the people of the community by Jacob Hallet.

Through the years the building ceased to be used as a church, but continued to be used as a meeting hall and community playhouse. Today that building is known as "Gates Hall" and is listed on both the New York State Register as well as the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1826, subscriptions were taken to build the church; some were paid in labor, lumber, grain, nails, shingles and cider. Andrew and Ansel Cornwall built the building which was named Union Church in 1826. The congregations involved called themselves the "United Society." Their constitution provided that "any denomination claiming to be Christian was guaranteed the right to worship in said house, no one denomination being allowed to use the house exclusively." When the building was constructed, there were two entry doors; one for men, the other for women. Through the years the Union Church continued to fulfill its intended purpose while also becoming a community center for social, political and educational activities. There were lectures on the evils of alcohol and slavery, the merits of women's rights, phrenology and spiritualism. During the Civil War the church was used for packing barrels of needed items to be sent to Union soldiers.

In 1867, the Pultneyville Lyceum was formed. The group used an improvised stage and curtain with gasoline lamps serving as spotlights. The last regular church service was held in 1875, and the building then began to deteriorate into a ruinous condition. However, in 1893, community spirit again prevailed and citizens decided to repair, rebuild and convert the building into Union Hall. A basement was built and 18 feet added making room for a stage. The hall was renamed Gates Hall in honor of Miss Mary Gates who donated $1000 to the building fund at that time.

In 1967, Gates Hall achieved 100 years of theater productions and when researched in the Library of Congress was found to be the second oldest little theater in the United States. Today, the Pultneyville Light Civic Opera Company (formed in 1961) and the Gatesinger Company, Ltd. (formed in 1971) continue to perform in the Hall.

Gates Hall stands on an attractive piece of ground, looking across the road once paved with dirt onto Centennial Park; down Mill Street, across Salmon Creek to where sailing ships once docked; and up Hamilton Street, past the Pultneyville Reformed and Methodist Churches.

The Willliamson-Pultneyville Historical Society holds the deeds of Gates Hall and Centennial Park and is dedicated to preserving both facilities for community activities and use. Community groups or individuals interesting in reserving Gates Hall for a special function may contact the Historical Society to make arrangements.

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