HARRISENA COMMUNITY CHURCH

Who We Are

What You Will Find at Harrisena

Harrisena Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks, a short drive from Glens Falls, Fort Ann, and Lake George. We are a welcoming, safe place for individuals and families from all walks of life to grow spiritually.

“The Little Stone Church on the Ridge” was built by John Harris in 1866 as a gift to his beloved wife, so she could teach Sunday school classes. That foundation of Christian love has continued to grow and expand for over 150 years. At Harrisena, you will find more than just a church service; you will discover a community that offers unconditional love, empathetic support, and a deep sense of belonging – it’s a space where faith, hope, fellowship, and service unite.

Sunday Worship Services

Our services are a mix of contemporary and traditional elements inspired by God to help you worship and connect with God and our community in a meaningful way. Open Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month – all are welcome to partake. Our services are livestreamed and available on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.

Prayer and Support

Whether you need prayer or just need someone to talk to, our church family is here to support you. We have an active Outreach Committee and Prayer Chain serving our community with cards, visits, and of course prayers!

Community Outreach and Service

Our church has a strong history of serving our community through faith, fellowship and service. We are actively involved in supporting both local and global missions through volunteer work and financial support. For example:

We partner with the Family Services throughout the year.
We deliver home-cooked meals and provide visits on a weekly basis upon request to individuals and families in need of help and friendship.
We host Red Cross blood drives in both January and August.
We provide a home for the Harrisena chapter of AA, the Lake George Garden Club, a Homeschool Co-op and the Oneida Community Church.
We host funeral and wedding receptions as needed with the assistance of our Women’s Association.
In years past, we have hosted an annual Bluegrass Night, as well as Dinner Theater performances and community lecture series including Biship John Shelby Spong, Dr. Amy-Jilly Levine, John Dominic Crossan, and Philip Gulley.

The “Essence of Harrisena”

Our church offers a unique physical/spiritual aura inspired by our peaceful, pastoral setting and our warm, welcoming community. This “essence” is grounded in the love of Christ and bound by our hallowed stones that originated in Ottawa, Canada. Come experience it for yourself!

Core Values

We believe that as a church family, we are responsible for ministry to one another as well as our community. Faith, fellowship, worship, and service are integral components of our Christian journey.

We cherish our roots in traditional theologies while embracing an intellectual understanding of spirituality that affirms universal truths and promotes a more holistic view of the Christian faith.

While we have members of varied theological views, the overall views of our church can best be characterized by the following statements of belief:

We believe that diversity is a blessing.
We believe that the message of Jesus of Nazareth brought to humankind is as relevant today as it was 2,000 plus years ago.
We believe that this message is one of healing and transforming love that breaks down barriers – a message of welcome, inclusion, equality, respect, forgiveness, and care for all people and the earth.
We believe that this message, rather than the particular institutions conveying it, forms the most enduring foundation for a life well lived- in other words, a life lived in the divine image.
We believe that each of us is free to understand and worship God in our own ways.
We believe that faith is enriched by human reason, not in conflict with it.

Staff/Officers

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Natalie C. Wimberly
Organist: Mrs. Melissa Ferrie-Healy
Office Administrator: Mrs. Susan Urrico
President of the Congregation: Mrs. Susan Ogden
Head Trustee: Mr. William Loeb
Church Treasurer: Mrs. Bonnie Nadig
Financial Secretary: Mr. Edward Szmul
Church Historian: Mary Alice Clickner

Our Campus

Our serene campus is located just one-half mile north of Route 149. The most prominent feature on the property is the historic stone church built by John J. Harris in 1866. The interior and exterior have been recently restored, largely through grant funding and private donations. The church seats approximately 140 people and houses a high-quality organ and piano, which are both used during worship services. The sanctuary is equipped with large-screen televisions for display, as well as cameras and a newly installed sound system, enabling us to live-stream our worship services.

An Education Building was added to the campus in 1962 and expanded by major construction and renovation in 1993. The current two-story Education Building is located behind the church. It includes a 2100 square foot general purpose room, Robinson Hall, used for weekly fellowship, community meals, meetings, lectures, special events, and worship services, as needed. The building also includes a 500 square foot kitchen, well equipped for large meal preparation, three bathrooms, and a lower floor with nine classrooms, the church office, pastor’s office and our church history room. Elevators and ramps make the building easily accessible to all.

The Harrisena parsonage is a well-maintained two-story, four-bedroom home, with an attached two-car garage. It is set back from the road on a spacious, attractive lot, separated from the church by a well-maintained parking lot, a stand of maple trees, and a historic cemetery.

In addition to these man-made creations, perhaps the greatest and most unique asset of the Harrisena campus is our peaceful, rural setting, which features the natural beauty of God’s creation, framed by trees, mountains, meadows, and a vast sky.

History

Harrisena Community Church in Queensbury has been dedicated to fostering community, friendship, and faith for over 150 years.

1866: The “Little Stone Church on the Ridge” was presented by John J. Harris to his wife so she could teach Sunday School classes.
1869: The first service at Harrisena Community Church was held for the funeral of John J. Harris. The church was then established in memory of John J. Harris.
1903: The church became affiliated with the Church of the Messiah and later became part of the Crandall Trust.
1918: After a period of closure, the church was revived with summer services, thanks to the efforts of a ladies group.
1947: The congregation voted to become the Harrisena Community Church, signifying its independent status.
1962: The Education Building was added to support a growing membership.
1974: The Crandall Trust officially transferred ownership of the church property to the trustees, along with funds for maintenance along with an endowment.
1986: The church Sanctuary is renovated, and new pews are installed.
1990: The land behind the Education Building is purchased for the purpose of expanding and remodeling the building.
1991: A time capsule is buried to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Harrisena. It is set to be opened in 2066.
1994: The new Education Building is dedicated on May 22nd with approximately 300 active church members, along with many friends and inactive church members in attendance.

Ongoing: The Church leaders are charged with looking after the on-site graves of church founders and maintaining the church as a memorial to John J. Harris “in perpetuity.”

With a rich history of making a difference, this church continues to serve as a pillar of support and connection for its members and the local community.

Harrisena Community Church

1616 Ridge Road
Queensbury, NY 12804

Phone (518) 792-1902
Fax (518) 743-0453

harrisenachurch@gmail.com

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