In 1855, the Rev. William Clark, stationed at Esopus, preached also at Port Ewen in Schryver’s Hall, which stood on the site now occupied by Spinneweber’s.  The congregation decided to build a church.  The Pennsylvania Coal Company generously contributed to the site for the edifice.  In 1856, the church was completed.  It was known as the “Little Tabernacle”.  The first meeting for election of Trustees was May 6, 1856.  After 12 years, it became apparent that the “Little Tabernacle” must give place to a larger building.  A new church was built and dedicated in 1869, named “The First Methodist Episcopal Church” in Port Ewen. A chapel was added in 1874, and a pipe organ was purchased in 1894.  Over the next 20 years, many improvements were made, including new pews, an enlarged pulpit platform, memorial stained-glass windows, and five added rooms – a sanctuary, kitchen, balcony, and 2 meeting rooms.  Sadly, in the mid-1970s, this white church in Port Ewen was destroyed by fire deemed to be arson.  Over the next several years, the current structure was built with a dark brown exterior.  In the 1990s, the Rifton Methodist, Esopus Methodist, and Port Ewen Methodist combined into a single church located in Port Ewen.  Shortly after, a steeple and elevator access were installed, and in the early 2000s, the church was painted its current cream color.