A Historic Church With a Youthful Spirit

Our church was founded in the year 1810 to serve Bay Shore and Islip. By 1860 the membership had grown so large it was decided to divide into two congregations, one for each village. About 100 residents of Bay Shore formed the Methodist Episcopal Church of Penataquit (a Native American name for this region). A building committee was appointed in 1867 and the sanctuary was dedicated on May 23, 1869. This building is our present Fellowship Hall.

The present sanctuary was begun in 1891 and was dedicated on June 11, 1893. The educational wing was built in 1959.

In 2001 our building was designated a New York State Historic Landmark.

But our church is not just a building or a history – it is people! Our current membership of about 450 persons reflects both the diversity of the community and our commitment to the Methodist tradition of a church and congregation “open to all ages, nations, and races.”

Within these walls you will find friendly people, caring people, active people, and praying people, who in the name of Jesus Christ say to you

Our Statement of Purpose

1. 1.“We pledge ourselves to provide an open and caring place for the worship of a loving and forgiving Triune God,”
   

2. 2.“We accept Christ’s commission to go and make disciples among all peoples,”
   

3. 3.“We commit to the United Methodist tradition of involvement in and service to the world God has entrusted to us.”