The Silver Lake Presbyterian church was founded February 16, 1816, just three years after the township itself was established. Holy Communion was celebrated the next Sunday at the office of Dr. Robert H. Rose, a Physician of Scottish decent, who in 1809, purchased a 100,000 acre tract embracing all of Silver Lake, as well as portions of Choconut and Rush Townships.

Among the other early settlers was Captain John Locke, who participated in the fabled Boston Tea Party and fought against the British at Bunker Hill and at Saratoga. He is buried on a nearby knoll.

Once the preserve of Indians the land on which the church and cemetery are located was the gift of the Rose family. The church itself was built in 1846 on the western shore of Tenbury Lake, now Laurel Lake.

Our church was one of several organized under the 1801 Plan of Union, whereby both the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations cooperated in establishing churches throughout the area. We later adopted the Presbyterian form of government.

During the course of its history, our congregation has been blessed by many faithful ministers and lay persons. Among them are the founding pastor, the Rev. E. Kingsbury and John Simpson, the manager of Dr. Rose's estate. Another benefactor was Henry King Sheldon, a Brooklyn businessman who spent his summers on Silver Lake.

Our roster of faithful ministers also include the names of Rev. Burr Baldwin, who also played an important role in the history of the Montrose Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Thomas Thomas, the grandfather of Norman Thomas, the Socialist leader and man of letters; and the Rev. James S. Wilkes.

Members of our church represent many denominations and traditions. Together, we continue to seek to serve Christ in this community as we enter the next century.