The Lord Jesus began His work in Fulton, NY in the late 19th century through The Reformed Presbyterian Church by means of the Hunter family from the nearby Covenanter Church in Sterling, NY. John Hunter established his sons in various businesses including the Hunter Fan Company and the Hunter Arms, both of which were established in Fulton. Sadly, The Covenanter Church in Sterling closed in the early 20th century when the remnant in that congregation moved to the Midwest.
But the Lord revived His work in 1994 by planting a new congregation in Fulton through the Oswego church with Pastor Nicholas Iamaio taking up the Gospel call. After 27 years of faithfully preaching the Gospel and teaching the Scriptures, Pastor Iamaio retired on October 9th, 2021. Then, on October 17th, 2021, Pastor Emeritus Kit Swartz declared the pulpit vacant and with no resident Ruling Elders, the congregation was reduced to a preaching station.
Several members, anticipating the closure of the congregation, transferred to nearby RP churches or other congregations. But by the grace and power of Christ, the Lord moved the remnant to continue the work. Deacon Rus VanNorstrand was steadfast in his work and the Lord provided Provisional Elders in Pastor Emeritus Kit Swartz and Pastor Doug Chamberlain, continuing the many years of work put in by Provisional Elder Kevin Plummer. A new gift of members and laborers joined the work in Fulton from the Oswego congregation, and we all committed ourselves to pray and trust God to build His church and raise up a man to shepherd us. Many men in the St. Lawrence Presbytery generously and faithfully provided preaching as God restored and even increased the size of the flock and the work in Fulton. It is our prayer that the Lord, in due time, will return former members to continue with the work in Fulton. We also steadfastly pray that saints who live in the Fulton community will be moved to join and support the gospel work here. God has placed us here and now for His glory and honor.
On March 5th, 2023, we held an election by which the Lord gave us two Elders, and an additional Deacon all of whom were ordained or installed on April 9th. Martin and Melanie Monteith visited in the middle of March during which time Martin preached for us twice, taught a Bible study and both Martin and Melanie blessed us with rich fellowship together. The Lord gave us a strong spiritual connection with the Monteiths which led to our unanimous election on the 1st ballot of Martin Monteith to be our Pastor on May 28th, 2023.
Pastor-Elect Monteith was heartily sustained in his ordination exams by The St. Lawrence Presbytery at their meeting in Fulton on July 25th, 2023. The Monteiths moved to Fulton on July 31st, and Martin began his teaching, preaching and pastoral ministry in August of 2023.
By order of the St. Lawrence Presbytery, Mr. Martin Monteith’s ordination and installation was set for October 9th, 2023, at 6:00PM, exactly two years after Pastor Iamaio retired. Many esteemed guests from the St. Lawrence Presbytery as well as the Presbytery of the Alleghanies joined to witness and participate in this momentous event. Pastor Wingfield preached on Philippians 4:4-7, Pastor Coombs gave the queries and Rev. Dr. Barry York, RPTS President delivered the prayer of ordination and installation and charge to Pastor Montieth. The charge to the Fulton Congregation was delivered by Ruling Elder and longtime Fulton Provisional Elder Kevin Plummer. To conclude, newly ordained Pastor Martin Monteith adjourned the court in prayer and delivered his first ever benediction.
This was an evening of overwhelming joy in the Lord for His goodness and answer to our prayers. We rejoice in the Lord, and we seek His glory and His honor in the Fulton, NY community for many years to come.
Soli Deo Gloria
