The Vedder Research Library

The Greenville Center Baptist Church was built in 1817; a Baptist Society had existed since 1793. An early change moved the entrance from the west side to the south side, until a 1854 turning of the building placed this entrance at the west side again (facing the road). In 1938, the bell from the East Durham Baptist Church was raised into the church’s belfry (inset). Over the past fifty years, longer-tenure ministers of this still active church include: Rev. Murray Mayfield (2001-current), Clinton Phelps (1981-1996); Wendell Hiltsley (1974-01980, 1939-1944), and Jacob VanderPyle (1961-1973).

The Johannesens of Greenville Center test their winter skills about 1946 on the hill across from the Brinkerhoff house on West Road as it nears State Route 81. Enjoying the anticipation of the “schuss” are Carol Johannesen (daughter of Karl and Mary), and Carol’s uncles and aunts—Thomas and Lillian Johannesen, and Margaret and Morten Johannesen. During the 20th century, a sizeable contingent of Norwegian descent moved to the Greenville Center area (Johannesen, Nicholsen, Salvesen, Gundersen, Mickelsen, Myhre, Lien, and more), adding to the flavor that was, and is, the Town of Greenville.

In 1948, Ruth A Shield, RN, realized her vision of establishing a nursing home in Greenville Center, County Route 41, about a quarter mile south of the four corners. Initial care could take care of twelve patients with later additions of studios, decks, and private rooms in 1950, 1953, and 1955 eventually establishing care of thirty clients. The Far Hills Nursing Home enabled the local community to take care of loved ones closer to home. Ruth Shield also kept an artist studio and, with her husband John, a farm. More stringent NYS regulation caused Shield to finally close her establishment in 1974. Today, the structure is owned and lived in by Dr. Hubicki and family; he is also the owner of the Greenville Medical Center on Rt 26A in Greenville. The insets show four pictures from a mid-1950s brochure.

Jeff Pellerin poses in front of his house on West Road, one-third mile east of Greenville Center’s four corners. In 2003, Pellerin bought a dilapidated house, with barns, in need of major repair and renovation. Although Jeff claims there is more work needed, the newly painted house has caused passersby to once again appreciate this photogenic abode and setting. Many residents remember the house belonged to local legend Anna Flansburgh Hallock (1883-1972) who resided here most of her life. The GLHG continues to commend community members, long-time or recently acquainted, who restore, renovate, or upgrade historic structures, improving the ambiance of the community, even those set on our back roads.

Post-WWII has seen several new churches satisfy the religious needs of our community. After purchasing a site in 1996, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints erected its meeting house on County Route 41, Greenville Center, with John V. Gulisane, Jr., serving as the Branch President of the new unit. The congregation was first organized in December, 1989, renting space from the Freehold Christian Congregational Church, County Route 67, Freehold. The building was dedicated on July 6, 1997. Currently, Wayne Marquit serves as Branch President. Historically, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830 in Fayette Township, New York, beginning with six members. Currently, there are over 16.7 million members worldwide. Past calendars have featured these churches: Freehold Congregational (1998 calendar), Grenville Episcopal (2000), Greenville Presbyterian (2001), Greenville Catholic (2002), Greenville Center Baptist (2012), Norton Hill-Greenville Methodist (2014 & 2015), and Greenville SRV (2021). The inset shows the roadside name stone.