About RPC
Church History
The year 1863 brought much tumult to this nation with the Civil War dividing our land. Perhaps it was partly in response to this upheaval that many involved in the war efforts sought relief by escaping to the serenity of "country living," and building homes in Riverdale. It was in the Spring of 1863 that five business leaders of the community established the Riverdale Presbyterian Church. They were: William Earl Dodge, Jr., Robert Colgate, Samuel W. Dodge, J. Joseph Eagleton, and John Mott. James Renwick, the architect who also designed St. Patrick's Cathedral, was commissioned to design the church.
On June 24, 1863 with 65 attending in the morning and 50 in the afternoon, the church was organized. The building was constructed during the summer with the first service in the completed structure taking place October 11th. Three ministers served short term pastorates during the early years followed by a period with a part-time minister due to the financial crisis of the nation. With the appointment of Ira S. Dodd, who served the church for 34 years, a new sense of stability was felt by the congregation.
Directions to RPC
By car:
VIA HENRY HUDSON PARKWAY NORTH: Take Exit #21 (246th Street.) Beyond second light (252nd Street) bear left. At stop sign, make slight left to stay on service road (don't take the hard left). Follow service road approximately 3 blocks to church and parking lot on your right.
VIA HENRY HUDSON PARKWAY SOUTH: Exit #21 (246th Street). Church and parking lot are on your right, immediately after exit.
VIA MAJOR DEEGAN NORTH: Take Exit #12 (Henry Hudson Parkway -- first exit BEYOND Van Cortlandt Park.) Follow signs to HHP South; Exit #21 (246th Street). Church and parking lot are on your right, immediately after exit.
By Express bus:
BxM1 East Midtown via Third Avenue or
BxM2 West Midtown via Sixth Avenue:
See http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/busco/schedules/index.html#bnxx for pickup points and Sunday schedule.
Get off at 246th Street, cross parkway using overpass, turn right and walk 1-1/2 blocks to church.
Fare: $5.00 (coin or Metrocard) each way. Allow 45-50 minutes.
From Triboro Bridge. Take Major Deegan Expressway past the Van Cortlandt Park exit to one labeled "Henry Hudson Parkway - Saw Mill River Parkway." Follow signs to Henry Hudson Parkway South. Get off at Exit 21. The entrance to the Church parking lot is on the near side of the Church.
From Bronx River Parkway. Take exit labeled "Allerton Avenue - Mosholu Parkway" and follow the road around to traffic light (3-4 blocks) where you make a sharp right onto Mosholu Parkway which in about a mile will become a limited access, divided highway. Get off at the exit labeled "Henry Hudson Parkway" and come to the 246th St. exit (exit 21). The entrance to the church parking lot will be on the near side of the church.
From New Jersey. Come across the George Washington Bridge and take the Henry Hudson Parkway North. Get off at Exit 21.
Mosholu Parkway is at the North terminus of the Grand Concourse. If coming this way turn left onto Mosholu under the Woodlawn Subway and follow directions above.