Artifacts
100 Years of Memories, Ministry & Community
The House of Many Stories
Chief White Feather
News Article and Photograph
Description:
This article and image recall a special visit to First Church and the Church House by Chief White Feather, who was introduced as a descendant of Sitting Bull. His appearance reflects the wide range of community, educational, and cultural events that filled Magill’s spaces through the years.
Portrait of Rev. Dr. Andrew Magill
Painting of the Namesake of Magill Memorial House
Description:
This portrait honors Rev. Dr. Andrew Magill, for whom Magill Memorial House was named. Displayed within the building that carries his name, it serves as a reminder of the faith, leadership, and vision that shaped both the church and the community it served.
Cots of Care and Community
Used by Boy Scouts and During Hurricane Sandy Relief
Description:
These cots tell a story of welcome across generations. They were used by Boy Scouts in the years following World War II and later by Jamaica Village volunteers during Hurricane Sandy support and recovery, reflecting Magill’s long history as a place of shelter, service, and community care.
Stitched into History
Sewing Machines from the Church House
Description:
These sewing machines recall the work of the women who gathered in Magill to sew items for the Church House and goods for sale in the thrift shop. Their handiwork supported both the life of the church and the wider community, stitching service and fellowship together.
Gathered Around the Table
Porcelain Tea Service
Possibly Old Paris porcelain, circa 1850–1885
With its graceful orange handles, delicate gilding, and elegant white porcelain, this tea service recalls an era when hospitality and fellowship were central to church life.
A small donor tag on one of the vessels identifies Miss Amy Findlay, preserving a personal connection between these treasured furnishings and the women who helped shape First Church's history.
A Gift of Time
1926 Memorial Grandfather Clock
Description:
Presented in memory of Rev. Benjamin E. Dickhaut, pastor from 1909 to 1911, this grandfather clock was given by his wife and daughters in 1926, the year the Church House opened. It stands as both a memorial and a lasting symbol of the people whose lives continue to mark the history of Magill.
A Gift from the Beginning
Governor Winthrop Secretary Desk
Description:
This Governor Winthrop desk was one of the furnishings presented during the Church House opening dedication. Today, it bridges past and present, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and add their own hopes and memories to Magill’s continuing story.
Before Jamaica Avenue
Historic Map of Jamaica Village, Queens
Description:
Step back in time to discover a Jamaica that looked very different from the bustling neighborhood we know today. This historic map reveals the church's original location before its relocation, tracing a changing landscape of streets, homes, and landmarks—including Fulton Street, now Jamaica Avenue—and reminding us that as Jamaica grew and transformed, First Presbyterian Church remained part of its story.
“Miss Presbyterian”
Retirement Album Honoring May Huntting
Description:
This memorial album was presented to May Huntting, affectionately known as “Miss Presbyterian,” upon her retirement as beloved Sunday School Superintendent. It reflects the gratitude, affection, and deep respect felt by generations of children, families, and church members whose lives she helped shape.
A Letter from the White House
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 275th Anniversary Greeting
Description:
This letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt was sent in recognition of First Church’s 275th Anniversary and was read by Rev. Andrew Magill at the closing banquet of the week-long celebration. It connects the story of this congregation to a larger national moment of honor and recognition.
Learning in Light
Dukane Filmstrip Projector
Description:
Used in Sunday School, this Dukane filmstrip projector helped bring Bible lessons and educational programs to life for generations of children. Alongside books, Bibles, and teaching materials, it represents the creativity and care devoted to Christian education at First Church.
A Place to Learn and Lead
Church School Superintendent’s Podium and Gavel
Description:
Used in the bustling life of First Church’s Church School, this podium and gavel recall a time when more than 400 children were part of the Sunday School program. From this place, leaders guided Bible study, Christian learning, and gatherings that nurtured faith, fellowship, and community.
Growing in Faith, Learning Together
Sunday School Materials and Memories
Description:
This section highlights the rich life of First Church’s Sunday School through photographs of children, books, Bibles, a projector, filmstrips, and the retirement album honoring May Huntting. Together, these items tell the story of a vibrant ministry that helped generations of young people grow in faith and belonging.
When the Pins Were Falling
Bowling Balls and Pins from Magill’s Former Bowling Alley
Description:
These original bowling balls and pins come from Magill Memorial House’s former two-lane bowling alley in the lower level. They offer a tangible link to the building’s early recreational life, when fellowship, play, and community gathered alongside worship and education.
A Gift of Remembrance
Sutphin Memorial Brass Vases
Description:
Presented in memory of Caroline Sutphin, these brass vases preserve the remembrance of a family deeply connected to Jamaica’s history. Crafted by R. Geissler of New York, they are both memorial objects and reminders of the generosity that helped furnish the Church House.
A Family Remembered
Hargreaves Memorial Plaque Photograph
Description:
This photograph preserves the memorial plaque honoring Nellie Hargreaves and her son Paul, who gave his life during the First World War. Though the plaque remains in the lower level of Magill, its image in this exhibit helps tell a story of sacrifice, remembrance, and family devotion.