Notwithstandiug such discouraging circumstances, it was deterniinefl to organize a church, and accordingly, upon the 22d of March, 1824, a church was incorporated under the title of " Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, White Plains," with Richard Jarvis and Alan McDonald as church wardens ; William Purdy, John Horton, Gilbert Hatfield, James Dick, Alexander Fowler, Joshua Horton, William Bulkley and James D. Merritt, vestrymen ; and the same year the Rev. William C. Mead was elected rector, and proceedings were instituted for the erection of a church edifice.

Mr. Mead was very acceptable to all, both in and out of his church, and his efforts to build a house for worship were generously aided by the people, without regard to creed or sect. How well this kind assistance was appreciated the records of the vestry show by an entry in the minutes, June 25, 1826, after the church was comjiletcd, of a vote of thanks to the otticers and members of the Presbyterian Society in White Plains, for the use of their church.

Mr. Mead removed in 1826, and was succeeded by the Rev. Alexander H. Crosby, a laborious student and earnest preacher. He remained but two years, and was followed by the Rev. John W. Curtis, who continued here for two years. Mr. Curtis was a Christian gentleman, of fine personal appearance and of a cheerful and social nature, which endeared him to all within his influence. His health failing, in 1831 he applied to the bishop for a change, and became the editor of the Churchman, then first established. The change from the country to the city, however, operated for the worse ; he declined rapidly in health, and died in 1835.