After the burning of the church, the congregation gradually declined; for the members, being mostly staunch Whigs, were obliged to retire north to avoid the depredations and assaults of British troops from New York. The Rev. Ichabod Lewis removed to Bedford, but similar circumstances constrained him to leave that place also for Salem ; where he spent the remainder of his days, and lies interred. He left a legacy to the church at South Salem of one thousand dollars, the interest of which at present assists in supporting the pastor of that church.* From 1784 to 1S21 the congregation enjoyed the privilege of occasional preaching. Upon the 13th of February, 17S8, the church was incorporated under. the title of the "Presbyterian Church in the White Plains," Jonathan G. Tompkins, Richard Hattield, Daniel Horton, Jacob Purdy, Nicholas Fisher and Robert Hart, trustees. ''

During the years 1S21 and 1S22, the church was regularly supplied by the Rev. Thomas G. Smith, of the Reformed Dutch congregations of Tarr)-town and L'nionville, every second or third Sunday, for v/hich he received a small pecuniary compensation. In the S[)ring of 1S23, the Rev. Marcus Harrison performed services for a short period as a Domestic Missionary, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Ely, who officiated here and at Lov/er Greenburgh (Dobb's Ferry) about four months under the direction of the Domestic Missionary Society of the city of New York. For the successors of Mr. Ely, see the subjoined list of pastors.

The second church was destroyed by fire in 1S54. It took fire on a Sabbath, when it was burnt to the ground; it originated this time in a defect in trie chimney from which sparks communicated to the belfry during the morning sen-ice. and when discovered had made such progress as to render all efforts to save the building unavaihng ; only the books,