Saint Luke’s Episcopal 1836

The St. Luke's Episcopal congregation was established in 1767 on the Bradley family farm and is the oldest Episcopal parish in western Massachusetts. The present church was built in 1836 for $3,600 on land given to the parish in 1785 and is one of two surviving Gothic Revival churches (of four built) in Berkshire County. The tower was struck by lightning in 1856, and its bell dates to 1891. In 1858 the congregation commissioned a 450-pipe, hand-pumped tracker organ constructed from walnut by William Johnson, who was a famed organ maker from Westfield, Massachusetts. Over the course of his career, from 1844-1898, Johnson built 800 organs. Johnson's organs were particularly revered for their "excellent balance, splendid dignity, and beautiful voicing". Unfortunately, many of the Johnson organs perished in church fires or electrical accidents over the years. This particular piece was professionally restored in 2021 by organ builders Messrs. Czelusniak et Dugal, of Northampton, Massachusetts, and operates today as one of the oldest-working hand-pumped organs in the United States. Two stained glass windows were installed in 1858 and in 1891, and the famous bell atop the belltower was purchased and delivered by Meneely & Co. Bell Company from West Troy, NY — hoisted into position by horse carriage.

In 1972, the Old Stone Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and soon after underwent a major renovation effort that saved it from deterioration.