The Legacy Behind Our Name

Bishop James Varick

Bishop James Varick (1750–1827) was a pioneering spiritual leader, abolition advocate, and the founding bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion). Born near Newburgh, New York, Varick dedicated his life to creating spaces where African Americans could worship freely, learn, organize, and build strong communities during a time of profound racial injustice.

After becoming a respected lay preacher in New York City, Varick helped establish Mother Zion Church, the first Black led Methodist congregation in the city. In 1821, he was elected the first bishop of the AME Zion Church, a denomination later known as The Freedom Church for its unwavering commitment to liberation, education, and human dignity.

Varick’s leadership extended beyond the pulpit. He championed literacy, economic stability, and community uplift — believing that strong families and strong neighborhoods were essential to spiritual and social freedom. His influence shaped generations of Black life in New York, including the Hudson Valley region where he was born.

Varick Homes in Newburgh, New York, was named in his honor, reflecting the same spirit of empowerment and community care that defined his ministry. While the property itself was not built by Bishop Varick, it stands firmly within the legacy of the church he helped establish — a legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and the belief that every person deserves a safe and dignified place to call home.

Today, the community is known as Varick Peterson Homes, renamed to honor Richard Peterson after his passing, while still carrying forward Bishop Varick’s foundational vision: a community strengthened by hope, uplifted by service, and grounded in the belief that we rise when we build together.

Richard Frank "Dickie" Peterson Jr.

Richard Frank "Dickie" Peterson Jr, 1944-2016, was a Newburgh businessman, artist, sportsman, and community friend. A graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, Dickie attended St. Augustine College and went on to law school at North Carolina Central University in Dunham, NC, SUNY, Old Westbury, NY and the Quality Institute of Detroit, MI. He married Hattie Mae Carter Peterson in 1969 and moved back to Newburgh, NY where he worked for All State Insurance for over 30 years.

Dickie dedicated his life to serving the city of Newburgh in many capacities including the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Strategic Planning Committee and the Community Redevelopment Planning Committee. He was Deputy Mayor of the city and at one time Chairman of the Community Block Grant. In recent years, he headed the "colored" Cemetery Planning Committee for the archaeological study of the re-internment of the skeletal remains uncovered in the renovation of the City Court House. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, served as Vice President and was named Man of the Year. He took the helm at Varick Homes HDFC when it was in crisis in 1992. He turned the properties around to be debt free by 2012, the first African-America owned HUD property in NY State to hold that distinction, and he maintained an inspection score of 90%.

Mr. Peterson was dedicated to the youth of Newburgh, contributing leadership to the Tennis League, Pop Warner and the Hook Incorporated Boxing Club among others. He was a key member of many sports teams including the Road Runners Men's Softball team.

Dickie was a Mason Shriner, and Past President Emeritus of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Kappa Epsilon Lambda chapter, where he was a charter member for more than 50 years. He strived to be a model to the minority community through his business which included Peterson Insurance and Investments, Peterson Half Court Bar and Grill, Owner/Operator ALLSTATE Neighborhood Sales Office, Southern Comfort Soul Food Restaurant and Catering and Dickie's Quick Stop Wine and Liquor Store.

In recognition of Mr. Peterson's outstanding service to the Newburgh Community, we are dedicating and naming Second Street from Montgomery to Colden, and Colden from Second to the River Road in his honor as "Richard F. 'Dickie' Peterson Way".