USA > New York > Onondaga County > Pompey > Addresses delivered at the centennial anniversary of the First Congregrational Church, Pompey, N. Y. June 21st-23rd, 1896 : together with a historical sketch of the church > Part 1
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Gc 974.702 P77a 1771707
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02210 5891
ADDRESSES
Delivered at the
Centennial :-: Anniversary
of the
First Congregational Church.
Pompey, N. Y.,
June 21st-23d, 1896.
Together with a historical sketch of the church.
Cazenovia, N. Y. J. A. LOYSTER, 1896. 647
1771707
-
First Congregational Church, Pompey, N. Y.
To the memory of the fathers and mothers of this household of faith this volume is affection- ately dedicated.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
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PREFACE.
T was with some misgivings that the task was under- taken of putting the following addresses in- to a compact and permanent form and yet it has been by no means an unpleasant one. To all those who were permitted to be present and share in the glad occas- sion this volume will be received with double interest; and to those who were denied that privilège it is hoped . that these messages from the old church may in a meas- ure atone for the loss and find a warm welcome in every heart and home. It is to be regretted that some of the in- formal addresses were not preserved in form ,so that they might find a permanent place in this volume; but as no stenographer was present to render that service, it may not be improper to refer to them in this connection. Rev. W. W. Cole and Hon. Frank Hiscock who had parts assign- ed to them on the program were unable to be present. The address given by the Rev. Nathan Bosworth, a form- er pastor, was not written, hence no report of it appears in the book. It consisted largely of reminiscences concern_ ing the work of Mr. Bosworth since he left this field of labor. Among the neighboring pastors who brought words of greeting were Rev. Edward W. Miller, Prof. of
iv
PREFACE.
Church History in Auburn Theological Seminary, Rev. Chas. Maar, of the Second Dutch Reformed Church, Syracuse, and Rev. H. Grant Person, of the Presbyter- ian Church, Chittenango, all of whom gave interesting addresses. In the preparation of the historical sketch of the church I desire to acknowledge my great indebted- ness to the Rev. J. Petrie for the privilege of quoting from his admirable sermon delivered July 2, 1876, cov- ering as it does so fully the history of the church to that date. There are many little incidents and observations which might be inserted to swell the proportions of this volume, but the aim is to present the discourses substan- tially in the order in which they were delivered, and with this object in view this little book is sent forth on its mission. J. C. B.
POMPEY, N. Y.,
September 1, 1896.
History of the First Congregational Church,
Pompey, N. Y.
The history of a church like that of a nation is largely the history of individuals, and the history of this church has been no exception to the general rule. While it is true that great doctrines lay at the foundation upon which the Christian church is builded, it is equally true that the poteney of those great principles is made evident by the life and activity of the members of the church of Jesus Christ. The early history of the community and that of this church is one.
* The earliest of the settlers in the present town of Pompey was Ebenezer Butler, who came early in the spring of 1792, followed by Jesse Butler and others the same year. So rapidly did the settlers come in this and the suc- ceeding year, that the Town of Pompey was organized in 1794, about two years after the arrival of the first family. It is stated in Clark's Reminiscences of Onondaga that "the First Presbyterian Society of the Town of Pompey," by which he means this society "was organized June 16th, 1794, and that Moses De Witt, Ozias Burr and Ebe-
* Extract from a sermon delivered by the Rev. J. Petrie July 2110, 1876.
2
POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
nezer Butler were its first trustees. He also states that this was the first religious society organized on the Mili- tary Tract, embracing a part of two or more contiguous counties. `At the time of Mr. Clark's writing some of the first settlers were still living from whom he might verify his statements. I have no means of knowing whether lis statement is correct, but I am assured from the records that our church (the first Congregational Church in Pompey ) was organized October 19th, 1796, by Rev. Ammi R. Robins, pastor of the church in Norfolk, Connecticut. The church was originally composed of twenty-two members, as follows:
Ebenezer Butler,
Desire Butler,
Daniel McKeyes,
Dorathy Butler,
Moses Lilly,
Molly Jerome,
James Olcutt,
Lucy Cook,
Benjamin Butler, Truelove Cook,
Joseph Shattuck,
Amarilla Jerome,
Ichabod Lathrop,
Lucy Jerome,
John Jerome,
Susanna Carrol,
Selah Cook,
Hannah Griffes,
True Worthy Cook,
Zeruialı Catlin,
Levi Jerome,
Louisa Butler.
In 1797, three persons were received on examination, but there is no record of the officiating minister. In July, 1798, we have the name of Rev. Mr. Hallier, and in Oc- tober, the name of Rev. Mr. Williston administering the ordinances of the church. "July 19th, 1799, Rev. Joseph Gilbert was chosen moderator of this church while said Gilbert shall tarry with us." From this formal ac-
3
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
tion of the church it is more than probable that Rev. Mr. Gilbert was the acting pastor until the arrival of Rev. Mr. Wallis two years afterward. August 14th, 1801, we have the first record of the labors of Rev. Hugh Wallis and October 15th, 1802, he "received a unanimous call to take the pastoral charge of this church," and was in- stalled by an Ecclesiastical Council January 5th, 1803. The first association of ministers and churches on the Military Tract was organized June, 1803, December 28, 1808, Rev. Mr. Wallis asked for a dissolution of the pas- toral relation which was assented to by the church and the relation was dissolved by the Association January roth, 1809. Our only opportunity of forming an estimate of Mr. Wallis character is the brief record of the church during his ministry. From this we learn that sixteen united with the church on examination and thirty-five by letter; total fifty-one. The Association bore testimony to his fidelity as a minister of the gospel and regretted the circumstances which hindered the successful contin- uance of his ministry. For some reason in the latter part of his ministry New England and Scotland were not congenial. It was nearly four years before the church was again favored with a stated ministry, a sad privation in the early history of the church.
In October, 1810, the Presbytery of Onondaga was formed of part of the ministers and churches of Middle Association, whereby this church became a member of Presbytery on the plan of Union. The first notice of any Thanksgiving service occurs as early as November, 1805, and is probably the first observance of the day in the
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POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
history of the church. The following April there was the observance of the fast day so long customary with the churches of New England.
October 19th, 1812, Rev. Jabez Chadwick " entered into an agreement with the First Congregational Church in Pompey to perform the duties of the ministerial office statedly among them." February 9th, 1812, this church adopted in part a plan of religious instruction recom- mended by the Presbytery of Onondaga and April 17th, 1813, appointed a committee of five on catechetical in- struction, including the pastor, the three deacons of the church, viz: Levi Jerome, Ezra Hart, Ithamer Coe and Mr. Dudly Perley. The year 1813 was signalized as the most prosperous year of Mr. Chadwick's ministry and in some respects the most prosperous year in the whole his- tory of the church. It must have been a glad day to our fathers when they received seventy-one members in a single year.
December 3d, 1814, " the church met to consider the question whether the labor of collecting hay and grain on the Sabbath in a catching season is a profanation of the day. The question being discussed at very consider- able length was unanimously decided in the affirmative." Our fathers had evidently read the command, "In earing time and in harvest thou shall rest," which some of our modern professors of religion have apparently never seen. They could not find any exception if it looks likely to rain.
April 5th, 1818, Constantia Dyer with her husband, Pitt Dyer, united with this church of which she is 110W the oldest member, having united more than fifty-eight
The Church Interior.
5
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
years ago. January 3d, 1819, Rebecca Hopkins, now Mrs. Elizur Seymour, united with this church, making her the next oldest member, and July 4th of the same year we have the name of Hannah Williston, making the third on the list. There are two more female members, Mrs. Caroline Shattuck, who united July 25th, 1822, and Jane King, who united February 3d, 1826, before we come to Dr. Stearns, who united November 30th of the same year and is now the oldest living male member.
The church building in which we worship today was erected in the summer of 1817, but was not finished and dedicated until January 20th, 1819, at which time Rev. Jabez Chadwick was installed pastor of this church. For about ten years previous to the erection of this church the public services were held in the old Pompey Academy, which was erected in 1801, though not sufficiently fin- ished to be occupied under three or four years. And every loyal son of Pompey cherishes a most kindly feel- ing toward the old Academy for its blessed benefits and benedictions. September 20th, 1820, the pastoral rela- tion of Rev. Mr. Chadwick with this church was at his own request dissolved against the earnest wish of a large majority of the church and congregation. During the eight years of his ministry, the longest in the whole his- tory of the church, there were added on examination 176 and by letter twenty- six; total 202.
March 31st, 1822, the church extended a call to Mr. E. S. Barrows to become their pastor and he was ordain- ed and installed September roth of the same year. There were added to the church during the six and one-half
6
POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
years of his ministry 106 on examination and thirty-one by letter; total 137. The largest number that united in any one year was forty-six, the memorable year of 1826. Of those still living in this vicinity who united with the church during this year I notice the names of Deacon Holbrook and wife of Pompey Centre, Judge Amasa Je- rome and Deacon A. H. Wells, of Manlius, and Dr. Stearns. Mr. Barrows was an able and successful pastor and accomplished a most blessed work during his minis- try. He was dismissed October 6th, 1828.
March 22d, 1829, this church extended a call to Rev. B. B. Stockton to become their pastor. The records do not show that Mr. Stockton was ever installed nor can we ascertain the precise date of the conclusion of his labors. Mrs. Stockton was dismissed October 17th, 1831, which was probably the close of his ministry. During this period fifty-eight persons were added to the church, forty-six in 1831.
November 6th, 1832, we have the first notice of the labors of Rev. James B. Shaw, now Dr. Shaw, of Roches- ter .* For two years he served the church with great ac- ceptance and ability though at a time of peculiar trial in its history. I have frequently heard his sermons spoken of with decided interest by the older members of the church. There were received into the church during his short but most popular ministry sixty-eight persons, fifty during the memorable year of 1833.
Rev. Ethan Smith commenced his labors some time
*Dr. Shaw died a short time ago, having served the Brick Church as pastor more than forty-five years.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
during the latter part of 1834, but must have remained less than one year, for September 23d, 1835, Rev. Jolin Gridley commenced his ministry and was installed Oct. 25th, 1836, and must have been dismissed by December, 1837, as at that date his wife received a letter of dismis- sion to Oswego. There was no revival of religion during his ministry, but additions from time to time indicating at least ordinary success. December 29th, 1837, Rev. Asa Rand commenced his ministry and remained about four years. During his ministry twenty-five were received on examination and fourteen by letter; total thirty-nine.
Rev. Mr. Wheelock succeeded Mr. Rand in the spring of 1842, and remained at least two years. His name is only mentioned once, incidentally, in the work of the church, and we have no means of forming any proper es- timate of his character. There were only few additions to the church during the period of his ministry and these were mostly by letter. February 26th, 1845, Rev. Clin- ton Clark was ordained and installed pastor of this church. Mr. Clark was an able and acceptable minister and greatly beloved by his people. It was regarded as unfortunate for this church that Presbytery dissolved the pastoral re- lation December 26th, 1847, to secure his services as prin- cipal of Onondaga Academy against the united and unan- imous remonstrance of the church. It was considered an arbitrary exercise of authority which the circumstances did not justify.
November 5th, 1848, we find the first notice of the la- bors of Rev. S. P. M. Hastings. The years of his minis- try were eminently years of prosperity. Genial and ac-
8
POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
ceptable as a pastor he went in and out among the peo- ple with joy and gladness, leading them in green pastures and beside the still waters. During the six years and ten months of his ministry there were added to the church on examination sixty-nine, by letter twenty-nine; total ninety-eight. He was, at his own request, dismissed November 26, 1895. Mr. Hastings had a very happy faculty to interest the young men of his congregation, and perhaps no pastor in the whole history of the church gathered in a larger class of young men of ability who have gone forth an honor to this community and to the cause of Christ. Among those who united with the church during his labors and have since entered the min- istry of our own church we may mention with just pride the name of the Rev. Hiram C. Hayden, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, Ohio, and of Rev. Delos E. Wells,* of Aurora, Ill., one of the promis- ing and rising men of the west, and Rev. Carlos Swift, an honored minister in the Baptist Church. This useful pastor has lately entered into rest. Rev. E. P. Smith succeeded Mr. Hastings, but only remained six months. He left the reputation of a godly and earnest minister. He was for several years commissioner among the Indians and afterwards'elected president of Howard University, which position he held at the time of his death, a few months since.
July 6th, 1856, we have the first record of the labors of Rev. A. A. Graley, whose ministry continued six years.
*Rev. Delos Wells died recently at his home in Minneapolis, Minu.
9
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Though not of a robust constitution he was a vigorous thinker and an acceptable preacher. Many of his leisure moments were devoted to the service of song, leading to the composition of sacred music of real excellence and de- served popularity. There were added to the church during liis ministry fourteen on examination and nine by letter ; total twenty-three.
November Ist, 1862, Rev. J. H. Moran commenced his labors for the term of one year. No additions are record- ed during his ministry.
February 21st, 1864, Rev. Nathan Bosworth commenc- ed his ministry. He was my classmate in Auburn Sem- inary and I bear cheerful testimony to his fidelity, earn- estness and devotion as a minister of the gospel. There were added to the church, during the two years and two months of his ministry, forty-four on examination and nine by letter; total fifty-three. Mr. Bosworth will long be held in grateful remembrance for his devotion to his work. He has left a good record and gathered many stars in the crown of his rejoicing. He closed his labors April 22d, 1866.
October 1, 1866, Rev. R. S. Eggleston commenced his ministerial work. He was genial and pleasant in all his intercourse and cordially welcomed by the whole congre- gation. He was sunny-side in all his student life at Au- burn and in all his pastoral work. Mr. Eggleston was uniformly acceptable to the congregation and would glad- ly have been retained as their pastor. He closed his lab- ors October Ist, 1868.
April 9th, 1870, Rev. Alvin Cooper commenced his labors
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POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
and continued until August Ist, 1871. He was the first installed pastor since the dismission of Rev. Clinton Clark. It was during his ministry that the church voted to be- come Presbyterian in its form of government which not proving satisfactory, was reconsidered, leaving the organ- ization the same as before. Whether the church made any mistake in this reconsideration, time alone must de- termine. The history of the two systemis of goverment especially in the light of recent developements, presents most striking comparisons which are worthy of careful consideration.
February 15th, 1872, Rev. J. Petrie, your present pas- tor, commenced his labors among you. Well do I re- member the cold and bitter storm which soon followed with the thermometer twenty degrees below zero; but even in Pompey winters do have an end, followed by the most delightful and enjoyable of summers. Well do I also re- member the pleasant season of religious interest which cheered the beginning of my ministry, and which brought forth most pleasant and happy fruits. And now, after more than four years' experience, I have reason to be grateful for the uniform kindness and cordiality with which I have been received among you. Deeply as I am conscious of my own imperfections, I can yet say that I have most earnestly desired to do my Master's will and most earnestly desired to guide you in the way of life. There have been added to the church during my ministry, twenty-five on examination and nine by letter, total thirty-four. I can only regret that' a much larger number for whom I have most earnestly prayed, and in
II
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
whose welfare I have the deepest interest, are not united with us today.
The years of deepest interest and most signal prosperi- ty to this church, were 1813, Rev. Mr. Chadwick, pas- tor, seventy-one additions; 1826, Rev. Mr. Barrows, pas- tor, forty-eight; 1831, Rev. Mr. Stockton, pastor, forty- six; 1833, Rev. James B. Shaw, pastor, fifty; 1850, Rev. Mr. Hastings, pastor, sixty-four, and 1866, Rev. N. Bosworth, pastor, forty-five additions to the member- ship of this church. These are glad results to chronicle, and as they gave joy to the angels in heaven, they also gave joy to the members of this church. It will be of interest to know that the whole number of members of this church from the beginning is 909. The deacons of the church who served the longest and will be held in most grateful remembrance are Levi Jerome, Israel Woodford, Elijah Wells, and Samuel Baker, now called to their reward, and A. H. Wells, who is still among the living, and who will share in the grateful remembrance and earnest prayers of this congregation long as life shall continue. Deacon Jerome was the early clerk of the church, and the history of its organization and its rec- ords for a number of years are in his handwriting. He was evidently an active member of the church and was frequently its delegate to Presbytery and Association. He united with this church at its organization, and de- parted this life June 1th, 1838, and was seventy-seven years old on the day of his death. He was a deacon of this church nearly thirty-nine years, though in the clos- ing years of his life not in active service.
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POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
Daniel Dunham, the colleague of Levi Jerome, united with this church, July 12th, 1799, by letter, from the second church, in Lebanon, Conn. As he is called dea- con in the record of his admission, it is fair to presume that he held the office previous to his removal here. He was elected deacon of this church December 27tl1, 1799, and probably dismissed some time between 1809 and 1812 as his name does not appear on the records subsequent to this date. He seems to have been of a retiring disposi- tion, and was not like his colleague, prominent in the affairs of the church.
Ithamer Coe united with this church by letter April Ist, 1803, from what was then called the church in Clin- ton settlement, now the beautiful village of Clinton. There is no record of the time of his election, but May 8th, 1805, his name is recorded deacon. He was an active member of the church, and his name frequently appears as its delegate. He was dismissed by letter to the church in Volney, March 9th, 1816.
Ezra Hart was received as a member of this church, December 29th, 1799, but the record does not state whether by letter or examination. His first notice as deacon of this church occurs January 13th, 1813. He was an active member of the church and heartily devoted to its interests; he was dismissed by letter December 31st, 1818.
Israel Woodford united with this church by letter from the church in Farmington, Conn., September 1812; he was chosen deacon of this church April 4th, 1818, and died January Ist, 1852, eighty-three years of age. In
The Church Interior.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
earnest and active piety he seems to have excelled all the officers and members of the church whose memory come s down to us to-day. There is a hallowed sweetness in his life which still sheds its fragrance, and may its godly sav- or ever remain.
Elijah Wells was born in Weathersfield, Hartford county, Conn., in 1775; removed to Pompey in 1801; united with this church on profession of his faith Febru- ary 2d, 1814; was elected deacon of this church April 4th, 1818; the colleague of Israel Woodford, and died 1830, at fifty-five years of age. He was a man of exem- plary, earnest, high-toned character, ever ready to do his duty, and meet his solemn and responsible trust.
Pliny Porter united with this church April 16th, 1817, on profession of his faith; was elected deacon July 16th, 1831, and died November Ist, 1840, at fifty-three years of age. His life was consistent with his profession.
Abraham Northrup united with this church on pro- fession of his faith January Ist, 1813; was elected deacon of this church December 22d 1834, and died No- vember 7th, 1846, at seventy-two years of age. Natur- ally shrinking and diffident he was yet a most worthy member and officer of the church. His integrity of char- acter and consistency of life worthily exemplified his profession.
Asa HI. Wells was born in Glastonbury, Conn., re- moved to Pompey, with his parents when yet a child; united with this church November 30th, 1826; was elect- ed deacon of this church December 22d, 1834, at the same time with Abraham Northrup and was acting dea-
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POMPEY CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES.
con of the church forty years. We have now passed the line between the departed and glorified and the surviv- ing officers of this church. And although removed from us, it gives us pleasure to see Deacon Wells with us today actively to participate in these memorial services. We will not suffer his presence to debar us from saying that his life has been distinguished for gentleness and forbearance in many trying circumstances, sacrificing his own feelings to promote unity and harmony without a murmur, meeting his duty as it might seem to de- volve upon him. His integrity of character and con- sistency of life have been an honor to his office. No one is more cordially welcome among us and long may his bow abide in strength.
Samuel Baker was born in East Hampton, Long Is- land; came to Pompey with his father when about thirteen years of age; united with this church November 22d, 1826; was elected deacon of this church April 26th, 1840, and died August 8th, 1874. He was a model Christian and a man of unexceptionable character in his entire de- portment. He was an unselfish man and sigularly free from the ordinary faults and failings of humanity. As I recall his life so earnestly devoted to the interests of this church and to the advancement of Christ's kingdom, I devoutly pray that many of us may imitate his spirit and emulate his life. No father could be more kind and con- siderate to his son than he has been to your pastor. The present deacons of the church, George Wells and I. L. Woodford, were elected soon after Deacon Baker's death, and may they long abide with us.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
In all the history of this church, which I have studied with the deepest interest and the greatest pleasure, I have looked in vain for a crooked deacon. This church has unquestionably been most fortunate in its officers from the very beginning. They have been men of noble character and blameless lives, men who worthily represented this church in all its interests, men who would do honor to any church in any community.
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