USA > New York > Otsego County > Cooperstown > Historic records of Christ Church, Cooperstown, N.Y. > Part 1
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Gc 974.702 C73k 1853319
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01147 9687
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/historicrecordso00kees
Historic Records
of
Christ Church,
Cooperstown, N. A. 134-99 1
Compiled and Edited by 6. Comcroy dicesC. 49435
THE
.WDERRY
1
1853319
D 23512 .4
Keese, George Pomeroy, 1828- Historie records of Christ church, Cooperstown. . Comp. and ed. by G. Pomeroy Kerse. Come .. N. Y., S. M. Shaw & co., printers, 1995, 2 p. 1., [31-53, thi p, 1 1 5 pl. 19gmm.
CHELF CARU
154426
Library of Congress O
D) 2 0512.4
S. M. SHAW & CO., PRINTERS, COOPERSTOWN, N. Y.
154426
1811 -- 18999
Historic Records of Church hrist
Cooperstown R
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CHRIST CHURCH. 1899.
Officers of the Church. 1899.
RICHMOND SHREVE, D. D., Rector.
WARDENS :
HORACE M. HOOKER, WILSON T. BASSETT.
VESTRYMEN :
G. POMEROY KEESE, CHARLES J. TUTTLE,
WILLIAM H. MERCHANT,
WILLIAM CONSTABLE,
LEE B. CRUTTENDEN, LYNN J. ARNOLD,
R. HEBER WHITE, HENRY D. SILL.
LEE B. CRUTTENDEN, Clerk. WILLIAM H. MERCHANT, Treasurer. WILLARD D. JOHNSON, Supt. of Sunday School. MISS L. BLANCHE ROOT, Organist. HERBERT H. COMBS, Choirmaster. DELOS VAN NORT, Sexton.
NOTE .- Names are given in the order of service.
Historic Record of Christ Church, Cooperstown.
Mr. Fenimore Cooper, in his Preface to the "Chronicles of Cooperstown," opens with the words : "It is always desirable to possess authentic annals." ·
Recognizing this fact, and with a view of gathering under one cover the somewhat fragmentary records which now exist of the Parish of Christ Church, the writer has undertaken this compilation.
Forty-five years ago, the then Rector, Rev. S. H. Battin, performed this task, taking the history from the first recorded service of the church in the village, down to the year 1853. These records are probably as complete and full as it is possible to make them, and they are herewith used entire, barring a few verbal alterations.
In the year 1797 the Rev. Thomas Ellison of Albany preached in the Court House. This was the first time divine service, according to the rites of the Episcopal Church, was performed in this place.
Mr. Cooper, in his "Chronicles of Cooperstown," says : "On the 10th day of September. 1800, the eldest daughter of Judge Cooper was killed by a fall from a horse. Her funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Daniel Nash, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and she was interred according to the rites of that church, which were now performed for the first time in this village. Mr. Nash, since so well known in his own church for his apostolic simplicity, under the name of Father Nash, was then a missionary in the county. From this time he began to extend his services to Cooperstown, and on the first day of Jan- uary, 1811, a church was legally organized under the title of Christ Church. On the same day Mr. Nash was chosen Rector,
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which office, through the delicacy of the clergyman who suc- ceeded him in its duties, he informally held down to the day of his death in 1836." Mr. Nash organized nearly, if not quite, all the Parishes in the county.
About the year 1806 the ground now owned and occupied by the Episcopalians, and also that owned and occupied by the Presbyterians, was given to them by Judge William Cooper. Already several persons had been interred in the Episcopal ground. "The oldest tomb," says Miss Susan Fenimore Cooper in her Rural Hours, "belonging to the good people of this little town lies within the bounds of the Episcopal church-yard, and bears the date of 1792. It was that of a child. Close at hand is another stone bearing date two years later, and marking the grave of the first adult who fell among the little band of colonists. At the time these graves were dug the spot was in a wild condition, upon the border of the forest, the woods having been only partially cut away. In a few years other members of the little community died, at intervals, and they were also buried here, until the spot had gradually taken its present char- acter of a burying ground. The rubbish was cleared away, place was made for those who must follow, and ere many years had passed the brick walls of a little church rose within the en- closure and were consecrated to the worship of the Almighty by the venerable Bishop Benjamin Moore, on the Sth day of July, 1810.
"Thus this piece of ground was set apart for its solemn pur- poses while shaded by the woods, and before it had been appro- priated to common uses ; the soil was first broken by the spade of the grave-digger, and Death is the only reaper who has gathered his harvest here.
"The greater number of the trees now in the ground are pines, and a more fitting one than the white pine of America, for a Christian church-yard, could scarcely be named. With all the gravity and unchanging character of an evergreen, it has not the dull gloom of the cypress or the yew ; its growth is noble, and more than any other variety of the tribe it holds murmuring communion with the mysterious winds, waving in
CHRIST CHURCH, 1815-1840.
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tones of subdued melancholy over the humble graves at its feet."
After the foundation of the present brick edifice was laid, and the walls had advanced to their proper height, the work came to a stop for the want of pecuniary resources, and for a year or two stood unenclosed. As late as May, 1815, at a meet- ing of the Vestry, the following resolutions were passed :
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draw up and circulate a sub- scription paper, for the purpose of completing the church, painting the steeple, &c.
Resolved, That a committee be also appointed to obtain pecuniary assistance for the above purpose from Trinity Church, New York City."
The Corporation of Trinity Church had previously, in 1806, donated $1,500 to aid in erecting the church, and as this is the only gift to this congregation mentioned by Rev. Dr. Berrian in his list of Trinity Church grants, the above application was probably unsuccessful.
At the meeting in January, 1811, for the purpose of legally organizing the Parish, the Rev. Daniel Nash was called to the chair, and Mr. Isaac Cooper was chosen Clerk. Messrs. Daniel Johnson of Fly Creek and Orlo Allen of this village were elected the first Wardens, and
Isaac Cooper,
Elijah H. Metcalf,
Richard Davidson, Calvin Comstock,
Ira Starr, Asael Jarvis,
John F. Ernst,
Wm. T. Latin,
were chosen the first Vestrymen of the Parish.
In IS12 John F. Ernst and Asael Jarvis were chosen War- dens. Mr. Isaac Cooper represented the Parish in the Diocesan Convention. The Rector, Mr. Nash, was also present, and re- ported 100 communicants in the county, and 1044 baptisms in the two previous years.
In 1813 the same gentlemen were re-elected Wardens. There was no representation in the Convention, and no report.
In 1814 the same Wardens were chosen. Mr. Nash attend- ed the Convention, and was styled the "Rector of the Episcopal Churches in Otsego County." There was no report.
In 1815 John F. Ernst and Bartlett Rogers were duly
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elected Wardens. This year great efforts were made to finish the church building, and pay all the debts incurred. Mr. James F. Cooper was the delegate to the Convention. No report.
In 1816 the same Wardens were continued in office. The Vestry resolved to have a "Common Seal." Rev. Mr. Nash at- tended the Convention. He reports that he has twice visited Cherry Valley, and that the number of communicants in Christ Church, Cooperstown, St. John's, Exeter, and St. Luke's, Rich- field, is 110. Baptisms for the two years past, 67.
In 1817 Daniel Johnson and Bartlett Rogers were elected Wardens. There was no representation in Convention. Mr. Nash reports that his duties have been intermitted for several months, in consequence of having been thrown from a carriage. He had preached in Westford, Cherry Valley and Milford. Communicants in the county, 120. Baptisms, 35.
An important meeting of the Vestry seems to have been held in August of this year, and as it gives the condition of the parish at this time, a copy from the minutes is herewith insert" ed entire : There were present Rev. Daniel Nash, Rector, and of the Vestry, James Hawks, John H. Prentiss, Samuel Cooper, Bartlett Rogers and Isaac Cooper.
"When, after much friendly conversation and many obser- vations respecting the general welfare of the church, and the pecuniary situation of the Reverend and worthy Rector, it was understood that all previous services were settled for and done away. But still, as the Vestry had a high sense of past ser- vices, they were willing, as far as in them lie, to reward accord- ingly, as may be perceived by the following. There being a sufficient number present to forin a Vestry, it was called :
Resolved, That the Vestry of Christ Church pay to the Rev. Daniel Nash. for his services in said church every other Sunday, from Ist of August, 1817, 10 31st of July, 1818, two hundred and fifty dollars.
A request being made to Rev. Mr. Nash if this sum would answer his expectations, he replied that he would willingly ac- cept the same. There being a prospect of some surplusage, the following was passed :
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Resolved, That after paying the few incidental expenses attending the church for said year, the remainder of the balance of the sale of the pews be paid to Rev. Daniel Nash for past services.
Attest-I. COOPER, Clerk."
In 1818 John F. Ernst and Bartlett Rogers were chosen Wardens, and James Hawks, John H. Prentiss, George Morell, F. Stranahan, Ira Starr, Reuben Comstock, Daniel Johnson, William Higby, Vestrymen. There was no representation. Mr. Nash reports he had preached in Oneida, Chenango and Otsego Counties, and was received everywhere with affection ; a large number had been added to the church in New Berlin, and he had baptized in the three counties, in all, 100. In Coop- erstown, baptisms 29. He also sent a communication to the Vestry, "manifesting his intention to resign the Rectorship of Christ Church, and Mr. F. T. Tiffany was appointed, at the re- quest of the Vestry, by Bishop Hobart, to be a lay-reader for the congregation."
In 1819 the same Wardens were continued in office. There was no representation in Convention. Mr. Nash reports 2 ser- mons in Cooperstown, and 5 baptisms ; 10 baptisms in Hartwick.
In 1820 Messrs. Ernst and Rogers were again re-elected. On the 21st of April, in St. John's Chapel, N. Y., Mr. Tiffany was admitted to the diaconate by Bishop Hobart, and in June following was called by the Vestry to take pastoral charge of this church. Rev. Mr. Tiffany was present at Convention, held as usual in New York city in October, and reported : baptisms 15, deaths 5, marriages 3, 6 added to communion, whole num- ber 60 ; and Mr. Nash one Sunday in Cooperstown, probably to administer the Holy Communion. 1
In 1821 Messrs. Ernst and Rogers were chosen Wardens. Mr. Tiffany attended the Convention and reported : Baptisms 12, marriages 5, deaths 4, communicants 60. He had preached in Westford twice, Fly Creek 7 times, Hartwick 3, Springfield 2, and Middlefield twice.
In 1822 John F. Ernst and Bartlett Rogers were elected Wardens, and Joseph D. Husbands, J. R. M. Miller, George Morrell, F. Stranahan, W. H. Averell, Miles Comstock, Miles
... S . -
Benjamin, Dwight Jarvis, Vestrymen. Mr. Tiffany was at the Convention and reported : Baptisms 12, marriages 5. deaths 12, communicants 69. Messrs. Wm. H. Averell and J. D. I!us- bands were delegates to the Diocesan Convention. The follow- ing preamble and resolution were passed by the Vestry :
Whereas, The Rev. Dr. Thomas II. Orderson, of Christ Church, Island of Barbadoes, has for nearly two years past gratuitously officiated in this Parish, and in other places in this vicinity, whenever the Rev. Mr. Tiffany was absent ; and, Whereas, he is about to return to his own church and people, therefore
Resolved, unanimously, That a clerical gown be procured and presented to the Rev. Doctor, as a token of their gratitude for his services, and their respect and veneration for his character.
In 1823 the Wardens were the same as in the previous year Mr. Tiffany was at the Convention, and reported himself as missionary at Cooperstown, Cherry Valley and parts adjacent. In Cooperstown, baptisms 2, deaths 3. marriages 12, communi- cants 70, collections $7.00; that his stated Sunday services were divided between Cooperstown and Cherry Valley. In both these places the congregation had gradually increased in num- bers, in attachment to the Church and, he trusts, in love to God and man. In Cherry Valley, 4 baptisins, I death, 17 communi- cants. He had preached in Burlington once ; Westford once, and baptized one; Fly Creek twice; Springfield twice, and had distributed Bibles and Prayer Books.
In 1824, Messrs. Bartlett Rogers and Ezra Williams were chosen Wardens. Mr. Tiffany attended the Convention and reports himself as officiating two-thirds of the year in Coopers- town, and one-third in Cherry Valley. Prospects at both places very encouraging. In Cooperstown, baptisms 10; deaths 6 ; marriages 8 ; communicants 73; contributed to the Bible and Prayer Book Society of Central New York, $54. 50, and $5 to the Diocesan fund. In Cherry Valley, communicants IS. He had preached in Springfield, Le Roy, Burlington and Richfield, each twice, Westford once ; on Hartwick Hill three times; in Fly Creek six times ; Worcester once.
In 1825, Messrs. Bartlett Rogers and Ezra Eaton were chosen Wardens. The Vestry passed a resolution requesting Rev. F. T. Tiffany to officiate in Christ Church, the whole time
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for the remainder of the year. Mr. Tiffany was in the Conven- tion. He reports Cherry Valley not so flourishing-no prospect of obtaining a church building there. Mr. Nash administered the Holy Communion once during the year in Cooperstown. The congregation was respectable in point of numbers, and ap- peared to be gradually rising superior to those difficulties which had heretofore embarrassed every effort to promote its prosper- ity. He had preached six times in Fly Creek, three in Mil- ford, four in Hartwick, seven in Springfield, and once in West- ford. Collections amounted to $11.00.
In 1826, Messrs. Ezra Eaton and Anson Higby were elected Wardens. Mr. Tiffany attended the annual Convention, and re- ported that he officiates all the time in Cooperstown, according to the expressed wish of the congregation. In this year this Parish ceased to be a missionary station. Mr. Nash preached here once during the year, probably to administer the Holy Communion. The congregation in Cherry Valley had suffered greatly by deaths and removals. Providence had smiled upon his efforts made to promote the prosperity of the Church in Cooperstown. The congregation had gone on increasing in numbers and attachment to the Church, and in piety. Sickness in his family had limited his missionary labors. Baptisms 6: deaths 14; marriages 8 ; communicants 75. He had preached three times in Springfield, three in Westford, six in Fly Creek. two in Milford, two in Hartwick, two in Cherry Valley. Col- lections $6, to Diocesan fund. Considerable repairs were made on the Church.
In 1827 the same gentlemen were re-elected Wardens Mr. Tiffany, still a Deacon, attended the Convention. Mr. Nash spent one Sunday in Cooperstown. Baptisms 2 ; marriages 9; deaths 15; communicants 75. Collections $16.
In 1828, Messrs. Eaton and Higby were again chosen War- dens. Mr. Tiffany, now a Presbyter, was present in Convention. He reports, baptisms 2; deaths 5; marriages 12; communi- cants 77. Collections $26.
In 1829, the same Wardens. No representation. No re- port. No collections.
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In 1830, Mr. Tiffany attended the Convention. Messrs. Ira Starr and Ezra Eaton were chosen Wardens. No report. No collections.
In 1831, Messrs. Anson Higby and George Pomeroy were elected Wardens. No representation ; no report ; no collection. The following resolution was passed in January of this year :
Resolved, That we will purchase the Corner lot adjoining the Church-yard, for a Parsonage.
The lot was bought, and the Rectory built, at a cost of $1,200.
In 1832 Messrs. Higby and Pomeroy were elected Wardens. They were continued in this office down to Easter Tuesday. 1839-eight years successively. There was no representation in the Convention. This Parish had again become a mission- ary station. Mr. Tiffany reports that he had officiated twice cach Sunday in Cooperstown, and preached alternately a third discourse in Cherry Valley and Fly Creek. In Cherry Valley there seemed to be a gradually increasing attachment to the doctrines and worship of the Church. He had preached in Exeter five times, Springfield five, Middlefield four, Westford four, LeRoy one, Hartwick Hill five, and Milford twice. Bap- tisms, & adults, 8 infants; marriages 9; deaths 13: confirmed 31 ; added to the communion 32 ; removed 7 ; whole number of communicants 59. Owing to the pecuniary embarrassment under which the Parish had been laboring, no collections had been made.
In 1833, Mr. Tiffany was in the annual Convention, and re- ported, baptisms 13; marriages 16; deaths 6; communicants 58. He had in addition to his labors in Cooperstown, preached al- ternately a third discourse in Cherry Valley and Fly Creek, three times in Gilbertsville and baptized two, and once in Onconta.
In 1834, no representation in Convention. Mr. Tiffany re- ports the Church in Cooperstown has had regular services with two or three exceptions. He had preached six times in Fly Creek, twelve in Westford, three in Springfield, once in Onconta.
. .. ... II
Baptisms 12; deaths 15; communicants 57. Collections for the General Theological Seminary $40; Bible and Prayer Book Society Sto; Tract Society Sto; Missionary Society Șio; total $70.00.
In 1835 Mr. Tiffany was present in Convention, and Messrs. James F. Cooper and Richard Cooper were delegates, and rep- resented this Parish. He reported baptisms 8; confirmed 10; marriages 9; deaths 14; 10 added to communion. Total 68. Collections $80.
In 1836 there was no representation and no report. The following communication appears in the proceedings of the Vestry :
"The Vestry, in consequence of the ill health of their Pastor, being appre- hensive that a continuance of his pastoral labors may not only prove seriously injurious to his future health, but detrimental to the welfare of the Church, take pleasure in communicating to Mr. Tiffany, that it will meet the entire approba- tion of the Vestry, that he remit his labors during the cold season so far as to have but one service instead of two, on each Lord's day."
In 1837 there was no representation and no report. "At a meeting of the Vestry of Christ Church, Cooperstown, Dec. 7th, 1837, it was unanimously resolved, in consequence of the severe illness of our esteemed Pastor, the Rev. John Scovil be invited to fill the pulpit for the space of three months."
In 1838 Mr. Tiffany was present in Convention, and Messrs. J. Fenimore Cooper and E. D. Richardson attended as dele- gates. This Parish is no longer included among the "mission- ary stations." Mr. Tiffany reports that in consequence of ill health he had been able to officiate but once since October Ist, 1837. That the pulpit had been supplied three months by Rev. John Scovil, three months by Rev. Isaac Swart, four Sundays by Rev. Orsamus Smith, three Sundays by Rev. Mr. Ransom, two by Rev. Mr. Campbell of Richfield, one by Kev. Mr. Hollis, one by Rev. Mr. Hughes. Baptisms 15; marriages 1 ; deaths 2; 16 added to communion ; whole number 88; 25 confirmed.
In 1839 Mr. Tiffany represented the Parish in the Diocesan Convention. There was no report handed in to the Bishop.
The following resolution appears in the "Minutes of the Vestry :"
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"Resolved, That the Wardens and Vestry do gratefully accept of the Silver Communion Service, to wit: The Flagon presented by "The Young Ladies Society," the two Chalices, by Mrs. Aun Williams, the Paten and two Offertory Pintes, by Mrs. C. A. Nelson, Mrs. E. F. Beall, and Mrs. G. Keese, in trust for the sole use of said Church, and that the Rector communicate to the Donors severally, a copy of this resolution, together with our thanks for their pious and liberal gifts."
The Wardens elected this year were Messrs. Geo. Pomeroy and John Russell. Also on the 12th of May, "It was unani- mously resolved, that the Rev. F. T. Tiffany, present Minister of the Parish, be and he is hereby chosen Rector of Christ Church. The Bishop of the Diocese was notified of this choice.
In 1840 Messrs. Pomeroy and Russell were again elected Wardens. Rev. Mr. Tiffany and E. D. Richardson attended the Convention. The Rector reported : Baptisms 8; deaths 14; marriages 1 ; confirmed 9; communicants received, 8; present number 95. Holy Communion administered four times ; chil- dren catechised every other Sunday; Sunday scholars forty ; teachers, ten ; collections $41.
In the summer of this year extensive additions and altera- tions were made in the Church building, at a cost of about $3,000. The rear wall was removed and a stone chancel erected. A screen of oak formed the west end and separated the body of the Church from the robing-room. In front of this was the prayer desk, with the pulpit above, which was entered from stairs in the rear. The design for this screen was procured from the church in Johnstown, Fulton County. Mr. Fenimore Cooper was much interested in its construction, and the cost. about $300, was his contribution toward the improvements made at that time. In addition to this, the entire woodwork of the interior of the building was replaced by native oak, the semi-circular gallery removed, and the brackets, which support the roof, took the place of the tall white columns. The old round topped windows were narrowed and changed to the gothic style with pointed arches. New carpets and chancel furniture completed the improvements.
In 1841 Messrs. Pomeroy and Russell were again chosen Wardens. Mr. Russell was a delegate to the Convention. There was no report.
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CHRIST CHURCH, INTERIOR, 1811 -- 1840.
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In 1842 the same Wardens were chosen. Mr. Tiffany attended. the annual Convention, and reported : Baptisms 6: marriages 8; deaths 9; communicants 88 ; collections $35. At a meeting of the Vestry, it was resolved that its thanks be pre- sented to Mr. Theodore Keese for a handsome marble Font, given by him to the Church. Also that similar acknowledge- ment be made to Mr. Elijah H. Metcalf for his gift of two oak chairs for the Chancel of the Church.
In 1843 there was no change in the Wardens. Messrs. Tiffany and J. Fenimore Cooper represented this Church in the Convention. The Rector reported : Baptisms 10 ; marriages 5; confirmed 23; deaths 5 ; 19 communicants added during the last year ; total 88. Rector absent five months by sickness, during which time Rev. Dr. Bush of Oxford, had charge of the congregation. Collections $28.
In 1844 Messrs. Pomeroy and Anson Higby were chosen Wardens. Mr. Tiffany was present in the Convention. He re- ported : Baptisms 8; marriages 11 ; deaths 4; communicants 89. Holy Communion administered on the first Sunday in each month. Collections $70. The Sunday scholars catechised openly in the Church once a month.
In 1845 Messrs. Pomeroy and Higby were re-elected War- dens. On the 12th of May, Rev. Mr. Tiffany resigned the Rectorship of the Parish. Messrs. Judge Samuel Nelson and J. Fenimore Cooper were elected delegates to the Convention.
The minutes of the Vestry record the following resolution :
"Resolved, That the thanks of the Vestry be communicated to the Ladies of the Congregation, for the Scarf and Surplice, which they generously presented for the use of the minister."
The ministry of the Rev. Alfred B. Beach commenced July 13th of this year. Collections $30. From this time no reports were required or published in the Convention Journals, in con- sequence of the suspension of the Bishop of the Diocese.
In 1846 Rev. Mr. Beach and Mr. Theodore Keese repre- sented the Parish in Convention. Messrs. Geo. Pomeroy and Thomas McIntosh were elected Wardens. At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestrymen held on the 23d of April it was Re-
.
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solved, That Messrs. Henry Scott and J. Fenimore Cooper be a committee to see that the debts of the Church be paid. Col- lections $43.
In 1847 Rev. Mr. Beach and Messrs. Theo. Keese and J. F. Cooper were delegates to the Convention. Collections $7.50 to the Diocesan fund. Messrs. Henry Scott and Henry Miller were chosen Wardens. Considerable repairs and improvements were made in the interior of the Church and Rectory at a cost of $700.
In 1848 the same gentlemen were again chosen Wardens. There was no representation and no report. Rev. Mr. Beach resigned the ministry of this Parish, Oct. 22d of this year. In the three years and three months he officiated as its minister, there were, baptized 29; buried 27 ; married 14; confirmed 6; added to communion 11, and received 3. Total, 14.
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