A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 43

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 43

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After the close of Mr. Hammond's labors only 14 members could be found. May 18, 1856, this small church invited Rev. Stewart Sheldon to preach in the Baptist church, and he became pastor May 25, 1856. July 1, 1856, a meeting was held in Metropolitan Hall (corner of Pearl and Loder streets) to re-organize as a Congregational church. Rev. Stewart Sheldon was chosen chairman, and H. M. Sheerar secretary. Of the members were present, James Dunham, Julius Hoyt, Joseph Shaut and Myron Fuller. A resolution was passed bringing into existence the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, and a constitution, articles of faith and covenant were adopted. The church then consisted of these charter members: Julius Hoyt, Myron Fuller and wife, Mrs. John Dayton, Mrs. Silas Hills, Miss Nancy Cole, Joseph Shaut and wife, Mrs. John Carpenter, Mrs. Sally Johnston, H. N. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. James Dunham, Mrs. Dwight Goodrich. The first services were held in Metropolitan Hall. The store under this hall was used as a whole- sale liquor store, and the church members could not enter their place of worship without being forcibly reminded that man had a depraved spirituous as well as a spiritual nature, and sometimes their devotion were disturbed by the devotees of Bacchus beneath them. The Free Press, edited and pub- lished by A. N. Cole, gave this small but vigorous church a compliment in one of his bright editorials thus:

The spirit above is the spirit of love, The spirit below is the spirit of woe ; The spirit above is truly divine, The spirit below-adulterated wine.

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

Services were held from April 28, 1856, until Nov. 7, 1857, in this hall. The new church went to work with faith and zeal. A lot was purchased of John Carpenter on the left bank of the Genesee river; the contract for build- ing the church let to Wm. Gifford; ground broken in May, 1857, and the church was finished and dedicated Nov. 10th of the same year. The dedi- cation sermon was preached by the pastor, Mr. Sheldon; text, "And the glory of the Lord filled the house." Mr. Sheldon remained pastor four years, preaching his farewell sermon May 6, 1860. Rev. Eusebius Hale, the next pastor, entered upon his duties Nov. 18, 1860, and remained three and one-half years. Rev. Charles Livingston succeeded him May 22, 1864. Aug. 10, 1866, Mr. Livingston was ordained an evangelist by the Genesee Valley Presbytery, then in session in this church. Nov. 14, 1867, Mr. Livingston resigned, preaching his farewell sermon Nov. 18, 1867. Rev. T. H. Quigley was the next settled pastor, serving from May 30, 1868, to April 30, 1870. Rev. E. W. Brown became pastor Aug. 20, 1870, and resigned May 7, 1873.

With the growth of the village the Congregationalists began to think they ought to have a larger, a more central and a more commodious house of worship, and October 17, 1870, a special meeting was called and this building committee appointed: Julius Hoyt, E. J. Farnum, A. Howard and Thomas Pullar. Dec. 20, 1870, a contract for the lot now occupied was made for $4,000, and the first payment of $1,000 on it was made by the ladies. In the autumn of 1871, $12,000 was subscribed, and in the spring of 1872 a con- tract was made with a Mr. Henry for the brick work. The first blow to- ward the new church was struck by workmen June 10, 1872, in demolishing an old woodshead in the rear of the Stevens' dwelling which stood where the church now stands. Excavation was commenced on the cellar June 3, 1872. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies Aug. 12, 1872, Rev. E. W. Brown, the pastor, read a poem, and Dr. Niles of Corning, preached the sermon in the Baptist church. There was placed in the cor- nerstone a box containing one copy each of these papers, pamphlets and magazines:

New York Independent, Evangelist, Christian Union, American Messenger, Sunday School World, Ad- vocate and Guardian, Golden Censer, Child at Home, Good Words, Good Cheer, Old and Young, Sunday School Times, The Nation, Harper's Weekly, Frank Leslie's Ladies' Journal, New York Times, Tribune, and World, Illustrated Zeitung, Albany Argus and Evening Times, Rochester Union and Advertiser, Buffalo Daily Courier, Elmira Daily Advertiser, and Gazette, Corning Democrat, Bath Courier. Hornellsville Times, and Tribune, Springfield Republican, Canaseraga Advertiser, Andover Advertiser, Cuba Patriot, Allegany Coun- ty Reporter, Wellsville Free Press and Democrat, Friendship Register, Scio Express, Baxter's Record (Friend- ship), Godey's Ladies' Book, Our Young Folks, Golden Rule, Golden Hours, Family Christian Almanac (1872), Report of the 7th Annual Convention New York State Teachers' Association, Home Missionary, Presbyterian Monthly Record, S. S. Paper for August 18, 1872, Foreign Missionary, Bistoury, Wood's Household Magazine, Scribner's Monthly, American Educational Monthly, Bookseller's Guide, Bible Society Record, College Advo- cate, North Pacific Railroad Business Routes, etc., 7th Annual Announcement of the Phila. College of Dentis- try, Farmers' Almanac, 1872, Illustrated Catalogue of Estey Organs, Program of S. S. Teachers' Institute held at Rushford in 1872, Dental Cosmos, American Agriculturist, 48th Annual Report of American Sunday School Union, Sunday School Journal, 1872, Sunday School Teacher, 1872, Copy of Articles of Faith and Covenant of this church, History of this church and list of members, pewholders, officers and members of Sunday School, A copy of the subscription list for the church ; also a complete set of postage stamps, fur- nished by L. D. Davis, P. M., with a characteristic letter ; Complete set of revenue stamps given by York &

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Chamberlain, Coins contributed by Hoyt & Lewis, (silver) half-dollar, quarter-dollar, dime and half-dime ; (nickel) five-cent piece and three-cent piece ; (copper) cent and half-cent ; the last was given by Murray Carl ; U. S. fractional currency by Baldwin Bros., 50, 25, 10, and 5-cent scrip ; 25-cent fractional currency (first issue) by H. B. Marion ; Pocket diary, 1875, by Arnold & Ellis ; Patent ink-eraser by Palmer & Elliott, Watch-key by Kendall Bros., Stereoscopic views of E. J. Farnum's residence, Union Schoolhouse, E. B. Hall's residence, Fassett House and Howell House ; three views of A. N. Cole's trout-ponds, six views of Nile's Hill in Alma, where the cornerstone and other stones of this church were quarried ; two views on Genesee river below Jef- ferson's dam, one view of the old bridge by J. A. Rider, one certificate of stock issued by the Cong. Sabbath School in favor of said school, 62 shares, $6.20 ; Pocket-mirror and pinholder with pins, Steel pens and pen- holder, One set of artificial teeth mounted on rubber base, by H. M. Sheerar, dentist ; Lead pencil and slate pencil, One bottle of hair oil to be sold 100 years hence for the benefit of this church, One bottle of perfume, furnished by E. B. Hall, druggist, with this sentiment : " My love for life is so strong that I would like to live forever. August 11, 1872. E. B. Hall"; A set of cut nails from the smallest tack to a heavy " double-ten," by E. B. Tuller, hardware merchant.

March 7, 1874, the church was completed at a cost (with lot) of $27,000, and March 12th it was dedicated free from debt with three dollars in the treasury. * Rev. Thomas K. Beecher preached the dedication sermon. Rev. F. W. Beecher (nephew of Thomas K.) offered the dedicatory prayer, and entered upon his duties as pastor, Sunday, March 15, 1874. He held the longest pastorate in Wellsville, 18 years and 3 months, and preached his farewell sermon June 26, 1892. Rev. Edward A. Leeper, D.D., the present pastor commenced his labors Nov. 6, 1892, and was installed Dec. 13, 1892. He was born in Princton, Ill., in 1847, graduated from Oberlin Theological Seminary in 1877, received his degree of D.D. from Amity College, Iowa, in 1889, and came to Wellsville from York, Neb.

In 1894 extensive repairs were made, consisting of an inclined elevated floor, a lowered celling of beautiful Georgia pine, new and convenient curved seats. The parlors were improved, electric lights put in and other changes made. The audience-room is now as fine as any in this section. The cost in round numbers was $2,500. The pulpit is made of black-walnut and birds-eye maple. The communion table is the handiwork of Mr. Gaede, an accomplished wood-carver of Wellsville.

First Things .- The prayermeeting was held in Metropolitan Hall, May, 25, 1856. The first Sunday school session occurred May 11, 1856, H. M. Sheerar acting superintendent. He was elected June 8th, and has filled the office the greater part of the time since. The first " collection " ($3.90) was taken July 15, 1856. First admission by letter Mrs. Sheldon, Aug. 1, 1856. First admission by profession Polly Atwood. First baptism Edith Sheerar, Aug. 24, 1856. First instrument used in any church service in Wellsville, was a bass-viol played by H. M. Sheerar in Congregational choir. First meeting in Genesee street church, Nov. 15, 1857. First Sunday school teach- ers' meeting held at Samuel Carpenter's house, Jan. 17, 1878, H. M. Sheerar leader. Uniform series of lessons adopted by this Sunday school Jan. 10,

* These articles were contributed to the church, and most of them are now in use : Pulpit Bible ($30) by C. E. Niles, druggist ; Hymn Book, Stillman & Very ; a fine chandelier ($20) for the church parlors, by four young men of the church ; a chandelier for the vestibule, by Mrs. A. Howard ; a lamp for the pulpit ($5) by Miles Reckard ; a lamp for the organ ($5) by Mrs. Sutfin ; and Sarah and W. H. Johnson (sister and brother) presented a fine communion-service, consisting of an elegant tankard, four gold-lined chalices, a superb bap- tismal font, and two heavy salvers.

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

1869. Blackboard, maps, charts and pictures introduced into this school before any other school in this county. The brick church was the first brick church erected in the county, and the first meeting in it was on March 15, 1874. First session of Sunday school in the new chapel was Jan. 11, 1874.

Dec. 7, 1874, Rev. Thomas K. Beecher lectured here giving the proceeds toward the purchase of a pipe organ for the church. To the same object $775 was pledged at the meeting held the next day. Mr. E. J. Farnum said at this meeting: "I will give one-tenth of the cost of the organ, and you may get as good a one as you are a mind to." This offer secured our splendid organ, which was placed in the church and first used in an organ concert May 14, 1875. The organ has 24 stops and over 800 speaking-pipes. Miss Edith Sheerar, the present organist, was the first regular organist.

Methodist Episcopal Church .*- On the 12th day of December, 1851, the following notice was issued: "The members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Wellsville will meet at the schoolhouse in the village of Wells- ville on the 6th day of January, 1852, for the purpose of forming a corpora- tion and electing officers to build a Methodist Episcopal church or place of worship, to be located at Wellsville." Previous to this, meetings were held once in four weeks in the schoolhouse. A subscription had been circulated by Lewis Foster, and pledges of over $1,000 secured. At the meeting held pursuant to the above call, legal steps for the organization of the society were taken. John Carpenter, Lewis Foster and Dwight Goodrich were elected trustees, and instructed to procure a site for a meeting-house, super- intend the planning and building and to collect and use the subscription. Of the names recorded on that subscription but few (I think ten) would ap- pear in a present directory of Wellsville. The largest pledge was $50, one $30, six $25, four $20, a few $15, and the rest from 50c. to $10. On the 26th of August, 1852, a contract was made with S. Wyllys of Scio, for the erec- tion of a church 36x54 ft., for the sum of $1,354, not including the frame, mason work, or inside painting. Rev. John Shaw was pastor in 1852-3, and during his pastorate the church was built. He came before his appointment on the Scio charge (which included Wellsville), held a quarterly meeting in the schoolhouse, and found 44 Methodists here. He accepted the appoint- ment at a salary of $500 for the support of his family of seven children; he received $350, partly made up by "donations," in which the value of the provisions furnished for the supper, and eaten by the donors, was included in the pastor's salary. Lewis Foster, in the movement which culminated in the building of the church, was the moving spirit. The subscription was secured by him, the contract for the building, and the records for some years afterward, are in his handwriting. For years his house was a home for Methodist preachers.

In the summer of 1853 the church was dedicated. The writer came, a boy of 13, from Almond with his mother, to hear Bishop James preach the * Principally condensed from the historical sketch of the society read at the dedication by Mr. L. S. An- derson.

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dedicatory sermon. The impression made on his mind by the number of big pine stumps on Main street has outlived that made by the dedicatory exercises. On the 11th of February, 1854 a judgment was confessed by the trustees. in favor of S. Wyllys, the contractor, for $875, amount due him on contract. Rev. Mr. Manning was pastor in 1854-5. Services were held every Sunday afternoon and evening, the morning services being at Scio. During 1855-6 Rev. C. C. Goss was pastor. He was followed in 1856 by Rev. John Spinks, who remained until 1858. In March, 1857, Bro. John James Speed undertook to raise the money to pay the church debt of over $600. He continued in this 11 months, visiting 130 towns of the state in which he collected $1 from most of the contributors, and from 10 to 25 cents for his expenses. The detailed statement of these contributions, together with the smallest item of his expenses, etc., and the resolutions, signed by Rev. John Spinks, pastor, Dwight Goodrich, W. H. H. Wyllys, and Eli Potter, trustees, approving the fathfulness and fidelity of his work, are among the interesting items of our church history.

January 18, 1858, it was "Resolved unanimously that we approve congregational singing in our church," also, "Resolved that the trustees be authorized to sell the melodeon as best they can." At the annual meeting in 1859 the trustees were authorized to purchase a melodeon for the church, "if they can be provided with funds, " and E. D. Rosa. Daniel Vaughn, and G. G. Bennett were elected as a committee to secure such funds. Also, "Resolved that the second resolution passed at the last annual meeting (ap- proving congregational singing) be rescinded." As this resolution stands on record as the latest action of the church, such members as have indulged in congregational singing should understand that they have no official sanc- tion for so doing.

Rev. E. D. Rosa in 1858 succeeded Rev. John Spinks. his term extending until 1860. During his pastorate the work and influence of the church were largely extended. The church at Scio was built. Preaching in several places where there had been no religious services was begun. Brother Rosa had appointments at Wellsville, Scio, Vandermark, Knight's Creek, Hallsport, Stannard's Corners, and Proctor schoolhouse. Preaching at Hallsport was in the schoolhouse, controlled by an Universalist. He closed the schoolhouse, and a hotel keeper offered his ballroom, which was accep- ted, and a series of meetings held, in which so many were converted that a preacher was sent to Hallsport and Stannard's Corners. Soon after the war of the rebellion Mrs. Grant was being congratulated on the general's work, when she replied that she was not surprised, "for the general was always a very wilful man." The writer was not acquainted with Brother Rosa, but it would seem that. fortunately for Methodism in Wellsville, he might be characterized in the same way. Realizing the necessity of a par- sonage he desired the church to undertake the work of securing one, which was refused. He then purchased the ground where our new church now stands. It was well covered with pine stumps. He employed Bro. Walter

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Statham by the month to assist in church work at the outside preaching- places, and dig stumps. After he had dug the dirt from the roots and got a large lever in position, he would invite the workmen going by to dinner, to " give him a lift." In this way the stumps were removed. After Brother Rosa had done this and secured a donation of $50 in lumber from E. J. Farnum, and $25 in timber from Bennett Rowland, the trustees were in- duced to take the lot, and the parsonage was built.

From 1860 to 1862 Rev. S. H. Aldridge was pastor, from 1862 to 1864 Rev. C. J. Bradbury, 1864 to 1866, Rev. Wm. Armstrong. The records show but little of the work, as the war overshadowed all other interests. The writer came to Wellsville in the spring of 1866. Preaching services in the afternoon were well attended, but a large share of the congregation were members of other churches, while many Methodists went elsewhere in the morning, and were too tired to come in the afternoon. The chorister and some of the members of the Baptist choir constituted the larger part of our choir. Mr. Henry L. Jones, a Baptist, was our Sunday school superintend- ent. That year we raised as our share of the pastor's salary $300, to which was added a very liberal " donation," Brother Armstrong being very popu- lar. The ladies cleared about $90 at a festival held July 4, 1866, in the un- finished store of Mr. John B. Clark. A receipted bill for the strawberries for that festival at 40 cents a quart was found not long ago. During 1866 to 1869 Bro. E. P. Huntingdon was pastor. He saw that if we were ever to have a congregation and Sunday school in Wellsville of our own it must be by having services in the morning, and decided to have services here in the morning and at Scio in the afternoon. This deprived us, at once, of the out- side help we had had in choir. Sunday school and congregation, and for a time it was hard rowing up the stream. During Bro. Huntingdon's pastor- ate the fund in the hands of the ladies started by the festival July 4, 1866, was used to make needed repairs and the pulpit platform in its present appearance was built. During Bro. Huntingdon's pastorate we were able to add one-third to the amount previously raised for pastor's salary, and our congregation, choir and Sunday school became established as Methodist.

Rev. Daniel Clark was pastor from 1869 to 1871. During his second year a large revival at Scio added so many to the church there that the charge was divided at the ensuing conference. Rev. David Nutten was pastor from 1871 to 1874. During his pastorate our congregation increased until it was necessary to enlarge the church in 1872 at a cost of $1,600. Pledges covering the amount were secured, but so much time was taken by some who paid, and so many failed to pay, that when all the pledges possible were collected there remained a debt of $900. The annual interest on this, together with the last end of the pastor's salary, were usually paid by draft on the Ladies' Aid Society. Bro. D. Leisenring was pastor from 1874 to 1876. His faithful labors, together with those of his equally faithful wife, resulted in a widening and deepening of the hold of the church. Rev. Mr. Bradbury was pastor from 1876 to 1878.

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Our beloved Father Rice was pastor from 1878 to 1881. During the last two years he lived in his own house and gave the rent of the parsonage to the church and it was applied in reducing the church debt. During his pastorate a revival occurred, the fruits of which are among the most potent factors of our church life to-day. Bro. C. G. Stevens was pastor from 1881 to 1884. His work among us was ably supported by his wife. It was during his pastorate we had our last "donation " for the pastor. It was largely attended and the amount realized was unexpectedly large, testifying to the general esteem felt for him by the community. It was determined at the beginning of the conference year 1884 and 5 to make the seats free and to adopt the plan of securing pledges payable weekly. Its success was immedi- ate and a happy surprise. This change in our financial plan marks distinctly the beginning of an improved condition in our finances.

During the pastorate of Brother L. D. Chase, commencing with our change of plan in 1884 and closing in 1887, the remainder of the church debt (then $500) was paid. All incidental debts were paid, and at the close of each conference year we were able to report "pastor paid in full " without call- ing on any of the "supplements." In 1887 Rev. E. P. Hubbell became pastor, the first under the five-year limit, and remained the full five years. Among the enduring monuments of his labors stands the new church. The coming of Rev. F. H. Cowman as Brother Hubbell's successor is a demon- stration of the successful working of the church economy, and his pastorate so far has carried on well the good work done by Bro. Hubbell. The number of communicants is over 400. A large Sabbath school is doing good work

for the young. This church has several vigorous auxiliary societies: Ladies' Aid Society, Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Epworth League, Junior Epworth League, Wrecking Band, etc.

In the pastorate of Mr. Hubbell it was decided to build a $10,000 church on the corner of Madison and Broadway streets. By 1892 89,000 was raised and the contract to build the church was let to John Prest of Andover. It was completed at cost of $13,000 and dedicated April 23, 1893, Bishop Vin- cent attending to that function. The Ladies' Aid Society paid $1,300 to the building fund, and on the day of dedication 86,000 was pledged to free the house from debt and $2,000 for an organ. The church is an "up-to-date" edifice, a credit to the village. The bell is the oldest church bell of Wells- ville, having called Methodists to worship for over 40 years.

The "First Baptist Church of Wellsville " was organized May 21, 1852. The following persons were constituent members: A. A. Goodliff and wife. Wel- come H. Coats and wife, Charles Hatch, Bartholomew Coats and wife, I. W. Fassett, S. Lowell and wife, Wayne Spicer and wife, Robert Vorhees and wife, E. Gowdy and wife, W. H. Harrison and wife, Mrs. Tuthill. Mrs. Spicer. Mrs. Sally Farnum and Mrs. and Miss Carpenter. February 7, 1854, the first meetinghouse was dedicated. The number of members at this time was 64. The growth of the organization from the beginning was

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very flattering, and although the early years of the enterprise were filled with perplexity and trial, the church continued to advance steadily. One edifice and its furnishings has been destroyed by fire, and again a cyclone unroofed the building, but the noble band of working and praying brethren and sisters grappled successfully with all these difficulties and maintained a prominent place in the village. Few, if any, Baptist churches can boast of such a membership, comprising the choicest and best of earth. The society has been always noted for loyalty to its pastor and for unity and harmony among its members. The first pastor of the church was Rev. G. W. Hunt- ley. He was followed by Rev. L. W. Onley, Rev. James DeBois, Rev. F. F. Emerson, Rev. E. F. Crane, Rev. J. W. Spoor, Rev. Albert Coit, Rev. M. W. Covell and Rev. Charles B. Perkins who is the present pastor. Under his ministry a beautiful parsonage has been erected upon a corner lot given by Mrs. W. B. Coats. A flourishing Young People's Society of Christian En- deavor is maintained, and the sabbath school, numbering 250, has for the superintendent Charles E. Davis. During the revival in December, 1895. the church increased its membership about 25.

Rev. Charles B. Perkins, A. M., was born in Newburyport, Mass., Oct. 12, 1845. He was graduated from the college now Colgate University in 1871 and in 1873 from Hamilton Theological Seminary. October 9, 1873, he was ordained pastor of the Clinton Avenue Baptist Church of Trenton, N. J., where he labored four and one-half years. He was next pastor of the First Bap- tist Church of Binghamton for two years, then had charge nine years of the First Baptist church of Amsterdam and came to Wellsville in 1893 after a five year pastorate at Corning. His wife, formerly Miss Mary Northrup, he married in 1873 at Binghamton. They have one child, Fannie White.

St. John's Episcopal Church was organized according to the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church and the laws of the state of New York, May 30, 1859, and admitted to union with the diocese of Western New York in the next August. Rev. John A. Bowman was then missionary in charge. He was followed by Rev. Robt. Dobyns in 1864. Rev. J. H. Waterbury took charge of the parish in December. 1865. These officers were elected April 2, 1866: Senior warden. W. G. Johnson; junior warden, Elijah Stowell; vestrymen, E. A. Smith, Geo. Russell, Hiram York. Nathanael Johnson, D. C. Judd, Lebbeus Sweet, J. L. Williams, R. R. Helme. The corner stone of the church edifice, erected during the rectorship of Rev. J. H. Waterbury, was laid Aug. 13, 1866, by the rector, these gentlemen partici- pating in the service: Rev. Lewis Thibou of Belmont, Rev. M. Scofield of Angelica, and Rev. Dr. H. N. Strong of Olean. The Rev. Adolphus Rumpff succeeded Rev. Mr. Waterbury as rector. The church building was moved to its present site, corner Main and Genesee streets in July, 1872. Rev. J. Wainright Ray was rector at that time. The year previous a commodious house was purchased to be used as a parsonage. Among the early officers of the church were Brigham Hanks, D. C. Judd and C. M. Bucher who served as wardens. In April, 1887, Rev. E. H. Edson became rector. The

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 43

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102