USA > New York > New York City > A history of the Stanton Street Baptist Church, in the city of New York : with a sketch of its pastors, and a register of the entire membership > Part 2
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HISTORY OF THE
Spirit. At the regular meeting, in January, 1827, Benjamin M. Thompson and three others related their Christian experiences, and were re- ceived as candidates for baptism. For some unexplained reason the baptism was deferred until Sunday, March 4th, when fourteen persons were immersed in the Hudson River, at ten o'clock A.M., near a gentleman's country-seat. The scene is represented as having been ex- ceedingly impressive. The good work went for- ward, so that on the first of April the pastor baptized six persons more in the same place. Ten days afterward, the church listened to the experiences of seven converts-among whom were James Cowan, Octavius Winslow, Mrs. Mar- garet Wallace and Mary Cox; the last two are still members with us, after a lapse of nearly one-third of a century. The above, with nine others, were baptized in the Hudson, May 6th, at four o'clock P.M. On the 27th of September, brother Elijah B. Loomis was chosen deacon, and a letter of dismission was granted to Mrs. Mary Winslow, to unite with Rev. Dr. Rippon's Church, in London. Brother Loomis departed
27
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
this life in the spring of 1859, having been faith- ful and consistent unto death. Mrs. Winslow was born at St. George's, Bermuda, on the 28th of February, 1774, and it was on Tuesday eve- ning, October 3d, 1854, that she entered into rest, closing her long pilgrimage of fourscore years with "a cloudless death." An interesting memoir of this estimable Christian lady has been prepared by her son, Octavius Winslow, D.D., and it has just been republished in this country. A letter was received from Dr. W. during the preparation of this work, expressing his con- tinued attachment to the church, and undi- minished interest in her welfare.
Brother Winslow was licensed to preach the Gospel at the church meeting in October, 1827, and the license was forwarded to him in England, where he was pursuing his studies.
In October, 1828, John Hazlet, Samuel Rust, and James Cowan, were chosen the first Board of Trustees, and on the 4th of November, bro- ther Humphrey Phelps was chosen church clerk in place of brother Hazlet, who resigned the office. December 23d, 1829, brother Phelps
28
HISTORY OF THE
was elected deacon (the church at that time cele- brating the ordinance of the Lord's Supper in the evening), and in February, 1830, brother Phelps resigned the clerkship, and was succeeded by brother Timothy Evans, he being the third in that office. In May, for the first time, the har- mony of the body was somewhat disturbed, and some of the older members "left the church in great disorder." But the brethren were faithful, and they proceeded promptly to discipline the offending members. Brother Evans resigning the clerkship in June, the church chose brother John L. Everett to succeed him.
The faithful still found opportunity to labor for souls, and their efforts were blessed. They reported to the Association fourteen baptisms, two receptions by experience, one by letter, three dismissions, and six withdrawals of the hand of fellowship, making their number one hundred and twenty-nine.
The pastor was now taken down with the small pox. This disease, however, had no sooner run its course than he was seized with the liver com- plaint, and then with bleeding at the lungs, the
29
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
: .
loss of his voice, and the complete prostration of his physical powers. "This," writes brother. Eastman, "rendered it improbable that I should ever again be able to speak in public. Under these circumstances," he continues, "I left the city of New York a mere wreck of humanity, and directed my feeble steps toward the granite hills of New Hampshire, anxious to find a calm rest- ing-place or a speedy grave in the peaceful shades of my native place."
Immediately after the resignation of brother Eastman, which took place on Wednesday even- ing, November 24th, 1830, the church began to look after another pastor. They however were compelled to change their place of meeting seve- ral times before they were in a condition to pro- ceed in the divine work. After removing from Mott street, where they had worshiped about a year, they returned to the place in the Bowery where they had formerly met; but this was de- stroyed by fire before they had occupied it one month .* "They were then blessed," says their
* Nine members were received at a meeting in a private
30
HISTORY OF THE
letter to the Association, "with an opportunity of meeting in a place in Elizabeth street, where Elder Miller's congregation had formerly met," and on the first of May they occupied the little meeting-house then standing on the corner of Houston and Forsyth streets.
For the space of two years, brother Eastman's prostration continued. He gradually recovered, however, and in the third year he began to preach occasionally ; and in the fifth, being urged to do so, he consented to take the pastoral charge of the church in Rutland, Vermont, for one year. After remaining here eighteen months, he labored with the Grafton Church, with which he united by letter from Stanton street. He then labored about four years with the Haverhill and Mere- dith Village churches, in New Hampshire, spend- ing about half the time with each.
Brother Eastman was for the last thirteen years of his life a resident of Wisconsin, where, to use his own words, he "preached here and there in the new country as opportunity offered, but re-
house, after the burning of their place of worship in the Bowery.
31
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
fusing, on account of poorness of health, to take the pastoral charge of any church. I am now," he wrote shortly before his death, " in the sixty- ninth year of my age, blessed with an easy com- petence of the good things of this life, constantly reminded of my approaching dissolution by in- firmities of body, calmly waiting the will of God till my change shall come, confidently relying on the merits of Christ for the salvation of my soul, turning off my thoughts from this troublesome world, and looking forward to the wonderful dis- closures of the world to come."
For some months preceding his departure, brother Eastman's health had been unusually good, and his correspondence with us afforded him evident satisfaction. His last illness was only of a fortnight's duration, but he met death with for- titude and serenity. A few months previous to his last sickness, the pulpit of the Baptist Church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the place of his residence, became vacant, and he offered to fill it gratui- tously on condition that the amount of salary be devoted to repairing and improving the house of worship. He appeared very desirous to promote
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HISTORY OF THE
the religious interests of the community in which his closing days were passed, and his earnestness in the pulpit was ably seconded by a series of energetic articles in the local press, all presenting the importance and necessity of a religious life. In the midst of these labors, his last illness com- menced; a severe cold following his final effort in the pulpit. From the beginning he was im- pressed that this sickness would be unto death, and he made all his arrangements accordingly. He died on Saturday, April 17th, 1858, having almost completed his pilgrimage of three score years and ten. His departure was at sunset- one of those glorious western sunsets-of a calm, bright, beautiful day. His last moments were unattended with pain, and he passed gently to his rest. "As I turned (writes his son-in-law) from witnessing his sinking away, the sun was just disappearing in the golden west." A large concourse gathered in the Baptist church, where he had so recently officiated, on Monday, at ten o'clock A.M., and the funeral sermon was preached by Elder Bright, from Ecclesiastes, ix. 10. Other clergymen participated in the services, and
33
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
then the remains were attended to the railroad station by the citizens of Elkhorn. The four re- sident ministers of the place and four deacons accompanied to Rochester, where, after singing by the choir, and appropriate remarks by Rev. R. R. Snow, Congregational minister of Water- ford, the body was committed to its kindred dust. His death was appropriately noticed in the papers of his vicinity, by those in Ohio, and in this city. One of the Elkhorn editors remarks : " His friends will miss the familiar voice and gray hairs in the home circle. The young min- ister and the young professor who were wont to go to him, will miss his words of wisdom and con- solation in the hour of trouble. All will miss him."
From a notice in the " American Baptist," we quote the following passage : "He died with a sermon undelivered, which he had prepared for an interesting occasion." *
" Elder Eastman was a man of vigorous intel-
* This was on reopening the meeting-house at Elkhorn, after the repairs already alluded to.
4
34
HISTORY OF THE
lect, of practical mind, of varied talent, and of 1 sterling integrity. As a preacher, he was argu- mentative, instructive and forcible-often feeling and eloquent. As a writer, he possessed strong powers of condensation, presenting much in brief space and forcible terms.
"Severe in his strictures upon vice, wrong and oppression, in his public discourses, as in private life, the same warm sensibilities often impelled the tones of the tenderest sympathy and the voice of touching eloquence.
"Firm and decided as an opponent, as a friend he was most congenial, combining often, in pri- vate life, conversation most cheerful, entertain- ing and instructive, and often a child-like sim- plicity, with a gentlemanly dignity that com- manded the most affectionate respect.
"' And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write : Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.' "
It remains to be added that the widow and
35
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
only child of brother E. survive him, and that to the kindness of Mr. Richard E. Ela, his son- in-law, of Rochester, Wis., we are indebted for many interesting facts and reminiscences. A faithful daguerreotype of the venerable man hangs in our East Room, adjoining the pulpit.
" Allow me," says brother Eastman, in one of the last letters he ever wrote, describing the good feeling that existed in his day, "to hope and trust that this spirit of love has continued to exist among you to the present moment, and that you now realize how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
In the first three years of our history only three persons were received by baptism, and but two dismissed by letter; in the next three years, ninety-seven were baptized. It is some- what remarkable that not a death occurred from the formation of the body, in 1823, until 1832.
The Rev. Octavius Winslow, having returned to this country, was chosen moderator of the various church-meetings held from the time of brother Eastman's resigning until his successor was chosen.
36
HISTORY OF THE
Changes during the First Period.
ADDED BY
DIMINISH'D BY
YEARS.
Baptism.
Letter.
Experience.
Total.
Letter.
Exclusion.
Total.
1823 to 1824, ....
1
7
0
8
1824 to 1825, ....
1
4
0
5
1825 to 1826, ....
1
7
0
8
1
1
2
1826 to 1827,
..
47
2
0
49
2
1
3
1827 to 1828, ....
36
5
0
41
13
2
15
1828 to 1829,. ...
14
5
0
19
4
1
5
1829 to 1830, ....
14
1
2
17
3
6
9
1830 to 1831,. ..
10
0
0
10
7
0
7
Total,.
124
31
2
157
30
11
41
Original number, 16
Gain,
157
173
Loss,
41
132
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. . 37
PERIOD II.
MINISTRY OF THE REV. GEORGE BENEDICT.
APRIL 20TH, 1831-FEBRUARY 1ST, 1841.
ON Monday, the 7th day of March, 1831, a meeting of the members of the church was held, the Rev. Octavius Winslow being chair- man, and James Cowan secretary. At this meet- ing, the Rev. G. Benedict was invited, by a unanimous vote, to become the pastor of the church; and on the decision being communi- cated to him, he, in a short address, accepted the call. In April he removed to the city, in com- pliance with this cordial invitation, though the body, being small and weak (110 members), could offer a salary of only five hundred dollars; yet brother B. came in the spirit of his Master, and looked for the recompense of reward in another world. At a meeting of the church held April 20th, 1831, brother Benedict and his wife presented letters of dismission from the Second
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38
.. HISTORY OF THE
Baptist Church in Danbury, and on the same being received, it was voted that brother H. Phelps give the right hand of fellowship to the new pastor, which he did in a few appropriate remarks.
The Rev. George Benedict was born at South East, Dutchess County, New York, April 15th, 1795, during a temporary visit of his parents there. In a few weeks he was removed to the family residence in Danbury,* Conn., and in the common schools of that village he acquired the rudiments of a good education. His youth
glided away in rural pursuits common to those of his age and station, and in 1817 he made a public profession of religion, being baptized into the fellowship of the Second Baptist Church in Danbury, on the 21st of September, by the Rev. Oliver Tuttle, pastor. In this, brother Benedict departed from the faith of his fathers, and it is evident that, though now in his twenty-third year, this step cost him a severe struggle, and
Danbury (Pahquioque) was first settled by eight families, in 1685, two of them being Benedicts .- Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1, p. 400.
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
was only taken in obedience to the dictates of an enlightened conscience. He had been con- victed under a sermon preached in his father's house by the Rev. Abner Brundage, of Brook- field, Conn. It was not long after his conversion before he was deeply impressed to preach the Gospel; but in his own view being utterly unfit, he left the place and removed his family to New York. Here he remained some six months, and a like period at Rahway, N. J .; but while there he received the unanimous call of the Danbury Church to become their pastor. This presented the question of duty in an entirely new light, and the path was now so plain that he could no longer refuse to enter it. He had been licensed to preach on the 12th of May, 1822; he delivered his first sermon before the church at Danbury, August 6th, 1823, and was publicly recognized as its pastor on the following day. In great faithfulness, he preached unto them nearly eight years. His salary was but one hun- dred dollars per annum, and he labored through the week for the support of his family. Upon entering his more extended field of labor in the
ยท
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HISTORY OF THE
city, he gained the confidence of all, and early acquired that hold on the affections of the people which continued through life. Crowds filled the little wooden meeting-house at the corner of North (now Houston) and Forsyth streets, and after occupying it for two years, they accepted the invitation of the Bethel Baptist Church in Delancy street (corner of Chrystie), Rev. Wm. G. Miller, pastor, to meet with them until the erection of a house for themselves.
The initial steps to this enterprise were taken at the church meeting in December, 1832, upon a recommendation of the Board of Trustees. At this time only about $1,000 had been subscribed toward procuring the desired premises; but a venerable member of the Amity street Church, Deacon John Bowen, still living, added $500 more, and generously offered to lend money as it might be needed in the prosecution of the work. The offer was accepted, and Mr. Bowen's timely aid enabled the brethren to go forward. In June, 1833, the lots in Stanton street were secured, 58 by 100 feet, at a cost of $4,260, and on Monday morning, August 12th, the workmen
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
commenced the new meeting-house. The corner- stone was laid on Tuesday, the 27th of August, with the following services: Reading part of 22d chapter of 1st Chronicles by brother Benedict ; singing 132d Psalm; prayer by brother Mid- dleton (pastor of the East Baptist Church); laying the corner-stone by the pastor; addresses by the Rev. Archibald Maclay and Rev. Charles W. Dennison; prayer by the Rev. Octavius Winslow ; singing the Doxology, and benediction. A col- lection was also taken, amounting to $60. The very foundations of this edifice were laid in faith and prayer, and it was a greater undertaking for the brethren of that day, to erect a house of this size, than we who have entered into their labors can adequately appreciate. But they were whole- hearted and public spirited, and the good work went on. The subscriptions were paid in prompt- ly, and no accident occurred to delay the work or endanger life. The edifice, 50 by 70 feet, was completed by spring, costing, with its furniture, about $10,000; and on Sunday, March 2d, 1834, it was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Al- mighty God. The Rev. A. Maclay preached in
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HISTORY OF THE
the morning, Rev. Wm. R. Williams in the after- noon, and Rev. Charles G. Somers in the evening. The collections during the day amounted to $156. The membership had largely increased during the ministry of brother Benedict, and on enter- ing the new house they numbered 211; but this comprised the names of several who were vir- tually lost; the real, active strength of the church was considerably below that number. At the annual meeting of the society, held Tues- day evening, the 13th of May, 1834, for the elec- tion of Trustees, it was unanimously voted that the body "shall hereafter be called and known by the name of the Stanton street Baptist Church." And now the favored vine begins to flourish anew, the congregations increase in size and seriousness, and the letter to the association in June states that the Sunday-school had increased nearly three-fold since removing to Stanton street. Though resting under a large debt (nearly $10,000), they trusted in the Great Head of the Church, and were not confounded. The associational letter of June, 1836, from the pen of brother Benedict, was as follows :
1
S
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
"' BELOVED BRETHREN :
" The return of another anniversary affords ns the usual privilege of expressing our fellow- ship with you in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. We feel confident that you will rejoice with us in the glorious success which everywhere attends the efforts of God's people to gather in his children. He is crowning with tokens of his peculiar favor, the labors of our missionaries abroad, and his blessed spirit is stirring up our churches at home to a zeal and liberality hitherto unknown in our history as a denomination. The Church is arousing from her slumbers, and the glory of the Lord is inscribed upon her banners. The Macedonian cry, ' Come over and help us !' is heard from those who for ages have sat 'in the region and shadow of death.'
"' They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain.'
As to our affairs as a church, we have abundant cause to sing aloud of the goodness and mercy of our faithful, covenant-keeping God ; and we desire to tell of that goodness, that others may
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HISTORY OF THE
praise him too. We not only enjoy peace and harmony, but during the past year some mercy drops have fallen on our Zion. During the past winter and spring, an unusual solemnity appeared to rest upon our congregation, so much so that the church felt called upon to set apart a few days for religious exercises, the results of which have been most happy. Soon after the com- mencement of our meeting, it was evident that the Lord was in the place. The Gospel seemed to come not in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost. Saints got near the throne, and sinners were made to tremble. Since that time thirty-three have been baptized, upon profession of their faith, and a number more are ready to put on Christ. Our congregation is full, attentive and solemn. Brethren, pray for us !"
The church pursued its blessed work of win- ning souls ; and from time to time sent some of her members to Hamilton to prepare for the Gospel ministry. Bro. Wm. S. Mikels was sent in May, 1837, and he received a license to preach August 22d, 1838, by a unanimous vote. At a meeting of the Association in June of that year,
45
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
the church reported the baptism of 84 persons, and the number of members as 460. In the spring of 1839, the salary of the pastor was increased to $1,200, in accordance with a recom- mendation from the Board of Trustees. The let- ter to the Association, June 18th, 1839, speaks of congregations " full to overflowing, so that many have been under the necessity of leaving for want of room." The number of baptisms reported was. 159, fifty-five being baptized on the first Sabbath of two consecutive months. The total additions that year were only one less than 200, while the diminutions by death, removal, etc., were but 20-leaving the membership 644. Even this. number was considerably increased by the addi- tions of the succeeding winter, and at the close of the communion, April 5th, 1840, a meeting of the male members was called to assemble on Wednesday evening, to consider business of importance to the church. A large meeting con- vened at the time appointed. The pastor read a portion of the Scriptures, and prayer was offered by Deacon James Cowan. Brother Benedict was chosen moderator of the meeting, and C. S.
5
46
HISTORY OF THE
Vanderhoof clerk. The pastor stated the ob- ject of the meeting to be to take into considera- tion the propriety of sending out a colony, the communicants alone being now sufficient to fill the meeting-house. After a mutual inter- change of sentiment, it was on motion-
" Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that it has become necessary for the church to colonize."
A committee of seventeen was then appointed in reference to the object, to report the following Monday evening, and it was voted, "That this meeting recommend to the church that next Wednesday be observed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer for the blessings bestowed upon us as a church." The recommendation was, of course, adopted.
At a meeting of the body, held April 15th, the following resolutions, submitted by the com- mittee, were passed by a unanimous vote :
" Resolved, That the time has arrived when it has become necessary for this church to colonize.
" Resolved, That a committee be appointed to look out a proper location, and ascertain the
47
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
price of such lots as may be necessary for the erection of a temple dedicated to the service of the living God; the committee to report as soon as practicable.".
John N. Wyckoff, Richard C. Akerly, James Cowan, Abiel Miles and David Ludlam were chosen members of the committee. Soon after their appointment to obtain lots, they ascertained that the meeting-houses in Delancey street corner of Chrystie, and Norfolk street corner of Broome, were for sale ; but the majority favoring the loca- tion in Norfolk street, a sub-committee was ap- pointed to ascertain whether Mr. Benedict would go with a portion of the brethren and sisters there, and become their pastor. He replied that he would be willing if the church thought best. A special church meeting was held September 9th, 1840, to hear the report of the committee on location, etc. They stated that the property on the corner of Norfolk and Broome streets could be obtained for $12,000, and the following resolution proposed by them was adopted, viz. :
" Resolved, That measures be now taken by the church to raise $6,000 by subscriptions and
48
HISTORY OF THE
donations, to enable the colony going out to purchase the property corner of Norfolk and Broome streets, one-fourth of what they raise to go toward liquidating the debt against the property in Stanton street,* be the amount raised more or less than $6,000." Brethren Wyckoff, Akerly, Peterson, Miles and Tiebout were ap- pointed to carry this resolution into effect, and they were empowered to purchase the Norfolk street property for $12,000, provided $7,075 could remain on bond and mortgage. At the next meeting, September 16th, those in favor of Mr. Benedict's remaining as pastor in the Stanton street body, were requested to signify the same by rising, and the contrary by the same sign, but there was no dissent whatever. However, he presented his resignation at the regular church meeting, September 23d, though, owing to de- lays in securing the property, organizing the new interest, etc., it did not virtually take effect
This was subsequently rescinded, and all money raised was devoted to the purchase of the Norfolk street property. This left the debt upon Stanton street about $8,000.
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
until the first of February, 1841. The resigna- tion was as follows :
"TO THE STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
"BRETHREN AND SISTERS, BELOVED IN THE LORD. Of the kindness and generosity with which you have uniformly treated me I am deeply sensible. Nor have you, as a church, given me reason to suppose that your kindness is exhausted, or even diminished.
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