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 3
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" When I yielded to your solicitations, more than nine years since, to take the oversight of that little flock, it was with feelings more readily felt than expressed. And when I came to you, 'it was not with excellency of speech, or of wis- dom, declaring unto you the testimony of God ; for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' I have been with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling; and although my speech and my preaching have not been with enticing words of man's wisdom, yet I hope they have been in some measure in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ; that your faith should not stand in
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50
HISTORY OF THE
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Since the existence of our relation as pastor and people, our heavenly Father has vouchsafed to bless us, and to increase us with men as a flock, insomuch that our place of worship has become too strait for us. The providence of God seems evidently to say, 'Enlarge the border of thy tent ; lengthen thy cords. and strengthen thy stakes;' with a view, therefore, to extend the cause of truth in this city, I have thought it best, pain- ful as it is, to tender my resignation as the pas- tor of this church, for the purpose of uniting in the organization of a regular Baptist Church, at the corner of Broome and Norfolk streets.
"In taking this important step I am comforted with the reflection that, within nine years, 608 have been added by baptism, and 167 by letter; and I feel greatly encouraged in the enterprise upon which I am about to enter, from the consi- deration, that it has been thus far conducted in the exercise of prayer, and a good degree of Christian affection; and that I expect to prose- cute it not with strangers, but with brethren and sisters with whom I have for years walked in
51
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
delightful fellowship. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. Be careful for nothing ; but in every- thing, by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, which is the earnest prayer of
" Your affectionate pastor, " GEO. BENEDICT." .
At the regular church meeting, January 27th, 1841, 238 letters of dismission were granted to unite in the formation of the new church, and the next Wednesday evening, 83 letters more, making 321 at the two meetings. Of those who went to Norfolk street, 87 were males, 89 single females, and 145 married females. About 97 males remained, 112 single and 178 married females, of whom 100 or more were in the country, and several of those who remained, sub- sequently took letters to join the new interest. With the formation of the Norfolk street Bap- sist Church, of 364 members, of which brother
52
HISTORY OF THE
1
Benedict took the pastoral charge, his relation to Stanton street, which had existed nearly ten years, ceased. A large congregation was soon gathered in his new field of labor, and as before, much people were added unto the Lord. In the sum- mer of 1844 he was chosen moderator of the Hudson River Association. 0
But in the full tide of success, and the high meridian of his useful life, sickness seized upon him, and for the space of two years he was laid aside from active labor. In the intervals of pain he gladly embraced every opportunity of meet- ing with this church, and on fast-days and other special occasions he was always present when not prevented by infirmity. The Fourth Annual Meeting of the Young Men's Mission Society was held here on Monday evening, December 21st, 1846. The exercises were opened with prayer by father Peck, and closed with the bene- diction by brother Benedict. He had entered the house during the services, and being unable to take any other part, he dismissed the meeting as above stated.
His disease becoming more painful and com-
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r
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
plicated, he deemed it his duty to resign, and his connection as pastor of the Norfolk street church ceased July 1st, 1848. This resigna- tion was read and accepted at a meeting of the Norfolk street Church held in our lecture room, and here his successor was chosen. Their meet- ing-house at the corner of Norfolk and Broome streets having been destroyed by fire, the church had accepted an invitation to hold their evening meetings in our basement.
Mr. Benedict's ministry extended over a period of twenty-five years, more than seventeen being spent in this city. Here he baptized nearly twelve hundred persons, and he attended the funerals of almost as many more. It was always his custom to call on a bereaved family soon after officiating at a funeral, and his kindly ministra- tion on these occasions was the means of leading many to the house of God, and ultimately to the Saviour.
But his day had reached its evening hour, and on the 28th of October, 1848, he departed this life in sure and certain hope of entering into the rest prepared for the people of God. Three days
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HISTORY OF THE
afterward the First Baptist Church was crowded on the occasion of his funeral. The sermon was preached by the Rev. S. H. Cone, D.D., from Acts, xi., 24. 'For he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord.' A long procession followed the remains to Greenwood, where a monument has been erected to his memory. It bears the following inscription :
REV. GEORGE BENEDICT,
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS OCT. 28TH, 1848,
In the 54th year of his age, and in the full hope of that Gospel he had so long recommended to others. He was for 26 years a faithful Minister of Christ, over 17 of which he was Pastor of the Stanton and Norfolk street Baptist Churches.
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."-2 Cor. v. i.
A mural tablet was also placed in the new meeting-house of the Norfolk street Church. It is inscribed as follows :
2
-
C
C
f P I
i
55
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
IN Memory of REV. GEORGE BENEDICT, For seven years PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH,
And for twenty-six years a faithful and successful
AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST. He was born APRIL 15TH, 1795, And died in triumph OCTOBER 28TH; 1848.
Soli Deo Gloria.
His widow and two children yet remain to cherish his memory while they lament his loss.
At the time of his decease, Mr. Benedict was in his 54th year, but his personal appearance was that of a man many years younger. His life had been one of unceasing labor, but happily free from controversy and those consuming cares which embitter one's being, and bring age on prematurely. The general expression of his countenance was extremely pleasing, and his manner was of that easy and attractive character calculated alike to win the young and conciliate those of maturer years. No man had a happier
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HISTORY OF THE
faculty of introducing the subject of religion; in season or out of season, it was never repulsive when presented by him. He probed the secret soul, but his words were soft and kind. "My son-my daughter-come now and let us reason together," he would say; and the next hour would find the young friend in tears, earnestly seeking that good part which the personal preacher had so earnestly recommended. . In his sermons, as in his conversation, religion was divested of anything like gloom; he always seemed to see the sun of righteousness himself, and hence his success in pointing others to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. He was a man mighty in prayer. There . his great strength lay. Others might surpass him in felicity of illustration, the refinements of rhetoric, and the graces of the schools; but no man of his day had plainer proof that his prayers were heard and answered-that his labor was not in vain in the Lord. Little children loved him; and in the hearts of all who knew him he was enshrined as a father and a friend.
It may be thought by some that as we recede
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
from the period of his actual life there is a ten- dency to praise the creature more than the Crea- tor-to applaud the past at the expense of the present. This is a mistaken view. This sketch is not prepared in the vain spirit of hero wor- ship, but as a humble tribute to the memory of . one who had grace to be faithful in his day and generation. And while we depict this life and character, we see reason for devout thanksgiving to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, that he counted this man faithful, putting him into the ministry. With talents and ability that other- wise employed might have won him riches and honors among the successful ones of earth, he turned aside and became a man of one idea-that idea being to glorify God and serve him with single-eyed devotion. He had no side interests to promote. The "one idea" was all-absorbing; and here is another secret of his extensive use- fulness. With one object before him, and one only, he concentrated upon it the energies of an active nature, the judgment of a clear intellect, and infused through all, the best affections of a warm and constant heart.
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HISTORY OF THE
In our earthly courts we shall see his face no more. On no coming Sabbath will the touching tones of that well-remembered voice fall tenderly on the ear. He worships now in higher courts, and with a ransomed church. No death-day , darkens in the distance now, no fading sunset hues announce the coming night, for their sun shall no more go down, the days of their mourn- ing are ended. We may feel a shadow of regret that a life so useful should have been so brief ; that a nature so kind and affectionate was thus early withdrawn from the church below; but let us not forget that the being of our brother is neither suspended nor extinguished. Though lost to mortal sight, he has attained a place among those who have turned many to righteous- ness, and who shall shine as the stars forever and ever.
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
Changes during the Second Period.
ADDED BY
DIMINISHED BY
DATE.
Baptism.
Letter.
Experience and
Restored.
Total
Letter.
Death.
Exclusion.
Dropping.
Total.
From April to June, 1831,
6
3
0
9
2
0
0
0
2
" June, '31, to June, '32,
35
9
1
45
16
0
1
0
17
" '32,
(( '33,
'34,
44
18
0
62
4
1
1
0
6
" '34,
'35,
35
15
0
50
3
4
3
0 10
" '35,
'36,
62
23
0
85
9
5
3
0
17
"
'36,
'37,
62
18
1
81
14
4
5
0
23
" '37,
'38,
84
25
1
110
26
5
14
0
45
( '38,
'39,
159
36
4 199
9
8
3
0
20
'39,
'40,
99
20
0
119
20
6
5
0
31
'40, to Feb., '41,
7
16
7
30
32
3
8
0 43
Totals,
613 194
14 821
142
38 45
9
234
Number when brother Benedict came, 110
Gain, .
821
931
Loss,
234
697
'33,
20
11
0
31
7
2
2
9
20
-
-.
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HISTORY OF THE
PERIOD III.
MINISTRY OF THE REV. DAVID BELLAMY. SEPT. IST, 1841-Nov. 15TH, 1846.
DURING the greater part of the year 1841 the church was without a pastor. Rev. Lewis Ray- mond, Rev. George J. Carleton, Rev. Thomas O. Lincoln, Rev. Lemuel Porter, Rev. B. M. Hill, Rev. Lemuel Covell, and Rev. David Bellamy, of Ithaca, N. Y., severally preached during a por- tion of the time from February to September ; but the congregations were generally small, and the prospect decidedly discouraging. Some in- terest existed during Mr. Raymond's stay with the church, and nineteen persons were baptized before brother Benedict's successor began his ministry among us. Unanimous calls were ex- tended to brethren Lincoln and Porter, but both declining, it was, on the 29th of June, voted una- nimously to invite brother Bellamy to assume the pastoral charge. This call he accepted, and
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
entered upon the discharge of his duties Septem- ber 1st, 1841.
Rev. David Bellamy was born at Kingsbury, Washington County, N. Y., on the 19th of May, 1806. His childhood and youth were passed in that healthy and romantic region, surrounded by noble and beautiful scenery, and in the enjoy- ment of more than ordinary advantages for ob- taining an education. Being of a studious habit, his improvement was marked and rapid. The boy received his first abiding religious impres- sions at the age of ten years, during the great revival of 1816, in which both his parents were converted. Upon leaving school, he devoted himself to business with characteristic assiduity, but he made no profession of religion until twenty-four years of age. Meantime he had married and removed to Chatauqua County, and there his attention was recalled to the long- neglected subject of religion. Aroused from his backslidden state, he gave up his business, and repaired, with his wife, who had been converted also, to his native place, and there made a pub- lic profession of faith in presence of the compan-
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HISTORY OF THE
ions and acquaintances of his youth. He was bap- tized by the Rev. Amos Stearns, who is still liv- ing, in 1859. This proved the beginning of a glorious revival, in the progress of which nearly one hundred souls were brought to Christ in that vicinity. Six months sufficed to convince his pastor and brethren, and ultimately himself, that his destination was the pulpit. Accordingly he was soon licensed, and began to preach. Being married, he found a full college course imprac- ticable ; but the young man resolved that if hard study and untiring industry would yield him an equivalent for such a course, he would obtain it. Vigorous health enabled him to accomplish this, as well as to pursue in private the course of read- ing and study required of theological students in that day. But this was carried on in connection with stated and constant pulpit and pastoral labors, necessarily occupying a considerable por- tion of his time. Brother Bellamy's first pastoral engagement was at Skeneateles, Onondaga County, N.Y., with a branch of the Elbridge Bap- tist Church, of which the Rev. C. M. Fuller was pastor. He was ordained to the work of the
1
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
Gospel ministry at Skeneateles, January 11, 1833, remained there about two years, and labored with considerable success; but it was pioneer work. Thence he was called to Manlius, in the same county, where he toiled for six years, and until shattered health required a resignation. Several precious revivals were enjoyed during the period of his ministry at Manlius, and it was his practice in those years to go abroad and labor in other churches during seasons of refreshing. This preaching was blessed of God in a wonderful manner to the conversion of souls. Constant labor in meetings, for months in succession, at last impaired his health, especially the vocal or- gans, and finally compelled him to resign in May, 1839. Previous to this time he had been called to prominent positions, such as Syracuse, Oswego, Utica and Albany ; but all these invi- tations were declined in favor of the people of his choice, the little flock at Manlius. After his resignation took place, some months were spent in rest, and medical experiments, but without pro- ducing any visible beneficial results. At last, however, being in the city of New York, he was
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HISTORY OF THE
urged by the late Rev. S. H. Cone, D.D., to en- gage in the service of the American and Foreign Bible Society in the western part of the State. This agency brother Bellamy accepted, and with gratifying results. The travel invigorated his weakened body as medicine had failed to do, and he was soon strong enough to enter the pastoral office again. Accepting the cordial invitation of the Baptist Church at Ithaca, in Tompkins County, his labors were blessed as before, and a glorious revival followed. His stay there, how- ever, was brief-scarcely fifteen months-during the latter part of which time he was in corres- pondence with this church.
The aspect of things here, as before indicated, was quite forbidding at the time Mr. Bellamy took charge. His predecessor, widely known for his piety, generally beloved for his warm heart and winning address, was located in the same part of the city, with all the advantages of ten years' experience and acquaintance with the ground. Nearly all the congregation, as distinct from the church, had followed brother Benedict or become scattered, and though a nominal mem-
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
bership of between three and four hundred re- mained, this included those absent in the country, the useless and the lost of the whole period of the church's history. It may well be doubted whether the real active members numbered more than two hundred at this time. "But (writes brother Bellamy), they were led by some of the best, most faithful, efficient, and trustworthy brethren I ever knew."
The services of publicly recognizing the new pastor were held in our meeting-house, on Wed- nesday evening, September 22d, 1841, as follows : Prayer by Rev. A. Wheelock; sermon by Rev. S. H. Cone, D.D., from Matt. xvi. 26 : " For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul ? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?"
. The hand of fellowship was given by the Rev. George Benedict ; address to the church by the Rev. C. G. Somers ; prayer by the Rev. Z. Gre- nell, and benediction by brother Bellamy. The evening was fine, the meeting-house crowded on this interesting occasion, and the hearts of all inspired with fresh courage. Toward the close
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HISTORY OF THE
of the year an organ was placed in the gallery- a variety of musical instruments having been used previously -and the church, with their new pastor, went to work in earnest. Rev. Philetus B. Peck, of Owego, whose blameless life and early death will be long remembered, was invited to assist in a protracted meeting, and the brethren and sisters met every night during an entire week to supplicate the divine blessing upon their efforts. Nor did they pray in vain. Brother Peck preached his first sermon on Sunday, De- cember 12th, 1841, and it was soon evident that the Holy Spirit was moving on the hearts of men. Conversions were frequent in the congre- gation, and a large number joined themselves to the company of the disciples. The meetings were continued until the close of winter, the Rev. Joseph H. Chamberlain assisting part of the time. The letter to the Association in the summer of 1842, thus mentions this blessed revival : " A deep and general interest was manifested in the great subject of religion ; night after night many presented themselves for the prayers of God's people, and day after day we were permitted to
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
hear that souls had emerged into the liberty of the Gospel and were rejoicing with joy unspeak- able and full of glory. Month after month it has been our privilege to repair to the baptismal waters, and as the fruit thus far of this glorious revival, ninety-three willing converts have been buried in the likeness of the Saviour's death, and we are happy to receive the evidence from time to time that the seed so faithfully sown, and wa. tered with tears and prayers, is still bringing forth fruit to the glory of his name who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light."
As the year 1842 waned away, and the even- ings lengthened, the brethren began to inquire whether the number of meetings might not be advantageously increased. This was decided on, and the Rev. Jay S. Backus was invited to come and assist the pastor in preaching the word and laboring to win souls. He came in January, 1843, and Tuesday, the 24th, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Prayer-meetings were held at 6.30 and 10 o'clock, A.M., and at 6 P.M. Brother Backus preached at 10.30 o'clock, A.M., from
68
HISTORY OF THE
James, iv. 3: " Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss," and the pastor preached in the evening from Rom., vi. 23 : "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Morning prayer meetings were held at 6 o'clock for a fortnight, and preaching at 2 P.M., as well as in the evenings. The meetings for the reception of members and the transaction of other business, were held in the daytime, so as not to interfere with the devotional services. This revival continued almost four months. The next letter to the Association speaks of the bap- tism of one hundred and thirteen persons, making over two hundred in eighteen months ; and the number of church members had increased to five hundred and forty-three.
There being now a considerable number of young men in the body, it was early in the year (1843) proposed by the pastor, to form a Mis- sionary Society, the management of which should be committed to them ; and on Wednesday even- ing, March 29th, the following persons were appointed to draft a Constitution for the pro- posed society, and report as soon as practicable :
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STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
-Rev. D. Bellamy, deacons H. Phelps, and B. M. Thompson, with brethren C. B. Stout, John H. Ludlam, Joseph Della Torre, and Abram M. Fanning. This committee had several sessions at the house of the pastor, and on the 20th of April, they presented to the church a copy of the Constitution, drawn up by brother Bellamy, very nearly as it now stands, it having only been slightly amended from that day to the present. In consequence of a pressure of other business, the Constitution was not finally acted on until August 28th, a special church meeting being held for the purpose, when it was cordially adopted, and the officers and managers chosen. John H. Ludlam was the first president, C. B. Stout, secretary, and George W. Ewing, treas- urer. The young men immediately set about their appointed work, and before the close of the year their receipts amounted to forty dollars per month. The society then inaugurated continues its efforts with unabated efficiency, has led to the formation of many similar organizations, and has disbursed many thousands of dollars for mis- sionary purposes, both at home and abroad. It
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HISTORY OF THE
has held correspondence with most of the foreign missionaries, from the Judsons until now, and many precious interviews have been enjoyed with returned missionaries temporarily in this country. It was during this pastorate that the late lamented Rev. E. L. Abbott revisited his native land, and his first public meeting in America was held here on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 16th, 1845. He was formally and affec- tionately welcomed by the pastor ; the house was crowded, and the audience deeply affected. At the close of the services Mr. Abbott repeated the Lord's Prayer in Karen. Kincaid, Dawson, Dean, Ingalls, Howard, Haswell, Brown, and many others who have spoken words of cheer in our hearing, are still cherished in our hearts. A cabinet of curiosities has been gradually forming, until the West Room now displays a number of objects deeply interesting to all who love the cause of missions, or are interested in the welfare of the world.
In the year 1843 the old wooden stoops and fence in front of the meeting-house were re- moved, and the present substantial stone steps
71
STANTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
and iron railings erected. At the same time the decayed brick pavement was exchanged for solid flagging. During Mr. Bellamy's ministry, gas was introduced for lighting, in place of oil, which had been used exclusively hitherto.
The meeting-house was greatly crowded in the early part of this year, to hear a course of able lectures on the prophecies, particularly with reference to the second coming of Christ. As this subject was prominently before the public mind at the time, it is believed that this series of sermons, listened to by so many persons, was productive of incalculable good. The pastor's expository lectures should also be mentioned. It was his custom, on Sabbath mornings, to speak from the gospels in order. In this way the whole of St. Matthew was gone through with, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse-lingering where obscure, and explaining to the satisfaction of all. These discourses are still spoken of as highly edifying, and far more instructive and satis- factory than the usual preaching from isolated texts.
In the winter of 1843-44, Rev. Isaac Wescott
72 t
HISTORY OF THE
aided the pastor in a season of extra meetings, and in June following, the church reported five hundred and seventy-nine members to the asso- ciation. About the same number was reported in June 1845,* and in December of that year it was resolved to hold a protracted meeting. Rev. John Blain was written to, but as his services could not be secured, Rev. Ira R. Steward assisted the pastor from time to time as his other duties would permit. During this and the fol- lowing year efforts were made to reduce the debt upon our property, and about two thousand dollars were realized for this purpose. Incl ing this amount, about twenty thousand dollars were raised for benevolent objects, while bro- ther Bellamy was with us. On the 18th of Au- gust, 1846, the pastor presented his resignation, to take effect on the 15th of November. This resignation was in due time accepted, and the following preamble and resolutions adopted by a unanimous vote, October 21st :
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