USA > New York > A history of the purchase and settlement of western New York : and of the rise, progress and present state of the Presbyterian Church in that section > Part 38
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In 1799, a state road from Cazenovia to Skeneatoles was laid through this town. Where this road intersects the road from Syracuse to Tully village, stands the Congregational Church. It is erected on a plot of one acre of ground, generously donated as a site for a church by Captain Joseph Rhoades and Erastus Baker. This site has given name to the village which is usually denomi- nated "La Fayette Square." The inhabitants of the town are mostly from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the eastern counties of this State. For a number of years the inhabitants enjoyed occa- sional preaching from travelling missionaries and others, but no stated ministration of the word.
In October, 1809, a Congregational church, consisting of twenty- two members, was organized by Rev. Benjamin Bell. The church till 1826 was known as Pompey third church, or Pompey West Hill. It now numbers one hundred and thirty-five members. Its first ecclesiastical connexion was with the Middle Association. On the division of that body it fell to the Presbytery of Onondaga, with which it has continued to the present time. On the sixth day of October, 1814, Rev. Ebenezer I. Leavenworth was installed as the first pastor of this church, in connexion with Manlius first church. His continuance was about three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Daniel C. Hopkins, as stated supply for three years, and he by Rev. Martin Powell, who continued seven years. The next in succession was Rev. Alexander B. Corning, who was installed pas- tor of the church, Oct. 25th, 1831. Ilis continuance was about three years. After him Rev. Seth Smalley, Rev. Absalom K. Barr, and Rev. Parshal Terry, severally ministered as stated supplies to
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this congregation, the latter for three years. On the 25th day of February, 1845, Rev. George E. Delavan was installed pastor of the church, and still retains his station.
This church has enjoyed four precious seasons of revival. 'The first extended revival was under the ministry of Mr. Powell, in which about sixty hopeful conversions took place. The church had been advised to turn away their minister, being somewhat advanced in years, and get a younger revival man, but a precious work of grace was experienced under the labors of the Lord's faithful ser- vant. The second was under the preaching of Mr. Corning, adding to the church between thirty and forty members. The third was under the ministry of Mr. Smalley, assisted by Dr. D. C. Lansing, as the result of which about forty were added to the church. The last was under the ministry of Mr. Terry, assisted by Rev. Thomas Castleton. As the fruits of this revival, seventeen were added to the church.
The church edifice was erected in 1819, and cost about $3000. In 1844 it was repaired after the modern style, and furnished by the Female Benevolent Society. In 1846 a neat session house was built, and a suite of sheds, which are an important appendage to every country church. The church is out of debt, and prosperous in its financial concerns.
Jamesville .- The village of Jamesville is situated on the great Western Turnpike, in the northern part of the town of De Witt. The church was formed at an early period, and was then denomi- nated Manlius, or Manlius first, as the region at that time was in- cluded in the town of Manlius. It was connected with the Middle Association during the existence of that body, and on its demise came under the care of the Presbytery of Onondaga. After the Myrick excitement it seceded from the Presbytery, and in 1837 is not found on the reports of the Presbytery. It was again, on re- quest, received under the care of the Presbytery, Sept. 6th, 1843. Of its number of members, the author has no information till 1825. It then consisted of sixty members. In 1831 it reported one hun- dred and forty members. Rev. Ebenezer I. Leavenworth was in- stalled pastor of this church, in connexion with that of La Fayette, Oct. 6th, 1814. He was dismissed from his pastoral charge, Feb. 4th, 1818. Rev. Daniel C. Hopkins was installed pastor of the church, with that of Manlius second, Dec. 2d, 1818, and was dis- missed June 23d, 1821. In 1825 the church is reported as vacant : from that period down to 1829, as furnished with a stated supply. May 28th, 1829, Rev. Seth J. Porter was installed as pastor of the church, and continued in that relation till Sept. 7th, 1831. From that period it is generally reported vacant till it- ceased to be re- ported by the Presbytery. During Mr. Porter's ministry a reli- gious excitement prevailed, as the result of which, between forty
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and fifty members, by profession, were added to the church. How far this was a revival of pure religion, the author will not take upon himself the responsibility of determining. Some untoward circum- stances were consequent upon it, and the church was greatly dis- tracted for a season. What the present state and prospects of the church are, is unknown to the writer. They have an appropriate house of worship, but are much intermixed with other denomina- tions.
Fayetteville .- This is a village in the town of Manlius, near the Erie Canal, with which it is connected by a feeder. A Presbyte- rian Church, consisting of twenty-three members, was organized, May 6th, 1830, by Rev. Messrs. Seth J. Porter, Ralph Cushman, and Hiram R. Kellogg, acting as a committee of the Presbytery appointed for the purpose. The following persons with letters of dismission from the church of Manlius Square, viz. John Mc Vicar and Rhoda his wife, James Stewart and Sarah his wife, Levi Carr and Ruth his wife, Watson Case and Esther his wife, Mary Pratt, Marcia Pratt, Esther Case, Orpha Sennett, Margaret Jackson, Har- riet Jackson, James C. Jackson, Hannah Jones, Rebecca Flint, Ann Hurlbut, Maria Gregory, Margaret Lyon, Sally Sibley, and Isaac Hall, together with Philip Flink by letter from the Presbyte- rian church of Smithfield, Dutchess County, constituted the church. After the organization of the church, John Mc Vicar and James Stewart were elected deacons, and John Mc Vicar, James Stewart, and Philip Flink were elected ruling elders, to which offices they were solemnly set apart, the first Sabbath in August following. Rev. Samuel Manning for a few months ministered to this infant church. From about a year after its organization till October, 1832, Rev. Erastus H. Adams officiated as stated supply. Rev. Ethan Smith labored here from November, 1833, till April, 1844, when Rev. Stephen S. Smith came as stated supply, and remained about two years. In the latter part of the year 1836, Rev. Amos C. Tuttle commenced his labors with the church, and was installed as their pastor, June 28th, 1837. He continued in the pastoral office till Sept. 15th, 1841, when his relation was dis- solved. At that period, Rev. Richard F. Cleveland was engaged as a stated supply, and so continued till Sept. 19th, 1844, when he was installed pastor, and so remains at this date. The church during seasons of destitution have received important aid from Rev. Messrs. Robert W. Condit, James I. Ostrom, Oren Hyde, George Freeman, Jonathan Laird, and others. The church receiv- ed aid from the American Home Missionary Society, one or two years, in the support of Rev. Erastus H. Adams. Since Mr. Adams left them they have uniformly supported their ministers without foreign aid. The whole number of members who have at different times been connected with the church, is four hundred
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and eleven. The greatest number at any one time (1846) is two hundred and nine ; the present number, one hundred and ninety- three. A house of worship (the first in the place) was erected in the year 1829. In dimensions it was sixty feet by forty, with a basement, and surmounted by a bell. It has lately undergone con- siderable repair, and a change of construction inside to accommo- date more hearers.
The village of Fayetteville, formerly denominated Manlius Four Corners, contains about one thousand inhabitants. The leading part of the population are religious, or favorable to the institutions of the gospel. Besides the Presbyterians, the Baptists, Methodists, and Episcopalians have each an establishment in the village and a house of worship, and maintain the usual ordinances of the gospel with more or less constancy. The first inhabitants of the place were of the Baptist denomination, and a church of that order was established prior to the organization of any other. But it declined for a season. Afterwards it revived, became numerous and re- spectable, and now constitutes the largest religious community in the village. This community erected a house of worship of the same dimensions as the Presbyterian, about the year 1833. The Presbyterians are next to the Baptists in numerical strength, and the next in order are the Methodists. This denomination erected a house for worship previous to the Baptists, but it was afterwards sold, and used since for an Academy. They erected their present house of worship ten or twelve years since. The Episcopalians, who are the least numerous of the evangelical denominations, erected their house of worship about the year 1834 or 1835. Re- vivals of religion have been repeatedly enjoyed in the village, by which all the churches have been more or less affected.
Dewitt or Orville .- This church, in the Presbyterial reports, until 1832, is denominated Manlius third. After that period it has uni- formly the name of Orville. The village has usually been called Orville. It is situated in the town of Dewitt, formerly a part of the town of Manlius. The settlement of the village commenced in the year 1791, by the late John Young, Esq., who removed his family to the place from Ballston, in November of that year. From this circumstance the place received the name of Youngsville, and was so called till 1814 or '15, when it received the name of Orville, and was so known till the organization of the town of Dewitt. The oldest person in the village connected with the Young family, says, the first sermon she ever heard preached in the place, was by Rev. Dr. Lansing; but she does not remember the year. The first stated preaching, and establishment of a church organization, was by the Methodist denomination. A class was formed by them consisting of eight members, in November, 1811. They built a house of worship in 1819 or 1820 ; and, although their Society is
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small, have since remodelled it, with a view to convenience and appearance.
A church of the Congregational Order, consisting of eight mem- bers of different churches, was organized by Rev. John Alexander, February 25th, 1815. It became connected with the Presbytery of Onondaga, February 4th, 1817. The church since its organi- zation has elected ruling elders, but the brethren at large deliberate and vote with the session. The church since its organization has had but one settled pastor, Rev. Joel Bradley. He was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Onondaga, September 3d, 1822, and removed by death, August 3d, 1830, after an illness of only nine days. Mr. Bradley was a good and faithful pastor, and was much beloved by his people. As stated supplies for longer or shorter periods, the following may be named : Rev. Messrs. John Alex- ander, Joseph Edwards, Caleb Alexander, Ebenezer I. Leaven- worth, Charles Johnston, Daniel C. Hopkins, Mathew Harrison, Simon Snow, Hezekiah N. Woodruff, John Barton, Horatio J. Lombard, Samuel Manning, Edward Fairchild, George Freeman, Edward Wheeler, William Worden, Alfred C. Lathrop, and Joseph Myers. The latter still continues to minister to the church. Although seasons of refreshing have been enjoyed by the church, the number of its members has at no time been large, and has much diminished of late years, though somewhat increasing again since 1843. The highest number at any one time is eighty-four, and the least number, twenty-seven. This was in 1843. In 1832, twenty- one members were reported as added on profession in the preced- ing year. The last report (1846) makes the number then belong- ing to the church, forty-two.
The church has a house of worship, built in 1819-20, which has since been remodelled and improved. It is in dimensions forty-six by thirty-six feet, with a steeple, but without a bell. The church has been aided in the support of its ministers by the Western Domestic Missionary Society, and also by the American Home Missionary Society. By the latter in the support of Messrs. Woodruff, Fairfield, Freeman, and Wheeler. The attendance on public worship on the Sabbath is by no means large, or in proportion to the number of inhabitants.
Britton Settlement .- This is situated in the northern part of the town of De Witt. The settlement commenced in 1805. A cor- respondent observes, " the first settlers were Brittons." Whether they were persons of the name of Britton, or emigrants from Great Britain, is not clear to the writer, especially as some of them are spoken of afterwards as born in Ireland. Public worship by the Presbyterians was established in 1842, though a Methodist Episcopal class had been organized some years previous. The Presbyterian church was organized in October, 1843, by Rev. Dr. Lansing, Rev. A. C. Tuttle, and Rev. Joseph Myers, with seven-
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teen members. A correspondent says : "We have members from the church in Salina ; from Manlius Centre, where was once a Congregational church torn to pieces by Myrick ; some from Matthews's Mills ; some from Dutch Seceders, Episcopal, Method- ist, Baptist, Congregational, and Presbyterian churches. Some of them were born and bred in Ireland." The church, in 1846, numbered sixty members. They have had no regularly installed pastor. Rev. A. W. Seeley acted as stated supply one year, in 1842-3. In 1843, Rev. Alfred C. Lathrop was employed as stated supply, in connexion with the church of Matthews's Mills, and, as far as is known to the author, still continues. An interesting revival of religion was enjoyed in the spring of 1843, adding con- siderably to the strength of the church. They have a beautiful house of worship, forty-six feet by thirty-four, and fourteen feet posts, which was erected in 1844, and was in a course of being finished the next year. The church has been aided for two years to the amount of $50 a year, by the American Home Missionary Society. It is represented as an interesting and promising region, which, with the blessing of God, affords the hope and promise of a large church. It is estimated that about three-eighths of the population within four miles attend worship with the church. The Methodist congregation is nearly as large as the Presbyterian.
Cicero .- The Presbyterian church of Cicero was received un- der the care of the Presbytery of Onondaga, Dec. 17th, 1816. The author supposes that it had then recently been organized. In 1825, it was reported as containing thirty-four members, and as vacant. In June, 1829, Rev. Truman Baldwin was commissioned by the American Home Missionary Society to labor here. He seems to have continued his labors under the patronage of the So- ciety, at least three years. After him Rev. Publius V. Bogue officiated, under the patronage of the Society, one year. After Mr. Bogue, Mr. Baldwin seems again to have been employed as stated supply. During the first period of Mr. Baldwin's ministry with this church, there were from year to year goodly additions made to the church by profession, indicating the presence of the Holy Spirit by his converting influences. In 1829, fifty-two, in 1831, twenty-one, and in 1832, thirteen are reported as being added by profession. The whole number of members at the latter period, was one hundred and fifteen, the highest number ever reported. Sept. 1st, 1835, this church was dismissed from its con- nexion with the Presbytery, to unite with the Classis of Cayuga of the Reformed Dutch Church.
Liverpool .- This village is situated on the Onondaga lake, in the town of Salina. The Presbyterian church was organized in the latter part of 1820, or very early the following year. It was
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received under the care of the Presbytery, Jan. 27th, 1831. It then numbered twenty members. Rev. Phinehas Camp, under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society, labored here one year from August, 1829. Rev. Edward Fairchild suc- ceeded him, and labored two years, alternately in this place and in Orville. Rev. Oren Hyde labored one year, half of the time from October, 1838, and was succeeded by Rev. William B. Wor- den in 1841, who continued for a short period. Rev. Amos C. Tuttle commenced laboring with this congregation in 1841, and continued four years. He was succeeded by Rev. Luther Conkling, in August, 1844, who continued till June, 1846. He was succeed- ed by Rev. Elisha B. Sherwood, under whom the congregation has been steadily increasing, and who has labored among the boatmen with much success. In the support of all these ministers the church has been aided by the funds of the American Home Missionary Society. Under the ministry of Mr. Tuttle the church was blessed with a revival. In 1843, eighty-two was reported as the whole number of members, of whom twenty-eight had been received on a profession of faith, since the last previous report. In 1841, the church erected a house of worship.
Salina .-- This village, formerly known by the name of Salt Point, began to be settled at a very early period. The settlement, how- ever, was but small for a considerable number of years, owing, per- haps, in some measure, to the unhealthiness of the place. Many of the residents were transient persons, coming for a short season for the purpose of making salt, and then retiring. This place in its early history was notorious for its irreligion and immorality ; but in process of time a better description of inhabitants came in, and the complexion of the society was much improved. At what time public worship was instituted, or a Presbyterian church organized, is not known to the writer. The church was received under the care of the Presbytery of Onondaga, Feb. 5th, 1822. This was probably soon after its organization. On the twenty-sixth of Feb- ruary of the same year, Rev. Hutchins Taylor was installed pastor of the church. He was dismissed, as the writer believes, in 1826 or '27. In 1825, the church numbered forty-three members ; in 1826, seventy five are reported, thirty-two having been added during the preceding year. The next year eleven were added, and the year after, thirty-seven, making the whole number in 1828 one hundred and ten. On the twenty-fourth day of June, 1829, Rev. James I. Ostrom was installed pastor of the church, and con- tinued three or four years. During his ministry the church re- ceived large accessions to its number. In 1831, eighty-four; in 1832, forty- six ; and the next year, twenty are reported as added to the church by profession. In 1832, the church numbered two hundred and forty-eight members. This is the highest number
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ever reported. In 1834, Rev. Joseph I. Foote is reported as pastor. He continued with the church but a short season. On the nine- teenth day of July, 1836, Rev. Hutchins Taylor was again instal- led pastor of this church, and continued in the station about three years. Since his dismission Rev. Joseph Myers officiated as stated supply for a season, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Castleton, who still continues. In 1836, the whole number of mem- bers reported was two hundred and twenty-four ; in 1840, it was ninety-seven. The cause of such a great diminution in so short a period is not known to the writer. The church, in 1846, reported its number as ninety-seven members. This church has a commo- dious house of worship built some years since.
Syracuse .- This city, situated on the Erie Canal, where it unites with the Oswego canal, is of recent origin. On the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, the place began to attract the attention of capitalists, as a favorable place for business. As a village it was incorporated that year, though containing at that period but a small population. From that period the influx of inhabitants has been very great. In 1840 it contained more than six thousand inhabit- ants. A church of the Presbyterian order was organized April 6th, 1826, consisting of twenty-six members, and was received un- der the care of the Presbytery of Onondaga. On the twenty-eighth day of the same month, Rev. John W. Adams (now Dr. Adams) was ordained and installed pastor of the church. In this relation Dr. Adams still continues, a rare instance of any great stability to the pastoral relation. During the first year of Dr. Adams's minis- try the church were aided in his support by the United Domestic Missionary Society, and in the second year by the American Home Missionary Society. It was not long that the church needed this aid. In a short time they were not only able to support their own pastor, but to contribute largely to aid those who were feeble. In 1828, twenty-eight members were reported as having been added to the church the previous year ; in 1831, twenty, by profession ; in 1832, ninety-four, and the next year thirty. These additions from the world to the church, indicated the presence of the Holy Spirit by his converting influences on the hearts of sinners. The church, notwithstanding other churches have been formed from it, has steadily increased in number, till in 1843 it numbered three hundred and seventy-one members. From that period the writer is not informed.
Syracuse Congregational Church .- The period of the rise of this church, and the circumstances connected with it, are unknown to the writer. It was, on its application, received under the care of the Presbytery of Onondaga, September 13th, 1842, and was relin- quished on its withdrawal, September 5th, 1843. At the time of
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its union with the Presbytery, Rev. Dirck C. Lansing, D.D., offici- ated as stated supply to the church. The church at that time con- sisted of about 260 members. What connexion the church now has, or what is its state, are unknown to the writer.
Syracuse Second Presbyterian Church .- This church was received under the care of the Presbytery, September 3d, 1844, having been recently organized. It has not prospered, and may be considered as virtually dissolved.
Onondaga First Church or West Hill .- The first attempt by white men to settle in this town was made by Ephraim Webster, in 1786, who, with consent of the Indians, settled in Onondaga. The next spring Asa Danforth and Comfort Tyler moved on their fami- lies to the town, consent of the Indians for that purpose having been obtained for them by Mr. Webster. This place at that time was a part of the town of Whitestown. The first Presbyterian Church of Onondaga was organized, with thirteen members living in dif- ferent parts of the town, in August, 1806. It was received under the care of the Presbytery of Geneva, the only Presbytery at that time existing in New York west of Oneida, November 3d, 1807. On the 2d day of December following, Rev. Dirck C. Lansing (now Dr. Lansing), then a licentiate, was ordained by the Presbytery, and installed pastor of the church. Some measure of revival was enjoyed by this church, and a number (probably about twenty) were added to the communion of the church. February 7th, 1810, Mr. Lansing was dismissed from his pastoral charge. At this time the church had increased to the number of ninety members, of whom forty were dismissed to form the church of Onondaga Hollow, leaving about fifty in the original church. Rev. Jabez Chadwick was installed pastor of this church, August 1st, 1810. In this year, the Presbytery of Onondaga was organized, and this church came under its care. Mr. Chadwick's continuance with the church as its pastor was limited to a short period, not more than one or two years. From the period of Mr. Chadwick's dismission to October 9th, 1821, the writer has no information respecting the history of this church. At this date Rev. William Bacon was installed its pastor. How long he continued in this relation, is not known to the writer. In 1825, the church is reported as vacant, and as con- taining 160 members, a larger number than has at any one time been reported since. For several years from this period the church is reported sometimes as vacant, and sometimes as supplied, till 1830. February 11th of that year, Rev. John H. Prentice was installed as pastor of the church. He is reported as pastor to 1834. On the 8th day of April of that year, his name at his own request was stricken from the roll of ministers belonging to the Presbytery. During Mr. Prentice's pastorate, a considerable number of mem-
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bers were added to the church by profession, while at the same time the aggregate number was decreasing. In 1834, the whole number reported was 115. Mr. Prentice became grossly unsound in doctrine and practice, harmonizing with Mr. Myrick and his fol- lowers. The church seems to have harmonized with him in his views to a great extent. It was dropped from the list of churches, February 8th, 1842 ; the remnant were received as a Congregational Church under the care of the Presbytery. In 1843, the church consisted of forty-nine members. In 1847, they report but thirty- six. In the month of September, 1845, Rev. Charles Machin was commissioned by the American Home Missionary Society to minister to this church for one year, and at the close of that period his commission was renewed, and the church appeared to be rising from the dust of humiliation into which she had fallen.
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