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 62
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537
PRESBYTERY OF BUFFALO.
Westfield, four from Fredonia, two from the original church of Portland, and three were new members. The church thus orga- nized was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, September 3d, 1833. In 1834, it numbered thirty members, and in 1836, eighty. As stated supplies for short seasons previous to 1841, Rev. Alfred W. Gray, Rev. Calvin Gray, and Rev. William J. Willcox, were employed. Rev. Alfred W. Gray a second time commenced laboring with the church in August, 1841, and was installed pastor in October, 1842, which relation he held till August, 1845. Rev. N. H. Barnes succeeded him as stated supply for a short season. In July, 1846, Rev. Lewis F. Laine commenced labor as a stated supply, and still continues. In the support of these ministers the church has been aided by the American Home Missionary Society. No extensive revivals have been enjoyed by this church, though two or three seasons of more than ordinary interest have occurred, during which some souls have been hopefully converted to God. The prospects of the church have been in times past peculiarly discouraging, but the members have held on, and continued to supplicate the throne of grace, and God has strengthened them, and for a time past the prospect has been more cheering. In 1842, the Society erected a house of worship at an expense of $1,600, which is forty-four feet in length, and thirty-six in breadth. There is a good attendance on public worship upon the Sabbath, and an apparently good influence upon the community exerted by the church. In the town of Portland are two Baptist churches, one Episcopal Methodist, and one Wesleyan Methodist, besides some Universalists.
Westfield .- This church was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, September 11th, 1822. It contained, in 1825, fifty-six members ; in 1832, one hundred and five ; in 1840, three hundred and one ; and in 1846, two hundred and ninety-five. At what period the church was organized is not known to the writer. In 1820 and 1821, Rev. Phinehas Camp preached in Westfield two-thirds of the time, probably as a stated supply. Rev. Isaac Oakes was installed pastor of the church, August 11th, 1824, and continued in that relation till Jan. 27th, 1831, when it was dissolved. In 1832, Rev. Jedidiah C. Parmele was reported as stated supply. June 11th, 1834, Rev. David D. Gregory was installed pastor of the church. He was dismissed, Sept. 3d, 18: 9. His successor was Rev. Timothy M. Hopkins, who was installed into the pastorate June 2d, 1840. Mr. Hopkins has since been dis- missed, and Rev. Reuben Tinker, formerly of the Sandwich Islands mission, inducted into the pastoral office. This church has been signally blessed with the effusions of the Holy Spirit. In 1832, twenty members by profession were reported as having been re- ceived to the communion of the church the preceding year ; in
538
WESTERN NEW YORK.
1834, one hundred, and in 1837, fifty-seven. The church received aid from the Home Missionary Society in the support of Mr. Oakes, three years. They had previously been aided to some ex- tent by the United Domestic Missionary Society. They have an appropriate house of worship in the village of Westfield. There is also an Episcopal and a Methodist house of worship in the village.
Ripley .- At what period this church was organized is not known to the writer. In 1821, it was under the care of the Presbytery of Erie in connexion with the Synod of Pittsburgh. It was received by transfer under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 7th, 1830. In 1823, it reported forty-four members ; in 1832, one hun- dred and eighty-one ; and in 1843, two hundred and thirty-one. This is the last report which the author has seen. It appears from the Minutes of the General Assembly that this church was con- nected with the adjoining church of North-East in the State of Pennsylvania in the enjoyment of the Christian ministry, and that Rev. Giles Doolittle was for several years pastor of the united churches. As pastor he is reported for the last time in 1829. As stated supplies at different periods, Rev. Messrs. Erastus J. Gillett, David D. Gregory, John B. Preston, Thompson S. Harris, and Samuel G. Orton, have been employed. In 1846, Mr. Orton was reported as pastor. In 1832, ninety-four members were reported as having been added by profession the preceding year, indicating that the church had been abundantly blessed with the effusion of the Holy Spirit during that year. The church was aided by the American Home Missionary Society in the support of Messrs. Gill- lett, Gregory, and Preston. It has an appropriate house of wor- ship located in the village of Quincy. The Baptist church has also a house of worship in the same village.
Mayville .- This village, situated in the town of Chautauque, at the north end of Chautauque lake, is the seat of justice for the county of Chautauque. The church of Mayville was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 14th, 1824. In 1826, it numbered twenty-three members; in 1832, sixty-nine ; in 1836, ninety-eight ; and in 1840, fifty-nine. This is the last enumeration that the author has seen. As stated supplies to this, often in connexion with another church, and in every instance under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society, the following ministers have officiated in this church, viz. Rodol- phus Landfer, Isaac Jones, Ebenezer H. Stratton, Milo N. Miles, Edmund Ingalls, Alexander Montgomery, John Scott, Ebenezer Colman, and Miles Doolittle. Mr. Miles was installed pastor of the church, Feb. 16th, 1836, and was dismissed, Feb. 2d, 1837. Mr. Montgomery was installed as pastor, August, 1840, and the relation
539
PRESBYTERY OF BUFFALO.
was dissolved, Oct. 13th, 1842. This church had a house of wor- ship which was erected in 1830, and consumed by fire in 1816. Whether another has been erected in its stead, the author is not informed. Three other houses of worship have been erected in the village, but the author is not informed to what denominations they belong.
Ellery .- The name of this church is first found in the report of the Presbytery of Buffalo for 1825, and is continued till 1834, when it was reported as consisting of twelve members. Fourteen is the highest number ever reported. By an act of the Presbytery it was merged in the Presbyterian church of Jamestown, Sept. 7th, 1836.
Ellington .- This church, recently organized, was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 2d, 1828. There is no report of the number of its members till 1832. The number at that period was only fifteen. The next report is for 1846, and the number of members one hundred and three. With the exception of Rev. Abel C. Ward, for one year in 1833 and 1834, the church appears never to have enjoyed the stated ministrations of gospel ordinances till 1848. Rev. William Waith then supplied for one year. In 1843, he again supplied this church in connexion with Rutledge, one year. Again in May, 1845, he commenced laboring with this church, and in 1846, was reported its pastor. In 1839, the church was dismissed from its connexion with the Pres- bytery of Buffalo, to unite with the Western Association of New York. It seems, however, to have returned to its original connex- ion, as it is reported in 1846 as under the care of the Presbytery. What revivals, if any, have been enjoyed, is not known to the writer, nor whether the church has an appropriate house of wor- ship. It has the aid of the American Home Missionary Society.
Connewango .- The author supposes that this is the church which has its location in the village of Rutledge in the town of Connewango. It was originally denominated the Second Church of Little Valley, and by that name was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Jan. 29th, 1823. In 1826, it consisted of fourteen members : in 1832, twenty ; and in 1836, sixty-five. Since that period the number has not been reported. For about ten years after the organization of the church, the number of mem- bers did not at any time exceed twenty, and the church was annually reported vacant. Since that period it has at times been supplied in part, and latterly the whole of the time. Rev. Abel C. Ward, Rev. Miles Doolittle, Rev. William Waith, Rev. R. Willoughby, and Rev. Louis S. Morgan, have officiated as stated supplies under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society. The last,
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WESTERN NEW YORK.
in 1846, was reported as pastor. The church has an appropriate house of worship, which was erected in 1842, but not finished for several years.
Napoli .- This town was formerly a part of the town of Little Valley, afterwards of Cold Spring, subsequently Napoli. The church has been known by all of these names. It was received as the Church of Little Valley, under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Feb. 13th, 1821. It was dismissed to unite with the West- ern Association of New York, Jan. 28th, 1840, and received again under the care of the Presbytery, Sept. 5th, 1843. In 1825, it numbered twenty-one members ; in 1828, sixty ; and in 1834, one hundred and seven. This is the last enumeration which the author has seen. Rev. William J. Willcox was installed pastor of the church, June 20th, 1827, and the relation was dissolved, Nov. 10th, 1831. Rev. Ira Dunning was his successor, and was installed pastor, June 2d, 1824, and dismissed, Oct. 13th, 1825. Since the dismission of Mr. Dunning, Rev. Messrs. Sylvester Cowles, Justin Marsh, William Waith, Abner D. Olds, William Goodale, and H. A. Taylor, have severally officiated as stated supplies. In the sup- port of all these ministers, the church has been aided by the American Home Missionary Society. In 1834, Mr. Cowles re- ported an interesting revival of religion, as the result of which thirty-one members were added to the church on a profession of faith. In 1832, twenty-six members were reported as having been thus added the preceding year. The church has an appropriate house of worship, which was completed in 1834.
Great Valley .- The Presbyterian Church of Great Valley was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 6th, 1842. In 1843, it consisted of forty members. Rev. Israel C. Holmes officiated here as stated supply, under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society, from April, 1841, five years the greater part of the time. In 1842, the Society were engaged in erecting a house of worship.
Randolph .- This church was organized as a Congregational Church by a committee of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Jan. 7th, 1836, and received under the care of the Presbytery on the twen- ty-sixth day of the same month. At its organization it was com- posed of fourteen members. This is the only enumeration which the author has seen. Rev. Justin Marsh officiated one year as stated supply, in 1835 and 1836, and Rev. Z. Eddy in 1840. The American Home Missionary Society aided in their support. The church has not been reported by the Presbytery since 1840. The reason is not known to the writer.
541
PRESBYTERY OF BUFFALO.
Waterboro' .- This village is situated in the town of Poland, adjacent to the town of Randolph. The church of Waterboro' was organized in 1828, and received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 2d of that year. In 1830, it was composed of twelve members, and in 1832, of twenty-four, having received eight the preceding year on profession. In 1836, it was merged in the church of Randolph when that church was organized. During its separate existence it was uniformly reported vacant.
Ellicott .- This church was received under the care of the Pres- bytery of Buffalo, July 7th, 1818. In 1825, it was reported as con- sisting of seventeen members. This is the last time that its name is found in the reports of the Presbytery. Whether it withdrew from its connexion with the Presbytery, or became extinct, is not known to the writer.
Jamestown .- This village is located in the town of Ellicott, and is the most populous village in the county of Chautauque. A church was formed here at an early day, and it was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, July 7th, 1818. In 1826, it numbered forty-five members, twenty of whom had been received the year preceding. In 1832, its number was one hundred and twenty-seven ; and in 1840, two hundred and twenty-four. This is the latest enumeration that the author has seen. Rev. Isaac Eddy was installed as pastor of the church, June 14th, 1826. The dissolution of the relation occurred, Sept. 7th, 1830. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Erastus J. Gillett, who was reported as stated supply in 1831, and installed as pastor in the latter part of the year 1832, or near the commencement of the succeeding year. He was dismissed, June 11th, 1834.
About the period last mentioned the church appears to have been divided on the principle of church government. The author supposes that the original church was organized on Congregational principles, and united with the Presbytery on the accommodating plan. On the minutes of the Presbytery, under date of June 11th, 1834, a record is made of the reception of the Presbyterian church of Jamestown, lately formed. The writer supposes that the ori- ginal church left its connexion with the Presbytery to unite with some other organization, as but one church of Jamestown is named in the subsequent reports of the Presbytery. If this is correct, the report of two hundred and twenty-four members in 1840 has reference to the Presbyterian church. Rev. Erastus J. Gillett was installed pastor of this church, Sept. 3d, 1835, and the relation was dissolved, Jan. 31st, 1837. He seems not long afterwards to have been engaged as stated supply, and in 1846 to be still employed in that capacity. This place has been repeatedly visited with the effusions of the Divine Spirit in his quickening and converting
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WESTERN NEW YORK.
influences, and many souls have been hopefully born into the king- dom of God., In the support of Mr. Eddy the church was aided by the American Home Missionary Society. In the village of Jamestown, there is one Presbyterian, one Congregational, one Baptist, and one Methodist house of worship.
Ashville .- This village is located in the town of Harmony, near Chautauque lake. The name of the church first appears in the report of the Presbytery for 1826. The author finds no record of its reception, unless it is identified with one of the churches of Harmony. In February, 1822, two churches, named Harmony First and Harmony Second, were received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo. Their names are found in the reports of the Presbytery for 1825 and 1826, but do not occur afterwards, nor is any further record respecting them to be found. The church of Ashville may be a continuation of one of those churches. In 1827, it consisted of eighteen members ; in 1832, of sixty-five ; and in 1836, of fifty-two. This is the latest enumeration of which the writer has any knowledge. Rev. Samuel Leonard, Rev. Edmund Ingalls, and Rev. Spencer Baker, have supplied here, under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society ; but the church has generally been vacant. It was dismissed from its rela- tion to the Presbytery, June 26th, 1839, to connect itself with the Association of Western New York.
Mina .-- This church was received under the care of the Pres- bytery of Buffalo, Sept. 4th, 1827. The first report of members which the author finds is for the year 1831. It then numbered thirty-nine members, and in 1834, fifty-two. After this date its name is not found in the reports of the Presbytery. Rev. Justin Marsh was pastor of this church at the time it was received under the care of the Presbytery, and so continued till Sept. 6th, 1831, when his dismission took place. He was sustained by the aid of the American Home Missionary Society, the funds being furnished by the church of Farmington in Connecticut, from which the mem- bers of the church in Mina emigrated. With the late history of this church the author is not acquainted.
Panama .- This church has its location in the town of Harmony. It was received under the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo, Sept. 3d, 1833. There is no report at any period of the number of its members. As stated supplies, by the aid of the American Home Missionary Society, Rev. Alfred W. Gray, Rev. Aaron Van Wormer, and Rev. Abner D. Olds, have labored here. The church has a house of worship erected in 1846.
Busti .- The name of this church is first found in the statistical
543
PRESBYTERY OF BUFFALO.
report of the Presbytery of Buffalo for 1826. It was continued till 1831, when it appears for the last time. The number of members reported varies from fifteen to twenty-nine. The last report in 1834 was twenty. As stated supplies, by the aid of the American Home Missionary Society, Rev. Messrs. Samuel Leonard, Isaac Eddy, Spencer Baker, and Louis S. Morgan, have labored here.
Carroll .- The church at this place was originally denominated the church of Jones's Settlement. It was first reported by the Presbytery in 1826, as a church under their care, and in 1834, it is reported for the last time. The number of members has varied from fifteen to thirty. The greater part of the time it has been reported as vacant. It has been fostered to some extent by the American Home Missionary Society. Under the patronage of that Society Rev. Samuel Leonard, Rev. Isaac Eddy, and Rev. J. S. Emery have labored in this place. What has been the state of the church for a number of years past, is not known to the writer.
544
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Presbytery of Genesee :- Byron, Elba, Oakfield, Alabama, Pembroke, Batavia, Staf- ford, Le Roy, Caledonia, Pavilion, East Bethany, Bethany Centre, Alexander, Union Church of Alexander and Darien, Darien, Darien Village, Bennington, Bennington Second, Attica, Attica Centre, Wyoming, Covington, Perry First, Perry Second, Perry Village, Warsaw, Orangeville, Varysburgh, Sheldon First, Sheldon Second or Strykersville, Java, Weathersfield Springs, Weathersfield, Gainesville, Carlisle, Pike, China.
THIE PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE
WILL next claim our attention. Beginning at the north-eastern angle, we commence with the church of
Byron .- This town was formerly a part of the town of Bergen, from which it was separated in 1820. The settlement of the town commenced about the year 1808. A Congregational church was or- ganized, Nov. 20th, 1818, by Rev. Herman Halsey, consisting of eleven members. The church had its first location in the town of Batavia (now Stafford), and, in 1823, was removed to the centre of Byron, where it has continued. In 1824, the church became connected with the Genesee Consociation ; but on the ninth day of February, 1831, became connected with the Presbytery of Gene- see, on the accommodating plan. In September, 1845, it adopted the Presbyterian form of government, with a rotary session. At the commencement of 1830, the church consisted of only twenty- seven members. In 1831, it was increased to one hundred and sixty-two, and, in 1846, to one hundred and eighty-six. Rev. Her- man Halsey supplied this church for one half of the time, with the exception of one year, from July, 1819, till the spring of 1826. He was succeeded for one year, by Rev. William P. Kendrick, and he, for one, by Rev. Lot B. Sullivan. Rev. Lewis Cheeseman com- menced ministerial labor with this church, in January, 1830, and continued till April, 1831. Rev. Herbert A. Reed was stated sup- ply from October, 1831, to April, 1833. He was succeeded by Rev. Blackleach B. Gray, who continued about three years and six months. Rev. Avelyn Sedgwick was the next in succession, and continued one year. He was followed by Rev. Eber Child, whose labors were extended through four years. Rev. Francis Danforth succeeded him for one year. Rev. John B. Preston commenced labor as a stated supply, in September, 1844, and was installed pas- tor of the church, March 4th, 1846. The church has been sup- plied by other ministers occasionally, particularly by Rev. Josiah
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PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE.
Pierson, of Bergen. Under the ministry of Mr. Cheeseman, a blessed revival of religion was enjoyed, which added to the church more than one hundred members. In April, 1834, the church held a protracted meeting, in which Mr. Gray was assisted by Rev. Samuel G. Orton. The feelings and spirit produced by that effort continued for several months, and large accessions were made to the church. Again, in 1841, the church enjoyed, for a season, the labors of the same beloved servant of Christ, and more than sixty members were added to the church in one day. Sixteen new family altars were erected.
The church has been aided by the American Home Missionary Society two years, to the amount of $50 each year. They have a house of worship, fifty-three feet in length by forty in breadth, which was erected in 1830. They have a commodious parsonage, consisting of one acre of land, with appropriate buildings, which was purchased in 1832. The circumstances of the church are pros- perous at the present time. It is estimated that about one sixth of the inhabitants of the town attend worship with this church. They are intermixed with other denominations. The Episcopal Methodists have a society, respectable for numbers and character, and a com- modious house of worship. The Free-Will Baptist church have a house of worship, of the same dimensions as the Presbyterian, but their society is feeble. These are all the religious organizations in the town.
Elba .- Of this church the author knows very little. It was or- ganized a Congregational church, and was connected with the Genesee Consociation. From that body it was received by the Presbytery of Genesee, Feb. 12th, 1840. In 1843, it numbered seventy-six members, and, in 1846, eighty. These are the only re- ports of the number of members which the writer has seen. Rev. Ebenezer H. Stratton officiated as stated supply to this church, in con- nexion with that of Oakfield, one year from June, 1835. Rev. Russel Whiting officiated a short period in 1838. Both these were com- missioned by the American Home Missionary Society. What other ministerial aid was enjoyed by this church till 1842, is not known to the writer. On the fifth day of October of that year, Rev. Gabriel S. Corwin was ordained and installed pastor of the church, and, as the writer supposes, still retains that station.
Oakfield .- Of this church the writer has no information, except what he derives from the statistical tables attached to the minutes of the General Assembly. It first appears on the minutes for 1836, as a church under the care of the Presbytery of Gencsee, having a stated supply. The next year it is reported as con- sisting of eighty-seven members, having received fifty within the preceding year, and having Rev. Ebenezer H. Stratton as stated
35
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WESTERN NEW YORK.
supply. In 1846, it is reported as consisting of ninety-eight mem- bers, and statedly supplied by Rev. Hiram Gregg.
Alabama .- This church, organized by a Committee of the Pres- bytery of Genesee, was received under the care of that body, Feb. 11th, 1824, and by an act of the Presbytery was merged in the church of Oakfield, Oct. 15th of the same year. Of what number of members it was composed the writer is not informed.
Pembroke .- This town was set off from Batavia in 1812 or '13. Of course the population at that period must have been sufficient for the purposes of a town organization. The church, as the wri- ter supposes, was formed a Congregational church, and was re- ceived under the care of the Presbytery of Niagara (now Buffalo), July 1st, 1817. It was transferred to the Presbytery of Genesee, on the organization of that body. In 1825, it numbered twenty members; in 1830, forty-two; in 1834, one hundred and sixty-one ; and in 1846, one hundred and fourteen. Rev. Hugh Wallis're- moved his family into the town in the latter part of the year 1816, or in the early part of the next year, and continued to reside there for many years. The author believes that he organized the church, either before or shortly after the removal of his family into the place. He ministered to this church to a considerable extent in its infancy, and for a number of years performed much service as a missionary on the Holland Purchase, under appointments from the Genesee Missionary Society, the Connecticut Missionary Society, and the General Assembly's Board of Missions. The church ap- pears to have had only occasional supplies for a number of years. Rev. Frye B. Reed was stated supply for two thirds of the time for two years from September, 1827, under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society. He was followed by Rev. Lot B. Sullivan, for one year under the same patronage. The writer finds a notice of the dismission of Rev. John Sherer from the church of Pembroke, April 23d, 1833, but he finds no record of his installation, or has overlooked it in examining the records. Mr. Sherer was appointed a missionary by the Assembly's Board for one year from February, 1831, to this church. It is probable that he continued two years. Rev. Alvah C. Page is reported as stated supply in 1834, and from this period till 1842. On the twenty-third day of June of that year, Rev. Silas C. Brown was installed pastor of the church, and continued till Sept. 9th, 1845, when he was dismissed. The next year, Rev. Darwin Chichester is reported as the stated supply. Several seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord have been enjoyed by this church, particularly in 1834, in which year eighty-six members are report- ed as added to the church by profession.
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