USA > New York > Warren County > Queensbury > A history of the town of Queensbury, in the state of New York : with biographical sketches of many of its distinguished men, and some account of the aborigines of northern New York > Part 26
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generations, the field remained to a great degree unoccupied, and, it is only within a recent period, that the church of the Holy Cross at Warrensburgh, has been organized on this old missionary ground.1
Not long afterward, the Rev. Ammi Rogers itinerated through the wilderness region of northern New York, visiting, and holding services at Ticonderoga, at the head of Lake George, and also at the Ridge, in the town of Queensbury,2 besides foundingseveral churches in the county of Saratoga, over which, he appears to have had pastoral jurisdiction.3
Later on, the Right Rev. George Upfold, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Indiana;4 at that time rector of the parishes in the thriving villages of Waterford and Lansingburgh, at the earnest solicitation of some personal friends, visited this section and contributed to the establishment of Zion church, of Sandy Hill, which had been organized a short time previously through the zeal and persevering efforts of Dr. Zina Hitchcock of Kings- bury. The services were held in the Court House, which, for a long period, many years later, was still used for the same purpose.
1 These statements were communicated to the author something more than twenty years ago, by the late George Pattison, Esq., of Warrensburgh. Bishop Chase's visitation was about the year 1796. It is spoken of in his Memoirs.
2 This statement is given on the authority of Mrs. Joel Wells, who formerly lived at the Ridge.
3 " At a meeting of the wardens and vestrymen of the several Episcopal churches in the county of Saratoga, viz : in Ballston, Milton, Stillwater, Waterford, Charlton, Galway, Greenfield and Providence, in the State of New York, duly warned and convened in Ballston, February 1st, 1800.
" Voted Unanimously, That the thanks of the several churches in the county of Saratoga, be presented to Rev. Ammi Rogers, for his unwearied labors and faith- ful services, in the promotion of religion ; that owing to his abilities and discretion, the Episcopal church has become prosperous and respectable ; that his exemplary piety, and spotless morals, uniformly demonstrated in his life and conversation, merit our warmest acknowledgements ; and that no exertions on our part shall be wanting, to render his situation comfortable and easy, and his life happy."- Me- moirs of Rev. Ammi Rogers, p. 28.
4 " In the summer of 1820, while rector of Trinity church, Lansingburgh, and Grace church, Waterford, I visited a little flock of churchmen at Sandy Hill, * * * * gathered together through the instrumentality of Dr. Hitch- cock ; and officiated for them, reading prayers, preaching, administering the Lord's Supper. * * * * There was a considerable congregation on the occasion of this visit, but very few communicants, and they composed chiefly of the family, and family connections of Dr. Hitchcock. I recollect well, the vessels used at the celebration of the Holy communion were of a very humble character, consisting of a common earthen plate for the bread, and a glass tumbler for the wine, a black junk bottle being placed on the table as the flagon containing the wine, which,
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
During these visitations, Dr. Upfold was, on one occasion, the guest of William McDonald, Esq., of this village, whose family have for years been distinguished for its interest, zeal, and liberality in behalf of the church.
Some years later, the Rev. Mr. Pardee 1 officiated for a short time in the Beach neighborhood in Kingsbury. Not far from the same period, the Rev. Reuben Hubbard came to Glen's Falls with the purpose of establishing the church, but was adroitly diverted from his object by certain, like those of whom St. Jude speaks, " murmerers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
Early in the year 1840, a movement was made on the part of a few church families living here, toward the establishment of the Episcopal church. To that end, the Rev. John Alden Spooner, then of St. Albans, Vt., was invited to visit Glen's Falls, and undertake the organization of a parish. The enter- prise met with flattering encouragement, and fair success.
The services, which were held for a year in the old stone church (Methodist), were well attended, and for a season re- ceived the cordial support of several leading families of the place.
The following paper, is copied from the original record, which is on file in the county clerk's office at Caldwell.
Act of Incorporation.
" To all to whom these presents may come, we, whose names and seals are hereto affixed, do certify that in pursuance of no-
after pouring a sufficient quantity into the tumbler, I put away under the table. There was much creditable zeal displayed by Dr. Hitchcock and his few associates, and an earnest desire exhibited to have the services of a missionary. I visited the little flock a second time, and officiated * * It was on this last visit, that I was the guest of William McDonald, Esq., who, with his family, had been parishioners of mine at Waterford. * * I am under the im- pression that a parish had been organized under the auspices of Dr. Hitchcock at Sandy Hill before my visit, and was represented by him in the convention of the diocese, certainly not long after."-Letter from Bishop Upfold 1 to the author.
1 In the journals of the convention for 1838, the Rev. Amos Pardee is reported at Caldwell, Warren co., without a parish. Whether he held services at that point, does not appear.
1 Bishop Upfold, of the diocese of Indiana, died at his home in Indianapolis on Monday, the 26th of August, 1872, in the 76th year of his age. The following mention is made of him in Munsell's Annals of Albany, vol. v, p. 39, March 11, 1813. "It was announced that a Sunday free school would be opened on Sunday, March 21, at the school room of George Upfold, in Van Tromp street, where several branches of English education would be taught from the hours of 6 to 8 in the morning, and 12 to 2 in the afternoon free of all expense.
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THE CHURCHES.
tice duly given according to Law for that purpose, at the time of Divine service on two Sunday mornings now last past, the male persons of full age belonging to such congregation or society worshipping in the village of Glen's Falls, in the county of Warren, and state of New York, to wit, at the house of W. C. Carter, for the purpose of incorporating themselves under the act entitled an act to provide for the incorporation of Reli- gious Societies and acts to amend the same. At which meeting, and by a majority of voices the undersigned, John Alden Spooner, (a) being a deacon in the church, was called to the
(a) Rev. JOHN ALDEN SPOONER, of puritan stock, and pilgrim ancestry, (having derived his name, and being of direct descent from the famous John Alden, of Mayflower memory) was born in Charlestown, Mass., 2d April, 1808. Following the migratory habits of Yankee land, his parents removed to Windsor, Vt. His academic instruction was received at St. Albans, Vt., where, he was con- firmed by Bishop Griswold. His collegiate course was passed at the University of Vermont from which he received in due course his degree of master of arts. His preparation for the ministry was made at the General Theolog. Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church in New York city, of which institution he became a graduate. He was ordained a deacon at St. Mark's church in the Bowery, in 1838, by the Rt. Rev. B. T. Onderdonk, bishop of the diocese. For a brief period, he officiated (in the absence of the rector abroad), at St. George's, Schen- ectady. After a short work devoted to the revival of the old parish at Fairfield, Vt., he received a call to the hitherto unoccupied field at Glen's Falls. His rela- tions to this parish are spoken of at large in the history of the church.
During the interval of destitution at Glen's Falls namely in 1847, '8, '9, Mr. Spooner officiated as rector, first, of St. Luke's church at Mechanicsville, and after- ward of Grace church, Albany.
In 1855, at the invitation of Bishop Whittingham, lie removed to Baltimore, Md., and commenced an important missionary work in the western suburbs of the city on entirely new ground. Here, at the outbreak of the rebellion, he had · secured the purchase of four acres of ground, pleasantly situated, whose vicinity was rapidly being built up by a thrifty population. These grounds, covered with a native growth of forest-trees, were substantially protected with fences. Within this enclosure had been erected a church, and a sexton's house. A school-house and a parsonage were among the prospective improvements to have been made. All of these buildings and improvements were utterly destroyed, and the grounds laid waste by the northern soldiery encamped in that neighborhood, after the raid of Fitzhugh Lee into Maryland.
At this time, Mr. Spooner had accepted an appointment as chaplain in the army, in which capacity he was stationed for two years at the United States General Hospital at Point Lookout, Md. In this service, his health became seriously im- paired, and he was finally, for that reason, obliged to resign his position, and seek, in an extended tour to the north, a restoration to health.
In 1866, he removed from Baltimore, to the village of Beverly, N. J., where, for a time, he has been in charge of two missionary stations, which, under his care, were materially advanced in Christian character, and temporal prosperity.
Mr. Spooner has been the author and publisher of the following tracts and pamphlets, whose sharp, incisive style, and compact, logical argument, have aroused hostile criticism, and contributed to perpetuate a clear, if not a friendly
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
chair and presided, and the undersigned, Keyes P. Cool and William C. Carter, were nominated to certify the proceedings of said meeting in conjunction with the chairman, and by a majority of votes William C. Carter and N. Edson Sheldon were elected church wardens; and William McDonald, Abra- ham Wing, Keyes P. Cool, Nehemiah Sheldon, Henry Philo, Walter Geer jr., George Sanford, and Orange Ferriss were elected vestrymen of said church. And Easter Monday in the week called Easter week was, in like manner fixed on as the day on which the said officers, church wardens and vestrymen shall annually thereafter cease, and their successor in office be chosen. And the name or title of the 'Rector, church war- dens, and vestrymen of the Church of the Messiah in the village of Glen's Falls,' in like manner fixed on and agreed to as that by which the said church, congregation or society shall be known in law.
" In testimony whereof, we, John Alden Spooner, together with the undersigned Keyes P. Cool, and William C. Carter, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty.
" JOHN ALDEN SPOONER, [L.s.] " KEYES P. COOL, [L.S.]
" WILLIAM C. CARTER. [L.S.]
"Signed and sealed in presence of,
" ORANGE FERRISS, " NEHEMIAH SHELDEN.
" On the twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty, before me, Hiram Barber, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for
conviction of the nature of the church. 1st. Methodism as held by Wesley. 2d. Sermon on the death of the Rev. Palmer Dyer. 3d. The Catholic saved from Popery. 4th. The Supremacy of the Pope disproved by Holy Scriptures. 5th. Bible Unity.
Mr. Spooner is a representative man, of indomitable will, and energy, and un- flinching resolution and industry. He is one of the few who so believe in God, as not to fear what man can do unto them. His faith and opinions are well grounded. and fortified by the discriminating investigations of a ripe scholarship. He is gentlemanly and affable in his social intercourse, with a great deal of personal magnetism, which might have secured troops of friends and great popularity as a preacher, but for his independence of character and fixed determination never to acknowledge any true religion outside of the church.
ROUSOM-ACRAM
RISERBY
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAHI, GLENS FALLS.
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the county of Warren, personally appeared Orange Ferriss of Queensbury, one of the subscribing witnesses to the above in- strument, who being duly sworn, did depose and say, that he was present and saw John Alden Spooner, Keyes P. Cool, and William C. Carter, whose names and seals are affixed to the foregoing certificate, sign and seal the same, and that the de- ponent, together with Nehemiah Shelden, did, in their presence, and at their request, subscribe the same as witnesses.
" HIRAM BARBER.
"I certify the preceding to be a true record of the original cer- tificate with the acknowledgement thereof, and examined and compared with the record being this 11th day of March, A.D., 1840.
" THOMAS ARCHIBALD, Clerk.
"State of New York County Clerk's Office.
}s.
I, Thomas Archibald, clerk of said county do certify that I have compared the foregoing copy + + of a certificate now remaining on record in this office, and that the same is a correct transcript of the record, and of the whole of said record. In testimony where- of, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 19th day of May, 1857.
"THOMAS ARCHIBALD, Clerk."
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS.
On the eighteenth of August, 1840,1 the parish was visited by the Rt. Rev. Benj'n T. Onderdonk, bishop of the diocese, who was accompanied by several of the neighboring clergy. In accordance with previous announcement, in the forenoon of that
1 The following is taken from the Glen's Falls Spectator, of Aug. 13th, 1840. Subsequent to this announcement, a change was made in the place where the ex- ercises were to be held.
" We are requested to give notice that Bishop ONDERDONK will hold a visitation service in this village on Tuesday of next week the 18th inst. In the morning (services beginning at half past ten o'clock), the bishop will administer ordina- tion, conferring the order of the priesthood on the missionary of this parish, and, in the afternoon (services beginning at 3 o'clock) the rite of confirmation will be administered by the bishop. A third service will be held in the evening at half past 7 o'clock. The services are to be held in the Methodist Church."
32
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
day, the imposing ceremony of ordination to the priesthood, was conferred upon the incumbent of the parish. In the after- noon, the rite of confirmation was received by fourteen persons in the presence of a large assemblage, who were interested wit- nesses of the novel and impressive ceremonial. The services on this memorable occasion, were held in the (Old White) Presbyterian church.
About this time, the parish of St. James, at Fort Edward, was established, and Zion church, on Sandy Hill, revived and reor- ganized. These, with the church at Glen's Falls, constituted a missionary station under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Spooner, who held services alternately, one Sunday at Glen's Falls, and the next at Sandy Hill and Fort Edward.1
Owing to various causes, the remembrance of which it is not worth while to perpetuate in history, a feeling of rancor- ous, and active hostility to the church commenced soon after these events, and rapidly developing with the dank and noisome growth, which feeds upon calumny, and unreasoning hate, it speedily pervaded all classes of community. This antagonism did not always restrict itself to an apathetic indifference, or the moderate expression of adverse sentiments, but, adding fuel to flames already aglow, there were not wanting overt acts of oppression, which, in some instances assumed the character- istics of unrelenting persecution. Unhappy differences also arose within the fold, between the pastor, and his people, by reason of which, many withdrew from its communion never to return. Church members and sectaries no longer fraternized. Meeting houses were closed against the diminished band of worshippers, who, the succeeding winter, assembled fortnightly, for the purposes of worship in an old school room, one while
. 1 In the Journal of the convention of the diocese of New York for 1840 " the Rev. John A. Spooner, missionary at Glen's Falls," reports as follow : " Remarks. I have had charge of this missionary station since 19th January last. Besides Glen's Falls and Sandy Hill, the station includes Fort Edward. The report for Fort Edward (no organization having yet been effected there), is included in that of Sandy Hill.
" In one short mission northwards from my station, I held services at Ticonderoga, Warrensburgh, Chester, and Minerva ; at Minerva, 40 miles from Glen's Falls, I baptized two children not included in the above reports. In addition to my regu- lar Sunday services, I occupied, two weeks previous to the visit of the bishop, for confirmation , every evening in one week at Glen's Falls, and every evening of · the other at Sandy Hill, in lectures on the order and holiness of the Church."
On the 30th of Sept., 1849, the church being reported as regularly incorporated according to law was admitted into union with the convention.
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used as a printing office, on Park street.1 It was emphatically " the little church around the corner." 2
For a year or more following, the services were held at pri- vate dwellings, the rector's support being chiefly derived from the missionary stipend, and the meagre Sunday contributions of the feeble band of followers.
In the face of these discouraging conditions, money was col- lected, a building lot purchased, on Ridge street, opposite the school house of District No. 2, and an unpretentious chapel was built, which, for a period of nearly twenty-five years, served the congregation as a place of worship.
In the journal of the Diocesan Convention for 1844, Mr. Spooner reports as follows. "By the blessing of God, a church edifice at Glen's Falls is so nearly completed, that it has been occupied with comfort most of the year past. It is the first and only church edifice in Warren county ; its sittings are free ; and its font, which is near the porch door, is so constructed as to admit of immersing either children or adults." In a supplement- ary statement, he adds that services are held regularly once a month in the adjoining towns of Argyle, Wilton, Fortsville and Moreau.
About this time, a plan was projected to establish parochial schools in each of the three associated parishes. The one at Glen's Falls, was established on the south side of the river in the little village now known as South Glen's Falls. Mr. Charles H. Beach, now a merchant of Sandy Hill, organized a similar school at Fort Edward. These schools speedily attained a de- servedly exalted reputation for the excellence of their manage- ment, and the superiority of their intellectual culture.
During these years of struggle and penury, the general efficiency and prosperity of the church, and particularly in this diocese, had become greatly impaired by reason of the unhappy
1 Immediately previous to this the services had been held for a season in the Ladies' Seminary, now the school house of Dist. No. 19. The Sunday schools were held in the basement of the same building.
2 In his report for 1841, the bishop states that " in the evening, for the parish of the church of the Messiah, preached in the Presbyterian meeting house, Glen's Falls, Warren county." It will be borne in mind, however, that this was an ex- ceptional service.
In the bishop's report, contained in the journal of the convention for 1843, he says : " Friday 12, (May) confirmed for the parishes of Zion church, Sandy Hill, and the church of the Messiah, Glen's Falls, Warren county, 7 in the Methodist meeting house, Fort Edward."
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
events and controversies, which finally resulted in the suspen- sion of Bishop Onderdonk from the functions of the Episcopate and ministry. This took place on the third of January, 1845, and, from that time, until the election of the Right Rev. Jona- than M. Wainright, as provisional bishop of the diocese in September, 1852, no returns appear upon the Journals of the Convention, due, it is said, to a canon, or regulation, which pro- vides that all parochial reports shall be made directly to the bishop. By reason of this unfortunate restriction, and the loss of the church records by fire in the great conflagration of 1864, the statistics of the church, for this period are defective, and unsatisfactory.
In the spring of 1846, the Rev. Samuel B. Bostwick (a) and Henry McVickar, were appointed adjunct or assistant ministers
(a) The Rev. SAMUEL B. BOSTWICK, S. T. D., was born in the town of Jericho, Vt., on the 15th of March, 1815. He was of English extraction ; his ancestors, who immigrated in 1668, being members of the church of England, and four of their descendants have been clergymen of the Episcopal church, two of whom are still living. His father, Arthur Bostwick, was born in Manchester, Vt., in 1778, and removed in early life to Jericho, where he died at the advanced age of 88 years.
The subject of this sketch, entered the University of Vermont at Burlington, in 1831, and graduated in August, 1835. He received his degree as Master of Arts, from this institution in 1838, and in 1867, Columbia College, N. Y., conferred upon him the degree of S. T. D.
He became a candidate for Holy Orders, in the diocese of Vermont, and entered the General Theological Seminary, in New York, in October, 1839. Through failure of health, he was obliged to discontinue his seminary course at the end of the second year. The remainder of the theological studies were pursued under the direction of the Right Rev. Bishop Hopkins, of Vermont, by whom he was admitted to the diaconate, at St. Paul's church in Burlington, 27th February, 1842. The order of priesthood was received at the same hands, on the 15th September, following, at Trinity church, Rutland. The first two years of his ministry were spent in missionary labors in his native place and its neighborhood. In 1844, he accepted a call to St. Thomas' church, Brandon, Vt., where he remained two years. His connection with the church of the Messiah, Glen's Falls, commenced in April, 1846. During the existence of that relation, he resided at Sandy Hill, where he opened a select school, from which he derived a large portion of his support. He relinquished the parish at Glen's Falls in 1847, but retained charge of the other two above named until June, 1870, when he resigned the rectorship of St. James' church, Fort Edward, and has since restricted his labors to the parish at Sandy Hill.
In a communication to the author, Mr. Bostwick thus sums up the result of his labors. " During the quarter of a century that has elapsed since my first connection with the church of the Messiah, Glen's Falls, I have seen a gratifying increase of the church, in the mission field which we then occupied. We then constituted an associate mission, and our field extended from Warrensburgh on the north, to Salem, Union village, and Schuylerville on the south. Instead of three extremely feeble missionary stations, there are eight organized parishes, eight clergymen
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of the three parishes. Some little time previously to this event the Rev. Mr. Spooner had removed to Fort Edward, where, for two or three years, his indefatigable energies, found occupation in the management of a parish school, the purchase of a very desirable plot of ground, and the erection of a substantial church edifice. In the report of the missionary committee for the same year, the Rev. S. B. Bostwick, is stated to have the charge of the parish at Glen's Falls.
In pursuance of the plan already indicated, Mr. Bostwick made his home at Sandy Hill, and there commenced the instruc- tion of a classical school, which was maintained for a period of nearly twenty years, with a wide spread repute for superior excellence and usefulness. Its instrumentality for good, will doubtless be a comfort and consolation, to this most amiable . pastor and teacher during his declining years ; and the conscious- ness of such life long devotion to his master's work, may well serve to illuminate the valley of dark shadows, in his journey across to the better land.
The school previously established by Mr. Spooner at South Glen's Falls, passed at the same time, into the hands of the Rev. Henry McVickar, (a) a young gentleman, just admitted to orders,
are serving them, ten new churches have been built, and another is in progress, while many other points in the field, are furnished with occasional services. Seven young men, now, or heretofore connected with my two parishes, have entered upon a preparation for the sacred ministry, two of whom are already ordained. Four faithful women have gone to the missionary field, one to China, one to the Sand- wich Islands, and two to the Western Indians. As time wears on, and the end approaches, I cannot be sufficiently thankful that the Lord has called me to labor in his vineyard, and that He has given me some tokens of his favor to encourage me in the arduous work.".
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