USA > New York > Onondaga County > Pompey > Addresses delivered at the centennial anniversary of the First Congregrational Church, Pompey, N. Y. June 21st-23rd, 1896 : together with a historical sketch of the church > Part 4
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Thus I will say of this centennial church. Aside from its beneficent influences the town of Pompey would never have enjoyed the full measure of its high reputation.
But where are the venerable pastors of the church ? The noble fathers, the lawyers, judges, husbandmen, ar- tisans, the good-gifted, loving, and grand old mothers of Pompey's early day ? They have gone to their rest, and may they be worthily succeeded by the present genera- tion occupying this historic place.
There is a freshness in the gushing joy of our revisit to our childhood home, but a sad reflection comes over the mind that this will be the last jubilee some of us will ever witness. We can ramble over the meadows where we gathered ripe berries, we can look upon the spot where the school stood in which we learned to spell and read and cipher, we can remember the mirth and play of many happy hours, we can visit the peaceful graveyard and mingle tears with flowers on the graves of loved ones de- parted, but we try in vain to rekindle the domestic fire- side and the holy feelings of our youth.
Almost every section of the town of Pompey was set- tled by people who were very largely descendants of the Puritans and were able to give direction, tone and charac- ter to society. The people were ruled and they wor- shiped by the simple rites of the Congregational church, and in connection with this worship there was a deep reverence in society for the institutions of God, and a pervading reverence for his worship.
The ministers were looked up to and reverenced. The Sabbath day was reverenced, the parents were rever-
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enced, the aged were reverenced, the young were taught to honor the old. There was purity in families, and family government was efficient.
The young were taught not theoretically, but practi- cally, the duties of obedience and industry, with inculca- tions calculated to make good citizens.
The laws were reverenced, men were made to believe that the law was supreme and could not be abrogated except by constitutional means.
Under the majesty of this order of things the commun- ity grew and thrived. The Academy in addition to the common school stamped impressions upon the young as well as the old, that led to enduring advancement in all that pertained to the highest respect for law and religion.
The first organization of this church was a great step forward, and it might be impossible to find one instance where the principle of reverence was more thoroughly developed than among its organizers. It is a fundamen- . tal question to-day whether the principle and reverence that are necessary to the greatest strength and beauty of society can be preserved in connection with our present civil and religious institutions.
To preserve liberty and religion the church must go on in its work like a standing army, to overlay and crush opposing elements, armed as it is with educational oppor- tunities and the precepts of the Holy Bible.
But while the people of Pompey and the surrounding neighborhood were largely under influences of which I have spoken, adverse influences have existed and still exist.' They are the bogs and by-ways into which the
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spirit of reform makes slow headway. But while we feel intense regret that evils exist and pledge unremitting exertion for their overthrow, we feel that they are slight in comparison to the unlimited bounties of providence and the social and civil blessings with which we are sur- rounded.
This celebration is of course unprecedented. It mnight well remind us of the gatherings of ancient Israel, when the tribes went up to worship on mount Zion, and to all within reach of my voice I would say welcome to the warm grasp of kindred and friends,-yea, and to the cen- tennial of this goodly old church.
While we are wont to dwell upon the pride of the town of Pompey in her sons and daughters who have gone to expend their energies under other skies, as well as those who have remained in the homes of their childhood, we too must needs tell of the reasons we have to revere and love the old church. She was organized on the summit and her founders breathed the pure air of this high old hill. As decendants of the Puritans, they had to use the wisdom and mature manhood of their fathers who landed on the rocky shores of New England and it is due to their indomitable energies that we are able to gather-when a hundred years have passed-in this sacred place to hold a day of congratulations and sweet reflections. And may this gathering not fail to remind us of that greater gathering, of that better home, "when they shall come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God." With
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that assembly may we all be gathered.
I will close by expressing the hope that this church may continue onward in its old-time effective influence for good that has so long characterized its works.
Dolly Matilda Jerome.
Dolly Matilda Jerome.
Dolly Matilda Jerome whose face is familiar to all in the old church, was born in Pompey, Sept. 29, 1817, being the youngest of eleven children. Her father, Levi Jerome, was one of the charter members of this church and was the first clerk. Miss Jerome has always resided in Pompey, making her home at present with Wm. J. Mason, of Watervale. She has the distinguished honor of being the only surviving member, so far as known, of any of the original families of the church. Her name first appears on the church record under date of May 31, 1818, when she received the ordinance of baptism and again on July 1, 1838, when she entered into full com- inunion with the church. The presence of Miss Jerome at the centennial exercises gave added interest to the oc- casion.
One-Fiftieth Part of a Century.
BY REV. SMITH ORDWAY.
A great event has called us together on this occasion. A hundred years is a period of time with which we are familiar, as we have read our text books of history, and have listened to the oratory of our patriotic speakers. We have comprehended the greatness, in large part, of the land in which we live: the power that exists in our resources as a nation. But now we are to think of a hundred years of church life, a hundred years of prayer-meetings, a hun- dred years of Sunday School work, a hundred years of social life as a people, a hundred years of struggle and anxiety, and it has kept on till now a hundred years of life and work have elapsed since this old historic church was first organized.
Very naturally our thoughts will revert to the past. We are all calling up pictures of years ago, and of the im- pressions church life and influence made at that time up- on our hearts and lives.
I can see an old wood-colored church, with the hen- lock trees in front. The tree was scraggly, and it made a good place for us boys to sit under during the short int- erval between the morning sermon and the Sunday School. . The pews, cushionless and uncomfortable, are
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vividly before my mind's eye. Sitting nearly in front of the pulpit I can still see the picture of the Dead Sea on the map behind the minister, and I wondered what made it look so much like a human hand. How gloomy and awful seemed the old church, when a coffin rested upon the little table in front, and the friends of the departed one took seats near that table. .
But it was not all sadness there. Those Christmas Trees will never be forgotten. Such joy and delight can not be experienced again. The pic-nics and celebrations in connection with the Sunday School and congregation are indelibly impressed.
Perhaps the most emphatic impression made was that of the people who were the regular attendants. Aged ones and those in middle life, and even the young men and women, made a deep and abiding impress upon my boyish heart, and it will dwell with me as long as I live. The voices of the Deacons, as they offered prayer, either in the Sunday School or in prayer-meeting, are vividly before me in memory. As I recall these scenes, there are others before me, who go back in memory and call up other scenes.
While one boy was receiving impressions from church life and work, at the same time, other boys, and also girls were being impressed by the powers at work in this church. Many before me to-day can go back in personal recollections for many years, and bring the panorama of the past before the mind again. And by tradition, much more can be pictured.
As I think of the share I am permitted to take in this
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celebration, I hardly know whether to laugh or cry. My own relations with this church suggest the idea of begin- nings. I began my ministry in this church.
Since I learned of this anniversary celebration I have asked myself many times, "How many beginnings in oth- er ways has this church been instrumental in getting un- der way ?
Others than myself will tell of her past history, and of the large congregations that used to assemble to listen to the preaching of the Word. Two sermons a Sun- day for one hundred years make about ten thousand ser- inons that have been delivered on the Sabbath. How many of these have fallen short of helping in some degree a human soul? Who can answer ! How many lives do you suppose have been helped to begin a better manner of living, by reason of some one of these sermons? Who can tell ! How many have been aided to a purer life, by reason of the prayers that have gone up before God from this church ! No one can estimate the good that has been done. Some sentence that has fallen from the lips of the minister, has fallen in the heart of a chance listener and been remembered, and has brought forth fruit in abun- dance, and while there will be traced evidences of this kind to their source, many and many a seed has been sown, that never will be accounted for in this life and is known only to Him to whom all is plain. What of this Sunday School, and the little lives that received impulses in some specific direction. Who ever hesitates to affirm that the forces of this church have always been in the right direction. Those who know it best will be the most
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strongly convinced of this statement. Statesmen and others, eminent in this world for true worth and ability, have made for themselves a name who received their be- ginning here in Pompey, and how much do you suppose this church has had to do with it all? Who can tell !
It is not the largest seeds that produce the greatest re- sults, as we see by Christ's allusion to the mustard seed as the least of seeds and when it is grown being the great- est among herbs and becometh a tree so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. It is a little thing, and yet who can tell how much influence has been exerted for good, in beholding from Sunday to Sun- day, and from Thursday to Thursday, certain individuals or families, regularly taking their way toward the house of God, to participate in His worship. People in this lit- tle village, have been witnessing the coming and going of those who have worshipped in this church for many years, and are we able to estimate the power for good this simple fact may have had upon their lives.
At the Preparation Service, immediately preceding Communion, men have not failed to observe that some of their neighbors have stopped their work in the middle of the afternoon, or at noon, and with their families, or a portion of them have wended their way to this church for God's worship. I say do we suppose this has been with- out some effect upon those who did not take any active interest in the work of the church? My pen could easily run on, tracing the lines of influence that "have gone forth from this church in various ways, but I must pass to more specific matters. I well remember my first visit
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to this place. It was ten years ago this month. I was one of seven passengers on the stage from Syracuse. My view on Sunday afternoon from the top of Cemetery Hill I have always remembered. Many times since have I seen the same objects, but it was with a different feeling that I beheld them for the first time.
Later I learned to love the "Hill," not only for what beauty there was to be observed from its height, but more especially because of the people who lived here. Two years of occasionally supplying this pulpit passed away and in May 1888 found Seminary work completed, the last examination over, and on the 22nd of that month I came from Onativia with her who has been my inspiration and comfort during the past eight years. Right over across the street in yonder parsonage I began my wedded life. Do you wonder that I love Pompey ? Kind and thoughtful friends had preceded us, and made some pre- parations for our coming. And all through that summer there was abundant evidence of thoughtful consideration on the part of different ones, as help was received, in get- ting the domestic part of living in working order.
I came in feeble health, and the breezes of this pin- nacle, and the invigorating air, soon enabled me to regain my wonted health which by the blessing of God has con- tinued ever since. But I see I am very personal. How- ever I suppose this is largely an experience meeting and my fraction has a large denominator, while the numer- ator is small. I can speak of only two out of the hundred periods of time, that is being celebrated on this occasion. I have heard it said that Pompey is a good place to go
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away from. Of course this was done largely in jest. There is much truth in it; the reason is this: When a person goes from this place, he takes with him so much of the good that he has taken to himself, while living here, that he is greatly helped in getting started in another place. It is a grand place to make a beginning. I shall
never be sorry that I began preaching here. These peo- ple are so patient with beginners. They bore with me so very kindly that I never can forget it. The impressions made upon my life and heart by the people of this church, dwell with me to-day, and enter largely into my work. They come to-day, and give added force and power to my efforts. Religion has been lived here not only in the church, but in the home. It has been a principle with this people that God should be worshipped outside as well as in the church. That religion belongs to private as well as public life. That the Bible is worthy of careful study. Yes while it occurs to my mind, allow me to say that I shall never forget how I used to be asked questions about the Sunday School lesson on the evening of the Monday preceding the study of the lesson. I may as well own up how I was compelled to acknowl- edge that I had not looked at the lesson for that day yet. I will reveal the name of him who thus prompted mie to study my Sunday School lesson early in the week. He
taught a Bible class who occupied seats right there. He
helped me arrange my garden. He told me about many
things I needed to know in order to make the most out of my opportunities. He helped me get started in many ways. He helped me make beginnings. Associated with
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the history of this church will be his name, and the mem- bers and friends of this church with myself will not soon forget the character and name of Deacon Henry H. Baker.
Perhaps you who have lived here for years do not know . some things about your neighbors, therefore I am about to give out some secrets concerning another man. He used to transact business in handling groceries and the like, in a stone store opposite the church on the other side of the street. While I lived here he was also employed in the post-office department in this place. In more ways than one can I bear personal testimony to the many favors and acts of kindness received at his hands. I told him when he was helping me make the revolving book shelves that I should ever think of him whenever I looked at them and how many times has that been verified. This inan not only helped me begin to do many things, but I discovered that I was often compelled to go to him also that he might help me finish them up. Within the last two weeks as I had occasion to handle some appliances I had carefully preserved, I turned one of the boxes bot- tom upward and there on the under side of the top board I read, in large letters J. V. Butts, Pompey, N. Y.
Time would fail me should I attempt to barely mention in detail, all the little things that have had a large share in more firmly cementing the bonds that hold my heart to Pompey. I spent my first night on Pompey Hill with Mr. Frank L. Porter, ten years ago the fifth day of this month. This was but the beginning of many pleasant associations that followed with my host. Let me say of this brother that if he knows how much cheer and en-
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couragement he gave by his faithful and steady interest and care for the church, especially its music during the two years I was here, I feel sure that with even greater interest the same faithfulness will be exercised just as long as God shall give strength to do it.
I could call a long roll of names in this connection and bear personal testimony to the good received at the hands of each, but time will not permit. After we had depart- ed from this home God kindly sent a little life to us, and the many tokens of interest and love, received in response to the announcement of her birth, assured us strongly that although absent, we were not entirely forgotten.
Even this summer every time I oil the axles of my car- riage, I make use of an instrument that was laid upon the porch of the parsonage over yonder one New Year's morning. If you wish to know more about this ask him who can tell you much more than I, especially about its earlier history, Mr. Frank Porter. Yes, just a few days since I picked up a bag in my barn and read upon it the name of M. V. Miller. So it goes. How can I help but think of Pompey? Often as our breakfast was being pre- pared, I would have the cake turner held before my eyes and would hear the remark "Arthur, one of my boys gave this to me." Then when I had occasion to drive in a screw in a bracket or something of that kind, I would display the handle of my screwdriver and say "that's Benny's work."
These are some of the little things that keep fresh the memories of the past. But these are not all that I have to think about on this occasion. I was always impressed
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by the fact that so many gave a large place in their lives, their business, time and strength to the church. It was not wholly a secondary affair. They loved it and were not afraid or ashamed to manifest that affection. Trained as ministers are to serve the church, we are very much gratified when we find hearty co-operation from the peo- ple in upholding and supporting the institution of Christ's own planting. Has not this high regard for the church on the part of the people around this hill, been one of the great factors in bringing about this celebration of a Inmdred years of effective service as a people? This has been characteristic of this organization from the very first. While I claimed this pulpit, Dr. Hayden preached here from the text, "I am among you as he that ser- veth." I have not forgotten that sermon. I believe much of this spirit has been thoroughly governing the member- ship of this church from the first. The people have been willing to be as one that serves. And in how many ways ofte can serve his church. It is done by faithfully attend- ing her services. It is done by taking an earnest and hearty part in each service. It is done by giving our money, by giving our time, thought, care and sympathy: and interest. Talking with each other about her inter- ests. By praying together over the questions that arise.
Among such problems there doubtless have arisen in the past the question of who would take the places of the now present active ones when they are called home. Anxiety has been felt on this point in some degree, and yet, God has in some manner taken care of everything until the dear old church has reached her hundredth birth-
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day, hearty and strong. Will you permit me to be the pastor of this church for a moment and ask you if you re- member that during the little piece of a century which we can celebrate, twenty-seven persons united with this church, eight of them by letter and nineteen on confes- sion of faith. Among this number were many young people. God was merciful in sparing our members, tak- ing during that time, I think, only two who were members, Mrs. Curtis and Miss Esther Mason. To-day however there are vacancies, some have been called. They were not always in the church on the Sabbath, but I could see them and talk with them in their homes. Deacon Geo. Wells is not with us today, and how I was blessed in his presence and by his prayers in our Preparatory Services. He made a special effort to be present then. Another patriarchal form is missed .. Uncle Virgil Woodford has been gathered home to his fathers like a shock of corn fully ripe.
Still another I miss both in the home as well as in the church, Mrs. John Jerome. She who was Hattie Dunham living a very near neighbor, has also passed from earth.
Mrs. Dyer whose voice I well remember hearing fre- quently in our prayer meetings, has been, and is now en- joying a perpetual praise service up yonder.
Another genial, cheery face that most always greeted me on Sunday morning, as I stood in this pulpit is seen no more. As my labors were nearing completion here, Mr. Samuel Jerome came forward as I came out of the pulpit and taking me by the hand said, and there was a touch of pathos in the tone, "that was a good sermon, I
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wish they might be continued right along."
Inexpressibly shocked was I while on the train at Cort- land to learn that the body of one of our brighest and best beloved of young women was being brought home by her father. How my heart ached for that father, bereft of this daughter, as I took him by the hand and tried to say "I am so sorry." Only a little while before the wife and mother had been taken and now for the father and husband and also for the brother and son there was a double portion of grief.
Reaching Apulia I hastened to the platform in hopes of being able to grasp the hand of the lone brother, but I did not succeed in finding him before my train started. So not only the aged and infirm, but also the young and prom- ising have been taken. And while our hearts are saddened by these losses, at the same time we do feel comforted as we think that what is our loss is their gain.
In this church was the beginning of their lives and while vet members they were called home.
Yes there have been some changes, and while God has called some from your midst, he has also inclined several to come in with you, so that to-day you are stronger in numbers than you were six to eight years ago.
There are other than sad thoughts in this connection.
Eight years ago there was a young man here in Pompey hungering and thirsting for an education. He talked with those interested in such pursuits, and was not able fully to make up his mind what he would do. Discouragements were before him. He had fought his way and thus far had succeeded. This last year he has been instructor in Hist-
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ory in Park College, Mo., having graduated from Hamil- ton College last June with honor. This church has doubt- less borne a large part in giving a start to Mr. Thomas Burt. In the years to come Pompey Hill will be a dear spot to him. Then there's Fred, you all know Fred, doing efficient and solid work in the ministry among the people of Hastings and Parish. He is thus a delight to his mother, and an honor to the church.
One year more of study, and another young man, the son of one who has for several years been the shepherd of this flock, will enter upon the work of the Gospel ministry, Mr. Edward C. Petrie. Thus through the lives of those I have mentioned, will the influence of Pompey be extended into other lives, and the good begun here will end in eternity.
Thus beginnings still continue. One other matter will I mention and then I will give place to other good things that are to follow. Looking over some copies of the At- lantic Monthly that I might prepare them for the binder, I held in my hand the May number for 1879. Casually looking through the pages this sheet fell out.
(The speaker here called attention to the circular of the Pompey reunion held in Pompey, June 29, 1871. )
Twenty-five years ago this reunion took place. Twen- ty-five years ago next Monday to a day. That was a great day for Pompey. Those present to-day who partic- ipated in the exercises of that memorable day have not forgotten it. Why this notice was placed in that maga- zine of that date very probably as it was received by mail, and laid aside as other numbers came into the home,
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