USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Albany bi-centennial. Historical memoirs > Part 13
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A simple historical narrative is all that is expected at my hands. Of our Presbyterian churches, each one has a history sufficiently interesting to yield materials for a dis- course far more extended than can be given to the entire group. The necessity of brevity confines us to only the most salient points ; compels omission of many names hon- ored in our records, many events well worthy of rehearsal. In Albany first came the Dutch Reformed church (about 1642), then the Lutheran. But, before 1760 a few families from the north of Ireland settled here, trained in the prin- ciples of the church of Scotland, and fond of their own forms of worship. Presbyterianism did not come sooner, because there were so few English speaking people. Albany was almost as Dutch as Holland itself. There had not been an English sermon preached in its Reformed church previous to 1776.
The first allusion to the First Presbyterian church here, is in the minutes of the synod of New York and Philadelphia, May
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26, 1760. In 1762, the Presbyterian families solicited sub- scriptions to build a church. Mr. Hector Alison was the first Presbyterian minister known to have visited the place. The first edifice, built in 1776 and costing $7,000, was long called " The Presbyterian church of Albany." During the revo- lution it had financial struggles; was recommended to the other churches for aid; but, though without a pastor, it maintained its services. Of a candidate for the eldership, we read that the moderator of session, " examined into his acquaintance with the general doctrines of the Christian reli- gion, the sense in which he understood those that have been subjects of dispute, the nature and design of the sacraments, and the subjects to whom they should be administered, in view of the order, government and discipline of the church." Each elder had a particular district of the congregation assigned for his visitation, and must report upon it to the session. During the last century, part of each Sabbath was devoted to teaching the children the shorter catechism. The chief officer of the school was called the " Principal." Pre- vious to the sacrament, tokens were distributed by the elders to the persons expected to attend. When all were seated, and before the communion commenced, these tokens were collected. Thus, none disallowed by the session could par- take. Absentees from the sacrament were required to explain their absence. Discipline was strict. Sometimes trials of offenders constitute a large portion of the business of the session at their monthly meetings ; most of the offenses being absence from church worship, violation of promises, profanity, Sabbath-breaking and the like. Session watched not only the people, but the preacher. A supply one Sabbath uttered what they deemed unsound doctrine; and a committee of Session was appointed to draw up a statement to presbytery of the errors in that sermon. In 1786, session resolved that, " without special reasons," no marriage should be solemnized in the congregation without three several intimations given in public. The music was at first led by a precentor, and deep disgrace fell on several presuming individuals who aspired to this office without proper qualification. In 1803 session received a petition for disuse of the psalms and intro- duction of the hymn books recommended by general assem- bly. There was strong opposition. When the petition was granted, some persons left the church. Then came a choir. Then the choir stood up when they sang. Then instru-
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ments of music-the violin and flutes. Then professional singers. At each change, some of the good people took great offence. The name of Boyd is one which figures most prominently in the history of the church, both in session and board of trustees for five generations, from before the revo- lution to the present decade. The minutes of the trustees have been preserved perfect and unbroken for more than a hundred years. Some may interest: Resolved, "That the clerk get 3s. for making a publication of marriage, 6d. for every person christened, and that the price of burying under the church be £3 for an adult, 30s. for a person under 14 years." One duty of the sexton was "to see that chil- dren and servants behaved with decorum during service." The patroon had his choice of a pew. Prominent seats near the pulpit were appointed for the corporation, the governor, the minister, the elders and deacons. The first pastor was John McDonald, installed November, 1775, the annual income of the church being about $900. It was desirable to encourage contributions. The trustees resolved " That 1,000 coppers be stamped 'church penny,' and placed in the hands of the treasurer for the purpose of exchanging with the congregation at the rate of 12 for one shilling, in order to add respect to the weekly collections." When the Albany presbytery was formed in 1790, John McDonald was first moderator. On leaving the First church he gathered about him the nucleus of the United Presbyterian church on Lan- caster street. The Presbyterian church had already out- stripped the Lutheran, which had the start by more than half a century, and was fast gaining on the Dutch Reformed, which had a century of precedence. When the Rev. Elipha- let Nott was proposed as pastor, there was objection. Some talked of forming a new church. Said they wanted a min- ister who could " compose with accuracy ; speak correctly." But he succeeded as pastor and preacher. In 1801 a charity collection was taken, after sermon by Mr. Nott. Sum real- ized, $327 ; remarked as " the most liberal collection ever taken in the city." At this time the church noted Romanism and infidelity as especially threatening to our institutions. Attending the church were Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. When Hamilton was killed by Burr, Dr. Nott preached his funeral sermon, directed against duelling. It gave the author wide celebrity. Dr. Nott's subsequent career as an educator is well known. In 1817, a committee
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was appointed to purchase for a minister's library books not exceeding in value $1,000-then a munificent sum. And the trustees procured the passage of a law allowing two chains to be stretched across the street at each end of the church, to keep vehicles from passing during service. These remained there fifteen years. In June, 1827, a number were dismissed to the church in Greenbush, organized about this time. When the Presbyterian edifice was improved, in 1831, it was called "the most elegantly finished church in the city." In December, 1831, the " Fifth Presbyterian church" was organized ; but three years later it became extinct. The most noted pastor of the First church was Dr. John N. Campbell. During his pastorate at Washington, he had President Jackson among his hearers, and was a frequent visitor at the president's house. He had regal presence, urbane manners, intellectual acuteness, knowledge of human nature, tact in governing, great decision. His sermons short, simple, scriptural, were delivered with "force and grace." In his church he was called " the pope," and he was a man of mark in community and state. In 1846, when it was necessary to build a new edifice, there arose contro- versy. Some withdrew and organized the Congregational church on Eagle street. But the First church survived the trial, grew in numbers and influence. Dr. Campbell was pastor thirty-four years, and his death produced a profound impression. The legislature adjourned in token of respect ; the highest officials in the commonwealth stood beside his bier. In 1866 a school was established on Alexander street for the religious instruction of the neglected children in that part of the city. Thus new missionary activity was devel- oped. Of this church's thirteen pastors, most have been scriptural, scholarly, popular and devoted to the cause. Some have been distinguished. Spiritually its growth has been gradual, healthful. At times, revival blessings ; gener- ally in a way quiet, not demonstrative. It has always had in it men of culture and professional eminence. It has sent off members to form at least seven other churches. Here was a typical Presbyterian spirit in this old church ; with its love of knowledge, zeal for orthodoxy, respect for the Sabbath, and faithful maintenance of worship; guarding of the sacred mar- riage tie, early instruction of the children in the doctrines of the word, stability in government, and exemplary oversight of the congregation by the elders; its missionary enterprise,
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generosity in giving, and the system in its beneficence ; while all things were done decently and in order. We have spoken thus at length of the First church for the intrinsic interest of the history itself, and because for fifty-five years its history was the history of Presbyterianism in Albany. Newly located in the best portion of our city, in her new edifice, a monument to the energy and self-sacrifice of her pastor, the Rev. Walter D. Nicholas, she seems to have assured her future. The mother of us all has renewed her youth. We love our mother, and we bid her hail.
As the numbers of Presbyterians so increased that the First church could not accommodate them all, the Second church was organized about 1813, most of those who composed it being of New England stock. The original members were forty-four. The first twelve years were marked by spiritual and temporal prosperity under Dr. John Chester, a man courtly, evangelical, sympathetic, peculiarly a friend of the poor. But in 1827 his health failed. After sermon he invited the congregation to sing " Jesus, lover of my soul," in which his voice joined with the voices of his flock; then tendered his resignation. With generous loyalty, honorable to him and them, the church declined it; and gave him leave of absence for a year, an illustration of Presbyterianism toward a noble but disabled pastor. But soon he died, and was widely mourned. Among the distinguished people wont to attend his ministry was the statesman De Witt Clinton, who died soon after. For a time the pulpit was supplied by Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of great acceptanec and popularity. In 1829 a call was given to Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, who with characteristic delicacy declined to accept it until he had preached to the congregation and was satisfied of their unanimity. His ministry was notable for its dura- tion and success. A pulpit orator of commanding stature, fine creative gifts, graceful flow of thought, he always had a gospel message suited to audience and occasion, and impres- sively delivered. During the remodeling of their own edi- fice, the congregation, by invitation from the Third church, occupied their place of worship a portion of each Sabbath. But, with a spirit of generous courtesy, on returning to their own sanctuary, they presented to the Third church a sum sufficient to entirely pay off an encumbrance then resting upon the latter. In January, 1868, at the request of the Spring Street Mission school, the Second church took charge of
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that mission. A committee was selected to rear an edifice. Chiefly through the efforts of the chairman, Mr. Albion Ransom, Sprague chapel was erected. Somewhat later the mission became a church, with a pastor of its own. But after a fair trial, it was deemed wiser to keep it up simply as a mission Sunday school. So a large, efficient school has been maintained thereever since. Under Dr. Sprague came repeated seasons of revival, with constant growth. Thus he went in and out before Israel forty years. In 1869, rich in honor, he retired, and his church gave him an annuity of $2,000 a year for life. Of all the accomplished men who have occupied the Presbyterian pulpits of our city, he was the writer of most celebrity. His published works are many. His successor, Dr. Anson J. Upson, installed in 1870, a ripe scholar in English literature and an experienced teacher of rhetoric before he was ordained, became by seemingly easy transition, an acceptable pastor, an elegant and effect- ive preacher. His ministry of a decade was strong and successful, and he left behind him in our city the impression of a life white and pure. Then, in 1881, came Dr. James H. Ecob, who both as preacher and temperance worker has shown himself brilliant and courageous-a beloved brother. The Second church has been noted for the sustained ability of its ministry. In its pews have always been many of its most influential citizens, representing the best families of the denomination. Central in position, its sanctuary is the most popularplace for union meetings of the Presbyterian fold. To apeculiar extent it has shown spirit of hospitality toward the other churches. And, though very conservative, it is- well known for its great liberality and generous public spirit.
The Third or Clinton Square church was organized in 1817, when to form it a number of members from the First church united with the Associate Reformed church, a society traced back to 1796. The immediate occasion was the desire of the persons who composed it to enjoy the min- istry of the Rev. Hooper Cumming. After preliminary pro- ceedings through committees, all of whose actions were to be void unless Mr. Cumming could be secured, the new church, amid great popular interest, was ushered into life. The man most prominent in it seems to have been Hugh Hum- phrey, through a period of nearly fifty years, amid many vicissitudes, ever proving himself its fast friend. A call was given to Mr. Cumming, with the unprecedented salary of
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$2,000 a year. Some time before, he, with his accomplished wife, had been viewing the Passaic falls, when she fell and met instantaneous death-a terrible shock to the husband by her side. Before he was installed in his new church there came charges of plagiarism, hints at intemperance and falsehood -in declaring the chancellor of the State had compared his manuscript with Toplady and acquitted him of plagiarism. Presbyterian trial followed with intense popular excitement and his character was evidently suffering. When he came upon the stand the moderator, Dr. Nott, declined to admin- ister the oath on the ground that he was insane. Mr. Cum- ming in his defence showed himself to be a highly-gifted, cul- tivated man, who could write his sermons even if he did not. He asked to be immediately installed, but in vain, for some of his oldest friends, among them his own father, while pro- ducing proof of the former correctness of his character, splendor of his abilities and loveliness of his diposition, took the ground that he had now, through the death of his wife, become partially deranged and needed the balm of sympathy rather than the rod of dicipline. Their views prevailed. He was allowed to withdraw from further connection with the Presbyterian. The Third church, at its own request, also was dismissed ; whereupon Mr. Cumming occupied its pulpit. His preaching attracted increasing numbers of intelligent, enthusiastic hearers. The old Bethel, on Mont- gomery street, was uniformly thronged. It was estimated that 1,500 persons attached themselves to his congregation. His popularity lasted with little diminution for six years, during which two hundred and seventeen persons joined his church on confession of faith, with evidence of genuine con- version But his genius was to madness near allied. That his mind was unbalanced became unmistakable. And his friends mournfully declared that "when he was in the pulpit it seemed as if he ought never to come out of it ; and when out as if he ought never to go in." He had by nature great endowments ; had received superb education ; was a finished orator ; pos- sessed delicate susceptibility, cultivated in the most refined circles. But the shock of his reason was followed a little later by loss of health and death. His church waned. It was readmitted to Presbytery. Next followed five brief pastorates. Then, in 1837, Rev. E. A. Huntington was installed. In 1844 the new house of worship was reared on Clinton square. Of refined and scholastic tastes, Dr. Huntington
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enjoyed an acceptable, useful pastorate for eighteen years, then was called to a professorship at Auburn seminary, which he still holds. After him came that pupil and friend of Scot- land's illustrious Dr. Thomas Chalmers, Dr. Ebenezer Halley, brilliant in the pulpit and on the lecture platform, singularly gifted in prayer, widely read, rich in scripture. Of his noble traits and of those of the men who chose him for their pas- tor, sufficient evidence was given in the number of devoted friends he found among them, whose attachment lasted through his life. On the conclusion of the fiftieth year of his ministerial labors, his friends gave him a memorable reception, at which some of the most prominent citizens of the State were present. After preaching here for nearly twenty- two years, he retired with an annuity for life, receiving also the chaplaincy of the State senate, which he retained until his death in 1881. This church contains many Presbyterians of Scotch antecedents, very loyal to their organization and very conservative, as shown by the fact that they have had but three pastors for a half a century. The movement of the currents of population away from the north-east part of Albany, renders the growth of churches in that section slow ; but the Third church has never had a larger membership than for two years past, during which time it has been twice what it was ten years ago.
From it went a colony to form the West End church. April, 1869, Rev. Washington Frothingham started in the railroad shop at West Albany, a Sunday school of eleven scholars, preached the same day to an audience of twenty souls. Elder Austin H. Wells, of the Clinton Square church, took charge of this school for eleven years, the field being largely developed as a mission of that church. His success was such that Mr. William Wendell from the First church, Mr. Robert G. Wells from the Second, Mr. Austin H. Wells himself, and Mr. Archibald McClure from the State Street church, were appointed by the Presbyterian Sunday school Union, a committee to build a chapel. This they did at a cost of $8,000, raised mostly from churches which they repre- sented. In 1877 there was a revival with encouraging results. June 3d, 1878, in response to a petition, Presbytery organized the "West End church," with forty-five members, most of whom came in one strong colony from the church on Clinton square. November, 1878, Rev. Robert Ennis became pastor. During his diligent, devoted ministry of five years the mem-
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bership grew three-fold, with like growth in the school. March, 1884, Rev. Oliver Hemstreet, the present pastor, was installed, through whose efficient labors there has been still furtherincrease. This church is composed largely of men connected with the New York Central railroad, superintend- ents, engineers, skilled mechanics, men trained to punctuality, reliable, decided in their convictions, warmly interested in their church. Though the youngest off-shoot from the Presbyterian stock, it is also one most vigorous and the waves of population pouring toward it must make it continu- ally stronger. Already a larger auditorium is required, and the chapel is to be enlarged this very season. We speak briefly of the younger churches, as their history, in each case that of symmetrical, speedy growth, needs no great detail.
The Fourth church was organized February 2, 1829, with a membership of fifty-five, nearly all from the Second church. The first pastor, Dr. E. N. Kirk, was long remembered for his eloquence and the beauty of his Christian character-a man of most lovely disposition and great devotion to the Master. The congregation worshipped in a room on Lum- ber street, then in the chapel of the First Reformed, hos- pitably offered until their own edifice was built in 1830. From the first the church had large accessions, and in 1833 it it numbered six hundred souls. It has been composed of gentlemen in the lumber business, or other commercial pur- suits, substantial men accustomed to work and give. Of its eight pastors, Dr. Henry Darling, installed in 1864, and re- maining seventeen years, was probably the one who left on it the most marked impress. Indefatigable, a good preacher, an assiduous pastor, a leading ecclesiastic, he administered its affairs with tact and power. In 1865 its growth compelled the erection of the present stately edifice, containing many elements, which, under other hands, would have tended to disintegration under his sway, it stood strong as the Old Guard of Napoleon, its influence felt in all the general reli- gious activity of our city. The one conspicuous fact of its history is that throughout almost its entire career it has enjoyed steady, striking prosperity. For many years, till the tides of population flowing westward forbade further growth, the Fourth church, claiming a membership of 700, a Sunday school roll of equal size, and raising over $20,000 a year, was the most magnificent Presbyterian organization in our
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city. It is one of the two largest churches of the Presby- tery still.
THE SIXTH CHURCH.
From the Fourth church sprang the Sixth. Elder John S. Smith, of the Fourth was the means of bringing the Sixth into existence. December 1, 1855, he started a prayer meeting in Lumber street. This grew into a Sunday school then was organized as a mission enterprise. In 1859 Mr. James Hendrick, with a large corps of teachers, from the Fourth, instituted a thorough visitation of the neighborhood, which gave the work a lasting impetus. In the fall of 1867 at an enthusiastic meeting in the Fourth, it was resolved that the time for a church organization had come. Some gentle- men pledged themselves for $1,000 apiece to build an edi- fice. And a total of $25,000 was raised from the Fourth church for this purpose. December 31, 1860, the new church was formed with sixty-five members, most of them by letter from the Fourth. The first pastor, the Rev. A. H. Dean, was prominently instrumental in gaining a congrega- tion and securing the erection of the sanctuary-dedicated November, 1871. Then came the faithful ministry of the Rev. William Durant, installed in 1873. There were steady accessions at almost every communion ; and he organized the church with great thoroughness, equipping it for every department of activity. The original subscriptions had not covered all expense of building, so the congregation were op- pressed with debt. By diligent solicitation among the other Presbyterian churches of the city, all which were heartily sympathetic, he raised the whole, about $18,635, and almost the entire amount was paid within fifteen days after the subscriptions were completed. Had he done nothing else, this alone would have made his pastorate to be remembered. Next, in December, 1882, came the present pastor, the Rev. John D. Countermine, whose ministry has been marked by energetic, successful efforts to preach the gospel in attractive ways, so men may be drawn to the house of God. Church and school have both increased. As this field is largely unoccupied by other evangelical churches, its sky is full of promise.
GROWTH OF THE STATE STREET CHURCH.
The State Street church grew out of a meeting held in the Second church, November 5, 1859. As a result of which,
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a little later, the First, Second and Clinton Square churches appointed each three members, making a committee of nine, to consider the expediency of building still another Presby- terian church. They reported that the Ninth and Tenth wards of the city contained about 18,500 souls, to accom- modate whom there were church sittings for only about 1,900 persons, and recommended the erection of an edifice capable of seating at least 1,000 persons, with suitable rooms for Sunday schools and social worship. A committee of fifteen carried these recommendations into effect ; secured a lot and built the present edifice. The first service of the new society was held in the German Lutheran church on State street, now the Albany law school. Sermon by Dr. Sprague, " Despise not the day of small things." Services were continued Sabbath evenings, until the Sunday school room in the new church could be occupied. March, 1861, the ecclesiastical organization was effected with forty-two members, nearly all from the Second church, a few from the First and Third. The first sacrament was administered by Dr. Joseph T. Duryea. The corner-stone was laid July, 1861, Dr. Halley making the address. During the five years' pastorate of the Rev. A. S. Twombley, installed June, 1862, and the three years' pastorate of the Rev. George C. Heckman, installed November, 1867, the church grew strong. Its Sunday school was also vigorous. Then from June, 1871, it had six flourishing years under the Rev. John James, D. D., a man of Scotch birth and breeding, positive char- acter, decided influence in many ways. An able preacher, he did good work for Christ. In June, 1877, was installed the present pastor, who had received the highest recognition from the Reformed denomination before entering the Pres- byterian body. The record of his fruitful pastorate needs no rehearsal. The history of this church requires few words ; but they are pleasant to utter and to hear. From the begin- ning, its career has been marked by spiritual thrift, energy, in- creasing numbers, abundance of financial resources, pros- perity of every kind and widening waves of influence. It is the strongest evangelical church in Albany. Taken as a whole, in eligibility of location, splendor and commodiousness of sanctuary, its pulpit, its membership of over eight hundred, its school of nine hundred, the completeness of its organiza- tion, its benefactions, Presbyterianism can point to no more thoroughly representative church in all northern New York.
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