USA > New York > Oneida County > Annals and recollections of Oneida County > Part 42
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In 1807. the church completed its first house of worship, of wood, a very handsome building for the time, and which was occupied nearly twenty years. In 1826, the wooden church edifice. until then occupied, was cut into two parts, one of which is. now the Mansion House, corner of Fayette and Washington Streets, and the. other. the large dwelling on Whitesboro Street, in front of tho tannery of the late David P. Hoyt. The society erected in its place on the west side of Washington Street, just below Liberty, the large and beautiful brick church, which was destroyed by the incendiary's torch on the night of the 12th of January, 1851. This building was dedicated Nov. 8, 1827, and was an ornament to the city, and a monument of the enterprise and liberality of the church and society. Its cost was about $30,000, and when destroyed contained an organ which cost $4,000. Its tower and spiro were two hundred and fifteen feet in heighth and served as a landmark for the country around for several miles. The church is erecting during the present summer (1851), a.cred- itable successor to the building destroyed, upon the north-west. corner of Washington and Columbia Streets, 73 by 104 feet, with a building for session room, etc. adjoining. Wit a" brick tower about 100 feet high, surmounted by a spire of the same heighth. and the difference in the elevation of the
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site, the steeple of the new church will exceed that of the former by about five feet. Its estimated cost is 840,000.
Trinity (Episcopal) Church .- The following extracts arc taken from the records of this church. " In the year 1798, the village of Utica was called old Fort Schuyler, and consisted only in a few seattered houses and shops. No place of worship had been erected, nor was any minister settled in the place. The inhabitants were of different sects of religion, chiefly Pres- byterians and a few Episcopalians." In this year the Rev. Philander Chase, a deacon and missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church (now the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Illinois), on his way westward visited the place, collected the few Episco- palians, and formed them into a society, "and persuaded them to meet together every Sabbath, and read the prayers of the church and sermons." " This was done for some time, but other persuasions inercasing fast, and the Presbyterian minister of Whitesboro being engaged to preach here regu- larly, these meetings wore discontinued. In 1803, the place had greatly increased in population, the Presbyterian minis- ter attended -once in two weeks, but no house of worship had yet been erected, and the meetings were held in the school room, which became crowded."
On 'the 24th of May, 1803, a meeting of the Episcopalians in the place was called, at which Col. Benjamin Walker, William Inman and Abram M. Walton were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for building a church. The following persons in a short time subscribed for this ob- ject : B. Walker, W. Inman, A. M. Walton, Bryan Johnson, John Smith, James Hopper, Aylmer Johnson, Matthew Codd, Nathan Williams, John C. Devereux, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, John Post, Samuel Hooker, Francis A. Blood- good, John Hooker, Hugh White, Peter Smith, John
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Swartze, Jonas Platt, Thomas R. Gold, Wm. Inman, for W. R., Silas Hamlin, C. C. Broadhead, Charles Z. Platt, Wm. G. Tracy, Marcus Hitchcock, Nathan Butler, Charles Walker, John Curtiss, Amos Bronson, David Trowbridge, Frederick White, Aaron Eggleston, Hugh White, jr., Elizur Moseley, Preserved Hickox, P. S. Soillon, Thomas Jones. Total amount subscribed $2,072,50.
June 1st, the subscribers decided to build, and appointed Col. Walker, Wm. Inman and N. Williams a committee to procure plans and estimates. The plan and estimates of Samuel and John Hooker at $4,200, were accepted, and they contracted to go forward with the work to the extent of the subscriptions, with the hope that funds sufficient would be procured from other sources. August 14, 1804, Trinity Church was organized, according to law, at a meeting in the school house, and Abram M. Walton and Nathan Williams were chosen church-wardens, and Wm. Inman, Charles Wal- ton, John Smith, Benjamin Walker, Samuel Hooker, Ayl- mer Johnson, James Hopper and Edward Smith, vestrymen. August 25, 1804, $1028 had been collected, and $1,045,69 expended upon the house. A committee was at this time ap- pointed to consult the Rt. Rev. Bishop Moore, " as to the propriety of engaging & minister for one year," engaging to pay him $500. Soon after, the Rev. Jonathan Judd was en- gaged as minister for a part of the time, he preaching the oth- er part in Paris. In September, 1806, the church was con- secrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishep Moore, although then, and for several years afterwards, the edifice was in a very incom- plete state. Upon the same occasion, Mr. Amos. G. Baldwin, of Stockbridge, Mass., was ordained a deacon, and eighteen persons were confirmed. In the latter part of 1806, Rev. Mr. Baldwin succeeded Mr. Judd, and May 18, 1808, he was instituted as rector of the church. In 1808, Sir James
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Pultney and lady Pultney gave the church 265 acres of un- improved land, a part of the Pultney estate, in Eaton, Mad- ison County. During the winter of 1810, this church occu- pied the Presbyterian house of worship, and during the fol- lowing season the church edifice was completed. January 7, 1811. thirty-one pews were sold for $1,142, and a. yearly rent of 8235, was reserved, and this year Trinity Church of New York gave this church four lots in that city, then renting for $255, and the Eaton lands were sold under an act of the Legislature. From Easter, in 1813, the rector officiated two- thirds of the time. May 12, 1818, Rev. Mr. Baldwin resign- ed his charge, and Ang. 22, 1819, Rev. Henry Moore Shaw received a call to the vacant rectorship, which he accepted May 22. 1821. Rev. Mr. Shaw resigned his charge, and May. 29, the Rev. Henry Anthon received a call, and was institu- ted rector. Sept. 26. January 19, 1829, Rev. Mr. Anthon resigned his charge, to accept the rectorship of St. Stephen's Church. New York City, and May 15th following, Rev. Ben- jamin Dorr received a call to become his successor. October 6. 1835, Rev. Mr. Dorr, resigned his charge, and January 16. 1836. Rev. Pierre A. Proal, D. D., the present incum- bent. became rector of the church. In 1833, the church edi- fice was, in the language of its records, " elongated," and made much more commodious, and otherwise improved. In June, 1851, the building was found to be unsafe, and services were discontinued until it shall have been thoroughly re- paired.
Number of communicants reported in 1842, 142 ; in 1846. 127; in 1850, 145.
First ( Welsh) Baptist Church .- This church is the oldest regular church organization in the city, although the Pres- byterians and Episcopalians held. religious. meetings previ.
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ously to its formation. In 1799, 1800 and 1801, several Welsh Baptists emigrated to this place, and soon commenced religious meetings, with services in the Welsh language.
On the 12th of .Sept., 1801, twenty-two persons met at the log house of John Williams, upon the road opposite the Lu- natic Asylum, and formed the First Baptist Church of Utica. Of their number were, Elder James Harris and Elder John Stephens, who officiated as ministers. In 1806, Abraham Williams, James Morgan and William Francis were elected the first trustees, and within this year the church erected a house of worship. This house was erected on the west side of Hotel Street, where the Erie Canal now runs. Previously to the construction of the canal, it was removed to the site of their present church on Broadway, and afterwards was converted into a dwelling on Charles Street. Joseph Harris and John Reed were chosen the first deacons. The records are incom- plete and the names of none but the following ministers have been obtained, in addition to Elders Harris and Stevens. In 1806, Elder Abraham Williams, who had been licensed and ordained by the church. In 1814, Elder Stevens returned from New York, and became a second time pastor-and at the same time Elders David Griffiths and Joseph Richards, and subsequently Elder David Michaels, were members of and preached to the church. In 1836, Elder William H. Thomas ; in 1841, Elder William F. Phillips ; in 1845, El- der David Phillips ; in 1848, Elder Hugh Hughes, became pastors. In 1850, Elder David Jenkins, the present pastor, took charge of the church. All the services of this church have continued to be conducted in the Welsh language. Its house of worship stands upon the west side of Broadway, a short distance below Liberty Street, and having been en- larged and repaired, well accommodates the church and goci- sty. The church numbers about 100 communicants.
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The Rev. David Griffiths was for many years well known in Utica, as a Welsh Baptist preacher, and. although never pastor of this church. he often supplied them when destitute- of a pastor. The following is copied from the handsome- monument over his grave :
Mewn Coffadwriaeth am y diweddar Barch. Dafydd Gruffydd un o. weinidogion y Bedyddwyr yn preswylio yn Ffrankffort. Yr Hwn a Bu Farw Rhag, 27, 1840, yn 68 ain, mlwydd a deng mis Oed. Brodor ydoedd o Sir Benfro Deheubarth Cymru efe a ymfudodd i America yn y Awyddyn, 1818.
Yma Gorphwys mewn hun felys. Un o weision dawnus ne Yn y ddugell rho'wd ei briddell Newid pabell wnaeth efe. Dros hen byngeiau Calfin golau. Hoff y seintiau dygai sel : Moli'r Drindod am y cymmod Ynddiddarfod 'nawr a wnel ..
Welsh Congregational Church .- In 1801, tem Welsh Congregationalists residing in Utica, united with the Pres- byterian church in Whitesboro. In 1802, several others ar- rived from Wales, and the Rev. Daniel Morris came from Philadelphia, and those just arrived, and the ten first named in all from fifteen to twenty in number, constituted a Welslı Congregational Church, which was the second regular church. organization in Utica.
Until 1804. the church held its meetings in private houses, but within this year they erected a small framed house of worship. on the site of their present house, on the corner of Washington and Whitesboro Streets, and which was the tirst church completed in the village. Subsequently, a larger framed house was erected in its place, and which in
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1831, was replaced by the present neat and commodious brick edifice.
In 1810, Rev. Mr. Morris resigned his charge and for sev- eral years the church was supplied by Rev. John Roberts, by Rev. William Pierce of Steuben, and by John Roberts and Rowland Griffiths, licentiates, members of the church, but who were never ordained. Subsequently the following cler- gymen were pastors of the church for the periods stated, viz : Rev. Howell R. Powell, for one year.
Rev. Benjamin Powell, for several years.
Rev. Robert Everett, for about ten years.
Rev. James Griffiths, for about sixteen years.
Rev. Evan Griffiths, the present pastor, commenced his la- bors in 1849. The church is in a harmonious and flourish- ing condition, and has a large congregation. Its services have ever been conducted in the Welsh language. Present number of communicants about 300.
Mr. John Hughes was a worthy member of this church, and although not an ordained preacher, it is said that he fre- quently preached in the absence of a pastor. The following. is copied from his tomb stone:
" In memory of John Hughes, a native of South Wales, who. de. parted this life, September 3d, A. D. 1831, Ae .. 62.
Mewn rhyfel bu'fe yma'n hir Yn colli ac yn ennill tir ; Ond' nawr gorphenodd ar ei waith, Ac aeth yn deg i ben ei daith.
Second ( Broad Street) Baptist Church .- On the 23d' of September, 1819, at a regular meeting of the First (Welsh) Baptist Church a vote was adopted that the church take into . consideration until the next meeting, " the propriety of giving
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permission to all such as fcel disposed to enter into covenant a's a second church," ete. The reason given for this stop was, the inconvenience under which many of the members suffer- ed, from the fact that a part of the services were in a lan- guage they could not understand. October 7, the church voted, that all who were disposed so to do, should have the approbation of the church in uniting to form the Second Church, and accordingly seventeen members, seven males and ten females, were dismissed for that purpose. (Of this number was Elder Hammond, who died August 20, 1820, aged sev- enty-nine years). David Reed and John Grey were appoin- ted deacons. Within the same month the new church exten- ded a call to the Rev. Elijah F. Willey, of Lansingburgh, to become their pastor, which was accepted, and he commenced his labors on the second Lord's-day in November, 1819. Elder Willey resigned his charge January 1, 1827. The fol- lowing is a list of the clergymen who have been pastors of the church, with the dates when they were called, and when they resigned their charge.
Rev. John C. Harrison, called July 30, 1827, Resigned June 5, 182.
". William Hague, Nov. 17, 1828, .. Aug. 30, 1830.
" Elon Galusha, Dec. 27, 1830, April 18, 1833. " Edward Kingsford, " Mch.31, 1834. ١: Dec. 31. 1835.
" Thomas Wilkes, 16 May 30, 1836,
May 1. 1837.
" Daniel Eldridge, Aug. 1837. June. 184].
.. Dudley C. Haynes, " Oct. 4, 1841, . . Oct. 80. 1848.
" Horatio N. Loring, “ Nov. 3, 1844, Died Ang. 14, 1847. " Edmund Turney, July 9, 1848, Resigned June 2, 1850
Rev. Thomas O. Lincoln, the present pastor was called to the charge of the church on the 4th of August, 1850, and having resigned his charge in Manchester, N. II .; he inne- diately entered upon his labors herc.
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On the 26th of January, 1820, the church and society be- came incorporated under the statute by the name of " The Second Baptist Society of the village of Utica." David P. Hoyt and Edward Gilbert, presiding officers, and John Gray, David P. Hoyt, William Francis, David Reed and Edward Gilbert were elected trustees. On the 15th of February following, the trustees voted, " that this society immediately take the most efficient measures to procure a site in some central place in the village of Utica, and build a handsome meeting-house, or house of publie worship, sixty feet long and forty feet wide." Consequently, a lot was purchased (the site of their present church edifice on Broad Street), and a house of worship ereeted during the spring and summer of 1820. In 1826, the trustees were increased to nine, and the following persons constituted the board that year, viz. : Alexander M. Beebee, Thomas H. Whittemore, D. P. Hoyt, John Baxter, Benjamin Ballou, Wm. Francis, John E. Hinman, Edward Bright, sen., and David Reed. In 1830, the house of worship was repaired and improved, by changing the pulpit from rear to front and constructing a gallery. June 21, 1847, the board of trustees, by a com- mittee, reported, that the time had "come when the church ought to ereet a new house of worship," and this was followed immediately by the action of the church, and, in August following, contracts were made for the erection of the present beautiful house on Broad Street. This house having been completed and entirely paid for, was dedicated September 21, 1848. Present number of communicants about 175.
St. John's ( Catholic) Church .- This church was organ- ized in 1819, and was the first Catholic church formed in central or western New York, since the settlement of the country. Its first church edifice was of wood, and which 37.
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about ten or twelve years since, was removed across Bleecker Street, and the present large edifice erected in its place. The late Jolin C. Devereux was the greatest benefactor of this church, having contributed over $ 12000 towards build- ing the brick house of worship. In connection with this church is an orphan asylum under the management of sev- eral Sisters of Charity, and adjoining there is a day school for boys and girls. The church is the largest in the city, and on Sundays, and other days, when open for service, is generally filled to overflowing. Many attend here from con- siderable distances in the surrounding country.
First Methodist Episcopal Church. - The Methodists have had religious services in Utica since 1808, and a con- gregation was constituted in that year, but no records have been found of a regular organization for many years subse- quently. The earliest written evidence upon the subject which the author has been able to discover, is the record of a quarterly meeting conference, held October 12. 1822, at the " Utica Station," of which Rev. George Peck was chairman, and Thomas Christian, secretary. Mr. Goodenough was ap- pointed steward in Slayton's Bush, Mr. Tisdale in Frank- fort, Reuben Mather in Schuyler, and Andrew Nash in Utica. This society, by the name of "First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church." was organized, under the statute, May 23, 1826, and Thomas Christian, James C. Delong, Jacob Snyder, Erastus Cross and Trustham Dun- ham, elected trustees. Their present brick house of worship on Bleecker Street, was erected in 1826, and dedicated Feb- ruary 22, 1827. The small brick chapel, previously occupied by this church, on the corner of Main and Third Streets, was erected in 1816, but was abandoned on account of its being too small for the congregation and its location so far
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from the centre of the village. The following clergy.men have been pastors of the church, nearly or quite in the order in which their names are given, and they have generally rc- mained two years each, viz. : Rev. Messrs. Benjamin Pad- dock, George Harmon, Zechariah Paddock, E. Bowen, Mr. Stone, Z. Paddock, Dan Barnes, Joseph Castle, William N. Pearne, Schuyler Hoes, Bostwick Hawley, D. W. Bristol, David A. Shepard, Horatio R. Clark. Rev. William Wyatt, the present pastor, took charge of the church in August, 1849. The society is in a prosperous condition, and its house is well filled. Present number of communicants about 330.
V
Universalist Society -The First Universalist Society of Utica was organized November 21, 1825, under the ministry of the Rev. John S. Thompson. Messrs. Andrew S. Pond, Daniel James, John R. Ludlow, John Hickox and Roswell Woodruff, were elected first trustees; John R. Ludlow, treasurer ; John King, clerk. Ezra S. Barnum and William Stevens were elected deacons. A number of years after- wards, it was discovered that there had been some informality in the early proceedings, and accordingly a re-organization was legally effected July 10, 1837. Messrs. Woodman Kim- ball, Thomas L. Kingsley, Joseph P. Newland, Orrin Mar- shall, Alvin White, Benjamin F. Jewett and Orrin Hutchin- son, were elected trustees. The church erected by the Universalists on Devereux Street, was dedicated March 18, 1830, and remained in their possession until March 28, 1845, when it was sold under the foreclosure of a mortgage. From that time, the society ceased to act. The pastors were Rev. Dolphas Skinner, from 1827 to 1837 ; followed by Rev. Messrs. A. B. Grosh, M. B. Smith, T. D. Cook, W. Andrews and H. B. Soule.
The Universalists again commenced regular worship in
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Mechanics' Hall, October 1, 1848. " The Central Universal- ist Society of Utica, N. Y.," was organized April 23, 1849. Messrs. Ezra S. Barnum, Grove Penny, Benjamin F. Jewett, David Owens, Alvin White, D. V. W. Golden and L. M. Taylor, are the present trustees. Rev. Eben Francis, the present pastor, commenced his labors in October, 1848. In the present summer (1851), the society are engaged in the erection of a substantial church edifice of stone, in the Gothic style of architecture, covering an area 45 by 75 feet, with towers of the same material, projecting from the front corners, carried to the heighth of about sixty feet. This building stands upon Seneca Street, near Columbia Street, fronting Genesee Street, and will be an ornament to the city, and highly creditable to the taste and spirit of the society. The corner-stone was laid on the 15th of July, and a box depos- ited within it, containing many interesting relics. Rev. E. II. Chapin, of New York, delivered an address upon the occasion.
Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church .- This church was organized February 21, 1830, by ten persons of this denomi- nation from Wales. The author has been unable to find any records of this church, or to learn much of its history. Upon its formation, Robert I. Jones, Evan Roberts and Richard Hughes, were chosen elders. Rev. Benjamin Davis became pastor in 1830, and remained five or six years, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. William Williams, who remained several years. Rev. David Stevens was the next pastor, and re- mained from one to two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Morris Davis, then just arrived from Wales, but who was removed by death in a short time. Rev. Morris Roberts and Rey. William Rowlands have also been pastors. Rev. Messrs. Enoch Samuel and David Lewis are the present
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preachers. In 1830, the society erected a brick chapel on Seneca Street, which was much enlarged in 1846, and is now a large and convenient house. The church numbers about 190 communicants. The Calvinistic (sometimes called Whit- field) Methodists are the followers of Calvin, with respect to the points of doctrine which distinguish his disciples from those of Arminius and Wesley.
Reformed Dutch Church .- " The Reformed Dutch Church of Utica" was organized October 26, 1830, with forty mem- bers. Its first officers were Abraham Varick and George M. Weaver, jr., elders ; and Nicholas G. Weaver and Richard Vaughan, deacons. When this information was obtained in 1849, its officers were George M. Weaver, Justus H. Rath- bone, Rufus Northway and Thomas H. Wood, elders; and William Walcott, Thomas E. Clarke, N. F. Vedder and William J. Bacon, deacons. In 1830, its house of worship on the corner of Broad and John Streets, was erected at a cost of about $ 15000. The Rev. George W. Bethune was the first pastor, and commenced his labors November 7, 1830. The Rev. Henry Mandeville commenced August 17, 1834, and resigned his charge for a professorship in Hamilton College, and Rev. John P. Knox became his successor, July 5, 1841. Rev. Charles Wiley, the present pastor, entered upon the duties of his office, June 15, 1845. The house of worship of this church is a neat and commodious structure, with no attempt at ornament or show on the outside, but its interior is one of the most pleasant in the city. The church and society have ever included their full share of the intelli- gence and moral worth of the community, and have demanded in their pastors the most respectable talents and rank in their profession, and while they have exerted a conservative influence over others, they have been preserved from fanat-
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icism and instability on the one hand, and their opposites, anti-nomianism and inactivity, on the other. . Present num- ber of communicants about 225.
Ebenezer Baptist Church. - " The ' Ebenezer Baptist Church of the city' was organized in the school room, then their place of meeting, No. 10 Fayette Street, on the 10th day of January, 1835, with seven members, five males and two females. Joseph Goodliff was chosen deacon, and Wil- liam Towers, clerk. Thomas Hill, one of the little band, was unanimously chosen pastor, and was accordingly ordained, May 11, 1835, to fill that office, in which he remains to this day. In 1836, they built the house in which they now meet, on the south side of Columbia, between Broadway and Cor- nelia Street." This church belongs to that class known as " Anti-mission Baptist Churches," as they do not fellowship or co-operate with Missionary, Bible, Traet, Sunday School, or Education Societies. With respect to baptism and com- munion, they agree with the other Baptist churches in the city, and are " High Calvinists," as that term is generally understood, believing in "special election," " particular atone- . ment," " total depravity," " perseverance of saints," etc.
Bleecker Street Baptist Church .- On the 3d of December, 1837, the Broad Street Baptist Church adopted resolutions approving an effort to sustain preaching in West Utica, upon the ground then recently given up by the Third Presbyterian Church (the Third Church was dedicated January 10, 1833). and appointing Deacon Asa Sheldon, A. M. Beebee, Palmer Townsend and Edward Bright, jr., a committee (in connec- tion with Francis Wright, Deacon Harlow Hawley and Alfred Corban, not members of the church), to raise funds for that object, and superintend the interests connected therewith, un-
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til the 1st of May then next. Meetings were commenced in the building known as " Old Bethel," on the corner of Fayette and Varick Streets, and such elergymen as could be procured, were employed from week to week. In January following (1838), a protracted meeting was commenced in that place, and the indications and interest were so favor- able, that shortly afterwards Elder Jacob Knapp, the distin- guislied revival preacher, was procured to conduct the meet- ings. Such was the progress of the work, that in a few days the "Old Bethel" would scarcely hold one in ten of those who came, and an invitation to occupy the church then known as the Second Presbyterian Church on Bleecker Street (now occu- pied by this church) was accepted, and the latter house was soon filled to overflowing. That was a time never to be for- gotten by those who then resided in Utica. Religion, the meetings and the progress of the revival, engrossed the time, the thoughts and conversation of the mass of the population, and all classes, ages and conditions, came under their influ- ences. Such was the crowd at the Second Church, that the First Presbyterian Church kindly opened the doors of their house, and, for some time, that house was equally as well and. uncomfortably filled, while hundreds were unable to gain an admission even there. The meetings were brought to a close about the middle of March, and the number of those hope- fully converted was estimated by some as high as eight hun- dred, and by others at a thousand.
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