Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 239

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 239

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Next in order came Buel Goodsell, who was ap- pointed in 1828. His influence was most salutary, effecting a very essential improvement in the char- acter of the charge. He did much to modify the extravagance which characterized the religious ex- ercises of some of its members; and he brought about a beneficial change in this regard, although he was violently opposed and accused of want of piety on his part.

Mr. Goodsell was succeeded by Coles Carpenter. Dr. Luckey said of him: "He was one of the most truly eloquent men I ever heard." The church was blessed under his faithful and eloquent ministry for two years, and he had the confidence and esteem of the community generally. He was followed by Salmon Stebbins in 1832. The prevalence of the

cholera spread general gloom over the city this year. This turned the attention of many to the concerns of religion, and a goodly number were converted and united with the church.

In 1833 James B. Houghtailing entered upon this field of pastoral labor, and remained two years. During this time the old church and lot were sold, arrangements made for building the edifice on Liberty street-now used for the Catholic Church -and the foundation laid with appropriate ceremo- nies. The superstructure was completed under the pastorate of Truman Seymour, who commenced his ministry in 1835. The dedication took place the next spring, Rev. John Kennedy, D.D., of New York, preaching the sermon.

This same year the society was favored with the services of Noah Levings, the odor of whose name is like ointment poured forth. The church mem- bership at this time was one hundred and ninety- five, and over one hundred were added during his two years' labor. Union College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was followed in 1838 by Epharim Goss, whose labors were attended by an extensive revival. Stephen Remington was the next pastor, for two years, and was succeeded by John Harwood, a mighty man in prayer.

The next pastor was Andrew Witherspoon, after- ward Dr. Witherspoon, an able minister, who built up the church in sound doctrine and piety. James Rawson was appointed in 1845. A goodly num- ber were converted during the ministry of this re- fined and cultured preacher. His administration was followed by that of John Frazer, for two years, when Allen Steel became the incumbent, a popular preacher who drew large congregations. In the spring of 1850, Barnes M. Hall was appointed preacher. He was a strong preacher, of dignified bearing, and commanded universal respect. About seventy were added to the membership during his two years' connection with the church. In 1852 the pastoral oversight was given to Henry L. Starks, a faithful preacher and pastor, who was followed in 1854 by Merritt Bates, during whose term the church edifice was considerably repaired. In the spring of 1856, J. K. Cheesman was transferred from the Genesee Conference and appointed to this charge. He succeeded in removing the heavy debt which had greatly embarrassed the church for many years, and received into the church more than a hundred probationers. He was succeeded by Samuel Mckean, son of Andrew Mckean, the preacher in charge of the Albany Circuit, in 1807. In the spring of 1860 Henry L. Starks was reap- pointed to the pastorate, as was also J. K. Chees- man in 1862. In 1864 Andrew J. Jutkins assumed the pastorate, remaining three years, the ministerial term being extended one year. His ministry largely increased the permanent congregations, and presented to the society the necessity of building a larger edifice. Mr. Jutkins succeeded in - raising subscriptions to the amount of $8,000 for this pur- pose. During his term the pastor's salary was raised from $1,000 to $1, 200. Frederick Widmer, appointed in 1867, maintained all the interests of

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the church, and elevated the cause of Methodism. Rev. Joel Eaton was appointed in 1869, and re- mained three years, and was very efficient in aiding the church building enterprise. The site had been purchased on the corner of State and Lafayette streets for $6,000. The foundation of the build- ing was laid in the summer of 1870, and the corner- stone in June, 1871, the Rev. Samuel Mere- dith, Presiding Elder of the Albany District, deliv- ering the address, Rev. Dr. Backus, of the Presby- tery Church, offering the prayer. The church walls were erected and the building enclosed during this year. The chapel was completed, dedicated and occupied for public services in December, 1872. Daniel W. Gates succeeded in the pastorate. During his term the old church edifice was sold to the St. John's Catholic Church for $10,000, the old bell being reserved, and the main edifice of the new church finished and dedicated in March, 1874. The Rev. Ira G. Bidwell, D. D., of Boston, Mass., preached the sermon, and the Rev. B. I. Ives, of Auburn, N. Y., managed the finances. The church, with its furnishings, cost about $85,000, and the remaining debt of $30,000 was fully pledged on this occasion.

George J. Brown was, by request, appointed pastor in 1875, and sustained a successful and af- fectionate ministry for two years. He was succeeded by William J. Heath, for three years. All the in- terests of the church were maintained, and a large number of valuable members added. William H. Hughes followed him with wise and successful management, especially with respect to finances. He was a good and able preacher, and affectionate and zealous in the conduct of society meetings, and faithfully served all the interests of the church, one hundred and fifty probationers uniting during his three years' incumbency.

The present incumbent, George A. Barrett, as- sumed the pastorate in 1883, and has well and faithfully sustained all the responsible duties of the church.

The present full membership is 620, and 30 pro- bationers.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

Fifty years ago, when the population of the city of Schenectady was about 4,000, the religions wants of the people wereadministered to by four churches -- the First Reformed Dutch, St. George's Episco- pal, the First Presbyterian and the Methodist.

Some time about the beginning of October, 1821, a number of Baptist brethren residing in the com- munity agreed to meet on Wednesday evenings for the purpose of prayer and Christian conference. In the beginning of 1822 they were encouraged to institute Sabbath-day meetings. Soon after they began to hope that a church might be established here, and at a meeting held the 9th of October, 1822, a paper was drawn up stating that it was the belief of the subscribers that a Baptist church here would be profitable to Zion, and expressive of their wishes to be constituted into a church. At a meet- ing held November 8th, it was voted that a council

be called to organize a church. The council met November 21, 1822, the following churches being represented by their delegates: Churches at Clifton Park, Waterford, Burnt Hills, Florida, Duanes- burgh, First of Albany and the Colored Church.

The following ministers took part: Abijah Peck, John Lamb, Lewis Leonard, Mr. Paul, Joseph Cornell, J. Olmstead, Mr. St. John and Egenia Kincade, afterward the distinguished missionary. The council unanimously advised the brethren to organize a church, which was done, and it was duly recognized by the council as the First Baptist Church, Schenectady, N. Y. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. St. John. Rev. Joseph Cornell made the prayer and gave the right hand of fellow- ship to the church. Twelve brethren and twenty- four sisters comprised the thirty-six original members, principally from the Baptist Church in Clifton Park. Meetings were held for some time in private houses, afterward in a building on the southeast corner of Church and State streets, also in a school building on Church one door north of State street, and in the Court House in the building now occupied by Union School, where they continued until the base- ment of the church edifice was ready for use. The church, though for some time without a pastor, grew considerably, for in June, 1823, it reported to the Shaftsbury Association forty-five members. In August of this year, Rev. Nathan N. Whitney, a pastor of a Dutch Church in this vicinity, having been led by prayerful study to embrace Baptist views, offered himself to the church for member- ship and was baptized by Elder Peck, of Clifton Park, in the presence of many members of his former charge. Invited to take the oversight of the church, he was ordained as its pastor October 22, 1823. This year Lewis Cheeseman was licensed to preach the gospel by the church. On the 17th of April, 1824, the church secured a lot for a "burying ground." The records this year report a membership of seventy-one. This same year the Sunday-school was organized. In 1825 the Rev. John Cooper was called to the pastorate at a salary of $150; the lot where the old church stood in Center street was purchased for $150, and the foundation of the edifice laid in the fall, though the building was not occupied by the society until 1828. The following December, Rev. Richmond Taggart was called and entered upon his pastorate at the beginning of 1830, and continued until May, 1831, when, because of the inability of the church to support him, he resigned. At this time the church was much discouraged, because of their inability to provide for the payment of a pressing debt upon the "Meeting House," and were also unable to provide for preaching. Abram D. Gillette supplied the pulpit for three months during the summer, and was ordained as its pastor September 28th, and the church entered upon a season of prosperity that continued during the ministry of this esteemed brother. In 1832 the church was dismissed from the Shaftsbury Association and united with the Hudson River Association. This same year side galleries were put in the "Meeting House," and in 1834 it was enlarged to double its former capacity;

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETIES.

seven young men were in various colleges prepar- ing for the ministry, and its membership reached 242.

On the 20th of May, 1835, Rev. J. M. Graves was called to the pastorate, and resigned, after . some difficulty, in 1836. The debt on the church was $2,400. In October, 1836, Rev. Philander D. Gillette commenced his labors as pastor. Tlie church was blessed with a revival, which added 42 to its membership. Elder Gillette closed his labors in March, 1838.

While the church was without a pastor, there occurred one of the most powerful revivals of re- ligion with which Schenectady was ever favored. Elder Jacob Knapp commenced holding protracted meetings about the ist of June, 1838, which con- tinued far into the summer. He preached his first sermon in the Baptist Church, which was soon found to be too small, and on invitation of the Presbyterians the services were afterward held in their house of worship. So great did the religious interest become, that stores were closed and the citizens generally attended the meetings. The weather being warm in the evening, the voice of prayer was heard from the dwellings of the people throughout all parts of the city. This church being without a pastor, the larger part of the converts joined the other churches. Rev. Dr. Backus, then pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, says of this revival: "Elder Knapp's preaching was apparently very effective in awakening the people to serious thoughts. * * *

* It was a season of blessing, and the labor of the evangelist is held in grateful remembrance." In October the Rev. Conant Sawyer began his pastorate, and remained until July, 1840. During this period the church enjoyed great prosperity, the membership reaching 300.

In June, 1840, nine brethren and twenty-two sisters were dismissed, to constitute a new church in the village of Scotia. The church was without a pastor for some little time, when Mr. Leroy was called and ordained as pastor, December 1, 1841. In 1840 a powerful revival of religion was enjoyed, the pastor being assisted by Elder Kingsley.

The Rev. Wm. Arthur (father of President Arthur) was called August 4, 1844, and remained until September, 1846, notwithstanding the church at this time, by the removal of some of its wealthier members, was feeling heavily the burden of its in- debtedness, and was hardly able to give a pastor an adequate support.

At the beginning of the year 1847 the present incumbent, Rev. Horace G. Day, accepted the duties of the pastorate. The church was then en- vironed with many difficulties. His ordination took place on the 25th of May. At this time the debts of the church exceeded the value of its entire property. Their meeting-house was undesirably located, because of its proximity to the railroad. There was a long-pending litigation with the rail- road for damages to the church property from the disturbance of religious services by the ringing of bells and the blowing of steam whistles on the Sabbath. In 1849 the membership was reduced

to 163 by removals and excisions. From this time began to dawn a brighter condition. In 1848 the house of worship in Center street was dis- posed of, and the meetings were held in the Young Men's Association Hall in the Van Horn building, where they continued within a few months of the completion of the Lecture Room of the present church edifice. In the meantime meetings were held in private houses and also in the old Cameronian Church building in Center street, now occupied by Carley Brothers as a flour and feed store. Such was the burden of indebtedness at this time that some favored disbanding the church and re- organizing as a new society as the readiest way of freeing themselves from debt, but the majority re- fused to repudiate. The claims against the so- ciety were finally settled in an honorable manner, through the liberality of creditors and individual citizens, and the church proceeded to effect meas- ures for the building of a house of worship. The Lecture Room was formally opened January 23, 1883, the pastor preaching the opening sermon, and Rev. Dr. Hickok, of Union College, preaching in the afternoon. From this time forward the church grew steadily for some years. For the first time in many years, at the close of 1855 the church was out of debt and money in its treas- ury. The main church edifice was finished in 1856, and dedicated the same year, President Nott, of Union College, making the dedicatory prayer. The cost of the edifice and lot was about $12,000.

With the year 1858 commenced one of the most powerful revivals with which the church has been favored. Special revival services were held until the 23d of April, and the revival continued in con- nection with the regular services of the church far into the summer, adding to the membership of the church 127. Among the converts were about 40 young men. The Rev. David Heagle and the Rev. Norman Fox, Jr., both of them at that time licentiates, were the efficient helpers of the pastor. The baptistry was put into the church this year, and used for the first time March 7th. In the sum- mer of 1870 the house of worship was thoroughly repaired, frescoed and refurnished, at a cost of about $4,000.

During six weeks, services were held in Union Hall. Revivals have been characteristic of this church, and it has been signally honored in being permitted to license many candidates for the ministry who have been successful preachers of the Gospel. Among them we mention Rev. Geo. W. Eaton, late President of Madison University; Emerson Andrews, the evangelist; S. B. Willis, Alanson Baley, J. S. Webber, D. D. Gregory, H. F. Cochrane, David Heagle, Everett R. Sawyer. In 1856 the church ordained Henry L. Simpson, a colored brother, who was said to be the first of his race to take a full course of study at Madison University. In 1866 it ordained Abril Parmater to serve as chaplain in the army. The total num- ber of persons received into the church is 1,048 by baptism and 562 by letters, The present mem- bership is 297.

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THE SECOND REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.

The Second Reformed Church was organized in October, 1851. The importance and necessity of a Second Reformed Dutch Church had been felt and discussed by members of the First Church for sev- eral years prior to 1851. At one time a subscrip- tion was started and $4,000 was subscribed to start the enterprise, but nothing was done. At a meet- ing of the consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church held in December, 1850, it was resolved to call a meeting of the great consistory to consider the pro- priety of organizing a new Reformed Dutch Church in the city. Two meetings of the great consistory were held and the subject of a new church thor- oughly discussed, and with only one dissenting voice it was

" Resolved, That a Second Reformed Dutch Church in this city is both expedient and necessary."

A committee was appointed to raise $500 to make the experiment. Though nothing was im- mediately accomplished, the idea was not abandoned, and in July, 1851, it was decided to call a public meeting of all those favorable to the object. The meeting was held in the lecture room of the First Reformed Dutch Church; a large number were pres- ent. A communication from Rev. Wm. J. R. Tay- lor, pastor of the First Church, was read, in favor of the project, and outlining a plan. It was made the basis of action. In the communication referred to, the Rev. Taylor says : "The action of the great consistory last winter has settled the question of the expediency and necessity of the new Reformed Dutch Church. This is a point gained." " What creates the necessity ?" "The want of room in the churches for the people of the city." " There are 300 families in First Reformed Dutch Church and only 150 pews; many of these are occupied by two fami- lies and at great inconvenience. We have lost val- uable families on this account." Further it says: "Something must be done. Begin a prayer meet- ing and a Sabbath-school immediately. Arrange for a temporary place of worship. Get the pastor on the ground and go to work as soon as possible." After the reading of the pastor's letter, measures were adopted to carry out his ideas. A prayer meeting was held, a Sabbath-school organized in the public school-house on White street. At the meeting of Classis in September a petition was pre- sented, signed by twenty-nine heads of families, ask- ing for the organization of the new church. The request was granted, arrangements made for the or- ganization, supplies for the pulpit arranged until next meeting of the Classis in April.

The first consistory was elected October 30, 1851, and the church organized with 14 members, II from the First Reformed Dutch Church, 2 from the Reformed Dutch Church of Cohoes, and one from the Presbyterian Church of Schenectady. On the 16th of November, 1851, the services of organiza- tion were held in the First Reformed Dutch Church. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Wm. J. R. Taylor, pastor of the church. An address to the new church was delivered by Rev. Goyne Talmage,

of Niskayuna. November 23, 1851, the first serv- ice was held in the old Cameronian church on Center street. Rev. N. D. Williamson, of Scotia, officiated.

November 16, 1852, Rev. I. G. Duryea was installed pastor of the church. In 1854 the lot for the church was purchased, and immediately the work of raising funds to build a church was begun. July 4, 1855, the corner-stone of the present church was laid; in September, 1856, it was com- pleted. The church prospered greatly under Mr. Duryea's pastorate until the spring of 1858, when his health failed and he took a brief vacation, the church agreeing to supply the pulpit in his absence. The Rev. Artemus Dean was engaged as a supply. Many of the members preferred his preaching to that of Mr. Duryea, and began to organize a large fol- lowing favorable to the dismission of the pastor and the calling of Mr. Dean. Mr. Duryca returned in August. A majority of the consistory favored his resignation. He was prevailed upon to offer it, which, after much ill feeling in the congregation, was accepted. Then an effort was made to settle Mr. Dean as pastor; this was opposed by some and Classis rejected the call. The Dean party, having a majority in the consistory and possession of the church, finally declared themselves independ- ent of Classis, and proceeded to install Mr. Dean and change the organization to a Congregational church. This was done in 1859.

Those who remained loyal to the Reformed Dutch Church began a suit for possession of the church. The case was tried before the late Judge Ira Har- ris, of Albany, as referee; the late Judge Paige counsel for the loyal party, and the late William A. Beach counsel for the Dean party. The case was not concluded until September, 1861, when Judge Harris decided that the Dean party had no right to the church, but must yield the property up to the loyal party.

In July, 1862, Rev. A. DuBois, D. D., was set- tled as pastor. In 1866 the large debt against the church was paid off. In 1868 the chapel was erected. Rev. DuBois resigned in September, 1869. February, 1870, Rev. Wm. H. Phraner was settled as pastor. The membership under Mr. Du Bois had increased from 60 to 113. Under Mr. Phraner's care the membership increased to 200. Mr. Phra- ner's health failed in 1870, and he resigned the pastorate.

In the fall of 1875 the church made a call of Rev. H. H. Northrop. The Classis refused to accept Mr. Northrop. A large portion of the congrega- tion, who were in favor of Mr. Northrop, left the church on account of the action of Classis. The church was badly broken up, but soon rallied again, so as to continue the Sabbath-school and ordinary church services. In June, 1876, Rev. J. N. Crocker was called, and served the church faithfully until May, 1878, although he was never installed. The church prospered greatly under his care. In September, 1878, Rev. E. C. Lawrence was installed as pastor. He resigned September 1, 1880. Rev. Peter E. Kipp, the present pastor, was settled in April, 1881. The church has greatly prospered under his pas-

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torate, the membership at present being 290. The church is centrally located ; has a good, convenient lecture room adjoining ; a good house for a par- sonage, the gift of the late Rev. A. J. Swits, within a few rods of the church. Its success has proved the wisdom and foresight of the Rev. Wm. I. R. Taylor and the men of the First Reformed Dutch Church, who so earnestly labored to establish the second church of the denomination in this ancient city.

P. E. Kipp was born in Paterson, N. J., in 1847, and graduated from the New York University in 1867, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1870. He was located in Fishkill from 1870 to 1874; Brooklyn, 1876 to 1880; and became pastor of the Second Reformed Dutch Church, Schenectady, in 1881.

CHRIST CHURCH.

This church was the outgrowth of a Sunday- school Mission, started by a few Christian ladies of St. George's Episcopal Church about 1865.

It was first incorporated as Christ Church, Sep- tember 23, 1867. The corner-stone of a wooden edifice, much smaller than the present building, was laid during this year by Rev. Dr. Payne, rector of St. George's, assisted by Rt. Rev. D. Randell, Bishop of Colorado. This church was first opened for services March 1, 1868. The first rector was Rev. F. C. Wainright, who remained till the year 1871, when he was succeeded, April I of that year, by Rev. Lucius N. Voigt.

During Mr. Voigt's pastorate the vestry room was enlarged 11 by 8 feet, and the number of communicants increased from 18 to 91. The value of the church property was estimated at $5,000.

Mr. Voigt resigned June 1, 1874, and for one year from this date the church was without a r. gu- lar rector. Dr. Lowell, of Union College, officiated during this interval. Rev. John M. Rogers was elected to the vacant rectorship June 1, 1875. Under his administration the church began to flourish, and in 1876 the building was enlarged to its present size. The vestry room was increased to double its former seating capacity ; a new chancel, 12 by 14 feet, was built, a steeple erected, the grounds improved, and the entire church decorated and improved, at a cost of nearly $1, 800.

Mr. Rogers resigned August 10, 1880, and was succeeded a few months later by Rev. J. Lewis Parks, who continued as rector till his resignation in June, 1883.

The present rector, Rev. Eugene L. Toy, suc- ceeded Mr. Parks in August, 1883. Under Mr. Toy's ministrations the church has continued to increase in numbers and in influence.

There are at present 151 communicants, an increase of 17 over preceding year. There is a Sunday-school connected with the church of 171 pupils and 20 teachers.

The size of the main body of the church is 22 by 55 feet ; the number of seats 180, furnishing seating capacity for about 500 persons. The value

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 239

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452