Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 108

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360


USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. > Part 108


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First Unitarian Congregational (Church of the Saviour), north-east cor. Pierrepont st. and Monroe Pl. Unitarian ser- vices were first held in Brooklyn in 1833, before which time, those of liberal religions views were accustomed to attend the First Unit. C'h. in Chambers st., New York. Several meetings of those interested were held in the summer of 1833, and a church org., comprising the following among its members; Josiah Dow, Seth Low, JJohn Frost, W. H. Cary, Alex H. I largely in forming the Brooklyn Christian Liberal U'nion.


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ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.


In 1865-'6, a beautiful chapel adjoining the church was erected, at an expense of $20,000, besides extensive repairs to the church. In 1867, it dismissed a number of its families, for the purpose of establishing a new society of its faith in South Brooklyn, and gave $10,000 for the erection of Unity Chapel. It has about 300 communicants and a Sabbath- school of thirty teachers and 200 scholars.


Rev. FREDERICK AUGUSTUS FARLEY, born in Boston 1800; grad. at Harvard 1818; studied law; admitted to the bar 1821; grad. Harvard Divinity School, 1827; settled at Providence 1828-'41; came to Brooklyn 1841; author of Unitarianism in U. S .; Unitarianism Defined; History of Brooklyn and L. I. Sanitary Fair, 1864; resigned pastorate 1863.


Second Unitarian Church .- The society org. Nov. 5, 1850; held its first public service April 20, 1851, in the Brooklyn Female Academy, and continued to meet there until the building was burned in January, 1853. The society then occupied the Brooklyn Institute for a few months; and next the Brooklyu Atheuæum, until March, 1858, when a church edifice on the corner of Clinton and Congress streets was completed. Of cruciform shape, in the Anglo-Italian style, with fine stained windows and beautiful interior decorations, it is an attractivo building, and was the first departure in Brooklyn from conventional church architecture. Rev. Samuel Longfellow, a younger brother of Henry W. Long- fellow, served as Pastor, with great acceptance, from Oct. 26, 1853, till April 29, 1860, when he resigned for rest and re- cuperation. Rev. N. A. Staples succeeded him Nov. 6, 1861, and served as Pastor until his death in Feb., 1864. Rev. Johu W. Chadwick was ordained and installed as Pastor in Dec., 1864, and continues to officiate till the present time. His ministry has been highly successful and the church is pros- perous. This society has always represented the more ad- vanced and rationalistic element of Unitarianism.


Rev. JOHN WHITE CHADWICK was born in Marblehead, 1840: grad. Bridgewater Normal School 1859: Cambridge Theol. Sem. 1864; author of The Man Jesus; Faith of Reason; Bible of To-Duy; Some Aspects of Religion ; Belief and Life; Origin and Destiny; Book of Poems.


Third Unitarian Congregational Society (Unity Chapel). -September 30, 1867, thirteen persons assembled at a private house in Ryerson st. (to take the initiatory steps towards the establishment of a society of the Liberal Faith in Central Brooklyn), in response to a call published by the Rev. A. P. Putnam, Pastor of the First Unitarian Society. The first Sunday services were held October 6, 1867, in an upper room, over a fish market, on the corner of Classon and Fulton aves., Rev. Dr. F. A. Farley preaching in the morning to an audience of fifty, and Rev. A. P. Putnam in the evening, to about the same number. At the same place, on Dec. 3, 1867, some thirty persons org. the Third Unitarian Society. A Sunday-school had been organized on the 29th of October previous.


Revs. E. J. Galvin and H. C. Badger supplied the church during its earlier months. The preaching of Rev. Robert Collyer, Oct. 11, 1868, gave impetus and influence to the new organization. It was materially aided by the First Unitarian Society, in its beginnings. Seven lots on Classou ave. and Lefferts st. were purchased, and the corner-stone of Unity Chapel was laid Sept, 4, 1868. The dedication services were held Dec. 9, 1868. The chapel and lots cost $25,716. Rev. Stephen H. Camp was installed as the first Pastor, Oct. 6, 1869, and has since continued to officiate in that capacity with marked success.


Rev. STEPHEN H. CAMP was born in Windsor, Ct., 1837; grad. Meadville (Pa.) Theol. Sem., 1863; Pastor, Toledo, O., 1864-'9; „came to Brooklyn, 1869; was Chaplain Corps d'Afrique in late war.


UNIVERSALIST CHURCHES.


For many years previous to the establishment of a Univer- sahist church in Brooklyn, there were those here who be- longed to the society and congregation in New York city, and for whose convenience meetings were held from time to time, on this side of the river, under the ministry of the Rev. Messrs. Mitchell, Sawyer and others. Finally, in 1841, Messrs. William Burbank, Hiram K. Haskins, Wm. Raynor, Edwin Smith, and Morris Reynolds decided to rent a hall, on the corner of Fulton and Cranberry sts., owned by Hon. George Hall, which they occupied for several Sabbaths, with preaching by Mr. Sawyer and others. This experiment proving successful, they applied for the rent of the hall for the term of a year. By this time, however, much opposition had been aroused among the orthodox denominations in the city, and the further use of the hall was denied them by its owner, on the ground that " Brooklyn was bad enough with- out having Universalism preached iu it." At this juncture, however, the First Unitarian Society offered the use of their church, a small frame building, in Adams st., with organ and furniture included. This was accepted ; and, under the preaching of Rev. Abel C. Thomas, the society gained mem- bers, and determined to liave a building of their own. Not being strong enough to effect this, however, eight gentle- men, viz., Abner Chichester, A. C. Thomas, Wm. Burbank, Wm. Raynor, Hiram K. Haskins, E. Winchester, B. A.


Brewster, and Morris Reynolds, acting on the suggestion of the last named, purchased lots on the north-west corner of Fulton and Pineapple sts., on which, in January, 1843, they commenced the erection of a building, the lower part of which was used as stores ; and the upper part, including a small building adjoining, for Sunday-school purposes, was leased to the society for twenty-one years, with renewals, at $600 per annum. This building was first opened and occu- pied June 22, 1843, by the newly incorporated society.


The First Universalist Soci ty (Church of the Restora- tion) .- The Rev. Abel C. Thomas officiated, from the Fall of 1842, until about 1844, and was succeeded by the Rev. T. B. Thayer. In the great fire of 1848, the building was burned ; and the society, having disposed of their lots on favorable terms, purchased lots and erected an elegant new edifice, on the south-east corner of Monroe place and Clark st., at a cost, including lots, furniture and organ, of about $30,000. In 1851, Rev. Mr. Thayer was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. H. R. Nye, who remained until 1857, and was, iu turn, succeeded by Rev. Henry Blanchard. During the early part of his ministry, another Universalist Society, called tho Church of the Redeemer, was formed by some of the younger portion of the society. In the early part of 1868, a removal farther up town, and nearer the centre of the parish, was determined upon; and, in October of the samo year, the cdi-


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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.


fice was sold to the Swedenborgians for $40,000, leaving the society with a net balance of about $20,000. Mr. Blanchard resigned the charge of the society. January 1, 1869.


The Church of Our Father .- In 1868, the Fourth Society (or Church of the Redeemer) became consolidated with the first society under this name. In the Spring of that year, Rev. E. C. Bolles became Pastor, and a chapel was erected on Clermont ave. He resigned in 1869, and Rev. H. R. Nye was recalled in 1870. In 1879, the chapel was sold to the Classon Avenue Presbyterian Church, and a church building. on State st., near Hoyt, was occupied during one year. In 1850, Mr. Nye resigned, and the congregation removed to the Conservatory Building, corner of Fulton st. and Bedford ave., where they have since worshiped.


Lots were purchased at the corner of Lefferts place and Grand ave., and a fine church edifice erected in 1883. The main audience-room is 70 by 80 feet, and the vestry, or Sunday-school room, 30 by 60 feet ; and, as the latter is so arranged that it can be made a part of the main room, the total seatings will accommodate 1,200 persons. The pews are arranged on the amphitheatre plan. The style of architec_ ture is Byzantine; the material used, Trenton pressed brick, terra cotta trimmings, and ornamental stone. The roof is of slate, and the ceiling of iron, resting on colnins. The pews and all interior fittings are of hard wood. The walls and ceilings are tastefully decorated, and the windows of stained glass. The church includes in its plan commodious parlors, dining-room and kitchen. The architect is Mr. L. B. Valk, whose system of ventilation is used in the building. A square tower, 100 feet in height, rises from the Fulton st. side of the building. The entire cost is about $35,000. The present Pastor, Rev. A. J. Canfield, entered on his duties in May, 1881. The condition of the society is prosperous.


About the year 1870, a mission was established, and a chapel, called The Centenary Chapel, was erected in Nos- trand avenue; and here services were held during several years. This mission finally became united with the Church of Our Father, and a mission school was established in Broadway.


Mr. CANFIELD was born in Broome county, N. Y., 1840 ; grad. Union Coll. Theol., Canton, N. Y .; ord. 1862 ; previous location, Concord, N. H .; freqnent contrib. to The Leader, etc., etc.


All Souls' Universalist Church, South 9th st., near Fourth. -This society, originally known as the First Universalist So-


ciety of Williamsburgh, was started with nineteen members, in April. 1845, through the efforts of a few residents of the village of Williamsburgh, who had formerly been connected with the Orchard St. (N. Y.) Society, of which Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Sawyer was then Pastor. The first services were held in a small chapel on Second street. The little band worshiped there for three years, growing in numbers, until, in 1845, at a cost of $7,000, a church was erected at the corner of Fourth and South Third streets.


The first Pastor was Rev. Henry Lyon, who served till 1849, succeeded by Rev. Day K. Lee, until 1854. In 1-56, Rev. Bernard Peters, of Cincinnati, was called and served with much efficiency until 1863. Rev. A. J. Canfield served as Pastor for five years, and was followed, in 1870, by Rev. Ahnon Gunnison, who yet occupies the pastorate.


In May, 1873, the present church edifice, known as All Souls' Church, was dedicated. Two years later, a new chapel was erected. The church property extends through the entire block, the church facing on South Ninth st., the chapel en South Tenth, the two joined together in the rear. The build- ings are commodious, having all the appointments necessary, and were erected at an expense of eighty thousand dollars. They are free from debt.


The first trustees of the society were : George Ricard. William B. Miles, Joseph Stanley, William Dillingham, Theophilus W. Smith, Milton Wooley, Amos Smith.


The first-named of these, George Ricard, was elected l'resi- dent of the Board, holding the office for thirty-five years until his death. A marble memorial tablet was erected by his rela- tives in the church, commemorative of his life and works.


The church organization has, at the present time, upwards of three hundred members, the Sunday-school numbering four hundred.


The following are the present officers of the church : Rev. Almon Gunnison, D. D., Pastor; B. W. Wilson, Wm. H. Gaylor, E. S. Seeley, George II. Fisher, Wm. E. Bailey, Clarence E. Lyon, James B. Perkins, Trustees.


B. W. Wilson, George E. Moulton, Mrs. S. A. Jarvis, Snpts. of the Sunday-school. A Young People's Association, and other auxiliary organizations, are maintained.


Rev. ALMON GUNNISON, D. D. (St. Law. Univ.), was born in Hallowell, Me., 1844; grad. Tuft's Coll. and St. Lawrence Univ. Theol. Dept., 1868; is Trustee of St. Law. Univ .; located at Bath, Me., 1868-71; B'klyn, 1871-84; author of Rumbles Overland, 1853; Assoc. Ed. of Christian Leader.


JEWISH SYNAGOGUES.


Congregation of Beth Israel .- To obviate the incon- venience of crossing to New York to attend worship, a small number of Israelites, in 1856, organized an independent con- gregation in Brooklyn, with M. Erlich as President. A room was hired, and services were conducted by such clergymen as could be procured, till Rabbi Joel Alexander became Pastor. A building for a synagogue was erected during the presi- deney of Solomon Furst, Esq., on the corner of State st. and Boerum pl, at a cost of $10,000. It was completed and dedicated Ang. 31, 1862.


A school was established for the instruction of children in the Hebrew language, and it has contimed at intervals since.


The congregation was at first strictly orthodox : but, m 18;9. it adopted certain reforms. Rabbi Alexander was succeeded by Rabbi Adolph Kessler.


The Congregation of Beth Elohim, founded in Odour, 1861, by a secession from the Congregation Israel, is mainly composed of German Israelites. Shortly after, they pur- chased the edifice formerly known as Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church, in Pearl, between Concord and Nassau streets, at a cost of $5, 100; which, together with an expense of $2,000 for alterations, was cheerfully borne by a congregation of only fifty members. This edifice was dedicated March 3 1862; and in February, 1870, the fine edifice previoushy in cupied by the Central Presbyterian Church, in Schermerlern between Powers and Nevins streets, was purchased, at a cont of $55,000. Previously to this time, also, the congregation bad conducted their religious services according to the orthodox ritual; but they adopted, and on the 19th of February, 50. inaugurated the moderate reform services.


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ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.


In 1871, the building was repaired and remodeled, and family pews were substituted for the former seats. An organ was at this time purchased. George Brandenstein has been the Rabbi in charge from the founding of the congregation; and to Moses Hess, Samuel Hess and S. Rosenburg, this con- gregation is largely indebted for its prosperity.


Temple Israel, in Greene ave., bet. Carlton and Adelphi. - A number of intelligent Hebrews of Brooklyn assembled Nov., 1869, at 30 Douglass street (A. Fleischauer's), and or- ganized a temple whose services are in English, except the Psalms. Their first place of worship was the rooms now occupied by the Y. M. C. A., Fulton ave. and Gallatin place, occupied Jan. 1, 1870. The present temple was purchased from the "Church of the Redeemer" in 1878. Its seating capacity is 800. The membership is about 70 families. The Sunday-school has 100 children. The first Rabbi was Rev. B. C. Lewin, succeeded by Rev. Mr. Lasker, 1874-'76; Rev. S. Moshe, 1876-'80; Rev. E. M. Chapman, 1880-'84.


Rev. EDWARD MAURICE CHAPMAN, born in London, Eng., 1854; grad. Jews' Coll. in Theol. and London Univ., 1874; was Prof. of Hebrew, East London College, 1872; Asst. Supt. Heb. Orphan Asylum, New York, 1877-'78; located at Hartford, Ct., 1878-'80; B'klyn, 1880-'84.


Congregation Temple Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, E. D .- The congregation Beth Elohim, now worshiping in the beautiful Temple on Keap st., Brooklyn, E. D., was started about 30 years ago, by 15 Israelites, who met every Sabbath and holidays, in a modest place of worship on the North side of Williamsburgh, for which the annual rent of $150 was paid. To become a member of that religious society, the payment of an initiation fee of $3, and the annual contribu- tion of $6, was required. The first officiating Hasan (Reader) of the Congregation was Mr. Barnard.


As the Jewish population increased in Williamsburgh, this Congregation became stronger in membership, till they were able to buy, in 1860, the building on the corner of South First and Eighth sts., now the German Lutheran Church "Emanuel." This they reconstructed; and it served to the L'ongregation as a Synagogue till 1876, when it was sold to the above-named congregation, and the Temple on Keap st. was dedicated.


In the old Synagogue, Mr. Eiseman, an old member of the Congregation performed the ministerial duties for a number of years; and then, in succession, Revs. Gotthold, Rubin and others officiated. The form of worship was conducted ac- cording to the orthodox ritual. When the Congregation resolved to adopt the ritual of the modern reform school, a


considerable number of the conservative members withdrew, and formed a separate orthodox Congregation, whose Syna- gogue is on Johnson ave. Since that time a new era has begun for the Beth Elohim Congregation. The new Temple on Keap st., near Division ave., was erected at a cost of $50,000; its size, 60x100 feet; its seating capacity about 800; and its material, Philadelphia brick, with brown-stone trimming. It is the largest and finest Jewish house of wor- ship in Brooklyn, and is counted among the handsomest edifices of the "City of Churches."


The first regular Rabbi and preacher of this Congregation was Rev. Dr. Grossman, who was succeeded by Dr. Schwab, who resigned to accept a ministry in St. Joseph, Mo. The present Rabbi of the Temple is the Rev. L. Wintner, Dr. Ph., who has occupied the Beth Elohim pulpit since October, 1878, and is also the Superintendent of the Sabbath-school.


The number of Sabbath-school pupils has increased, mak- ing necessary alterations in the lower part of the Temple for the purpose of more school-room accommodations; and re- quiring also more salaried teachers.


The present officers of the Congregation are : Pres., Moses May; V. Pres., M. Hessberg; Treas., N. Bernstein; Sec'y, H. Meyers. Trustees : M. Kessel, Morris Adler, Ph. Strauss, I. Igelheimer, Henry Newman, M. Levy. Rabbi, Rev. L. Wintner, Ph. Dr .; Reader, Rev. E. Halff; Sexton, I. Smith.


Rev. L. WINTNER, Ph. D., A. M., born in Hungary, 1834, studied in Imp. Univ., Vienna, and Jena Univ., Germany, and Rabbinical schools ; grad. Univ. Tubingen, Germany; came to America 1863; teacher theol. and modern languages in Mobile, Louisville, Jackson and St. Paul; minister in St. Paul, 1871-'3; and Detroit, 1873-6 ; was in Europe, 1876-'8; came to Brooklyn, 1878.


Other Rabbis residing in Brooklyn are: Rev. Dr. I. MAYER, born 1809, in Bavaria; grad. Theol. Sem. at Frankfort-on-the- Main, 1834 ; former locations Cincinnati, Rochester, Hart- ford, 1870; author of Ben Sirah, 1853; Hebrew Grammar, 1856 ; Source of Salvation, 1874 ; located in Brooklyn, May, 1883.


Rev. SAL. MOSHE, born in Germany, 1843; grad. from Royal Sem. 1860, and Theol. Sem. at Breslau, 1862; previous locations, Germany and New Orleans, La .; came to Brooklyn 1874.


Ahavis Achim .- A society of reformed Jews of the Eastern District was established, and their Sepher Tore, or Book of the Law, dedicated at the hall, corner of Meserole and Ewen streets, August 31, 1869


MISCELLANEOUS.


Christian Church of the Evangel .- In 1860, a movement was inaugurated in the Seventeenth Ward of Brooklyn, then the village of Greenpoint, to establish a religious body which should be independent of existing sects, and, at the same time, thoroughly in sympathy with all Christians and Chris- tian work.


Through the efforts of Mr. W. H. Corwith and others, an organization was effected under the name of the Greenpoint Mission Society. which held its first meeting in a carpenter's shop in Eckford st., on June 24, 1860.


A Sabbath-school was connected with the enterprise, and a number of persons became identified with it by letter and profession of faith. Elder Moses Cummings was connected


with the society for a year and a half, after which his place was supplied by Rev. I. C. Tryon and others until August 8, 1862, when E. W. Lockwood was chosen to preach. About this time the old house standing on the cor. of Leonard and Collyer sts., formerly owned by the Baptist Church, was hired by the society, which on Jan. 5, 1863, directed its pur- chase. On March 1, 1863, the trustees were authorized to buy two lots in Leonard, near Meserole st., and move the building thereon. This having been effected, the house was repaired, and on April 11, 1863, ded. At the same time E. W. Lockwood was ordained to the ministry. He re- signed June 12, 1864. Rev. S. S. Nasor commenced his work in June, 1865, but died in the following August. Rev. E. G.


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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.


Haulenbeck, of New York City, preached six months, begin- ning with January, 1866.


In July, 1866, the society secured Mr. Martyn Summerbell for the remainder of the year: Dec. 20, 1867, he was or- dained; May 4, 1868, five persons were baptized (by immer- sion) by the Pastor.


To promote acquaintance in the now growing congrega- tion, a " Ladies' Social" was inaugurated on July 15, and Nov. 10, 1569. May 25, 1869, under a decree of the Supreme Court, the congregation adopted the legal title of the First Christian Cong. Church, of Greenpoint, and was consolidated with the Suffolk St. Church of New York City.


In Nov., 1872, the church adopted its preseut Mannal, anl, with permission of the Supreme Court, received its present name, The Christian Church of the Evangel.


From this time forward the growth of the church under Mr. Summerbell's pastorate was constant and healthful. In 1875, it was decided to erect a new edifiee. In 1876, the old house was removed to the rear and remodelled; and on Sept. 25, 1876, the corner-stone of the new building was laid, the MI isonie Order and the New York State Christian Asso. par- ticipating in the ceremonies. The plan of building only as the bills were mnet was strictly adhered to; and, on Christmas, 1878. the edifice, furnished and carpeted, was formerly ded. for worship The building is semi-Gothic, covering two eity lots, and will seat about 400. It is substantially constructed, with frame filled to the plates with brick, and finished out- side with wood. The inside finish is of hard wood, chestnut, oak and black walnut. It is conveniently supplied with baptistery infant elass, and retiring rooms, and is connected with the chapel at the rear. The tasteful effect of its interior furnishings, contrasting well with the stained-glass windows, is much admired. The tower, surmounted with belfry and gildel cross, rises to the altitude of nearly one hundred feet.


In July, 1880, Mr. Summerbell resigned to take pastoral charge of the Franklin St. Christian Church in Fall River, Mass., after a service of exactly fourteen years. In Septem- ber, 1850, Rev. E. A. Hainer commenced his labors and still remains Pastor.


Rev. EDWIN A. HAINER, born in Burford, Ont., 1856; grad. New Market High Sch., 1874; Christiau Bib. Inst., 1880; lo- cated New Market, 1874; West Eimelburg, 1875; Franklin, 1976; Brooklyn, 1880.


Other ministers of the Christian denomination are:


Rev. JOHN BALL COOK, born at Livingston, N. J., 1804; grad. Succasunna Acad., N. J., 1829; and Newton Theol. Sent., 1833; located Cincinnati, Middletown, Rochester, Binghamton, Brooklyn, 1869; author of Reviews, Tracts, and Diagram of Prophecy.


The Brooklyn Society of the New Jerusalem (Swedenbor- gian) .- Ly services were commenced at private parlors in April, 1555, by some twenty-five Swedenborgians, and con- tinued for ab ot a year. In May, 1857, the hall of the Acad- emy on Clinton street, near Pierrepont, was secured as a place of worship, and the occasional services of a minister were enjoyed. In Oct., 1858, Mr. James E. Mills, a licentiate, of Boston, became minister, and a society under the above name was organized June 15, 1859. The increase of members rendered a removal to the Athenaeum building, corner of Clinton and Atlantic streets, necessary in 1860; and, at the same time, a society that had worshiped at Dodsworth's Acallemy united with this. June 5, 1861, Mr. Mills was in- tallel l'astor. The society was accepted as a member of the General Convention in 1862. In Oct., 1863, Mr. Mills resigned, and for a year lay services were held, with occasional preach- ing. Jannary 8, 1865, the present Pastor, Rev. J. C. Ager, entered on his duties. In February of the same year, the in - 1


crease of the congregation necessitated another removal, and the chapel of the Polytechnic Institute was seenred. Ilere the congregation worshiped during four years. The Church of the Restoration, corner of Monroe place and Clark, was purchased, with organ and furniture, at $40,000, and upward of $6,500 expended in repairing and decorating the interior, and Feb. 21, 1869, the edifice was dedicated. Dr. R. C. Moffat has, from the beginning of the society, been a prominent and active member, and its leader whenever without a Pastor.


Rev. JOHN CURTIS AGER, born 1835, at Warner, N. H .; grad. Urbana (O.) University, 1858; studied at Newton, Mass. Theol. Sem .; was Prof. Mental Phil. and Eng. Lit. at Urbana, 1858-'61; previous location, Brookline, Mass., 1861-'4; Editor New Jerusalem Messenger; located in Brooklyn, 1865.




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