Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 93

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 93

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

was purchased on the south-west corner of Atlantic ave. and Grand ave., on which a two-story building, 40 by 65, was erected, at a cost, including the furniture, of $8,389, designed to be occupied jointly by the United Sabbath-school and the Mount Prospect Industrial School (opened Nov.' 10, 1857), the upper floor being fitted for a Sabbath-school, and the lower floor for the week-day exercises of the Industrial School. The building was dedicated, with appropriate exercises, Sept. 18, 1859.

The name of the united schools was changed to the Atlan- tie Are. Sabbath-School org. Sept. 24, and Mr. S. E. Warner was elected superintendent, and Alfred Wicks, See. A Miss. Soc. was org. Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 189; preaching services were commenced by different pastors. Rev. Anson Gleason. a veteran missionary among the Indians, labored from May, 1864, to Nov., 1866, and was followed by Rev. Franklin Noble, son of U. S. Chaplain Noble, of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Grand Avenue Chapel .- This orig. 1861, in a " Mothers' Meeting," estab. by some ladies of the Clinton Avenue Con- gregational Church, to improve the condition of the poor in " Jackson's Hollow." Afterwards a room on Myrtle ave, and Stenben st. was hired, and a Sunday-school started, known as the "Steuben St. Mission School." The first session was held Nov. 24, 1861, attended by eight teachers and fifty scholars. Supts. :- Messrs. A. Gilbert, 1861-2: S. Harris, 1862; L. T. Smith, 1863-4; E. P. Maltby, 1865-'9; S. L. Parsons, 1869-74: .A. C. Barnes, 1874-'8; S. W. Johnson, 1878-'9 ; Jas. Mitchell, 1879-'84. In 1867 a chapel was completed and occupied at the corner of Willoughby and Grand aves.

Under the superintendence of Mr. E. P. Maltby, a chapel was erected on the west side of Grand ave .. near Myrtle, and was dedicated in March, 1867. During two years, preaching was sustained there, chietly by ministers from the City Mission. Pastors in charge : Rov. Dr. Waterbury and Rev. Moseley H. Williams, 1879-'70. This chapel proving insufficient for the wants of the mission. in 1882, a fine brick edifice, with brown- stone trimmings, was completed, which has a frontage of 56 feet on Willonghby ave. During all these years the school has been prosperous, and it has now an average attendance of 350 teachers and scholars.

The Church of the Covenant was organized here in 1565. The school is still continued under the superintendence of James Thorp. (See page 1026).

Rev. WILLIAM IVES BUDINGTON, D. D. (Amherst Coll.), was born in New Haven, April 21, 1815. He entered Yale Col- lege, where he was known as a painstaking student, facile and strong with his pen, and ambitions for tidelity and mas- tery. He graduated in 1834, and devoted three years to the- ological study in New Haven, and graduated at Andover. April 22, 1840, he was ordained and installed Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Charlestown, Mass., where he remained fourteen and one-half years. For a brief period he served the Western Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. until called to Brooklyn. April 22, 1855, he was installed over the Clinton Ave. Congregational Church of this city. He brought the ripe experience, the symmetrical culture, and the deep consecration which were needed in the successor of the venerated Dr. Lansing. During the 24 years of his min- istry, the growth of the church was slow, steady and sure. The preacher sought to conserve everything substantial. es- sential, central, in pure theology and church polity; while conceding every rational demand of science and of the changing time. He identified himself with every movement of rent progress. His intellect was strong and incisive, and his character positive. Though all might not agree with his conclusions, they confessed the honesty of his convictions nnd

1023

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

the vigorous logic with which he reached them. He left an impress not only upon the intelligent and loving people of his charge, in whose affection he is enshrined, but also upon the city of his chosen labors for a quarter of a century. In the pulpit he was always serious, scholarly, forcible, intense. Upon the platform he kindled and inspired. In social life he was exceedingly genial and courteous. As a leader he dis- played wonderful tact and courage. As a clerical friend and advisor, his kindly offices were prompt and grateful, and his counsels wise and judicious. His unaffected, fervent sym- pathy with the afflicted made him a rare comforter to wounded souls. In the words of one of his own grateful flock, " he made the sorrows of others so much his own that it affected his health and spirits, as though the sorrow had been a personal one." Nor was he less one with his people in their joys. Compelled by ill health, he resigned his pulpit in 1878, and died November, 1879 .- Brooklyn Advance.

The Mayflower Mission originated under the name of Navy Mission, and was known by that title until after its formal adoption by Plymouth Church. Its name was changed to the " Plymouth Mission," in November, 1872, and to the "Mayflower Mission of Plymouth Church," May 1,1874. It was established in the vicinity of the Navy Yard, in 1844, and until June, 1871, occupied a building in Front street, corner of Green lane. In 1867, it was adopted by the Church of the Pilgrims, which, however, abandoned it in the spring of 1870. From that time until January, 1871, it was sustained in- dependently by a few of its faithful teachers.

At the annual meeting of the Society of Plymouth Church in January, 1871, the mission was re-adopted by this church. In May of the same year, the building of the Third Presby- terian Church in Jay street (between Sands and High streets) was purchased for its use for the sum of $12,000, and, in June, it was occupied by the mission. During the spring of 1872, the trustees expended about $13,000 in alterations, which made the building one of the best adapted and most attract- ive for the purpose to be found in the city. This property is also wholly free from incumbrance and debt.

The Superintendents in charge of the mission since its adoption by this church have been : Messrs. C. A. Van Wag- enor, S. F. Strong, George A. Bell and H. B. White. Mr. Bell took charge in February, 1872, and Mr. White in April, 1873.

A reading-room has been opened, well supplied with papers and magazines.

Bedford Congregational Church .- December 5th, 1848, was commenced the erection of a framed edifice, thirty by forty feet, on the corner of Pacific street and Clove road, at a cost of $2,300. August 3d, 1849, the church was organized, with twelve enrolled members. It was once known as the Pacific Street Congregational Church, but its present title is as above.

Among the clergymen who have labored here the following are remembered : Revs. Thos. S. Brittan, Dickinson, Henry D. Parker, Dr. B. R. Hall, E. Carpenter, H. B. Elliot, Greene, R. G. Hutchings, Cyrus Hamlin and (at present), Hugli Smith Carpenter. Probably there have been others, but definite data for the history of this church could not be obtained.

The State Street Congregational Church .- The persons originally uniting in this organization, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, who, desiring the establishment of a Methodist church with the Congregational form of government, formed a new religious society, June 5th, 1859, known as the First Congregational Church of the City of Brooklyn.

The Second Congregational Cliurcli, at the corner of Law- rence and Tillary streets, was purchased, and regular reli- gious services lield therein until January 1st, 1859.

In October, 1858, the society purchased the lots in State street, near Hoyt, and erected a neat and commodious churchi edifice. The entire cost of the enterprise, ground, building, and furniture, was $30,000. The corner-stone was laid No- vember 19th, and on the 17th of April, 1859, the lecture-room was occupied; the church itself being dedicated on the 30th of June following. At a special meeting of the church and society, held January 9th, 1861, the name of the State Street Congregational Church of Brooklyn was unanimously adopted.

Pastors: Revs. John C. Green, 1848-'53: Jaines T. Bell, 1853-'56; Washington Gladden, 1860; Newton Heston, 1861- `64; W. W. Hicks, 1864-'66; C. A. Harvey, 1866-'69; Maxwell P. Gaddis, 1869-71; Isaac C. Meserve, 1871-'74.

October 5th, 1874, this church was consolidated with the Elin Place Congregational Church, to form the Union Con- gregational Church of Brooklyn.

The South Congregational Church .- Messrs. Henry C. Bowen, John T. Howard, and James Freeland, procured lots at the corner of Court and President streets, upon which they erected an edifice for a lecture room, Sabbath-school room, and pastor's study; which was opened for public worship, in Feb., 1851.

The church having been organized 24tli of March, 1851, a meeting was held on the 31st, in the chapel, for the pur- pose of organizing a religious society, and the " South C'on- gregational Church" was adopted as the corporate name of the society.

Rev. William Marsh was installed as Pastor June 10, 1831; followed in succession by Rev. Daniel Marsh, Jan. 16, 1854; and Rev. Rufus W. Clark, who was installed April 14, 1857, in the new church edifice which was then completed for public wor- ship. Mr. Clark was succeeded, in 1863, by Rev. Edward Taylor, and he by the Rev. Henry M. Storrs, D. D. In 1874, the present Pastor, Rev. Albert J. Lyman, succeeded Dr. Storrs.

About 1873, this church established, and has since main- tained, a mission school in Fourth street, near Smith, in a hired room. Supts. : Charles A. Parsons, S. S. Markles, and Andrew C. Bain.

The Elm Place Congregational Church, Elm place, near Fultou avenue, was organized in 1853, by the members of the former Bridge Street and Fulton Avenue churches; the latter church being a short-lived secession from the Bridge Street Church, At about the same time the parent church wasalso disbanded, and from both arose this organization.

Early in the history of the society, four lots had been pur- chased on Elm place, near Fulton avenue, and a small brick edifice erected thereou. Soon the auditorium of the Poly- technic Institute was occupied iu the winter and spring of 1859. Meanwhile, a building, called tlic Brooklyn Tabernacle, was erected in the rear of the corner of Hoyt street and Ful- ton avenue, at an expense of $9,000; five years later this building reverted to the owner of the ground, in payment of the rent. Au edifice was therefore erected on the site of the chapel, on Elin place, at a cost of $50,000; which was con- secrated in May, 1864. Within two years after its dedication, the debt was extinguished.

Pastors : Rev. Samuel D. Cochrane, 1854-'56; Rev. Mr. Alvin Bartlett, 1858-'68; Rev. Henry Powers, 1869-71; Rev. Isaac Clark, 1871-'74.

October 5th, 1874, this church was consolidated with the State Street Congregational Church, to forin the Union Con- gregational Church of Brooklyn.

Union Congregational Church was organized Oct. 5th, 1874, by the consolidation of the State Street and Elm Place Congregational Churches. The first place of worship was the

1024

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Elm Place Church edifice, and the house in State street was rented to other congregations. In June, 1880, the house iu Ehn place was burned, and the congregation removed to the edifice in State street, where they have since worshiped.

In April, 1875, Joseph Wild, D. D., became pastor of Union Church. He resigned in September. 1880, and in December of the same year, the present pastor, N. Everett Smith, D. D., entere l on his duties.

Central Congregational Church, Ormond place, S. E. cor· Jefferson st. The original church edifice, in Ormond place, occupied by this society, was erected iu the year 1853, by Mr. R. L. Crook, a large holder of land iu this ueighborhood, with the intention of selling it below cost to some Protestaut religious association.

This house was, in Feb. 1854, rented for two years to Messrs. Wm. T. Cutter, Thos. W. Abbott, and C. N. Kinney. On the 27th Nov., 1854, a church of 48 members was or- ganized and Rev. Henry W. Parker engaged to supply the pulpit, as the Central Congregational Church. At the ex- piration of the lease, the congregation, being unable to com- plete the purchase, removed to the Van Buren Street Mission School-house, where the attendance dwindled to 30 iudi- viduals. At length, however, being largely aided by the Plymouth Church, and the Church of the Pilgrims, the „society purchased the property ; and, Nov. 16, 1856, the house was re-opened.

The Rev. Mr. Parker, having removed to another field of labor, the pulpit was occupied by temporary supplies, uutil the Rev. J. Clement French was installed as Pastor, ou the 5th of March, 1857.

In 1863, the church was thoroughly renovated, both within aud without, aud a new organ placed iu the gallery, all at a cost of about $6,000. Two years later, the house aud lot, No. 13 Ormoud place, adjoining the church, was purchased for a parsonage. In May, 1867, the building was provided with galleries, and the basement was extensively improved, at a cost of several thousand dollars.

The Sabbath-school, estab. May 7, 1853, under charge of Mr. Win. T. Cutter and C. N. Kinuey, shared, of course, the vicissitudes of the church, aud is now strong aud prosper- ons, aud doing good missionary work. Oct. 19, 1865, a Society was formed in it, "The C. C. Ch., S. S. Miss. Soc.," which prosecuted its designs effectively for several years.

In 1867, a few members of the ch. bought ground and erected a building, cor. Marcy ave. and Monroe st., aud opened it as a Miss, School. After five years they surren- dered its charge, and it has since growu into the Washington Are. Baptist Church, one of the most flourishing in the city.

Iu 1872, the present house on llancock st., near Franklin ave., was erected, at a total cost, including site, organ, and furniture, of $116,000. It is 150 by 96 feet, with 1,850 sit- tings. The church on Oriuond place was sold, in 1873, to the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Mediator.

In 1874, a new building, 60 by 98 feet, for Sunday-school, lecture-room, parlors, etc., was erected on ground adjacent to the church, at a cost of $11,000. In 1877, the Society owed a debt of $61,000, which was extinguished within two years.

Pastors: Revs. Henry W. Parker, 1951-57: Justus Clement French, 1857 70 : Henry Martyn Sendder, D. D., 1871'82 : 1. J. F. Behrends, D. D., 1823 '84.

Rev. HENRY MARTYN SCUDDER, M. D. (Coll. of Phys. & Surg., N. Y.), D D, was born Feb. 5, 1822, at l'auditeripo, Dist. Jaffrea, Ceylon, where his father, Rev. Dr. John Send- der, was a missionary. He came to the United States in 1432, was prepared for college al Stamwich, Conn., graduated

from Uuiv. of City of New York, and from Union Theol. Sem. He was ordained by the Third Presbytery of New York, and was appointed by the Amer. Board of Com. Foreign Missions a missionary to Madras, and soon after his arrival, in addition to his missionary work, commenced the study of mediciue in the Med. Coll, of Madras, and after graduating. opened a hospital and dispensary in Madras, which is still in successful operation. Hle attained so much eminence there as to receive the honorary degree of M. D. from the N. Y. Coll. of Phys. & Snrg., but made his gratuitous services there sub- sidiary to his missionary work. His health failing, he re- turned to the United States in 1858, and after a pastorate of some years in New Jersey, accepted, in 1864, a call to the Howard Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, where he re- mained till 1871, when he was called to the Central Cong'l Church in Brooklyn. Dr. Scudder has been through life an indefatigable student. Ilis attainments in natural and physical science eutitle him to rank with the first scientists of the present time, his linguistic knowledge including a complete mastery of mauy of the oriental lauguages. He has published but little, regarding his duties to his congrega- tiou as paramouut; but his few published works show that he is oue of the ripest scholars of our time.

Rev. A. J. F. BEIRENDS, D. D., born iu Holland, 1839; grad. Denison (O.) Univ., 1862, aud Rochester (N. Y.) Theo. Sem .. 1866; was Trustee of Denisou Univ., and Rochester Theo. Sem .; is Commissiouer of Foreign Missions, and Vice-Pres. of Am. Miss. Assn .; previous locations : Yonkers, N. Y., 1865-'73; C'leveland, O., 1873-'76; Providence, R. 1., 1876-'53 : anthor of published sermons; came to Brooklyn, March, 1853.

Rochester Avenue Congregational Church originated in a Sunday-school, commeucing in August, 1859, iu a building on the corner of Patcheu ave. and Chauncey st., which re- moved, May 1, 1860, tothe basement of the German Lutheran Church, on Herkimer st, March 21, 1860, a society was org. called The Rochester Avenue Mission. Subsequently, a chapel was erected on the south-east coruer of Rochester ave. and Herkimer st., and occupied March 17, 1861. This chapel was enlarged in 1865. In 1881, it was again enlarged. The andi- torium was reseated to hold 400, and newly furnished.

A society termed "The Christian Brotherhood of the Roches- ter Avenue Missiou," was organized: but, in 1866, was changed to a church of the Congregational order, and assumed the name of "Church of the Mediator," which was changed to the Rochester Avenue Congregational Church, in April, 1881.

During the first two or three years, the pulpit of the Mis- siou was supplied by volunteers. In Oct., 1863, Rev. Bishop Faulkner became Pastor, and continued after the organiza- tion of the new church. lu November, 1879, he was snc- ceeded by James G. Roberts, D. D.

Puritan Church .- In Dec., 1863, several teachers of the Wallabout Pres. Ch. commenced a new S. S. enterprise in a store, 712 Myrtle ave. ; which, with the preaching services held there, resulted July 17, 1865, in the org. of the East Brooklyn Cong. C'h. In Oct. following, land, eor. of De Kalb ave. and Walworth st., was leased for ten years, and a tem porary house of worship erected thereon. Rev. Chas. Hall Everest was chosen pastor, and installed May 23, 1866. On June 29, 1865, the present church name was adopted. June, 1868, the present sito, cor. Lafayette and Marey aves., was purchased, and a new building erected and ded. May 6. 1571. The burden assumed in the erection of this new building, and the financial panie of 1873, greatly embarrassed the society. and retarded the development of its original plans. Mr. Ev- erest resigned Feb., 1877. His successors have been: Kev&

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

1025

Spec

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ORMOND PLACE.

1026

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

PURITAN CHURCH.

R. E. Field, 1877-'81; Samuel Calcord, 1881-'3; Edward P. Ingersoll, 1883-'4. The S. S. is large and flourishing ; specially notable for its large dasses of young ladies. W. W. Shumway. Supt.

Rev. EDWARD P. INGERSOLL was born in Lee, Mass .. 1834; grad. Williams, 1855, and Andover Theol. Sem., 1863; was Pres. General Synod Ref. Ch .. 1882; previous locations: Sandusky, O., 1863-'8; Indianapolis, 1868-70; B'klyn, 1870-83.

Fifth Avenue Congregational Church .- Open air preach- ing was commenced in 1863 by Rev. Newton Heston, under the patronage of Mr. Lindsay J. Wells. A Sunday-school and prayer-meeting, were at the same time established by Mr. Wells, in a store at the corner of 12th st. and Fifth ave. A church was org. June, 1866.

In Sept., 1865, Mr. Wells, on his own responsibility, com- menced the erection of a tabernacle at the corner of Fifth ave. and Eighth st. This was completed at a cost, including the lots, of $3.500, and dedicated in January, 1866. In the winter of 1867-'8, a portion of the members withdrew and commenced worship on Third st., near Fifth ave., under the name of Park Congregational Church. In 1869, the two churches were reunited under the latter name, and com- meneed the erection of a chapel at the corner of Sixth ave. and Seventh st. The Rev. H. H. McFarland was engaged as a supply, and, in April, 1868, the Rev. Frank Russel became Pastor, continuing after the reunion.

The chapel was completed in the latter part of 1870, at a cost, including site for a church, of about $40,000. The so- ciety is free from debt. Pastors : Rev. Frank RusseH, 1868- '74; Thos. R. Slicer, 1877 '81: John W. Malcohn, 1881-'4.

First Congregational Church (E. D.) was organized May 25. 1543, by eight seceding members of the First Presbyterian Church. It happened, one Sabbath, in the latter church, that a colored man took a seat near the centre of the house, and was straightway requested by the sexton to take a seat back next to the door. This transaction specially impressed Samuel Wild, a member of the church, with the heinousness of practising cant in the house of God ; and ho forthwith procured two lots of land at the S. W. corner of 11th and S. 3d sts., npon which he erected, chiefly with his own means, the chapel now known as "Bishop's Chapel," and occupied, at present by the African Methodist congregation. The enter- prises, though not a success, as the world counts success, filled an office, in its day, as an exponent of the principles of rigid anti-slaveryism. The Rev. Samuel S. Jocelyn minis-

tered to this church until the close of the War of the Civil Re bellion. It was then disbanded, its white members uniting with the New England Congregational Church, its colorer members affiliating with the colored congregation that ha since occupied its chapel.

The Rev. Mr. Jocelyn died Aug., 1879, in the fulness o years, honored by all, even those who had differed mos from his opinions, for the purity of his life, the piety o his walk and conversation, and the courageousness of hi principles.

The New England Church. - A meeting preliminar: to the formation of this church was held at the hous of Dr. Edwin N. Colt, No. 41 Fourth st., March 18, 1551 April 5th, public worship was commenced at Central Half cor. of 5th and So. 1st sts., under the ministration of Mi Thomas K. Beecher; and, on the 21st of the same month an ecclesiastical society was org. The New England Congre gational Church was org. May 26, 1851, and Mr. Beecher, o the 26th of June following, was ordained as Pastor. Afte January 7, 1853, when the Central Hall was destroyed by fire the church worshiped in "The Odeon," in 5th, betw. So. 3 and So. 4th sts., until the completion of the lecture-room ( the church edifice in So. 9th st., in July, 1853. In Septen ber, 1852, the society purchased three lots, on the north sid of So. 9th st., between 5th and 6th sts., on which the corner stone of the present church edifice was laid, Jannary 11 1853; and the building, completed, was dedicated on the 22 of the next December.

The years 1858 and 1866 are thankfully remembered a years of special divine favor, in which large numbers wer added to the church.

The successive Pastors have been : Thomas K. Beecher June 25, 1851, to May 16, 1854; Henry B. Elliott, Novembe 9, 1854, to November 19, 1855; William R. Tompkins, Octohx 9, 1856; Leonard W. Bacon, installed Mar. 30, 1865; counci Apr. 7, 1870; John Henry Brodt, installed Sept. 27. 157 council, Sept. 27, 1872; John H. Lockwood, installed June 1. 1873; resignation accepted, Nov. 15, 1878; council, Dec. 1' 1878; Rufus Piercy Hibbard, installed May 28, 1879.

The Church of the Covenant was org. in 1868, but th real history of the enterprise begins with the establishmen of a Sunday-school in 1852, held under an apple tree, an then in a stable. Mr. Silas Davenport was among the pi neers of the mission. The neighborhood had been visited ! Rev. Harvey Newcomb, and the first gathering was in tl open air, Sunday, July 4, 1852, not far from the junction ( Vanderbilt and Atlantic aves., then an open field. A garr in a small building was used one Sunday, and then the barı This was the birthplace of Mt. Prospect Mission Schor (See page 1022).

In 1864, Rev. Anson Gleason began his labors here by in tation of the Clinton Ave. Church, and remained about tw years and a half. Quite a number were converted, some whom joined that church.

Mr. Gleason was followed by Rev. Franklin Noble, in co nection with whose labors a church was organized Jau. ? 1868, of seven males and ten females. A council, March 1 INGS, recognized the new church. Worship was continue at the hall, cor. of Atlantic and Grand aves., until 1871, who a chapel was erected on the cor, of Baltic street and Classe avenne. This was occupied for four years, when the congr gation removed to their present sanctuary. This, a tastefi brown-stone and brick chapel, was erected, at a cost, inclusi of land, of over $17,000. It has a seating capacity of 40 When, by pecuniary embarrassment, the society were unal to meet their liabilities, Mr. A. S. Barnes became the own of the property, giving them the use of the building, al

1027

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

as always been an unwearied helper of the church and unday-school; as he has also been of other similar enter- rises on "the Hill."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 93

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

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