USA > New York > Oneida County > Westmoreland > Exercises in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Westmoreland, N.Y., Tuesday, September 20th, 1892 > Part 5
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FROM REV. SAMUEL F. PORTER, KINGSTON, ILL.
"I was born Sept. 17, 1813, and baptised in infancy by Rev. John Frost. I go back in memory to about the time when the meeting house was placed on its present site, dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. James Eells. It was the custom to have two sermons on Sunday with a short intermission between the services, and in mid-winter this was very trying, as there was no apparatus for warming the house. I re- member seeing Rev. Abijah Crane preaching in a heavy overcoat with mittens on his hands. But it was a notable day when a tall three-story Philadelphia stove was set up,
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and under the management of Brother Newcomb sent its genial warmth around among the square pews through the meeting house. Early in the winter of 1825, when about 12 years old, I came to meeting in the church in Westmoreland one Sabbath morning and saw a stranger in the pulpit with Rev. Abijah Crane; it was Rev. C. G. Finney; the text was Prov. 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it." I give one tem- perance illustration from that sermon. Parents, he said, will pray that their children may possess a true Christian spirit while they lead them in the opposite direction. For instance, a Christian mother will go away and pray, "O Lord grant that my little daughter may be a hum- ble Christian child," and then she will go and dress her up in all the finery possible, until her little heart is as proud as Satan. Why it is just as if a professor of religion were to pray, "Grant me, O Lord, the grace of Christian sobriety," and then were to go to the side board and pour down a half pint of brandy. One remark made on the Gospel as the power of God is worthy to be repeated: The gospel, he said, when brought to bear on the human mind, will produce results as a sharp sword properly applied will cut, but many destroy the effect of it by winding . it round and round and swathing it in a garland of rhetorical flowers.
When about 15 years old I joined the church. The day I was examined, at the close, Judge Enos tried to have the rule dropped which excluded adhering Free Masons from Church fellowship, but he did not succeed. In anti- slavery times the Congregational Church of Westmoreland stood firm in the front ranks, exerting a happy influence for righteousness and humanity. But enough. May the dear Lord bless the church and pastor and this memorial gather- ing, and build up his kingdom gloriously.
FROM JAMES EELLS CRANE, PUEBLO, COL.
It is with a feeling of most sincere regret I find myself unable to accept your cordial and very welcome invitation to be present with you at the centennial exercises of the First
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Congregational Church at Westmoreland, on the 20th inst.
There are, indeed, few living, who find the chords of mem- ory and loving association drawing them more closely or strongly to the people who formed the first flock to whom my honored father broke the "bread of life," and under whose ministering care many souls were born into the spirit- ual kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To the old parsonage, where were born my brothers and sisters, where I was born, and to the old church, where in baptism I was dedicated to the service of my Redeemer, by faithful hearts, and received the name, long loved and much revered, of the former pastor, James Eells, of whom the president of our company here is the last surviving child, Dan P. Eells, full of years and honors, and in this con- nection it may not be amiss to state, showing the brotherly affection of those days, that Dan and my oldest brother, in whose ages there was a difference of only six weeks, were rocked in the same cradle.
It is little I can add that can be a source of interest to the generation now living, as infant memories recall only vague outlines, and infrequent visits to the old home in childhood years are barren of those features which arrest the attention or quicken the memory of those present with you to-day.
Deacon Halbert, Captain Lyman, Dr. Chester, Warren Converse, and the Enos and Townsend families, were house- hold names thro all my earlier years, and in later years that of Rev. F. A. Spencer, who, always a personal friend of my father, assisted at the exercises, where all paid their tribute of respect and love as he was borne to his earthly tomb. I can never forget him as he gave out the hymn on that occa- sion-
"Servant of God, well done,
Rest from thy blest employ."
My father died at our home in Clinton, May 14, 1847. Near- ly half a century has passed, but the memory of his godly life, his intense devotion to all that was pure and good, lovely and of good report, his sympathy for the poor, needy and oppressed, his utter detestation of all that was mean,low
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or crooked, has been with all his children a power for good, thro all their lives.
Prompt in decision, he never waited the stamp of popular approval for any movement that promised the elevating or ennobling of our kind, but plunged at once into the bat- tle. Among our family traditions, there are few that we re- call with more satisfaction than that he formed the first Temperance Association west of Albany, and was heart and soul in sympathetic effort with Beriah Green, Gerrit Smith and others in Central New York, to stir up the mind of the people against the crime and incubus of slavery, that had al- ready spread a pall over all the land; and . inheriting his father's patriotic zeal, his second son, Col. L. H. D. Crane, yielded up his life in the full vigor of early manhood on the battle field of Cedar Mountain, 1862. A hundred times he said to me, "This war will be an utter failure if it doesn't re- sult in the complete and utter destruction of slavery."
Of his other children, Edwin Hall was the eldest son and child, born May 31, 1825, graduating with the highest honors at Hamilton College in 1845. Studying law with his mater- ... nal uncle, Willis Hall, Attorney-General of the state, we looked for success and honors in civil life, for which his high intellectual attainments seemed specially to fit him. Some time in doubt as to his future work, his decision was not finally made until it came in a letter as father lay dying, and only a few hours before his death, in which he gave himself in the fullest consecration to the work of the Christian ministry. On hearing the letter read, on coming to this decision, father raised his hand and said, "Stop ! God bless my son in his choice; it is worthy the ministry of angels." Pursuing his studies at Auburn Theological Seminary he offered his services to the A. B. C. F. M. and was sent to the Mission of the Nestorians. Short- ly after arriving at Ooromiah he was sent to the mission station of Gawar, in the mountains of Kurdistan, learning the language and customs of the people with whom his lot was cast. Visiting the governor of the district after a residence of only a few months, he contracted from him
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typhus fever, from which he died, after an illness of only ten days, on the 27th of August, 1854. His spirit still lingers on those mountain sides, and for years after his death the sick were brought from far and near to his grave, in the hope that healing power might come from the tomb of so good a man.
Among those who will address you is the name of Rev. Parsons S. Pratt, whom I well remember, as well as his fath- er and brother Sereno B. Pratt, and who will remember brother Edwin.
Of my sisters, Helen Everest, born in 1828, was a beautiful illustration of a meek and quiet spirit. She died in early womanhood, in 1857. My other sister still lives, the widow of Chas. Anthony, Esq., at Gouverneur, New York.
As the only surviving son of him whose memory is still green among you, it may not be unfitting that, assembled as you are, children and grandchildren of his generation, I shall speak for him. Could those white lips speak they would still testify to the eternal truth, that redeeming love, as re- vealed to us in Jesus Christ, is the only hope of a lost world, and amid all the strifes, never for a moment lose our faith in its ultimate victory over sin and the grave. Never lower the standard nor abate one jot or tittle of that ardor, which should burn brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
FROM REV. JAMES DEANE, CROWN POINT, N. Y.
When I first visited the church as a candidate for the then vacant pulpit, the impression made upon myself by the ap- pearance and demeanor of the congregation was in all re- . spects most happy. The order and attention during the hour of divine service, the cordiality of feeling manifest in the exchange of greetings by those present from diverse localities argued a fortunate condition in social affairs-a conclusion not contradicted by much longer observation and acquaintance.
The Deacons of the Church then in office were: Warren Kellogg, Bushnell Bishop and Sheldon W. Stoddard. Deacon Kellogg was already far advanced in age, and by
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reason of consequent infirmity unable to act in his office. But he was always present at morning service on the Lord's Day, when attendance was practicable. The good old man's experience affords a striking instance of the power and permanence of radical religious impressions. While at his great age memory grew dull concerning other matters, he always knew when Sunday came and was eager to be in his place at church, even though he could hear very little of the service, or indeed recognize many of the others in attendance. He was truly of that blessed com- pany "who still bring forth fruit in old age."
Deacon Bishop removed to Oneida a few months after my accession; but the brief opportunity for acquaintance served to impress an excellent opinion of his substantial worth and sincere piety. With Deacon Stoddard I enjoyed an acquaintance deepening into intimacy for nearly nine years, upon which I often look back with thankfulness. There is abundant reason for gratitude in having known so true a man; it is especially good fortune to enjoy the coun- sel and friendship of such. Many will recall distinctly his personal appearance, his frame and figure. He was robust and broad shouldered, in more than one sense. A loyal, willing bearer of burdens; not afraid to see or to assume legitimate responsibility. With a cool brain and a warm heart, he furnished a specimen of that fortunate paradox, a conservative radical. A thoroughly good man in all rela- tions when I first met him, while the years sped he grew in grace most truly; his spirit softened, his vision broadened, his humility deepened; so when on that July Sabbath in 1876 God called him hence, all knew that for him it was only "to be with Christ, which is far better."
Of others also beside these officers of the church in that day it would be easy to write in tender esteem. The oldest member of the church at the time was William Newcomb, "Father Newcomb," of blessed memory. He was the first superintendent of the Sunday School as originally organized in 1818, if facts are recalled aright. Too infirm for much outward activity, his sweet spirit and calmly confident out-
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look toward Eternity were lesson and inspiration for us all.
With these names I could recall a score and more of God- ly men and women who have passed on "to the rest that remaineth." "Not lost, but gone before." And yet amid teeming opportunities for earthly service there must remain a goodly assembly of those who can also recall the graces of these departed saints "whose faith we certainly may follow, considering the end of their conversation."
In relation to the spirit and work of the dear church, let it be allowed me to say here, that in no instance coming im- mediately under my own own observation have I found an equal number of church members less tenacious of personal plan and choice, or more ready to yield these for the sake of the good cause, and the soul-profit of others.
Among other matters for grateful remembrance, I ought not to omit all mention of the healthful growth of the Sun- day School, and the influence of the work wrought there upon the type of piety prevalent since, scriptural in its structure. Doubtless this is as much a joy to others as to myself. But let me emphasize the fact that this growth was not due to any hothouse methods, or to factitious attrac- tions. It was simply the consequence of honest painstaking by all concerned, officers, teachers and scholars; a sincere magnifying of the Word of God, given for mankind. I do not now recall that we ever had a single Sunday School concert or any spectacular exercise. But we did have live scholars, praying teachers, a spirit of work and the blessing of Heaven. Another relation in which the influence of the church was effectively exerted was that of its fellowship in the local association, now known as the O. C. & D. Almost invariably represented in the meetings of that body, and by those of diverse age or gifts, the church maintained itself most happily in the esteem and fellowship of sister church- es, and contributed in no small degree to the spirituality and evangelistic earnestness of its meetings. For real saturation with the Spirit I have never known any meeting of other Christian bodies that excelled the gathering of O. C. & D. at Westmoreland in 1875. Anticipated by much
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prayer, the sincerity of its devotional elements, the sympa- thetic temper of its other exercises, culminating in a sacra- mental service of peculiar tenderness; none who shared its sessions can forget their fragrance even now.
But this writing must not be prolonged, though you will believe me when saying it is not easy to stop. Recollec- tions of events and of the persons concerned in them throng upon me while I write. The memory of favors received in unmerited abundance, of forbearance extended right often, of lessons learned while trying to teach, -- of these and other matters I could, but may not, longer write.
FROM REV. ISAAC O. BEST, BROADALBIN, N. Y.
My first acquaintance with Westmoreland was at a Fel- lowship Meeting when green corn and other good things were provided bountifully. The presiding genius of the oc- casion was your pastor, Rev. James Deane, whom I had known in the war time. At that reunion I found out that the good people of Westmoreland knew how to cook and how to be generous with their good things. Further ac- quaintance confirmed this good opinion, especially when you began to ask me to preach occasionally. I knew that you only sent for me when you couldn't get anybody else to preach for you, yet you were always good listeners and good listeners make the poorest preacher happy. You call- ed for me to preach for you about thirty times (more or less) during the intervals of your regular pastorates, so that I got to feel almost like a pastor emeritus to your church. It is very gratifying to me that you have remem- bered me in this time of rejoicing. Every recollection that I have of your church is pleasant ; even the kindness of the good brother who sent me marked copies of The Voice to convince me of the unrighteousness of being a Republican and a preacher at the same time, is highly appreciated. From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on reach- ing, as a church of Christ, your. hundredth birthday. The friends of an aged man were celebrating his hundredth birthday, when one of them said, "Well, uncle, you can
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hardly expect to live another hundred years." "I don't know about that," was his reply, "for I am beginning this century with a great deal more strength than I had when I began the last." I am sure that you are beginning the second century of your church life with a great deal more strength than the church had one hundred years ago. The future is surely as full of blessings from the good hand of God as the past has been. Looking back over a hundred years of rich experience, seeing how God has been with you all the century, counting up these who have been born again into the church and those who have gone to glory from it, remembering that He who redeemed them is the same yesterday, to-day and forever, you can certainly look forward into the coming century with hope and con- fidence that God will still continue to bless you and make you a blessing. That this may be the effect upon all your hearts, is the prayer of your humble servant in Christ Jesus.
FROM REV. NESTOR LIGHT, HARFORD, PA.
I heartily congratulate you on reaching your one hun- dredth year as a church, and mingle my rejoicing with yours. When I entered upon my work I had no doubts as to the loving power of my Saviour; I had many concerning my own ability. I found the church in an inharmonious con- dition, though perfectly united in me. Substantial harmony was maintained throughout my pastorate. An early event in my pastorate was my own ordination, March 15, 1883. One of the first effects of my pastoral work was the break- ing of a spiritual dead-lock standing for some time, during which none had joined the church. From time to time five were received on profession of their faith, and two by letter. One infant was baptized. Nothing like a revival occurred, although we had seasons of deep prayerfulness. The prayer meeting was fairly well sustained. Our missionary collec- tions during the whole period were good, and in one year reached high-water mark, about $100. The ladies' mission- ary society was ably sustained. They had good reason to feel proud of their efforts in those days. The Sunday school
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was in a prosperous condition during my pastorate. There was much seriousness in the study of the Word. Novel reviews in short essays and two minute talks were success- fully introduced. Concert exercises for Children's Day were very successful. The County Sunday School Convention, held with us, was regarded by many visitors as superior to the State Convention. The Sunday School, I recollect, took deep satisfaction in taking an annual collection for the homeless children of New York City. I turn here to the saddest side of my work, the burial of the dead. Irving Stoddard was the first member of the church to die. All bore witness to his Christian character. Several others died and were buried in those years. The last year of my pastorate was marked by the erection of the present parsonage, one of the most comfortable in northern New York. I believe the trustees worked for this result with great unanimity and zeal. The work was undertaken and accomplished, free of debt, under the conviction that it was a vital necessity in the life of the church. Near the close of my work Deacon Ja- son S. Bliss withdrew from the church. My pastorate is deeply graven on my heart as the sphere of my first work in the ministry. My ordination to the ministry, the coming of my wife, a bride, into the work of the ministry, and the birth of my son, the trials, disappointments, tears, of those years are on record. While I feel the deepest gratitude for the success, I can only deeply regret that more souls were not brought into the light. I rejoice to know that a number, then under my influence, have since found the light. My heart's prayer is that many more may find their Saviour.
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