USA > New York > Suffolk County > Shelter Island > Historical papers on Shelter Island and its Presbyterian church, with genealogical tables > Part 10
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
94
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
In this state of humiliation the mercy of God appeared for those who were brought out of darkness into marvellous light. The enmity of their hearts was slain, and their minds enlightened in the spiritual knowledge of God and divine things. The result of which was unfeigned submission and self-consecration to God, all issuing in repentance towards Him, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that composure, peace and joy of mind which these divine graces and that standing in the new covenant which they ensure, never fail to inspire. Though the experience of individuals in cir- cumstantial things was very different, in essentials there was a remarkable sameness. All embraced and rejoiced in the gospel as a system of free grace in all its parts, intended to humble the creature and exalt the glorious Creator. In the course of this revival as many as fifty obtained hope of such a reconciliation to God. Among these were not a few of the stout-hearted, and such as were indeed far from righteousness. But in this day of the mighty power and sovereign grace of God, they were made willing and brought to bow as loyal subjects to the sceptre of the Prince of Peace. The additions made to the church were between forty and fifty, and the more immediate fruits of this work of grace were a great external reformation, both moral and religious-the prevalence of a spirit of brotherly love-and a great increase of knowledge as to the pe- culiar and appropriate doctrines of the gospel." It was indeed a wonderful work of grace. Oh that it might be repeated in our day! In April of that year, namely, 1816, the Rev. Stephen Tracy, a Con- gregational minister, renewed his labors on this island, having preached here the previous year. On May 5th, after divine service at a parish meeting, he was engaged to preach for six months from April 28th. He arrived in the midst of the great revival, and is accredited with accomplishing two very important matters for this church. "One was the gathering into the church of the fruits of the great revival of the winter of 1816, and the other was the building of this sanctuary." Rev. Stephen Tracy was born in Norwich, Conn., in the year 1749. He graduated from Princeton College in 1770. The same year he began his ministry at Peru, Mass., where he was ordained in 1772. Here he remained until 1775. Became pastor at Norwich (now Huntington), Mass., May 23, 1781, and remained there until January Ist, 1799. After that he labored as a home missionary until his death, in 1822.
95
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
Without doubt the results of that great awakening of 1816 had much to do with the erection and completion of the church building. True, it had been proposed and set on foot before the revival began, and considerable subscription and material had been gathered for it. Yet faint were the hopes, even by its best friends, that the project would be so soon accomplished, if accomplished at all. Such is the testimony of Dr. Woolworth. We need to remember that the com- munity at this date was still a small one, numbering only between two and three hundred people, and that for them such an effort was in- deed a great undertaking. But the coming of that gracious out- pouring of the Holy Spirit united the hearts and hands of the people in their purpose and inspired them to success to the de- gree that in a little over a year from the time of starting the work was completed. It was considered by all a great achieve- ment for this community, and has been so spoken of to me by some of the older persons in our midst.
The amount expended in the erection of that building was nearly four thousand dollars. And now that it is finished we turn our attention to its description and dedication. For information con- cerning these things I must rely on the historical discourses that the Rev. Mr. Harries delivered in 1871. Speaking of the edifice he says: "It was fifteen feet shorter than what it is to-day. On each side of the platform were four seats. In front of it was a platform about ten inches high, on the outer edge of which was a paneled breast- work elevated nearly four feet, with a small desk in the middle directly in front of the pulpit, for the use of the elders when read- ing and of the chorister when singing. This enclosure was called 'the altar'-as great a misnomer as to call Christ's ambassadors 'priests.' There were forty seats before the pulpit and four each side of it, making forty-eight. The first range on the south end, consisting of four seats, were reserved by the trustees for the col- ored people, and the next range for 'any white person.' The body pews were assessed at $2 each and the 'long side pews' at $3.50. They were rented on the 20th of June, at a meeting appointed for the purpose. The attendance was very large and the demand for seats pressing. The four reserved free for 'any white person' were consequently rented. All but two were sold at a premium, some of which were forty per cent. above the assessed value, the whole to be cancelled at the expiration of twelve months, but next year it was to be paid quarterly."
96
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
COPY OF THE FIRST PEW LIST.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE SALE OF THE PEWS IN THE MEETING HOUSE ON SHELTER ISLAND, JUNE 20, 1817, FOR ONE YEAR.
No. OF PEW
To WHOM SOLD
$
cts.
$
cts.
I
Henry Reeve.
. X
2
25
Sylvester Dering.
X
3
2
Samuel Bowditch.
X
2
26
Edward Cartwright
x
3
3
Thomas Tuthill. .X
2
30
27
Joseph H. Parker
X
3
25
4
Daniel Harley 1 17 X
2
35
28 Benjamin Nicoll.
X
3
85
5
Abraham Crook. X
2
90
29
Benjamin Nicoll.
X
4
25
6
John Champlin.
3
05
30
Jacob Case. .
X
3
25
7
Anderson Cartwright.
X
2
60
3I
Abraham Crook
X
3
8
John Shearman.
X
2
25
32
Esther Havens 1.25
X
2
50
9
Elizabeth Havens
X
2
75
33
Henry P. Dering.
x
2
75
IO
Phineas King. X
3
12}
34
Libbeus Porter
X
2
85
II
George Congdon
3
65
35
Richd. F. Nicoll.
X
3
12
Samuel Lord.
X
4
36 Benjamin Glover.
x
3
25
I3
Samuel Lord.
X
3
50
37
Edward Cartwright, Jr .. x
2
35
I4
Benjamin Conklin X
2
80
William Congdon and
X
2
25
I6
Henry Hains
2
65
39
George Havens.
X
2
50
17
John Chester.
2
60
40
Gordon Havens.
x
2
06
I8
Lodowick Havens
2
55
4I
William Bowditch. x
3
50
19
Jeremiah King.
2
30
42
William Bowditch.
x
5
20
Benjamin Nicoll.
2
20
43
Jonathan Doughlass
x
3
85
2I
Justus Horton X
2
12}
44
Jonathan Reeve
X
3
75
22
Sineus Conklin. X
2
30
45 Caleb Loper.
X
4
25
23
Jeremiah Case. X
2
30
46 Henry Conklin
X
4
50
24
George Cartwright. X
2
50
47
Abraham Sherril.
x
4
50
48
Josiah Mayo. X
3
75
63
50
80
2I
63
50
Total
I43
71
ARTICLES OF VENDUE RESPECTING THE SALE OF THE PEWS IN THE MEETING HOUSE ON SHELTER ISLAND AGREED TO BY THE TRUSTEES, JUNE 20, 1817.
The sale of the Pews to be for one year. The Pews to be set up by any person at the price set on them by the Committee, and if no person will give any more, to be struck off to them, but any one has a right to bid and the highest bidder to have the Pew.
The money for which the Pews are sold is to be paid at the end of the year, and it is expected the money will be punctually paid to the Trustees without putting the Parish to the expense of collecting. By order of the Trustees,
SYLVESTER DERING, Clerk.
"On the 17th of the following month, namely, the 17th of July, 1817, the building was dedicated. It requires no stretch of the imagination to conceive of its being filled to its utmost capacity. As you enter you behold 'a sea of faces' upturned to fix an excited eager gaze on the sage, ministerial veteran in the pulpit, Dr. Aaron Woolworth. To the left of him on the platform is the 'deacon's seat,' or more properly the 'elders'.' There are seated the five offi-
AMOUNT
No. OF PEW
To WHOM SOLD
AMOUNT
X
2
70
38
Nancy Havens.
I5
Joseph Case. x
X
X
. X
e
SHELTER ISLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
97
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
cers, viz .: Dering, Doughlass, Havens, Sherrill and Nicoll. The preacher rises in the sacred desk. He is elevated eight feet above the congregation, but he and they think it all right. It is signifi- cant of the exalted, heavenly nature of the minister and the office he fills. He announces the hymn, and directly a venerable form rises behind the little desk in front of the pulpit. It is the chorister. His hymn book is before him. He announces the tune, strikes his tuning fork on the desk, lifts it to his ear, and begins to sound a note or two. The 'pitch' thus obtained, a volume of melodious music fills the house. The dedication prayer is offered. Directly the preacher reads from the 126th Psalm: 'The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad.' It is the text. The sermon is a credit to the head and heart of its author and a fitting tribute to the memorial occasion. That was a jubilee to this people."
And with these lofty words the honored preacher of the occasion consecrated the edifice "as an habitation of the God of Jacob," namely: "Be it henceforth dedicated to God as an house of prayer in which His holy public worship in all its instituted branches shall be celebrated; in which not only supplications and the sacrifices of thanksgiving, repentance and prayer are to be offered up to the God of all grace-but the adorable name of the King of Zion is to be proclaimed in the preaching of the glorious gospel and the ad- ministration of the holy sacraments of the New Testament. May the incomprehensible Jehovah, whose name is thus recorded in this place, graciously condescend to take up His abode here, and lib- erally bestow upon His people the blessings of His grace and sal- vation, during not only the present but succeeding generations!"
While looking over some old church papers I came across the manuscript of the following hymn, which was composed especially for the service of dedication and sung at that time by the people. The author's name I have been unable to discover, though much inquiry has been made. It was certainly worthy of the writer and the occasion:
Be sacred this sequestered place, These walls we consecrate to God, Who tho' He fills Heaven, Earth and space, Yet makes His churches His abode.
Within this House may sacred prayers
From contrite hearts, like incense, rise,
And mental praise, with vocal airs,
Prelude the musick of the Skies.
98
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
Here free from passion, toil and strife, And every care that intervenes,
May mortals pass the bound of life To meditate on future scenes.
Here may the gospels, Heaven taught page, Be weekly opened and explained, While blooming youth and hoary age Imbibe its truths with love unfeigned.
While conscience heaves repentant sighs, For sin against a Holy God, May faith behold with raptured eyes Salvation in a Saviour's blood.
Long may this building be sustained, A temple for the God of love, And children's children here be trained For glory in the World above.
And now the Society was fully equipped for work. Organized and officered, housed in a new and noble edifice, blessed with quickening power, it began anew its activity in the service of Al- mighty God.
The same month in which the church was dedicated the women of the Society, always ready and always willing, organized them- selves into a missionary society known in those days as "Female Cent Societies." These societies were so called because each member pledged herself to give a penny a week towards the objects of the Society. The Society of the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church soon came into touch with other like societies, and shortly after its beginning received a congratulatory letter from the "Fe- male Society of the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church," of which the following is an extract: "To the Female Cent Society on Shel- ter Island: We have lately received the pleasing intelligence that a Female Cent Society was formed on Shelter Island. Permit us, dear sisters, to congratulate you on this auspicious event, and to assure you that we most cordially wish you success and prosperity. May your members be increased, your exertions encouraged, your graces invigorated, and every effort crowned with the divine bene- diction." This was gracefully responded to by Ann Willett Nicoll, secretary of the Shelter Island Society, as follows:
99
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
"The Cent Society of Shelter Island receive and acknowledge, with sentiments of grateful emotion, the united congratulations of the Female Cent Society of Bridgehampton. Permit us still to solicit the continuance of your friendship and interest in our behalf. Actuated by motives which encourage our hopes and stimulate our exertions, we look beyond the present to that period which may wit- ness the happy effects of the united endeavor of our present infant Society. Were our means now equal to our wishes, how cheering would be our prospects. Still, we rejoice and desire to be thank- ful in being made the humble instruments of promoting the cause of Christ, and advancing the glory of our Heavenly Father, who constantly surrounds us by the smiles of eternal love, and every moment brings renewed expressions of His goodness and mercy. Notwithstanding our privileges and distinguished blessings, both temporal and spiritual, few have been our charities, small indeed have been our exertions in doing good. We desire to feel hum- ble. May we all have contrition in contemplating these lamentable facts. We rejoice to hear of the general establishment of Cent Societies in our native land. We indulge the hope that they will still increase, that greater exertions will continue to be made for the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom. How animating the reflection that the time is not far distant when the spirit of Christ will reign in every heart an 1 all be united in the same glorious cause. It is a highly favored age in which we live. Even now the rays of the Sun of Righteousness are illuminating the remote corners of the earth, and subjects of the rich grace of God rapidly multiplying. How unceasing should be our praises, how expanded our gratitude, and may our benevolent efforts end only with existence. The Cent Society of Shelter Island was organized the Ist of July, 1817. It consists of 34 members. In behalf of this Society,
"ANN WILLETT NICOLL, "Sec'y."
This church and community has always been highly favored with noble-hearted, whole-souled, spiritually-fervent consecrated women, of some of whom we shall have occasion to speak later on. We regret that the roll of that first Society and its list of officers cannot be here inscribed, but with great pleasure give the fore- going correspondence a place in our work.
For a period of eight years after the death of Rev. Daniel Hall
100
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
this church was without the services of a regularly installed pastor or resident preacher. Mr. Hall in his relations to this people was looked upon as their pastor, though never installed as such by proper authority. Still that was his relation to them, and is so recorded in the first book of records kept by the session, in which he is twice spoken of as pastor, one of these being the notice of his death, which is entered according to the following form: "Rev'd Daniel Hall, our pastor, aged 64, Jan'y 20, 1812." To him therefore may be rightly attributed the honor of being the first pastor of the Society now known as the Presbyterian Church of Shelter Island, the organization of which he effected and which stands as an enduring monument to his faithful and consecrated labors. During the eight years after his death the church was sup- plied with occasional preachers, some of whom served for several months at a time, as in the case of Rev. Mr. Tracey. Among these were the pastors of the neighboring churches, Rev. Dr. Woolworth of Bridgehampton, Rev. Ebenezer Phillips of Easthampton, Rev. J. M. Babbit of Southampton, Rev. J. D. Gardiner of Sag Harbor, Rev. Lathrop Thompson of Cutchogue.
One of these, who I cannot tell, perhaps the Rev. Mr. Tracy, was small in stature though tall in intellect, for in a letter written by a Shelter Island lady who had moved to Connecticut, from whence she wrote to friends on this island, occurs this sentence: "Do you keep that good little minister there yet? I have not heard a better sermon amongst all our ministers and preaching than he delivers." And she had heard many in the Nutmeg State, having attended several of what was known as "Association Days," when the min- isters for a certain region would gather and hold several days of continued preaching. During a large portion of those eight years the conditions of things on this island were greatly disturbed by the war of 1812-15, as we have seen, and doubtless was the cause of the delay in getting a resident preacher as successor to Mr. Hall. Religious matters, however, were faithfully maintained by the elders of the church, who had promised upon their ordination to maintain public worship on the Sabbath when there should be no preaching. And here a fitting opportunity presents itself of paying tribute justly due to the memory of General Sylvester Dering, the first elder chosen and ordained over this church. A man whose life was such a blessing to this place and people that he is rightly esteemed, if not the best and noblest of all men who have lived on
IOI
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
Shelter Island, at least second to none in these qualities of mind and heart.
General Sylvester Dering was the second son of Thomas Dering and Mary Sylvester, and was born in Newport, R. I., Nov. 27th, 1758. He moved to this island with his parents when but two years old. And here he continued to live save during the period of the Revolution, until the day of his death, Oct. 8th, 1820, in conse- quence of a fall from his horse fourteen days previous. The Hon. Ebenezer Sage, of Sag Harbor, who was personally and intimately acquainted with Mr. Dering, wrote the following beautiful obituary upon his decease: "Died on the 8th inst. at his residence on Shelter Island, after an illness of fourteen days, in consequence of a fall from his horse, Gen'l Sylvester Dering, in the 62d year of his age.
"Few instances of mortality have stronger claims upon the sym- pathies of surviving relations, friends, society and country than that of this worthy man. He lived not for himself, his heart was formed for the exercise of all charities of this life. In all the relations he bore to society, he cheerfully and conscientiously discharged the duties of a husband, parent, brother, friend, neighbor and citizen. His chil- dren and grandchildren will never forget the paternal care and ten- derness with which he watched over them from their childhood, and their surviving parent will mourn the remainder of her life the loss of a kind husband and her best friend. His extensive circle of relations and friends will, whenever they reflect upon the constancy of his love and attachment, not refuse to his memory the tribute of a tear. The inhabitants of the island on which he lived will never be guilty of the great ingratitude of forgetting the innumerable acts of kindness that they have for more than thirty years received from him as a neighbor, friend and counsellor; more especially the poor and fatherless, and those laboring under afflictions of either body or mind. Were they on beds of sickness, he administered to them as a physician; spread their pillows and watched over them as a nurse; consoling them as a friend; opening his purse to their wants and kneeling at their bedside and devoutly asking from the Great Physi- cian relief for their sufferings and consolation beyond the power of human aid. Under his hospitable roof the friend and the stranger were equally welcome, and the poor never departed empty. It may be said that Providence for wise purposes has removed from among us a truly good man. The writer of this has known him nearly forty years, in all which time he has lived his neighbor and in
IO2
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
habits of friendly intercourse, uninterrupted either by word or act, and does not believe he has said enough-not too much-nay, not enough until he has named the brightest gem in the character of his deceased friend. He was a Christian, and a Christian whose belief and professions were made abundantly manifest by his works. His heart at all times disposed to do good, was warmed and directed to the object by the divine precepts of the gospel of his Redeemer and holy influences of His Spirit. The church to which he be- longed, and of which he was an elder and a deacon, will long mourn the loss of one of its brightest ornaments, and all who knew him will forget whatever imperfections they may have seen in his char- acter and remember naught of all his life but the many amiable Christian and moral virtues. For to few can that divine benediction with more propriety be applied: 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.'" Thompson in his history says: "With those who knew him best, we hazard noth- ing in saying that few better men ever lived. Benevolence and sym- pathy for the poor and afflicted were the tributes of his character, and as a public man he executed every trust confided to him with fidelity and honor. He was Supervisor of the Town many years, a Representative to the Assembly in 1804, and for some time a Major General of the militia." While Brigadier General he issued the following order:
Shelter Island, 16 May, 1809.
Brigade Orders:
The Brigadier General with peculiar pleasure communicates to the detachment from the brigade under his command the follow- ing General Orders:
General Orders:
Headquarters, N. Y., May 16, 1809.
The Commander in Chief agreeable to instructions from the President of 29 April last directs that the detachment of 14,389 of the Militia of this State required by General Order of Nov. 15, 1808, be no longer held in readiness for actual service, and in com- pliance with those instructions he with great pleasure avails himself of this occasion to present to those corps whose patriotism has in-
103
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
duced them to volunteer their service, the approbation and thanks of the President of the United States.
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.
By order of the Commander in Chief, William Paulding, Adjt. Gen'1.
The Brigadier General orders the several Regiments of his Brigade to Parade for the Annual Review as follows:
Col. Rose's Regt. on the 9th of June next.
Col. Davis's Regt. on the 14th of June next.
Col. Conkling's Regt. on the 16th of June next.
Col. Young's Regt. on the 12th of June next.
Capt. Jermaine's Co. of Artillery on the 9th of June next.
By order of Brig. Gen'l. Sylvester Dering.
GILBERT HORTON, Brigade Major.
Gen'l Sylvester Dering's remains were interred in the family plot in the rear of this church, and over them was placed a tablet bearing the following inscription:
Sacred to the memory of GEN'L SYLVESTER DERING Who departed this life Oct. 8, 1820, aged 61 years. He united a sound and active mind With ardent and exemplary piety. He lived not for himself, But for the community around him, He was a wise counsellor; And faithful friend. The prevailing disposition of his heart Was sympathy for the distressed, And corresponding efforts for their relief. For a long course of years He held various offices of trust, In Church and State; and died Lamented, Honored, and Beloved.
104
Shelter Island and Its Presbyterian Church
Rev. Mr. Harries, speaking of Elder Dering, says among other things: "We owe him to-day for the existence of this sanctuary. But for his contributions and zealous efforts to collect funds, it could not have been erected. He ardently loved and unceasingly labored for the prosperity of Zion. His influence in the church and out of it was unbounded." And Rev. Mr. Lord also adds this tribute:
"General Dering was the son of a devotedly pious mother, one of the three godly women for whom it is said that Shelter Island was anciently distinguished. For many years previous to the or- ganization of this church he seems to have been the only religious man who took an active part in the religious meetings. Indeed, without his presence and aid there were no religious meetings ex- cept some clergyman was present." And here we have occasion again to call your atttention to a very pleasing coincidence, namely, to the greatness that characterized the men who were the original occupants of the positions of trust to which they were severally chosen. Our first Supervisor, the Hon. William Nicoll, famed in the annals of Colonial New York; our first Trustee, the Hon. Jona- than N. Havens, equally famed in the annals of the Empire State and Nation; and now our first Elder, General Sylvester Dering, the noble-hearted, saintly patriot and Christian. All honor to these men who reflect so much glory upon community and church. How highly has God favored these in the bestowal of such great and noble citizens.
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.