USA > New York > Suffolk County > Shelter Island > Historical papers on Shelter Island and its Presbyterian church, with genealogical tables > Part 14
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The third elder was Lodowick Havens, chosen by the church at the same time elders Dering and Doughlass were chosen. These
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three were ordained together. Rev. Mr. Harries has left an ex- tended biographical sketch of Mr. Havens and of a number of his successors, from which I shall quote freely. Speaking of our present subject he says: "Mr. Lodowick Havens was born on Shelter Island on the 17th of January, 1774, two months after the passage of the Boston Port Bill by the British Parliament, and two years and a half before the Declaration of Independence. Like Timothy, he had been favored with the instruction and example of a godly mother and a remarkably pious grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Budd) Parker. The sacred truths they instilled into his tender mind, gently and habitually as the descent of nightly dew, leavened his entire spiritual being and exerted a plastic influence upon his whole life of eighty years. At thirteen years of age he prayed regularly in secret, and at eighteen obtained, as he then thought, a saving interest in the oblation of Calvary. But after a season adverse influences abated the fervor of his love and obscured the lustre of his hallowed light. In the closing year of the last century, when about twenty-five years of age, he was wedded to Miss Mary Annable. Soon after that event their attention was called to the subject of personal salvation by a peculiarly solemn and impressive providence. As his impenitent father lay in the agony of remorse upon the margin of the tomb, he summoned his children around his dying couch and warned them of the fearful consequences of deferring a preparation for death until a dying hour. He besought them with tear-bedimmed eyes and all the tender yearnings of a fond parent not to follow his example, but to seek an interest, without delay, in the Friend of Sinners. His spirit then took its flight to its eternal destiny, but his warning failed not of its gracious purpose. A younger son began at once to secure a preparation for a life of union and felicity with God. In fourteen days after his father's death that son followed his steps through the portals which admit us to an eternal state. The fearful man- ner in which the father died, together with the sudden and unex- pected death of the younger brother, were blessed by the Holy Spirit to the quickening and saving of the elder. His conviction of the evil of sin and of his own ill deserts was so deep and overwhelming as to compel him to deprecate unceasingly his self-righteousness and to abandon forever his former hope, and at times to discontinue his secular pursuits. While digging clams in West Neck Creek he was so tortured with remorse, with a sense of approaching judgment and of his own eternal ruin, that he abandoned his work. Prostrate
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in his boat he cried with trembling and tears for mercy. God heard his pleas and filled his soul with the raptures of pardon as he drank of the cup of salvation. He thus describes his delightful ex- perience in that glorious hour:
'Oh what immortal joys I felt, and raptures all divine, When Jesus told me I was his and my beloved mine.'
"This change produced the ripened fruits of genuine piety for more than half of a century. During the first eight years after his conversion his religious privileges were exceedingly limited, for the ministrations of the sacred word occurred only occasionally on the island. His golden opportunities were like angels' visits to our earth, few and far between; still he held on to the even tenor of his Christian course. The organization of this church in 1808 deeply interested him. From that period he was favored with the means of grace, aided in their maintenance, enjoyed their luxuriant spiritual benefits and developed their golden fruits in a life of un- blemished piety and Christian activity. For many years he was as metal in the crucible, and subjected to the fiercest fire of affliction. Thirty years before his death he was crippled by the incision of an axe into his right ankle. During the last sixteen years of his pil- grimage his sufferings were intense, so that he was confined like a caged bird to his domicile. Still he aspired with almost impatient longings to visit the Lord's house. His heart would devoutly ex- claim, 'Oh, God, my soul thirsteth for Thee, to see Thy power and Thy glory in Thy earthly habitation so as I have seen Thee in Thy sanctuary in days of old.' But this priceless immunity was denied him until his remains-weighed down with the infirmities of four- score years-were brought here to be committed to 'the house appointed for all living.' He was eminently a man of Christian devotion. It seemed as if he made but one prayer in his life, which began at the time of his espousal to Jesus and ended as his spirit winged its way to nestle in His bosom. Christ was his only hope. His presence was his delight. It made his humble abode appear as the vestibule to his celestial mansion. His death was as peaceful as his life was happy. He fell asleep in Jesus on the eleventh of November, 1854. He was a Town officer for many years, serving in various capacities, mostly as Town Clerk, which position he dis- charged from 1828 to 1849, a period of twenty-one years.
The fourth person to be elevated to the office of elder was Mr. Abraham Sherril. He came to this place from Easthampton and
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was received by letter from the Presbyterian Church in that locality on the 27th day of March, 1814, just two years after the election of our first elders. The same day he was received he was chosen and ordained an elder over this church, something rather unusual, and implying high esteem and great appreciation on the part of the church for the new comer. Doubtless his fidelity and usefulness had preceded him. His former pastor, the Rev. Ebenezer Philips, had the great pleasure of ordaining his departed member as elder in this house of God. Mr. Sherril was a man of sterling qualities, for which he was usually styled by the people "a good old man." He con- tinued as elder in this church for seven years, to the edification of the church and the glory of his God, after which he returned to East- hampton, where he resided until called to serve in the upper and more glorious sanctuary where they worship unceasingly Him that sitteth on the Throne and the Lamb once slain.
Our fifth elder was Richard F. Nicoll, he being elected on June 30, 1816, and ordained at the same time. It was that memorable Sabbath when so many united with the church who were the fruits of that first and mighty revival of which we have had occasion to speak at length:
"When heaven came down their souls to greet
And glory crowned the mercy-seat."
Rev. Dr. Woolworth and the Rev. Stephen Tracey were in the pulpit, and the sacrament of the Lord was the joyous feast. Shortly after his ordination, as has already been stated, Mr. Nicoll began the study of theology, and in time was ordained to the gospel ministry. As a minister he served various churches. At one time he carried on a private school in the tenant house on the Horsford estate close by the creek. At the close of his public ministry he returned to this island, his native place, and there he continued to live until his death, in 1857. His earthly remains were deposited in the silent grave in the family plot a little north of this building. In 1809 he was mar- ried to Margaret S. Dering, daughter of Gen. Sylvester Dering. Their union was blessed with ten children.
The sixth elder was John C. Chester. He united with this church the same Sabbath that Mr. Nicoll was ordained to the eldership. As a church member he walked in the fear of the Lord to the great commendation of the church, who, beholding his good works, chose him to rule over them for four years after his union with them. namely, on the 6th of November, 1820, being ordained at the same
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time by the Rev. John D. Gardiner, of Sag Harbor. He greatly magnified his office. Though never abounding in wealth, it is said he was proverbial for his hospitality towards God's servants, his house being called the "clergyman's tavern." One of the first mis- sionaries to the Sandwich Islands, a Mr. Bingham, preached in this church on the Lord's day previous to the sailing of the ship which was to carry him to his far-off field of labor, and while here was en- tertained at Elder Loper's house. He sailed from Sag Harbor, according to our information, in the ship "Thomas," and reached the Sandwich Islands in a most providential time, when the natives, through the failure of their gods to respond to their cries for help and deliverance in a season of great drought and physical suffering, threw their idols into the sea, and having no gods, were eager to hear the glorious gospel of the only living and true God. Mar- vellous was the power of God upon them through the preached Word. Between the years 1845 and 1848 the son of Elder Chester, our brother in Christ, Charles T. Chester, visited those islands sev- eral times, remaining several weeks each visit. He attended their religious services and was impressed with the solemnity and rever- ence of the worshippers, no trifling being engaged in by any of the large congregations gathered to hear the precious inestimable news of Jesus and His dying love for sinners. And now those very islands are a part of our own national domain and those idolaters, transformed and in their right minds, our fellow citizens. One's thoughts, in view of such things, find fitting expression in the words of Cowper:
"God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps on the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs and works his sovereign will."
Elder Chester was a man rich in faith and full of good works. In him there was no guile. Always open in action, honest in speech, frank in dealing and true at heart, his life was an epistle clear and eligible, so as to be read by all men. And in return he was esteemed and loved by all who knew him, who manifested their faith in him by actions of trust and confidence. The love of Christ constrained him to all faithfulness. Though in old age and weary with daily toil, his place in the sanctuary was seldom vacant. Distance did not hinder him in his weekly attendance at the service of prayer and praise. God's house was his delight, and when the church was
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strained financially, he would step forward to do the humblest work. Literally, he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of our God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. As "Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her," so Mr. John C. Chester served the church forty- seven years in the eldership, and it seemed to him but a brief period for the love he had to Zion. When fifteen years of age he turned unto the Lord, and for sixty-three years he was a worthy member of this church. He died July 10th, 1863, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a native of Rhode Island, from whence he removed to this place in his boyhood. He married Miss Nancy Cartwright, and to them were born a number of children, several of whom still continue with us. A son and a grandson, since his departure, have been called to serve as elders in this church, so that since 1820 there has been, without interruption, a Chester in the eldership of this church.
The next brother chosen to be ruling elder was Jeremiah Case. He was born in the "city," on Shelter Island. While visiting the South on business in 1816, he obtained a hope in Christ. In a short time he returned home and united with this church. Some fifteen years after, on the 13th of November, 1831, he was appointed a ruling elder and ordained by the Rev. Jonathan Huntting. His contemporaries esteemed him as a devoted Christian, whose godly life everywhere exemplified the excellency of the gospel and com- mended it to the world "as a faithful saying and worthy of all ac- ceptation." Though invested with the authority of a ruler in the church, he did not "lord it over God's heritage," but magnified his office by the exhibition of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of "great price." He was "clothed with humility." Modesty was his daily habitude and meekness beautified, like a polished gem in a coronet, his whole life. But though free from a self-asserting, vaunting, demonstrative nature, he was not a weak, negative character, nor easily turned from the line of Christian duty. Though conciliating, he was neither vacillating nor pusillanimous in the maintenance of his own opinions. Though ready to yield to the better reason, he was firmly wedded to his own convictions, when justified by such reason. While gentle as a lamb and amiable as the exile of Patmos, he was still an earnest, laborious, self-sacrificing Christian, and a prudent, efficient officer in the church of God. When well stricken in years and weighed down with infirmities, he
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moved to Greenport to reside with his daughter. There he remained until released from the ills of mortal life. The Master called him. Happy death! He went home to the banquet of love and the rest prepared for the people of God. He lived long, for he lived well, and his deathbed was a field of conquest, for on such a battleground death itself dies.
On the 3d of December, 1843, the church made choice of its eighth and ninth elders in the persons of Caleb S. Loper and Horace B. Manwaring. They were "at the same time solemnly ordained, ac- cording to the Directory by the Rev. Jonathan Huntting." These two brethren were true yoke-fellows in the work of the Lord's house, continuing in this happy relation until death called the former, in 1860, to his heavenly home. Elder Loper was a native of Noyac, in the Town of Southampton, where he was born December 2d, 1802. At the age of eleven years his parents moved to this island. He experienced the joys of sins forgiven in the great revival under the Rev. Jonathan Huntting in 1831. Two years after he removed to Greenport to engage in business, and when the Presbyterian Church was organized in that place, Feb. 7th, 1833, transferred his member- ship to it, being one of its original members. Here he remained but two years, when his business being destroyed by fire, he again moved to this island, at the same time transferring his membership to this his mother church. And here he continued to live until his death, on the 3d of October, 1860, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. Altogether he was a member of this church for twenty-seven years, and an elder for seventeen years. He possessed a strong, active mind, great decision of purpose, a large capacity for business, and an almost intuitive perception of character. He had only to look at another to reach a just conclusion respecting his moral worth. When he took a position in regard to any subject, however unpop- ular it might be, he was ready to avow and vindicate it. When the temperance enterprise was in its infancy, despised and sneered at, and not a few were predicting that it would die in its cradle, and that its swaddling clothes would be its winding-sheet, he rallied under its banner, and was the first on the island, hiring farm labor, who pledged not to furnish spirituous liquors to his workmen. This was a hazardous step, as but few persons would work on such terms, yet the adhered to the right regardless of consequences. He was too ingenuous and transparent to be ever guilty of duplicity, low cun- ning or double dealing. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace
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with wisdom, impartiality and equity, and was as just to an enemy as to a friend. Society very generally respected him for his ability, integrity, piety and usefulness. He was emphatically "a devout man, and one who feared God." This church ought ever to hold his name in grateful remembrance, for he toiled, watched, wept, prayed and sacrificed no little to promote its welfare. He "ruled well" in God's house, and is therefore "worthy of double honor." His death was an unmeasured loss to this Society, but to him it was like the freeing of a bird from its cage. His spirit, released from its prison house, hasted away to revel in the bliss of endless life, where "the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." He passed from mortal sight "As sets the sun at eve, to rise in splendor where
His kindred luminaries shine, their heaven of bliss to share; Beyond the battlefield, he reigns and triumphs now,
Sweeping a harp of wondrous song with glory on his brow."
Caleb S. Loper was a Town officer almost continuously from 1824 to the day of his death, in 1860, serving in various positions, from the lowest to the highest, being chosen five times as Supervisor. He was also for a number of years a Trustee of this church. In 1826 he was married to Hepsibah P. Douglass, daughter of Elder Jona- than Douglass, by whom he had four children, one of whom was chosen as an Elder and in time became as distinguished for piety and usefulness as his father, in this church and community.
The ninth elder, Horace B. Manwaring, was born in East Lyme, Conn., March 6th, 1805. When nineteen years old he made a public profession of faith in Christ and united with the Baptist Church in his native place. Nine years later, namely, about 1834, he removed to this island. Here he stayed until about 1838, when he moved to Gull Island, there to become the lighthouse keeper. This position he discharged for four years, at the expiration of which he once more took up his residence on this island, and continued here until his death. In 1842 he united with this church upon profession of faith in Christ. His views concerning baptism hindered him not in fellowshiping with those who differed with him regarding that ordi- nance. He loved the fellowship of those who honored God and enjoyed the communion of the Lord's Table with them. In less than a year after his uniting with this church he was chosen elder, and in this office served the church with zeal and wisdom for twenty- three years, or until his death, on the 19th of February, 1866, in the sixtieth year of his age. He was noted for his good sense and extraordinary prudence.
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As a neighbor he was peaceful and accommodating. His friend- ship was warm and abiding, his integrity universally recognized, and his sincere piety undoubted. He was not subject to changes in his devout habits, but was "always engaged in religion." Judgment and prudence distinguished his administration, while his power in prayer and remarkable gift in exhortation made him unusually rich and edifying in his devotional exercises. His life was a testimony and his death a demonstration of the excellency of our holy religion. He approached life's closing hour calmly,
"Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him And lies down to pleasant dreams."
So serenely he closed his eyes on this fading, fleeting world to feast his clarified vision on the ever-enduring glories of heaven.
Mr. Manwaring was the son of Adam Manwaring and Tem- perance Dennison. He was twice married, his second wife being Nancy A. Havens, daughter of Elder Lodowick Havens. He pos- sessed a wonderful gift of language, which he exercised to the great delight and profit of those who heard him testify of the goodness of God and supplicate the throne of grace. For many years he served the Town as one of its officers in various capacities, among them as Town Clerk from 1854 to 1857. Upon his death, in 1866, the whole community was overshadowed by sorrow in losing such a noble soul in the very midst of his powers, he being but sixty years old.
The tenth person chosen as elder was Charles T. Chester, elected the 25th of January, 1856, and ordained by the Rev. Daniel M. Lord. Mr. Chester was the son of Elder John C. Chester, and was born on Shelter Island. He united with the church July 1, 1849. In 1892 he was, at his own request, dismissed to the brethren. Being still a resident of this island we forbear speaking of his services and useful- ness to the church at this time. He is the honored father of one of our present efficient elders and of the Rev. Nelson B. Chester al- ready referred to.
The eleventh elder was Marcellus D. Loper, chosen and ordained at the same time with Elder Charles T. Chester. Mr. Loper was the son of Caleb S. Loper and grandson of Jonathan Douglass, both of whom had served so conspicuously in the eldership before him. He was born May I, 1827, and united with the church January 16th, 1848. He continued his membership until his death, December IIth, 1895. As elder he served for nearly forty years. During all these years he was noted for his great love and zeal for Zion. He constantly had upon his heart the welfare of the church, and was a
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most devout Christian. There was not a position of trust and honor in the gift of this church to which he was not called. Of him it can be said that he fulfilled the exhortation of Christ to "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Being of such a pronounced Christian character the community gladly chose him, like the church, to almost every position of trust within its power, from the lowest to the highest. At the time of his death he was the Clerk of the Town, and in the church an Elder, Clerk of the Session, Trustee and Li- brarian of the Sabbath School. One can readily see from these how useful a citizen and member of the church he was. Well does the author of these papers remember the two visits he made upon Mr. Loper while supplying the pulpit of this church in the month of No- vember, 1895. Mr. Loper was at the time seriously ill with the illness that resulted in his death. In these brief visits he impressed me as sweetly resigned to God's will; firm in his faith, having the triumph over death that comes by faith in the Son of God. The second visit was on the Monday after the Sunday on which the church extended the call to the author to become their pastor. Not being present at that meeting, he assured me personally of his hearty acquiescence in it, at the same time expressing the hope of its ac- ceptance. The day after my arrival at home I received a letter from him, written after my leaving him, in which he again urged upon me the acceptance of the call, and explaining that the reason why he wrote was that he felt he had not been urgent enough at the time of my visit. These things are stated here simply to show the good, earnest character of the man who, though dangerously ill and near his death, lest he should not have been urgent enough pens his mes- sage to make sure of it. That letter is sweetly treasured, for the hand that penned it was soon struck with death, and the first service devolving upon the pastor elect the day after his arrival to take up his residence and work upon this island was the funeral service of this faithful soul. And in his going another soul was fixed in its eternal state among the multitude that have gone up to glory and the Father's house from this community and church. How large a company has already gathered on that Shining Shore. As a testi- monial to his worth the following is a part of what was entered upon the sessional records:
"Whereas, Our Heavenly Father has taken from among us in the person of Marcellus D. Loper one whom we had learned to love and respect, whose counsel we sought and whose commendation we
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*
PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING
OLD DUTCH GRIST MILL
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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prized, the session feels called upon at this time to recognize the faithfulness with which he served the church and to pay a tribute to his memory. Therefore be it
"Resolved, That in the removal of our Senior Elder, M. D. Loper, from the scenes of his earthly activity our church has lost a most faithful servant, the cause of Christ a valiant champion and the com- munity at large a valuable citizen.
"For forty years he has stood in the front ranks of our church workers, his whole life bound up in the welfare of the church militant, a firm defender of 'the faith once delivered to the saints.' Through this devotion to the cause of Christ we feel it can be said of him as of one of old, 'He being dead yet speaketh.'"
In 1858 Elder Loper was married to Mary S. Horton, who sur- vives him. They were blessed with three sons, all of whom grew to manhood and are still living.
Archibald R. Havens was the twelfth person selected as Elder, being chosen April 23, 1865, and ordained by the Rev. Mr. Harries on the following IIth of June. Mr. Havens was born on this island Oct. 9th, 1816, to Obadiah and Nancy (Robinson) Havens. On May 20th, 1849, he united with the church, and continued as a member until his death, Nov. 20th, 1894, a period of forty-five years. Con- cerning him it is the universal testimony of those who knew him that you cannot say too much about his noble Christian character. He was a model among men, always looked up to and highly esteemed, implicitly trusted, a saint on earth. One who ever had a word for Jesus. Carrying on a country store, he would follow his customers to the door to drop a word concerning the Savior and His dying love for men. He was indeed a remarkable man. Faithful in at- tendance upon the state means of grace of the sanctuary and ever ready to testify for Jesus. He cherished the words and oft repeated them that "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord and that thought on His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels, and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." He was constantly encouraging others into the Kingdom, and was instrumental in cheering at least one soul on to the Savior who is now an honored Elder of this church. How many such jewels are set in his im- mortal crown we cannot at present tell, but shall know some day,
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