USA > New York > Suffolk County > Shelter Island > Historical papers on Shelter Island and its Presbyterian church, with genealogical tables > Part 15
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"When the mists have rolled in splendor from the beauty of the hills, And the sunlight falls in gladness on the river and the rills,
And we come with joy and gladness up to the great white throne, Face to face with those that love us, then we'll know as we are known."
Though full of cares at times yet never a word of discouragement did he utter. He dwelt upon the innumerable promises of the Most High. They were to him as a sweet morsel rolled under the tongue. Like one of old, he esteemed the Word of God more than his neces- sary food. And as he lay upon his bed in his last illness in a state of coma those that sat beside him heard him repeating those everlasting and abiding promises upon which his soul was fixed. They were his comfort in the death valley. His parting words, repeated a number of times, were "I'm going home, I'm going home," and his spirit left its earthly tabernacle to occupy the "building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Mr. Havens was postmaster of Shelter Island for nearly fifty years, one of the longest terms of office on record in the Postal De- partment of these United States. In 1839 he married Miss Caroline A. Hughes, by whom he had six children.
Our thirteenth elder, chosen and ordained with Elder Havens in 1865, was Horace G. Manwaring, the son of Elder Horace B. and Nancy (Havens) Manwaring, born on Nov. 21, 1838, and died Sept. 18, 1883. He continued as an elder of this church about three years, when he moved to Westfield, Mass. During his short term as Elder of this church he served with great credit, being a young man of good parts and ability. It was therefore with sorrow and reluctance that the church parted with this young servant when Providence removed him to another place. He died at the early age of forty-five years.
On Dec. 7, 1872, the church elected its fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth elders in the persons of Benjamin C. Cartwright, Timothy P. Congdon and Smith Baldwin. These three were ordained on Jan. 12, 1873, by the Rev. Mr. Harries, who devoted the entire service that Sabbath morning to the consideration of the office of elder and its duties. The first of the three above mentioned brethren was the last to leave this earth, the order of their departure being just the reverse of their selection. Benjamin C. Cartwright, our four- teenth elder, was a native of Shelter Island, born May 13th, 1815, of George and Lucretia (Conkling) Cartwright. He passed triumph- antly away on Dec. 11th, 1896, in his eighty-second year. For more than fifty years he was a conspicuous member of this church. All
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who knew him honored him. In early life he followed the sea, mak- ing a number of voyages in a whaler. In this profession he early at- tained a position of responsibility, becoming commander of the ship. Here his life was conspicuous for at least one thing, namely, he never resorted to the use of oaths or profane language of any kind, so general a custom among seamen. His mouth was clean; no corrupt communication proceeded from between his lips. After re- tiring from the pursuit of the whale he established himself in business of various kinds in turn on this island. Soon his services were called upon in town affairs and he was chosen to public office.
And nearly to the time of his death did he continue in office, serving the town in almost every capacity, among them as Super- visor, for thirteen years. He was a man who stood firm for his principles, never compromising with evil but always true to his God. He could no more be turned by bribery or intimidation from what he esteemed to be right than you could turn the sun from out its course. He illustrated in all its truth the saying, now a maxim, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." Would that all the men of our community were of his noble, faithful spirit! Never did his pastor want for an attentive, inspiring listener so long as he remained with the church militant. One had but to turn his eye in his direction when it would be cheered by his encouraging countenance. And the warm grasp of the hand at the close of the service was a silent "God bless you, my pastor," that cannot easily be forgotten. That hand was constantly extended in doing good. He was the poor man's friend. His generous soul led him to sacrifice himself for the welfare of others. "He went about doing good," and when he came to leave this earth God took care that this devoted servant should have one of the sweetest departures ever granted to mortal man. It was the nearest approach to Enoch's translation that has ever come under our notice. "He walked with God, and was not for God took him." Conscious almost to the very last moment, speaking with the loved ones around his dying bed, telling his children of the happy meeting with mother who had gone on some eight years before, and in all confidence of his being brought into the desired haven, his final words were "Safe into port." Then he closed his eyes in that sleep which knows no waking here but which is the sweetest of all sleeps, a repose upon the breast of Jesus, and devout men carried him to his burial as they carried Stephen, and made great lamenta- tions over him because "a prince and a great man had fallen in Israel."
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As a tribute to his memory the following resolutions were spread upon the sessional minutes:
"Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to take from among us, in the person of Elder Benjamin C. Cartwright, a brother in the Lord, whose fidelity through an unusually long term of service entitled him to be considered by his fellow men as holding a first place among those who love our Lord and strove to do His will. Therefore be it
"Resolved, That by the removal of Elder Cartwright from the scenes of his earthly labors the Presbyterian Church of Shelter Island loses an honorable member, a faithful servant and an efficient officer, one deeply interested in all that concerned the church, both in spiritual and temporal lines, well fitted for service in the former by his simple faith, his hopeful courage and his charitable judgment of others; and for the latter by his natural ability, the experience gained in a long business career and the open-handed liberality with which he responded to all appeals made for the needs of the church.
"Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the bereaved family of our departed brother with the assurance that we share their sor- row in the loss of a beloved father and a faithful and wise counsellor, consoled, however, by the knowledge that while we miss his familiar form from among us his life remains among us and that we can apply to him that most glorious testimony received from heaven, '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.' "
Brother Cartwright was married in 1838 to Hannah Maria Tuthill, and unto them were born ten children. Two of his sons were in time chosen by the church as elders. He was most happy in his domestic relations, surrounded as he was by a large family of chil- dren, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all devotedly attached to this dear old servant of God, this grand old man.
"Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ; Praise be thy new employ; And while eternal ages run, Rest in thy Saviour's joy!"
The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy!
Soldier of Christ, well done!
Mr. Timothy P. Congdon was the fifteenth elder chosen by this church. Early in life he surrendered himself into the hands of the Savior with the purpose to be his as long as life should last, and this vow he kept religiously until his death Jan. 6th, 1888. At the age
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of seventeen he united with this church. He was a member of the church for nearly fifty-five years and an elder for fifteen years. At one time in life he had the ministry in view, and to that end en- tered Amherst College. He was, however, providentially turned from this purpose, and passed his life on this island cultivating the farm inherited from his father. He was a man who possessed natural gifts of unusual power, among them a fine voice, which he knew how to use with great effect in oratory. Being of an emotional temperament, there were times when his soul would mount, as it were, into the third heaven, and the strain would become so great that he would have to desist from attending services in sea- sons of revival, so strongly did they appeal to him. Having a large home, he freely opened and offered it for prayer meetings and other religious services. He was constant in his attendance upon the sanctuary, and ready with his services when called upon. His testimonies and his prayers were listened to and united in with de- light and profit. He taught the Word of God to the young and served as superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was a man well versed in scripture and could use it with great effectiveness.
Mr. Congdon was born at South Kingston, R. I., on May 20, 1815, of Joseph and Elizabeth (Peckham) Congdon. At the age of eleven years he removed with his parents to this island. Here he married Miss Amanda A. Bennet, daughter of Lewis L. and Asenath (Wright) Bennet, a very earnest Christian woman, on the 29th of October, 1843. To them were born seven children, several of whom are our most worthy members at the present time.
The sixteenth elder was Mr. Smith Baldwin. He united with the church in July, 1856, and died on June 23, 1884, at the age of sixty-eight years. In early life he sailed the seas, and in time became a sea captain in the whaling industry. In one of his voyages, while touching at the island of St. Helena, his wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter, who was named Ella Carroll Baldwin, after the daughter of the Governor of the island. Re- tiring from a seaman's life, he carried on for a number of years the milling business in the old Dutch mill. Upon his conversion in the great revival of 1856 he became a most devout follower of Christ. In speaking of him recently with one who knew him well it was said, "You can say everything that is good of this man and yet not say too much." He was a most conscientious man, and rather than come short in any duty would perform that duty twice. Kind, noble- hearted and generous to a fault. Often would he be found in his mill
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on his knees praying to God for himself, his loved ones, his neigh- bors; yea, everybody, mentioning one after another in prayer before the throne of grace. He was a man of humble and devout spirit, untiring in his services for the glory of his Risen Master. So deeply conscious of the awfulness of sin and the absolute need of a Savior, of man's lost condition outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, that at times he would wonder whether he had a standing in Christ. His was more the negative than the positive disposition. While his saintly wife was just the opposite, so that the two together formed a most perfect couple. One day a stranger was being conveyed across this island, and as he was riding along he said to his con- veyor: "Does Smith Baldwin still live on this island?" Being told that he did, he said: "I wish you would take me to where he lives if it isn't too much out of your way, and I will pay you extra for it, as I want to see that man because I have learned to respect and greatly esteem him. Early in life I sailed the seas with him, and it was while in the midst of an awful storm that I learned to regard him so highly. Things looked black aboard ship at that time. All hands felt fearful, but Smith Baldwin stood calm, self-possessed and confi- dent, and I could not help but admire him as he gave his orders to the men, all of which were readily obeyed, and if ever I learned to respect a man it was Smith Baldwin." It is needless to say that he was carried to his friend's house, and the exchange of greetings was so warm and hearty that the time seemed very short ere the evening was upon them. May the stranger and his honored captain renew their friendly greetings in the better land.
The following minute was entered upon the records the day of Brother Baldwin's death: "Our esteemed brother, Smith Baldwin, having been removed by death on the morning of this day, we enter the following minute, namely :
"With humble submission to the dispensation of God's holy providence, the session records the death of one of its members, Smith Baldwin, who departed this life on Monday, the 23d day of June, 1884, in the sixty-ninth year of his age."
Mr. Baldwin was born in 1816 at Babylon, Long Island. His parents were John and Phebe Smith Baldwin. On June 7, 1847, he married Miss Maria Cartwright, daughter of Anderson and Cynthia (Payne) Cartwright, a most devoted servant of Christ. To them were born several children, only one of whom, a son, Edgar P., lived to grow to manhood.
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What a remarkable body of men has God given unto this church as elders. How nobly have they served and what glory have they brought to this high office in the church of God. Besides these six- teen brethren the church has chosen the following also as elders, namely : Winfield S. Cartwright, Byron Griffing, J. Edward Chester, Arthur S. Cartwright, E. Havens Payne and Scudder Smith, mak- ing twenty-two in all. These are all still living and rendering most efficient service. Of these the first, Winfield S. Cartwright, having removed from the island, has ceased to exercise his office in this church. He is, however, still an active elder, serving as such in the Presbyterian Church of Islip, where he now resides. He was elected on June 5, 1881, and ordained by the Rev. Mr. Harries the following Sunday, June 12, 1881.
The three following Mr. Cartwright, namely, Mr. Byron Griffing, Mr. John Edward Chester and Mr. Arthur S. Cartwright, were elected elders on Nov. 8, 1891. At the same time the church adopted the rotary system of eldership in the place of the life eldership, which had prevailed up to this time, but now having adopted the rotary, or term system, these brethren were elected for three years, two years and one year respectively. Two weeks later they were sol- emnly ordained to their office by the Rev. B. F. Parliman, and they have continued in active service until the present time, being re- elected whenever their term has expired. On Nov. 2, 1896, the re- maining two brethren, E. Havens Payne and Scudder Smith, were chosen as the successors of Archibald R. Havens and Marcellus D. Loper, deceased. One month later they were ordained by the present pastor. Propriety seems to forbid any extended remarks concerning these brethren at this time. But the writer wishes at least to state that as a body of advisers and helpers they have been most faithful, considerate and brotherly. In all his relations with them he has re- ceived nothing but kindness and encouragement. The spirit of unity and of love has been the spirit of them all, making the relations of the pastor with them nothing but of the pleasantest kind. They have my highest regards. I esteem them for their work's sake and am ready to declare that thus far they have been loyal and earnest co-laborers with me in the solemn responsibility of the oversight of this flock of God, forming a body of elders of which the church may be justly proud. May God spare them for many years unto this church, and may they by His grace more and more magnify their office, as we feel this to be their heart's desire. And when their course is run
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may the portals of heaven swing open wide for the incoming, and may the King greet them with the words of highest praise, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord."
"How beautifulit is for man to die upon the walls of Zion! to be called, Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel, to put his armor off and rest -in heaven."
And here a tribute is due to the men who have had the care of the material things of this church; in other words, to the Board of Trustees, organized in 1785, and in continuous existence until the present time, a period of more than a hundred and thirteen years. The various members of this body who have served in all these years are tabulated elsewhere. The existence of this board antedates the organization of the church by twenty-three years. The congrega- tion for which they acted at first, however, properly dates its ex- istence from the building of the first meeting house in 1743, a hun- dred and fifty-five years ago. We have spoken of a number of these men to their deserved praise. And in that praise the present members of the board can justly be included for their wise, judi- cious and faithful service in looking after the material things of this religious corporation. The present excellent condition of the church's property, the freedom from debt and the safe investment of funds now in their hands proclaim their efficiency most effectively.
There are still others who have been of great service to this Society whose names have not yet been mentioned. As we have already said, some names must be omitted. We cannot enumerate all those who have been conspicuous in this church for holy living, extended usefulness and Godlike character.
One of them, however, must be here enshrined, because he has left behind him a name that is like precious ointment poured forth. I refer to Martin L. Prince, one of nature's noblemen, a whole-souled follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. A man whose consecration was a living sacrifice acceptable unto God. Who literally gave himself for the good of this community, neither sparing effort or money to bring about the largest results in matters and movements that ele- vated and refined. He was the most useful man in the whole com- munity. A leading spirit in temperance reform and in the cultivation of music, raising them both to such a high stage of effectiveness and efficiency as to make Shelter Island famous abroad in both of these departments of laudable and praiseworthy effort. How sweetly is his
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name cherished by the older portion of this community. In his day a notable trio lived on this island in the persons of the Rev. Daniel M. Lord, Archibald R. Havens and himself, Martin L. Prince. These were so conspicuous, each in his department, that it led one eminent man to remark that the Shelter Island community ought to be a very happy people with a "Lord" for a pastor, a "Prince" living among them and a "Haven" on dry land.
All hail to the name of Martin L. Prince! And as regards the women of this church, as much could be said to their praise as has been recited of the other sex in these papers. Some have already been alluded to. Along with those already mentioned we enroll the names of Mrs. Thomas Dering, Mrs. Mary Parker, Mrs. Esther Case, three spiritually minded women who used to unite their pray- ers under the shadow of a haystack before ever a church was or- ganized on this island. Other women since then have carried the light of God aloft, as Mrs. Lucretia Cartwright, a remarkably de- voted woman; Mrs. Smith Baldwin, as remarkable an example of filial affection and untiring service to both high and low, rich and poor, knowing no creed or caste in her self-denying labors. Among the younger women there shines out the name of Mrs. Esther (Tut- hill) Loper with those already mentioned.
But we must forbear, though many appeals come to us from Sunday-school and Young People's societies, from temperance or- ganizations and missionary bodies, pleading for a place and a re- hearsal. Concerning each one of which a noble record could be given. Perhaps another hand will pen their immortal deeds. As the conclusion to this historical review, I am more than pleased to be able to give the following poem written by Elder Byron Griffing for the rededicatory services in 1897, and entitled "Hallowed Echoes," since it so beautifully refers to these varied persons and departments of work connected in the past with this honored church of God.
I.
As stronger hands have from the past The curtain drawn aside,
And on their efforts borne us back O'er time's unchanging tide,
'Twould seem that angel fingers swept Harps long in silence lain,
And woke from out the vanished years Their sleeping chords again.
2. For as o'er altar, aisle and pew This sunset glory lays,
Streaming across the wrecks of time From light of "former days," We catch these harmonies long hushed That once this temple filled, And throbbing hearts again respond To hearts forever stilled.
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3.
How vast yet varied are the tones These hallowed echoes bring, What gracious messages they bear, What countless changes ring! They plead from o'er the sacred desk, From off this altar call, And from yon lonely gallery In tuneful cadence fall. 5.
They break from hillsides rough and steep Where sturdy pilgrims trod,
Who came with grateful heart and voice To give this house to God.
Not "that which cost them naught " was then Upon God's altar laid, But that for which they long had sought And labored for and prayed.
7.
They tell of burdens bravely borne, Of tears in secret wept,
Of pleadings none but God and heaven Hath in remembrance kept. They tell of hallowed moments spent Around some mercy seat,
Where with the Master kindred souls Have held communion sweet.
9.
They tell of one whose life and work Were love and tenderness,
Whose tireless feet were swift to seek, Whose hands as swift to bless. Who knew no station, age nor sex, No color, race nor creed; Her ministries, like those divine, Encircled all in need.
II.
For what were all these conflicts waged, These holy triumphs won, These trials patiently endured, These deeds of kindness done ? Methinks an hallowed echo doth Yon chapel's silence break, And in a pastor's thrilling tones Answers, "For Jesus' sake."
4.
They rise from'midst those lonely woods And stacks of new-mown hay, Where saintly women years ago Gathered to praise and pray. They peal from out the tempest blast That forest monarchs felled,
Whose hearts of oak for fourscore years This temple hath upheld.
6. They steal from hidden, thorny paths That weary feet have pressed, Where patient souls with steadfast faith Waited the promised rest. They bear the sweet, submissive song Of spirits sorely tried,
Who 'mid life's darkest hours could sing There's " light at eventide." 8.
They sound from yonder library's walls, Ring with past Christmas cheer, And o'er Mount Auburn fondly breathe A sweet memorial here. They drop from those mosaic panes Whispering the name they bear, And fall on grateful hearts to stamp Its deeper impress there.
IO. They tell us how with faltering steps An aged saint had come, Content that at God's holy feast His soul should find a crumb. Nor thought that from his morsel shared With those in greater need A fragment, though long years should fall, Our hungry souls to feed.
12.
O! temple of the living God, In thy new beauty dressed, May he who hath enriched thy past Be still thy constant guest; And when the present's sunset glow Is o'er the future cast, Still may as hallowed echoes fall As ring from out thy past!
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A LIST OF THE TOWN OFFICERS
From the Founding of the Town, in 1730, down to the year 1815.
1730 .- William Nicoll, Supervisor ; John Havens and Samuel Hudson, Assessors; Edward Havens, Collector; Edward Gilman, Constable.
1731 .- William Nicoll, Supervisor; Joel Bow- ditch and William Nicoll, Assessors; Abraham Parker, Collector and Constable.
1732 .- Brinley Sylvester, Supervisor; Brinley Sylvester and Jonathan Havens, Assessors; Syl- vester L'Hominedieu, Collector and Constable.
1733 .- Brinley Sylvester, Supervisor and Clerk; Jonathan Havens and Henry Havens, Assessors; Samuel Hopkins, Collector and Constable.
1734 .- Brinley Sylvester, Clerk; William Nicoll, Supervisor; John Havens and Samuel Hudson, Assessors; Henry Havens, Collector and Constable.
1735 .- William Nicoll, Supervisor; Joel Bow- ditch and George Havens, Assessors; Samuel Vail, Constable and Collector; Brinley Sylvester and John Havens, Overseers of the Poor.
1736 .- William Nicoll, Supervisor; Jonathan Havens, Jr., and Abraham Parker, Assessors; Joel Bowditch, Jr., Constable and Collector; Joel Bowditch and Samuel Hudson, Overseers of the Poor, Brinley Sylvester, Clerk.
1737 .- William Nicoll, Supervisor; Joel Bow- ditch and Jonathan Havens, Jr., Assessors; Brinley Sylvester, Clerk; Joseph Havens, Con- stable and Collector; Samuel Hudson and John Havens, Overseers of the Poor.
1738 .- Brinley Sylvester, Clerk; William Nicoll, Supervisor. Brinley Sylvester and Jon- athan Havens, Assessors; Abraham Parker and George Havens, Overseers of the Poor: John Bowditch, Constable and Collector.
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