USA > New York > Washington County > Hartford > History of Hartford, Washington County, State of New York, 1896 > Part 4
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The founders of the society. it would seem, attached but
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Don't Purchase a Custom Made Suit until you have examined our Stock.
WE ARE THE Largest Dealers in this Vicinity. :
Our Prices Always Right.
D. MCLAUGHLIN,
MERCHANT TAILOR,
129 GLEN ST., GLENS FALLS, N. Y.
little importance to the keeping of a full record of the affairs pertaining to their organization. The briefest minutes of an- unal meetings furnish the material for this history. These show an unbroken line from the time of the founding of the society until the year 1850. This seems to have been fol- lowed by a dormant period, until 1854. During the years from 1843 to 1858, a pastorate of about two years by Rev. Mr. Foster, is all of which we can obtain any date. The pulpit was, however, occasionally supplied during the last few years of this time by Rev. Samuel C. Loveland, a resi- dent clergyman, familiarly known as "Father Loveland," who died at his home in this village, April 8, 1858, in his 71st year. His body was placed in the little cemetery south of the church. Father Loveland was a man of remarkable scholastic ability and research, being able to read, write and speak several languages. He was the owner of one of the largest and best private libraries in the State. Added to his scholarship, and as a foundation for it, we believe, was a fine character and moral worth which at once imparted its value to the church which he had served, and made him uni- versally loved and respected.
A Rev. Mr. Adams next served the church as pastor. for about three months. From this time on only an occasional annual meeting is noted and a long dormant period fol- lowed. The members of the society scattered and the church building went into disuse. Life seemed extinet when sud-
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Rev. Lucien m. element.
denly in 1887 the society revived, and on Nov. 10 of that year held a meeting at which Marvin C. Townsend was elected clerk, and Edward Townsend, G. W. L. Smith and Levi Hatch were elected trustees. This meeting was for the purpose of holding the property which was then in danger. At this time Rev. Mr. Rodgers preached a sermon to the peo- ple and the church not being in condition for the accommo- dation of worshippers, through the generosity of friends the service was held in the Congregational church. It was not until Angust 22, 1891, that the next meeting was held under the same officers. This meeting was the result. of a visit from Rev. J. D. Corby, then of Troy, who with the true missionary spirit sought out this parish and gave himself to renewing its life. An interest was at once awakened and money voted and raised for repairing and remodeling the church to the amount of about $1,000. Under the careful and wise supervision of Mr. W. H. Powell, the work was done in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Thechurch. which had for some time been used as a sort of storehouse or wagon repository was metamorphosed into a tasteful place of worship. Rev. Corby continued to visit the parish at such times as were convenient until 1893. on the 3d day of January, a church organization was effected. Previous to. this there had been but the simple organization of a society. This re-organization as a church seemed to be offensive to some and the "church" consisted of but fourteen members.
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~~ ~ WHEN OUR HISTORY & AA
Is written it will read something like this:
AN ENTIRE BLOCK DEVOTED TO MERCHANDISING.
FOUR FLOORS FILLED WITH SEASONABLE GOODS.
THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN NORTHERN NEW YORK.
EVERYTHING SOLD AT SATISFACTORY PRICES.
UNUSUAL ADVANTAGES AFFORDED ECONOMICAL BUYERS.
A GROWING PATRONAGE THAT WE CONSIDER OUR BEST ADVERTISEMENT.
A LARGE SIGN OVER OUR DOOR.
THE BOSTON STORE CO.,
139 and 141 Glen. St.,
GLENS FALLS,
NEW YORK.
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However, this re-organization was meant in wisdom and as such will no doubt be seen by all at some time.
In the following May, Lyman Ward was called to the pastorate; this parish uniting with Wells, Vt .; Smiths Basin, and West Fort Ann, thus forming a circuit. Rev. Ward was a young man fresh from St. Lawrence University and brought to this old parish just awakening to life, plenty of enthusiasm. He entered upon his duties with a zest and am- bition which never flagged and for nearly two years did an exceptionally good work. Rev. Mr. Ward was ordained in this church, February 22, 1894. During his ministry the church membership grew from fourteen to twenty-nine. Everything seemed to prosper but in January, 1895. he gave up his pastorate to go to a church in the city of New York. Shortly after this the present pastor, Rev. L. M. Clement, received a call and commenced his ministry July 1. 1895.
During all its living history the society and church have exerted an influence for good. The objects, as stated in Article II of the constitution of 1834, "The objeets of this society shall be the promotion of practical religion and mor- ality," have never been lost sight of. The usefulness of the society has, of course, been impaired by its mottled career. but during its entire existence it has enjoyed the fellowship and faithful work of some of the finest families of the section. It has always numbered among its members, old and ever
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1
Rev. Samuel D. Miller, D. B.
respected residents who have thought that their spiritual needs could best be ministered to in this fold of the Lord. At present it is very hopeful for a continuance of life, use- fulness and success.
Congregational Church.
The first movement toward a church organization at South Hartford was in 1789. We can imagine the hardy stock of pioneers who then settled the wild hills and valleys of Hartford, making an early effort to have religious services in their midst. Whatever the first organization was. there was no building known as a church until 1805. It is quite usual to see the birth of a church organization in some relig- ions meetings first held in a school house or a home; so we can reasonably suppose that the present church had its ori- gin in some sort of religious services previous to 1805. The acorn always exists before the oak. the preliminary church organization, before its building. Daring the early years. while there was no settled pastor at South Hartford, one of the pastors from West Granville was accustomed to come and preach to the people. It is also reported by tradi- tion that the church was first built in 1805. The evidence in favor of this is the figures 1805 engraved upon the corner-
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stone of the original building which now holds its place in the new building. The church was not recorded as incor- porated until February, 1811. The articles of incorpora- tion were first drawn in September, 1810. There is a second record of incorporation in 1844 and recorded in February. 1845. The object of this incorporation is unknown. Who the first pastor was is not known. In 1810 the pastor was Ralph Robinsou, who, after his labors, went to the then far west, western New York. It is recorded that during this time there were no fires in the church during service. The prayers were one hour long and the sermou from one to two hours long. The seats were made of rough plank. E 1813 there was no pastor. Later Rev. J. B. Kendall presided over the church one year and he was followed by Amos C. Little, of Middlebury college.
John B. Shaw was pastor from 1826 until 1829. He was honored by the church and made a life member of the Bible society by the Masonic fraternity. After him came Rev. L. G. Putnam, Rev. Mr. Barrows and Adonijah Web- ster, at intervals. Rev. Mr. Tuttle was pastor for a brief term immediately preceding 1841. Of Mr. Tuttle one of his hearers remarked : "He knew how to run a church ; the sane- tuary had but one stove when he came and he procured a second one. He could build his own fires or preach with equal ability. " Rev. J. B. Shaw again occupied the pulpit from 1841 to 1843.
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قاعدين
D. C. Mckenzie, M. D.,
..
....
.Physician and Surgeon ....
Hartford, N. Y.
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With the departure of Rev. Mr. Shaw came one of the darkest hours in the history of the church. The building was in good repair, but the church record tells of its being degraded into a shop, store room and dog kennel. The property, such as stands, chairs, cushions, stoves, two hun- dred feet of stove pipe, Bible and Hymn books were carried away. For twenty-three years the church had no religious service. Decay and death were each doing their work. A spiritual lethargy was hanging over the old church member- ship. They were in the sleep of non-concern. They still had a few patriarchs among them who could do nothing alone. Finally the great eloud of darkness moved away and left a clear sky, but the years had taken away a large number of the membership. In 1863, during the month of November. the historian leaves the following script: "A new genera- tion of men had arisen; with the aid of a few patriarchs and mothers in Israel the house was repaired." The sum of $2,391.41 was at this time expended on repairs.
In 1865 correspondence was begun with Rev. Dr. Lam- bert, Rev. Mr. Kellogg. Dr. Cheeon, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and Dr. Ebbs in view of obtaining a pastor. Rev. James Crawford, chaplain of the 93d New York Volunteers, became pastor in April, 1866. The Sunday school was re- organized and Mr. F. D. Barny elected superintendent.
In 1867 the church bell was procured and placed in posi- tion with due ceremony. Among the supporters of the
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--
:
JOHN W. KNAPP,
-DEALER IN- --
Confectionery and Fruit,
Tobacco and Cigars,
HARTFORD, N. Y.
HAIR CUTTING AND SHAVING NEATLY DONE.
BOOTS AND SHOES REPAIRED PROMPTLY. BOOTS TAPPED FOR 40c.
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church were men of financial ability compared with later times. In 1867 the subscription list had one man who gave $50; eight who contributed $40 each; one who gave $30; two others subscribed $25 each; two, $20 each and three. $15. Seventeen men thus paying all but $85 of the pastor's salary, leaving but a mere trifle to be raised by the church. The parsonage was also built during Mr. Crawford's stay. The entire structure was completed in a period of seventy- two days during the fall of 1868. Mr. Crawford was an acceptable pastor. He resigned his office after three years' service.
In April, 1869, Rev. A. B. Lambert, D. D., became pas- tor. He was known for his ability and piety, and faithfully ministered to the spiritual needs of the church until 1874, a period of five years.
Now there came another interval of darkness in which the church was closed for three years and four months. from April 1, 1874, until July, 1877. No canse ean be assigned for this strange proceeding unless it was the fact that a chill of worldliness came upon the former zoal of the brethren. In July, 1877, Rev. Mr. Curtis was called, who served the church until March, 1879. He was known for his firm adherence to principles which seemed right and just. In No- vember, 1879, Rev. F. W. Earnst was called. In June, 1880, he was ordained and remained until April, 1884.
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FOR 29 YEARS
CRITTENDEN & COWLES
Have been the recognized leaders in their line of
Books, Stationery and Interior Decorations,
IN GLENS FALLS, N. Y.
"THEIR WORD IS THEIR BOND."
OUR MOTTO -- Not How Cheap, But How Good, Can We Sell.
The Ladies' Aid Society ' was organized in 1881 and has ever since been a valuable support to the church.
Again comes a questionable period. The church doors were closed from April, 1884, until February, 1886, when Rev. William Gay was called and his pastorate continued until February, 1889. During his stay the church was painted and general repairs made. Three months intervened between his departure and the coming of the next pastor. During this time Deacon John Martin read sermons at the services, which were held regularly. In April. 1889. Rev. C. L. Wilson took the field and remained until June, 1891. From a field where a pastor's salary could scarcely be raised. under his magnetic influence, funds were brought forth in abundance to build a structure. His ordination took place May 15, 1890. After the remarkable revival of 1890, which doubled the membership of the church, serious thought began to be turned toward the erection of a new edifice in order to as- sure the future life of the church. This was increased by the advice of the council, called May 15, 1890, to ordain the pas- tor, Rev. Clinton W. Wilson. The committee met May 30 and selected a plan which is that of the present structure. After the plan had been adopted a subscription committee was appointed to solieit finds.
Sunday, Aug. 3, was the last day of service in the old Inirch. On the following Tuesday, Ang. 5, the work of tak- ing down the old strneture commenced under the direction
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of David McClarty. The old bell tower, which had been for so long a time a land mark, fell Saturday, Aug. 9, amid a eloud of dust from decayed timbers. Services were held in the Universalist church until the new building was ready for occupaney. The corner stone was laid September 18.
Among the articles deposited in the corner stone are Copies of The Congregationalist, The Golden Rule, the Church Manual, with a list of the officers and members of the church and several other articles.
The dedication of the church took place Tuesday, Jan. 27. The report of the treasurer, A. Q. MeDougall, showed that about $2,900 had been expended, leaving an indebted- ness of $431. The total amount raised during the day was $940, which fully met all needs in paying off the indebted- ness, and providing the necessary funds for the furnishings needed.
In 1891 Rev. Charles Wiseman of Oberlin seminary, be- came pastor and remained until Angust, 1893. In 1893 Rev. Robert Lansing came as a supply for nine months, who continned until May, 1894. Again the doors were closed for eleven months, and in May, 1895, Rev. Samuel D. Miller, D. B., became pastor.
The Christian Endeavor society is supporting two boys at Tung Cho, China, while they are taking a course of study preparatory to becoming future preachers in China. They are under the immediate direction of Rev. George D. Wilder,
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٠٢
Chas. Stone, president. W. 3. Townsend, Casbier.
.... The ....
People's Mational Bank,
Sandy hill, M. D.
who frequently writes to the society, reporting the progress of the kingdom there. The expense of supporting these boys is $10 each, per year.
The Christian Endeavor society has been the mainstay of the church. It has a membership, active, associate and honorary, of thirty-five. The society has been instrumental in interesting the young people, in quiekening the entire church life and edifying its own membership in the knowl- edge and admonition of God.
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Who can do everything in his line with neatnesc and despatch, and who will not charge you too much. That man lives in Hartford, and respectfully solicits your patronage. His name is
Edward Bushee.
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TI. C. C. U.
HE Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Hartford, was organized March 1, 1887, at the residence of Mrs. Lucy A. Wood, under the enthusiasm and direction of Mrs. Louisa Gurley, of Troy. A Constitution and By-laws were formulated. The Society began its existence with eighteen active and two honorary members. The event seemed a prophecy, for on the day of its birth the town held its au- nual election, and at this time changed a license to a no-li- cense vote. The change from fermented to unfermented wine, in our churches, through the faithful work of the county superintendent is complete. The iceturers employed were: Encia E. F. Kimball, Emily MeLaughlin, Emilie U. Burgess, C. S. A. Jump, Mary T. Burt, Rev. O. J. Squires. Mrs. L. E. Gurley, Mary J. Weaver, Mrs. Baxtor, Rev. W. E. Potter, William Maywell, Rev. Mr. Wilson, Miss Vandalia Varnum, Mr. Hall of Buffalo; Miss Varnum and Mr. Hall be- ing under the auspices of the W. C. T. U. and Good Templars. The present officers are: President, Miss Mary Liddle: first vice president, Miss Mary Wood ; secretary, Mrs. D. D. Cole: assistant secretary, Mrs. William Tohuan ; treasurer. Mrs. Lanra A. Sweet ; assistant, Mrs. E. C. Reynolds.
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S. B. WEER, Custom Milling, Sawing.
FLOUR
FEED
BRAN
MIDDLINGS
LUMBER TIMBER FOR HAYRACKS
AXLES
BOLSTERS
Seroll Sawing and Turning
EAST HARTFORD, N. Y.
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Masonry.
March 14, 1798, the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the State of New York was instituted at Albany. A dispensation was issued in 1807 forming a Mark Lodge of Royal Arch Masons at Hartford. and on Feb. 2, 1808, a warrant was granted to it by the name of "Hartford Mark Lodge No. 45." This lodge continued to work until Feb. 7. 1826, when its warrant was returned to the grand chapter. In 1865 a dispensation was issued, opening a chapter at Hartford and on Feb. 6, 1866, a charter was granted organizing it into "Hartford Chapter No. 192." There were no Free and Accepted Mason lodges in Washington county until after the Revolutionary war. except what were then called military lodges and had communications within the regiments stationed here. There were many of these and in almost every regiment sueli an organization existed. The officers, especially, were mem- · bers of then.
A warrant was granted Dee. 3. 1800, to the Hartford pioneers and named Herschel Lodge. No organization in town has so complete a history as this organization. The books first given to the secretary are still in the possession
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M. A. HALL & SON,
Grist and Saw Mills. : : Bees and Honey.
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HIRAM HALL.
South Hartford, N. Y.
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HARTFORD, N. Y.
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of the lodge. In the original by-laws written in 1801 we find "That a member nogleeting to attend a public lodge shall pay a fine of one shilling, " and "That every member of this lodge shall pay to the treasurer the annual sum of four shillings by quarterly payments, " also that each candidate must pay the sum of $10 at initiation and $2 at being made a master, and "All visitors shall pay one shilling for every visit except the first." "That for improving ourselves in the Royal Art a lecture or some section thereof shall be given every lodge evening." "That there shall be one fnud wherein all the moneys and fines of this lodge shall from time to time be deposited for charitable uses." Among its members we find the prominent men in the early history of Hartford. For some years the early patriots met at private houses. In 1820 they met at the residence of B. C. Brown and paid him fifty cents for the use of his house for each meeting. The history of the lodge was thus far peaceful and happy. Among the honored men of the lodge of 1820-29 was Rev. John B. Shaw, pastor of the Congregational church, who gave lectures for instruction to the brethren. Rev. George Witherill, pastor of the Baptist church, and Rev. J. B. Shaw of the Congregational church were, in 1826. made life members of the county Bible society, the fraternity paying their fees.
The lodge in these years was composed of the strong men of Revolutionary fame. They were also the leaders of
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B. S. INGALLS __
Groceries
Boots, Shoes,
Hats and Caps,
Dry Goods,
Horse Blankets,
Farm Implements.
Your Patronage is Respectfully Solicited.
EAST HARTFORD.
1
churches and religious institutions. The roll is noticeably marked with the most earnest pastors of all the churches, and the names of the most prominent deacons, who are still quoted as the strongest pillars of the early church. The pio- neer physicians and attorneys, with the leaders in local poli- ties, also were members of the lodge. It was an affiliation of the best material of Hartford.
Few organizations of men can expect to have so noble a history as the early history of Herschel Lodge presents. The discipline of members was severe and from time to time members behaving themselves unbecomingly were expelled : among those expelled for un-Masonie conduct was Rev. George Witherell in December. 1829, who made a publie ad- dress against the lodge in 1830. Mrs. Witherill, it is said, knew of her husband's intentions in regard to denouncing Masonry, and she opposed this. The reverend gentleman had already domed his pastoral habiliments and had placed the manuscript of the evening sermon in his coat tail pocket. His wife, seeing that heroic measures must be taken, like David, grasped his long coat with one hand and the scissors in the other; she eut the garment in twain and threw the coat tail containing the anti-Masonic manuscript into the flames. The reverend was defeated, but he rallied, and on a following Sunday evening he succeeded in escaping from his domicile with a new manuscript in which he de- nounced Masonry publicly. Some time later his wife and
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son placed a dagger in his headboard while he slept. as a joke. The joke became historically known as the headboard murder, as the report was at once sent out that some one. presumably a Mason, had attempted the murder of Rev. Mr. Witherill.
In 1830 the most peculiar event in Masonie history arose. The lodge which had stood 5830 years as the lover of justice and uprightness, the protector of all the sacred history of Israel, and the ardent supporter of the Holy Bible and its precepts, was now accused of being guilty of having some share or responsibility in silencing, in some unknown mamier, a man by the name of Morgan. The belief that every Mason in the country had something to do with this case or had some knowledge of it became prevalent. The anti-Masonic feeling ran high and many lodges ceased hold- ing regular communications to avoid any outbreak of de- luded prejudice. The honorable men of Herschel lodge knowing of the feeling aroused against them ceased from their regular communications until 1860, when a new char- · ter was obtained under name and number of Herschel, 508. By-laws were adopted and the members of the original Hers- chel lodge, No. 69, were transferred to the new organiza- tion. The members transferred were: W. E. Congdon, Sil- vanus Hatch, Alonzo Wood.
A period now came of extreme trial and sorrow. The army had among its officers and lending spirits members of
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F
SOUTH HARTFORD
Grist and Saw Mills !
FLOUR FEED CORNMEAL WHEAT BUCKWHEAT FLOUR RYE MIDDLINGS OATS BRAN CORN CONDITION POWDERS POULTRY FOOD ETCETERA
BOTH WATER AND STEAM POWER.
Prompt Attention given to all milling and sawing.
HENRY W. WILES
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Herschel lodge and other lodges adjoining. Among those buried by Herschel lodge were John M. Hughes, a member of Granville lodge and volunteer soldier; and Norman F. Weer. who was captain of Company E., 123d regt., N. Y. Vol. In- fantry, a member of Herschel lodge; also a number of others.
The town built a school house of ample dimensions : the fraternity built the upper story and thereby became the owners of their own lodge room at a total expense of $1,788.62, and the lodge room was dedicated on June 14. 1875. It was a happy event in the life of the lodge, which ha's since that date been free from debt and in a prosperous con- dition. An event almost unprecedented in recent years, was the initiation of three pastors of three denominations, one attorney and one artisan at one time-June 18. 1596.
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