History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 157

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 157

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The Rev. Joel T. Benedict preached a short time, and was succeeded by Rev. Noah Crane, who was pastor until 1811. In November of this year Rev. William Rafferty was called to occupy the pulpit. Mr. Rafferty was pastor until 1815, when he resigned, having been elected president of St. John's College, Annapolis, Md. In 1830, being on a visit to Bloom- ing-Grove, be suddenly died, and was buried near the church, in the family cemetery now the property of Mr. B. C. Sears.

The Rev. Luther Halsey, Jr., was called to the pastorate of the church in 1815, and remained until 1824. During his ministry there occurred in the parish great revivals of religion. As the fruits of one of these spiritual awakenings, more than a hundred members were added to the church. Dr. Halsey left Blooming-Grove to accept a professorship in Nassau HIall. Subsequently he became professor of theology at Allegheny Seminary, and also during his long life he was a teacher in Auburn and in Union Theological Seminaries. He died at Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 2, 1880, being nearly eighty-seven years of age. In 1823, during Mr. Halsey's pastorate, the church edifice that had served the congregation for more than sixty years was replaced by the present large, plain, substantial building.

The Rev. James Arbuckle, pastor of the Eighth

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, was called to the vacant pulpit, and entered upon his labors here in October, 1824. By his rare ability as a preacher, his sterling qualities as a man, and his fearless search after truth, Mr. Arbuckle soon took a strong hold upon the community. He wielded a wide influence, serving the people as a most popular and acceptable religious teacher until his sudden death in July, 1847. During the ministry of Mr. Arbuckle the society purchased about six acres of land adjoining the church lot, upon which, in 1838, suitable buildings were erected, thus furnishing a convenient and pleasant home for the pastor. It was also during the ministry of Mr. Ar- buckle that the church which had been nominally Presbyterian became Independent. Indeed, there is little room to doubt, from its records and traditions, that this society, notwithstanding its corporate name, had always been strictly Congregational in all its re- ligious and temporal affairs ; " never having formally connected itself with any Presbytery, or with any other ecclesiastical body." But from various causes the church now ceased to be even nominally Presby- terian ; and openly, boldly assumed a position of in- dependence, that, though now quite common, being held by some of our most widely-known churches and ministers, was then almost without precedent.

It should be added that when the society became incorporated in 1806, under the law of 1801, the cor- porate name was "The First Presbyterian Congrega- tion of Blooming-Grove." Under this title its records were kept, and its property was held until November, 1870, when the congregation unanimously voted to change this, so that name and polity might corres- pond ; and also voted that the name should be here- after "The Congregational Church of Blooming- Grove."

In 1847 the church called Rev. Ebenezer Mason, youngest son of the celebrated John Mitchell Mason, D.D., of New York. Mr. Mason, after editing his father's works, had been preaching in Paris, and he hesitated for a time between this rural, quiet field of labor, and returning to mission work in that great social metropolis. He decided in favor of the country parish. But his labors soon ended-all too soon as it would seem to us, for after serving the people for one year he died and was gathered to his fathers.

For some time after the death of Mr. Mason the church depended upon supplies. But in April, 1851, the congregation called Rev. Austin Craig, of Pea- pack, N. J. Mr. Craig was a young man of rare gifts and powers, of studions habits, and most loving and reverent spirit. He served the parish with its entire approbation for fourteen years, when he resigned to accept the presidency of Antioch College, Ohio. It is a little remarkable that so many of the pastors of Blooming-Grove have been called from its pulpit to occupy important positions in institutions of learn- ing, and have filled these stations so nsefully and honorably. Dr. Craig is now president of a theo-

logical or Biblical school in Stanfordville, Duchess Co., N. Y.

In April, 1866, the Rev. Warren Hathaway entered upon his labors, which have been continued until the present time.

This old church is one of the moral landmarks of the county. Its complete history is to a great extent the history of this town ; and in some respects it is a representative parish, showing the changes and the progress that mark American life and development during the last one hundred and fifty years.

The Blooming-Grove congregation is independent, yet evangelical, and in cordial sympathy with all neighboring churches ; and is still, as for a hundred years, earnestly laboring for the practical and the vital in the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The congregation have neither church debt nor church fund. All expenses for maintaining public worship are met by contributions freely and gener- ously made by the people, who are strongly attached to the church of their fathers, and who feel that the parent church of Blooming-Grove is still their reli- gious home.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BLOOMING-GROVE made a legal organization at the meeting-house, April 19, 1806. The trustees chosen were Job Sayre, John Tuthill, John B. Horton, Richard Goldsmith, Nathan 11. White, Samuel Strong, Phineas Tuthill, Anselm Helm, and Hezekiah Howell, Jr.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WASHINGTON- VILLE,

at a meeting held in the academy Aug. 21, 1851, exe- cuted a certificate of incorporation. The proceedings were signed by Henry Belden, moderator, and the trustees chosen were Asahel Coleman, James Curtis, Charles Gregg, De Witt C. Thompson, and Samuel C. Marvin. By this organization a house of worship was erected at Washingtonville, and afterwards sold to the Methodists.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WASHINGTON- VILLE

etlected a legal organization April 5, 1848. The pro- ceedings were signed by John Jaques, Charles A. Hulse. The trustees chosen were David H. Moffatt, Sr., John Jaqnes, Charles A. Hulse, Walter Halsey, Edmund S. Howell, James Thorp, Charles S. Pitts. This church was constituted earlier than the above date of incorporation, as shown in the following ac- count, furnished by Orrin C. Jaques, one of the elders of the church :

The First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville was organized Aug. 10, 1841, by a committee of the Hudson Presbytery (New School), consisting of Revs. William Timlow, chairman, Isaac C. Beach, min- ister, and Elders Samuel T. Scott and Moses Saw- yer. At the organization 21 persons became members by letter and one by profession of faith, viz .: David

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BLOOMING-GROVE.

H. Moffatt, Sr., Charles Gregg, James White, Charles . bray, and the mason James White. The building lot, A. Hulse, Sarah F. Hulse, Warren Halsey, William containing one-half an acre, was presented by Charles E. and F. B. Brooks. The dedication service was held by a committee of the Hudson Presbytery (New School) August, 1848, Rev. Daniel T. Wood giving the sermon. H. Rumsey, Obadiah Rumsey, Mrs. Julia Ann Parker, Mrs. Esther Reeve, Miss Ann Reeve, Miss Almira L. Many, Mrs. Huldah C. Satterly, Mrs. Lydia Breed, Mrs. Elizabeth IIalsey, Miss Abigail Curtis, Mrs. Chloe Howser, Mrs. Rachel Rumsey, Mrs. Louisa In January, 1848, Rev. Luther Halsey, D.D., of the Presbytery of Elizabeth (O. S.), and then Professor of Biblical History in Union Theological Seminary, New York, became stated supply. June 20, 1854, the trus- tees and congregation purchased a parsonage, with seven acres of land attached, costing $2000, five acres of which were appropriated for cemetery purposes. Moffatt, Solon Halsey, James Curtis, and William H. Forbes. David H. Moffatt, Sr., Charles Gregg, Charles A. Hulse, and Warren Halsey were elected elders. The last three were ordained by the chairman, D. H. Moffatt having been a ruling elder at the church at Betblehem, N. Y. All were regularly installed. The Rev. William Timlow preached the sermon of the Oct. 5, 1865, Dr. Halsey declared the pulpit vacant, occasion, and Rev. William Beach gave the charge to and retired from his ministerial charge of nearly eight the church and elders. The Rev. Henry Beklen having been engaged in ministerial labor since May 1st last, preparatory to an organization, was continued as stated supply. In October, assisted by Rev. Wil- liam Hull, a protracted meeting was held, resulting in an addition of 18 members. At the following com- inunion season, November 14th, and during the next year to Nov. 13, 1842, 18 more members were added. At the communion season, Feb. 12, 1843, as the result of a second revival effort, assisted by the Rev. Almon Underwood and his elder, Mr. Gregory, 61 persons united by profession and 2 by letter. The fruit of this revival subsequently furnished four elders from - one family. The membership at this time numbered 121. June 25, 1843, Nathan Strong and John Jaques, Sr., were elected and installed ruling elders. In April, 1844, after a service of three years, the Rev. Henry Belden closed his labors with the church by his request.

The following November, 1844, supplies having been furnished by the Presbytery of Hudson, the Rev. Phineas Robinson, of the same Presbytery, was called as stated supply. In January, 1847, the membership was 124. At this time 36 members were dismissed to organize a Congregational Church in Washington- ville, under the ministry of Rev. Henry Belden, the house of which was afterwards burned and the society disbanded. The ministerial labors of Rev. P. Robin- son were closed, after a period of three years, in No- vember, 1847, by his retirement. Up to this time the congregation had statedly worshiped in the district academy. In 1847 the present church edifice, size 36 by 60 feet, having a tower and bell, was erected at a cost of about $5250, under a board of seven trustees, viz. : David H. Moffatt, Sr., John Jaqnes, Sr., Charles A. Hulse, Walter Halsey, Edmund S. Howell, James Thorp, and Charles S. Pitts. The first three named were also the three ruling elders. A building com- mittee of seven was also constituted,-David H. Mof- fatt, Sr., John Jaques, Sr., Charles A. Hulse, James Thorp, John Nicoll, Frederick H. Brewster, and Charles E. Brooks, to which John I. Brooks was after- wards added. The first three named were made a sub- committee. The carpenter and builder was John Mo-

I years. The second division of the congregation, now numbering about 85 communicants, occurred on the question of New and Old School relationship. From this division resulted the organization and building of the present Second Presbyterian church at Wash- ingtonville, for Rev. Dr. Halsey. Church supplies were again furnished by the Hudson Presbytery for the following six months. Feb. 7, 1857, three ruling elders were elected, -Robert Denniston, a former elder of the church at Bethlehem, N. Y., and James Thorp and John Jaques, Jr., from the membership,-and were duly installed. On July 27, 1858, the Rev. Daniel Higbie, of the Rockaway Presbytery, New Jersey, having for a time supplied the pulpit, was called to the pastorate, and was duly installed on August 24th following, sermon by Rev. James Wood, charge to the pastor by Rev. E. R. Fairchild, D.D., to the people by Rev. O. M. Johnson, all of the Presbytery of Hud- son. During this pastorate, in November, 1864, the trustees and congregation purchased about seven acres of land adjoining and additional to the former ceme- tery, costing $2293, the whole now containing about 12 acres, and numbering about 334 plots. Oct. 20, 1867, the pastoral relation of Rev. D. Higbie, extend- ing over a period of nine years, closed by his decease. The number of communicants was about 60.

March 13, 1868, the Rev. John V. Griswold, from Union Theological Seminary of New York, was called to the vacant pastorate, and duly ordained and installed July 16th following by a committee from Hudson Presbytery; sermon by Rev. Thomas Nicolls, charge to the pastor by Rev. George Pierson, to the people by Rev. Augustus Seward, D.D., all of Pres- bytery of Hudson. September 23d following three additional ruling elders were elected from the mem- bership and duly installed,-John C. Warner, Owen C. Jaques, and Augustus Denniston. The third revival took place in the winter of 1868-69,-the pastor was aided by the evangelist, Rev. O. Parker,-resulting in an addition of 37 members. This pastorate continued about three years, and was dissolved in May, 1871, by mutual consent. The whole number of communicants was about 86.

July 1, 1871, the Rev. James B. Beaumont, of the

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Presbytery of Chemung, having been invited to sup- ply the pulpit, was called July 27th to the pastoral office, and November 9th following was duly installed pastor by a committee of the United Presbytery of Hudson. The sermon of installation was given by Rev. William D. Snodgrass, D.D., charge to the pastor by Rev. Augustus Seward, D.D., to the people by Rev. George Pierson. In the summer of 1872 the congregation, through their committee, built a new and neat parsonage dwelling-size of main building 30 by 30 feet, with extension 24 by 16 feet-at a cost of about $3600, adjoining the former one owned by them, and afterwards sold.

Aug. 30, 1878, three additional ruling elders were elected from the membership, viz. : Hector Moffatt, Charles Jaques, and Charles G. Cooper, and duly ordained and installed.

At this writing, Nov. 1, 1880, the church is united and prosperous, under the pastorate of the past nine years. The present number of communicants is 119. A flourishing Sabbath-school, with 125 en- rolled members under the care of the Session, with an elder for superintendent, is held through the whole year; gives monthly collections for missions. The stated weekly prayer-meeting is well sustained, also the annual week of prayer service is observed, as recommended by the Evangelical Alliance.

The eldership consists of five members,-Oren C. Jaques, Augustus Denniston, Hector Moffatt, Charles Jaques, and Charles G. Cooper. The board of nine trustees, divided in three classes, are elected for three years,-Augustus Denniston, Hector Moffatt, Charles G. Cooper, Morris G. Conklin, David Belknap, Frank- lin Mulliner, William R. Brooks, James B. Howell, and Charles M. Hulse. The congregation owns a good church edifice and parsonage property com- bined, worth $10,000 free from indebtedness ; it also own the Washingtonville Cemetery, incorporated, and under control of the board of trustees. A collection for missions is taken on the first Sabbath of each month, aggregating the last year $353, and divided pro rata among the eight mission boards, as recommended by the General Assembly. The ladies of the congrega- tion have sustained a missionary society for the last eleven years.

Of the original members there are three living,- Charles A. Hulse, Sarah F. Hulse, and Almira L. (Many) Reed ; of the board of trustees two,-C. A. Hulse and E. S. Howell ; of the building committee one.

THE WASHINGTONVILLE OLD-SCHOOL PRESBYTE- RIAN CHURCII,

now known as "The Second Presbyterian Church," was incorporated Feb. 15, 1858. The certificate was ! Seaman and William H. Hughes. signed by John Wise and Alexander McCann. The trustees named therein were John Nicoll, Charles H. Thompson, Elliot Strong, Edmund S. Howell, Joshua R. Smith, Henry L. Genung, Albert Denniston. The

church had been constituted during the previous year, 1857, Rev. Luther Halsey acting as pastor. The house of worship was built in 1858. Its dimensions are 50 by 36. It has a vestibule, a tower, and a bell, the whole costing about 83500.

A parsonage was built in 1871 at a cost of $5000. Ministers : Rev. Luther Halsey, 1857-63; Rev. Ar- thur Harlow, 1863-71; Rev. B. G. Benedict, 1872-75; Rev. N. W. Sherwood, 1875 to the present time. The elders at the organization were John Wise, Dr. Mar- cus Sears, Alexander McCann, Elliot Strong, John Smith, Edmund S. Howell. The Sunday-school nun- bers 98; communicants, 118. The present elders are Edmund S. Howell, Benjamin C. Sears, Henry L. Genung, J. Wilson Brown.

THE OXFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

effected a legal organization April 8, 1835. The pro- ceedings were signed by Hiram Tuthill and Benjamin T. Tuthill. The trustees chosen were David Bull, Hi- ram Tuthill, Benjamin T. Tuthill. David Smith, and William Sikerly. A house of worship was built about that time a mile south of what is now Oxford Station. Meetings were held for some years, but the enterprise was abandoned.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT GRAN- VILLE

made a legal organization at their regular place of worship Feb. 26, 1838. The proceedings were signed by Rev. Seymour Landon, pastor, and the trustees chosen were Nathaniel Clark, Townsend Mapes, Wines Mapes, Samnel Cooley, James Hawley. We have no account of this organization. If it is cor- rectly placed in this chapter, it relates to some one of the numerous neighborhood organizations made by the Methodist Church, and whose work in later years was concentrated at the larger villages.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI OF CRAIG- VILLE

executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 14, 1849. The proceedings were signed by A. C. Fields and Hiram Tuthill. The trustees chosen were James P. Howell, James W. Wyatt, Hiram Tuthill, Samuel Cooley, Peter B. Taylor, Wm. Montgomery, Nathan HI. Strong. This society built a house of worship. Considerable Methodist work was done in this neigh- borhood in early times. In the abandonment of the factories and the scattering of the population which was once gathered there the society diminished in numbers. No regular society exists there at the present time. The effort was continued some years, and it appears that the society executed another cer- tificate Dec. 7, 1857. It was signed by Valentine The trustees chosen were Valentine Seaman, William H. Hughes, Lucas L. Shaffer, James P. Howell, Win. Oldfield. The society was virtually united with Chester in 1879. Valentine Seaman was the last class-leader at this

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BLOOMING-GROVE.

point. Methodist work thus ceased at a point where they had kindled their altar-fires sixty years ago. (See Methodist Church of Goshen.)

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI OF SALIS- BURY MILLS

executed a certificate of incorporation Feb. 24, 1854. The proceedings were signed by Isaac K. Oakley and Andrew C. Fields. The frustees chosen were James S. Shapter, Isaac K. Oakley, Richard Caldwell, Peter D. Calyer, and Wm. H. Taylor. This is connected with the Washingtonville Methodist Church under the same pastor, Rev. Pascal P. Harrower. The fol- lowing article is furnished by the pastor :

" It was long felt by the inhabitants of the village of Salisbury Mills that a more convenient place of worship should be provided than the one that had been used, and at different times it was proposed to build a more suitable place of worship, and some action was taken to carry it into effect at different periods, but the responsibility of the undertaking was declined when it was offered. After eighteen years or more after the first drawings and subscriptions were presented by one of the oldest inhabitants of the village, John Caldwell, Esq., the Rev. Andrus Field, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the New Windsor Circuit, called a meeting to form a society in the village, Jan. 26, 1854, when a church was organized by the following members : Isaac K. Oakley, Christina Oakley, Peter D. Calyer, Jane Calyer, Wm. H. Taylor, aud Sarah Taylor, when steps were taken to organize and incorporate the Methodist Epis- copal Church of Salisbury Mills, after which the present edifice was erected and dedicated, March 20, 1855 to the worship of Almighty God by the Rev. Dr. Wakeley, of the Newburgh district, Since then services have been regularly held. The charge has sometimes been in connection with that of Vail's Gate, sometimes with that of Mountainville, and at present with the charge at Washingtonville.

"The present officers are : Pastor, Rev, Pascal P. Harrower ; Trustees, Isaac K. Oakley, W. Taylor, A. W. Taylor, John F. Clauser, and Eugene Smith ; Stewards, A. W. Taylor, John F. Clauser, and Eugene Smith ; Sunday-school Superintendent, A. W. Taylor; communicants, -; Sun- day-school attendance, 48.

" There is a fair library for the use of the school."

THE BLOOMING-GROVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 3, 1855. The proceedings were signed by Jeremiah Millard and Jesse T. Hotchkiss. The trustees chosen were Henry Still, Lemuel Pembleton, Thomas Cloyd, Henry F. Breed, and Dr. Jesse T. Hotchkiss. This is the Washingtonville Church. Rev. Pascal Har- rower is the present pastor, preaching for both this church and the one af Salisbury Mills. The following article is furnished by the pastor :

" The church edifice was built originally by a Congregational society, under the pastorate of Wm. Belden. He had a great revival, from which there went to the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal societies a large | THE number of converts. Owing to the anti-slavery excitement and other causes Mr. Bellen left, and was succeeded for a short time by Mr. Hem- ming, a Wesleyan Methodist of England. He was lost by shipwreck on a visit to England. After his death the church was closed until pur- chased, in Jannary, 1855, by the Methodists, who had worshiped for years in the school-house.

" The first pastor was Jeremiah Millard, who superintended the pur- chase of the property. He was followed by D. B. Turner, under whom, in the winter of 1856-57, a large revival occurred. The circuit included Monroe, Oxford, Craigville, Highland Mills, and Washingtonville.

" Among the first members of the society in the new church were Esther B. Howell, Henry Still, William L. Miller, Lucy Miller, Daniel Giles, Hannah Giles, Lemuel Pembleton, Mary Pembleton, Thomas Cloyd, William Cloyd, Benj. Stevens, Peter Bernier, Louisa Mix.

" The Rev. Nathan Rice, a retired clergyman, with his wife and fum- 1

ily, moved into Washingtonville the year before the purchase of the church, and after his death the daughter established a school, which was successful for many years.

" The original trustees were Henry Still, Lemmel Pembleton, Thomas Cloyd, Henry F. Breed, Jesse T. Hotchkiss.

"In 1867, under Mr. Hand, Washingtonville and Craigville were united in a separate circuit. Before the expiration of the Conference year Mr. Hand died, and B. N. Lewis followed him as pastor in charge.

" After this Washingtonville was a separate charge with resident pas- tors, among whom were D. B. Turner, David Heroy, R. L. Shurter, Joel Craft, J. T. Hargrave. In 1878, under Wm. Colden, Salisbury Mills was taken from the old New Windsor Circuit and united with Washing- tonville. He was succeeded in 1880 by Pascal P. Harrower.

"The present officers are : Trustees, Springsted Owen, Robert Wright,* W. B. Westervelt, Wm. Smith, John Brooks; Stewards, R. L. Talbot, H. Nelson Green, Marvin Denniston. Number of communicants, 70 ; Sunday-school, 75; Sunday-school Superintendent, R. L. Talbot."

THIE SATTERLY-TOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCII

effected a legal organization Dee. 4, 1855. The pro- ceedings were signed by Nathan Strong and Jeremiah Millard. The trustees chosen were Nathan Strong, Nathaniel Clark, John Campbell, Isaac Still, Franklin Bull. This society built a house of worship, and ser- vices were held for some years, but the appointment was afterwards discontinued.

FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE. V

This is situated in the extreme south corner of the town, near the Monroe line, and in school district No. 7. For interesting itenis of Friends' meetings in this county see General History, also chapters upon Cornwall.

VIII .- BURIAL-PLACES.

Gray Court Cemetery not only has an old name, but is an old burial-place. It is mentioned in the ar- ticle upon Chester, but it is within the limits of Blooming-Grove. Northeast of Craigville is a cem- etery near the Mrs. Heard place. North from the old Blooming-Grove church, in the Stewart neighbor- hood, is a burial-place. At Washingtonville is a large modern cemetery, placed under good manage- ment. There are also various other burial-places in the town. Little historical data can, however, be gleaned from them, as burials in the early years were so seldom designated by stones with inscriptions.

IX .- TOWN SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, INCOR- PORATIONS, Etc.

FARMERS' CREAMERY ASSOCIATION OF BLOOMING-GROVE

was organized about five years since. The present board of trustees, January, 1881, consists of Hon. Augustus Denniston, president and treasurer ; Morris C. Tuthill, secretary ; Daniel R. Hudson, general superintendent; W. H. Halloek, S. L. Moffatt, R. A. Goldsmith, Thomas W. Brooks.

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 157

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336