USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > History of Rochester Presbytery from the earliest settlement of the country, embracing original records of Ontario Association, and the presbyteries of Ontario, Rochester (former), Tennessee River, and Rochester City > Part 14
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The present trustees are George S. Ewart, William G. Wilson and Charles F. Arner.
In 1872, the building was thoroughly repaired and many improvements made, at an expense of $4,000. This was done during the ministry of Rev. Thomas Dobbin, and was largely attributable to his persevering efforts.
The society owns a commodious parsonage not far from the church. This church though rural in its location, being about four miles from the nearest railroad station, and com- posed almost entirely of farmers, has increased in members and apparently so in pecuniary ability, furnishing a very happy exception to other churches similarly situated. Without asking for missionary aid it has furnished a liberal support for its pastors, and taken rank among the foremost of the churches, in proportion to its numbers, in the amounts contributed for missionary purposes.
HENRIETTA.
In 1810, Rev. Solomon Allen, pastor of the Pittsford Presbyterian church, preached a missionary sermon, on a Sabbath, to his congregation. A collection was taken, which amounted to $10. It was to be devoted to sending the gospel to the heathen. There being no convenient way to send it to a foreign field, the pastor was requested to preach two Sabbaths to the destitute people of West-town (Henrietta), and appropriate the $10 to remunerate himself. These efforts were followed by others in 1812, at which gatherings deacon Moses Sperry read sermons furnished by his former pastor in Connecticut. These meetings were supplemented by occasional preaching by himself and deacon Ellis, in the school house near the latter's residence.
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Soon a strong religious interest was evoked and May 20, 1816, in the same school house, the Congregational Church of Henrietta was organized with 20 members. So far as known the following are the persons identified with the church at that early date :
Deacons Moses Sperry and Ellis ; Betsey Stannard, Fanny Sheldon, Polly Burr, Hannah Kelsey, Asa Munn, Olive Remington, Polly Gooding, William Ellis, Lorinda Burr, David Deming. Sally Deming, Margaret H. Jones, Elizabeth Brown, Mary Ellis, Amos Edgerton, Levi Jackson, Isaac Seeley, William Sternberg, Nancy Titus, Lydia Gillette, Sally L. Tinker, Matthias L. Angle and Mary Angle. Rev. John F. Bliss, who subsequently became pastor of the Baptist church, was actively interested in furthering the organization. He and Rev. George R. King preached occasionally in the school house, but there was no regular preaching until 1823, when Rev. John Taylor preached half of his time in the log meeting house erected south of the former residence of Thomas O. Jones. Afterwards the meetings were held in Academy Hall, in the east village.
There were no considerable accessions to the church until the revival of 1831, which commenced in Rochester under the preaching of Rev. Charles G. Finney, at which time 25 persons united with the church, and among them James Sperry, Ebenezer Gooding and Joseph Brown, who became active and substantial members. Under the impetus of such accessions the society, in the same year, purchased a lot of the trustees of Monroe Academy, and erected a new church building, with sheds attached. In 1865, these buildings upon which there was no insurance were burned, and the year following the present building was erected. The church united with the Rochester Presbytery, under the accommodation plan, June 27, 1833, and was dismissed to the Genesee Consociation, July 1, 1835. In 1834, the church numbered 114 members. Rev. George R. King,
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under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society, officiated as stated supply two years from August, 1826. Following him, were Revs. William P. Kendrick, John Thalheimer, Roswell G. Murray (July 11, 1833-July 1, 1835), Edward Wheeler, Harvey A. Sackett, Silas H. Ash- mun, Orlow Bartholomew, William Bryant Brown, S. W. Streeter (1848-'57), Albert Worthington, Byron Bosworth and George R. Merrill. Since Mr. Merrill left, the church has had no regular pastor for any considerable time .*
HONEOYE FALLS.
The Presbyterian church of Honeoye Falls (originally West Mendon) was organized March 1, 1831, under the ministry of Rev. George G. Sill, who began his work here under the auspices of the General Assembly's Board of Missions in 1828, about thirty years after the first settlement of the village. Six persons received by letter from other churches, united in forming the church : Charles Foot, Simeon S. Johnson, Moses Rowell, Louisa W. Sill, Marcia M. Blaisdell and Asenath Dixon. Within one month there- after five were added by letter and twelve by confession of faith. Since that time, ten persons have served as ruling elders: Moses Rowell, Horace Wheeler, James Smith, who served for twenty-nine years, Harry Allen, fifty-two years, Albe C. Allen, Asa Pride, forty-six years, Samuel Chipman, Zenas W. Smith, Charles Bickford, and James Edwin Allen. Of these Charles Bickford, residing elsewhere, and Albe C. Allen, the only ruling elder of the church at present (1888) are now living. The last named has served the church over
*Compiled from Prof. McIntosh's History of Monroe County, 1877; Half Century of the Presbytery of Rochester, and Hotchkin's History of Western New York.
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forty-eight years, having also during that period, filled the offices of clerk and treasurer of the congregation. Other elders named have served for periods less than ten years. The term of office is for life.
Of the fifteen ministers who have served the church, those indicated have been installed : George G. Sill, 1828-32; Richard Dunning, 1832; Jacob Hart, 1834-39 ; S. J. Mc- Cullough, (installed) 1839; Ephraim Strong, (installed) 1840-43 ; Thomas Riggs, 1843-46 ; O. C. Beardsley, 1846-57 ; Ira O. De Long, 1857, six months ; J. W. Wood, 1858 ; L. B. Rogers, 1860; Henry M. Hurd, 1861; Edwin B. Van Auken, (ordained) 1863-5 ; Ira O. De Long, (second term) 1865-8 ; John E. Baker, 1868; Samuel Alden Freeman, 1869 to the present, 1889 (installed 1872).
The Sabbath school, opened in 1831, has continued without intermission to the present time. The entire number of members of the school by the last annual report, was 153. The Ladies' Aid Society has for many years rendered effect- ive assistance in keeping the interior of the church edifice suitably furnished, and in other like work. A Ladies' Mis- sionary Society has existed for the last ten years. Mission Bands have been maintained for the last six years. Since 1885 a Temperance Society has existed in connection with the Sabbath school, which holds meetings and circulates the Total Abstinence Pledge in the school once a month. " The church began in a revival," marked by fifteen or twenty hopeful conversions. Other years of especial ingathering have been 1843, 39; 1849, 19; 1859, 30; 1864, 27; 1876, 28; 1887, 38. The first church edifice, 40 ft. x 24, was erected 1831, upon a lot in the rear of that now in use. The present church, 70 ft. x 42, was completed in 1842, at a cost of $4,500. The lot was given by Doctor Harry Allen, and his wife Lydia N. They were also among the largest contributors to the cost of its erection. The original building was first sold and then in 1864 repurchased and is now annexed to the
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rear of the main edifice at a cost of $600. The bell was placed in the steeple in 1864, and was purchased as a memorial, with funds left by Theodore H. Jameson, a member of the church who was killed at the second battle of Manassas, August 30, 1862. Considerable repairs were made on the church in 1873. In 1877, a new desk and other furniture were provided for the pulpit. In 1880 stained glass windows were put in, and a pipe organ purchased. In 1874 sheds were built, and in 1887 others were added. A manse was erected in 1832, but was sold a few years later, and in 1876 another was bought for $1,500. In 1887 this building was remodeled with handsome additions at a cost of about $1,800.
The first board of trustees were Harry Allen, James Dixon, and James Smith. The present board are John Ferguson, Clarence A. Gilmore, Christopher Eberly, Andrew Y. Earl, and Christian Nau. Fifty-eight persons have served in this capacity. Five persons, originally members of the church, have entered the ministry. Chauncey Leavenworth, (deceased, Presbyterian) ; Dr. Leonard Swayne, (deceased, 1869, Congregational, Providence, R. I.); Edwin Allen, Presbyterian ; Horace H. Allen, Presbyterian, and Edward Gibbs Bickford, (deceased, 1877, Presbyterian missionary at Marash, Asiatic Turkey).
About ten years after the organization of this church, several persons left to unite with St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, then organized. A Christian church formed about the same time with the Presbyterian, having disbanded a few years since, several of its members united with this church. In a like manner were received, former members of a German Reformed Church which had existed here for a time. Friendly intercourse and co-operation with other churches in the community have marked the life of the church, especially during its more recent history. Severe financial reverses have more than once seriously affected the
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growth and prosperity of the town. The Roman Catholic population has increased. In every desirable respect, there has been a continuous, if not rapid, advance of the town, which this congregation has, in its measure, both promoted and shared.
In 1887, the church reported 137 communicants, a larger number than at any time before in its history. The whole number of communicants from the beginning is 578. Up to 1869, 182 by confession, and 213 by letter. Since 1869, and during the present pastorate of twenty years, 110 by con- fession, and 73 by letter.
LIMA.
The name of this town was Charleston, until 1808, when it was changed to Lima. The church was organized Oct. 1, 1795, by Rev. Daniel Thatcher. The first elders were Elisha Wade, Solomon Hovey and William Williams ; and the first deacon was Thomas Lee.
Among the early members were Miles Bristol and wife, Joseph M. Gilbert and wife, Huldah, wife of Judge Warner, Mary, wife of Abel Bristol, Elijah Gifford and wife, Charles Rice. Mrs. Daniel Warner, Mrs. Clark Brockway, Guernsey W. Cook and wife.
Being without a pastor, and having largely fallen into decay, the church was reorganized as Congregational by the Rev. Jacob Catlin, Dec. 27, 1799, and prior to 1804 belonged to the Ontario Association, and after the dissolution of that body in 1813, was received under the care of the Presbytery of Ontario, June 20, 1820, with which it was subsequently merged into the present Presbytery of Rochester.
Prior to 1804 the church had little more than occasional preaching, and ministers who were employed for short terms,
LIMA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
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the Rev. James H. Hotchkin, stating in his history that he preached to this congregation one half of the time for more than six months of the year 1802.
In November, 1804, the Rev. Ezekiel J. Chapman was employed as stated supply for about two years, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Leavenworth for a short term. Mr. Chapman afterwards returned and was installed pastor, Jan. 12, 1809, and remained until 1814 He was succeeded by Rev. John Brown, who served for a short time and was followed by Rev. Mr. Cook.
Rev. John Barnard was installed February 3, 1819, which relation was dissolved September 18, 1856, of whose life and character an extended sketch is found in connection with the history of Presbytery.
Rev. Robert R. Kellogg was installed pastor June 22, 1857, which relation was dissolved July 22, 1859.
Rev. Alphonso L. Benton was ordained and installed March 6, 1861, which relation was dissolved September 18, 1870.
Rev. Albert H. Corliss was installed December 27, 1870, which relation was dissolved December 30, 1875.
Rev. Henry N. Payne was installed, May 1st, 1877, which was dissolved, February 10, 1879. The Rev. James Robert- son immediately succeeded Mr. Payne as stated supply for about two years, when ill health compelled him to resign.
Rev. Alfred K. Bates was installed, October 25, 1882, which was dissolved, October 2, 1883. The present pastor Rev. Benjamin F. Willoughby commenced his labors, Janu- ary 1, 1884, and was installed, May 12, 1884.
The elders which were elected, May 21, 1820, when the church became fully Presbyterian, were Abel Bristol, Gurdon W. Cook, Elijah Gifford and John Dixon ; also Henry Look and Nathan Rogers, deacons.
The rotary eldership was adopted, February 5, 1887. And the present elders are William R. McNair, Justin S.
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Goodrich, Andrew J. Warner, Edward Salmon, Henry E. Lawrence and William H. Day. The deacons are Edwin Warner, Joseph Foreman and Charles D. Miner. The rotary system does not apply to the deacons.
During the ministry of Rev. Dr. Barnard the records show that revivals occurred in 1828, when 23 were received on confession ; in 1838, when 28 were received, and in 1842, when 57 were received. The loss of the records from 1831 to 1842, prevents greater particularity in regard to the spiritual condition of the church at that time. The long ministry of Dr. Barnard will, however, be well remembered for its great ability and success.
In 1858, during the ministry of the Rev. Robert R. Kel- logg, the church shared in the general revival with which the country was blessed, and 27 were added. In 1862, dur- ing Mr. Benton's ministry 36 were added. In 1876, in con- nection with the ministry of Mr. Payne, 22 were added ; also in 1878, when he was assisted by Rev. E. E. Davidson, the Evangelist, 27 were added.
During the summer of 1884, a Young People's Associa- tion was formed. This was at first an independent organiza- tion, but was afterwards resolved into a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in connection with the gen- eral organization of that name.
November 10, 1874, a Ladies' Missionary Society was organized. This society especially undertakes to contribute fifty dollars per annum towards the support of Mrs. Fannie M. Smith, formerly Miss Fannie Strong. who went from this church as a missionary to Peking, China, and is still in China in the missionary work.
The religious society connected with the church was first organized as the Charleston Congregational Society, Janu- ary 5, 1802, when the following trustees were chosen : David Morgan, Willard Humphrey, Abel Bristol, Manasseh Leech, Asahel Warner and William Williams. The name
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of the society was changed in 1851 to " The Lima Presbyte- rian Society."
In the early part of the century, the church was feeble and able to pay but a small salary and a part of that in pro- duce ; and at a later period was in great financial straits, which were attributable to failures in business, removals of families and hard times, but about the year 1850, affairs took a more favorable turn. The church originally met for worship in a school house.
The first church building was completed in 1816, at a cost of seven thousand dollars, and occupied a central and very commanding location. The same was re-roofed and remodeled during the pastorate of Mr. Benton, and a large organ was purchased. This was succeeded by the present beautiful and spacious brick edifice, the corner stone of which was laid, August 12, 1873, during the pastorate of Mr. Corliss. There is a convenient lecture room in the rear, and a dining room and kitchen in the basement.
The society owns a very pleasant and commodious par- sonage. The present trustees are Justin S. Goodrich, Charles Warner, Henry E. Lawrence, Horace E. Gilbert, Hiram B. Warner and Edward Salmon.
LIVONIA.
In the year 1790 a settlement was made at the outlet of Honeoye Lake. The first man who moved there was Peter Pitts, whose family were the only white persons for four years. Then many came from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont, before the close of the century. The first sermon was by Rev. Samuel Mills in 1792. In 1801 the Rev. Zadoc Hunn, who for several years had given one- eighth of his time to the people of Pittstown, died. There
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was a revival of great power during his ministry, and so many were converted that ever after religious worship has been maintained. The western part of the above named settlement, called Livonia, was chosen as the center, or site, for a village. Log cabins were built about the square, which was set apart as the place for the church. The first pioneer in Livonia was Solomon Woodruff, grandfather of Mr. S. G. Woodruff. In the year 1803, the first religious ser- vices of record were held by Rev. John Rolf. These ser- vices were continued by himself and Mr. Lane, a Methodist preacher, till the year 1806. In December of that year seventeen persons were organized into "The Second Con- gregational Church, of Pittstown," by Rev. Aaron C. Col- lins. The original members were Jeremiah Riggs, Aaron Childs, Selah Stedman, Damann Blake, Oliver Woodruff, Benjamin Cook, Thankful Parsons, Lucy Childs, Mary Sted- man, Irene Clark, Rachel Gibbs, Nancy Benton, Lydia Gibbs, Anna Woodruff, Sally Fenand, Sally Blake and Rebecca Blake.
The church thus formed was received by the Ontario Association in 1807. The Lord's Supper was administered for the first time February 22, 1807. Till a house of wor- ship could be built, the Sabbath was honored by prayer, praise and conference in log cabins, barns, and in a school house on Buel's Hill. When no preacher could be had a " reading meeting" was held. In the year 1808, Pittstown was divided into Livonia on the west, and Honeoye on the east. As the Ontario Association was dissolved May 25, 1813, the church at Livonia took the name of First Presby- terian, which it has since retained. On the 7th of July, 1813, it was received into Geneva Presbytery, but in 1817 it was transferred to Ontario Presbytery. Its first elders, elected that year (1813), were Asa Woodford, Zara Blake, Selah Stedman and Oliver Woodruff. Its first dea- con was John Warner, elected 1810, and its second, Oliver
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Woodruff, elected 1812. Its first house of worship was raised May 30, 1814. The cost was $3,000. The church then had but thirty members. The Rev. Mr. Collins sup- plied them about eight years. He was followed by the Rev. Ebenezer Everett for two years. A revival of great power occurred during his ministry. He was succeeded by Rev. Ezekiel Chapman, a scholar, who published a book of value, of " Critical Notes on Select Passages of the New Testa- ment." His ministry of about eight years was fruitful in blessings.
In 1823, Joel Stone, Wm. Ticknor, David Doolittle and Alfred Beecher, were ordained elders. In 1826, Elisha Clark was elected elder. April 30, 1828, Rev. Jeremiah Stow was installed pastor. His pastorate was only four years. He died at the age of thirty-four, greatly honored and lamented. Seventy were added to the church during his ministry. In 1829, Jonathan Kingsbury was elected elder, and Alfred Beecher, deacon. In 1830 the church petitioned Presbytery for leave to adopt the Congregational form of government, remaining with Presbytery on the " Accommodation Plan." This request was granted on Dec. 19, 1832. One month after its pastor's death the church edifice was burned. Ina year and a half after, the present building was raised, being the first in the town raised without liquor. It was dedi- cated free from debt. The next pastor was Rev. Justus S. Hough for seven years, during which, one hundred were added to the church, mostly by letter. Rufus E. Hill, in 1833, was elected deacon, and in 1846, Adna S. Gibbs. In March, 1843, Rev. Benjamin G. Riley was installed pastor, and remained about twelve years. Seventy were added to the church. In 1859 Horatio Reed was elected deacon.
On the 9th of January, 1856, Rev. Anson H. Parmelee was installed pastor. There were revivals in 1858 and 1867. Mr. Parmelee was pastor for thirteen years, during which time 138 were added to the church, 107 on profession. In
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1865 Benjamin Coy was elected deacon. For two years the pulpit was profitably supplied by Prof. U. P. Coddington of Genesee College. At this time the church building was repaired, costing about $5,000. Oct. 5, 1871, Rev. Wm. H. Millham was installed pastor, and remained till the close of the year, 1885, when he was called to Hillsdale, Michigan, where he was most successful till his death, April 28, 1888. The ministry of Mr. Millham of thirteen years was most useful. During it, the manse was built, which, with the land, cost about $6,000. There were revivals in 1872 and 1875, in which, over 100 united with the church. Since the church was organized about seven hundred and fifty persons have been added to its commun- ion by letter and profession. Twelve of its members have entered the gospel ministry. This church has always been self-supporting. It had a Sabbath school as far back as the year 1818, which was known as the " Catechetical Society of Livonia." It was instituted by Joel Parker, then a member of this church and teacher of the district school, after- wards the Rev. Joel Parker, D. D., of New York, New Orleans and Philadelphia.
The Rev. Edward B. Walsworth, the present pastor, was called July 11, 1886.
MENDON.
Among the early settlers of Mendon were Jonas Allen, from Stockbridge, Mass., in 1797; Timothy Barnard, Ezra Sheldon and Thomas Ewer. Doctor Nathan Wadsworth, a Presbyterian from Vermont, arrived in August 1807. As early as January 1, 1809, he and Mr. Cornelius Treat, a Baptist, and others, including four families, met at the house of Mr. Treat, and held religious worship, by singing,
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praying, and a sermon read by Dr. Wadsworth. From this time meetings were held each Sabbath for some months. Soon after these meetings had been started, the eloquent speaker and gifted Dr. Wadsworth died, and on December 21, 1809, the Baptists formed the first religious society. January 5, 1815, at the residence of Ezra Sheldon, Jr., a Congregational Society was organized, with the following named trustees : Marvin Smith, M. Barrett, Jonas Allen, Timothy Barnard, Ezra Sheldon, and Thomas Ewer.
Rev. John Taylor appears to have ministered to this church as early as 1816. January 3, 1820, a schism occurred on a difference of opinion as to the location of the new church building to be erected. Mr. Taylor and a part of his flock organized the " Central Congregational Society," and worshipped in a church near the school house on Taylor street, the others of the old society continued in the school house. July 4, 1822, those worshipping in the school house were organized into a Presbyterian church by Rev. Aaron C. Collins, of East Bloomfield, and Rev. Reuben Parmele of Victor. "The following named members of the original Congregational church, were constituted a Presbyterian church : Elder Ezra Sheldon, and Eunice, his wife, Elder Thomas Ewer, Harmanus Courter and Jane, his wife, Mrs. M. Wilson, Mrs. C. De Garno, Mrs. Phoebe and Miss Harriet Barnard, Mrs. Libbie Spear, Mrs. Charlotte Beers, Elder Asa Robbins, and Mrs. James Doyen.
Messrs. Sheldon, Ewer and Robbins were ordained elders. The two first were the original organizers of the former Congregational church, and this new organization was a perpetuation of the same as a Presbyterian church. This church was received into the Rochester Presbytery July 2, 1823.
Rev. Mr. Pierson ministered to this branch of the original Congregational church, from March 5, 1821. Rev. Elijah Wollager succeeded him on the 21st of the following November. September 13, 1824, a movement was made to
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build a church. The corner stone was laid July 13, 1825, by the Masonic fraternity, in presence of a large concourse of people. The church numbered but a score of members, and opened a Sabbath school in April, with 20 scholars, and by June had increased the number to 110. At the time there was a Ladies' Missionary Society of over 50 members. The first meeting in the new church was on June 26, 1826, and the dedicatory sermon was by Rev. A. D. Eddy, of Canandaigua. In 1839, the church was moved from the hill to where it now stands in the valley. In 1828, under the ministry of Mr. Jones, was the first large addition under a revival. He had been sent by the Presbytery upon the humble and urgent petition of the church, and during the one year of his ministry over 40 united with the church, and they proved to be a great support to the church for years, and among whom was Timothy Barnard, one of the earlier and most prominent settlers of the town. He was elected an elder and held the office for 52 years. During the six years' pastorate of Rev J. M. Sherwood, there were additions to the church, benevolent gifts were increased, the parsonage built, and the Sabbath-school prosperous. The church, declined in numbers from 123 in 1848, to 47 in 1859, notwithstanding 45 new names had been added to the roll. In 1857 Frederick Probst was elected and ordained an elder, which office he has held faithfully and still continues to hold. During the ministry of Rev. Dwight Scovel, 1867, there was much improvement in spiritual things, and in church property. A chapel was built, meetings were held in out- lying stations, extra Sunday schools were maintained ; and again it became apparent that when the church was doing most for Christ's cause beyond its borders, it was doing most for itself. This church has had the experience of the ups and downs of a country village church. It is largely depen- dent upon one man for its financial support. During Mr. Hubbard's ministry, improvements were made in the church and new sheds built.
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