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 22
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The church, as thus constituted, united with the Roch- ester Presbytery April 7, 1858. In 1871 it was transferred to the Presbytery of Geneva; but in 1874, upon its own application and the concurrence of the Rochester Presby- tery, it was restored to its connection with that body. The Sabbath school was organized by a single class as early as 1814. The Ladies' Missionary Society (Home and Foreign) was organized in April, 1874, previous to which time a Ladies' Aid Society occupied the field.
The children's "Lend a Hand " band was organized in 1885, and the " Sabbath School Missionary Band " in 1888.
The Young People's Sunday Evening Prayer-meeting was re-organized in 1885, and "The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor " was organized Feb. 21, 1887.
The membership roll of the church since organization aggregates about one thousand. For many years the church has been compelled to fight its way against the blighting influence in the community of a Universalist organization, which has, religiously, been hardly more than a rallying
306
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
center for infidelity and anti-Christ, with their attendant evils. The peculiar history and condition of this church could never be understood, nor estimated without the above statement. But in all its peculiar trials God has been with His church. The great revival of 1799, which swept over the churches in this region, included Victor. Again in 1816, when 36 were added to its communion, and in 1830-31, 49; in 1833-34, 54 members ; in 1837, 39; in 1839, 48; in 1843, 65; in 1853, 26 ; in 1868, 57; in 1885-87, 134. These were all seasons of precious awakening and large additions to the membership. The church at present has a member- ship of over 200.
From this church and Sabbath school have gone out into the ministry and missionary work a number of earnest workers, among whom may be mentioned Miss Emeline Dryer, of Chicago, and Miss Marietta Rawson (Mrs. Web- ster), Bombay, India; Miss Mary Moore, Rev. Dr. D. Henry Palmer, Rev. Frederick W. Palmer, Rev. Clark B. Gillette, Rev. A. S. Bacon, Rev. George F. Swezey and Miss Abbie E. Parks.
Roll of Pastors: Rev. Reuben Parmele, Feb. 14, 1799, to May 5, 1812; Rev. Philander Parmele, 1812-14; Rev. Ebenezer Raymond, 1819-25; Rev. Jabez Spicer, 1826-27 ; Rev. Daniel Johnson, 1828-31; Rev. Richard Kay, 1832-35; Rev. Jairus Wilcox, 1936-38; Rev. Charles E. Furman, 1838-46 ; Rev. Charles Merwin, 1846-49 ; Rev. C. Van H. Powell, 1850-51; Rev. Calvin Waterbury, 1851-55; Rev. Charles C. Carr, 1856; Rev. Job Pierson, D. D., 1856-63 ; Rev. William H. Webb, D. D., 1863-65; Rev. Gideon P. Nichols, D. D., 1866-69; Rev. Henry T. Miller, 1871-73; Rev. Wm. B. Marsh, 1873-75 ; Rev. Robert Ennis, 1876-77 ; Rev. Thomas E. Babb, 1878-83 ; Rev. Clarence W. Backus, 1884, present incumbent.
Isaac Root was the first deacon.
Elders in 1889 : Albert Simonds, D. Henry Osborne,
307
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
Stephen J. Tallmadge, Stafford S. Lusk, William A. Hig- inbotham and C. Lewis Simonds.
Deacons in 1889 : Albert Simonds, D. Henry Osborne and James F. Draper, M. D. The office of elder and deacon is permanent.
Board of Trustees in 1889 : Marvin A. Wilbur, Orrin S. Bacon, Willis D. Newton, William B. Osborne and John Van Vechten.
WEBSTER.
" The town of Webster was taken from the town of Pen- field."
" The settlement of the town must have commenced about the year 1800." The church was originally known as the church of North Penfield and Ontario, and sometimes " Penfield Second Church," and " North Penfield." It was organized August 25, 1825, by Rev. Asa Carpenter then preaching in the Penfield church. Eleven members, taken wholly or in part from the Penfield church, constituted the church at its organization, being Nathaniel Abbott and Hephzibah, his wife ; Benjamin Ford, and wife; Stephen Sherman, and wife ; John Atwood and Betsey, his wife; Mrs. Naomi Hughes, and two others. The church was received by the Rochester Presbytery, September 20, 1825. In 1826, it reported 16 members; in 1831, 109; in 1834, 143 ; and in 1847, 128. 'The first elders were Benjamin Ford and John Atwood, the term of office being permanent. At first worship was held in a schoolhouse or private dwell- ing. The church struggled hard for an existence and made little progress until 1829. In the early part of this year, Rev. Richard Dunning began his ministry here, and was ordained and installed June 3, 1>30. A revival followed.
308
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
long remembered as the barn revival, because held in a barn. August 5, 1829, the first board of trustees was elected, being William Middleton, William Hicks, Nathaniel Abbott, George Mandeville, Robert Gregg and Samuel Preston. The church was greatly strengthened and encouraged dur- ing this year. Mr. Dunning was dismissed February 5, 1835. Under his labors the Holy Spirit was poured out, and as many as 75 or 80 united with the church upon con- fession. In support of Mr. Dunning the church were aided by the American Home Missionary Society. Rev. Richard De Forest succeeded Mr. Dunning and remained two years. The first church building erected in 1834, was occupied about 30 years. December 8, 1840, the name of the church was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of Webster. After Mr. DeForest the church employed stated supplies until near the end of 1840, when Rev. Lemuel' Brooks was called, and having accepted was installed January 5, 1841, and continued in charge, with a brief interruption on account of ill health, for seven years. His first year was marked by a precious revival and 43 were added to the church, 31 on confession. In 1848, and during the minis- try of Rev. Joseph R. Mann, a revival added 22 on confes- sion. January 22, 1850, the church voted to join the Pres- bytery of Buffalo City, and was received by that body the 13th of February following. Rev. Chester Holcomb was in charge of the pulpit in 1854, and a revival followed his labors, 24 being added on confession. Rev. George McCartney supplied the church from 1864-70, and his labors were blessed and the membership increased. Rev. Jonathan Copeland the present incumbent has ministered to this church since January, 1876. While there have been yearly accessions, in 1883, there was an interesting revival and 26 were added on confession ; 11 were received at the April communion in 1888. The church is at present in better condition than at any other period of its history.
309
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
During the present pastorate the building has been greatly improved, furnished, and a good lecture room fitted up. A Sabbath school is regularly maintained, the date of its organization being unknown. There is also an active Ladies' Aid Society. Within the last two years have been organized a Ladies' Missionary Society, and a Young Peo- ple's Missionary Band, and a Children's "Earnest Workers" Missionary Society, all of which are doing excellent work. The present church building was erected in 1853, and cost about $3,000. In 1854, the society purchased a parsonage, which in 1877, was remodeled and improved. There have gone out from this church as ministers, Rev. Horatio Abbott, Rev. Henry McCartney, Rev. Chester Holcomb (a Missionary to India); Rev. William S. Holt (Portland, Oregon) found his wife in this church, and they spent the first years of their married life as missionaries in China.
The following ministers have served this church in the order named : Rev. Asa Carpenter, Rev. Jabez Spicer, Rev. Richard Dunning, 1829-31 ; Rev. Richard DeForest, two years ; Rev. Lemuel Brooks, 1840-47; Rev. James McFadden, 1847; Rev. Joseph R. Mann. 1848 ; Rev. Augustus Hall, 1850-53; Rev. Chester Holcomb, 1854-57 ; Rev. Thomas Bellamy, 1857-59; Rev. Robert McMath, 1861 ; Rev. George McCartney, 1864-70 ; Rev. William F. Hayward, 1873-75 ; Rev. Jonathan Copeland, 1876-89, and still in charge.
310
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
WHEATLAND.
The early population of the town of Wheatland, like that of the western part of the state generally, was a mixture of New Englanders, Scotts and English. For several years, no house of worship of any kind existed among them ; but more or less preaching was had in school-houses and private dwellings. Of the several denominations represented, the first to take steps to organize a religious society were the Presbyterians. These called a public meeting for this end, and on the 30th of December, 1822, a church was duly organized, under the name and title of "The First Pres- byterian Society of Wheatland." The organization was effected by a commission from the Presbytery of Rochester, and three months later the infant church was placed under the care of that body.
Those who were thus originally constituted into the church of Wheatland were previously members of the churches of Caledonia, Riga and Chili, their number was eleven, and their names, so far as preserved, are the follow- ing: Clark Hall, Betsey Parker Hall, Samuel B. Graves, Betsy Graves, Fayette Cross, Mary Brinsmaid, Truman Smith, Mrs. McIntyre, and three names lost. Total 11.
The first deacon named in the records was Mr. Clark Hall.
The first board of trustees was composed of the following persons : Clark Hall, Abraham Hanford, Isaac J. Lewis, Stephen Warren and Ebenezer Skinner.
The first stated minister was Rev. John Mulligan, whose labors extended over a period of three years ; the second was Rev. William F. Carry, who preached about a year; the third, Rev. Abiel Parmele, who remained for two years ; and the fourth, Rev. Jacob Hart. The church at this early period, as a matter of course, was weak, and to support
311
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
these supplies received aid from the Home Missionary Society.
After due consideration, on the 30th of May, 1831, the congregation unanimously decided to build for themselves a house of worship. A suitable lot was selected in the village of Scottsville, for which the sum of $200 was paid. The work of building was at once commenced, and before the setting in of the following winter the house was com- pleted and dedicated to the service of God.
The next year witnessed another advancing step. The society was organized upon what was called the " Plan of Union," but in the year 1832, it became fully equipped, as a Presbyterian church by the election of five ruling elders ; these were Isaac J. Lewis, Freeman Edson, Daniel Van Antwerp, John Colt and Philip Garbutt. These were ordained for their sacred office by Rev. Lewis Cheesman, who was at this time the pastor of the church.
Mr. Cheesman began his labors with this church in 1831, but was not installed as pastor till the year 1>34, and two years later he resigned. He was an earnest and successful preacher, and won many souls to Christ. As the result of a protracted meeting held during his ministry, more than one hundred were added to the church on profession of faith.
Towards the close of Mr. Cheesman's ministry differ- ences and dissentions arose among the members ; and while the church was in this disturbed condition, their difficulties were brought to a crisis by the passing of the " Exscinding Act," by the General Assembly at Philadelphia. In Decem- ber of that year, 1837. some fifty members, including three ruling elders, withdrew from the church, and formed them- selves into a separate church under the name of " The First Presbyterian Church of Scottsville," and attached themselves to the Presbytery of Wyoming. When this new congrega- tion had completed for themselves a house of worship, the
312
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
Rev. Mr. Cheesman was called to be their pastor, who labored among them with zeal and success till the year 1842, when he resigned. He was successively followed in the pulpit by Rev. Richard Kay, Rev. H. L. Doolittle and Rev. J. Jones, whose united ministries reached down to the year 1859, when, after a separation of nearly 22 years, the two churches, by mutual concessions became one again.
Returning now to 1837, the year of the unhappy division, we find the pulpit of the First Church of Wheatland occupied by Rev. Eli S. Hunter, D. D., whose pastorate though of but two years' duration, served to add a goodly number to the membership. For the next fifteen months the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Selden Haynes.
In the spring of 1841, Rev. Linus W. Billington became the pastor. His faithful and conciliatory ministration had a happy effect in uniting and strengthening the church. During his third year a quiet work of grace resulted in the hopeful conversion of 23 souls ; and during his entire pastor- ate of seven years, 60 were added to the roll of communi- cants.
Immediately on the retirement of Mr. Billington, in 1848, Rev. Milton Buttolph took charge of the church. His labors in their very beginning were attended with a gracious refreshing from the presence of the Lord, 33 souls being gathered into the fold in the course of a few weeks, and these mostly from among the young. During his whole ministry of four years, there were received into the church 40 on profession of faith, and 16 by letter.
In the spring of 1853, the church extended a call to the Rev. Dugald D. McColl, which he accepted on condition that they transferred their ecclesiastical relation to the " Presbytery of Rochester City " (old school). His ordina- tion and installation took place, June 21, 1853 ; and the next year, the congregation built him a substantial parson- age, at an expense of $2,700. Mr McColl was a sound and
313
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
impressive preacher; in the course of his ministry the church was favored with repeated revivals ; and during his entire pastorate, which embraced a period of 17 years, there were added to the church 153 on profession of faith, and 19 by certificate.
In the winter of 1856, this church suffered a great loss, their house of worship together with its organ and all its furniture being destroyed by fire. But the congregation, nothing discouraged, immediately took steps to rebuild, and in less than fifteen months had another and a better house all completed. This cost them about $6,000, and was dedicated, May 7, 1857.
Mr. McColl was dismissed in the spring of 1870, and was succeeded in the fall of the same year by Rev. Thomas A. Weed, who served the church acceptably for nearly twelve years ; during which period there were addedto the church 82 on profession of faith, and 37 by letters from other churches.
The next pastor of the Wheatland church was Rev., David H. Laverty, who began his labors in January, 1883 and closed them in February, 1885. The ministry of Mr. Laverty was not without its good fruits, but he left the church in somewhat of a divided state, and a number of the congregation about that time withdrew and helped to estab- lish an Episcopal church in the village.
After the dismissal of Mr. Laverty, the pulpit for about six months was supplied by candidates or such preachers as could be obtained for the day. Then came the present incumbent, Rev. G. B. F. Hallock, who began to preach in August, 1885, and was ordained and installed the fol- lowing October. He soon after had the gratification of welcoming to the communion of the church a large num- ber of converts. The first year of his pastorate, there were added 52 on confession of faith ; in the second year, 17 ; and in the third, 11. And the good work continued to prosper in his hands, till he resigned his charge, which took place Dec. 30, 1889.
314
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
A Sabbath school was organized in connection with this church at an early day, but the precise date cannot be given. The present attendance is about 110. The " Mission Band " was formed in 1883; the "Willing Workers," in 1884 ; and the "Society of Christian Endeavor," in 1885.
The present elders are D. C. McPherson, Myron Miller, Wilson R. Ballentine and George V. Hahn.
The present board of trustees is composed of Thomas Stoke, John C. McVean, Myron Miller and George O. Cox.
INDEX.
Aitken, Rev. Thomas,
Allen, Rev. Solomon,
Page. 51, 71, 94, 289, 290 33, 135, 193
Association, Ontario, 5
Associations, Presbyterial,
62
Auburn Seminary, -
20
Avon, 128
Central,
- 134
Free Church,
-
76, 131
Springs Church, 59, 133
Baker, Rev. John E., - 99
Barnard, Rev. John, D. D., 19, 76, 178, 199
Billington, Rev. Linus W.,
312
Bissel, Josiah, Jr., his conversion, - 244
91
Brighton, 59, 135
Brockport,
138
Brodt, Rev. J. H., 80, 162
Brooks, Rev. Lemuel, -
30, 89, 151, 153, 154, 308
Bull, Rev. Norris, D. D., -
13, 34, 156, 177
Bush, Rev. Charles P., D. D., - 29, 33
Bushnell's Basin,
- 141
Buttolph, Rev. Milton,
- 87, 312
Caledonia,
- 143
Candidates, - 58, 116
- 245
Catalogues, - 35, 109
- 30
Chapin, Louis,
29
Charlotte, 146 -.
Chili,
149
Churches of former Presbytery of Rochester, -
29
" Genesee River Presbytery,
57
66 " Ontario Association, -
7
66 Presbytery, 12, 13
" Rochester City Presbytery, 48
present Catalogue of, 119
Bonney, Rev. Elijah,
Carthage,
Catechetical instruction,
316
INDEX.
Page.
Churchville,
152
Clarkson, 155
Clerks, - 118
Coit, Rev. J. T.,
46
Concepcion Church, Chili, S. A.,
- 60
Colleges, graduates from,
71
Conklin, Rev. Luther,
77, 107
Oliver P.,
107
Copeland, Rev. Jonathan,
-
93
Corliss, Rev. A. H.,
73
Curry, Rev. Wm. F.,
34
Dansville,
157
Dansville and Sparta, United Congregation of, -
284
Davidson, Rev. E. E.,
63, 189, 260
Deaths, list of, - 69-70
12, 143
Douglass, Rev. Alexander,
82
Dunning, Rev. Richard,
79,308
Durfee, Rev. Charles S.,
60, 100, 185
Eddy, Rev. D. R., -
86
Education, Ministerial,
19
Elders, Ruling, present Catalogue of,
122 -
Endeavor, Societies of Christian,
68
Excision, Act of,
31
Finney, Rev. Charles G.,
23, 64, 136, 244, 259
Fitch, Rev. Ebenezer, D. D ,
12,176
Fowlerville,
60, 163
Freeman, Rev. Samuel A., D. D.,
100, 105
Free Masonry,
- 30
Furman, Rev. Charles E., D. D.,
29, 74, 75, 85
Gardner, Rev. Corliss B.,
104
Gates, - 167
Geneseo, Churches of,
4, 60, 173-189
Gillette, Rev. Charles,
99
Hall, Rev. Albert G., D. D.,
34, 43, 74, 253
Hastings, Dr. Thomas,
27
Henrietta, 193
History of Ontario Presbytery,
22
Histories of Churches,
128
Honeoye Falls, 195
Hotchkin, Rev. James H.,
7, 157, 166
Hough, Rev. Justus, 77
-
Groveland, 190
DeNoon, Rev. Alexander,
317
INDEX.
Page.
Hoyt, Rev. Alexander S.,
104
Hunn, Rev. David L.,
102
Hunter, Rev. Wm.,
71, 293
Incorporation of Presbytery, - 68
Indians at Squakie Hill, 20, 208-209
Installation, the first, 5
James, Rev. Wm., D. D.,
34
Kittridge, Rev. Charles,
- 86
Lane, Rev. Joshua D.,
78
Licensures,
49, 115
Lima,
- 4, 198 201-4
Lowrie, Rev. Isaac N.,
73
Mason, Rev. Elihu, -
301, 208, 211, 220
McCartney, Rev. George,
93
McLaren, Rev. Malcolm N., D. D.,
29, 34, 97, 143
McMath, Rev. Robert, -
74
McNeil, Rev. Benjamin,
- 98
Mendon, 204-7 -
Millham, Rev. Win. H.,
105
Ministers present Catalogue of,
119
Missionary Society, A. B. C. F. M.,
27
Genesee,
27
66 Woman's, -
27, 28,65
Missionaries, Foreign, - 32, 55, 58, 66, 210, 214, 250, 261, 292, 309
Visits of,
4, 5
Moscow, - 208 8
211-215
Second,
215,298
Newspaper, first in Livingston Co.,
208
Nichols, Rev. James, 45
59, 216
Oakes, Rev. Isaac,
Oakland, 59, 220
222
Ordinations by Ontario Presbytery 12-13
Rochester 66 44
City Presbytery, 57-58
Ossian,
224
Page, Rev. Joseph R., D. D., 24, 29, 79, 92, 95, 137 Parker, Rev. Joel, D. D., 34, 204, 251 Parma Centre, 226
Presbyterial, 21
Mount Morris First, -
Nunda, 83
Ogden,
Livonia,
318
INDEX.
Page.
Patton, Rev. George, - 102
Pease, Rev. Calvin, D. D.,
- 47
Penfield, -
49, 61, 229
Penny, Rev. Joseph, D. D.,
- 33
Pierpont, Rev. Hezekiah B.,
75
Pierson, Rev. Josiah, - 33
Piffard,
61, 233
Pittsford,
236
Popular meetings,
63
Presbytery of Albany,
9
" Bath,
10
" Genesee River,
50, 57
" Geneva, .
11
66
" Niagara,
10
" Oneida, -
9
" Ontario,
11, 55
" Rochester,
54
" Rochester (former),
28, 55
City, ·-
43, 56
Revivals,
Robinson, Rev. Charles E., D. D.,
Rochester Brick Church,
4 6 Calvary
267
Central
256
Emmanuel "
279
Fifth
261
First 66
240
66 Free
254
66 Memorial
272
North 66 -
276
North State Street Church,
266
66
Third Church,
251
Westminster Church,
269
Rush,
Sabbath Schools,
32, 67
Semi-Centennial at Mount Morris,
24
" Rochester,
29
Seminaries, Theol., graduates of,
71
Shaw, Rev. James B., D. D.,
30, 34, 71
Slavery,
23-24
Societies, Voluntary, -
25, 30
Sparta First Church,
287
-
Second “ 290
63
84
245
282
319
INDEX.
Springwater,
Page. - 292
Statistics,
31, 64. 66
Stewart, David F.,
84, 144
Stockton, Rev. Benjamin B.,
43, 139, 179 296
Temperance,
22, 23, 67, 196
Thatcher, Rev. Daniel,
4
Treasurers,
118
Trustees of Presbytery,
117
Tuscarora,
59, 298
Union Corners,
59, 301
Victor, -
59, 304
Ward, Rev. Ferdinand DeW., D. D.,
29, 83, 97, 179, 183 -
George K.,
81
Hon. Levi A.,
263
Webster,
307
Weed, Rev. Thomas A., -
92
Western New York, early history of,
3
West Greece,
49
Wheatland, 310
91
Williams, Rev. Comfort,
28, 33, 296
Wisner, Rev. Wm., D. D.,
34, 246
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, -
- 67
Wickes, Rev. Henry,
Sweden,
ERRATA.
Page 40, line 9: Reuben Nason was received December 23, 1834.
Page 245, line 6: for " George S. Sill," read George G. Sill.
Page 246, line 4: for " Amelia," read Aurelia.
Page 247, line 31: for "Morris'," read Moore's; line 35: for "Mann," read Brown
Page 250, line. 20: for "Mowatt," read Morvatt; line 24: for " George M. Mackie," read George W. Mackie.
Page 251, line 27: for " George S. Sill," read George G. Sill. Page 255, line 11: for " Manly S. Woodbury," read Manly G. Woodbury ; line 29: for " W. G. Squires," read Urr G. Squires.
Page 257, line 8: for "Priden," read Biden ; line 16: for " John Still, Louisa Still," read John Stitt, Louisa Stitt.
Page 264, line 7: for "T. Coit," read John T. Coit ; last line : for " Charles P. Smith," read Charles F. Smith.
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