USA > New York > Erie County > Buffalo > History of St. Paul's Church, Buffalo, N.Y. : 1817 to 1888 > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
"The first recorded visit of a priest occurred eight years after Buffalo had been burned down by the British. The Rt. Rev. Henry Conwell, Bishop of Philadelphia, then passed through on his way westward, and baptised a child of Patrick O'Rourke, whose pious wife still remembers and relates the facts.
"The few Catholics of this place were next visited, in 1821, by the Rev. Mr. Kelly of Rochester, who said Mass in St. Paul's, the Episcopal Church ; only five Catholic families being in attendance."
This is the first recorded celebration in Buffalo of the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Deodatus Babcock was rector of St. Paul's at this time.
notes on the Early Rectors.
The Rev. Samuel Johnston was the missionary under whom St. Paul's Parish was organized in 1817 ; and the Rev. William A. Clark was the missionary and first rector, from 1817 to April 7, 1820, and
362
History of St. Paul's Church.
in 1819, during his rectorate, the building of the first frame edifice was begun. (Pages 8 to 18.)
The Rev. Deodatus Babcock became the second rector of St. Paul's in May, 1820, and remained there until 1824. He had been living in the Village of Buffalo before becoming rector, and had been ordered deacon, but he was not ordained to the priesthood until August, 1821. In a paper on " The Buffalo Common Schools," read before the Buffalo Historical Society by the late O. G. Steele, in 1863, occurs the follow- ing mention of this early rector of St. Paul's : . " After the war (of 1812) a school was started, and kept in such rooms as could be obtained. While near Mr. Callender's it was taught by Rev. Deodatus Babcock, an Episcopal minister, who taught some of the higher branches. A lady of the city relates with how much awe she looked upon Mr. Babcock, when he was hearing a recitation in Latin, from Orsamus Marshall."
The Buffalo Commercial published, in 1866-7, a series of reminis- cences signed Historicus. Concerning the members of the earliest mu- sical association in Buffalo, the Musica Sacra Society, founded in 1820, he writes : " The leader and teacher was Rev. Deodatus Babcock,
. . now residing at Balliston Spa, New York. .. Mr. Babcock was of tall and heavy stature, much like Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of slow and stately movements, and of a serious demeanour, that impressed one with his honesty and earnestness. I was much awed by his solemnity of manner when he sprinkled on my unworthy head the holy waters of the baptismal rite. . If a moment is offered for reflection how swiftly willing memory runs over the unseen keys that vibrate to us the sweet peaceful tones of the choir, that lifted up a song of rejoicing over the young lambs taken into the fold of Christ and sealed with His divine signet. The quiet church is again before the eye, with its crowd of reverent worshippers, and filled with that indescribable rapt Presence, that makes us love the Beauty of Holi- ness. . Clergymen had a different way of living then from what
Historical Notes, 1817-1903. 363
they have now - more simple and patriarchal. . Like the self- denying and enthusiastic Paul, they often 'laboured willingly with their hands.' I remember to have gone, one wintry afternoon, to get Mr. Babcock to visit my grandmother, and administer the consolations of the Gospel, as she was thought to be dying, and found him vigor- . ously wielding an axe, cutting his own fire-wood from a pile of green beech at the door. He then lived in the house now occupied by S. N. Callender, on Erie Street near Pearl - or the one next to it. He was a sturdy chopper, and made the chips fly. A good man, too, was Parson Babcock."
A part of the Rev. Mr. Babcock's salary as rector was paid in fire- wood. (See pages 19 to 24, this volume.)
The Rev. Addison Searle was third rector of St. Paul's, from March 30, 1825, to December 31, 1828. (Pages 25 to 36.)
In an interesting paper on the founding of the "City of Ararat," in 1825, by the Hon. Lewis F. Allen, read by him before the Buffalo Historical Society, March 5, 1866, is the following :
" The Rev. Mr. Searle was, at that time, the officiating clergyman in the little church of St. Paul's, in the Village of Buffalo, and had been placed there as a missionary by the late wise and excellent Bishop Hobart. He held a government commission as chaplain of the United States, and had been granted a some years' fur- lough from active duty. He had been on foreign cruises - had coasted the Mediterra- nean, and spent months in the chief cities of its classic shores, and visited the beautiful Greek island of Scio, a few weeks after the burning of its towns and the massacre of its people by the Turks, in 1822. He was an accomplished and genial man, of com- manding person and portly mien ; his manners were bland, and his address courtly. Whether he had made the acquaintance of Major Noah abroad or in New York, or whether he first met him on this occasion at Buffalo, I know not ; but their intercourse here was cordial and friendly." . . (See page 366, this volume. )
There are, doubtless, latter-day critics who may be inclined to cen- sure the Rev. Mr. Searle for allowing the corner stone of the antici- pated Jewish city to be dedicated and laid on the altar of the church of which he was rector, and for taking part himself in the ceremonial.
364
History of St. Paul's Church.
It must be remembered, however, that St. Paul's Church was, at that early day, the only public building of a religious character in the vil- lage, and it was not feasible to lay the stone at Grand Island. Major Noah, while peculiar and oriental in his character, was nevertheless thoroughly in earnest in his effort to found a city for his scattered peo- ple, and he seems to have been a man of deep religious feeling. All of this probably appealed to Mr. Searle, who, in that wilderness, felt the call strong upon him to be "given to hospitality." Mr. Searle, while a loyal churchman, seems to have been broad-minded and liberal towards all men, and a whole souled and genial man himself. His sense of duty was very strong, as is shown by his giving his best energies to the building up of the church in what was then a small frontier village, with no conveniences, very little to attract a man of Mr. Searle's previous experiences, and a climate rigorous and most trying to his constitution. It was this last drawback which seems to have been the only one which caused him to relinquish his work, and even that he bravely withstood until some one, more vigorous phys- ically than himself, could be found to take his place. His letters show him also to have had a strong and saving sense of humor, and some of his references to the primitive mode of life he was obliged to adopt are exceedingly witty. For the people of his charge he expresses the kindest feelings and much affectionate regard.
In his fiftieth anniversary sermon, September 14, 1879, Dr. Shelton thus refers to his early friend, the Rev. Addison Searle : " The memory of this excellent and genial Christian minister has ever since been cherished by those who were his parishioners with every senti- ment of respect and hearty affection."
In the annual address on the occasion of the fourth " Old Folks' Festival," January 24, 1867, the Rev. John C. Lord, D. D., speaks thus : . . "With the Rev. Mr. Searle, rector of St. Paul's, I next made acquaintance. He was the predecessor of the Rev. Dr. Shelton, who has been settled here for a longer period than any other clergy- man, and who enjoys a large measure of the esteem and affection of
Historical Notes, 1817-1903. 365
our community, irrespective of denominational boundaries. Mr. Searle was a finished gentleman in manners. . He was highly and de- servedly esteemed. My impression is that he was the highest kind of High Churchman." . Dr. Lord, who was always a loved and respected friend of Dr. Shelton, was the pastor of the Central Pres- byterian Church for many years.
Extracts from Some Early Letters from the Rev. Addison Searle, Rector of St. Paul's Church, to Bishop hobart, etc.
" BUFFALO, 23d July, 1827.
" Your invitation for me to accompany you to the West will be most cheer- fully accepted, should it be in my power to do so. The revenues of my pontificate, ' the bishop of the Buffaloes,' are limited, very limited, when we consider how many expenses necessary and unavoidable in building up this church devolve upon pastor and people,-still, I shall do my best, and rest content with the result. My little parish continues gradually to flourish."
Ioth April, 1828 :
"I am helped by the Great Head of the church, I trust, amidst all the difficulties and dangers of my post, to build up this little parish gradually, constantly, and permanently on Church principles. . ... But I have nearly done, unless the spring soon smile upon us. . On Easter .. gave the Communion to more persons than were ever before at the Altar of this church on a similar occasion. . . . . My congregation here is quickening its onward march a little under its anxious shepherd."
2d August, 1828, he writes :
"We are enlarging and repairing St. Paul's Church ; but are in the con- stant use of it for public worship." . .
IIth September, 1828 :
" I shall continue to officiate here, if possible, until the Rev. Wm. Shelton, elected for this station, shall arrive. It is not known that he will come ; still it is con- fidently expected he will accept the offer. Our church is beautiful, and is nearly com- pleted. It would have been done ere this but for the great sickness and mortality with which we have been visited. Nothing in the course of my life has given me
366
History of St. Paul's Church.
such pain and sorrow as the necessity I am under of leaving my very kind and affec- tionate people. It is now settled ; and I hope to be away from the piercing winds of Lake Erie before the inclemency of winter comes upon me.".
October 18, 1828, he writes :
" Wherever I may go, however distant my station may be from the Diocese of New York, let me ask it of you, that you will not forget me, notwithstanding my numerous faults and imperfections. My separation from my people is the greatest affliction of my life. The winds of this lake would probably kill me. They have commenced their ravages upon me already for this winter. The most I can do is to remain in the discharge of the duties of the station until my successor shall come. St. Paul's Church, in this village, is a beautiful building, and, with the exception of St. Luke's at Rochester, is the handsomest in this part of the State. We have given the body of the church a light dove color, and painted the finish with white. We shall soon reoccupy it. The congregation is prosperous."
In a letter to Bishop Hobart, dated "Eagle Tavern, Buffalo, 17th November, 1828," Rev. Mr. Searle writes, after regretting the Rev. Wm. Shelton's decision not to accept the call to St. Paul's, Buffalo, and asking the bishop to suggest another candidate :
" I will not leave this people without ministerial aid, unless obliged to do so by circumstances beyond my control. . St. Paul's is completed with the excep- tion of a little about the chancel. It is magnificently plain, and, with the exception of St. Luke's at Rochester, is the handsomest church in this part of the State."
In a letter to T. L. Ogden, Esq., dated Buffalo, December 10, 1827, relative to a proposed discontinuance of the "missionary aid " to the parish, Rev. Mr. Searle, after requesting the board to reconsider their decision, says :
" However painful it may be for me to leave the people of my church, always kind to me, I hope for the happiness of leaving them in a flourishing condi- tion. . . . . My health has failed me. Yesterday I was compelled to stop in the midst of the sermon and dismiss the congregation."
Major noah's City.
The following extracts are from a letter, written by the late Hon. Lewis F. Allen to the Buffalo Courier, under date of May 15, 1888, in
REY. ADDISON SEARLE
Krou Thantin in the
Monument to the memory of the REV. ADDISON SEARLE, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts. From a photograph by G. H. B., September 3, 1903.
The inscription, under the open bible, cross and anchor, is as follows :
"Rev. Addison Searle, late Senior Chaplain in the U. S. N. Buried at Sea, August 2, 1850. Erected by friends who valuing him in life remember him in death with true affection and deep regard."
Upon the back of the shaft is a circular, sunken panel containing the masonic symbol, an open bible with the square and compasses. ¥
This monument, which we discovered unexpectedly while on a visit to the cemetery in September, 1903, is of white marble, and is situated on Pyrola Path, opposite the stone erected in memory of the celebrated Margaret Fuller. The Rev. Mr. Searle was the third rector of St. Paul's, from March 30, 1825, to December 31, 1828. (See pages 25 to 39, and 363 to 370.)
367
Historical Notes, 1817-1903.
regard to Major Mordecai M. Noah. (See page 27, this volume. Also page 169.)
" TO THE EDITOR :
" Your relation of ' A strange spectacle, that of a congregation of Gentiles worship- ping in a synagogue,' is no more than that of returning a graceful act of hospitality on the part of the congregation of the ancient St. Paul's, nearly sixty-three years ago, in permitting, with the assistance of the Rev. Addison Searle, then filling the pulpit of that little church, the laying of the 'corner stone' of the proposed 'City of Ararat,' to be founded on Grand Island, several miles down the Niagara River, on the Com- munion table of the church, instead of on the ground where the anticipated city was to be built. . . This act of last Sunday, was most generous on the part of the syna- gogue and its rabbi, but whether either the learned rabbi or a single one of this con- gregation knew of the previous liberality of the people of St. Paul's is a matter of doubt, as probably not one of them was living in Buffalo at the time. The facts are rather memorable and worth relating, recalled as they are by only a few survivors of the time. . In the summer of 1825, the State of New York, then owner of Grand Island, sold the 117 farm lots which it had recently laid out by survey in the wilderness to various parties in the State, among others to Mr. Samuel Leggitt, a wealthy Quaker of New York City. . . . Major Mordecai Manuel Noah, a dis- tinguished Israelite of that city, then editor of the chief ' Tammany' newspaper, had conceived the project of building a Jewish city on the island, and from Mr. Leggitt had obtained refusal of his lands for that purpose. The Erie Canal was just about to be finished, and in the wealth and enterprise of the Israelites he anticipated that a large commercial city could be founded to control the trade of the lakes and canal . . . . at a point nearly opposite Tonawanda. . . . Major Noah heralded his plans through his newspaper with both energy and ability, for he was a graceful scholar, as well as a leader in his political party. But the sharp intellects of his
Jewish brethren were skeptical to his plans, and they gave no assistance to his proj- ects .. Yet he was a determined man and bent on laying a corner stone to his antici- pated city. In the month of August, therefore, he packed his judicial robes, for he had assumed the title of 'Judge of Israel,' proceeded to Albany in a steamboat, and thence to Buffalo by stage. At Buffalo he knew no one but Mr. Isaac Smith, a com- mercial resident, and the Rev. Addison Searle, the then missionary at St. Paul's. These gentlemen he had both known while he was United States consul at Tunis, on the Mediterranean Shore . . . Mr. Searle being chaplain on one of the government
ships of war, on a cruising expedition. . He had notified them of his coming .
and intention. Mr. Smith procured the stone for his arrival. . . Once here, he found the site of his city was ten miles away on a wilderness shore,
368
History of St. Paul's Church.
. ... and never even seeing the island, save by map, he obtained leave of the people of St. Paul's and Mr. Searle to lay his corner stone on the Communion table inside of the church, near the pulpit, and perform all the ceremonies of the occasion. The Masonic order of the village, . . .. and a military company . . . . led a large procession to the church, headed by the ' Judge of Israel,' who in his robes of scarlet, with the Bible, and other adjuncts, performed the services necessary to such an imposing occasion, in which Mr. Searle gave the limited assistance required, and the little organ in the gallery furnished the music to complete it. After the ceremonial services, Major Noah delivered an able discourse, setting forth the plans of his pro- posed city, settlement and prospects, which ended the remarkable doings of the day, reports of all of which were published in the monthly newspaper of the village (the Buffalo Patriot). Thus ended the whole affair. Within a day or two afterward Major Noah left the village for New York, and never returned to visit it or to see the territory of Grand Island . . . the project utterly failed of accomplishment. ... The laying of the corner stone of a Jewish city on the Communion table of a Protestant Episcopal church, was noted only as an episode of the day, and no reflection was made upon the conduct of the Rev. Mr. Searle or his congregation for their act of generosity to a stranger, although so unique in its occasion. . The 'corner stone,' famous for many years of notice by tourists, was afterwards rescued from its neglect by the writer of this sketch . . . . and presented by him some years ago to the Buffalo Historical Society, where, with its Hebrew inscription, it holds an honor- able place among the many earlier collections of our past history."
[The ceremony above described was held September 2, 1825.]
ARARAT.
A City of Refuge for the Jews Founded by MORDECAIMANUELNOAH, in the Month Tizri 558c. Sept 1825 & in the 50 year of American Independence
CORNER STONE OF THE CITY OF ARARAT.
1
Historical Notes, 1817-1903. 369
The stone bears an inscription, first, in Hebrew text, the words from Deut. vi, 4 :
"'HEAR, OH ISRAEL, THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD.' ARARAT, A CITY OF REFUGE FOR THE JEWS, FOUNDED BY MORDECAI MANUEL NOAH IN THE MONTH TIZRI, 5586, SEPTEMBER, 1825, AND IN THE 50TH YEAR OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE."
The above letter simply gives a brief outline of this strange affair.
Mr. Allen knew Major Noah well, and has previously told this story, with full and interesting detail, in a paper entitled "Founding of the City of Ararat on Grand Island," which he read before the " Buffalo Historical Society Club," March 6, 1866, and which may be found in Volume I. of the publications of that society, issued in 1879, at pages 305-328. This paper by Mr. Allen was first published in the Buffalo City Directory of 1867, the year after it was written.
The well-known author, Israel Zangwill, has also used this inci- dent as the basis of a short story called "Noah's Ark," in his volume, published in 1899, entitled "They That Walk in Darkness." With the exception of one imaginary character, in the story of "Noah's Ark," the facts are used almost literally. Old St. Paul's and its rector, the Rev. Addison Searle, each appear in propria persona, as do also-to give an added tint to the local color, doubtless - Red Jacket and Joseph Ellicott, spelled Elliot.
Accounts and Anecdotes of the Rev. Dr. Shelton.
The late Rev. Dr. John W. Brown, always full of kindly considera- tion for the aged honorary rector, did not fail to do honor to his mem- ory when he had passed away. The impressive and tender funeral sermon which he preached in St. Paul's on October 14, 1883, is noted earlier in this volume. (Pages 147, 148.)
370
History of St. Paul's Church.
He wrote a very interesting account of his predecessor in an article entitled "William Shelton, D. D.," published in the American Church Review for March, 1884, dealing more particularly with Dr. Shelton's relations to the Church. The magazine gives, as frontispiece, a small steel portrait of Dr. Shelton, engraved after the photograph taken in Brussels in 1865, one of the best photographic portraits of Dr. Shelton ever made. The frontispiece of this history is reproduced from the same photograph.
The following extracts from Dr. Brown's article are given, bringing out, as they do, many points in Dr. Shelton's character :
" The desire for the companionship of his 'grave and reverend seniors' was a marked peculiarity of his youth. Once when Bishop Hobart was a guest of his father, William was deputed to take the bishop in the gig to New York. On their way, through Mamaroneck plains, a young man was overtaken on the road. The bishop called halt and, warmly greeting the gentleman, entered into conversation about some studies and books. After starting on their journey the bishop said, ' William, that young man is named DeLancey and is studying under me for the ministry, and you mark my word, he will make a name for himself in the Church.' The first bishop of Western New York, fully verified the prophecy. .
"The Rev. Addison Searle, who preceded Dr. Shelton as rector, writes to him in 1827 [after his first visit to Buffalo]: 'We are gratified to learn that you arrived safely in your snug and quiet home, and that you were pleased with your excursion to these western wilds; especially that this frontier station - this outpost of the Union, Buffalo, in its rude state seemed so agreeable to you. It is a goodly heritage, but has few pleasures, luxuries or advantages in comparison of the old, long-settled parts of the country.'
"Travelling by wagon and boat he [Dr. Shelton] reached his [Buffalo] parish in the early fall of 1829. The city had less than 10,000 in population, and was considered a frontier town. . . In an address delivered by him on an occasion celebrating his seventy-eighth birthday, he says : ' I was, at my coming, in entire ignorance of western habits and people. The congregation was composed of persons from various parts of the nation, . . .. and many who knew little of the claims of the Church and were ignorant of her doctrines. It can be readily understood how nice a matter it was to me who was bred in the bosom of the Church, who believed all her doctrines and felt bound to proclaim them. I taught doctrines and inculcated opinions which had never been heard of, and which seemed not only strange but so exclusive as to be illiberal and uncharitable.'
371
Historical Notes, 1817-1903.
... "In these early years his nearest clerical neighbors were the brethren in Canada, and the courteous friendship begun then lasted through his whole life. The Lord Bishop of Niagara when present at the fiftieth anniversary of his rectorship said : ' Amongst the many blessings with which a gracious God has surrounded me, I count my acquaintance with Dr. Shelton to be among the greatest. It commenced nearly half a century ago, and has been interrupted by not a single unpleasantness.' . . . . The Bishop also stated at that time, what he repeated at the memorial service held on All Saints Day, November 1, 1883, namely, 'that it was owing to the information and instruction received from Dr. Shelton which led to the publication of a pamphlet by himself concerning the organization of the Church in the Dominion and which resulted in the present ecclesiastical system established.' In speaking further of this work in its extent, he said : 'How much, then, is he a benefactor who has been instrumental in turning the thoughts of a young friend into a channel which has produced such bless- ings as have been conferred upon the colonial and Irish branches of the Church of Christ by our synodical system copied in great measure from the Church in the United States. '
" In 1845 he was married to Mrs. Lucretia Grosvenor. . He called their long married life an uninterrupted blessing. She was indeed a worthy help-meet, and her death, which preceded his just a year, was a blow from which he never recovered. . .
" The best word which expresses the character of Dr. Shelton is strength. Robust in body, he was also robust in thought. This strength of character was manifest in all he said and did. It impressed itself upon every person or work with which he was connected. Such a strong man must have made his virtues prominent. It produced an integrity which was unqualified. Every one said, ' He is an honest man.' Such a strong character could not help but show faults as prominently, for he could not under any circumstances be a dissembler. He was essentially a true man. These faults of his temperament are forgotten in the remembrance of the righteousness which filled out his life. He was large-hearted and unboundedly generous. Since his death the statements are shown which make him dispense one-third of his entire income in cer- tain years for charity and other pious works. One peculiarity of his temperament was to be easily depressed and discouraged, but the rebound would follow with increased power and hope. He was not very self-dependent but modest and humble-minded. He distrusted his own powers, but when his abilities were demanded discharged his public duties fearlessly and with usual success."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.