USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 24
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 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
With the year 1858 commenced one of the most powerful revivals with which the church has been favored. Special revival services were held until the 23d of April, and the revival continued in con- nection with the regular services of the church far into the summer, adding to the membership of the church 127. Among the converts were about 40 young men. The Rev. David Heagle and the Rev. Norman Fox, Jr., both of them at that time licentiates, were the efficient helpers of the pastor. The baptistry was put into the church this year, and used for the first time March 7th. In the sum- mer of 1870 the house of worship was thoroughly repaired, frescoed and refurnished, at a cost of about $4,000.
During six weeks, services were held in Union Hall. Revivals have been characteristic of this church, and it has been signally honored in being permitted to license many candidates for the ministry who have been successful preachers of the Gospel. Among them we mention Rev. Geo. W. Eaton, late President of Madison University; Emerson Andrews, the evangelist; S. B. Willis, Alanson Baley, J. S. Webber, D. D. Gregory, H. F. Cochrane, David Heagle, Everett R. Sawyer. In 1856 the church ordained Henry L. Simpson, a colored brother, who was said to be the first of his race to take a full course of study at Madison University. In 1866 it ordained Abril Parmater to serve as chaplain in the army. The total num- ber of persons received into the church is 1, 048 by baptism and 562 by letters. The present mem- bership is 297.
108
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
THE SECOND REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.
The Second Reformed Church was organized in October, 1851. The importance and necessity of a Second Reformed Dutch Church had been felt and discussed by members of the First Church for sev- eral years prior to 1851. At one time a subscrip- tion was started and $4,000 was subscribed to start the enterprise, but nothing was done. Atra meet- ing of the consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church held in December, 1850, it was resolved to call a meeting of the great consistory to consider the pro- priety of organizing a new Reformed Dutch Church in the city. Two meetings of the great consistory were held and the subject of a new church thor- oughly discussed, and with only one dissenting voice it was
" Resolved, That a Second Reformed Dutch Church in this city is both expedient and necessary."
A committee was appointed to raise $500 to make the experiment. Though nothing was im- mediately accomplished, the idea was not abandoned, and in July, 1851, it was decided to call a public meeting of all those favorable to the object. The meeting was held in the lecture room of the First Reformed Dutch Church; a large number were pres- ent. A communication from Rev. Wm. J. R. Tay- lor, pastor of the First Church, was read, in favor of the project, and outlining a plan. It was made the basis of action. In the communication referred to, the Rev. Taylor says : "The action of the great consistory last winter has settled the question of the expediency and necessity of the new Reformed Dutch Church. This is a point gained." "What creates the necessity ?" "The want of room in the churches for the people of the city." " There are 300 families in First Reformed Dutch Church and only 150 pews; many of these are occupied by two fami- lies and at great inconvenience. We have lost val- uable families on this account." Further it says: "Something must be done. Begin a prayer meet- ing and a Sabbath-school immediately. Arrange for a temporary place of worship. Get the pastor on the ground and go to work as soon as possible." After the reading of the pastor's letter, measures were adopted to carry out his ideas. A prayer meeting was held, a Sabbath-school organized in the public school-house on White street. At the meeting of Classis in September a petition was pre- sented, signed by twenty-nine heads of families, ask- ing for the organization of the new church. The request was granted, arrangements made for the or- ganization, supplies for the pulpit arranged until next meeting of the Classis in April.
The first consistory was elected October 30, 1851, and the church organized with 14 members, 11 from the First Reformed Dutch Church, 2 from the Reformed Dutch Church of Cohoes, and one from the Presbyterian Church of Schenectady. On the 16th of November, 1851, the services of organiza- tion were held in the First Reformed Dutch Church. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Wm. J. R. Taylor, pastor of the church. An address to the new church was delivered by Rev. Goyne Talmage,
of Niskayuna. November 23, 1851, the first serv- ice was held in the old Cameronian church on Center street. Rev. N. D. Williamson, of Scotia, officiated.
November 16, 1852, Rev. I. G. Duryea was installed pastor of the church. In 1854 the lot for the church was purchased, and immediately the work of raising funds to build a church was begun. July 4, 1855, the corner-stone of the present church was laid; in September, 1856, it was com- pleted. The church prospered greatly under Mr. Duryea's pastorate until the spring of 1858, when his health failed and he took a brief vacation, the church agreeing to supply the pulpit in his absence. The Rev. Artemus Dean was engaged as a supply. Many of the members preferred his preaching to that of Mr. Duryea, and began to organize a large fol- lowing favorable to the dismission of the pastor and the calling of Mr. Dean. Mr. Duryea returned in August. A majority of the consistory favored his resignation. He was prevailed upon to offer it, which, after much ill feeling in the congregation, was accepted. Then an effort was made to settle Mr. Dean as pastor; this was opposed by some and Classis rejected the call. The Dean party, having a majority in the consistory and possession of the church, finally declared themselves independ- ent of Classis, and proceeded to install Mr. Dean and change the organization to a Congregational church. This was done in 1859.
Those who remained loyal to the Reformed Dutch Church began a suit for possession of the church. The case was tried before the late Judge Ira Har- ris, of Albany, as referee; the late Judge Paige counsel for the loyal party, and the late William A. Beach counsel for the Dean party. The case was not concluded until September, 1861, when Judge Harris decided that the Dean party had no right to the church, but must yield the property up to the loyal party.
In July, 1862, Rev. A. DuBois, D. D., was set- tled as pastor. In 1866 the large debt against the church was paid off. In 1868 the chapel was erected. Rev. DuBois resigned in September, 1869. February, 1870, Rev. Wm. H. Phraner was settled as pastor. The membership under Mr. Du Bois had increased from 60 to 113. Under Mr. Phraner's care the membership increased to 200. Mr. Phra- ner's health failed in 1870, and he resigned the pastorate.
In the fall of 1875 the church made a call of Rev. H. H. Northrop. The Classis refused to accept Mr. Northrop. A large portion of the congrega- tion, who were in favor of Mr. Northrop, left the church on account of the action of Classis. The church was badly broken up, but soon rallied again, so as to continue the Sabbath-school and ordinary church services. In June, 1876, Rev. J. N. Crocker was called, and served the church faithfully until May, 1878, although he was never installed. The church prospered greatly under his care. In September, 1878, Rev. E. C. Lawrence was installed as pastor. He resigned September 1, 1880. Rev. Peter E. Kipp, the present pastor, was settled in April, 1881. The church has greatly prospered under his pas-
109
CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETIES.
torate, the membership at present being 290. The church is centrally located ; has a good, convenient lecture room adjoining ; a good house for a par- sonage, the gift of the late Rev. A. J. Swits, within a few rods of the church. Its success has proved the wisdom and foresight of the Rev. Wm. I. R. Taylor and the men of the First Reformed Dutch Church, who so earnestly labored to establish the second church of the denomination in this ancient city.
P. E. Kipp was born in Paterson, N. J., in 1847, and graduated from the New York University in 1867, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1870. He was located in Fishkill from 1870 to 1874 ; Brooklyn, 1876 to 1880 ; and became pastor of the Second Reformed Dutch Church, Schenectady, in 1881.
CHRIST CHURCH.
This church was the outgrowth of a Sunday- school Mission, started by a few Christian ladies of St. George's Episcopal Church about 1865.
It was first incorporated as Christ Church, Sep- tember 23, 1867. The corner-stone of a wooden edifice, much smaller than the present building, was laid during this year by Rev. Dr. Payne, rector of St. George's, assisted by Rt. Rev. D. Randell, Bishop of Colorado. This church was first opened for services March 1, 1868. The first rector was Rev. F. C. Wainright, who remained till the year 1871, when he was succeeded, April 1 of that year, by Rev. Lucius N. Voigt.
During Mr. Voigt's pastorate the vestry room was enlarged 11 by 8 feet, and the number of communicants increased from 18 to 91. The value of the church property was estimated at $5,000.
Mr. Voigt resigned June 1, 1874, and for one year from this date the church was without a r. gu- lar rector. Dr. Lowell, of Union College, officiated during this interval. Rev. John M. Rogers was elected to the vacant rectorship June 1, 1875. Under his administration the church began to flourish, and in 1876 the building was enlarged to its present size. The vestry room was increased to double its former seating capacity ; a new chancel, 12 by 14 feet, was built, a steeple erected, the grounds improved, and the entire church decorated and improved, at a cost of nearly $1, 800.
Mr. Rogers resigned August 10, 1880, and was succeeded a few months later by Rev. J. Lewis Parks, who continued as rector till his resignation in June, 1883.
The present rector, Rev. Eugene L. Toy, suc- ceeded Mr. Parks in August, 1883. Under Mr. Toy's ministrations the church has continued to increase in numbers and in influence.
There are at present 151 communicants, an increase of 17 over preceding year. There is a Sunday-school connected with the church of 171 pupils and 20 teachers.
The size of the main body of the church is 22 by 55 feet ; the number of seats 180, furnishing seating capacity for about 500 persons. The value
of the church property is estimated at $10, 500, upon which there is a mortgage of $6, 200.
The present officers of the church are the fol- lowing : Wardens, James E. Curtis and David Guy ; Vestrymen, Samuel T. Benedict, William N. Butler, H. C. Van Zandt, M. D., John K. Elwin, E. E. Kreigsman, William W. Craig, David O. Youlen and Prof. Sidney G. Ashmore.
ST. JOSEPH'S GERMAN R. C. CHURCH.
Rev. Father Theodore Noethen, from Albany, and other secular priests, visited the German Catholics of the city before any organization was made, and held services for them in St. John's Church. On January 23, 1859, about 75 members met in Gottfried Blum's marble shop and resolved to build a church, which should be called St. Peter's Church. At the head of this movement stood Gottfried Blum and Xavier Zeiser as presi- dents, Peter Baldus, Mathias Treis and Peter Selzinger as trustees, Franz Tele as secretary, Julius Meyers as treasurer. At another meeting, on the 6th of February, in Meyer's molder shop, Fonda street, Peter and Karl Baldus, Jacob Gar- ling and Jacob Stener were chosen collectors, to take up a house collection. February 20th the large lot corner of State and Albany streets, where now the Arsenal stands, was purchased from Mr. Ramsay, for $2,000-$100 paid down, the rest to be paid within five years. Quarrels and lack of money afterward made them lose this splendid location. After many fruitless attempts to get a church, the generous Bavarian, Joseph Harreker, bought on sheriff's sale the old Cameronian frame church, on Center street, for $2,000, in his own name. To this was built a new sanctuary, for $300. This church, named after its founder and benefactor, St. Joseph's Church, was dedicated the 29th of June, 1862, by the Rev. Alphonse Zoller, O. M. C., of Utica. The Franciscan Fathers, from Utica, as Revs. Leopold, Oderic, Alphonse, Pius and others, held regular services in the new church. Father Oderic bought the cemetery on East avenue for $300. Father Pius bought the small brick house on Franklin street, west of St. John's Church, for $1, 300, for the Sisters of St. Francis, who taught the children in a frame school-house built north of the church. After that, Fathers Leopold and Pius, who was the first residing pastor, bought the east corner lot of Albany and Lafayette streets, with brick house for parsonage, from John McEucroe, for $4,750.
At the end of October, 1868, the Franciscan Fathers were called away, and Rev. Maurus Ramssauer, from Manlius Station, near Syracuse, was made pastor. Soon afterward the Franciscan Sisters were succeeded by a secular teacher. The double house north of the church on Center street was bought for $3, 500. The church incorporated April 16, 1869. At the end of April, 1876, Father Maurus resigned and went back to Manlius Station. His successor was Rev. J. Henry Cluever, D. D., from Deerfield Corners, near Utica. Through his energetic efforts the present beautiful church was
110
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
built. The corner-stone was laid Sunday after- noon, July 29, 1877, by Rev. Thomas Burke, of St. Joseph's, Albany, N. Y., with imposing cere- monies ; the church was dedicated March 3, 1878, by Right Rev. Bishop Francis McNeirny, of Albany.
Architect, M. J. Cummings, of Troy, N. Y .; builder, Jacob Van Zandt, of Schenectady, N. Y. Cost, without furnaces, organ and altars, $27, 286. December 14, 1881, Bishop McNeirny conse- crated the new marble side altars.
In August, 1882, the double lot, with house, west of the old cemetery was bought for $1,900, and added to the old insufficient burial place.
December 8, 1883, Rev. J. Herman Wibbe, from St. Peter's Church, Oswego, N. Y., succeeded Dr. Cluever, who took charge of St. Mary's Help of Christians, in Albany, N. Y.
In March, 1884, the new gothic high altar, built by Joseph Stoppelkamp, of St. Louis, Mo., for $1,200, without statues, was put up, and new stations, donated by some members of the parish, at a cost of $370, erected on the evening of Good Friday, the 11th of April, 1884.
Sunday afternoon, October 19, 1884, Bishop McNeirny solemnly blessed three new bells, bought from Clinton H. Meneely, Troy, N. Y., for $1, 105. - 72 ; the smallest, weighing 508 pounds, called "St. Jacobus," donated by Mr. Jacob Garling ; the second, "Joseph Franciscus," weighing 1,023 pounds, donated by St. Joseph and St. Franciscus Aid Societies ; the largest (1,993 pounds), "St. Maria," donated by members of the parish. The bells were first swung on the eve of All Saints Day (October 31st).
In the fall of 1884, the wooden annex of the Sisters' house was torn down and a large brick school-house erected, connecting the old school- house with the Sisters' house, and adding a new story to the latter, bringing the whole under one metal roof. The work was done by Mike Deckel- meyer for $3,647, without the steam boiler. The school is in charge of five Sisters of St. Joseph, and is attended by over 200 children. The congrega- tion has grown to over 400 families. With the church are connected five religious societies, with large membership, and a social club of the young men of the parish, the "Schenectady Eintradit, who meet twice a week in the basement of the school.
GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH.
This church was organized October 24, 1849, with the following members: August and Elizabeth Schweneker, Henry and Maria Strueme, Christian and Sophia Kasten, Frederick and Justine Danne- berg.
The first church was erected on Jay street, on the site of the present Congregational Church, May, 1850, at a cost of $1, 500.
The first pastor was I. I. Grau, under whose pastorage the church grew in membership and in- fluence.
Following is a list of pastors in the order of their ministration over this church : I. I. Grau, A. Schwartz, Sebastian Mickel, I. I. Grau, Jacob
Kindler, Henry Kastendirck, Casper Jost, Francis G. Graty, Christian Blinn, John Sauter, Christian F. Grimm, John C. Deininger, Casper Jost, George Abele, Paul Quattlander, Henry Kastendieck and F. H. Ray.
The present church on the corner of Union and Lafayette streets was erected in 1872. It is 53 x 82 feet, and has a seating capacity of 800 persons.
This church is in a most prosperous and healthy condition, with a full membership of 388, and 65 probationers. The average congregation numbers between 500 and 600. The Sunday-school con- nected with this church numbers 400 children, with an average attendance of 300.
The value of the church property, consisting of the church edifice and a parsonage on Park place, is estimated at $38,000, against which there is a debt of but $6,000.
THE EAST AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On Tuesday evening, October 25, 1866, the first prayer meeting of this society was held, Dr. Backus, of the First Church, presiding. About fifteen per- sons were in attendance.
The meetings in the course of a few weeks be- came so largely attended, that the private house in which they were held was overcrowded. Accord- ingly the young men engaged in the work, with commendable enterprise rented a small dwelling in the vicinity and, having removed the partitions, fitted it up as a place or worship. This building was first used December 23, 1866, and from that date meetings were held there on Thursday and Sabbath evenings during the winter and following summer. A Sabbath-school was organized December 15th with five scholars. The second Sabbath it num- bered twenty-one scholars and six teachers. Feb- ruary 3, 1867, an infant class was organized. The attendance upon the school and prayer meeting in- creased so greatly during the winter that the build- ing was again found too small for the accommoda- tion of those who came, and again the laborers recognized the finger of Providence pointing them forward. The idea of building a chapel was talked about, and funds were sought after and obtained, chiefly among the members of Dr. Backus' congre- gation, and the work was commenced July 23, 1877. October 10th the chapel was finished, and was soon dedicated, with appropriate services; Rev. Dr. Backus, Rev. Dr. Hickok and Rev. John Clancy officiating. The work continued to prosper, and through the influence of the Sabbath-school and prayer meeting, a number of persons were con- verted and united with the city churches. The Sunday-school, at present, is the largest and most efficient in the city.
During the winter a Sabbath evening preaching service was kept up regularly. In the spring of 1869 those who had been interested in the work from the beginning thought that circumstances war- ranted them in asking for a separate organization. The proposition was accepted by the pastor and people of the First Church, to whose cordial sympa- thy and co operation the success of the undertak-
111
CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETIES.
ing had been largely due. Accordingly sixteen persons were dismissed from the mother church, April 1, 1869, to form the new society. The fol- lowing Sabbath, April 4th, after the sermon by Rev. Dr. Backus, from Heb. 13:17, the church was or- ganized. From this time the pulpit was regularly supplied, morning and evening, by various minis- ters. The first stated supply was George Alexan- der, a licentiate of the U. P. Presbytery of Albany and a student of Princeton Seminary, who preached during the months of July and August. At a meet- ing of the congregation, August 4th, he was elected and called to the pastoral charge. Having accepted the call, he was ordained and installed January 20, 1870, and dismissed by Presbytery in 1884.
The church edifice is located on Upper State street. It is built of brick, with a Gothic roof, and has a seating capacity of 600. The present pastor, J. D. Paxton, has served since 1884.
THE EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Evangelical Congregational Church, Sche- nectady, N. Y., was unanimously recognized by a council of Congregational churches and pastors, April 24, 1877, convened by invitation of the pas- tor, officers and members of the Free Evangelical Church, an independent religious organization that had been holding religious services in Union Hall for sixteen months previous, under the ministra- tions of Rev. Henry H. Northrop.
The council was composed of the following pas- tors and delegates of these churches: Albany, Gloversville, Oswego, Syracuse, Middletown, Har- lem, Homer, N. Y .; the Rev. J. C. Holbrook, D. D., secretary of the N. Y. S. Home Missionary Society; Rev. James G. Cordell ; also Rev. H. G. Day, of the Baptist Church of Schenectady.
The public services took place in the evening of the same day in Union Hall, when the Moderator, Rev. J. C. Holbrook, D. D., officially recognized the church, welcoming it to the fellowship of the Congregational churches. An address on the Princi- ples of Congregationalism was made by Rev. Jona- than Crane, of Middletown, N. Y. A sermon was preached by Rev. W. S. Smart, D. D., of Albany, and an address delivered by Rev. Samuel H. Virgin, pastor of Pilgrim Church, Harlem, N. Y.
The church continued to hold its public services in Union Hall and prayer meetings in the German M. E. Chapel, on Jay street. Rev. H. H. Northrop continued with the church until March, 1879, when he was regularly dismissed by council.
Rev. John H. Munsell was called to and accepted the pastorate in April, 1879. It soon became evi- dent that Union Hall was not a suitable place to hold Sabbath services, and the same fall they were removed to the chapel on Jay street, in which the prayer meetings were held. Large congregations were accustomed to attend the services in the pub- lic hall, not more than half of which followed the church into the chapel to worship there. Soon after a revival of religion greatly blessed and en- couraged the church, largely increasing its mem- bership. The capacity of the chapel was soon
found to be too small to accommodate those who desired to worship with the church, and in the spring of 1880 active measures were insti- tuted to secure a larger place of worship and a per- manent church home, and the lot and buildings comprising the chapel and the adjoining dwelling house-now the church parsonage-were pur- chased and immediate measures taken to erect a suitable church edifice. After two years of patient toil, constant prayer, and unusual sacrifice, the church was permitted to dedicate its present beau- tiful edifice on Jay street, April 5, 1882, the Rev. Wm. M. Taylor, D. D., pastor of Broadway Tab- ernacle, New York, preaching the sermon.
The following year the adjoining chapel was erected. This church, with its accompaniments, is one of the most attractive and convenient church buildings in the city.
The church has steadily grown, comprising now 330 church members. Its Sunday-school numbers more than 300.
EMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1881 by a num- ber of the former members of the First Baptist Church. At this time the members of the congre- gation had no church edifice, and used Union Hall in which to hold religious services. The first regular pastor was John C. Breaker, who became pastor April 10, 1882. In 1883 a lot on Nott terrace was purchased, and the present church edifice erected, at a cost of about $3,500. Mr. Breaker remained as pastor of this church until October, 1884, when he resigned his charge. The congregation remained without a regular supply until June 17, 1885, when the present pastor, George M. Muller, accepted the pastorate. This congregation is composed of about 130 members, and is in a healthy financial condition.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.
This congregation was organized in 1856. At this time the store a few doors from State street on Ferry street was purchased for $1,400, and is still used in which to conduct religious services. The officers of the Synagogue are president, vice-presi- dent, three trustees, treasurer and secretary. The first President was Alexander Susholz, who was succeeded by the present officer, Jonathan Susholz. The remaining officers are Jacob Henry, Vice-Pres- ident; Phieffer Levi, Treasurer; S. Susholz, Secre- tary; Henry Heilbronner, S. Sterns and L. Behr, Trustees.
This congregation consists of 38 members, and is known by the corporate name Shara Schoma- jim. The present Rabbi is Rev. Rudolph Farber.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.
The first Roman Catholic congregation was or- ganized in this city in 1880 with less than 20 per- sons. At this time a small frame building near the Mohawk bridge on Washington avenue was neatly fitted up and used for church services. The congregation had no regular rector, but was occa- sionally attended by Rev. Charles Smith, of St.
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.