USA > New York > St Lawrence County > Canton > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York > Part 2
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In 1828 the village enjoyed something in the nature of a boom. The county seat was moved from Ogdensdurg to Canton. Up to this time the village consisted of a few houses scattered along Court, Main and Water Streets. With the growth of population there came also an increase in church membership.
In 1837 Pastor Johnson felt constrained, on account of failing health to resign the pastorate. He took up his residence on his farm, near by the village. Here he lived until 1855 when he died as a result of an accident, his sleigh tipping over and causing a log to roll upon him causing a fatal injury.
An interim of two years followed before the congregation found a successor to Rev. Johnson. Rev. Roswell Pettibone was then called and installed on February 13, 1839. This pastorate was an exceedingly fruitful one. The year 1841 opened most auspiciously.
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
God's Spirit was leading the people forward to a most wonderful work of grace. In July the Rev. Mr. Wickes began an evangel- istic campaign, which continued with unabated ardor for five weeks. The church was crowded at all the services. Everything was held in abeyance to these meetings. Rev. Wickes left after five weeks, but still the work of grace continued and after an ab- sence of three weeks he returned and continued the meetings. Over one hundred souls professed conversion, of which number sixty-six united with the Presbyterian Church that winter. Among those who thus gave themselves to the Lord were many men prominent in the affairs of the state and the nation.
Sometime during Rev. Pettibone's pastorate a manse was built, which with changes and additions housed all the pastors after- wards, save two, until the present beautiful manse was built. For fifteen years Rev. Pettibone continued to serve the people with great fidelity. He resigned in 1854. His death occurred on August 13, 1863.
For sometime the pulpit was supplied by various ministers. In 1855 a call was extended to Rev. John Waugh, of Sauquoit, N. Y., and by him accepted. On October 10, 1855, he was installed pas- tor. This pastorate was a very blessed and fruitful one and the Lord blessed the work of this servant of his. In 1856 the interior of the church was reconstructed. The gallery extending around three sides of the church was torn town. The pulpit, an ancient looking affair, goblet shape and entered by means of a winding stairway, and elevated almost on a level with the galleries was also taken down and a more modern pulpit was built in the rear of the church, the first pulpit having been built at the entrance of the church between the two doors. The seating of the church was also reconstructed. Originally the rows of seats against the walls were what were then called pews. They were box like stalls with seats on three sides, with an entrance door. The two rows of seats in the middle of the church were called slips. The high backed pews were all removed and all the seats conformed to the plan of the middle of the church. The gallery over the front end of the church was left standing and was used for a choir loft and for meetings of the Session. This remodelling of the church made quite a modern structure and continued thus until replaced by the present church. In the same year refreshing showers of blessing fell upon the people and many souls were born into the kingdom. In 1859 a Session House was built which afforded a convenient
MRS. W. H. STUBBLEBINE
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton , New York
place in which to hold the prayer meetings and other smaller gatherings. Again in 1860 it is recorded that God blessed the church with special manifestations of his converting power and many souls were added unto the church. Rev. Waugh resigned after a happy pastorate of fourteen years to accept a call to the church at Carthage. He died at Cohocton, N. Y.
In 1869 the members of the church conducted the dining hall at the fair grounds and continued doing so for a number of years. This was a fruitful source of revenue for the congregation.
In 1869 the Rev. James Gardner, D. D. then the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Hammond was called to the pastorate. The call was accepted and the installation took place on February 10, 1870. With the beginning of Dr. Gardner's ministry the church entered upon a new era of prosperity. Dr. Gardner was an Irish- man, who, tho of an uncompromising nature toward sin and evil, was withal a man of genial nature and very companionable. His ministry left a deep impress upon the congregation while he was known far and wide among both the clergy and laity. During the entire fifteen years of his pastorate the utmost harmony prevailed and his departure was amid universal regret.
Dr. Gardner was a strong preacher. His doctorine had not been emasculated to meet the atmospheric conditions of the time and place. His Presbyterianism was of the character that put iron in the blood of men and made them true to conviction and loyal to the cause they had espoused.
The spiritual aspects of Dr. Gardner's ministry show the influence of the man. In 1874 and following years he conducted a boy's and girl's prayer meeting whose average attendance was about twenty- five. The church prayer meeting was one of the most helpful meetings of the church and from the fact that on rainy and dis- agreeable nights there was an attendance of forty or more, it would appear that the regular attendance on clear nights must have been unusually large. Dr. Gardner was also instrumental in having services at the jail for the prisoners and also having a library placed there for their use. During this pastorate a County Orphan Asylum was located in Canton and Dr. Gardner conducted Sabbath School there. In 1875 and 1876 there was deep religious interest and many inquirers after the way of life. The Sunday evening services filled the house. Dr. Gardner was much in demand as an orator for public functions. He preached the first Memorial Day Sermon.
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
But the monumental work of Dr. Gardner was the building of the present church edifice. If the building of the first stone church in 1828 was a stupenduous work this was equally so. It was long debated whether it would not be wise to remodel the old church. Precious memories clustered about it and the old members were loathe to see this edifice destroyed. But we are living in a progressive age. Architecturally the old building was out of harmoney with the times. The accomodations were totally inadequate and rather than spend a goodly sum upon fixing up the old it was finally de- cided to build a new and modern edifice. It was, no doubt, with some misgivings that the work was undertaken. Men then did not do business by barter and trade as had their ancestors, but cash was not so plentiful then as to prompt to unconsiderate ex- penditure. But faith was strong and with willing hearts and open hearts the project was launched. Dr. Gardner was of course the inspiration of the whole movement. He it was who cheered the faint hearted and instilled enthusiasm into all. The Building Committee consisted of Messrs. Heman P. Matthews, W. H. Kim- ball and M. D. Packard. Dr. Gardner was ex-officio a member also. There was some liberal subscribers to this work. It is regreted that we can find no subscription list. Only two records have come to our knowledge. Heman P. Matthews and C. N. Conkey contributed one thousand dollars each. But there must have been other and equally generous subscriptions or the work could not have been done. Those who could not contribute so lavishly in cash were lavish with time and labor.
The plans of the church were drawn by L. B. Valk, of New York. It was a day not soon to be forgotten by those who lived then when the faithful gathered to begin the work of demolishing the old church. There were tears in many eyes. The date was April 10, 1876. The old bell in the tower was tolled fifty times and then taken down and laid by reverent hands in a temporary resting place. Then the old church soon became no more.
The contract for the new church was let to Mr. O. Moore and Thomas Fields. During the building of the church the congrega- tion worshipped in the Court House for awhile until the winter, the Baptist congregation, being without a pastor, the use of their building was tendered and accepted.
The corner stone of the new church was laid on the Fourth of July 1876. Owing to the inclement weather the preliminary relig- ious service was held in the Session House. A box was prepared
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
to be placed in the stone. This box contained the following articles. A Bible, Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., a parchment containing a written statement of the purpose for which the House was built, a brief sketch of the history of the church, a catalog of the officers from the time it became Presby- terian, also of its elders and deacons, the names of its present offi- cers, of the trustees and building committee, a record of the articles deposited, an account of the Sabbath School and its officers, names of choirister and sexton.
It containes also a parchment with the names of the workman then at work on the building. Another parchment with the catalog of village and town officers, business men, professional men, prominent residents, mills, churches, etc., a number of photo- graphs, a copy of the Plaindealer, the Presbyterian, the historical sermon preached by the pastor.
Then the people proceeded to the formal laying of the corner stone. Mr. H. P. Matthews, chairman of the Building Committee placed the box in the hole made to receive it. Dr. Gardner spoke briefly and the congregation was dismissed. The work proceeded toward completion. On August 5, 1877, the chapel of the church was first used for service. On August 18, 1878, the auditorium was occupied. In 1879 the pipe organ was installed.
January 14, 1880, is destined to live long in the memory of the members of the church. On this date the formal dedicatory service was held. Success had crowned the efforts and prayers of the people. The church was filled with an interested congregation. Rev. Dr. L. M. Miller, of Ogdensburg, presided. Dr. Gardner gave a brief historical sketch of the church after which Mr. H. P. Matthews, chairman of the Building Committee turned the build- ing over to the trustees of the church.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. J. J. Porter, D. D., of Watertown, N. Y. The text of his sermon was I Timothy 3:15. "The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth." The dedicatory prayer was of- fered by the Rev. S. G. Brown, D. D., LL. D., president of Hamil- ton College. The services of the day concluded with a sermon by Dr. Brown from the text Ephesians 2:12, "Without God in the world."
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
The following dedicatory poem written by Dr. Gardner was read:
God of our fathers, now to Thee A heartfelt song we raise; The Holy Spirit's presence be The guide of all our praise.
Our hearts and hands Thou hast inclined To build this house of prayer; Accept our work and let us find Thy Presence always here.
Here may Thy heralds long proclaim Salvation to lost man- Salvation, through the atoning blood Of Jesus Christ alone.
And let the Comforter, and Friend- The Holy Spirit, meet With all who here in worship bend Before the mercy seat.
To us, and to our children too, Thy convenant word fulfill, And sacramental grace bestow To mould us to Thy will.
Assailed by sin, by care oppressed, When grief shall o'er us roll, Thy sheltering love shall be the rest Of every burdened soul.
May faith grow firm and hope grow warm, And righteousness abound, And coming generations learn That this is holy ground.
At the time this church was built it was the most beautiful church in all Northern New York. It is of Gothic design, built of dark blue granite trimmed with Gouverneur granite. The seating capi- city is about seven hundred. It has stained glass windows all of which are memorial as follows. Large windows to the memory of Silas and Clarissa Wright; Capt. T. and Julia A. Moody; the Women of the Church; Rev. James Taylor, by his daughter, Mrs.
REV. JAMES GARDNER, D. D.
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
Chas. D. Rich. Smaller windows: Jacob Noble; John Leslie and Mary S. Weed; Tyler and Mary S. Martyn; Eliz Strong Baldwin; H. P. Matthews and F. P. Matthews; Alber H. Allen; Sunday School; A. M. Eastman's S. S. Class. and the Busy Workers.
The church cost about twenty thousand dollars. It is doubtful if this is a true estimate of what the cost would have been had a record been kept of the time and labor donated by the members, many of whom gave all their time, without recompense, to the work. The organ and furnishings of the church cost twenty-five hundred dollars. At the time of dedication an indebtedness of five thousand dollars was nearly covered by subscriptions. At present the church is free from all indebtedness, the Ladies Aid of the church having paid off the last mortgage some years ago.
In 1879 Dr. Gardner was tendered a call by the church at Gouver- neur which was declined. The congregation showed their appre- ciation of the work of their pastor by raising his salary to fifteen hundred dollars, the largest ever paid a pastor. In 1884 Dr. Gardner severed his pastoral relations with the church that he might accept a call to the church at Gloversville, N. Y. Again the congregation held forth every inducement to have him remain but he was led to decline their friendly tenders and so departed for his new field of labor. He remained pastor of this church until the time of his death, the last two years he was pastor emeritus. His death occurred at the home of his son, Rev. M. H. Gardner, at Horseheads, N. Y.
During Dr. Gardner's pastorate he received into the church one hundred and thirty-nine persons on profession of faith and sixty- two by letters from other churches.
On November 19, 1884, Rev. R. G. Bugbee, of Randolph, Ver- mont, was called as stated supply at a salary of twelve hundred dollars. This pastorate was not marked by any incidents of unusal merit and was concluded in January, 1888.
On April 5, 1888, the Rev A. S. Walker, D. D., of Boston, Mass., was called to the pastorate. This pastorate was also uneventful and terminated July 23, 1894.
On October 18, 1894, the Rev. Frank W. Townsend, pastor of Olivet Presbyterian Church, Utica, N. Y., was elected pastor which call he accepted. The installation service was held on December 6, 1894. This pastorate, extending over ten years was a very fruit- ful and blessed one. Along material lines much was accomplished. The church was entirely recarpeted, the walls frescoed, and in-
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
candescent lamps put in in the place of the large arc lamp. Thro the kindness of Mrs. E. S. Brewer the church received a handsome silver individual communion service. Also from the same a very beautiful communion table. Mr. George Jack presented the church with six walnut, leather upholstered chairs for use at the commun- ion service. Two hand carved collection plates were presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sackrider in memory of Dea- con Sackrider and his wife.
This pastorate was marked by two very successful evangelistic campaigns. The first was in 1890 under the leadership of Rev. H. H. Morey when forty-four signified their acceptance of Jesus. Again in 1895 the Rev. John Steel, of Potsdam, conducted a series of Evangelistic meetings which God blessed in the salvation of a large number of souls.
During this pastorate a mortgage of twenty-four hundred dollars was paid by the Ladies Aid Society.
During this decade the congregation suffered some almost irre- parable losses. Messrs. Henry Sackrider: H. P. Matthews, Charles Nickelson and Gilbert B. Manley were called by the Lord to their eternal reward. Truely they had all been faithful unto the trust committed unto them and without casting any reflection upon those who have succeeded them in the several offices which they filled it can be truthfully said that their places still remain unfilled. But tho they have passed on they left behind them those who have kept alive the love and interest of their sires by their loyal devotion to the church which they loved.
During Rev. Townsend's pastorate of ten years one hundred and nineteen were added to the church, fifty by certificate and sixty- nine by letter.
On July third, 1904, Rev. Townsend preached his farewell sermon. He is now located at Pleasant Valley, N. Y., pastor of the Presbyter- ian Chuch, where God is richly blessing his labors.
Without intermin the present pastor Rev. W. H. Stubblebine, Ph. D., came to the charge so ably filled by his predecessors. The formal installation of Dr. Stubblebine took place in October 6, 1904. The sermon was preached by Rev. Frank B. Cowan, of Potsdam, N. Y., from the text Matthew 12:30-He that is not with me is against me; and he that scattered not with me scattered abroad.
A brief resume of the work of the present pastor will suffice at
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
this time. To other hands will fall the task of writing his history as he has striven to write that of his predecessors.
In the fall of 1905 the church united with the Methodist and Bap- tist Churches in a series of evangelistic meetings under the leader- ship of Rev. M. S. Rees, of Rochester, N. Y. He proved himself a man of God, entirely acceptable in all his ways and methods, to all the diversified elements in the churches and town. The mem- bership of the church was awakened to new spiritual life and serv- ice and thirty-seven persons united with the church, thirty-four by profession and three by letter.
In 1906 the project of building a manse, long hanging, fire cul- minated in a successful issue. It was at first thought to be wise to remodel the old house, but it was soon apparent that to do so would cost not far from what a new house would. This was finally abandoned and it was decided to build entirely new. The old house was sold to Mr. A. Z. Squires. The following constituted the manse building committee, W. E. Dunn, chairman, Jas. E. Johnson, secretary, B. H. Rogers, Thos. Fields and Rev. W. H. Stubblebine. Pledges covering the cost of the building were quickly secured. Plans were drawn by Messrs. Gardner and Veitch of Canton and the contract was also finally let to the same firm for the building, the contract price being $3,225. The house was com- pleted and occupied December 1905, a house warming being given by the Ladies Aid Society. The house is a credit to the society. It is a handsome modern home with twelve large rooms, fitted up with all modern conveniences. It has hard wood floors on first floor. It is fitted with electric lights through out.
In the summer of 1906 Mrs. Jane R. Judd, the widow of Elder H. H. Judd visited Canton. Tho her home is now in Chicago she has lost none of her love for the old home church. It was a source of much pleasure to her to attend the services of the church again and note the signs of growth and interest. Upon her return home she communicated with the trustees, expressing her desire to be- queath two thousand dollars to the church, the income from which should be used for the support of the church. This was a wel- come surprise to the trustees and they hastened to convey their sincere appreciation of the interest and liberality of Mrs. Judd. In due time the money was paid to the trustees and is now safely in- vested in St. Lawrence County real estate, bearing interest at five per cent. The example of Mrs. Judd is worthy of imitation. How better could the members of the church show their interest in her
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
future welfare than by endowing the church with a portion of their worldly goods, the income from which would tend to keep alive their name in succeeding years.
The church, thus, has attained to the dignity of one hundred years, an honor enjoyed by few churches. The past is worthy the men who wrought so lovingly and well in the Master's vineyard. To them, the church was as the apple of their eye. They laid good foundations and generation after generation has been build- ing thereon until today we have a heritage worthy of the pride of us all.
During all these one hundred years the church has proven faith- ful to the trust committed to her. She has maintained the purity of the Gospel, with vigor and success. All the ordinances of the church have been faithfully administered. All the various services of the church have been well maintained. But what obligations all this imposes upon us of this day! No man can forecast the future. But it can be safely predicted that the future of this church can be made just as glorious as has been the past. To do so, however, demands that the same spirit of sacrifice and devotion as characterized our ancestors shall animate us.
WM. F. CAHOON
PROSPER BARROWS
ORSON BAKER
JOHN CHAMBERLAIN
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
THE CHURCH BELL
The first bell owned by the congregation was purchased by the women, the money for which was raised at a fair, held in the old Town Hall on Court Street. The bell was hung in 1851. Owing to a flaw in the casting the bell soon lost its tone and in 1858 was exchanged for another. Sweet and loud were its notes as across village and field it pealed forth its welcome invitation to attend the service of the sanctuary of the Lord.
In 1876, after it had been decided to build a new church the members assembled to dismantle the church. Fifty times did the bell toll the knell of the church beneath. Reverent hands lifted it from its resting place and con- veyed it to a temporary shelter, until God should crown the efforts of the people with success in their great under- taking. After a year of silence, upon the completion of the church, the bell was again placed in position and once again called the people to worship and service.
The following poem was written for this occasion:
Again we hear thy welcome voice; Again it bids our souls rejoice; Again with dear familiar sound Glad echoes from our hearts rebound.
Ring out on winter's morning air Break hallelujahs rich and rare, We the alabaster box will bring- Praise, thanks and glory to our king.
O, mother, dear Jerusalem No brighter gleam thine upper walls Than this fair temple which we build; No sweeter note thy trumpet calls.
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
Ring out old bell for years to come, And when our life's full work is done Hush thou, on waiting slumber blest With folded wing, till morn we rest.
For twenty-five years longer the bell called the people to the House of God. "For nine years its voice had lost its sweetness and year by year it grew more husky and indistinct," until it finally sounded more like clanging brass whose discordant notes jarred upon the nerves. Reluctantly the old bell was discarded.
The following lines written by an unidentified writer, under the pseudonyn J. B. C. on the abandonment of the old bell may be appropriately recorded here.
FAREWELL TO THE OLD BELL.
Farewell, old bell, a long and last farewell,
For years and years, I've heard thy cheery knell,
When thou wert young and in thy prime
I loved to listen to thy soft and mellow chime.
Then thou were young, old friend, and so was I And like you, will shortly have to say good bye,
Thy cracked and creaky voice and tone
Will not be thine, old bell, I mean, not thine alone.
Full well and oft thou'st called God's folks to prayer While I have struggled hard to do my share,
But we are old and useless, so our old friends say
And other voices than thine, old friend, will call them today.
Around thy battered, broken frame fond memory ere shall stay Till I, like you, from mortal eyes shall calmly pass away. But thou, old friend, with ruthless touch will pass thro other hands While I sit with patience here awaiting God's commands.
Again, old bell farewell, a long and last good-bye, 'Tis pleasant after all, dear friend, to know we all must die For tho the clearer chimes may ring to younger hearts today "Twill call to them in after years, when we have passed away.
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First Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York
In the year 1901 Mrs. Martha L. Manley informed the Ladies' Aid Society of the church, of which she was a member, that she would present the church with a bell (on certain simple conditions) in honor of her lamented husband, Gilbert B. Manley. The conditions were readily agreed to and a bell weighing ten hundred and eighty-six pounds was contracted for at a cost of three hundred and seventy-five dollars.
Inscribed upon the bell is the following:
Presented to the Presbyterian Church, Canton, New York In memory of
Gilbert B. Manley, by his wife, Martha L., A. D., 1902. "Let him that heareth say come."
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