USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > History of the First Presbyterian church of Albany, N.Y.; lists of its officers, and a complete catalogue of its members from its organization > Part 3
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1 A small metal piece.
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sacrament was dispensed, the tokens which had previously been given out were taken up, thus rendering it impossible for any one disallowed by the Session to partake without being observed. Thus, too, the communicants were brought under the special observation of the Session, and those who were frequently absent were remarked, and called upon to give their reasons for thus absenting themselves from the Lord's table.
Discipline was rigid. Under the strict supervision of the Session, it was almost impossible for any one to be guilty of inconsistencies or innoralities without the fact becoming known to some of the elders ; when the party was immedi- ately summoned for trial. Indeed, the trial of offenders against the discipline of the church, at some periods, consti- tuted the large proportion of the business of the Session at their monthly meetings. The charges most frequently met with in a review of the old Sessional Records, are- absence from public worship, violation of promises, severity in the collection of money, unchristian language, defamation, scandal, profanity, violation of the Sabbath, intemperance, etc. The penalty usually imposed was suspension from the privileges of the church, until the person gave evidence of repentance. But the Session did not regard those thus sus- pended as being outside the church. They continued to keep a careful watch over such, appointing a committee
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frequently, to look after them and endeavor to bring them to repentance. And now perhaps it is asked what was the re- sult of all this inquisitorialness ? After a careful examination of the Minutes of Session, during the period of this exercise of strict but paternal discipline, I am compelled to say it proved a great benefit to the disciplined. I have been sur- prised to find how many, thus dealt with and watched over, were brought back from the error of their way and restored to their full standing in the church. But if they continued in a course of sin, not heeding the admonitions and en- treaties of those whom God had made rulers over them in spiritual things, then they were warned of excommunica- tion; and if they proved utterly incorrigible Session pro- ceeded solemnly to cast them out of God's church. This, however, was very rarely the case. I am not sure but the church is letting go one of God's ordinances for salvation, when it permits discipline to become a thing of the past.
In these early times, Session not only kept a careful watch over the practice of the people, but also upon the preaching from the pulpit. Just before the call was made for Mr. Nott, a supply one Sabbath promulgated what they deemed unsound doctrine. A committee of Session was appointed to draw up a statement to Presbytery of the errors contained in the sermon. Their report is drawn with all the accuracy of a trained theologian, representing among other things,
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that the preacher had " positively denied the doctrine of imputed guilt, asserting that man became guilty of Adam's sin by approving it, and not otherwise."
The Records of Session sufficiently testify that this church has been fortunate in its choice of men to administer its spiritual affairs. They have almost uniformly been men who have exhibited a high degree of diligence in the exer- cise of their office,- men of intelligence, prudence, piety and sincere devotion to the interest of the church. Among those whose services to this church deserve more than a mere general commendation, may be mentioned the name of Robert Henry, one of the elders elected at its organization. HIe seems to have been the leading spirit of the little band who organized the church; and it was largely through his efforts and liberality, that the first house of worship was erected.1 The name of Ananias Platt, also, still lingers in this church with fragrant memory, on account of his humble, devoted Christian walk, his great faithfulness in the dis- charge of his official duties, and the remarkable " amount of his benefactions to the cause of Christian benevolence." The name of Boyd is one which figures most prominently in the history of this church. It appears on almost every page of the Records, both of the Session and Board of Trustees, from the time of the reorganization of the congregation at the
1 Minute of Synod quoted p. 51.
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close of the revolution, down to the present. The fifth gen- eration of this family is now connected with the church ; and three generations of it, covering the entire time of the church's existence, have successively constituted a leading element in its governing power. Among the later members of Session, whose names should be borne in grateful remem- brance by this people, are Green Hall, Amos Fasset and Thomas McMullen - all of whom have deceased. To the faithfulness and piety of each of them, Session has borne unqualified testimony in its minutes. And I desire here to record my appreciation of the Session of this church as at present constituted.1 I doubt if in its history, the congrega- tion has had over it men better qualified for their duties, or more devoted to its interests, than those who now bear spirit- ual rule over this people. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor."
1 See list of elders.
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THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
HE persons, to whom was first committed the care of the temporalities of this church, were those whose names appear in the deed the city made to this congregation for a lot on which the first house of worship was erected.' So far as we have any information, they were the only Trustees of the congregation till after the close of the revolutionary war. Under the operation of an act of the Legislature passed in the year 1784, this congregation became regularly organized as a Body Corporate, by an election of a Board of Trustees, on the 5th of October, 1785. From that time to the present, we have perfect records of their proceedings kept with great care and accuracy. They held their first meeting for the purpose of organizing, on the 7th of the same month, and elected Robert Henry " Mode- rator."
Some minutes occur in the records of the early meetings of the Board which will doubtless prove interesting to the curious. I give a few specimens. Their first corporate act, after the meeting to organize, was to resolve " that a public dinner be given to the gentlemen appointed to ordain Mr. McDonald." Soon after, it was "resolved that the clerk take three shillings for making publication of marriage, and sixpence for every person christened," "that the price of burying a person under
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the church be, three pounds for an adult, and thirty shilling for a per- son under fourteen years." The pay of the sexton was fixed at " Three shillings per Sabbath during the winter season. The duties of the sex- ton were enacted as follows. "1. See that the doors and window shutters of the church are seasonably opened. 2. See that the fires be made in the stoves, in the season thereof, and the snow cleared to the doors of the church. 3. See that the stoves be removed the first day of May, and return them the first day of November. 4. See that children and servants behave with decormm during service. 5. Endeavor, upon ap- proach of strangers, to conduct them to seats. Attend funerals in the congregation, for which a perquisite be taken by him. 6. Keep the Corporation seat for them, and such persons as they introduce. 7. Close the church." A person was appointed to " the office of warning the people to funerals and walking before the corpse," for which he re- ceived a " perquisite of twelve shillings." It was resolved " that one thousand coppers be stamped church penny, ' and placed in the hands of the treasurer, for the purpose of exchanging with the congregation at the rate of twelve for one shilling, in order to add respect to the weekly collections." August 5, 1817, the Board procured the passage of a law, which allowed two chains to be stretched across the street at each end of the church, in order to prevent vehicles from passing during service. These chains continued in place till about the year 1882.
One of the first acts of the Board, was to resolve to rent the pews of the church. This however did not prove acceptable ; and the congregation, "in a body, solicited the Board, that the former resolve respecting the letting of the pews be rescinded, and that they be exposed to public vendue." This request was complied with ; and soon after, the pews were offered at public sale, - a yearly rental being attached to each pew, to be paid by the purchaser for the
1 One of these coppers found some years since sold for $25 .- Munsell.
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support of the church. This is the practice for raising the revenues for the congregation at the present time. As the yearly rentals did not cover the ordinary and necessary ex- penses, an annual subscription was taken for that purpose. This subscription, for expenses the pew rents were not sufficient to cover, continued till the occupation of the pre- sent church building. The committee to take the first sub- scription, were directed to call upon the Patroon, and securing his signature, they were authorized to tender him his choice of the pews of the church. He made choice of pew number four, and was granted " liberty to make what improvements on it" he wished. " The front seat on the right hand, going in the chief door, " was appropriated for the use of the Cor- poration of the city ; and " its opposite to the Governor." " The pew next to the pulpit on the right hand, " was re- served for the minister; and " the one next the pulpit on the left, " was for elders and deacons. When the second house of worship was built, "a suitable cushion " was ordered for the minister's pew. It was also directed, that the in- side of the pew should be " painted a peagreen color and the top of the book board covered with a green cloth fastened with brass nails." The annual income of the church as reported for the year 1787, was £381, about $900. In 1800 the in- come from rents and subscriptions and weekly collections amounted to $1115.81.
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The management of the finances of a large city church is a work of no small magnitude. As the organization grows expenses grow, and sometimes when the congregation is largest the annual deficit is largest also.
To the men, who have given themselves to this difficult task of managing the finances of this congregation in suc- cessive generations, we to-day owe a debt of gratitude which ought not to be forgotten. To serve the church in this sphere costs time, thought, and anxiety, and oftentimes the exercise of great liberality. The value of the services rendered by many of those whose names appear in the list of Trustees is beyond all computation. To mention all those, who deserve a place in the grateful remembrance of this peo- ple for their faithful services in this office, would require us to go well nigh through the entire list, both of the dead and living. One of the most onerous duties of the Trustees of this church has been to provide suitable accommodations for the growing wants of the congregation. Three different times they have been called upon to erect new houses of worship. They have builded two Session Houses, besides making repairs and enlargements involving, each time, a large outlay of funds.
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EDIFICES.
FIRST HOUSE OF WORSHIP.
N the year 1762, according to the sketch of John McDonald, subscriptions were solicited for the purpose of building a church In 1763, as before stated, a piece of ground was deeded to certain persons as Trustees for the same purpose. It was bounded on the south by Hudson street, on the west by Grand street, on the north by Beaver street, and on the east by William street. This ground was then known as " the gallows hill," and is described as being " very steep." The first church building was erected on this lot during the year 1764. A stairway winding around the hill, and very difficult of ascent during the winter season, was the only means of approach to the church. The house was built of wood, and is described as being " of a respectable size, though not of a very elegant appearance." It was covered with a flat roof and surmounted with a tower and spire, the tower containing a bell. It was painted red, and stood fronting the east.
In the Records of the Synod of New York and Philadel- phia for 1770, I find a minute which gives the only account of the cost of this building any where to be found. And, as
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it gives some interesting details concerning the circumstances of the congregation at that time, I give the minute entire. " An application was made in behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Albany reporting that they are deeply involved in debt, and praying that Synod would recommend them to the assistance of charitable and well disposed persons within their bounds. The Synod referred it to Messrs. P. V. B. Living- ston and Elihu Spencer as a committee to examine and make report of the state of their accounts. The said committee reported that it appears by the papers produced to them by Robert Henry, one of the elders of said church, that they erected a building for the public worship of God, the expense of which amounted to £2813, 98. 3d., York currency,1 - that they received from sundry subscribers €811, 108. Sd. for that purpose, which left the sum of £2001, 18s. deficiency to be paid by three persons only, of which Mr. Henry has paid out of his own pocket £1086, 13s. Gd., and is liable for part of what still remains unpaid of said debt. The Synod there- fore do cheerfully and cordially recommend them to the as- sistance of well disposed charitable persons within our bounds." There is no where to be found any intimation of the result of this effort to procure financial relief abroad. It was not probably very successful ; for, several years after the second edifice was occupied, on Dec. 22, 1801, the old building was ! About $7,033.
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deeded in trust to Robert R. Henry " for the payment of the principal and interest of the debt which had been contracted with Mr. Robert Henry, deceased, by the congregation in building the old church; # # and for such other debts proportionately as may be legally established, having been contracted in like manner." The condition of the deed was, that Robt. R. Henry should " completely indemnify this Board, and their successors, against all legal demands, etc.' Thus, the old house passed out of the hands of the Board, and in the course of time was torn down, and the lot sold.
THE SECOND BUILDING.
Owing to the increase of the congregation, during the ministry of Rev. John McDonald, it was found necessary to provide enlarged accommodations; and it was determined to take steps for the erection of a new and commodious edifice. For this purpose, the Board of Trustees, on the 15th of February, 1792, appointed a committee to purchase a " lot on the plains; " which they succeeded in doing for the sum of £65. It was situated on what is now the corner of South Pearl and Beaver streets. The foundation of the building was laid under the supervision of the Board. For work thus done, I find a bill was ordered paid, amounting to £376, 14s. 8d. March 16th, 1794, the Board resolved to advertise for proposals to build the walls and do the outside
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THE SECOND EDIFICE.
carpentering and floor- ing; and the contract was awarded to Elisha Putnam on the 17th day of March, 1795, for the sum of £3250. Subse- quently, a contract was entered into with the same party to do the inside carpenter work for the sum of £963; to which amount £50 were afterwards added by the Board, "in lien of ma- terials of the old church," which the contract al-
lowed to be used. The lathing and plastering was done by Garrit Keating for £300. I have nowhere found a statement of the entire cost of this house; but, put- ting the above items together, which constitutes the main expense of the building, it gives a total cost, not including the lot, of £1939, 14s. 8d., or about $12,347. Various other incidental expenses would doubtless increase this sum a few thousand dollars. There appears to have been much diffi- culty in raising this amount of money. After the subscrip-
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tions had been exhausted, a number of gentlemen advanced £200 cach to forward the work, to be refunded from the sale of pews, when the church should be completed. The pastor and one of the Board were directed to proceed to New York, and other places, to solicit contributions for the purpose of completing the structure. Still the enterprise delayed ; until on July 22d, 1796, an association of share holders was formed, and the needed means raised; when the work was progressed, and the house finished, and first occupied, No- vember 2d, of the same year. Dr. Smith, of Union College, preached two sermons on the occasion. The steeple was not finished for nearly twelve years afterwards. The pews were sold, January 16th, 1797, - within a few days of five years from the time the movement began. The sum realized from the sale of the pews was $8398.75; and the annual income was $525.50. In one of the papers of the day, this house was described as being, " a handsome building sixty- four feet by seventy-six, eligibly situated in Washington street corner of Beaver. The inside of the church is in modern style, and the workmanship very elegant."
During the summer of 1831, this building was enlarged by an addition of sixteen feet on the north end, and the interior remodelled and much improved; and it became "the most elegantly finished church in the city." The expense of these improvements was $4,600.
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As thus remodelled, this building is well remembered by a large proportion of our citizens. In this form it appears in the accompanying plate. The congregation continued to worship in it, till their removal to the present edifice in 1850. It then passed into the possession of the Congrega- tional Society of this city, and was occupied by them, till within a few years ; when they removed to their new church on Eagle street. It was then sold, and has since been used for business purposes, and is now known as Beaver Block, on South Pearl street.
In 1815, the Session House, belonging to the old church, was erected at a cost of $5,000.
THE PRESENT EDIFICE.
In looking at the imposing structure, in which this con- gregation now worships, no one would dream that it was the outcome of an embarrassed state of church finances. But, strange as it may seem, it was so. In a paper adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 2d, 1846, and addressed to the congregation, it was represented, - that the pew rents did not cover much more than half the running expenses of the church,- that the individual subscriptions made for that purpose, were not sufficient to meet the balance, and were falling off from quarter to quarter, leaving each year a large and increasing deficit, amounting the current year to
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the sum of $800,- and that there already was a large debt upon the corporation, which, at the present rate of increase, would in a few years " be so great as to cover all their pro- perty." In view of these facts, the board suggested two plans to get out of their present difficulty. The first was - to reorganize the congregation in the old house of worship, doubling the pew rents, and assessing the pews, in addition, a sufficient amount to meet the debt. The second plan was - to build a new church. At a meeting of the pew holders held, October 5th, 1846, the latter plan was adopted. In view of this action of the congregation, it is evident, that the financial stress was rather the occasion, than the cause, of the movement for a new church building. No set of men, in sober reason, would incur liabilities amounting in the ag- gregate to over $100,000, in order to escape a debt of between three and four thousand dollars. It was evidently a desire, on the part of a majority of the people, for a house of worship more in keeping with the progress of the times and the wealth and standing of the congregation, which was the primary motive in the whole movement.
Although this action of the congregation, looking to the erection of a new church building, was opposed by a large minority of the people, it was forwarded with much energy. Papers were circulated and liberal subscriptions secured. A lot of ground, on the corner of Hudson street and Philip,
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was purchased, in September of 1847, upon which, in the course of the same autumn, was begun " the erection of a church edifice, after the model of the First Presbyterian Church, New York." The main building was completed early in the year 1850. On Sabbath, March 3d, an interest- ing farewell service was held in the old church, Dr. Camp- bell preaching an appropriate discourse, taking for his text, James 4 : 17 .- " Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, it is sin" - being the same text from which he had preached, when he assumed charge of the congrega- tion, twenty years before. On the following Sunday, March 10th, 1850, the new edifice was opened for public worship, the pastor officiating alone in the dedicatory services. The text on this occasion was, Haggai 9: 2 .- " The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord of hosts ; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts." The discourse is described as having been " truly eloquent and impressive." The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and large numbers were compelled to leave, being unable to gain admittance.1
During the year 1855, steps were taken looking to the erection of a Session House. After various negotiations, additional ground was purchased in rear of the church building; and during the summer of 1856, a Lecture Room was erected, completing the design of the building as it now
Munsell's Annals, vol. II, pp. 255-6, Ist ed. 8
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stands.1 It was dedicated in the evening of June 17th, 1857. The entire cost of the church edifice, as thus com- pleted, was about $115,000.2 This amount was raised vari- ously, -by the sale of the old property, by subscriptions, loans, and mortgages, running through a period of a dozen years. The last of it, being a balance of $12,332.91 neces- sary " to clear the church fully and finally from debt," was provided for by a subscription made through the con- gregation in December of 1858. The wisdom of this twelve years' experience was embodied in a resolution, which was adopted by the Board, December 31st, 1858, and in these words :- " It is finally and unalterably -
Resolved-
That hereafter, no debt shall be contracted against this corporation, unless by a vote of two-thirds of all the Trustees elected under its charter, to be recorded on the minutes, with the names of the Trustees voting thereon."
It was also further - " Resolved :- The above resolution shall be read at each meeting of the Board."
These resolutions, together with a recent action of the Board according to which the consent of the Pastor must be obtained, constitute a very effectual bar against the incur- ring of debts upon the church. It is a gratifying fact, that,
2 See Frontispiece.
3 This information I get from the present efficient President of the Board of Trustees, who was one of the building committee, and gave much personal attention to all the details of the work.
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at the present time, the finances of this congregation are being administered in accordance with the spirit of the above resolutions, and the scriptural injunction, "owe no man anything."
In the spring of the year, 1870, it was found that owing to the settling of the tower, extensive repairs were needed to render it secure. The entire inner wall of the tower, from the foundation to the organ loft, was removed, and re- built with heavy granite blocks, procured through the New Capitol Commissioners ; and for which the Board paid the sum of $733.46.1 The mastic on the outside of the church was also removed; the interior refrescoed and refurnished ; and a new organ put in. The cost of these repairs was about $14,000 : the entire amount of which was raised and paid, leaving no debt upon the corporation.
This concludes the account of the church buildings, with the exception of the Mission Chapel in Alexander street. But as it was the result of a voluntary movement, and not the doing of the Corporation of the church, any notice of it belongs more appropriately under the head of the Mission School, which will be noticed hereafter.
1 I am thus exact here, because at one time it was alleged, that the Capitol Commissioners had made no charge for this stone, and that the State was thus defrauded. The vouchers are in the possession of the Treasurer.
PRAISE.
N no respect has the worship of this church changed so much, as in that of praise. For many years after its organization the singing of the congregation was led by a precentor. This was an office of emolument and honor; although, doubtless the honor was much more prized than the emolument. The amount of salary at first was £51 a year; and for more than a quarter of a century, it was less than one hundred dollars. The duties of the office were "lining the Psalm," and " leading the singing." The incumbent occupied a position a little lower than the minister, in front of the pulpit. After the Psalm had been announced, and duly read through and "explained " by the minister; the precentor began and read two lines, and then led the people in the singing of the same, then two lines more, and so on in the same way, reading or "lining" and singing, until the whole Psalm was gone through. It was no small accomplishment to be able to " turn the tune well," - to multiply one syllable, at the end of a line, sometimes into three to make it fit the tune -and to gracefully glide from singing to reading, and vice versa ;
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