USA > New York > Tompkins County > Ithaca > History of the First Presbyterian church of Ithaca, New York, during one hundred years : the anniversary exercises, January twenty-first to twenty-fourth, 1904 > Part 9
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9 .- MISS MALVINA HIGGINS, daughter of Zalmon and Maria Higgins ; born 1827 ; conf. faith, 1839; Missionary to Freedmen, see page 36 ; died at Ithaca, March 10, 1900.
IO .- S. MILLS DAY, son of Rev. Warren Day, of Enfield Centre, N. Y. ; entered Ithaca Academy in 1844 ; conf. faith, 1848 ; grad. Union Coll., 1850, Auburn Sem., 1852 ; ordained by Pres. of Ithaca ; Pastor of Pres. Ch. of Hammondsport, N. Y., 1852-57 ; Pres. Ch. of Havana, N. Y., 1857-62 ; of Honeoye Congregational Ch., 1862-97, and since then as Pastor emeritus.
II .- LEWIS HARTSOUGH, son of Zechariah and Betsy H., both members of this Ch. ; Z. H. afterwards an Elder of Varna Ch. ; Mrs. H. a member of Maternal Assoc. ; Lewis born 1828 ; by letter from Varna, 1845; grad. Cazenovia Seminary, 1852; united with Methodist Conference at Ithaca in July, 1851 ; Pastor at Utica, N. Y. ; agt. of Amer. Bible Soc. ou line of U. P. Railroad ; Presiding Elder in Wyoming Territory ; Supt. of Methodist Missions in Utah ; then stated supply ; retired by ill health in 1889 ; has published many hymns and tunes, among them : " I hear Thy welcome voice that calls mie Lord to Thee" ; (see letter on later page. )
12 .- MRS. SELINA HAZEN KNAPP, daughter of Deacon Hazen ; born March 20, 1839 ; conf. faith, 1852 ; married Sept. 27, 1864, to Rev. Mathan B. Knapp, with whom she has shared the work in Home Mis. Churches in the west, and in N. Y. State at Fenton, Sturgis, Hannibal, Elbridge, Treble, Middlefield Centre ; now retired and living at Phelps, N. Y.
13 .- HERVEY CROSBY HAZEN, son of Deacon Hazen ; born June 20, 1841 ; conf. faith, 1852 ; grad. Amherst 1862, Auburn Sem. 1865; ordained by Ithaca Presbytery, August, 1867 ; married Ida Chapin, and, under commission of A. B. C. F. M., went to Madura Mission, south- ern India ; after five years returned on account her ill health, followed by her death ; twelve years preaching in U. S .; then married Harriet Cook in 1884 ; returned to the work in India 1885 ; home on furlough 1895 ; present station Aruppukotai, Southern India.
14 .- MRS. ALICE WALBRIDGE GULICK, daughter of Elder Judge W .; born Feb. 21, 1843 ; conf. faith, 1857 ; married Oct., 1872, to Rev. Thomas Lafon Gulick, the seventh son in ministry of Hawaiin Missionaries ; in 1873 went to Spain, where for ten years at Santander, she greatly assisted her missionary husband ; then to Cuba, to New Mexico and Is. of Maui, Hawaii, in 1886 ; returned to U. S. in 1893 ; now resides in Devon, Pa., her husband as Chaplain, she as Matron of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Hospital located there.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
15 .- MRS. HARRIET HANFORD, born 1822 ; member of Ch. in Danby, of which her hus- band was a Deacon for many years ; united with this Ch. by letter, May 4, 1866; then went as a Missionary to Freedmen, see page 36 ; died at' Ithaca, Jan. 10, 1899.
16 .- MRS. ELIZA A. WISNER HOLMES, daughter of John Wisner ; conf. faith, 1867; left Ithaca in 1870 ; married in 1874 to Dr. George W. Holmes and accompanied him to Persia ; after a few years she returned to America on account of ill health. When able she went back to the work. Dr. Holmes being Court Physician, Mrs. H. had access to the women of the higher class and exerted a strong influence over them for good. Compelled by failing health to return once more, she lingered for a few years and died at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1890. Beside her husband she left a son and daughter.
17 .- CHARLES SIMPSON, son of Alexander S., a Trustee ; by letter, 1868 ; grad. Hamilton 1866; Union Sem. 1870 ; Ordained at Ithaca, July, 1870, by Cayuga Presbytery ; Pastor of Pres. Churches-Addison, N. Y., 1870-72 ; Pike, N. Y., 1872-75 ; Lansing, Mich., 1875-76 ; Sherman, N. Y., 1875-95 ; since then, Pastor Congregational Ch. of Chatham, Ohio.
18 .- JAMES LEWIS, born May 23, 1836 at Hamden, N. Y. ; grad. Amherst, 1861 ; teacher of Mathematics in Ithaca Academy, 1861-2; conf. faith, 1861 ; enlisted as Capt. Co. C. 144th N. Y. V., 1862 ; made Colonel of 144th, 1864; mustered out, 1865; grad. Union Sem. 1868; married Mary Coe Farrand, of Detroit, in 1869 ; four sons ; Pastor Humbolt, Kansas, 1868-75 ; Howell, Mich., 1875-82 ; Joliet, Il1., 1882-99 ; died there Oct. 28, 1899; appointed by Pres. Hayes on Board of Visitors at West Point ; A.M., Amherst, 1864 ; D.D., Blackborn Univ., 1892.
19 .- CHARLES B. AUSTIN, "connected with the Ithaca congregation, active in S. S., etc., while teaching classics in Academy "; grad. Hamilton, 1868; Union Sem., 1872; Pastor at Cohocton, N. Y., 1872-76 ; New York Mills, 1876-84; Bismarck, N. D., 1884-89 ; Lewisburg, Pa., 1889-94 ; supplied in Detroit and Cleveland, 1894-97 ; Wheeling, W. Va., 1897-1902 ; since then 2nd Pres. Ch., Camden, N. J. ; D.D., Lafayette Col., 1899 ; married Miss Lillie S. Mande- ville, of Danby, N. Y., 1872.
20 .- WILLIAM HENRY TALLMADGE, born in Enfield 1846; conf. faith, 1864 ; grad. Cor- nell, 1873 ; studied one year at Auburn Sem .; preached 4 yrs. at Woodbridge, Cal .; died 1880.
21 .- ISAAC PARSHALL SMITH, born at Chester, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1858 ; conf. faith, 1876 ; grad. Cornell, 1882 ; Auburn Sem. 1885 ; married Nov. 17, 1880 to Miss Dora F. Wilson of Ithaca ; four children ; Pastor Pres. Ch. of Tonawanda, N. Y., 1885-88 ; died there Nov. 27, 1889.
22 .- ALFRED T. VAIL, born at Chester, N. Y., June 4, 1859 ; conf. faith, 1880 ; grad. Cor- nell, 1881 ; Auburn Sem., 1884; Pastor Dexter and Brownsville, 1884-89 ; Hammondsport, N. Y., 1889-94 ; Medina, N. Y., 1895-99 ; Bethany Pres. Ch. Buffalo, N. Y., since 1900; mar- ried Jan. 29, 1890 to Miss Fannie M. Binninger of Dexter, N. Y. ; have had two children. (See letter on later page. )
23 .- PETER McCLEAN MCDONALD, by letter 1869 ; grad. Cornell 1873 ; preached many years in Boston ; died there 1898.
24 and 25 .- ALBERT R. CRAWFORD and MRS. CORA CURRAN CRAWFORD, united with this Church in 1881 ; in June, 1883, they began work as Missionaries under the Home Board in Mount Pleasant, Utah ; Mr. C. took charge of the Mount Pleasant station with out- stations, while Mrs. C. became principal of Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant ; remained in Utah work three years ; since they left Utah Mrs. C. has not taught; Mr. C. ordained Nov. 14th, 1884 ; since 1886 Mr. C. has served as Home Missionary in Montana and Washington ; has also served self-supporting Churches in New York ; he is now minister serving Oakfield Church and is a member of Genesee Presbytery.
26 .- A. E. DUNHAM, born at Sauquoit, N. Y., 1860 ; conf. faith, 1885 ; grad. Cornell, 1886 ; Principal of High School and teacher of sciences, 1886-89 ; then united Episcopal Ch .; studied for ministry ; preached at Albuquerque, N. M .; ordained 1892 ; rector at Forrestport, Boonville, Camden ; now Rector at Sheridanville and West End, Pittsburg, Pa.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
27 .- MISS MINNIE C. ATWATER, conf. faith, 1867 ; Home Missionary teacher in Indian Territory, 1890-1900.
28 .- MISS LOUISE E. LOEB (now Mrs. L. H. Brown), by letter 1901 ; under Commission of Home Board, as substitute teacher ; then as Matron of Tahlequah Institute, I. T., 1889-95 ; now resident in Ithaca.
29 .- SAMUEL JEFFRIES, born 1862 ; conf. faith, 1887 ; grad. Cornell, 1889.
30 .- MRS. GRACE WILLIAMS JEFFRIES, born 1864 ; conf. faith, 1885 ; married to Mr. Jeffries, Oct. 12, 1892 ; the following spring went to Ashville, N. C., under appointment of Home Board, he as Supt. and she as Matron of the Farm School ; in 1899 retired from the work ; now live at Marion, N. Y.
31 .- MISS BERTHA REED, by letter, 1894 ; Ithaca High School, and University 1891 ; Commissioned by A. B. C. F. M. to Pautingfoo, China, in 1902; now stationed in Pekin as a Missionary teacher.
32 .- BEVIER SMITH, son of Elder Brainard G. Smith, born July 30, 1877 ; conf. faith, 1889 ; grad. Hamilton, 1899, Union Sem. 1902 ; ordained by Utica Presbytery, 1902 ; in employ of Oneida Co. Bible Soc. ; then of Brooklyn United Charities organization ; organist of various Churches since college days ; now Assistant Pastor and Organist of Ist Reformed Church of Schenectady, N. Y.
The summing up of these many influences of consecrated resource, of widely planned and earnestly directed activity, of noble Christian service and personal character,-continued for one hundred years,-were it to be com- mitted to an impartial historian with adequate knowledge of all the facts and of their relation to many great and good movements at home and abroad, could not fail to receive the verdict that this Church, by reason of its long and beneficent career under the guidance and blessing of Alinighty God, has been the most potent influence for good with which this commu- nity has been blessed. "What hath God wrought !" "Not unto us, O God, not unto us, but unto Thy name be the glory !"
Other men labored and we have entered into their labors. Our heritage is indeed goodly. Let us see to it that it is not dishonored or diminished by aught we do or fail to do. Let us, by the continued good blessing of God, make this Church ever a faithful witness to the whole truth as it is in Jesus, make it increasingly an effective force for righteousness, make it more and more a greatly diversified yet unified instrumentality in His service to uplift and comfort and bless mankind,-here and to an ever widening circle of interests. May this house continue long to be a very gate of heaven ; of this man and that may it be said :- " He was born there", into the king- dom of Christ ; and of many : "They were trained there for large useful- ness in His service of men !"
J. F. FITSCHEN, JR.
Of Woman's Work
A MEETING commemorative of woman's work in our Church was held in the Chapel on Friday afternoon, January twenty-second. Mrs. George R. Williams presided and conducted the opening services, Miss Hardy offering the prayer. In an informal and delightful way, reminiscences of various aspects of the Church life of the earlier days were given by Mrs. Samuel Stoddard, Mrs. Laura W. Phillips, Mrs. Henry Wilgus, Mrs. Dudley F. Finch, and Miss Jane L. Hardy. Miss Bessie Cook sang "Auld Lang Syne," most appropriately. A paper on Woman's Part in the Work of our Church had been prepared by Miss Mary E. Humphrey, and was read at this meeting. It is printed herewith.
Woman's Hart in the Work of mutr Church ; 1804-1904
T HE privilege of service belongs to the Lord's handmaids in every age, and so has been the heritage of the women of this Church. Their prayers and labors have been wrought into its very fabric as the threads spun by the " women of willing mind " were woven into the hangings of the sanctuary of old.
That winter's day a century ago witnessed a brave little band gathered to unite themselves one with another and to God for His glory. Of the en- tire number, thirteen, five were women, and doubtless some misgivings arose in their hearts and a longing for the distant home Church .* Faith and hope triumphed, however, and the trust then committed and gladly ac cepted has not been betrayed.
What of woman's work in the Church so destitute of aids and appliances that we, her more favored sisters, consider necessary for our undertakings ? We love to march in companies in what we fondly call "avenues of useful-
* The names of these women were Rachel Shepard, Mary King, Mary Yaple, Sena Brink and Amy Johnson.
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WOMAN'S WORK
ness," but no suchi highways led beyond her narrow horizon. Her pathway was obscure and often lonely, but by its side grew graces that do not flourish so well in the soil of to-day,-neighborliness, hospitality and personal minis- try to the sick and needy. She cheerfully denied herself that the preaching of God's word might be maintained, and a house raised to His name. With her own hands she helped prepare and care for its simple furnishings,* and its bare walls were made beautiful with the sound of her voice in many an old hymn dear to our ears and hearts.
The unbelievers of that day were sometimes bitter and violent in their opposition to the truth and on one occasion attempted to burn the church building. It was a woman, the wife of our honored Elder Esty, who discov- ered the fire, gave the alarm, and saved the church.
As years passed our women were drawn more closely together in their common love for God's kingdom and their desire to further its growth. True to their mission, their first associated work was an effort to give the word of life to others. From the old records of The Female Bible Society of Ithaca we learn that it was organized prior to 1830. The names of seven- teen women are enrolled as managers who solicited subscriptions for the pur- chasing of bibles, and distributed them as need required. t
The Colporteur Society, somewhat similar in aim, was of later date. Its members were pledged to aid in the support of a distributor of tracts and bibles.
In September, 1832, The Maternal Association held its first meeting, with thirteen names enrolled. The object of this association was to assist mothers in the religious training of their children, and the carefully written records bear the impress of prayerful solicitude and a deep sense of responsibility. By the constitution the members were required to pray with and for their children and all under their care, both at home and in the meetings, and to do all in their power to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. At stated intervals the children were to be brought to the meetings, and their birthdays were to be observed by the mothers as seasons of fasting and prayer.
Looking backward through the years we have glimpses of pleasant gather- ings at the various homes where needles flew busily for the needy near at hand or farther away. When the first missionary box was prepared is un-
* The first carpet for the Church was bought in 1828 at the cost of $15.31.
+ During three years, beginning April, 1830, the total sum of $125 was received, including $17 from a Church collection taken May 22, 1831. The latest entry in the record was made in 1847, but is less full than those of earlier years.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
known, but it led a long procession extending even to our own day. The women were deeply interested in the early mission work of the Church, especially the expeditions led by Rev. Samuel Parker and Marcus Whitman. They provided comforts for the long journeys undertaken by these devoted men and brightened their leave taking with words of cheer and prayer.
Three times in the history of our Church has a house of worship been erected, a privilege most gladly shared by the women. Fifty years ago they undertook the work of providing the furnishings of the new church of that period. Their dainty needle work brought many dollars into the treasury, as did also the large cloth bags which found a ready sale at the neighboring flour mills. There are those who still remember the dinner served on Thanksgiving Day in the old Town Hall for the same purpose.
The women of this generation have followed in the steps of their mothers and grandmothers, and according to their larger ability have helped lay the stones and beams of the House of the Lord, and render it beautiful and effective for His service. Besides large subscriptions to the building fund, many individual offerings have been received from them, and as an associa- tion they have contributed toward the purchasing of carpets and other furnishings .*
Not only on these special occasions but always our women have been ready to serve the material interests of the Church, endeavoring meanwhile to keep the higher interests uppermost in thought and aim. In the pleasant social gatherings and entertainments the mere making of money has been subservient to the promotion of kindly feeling among the Church members. From the modest Mite Society and kindred associations of the past has been evolved The Woman's Church Aid Society of the present with its many com- mittees and departments of work.t Upon this housekeeper of our Church fall many cares and responsibilities, but she bears them cheerfully, and to her wise management is largely due the atmosphere of comfort that pervades our Church home.
In woman's work for our Church the needle has always played an impor- tant part and it is still active in The Dorcas Society of the present day.
* Among individual gifts may be mentioned the organ, the windows of the church audito- rium, and the sedilia. In the chapel, the curtains of the galleries, the fire-place furnishings and many other articles in the social rooms and elsewhere were contributed by individuals. Besides supplying other requirements of the new church, the Aid Society contributed $232.00 toward the purchase of carpets.
t The Woman's Church Aid Society and The Dorcas Society together form The Women's Union, the new Constitution having been adopted in November, 1903.
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SOME MEMBERS OF THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION
Mrs. Hetty Lord Mrs. Harriet Eddy
Mrs. Isabella St. Joh111
s. Jerusha Parker Mrs. Charlotte Herrick Mrs. Keziah Williams Mrs. Ann Eliza Humphrey Mrs. Mary Ingersoll
s. Mary G. Tillotson Mrs. Mary Ackley
Mrs. Ann VanHoese11
Mrs. Lydia Luce Mrs. Lucy Collins Mrs. Mary Esty
Mrs. Moria Higgins Mrs. Melissa Spencer Mrs. Julia Leonard
Mrs. Cordelia Searing Mrs. Sally Bates Mrs. Eliza Tichenor
PASTORS' WIVES
Mrs. Wisner Mrs. White
Mrs. McHarg Mrs. Stryker
Mrs. Hunt Mrs. Fiske
Mrs. Torrey Mrs. Fitschen
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WOMAN'S WORK
This bright little friend is most kindly disposed toward all, and by some hidden charm has rendered the workings of the Society harmonious and its meetings attractive. A spirit of friendliness prevails among its members and is well expressed by their favorite hymn, " Blest Be the Tie That Binds." Since its organization in 1890 this Society has distributed hun- dreds of garments to needy families, to the charitable institutions of the city, and to the Hospital. In emergencies such as the flood of 1901 and the more recent fever epidemic, its aid has been prompt and generous. At the out- break of the Civil War our women, with those from other Churches, re- sponded to the call for clothing for the new recruits,* and should the call be heard again our loyal Dorcas would be ready to extend a helping hand to her country.
Reference has been made to the missionary spirit manifest in the earlier years of our Church. Without the aid and stimulus of the organizations of a later time our women kept themselves informed regarding the mission fields then open to the Church, and with regularity and system supported the work of the various Boards.
In 1870 our Church was represented in the forming of a branch of The Women's Union Missionary Society, and the organization has continued until the present time. During the thirty-four years contributions and col- lections from our Church have amounted to over $5,000.t
During the years 1871 to 1878 inclusive the twenty members of The West Hill Missionary Society held frequent meetings and prepared boxes for the families of Home Missionaries. The total value of these boxes was over one thousand dollars.
In course of time the Women's Boards of the Presbyterian Church were formed, and in November, 1881, through the influence of the wife of our Pastor, Mrs. M. W. Stryker, a distinctively Presbyterian Society was organized. Its object was twofold,-" to secure systematic contributions for Home and Foreign Missions, and to disseminate missionary intelligence," and from the first it has been connected with the Presbyterial Society and the general Boards. Aside from Church collections, its members have contributed to Home and Foreign Missions $6,700.
* The Ithaca Ladies' Volunteer Aid Association was organized June 14th, 1861, in response to a call from The Women's Central Association of Relief for the Army and Navy (afterwards The New York Branch of The Sanitary Commission). Our Ithaca Association was one of the first to respond to the call from New York. The women of our Church did good service, and Mrs. J. S. Tichenor was one of the leaders in the organization of the Association.
t This undertaking owes its success in great measure to the efforts of Miss Jane L. Hardy.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
Of greater value than gold and silver is the offering of consecrated lives, and we cherish the names of those of our number who have given them- selves to the cause.
In 1836, Miss Emeline Palmer of our Church became the wife of Mr. Samuel Allis, and shared with him and Rev. Mr. Dunbar our missionary work among the Pawnees.
When work for the Freedmen was undertaken at tlie close of the Civil War, Miss Malvina Higgins and Mrs. Harriet Hanford answered the call for teachers, and in those troublous times the work was difficult and demanded much self-sacrifice.
These, our pioneers in the home field have been followed by other laborers,-Miss Atwater working among the Indians, Mrs. Crawford in Utah, and Mrs. Jeffries for the Mountaineers. Another of our members, Mrs. Llewellyn Brown has also served as teacher among the Indians. Mrs. Young, of Alaska, was with us for a few years and then returned to her work.
In the foreign field we have been represented in Persia by Mrs. Eliza Wisner Holmes, wife of Dr. Holmes, by appointment physician to the Court. In Spain, by Mrs. Alice Walbridge Gulick, and in China by Mrs. Charles Mills and Miss Bertha Reed.
Although those whose names comprise this latter list did not enter their work directly from our Church, we may believe that while with us they received preparation and strength for the service of after years .*
Any account of woman's work in our Church would be incomplete with- out mention of her faithful service in the Sabbath School. In the heart of many a former pupil there are precious memories of the loved teachers, and also of the women who in former days shared with the superintendent the duties of his office. One of these, bearing the sweet old name of Prudence, seemed to those under her care to have really stepped out of "Pilgrim's Progress " to guide and instruct them as well as the children of Christiana.
The Woman's Prayer Meeting has proved a rich means of grace, and through its instrumentality the Church has been strengthened and many have been turned to righteousness. Only as our women have prayed has their work been prospered. Of greater value than outward forms of activity, have been the prayers ascending through the years from the home and the assemblies of God's people.
* The successive Presidents of The Woman's Missionary Society have been Mrs. M. W. Stryker, Mrs. Wm. R. Humphrey, (Mrs. Charles Mills for a few months), Mrs. Calvin D. Stowell, and Mrs. George R. Williams.
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WOMAN'S WORK
The work of our women has not been confined to the Church. Every benevolent and charitable institution of the community has received their support and personal aid, and they have been represented in every organiza- tion endeavoring to restrain evil and uphold the good .* Thus beyond the circle of their own faith they have been enabled to serve their Lord and Master and to bring honor to His Church.
Far above the various associations and agencies employed by the Church is the home, standing in closest relation with it, and of God's own appoint- ment. So while we commend all other faithful workers, our highest praise is for the Christian mother. While striving to let her light shine in her own little realın, she has not dreamed that its rays would shed their influ- ence throughout the Church, and even reach the darkness far away. Truly we, "her children, arise up and call her blessed. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
MARY E. HUMPHREY.
* The Home, The Children's Home, The Inlet Mission, The Free Kindergarten, The City Hospital, The Women's Christian Temperance Union, and The Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation Auxiliary.
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The Organ Rerital
On Friday afternoon an Organ Recital was given by Miss Jean L. Halsey, organist, Miss Bessie Cook, contralto, and Mr. Edwin C. Tichenor, celloist. The selections rendered were :
I. Organ, Funeral March Chopin
(In memory of former members of this congregation who have died. )
2. Vocal solo, " Che Faro Sinza Eurydice " Gluck
3. Organ, Romance, Allegretto Schumann
4. Organ, Cantilene Pastorale Guilmant
5. Cello solo, Andante or G minor Quartette Schubert
6. Organ, Variations on America Hesse
Mr. E. C. Tichenor also read a paper on the history of our Church music.
Ausir and Austrians of the First Presbyterian Church of Jthara
During my effort to compile some facts concerning the Music and Musi- cians of the First Presbyterian Church of this city since its organization one hundred years ago, I found that the Church records give but very little in- formation upon the subject. Nearly all the facts herein submitted have been gathered from the surviving members of former choirs. It is therefore frag- mentary and subject possibly to error.
It is assumed that in the early Churches, the music was led by the minis- ter or by a precentor. An old newspaper article, giving some reminiscences of one " Col." Ebenezer Thayer,* at that time living in Watkins, and " full of
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