USA > New York > Rensselaer County > East Greenbush > History of the Reformed church, at East Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York > Part 8
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On the sixteenth of January, 1860, the following building committee was appointed : Henry Salis- bury, David Rector, John Van Denbergh, Jacob Kimmey, Henry Lodewick, and discretionary power was given then to buy a new lot to build the church upon, near the old site. After much consultation, it was determined to build on the old site.
At first it was resolved to build of wood, but eventually, on April 7th, 1860, the architect's plan was approved and they resolved to build of brick. During that season the building operations were hurried along with all possible speed, under the direction of Mr. A. Birch, master builder. By the next spring the new church was ready for dedica- tion, and on April 3d, 1861, the Consistory decided to hold those exercises on the twenty-fourth day of the present month .- (P. T. P.)
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REV. J. R. TALMAGE'S LETTER AT DEDICATION.
CHITTENANGO, April 15, 1861.
To the Church and Congregation of East Greenbush :
BRETHREN AND FRIENDS :- I have never lost sight of the promise I made, more than a year ago, that I would endeavor to be with you at the time of the dedication of your new church; but in the orderings of Providence you have fixed the time when necessary engagements connected with the regular meeting of our Classis will prevent my attendance. The best, therefore, I can do is to be present in spirit.
I fancy I see the new church in its attractive comeliness, and a large congregation of well-remembered faces assembled to unite in the solemn yet joyful dedicatory exercises. "Lord, it is good for us to be here," in circumstances so cheering as well as impressive. What a change has come over our place of wor- ship! Behold the transfiguration! None who were present will soon forget the stirring meeting held on this spot on Tuesday, January 8th, of last year, when, after conference, it was voted so unanimously and earnestly, beyond all expectation, that the church cdifice here was unattractive, uncomfortable and not altogether safe. If our eyes and feelings decided correctly, then verily there has occurred a marvelous transformation. Behold, now, how attractive as well as comfortable and safe, so far as man is capable of seeing and knowing. What meaneth this? The Lord stirred up the heart of the subscription committee to go forward with flaming zeal, and the hearts of the people to subscribe with courageous liberality, so that on the ensuing Sab- bath the pulpit gladly announced that $5,000 had been sub- scribed. Then the Lord stirred up the building committee with painstaking zeal and tireless perseverance, in their work so re- sponsible and difficult. Then the Lord stirred up the builder, as He does every wise master builder, to lay the foundations deep and broad.
On the fifth day of June last, a joyful assembly-the sky favor-
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ing-witnessed the laying of the corner-stone with appropriate ceremonies, since which time the busy workmen, with muscular arms, have been plying their tools and lifting higher and higher, until behold, the topmost stone is laid, and we shout, "grace, grace unto it." Let every one who has labored faithfully in whatever department of this good work have due praise, and let the chief praise be given to Him, without whose gracious promptings and aid not a copper would have been given, or a finger lifted. All the way, step by step, His favoring provi- dence has led, working in us both to will and to do.
It is good to be here in this new temple, on this hallowed spot. Stirring reminiscences of the past come thronging up and mingling with the joyful solemnities of the occasion. Here, in a former edifice, three times three successive pastors have preached and prayed, breaking to hungry souls the bread of life. The first three, viz., Romeyn, Zabriskie and Labagh, spent the alternate Sabbaths at Wynantskill, excepting during the first few years, when Mr. Romeyn officiated alternately at Schodack. These three, each, after a pilgrimage of more than three score years and ten, went to their reward, and scarce an individual is left of all those brought into the communion of this church during their ministry.
The next three successive pastors, viz., Marselus, Taylor and Dumont, spent the alternate Sabbaths with the new church at Blooming Grove. These still live to proclaim the glorious Gos- pel. During the last year of Mr. Dumont's labors here (1829), the congregation gave liberally for the complete remodeling of the church edifice, thus enriching themselves, through God's blessing, so much, that ever since they have been fully able to support the ministry.
The first one of the remaining three pastors whose undivided labors have been given here, viz., J. A. Liddell, after laboring very successfully, here and elsewhere, while yet in the prime of life, was called home. Who knows but tidings may have already reached him, and the other deceased pastors, through some
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swift-winged messenger, enabling them to share in the joy of this occasion, so interesting in the history of a church for whose welfare they toiled and prayed on earth.
The next pastor, E. P. Stimson, labors in an adjoining field, and the last, J. R. Talmage, desires, in the best way he can, to contribute his mite towards promoting the interest of the occa- sion. This has been a heaven-favored church. She has, indeed, had her times of trial. What church has not ? She has been specially tried by the calling away of her pastors to other fields of labor, generally before they had reached their prime. But the great Shepherd always had some one in process of prepara- tion, just ready to step in and occupy the vacancy, so that she has never been long in a state of widowhood. The last vacancy has been the longest. We found it hard, mutually, to part, but how happy has been the result. God, in that hour of trial, helped us to work together, starting the church building enter- prise, the result of which surpasses our expectations. By the same event the Lord stirred up the people of my present charge to the good work of building an excellent parsonage. He has also, meanwhile, furnished you with stated preaching, during most of the time, on every alternate Sabbath, by one ripe in christian and pastoral experience. This providential supply re- lieved you from the necessity of exposing your pastor to the interruptions, distractions, collisions, financial contrivings and various perils connected with church building, which are so apt to spill on the ground a pastor's influence. To-day you are in more favorable circumstances than ever you were before to gain the ear of a suitable minister, several times more favorable than when you sat trembling with cold or fear in the old building. Your recent liberality in building a house for Him, the Lord will reward, in answers to your prayers, with a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, and with spiritual blessings through his ministry, such as were not received and not to be expected, so long as the Lord's house was lying waste in the midst of a people dwelling in their ceiled houses.
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"It is good to be here." Hallowed reminiscences of the past, including times of gracious refreshing from on high, and present associations and exercises well adapted to move and cheer the soul, together with bright anticipations for the future, combine to emphasize the declaration-meet here, my friends, oft as you can, to get all the good you can, and you'll find it good to be here beyond what I can tell or you can conceive-good for soul and body-for time and eternity-good for all within the sweep of your good influence. He is faithful that promised.
The Lord send thee help from the sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion; remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice. Selah. Affectionately yours, &c.,
J. R. TALMAGE.
OBITUARY NOTICE BY REV. DR. VAN SANTVOORD, OF KINGSTON, N. Y.
The death of this devoted and beloved minister took place on Sabbath evening, June 29th, 1879, in the seventy-second year of his age, and just after completing fifty years of ministerial labor. He died at the house of his son-in-law, Rev. James Wyckoff, pastor of the Reformed Church of Ger- mantown, N. Y. He had gone there for a fort- night's rest, to recruit from the effects of what his family and friends considered but a slight attack of illness. They hoped to see him return after this interval, strengthened to resume his work. It was ordered otherwise by Him who orders all things well. The disease which seemed little serious at first, assumed after several days a sterner form,
PETER Q. WILSON.
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settling at last into fever, which held him with unre- laxing grip many days. When consciousness re- turned at last, the bodily forces were too far gone to be rallied and he passed tranquilly away into " the city which hath foundations," towards which it had been his heart's joy during all his long and fruitful ministry to direct the steps of way- worn, sin-laden pilgrims, and for entering which he stood ever ready "with loins girded about and lights burning when the summons should reach him to join the company of the redeemed." He was interred in the Wiltwick Cemetery at Kings- ton, N. Y.
X.
REV. PETER Q. WILSON.
1861-1866.
The tenth pastor, Rev. Peter Quick Wilson, was born at Roycefield, New Jersey, graduated at Rut- gers College in 1858 and New Brunswick Seminary in 1861. Accepting a call to this church in that year, he was ordained and installed as pastor on the eighth day of October, Revs. Benjamin F. Sny- der, J. B. Wilson, J. R. Talmage and Elbert Nevius officiating. He was the first minister in the new church edifice, and served as pastor be- tween four and five years, leaving here June 1st,
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1866. From here he went to Spencertown and took charge of the Presbyterian Church. He has also served the churches of Guttenburg, Ponds and Rockland, where he now has charge of a Presby- terian church. Mr. Wilson and Dr. John Steele are the only surviving ministers of the twelve. It is matter for congratulation that not only is he spared to proclaim the Gospel he loves, but cheers us by his presence to-day. It is but just that the historian should say that the standard of pulpit ministrations to which you had been accustomed, was amply maintained by Mr. Wilson. A church debt of nearly $3,000 was paid, and a new iron fence for the front and the west side of the church, costing $400, was built and paid for. The income from the pews of the new church was sufficient for the pastor's, sexton's and chorister's salaries, and to provide fuel and light.
To the reports of benevolent collections to Classis, begun by Mr. Talmage in 1854, Mr. Wil- son added annual reports of moneys raised by this church for "congregational purposes." For the first sixty-six years no such reports were made, and no documents have been found showing the "benev- olent " contributions of the church during that period. But since 1854 there have been thirty reports of such collections, aggregating $6,915.23; and since 1861, when Mr. Wilson began to report
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contributions for " congregational purposes," there have been twenty-four reports, aggregating $63,- 609.23.
NOTES .- Newspaper item published some time in 1866, giving a brief account of the work accom- plished under Mr. Wilson's ministry and of the esteem in which he was held by the people :
"No MORE DEBT .- The congregation of the Re- formed Protestant Dutch Church of East Green- bush paid their last item of debt during the month of April. The church edifice is new. They com- menced the work of building in 1860. In April, 1861, the church was dedicated to the worship and service of Almighty God. In the ensuing October they selected a pastor, P. Q. Wilson, a licentiate from our Theological Seminary. At that time the debt was not quite $3,000. This debt has been paid, and we rejoice and are glad. The fence was old. Times hard. War and taxes caused many com- plaints. The pastor and children gave a few con- certs, raised the money, and erected a neat iron fence, at a cost of $400. This was the children's offering. Steps have been provided; and last, but not least, a new organ, which we hope will prove a satisfaction to all. The church is large and sub- stantial. Great care has been taken in furnishing the house. In fact, it is very seldom that you find a church in the country whose internal arrange-
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ments and finish give so many marked expressions of culture and intelligence. It is an honor to all who have thus exhibited their love for Christ in building a house for His glory. The struggle has been great, but the results of the six years fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord who has owned our work and prospered Zion.
"And it is our delightful privilege to record the prosperity of church and Sabbath-school as the brightest chapter in the history of this Zion. Our pastor, whose voice has been somewhat weakened by a recent attack of diphtheria, resigned the charge of this important field the first Sabbath in May. His labors have received the highest appro- bation of our people, and given evidence of God's favor resting upon them. And when he was ready to close this faithful ministry, the people manifested their kindness and benevolence in a very touching manner, viz., a present of $200, and from a few choice friends, a valuable gold watch. And we are happy to say that these gifts are illustrative of that blessed spirit of christian kindness which has characterized his ministry. TRUTH."
The Organ .- On February 6th, 1866, the Con- sistory entered into an agreement with George N. Andrews, of Utica, N. Y., to furnish an organ of the best materials and workmanship, to be deliv- ered in ten weeks and to be kept in repair for ten
WILLIAM ANDERSON.
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years, at a cost of $1,050. This contract was ful- filled, and for twenty-five years this instrument has led a devout people in their praises to Almighty God.
Mr. Wilson is the only pastor now living of the twelve who served the church during the first century. His parish is at Fawns, N. Y., near Saugerties, where he labors with true apostolic zeal, receiving at least the approval of St. Paul, who said, " He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord." -(P. T. P.)
XI.
REV. WILLIAM ANDERSON.
1866-1876.
The ministerial death-knell has struck in this centennial year, and the spirit of your eleventh pul- pit teacher has entered into final rest. Rev. Wil- liam Anderson took charge of this church-the fourth and last but one in his history-in 1866, and retired in 1876. His pastorate here was a very noticeable and active one. The Academy, which had been closed for some time, was re-opened through his instrumentality and flourished for sev- eral years. In 1872 the new and spacious parson- age was erected, and the interests of the church generally seem to have been promoted. His affec-
-
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tion for his people was a striking characteristic, and he cherished them as fathers, brothers, chil- dren. His previous fields of labor were Peapack, N. J., Fairview, Ill., and Newtown, N. Y., and the subsequent one, and in which he died last April, Fordham, New York City. He gave a son to the ministry, who takes his father's place here to-day, and whose noblest ambition and fittest prayer might be to honor that father's name in this holy calling, and conquer at last like him.
A few days previous to his death, Miss Fanny Van Vechten, of Castleton, visited him. He real- ized that his strength was failing, and expressing the belief that he should never again look upon your faces on earth, sent by her his dying message to the church. Miss Van Vechten says :
"I was at Mr. Anderson's in April, and left there only a week before he died, and while knowing he was very miserable, still we did not dream the end was so near, though I think, perhaps, he himself felt he was drawing near to the 'golden gates.'
"One morning, as I was alone with him, he said : 'Fanny, I fear I shall never see East Greenbush again, but I want you to take a message for me to that people; tell them I loved them as I never loved any other people with whom I have been con- nected, that I have remembered them at the throne of grace, and that I ask them so to live that, if I
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never see them again on earth, I may greet each one in our heavenly home, not a single one be missing. Tell them to love their pastor, love their church and work for it, giving their best strength, their means, and supporting and upholding it as their highest earthly good and pleasure; but, above all, and before all, give their whole hearts to their Saviour, and in God's own good time, I will meet them again in a better, even a heavenly home.' These are as nearly Mr. Anderson's own words as I can recall them, and in doing so I seem to see again his face and patient suffering, its meekness, but above all, its sweetness and love as he spoke of this people."
NOTES .- It is but just to the memory of Mr. Anderson that a few items be added to the fore- going history. He acted such a conspicuous part in a general uplifting of the congregation, that his ten years of service might with propriety be called a transitional period. His labors began November 1st, 1866, and ceased October 15th, 1876.
The purchase of the Staats' lot furnished the first opportunity for the display of his executive ability in the management of the temporal affairs of the congregation. With keen foresight he saw a suita- ble site on this plot for new horse-sheds, and early in 1867 had the project well under way. That year
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thirty-two stalls were built, Henry Salisbury doing the carpenter work. A little later, perhaps the next year, four more were built, connecting the western ends of the two long rows. Since that time seven more have been added to the eastern end of one row and four more to that of the other row, making a total of forty-seven stalls. What a convenience and comfort these are, those only can appreciate who have to drive miles to attend a house of worship. Here beast and vehicle are always protected from heat and cold and storm, and in a country parish this does a great deal to solve the problem of regular attendance upon divine service.
Again, with equal sagacity, he urged the choice of the middle lot for a new parsonage. When this undertaking was completed, about the middle of his pastorate, every one could see how wise the choice had been. Mr. Anderson was especially interested in the improvement of the educational and social conditions of the community. First by a private school in the old parsonage, under the care of one daughter, and later in the large school in the academy, under the management of his three daughters and two assistants, he was instrumental in changing the tastes and aspirations of scores of young men and maidens who might otherwise have continued in the "good old way" of the district
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school, and settled down to a hum-drum life. His large and interesting family co-operated to the fullest extent in all his plans and desires for the welfare of the people. Their sacrifices and labors have left an impression that time cannot efface. They did much to elevate the tone of society and to purify the morals of the community. The con- gregation's appreciation of all those factors of strength was shown before the end of the first year of his ministry by a very decided increase of sup- port.
On October 9th, 1867, the Consistory raised the salary from $900 per year to $1,300. In addition to this a number of liberal donations augmented the comfort and joy of the pastor's household from time to time. Early the next spring the assessment on the pews was increased one-half, and this was to continue " during the present pastorate."
In the year 1868 the exterior of the church was painted for the first time. The work was done by Robert Ketchum at a cost of $306.00 It is com- monly known that the district school house, the second story of which is the "old Consistory room," stands upon the property of the church. At different times the question of enlarging the present building or erecting a new school house has been agitated. The matter was talked of in 1869. The action of the Consistory on July 17th of that year
[10]
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on this question was as follows: That the district have the privilege of erecting a new school house on the same site, but increased to the size of thirty feet square and to front the road for an annual rent of thirty dollars. The proposition was not accepted, for the old house still stands. The year 1870 was eventful in trying to settle the question about a parsonage. Some thought it wise to sell the old and build a new one; others saw only difficulty and debt ahead, and advised selling the Staats property and keeping the old house. But, however, a sub- scription was started for a new parsonage, which very soon reached the amount of $1,500. Here it was deemed best to let the matter rest for a time. This was early in the year. About that time the church had an opportunity to sell a part of the Staats lot to the Misses Yates, and they decided to let them have three-quarters of an acre. This helped in the solution of the problem. But on October 12th, the record states, the Consistory de- cided to buy Mr. George Shibley's property- house, barn and about two acres of ground-adjoin- ing the old parsonage, and then sell and dispose of the old parsonage building Negotiations in this direction ended, however, when it was learned that
Mr. Shibley wanted $4,000 for his property. Dur- ing that season the flag-walks were laid in front of the church. In February, 1871, it was resolved
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to sell the corner lot of the new parsonage grounds. On the fifteenth of April, 1872, a committee re- ported subscriptions to the amount of $2,600, with more promised. This gave the required impetus to the new parsonage movement. With the choice lot reserved and this sum pledged, even though the old property had not been sold, the people saw their opportunity and proceeded to build the elegant house that now adorns the grounds. The old parsonage was sold the next winter. A com- plaint was made by Mr. Simeon Allen that the water from the church sheds ran upon his property to the detriment of the same. A meeting was held on February 28th, 1872, of the Consistory, shed owners and those who rented sheds to consider this allegation. It was soon after decided that action could not be instituted against the church, since each individual owned the shed he used, and suit, if any, must be brought against every such person separately. Quit-claim deeds were given to owners of sheds March 8th, 1872.
These, and many other things, like the manage- ment of the academy with twenty boarders and sixty day pupils, show how necessary it was that one with marked ability in business affairs should have been at the head of these changes and move- ments. But there is another side to Mr. Ander- son's ministry, and that is the chief side-the
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spiritual. He was a careful, exegetical student of the Word. His sermons were logical, direct and well illustrated. All classes profited by his preach- ing, and the church at times was too limited to accommodate the audiences. He ever sought to bring to every one that truth that he felt was best calculated to awaken a new life. Revivals took place and many hless him as their "father in Christ."
The last Sabbath he officiated was October 15th, 1876. On the afternoon of that day the Lord's Supper was celebrated.
When he retired from the pastorate of this people he accepted a call to the Reformed Church of Fordham, New York City, where he lived and labored until the close of his life in April, 1887.
At a meeting of Consistory held September 25th, 1876, the resignation of Rev. William Anderson was accepted, and the following resolutions unanimously passed :
Resolved, That in sundering the cherished ties which have bound us together during the past ten years, we tender our pastor our affectionate venera- tion for his wise counsels and able expositions of Divine truth, and for his ardent solicitude for our temporal, and especially for our spiritual pros- perity ;
Resolved, That we will ever remember with satis-
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faction and gratitude the precious and marked results of his labors among us in the Lord.
Resolved, That our best wishes and prayers will follow him to his new field of labor, earnestly hoping that in the good providence of God he may long continue to prosecute the Gospel ministry, and be crowned with continuous and abundant success. GEO. B. MILLS, Moderator.
It was with great fortitude that Mr. Anderson carried on his work, at times maintaining a severe struggle with failing health, but always cheerful and hopeful, until at last on the twenty-third day of April, 1887, the Master said " come up higher," and his spirit took its flight to the better world to min- ister in the immediate presence of Him who sits upon the throne. His familiar form we laid ten- derly to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, New York City, on Tuesday, April 26th, 1887. He was in the seventy-third year of his age and in the thirty- eighth of his ministry .- ( P. T. P.)
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