USA > New York > Oneida County > Kirkland > History of the town of Kirkland, New York > Part 9
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Rev. M. S. Hard succeeded Mr. Williams, in April, 1867. At that time the church edifice was very much in need of repair, and the time had evidently come for the Society to put on new strength, and take a higher position. Mr. Hard was the right man for the emer- gency, and under his energetic leadership the church was enlarged at an expense of $5600. It was dedicated
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THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
January 8, 1868. Soon after, a very precious work of grace began, which extended to the other churches. The membership of the Society was almost if not quite doubled, and Methodism took a better position. A new parsonage was built in 1868, adjoining the old one on Fountain Street. Mr. Hard was very popular as a pas- tor, and was favored with abundant success.
In April, 1870, Rev. M. G. Bullock became pastor, and held this office for three years. Successful efforts have lately been made to free the church and parsonage property from all debts. The present membership of the church is one hundred and forty.
The following is a list of the several pastors of the church since its organization : --
Jolın G. Hall, 1842-43 ; S. G. Lathrop, 1844 ; William Loomis, 1845 ; A. J. Dana, 1846 ; H. F. Rowe, 1847-48; Richard Cooke, 1849-50; L. H. Stanley, 1851; S. Stocking, 1852-53 ; L. Bowdish, 1854-55 ; John H. Hall, 1856-57; T. Pilkinton, 1858; T. J. Bissell, 1859-60 ; William N. Cobb, 1861-62; M. G. Wadsworth, 1863; Dwight Williams, 1864-66; M. S. Hard, 1867-69 ; M. G. Bullock, 1870-72.
Rev. Orlando C. Cole was appointed the minister of this congregation, April, 1873.
III. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.1
The present Universalist Society in Clinton, was origi- nally a part of the Universalist Society of New Hartford. This latter society, established in 1805, mainly through the labors of Rev. N. Stacey, included in its membership the believers in universal salvation residing in all the re-
1 This historical sketch was prepared by Rev. William P. Payne, pastor of the society from September, 1863, to July, 1871.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
gion round about, to the distance of eight or ten miles. Several of the most influential and devoted supporters of the society lived in or near Clinton. This fact secured at an early day in this village occasional services. In the autumn of 1818, under the direction of Stephen R. Smith, then pastor of the New Hartford Society, these meetings assumed a much more permanent character. Under the earnest labors of Mr. Smith, the Clinton branch society grew rapidly in numbers and interest. So much so, that in 1821 it assumed an independent exist- ence ; and through the commendable sacrifices of many, but principally through the large liberality of Joseph Stebbins, Esq., was enabled to erect its first church edifice, at a cost of about $2500. It was built of brick, fifty- two feet by forty ; and, when completed, was doubtless the comeliest house of worship belonging to the denomi- nation in the State of New York. It still stands on Utica Street, though now used for secular purposes.
Though always in reality a Universalist Society, the church when built was designated a Free Church, and the society worshipping in it as the Free Church Society of Clinton. By articles of compact and the title of the ground on which it stood, the church was free for the oc- cupation of all christian sects, when not in use by its act- ual proprietors. At first, it was so occupied, to some extent, by the Methodists and Baptists of this town.‘ The society maintained this unsectarian character with
1 Mr. Gaius Butler informs me that the brick-work of this church was built by Harry Butler. It was understood at the time that the Methodists were to have a certain share in the use of the house. Nathaniel Butler, father of the builder, and a devout Methodist, selected the Scriptural motto carved on the marble tablet inserted in the front wall of the church, which was understood by some to favor, by a double reading, the distinctive views of both the Metho- dists and Universalists. This motto, taken, from the Acts of the Apostles x. 34, is, " Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons," etc. A. D. C.
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UNIVERSALIST MINISTERS.
varying fortunes until June, 1831, when it assumed, by legal process, the name and title of the First Universalist Society of Clinton. From this date until the present time, the society has had an uninterrupted existence, and preserved its denominational name and character.
The society has had but four settlements that have been of any considerable permanence. These have been the pastorates of Rev. Stephen R. Smith, Dr. Timothy Clowes, Rev. T. J. Sawyer, D. D., and Rev. W. P. Payne Mr. Smith's settlement began in November, 1821, and continued till September, 1837, with the exception of an interval of three years, from 1825 to 1828, which he spent in Philadelphia, and during which the society was without a pastor. He was the founder of the society, and his name is held in grateful remembrance. Dr. Clowes, in connection with his labors as Principal of Clinton Lib- eral Institute, succeeded him, and remained four or five years. Dr. Sawyer, while in charge of the Institute and of the theological school in connection with it, preached for the society most of the time from 1845 to 1852, and again from 1861 to 1863. Reverends M. B. Smith, H. B. Soule, D. S. Morey, H. C. Vose, J. A. Aspinwall, and Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, have had brief settlements. Dr. Dolphus Skinner, and Rev. C. C. Gordon have preached for the society for considerable periods, though residing in Utica.
Rev. William P. Payne took charge of the society in September, 1863. During the last five years the society has manifested new life, and with the aid of denomina- tional friends throughout the State, and of the General Convention of Universalists, has erected a new, commo- dious and beautiful church on Williams Street, a credit to the people who carried forward the work, and an ornament to the village in which it is located. Its
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
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value, with the grounds, is about $18,000. Its style is Romanesque, it has three hundred and fifty sittings, is provided with a superior organ, and is appropriately furnished throughout. Its architect was H. N. White, of Syracuse, and its builders Platt & Osborn, of Clinton. The corner-stone was laid with fitting ceremony, June 29, 1869, and the work was completed in the autumn of 1870. On Sunday, October 9, 1870, the society, with appropriate services, took leave of their old church, dedi- cated the new one on October 12th, and enjoyed Sab- bath worship therein for the first time, October 16th. At the present time the prospects of the parish are encouraging, more so perhaps than ever before. Rev. Mr. Payne resigned his office July, 1871. The present minister, Rev. W. R. Chamberlain, commenced his ser- vices in October, 1872.
IV. THE COLLEGE CHURCH.
The church in Hamilton College was organized April 20, 1825, with the Presbyterian form of government. It was maintained in all its functions until the year 1831, when, owing to the depressed condition of the college, it was disbanded.
In December, 1861, it was reestablished, and since then it has been quite prosperous. When reorganized, it was thought expedient to modify the conditions of membership, so as to allow of the admission of christians of all evan- gelical denominations. The pastor of the college is ex- officio pastor of this church. The elders are six in number, and are chosen one from each of the college classes, and two from the faculty. Their term of service is two years. In October, 1862, this church was received into the fellow- ship of the Presbytery of Utica, to which ecclesiastical body it still belongs, and sends regular delegates.
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THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
V. THE BAPTIST CHURCH.1
On the 16th day of August, 1831, a few Baptist brethren met at the house of Mr. Clark Wood, in Clin- ton,' to consider the expediency of organizing a church of their distinctive faith. After a prolonged and prayer- ful consultation, a committee of five was appointed to draft Articles of Faith and Practice for such a church. At their next meeting, August 25, said Articles were adopted and subscribed to by all present. Arrangements were then made, also, for a final organization of the church. $
On the 21st of September, 1831, delegates, invited and appointed from a number of neighboring churches, con- vened in the Brick Meeting-house of this place, and organized the new church, to be known as the Baptist Church of Christ in Clinton.
The following are the names of the members of said church of seventeen members : John H. Parmele, John Foot, Jr., William H. Hubbard, and Emily his wife, Clark Wood, and Amanda his wife, Lewis M. Wood, and Adaline his wife, Simeon Russell, and Asenath his wife, William S. Richmond, and Nancy his wife, Phineas Smith, Samuel L. Hubbard, Eunice Ann Parmele, Eve- line Edwards, Susan Nichols, Mary Ann Nichols, Lucinda Nichols.
A desire was soon felt of having a Meeting-house, and accordingly the present site was purchased, and a build- ing commenced. The edifice was finished at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated November 9, 1832. The ser- mon on the day of dedication was preached by Rev.
1 This historical sketch was prepared by Rev. C. H. Johnson, pastor of said church from 1857 to 1872,
8
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
Nathaniel Kendrick, D. D., of Hamilton, from the text, Psalm xxvii. 4.
The first minister was Rev. Daniel Putnam, who com- menced his labors May 27, 1832, and closed them Dec. 15, 1833. During his ministry eleven persons were received by baptism, and twenty-three by letter. In June, 1833, a Sunday-school was established; and on September 4, of the same year the church was admitted to the Oneida Baptist Association.
The second pastor of the Baptist Church was Rev. J. P. Simmons, who entered upon his work January 1, 1834, and retired February 8, 1835. During his ministry here twenty-four were received by baptism, and twenty-two by letter. Rev. P. P. Brown began preaching here April 4, 1835, and ended his labors in September of the same year. He received three members by baptism, and eight by letter.
For the next year and longer, the pulpit was supplied by several preachers. Among them was Rev. Mr. Wheeler, of Madison University.
Rev. Reuben P. Lamb was installed pastor December 4, 1836, and served until September 29, 1838. He re- ceived forty-three persons into membership by baptism, and twelve by letter. Rev. William Thompson preached here from March 2, 1839, to March, 1840. He added to the membership three by baptism, and eleven by letter. Rev. Horace Jones preached from June, 1840, to Decem- ber of the same year. Rev. A. H. Stowell, from Decem- ber 5, 1840, to April 3, 1841. Rev. J. Corwin, from February 5, 1842, to December 1, 1844. Rev. A. Ken- yon, from December 1, 1844, to December 1, 1847. Rev. Harry White, from September 5, 1847, to May, 1849. Rev. Hiram Main, from September 1, 1849, to
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CHURCH AT MANCHESTER.
August 31, 1850. Rev. Dennison Alcott, from October 5, 1850, to July 31, 1852. Rev. Carlos Swift, from Feb- ruary 5, 1853, to March 15, 1856. During Mr. Swift's ministry, the Meeting-house was repaired at a cost of $367.54. In June, 1857, Rev. John G. Stearns became pastor, and served until October 1, 1862. From this time onward, for several years, the church became so re- duced in numbers and strength, as to be unable to em- ploy a settled pastor. Occasional supplies were obtained as follows: Rev. L. D. Galpin, from October, 1862, to March, 1863, and Rev. William A. Wells, from April, 1863, to October, 1864.
From October 2, 1864, to December 1, 1865, the Meet- ing-house was closed. On the first Sunday in December, 1865, Rev. Charles H. Johnson commenced preaching here, and served till October, 1866. From that time till November, 1867, the pulpit was filled by various preach- ers. Rev. C. H. Johnson resumed his labors here, No- vember 1, 1867, and served until January 1, 1872. Dur- ing his ministry he received eighty-one members by baptism, and thirty-two by letter; eiglit also were re- stored. The house of worship was remodeled and much improved, at a cost of $6500. At the time of his resignation the members numbered one hundred and thirty-one. The present pastor, Rev. C. H. Ayers, was installed April 1, 1872. The actual membership of the church at present (1873), is about one hundred.
VI. THE MANCHESTER CHURCH.
In the year 1816, the cotton factory was built at Man- chester, under the superintendence of Mr. Warren Con- verse, who was also the general agent of the factory for many years afterward. The following year, in cooperation
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
with a few others, Mr. Converse established a Sabbath- school, chiefly for the benefit of the children and youth connected with the mill. Shortly after this, provision was made for holding religious meetings in the brick school-house. Occasionally, also, ministers of different denominations held preaching services in the same build- ing.
In the year 1834, the present house of worship was built; it was dedicated early in the ensuing year. A Con- gregational church was organized at the same time, and the Rev. Dr. Norton, formerly of the Congregational church at Clinton, was, for a short period, its stated minister. The Rev. Seth Williston, D. D., succeeded Dr. Norton. After these, the pulpit was occupied for brief periods by Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg, Rev. Salmon Strong, Rev. Mr. Pratt, and Rev. Mr. Page. Rev. Samuel W. Raymond, who was the only settled pastor of this church, was installed in 1846, and continued in the service nearly five years. Since his resignation the church has had the ministrations of Rev. Benjamin W. Dwight, LL. D., Professor William S. Curtiss, D. D., Rev. Mr. Loomis, and Rev. John Bar- ton. Rev. James Dean, of Westmoreland, has been the stated supply of this church for the past five years.
VII. SAINT MARY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH.
The records of this church were not kept with much care at the first, and consequently this sketch of its his- tory must be meagre and brief.
Rev. William C. Coughlin made his first professional visit to Clinton January 6, 1851. He celebrated Mass at the house of Mr. John Reilly, January 14, 1851. The number of the congregation at that time was six- teen.
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: EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
The erection of Saint Mary's church edifice was begun in May, 1852. The building was finished and dedicated October 25, 1854, the Right Reverend John McClosky, Bishop of Albany, officiating.
Rev. Edward Bayard succeeded Rev. Mr. Coughlin, in August, 1862, and remained one year. The Rev. P. O. Reilly succeeded him, and has remained pastor of the congregation until the present time.
Within the few years past, the church edifice has been enlarged, and is now valued at about $12,000. The present congregation numbers about two thousand. The new parochial residence, on Marvin Street, was built under the care of Father O'Reilly, and cost, with the lot on which it stands, $15,000.
VIII. SAINT JAMES' (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH.1
From the year 1841, Bishop De Lancey, when making visitations to parishes in adjacent towns, occasionally appointed and held services in Clinton.
In the year 1854, a Sunday-school was organized, its meetings being held in the Odd Fellows' Hall.
Regular services were maintained throughout the year 1855, the Rev. William T. Gibson, D. D. (then rector of Grace Church, Waterville), officiating frequently. During this year, a melodeon, a set of prayer-books, and a Sunday-school library were obtained.
In the year 1856, services were often held by the rector of St. Paul's Church, Paris Hill; by the rector of Calvary Church, Utica ; the Rev. H. A. Neely (now Bishop of the diocese of Maine), and by the rector of Zion Church, Rome.
1 This paper was furnished by the Rev. II. H. Loring, minister of this parish in 1873.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
In the year 1858, services here were discontinued, and not resumed until 1862. In January of this year, regu- lar services were commenced by the Rev. Henry Stanley, of Whitesboro', and were maintained chiefly by the clergy of the Oneida Convocation. At their solicitation, the use of the Masonic Hall (over Mr. Owston's ware- room) was secured. The Rev. C. W. Hays, of New Hartford, the Rev. Wm. Alger, of Paris Hill, Rev. W. T. Gibson, D. D., the Rev. Dr. Goodrich, and Dr. S. H. Coxe, of Utica, officiated at different times. At the end of this year, there were two male and eight or ten female communicants. In May of this year the parish was organized.
The corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid on the fifth day of June, 1863, by the the Right Rev. William H. De Lancey, D. D. The building was not completed until March, 1865. On the 16th of March, the first service was held within its walls.
The first rector of this church was the Rev. Mr. Saun- ders, who commenced his labors in February, 1863, and closed them in October of the same year. The second rector was the Rev. H. R. Pyne, his term of service beginning November 1, 1864, and ending April, 1866. The third rector was the Rev. I. B. Robinson, who came in May, 1866, and left in August, 1867. The Rev. R. A. Olin, then a deacon of the church, commenced his labors here July 19, 1868. In January of the year 1869, the church edifice was consecrated by the Right Rev. F. D. Huntington, D. D. On the same day, follow- ing the consecration of the church, the minister in charge of the parish (the Rev. Mr. Olin) was advanced to the Priesthood by the Right Rev. Bishop present. The clergy in attendance from adjoining parishes, joined in
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
the laying on of hands, according to the usage of this church.
In January, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Olin resigned the rectorship of this parish. Since July, of the same year, the parish has been supplied by the Rev. H. H. Loring, of the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pa.
The present church edifice, built in 1863-65, cost, with the lot on which it stands $7,000. The rectory ad- joining was built a few years afterward, and cost $3,000. The number of communicants in this church at the present time (1873), is sixty.
CHAPTER V.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
I. HAMILTON ONEIDA' ACADEMY.
IN the biography of the missionary Kirkland, we find that as early as the year 1790, he was meditating a plan for the education of the Indian tribes of central New York. In the year 1792, he had matured his scheme so far as to include within it a system of primary schools for native children, and an Academy for English youth, together with a select number of older Indian boys from the various tribes of the Confederacy. Three of these primary schools were established, and continued in efficient operation for several years. For the convenience of both parties, he proposed to place his academy near what was then the boundary line between the white settlements and the Indian territory. The project was well-approved everywhere, but perhaps it found its warmest friends among those intelligent families which had recently emigrated from New England and settled in the adjoining towns.
Of the preliminary steps taken by Mr. Kirkland in procuring a charter for his academy and funds for its endowment, I have already spoken in the sketch of the missionary's life. The gifts of money to the acad- emy, at this time, were few and small; the donations consisting partly in labor, and partly in materials for erecting the building. It was a period of comparative
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THE CORNER-STONE LAID.
poverty, the inhabitants of this region being mostly young men without capital, and just beginning to earn a livelihood for themselves and their families.1
With such small resources at command, Mr. Kirkland and his friends commenced the erection of the academy. The place chosen for its site was about midway between the present South College and the chapel. Ground was broken and the foundation laid July 1, 1794. To give some degree of dignity and importance to the occasion, Mr Kirkland invited the Baron de Steuben to be present, and to officiate in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone. The brave old General was met on his arrival at Clinton by Captain George W. Kirkland, a son of the Dominie, and, at the head of a troop of horsemen, was escorted to the grounds of the new academy. Mrs. Eli Lucas, now living in Clinton, remembers seeing this rustic cavalcade (two or three daughters of Mr. Kirkland on horseback forming part of the company) sweep past her father's house and ascend College Hill. Just what the formali- ties of the occasion were, we are not informed ; but it is well known that Mr. Kirkland was highly gratified at seeing the corner-stone of his academy laid by one who had been a compatriot in arms with Hamilton, and whose services for the country entitled him to a lasting fame.
The foundations having been laid and the frame put up, the work was suspended for lack of means to carry it further. The structure stood in this condition for nearly two years. Unbelieving mockers passing by called it " Kirkland's folly ; " the foxes burrowed in its founda- tions, the birds built their nests beneath its rafters, and the squirrels careering up and down the naked timbers, seemed to join in the general derision. But Mr. Kirk-
1 See Appendix D.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.
land was not disheartened. After a short time he re- newed his efforts with fresh zeal, soliciting money and labor and materials with which to finish the building.1
He pressed others into the work of obtaining funds, among whom was Mr. Joel Bristol, who labored assidu- ously, and with such success that the means were secured for inclosing the academy. Early in the year 1798, a large room in the second story on the south end, and two small rooms on the lower floor were finished, and the two front chimneys were built. The large room in the sec- ond story (called " the arched room ") was designed and used as a chapel. Here the work rested again for sev- eral years. But the men who had begun to build were resolved to finish. And so, from year to year the means were procured for going forward, until at length rooms enough were prepared to meet the wants of the institu- tion. The building was three stories in height, and ninety feet in length, by thirty-eight in width. Mr. Kirkland had the satisfaction of seeing his academy opened for
1 As illustrating his persistency, and the generosity of the inhabitants of this town, take the following: Mr. Eli Bristol, who lived at the foot of College Hill, gave, at his solicitation, a lot of clap-boards which he had just proenred for siding up his own house. Mr. Bristol then bad a second lot sawed for himself, and stacked up in a kiln for drying. By accident the kiln took fire and the boards were lost, and so Mr. Bristol was obliged to resort to his woods and the saw-mill a third time before he could inclose his house.
About the same time, also, occurred the following: As Mr. Kirkland was passing a house then in process of erection, just opposite the Clinton Grammar School, he called out to the owner: "Mr. Owens, I had a dream last night." "Pray, what did you dream ? " said Owens. "I dreamed that you gave me those nice pine boards for the academy, and that I took them home in my cart." " Well," said Owens, " if you so dreamed, you must take them." The next day, as Mr. Kirkland was again passing, Owens saluted him and declared that a dream had also come to him. " What was it? " asked Mr Kirkland. " I'dreamed that I wanted your cart and two yoke of oxen to go to Whitesboro' for brick for my chimney, and that you let me have them." " Well," said his Reverence, "if you dreamed so, you must have them, but, dear me, don't ever dream again ! "
ANGOVON VOIANO NOLTIAVH
EL
IT
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PRECEPTORS OF THE ACADEMY.
pupils, its chairs of instruction filled by capable teachers, and scholars flocking to it from every quarter.
It is often asked whether any Indian boys were edu- cated at this academy. During the year previous to the opening of the school, Mr. Kirkland brought to Clinton from Oneida several of the most promising Indian lads he could find, and, committing a part of them to the care of Mr. Eli Bristol, kept the others in his own family. He clothed them in such garments as were usually worn by white boys, and sought to have them instructed in the ru- diments of an English education, and trained to civilized manners and habits. But they soon became restless under these restraints. They did not like white people's clothes, nor the confinement of white people's houses, and they hated white people's books and ways. They liked better to roam half-naked in the woods and fields, whoop- ing and hunting and fishing. And so it turned out that by the end of the first year, it was found necessary to let them return to their old haunts at Oneida.
Of the native children taught in the primary schools here and elsewhere, I cannot learn that any entered this academy.
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