USA > New York > Wyoming County > Warsaw > History of the town of Warsaw, New York, from its first settlement to the present time; with numerous family sketches and biographical notes > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
1
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (Built in 1817)
167
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Although the need of a more suitable and commodious honse of worship had been felt, no active effort toward the specific object had as yet been made. The incorporation of an Academy had been authorized by the legislature, and sub- scriptions toward the erection of the building had been taken; lumber had been purchased; and the architect, James Web- ster, had been engaged; when, because the people of Middle- bury also had procured a charter for an Academy, and both, it was presumed, could not prosper, or for other reasons not generally known, it was, determined to change the conten- plated Academy into a house of worship. The subscribers being principally Presbyterians and Baptists, they soon pro- cured the whole interest in the concern; and in the spring and summer of 1817, the building was erected and inclosed. This is said by some to be the first church edifice built in this state west of Genesee river. For several years it was used more or less in the summer season; and in 1821, the Presby- terians, having bought out the Baptists, finished it.
May 30, 1818, at a meeting of the church, the subject of Sabbath schools was considered. It was resolved, "That it is the duty of the church to begin a Sabbath school for the religious instruction of children as soon as practicable, and that the Rev. Ebenezer Everett, Jolin Munger, and Daniel Rumsey, be appointed a committee to draft a constitution and present it to the church at their next meeting."
Pursnant to adjournment, the church met June 6, 1818, and resolved, "That we will comply with the request of the Gen- ral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, to have stated meetings to instruct the baptized children, and that Tuesday next be appointed for that purpose." The constitution of the Sabbath school was presented, read, and accepted. After which it was resolved, "That Sabbath schools begin in three school districts next Sabbath." This movement was one of the earliest made toward the establishment of Sabbath schools in this part of the state.
168
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
After the death of Mr. Rowe, the church had little more than occasional preaching by Rev. Messrs. Parmelee (proba- bly the father of Rev. Abial Parmelee,) Elihu Mason, and others, and a few months' supply by Rev. Ebenezer Everett, until the summer of 1818. In July or Angust of that year, Rev. Norris Bull, then in the employ of the New York Young Men's Missionary Society, became the stated supply of the church for nearly a year. He then returned to the East, un- decided as to his accepting the invitation of the church to become their pastor. At some time between the fall of 1819 and the spring of 1820, Mr. Bull resumed his labors in this place; and in the spring of 1821, he accepted a call from the church at Geneseo. After this the people enjoyed for a time only occasional preaching by neighboring ministers, as Rev. Calvin Colton, of Le Roy, Rev. E. Chapin, of Batavia, Rev. Samuel T. Mills, of Moscow, and Rev. Amos Brown, of Perry Center, and perhaps others.
In the summer of 1822, Rev. Abial Parmelee became stated supply, and continued his ministry about four years. By whom the church was supplied for the next two years is not recollected; and as this is a part of the period of which the records are lost, the fact can not be ascertained. From December, 1828, to April, 1831, the church enjoyed the min- istry of Rev. Julius Steele. In the autunm of 1831, James and John Crocker, Roderick Chapin, and Samuel Whitlock, were chosen ruling elders. Soon after the departure of Mr. Steele, Rev. Isaac Oakes supplied the church about a year. "Father Oakes," though in consequence of infirmities and age he retired from the ministry many years ago, still lives in Nunda, and is supposed to be the only living minister in the line from the organization of the church to the close of his ministry here, with the exception, perhaps, of Rev. Ebenezer Everett, who was not long since living in Ontario county.
Rev. Ezra Scovel was installed pastor in February, 1833; Rev. Samuel H. Gridley, of Perry Center, acting as Moder- ator. The elders then acting, and whose names were
John Munger
169
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII.
appended to the call, were John Frayer, Gideon Johnson, Peter Young, John Munger, Samuel Whitlock, William Bux- ton, James Crocker, and John Crocker, of whom only Mr. Young, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Whitlock, are living. Of the Trustees, the only one now living or acting with the church, is Frank Miller. Mr. Scovel's pastorate closed in the spring of 1835. During the year following, the church was supplied by Rev. Ward Childs; and during a part of the next year by Rev. Stephen Porter, from Geneva, who had established a select school in the village.
December 28, 1834, the session took action upon the subject of Slavery, and adopted the following preamble and resolu- tions :
"The session of the Presbyterian Church of Warsaw, view- ing with unfeigned regret, as repugnant to the principles of the Gospel and humanity, the practice which prevails in many parts of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, of trafficking in human flesh, and holding in bondage their fel- low-men, do adopt the following resolutions :
" Resolved, That we commend in our southern brethren all the laudable efforts which they are making to enlighten the colored race and meliorate their condition.
" Resolved, That we hail with delight the doings of the Synod of Kentucky in the measures which they have taken to recommend the entire abolition of slavery within the period of the present generation.
" Resolved, That we respectfully request the Presbytery of Genesee, of which we are members, to act on a resolution approving the doings of the Synod of Kentucky on the sub- ject of slavery as it exists in the Presbyterian Church.
" Resolved, That we respectfully suggest to the Presbytery the propriety of adopting a resolution to lay this subject be- fore the Synod of Genesee at their next annual session."
During the year 1837, and a part of the year 1838, the church was supplied for short periods by Rev. Messrs. O. S. Powell, H. A. Sackett, Wm. Bridgman, and perhaps others.
170
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
In October, 1838, a call was given to Rev. Daniel Water- bury, of Franklin, Delaware county, and by him accepted. After having preached two or three Sabbaths, and a Thanks- giving sermon, he was taken ill, and died in about three weeks. In the ensuing winter his remains were disinterred, at the request of his relatives, and delivered to a messenger sent by them, and conveyed to Franklin. The society had paid the expenses of Mr. Waterbury's removal to this place, ($150;) and at a meeting after his death, a quarter's salary was unanimously voted to his family.
In June, 1839, Rev. Ralph S. Crampton was installed pastor. In the winter following, the church was divided, nearly one- half of its number leaving, and forming the present Con- gregational church. Rev. Richard Kay, who was then preaching at Holly, became stated supply of the Presbyterian church in Warsaw, and Mr. Crampton took his place at Holley. In the autumn of 1840, Edwin B. Miller, and in 1845, Luther Foster and Samuel Fisher 1st, were added to the session, several of its members having united with the Congregational church. Mr. Kay, after a service of five years, closed his labors in the spring of 1845, and was suc- ceeded the same year by Rev. A. C. McClelland, who supplied the church for a portion of a year, who is at present Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian church, Pittsburg, Penn., and was followed by Rev. Hugh Mair, D. D., who preached one year. He has since died.
In the summer of 1847, Rev. Abraham T. Young ac- cepted an invitation, and supplied the church three years, in which time a parochial school was established, which was continued for twelve or fourteen years. After Mr. Young's departure, Rev. John K. Cornyn supplied the church one year. He has since died. In 1852, Rev. Edward Wall preached a few weeks, and was followed by Rev. Stuart Mitchell, who was ordained and installed Oct. 22, 1852. Ile closed his pastorate in the spring of 1855, after a service of nearly three years. In September of the same year, a unani-
171
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
mous call was given to Rev. Joseph E. Nassau, the present pastor, who was ordained and installed, October 24th, 1855. In 1856, Harlow L. Comstock was added to the session. In 1863, Timothy H. Buxton and Samuel Fisher 2d, were added ; and Edward A. Miller the following April.
SEMI-CENTENARY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII.
A festive gathering of the Sabbath School, Parochial School, and congregation of the Presbyterian church, took place in the yards of Frank and Edwin B. Miller, on Friday, July 23, 1858, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization of the church. Invitations having been extended to other churches in the village, a large number of persons attended.
Rev. JOSEPH E. NASSAU, pastor of the church was chosen President, who, on taking the chair, said: "We are assem- bled, old and young, on an interesting occasion. We come to render our acknowledgments to God for his goodness to the 'Old Church' of Warsaw during the last half century. We have not met to indulge in self-glorification; but we assemble to engage in profitable, rational festivities, and to lay our united votive offerings upon the altar of the God of our fathers."
The organization of the meeting was then completed by choosing the following officers:
Vice-Presidents-JOHN MUNGER, WILLIAM WEBSTER, CYRUS TANNER, PETER PATTERSON, PETER YOUNG, DAVID YOUNG, TIMOTHY STEDMAN, ELIJAH CHAMBERLAIN, AMOS KEENEY, JULIUS WHITLOCK, and JAMES WEBSTER, ( architect of the old church edifice.)
Secretaries-E. B. MILLER, H. A. DUDLEY, and AUGUSTUS FRANK.
The Hymn, "Glorious things of thee are spoken," was sung by the assemblage; passages from the 46th and 48th Psalms were read by the pastor; prayer was offered by Rev. Lemuel Leonard, Principal of Geneseo Academy; and a Sabbath
172
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
school hymn, "Happy Day," was sung by the children of the two schools gathered on the platform.
An historical sketch of the church was then read by the president, embracing an account of its organization and many incidents in its history and progress; and the hymn, "I love thy kingdom, Lord," was sung in full chorus. The meeting was then addressed, successively by Amos Keeney, of the Baptist church, Dea. John Munger, Rev. L. Leonard, Rev. Mr. Applegate, of the Episcopal church, Rev. Mr. Cormac, of the Baptist church, Rev. Mr. Willing, of the Methodist church, and Frank Miller. The speeches were interspersed with singing, and with instrumental music.
A recess of one hour was then taken, and the assembly repaired to another part of the grounds for refreshments. After which, the company again assembled around the stand, and listened to speeches from Rev. W. D. McKinley, of Tus- carora, IIon. H. L. Comstock, Dea. Peter Young, of the Congregational church, and E. B. Miller. The exercises were then formally closed by singing in full chorus, and apparently with full hearts, the well known hymn,
" Blest be the lie that binds Our hearts in Christian love;"
and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. D. Mckinley.
After the formal closing of the exercises, a large portion of the assemblage continued together for an hour or two, and were addressed, by gentlemen present, and interesting state- ments were made by several speakers, especially by some of the aged, who were among the first settlers of the town. The grounds were handsomely fitted up; the long tables were richly supplied; and the proceedings and exercises were pro- nounced by those in attendance both pleasant and profitable.
TIIE NEW CHURCH EDIFICE.
The building of a new house of worship had been in con- templation several years before it was commenced; and Dea.
Peter Patterson
Sketch, p. 3/4.
173
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
John Munger had assured to the Society four thousand dollars toward the object. The work was commenced in the spring of 1864. Contracts had been made with Ambrose J. Arm- strong, of this town, as master-mason, and with James E. Ketchum, of Phelps, as foreman of the wood work. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, July 14, 1864, in the presence of a large assemblage.
The officers of the meeting were the following:
President-Hon. PETER PATTERSON.
Vice-Presidents -- WILLIAM WEBSTER, WELCOM ARNOLD, FRANK MILLER, JULIUS WHITLOCK, LUTHER FOSTER, WALES CHENEY, DAVID YOUNG.
Secretaries-EDWIN B. MILLER, HARWOOD A. DUDLEY.
After singing, Rev. Mr. Cunningham, of Gainesville, read the 122d Psalm; and Rev. C. W. Nassau, D. D., of Law- renceville, N. J., father of the pastor of the church, offered prayer. The pastor, Rev. Joseph E. Nassau, then addressed the assemblage; and, after giving a brief historical sketch of the church, deposited in the cavity cut in the corner stone a galvanized iron box, 12x8x3 inches, containing the following articles:
1. A copy of the Holy Bible.
2. The Confession of Faith, the Catechisms, and the Form of Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church, all bound in one volume.
3. Copies of the latest numbers of the Presbyterian, New York Observer, Home and Foreign Record, Foreign Mission- ary, Sabbath School Visitor, Minutes of the General Assembly of 1863, and the local papers, viz., The Western New Yorker and the Wyoming Democrat.
4. Two Photographs of the old church edifice, kindly fur- nished by each of the Picture Galleries of the village.
5. A Photograph of the present session of the church, taken and furnished by Coddington & Davidson.
6. Other Photographs of individuals.
174
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
7. List of the present members and officers of the Presby- terian Church of Warsaw at the present date, July 14, 1864.
8. List of the Members and Officers of the Presbyterian Sabbath School at this date.
9. Names of the Building Committee, Committee on Funds, Architect, Chief Mason, and Foreman of Joiner Work.
10. Samples of the Coin and Currency of the United States.
11. An unsigned copy of the Warsaw War Bonds, just issued from the press.
12. Names of Subscribers, thus far, to the New Church Edifice.
In the course of his address, the speaker remarked: "This service must not be understood as as a trifling superstition- not as a senseless ceremony or a vain show, but as an act of solenin consecration and devout homage offered to the Lord God of the Bible, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
At this period he deposited the box in the place prepared to receive it, and the stone was laid in its place.
He then proceeded to conclude his address; which was fol- lowed by remarks from Rev. Joseph R. Page, of Perry; Rev. Stuart Mitchell, a former pastor of the church; Rev. Charles Ray, of Wyoming; Rev. John Jones, Principal of Genesco Academy; Prof. H. D. Gregory, of Philadelphia; Mr. Edwin B. Miller, of Brooklyn, formerly of Warsaw; and Rev. Dr. Nassau, of N. J.
DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH.
The church was dedicated the 21st of September, 1865. Rev. Charles Ray, of Wyoming, Rev. Joseph R. Page, of Perry, Rev. George P. Folsom, of Geneseo, Rev. Mr. Steele, of Castile, and Rev. E. W. Kellogg, took part in the exercises. The sermon was preached by Rev. P. D. Gurley, D. D., of Washington City, from Gal. vi, 14: " God forbid that I should
175
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." The sermon was listened to with close attention by the crowd of people present, and was regarded as beautiful in construction, elegant in diction, and highly practical. Another hymn was sung, which was followed by the dedicatory services and prayer by Rev. Joseph E. Nassau, pastor of the church. At the close of the services, the audience separated to meet at two and a half P. M., in a church reunion.
At two and a half o'clock, the congregation reassembled; and Hon. Angustus Frank was chosen Chairman. After prayer and singing, Rev. Mr. Nassau gave an Address con- taining a history of the church since its formation. Other addresses, interspersed with singing, were made by Rev. Mr. Page, Rev. Mr. Ray, Hon. John Fisher, of Batavia, Rev. Mr. Lord, of Perry Center, Judge Skinner, of Buffalo, formerly of Wyoming, Rev. Mr. Jones, of Geneseo Academy, Elder E. B. Miller, of Brooklyn, L. A. Hayward, Esq., Rev. Dr. Gurley, Elder Samuel Fisher, 2d, and others.
Dea. Luther Foster offered a resolution of thanks to Au- gustus Frank, Samnel Fisher, 2d, and Timothy HI. Buxton, for the faithful manner in which they had discharged their duties as a building committee, which was carried unani- mously. Mr. Frank, in behalf of the committee, responded, and added some interesting statements as to the cost of the building, and announced that it was not only completed, but clear from debt. The whole cost of the structure and its furniture, was about $18,000. After singing by the choir, and the benediction by Rev. Mr. Jones, the andience dispersed.
In the evening, an impromptu prayer-meeting was held in the church, a large number of persons attending; thus appro- priately closing the services of the day amidst the hallowed associations of the mercy-seat.
A few months after the dedication, an organ was placed in the church at an expense of two thousand dollars, making the entire cost of the sanctuary and furniture, twenty thou- sand dollars.
176
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
The style of architecture of the new church edifice is chaste and beautiful. The building is eighty-five feet long by forty- five wide. The tower and spire over the main entrance make a shaft of one hundred and fifty feet. The spire is covered with slate, and its proportions are perfect. The choir gallery is slightly raised above the floor level, and the pulpit at the other end is in a recess lighted from the sky. The windows are of stained glass. The audience room, which is seventy- two by forty-two feet, and twenty-six feet high, is neatly frescoed. The pulpit and pews are of black walnut, and the wainscoting of chestnut.
FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
The first religions meetings were 1"1 ., private houses. Afterwards the school-house was re ny used for public worship on the Sabbath. A church was organized in July, 1SOS; but there was no legally incorporated society until 1812. The records of the society from its organization having been preserved, and this being the oldest religious society in town, we copy largely from its recorded proceedings.
The record commences with the Certificate of Incorpora- tion of
WARSAW UNION SOCIETY.
" GENESEE COUNTY, SS.
" In pursuance of an Act of the Legislature of the State of New York, entitled, ' An Act to provide for the Incorporation of Religious Societies,' passed the 27th of March, 1801-
" We, the subscribers, certify that at least fifteen days be- fore the fourteenth day of January last, at a meeting of a religious congregation at the school-house near Elizur Web- ster's, in the town of Warsaw, Genesee county, being the house in which public worship is statedly held by said con- gregation, public notice was given by the officiating minister, that on the said fourteenth day of January, a meeting would be held at said school-house for the purpose of forming a re- ligious society and choosing trustees for the same, according
1
-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
177
PRESBYTERIAN CIIURCII.
to the above named act, which notice was afterwards publiely given by a member of said congregation two Sundays imme- diately preceding said fourteenth day of January, at the place aforesaid.
" We further certify, that at a meeting of the male persons of said congregation, of the full age of twenty-one years, con- vened in pursuance of said notice, at the time and place aforesaid, Ezra Walker and Chauncey L. Sheldon, members of said society, were nominated and chosen by a majority of the members present, to preside at said election, (there being no Elders or Church Wardens attending said meeting;) like- wise, that by a plurality of voices, it was determined that the society should be known and distinguished by the name, style and title of 'The Trustees and Associates of the Union So- ciety.'
"Given under our hands and seals this 17th day of Jan- uary, A. D., 1812.
" In the presence of (signed) CHAUNCEY L. SHELDON, L. S.
EBENEZER MIX. (signed ) EZRA WALKER, L. S."
The following is from the recorded proceedings of the meet- ing referred to in the foregoing certificate:
"At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Warsaw. No. 9, 1st Range, for the purpose of forming a religious so- ciety, previous notice being given according to law:
"1st, Chose Ezra Walker, Moderator of said meeting. "2d, Chose Chauncey L. Sheldon, Society Clerk.
"3d, Voted that Union shall be the name of the Society.
"4th, Chose Isaac Phelps, Abraham Reed, John Munger, William Bristol, Zera Tanner, and Shubael Goodspeed, trus- tees of said society.
"Voted that this society be adjourned sine die.
"WARSAW, January 14th, 1812.
" CHAUNCEY L. SHELDON, " Society Clerk." 12
178
IIISTORY OF WARSAW.
The following is a copy of the official record of the forma- tion of the society:
" Whereas, In pursuance of an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, entitled, ' An Act for the Incorporation of Religious Societies,' passed March 27, 1801, a number of persons have associated themselves together and formed a society under the name, style, and title of 'The Chairman, Trustees and Associates of the Union Society,' the objects of which are:
" 1. To promote and extend the knowledge of the Chris- tian religion as taught by our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the principles of religion as found in the Holy Scriptures.
" 2. To promote and encourage Divine worship and the re- ligious observance of the Sabbath, and to discountenance all acts of immorality.
" 3. To promote harmony, good understanding, and social intercourse with all men, more especially with the members of this and other religious societies.
"4. To promote charity and relief to the poor and dis- tressed in a Christianlike manner, and to see that charity is not bestowed on unworthy and undeserving objects.
" It is to be observed, that the government and regulations of the society will, agreeably to the statute, be vested in trus- tees to be chosen by the members of the society, who will have the superintendence of making such rules and regulations as shall be meet and proper for the government of the same, and for superintending and managing all real and personal estate which shall belong to the association, and such other business as the society from time to time shall direct to be donc.
"WARSAW, January 11, 1812."
Abraham Reed, Ezra Walker, Isaac Phelps, Eliphalet Parker, Eliphalet Parker, Jun., Chauncey L. Sheldon, Enoch Merriman, John Munger, Giles Parker, Joseph Palmer, Hez-
179
PRESBYTERIAN CIIURCII.
ekiah Wakefield, William Stone, Samuel McWhorter, Zera Tanner, Chester Richards, Newton Hawes, William Webster, William Bristol, ( No. S,) Warham Walker, Micah Marchant, Shubael Goodspeed, Ebenezer Hitchcock, Leverett Hitchcock, Jonathan Wright, Jun., Philip Salisbury, Luther Parker, Ebenezer Smith, Jun., Caleb Woodworth, John Eddy, Arte- mas Day, Nehemiah Paine, John Frayer, Henry Woodward, Silas Walker, Roderick Chapin, Edward Putnam, Almon Stevens, Elisha Parmelec, Daniel Rumsey, Mayhew Safford, Warren Loomis, Augustus Frank, Isaac Preston.
The foregoing names appear on the record as having been promiscuously signed to the foregoing proceedings at the date of the meeting. The last eleven named persons are known to have come into the town since the society was formed, and consequently they must have signed afterwards. The other thirty-two are presumed to have signed their names on or near the day of the meeting. The association, though called " Union Society," is generally known to signify the Presbyte- rian church and congregation.
The next meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1813, at the house of John McWhorter, which stood near the present residence of Samuel Fisher, 2d.
In the proceedings we find the following: "Voted that the Trustees procure a sufficient piece of land for the purpose of setting a house for public worship, and the expenses to be paid by subscription." This was the first record of an attempt to build a church edifice.
Feb. Sth, 1814. Warsaw Union Society met at the Center School House. At that meeting it was "Voted, that the Trustees of this Society be vested with power to fix a site for a meeting-house, and that it shall be their further duty to call a special society meeting for making a purchase of the said site of land."
At the annual meetings in 1815 and 1816, the Trustees were vested with the same authority. The records show no further action on the subject. A house was built, however, at the time and in the manner already stated. [Page 167.]
180
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
The paper containing the subscriptions for building the church, which can not now be found, was signed by a consid- erable number of the people of the town. Many being unable to pay in money, subscriptions were made payable in grain, lumber, labor, &c. Yet it was with great effort that enough was obtained to raise and inclose the building.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.