USA > New York > Albany County > Landmarks of Albany County, New York > Part 35
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was amply clothed with authority to establish such an academy, with- out further legislation, and measures were promptly adopted to carry out the plan. The board leased Van Vechten Hall on State street, where the Normal School had formerly been held. The Free Academy was opened in September, 1868, with Prof. John E. Bradley, principal, and 141 pupils. The other teachers were Charles W. Cole, A. M. (now superintendent of schools of the city), Samuel B. Howe, A. M., Mary Morgan, and Rebecca I. Hindman. Soon afterward Mr. Howe re- signed and Charles A. Horne, A. M., was chosen in his place. The hall was soon found inadequate for the attendance and other rooms connected with the premises were engaged and occupied. In 1870 the rooms over the Harris livery stable on Maiden Lane were fitted up, and in 1873 those in the second story, formerly a part of a carpet store, were adapted to school purposes. The academy prospered and was placed under visitation of the Regents of the University in 1873, at which time its name was changed to the Albany High School. In 1873 there were 130 academic scholars in the High School; this number gradually increased until 1896, the report of which year shows that there were 800. The High School was continued in Van Vechten Hall until 1876, when the western part of the present splendid structure was erected. It has a front on Eagle street of eighty seven feet, 135 feet on Steuben street. 120 feet on Columbia street, and ninety-two feet in rear. The cost of the building with the addition erected in 1893 was $185,000. John Edwin Bradley was chosen as principal of the High School and was succeeded in 1886 by the present incumbent, Oscar D. Robinson, A. M., Ph. D. The following table shows the enrollment in the High School from its establishment to 1896 :
Year.
Whole number of Increase. Decrease. pupils.
Year.
Whole number of Increase. Decrease. pupils.
1868-69
141
1882-83
591
7
1869-70
209
68
1883-84
607
16
1870-71
279
70
1884-85
608
1
1871-72
314
35
1885-86
622
14
1872-73
328
14
1886-87
623
1
1873-74
362
34
1887-88
646
23
1874-75
429
67
1888-89
646
1875-76
494
65
1889-90
698
52
1876-77
532
38
1890-91
758
60
. .
1877-78
580
48
1891-92
765
- -
1878-79
581
1
1892-93
794
29
1879-80
595
14
1893-94
773
21
1880-81
583
12
1894-95
812
39
1881-82
584
1
1895-96
800
1:
-
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The number of "Academic scholars"-that is, those holding Re- gents' preliminary certificates-in the institution each year since it was received under the visitation of the Regents, has been as follows:
1872-73
130
1884-85
527
1873-74
250
1885-86
531
1874-75
320
1886-87
534
1875-76
348
1887-88
512
1876-77
401
1888-89
562
1877-78
447
1889-90. 629 1 1
1878-79
455
1890-91
672
1879-80
501
1891-92
643
1880-81
466
1892-93
643
1881-82
471
1893-94
643
1882-83
473
1894-95
728
1883-84
491
1895-96
721
The Albany High School occupies an enviable position in the educa- tional world; being admittedly in the front rank of the secondary schools of the country. Its varied and elastic courses of study offer opportu- nities for choice in lines of work that permit special preparation for all walks in life, thus meeting the needs of the great majority of its pupils who must end their scholastic career with the High School, and that also afford the best facilities for preparation for collegiate and professional study. Evidently the success of such an institution must largely de- pend on the organization of the elementary schools from which it draws its. students. The elementary public schools of this city are organized on a broad and generous plan, in accordance with the best educational thought of the day, and are equipped with skillful instructors and the most approved apparatus and material in all grades.
Returning to the other schools of the city, we find that No. 15, corner of Herkimer and Franklin streets, was erected in 1871, the cost of the building and lot being $91,000. This was the first school build- ing erected in the city on modern plans and now seats 940 scholars. Levi Cass, A. M., is principal.
School No. 17, corner of Second avenue and Stephen street, was erected in 1856 by the town of Bethlehem. It came within the city limits in 1870. The present building was erected in 1878 and has a seating capacity of 440. Its cost was $15,000. Martha B. McFarland is principal.
The school formerly situated in West Albany, and then known as No. 19, was erected by the town of Watervliet, but came within the city
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332
limits in 1870, and was abandoned in 1875, and School No. 21, at 666 Clin - ton avenue was erected to take its place. This building seats 854, and cost $48,000. P. H. McQuade is principal.
What was formerly school No. 20, on Mohawk street, was erected in 1872, but was sold in 1880, and the present brick two story structure, corner of North Pearl and North Second streets was erected to take its place. The building seats 668 and cost $18,000. Ernest A. Corbin, A. M., is principal.
School No. 22, at 292 Second street, is of brick, two stories and base- ment, and was erected in 1874 at a cost of $24,000. It seats 440. Mary A. Simpson is principal.
School No. 25 was erected in 1878, corner of Morton and South Swan streets, at a cost of $15,000. It is two stories, brick, and seats 440. Julia Cordell is principal.
School No. 11, at 409 Madison avenue (before mentioned in connec- tion with No. 24), was erected in 1873 at a cost of $50,000. The build- ing is of brick, three stories, and seats 640. Lewis H. Rockwell, A.M., is principal.
In 1882 school buildings Nos 3 and 5 were sold and the Tabernacle Baptist church, North Pearl street, was purchased and converted into a school building, at a cost of about $35,000. It is now known as No. 5, and seats 584. Thomas S. O'Brien is principal.
The present School No. 6, at 105 Second street, was erected in 1893, at a cost of $50,000. Almond Holland is principal. School No. 1, at 165 Clinton avenue, was erected in 1886; it is of brick, three stories, and cost $30,000. It seats 600, and C. E. Franklin, A. M., is prin- cipal. The present School No. 8, at 157 Madison avenue, was erected in 1881, at a cost of $25,000. It is of brick, two stories, and John E. Sherwood, A. M., is principal. The present School No. 10, corner of Central avenue and Perry street, was erected in 1890, at a cost of $31,- 000. It is of brick, two stories, and seats 440. Mary E. Howard is principal.
The following statement shows the number of schools in the city and the number of scholars registered in each from 1857 to 1895 in- clusive :
333
Year.
Number of schools.
Registered number.
Year.
Number of schools.
Registered number .
1857
12
6,529
1877
24
14,412
1858
13
7,760
1878
25
14,024
1859
13
7,832
1879
26
14,632
1860
14
8,395
1880
26
14,049
1861
15
9,182
1881
26
13,976
1862
15
9,614
1882
26
13,984
1863
15
9,507
1883
26
13,914
1864
15
8,917
1884
24.
13,708
1865
15
8,850
1885
24
13,720
1866
15
8,924
1886
24
13,410
1867
15
8,880
1887
24
13,410
1868
15
9,414
1888
24
13,580
1869
16
9,665
1889
24
13,616
1870
16
9,933
1890
23
14,389
1871
22
10,939
189
23
14,412
1872
24
12,060
1892
22
13,914
1873
24
12,327
1893
22
13,655
1874
25
12,460
1894
21
13,491
1875
25
13,773
1895
21
13,522
1876
24
13,941
1896
21
13,418
Connected with the city schools is an admirable kindergarten system which is now under supervision of Frances C. Hayes. There are eighteen of these schools, all of which are well attended.
The follow- ing table shows their condition for the school year, from September, 1895, to June, 1896 :
Schools.
Number of boys
Number of girls register'd. register'd.
Schools.
Number of boys register'd. register'd.
No. 1.
40
38
No. 12
32
48
No. 2
24
31
No. 13
18
32
No. 3
30
33
No. 15
40
27
No. 4
23
33
No. 20
44
32
No. 5
29
22
No. 21
29
26
No. 6 A. M.
21
24
No. 22
30
35
P. M.
16
18
No. 24
34
47
No. 7
20
18
No. 25
19
19
No.
25
19
No. 10
27
33
501
535
1
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1
1
1
1
1
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1
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1
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1
1
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The grand proportions of the public school system may be judged from the present total valuation of the buildings and lots devoted to public education, namely, $1,036,000.
The Board of Public Instruction was reorganized March 18, 1892,. the membership of the body being reduced from twelve to seven in
Number of girls
1
334
number, and other desirable changes effected. Following is a list of the officers of the board since its organization in 1866:
Presidents .-* John O. Cole1, 1866-1869; George W. Carpenter, 1869-1971; *Charles P. Easton, 1872; * Addison A. Keys, 1873-1874; * Charles P. Easton, 1875 1880; Herman Bendell, 1881-1882; Alden Chester, 1883; * George B. Hoyt, 1884; Peter J. Flinn, 1885; Oren E. Wilson, 1886; James M. Ruso, 1887; William P. Rudd, 1888; Henry W. Lipman, 1889; Charles H. Gaus, 1890; Michael F. Walsh, 1891 : William L. Learned, 1892.
Superintendents of Schools .-* Henry B. Haswell, 2 1866-1869; * John (). Cole." 1869-1878; Charles W. Cole, A. M., Ph. D., 1878.
Superintendents of Buildings .- "John G. Treadwell, + 1872-1879 ; Alexander Sayles, 1879-1885; * Hugh J. McDonald, 5 1885-1886; Robert Parker, 1886-1887; John H. Oliver, 1887-1892; Thomas H. Dwyer, 1892.
The following is a list of the members of the Board of Public Instruc- tion since its organization in 1866:
When chosen. Term of service.
1866 *John O. Cole+6 1866-1869
1866 George W. Carpentert. 1866-1872
1866 Michael Delhanty+ 1866-1869
1866 *Charles P. Easton+ 1866-1881
1870 *John Tracy18 1870-1871
1866 *Paul F. Cooper+ 1866-1868
1866 John G. Treadwell+? 1866-1872
1866 *Charles Van Benthuysen+1866-1868
1866 *Stewart McKissick+ 1866-1868
1866 *James L. Babcock+ 1866-1873
1866 *Bradford R. Wood+8
1872 *Addison A. Keyes 1872-1875
1866 *Jacob S. Mosher+9 1866-1868
1866 William C. McHargt 1866-1873
1866 *Howard Townsend10 -1866
1867 *Porter L. F. Reynolds 1867-1870
1868 Joseph Lewi 1868-1880
1868 *Robert H. Waterman11_1868-1872
1868 *Warren S. Kelly 1868-1871
1874 *Samuel Templeton 1874-1883
1874 Joseph P. Morrow 1874-1877
*Deceased.
+ Appointed by the act creating the Board-the first four named to serve for three years, the second four for two years and the last four for one year.
1 Resigned October 4, 1869, and elected sup- 8 Registered June 1, 1866, without taking erintendent.
his seat.
2 Died in office August 10, 1869.
9 Resigned June 1, 1868.
10 Died in office January -, 1867.
11 Resigned April 15, 1872.
12 Resigned April 15, 1872.
13 Resigned July 6, 1871.
14 Died in office September 12, 1871.
15 Appointed by the Mayor.
3 Died in office January 4, 1878.
4 Resigned March 3, 1879.
5 Died in office January 21, 1886.
6 Resigned October 4, 1869.
7 Resigned July 1, 1872.
When
chosen. Term of service.
1869 Barnet B. Sanders 1869-1875
1869 Daniel V. O'Leary 12 1869-1872
1869 William L. Learned 1869-1870
1870 *Daniel L. Babcock 1870-1876
1871 *Arthur C Quinn14 -1871
1871 *Alfred Edwards15 1871-1872
1872 Daniel V. O'Leary 1872-1874
1872 *Thomas Hayes 1872-1875
1872 John McKenna 1872-1873
1872 *Charles Senrick 1872-1874 1872 *George B. Hoyt. 1872-1886 1873 James J. Franklin 1873-1875
1873 *James H. White 1873-1876
1873 *John V. Lansing 1873-1874
1868 William L. Learned 1868-1869
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When chosen. Term of service.
When chosen. Term of service.
1884 Oren E. Wilson 1884-1892
1875 Daniel V. O'Leary1 1875-1877
1884 Edward A. Durant, Jr. 9 _ 1884-1886
1875 Peter J. Flinn 1875-1887
1884 Peter A. Stephens 1884-1888
1885 Francis B. Delehanty 1885-1886
1876 Timothy D. Keleher 1876-1879
1885 Robert G. Scherer 1885-1886
1876 *James Morris 1876-1879
1876 William Morgan
1876-1882
1885
Edward Phillips 1885-1886
1877 Daniel Casey
1877-1878
1886 Fred C. Ham 1886-1889
1877 Henry W. Lipman 1877-1892
1886 William F. Hourigan 1886-1889
1877 *Charles A. Robertson3 1877-1880
1886 *William F. Reddy 1886-1890
1878 John H. Lynch4
1878-1883
1886 William P. Rudd 1886-1892
1879 John A. McCall5 1879-1885
1876 Charles H. Gaus 1886-1892
1879 Linzee T. Morrill 1879-1881
-1887 *Cornelius D. Mosher11 1887-1890
1779 Andrew S. Draper 1879-1881
1888 William Reynolds 1888-1891
1880 Douw H. Fonda?
1880-1885
1888 Michael F. Walsh 1888-1892
1880 Herman Bendell 1880-1886
1888 James J. Fitzsimmons 1889-1892
1881 Alden Chester 1881-1884
1889 Agnus McD. Shoemaker_1889-1892
1881 Charles E. Jones 1881-1884
1889 Bowen Staley 1889-1892
1881 James M. Ruso 1881-1892
1890 Stephen J. Bergen 1890-1892
1882 Henry T. Sanford 1882-1885
1890 John L. Goodley 1890-1892
1883 Robert D. Williams 1883-1889
1891 George H. Guardineer. .1891-1892
The following have constituted the Board of Public Instruction since its reorganization March 18, 1892. Full term of office seven years.
Term of service.
William L. Learned+
(Appointed for seven years) 1892
Andrew S. Draper12
(Appointed for six years).
1892-1894
John H. Lynch
(Appointed for five years) 1892
Herman Bendell
(Appointed for four years)
1892
William J. Maher
(Appointed for three years)
1892
Charles H. Gaus13
(Appointed for two years)
1892-1894
James M. Ruso (Reappointed Jan. 1, 1894)
1892
Howard N. Fuller14 (Appointed vice Draper)
1894-1894
Angus McD. Shoemaker15
(Appointed vice Gaus)
1894
Lewis B. Hall
(Appointed vice Fuller)
1894
Harlau P. French
(Appointed vice Maher)
1896
* Deceased.
+ All of the first seven date from January 1, 1893, but actual service begrn March 18, 1892.
1 Resigned February 21, 1877.
2 Died in office March 26, 1879.
% Died in office April 1, 1880.
11 Died in office September 26, 1890.
4 Resigned July 16, 1883.
12 Resigned April 30, 1894.
5 Resigned December 1, 1884.
6 Resigned September 13, 1881.
7 Resigned September 28, 1885.
8 Resigned May 18, 1885.
9 Resigned June 11, 1886.
10 Died in office July 27, 1886.
13 Resigned May 7, 1894.
14 Resigned October 29, 1894.
15 Appointed vice Gaus, resigned May 7, 1894.
1874 John Kautz 1874-1877
1883 Edward J. Graham8 1883-1885
1885 *John Neil, Jr. 10 1885-1886
1875 *Isaac Edwards? 1875-1879
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RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
The first ecclesiastical organization in Albany was the First Re- formed Dutch church, the society which now worships in the First Reformed church, corner of North Pearl and Orange streets, and is one of the two oldest in the country, the other being the Collegiate Reformed church of New York city. The first minister of this faith was Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, who was sent over by the Patroon in 1642. This church was maintained chiefly from the public rev- enues until after the English accession when, in 1686, one hundred acres of land were granted it. During more than 140 years the services were conducted only in Dutch. The first church edifice of this society was built near Fort Orange on what is now Steamboat Square, and Church street received its name on account of its proximity to this ed- ifice. That building was only 34 by 19 feet in size and its cost was about $32 in the money of to-day. In 1656 a new church was built near the intersection of the present State street and Broadway, which was in use until 1715, when a larger edifice was erected. This stood for ninety-one years, and many engravings of it are in existence. It was nearly square, the roof sloping to each of the four sides, with a belfry and spire at the apex. The site of the old church was finally sold to the city for $5,000, and the materials of the building were used in erecting the Reformed church in Beaver street. The present First Reformed church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1799, its outer appearance remaining much the same as at first. The interior has been changed materially in 1820, 1850, and 1860. Mr. Megapolensis was pastor until 1649 when he was succeeded by Gideon Schaets, who served the church for more than twenty years and was a prominent man in the community. Pastors since have been :
Revs. William Niewenhuysen, 1675; Godfriedus Dellius, 1683-99; Johannes Petrus Nucella, 1699-1702; Johannes Lydius, 1703-09; Gualterus Du Bois, 1710; Petrus Van Driessen, 1712-39; Cornelius Van Schie, 1739-44; Theodorus Frelinghuysen, 1746-60; Eilardus Westerlo, 1760, 90; John A. Livingston, 1776; John Bassett, 1787, 1805: John B. Johnson, 1796, 1802; John M. Bradford, 1805, 20; William Linn, 1808; John De Witt, 1813-15; John Ludlow, 1823-33; Thomas E. Vermilye, 1835-39; Duncan Kennedy, 1841-55; Ebenezer P. Rogers, 1856-62; Rufus W. Clark, 1862-83; J. Wil- bur Chapman, 1885. The present pastor is Rev. Edward P. Johnson.
A Second Reformed church was organized and until 1816 formed, with the one above described, the First Collegiate Dutch Church of the City of Albany. When they finally separated into two distinct bodies,
337
two church buildings were in use, the one above described and a sec- ond one in Beaver street, which was erected very early in the present century. This was at first known as the South church, and later, when the third society was formed, as the Middle church. The church prop erty in Beaver street was subsequently sold to the city for a market site and the present church edifice was built on Madison avenue, on the corner of Swan street, in 1881. At the time of the separation the pas- tors in charge were Revs. John M. Bradford and John De Witt, of whom the latter became sole pastor of the Second church. Edward G. Selden, the present pastor, took up his charge in October, 1893.
The Third Reformed church was organized December 19, 1834, mainly through efforts of Rev. Isaac Ferris, D. D., then pastor of the Second church. An edifice was at once erected on the north corner of Green and South Ferry streets, which is still in use, though the interior has been altered and thoroughly renovated. A two-story chapel has also been erected. The first pastor was Rev. Edwin Holmes. The present pastor is Rev. W. N. P. Dailey, who began his labor in May, 1891.
The Fourth Reformed church (German) is situated on Schuyler street below South Pearl, and was organized in 1855. The first pastor was Rev. H. F. Schnellendrussler. He remained until 1864, when he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Neef. The present pastor is Rev. Henry Miller. .
The First Lutheran church of Albany was formed very early in the history of the city, the exact date not being known. Lutherans are mentioned as living here in 1644, and ten years later are spoken of as strong enough to support their own church, though receiving much opposition in early years from the Reformed church element. There was certainly a congregation in Albany in 1656. In the next year Rev. John Ernest Goetwater came over to serve two congregations, one at New Amsterdam and one at Beverwyck, but he was made to return by the same ship. In 1660 a subscription was made for the support of a clergyman of their own, and in 1664 it is known that a permanent or- ganization was in existence. The first church edifice was built on Pearl street between what is now Howard street and Beaver street, facing Pearl, which was standing in 1674. It is not known just how long it was used, but in the Annals we read that in 1795 "there is in Albany a Dutch Lutheran Church of a Gothic and very peculiar shape." This
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338
may have been the second edifice and in it in 1286 was organized th second synod in America. The edifice preceding the present one was erected on that site during the pastorate of Rev. F. G. Mayer in 1816. and cost $25,000. Among the early pastors of this congregation were Rev. Jacob Fabritius, the first. In 1671 Rev. Bernardus Arensins as sumed the place. In 1703 Rev. Justus Falckner preached here, and at his death in 1723 Rev. William Christopher Berkenmeyer assumed the pastorate. From that time until 1806 Revs. Michael Christian Knoll. Henry Moeller, Mr. Schwerdfeger, A. T. Braun, Mr. Groetz, and John Frederick Ernst occupied the pulpit. Since that date the pastors hav been Revs. F. G. Mayer, who served thirty seven years from 1801 Henry N. Pohlman, twenty three years; S. P. Sprecher, I. Magee, and the present pastor. The present edifice was erected in 1871 at a co- of $85,000.
The congregation of the Lutheran Tabernacle was organized on Jan uary 1, 1893, and have purchased a lot on Clinton avenue, where church edifice will be erected in the near future. John G. Henry i the pastor, having been installed in September, 1892.
Besides these Lutheran societies, the Germans of Albany have six con gregations of the Evangelical Lutheran denomination. The Church the Evangelical Association was incorporated in 1817 and the firs house of worship was erected on Grand street. The second one stoor on the corner of Clinton and Nucella streets. The present church, o the north side of Elm street between Grand and Philip streets, Wa built in 1869. The first pastor was Rev. John Wagner; the presen one, Rev. P. C. Braunschweiger.
St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran church was organize in 1854 under the pastoral charge of Rev. William A. Frey, who is sti in charge of the congregation. The church edifice is situated ( Fourth avenue, corner of Franklin street.
St. Paul's Evangelical church, Western avenue, was organized 1 the separation from the First Lutheran church of a part of the men bership, under the pastorate of G. Fr. Stutz, who still occupies tl: pulpit. The church edifice was erected and first occupied in 1852, th congregation having worshiped prior to that year in the building no used by the Albany Law School.
St. John's Evangelical church, Central avenue, was organized 1857, and the church edifice was erected in 1859. The first pastor w: Rev. Ernest Hoffman who labored with the church nearly thirty year The present pastor is Rev. Bernard Pick.
339
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church, 58 Alexander street, was erected soon after the organization of the society. The building has since been extended ten feet in rear and greatly improved in the in- terior. A new parsonage was built in 1894. Rev. John Flierel is the present pastor.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was organized in 1888, and the church edifice was erected soon after; it is situated on Lake avenue near Western avenue. Rev. John C. Seegers, the pres- ent pastor, began his charge over the congregation in March, 1895.
Churches of the Episcopal denomination are among the oldest in Al- bany. In 1675 Rev. Nicolaus Van Rensselaer, son of Killian Van Rens- selaer, the Patroon, was a contemporary of Rev. Gideon Schaets (before mentioned), then pastor of the Reformed church. Mr. Van Rensselaer had received holy orders in the Church of England, on which account serious differences arose between him and his collegue. The matter was taken to the Governor and Council and there decided in Mr. Van Rensse- laer's favor. He remained in Albany until his death in 1678. Episcopal chaplains at Fort Amsterdam occasionally visited Albany and held services for the benefit of the few English families and the English gar- rison in Fort Frederick, which stood on the site of St. Peter's church until 1704, when Rev. Thoroughgood Moore was sent by the English Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, on mission work to the Mohawk Indians. He remained in Albany one year, but without making much progress in converting the natives, and held regular services in Fort Frederick. In 1702 Rev. John Talbot spent a few weeks in Albany and held divine service. In 1708 Rev. Thomas Barclay, who was chaplain at Fort Frederick, organized a parish and held services six years in the Lutheran chapel, which stood on the site of the old City Building, corner of South Pearl and Beaver streets. On October 21, 1714, a piece of ground in the middle of what is now State street, next below Fort Frederick, was granted by the English crown for an English church and burial ground. The Common Council re- monstrated against the erection of a church edifice there, but without effect, and the building was opened for services in November, 1716. It was built of blue stone and was 58 by 42 feet in size. Mr. Barclay continued his unselfish labor in Albany and Schenectady, and among the Indians until 1721, when his pay of £50 a year was withdrawn by the English society before named. The parish in Albany was named
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St. Peter's, and in 1727 Rev. John Miln assumed charge of the church, and about the same time a parish school was opened under John Beas- ley's teaching, which was conducted many years. In 1738 Rev. Henry Barclay, son of the first rector, and a native of Albany, who had been laboring among the Mohawks, succeeded his father as rector of St. Pe- ter's. He remained until 1746, when he accepted the rectorship of Trinity church in New York, where he died in 1764. In 1750 Rev. John Ogilvie was called to St. Peter's. When, in 1758, the French and Indian war had somewhat scattered his congregation, he became a chaplain in the army going on General Amherst's expedition and on that of Sir William Johnson in the next year, 1759. Resigning in December, 1760, he still remained with the army until 1764, and died ten years later in New York. In 1751 the tower of St. Peter's was erected and a clock and bell placed therein, both of which were brought from Eng- land. Rev. Thomas Brown succeeded Mr. Ogilvie as rector, and was followed in 1768, by Rev. Harvey Munro. Under his administration the parish prospered, the church was repaired, and an act of incorpora- tion obtained under date of April 25, 1769. The church was closed during most of the Revolutionary period. On May 1, 1787, the vestry elected Rev. Thomas Ellison rector. He was an able man and died in the midst of his usefulness in 1802, just after preparations had been made for the erection of a new church, of which the plans had been drawn by Phillip Hooker, a prominent architect of Albany. The build- ing was finished in the summer of 1803, the consecration taking place October 4, 1803, under the rectorship of Rev. Frederick Beasley, who resigned in 1809. He was succeeded the next year by Rev. Timothy Clowes, who acted as officiating minister for a time and was made rector in 1811. A controversy arose over the disposition of the income from church lands in which he took part, and this led to his temporary suspen- sion from the ministry in 1817, when Rev. William B. Lacy succeeded him at St. Peter's, who was in turn succeeded in January, 1833, by Rev. Horatio Potter. In 1821 the spire of the church edifice was erected and in 1831 a rectory was built, which was superseded ten years later by another on the corner of Lodge street and Maiden Lane. Dr. Potter remained with the church twenty-one years and was succeeded in De- cember, 1855, by Rev. Thomas C. Pitkin. In 1858, the foundations of the church having become unstable, a new edifice was contracted for, after plans by Upjohn & Co., of New York, and the present church erected and consecrated October 4, 1860. Rev. Mr. Pitkin was suc-
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