USA > New York > Erie County > Buffalo > Manual, catalogue and history of the Lafayette St. Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, N.Y. > Part 18
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Although unpretentious and unostentatious in its beginnings, it has enlisted the sympathy of all the young people of the Church and congregation, and a few of the older members, and has grown steadily to be an institution of much influence, not only in the Church, but also attracting largely the sympathy and attention of the general public ; so much so, that the attendance upon its entertainments render the chapel inadequate to the accommodation of those who are attracted by them, and the capacity of the main audience room of the church and St. James Hall have latterly been called into requisition.
Under the able and efficient management of its chiefs, assistants and committees, it has, especially for the last two years, grown in usefulness and interest far beyond the fondest anticipations of its promoters, and may with truth be said to be a power not only in the Church to which it belongs, but in the community at large, the ultimate reach and influence of which cannot easily be estimated.
Its membership embraces the young ladies and gentlemen of the Church and congregation, and is open to any one who will sign its Pledge. Its offices are filled, and its committees made up of persons of both sexes. And to this union of effort and interest is largely due its present flourishing condition, together with the Chris- tian sympathy necessarily enlisted in behalf of any earnest effort which has for its object the safety of society against vice, and the salvation of men.
Its entertainments have the elements of the "spice of life," " variety "-consist- ing in musical performances, interspersed with essays, readings, recitations, short, pithy speeches, sometimes closing with a short season of social intercourse.
173
LAFAYETTE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. .
..
[G.]
THE YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION.
The following, in relation to the Young Men's Association, was handed in by C. H. Baker :
Young men have for many years constituted a large and interesting proportion of the Church and congregation, The majority of them have come to u's unheralded and unknown. Many of these we have learned to know and love; while not a few went as they came, unknown.
It was mainly for the purpose of reaching and offering Christian fellowship to this class of young men, that the Association was organized in the month of June, 1868. The object of the organization, as distinctly stated in its constitution, then adopted, was "the mutual improvement of each of the members, spiritually and socially." It admitted at the same time any young man of a good moral character, the members pledging themselves to seek out, and, as far as practicable, to bring each stranger under the influence of the Association.
Those that were foremost in forming this society, themselves active and efficient in promoting and sustaining the mission enterprises of the Y. M. C. A., knowing by actual experience the value of Christian labor for developing and strengthening them spiritually, immediately recognized the importance of offering some work that might interest the hearts and utilize the strength of the membership.
In the month of October, of the same year, the Association decided to establish a prayer service at the Milnor Street Chapel. Assuming the responsibility of sus- taining these meetings entirely upon their own resources, they resolved, with God's help, to make this a fruitful vine in His vineyard. And for nearly seven years they toiled and prayed ; oftentimes in great discouragements, sometimes under annoying difficulties. But, in full faith in His promises, they persevered, until the long-sought blessing came, and with it a large and precious outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the influence of which is manifest to this day.
The Association has an active membership of about forty, although the rolls show a much larger number of names. Its officers consist of a President, Vice- President, Secretary and Treasurer. Three of the membership are in the ministry, and three are preparing to enter upon its duties.
But, as intimated in the commencement of this review, the principal object of the Association was to attract and benefit young men that were strangers to Christ and to them ; and in this they have been very successful. Through their instrumentality
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MANUAL OF THE
some have learned to love the Lord Jesus, many strengthened and encouraged, and strangers found a welcome and a, home.
From the peculiar nature of its organization and purposes, it may have committed some errors ; nevertheless, it has accomplished- much good. And there are many hearts in this city, and scattered throughout this fair land of ours, who thank God for the Young Men's Association of the Lafayette Street Church.
LIST OF OFFICERS, COMMENCING AT DATE OF ORGANIZATION.
JUNE, 1868, TO JUNE, 1869.
JAMES W. CHATMAN,
President.
P. J. CARMICHAEL,
Vice-President.
D. F. STEWART,
Secretary.
CHAS. H. BAKER,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1869, TO JUNE, 1870.
P. A. LEE,
President.
S. W. WARREN,
Vice-President.
CHAS. H. BAKER,
Secretary.
L. B. PERRY, Treasurer.
Mr. Warren was President for the larger part of this term, consequent upon the resignation of Mr. Lee a short time after his election.
JUNE, 1870, TO JUNE, 1871.
JOHN H. BROWN,
President.
C. J. DORRANCE, .
Vice-President.
.
JOHN LAREY,
Secretary.
' C. T. CRITTENDEN,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1871, TO JUNE, 1872.
CHAS. H. BAKER,
President.
H. C. LARNED,
Vice-President.
CHAS. W. GUILD,
Secretary.
WILLIAM TURNER,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1872, TO JUNE, 1873.
.JOHN R. LINEN,
President.
JOHN H. BROWN,
Vice-President.
JOHN LAPEY,
Secretary.
S. R. SIKES,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1873; TO JUNE, 1874.
JAMES M. HENDERSON,
President.
J. J. McWILLIAMS, .
Vice-President.
EDWARD N. BRUSH,
Secretary.
EDWIN G. SAWN,
Treasurer.
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LAFAYETTE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
JUNE, 1874, TO JUNE, 1875.
EDWIN G. SAWN,
President.
GEO. W. BRUCE, .
Vice-President.
S. W. WARREN,
Secretary.
J. A. BIXBY,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1875, TO JUNE, 1876.
W. W. BROWN,
President.
HOWARD WINSHIP,
Vice-President.
FRANCIS C. BOARD,
Secretary.
JAMES LYND,
Treasurer.
JUNE, 1876, TO JUNE, 1877.
PHILANDER B. LOCKE,
President.
BYRON H. WESCOTT,
Vice-President.
ROBT. T. BIXBY, .
Secretary.
LOUIS H. BROWN,
Treasurer.
The Association has at times given largely and generously, for its means, to different benevolent objects ; but to what extent cannot now be definitely stated.
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MANUAL OF THE
[H.]
SUMMARY OF CHURCH HISTORY.
On Sunday, June 8, 1845, stated services were commenced in the church edifice known as the Park Church, under the labors of Grosvenor W. Heacock, licentiate of the Buffalo Presbytery. About the last of July a corporation was formed by the election of a Board of Trustees ; the names are on page 3. A committee, con- sisting of Abner Bryant, George Stow and Dwight Needham, was appointed under resolution, October 1, 1845, to ask the Presbytery of Buffalo to constitute a Church in the place of the Park Church, to be known as the Lafayette Street Church, which request was complied with, appointing Thursday evening, October 16, 1845, the time for the organization ; at which time were present, of the Presbyterial Committee, Rev. William Todd, of Busti, Moderator ; Rev. Mr. Gillett, of James- town, and Rev. O. G. Orton, of Ripley. Rev. Mr. Gillett preached the sermon.
The Church was organized in due form, with the following-named persons as original members :
Abner Bryant,#*
Mrs. Anna Bryant, **
R. B. Heacock,*
George R. Kibbe,# Edward Bristol,§ H. M. Wicks,}
George Howard,#
Orrin Edgarton,* Mrs. Louisa Edgarton, J. Jewett White,# Geo. De Witt Clinton,#
Mrs. Abby P. Heacock,* Miss Abby E. Heacock,§ Mrs. Edna S. Heacock,* Charles E. Clarke,}
Mrs. Ellen Howard,* Dwight Needham, Mrs. Anna Needham, John Newland,# Samuel H. Fields,§
Miss Eliza G. Cotton,* Miss Ann Templeton, T*
Robert E. Townsend,* N. B. Palmer, **
Zilpha Ann Sweet,#
Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer,*
Mrs. Mary J. Fields,§
Barbury Garmian.Į
Of these 30 original members, only 3 remain, viz. : Miss Abby E. Heacock (now Mrs. Dr. Trowbridge), Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Fields ; Edward Bristol, a fourth, per- haps, as his connection with the Church has never been severed, though taking no part with us (now in Brockport). Of this original number, 10 have been dismissed to other Churches, 4 of whom since have died; 10 having died while members, 4 after having been dismissed, and two (Mrs. A. R. Burt and Barbury Garmian) unknown.
* Deceased. # Dismissed.
§ Still members.
I Unknown. { Mrs. John Howell.
Phœbe Selden,* Mrs. A. R. Burt, H
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LAFAYETTE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Church having been organized, and the articles of faith adopted, the first two Elders were designated by ballot, resulting in the selection of Abner Bryant and Dwight Needham, who were immediately installed. Dwight Needham was also ordained, Abner Bryant having been ordained. Notice was now given of a meet- ing to be held on the next Friday evening, October 17, 1845, to take into consider- ation the call of a Pastor. At which time the meeting was held, Rev. Edward Ingalls acting as Moderator ; when, upon ballot being taken, Rev. G. W. Heacock received the unanimous vote. The call was made, signed by the Elders and the Trustees, and put into the hands of Rev. Grosvenor W. Heacock, who signified his acceptance, at the stipulated salary of $600 per annum, payable quarterly. The ordination and installation services took place on the ensuing Sabbath, October 19, 1845, on which occasion services were introduced and sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Spencer, of Brooklyn, N. Y .; constitutional questions and ordaining prayer by Rev. William Todd, of Busti ; charge to the Pastor by the Rev. A. T. Hopkins, of this city ; address to the people by the Rev. O. C. Beardsley, of Silver Creek ; benediction by the Pastor.
The first meeting of the session of the Lafayette Street Church, after the instal- lation, was held at the house of the Pastor's father, November 19, 1845, at which time Elder Bryant was appointed Clerk of the session, and 4 persons were pro- pounded for fellowship from sister Churches.
The first Communion or Sacramental season occurred May 3, 1846, at which time 34 were admitted to membership on letters from sister Churches, largely from the now extinct Park Church, 22 being the number from that church. There were 4 other Communion seasons in 1846-Ist to 4th ; the number admitted in all, 60 on letter, 3 on profession, making a total of 63.
Elder Dwight Needham was dismissed, at his own request, to the Presbyterian Church in Springville, this county, December 4, 1846.
1847 .- I find the record of only 2 Communion seasons for 1847-5th to 6th. Admitted on letter 13, on profession of their faith 24 ; total, 37.
June 24, 1847, Jesse Stone and Joseph W. Backus were elected Elders, and were ordained Sabbath afternoon, July II, 1847. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. F. W. Graves ; the constitutional questions put by the Pastor ; ordaining prayer by Rev. Mr. Graves ; exhortation to the Elders and the people by the Pas- tor ; the right hand of fellowship by the existing session, closing by hymn, prayer, and benediction.
On the following Thursday, July 15, Elder J. W. Backus was chosen Clerk of the session.
July 18, 1847, Sunday, church closed for repairs, and the Pastor absent.
September II, 1847, Joseph W. Backus was chosen Treasurer of the session.
1848 .- There were observed 5 Communion seasons during the year-7th to IIth. Admitted 50 by letter, 29 on profession ; total, 79-of which number, 38 by letter and 26 on profession = 64, were admitted April 2.
1849 .- During the year 1849, 5 Communion seasons were observed-12th to 16th-and were admitted by letter II, and 9 on profession of their faith in Christ, a total of only 20 for the year.
1850 .- The ebb in the tide continued during the year 1850, in which occurred 3 Sacramental observances-17th to 19th-when were admitted 17 by letter, 4 on profession, a total of only 21.
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MANUAL OF THE
October 8, 1850, Andrew Parker and Selim Sears, having been duly elected, were ordained to the Eldership. Rev. Dr. M. L. R. Thompson preached the ordination sermon ; exhortation to Elders and people, ordination prayer, and constitutional questions by the Pastor ; right hand of fellowship by the existing session and Elders present from other Churches.
November 25, 1850, the Pastor, who had, since the dismissal of Elder Backus, been acting as Clerk of session, gave in his resignation, and Elder Andrew Parker was chosen to the positions both of Clerk and Treasurer.
The old church edifice burned in March of the year 1850. No Communion season after July 7th.
1851 .- January 5, 1851, was held the first Communion season in the rebuilt church-number of communicants, 175; 4 others were held in the same year- 20th to 24th. Admitted 19 by letter, 15 on profession ; a total of 34 for the year.
1852 .- During 1852 there were observed 5 Communion seasons-25th to 29th- when were admitted 28 by letter, 5 on profession=33 ; 190 communicants.
December 5, 1852, Elder Andrew Parker was dismissed to the Presbyterian Church at Adrian, Michigan ; whereupon his services as Clerk and Treasurer of the session terminated.
1853 .- During the year 1853 were observed 6 Communion seasons-30th to 35th -on which were received into the Church 32 by letter and 53 on profession of their faith in Christ ; a total of 85 for the year.
Some time during the year 1853 (of the whole proceeding the records of the session is silent), John Otto and Seth Clark having been duly elected, were ordained in July to the Eldership in the Church. (The records give no account of the services.)
July 10, 1853, the following persons signed a note of $500 to create a perpetual scholarship in Hamilton College, viz., Reuben B. Heacock, Seth Clark, Selim Sears, John Otto.
At some time previous to July 10, 1853 (though not noted on the record), Selim Sears had been chosen Clerk of the session, probably soon after the dismissal of Elder Parker, which took place December 5, 1852.
In August or September, 1853, Elder Seth Clark was chosen Clerk of the session, and held the position until his death, having rendered faithful and efficient service for the long period of 22 years.
1854 .- Six Communion seasons-36th to 4Ist-were observed in the year 1854, and were admitted 23 by letter and 12 on profession ; in all 35.
1855 .- There were held 5 Communion seasons-42d to 46th-during the year 1855. Twenty-one were admitted by letter and 9 on profession ; total, 30.
1856 .- Six Sacramental occasions-47th to 52d-during the year 1856. Admitted by letter 27, on profession of their faith 55 ; a total of 82.
February 2, 1856, Elder Andrew Parker presented a letter from the Presbyterian Church of Adrian, Michigan, and was re-admitted to membership, and assuming his place in the session, was elected to the post of Treasurer of the session fund August 3, 1858, holding the position down to the year 1873, that of his final dis- missal from the Church militant on earth.
1857 .-- In 1857 were held 6 Communion seasons-53d to 58th-when 21 united with the Church by letter and 4 on profession ; in all 25.
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LAFAYETTE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
1858 .- During the year 1858 were held 6 Communion seasons-59th to 64th- and 16 were admitted by letter and 28 on profession ; a total of 44.
1859 .- In the year 1859 were held 6 Communion seasons-65th to 70th. Admit- ted 10 by letter, 6 on profession ; total, 16. Membership, 388.
1860 .- Five Communion seasons-7Ist to 75th-August being omitted. Admit- ted by letter 22, on profession 3=25. Whole number of members, 400.
1861 .- Six seasons of Communion for the year 1861-76th to 8Ist. Admitted 13 by letter and 4 on profession ; total, 17.
April 13, 1861, the purchase of the lot on Washington street, 35 feet front and II0 feet deep, was effected, from Mrs. Phœbe Smith.
April 15, Mr. O. F. Presbrey, from the Committee on Contributions, reported $14,000 pledged toward the erection of the present church edifice, and that $16,000 was available.
In June of this year a call from the North Church was extended to our Pastor. The proposition of such change was voted down by this Church.
It was resolved, December 2, 1861, that the new building be commenced in May next, 1862, and that estimates be had, and a plan presented, on a basis of $15,000 cost.
Number of communicants, 307.
1862 .- Five Communion seasons-82d to 86th-were observed during this year (December omitted). Thirty-six persons united with the Church, 22 on profession and 14 on certificate.
March 8, it was determined to purchase five feet additional on Washington street (now 40 in all).
Resolved, also, to pay James W. Bixby $50 for leading the singing for one year, from March, 1862. (He has served in that capacity to the present year, when choir singing took the place of congregational.)
Number of members, 315.
1863 .- During the year were held 5 Communion seasons-87th to 9Ist (April omitted). Admitted by letter 23, on profession 15 ; total, 38.
July 28, 1863, indefinite leave of absence was granted our Pastor, to enable him to join the 94th regiment, then in Pennsylvania.
July 2Ist, the valuation of pews were fixed, amounting to $37,500. Rental, 15 per cent. on valuation and 10 per cent. to owners.
Communicants, 345.
1864 .- This year is signalized as being the one in which the greatest number were admitted to membership in all its thirty-one years of history, and also the greatest number on profession of faith, 61, and by letter 44 ; making a total of 105. Six Communion seasons were observed-92d to 97th.
At the annual election, June 7th, it was voted to raise the Pastor's salary to $2,500.
July 12, 1864, it was resolved to alter the gallery fronts to conform to the idea of the Pastor.
On Wednesday evening, July 20, 1864, Peter Gowans, Edward Bristol and S. D. Sikes were elected to the Eldership in this Church.
Peter Gowans and Edward Bristol were ordained. September 25th. (The record is silent.) Mr. Sikes being absent, he was ordained October 2, 1864.
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MANUAL OF THE
January 4th, expenditure of putting in the book-racks and contribution boxes was approved.
Number of members, 447.
1865 .- January 5th, it was resolved to raise the Pastor's salary to $3,000.
During this year 6 Communion services were held-98th to 103d; which in all 24 brought letters and II made profession ; total, 35. Members, 461.
1866 .- There were observed 6 Communion seasons-104th to 109th ; and were admitted on letter 21, and 69 on profession of faith in Christ ; a total of 90-a star year !
November 19th, baize doors were put into vestibule.
Number of communicants, 546.
1867 .- No Communion seasons were omitted, all from the IIoth to the 115th being observed, and 39 persons were admitted to membership, 24 by letter and 15 on profession. Members, 543.
1868 .- During this year were observed 5 Communion seasons (June omitted), from the 116th to the 120th inclusive.
February 17th, preliminary steps were taken looking to the purchase of a new organ at $3,000. Church tinted and painted this year. Organ purchased.
Record gives the membership at 651.
Admitted this year, 12 on profession, and 18 by letter ; total 30.
1869 .- During the year 1869 only 4 seasons of Communion-12Ist to 124th- October and December being omitted, the pastor being absent in California. This was one of the star years, only one other year exceeding it in the number of admis- sions (1864), and that by only one. Whole number admitted 104; by letter 32, and on profession 72.
December 17th, L. L. Lewis moved that the system of renting seats at auction be abolished, and that present occupants be allowed to keep their sittings.
Membership as per record, 720.
1870 .- In June of this year occurred the twenty-fifth anniversary of Dr. Heacock's pastorate of this Church. [For proceedings, see pages 117 to 131, this volume.] There were held 6 Communion services during the year, from the 125th to the 130th inclusive, and united with us 20 on certificate and 10 on profession ; 30 in all. Members, 728.
1871 .- Five Communions in 1871, from 13Ist to 135th inclusive. Additions by letter 27, on profession II ; total, 38.
1872 .- Five Communion seasons in 1872, from 136th to 140th inclusive. Addi- tions by letter II, on profession 15; total, 26.
October 6th of this year occurred the last Communion prior to the pastor leaving for Europe.
Rev. Mr. Calkins officiated December 8th, Mr. Nason, the acting pastor, not having been ordained.
Membership, 639 [too large].
1873 .- There were 5 Communion seasons in 1873 (August omitted)-from 14Ist to 145th inclusive-Rev. Mr. McLean officiating Feb. 2d, Rev. Dr. Chester at the other 4, April, June, October and December ; 10 were admitted on letter and 52 on profession ; total, 62.
Some time in this year (1873), brother Peter Gowans ceased to act as Elder from severe sickness, and is still wholly incapacitated, not able even to attend church.
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LAFAYETTE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
1874 .- During the year 1874 there were observed 6 Communion seasons-146th to the 15Ist-and united with the Church II by letter and 9 on profession-20.
Pastor returned from Europe and officiated at the June season ; no admissions. Rev. Mr. Wood officiated January 7th, and Rev. C. P. H. Nason officiated (assisted by Rev. Mr. Long) April. 5th.
August 12, 1874, at a meeting held as per notice for the election of Elders, it was voted that the Church adopt the system of rotary Eldership ; whereupon the three Elders present, Otto, Clark and Sikes, tendered their resignations, that being a rule of the assembly. Exception, by consent, was made in the case of Elder Gowans, in con- sequence of his age. and infirmity. (Mr. Bristol, having left and not being present, did not, neither has he since, given in his resignation.) Whereupon the meeting proceeded to the election of a bench of nine Elders, to serve for the period of three years ; and after several meetings and ballotings, finally, August 26th, the following persons were chosen to serve for three years :
John Otto, Seth Clark,
S. D. Sikes,
C. H. Baker, S. N. Lawrence,
John Gowans,
C. G. Brundige,
Geo. L. Squier,
J. L. Alberger.
November 15th, the above, with the exception of C. G. Brundige, John Gowans and J. L. Alberger, were duly installed, the three last named having declined to accept, though urgently requested to do so by the Pastor.
The membership, as stated on the record, is 679; probably about 500.
1875 .- This will be remembered as a sad and memorable year in our Church his- tory. At 2 o'clock, Saturday morning, February 13th, Elder Samuel D. Sikes, after a short, terrible illness (typhoid pneumonia), passed to his final rest, and to his exceedingly great reward. In his death the Church has lost one of its most active and energetic workers, and the cause of Christ a most zealous promoter ; temperance, and all reform, one of the most active champions, and community one of its most busy and thoroughgoing citizens. Inscrutable are the ways of Provi- dence ! Mysterious, indeed, to us, now, is it, that men of so much usefulness in the Church of Christ and in the community should be thus cut down in " man- hood's proudest prime "! But in all such providences of God, we can only learn the lesson, that strength is alone with the Lord-that the moving on of His cause . and kingdom, on earth, is not in the force or strength of man's arm, or man's will, but in God ; that He only uses His people as instruments, and in laying one down, even though ever so efficient, some other is brought into action, and though per- forming duties in quite a different way, still the work progresses toward a final triumph, and, in the end, all will be seen to have been ordered wisely and well, and all to the glory of God. The awful mysteries of life and death are open facts to Him who sees the end from the beginning. I believe the dear ones gone, have read, and are reading, many pages of the earth-sealed book, which, in our time, glass-dark- ened vision, seem so mysterious and so strange. In calm trust, in abiding faith, we leave all, O God, with Thee, and say, Thy will be done !
As the year drew towards its close, the saddest event of our history.breaks in, with its awful import, to cloud the Church in a gloom too overwhelming to find adequate expression in human speech. Before such a dispensation we can only bow our heads and hearts in mute grief and silent amazement. On the seventh of
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December, Elder Seth Clark, seeking to avoid the frightful consequences of his late troublous life, took into his own hand the manner and moment of his death ! winged his own distressed, harassed and perturbed spirit into the solemn presence of Him whose justice is tempered with mercy, and whose nature is Infinite Love !
During the year 1875, 4 Communion seasons were observed, June and August being omitted, on account of the closing of the church, consequent upon the neces- sity, forced upon us, of laying deeper the foundation of the west wall of our church edifice. God grant that, while we lay sure and firm foundations of our earthly Zion, we may be enabled, through Infinite Grace, to lay more surely the foundation of our Spiritual Zion upon the "Rock of Ages."
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