USA > New York > Erie County > Buffalo > Manual of the First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, N.Y., with Historical sketch and account of the centennial celebration, February 2nd to 5th, 1912 > Part 2
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
Enter the church through one of the three great doors into the high spacious vestibule, from which a circular stairway at either end led to the gallery. Cross the vestibule and enter the middle door into the high, square, well-lighted audi- torium, for many years unpainted white. A deep gallery supported by wooden posts surrounded three sides of the large room, while at the further end of the broad center aisle on the plain wall hung the old pulpit. "Supported by two corinthian pillars of wood, and surmounted by its crimson cushion, it was an imposing structure. Sweeping up to it from a distance on the floor below, the curved stairways with their high banisters formed long approaches up which it was an impressive sight to see the dignified form of the minister mount with a formidable manuscript in a black leather case in his hand. Against the wall behind the pulpit was a back- ground, the like of which was to be seen nowhere else. This background was a high crimson curtain arranged in a row of straight folds or flutes, like the pipes of an organ, topped with a straight lambrequin of the same material. The pulpit had a door on either side similar to those on the pews below, where- withal the reverend occupant might completely shut out the world when he addressed the people."
The gallery opposite the pulpit was devoted to the choir, and here were heard many of the most famous singers of their day. This opened from the large room over the vestibule, where the music was practiced and the instruments were tuned, for the First Church did not possess an organ until
17
about 1860. The introduction of the organ came near being the cause of great dissension in the church, for some of the good mothers in Israel were sure that this instrument was the invention of the evil one.
In the early days the church was heated by wood stoves, and lighted with oil lamps, these later being superseded by a coal furnace and illuminating gas. Foot stoves were long in use, for it was quite impossible to heat this large building during one of Buffalo's blizzards.
Thus the church was built, each brick and stone watched over with prayer and anxiety by the members of the congre- gation. Its cost was $17,500, exclusive of the cost of the pews deeded to Thomas Coburn, who furnished the mason work, and Henry Brayman who did the woodwork. The pews were sold subject to an annual tax which varied from seven to seventy-five per cent. of the cost.
The new "Brick Church" was dedicated on the morning of Wednesday, March 28th, 1827, at eleven o'clock. The officiat- ing clergymen, the officers of the church, and the members of the choir assembled in the little frame building still standing to the north of the edifice and marched in solemn procession into the new church. Rev. Ansel G. Eddy, of Canandaigua, preached the dedicatory sermon, from Luke, 10th Chapter, 20th verse, and the sermon consisted of 13,200 words. This was followed by prayer by the Rev. Miles P. Squier, who, too, had had the happiness of erecting a church to the Lord. The church at once became the center of new life in the commun- ity, and proudly has it kept its position as the First Church.
Whether Mr. Crawford found that the new population rush- ing into the settlement was too much for his Scotch nature, or whether the effort to keep the church to the rigid rules and standards of the fathers was too great, is not known, but there was soon talk of his departure. There was ever on the carpet a trial of some church member who had become a backslider, and we catch many curious glimpses of the man- ners and morals of the day. Already the Session had twice taken action with regard to "Balls, dances, theaters, circus and other demoralizing exhibitions of a like nature," urging
18
THE REV. SYLVESTER EATON 3D PASTOR, 1829-1834
the members to pay prompt attention to the admonitions of General Assembly on this subject. In January, 1827, a mem- ber was excommunicated "for abstaining from the Lord's Supper, speaking evil of a brother," and especially "speaking disrespectfully of the Session," saying he "would not swap shoes with any of them." In August, 1828, Mr. Crawford was dismissed, leaving at once for another field. He supplied pulpits in Leroy, Lockport, Albion and Milwaukee, Wis., dying in Leroy, June 29th, 1848, in the 57th year of his age.
For eight months the church was without a pastor, except for the occasional ministration of those who were here or could be induced to come and preach.
PASTORATE OF REV. SYLVESTER EATON. 1829-1834.
The Rev. Sylvester Eaton received and accepted a unani- mous call from the people in February, 1829, at a salary of $800, which was in 1834 raised to $1,000. Immediately after his arrival, on April 9th he was installed Pastor. He was a faithful, devoted and genial man in his 37th year, and with tact brought about a good state of feeling in the church. In 1831 the people "wanted a revival," and after many consulta- tions an invitation was extended to Rev. Charles G. Finney, probably the foremost Evangelist of his day, "a pulpit glad- iator, adroit, trenchant, demolishing, and not until the spell by which he bound his audience was dissolved by his silence could they control their captured thoughts." For two weeks the church was packed, pews, aisles, and pulpit steps. The galleries cracked with the weight of the crowds and additional supports had to be placed under them. From the day-break prayer meeting and mid-day services to the evening confer- ence, throughout every week day the people gathered in mul- titudes to hear this wonderful man, all sects sharing the interest aroused. Between March 1st and July 1st, one hun- dred and six persons united with this church, ninety-three of whom came upon profession of faith. Following the ex-
19
citement came a calm when the orderly methods of "The old First" once more held sway. Other evangelists came to the village but none of them were admitted to the pulpit of this church.
During Mr. Eaton's pastorate it seemed necessary to the Session to admonish a number of persons for conduct un- becoming a Christian and to reiterate the principles our fore- fathers brought from stern New England.
In September, 1834, Mr. Eaton, feeling that he could serve his Master better in another field, and weary of the uneasy spirits in this new city, accepted a call to Patterson, N. J., going thence to Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Failing health soon overtook him and he died in Troy, N. Y., May 14th, 1844, in the 53d year of his age, and the twenty-sixth year of his ministry. During his pastorate of five and one-half years Mr. Eaton received into the church three hundred and thirty persons, one hundred and eighty-eight on profession, and one hundred and forty-two by letter.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. ASA T. HOPKINS, D. D. 1835-1847.
After the departure of Mr. Eaton a committee visited New England to find a new Pastor. Rev. Asa T. Hopkins was warmly recommended and agreed to come for six months, beginning his ministry in October, 1835. So well did he please the people that within three months he received a unanimous call at a salary of $2,000, and was installed pastor February 17th, 1836. Dr. Hopkins was a strikingly attractive pulpit orator and was especially gifted in public prayer. Few men equalled him in ability to express themselves in this important act of worship, with simplicity and humility, yet with earnestness and devotion. He was gen- erous, public spirited, and unselfish to a degree. The years 1836 and 1837 witnessed one of the greatest financial crises this country has ever known, and not only were individuals embarrassed, but the church as well. Dr. Hopkins proposed to the congregation to reduce his salary-but this they de-
20
THE REV. ASA T. HOPKINS, D. D. 4TH PASTOR, 1835-1847.
G
THE REV. MATHEW LARUE P. THOMPSON, D. D. 5TH PASTOR, 1848-1860.
clined to do. He urged the formation here of a Young Men's Association, knowing well the work even then being done in some of the eastern cities.
In 1842 it was found that extensive repairs were necessary to the church building. Much of the ornamental woodwork of the tower was removed, the balustrade about the roof was modified and the church was painted a subdued gray.
In 1839 failing health led Dr. Hopkins to resign his pastorate. The Congregation induced him to travel instead, and he visited the New West just opening. In 1847 Dr. and Mrs. Hopkins went abroad, visiting Scotland and attending the Evangelical Alliance in London. On their return Mrs. Hopkins died when but two days out of New York, and he brought her remains home to lie in the Matthews and Wilcox cemetery until removed with those of her husband, by the First Church, to the Lakeside Cemetery. The loss of his wife was a terrible blow to his weak constitution, and on November 27th, 1847, he passed peacefully away in the 43d year of his age. During the twelve years of his pastorate 583 persons were added to the church, 203 on profession, and 380 by letter. He had the faculty of smoothing out difficulties and uniting those of differing opinions.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. M. L. R. P. THOMPSON, D. D. 1848-1860.
The next summer the committee, who were in search of a new pastor, listened to the Rev. Dr. M. L. R. P. Thompson, the Pastor of Arch Street Church, Philadelphia, and were so well pleased with him that upon their report, the people of the church gave him a unanimous call. This he accepted and was installed Pastor of this church November 1st, 1848. Dr. Thompson was a graduate of Union College and Auburn Theological Seminary, and a man of unusual attainments. He was one of the most brilliant preachers that ever occupied a pulpit in this city, and his exposition of certain portions of the New Testament was regarded as authoritative. The seating capacity of the church was crowd-
21
ed to its limit, so in 1852 the project was broached of rebuild- ing the church and the trustees set about raising subscrip- tions. By the beginning of 1854, $104,000 had been sub- scribed, but for some reason the project was dropped and the notes given by the subscribers were returned.
Dr. Thompson received, in 1858, the highest token of esteem and honor in the gift of the Presbyterian Church, in being elected Moderator of General Assembly for that year. During his pastorate 198 members were received into the church on profession and 206 by letter.
Dr. Thompson felt, in April, 1860, that on account of his wife's health it was necessary for him to resign. The church accepted his resignation with deep regret. From here he went to Cincinnati, thence to Jamestown, and finally to Europe, where he devoted the remaining years of his life to writing for religious magazines and newspapers, dying in London, England, in March, 1887.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. WALTER CLARKE, D. D. 1861-1871.
During the interval between the departure of Dr. Thomp- son and the coming of Dr. Clarke, the church had no stated supply. It was, therefore, with a feeling of relief that the people heard the report of the Pulpit Committee, that it was much pleased with the preaching of the Rev. Walter Clarke, D. D. A unanimous call was given to him to which he re- plied immediately, accepting the position, and was installed April 4, 1861. Dr. Clarke was born in Framingham, Conn., in 1812, the year the First Church was organized, and gradu- ated at Yale College in 1837. He was the first pastor of the South Church, Hartford, Conn., and afterwards occupied the pulpit of the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church, New York City. To him fell the pleasant duty of preparing a discourse for the Semi-centennial Celebration of the church, February 2, 1862. Having the advantage of knowing many of the early members, and the first pastor, the Rev. Miles P. Squier,
22
THE REV. WALTER CLARKE, D. D. 6TH PASTOR 1861-1871.
who was still alive, Dr. Clarke, with a mind well trained for historical work, delivered a most comprehensive review of the fifty years. Fortunately it was at once published and has since become an authority on those early times.
The great Civil War, which stirred the country from one end to the other, was upon us and we needed men with calm patriotism and cool judgment to guide this community through the crisis. The influence of Dr. Clarke was felt throughout the city and he easily took a leading place when patriotic citizens were needed. The women of the church worked hard during the war, and even the little children did their share. Dr Clarke preached a very eloquent sermon at the time of the death of President Lincoln. He also took an active part in the arrangements when the body of the martyred President lay in state in St. James's Hall, on the way to its final resting place at Springfield, Ill.
There was a great revival in the city in 1868, and as a result many joined this church. Few of the meetings were held in this church, but all churches were interested in the season of deep feeling that prevailed in the city.
The subject of enlarging the church edifice was raised, for the church was crowded to the doors, and even sittings were at a premium. It was decided to add to the building at the eastern end and the foundations were laid and covered up until spring. The grass grew over the stone walls and the work was never completed. Why, no one knows. Many repairs, however, were made within the building in 1870, the old high pulpit giving place to a low platform and desk. About the same time the wooden pillars supporting the gallery were replaced by fluted iron columns, more artistic possibly, but certainly harder for the head of the man of the family who sat in the corner of the pew and leaned against them.
Dr. Clark was a tall, dignified man and greatly beloved by his people. When his death occurred on May 23, 1871, at the age of fifty-nine years, the sorrow was universal. It was a day of great pulpit orators, in Buffalo, and all gathered to do him honor. Dr. Heacock, who preached the funeral sermon,
23
said of him: "Rev. Dr. Walter Clarke was a master in Israel. In calling him a great man, I believe I do him but simple justice, if such could be done him. The vastness of his intellect, the sublimity of his nature! Would that I could do justice to them! The remembrance of his chaste, eloquent pulpit oratory, his facile pen, and profound reason- ing will linger in my mind forever."
PASTORATE OF THE REV. DAVID R. FRAZER, D. D. 1872-1880.
The church mourned so sincerely for Dr. Clarke that it was some time before the people could think of another pastor. In the meantime the Rev. F. W. Brauns served the church in its need, until the Pulpit Committee learned of the Rev. David R. Frazer, whom they recommended to the church, and to whom a unanimous call was given. This was accepted in May, 1872. Mr. Frazer was installed at once, taking up his duties with the enthusiasm and energy that characterized all that he did. The church, during his pastorate, prosecuted its mission work with unremitting zeal. The Tupper Street Mission School grew apace, but the Lutherans had already taken the field and needed the building, so our Mission School was united with the church school. The Sixth Street Mission, which had been started ten years before, seemed to receive new life, and in 1875 was organized into a church.
The question once more arose concerning the rebuilding or the removal of the church. The excitement over this matter ran high and there was much feeling. A congrega- tional meeting was called, and so great had been the efforts of those against any change that it was decided to remain where we were in the old brick church.
Dr. Frazer strongly believed that "the hope of the church lay in its young people," and he organized them into a society similar in many respects to the Christian Endeavor, whose watch-word was "Christian Activity." The social life of the church was at its best among young and old, and Dr. Frazer was beloved by all.
24
THE REV. DAVID R. FRAZER, D. D. 7TH PASTOR, 1872-1880
THE REV. SAMUEL S. MITCHELL, D. D. 8TH PASTOR, 1880-1904
He was a preacher of ability, coming nearer to the people than many another who, perhaps, preached a more profound sermon. At the end of eight and one-half years Dr. Frazer received a call to the Classon Avenue Church in Brooklyn, and preached his farewell sermon here February 8, 1880. Later he was called to the old First Church in Newark, N. J., of which he is now pastor emeritus. He resides with his daughter at Montclair, N. J., enjoying a ripe old age, full of pleasant memories.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. SAMUEL S. MITCHELL, D. D. 1880-1904.
November 1, 1880, saw a new pastor in the pulpit, the Rev. Samuel S. Mitchell, D. D., who was installed June 24, 1897. He had few equals as a preacher or in the gift so coveted by the New England fathers of old, that of public prayer. Dr. Mitchell came to the church in a crisis, when many of its members were moving up town to new homes and to new church relationships, leaving it without proper financial sup- port. Like his predecessor he felt the need was urgent that the congregation should move to a neighborhood not so shut in by business. After many a wearisome discussion the church at last decided to make the change. Mrs. Trueman G. Avery at once offered the society a gift of the lot on which the church now stands, corner of Wadsworth and Pennsyl- vania Streets, in memory of Mrs. Avery's father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Austin, whose interests for so many years had been with the First Church. The property that came to the church from the Holland Land Company, was sold to the Erie County Savings Bank, and with the proceeds our present church was erected, with the exception of the chapel and tower, which were built by subscription. The chapel was completed and the first public worship was held there on September 11, 1889. The first service held in the church building was on Sunday morning, December 13, 1891, the first communion being celebrated one week later. The
25
church was not dedicated until the completion of the tower, May 16, 1897. The church that moved was small in numbers, but the locality was a growing one and soon new families began to come into the congregation.
To Mrs. Mitchell the church owes much in the way of organization. In 1883, through her instrumentality, the woman's work was re-organized into the Woman's Circle, to meet the modern ways of working. She did much also for the Sunday School. The District Nursing Association of the city had its inception in the First Church, being started by Miss Elizabeth C. Marshall in 1885.
Twice did Dr. Mitchell preach on the occasion of the death of a President,-Garfield and Mckinley,-sermons full of feeling and patriotism. The First Church has always been the center of all meetings that call for special services, and the Celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Inauguration of Washington, April 30, 1889, was no exception.
The winter of 1893-94 proved to be one of unusual severity among the poor people of the city. Over forty families were cared for by this church, but the work in general was most unsatisfactory. The idea of districting the city and becom- ing responsible for the welfare of those within a district was then conceived in the mind of Mrs. Mitchell and her workers. With the co-operation of the Charity Organization Society this plan was carried out and the work of Welcome Hall was begun in the fall of 1894.
Among those who came to labor at Welcome Hall and at the church was the Rev. Henry B. Master, who was assistant pastor for five years, acting as pastor for a portion of the time. Fresh from the Princeton Theological Seminary, he brought with him the enthusiasm of youth. Later a flattering call came to him from Fort Wayne, Ind., where he now ministers to the oldest Presbyterian congregation in that city.
After twenty-four years of hard service in the cause of the Master in the First Church, Dr. Mitchell felt that he deserved a rest and sent in his resignation. The church was unwilling to receive it and begged hard to have it withdrawn,
26
THE REV. ANDREW V. V. RAYMOND, D. D., LL. D. 9TH PASTOR, 1907-
C
but Dr. Mitchell felt the burden of so many years of continu- ous service and declined to reconsider; so on September 4, 1904, he preached his last sermon to us. He still lives among us and is greatly interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the church.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. ANDREW V. V. RAYMOND, D. D. 1907-
For several months after Dr. Mitchell's resignation the pulpit was supplied by some of the most able preachers from this country and abroad, and then the Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., President of Union College, was engaged to preach until a pastor was chosen. After three years of these Sunday services he was persuaded to accept a call to the pastorate. He began his formal connection with the church in July, 1907, although he was not regularly installed until December 6, 1907. At this service Rev. E. H. Dickinson, D. D., of North Church, presided and propounded the constitutional ques- tions; Rev. William Waith, Ph. D., of Lancaster, N. Y., read the scriptures and offered prayer; Rev. David R. Frazer, D. D., of Newark, N. J., preached the sermon; Rev. Henry Ward, D. D., of East Church, offered the prayer of installa- tion; Rev. William R. Taylor, D. D., of Rochester, gave the charge to the pastor; Rev. Samuel V. V. Holmes, D. D., of Westminster Church, gave the charge to the people; William S. Waith, Musical Doctor, organist and choir master, had charge of the musical service. Dr. Raymond came to us in the prime of life, full of vigor and enthusiasm. He has taken a prominent part in all projects for civil and religious im- provement. Under his wise guidance the vision of the church has broadened, to see that the work in the home and foreign fields needs our help. The care of Reserve Presby- tery, South Dakota, has been assumed by the church, and the important station at Yi H'sien, China, has been assigned to us. The year 1912 brought us to the close of one hundred
27
years of our church organization, and an elaborate celebra- tion, lasting four days, was successfully carried out.
The roll of membership of the First Church from the be- ginning contains the names of 3,314 persons who have entered into its communion. A great majority of these have joined it under the quiet influence of its regular services. Times of special interest have not been lacking, and some evangelists have been among us, but the sweet influence of the gospel story, and especially the teaching in the Sunday School, have been the great factors in bringing new members into the church.
The church has stood sponsor for twenty-one student min- isters who have been under its care, some of them becoming prominent in the religious life of the country.
The officers of the church have been men prominent in the life of the city and have brought the experience of years to the service of the Master.
Since the day when the church decided, "that every mem- ber of this church shall contribute as they feel disposed, or as ability may enable, at every meeting of the church," the contributions have been most generous. Those for benevo- lences have made a total of approximately $500,000. Nearly every Presbyterian church in the city has received aid at some time, and there is scarcely a large organization in the country seeking aid to which money has not been given.
The book of the century of church life is closed and we are looking forward with higher ideals and a broader vision to the future. Our eyes are open and our hearts are ready to answer the call of the Master to serve Him as He shall direct.
28
Churches Organized from the Membership or with the help and Encouragement of the First Church.
The First Church, by reason of its early organization, had gathered into its fold Christians of all denominations, holding them until enough had gathered together to organize a separ- ate body. The people began rapidly to settle on the Holland Purchase and brought their old church attachments and the desire for their own form of worship. The First Church, with motherly intent, aided these, her children, to establish themselves in their new church relationships, sending them forth with a feeling of regret that they would no longer be in the family circle, but also with a feeling of pride that they had attained their majority. Mr. Squier, in his later years, wrote con- cerning church affairs in his time: "We had a way of doing things that was peculiar. We, of all names, as Christians, agreed to hold together until we got able to separate. I did not say much about sects, but preached the great essentials of the gospel; and the people were united, and worked to- gether for the advancement of the common cause."
THE EPISCOPALIANS.
"The Episcopalians were the first to leave. Bishop Hobart came to Buffalo in 1817. I gave him my pulpit, the first Sabbath, and we all heard him gladly. He, with his people, met on their own appointment after that and the result was our neighbor, St. Paul's church." This church was organized February 10, 1817, with a good membership. Among the names are some who began their church life in Buffalo with the First Church. A fine edifice was soon erected on the triangle bounded by Erie, Pearl and Church Streets, and was consecrated by Bishop Hobart February 25, 1827. This build- ing later gave way to the Saint Paul's of the present day, a magnificent church, whose chimes every noon sound forth an
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.