USA > New York > Onondaga County > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 56
USA > New York > Onondaga County > Syracuse > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 56
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makers, thirty-two painters, nine patent medicine factories, thirteen plumbing shops, two screw factories, four seed stores, three cigar box factories. four sewer pipe makers, eleven sewing machine dealers. four soap and candle fac- tories. five sporting goods stores, four spring bed makers, one spring factory, two steel factories, seven stone yards, stove polish factory, one maker of sur- gieal instruments, twenty-two tin and coppersmiths, two truss makers, eight undertakers, nine variety stores, five veterinary surgeons, cleven wallpaper dealers, three theaters, fifty-six churches, cleven banks, university, eighteen public schools, yeast and whip and glove faetory, ete.
Beside street railways before mentioned, others came about this time. The Seventh Ward Railway was built in 1886, and was followed by the Eleventh Ward line in 1889, reaching the eleventh ward by different routes. The Third Ward railway was used as an electric line in 1888, and led to Sol- vay. The Woodlawn & Butternut railway was organized in 1886, and all these were absorbed by the Consolidated Railway Company. All the city lines were in the hands of the Syracuse Street Railway Company by 1895.
William B. Kirk became Mayor in 1888, and a board of water commis- sioners was soon appointed, which reported in favor of Skaneateles lake. 1 special election was held in June, 1889, with a majority of ten thousand, three hundred and ninety-five for the report. In that year Mayor Kirk reported the bonded indebtedness of the city as one million, one hundred and thirty- nine thousand, five hundred dollars, of which one million dollars were in railroad bonds. and one hundred thousand dollars in university bonds. The sewer system was greatly extended.
William Cowie became mayor in 1890. and that spring the water supply was assured. new sewers were laid, and Burnet Park improved. Mr. Cowie was re-elected. and was followed by Jacob Amos, during whose administration Skaneateles water was first used in Syracuse July 3. 1894.
Thus far the editor follows the course of city life. Of the many changes and improvements of a score of years past in Syracuse no one is more compe- tent to speak than Mr. Franklin H. Chase, secretary of the Historical Asso- ciation, and to him the task has been committed. Of some persons and or- ganizations the editor will have a little to say, regretting only that all eannot have the full treatment they deserve. There are over one hundred churches in Syracuse, nearly three hundred lodges and unions, and about two hundred mis- eellaneous clubs and soeieties, probably more; some both important and in- teresting. May their number inerease. They promote social feelings and often quicken the heart and mind. We wish we could tell all about them, but it is impossible. Accept good wishes instead.
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CHAPTER LV.
SYRACUSE CHURCHIES.
The First Baptist church of Syracuse was organized in February, 1821. with Rev. J. G. Stearns as first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Nathaniel J. Gilbert in 1823. That year a church was erected on West Genesee street, where the Universalist church was afterward built. This edifice was enlarged in 1839, and was used till 1848, when a brick church was erected on the lot next east. This was burned Angust 23. 1859, and the present one was dedicated November 1, 1860. This church had the first Christian Endeavor society in Syracuse.
The Central Baptist church was formed in 1848; and in 1849, under Rev. A. Pinney, built a small chapel on East Genesee street. In 1869 the present site was bought and a chapel built, the main briek structure being erected in 1872. In 1874 occurred the terrible accident in which fourteen lives were lost. Ilev. George T. Dowling (now an Episcopal minister) was pastor 1873-77. Immanuel Baptist church was formed January 15, 1886, under Rev. R. A. Vose. Its frame church is on Hawley avenue.
Delaware Street Baptist church was organized March 6, 1889, under Rev. R. E. Burton, who is still in charge. Its brick church was dedicated November 13, 1890.
The Fourth Baptist church was formed in 1883, and its frame church. corner of Grange and Sizer streets, was occupied in 1885, under Rev. B. R. Smith. It does not appear in the directory now.
First German Baptist church, organized June 28, 1877, and located at corner of Ash and Lodi, now appears in the directory as German Evangelical Friedens church, with a church built in 1890.
Bethany Baptist (colored) church was formed May 12, 1887, as the Union Baptist church, Rev. George E. Stevens, first pastor. Its chapel, creeted in 1903. is 610 East Washington street.
Lowell Avenue Baptist church. Lowell avenue, was erected in 1899.
Olivet Baptist church, on Lexington avenue, was organized in 1891.
Tabernaele Baptist church built its chapel, 1416 South Salina street, in 1902.
The First Ward Presbyterian church was organized January 23. 1822. Presbyterians there having previously belonged to the Onondaga Valley church. The first chapel was built in 1822. and one of brick in 1855. The first pastor was Rev. James H. Mills. The Rev. Alfred H. Fahnestock, of Syracuse. was there twenty years.
First Presbyterian church of Syracuse, organized December 14, 1824, had its first chapel just north of a later one. This was built in 1825, and Rev. John W. Adams became its first pastor. continuing in charge till his death. April 4. 1850. A new brown stone church on South Salina street, recently
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removed, was dedicated November 24, 1850. The present fine edifice is on West Genesee street, ocenpying ample grounds.
The Park Central Presbyterian church was formed December 24, 1846. and the church was dedicated February 3, 1848. Rev. William W. Newell being then pastor. The property was sold in 1855, and the society reorganized. The present sione church was dedicated June 24, 1875.
The Fourth Presbyterian church was fully organized February 20, 1870. and its edifice was dedicated February 27. 1873. Rev. John S. Bacon was the first pastor.
Westminister Presbyterian church was organized November 15, 1886, and occupied its new building in September. 1887. under Rev. Alfred E. Myers, first pastor.
Memorial Presbyterian church grew out of a mission, and dedicated its first chapel May 1, 1863. The present edifice was dedicated May 6, 1886. but organization did not take place till September 8. 1887.
The East Genesee society built in 1891; the Elmwood in 1893; the West End in 1896; the South Presbyterian in 1892. rebuilding in 1906.
There is also a Reformed Presbyterian or Covenanter church. on South Saliva street. built in 1862. The society was formed in 1849, and Rev. John Newell was the first pastor.
The First Congregational eburch was organized May 25. 1838, Rev. John T. Avery, pastor. Its first chapel. on East Genesce and Washington streets. was dedicated August 16, 1838. It was disused and the society became extinet soon after 1850.
Plymouth Congregational church was formed September 24, 1853, Rev. M. E. Strieby being first pastor. Its first chapel was dedicated in February. 1855. The corner stone of the brick church was laid in 1860. This was en- Jarged in 1871, and again in 1889.
Good Will Congregational church was formed April 14. 1885, dedicating its new edifice September 24. 1886. As it now stands it was completed in 1890. and dedicated January 15, 1891. Rev. J. C. Andrus was first pastor.
Danforth Congregational church was formed February 1, 1884, and a fine brick church was dedicated June 20, 1885. The first pastor was Rev. D. F. Harris.
Geddes Congregational church. organized November 15, 1886. dedicated its chapel May 1, 1888. Rev. F. A. S. Storer being the first pastor.
The South Avenue Congregational church was formed in October, 1883. Rev. F. L. Luce first pastor. The church was built in 1886.
Pilgrim Chapel was built in 1872.
The First Ward Methodist Episcopal church, as a class, had a chapel in 1829, and the corner stone of the present edifice was laid in 1864.
First Methodist Episcopal church built a brick church in 1836. Its high steeple offended some of the congregation, and wind and lightning twice de- stroyed it. The church was renovated and enlarged in 1856 and 1869.
Geddes Methodist Episcopal church. now West Genesee, built its present church in 1870.
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The Centennary Methodist Episcopal church was formed January 6, 1867, completing its fine brick edifice in 1868.
University Avenue Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1867, and again in 1868. After erecting a small chapel the present fine building was erected in 1871.
The Brown Memorial Methodist Episcopal church was at first the Dela- ware Street Methodist Episcopal society of 1873. Its brick church was built in 1876, and named after Alexander J. Brown.
Furman Street Methodist Episcopal church built a chapel in 1871, and a brick church was dedicated in July, 1887. La Fayette Avenue Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1899; Bellevue Avenue in 1900; East Solvay in 1898; Erwin Memorial in 1889; Nelson Street in 1870; Olivet in 1892; Park Avenue in 1889; Woodlawn in 1900. There are also an Italian Methodist Episcopal church and the Rockefeller Memorial.
Beside these is the African Methodist Episcopal church, which built in 1851; the Free Methodist church, which built in 1874, and the Wesleyan Meth- odist, which built in 1845.
St. Paul's church (Protestant Episcopal) was organized May 22, 1826. and built in 1828. The corner stone of a stone church was laid July 12, 184! on the site of the present post office. The corner stone of the present church was laid June 25, 1844, and the late Rev. H. R. Lockwood had the longest rectorship, a man esteemed by all men.
St. James' church was organized as a free church August 14, 1848, under Rev. Dr. Henry Gregory, succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. M. Clarke. The first stone church, built 1851-53, was burned in 1891. The present one on James street was erected in 1891. It has been called Church of the Saviour since 1898. The Rev. Karl Schwartz is the present rector.
Trinity church was organized in 1856, and a chapel was consecrated November 25, 1855, before organization. The present church was built in 1869. The Rev. H. N. Hyde is now reetor.
Grace church was organized March 27, 1871, having then a frame chapel. The present fine stone church was built in 1876. Rev. Dr. H. G. Coddington is the rector.
Calvary church was founded in 1873, but not organized till 1Ss1. Its church was built in 1877, Bishop Huntington and his son Rev. J. O. S. IIuu- tington, conducting the services till 1883.
Church of St. John the Divine was not organized till 1889, though it had a chapel in 1870. This was burned, and the present church was opened in October, 1892.
All Saints' church was formed December 15, 1896, and its church was built in 1898.
St. Mark's church was organized as the Apostolie Church, Jannary 10, 1832, and then had a conspicuous frame church. It. was reorganized under its present name, April 8, 1885. The chapel was burned that year, and the corner stone of the present stone church was laid September 22, 1885. The
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Rev. E. W. Mundy was then in charge, the Rev. Dr. W. De L. Wilson being now the rector.
St. Philips (colored) church was organized as a mission by Rev. H. G. Coddington, D. D., January 16, 1901, and continued long under his care.
The Reformed (Dutch) church was organized March 10, 1848, Rev. James A. H. Cornell being the first pastor. Its first church was dedicated July 16, 1850, and was burned July 23, 1878. The present fine building was dedi- cated February 10, 1881. There is a second Reformed church:
The Church of the Messiah ( Unitarian) was organized October 4, 1838, and a chapel was built in January, 1839. A brick church was dedicated November 23, 1843, of which Rev. Samuel J. May took charge in 1845. He served till 1868, and from him comes the name of May Memorial Church. Rev. Dr. Catthrop has been in charge since 1868.
The Church of Christ (Disciples) was organized February 8, 1863, erect- ing its church in 1864.
The First Universalist society was formed in 1859, and built its first church in 1862, its second in 1869, and the third in 1906.
First English Lutheran church, organized July 6, 1879, by Rev. Jeremiah Zimmerman, purchased the Independent church. and dedicated it October 1, 1880.
St. John's Evangelieal Lutheran church (German) was incorporated Jan- uary 1, 1840. The first church was built in 1841, and burned December 28. 1856. A finer church followed.
German Evangelical St. Peter's church, incorporated August 6, 1843, built its present church in 1860 remodeling it in 1880.
Evangelieal Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was built in 1898; the Ger- man Evangelieal Friedens church in 1900; Mt. Tabor Evangelical Lutheran church in 1901; St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran church in 1882; and Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church in 1868.
Immanuel Church of Evangelical Association was built in 1854, and Salem Church Evangelical Association in 1869.
The First Church of Christ, Scientists, purchased a building on East Fay- ette street, 1898.
The Roman Catholic churches are many and fine. The Church of the Assumption was originally St. Mary's, and built a chapel in 1844, which was soon enlarged. The new church was begun in 1865, and consecrated May 3, 1867. The two towers were finished in 1872. This large society has a school on Townsend street.
St. Mary's church bought the old St. Paul's church building in 1844, but now has the most costly church edifice in the city, on Montgomery and Jef- ferson streets, erected in 1885. It has founded several orphan asylums and schools.
St. John's Cathedral, or Church of St. John the Evangelist, is an out- growth of St. Mary's, and was finished and opened in 1854. It is the center of several institutions.
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The Church of St. John the Baptist was built in 1870, and is now under the charge of Rev. John F. Mullany.
St. Patrick's church was built in 1871; Church of the Sacred Heart in 1892; Holy Trinity church in 1891 ; St. Joseph's (German) in 1882; St. Joseph's (French) in 1869; St. Luey's in 1873; St. Peter's (Italian) bought the old Unitarian church ; St. Vincent de Paul's built in 1895; St. Anthony of Padua is on Midland avenue.
There are eight Hebrew synagogues in the city, well supported.
The Society of Concord was organized November 21. 1841, and built its present synagogue in 1850. This became a reformed congregation. The New Beth Israel was formed August 7. 1854, building its synagogue in 1856, and remodeling it in 1887. Adath Jeshurun was organized June, 6, 1864. building the present synagogue in 1887. Adath Israel was organized June 1, 1882, and built a brick synagogue the same year. Adath Yeshurun was chartered in 1872. and built a synagogue in 1877. The Congregation of Poily Zedeek was organized in 1888, building in 1896. Congregation Chevra Tilim built a synagogue in 1900. Congregation Avis Shakum is a recent society. Nearly all these have their special cemeteries.
SYRACUSE SOCIETIES.
Prominent among Syracuse organizations are many of the Masons and Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, Modern Woodmen, Grand Army, Independent Order of Foresters, Foresters of America. Ancient Order of United Workmen. Daughters of Liberty, Harugari, Knights of Maccabees. Pythias and Columbus, Temperance societies and Good Templars, Catholic Benevolent Legion, Ancient Order of Hibernians, etc., to which may be added a host of trade unions.
Political parties. churches, schools and business men have their clubs or societies, and but few of these can be noted now, though many are doing excellent work.
The Anglers' Association meets monthly; the Elks weekly; the Bureau of Labor and Charities and S. P. C. C. meets bi-weekly; the Chamber of Commerce semi-monthly, or when need requires. In connection with the Mystie Krewe it has wonderfully stimulated publie spirit. There are several Jewish clubs. Historical, literary and art clubs abound. The Kanatenah Club (she leads the town) has naturally a front rank among women's clubs, but the Morning Musicals are deservedly favorites, as well as the Portfolio and Social Art elubs. The Syracuse Clerieus, the Ministers' Asso- ciation, and that of the Methodist Preachers. help many clergymen. The Onondaga Academy of Science has done much good work, and much may now be expected from the Onondaga Historieal Association. The Farmer's Club deserves more attention than it gets, and the Golf Club at least takes people into the country. The work of the Syracuse Botanical Club has been of a very high nature and important in its results. In a different way
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Mothers' Clubs have been of benefit. Some of the German societies have done a great deal in music and athletics, and such bodies as Christian En- deavorers, Young Men's Christian Associations, with those for women, hold a high rank. The Reseue Mission and the Salvation Army have earnest workers and supporters.
Salina Lodge. No. 327. F. & A. M., was warranted December 2, 1819, met on the corner of Wolf and Salina streets, and had but a brief existence. Syraense Lodge, No. 484, had a dispensation January 2. 1826, and a charter in June. Henry Newton was W. M., Joseph Slocum S. W., and William Maleolm J. W. It was closed abont 1831, and opened again July 23, 1844, as No. 102. It met in the Empire block till 1849. After several removals it surrendered its warrant in 1860, and a new warrant was at once issued to Syracuse Lodge, No. 501.
Central City Lodge, No. 305. F. & A. M., was warranted June 7, 1853, with W. George N. Williams, W. M., and has maintained a high standing. Salt Springs Lodge, No. 520, received a dispensation September 17, 1861, and a warrant the next June. John F. Sherwood was then W. M. It removed from the First Ward to a more central location in 1867.
Central City Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M., was warranted as Salina Chapter February 9, 1821, William Baldwin first H. P. The name was changed to Central City in 1864, having been Syracuse Chapter since 1849.
Central City Council, No. 13, Royal and Select Masters, was warranted June 5, 1860, and Central City Encampment received a dispensation March 17. 1856. A warrant was granted the latter February 6. 1857. as "Central City Commandery, No. 25, of Knights Templar and Knights of Malta." The Central City Council of Princes of Jerusalem received its warrant November 27, 1862. This comprises four bodies, in the A. & A. S. Rite, conferring the thirty-third degree.
Beside these are the Masonic Club, Masonic Veterans, Order of the Eastern Star, and . Mystic Shriners, the latter represented by Kedar Khan Grotto, No. 12.
The Odd Fellows have also three encampments and eight lodges, of which Onondaga, No. 79, is the oldest, its first officers having been installed in 1842. The eneampments are Cynosure, Lincoln and Salina; the lodges Alphadelphia, Americus, Lessing, Lincoln, Onondaga, Salina. Syracuse and Westminster. There are also five Cantons of Patriarchs Militant, and four Rebekah lodges.
King Solomon Court, No. 13, Independent Order of Foresters, was or- ganized in 1875, but the name does not survive among the twelve courts now existing. These are West End. Tirrell, United States, Durker, Fire Brigade, Mayor Baldwin, Umbria, Dana. Central New York, Kruger, Hotchkiss and Caldwell.
The Foresters of America form a large body in Syracuse. having eleven lodges, and seven eireles: the latter being female societies.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen numbers nine lodges, and the Knights of Macabees six tents and five hives. The Knights of Pythias have
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fourteen organizations of various kinds, and there are least thirty temperance societies.
The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association has ten branches, and the Catho- lic Benevolent Legion seven councils. The Ladies' Catholie Benevolent As- sociation numbers nine branches, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians eight divisions and two auxiliaries.
The Improved Order of Red Men has eight councils, and the auxiliary Daughters of Pocahontas three. Harugari numbers seven lodges, and the Imperial Order of Tycoons four. The Knights of Pythias have also twelve organizations of various kinds.
The Onondaga Historical Association elected its first board of directors January 22, 1862, and of these no one survives. The first president, 1862-66, was Joshua V. H. Clark, and of those who succeeded him but one ex-president survives. llomer De L. Sweet was secretary for twenty-eight years. For some time the society flourished, and then came a long period of inaction. The Onondaga Historical CIub was organized in 1892, quickly uniting with the Historical Association. and giving it an impetus which it never lost. The Centennial celebration of 1894 added to the interest, and was an occasion long to be remembered. The society is now partially endowed, and has a fine build- ing and valuable collections. Its annual field days are on the 6th of June. and it is elsewhere noticed as a county institution with a home in Syracuse. The university has an historical society for general study, and there is a Ladies' Historical Club of long standing, meeting weekly from October to April.
The Onondaga Academy of Science was organized in April, 1896, and has done fine local work in all departments of natural science in this inter- esting region. The Society for Mutual Instruction, 1844, assigned a branch of natural science to each of its members, with fine results. Of late another society, interested in physical geography, has made valuable researches. Its work is mainly done on semi-annual field days. The veteran society in natural science, however, is the Syracuse Botanical Club, of nearly thirty years' standing, which has reported several plants before unknown in New York. Until this year its active membership was solely of ladies and it has had but two presidents, Mrs. Rust and Mrs. Goodrich. Its valuable local and general collections were presented to the Ilistorieal Association October 18, 1907.
The several hospitals of the city, as St. Joseph's, Good Shepherd. Won- en's and Children's, Homeopathic, etc., have societies working with them. There are many asylums for orphans as St. Vincent's, House of Providence, Onondaga Orphan Asylum, ete., but these are better enumerated in a direc- tory with many others.
The public schools, including the high school, and one in prospect, are about forty in number, and there are many parochial, private, preparatory, commercial and other schools, culminating in the Syracuse University.
Libraries attracted early attention, the Rev. Palmer Dyer, rector of St. Paul's church, establishing the first circulating one, known as the Parish
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Library. The Syracuse Library and Reading Room Association had one of over one thousand volumes, afterward merged in that of the Franklin Insti- tute and Library, which had a long and prosperous career. Others succeeded and the Central Library came from consolidating the city's school libraries and was opened May 1, 1855. This was moved into the old-high school building in 1869, and in 1880 the present librarian, Rev. Dr. E. W. Mundy. was appointed, filling the office efficiently ever since. The library is now one of the most valuable in the state outside of New York and Buffalo, and is especially rich in historical and genealogical material. It maintains some local branches, and is well housed. In its building is the Barrow Gallery of paint- ings, and also the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts, admirably managed by Pro- fessor Comfort. Syracuse University has the valuable Von Ranke Library, beside books of more modern date.
The first school within the present eity limits was taught "by Capt. Edward O'Connor, probably in 1797, in Salina or Liverpool, or both." Ile was a Revolutionary soldier, and had a daughter born in Salina, Mrs. Alvin Bronson of Oswego. His name has not appeared in previous lists of sol- diers, unless as Conner.
Later schools left no records till Mrs. Wealthy Ann Lathrop began a seleet school in 1826, continuing it for many years. The "eold water school" at Lodi. in 1828, had its name from the temperanee standing of Oliver Teall. Beside other teachers, Judge George F. Comstock taught for six months in 1835. The Salina and the Montgomery Institutes were later schools. Miss Chubbnek's school has been mentioned, and Madame A. J. Raoul's school, 1847-61, was a feature of Syracuse. A high school of several years after 1840, was called the Church Street High School, J. L. Mayo, prineipal. with two assistants. Many prominent Syracuse people were in this.
A charter for the Syracuse Academy was obtained in 1835, and a build- ing was ereeted on "Lodi Hill," East Fayette street. It did not prosper, and the property became that of the Onondaga County Orphan Asylum.
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