USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 28
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Thomas B. Segur. Philip Barnes, Daniel Bartholomew, Arty Allen, Noah Preston, Harman Hardaway, Calvin Johnson."
These subscribers were not necessarily all members of the church, but those who were willing to aid in its support. (We have learned from a previous chapter how it was first established in the "Seventh Township," and its history brought down to the union of the two societies.) It must be remembered that religious matters were not looked upon lightly. It was their duty to at- tend service on the Sabbath. What if the church was remote from their homes, the roads thereto rough and long, the con- veyance a lumber wagon drawn by oxen? What though the day was cold and the clothing insufficient for their comfort? What if the seats were rough boards and the house of worship cold and uninviting? The fervor of their love for their Master was sufficient to make smooth the way to the sanctuary: it shortened the distance which must be traversed. and the warmth in their hearts gave comfort to the meeting, and the long prayers and longer sermons were relished with intense pleasure. They wended their way homeward invigorated, renewed and fortified against the trials of the days to follow. As we enjoy the comfort of our present houses of worship it is difficult to imagine the early pioneers enduring such crude and unpleasant surround- ings. Could our early ancestors have penetrated the future to this period, and have discovered the carpeted floors, cushioned pews, warmed and lighted rooms, and music proceeding from a pipe organ, with other convenient accessories, which we feel are absolutely necessary to our spiritual well being, it is safe to assert they would have considered our salvation a very doubtful question, and heartaches would have been added to their other discomforts. While religious matters are as deeply and heartily enjoyed as in days of yore, Scripture is interpreted differently. and the beauty of its truths more earnestly sought after and taught the young. Little hearts do not beat with fear of dreadful punishment from a loving Father if. in their childish innocence, they commit some misdemeanor, but they are rather shown the kindly interest He has in them, the depth of His love. and are led by that love to know how much better it is to do right than wrong. Love, not fear, is their guiding star to
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Heaven. These early settlers were descendants of Puritan fathers and mothers, with much of the severe discipline and training of the Puritans instilled into their minds, and it is not strange that they believed it the true and only way. In many families work ceased with Saturday night at sundown, and the quiet of the Sabbath fell about them. All secular matters were laid aside and preparation for the morrow begun by prayer and scriptural reading. Voices were subdued, steps quiet, and a holy peaceful atmosphere pervaded their homes. We imagine they did not sing praises with joy, but the strains of old "Windhan." perhaps, were chanted in the minor key. Surely the sentiment found sympathy-"Broad is the road that leads to death." Chil- dren were admonished in stern tones to be still, and laughter was immediately suppressed. Perhaps the severity of their early training tempered the discipline of the home in our day, and we have escaped the rigors of the Puritan religious home. We know we have as sincere, pure. Christian fathers and mothers as those early pioneers had. The minister himself was held in high regard by his church people. To him they repaired for the settle- ment of all difficulties, religious, domestic, secular. His field of labor was a wide one, and full of effort. He must preach and pray in public twice on the Sabbath. On week days he must attend to lectures, prayer meetingsand pastoral calls: often being appealed to in medical and surgical cases; till the soil, prepare his firewood, often going to the forest for the fuel, and attending death-bed scenes. The best of God's bounties to the members of the church were shared generously with the pastor. He must have the choicest fruits, vegetables, meats of their store, and these were willingly bestowed from a sense of duty. Lands of the largest value were set aside as "glebes," or "minister's land." That now owned by Churchill & Tibbitts, on Mexico street, was the "glebe" lot in 1809, and is often mentioned in the first book of records. There are the names of several early members who had the courage to declare their disagreement with the church on many doctrinal points, who were summoned to appear before the council, admonished, examined, "found wanting." and excommunicated. There were those who were fond of the cup which intoxicates. They were visited by the church examiners,
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expostulated with, earnestly enjoined to live sober, useful lives, to no avail. Thereafter they were not considered suitable mem- bers, and were denied the privilege of further communion with the church. Yet, as a rule, the men belonging to this Congrega- tional band were of strong character, good principles, straight- forward in their dealings with each other, firm in purpose, just in all ways. By such was the foundation of our community laid. and we feel no wonder that the same elements are found in our men of to-day that characterized them nearly one hundred years ago. Now we shall keep more closely to the old records:
"This Record was copied from other records by me. Curtiss Pond. this 3d day of January, 1807."
"1801 .- A Register of the Names of the first Trustees chosen in the First Society in Camden: Joel Dunbar, Ezra Barnes, Israel Stoddard, Ephraim Wright, Samuel Pond."
"December, 1802 .- At an election held at the house of Elihu Curtiss, and chose Abner Matthews Moderator, and Isaac Barnes and Ezra Barnes Trustees for the year ensuing."
"December 12, 1803 .- At an Annual Society meeting held at the house of Elihu Curtiss, was chosen Bartholomew Pond and Gershom Holdridge Trustees, and Elihu Curtiss Clerk for said Society."
"March 22, 1804 .- At a meeting held at the house of Elihu Curtiss, and chose Jesse Curtiss Moderator. and voted to hire Mr. Spencer one year if the other society in Camden would join with them, and desolved."
"April 12 .- At a meeting held at the above mentioned place, and voted that Jonah Sanford and Darius Wiard and Jesse Pond should be lawful voters in said society. and adjourned to the house of Daniel Parke, on the 19th day of April. the present month."
"April 19. 1804 .- A society meeting was held at the house of Daniel Parke, and desolved."
"December 10, 1804 .- A society meeting was held at the house of Elihu Curtiss, and chosen Darius Wiard for one of the Trus- tees of sd. Society, and adjourned to the same place."
"December 17 .- At a meeting of sd. society, chose Elihu Cur-
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tiss Clerk, and Aaron Matthews Moderator for the year ensuing, and adjourned to the 24th instant, and opened on the same."
"December 9, 1805 .- The annual society meeting was warned and held at the Union School House, and chose Ezra Barnes and Heman Byington Trustees of sd. society."
Here we will pause to explain that Elihu Curtiss, who kept the "Publick House," was located at what is now the site of .A. G. Robson's store, north corner of Main street and Miner ave- nne. Further mention of the Elihu Curtiss house will be seen elsewhere in this work. Daniel Parke's house was located one and one-half miles south of the village, who will be mentioned in another article also. This is the first reference made to the Union School-House.
In December, 1807. "Bartholomew Pond. Abel Collins, Elihu Curtiss, and Jesse Curtiss, with their wives, all of Camden, con- vey by deed to Heman Byington, Israel Stoddard. Reuben Os- born, Elihu Curtiss, and Elisha Curtiss. Trustees of the Congre- gational Society, about 33/4 acres of land, to be held by the so- ciety which they represent, and to be governed by their succes- sors in office, to them and their uses, and for the benefit of pub- lic buildings and uses forever." This land is in part our bean- tiful village park, and that on which the Congregational Church stands is also a portion of it. Further. "That the said Trustees. and their successors in office, shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter, by force and virtue of these presents, lawfully, peaccably and quietly have. hold. use, occupy. possess, and enjoy the said premises. But if the de- scribed premises shall by any power of said Trustees, or their successors in office, be applied to any uses other than public buildings and purposes, then the above bargained premises, with appartenances, shall revert to and become the property of the donors. Since that far away time. Church street. North ard South Park streets, and Second street, have been surveyed through it. Encroachments have been made upon its bound- aries, as originally surveyed, reducing its area somewhat. W. have, as a community, reason to congratulate ourselves that .. park so near to our village center has been saved to ne by so fortunate a business transaction. Could those generous men
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possibly have foreseen our needs in the distant future? It really seems so. In 1806 it was voted "that if there can be raised eight hundred dollars by subscription for the purpose of building .. meeting house, it shall be binding on the signers the sum they subscribe: also that it shall be paid quarterly, beginning at Janu- ary. 1808, and ending at January, 1800." The meeting house was slow in its process of building, and services and annual meet- ings were held in Union School-House during 1807. About this time it was "voted to call the Rev. Mr. Hubbard for three months, provided he will receive for his labor. one-half his salary in grain, and the other half in money." The amount of the salary is not stated. Evidently he could not fill the pulpit, for no fur- ther mention is made of him. In 18cy the society extended a call to the Rev. Ebenezer Leavenworth to become their pastor at a salary of $300 per annum. Now they have a church edifice 56 by 44 feet. It is enclosed, but stands without foundation except at corners and under cross-beams. Sheep crawl under it for protection from sun and storm. Seats are rough and they have no fires. Foot-stoves are brought by the feminine portion of the worshipers, and the more hardy men endure. It would seem that with so many trials to beset them in the new country, so little to enjoy of real comfort, that they would have been reluctant to pledge themselves to do more. But we can realize how intense was their zeal in the service of the Master when they, without murmuring. enter upon the task of building a church or "meet- ing house." They find time, material and money, and contribute. Those who have a knowledge of architecture give to the framing and construction: those having wood land furnish timber and shingles, and those who have time, and but little else, assist in the use of the hammerand saw, while fewgiveof ready cash. Thus slowly, but steadily and surely, the building grew, and though far from complete, they call to their leadership the Rev. Leaven- worth. A record of his pastorate in Camden was kept by him. of births, deaths and marriages. Rev. Leavenworth was called October 16, 1809, and ordained December 6, 1809. He gave to the church a library of fifty volumes, the first in Camden. Sep- tember 11, 1811. "Voted to have a paper circulated for members of the Second Society to sign to have the Rev. Leavenworth
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preach one-quarter of one year in the other society in the town of Camden." He remained the pastor till October 13. 1813. when he requested that he be dismissed-a request agreeable to the church people. About thirty-six were added to the list of membership during his pastorate, and several stricken from it. An unpleasantness arose between him and some of his flock. and he was vindictive. To relate a little story in connection with his labors while here, will verify the assertion made heretofore, that the pastors often were obliged to get their own firewood.
Rev. Leavenworth's story-an o'er true tale .- Between Mr. Leavenworth and his churchman. Hubbard Tuthill. there had arisen an unpleasantness. Mr. Tuthill was a tanner, and Mr. Leavenworth had secured a new harness made from leather of Mr. Tuthill's tanning. The reverend gentleman dwelt in the house now owned by Mrs. Orissa Barnes, but which in those days stood where the late George Abbott's house now is. The day was one Saturday, in winter, rainy and disagreeable. Wood was needed in the parsonage, and to have a cheerful hearth on the approaching Sabbath he must go to the "glebe lot" for it. He accordingly put the harness before-mentioned upon the horse, hitched him to a sort of jumper, and drove to the woodland for his supply. He was obliged to cut and get it into convenient shape to load, which took him some time. Hav- ing accomplished the task, he found it necessary to walk to his home, which he did, leading the horse by the bridle. Deeply engaged in meditation. no doubt. upon his Sunday sermon, he thought no further of his load tili he reached home. when turning to unhitch his horse he was amazed to find the sleigh nowhere in sight. The tugs becoming water-soaked, had stretched: the horse walked on. but the load remained in the wood. He backed his horse enough to loosen and remove the harness, put the beast in the baru. threw the harness over the hitching post and left it. awaiting results. Sunday morning he officiated as usual. The day was mild and pleasant. Upon his return home. he found that as his harness dried the leather had contracted in the same proportion as it had stretched, and the load of wood was drawn to the door. This must be a true story, for the Reverend related it. In the autumn of 1815 a spirited revival took place under the earnest effort of Reverend Samuel Sweezy, which together with
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the religious fervor of the following winter, added about fifty to the church list. In September the same year, it was "Re- solved to have a committee appointed to draft a plan of the inside of the meeting house. with a view to making some improve- ments." A little later it was voted "that the meeting house be finished with pews, and that they be made without bannisters." Heretofore the worshipers had been seated on boards. This committee were Joel B. Smith, Seth Dunbar and Isaac Barnes, Jr., all practical carpenters. The 23d day of October, 1815. "a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Camden, for the pur- pose of forming a Congregational Society according to the laws of the State of New York, was held at the meeting house. Trustees, Israel Stoddard, Erastus Upson, Sylvanus Wilson, Sr .. Ambrose Curtiss, Sr .. Ashbel Upson, Billious Pond. Phineas Tuttle, Joel Rathbone and Daniel Parke. At this time the union of the societies in the Seventh and Eighth Townships took place. and thus united became "The Union Congregational Society of Camden." About four years elapsed between Rev. Leavenworth's time and the coming of the next settled pastor, and various preachers came to minister to the spiritual needs of this people. In February, 1817. the society decided they would call the Rev- erend Henry Smith to be their pastor, and at a meeting warned for that purpose, they "Resolved. first, that they wished him to become their pastor; second. that they would give him six hun- dred! dollars a year for his ministerial labors, and six hundred in materials to build him an house and firewood for three years. for a settlement : also build him a barn. "Resolved that the Trus- tres draw a subscription for the purpose of raising $600 per year to hire Mr. Smith." That this was a powerful call was demon- strated by his accepting it willingly. He was first a sort of sup- ply here for some time, had endeared himself to the people, and they felt it was well to make an extra effort to retain him if possible. He was a young man, zealous in the cause of saving souls, a faithful pastor, an agreeable gentleman, and highly re- spected in the community. His labors here commenced with a remarkable revival of religion, which drew many into the foldl. The ordination sermon was preached October 8. 1817. by the Rev. John Frost of Whitesboro. A pamphlet copy of it is in a
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good state of preservation. It was printed by William Williams of No. 60 Genesee street, 1817, "at the request of the church and congregation in Camden." Text, i Timothy iii : 1: "This is a true saying: If a man desire the office of a Bishop. he desireth a good work." The charge to the Bishop was by the Rev. Israel Brainard of Verona. The right hand of fellowship, by the Rev. Moses Gillet of Rome: charge to the people, Rev. Noah Coe of New Hartford. We copy a few words from Rev. Frost's address:
Rev Henry Smith.
"We have reason to hope that the conection now formed will be followed by the most happy consequences to both parties and to the rising generation. Study to preserve that peace and har- mony which at present prevail. Be punctual in the fulfilment of your pecuniary engagements. Let no trifling excuse prevent a regular attendance on the means of grace. Look upon your pastor as a messenger for good to you from the King of Zion. Receive him as one of the richest gifts that God ever bestows on earth. Treat him with affection and respect. To your service he is consecrating his talents in the flower of his days, and on your kindness his happiness and his usefulness most essentially depend. Over his faults, if you see any. (and all are imperfect). throw the mantle of charity. We will hope and pray that both
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you and your pastor may so live together on earth as to meet at last on Mount Zion, there to mingle your voices with that in- numerable company in their endless alleluias."
Mrs. Cyrus Stoddard says of him: He first came to Camden as a home missionary in 1817; was a native of New Hampshire, the son of an eminent jurist; graduated from Bowdoin College and Andover Seminary, and a classmate of Daniel Webster. After a few months' residence here he received a call to become their pastor, which he accepted. A house for worship was nearly completed on the ground where now stands the brick church. He was very zealous and active, doing much to build up the church and society. In 1818 he married Miss Hannah Hunt- ington, daughter of George Huntington of Rome, N. Y., and immediately came to Camden, shortly after occupying the house just completed at the head of Main street, owned till within a
l'riest Smith House.
short time by his children, Hannah of San Jose, Cal., and Henry of Buffalo. It is at present the property of L. P. Haviland. The few living who remember him speak of his acts of kindness and love. He occasionally made trips by private conveyance to his New Hampshire home, accompanied by his wife. Upon his return from one of these trips, it was whispered by his people that he was preparing to ask for dismission. This came to his knowledge, and at a meeting quickly following the report he told them of having heard it, but that it was untrue, and said he. "I expect to live with this people, aud die with this people, and to rise with this people at the resurrection." No further fears were entertained of his leaving them. His death, which occurred in 1828, was most sincerely mourned by a wide circle of admirers
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in church and society. At about forty years of age, being stricken with a fever, he died, and was buried in the old cemetery on Mexico street. Mr. Smith must have been possessed of un- usual magnetism. Much has been said of him by older residents in the highest praise, and all seemed drawn to him by his tender sympathy and interest in them. A sweet memory lives after him. Upon the unpretentious stone, (see illustration), which marks his grave is this inscription:
"Sacred to the Memory of REV. HENRY SMITH, Second Minister of the First Congregational Church And Society in Camden. Faithful in his sacred calling And successful in his missionary And pastoral labors. He departed in peace July 19, 1828, in the 4oth year of his age. and 11th of his ministry. "The memory of the just is blessed. ""'
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His people were left to mourn him as sheep without a shep- herd. It was after his decease, and upon calling another pastor, that they found themselves without a parsonage, and decided it was best not to bestow "an house" upon Rev. Mr. Loss. Early in Mr. Smith's life among them occurred the first renting of pews. We have a copy of a deed entitling Gideon Northrup to a seat in the church, January 1, 1818. for "one-third part of Pew No. 37," paying nine dollars and fifty cents therefor. It is worded much as the present deeds of property are, and is a document about the size of a foolscap sheet. The pews were sold for the benefit of supporting the gospel, and "those holding them shall have right, from time to time, to direct where their money shall be appropriated, either at the meeting house or at the academy in said society, for the support of the gospel."
These pews were of the old-time style; square, with seats on three sides. In changing them and making slips, a bottle of some sort of liquid was discovered near one of the prominent members pews. It was under the moulding which finished the top of the enclosure. The contents of this bottle smelled suspiciously like something not orthodox beverage, and to determine accurately what it might be, several men, judges of fluids of all kinds, cau- tiously tested and pronounced it whisky! Surely either the mem- ber or the carpenter put it there. and we will be charitable, giving the good brother the benefit of the doubt.
A gallery was on three sides of the church. Across the front and opposite the pulpit, the choir were seated in the first row. Back of the choir sat the younger portion of the congregation usually, and higher above them, probably under the tower of the old church, sat the "tithing man," whose duty it was to discover all disturbers of the peace of the sanctuary and cause them to be announced from the pulpit, if their errors were persisted in. Neither were slumberers tolerated. If from toil and the weari- ness of travel through long distances to the house of God, a quiet restful hour invited sleep, and the monotony of the parson's voice lulled them into realms where all was peace, they were not longer indulged in the sweet enjoyment than it took the "tithing man" to journey from his post of observation to their pew, when he promptly reminded them of their shortcoming.
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The 26th day of December, 1824, the first Sabbath School was organized, called the Camden Sabbath School Union, and was auxiliary to the Oneida Sunday School Union. Any could become members upon the payment of 121/2 cents annually. Officers were: President, Vice President. Secretary, Treasurer, three Directors and thirteen Visiting Committee, annually chosen the third Wednesday in August. Rev. Henry Smith was first President: Benjamin Phelps, Vice President. In 1825 Mr. Phelps was chosen a director. Sabbath Schools were organized in the various outlying districts, under the direction or control of the Camden S. S. Union. In 1827 and 1828 Albert Phelps was Superintendent in District No. 5, in the brick school-house. Was also one of the committee to arrange for music suitable for the work.
It is altogether probable that up to this time, 1824. the singing had been wholly congregational; but now a vote is taken to ap- point "a committee to promote good singing." Accordingly the following men were chosen to attend to the matter: Eli Wilson, Lyman Tuttle, Artemas Trowbridge, Garrett Smith, Ashbel Upson, Billious Pond. Erastus Pond. George L. Coc. Uriah Hill. Jerry Bailey, Benjamin Phelps, Daniel Tuthill. Rett- ben Bettis, Lent Upson, Joseph Peck, Leverett Bryant, Curtiss Pond. Eli Wilson led the first choir, pitching the tune with a "fork." These were all of them singers of "ye olden tyme." Who the feminine portion of the choir were, we can not find in full, but mention some who lifted their voices in song: Miss Charity Dunbar, Honor Preston, Eliza Sperry. Susan Doolittle. Caroline Pond. Sally Bailey, Angeline Upson.
It must have been delightful to hear the songs of Zion sung in the good old way, with hearts attuned to praise. We give a little incident, related by one who well remembered the circum- stance of the introduction of a bass viol into the church to lead the choir. The matter had been agitated for some time, though opposed by a few members of the congregation, but at last the committee for promoting "good music" summoned courage to try it. It was accordingly taken to the church, and the hymn being announced, the tones of the viol went out over the room
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sweet and full, the voices of the choir and congregation joined to swell the notes of praise, when from a prominent pew near the pulpit there issued a male member of the flock, and he strode from the presence of this "instrument of the devil." indignant and wrathful. As he passed into a less polluted atmosphere, with fists clenched and face livid with rage. he ejaculated: "I will not stay to hear that old bull fiddle!" The lady relating the cir- cumstance said she well remembered it. He had a bald head. and to prevent himself from taking cold, wore over it and tied under his chin, a red bandanna handkerchief. The matter cre- ated much amusement with the larger part of the society, but it was some time before all were please-l with it. We believe Cur- tiss Pond to have been the man who played the instrument, but have not been able to verify it. This was the first instance of instrumental music in a Camden church that we find recorded.
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