USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 30
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Resolved. That in the opinion of the members of this Quar- terly Conference, instrumental music does in no respect tend to the edification or spirituality of the church: nor does it redound to the glory of God or His kingdom on the earth, and therefore shall not be encouraged.
The leader of the choir had taken a violin into the gallery. Time changes all things, and the children of these fathers and mothers in Israel are now led in their songs of praise by a two thousand dollar organ.
Jehiel Higgins, D. Castle. Ella Peck. Jeremiah Bailey and Hall Doolittle were leaders in the singing from time to time. also Henry Voorhees. They sang the good old tunes in the good old way, not for the ear alone, but from the heart to the heart. After this, for many years, George Elden and wife led in singing, then the choir for a number of years consisted of
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M. P. B. Cook and wife, Mrs. G. C. Huyck, George Shepard and Miss Hattie Bird, with Zophar More at the organ. Later the choir was led by William J. Hull, with Miss Cornelia Hinckley at the organ. In 1840, the name of Amos Mix appears as one of the officials.
Up to this time the society had been united and prosperous. The faithful, godly men and women had not prayed in vain. God had been with them. But a difference of opinion as to the action of the General Conference of 1840, on the subject of slave- ry, resulted in dividing the church. In 1842 a number, among them several prominent members of the society, left the church, and many feared that the old society would become extinct; but soon after the secession occurred, peace being restored, a re- vival of religion took place: about eighty were added to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1842 Rev. Harvey Chapin was appointed to the Camden church and served two years. During his term the first parson- age was built. At a Quarterly Conference, held October. 1843. Rev. W. W. Nine was presiding elder, and the name of W. R. Paddock appears as one of the leaders. In 1844. Rev. Bur- roughs Holmes was presiding elder, and Rev. Russell West the pastor. He was the first pastor that occupied the parsonage, which had been built and finished during Rev. Chapin's pasto .- ate. In 1845 Rev. P. D. Gowie was appointed to Camden, serv- ing two years. During his stay Mrs. Gowie died and was buried in the Camden cemetery. The name of Calvin Johnson and M. M. Rice appear in the official list, the latter as an exhorter. He became a very able preacher, was a member of the Northern New York Conference: the church that sent him out will never have canse to regret it. Daniel Wilson, Anthony Whipple, O. Dayton, J. M. Plant and William Wilson are new names that appear on the official list. In 1847. Rev. N. Salsbury was pre- siding elder, and the Rev. Ezra S. Squier the preacher in charge. The names of Wesley Wilson, W. C. Clark and H. Clark appear on the official list. Rev. E. S. Squier was earnest and zealous in his work, but of a frail constitution. Near the close of the sec- ond year his health failed entirely. On Sunday morning, the
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4th of March, 1849, the good man went from labor to rest. He was buried in the Camden Cemetery.
In 1849, Rev. F. H. Stanton commenced his work in Camden. which continued two years.
The report of the Sabbath School in 1850 was as follows: Officers and teachers, 15: scholars, 100.
The name of D. P. Peck appears in the official list. At the conference in 1851, Rev. Almon Chapin was appointed to the Camden church, and served two years. The names of Frank Park, J. Dick, Israel Stoddard and D. Barber appear as mem- bers of the Official Board in 1849. During the pastorate of Rer A. Chapin the old church building being too small for the so- ciety, it was sold and a larger building was built in its place. The present building was commenced in June, 1852, and dedicated the 22d day of December, the same year. H. H. Hapgood presiding elder, Rev. J. Irwin preaching the sermon. To complete their new church the society greatly needed a bell, but having paid liberally for the building of their church, did not feel able to purchase one. M. D. Sanford wrote to his brother, Mr. B. F. Sanford, of Cincinnati, who was for- merly a member of the Camden church, stating the circum- stances of the society. Mr. Sanford, kindly remembering the church of his father and mother, and the place where in his boy- hood he learned of things divine, sent to the society one hun- dred dollars. With this to head their subscription they soon se- cured sufficient to purchase a bell, which now calls the people to worship.
It is proper to state that since the society was organized they have built two church edifices, also remodeled and improved the present one several times, yet the society has never been em- barrassed with a church debt. The earnest, liberal, self-sacri- ficing fathers and mothers remain with the children, and it may be truthfully said of the people of Camden, they have been and are liberal in their support of the churches, and no place of its size can boast of better church accommodations than are af forded by the five churches in this village. At the opening of the new church the officials were, Rev. Eliakim Stoddard,
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Ephraim Sanford. Solon Cook. Truman Spencer, Thomas De- Milt Penfield, George Elden. M. D. Sanford. Amos Mix. A. T. Rice. Israel Stoddard. H. D. Minor. Alvin Johnson. David Sears. George S. Park, A. B. Alcox. Daniel P. Peck. Francis Park. and S. Scofield. In 1853 the Sunday School numbered 140. scholars: infant class, 43. Since 1851 Myron Simmons has had charge of the church as sexton, and is still faithful and true to his trust, 1882.
In 1853. Rev. George Gary was appointed to the Camden Church, and served one year. In 1854 Rev. O. M. Legate was pastor, and remained two years. In 1855 and 1857 J. Rush. B. N. Buel and M. R. Cook, became members of the Official Board. In 1856 Rev. D. M. Rogers was pastor, followed by Rev. Will- iam Jones, who remained two years. Rev. George Sawyer was presiding elder. John Walker. A. S. Johnson and John Wilson were the Official Board. In 1859 Rev. J. T. Alden was presiding elder. Rev. W. S. Titus preacher in charge: A. Voorhees, M. Tipple and Nathan Kinnie were trustees in 1860. Rev. W. S. Titus remained two years, and in 1861 was followed by Rev. Lemuel Clark, Rev. A. J. Phelps being the presiding elder at this time, and M. D. Sanford Superintendent of the Sunday School. Rev. L. Clark remained two years, and was followed in 1863 by Rev. J. T. Alden. In 1861 the name of Z. L. Jones appeared in the official list. During the summer of 1864 Brother Alden responded to the call of the Christian Commission for chaplains to labor among the soldiers in the hospital, and at the front. In August he was taken seriously ill and started for his home in Camden, which he reached Monday morning, just in time to spend a few hours with his family. On the evening of the same day. August 29, he calmly passed to the better land. leaving his blessing with his weeping family, and feeling that he was dying among those who were his friends. "Peaceful, Oh. how peaceful." were the last words he spoke. He was buried in the Camden Cemetery. After his death Rev. J. C. Vandercook supplied the pulpit until the annual conference of 1865. when Rev. J. H. Lamb was appointed to the church and served two years.
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:
In 1867 Rev. B. S. Wright was presiding elder, and Rev. O. C. Cole pastor. During Rev. Cole's term there was an extensive revival, a large number were added to the church, many of whom remain to this day. Brother Cole served three years, the first under the three year rule. In 1860 the Board of Trustees was reduced to three, viz: T. D. Penfield. James E. Tripp. Adin I helps; and in 1870 it was increased to five, viz .: M. R. Cook J. D. Chamberlain, D. P. Peck, with T. D. Penfield ard Jaines E. Tripp. In 1868 W. W. Tatliams was elected Superintendent of the Sunday School, and has, with the exception of one year. remained in that position until the present. George Cook was superintendent one year.
In the official list of 1868 we find the following names: Sten - ards, Q. Barber. T. D. Penfield. F. Washburn, M. P. B. Cook. Solon Cook, D. P. Peck, B. N. Buel, A. Voorhees, and William Wilson: leaders. A. T. Rice. George Elden, M. D. Sanford. Daniel Wilson, A. S. Johnson, Francis Park, Jacob Rush, Israel Stoddard, John Walker, Lyman B. Peck; trustees, M. R. Cook, M. D. Sanford. T. D. Penfield, Adin Phelps, J. E. Tripp: Sun- day School Superintendent, W. W. Williams. This brings us so near the present time that we omit mentioning the changes in the Official Board, and give only the names of the pastors and the time they served. In 1871, Rev. H. M. Danforth was ap- pointed to the Camden Church, and remained three years. He was followed in the spring of 1873 by Rev. T. Richey, who served two years. Rev. H. M. Danforth. presiding elder. In 1875, Rev. A. L. York was appointed to the work. and during his two years' service there were revival meetings held every evening for a number of weeks; the pastor assisted by his bret !:- ren. Many were added to the church: some remained only for a short time, like the "stony ground hearers." they soon with cred; others are in the church at the present time. Rev. B. F. Barker, presiding elder. In 1877, Rev. B. T. Barker was ap pointed to Camden and remained one year, followed in 1858 by Rev. W. R. Cobb, who served two years. A. L. York. presiding elder. In 1880, at the conference held in Hlion. Rev. H. M. Danforth was appointed to the Camden Church, and at the tin .
2 7
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
of writing, is near the close of the second year of the second term of service. Rev. H. Skeel, presiding elder.
And here we must close the hasty and imperfect review of the eighty years of Methodism in the town of Camden, and sixty- one years of their church organization. Few churches can show a better record, or present a braver set of Christian workers than were the early Methodists of Camden. For sixty years the church has stood with open doors, and her ministers have pro- claimed a free gospel to a lost world.
During this time she has been a power for good, restraining and saving hundreds of men and women from the sin and temp- tation of a wicked world. and in her Sabbath School the truths of the gospel have been taught, and impressions for good made upon the hearts of the young.
We will be grateful for the past, use the present. have faith to work on
""Till in God's good time We reap the fruit In crowns that do not fade."
PASTORS.
The names of the pastors who served the Camden Circuit and charge from 1801 to 1882:
Rev. David Dunham, Rev. William Keith, Rev. Henry Willis Rev. Lorenzo Dow, Rev. Knowlton. Rev. B. F. Paddock, Rev. M. Gifford, Rev. Charles Giles, Rev. E. Lambert, Rev. Samuel Lowery, Rev. Isaac Puffer, Rev. Stebbins, Rev. Alonzo Gifford, Rev. James Brown, Rev. James Beach, Rev. R. Fox, Rev. Good- win Stoddard, Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, Rev. Reuben Reynolds, Rev. A. Blackman, Rev. Borrough Holmes, Rev. E. W. R. Allen, Rev. G. C. Woodruff, Rev. Harvey Chapin, Rev. Russell West, Rev. P. D. Gowie, Rev. E. S. Squires, Rev. T. H. Stanton, Rev. A. Chapin, Rev. George Gray, Rev. O. M. Legate. Rev. D. M. Rodgers, Rev. William Jones, Rev. W. S. Titus, Rev. Lemuel Clark, Rev. J. T. Alden, Rev. J. C. Vandercook, Rev. J. H. Lamb, Rev. O. C. Cole, Rev. H. M. Danforth, Rev. T. Richey, Rev. A. L. York, Rev. B. T. Barker, Rev. W. R. Cobb. Rev. Hl. M. Danforth, present pastor.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
OFFICIAL BOARD FOR 1882.
Leaders .- Israel Stoddard, George Elden, M. D. Sanford, Francis Park, John Walker, George Cook, W. W. Williams, Charles Giles, Lyman Peck.
Stewards .- D. P. Peck, A. Voorhees, B. N. Buel. M. Hall, E. E. Spencer, George Watts, J. H. Watkins, T. F. C. Locke, Walter C. Stoddard.
Trustees .- T. DeMilt Penfield, E. A. Harvey. M. D. Sanford, J. Rush, J. P. Newland.
Local Preachers .- W. W. Williams, George Elden.
Exhorter .-- Lyman Peck.
LADIES' SOCIETIES.
The ladies of the society are ever active in their work, having a Ladies' Aid Society in active operation, with Mrs. W. A. Stod- dard, President; Miss Minnie Simmons, Secretary; Miss Hattie Bird, Treasurer. They have also the Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society, active and successful in their work, with Mrs. Il. M. Danforth, President; Mrs. O. H. Kniffin, Secretary; Miss Flor- ence Voorhees, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. H. Simmons, Treasurer.
SABBATH SCHOOL-OFFICERS AND TEACHERS.
Superintendent-W. W. Williams.
Assistant Superintendent-O. H. Kniffin.
Secretary and Treasurer-Fred Jolinson.
Chorister-William J. Hull.
Organist-Miss Hattie Bird.
Librarians-Elmer Jolinson, Will R. Paddock, Elmer E. San- ford.
Teachers-Mrs. M. Tipple, Mrs. G. C. Huyck, Miss Minnie Simmons, Miss Florence Voorhees, Mrs. R. Paddock, Miss I .. Blenis, Mrs. Thomas Smith, Mrs. O. H. Kniffin, Mrs. Adin Phelps, Mrs. M. H. Simmons, Miss Clara Harvey, Mrs. . A. S. Johnson, Mrs. Mary Elden, Mrs. M. D. Sanford, Mr. Z. L. Jones, B. N. Buel, G. G. Ccok. E. A. Harvey. W. C. Stoddard. J. C. Davies, H. M. Danforth.
The discipline makes it the duty of the pastor to organize the
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baptized children of the church into classes, that may be in- strueted in the nature and design and obligation of baptism and the truths of religion. necessary to make them "wise unto salva- tion." In January, 1882, such a class was formed, consisting of twenty members.
SERVICES.
I. Public worship on the Sabbath is held at 101/2 o'clock a. m.
2. Class-meeting and Sabbath school at the close of the morning service.
3. Public worship Sabbath evening 71/2 (7 in winter). Prayer meeting the hour preceding public worship.
4. Class-meetings Tuesday and Friday evenings.
5. Prayer meeting Thursday evening.
Strangers and those who do not have stated sittings are wel- come.
Ushers .- J. C. Davies, Fred D. Johnson, William I. Stoddard, Charles W. Stewart.
ANNIVERSARY HISTORY. M. E. Church Sunday School. Canden.
An Interesting paper edited and carefully prepared for the occa- sion by Mrs. Sarah Squires Tipple, giving its history in brief.
[Published in "Camden Journal." Feb. 13, 1896.]
Last Sunday evening the anniversary of the Sabbath School of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Camden was celebrated with appropriate programme, which was listened to by a large congregation. The paper read by Mrs. Tipple showed a large amount of research, and was ably presented. We give it in full. knowing that a history of this department of one of the oldest religious denominations of Camden will prove of interest to read- ers, as it is a part of the important history of Camden.
In writing the history of an organization, no great difficulty would be experienced if complete records had been made and preserved. The writer, when asked to give a history of our Sun- day School, the First Methodist Episcopal Sunday School of Camden, began to look for facts concerning it, and found very fow on file. There may have been more, and in the changes that have been made from time to time, been lost. What of history is
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THE TOWN OF CAMIDEA.
here presented to you, has been largely collected from the me- mories of those that have been connected with the school, more particularly those of its early days. To the large part of this au- dence assembled, the fore part of this history will not be espe- cially interesting, but there are those that hear me to whom the mere mention of the names of its founders and faithful workers 1:"ll cause their very souls to thrill within them. We have en- deavored to get a complete list of superintendents. If any have been omitted, we regret it exceedingly. We have also tried to place each in his respective place as to succession and date, and think we have succeeded fairly, but do not think that of vital im- portance. The first church that stood on this spot was dedicated to God in the spring of 1823 by Brother Charles Giles; the ser- mon being from the text. "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars, she hath builded her house, she hath mingled her wine: she hath also furnished her table." From that time we do not learn of a Sunday School or class among Methodists here until 1831. To us, that seems strange, when the church of to-day is largely, I might say, almost entirely, fed from the Sunday school; that the Sunday school is a great part of the body politic. The greater portion of the good people in that day. thought with suspicion upon the project of establishing a Sunday school. When first an attempt was made. they felt it would be an intrusion, that the word of God should be taught by the call of God from the pulpit, and that such a school would do more harm than good. We believe they were most sincere, and needed the experiment of a Sunday school,led by Christian teach- ers, to have convinced them of its great benefits. Some of them lived to see that time. It was a struggle to get a Sunday school started, but in the summer of 1821. with Rev. Robert Fox as pastor, it was given out that on such a Sunday, a Sunday school class would be formed. The time came, and they met in the gallery of the old church (now in use by Boehm Bros. as a storehouse). the class-meeting being held in the same room, only below stairs. where the congregation sat for service. There was then only the one room. If I were to call the roll of that class to-night. there is one here who would say, "present"-Mrs. Huldah Stoddard Judson, and it is quite certain there is but one other person liv- ing who helped to compose that class of 15 or 20 souls: that is
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the widow of Rev. Dr. Hibbard. The two named were intimate girl-friends, and have so continued, although to human vision, Mrs. Hibbard is nearer the "crossing." As I have said, the class gathered and filled two seats.
Soon Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, a local preacher, and an uncle of Mrs. Judson's, with Chauncey Woodruff, came from the class- meeting, and opened the Sunday school class (for school it could not be called), Rev. E. Stoddard making a prayer which almost might have brought heaven to earth. Mr. Woodruff sang that still familiar and soul-searching hymn, "A charge to keep I have." A few general catechism questions were asked by Rev. E. Stoddard, and the scholars were given the first chapter of Matthew to commit to memory, ten verses to be learned each week. Singing again closed the first meeting of the class. They continued to meet each Sabbath during the summer, with the same teacher, being visited and questioned by the pastor. In the fall it was closed for the winter. Those mentioned as being scholars have always respected and reverenced the memory of all who interested them, but at their meetings in late years, and living over the old days, could see a pleasant, funny side to that first gathering of scholars for a Sunday school class. 1832 and summer again : pastor Rev. Goodwin Stoddard, a nephew of Rev. Eliakim Stoddard; class met together in same place, and if the roll were called, No. 2 might say "present," Melancthon D. Sanford, who was converted just previously, and joined the church. H. H. Gifford was the teacher. Class closed for win- ter, and convened in the summer of 1833. Rev. Goodwin Stod- dard, pastor: Elijah Gaylord, teacher. 1834, Rev. Eliakim Stod- dard preacher in charge: Truman Spencer teacher. 1835, Rev. E. Stoddard, pastor; Truman Spencer continued as teacher. 1836, Rev. A. Blackman, pastor (who is still living). The class met again, and we find Elly (Eleazer) Peck teacher. Did we not speak truthfully that souls would thrill at the sound of their names? These were men who feared God, and worked righteous- ness.
We now come to 1837-38. Rev. Borroughs Holmes, pastor. 1837 was the year the Sunday school was organized, with Wm. Tuthill as superintendent, as it was given to me from the pen of Melzar D. B. Cook, whom many will remember. The Sabbath the meeting was called to organize a school. after the morning service, mother took me by the hand (I remember it well), and
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led me in one of the numerous cow paths over to the Con gregational Church, where she knew everybody, and which she was about leaving, to join the Methodist Episcopal Church. We went in, and mother talked with some of them a few minutes, and then led me back to the meeting at the M. E. Church. There were about twenty or thirty persons, mostly ladies, con- vened. There was talking in little coteries, but no organization was effected. There was no basement under the church at that time. A class meeting must meet somewhere at noon, and this meeting could not be held at the same time and place with the school. An arrangement was made for the class meeting to meet in the study room of the Academy that stood beside the Simmons blacksmith-shop, where the stores of Tiffany and Nichols now are. Soon another meeting was called, and an or- ganization effected, the school occupying the church, which I think the next summer was raised, and thereafter the class meet- ing was held in the basement. I do not now recall but one living person, except myself and sister Elizabeth (Mrs. Q. Barber). who could have been a member of that school at its beginning. We might now call the roll, and that one would respond. and from the sound of his voice you would say at once. Thomas D. Penfield. This was an eventful year to Mr. Penfield: settling in married life with Miss Ann, a daughter of Rev Eliakim Stoddard. She was a "sweet singer in Israel," and ever after a remarkably self-sacrificing Christian worker. until taken home. it seemed prematurely. Only a short time ago in answer to roll call one more would have responded, the Christian worker for many years, George Elden. We shall learn more of his work as this article progresses.
Report of Sunday school-50 scholars, 11 teachers. Truman Spencer, superintendent. In 1839. Rev. E. W. R. Allen, pastor: Thomas D. Penfield. superintendent. 1840-41. Rev. G. C Woodruff pastor; Jas. Foster, superintendent in 1840; Elly Peck in 1841. Report. 90 scholars, 13 teachers. 1842-43. Rev. Har- vey Chapin pastor: Elly Peck superintendent. In 1842 several prominent members chose to leave the church, and form a Wes- leyan church. This weakened the M. E. Society, but a gracious revival of religion took place that year. and eighty were added to this church. 1844. Rev. Russell West. pastor, being the first to
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occupy the parsonage that was moved, and is now the home of Dr. Van Allen. The late George Elden, superintendent. 1845- 46. Rev. D. P. Gowie pastor: George Elden superintendent. 1847-48, Rev. Ezra S. Squier, father of writer of this article. pastor. Here he finished his work at 34 years of age, and God took him to himself. We shall know why, if we are accounted worthy to enter where he is. During these two years, (). J. Hyde was superintendent. Amelia, daughter of Mr. Hyde (now Mrs. Foot). was sent by the Foreign Missionary Society as a medical missionary to India. During the summer of 1848 Miss O. Janthe Randall (now the widow of Rev. Charles Burritt), and Miss Julia Spencer (now Mrs. Wm. Crawford), who had just been converted, started an infant class. It opened with seven scholars. the writer being No. 6 on the register. George G. Cook. No. 16, joining soon after. In looking over the list of names we find the great majority have entered the unseen. Some are still with us, faithfully carrying out the instructions of early years. I'll not mention their names, for if here they might look sharply at me. Prizes were offered in those days for verses committed to memory. Mr. Hyde offered a red morocco Bible to the one who could repeat the 19th Psalm. Christina Cleland (now Mrs. W'm. Ford) secured the book. She was from the primary class. and of course the teachers were quite proud of her. It was not an uncommon thing to hear repeated in the school a whole chap- ter, and even two or three, by one scholar at the same time. There were Sunday school books in those days, for records speak of Truman Spencer as librarian, when not superintendent. We know the infant class were provided with then, from an in- cident we remember plainly. The class met at 9 o'clock A. M. Sunday. One Sunday during the morning sermon, the writer heard in sweet but emphatic voice, "Daughter, put up that book." " hat reproof would have been heeded, had it been given in the quiet of the parsonage. Undoubtedly other hands were toying with books, to his annoyance, and he preferred to make an ex- ample of his own child. Surely we were not looking in them for pictures. They were not there as at the present time. Children who attended other churches used to meet with the class, even as now they do with the "Junior League." There was a nice little colored girl in the class, by the name of Mary Hazel.
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Leasant summer days we used at times to go to Mt. Parnassus or Baldwin's woods, for pleasure, marching two by two with a banner carried in front of the procession. None of us enjoyed marching with colored Mary, therefore she usually took the lead with the teachers.
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