USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Settlement in the West : sketches of Rochester with incidental notices of western New-York > Part 27
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The Rev. Pharcellus Church, the fourth pastor, was set- tled in September, 1835, and still continues to discharge the duties of his office. M. C. is the author of two works re- cently published, entitled the " Philosophy of Benevolence," and the " Cause and Cure of Dissensions among Chris- tians." For this last-named work Mr. C. has had a pre- mium awarded to him-it being the opinion of the society by whom the premium was offered that it was superior to any other work offered on that subject.
" Notwithstanding the great additions which have been made to this church," it is stated that " its numbers at pres- ent are comparatively small, being about 225; but it must be recollected that another church has been formed of mem- bers from this, besides the many who have emigrated to the West and other places."
This church for several years occupied the frame build- ing in State-street formerly owned by the First Presbyterian Society. But arrangements are made for erecting a spa- cious and handsome edifice, of brick and stone, on North
F.L.LOW
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER. The First Methodist Church, rebuilt after the fire. Corner of Buffalo and Fitzhugh streets. Built of stone.
283
THE CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Fitzhugh-street, between the great Methodist Church and the Brick (or Second Presbyterian) Church. We are thus debarred from the satisfaction of presenting an engraving showing the place in which this society worships.
The officers of the First Baptist Church are John Watts, Oren Sage, and John Jones, Deacons ; E. F. Smith, John Jones, John Watts, Oren Sage, and Charles Smith, Trustees ; H. B. Sherman, Church Clerk.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Rochester was organized on the 20th September, 1820. The first trustees were Frederic Clark, Abelard Reynolds, Elam Smith, Dan Rowe, and Nathaniel Draper. Elisha Johnson and Enos Stone having presented a lot to the society, a committee (consisting of N. Draper, B. Hall, and R. Beach) was ap- pointed to raise money by subscription for building a church. Means were accordingly promptly raised, and on the 4th June, 1821, it was resolved to erect an edifice of brick, 52 by 40 feet, which was done on the west side of South St. Paul's-street, opposite the first frame dwelling ever erected in what is now the City of Rochester. In 1827, an addition of ten feet was made to the west end of the building.
In 1830 it was resolved to make exertions for erecting a new church ; and these exertions were so successful, that the massive and spacious stone edifice, on the corner of Buffalo and Fitzhugh streets, was completed and consecrated in the fall of the following year. This church was soon af- terward destroyed by fire, and liberal contributions were made by the public to enable the society to repair their loss. The renewed structure, of which a view is here presented, is not yet completed in the inside-the congregation meeting for the present in part of the spacious basement. The ex- ternal appearance is improved by the substitution of high Gothic windows for the former style, &c. The engraving represents this edifice correctly. The fire occurred on the 5th of January, 1835, and the loss fell wholly upon the so- ciety, as there was no insurance. " Notwithstanding the kindness extended to the society by the people of Roches- ter and other places," it is remarked, "the loss has fallen most oppressively on that body ;" but the liberality of our citizens is such that they will unquestionably aid the society
284
SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
still farther, so that this edifice, creditable to the city as well as to the society, may be wholly repaired and fully re- occupied on or before the next anniversary of its erection.
The original congregation has been divided into two so- cieties-the one now occupying the new stone church being considered as the First or original Society ; and the other, or Second Society, holding the brick building on St. Paul's- street. The two societies are separate and distinct " sta- tions"-and the clergyman in charge of the First Society is the Rev. Wilbur Hoag -- the last was the Rev. J. Copeland.
SECOND METHODIST CHURCH.
The history of this church is incidentally given in the ac- count of the First Methodist Society.
The edifice is of brick, situate on South St. Paul's-street ; and the pastor is the Rev. John Pope-the late pastor was the Rev. John Parker.
Nearly opposite this church there may be seen one of the two small frame dwellings which existed as early as 1812 within the present limits of the City of Rochester.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
The first Roman Catholic congregation built a stone edi- fice in 1823 on the site of the present enlarged building in Platt-street, near State-street. The present structure is in the Gothic style, and has been erected about 5 years. The engraving presents a correct view of the edifice.
The congregation is large, although another Catholic con- gregation has lately been formed under a German pastor, the Rev. Mr. Prost.
Much attention is paid to the sustenance of a Sabbath- school in the first church, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Bernard O'Reilly. A school is also maintained in the congregation of Mr. Prost, wherein the English as well as the German is taught. The latter congregation meet in the brick church in Ely-street, a few rods from South St. Paul's- street.
There is a society called the " Christian Doctrine Soci- ety" connected with St. Patrick's Church, for aiding in the spread of religious knowledge.
Several clergymen have had charge of St. Patrick's Church since its establishment-the Rev. Mr. M.Namara
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER.
St. Patrick's Church, Roman Catholic-corner of Platt and Fitzhugh streets-built of stone.
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER. Brick Church, or Second Presbyterian-corner of Fitzhugh and Ann streets.
285
THE CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
was the pastor for some time previous to the instalment of the present incumbent.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
This is now known as the Brick Church, from the material of which the edifice is built. 'The appearance of the build- ing, which is located on the corner of Fitzhugh and Ann streets, is exhibited by the accompanying engraving.
This society was organized in November, 1825, consisting of twenty-five members. The Rev. William James was in- stalled as the first pastor in July, 1826, and resigned in the summer of 1830. 'T'he Rev. William Wisner was the second pastor, undertaking the charge in the spring of 1831, and resigning it in the fall of 1835. The Rev. George Beecher, son of the Rev. Lyman Beecher, has lately accepted a call as pastor of the congregation.
'The edifice was erected in 1826, fifty feet wide and sev- enty feet deep.
'The officers of the church are Benjamin Campbell, Or- lando Hastings, John H. Thompson, and David Dickey, Elders ; Phineas B. Cook and Abner Hubbard, Deacons ; and James Seymour, Levi W. Sibley, Hervey Lyon, A. J. Burr, and Lewis Selye, Trustees.
THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
The Rev. Joel Parker commenced preaching to a congre- gation on the east side of the river in Rochester, in Decem- ber, 1826, with a view to the organization of a church. The Third Presbyterian Church was formed from persons attend- ing upon his preaching, February 28, 1827. The number of members at the organization was twenty-two. Mr. Par- ker was ordained and installed pastor in June, 1827, and resigned in June, 1830.
After the resignation of Mr. Parker, the church was without a settled pastor upward of a year. For a portion of the time, however, they enjoyed the labours of the Rev. C. G. Finney.
The Rev. Luke Lyons commenced preaching in June, 1831; was installed pastor in July succeeding, and resigned in March, 1832.
The Rev. C. Wisner commenced preaching in March, 1832 ; was ordained and installed pastor in October, 1832, and resigned in June, 1833.
286
SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
The church was again for a long period destitute of a settled pastor. The building at the corner of Main and Clinton streets, which was erected during the ministration of Mr. Parker, the congregation were compelled, on account of pecuniary embarrassments, to offer for sale; and it was purchased by the Second Baptist Church. After this occur- rence they met in various places, as they could find accom- modation ; and at length, in October, 1834, they obtained a room in the Rochester Seminary.
The Rev. William Mack, the present pastor, commenced preaching in November, 1834, and was ordained and in- stalled pastor on the 6th of February, 1835.
The building now occupied by the church was erected in 1835-6, and was dedicated on the 3d of July, 1836. Its length is seventy-five feet, breadth forty-eight feet. It is built of stone, and is correctly delineated in the accompany- ing engraving.
The elders are Selah Matthews, O. N. Bush, and G. A. Hollister.
The trustees are P. P. Peck, Mitchel Loder, David Sco- ville, E. Weed, B. B. Blossom.
GRACE CHURCH-FORMERLY ST. PAUL'S.
This society was formed in May, 1827, in part from members of the congregation of St. Luke's. The Rev. Sutherland Douglas was called to the rectorship in April, 1828, and resigned in August, 1829. The edifice was con- secrated in August, 1830. In November following, the Rev. Chauncey Colton was called to the rectorship, and resigned in December, 1831. In 1832, the Rev. Burton H. Hickox was called to the pastoral charge ; he resigned in Decem- ber, 1833.
On the 10th of February, 1834, the corporation of St. Paul's Church dissolved itself.
Soon afterward, a corporation under the style of " Grace Church" purchased the edifice of St. Paul's, and commenced public worship under the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Hickox, who was called by this society on resigning the charge of St. Paul's, before the dissolution of the latter society. Mr. H. resigned on the 18th February, 1835 ; and the present rector, the Rev. Orange Clark, was invited to the office on the 20th September, 1835.
The building, which is still commonly called St. Paul's,
-
-
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER. Grace Church, or St. Paul's-in St. Paul's-street-built of stone.
-
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER. The Third Presbyterian Church, in Main-street, between St. Paul and Clinton streets. Built of stone
287
THE CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
is of stone, and in the Gothic style-and is represented by an engraving. The wardens of the church are E. Smith Lee and Jared Newell. The trustees are Philander Tobey, S. G. Andrews, W. W. Mumford, H. Errickson, N. Hotchkiss, and Hiram Leonard.
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This society was instituted in 1831. The first pastor was the Rev. John Fisher, the present incumbent the Rev. C. B. M.Kee. When Mr. M.Kee took charge in 1835, the num- ber of communicants was 27-the number is now increased to 90. There is no Sabbath-school connected with this con- gregation, but the number of young persons attending cate- chetical instruction is 60.
The elders and deacons are John Campbell, Angus M'Leod, and Matthew Darragh.
The trustees are Angus M'Leod, Thos. Gregg, Hugh M'Gowen, David Logan, and Hugh Mulholland.
The church is of brick, about 36 by 40-a neat and plain structure.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This was organized in 1834, with 20 members, now in- creased to 80. The Rev. Wm. A. Fetter is pastor. The trustees are Jacob Mouer, John Spanmire, and Conrad Famer.
A new stone edifice is now being erected for the service of this church, located on the corner of Grove and Tillotson streets, near the residence of Dr. O. E. Gibbs.
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
This society was instituted in 1834, and now occupies the church formerly held by the Third Presbyterian society, corner of Clinton and St. Paul's streets. The first pastor was the Rev. Elon Galusha, who resigned in 1835, and the Rev. Elisha Tucker was called to supply the vacancy. Mr. Tucker is yet in charge of the society.
A good representation of the edifice belonging to this so- ciety is herewith presented. The building is of stone, and situated on the northeast corner of Main and Clinton streets.
288
SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
ZION CHURCH, AFRICAN.
Organized in 1835. Rev. Dempsey Kennedy pastor.
FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
Formed in 1836-the Rev. David Marks pastor. 1
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
This society occupies the edifice on the corner of Court and Stone streets, between St. Paul's-street and Washington Square. The Rev. R. Tomlinson is the preacher. (The building was formerly occupied by the Free Presbyterian Church, of which the Rev. Luke Lyons was pastor.)
SECOND CATHOLIC CHURCH.
This is a congregation chiefly of German Catholics, con- sisting of about 150 families. The society was organized in August, 1836, and occupy the small brick church in Ely- street, near South St. Paul's-street. There are about 50 scholars in a school attached to this church. The pastor is the Rev. Joseph Prost ; the trustees are Bernard Klame, Z. Eichorn, John Weymann, Jacob Ridle, Jacob Twingel- stein, and Frederic Minges.
THE FREE BETHEL CHURCH.
This Presbyterian society was formed in 1836, and a spacious edifice has been built in Washington-street, between Buffalo-street and the Erie Canal. .
The Rev. G. S. Boardman has been settled as pastor, and the trustees are John F. Bush, T. B. Hamilton, P. D. Pater, John Biden, Jr., and B. Bateham.
It is a solid and tasteful structure ; and its appearance, as viewed from Buffalo-street, is exhibited in the accompanying engraving.
FREE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church was organized in November, 1836, with five members ; it has now about seventy communicants.
The Rev. John T. Avery is pastor of this congregation ; John Gorton and Willis Sternes, trustees.
Anderson. ..
RELIGIOUS EDIFICES OF ROCHESTER. The Bethel Free Church, Washington-street, between Buffalo-street and the Erie Canal. Built of stone.
289
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE.
The new edifice designed for this congregation is con- structed of stone. The dimensions are 70 by 55 feet, and the building will probably accommodate an audience of from 700 to 800. It is located on the corner of St. Paul's and Division streets, between Main-street and St. Paul's Church. Not being quite finished, we have not been able to procure a representation of it for this work.
AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH.
This Methodist society was organized in October, 1837, under the charge of the Rev. Wm. Edwards. There are 25 members. The trustees are Austin Steward, Peter Stock- ley, Geo. Washington, David Winer, and Benj. Jointer.
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE.
THE views presented of some of the principal religious edifices show more clearly than could be done by any de- scription, the taste and spirit manifested in those erections by the people of Rochester. The meeting-houses of nine out of the twenty-two congregations are herewith presented. They are built of brick and stone, chiefly of the latter ; and their respective dimensions, with other particulars, are shown in the tabular statement on the next page. It is our aim to present such facts and representations in this case, and in other matters concerning the city, as may enable any ob- server to judge with tolerable accuracy of the existing con- dition of Rochester.
There are now several churches either in progress of erection or about to be commenced. In the former situation, there is one Presbyterian church in St. Paul's-street-anoth- er near the residence of Dr. Gibbs, on Grove-street-both on the east side of the river. The First Baptist Society in- tended to have erected last year a new and beautiful edifice on their lot in Fitzhugh-street-and a Third Episcopal So- ciety contemplate the speedy erection of a new church on their lot at Brown's Square-both on the west side of the river.
But the specimens here given are sufficient to enable the reader to judge of the spirit prevalent in these matters.
25
TABULAR STATEMENTS OF THE CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS OF ROCHESTER, Prepared by the Rev. Tryon Edwards, in connexion with his published Discourse on the " Reasons for Thankfulness."
Condition of the churches in January, 1837.
When Organized.
No. of Communi-
On Profession.
By Certificate.
Total Added.
Names of Clergymen in 1838.
7 External area in
square feet.
Area of Audience
Room in square ft.
Pew Room in run-
ning feet.
First Presbyterian,
11815| 512 58| 26
84| Rev. Tryon Edwards,
7056
3840
1515
St. Luke's (Episcopal), Friends,
1817
374
82
8
90 |Rev. H. J. Whitehouse, D.D.
5406
4157
1494
No Preacher,
960
397
291
First Baptist,
1818
225
48
40
88|Rev. Pharcellus Church,
2139
1830
496
First Methodist Episcopal,
1820
376
98
73
171 Rev. Wilbur Hoag,
8320
6158
2325
St. Patrick's (Roman Catholic),
1820
Rev. Bernard O'Reilly,
4675
3850
1221
Third Presbyterian,
1827
230
15
36
51 |Rev. William Mack, .
3600
2704
842
Orthodox Friends,
1828
No Preacher,
684
680
198
Reformed Presbyterian,
1831
75
32
12
44 Rev. Charles B. McKee,
1419
1295
381
Free Presbyterian,
1832
250
65
20
85 No settled Minister,
House to be built.
Grace, formerly St. Paul's (Episcopal),
1833
120
5
19
24 Rev. Orange Clark, .
6000
4788
867
Brick, formerly Second (Presbyterian),
1833
551 103
24
127|Rev. George Beecher, ·
4680
3442
1232
Second Baptist,
1834
221
47
54
101 Rev. Elisha Tucker, .
4350
3306
1234
Zion Church (African),
1835
43
4
1
5 Rev. Dempsey Kennedy,
1000
912
268
German Evangelical Lutheran,
1835
80
12
12 Rev. William A. Fetter,
2016
1419
410
German Roman Catholic, .
1836
Rev. Joseph Prost,
1530
1359
361
Second Methodist Episcopal,
1836
401|102
77
179 Rev. John Pope,
2520
1555
742
Free Will Baptist
1836
34
4
11
15|Rev. David Marks,
House to be built.
Bethel Free (Presbyterian),
1836
43
Rev. G. S. Boardman,
5500
3876
1197
Free Congregational,
1836
5
Rev. John T. Avery,
2352
2187
625
Total,
3540 675 401 1076
Total
60,106 48,255 15,853
290
SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
[Universalist and African M. E. Church,
1837]
. See previous pages. ]
.
1817
·
Add's from Jan. 1, IS36, to Dec. 1. 1836.
cants.
291
SABBATH-SCHIOOLS.
SABBATH-SCHOOLS. - The first Sabbath-school in Ro- chester was commenced in the summer of 1818, with 30 pupils. In 1819 there were 120, and in 1820 100 pupils. In neither of these years had the schools any superintendent. In 1823 " the schools were distributed to five or six different places, without, however, any sectarian division." In 1825, the Monthly Concert of Prayer for Sabbath-schools was first observed. Before 1826 all the schools had been discon- tinued during the winter ; from this date, however, the Pres- byterian schools began to be continued through the entire year. At this time there were 3 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist school. The state of the Sab- bath-schools in the city in 1836 may be seen from this table .* (Further remarks elsewhere on Sabbath-schoools.)
Teachers.
Pupils.
Vols, in
Library.
First Presbyterian,
66
273
460
Brick Presbyterian, .
64
269
267
Third Presbyterian,
35
193
275
Free Presbyterian,
39
254
250
Bethel Free Presbyterian,
26
125
100
St. Luke's (Episcopal),
42
178
230
Grace (Episcopal),
8
65
200
First Baptist,
38
173
225
Second Baptist,
30
165
300
First Methodist,
26
166
250
Second Methodist,
28
175
259
Free Congregational,
34
161
135
St. Patrick's (Roman Catholic),
60
300
250
Zion Church (African),
20
70
20
Frankfort (Episcopal), .
7
45
00
Cornhill (Presbyterian),
21
76
75
Carthage (Presbyterian),
8
65
00
Sandhill (Presbyterian),
8
45
35
White Schoolhouse (Presbyterian), .
10
70
00
Brick Schoolhouse (Presbyterian),
23
110
00
Total,
593 2978 3331
* The numbers here given are the largest numbers connected with each school at any one time within the year 1836. The school of the Bethel Free Presbyterian Church was formed in the latter part of the year, and is, in part, a colony from that of the First Presbyterian Church. The highest monthly average of actual attendance in the Protestant schools in 1836 was 508 teachers and 2554 pupils. One or two of the last-mentioned schools are open only a part of the year.
ASSOCIATIONS OF ROCHESTER.
The facts which we have presented respecting the reli- gious institutions, gratifying as those facts are, acquire ad- ditional interest when presented in connexion with statements showing that the feeling thus exhibited has been carried by a considerable portion of our citizens through all the relations of social life. It is not in church-building merely that that spirit is manifested which may justify us in saying that few cities of its size have anywhere or at any time, in such brief space, rendered themselves equally remarkable for religious and benevolent enterprises.
Desirous of tracing to its earliest manifestations that spirit which has happily distinguished the brief career of Rochester, and anxious that those whose philanthropic exertions have contributed to good results should have the privilege of sta- ting the facts as they best know them, we called for in- formation upon one whose connexion with all philanthropic enterprises is well known among a wide circle of acquaint- ance, notwithstanding his reluctance to have himself named more than can be avoided in connexion with them. While we appreciate the feeling which placed the injunction upon us, we cannot but regret that we are debarred the satisfaction of printing his name in connexion with the information con- tained in the following letter :
" Philanthropic Institutions of Rochester.
"Mr. O'Reilly : Dear Sir .- Agreeably to your request, I proceed to give you a brief sketch of some of the moral and religious efforts which have either originated here, or have been greatly promoted by the citizens of Rochester.
" Dissemination of the Bible.
" The Monroe County Bible Society was formed in Roch- ester on the 30th March, 1821. Levi Ward, Jr., was its first president. The operations were comparatively limited till 1825, when the first attempt ever made to supply any con-
293
THE CAUSE OF SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
siderable district or territory with the Bible was made in this county by this society. The project was brought for- ward at a little meeting of friends of the cause at the Eagle Tavern, and immediately carried into execution, through the instrumentality of Josiah Bissell, Jr., acting as the agent of the society. In so doing, the county was first explored by sub-agents in the different towns ; the number of destitute families ascertained, and Bibles at once sold to all who would buy, and given to all who were either unable or unwilling to purchase. A similar survey was made, and the destitute supplied in 1828. The example was speedily followed else- where. How great the good already accomplished in the supply of towns, counties, states, and nations ; and in the efforts now made to supply the world within a given period with this only cure for its moral evils ; this only lamp which lights up the grave, or which can inspire hope or banish gloom from futurity ! Here in Rochester originated an en- terprise which can only be estimated in eternity and by the light which the judgment-day shall shed upon the affairs of men.
" The Cause of Sabbath-schools.
" A Sabbath-school was first organized in Rochester in the summer of 1818. It was held in the old schoolhouse near St. Luke's church, consisted of about thirty scholars, and was under the direction of Messrs. Peck, Scofield, and others. It lasted but a few weeks, and was discontinued on the approach of cold weather. It was revived and continued through a part of each of the years 1819, 1820, and 1821, under different teachers, with no great change or improve- ment but the increase of numbers, which, at the latter pe- riod, amounted to about 120. In 1822, two or three schools were held at different places ; and in 1823, during a visit from that apostle of Sabbath-schools, the Rev. Thaddeus Osgood, a new interest was awakened ; a union was formed among those who were interested in the cause, and schools to the number of five or six were established in different parts of Rochester. As these schools were formed indis- criminately from all denominations, so fearful were the friends of union that something sectarian would be either said or taught, that they were excluded from at least one of the churches, and even prayer at the opening of some of the schools was discontinued ; the objects of the Sabbath-school being supposed by some to consist solely in teaching the
25*
294
SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
ignorant how to read, and committing to memory (on the part of those who were able) large portions of Scripture. Things continued much as above through 1824. But in 1825 the 'union' was abandoned; the schools became more sectarian in their character, and were connected with, or more particularly under the care of, members of different congregations or churches. Increasing interest was felt on the part of teachers and others; and one of the schools (Presbyterian) lived through the winter of 1825-6. It was in 1826 that the
" Monroe Sunday-school Union
Was formed, and the Monthly Concert of Prayer for Sab- bath-schools, on the second Monday evening of each month, began to be observed.
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