532 Wyoming Conference

 

 

CHAPTER XII

CHENANGO DISTRICT

 

Castle Creek, N. Y.

 

The territory of this charge was taken from Broome Circuit in

1855. In 1849 the Broome Circuit comprised Kattelville, Che-

nango Forks, Barker, Castle Creek, Frenches, or South Castle

Creek (now Glenwood), and Chestnut Ridge.

 

We are unable to state when the first class was formed at Castle

Creek, but think it was about 1825. The class met for incorpora-

tion on August 30, 1847, Rev. T. D. Wire and Samuel Hawks

presiding. Enos Puffer, Edson Blair, Isaac Livermore, Isaac

Bowen, Lorenzo Brooks, and Samuel Hawks were elected trustees.

Soon after incorporation the society bought one half interest in

the Presbyterian church for $312. Within a year a lot was pur-

chased of William West for $100, and a parsonage built on it.

 

In 1867 the Methodists, wishing to rebuild, asked the few re-

maining Presbyterians to put a price on their half of the church.

They replied: "What we have given to the Lord we will not take

back. Go on and do what you like." The old church was torn

down and a new one built, which was dedicated on Wednesday,

July 15, 1868, Rev. B. I. Ives preaching in the morning from

Heb. ix, 22, and Rev. R. S. Arndt, of Hudson City, N. J., in the

evening. The building is 36x60, with a lecture room of 27 feet in

the rear, and cost $5,882, $3,575 of which was raised on the day

of dedication.

 

In 1894 the first parsonage was sold and moved of? the lot, and

a modern house erected costing $1,000.

 

Stone walks have recently been laid in front of both church and

parsonage. The grounds of both are nicely shaded by maple

trees.

 

Before using the Presbyterian church the society held prayer

services in the homes of the neighborhood, and it is claimed that

one summer a newly built pigpen was used for this purpose.

 

The Sunday school has been continuously at work since 1830.

 

While most pastors have seen accessions to the church, great

revivals were enjoyed in 1854 and in the years 1873-76.

 

Adams Street. Methodism began its work here in 1825. In

that year a class of five members was organized, the members


 

 

Castle Creek, N. Y. 533

 

living in Hyde Settlement and Adams Street. John Stoughton

was the leader of this class, and Mrs. Sarah Guernsey, Mrs. Sarah

Shaffer, Stephen Foote, and Pamelia Gaylord were members.

John Stoughton's wife was a Presbyterian, but afterward joined

the class. Fanny Beach, Sally Twiss, Maria Twiss, Asa Lyon,

and Amos Adams and wife, all of Adams Street, afterward joined

the class. Soon after the dedication of the Hyde Street church, in

1843, a great revival swept this section of the charge, in which

Lyman Lyon, Peter Knapp, Eunice Knapp, Lodica Knapp, Fanny

Stoughton, John M. Beach, Henry Beach, and Frances Beach, all

 

        CASTLE CREEK CHURCH [photo]

 

of Adams Street, were converted. John Stoughton continued

leader of this class until 1864, when A. W. Beach was appointed,

who is still serving.

 

During several years prior to 1864 regular preaching services

were held at Hyde Street church. During the excitement of the

civil war Hyde Street failed to meet its apportionment of the

pastor's salary. One half the Sabbath preaching was conse-

quently transferred to the Adams Street schoolhouse. About 1870

the class met at the schoolhouse and became incorporated, with

Joseph P. Adams, Harvey King, Enos Page, Abel W. Beach, and

John M. Beach trustees. The site for the church was donated by


 

 

534 Wyoming Conference

 

Asa K. Adams in 1871. The church, costing $2,000, was dedicated

in October, 1872, at which time no collection was taken, all the

funds having been raised before. The sheds were built the follow-

ing year. The church was thoroughly repaired in 1895.

A memorable revival occurred here in 1870.

 

Hydeville. By reference to Adams Street, the beginnings of

Methodism here will be found. In 1842 it was decided to build a

church in the settlement which could get the most subscribed

for that purpose. The strife was sharp between Adams Street

and this point. Hyde Settlement won. A meeting was held on

February 14, 1842, in the schoolhouse at Hyde Settlement, at

which John Stoughton presided, Stephen Foote was vice presi-

dent, and Charles Gaylord secretary. The society became incor-

porated with the title of "First Methodist Episcopal Society of

Barker," and elected David Miller, Charles Gaylord, Chauncey

Hyde, Abner Dunham, and Stephen Foote trustees. A building

lot was purchased of John Hyde seven rods long and six wide.

In the winter of 1843 *he church was dedicated. In September,

1858, a strip of land six rods long and twelve feet wide was

purchased of Stephen Foote for $1.80, upon which sheds were

erected.

 

The dedication was followed by a gracious revival, and the years

1856, 1860, and 1873 were seasons of more than ordinary revival

effort.

 

Glen Castle was a part of this charge until the formation of

Chenango Bridge charge in 1893, when it became a part of that

charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1855-56, William Silsbee; 1857-58, A. C. Sperry; 1859-60,

William Round; 1861, G. A. Severson; 1862-63, C. E. Taylor;

1864-65, E. Sibley; 1866-67, W. B. Thomas; 1868-70, A. W.

Loomis; 1871-72, N. S. De Witt; 1873-75, C. V. Arnold; 1876-77,

T. Burgess; 1878-80, G. A. Place; 1881-83, D. Personeus; 1884-

86, W. R. Cochrane; 1887-89, T. R. Warnock; 1890, N. S. Rey-

nolds; 1891-92, C. H. Newing; 1893-94, H. G. Blair; 1895-98,

C. M. Olmstead; 1899-1900, C. D. Shepard; 1901-02, S. E. Hunt;

1903, S. L. Whiteman.

 

 

Chenango Bridge, N. Y.

 

Christian work began here by the organizing of a union Sunday

school. In 1850 the Sunday school came into the control of the

Methodists. Preaching was sustained by the Methodists in the


 

 

Chenango Bridge, N. Y. 535

 

schoolhouse where the Sunday school was held. The preaching

services were somewhat sporadic, but the Sunday school con-

tinuously worked. From 1846 to 1884 several different classes

were organized by different pastors. In 1884 a skating rink was

changed into a hall, when it became the place of Sunday school

and preaching services, and continued for ten years. On January

10, 1888, at the close of a revival, started by the Salvation Army

and continued by Rev. I. B. Wilson, of Chenango Forks, a Chris-

tian Endeavor Society was organized for the purpose of husband-

ing the fruits of the revival, in which there were forty conversions.

Twenty joined at the first meeting, and soon the society num-

bered seventy-five, having gathered active Christians, young and

old, up and down the valley. The Sunday school became a union

one again, and the preaching services were union services, em-

ploying men of various denominations to preach.

 

In the spring of 1893 the presiding elder of Chenango District,

after looking the field over, proposed the forming of a charge,

with Chenango Bridge as the center and Glen Castle and Ogden

as outlying appointments. The idea met with favor, and the

Conference of 1893 formed the charge. A student from Cazenovia

Seminary, W. B. Armington, was sent to the charge, but soon

found the work too heavy and resigned, when F. D. Walter, a

student in Syracuse University, was appointed in June. On

March 10, 1894, the society became incorporated with Newton F.

Everett, Fred G. Miles, Eugene Macomber, Fred M. Harding,

Elias Beckwith, and Jewell Hall as trustees. The society pur-

chased the hall of Mr. E. M. Harding, and a strip of land, sixteen

feet wide adjoining, of Mr. Jerrell Hall. The hall was remodeled

into the present commodious church, the enterprise costing $2,600.

The church was dedicated on November 2, 1894, Rev. J. R. Day,

D.D., preaching at 10:30 from John ix, 25, and Dr. Taylor, of

Binghamton, at 2 p. m. Four hundred dollars was raised on

this day to liquidate the indebtedness.

 

The parsonage was bought in 1901. It is valued at $800, and

is beside the church at Chenango Bridge.

 

During the years 1895-98 Glen Castle was not with this charge,

being with Castle Creek, but Port Crane was taken on for two

years.

 

In the holiday season of 1893-94 a gracious revival resulted in

the conversion of fifty persons.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society furnished the carpet and lamps for

the audience room, and gave liberally toward the erection of the

church.


 

 

536 Wyoming Conference

 

Ogden is two miles south of Chenango Bridge. Prior to be-

coming a part of Chenango Bridge charge it was supplied with

preaching from Chenango Street church, and prior to going into

the church the schoolhouse was used for services.

 

The site for the church is a gift from Mr. J. D. Ogden. The

church was dedicated on December 30, 1897. The presiding elder,

Rev. H. C. McDermott, preached in the morning from Matt, v, 13,

and Rev. M. S. Hard, D.D., preached in the afternoon from Isa.

xxxv, 8-10. The building is a gem, the audience and lecture

room seating one hundred and sixty. The basement contains a

prayer room, kitchen, and furnace room. The windows are

memorial windows. The building cost $2,600, $428 of which

was raised on day of dedication.

 

Glen Castle. The first church at this place was built in 1833,

upon land donated by Tyrus Page, and was the first church

erected between Binghamton and Whitney's Point. It was

located about one mile and a quarter north of the present

structure, on the road leading from Glen Castle to Castle Creek.

In its erection people gave materials, labor, and cash. The society

became incorporated on October 18, 1832, at a meeting over

which Rev. Silvius Stocking and Dennis Hall presided, and Orin

Seward, Dennis Hall, Seth Seward, Tyrus Page, and John Lisk

were elected trustees. The corporate name of the society is "The

Methodist Episcopal Society in the Town of Chenango." In 1850

this building was torn down and removed to the present site, at a

cost of $350, the site being donated by Thomas French. No

services had been held at this place during the nine months prior

to the spring of 1888. By direction of the Quarterly Conference

work was resumed here in 1888. The old church was not worth

repairing, and was sold and moved away. The present church

cost, with its furnishings, about $2,000, $300 of which was

raised on the day of dedication. The Ladies' Aid Society pur-

chased the carpet, cushions, and pulpit furniture. Besides con-

tributing largely in cash, I. H. Page, Horace Treadwell, A. H.

Place, and Joseph Hitchcock gave nearly their entire summer's

work to the building of the church without remuneration. The

church was dedicated on Thursday, October 2, 1889, Rev. J. C.

Leacock preaching at 2 p. m., and Rev. A. J. Van Cleft in the

evening.

 

Glen Castle formed a part of the Castle Creek charge for

many years, until the formation of the Chenango Bridge

charge in 1893.


 

 

Chenango Forks, N. Y. 537

 

Pastorates

 

1893-94, W. B. Armington, F. D. Walter; 1895-98, W. A.

Wagner; 1899, F. N. Smith; 1900-02, L. D. Palmer; 1903, A. O.

Austin.

 

 

Chenango Forks, N. Y.

 

Chenango Forks is located in three towns, Barker, Chenango,

and Greene, and is at the forks of the Chenango and Tioughnioga

Rivers. Nothing is known about the beginnings of Methodism

here, but a class existed here in 1833. We have the record of an

incorporation which took place on March 20, 1854. Nicholas

Lewis and George A. Tuttle acted as judges at the meeting, and

Nicholas Lewis, William Jackson, and George A. Tuttle were

elected trustees. The society took the corporate name of "The

First Methodist Episcopal Church at Chenango Forks." Nothing

appears as the result of this incorporation. On February 17,

1863, a meeting was held in the schoolhouse, at which Nicholas

Lewis presided and Samuel Lee was clerk.' Stephen Palmer,

Parlay Blair, Erastus T. Wilson, Hiram King, and Samuel Lee

were elected trustees. At a meeting held on February 28, 1863,

at which Rev. W. P. Abbott presided and Samuel Lee was clerk,

the society resolved to purchase a site and build a house of wor-

ship. The church will seat two hundred and fifty people, and was

erected in 1863, at a cost of $2,500. The church was thoroughly

repaired in 1880.

 

The parsonage was purchased in 1890 at a cost of $500.

 

Kattelville gets its name from a family of early settlers. The

society was formed at an early date. It was incorporated on

November 27, 1849, with William Hall, Lewis Lewis, and

William A. Lee as trustees. At the meeting for incorporation

Elias Kattel, Martin Palmer, Lonson Post, George D. Robertson,

and Samuel Lee were appointed a committee to secure a site for

a church. The building was erected in 1850, at a cost of $1,500,

and was dedicated on January 16, 1851, by the presiding elder,

Rev. Fitch Reed. The society was again incorporated on June

21, 1859, with Calvin Shepard, Lewis Lewis, and Cornelius Teal

as trustees, taking the corporate name of "Kattelville First Meth-

odist Episcopal Church."

 

Pastorates

 

This territory was with Broome Circuit until 1866, when the

Chenango charge was formed, and its name was changed to

Chenango Forks in 1873. However, from 1855-57 Chenango


 

 

538 Wyoming Conference

 

Forks appears in the Minutes — 1855-56, Z. Paddock; 1857, J. M.

Grimes.

 

1866, P. S. Worden; 1867, S. Elwell; 1868, Z. Paddock; 1869,

E. W. Breckinridge; 1870-71, E. Puffer; 1872-73, C. E. Taylor;

1874, J. D. Woodruff; 1875-77, G. A. Place; 1878-79, D. Per-

soneus; 1880, H. R. Clarke; 1881-82, A. C. Sperry; 1883-84,

F. A. Dony; 1885, M. A. Dunham; 1886-87, I. B. Wilson; 1888-

89, S. Homan; 1890-94, L. Jennison; 1895, F. J. Jones; 1896,

J. W. Davis; 1897, L. D. Palmer; 1898, J. F. Jones; 1899, S. H.

Wood; 1900-02, E. N. Sabin; 1903, W. L. Linnaberry.

 

 

Choconut Center, N. Y.

 

For some years this charge bore the name of Broome, the name

being changed to Choconut Center in 1883. This territory was in

the Broome Circuit in early days, however. Choconut Center

was with the Vestal Circuit a few years, from 1845 to 1852, and

perhaps longer. In those days the society worshiped in the old

Baptist church. A meeting for incorporation was held in the

schoolhouse on November 18, 1852, and Enoch Barnum, Joshua

Rozelle, and Roger W. Hinds were elected trustees. The cor-

porate name of the society is "The First Methodist Episcopal

Church and Society of Choconut Creek, in the Town of Union."

The church was built in 1855-56, and dedicated on February 13,

1856, at 10:30 A. M., Dr. George Peck officiating. After thorough

repairing it was reopened on Sunday, August 12, 1877, at 2 p. m.

 

The parsonage was built in the winter and spring of 1869.

 

Abbott Church is four miles northwest of Choconut Center,

and is in the town of Maine, on Dimmick Hill. For many years

it was on Broome Circuit. In 1868 the class had forty members.

The church was built in 1868, at a cost of $2,200, and was dedi-

cated on January 7, 1869, by Rev. D. W. Bristol. On the day of

dedication $1,100 was raised. It is called the Abbott Church be-

cause Rev. William Penn Abbott did his first work as a preacher

on that charge.

 

Pastorates

 

We will begin with 1858. For pastorates prior to this see

Broome Circuit. 1858, William Silsbee; 1859-60, S. E. WaK

worth; 1861, L. Pitts; 1862-63, W. P. Abbott; 1864, P. S.

Worden, F. L. Hiller; 1865, P. S. Worden; 1866-67, G. W.

Leach; 1868, Semi W. Lindsley; 1869-70, L. Pitts; 1871-72, E.

Sibley; 1873, S. W. Spencer; 1874, S. F. Ketcham; 1875-76, A.

Brigham; 1877-78, Cornelius Sweet; 1879-81, W. B. Thomas;


 

 

Coventry, N. Y. 539

 

1882-83, B. B. Carruth; 1884-85, A. F. Harding; 1886-87, C. W.

Babcock; 1888-89, M. D. Matoon; 1890, George Pope; 1891-95,

Charles Smith; 1896, M. L. Andariese; 1897-99, E. P. Eldridge;

1900-01, S. H. Flory; 1902-03, C. H. Seward.

 

 

Coventry, N. Y.

 

Methodism began in this section at an early date. A meeting

was held on April 20, 1819, in the schoolhouse in district No. 6,

at which William Burdge and Joseph B. Young presided. Philo

Clemmons, Ransom Adkins, Samuel I. Thomas, Whiting Cornish,

and William M. Thomas were elected trustees. The corporate

name of this society was "The First Methodist Episcopal Society

in Coventry, called Union."

 

"The West Coventry Society of the Methodist Episcopal

Church" was formed in 1829, and seems to have been a reorgani-

zation of the above society, as it was organized at the same place

and with about the same officials.

 

In 1829 Oliver Badger and wife sold a lot to the society for

$5 and a church was built upon it. This was about three miles

south of Coventry, and was used by the society a good many

years. It has since been taken down.

 

On March 4, 1853, "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of

Coventry" was incorporated, with Daniel Nivens, William H.

Beardsley, Daniel Hayes, H. S. Beardsley, and Hiram P. Chase

as trustees. On March 14, 1853, the present church lot was sold

to the society by Luman Miles and wife Nancy for $1. The

church was dedicated on Wednesday, January 4, 1854, at 11

A. M. The building was repaired in 1888, and again in 1895. A

strip of land twenty feet wide was bought of Luman Miles in

July, 1862, for $30.

 

The parsonage was bought of John W. Tread way and wife

Rosetta on March 21, 1864, for $500. In 1895 it was thoroughly

repaired.

 

On May 8, 1890, Mr. Horace S. Beardsley gave the society his

farm, valued at about $2,500, as an endowment, the interest of

which is to be used for church work. The farm has since been

sold by the society.

 

Pastorates

 

1849-50, E. D. Thurston; 1851, L. D. Brigham; 1852, H. Gee;

1853, supply; 1854, W. Peck; 1855-56, M. S. Wells; 1857,

Elnathan Orwin; 1858, S. G. Greene; 1859-60, T. M. Williams;

1861-63, supply; 1864-65, L. Bowdish; 1866-67, Homer R.


 

 

540 Wyoming Conference

 

Northrup; 1868-70, D. Bullock; 1871-72, David Davies; 1873,

G. E. Hathaway; 1874-75, T. C. Roskelly; 1876-77, L. A. Wild;

1878-79, W. Burnside; 1880, A. E. Loomis; 1881-82, S. Stephens;

1883-84, J. L. Wells; 1885-87, S. H. Wood; 1888-92, A. E.

Thurston; 1893-94, L. D. Palmer; 1895-96, D. L. Meeker; 1897,

J. J. Henry; 1898-1900, W. H. Horton; 1901-03, D. W. Swetland.

 

 

Edmeston, N. Y.

 

The Methodist society in Edmeston is the oldest church in the

place, having been organized as early as 1838. When the village

consisted of only a few houses on the hill the society was formed,

and, having no church, worshiped in the schoolhouse. The old

stewards' book shows that over fifty years ago Edmeston Circuit

included King's Settlement, Edmeston, South New BerHn, Gar-

rattsville, and New Berlin, and in later years Pittsfield, Gross

Hill, and Brick Schoolhouse formed a part of the charge. The

charge was formed in 1845, in which year the church was built

on the hill near the horse sheds. The land was given to the society

by Sidney W. Hopkins, who deeded it on December 7, 1844, to

the following trustees: Stephen Colegrove, Nathaniel Coonrod,

William B. Adams, Peter Parker, and B. Mitchell. In the sum-

mer before the church was finished a quarterly meeting was held

in the building. The building is 34x36 feet, and cost $1,200.

Seven hundred dollars had been raised prior to dedication, and

$215 was raised on that day. The church was dedicated on

October 1, 1845. Rev. L. A. Eddy preached in the morning, from

Psa. cxviii, 25, and Rev. W. N. Pearne in the evening, from Psa.

cxxxiii. In January and February, 1846, a revival resulted in

the conversion of seventy persons.

 

The first trustees were Edwin Wheeler, Nathaniel Wheeler,

Stephen Colgrove, Nathan Colgrove, and William Adams.

 

In 1871 the church was repaired at a cost of $1,000, and was

reopened on Wednesday, December 13, 1871, Rev. Henry

Wheeler preaching in the morning and Rev. W. N. Cobb in the

evening. In 1884-85 the church was again renovated. It was

moved from its old site to a lot on Main Street, beside the

parsonage, twelve feet added to the front, with bell tower and

spire, new windows, new walls tastefully papered, new pews and

cushions, new carpets, stoves, and lamps — the whole costing

$2,300. All of this amount had been raised prior to the dedica-

tion except $500, which was then raised. The church was dedi-

cated on March 26, 1885, Rev. O. H. McAnulty preaching in the


 

 

Edmeston, N. Y. S41

 

morning and Rev. W. L. Thorpe in the evening. The church was

repapered in 1899, and in 1901 the building was painted and an

acetylene gas machine installed at a cost of $225. Mrs. H. E.

Cobb gave the church its pulpit Bible in 1871.

 

A parsonage property was bought of Elisha Butler and wife

Sally, on May 1, 1860, for $600. Jerred Smith, A. W. Suther-

land, Savory Wing, James Bean, and Edwin Wheeler being the

trustees at the time. This property was sold in 1893 to Eri

Chase, and a new parsonage built costing $1,200.

 

This church has given the following preachers to the ministry:

Vincent Talbot, Joseph Southworth, Andrew Colgrove, Delos

Cronk, and Henry Wheeler. Miss Marietta Manchester went

from this church as a missionary to China, and was killed in 1900

by the Boxers.

 

West Burlington. In 1898 Burlington Flats, which had been

with Edmeston a number of years, was set off. Whereupon Mr.

Caleb Clark bought the old Baptist church at West Burlington

for $300, and presented it to the Methodists in 1899. It is three

miles north of Edmeston. In 1900 Mr. Clark built some sheds

for the society at an expense of $75, and in 1901 the church was

painted at a cost of $50. Charles Bennington and wife gave the

church its pulpit Bible in 1900. The society became incorporated

as "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of West Burlington,

N. Y.," on March 23, 1903, with Charles Bennington, Caleb

Clark, J. P. Austin, A. D. Hood, William Lines, and L. K. Angel

trustees.

 

Pastorates

 

1845, R- Cook; 1846-47, D. T. Elliott; 1848-50, _____; 1851,

 

with Exeter; 1852, W. Burnside; 1853, S. S. Weber; 1854, B. B.

Carruth; 1855-56, O. Ellerson; 1857, A. S. Southworth; 1858-59,

W. Burnside; 1860-61, J. Davis; 1862-63, J. W. Mevis; 1864,

J. W. Rawlingson; 1865-66, S. H. Hill; 1867-68, William R.

Lynch; 1869-71, W. M. Hiller; 1872-73, A. S. Clark; 1874-75,

H. H. Dresser; 1876, S. Homan; 1877-78, H. B. Cook; 1879-81,

J. H. Boyce; 1882, J. B. Santee; 1883, Cornelius Sweet; 1884-85,

C. W. Babcock; 1886-87, A. F. Harding; 1888-90, S. H. Wood;

1891-93, Thomas Eva; 1894-95, F. D. Hartsock; 1896-99, R. W.

Lowry; 1900-02, J. W. Davis; 1903, A. R. Burke.

 

 

Garrattsville, N. Y.

 

The beginnings of Methodism here are unknown. It is claimed

that the first class was formed in 1839 by Rev. M. French. If so,


 

 

542 Wyoming Conference

 

this section was with Exeter at that time. Subsequently it became

a part of Edmeston Circuit, and as early as 1845, where it con-

tinued until it became a Conference appointment in 1874. Among

the first members were Daniel Harrington, C. Gross, J. Gross, A.

Gross, and Lyman Briggs. The first officers of the society were

H. House, B. D. Whitford, D. Harrington, C. Gross, J. R. Wing,

S. Wing, and J. Gross. On April 1, 1840, D. M. Hard and Joseph

Peck deeded the society two acres of land for $150. The trustees

at this time were Horace House, Jabez Gross, Croswell Gross,

Stephen Wing, Berthier D. Whitford, Daniel Harrington, and

Joseph Wing. On October 18, 1849, the society sold a part of

this lot to the town for school purposes, for $25.

 

The church was built in 1840, at a cost of $1,050. The dedica-

tory services were held on January 5, 1841, and were conducted

by Rev. N. Rounds, the presiding elder. In 1869, at an expense

of $2,160, the building was renovated, inside and outside — new

windows, blinds, steeple, bell, pews, etc. It was rededicated on

January 5, 1870. Rev. B. I. Ives preached in the morning, from

"Ye are the light of the world," and Rev. S. P. Gray, of Weeds-

port, preached in the evening, from "He that winneth souls is

wise." The dedicatory service was conducted by Rev. W. N.

Cobb. During the day $2,510 was raised.

 

The parsonage was built in 1875, at a cost of $1,200.

 

The society became incorporated as "The Methodist Episcopal

Church of Garrattsville, N. Y.," on February 25, 1890, with Ed-

ward A. Hoag, Albert H. Lewis, James R. Stanhouse, Charles

Coats, and Robert Bennington trustees. Robert Bennington was

a class leader here over thirty years. E. S. Hoag was trustee,

class leader, and recording steward many years.

 

The Brick is a schoolhouse two miles northeast of Garrattsville.

Services have been held here by the Garrattsville preachers for

some years, and a Sunday school is well sustained. Robert Free-

man was an efficient steward and leader here many years. Chloe

Aylsworth has been a lifelong member, and has successfully filled

the positions of steward and Sunday school superintendent.

 

Pastorates

 

1874-75, A. G. Bartholomew; 1876-77, H. A. Blanchard; 1878-

80, B. P. Ripley; 1881-82, J. D. Belknap; 1883-84, J. H. Tavlor;

1885-87, E. H. Truesdell; 1888-89, A. S. Holland; 1890-92, M. D.

Matoon; 1893, A. E. Thurston; 1894-96, J. J. Henry; 1897-98,

D. B. Wilson; 1899-1902, B. N. Butts; 1903, J. H. Watrous.


 

Gilbertsville, N. Y. 543

 

 

GILBERTSVILLE, N. Y.

 

Methodism early took root in this place, though the exact date

is unknown. As early as 1815 a class existed on Gregory Hill,

about two and a half miles from the village of Gilbertsville, with

a Mr. Wild as leader. In 1831 a camp meeting was held in

Norton's Grove, a little over two miles from the village. Gilberts-

ville class was formed on March 24, 1831, by Rev. William Bow-

dish, one of the preachers on Chenango Circuit. Among the first

members were Walter Bedient and wife, Joseph Cunningham and

wife, Nancy Kinne, James Gadsby and wife, James Bedient, Caleb

Chapin, and Fisk Burlingame. At this time services were held

in the schoolhouse and in the shop of Joseph Cunningham. The

first trustees were Walter Bedient, Joseph Cunningham, Francis

Walker, Cyrenus Woodworth, William Tucker, Humphrey Hollis,

and Fisk Burlingame. At a meeting held on March 14, 1836, at

which Rev. A. E. Daniels and Humphrey Hollis presided, the

society became incorporated as "The Wesleyan Chapel of the

Methodist Episcopal Church in Butternuts," and Solon P. Hubbel,

Caleb S. Chapin, James Gadsby, Ruel Chapin, Billy Shaw, Hiram

Hubbel, and Samuel C. Smith were elected trustees.

 

On November 28, 1831, Mr. Thomas Strongtham presented to

the society the site upon which the church stands. A subscription

for the building of the church was circulated by Joseph Cunning-

ham. Soon after this the Quarterly Conference appointed Walter

Bedient, Cyrenus Woodworth, and Joseph Cunningham a com-

mittee to further the project and aid in getting- subscriptions. On

July 4, 1832, the frame was raised, and on December 29 following

the church, which was 40x50 feet and called "Wesleyan Chapel,"

was dedicated. Rev. Andrew Peck preaching from Isa. ii, 3. In

1862 the church was rebuilt, twelve feet being added to its length

and a steeple built. The society became incorporated on March

14, 1836.

 

The Sabbath school was organized on May 5, 1833, and has

been active ever since.

 

On April 1, 1838, a Female Missionary Society was formed,

auxiliary to the parent society.

 

This place was on the Chenango Circuit until it became an

appointment in 1848. It went under the name of Gilbertsville

until 1851, when the name was changed to Butternuts, which

name it retained until 1877, when the name of Gilbertsville was

restored.

 

On August 25, 1856, in consideration of $800, Elihu B. Cor-


 

 

544 Wyoming Conference

 

nell and wife Philome deeded the society a property containing

one half acre, which was used as a parsonage until 1898, when it

was exchanged for the present property, at a cost of $1,000.

 

In the early winter of 1857 a most remarkable revival was held

in this church, continuing eleven weeks, in which between two

and three hundred were converted. A deep solemnity rested on

the community. Business was almost suspended. A writer de-

scribing it says: "I think I never saw deeper feeling on the part

of both saints and sinners, deeper conviction of sin, and more in-

tense earnestness in seeking religion than during these meetings."

A watch-night service was held, and the Lord's Supper observed,

in which all of the different denominations joined.

 

Pastorates

 

1848-49, Lewis Anderson; 1850-51, Justus Soule; 1852, J. M.

Searles; 1853-54, J. H. Hall; 1855-56, D. C. Dutcher; 1857-58, B.

Shove; 1859-60, C. T. Moss; 1861-62, M. S. Wells; 1863-65, G. S.

White; 1866, William Watson; 1867-69, S. Moore; 1870-71,

A. M. Colgrove; 1872-73, W. M. Hiller; 1874, William Burnside;

1875-76, J. W. Mevis; 1877-78, B. B. Carruth; 1879-81, J. D.

Bloodgood; 1882-83, William Bixby; 1884, T. F. Hall; 1885,

Isaac B. Wilson; 1886-87, C. V. Arnold; 1888-90, G. H. Prentice;

1891-92, S. H. Wood; 1893-94, J. M. Correll; 1895-96, L. D.

Palmer; 1897-99, R- L. Clark; 1900, I. N. Steelman, M. H. Reed;

1901-02, M. H. Reed; 1903, E. E. Pearce.

 

 

Greene, N. Y.

 

Methodism is said to have begun its work in the town of

Greene by holding meetings in the house of Benjamin Townsend,

about four miles below the village, where a class was formed in

1814. In 1817 the place of holding meetings was changed to the

house of Abel Norton, two miles below the village, near the

Genegantslet bridge. The present society in Greene is the out-

growth of these classes. The society grew, evidently. On July

7, 1827, a subscription paper was started reading as follows:

"Whereas, the Methodist Episcopal Society in the town of Greene

and its vicinity propose to erect a meetinghouse or church in the

village of Greene, therefore we whose names are hereunto sub-

scribed agree to pay to the trustees of said society the several

sums by us subscribed, one half of which shall be payable when

the house is raised and inclosed, and the remaining half when it

shall be completed and painted. The house to be the usual size


 

 

Greene, N. Y. 545

 

for a country church, with a suitable tower, or steeple." Many

of the subscriptions were to be paid in work, stone, lumber, grain,

and stock. On September 25, 1827, the society met at the house

of Benjamin Jackson for the purpose of incorporating. Lamard

Livermore presided, and Horatio N. Gere acted as secretary.

Benjamin Jackson, Horatio N. Gere, Benjamin Harrington,

Reuben Chase, and Isaac Grant, M.D., were elected trustees. The

corporate name of the society is "The First Methodist Episcopal

Church in the Town of Greene." The board of trustees met on

 

        GREENE CHURCH [photo]

 

October 3, 1827, and appointed Benjamin Jackson and Anthony

Squires a building committee. The church was built in 1828, and

was the first church erected in the town. When the Baptists were

seeking for a place to hold services they were granted the use of

this church a part of the time until they could build a church for

themselves. This building was twice repaired, the last time in

1873, when it was reopened on Thursday, July 17, Rev. William

Reddy preaching in the morning and Rev. J. G. Eckman in the

evening. In process of time this building became somewhat

dilapidated, and it was replaced by the present inviting building


 

 

546 Wyoming Conference

 

in 1891-92, at a cost of $4,200. Twenty-six hundred dollars had

been raised during the process of construction, and $1,100 was

raised on the day of dedication, leaving an indebtedness of $500.

The church was dedicated on Thursday, April 14, 1892, with

sermons by Revs. E. B. Olmstead and L. M. Vernon, D.D. The

Ladies' Aid Society gave excellent assistance in the enterprise.

 

We are at a loss to explain the following, unless it be on the

supposition that the society built its church and after many years

bought the ground it stood on: on June 29, 1850, Simeon

 

        GREENE PARSONAGE [photo]

 

Auchus and wife Mary sold a lot to the church for a site for the

church for $40.

 

In 1834 Greene was a circuit with the following appointments:

Greene, McDonough, Triangle, Connecticut Hill, and Whitney's

Point. In 1838 it included Greene, Chenango Forks, Whitney's

Point, East Greene, Smithville Flats, Smithville Center, East

Smithville, McDonough, and other points. At this time the

village had about sixty houses, with Congregational, Baptist,

Episcopalian, and Methodist churches.

 

On February 27, 1897, a strip on the rear of the church lot

16x50 feet was purchased of Hannah Lawton.

 

On April 1, 1856, the society purchased a house and lot on Elm

Street of Abram D. Storm and wife Harriet for $625. This was

used as a parsonage until about 1879, when it was sold for $800;

and the interest used toward paying rent for a house for the


 

 

Guilford, N. Y. 547

 

preacher's family. On October 28, 1880, a lot for a parsonage

on the corner of Van Buren and Genesee Streets was purchased

of Laura Willard, Anna W. Connelly, John Willard and wife

Lenore for $400. A house was erected at a cost of $1,400. This

property was sold in 1894, and on April 1, 1895, the present par-

sonage beside the church was bought of Christina M. Webb and

Augusta Hollenbeck for $2,000.

 

Pastorates

 

1831, Daniel Torry; 1832, James Atwell, N. Rounds; 1833,

W. N. Pearne, P. R. Kinne; 1834, W. N. Pearne; 1835, T. D.

Wire, H. F. Stanton; 1836, R. Ingalls, L. H. Stanley; 1837, E. L.

North, Charles Burlingame; 1838, E. L. North, A. Brown; 1839,

A. G. Burlingame, P. S. Worden; 1840, C. Burlingame, L. Pitts;

1841-42, C. W. Giddings; 1843, E. G. Bush, J. Whitham; 1844,

E. G. Bush; 1845, F. H. Stanton; 1846-47, D. Simons; 1848,

Peter Compton; 1849-50, G. P. Porter; 1851-52, A. G. Burlin-

game; 1853-54, Hiram Gee; 1855-56, E. D. Thurston; 1857-58,

D. C. Dutcher; 1859-60, B. Shove; 1861-62, G. S. White; 1863-64,

M. S. Wells; 1865-67, I. B. Hyde; 1868-70, WilHam Burnside;

1871-72, A. F. Brown; 1873, C. O. Hanmer; 1874-76, W. H.

Gavitt; 1877, E. P. Eldridge; 1878-80, H. N. Van Deusen; 1881-

83, G. A. Place; 1884, W. B. Kinney; 1885-87, E. R. D. Briggs;

1888, A. D. Alexander; 1889, Levi Jennison; 1890, C. H. Newing;

1891-92, H. G. Blair; 1893-96, L. B. Weeks; 1897, Thomas

Harroun; 1898-1901, W. H. Alger; 1902-03, F. H. Parsons.

 

 

Guilford, N. Y.

 

In the early part of the nineteenth century the Guilford part of

the Chenango Circuit was called "Eastern." It is believed that

Rev. David Dunham, at that time on Chenango Circuit, preached

in this section. Some early records reveal the fact that "East-

wood," afterward known as old Union, on Mount Upton charge,

paid seventy-five cents quarterage, and "Eastern" sixty-six cents,

in June, 1803 — evidence that they were already in existence, and

recognized as classes on the circuit.

 

Preaching services at this time were held at the house of

Samuel Stedman, a class leader living about two miles north of

East Guilford, at or near the place later known as the Alson

Mills farm. Moses Clark and wife, with two or three other

women, constituted the class. In 1806 this class is credited with

paying $3.30, and again $3.69, quarterage. In 1810-11 several


 

 

548 Wyoming Conference

 

women were converted and united with the society, Sarah, Ruth,

and Alma Harris being among them. The society was then called

the "Woman's Class."

 

Samuel Stedman, the first class leader, leaving the Eastern

section, Israel Chamberlain, though living six miles distant,

became the leader.

 

One evening in 1803 or 1804 either Ebenezer White or Alexan-

der Morton preached in a schoolhouse located near the Ives

 

        GUILFORD CHURCH [photo]

 

Settlement cemetery. Two trustees, named Johnson and Ives,

forbade a renewal of the appointment. An old resident of this

section gives as a reason, "The Methodist preachers were con-

sidered awful creatures." One man, hearing the preacher at this

time, pitied him, and would have invited him to his home had he

not feared the animosity of the principal men.

 

The place of meeting was changed from Stedman's to David

Clark's home, now known as the Charles Foote place. A revival

broke out, the Ives, Bush, and Trask families being reached by it,

and soon the people of Ives Settlement worshiped in the school-

house from which the first preacher had been excluded. Services


 

 

Guilford, N. Y. 549

 

were held in a schoolhouse about a mile east, near Simon Trask's

home, and subsequently in the new stone school building in Ives

Settlement, from whence the services were taken to Guilford

Center.

 

In 1815 the society contemplated the building of a church. The

Quarterly Conference "Resolved, That a meetinghouse is neces-

sary for this part of the circuit, and that it be set in the town of

Eastern." A meeting was held at the house of David Clark, on

May 15, 1816, for the purpose of incorporating. Ralph Lanning

and Simon Trask presided. Joel Root, Abial Bush, Abner Wood,

Azor Burlison, David Clark, and Sheldon Marsh were elected

trustees, and the society was to be known as "The First Methodist

Episcopal Church in the Town of Eastern." Nothing seems to

have come from this project. Prior to 1820 Azor Burlison had

an appointment for preaching at his house two miles east of

Guilford Center, and continued it for at least five years.

 

At a Quarterly Conference held on January 6, 1838, a com-

mittee, consisting of Rev. George Harmon, Samuel Trask, Ozias

Bush, and Almon Trask, was appointed to plan for building a

church at Guilford Center. There arose a question concerning the

location. The larger number of members lived in and around

Guilford Center; but Fayette (now Guilford village) was a more

enterprising and growing place — was already the principal busi-

ness center for the whole town. There was no church in Fayette

except the Episcopalian, and at the Center the Congregationalists

had a church. Sentiment was divided. A disinterested commit-

tee from outside was invited to investigate and decide upon a site.

The result of all this was two churches, a mile and a half apart,

one at Guilford Center and one at Fayette, and both built

about 1839.

 

There are two records of incorporation which are supposed to

be of the Guilford Center church. On April 3, 1829, at a meeting

over which George Harmon and Amos Mansfield presided, "The

First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Town of

Guilford" was incorporated, and Paul Winton, James Bayley, and

Thomas Rickman were elected trustees. No work having been

done under the above incorporation, it was probably considered

worthless. On September 17, 1839, a meeting was held in the

academy at Guilford Center, over which Almon Trask and S. I.

Trask presided, when "The Second Society of the Methodist

Episcopal Church of Guilford" was incorporated, and Azor Bur-

lison, Almon Trask, John Evans, Jesse Hendrick, and Albert

Cornwell were elected trustees. A lot was leased of William


 

 

550 Wyoming Conference

 

Baldwin upon which the church was built. On March 4, 1840,

Mr. Baldwin gave the society the lot by deed, consideration $1.

In 1884 this building was renovated and improved at a cost of

$1,200. This church was sold in 1900, and preaching services

discontinued.

 

The church at Guilford was built on ground leased of Sidney

Eggleston. The society purchased it of Mr. Eggleston on July

11, 1840, for $40. This building had been repaired but slightly

until 1874, when it was rebuilt. The building was raised and a

basement built and fitted up for Sunday school and social work,

an addition 10x16 feet built on the rear for the choir, and a tower

and steeple 120 feet high erected. Eight thousand dollars was

spent in these changes, $3,000 of which was raised on the day of

dedication, which was January 12, 1875, Rev. B. I. Ives preach-

ing both morning and evening. This society was incorporated

at a meeting held in the church on December 6, 1841. Albert

Cornwell and Stephen B. Stead were judges of election, and

Stephen B. Stead, Ozias Bush, Albert Cornwell, Tori Yale, Abel

Cornwell, Cyrus Cumstock, Roswell R. Bush, and John Denison

were elected trustees.

 

A parsonage was purchased in 1854. In 1864 the present par-

sonage was built. In 1900 $1,500 was spent in improving the

parsonage and beautifying the church.

 

Israel Chamberlain, Wyatt, his brother, James P. Aylesworth,

William Adams, Ashahel Eggleston, W. Peck, and Sidney E.

Hunt have been sent into the ministry from this charge; and

Revs. J. S. Mitchell, Philip Bartlett, F. D. Higgins, and B. B.

Carruth found faithful helpmeets on this territory.

 

There was preaching at Root's Corners as early as 1808, but

this society was short-lived.

 

While most of the pastors have seen accessions to the church

by revival work, the years 1819, 1830-31, 1842-43 (three hundred

conversions), 1854-55, and 1895 were notable in revival work.

 

The first quarterly meeting and camp meeting, combined, held

in Guilford was at David Clark's (at the Trestle), commencing

on June 16, 1814, when Methodists gathered from Plainfield,

Brookfield, Columbus, Sherburne, Plymouth, New Berlin, Bain-

bridge, Oxford, Unadilla, and elsewhere. A second and memor-

able camp meeting was held near the residence of Abial Bush,

commencing on June 8, 1819.

 

The territory of this charge was a part of Chenango Circuit

until 1849, when the circuit ceased to exist by the creation of

several charges, among them Guilford charge.


 

 

Lisle, N. Y. 551

 

Rockdale is situated about five miles east of Guilford. As

early as 1831 a society was formed here which struggled for many

years. It was reorganized on October 29, 1859, and has since

held regular services. In 1860 a union church was built costing

$1,200. The society uses this building for its church work. For

many years it was with Sidney, and for some time alone. When

Guilford Center work was abandoned Rockdale was added to

Guilford charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1849-50, P. G. White; 1851, F. D. Higgins; 1852-53, C. Starr;

1854-55, W. Jerome; 1856-57, L. G. Weaver; 1858, W. Souther-

land; 1859-60, E. D. Thurston; 1861-62, A. S. Southworth; 1863-

65, W. G. Queal; 1866-67, William Burnside; 1868-70, L. Sperry;

1871-72, I. B. Hyde; 1873, D. R. Carrier; 1874-75, E. W. Cas-

well; 1876, T. P. Halstead; 1877-78, A. M. Colegrove; 1879-81,

E. L. Bennett; 1882-83, P- R- Tower; 1884-86, H. H. Wilbur;

1887-88, Levi Jennison; 1889-92, W. Frisby; 1893-96, M. S.

Godshall; 1897-98, H. A. Williams; 1899-1902, C. M. Olmstead;

1903, C. C. Vrooman.

 

 

Lisle, N. Y.

 

Methodism began its work in Lisle in 1814. Rev. C. E. Taylor

says that in this year the class was formed, and was probably

cared for by the preachers on Broome Circuit. A meeting was

held in Lisle on June 18, 1828, at which Rev. Philo Barbary and

David Fairchild presided, and David Smith, David Fairchild,

John Beach, Thomas Whitney, and Allen Randall were elected

trustees. We cannot understand this, as Philo Barbary was one

of the Binghamton pastors at this time. On January 7, 1833, a

meeting was held in the schoolhouse at Lisle, at which Charles C.

Baker and Pelatiah B. Brooks presided. Benjamin Rowland,

Daniel J. Davidson, Alvah Bennett, Pelatiah B. Brooks, and

Charles C. Baker were elected trustees, and the society took the

corporate name of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of

Lisle." Pelatiah B. Brooks was the class leader for years. The

church was erected in 1857, at a cost of $2,000, and was dedicated

on January 20, 1858, Rev. William Wyatt being the preacher of

the occasion.

 

The parsonage is situated at Lisle.

 

Center Lisle, sometimes called Yorkshire, is four miles west of

Lisle. Its church is 30x50, and cost $4,500. It was dedicated on

January 14, 1870. Rev. B. I. Ives preached in the morning and

did the soliciting during the day. Rev. Dr. Bristol preached in


 

 

552 Wyoming Conference

 

the evening. Twenty-seven hundred dollars was unprovided for,

and the congregation when asked for this amount subscribed

$3,100. In 1887 $500 was spent in improvements — new roof,

carpets, seating rearranged, a prayer room built over the hall, and

the building painted. The church was reopened on Tuesday,

October 25, 1887. At 2 p. m. Rev. J. C. Leacock preached from

Eph. ii, 21, 22, and in the evening Rev. C. A. Benjamin preached

from Eph. v, 27.

 

Pastorates

 

1838-39, Charles Burlingame; 1840, H. Benjamin; 1841, T. D.

Wire; 1842, T. D. Wire, Joseph Whitham; 1843, L. Pitts; 1844,

L. Pitts, J. M. Grimes; 1845, A. Hamilton; 1846, B. Ellis; 1847,

W. Silsbee; 1848, W. Silsbee, O. L. Torry; 1849, A. G. Burlin-

game, H. Pilbeam; 1850, _____; 1851, D. Davies; 1852-56,

_____; 1857, G. R. Hair; 1858, A. F. Harding; 1859-60, A. C.

Sperry; 1861, William Silsbee; 1862-63, S. E. Walworth; 1864-

65, W. B. Thomas; 1866-67, George Comfort; 1868, D. D. Lind-

sley, J. Lee; 1869, D. D. Lindsley; 1870, J. A. Wood; 1871-73,

A. W. Loomis; 1874-76, D. Personeus; 1877-78, J. D. Bloodgood;

1879-80, C. A. Benjamin; 1881, E. R. D. Briggs; 1882-84, E. L.

Bennett; 1885-86, J. H. Boyce; 1887-90, J. H. Littell; 1891-92,

M. S. Godshall; 1893-94, F. J. Jones; 1895, H. G. Blair; 1896-98,

S. H. Wood; 1899-1900, D. B. Wilson; 1901-03, C. D. Shepard.

 

 

Marathon, N. Y.

 

Methodism began its work in Marathon in 1830 by the organi-

zation of a class of four members — Orin Carley, Caleb Newton,

Mary Newton, and Mrs. Griffin, Mr. Carley being the leader. The

class grew slowly. Having no pastor, they had preaching when-

ever they could secure a neighboring pastor or local preacher.

Their meetings were held in private houses and schoolhouses.

An old church record reveals the fact that in 1847 Marathon was

a part of the Lisle Circuit, which included Marathon, Union

Village, North Lapeer, Hunt's Corners, Whitney's Point, Lisle

Village, Center Lisle, Orton's Schoolhouse, Caldwell's Settlement,

and Canfield Hollow.

 

On February 17, 1840, a meeting was held in the schoolhouse

of district No. 2 for the purpose of incorporation. Uriah Sessions

and Caleb Newton presided, and Hiram Smith acted as clerk.

Caleb Newton, Jesse Johnson, Orin Carley, Uriah Sessions, Am-

brose Taylor, and Nathaniel Bouton were elected trustees. The

corporate name of the society is "The First Methodist Episcopal


 

 

Marathon, N. Y. 553

 

Society of Marathon." The trustees were empowered to purchase

a site for a church. Evidently they did not use their powers, for

at a meeting held on February 18, 1841, the society by vote de-

cided to purchase the present church lot of Chester Brink for

$75. At this meeting Caleb Newton, Jesse Johnson, and Uriah

Sessions were appointed a committee to circulate a subscription

paper, and, as soon as enough was secured to warrant the pro-

cedure, to enter into a contract for the building of a church. The

 

        MARATHON CHURCH [photo]

 

subscription was taken by selling slips or pews before the work

was begun. The plan of the church was drawn with the following

dimensions: 36x40 feet, and 22 feet high at the eaves, with a

suitable steeple. After the foundation was laid James Burgess

was given the contract to build the superstructure for $1,200.

Fifty dollars was added to this by voluntary subscription to have

a swinging partition to the gallery. The building was finished in

October, 1842, and the members were assessed "according to

their ability, or the interest they had in the house, to build steps

for the church and level off the ground, said assessment to be paid

m work or material." "The committee purchased stoves and


 

 

554 Wyoming Conference

 

pipes, and the ladies contributed sufficient to buy material for

cushions, a large Bible, three chairs, two candlesticks and a

snuffer." The building was dedicated on November 12, 1842, by

Rev. Henry F. Rowe.

 

The church was repaired in the winter of 1862-63, and the

reopening services were held on Thursday, March 26, 1863, Rev.

A. S. Graves preaching at 10 130 a. m., Rev. B. I. Ives at 2 p. m.,

and Rev. E. Hoag at 7 p. m.

 

In 1876 the church was so thoroughly rebuilt as to practically

make it a new building. The building committee included John

Freeman, Nathan Lombard, O. H. Smith, John Moore, Granville

Talmadge, A. A. Carley, E. D. Baker, J. V. Van Dyke, William

Tarble, and C. C. Adams. The contract was let to A. C. Green

for $4,000. The building was dedicated on Thursday, December

7, 1876, Rev. E. C. Curtis, of Syracuse, preaching in the morning

and Rev. Hubbard Fox in the evening.

 

In 1891 the church was repaired, recarpeted, repapered, and

the vocalion purchased, at a cost of $850.

 

In 1895 the steeple was injured by lightning and was repaired

at a cost of $125.

 

On the night of September 29, 1896, a cyclone blew off the

steeple and chimneys, badly damaging the roof. The repairs at

this time cost $700.

 

The parsonage was bought in 1883 for $1,500.

 

Revs. O. L. Torry and W. H. Bunnell went into the ministry

from this church.

 

Revivals of exceptional power occurred in 1843, 1851-52,

and 1872.

 

Killawog. The first class organized here was called the Union

Village class. In 1843 Rev. L. Pitts organized a class here of

thirty members, of which David Locke was leader. The class

book of 1847 shows the class to have had twenty members, with

Moses Livermore leader. There were no regular services, and

the class was discontinued for a time. The class was reorganized

in 1860 with Merritt Hoyt leader. This class included Merritt

Hoyt, Permelia Hoyt, Hezekiah Grain, Elizabeth and Mary Grain,

Gynthia Wheaton, Ann Hitt, and Mary Mucky.

 

The first class met in the schoolhouse on the west side of the

river, but the trustees forced them to seek another place for their

meetings. For a while they held their services in the Baptist

church, but on account of a conflict as to hour of service the

society went to the house of Merritt Hoyt, who made seats and so

 

Marathon, N. Y. 555

 

arranged the rooms of his house that all who desired could hear.

"From the place where the preacher stood four rooms opened, in

which could be heard the word of God." The society grew, and

a demand was soon felt for a church. A meeting was held on

May 20, 1866, at the home of Merritt Hoyt, when the society be-

came incorporated as "The First Methodist Episcopal Church

and Society of Killawog." William M. Gowdy and Charles H.

Phelps acted as judges, and Erastus Johnson, Calvin J. Wheaton,

William Lynde, Caleb Norton, Samuel H. Phelps, John Ballard,

and Archibald Sessions were elected trustees. A site for a church

was purchased of John La Grange for $125. Plans for a church

32x40 feet and twenty-foot posts were drawn, and the contract

for the building let to William M. Gowdy for $1,635. The total

cost of lot, building, and furnishings was $2,247. It was dedi-

cated on January 7, 1868, Rev. William Searls preaching in the

morning and Rev. E. Hoag in the evening.

 

Merritt Hoyt, Permelia Hoyt, and Mary Caul were members of

this society over fifty years.

 

Pastorates

 

1850, A. G. Burlingame; 1851, Hiram Gee; 1852, O. L. Torry;

1853, G. Colegrove; 1854-55, Wesley Fox; 1856-57, W. N. Burr;

1858, J. H. Barnard; 1859, Joseph F. Crawford; 1860-61, O. L.

Torry; 1862-63, O. Hessler; 1864-66, W. R. Cobb; 1867-69, A. C.

Bowdish; 1870, D. D. Lindsley; 1871, George Comfort; 1872,

H. Fox; 1873-74, Asa Brooks; 1875, W. Bixby; 1876, H. V.

Talbott; 1877-79, O. M. Martin; 1880, W. Bixby; 1881-83, O. H.

McAnulty; 1884, J. F. Warner; 1885, J. L. Race; 1886-88, E. N.

Sabin; 1889, L. B. Weeks; 1890, D. C. Barnes; 1891-95, E. R. D.

Briggs; 1896-98, F. D. Hartsock; 1899-1900, B. P. Ripley; 1901-

03, E. V. Armstrong.

 

 

McDONOUGH, N. Y.

 

The first class in McDonough was organized in 1815, and in-

cluded Walter Oyshterbanks and wife, Polly, Jacob Nash and

wife Louisa, William Allen and wife Susan. Walter Oyshter-

banks was appointed leader and served in that capacity until 1847,

when he was succeeded by Curtis Smith. Walter Oyshterbanks

was about sixteen years old when his father, Adam, came from

Connecticut and settled on Chestnut Ridge, on what is now the

Fox farm. He afterward moved near Stuart's Mill, where he

died. Walter married Polly Dunbar and moved into the edge of

German. Soon after the organization of the class its number was


 

 

556 Wyoming Conference

 

increased by the addition of Mary Nash, daughter of Jacob Nash,

Arthisia Hazen, and Mrs. Leonard, the latter of whom used to

follow a blazed trail on horseback to the log house of Walter

Oyshterbanks, the place of public worship.

 

On September 29, 1832, a meeting was held in the schoolhouse

in McDonough, at which Rev. James Atwell and Walter Oyshter-

banks presided and William D. Purple acted as clerk. "The

Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Village of Mc-

Donough" began its legal existence, and Isaac J. Stratton, Joseph

J. Reed, Thomas Skillman, Walter Oyshterbanks, and Elijah

Gates were elected trustees. The incorporation was with a church

in view. In October subscriptions therefor were commenced,

and $1,159.50 was secured. Among the largest subscribers were

Walter Oyshterbanks, Isaac J. Stratton, Martin Dodge, John F.

Hill, and Richard Ray, whose subscriptions ran from $50 to $150.

The site for the church was deeded to the society on December

15, 1832, by John F. Hill and wife Frances as a part ($50) of his

subscription ($150). John F. Hill, William H. Bartle, and

Richard Sawtelle were appointed a building committee. The

building was begun in 1832 and finished in 1833, but was not

dedicated until August 14, 1834. The mason work was done by

Walter Oyshterbanks, Micah Coville, and Samuel Bacheller.

The carpenter work was under the supervision of Moses S. Emer-

son, and the joiner work was under the supervision of Lester

Tinker. During the erection of the church Isaac J. Stratton paid

$333 iri cash and also gave two years' labor, and Walter Oyshter-

banks gave $83, beside giving much time to planning and super-

intending the work. The whole community gave toward the

project.

 

In 1850 the church was painted, inside and out, and a partition

made between the audience room and entrance. After these im-

provements a reopening service was held on Thursday, November

21, 1850, at which Dr. Z. Paddock preached in the morning. Rev.

A. J. Dana in the afternoon, and Rev. W. Reddy in the evening.

 

In 1869 the building was again repaired and extensively im-

proved at a cost of $1,500. The reopening services were held on

Wednesday, November 24, 1869, Rev. B. I. Ives being the

preacher of the day.

 

In 1894 the church, which had become somewhat dilapidated,

was thoroughly repaired, at an expense of $1,000. At this time

Mrs. Gibson, a Congregationalist of Norwich, presented the

society with a beautiful communion set and cloth, in memory of

her mother.


 

 

McDonough, N. Y. 557

 

On September 4, 1838, Isaac J. Stratton and wife Rachel sold

the society a lot in the village for $5. This was for the purpose

of building a parsonage.

 

Curtis Smith served as class leader from 1847 until March 30,

1869, when he was succeeded by Francis T. Hall.

 

Mr. Milan Hill, who had been an earnest supporter of the

church, died in the spring of 1902, leaving by will twenty-eight

acres of land adjoining the parsonage, the use of which is for the

support of the pastor, and $25,000 in cash, the interest on which

is to be paid quarterly to the pastor as salary.

 

Smithville Center is situated about seven miles south of Mc-

Donough. We cannot state the circumstances attendant upon the

rise of Methodism in this place. On April 6, 1840, the society

gathered at the Cole Schoolhouse, the usual place of worship, for

the purpose of incorporating. Cyrus Hayes and Jeremiah Potter

presided, and Joseph J. Reed, Miles Hubbard, Alanson Mallery,

Jeremiah Potter, and Cyrus Hayes were elected trustees of "The

First Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithville." On February

19, 1849, Alexander Cummings and wife Abigail, and Herman

Brooks, in consideration of ten cents, deeded to the society the

site for the church. The church was built, and dedicated on

October 17, 1849, Rev. S. Stocking preached one of the sermons

from Rom. i, 16, and Rev. B. Hawley the other from Acts v, 20.

In 1870 this church was repaired and beautified at an expense of

$700. It was reopened on September 29, 1870. The building was

again repaired in 1890.

 

Cyrus Hayes was a leader here for thirty years, holding office

with great acceptance.

 

This appointment was with Greene in 1838. We are unable

to state when it was put with McDonough.

 

We should say that McDonough charge was first a part of

Chenango Circuit, then a part of Greene Circuit, and made a

charge in 1841.

 

A class was organized at Smithville Flats on January 11, 1874,

with the following members: Fred S. and Eglantine Skillman,

Charles R and Emily Potter, Uri and Philena Hazzard, George

and Lydia Brown, Jedediah and Alzina Kendall, Russell G. and

Jane Card, Eliza Hendrickson, Kitter A. Elwood, Sarah Barnes,

Albert Barnes, Alice Card, Elizabeth Cowan, Helen Rich, and

Lillie Cowan. On January 10, 1890, the society incorporated as

"The Methodist Episcopal Church of Smithville Flats," with

Herbert D. Harris, Uri Hazzard, L. W. Brooks, Jesse Read, and


 

 

558 Wyoming Conference

 

Theron M. Plulley trustees. Evidently the society was contem-

plating the erection of a church.

 

The society was with Greene until 1879, when it was put with

McDonough.

 

The Baptist church was used three years, the Universalist

church for a while, and subsequently the schoolhouse.

 

Work here has been abandoned.

 

Pastorates

 

1841-42, Elijah P. Beecher; 1843, J. Atwell; 1844-45, B. Ellis;

1846, George Evans; 1847-48, E. P. Beebe; 1849, E. W. Breckin-

ridge, J. C. Ransom; 1850, E. W. Breckinridge; 1851-52, W. N.

Pearne; 1853, E. D. Thurston; 1854, E. D. Thurston, Delos Pot-

ter; 1855, R- O- Beebe, E. Orwin; 1856, R. Townsend; 1857,

A. Benjamin; 1858-59, W. W. Andrews; 1860-61, O. Ellerson;

1862-63, T. Willis; 1864-65, W. R. Cochrane; 1866-67, A. C.

Smith; 1868-70, R. W. Van Schoick; 1871, E. W. Caswell; 1872-

73, McK. Shaw; 1874, J. B. Chynoweth; 1875-77, William Burn-

side; 1878-79, I. P. Towner; 1880-82, J. H. Taylor; 1883-85,

C. V. Arnold; 1886, S. Stephens; 1887, M. D. Matoon; 1888-90,

C. W. Babcock; 1891-92, I. C. Estes; 1893-96, G. Pope; 1897-99,

D. L. Meeker; 1900-01, A. M. Colegrove; 1902-03, E. D. Cook.

 

 

Morris, N. Y.

 

The society was organized about 1828, and was a part of

Chenango Circuit. Meetings were first held about one mile from

"Louisville," now Morris, occasionally in a private house, but

more frequently in a district schoolhouse. In 1838 the appoint-

ment was changed to the schoolhouse in the village of Louisville.

At a meeting of the society, held in the schoolhouse in Louisville,

town of Butternuts, on February 20, 1841, over which F. D.

Higgins and Allen Tinker presided, the society became incor-

porated, and elected John Gadsby, Sutton Pearsall, Mordecai

Wing, Samuel E. Barrett, and William Paine trustees. The cor-

porate name of the society is "Trustees of the First Society of the

Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisville."

 

In consideration of $100 Mordecai Wing and wife Hannah

deeded the society a lot containing twenty-five rods. On this lot

the first church was built in 1845, at a cost of about $2,000. In

1870 $7,000 was expended in the purchase of additional ground,

erection of sheds, and enlarging of the church, it being raised

and a basement finished, a steeple built, and a bell purchased.

 

 

Mount Upton, N. Y. 559

 

On March 31, 1882, Silas W. Murdock and wife Emily J.

deeded the society a parsonage property for $1,000. In 1886 this

property was sold for $900, and the present property purchased

for $1,700.

 

A. E. Daniels, Joel Davis, E. D. Thurston, G. W. Green,

William R. Lynch, and B. P. and N. B. Ripley entered the minis-

try from this church.

 

Pastorates

 

1851, Walter Jerome; 1852-53, D. Williams; 1854, H. S. Rich-

ardson; 1855, J. W. Mitchell; 1856-57, J. T. Crippen; 1858-60,

A. S. Southworth; 1861, A. E. Daniels; 1862, H. V. Talbott;

1863-64, H. N. Van Deusen; 1865-67, W. L. Thorpe; 1868-69,

John Pilkington; 1870, J. W. Mevis; 1871-72, J. C. Shelland;

1873, W. G. Queal; 1874-75, W. B. Thomas; 1876, C. G. Wood;

1877-78, J. S. Southworth; 1879-80, Wihiam Edgar; 1881-82,

L. B. Weeks; 1883, L. Jennison; 1884, T. F. Hall; 1885-87, J. B.

Cook; 1888-90, E. R. D. Briggs; 1891-92, F. J. Jones; 1893-94,

G. F. Ace; 1895-98, L. Jennison; 1899-1900, E. L. Jeffrey; 1901-

02, E. E. Pearce; 1903, M. H. Reed.

 

 

Mount Upton, N. Y.

 

Mount Upton charge was a part of the Chenango Circuit until

the formation of Union charge in 1849, the name being changed

to Mount Upton in 1850. Mount Upton church is a daughter of

old "Union." Prior to 1855 the class held its services in homes

of its members, in the schoolhouse, and for a time, through the

courtesy of Bishop Delaney, in the Episcopal church. These

services were usually conducted by the circuit preacher, but oc-

casionally by local exhorters and local preachers, among whom

were John Eastwood and Nathaniel Hyer, who are still distinctly

remembered by some of the old residents.

 

The society met for the purpose of incorporation on February

7, 1854. F. C. Place and Jerry Shepard presided, and Jerry

Shepard, F. C. Place, Jacob Stowell, James B. Graves, and

Youngs E. Stowell were elected trustees of "The First Methodist

Episcopal Church in Mount Upton." On March 31, 1855, Jacob

Stowell was elected secretary of the Quarterly Conference, which

position he held for thirty years. The following men were pres-

ent at this meeting, and voted: Zadoc B. Chamberlain, C. S.

Graves, J. D. Graves, George F. Graves, Russell Ford, John

Yale, M.D., Jeremiah Shepard, Young E. Stowell, Foster C.

Place, J. F. Place, Ur Hayes, Darius Hyer, Russell Boyce,


 

 

560 Wyoming Conference

 

Cyrenus Chamberlain, Charles Sumner, Thompkins Jewel, Lewis

Jewel, William S. Moore, Jesse Van Deusen, John Lawrence, Jr.,

Benjamin Peet, E. B. Kellogg, Azer Wood, Merlin J. Ford,

Jacob Stowell, Joseph Severns, Derrien Shepard, J. M. Hall, A. D.

Dye, J. E. C. Mosher, Gilbert G. Palmer, John Eddy, John Van

Deusen, Jonathan Kinne, Fra;nklin Boyce, Calvin Chamberlain,

Clark Chamberlain, Colwell Chamberlain, William W. Green,

Joseph C. Breet, E. A. B. Graves. This number would indicate

that the Mount Upton class was already one of considerable

strength.

 

On April 1, 1854, Mary G. Secor deeded the society the site

 

        MOUNT UPTON CHURCH [photo]

 

for the church for $350, which was paid to her in specie. The

contract for building the church was let to Messrs. George F. and

J. D. Graves. The building cost about $2,000, and was dedicated

on Thursday, January 25, 1855, Rev. William Reddy preaching

in the morning and Rev. J. T. Wright in the evening.

 

There is on file in the county clerk's office the record of a

second incorporation which occurred on April 6, 1863. Jerry

Shepard and F. C. Place presided at the meeting, and Jerry Shep-

ard, F. C. Place, Russell Boyce, Youngs E. Stowell, and Ur

Hayes were elected trustees. This was probably due to neglect

in electing successors to the board elected in 1854.

 

The following minute appears in the record of the trustees as

having been enacted on March 7, 1864: "Voted that the trustees

meet March 8, for the purpose of hanging a bell in their church."


 

 

Mount Upton, N. Y. 561

 

In 1874 the church was extensively repaired. A basement was

built under it, a new steeple built, and about eleven feet built on

the front of the church, all at an expense of $3,700. The reopen-

ing occurred on Thursday, August 20, 1874, Rev. William Searls

preaching in the morning and Rev. J. G. Eckman in the evening.

At the close of the morning service $2,000, which was needed to

liquidate the indebtedness, was "enjoyably" raised.

 

In 1898 it was very evident that a new church was needed, but

the society did not think it possible to build at that time. An

elect lady, Mary Hastings, a Methodist, and loving Methodism,

though not a member of this society, offered $1,000 on condition

that a church be built within a year. The pastor circulated a

subscription, and in one week $3,220 was secured. On October

27, 1898, the corner stone of the new church was laid, the services

being held in the Hall. Revs. L. A. Wild, B. N. Butts, W. T.

Blair, and C. H. Hayes participated in the services. The corner

stone is of blue marble 20x20x12 inches. The copper box con-

taining the articles was made by W. E. Weinsor. It contains the

following: Bible, Hymnal, Discipline; Methodist Year Book,

1898; Wyoming Conference Minutes, 1898; Otsego Journal of

October, Oneonta Star, Norwich Sun, Chenango Union, Che-

nango Telegraph, New York Press, Christian Advocate, North-

ern Christian Advocate, Epworth Herald, Gospel in All Lands,

Sidney Record, Sunday School Advocate; "Raising of the

Dollar;" postage stamps, 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10; 2-cent revenue stamp;

postal card; 50 cents, silver, of 1898; 5-cent nickel of 1898; one

cent, copper, 1854; United States flag, silk; photo of interior of

old church; calendar of 1898; Epworth League topic card; Ep-

worth League convention badge; picture of Battleship Oregon;

account of corner stone ceremonies; Mount Upton Eagle, pub-

lished 1870; lists of original organizers, membership, official mem-

bers, officers W. F. M. S., officers W. H. M. S., officers Ladies'

Aid Society, officers Epworth League, preachers, presiding elders,

principal facts in history of church, contributors to new church;

seventy individual passages of Scripture with signatures of par-

ties contributing them; postal card from Rev. W. R. Cochrane;

a poem by C. H. G.

 

The building cost $5,232, all of which was subscribed and paid

before the day of dedication. The pastor and family gave the

communion table, and Rev. C. H. Hayes gave the pulpit Bible

and Hymnal. The dedicatory services occurred on Tuesday and

Wednesday, April 4 and 5, 1899. On Tuesday evening Rev.

W. T. Blair preached from Matt, xii, 42, and administered the


 

 

562 Wyoming Conference

 

sacrament of the Lord's Supper. On Wednesday at 10:45 Rev.

E. B. Olmstead preached from Heb. xi, 1. In the afternoon ad-

dresses were made by Revs. C. H. Sackett, G. A. Place, and C. H.

Hayes. In the evening Rev. J. E. Bone delivered the sermon,

which was followed by the dedicatory service, conducted by the

presiding elder.

 

A pipe organ costing $1,400 was installed in 1902.

 

The parsonage was at Union for many years. In 1887 it was

sold, and the present house was built at a cost of $2,596. In the

same year the sheds were moved to their present location.

 

Russell Boyce was the first class leader at Mount Upton, in

which capacity he served over forty years. In this period, how-

ever, there were some intermissions.

 

Union is located one and one half miles north of Mount Upton,

at what is called Rockwell's Mills. Methodism was established

in Unadilla Valley at a very early date. Meetings were held in

private houses. The story of the beginning of Methodism in

most places is the history of Methodism here. Love feast tickets

of 1799 and 1800 are in existence, showing that work was or-

ganized and in existence then in this place. At this time meetings

were held in the home of Isaac Boyce, near Godfrey's Corners.

Mr. Boyce subsequently moved to the farm now known as the

Zoerb farm, where services were held for a number of years. In

1803 the "Eastwood" society was organized, about a mile above

the church, on the Unadilla side of the river. John and Daniel

Eastwood were the leading spirits of the society. John was an

efficient class leader, and became somewhat noted as an exhorter

and local preacher. The services of the class were held in the

homes of these brothers. Meetings were also held in the house

of Nathaniel Hyer, a local preacher, below Mount Upton. The

farm is now known as the W. S. Moore farm.

 

The church was built in 1819, on land donated by Ezekiel

Wheeler, one of the early settlers in Unadilla Valley. The build-

ing had been twice repaired when in 1876 it was dismantled.

Finding the frame to be perfectly sound, it was used again, the

building being somewhat changed and modernized. Memorial

windows were put in, and the building was greatly beautified, at

an expense of $1,275, which was raised on the day of reopening,

November 9, 1876, Rev. William Bixby preaching in the morning

and Rev. J. G. Eckman in the evening. This the first Methodist

church in Unadilla valley is historic, and to it many of the other

Protestant churches in the surrounding country are indebted.


 

 

New Berlin, N. Y. 563

 

Revs. S. Moore, D.D., G. H. Place, Ph.D., and C. H. Hayes

went from this church into the ministry.

 

This church enjoyed a great revival from January to March,

1851. Two days of fasting and prayer were followed by three

weeks of cottage prayer meetings, "taking every house in course,"

and then, though the attendance was small, the meetings were

transferred to the church. Three evenings passed before the

break came. Then people rushed to the altar, and it is said there

was scarcely an unconverted person left in the community.

 

Pastorates

 

1849-50, Lewis H. Stanley; 1851-52, E. P. Beebe; 1853, W. C.

McDonald; 1854, A. G. Burlingame, E. Orwin; 1855, A. G. Bur-

lingame; 1856-57, W. Jerome; 1858, Joel Davis; 1859, Joel Davis,

L. Sperry; 1860, L. Sperry, H. Meeker; 1861-62, E. D. Thurston;

1863, W. R. Cochrane; 1864-65, W. W. Andrews; 1866, S.

Moore; 1867-68, W. A. Wadsworth; 1869, B. B. Carruth; 1870-

71, McK. Shaw; 1872-74, S. W. Weiss; 1875-76, E. P. Eldridge;

1877-79, T. P. Halstead; 1880, D. C. Barnes; 1881-82, N. S. Rey-

nolds; 1883-85, J. Bradshaw; 1886-88, L. B. Weeks; 1889-90,

E. N. Sabin; 1891-92, C. H. Sackett; 1893, E. H. De Puy; 1894-

98, W. T. Blair; 1899-1900, E. R. D. Briggs; 1901-03, F. D.

Hartsock.

 

 

New Berlin, N. Y.

 

It is claimed that when Freeborn Garrettson was traveling the

Albany District, in 1798, he pushed his way as far west as New

Berlin. He was probably the first itinerant to visit this section.

Just what he found here, or what he accomplished, is not known.

Nor do we know when the first class was formed here. It is

probable, however, that work was developed here shortly after

the formation of Chenango Circuit, and its preachers began to

thread their way through this territory.

 

On December 17, 1832, the society met at the house of Abel

Judson, in New Berlin Village for the purpose of incorporation.

Rev. Lyman Beach presided, and Abel Judson acted as secretary.

Benjamin Jacobs, Abel Judson, Elisha Babcock, John C. Bates,

and Thomas Sayles were elected trustees of "The First Methodist

Episcopal Church in the Town of New Berlin." At this time

Rev. Lyman Beach was on the Brookfield Circuit, which would

indicate that New Berlin was then a part of that circuit.

 

On December 29, 1832, Daniel Bancroft and wife Minnie, and

Lydia Bancroft, in consideration of $5 deeded the trustees the


 

 

564 Wyoming Conference

 

land upon which the church stands, on condition that a church

be erected on it within ten years.

 

The society met on February 4, 1841, at Masonic Hall, the usual

place of worship, and again incorporated. It is probable that no

trustees had been elected to succeed the trustees elected on Decem-

ber 17, 1832. At this meeting Rev. F. D. Higgins and David D.

Dye presided. Joel Merchant, Elisha Babcock, David D. Dye,

Theron Denton, and Lyman Babcock were elected trustees of

 

        NEW BERLIN CHURCH [photo]

 

"The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the

Town of New Berlin." On April 8, 1841, the trustees let the

contract to build a church to Uzziel Thurber and Albert W. Hill

for $300, the trustees furnishing all the materials. The building

was to be 36x50 feet, with a steeple 21 feet high, and to be finished

by September 15, 1841. The church was dedicated on November

5, 1841.

 

Prior to this services were held in the old white schoolhouse

until that privilege was withdrawn. Services were then held

under a large elm tree which stood on the corner of North Main

and Elm Streets. A number of logs which had been drawn there


 

 

New Berlin, N. Y. 565

 

served well as seats. The society subsequently secured the use

of the Masonic Hall, where services were held until the new

church was ready for use.

 

The circuit was formed from Chenango Circuit in 1836, New

Berlin appearing that year among the appointments. From 1837

to 1839 inclusive it is supposed to have been with Edmeston. In

1840 it again appears in the list of appointments, and has con-

tinued until now. When the circuit was formed it included New

Berlin, Gilbertsville, South New Berlin, Louisville (Morris), and

Dimmick Hollow. The following year Dimmick Hollow was

dropped and King's Settlement added. In 1843 the circuit con-

tained New Berlin, North New Berlin, King's Settlement, South

New Berlin, Holmesville, West Hill, and McIntyre Schoolhouse.

In 1848 New Berlin has none of these out-appointments. Find-

ing themselves unable to support a pastor, Columbus was added

in 1851.

 

In 1859-60 a bell which cost $375 was put in the belfry. At

this time the spire was remodeled, the pyramid being added, the

belfry windows fitted with blinds, the church shingled, painted,

and an organ and Bible bought. After an expenditure of $1,500

in repairs the church was reopened on March 10, 1876, Rev.

J. G. Eckman preaching in the morning and Rev. H. H. Dresser

in the evening. The interior of the church was greatly altered.

Stained glass windows replaced the old-fashioned thirty-two-

light windows; the pulpit was taken from the front and placed in

the other end of the room; the two doors in front were closed and

a central double door put in; the old-style pews were torn out,

the floor leveled, and new oak pews with cushions put in; the

choir gallery was remodeled and placed at the left of the pulpit;

pulpit chairs were purchased. The carpenter work was done by

Mr. Leman Seymour. In 1891-92 a steel roof replaced the

shingles.

 

In 1898 the church was extensively repaired. The building

was raised 8½ feet, and a Sunday school room 28x34, a prayer

room 22x22, and a kitchen 14x22 feet were built beneath it. Front

and back stairways were built leading to the auditorium. The

auditorium seats three hundred people. A new carpet was laid,

and the cushions were re-covered. A steel ceiling added

beauty to the room. A choir alcove 12x13 feet was built back of

the pulpit. The building was lighted by electric lights and heated

by a new furnace. The cost of these repairs was $2,100, $1,200 of

which was raised on the day of dedication. The building was

dedicated on November 30, 1898, Rev. B. I. Ives preaching morn-

 

 

566 Wyoming Conference

 

ing and evening and handling the finances. The presiding elder,

Rev. C. H. Hayes, conducted the dedicatory service at the close

of the evening service.

 

Mr. T. H. Dakin sacrificed much of his time and energy in

furthering this enterprise, besides carrying about one fourth of

the expense.

 

Agrippa Butts, Joseph Olney, Milton Hubby, Joseph Gaskill,

and W. K. Sherwood have been local preachers licensed by the

New Berlin Quarterly Conference, and Andrew Spicer, F. M.

Burlingame, A. L. Holliday, Collins C. Hill, and William H.

Steer exhorters.

 

On August 5, 1854, Lyman Babcock and wife Octavia deeded

a house and lot adjoining the church to the trustees in considera-

tion of $500. The house was a small story-and-a-half building.

In 1871 a two-story addition 22x24 feet was built on the front,

and the old house extensively repaired, making an inviting par-

sonage. In 1891 a large double bay window was built on the

south side of the parsonage, a portion of the roof raised, and a

large upper room converted into a pleasant study.

 

In 1890 Mrs. Lucy Chase bequeathed the church $3,000. After

satisfying the inheritance tax the society received $2,800, $800 of

which has been used in making repairs.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society has been an important factor in the

financial enterprises of this church.

 

Columbus is situated six miles northwest of New Berlin. Early

in the century Methodism began to exert itself in this place,

though no regular services were held until 1816. In 1805 a quar-

terly meeting was held in Mr. Underwood's barn, with a sermon

by Rev. Timothy Dewey. The following day a love feast was

held, attended by a vast concourse of people, and followed by the

services usual on such occasions.

 

In June, 1816, a class was formed which included Levi Jaquith,

Abigail Jaquith, Lydia Rexford, Levina Henderson, William

Lottridge, and Rhoda Watson. The meeting at which this class

was formed was held in the house of John Lottridge. Meetings

were continued on every Tuesday at 10 a. m. In the winter the

services were held in Mr. Lottridge's house, and in the summer

in his barn. At this time Columbus was a part of the Chenango

Circuit. At the formation of Brookfield Circuit in 1827 it became

part of that circuit, where it remained until 1851, when it was

added to New Berlin.

 

A meeting was held at the house of John Lottridge on Novem-


 

 

New Berlin, N. Y. 567

 

ber 3, 1845, for the purpose of incorporation. John L. Carrier,

Asher Palmiter, Joseph Olney, George F. Blackman, James Hill,

and Stephen Fenton were elected trustees. Alt this meeting

Joseph Olney, Randall Richer, Grant B. Palmer, Benjamin

Downing, and Edward W. Breckenridge were constituted a

building committee to superintend the erection of a church. On

January 15, 1846, the society secured by deed the site for the

church of Abner Burlingame and wife in consideration of $75.

The church was dedicated on February 10, 1847. This building

was extensively repaired in 1874, at an expense of $1,700. The

interior of the church was entirely remodeled, the pulpit changed

from the front to the rear, an alcove built for the extension of the

pulpit platform; the walls were frescoed, new pews and stained

glass memorial windows put in. A bell tower was built, and

about five years later Mrs. Helen Hayward presented the church

with a bell. The church was reopened on January 6, 1875, Rev.

S. O. Barnes, of Lowville, preaching in the morning and Rev.

J. G. Eckman in the evening. Five hundred dollars was raised

during the day. Rev. Dwight Williams was present, and delighted

the congregation by reciting some of his poems.

 

Pastorates

 

1836, D. W. Bristol; 1837-39, supposed to be with Edmeston;

1840-41, A. Peck, F. D. Higgins; 1842, C. W. Harris, William

Burnside; 1843, C. W. Harris, R. S. Rose; 1844, Justus Soule,

E. D. Thurston; 1845, Justus Soule, D. S. Holister; 1846, L.

Anderson, D. S. Holister; 1847, L. Anderson; 1848-49, Robert

Fox; 1850-51, Michael M. Tuke; 1852, L. Bowdish; 1853, E. P.

Beebe; 1854-55, C. Starr; 1856-57, H. F. Rowe; 1858-59, M. B.

Cleveland; 1860-61, William Burnside; 1862-63, W. W. An-

drews; 1864, T. M. Williams; 1865, E. D. Thurston; 1866, Orin

L. Torry; 1867-68, M. G. Wadsworth; 1869, C. D. Shepard;

1870, W. B. Thomas; 1871, R. W. Van Schoick; 1872, J. A.

Wood, 2d; 1873, William Burnside; 1874-75, L. A. Wild; 1876-

77, N. J. Hawley; 1878-79, J. C. Shelland; 1880, N. S. Reynolds;

1881-83, D. C. Barnes; 1884-86, L. Jennison; 1887-88, W. Frisby;

1889-90, M. S. Godshall; 1891-93, G. H. Prentice; 1894-96, E. L.

Jeffrey; 1897-99, M. L. Andariese; 1900-03, W. W. Watrous.

 

 

North Fenton, N. Y.

 

We have been able to secure all too little concerning this charge.

North Fenton was for many years the leading appointment on the

Page Brook Circuit.


 

 

568 Wyoming Conference

 

The class was organized in 1830 with five members, and the

society was incorporated in.1832, with Rufus G. Christian,

Ebenezer Cole, Charles Elliott, Justin Watrous, Garrett William-

son, and Claude Hamilton trustees. The first church was built

the same year upon a plot of ground donated by Claude Hamil-

ton. The church was built by Mr. A. Beman, and cost $2,000.

In 1871 $2,680 was spent in repairing this building. It was re-

opened on Wednesday, January 10, 1872, Rev. W. H. Olin

preaching in the morning and Rev. D. W. Bristol in the evening.

One thousand dollars was raised during the day's services.

 

Extensive revivals were witnessed in 1831, 1849, 1855,

and 1876.

 

The parsonage was purchased of Mr. Jerome Baker, and has

since been rebuilt and enlarged.

 

New Ohio is five miles east of North Fenton. The society here

is said to have been organized in 1825 by Billy Way with eight

members. The church was built in 1844 at a cost of $800, and

seats two hundred and fifty people.

 

Pastorates

 

Page Brook, 1841, Lucius C. Woodford; 1842-43, A. G. Bur-

lingame; 1844-4.S, P. Bartlett; 1846-47, H. Ercanbrack; 1848-49,

L. Pitts; 1850, T. D. Wire; 1851, M. Ruger; 1852, supply(?);

1853, William Round; 1854, William Round, E. Puffer; 1855,

_____; 1856, A. C. Sperry, William Roberts; 1857-58, L. Pitts;

1859-60, A. F. Harding; 1861, F. Spencer; 1862, N. S. Reynolds;

1863, P. S. Worden; 1864, William Round; 1865-66, S. Earner;

1867, P. S. Worden; 1868, L. Pitts; 1869-70, E. Sibley; North

Fenton, 1871-73, T. Burgess; 1874-75, C. D. Shepard; 1876-77,

A. C. Sperry; 1878-79, G. A. Severson; 1880, E. R. D. Briggs;

1881-82, F. H. Parsons; 1883-84, S. H. Wood; 1885, E. L. Ben-

nett; 1886-88, C. L. Rice; 1889-90, I. C. Estes; 1891-92, George

Pope; 1893-97, D. W. Swetland; 1898, M. D. Matoon; 1899-1901,

G. L. Williams; 1902-03, W. M. Shaw.

 

 

North Norwich, N. Y.

 

We are unable to give the time and circumstances surrounding

the introduction of Methodism into North Norwich. The society

became incorporated on May 27, 1849. Daniel Cook presided,

and Daniel Cook, Thompson E. Cook, William D. Sackett, John

Chase, and John A. Cook were chosen trustees, the latter becom-

ing clerk of the board. William D. Sackett was class leader, and


 

 

North Norwich, N. Y. 569

 

John A. Cook recording steward. Meetings had previously been

held occasionally in the village schoolhouse, but in 1849 the Shaw

store was converted into a meetinghouse, and used as such for

twenty years. However, the society was ambitious for a more

attractive place of worship, and on March 24, 1856, a building lot

was purchased of William D. Sackett and wife Julia A. for $650,

on condition that a church should be erected upon it. The society

failed to build the church, and the sale consequently fell through.

The fact is evidence of the growing ambitions of the society at

the time.

 

On May 12, 1868, the trustees of "The First Baptist Church

and Society in Norwich," now North Norwich, conveyed to the

trustees of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of North

Norwich" an undivided half of this church and ground. For

this the Methodists paid $600, and by agreement spent the $600 in

repairs on the church. The property was to be kept in repair by

the parties mutually, each society "contributing thereto according

as they shall have used it." The undivided half of the church

furniture was included in the sale. This church building was

erected by the Baptists in 1802, and originally stood in the ceme-

tery inclosure at North Norwich, and was taken down and

removed to its present location in 1849-50.

 

North Norwich was with Smyrna until put with King's

Settlement in 1873.

 

On December 31, 1900, the society met and reincorporated.

M. B. Ludington presided, and J. W. Sturges acted as secretary.

M. B. Ludington, Leroy Holliday, and J. W. Sturges were elected

trustees.

 

On December 19, 1901, Elisha S. Brown and wife Elsie deeded

to the trustees of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of

North Norwich" the site for the church in consideration of $200.

The church built upon this lot cost, with the furnishings, $2,000.

The auditorium is 22x40 feet, having a prayer room 14x20 feet

on one side, and a kitchen 12x14 feet on the other. A vestibule

8 feet square opens into the auditorium and prayer room. The

memorial windows and interior decorations combine to make an

inviting room. The building was dedicated on October 30, 1902.

Rev. T. F. Hall, D.D., preached from 2 Tim. ii, 19, and in the

evening former pastors, G. N. Underwood, G. G. McChesney,

L. D. Palmer, and A. J. NefF, made brief addresses. Three hun-

dred dollars was raised during the day to liquidate all indebted-

ness. At the beginning of this enterprise the Methodists sold their

interest in the Baptist church back to the Baptist society for $600.


 

 

570 Wyoming Conference

 

King's Settlement is about eight miles from North Norwich.

The society here became incorporated on March 30, 1835. Rev.

Lyman Beach presided, and Benjamin H. King acted as secretary.

George H. King, John King, Jr., Abraham West, Matthew C.

Barr, Arnold Shaw, James Merihew, and Benjamin H. King were

elected trustees. The society was reorganized on May 15, 1843.

 

On June 4, 1857, thirty-two rods of ground were secured by

deed from James and Anna Johnson for $32. Presumably the

church was built shortly after this. In 1871 it was rebuilt at a

cost of $1,500.

 

The parsonage for this charge is located at King's Settlement,

and is valued at $500.

 

King's Settlement was with New Berlin from 1841-43, with

Edmeston in 1845, and at the time it became an appointment in

1867 it was with South New Berlin. These facts indicate that it

has been somewhat migratory in its relations.

 

Pastorates

 

King's Settlement, 1867, _____; 1868, Alvin W. Barrows;

1869, G. S. Hathaway; 1870, David Davies; 1871-73, D. Bullock;

North Norwich, 1874, D. Bullock; 1875, B. B. Carruth; King's

Settlement and North Norwich, 1876, B. B. Carruth; 1877, C. C.

Williams; King's Settlement, 1878, C. C. Williams; North Nor-

wich and King's Settlement, 1879, Albert Loomis; 1880, E. A.

Baldwin; North Norwich, 1881-82, C. B. Personeus; 1883-84,

W. G. Queal; 1885-86, L. C. Hayes; 1887, J. H. Beere; 1888-90,

N. E. Bliss; 1891-92, L. C. Hayes; 1893-94, C. M. Olmstead;

1895, G. N. Underwood; 1896-97, A. J. Neff; 1898-99, L. D.

Palmer; 1900, G. G. McChesney; 1901-03, E. E. Barker.

 

 

Norwich, N. Y.

 

Methodism in Norwich dates back to 1815, when Rev. John

Hamilton, one of the preachers on Lebanon Circuit, preached at

irregular intervals in the home of Father Parker, about one mile

east of the village. Here services were held for several years.

In 1816 the services became regular, being held once in two

weeks, under the ministry of Rev. G. W. Densmore. His min-

istry seems to have been a very successful one, the membership

of Lebanon Circuit, in which Norwich was included, being re-

ported in 1816 as three hundred and fifty. In 1863 one of his

sermons was still talked about, being from a part of Gen. xxiv, 58:

"Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go." About


 

 

Norwich, N. Y. 571

 

1820 a class was organized by Rev. Reuben Reynolds, a local

preacher of blessed memory, and the class meetings were held in

his home, on West Main Street.

 

After a while the society deemed it wise to move into the village

with their preaching services, and accordingly secured the use of

the courthouse for a fortnightly service. The society was soon

deprived of this place, when the use of the old academy was

secured. But this was enjoyed but a short time when notice to

quit was served. A good brother fixed seats in the loft of his

wagon shop and this room served the

society until an old schoolhouse, out

one side, on West Main Street, was

secured for public services. Not-

withstanding opposition the society

grew.

 

On January 2, 1827, the society

met for incorporation. Rev. Benja-

min Shipman presided, and Rev. Reu-

ben Reynolds acted as clerk. The

meeting adjourned to the 13th, when

NORWICH CHURCH

            [photo]
 
George H. King, Caleb Seabury,

Miriam Saunders, Reuben Reynolds,

William D. Burdick, Nathan D.

Stanton, and Thomas Neverson were

elected trustees of "The First Society

of the Methodist Episcopal Church

in Norwich." At a meeting of the

trustees held on January 27, 1827,

George H. King being chairman and

Nathan D. Stanton secretary, all the

members of the board being present,

it was "Voted that we make an effort

to build a church;" "Voted that Rev.

 

B. Shipman obtain a draft for said church;" "Voted that a

building committee of three be appointed, and that T. Neverson,

William Burdick, and N. D. Stanton compose said committee."

At a meeting of the trustees held on February 24, 1827, Caleb

Seabury, George W. King, and Reuben Reynolds were consti-

tuted a committee to purchase a site for a church.

 

Subscription papers were circulated dated March 29, 1827,

which were the basis for the building of the first church, and were

drawn payable in cash, neat stock, produce, labor, lumber, pork,

etc. The following are samples: John Reynolds, $5 in tailoring;


 

 

572 Wyoming Conference

 

Thomas Stockton, $5 in boots and shoes; Asa Pellet, $2 in

lumber; George Field, $10 in carpenter work or goods; William

Munroe, when the house is done, $5 in cash, and $5 in pork or

grain in the fall of 1828.

 

The society was reincorporated on January 27, 1834. The

former corporate name was retained, and Ansel Berry, David

Blindbury, Daniel Cook, Hiram Atherton, and Nathan D. Stan-

ton were chosen trustees. Alvin Torry and Nathan D. Stanton

presided at this meeting. At a meeting of the trustees held on

December 29, 1834, they decided to purchase a lot of Walter M.

Conkey for $500, and to build a church 38x50 feet, with base-

ment and gallery. The deed for the lot, containing thirty-five

rods, was executed on May 2, 1835, by Walter M. Conkey and

wife Frances, the society paying $445.33 for the same. On

March 7, 1834, the building of the basement was let to Ansel

Berry for $200, and the framework to Benjamin W. King for

$300. The church complete cost about $3,000. It stood just

north of the present church. The church was dedicated in the

summer of 1836, Dr. George Peck, Andrew Peck, and Lyman

Beach preaching on the occasion. A bitter struggle of fifteen

years then followed to pay for the building.

 

Norwich appears among the list of appointments in 1827. It

then was the name of a circuit. In 1832 it was a two-weeks'

circuit as follows (we here give a preacher's plan for his trip):

Monday, Oxford, 10:30 a. m. and 1:30 p. m., at Lewis's, 7 p. m.;

Tuesday at Stead's, 7 p. m.; Wednesday, Preston Corners; Thurs-

day, McGee's; Friday, Norton's; Sunday, Plymouth, 10:30 A. m.,

Norwich 4 p. m.; a week of rest; Sunday, Oxford; Tuesday,

Southworth's; Wednesday, Bennett's; Thursday, Little Four

Corners; Friday, King Hill. In 1836 Norwich became a station —

that is, without outlying appointments.

 

The church was repaired and enlarged in 1853, and again in

1863. In 1867 it was improved and an organ bought.

 

The erection of the present church building was projected in

1872, and the corner stone laid on May 28, 1873. Addresses were

made by Bishop Peck, Rev. Luke Queal, D.D., and Rev. George

Peck, D.D. James G. Clark, the noted singer, sang a song. Rev.

Reuben Reynolds, who organized the class, was present and gave

some reminiscences. Bishop Peck deposited the box of me-

mentos and laid the corner stone. As soon as the basement could

be used the society moved in.. The basement rooms were dedi-

cated on MarcTi 26, 1874, Rev. H. Wheeler preaching at 2 p. m.

and Rev. William Searls at 7 p. m., and Rev. J. G. Eckman


 

 

Norwich, N. Y. 573

 

conducted the dedicatory service. The church was completed the

following year, and was dedicated on January 14, 1875. The

church and furnishings, including a $600 bell and a pipe organ

which cost $2,800, cost $49,500. Of this amount $12,000 had

already been raised, leaving $37,500 to be provided for on the

day of dedication. Bishop Peck preached in the morning from

"Arise, shine, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee."

Rev. William Searls preached in the evening. Rev. B. I. Ives

handled the finances during the day and secured $40,100 in

subscriptions.

 

One writer in sketching the history of this church and referring

to the dedication says, "And after that the deluge." Hardly any

figure of speech can fairly portray the struggle of the next decade.

In May, 1878, the pastor and official board, indorsed by the

presiding elder and Bishop Peck, issued a circular letter appeal-

ing to the generosity of the public, and stating that, owing to the

panic and hard times, several who had subscribed liberally at the

dedication had become bankrupt, and that so many subscriptions

were impaired that the church was $34,000 in debt. The condi-

tion was serious, appaUing. In 1878 the pastor gave his year's

salary toward reducing the debt. Eighteen hundred dollars was

made on two Niagara excursions. Thus the society struggled

until in 1884, after paying $14,000 in interest and reducing the

principal about $5,000, the church property was sold to satisfy

the mortgage, and the society was left without a dollar's worth

of property. At this time the total indebtedness of the church

was $28,723.20. The various creditors made liberal concessions

on condition that. the socifety should redeem the property. To do

this $21,235.40 was needed. The Hon. William Connell was the

providential man. He told the church that if it would raise $10,000

the balance would be forthcoming. The society raised $10,000.

Mr. Connell gave $7,110.40 himself, and secured $2,000 from the

Church Extension Society, $1,000 from J. D. Slayback, $500

from J. B. Cornell, $300 from Mrs. P. L. Bennett, $100 from

Oliver Hoyt, $100 from Payne Pettebone, $100 from L. D. Shoe-

maker, and $25 from H. H. Brommel, making a total raised by

Mr. Connell of $11,235.40. On January 1, 1885, the property

was redeemed. On January 22, 1885, jubilee and dedicatory

services were held. Rev. H. A. Buttz, D.D., preached at 2 p. m.,

from Matt, xvi, 15-18, and the evening service was a thanksgiving

service in charge of Rev. H. M. Crydenwise. For prudential

reasons the society was reorganized as "The Broad Street Meth-

odist Episcopal Church of Norwich."


 

 

574 Wyoming Conference

 

In 1901-02 the church was greatly improved at an expense of

$2,400. The organ was removed to the rear of the pulpit, and the

choir loft placed between the organ and pulpit. A beautiful arch

was erected over the organ and pulpit, and the ells at the right

and left of the pulpit were converted into class rooms. The gal-

lery was made accessible from the auditorium, a steel ceiling put

in the auditorium', and the walls were newly frescoed. An

acetylene gas plant was installed. The Ladies' Aid Society re-

carpeted the room and made themselves helpful in many ways.

These changes make the room very attractive. Reopening

services were held on January 26, 1902, Rev. W. H. Pearce, D.D.,

preaching morning and evening. During the day enough money

was subscribed to cover the outlay.

 

The years 1854 and 1867, and January, 1876, were seasons of

extraordinary revival work.

 

Norwich entertained the Oneida Conference in August,

1839; July, 1856; April, 1864; and the Wyoming Conference

April, 1871; April, 1879; April, 1887; and April, 1898.

 

On October 8, 1868, Ansel Berry and wife Hannah J., in

consideration of $1 deeded the society a house and lot on the

north side of Mill Street, valued at $743. The lot contained one

half acre. On June 14, 1872, Celinda, Ella, and Catharine Mead

conveyed a house and lot on the east side of North Main Street,

in consideration of $600. On June 10, 1874, Martha A. Avery

and her husband George W. Avery conveyed a residence property

to the church for $1,800. We are unable to give the disposition

made of the first two properties. The last was used for a

parsonage until swept away by the financial crisis. The present

parsonage beside the church was conveyed to the church on

November 14, 1900, by Henry Mitchell, $4,200 being the purchase

price. The society is carrying an incumbrance of $3,000 on

this property.

 

Pastorates

 

1827, Josiah Keyes; 1828, Henry Peck; 1829, _____; 1830,

John M. Snyder; 1831, James Atwell; 1832, William S. Bowdish,

Noah Stowell; 1833, A. Torry, Noah Stowell; 1834, Lyman

Beach; 1835, Lyman Beach, L. Bowdish; 1836, J. Harvey; 1837,

D. W. Bristol; 1838-39, L. Sperry; 1840, J. P. Backus; 1841-42,

V. M. Coryell; 1843-44, W. H. Pearne; 1845-46, C. W. Giddings;

1847-48, John S. Mitchell; 1849, C. D. Burritt; 1850, A. J. Dana;

1851-52, D. A. Whedon; 1853-54, D- Cobb; 1855, D. W. Thurs-

ton; 1856-57, E. Hoag; 1858-59, C. Blakeslee; 1860-61, W. H.


 

 

 

Oxford, N. Y. 575

 

Olin; 1862-63, William Searls; 1864-65, L. C. Queal; 1866-68,

Thomas Harroun; 1869-70, W. A. Wadsworth; 1871-72, H.

Wheeler; 1873, S. F. Brown; 1874-75, W. J. Judd; 1876-78,

H. M. Crydenwise (in 1878 Rev. C. A. Benjamin was his

assistant); 1879-80, J. O. Woodruff; 1881-83, I- T. Walker;

1884-85, O. H. McAnulty; 1886-89, A. J. Van Cleft; 1890-93,

E. B. Olmstead; 1894-95, J. Bradshaw; 1896-99, S. Moore;

1900-03, W. Treible.

 

 

Oxford, N. Y.

 

When the work on Chenango Circuit was opened it is very

probable that Oxford was found by the itinerant. Oxford was a

part of the Norwich Circuit for some time before it became a

Conference appointment in 1833. It is thought that Methodism

began here about 1815, and that a class was organized about 1817

in Mr. Van Wagenen's barn, on Albany Street. The old barn

was still standing in 1880. Just how long services were held

here is unknown; and we do not know the date when the society

went into the Academy. When it met on September 24, 1831,

for incorporation, it met in the Academy, "the usual place of

worship." There were at this meeting "the male persons of full

age belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church in the village

of Oxford," and they met "for the purpose of electing nine dis-

creet persons of the said church as trustees, to take the charge of

the estate and property of the said church and to transact all

affairs relative to the temporalities thereof." Rev. James Atwell

and William E. Chapman presided, and Bliss Willoughby, Na-

thaniel Wilcox, Caleb Sebury, Everitt Judson, Gardner B. Lewis,

Elias Widger, William E. Chapman, George H. King, and

Daniel H. Dudley were elected trustees of "The Methodist Epis-

copal Church in the Village of Oxford."

 

On August 3, 1833, the society secured by deed the old Oxford

Academy and lot, paying $400 therefor. Here the society wor-

shiped until going into the church.

 

The church was erected in 1841, and was 40x50 feet, having a

gallery on three sides, and a good basement. It was dedicated

on February 27, 1842, by Rev. N. Rounds, presiding elder of the

district. The building cost about $3,000. "Great credit was

given to Isaac J. Stratton, Esq., who was chiefly instrumental in

bringing the project to completion." On March 3, 1841, Isaac J.

Stratton and wife Rachel deeded a lot in the rear of the church

to the society for $500. This ground was used for the erection of

horse sheds.

 

 

576 Wyoming Conference

 

On March 28, 1838, the society met to reincorporate. Isaac

J. Stratton and Everitt Judson presided. Levi Sherwood, Everitt

Judson, Isaac J. Stratton, William E. Chapman, Nathaniel Wil-

 

        OXFORD CHURCH [photo]

 

cox, Eliakim Northrup, and Bliss Willoughby were elected

trustees.

 

After spending $1,500 in repairs the church was reopened on

Thursday, January 24, 1861.

 

After some considerable repairs the church was again reopened

on December 18, 1872, Rev. Thomas Harroun preaching in the

morning and Rev. Henry Wheeler in the evening.

 

In 1880-81 $1,000 was spent in constructing a new entrance

with inside stairways, lecture room, church parlor, and kitchen

nicely fitted up, and stained glass windows put in the front of

the building.

 

In 1887 the building was extensively repaired, costing $4,501.43,

all of which was provided for before the day of reopening. A

twelve-foot addition and two towers were put on the front of the

church. The old galleries were removed. Memorial windows

were put in by Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mosier, Mr.' D. W. Wil-


 

 

North Guilford, N. Y. 577

 

loughby, Mrs. Irene Lord, Mr. George Rector, of Blue Earth

City, Minn.; Mr. H. C. Roome, of New York city; Mr. G. P.

York, of Westfield, N. Y.; Mr. C. B. Dudley, of Altoona, Pa.;

and one secured from a bequest of Aunt Sally Sannick. New

cushions, new carpets, and a new pulpit graced a room tastily

frescoed. The building was dedicated on July 14, 1887. Rev.

A. J. Van Cleft preached in the morning from Psa. lxxii, 17. In

the afternoon Rev. Dwight Williams conducted a love feast, which

was followed by the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In the

evening Rev. W. H. Pearne preached from I Cor. ii, 5, after

which Rev. A. J. Van Cleft conducted the dedicatory service.

 

On Wednesday, September 16, 1891, the church celebrated its

semicentennial. A love feast was held at 10:30. Dinner was

served in the church, and in the afternoon the Rev. J. C. Hogan

preached, after which the pastor read an historical sketch. The

evening was given to song, and addresses by visiting clergymen.

 

On January 5, 1848, Isaac J. Stratton and wife Rachel conveyed

by deed a property for which the society paid $700. This was

occupied several years as a parsonage. On March 26, 1857, St.

Paul's Episcopal Church deeded the present parsonage property

to the church for $900. In 1891 the house was thoroughly mod-

ernized, at a cost of $1,000.

 

Oxford entertained the Oneida Conference in August, 1842,

and again in July, 1849.

 

North Guilford, also known as "Little Four Corners," is the

out-appointment to Oxford charge. We do not know when the

class was formed, but services were held in the Webb Schoolhouse

about two years before the church was built. The society met at

this schoolhouse at 10 a. m. on April 23, 1844, for the purpose of

incorporating. Peleg Arnold and Philo Hoag presided. Peleg

Arnold, Oliver Jennison, Philo Hoag, Daniel Arnold, and Joseph

Wood were elected trustees of "The Second Methodist Episcopal

Church of Norwich and Guilford." On April 6, 1844, Benjamin

Sheldon conveyed to the trustees a lot containing ninety-nine

rods, $50 having been paid for the same. He stipulated in the

deed that a church should be built on the lot, and reserved the

use of a slip for himself and family. The trustees met at the

residence of Newman Gates, on October 16, 1844, and appointed

a building committee to cooperate with the trustees in the building

of the church. The trustees also determined to make a contract

with Squire R. Morehouse, of Oxford, to build the church. The

building is 32x44 feet, and cost $1,000. It was dedicated in 1845.


 

 

578 Wyoming Conference

 

In 1879 the building was repaired and painted, and the sheds

repaired, at a cost of $300. About 1880 the church was again

repaired, at an expense of $100. Since organization this society

has been a part of the Oxford charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1833-34, H. Halstead; 1835, J. Bailey; 1836-37, L. Sperry;

1838, George Harmon; 1839, H. H. Winter; 1840-41, W. H.

Pearne; 1842-43, L. Sperry; 1844-45, W. Bixby; 1846, L. L.

Knox; 1847-48, W. Wyatt; 1849, B. Hawley; 1850, Z. Paddock;

1851, S. Stocking; 1852, A. S. Graves; 1853-54, J. T. Wright;

1855-56, H. Gee; 1857, Lewis H. Stanley; 1858-59, K.T. Mat-

tison; 1860-61, W. R. Cobb; 1862-63, Dwight Williams; 1864-65,

W. C. Bowen; 1866-67, W. G. Queal; 1868-70, T. P. Halstead;

1871-72, S. F. Brown; 1873, F. L. Hiller; 1874-75, H. V. Talbot;

1876-77, J. K. Peck; 1878-79, S. C. Fulton; 1880-82, L. W. Peck;

1883-85, J. W. Mevis; 1886-90, A. W. Cooper; 1891, A. J. Van

Cleft; 1891½-93, W. G. Simpson; 1894-96, W. Frisby; 1897-1900,

J. H. Littell; 1901-02, E. Kilpatrick; 1903, I. N. Shipman.

 

 

Plymouth, N. Y.

 

The beginnings of Methodism in Plymouth are unknown. The

society met on March 23, 1812, for the purpose of incorporation.

Rev. Ebenezer White and William Stover presided. Darius I.

Adams, George Wales, Joseph Dimmick, Thomas R. Tracy,

Nathan Geer, John Miller, and Adolphus Simons were chosen

trustees of "The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church

in Plymouth." The church record gives the date of incorporation

as June 23. We follow the date as recorded in the county clerk's

office. Plymouth remained a part of Lebanon Circuit until the

formation of Norwich Circuit in 1827, when it became a part of

that circuit. In 1836-37 it was in the Smyrna Circuit. From

1838 to 1841 Smyrna and Plymouth form a charge, and in 1842

Plymouth appears among the appointments.

 

On October 20, 1821, the society met at the house of John

Miller, in the town of Plymouth, for reincorporation. The cor-

porate name taken in 1812 was retained, and John Miller, Daniel

Monroe, Nathan Geer, Martin Sackett, Joseph Dimmick, Darius

Adams, and John C. Adams were chosen trustees. Rev. Zenas

Jones and John Miller presided at this meeting. It was voted at

this meeting that their seal should be marked with the letter "X."

 

On August 31, 1858, the society met again for incorporation.


 

 

Plymouth, N. Y. 579

 

John Benedict and Russell R. Sackett presided. Asahel Stewart,

John W. Bennet, Heth P. Young, Russell R. Sackett, and Richard

D. Taylor were chosen trustees, and the corporate name of the

society was "The Methodist Episcopal Society of Frankville."

Plymouth was known many years as Frankville, so called from

the early French settlers there.

 

From 1812 until 1822 services were held in summer out-of-

doors or in barns, and in the winter in a schoolhouse on town lot

 

        PLYMOUTH CHURCH [photo]

 

No. 53, on the old road between Plymouth and Norwich, about

two miles southeast of Plymouth and near the house formerly

occupied by John Vrooman. In 1822 the society resolved to build

a church on a lot seventy rods west of the schoolhouse. A good

building for the times was put up, though not ornamented with a

steeple or coat of paint. The project narrowly escaped disaster,

for, before the church was completed, a dry kiln standing near

the church was consumed by fire, and the church was saved with

great difficulty by the inhabitants of the vicinity. The church

was dedicated by Rev. George Gary, presiding elder of the dis-

trict. This building was used by the society until 1845, when the


 

 

580 Wyoming Conference

 

society built a church in Plymouth village. Rev. Lyman A. Eddy

preached the dedicatory sermon of this church. This enterprise

was hastened by the fact that some members living in the south-

ern part of the charge united with the Freewill Baptists to build

a union church on South Hill, about one and one half miles south

of the old church. The preacher in charge preached in the union

church as circumstances would permit until 1860, when the Con-

ference took the southern part of the charge and created Preston

charge out of it.

 

In 1861 the church was remodeled, at a cost of $650. The pulpit

was moved from the front to the rear of the church, and a com-

modious class room built on the rear of the church, connected

with the auditorium by two doors, one on each side of the pulpit.

The church was reopened on Thursday, November 7, 1861, Rev.

D. A. Whedon preaching in the morning and Rev. W. H. Olin

at 2 p. M.

 

In 1872 the church was extensively rebuilt qnd refurnished.

The building was raised, and convenient church parlors finished

in the basement. The auditorium was thoroughly modernized.

The whole combined to make a very attractive country church.

The sum of $7,000 was expended in this renovation. The dedi-

catory services were held on Wednesday, January 15, 1873. Rev.

B. I. Ives preached in the morning, and followed his sermon with

a solicitation of funds, securing $2,700, enough to liquidate all

indebtedness. Rev. Thomas Harroun preached in the evening

from John xv, 12, and conducted the dedicatory service.

 

The lot upon which this church stands was secured by deed

from William Towner and wife Diana, on August 15, 1844, for

$85. On June 3, 1850, Richard S. Steward and wife Ellen sold

the society a lot adjoining the above for $125. A parsonage was

erected at once and was used until 1866, when it was sold to

John Mowers. On October 6, 1866, the present parsonage lot,

containing one and one quarter acres of land, situated across the

road from the church, was deeded to the society by Willard P.

Munroe and wife Huldah, in consideration of $234.50. The

present parsonage was built at once.

 

Lorenzo Adams was Sunday school superintendent ten years,

and George P. Cushman twenty-one years. Asahel Stewart was

an exhorter forty years, and also filled the positions of class

leader, steward, and trustee. Joseph M. Munroe was a class

leader over forty years, and also acted as trustee, steward, and

recording steward.

 

For nearly fifty years services have been held with more or


 

 

Beaver Meadow, N. Y. 581

 

less regularity in South Plymouth Schoolhouse. Harvey B.

Sackett and Orin Sexton each served as class leader there for a

long time.

 

Work was continued at Frinkville for some time, the school-

house being used, but is now discontinued.

 

In February and March, 1885, Plymouth enjoyed a revival

which resulted in over eighty accessions to the church.

 

Kirk is a schoolhouse appointment, formerly called Steward's,

five miles northwest of Plymouth. A Sunday school has

flourished here a number of years.

 

Beaver Meadow is six miles north of Plymouth. This work

was established through the faithful ministry of Rev. S. A. An-

derson. For many years this territory was held by the Christians

and Baptists. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Anderson went to

Beaver Meadow as supply for the Christian church. Some of

the older members became dissatisfied because he was a Meth-

odist. On October 25, 1896, he resigned, and left the place, not

expecting to return. On November 11 he was invited back by

many who wanted his return. He accordingly returned and held

services the following Sunday, the i6th, in a hall. On December

6, after hearing the Discipline read, fourteen persons gave their

names, desirous of forming a class. During the following De-

cember and January a revival resulted in forty-five conversions.

On February 10, 1897, the presiding elder gave the class a quar-

terly meeting. Twelve received the right hand of fellowship, and

forty-three were taken on probation. Amid bitter opposition and

slanderous reports the work has thrived.

 

On December 1, 1897, Asa Finch and wife Lucina deeded the

society a quarter of an acre of land, in consideration of $1. The

first trustees were Jacob Bellinger, Russell Cobb, Frank Tyler,

Hiram Howard, James B. Adams, and Fred Lansing. On Feb-

ruary 1, 1899, the church, which cost $1,000, was dedicated free

of debt by Rev. C. H. Hayes.

 

After being served as follows it became a part of Plymouth

charge in 1902: 1897, S. A. Anderson; 1898, Smyrna pastor;

1899, Plymouth pastor; 1900-01, H. D. Ingersoll.

 

Pastorates

 

1838-41, with Smyrna; 1842-43, Andrew Peck; 1844-45, I. D.

Warren; 1846-47, F. D. Higgins; 1848-49, E. P. Beecher; 1850-

51, Charles Starr; 1852-53, Walter Jerome; 1854, A. Queal; 1855,

L. G. Weaver; 1856, F. D. Higgins; 1857-58, E. D. Thurston;


 

 

582 Wyoming Conference

 

1859-60, T. P. Halstead; 1861-62, A. C. Smith; 1863-64, C. T.

Moss; 1865, W. Watson; 1866-67, W. R. Cochrane; 1868-69,

Abijah Brown; 1870-71, R. Hiorns; 1872-73, E. W. Caswell; 1874,

J. W. Mevis; 1875-76, L. C. Hayes; 1877, J. H. Barnard; 1878-79,

W. G. Queal; 1880-81, A. M. Colegrove; 1882, F. A. Dony;

1883-85, S. Stephens; 1886-88, J. S. Southworth; 1889-90, H. G.

Blair; 1891-93, W. M. Shaw; 1894-95, R. W. Lowry; 1896-97,

W. H. Horton; 1898-1901, A. Clarke; 1902-03, S. H. Flory.

 

 

Preston, N. Y.

 

Preston charge was organized in 1860, four preaching places

being included in the charge — Preston Corners, South Hill, Evans

Schoolhouse, and East McDonough.

 

The first Methodist services conducted at Preston Corners were

held by the newly appointed pastor to Preston charge. The

charge was organized on May 1, 1860, the first stewards being

King Evans, Lucius Aldrich, Calvin J. Wright, George Evans,

and Horace Corbin, and the first leaders were William Woodward,

Peleg Ashcraft, King Evans, and David Baldwin. The Preston

class secured the use of the Universalist church, and continued

to use it until the building of the church. Desirous of securing

a church of its own, the society arranged for the removal of a

Presbyterian church which stood at Preston Center, two miles

south of the Corners. There was some dissatisfaction manifested,

and before the building could be moved it burned.

 

The society became incorporated on March 13, 1865. Orville

Bennedict and John M. Surdam presided at the meeting held for

the purpose of incorporation, and A. D. Burr, Peleg Ashcraft,

and Hiram Surdam, Jr., were chosen trustees of "The Methodist

Episcopal Church of Preston." In consideration of $100 Thomas

Dwight and wife, Alvira T., conveyed a lot five rods square, on

December 1, 1865. The church was built on this lot in 1866, and

dedicated on October 12, 1866, by the presiding elder. Rev.

W. N. Cobb, and Rev. Thomas Harroun. The building is 30x40

feet, and cost $2,500. It was supposed at the time of dedication

that the indebtedness was all provided for. A shrinkage in sub-

scriptions made it necessary to raise funds in 1868 to wipe out

the debt. The parsonage was built in 1870, at a cost of $1,000.

 

For some years prior to 1860 there had been a union church at

South Hill, about three miles north of Preston Corners. The

building was owned jointly by the Methodists and Freewill Bap-

tists, each denomination holding services on alternate Sundays.


 

 

Sherburne, N. Y. 583

 

The Plymouth pastor supplied the work here until 1860, when

the Preston pastor assumed the responsibility. Work was con-

tinued here until some time in the eighties. The church is now

in ruins.

 

Revival services were held in the Evans Schoolhouse, two and

a half miles northwest of Preston Corners, in the winter of 1859-

60, resulting in twenty conversions. A class was at once formed

under the leadership of King Evans.

 

Since 1886 the Preston pastor has supplied the East Pharsalia

Congregational church.

 

East McDonough is a class recently organized, work bein§

begun here in 1902 by the Preston pastor. In February, 1903, it

was recognized as a part of Preston charge. Services have been

held in both the Presbyterian and Baptist churches.

 

Pastorates

 

1860-61, W. W. Andrews; 1862-63, B. H. Brown; 1864-65,

A. M. Colegrove; 1866-67, McK. Shaw; 1868, C. D. Shepard;

1869, A. W. Barrows; 1870-72, A. Brown; 1873-75, J. Hurlburt;

1876, C. C. Williams; 1877-78, George Parsons; 1879, J. B.

Santee; 1880, T. B. Todd; 1881-82, A. B. Eckerts; 1883, C. W.

Babcock; 1884, L. C. Hayes, J. F. Seaman; 1885, J. D. Safford;

1886-87, N. E. Bliss; 1888-90, F. J. Jones; 1891 and part of 1892,

E. H. Truesdell; part of 1892, J. M. Correll; 1893, G. B. Wilder;

1894, E. D. Cavanaugh; 1895-97, Albert Clarke; 1898, J. J.

Henry; 1899, Charles Lane; 1900-01, E. D. Cook; 1902-03, L. L.

Vought.

 

 

Schuyler's Lake, N. Y.

 

The society here worshiped many years in a stone church

32x46, which was dedicated March 5, 1840. It was a union

church, costing $4,000, and at its dedication sermons were

preached by representatives of the Baptist, Universalist, and

Methodist denominations.

 

At a meeting held on July 16, 1880, over which Rev. C. Sweet

and James Firman presided, "The First Methodist Episcopal

Church of Schuyler's Lake" was incorporated, with Theodore

Huyck, Israel Veber, William Shaw, William Rose, Norman

Rose, James Firman, and D. W. Mitchell trustees. A second in-

corporation is recorded as having occurred on March 24, 1896,

with William T. Watson, Reuben H. Hinds, Norman Rose, F. N.

Rose, and Theodore C. Huyck trustees. The lot upon which the

church was built was donated to the society by Norman Rose,


 

 

584 Wyoming Conference

 

the deed for which was executed on December 21, 1881. The

church, which cost, with furnishings, $1,400, was dedicated in

1880, Revs. A. Griffin and D. C. Olmstead preaching the sermons

of the day. A good revival followed the opening of the church.

The building has been kept in good repair.

 

Schuyler's Lake appears as an appointment from 1860 to 1875,

and was served as follows: 1860-61, A. Griffin; 1862-63, W. R.

Lynch; 1864-65, R. S. Southworth; 1866, A. Cook; 1867, H. A.

Blanchard; 1868-71, _____; 1872-73, R. S. Southworth; 1874-75,

H. B. Cook. From 1876 to 1900 it was with Exeter. In 1901

the charge was divided, Schuyler's Lake and Exeter constituting

the Schuyler's Lake charge, and West Exeter and Burlington

Flats constituting another charge. Since division Schuyler's

Lake has been served as follows: 1901, C. D. Skinner; 1902,

S. L. Whiteman; 1903, Floyd Lesh.

 

Exeter was incorporated on November 19, 1821, as "The Meth-

odist Episcopal Church in Otsego and Cooperstown," with Elijah

Babcock, Calvin Huntley, P. Angell, Thomas D. Mitchell, and

Elisha Shepherd trustees. The first services were held in a barn

built by Thomas Angell, on "Angell Hill," which was owned by

David Angell in 1878.

 

Further than this the only information we have received from

Exeter is that the church has been built a long time. Exeter ap-

peared as an appointment in the Minutes from 1838 to 1900, when

the division noted above was made. West Exeter formed a part

of the Exeter charge, and Schuyler's Lake was with it some time.

 

Exeter charge was served as follows: 1838, Calvin Hawley,

W. Bixby; 1839, M. French, J. Soule; 1840-41, C. Starr, J. T.

Wright; 1842, C. Hawley, F. D. Higgins; 1843, C. Hawley,

George Elliott; 1844, H. Halstead, George Elliott; 1845, A. E.

Daniels, H. Halstead; 1846, A. E. Daniels, L. D. Davis; 1847,

L. C. Rogers, L. D. Davis; 1848-49, W. Southworth; 1850, A.

Queal; 1851 (with Edmeston), A. Queal; 1852, D. Davis; 1853,

(alone), A. E. Daniels; 1854-55, J- T. Crippen; 1856, John

Marble; 1857-58, Samuel Hill; 1859-60, L. E. Marvin; 1861-62,

P. Hughston; 1863-64, B. B. Carruth; 1865, L O. Bower; 1866-

68, R. S. Southworth; 1869-71, W. R. Cochrane; 1872-73, A. G.

Bartholomew; 1874-75, with Edmeston; Exeter and Schuyler's

Lake, 1876-77, T. F. Hall; 1878, W. B. Thomas; 1879-81, C.

Sweet; 1882-84, M. A. Dunham; 1885, J. A. Transue; 1886-87,

W. H. Stang; 1888-90, L. W. Karschner; 1891-92, N. A. Tisdale;

1893-97, A. D. Finch; 1898-99, A. J. Neff; 1900, A. R. Burke.


 

 

Sherburne, N. Y. 585

 

 

Sherburne, N. Y.

 

Methodism began to gain adherents in this section at an early

date. In 1802 a quarterly meeting was held at "the old Four

Corners," about four miles west of Sherburne village. This

section was then in the Albany District.

 

William Stover's seems to have been a favorite stopping place

for William Colbert and the itinerants of later years.

 

We are unable to state when the class was organized. That it

had an existence and grew is evidenced by the fact that it became

 

        SHERBURNE CHURCH [photo]

 

incorporated on March 6, 1834. Rev. B. G. Paddock, one of the

preachers on Hamilton Circuit, presided, and Hermon Van Vleek

acted as secretary. Hermon Van Vleek, Berry Eaton, Cyrus M.

Dow, Joseph Sexton, and Alfred Skinner were chosen trustees

of "The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in

Sherburne." This county record is valuable. The society was so

prosperous as to contemplate building, else it would not have

incorporated. It also gives us the circuit relation of Sherburne

for some time before it became an appointment in 1839.

The society met at the schoolhouse in Sherburne village on


 

 

586 Wyoming Conference

 

March 12, 1839, for the purpose of incorporating again. Rev.

James P. Backus presided, and Ebenezer Coleson acted as clerk.

Alfred Skinner, Silas Ames, Solomon Cushman, Gary P. Beers,

and Nathan T. Geere were chosen trustees of "The First Meth-

odist Church in Sherburne Village." The schoolhouse was

probably the place of holding regular services.

 

On March 18, 1839, Alfred Skinner, Silas Ames, and Gary P.

Beers were appointed a building committee. The church was

 

        SHERBURNE PARSONAGE [photo]

 

evidently erected in 1839, for on December 18, 1839, it was re-

solved to rent "one half the slips in the chapel" for one year.

 

The building was repaired in 1860, and reopened Thursday,

November 15, 1860, with sermons by Revs. D. W. Bristol and

D. A. Whedon.

 

In 1877 the building was renovated, made substantially new,

$5,000 being expended. The audience room was refurnished, the

session room built, and an organ bought. The church was

reopened on Wednesday, November 21, 1877. Rev. L. C. Queal,

D.D., preached at 10:30 a. m., after which he asked for $1,300,

which was quickly subscribed. Rev. J. G. Eckman preached in

the evening and conducted the dedicatory service.

 

In 1849 Church Hill and a section called The Chapel were

out-appointments.


 

 

Smyrna, N. Y. 587

 

In 1895 the society received $1,300 by bequest, which canceled

some annoying debts and freed the church from embarrassment.

 

The parsonage was bought in May, 1873, of Daniel and Palmer

Newton, Silas and John Ames, and A. Cook.

 

Pastorates

 

1839, J. P. Backus; 1840, H. Halstead; 1841-42, J. P. Backus;

1843-44, C. W. Giddings; 1845, W. H. Pearne; 1846-47, J. Soule;

1848-49, D. W. Thurston; 1850, Selah Stocking; 1851-52, P. G.

White; 1853, L. Bowdish; 1854, W. G. Queal; 1855-57, A. G.

Burlingame; 1858-59, L. H. Stanley; 1860-61, M. B. Cleveland;

1862-63, W. Peck; 1864-66, M. G. Wadsworth; 1867, L. Sperry;

1868-70, Ira B. Hyde; 1871-72, T. P. Halstead; 1873-74, H. Fox;

1875, S. W. Weiss; 1876-77, W. G. Queal; 1878-80, O. H. Mc-

Anulty; 1881-82, H. N. Van Deusen; 1883-85, C. A. Benjamin;

1886, J. W. Mevis; 1887-90, I. N. Shipman; 1891, J. C. Hogan;

1892-93, H. A. Williams; 1894-97, W. H. Alger; 1898-1901,

Thomas Harroun; 1902-03, G. N. Underwood.

 

 

Smyrna, N. Y.

 

In 1816 a class was organized at the house of John Tobey, and

consisted of eight members — Joseph and Elizabeth Tobey, Lilla

B. and Susanna Wilcox, Hugh Cagwin and wife, Mr. Sebry and

wife, who afterward joined the Mormons. Rev. George W. Dens-

more was the- pastor, and the place was connected with the

Lebanon Circuit, and afterward with the Hamilton Circuit.

Smyrna Circuit was formed in 1836.

 

At a meeting held on April 25, 1836, at which Rev. H. Halstead

presided and Stephen A. Leonard acted as clerk, the society be-

came incorporated as "The First Episcopal Methodist Society of

Smyrna," and elected Thomas R. Tracy, John Tobey, and Eben

Dimock trustees. This meeting was held in the village school-

house, where the society statedly worshiped. Prior to going into

the schoolhouse services were held in private houses.

 

On November 8, 1839, John Streu and wife, Miranda, conveyed

to the society a lot containing one rood and seventeen perches,

the society paying $450 therefor. There was an old hotel stand-

ing on the ground which was fitted up for a place of worship.

This building was torn down in 1843, and a church erected cost-

ing $1,600. In 1865 the building was enlarged by an addition

20x30 feet, which cost $400. In 1871 the church was rebuilt and

enlarged at an expense of $5,000, $2,300 of which was raised


 

 

588 Wyoming Conference

 

on the day of dedication. The dedicatory services occurred on

December 27, 1871, Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D.D., preaching in the

morning from Exod. xxv, 8, and Rev. William Searls preaching

in the evening. A revival ensued in which there were sixty con-

versions. In 1895 the church was newly seated and decorated,

at an expense of $100.

 

On April 1, 1854, in consideration of $325, Susan Shepard

deeded the society its first parsonage. In 1866 this property was

sold for $500, and on April 2, 1866, a piece of land containing

somewhat more than four acres bought for $1,000. On this lot

the present parsonage was built, at a cost of $1,400. About four

acres of this lot have since been sold for $400. In 1897 the

parsonage was repaired, at an expense of $100.

 

Plymouth was with Smyrna from 1838 to 1841.

 

Pastorates

 

Lebanon Circuit, 1816, G. W. Densmore; 1817, G. W. Dens-

more, Elijah King; 1818, Dan Barnes, Russel Downing; 1819,

Wyatt Chamberlain; 1820, Ebenezer Doolittle, Ira Brownson;

1821, Zenas Jones; 1822, William Cameron, Joseph Atwood;

1823, Isaac Grant, Ebenezer Doolittle; 1824 Orin Doolittle,

H. G. Warner; 1825, Seth Young; 1826, William Cameron,

Ahson Tuller; 1827, Calvin Flint, H. Halstead; 1828-29, James

Atwell, J. M. Snyder; 1830, William Round, Lyman Beach; 1831,

William Round, Lyman Beach, Ebenezer Colson; Hamilton Cir-

cuit, 1832, Henry Ercanbrack, A. Fish; 1833, B. G. Paddock,

D. Davis, L. Bowdish; 1834, D. Davis, William Round, L. G.

Weaver; 1835, H. Halstead, P. M. Way; Smyrna, 1836, C. Starr,

A. G. Burlingame; 1837, C. Starr, A. Brown; 1838, L. H. Stanley,

J. Crawford; 1839, Andrew Peck, L. H. Stanley; 1840, E. Den-

nison; 1841, E. Dennison, Joseph Shank; 1842-43, Justus Soule;

1844, C. W. Harris; 1845, W. H. Miller; 1846, Lyman Beach;

1847, W. G. Queal; 1848-49, M. M. Tuke; 1850-51, Ephraim C.

Brown; 1852, R. S. Southworth; 1853, Joel Davis; 1854-55, L.

Hartsough; 1856-57, J. W. Mitchell; 1858-59, W. Peck; 1860-61,

J. Lord; 1862-63, T. M. Williams; 1864-65, W. Burnside; 1866-

67, John H. Hall; 1868-69, A. M. Colegrove; 1870-72, S. Moore;

1873-74, A. F. Brown; 1875-76, H. Fox; 1877-78, J. L. Race;

1879-81, O. L. Severson; 1882, J. L. Wells; 1883-85, L. B.

Weeks; 1886-88, J. F. Williams; 1889-90, A. D. Alexander;

1891-92, G. F. Ace; 1893-95, S. H. Wood; 1896, H. G. Blair;

1897-99, J. W. Davis; 1900-01, A. J. Neff; 1902, C. D. Skinner;

1903, G. W. Crosby.


 

 

South New Berlin, N. Y. 589

 

 

South New Berlin, N. Y.

 

Methodism sprang up in this section early in the century,

classes being formed at Holmesville and Amblerville. At the

latter place a union church was erected in 1820, and the Meth-

odists were given the right to hold services in it one Sunday in

each month. On other Sundays they worshiped in the school-

house or private houses. Rev. Daniel Burlingame, a local

preacher, eccentric but useful and pious, ordained by Bishop

Asbury in 1810, did great work for God and the church in this

section. Daniel Eastwood, another local preacher, who died in

1837 at the age of eighty-six, did much to establish Methodism

in these parts. Peleg Dexter and Jacob Smith were class leaders

well known in those days.

 

About 1837 the building of a church began to be agitated.

Strife ensued as to its location; some desired to build at Holmes-

ville, and others at South New Berlin. Dr. James Harrington

offered to donate a site at the latter place if the society would

build on it. The proposition was accepted, and on October 11,

1841, James Harrington and wife Charlotte deeded the building

site to the church. On January 18, 1841, the society met for in-

corporation. Francis D. Higgins and James Harrington presided.

Jacob Smith, Joseph Dexter, Oliver Leach, James Harrington,

John Curtis, Asa M. Calkins, and Hiram Adams were elected

trustees. The corporate name of the society is "Trustees of the

Methodist Episcopal Church in South New Berlin."

 

A comfortable church was soon erected. Since that time the

building has been twice repaired. In 1873 the repairs were ex-

tensive. The pulpit was taken from the west end of the church

and put in the east end, a new carpet was laid, a prayer room and

vestibule built, which, with some minor improvements, cost

$1,000. In 1882 a bell and a new organ were purchased. In

1888 the building was again repaired, at an expense of $560.

The repairs this time consisted in memorial windows, a new

carpet, walls papered, and the building painted. The reopening

occurred on February 17, 1889. In 1898 cushions were put in

the church pews, a Sunday school library purchased, water put

in the parsonage, and some minor repairs made, all at a cost

of $125.

 

For a number of years prior to 1855 the pastor lived at Ambler-

ville. On March 30, 1855, the society received by deed a house

and lot of Levi Harris and wife Nancy, the purchase price being

$600. The committee who effected the purchase were Agrippa


 

 

590 Wyoming Conference

 

Butts and J. E. Matthews. Being unable to meet their payments,

the society was obliged to let the property go. In 1870 the society

rallied and raised $1,300, with which the present parsonage

property was purchased of Andrew Darroch.

 

From 1840 to 1843 this place was with New Berlin. We do

not know how much longer it was with New Berlin, but know it

was during these years. It was with Edmeston in 1845, and very

likely longer.

 

King's Settlement formed a part of this charge for some time;

it was here in 1867.

 

White Store. Only a name, but what a name! This is the

name of a locality six miles east of Norwich and four south of

New Berlin. The massive frame of the building which gave the

hamlet its name was demolished in the summer of 1903. Early

in the nineteenth century this was a great trading center, people

going from Norwich and Oxford there to trade. The place was

also a social center. Here were held the old-time "general train-

ings," and the Fourth of July was celebrated with pomp and

enthusiasm.

 

The old church was built in 1819, and is standing beside the

cemetery, in which more than a thousand lie, many of whom were

converted in the old church. Daniel and John Eastwood lived

here and had much to do with the early days, and growth, of the

White Store society. The Mount Upton church is the daughter

of this society. This place was served from South New Berlin

until recently, services having been discontinued. What a story

of toil and triumph might be written of this "mother of Meth-

odism in all that section" if only some who are in their graves

could speak to us. Alas! This like much more of historic interest

is gone beyond recall!

 

Rev. Agrippa Butts, a local elder, was prominent in church

work many years. Rev. Y. C. Smith, D.D., went from the bounds

of this charge into the ministry.

 

Pastorates

 

1849-50, W. Jerome; 1851-52, William C. McDonald; 1853,

A. G. Burlingame; 1854, H. C. Reddy; 1855-56, B. Shove; 1857-

58, M. S. Wells; 1859, S. G. Green; 1860-61, W. Peck; 1862-63,

William Burnside; 1864-65, S. Moore; 1866-67, A. E. Daniels;

1868, McK. Shaw; 1869, W. R. Lynch; 1870, E. W. Caswell;

1871-72, D.R. Carrier; 1873, A. F. Brown; 1874, R. E Hall; 1875-

76, J. H. Barnard; 1877-78, J. H. Boyce; 1879, B. B. Carruth;


 

 

Triangle, N. Y. 591

 

1880-81, J. B. Santee; 1882, Cornelius Sweet; 1883, C. B. Per-

soneus; 1884, A. M. Colegrove; 1885, W. N. Bailey; 1886, I. E.

Zimmerman; 1887-89, L. C. Hayes; 1890, J. R. Moore; 1891-92,

G. B. Wilder; 1893, M. D. Matoon; 1894-95, J. W. Davis; 1896,

G. H. Burt; 1897-99, W. W. Watrous; 1900, A. S. Anderson;

1901, H. B. Roberts; 1902, W. Rawlings; 1903, J. J. Henry.

 

 

Triangle, N. Y.

 

We know nothing of the beginnings of Methodism in Triangle.

In 1834 Rev. William Wyatt was sent as junior preacher to Rev.

William Pearne, who was on Greene Circuit that year. Wyatt

states that the class was small and that he preached in the house

of a Brother Chase. Triangle undoubtedly continued with

Greene until it became a charge in 1850. At the time Triangle

became an appointment it had three classes, one at Triangle, one

at Hazzard's Corners, and one at Sap Bush. In 1838 the Triangle

class had ninety-eight members.

 

The society met at the schoolhouse in Triangle, the usual place

of worship, on January 25, 1841. Reuben Chase presided, and

Nathaniel Hayes was clerk. Benjamin Jackson, Reuben Chase,

Elias Hayes, Robert Bliss, and Luther Hadsell were elected

trustees of "The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church

in the Town of Triangle." Nothing resulted from this incorpora-

tion. On September 19, 1853, the society again met for the pur-

pose of incorporating. At this meeting William Baker, Asa

Spencer, Garvin Hays, Peter Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Robert

Bliss, and Jonathan Strickland were chosen trustees. A sub-

scription paper was drawn by the pastor in 1853, which is still

in existence, stating that the cost of the church is to be from

$800 to $1,200. A lot was given the society by Asa Spencer, who

did considerable work on the church without remuneration. The

church was begun in 1853 and completed in 1854, and was dedi-

cated on Wednesday, October 25, 1854, Rev. William Bixby

preaching in the morning and Rev. J. T. Wright in the even-

ing. The building cost $1,300. The church was repaired some

years ago, otherwise it remained substantially as built until 1892,

when $640 was spent in improvements. Modern pews, new car-

pets and stoves, interior painted and papered, and exterior painted

combined to greatly beautify the building.

 

Whitney's Point was with Triangle a few years in the fifties.

 

The parsonage is located at Triangle and is valued at $600. In

1897 the house was improved, at a cost of $175.


 

 

592 Wyoming Conference

 

Itaska is five miles southwest from Triangle, and known for

years as Barker, and is about three miles below Whitney's Point.

This has been a Methodist preaching place for years, the services

being held in the schoolhouse. The schoolhouse recently built

had been made large so as to answer for both school and church

purposes. In November, 1897, the society was forbidden the use

of the schoolhouse, where it had worshiped for years. The

society was in consternation, as it seemed impossible to build a

church, and without services the class would disintegrate. Cour-

age soon rallied. Services were held in private houses. On

November 24, 1897, the society met for incorporation. Rev. H. C.

McDermott presided. Elmer G. Westover and Charles H. New-

man were elected trustees of "The Itaska Methodist Episcopal

Church," to hold their office until the next election of trustees.

Trustees are to be elected annually on the first Wednesday after

the first Tuesday of January. Ground was broken on New Year's

Day, and on April 8, 1898, Rev. H. C. McDermott dedicated the

church, which cost $1,200, free of debt.

 

Pastorates

 

1850, David Davies; 1851 (with Lisle), David Davies; 1852,

_____; 1853, B. B. Carruth; 1854, B. Shove; 1855, M. B. Cleve-

land; 1856-57, W. Peck; 1858, L. M. Sackett; 1859, R- O. Beebe;

1860-61, T. Willis; 1862-63, S. Comfort; 1864-65, H. R. North-

rup; 1866-67, D. Bullock; 1868-69, David Davies; 1870-72, A. W.

Barrows; 1873-74, J. W. Hewitt; 1875, C. A. Ward; 1876-77,

G. C. Andrews; 1878, F. H: Parsons; 1879, A. W. Hood; 1880,

C. S. Alexander; 1881, E. D. Tarpenning; 1882, J. H. Boyce;

1883-84, A. C. Sperry; 1885-87, D. W. Swetland; 1888, E. H.

Truesdell; 1889, George Pope; 1890-91, A. Schofield; 1892-93,

E. L. Jeffrey; 1894-97, M. D. Matoon; 1898-1900, D. W. Swet-

land; 1901, D. B. Wilson; 1902-03, J. H. Taylor.

 

 

West Exeter and Burlington Flats, N. Y.

 

West Exeter was with Exeter until 1901, when it and Burling-

ton Flats were constituted a charge. For a knowledge of its

pastoral services see Exeter, on Schuyler's Lake charge.

 

The class was organized about 1830, and Calvin Huntley, his

father, Olive and Martha Huntley, John, Samantha, Noel, and

Hannah Harrington, and E. Taylor and wife were among the

first members.


 

 

Whitney's Point, N. Y. 593

 

On July 5, 1839, Noel F. and Noel Harrington deeded the

society a half acre of ground, upon which a church 32x45 was

built in the same year, costing $1,500. The trustees at the time

were John Harrington, Epaphro Taylor, Albert P. Huntley, and

William Matteson. This church was burned on March 31, 1872.

The present church was built upon the old foundation at a cost

of $3,700, and was dedicated on November 20, 1873. Rev. Henry

Wheeler preached in the morning from Gen. xxviii, 17, and Rev.

W. L. Thorpe preached in the evening. During the day $900

was raised.

 

On October 13, 1855, Noel Harrington and wife Hannah

deeded the society a lot for $34, upon which a parsonage had

already been built.

 

Burlington Flats. Work was organized here in 1871 by the

Exeter pastor, with the following members: Levi Le Valley, C.

Le Valley, A. Thompson, Mrs. Price, Miles Fenton, Maria Fen-

ton, W. C. Fisk, Frank Fisk, George Fenton, Emma Fenton,

Cynthia Fisk, Philena Fenton. On December 20, 1872, E. D.

Hills deeded the society a lot for $175. On this a church was

erected in 1877, costing $2,000. It was dedicated in 1878 by

Rev. B. I. Ives. The class has been with Exeter and Edmeston,

and in 1900 it became a charge with Harry Rines as its pastor. In

1901 it became a part of the West Exeter charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1901-02, A. R. Burke; 1903, A. J. Chapman.

 

 

Whitney's Point, N. Y.

 

In 1834 Whitney's Point was a town of thirty or forty dwell-

ings, and was a part of Greene Circuit. For a few years in the

fifties it was with Triangle, and just prior to becoming an ap-

pointment in 1856 it was with Lisle.

 

The society was incorporated on April 4, 1843, with the cor-

porate name of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church in the

Town of Triangle." Rev. Thomas D. Wire and J. N. Brockway

presided at the meeting for incorporation, when Levi Nobles,

Archibald M. Allerton, Edward Durfee, J. N. Brockway, and

J. D. Peck were chosen trustees. From the articles of incorpora-

tion we learn that the society usually met for worship in the

"brick store at Whitney's Point." This store afterward became

the post office, and was located on the site now occupied by the


 

 

594 Wyoming Conference

 

Wilcox block. This class was with the Lisle Circuit at the time

of incorporation.

 

On August 20, 1844, Mary Ann Johnson deeded the society

thirty rods of land for $75. The church was built about this time.

On January 13, 1870, a strip of land 24x61 feet, adjoining the

above lot, was deeded to the society by Asa Beach for $100.

 

After expending $5,000 in rebuilding the church it was re-

opened on Tuesday, January 12, 1869, Revs. William Searls and

 

        WHITNEY’S POINT CHURCH [photo]

 

D. W. Bristol preaching the sermons of the occasion. In 1872

$1,500 was raised to cover shrinkage in the dedicatory subscrip-

tions and make some minor repairs. In the same year the church

was damaged by fire. The insurance covered the' loss.

 

The bell in this church is historic. It was made by J. H.

Hanks, of Troy, N. Y., in 1833, and was used by the Henry

Street Church of Binghamton from 1833 to 1865 or 1866. About

1868 it was purchased by the Whitney's Point church and re-

moved thither. Becoming damaged, it was removed from the

tower on January 8, 1884, and sent to the Jones bell foundry of

Troy and recast. It was replaced in the tower on February 11,


 

 

Willet, N. Y. 595

 

1884. It bears these inscriptions: "Methodist Episcopal Church,

Whitney's Point, N. Y., January 1884;" "Glory to God in the

highest, and on earth peace," also the imprint of the foundry,

and weighs one thousand pounds. The church was newly roofed

and frescoed at this time. The total cost of repairs was $290,

which amount was raised on the day of reopening, Sunday, Sep-

tember 21, 1884, Rev. C. W. Bennett, D.D., of Syracuse, preach-

ing in the morning and Rev. S. C. Fulton in the evening.

 

In 1899-1900 it was so thoroughly rebuilt as to bear no re-

semblance to its former shape. The sum of $4,000 was spent in

thoroughly modernizing and beautifying the building. The

dedicatory services were as follows: Tuesday evening, March 6,

1900, Rev. W. H. Alger preached from I Cor. xvi, 13, 14;

Wednesday morning. Rev. H. Tuckley, D.D., preached from Psa.

iv, 6; in the afternoon Rev. A. W. Hayes, D.D., preached from

Heb. iii, 4, and in the evening Rev. H. A. Williams preached from

I Kings vi, 7. During the afternoon and evening services $625

was raised. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev.

C. H. Hayes at the evening service.

 

The parsonage property was purchased of Alonzo Collins, the

deed for the same being executed on May 23, 1876.

 

Pastorates

 

1850, with Triangle; 1851-55, _____; 1856-57, G. R. Hair;

1858, A. F. Harding;.1859-60, A. C. Sperry; 1861, W. Silsbee;

1862-63, S. E. Walworth; 1864-65, W. B. Thomas; 1866-67,

George Comfort; 1868, D. D. Lindsley, J. Lee; 1869-70, C. E.

Taylor; 1871, H. Fox; 1872-74, J. W. Hewitt; 1875, C. A. Ward;

1876-77, C. D. Shepard; 1878-80, A. C. Sperry; 1881-82, C. A.

Benjamin; 1883-84, L. W. Peck; 1885-87, A. D. Alexander;

1888-89, J- B. Cook; 1890-92, E. H. De Puy; 1893, W. Frisby;

1894, J. B. Santee; 1895, F. A. Chapman; 1896-98, E. R. D.

Briggs; 1899-1900, W. T. Blair; 1901, R. W. Lowry; 1902-03,

Thomas Harroun.

 

 

WILLET, N. Y.

 

The class was first formed on the Otselic River in the early

thirties. The minister from Cincinnatus or point farther away

would travel on horseback through the woods, preach in a barn

or log schoolhouse near the river, and from thence travel on four

miles to a little cluster of houses called Eaton Hill. Here many

who were afterward stanch and lifelong members of the Willet

church lived: Peter Eaton, Sr., a class leader many years, Thomas


 

 

596 Wyoming Conference

 

Crippen, John Beckwith, Ezra Roberts, Thomas Tennant, Ben-

jamin Sternburgh, William Clark, Elias Ives, Alvah Hazzard,

with their wives. Services were usually held in the schoolhouse,

but the quarterly meetings were occasionally held in barns.

 

When Willet was made an appointment in 1861 the Close

Communion Baptist Church accorded the class the use of the

church for worship. Peter Eaton, Jr., a local preacher, was the

class leader at this time. The class numbered about twenty,

among whom were Omri Sternburgh, J. C. Eaton, Peter Eaton,

E. J. Covey, Lewis Mooney, William Sweet, Charles Delevan,

and their wives, Mrs. Emily Greene, and Mrs. Abel Eaton. The

winter of 1861-62 was noted as the winter of the great revival.

Many were added to the church. The Baptists became dissatis-

fied and refused to let the Methodists longer use their church.

The Presbyterians kindly opened their doors to the unsheltered

class. The ejection from the Baptist church was keenly felt, as

the Methodists had carpeted and lighted the Baptist church anew.

An old subscription paper reveals the fact that the Methodists

contributed $400 to help build the Presbyterian church, which

was then opened to them. About this time Mr. Benjamin Coe

donated the Methodists a site for a church, but it was never used.

In 1898 the Methodists bought the Presbyterian church, paying

therefor $275. The building was at once thoroughly renovated,

at an expense of $1,600, which was fully provided for on the day

of dedication, February 9, 1900. Rev. M. S. Hard, D.D.,

preached the sermon of the occasion. Rev. J. F. Andrews, pastor

in 1861-62, was present.

 

In 1869 the society bought the Jones property, which stands by

the church, for a parsonage, paying $900 for it. In 1901 it was

practically made over. An upright was built and the wing re-

modeled, at a cost of $1,000.

 

Texas is four miles west of Willet, in the Texas valley. The

pastor organized a class here in the summer of 1861. Some of

the members of this class were Mr. Schouton, wife and daughter,

Calvin Eaton, Sr., Calvin Eaton, Jr., and wife, James Vande-

walker and wife, and Perry Gardner and wife. After the great

revival in Willet the pastor and some workers from Willet began

meetings at Texas. A glorious work was wrought. Christopher

Leach, Elihu Sweet, Albert Delevan, Miles Ingersoll, and their

wives and many others were brought into the kingdom. About

this time Calvin Eaton donated a site for a church, and a church

was at once erected. It has since been thoroughly repaired.


 

 

Willet Pastorates 597

 

Pastorates

 

1861-62, J. F. Andrews; 1863-64, T. D. Wire; 1865-66, S. B.

Keeney; 1867, W. I. Mills; 1868-70, A. F. Brown; 1871-72,

William Burnside; 1873-74, B. B. Carruth; 1875-76, H. C. Mc-

Dermott; 1877, D. Personeus; 1878, T. Burgess; 1879-80, F. H.

Parsons; 1881-82, E. A. Baldwin; 1883-84, J. H. Boyce; 1885-86,

A. C. Sperry; 1887, A. S. Holland; 1888-92, D. W. Swetland;

1893, S. D. Galpin; 1894, P. F. Mead; 1895, J. M. Correll; 1896-

1903, J. B. Wilson.