Afton, N. Y. 691

 

 

CHAPTER XIY

OKEONTA DISTRICT

 

Afton, N. Y.

 

Union Valley, North Afton (Ayreshire), and Afton (South

Bainbridge) formed a part of the old Bainbridge Circuit until

formed into a charge in 1858 bearing the name of South Bain-

bridge. It took the name of Afton in 1859. Union Valley re-

mained a part of Afton charge until 1876, when it was put with

Bainbridge.

 

We are unable to give the circumstances connected with the

formation of the class at Afton, and any date we might mention

would be conjectural. The society held services in the village

schoolhouse prior to going into the church, and became incor-

porated at a meeting held in the schoolhouse on November 24,

1851. Jesse C. Flagg and Dorr Stowell presided, and Dorr Sto-

well, Charles W. Griswold, Samuel C. Bump, Luman C. Pollard,

and Isaac Furgason were elected trustees of "The First Metho-

dist Episcopal Society of South Bainbridge." On April 12, 1852,

Damaris Garrett deeded the society forty-four rods of land, in

consideration of $150. The church was built on this lot, at a

cost of $1,500, and was dedicated in September, 1852, by Rev.

William Reddy. This church was thoroughly remodeled in 1880.

One thousand dollars was spent in building an alcove back of the

pulpit, reseating the auditorium, and changing the entrances to

the building. At this time Mr. George Knight presented the

church with a bell. In 1899 the building was thoroughly rebuilt.

The tower, and an addition to the left of the building, 15x52 feet,

were built. The addition can be opened so as to add to the seat-

ing capacity of the auditorium when needed, and also serves for

social purposes. The walls were substantially repaired and an

excavation made to hold a furnace. The pulpit was placed in the

northeast corner of the auditorium, which was seated with cir-

cular pews, wainscoted, walls papered and decorated. Stained-

glass windows replaced the old ones, the floor was carpeted, and

the room lighted with gas. These, with some minor improve-

ments, cost $1,906.34. The church was reopened on Thursday,

January 11, 1900. Rev. M. S. Hard, D.D., conducted a love feast

at 10:30, after which Rev. T. F. Hall preached a sermon on the


 

 

692 Wyoming Conference

 

theme, "A Good Foundation." In the afternoon Dr. Hard

preached the dedicatory sermon from Isa. xxxv, 8-10. Following

the sermon, $618.46 was raised. The service closed with the ded-

icatory service, which was conducted by Rev. T. F. Hall. In the

evening Rev. A. W. Hayes, D.D:, preached from "It is finished."

The first parsonage was purchased of Lyman Lesuer, on March

9, 1865, for $1,450. It was located on Spring Street, a couple of

blocks above the church, and was sold to Truman Green in 1893.

On April 28, 1894, the society secured a property on Pleasant

Street for $2,250, from Mary E. Barrett. This was used until

going into the present house, in the fall of 1901. The lot on

which the parsonage now stands was secured by deed from Lo-

 

        AFTON CHURCH [photo]

 

villa Stewart, on April 3, 1895, for $500. On this a house and

barn were built in 1901, costing about $2,200, most of which was

provided for in the sale of the Pleasant Street property.

 

North Afton is about two miles above Afton. That the class

was vigorous at an early day is evidenced from the fact that the

society was incorporated on February 17, 1829, at a meeting held

in the storehouse of Benjamin Jacobs, taking the corporate name

of "The Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Congre-

gation in Newton Hollow," in the west part of the town of Bain-

bridge. The first trustees were Cooley Wilkins, Charles Curtis,

Lewis Weeks, Thomas Newton, Peter Bridgman. By failure to

elect trustees the charter became invalid. Accordingly, the so-

ciety met at the chapel on September 10, 1833, and incorporated


 

 

North Afton, N. Y. 693

 

again as "The West Bainbridge Methodist Episcopal Church."

Edward Z. Hyde and Reuben Reynolds presided at this meeting,

and Dana Post, Button Stowell, William Cleveland, Wesley

Cleveland, and Edward Z. Hyde were elected trustees. The house

of worship was erected in 1829, at a cost of $1,500. This society

was one of the earliest formed on the old Bainbridge Circuit. This

house stood just off the main road, on the road leading from

North Afton to Coventry, and but a little ways from the corner.

The lot on which the present church stands was secured by deed

from George F. Hard and wife Mary, and Daniel S. Hyde and

wife Vitella, on January 29, 1864, for $100. The trustees at this

time were Joseph H. Fletcher, Abijah Cornell, and William Kel-

ley. The church was built about this time. The building was

repaired in 1873, at a cost of $1,200, and in 1897 was completely

renovated, at an expense of $800.

 

Russell Hill was supplied with preaching from Afton for some

years.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society at Afton and North Afton have been

important factors in work at both places.

 

The charge has experienced many revival seasons.

 

Some old-time camp meetings were held in a grove midway

between Afton and North Afton, owned by Elija,h and Chauncey

Hyde, later owned by Mr. Mahew and Mr. Balcolm. Meetings

were held a couple of years, 1845 and 1846, ortthe west side of

the creek, and subsequently several years on the east side of the

creek. The meeting of 1850 was one of especial power.

 

Pastorates

 

1858-59, J. W. Mitchell; 1860-61, W. G. Queal; 1862-63, L.

Bowdish; 1864-66, B. H. Brown; 1867-69, W. W. Andrews;

1870-72, B. B. Carruth; 1873-75, T. P. Halstead; 1876-77, H. N.

Van Deusen; 1878-79, N. j. Hawley; 1880-82, J. F. Williams;

1883-84, A. F. Chaffee; 1885-86, A. J. Cook; 1887-91, N. B. Rip-

ley; 1892, C. D. Shepard; 1893-95, C. B. Personeus; 1896-98,

J. L. Thomas; 1899-1902, C. E. Sweet; 1903, E. L. Jeffrey.

 

 

Bainbridge, N. Y.

 

The beginning of Methodism in the town of Bainbridge was at

Searles Hill, in the northwest corner of the township, and about

1810. The class was organized, and preaching services held in

the log house of Abner Searles. Soon after this a schoolhouse

was built on Searles Hill, when the society went there with its

services.


 

 

694 Wyoming Conference

 

Methodism was introduced to Bainbridge village by Charles

Curtis, who began holding services irregularly in 1816, using any

place he could secure to hold them in.

 

"The First Episcopal Methodist Society of the Town of Bain-

bridge" was incorporated on March 25, 1816, with Samuel Banks,

Israel Stowell, and William Banks trustees. The next incor-

poration was on February 11, 1833. Charles Curtis and Reuben

Reynolds presided at the meeting, and Charles Curtis, William

 

BAINBRIDGE OLD CHURCH [photo]

 

 

 

Banks, David Scott, John Newton, Joseph Badger, and Ambrose

Lyon were elected trustees of "The North Bainbridge Society of

the Methodist Episcopal Church." The society was again incor-

porated on June 1, 1853. Charles Curtis and Levi Scott presided

over the meeting, and Ansel Phinney, Charles Curtis, and Leroy

Scott were elected trustees of "The North Bainbridge Village

Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church."

 

The society began to agitate the building of a church in 1825,

but five years passed before the building began to materialize.

"The first stick of timber drawn for the church was given by

Samuel Carpenter, who lived near what is now Afton Lake.


 

 

Bainbridge, N. Y. 695

 

Nearly all of the lumber entering into the construction was do-

nated, as was also much of the manual labor — working at odd

times, several one day, none the next. It was July, 1830, before

the frame was ready to raise. This was to the people of those

days what the laying of the corner stone of modern edifices is to

present-day gatherings, except that it called for more hard work

and danger. The raising of the main portion of the church was

accomplished without difficulty, but when the framework for the

steeple was being placed in position one of the main supports

fell, precipitating a dozen men into the basement amid the falling

timbers. Four were seriously hurt, Briggs Lyon, who lived a

mile or two west of the village, being the most seriously injured.

His fractures and bruises were so severe that it was necessary

to improvise a litter to carry him home, there not being the spring-

wagons and good roads of the present day. On the shoulders of

four men, who were frequently relieved by their companions, the

wounded man left the labor of love to return to his home. He

lived for several years, but never fully recovered his health. The

other three who were injured were Alson Searles, of Searles

Hill, Rufus Burlingame, of Afton, and Ephraim Bixby, of

Bainbridge.

 

"This accident naturally delayed the work of construction, and

it was not until late in the fall that the building was ready for

occupancy. Even then it had no arrangement for heating, and

when services were held during the ensuing winter small indi-

vidual foot stoves were used, such as were common in those times,

in which fire was made. The interior of the church was of the

style of the day, having a high pulpit and galleries on three sides.

The building was without paint, either outside or in, and no

changes were made except by the elements until 1853."

 

The lot on Evans Street, upon which the old church stands,

was deeded to the society on May 4, 1854, by Charles Curtis and

wife Permelia, in consideration of $400.

 

In 1865-66 radical and extensive repairs were made on the

building. The galleries were torn out, the old pulpit cast aside,

an addition built on the rear, and the steeple enlarged, making

the building more modern. Mr. William Cooley, of Yaleville,

had the contract for the work, which cost $4,000. The church

was reopened on Thursday, March 1, 1866, Rev. William Searls

preaching in the morning and Rev. William Bixby in the even-

ing. The sum of $1,500 was raised during the day.

 

In 1874 some minor changes were made, chief of which was

the change in location of the choir. It was removed from near


 

 

696 Wyoming Conference

 

the entrance and placed on the left side of the pulpit. Gaylord

S. Graves served as choir leader thirty years.

 

In 1890 $1,300 was spent in changing the plan of seating,

making two aisles and two entrances, papering and painting the

building.

 

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

October 14, 1898, by Mrs. Dr. Copley, for $1,200. The corner

stone was laid on August 23, 1902, by Rev. T. F. Hall, D.D., and

Rev. J. S. Crompton. Addresses were made by Revs. T. F. Hall,

C. E. Sweet, A. R. Burke, C. M. Olmstead, and J. S. Crompton.

The stone contained the following: Bible, Hymnal, Discipline,

 

        BAINBRIDGE NEW CHURCH [photo]

 

Conference Minutes, Epworth League Year Book, New York

Advocate, Northern Advocate, Epworth Herald, Bainbridge Re-

publican and Express, Lesson Quarterly, League Topic Card,

lists of officers and members of the Senior and Junior Leagues

and the Ladies' Aid Society, and an historical sketch of the

church.

 

The building, including organ $1,000, bell $200, seating and

other furnishings, cost $10,000. The windows are all memorial.

The Epworth League bought the organ, and the Ladies' Aid

Society raised about as much money for the project.

 

The building was dedicated on Friday, May 8, 1903, Rev.

John Krantz, D.D., preaching in the morning from Psa. xxxi, 8,

and managing the finances of the day. In the afternoon Rev.


 

 

Union Valley, N. Y. 697

 

Edgar Brown, D.D., preached from Mark ii, 3. The evening

service was a platform service addressed by pastors of the local

churches and visiting clergymen, and closed with the dedicatory

service, conducted by Rev. T. F. Hall, D.D.

 

When Bainbridge appeared among the appointments in 1822

it was a circuit of considerable dimensions. About 1830 it in-

cluded North Bainbridge (Bainbridge), East Guilford, Searles

Hill, Turnpike (now West Bainbridge), Coventry, Coventry-

ville. South Bainbridge (Afton), Nineveh, Harpursville, Wind-

sor, Vallonia Springs, Lanesboro, Page Brook, Perch Pond,

Melondy Hill, Sanford, Masonville, Sidney, and numerous small

schoolhouse appointments. In 1841-42 the circuit included North

Bainbridge, Ireland's Schoolhouse, Searles Hill Schoolhouse,

Coventry (church), West Bainbridge (church). South Bain-

bridge Schoolhouse, East Masonville Schoolhouse, Masonville

Schoolhouse, Log Schoolhouse, Tompkins Schoolhouse, Me-

londy Hill Schoolhouse, Morse Schoolhouse, Plains Schoolhouse,

and North Windsor Schoolhouse. The parsonage was at Mason-

ville. Bainbridge subsequently became the home- of the pastor.

 

In 1833 Rev. Reuben Reynolds was one of the preachers on

the circuit. He was hired by the bridge company to keep the

tollhouse, for which he received one dollar per week. His family

did the work while he was absent on the circuit.

 

Searles Hill continued to be an appointment until its absorp-

tion in Union Valley in 1852.

 

The parsonage lot was bought of Nelson Humphrey in 1883

for $900, and the parsonage erected the same year at a cost

of $1,600.

 

In 1842 there were two hundred conversions on the circuit,

and in 1851 there were three hundred.

 

In 1892 an $800 debt of nine years' standing was paid.

 

Union Valley receives its name from the fact that the societies

at Searles Hill, Turnpike, and the Bush Settlement united to

form this church. On March 9, 1852, the members of the north-

west part of Bainbridge Circuit met at the house of Peleg Ferris

for the purpose of incorporation. Lyman J. Bush and John H.

Post presided. Samuel H. Bush, Nelson Ireland, John H. Post,

Lyman J. Bush, and George Blanchard were elected trustees of

"The Union Valley Methodist Episcopal Church of Bainbridge."

 

On November 11, 1850, in consideration of $1, Job Ireland and

his wife Ursula deeded the society one fourth acre of land, upon

which the church was built in 1852 at a cost of $1,200. It was


 

 

698 Wyoming Conference

 

dedicated by Rev. William Reddy some time in 1853. On Sep-

tember 26, 1860, Philander Loomis and wife Phoebe sold the so-

ciety nine and one third rods of land adjoining the above for

$11.62, and on November 7, 1860. Job Ireland and wife sold the

society twenty-one rods of land adjoining the first purchase for

$26.25. These last purchases were for the purpose of building

sheds.

 

From the time of the formation of Afton charge until 1876

Union Valley formed a part of Afton charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1822, Joshua Rogers; 1823, John Griffing; 1824, Isaac Grant,

Elijah King; 1825, H. G. Warner, Herota Barnes; 1826, Mark

Preston, Benjamin Shipman; 1827, Henry Peck, George Evans;

1828, George Evans, R. Lumry; 1829, J. M. Brooks, M. Ruger,

1830, J. M. Brooks, E. Colston; 1831, Morgan Ruger; 1832, E.

L. Wadsworth; 1833, C. G. Hapgood; 1834, D. Fancher; 1835,

R. Ingalls, D. Fancher; 1836, T. D. Wire, S. B. Yarrington;

1837, T. D. Wire, A. D. Burlingame; 1838, A. D. Burlingame;

1839, J. D. Warren, A. Brown; 1840, J. D. Warren, F. P. Cleave-

land; 1841-42, Jacob Brooker, R. S. Rose; 1843, P- Bartlett,

Benjamin Ferris; 1844, George Evans, B. Ferris; 1845, G.

Evans, Atchinson Queal; 1846, E. P. Beecher, W. G. Queal;

1847-48, E. W. Breckinridge, A. R. Wells; 1849, E. P. Beebe,

W. G. Queal; 1850, E. P. Beebe, L. D, Brigham; 1851, E. D.

Thurston, S. S. Weber; 1852, E. D. Thurston, B. B. Carruth;

1853, R. S. Southworth; 1854, F. P. Cleaveland, R. S. South-

worth; 1855, H. Halstead, W. Peck; 1856, J. Davis, T. J. Bissell;

1857, J. Davis, R. Townsend; 1858, T. P. Halstead; 1859-60,

William Southworth; 1861-62, D. L. Pendell; 1863-64, L. Sperry;

1865, A. C. Smith; 1866, L. Sperry; 1867-68, L. V. Ismond;

1869-71, A. J. Cook; 1872-73, W. B. Thomas; 1874-75, A. B.

Richardson; 1876-77, N. S. Reynolds; 1878, A. F. Brown;

1879-81, J. Ryder; 1882-83, J. N. Lee; 1884-85, G. A. Place;

1886-8814, H. B. Cook; 1888½-90, W. T. Blair; 1891-94, T.

F. Hall; 1895-96, E. Kilpatrick; 1897-1900, C. H. Sackett;

1901-03, J. S. Crompton.

 

 

COOPERSTOWN, N. Y.

 

One writer states that Philip Wager and Jonathan Newman

were the first Methodist preachers to preach in Cooperstown.

It might be a fair conjecture that these men who were on Otsego


 

 

COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. 699

 

Circuit in 1791 reached this place during the year. However,

this is simply conjecture. We have no evidence that they did.

It is also claimed that Cooperstown supported a pastor in 1795.

This is highly improbable, as the class in 1816 had only twenty

members. Further, Rev. D. W. Bristol, who was pastor here in

1838, claimed that Methodism was introduced to Cooperstown in

1810 or 1812.

 

The following were members in these early days: Amos Berry,

P. Butts, George Roberts, Daniel McLeland, Joseph Perkins and

 

        COOPERSTOWN OLD CHURCH [photo]

 

wife, Asher Campbell, Justus Hinman, B. Eaton, Ezra Crane and

wife, Andrew Petty and wife, Benjamin Allen and wife, Mr.

Potter and wife, A. Jarvis, and H. Knowlton.

 

At a meeting of the society held in the schoolhouse on October

22, 1816, at which Rev. Seth Mattison and Daniel McLeland pre-

sided the society became incorporated as "The First Incorporated

Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cooperstown,"

George Roberts, Daniel McLeland, Asher Canfield, Joseph Per-

kins, and Justus Hinman were elected trustees.

 

Meetings were held in the courthouse, schoolhouse, and private


 

 

700 Wyoming Conference

 

dwellings until 1819, when a church, 35x45, with fifteen-foot posts,

and no tower or steeple, was erected on a building lot donated by

James Averell and wife Marcy. This lot contained one rood or

thirty perches and was situated on the west side of Chestnut Street

about one hundred and seventy-five feet above the corner of the

present church lot on the corner of Chestnut Street and Glenn

Avenue. It was ultimately absorbed in the lot occupied recently

by the Cooper House. The deed was executed on April 13, 1824,

to David" Marvin, Asher Canfield, Asa Ransom, Ezra Crane, and

Benjamin Allen as trustees. The deed contained a clause stipu-

lating that should the society cease to use the lot for church pur-

poses it should revert to the Averell estate. Notwithstanding

this fact, after the church was moved off the lot, the trustees

(Romeo Bowen, Harry Knowlton, Zadock Fitch, and Alexander

H. Cooper), on December 2, 1839, deeded the lot to William H.

Averell, son of James, in consideration of $50.

 

In the Memoir of Rev. Benjamin G. Paddock we learn that in

1818 he was appointed to Otsego Circuit, the senior preacher

living at Cooperstown. A place of worship had already been

commenced. It was thought best in 1819 to make Cooperstown

a charge, segregating it from the circuit. P. G. Paddock was

appointed to the place, though he was supernumerary. Through

his leadership the chapel was completed. He was the promoter

of a great revival, in which Rev. John Smith, the Presbyterian

pastor, heartily cooperated. From June 1, 1819, to March 1,

1820, one hundred and one members were added to the Presby-

terian church. It is not known how many united with the Metho-

dist church. At the end of the year Mr. Paddock reported one

hundred and fifty-five members. It is presumed that the churches

shared about equally in results. However, a writer twenty-one

years later claimed that most of the converts went to the Presby-

terian church, largely on account of the location of the Methodist

church.

 

After Mr. Paddock's pastorate Methodism began to decline

until in 1838 the society had but fifteen members, "and they were

quite poor." At the close of Mr. Bristol's pastorate there were

sixty-two members. In the next year about forty were added

to the number.

 

The location of this church was unfortunate, as it was outside

the cluster of dwellings, on the outskirts of the town. A writer

to the Northern stated that it was deserted about 1838 for re-

ligious purposes, meetings being held in private houses or the

schoolhouse. On December 6, 1838, Ellery Cory and wife Phoebe


 

 

COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. 701

 

and Holder Cory deeded the society a lot on the north side of

Elm Street for $250. This lot had sixty feet front, and it was

about 216 feet from the corner of Elm and Pioneer Streets to

the center of the lot. Buckingham Fitch, Zadock Fitch, Russell

Brownell, Henry Bowen, and Romeo Bowen were the trustees at

the time. Either in 1838 or 1839 the church was moved from

Chestnut Street to the lot on Elm Street. Rev. D. W. Bristol

took a position at one end of a roller, and did vigorous work in

moving the building. The cost of removal and repairs was about

$850. To raise this amount Mr. Bristol "was dispatched in

various directions to raise funds." A subscription book is in ex-

istence showing that his visits to various charges secured $263.50.

The local society probably raised about $236.50.

 

After removal and extensive repairs the building was dedicated

by the presiding elder, D. A. Shepard. In this removal a debt of

$350 was incurred, which was carried until 1847 before being

paid. In 1846-47 the building was remodeled, a basement being

built and an uninviting tower constructed, and on March 27,

1848, the society secured additional land from the Corys, at a

cost of $200. The total outlay was over $1,000. Of this amount

$559 was raised by the society, and the balance was secured out-

side the congregation.

 

On May 1, 1872, Luther I. Burditt and wife Eliza deeded the

society a lot on Eagle Street for $500, upon which a house was

built costing about $1,000.

 

In 1875 the church passed through its last transformation. The

basement was eliminated, the old steeple gave place to a more

inviting one, a lecture room was built on the rear of the church,

and memorial windows put in. The large rose window in the

tower was put in by ministers who had entered the work from

Otsego County. In these repairs $3,800 was spent. The building

was rededicated on November 10, 1875. Bishop R. S. Foster

preached in the morning from Isa. ix, 6, and Rev. Henry

Wheeler in the evening from Gen. xxviii, 17. Twelve hundred

dollars was asked at the close of the bishop's sermon, and $1,500

raised. At the close of the evening sermon a statement was made

to the congregation that a church in Schenectady would sell its

pipe organ, costing $2,200, for $800. The congregation at once

raised $500, which, with the excess of the morning, bought the

organ.

 

In 1885 a debt of $600, which had been carried nine years, was

paid, and in the following year $500 was spent in recarpeting the

church, buying a new furnace, and decorating the lecture room.


 

 

702 Wyoming Conference

 

In 1897 $600 was expended in painting, papering, and carpeting

the building.

 

On March 10, 1902, John Pank deeded the society the property

on the corner of Chestnut Street and Glen Avenue for $4,600,

taking as part payment the Eagle Street parsonage at $2,500. The

house on this last-purchased lot was moved on to the lower side

of the lot and nicely fitted for a parsonage. On the corner of the

lot there is being erected a church which will cost about $13,000.

When finished the society will have one of the most attractive

properties in the Conference.

 

The Oneida Conference was entertained by this society in

April, 1858.

 

In the days when the society was very weak it received $150

per year from the Missionary Society for several years.

 

Hyde Park was a part of this charge from the time of organiza-

tion until it was put with Hartwick in 1902.

 

Pastorates

 

Prior to 1819 part of Otsego Circuit; 1819, B. G. Paddock;

1820, Elias Bowen; 1821, Dana Fox; 1822 (Otsego and Coopers-

town), Orin Doolittle, Eli Allen; 1823-27, probably a part of

Otsego Circuit; 1828 (Otsego and Cooperstown), Isaac Grant;

1829 (Cooperstown alone again), Henry F. Rowe; 1830-37, part

of Otsego Circuit again; 1838-39 (an appointment again), D. W.

Bristol; 1840, V. M. Coryell; 1841, William Bixby; 1842, Lyman

A. Eddy; 1843 (Otsego and Cooperstown), L. A. Eddy, J. Shank;

1844-45, (alone again), Cassius H. Harvey; 1846-47, B. W. Gor-

ham; 1848-49, D. W. Bristol; 1850-51, E. G. Andrews; 1852-53,

Charles Blakeslee; 1854, S. Comfort; 1855-56, M. C. Kern; 1857,

Joseph Shank; 1858, J. T. Crippen; 1859-60, J. L. Wells; 1861-62,

G. W. Bridge; 1863, R. Townsend; 1864, J. Pilkington; 1865-67,

I. D. Peaslee; 1868-70, W. L. Thorpe; 1871-72, H. M. Cryden-

wise; 1873, W. A. Wadsworth; 1874-76, A. S. Clarke; 1877-79,

W. M. Hiller; 1880-81, J. C. Leacock; 1882-84, A. J. Cook; 1885-

87, A. F. Chaffee; 1888-90, T. F. Hall; 1891-93; W. T. Blair;

1894-98, B. P. Ripley; 1889-1900, E. Kilpatrick; 1901-03, J. H.

Littell.

 

 

Cooperstown Junction

 

On May 8, 1876, a meeting of the people of Colliersville and

vicinity was held in the schoolhouse. Rev. H. B. Cook, who was

pastor of Oneonta Plains and Colliersville, presided at the meet-

ing, which was largely attended. Jerome H. Talmadge, Alonzo B.


 

 

Cooperstown, N. Y. 703

 

Every, J. P. Barnes, A. E. Thurston, George German, G. M.

Pendell, James Badeau, Abraham Diefendorft, and F. M. Fox

were elected trustees. R. M. Roundy was elected secretary and

treasurer of the new society. A building committee was appointed

consisting of Alonzo B. Every, F. M. Fox, G. M. Pendell, and

Jerome H. Talmadge. On May 29, 1876, Merritt and David

Multer deeded the Methodist Episcopal Church of Junction and

Colliersville forty-nine and a half square rods of land for $180.

The church was built upon this lot by day labor, J. P. Manning

being the foreman. The building cost $2,777.50, which was raised

during the summer and on the day of dedication, which was

November 2, 1876.

 

There were a number of Baptists in the community who were

interested in church work and they were given the use of the

church afternoons a number of years. A diminution of their num-

bers prompted them to discontinue their services here.

 

Through the kindness of Dr. D. E. Siver, the Cooperstown and

Susquehanna Valley Railroad Company gave the society a lot

adjoining the church lot, containing forty-nine rods, the deed for

which was executed on November 7, 1898. During the summer

and fall of 1898 a house valued at $1,500 was erected on this lot,

$1,000 in money being raised for that purpose and $500 in labor

being contributed. The following year the barn was built.

 

The society was incorporated as "The Methodist Episcopal

Society of Junction and Colliersville" on April 11, 1900, with

Lester Howe, W. J. Barnes, and A. B. Every trustees.

 

In 1892 the society was greatly strengthened by a revival.

 

From 1876 to 1878 this society was served by the Oneonta

Plains pastor, and from 1879 it has been with Portlandville, the

charge taking the name of Cooperstown Junction in 1891.

 

Portlandville is four miles north of Cooperstown Junction.

Work was established here at an early day. The church was

dedicated on January 16, 1849. Rev. Lyman, Sperry, the presid-

ing elder, preached at 11 a. m. and Rev. D. W. Bristol in the

afternoon. In the evening the Otsego District Ministerial Associa-

tion convened in the church.

 

In 1867 $3,000 was spent in repairs. The building was raised, a

basement constructed, a bell purchased, and the auditorium refur-

nished. The building was reopened on Thursday, August 1, 1867,

Rev. William Bixby preaching in the morning and Rev. C. D.

Mead in the evening.

 

The society became incorporated on October 28, 1852, as "The


 

 

704 Wyoming Conference

 

First Methodist Episcopal Church of Portlandville." Thomas

L. Wakefield and George Bowers presided at the meeting for

incorporation, and Thomas L. Wakefield, Erastus Soule, and

Lorenzo Lane were elected trustees.

 

The lot upon which the church was built contained a quarter

of an acre, and was deeded to the society on August 8, 1855, by

Kachel Lane, Lorenzo Lane and wife Marcia, William Lane and

wife Harriet, Philander Lane and wife Evaline, Nelson Lane and

wife Lavantia, Caroline Cronkite, Caleb J. Paul and wife Emaline.

The purchase price was $40. By two subsequent purchases, one

in 1868 and one in 1873, additional land was purchased.

 

The class was first a part of Otsego Circuit, and when Milford

became an appointment formed a part of that charge, where it

remained until it became an appointment in 1879. Westville

was for a while connected with Portlandville.

 

 

 

Pastorates

 

1879 (Portlandville and Junction), H. B. Cook; 1880, M. D.

Sill; 1881-82, C. W. Babcock; 1883, W. Burnside; 1884-86, N. B.

Ripley; 1887, B. B. Carruth; 1888-89, W. H. Alger; 1890, R. P.

Green; 1891 (Cooperstown Junction), A. W. Loomis; 1892-93,

C. E. Sweet; 1894-95, D. R. Smith; 1896, S. A. Luce; 1897-98,

F. A. Mattison; 1899-1900, B. L. Hess; 1901-02, A. E. Potter;

1903, C. A. Frear.

 

 

Davenport, N. Y.

 

Methodism has been prominent in this section ever since

its introduction into the Charlotte Valley. The territory of this

charge, and of Davenport Center, was first reached by the preach-

ers of Delaware Circuit, and subsequently formed a part of

Charlotte Circuit, which was taken from Delaware Circuit in

1834. Charlotte Circuit included Charlotteville, Russ Hill, Dug-

way, South Worcester, Fergusonville, East Davenport (now

Davenport), Davenport Center, Briar Street (now East Mer-

edith), West Davenport, and the Hemlocks.

 

When Olaf G. Hedstrom was appointed to the circuit in 1835

he made his home in a building which had been used for a wood-

house and wash-shed. "When he moved into the building it was

without furniture, save an old cracked stove. The preacher had

no money with which to buy; he therefore took some rough

boards, and sticks from the wood pile, and made a table, a bed-

stead, a cupboard, and a few benches for seats. When the work


 

 

Davenport, N. Y. 705

 

was done he knelt and thanked God that he was in possession of

so comfortable a home."

 

The territory has been visited with some notable revivals. In

the winter of 1844-45 occurred one of special interest. "A ball

had been announced to be held at the hotel on the evening of the

Methodist prayer meeting, which was held in the church, not far

from the hotel. One object of the ball was to break up the

Methodist services, if possible. Rev. A. C. Fields, who was then

preacher in charge of the circuit, suggested that special prayer

should be made for the rioters and dancers who had already

gathered at the hotel. It was done. The prayer of faith was

speedily answered. Long before midnight the ballroom was

vacant, and the persons who had proposed to break up the prayer-

service were in the church loudly and earnestly seeking for mercy.

Many who had intended to spend the night in dancing spent it

in prayer. The meeting continued with great power all night, and

before dawn many were saved. An extensive revival followed

which gave much strength to the church." Memorable revivals

occurred during the pastorates of Elliott, King, James W. Smith,

Richmond, the Burgars, Morehouse and others.

 

In 1853 the Davenport Circuit was formed, which included

Emmons, West Davenport, Prosper Hollow, Davenport Center,

Briar Street, East Davenport, South Hill, Fergusonville, Mary-

land Hill, and South Worcester, the last two places being in

Otsego County. In 1862 the circuit was divided, the places above

East Davenport constituting a charge taking the name of Fer-

gusonville; remaining appointments continuing under the name

of Davenport.

 

This charge came into Wyoming Conference from the New

York Conference in 1894.

 

The name of this charge was changed from Fergusonville to

Davenport in 1899.

 

John Bangs, brother to the gifted Nathan Bangs, was one of

the preachers on Charlotte Circuit in 1837. He was a strong

preacher and referring to the contrast between himself and his

brother he said: "My father had a great memory, and my mother

a poor one. Nathan inherited my father's, and I my mother's."

 

The Davenport church was built in 1883, and was dedicated

on February 1, 1884, by Chaplain McCabe and Rev. Lucius H.

King. It is Gothic in style, having a basement under the whole

church well equipped for social work, and in its tower swings a

bell weighing one thousand and seventy pounds.

 

In 1892 the building was repaired and the interior beautified.


 

 

706 Wyoming Conference

 

The parsonage was located at Fergusonville many years. In

1895 it was sold and the present parsonage at Davenport pur-

chased, costing $2,000.

 

The charge was blessed by gracious revivals in 1894 and 1895.

 

Fergusonville is three miles northwest from Davenport, and

early became an important point on the Charlotte Circuit. The

church was built in 1835, costing $1,400. It was extensively re-

paired in 1869.

 

In 1848 Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson, a distinguished member of

the New York Conference, founded an academy at Fergusonville

which, because of its environment, salubrity of the climate, and

Mr. Ferguson's ability, proved a success. Mr. Ferguson died in

1855, and the school was transferred to James Oliver. It has

long since ceased to exist, and part of the buildings have been

destroyed.

 

In 1851 Davenport and Fergusonville were swept by revivals.

In the latter place, it is said, every family was reached except

a Catholic one.

 

Pastorates

 

(Delaware Circuit:) 1794, Robert Dillon, David Buck; 1795,

David Bartine, Jeremiah Ballard; 1796, Zenas Conger, Daniel

Crouch; 1797, Anthony Turk, John Robinson; 1798, John Robin-

son, William Vredenburgh; 1799, Daniel Higby, Nathan Smith;

1800, Thomas Dodson, Jonathan Newman; 1801, John Leach,

Benjamin Bidlack, William Williams; 1802, Matthias Swaim,

Stephen G. Whitehead; 1803, Zenas Covil; 1804, Henry Steele,

Andrew McKean; 1805, John Crawford, Jesse Davis; 1806,

Alexander Martin, Nehemiah U. Tompkins; 1807, Joseph WiUis,

William Snow; 1808, Nathan Bangs, Robert Dillon; 1809, Hugh

Armstrong, Cyprian H. Gridley; 1810, John Kline, Abner Chase;

1811, Samuel Fowler, Elijah Hibbard; 1812, Bela Smith,

Alexander Dunbar, Hawley Sanford; 1813, John Finnegan,

Elisha P. Jacob, Henry Hobby; 1814, Stephen Jacob, Beardsley

Northrup; 1815, Stephen Jacob, Heman Bangs; 1816, Bela

Smith, Horace Weston; 1817, W. M. Stilwell, Isaac Lent; 1818,

Arnold Schofield, James Young; 1819, A. Schofield, Henry Had-

field, Nathan Rice; 1820, John Finnegan, James Quinlan; 1821,

John Finnegan, Roswell Kelly; 1822, Jesse Pomeroy, Quartus

Stewart; 1823, John Bangs, Ira Ferris; 1824, John Bangs, Beza-

leel Howe; 1825, Cyrus Silliman, Bezaleel Howe; 1826, Cyrus

Silliman, Philo Ferris; 1827, Friend W. Smith, Philo Ferris;

1828, Friend W. Smith, Paul R. Brown; 1829, Alexander Calder,


 

 

Davenport Center, N. Y. 707

 

Paul R. Brown; 1830, Orin Pier, Harvey Brown; 1831, Harvey

Brown, Rodman Lewis; 1832, Noah Sullivan, John Bangs; 1833,

Elbert Osborn; (Charlotte Circuit:) 1834, Harvey Brown; 1835-

36, Olaf G. Hedstrom; 1837, Matthew Van Dusen, John Bangs,

sup.; 1838, Daniel Bullock, George L. Fuller; 1839-40, John

Carver; 1841-42, Eben S. Hibbard; 1843-44, Andrew C. Fields;

184S, Daniel Bullock, Abraham Davis; 1846, Addi Lee, John

Bangs, sup.; 1847, Russell S. Scott, John Bangs, sup.; 1848,

Russell S. Scott, Samuel D. Ferguson; 1849, Hiram Lamont,

Moses L. Pendell, S. D. Ferguson, sup.; 1850, Hiram Lamont,

Joseph Elliott, S. D. Ferguson, sup.; 1851, Lucius H. King,

Noble Lovett, S. D. Ferguson, sup.; 1852, L. H. King, Robert

Kerr, S. D. Ferguson, sup.; (Davenport Circuit:) 1853, David

Gibson, Asahel M. Hough; 1854, David Gibson, Royal Court-

right; 1855-56, James W. Smith, George Hearn; 1857, James M.

Burgar, John F. Richmond; 1858, James M. Burgar, Orin P.

Dales; 1859, Alonzo C. Morehouse, J. P. Burgar; 1860, Alonzo C.

Morehouse, Sanford L Ferguson; 1861, Nehemiah O. Lent, San-

ford L Ferguson; (Fergusonville:) 1862-63, Robert Kerr; 1864-

65, Robert. H. Kelley; 1866, Charles W. Lyon; 1867, W. W.

Shaw; 1868 (Fergusonville and Charlotte two years, when the

charge is Fergusonville again), W. W. Shaw, L. S. Brown; 1869,

W. S. Winans, E. F. Barlow; 1870-71, W. S. Winans; 1872-74,

E. White; 1875-76, J. H. Wood; 1877, John Keogan; 1878, C. H.

Travis, 1879-80, Thomas Elliott; 1881-83, C. Palmer; 1884-85,

(Fergusonville and Charlotteville two years), C. H. Travis, 1886-

87 (Fergusonville and Davenport to 1897), S. Merchant; 1888-

92, G. W. Martin; 1893, Samuel Bullen; 1894-98, C. E. Sweet;

1899-1902, Joshua Brundle; 1903, J. L. Serviss.

 

 

Davenport Center, N. Y.

 

The early history of this charge is involved with the history of

the Davenport charge. Its pastors are to be found in Delaware,

Charlotte, and Davenport Circuits. At the division of Davenport

Circuit in 1862 one part (see Davenport) continued the name

Davenport, and carried the name until 1895, when it was changed

to Davenport Center.

 

This charge came into Wyoming Conference from the New

York Conference in 1894.

 

The church at Davenport Center was built in 1835, at a cost

of $3,000, and was extensively repaired in 1876.

 

The parsonage is located at Davenport Center.


 

 

708 Wyoming Conference

 

West Davenport is two and a half miles west of Davenport.

The church was built in 1852 at a cost of $1,100, and was

thoroughly repaired in 1874 at a cost of $1,600, at which time

the bell, which cost $300, was purchased. The building was

again repaired in 1891 at an expense of $600.

 

A good revival occurred at this place in 1850-51, and in 1885

there were over one hundred conversions.

 

Pastorates

 

1862, Nehemiah O. Lent; 1863, Edwin B. Pierce; 1864, Amos

N. Mulnix; 1865, Peter V. Schermerhorn; 1866-67, Wilham D.

Fero; 1868-69 Joseph Elliott; 1870-71, Lorenzo G. Niles; 1872,

Adelbert Gaylord; 1873-74, William W. Taylor; 1875-76, Milo

Couchman; 1877-78, Edward P. Crane; 1879-81, Edwin Hunt;

1882-83, T. Carter; 1884-86, A. B. Barker; 1887-88, A. H.

Haynes; 1889, George L. McLane; 1890-91, L. S. Brown; 1892-

93, M. S. Buckingham; 1894-95, C. H. Reynolds; 1896-98, C. D.

Shepard; 1899-1901, S. A. Terry; 1902, A. J. Neff; 1903, W. S.

Wilcox.

 

 

Decatur, N. Y.

 

The first society organized in this town was a union affair with

the following members: Timothy Parker, Biger Wright, Stiles

Parker, Jesse Davis, Martha Howe, James Parker, Martha Davis,

Sarah Maple, Parker, J. Lewis, N. Lewis, Samuel Howe, P.

Parker, and Elijah Parker.

 

The first church building was erected in 1807, at a cost of $500.

 

On January 17, 1823, a meeting was held at the house of Justus

Lewis, when "The Decatur Union Society" became incorporated,

with Jesse Davis, Chauncey Parker, and Sheubel Bullock trustees.

The Methodists used the "Society House" until they went into

their own church.

 

As early as 1836 Decatur formed a part of Westford Circuit.

About this year, at a Quarterly Conference held on June 23 and

24, this motion was passed: "Resolved, That Decatur Hollow be

allowed the privilege of circulating a subscription paper in order

to ascertain the practicability of maintaining a station preacher,

and report their success to the presiding elder." The same record-

ing steward's book states that a church was dedicated at Decatur

on March 16, 1837, Rev. D. A. Shepard preaching the sermon

and dedicating the church.

 

Biger Wright was the first class leader.

 

Decatur, Elliott Hill, and Red Schoolhouse are not mentioned


 

 

Decatur, N. Y. 709

 

again in the Minutes of Westford Circuit until February, 1841,

when the preachers of the circuit were requested to supply those

places. Nor do the Minutes of Conferences give any hint as to

how the places were supplied with preaching. The July Quarterly

Conference of 1841 passed the following: "Resolved, That Deca-

tur Hollow, Elliott Hill, and West Worcester be set off as a

station." From this time on Decatur appears among the Confer-

ence appointments.

 

While the preceding is decidedly fragmentary, it is very sug-

gestive, and by reading between the lines we may see the growth

of the society.

 

In 1871 $2,700 was spent in repairing the building. The gal-

leries were removed, a tower built, bell purchased, and other im-

provements made. The church was reopened on Thursday,

November 30, 1871. Rev. W. N. Cobb preached in the morning

from Psa. cxvi, 12-16, and after the sermon raised $1,300. Rev.

J. V. Newell preached in the evening.

 

In 1890 the building was papered, ceiled, and carpeted, at a

cost of $500.

 

The old church was torn down, and a new one built in 1901

costing $2,000. It is of modern design and has eleven memorial

windows. It was dedicated on January 30, 1902, by Rev. T. F.

Hall, D.D., $1,950 being raised on the day of dedication.

 

The first parsonage was bought in. 1840, and sold about 1880,

when the present parsonage was built on the lot by the church.

Anticipating a new house, the society bought a half acre of land

of William Cipperly in April, 1874, for $500. This lot was sold,

and on October 2, 1875, the lot upon which the parsonage stands

was bought of G. M. Starkweather for $175.

 

Between January and April, 1842, there were over two hundred

conversions at Decatur. A good revival occurred in 1869, and in

February and March, 1886, one hundred and five were converted.

 

Elliott Hill formed a part of this charge until about 1887, when

it was placed with East Worcester.

 

South Valley is about four miles northwest of Decatur. For

many years this society worshiped in a building which was

jointly owned by the Episcopal and Protestant Methodists. The

society sold its interest in the church for $300. Delos Easier pre-

sented the society with a fine lot, upon which a church costing

about $2,000 was built. It was dedicated on July 25, 1895. Rev.

L. B. Weeks preached in the morning, Rev. C. H. Sackett in the

afternoon, and Rev. H. B. Benedict in the evening. The sum of


 

 

71O Wyoming Conference

 

$300 was raised during the day. The dedicatory service was con-

ducted by Rev. A. J. Van Cleft.

A bell costing $200 was purchased in 1902.

 

Pastorates

 

1841, A. E. Daniels; 1842-43, C. Starr; 1844, S. C. Phinney;

1845-46, E. Dennison; 1847-48, E. L. North; 1849, George Parsons,

R. O. Beebe; 1850, George Parsons; 1851-52, D. C. Dutcher;

1853-54, W. Burnside; 1855-56, S. M. Stone; 1857, A. E. Daniels;

1858-59, W. R. Lynch; 1860, P. Hughston; 1861-62, D. Potter;

1863, H. E. Rowe; 1864-65, J. N. Piatt; 1866-68, C. G. Wood;

1869, A. S. Clark; 1870, H. A. Blanchard; 1871, S. H. Hill; 1872-

74, W. R. Cochrane; 1875, A. W. Barrows; 1876, A. G. Bar-

tholomew; 1877, S. H. Wood; 1878, W. Edgar; 1879-80, L. B.

Weeks; 1881-83, R. C. Gill; 1884-86, C. B. Personeus; 1887-88,

A. W. Loomis; 1889-90, E. H. Truesdell; 1891-92, R. P. Green;

1893, G. N. Underwood; 1894, L. V. Wood; 1895, G. H. Bent;

1896-99, W. S. Adams; 1900, William Mountenay; 1901, W. H.

Horton; 1902, Asa A. Callendar; 1903, W. S. Adams.

 

 

East Worcester, N. Y.

 

The society was formed about 1823 or 1824. Mrs. Elizabeth

Champion, wife of John Champion, called a meeting at the school-

house, situated near the Comers, on a certain Sunday evening,

and sent for a local preacher named Depew, living at Elliott Hill

to come and preach for them. The large audience was disap-

pointed. Mrs. Champion spoke to the people explaining the teach-

ings of Methodism. After praying and exhorting she asked those

who were willing to join her in holding prayer meetings to signify

it. Two responded. Meetings followed in which Mr. Depew

assisted. Preaching services were established. Rev. Messrs.

Depew and Jeremiah Simmons alternating in preaching. Revival

work followed with success. Next year this class forms a part of

Westford Circuit.

 

The class met in the schoolhouse in district No. 1, in the town of

Worcester, on April 10, 1838. Rev. A. E. Daniels was chairman,

Silas Devol secretary, and Silas Devol and Aaron Champion

acted as judges of election. At this meeting "The Methodist

Episcopal Church of East Worcester" was incorporated, and Silas

Devol, Aaron Champion, Eli P. Bruce, Jonathan Jennings, and

John Rockefeller were elected trustees.

 

The society was again incorporated on August 2, 1886. E. R.


 

 

East Worcester, N. Y. 711

 

Thurber and Elanson Snow presided, and Giles C. Dana, Aaron

Hollenbeck, and Adam Eckerson were elected trustees.

 

On July 24, 1838, Leonard Caryl and wife Mary deeded the

society a lot, located on the road to South Hill, for $1. He also

subscribed liberally toward the building of the church. To this

man and Messrs. Aaron and James Champion the building of the

church was chiefly due. It was put up prior to 1839. A writer

says: "It was a heavy tax on a few persons, and when the com-

mittee were soliciting contributions they called on John Champion,

the 'hotel preacher,' as he was extensively known, for aid. He

promised to pay a certain amount if they would grant him the

privilege of preaching the first sermon in it after its completion.

This was readily agreed to. At the dedication, when the prelim-

inaries had taken place, and all were ready for the sermon by the

presiding elder. Uncle John left his seat and started for the pulpit.

All eyes were turned on the old gray-haired veteran, and those

in the pulpit seemed to hesitate, not knowing what was going to

occur. Many of the auditors knew what was coming. One of

the sons attempted to persuade him to relinquish his plan, as it

might disturb the proceedings. He pushed his son aside, with

the remark that he knew what he was about to do. On reaching

the altar, he addressed the ministers, and related, in a clear voice,

the contract made, and said that he was ready to fulfill the last

of the bargain on his part. The ministers stood aside, the old

gentleman took his text, and for twenty or thirty minutes ad-

dressed the crowded house in a manner never before nor since

known. It almost seemed as if St. John, the apostle, were speak-

ing in his own flesh and blood. He concluded by trusting that

those who were to occupy the sacred desk would preach only

from the Holy Bible before him, with love to all, laying aside all

bigotry, superstition, intolerance, or fanaticism, to the end that

all might become better, and prepared to occupy another temple

not made with hands; also thanked all concerned, walked back to

his seat, and the dedicatory exercises proceeded."

 

The building was enlarged in 1866 and rededicated on Thurs-

day, February 7, 1867, Rev. William Bixby preaching both

morning and evening. In 1883 $800 was spent in repairing and

improving the church.

 

In 1895 a parsonage was built costing $1,600. It was formally

opened on December 28, 1895, by a reception. The following

Sunday morning Rev. J. E. Bone preached, and after the ser-

mon raised $500 to finish paying for the building. On January 10,

1896, in consideration of $245, Eliza A. Sullivan deeded the


 

 

712 Wyoming Conference

 

society half an acre of ground — the lot on which the parsonage

was built.

 

The charge has been visited by a number of gracious revivals.

 

The charge was formed in 1853, but from 1855-82 it was with

Worcester, and became a charge again in 1883.

 

Elliott Hill was a part of Westford Circuit as early as 1836,

and became a part of Decatur charge at its formation. On May

19, 1880, James H. Skinner and his wife Mary deeded to the

Methodist Episcopal Church of Elliott Hill, in the town of De-

catur, a quarter of an acre of ground, receiving $1 therefor. The

church was built in 1880. About 1887 this society became a part

of the East Worcester charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1853, E. Dennison; 1854, Wayne Carver; 1855-82, with Wor-

cester (which see); 1883, G. H. Prentice; 1884-85, W. R. Turner;

1886, G. H. Prentice; 1887-89, J. W. Mevis; 1890-91, R. C. Gill;

1892-94, E. E. Pearce; 1895-96, L. A. Wild; 1897-1900, W. M.

Shaw; 1901-02, W. S. Wilcox; 1903, W. S. Adams.

 

 

Fly Creek, N. Y.

 

Prior to the creation of Fly Creek charge this territory formed

a part of Otsego Circuit.

 

Not long after the year 1800 a "meetinghouse" was built upon

the spot now called the "old chapel burying ground," situated

about one fourth of a mile north of the village. This was built by

the Episcopalians.

 

The class was organized about the year 1810 by the Rev. Seth

Mattison, with the following among the first members: Benjamin

and Celinda Gallap, David Marvin, George Roberts, Eleanor

Williams, Sally Rutember. The society used the chapel, spoken

of above. In time it came to be called the "old Methodist chapel."

 

On March 31, 1834, the society met in this chapel and became

incorporated as "The First Methodist Episcopal Society in Fly

Creek. David Marvin presided, and Russell Brownell acted as

clerk. Russell Brownell, Zadock Fitch, David Marvin, Philip

Moses, and Henry Fish were elected trustees. For some reason,

not now known, the society met in the same place on April 23,

1835, and again incorporated, using the same name as before.

Russell Brownell presided at this meeting, and Jasper Denslow

acted as secretary. David Marvin, Bennajah Comstock, Joseph C.

Marvin, Warren Babbitt, Zadock Fitch, Russell Brownell, and


 

 

Fly Creek, N. Y. 713

 

Philip Moses were elected trustees. At this meeting the trustees

were authorized to secure a site and circulate a subscription for

a church. Some funds, however, had already been raised for

that purpose.

 

On July 31, 1835, David Marvin and his wife Eleanor deeded

the society one rood and fourteen rods of land for $50. The

church, which was 40x60 feet, was built on this lot, and dedicated

in 1839 by Dr. Elias Bowen.

 

This building was remodeled in 1874 at an expense of $2,500.

The galleries and high pulpit were removed, and other radical

 

        FLY CREEK CHURCH AND PARSONAGE [photo]

 

changes made. It was reopened on Thursday, February 25, 1875.

Rev. H. Wheeler preached in the morning from Gen. xxviii, 17.

After the sermon the congregation was asked for $600, and $900

was given. Rev. H. V. Talbott preached in the evening. The

society used the Universalist church while the repairs were in

progress.

 

The bell in this church was purchased as a community affair,

but for years, by virtue of possession, it has been considered the

property of the church. For years it rang at exactly noon, the

janitor priding himself on his accuracy. It was also used to ring

for curfew, which prevailed many years ago in the village.

 

The ground upon which the Old Chapel used to stand was

leased to the society for nine hundred years, the owner reserving

the right to pasture sheep between the graves. The lot was

subsequently deeded to the society.

 

The first parsonage was built on half an acre of ground deeded


 

 

714 Wyoming Conference

 

on December 31, 1835, to the trustees of Otsego Circuit, by-

Buckingham Fitch, for $5. The parsonage was not paid for until

about 1854. The pastors resided in this house until the present

property was bought, when it was sold. On June 17, 1901,

Henry C. Babcock and wife Mary H. deeded the society the

present property beside the church, which contains three quarters

of an acre of ground, for $2,000.

 

Fitch Hill class was organized about 1813. Its first members

were Jonah and Esther Sprague; Reuben and Elsie Whipple, son

and daughter; George and Alice Roberts and George, Jr.; S. R.,

Sophia, and Sally Roberts; Joseph and Alice Perkins; William

Holavert; and Amos Babcock and wife.

 

On May 9, 1835, the society met at the house of B. Fletcher, in

the town and county of Otsego, for incorporation. William T.

Tanner presided and Eleazer Boiden acted as clerk. Eleazer

Boiden, William T. Tanner, Zadock Fitch, David Marvin, and

Buckingham Fitch were elected trustees of "The Third Methodist

Episcopal Society in the town of Otsego, State of New York."

 

A church 24x30 feet was built in 1835, and was extensively

repaired in 1881. It was dedicated on Thursday, February 2,

1882, Rev. F. L. Hiller preaching in the morning and Rev. J. C.

Leacock in the evening.

 

No services are held here now, having been discontinued in

1902.

 

Fly Creek Valley is six miles north of Fly Creek and two miles

from Fitch Hill.

 

On August 28, 1882, Leander Weldon and wife Mary, in con-

sideration of $1, deeded to Alonzo House, Menzo Bourne, Gorton

Shaw, Fayette T. Shant, and Louis Hinds, trustees of "The Fly

Creek Valley Methodist Episcopal Church," forty-one rods of

land. The church, which cost $2,000, was dedicated on Thursday;

January 3, 1884, by Rev. A. J. Cook.

 

Toddsville formed a part of this charge until placed with

Hartwick in 1898.

 

Pastorates

 

1853-54, A. R. Wells; 1855-56, George Parsons; 1857-58, D. L.

Pendell; 1859, S. Comfort; 1860, S. Comfort, H. F. Rowe; 1861-

62, William Watson; 1863-64, William C. McDonald; 1865-67,

J. W. Rawlingson; 1868-69, H. V. Talbott; 1870-72, George

Parsons; 1873-74, H. A. Blanchard; 1875, A. J. Cook; 1876-78,

J. Ryder; 1879-80, H. G. Harned; 1881-83, B. P. Ripley; 1884,


 

 

Harpursville and Nineveh, N. Y. 715

 

P. R. Tower; 1885-87, A. Wrigley; 1888, H. E. Wheeler; 1889-

90, J. S. Southworth; 1891, H. A. Williams; 1892-93, J. L.

Thomas; 1894-96, A. M. Colegrove; 1897-1900, E. E. Pearce;

1901-02, E. L. Jeffrey; 1903, R. E. Wilson.

 

 

Harpursville and Nineveh, N. Y.

 

From 1842 to 1857 the territory in this charge formed a part

of Page Brook Circuit, which contained the following preaching

places: Page Brook, East Page Brook, New Ohio, Harpursville,

Wakeman's, and Elliott. In 1844 three other appointments were

added.

 

The first Quarterly Conference held in Harpursville was held

at the schoolhouse on February 10, 1844. On March 12, 1844,

the society met for incorporation, when Hartson Humaston,

Darius W. Pearsall, and Albert Pratt were elected trustees of

"The First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in

Harpursville."

 

On July 5, 1845, land was purchased of Robert Harpur, and

the church was built the same season, being dedicated on October

16. Rev. J. M. Snyder preached from James i, 17, and after the

sermon raised $50 to liquidate indebtedness. After an inter-

mission Rev. T. H. Pearne preached from Gen. xlix, 22-24. The

society at this time had fourteen members.

 

The parsonage was built in 1867.

 

When Harpursville charge was formed it contained the fol-

lowing preaching places: Harpursville, New Ohio, Nineveh,

Coles Hill, Perch Pond, Schonton, Nurce Hollow, and Welton

Street.

 

Nineveh class was organized in 1852. On March 21, 1853, the

society met at the schoolhouse, the usual place of worship, for

incorporation, when R. S. Run, John Padgett, H. W. Mahew,

Jeremiah Pular, and Daniel Stone were elected trustees of "The

First Methodist Episcopal Church of Nineveh."

 

The church was built in 1855. In 1892 $380 was spent in

improvements, and in 1900 Mr. Reuben Lovejoy presented the

society with a bell costing $240. In the same season the interior

of the church was somewhat improved.

 

Nineveh became an appointment in 1873, and was served by

the following pastors: 1873, T. C. Roskelly; 1874-75, A. Brown;

1876-77, S. Wood; 1878, L. Frutchman; 1879-80, F. L. Ketchum;

1881, E. Andrews; 1882-83, C. H. Marsh. In 1884 Nineveh

returned to its former relation with Harpursville.


 

 

716 Wyoming Conference

 

During the pastorate of L. F. Ketchum a contention arose. He

insisted on preaching on territory belonging to Harpursville

charge. This eventually caused a rupture and Ketchum left the

Church, taking some members with him, and organized a Re-

formed Methodist society, only two miles from Harpursville,

which society still continues.

 

Perch Pond is a schoolhouse appointment about four miles

east of Harpursville. This has been a thrifty appointment for

years.

 

Harpursville charge has been favored with a strong line of

local preachers — Revs. S. Parsons, father of Rev. F. H. Parsons,

of this Conference, John Moon, Adam Yeager, Billy Way. Revs.

L. Alexander, E. H. Truesdell, and John Hurlburt went from

this charge and did supply work. A. Estes was licensed in 1859

and entered the pastorate. M. D. Matoon was licensed in 1861

and is now doing supply work. R. W. Van Schoick was licensed

in 1866 and entered the Conference.

 

W. W. Cowdry served as recording steward from 1842 to

January 10, 1863, being present seventy-two sessions out of

eighty-four, and during ten successive years did not miss a session

of the Quarterly Conference. S. B. Monroe served ten years, and

C. W. Hare has been recording steward since 1880.

 

Pastorates

 

(Page Brook:) 1842-43, A. G. Burlingame; 1844-45, Philip

Bartlett; 1846-47, Henry Ercanbrack; 1848-49, Levi Pitts; 1850,

T. D. Wire; 1851, M. Ruger (Ruger died, E. Puffer filled out the

year); 1852, E. Puffer; 1853, W. Round; 1854, W. Round, E.

Puffer; 1855 (Harpursville alone), W. Roberts; 1856, A. C.

Sperry, W. Roberts; 1857, A. C. Sperry, E. Puffer; (Harpurs-

ville:) 1858, P. G. Bridgeman; 1859-60, G. A. Severson; 1861-

62, A. W. Loomis; 1863, P. Holbrook; 1864, L. Pitts; 1865-66,

A. Brigham; 1867-69, S. Barner; 1870-71, C. D. Shepard, G. E.

Hathaway; 1872, W. H. Gavitt, G. E. Hathaway; 1873, W. H.

Gavitt; 1874-76, I. P. Towner; 1877-78, George Pritchett; 1879,

A. F. Harding; 1880-81, C. H. Jewell; 1882-83, F. P. Doty; 1884-

85, N. J. Hawley; 1886, J. G. Stephens; 1887, G. H. Prentice;

1888-89, J- H. Taylor; 1890-93, A. M. Colegrove; 1894-95,

Joshua Brundle; 1896, James Benge, A. W. Phillips (Benge died,

Phillips filled out the year); 1897-98, A. C. Olver; 1899-1900,

H. E. Wheeler; 1901, William Mountenay; 1902-03, W. H.

Horton.


 

 

Hartwick, N. Y. 717

 

 

Hartwick, N. Y.

 

Very little has been gleaned concerning Hartwick. Lying, as

it does, but a few miles up the valley from Mount Vision, it would

be fair to presume that the itinerants of Otsego Circuit in reach-

ing Mount Vision would not overlook this place nor pass it by.

It formed a part of Exeter Circuit in 1843. There is a tradition

that Methodist preachers held services in an old stone schoolhouse

seventy-five years ago. It is also claimed that the church was

raised on May 29, 1839.

 

On June 21, 1842, the society met for incorporation. E. R.

Van Home and Joshua Duly presided, and Caleb F. Smith,

Lyman Green, Russell Benjamin, Frederick H. Bissell, and E. R.

Van Home were elected trustees. The corporate name of the

society is "The Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church

of Hartwick."

 

Upon application of Rev. Nelson Rounds, D.D., the presiding

elder of Chenango District, to the faculty of Cazenovia Seminary,

E. G. Andrews, now bishop, went to Hartwick and taught a select

school in the winter of 1843, in the basement of the Methodist

Episcopal church. This winter he received an exhorter's license

from Rev. Calvin Hawley, then preacher in charge of Exeter

Circuit, which included Hartwick, and later a local preacher's

license signed by Dr. Rounds. His first sermon was preached in

a schoolhouse three or four miles south of Hartwick.

 

The building was repaired in 1866, at a cost of $3,400. It "was

reopened on Wednesday, February 13, 1867, Rev. William

Bixby preaching morning and evening. It was again repaired

in 1880, at an expense of $800, and again in 1902, at a cost

of $500.

 

Mount Vision and Hartwick formed a charge many years.

There is a parsonage at each place. It was customary for years

for the pastors to alternate in their place of residence. Should one

pastor live at Hartwick, the next would live at Mount Vision. In

1898 the places were separated, each becoming an appointment.

 

Toddsville is five miles east from Hartwick. The class here

was for many years a part of the Fly Creek charge, and worshiped

in a union church. This class became a parrof Hartwick charge

in 1898. On June 20, 1902, in consideration of $1, Leon D. Pope

and wife Bertha, Frank Peck and wife Kate, and Nathaniel Finch

and wife Adelia deeded a building lot to the Methodist Episcopal

Church of Toddsville. The Church Extension Society made pos-


 

 

718 Wyoming Conference

 

sible a church by donating $250 to the society. The church has a

fine basement, with furnace room, kitchen, and dining room, and

the auditorium and League rooms can be thrown together. It

has memorial windows and is neatly finished throughout. It cost

$2,200, and was dedicated on September 28, 1902, by Revs. T. F.

Hall, D.D., and M. S. Hard, D.D.

 

Hyde Park is three miles below Cooperstown, and but a short

distance from Toddsville. Some time before the church was

built meetings were held in the schoolhouse at Hope Factory, in

the stone schoolhouse across the river, below Phenix, and in the

house of Cornelius Teachout (now occupied by his son-in-law,

Henry C. Winsor). Students from Cooperstown Seminary used

to preach here frequently. The class formed a part of Coopers-

town charge from its origin until 1902, when it became a part of

Hartwick charge.

 

The class was organized in 1858 by Rev. John T. Crippen. On

February 26, 1859, the society met at the home of Cornelius

Teachout for the purpose of incorporation. E. Swartwout and

George Kirby presided, and Andrew Losee, George Kirby, and

Cornelius Teachout were elected trustees. The corporate name

of the society is "The Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church

of Hyde Park." On October 10, 1859, Cornelius Teachout and

wife Eliza deeded the society the lot on which the church was

already built for $1. The church cost about $800. It is claimed

that Mr. Teachout not only gave the lot, but drew the lumber,

boarded the workmen, and contributed about $500 toward the

enterprise. The building was dedicated on October 13, 1859,

Rev. J. Shank preaching in the morning. Rev. J. T. Crippen in

the afternoon, and Rev. J. L. Wells in the evening.

 

Several gracious revivals have stirred the community and added

strength to the society.

 

Pastorates

 

1848-49, William Bixby; 1850-51, J. T. Wright; 1852-53, W.

Southworth; 1854-55, J- Shank; 1856-57, Lewis Hartsough;

1858, L. C. Queal, P. Hughston; 1859, L. C. Queal; 1860, W. C.

McDonald; 1861, S. Comfort; 1862-63, L. H. Stanley; 1864-65,

W. R. Lynch; 1866-68, Austin Griffin; 1869-70, L. Cole; 1871,

J. L. Wells; 1872-74, J. V. Newell; 1875, J. C. Shelland; 1876-78,

A. J. Cook; 1879-80, A. F. Brown; 1881-83, H. G. Harned; 1884-

86, R. C. Gill; 1887, C. C. Vrooman; 1888-90, E. Kilpatrick;

1891-93, A. Wrigley; 1894-97, H. A. Greene; 1898-1903, A. D.

Finch.


 

 

Lanesboro, Pa. 719

 

 

Lanesboro, Pa.

 

Lanesboro Circuit was detached mainly from the Bainbridge

Circuit in 1833, and held its last quarterly meeting June 14, 1851,

supplemented by a meeting of the official board on July 19, 1851.

The circuit included the eastern part of Broome County, N. Y.,

the northern part of Wayne County, Pa., and the northeastern

part of Susquehanna County, Pa., and was about thirty miles in

length, from north to south, and fifteen miles in width. It had

eleven appointments at formation, each to be filled once in two

weeks. Schoolhouses and private houses were used as places of

worship. This necessitated five week-day appointments which

were usually at 4 p. m. in summer and at "early candle light" in

winter.

 

There being no church of any kind on the circuit, the first

quarterly meeting was held outside of its limits, in the village of

Windsor, N. Y., as was the case with the first quarterly meetings

for the years 1834 and 1835.

 

Palmer Owen was a local deacon, and one of the stewards of

the circuit for about ten years. He was a good and useful man.

He, however, became dissatisfied, and subsequently he and several

other members identified themselves with the Protestant Meth-

odist Church. On June 17, 1842, he was expelled for disorderly

conduct.

 

In 1833 Joseph Dow, Jr., was advanced from exhorter's to

local preacher's rank. He was a good speaker and singer and a

useful man, and became a local deacon. In 1845 he signed the

following statement: "I, Joseph Dow, do firmly and sincerely

disbelieve in the doctrine of the endless punishment of the human

family, and also the existence of an evil and powerful spirit or

personal being called the devil, as is generally supposed to exist,

and that the above doctrines are taught in the Bible." Of course

he was tried and expelled from the Church. He subsequently

became an avowed infidel. However, in his old age, he returned

to his former faith and "died in the Lord."

 

John Dickinson, an exhorter, became a Protestant Methodist

preacher.

 

William Wooley was received from this charge into the Oneida

Conference. He married injudiciously, and retired, went West,

and labored under the elder a few years, returned, and sought

admission to the Conference. Failing to be admitted, he united

with the Presbyterians and preached for them.

 

Another official of these early days was John Comfort, Esq.,


 

 

720 Wyoming Conference

 

of Lanesboro, father of Dr. Silas Comfort; grandfather of George

Comfort, the educator, of Rev. George Comfort, for many years

in Montana, and of Rev. James H. Cargill; father-in-law of Dr.

Nelson Rounds and Dr. William Reddy; and grandfather of Rev.

G. H. Blakeslee. He was a wise and incorruptible magistrate, and

given to hospitality. He was accustomed to say on quarterly

meeting occasions, "Send as many to my house as I have boards

in my floor." He was the first recording steward of the circuit.

 

In 1840 three Sunday schools existed on the circuit, one of

which was at Tallmansville (Lake Como), which had been in

existence several seasons. In this year Nathaniel Lewis's name

appears as a local preacher. He was an elder, ordained by Bishop

 

        LANESEORO CHURCH AND PARSONAGE [photo]

 

Asbury, and the society with which he was connected was this

year taken from the Brooklyn Circuit and connected with this

circuit. In his younger days Lewis was known as an industrious

and intelligent young man. He lived on that side of the Susque-

hanna River now embraced in Oakland, and near the Great Bend

line. The place where he lived was called Susquehanna, and was

three miles down the river from Lanesboro. Lewis was employed

a great deal by John Holborn, who was led to admire his religious

zeal. He accordingly advised Lewis to procure a license to

preach in conformity with the rules of the Methodist Episcopal

Church, Mr. Lewis being a firm believer in the doctrines of

Methodism and fully competent to teach. He did so, and became

a power in this territory. He was talented, laborious, and had

much to do with the planting of Methodism in these parts.


 

 

Lanesboro, Pa. 721

 

The wealthiest member of the class to which Lewis belonged

was Isaac Hale, whose daughter Emma married Joseph Smith,

the founder of Mormonism.

 

In 1846 the circuit comprised "Lanesboro, a small place about

three miles farther up the river, Starrucca in a ballroom, Thomp-

son in a schoolhouse, Ararat, Tallmansville, Scott, Hale's Eddy,

Woodmansee, Little York, etc., twelve places in all." This year

the pastor sold $1,000 worth of Book Concern publications on

the circuit.

 

A short time before Rev. C. V. Arnold's death we asked him

to give us the circuit as he served it. Here it is: Lanesboro

Church, Susquehanna Schoolhouse, South Harmony Schoolhouse,

Maple Grove Schoolhouse, South Windsor Schoolhouse, Mc-

Kune Schoolhouse, Jenkins Schoolhouse, Ararat Schoolhouse,

Hine's Corners Schoolhouse, Ira Cargill's house, Starrucca

Church, Tallmansville Schoolhouse, Woodmansee Schoolhouse,

Lake Como at Lakin's house, McClure Church, Gulf Summit

Schoolhouse, Creek Settlement Schoolhouse, Bettsburg Springs

Schoolhouse, Hill Lake Schoolhouse, and Starrucca Stone

Quarry.

 

In 1851 Lanesboro and Susquehanna became a separate charge,

and the Lanesboro Circuit went into history, Sanford Circuit

becoming its successor. In 1855 the present Lanesboro charge

appears.

 

The following charges have been formed from the old Lanes-

boro Circuit: Susquehanna, Thompson, Ouaquaga, Hale's Eddy,

Lake Como, McClure, Sanford, and Lanesboro.

 

At Lanesboro meetings were held in barns in summer and

private houses in winter until the log schoolhouse was built, when

it was used for worship until the church was built.

 

The names of the original class, which was formed as early as

1812, cannot be given with certainty. However, it is known that

John Comfort and wife, Nathaniel Lewis and wife, Isaac Hale

and wife, Marmaduke Salisbury and wife, and James Newman

and wife were members of it.

 

The church at Lanesboro was built in 1837, and first used for a

quarterly meeting service on February 10 and 11, 1838. The

building was erected by the community in general, but Mr. Lane,

the largest contributor, advised deeding it to the Methodist

church, because that was the only church organization in the

vicinity. Until December, 1847, this was the only church within

the bounds of the circuit.

 

In 1872 the building was repaired at a cost of $700, and was


 

 

722 Wyoming Conference

 

reopened on October l0, 1872, Dr. H. R. Clarke preaching in the

morning and D. D. Lindsley in the evening. The sum of $300

was raised during the day. In 1895 it was again repaired, this

time at a cost of $1,125. It was reopened on Thursday, December

5, 1895, Rev. J. O. Woodruff preaching in the morning and Rev.

H. H. Wilbur in the evening.

 

In 1841 a parsonage was built about a half mile from the

church. This became dilapidated and was sold about 1877 for

$600, at which time the present parsonage by the church was built,

costing $1,400.

 

Bethel Hill is one of the appointments of this charge and has a

comparatively new church.

 

Stevens Point is another appointment of the charge. A new

church was dedicated here on November 19, 1896, which cost

$1,900.

 

Pastorates

 

1833-34, D. Torry; 1835-36, P. G. White; 1837, King Elwell;

1838, Alanson Benjamin; 1839, A. Benjamin, A. Calder; 1840-41,

Philo Blackman; 1842-43, P. G. Bridgeman; 1844-45, David

Davis; 1846, P. Bartlett; 1847, P. Bartlett, G. W. Leach; 1848,

N. S. De Witt, G. W. Leach; 1849, N. S. De Witt; 1850, C. V.

Arnold; 1851-54, with Susquehanna; 1855-56, S. G. Stevens;

1857, A. Brigham; 1858, W. Roberts; 1859, F- L- Hiller; 1860-

61, G. R. Hair; 1862, F. Spencer; 1863-64, S. Barner; 1865-67,

J. W. Hewitt; 1868-70, N. S. De Witt; 1871, R. J. Kellogg; 1872-

73, A. F. Harding; 1874, S. W. Spencer; 1875, S. W. Cole; 1876-

77, C. H. Jewell; 1878-79, J. W. Hewitt; 1880-82, J. R. Wagner;

1883-85, T. C. Roskelly; 1886-87, William Bixby; 1888, P. R.

Tower; 1889-92, C. L. Rice; 1893-94, H. L. Hubbard; 1895-97,

C. C. Vrooman; 1898-99, D. C. Barnes; 1900-03, D. L. Meeker.

 

 

Laurens, N. Y.

 

Methodism sprang up here in the days of the Otsego Circuit,

and when Otego Circuit was formed became a part of that circuit.

In 1828 the Methodists and Presbyterians united in building a

church in which the society worshiped until going into its own

church, when it sold its interest in the union church to the Pres-

byterians.

 

On January 22, 1844, the society met in the schoolhouse for

incorporation. John Phillips and Elkanah Johnson presided, and

Elkanah Johnson, John Phillips, William Mosher, Samuel Patten-


 

 

Laurens, N. Y. 723

 

gill, and George W. Powell were elected trustees of "The Laurens

Methodist Episcopal Society." On February 23, 1844, Gideon

Cornell deeded the society thirty-one rods of land, in consider-

ation of $100. The church was built on this lot the same season,

costing $1,500.

 

In 1868 the building was remodeled, galleries removed, and the

pulpit put in the opposite end of the church, with some minor

improvements. It was reopened on November 12, 1868, Rev.

William Bixby preaching in the morning. Rev. J. L. Wells in the

afternoon, and Rev. W. G. Queal in the evening. In 1884 $1,350

was spent in building an alcove for the pulpit, reseating, and

other improvements. It was reopened on December 11, 1884, Rev.

H. M. Crydenwise preaching in the morning and Rev. J. N. Lee

in the evening and conducting the dedicatory service. During the

day $300 was raised. In 1899 $300 was spent in recarpeting, etc.

 

The parsonage is across the road from the church, and was

built in 1871 on land purchased of William Strong for $400.

 

On June 4, 1888, the society reincorporated. A. Davis and J. F.

Newell presided at the meeting called for that purpose, and J. N.

Mead, A. S. Allen, A. G. Davis, J. F. Newell, and L. A. Sergent

were elected trustees of "The Methodist Episcopal Church of the

Village of Laurens."

 

Stephen Strait and J. N. Mead have been members and officials

here about fifty years.

 

Glorious revivals were experienced just after the church was

built, and in 1850, 1882, 1889, and 1896.

 

John Phillips, Dexter Johnson, Jacob Richardson, George

Brightman, and Philander Camp were among the members of the

church when it was built.

 

Oneonta Plains is about seven miles south of Laurens and two

miles west of Oneonta. We know nothing very definite about

Methodism's early days here. The society is supposed to have

been formed about 1820. The church was built in 1843 on a lot

bought of Lyman Toles for $150, and cost $1,800. Prior to the

erection of the church the society used barns in the summer and

private houses in the winter.

 

In 1878 $1,000 was expended in removing the galleries and

other improvements. The reopening occurred on Thursday,

December 12, 1878, Rev. G. W. Izer, of Cortland, preaching at

10.30 A. M.

 

The society met for incorporation on September 18, 1867. San-

ford Shepherd and James C. Sheldon presided, and John M.


 

 

724 Wyoming Conference

 

Packard, Sanford Shepherd, and James C. Sheldon were elected

trustees. The corporate name of the society is "The Trustees of

the Oneonta Plains Methodist Episcopal Church."

 

This class probably formed a part of Otsego Circuit, and sub-

sequently a part of Otego Circuit.

 

From 1877 to 1882 it was a charge and served as follows: 1877-

78, E. W. Lockwood; 1879, M. Dorr Sill; 1880, W. F. Albrecht;

1881, N. P. Ripley; 1882, E. B. Olmstead. In 1883 it was placed

with Laurens.

 

Henry Shepherd and Aaron Richard have held official positions

over thirty years.

 

Extensive revivals were experienced in 1870 and 1891.

 

Richardson Hill, now called Wilbur Lake, is about three miles

from Laurens. The society is the result of a revival promoted

by John Marble, a local preacher from Oneonta, assisted by his

brother James, and Edward Shove, from the same place. The class

was organized on November 10, 1854. Among the first members

were Justus G. Richardson, Daniel Richardson, Sally Richardson,

Elizabeth and Benjamin Richardson, Samuel, Amy A., and Edwin

Peet, Benjamin and Mary Travis, Charlotte Peet, Charles T. Gif-

ford, Mary Cooley, Henry R. Gifford, and Andrew Richardson.

 

On July 7, 1856, in consideration of $50, William Richardson

and wife Polly deeded to Simon Green, Justus G. Richardson, and

Edwin Peet, trustees of "The Methodist Episcopal Society of

Laurens, Oneonta, and Milford," a site for a church. The building

30x40, was dedicated the first Tuesday in January, 1857, and was

erected mainly through the influence of Simon Green and Justus

G. Richardson, and cost $1,200. Justus G. Richardson was the

first class leader.

 

In 1900 it was recarpeted and otherwise improved.

 

The class formed a part of the Laurens charge from its founda-

tion until 1859, when it was placed with Oneonta, where it re-

mained until 1863, and then returned to Laurens. Since 1883

it has held Quarterly Conference relations with Laurens, but its

pulpit has been supplied by Rev. Henry Gifford, a local preacher

who is now living at Oneonta, and who has been a member of the

society many years.

 

In 1870 the society was visited by an extensive revival.

 

Pastorates

 

1848, G. C. Elliott; 1849, G. C. Elliott, E. Dennison; 1850-51,

William Southworth; 1852-53, C. G. Robinson; 1854, D. C.

Dutcher; 1855-56, H. S. Richardson; 1857, Samuel M. Stone;


 

 

McClure, N. Y. 725

 

1858-59, L. Bowdish; 1860-61, R. Townsend; 1862-63, A. Griffin;

1864, L. E. Marvin; 1865-66, B. B. Carruth; 1867-69, J. W.

Mevis; 1870-72, H. N. Van Deusen; 1873-75, J- S. Southworth;

1876-77, B. P. Ripley; 1878, A. S. Clark; 1879-81, H. A. Blanch-

ard; 1882, A. F. Chaffee; 1883-84, E. B. Olmstead; 1885-86, H.

B. Benedict; 1887-89, D. Personeus; 1890, W. M. Shaw; 1891-

93, W. H. Alger; 1894, M. S. Buckingham; 1895-96, E. E. Pearce;

1897-99, G. G. McChesney; 1900-02, W. S. Adams; 1903, J. R.

Austin.

 

 

McClure, N. Y.

 

The information secured concerning this charge is very meager

indeed. It is claimed that there was an appointment at Alexander

Hill, not far from the McClure church, as early as 1830, perhaps

earlier, and that the present society is the outgrowth of the class

formed there. The territory formed a part of the Lanesboro Cir-

cuit until it became a charge in 1851, and was known as the San-

ford charge until 1887, when it took the name of McClure.

 

A camp meeting was held at McClure Settlement in 1839 by

Rev. George Peck, at that time presiding elder on Susquehanna

District.

 

On September 11, 1843, at a meeting over which P. G. Bridge-

man and Henry Bunker presided, the society became incorporated

as "The First Methodist Episcopal Church in the Town of San-

ford," and elected Henry Bunker, John W. Sheldon, Calvin Shel-

don, Philip Underwood, and Peter Underwood trustees. On

April 3, 1863, the society again incorporated, with Calvin Sheldon,

Henry S. Gregory, John W. Sheldon, Stephen Post, and Jonas

Underwood trustees. On March 15, 1873, the society again in-

corporated, electing James A. Johnson, Stephen B. Post, and Peter

D. Underwoood trustees, and taking the corporate name of

"McClure Settlement Methodist Episcopal Church of Sanford."

 

The church was dedicated on October 27, 1849, Rev. D. A.

Shepard preaching the dedicatory sermon at 11 a. m.

 

The parsonage is located at McClure.

 

Sanford is three miles north of McClure. The class was organ-

ized prior to 1850 and formed a part of Lanesboro Circuit. The

church, which cost $1,100, was dedicated on Saturday, August

6, 1859, at 2 p. M., Rev. William Wyatt preaching the sermon

of the day. The site for the church was donated by Grover Pin-

ney. The schoolhouse had been used by the society some years

before the building of the church.


 

 

726 Wyoming Conference

 

Danville is five miles southeast of McClure. The church is

said to have been built thirty-five years ago, at a cost of about

$600.

 

Farnham is a schoolhouse appointment, three miles west of

McClure. The class was organized in 1899 by the Rev. J.

Humphrey, and contained eighteen members.

 

Pastorates

 

1851-52, R. S. Rose; 1853-54, G. W. Leach; 1855-56, F. Spen-

cer; 1857, C. V. Arnold; 1858-59, W. Shelp; 1860-61, S. Earner;

1862, W. Smith; 1863-64, J. W. Hewitt; 1865, W. W. Welch;

1866-67, R. Varcoe; 1868-70, D. WilHams; 1871-73, I. P.

Towner; 1874-76, J. D. Bloodgood; 1877-78, S. W. Spencer;

1879-81, A. Wrigley; 1882-83, H. A. Blanchard; 1884-85, E. A.

Baldwin; 1886, B. B. Carruth; 1887-89, R. C. Gill; 1890-92, C. C.

Vrooman; 1893-96, J. H. Taylor; 1897-98, Jonathan Weston;

1899-1901, J. Humphrey; 1902-03, L L. Bronson.

 

 

Masonville, N. Y.

 

Since 1800 Masonville Corners has had Methodist services.

At first the Methodist preachers came from the Susquehanna

Valley. When Chenango Circuit was formed it became a part

of that circuit, and at the organization of Bainbridge Circuit fell

within its bounds. One writer claims that Masonville was with

Bainbridge from 1822 to 1852. This cannot be, as it was one of

the appointments on Deposit Circuit at its formation in 1833. It

was not, however, in 1845. Just how long it was a part of Deposit

Circuit we have been unable to ascertain. It is also claimed that

Masonville was a part of Cannonsville Circuit for a while.

 

In 1852 "Masonville" was formed, which included Masonville,

Groat Settlement (now Whitman), East Masonville, and Tacoma.

The first appointment was from Bainbridge, and the last three

from Cannonsville Circuit.

 

Groat Settlement and Tacoma are abandoned, the members

having joined Masonville and Trout Creek. Work at Tacoma

ceased about 1893. The Masonville charge now includes Mason-

ville, East Masonville, and Bennettsville.

 

The Masonville church was built in 1851 at a cost of $1,200,

and was dedicated in the same year by the Rev. William

Reddy. The trustees at the time were Harlow Bundy, Sanford

Bundy, Festus Cleveland, Josiah Cleveland, Chandler Bartlett,

and Mr. Foster, each of whom promised $150 toward the enter-


 

 

Masonville, N. Y. 727

 

prise — the balance of the $1,200 being raised from the other mem-

bers of the society. Festus Cleveland prophesied that the first

service to be held in the new church would be his funeral service.

The prophecy was fulfilled.

 

The building was remodeled and put into its present shape in

1872, at a cost of $1,500. In 1879 a classroom was added to the

church and some minor improvements made. One thousand dol-

lars was spent in 1889 for stained-glass windows, tin roof, and

other improvements, and in 1893 the audience room was recar-

peted, relighted, and otherwise made attractive.

 

The society received $2,500 from the estate of John Rifenbark

in 1902, with the expectation of about $700 more. He gave as

the reason for his bequest that he owed all he was to the Mason-

ville church, in which he was converted.

 

The first parsonage was about one half mile west of the vil-

lage, and the lot contained two acres of land. This property

was purchased in 1865 for $1,500, and was exchanged in 1895

for the present parsonage property near the church, the society

paying $320 to eflfect the exchange.

 

Masonville has experienced a number of revivals. The revival

of 1887-88, from which one hundred and forty-one probationers

were received, was probably the largest revival in the history

of the church.

 

East Masonville is a schoolhouse appointment four miles east

of Masonville. Work began here at an early day, but we know

nothing about its beginning. It was a part of Deposit Circuit

in 1833, and subsequently a part of Cannonsville Circuit.

 

Bennettsville is four miles west of Masonville. The society

here was organized on June 17, 1895, in a room of N. T. Mor-

gan's residence, 14x18 feet, and had twenty-one members.

Worship was continued in this room until July 1, 1896, when

increased attendance made it necessary to hire the Bennett hall.

A revival was soon held, which added to the strength of the

class. In January, 1897, the society purchased the present prop-

erty, a large house, originally a store, and one half acre of land,

for $330. By removing a partition a room was secured which

will seat one hundred and thirty people. Some secondhand pews

were purchased from the Methodist church of Nineveh, an or-

gan and pulpit furniture bought, and some minor improvements

made costing $150. This gives the society a comfortable place

for worship, a kitchen, and a room for prayer and social

meetings.


 

 

728 Wyoming Conference

 

Pastorates

 

1852-53, L. Hartsough; 1854-55, Joel Davis; 1856, R. O. Bee-

be; 1857, _____; 1858, A. Benjamin; 1859, _____; 1860,

A. C. Smith; 1861, T. M. Williams; 1862, W. Southworth; 1863,

Samuel Moore; 1864-66, Timothy Willis; 1867-68, G. M. Mead;

1869-71, R. S. Southworth; 1872-73, L. A. Wild; 1874-75, G. E.

Hathaway; 1876, A. Brown; F. P. Taylor; 1877, A. Brown;

1878, A. F. Harding; 1879-81, C. W. Todd; 1882-83, H. H.

Wilbur; 1884-86, C. H. Marsh; 1887-89, C. B. Personeus; 1890-

92, J. H. Taylor; 1893-94, G. B. Stone; 1895, L. V. Wood; 1896-

98, Joshua Brundle; 1899-1900, W. S. Wilcox; 1901-02, G. G.

McChesney; 1903, A. A. Callendar.

 

 

MIDDLEFIELD, N. Y.

 

One of the earliest centers of Methodism in central New York

was at Middlefield Center, which we will first notice. Here was

the Peck homestead. We quote from Rev. J. K. Peck: "As the

traveler takes his way from the village of Cherry Valley toward

Cooperstown he will soon pass the birthplace [of George Peck],

a little to the left of the turnpike, two miles east of Middlefield

Center.... The family is a movable family, and the children are

all itinerants. Their first move was one hundred miles toward

the northwest in a straight line, but a good many more miles

than that by any road they could then travel. Their next move

was to be only two miles. So, selling their land, house, and

shop, they packed up their goods and chattels and went to Mid-

dlefield Center. The house had already been built on the knoll

at the right of the turnpike and several rods from it. The plot

was a triangle, with its eastern corner at the place where the

schoolhouse now stands, and where it has stood for nearly ninety

years. The northern corner was where the great elm tree now

stands, and has stood since the family moved there. The south

corner is where the present line fence makes a corner with the

road line, a hundred feet or sO from the foot of the little hill

which is descended as soon as one passes the schoolhouse on the

way to Cooperstown. Eight years ago, or in the summer of

1886, I walked over and around that triangular farm and stood

under the spreading arms of that ancient elm and walked around

the schoolhouse. I approached the ancient well almost breath-

lessly, and asked my friend, 'Is this really the Luther Peck well?'

And he responded promptly, 'It certainly is.' I looked down

into its depths for several seconds and grasped an apple that


 

 

Middlefield Center, N. Y. 729

 

hung on a limb that reached out over the well, so that the apple

would have fallen into the water if it had been shaken from the

tree. There had hung the old oaken bucket, the ironbound

bucket that had made its hourly trips into the deep shaft and as

often returned laden with the cool beverage, and I knew that

the ironbound bucket was bound by the bands that Grandfather

Peck made, and I knew further that all the sons and daughters

of Luther Peck had seen their faces reflected from the surface

of that natural mirror in its stone frame and that they all had

slaked their thirst from its healthful waters; and I knew further

that every itinerant minister that had traveled along that old

turnpike for seventeen years had drank from that well. There

Freeborn Garrettson, Jonathan Newman, David Dunham, Mat-

thew Van Dusen, Benoni Harris, the odd and strange, short and

loud-voiced; Benjamin Bidlack, the warrior; Asa Cummings,

Seth Mattison, and a great many others, had drank from that

well and gone. The silent face of the water could not speak to

me, and it told no story. Rachel had met her lover often at this

well, and so had Martha. Father White and Loren Grant had

drank there, the former the spiritual father of nearly all the

family, and the latter a very near friend of all the children. On

this little three-cornered farm, in the home where love reigned

supreme, were born Andrew Peck, William Peck, and Jesse

Truesdell Peck — Andrew, April 29, 1800, the firstborn in the

nineteenth century;* William, December 7, 1802, and Jesse T.,

April 4, 1811; Mary, Anna, and Susan were also born here."

 

In October, 1802, William Colbert was presiding elder of

Albany District, and visited Otsego, stopping at Daniel McCol-

lum's, at whose house he preached. McCullom's house was the

regular preaching place. Prayer meetings were also held there

on Sundays when there was no preaching service. It was in

this man's house that George Peck made a public profession of

religion.

 

Alexander McCollum settled on Red Creek, and his farm is

now called the White farm. Daniel McCollum, his son, was

stolen by the Indians when he was but two years of age, in 1778.

After a number of years he was discovered by his parents and

brought home. He married, and his father gave him a farm.

His long captivity incapacitated him for successful business, and

he lost his property. He subsequently published a narrative of

his life among the Indians. McCollum's home was not a great

distance from the Pecks.

 

* Mr. Peck held that the nineteenth century began in 1800.


 

 

730 Wyoming Conference

 

Isaac Green, who was born in Greenwich, Mass., in 1757,

purchased land about three quarters of a mile north of Middle-

field Center. He had ten girls and two boys. His home was an

itinerant's home. Gardner Blair was from Massachusetts, and

settled on the Bowers patent in 1787. His home, and that of

his son Joseph, was about four miles southeast of Middlefield

Center. Meetings were held at Green's and Blair's occasionally,

and in later years at Mr. Peck's, after he built his frame house.

 

On September 21, 1803, Mr. Colbert rode to Joseph Blair's,

and on the 22d went to Middlefield Center, "and at night Sam-

uel Budd preached, and I spoke after him. In this place there

appears to be a very happy society."

 

On November 12, 1803, the quarterly meeting for Otsego Cir-

cuit was held in Middlefield, and on this day Mr. Colbert records

his arrival "at Joseph Blair's, cold and weary, about two o'clock,

and found that the quarterly meeting, for convenience' sake, was

held at our friend Isaac Green's, in the neighborhood; but as

we supposed the meeting would be ended before we could get

there, we kept the house. At night we had a tedious Conference.

May the Lord restore peace to the societies!"

 

"Monday, 14th, spent at Joseph Blair's, and in the evening

a few assembled to hold a prayer meeting. Several of our sis-

ters were carried away with ecstasies of joy. I cannot but make

mention of the sorrows of Sister Green, on account of her hard-

ened daughter, Sally. Never did I see a mother in such agony

for the salvation of a daughter. She prayed for her until she

fell four or five times; and all this, with the awful warnings and

loving entreaties of others, brought not this stubborn mortal on

her knees." Sally afterward came into the kingdom of Christ.

 

When Benjamin Bidlack served Otsego Circuit he moved his

family to Middlefield. He "occupied a parsonage which was

built, perhaps, for his special account. But such a parsonage as

it was! The location was in a field, at a distance from the road,

in a most isolated and unfrequented locality. At the east were

stretched out fields, and a few farmhouses were visible at the

distance of one or two miles. At the west lay a deep gorge in

a steep slope of the hill, across which was the old graveyard.

At the south a deep dell, covered with a growth of large white

pine and hemlock trees, through which murmurs Red Creek,

and at the north and west two houses within a quarter of a

mile. The parsonage was built of large pine logs, slightly hewed

on the inside, with the openings between them chinked and plas-

tered with mud. It was roofed with boards and slabs, and was


 

 

Middlefield, N. Y. 731

 

about 14x16 feet in size. Here remained the preacher's family

alone during his long absence upon his circuit." Rev. J. K.

Peck locates this house thus: "The Bidlack parsonage would be

several rods from the schoolhouse. A straight line drawn from

the schoolhouse to the left of the hotel, crossing the road and

creek, and on twenty rods from the creek, would be about the

spot."

 

All of this concerns a class, once thrifty, which has passed out

of existence. There is now no Methodist society at Middlefield

Center.

 

Middlefield, for many years called Clarksville, is over the hill,

and in a valley about six miles from Middlefield Center. It with

Westville constituted a charge a while. Subsequently Gailor

Hill and Middlefield formed a charge. During Rev. Mr. Tal-

bott's pastorate a revival on the charge added twenty-five to

Gailor Hill and fifty-eight at Middlefield.

 

In 1831 Middlefield was a part of the Cherry Valley Circuit,

and in 1835 was separated from that circuit and became an ap-

pointment, with outlying preaching places. In 1851 Middlefield,

Pleasant Brook, Gailor Hill, and South Valley constituted the

charge. In 1852 Middlefield, Westville, and Pleasant Brook

formed the charge, and now Middlefield has Pleasant Brook and

Roseboom as out-appointments.

 

On February 5, 1828, the society met at the home of Benja-

min D. North, in the village of Clarksville, and incorporated

as "The Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Society in

the Town of Middlefield," electing Daniel Gilbert, Daniel North,

Nathan Baley, Daniel Munroe, Benjamin D. North, and Marcus

Gilbert trustees. On November 10, 1828, George Clark deeded

the society two acres of land in consideration of $I, with this

proviso in the deed: should the Episcopalians establish them-

selves in Clarksville and demand it, one half of the lot is to be

given to them.

 

We have no record of the building of the church, but on

Thursday, November 15, 1860, after being enlarged and im-

proved, it was reopened. Rev. John Shank preached in the

morning. Rev. William McDonald in the afternoon, and Rev.

J. T. Crippen in the evening.

 

The first parsonage was on the opposite side of Cherry Valley

Creek from the church, and nearly a half mile away. That was

exchanged for a property near the church. In 1892 the house

was moved off, the foundation enlarged, and the present house

built, costing $1,200.


 

 

732 Wyoming Conference

 

Roseboom is about five miles north of Middlefield. This so-

ciety was formerly a part of Cherry Valley charge. On Feb-

ruary 13, 1861, the society met in the schoolhouse for incorpora-

tion. William Marks and Harmon Rowland presided at the

meeting. Michael Gates, Gilbert A. Fox, William Rury,

Harmon Howland, and Richard Frink were elected trustees of

"The Methodist Episcopal Church of Roseboom." The church,

which cost $1,000, was erected in 1861, and dedicated on January

10, 1862, Rev. J. T. Wright preaching in the morning, Rev. G.

Bridge in the afternoon, and Rev. J. T. Crippen in the evening.

 

Pleasant Brook, or Hallsville, class is of long standing. On

March 29, 1847, the Episcopal and Protestant Methodists met at

the schoolhouse and incorporated "The First Methodist Union

Church of Hallsville," electing Daniel Eldred, James Brown,

Lewis Gillett, Israel Snyder, and Sumner Pearson trustees. The

Union Church was built that year.

 

In 1866, the two societies failing to agree, the Methodist Epis-

copal society sold its interest in the church to the Protestants,

and on August 6, 1866, secured by deed half an acre of ground

from Fayette Gardner for $125. A church was built which cost

$3,000, and was dedicated on November 8, 1866, Rev. Messrs.

Bixby and Wells preaching the sermons of the occasion. This

church was burned on May 15, 1901.

 

On September 11, 1902, the society met at the Methodist

Protestant church for incorporation. Rev. T. J. Vaughn pre-

sided, and Oziar Winne, Othello Low, Oziar Eckerson, John G.

Eldred, Irving Brown, and Riley J. Warren were elected trus-

tees of "The Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasant Brook,

N. Y."

 

Pastorates

 

1835-36, J. P. Backus; 1837, Isaac Grant; 1838, L. Salisbury;

1839, L. C. Weaver; 1840-41, J. Soule; 1842-43, H. Halstead;

1844, Jacob Brooker; 1845, A. Brown; 1846-47, William South-

worth; 1848-49, D. T. Elliott; 1850, Wesley Fox, Amos R.

Wells; 1851-52, A. E. Daniels; 1853, D. Davies; 1854, J. Dwelle;

1855, W. Burnside; 1856-57, W. C. McDonald; 1858, H. F.

Rowe; 1859-60, D. Potter; 1861, L. E. Marvin; 1862-63, J- Da-

vies; 1864, S. H. Hill; 1865-67, H. V. Talbott; 1868, D. R. Car-

rier; 1869-70, H. M. Crydenwise; 1871, W. B. Thomas; 1872,

John Pilkington; 1873-74, George Parsons; 1875-76, J. H.

Boyce; 1877-78, S. Homan; 1879-80, T. F. Hall; 1881, J. S.

Southworth; 1882-84, A. Wrigley; 1885, J. K. Peck; 1886-87,


 

 

Milford, N. Y. 733

 

W. R. Turner; 1888, R. P. Christopher; 1889-90, H. A. Wil-

liams; 1891-94, C. W. Babcock; 1895-97, P. G. Ruckman; 1898-

1900, E. B. Singer; 1901-03, T. J. Vaughn.

 

 

MILFORD, N. Y.

 

The introduction of Methodism into Milford is romantic.

Major Badger, who held the chief office in the town, was a deist

and an opposer of the Christian religion. His influence was

great. In the winter of 1817-18, while he was in Albany on busi-

ness, his wife came under the influence of Methodism by attend-

ing services in an adjoining town. Fearing her husband, she

withheld this from him. On Mr. Badger's return he was per-

suaded by Mr. Marvin to attend a Methodist service in an

adjoining town. He was favorably impressed and, to the sur-

prise of his wife, invited the preacher to make an appointment

at Milford, and put up with him. The appointment was made,

and the service was held in the schoolhouse. The people were

so favorably impressed that Mr. Chase was invited to make Mil-

ford a regular appointment on Otsego Circuit, which was done.

A revival ensued, in which Major Eddy, father of Rev. L. A.

Eddy, of Oneida Conference, and Major Badger were converted,

among others. Major Badger became a consistent and ardent

Methodist. A society was organized at once.

 

This was not the first attempt to plant Methodism here. In

1812 Rev. Ebenezer White attempted to open work here, but was

so abused and illtreated by a mob that he had to desert the

town. (See Otsego Circuit.)

 

Preaching services were held in the schoolhouse until the so-

ciety built a church. Quarterly meetings were frequently held

in barns during the summer time, and were seasons of great

spiritual power.

 

The society met at the schoolhouse in Milford on January 8,

1839, for incorporation. Rev. Isaac Grant and Albert West-

cott presided, and Asa Eddy, Daniel Barney, Andrew Shute,

Jonas Perry, and Richard Swartwout were elected trustees of

"The First Methodist Episcopal Church of the Town of Milford."

 

On February 22, 1839, Lawrence McNamee deeded the so-

ciety the lot upon which the church stands for $350. The church

cost $1,500, the society contributing material, work, and money

as needed, and was dedicated in December, 1839. The building

was 36x50 feet, with a dome covering the bell, and the typical

inside furnishings — gallery, high pulpit, and pews with doors.


 

 

734 Wyoming Conference

 

 

 

The trustees and their families constituted the majority of the

members at the time the church was built.

 

The first general repairs to the church were made in 1869, a

which time the church was enlarged by an addition of eighteen

feet to the rear, the building was raised and a basement con

structed for prayer and Sunday school work, and the auditorium

refurnished, the whole costing $3,899.28. The church was re

opened on Thursday, December 23, 1869. Rev. R. Nelson, D.D.

 

        MILFORD CHURCH [photo]

 

preached at 11 a. m., from 2 Cor. iii, 18. Rev. William Searls

followed the sermon with a financial statement and solicited

funds, and $1,500 was raised in a little while. In the evening he

preached from Rom. viii, 3.

 

In 1877-78 the building was again repaired at a cost of $3,000

A new foundation, alcove for the choir, steeple made taller, base-

ment fitted up, audience room repapered and kalsomined, and

memorial stained-glass windows inserted to the memory of Alex

ander H. Cooper, John and Olive Shute, George Van Dyke

Daniel Barney, Asa and Sibyl Eddy, James Shute, Levi and

Laura Stewart, Martin and Sarah Marvin, Our Fathers and

 

 

Milford, N. Y. 735

 

Mothers; and three windows were the gifts of Mr. and Mrs.

W. D. Stickney, Mr. and Mrs. A. Cronkite, Mr. and Mrs. Wil-

liam Temple. The expense was fully provided for before the

reopening, which was on January 3, 1878. Dr. H. R. Clarke

preached the reopening sermon, Revs. A. Griffin and W. G.

Queal being present and assisting in the service.

 

During the fall and winter of 1880 some repairs and changes

were made to accommodate a new pipe organ, which cost $1,600,

the gift of Mrs. Mary S. Brooks. The church was painted, new

sidewalks laid, iron fence built, and some smaller improvements

made, costing $400. The organ recital occurred on January 4,

1881.

 

In 1892 $600 was spent in repainting, repapering, recarpet-

ing, and reroofing the church.

 

In November, 1897, new furnaces were purchased and the

basement painted and papered at a cost of $375, and the follow-

ing year the church was painted by the Ladies' Aid Society at

an expense of $180.

 

On April 1, 1858, Delos Bartlett and wife Jane, in considera-

tion of $1,000, deeded the society the parsonage property, which

contains seventy-eight perches of land. The house was very

much improved in 1895 by an outlay of $600, and in 1898 $100

was spent in interior improvements.

 

Milford formed a part of Otsego Circuit until made an ap-

pointment in 1849.

 

The Sunday school was organized several years before the

church was built, Peter Bromfield being the first superintendent.

He was succeeded by Albert Westcott, and he by John Eddy,

brother of Rev. Lyman Eddy, who was superintendent many

years, and was so devoted to his work that he would return from

New York or Philadelphia, when away on business, in order to

be present at the Sunday school. Since his work closed Marvin

Clark, George Marvin, Andrew McLean, Andrew Spencer, S. N.

Saxton, and S. H. Sherman have filled the office.

 

Jesse Eddy was the first class leader. He was followed in

office by Levi Stewart, a county judge of ability, Daniel Barney,

and Erastus Soule. The last-named served over sixty years, and

was greatly loved. Nathan Youmans is his successor.

 

A great revival occurred here in the spring of 1836. The

converts of this meeting formed the mass of the membership

who were instrumental in building the church in 1839. Judge

Levi Stewart, Albert Westcott, Mrs. Reuben Nelson, Mrs. Eliza

Sayer, and Julia Shute were among the number. Another work


 

 

736 Wyoming Conference

 

of grace of great power occurred in 1846-47. The revival of

1857 added considerable strength to the society, Walter Stick-

ney and wife and David Wilbur and wife being among the

converts.

 

An eight-weeks' meeting began in January, 1877, in which

one hundred professed conversion, seventy were received at one

time, and fifty-one were baptized at one service.

 

Several revivals have been successfully promoted before and

since, but none so extensive in results.

 

Portlandville was a part of this charge many years.

 

Several camp meetings have been held at this place.

 

Westville Methodism began in 1828 in a log schoolhouse situ-

ated upon the Jared Sibley farm, on the west side of Cherry

Valley Creek. Prayer meetings were first held and continued

to be held for some years with occasional preaching services.

The class when organized consisted of Orin Sibley, Charles Sib-

ley, Mary Ann Jewell, Esther Jewell, Theron Denton and wife

Mary, Homer Denton, Anna Rowland, James Van Valkenburg

and wife Angelica. Theron and Homer Denton were converted

at a camp meeting on Elk Creek, and were prominent in church

work many years.

 

In 1835 Rev. James P. Backus conducted a revival here, the

meeting beginning in the red schoolhouse that had taken the

place of the log schoolhouse, and situated about a half mile

farther down the creek. The congregations soon became so

large that the schoolhouse would not contain the people. The

Baptists opened the doors of their church, and the meetings were

taken there, the Baptist pastor cooperating in the work. Rev.

Joel Denton, an honored local deacon, was converted at this

time. James and Harvey Eggleston, Delia and Louise Northrup,

and S. N. Saxton were among the converts. Following this

revival regular preaching services were established, and supplied

from Middlefield. In summer quarterly meetings were held in

Elijah A. Newton's barn, across the road from the old school-

house, and were attended by large numbers and great spiritual

fervor.

 

On January 29, 1849, the society met for incorporation. Ray-

mond Saxton and James Hooker presided, and Raymond Sax-

ton, Hiram Baldwin, Simeon N. Saxton, John S. Garlock, Ro-

dolphus Newton, and Andrew Bice were chosen trustees of "The

First Methodist Episcopal Society of Westville." The lot for

the church was donated by Elbert Coats and deeded to the so-


 

 

Westville, N. Y. 737

 

ciety on March 19, 1850. The church was built by contract for

$1,000 by John S. Garlock in the summer of 1849, and dedicated

on January 17, 1850, by Rev. Lyman Sperry. On the day of

dedication $300 was raised to pay the balance of cost. The dedi-

cation,was followed by a revival which continued one hundred

nights. The whole community was thoroughly awakened and

many added to the church, among whom were Aaron, Theron,

and Henry Baldwin, James Cossart, Benjamin Osborn and wife,

William Nellis and wife, and Samuel Bates and wife.

 

During the summer of 1870 the building was enlarged by an

addition of twenty feet on the rear, the interior remodeled, a

new organ purchased, and other improvements made, at an ex-

pense of $2,700. The church was reopened on October 27, 1870,

Rev. B. I. Ives preaching in the morning and Rev. W. N. Cobb

in the evening. Rev. Joel Denton fell from the church during

these repairs, and has been unable to work since, having been a

great sufferer. Some minor repairs have since been made,

among which was its repainting in 1898.

 

The parsonage lot was bought of George J. and Anna Maria

Phillips for $100, and the parsonage built in 1854, at a cost of

$800. It has been kept in good repair, and is now rented and

the income used in church work.

 

Besides the two great revivals mentioned, the revivals of 1857

and 1886 ought to be named as more than ordinary. Several

successful ingatherings have since been enjoyed.

 

Theron and Joel Denton were early class leaders. S. N. Sax-

ton was leader nearly forty years, when he was succeeded by his

son James.

 

The Sunday school was organized in 1830.

 

Westville was an appointment on the Middlefield Circuit

until 1853, when it became a charge. It had been the resi-

dence of one of the pastors of the circuit several years prior to

this.

 

We give the pastorates from 1853 to 1886 when it became

a part of Milford charge: 1853, M. Marvin; 1854 (with West-

ville this year), J. Dwelle; 1855-56, W. R. Lynch; 1857-58,

George Parsons; 1859-60, S. Hill; 1861-62, H. F. Rowe; 1863,

L. E. Marvin; 1864-65, C. D. Mead; 1866-67, James N. Piatt;

1868-69, H. A. Blanchard; 1870, J. C. Shelland; 1871, A. W.

Thompson; 1872, J. L. Wells; 1873-74, S. H. Hill; 1875, A. F.

Harding; 1876-77, W. B. Thomas; 1878, T. F. Hall; 1879, E.

W. Lockwood; 1880-81, H. H. Wilbur; 1882-83, N. B. Ripley;

1884-85, W. Bixby.


 

 

738 Wyoming Conference

 

Metcalf Hill was a preaching place on Westville charge a

number of years, and for a short time Portlandville, Coopers-

town Junction, and Westville formed a charge.

 

Crumhorn Valley, or Piatt Hollow Church, was an afternoon

appointment of Westville from 1854 to 1887. Prior to forming

a part of Westville charge it was supplied from Schenevus Val-

ley. The home of Rev. Nathan Bangs was by the side of this

church, and his widow lived here some years after his death.

The society was organized in 1840, and the church was built in

1841. It was remodeled in 1867, and rededicated on Wednes-

day, February 12, 1868, by Rev. W. Bixby. The building was

destroyed on September 7, 1887, by a cyclone. It is said that not

a stick was left of it.

 

Pastorates

 

1849, J. T. Wright; 1850-51, Robert Fox; 1852-53, George

C. Elliott; 1854-55, William Southworth; 1856-57, L. C. Queal;

1858-59, W. G. QueaJ; 1860-61, J. W. Mitchell; 1862, L. Hart-

sough; 1863-64, William Watson; 1865-66, C. T. Moss; 1867-

68, J. L. Wells; 1869, A. Griffin; 1870-72, W. G. Queal; 1873-

75, H. N. Van Deusen; 1876-78, A. B. Richardson; 1879-81,

D. C. Olmstead; 1882-83, J. B. Sumner; 1884, F. L. Hiller;

1885-87, S. Jay; 1888-89, G. T. Price; 1890-91, J. W. Mevis;

1892-96, N. B. Ripley; 1897-1901, F. H. Parsons; 1902-03, W.

H. Alger.

 

 

Mount Vision, N. Y.

 

A class was formed on Bowe Hill, east of Mount Vision, about

1800. Among its members were the Bowes, Bissells, Lanes, and

others, and it was a flourishing society.

 

About 1802 or 1803 a society was formed west of Mount

Vision and was known as the Methodist Hill society. The loca-

tion is now known as the Fall Brook neighborhood. This so-

ciety figured prominently in the building of the church at Mount

Vision. For some time the society used the schoolhouse. On

November 29, 1837, the society met at Jacksonville (the name

the village carried for years), in the town of Laurens, for the

purpose of incorporating. Rev. Calvin Hawley presided, and

Henry Mosher acted as secretary, and Orin Wilcox, Caleb

Armstrong, Dennis Barnard, Henry Mosher, and Harvey Keyes

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

Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Laurens."

The church, which was 31x44 feet and without cornice or


 

 

Mount Vision, N. Y. 739

 

steeple, was built in 1838, at a cost of $950. It had a gallery for

the choir.

 

The following were members of the class at the time the church

was built: Orin Wilcox, Thompson Keyes, Henry Mosher,

Caleb Armstrong, Elisha Armstrong, Benjamin Green, James

Eaton, Erastus Gardner, Willis E. Gardner, Daniel Bowe, Asahel

Brooks, Joshua Duley, Adam G. Bratt, John L. Keyes, Betsy

Wilcox, Mary Keyes, Diantha Mosher, Betsy Armstrong, Po-

nind Armstrong, Marian Bowe, Mary Brooks, Sally L. Eaton,

Betsy Green, Misses Duley and Bratt, and Catharine Kenyon.

 

Daniel Bowe, from Bowe Hill, was the first class leader, and

 

        MOUNT VISION CHURCH [photo]

 

Henry Mosher was the first Sunday school superintendent. He

was succeeded by Daniel Wilbor.

 

It is claimed that this society had the best choir in that sec-

tion. It was led by Elihu Lane, who sang tenor and played the

bass viol, this being the only instrument used. People came

from a distance to hear this choir of fifteen voices sing.

 

The church was rebuilt in 1846. Ten feet were added to its

length, a cornice and belfry added to the building, the inside

greatly improved, and a bell put in, at a total cost of $1,200.


 

 

740 Wyoming Conference

 

In 1860 the building was painted and papered.

 

In 1867 the building was raised and a basement constructed,

and the auditorium improved. N. G. Hall was the builder. The

repairs cost $1,400. The reopening occurred on Thursday, Au-

gust 8, 1867, Rev. William Bixby preaching in the morning and

Rev. J. L. Wells in the evening. During the time the repairs

were in progress the society worshiped in the Baptist church

by invitation.

 

In 1882 the building was again remodeled. The repairs con-

sisted in new pulpit and furniture, new pews, carpets, cushions,

chandeliers, and an alcove for the choir. The pulpit Bible was

presented by H. C. Cunningham, of Port Jervis, who attended

Sunday school here when a boy. The improvements cost $1,100,

$200 of which was raised on the day of reopening, December 28,

1882. Revs. F. L. Hiller and William Bixby preached the ser-

mons of the occasion. A village camp meeting followed the re-

opening. The trustees at this time were T. M. Green, Seth Gard-

ner, Landin King, H. Van Buren, and Harvey Gardner.

 

In November, 1866, the trustees met to consider the securing

of a parsonage. It was decided to buy a house already built. On

March 1, 1867, Arnold Carr and wife Elizabeth, in consideration

of $1,300, deeded to Silas Marlett, Cornelius Lane, David Wil-

bur, Seth M. Bissell, and Brice Shove, the trustees, the present

parsonage property, which contains half an acre of ground. In

1889 the parsonage was thoroughly rebuilt, and in 1894 a new

barn was built, costing $240.

 

In the winter of 1867 the society experienced the greatest re-

vival of its history.

 

This place formed a part of Otsego Circuit until the forma-

tion of Hartwick charge in 1848, when it constituted a part of

that charge. It remained with Hartwick until 1898, when it

became an appointment. For a long time the pastors of Hart-

wick charge alternated in place of residence between Mount

Vision and Hartwick.

 

Gardnertown is a schoolhouse appointment about four miles

northwest of Mount Vision. Work was opened here in the

spring of 1898 by the Mount Vision pastor. A preaching service

is held biweekly.

 

Pastorates

 

1898-99, T. B. Miller; 1900-01, W. L. Linnaberry; 1902-03,

E. Colwell.


 

 

North Sanford, N. Y. 741

 

 

North Sanford, N. Y.

 

North Sanford was first on Bainbridge Circuit, then with

Masonville, afterward with McClure, and in 1884 appeared as an

appointment. The society met at the Anthony schoolhouse on

February 9, 1873. Charles S. Martin and Francis M. Bixby

acted as judges. Francis M. Bixby, Andrew Wihiams, and Hi-

ram Blowers were chosen trustees, and the society became in-

corporated as "The Methodist Episcopal Church of North

Sanford."

 

The lot for the church was donated to the society by the Cum-

mings sisters, and was valued at $100. The church was built in

1873, and dedicated in June, 1873, by Rev. H. R. Clarke. The

building was improved in 1889 at an expense of $263, and in

1900 $660 was spent in purchasing new pews, pulpit and chairs,

carpets, stoves, papering, painting, Bible, and communion table.

The church was reopened on January 6, 1901. Rev. E. N. Sabin

preached the sermon, and Rev. T. F. Hall conducted the ded-

icatory service. No money was raised on the occasion, as all

had been previously secured.

 

Prior to the building of the church, services were held in the

Wheeler schoolhouse, one mile south of North Sanford.

 

The parsonage property was purchased in 1886, at a cost of

$850.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society has been very helpful in raising

funds.

 

The present trustees are B. A. Colwell, George Bilby, Lafa-

yette Bilby, Oscar Broad, Martin J. Swart, Barton Springer, D.

Baker, and Herbert Peck.

 

This church has been a revival church, almost every pastor

having an ingathering.

 

East Afton is four miles north of Sanford. The class was

formed by Rev. L. V. Ismond, who was on the Bainbridge Circuit

in 1867-68. Meetings were held in private houses and the school-

house some time. The lot for the church was donated by a Mr.

Hyatt, and was valued at $100. The church cost $2,600, and was

dedicated by Rev. W. N. Cobb. Within a few years it has been

quite thoroughly repaired.

 

This class was with Bainbridge a while, subsequently with

Masonville, and finally put with North Sanford.

 

Russell Hill is a schoolhouse appointment about four miles from

Afton and three from North Sanford. It was supplied with


 

 

742 Wyoming Conference

 

preaching from Afton for a few years. A Sunday school has been

in successful operation for many years. Le Grand Russell, Esq.,

and his family have been a prominent factor in the work at this

point.

 

Pastorates

 

1884-85, B. N. Butts; 1886-87, T. C. Roskelly; 1888-90, T.

Burgess; 1891, C. H. Reynolds; 1892-93, W. F. Boyce; 1894, J. J.

Henry; 1895-97, B. F. Larabee; 1898, E. N. Sabin; 1899, William

Mountenay; 1900-01, A. H. Whitaker; 1902-03, W. H. Crawford.

 

 

Oakland, Pa.

 

The Oakland class was formed in 1872, and in 1873 a chapel was

built on State Street, in the north end of the borough. In 1884

thirty members took their letters from Susquehanna and legally

organized the Oakland church. The first trustees were S. P.

Moore, J. L. Councilman, Joel D. Brown, William Frank, Gilbert

Hawkins, George Badgley, and William Eastwood. In 1896 the

society purchased the present church on Westfall Street, in the

south end of the borough, of the Evangelical Association, paying

$800 for the same — $25 in cash and a mortgage of $775. It was

built in 1881. Nothing further was paid on the contract until

October, 1900, when the church was dedicated, and $1,135 was

raised, enough to pay the principal, accumulated interest, and

about $300 for repairs. The repairs consisted in finishing the

basement for Sunday school and social purposes and introducing

city water.

 

The Willing Helpers and Young Ladies' Auxiliary are valuable

helpers in financial work, and the Leagues strong helpers in their

sphere.

 

In 1900 a revival added about thirty to the society.

 

The purchase of the present property caused a split in the

society, about one third of the society remaining at the old church

and holding the property.

 

It is claimed by some that there was a class here earlier than

1872, which belonged to the Lanesboro Circuit, called McKune's.

(See Susquehanna.)

 

Preaching services were conducted by the Susquehanna pastors

until 1881, when Oakland became an appointment.

 

Pastorates

 

1881, W. B. Kinney; 1882, C. S. Alexander; 1883, G. C. Jacobs;

1884-85, G. W. Leach; 1886, T. M. Furey; 1887-88, A. C. Sperry;


 

 

Oneonta, N. Y. 743

 

1889-93, A. Eastman; 1894-95, B. R. Hanton; 1896-97, W. R.

Cochrane; 1898, F. N. Smith; 1899, W. L. Linnaberry; 1900-03,

W. M. Bouton.

 

 

Oneonta, N. Y.

 

The class at Oneonta is believed to have been formed in 1830

by Rev. George Harmon, who was the presiding elder of Che-

nango District. He came to Oneonta upon the solicitation of

David T. Evans. The class consisted of about fifteen members,

among whom were Elias Brewer, D. T. Evans and wife, D. T.

Clark and wife, Jacob Deitz, Esq., and wife, and Caleb Potter and

wife. Meetings were held in the village schoolhouse, and D. T.

Clark and D. T. Evans were the first class leaders.

 

Its preachers were from the Otsego Circuit until 1833, when

the Otego Circuit was formed. It then became a part of the

Otego Circuit, where it remained until 1848, when it became an

appointment.

 

On July 25, 1836, the society met for incorporation. Rev. Alvin

Torry presided, Calvin Maples was clerk, and Jacob P. Van

Woert and Samuel N. Richards were judges of election. Abra-

ham Ward, Ira Shepherd, Jacob P. Van Woert, Jehiel Lamb, and

Philip Lobdell were elected trustees of "The Emory Chapel of

the Methodist Episcopal Church in Oneonta." On June 10, 1851,

the society reincorporated at a meeting held in the church, over

which Edward B. Shove and Jacob P. Van Woert presided. Elias

F. Brewer, Jacob P. Van Woert, Ehsha Shepherd, Tromer Mc-

Call, and David Bennett were chosen trustees, and the corporate

name of the society changed to "Trustees of the Methodist Epis-

copal Society of Oneonta Village."

 

In 1840 a revival was held in the schoolhouse, in which many

were converted. In the fall and winter of 1843 another revival

service was held in the schoolhouse. Many young people were

converted, some of them among the best and brightest of the

village. This greatly strengthened the society. During the years

in which the society worshiped in the schoolhouse Timothy

Potter, a local preacher, was class leader for a while. He was

succeeded by Caleb Potter, of whom Rev. Benjamin Shove said

that in all of his wide and varied knowledge of class leaders he

never knew his superior.

 

In 1848 the pastor raised funds with which to buy the site for

the church, which was deeded to the society on March 31, 1849,

by Robert W. Hopkins and wife Catharine for $80. The trustees

at this time were Jacob P. Van Woert, Noah W. Ripley,


 

 

744 Wyoming Conference

 

Ebenezer Soule, and Elias F. Brewer. The church, costing $1,500

was built in 1849 and dedicated on November 29 of that year

Rev. L. Sperry preached in the morning from Psa. xcv, 5, Rev

D. W. Bristol in the afternoon from Matt, vi, 33, and Rev. J. T

Wright in the evening from Rev. vi, 17. The sum of $300 was

raised during the day to liquidate the indebtedness.

 

This year is noted as the year of the great revival. A union

meeting was conducted by Rev. A. B. Earle. The results greatly

 

        ONEONTA CHURCH [photo]

 

strengthened all the churches of the town. This was the revival

in which W. H. Olin was converted.

 

In 1868 and 1869 a new church was built, 44x88 feet, containing

a bell weighing sixteen hundred pounds. On May 12, 1868, W. H

Hopkins deeded the society a house and lot adjoining the church

for $3,200. The parsonage and church enterprise cost $14,000

$5,500 of which was raised on the day of dedication, Thursday

June 3, 1869. The church was dedicated by Rev. W. N. Cobb

assisted by Rev. B. I. Ives.

 

In 1886 the church was enlarged and put into its present shape

at a cost of $12,751. The dedication occurred on January 12, 1887

Bishop E. G. Andrews preached at 2 p. m. from John iv, 24

After the sermon $1,926 was raised to completely provide for the

repairs. Hon. David Wilbur presided at the evening service, and

Rev. W. H. Olin, D.D., gave the address of the evening, in which

 

 

Oneonta, N. Y. 745

 

he said that in 1851 Otego Circuit was composed of Otego,

Clipknockie (Oneonta), and Crafttown. Brief addresses were

made by Revs. Y. C. Smith, D. C. Olmstead, A. Griffin, and H. N.

Van Deusen. Dr. Olin was mistaken in the date.

 

In 1894 $1,000 was spent in recarpeting the auditorium and

refurnishing the basement.

 

In 1881 a new parsonage costing $2,000 replaced the old one.

 

Mr. George I. Wilbur donated the society four shares of the

Oneonta Water Company stock, and in 1891 the house which is

used by the presiding elder.

 

        ONEONTA PRESIDING ELDER’S HOUSE [photo]

 

Mrs. David Wilbur presented the church with a pipe organ

costing $3,500 in 1895. In order to install it $1,800 was expended

in enlarging the building.

 

Oneonta entertained the Conference in 1875, 1888, and 1897.

 

For the purpose of establishing a mission church the society

purchased a lot on Valley View Street of Reuben Reynolds and

Fred Wilcox, paying $700 for the same. The society still holds

the lot.

 

Pastorates

 

1848, W. C. McDonald, E. Dennison; 1849 (with Laurens this

year), G. C. EUiott, E. Dennison; 1850, Joseph Shank; 1851, J. M.

Searles; 1852-53, Justus Soule; 1854-55, C. G. Robinson; 1856-

57, W. G. Queal; 1858, S. M. Stone; 1859, D. L. Pendell, S. M.

Stone; 1860, D. L. Pendell; 1861-62, George Parsons; 1863-64,

Piatt T. Hughston; 1865-66, H. N, Van Deusen; 1867-69, R. W.


 

 

746 Wyoming Conference

 

Peebles; 1870-71, A. Griffin; 1872-74, I. N. Pardee; 1875-77,

W. B. Westlake; 1878, Y. C. Smith; 1879-81, A. B. Richardson;

1882-84, D. C. Olmstead; 1885-87, A. B. Richardson; 1888-92,

O. H. McAnulty; 1893-97, J- E. Bone; 1898-1900, H. C. Mc-

Dermott; 1901, J. B. Sweet; 1902-03, H. Tuckley.

 

 

Otego, N. Y.

 

This territory was originally in the Otsego Circuit, where it

remained until the Otego Circuit was formed in 1833. One writer

claims that the Otego Circuit "comprised the towns of Sidney, in

Delaware County, and Unadilla, Otego, Oneonta, Laurens, Mil-

 

        OTEGO CHURCH [photo]

 

ford, and Maryland, in Otsego County, a distance along the

Susquehanna River of about thirty-six miles in length and an

average of about twelve miles in width."

 

We quote from a letter received from Rev. Joseph Hartwell:

"In 1839 Otego Circuit included the following appointments:

Laurens, Schenevus, Portlandville, Oneonta, Sidney Plains,

Unadilla Center, Sand Hill, Cunningham, Otsdawa, and Lane

Hill. There were two plain churches on the circuit at that time.

At Oneonta we preached in a small wood-colored, dirty school-

house, not pleasantly located at that. At Portlandville was the

Soule family of brothers and sisters. They were all given to

song. We sang China, North Salem, and Buckfield. O, what

songs! The people listening sometimes laughed, sometimes cried,

and anon they shouted aloud for joy. If I could step into Port-

landville, in the absence of human beings who used to be there, I


 

 

Otego, N. Y. 747

 

should feel inclined to step out and ask any old trees I might find

there if they heard old Buckfield sung by the Soule family."

 

The Otego Circuit was divided in 1848, Laurens and Oneonta

becoming charges, and Otego Circuit continued, including Otego,

Unadilla, Unadilla Center,. Sidney Center, and Center Creek

within its bounds. This Otego Circuit was again divided in 1852.

Unadilla, Center Creek, and Sidney Center were made a charge,

and Otego and Otsdawa a charge, having remained such to the

present date.

 

We are unable to give the facts concerning the organization of

the class. William T. Broadfoot was one of the early class leaders,

and Morgan Lewis an early steward.

 

On June 13, 1853, the society met for incorporation. Oreb A.

Thorp and Sherman Hine presided, and Ira Parish, William T.

Broadfoot, and John J. Baldwin were elected trustees. The

corporate name of the society is "The Trustees of the First Meth-

odist Episcopal Church of Otego."

 

The society held meetings in a schoolhouse on Main Street,

which now forms a part of the residence of A. H. Adams, and

about a year and a half services were held in the Protestant Epis-

copal church. In 1851 Rev. W. Burnside circulated a subscrip-

tion to secure funds with which to build a church. The church

was built at a cost of $1,125, and dedicated on Thursday, July 22,

1852, by Rev. Isaac Parks. The building was repaired in 1880

at a cost of $1,200, again in 1883 at a cost of $200, and in 1891

$3,700 was expended in constructing a basement, building a

tower, and otherwise improving the building. The bell was pur-

chased about 1854.

 

Two parsonages were built during the old Otego Circuit days,

both at Oneonta Plains. The location of the first one is unknown;

the second stood near the Plains church, and at present is owned

by Henry Shepherd. On September 1, 1856, Delos W. Stoddard

and wife Harriet deeded the society a house and lot adjoining the

church, the lot containing sixty-four rods of land, for $413. In

1870 the house was made practically new, at a cost of $2,000.

 

Mr. Berosus Cook, for many years superintendent of the Sidney

camp ground, and a stanch supporter of the church, bequeathed

in 1899, among a number of benevolent gifts, a house and lot to

the church worth $1,000.

 

The pipe organ was purchased in 1894.

 

From this church six men have entered the ministry — W. L.

Thorpe, George L. Williams, and W. S. Adams, members of this

Conference; Piatt Hughston and E. A. Baldwin, of Central New


 

 

748 Wyoming Conference

 

York Conference; and Charles Talmadge, a Congregational

minister in Massachusetts.

 

The church has been a revival church. While almost every

pastorate has witnessed accessions by revival work, the years 1849,

1850, 1851, 1864, 1868, 1873, 1875, and 1900 were notable.

 

Otsdaiva, or Green Street, is a schoolhouse appointment four

miles north of Otego.

 

Pastorates

 

(Otego Circuit:) 1833, M. Marvin, T. Plato; 1834, Edwin

Dennison, A. E. Daniels; 1835, A. Torry; 1836, D. Davis; 1837,

D. Davis, L. G. Weaver; 1838, M. Marvin, J. C. Ransom; 1839,

Isaac Grant, Joseph Hartwell, M. Marvin; 1840, Isaac Grant, P.

Bartlett; 1841, J. C. Ransom, Ira D. Warren; 1842, I. D. Warren,

Joseph Shank; 1843-44, A. E. Daniels, David T. Elliott; 1845,

F. D. Higgins, S. C. Phinney; 1846, H. Halstead; 1847, E.

Dennison; 1848, _____; 1849, A. R. Wells; 1850-51, W. Burnside;

(Otego:) 1852-53, A. Queal; 1854-55, W. C. McDonald; 1856-57,

W. Southworth; 1858-59, A. E. Daniels; 1860-61, W. R. Lynch;

1862-63, S. H. Hill; 1864-65, A. Griffin; 1866-67, John Pilkington;

1868-69, W. G. Queal; 1870, R. W. Peebles; 1871-73, J. W.

Mevis; 1874-76, W. M. Hiller; 1877, E. C. Herdman; 1878-79,

J. N. Lee; 1880-81, G. A. Severson; 1882-84, S. Jay; 1885-87,

T. F. Hall; 1888-91, C. H. Hayes; 1892-93, H. B. Benedict; 1894-

96, J. H. Littell; 1897-98, E. Kilpatrick; 1899-1903, N. B.

Ripley.

 

 

OUAQUAGA, N. Y.

 

The following is a quotation from the church record of the

charge: "Methodism was first introduced into Windsor township

in 1799, then being a part of the old Tioga Circuit. Dunham and

Leach were the preachers in charge. In 1812 Broome Circuit was

organized, and Windsor became a part of said circuit. In 1829

Binghamton Circuit was organized, including Windsor and the

vicinity around. B. Shipman and D. Torry were appointed to

travel the circuit. In this year a class was organized at Ouaquaga

of twenty-seven members. William Davenport was appointed

their leader."

 

Dr. Peck says there was preaching here as early as 1807. In

1850 this place was a part of Lanesboro Circuit, and at the time

the church was built it was with Windsor. Ouaquaga appeared as

an appointment in 1878.

 

The society became incorporated as "The Ouaquaga Society of


 

 

Ouaquaga, N. Y. 749

 

the Methodist Episcopal Church" on November 28, 1865. Robert

Frances deeded the society the church lot on December 28, 1867,

for $25. The church was built during the summer and fall of

1867 by Hezekiah Stilson for $2,500, which with the furnishings

made the total cost about $3,000. It was dedicated on January

31, 1868, by Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D.D. Rev. W. H. Sawtelle,

pastor of the Nineveh Presbyterian Church, participated in the

services and preached in the evening. The building has been

repaired several times at an expense of from $200 to $400.

 

The parsonage was purchased of Jane Rose and her husband

John Rose for $900, the deed being executed on April 1, 1884.

The house has been somewhat improved since the purchase.

 

With very few exceptions revival work has been held on some

part of the charge each winter, and with good results.

 

Edgar Doolittle has been a member of this society since 1864,

and, with the exception of two years, a steward since 1868, and

recording steward from 1878 until the present.

 

Cole's Hill is three miles west of Ouaquaga. The society here

has a church.

 

Doraville is four miles east of Ouaquaga. In 1899 the society

bought a church here of an orthodox society, nearly extinct. The

church burned in June, 1901. After paying all obligations the

society had $750 with which to begin a new church. The new

church was dedicated on January 15, 1902.

 

Pastorates

 

1878-80,. C. H. Hayes; 1881, G. E. Gerowe; 1882, EHsha

Hughes; 1883, E. A. Baldwin; 1884, J. A. Transue; 1885-87,

F. A. Dony; 1888, W. R. Turner; 1889-90, A. W. Loomis; 1891

(with Windsor), E. Kilpatrick; 1892-93, C. H. Reynolds; 1894-

96, W. F. Boyce; 1897, T. B. Miller; 1898, B. F. Larabee; 1899-

1903, F. A. Mattison.

 

 

Sanitaria Springs, N. Y.

 

Sanitaria Springs was known as Osborne Hollow until 1893,

when it received its present name. We can glean but meager

information concerning its early days. In 1848 it was a part

of Windsor charge and had a church. On November 18, 1844,

the society met for incorporation and chose Nathaniel Evarts,

Roswell Higley, Ezekiel Andrus, Samuel Andrews, and John

Witham trustees. It is very probable that the church was built

between 1844 and 1848.


 

 

7SO Wyoming Conference

 

On September 8, 1871, the church was reopened after re-

pairs, Rev. D. W. Bristol preaching at 2 p. m.

 

The corner stone for the present church was laid on Saturday,

September 16, 1893, at 2 p. m., by Rev. A. J. Van Cleft, assisted

by Revs. S. G. Snowden and H. A. Green. The corner stone was

presented by L Lander and son, of Binghamton. The building

cost $3,500, and was dedicated on February 2, 1894. Rev. C.

V. Arnold conducted a love feast at 10 a. m., which was fol-

 

        SANITARIA SPRINGS CHURCH [photo]

 

lowed by a sermon on Zech. xiv, 7, by Rev. P. R. Tower. Din-

ner was served by the ladies in the old church. At 2 p. m. Rev.

J. E. C. Sawyer, D.D., preached from Heb. xiii, 8, and in

the evening Rev. A. Griffin preached from Acts i, 11. Rev. A. J.

Van Cleft managed the finances during the day, securing the

needed $800, and conducted the dedicatory services at the close

of the evening service. The bell was purchased by the King's

Daughters, aided by a Baptist lady, Mrs. E. E. Dye, in 1894.

 

The parsonage is beside the church.

 

Brookvale. When Port Crane was taken from the charge in

1893 the pastor began work at this place. The society was in-

corporated as "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Brook-

vale" on January 11, 1894, with Stephen Ackert, Thomas Car-


 

 

Port Crane, N. Y. 751

 

 

 

roll, Ely O. Evarts, A. Albert Hoadley, and George Crave

trustees. The church, which cost $i,000, was dedicated 01

Wednesday, September 5, 1894, Rev. J. E. Bone preaching a

10:30 A. M., and Rev. A. J. Van Cleft at 2 p. m. The class

has become so depleted that preaching services have been

discontinued.

 

Port Crane. A gazetteer is our authority for the statement

that the class was formed here in 1841. It was a part of Wind

sor Circuit in 1848.

 

On March 28, 1854, "The Port Crane Methodist Episcopal

Society" was incorporated, with Daniel Hickox, Hermon V.

 

        PORT CRANE CHURCH [photo]

 

Waite, Eli Prentiss, Timothy Cross, and F. H. Holmes as trus-

tees. The society met at the schoolhouse on March 16, 1868

and again incorporated, retaining the corporate name of the firs

incorporation, and elected E. P. Hickox, Daniel Hickox, George

Garrison, and J. M. Edsol trustees.

 

The church, which cost $4,700, was dedicated on Friday, Feb-

ruary 17, 1871, Rev. B. I. Ives preaching at 11 a. m. and Rev.

D. W. Bristol at 7 p. m.

 

The building was thoroughly renovated in 1897 and 1898

The old vestibule, gallery, and stoves were taken out, and the

old windows discarded. A new vestibule was built in front, the

ceiling was lowered in the auditorium, and an Epworth League

and prayer room, 18x34 feet, made in the rear of the auditorium

with parlors overhead. New furnace, pews, paint, and paper

 

 

752 Wyoming Conference

 

contributed to the improvements. The whole cost $i,1OO, $600

of which was raised on the day of reopening, March 24, 1898.

Rev. H. C. McDermott preached in the morning, Rev. E. B.

Olmstead, D.D., in the afternoon. In the evening a platform

meeting was addressed by Revs. B. B. Carruth and G. L. Wil-

liams. Letters were read from several former pastors.

 

From 1849 to 1892 this society was with Osborne Hollow. In

1893 it "was set off," and was served as follows: 1893-94, S. G.

Snowden; 1895-96, D. L. McDonald; during 1897 and 1898 it

was with Chenango Bridge; 1899, A. R. Burke; 1900, Bert Rines;

in 1901 it went back to Sanitaria Springs.

 

Pastorates

 

1849, T. D. Wire; 1850, L. Pitts; 1851, E. B. Tenny; 1852,

William Roberts; 1853-54, J. A. Wood; 1855-56, A. Brigham;

1857-58, G. A. Severson; 1859-60, W. Silsbee; 1861, S. E. Wal-

worth; 1862, George Comfort; 1863, L. Pitts; 1864-66, E. W.

Breckinridge; 1867-68, Enos Puffer; 1869, S. W. Lindsley;

1870-71, G. L. Williams; 1872, _____; 1873, L. Pitts; 1874,

A. C. Sperry; 1875, G. C. Andrews; 1876-78, Fred Taylor;

1879, E. A. Baldwin; 1880-81, B. B. Carruth; 1882-83, W. B.

Kinney; 1884, A. Brooks; 1885-87, P. R. Tower; 1888-90, C. V.

Arnold; 1891-93, H. A. Greene; 1894-95, J. L. Thomas; 1896-

1900, C. B. Personeus; 1901-02, C. H. Reynolds; 1903, E. A.

Quimby.

 

 

SCHENEVUS, N. Y.

 

Hotchkin's History of the Town of Maryland states that Rev.

John Catlin formed a class here of thirteen members in 1810.

From that time until Schenevus became an appointment in 1851

the society formed a part of Westford Circuit. Services were

held alternately in a schoolhouse in Smoky Hollow, about three

miles east of the village, in a schoolhouse near what is now the

eastern boundary of the village corporation, and in a schoolhouse

located in what is now known as Chaseville, about two miles

west of the village.

 

The society met for incorporation in the schoolhouse on April

25, 1842. Rev. A. E. Daniels presided at the meeting, and War-

ren C. Smith, Gideon E. S. Fellows, George W. Chase, and Silas

and Jacob Follett were elected trustees. The site for the church

was deeded to the trustees of the society on July 26, 1842, by

Isaac Slingerland, in consideration of $50. The church, which

was 32x52, was erected the same season, but it was not


 

 

Schenevus, N. Y. 753

 

dedicated free from debt. The Quarterly Conference held on

October 21, 1843, passed a resolution authorizing a com-

mittee to be appointed which should make some provision for

relieving the Jacksonboro (now Schenevus) church from debt.

The Quarterly Conference held November 2, 1844, authorized

the preacher in charge to organize sewing societies on the circuit

and to use such other means as he thought best to liquidate the

debt on the Jacksonboro church. This introduces the picture of

 

        SCHENEVUS CHURCH [photo]

 

a struggling church, and it would be interesting to know how

the schemes matured and when the debt was paid.

 

On the Quarterly Conference record of September 18, 1848,

occurs the name Schenevus, which would indicate about the time

the name of the village was changed.

 

On May 17, 1851, the Quarterly Conference resolved "That

the bishop be requested to supply Schenevus, Crumhorn, and

East Maryland with the services of one man." Schenevus ac-

cordingly appears among the appointments in 1851.

 

The pipe organ was purchased in 1869, largely through the

efforts of the choir.

 

After an expenditure of $3,000 in remodeling the church it


 

 

754 Wyoming Conference

 

was reopened on Wednesday, January 20, 1875, Rev. Henry

Wheeler preaching in the morning and Rev. Hubbard Fox in the

evening.

 

The building underwent its last transformation in 1902 and

1903, when $2,678 was spent in building a corner tower which

serves as a vestibule on the first floor and a kitchen on the sec-

ond, and has an open oak stairway leading to the kitchen and din-

ing room above. In the front of the building is the League room,

occupying the space formerly used as a vestibule, which may be

opened into the auditorium when extra seating is demanded. The

windows are stained glass. Memorial windows commemorate

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brownell, R.

C. Wilson, Paul Crippen, Thomas Page, Bennett Bulson, Ruth

Chamberlain, L Slingerland and family, and S. Slingerland and

family. Other windows were given by Rev. H. B. Benedict, Mr.

and Mrs. A. Tompkins, George Hall, George Hall and Charles

Gibson, of Albany; and S. Hubbard's friends put in a window

on which his name is inscribed in recognition of his having been

chorister more than forty years. Other minor changes were ne-

cessitated by this general renovation. The building was re-

opened on Thursday and Friday, April 2 and 3, 1903. On

Thursday evening addresses were made by Revs. J. H. Littell

and C. A. Benjamin, and Rev. E. A. Rogers, of the Schenevus

Baptist Church. On Friday morning Rev. H. Tuckley, D.D.,

preached from Mark vi, 3, and in the afternoon Rev. C. A. Ben-

jamin preached from 2 Cor. xi, 3. The dedicatory service was

conducted by Rev. T. F. Hall, D.D. The sum of $900 was

raised during the day, the balance having been previously raised.

 

Until 1867 parsonages were rented. One pastor lived two

miles from the church. When Rev. H. N. Van Deusen moved to

the charge the only available house was one half mile from the

church, "and nearly that from the road." A parsonage and barn

were built adjoining the church and were ready for occupancy

in the spring of 1868, costing $1,800. The parsonage lot was

deeded to the society on March 8, 1868, by Nelson Lane in con-

sideration of $75. The parsonage was improved in 1887, at a

cost of about $300, the Ladies' Aid Society defraying the

expense.

 

In 1881 a debt of $1,200, the balance of debt on the parsonage

and a debt arising from shrinkage in subscriptions made in 1875,

was paid.

 

Dr. H. W. Bourne was elected Sunday school superintendent

in 1877 and served until 1894. He was succeeded by Carey


 

 

South Hill, N. Y. 755

 

Chester and Burdette Gay, who each served two years, when he

was again made supermtendent, and continues.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society since 1872 has raised about $2,400

for church work.

 

D. Kelley, W. C. Smith, for many years recording steward,

E. E. S. Fellows, D. D. Houghton, Jacob and Silas Follett, D.

Wright, G. W. Chase, and S. Tuthill are among the laymen who

have been prominent in the work here.

 

Crumhorn Church was on this charge some time. (See West-

ville, on Milford charge.)

 

South Hill. A class was organized here, and a church built.

For a long time it was considered a promising field. It was sup-

plied with preaching from Schenevus largely, though for a while

from Fergusonville. Owing to a decline of interest and local

dissensions this appointment was permanently abandoned. Rev.

A. F. Brown attempted to revive the class. His faithful work

was appreciated, but the work did not revive sufficiently to war-

rant its continuance. The society finally disbanded, the members

joining either Schenevus or Fergusonville.

 

The church building is now dilapidated and is used by the

Patrons of Husbandry.

 

At this writing an attempt is being made to establish a work

at Maryland.

 

Revivals have characterized the history of the church. In 1851

a revival at East Hill resulted in fifty conversions. A great

work was witnessed in 1858 and 1859. In 1880, 25; from 1883

to 1885, 41; from 1886 to 1889, 45; from 1890 to 1892, 37; and

from 1893 to 1896, 58 probationers were received from revival

work.

 

Pastorates

 

1851-52, M. Marvin; 1853, Joseph Shank; 1854-55, L. C.

Queal; 1856, Anthony Smith; 1857, Ozias Ellerson; 1858-59,

E. Orwen; 1860, A. E. Daniels; 1861, S. H. Hill, H. V. Tal-

bott; 1862, J. W. Diefendorf; 1863-64, George Parsons; 1865,

W. C. McDonald; 1866, _____; 1867-69, H. N. Van Deusen;

1870, H. Fox; 1871, J. V. Newell; 1872-73, A. M. Colegrove;

1874-75, J. L. Wells; 1876, Joseph Hartwell; 1877, A. S. Clarke;

1878-80, E. C. Herdman; 1881-82, A. F. Brown; 1883-85, J. F.

Williams; 1886-89, C. A. Benjamin; 1890-92, F. Gendall; 1893-

96, C. H. Sackett; 1897-98, N. B. Ripley; 1899-1900, J. C. John-

son; 1901-03, G. E. Van Woert.


 

 

756 Wyoming Conference

 

 

Sidney, N. Y.

 

The appointments in the town of Sidney were in the Chenango

Circuit from 1798 to 1821, with Bainbridge from 1822 to 1833,

with Otego from 1834 to 1850, from 1851 until the formation

of Sidney charge in 1862 with Unadilla. In 1880 Sidney had

Rockdale and East Guilford as out-appointments.

 

We cannot give information concerning the origin of the class

here. It was probably before 1830. Rev. E. White, who wrote

the Annals of Methodism in Delaware County, claimed that the

 

        SIDNEY CHURCH [photo]

 

church was built in 1831, at a cost of $2,000. A Church Manual

for the Sidney church in 1890 states that: "The church edifice,

a picture of which is now in possession of William A. Fry, was

erected in 1833, on the site now occupied by the McCallum-

marble works." Still another statement: "The lot on Main

Street, on which the Methodist Episcopal church originally

stood, was purchased of Moses Holvenstott March 1, 1851, and

in all probability the building was erected about that date." Two

conjectures: The church might have been built at the earlier

date, on ground leased and finally bought in 1851; or there may


 

 

Sidney, N. Y. 757

 

be a mistake in the date 1851, the year 1831 being the correct

date.

 

On August 29, 1870, the lot on Liberty Street, where the church

now stands, was bought of Charles S. Bradford for $300. The

old church was moved to the present site and remodeled, the

whole costing $2,500. It was rededicated on Wednesday, March

22, 1871, Rev. William Searls preaching in the morning and Rev.

W. N. Cobb in the evening. In 1884 $3,000 was spent in extensive

repairs. On Monday, June 1, 1891, $1,950 was raised in a short

time to liquidate the church debt. In 1892 the building was

again improved. An addition was built on the west side of the

church for a lecture room, which connects with the auditorium

by sliding doors. Modern pews, a new carpet, and stained-glass

windows were among the improvements. Memorial windows

were put in to the "Memory of Alvine and Eliza H. Clark,

founders of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Sidney;"

Harriet G. Isham, Grace Benedict, Linn Sage Angell. Other

windows were given by Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Herrick, Epworth

League, and the Sunday school. The church was reopened on

Sunday, September 18, 1892. Rev. W. H. Pearce, D.D., preached

in the morning. After the sermon $2,600 was raised to pay for

the improvements. A platform meeting was held in the after-

noon addressed by Revs. William Burnside, G. A. Severson, H.

B. Benedict, and Hon. John Eddy, of Milford. In the evening

addresses were made by the pastor. Dr. Pearce and Rev. Mr.

Dodge, of the local Congregational church, after which Rev.

A. J. Van Cleft conducted the dedicatory service. In 1900 $683

was spent in covering the ceiling and side walls with metal ceil-'

ing, buying a new carpet, introducing electricity, and making

minor repairs.

 

On November 22, 1887, the lot adjoining the church was pur-

chased of Chauncey Coe, on contract, for $400, Mr. Coe giving

as his subscription one half its value, $200. The parsonage was

built in 1888, at a cost, exclusive of lot, of $1,065. Of this

amount the Ladies' Aid Society paid $200.

 

In 1897 the parsonage was thoroughly renovated at an expense

of $300.

 

The church bell was given the society by Martha E. Lloyd,

and was put in the belfry on April 13, 1889, and on August 11,

1889, it rang its first funeral knell at the funeral of its departed

donor.

 

The town was called Sidney Plains many years.

 

The society was incorporated on February 10, 1885.


 

 

758 Wyoming Conference

 

Pastorates

 

1862, L. V. Ismond; 1863-64, Anthony C. Smith; 1865, L.

Sperry; 1866, G. Colegrove; 1867, A. M. Colegrove; 1868, W.

R. Cochrane; 1869, L. C. Hayes; 1870-71, A. S. Clark; 1872,

S. H. Hill; 1873-74, J. C. Shelland; 1875, N. S. Reynolds; 1876,

J. S. Southworth; 1877-78, H. G. Harned; 1879-81, C. G. Wood;

1882-83, G. A. Severson; 1884-86, D. Personeus; 1887-90, H. B.

Benedict; 1891-93, J. B. Cook; 1894-96, A. D. Decker; 1897-98,

W. J. Hill; 1899-1902, W. Frisby; 1903, C. Callendar.

 

 

Sidney Center, N. Y.

 

The appointments in the town of Sidney were in the Chenango

Circuit from 1798 to 1821, with Bainbridge from 1822 to 1833,

with Otego from 1833 to 1850, from 1851 with Unadilla until

the formation of Sidney charge in 1862. Sidney Center was

with Sidney from 1862 to 1868, and appears among the appoint-

 

        SIDNEY CENTER CHURCH [photo]

 

ments in 1869. In 1880 Sidney Center had Sidney Valley, Mer-

rickville, and Union Valley as out-appointments.

 

A Methodist class was formed in this neighborhood as early

as 1825, and preaching services held near what is now known as

Youngs' Station, and later in the old schoolhouse that stood on

what is now known as the Sagendorf farm.

 

The church was built in 1852, costing $3,000, and was ded-

icated on December 30, 1852, Rev. William Reddy preaching

from I Chron. xvi, 29. Abraham Gilbert, Lewis Baldwin, James


 

 

Sidney Center, N. Y. 759

 

Patrick, Samuel Cook, and William Baker were the trustees

at that time. The building was remodeled in 1873, and again in

the eighties.

 

The present church was dedicated on February 2, 1897. The

site cost $600 and the building $5,500. The auditorium seats

three hundred, and the lecture room, which may be opened into

the auditorium, one hundred. The basement is fitted up for so-

cial purposes. The dedicatory services were as follows: a pas-

tors' reunion was held in the forenoon, addressed by Revs. C. D.

Shepard and E. A. Baldwin; Rev. T. F. Hall preached in the

afternoon, and Rev. J. E. C. Sawyer, D.D., in the evening. Rev.

A. J. Van Cleft conducted the dedicatory service. During the

day $2,843 was raised.

 

The parsonage is located at Sidney Center.

 

Youngs' Station. The church here was dedicated on August

25, 1897, Rev. C. H. Hayes preaching in the afternoon and Rev.

A. Griffin, D.D., in the evening and conducting the dedicatory

service. Mr. J. W. Youngs gave the site and $300 to start the

enterprise. The building cost $1,500, $425 of which was raised

on this day. The auditorium seats one hundred and thirty, and

the lecture room fifty people.

 

Pastorates

 

1869-70, G. M. Mead; 1871-72, H. A. Blanchard; 1873-74,

A. W. Thompson; 1875-76, George Parsons; 1877-78, A. G. Bar-

tholomew; 1879-81, S. Homan; 1882-84, C. H. Hayes; 1885,

H. A. Blanchard; 1886-88, E. A. Baldwin; 1889, W. R. Turner;

1890-92, C. B. Personeus; 1893-95, C. D. Shepard; 1896-98, C.

H. Reynolds; 1899-1901, J. L. Thomas; 1902-03, S. A. Terry.

 

 

Unadilla, N. Y.

 

The beginnings of Methodism in Unadilla are veiled in obscu-

rity. It was a part of Otego Circuit, and before that of Otsego

Circuit. On April 26, 1832, Moses B. Maxwell leased to Parks

Fletcher, John White, Samuel Lamb, Ephraim Robbins, Almon

Emmons, John Russell, Levi Samson, Levi Bartholomew, and

Samuel Smith, trustees of the Unadilla Central Society of the

Methodist Episcopal Church, seventy-six and one half rods

of land. The yearly rental of this piece of property was one

peppercorn. This is evidence that a class existed and that a

church was planned for. Evidently nothing came from this lease.


 

 

760 Wyoming Conference

 

Some time prior to the building of the church the class wor-

shiped in the east end of the dwelling house now occupied by

Mr. G. W. Hardy on Main Street. It was erected by Judge

Paige and used at the time as a store. Slab benches were con-

structed for seating the people. At that time the street ran be-

tween the elm trees and the house.

 

On December 6, 1854, the society met for incorporation. So-

lon P. Hubbel and Samuel G. Cleveland presided, and Solon P.

 

        UNADILLA CHURCH [photo]

 

Hubbel, David Lee, Samuel G. Cleveland, David Bullock, and

W. H. Emory were elected trustees, and the society chose the

following corporate name: "The Trustees of the First Metho-

dist Episcopal Church of Unadilla Village."

 

On December 29, 1856, Christopher D. Fellows and wife Caro-

line deeded the society the site for the church, receiving $350

for the same. The church was in process of erection at the time.

 

The church cost $2,700, and was dedicated by Bishop Janes

on January 27, 1857.

 

On February 15, 1885, after an expenditure of $6,000 in re-

modeling the building, the church was rededicated, and a feast


 

 

Unadilla, N. Y. 761

 

of dedication continued through the week. During the services

$2,000 was raised.

 

On May 1, 1867, a parsonage property was bought of Orlando

Delevan and wife Jane L. for $2,500. In 1896 the old parsonage

was replaced by a new one costing $1,385. At the same time

$440 was spent in repairs on the church. On Tuesday, Decem-

ber 8, 1896, an anniversary service was held, Rev. W. H. Pearce,

D.D., preaching in the afternoon and Rev. J. E. C. Sawyer, D.D.,

in the evening. During the day $659.50 was raised, the bal-

ance having been previously raised.

 

The bell, costing $500, was purchased in 1881, and the pipe

organ, which cost $600, in 1900.

 

On September 22, 1901, a memorial tablet in honor of Hiram

Hubbel was unveiled, placed there by his sons. Hiram Hubbel

was brother to Solon, and both were enthusiastic supporters of

the church in its early days.

 

Union Church at East Sidney is five miles east of Unadilla.

Preaching services were begun here before 1840. The class wor-

shiped many years in a building originally built for a school-

house. In 1870 the church, 28x42 feet, was built, costing $3,000,

$1,100 of which was raised on the day of dedication, Wednes-

day, December 14, 1870. Rev. B. I. Ives, D.D., preached in the

morning and Rev. W. N. Cobb in the evening. Several hundred

dollars were spent on repairs in 1896. This appointment was

with Sidney Center until after 1880.

 

Pastorates

 

1851, with Otego; 1852, A. R. Wells; 1853, H. Halstead, L. E.

Marvin; 1854, L. Sperry, H. Halstead; 1855-57, L. Sperry;

1858-59, R. Townsend; 1860-61, L. Bowdish; 1862, W. G.

Queal; 1863-64, L. V. Ismond; 1865-67, T. P. Halstead; 1868,

James N. Piatt; 1869-70, G. M. Peck; 1871-72, W. A. Wads-

worth; 1873, W. L. Thorpe; 1874, S. C. Fulton; 1875-76, E. C.

Herdman (the last half of the Conference year of 1876 was filled

by C. D. Mead); 1877-79, J- W. Mevis; 1880-81, J. N. Lee;

1882-84, J. Ryder; 1885-87, C. H. Hayes; 1888-90, H. N. Van

Deusen; 1891-93, B. P. Ripley; 1894-95, H. A. Williams; 1896-

97, H. B. Benedict; 1898-1900, J. S. Crompton; 1901-03, E. R.

D. Briggs.

 

 

Wells Bridge, N. Y.

 

The society at Wells Bridge grew out of a union revival meet-

ing conducted by Rev. Mr. Reynolds, a Baptist clergyman. The


 

 

762 Wyoming Conference

 

class was organized by the Sidney Center pastor a few years be-

fore the building of the church, and meetings were held in a

schoolhouse across the river, directly opposite the church. In

1877 Rev. C. G. Wood went out into the high weeds, and on a

spot not far from the pulpit of the church knelt and asked God's

help in building a church. The site for the church was given by

Le Grand Stone. The church is 32x50 feet, cost $1,625, and was

dedicated on January 31, 1878, by Rev. H. R. Clarke, D.D. The

sum of $700 was raised on the day of dedication.

 

The parsonage was purchased in 1895, and is valued at $1,200.

 

From 1874 to 1877 the charge was called Unadilla Circuit, and

in 1878 took the name of Wells Bridge.

 

Sand Hill is one and one half miles northwest of Wells Bridge.

The class was organized about 1826, Captain Seth Rowley

and wife, Joseph Benedict and wife, Hiram Fowler, Abel C.

and Cynthia Rowley, and Lucy Saunders being the original

members.

 

The society met on March 25, 1856, for incorporation. George

W. Daggett and Uri Chapman presided, and Uri Chapman,

Abijah Wait, George W. Daggett, Henry Palmer, and William

P. York were chosen trustees. The corporate name of the so-

ciety is "Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Sand

Hill."

 

On April 2, 1856, Samuel Wait and wife Amy deeded the so-

ciety one half acre of land for a church in consideration of $50.

The church, which cost $1,000, was dedicated in January, 1856.

It was thoroughly repaired in 1880.

 

This society was first on Otsego Circuit; following this it

was a part of Otego Circuit, and was with Unadilla from its or-

ganization as a charge until 1874, when the present charge was

formed.

 

Camp meetings were held on Briar Creek, about two miles

from here, before 1826.

 

A revival followed the building of the church some weeks.

 

Unadilla Center is four miles northwest of Wells Bridge. The

class here was organized some time before the class at Sand

Hill. The church was built about 1830, costing $500, and was

located above the cemetery, on the hill. It was so cold and bleak

there that it was moved to its present site. It was remodeled in

1880, and in 1891 $300 was expended in improvements. A re-

vival in 1888 resulted in twenty-nine accessions to the church.

This society was with Sand Hill in its circuit relations.


 

 

Westford, N. Y. 763

 

Pastorates

 

1874-75, B. P. Ripley; 1876, J. Hulburt; 1877-78, C. G. Wood;

1879, F. P. Taylor; 1880-81, W. Burnside; 1882, G. E. Gerowe;

1883, W. R. Turner; 1884-85, G. H. Prentice; 1886-87, J.

Benge; 1888-89, C. C. Vrooman; 1890, A. S. Holland; 1891-92,

H. A. Blanchard; 1893-94, Robert Homan; 1895-96, C. W. Bab-

cock; 1897-99, A. M. Colegrove; 1900-01, I. L. Bronson; 1902-

03, A. H. Whitaker.

 

 

Westford, N. Y.

 

Methodism began here about 1790. We have been unable to

find anything definite prior to 1823. On December 24, 1823, the

society met in the schoolhouse of district No. 3 in the town of

Westford for incorporation. Warren Fellows and Paul Groff

presided, and Edward Mills, Warren Fellows, Jonathan Perry,

John North, and Andrew Van Dusen were chosen trustees, and

the corporate name of the society was "First Methodist Epis-

copal Society in Westford." At the same meeting it was re-

solved "That the common seal of this society shall be engraved

with the initial letters of the name of the venerable founder

of this society, John Wesley — viz., J. W." On the following

week, December 29, Jonathan Perry was excused from acting

as trustee and Sylvester Bently elected to fill the vacancy. At

this meeting it was resolved "That it is expedient to erect a suit-

able house for public worship, and that the trustees be directed

to adopt measures without delay to raise funds for the erection

of a convenient meetinghouse, to be 35x45 feet on the ground;

and that in order to secure harmony and a zealous cooperation

among the brethren in every part of the society two subscription

papers be circulated, one recognizing as a suitable site for the

erection of the meetinghouse the spot of ground offered by Arte-

mas Howe, at the corner of the road south of said Howe's dwell-

ing, and the other the site offered by Edward Mills. When the

said subscriptions shall have been generally and fully circulated,

the one having the greatest amount subscribed thereon shall be

considered as a decision with' regard to the choice of a site for the

said meetinghouse; and the other subscription paper shall be re-

jected, as well as the site therein contemplated, and the said

rejected subscription paper destroyed in the presence of a major-

ity of the trustees." The following tells its own story: On June

I, 1825, Artemas Howe and wife Anna deeded the society thirty-

eight rods of ground in consideration of $1.


 

 

764 Wyoming Conference

 

The first church was erected in 1825 or 1826, costing $1,300,

and was 40x60. The present church is 36x52, and cost $2,500.

It was dedicated on December 17, 1862, Rev. J. T. Wright

preaching in the morning and Rev. J. Shank in the evening. In

1882 $1,300 was spent in remodeling the church, which was re-

dedicated on Tuesday, October 17, 1882, Rev. F. L. Hiller

preaching in the morning and Rev. A. J. Cook in the evening.

 

The parsonage property was bought in 1842, the money for

the same being raised from the whole circuit. A new house was

built in 1880, costing $900.

 

The Westford society was reincorporated on December 28,

1896. Rev. S. Guy Snowden, G. N. Roberts, and James Roberts

presided at the meeting called for that purpose, and James Eck-

ler, C. L. Holmes, Waldo Skinner, W. H. Tyler, W. E. Wales,

and Charles R. Pank were elected trustees of "The First Metho-

dist Episcopal Church of Westford, N. Y."

 

This territory was probably a part of the Otsego Circuit until

the formation of Westford Circuit in 1828. We have no record

of Westford Circuit earlier than 1836, at which time it comprised

Worcester, Jacksonville (Jacksonboro, Schenevus), Elk Creek,

Decatur, East Worcester, Brooker Hollow, Richmondville, West-

ford, Low's Schoolhouse, Elliott Hill, Boardman's, Crumhorn,

Foster Schoolhouse. At this time Decatur was the strongest

point on the circuit. The apportionment for pastors was $717,

and to be used as follows: M. Marvin, $232; A. E. Daniels,

$200; house rent for both, $40; wood, $15 and $30 respectively;

table expenses, $200.

 

In 1838 we find Westford Hill, Red Schoolhouse, Quaker Hill,

and Butler's Corners among the appointments, and no others are

mentioned in the apportionment.

 

In 1839 Westford and Crumhorn are the strongest appoint-

ments on the circuit, and in the order named.

 

In 1841 Decatur, Elliott Hill, and Red Schoolhouse again ap-

pear as part of the circuit, and in addition Stone Schoolhouse and

Spencer Schoolhouse are part of the circuit.

 

In July, 1841, Decatur Hollow, Elliott Hill, and West Worces-

ter are set off as a charge, by motion, and in the same year Dutch

Hill and South Valley appear as appointments on the circuit.

 

The Quarterly Conference of July 27, 1844, by motion set off

East Worcester, Foster Schoolhouse, Richmondville, and Brook-

er Hollow, and they became an appointment at the ensuing Con-

ference known as Richmondville. The Westford Circuit then

comprised Westford, Jacksonboro, Stone Schoolhouse, South


 

 

Elk Creek, N. Y. 765

 

Valley, Crumhorn, West Maryland, Dutch Hill, and East Hill.

Salary, $400.

 

In 1850 Westford, Red Schoolhouse, Schenevus, Crumhorn,

and East Maryland comprised the circuit, and in 1851 Schenevus

became a charge. All of the above will reveal the fact that the

circuit boundaries were ever changing. From 1851 until now

Westford and Red Schoolhouse have comprised the charge. Red

Schoolhouse becoming Elk Creek.

 

We have before us the recording steward's book of Westford

Circuit covering the years from 1836 to 1870. Some interesting

facts are found in it. It was customary for the Quarterly Con-

ference to determine when the different benevolent collections

were to be taken, and frequently some steward would be ap-

pointed to superintend the taking. The officials, in estimating,

the amount to be paid the preacher, would allow a certain amount

for salary, another sum for table expenses, another for house

rent, and still another for traveling expenses. A collection for

missions was frequently taken at the Saturday service of quar-

terly meetings. Not until 1863 did the good men of this Quar-

terly Conference have the temerity to concertedly ask for the

appointment of a certain preacher to their circuit. Perhaps the

fashion was just becoming known. In this book is a tabulated

list of parsonage furniture, and the value of each stated, making

a total of $67.01. This was duly charged to the pastor of 1857

and 1858, and of course credited when he removed. This is a

business way of caring for things, not common in these later

days.

 

In 1842 there were over two hundred conversions on the

circuit.

 

Elk Creek is four miles south of Westford. By reading the

above one may get about as definite an idea of the beginning of

Methodism at Elk Creek as we have.

 

The society met on January 22, 1855, for the purpose of in-

corporating. The meeting was adjourned to February 7, at

which time Myron Webster, David Perry, Barley Patrick, John

Thompson, and Samuel Thompkins were chosen trustees, and

the society became incorporate. On February 4, 1857, the last

three named were out by expiration of term, and Samuel Thomp-

kins, William Nellis, and F. W. Perry were elected to fill their

places.

 

On March 10, 1857, the trustees made a contract with James

Bloomfield to build a church 30x40 with eighteen-foot posts,


 

 

766 Wyoming Conference

 

for $850. The lot for the church was bought of Hannah, Free-

love, and Rachel Perry for $75, the deed for the same being

executed on December 2, 1857. The building was dedicated on

Wednesday, December 9, 1857, by Rev. Joseph Shank, who

preached the sermon of the day. Three hundred dollars was

spent in repairs in 1865. On March 22, 1876, forty-four and

one third rods of land were purchased of the Perrys, upon which

sheds were built.

 

The church was reopened Thursday, December 7, 1876. Rev.

H. R. Clarke preached in the morning from Prov. xviii, 10, and

Rev. J. N. Lee in the evening. During the day the total cost

of the repairs, $825, was raised. The building was reseated and

otherwise improved in 1892.

 

Pastorates

 

1828, J. Arnold, J. M. Brooks; 1829, Isaac Grant, William

S. Bowdish; 1830, I. Grant, E. Hall, M. Baker; 1831, Calvin

Hawley; 1832, Milton French, Junia Warner; 1833, I. Grant,

P. Ferris; 1834, Calvin Hawley, A. Fish; 1835, M. Marvin, A.

Fish, 1. D. Warren; 1836, M. Marvin, A. E. Daniels; 1837, A.

E. Daniels, J. Crawford; 1838, M. French (sd.), D. Davis, P.

Bartlett; 1839, E. L. North, P. Bartlett; 1840, A. E. Daniels, A.

Brown; 1841, M. Marvin, A. Brown, R. Nelson; 1842, A. E.

Daniels, M. Marvin; 1843, Francis D. Higgins, Richard Stock-

ley; 1844, F. D. Higgins; 1845, Joseph Shank, E. D. Thurston;

1846, Joseph Shank; 1847, G. Parsons, W. C. McDonald; 1848,

G. Parsons; 1849, A. Queal, W. C. McDonald; 1850, E. L.

North, M. Marvin; 1851-52, D. L. Pendell; 1853-54, J. M.

Searles; 1855-56, A. E. Daniels; 1857-58, L. E. Marvin; 1859-

60, B. B. Carruth; 1861, S. H. Hill, H. V. Talbott; 1862-63,

R. W. Peebles; 1864-65, J. W. Mevis; 1866-67, Joel Davis;

1868-69, H. Fox; 1870-71, John Pilkington; 1872-74, A. J. Cook;

1875-77, A. F. Brown; 1878, H. A. Blanchard; 1879-80, J. S.

Southworth; 1881-83, T. F. Hall; 1884-86, B. P. Ripley; 1887, J.

G. Stephens; 1888-90, A. Wrigley; 1891-92, C. V. Arnold; 1893-

94, C. C. Vrooman; 1895-96, S. G. Snowdon; 1897, L. A. Wild;

1898-1901, G. N. Underwood; 1902-03, A. R. Clarke.

 

 

Windsor, N. Y.

 

Methodism was introduced into Windsor township in 1799,

and the territory was part of Tioga Circuit, and continued there

until the formation of Broome Circuit, when it became a part


 

 

Windsor, N. Y. 767

 

of that circuit. "Windsor was an old battleground of Metho-

dism long before there was a Methodist in Binghamton, although

it does not appear in the Minutes until 1832."

 

A quarterly meeting was held in Windsor in the spring of

1803. Part of the services were held in the new Presbyterian

church, which was in an unfinished state, and the love feast

was held in the barroom of the house of David Hotchkiss, Esq.

This was the first Methodist preaching service in the village.

In 1810 a class was formed at the house of Roswell Higley,

with the following members: Mrs. Molly Andrews, Reuben

 

        WINDSOR CHURCH [photo]

 

Stevens and wife, Frederick Goodell and wife Rhoda and their

son William. Mr. Goodell had been raised a Congregationalist,

while his wife was a Baptist from Dutchess County, N. Y.

Reuben Stevens was appointed leader. He and his wife had

been Methodists in Connecticut. This class, however, was not

in the village. In 1824 Horace Agard formed a class in an old

schoolhouse in Windsor village. This was the beginning of

Methodism in the village. The members were Judge Harper

(who was converted in 1816), Timothy Rose, and B. Marvin.

Meetings were now transferred from Higley's house to the

village.

 

The following are noted as members of the first Quarterly

Conference in the recording steward's book: Timothy Rose,


 

 

768 Wyoming Conference

 

recording steward, Edwin Walter, circuit steward, Daniel Blatch-

ley, exhorter, William Conklin, L. Dyer, Ely Osborn, John Whit-

ham, Frederick Judd, S. S. Stevenson, Chester Hicox, J. Cor-

nish, and a Mr. Way.

 

In a letter to us, some years ago. Rev. C. V. Arnold gave us a

list of the preaching places on the circuit when he served it in

1848. Windsor Village Church, Higley Hollow, Stilson Hollow

(in a Baptist church), Osborne Hollow Church, State Road, Port

Crane, Kirkwood, Bound, Trowbridge, Loderville (now Great

Bend), Dutch Hill, Locust Hill, Conklin Church (now River-

side), Hazzard, Randolph, South Hollow, Andrews' Hill,

Young's, Coles' Hill, Ouaquaga, Andrus, Sherwood's, Pickering's

Corners, all being schoolhouse appointments except when other-

wise stated. It was a four-weeks' circuit, the preacher preach-

ing every day or evening three weeks and resting the fourth

week.

 

The society met in the schoolhouse on Monday evening, De-

cember 27, 1830. Rev. M. R. Cushman and Gideon Hotchkiss

were judges of election, and Isaac G. Higley, George Harper,

Esq., Elmore Russell, Jr., Timothy Rose, Gideon Hotchkiss,

Philo Woodruff, and Barzillai Marvin were elected trustees.

 

The first church was erected about this time.

 

The society met at the chapel on November 22, 1845. Ben-

jamin H. Russell and Jeremiah Hull were judges of election,

and B. H. Russell, William Pardee, James C. Chapel, Isaac G.

Higley, Jeremiah Hull, and Chauncey Garney were elected trus-

tees. The society became incorporated the third time on June 3,

1861, when James C. Chapel, Darwin C. Doolittle, and Lucian

Woodruff were elected trustees of "The Windsor Mpthodist

Episcopal Church."

 

On Wednesday, February 10, 1875, after extensive repairs,

the church was reopened. Rev. J. G. Eckman preached in the

morning from Hag. ii, 9, and after his sermon asked for $1,000,

receiving $1,128. In the evening Rev. L. C. Floyd preached

from I Tim. iii, 15, and at the close of the sermon $40 was raised

with which to fit up the grounds. A. W. Coburn gave the cush-

ions, which cost $270, and the Ladies' Aid Society carpeted the

church at a cost of $230.

 

In 1899 an extension 21x26 feet was built on the church,

with a tower over the entrance. This addition includes a hall,

with open stairway and Epworth League room on the first floor,

and a parlor and kitchen above. The auditorium was reseated,

recarpeted, and new windows put in. The total expense was


 

 

East Windsor, N. Y. 769

 

$1,650. The church was reopened on Friday, April 13, 1900,

Rev. A. W. Hayes, D.D., preaching in the afternoon and Rev.

T. F. Hall in the evening. During the day $754 was raised to

fully provide for the improvements.

 

Among the many revivals which have blessed this congrega-

tion the one of the fall of 1900 will long be remembered.

 

The parsonage property was originally given to the society by

Father Higley on condition that the society pay him $20 annually

during his life. In 1897 one half the original lot, with the old

parsonage, was sold for $575 and the present house built, cost-

ing $2,000.

 

East Windsor church is four miles north of Windsor. The

class was organized in 1812 and incorporated in 1852. The

church originally stood about one mile north of its present site,

and was built in 1852, at a cost of $600. In 1881 $450 was spent

in repairs, and in 1893 the building was moved to its present

site.

 

This class formed a part of Ouaquaga charge some years.

 

Very gracious revivals visited this society in 1875, 1894,

and 1901.

 

Silas and Roxie Cresson, now past eighty years of age, have

been strong pillars in this society many years.

 

The Free Methodist society, now occupying a church nearly

across the road from the old site, arose as a result of a revival

conducted by Rev. Mr. Southworth, of the Free Methodist

Church. The meetings were held in the old Methodist Episco-

pal church at a time when no regular Methodist Episcopal pastor

occupied the pulpit.

 

Pastorates

 

1832, M. Ruger, Robert Fox; 1833, R. Fox; 1834, Adam

Yawger, R. Ingalls; 1835, A. Johnson, W. Wyatt; 1836, S.

Stocking, L. Salisbury; 1837, A. Calder, E. G. Bush; 1838, A.

Calder, J. R. Boswell; 1839, Selah Stocking, L. S. Bennett, L.

Pitts; 1840, A. Burlingame, W. Crandall; 1841, Ira Wilcox, W.

Crandall; 1842, George Evans, L. C. Woodford; 1843, George

Evans, Asa Brooks; 1844, Asa Brooks, Wesley H. Miller; 1845,

R. S. Rose, H. Pilbeam; 1846, D. Davies, Alpheus Hamilton;

1847, D. Davies, T. R. Tuck; 1848, H. Ercanbrack, C. V. Arnold;

1849-50, L. D. Tryon; 1851-52, WilHam Round; 1853-54, Wil-

liam Roberts; 1855, J. A. Wood; 1856-57, A. F. Harding; 1858-

59, G. R. Hair; 1860, D. C. Olmstead; 1861-62, William Round;

1863-64, L. C. Floyd; 1865-66, D. C. Olmstead; 1867, William


 

 

770 Wyoming Conference

 

Round, C. A. Ward; 1868-69, W. B. Thomas; 1870-71, W. W. An-

drews; 1872-73, C. D. Shepard; 1874-76, A. M. Colegrove;

1877, I. P. Towner, E. B. Aldrich; 1878-79, L. A. Wild; 1880-

81, W. G. Queal; 1882-83, S. Homan; 1884-86, G. A. Sever-

son; 1887-90, B. P. Ripley; 1891-94, E. Kilpatrick; 1895-96,

F. N. Smith; 1897-98, M. S. Godshall; 1899-1901, D. L. Mc-

Donald; 1902-03, R. W. Lowry.

 

 

Worcester, N. Y.

 

Worcester Methodism began at a very early day, at least as

early as 1837, for a Quarterly Conference of the Westford Cir-

cuit in 1837 appointed a committee "to sell or rent the Methodist

Meetinghouse in Worcester." On February 15, 1840, the trus-

tees of the Emory society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in

 

        WORCESTER CHURCH [photo]

 

Worcester sold to the Baptist church in Worcester one half of

lot, church, and sheds for $300. We are unable to locate this

church.

 

The society in the village of Worcester had its origin in the

class organized in the Red Schoolhouse, February 1, 1857. At

that time East Worcester was the principal point on the charge.

The village now known as Worcester, formerly known as West

Worcester, had scarcely begun to grow at that time. The Red

Schoolhouse was situated near the little settlement known as

Tuscon, about one mile west of Worcester, on the road to Sche-

nevus. Preaching was first in the schoolhouse, subsequently in a


 

 

Worcester, N. Y. 771

 

building which was originally built for an academy and which

had been fitted up so as to accommodate the society. It was un-

inviting and out-of-the-way. In 1871 the present site was

secured and a church 36x56 feet, with tower and bell, was

erected at a total cost of $3,600. This was made possible by

several large gifts, the principal one of which was a gift of $700

from the Queal brothers. The church was dedicated on Thurs-

day, November 9, 1871. Rev. J. T. Peck, D.D., preached in

the morning and Rev. W. G. Queal in the afternoon. Rev. W.

N. Cobb conducted the dedicatory service.

 

In 1895 the church was remodeled at a cost of $4,100. The

building was put into its present attractive shape. Two thou-

sand dollars had been raised, $2,100 was needed, $1,900 of which

was raised on the day of dedication. It was dedicated on Thurs-

day, October 10, 1895. Rev. J. B. Hamilton preached in the

morning, in the afternoon addresses were made by Revs. J. H.

Littell and William Edgar, and Bishop E. G. Andrews preached

in the evening.

 

The society met for incorporation on January 10, 1884. Julius

T. Hadwell and Eli Denny presided, and James Pickett, George

Slam, and Edgar Prindle were elected trustees.

 

The parsonage property was bought on March 24, 1884, of

Giles C. Goodenough and wife Alida for $1,300. In 1901 a new

parsonage was built costing $2,100. This was made possible by

a bequest of Ann Smith of $1,000, which was used toward the

enterprise.

 

Worcester and East Worcester were separated in 1883.

 

Pastorates

 

1855-56, B. B. Carruth; 1857-58, Delos Potter; 1859, P.

Hughston; 1860-61, J. W. Mevis; 1862, W. L. Thorpe; 1863-

64, I. D. Peaslee; 1865, H. F. Rowe; 1866, W. E. Hyde; 1867,

C. D. Mead; 1868-69, George Parsons; 1870-72, H. V. Talbot;

1873-74, S. Moore; 1875-77, J- N. Lee; 1878-79, N. S. Rey-

nolds; 1880-82, T. P. Halstead; 1883, J. D. Belknap; 1884-86,

W. Edgar; 1887-88, A. J. Cook; 1889, T. P. Halstead; 1890,

G. E. Ace; 1891-93, J. H. Littell; 1894-95, H. B. Benedict;

1896, H. A. Williams; 1897, F. N. Smith; 1898-99, H. A.

Greene; 1900, T. B. Miller; 1901, T. B. Miller, Joseph Baird;

1902-03, Joseph Baird.