CENTENNIAL
SOUVENIR.
^ — ^^ — ^
HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US.
l799 — AUGU5IT II^H— 1599.
..•.JBI^OReO, N. Y
3.'/. 33
1^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^
Division.
LXIIETO
AVrt/o«..<....t O ' O
A3
A
CENTURY
OF CHURCH LIFE,
First Congregational Church,
....ELDRED. N. Y....
1799. HuGUStlltb, 1809,
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But unto Thy Name give Glory. "
PRESS OF THE
rRI-STATES PUBLISHING CO.
PORT JERVIS, N, Y.
PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
Key. Joel F. Whitney, Pastor.
Herbert W. Kyte Clerk.
Charles, W. Wilson, Treasurer.
Deacon Isaac Sergeant, Supt. of Sunday School.
DEACONS.
Edward B. Wilson, Isaac Sergeant,
William H. Austin.
TRUSTEES.
Charles W. Wilson, Chairmaii,
Deacon Isaac Sergeant, Clerk.
Eev. a. E Austin, - Deacon E. B. Wilson,
Samuel D. Hoatson, - Deacon W. H. Austin.
List of Ministers of the Church.
Rev. Isaac Sergeaut - - - 1799—1805
Rev. Stephen Sergeant - - - 1818—1826
Rev. Felix Kyte . . - - 1832—1878
Rev J. T. Marsh .... 1879—1880
Rev. E. W. Fisher - - - - 1880—1883
Rev. J. E. Ferine . » . . 1883—1884
Rev. H. P. Hamilton - - - 1885—1888
Mr. J. R. Taylor .... 1888-1888
Rev. W. C. Wilcox - - - 1888—1889
Rev. E. A. Smith .... 1889—1892
Mr. W. J. Stewart - - - 1892-1892
Rev. Henry Smith . . - . 1892—1894
Rev. Geo. M. Rees - - - 1894—1895
Rev. Joel F. Whitney - - - 1896—
List of Deacons of the Church.
Term Began
Term Ended
1799
Ichabod Garmicbael
:1;1829
1819
James Elclred
■ :1:1857
1819
Alexander Carmichael
tl860
1830
Daniel Wells
1848
1848
Samuel "West
tl890
1849
Alfred Hartwell
1860
1849
Sears E. Gardner -
1860
1849
Charles C. P. Eldred -
- 11890
1857
James K. Gardner -
:t:1860
1860
William M. Mapes
- 1869
1860
Ethel B. Sergeant -
11884
1860
Robert M. Mapes
1869
1860
Edwin Hartwell
1879
1869
Edward B. Wilson -
_
1871
Daniel Picken
tl884
1880
James Gillespie
1885
1884
James Macintosh -
1890
1884
Alvah Sergeant
- tl897
1890
William H. Kyte -
^1896
1890
William Ruddick
1894
1890
Isaac Sergeant
-
1897
William H. Austin -
-
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
" The First Presbyterian-Congregational Church of Nar-
row Falls, " was organized August 11, 1799. The record is
made as follows :
" Before the constitution the candidates for church-mem-
bership had four conference-meetings and passed repeated
examinations to the satisfaction of one another ; and also
the articles of faith, and of church-government with the
covenant were read and agreed to. The conference-meet-
ings were held, the first on June first, the second on June
second, the third on August seventh, the fourth on August
tenth. Mr. Sergeant,* minister, who had heretofore often
visited us, was now |)resent, who also was, bj the members
unanimously voted to act as moderator and clerk in all our
meetings through the time of constituting. Every meeting
was opened and concluded with prayer.
" Sabbath August 11, 1799, the church constituted and
publicly consented to the articles as they were read to them,
article by article, and solemnly entered into covenant with
God and one another. After constitution, the church voted
Ichabod Carmichael their deacon and he received his charge
by Mr. Sergeant."
This was according to Quinlan the first religious society
in the county of which we have any account.
The fourteen members of this church came together for
* Mr. Sergeant referred to above was Rev. Isaac Sergeant, of Ridgebury, N. Y. He
organized what is now the Presbyterian Church of Ridgebury in 1792 and was pastor
until 1798. He came to Sullivan County and preached at various points on the Dela-
ware, during the years of 1797 and following. He also organized a churcli
with eleven members at Coshethton ( Cochecton ) in 1800. Seven of these appear to
have become members of the Presbyterian Church when organized in 18r3. His
name appears on our record in 1823. when he preached twice He was buried at
Ridgeburry, N. Y. In 1892 on the occasion of the centennial of that church a Monu-
ment was secured to mark his resting place and commemorate their Centennial.
6
their first commuuiou, Sept. 8. This was at the house of
Jeremiah Barnes. Eleven children were baptised at that
service.
For several years Rev. Isaac Sergeant continued to visit
the people of these regions and hold services at different
points, administering the Sacraments and encouraging them
to maintain their meetings. In 1803, a large meeting was
held at Grassy Swamp. We quote from the records.
"Previous to this last Communion as above it was agreed
upon by the churches of Narrow Falls and Coshethton to
hold a great meeting at the time of the Communion, and to
invite a number of ministers to attend. — The meeting to be
held at Grassy Swamp, and to begin on Saturday, Sept, 10.
Accordingly proclamation was given out very widely. On
Saturday, Mr. Sergeant from Ridgebury, Mr. Jones from
Chei-ter, and Mr. Crane, from Blooming Grove came and a
considerable number of people met. In the afternoon Mr.
Crane preached and Mr. Jones exhorted.
" Sabbath morning people began to flock together from
all quarters and continued so to do most of the forenoon,
till by far the greatest number of precious souls were con-
vened that ever was known in these parts upon any occa-
sion whatever, supposed to be at least four hundred — a great
number for these scattered settlements and the roughness
of the roads.
" Mr. Jones preached the first sermon. After the sermon
Mr. Sergeant prayed, then a hymn was sung, after this Mr.
Crane preached a second sermon and made the last prayer.
We then had an intermission of one hour. The assembly
collected again in the afternoon. Mr. Sergeant presided at
the communion table. The communicants consisted of
nearly all of the members of the two churches of Narrow-
Falls and Coshethton. Full proclamation was made for all
members of other churches of every denomination who held
the essential sound doct ines of the Gospel, to come and
commune with us freely. (Four candidates were then ad-
mitted and received the right hand of fellowship. The
Sacrament was administered by Messrs. Sergeant and
Jones). " After the communion the ministers, each gave
an exhortion to the church and spectators. After the hymn
Mr. Jones immediately rose and preached the third sermon,
made the last prayer and dismissed the assembly with the
blessing. God blessed us with two fair, sunshiny, pleasant
days ; and we had a precious comfortable time. — a blessed
meeting."
From this time on the records and traditions tell us of
meetings here and there, now in some house, now in a barn,
then in a sawmill, moving from place to place with the pop-
ulation. The central place of meeting previous to 1818 had
come to be what was called the Denton Farm. Rev.
Stephen Sergeant was invited to become the pastor of the
church Nov. 13, 1818. His labors were greatly blessed and
during his ministry, which lasted till 1828, one hundred and
fifty were added to the church. Soon after his coming the
more central place of meeting was at the house of James
Kldred, at Half Way Brook.
Many of the present generations have heard of those prec-
ious seasons of revival which followed. During the first year,
Oct. 21, 1818 to Oct 12, 1819, there were forty-eight
who joined the church. The year 1824 witnessed a still
larger ingathering, the number being eighty-nine. By re-
ferring to the list of members you will find many whose
names have been well known in connection with the history of
our church and community. Of those who joined at that
time, only one is living and still with us as a member, Mrs.
Eliza Gardner, Avho confessed < hrist June 15, 1823. She
delights to recount the events of those days and tell of the
meeting^ held at her father's. No wonder that the cause
of Christ prospered when all the meetings were attractive
8
and young and old came together at the appoiuted'time and
place, as did those who gathered at Deacon James Eldred's.
These men were not discouraged when left without a
pastor, but continued to seek the welfare of the church
until one came to them whose life is connected with nearly
one half a century of the church's history.
Felix Kyte was born in Kent County, England, Jan. 20,
1800— only a few months after the birth of the church to
which he was to minister. In 1875, at the request of friends,
he published a " Narrative or Review of 43 years of Pas-
toral Labor." We will quote and condense from this Nar-
rative to give glimpses of the history of those years. He
was first called to visit this region by a letter from Dea.
James Eldred, in the summer of 1832. He came " by the
way of Newburgh ; thence to Monticello, and from thence
by a private hired conveyance, and was set down at the
door of Brother Eldred's residence. This way, through
Newburgh and Monticello, was at that time the only way
of reaching Lumberland by public conveyance from New
York, except that by steamboat up the North River to Ron-
dout, and thence by slow travel of the canal to Barryville,
taking nearly a week to reach there by that route from New-
York."
He spent four Sabbaths among the people resulting in a
call to become their pastor. He was ordained by the New
York Congregational Association, Sept. 30, 1832, moved
with his family to Lumberland and preached his first ser-
mon as their pastor Oct. 20. We quote again : " By the
arrangement of the church on the start, I taught the dis-
trict school at Halfway Brook, and spent half my time in
preaching at Ten-Mile-River, walking every other Sabbath
these 10 miles and back again, making 20 miles and preach-
ing three times, i. e., in the morning at Ten-Mile-River, iu
the afternoon at Beavsr Bcook, and in the evening at Half-
way Brook, my home. But having frequent calls, on occa-
REV. FELIX KYTE.
10
sions of death, and there being no resident minister in this
region at the time besides myself, I was soon compelled to
relinquish the school on account of the inte-ruption these
calls gave to the duties of the school. At this time I had
to meet all my appointments, in every direction, on foot.
But after awhile a good brother, who was then a resident
at Hagan Pond, but now dead, tendered me a horse that
had become unfit, through age, for his business of lumber-
ing (for lumbering at that time was the sole business of the
country, there beiug scarcely a farm, worthy of the name,
anywhere around.) The donor of this horse remarked that
he would " take it out in preaching." Another friend sup-
plemented this gift by presenting a " half-worn-out wagon
of ancient style."
The Narrative gives us a glimpse of the fashions of that
early day by telling that many of the good sisters, when
they went to meeting, wore do hats at all, but " a clean and
decent handkerchief thrown loosely over their heads."
The first two members admitted to the church under Mr.
Kyte's ministry were Mr. John Owen and Miss Augeline
Dickenson. His first wedding was Jan. 11, 1833. The
parties were Mr. Jesse Doolittle and Miss Hulda Doring,
the ceremony taking place in a log house belonging to
Sears G. Tuttle, Esq. Of other weddings Mr. Kyte gives
this summary : — " There are nine persons that I believe to
be living, that I have married twice, and one that is now
dead. There are several parents married by me of whom I
have married of the children ; of one couple, four of their
children ; of two couples, three of their children ; of an-
other couple, two and of six other couples, one each. I
scarcley know how I can best leave the impression on your
minds as to the whole number that I have united in matri-
monial bonds, though I have the figures correct. Were
\
11
tliey all together tliej would make quite a congregation.
The precise number up to this date is 253 couples."
The record of these weddings is preserved and should any
one v/ish a copy of any of them, it can be secured by writ-
ting to Felix S. Kyte, 26 Barclay street, N. Y.
The number of funerals attended he estimates at 353, the
first being that of a child at Ten-Mile-River. He says :—
" From that time to the last call, but a short time ago, it has
been the providence of God towards me, that I should fol-
low many to the grave, whither some, not long hence, may
be called to follow me. As to the scenes accompanying
a dying hour that I have witnessed, some have been very
affecting and trying in the extreme, while others have been
calm and peaceful, leaving behind a joyful hope of a future
eternal rest. We have followed all ages to the grave. The
infant of a few days, or no days at all ; the blooming youth
those just entering upon manhood or womanhood ; those
who have fallen by casualties of various kinds, by fire, by
water, by explosion of steam, two by lightning. One who
was drowned was taken to the grave on the very day that
was set for his marriage. Many of these you have known
when living. They have been of your own liesli and blood,
your fathers, your mothers, your husbands, your wives, your
children, your brothers, your sisters, those who have been
in covenant bonds with you as disciples of Christ. Of
many we have known the history and have viewed them as
sheaves gathered for the granary of the Lord ; whose lives
have not only been humbje patterns of piety, but have been
useful to others, by bringing them also to Christ. On
speaking of these things ihe tht)Ught comes up to the mind
with solemn reflection- what a throng would be before us,
could we see all those we have followed to the grave rise up
before us. And then the thought, bow duty has been dis-
charged toward them where there has been opportunity.
Our privileges for Christian communion, not only in public
12
Avorship, but at the Lord's table have been many. The first
ordinance of the Lord's supper held by this church as ad-
ministered by me was Nov. 1832, and the number of times,
up to this date, including occasional observances at Barrv-
ville and South Lebanon, have been 378, which Avould be
more than a whole year of observances, counting one for
every day. We speak of this as a remembrance of privi-
leges that we have enjoyed, and if it bring to any of us a
remembrance of lost opportunities, wlIcIi we might and
ought to have appreciated at the time, let the thought stimu-
late us to let no further privileges go unimproved. AVe have
preached in log houses, lighted solely by the blaze of pine
logs, heaped one on another, until the large fire place was
completely filled with blazing material, sending its ravs all
over the room and causing those in attendance to defend
their faces from the heat by their handkerchiefs and hands.
And in one instance 1 commenced the meeting in darkness,
where there was no light at hand, but ere we got through a
single candle was brought AVhat a, contrast ! Now we
have our places for gathering splendidly illuminated by
lamps supplied with inflammable oils.
" In times past we sometimes preached in barns, and meet
ings were held in saw mills, and seats of the rudest benches
that could be made, or perhaps nothing but slabs laid upon
each other. Yet, even in such cases the word of God was lis-
tened to with relish and delight. But now we have comfort-
able, and often ornamental seats — whether we hear with the
same relish as formerly I will not undertake to say. As to
the amount of travel affected, to supply a preached word
through these three adjoining towns, which formerly were em-
braced in one, and which, as most of you know, has been done
mainly in the saddle, does by a fair estimation amount to 30,000
miles or more, enough to ride once and a quarter around the
world."
At one time, by special request of the people, meetings
13
were held in Woodtown, Pa,, between Shohola and Milford.
The congregation met in a private house, being called to-
gether by a common dinner horn.
The church at Barryville has shared in the labors of the
beloved pastor He speaks with kindly feelings of the favors
received from time to time during this long pastorate. We
would be glad to quote all his words, but have not space. He
continued his labors until his failing health compelled him to
give up many of his appointments. In 1878 he resigned, bu-
the church did not accept his resignation, but voted to re
lieve him from being acting pastor, and tendered to him the
office of Senior Pastor during his natural life. This action
was taken July 3, 1878. On the 29th day of September fol-
lowing, after going with his son. Rev. Joseph Kyte, to Barry-
ville in the mornmg he attended the evening services here
at Eldred. He took part in the services, his son preaching.
He was found after the services near the church door where
God had spoken to him."
'• He found the threshold of the Church he served
The Portal of the New Jerusalem ! "
We may fittingly close this sketch with his closing words
in the Narrative : " May God hear my prayers for your wel-
fare, and the success and well being of the churches and cause
of God among you."
During the 46 years of his ministry 244 persons were re-
ceived to this church, and 70 at Barryville, where a church
was organized in 1836.
Our church edifice was erected in 1835. The frame was
raised July 3 and the church dedicated, Nov. 12, 1835. The
Church was incorporated in 1836, taking the name, " The
First Congregational Church of Lumberland." Daniel Wells,
Henry L. West, Richard C. West, Sears Gardner, Charles
C. P. Eldred, Samuel C. Maney and James Eldred were the
first Trustees. In 1878 the name was changed to Eldred.
After the death of Rev. F. Kyte, a parsonage was pur-
chased in 1880, and anew house was erected in 1888. The
Ladies' Auxiliary has secured a large part of the funds which
14
have enabled the society to secure this desirable site and erect
so good buildings.
Though the later pastorates have been brief they have not
been unfruitful ; in have been received into fellowship since
1879, making a total of 530. In 1894, the Church at Glen
Spey was organized, taking 20 members from us. We have
also suffered great losses by the death of those who have been
leaders in Church and society work. Our present member-
ship as reported in the last Year Book, is 60, 13 of whom are
absent.
It thus appears that our Church has a past. We also have
an opportunity and what the close of another century shall
record may depend largely on the work we shall do in the be-
ginning of that century.
MINISTERS,
Eev. Stephen Sergeant was living in Michigan in 1861,
but has since died.
Revs. J. T. Marsh, J. E. Ferine audE. A. Smith are dead.
The present addresses of the others are :
Rev. H. P. Hamilton, Branchport, N. Y.
Rev. J. R. Taylor, Earleville, 111.
Rev. W. C, Wilcox, Umvote. Natal, South Africa.
Rev. W. J. Stewart, De Peve, Wis.
Rev. Henry Smith, Cobbleskill, N. Y,
Rev. Geo. M. Rees, Clayton, N. Y.
15
DEACONS.
We should be glad to give a fuller account than is possible
of the Deacons of the Church. The list gives names and
dates, so far as has been possible.
Ichabod Carmichael was the first Deacon, and maintained
his interest in the church till the close of his life, 1829. His
son, Alexander Carmichael, with James Eldred, were elected
at the time of the removal of the church to Halfway Brook,
now Eldred, in 1819, and after the death of Deacon Ichabad
Carmichael, Daniel Wells was elected to this office. He re-
moved from the place about 1848 and Samuel West was then
elected. It was voted to increase the number of Deacons to
six, in 1849, and those whose names appear at that date were
elected to office at that time. It was also voted that these
officers be elected for a term of six years instead of the in-
definite period as formerly.
Hon. James Eldred and his son held this office for eighty-
one continuous years. During eight of which they both held
the office. Their names were often referred to during the
centennial services and the village appropriately bears the
name of these mem. The former was member of Assembly
in 1835 ^iid the latter was postmaster forty years.
These men have given of their time and means to the
church. The records show their attendance at the monthly
church meeting, and their recorded service as members of
committees and helpers in the work entitles them to remem-
brance as builders of the Church of God. Others who were
not elected to these offices were equally zealous and bore
their share of the burdens. You will hear their names men-
tioned with respect. If we could have the history of each and
all it would be interesting. May their names enshrined in
loving remembrance be cherished. May the unrolling of the
records of Heaven reveal -their names and work that they
have wrought with God, and may He in whose keeping are
all our ways answer their prayers, giving us the blessings they
sought for our Churches.
16
NAMES OF MEMBERS.
Those who constituted the church August ii, 1799, were
as follows :
John Barnes.
Ichabod Carmichael.
Asa Crane.
Thomas Barnes.
Henry Barnes.
Jeremiah Barnes.
Nathan Barnes.
I801.
James Reeves.
Stephen Carmichael.
Elizabeth Reeves.
Alexander Carmichael.
1803,
James Carpenter.
Lucy Carpenter.
Anthony Gifford.
John Carm chael.
Joseph Drake.
Elizabeth Drake.
Anna Bishop.
1818,
Reuben Hickok.
Aaron Williams.
Samuel Sealey.
Henry Montgomery.
Justus Hickok.
Dorcas Carpenter.
Mary Wells, [Hickok.]
Catharine Vancuren.
James Vancuren.
Daniel Wells.
Elizabeth Carmichael.
Margarett Montgomery.
Tabitha Wright.
Polly V. Eldred.
Betsey Hickok.
James Eldred.
Joseph Carpenter,
4—18
7—25
Elizabeth Barnes.
Mercy Mason.
Phebe Carmichael.
Abigail Crane.
Rebekah Barnes.
Elizabeth Barnes.
Elizabeth Gray. 14
Esther Hickok.
Elizabeth Barnes.
Susan Barnes.
Ruth Gambleton.
Louisa Hickok.
Keturah Skinner,
Eleanor Wiggins.
Charles Gambleton.
Elizabeth Montgomery.
Eleanor E. Carpenter.
David Hickok.
Mary Watkins.
Amelia Eldred. (Wheeler.)
Asa Hickok.
Hannah Hickok, [Eldred.]
Anna Wells. 33—58
1810.
Elnathan Corey.
Francis Quick.
Harvey Wheeler.
Alexander Carmichael.
Sally Eldred. (Carmichael)
Rachel Quick.
Sally Watkins.
Anna Carpenter.
Anna Sergeant.
Sarah Mendus.
Lydia Maney.
Mary Ann Strong.
Samuel Reeves Watkins,
John Corwin.
Henry Cadmas. 15 — 73
17
3—76
1—77
Mary Quick.
Thomas Reeves,
Comfort Reeves.
1833.
Mary Gardner.
183:5.
Mary Wells.
Eliza Eldred, [Gardner.]
Juliann Hartwell.
Sarah Hartwell.
Harriet Eldred. 5—82
1834.
Betsey Corey.
Easter Read.
F. Allen Carmichael.
Thomas Clark.
Stephen B. Sergeant.
Alexander Corner.
Haly Barnes.
Jacob Stage.
Ethel B. Sergeant.
Daniel Case.
Wilmot Clark.
John H. Elliot.
Hiram Riker.
Sears Gardner.
Charles C. P. Eldred.
Robert Montgomery.
Hiram Montgomery.
David Sergeant.
John Gray.
Ivy Mills.
Samuel H. Lake.
John Brown.
Jeremiah Barnes, Jr.
Asa R. Hickok.
Richard Riley.
Abraham Ingersol.
Martha Carmichael, (Stage.)
Carmentha Allen.
Letty Gardner, [Sergeant.]
Charity Van Tuyl, (Brown.)
Eleanor Barnes.
Mary Clark.
Hannah A. Barnes.
Seneth Case.
Martha Land.
Michael S. Stillwell.
John Wells.
Samuel C. Tuthill.
Alfred Hartwell.
Edwin Hartwell.
George T. Bishop.
I la E. Watkins.
Morgan L. Sprout.
Clarry Dickerson,
Eliza Watkins.
James Maney.
Samuel Maney.
Marston Birdsley.
Hiram Hanlon.
William Martin.
John Corey.
Thomas Clark.
Bethana Bishop.
Syntha Vanaukin.
Abigail Corey.
Jane Purvess.
William Wells.
Abbot Royce.
Mangle Whelpley.
Eli Knapp.
Moses Clark.
James K. Gardner.
Marcus Stickney.
Robert Gardner.
Fanny Terry.
Eliza Terry.
Adaline Stickney.
Mary Clark.
Martha Clark.
Eliza Hartwell.
Elizabeth Maney.
Amelia Skinner.
Elizabeth Wells.
Sears G. Tuthill.
18
Thomas Clark.
Daniel Christie
William R. Stokam,
Samuel M. Jackson.
Gabriel D. Hoyt.
Calvin Hoyt.
Hosier.
Steadman,
Rhoda Clark.
Abigail Hoyt.
Margaret Daley.
Catharine Keen.
Phebe Clark [Myers,]
Thos. Wheeler.
Eunice Vanauken. 89 — 171
Philander Hartwell.
Drusilla Finch Tuthill.
Polly Gardner, (Austin).
John Carpenter. 4 — 175
1832.
John Owen.
Augustine Dickenson,
Effie Van Tuyl, [Eldred.]
Sarah Jane Van Tuyle, (Fuller.)
Elizabeth Barber(Newton) 5—180
1«33.
Daniel C. Skinner.
Salome Skinner.
Lucius Chamberlin.
Asa Middaugh. 4 — 184
1834.
Peter Dickerson.
Polly Corey.
Samuel West.
[Sister] Owen.
Mary Ann Cregier [Gardiner]
John Dickerson.
Augustus Alonzo Austin.
Tjerck Ingram.
Peter Woolly.
Elizabeth CarmichaeL
Eliza Owen.
Eleanor Fisher.
Dolly S. Williams.
Mary West.
Thomas Williams.
Elijah King.
Julia Skinner. 17—201
1835.
Phebe Jane Covert, [Maney]
Sarah Alwood. 2 — 203
1837.
Timothy W est.
Mary West. 2—205
1838.
Mary Owen.
Benj. W. Dennis.
Henry West.
David Young.
Rachel Smith,
Phebe West.
Sally Hickok,
Esther Rogers, [Webb,]
Hannah Wells, (Brittan.)
Maria Wells.
Margaret Howel,
Amanda Osborn, [Bunce.]
Susan Pool [Detricht,]
Betsy Stickney.
Felix Kyte.
Eliza Kyte. 16—221
1839.
Daniel Cornwall.
Jackson Quick.
Harriet H. Carmichael, [Youngs.]
Elizabeth Cornwall.
Huldah Doolittle. 5—226
1840.
Mary Myers.
Helen A. Calsbreath.
Hannah Madison.
Thomas Bruce.
James Austin.
19
James E. Wells,
Moses Myers.
Mehitabel Wells.
•Susan Austin. (Freeman.)
Sarah Stickney.
William M. Mapes.
Mary Mapes.
Julia Bunce, [Cox.]
Garrett Hazen 14—240
1841.
Robert M. Mapes.
Elizabeth Mapes.
Jessie G. Maney.
Mary A. Eldred, [Austin] . 4—244
isis.
James Maney.
Elizabeth Campbell, [Hulse].
Mary Starks.
Alexander Boyd.
Bridget Tibbits.
Jacob D. Youngs.
Catharine Dodge.
Eliza Wheeler, [Owen]. 8—252
1843.
Amanda E. Young, (King.)
Absalom Young.
Isaac Tibbetts.
Mary Barnes.
Susan Barnes, (Darling.) 5 — 257
1841.
Mary Ann Tibbetts.
Gabriel Mapes.
Keziah Mapes.
Polly Mapes.
Eliza Amanda Bates.
Elizabeth Eldred.
Julia Bunce. 7 — 264
i84(;.
Nancy Young 1 — 265
1S47
Oscar T. West
Harriet Wells
Phebe Mapes 3—258
1848.
Jacob Watkins 1—269
1849.
Nathaniel R. Higby
Orphy Jane Higby
Martha Atkins
Eliza Corey
Daniel Ennis
Susannah Ennis 6 — 275
1850.
Sarah A. Austin
Isaac Purdy
Julia Ann Carmichael
Edward B. Wilson
George W. Eldred 5—280
1851.
Hannah Conkling
George Wright
Elizabeth Wright
Andrew Ferguson 4 — 284
1852.
Catharine Maney, [Van Tuyl]
Andrew Morrison
Phebe Tuthill
Sarah Tuthill
Samuel Wheat
Prudence Wheat 6^-290
1853.
Alexander R. Martin
Polly V. Eldred, (Mapes)
Joseph Kyte
Elizabeth Taylor
Margaret Mills
Thomas Martin
Lydia J. Carpenter 7—297
18.-. 4
Sarah Ingersol
Helen Martin
Mary E. Sergeant
Joseph Ferguson
Mary A. Ferguson
Mary Pierson 6—303
20
David Hickok
Phebe Wilson
1856.
Phebe Sergeant
Alvah Sergeant
Caroline Sergeant
Mary Hickok, [Stidd]
Wm. H. Kyte
Anne Ferguson
29—343
2—305
6—311
Eliza J. Gardner
Susannah Ingersol, (Knight)
Catharine Van Pelt 3—314
1858.
Rebecca C. Eldred
Felix J. S. Kyte
Elizabeth Wilcox
John Fetter
John Dwan
Bishop Hartwell
Edwin Hartwell
Charles H. Aiken
George B. Aiken
Louisa Hartwell
Matilda Aiken
Abbe Fetter
Jennette Wheat
Jane Gordon
Aurelia Hartwell
Harriet Ferguson
Julia Baker
Mary Edwards
Esther Hartwell
Mary E. Aiken
Cornelia Drake
Clarissa Williams
Mary Horlon
George E, Mapes
Thomas T Mapes.
Sarah J. Mapes
Louisa An irews
-359
William Andrews
Mary Hartwell
1859.
Christina McMunn
Harriet E. Newcome
Isaac Sergeant
James G. Sergeant
Rachel Brown
Augusta Collard (Chapman)
Elizabeth Mapes [Mattison]
Henry Collard
Jessie Halstead
Charles M. Smith
James H. Collard
Sally M. Collard
Marietta West [Eldred] [Hoatson]
Esther J. Ingersol
Eliza M. Ingersol
Andrew Crawford
1861
Melvina Clark
1863
Sarah M. West [Hausbrook] 1—361
1864
Susannah Knight
Jane West
1865
Jane Gillespie
James Gillespie
Jane Morrison
1866
Mary A. Ruddick
Esther White
Jane Ann Myers
Eliza Cole [Heyen]
Henrietta Weidley
Ida Heyen, (Toaspern)
Ebben DeWolf
Lucy Barber
Ophelia Carpenter
Calvin F. Kyte
1867
Robert McAndrew
Samuel ells
Harriet Clark
John Gillespie
1—360
2—363
3—366
10—376
4—380
21
1868
James Ruddick
Elizabeth T. Kyte
S. B. Leavenworth
Charlotte Leavenworth
Emma Austin
Robert Morrison
John Martin 7—387
1.S69
Emma Bolton, (Ely)
Caroline A. Auerswald
Julia C. Wilson [Kyte]
Frederick Regina Metzger
Gottlieb Metzger 5—392
1870
Justin S. Cacks
Daniel Picken
Mrs. Danisl Pickin 3—395
1874
Frank l. Newcome
Annie E. Wilson [Abendroth]
Sarah J. Eldred [Wait]
Wm. H. Whitney
Mary A. Whitney
Eugenie A. Whitney
M. Alice Whitney [Kyte]
John O. Whitney
Sherman S. Leavenworth
Young Kilpatrick
Ella Clark
Mary Mills [Wait]
Lottie Myers [Darling]
Elizabeth Owen, (Thompson)
William J. Wait
John Glines
Edward F. Wilson
Sarah L. Wilson 18 — 413
1876
Mrs. D. A. Whitman
Margaret Covert
Margaret MacKenzie [Telfer]
essie Kidd
Mary McAndrew 5 — 418
1877
John Ozier 1—419
1879
Augustus Ozier.
John S. Van Norsdall
William L. Payne
Mary C Payne
Clara Clark, (Sergeant)
Charles Hickok
Margaret Ann Gillespie
Agnes J. Gillespie [Wilson] ]
Samuel R. Davis
Anna Davis
Louisa Grace Markle
Annice Owen 12 — 431
1880
Henrietta J. Crawford
Victoria De Silva 2—433
Robert Telfer
Marjorie MacKenzie (Goldsmith)
Elizabeth J. MacKenzie, (Gay)
Donald MacKenzie
Rev. E W Fishsr
Laura Fisher
Christina Mills [Wilson] 7— 440
188'^
William B Ruddick
Maggie Ann Ruddick
Emma E Ruddick
Aida A Austin
Janette Y Morgan
Annabella McDonald
Mary Adelaide Wilson [Hull) 7-447
1883
Emma Prange
James Macintosh
Hannah Macintosh
Lewis Ross
Isabella Ross
Agnes J Ruddick
Anna A Prange
John E. Ferine
Mary J Ferine
Julia M Johnston 10 — 457
2(2'
1884
Charles E Mapes
i88e
Rev H P Hamilton
S A Hamilton
1-458
2-468
1887
James Eldred, Jr
Frank R Sergeant
James W Sergeant
Geo W Hamilton
John W Hamilton
Ella G Hamihon
Elizabeth Hoatson [Clark] [Wilson]
Mary D Hoatson
Elizabeth Hardcastle [Eldred]
Alma L Kelly
Emma Myers
Anna Maier
Charles C R Metzger ' 13 473
1888
Libbie Sergeant 1- 474
1883
Alonzo A Austin
Henry Ladore Austin
Martha J Hulse
Geo McC Clark
Annie A MacKenzie (McCord)
Charlotte E Maney
Lizzie M Gillespie (Mills)
Sarah M Gillespie 8-482
1890
William Ruddick
Lillie Ruddick
Herbert L Eldred
Lewis Goldsmith
George MacKenzie
Sarah E Wormouth
William H Austin
Rev E A Smith
Mary E Smith
Emily Smith
Mary A Steele 11-493
1891
Alice E Steele
John Bradley
Helen Doolitile
Belle A Ruddick
Mrs Stewart
5 498
1891
Char las W Wilson
Samuel D Hoatson 2 500
1893;
Henry Smith
Ida C Smith
Charles C Racine
George Stewaxt
Addie W Parker
S Lulu Myers
Sadie De Silva
Mary A Kyte
Eliza C. Eldred
Elizabeth Starritt 10 510
1894
Mary Stewart
Geo M Rees
Maggie Rees
George Beck
Alexina Wilson
Maggie Woods:
Fannie L Steele
Myra Steele
Elva Steele
Floyd McKechnie 10 520
1895
Mary Turner
Ida Dailey
Violetta Van Gordon
Lulu Beck 4—524
189<>
Joel F Whitney
Louisa M Whitney
Edward F Whitney
Mary Etta Whitney
Herbert W Kyte ^^-529
1897
Letty Justina Sergeant 1—530
23
1799 — AUGUST U — 1899.
By M iss Florence Grace Beck of Eldred.
Our Church ! A thousand loving memories
Some sweet — some bitter — but all tender, cling
About thy modest image in our hearts.
A simple church, yet still our praise we bring ;
Just " two or three," but "gathered in His name,"
Striving to find the right through good or ill,
And, finding^ it, to do it with our might,
Knowing it is His will.
A century has faded since thy birth,
Sunshine aiid shadow, mists and hopes and fears^-
Doubtings, and glorious triumphs of thy faith
Have marked the passing of those hundred years.
Since that bright day when dauntless energy
And mighty faith inspired that little band-
Just thirteen " friends to Jesus "—to unite,
How rich the blessings scattered bj' His hand.
How bitter, too, the sorrows He has sent,
No less in blessing, tho' in dark disguise.
Only those loved disciples who have known
His chastening can tell. Today our eyes
Grow moist in sympathy and loving pride,
As, through the mist of years, we call to mind
The story of that small devoted band.
No church had they nor hall, of any kind,
Only a simple room, prayer-sanctified.
Now here — now there- — as in the olden days,
The Master's presence made the humblest homes
Temples of prayer and praise.
Though now this church, for three-score years and fourj
Guarding our little " village of the hills,"
Has sent her sweet-voiced invitation forth,
Calling to worship " whosoever wills "
And steadily the faithful number grew —
Ten, twenty miles they came to hear the Word,
And in communion to confess that Name
Whose reverent praise the listening forest heard ;
The forest — for within that giant heart
Of murmurous worship, they had made their home,
And when its yielded treasures all were given,
Still nobler growths then tempted them to roam
M
Farther and farther, but they bore with them
The tabernacle of their faith. Lono; years
Houseless and shepherdless the church lived on,
Steadily gaining; strength, despite the fears
And difficulties of the place and time.
HousAess, not //^wdess. In such loyal hearts
The truest sanctuary of our God
Is found ;: and He who strength imparts
For every need, Himself their guide and friendl
Surely 'twere idle to repeat those names
(Many of them are known and honored still
Among us) which to day our mterest claim
You know them all : and better far you know
Their histories than tongue of mine can tell.
We need no words to wake in loving hearts
The memory of that good old man who fell
So peacefully "on sleep" that summer eve.
His ministration ended — among men —
He found the threshold of the church he served:
The portal of the New Jerusalem !
All honor to his memory ! All praise
To those who came before him and to those
Who, as the years sped on^ from time to time,
Have spent a season with us : some to close
Their life-work here among our pine-sweet hills :
Some to begin it : others in their prime
Of man's ambitious strength, to seek the fields
Of wider labor in a little time.
All honor and all praise ! But not to these
The warmest tribute of our hearts today,
Is given, but to those true hearted ones
Who dared so much in their own steadfast way.
With zeal unfailing, and with earnest faith
They faced discouragements we cannot know.
And rose above them, grandly triumphing.
The heroes of our Church's long; ago !
25
CENTENNIAL HYMN. *
For the Congregational Church, Eldred, N. Y. — By Miss
Charlotte Chambers Hall of New York City.
1799 — August ii — 1899.
PSALM 115 : 1. TUNE, DUKE STREET.
Not unto us^ but to Thy name —
Not unto us, the glory be !
Thy mercy to our fathers came,
We worship and we praise but Thee,
Before Thy holy throne we bow,
Forgive our sins for Thy name^s sake,
Reveal Thyself unto us now
O Lord, this church, Thy dwelling make.
Through these one hundred years of grace,
Thou, Lord, has been the help, the shield :
In forest-homes Thy church had place,
By forest-streams Thy word was sealed.
Our fathers put their trust in Thee,
Thy grace sustained them to the end.
Let us re-consecrated be.
That Thou, Thy blessing mayest send.
Baptise with Pentecostal 2eal
Thy waiting people in this place :
With seeking: souls in mercy deal.
That many here may find Thy grace.
With all below who love Thy name —
With saints above, the radiant host,
One Ebenezer-song we frame,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
*II)edicated to Mrs. Eliza Gardner, Barryville. Sullivan County, N. "
widow of Judge James K. Gardner and daughter of Hon. James Eldred.
26
.V. JOEL FiSK WlliTXEY.
^7
Centennial Services.
At two o'clock, Friday, the church bell rang out its joyous
welcome to the Centennial Services. Within the Church,
•over the pulpit, the organ and the walls, the wild clematis,
with full clusters of flowers and graceful foliage, was artistic-
ally draped, while evergreens wreathed the three mottoes.
Old comrades and kindred, long separated, joined in
singing the Centennial Hymn of Praise. Rev. S. O. Rusby
■of the M. E Church, led the devotional exercises and words
of welcome were spoken by the pastor.
At the children's hour, passages of Scripture were repeated
relative to the Church, bv the following boys and girls.
Arthur Wilson. Alfred Hutchings, Wesley Morgan, Georgie
Clark, Julia Wilson, Mabel Turner, Lena Dailey and Minnie
Sergeant. The last one named is a descendant of Rev. Isaac
-Sergeant. Her father. Deacon Isaac Sergeant, has been
Sunday School Superintendent for more than 30 years. There
were many other descendants of those pioneers present.
Miss C. C. Hall spoke of the motto, telling them how to
glorify God, Felix J. S. Kyte told of his boyhood recollec-
tions. He told of his coming, when three years old, in 1832,
on the canal, of his brother Thomas' learning to call out the
warning to those standing, ' B'idge ahead." His account of
the beginnings was listened to with interest
Mr. Jacob Stage, now q6 years old, was present. He re-
members having seen Deacon Ichabod Carmichael, one of the
first members.
Stephen St. John Gardner spoke for his mother, now 84
years young. " If I were 3Q'years younger I would walk
up to Eldred, even in a storm, if I mignt seethe same spirit of
love there now that I saw in those early days."
Mr. Gardner spoke feelingly of his remembrance of those
who used to worship here, picturing them as they sat so that
we could almost see them again as they listened to the word,
sang God's praise and studied the Bible.
Deacon Edward Wilson, in his gentle way, told the chil-
dren, " I was 17 years old when I first went to Sunday School
and learned that verse " God so Loved the World," etc.
Rev. Joseph Kyte told how the people treated the minis-
ter's family. He remembered going to Mr. Covert's, at Glen
Spey, where they were feasted on what the)^_ supposed to be
" roast beef," but found it was " bear meat."
Rev. A. E. Austin spoke of his efforts to teach the little
Indians of Alaska of the love of Jesus.
After a brief intermission spent in looking at pictures of
those who used to be here, the audience listened with interest
to further reminiscences of the years gone by,, telling of the
trials of those who were the pioneers.
At the evening services letters were read from some of the
former pastors and others, regretting their inability to be
present and bidding us God speed in the work.
Miss Beck recited the poem " Our Church." A historical
sketch was read by the pastor. Others who had spoken be-
fore paid further tribute to those fathers and mothers of long
ago. The closing hymn, " Blest be the Tie that Binds " was.
sung and the audience dismissed with the benediction.
Rev. Joseph Kyte preached on the Sabbath. His text was.
Eph. 5 : 25-27, " Christ loved the Church and gave himself
for it. * * * * * that he might present it to him-
self, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any
such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
His sermon was a pointing to incidents in the history of this
church, which " makes links in the chain of God's kindness,
or threads in the weaving of His loving care."
He gave this tribute : " So far back as I can remember this
band of believers, I am proud to say, I never have known
more devout and faithful Christians than they." He closed
with these words from I Kings, 8 ; 57, 58, " God be with
us, as He was with our fathers. Let Him not leave us nor
forsake us, that He may incline our hearts unto Him to walk
in His ways and to keep His commandments, and His statutes
and His judgments."
After the close of the regular service the most tender, lov-
ing and helpful service of all was held. All felt the thrill
of the spiritual uplift. New resolves were made, faith was
strengthened and all felt " It was good to be there. "
The present pastor is a native of Wadhams Mills, N. Y. He was ordained
in 1871, going the same year to Micronesia as a foreign missionary, and re-
turned to this country in 1881. Since that time he has held pastorates at
various places in New York and Vermont, and came here in 1896. As many
of the speakers have said, so I would say : "All! have been able to become
and accomplish I owe under God, to my motheo. who consecrated me in in-
fancy to this work of the Lord."
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