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CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
ROCHESTER, N.Y.
narrativp: of the
EISE, PROGRESS, AND PRESENT CONDITION
OF EACH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION ;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OP
PASTORS, AND OF CLERGYMEN BORN IN
THE CITY;
WITH MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS,
FROM AUGUST, 1815, TO JULY, 1871.
■BUT
Rev. F. DeW. WARD, D.D.,
OF GENESEO, N. Y.
ROCHESTER: ,, , ■ ;
PUBLISHED BY ERASTUS; jDAIXROJV
OSBURN HOUSB BLOCK,
1871.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the j'car 1871, by
ERASTUS DARROW,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at "Washington.
BEPUBLICAN PRESS: J. W. CLEMENT,
CiENESKO, N. T.
PREFACE.
WoKKs BY Eev. F. D£,W. AVard, D. D., of Geneseo, N. Y.
India and the Hindoos. — Puhlislied by Messrs. Scribner
& Co., New York ; now out of print.
Summer YkjAiioN Abroad. — A iourney throudi Britain
France, Italy, Belgium, &c., in 1854; Published by E. Darrow,
Rochester. Price $1.00.
Christian Gift.— A Series of Letters addressed by a Pastor
to young christains ; published by E. Darrow, Rochester, N. Y.—
Price 50 cents.
Eeligious History of Rochester. — A Narrative ot eacb
Religious denomination of the City, fi-om 1815 to 1871. Pub-
lished by E. Darrow, Rochester. Price fl.OO.
(1^" Mailed on receipt of price, by
ERASTUS DARROW,
Rochester, N. Y.
this a most unwelcome ana uunuiuiui cv^x^. ^^ ^ —
been the oft repeated expression that a religious his-
tory of Rochester be written to the glory of our com-
mon Christianity, and as a grateful tribute to those
who, under God, made the place what it is.
The writer of the following work little anticipated
the time and labor that would be required in its prep-
la
REPUHMOAN tress: J. W. CLEMENT,
GENESKO, N. Y.
PREFACE.
For tlie reason that religion is the most important of
all subjects, the ecclesiastical history of any commun-
ity surpasses every other feature in value and true in-
terest.
Rochester fitly attracts much attention by the rapidi-
ty of its growth — there being not a house in 1810
where the population now numbers 70, 000 ; by its emin-
ent position in regard to several articles of produc-
tion, manufacture and commerce ; but especially by
the high character it early secured, and has ever re-
tained, for morality and religion. The founders of
this "city of the wild" brought with them the Bible,
and at once commenced those Sabbath and sanctuary
services (preaching, prayer and sacraments) which had
been their usage at their former homes. Atheism,
Infidelity, Vith fatal religious heresies, have ever found
this a most unwelcome and unfruitful soil. It has
been the oft repeated expression that a religious his-
tory of Rochester be written to the glory of our com-
mon Christianity, and as a grateful tribute to those
who, under God, made the place w^hat it is.
The writer of the following work little anticipated
the time and labor that would be required in its prep-
iv PIlEFACil.
aration. Whatever success lias attended the endeavor
to save from oblivion important annals, and whatever
interest the reader may find in perusing these pages, are
largely due to the gentlemen who have rendered cheer-
ful and abundant assistance. But for such aid the
narratives had been meagre, incorrect and unsatisfac-
tory, whereas there are now, it is believed, but few
mistakes, and the omissions comparatively unimport-
ant. The author presents his sincere thanks to pres-
ent and former citizens — clerical and lay — for their
many letters containing facts which find a place in
these chapters. In the index, credit is given to con-
tributors — the biographical sketches being almost en-
tirely by the author. The three daily papers having
obligingly published a notice many months ago of
such a work in preparation, if any church is omitted,
the fault rests with those who did not furnish informa-
tion. The greatest difficulty has been in the spelling of
proper names, especially those of foreign residents.
Much assistance has been derived from C. C. '^Drew's
admirable Directory for 1871, a copy of which was
loaned by a friendly hand.
The last chapter contains facts and reminiscences in-
teresting to many persons and worthy of historical
preservation.
The printer, Mr. James W. Clement, of Geneseo,
and the publisher, have done their best to render the
volume attractive and acceptable to the reader.
Were the writer to make a formal dedication of his
work, it would be to the Memory of the Founders
OF ClIRISTIATT CHURCHES IN THE VILLAGE AND CITY
OF Rochester.
INDEX.
Preface 3
Presbyterian.
General Introduction 11
First Seth TI. Terry 13
Brick Louis Chapira 25
Third Dr. Hull's Anniversary Sermon 32
Central Messrs. W. Alliog and Geo. W. Parsons 39
Calvary Rev. H. "W. Morris 48
Saint Peter's Kdward A. Raymond 55
Westminster Rev. Henry M. Morey G5
Reformed . Rev. R. D. Sproull 69
First United Rev. James P. Sanicey V 1
Episcopalian.
Saint Luke's Rev. Henry Anstice 76
Saint Paul's Rev. J. V. Vanlngen, D.D. 92
Trinity Rev. C. H. W. Stocking 101
Christ's Rev. Walton W. Battershall 112
Good Shepherd Rev. Fred. W. Raikes IIG
Methodist.
All in one narrative, by Rev. D. W. C. Huntingdon, D.D 119
Baptist.
First Wm. N. Sage 133
Second D. R. Barton 140
German Rev. Earnest Tschirch 144
Congregational.
First Samuel D. Porter 149
Free Church O'Reilly's History 150
Plymouth Erastus Darrow 151
Vi INDEX.
SlKGLE GnURCHES.
Zion's First Evanpolical Lutlieran Rev. F. TonRosenberg 159
German Unite .1 Evangelical Rev. Charles Siebenpfeiffer 158
First German Evangelical Association Rev. Michael Lehn 160
First English Lutheran Rev. Reuben Hill 161
Evangelical Reformed Emaunel Rochester Directory 162
Evangelical Saint Paul's " " 162
First Reformed (Dutch) Rev. P. Bahler 163
First Universalist Rev. George Montgomery 164
First Unitarian D. L. Crittenden 165
Roman Catholic Catholic and City Directories 167
Friends O'Reilly and Directory 169
Jews Directory 170
Second Advent Directory 170
YouxG Me.v and the Ministry 173
Miscellany.
Preferments of Rochester Pastors 176
Long Pastorates l*?'
Desirable Changes of Use 1'?'?
Revivals 1*^8
The Bible n9
Foreign Missions 180
Tracts and Books 180
Sabbath Schools ISO
Temperance 181
Fires 182
Benevolent and Chrisuan luslitutioiis 183
University of Rochester 183
Rochester Theological Seminary 184
Rapid Cliurch Erection 184
l\M of a Steeple 184
Explanations, Errata, and Additions,
Which Rtadars are requested to notice as they peruse the Volume.
It was originally intended to embody in this work biographical sketches of
pioneer citizens who have taken an active and prominent part in organizing
and establishing the various churches. Limited room and difficulty of se-
lection have rendered unadvisable this interesting feature. Such narratives
would form in themselves a valuable and welcome volume. Tiie 1,500 dif-
ferent persons herein named include most of the early christian comers.
Sabbath Schools. — In addition to the statements on page 180, the fol-
lowing, furnished by Louis Chapin, Esq., are of great historic value: "In
1870 Rochester had 50 Protestant Sunday schools, 1,353 teachers, 12,410
scholars, with an average attendance of 8,G74. During that year, 429 per-
sons connected with these Sunday schools, united with the various churches
on profession of their faith."
First Presbyterian. — Add to " Summary," the names of Elders R. M.
Dalzel, E. W. Armstrong, M.D., and John W. Adams. Also, Dr. Penney not
Penny. Glasgow not Glascow, font not fount.
Third Presbyterian. — Died, in Rochester, Sept. 10, 1871, Rev. A. G-.
Hall, D.D , the pastor for thirty-one years of the Third Presbyterian church.
" Servant of Christ— well done—
Keet from thy loved employ."
Saint Peter's, Presbyterian. — A chime of nine bells placed in the tows'"
in 1860, were melted in the fire of 1868, but replaced by a chime of twelve
balls upon rebuilding the structure. Page 59, fourth line from top, for Rev.
Dr. Hall read Rev. W. H. Green, D.D., of Princeton, N. J. Page 01, third
line from bottom, for Chicago read Bridgeport, Conn.
Vlll EXPLANATIONS, ERRATA, AND ADDITIONS.
Sain't Luke's, Episcopal. — Page 83, eighteenth line from top, for "early
decree," read ''academic degree." Wardens in succession — Nathaniel Roch-
ester, 1817-19 ; Samuel L Andrews, '17-20 ; Geo. G. Sill, '20 ; William At-
kinson, '20-22 ; XMastiek, '22-6 ; W, Pitkin, '27-66 ; S. 0, Smith, '28-33 ;
V. Matthews, '34-46 ; N. T. Rochester, '47-58, and '66-63 ; W. Brewster,
1859, and G. H. Perkins from 1869. Vestrymen have been from almost all
the leading members. Ckrl^s of Vednj—R. Babbitt, 1817-21 ; X. T. Roch-
ester, '21-33, and '35-43; H. E. Rochester, '32-33 and '44; E. D. Smith, '34;
T. C. Montgomery, '45-54; F. A. Whittlesey, '55-56 and '62 ; J. A. Eastman,
'57-61 ; P. W. Garfield, '63-64 ; E. A. Frost, '65 ; R. H. Rochester, '65-66 ;
J. P. Humphrey, '66 ; Allen Ayrault, H. L. Churchill, '67-69 ; W. Eastwood,
'70; T. Raines, '71. Treasurers— R. Babbitt, '17-21 ; X. T. Rochester, '22-
32; W. Pitkin, '32-36; F. Whittlesey, '36-39; C. Morse, '39-44; I. M. Fish,
'44; H. Scranton, '45-48 ; A. J. Brackett, '49-54 ; E. Whalen, '55-62 ; A.
Karnes, '62-65 ; E. R. Hammatt, '65 (These were reluctantly left out in
the following narrative for want of space in that position).
First Baptist. — Page 135, for Geo. Davison read Geo. Dawson, and for
Richard M. Scott read Richard M. Xott. Page 138, for Ezra Owen read Ezra
Zeburn. Treasurer, E. T. Oatley. This church has a flourishing out-station
entitled The Rapids Mission chapel, which promises an useful future to the
southern part of the city.
Second Baptist. — In 1870 this church es.ablished a mission and built a
handsome and com.nodious chapel on the corner of East avenue and Anson
Park, at a cost of $1 8,000 ; the lot cost $5,000. It is named Bethlehem Mis-
sion. A Sabbath school of 250 scholars, under the superintendence of Mr.
J. S. Phillips, meet in the chapel on the Sabbath, and a meeting for worship
is held on Tuesday evening.
Aristarchus Champion, Bsq., whose name often appears in the following
pages, died in Rochester on the ISth of September, 1871, at the advanced
age of ninety years. A native of Connecticut, he had made his home in this
place since 1820. lie possessed abundant wealth, which he devoted largely
to the cause of moralitv and religion.
PRESBYTERIAN
GENERAL INTRODUCTION.
In tlie spring of 1813, the population of Rochester
(then a part of the town of Gates), consisted of about
eight or ten families. As late as January of that
year heathen worship was celebrated, and for the
last time, by the Seneca Indians, on the occasion of
their annual feast. This occurred on the spot where
the Erie canal intersects with South Washington
street, at the north-west corner, where the old Bethel
church stood. The public worship of God on the
Sabbath was then first held at the instance of Mrs.
Hamlet Scrantom and Mrs. Wheelock, "women of
faith and prayer," who obtained from Mr. Jeliiel Bar-
nard permission to use the upper story of his tailor
shop on Buffalo street for that purpose. This shop
stood on the north side ot the street, and not far east
from State street, a little west of the present entrance
to the "Arcade." The room for worship was twenty-
two feet long and fourteen wide. Mr. Barnard (who
subsequently married the daughter of Mrs. Scrantom,
and whose marriage was the first one celebrated in
Rochester) and Mr. Warren Brown conducted the
meetings, the exercises of which were extempore
prayer, singing, and reading a sermon.
12 CIIUKCIIES OF KOCIIESTER.
After some montlis tlie Rev. Daniel Brown, a
Baptist minister of Pittsford, and Rev. Reuben Par-
melee, a Presbyterian minister of Victor, came occa-
sionally and preached to the people, who were then
worshipping in the lower room of Mr. Barnard's
building, used also as a school room. From that
time down to August, 1815, there was but one place of
worship for all denominations — first, Mr. Barnard's
shop ; and afterwards, as early as May, 1814, a small
school house (then just built) on the spot where now
etands the Free Academy.
The first movement for separation was made in
August, 1815. This separation was amicable, and
those of different religious tenets assisted each other
afterwards in the building of their original houses of
worship, and in the support of a preached gospel.
FIRST CHURCH.
The Presbytery of Geneva, shortly prior to August
22, 1815, appointed a committee, to meet at Rochester
(then a part of Gates) on the day hast named, to take
into consideration the expediency of forming a church.
The committee consisted of Rev. Daniel Fullar and
Rev. Reuben Parmelee, ministers ; Deacon Samuel
Stone and Deacon Isaac B. Barnum, elders. They
convened on tlie day appointed. Rev. Eleazer Fair-
banks and Rev. Comfort Williams being present, were
invited to sit in council. Rev. Mr. Fullar was chosen
moderator, and Rev. Mr. Parmelee scribe.
"Articles of Faith," fourteen in number ; "Articles
of Practice," twelve in number ; and a "Covenant,"
were submitted and adopted by Oliver Gibbs, Daniel
West, Henry Donelly, Elisha Fily, Warren Brown,
Charles Magne, Aaron Lay, Jane Gibbs, Elizabeth
West, Hannah Donelly, Hannah Ely, Huldah Stod-
dard, Polly Magne, Sarah Lay, Sybil Bickford, Ara-
bella Starks, who, having professed their faith accord-
ing to said articles and entered into said covenant,
were constituted into a regular church of Christ.
Oliver Gibbs aiid Daniel West were chosen elders,
with the designation of deacons ; and Warren Brown
14 CHUECnES OF KOCIIESTER.
and Henry Uonelly were chosen elders. These men
were ordained and set apart to their offices b}^ prayer
and a charge agreeably to the Directory of the Pres-
byterian church. The population of Rochester was
then 331.
Of the original members of the church, one only,
Mrs. Polly Magne, of Baltimore, Md., is now living.
Rev. Comfort Williams was installed as first pastor,
January 17, 1816, in an unfinished store on Carroll
(now State) street ; the ministers officiating being Rev.
Messrs. A. C. Collins, J. Merrill, E. Fitch, D.D., Wm.
Clark, R. Parmelee, J. H. Hotchkin, and F. Pomeroy
— all deceased. Such was the sparseness of the pop-
ulation that a meeting of the church could not be reg-
ularly convened unless "notice had been sent to set-
tlements on the I'idge in Gates and in the east part of
Brighton." After a pastorate of nearly four years,
Mr. Williams resigned, May 11, 1821, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Joseph Penny, who was installed
Aj^ril 3, 1822, holding the position with marked abili-
ty and acceptance till April 16, 1833, when at his own
request the pastorate relation was dissolved.
The records of the church contain the following en-
try : "Note. — Public worship was constantly main-
tained and kept up from the dismission of Rev. Mr.
Williams until the settlement of Mr. Penny. It was
so directed b}'' Divine Providence that there was
preaching every Sabbath during the whole time, ex-
cepting two whole and two half dnys, at which times
service was attended and sermons read. So certain of
having preaching did some individuals feel as not to
have doubts about it when no minister had come so
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTEll. 15
late as Saturday night, and tliougli they had heard of
none that was expected. So careful was a most mer-
ciful Redeemer to take care and feed the little flock,
which was not only seemingly without a teacher, but
encompassed with great difiiculties, dangers and dis-
tresses, both from within and without."
Rev, Try on Edwards was installed pastor July 2,
1834, and was succeeded. May 19, 1845, by Rev. Mal-
■com N. McLaren, D.D., whom ill health compelled to
resign in two years, when Rev. Joshua H, Mcllvaine,
D.D., assumed the pastorate, and was followed (May,
1861) by Rev. Calvin Pease, D.D., whose lamented
death occurred in Vermont, September 17, 1863. The
charge was then assumed by Rev. Caspar M. Wines,
who held the same from May 22, 1866, to July, 1868,
when he removed to the east, and was succeeded by
Rev. J. L, Robertson, the present incumbent, who was
installed the eighth pastor, September 15, 1870, and
who is laboring with much efficiency and success
among an attached people.
The original church edifice — a plain wooden build-
ing standing on piers — was erected on State (then
-Carroll) street, where is now Hamilton's block. To
meet the demands of a rapidly increasing population
and multiplying Sabbath assemblage, a lot was se-
cured in the rear of the court house, where was erect-
ed a stone structure of ample and attractive appear-
ance, which was dedicated to the worship of God
October 28, 1824. A discourse preached upon the
occasion by the pastor. Rev. Joseph Penny, D.D.,
.attracted much attention, and was widely circulated
■over the land. Repeated enlargements and improve-
16 CIIUKCIIES OF ROCHESTER.
ments were made iu the building, until it was so much
injured by a lire that entire reconstruction became an
imperative necessity. Before this occurrence, the
lecture room on the east side of the edifice had been
removed, and one of large size and architectural
beauty erected on the west side. The ground, being
greatly needed for public purposes, was sold to the
city, and a lot has been purchased on the corner of
Plymouth avenue and Spring street, upon which a
new edifice is in course of erection, the corner-stone
having been laid with appropriate services.
The "old First" has a history of rare interest.
Sermons of great power have been preached, and
scenes of surpassing importance have been witnessed,
within its walls. Of many now on earth, and more in
the heavenly world, may it be said, "This and that
man was born there." Never will that spot be forgot-
ten by the many who there made for the first time
public profession of their faith in Jesus ; there received
their first communion ; there brought their children to
the baptismal fount ; and there listened to funeral
discourses commemorating the lost of heart and home.
An historian may not indulge in sentiment, therefore
the writer must refrain from expressing emotions
awakened by what that building has been to him and
his for two score years.
We pass from the building with its deeply interest-
ing associations to notice the
PASTORS OF THE FIRST.
• Rev. Comfort Williams was a native of Wethers-
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTEE. 17
field, Conn. ; graduated at Yale and Andover ; com-
menced his ministry at Ogdensburgli, N. Y., removing
to this (then) village, and took the pastoral charge of
this church January 17, 1816 (the sermon being
preached by Rev. Dr. Fitch, first president of Wil-
liams college, Mass.), being dismissed, at his own re-
quest, May 11, 1821. To be the first religious instruct-
or in a community like this is to occupy a position of
special honor and responsibility. The name of " ' Parson
Williams" lives in but few living memories, for pastor
and people have, with few exceptions, gone to their
eternal rest. A street on the east side of the river
(Comfort street) perpetuates his name and home. A
son, Charles H. Williams, still resides in the city.
Eev. Joseph Penny, D.D., was born in Ireland;,
educated in Dublin and Glascow ; migrated to this
country, accompanied by Rev. John Mulligan, in
1819 ; resided a brief time at Jamaica, L. I.; was in-
stalled pastor of this church April 3, 1822 ; resigned.
April 16, 1833; assumed charge of the First Congre-
gational church of Northampton, Mass., from which
he soon passed to the presidency of Hamilton college,
N. Y., where he remained four years. After a tempo-
rary residence at Nyack, N. Y. , and Grand Rapids,
Mich., Dr. Penny returned to this city, and after years -
of intense suffering from a nervous afi"ection (during
which period his wife and her sister. Miss Sterling,
both died), he "fell asleep in Jesus" March 22, 1860,
and lies entombed on Mount Hope, beside many mem-
bers of his cherished household. Of masculine intel-
lect, large scholastic attainments, commanding pres-
ence, a warm Irish heart, and unusual facility of con-
18 CIIUECHES OF ROCHESTER.
versation, Dr. Penny lias left an ineffaceable impress-
ion uj)on tliis conimunit}^ and region. Whatever
aimed to advance tlie people, intellectually as well as
religiously, received his cordial S3''mpathy and earnest
cooperation. Ilis portrait, purchased by public con-
tribution, graces the Athenaeum, of which valued in-
stitution (under its original title of the "Franklin
Institute") he was a leading projector. When he
assumed the presidency of Hamilton college, gentle-
men of this city became responsible for his salary for
ten 3^ears. His published discourses — eutited "The
House of Mirth," "Address at the Laying of the
Corner-stone of the First Church," "Dedication Dis-
courses," "Fourth of July Oration," and "Instal-
lation of Rev. Messrs. Ward and Cherry as Mission-
aries to India" — are models of thought and expression,
indicating power and cultivation. His early, life-long
and gifted friend, Mr. Mulligan, was for a consider-
able period one of the most popular teachers in western
New York, and at the time of his death, in 1860, was
principal of a large seminary at the metropolis. The
life career of these gifted sons of Erin began, contin-
ued and ended almost simultaneously. "In death
they were not divided."
Rev. Tryon Edwards, D.D., was born in Hartford,
Conn.; graduated at Yale and Princeton, and became
third pastor of the First church July 2, 1834. Resign-
ing in 1844, he removed to New London, Conn. , and min-
istered to a large Congregational society, from which
place he removed to Hagerstown, Md., where he still
resides, holding at the same time the presidency of the
Wilson Female seminary, having been active in its es-
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER. 19
tablisliment and prosperity. Enj oy ing and improving
the advantages of our best seminaries of literature and
tlieology, v^dth a mind v^^ell and successfully trained
to habits of thought and expression, his discourses
(especially a series addressed to young men), coux)led
with courteous manners out of the pulpit, made him
popular while a resident here, and will give him a long
continued place in the memory of those who attended
his ministry and enjoyed his acquaintance during his
ten years pastorate of this church.
Rev. Malcolm N. McLaren, D.D., a native of Al-
ban}^, N. Y. ; graduated at Union and Princeton, and
after ministering in several places, came to Rochester
in 1845 ; after two years pastorate he resigned to as-
sume charge of a Dutch Reformed church at Brooklyn,
which he subsequent^ left and removed to Newburgh,
from whence he came to Caledonia, where he now
ministers to a large and important oommunity.
Wherever located, Dr. McLaren has always com-
manded universal respect for superior qualities, in and
out of the pulpit ; securing attention to the truth by
clear and eloquent exhibition of doctrine and duty,
heightened in effect by marked courtesy of manner,
and a warm heart.
Rev. Joshua II. Mcllvaine, D.D., was born in Del-
aware ; studied at Princeton college and seminary ;
was pastor of a Presbyterian church at Little Falls,
then at Utica (Westminster) ; coming to Rochester
April 23, 1848, where he presided over the First with
great ability till his removal to the chair of Political
Economy and Rhetoric in his alma mater ^ which he
has recently left to become pastor of the High Street
20 ClIUKCIIES OF ROCIIESTEK.
churcli at Newark, N. J. In native talents, studious
investigation, tliorougli scholarship, nervous express-
ion, and pulpit power, Dr. Mcllvaine has few equals
among the thinkers, students, authors and preachers
of the land or age. He is in middle life, and has be-
fore him a hopeful future of honor and usefulness.
Rev. Calvin Pease, D.D., was of New England ori-
gin, his parents being of Puritan faith, tradition and
habits. The place of his birth was Canaan, Conn.,
and his scholastic graduation at the University of
Vermont, of which institution he subsequently became
professor and president. In May, 1861, he was in-
stalled pastor of this church, holding the position
with increasing popularity and enlarging usefulness
until his lamented death, when on a visit to Burling-
ton, on the 17th of September, 1863. Says an intimate
acquaintance, "In him, as I think, Vermont has lost
her ablest man, one who combined the highest, most
exact and critical scholarship, the most liberal and
far-reaching views, the greatest practical ability with
an intuitive perception of the characteristic qualities
of men he came in contact with." These traits were
happily illustrated during his brief but memorable
pastorate here. A committee was sent to represent
the church at the funeral, and testimonials of affection
were presented to the widow and her family. The
death of Dr. Pease was no common affliction, and his
returnless absence no common loss to this city and
region.
Rev. Caspar Maurice Wines, son of E. C. Wines,
D.D., widely and favorably known in connection with
prison reform, was born in Philadelphia, educated at
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 21
Washington College, Pennsylvania, and Princeton
Theological Seminary. After temporary ministrations
in Jersey City and Newburgh, he became pastor of
the First church March 22, 1866, which position he
held for two years with much ability. He has since
preached to congregations at Brookline, Mass., and is
now pastor of a church in Hartford, Conn.
Rev, James L. Robertson was born at Steubenville,
Ohio, of Scotch parents ;' pursued his classical studies
at Northwood, Ohio (Ref. Pres. Coll., now extinct),
and theological in Allegheny, Pa. Having been li-
censed by the Presbytery of Steubenville, he was
ordained and installed pastor of the United Pres-
byterian church of Geneva, N. Y., from which he
passed to the pastoral charge of the Second Presbyte-
rian church of Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to the
First Presbyterian church of Rochester, over which
he was installed pastor December 7, 1870.
ELDERS AND DEACONS.
The following have been elected and ordained elders
of the church. The dates of their ordination are
given :
August 22, 1815— Oliver Gibbs, Daniel West, Warren
Brown, Henry Donnelly.
July 7, 1816— Azel Ensworth.
August 4, 1822 — Jacob Gould, Levi Ward, Jr.
July 18, 1824— Russell Green, Moses Chapin, Sal-
mon Scofield.
January 27, 1828— Charles J. Hill, Frederick Starr.
April 21, 1833 — Ashley Sampson, James K. Living-
ston.
22 CHURCHES OF KOCIIESTEK.
April 29, 1839— Cliaiies W. Dundas, Marcus Holmes.
August 2, 184G— Robert M. Dalzell, Eben N. Buell.
June 10, 1849 — Edward AV. Armstrong, Charles
Cliurcli, Thomas Kempsliall.
May 20, 1855— John W. Adams, James S. Tryon,
George Button.
February 25, 1863— Oliver M. Benedict, Seth H.
Terry.
January 8, 1871— William Burke, Seth H. Terry,
Charles J. Hayden, Oscar Craig.
Of the above there are still living, Mr. Hill, who is
now a member of Plymouth Congregation churcli in
this city ; Mr. Livingston, who lives at Newark, N. J. ;
Mr. Dundas, at Baltimore, Md.; Mr. Tryon, at Hart-
ford, Conn.; Mr. Buell, in Rochester ; besides Messrs.
Dalzell, Armstrong, Adams, Benedict, Terry, Burke,
Hayden, and Craig, who are the present acting elders.
Mr. Craig is clerk of the session.
The following have been elected and ordained Dea-
cons of the church :
August 22, 1815— Oliver Gibbs, Daniel West.
August 4, 1822 — Levi Ward, Jr.
February 2, 1859— John G. Dabney, William Burke.
January 8, 1871— John T. Fox, James F. Baker.
THE SABBATH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS
Have been, from 1817 to 1826, inclusive, Messrs.
Elisha Ely, Everard Peck, David W. Allen, John H.
Thompson, Ashley Sampson, and Josiah Bissell, Jr.
1827 to 1829— Charles J. Hill.
1829 to 1831— Ashley Sampson.
CIIUECIIES OF EOCHESTER. 23
1831 to 1833— Charles J. Hill.
1834 to 1336— Walter S. Griffith.
1837 to 1852— L. A. Ward.
1852 to 1856— John N. Pomeroy.
1856 to 1858— John W. Adams.
1858 to 1862— Rev. J. II. Mcllvaine, D.D.
1862 to 1868—0. M. Benedict.
1868 to present time — George C. Buell.
MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES FROM THIS CHURCH„
Jonathan S. Green, S. Islands.
F. DeW. Ward, D.D., India; Geneseo.
Henry Cherry, India ; Sonth.
T. Dwight Hunt, S. Islands ; California.
James Ballantine, Rochester.
L. Merrill Miller, D.D., Ogdensburgh.
Henry E. Peck, deceased.
Charles G. Lee, deceased.
Frederick M. Starr, deceased.
Everard Kempshall, D.D., Elizabeth, N". J.
William N. McCoon.
Charles R. Clarke, San Diego.
Henry B. Chapin, Ph. D., New York City.
Robert Proctor.
George Button, deceased.
M. L. R. P. Hill, Gloversville, N. Y.
G. Parsons Nichols, Milwaukee.
Henry A. DeForest, M.I)., Syria, deceased.
Mrs. DeForest, Syria.
Mrs. Delia Stone Bishop, S. Islands.
Mrs. Maria Ward Chapin Smith, Syria, deceased..
:24 ciiuiiciiES OF rociiestek.
Pastor — Rev. James L. Robertson.
Elders— Oliyt^vU. Benedict Setlill. Terry, AVilliam
Burke, Charles J. Hayden, and Oscar Craig (clerk of
^ session).
Deacons — Joshua T. Fox and James Baker.
Sabbath School Superintendent— George C. Buell.
Sabbath School Pup Us —'•21^.
■• Communicants — 475.
SECOND (OR BRICK) CHURCH.
This Society was organized November 18th, 1825,
with twenty-five members, of whom three only are now
living, viz: Anrelia Gorsline (still a communicant),
Derick Sibley (residing at Cincinnati, Ohio), and
Seth Case (at Glenbula, Wisconsin). The first place
of worship was a frame building on the west side of
(Carroll, now) State street. A brick structure on the
corner of Fitzhugh and (Ann, now) Allen streets was
completed in 1828, which was used till April 1st, 1860,
when it was closed with appropriate and impressive
exercises, its place being taken by the jDresent commo-
dious edifice, which was dedicated June 30th, 1861 ;
the sermon being preached by Rev. Samuel Fisher,
D.D., then President of Hamilton College.
The corporate name of xhe church was changed
November 10, 18H3, from the "Second" to the "Brick*
Presbyterian Church in Rochester," and so reported
to Presbytery February, 1834.
A Sunday School was organized at an early period,
but no records are to be found prior to 1827, at which
time there were seven teachers and thirty-nine scholars
with a library of eight bound volumes and a few tracts.
In August, 1844, when the Washington street (now
26 cnuRCiiES OF Rochester.
the Central) church needed and asked help, fifteen:
valuable members of the Brick, mostly with families,
responded to the call and joined them. Upon the or-
ganization of the Plymouth (Congregational) church,
in 1855, thirteen communicants went there.
This church has been blessed with frequent revi-
vals, which added to its membership, between 1826 and
1870, two thousand two hundred and thirty-one upon
profession of their faith. The largest additions were
in 1831, 100 ; 1832, 208 ; 1834, 200 ; 1843, 118 ; 1844,
83 ; 1837, 111 ; 1861, 68 ; 1864, 67; 1862, 207 ; 1869, 74.
A memorial chapel is now erecting by members of
this parish on the corner of Hudson and Wilson streets,
at an outlay of $10,000 or more.
PASTORS.
The first pastor, Rev. William James, D.D., was
born at Albany, IST. Y., in 1807 ; graduated at Prince-
ton, N J., college and Theological seminary; preached
for a brief time at Clarkson, IS'. Y. ; assumed the pas-
torate of the Brick church, April, 1826, and resigned
in 1830 ; became for a few months pastor of the Third
Presbyterian church of Albany, N. Y., and, after a
protracted illness, died in his native city on the 15th
of February, 1868. Among his last utterances were
these : " It is all j oy — j oy — j oy ! " " My faith is per-
fect, is perfect." "The other side is all sunshine." "I
am ready to shout at the vision of the exceeding glo-
ry." "Nothing is so precious to me as that Christ
died for us." For richness of thought, and power of
expression, and eloquence of utterance. Dr. James has
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 27
had few equals among the pulpit orators of the land.
His published discourses, entitled the "Debt of nations
to Christianity" and "The Moral responsibility of the
American nation," were delivered in this city, and are
well entitled to preservation in print.
During the year following the resignation of Dr.
James the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Daniel N. ( y
Merrit, and Rev. F. DeW. Ward, then under appoint-
ment as a missionary to India.
The second pastor. Rev. Wm. Wisner, D.D., was
born at Warwick, N. Y., commenced the practice of
law, and, after a course of private instruction, was
licensed to preach the Gospel. His first pastorate
was at Ithaca, N. Y., which he left to take charge of
the Brick church in this city. Arriving here in 1831,
he remained four years, when he went to St. Louis,
but soon returned to his early home in Ithaca, and
closed a long, honored and useful life at Cedar Rap-
ids, Iowa, January 7, 1861. During his pastorate of
this church, a debt of $14,000 was paid ; the edifice
underwent extensive repairs ; the membership largely
increased, his able and faithful ministrations being
crowned with abundant success. Dr. Wisner and his
son, Dr. W. C. Wisner, of Lockport, have both been
Moderators of General Assembly.
The third pastor was Rev. George Beecher, son of
the late Rev. Lyman Beecher, D.D., who was installed
June 28, 1838, and resigned October 6, 1840. He then
removed to Chilicothe, Ohio, where he accidentally
shot himself, July 1, 1843. His memoirs have been
written by his sister.
Fourth in the pastorate of this church is the present
28 CHURCHES OF EOCIIESTER.
incumbent. Rev, James Boylen Shaw, D.D, Born in
New York city, lie became a member of the Brick
church (now on Murray Hill). He was one of the first
children upon whose head the venerable Dr. Spring
laid his hands in baptism. Upon completing a class-
ical education in his native city, and theological at
Auburn, he became pastor of the Presbyterian church
at Attica, from whence he removed to this city in De-
cember, 1840. For thirty-one years has Dr. Shaw pros-
ecuted his ministry here with a fidelity and success
seldom equalled. He has seen results of his labors far
beyond what is usually permitted to the most favored.
He was Moderator of the Greneral Assembly in 1865,
at Brooklyn, having been elected by acclamation.
THE RULING ELDERS
Of this church have been, Messrs. Timothy L. Ba-
con, Linus Stevens, Silas Hawley (1825), Worthington
Wright, Benjamin Campbell (1827), Enos Pomeroy
(1832), Orlando Hastings, David Dickey, John H.
Thompson (1833), James Seymour, Jacob M. Sclier-
merhorn, Harvey Pratt (1838), Jeremiah Hildreth,
Samuel W. Lee, H. C. Fenn, Edwin Scrantom (1846),
Louis Chapin, Richard Gorsline, J. W. Hatch, Edwin
T. Huntingdon, Truman A. Newton, and Jacob Howe
(1859). Of these officers eleven are deceased, four re-
signed, and seven now acting.
THE DEACONS
Have been Messrs. Abner Hubbard, Phineas B.
CHURCnES OF ROCHESTER. 29
Cook, Charles W. Dundas (1833), Edward Bardwell,
David O. Porter, Jolin T. Fox, and Charles J. Hayden,
of whom one is deceased, four dismissed by letter, and
two acting.
TILE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Has always been an important adjunct and coopera-
tive Agency of this church. The superintendents have
been Messrs. Jonathan Brown (1827), John H. Thomp-
son (^?(je?i^^-i^7iree ?/mr5), Alex. J. Burr (183S), Samuel
W. Lee (1840), Nelson Hall (1842-3), Louis Chapin
(1847, '65-6), Richard Dibble (1849), James F. Conk-
lin (1850), Edwin T. Huntington (1854-8), Truman A.
Newton (1862-4), Jesse W. Hatch (1867), and Elisha
M. Carpenter (1868-9-70).
During the last forty-three years there have been
received into the church from the Sabbath school, up-
on profession of their faith, one hundred and hoeniy-
four teachers, and one thousand and sixty -five
scholars.
MEMBERS OF THE BRICK WHO HAVE ENTERED THE
MINISTRY.
Kev. David C. Ames.
Rev. Horace H. Allen, Oneonta, N. Y.
Rev. Charles R. Burdick, Joilet, HI.
Rev. Lemuel Clark.
Rev. Philo G. Cook, Buffalo, N. Y.
Rev. Darwin Chichester, Hammondsport, N. Y.
Rev. Nathan Chapin, La Crosse, Wis.
Rev. Elisha M. Carpenter, New York city.
30 CHURCHES OF KOCIIESTER.
Rev. Hiram W. Congdon.
Rev. David Dickey, Bethel Society, Rochester.
Rev. W. Evarts.
Rev. Corlis B. Gardner, Cuba, N. Y.
Rev. T. Dwiglit Hunt, Niles, Michigan.
Rev. Aug. F. Hall, died at Webster, N. Y.
Rev. Parsons C. Hastings, Brooklyn (a merchant).
Rev. Gavin L. Hamilton, Rochester.
Rev. Alvan Ingersoll, died at Rochester, 1863.
Rev. Thomas H. Johnson, Rehoboth, Mass.
Rev. Jonathan Ketchum.
Rev. Amos D. McCo}^
Rev. David Millard.
Rev. George W. Mackie, Chicago, 111.
Rev. Enoch K. Miller, Texas.
Rev. Henry T. Miller.
Rev. James S. Pierpont, San Francisco, Cal.
Rev. James H. Phelps, Flushing, Mich.
Rev. David H. Palmer, Prattsburg, N. Y.
Rev. John Spink, Methodist.
Rev. Augustus C. Shaw (son of the pastor), Fulton,
N. Y.
Rev. Edwin S. Wright, D.D., Fredonia, N. Y.
Rev. Ansley D. White, Clinton, 111.
Rev. AVorthington Wright.
SUMMA7^.7, JULY A fS7/.
Pastor. — Rev. James Boylen Shaw, D.D.
Elders — Messrs. David Dickey, Harvey C. Fenn.
Edwin Scrantom, Louis Chapin, Jesse W. Hatch,
Edwin T. Huntington, and Truman A. Newton.
THE EEV. JAMES BOYLAN SHAW
The Rev. James Boylan Shaw of Rochester, N.
Y., died yesterday, after an iUness of two
months, aged eighty-two years. He was a native Qt
of this city, but came of sturdy Scotch-Irish
ancestrv. He was licensed to Preach in Febru-
Beacons—Meaavs. Edward Bardwell and David O.
Porter.
S. S. Superintendent— Edwin T. Huntington.
Teachers— 12. Scholars— S22,
OhurcJi CommimicaMts—12Q(d.
.MEMORIAL CHAPEL.
This recent erection, located on the north-east corner
of Hudson and Nelson streets, derived its name from
the fact that members of the Brick church contributed
their proportion of the monies donated by them dur-
ing the memorial years of 1889 and 1870, to this their
colony. Commenced as a Sabbath school held in a
public school house number eighteen, it has become
a separate body, under the Rev. Gavin L. Ham-
ilton, who had ministered for a period at Pittsford,
and who, on the first of January, 1871, took hold
of this enterprise with an earnestness, ensuring
under God, large results for good in a locality
needing the labors of a faithful pastor and working
church. May the child be \vorthy of the parent.
More can hardly be ask(! ary, 1832, and Ms first charge was at Pompey*
Hill, Onondaga County. He subsequently
preached at Attica and Dunkirk, and was called
EKE AT A IX ' to the Brick Church in Rochester while attend-
ing a convention there. He was formally in-
Pflo-fi 9''. Pl.^vpnfli Hmo fr^rr, ), stalled as pastor Fcb. 16, 1841.
fage Zo, eleventh liue from b.. since then his history has been a part of that
Samuel W Fisher ^^ *^® *'i*y ^^ Rochester. What he has made ol
the Brick Church everybody knows. It has now
1,400 members, and a few years ago was consid-
ered the thli-d largest Presbyterian church in
the country. In 1865 Mr. Shaw was Moderator
of the General Assembly, and he went across the
ocean in 1873 as a representative of the Presby-
terian Church of the United States to the Estab-
lished Church of Scotland.
Dr. Shaw possessed in a large degree that in-
definable something that goes under the name of
Personal magnetism. He attracted men toward
im. This tact, in connection with his simple,
unaffected piety, his talents as a preacher, auq
his native shrewdness of character, combined
with great modesty, led to liis success as a cler-
Page 25, eighth line from bottou
in Rochester.
Page 27, fourteenth line from be
Page 28, eighth hne from botton
gyman.
THIRD CHURCH.
In December, 1826, a religions society was incorpo-
rated on the east side of the river (then called
Brighton), which ultimately became the " Third Pres-
byterian church of Rochester." The first place of
worship was a school house on the corner of Mortimer
and Clinton streets. This being too strait for the con-
gregation, a building was erected on the same street,
size 24 by 60, the timber standing in its native forest
on Monday and services held on the next Lord's day.
As if to add to the celebrity of this structure, within
its walls originated the plan, which was afterwards
adopted by the American Bible society, of supplying
every destitute family in the land with a copy of the
word of God ; and also that honest but abortive effort
to prevent by law of Congress the transportation of
the mail and to close all post-offices on the Sabbath,
coupled with the establishment of a Sabbath-keeping
line'of boats on the canal, and a pioneer line of coaches
on the road. These all had their origin in the heart of
that man of christian earnestness and energy, Josiah
Bissell, Jr., first elder of this church.
On the 28th of February, 1827, a formal organization
was perfected by the enrollment of nineteen persons
CHUECHES OF ROCHESTEE. 33
with letters from the First and Brick Presbyterian
churches. Messrs, Salmon Scofield and Josiah Bis-
sell, Jr., were elected elders — both long deceased, as.
are all the other founders.
This temporary but honored place of worship ere
long yielded to one more commodious, substantial and
attractive, on the corner of Main and North Clinton
streets. But in so doing a debt was contracted which
resulted in the selling of the property to the Second
Baptist society at a nominal amount of $7000. The
first pastor. Rev. (now Dr.) Joel Parker, having ac-
cepted a call to New York city. Rev. Charles G. Fin-
ney preached for six months, beginning early in Sep-
tember, 1830, with abundant results in addition to
membership and strength. In May, 1831, Rev. Luke
Lyons was called to the pastorate, but remained a
short time, when he and a large number withdrew and
organized a Free Church on the corner of Court and
Stone streets. After the dismission of Mr. Lyons^
Rev. Mr. (now Dr.) W. C. Wisner, of Lockport, was
called to the pastorate, but left after a brief service.
Then came a period of depression threatening the very
life of the organization. „A few remained firm and
hopeful. These held occasional service in the old
Methodist church on St. Paul street, south of the
present theatre, and in the Scotch church on the cor-
ner of Stillson and Main streets, waiting the indica-
tion of the Divine will. It was in the year 1834 that
Rev. William Mack, then on his way to Canada, ac-
cepted an invitation to pass a few Sabbaths here,,
which resulted in liis assuming the pastorate, the place
of worship being the upper room of the old Higli
34 CnURCIIES OF ROCHESTER.
School house, which then stood on the site now occupied
by the present imposing church edifice. For five years
(February, 1835, to June, 1839), Mr. Mack ministered
with much ability and usefulness, when he resigned,
and now resides in Columbia, Tennessee. The con-
gregation then erected a small stone structure on the
south side of Main street, which was subsequently
enlarged and beautified, but was finally destroyed by
fire in the autumn of 1858. On the first Sabbath of
February, 1840, Eev. (now Dr.) Albert G. Hall com-
menced his labors, which have extended to the present
time, and during whose ministry about nine hundred
have been added to the church, one-half or more upon
profession of their faith. The Sabbath school has been
a nursery indeed, fifteen preachers of the Gospel hav-
ing gone from it, through the church, into the minis-
try, twelve of whom are now living and three are
deceased ; one was a foreign missionary.
The present edifice, after plans by Upjohn, of New
York, was erected in the year 1859, at an expense of
about $38,000. The nineteen persons constituting the
membership in 1826 have arisen to four hundred, with
two hundred and fifty in the Sabbath school, and other
elements indicating prosperity. In his "Twenty-fifth
Anniversary Sermon," delivered January 29, 1865,
the pastor speaks of losses by death of such persons
as Messrs. JosialiBissell,Jr.,George A. HoUister, Selah
Matthews, amodel elder, "Father" Albee. J.W.Smith,
M.D., " the beloved j)hysician" ; Abijah Gould, Piatt
Starr, father of Hon. Frederick Starr ; David Scoville,
""Father" Eli Stillson, Asahel Fitch, Joseph Combs,
Dr. Moses Long, U. G. Squier, Munn Morgan, John S.
CHURCHES OF llOCHESTEE. 35
Allen, James Hair, Alviii S. French, Virgil Chitten-
den, William Cogswell, John C. Merrill, George Clark,
Deacon Isaac Hobbie, Mr. Crittenden, Mr, Granger,
Anson House, Rev. Charles Ray, for many years a
missionary in India, and father of Rev. Charles Ray
of Wyoming ; Hon. W. C. Bloss, with many wives,
mothers and sisters, who. having finished the work
given them to do have ascended to their heavenly
home. "Their works do follow them, and their mem-
ory is blessed."
This church has recently sustained no ordinary loss
in the death of Mr. Emmet H. Hollister, son of one of
the founders.
PASTORS.
Rev. Joel Parker, D.D., was born in Bethel, Vt., in
1799 ; studied at Hamilton college and Auburn sem-
inary ; accepted a call as first pastor of the Third
church of Rochester, upon a salary of "a half of
brother Josiah Bissell's biscuit, as long as he had
one," or more financially expressed, $130 for the first
six months, and $800 per annum afterwards. After a
two years' pastorate, he was induced, after much so-
licitation, to remove to New York and commence
a new enterprise in that city. Having labored there
with great energy and success for four years, he went
to New Orleans as pastor of the First Presbyterian
church of that southern metropolis, but returned to
JSTew York and assumed charge of the Broadway
Tabernacle in 1838, during which time he acted as
president of the Union Theological seminary, then re-
36 CHUROHES OF ROCHESTER.
cently established. In 1842 lie removed to Philadel-
phia, Pa., as pastor of the Clinton street church, and
back to New York, as successor of the Rev. Dr. Erskine
Mason, on Bleecker street, in 1842. The year 1862
found him pastor of the Park street church of Newark,
which ill health compelled him to resign, but in which
city he now resides. Few ministers of Christ spent
thirty-five years of more abundant labor and ample
success and large repute than did Dr. Parker between
1827 and 1862, He will long live in the esteem and
gratitude of many hearts.
Rev. Luke Lyons came to the "village" from Court-
land, in 1831, remaining for a few months in charge of
the Third, and then of a new organization on Court
street, till about 1845, when he went to Illinois, and
died.
Rev. William Mack, D.D., came to this city from
the seminary at Princeton ; served the church with
ability for two years, and went south, where he now
resides, in Columbia, Tenn.
Rev. William Carpenter Wisner, D.D,, is a native
of Elmira, N, Y,, and a graduate of Union college.
He studied theology with liis father, William AVisner,
D.D., for many years pastor of the Presbyterian
church at Ithaca, and for a time of the Brick church
of this city. He took charge of the Third church in
1832, but resigned in two years, on account of ill
health, and has since ministered to the First church of
Lockport. It was during Dr. AVisner's pastorate here
that the cholera prevailed in the city with such sad
results. The illness of Drs. Penny and Wisner, Sr.,
threw upon the young pastor an amount of labor and
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER. 37
care beyond the endnrance of one not of sturdiest
frame. Dr. Wisner often preaches in the city, and
always with acceptance and usefulness.
Rev. Albert Gallatin Hall, D.D., was born in White-
hall, Washington county, N". Y. ; after coming to this
city, became a member of the Third Presbyterian
churcli ; pursued his classical studies principally in
private, with a brief term at the collegiate institution,
and his theological at home after his day' s labor as
printer and editor of a weekly journal, in support of
his family ; was licensed to preach July 1, 1835 ; min-
istered to a church in Penfield, N. Y. ; became pastor
of the Third in February, 1840, which position he still
holds with rare ability, universal esteem, and power-
ful influence for good in his parish and region. A
character formed under circumstances like those re-
ferred to must be of a nature to make itself felt. Dr.
Hall is no ordinary man in thought and power.
S. S. SUPERINTENDENTS.
The superintendents of the Sabbath school have
been, Josiah Bissell, Jr., Salmon Scofield, Albert G.
Hall (now pastor), Joseph B. Bloss, Samuel W. Lee,
Selah Matthews, Jonathan Copeland (now Rev.), John
G. Parker, William Shepherd, C. C. Colt, George A.
Hollister, Joseph D. Husbands, John Graves, Ira
Belden, Charles Ray (now Rev.) William T. Cushing,
William J. Armitage, Emmet H. Hollister, Jesse
Shepherd, David H. Little, and Manly D. Rowley. •
38 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH WHO HAVE ENTERED
THE MINISTRY.
Rev. Albert G. Hall, D.D., now in the tliirty-first
year of his pastorate.
Rev. Hezekiah Pierrepont, in Rochester.
Rev. Richard DeForest, in Rochester
Rev. T. Reaves Chipman, deceased.
Rev. Samuel M. Bayliss, Darlington, Md.
Rev. Jonathan Copeland.
Rev. Charles Ray, Wyoming, N. Y.
Rev. Gavin Longmuir.
Rev. Charles W. Wood, Oakfield, N. Y.
Pastor— Hey. Albert G. Hall, D.D.
Elders — Messrs. Nathaniel Hay ward, William Shep-
herd, Thomas B. Husbands, Ira Cook, John Voorhees,
Joseph Harris, William F. Cogswell.
Deacons — Messrs. James Young, Storrs Hayward,
John Evershed.
Trustees — W. J. Armitage, Edward Harris, W. G.
Watson, D. P. Allen, B, P. Robinson, M. D. Rowley,
A. Reynolds, J. G. Luitwiler, Peter Schenck.
>S'. >S^. Superintendent — M. D. Rowley.
S. S. Scholars — 250.
Communicants — 400.
CENTRAL CHURCH.
In March, 1836, several members of the First Pres-
byterian church met to discuss the expediency of es-
tablishing another evangelical church within the limits
of the city. After much prayer and consultation, it
was unanimously resolved, ' ' That the present circum-
stances of Rochester call for the establishment of
another church within its limits."
The distinguishing characteristics of this new enter-
prise were declared to be: 1st. It was to be a mis-
sionary church, established upon principles of high
christian consecration and devotedness. 2d. A free
church, embracing a Bethel interest. 3d. Open for
free discussion on all subjects of morals, etc., such as
temperance, slavery, etc. 4th. Its secular as well as
its religious affairs to be in the hands of the church
exclusively.
In August, 1836, thirty-nine persons, members of the
First church, were organized by the Presbytery of
Rochester, under the name of the "Bethel Presbyterian
church of Rochester." Their names were Michael B.
Bateham, Preston, Eunice, Henry F., William P. and
Elvira JST. Smith, Joseph Parley, Theodore B. and
Julia M. Hamilton, Joseph, Nancy and Newell A,
40 CIITmCHES OF EOQIIESTEK.
Stone, Mary Jane Porter, Thomas Adams, William S.
Bishop, George A. and Frances Aver}^, Richard P.
and Mary P. AVilkins, Spencer Davis, Ebenezer and
Polly Knapp, AppoUos Luce, Aurelia S. Adams,
Mary M. Cook, Eliza Davis, John F. Bush, John
Biden, Jr., Walter S., Henry D. and Elizabeth S.
Griffith, William and Lydia Cook, Josiah and Mary
Newell, John and Louisa Stitt, Lydia and Fanny E.
Hatch. Of these original thirty-nine founders, fif-
teen are still living, seven are residents of the city, and
and three are in communion with the church, viz:
Henry F. and Elvira N. Smith and Joseph Stone.
The first bench of elders were Messrs. George A.
Avery (deceased), Walter S. Griffith (of Brooklyn),
and Preston Smith (deceased).
A substantial stone edifice was erected, during the
fall and winter, on Washington street, adjacent to the
Erie canal, costing $15,000.
The Rev. George S. Boardman was installed as first
pastor October 19, 1837, and resigned July, 1842. His
pastoral and Sabbath school labors were so greatly
blessed of God that the little band became two hun-
dred and fifty strong. In February, 1842, Rev. Charles
G. Finney, of Oberlin, Ohio, assisted the pastor in a
■series of meetings, which resulted in the hopeful con-
Tersion of three hundred and fifty persons, many of
whom ranked as our most infiuention citizens. These
united with the following churches : St. Luke' s.
Episcopal, 75 ; First Presbyterian, 24 ; Brick, Pres-
byterian, 89 ; Third Presbyterian, 20 ; Washington
street, Presbyterian, 16 ; First Baptist, 12 ; Methodist,
two churches, 115.
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTEPw. 41
In 1841 the name of the churcli was changed from
Bethel Free church to that of the Washington street
church.
In March, 1843, the church withdrew from the Pres-
bytery and became independent, so continuing till
1844, when it resumed its former ecclesiastical position.
Between July, 1842, and Februar}^, 1845, the church
being without a pastor, the pulpit was supplied by
Rev. John T. Avery, Rev. Bassett, Rev. Gr. H. R.
Shumway, Rev. Fred. W. Graves, and Rev. Parsons
C. Hastings. This was a period of declension, and
the membership sank to two hundred and three mem-
bers, of whom fifty were non-residents.
During August, 1844, a colony, consisting of ten
heads of families with their households, responded to
the Macedonian cry, and with noble generosity leit
the Brick church to join this ; thus adding greatly to
our working material, especially in the Sabbath school.
The Rev. Milo J. Hickok, D.D., was installed as
second pastor, February 25, 1845, resigning March 15,
1854. These were years of growth and general pros-
perity. The early missionary spirit was revived and
much strengthened by an admirable course oi ad-
dresses delivered by the pastor, assisted by maps,
some of which were prepared by his own hands. This
had much to do with sending two female missionaries
to foreign lands.
Rev. Frank F. Ellinwood, D.D., was installed as
third pastor January 9, 1855, resigning January 24,
1866, mach to the regret of the people^ who voted him
$100 per month for a year. Ill health was the sole but.
imperative cause.
42 CHLTKCIIES OF IIOCIIESTER.
• The congregation continni d to worship on Wash-
ington street till the compk'tion of tlieir new and com-
modious edihce on Sophia street, which was dedicated
April 8, 1858. This was a marked event in the history
of the church, not only on account of the change of
name from Washington street church to Central Pres-
byterian church, but more by the evident blessing of
God, in things temporal and spiritual, from year to
year. Several revivals occuiTed, the most abundant
in results being under the labors of Rev. E. P. Ham-
mond, when large accessions were made, especially
from the youth.
Rev. Samuel M. Campbil!, D.D., the fourth pastor
and present incumbent, was installed June 14, 1866.
A vigorous mission Sabb.itli school, p anted and
sustained by this church for more than ten years, on
West avenue, was, on the lith of April, 1868, setoff
as a separate organization, under the title of the West-
minster church of Rochester, with eighty-two mem-
bers, all of whom were I'roiu the parent body.
In the year 1869 anothei- mission school was estab-
lished on Lake avenue, which has now about two
hundred scholars, with a hopeful future, under the
efficient superintendence of ^Nfr. William A. Hubbard,
•an elder of the church, aided by a corps of teachers
of great earnestness and devotion.
PAfiTORS.
• Rev. George Smith Boardman, D.D., is a native of
■Albany, N. Y., and a gradiiate of Union college and
of Princeton seminary. Having spent sixteen years
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTEK. 43
as pastor of the First churcli in Watertown, N. Y., he
removed to Rochester in 1837, and became pastor of
the Central till 1842. when he resigned and assumed a
pastorate at Cherry Valley, and then at Cazenovia.
Ill health has required a relinquishment of a pastor-
ate, though still preaching with frequency, supplying
the church at Ogdensburgji during the absence in
Europe of their pastor, Dr. L. M. Miller.
Rev. Milo Judson Hickok, D.D., was born at New
Haven, Vt. ; graduated at Middlebury college and
Union seminary, N. Y. ; came to Rochester in 1845,
where he labored with great energy for nine years, and
then went to Scranton, Pa., where he was pastor for
fourteen years, when a stroke of paralysis disabled
him for further public work, and he is spending his
last days at Marietta, Ohio.
Rev. Frank Field Ellinwood, D.D., was born in
Clinton, N. Y. ; studied at Hamilton college and at
both Auburn and Princeton seminaries ; was settled
at Belvidere, N. Y., from whence he came to Roches-
ter in November, 1854, where he remained till 1865,
when ill health compelled him to leave a devoted
people, among whom he had labored with great ac-
ceptance and success for eleven years. Returning
from a long tour abroad, he assumed the secretaryship
of the Church Erection committee, which he held till
the re-union. He had charge of the $5,000,000 memo-
rial fund, upon completing which he became co-secre-
tary of the Board of Foreign Missions, having declined
a professorship in the Theological seminary at Pitts-
burgh, to which he had been elected.
Rev. Samuel M. Campbell, D.D., was born in Camp-
44 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
belltown, Steuben county, N.Y. ; pursued his classical
studies privately, and liis theological at Auburn. His
first ministerial charge was at Parr's Hill ; his second
(a year), at Dansville ; his third, at Utica (Westmin-
ster), from whence he came to Rochester, March 1,
1866.
ELt)ERS.
George A. Avery, Walter S. Griffith, Preston Smith
(deceased), ordained 1836 ; Philip Thurber, 1838 ; Cal-
vin H. Hamilton (deceased), William S. Bishop (de-
ceased), 18-41; Charles Freeman (deceised), 1844;
William Ailing, L3'man Cook, 1845 ; John G. Dabney
(deceased), Solon C. Avery (deceased), Orlando Hast-
ings (deceased), 1848 ; Frederick Starr (deceased), 184.5;
John N. Harder, 1856 ; Steuben S. Forbes, 1865 ; Elias
Child, George W. Parsons, Henry Churchill, 186i);
Frederick W. Dewey, William A. Hubbard, David A.
Baldwin, M.D., and Lewis A. Ailing, 1865.
Whole number of persons admitted to this church
since its formation in 1836, 1775 ; of this number, 811
were upon profession of their faith (631 from the Sab-
bath school), and 964 by letter.
MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES FROM THIS CHURCH.
Rev. C. W. Torrey.
Rev. Frederick J. Jackson, at Tarrytown, N. Y.
Rev. Diliis D. Hamilton, at Pompeii, Mich.
Rev. George S. Bishop, at Newburgh, N. Y.
Rev. Willis C. Gaylord, at Ossian, N. Y.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 45
Miss Fanny M. Nelson (Mrs. S. McKinney), South.
Africa.
Miss Isabella J. Atwater (Mrs. M. White), China.
Miss Hattie Seymor, East Turkey.
Miss Carrie E. Bush (daughter of Rev. Charles P.
Bush, D.D.), East Turkey.
SABBATH SCHOOL.
The Bethel Sabbath school of the city of Rochester
was organized August 12, 1836, the first session being
in the Crane school house, on the north side of Buffalo
street, between Sophia and Washington streets. Pres-
ent at the organization, Messrs. W. S. GrrifRth, Wil-
liam Cook, William S. Bishop, John Stitt, Josiah
Newell, Preston Smith, Theodore B. Hamilton, Joseph
Farley, John F. Bush, John Biden, Jr., Richard P.
Wilkins, and M. B. Bateham, with Mrs. William
Cook, T. B. Hamilton, Joseph Stone, and Misses
Frances Hatch and Naomi Davis — in all eighteen.
Of these there are now living, Messrs. Griffith, Bate-
ham, Farley, Bush, and H. A. Brewster. Of the
twenty-six scholars present at the first session, two
are now connected with the school, viz : Mr. Henry F.
Smith, secretary and treasurer, and his sister, Mrs.
Elvira Smith Allen, a teacher.
The superintendents have been, W. S. Griffith,
1836-9 ; William S. Bishop, 1839-42 ; George W. Par-
sons, 1842 to 1871, less one year on account of sick-
ness, and who is now in his twenty- eighth year of
service.
Average attendance of scholars during thirty-four
46 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
years, 253 ; average attendance of teachers during
tliirty-four years, 42. Added to the church, of schol-
ars, during thirty -four years, 631. Enlistments dur-
ing the late war, from the Sabbath school, 110 — of
whom fifteen are known to have died on tlie field or
in the hospital. The missionaries before named were
teachers in the Sabbath school.
The Young People's Missionary Society, organized
in 1846, and lately re-organized, is doing a noble work
in city, home, and foreign missions. Contributions
to various benevolent objects have come largely from
the Sabbath school.
BENEVOLENCE.
The first decade was a season of planting, of church
building, etc. ; hence the amounts paid to outside ob-
jects were small.
First Decade.
From August 1, 1836, to January 1, 1847 :
Foreign missions, $378 73
Home " 411 76
Miscellaneous objects, 692 10
81,482 59
Second Decade.
January 1, 1817, to January 1, 1857:
Foreign missions, $2,767 64
Home " 1,841 82
Miscellaneous objects, 4,486 54
$9,096 00
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 47
Third Decade.
January 1, 18."}7, to January 1, 1867 :
Foreign missions, $8,342 91
Home " 4,572 m
Miscellaneous objects, 29,239 40
$42,154 87
Fourth Decade {one-half).
January 1, 1837, to January 1, 1871 :
Forei,a:n mission \ $4,938 60
Home " 8336 84
Miscellaneous object^, 11,600 10
$24,875 44
New place of worship in 1853, $41,000, less
by $8,600, avails oi;' the old, $32,400
Missions chapel in 1860-1, 3,000
Organ, 5,000
SUMMA'Rl^, JUL 2^ / , 787/ .
Pastor— Rev. Samuel S, Campbell, D.D.
aiders— ^ies<rs. William Alliug, John N". Harder,
Steuben S. Forbes, George \V. Parsons, Henry Church-
ill, Frederick W. Dewey, William A. Hubbard, Lewis
H. Ailing. •
Trustees— M.'ssvs. George W. Parsons, William A.
Hubbard, IT. Austin Brewster, Lewis H. Ailing, Wil-
liam S. Ailing, Herbert Chui-chill. Henry F. Smith,
A. M. Hastings, and Samuel Sloan.
S. S. Super! fitefident— Qeorge W. Parsons.
Wo. of ScJiolars—11^).
Church ComniwilGants — 700.
CALVAKY CHURCH.
Earl}^ in the year 1847, Rev. Richard DeForest pur-
cliased a lot in the south-east part of the city, on
which he erected a small building, containing one
I'oom, and then went through the neighborhood in-
forming the residents that a Sabbath school would be
commenced on the next Lord's day morning, followed
by preaching in the afternoon, Forty scholars were
present at the former service, and a crowd at the latter.
This occurred on the 12th of December, 1847. Special
religious interest was soon manifest, which resulted in
a considerable ingathering of converts, thus prepar-
ing the way for a formal ecclesiastical organization on
the 26th of March, 1848, under the name of the St.
Paul street Congregational church. The sermon was
preached by Rev, Henry E. Peck, pastor of the State
street Congregational church, and twenty-six persons
enrolled themselves as members in full communion.
In the May following a church edifice was begun on
the corner of South avenue and Jefferson street, which,
alter months of efi'ort made by Mr. DeForest in ob-
taining funds, was completed and dedicated to the
worship of God, November 3, 1850 ; the sermon being
preached by President Mahan, of Oberlin, Ohio.
CHURCHES OF ROCnESTEIl. 49
The ecclesiastical relations and forms of worship
were Congregational, and so continued until another
church of the same denomination, and other causes,
80 affected the finances that a sale of the property be-
came imperative. It was purcliased by L. A. Ward,
Esq., with a view of its becoming Presbyterian, which
has been the case ever since.
The Presbytery of Rochester city (old school), at
their stated spring meeting in 18.56, appointed a com-
mittee, consisting of Revs. A. G, Hall, D.D., J. H. Mc-
Ilvaine, D.D., R. H. Richardson, and James Harkness,
and Elders L. A. Ward, W. T. Gushing, and Benton.
This committee met on the 15th day of June, 1856, in
what was known as South St, Paul street Congrega-
tional church, wiiere, with others, the following per-
sons were assembled, and presented to the committee
letters of membership and dismission from their re-
spective churches, with the view of being constituted
into a new church, namely :
From the Third Presbyterian church — William Steb-
bins, Eliza B. Stebbins, William T. Gushing, Aiabella
Gushing, Olive Howes, Helen M. Howes, J. G. Stothoff,
Henrietta Dempsey, Hannah Ray, Mercy Ingraham.
From the St. Paul street Congregational church —
Elizabeth Blum, Eliza Barrett, James Barton, Charles
Barton, James G. Badger, Catharine Badger.
These sixteen persons were in the usual way consti-
tuted into a new and independent ecclesiastical organ-
ization, to be named and known as the Calvary Pres-
byterian church of Rochester.
At the same time William Stebbins and William T.
60 CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER.
Gushing were elected and installed ruling elders in the
infant church.
Few in number and feeble in resources, this little
company, like the crew of a little boat launched upon
the open sea, embarked with fear and trembling upon
their new career. They had not assembled, however,
many weeks, when they resolved to call and settle
over them a pastor of their own. Accordingly on the
30th of July of the same year, they extended a call to
Rev. Charles Ray, which was accepted. Mr. Ray en-
tered the field with zeal and energy, and continued his
pastoral labors among them until August 15th, 1858,
when a variety of circumstances concurred to decide
him that it was his duty to resign and leave.
Though now considerably increased in numbers,
yet many were the discouragements and difficulties
which visited this little church at this time. The pul-
pit, however, continued to be supplied by Rev. F.
DeW. Ward, D.D., of Geneseo, Rev. J. Nichols, Rev.
W. Howell Taylor, and others, till in April, 1800, they
again rallied and united in calling for their pastor Rev.
Bellville Roberts. Mr. Roberts manfully faced the
difficulties before him. During his ministry many
were added to the church, and through his untiring
efforts the entire debt on the house of worship was
wiped off. Still the society was pecuniarily weak, and
it was found difficult to meet the necessary expenses,
notwithstanding that a ceitain amount of aid was ob-
tained from the B. of D. M. Owing to this and to the
declining health of his wife, Mr. Roberts resolved to
resign and remove west, which he did after a pastorate
of some four years.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 51
Once more the little flock found themselves without
a shepherd ; but Providence did not forsake them.
Their minds ere long vsrere directed to Rev. Alfred
Yeomans, who was earnestly invited to come and take
the oversight of them. He consented ; and from his
amiable character, intellectual ability, and particular-
ly from his relationship to Dr. Yeomans, pastor of the
St. Peter's church, being his brother, great hopes were
entertained for Calvary ; the day of its deliverance
from toil and peril and privations of its pilgrimage
through the wilderness Avas d -emed near at hand.
Mr. Yeomans, however,' much to their grief, con-
tinued among them but for one brief year, and even
during that brief period his labors were sadly inter-
rupted once and again by ill health. He left in the
fall of 1866.
While passing through these repeated changes and
trials, this congregation was much burdened and
harassed b}^ city taxation. Situated upon a corner, it
had been subject to double charges for giadings, sew-
ers and sidewalks, which brought in a series of heavy
bills, and the end of this is not yet. What would
have been in this way a light matter to an old and
strong church society, was found and felt here to be a
burden heavy to be borne. To meet these onerous
obligations, many have been the sacrifices siUmtly and
cheerfully made, which are worthy to be reckoned
with the widovv s offering, tliat drew forth the Saviour's
high commendation.
After Rev. Mr. Yeomans' departure, the desk was
supplied by different individuals for several months,
till in the following winter the society once more unit-
53 CHUKCIIES OF ROCHESTER.
ed in a call to Rev. H. W. Morris, which he accepted,
but did not regularly enter upon his pastoral duties
until March 17, 1867. Mr. Morris remains the pastor
to the present day, and by the blessing of God upon
his pulpit and pastoral labors, the church has made,
though not rapid, yet steady progress. In the winter
of 1869 a very precious visitation of grace was enjoyed,
there being among those received at one communion
ten heads of families. During his ministry, as the
sessional records exhibit, the membership has been
nearly doubled, the general congregation much in-
creased and established in its character, so that the
church to-day occupies a position in the public esti-
mation far in advance of what it ever did before. The
corner-stone of a reconstructed church has lately been
laid.
PASTORS.
Eev. Richard DeForest, a native of New York
city, is of French descent, his ancestor two centuries
back being a refugee to New Amsterdam (now New
York). After a course of classical and theological
instruction under Prof. F. N. Benedict, and at Auburn
seminary, Mr. DeForest labored as an evangelist in
this State and at the west till he returned and was first
pastor of St. Paul street Congregational church. He
now resides in the city.
Rev. Charles Ray, son of Rev. Edward and Sarah
Ray, was born at Calcutta, India, in 1829 ; accom-
panied his parents to this countrj^ in 1839 ; became a
member of the Third Presbyterian church (Dr. A. G.
Hall, pastor) ; pursued his education at Union college
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 63
and Princeton Theological seminary ; held ministerial
charges at Piffard, Seneca Falls, Calvary church,
Rochester, was Principal of Geneseo academy, and
was pastor of a church in the pleasant village of
Wyoming, which he recently left on account of ill
health, having served with eminent ability and useful-
ness.
' Rev. Bellville Roberts spent four years of earnest
effort in the pastorate of this church, witnes-idng
many results of his ministry, and then removed to
Wheeling, Va., where he now resides. He was an
able and faithful preacher.
Rev. Alfred Yeomans, a native of N. Adams, Mass.,
and son of Rev. Dr. John W. Yeomans, moderator of
general assembly in 1S60, was educated at Princeton
college and seminary ; ministered to churches at
New Hampton, N. J., Rochester (Calvary), Bellefonte,
Penn., and now at Orange, N. J., as successor of his
brother, Rev. E. D. Yeomans, D.D., formerly of St.
Peter's. Ill health compelled tliese frequent changes,
always to the regret of the people whom he ably and
usefully served.
Rev. Henry W. Morris is a native of Wales ; was
educated in England, and has passed his ministerial
life in America. His first pastorate was a Presbyterian
churcli at Martinbnrgh, Lewis county, N. Y. ; his sec-
ond at Little Falls. He took charge of Calvary church
in 1867, where he is meeting his duties with great satis-
faction in a section of the city demanding much labor
and patience.
64 CHURCHES OF KOCIIESTER.
SUM.UA^'T, JULY /^ 787^.
Pastor — Rev. Henry W. Morris.
Elders — Messrs. AVilliam Stebbins, David L. Hunn,
and F. S. Stebbins.
Deacons — None.
Trustees — Messrs. F. S. Stebbins, Thomas S. Oliver,
Judson Knickerbocker, D. L. Hunn, and C. B. Corser.
8. S. Super bitendent — J. R. Reeves.
S. S. Pupils— 70.
Total Member sltij:) — 118.
SAINT PETER'S CHURCH.
In May, 1852, a well known citizen of Rochester,
then a member of the First Presbyterian church, com-
menced the construction of a new church edifice upon
a lot of land owne(3 by him on Grove street. The lo-
cation was central to a large American population
with no place of worship. His desire was to supply
this imperative demand by the organization of a new
Presbyterian church, and with an order of worship
which should more fully develop the united devotion
of the whole congregation than is now customary in
churches of that denomination.
On the 7th of June, 1852, the corner-stone of Saint
Peter's was laid by Rev. J, H. Mcllvaine, D.D., of the
First church, with an appropriate address ; other parts
of the service being taken by Rev. Messrs. Hill and
Ward of the Presbyterian, Rev. W. H. Goodwin,
D.I)., of the Methodist Episcopal, Rev. Mr. Howard
of the Baptist, and Rev. Dr. Chester Dewey of the
Congregational churches. The edifice was completed
at an expense of $35,000, and dedicated on the 25th of
October, 1853 ; the sermon being preached by Rev.
Dr. Mcllvaine, and other parts conducted by Rev. A.
G. Hall, D.D., Rev. F. DeW. Ward, D.D., of Gen-
66 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
eseo, and otlier clergymen. The first Sabbath service
was hekl October 3, 1853, the sermon being preached
by Rev. Dr. Huntington, then of Albany and now of
Auburn Theological seminary.
The order of public service then adopted, and main-
tained to the present time, with slight changes, is as
follows :
1. Salutation and doxology.
2. Profession of faith, in the use of the Apostles'
Creed, by minister and people.
H. Invocation, and the Lord's Prayer, the people
joining in the lattei".
4. Reading the Ten Commandments, with a response
by the choir.
5. Invitation, and confession of sin.
6. Hymn.
7. Reading the Scriptures.
8. Anthem.
9. Reading Psalter by minister and people respons-
ively.
10. Hymn.
11. General prayer.
12. Anthem.
13. Sermon.
14. Closing prayer (brief).
15. Doxology.
16. Benediction.
The above is the order of morning service ; the
evening service is slightly difi"erent, as also on special
occasions. A Book of Worship is used by minister
and congregation, containing the order of service,
CnURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 57
both general and special ; the chants and anthems be-
ing generally sung by the choir, and hymns by the
choir and people. The officiating minister wears the
ordinary black gown and the bands in conducting all
the services. No form of prayer is used except the
Lord's Prayer.
A record has been kept of every Sabbath service
since the opening of the house, which contains the
names of two hundred and forty -nine clergymen, of
whom eleven were ex-Moderators of the Presbyterian
General Assemblys.
On the 13th of December, 1853, a special meeting of
the Presbytery of Rochester city (old school) was held
at the chapel of Saint Peter' s, at which the following
persons presented certificates of dismission from the
various churches mentioned, and were constituted by
Presbytery "The Saint Peter's Presbyterian church
of the city of Rochester."
Levi A., Harriet, Mary E. and William H. Ward,
Lorenzo D. and Caroline C. Ely, Lowell and Cliloe
Bullen, Mrs. Susan W. Selden, Miss Ellen M. Kemp,
Miss Jane Bradbury, and Mrs. Emily Chumasero,
from the First Presbyterian church of Rochester ;
Dr. John F. and Elizabeth A. Whitbeck, from the
Brick church ; Edward A. and Eugenie C. Raymond,
Samuel B. and Harriet M. Raymond, Mrs. Caroline
E. McAlpine, and Mrs. Caroline B. Dwindle, from the
Third church ; James, Mrs. Resinah and Miss Ann
E. Murray, from Washington street church ; Mrs.
Betsey L. Oothout, from the Presbyterian church at
Holley, N. Y. ; Mrs. Emily R. Beckwith, from Saint
John' s Methodist Episcopal church, Rochester ; Mrs.
58 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Mary Ann Holyland, from Free Baptist cliurch,
Rochester ; Jolin S. and Cliloe Dean, from Congrega-
tional church, Armsville.
Of the twenty-eight founders of Saint Peter' s, eleven
are still members of this church. At this first meet-
ing an election of officers was held, which resulted in
the unanimous choice of Messrs. L. A. Ward and Ed-
ward A. Raymond as elders, their ordination taking
place on the first Sabbath of January, 1854 ; Rev. A.
Gr. Hall, D.D., by appointment of Presbytery, con-
ducting the services, which were preceded by a sermon
from Rev. Dr. Mcllvaine.
Edward A. Raymond was chosen clerk and treasu-
rer of session on the 12th of December, 1853, and has
so continued to the present time, with the exception
of three years, when he was absent from the city.
PASTORS AND STATED SUPPLIES.
Rev. John T. Coit was stated supply from Septem-
ber 3, 1854, to January 7, 1855.
Rev. Leonard W. Bacon was stated supply from
March 25, 1855, to September 16, 1855.
Rev. Richard H. Richardson was installed first
pastor June 10, 1856 (sermon by Rev. Dr. Hall), and
resigned November 30, 1857.
Rev. Everard Kempshall was stated supply from
December 23, 1857, to May 16, 1858.
Rev. Joseph H. Towne, D.D., was installed second
pastor October 28, 1858 (sermon by Rev. Dr. Mcllvaine),
and resigned March 9, 1860.
Rev. John T. Coit was installed as third pastor
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 59
(sermon by Rev. William James, B.D., of Albany)
June 3, 1860, and died at Albion January 23, 18G3.
Rev. E. D. Yeomans, D.D., was installed fourth
pastor June 7, 1863 (sermon by Rev. Dr. Hall), and
resigned, on account of failing liealth, April 28, 1867.
He died at Orange, N. J., August, 1869.
Rev, James M. Crowell, D.D., was installed fifth
pastor May 16, 1869 (sermon by Rev. Dr. Hall), and
resigned December 6, 1870.
The church is now without a pastor.
ELDERS.
Messrs. Levi A. Ward and Edward A. Raymond
were elected at the organization of the church, and are
still in office. Messrs. William Slocomb and Hiram
Banker were elected November 10, 1858. The former,
now in his ninetieth year, is too much of an invalid to
leave his home ; the latter died September 22, 1864.
Mr. Jerome B. Stillson was ordained and installed
August 3, 1860 ; and Mr. David A. Mitchell April 24,
1864, and died June 22, 1866. Messrs. Jonathan E.
Pierpont and Marcus K. Woodbury were ordained
and installed July 24, 1870.
DEACONS.
Messrs. Joseph B. Ward and Marcus K. Woodbury
were ordained and installed March 13, 1869. Mr.
Woodbury having been elected a ruling elder, the
active duties of the office are performed by Mr» Ward.
60 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTEK.
TRUSTEES.
The first elected were Messrs. Samuel L. Selden,
Josiah W. Bissell, Charles H. Clark, B. R. McAlpine,
Lorenzo D. Ely, Samuel B. Raymond, Jerome B.
Stillson, Charles A. Jones, and Charles F. Smith,
Subsequently there were elected Messrs. John W.
Dwinelle, Hubbard S. Allis, M. K. Woodbury, George
P. Townsend, Joseph B. Ward, Wallace Darrow,
Simeon L. Brewster, L. Ward Clarke, P. B. Veile, J.
E. Pierpont, and W. S. Kimball.
SABBATH SCHOOL.
Was organized December, 1853, with forty-one
scholars. The superintendents have been Messrs. E.-
A. Raymond, until 1857 ; L. A. Ward, until 1860 ;
Joseph B. Ward, until 1865 ; Rev. Dr. Yeomans, pas-
tor, a few months ; J. E. Pierpont, until 1866 ; E. N.
Hoyt, until 1868 ; when Mr. John W. Stebbins was
chosen, and is now in office. The Sabbath scliool has
regularly and largely contributed to the benevolent
operations of the church.
George Kemp Ward, a member of this Sabbath
school and church, is now pursuing his theological
studies at Princeton.
CHURCH EDIFICE.
A deed of the church property was executed and
delivered to the trustees by the founder March 27,
1867. The first edifice was destroyed by fire March
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER. 61
18, 1868, but was immediately rebuilt at an expense of
about $49,000. During the interim services were held
in Christ's church chapel (Episcopal) and Second
Baptist church, the use of which churches had been
tendered in a spirit of christian generosity which was
gratefully appreciated by the afflicted parish. Wor-
ship was resumed in the reconstructed chapel Janua-
ry 24, 1869, and in the main audience room June 6, 1869.
PASTOES.
Rev. Hichard H. Richardson, D.D., is a native of
Lexington, Ky., and graduate of Princeton college
and Theological seminary ; was pastor of the North
Presbyterian church of Chicago, which he left to as-
sume charge of Saint Peter's, and after a pastorate of
one and a half years, resigned and removed to Red-
bank, Putnam county, N. Y., then to Newburyport,
Mass., and thence to Trenton, IST. J., where he now
resides, as pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian church.
A gentleman of scholarship and pulpit power, his
ministrations have been eminently successful in the
several places of his abode and public services.
Rev. Joseph H. Towne, D.D., came to this city from
Chicago ; presided over Saint Peter's for two years,
and left for Milwaukee, and then for Buffalo. His
lectures on "Pilgrim's Progress" will be long remem-
bered in this parish and in the city.
Rev. John Townsend Coit, son of George and Han-
nah T. Coit, was a native of Buffalo, N. Y. ; a gradu-
ate of Yale college and Andover Theological seminary.
Returning from Germany, where he pursued his studies
62 CHUECHES OF KOCIIESTER.
for one and a half years at Gottingen and Halle, under
Professor Tholuck and gifted associates, he accepted
a call to the Presbyterian church at Albion, which po-
sition he held for five years, commencing his ministry
as third pastor of Saint Peter's June 1, 1860. He was
no stranger to the people here, having acted as stated
supply, after returning from Europe. Three years
passed away with entire satisfaction and much profit
to his increasingly attached parishioners, when upon
a visit to his friends at Albion he was suddenly called
to a higher sphere of labor and purer worship above.
When told that he could live but a short time, he said,
"Doctor, you surprise me ; I never dreamed of this ;
but I can say with truth that I am ready, nay, joyous,
to go." After some moments of rest, he asked, as in
surprise, "Can this be death ? Then how beautiful it
is to die ! I already see the coming glories ! This is
paradise! Death has no appalling features." "Doc-
tor, ' ' said he, "is it not strange that when dying as I
know my body is, my mind should apprehend these
things so clearly ?" Well might by-stauders exclaim,
"Is that a death-bed where a christian hes ?"
'■Yes, but not his; 'd is dea:h itself there dies."
A tablet of Nova Scotia stone, placed on the right
of the pulpit, reads thus :
"John Townsend Coit.
Died Jan'y 23, 1863, in the 39th year of his age, and
the third of his pastorate of this church. His life of
faithful devotion to his work, made beautiful by a
character of rare purity and symmetry, was crowned
by a death of triumphant hope."
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 63
Rev. Edward Dorr Yeomans, D.D., son of the late
Dr. J. W. Yeomans (moderator of general assembly in
1860), was born at North Adams, Mass. ; pursued his
classical studies at Easton, Pa., and his theological
at Princeton ; was licensed to preach at the early age
of seventeen and a half years ; became minister of
churches in Warren Run, Penn., Fourth Presbyterian
of Trenton, N. J., and in May, 1863, assumed the
pastorate of St. Peter's, in this city, which position
he held with marked ability until his removal to
Orange, N. J. Here he labored with whatever
strength was given him, till August 23d, when he died
of apoplexy. The immediate cause of his early and
lamented death was overtasking his brain in sermon
writing and translation of Lange's Commentary on
John, with similar and unremitting exertion of his
mental powers and nervous energy. As a strong think-
er, a close student, and an accomplished scholar, Dr.
Yeomans has had few equals.
A beautiful tablet, in bronze — the Christmas gift of
a parishioner — has been placed on the inner wall of
the church on the left of the pulpit, with the follow-
ing inscription engraved upon it in illuminated letters :
"Edward Dorr Yeomans, D.D.
Pastor MDCCCLXIII-LXVII.
Learned in the Scriptures and the Fathers ; eloquent
and faithful in his ministry ; he finished his work at
noon-day and went to his rest August XXVII,
MDCCCLX VIII — Aged XXXIX years."
James M. Crowell, D.D., was born in Philadelphia ;
made a profession of religion at the age of fourteen,
64 CHUECHES OF EOCIIESTER.
under the ministry of liis cousin, Rev. John Crowell,
D.D., now of Odessa, DeL ; graduated at Princeton
college (of which he is now a trustee) and seminary ;
has ministered at Octarara, Penn., and the Seventh
Presbyterian church of Philadelphia, and removed to
Rochester as pastor of Saint Peter's from May 5, 1869,
to December, 1870, when he returned to his native
city to enter upon a new enterprise — the Woodland
church, where he now resides. Laborious, earnest,
fervent and practical, his ministry has been and is
likely to continue successful in leading sinners to the
Saviour and saints to higher attainments of holiness.
Pastor—
Elders — Messrs. L. A. Ward, Edward A. Ray-
mond, William Slocomb, Jonathan JE. Pierpont, and
Marcus K. AVoodbury.
Deacon — Mr. Joseph B. Ward.
' S. S. Superintendents — Mr. John W. Stebbins and
Mrs. John C. Chumasero.
Number of Sc7iolars — 383.
Nuniber of Gliurcli Communicants — 248.
Trustees — Messrs. Lorenzo D. Ely, Freeman Clarke,
John C. Chumasero, Daniel Lowry, Theodore Bacon,
W. H. Ward, D. P. Westcott, F. B. Mitchell, and
Abraham Bebee.
WESTMINSTER CHURCH.
On tlie 29tli of June, 1856, a Sunday scliool was or-
ganized in a building at the corner of West avenue
and Prospect streets. It was sustained as a Mission
scliool by the Central Presbyterian church, then un-
der the pastorate of Rev. F. F, EUinwood, D.D., and
was under the care of the late William S. Bishop,
Esq.
About the same time, another Sunday school was
organized in a small house — which was used a short
time for a hotel — opposite Saint Mary's Hospital,
West avenue, and was known as the "West End
Sunday school." The classes, scattered throughout
the building (one even in the pantry), were under the
superintendence of the late Col. John H. Thompson,
In the year 1859 a chapel was built on West avenue,
about half way between the places where these schools
were held, and the two were united as a Mission
school, under the care of Central church. The first
session of the school was held in the chapel, January
8, 1860, William S. Bishop, Esq., conducting it.
Mr. George W. Parsons was elected superintendent,
and continued in charge till January 19, 1862, the
school having a large attendance.
66 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Mr. Parsons, tlien superintendent of three schools,
feeling the need of relief from some of the responsi-
bility, at this time resigned, and Mr. Henry Churchill
was elected to till his place, and held the office till
April, 1868, the numbers continuing to increase till
often four hundred were present.
During part of the years 1861-2 Rev. Anson Glea-
son, for many 3^ears a successful missionary among the
Mohicans of Connecticut, and other Indian tribes,
labored in the vicinity and held preaching services and
prayer meetings in the chapel.
In October of the year 1867, the Young People's
Missionary Society of the Central church, engaged
Mrs. L. A. Shepard to act as a city missionary in the
the vicinity of West avenue. Her work was very
successful — visiting from house to house, holding re-
ligious conversation, distributing tracts, etc.
Prayer meetings were held at private houses, con-
versions were numerous, and thus it seemed necessary
that a church should be organized.
Accordingly, on the first Sabbath in Apiil, 1868,
eighty-two members of the Central church, then under
the pastorate of Rev. S. M. Campbell, D.D., request-
ed letters, and were formerly organized as the West-
minster Presbyterian church of Rochester, Rev. F. F.
EUinwood, D.D., assisting in the services of that in-
teresting occasion.
The colony went forth from a sense of duty, trust-
ing in God to sustain and strengthen them. Nor
were they disappointed, for, as the result of a revival
that year, not only was the number made good to the
Central church, but the membership of the new colony
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. . 67
was just doubled. The congregation and membersliip
continued to increase, and the prayer meetings, of
which five were maintained each week, were generally
very interesting. During the summer and fall of 1870
the church worked at a disadvantage, being engaged
in building a new edifice. After many delays and
some sacrifices, the building was completed and for-
mally dedicated to the service of God, Jan. 26, 1871.
Dr. Campbell preached the sermon, taking for his
topic, ''Tokens of prosperity."
The Central church had shared in the support of its
child, and had contributed handsomely toward the
building fund, and on the night of the dedication
came forward with large gifts to relieve the present
necessities. The church was also the recipient of a
fine toned memorial bell from one of the elders, and a
handsome organ from A. Champion, Esq.
At the end of only three years the Westminster
church has risen from a mission chajDel to a condition
of self-reliance and self-support, with a pleasant,
cheerful building, and beautiful Sabbath school room
attached, a good congregation, an active, liberal mem-
bership, and evidences of the presence of the Holy
Spirit in their midst.
The new church went out under the care of Rev.
Henry Morey, who is giving his people youthful vigor
and hearty earnestness, and whose labor has been
very acceptable.
ELDERS.
The first elders were, Messrs. Truman A. Clark and
68 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
George M. Mitchell, with the recent addition of Mr.
Henry G. Wood.
PASTOR.
Rev. Henrj^M. Morey was born in West Bloomtield,
N. Y. ; pursued his preparatory studies at Geneseo
academy ; graduated at Union college and Princeton
seminary ; was assistant for tlie winter of >865 of the
late Dr. J. M. Lowry, in Fort Wayne, Ind. ; supplied
the church at Pittsford for two years, and came to
Rochester in April, 1868.
Pastor — Rev. Henry M. Morey.
Elders— Yrwm^w A. Clark, Henry G. Wood, and
George M. Mitchell.
S. S. Siq^erintendent — Truman A. Clark.
Nuinber of Teachers — 43.
Number of ScJiolars — 375.
Niiiiiber of CJiurcli Communicants — J 80.
THE REFORMED CHURCH.
An organization with this official name was perfect-
ed in the year 1835, witli twenty-nine members, of
whom the following are still in communion, viz : Mrs.
Jane Campbell, John and Elizabeth Boyd, Mrs. Mar-
tha Robinson, Mrs. Jane Montgomery, Mrs. Jane
Brown, and Mr. John Lowry. The first place of meet-
ing was the High School building, which stood on the
site of the Third Presbyterian church, corner of Tem-
ple and Lancaster streets. Subsequently an edifice
was erected on the corner of Stillson and Main streets,
which after occupancy for many years has been sold
for business purposes, and the avails applied to erect-
ing one larger, more attractive and commodious, on
North St. Paul, near Andrews street.
PASTORS.
Rev. John Fish, of Ireland, a man of great elo-
quence and pulpit power. He lived but a short time,
and is buried at Mount Hope.
Rev. C. B. McKee followed Mr. Fish, in 1835, but
resigned in 1842, and has since deceased. His re-
mains now repos3 in Mount Hope cemetery.
70 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Rev. David Scott was born in a village near Glas-
cow, Scotland ; graduated at tlie University of Glas-
cow and at the Reformed Presbyterian seminary,
Paisley, of which the late Dr. Andrew Symington was
the distinguished professor ; came to America as a
licensiate in 1829 ; was ordained as an evangelist in
1832 ; was installed pastor of a church at Albany,
N.y., in 1836 ; assumed the pastorate of the Rochester
congregation in 1844, as successor of Rev. Mr. McKee,
and after a laborious and eminently successful min-
istry, demitted his charge in 1862, though still making
his home in the city, supplying neighboring pulpits
and acting as professor in the Theological seminary at
AlUegheny, Pa., till March 29, 1871, when he "fell
asleep in Jesus," at the age of seventy-seven years.
"Servant of Christ, well doue;
Rest from thy lov'd employ:
The battle fought — the victory won —
Enter thy Master's joy."
Rev. R. D. Sproule is a native of Allegheny, Pa. ;
a graduate of Jefferson college, and of Allegheny
seminary. After supplying the congregation made
vacant by the death of Rev. Mr. Scott, he was unani-
mously called to the pastorate and installed in 1863,
where he now labors with earnest zeal and fidelity
among a devoted and prosperous people.
Pastor — Rev. R. D. Sproule.
Elders — Messrs. Hugh Mulholland, Robert Aiton,
Hugh Robinson, James Campbell, and Robert Wilson.
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER. 71
Deacons — Messrs. James Alton, Abraham Errnessie,
John Lowry, Thomas S. Lynn, Thomas Percey, John
Q. Parks, Thomas A. Gormley, and Samuel G. Rob-
inson.
S. S. Superintendent — Elder Hugh Robinson.
No. of Scliolars — 88.
No. of Teachers — 11.
No. of Communicants — 130.
Note. — One young man. Rev. John Middleton, a
member of this church, after laboring in the ministry
at Perth, Canada, Listen, N. Y., Philadelphia, Pa.,
and Stanton, 111., has been compelled, through ill
health, to suspend his loved employment of preach-
ing the Gospel of Jesus to lost men.
FIRST UNITED CHURCH.
In the spring of 1848, Rev. John YanEaton, of the
Associate Reformed Synod, preached three Sabbatlis
in the school house near Saint Luke's churcli. Ap-
pearances being favorable, Mr. VanEaton remained
and held divine services from August, 1848, to May,
1849, in a school house on the corner of Troup sti'eet
and Plymouth avenue. On the evening of September
21, 1849, an organization was perfected under the
title of the First Associate Reformed churcli of Roches-
ter, with the following named persons as communi-
cants : Robert Bell, Mrs. Martha Bell, Robert John-
son, James and Eliza Reid, William and Janet R.
Muir, John Burdock, William Hamilton, Mrs. (Rev.)
VanEaton, William and Rachel Hart, Hannah Bud-
dock, Jane Hamilton, Ann and Christina Semple,
William and Catherine G. Fisher, Alexander and
Mary J. Adams, Alexander and Margaret Blair, and
Margaret Hamilton. Of these twenty-three founders,
eight are deceased, ten removed to other places, and
five are still in communion, viz : Robert and Mrs.
Bell, Robert Johnson, William Hart, and Mrs. Mar-
garet Niven.
The first bench of elders was Messrs. William Ham-
CHURCHES OF IIOCIIESTP^R. 73
ilton, James Keid, William Mnir, Robert Bell, and
William Leslie.
Rev. John VanEaton installed as first pastor in
1849, remained three years, when ill health compelled
him to resign, but not till he had seen "the work of
the Lord prosper in his hands."
On the morning of September 8, 1850, the lately re-
constructed house of worship on Troup street and
Plymouth avenue was consumed by fire, when services
were held for four months in the school house on the
south side of Allen street, between Fitzhugh and State,
and subsequently in a building on the corner of Court
and Stone streets (east side), continuing there till 1864,
when a purchase was made of the church on Allen
street, near Fitzhugh.
Succeeding Rev. Mr. VanEaton was Rev. W. L.
McAdams, who was installed June 6, 1854, and resigned
after an acceptable and useful pastorate of two years
and eight months. Then followed a vacancy of eight
months, when Rev. Thomas F. Bond assum(;?d the
ministerial charge, and remained four years and five
months. Two years then passed away, when the Rev.
James P. Sankey, the present incumbent, was induct-
ed into the pastoral office on the 30th of June, 1804 ;
the installation services being conducted by Rev. F.
M. Proctor, now of Ohio, Rev. J. VanEaton, of York,
and Donald McLaren, D.D., of Geneva. Under the
able ministrations and watchful care of their present
accomplished, energetic, and faithful leader, this
church is taking rank among the strong and influential
ecclesiastical bodies of the city.
On the 20th of May, 1868, the Associated Reformed,
74 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Presbyterian clnircli, and the Associate Presbyterian
church effected an organic union under the title of the
"United Presbyterian church of North America," with
a total of seven hundred and seventeen churches, and
five hundred and forty-one ministers. This consolida-
tion changed the name of this body from the First
Associate Reformed church of Rochester, to the Unit-
ed Presbyterian church of Rochester — the name at
the head of this chapter.
PASTORS.
Rev. John YanEaton, a native of Xenia, Ohio,
and graduate of Miami university, and Oxford (A.
R. P.) Theological university of the same State, com-
menced his pastorate of this church in 1849, continu-
ing until driven away by the ill health of himself and
family. Since September 1, 1853, he has been pastor
of a large, flourishing and. influential church at York,
Livingston county, New York.
Rev. W. L. McAdams, pastor here for nearly three
years, now resides in Mercer county. Pa., having been
obliged to cease preaching on account of ill health.
Rev. Thomas F. Boyd, after a residence here of
four and a half years, removed to Pennsylvania, and
is pastor of Bethel and Beulah churches in that State.
Rev. James P. Sankey was born in Londonderry,
Ohio ; pursued his classical studies at Franklin college,
and his theological at Allegheny city, Penn.; was
licensed to preach in April, 1862, and was placed
in charge of this church by the presbytery of Caledonia
June 30, 1864. Mr. Sankey is junior pastor of the
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 75
city, having entered college at fourteen years of age,
and commenced preaching at twenty-two.
suMM^itr, Jirzr /, !87f.
Pastor — Rev. James P. Sankey.
Elders — Messrs. Robert Bell, Robert St^rrett,
Robert Johnson, and Thomas Lisle.
S. S. Superintendent — The pastor.
No. of Sc7iolars— 318.
Church Communicants — 320.
Note. — The enlargement of the present edifice is an
absolute necessity. The erection of a new structure
being an event, it is hoped, not far distant.
EPISCOPALIAN.
SAINT LUKE'S CHURCH.
The parish of Saint Luke's was organized by the
Rev. H. U. Onderdonk, missionary and rector of Saint
John's church, Canandaigua, and subsequently Bishop
of Pennsylvania, under the corporate title of Saint
Luke' s church, Genesee Falls. The organization was
effected on the 14th of July, 1817, in a school house
belonging to Samuel I. Andrews, on the east side of
the river, by the election of Colonel Nathaniel Roch-
ester and S. I. Andrews as wardens, and for vestry-
men, Silas O. Smith, Roswell Babbitt, John Mastick,
Lewis Jenkins, Elisha Johnson, John C. Rochester,
William Atkinson, and Oliver Culver.
Occasional services were held for the parish by the
Rev. Messrs. Onderdonk, G. H. Norton, A. Welton,
and perhaps others, in the school house on the lot ad-
joining the present church edihce. When Bishop
Hobart visited the parish, in September, 1818, he con-
firmed four persons in the building belonging to the
First Presbyterian society, which was kindly loaned
for the service. The offer of the original proprietors
of " the 100-acre tract," Messrs. Rochester, Fitzhugh
and Carroll, to present a lot to the first religious so-
ciety which would undertake the erection of a church
80 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
edifice thereon, being still open, the vestry resolved,
in July, 1820, to avail themselves of the proposition.
A wooden building, thirty-eight by forty-six feet, was
immediately reared, and occupied on the following
Christmas day. The services of a clergyman had been
meanwhile secured, and the Rev. Francis H. Gumming,
deacon, entered upon his duties as rector on the first
Sunday of December, 1820. On the 20tli of February,
1821, the little church was consecrated by Bishop
Hobart ; and on the following day the rector was ad-
vanced to the priesthood.
In April, 1823, the need of a new edifice having be-
come apparent, the vestry determined upon the erec-
tion of a stone church, fifty-three by seventy-three
feet, the corner-stone of which was laid the same
season. The wooden structure was removed to the
rear, and served as a Sunday school building until
1832, when it was again removed and converted to
other uses. The new church was first occupied on
the first Sunday of September, 1825, but, owing to the
absence of the bishop in Europe, was not consecrated
until September 30, 1826.
The year 1827 was distinguished by the consent of the
vestry of Saint Luke's to the organization of a new
parish on the east side of the river, to be called Saint
Paul's. Fifteen communicants were dismissed to the
new parish, and five to a new organization called
Trinity church, Penfield.
In 1828 the church was enlarged by the addition of
thirty feet to its length, rendering it capable of seat-
ing one thousand persons ; and a bell was at the same
time procured, at a cost of $900.
CHUKCHES OF EOCHESTEK. 81
The Rev. Mr. Gumming resigned the rectorship in
March, 1829, after an incumbency of eight years and
three months. He was succeeded, December 6, 1829,
by the Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, who was instituted
by Bishop Hobart August 29, 1830. In 1832 a Sunday
school and lecture room was erected in the rear of the
church, forty-four by fifty feet. In the following year
a charity school of seventy-five scholars was estab-
lished, upon the basis of a free school previously in
existence, and mainly supported by the Young La-
dies' Benevolent Society of Saint Luke's, which con-
tinued in active operation until the present common
school system was adopted in the city.
During the rector' s absence in Europe for a year,
from September, 1833, the Rev. James A. BoUes was
appointed assistant minister to take charge of the
parish ; and on the occasion of a later foreign tour, in
1836-37, the Rev. N. J^. Bruce, M.D., occupied a sim-
ilar relation. After a pastorate of marked pros-
perity and faithfulness, lasting through fourteen years
and five months, Dr. Whitehouse resigned, May 1,
1844. On the 9th of May, the Rev. Thomas C. Pitkin
was elected rector, and assumed charge of the parish
July 14, 1844. He was instituted by Bishop DeLan-
cey August 11 of the same year. The Rev. John N.
Norton became assistant to the rector, with the ap-
proval of the vestry, in April, 1846. In this year
Trinity church was organized, the consent and God-
speed of the vestry of Saint Luke' s having been pre-
viously given ; a large number of the families and
communicants of Saint Luke's uniting in the new en-
terprise. The Rev. Mr. Pitkin, finding his health in-
82 CHUECHES OF KOCHESTER.
adequate to the care of so large a parish, tendered his
resignation, to take effect July 12, 1847, after a minis-
try of three years. In October the vacant rectorship
was tendered to the Rev. Henry W. Lee, wliich he ac-
cepted, to enter upon his duties January 1, 1848. The
Rev. F. F. Ward well, deacon, who had been in charge
of the parish during the vacancy, remained as the
first assistant to the rector. The Rev. Mr, Lee was
instituted February IC, 1848, by Bishop DeLancey.
He was subsequently enabled, through the cont^-
butions of the Ladies' Missionary Society, to secure
the assistance of the Rev. Messrs. Edward Meyer,
George H. McKnight, Bethel Judd, D.D., W. H. Bar-
ris, George IST. Cheney, George W. Watson, and T. A.
Hopkins, successively. During his laborious and pros-
perous ministrj^ of seven years, a new organ replaced
the one erected in 1825, and a peal of bells was hung
in the tower. The resignation Of Dr. Lee was caused
by his election to the bishopric of Iowa, which resigna-
tion was accepted by the vestry "with unmingled feel-
ings of regret, and with a grateful appreciation of the
many qualities wliich rendered his ministry so im-
portant to the prosperity of the parish, and which en-
deared liim to the people of his charge." On Saint
Luke's day, the 11th of October, 1854, he was conse-
crated to the Episcopal office, in the presence of his
flock, by Bishops Hopkins, Eastburn. McCoskry, De-
Lancey, Burgess, and Whitehouse.
In December of the same year the Rev. Benjamin
Watson was elected rector, and on the 29th of the en-
suing April entered upon his duties ; the Rev. T. A.
Hopkins having officiated in the interim. Soon after
CHVKCHES OF ROCHESTER. 83
liis arrival in the city, he held the primary meeting for
the organization of a new parish, chiefly by parish-
ioners of Saint Luke's residing in the south-eastern
portion of the city, to be called Christ's church. Dur-
ing the first year of his ministry .the church was re-
paired and improved at a cost of $5,000, a portion of
which was provided for by subscription at the time.
His institution took place February 14, 1856. He was
assisted by the Revs. Robert W. Lewis and C. E. Che-
ney, xlfter a ministry of four years and three months,
considerations of health prompting the Rev. Mr.
Watson to dissolve his connection with the church,
his resignation was accepted, to take effect August 1,
1859. The Rev. R. Bethell Claxton, D.D., was ap-
pointed his successor, and entered upon the rectorship
December 1, 1859. On the 20th of the next February
the rector was instituted by Bishop DeLancey, Bishop
H. W. Lee preaching the sermon. Dr. Claxton was
indefatigable in his labors among the poorer members
of the parish, and by means derived chiefly from the
Sunday school and the Young Ladies' Missionary So-
ciety, he succeeded, amid much discouragement, in
founding the chapel of the Good Shepherd, in the
eleventh ward. He laid the corner-stone of a neat
edifice of brick, September 23, 1863 ; and on the
31st of July of the next year he had the satisfaction
of opening the chapel for Divine service. The total
cost of the lot and building was upwards of $3000.
In the first year of his ministry (August, 1860), a rec-
tory was purchased, upon which $4000 was paid ; and
in 4pril, 1865, the vestry took order for rebuilding
and r^nlarging the Sunday school accommodations,
84 CHUECIIES OF ROCHESTER.
which work was completecj. at a cost of $6000, in April,
1866. The assistants of Dr. Claxton were the Revs.
Joseph Kidder, Frederick N. Luson, DeWitt C. Loop,
Frederick M. Gray, and Horatio Gray His resigna-
tion was consequeitt upon his election to the chair of
Professor of Pulpit Eloquence and Pastoral Care in
the Divinity school of the Protestant Episcopal church
in Philadelphia. It was accepted to take effect Octo-
ber 1, 1865.
The parish, remaining for seven months without a
rector, was served by the Rev. W. J. Clark. On the
23d of April, 1866, the Rev. Henry Anstice was elect-
ed to the rectorship, which office he still holds, and on
the second Sunday of May he entered upon the work.
During the same year two lots were added to the rec-
tory grounds, and the interior of the church remod-
elled and thoroughly refitted in every part. To meet
these expenses and liquidate an existing debt, $26,500
were cheerfully subscribed.
While the work was progressing, the congregation
worshipped in the First Presbyterian church, through
the christian courtesy of its trustees. Saint Luke's
was re-opened on the 10th of March, 1867, by the
Rt. Rev. A. C. Coxe, D.D., and the institution of the
rector followed on the 14th inst., William Pitkin, Esq.,
presenting the k.eys of the church, an office he had
performed at the institution of every previous rector.
The prosperity of the church and its enlarging field of
usefulness demanding it, provision was made for an
additional assistant minister, and well sustained mis-
sionary services were held in various parts of the city.
On the 23d of Julj', 1868, the rector laid the corner-
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTEK. 85
stone of a new chapel, to be built of brick, on Frances
street, at the head of Adams. On the 28th of Febru-
ary, 1869, the opening service was held. The build-
ing (since named the chapel of the Epiphany), is
neatly built, in early English style, sixty by forty-two
feet inside, slate roofed, with four double lancet stained
glass windows on each side, and a window in front on
either side of a central tower, which is eighty-two feet
high. The chapel is carpeted and furnished with bell,
organ, font, and chancel furniture. The entire cost
has been eleven thousand five hundred dollars. An
adjoining lot has been secured for a parsonage.
On Easter Monday, 18G9, the rector presided at a
meeting to incorporate the chapel of the Good Shep-
herd, as an independent church, and transferred forty-
one families and fifty-one communicants from Saint
Luke's to form the nucleus of the new parish. The
assistants of the present rector have been the Rev. M.
R. St. J. Dillon, Jacob Miller, D. H. Lovejoy, W. W.
Raymond, and George S. Baker. The last nanied is
still rendering most efficient service in the parish.
RECTORS.
The Rev. Francis H. Gumming, D.B., first rector of
Saint Luke's, was born at New Haven, Conn., Octo-
ber 28, 1799. Ilis education was chiefly acquired
under the care of the late Dr. Rudd, at Elizabeth,
ISr. J. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Croes,
in Saint John's, Elizabeth, in 1819, and was ad-
vanced to the priesthood by Bishop Hobart, at Saint
Luke's, in February, 1821. His earliest ministry was-
86 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
at Binghamton, whence lie was called to Saint Luab's
December, 1820. Remaining till March, 1829, he re-
moved to Reading, Pa., and thence to Le Roy, N. Y.,
spending a year in each place. In 1833 he assumed,
the secretaryship and general agency for the P. E. S.
S. Union in New York, which position he retained
four years, at the same time forming and ministering
to a congregation on Staten Island. Dissolving his
connection with the Sunday School Union, he be-
came first rector of Calvary church. New York. In
October, 1839, he accepted the rectorship of Saint
Andrew's church, Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1843 he
removed to Saint Mark's church. Grand Rapids,
where for nearly nineteen years, or until called to the
chaplaincy of the Third regiment, Mich. Infantry, he
remained. Leaving the army in April, he returned
to his family at Grand Rapids, broken in health, and
died August 26, 1862.
Rev. Henry John Whitehouse, D.D., LL.D., Oxford
and Cantab, is a native of New York city; a graduate of
Columbia college and the General Theological semin-
ary; was ordained deacon by Bishop John Croes,D.D,,
of New Jersey, and priest by Bishop AVilliam White,
of Pennsylvania : spent two years in Christ' s church,
Reading, Penn. ; came to Rochester in December,
1829 ; leaving in May, 1844, to assume the rectorship
of Saint Thomas' church in his native city, as succes-
sor of Dr. Hawks, after declining the presidency of
Hobart college, Geneva, the bishopric of Michigan, and
several other important posts. In 1851 he went to
Illinois, as assistant to Bishop Chase, and upon the
death of that venerable prelate, became Episcopal
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTEIt. 87
diocesan of Illinois, his residence being Chicago.
Bishop Whitehouse visited Europe during 1865 and
1868, traveling extensively, taking an active part in
Italian reform, acting ^for the Bishop of London in
visitations of churches in Denmark and Sweden, con-
secrating a church at Stockholm, and performing
other services there and in Russia. Bishop White-
house was mainly instrumental in effecting the Lam-
beth Pan-Anglican Synod, and preached, by invitation
of -the Archbishop of Canterbury, the opening sermon.
He has taken a deep interest in church schools. But
during a public life of many years and high honors,
no part was characterized by results of greater appar-
ent benefit and marked by a fuller realization of min-
isterial success, than that of his rectorship of Saint
Luke's, in this city. His Lent lectures and Bible
class instructions will long live in the grateful recol-
lections of the many who attended upon them through
successive years.
The Rev. Thomas Clapp Pitkin, D.D., was born at
Farmington, Conn. ; graduated at Yale college and
the General Theological seminary ; ministered at
Lawrenceburgh, Ind., and Louisville, Ky., and be-
came rector of Saint Luke's in July, 1844. After a
pastorate of three years he went to Trinity 'church,
New Haven, in the relation of associate to the Rev.
Dr. Croswell ; removed thence to Saint Peter' s, Albany,
and subsequently became associate with Dr. Shelton
at Saint Paul's, Buffalo.
The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D.,
LL.D., Cantab, is a native of. Hampden, Conn., but
early removed to Springfield, Mass., where his father,
88 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
Col. Rosewell Lee, was for forty years superintendent
of the United States armory. After a thorough
academic education, he was ordained by Bishop Gris-
wold, and for nine years was rector of Christ's church,
Springfield. Accepting an invitation to the rectorship
of Saint Luke's, he continued in that position until
his elevation to the Bishopric of Iowa, in October,
1854, his resignation not taking effect, however, until
January, 1856. In the discharge of his Episcopal
functions. Dr. Lee has ever been characterized by that
single-hearted earnestness and transparent sincerity
which marked his earlier ministry. He is the found-
er, in 18G0, of Griswold's college, Davenport, in the
theological department of which he fills the chair of
Professor of Systematic Divinity ; and in 18G4 he
established the Bishop Lee Female seminary at Du-
buque. He was a member of the Lambeth Confer-
ence, and received an early decree from Cambridge
university.
The Rev. Benjamin Watson, D.D., was born in
Philadelphia ; graduated at Trinity college and the
General Theological seminary. His first parish was
Zion church, Newport, R. I., whence he was called to
Saint Luke's, in May, 1855. After a rectorship of
four years and three months, he accepted a call to tlie-
* church of the Atonement, Philadelphia, where he
still resides.
The Rev. R. Bethel Claxton, D.D., is a native of
Philadelphia ; graduated at Yale college ; pursued,
his theological studies at the Alexandria seminary,
Ya. After a rectorshiio in Pennsylvania and mission-
ary labors in Indiana, he became rector of St. Paul' s,.
CHURCHES or KOCHESTEK. 89
Cleveland, whence he removed to accept the charge
of Saint Luke's, in December, 1859. Upon his elec-
tion to a professorship in the Divinity school, in Phil-
adelphia, he resigned his rectorship, in October, 1865.
He is still engaged in the duties of his chair in the
Divinity school.
The Rev. Henry Anstice, seventh rector of Saint
Luke's, is a native of New York city ; a graduate of
Williams college, Mass., in 1861, and of the Philadel-
phia Divinity school, in 1865. He was ordained dea-
con in July and presbyter in November, of the same
year, by Bishop Potter, of New York. He officiated
at Irvington, on the Hudson, until his acceptance of a
call to Saint Luke's, in April, 1866. He entered upon
the discharge of his duties in this relation on the
second Sunday in May, and, after five years of labor,,
is still the rector of this church.
Among the young men who went from this church
into the ministry were :
Rev. Kendrick Metcalf, D.D., Professor in Hobart
college, Geneva.
Rev. William Stanton, D.D., residing in New York.
Rev. Erastus Spalding, who died in Vienna, N. Y.,
leaving four sons, all now in the ministry.
Rev. Jeremiah H. Waldo, Springfield, Illinois,
Rev. Charles B. Stout, Chicago, Illinois.
Rev. William T. Aitkins, deceased.
Rev. W. H. Hickcox, Leroy, Kansas.
Rev. Ethan Allen, deceased.
Rev. Henry Lockwood (missionary to China), Pitta-
ford, N. Y.
Rev. T. R. Chipman, deceased.
90 CIIURCJIES OF KOCIIESTER.
BAPTISMS, COXFIRMATIOi^S AND C0XT11IBUTT0N3
DURING FIFTY • Y EARS .
Rev. F. H. Cumminpj, D.D., Dec, 1820, to March, 1829.
Bap., 255; conf., 110; cont., $14,500.
Rev. H. J.Whiteliouse, D.D., Dec, 1829, to May, 184-4.
Bap., 1167; conf., 444; cont., $17,094.
Rev. T. C. Pitkin, July, 1844, to July, 1847.
Bap., 234; conf., 97; cont., $5,140.
Rev. H. W. Lee, D.D., January, 1848, to January, 1855.
Bap., 588; conf., 189; cont., $20,431.
Rev. B. Watson, May, 1855, to August, 1859.
Bap., 263; conf., 76; cont., $15,448.
Rev. B. Claxton, D.D., Dec, 1859, to Oct., 1865.
Bap., 403; conf., 127; cont., $23,957.
Rev. Henry Anstice, May, 1866, to May, 1871.
Bap., 418; conf., 298; cont, $92,209.
- Several brief interims.
Bap., 79 ; conf., 5 ; cont., $631.
Total of baptisms, 3407.
Total of confirmations. 1346.
Total contributions, $189,410.
Rector — Rev. Henry Anstice.
Wardens — Messrs. William Brewster and Gilman
H. Perkins.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 91
Vestrymen— Isie^^v^. E. Darwin Smith, E. E. Sill,
James Brackett, William Eastwood, Charles H.
Chapin, Edward W. Williams, Charles F. Smith, and
Thomas Raines.
Clerk of Ye^^r//— Thomas Raines.
Treasurer— E^vf^vdi R. Hammatt.
>S'. S. Superintendent— B^ectoT.
S. S, Sc7iolars—3d7.
Communicants — 614.
SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH.
This second Episcopal parish in Rochester was
originally organized under the title of Saint Paul's
church, the edifice bearing that name being erected in
1829. In architectural design, this structure was far
in advance of anything at that time in Western New
York ; its beauty and grandeur drawing to it visitors
from all the country around. Its spire was designed to
exceed in height anything in this part of the State ;
but after successful raising and during the absence of
workmen at dinner, the elements made sport of their
ambition, and they returned to find that the wind had
cleaned it even with the roof. The original design
was abandoned and the present tower substituted. As
a key to important features in its subsequent history,
it may be remarked that a loan of $10,000 from the
North River Insurance Company was effected by the
vestry, to be used as part of the building fund, which
was secured by a mortgage on the building.
Rev. Charles P. Mcllvaine (now the venerable Bishop
of Ohio) was the presbyter presiding at the meetings
for the organization of the parish ; Rev. P. H. Cum-
ming being rector of Saint Luke's.
"The leading men at the organization and for many
CHUECIIES OF KOCHESTER. 93
years afterward (writes an old parishioner), were
Messrs. William Atkinson and Elislia Johnson. For
many years Saint Paul's was called Johnson's church,
he being the leading si^iritin the enterprise."
The lirst rector was Kev. Sutherland Douglas, of
whom an extended notice from another hand will be
found at the close of this narrative.
He was succeeded by Rev. Chauncey Colton, who
left on account of ill health, in 1833, and is now a res-
ident of Maryland.
Rev. H. V. D. Johns was called early in 1832. Of
Mm the same friead writes: "He visited the parish
in Lent of that year, accepted a call, preached on
Sunday, baptized an adult, and left for Baltimore for
his family, but did not return." This adult was for
fifteen years after a most exemplary and useful worker
in the parish, and during some of its darkest days the
faithful steward of its finances.*
Then came Rev. Burton H. Hickox from Palmyra,
who was in charge from 1832 to 1835 — -being remarka-
ble for prudence, persistence and success in relieving
parishes from financial embarassments, and institut-
ing plans of well doing.
In 1835 Rev. Orange Clark, D.D., was called from
Lockport, and continued in charge four years, when
he removed to California and died.
Rev. Washington VanZandt became rector in April,
1839. It was a period of special religious interest in
the city, and Mr. YanZandt " was for six months (one
of) the most popular ministers the church in Rochester
* Ansel Roberts. Esq.
94 CHURCHES OF KOCHESTER.
iad ever had. ' ' At the first visit of Bishop DeLancey
thirty-one persons were confirmed and at another seven-
teen. After a pastorate of one year and six months
he resigned. The history of this period was one of
disaster to the parish and to the sacred interests parishes
are designed to further. Let a veil be drawn over it.
But it would be a crime against the uses of history
not to record here the fact that during this incumbency
peremptory inhibition was laid upon the amusement
of dancing, in the case of young persons coming to
confirmation or to the holy communion in this parish.
After a long vacancy, when the pulpit was supplied
by professors from Geneva, the Rev. William E.
Eigenbrodt (now professor in General Episcopal sem-
inary, N". Y., and secretary of convention), was called
from Bainbridge, W. N. Y., and entered upon his
duties June 12, 1842, continuing till December, 1843,
when he resigned ; but not without inaugurating means
for rescuing the parish property from its anomalous
condition, in its transfer from the ownership of indi-
viduals to that of the bishop of the diocese, and this
with a view to its restoration ultimately to the legal
guardianship of a vestry ; a result in the end happily
accomplished.
The rectorship of Mr. Eigenbrodt was marked by
the happiest and most satisfactory relations with the
vestry and the parish ; but it had this special and
crowning glory, that it restored in all minds, at a
most critical moment, that reverence for the sacred
office which had received so disastrous a shock ; and
that it re-established as the true measure of admira-
tion and support towards a christian pastor, the
CIirRCHES OF ROCHESTER. 95
standard of exemplary purity and fidelity in charac-
ter, and of tlie solid qualities of the shepherd, guide
and teacher.
Under the rectorship of the Rev. B. H. Hickox, the
church edifice had been rescued from menaced
alienation, and the title to the church property had
passed to a new corporation, taking the name of Grace
church. This new corporation eflTected a settlement
with the old creditor, the insurance company, by
purchasing the edifice under a foreclosure of the
mortgage. The corporation of Trinity church, New
York, contributed a liberal sum to enable Grace
church to compass this settlement, taking a mortgage
on the edifice.
In the end there was a second foreclosure ; and the
edifice was bought in under it by the association of
gentlemen who held the title during the two rector-
ships last named ; and who had besides made large
advances to carry on the parish.
It was to eradicate the bitter root of original debt,
against which he felt it hopeless for any pastor to con-
tend, and of which he was ignorant when he entered
upon the charge, that Mr. Eigenbrodt resolved to
bring things to a crisis by resigning the charge.
Bishop DeLancey made, in October, 1844, this
record of the facts :
"February 4 to 11. — I visited Rochester on this oc-
casion with especial reference to the affairs of Grace
church, worshiping in Saint Paul's church edifice;
which edifice had been bought in under a foreclosure,
by a few members of the congregation, some of whom
had been large contributors to the church before, and
96 CIIUECIIES OF ROCHESTER.
who advanced tlie requisite amount in the hope that
the church might be revived and themselves refunded.
The rector had resigned on account of the pecuniary
embarrassments of the church. The vestry were un-
able to purchase the church, and there was apprehen-
sion lest the building should, by the force of circum-
stances, be alienated from the Episcopal church, and
the congregation dispersed.
"I deemed it my duty, after consulting with wise
and iniluential lay friends in Rochester, to become the
proprietor of the edifice, in the hope of thus ensuring
to the church in perpetuity the possession of the
building, in case the effort to relieve it from pecuniary
embarassment should succeed, and also to afford a ba-
sis for the experiment to relieve it to be fairly tried.
"The congregation with the vestry of Grace church
continue to worship in this church, supplied with the
ministrations of the clergy laboring in it under my
direction, and awaiting the result of the experiment,
as well as in aiding in the effort to rescue the church
from its difficulties.
"The funds derived from pew rents are applied to
providing the services of the clergy, to the payment
of the interest on the debt and reduction of the prin-
cipal, and to the contingent expenses. My own ser-
vices are given gratuitously, and are designed to be
rendered in such way and at such times as not to in-
terfere with my diocesean duties, which are par-
amount."
The experiment was blessed with success, and in
the end the title to the edifice was placed, free of in-
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 97
cumbrance, in tlie corporation of Grace cliurcli, where
it remains.
The clergymen employed under this arrangement
were, (1) Rev. Stephen Douglas, for three months ;
(2) Rev. John V. Vanlngen, D.D., who was soon
joined by Rev. Charles H. Piatt, deacon, both being
appointed missionaries for city and county without
stipends, giving also gratuitous services to Penlield,
Brighton, Pittsford, &c. Others were added as assist-
ants to the working staff in all parts of the city and
suburbs. Besides the rector, Rev. Mr. Piatt, there
ministered to this parish. Rev. John N . Norton, Rev.
Jonathan L. Eaton, Rev. Walter Ayrault (now D.D.),
Rev. T. N. Benedict, Rev. Joshua Smith, Rev.
Sylvanus Reed, Rev. Wentworth L. Childs, Rev. W.
H. Barris, Rev. Philemon E. Coe, Rev. Albert Wood,
and Rev. John B. Calhoun.
The rescue of the parish property from encum-
brance, happily effected in 1847, was in part the effort
of the bishop, who secured about two thousand dol-
lars for this purpose, and of vestry and parishioners,
with the noble zeal and activity of young men who
gave here their first services in the ministry with a de-
votion to humble labor among the poor never to be
forgotten for fidelity and success.
The title to the property being now in the vestry
the parish, freed from debt, entered upon a career
of quiet, steady growth and usefulness. Rev. Dr.
Yanlngen was chosen rector at a salary of one thou-
sand dollars (1848); of which he remitted two hundred
dollars in consideration of the recent exhausting
efforts of the parish.
98 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
The cliurcli edifice was destroyed by fire on a Sun-
day morning, in July, 1847. There being an insur-
ance of ten tliousand dollars and no debt, the vestry
proceeded courageously to rebuild. Services were held
for a time in the old high school, until Christmas,
1847, when the restored basement was joyfully occu-
pied. The entire edifice being completed, was conse-
crated as Grace church, December 17, 1848.
Upon the removal of Dr. Vanlngen to Saint Pauls,
Minnesota, in 1854, his place was taken by Rev.
Maunsell VanE,ensselaer,D.D., who, after an adminis-
tration of characteristic fidelity, was called to the
presidency of DeVeaux college, Niagara Falls.
He was succeeded by the present rector. Rev. Israel
Foote, D.D., in May, 1859. Under his laborious, pru-
dent and faithful administration, the parish has grown
to its present condition. A parsonage (original cost
ten thousand dollars), and a parish school building
(twelve thousand dollars), have been added to its pro-
perty, and the church edifice enlarged, improved and
beautified, at a cost of twenty-seven thousand dollars.
Let not the record be omitted that (while in the lan-
guage of the present rector, "None of us do anything
to boast of, and why it should be paraded before the
world but to shame us, I know not," to all of which
the present writer subscribes), not one dollar of this
was raised by lairs, or "any means except direct
subscription, bequest or contribution."
The communicants reported by Dr. Eigenbrodt in
1843, were 108, but now they number 464. But no
eye but that of the All-seeing, and no measure but
that of the final judgement can give report of the in-
CHUECHES OF KOCIIESTEE. 99»
fluence or the actual result of the life of an individual
or of a parish. And in view of the actual state of
morals to-day, no demonstration, one would think, so
well becomes "the churches," as that of humiliation
in sack-cloth and ashes. J. V. V. I.
Note. — During one of the interims of rectorship,
about the year 1831, the members of the First Pres-
byterian church worshiped for several months in this-
church, while their' s was undergoing repair. An act
of courtesy gratefully appreciated, and an illustration
of christian unity, of which this city has often been
the scene.
Rev. Sutherland Douglas, son of the late Alanson
Douglas, of Troy, was born in 1804 ; graduated at
Yale college and the General Theological seminary ;
was ordained deacon by Bishop Griswold ; accepted
charge of Saint John's church, D. C. ; became first
rector of Saint Paul' s, Rochester, in 1828, but resigned
in less than a year on account of impaired health.
He sailed to Havre in hopes of restoration, but after
severe illness died in London, after a brief but devoted
ministerial career. During the few lucid hours of his
last sickness, he received the sacrament from Rev. Dr.
Wilson (subsequently Metropolitan of India), who
had his remains deposited in his family vault at Isling-
ton, there to await the resurrection of the just. More
than forty years have passed away and yet the writer
of this sketch, young then, well remembers the text
of one of his discourses, and vividly recalls his plain-
tive voice, deeply serious countenance, and earnest,
manner, in the sacred desk.
7340a6
100 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
" The loveliest star of evening's train
Sets early in the western main ;
The brightest star of morning's host,
Scarce ris'n in brighter beams is lost."
William B. Douglas, Esq., of this city, is a brother,
and Mrs. Samuel Miller, of New Haven, a sister of
this young and gifted divine.
SZTMMA.'RY, JULY f , /87f.
Rector — Rev. Israel Foote, D.D.
Assistant Rector — Rev. C. N". Allen.
Wardens — Messrs. George W. Mumford and
Johnson I. Robins.
Vestrymen — Messrs. George Ellwanger, George E.
Mumford, H. F. Atkinson, F. Goodrich, R. S.
Kenyon, D. A. Watson, F. L. Durand, and E. K.
Warren.
>S^. S. Su'perintendent — The rector.
Librarian — Bernard S. Vanlngen.
No. of S. 8. ScJiolars— 305.
No. of Communicants — 464.
TKmiTY CHUKCIL
The organization of a third Episcopal church and
parish in tlie city of Rochester, and in that portion of
the city commonly called Frankfort, occupied the
thoughts and enlisted the sympathy of the Rev. Dr.
Henry J. Whitehouse, then rector of Saint Luke'&
church, and now the distinguished Bishop of Illinois^
as early as the year 1836. The project met with the
sympathy and cooperation of several prominent and
influential members of Dr. Whitehouse' s parish, and
subscriptions were made for the object to the amount
of about one thousand dollars. A lot was purchased
opposite Brown's square, and, realizing that the foun-
dations of parochial strength are securely laid in
Sunday schools, Seth C. Jones, Esq., an earnest lay-
man and parishioner of Saint Luke' s church, opened
a Sunday school in the district school house that then
stood on the square. Here the work seems to have
rested until, in 1844, Dr. Whitehouse received and ac-
cepted a call to the rectorship of Saint Thomas's
church, New York. The prosecution of the enter-
prise that lay so near his heart was a prominent sub-
ject of his exhortations to the attached and beloved
people of his flock as he bade them farewell, and
102 CIIUUCIIES OF KOCnE*STEK.
urged tliem to enlarge their boundaries and multiply
their activities for the good, not of the parish simply,
but of the church at large.
Dr. Whitehouse was succeeded by the Rev, Thomas
■C. Pitkin, of Louisville, Ky., whose influence was
cheerfully lent to the realization of his predecessor' s
wishes. During the month of August, 1845, the sub-
scribers to the fund above mentioned, together with
other friends of the movement, and under the official
sanction and direction of the Rev. Mr. Pitkin, met in
the public school house number five, corner of Fish
(now Centre) and Jones streets, and began public
services Sunday afternoons and evenings, Mr. Pitkin,
the Rev. Dr. Vanlngen, then rector of Saint Paul's
church, and others, officiating at their convenience.
On the 27tli of October following a meeting was held
at the same place, and the legal organization of a new
parish, to be called "Trinity church,''' was effected by
the election of Messrs. Henry E. Rochester and Seth
•C. Jones as wardens, and Messrs. George R. Clark,
^Samuel F. Witherspoon, George Arnold, David Iloyt,
Patrick G. Buchan, William E. Lathrop, Lewis P.
Beers, and Seth M. Maltby as vestrymen. On the 22d
•of December following the Rev. Vandervoort Bruce,
of New York, was called to the rectorship of the new
parish, and having accepted the call he preached his
first sermon to the little flock January 8, 1846. The
following day, at a meeting convened for the purpose,
it was resolved to sell the lot already owned on Brown
street, and to purchase what was considered a more
■eligible one, on the corner of Fish and Frank streets,
^eth C. Jones, Henry E. Rochester, and George Ar-
CIIUKCHES OF ROCHESTER. 103
nold were appointed a building committee, and they
at once procured plans for a church edifice from D. C.
McCollum, architect, and contracted with William
Bassett for building the same. Subscriptions were
made and the work progressed so well that on the 14tli
of June following the corner-stone of the church was
laid in the presence and with the assistance of the
city clergy, the rector making the address.
On the 24th of December following, it being Christ-
mas Eve, divine service was held in the church for the
first time, the rector preaching the sermon, and the
Rev. Fortune C. Brown, of Avon, and the Rev. W.
Ayrault, of Canandaigua, assisting in the service.
Previous to this date the services had been held in
public school house number five, under great and
manifest disadvantages, but so strong was the faith
and so earnest the labors of this handful of parish-
ioners that a spiritual harvest had been made ready to
the laborer's hand, in a few months. The holy eu-
charist was celebrated for the first time February 2d
of this year, when twenty-two of the faithful commu-
nicated. The sacrament of holy baptism was first
administered March 8th, the candidate being Edward,
the infant son of S. F. Witherspoon, Esq. The holy
rite of confirmation was first administered August 23d,
by Bishop DeLancey, to nineteen persons. Meantime
a Sunday school had been organized, and was suc-
cessfully conducted under Henry E. Rochester, Esq.,
as superintendent, and Mrs. George Arnold, assistant
■ superintendent.
The Rev. Mr. Bruce resigned the rectorship of the
parish May 12, 1847, after a ministry of but sixteen.
104 CHURCHES OF ROCIIESTEK.
months, and removed to New York city, where he
still resides. He was succeeded by the Rev. Charles
D. Cooper, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., who entered upon
the discharge ol his duties October 1st, the same year.
Under his ministry the parish interests continued to
thrive, and on the morning of February 15, 1848, the
debt having been entirely paid, the church was con-
secrated to the worship of Almighty God. Bishop
DeLancey was the consecrator, and there were of the
reverend clergy present and assisting, besides the rec-
tor, the Revs. Henry W. Lee,D.D., then rector of Saint
Luke's, Rochester, and now Bishop of Iowa, J. Y.
Vanlngen, D.D., S. Benedict, Mason Gallagher, A. P.
Stryker, J. A. Bolles, A. Lockwood, and Samuel
Chipman. Two days later the rector was formally
instituted into his cure, and forty-five laymen commu-
nicated. Mr. Cooper labored faithfully among his
people, but his ministry was even shorter than his
predecessor's, for on the 10th of December, 1849, he
accepted a call to Philadelphia, where he still resides,
in charge of the church and parish of the Holy
Apostles.
Mr. Cooper was succeeded by the Rev. Robert J.
Parvin, of Towanda, Pa., who assumed the rectorship
February lOtli. His first sermon is still most distinctly
remembered by his hearers, not only on account of
the interest which usuall)'' attaches to such occasions,
but also on account of the singular pertinency of his
text, "I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent
forme." Mr. Parvin had a successful, though short
ministry in this parish, and resigned August 12, 1852,
to take charge of a parish in Pittsfield, Mass. Sub-
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 105
seqiiently he became an agent of the " Society for the
Increase of the Ministry," and was among those who
perished on board of the ill fated steamer United States,
which was burned on the Ohio, December, 1868.
It will thus be seen that from the outset the parish
had to contend against an evil that still obtains in the
church everywhere, a constant change in the pastor-
ate. But there were stout hearts and generous deeds
among the laity which were an abundant earnest of
ultimate success. The records of those days tell the
same unvarying tale of self-sacrifice for Christ, and
when the standard of pecuniary values is compared
with that of the present, the donations of those early
members of the parish toward its constant and increas-
ing enterprises, seem truly munificent.
There is an almost irresistible temptation to particu-
larize somewhat on this head, and we are restrained
only by the knowledge that those earnest churchmen
— many of them still with us — are characterized by
too genuine a modesty to tolerate any mention of
their generosity other than in general items.
During the ministry of Mr. Parvin the chancel win-
dow was completed, and a Sunday school room fitted
up for week day services and lectures.
Mr. Parvin was succeeded, October 1, 1852, by the
Rev. Addison B. Atkins, of Oswego, N. Y., who re-
mained until June 12, 1854, when he removed to a
wider field of usefulness. At his last celebration of
the Eucharist, one hundred and five communicated, a
sufficient evidence of growth in things spiritual, Mr.
Atkins is now rector of Saint John's church, Greorge-
town, D. C.
106 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
On the 5tli of September following, a call was ex-
tended to the Rev. George N. Cheney, of Penn Yan,
N. Y., who entered upon his work October 1. His
ministry, which was the longest one ever exercised by
any of the rectors of this parish, lasted until May 1,
1863, when failing health and sundry private consid-
erations admonished him to retire from the care of ac-
tive parochial life. Entering upon his work with an
eye single to his Master's glory, and with a zeal
which, though sometimes "cast down," could never
be "destroyed," he left a most enduring record in
the hearts of his people. During the great rebellion he
secured temporary leave of absence from the parish,
that he might carry the word and sacraments of
the church to the soldiers who were fighting for
the nation's life, and in the capacity of chaplain to
the 33d regiment, New York Volunteers, he served
the Master and his fellows most faithfully. Retiring
to the country to rest at the house of a friend, he died
June 12, 1863. The parish he served so well has
erected a mural tablet above the altar and on the
the sanctuary wall, with the appropriate inscription,
"A Beloved Brother and Faithful Minister in the
Lord."
The parish had now realized such a measure of
material prosperity that it became necessary to mature
plans for the enlargement of the church edifice.
Hitherto the body of the church consisted of a nave
and transepts, the whole outline describing a cross.
Plans were submitted and adopted at a vestry meet-
ing, held June 16, 1863, for enlarging the church by
extending the side walls ten feet on either side, thus
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 107
adding two rows of pews and two aisles to the already
existing nave. These plans were adopted, the church
was enlarged and thoroughly refurnished, and an ac-
crued debt of a considerable amount was paid off,
thus placing the parish on a good financial footing.
On the 9th of next November, a call was extended to
the Rev. John W. Clark, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
on the 6th of December, he took charge of the parish
as rector. He remained only until November 13,
1864, when he resigned, and accepted a call to Saint
Thomas's church, Dover, N. H.
On the 24th of the following April, a call was ex-
tended to the Rev. John V. Yanlngen, D.D., formerly
.of Saint Paul's church, and sometimes doing mission
work in Minnesota, who accepted, and at once took
charge of the parish. He remained until July 1, 1868,
when he resigned, and became agent of the " Society
for the Increase of the Ministry." A vacancy in the
rectorship of eight months now occurred, which, to-
gether with other preexisting causes not necessary to
be mentioned, operated disastrously on the interests
of the parish, and confident predictions were made
that its race was run. Families which had ever filled
its pews and swelled its income, contributing to its
material and spiritual strength, had become scattered,
and only a faithful few remained to constitute the
semblance of a parish. But the faith of those few
never wavered, and in response to their call, the Rev.
Charles H. W. Stocking, rector of Christ's church,
Ansonia, Conn., took charge of the parish March 1,
1869. Seldom is a call accepted under more discour-
aging circumstances. The exterior and original por-
108 CHURCHES OP ROCHESTER.
tion of tlie cliiircli had fallen somewhat into decajy
while the interior had become still more unseemly.
There was no choir, scarcely any parishoners, and
little more than income enough to pay the sexton. A
volunteer chorus choir was formed and rehearsed by
the rector, the Sunday school was re-organized, with
the assistance of its constant benefactor, S. F. With-
erspoon, Esq., and general measures of improvement
inaugurated. A fund of about three thousand dollars
was raised for improvements within and without the
church building, and on the lltli of July, it was re-
opened by the Right Rev. A. Cleaveland Coxe, B.D.,
bishop of the diocese, who preached and administered
the holy rite of confirmation to twenty-two persons.
This brings the history of the parish down to the
present time. During the two years rectorship of the
present incumbent, the parish has been making rapid
strides forward in the part of material and religious
progress, and its future seems reasonably secure. It&
membership, income and influence are largely beyond
what it has ever before enjoyed ; a result attributable
more to the zeal and cooperation of its members, than
to the labors or deserts of its rector.
During the present incumbency a parish Guild has
been organized, the members of which are solemnly
pledged :
1. To aid in the reverent performance of divine
worship, by preparing and keeping in order the vest-
ments of the clergy and all other appointments of the
choir, the vestry-room and the chancel.
2. To be present before, during, and after all pub-
lic services, when not providentially and absolutely
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTEK. 109
prevented, and to so order the above appointments as
to secure a more seemly and reverent respect for the
house of God.
3. To inculcate by precept and example the duty
of reverence for the holy place.
4. To seek out and report to the rector any exist-
ing cases of sickness, suffering or destitution within
their respective districts, and, under his direction, to
aid such as are worthy.
5. To ascertain and report to the rector the names
of all strangers moving within the parish, and who
attend its services and unite with them in facilitating
an early and cordial acquaintance with those "wlio
are of the same household of faith."
This institution has accomplished much good to the
parish and the city.
A parish school was also opened last year under
the immediate supervision of the rector, and with Miss
Frances M. Buchan, an earnest and most efficient
teacher, as principal.
The Sunday school is an element of great strength.
It numbers eighteen teachers, and two hundred and
fift}'' scholars.
Of the original incorporators but four remain with-
in the parish, viz : George R. Clark, S. F. Withers-
poon, George Arnold and Dr. B. F. Gilkeson.
The present incumbent. Rev. Charles H. W. Stock-
ing, was born in Norwich, Conn. ; at the age of six-
teen he removed to Providence, and thence to Bos-
ton, where he prepared for college. He entered Trin-
ity college, Hartford, in 1856, graduated in 1860, en-
tered the General Theological seminary. New York
110 CHUECIIES OF ROCHESTER.
city, where he also graduated. Ordained to the dea-
conate by Bishop Horatio Potter, in New York, June
28, 1863, and to the priesthood by the same bishop,
at Brion Clifi', Westchester county, N". Y., December
17, 1863, of which parish he liad the charge for the
first year of his ministry. In October, 1864, he be-
came rector of the church of the Nativity, Bridge-
port, Conn., and warden of the orplianage connected
with the same. In October, 1865, he accepted the
rectorship of Christ's church, Ansonia, Conn. In
connection with tlie parent parish, he also founded
mission parish at Nichols' Farms, Trumball, Conn.,
which, in four years, became self-supporting, and
was placed under the charge of a resident pastor.
In March, 1869, he removed to Rochester, where he
now holds the rectorship of Trinity parish,
STATISTICS OF THE PARISH.
Since its formation, 808 have been baptized, 341 con-
firmed, 247 couples united in holy matrimony, and
378 persons buried.
The parish at present numbers more than 700 souls,
of whom about 250 are communicants.
Of those who found in Trinity church a spiritual
mother, six have gone forth as priests of Christ's
church to minister the word and sacraments to others.
Of the eight priests who have served at its altar,
two now rest from their labors, the Revs. G. N.
Cheney and Robert J. Parvin.
The Rev. Vandervoort Bruce is living in New York
city, and is without any parochial care.
CIIUKCnES OF ROCHESTER. Ill
Rev. Charles D. Cooper is rector of the church of
the Holy Apostles, Philadelphia.
Rev. Addison B. Atkins is rector of Saint John's
church, Georgetown, D. C.
Rev. John W. Clark is rector of Saint Paul's
church. East Saginaw, Mich.
Rev. J. y. Vanlngen, D.D., is chaplain of the
House of Refuge, Rochester.
Rector — Rev. Charles H. W. Stocking.
Wardens — Messrs. George Arnold and Chauncey
W. Clarke.
■' Vestrymen — Messrs. William F. Holmes, James
Brown, R. D. Kellogg, Virgil C. Goodwin, Dwight
Knapp, James W. Kelly, Sylvester P. Robins, E.
Henry Scrantom, and F. G. Ranney, clerk.
>S'. S. Superintendent — Rector.
Assista7it Bwperintendent — S. F. Witherspoon.
No. of Scholars — 250.
No. of Communicants — 260.
CHRIST'S CHURCH.
Recognizing the necessity of another Episcopal
church on the east side of the river, several prominent
members of Saint Luke's church, together with a few
from Grace church, obtaining the consent of the rec-
tors of the city parishes, met and organized, with the
following officers : Silas O. Smith and David Hoyt,
wardens (botli deceased) ; Andrew J. Bracliett, D. B.
Beach, D. M. Dewey, John Fairbanks, J. M. Winston,
Charles R. Babbitt, Delos Wentworth, and Edward
M. Smith, vestrymen.
The first services of the newly organized parish
were held in Palmer's Hall, on Sunday, April 29,
1855, the Rev. Benjamin Watson, of Saint Luke's,
officiating. Upon nomination of Bishop DeLancey,
the Rev. Henry A. Neely, of Utica, now Bishop of
Maine, was elected rector of the parish.
Mr. Neely continued the rectorship until the autumn
of 1862, when, to the great regret of those among
whom he had labored so earnestly for seven years, he
resigned the parish, and accepted the chaplaincy of
Hobart college, Geneva.
He was succeeded by Rev. Anthony Schuyler,
D.D., of Saint John's church, Oswego, and during
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 113
Ms efficient ministry the congregation steadily in-
creased. His health requiring a change of climate, he
accepted a call to Grace church, Orange, New Jersey,
in 1867.
The third rector of the church is Walton W. Bat-
tershall, of Ravenswood, Long Island, the present in-
cumbent.
The favorable location of the church, and the energy
and enterprise which, through all its history, have
characterized the parish, have, by the grace of God,
given it an almost unprecedented growth, and made it
an efficient instrument of christian work. During the
pastorate of its first rector the church was enlarged to
double its previous capacity, and a chapel for the
Sunday school was built, adjoining the church. Un-
der the rectorship of the Rev. Dr. Schuyler a tower
was added to the church edifice. Within the last two
years extensive improvements have been made in the
interior of the church, and a rectory has been built on
the lot adjoining the church lawn.
In June, 1870, by the advice and support of several
laymen, the Rev. Mr. Battershall called the Rev.
Daniel Flack, formerly of the cathedral of Our Mer-
ciful Saviour, at Fairbault, Minn., to take the charge
of the parish school and the mission work of the parish
in the twelfth ward.*
* In June, 1871, the mission, with the cordial consent and favor of the
restry of Christ's church, became an independent parish, under the name of
Saint Clement's church and the rectorship of the Rev. Daniel Flack. A
valuable lot has been purchased, and measures are being taken for the erec-
tion of a church edifice during the coming year.
114 CHUECHES OF KOCHESTEE.
EECTOES.
Rev. Henry Adams Neely, D.D., was born at Fay-
etteville, N. Y. ; was educated at Jubilee college, Illi-
nois, and Hobart college, Geneva, where he received
Ms academic titles of A.M. and D.D.; was ordained
priest in Calvary cliurch, Utica, June 18, 1854, of which
church he was assistant rector for nearly three years^
when he accepted a call to become first rector of
Christ's church, Rochester, in August, 1855, of which
parish he retained the charge for seven years, when he
was appointed first chaplain of his alma mater at,
Gfeneva. From that position he became assistant min-
ister of Trinity church, New York, with the charge of
Trinity chapel, and finally was elected second Bisliop'
of Maine, and was consecrated June 25, 1867. Untir-
ing industry with ardent zeal and devotion to his call-
ing have carried Dr. Neely onward step by step to the-
highest position in the church of which he is a worthy
diocesan. His residence is Portland, Maine.
Rev. Anthony Schuyler, D.D., is a native of Seneca,
Ontario county, N. Y. ; a graduate of Hobart college^
Geneva ; and practiced law for ten years. His theo-
logical studies were pursued under the direction of
Dr. Walker, of Ithaca. His first rectorship was at
Penn Yan ; then at Oswego for ten years ; when he
came to Rochester as second rector of Christ's church,
being installed October 1, 1862, and resigning July 1,
1868, to the regret of his parishioners, and assumed a
pastorate at Orange, N. J., which position he now
holds with the same ability and acceptance that char-
acterized him here and elsewhere.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 11^
Rev, Walton W. Battersliall was born at Troy, N. Y. ;
graduated at Yale college in 1864, and at the General
Theological seminary, New York, in 1867; was for a
year and a half assistant minister of Zion church, in
that city, anil in 1868 accepted the rectorship of Saint
Thomas's church, Ravenswood, L. I., whence he re-
moved to Kochester, and was installed rector of"
Christ's church January 1, 1869, which important post
he now holds with the cordial unanimity of the parish,
which, during his administration, has increased by
one-half its present number of communicants.
Hector — Rev. Walton W. Battershall.
Wardens — Delos Wentworth, Edward M. Smith.
Vestrymen — C. E. Upton, D. M. Dewey, A. Bur-
bank, J. H. Nellis, W. H. Shepard, W. J. Ashley,
J. Moreau Smith, Curtis Clark, Charles W. Hardy^,
clerk.
S. S. Superintendent — William J. Ashley.
iVo. of Communicants — 410.
8. S. Teachers— 26.
S. S. Scholars— 200.
Report of mission not included in above.
GOOD SHEPHERD.
During the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Claxton, rec-
tor of Saint Luke's (in 1863-4), a mission of that
parish was established, and a chapel built on Grape
street. On the 3d of March, 1869, this was organized
as a separate parish, by the Rev. Henry Anstice, suc-
cessor of Dr. Claxton, under the title of the church of
the Good Shepherd. The first wardens were Messrs.
John Greenwood and George Cummings. The first
vestrymen were Messrs. Thomas Thompson, Thomas
Tamblingson, William Attridge, Jr., Samuel Attridge,
C. H. Finch, Robert G. Newman, William Webb,
and Walter Williamson.
EECTORS.
Rev. Jacob Miller, resigned September 1, 1869.
Rev. J. Newton Spear, resigned on account of ill
health. Resides at Altoona, Pa.
Rev. James S. Barnes, came from and returned to
Brooklyn.
Rev. Frederick Walter Raikes, a native of England
-and a student in Germany. After having a pastoral
^charge at Tonawanda, N. Y., and being an assistant
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTEE. 117'
minister of Grace cliurcli, Lockport, lie was ordained to
the priesthood by Bishop Coxe, and installed rector
of the church of the Good Shepherd.
Rector — Rev. Frederick Walter Raikes.
Wardens — John W. Greenwood, George Cnm-
mings.
Vestrymen — Messrs. Robert G. Newman, Thomas-
Thompson, Thomas Tamblingson, William Attridge,
Jr., William Webb, Thomas Baxendale, George Thorn^
and Samuel Attridge.
>S^. S. Superintendent — Rector, assisted by John W^
Greenwood.
No. of 8. 8. 8c7iolars — 145.
No. of Communicants — 30.
^
METHODIST.
FIEST, ASBURY, NORTH STREET,
ALEXANDER STREET, CORNHILL, FRANK
STREET, GERMAN, ZION.
Metliodism lias been quaintly tliougli not inaptly
styled "religion on liorse-back," being the pioneer
corps of the sacramental army. When Wesley and
his associates forsook the social attractions and schol-
astic halls of London and Oxford, to "preach Christ
and Him crucified" to the miners of Cornwall, New-
castle, and like semi-barbaric regions of England and
Wales, they exemplified w^hat was in their minds to
be the characteristic feature of the society they estab-
lished. As a rare exception, Methodists were in Roch-
ester preceded by Presbyterians and Episcopalians.
This arose from the fact that the pioneer immigrants
were from New England and Maryland, and brought
with them their religious sentiments and their eccle-
siastical forms of worship.
The first Methodist meeting was held in June, 1817,
in the dwelling house of Fabritius Reynolds, which
stood near to the intersection of Fitzhugh street with
Buffalo street, the service being conducted by Elder
Elisha House.
These informal services were held in private dwell-
122 CHURCHES of kociiester.
ings and school houses up to September 20, 1820, when
the First Methodist Episcopal church of Rochester
was organized, with the following trustees : Messrs.
Frederick Clark, Abelard Reynolds, Elam Smith, Dan.
Rowe, and Nathaniel Draper. The edifice first erect-
ed stood on the corner of South St. Paul street, the
lot being presented by Messrs. Elisha Johnson and
Enos Stone. The building committee were Messrs. N.
Draper, B. Hall, and R. Beach. The size and locality
of this structure became so inadequate and inconven-
ient that it was resolved to erect a building with more
room, to accommodate the increasing attendance, and
nearer the center of population. As the result of such
united purpose, but with very large pecuniary sacri-
fice, the massive and spacious stone edifice was erect-
ed on the corner of Fitzhugh and Buffalo streets.
This sanctuary was dedicated to the worship of Je-
hovah in the fall of 1831, but on the 5th of January,
1835, became a mass of burned and unsightly ruins.
There being no insurance, the loss was peculiarly
heavy and depressing. But the public sympathy was
deeply awakened, which expressed itself in the influx
of money and other donations sufficient to rebuild at
once, and another of great attractiveness took its place,
and stood till the land was sold, and another struct-
ure was built a little to the north ; the dedication ser-
mon being preached by Rev. Dr. Reid, then president
of Genesee college, Lima.
A division of the society being deemed advisable,
another organization was formed September 26, 1836,
and a church edifice of stone erected on the corner of
Main and Clinton streets, which was dedicated in
CIirECHES OF ROCHESTER. 123
Eebruary, 1843 ; the ofRiciating clergymen being Rev.
Drs. Jolin Dempster and Samuel Luckey. This socie-
ty was afterwards merged in the Asbnry M. E. church,
which was organized under its new and present name
February 1, 1860. Great improvements have recently
been made in the audience room of the building, ren-
dering it very commodious and attractive.
In March, 1852, Aristarchus Champion, Esq., gave
to ilie Methodist denomination $10,000, to be used in
building four church edifices in the suburbs of the
city. Of this generous sum $2,000 were donated to
aid in erecting the North street church, near the cor-
ner of North and Hudson streets, which was dedicated
November 2, 1853 ; the sermon being preached by
Rev. Schuyler Seager, D.D. This ecclesiastical or-
ganization had been in existence since March, 1819,
under the name of the North street M. E. church of
Rochester.
Another appropriation was made to aid in erecting
what is the Alexander street church, on the corner of
Alexander and Cobb streets, which was dedicated in
the autumn of 1853, by Bishop E. S. Janes, D.D.
The Cornhill church was organized June 8, 1852,
the above fund aiding essentially toward erecting the
edifice that stands on Edinburgh street, near Plymouth
avenue.
The Sixth M. E. church was organized December 17,
1852, under the impulse and practical encouragement
derived from Mr. Champion's munificent gift. Its
place of worship, on the corner of Smith and Frank
streets, was dedicated in 1853, by Rev. J. S. Peck, D.D.
N. B. — It should be understood that while the noble
124 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
benefaction of Mr. Champion called some of these
churches into being, and was of admitted importance
in the way of encouragement, the amount in each case
was but a small proportion of what was required to
complete the structure.
NAMES OF METHODIST MINISTERS WHO HAVE BEEN"
STATIONED IN ROCHESTER.
ReTierend Messrs.
Orren Miller, Cyrus Story,
Reuben Aylesworth, Elisha House,
Mica Seager, Isaac Puffer,
John Dempster, Zechariah Paddock,
Gideon Laniiing, Gleason Fillmore,
Robert Burch, Elijah Hebard,
John Copeland, Allen Steele,
Daniel P. Kidder, D.D., Wilbur Hoag,
Jonas Dodge, Thomas Carlton,
Moses Crow, Samuel Luckey, D.D.,
Schuyler Seager, D.D., John Dennis,
John G. Gulick, A. C. Greorge,
Jonathan Watts, D. D. Buck, D.D.,
Israel H. Kellogg, John Parker,
William H. Goodwin, D.D., LL.D.,
Manly Tooker, J. M. Fuller,
W. W. Mandeville, John Raines,
Thomas Tousey, Thomas Stacey,
D.W.C. Huntington, D.D., James E. Latimer, D.D.^
F. G. Hibbard, D.D., Elijah Wood,
Henry VanBenschoten, E. J. Hermans,
D. Leisenring, A. H. Shurtleff,
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 125
'J
M. Wheeler, Natlian Fellows,
John N. Brown, Alpha Wight,
S. W^. Alden, George W. Chandler,
R. Hogoboom, William Manning,
Thomas B. Hudson, ' S. L. Congdon,
S. VanBenschoten, S. B. Rooney,
George W^ Paddock, W. B. Holt,
Albert N. Fisher, Isaac Gibbard,
J. Asll^yorth, George VanAlstyne.
While all have been men of devotion to their sacred
calling, and had much success in "winning souls to
Christ," several of them have occupied, and still hold,
a large place in public esteem, for scholarship and offi-
cial station in church and state. As illustrations :
Rev. Daniel P. Kidder, D.D., a graduate of Wesley-
an university. Conn., went as a missionary to Brazil,
S. A., where he resided three years ; travelled exten-
sively from San Paulo to the equator ; distributed bi-
bles and various christian books, and preached the first
sermon on the waters of the Amazon. Returning to
the United States he published two volumes, entitled
"Sketches of residence in Brazil," and, conjointly
with Rev. J. C. Fletcher, "Brazil and the Brazilians,"
both of them well received by the literary and relig-
ious public, doing much to awaken an interest which
has embodied itselt in the present successful missions
to those distant and needy regions. As a preacher,
scholar, and author, Dr. Kidder occupies a high posi-
tion in public regard.
Rev. Freeborn G. Hibbard, D.D., is anativeof New
Rochelle, N. Y. ; commenced public life at the early
age of eighteen, and has repeatedly held the highest
126 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. ■
positions in the gift of his church associates. As
editor of the Northern Christian Advocate, and author
of "Baptism, its Import and Efficacy," "Geography
and History of Palestine," and the " Psalms Chrono-
logically Arranged," Dr. Hibbard has displayed, as
in his pulpit discourses, a well disciplined mind, pro-
found scholarship, and accurate acquaintance with
Bible truths. As a preacher, he is always listened to
with interest and profit.
Rev. Zachariah Paddock, D.D., was born in Mont-
gomery county, N". Y. ; when licensed, was placed on
the Ontario district ; was ordained by the late Bishop
Roberts, at Vienna (now Phelps) ; has been in charge
of most of the stations in central and western New
York, among them Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, Auburn,
Utica, &c. ; held the office of presiding elder eighteen
years, and is now at Binghamton. Though not a
college graduate, he was studious and a master of
many literary departments, all which attainments he
has used to good effect with pen and voice. Benevo-
lent and genial, he has many ardent friends in central
and western New York, where for nearly half a cen-
tury he has been abundant in labors to build up Zion,
and spread scriptural Jioliness through the land.
Rev. Gleason Fillmore was born in Bennington, Yt.
In 1818 he is found preaching at Buffalo and Black
Rock, multitudes thronging to hear him. The most
remarkable years of his ministry were spent in Roch-
ester, in 1830-1, when a revival occurred, which added
nine hundred to the church in this region. His manly
figure, powerful voice, and earnest utterances, made
him a favorite preacher at camp meetings, executions,
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 127
and other public gatherings. He now resides near
Buffalo.
Rev. John Dempster, D.D., was born in Florida,
Fulton county, N. Y., his father being a native of
Scotland, and for a time a follower of Wesley, though
at the time of his death of and in the Presbyterian
church. The subject of tliis sketch was converted at
a camp meeting, and thenceforth was devoted to Christ
with unabated and intense zeal. A hard student in
early life, he became a "master in Israel." Being
admitted to the general conference in 1816, his circuit
was a vast wilderness, with fatigues and perils
innumerable. The places he served were Watertown,
Scipio, Homer, Auburn, Rochester, &c., where his
resistless logic and sweeping eloquence are well re-
membered by the xjioneer dwellers. Failing in health
he spent six years in Buenos Ayres, S. A., and in
1842 became pastor of a church in New York. A
surgical operation terminated his life in November,
186- ; " and his end was peace,"
Rev. Samuel Luckey, D.D., was born in Renselaer-
ville, N. Y., his first circuit being in Ottawa, Lower
Canada, then at St. Francis, in the same province,
subsequently in Easton, N. Y., and New England,
then in and around 7\lbany, Troy, Schenectady, &c.
For four years he was jDrincipal of Genesee seminary
at Lima, and then editor of the Christian Advocate,
at New York. Returning to itineracy, we find him in
the metropolis, then on the Genesee conference, where
he remained till his death in Rochester city, October
11, 1869, being at the time of his decease chaplain of
the city penitentiary. "His fame is in all the churches,
128 CHURCHES OF EOCIIESTEE.
standing unsullied by any exceptional event of a
moral, doctrinal, or ecclesiastical aberration, during
the rare ministerial period of fifty-eight years." He
was a regent of the State university.
William Henry Goodwin, D.D., LL.D., is a native
of Trumansburgh, N. Y. ; was educated at Lima, and
received scholastic degrees at Plobart college, Geneva,
and Dickenson college, Penn. He has been an active
pastor for twenty-seven years, and presiding elder for
seven years. During the winter of 1855-6 Dr. Goodwin
represented his district in the senate of New York
State, returning to his home in Geneva each Sunda}^,
and officiating on the Sabbath. During the second
winter of the term he admitted one hundred to church
membership on x^rofession of their faith, travelling
weekly six hundred miles, and not being once absent
from his seat at the capital. In the year 1865 he was
chosen regent of the State, and took a leading part in
the late Methodist convocation at Syracuse. His pub-
lished writings have been of rather a fugative charac-
ter, the most important being a speech on the " natur-
alization laws," an oration at Lima in 1852, and on
Decoration Day.
A vast German (Methodist) population, unused to
any but their own language, are scattered all through
the land. Though under the supervision of the
Bishops of the Methodist church, they have a confer-
ence of their own, and are served by ministers of the
German tongue. That in this city is entitled First
German Methodist Episcoj^al church, and is located
on the corner of North and Tyler streets. It was or-
CHTJECIIES OF KOCIIESTEll. 129
ganized in 1848, and lias had as its ministers : Revs.
John Sawter, John J. Craii, Jacob Kindler, Charles
Afflerba3h, A. C. Hortel, F. G. Gratz (twice), C. Blunn,
J. G. Lutz, J. Kolb, and Paul Quatlander.
Zion church (Methodist), now located on the corner
of Spring and Favor streets, was organized in 1835,
and has had a checquered career, though now pros-
perous. The ]3astors have been : Revs. Isaac Steward,
the early founder ; Henry Johnson, deceased ; John
P. Thompson, Dempsy Kennedy, William S. Bishop,
bishop, now in Newark, N. J. ; John A. Williams,
■ Thomas, James H. Smith, William Sandford,
William Abbott, and Thomas James, the present in-
cumbent.
From this church there entered the ministry Ger-
man Logan, now a bishop, and resides at Syracuse.
Another church was organized in 1867, under the
pastoral charge of Rev. William Edwards. The trus-
tees being Messrs. Austin Steward, Peter Stockton,
George Washington, David Winer, and Bt-njamin
Jointer. This has been disbanded and the house of
worship sold.
Prominent among the people of color was Austin
Steward, whose autobiography, entitled "Twenty-
Two Years a Slave, and Forty a Freeman," p)ublished
by William Ailing, in 1867, is a volume of much inter-
est and well entitled to the recommendatoiy note
signed by leading citizens, and a letter from ex-Gov-
ernor Clark, of Canandaigua, and Edwin Scrantom,
Esq., of this city. Mr. Steward was a man of much
intellectual ability, great energy of character, and un-
daunted heroism in what he deemed the path of duty.
130 CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER.
Whoever questioned his judgement, few, if any,
doubted his honesty of aim. In mind, heart, and life,
Mr. Steward was no common man.
Mr. John W. Bishop has a pleasant liome on
Adams street, where the writer spent a rect^nt hour
gathering the material for this brief but important
chapter.
scr.rrjfA'Rr, july ^, /87f.
First— Rew. W. Loyd.
S. S. Superintendent — James Vick.
Ashury—RQV. F. G. Hibbard, D.D.
S. 8. Superintendent — A. Manderville.
Cornlilll—'RQY. R. 0. Wilson.
B. 8. Superintendent — N. L. Button.
Alexander Street— Hev. J. D. Requa.
8. 8. Superintendent — A. P. Ross.
North Street— 'Rev. J. N. Brown.
>S^ 8. Superintendent — Gr. P. Davis.
First German — Rev. Paul Qiiatlander.
8. 8. Superintendent — J. U. Flad.
Zlon (Colored) — Rev. Thomas James.
8. 8. Superintendent— ^o\\\\ Weir.
Aggregate of Communicants — 1,500.
BAPTIST.
FIRST CHURCH.
Previous to the year 1816, a few Baptists residing in
the neighboring town of Brighton met in private
lionses for religions worship, under the leadership of
Elders Drake and Lamb. Out of this company sprang
an association which was formally organized in June,
1817, the place of gathering being a barn belonging to
Deacon Graves, about three and a half miles from the
present city. The members thus Joined in covenant
were Deacon Amos and Mrs. Anne Graves, Mr. Ira
and Mrs. Sperry, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Sperry, Mr.
John and Mrs. Reynolds, Deacon Tenny, and Mrs.
Urana M. Kennedy. The ministers assisting at this
inauguration were Elders Lamb, Bramin, Brown, and
Tinney, with Mr. Immer Reynolds as clerk. Such
was the infancy of an ecclesiastical organization which
now catalogues its hundreds of members, and has
founded an University and a Theological seminary
which reflect high honor upon the founders, are a
credit to the cit}^, and a blessing to the world.
Destitution of any place of wprship seriously im-
peded early advancement, as it prevented many from
joining the' body who were one with them in doctrine,
education, and early usage. The infant church at
134 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
length engaged the services of Rev. E. M. Spencer, a
teacher in Middlebury academy, "the eloqence of
whose address awakened sanguine hopes that he
would be extensively useful in the then rising village."
Inability of support compelled him to resign in less
than a year after settlement. He was succeeded, in
1823, by Rev. Eleazer Savage, during whose able and
faithful ministry of three years the communicants in-
creased from thirty-five to eighty-five in number.
After the resignation of Mr. Savage, the prayers and
labors of the laity were rewarded by seeing constant
additions, so that when Rev. O. C. Comstock, M.D.,
came he found a people ready to cooperate in his zealous
efforts for their spirituality^ prosperity, and growth.
After some delay and much pecuniary sacrifice, pur-
chase was made of the edifice on Carroll (now State)
street which the Presbyterians had left for their new
home in rear of the court house. It was here that in
1831 the Lord so signally blest His truth that during
twelve months one hundred and fifty were added by
baptism and fifty-three by letter. Among the many
whom Dr. Comstock had the privilege of welcoming
to the Lord's table was a gifted son, who abandoned
a promising career at the bar, devoted himself to the-
ology, went to Burmah as a missionary, where he and
his sainted wife lie buried on Pagan soil — a noble
sacrifice upon the altar of Christ and souls. Upon
the retirement of Dr. Comstock, through ill health,
Rev. Pharcellus Church, D.D., took his place, during
whose administration (in 1839) the edifice on North
Fitzhugh street was built, which, though plain in out-
ward appearance, holds an oftimes thronged assembly
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTEK. 135
of worshipers. This is now giving place to another
on the same site, to cost $125,000. The lecture room
is now completing, and will be ready for occupancy
before summer closes. The deacons, at the time of
dedication, were Messrs. John Watts, Oren Sage, and
John Jones ; the trustees were Messrs. E. F. Smith,
John Jones, John Watts, Oren Sage, and Charles
Smith, with Mr. II. B. Sherman as clerk. Messrs.
A. G. Smith, H. L. Achilles, Myron Strong, Edwin
Pancost, George Davison, Charles Hubbell, and Ellery
S. Treat have held important offices. Succeeding Dr.
Church were Rev. Justin A. Smith (1849—1853), Rev.
Jacob R. Scott (1855—1858), Rev. Richard M. Scott
(1859), and the present incumbent.
PASTORS.
Rev. Eleazer Savage, a native of Middletown, Conn. ,
and graduate of Hamilton Literary and Theological
seminary, became the first settled pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Rochester in the year 1823, and resigned
after a short time to become pastor at Medina, Os-
wego, Albion, Holley, York, and Bath. He now re-
sides at Fairport, spending the last days of a long and
useful career on earth, his ministry having ever be<:!n
earnest, faithful, and replete with blessed results.
Rev. Oliver C. Comstock, M.D., was a native of
Rhode Island, and son of the late Hon. Adam Com-
stock, of Saratoga, a jurist of eminent ability and
large repute. His education was limited to the com-
mon school and home. The University of New York
having conferred upon him the degree of M.D., he
136 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
practiced medicine for eiglit 3^ears at Trumansburgli ;.
was appointed first judge of Seneca county, then
State legislator, and Congressman for three terms, de-
clining a fourth nomination that he might enter the
ministry. He was ordained at Washington, D. C. ;
ministered at Ulysses and Ithaca ; became pastor of
the First Baptist church in this city in 1827, where he
remained till May, 1835, when he resigned ; was elect-
ed chaplain of the House of Representatives, and
then removed to Marshall, Mich., where he held sev-
eral positions of public trust and honor. The closing
days of his long, eventful, and useful life were spent
under the roof of his son, M. C. Comstock, M.D., go-
ing to his heavenly rest at the advanced age of seventy-
nine. An obituary notice, taken from a Marshall
journal, commences thus : "A truly great and good
man has fallen." It was i^emarked by one who knew
him well that "Dr. Comstock never had an enemy."
''The memory of the just is blessed."
Rev. Pharcellus Church, D.D., was born in Seneca,
near Geneva, Ontario county, N. Y., and commenced
his ministry in Vermont, passing thence to Providence,
R. I., being then transferred to New Orleans, from
whence he came to Rochester in September, 1835, and
resigned after an able and successful pastorate of the
First Baptist church for thirteen years. During this
period nearly one thousand persons were added to th©
church by baj)tism and letter. In 1848 Dr. Church
removed to Boston and took charge of the Bowdoin
Baptist church, which ill health compelled him to re-
sign, and from 1855 to ^Q5 he edited the Chronicle, of
!New York. Dr. Church has been a voluminous and
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTER. 137
popular author. Among liis publislied works are
"Philosophy of Benevolence," "Religious Dissen-
sions," "Antioch," " Pentecost," with a multitude of
pamphlets, etc. While here he interested himself
much and practically in organizing the University^
though leaving before he was privileged to see the re-
sults of his arduous and self-sacrificing labors in that
direction.
Rev. Justin A. Smith, D.D., is a native of Ticon-
deroga, N. Y., and graduate of Union college, Sche-
nectady. His pastorate of the First Baptist church
began in the autumn of 1849, and continued four years^
when he removed to Chicago, 111., and became editor
of the Christian Times, now styled the Standard, the
denominational organ for the north-west, which he has
conducted these eighteen years with marked ability
and success. Associated with his editorial labors has
been the charge of a city church, making his life one
of labor and responsibility, but of extensive influence
and much usefulness*
Rev. Jacob R. Scott, a native of Massachusetts ;
graduated at Brown university and Newton Theologi-
cal seminary ; was settled at Petersburg!!, Va., from
whence he came to Rochester in 1855, and remained
three years, when he removed to Yonkers, N. Y.,
. where he died.
Rev. Richard M. Nott was born in Nashua, N. H. ;
graduated at Colby university, Maine ; was ordained
pastor of First Baptist church, Rochester, October 12,
1859 ; resign-ed October, 1865 ; settled in Aurora, 111.,
in 1869, where he now resides.
Rev. Henry E. Robins, D.D., was born in Hartford,.
138 CHURCHES OF EOCIIESTEE.
Conn. ; graduated at Newton Theological seminary ;
ministered to a church at Newport, R. I. ; came to this
city, and was installed pastor of the First Baptist
church in 1867.
MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES FROM THIS CHURCH.
Rev. Zenas Freeman, deceased.
Rev. Grover S. Comstock, missionary to Burmah,
deceased.
Rev. Joshua Ambrose, Michigan.
Rev. Niles Kinne, Wisconsin.
Rev. J. W. Spoor, New York city.
Rev. Stephen W. Tower, New Jersey.
Rev. Augustus H. Strong, D.D., Cleveland, Ohio.
Rev. Robert J. McArthur, New York.
Rev. Ezra Zeburn, Rochester.
Rev. AVilliam L. Lisle, Massachusetts.
suMMA^r, JU'zr /, fsrf-
Pastor— Rev. Henry E. Robins, D.D.
Deacons— Messrs. E. F. Smith, H. N. Langworthy,
Alvah Strong, William N. Sage, L. R. Satterlee, Al-
fred G. Mudge, S. A. Ellis, J. O. Pettengill, and Aus-
tin H. Cole.
ClerJc-'RenYy W. Dean.
Assistant ClerJc—Renry S. Dean.
S. S. Superintendents. A. Ellis, wdth assistants
A. R. Pritchard and E. R. Andrews.
Secretary and Treasurer— A. S. Lane.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 139
Librarians — Henry S. Dean and W. Lincoln Sage.
Scholars — 475.
Communicants — 712.
OUT-STATIONS.
In connection with the First Baptist churcli is the
Memorial Baptist Mission chapel, located on Lake
avenue. This was commenced as a mission chapel in
1865, and became a distinct and separate organization
in March, 1871, with one hundred and two members.
The Sabbath school contains four hundred scholars,
under the superintendence of Mr. D. A. "Woodbury.
The deacons are Messrs. Edwin Waite, D. A. Wood-
bury, and S. Glass.
Also, St. Paul street Mission, established in 1868,
having a Sabbath school with three hundred scholars
and three teachers.
Also, stations at Hanford's Landing, hereafter to be
conducted by the Lake avenue church ; and one on
the Lyle road.
SECOND CHUECH.
At the beginning of the year 1834, it became the
settled conviction of many members of tlie First Bap-
tist church, that a new organization was necessary to
meet the wants of the rapidly enlarging territory and
ever increasing j)opulation. Accordingly on the 26th
of February, 1834, fifty-six (5,6) persons were dis-
missed, to form a new interest on the east side of the
river. Of the founders there are now living and in
fellowship, David R. and Sarah M. Barton, Emeline
Sheik, and Lydia A. Evans.
The Third Presbyterian church edifice, located on
the corner of Main and Clinton streets, being then in
market, was purchased, and the organization perfect-
ed on the 12th of May, 1834, under the title of the
Second Baptist church of Rochester. The occasion
was deepened in interest by the fact that on the day
of organization Grover S. Comstock (son of the late
Rev. O. Comstock, D.D.) was ordained a missionary
to Burmali, whither he and his devoted wife went,
never to return to their native country ; and Zenas
Freeman was set apart to the work of an evangelist.
On the night of December 10, 1859, this house of
worship was consumed by fire, but another erected on.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 141
North street, near Main, during the year 1861, at an
expense of $40,000, and far superior for size, commo-
diousness, and commanding attractions. This church
has been ably ministered to by the following
PASTORS.
Rev. Elon Galusha, of Hamilton, N. Y., whose
very acceptable services covered three years, when he
resigned to become financial officer of Brockport col-
lege. He died at Brockport, January 4, 1856.
Rev. Elislia Tucker was installed January 1, 1837,
and under his faithful ministry a revival occurred
which added fifty persons to the communion. He re-
signed in 1841, removed to New York city, and died
in 1853.
Rev. V. R. Hotchkiss became pastor April 26, 1842,
and before the close of the year a revival resulted in
the conversion of one hundred and forty-three per-
sons (eighty-three of whom were from the Sunday
school). In 1845 he resigned, and is now pastor of
Washington street church, Buffalo.
Rev. Charles Thompson came in 1846 and left in less
than a year, to become pastor of the Tabernacle
church, which had a brief existence on St. Paul street.
He is now pastor in Fredonia.
Rev. Henry Davis remained but a year and went to
another field, leaving behind "the blessings of the
poor and sorrowing for his kind attentions, and the
gratitude of the church and community for the ur-
banity of his manners, and devotion to his calling."
Rev. W. Gr. Howard, D.D., commenced his labors
142 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
in the autumn of 1851, and was much blest in leading
many to Christ. After a pastorate of six years he
moved to Chicago, and then to New Orleans, where he
died in 1863.
Rev. George Dana Boardman, D.D., is a native of
Tavany Burma. His parents, the late Rev. George
Dana Boardman and Sarah Hall (subsequently Mrs.
Judson), occupy a prominent place on the page of
modern foreign missions. Graduating at Brown uni-
versity, R. I., and Newton Theological seminary,
Mass., he passed a brief period at Barnwell Court
House, S. C, when he assumed pastoral charge of
this church October, 1856, occupying the same for
eight years, when he left to preside over the First
Baptist church of Philadelphia. In the departure of
Dr. Boardman, Rochester lost a preacher, lecturer,
and citizen of prominent ability and repute. Long
will he be remembered for peculiar fascination as an
orator, and varied acquirements as a public teacher.
Rev. J. H. Gilmore was installed October 1, 1865,
but resigned after three years to take the chair of the
Theological seminary in the city university.
Rev. T. Edwin Brown, of Brooklyn, commenced
his labors November 1, 1869, which he meets with an
ability and acceptance not at all behind his able pred-
ecessors.
If ever a church and parish had cause for gratitude
to God for well qualified religious guides, this has in
the persons of the nine who have stood, trumpet in
hand, upon the walls of this part of the christian
zion. The fifty-six who constituted the original mem-
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 143
bership have arisen to five hundred, deducting death*
and removals.
Pastor — Rev. L, Edwin Brown.
Deacons — Messrs. D. R. Barton, Thomas Johnson,
A. Moseley, M. G. Seely, and William Richardson.
8. S. Superintendent — Mr. George W. Rawson,
Mrs. Adolphus Morse.
No. of Teachers — 51.
No. of Scholars— 600.
trustees — Messrs. John M. French, George Brown,
C. B. Woodworth, E. D. Tracy, D. R. Barton, and
Charles H. Williams.
No. of Communicants — 570.
GERMAN CHURCH.
In 1848-9 several German Baptists came from New
York and other places to this city, when they com-
menced holding meetings by themselves in private
dwellings and in school house number ten, on Fitzhugh
street. Their services were conducted first by Mr.
G. Englehard, a colporteur of the American Tract
society, and afterwards by Rev. C. Boos, of Warrens-
ville, Penn., who labored here nine months, and Rev.
J. Eschman, of New York, who spent a few weeks,
and by others at different intervals, and for less
periods of time.
In October, 1850, Mr. Henry Henrich came to the
city from Buffalo, and because of his efficiency and
success in collecting and cementing these scattered
elements, may be styled the founder of the present
organization, the German Baptist church. On the
§9th of June, 1851, the body was regularly organ-
ized, and recognized by the related judicatories,
Rev. Mr. Henrich being ordained as first pastor.
Among the constituent members were Messrs. John
Doppler, Jacob Bopser, Conrad Leppler, and Joseph
Richard. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Henrich,
many persons were added to the church by baptism
CHURCHES OP ROCHESTER. 145
and letter, a large portion of whom migrated from
time to time to the west, several being excluded
from fellowship through unfaithfu^.ness to their cove-
nant obligations. In October, 1858, Rev. Mr, Hen-
rich removed to Anthony, Lycoming county. Pa.
Rev. Prof. A. Rauschenbusch, of the Rochester The-
ological seminary, supplying the pulpit for about six
months, when Rev. Gerhard Koopman was pastor for
a brief time, who was succeeded, in 1863, by Rev.
Henry Schneider, and he, in 1865, by Rev. Henry
Tschirch, the present occupant.
When the church was first organized, services were
held in a hall on Ann street, near State. After a few
years purchase was made of school house number ten,
on Andrews street, which is now taking down and an
edifice of brick erecting, to cost about $8,000.
This church is ecclesiastically connected with the
Monroe Baptist Association. The German students
at the Theological seminary (generally about twelve
in number), worship here, and render valuable aid in
social meetings and in Sabbath schools.
svMM^nr, jzrzr /, !87f.
Pastor — Rev. Earnest Tschirch.
Deacons — Messrs. Jacob Widmer, Joseph Richard,
and George Guenther.
^S'. S. Superintendent — Alexander Trzeciak.
No. of Scholars— 100.
Communicants — 86.
CONGREGATIONAL.
FIRST CHURCH.
This organization was perfected about the year 1842,
and that not so much on ecclesiastical grounds and
from preference to tlie New England form of faith or
worship, as from a warm sympathy of its founders in
the anti-slavery movements of the times and with tlie
acceptance by them of the doctrinal views upon sancti-
fication, taught at Oberlin, Ohio. As tlie doctrine of
christian perfection, and the ardent espousal of the
anti-slavery cause, were the immediate occasion of
constituting the church, so they were its characteris-
tic features from commencement to dissolution.
The first minister was Rev. A. S. Shaffer, from New
Jersey, who remained between two and three years,
when Rev. Henry E. Peck (son of Everard Peck,
Esq.) became the ordained pastor, and so continued
for nearly eight years.
The church edifice was in the northern part of the
city known as Frankfort, and the society was in a
large measure composed of the inhabitants in that
vicinity, with a few other earnest men and women,
who sympathized with Oberlin views upon slavery
and questions of theology.
In progress of time, when abolitionism came to be
150 CnUECITES OF ROCHESTEE.
tolerated in the churches, and Oberlinism had ceased
to be treated as a dangerous heresy, and as a Metho-
dist church had just been organized in the same
suburbs of the city, there seemed no longer a special
call for this organization to raise the cry in the wilder-
ness, and, the Rev. Mr. Peck having been called to a
professorship in Oberlin college, the church and soci-
ety about the year 1851 was dissolved, and the mem-
bers were quietly mixed with the other evangelical
churches of the city.
The membership was about one hundred and twen-
ty. Leonard Hitchcock and Joseph Higgins were the
two deacons, and were both of the " salt of the earth,"
and have gone to their reward above. The church
served its intended purpose — its career, though brief,
being greatly useful and honored.
FEEE CHURCH.
Was organized in November, 1836, with five mem-
bers, which soon increased to seventy. The first pas-
tor was Rev. John T. Avery, and trustees were Messrs.
John Gorton and Willis Sterns. A place of worship
was erected on the corner of St. Paul and Division
streets, between Main street and Saint Paul church.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.
September 8, 1853, saw laid tlie corner-stone of
Plymouth church, on the corner of Troup and Sophia
streets, now called Plymouth avenue. The occasion
called together a large concourse of citizens ; Presby-
terian, Methodist, and Baptist clergymen taking part
in the interesting exercises. Rev. O. E. Daggett, D.D.,
then of Canandaigua, delivered an appropriate ad-
dress. The funds needful for the construction of the
massive building were largely contributed by Aris-
tarchus Champion, Esq., who, after its completion,
conveyed the property by deed to the trustees, Aug-
ust 10, 1855. An act of State incorporation was ob-
tained, under date of April 15, 1854, and the follow-
ing persons were elected trustees : Messrs. Aristarchus
Champion, Freeman Clarke, Edmund Lyon, Charles
J. Hill, William W. Ely, M.D., A. C. Bristol, M.D.,
E. H. Hollister, C. A. Burr, and Erastus Darrow.
An ecclesiastical organization was perfected August
21, 1855, with seventy members, of whom Ezra B.
Booth, Eliza A. Bloss, Robert E. Brewster, Dr. A. G.
and Mrs. Mary C Bristol, Aristarchus Champion,
Erastus Darrow, Olivia H. Dewey, Dr. L. C. and Mrs.
Sarah Dolley, Dr. W. W- and Mrs. Sarah and Ange-
152 CIIUKCHES OF ROCnESTER.
line Ely, Joseph Farley, Dennis Ilartwell, Elizabeth
Lee, Alice B. Peck, Galnsha and Stella B. Phillipps,
Samuel C. and Susan F. Porter, Smith R. and Lucy
A. Sutherland, William H. and Sarah B. Thomas,
Frederick, Matilda and Frank VanDoorn, Porter
W. and Emeline C. Taylor are still in communion.
On the evening of the same day the church edifice
was dedicated to the worship of God, the sermon be-
ing preached by Rev. Jonathan Edwards, of Woburn,
Mass., and devotional exercises conducted by Rev.
Drs. Daggett, of Canandaigua, Leonard Bacon, of
New Haven, Joseph P. Thompson, of New York,
with Rev. Messrs. J. H. Dill, E. W. Gilman, and T.
Eddy. At a church meeting held December 10, 1855,
Rev. Jonathan Edwards was unanimously elected
pastor, and was installed April 18, 1856 ; the sermon
being preached by Rev. Prof. Parks, of Andover
(Mass.) Theological seminary. Ill health compelled a
resignation November 2, 1862. Mr. Edwards returned
to his native State, leaving behind universal esteem as
a gentleman of intellectual culture, urbanity of man-
ner, united with diligence, ability, and faithfulness as
preacher and pastor. The pulpit was variously sup-
plied till the unanimous call of the present incumbent,
Rev. D wight K. Bartlett, who was installed May 9, 1869.
PASTORS.
Rev. Jonathan Edwards, son of the late Justin Ed-
wards, D.D., president of Andover Theological sem-
inary, was born at Andover ; graduated at Yale col-
lege and at Andover seminary ; was first settled at
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 153
Woburn, Mass., from wliicli place he came to Roch-
ester, and was installed lirst pastor of Plyiiiouth
church in April, 1856, where he remained nearly seven
years. He has now charge of the ancient church of
Dedliam, Mass., founded in the year 1636. During
his pastorate in Rochester two hundred and forty
persons united with the church.
Rev. Dwight K. Bartlett was born in Poughkeepsie ;
graduated at Union college and Princeton and Union •
Theological seminaries ; preached at A'i^penia, N. Y.,
and Stamford, Conn.; coming to Rochester in 1859,, ■
where he labors among an attaclied people.
In connection with the pastors of Plymouth church,,
mention may be made of another person, who, though
never holding an ofl3.cial position, was so often in the
pulpit, and so thoroughly identified with this body '
and with religion, science, and education throughout
the city, as to merit special and emphatic record. , .
Rev. Chft rlos - Dewey, D.D., LL.D., was born ^VUk^M^
Sheffield, Mass. ; graduated at Williams college, of
which institution he was an officer for seventeen years.
During the next ten years he was president of thej
Gymnasium at Pittsfield, Mass., when, in 1836, he
came to this city as principal of the Rochester Col-
legiate Institute, located where now stands the Third
Presbyterian church, on the east side of the riverj^
and where many of our leading citizens received their
early education, and live to retain a grateful memory
of their accomplished and revered teacher. In the
year 18— Dr. Dewey assumed the chair of Chemistry
and Natural Philosophy in the then newly established
University of Rochester, which he held with well
154 CHURCHES OF EOCIIESTEK.
known repute for ten years, when lie resigned its act-
ive duties, though still retained as Emeritus Professor.
As a gentleman, a scholar, a teacher, a writer, and
christian divine. Dr. Dewey was extensively known
and universally esteemed. When, on the 15th of
December, 1867, he expired^ at his residence on Troup
street, it was felt that Rochester had lost a gifted resi-
dent, science an acknowledged master, the church a
warm-hearted disciple, and his home a cherished
head.
SZlMM^'2tr, JZizr f, /87f.
Pastor — Rev. D wight K. Bartlett.
Deacons — Messrs. S. D. Porter, H. M. McLean, P.
W. Handy, and A. G. Bristol.
Trustees — Messrs. C. J. Hill, W. N. Emerson, Henry
Brewster, Galusha Phillips, Erastus Darrow, W. W.
Ely, M.D., B. H. Clark, S. B. Roby, O. L. Sheldon.
8. 8. Superintendent — A. S. Hamilton.
Scholars — 250.
Cliurcli MeiTfibersliip — 300.
Plymou.th church has a colony under the title of the
Eighth Ward Mission chapel, on the corner of Rey-
nolds and Tremont streets. It was organized as a
Sabbath school in February, 1867. At the present
time it has two hundred and fifty scholars, with thirty-
two teachers, under the superintendency of Mr. Wil-
liam B. Levet. Cottage prayer and Bible reading
meetings are held every Friday evening. An useful
future is in hopeful prospect.
SINGLE CHURCHES.
ZION'S FmST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH.
This religious community was organized with twenty-
members, in the year 1834, in a frame house on Pio-
neer street. A lot on the corner of Grove and Still-
son streets being donated for that purpose, a spacious
brick edifice was erected, and is the present place of
worship.
The Pastors have been: Rev. John Muehlauser,
deceased ; Rev. H. G. Kempie, deceased ; Rev. A.
Uebelacker, studying medicine ; Rev. Fred. VonRos-
enberg, a native of Germany, and student of Berlin,
Erlanger and Bunn, who came to this country in 1863,
and was installed pastor in 1868, which position he now
holds with efficiency and usefulness.
SUMMA'RT, JZTZr /, 787^-
Pastor — Rev. Fred. VonRosenberg.
^Z(ier 5— Messrs. Phillip Meyer, John Bohr, and
Julius Binder.
Beacons — Messrs. William Wagner, Peter Hartman ^
Henry Buhlmann, John Unglink, David Bartleon,
Jacob Margrander, and Nicholas Conrad.
>S^. 8. Superintendent— ^QS^Q Shepherd, an elder of
the Third Presbyterian church.
Scholars — 450. Communicants — 1, 000.
GERMAN UNITED EVANGELICAL
CHURCH.
Was organized in the year 1842. The first ofScers
after the incorportion were Messrs. Lorens Raab,
Bernhard Haid, and John G. Beck as trustees ; Carl
Rohrig, Henry A. Merlan, and Henry Lux, deacons ;
with Messrs. George G. Bachman, John Knodel, and
Matthias Hertel as elders. The congregation met in
public halls and rented rooms nntil 1847, when a
church was built on Allen street, nearly opposite the
Brick Presbyterian church, where services are still held.
PASTOKS.
Rev. C. F. Solden, Rev. C. Biehl, deceased, Rev.
Birke, Rev. Illiger, Rev. C. Haas, Rev. C. Clawson,
Rev. J. H. Conradt.
Pastor — Rev. Charles Siebenpfeiffer.
Elders — Messrs. Adam Scliake, Matthias Hertel,
and L. Wehn.
CHURCHES OF EOCHESTER. 159
Deacons — Messrs. F. Ruckdescliel, Joseph Fitzen-
berger,Wilhelm Heul, John Frick, and Franz Harwart.
S. 8. Sujperinteddent — Mr. Thomas Dransfield.
Scholars— "im.
Communicants — 900.
There is a day school with two hundred scholars,
under care of Messrs. John C. Ganger, C.Schopper, and
Miss Augusta Kingsbury.
The parish contains four societies : one for benevo-
lent and mutuall}'' benevolent purposes ; another, con-
sisting of married ladies, for relief of the poor ; an-
other, containing young ladies alone, for promoting
church interests ; and a fourth, young men alone, lor
for educating and cultivating young men.
FIRST GERMAN EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA-
TION.
Lonated on St. Joseph, corner Nassau street (but
formerly on Stillson street), was organized in 1848, bj
Kev. J. G. Marquardt, now in California. Previous
to that time several ministers of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation, held services here, though irregularly and with
little concentration of effort. As the ministers of this
body cannot stay in one place more than two years,
the following have been here as
PASTORS.
Revs. J. Wagner, J. Schaaf, M. Laner, L. Jacoby,
A. Klenn, S. Weaver, A. Miller, P. J. Miller, Q. Eck-
liard, A Hobswarth.
Pastor— Rqy. Michael Lehn.
S. 8. Super lntendent—R\\dio\^\\ Luescher.
Scholars— 200.
Communicants — 1 1 9.
FIEST EI^^GLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Was organized July 18, 1869, under tlie ecclesiasti-
cal direction of the present pastor, Rev. Reuben Hill.
This reverend gentlemen is a native of Pennsylvania,
a graduate of Pennsylvania college, at Gettysburgh,
where he preached for a time, and then at Hagers-
town, Md., at Pittsburgh, Pa., coming here in Decem-
ber, 1868, where, he has commenced an enterprise
which is destined to assume large proportions and ex-
ert great power.
Pastor — Rev. Reuben Hill.
Elders — Messrs. C. M. Meyer, and Charles Scho-
maker.
Deacons — Messrs. Jacob Suter, Frederick Moser,
and Gr. W. Arnold.
B. S. Superintendent — Jesse Sliepherd.
Scholars — 260.
Communicants — 75.
Present place of worship, a room in a building on
Grove, near North street. A church edifice will, it is
hoped, ere long be erected for the use of this growing
society.
EVANGELICAL REFORMED EMANUEL
CHURCH.
Was organized in tlie year 1851 ; the edifice is locat-
ed on Hamilton Place, in the 12tli ward, near Mt.
Hope ; the pastor is Rev, Charles Knss, who, after
several years of missionary life in Russia, was settled
here in the year 1869 ; the Sabbath school superin-
tendent is Mr. Jacob Wentz.
EVANGELICAL SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH*
Was organized in 1864 ; the building is located on
Fitzhugh street ; the pastor is Rev. Frederick Heinle,
who was settled in 1869 ; the Sunday school superin-
tendent is Mr. C. A. Becker. This church is Luther-
an in doctrine and form of government.
FIRST REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH,
This church, located on the corner of Oregon an<J
Harrison streets, was organized in the year 1848. The
founders were J. YanDoven, Levinus Verhagen, Abra-
ham Eevnipe, and Kots ; the presiding officer
being Rev. S. Bolks, of the classis of Holland, Mich.
Tlie pastors have been : Rev. A. B. Veerhanzen,
now at East Williamson, N. Y. ; Rev. W. C. Wurt,
now at Lodi, N. Y. ; Rev. A. Kriekaart, now at Kal-
amazoo, Mich. ; Rev. Pierre B. Bahler, the present
pastor, was born at Twolle, Netherlands, where his
father had ministered for over forty years. After a
course of education by his parent, he preached in
Belgium, and was one of the founders of the Belgium
Evangelical Society. Returning to the Netherlands,
lie remained in charge of two churches till he came to
this country, October 15, 1869. At a brief sojourn
and ministrations at Albany, N. Y., and Paterson,
N. J., he came to this city in March, 1868, and is
earnestly engaged in organizing his countrymen and
leading them in the course of truth and heaven.
There is a Sabbath school of fifty-six pupils, under
the superintendency of the pastor. The communicants
are 231. The church belongs to the classis of Geneva,,
and is Dutch Reformed in its policy.
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
While Rocliester was but a village, followers of this
theological faith were accustomed to meet for worship
in the school house and the court room, the preachers
being Rev. Sampson, Rev. Henry Roberts (father
ol George H. Roberts, Esq.), Rev. William Andrews,
Rev. Jacob Chase, Rev. T. B. Abel, Rev. Russell
Tomlinson, and Rev. Charles Hammond. They then
worshiped in the Court street church, until it was sold
to the Scotch Presbyterians. Being without a place
of worship. Sabbath school onl}^ was continued in the
basement of the Unitarian church on Fitzhugh street,
till the arrival of Rev. Mr. Montgomery, when they
resumed services in Minerva hall, and continued until
the erection of a plain structure on Chestnut, near
Main street, which has been recently enlarged and
beautified at great expense, being re-dedicated March
'22, 1871 — the discourse being preached by Rev. Dr.
Saxe, and devotional services by Rev. Messrs. Mont-
gomery, Mann, and other clergymen.
Among the founders and early members of this
■church were Messrs. Joseph Wood, deceased ; Isaac
Heliums, Gilman; Schuyler Moses, John Bax-
CHURCHES OF EOCIIESTEK. 165^
ter, John B. Beers, M.D., J. J. VanZandt, J. F.
Boyce, and N. Bingham.
PASTOES.
Rev. George Montgomery, a native of Portland,
Maine, was installed December, 1845, and served eight
years, when ill health compelled his resignation. He
is a resident of the city, greatly respected by all who
know him.
Rev. J. W, Tuttle held the position for about six
years, and was succeeded by
Rev. A. Saxe, D.D., the present scholarly and pop-
ular incumbent, under whose pastorate the church is.
greatly prospering.
TOUISTG MEN WHO HAVE EN^TEEED THE MINISTEY.
Rev. Stephen R. Camp, now at Brooklyn.
Rev. William Vandemark, now at Pittsburgh, Pa.
Rev. J. Murray Bailey, now at Titusville, Pa.
Edwin S. Corbin, in the Theological seminary.
SU3I3IABY, JULY 1, 1871.
Pastor — Rev. Asa Saxe, D.D.
Deacons — Messrs A. C. Wilmot and George II»
Roberts.
S. S. Superintendent— W. E. Cooke.
Scholars — 200.
Communicants — About 100.
Note. — The society inaugurated the now popular
custom of Sunday school railroad excursions.
FIRST UNITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL
SOCIETY.
This ecclesiastical body was formally orf^anized
July 18, 1841. An edifice erected on North Fitzhngh
■street in 1842-3, was destroyed by fire, November 10,
1859, in consequence of which regular services were
suspended till 1865, when the corner stone of the
present sanctuary, opposite the former, was laid with
usual ceremonies, and the house dedicated in 1866.
Pastors in succession have been : Rev. J. P. B.
Storer, D.D., deceased ; Rev. F. A. Whitney, de-
■ceased; Rev. RufiisDillis,Rev. Frederick AV. Holland,
Rev. Bacon, deceased ; Rev. W. Dougherty,
Rev. W. II. Channing, Rev. James Richardson, de-
ceased ; Rev. P. W. Holland, D.D., a second time,
during whose pastorate the present structure was built
in 1868 ; Rev. Clay McCauley, Rev. N. M. Mann.
SUM3IARY, JULY 1, 1S71.
Pastor— Hev. Newton M. Mann.
Deacon — John G. Williams.
Trustees — Messrs. J. L. Angle, Joseph Curtis, and
Simon L. Brewster.
S. 8. Super Intendent — J. L. Angle.
Pupils — 80. Comm.unican.ts — 50.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The first Roman Catliolic congregation built a stone
edifice in 1823, on Piatt street, near State, the site of
the present Saint Patrick' s cathedral. Several clergy-
men had charge of the enterprise, conspicious among
whom was Bernard O'Reilly, D.D., who was conse-
crated Roman Catholic Bishop of Connecticut in 1850,
and was lost at sea in 1856.
It being quite impossible to present a detailed nar-
rative of each separate organization of this large
ecclesiastical body, it must suffice to append the fol-
lowing names and localities of churches, with the
officiating officers, and various religious institutions
in charge.
1. Saint Patrick's Cathedral ; located on Piatt
street ; founded in 1822 ; officiating clergy, Rev. B. J.
McQuaid, D.D., bishop of diocese of Rochester, assist-
ed by Rev. Messrs. J. M. Early, J. F. O'Hare, Nicholas
Byrne, and H. D. Regge.
2. Saint Mary's church ; South, near Court street ;
founded in 1842 ; officiating ministers. Rev. John
Stewart, and James Mooney.
3. Saint Peter and Saint Paul's church ; Maple
street, corner King ; founded in 1843 : officiating min
ister, Rev. Francis H. Sinclair.
1G8 CIIUECHES OF KOCIIESTEE.
4. Saint Joseph' sclmrcli, German ; Franklin street ;
founded in 1846 ; officiating ministers, Rev. George
Ruland, Peter Croneberg, Joseph Clauss, George
Korsch, A. Pingel, and Phillip Colonel.
5. Oar Lday of Victory, French ; Pleasant street ;
founded 18 iS ; officiating minister. Rev. Joseph Dole.
C. Church Immaculate Conception ; Plymouth
Avenue ; founded 1848 ; officiating minister, Rev.
Patricio Byrnes.
7. Saint Bridget' s church ; Hand street ; founded in
1854 ; officiating minister
8. Saint Bonifacius church, German ; Grand street ;
founded in 1861 ; officiating minister, Rev. John
Flor Payer.
9. Holy Redeemer's church ; Hudson street, corner
Clifford ; officiating minister. Rev. Fidelis Oberholter.
KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES IN" CITY UNDER BISHOP m'QUAID.
1. House of Redemptorists ; adjoining Saint Jo-
seph' s church ; Rev. George Ruland, rector.
2. Brothers of Mary ; Franklin street.
3. School Sisters of Notre Dame ; . Andrews street.
4. Convent and Academy of the Sacred ^ Heart ;
Madame Barratty, superior.
5. Convent and Academy of Our Lady of Mercy ;
Mother M. C. Kelley, superior.
6. Saint Mary's Hospital.
7. Saint Mary's Boy's Orphan Asylum.
8. Saint Patrick's Girl's Orphan Asylum.
9. Saint Joseph's Orphan Asylum, German.
Ten schools, containing 1,448 boys, and 1,513 girls ;
a large proportion are taught gratuitously.
FRIENDS NO. 1 — FRIENDS NO. 2.
A society of Friends was formed in 1817, and a
meeting house was erected on Fitzhugh street, oppo-
site the Brick church. In consequence of discussions,
in which the name of Elias Hicks was frequently men-
i oned, another society was formed in 1828, called the
Orthodox Friends, who erected a place of worship on
Jay street, in a part of the city called Frankfort. The
trustees of this latter society were Messrs. Jesse
Evans, Silas Cornel, and L. Atwater. Of the former :
Messrs. Samuel Post and Joseph Green. So writes
Henry O'Reilly, Esq., in his " Rochester and Western
New York," under date of 1838.
SUMMARY, JULY 1, 1871.
Friends meeting house, Hubbell Park. No names
of officers given in the Directory.
Friends meeting house. Jay street near Kent.
Pastor — Jacob D. Bell.
S. S. Superintendent— Mr. Lindley M. Murray.
Mr. Lindley M. Moore — father of our distinguished
townsman, Edward M. Moore, M. D. — has just
deceased. In his death the society of Friends lo^t a
devoted and representative member ; the oppressed a
warm advocate ; community a most worthy citizen^^
and a home a cherished parent and kinsman.
BEPJTII KODESH— AITZ KAH NON.
These are the names of the two Jewish congrega-
tions, the former,
Berith Kodesh, founded in 1843, is located on North
St. Paul street, having both as pastor and Sunday
school superintendent. Max Lansberg.
Aitz Rah Non, founded in 1870, and is located on
St. Joseph street, with Rundbaken as pastor.
Connected with these congregations are the follow-
ing benevolent societies :
1. Hebrew Benevolent Society ; organized 1850 ;
president, Henry Garson ; secretary, Joseph Kauff-
man.
2. Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society ; organized
1865 ; president, Mrs. A. Mock ; secretary, Mrs. H.
Britenstool.
SECOND ADVENT.
Organized 18f>7 ; place of worship, Washington
HaU. ^
YOUNG MEN
.- -J
ROCHESTER YOUNG MEN AND THE
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.
NATIVES OF ROCHESTER, AND THOSE COMING HERE
VERY EARLY IN LIFE, WHO ENTERED THE
MINISTRY AND BECAME PASTORS OR
FOREIGN MISSIONARIES.
Names — Parentage — Church Connection — Residences — Alphabetic ally Arranged.
Bush, Charles P., D.D. — David Bush; Pres. ; Nor-
wich, Conn., Beloit, Wis., Rochester, Dist. Sec. A.
B. C. F. M. at New York.
Bush, George C. — David Bush; Pres.; Stewarts and
Hackelstown, N. J., Newton, Pa.
Bush, James S. — O. N. Bush ; Ep.; San Francisco.
Bishop, George S. — W. S. Bishop; Pres.; N. Bruns-
wick, N. J., Newburgh, N. Y.
Benedict, Wayknd R. — NehemiahW.; Bap.; Roch-
ester.
Carpenter, Elisha M. — Cyril Carpenter ; Pres.; Roch-
ester and New York city.
Cherry, Henry — Pres.; missionary at S. India; died
at the south.
Copeland, Jonathan — David Copeland ; Pres. ; Holley,
N. Y.j now in Vermont.
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTEK. 173
Clarke, Charles Russell— Charles L. Clarke ; Pres. ;
Prof, in Princeton Coll., N. J., San Francisco, San
Diego.
Chapin, Henry B., Ph.D.— Moses Chapin; Pres.; Steu-
ben ville, O., Trenton, N. J., New York city.
Comstock, Grover S. — Rev. O. Comstock ; Bap.; for-
eign missionary in Burma, and died there.
Ely, Joseph A.— W. W. Ely, M.D. ; Cong. ; Rochester.
Gaylord, Willis S.— W. M. Gaylord ; Pres.; Union
Corners, Ossian, and Arkport, N. Y.
Green, Jonathan S. — Pres.; missionary to the Sand-
wich Islands.
Hall, Augustus F.— bro. of A. G. HaU, D.D.; Pres.;
deceased.
Hamilton, Gavin L.— Pres.; Pittsford, Rochester.
Hall, Alanson C— Pres.; missionary in India; died
at the south.
Hunt, T. Dwight— Simeon Hunt, M.D.; Pres.; Sand-
wich Islands, Ithaca and Waterville, N. Y., Niles,
Mich., San Francisco.
Hastings, Parsons C— Orlando Hastings; Pres.; mer-
chant in New York.
Jervis, Kasimir Pulaski— Asahal Hatch Jervis ; Meth.;
after serving in seven places, he is Presiding Elder
of East Genesee Conference.
Johnson, Thomas H. — Pres.; Bricksburgh, N. J.
Kempshall, Everard, D.D.— Thos. Kempshall ; Pres.;
Buffalo and Batavia, N. Y., Elizabeth, N. J.
Lee, Charles G.— Charles M. Lee; Pres.; Syracuse,
N. Y., died in Rochester.
Miller, L. Merrill, D.D.— Lewis Miller; Pres.; Batk
and Ogdensburgh, N. Y.
174 CHUKCIIES OF ROCHESTER.
Miller, Enoch — Pres. ; army chaplain.
Pierpont, James S.— Rev. Hezekiah B. Pierpont; Ep.
Peck, Henry E.— Everard Peck; Pres.; Rochester,
Prof, at Oberlin College, Consul General at Hayti,
where he died in 1867.
Smith, L. Ward— S. O. Smith; Ep.; Albion, N. Y.,
Germantown, Pa., (1) rector St. Michael's, (2) Hos-
pital Chaplain, where he died.
Shaw, Augustus C. — Rev. J. B. Shaw, D.D.; Pres.;
Fulton, N. Y.
Starr, Frederick, Jr. — Frederick Starr; Pres.; Wes-
ton, Mo., Penn Yan, jN". Y., St. Louis, Mo., where
died in 1867.
Strong, Augustus H., D.D. — Alvah Strong; Baptist;
Cleveland, Ohio.
Ward, George Kemp— L. A. Ward ; Pres.; licentiate.
Ward, F. DeW., D.D.— L. Ward, M.D.; Pres.; mis-
sionary in S. India, Geneseo, chaplain in the army
during the war.
Winslow, Horace — Pres. ; Lansingburgh, IST. Y., Rock-
ville and New Britain, Conn., Great Barrington,
Mass., Williamantic, Conn.
Witherspoon, Orlando W. — Samuel Witherspoon ;
Ep.; Buffalo.
Warren, Daniel F., D.D. — Ep.; New York city.
Note. — This list, though long, is, we fear, not com-
plete. Names are not upon church records, and are
lost to memory, which belong to this catalogue. Omis-
sions, if any, were beyond the author's power to rem-
edy. Should a second edition ever appear, this defi-
ciency, and others, can be supplied.
>^
MISCELLANY.
MISCELLANY.
LITERARY AND ECCLESIASTICAL PRE-
FERMENTS OF ROCHESTER PASTORS.
Rev. Dr. Penny, Pres., Prest. of Hamilton Coll., N.Y.
Rev. Dr. Whitehouse, Ej^., Bisliopric of Illinois.
Rev. Dr. Lee, Ep., Bisliopric of Iowa.
Rev. Dr. Neely, Ep., Bishopric of Maine.
Rev. Dr. O'Reilly, R. C, Bishopric of Connecticut.
Rev. Mr. Logan, Meth., Bishop at Syracuse.
Rev. Mr. Bishop, Meth., Bishop at New Jersey.
Rev. Dr. Patterson, Bap., Prest. of Waterville Coll.
Rev. Dr. Mack, Pres., Prest. of Tennessee Coll.
Rev. Dr. Colton, Ep., Prest. Bristol Coll.
Rev. Dr. VanRensellaer, Ep., Prest. DeVeaux Coll.
Rev. Dr. Edwards, Pres., Prest. of Wilson Coll.
Rev. Dr. Morgan, Pres., Prest. of a Southern Coll.
Rev. Dr. Parker, Pres., Prest. Union Theol. Sera.
Rev. Dr. Mcllvaine, Pres., Prof, in Princeton Coll.
Rev. Dr. Claxton, Ep., Prof, in Phila. Theol. Sem.
Rev. Dr. Wm. Wisner, Pres., Mod. G. A. in 1840.
Rev. Dr. W. C, Wisner, Pres., Mod. G. A. in 1855.
Rev. Dr. Shaw, Pres., Mod. G. A. in 1863.
Rev. Dr. Comstock, Bap., Chaplaincy of Congress.
Rev. Dr. Luckey, Meth., Regent of the State of N. Y.
Rev. Dr. Goodwin,Meth., Regent of the State of N. Y.
CHURCHES OF KOCH ESTER. 177
In addition to these are the names of
Eev. Dr. Pease, Pres., Ex-Prest. of the Univ. of Vt.
Rev. Dr. Yeomans, Pres., Trans' r of Lange's Com.
Rev. Dr. Kendrick, Bap., Trans' r of Olshausen, &c.
Rev. Dr. Dewey, Con., Christian Scientist and Author.
Rev. Mr. Morris, Pres. , Author of ' ' Bible and Nature."
Rev. Drs. Cliurcli, Clieeseman, Bush, Mcllvaine, Wis-
ner (VY. C), Luckey, Ilibbard, Ward, Authors.
LONG PASTORATES.
It is rare to meet in our day and land instances par-
rallel to those of Drs. Hall and Shaw, of the Third
and Brick churches, each for more than thirty years
pastor of the same society. The two united terms
carry us back to a period when this region was unset-
tled but "by the wolf and the wild deer, or the red
hunter, untutored and untamed as they." May these
faithful and honored servants of God and the peojDle
Ions; live to advance the truth as it is in Jesus.
Drs. Penny and Edwards were here each ten years,
and Dr. Whitehouse fourteen.
DESIRABLE CHANGES OF USE.
The first theatre and the first circus in the " village"
of Rochester were so unj)opular as to prove pecuniary
failures. After a brief career, the former, located on
opposite Market street, was "converted" into a livery
stable, and the latter, on the site of Aldrich's carpen-
ter shop, into a soap chandlery and then into an iron
foundry. In 1838, neither circus nor theatre existed
here. — O'Reilly's History., -p. 117.
178 CHURCHES OF KOCHESTER.
REVIVALS.
Our pulpit occupants, from Drs. Penny, Wisner,.
Parker, Gumming, Wliitehouse, Comstock, Fillmore,
and Tucker, through a long line to the present able
incumbents, did not "labor in vain and spend their
strength for nought," The communion occasions that
saw no additions were "few and far between." But
it was left for those seasons when the Spirit came down
"like rain upon the mown grass," to witness those in-
gatherings of souls which attracted hither the wonder-
ing eye of the nation, and evoked glad praises above.
The writer, in common with many of his readers, re-
members, among the events of early bo3^hood, the
crowds that thronged the plain, unpainted school
house which stood on the site of the Union school ;
the space being too limited to contain those who met
to hear the truth and bow in penitence and prayer.
In the year 1830, Rev. Charles G. Finney commenced
preaching about the first of September, which he con-
tinued almost daily for six months. The place then
contained ten thousand inliabitants, of whom eight
hundred were hopefully converted during that me-
morable winter. Mr. Finney was again here in 1842,
and again in 1856, with abundant and blessed results
attending his plain, direct, earnest, bold declarations
of divine truth. That great and good riian, having
survived all the associates of his middle life, is still
serving his Master as pulpit preacher and as president
of Oberlin college, Ohio. The late Rev. Jedediah
Burchard was here in 1833, and again in 1842, ad-
dressing large assemblages with abundant immediate
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 179
effects, though with much that was exceptionable in
manner, and less that was permanently beneficial in re-
sult. While Mr. Finney addressed the intellect, Mr.
Burchard appealed to the passions. The one was a
masterly and bold logician ; the other was the dramatic
orator, holding wrapt attention, and swaying feelings
at his will. Hey. E. P. Hammond visited the city in
1863 and in 1869, crowding the largest churches with
auditors, especially the young. Strike from the roll
of membership in the various charches of this city all
who have been brought in during these score or more
of '^awakenings," and the sacramental army here
would lose many of its ablest officers, with hundreds
of the most laborious in the ranks. Rochester has
become what it is religiously very largely through the
agency of revivals.
TIIIJ BIBLE.
The Monroe County Bible Society was formed in
this city March, 1821 ; L. Ward, M.D., president. At
its fourth anniversary a resolution was adopted to
place a copy of the Sacred Scriptures in every house
of the county — a plan afterwards responded to by
the parent society with reference to the entire land.
One of our citizens contributes his $1,000 annually,
and others very considerable sums. Rochester is now
and has ever been a cheerful and abundant sustain er
of the American Bible Society and the American and
Foreign Bible Society (Baptist). Present depository
of American Bible Society, 75 State street.
180 CHUKOHES OF ROCHESTER.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Rochester has had, during the last forty years, rep-
resentatives of both sexes in many continents and
islands beyond the sea, while its christian citizens
have contributed largely to sustain various missionary
societies. Among the earlier missionaries were Rev.
Messrs. Green, Comstock, Cherry, Ward, Hunt, and
Mrs. Bishop (Stone), Smith (Chapin), DeForest (Sar-
gent), McKinne}^ (Nelson), &c.
TRACTS AND BOOKS.
Monthly tract distribution commenced here at an
early day, and has been continued with greater and
less regularity to the present time. At the depository
of the American Tract Society, on State street, D.
Grosvenor, superintendent, and upon the shelves of
the various book stores, may be found the rapidly ap-
pearing issues of the various Boards, etc., of publi-
cation, representing all aspects of religious doctrine
and ecclesiastical polity. Two weekly religious pa-
pers were for several years published here, viz : Roch-
ester Observer, edited by the late Samuel Chip-
man ; and Genesee Evangelist, by Rev. A. G. Hall, D.
D., and subsequently by the late Rev. R. W. Hill ; with
other journals more limited in the number of readers
and area of intiuence.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
The youth of Rochester have always received a
large amount of mental and religious attention. If
CHURCHES OF KOCHESTER. 181
they do not make good citizens and become exem-^
plary christians, the fault will be their own. Each
Lord's day sees large rooms, in church and chapel,
filled with children of all ages and social relations,
receiving instruction from well qualified and faithful
teachers who willingly forego their own rest that they
may engage in the voluntary labor of love. The
first Sabbath school was organized in the summer of
1818, under the direction of Messrs. Peck, Scofield,
and others, but suspended during winter. In 1822
much interest was awakened by a visit from that
"apostle of Sabbath schools," Rev. Thaddeus Os-
good. The instruction was largely secular, and all
distinctive views of doctrine carefully avoided. In
1820 the schools came under their respective denomi-
nations. In 1826 the Monroe County Sunday School
Union was formed, and monthly concert on second
Monday of each month established. The Genesee
S. S. Union was formed in 1827 ; Josiali Bissell, presi-
dent, and the late L. B. Tousley (a name to be men-
tioned with esteem and gratitude) acted as general
agent. A depository was established, with L. A.
Ward as depositary and treasurer. The Rochester
City S. S. Union embraces thirty schools of Protest-
ant denominations, with an aggregate of 996 teachers
and 8,648 scholars. The present oflicers are, presi-
dent, Thomas Dransfield ; secretary, A. II. Cole.
TEMPERANCE.
Rochester took an early part in organized efforts at
suppressing the sale and iise (as a beverage) of inebri-
182 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
ating liquors. "The first public resolutions ever
adopted on the principle of total abstinence were
passed by the Ontario Presbytery, in a session at
Rochesterville, in August, 1827."— (0'^«e/ZZ?/5 Hist.^
p. 100.) The first mayor of the city of Rochester,
Hon. Jonathan Childs, in 1834, resigned his office
rather than sign licenses to sell spirituous liquors.
Rev. Dr. Penny, when on a visit to liis native Ireland,
was instrumental in organizing the first efforts for sup-
pressing the use of intoxicating liquors in that land.
Aristarchus Champion, Esq., met the entire expenses
of Mr. Chipman, who, during 1833-4 travelled 4,400
miles, visiting all the penitentiaries, jails and poor
houses in the State to secure facts and disseminate
information upon this subject. -G-eknret A. W. Riley
spent two years in Great Britain lecturing to crowds;
upon total abstinence. Rev. Dr. F. DeW. Ward
edited the first paper in any language of India de-
voted to the cause of total abstinence. The present
city associations in advocacy of the cause of total ab-
stinence, as a beverage, from all that intoxicates are.
Independent Order of Good Templars, five lodges.
Sons of Temperance, Cold Water Temple, Rochester
Temple of Honor.
FIBE8.
The church edifices destroyed by fire have been the
First Methodist, Bethel (now the Central Presbyterian),
Second Baptist, Saint Paul's, Unitarian, Associate
Reformed, Saint Peter' s (Presbyterian), Lake Avenue,
Third Presbyterian, Christian where Plymouth church
CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER. 183
now stands, German Evangelical subsequently re-
built, and First Presbyterian injured beyond repair.
In most instances others have been erected more com-
modious and imposing. Among the present ecclesi-
astical structures a leading place belongs to the Saint
Patrick's, Saint Peter's (Pres.), Third Presbyterian,
Second Baptist, Brick, Central, Plymouth, with First
Presbyterian, First Baptist, and Calvary now in course
of erection.
BENEVOLENT AND CHRISTIAN INSTI-
TUTIONS.
Female Charitable Society. — Organized 1822. Pres-
ident, 1871, Mrs. Maltby Strong.
Home for the^Friendless.— Organized 1849. Presi-
dent, 1871, Mrs. Selah Matthews. Building on East
avenue, corner Alexander street.
Orphan Asylum. — Organized 1837. President, 1871,
Mrs. Lvsander Farrer.
Church Home of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of Rochester. — Organized 1868. President, 1871, Mrs.
George H. Mumford.
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER.
President — Martin B. Anderson, LL.D.
Professors — Asahel C. Kendrick, D.D., A. Judson
Sage, S. A. Latimore, A. H. Mixer, J. F. Quinby,
LL.D., J. H. Gilmore, Henry A. Ward, and Otis H.
Robinson. Students, 121.
184 CHURCHES OF ROCHESTER.
ROCHESTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
President and Theological Professor — Rev. E. G.
Robinson, D.D.
Professors — Rev. Horatio B. Hacket, Rev. J. W.
Buckland, D.D., Rev. George II. Whittemore, and
Rev. Augustus Rausclienbush (in the German depart-
ment). Students, 71.
RAPID CHURCH ERECTION.
The Third Presbyterian church and the Court street
church were erected, the former in one week and the
other in one month from the time in which the trees
were standing in the forest. Josiah Bissell, Esq., and
Colonel A. W. Riley were the executive officers in
these rapid movements. The buildings stood for many
years, and answered their purposes completely.
EALL OF A STEEPLE.
When Saint Paul' s was erected the spire was to be
two hundred and twenty-seven feet in height. All
went on hopefully, but, alas, without success. It was
mid-day. Providentially the twenty or more work-
men were at their homes. A gust came careening from
the west. For a few moments it met the attack nobly.
A second onset, fiercer than the former, was too much,
and the stately column fell back upon the roof, injuring
nothing but the building, and leading to a change in
the finish above the tower.
THE END.
