By Dora Westfall, Marion, N. Y. and read last Thursday evening at the 125th anniversary History - Marion
History of the Presbyterian Church of Marion
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By Dora Westfall, Marion, N. Y. and read last Thursday evening at the 125th anniversary
The story of a century and a quarter of church life, four generations, with its struggles, successes, failures perhaps, but always, down through the years a procession of men and women, carrying the torch during their life times, and passing it on to the succeeding generation.
The early records of the church are preserved, and the clerk's book in which are recorded the beginnings of the church in 1808, is the one in use today. There is a lapse of about 14 years from October, 1830, to January, 1844, during which the record was kept in a smaller book.
If we could visualize, however faintly, the conditions and difficulties under which the early church labored, we could better understand and appreciate its work.
One hundred and twenty-five years ago the settlement was just started. Natives of Rhode Island and Connecticut settled here about 1800 and in 1808 there were a few log huts, standing in a cleared space of a few acres, in the wilderness. The roads were mere paths made by Indians, deer and other wild animals, which roamed the forest. When a road was built, it was over felled logs and through underbrush.
While the men were clearing land to plant corn and other crops, their brave wives, who accompanied them to the new land, were rearing large families, with little or no medical care, cooking meals in iron kettles in rude fireplaces, spinning and weaving cloth to make into garments for their families.
Among the courageous wives who settled here was Thankful Huggins, who with her husband, Zaddock, came from 'down east.' According to Mrs. Saphronia Manley Wright, a granddaughter, Mrs. Huggins was the moving spirit in the organization of the church. She rode about the settlement on horseback selling the idea, as we would say today, and succeeded in interesting eight men and women.
The first record in the church book, dated November 1, 1808, reads. 'Agreeable to previous notice, a meeting was held on the day above mentioned, for the purpose of forming a Congregational Church, under the direction of Oliver Ayer and Jas. Hotchkiss, ministers of the gospel, the following persons, viz: Luke Phelps, Timothy Smith and Ruth Smith, his wife, Samuel Waters and Sarah, his wife, David Sweezey, Zaddock Huggins and Thankful, his wife, after due examination and hopeful evidence obtained, of their friendship to Christ were organized into a church, to be known as The First Congregational Church of Williamson. After the organization of the church, Luke Phelps was unanimously elected deacon, and Zaddock Huggins clerk.
The second recorded meeting was in 1811 at the home of the 'Widow Huggins,' Zaddock having died in the meantime. February, 1933, was observed by the church as Loyalty Month, and at the Sunday church, says was on the site later there were present the following descendants of the eight original members, Catherine Allen, direct descendant of Luke Phelps, Mrs. LuEllie Sweezey Curtis, and Mrs. Kitty Sweezey Luce, members of the family founded by David Sweezey.
The church grew rapidly in membership, for at nearly every recorded meeting, new members were received, some immediately on relating their 'experience,' and others were propounded for some time, and still others, evidently young persons, were received in the 'care of the church' for a period. The rite of baptism might be administered many months later to a large group.
Under date of December 19, 1819 we read: 'The church resumed regular travel.' As the meetings were held in a variety of schoolhouses, the church did travel. Many schoolhouses are mentioned as places of meeting, including the Central School, which Miss Nancy Henion, in a very complete and interesting history of the morning service, February 26, used for the Curtis blacksmith shop, on Mill Street, now replaced by the Second Reformed Church.
In 1831 it was decided to build a church. There was some difference of opinion as to the best location. Many members lived on the Eddy Ridge road and felt that that was the proper location. Others living at the Corners, as the settlement was called, wished the church built near them. Finally, the Fathers decided to gamble on the location.
Accordingly, the names Eddy Ridge and Marion were placed in a hat and Morrison Huggins, blindfolded, drew forth a name, which proved to be Marion. It is said the land on which the church stood then and now was donated for the consideration of a pew in the new church.
It is a disappointment to find no mention of the building of the church in the minutes. The meetings are recorded as being held in various school houses, and then suddenly 'in the new church.'
Local tradition says Edmund Hosmer was the boss workman.
The basement was finished first and that winter meetings were held there. It was very cold and damp and the people carried their own footstoves, to use during the long, long services, lasting nearly throughout the Sabbath.
It is said at night the people lighted their path through the forest and over the hills by flaming torches. We do know how long this building was used, but some years later the timbers rotted, on account of dampness, and the building was rented by some coopers for barrel storage.
I will not attempt to give the names of many of the early members, but will mention a few whose descendants are either members of the church today or are well known to us.
Luke Phelps, with his second wife, Prudence, is buried in the old Upper Corners Cemetery. Zaddock Huggins and wife, Edmund Hosmer, Mary and Malvina Howell, Samuel Caldwell and wife, Stephen and Wealthy Trumbull, Samuel Smith and William Rice.
Many of the early members moved to other localities, as mention is made of granting them letters of dismissal to other churches. Some, I regret to say, were 'excommunicated,' one young woman at her own request, in spite of the committee who waited upon her and tried to dissuade her.
Discipline was strict in those days and members literally constituted themselves 'their brother's keepers.'
A committee was often appointed to visit a member and labor with him. Various offenses were charged One man was said to have been 'staggered in the faith.' Being absent from church services for a period of time was a serious offense. There were other offenses recorded, such as drinking, swearing, gambling, lying, attending dances and even stealing.
The church has been variously under the Congregational and Presbyterian form of government. Although it was organized as the First Congregational Church of Williamson, in 1808, we find articles of incorporation were taken out under Judge Alex. R. Tiffiny on November 29, 1829, and according to these articles, the church was to be known, 'hereafter and forever' as the First Congregational Church in the town of Marion, and a year later, astonishing to relate, we find the church changing its form of government to Presbyterian, and electing the following elders: William Rice, Elijah Clark, Joseph Moore and George Belden. But reservations were made as to the right to discipline its members, settle and dismiss its own ministers. There were enrolled at this time 112 members.
Application was made to become a member of the Geneva Presbytery, but acceptance was delayed on account of some defect in their confession of faith.
On July 2, 1832, the motion was made and unanimously carried, 'we be a Congregational Church.' The church desiring to form connection with the Genesee Congregational Association, appointed Joseph Caldwell and David Eddy to attend its meetings. The church withdrew from the Genesee Association in July, 1842, and for 25 years, seems to have been an independent organization, until 1867 when it appears on the records of Lyons Presbytery, but probably retaining its Congregational form.
In 1875, by a vote of the General Assembly, it was decided to drop all churches which did not become Presbyterian within five years. The Marion church, still holding out as a Congregational Church, was dropped by the Presbytery. During the eight previous years, the Presbytery had been paying an annual tax of five to eight cents for each member, the church refusing to pay the tax on account of being Congregational.
Then, evidently seeing the unfairness of this arrangement, raised the amount owed, and was still retained under the care of the Presbytery. Later the church was advised to either become fully Presbyterian or unite themselves with the nearest Congregational body.
Willard Pullman and Barnabus Adams were appointed to ascertain the sentiment of the members on this question. They reported a wish upon the part of the members to abide by the majority choice, and no opposition developing, the vote showed 31 in favor, and accordingly in 1891 it became fully united with the Lyons Presbytery, and has so remained.
When the question of slavery was agitated, the Marion church went on record as bitterly opposed to the institution. Nelson Young then lived in the house which was built by Thomas Young in 1830 land which is now owned by M. J. Merson and wife, and this house with others on the road to Williamson, was used as a station of the 'underground railway,' by which runaway slaves were taken in a closed carriage under cover of night to Pultneyville, where they were put on board vessels bound for Canada, and freedom.
Several church members being suspected of sympathy with the slave owners, if not directly interested themselves, were brought before the session, and excluded from church fellowship. At the close of the war they were re-instated.
Three members enlisted in the Civil War, Albert Short, Edwin Farnsworth and Oliver P. Henion. Edwin Farnsworth was killed in battle and his funeral, which was held here, was very largely attended. Oliver Henion was wounded in the Battle of Pleasant Hill, La., and was also taken prisoner. He died five weeks later from wounds. Other members of the congregation in the war were William Burrand, killed at Gettysburg, William Rowley, who died soon after reaching New Orleans, of quick consumption, and Brainard T. Curtis, who returned safely.
The record being imperfect, no complete list of pastors can be given. H. R. Powell is mentioned in 1820 as conducting a preparatory lecture and Mr. North as administering the rite of communion in 1825.
There is no record of the length of pastorate of those whose names appear in the early records, but the following are mentioned: Revs. Parmely, Jacob Burbank, father of the late William Burbank, who was also pastor of the Williamson church, and who lived in a log house on the farm later owned by William Croucher. In 1830 Rev. James Boyle is mentioned, in 1831 Rev. E. Bironson occupied the pulpit several months. In 1834 Rev. D. N. Merritt was ordained and installed. In 1838 Rev. Alfred Eddy was pastor. Between 1838 and 1840 Rev. Baldwin Cook, a native of Rhode Island, and nephew of Mrs. Jerusha Rowley, was pastor. Rev. Royal Mann was ordained and installed in 1841. Rev. J. G. L. Haskins preached from 1844 to 1846. Rev. A. S. Hamilton followed. In 1860 Rev. H. N. Short began his pastorate of ten years, which was the longest time served up to that time.
May 15, 1865, Rev. Merritt Gally, a student at Auburn Theological Seminary, became pastor and during his stay the church was repaired. He had much to do with the success of the work. During his spare hours at Auburn, he carved the beautiful pedestals used to hold lamps, and the table which used to stand below the pulpit. He married while pastor and brought his bride here. He remained until 1868 and was perhaps the most famous of all our pastors, for on account of throat trouble he gave up the ministry and became a successful inventor. From a newspaper clipping, we learn he was born at Perry, N.Y., August 15, 1838, and was the son of Rev. K and Anna Gally. At the age of 16, he invented a cylinder press for newspaper work, and a platen press for job work, and started in business with his brother at Nunda, N.Y. He graduated from Rochester University in 1863, and after a course at Auburn Seminary was ordained in 1866. In 1869 he patented the universal press. In 1872 he sold patents for the present linotype machines. One of his most important inventions was the multi-telegraph system. It was this system used by the Bell Telephone Company in its connection of New York City and other eastern points with the San Francisco Exposition. He patented more than 500 inventions and died in New York City in 1915 at the age of 77.
Other pastors were Rev. James Ireland, Rev. Conway Young, whom we hoped to have with us at this anniversary, but who passed away at his home at East Palmyra September 26, 1933, at the age of 93. He was followed by Revs. Eugene E. Chusman, Bartholmew, Henry Cooper, F. A. Spenser, Horace Eaton, a beloved pastor for four years, who resigned on account of ill health. Rev. Watt Kolyn of the Reformed Church preached for a time afternoons. Other pastors for more or less short terms were Burgess, Hibbard, H. N. Short, H. C. Milliman, Dr. C. P. Wing, E. Benedict, A. B. Morse, who was followed by Rev. George Borden, who is still living. Rev. Charles Ray became pastor and preached until 1897 when he resigned and was followed by the following Auburn students: Mr. Smead, J. VanKirk Wells, Charles Shaw, Willis Hume. In 1889 Rev. Ray again preached for a few weeks and Rev. K. F. Norris preached for a time. Rev. Robert Lockhart preached in 1900. Rev. Thomas Melvin was pastor from 1904 to 1908 when Rev. K. F. Norris became acting pastor and it was during his pastorate and largely through his efforts the present church edifice was built in 1912. Following him came Rev. W. W. McWilliams, our war-time pastor. The church offered resolutions in appreciation of his splendid attitude during the trying days of the draft, and his offering himself for Y. M. C. A. work for which he was in training. He is now ill at Restmere, Lockport, and the hearts of his former parishioners go out to him in sympathy during his affliction. Mrs. McWilliams, who was untiring in her efforts for the church during his pastorate, we are happy to have with us tonight. He was followed by Rev. Smith, who was succeeded by Rev. S. R. McKinstry, who was pastor from 1923 to 1929. During those years he married and brought his charming wife to our town. His decision to resign to enter a larger field was received with much regret.
Rev. M. J. Verduin and wife came to us in October, 1929, and in spite of the depression, owing to their generous sacrifices, the church has been able to carry on, and we hope they will remain with us many years.
The salary of the early ministers was $400 per year, later $700, and finally $1,000. To this was added a donation of products of the farms, made by parishioners, which was not entirely satisfactory to all ministers.
When the church was repaired in 1850 it was voted to place a bell in the tower to call the faithful to worship. This bell was purchased from the West Troy Foundry and weighed 1,236 pounds, at a cost of 28 cents per pound; the yoke and frame complete cost an additional $40.00. This bell was drawn by team from the railroad, probably at Palmyra, and when installed was placed on the floor in front of the pulpit and drawn by tackle to the belfry through a hole in the ceiling. The steeple was so high and looked so dangerous, that Mrs. Oscena Burrud told the writer, Orin Wilcox refused to walk past the church on that side of the street, for fear it would fall on him, and his fears were partly justified for several years later a part of the steeple was blown down during a severe wind storm. The committee, which repaired the church in 1850, consisted of James III. Curtis, Eli Smith, William Green and Oscar Howell. In 1865 the church was again altered, the committee being E. Kingsley, Stephen Trumbull and Norman Pulver, and for this the sum of $300 was raised.
In 1841 the church owned a parsonage, the house later known as the Jeffery place, on Palmyra Street. Three years later the trustees were empowered to sell the house to Cornelius Putnam, to whom the church was indebted. From that time on the church was without a parsonage until the present manse was willed them by the late Jennie Seeley, with the provision the church was to pay to the Home and Foreign Missions $600. This offer was accepted. The church also owned the plot of ground on which the Red and White Store stands, which has been rented yearly for sums varying from $10 to $50.
The first account of money raised for missions as in 1839 when $484 dollars was raised. For 34 years there are no farther records on the subject, later the church voted to take a quarterly collection for missions, and at present the amount apportioned by Presbyterial is raised by the efforts of the various missionary organizations of the church, special collections and donations.
In 1908 the church celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 5. The following program was carried out: Music
Scripture and prayer-Rev. Bruins
Music
Papers, 'Early History of the Church' - written by Mrs. Peter DeWolf and read by Mrs. Mary Ray
'The Last 40 Years' - written by Mrs. Laura Young and read by Rev. K. F. Norris
The Sunday School - W. H. Curtis
The Y. P. S. C. E. - Asa W. Russell
Duet - Thomas Young, Mrs. S. B. Curtis
Address - Rev. L. A. Ostrander, Lyons Solo-sung by T. F. Young
Letters were read from Mrs. Eaton, Rev. G. W. Borden, Miss Mira Manley and Rev. Thomas Melvin.
On January 21, 1911, a special meeting was called to consider the following propositions:
1. Enlarge the church for kitchen and Sunday school purposes as follows: To extend the prayer room to the south, place the choir in front, construct a main entrance and reseat the church with a central aisle.
2. Build an auditorium in front of the present church.
Mr. Norris was chosen chairman and a motion was made and carried that the trustees be authorized to sell the present church building, without fixtures, provided they could get $1,000 for it, and enough could be pledged to build a new church. On March 6, 1911, the committee reported $5,310 subscribed to date and estimated from $1,200 to $1,700 yet to be received. Motion was made the building be 11 moved to one side of the lot unless it can be sold, and also to allow the trustees to sell at a price which was according to their judgment. In March, 1911, the trustees called a meeting to consider the plans they had been empowered to secure and a plan submitted by T. B. Valk was voted favorably upon. A building committee consisting of John VanDoorn, K. F. Norris and C. H. Scutt were chosen, and I shall say little about the building of the church, because Dr. Vandoornois here and will give his own story of the work.
In the end, the building was sold to Jacob LeRoy for $200, without stained glass windows and fixtures. On Sunday, April 9, 1911, the old church was used for the last time. Mr. LeRoy began tearing down the steeple April 3, and the bell was removed the following day and the steeple torn down. Mr. LeRoy experienced considerable difficulty in moving the main building and finding the timbers crumbling, tore the building down.
Every church in, town generously offered an invitation to hold union services with them, but it was thought best to continue our own services and from April 30 until the church was finished services were held in Clark's Hall, which was rented.
The annual meeting of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion was held in the new building December 7, 1912. At this meeting C. H. Scutt and H. S. Russell were elected trustees to succeed themselves and Jacob LeRoy and T. F. Young, elders to succeed themselves. Herman Cole and Elmer Morrison were elected ushers. At this meeting a motion was made to have the clerk extend a vote of thanks to Calvin Fonrose Rice of Chicago, for the gift of a beautiful memorial window.
The new building was dedicated on Thursday afternoon and evening, September 19, 1912, with an impressive program. The music was in charge of T. F. Young and Mrs. John VanDoorn. Half the cost of the pipe organ was donated by Andrew Carnegie. Besides the Rice Memorial window an equally beautiful window on the south side was the gift of the daughters of the late Edward Burbank. Smaller windows throughout the church were given as memorials or gifts from church organizations. The entire cost of the church was $20,000 and we owe much to the untiring efforts of H. S. Russell, Fred Durfee and Miss Nancy Henion, financial committee.
The Sunday school has always been a factor in the success of the church and many superintendents and teachers have given of their best to the work. For many years the Primary Department has done a wonderful work, and was long carried on under the supervision of the late Mrs. John VanDoorn, and who has been followed by many efficient workers. It is to the Chevelier Class and their teacher, Mrs. K. F. Norris, the town owes the beginning of the present library.
The church has been fortunate in having among its members many talented singers and musicians, who have given almost a lifetime of service, and who serve as a living example to the younger generation to carry on the work.
No small part in the efficiency of the services is due to the various church janitors, whose work ranged from the task of building and maintaining the wood fires and kerosene lights of early days caring for the present heating and lighting system.
Perhaps the earliest janitor remembered by the writer was Fred House. Others who served were George Hepion, S. B. Curtis, and for many years R. B. Rogers.
Perhaps we fail many times to appreciate the faithful and unrequited work of the trustees, who have faithfully performed their duties, through good times and bad, and have many times incurred great financial responsibilities. The elders, too, have faithfully performed their part in the success of the spiritual side of the church and to the Russell family in particular, we owe much appreciation for many years of service, first the late Henry Russell, followed by his son Asa W. Russell and in turn succeeded by his son Paul Russell, recently installed.
Several clerks have served long terms and we will mention Thomas K. Young, Warren H. Curtis and Asa W. Russell, who have faithfully filled their offices. At present there is a vacancy which will be filled by the election of an elder to succeed Asa W. Russell, at the annual meeting.
Not only did the church send members to the Civil War, but one at least of the founders, Luke Phelps, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and during the late war the service flag flown over the pulpit was in honor of the pastor, Rev. W. W. McWilliams, Herbert Jorgensen, Vernon Cator, William E. Lewis, Dr. Arthur Besemer and Harriett Sherman, all of whom were in service.
During the pastorate of Rev. Maurice J. Verduin, it has been his sad task to conduct the funeral services for fifteen members of our church, and twenty-seven others, many of whom were connected with the church. When we realize how many have been lost in that short of space of time from the church roll, we realize that we as survivors have a task of great importance to perform in carrying on the work, not only of those recently lost, but of the long line of men and women who have labored, loved, sacrificed and accomplished great things for God and their church down through the years.
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