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REMINISCENCES OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT CHAZY   By M. R. and M. E. Gilbert My mother's earliest memory of the old Chazy church, built in 1818, is of a crisp cold morning in winter, some seventy years ago, when she with her parents and others drove to the church from her fathers farm, a distance of four miles on an ox sled. I fear we of' later generation would think that was attending church under difficulties, for you may not know that in those it was not considered necessary to have a church warmed by artificial heat, depending rather on the fervor of the spirit; at least ray mother does not remember any such arrangement. It is small wonder that mother has a vivid recollection of her grandmother's little foot-stove, a small sheet iron box, with perforated top and sides in which was deposited red hot coals. Mother also remembers the high pulpit and box pews. The first pastor whom mother remembers was Rev. Joel Byington, whose pastorate extended over twenty-five years. The first pastor called by the church was Rev. Stephen Kinsley, grandfather of the late Joel Kinsley, of Chazy. May I add the vivid impressions of the church of my childhood. The imposing facade as we drove up to the church steps, the fine old wood pillars and gable shaped pediment, giving it the appearance of an old Greek temple; while the fond memories which cluster within its walls' are numerous. There was Mrs. Mygatt's and afterwards Mrs. Van Worden's Bible class of young girls. How happy I was under her teaching and that of her sister, who led the class later. I bid always great respect and admiration for them both, as they did much toward shaping my life toward right ends; though still very faulty and incomplete what would it have been without their help? A notable communion lesson was that in which my great grandfather, grandfather, uncle and two aunts united with many others. They stood in the aisles, forming a line to the very doors. I have heard my mother speak of it. My union with the church came in under Rev. Mr. Abbott. Later Rev. Mr. Myers led my thoughts up to God. My father was deacon for many Years, and even now I remember his pleasant face and familiar figure passing up .and down those aisles. while our well filled family pew I never shall forget. Return to Chazy