ARKWRIGHT
Arkwright Methodist Episcopal Church of Busti
Corners (1830)
A class was formed in the “Abbey” by Elder David PRESTON, in June 1830.
It consisted of 8 members:
Ira and Elizabeth RICHARDSON
John FRANKLIN
Reuben & Fanny HOWE
Caleb WEAVER
John LAFFERTY
Issac BUMPUS
Those who joined soon after were:
Andrus M. HUYCK
Wright LEWIS
Hiram LEWIS
Wm. McCLENATHAN
R. McCLENATHAN
Caleb WEAVER
and probably the wives of some of them.
A portion of the members were from the adjacent towns of Sheridan, Hanover
and Arkwright. Mr. Huyck has been a class leader most of the time since
its organization. The class increased to the number of 60 the first year.
Although it has continued to prosper, no church ediface has been built;
meetings having been generally held in the district school-house, the present
house having been, in its construction, designed partly for that purpose.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Busti Corners (1819)
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Busti Corners was organized in 1819,
with 60 members, by Reverend Alvin BURGESS the first pastor. The church
edifice was built the same year.
Baptist Church of Busti (1819)
The Baptist Church at Busti, Chautauqua Co. NY was organized August 30,
1819 by a counsil consisting of Elders;
Ebenezer SMITH
Paul DAVIS
Jonathan WILSON
Members uniting at the time of the organization were;
Daniel SARTWELL
Enoch ALDEN
Ebenezer DAVIS
Benjamin COVEL
and it is believed Henry L. FRANK, John L FRANK, John FRANK Jr and Elijah
DEVEREAUX, also were first members. A few days after, William FRANK and
Mary Ann SHEPHARD were admitted. The first church edifice was erected in
1836, the present one (*1874) in 1856. The first pastor was Rev. Paul DAVIS.
Frewsburgh Baptist Church (1858)
The Frewsburgh Baptist Church was formed JAn 1, 1858 and was composed of
about 60 members of a church then existing, but now extinct, known as the
"First Baptist Church of Carroll" It was first called the Second Baptist Church
of Carroll, and took its present name Sept. 20, 1842. It was recognized by
an ecclesiastical council Feb 14, 1838. March 10, 1838 John G. CURTIS and
Phineas ANNIS were chosen deacons. Until 1842 the church had no regular pastor,
but was supplied part of the time by Rev. Arza STONE, Benjamin OVIATT, and
J. WILSON. It was received into the Harmony Baptist Assoc. in 1838; and in
1842 joined with the First Church in sustaining Rev. M. COLBY as pastor for
about 1 year. The church was then again with out a pastor til about 1845.
Its subsequent pastors were;
Frederick GLANVILLE
A. FRNK
Elisha B. SPARKS
W.H. RANDALL
Emerson MILLS
Lucien L. GAGE
Judson H. MILLER
William ENTWISTLE
J.S. BLANDIN
A.D. BUSH
Abner MORRILL
Present Deacons;
Phineas ANNIS, John C. MARTIN, George L. FOSTER, John D. BAIN. The Baptist
Society, under the general law of the state, was formed Jan 14, 1850. The
first trustees were Phineas ANNIS, Elias HOWARD, George W. FENTON, John
MEYERS Jr., Jacob PERSELL. Present trustees (1874) George W. FENTON, John
Meyers JR, Parker E. MILLER, John C. MARTIN, John D. BAIN, George L. FOSTER,
Ray W. PORTER. Parker E. MILLER is clerk and treasurer.
CHAUTAUQUA
Baptist Church of Chautauqua (1808)
John PUTNAM, David ATKINS, Edmund JONES, John PARK, Miles
SCOFIELD, Sabra PUTNAM (wife of John), Hannah PARK, Abigail SCOFIELD, and
Sally SCOFIELD, met at John PUTNAM'S near Chautauqua Lake, 2 1/2 miles
south of Dewittville, with a view to the organization of a church; A council
was subsequently called for this purpose.
The council, composed of Elders;
Peter P. ROOTS of Fabius,
Joel BUTLER of Sangerfield,
Hezekiah EASTMAN and Joy HANDY,
met on the 10th of October, and received the brethren and sisters into
fellowship of a church. On the next day, the council ordained Edmund JONES
to the gospel ministry. In Feb 1817, the church was geographically divided
by running a line due east from the lake, leaving John PUTNAM, in the first
church of Chautauqua, in July, Mr. PUTNAM was ordained a Deacon. In April
1821 after the town of Stockton had been formed from Chautauqua, the name
of the church was changed to The First Church of Stockton, its present name,
and the school house near Miles SCOFIELD's in school district No 1 was established
as the regular place for meetings of the church.
Among the early members were;
Henry WALKER
Shadrach SCOFIELD
David KNOWLTON
David WATERBURY
Almon IVES
Epenetus WINSOR
John McCOLLISTER
and Elisha TOWER.
In October following, the inhabitants of this school district and vicinity were organized, under the act of the legislature, as the "First Baptist Congregational Society of Stockton" And being one of the first 2 incorporated religious societies in the town, it became entitled to the donation of 50 acres of land from the Holland Land Company.
First Baptist Church of Mayville (1820)Methodist Episcopal Church at Cherry Creek
(1817)
A class was formed as early as 1817 or 1818. Among its members were Joseph
M KENT and Patty, his wife, and others whose names are not recollected,
and for the want of records, can not be ascertained. Meetings were at first
held at the house of Mr. Kent. The place of meeting wa afterwards moved
to the Spencer school-house, West of the village. Among early class leaders,
were:
Russell SPENCER and Robert JAMES Jr.
The church was fully organized with seven members in 1857, by Rev O
L MEAD. Their church edifice was built in 1859. The present minister [1875]
is Rev A WILDER.
Christian Church at Cherry Creek (1839)
A Christian Church was organized in Cherry Creek, March 23, 1839. The
elders officiating were
Warren SKELLS
And
N.A. PERRY
Seth S. CHASE was chosen ruling elder, and Sullivan GARDNER deacon and
clerk.
Members at the organization of the church were:
Sullivan GARDNER
Seth S. CHASE
Putnam FARRINGTON
Warren SKEELS
Fanny CHASE
Sally CARR
Lepha WEAVER
Mary WEAVER
Lucy GROVER
Betsey KING
Harriet JAMES
This church has no meeting – house, but maintaisins its organization.
Free-Will Baptist Church at Cherry Creek
(1826)
The Free-Will Baptist Church, in the town of Cherry Creek, was formed
About the year 1826, by Rev Thomas GRINNELL; and is said to Have been the
earliest religious organization in the town, and was Composed of
John P HADLEY and wife
Jotham GODFREY and wife
Mrs Gardner CRANDALL
The society built its first meeting-house in 1845
First Baptist Church of Cherry Creek (1831)
The First Baptist Church of Cherry Creek was formed
Feb 5, 1831 Under the title name of “Branch Church of the Connewango Church.”
The following are the names of the constituent members:
CLYMER
Methodist Episcopal Church in Clymer (1825)
The Methodist Episcopal church in Clymer was organized about the year 1825.
Rev John P. KENT, who is still living, formed the first class in Clymer village.
The members of this class, as stated from recollection were
Lawrence AMIDON
Adelia AMIDON
Elijah & Sarah AMIDON
Leonard & Esther AMIDON
John & Phebe BLISS
James & Mary MORDEN
Rachel RICE
And
Ebenezer BROWNELL;
And subsequently
Sophrona BROWNELL
Who is still living. The circuit was called North-east; John P. KENT,
minister in charge; Rev Wm. SWAYZEE, presiding elder. Mr. Kent was succeeded
in 1826 by Rev. Henry KNAPP; and he, in 1827, by Wilder B. MACK and John
C. AYRES. The society has been regularly supplied with pastors until the
present time. The present pastor [1875] is Rev. J. F. HILL.
First Baptist Church of Clymer (1828)
The First Baptist Church of Clymer was organized about the year 1828.
The persons who composed the church at the time of its formation were:
Samuel ALVORD & wife
Silas BARNES & wife
Mrs. Abigail BENNETT
Polly TERRY
And at the same time or not long after,
Abishai UNDERWOOD & wife
Mrs. Roxa THOMPSON
And perhaps a few others.
The first house of worship was built in 1840, and was since given as
a donation to the United Brethen by whom it is still occupied. Their present
church edifice was built in 1868-69, and dedicated in August, 1869. The first
minister of this Church was Samuel ALVORD; and after him, Ransom SWAIN, Levant
RATHBUN, and others. The first deacon was Daniel P PHINNEY. Present deacons;
Leonard B. FREEMAN and John MARSH. Clerk; Melancthon GLEASON.
DUNKIRK
Baptist Church of Dunkirk (1830)
The Baptist Church of Dunkirk was organized in 1830. Members of the Baptist
church at Fredonia residing at Dunkirk, having obtained permission of the
church to form a separate society, a council was called for this purpose.
The names of the petitioners for the new church were:
John BOND
James BARNABY
Daniel BOWEN
Levi PERSONS
and sisters
Ninett BOND
Susan BARNABY
Lucy BOWEN
Lucy PERSONS
Abigail WOODCOCK
Celinda TEFT
Elizabeth FINK
Eunice RAYMOND.
The council met at Dunkirk, March 17, 1830. Letters of dismission from
the church at Fredonia were presented by the petitioners and also by Betsey
FARNSWORTH and Henry H. AYRES from other churches. The council adjourned
to the 5th of May and met on that day. The delegates were from Mayville church,
Rev Jairus HANDY and brethren S. COTES and Horace LAPHAM.
From 2nd Ripley: H. CHIPMAN & Amos MASON.
From 1st Ripley: Isaac F. BUTLER and J.W. HILL.
From 1st Pomfret: Elders Elisha TUCKER & Joy HANDY
and brethren J.Z. SAXTON, Nathaniel CROSBY, Benj RANDALL, and D.J. MATTESON.
In additon to those having previously presented letters, the following
named Persons from the first church in Pomfret were received:
Benj J ROBBINS
James HALE
Mosley W ABELL
Ruth ABELL
Mary Ann ROBBINS,
Cordelia TEFFT
Nancy CHURCH
Lovisa GATES
Abel BROWN.
Articles of Faith were presented and accepted; and the church was duly
acknowledged by the council. May 18, 1830, John BOWEN was chosen deacon and
John BOND clerk.
St. John's Church (Episcopal) (1850)
St John’s Church [Episcopal] of Dunkirk, was organized in 1850, under Rev.
Charles Arey. The names of the officers at the time of its organization
are not furnished, except that of Mr. Hanson A. Risley, one of the wardens.
Present wardens are R.T. Coleman and C. D. Murray. The first rector
was Mr. Arey. His successors have been Wm B. Edson, H. C. Eayre Coztelle,
P. P. Kidder, and C. B. Champlin, the present rector, who took charge in
July 1873. The first church edifice was consecrated by Rev. Samuel H.
Coskry, of Michigan, Jan. 11, 1859, date of construction not given.
The present building has been used for about eight years, though not yet completed.
It is of brick and valued at $14,000.
St. Mary's Church (Roman Catholic) (1851)
St Mary’s Church [Roman Catholic] was organized by Rev. Peter Colgan,
the first minister, 1851, in which year their first house of worship was
erected.
St. John's German United Evangelical Church (1856)
St. John’s German United Evangelical Church at Dunkirk was organized in
1856, and in 1858 erected a house of worship.
German Methodist Episcopal Church (1857)
The German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. C. Blinn,
the first pastor, in 1857. Their church edifice was built in 1859.
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Dunkirk (????)
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Dunkirk, no statistics have been received.
Zion's Church (Evangelical Association) (1865)
Zion’s Church [Evangelical Association] at Dunkirk, was organized with
fifteen members, by Rev. J. J. Bernhardt, the first pastor, in 1865, and
built a church edifice the same year.
ELLINGTON
Christian Church of Ellington (1823)
The Christian Church of Ellington (then Gerry) was organized
July 13,1823 and was composed of seven members:
Ira GATES
Noel C. GATES
Simon LAWRENCE
Clarissa GATES
Polly GATES
[It is believed that the first and third of the following named officers
make up the seven original members.]
Freeman WALDEN and
Elisha BEARDSLEY were chosen elders;
Seth S. CHASE, deacon
No articles of faith were adopted; the members simply agreeing “ to
take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments for the rule of faith
and practice at all times.” From the time of organization for about tens
years the records are meager, containing little else than the record of
members received and dismissions. Among the ministers who served the church
were:
____WALDEN
Stephen BLAISDELL.
The meeting house was built about 1845. It was repaired in 1859, and
dedicated anew, Jan 5, 1860; sermon by E. B. ROLLINS.
Free-will Baptist Church of Ellington (1828)
The Free-Will Baptist Church of Ellinton was organized in
1828, by Elder Amos C. ANDRUS, a traveling preacher, who was the first minister.
It was composed of eight members, who with those who united soon after,
were:
Julius DEWEY & wife
John R. FELT & wife
Joseph SEEKINS & wife
_______WHEELER
_______MARSH & wife
Adolphus HOWARD & wife (from near Sinclairville)
Jeremiah BALDWIN & wife
Comfort CARPENTER & wife
Daniel HADLEY
The first settled pastor was Francis B. TANNER, who served the church
about 20 years. After him were:
______JONES,
Elder LIGHTHALL,
Daniel McCOON,
Benj. McCOON,
_____ HIGBEE.
Present minister [1875] A. P. COOK.
The first deacon was Enoch WALLACE; present deacons: Winthrop JOHNSON
and _____BOSS.
The church edifice built in 1840, as is said by the only surviving original
member, or, as others think, a few years later.
Congregational Church (1828)
The Congregational Church of Ellington was organized, February 4, 1828,
at the house of Lucretia French, in the north part of the town – Rev. Wm.
J. Wilcox, moderator of the meeting; Benj. Ellsworth, clerk. The candidates
presenting themselves for membership were: James Bates, Benj. Ellsworth,
Israel Carpenter, Aaron Merrill, Josiah D. Bates, Lucretia French, Calista
Ellsworth, Harriet Spear, Nancy Bates, Polly Landon. In March Otis Page
was received by letter, and elected deacon. There were admitted in
addition to the above in , during the year 1828: Elizabeth Armstrong, Elizabeth
Vader, Timothy Gross, Warren Mansfield, Wm. Ware and Sally, his wife, Daniel
Bush, and Jane, his wife, Mrs. A.B. Farman. In 1830 Daniel Bush was
chosen deacon. In 1842, a house of worship was built. The first
minister was Rev. Wm. J. Wilcox; term of service not definitely stated.
Rev. Wm. Waith, from April, 1840 to August 30, 1847. He was succeeded
by S. W. Edson, Wm Todd, Charles A. Keeler, David Powell, Wm. D. Henry,
W. J. Hunt, Henry Benson, H. O. Howland, Mr. Olds, the present pastor.
This church was at first connected with or represented in the Buffalo Presbytery.
This connection was subsequently dissolved. During the ministry of
Rev. Wm. Waith, its government was changed to Presbyterian; and was afterwards
changed to its present form, purely Congregational.
FRENCH CREEK
Baptist Church at French Creek (1821)
Was the first organized church in the town; their first meetings were
held in a log school house on lot 54, near the present residence (1874)
of John JONES. Among the first members were
Roswell COE
William ADAMS and wife
Nathaniel THOMPSON and wife
? FARNSWORTH and wife
A.M. HIGGINS and wife
and Amon BEEBE
The ministers officiating at its organization were Elder GILLET and
Elder ALFORD. In consequence of the removal from the town of a large portion
of its members, the church was continued but a few years. Another Baptist
church was formed in 1844-45 which after a brief existence, became extinct,
a third was formed about 1856 and it has also ceased to exist;
Christian Chruch at French Creek (1831)
Organized by Elder, Jerry KNOWLES.
With a membership of about 24, among whom were M. BLOSS, Calvin BLOSS,
Mrs. Hubbard BOWLES, and others, the ceremony of washing feet was literally
observed in this church.
Methodist Episcopal Church of French Creek (1830)
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the north-east
part of the town, in 1830, by Rev. J. K. HALLOCK and Rev. J. CHANDLER, who
were the first two pastors. The first members were:
Isiah & Betsey GOLDING
William & Amy ADAMS
MOSES OLDS & wife
Mrs. BOWLES also united at the same time, or soon after. Their first
and only house of worship stands on lot 46. It was finished in 1867. The
Society received 50 acresof land from the Holland Land Company. This land,
like similar donations in other towns, was called *“gospel land.” It was
a part of lot 30 and was sold by order of the county court, on a Petition
of the church; and the proceeds were applied to the building of a House of
worship. [* The Holland Land Company – had set aside “gospel land” in each
town. Most of the churches sold this land to acquire the money to build an
edifice. A court order was needed to sell the land because the “church” first
had to establish ownership of the land and that another church was not entitled
to it. Many lawsuits were filed over this “gospel land”]
GERRY
Methodist Episcopal Church (1819)
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Gerry was the first religious association
in the town, and was formed in or about the year 1819, the first religious
meeting having been held in the spring of 1818, by Elder Jonathan Wilson.
The Society, as such, was subsequently organized under the general statute
of the state; and December 12, 1818, a deed was executed to James Scofield,
the grandfather of Major-General Schofield, Wm. Alverson, and Stoddard Cameron,
as its trustees, of 100 acres of land, by the Holland Land Company, of lands
appropriated by them to religious purposes. Upon this land was built
the first church erected in the town, which was situated upon lot 53, and
on the road leading from Sinclairville to Vermont, a little northwest from
the center of town.
First Baptist Church of Gerry (1820)
The First Baptist Church of Gerry was formed by Rev. Jonathan Wilson, about
1820. It was composed chiefly of members from the Stockton Baptist
church. They held their first meetings in Jerry Abbeys’ log house, at
what was then known as “The Huddle,” a small cluster of log houses near the
old Cutting stand.
The only church edifice in the town (1875) is a free church, which will
seat 100 persons, built a few years since at Vermont.
HANOVER
First Baptist Church of Hanover (1811)
The First Baptist Church of Hanover – The records of this church prior
to 1833 being lost, the date of its formation can not be given with certainty.
According to the recollection of some of its earliest members or surviving
friends, it was organized in 1811, by Rev. Joy Handy, who is spoken of as
its “founder.” It is designated , “The First Hanover Baptist Church,
Nashville.” Its constituent members were: Dea. Joseph Brownell and
Rebecca, his wife; Dea. Salmon Munger and Charlotte, his wife; Uriah
Nash and Ada, his wife; John Huntley and Polly, his wife; James B. Knapp;
Darius Sayles and Anna Morehouse. Of these, Mrs. Munger, is believed
to be the only survivor. The church was supplied by Rev. Joy Handy
and several other ministers until the sprung of 1817. among the members
was Rev. Jonathan Wilson, then a missionary in this region, who died at the
age of 90, at the residence of his son, in Gerry. Rev. Elnathan Finch, who
came in with his family, household goods and an ox team and sled, in February,
1817, and became pastor of this church until 1827. After several temporary
supplies, Rev. Elisha Gill became pastor, and was succeeded in 1836 by Rev.
James Bennett, who continued until Oct. 1839. For a short time the
church had no stated preaching, after which they were supplied by licentiates,
most of the time for several years. In February 1848, Wm. Williams,
a licentiate, was called, and, in October, was ordained pastor, and continued
until April 1850. After a few months supply by Rev. John Carter, he
was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Allison, until February, 1851; and he by Rev.
E. M. Nye, till February 1854. In August, 1854, Mr. Allison returned
and remained until 1856. Their successors to the present time have
been: H. H. Herrick, E. M. Nye, (second time:) J. C. Allison (third time:)
F.E. Miller, H. H. Herrick (second time:) T. T. Horton. He closed his
pastorate of five years, preaching every alternate Sabbath, in may, 1872;
when he was succeeded by Rev. D. E. Burt. Their first house of worship
was built in 1851, and has been several times repaired. Their church
clerks have been: Miles Webster, James Knapp, Nathaniel Hopper, Silas N.
Slawson, a. Vinton, John S. Bettis. Deacons: Joseph Brownell, Samuel
Munger, Silas Nash, Samuel Taylor, Nathaniel Hopper, Nelson Wheaton, Caleb
Roberts.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Silver Creek (1819)
A class was formed about 1819, consisting of seven members, whose names,
as given from recollection, are as follows:
Liscom Mixer and wife; Norman Spink and wife ; Artemus R. Clothier
Soon after the organization, were added:
Giles Eggleston and Esther; James Wesley and wife Katherine; Emily Nevins;
Leonard McDaniels and others
Among the early preachers were: Rev. Mr. Hill; Gleason Fillmore; afterwards,
N. Norton, Samuel Sullivan, Thomas Cunningham, John Robinson. Later preachers
were: E. H. Yingleng, Wm. P. Bignell, George W. Gray, Wm. H. Wilson; present
pastor, James M. Bray. The church edifice was completed in 1848, and
was improved in 1874.
Presbyterian Church at Silver Creek (1831)
The society connected with the church was formed pursuant to the
“act of the legislature to provide for the incorporation of religious societies”
the 8th of December 1831,at Silver Creek.
The society was entitled “The Trustees and Associates of the First Congregational
Society of Silver Creek.”
The trustees elected were:
James Brace, Ephraim Hall, John Reid, David Anderson, Daniel Ramsey, and
Wm. Hall.
In the absence of a minister, Daniel Ramsey and David Anderson, elders,
presided at the meeting, and Wm. Hall was chosen clerk.
HARMONY
Baptist Church in Panama (1817)
The Baptist Church in Panama was organized May 14, 1817, and was composed
of 16 Members, namely:
Simeon Powers, Timothy Jenner, Orange Phelps, Samuel Hurlbut, Oliver Pier,
Israel Carpenter, Caleb Beals, and the wives of all.; and Moses Jenner and
Aurilla Groom. Rev. John Lasure, Rev. Asa Turner, John Putnam, Lorenzo Hunt,
Russell Babcock, Wm. Marsh and Mary Bliss, from the churches of Pomfret
and Chautauqua, composed the council; Rev. J. Lasure, moderator.Timothy
Jenner and David Pratt were chosen Deacons. Orange Phelps was the
first church clerk. Simeon Powers was immediately chosen as pastor, and
continued as such until 1828. Among those who have since ministered
to the church are Palmer Cross, Peter Freeman, Charles Sanderson, and Spencer
S. Ainsworth, who was ordained Nov 19, 1845. Present pastor,
Alfred Wells. Among those who have served as deacons since those
first elected, were Reuben Thompson, Ephraim Case, Joel Powers, Stephen
Brayton, Holland Blackmar, Nathan Chamberlain. Samuel Hurlbut succeeded
Orange Phelps as clerk; after the division of the church, Moses Jenner,
Ebenezer Pratt, Noble Gates, Daniel G. Powers, Job Arnold, Ambrose Blackmar
and others have served as clerks.
In 1821, a difficulty arose which resulted in the exclusion of about
one-half the members, which for a few years crippled the energies of the
church. For several years previous to 1834, meetings were alternately
held at the school houses. Panama was then made the center, and
the other locations given up.
In 1835-6, they built their house of worship, which was dedicated Aug 11,
1836; the sermon by Rev. Charles Morton of Erie.
The site of this house was obtained by the liberality of members of the
Presbyterian church of this village. A portion of this gift was refunded to
them when building their own house of worship.
Baptist Church at Ashville (1828)
The Baptist Church of Ashville was organized in July 1828; Rev Jairus Handy
officiating. A branch of the Mayville Baptist church was formed the
year previous; but in the absence of records, particulars cannot be satisfactorily
given. The constituent members of the present church were:
Hiram Alden, Chas. D. Slayton, James McClellan Sr. and Jr., Nathaniel H.
Stow, Anson Phelps, Heber Cowden, Daniel Higley, Albert Partridge, John
Wellman, John Rugg, Geo. E. Case, Peter L. Phelps, John Morton, Ephraim
Case, and 17 females – in all 32.
Ephraim Case was chosen the first deacon; James McClellan, clerk.
The church edifice was erected in 1831 or 1832 but not completed until a year
or two years afterwards.
First Congregational Church (1830)
The First Congregational Church was organized Nov. 28, 1830, by Rev Justin
Marsh, assisted by Rev Samuel Leonard and Rev. Isaac Jones, all members
of Buffalo Presbytery. The church was received under the care of that
Presbytery. After several years, having adopted the Presbyterian form
of government and discipline, it took the name First Presbyterian Church
of Panama. Among the first members were:
Orrin Matthews and wife, Asahel Clark and wife, Margaret Morgan, and others.
Others joined soon after, Mary Nichols, Benj. and Eunice D. Smith,
Emeline M. Smith, Dr. Stephen Peck, Dr. Cornelius Ormes, John H. and Esther
Pray, Matilda Chase, Samantha Dix, Dea. Josiah Holbrook and wife, Nehemiah
Sperry and wife, Mrs. Sarah Dix, Reuben Davis and wife, Noah Harrington
and wife. They had occasional preaching by Rev. Mr. Stanley, Rev.
Erastus J. Gillett, Rev. Samuel G. Orton and others. The first pastor
was Rev. Alfred W. Gray. He was followed by Aaron Van Wormer, Abner
D. Olds, O. D. Hibbard, A. Worthington, Charles Merwin. For many years
after their organization, their place of worship was in the tannery, which
had been fitted up for that purpose. A new church edifice was erected
in 1846. Rev Chalon Burgess, the present pastor, has served the
church as such since 1861.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Blockville (1818)
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Blockville is said to have originated
in a class formed as early as the year 1818. An early settler thinks John
Lewis, Isaac Carpenter, John Pember, and their wives ; Daniel B. Carpenter,
Joseph S. Pember, and Mrs. Elijah Terry, were the first members of the class.
Another mentions also John Steward Sr., and Almond Lewis and their
wives; and soon after, Phineas Stevens, David Preston, and Martin Hobert
and their wives, and Henry Crane. The first local preacher was John
Lewis; the first circuit preacher, John Somerville, who was succeeded by
Wm. Green. The first church edifice of this society was dedicated in
January, 1840.
Free-will Baptist Church of Harmony (1830)
The Free- will Baptist Church of Harmony was organized at the house of
Nathaniel Clark, at King’s Corners, Dec. 4, 1830; Elders Harmon Jenkins,
and Thomas Grinold, officiating. The number of members constituting
The church was 23. They were Timothy Walkley, David Lucas, Nathaniel
Clark, David Clark, James Alexander, Asa Wait, Ebenezer Thayer, Samuel
Reed, Phineas Chamberlain, and the wives of most or all of them ; Isaac
Phelps, Freeman Williams, Sarah Burnham, Rhoda Keith, and Pamelia
Baldwin. Asa Wait was chosen as clerk, and was succeeded Jan 1833,
by Aaron Baldwin. The first deacon named was David Lucas, chosen Jan
1834, and held the office until his death, Sept. 4, 1872. In 1867,
Daniel Ellis was elected second deacon. The ministers who statedly
supplied the church for longer or shorter periods were Thomas Grinold, J.
Sm-------, J. Cowles, F. B. Tanner.
After 1859, [the year not given] the church was moved about 4 miles
south, on the town line, and took the name of Clymer and Harmony Church.
Since the removal, the church has been supplied by Elders Arad Losee, (commencing
1863) Oliver Johnson, Ansel Griffith, Arad Losee, a second time, [1868]
Wm. Johnson, Joshua Giffin, Joseph Kettle. Present pastor, Ansel Griffith.
A house of worship was built, in 1868, by the Baptists and Methodists,
jointly.
South Harmony Free-will Baptist Church (1855)
The South Harmony Free-will Baptist Church was organized Nov. 5, 1855,
at the Cherry school-house. The names of the original members are Erastus
Huntley, Joseph Carroll, Aaron Cornish, Elisha Morgan, Levi Rexford, Hannah
Tillotson, Mary Mather, Sarah Maria Cornish, Patience Smith, Catharine Siggins,
Theodosia Wellman. Erastus Huntley was the first clerk. The
first pastor was Levi Rexford, who has been succeeded by A. Losee, W. H.
Cuttler, D. S. Fowler, Oliver Johnson, Joseph Kettle, and the present pastor
G. H. Chappell. This church and society, two years ago built a fine
house of worship, in which meetings are regularly held. Present clerk, Charles
Huntley.
KIANTONE
First Congregational Church of Kiantone (1815)
The First Congregational Church of Kiantone was organized in 1815, as the
First Church of Ellicott, about a year earlier than the Congregational Church
of Jamestown. After the town of Carroll was formed from Ellicott in
1825, the church being within the new town, it was called the Congregational
Church of Carroll ; and since the erection of Kiantone from Carroll in 1853,
the church has been known as the Congregational Church of Kiantone.
It was organized by Rev. John Spencer, with 5 male and 5 female members:
Asa Moore, Samuel Garfield, Levi Jones, and their wives; John Jones, Anna,
wife of Ebenezer Cheney, Mrs Wheeler, wife of Josiah Wheeler, and William
Deland. The first deacon was John Jones. Those who have since
been chosen to that office are: Asa Moore, James Carey, John C. Jones, Eleazar
Fellows, Ebenezer Chaplin, 1852.. [the list is furnished to no later date.]
For several years after its formation, the church had occasional preaching
in dwellings and school-houses, by John Spencer.
The church has since been supplied by Amasa West, Samuel Leonard, 1828;
Isaac Eddy, 1829; Simeon Peek, 1834; Joseph S. Emory, (installed 1835;)
O. D. Hibbard, 1841; S.W. Edson, T.A. Gale, E. M. Spencer, W. T. Reynolds,
N. H. Barnes, W. A. Halleck. In 1830, a meeting house was built on
a site given the society by widow Sears. Meetings were held, first
in private dwellings, and afterwards in school-houses.
First Christian Society of Universalists in Carroll (1853)
The First Christian Society of Universalists in Carroll was formed
at the present village of Kiantone, Dec. 30, 1853; Rufus Greene, moderator
of the meeting; Levi Davis, secretary. Charles Spencer, Isaac Eames,
and Julius Alvord were elected trustees; Charles Brown, treasurer.
The constitution and by-laws of the society were subscribed by about
twenty-five persons. A meeting-house was built in 1845. A church
was organized Nov 26, 1853. A constitution, articles of faith, and form of
church covenant were adopted and were signed by Rev. F. M. Alvord, Pastor;
N. A. Alexander, Horatio N. Thornton, stewards; Joseph Case, Arthur B. Braley,
Oliver G. Chase, Caroline Wheaton, Eunice N. Thornton, Mary S. Thornton.
H. N. Thornton was chosen Clerk.
Methodist Episcopal Church and Society, Mina Corners (1858)
The Methodist Episcopal Church and Society at Mina Corners was formed in
1858. It was legally constituted at a meeting held on the 18th of
May. Rev Orville L. Mead and Isaac ______ presiding. Alexander
D Holdridge, Wm. Baker, and Nahum N. Grimes, were elected trustees of the
society. Among the first members of the church were: Thomas R. Coveny,
David Frits and wife, Alexander D. Holdridge and wife, Wm. Baker,
Charity Chase, Lucy Holdridge, Jane Tyron, Lucinda Relf, Betsey Baker, Melissa
Holdridge, David Declow, and wife. Rev. Orville L Mead is said to
have been the first preacher in charge; his successors; Wm. Deer,
C. R. Chapman, J. W. Hill, A. L. Kellogg, R. D. Waltz, J. K. Mendenhall,
Joseph Allen, L. E. Beardsley, and A. Bashline, present preacher.
Methodist Episcopal Church, West Mina (1858)
The Methodist Episcopal Church at West Mina was formed about the same time
as that at Mina Corners. Among the first members were: Urial Fenton, Azan
Fenton, John Skellie, Alexander Skellie, Henry F. Moore, James F. Moore,
and the wives of all of these. The preachers were presumed to have
been about the same as those at the Corners.
American Reformed Church (1856)
The American Reformed Church [Dutch] was formed December 19, 1856.
Among the first members were:
Lorenzo Buck, George Hammer, Adam Hemelin, John George Barringer, Adam
Merket, _____ Ebert, and their wives, and Margaret R. Pfifer. Their
first pastor was Rev. J. W. Dunewald. Later ministers, G. J. Renskers,
Jacob Weber.
POLAND
First Baptist Church of Kennedy (1837)
Organized with 22 members, Jan 30, 1836 Their house of worship
was erected in 1868.
The first Pastor, was Rev. B. BRAMAN the present one, (1873) is Rev.
H.A. CONRAD
[Supplement] The Baptist Church at Kennedy was organized
in 1837. A meeting of the brethren and sisters ahd been held at the
house of S. Akerley, Jan. 30, 1836 to consult in regard to the organization
of a Baptist Church, chich they resolved to do. I. Gifford, S. Akerley,
and John Miller were appointed a committee to draft articles and a covenant,
and to make arrangements to secure preaching. On the 29th of June,
1837, a council met at the house of S. Akerley; the articles and covenant
being satisfactory, the church was organized. The names of those who
are supposed to have united at the time are Samuel Akerley, Isaac Gifford,
Asa and John Miller, Nancy and Amanda Akerley, Elizabeth and Sally Miller,
Ezekial Randall, John C. Cady, Ephraim Sawyer, Roxa L. Gifford, Sally Porter,
Sylvia Holbrook, and Laura Ann Foote -- 15 members. Early ministers
were B. Braman, B.C. Willoughby, David Morse. Meetings were held at
private residences and school-houses. The society was organized under
the statute in 1853, but by neglect it was permitted to lose its legal existence,
and was reorganized in 1868, in which year the church edifice was erected.
Poland Free Church at Kennedy (1857)
Organized about the year 1857 and the church edifice was
erected the same year
No other data.
Levant Wesleyan (Methodist) Church (????)
West part of the town of Poland, was organized, (date not known) by Rev.
Emory JONES, the first pastor;
The meeting house was erected in 1872, Ministers in 1873 were Daniel
BALL and Emory JONES
Current data;
LEVANT WESLEYAN CHURCH 716-665-4402
1670 LINDQUIST DRIVE, FALCONER NY 14733
The Freewill Baptists have an organization at Kennedy,
which is said to be a branch of the Ellington Free-will Baptist church. Also
the Episcopal Methodists and Protestant Methodists have each a class and
stated preaching.
Baptist Church at Fredonia (1808)
The Baptist Church at Fredonia dates its organization Oct. 20, 1808, and
is believed to be the second church organized in the county; the Presbyterian
church at Cross Roads, [now Westfield,] being the only one claiming an earlier
date. As early, however, as Nov., 1805, Zattu Cushing and a few other Baptists,
“five brethren and four sisters,” as the record says, “thought proper to meet
on Lord’s days, to recommend the cause of Christ, and confirm each other in
the faith.” These nine persons are supposed to have been Zattu Cushing, Wm.
Gould, John Van Tassel, Benjamin Barrett, Eliphalet Burnham, Rachel Cushing,
Rhoda Burnham, Sophia Williams, and Silence Barto. March 14, 1807, they entered
into covenant, and to hold regular monthly meetings. In the winter following,
Elder Joy Handy, from Brook-field, Madison Co., settled at the mouth of Canadaway
creek, and a year or two after, removed to the “Canadaway settlement,” now
Fredonia, on the lot afterwards the residence of Dr. Squire White. Sept. 8,
1808, articles of faith and a covenant were adopted; and Oct. 20, 1808, a
council of ministers, called for that purpose, met at Mr. Cushing’s, where
the brethren and sisters were examined and received into fellowship—16 in
number. Passing over a period of five years, during which the records are
defective, we find that on Nov. 9, 1813, Judge Cushing was chosen deacon.
In 1816, Ebenezer Webster was elected to that office, and Judge Cushing licensed
to preach. In December, 1816, Elijah Devine was elected deacon, and in April,
1821, Nathaniel Crosby. In August, 1822, Rev. Elisha Tucker was called to
be the third pastor, who visited eastern cities to solicit money to finish
the old meeting-house—the old frame edifice—the first, it is believed, that
was built in the county. The present brick church was built on the same site
about the year 1851 or ‘52. In June, 1829, a portion of this church was set
off, and organized at Laona, as the “Second Baptist Church in Pomfret.” This
is now extinct. In 1830, a portion of it formed the Dunkirk Baptist church.
In 1839, a division occurred in relation to their pastor, John F. Bishop.
In Feb., 1848, the churches were reunited. Rev. Joy Handy was the principal
supply from 1808 to 1822; Jirah Cole to 1836; Beriah N. Leach to 1838; then
John Bishop about one year, when the division took place. He continued pastor
of one division several years, though he resigned as pastor in 1840; but his
resignation was not accepted by that division. He afterward left, and was
succeeded by S. P. Way and Bliss C. Willoughby until the reunion in 1848.
Pastors of the other division: A. C. Barrell, Judah L. Richmond, Alfred Handy,
and Ebenezer Loomis. Both organizations claimed to be the First Baptist Church
of Pomfret. After the reunion, Ebenezer Webster, John Hamilton, and Joel R.
Parker were elected deacons. Ministers since the reunion have been A. Kingsbury,
Charles N. Chandler, Alonzo Wheelock, George G. Downey, A. C. Barrell, Howard
M. Jones, Charles Thompson. The present brick church edifice was dedicated
July 7, 1853.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Fredonia (1818)
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Fredonia was organized about the year 1818.
The first class consisted of Jeremiah Baldwin and his wife, Daniel
Gould and his wife, Otis Ensign and wife, and others whose names can not
be found. Among the early ministers were Francis Dighton, Darius Williams,
J. Keys, and Wilder B. Moak. Among the later ministers were E. H. Yingling,
D.S. Steadman, J.H. Tagg, A.N. Craft, R.F. Randolph, and the present, James
M. Bray. The first Church edifice was erected, and dedicated in 1820.
The present is a first-class house, and, in its appurtenances, cost
about $30,000.
Presbyterian Church of Fredonia (1820)
The Presbyterian Church of Fredonia was organized Sept. 29, 1820; Rev. John
Spencer, a missionary, being present and officiating, and preaching a sermon.
The church was formed as Congregational, but a few years afterward, adopted
the Presbyterian form of government. Mr. Spencer preached to the church and
congregation a portion of the time until January, 1817. The names of the persons
who constituted the church at the time of its organization, are the following:
Benj. Barnes, Isaac Barnes, Norman Goodwin, Mark Stacy, Hannah Loomis, Lucina
Goodwin, Ruth Barnes, Israel Loomis, Samuel Marsh, Asa French, Phebe Risley,
Persis Chadwick, Mrs. Lydia Goulding, who was admitted Jan. 27, 1811, is
still living, [1874.] Her husband, Timothy Goulding, died in Sheridan in
1873, at the advanced age of 91 years. From 1811 to 1814, inclusive, only
12 were added, of whom 6 were of the name of Lovejoy. In 1816, Joseph Plumb,
and in 1821 his brother Ralph, united. [These brothers are noticed elsewhere.]
Until about 1824, this church included all Presbyterians residing in Dunkirk,
among whom were Sarah, wife of Dr. Williams; Lucy, wife of Daniel G. Garnsey,
and others. For many years, meetings were held in school-houses and such
other rooms as could be obtained. In December, 1819, the society was formed
under the statute. It was voted by the meeting that there be nine trustees;
but the first vote on the record is declared to be the election of Gilbert
Douglas to supply the place of Joseph Rood. Six others were then elected:
John Crane, Benjamin Douglas, Henry Abell, Thomas G. Abell, Solomon Hinkley,
Harvey Durkee. Other early trustees were Joseph Plumb, Jacob Houghton, James
Sage, Isaac A. Lovejoy, Samuel Marsh, Elisha Shepard. Samuel Sweezy was installed
pastor, March 13, 1817; Wm. Page, Sept., 1823; dismissed, Aug. 1826; Wm.
Bradley, installed Jan., 1834; dismissed Nov., 1837; Sylvester Cowles, installed
Feb., 1839; dismissed 1840. The following also have been pastors: David D.
Gregory, Stephen
M. Hopkins, Augustus Pomeroy, Sabin McKinney, Daniel Clarke,
(6 yrs.,) Edwin S. Wright, (14 years,) A. L Benton, present pastor. The congregation
has also been supplied for short periods of time by Jos. W. McMaster, Abiel
Parmele, R. Rudd, and others. Feb. 17, 1835, it was voted to build a meeting-house,
52 by 56 feet, and to be three years in building; and that the site be on
the hill, nearly opposite James Mullett’s, unless, etc. Payments for the pew
ground, Jan. 1, 1821, 1822, and 1823, 5 per cent, in cash, and the residue
in produce. The site decided upon was the half acre nearly opposite James
Mullett’s.
Trinity Church at Fredonia (1822)
Trinity Church, at Fredonia, was organized August 1, 1822, Elijah Risley
presiding at the meeting. The name and style of the organization was “The
Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen of Trity Church at Fredonia.” Michael
Hinman and Watts Wilson were elected church wardens; Jonathan Sprague, Abiram
Orton, Joseph Rood, Abraham Van Santvoord, Benjamin Douglass, Nathan Hempsted,
and Joseph G. Henman, were elected vestry-men. The church was received into
union with the convention of the Protestant Church of the state of New York,
October 15, 1822. Rev. David Brown became pastor of the church, in March,
1823. In April, 1823, Michael Hinman and Watts Wilson were chosen church wardens;
Israel Smith, Joseph Rood, Elijah Risley, Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Skinner,
Jacob Hempsted, and Benjamin Douglass, were elected vestrymen; Jacob Houghton
was chosen secretary of the vestry; Jonathan Sprague, treasurer. In June,
1833, a committee was appointed; and a church edifice was completed, and
ready for consecration, early in 1835. Present rector, W. O. Jarvis.
First Protestant Methodist Church of Fredonia (1859)
The First Protestant Methodist Church of Fredonia was organized, July 3,
1859, at a meeting of Methodists in favor of a representative form of government;
Oren C. Payne, of the Genesee Conference, present and officiating. Names of
the first members were Philemon and Chloe Studley, Merit and Elizabeth Waller,
Lucius L. and Eunice Woodworth, Esquire S. Woodworth, Samuel and Philena
Mills, Smith S. and Elizabeth Wilber, Charles Pettit, Jane Williams, Almon
and Emma Smith; Lyman C. Marsh. First class leader, Almon Smith; stewards,
L. C. Marsh, L L. Woodworth. The society was organized pursuant to the general
statute, Feb. 1, 1860; Almon Smith, chairman; O. C. Payne, secretary. The
trustees elected were Lucius L. Woodworth, Almon Smith, Philemon Studley,
Lyman C. Marsh, Merit Wailer. Rev. Oren C. Payne has been the regular pastor
of this church from its organization till the present time, [1873,] with the
exception of one year, when he was president of the Genesee Conference, during
which year the church was served by Rev. Isaac Fister, M. D. In 1861—2, Rev.
Isaac Cole, and during the year ending Sept. 25, 1871, Rev. A. H. Marsh, were
associated, as pastors, with Mr. Payne.
Baptist Church at Laona (1829)
The Baptist Church at Laona was organized in June, 1829. Among its active
members were Seth and Wm. Higgins, Joseph Davis, Azariah Gardner, and Daniel
Saunders. A meeting-house was erected in 1835; but the society was feeble
and soon dwindled away. Its place of worship went to decay; and the ground
it occupied is now a portion of the village cemetery.
A meeting-house was erected at Laona, in 1839, by a society of Christians.
Its prominent members were Nathan Hatch, Justus Harrington, and Barzillai
Ellis. The society soon became insolvent; and its house was sold at a mortgage
sale to Barzillai Ellis. It was afterwards owned occasionally by Justus Harrington
and Levi Baldwin, and by the latter transferred to a society of Spiritualists,
and is now under its control. Among their prominent members are George Rood,
Alanson C. Straight, and Levi Cowden.
PORTLAND
First Congregational Church, Portland (1810)
Origin and early History of the First Congregational Church
of Portland, New York. 1810. In 1810 the first preaching service in Portland
was held in the tavern of Capt. James DUNN on the well known DUNN farm,
afterward owned by John DUDLEY and now by Carl RYON, This farm is just east
of the cemetery. The Preacher, the Rev John SPENCER, discovered from the
text ; " For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" His audience was very
small, not numbering more than 6 persons besides the DUNN family. Rev. Spencer
and other travelling ministers continued to hold occasional preaching services
in this settlement known as CENTERVILLE. Now PORTLAND, [ Chautauqua Co.],
until in 1814 regular services were conducted by Mr. Amassa WEST, a teacher
at the ancient Crossroads, Now Westfield, NY, On January 31 1818, at the
log house of John CHURCHILL, [lot #38 T 5] Rev John Spencer organized the
First Congregational Church of Portland which was the first organized church
in the Township.
The 18 Original Charter members in 1818 were:
JOHN HOUSE,
JOANNA HOUSE,
JOHN CHURCHILL,
SYLVESTER CHURCHILL
WILLIAM COUCH,
ABIGAIL COUCH,
FREDERICK COUCH
JOHN HURLBURT
LOUISA HURLBURT
ANDREW KELSEY
DAVID EATON
MARY EATON
MERCY EATON
AUGUSTINE KLUMPH
WILSON ANDREWS
KEZIAH ANDREWS
ZACHARIAH PRICE
NANCY McCLINTOCK
The Rev John SPENCER, the founder of this church, was sent to the Holland
Purchase by the general Association of Connecticut. His labors at first
were confined to the Main Road, from Batavia To Buffalo, and thence to Westfield,
but as new settlements were formed off the main road, he was sure to visit
them too, going as far south as Olean. As a consequence of this large territory,
the individual churches could not have had many visits from him, as riding
horseback, was his only mode of conveyance. He always preached a sermon
and administered the sacrament at each visit.
(This above sent to me by letter from the current Pastor of this church
from his records )
The "First Congregational Church of Portland" was formed January 31,
1818 at the house of John CHURCHILL, Rev. John SPENCER officiating. The original
members were John HOUSE, Wm,COUCH, Augustine KLUMPH, Jabez HURLBURT, David
EATON, John CHURCHILL, Sylvester CHURCHILL, Zachariah H PRICE, Joanna HOUSE,
Abigail COUCH, Wilson ANDREWS, Andrew KELSEY, Frederick COUCH, Mary EATON,
Mercy EATON, Louisa HURLBURT, Keziah ANDREWS, Nancy McCLINTOCK, 18. For
about 2 years only occasional preaching and the administration of sacraments
by Mr. SPENCER were enjoyed. From 1820 Rev. Phineas CAMP, a preacher at
Westfield, and his successor Rev. Isaac OAKS, divided their time with the
Portland Church, preaching once in 3-4 weeks at the latter place. The number
of members had increased to 38 in 1823 and at a later period to 52. At about
this time , a declension commenced, which continued until the church had
become virtually extinct; some members having united with the Westfield
church, others having entirely lost their church connection. The society
in connection with this church was formed pursuant to the statute of June
24, 1822, and was styled
"The First Congregational Society of the Town of Portland"
The first trustees were
Frederick COUCH, Wilson ANDREWS, and Wilder EMERSON
On the 3rd of March, 1833 the church was re- organized by Rev. David
D. GREGORY and Rev. Timothy STILLMAN
Members of the new orgainzation were;
Timothy JUDSON
Samuel HALL
Abigail THOMPSON
from the Presbyterian Church of Fredonia
Clark GOULD
Elisha COOK
Clarinda COOK,
Catherine COOK
Eliza COOK
Anson DRIGGS
>From the Presbyterian Church of Westfield
Nathan G. JONES
and Mary EATON of the old Church
Samuel WALKER
Dana CHURCHILL and Minerva CHURCHILL formerly members of distant churches
Dana CHURCHILL and Alvin COOK chosen Deacons
Charles GOULD, Clerk
The new "Congregational Society" required by the statute of 1813 was
formed April 30, 1833
RIPLEY
First Presbyterian Church, Ripley (1818)
The "First Presbyterian Church" of Ripley, Chautauqua Co.
NY was organized Nov 2,1818, at a meeting in the school-house near John
POST'S , about 60 rods east of the old meeting house, the Reverend Phineas
CAMP presiding. The church was composed chiefly of members of the church
at the 'Cross Roads' (now Westfield). The male members were
Joel LOOMIS
Alexander COCHRAN
John COCHRAN
Robert COCHRAN
John GIBSON
Thomas GRAY
William CROSSGROVE
Lorrel NICHOLS
Olney NICHOLS
James McMAHAN
James DICKSON
Oliver STETSON Jr.
JOhn B. DENSMORE
Hugh CROSSGROVE,
the number of females was about the same, many being wives of the men
named above; Joel LOOMIS, James DICKSON, James McMAHON and Alexander COCHRAN
were chosen elders; only the first 2 were chosen and ordained. The records
do not show the services of a stated minister before October, 1824, when
each of the churches of Ripley, and North East PA, engaged the labors of
Rev. Giles DOOLITTLE 1/2 the time at a salary of $200 payable half in cash,
half in grain at cash price. Mr. DOOLITTLE was ordained and installed as
pastor of the 2 congregations, April 15, 1825. At his own request, his pastoral
relation with the church at Ripley was disolved in April 1830. Among later
ministers were Rev. John B. PRESTON. The name of Rev. Samuel G. ORTON appears
on the records of the sessions as early as July 1837, and his pastorate continued
until 1853, he was succeeded by Rev. William WAITH whose labors were terminated
by his death in 1863. The church was subsequently supplied by Rev. Sylvanus
WARREN for 2 years, and by Rev. William L. HYDE for 5 years. A meeting
house in an unfinished state, was destroyed by lightning, July 30, 1828.
Another was soon erected in its place, and is still standing. In 1854 a
division of the society took place; and the western members built the present
brick house in Quincy.In 1871 the churches were reunited under the name
of "First Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Ripley" In October 1870
Rev. Edwin S. WRIGHT commenced his pastorate which still continues (1875)
Methodist Episcopal Church, Ripley (1811)
Formed at an early period, but the year of its organization
is probably not known by any person now living in town (1875)
About the year 1811, it is thought, that the first class was formed.
Among the members of this class were;
Andrew SPEAR and his wife,
Farley FULLER and wife
Basil BURGESS and wife
Within a few years after, the following named persons became members;
Asahel PECK
Reuben PECK
Lavina BAIRD
Adolphus and Henry WALRADT
Dolly, Rebecca and Mary WALRADT,
Silas and Hannah BAIRD.
Of the earliest members of this church yet living, (1874) were Reuben
PECK and Calista PECK Who the earliest preachers were cannot be stated
with certainty. This part of Chautauqua Co NY was early in the Erie circuit,
which was in 1811 in the Monongahela district. Jacob GRUDER was the presiding
Elder. and James WATTS, and James EWING, circuit preachers. The next year,
1812, Erie circuit, was in Ohio district; Jacob YOUNG was presiding Elder;
James WATTS and Jacob GORWELL preachers; For several years after, preachers
on the Erie circuit were;
Abel ROBINSON 1813
John SOLOMON and John GRAHAM 1814
Robert C. HATTON 1815-16
In 1817 James B. FINLEY, presiding elder,
John P. KENT and Ira EDDY preachers.
A meeting house was erected in 1839, and completed and dedicated 2 or
3 years afterward; dedicatory sermon by Rev. James E. CHAPIN. A new and
beautiful brick house was erected a few rods east of the other in 1873,
at a cost of about $13,000. Dedicated in April 1874. Sermon by Rev. Benoni
I. IVES D.D. of Auburn.
Baptist Church, Ripley (????)
A Baptist church was formed at a comparatively early day
, about 3 miles south of Quincy,(Ripley) and a house of worship erected.
Some of its members residing at a remote and inconvenient distance, and others
having removed from that part of town, the organization is believed to have
hardly maintained its former strength and efficiency.
SHERMAN
First Presbyterian Church, Sherman (1827)
The First Presbyterian Church of Sherman was orgainzed June 23, 1827 as
the first Congregational Church of Mina. Most of the original members were
from the Congregational church of Farmington CT.
Elisha WOODRUFF
Charlotte WOODRUFF
William WILLIAMS
Mary WILLIAMS
Charles HAWLEY
Clara HAWLEY
Robert WOODRUFF
George HART
Esther HART
Dennis HART
Elvira HART
Julia GLEASON
Hiram N. GLEASON
Ava HART
Betsey W. HALL
H. GLEASON and
Asa HART
United on profession of faith. The church was organized by Rev. Miles
P. SQUIER (*as spelled) and Rev Amasa WEST, and united with the presbytery
of Buffalo. Rev. Justin MARSH from CT was its first minister, installed
October 1828. The church was largely helped by the CT Missionary Society.
A church edifice was built on land given to the society by Charles HAWLEY
near Keeler's Corners, on Presbyterian Hill, and was dedicated March 7,
1833. Sermon by Rev. D.D. GREGORY. The house was taken down and moved to
Sherman village in the fall of 1845; and in 1856 it was enlarged and repaired.
In the spring of 1871 the church adopted the Presbyterian form of government
and was connected with Presbytery. The first pastor was; Justin MARSH from
Oct 1828 to Aug. 1831. Those who have since served as pastors and stated
supplies were;
J.B. WILSON
Jabez SPICER
H. EDDY
Edwin COLEMAN
C.S. CADY
Romaine PAYNE
Oliver N. CHAPIN
William T. REYNOLDS
A.H. LILLY
Walter COUCH
Ezra JONES
Henry M. HAZELTINE
John F. SEVERANCE
William L. HYDE
Present Pastor, (1874) S.N. ROBINSON,
Elders, E.C. HART, J.M.CALHOUN, H.L. KENDRICK
STOCKTON
Congregational Church, Stockton (1815)
Formed by the missionary, John SPENCER, said by some to have been as early
as 1815; perhaps earlier; consisting of 9 members, 3 males 6 females, but
the names of all are not remembered; among them believed to be Ichabod
FISHER, his wife, and his mother;
Oliver CLELAND
?? LEWIS
Laura MILLER
Amy JOHNSON
and others;
This Church, some years later, about 1830 adopted the Presbyterian form
of government and subsequently about 1840, changed back to the Congregational
form. A meeting house, having been built, designed for the Christian Church,
and not taken after its completion, the proprietor sold it to the Congregational
Society, On the union of this society with the Methodist church, the house
of worship was conveyed to the latter about 1857-58. Early ministers of
the Congregational and Presbyterian Church were
Amasa WEST
Mr. WASHBURN
Hugh WALLIS
Obadiah C. BEARDSLEY
James WILSON
Mr HOYT
Mr CARPENTER
Mr. MONROE,
Mr. AMSDEN
Reuben WILLOUGHBY
James HENRY
Mr. BLISS
Baptist Church, Delanti (1812)
Soon after the War of 1812, several families of Baptists, or of persons
favorable to that denomination, settled in the valley of Bear Creek.
Among those families were those of:
Benjamin MILLER
Abel THOMPSON
Samuel CRISSEY
Gould CRISSEY
and John MITCHELL.
Early in the winter of 1815-16, Reverend John SPENCER, a Congregational
missionary is said to have appointed a meeting on a sabbath; and stated
meetings were immediately thereafter commenced. We are not informed if Mr
SPENCER continued with them as a preacher, probably he did not, as we read
the meetings were led by by Samuel CRISSEY, Benjamin MILLER and Gould CRISSEY,
sermons read by Ethan COOLEY and Horace THOMPSON. Singing was performed by
the congregation, without notes. On the 12th of March, 1817, the hand of
fellowship was given to 7 brethren and sisters as the "Third Baptist Church
in Chautauqua" Their names were;
Samuel CRISSEY
Benjamin MILLER
Gould CRISSEY
Edward ELLIS
Patty ELLIS
Ruth CRISSEY
Susanna BIDWELL
The ministers present were, Joy HANDY and Asa TURNER. The number of
members increased in the first year to 18 .They were supplied in part by
Elder, Ebenezer SMITH, then 84 years old. He lived to be nearly 90. The
names of the ministers who have been called to the pastorate of this church
are;
Elisha GILL, 1823
Washington WINSOR, 1827
Isaac SAWYER, 1834
Oren WITHERELL, 1835
Sardis LITTLE, 1837
Judah L. RICHMOND, 1840
S.P. WAY 1845
Arah IRONS, 1849
B.C. WILLOUGHBY, 1851
Elder HOWARD, 1854
J. ELLIOTT, 1857
A. KINGSBURY, 1859
A.L. FREEMAN, 1861
L.J. FISHER, 1864
Samuel ADSIT 18??
Many have also rendered efficient services as temporary supplies, among
whom are;
Alanson WAUGH
David BERNARD
J.W. SAWYER
Zattu CUSHING
H.B. KENYON
The deaconship has been held by
Gould CRISSEY
Ethan COOLEY
John GRANT
Charles BACHELLER
Jason CRISSEY
Chester THOMPSON
A meeting house was built in 1832
(** Note, Rev.Joy Handy,was the first minister of the First Baptist Church in Fredonia, NY. His bible/ marriage records online https://sites.rootsweb.com/~nychauta/CHURCH/Handy.htm )
Christian Church at Delanti (later Stockton) (1825)
Reverend Joseph BAILEY officiating.
The members at the time of organization, or soon after;
Newell PUTNAM
Gilbert PUTNAM
Abel BRUNSON
John NEWBERRY
Aretus ROGERS
Henry RHINEHART
Festus JONES
Heron SCOFIELD
and their wives;
Lester NEWBERRY
Solomon TYLER
Stephen WILLIAMS
Fanny WHITE
Mrs. Belinda PORTER
Naomi SEARLS
Worthy PUTNAM
Warren COE and wife
Ministers were;
Joseph BAILEY, Oliver BARR, George BAILEY, Edward MOSHER, ?? BUZZEL
Meetings were held in a school house, and discontinued in 1863
Methodist Church at Oregon, Town of Stockton (1840)
In the absence of early records, the following sketch is
given from memory by persons residing there at the time of its formation;
Reverend John WOOD formed a class, consisting of Mary Ann FLAGG, Abraham
VanWIRT, and wife, Mrs. Charlotte PICKET, Laura Ann WILDER, Rebecca NEWTON,
and perhaps others. Abraham VanWIRT was the class leader.
Early preachers were;
Rev. Mr. BARRIS
Mr. CUMMINGS
Valorus LAKE
Orsamus P. BROWN
the present (1873 ) teacher, Rev. M. SMITH.
Meetings were held for many years in a school house, their present meeting
house built in 1866
Methodist Church, Stockton (1828)
A Methodist Church was formed in the west part of the town of Stockton,
about 1828-29 or as some think, a few years earlier. Among the members of
the first class were
Titus JOHNSON
Ephraim SANFORD
James MORRELL
John BROWN
and their wives, ( as stated from recollections, there being no records
to refer to) and soon after, the following
Daniel JOHNSON
?? McCLELLAND
Absalom JOHNSON and their wives,
Daniel WALRADT
Sarah Ann BROWN.
Among the early preachers were;
Hiram KINSLEY,
Darius WILLIAMS,
Francis A. DIGHTON,
Lorenzo ROGERS,
J. LUCE.
As has been stated, the Congregational church gave up its organization,
and its members joined the Methodists; and the united society became possessed
of the present house of worship; previously owned by the Congregationalists.
Later ministers of the Methodist church have been:
Ralph R. ROBERTS
? EBERMAN
John AKERS
F.F. STUNTZ
Rufus PRATT(* Rev . Rufus PRATT d 8/31/1883
aged 76-3-24 Reverend Rufus Pratt was pastor in Stockton, 1860-1861.
He was well liked, although his strong political tendencies made him unpopular
with the Republicans and "War Democrats." His son Thomas Pratt, was one
of the School Commissioners in Chautauqua County. Buried at Stedman Cemetery,
Chautauqua Co NY Source/ My PRATT files (Dee)
? SHURICK
George W. GRAY
David MIZENER (or Misener)
Charles WOODWORTH
Francis A. ARCHIBALD
William BEAR
M. SMITH
Cassadaga Baptist Church, Town of Stockton (1843)
The Cassadaga Baptist Church, was organized with 37 members
May 8, 1843. Their first house of worship was built in 1835. It was repaired
and matrially improved in 1869. The first pastor was Rev. Elisha JOHNSON,
the present one, (1874) Rev. A. KINGSBURY. No further data.
Union Church, Pleasant Valley (1862)
Stockton, UNION CHURCH, (United Brethren in Christ) at Pleasant
Valley, was organized with 19 members in 1862 by Rev. Joseph HOYT, the first
pator. The church edifice was erected in 1871. No other data.
VILLENOVA
Methodist Episcopal Church at Hamlet, Villenova (1823)
Originated in the formation of a class, December, 23, 1823 by Elder, Daniel
PROSSER.
The class consisted of;
Polly SMITH,
Obadiah WARNER and his wife Rebecca (NUNN)
Taylor JUDD, Polly JUDD (since, the wife of Edmund WRIGHT)
Lewis BARMORE, Maria, His sister,
Diademia WARNER, Lura NUNN, Polly BAKER,Hiram KINGSLEY, Milton FOOT
and his wife Lois, and Brinty CONGDON, and perhaps others;
A class had been previously formed at Wright's Corner's which was merged
into the society of Hamlet;
Among the early circuit preachers were;
John KENT
?? BUEL
Richard WRIGHT,
?? AYRES. Their meetings were first held in dwellings and barns. Their
present (1874) house of worship built in 1836.
Present Minister, Rev. Mr. CLARKE (1874)
First Freewill Baptist Church of Villenova
The First Freewill Baptist Church of Villenova was organized in 1828, by
Amos C. Andros, with nine members: Lyman Town; ___ King, Enos Brunson, ___
Badger, and their wives, and one not named. The first pastor was Thomas
Grinnnell. The present house of worship was built in 1839, and dedicated
in 1840. Four ministers have been ordained from this church: Osha Crawford,
brother of Lavina Crawford, missionary to India; Washington Shepard, Thomas
Main, and Henry Blackmar; all of whom expect Main and Crawford, are yet living.
The present pastor is Rev. Washington Shepard.
Presbyterian Church of Westfield (1808)
The Presbyterian Church of Westfield was formed in 1808, the Rev. John Lindsley,
a missionary, officiating on the occasion. This was the first organized church
in the county. It was called the Chautauqua Church, being then in the town
of Chautauqua, which included the western part of the county; Pomfret having
been formed in March of the same year and embracing the remainder of the
county. The church was attached to the Presbytery of Erie. Its early records
having been lost, little of its early history can be obtained. It seems to
have begun early to decline, and continued to decline, until it had little
more than a nominal existence. It appears, however, that, in 1817, efforts
were made for its revival. On the 25th of June, was formed, in pursuance
of a general law of the state, the “First Presbyterian Society in the 4th
township, 14th range, in the County of Chautauqua.” Eber Stone, James Montgomery,
Nathaniel Bird, David Higgins, William M. Riddell, and Jonathan Harmon were
elected trustees; Jonathan Cass, clerk; Calvin E. Macomber, treasurer; Fenn
Deming, collector. The members resided in Portland and Ripley. On the 7th
of November, 1817, a new organization of the church was effected. There was
probably no longer a regular session; for we find in the minutes, that “a
session was formed, consisting of Rev. Johnston Eaton, Rev. Phineas Camp,
James Montgomery, and Thomas Robinson.” In their minutes they refer to the
previous condition of the church, as having been “but poorly and irregularly
supplied with preaching,” and “become worse than extinct,” and add: “God
having lately, in a remarkable manner, revived his work within its bounds,
it was deemed expedient to examine into its state, and if found to have a
real existence, to correct and restore its discipline.” The following is
copied from its minutes: “Having endeavored, after much deliberation on the
subject, to correct its disorders in part, and rebuild the Presbyterian Church
in this place, we resolved to consider as united in church fellowship, the
following original members, they having been previously examined: James Montgomery,
Sarah Montgomery, Sarah McMahan, Eleanor Bell, Charlotte Parker, Anna Andrews.
Thirteen additional members were then admitted on examination and certificate,
namely: Martha Royce, Harriet Peck, Joel Loomis, Jennet Stetson, Alexander
Lowry, Judith Talcott, Eber Stone, Betsey Stone, John Fay, John Gibson, Eleanor
Gibson, Hannah Bird. Twentyfour others were admitted on examination only.
A meeting-house was built in 1821 or 1822, on South Portage street, near
the site of the present residence of Alfred Patterson. It was subsequently
sold for a dwelling and removed to Pearl street, near the residence of George
W. Holt, its present owner. The second church edifice was a brick structure
on the site of the present one; was erected in 1832, and burned in April,
1872. The present church building was commenced in June, 1873, and completed
in October, 1874, at a cost of $35,000. The trustees of the society at the
time of its erection, were Thomas D. Strong, Joseph H. Plumb, Henry C. Kingsbury,
James Johnston, Reuben G. Wright, and George W. Patterson. The trustees of
the society, at the time of its organization, June 23, 1817, were James Montgomery,
Eber Stone, Nathaniel Bird, David Higgins, Wm. M. Riddle, and Jonathan Harmon.
The settled ministers of the church, since its reorganization in 1817, were
Phinehas Camp, Isaac Oakes, David D. Gregory, Timothy M. Hopkins, Reuben
Tinker, Charles F. Mussey, James P. Fisher, R. S. Van Cleve, Sanford H. Smith,
and Rufus S. Green, the present pastor.
Baptist Church of Portland (1825)
The Baptist Church had its origin in a “Branch,” so called, of the Baptist
Church of Portland. On the 16th of Sept., 1825, the members residing at and
in the vicinity of the Cross Roads, organized a “Branch of the Church of
Portland.” It had the privilege of receiving and dismissing members, and
of exercising discipline, except in cases of great moment. At this meeting,
Joshua Tinker was chosen a deacon, and Joshua Tinker, Jr., clerk. Among the
members who united at the organization, were Joshua, Joshua, Jr., and Henry
F. Tinker, Harriet Tinker, Sally Sexton, and soon after, David and Persis
Hall, and others. Charles La Hatt, minister of the church of Portland, presided
at the meeting, and was for many years minister of both the branch and the
parent church. With a view to the organization of an independent church,
members of the branch, April 17, 1831, asked for a dismission from the parent
church, and the request was granted. And on the 10th of May, 1831, a council
of delegates from neighboring churches declared it expedient to receive the
new church into fellowship. Those who joined in the request were Joshua Tinker
and Joshua, Jr., Andrew Cole, Benj. Jordan, Gideon Peck, Abraham Burrows,
Jonathan Brown, David Hall, Hazel Tupper, Wm. A. and Calvin F. Webster, Sheldon
Palmer, Midwell Leach, Elias Mallory, Br. Vredenburg, with the wives of some
of them, and several other females—in all, about 30. The Branch held meetings
for a time in the school-house in North Portage street; afterwards hired
a room in McClurg’s block, till a meeting-house was built. The house was
repaired and enlarged in 1867. Ministers who have supplied the church since
La Hatt, were Elders Blakesley, Boyington, Pixley, Rathbun, Keyes, Mills,
Mallory, Drake, Lyman Fisher, H. S. Westgate, and W. Dunbar, present pastor.
The organization of the First Baptist Society under the general statute of
the state, was not effected till January, 1855. The first trustees elected
were John Wilson, John R. Walker, and Austin Smith.
Episcopal Church and Society of Westfield (1830)
The Episcopal Church and Society of Westfield was incorporated in pursuance
of the general law of the legislature. The certificate of incorporation is
dated Jan. 28, 1830. The title of the society is, “The Rector, Church Wardens,
and Vestrymen of St. Peter’s Church in the town of Westfield.” At the first
election of officers, Burban Brockway and Jonathan Cass were elected church
wardens, and Thomas B. Campbell, David Eason, Daniel Rockwell, Harwon Patchin,
Norman Kibbe, Joseph White, Jr., Canton Jones, and John McWhorter, vestrymen.
Rufus Murray, rector, presided at the meeting. In August, 1831, by a vote
of the society, the building of a church edifice was authorized; and Norman
Kibbe, Augustin U. Baldwin, and Daniel Rockwell were chosen a building committee.
At a meeting of the wardens and vestrymen, March 20, 1832, the building committee
were instructed to proceed to the erection of a church. The house was consecrated
by Bishop Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Aug. 22, 1833. The first list of names of
communicants on the record contains the following; but that they all became
such at the time of organization, does not appear: Burban Brockway, Augustin
U. Baldwin, Daniel Rockwell, and their wives, Mrs. McNeal, Norman Kibbe,
Ira R. Bird, Royal O. Thayer, Jonathan Cass; the wives of David Eason, George
Adams, Calvin Rumsey, and ___ Talmadge, and D. A. Richardson, Mrs. Mary West,
Jane West, Mrs. Adeline Mann, Louisa Hough. Rev. Rufus Murray was rector
at the time of the organization. His successors have been, Nathaniel H use,
1836; Charles B. Stout, 1841; Charles Arey, 1847 ; Edmund Roberts, 1850;
John B. Pradt, 1851 Charles Haskell, 1853; Albert Wood, 1855 ; Francis Granger,
1859; Sidney Wilbur, 1864; E. W. Hager, 1866 J. Wainwright Ray, 1868; J.
W. Von Gantzhorne, Jan., 1872; J. S. Seibold, Nov., 1872; John A. Dooris,
1875.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Westfield (1821)
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Westfield had its origin in a class formed
in 1821. It was composed of Brainard Spencer and wife, Joseph Clark and wife,
Reuben Peck and wife, and others whose names are not recollected. Of this
class Reuben Peck was leader. Rev. Glezen Fillmore was presiding elder. Rev.
Mr. Hatton was preacher in charge, and Rev. Benjamin P. Hill, assistant.
The first meeting-house was built in 1830, on the west side of the creek,
where it is occupied as a dwelling-house. The second was built in 1850 on
Clinton street, near North Portage street, where it stands unoccupied. Their
third house was built in 1871 and 1872, on Main street. In the plan of its
construction and the comeliness of its appearance, it was probably not surpassed
by any church edifice then in the county. It is built of brick, and cost
about $30,000.
First Universalist Church of Westfield (1833)
The First Universalist Church of Westfield was organized in 1833 at Haight’s
Corners, Rev. Linus Payne officiating. Among the constituent members were
Larkin Harrington, John Nye, Ebenezer Patterson, Alvah Adams, Ebenezer Poor,
Fayette Dickson, with their wives, Hannah Houghton, Lucretia Adams, Mrs.
Betsey Bickford. Their church edifice was erected in 1842. The first pastor
was Nathaniel Stacy.
German Lutheran Chruch (1863)
A German Lutheran church was formed in the village of Westfield about twelve
years ago. It was reorganized in 1870, and called the “Evangelical Protestant
Lutheran Church.” Its meetings were for a time held in Mr. Rorig’s dwelling
house and in the school-house on Union street. After its reorganization,
the society bought the school-house on Nettle Hill street, where is now their
stated place of worship. They are preparing to build a good and commodious
house of worship next year. The officers of the society are: John Swartz,
the chief or presiding officer; August Rorig, Christoph Nienkerchen, trustees;
Andrew Wonnenwiths, secretary; Charles Lagerman, treasurer. The present minister
is William Fromm.
Methodist Episcopal Church at Howard's Corners (1837)
Methodist Episcopal Church at Howard’s Corners. A class was formed about
1837 or 1838, at a log school-house, near Isaac Porter’s. The members were:
Rand Miles, [class leader,] Robert Hill, Alanson Jones, and their wives,
Rebecca Wheeler, Deborah Harmon. Nicholas Jones 2nd wife, and Laban Jones,
joined soon after. The place of meeting was afterwards fixed at Howard’s
Corners. The present meeting-house was built in 1852. The minister’ present
at the formation of the class, is believed to have been Darius Smith.
Source: Andrew W. Young, History of Chautauqua Co NY 1875.
Various Contributors. (But mostly Donna Mills 2002-2003)