HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Methodist Episcopal Church, continued ...
"In 1847—48 began a new era for the church under the pastorate of Rev. C. R. Morris, in the erection, at a cost of about $5,000, of a new and commodious brick church edifice on Warren street, but which was destroyed by fire in 1864."
"In 1849 this society was erected into a separate station, having the services of Rev. J. F. Walker as preacher."
"At the time the number of members was 166, of probationers fifteen, making in all 181."
"The Sunday-school consisted of ten teachers and 125 scholars."
"Owing to the eccentricities of Mr. Walker, whose scholarly attainments and preaching abilities are acknowledged, the church did not greatly flourish."
"After his term of two years Rev. J. H. Patterson, M. D., transferred from the Vermont Conference, took the pastorate, from which time the society began to take on shape and efficiency that have continued more or less till the present."
"Then followed in succession Revs. B. O. Meeker, George C. Wells, Merritt Bates, H. W. Ransom, M. D., W. A. Meeker, W. J. Heath, each for the term of two years, except Mr. Wells; during which period of thirteen years the church, with slight variations, grew and prospered, less in the number of communicants than in character."
"In 1864 Rev. J. K. Cheesman was, on invitation, appointed to the pastorate, and by his energy and hearty co-operation of his parishioners secured the erection of a church building in 1865 at a cost of $16,000."
"He was succeeded by the Rev. M. B. Mead, under whose charge the church reported a membership of four hundred."
"In 1869 the Rev. B. Hawley, D. D., took charge of the church society, which consisted of four hundred and thirty-seven members, three Sunday-schools and a library."
"During this year a brick chapel, costing about $1,600, was built in South Glens Falls."
"Among the pioneers in this church were Elmore Pratt and wife, Hiram Wells and wife, Joseph Wells, Isaac Cole, Linus Bishop, Rev. R. M. Little, the Swartout family, the Burnhams, Isaac Hill, Alexander Robertson, William McEchron, D. C. Holman and others."
"Irregular service had been held for many years in private houses, or school-houses of adjacent settlements, being conducted by pastors or people as circumstances determined."
"Sunday schools were organized and class meetings held."
"The Rev. J. W. Alderman, who was the next pastor, in 1872, was a native of Ohio, where he was a licensed exhorter and a circuit preacher."
"He was a chaplain in the army during the civil war."
"Afterward he held several charges in Ohio and Wisconsin, after which he removed to New York, and was assigned to the Glens Falls Church."
"In 1873 a protracted revival season added many to the church."
"As the membership increased, the need of more room in the sanctuary was felt and the church building was enlarged."
"This made the purchase of more land necessary, and a lot was purchased of H. M. Harris."
"On this lot, which was on Warren street west of the church, an addition was built which was finished and open to the public February 12th, 1874."
"The cost of the improvements was about $21,000, and the church property is estimated at $45,000."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Methodist Episcopal Church, concluded ...
"From the M. E. class of twelve persons in Glens Falls in 1824, the growth of the church has been steady, until now the membership is large and the society in a flourishing condition."
"At West Mountain, a brick church was completed in 1871."
"This has been in charge of the Rev. J. F. Crowl who has also ministered to the church at the Ridge, which stands on the borders of Kingsbury."
Ministers of M. E. Church stationed at Glens Falls. — 1824, John Lovejoy; 1824—25, John Clark; 1826-27, Seymour Landon; 1828-29, Julius Fields; 1830—31, Robert Seeney; 1832, Coles Carpenter; 1833, Elisha Andrews, P. M. Hitchcock; 1834, Elisha Andrews, Zebulon Phillips; 1835, Joseph Ayers, Doren P. Harding; 1836, J. B. Houghtailing, J. W. B. Wood, Henry W. Stewart; 1837, J. B. HoughtaiHng, J. W. B. Wood, Gilbert Y. Palmer; 1838, Russell M. Little, William M. Chipp; 1839, Charles P. Clark, Asa F. Fenton; 1840, A. M. Osborn, David Osgood; 1841-42, James Covel, William Amer; 1843, Seymour Coleman, O. E. Spicer; 1844, Seymour Coleman, James Quinlan; 1845, Elijah B. Hubbard, James Quinlan; 1846, Elijah B. Hubbard, Charles Devol; 1847, Christopher R. Morris, William N. Frazer, H. W. Ransom; 1848, C. R. Morris, William Frazer, S. S. Ford; 1849-50, Jason F. Walher; 1851-52, J. W. Patterson; 1853-54, B. O. Meeker; 1855, George C.Wells; 1856-57, Merritt Bates; 1858-59, William H. Meeker; 1860-61, Halsey W. Ransom; 1862-63, William J. Heath; 1864-65-66, J. R. Cheeseman; 1867-68, M. B. Mead; 1869-70-72, Bostwick Hawley, D.D.; 1872-75, J. W. Alderman, D.D.; 1875-78, J. F. Clymer; 1878-81, D. W. Gates; 1881-84, S. McLaughlin; 1884, H. C. Sexton.
Official Board. — President, D. C. Holman, W. C. Haviland, John W. Bush, A. J. Pearsall, Wm. McEchron, R. A. Little, Jonathan M. Coolidge, Hollis Russell.
Stewards. — C. B. Thompson, George H. Leggett, Chas. A. Bullard, C. W. Long, J. S. Morgan, D. L. Robertson, John R. Loomis, C. H. Carson, H. Colvin, Wm. B. Griffin, E. L. Mills, A. W. Thompson.
Class leaders. — F. Wood, H. Russell, D. B. Ketchum, G. B. Greenslet, R. A. Little, J. F. Craig.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Methodist Episcopal Church, concluded ...
"From the M. E. class of twelve persons in Glens Falls in 1824, the growth of the church has been steady, until now the membership is large and the society in a flourishing condition."
"At West Mountain, a brick church was completed in 1871."
"This has been in charge of the Rev. J. F. Crowl who has also ministered to the church at the Ridge, which stands on the borders of Kingsbury."
Ministers of M. E. Church stationed at Glens Falls. — 1824, John Lovejoy; 1824—25, John Clark; 1826-27, Seymour Landon; 1828-29, Julius Fields; 1830—31, Robert Seeney; 1832, Coles Carpenter; 1833, Elisha Andrews, P. M. Hitchcock; 1834, Elisha Andrews, Zebulon Phillips; 1835, Joseph Ayers, Doren P. Harding; 1836, J. B. Houghtailing, J. W. B. Wood, Henry W. Stewart; 1837, J. B. HoughtaiHng, J. W. B. Wood, Gilbert Y. Palmer; 1838, Russell M. Little, William M. Chipp; 1839, Charles P. Clark, Asa F. Fenton; 1840, A. M. Osborn, David Osgood; 1841-42, James Covel, William Amer; 1843, Seymour Coleman, O. E. Spicer; 1844, Seymour Coleman, James Quinlan; 1845, Elijah B. Hubbard, James Quinlan; 1846, Elijah B. Hubbard, Charles Devol; 1847, Christopher R. Morris, William N. Frazer, H. W. Ransom; 1848, C. R. Morris, William Frazer, S. S. Ford; 1849-50, Jason F. Walher; 1851-52, J. W. Patterson; 1853-54, B. O. Meeker; 1855, George C.Wells; 1856-57, Merritt Bates; 1858-59, William H. Meeker; 1860-61, Halsey W. Ransom; 1862-63, William J. Heath; 1864-65-66, J. R. Cheeseman; 1867-68, M. B. Mead; 1869-70-72, Bostwick Hawley, D.D.; 1872-75, J. W. Alderman, D.D.; 1875-78, J. F. Clymer; 1878-81, D. W. Gates; 1881-84, S. McLaughlin; 1884, H. C. Sexton.
Official Board. — President, D. C. Holman, W. C. Haviland, John W. Bush, A. J. Pearsall, Wm. McEchron, R. A. Little, Jonathan M. Coolidge, Hollis Russell.
Stewards. — C. B. Thompson, George H. Leggett, Chas. A. Bullard, C. W. Long, J. S. Morgan, D. L. Robertson, John R. Loomis, C. H. Carson, H. Colvin, Wm. B. Griffin, E. L. Mills, A. W. Thompson.
Class leaders. — F. Wood, H. Russell, D. B. Ketchum, G. B. Greenslet, R. A. Little, J. F. Craig.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Episcopal Church. — The services of this church were first held in the county by the Rev. Philander Chase (afterward Bishop of the Diocese of Illinois), who made an itinerating tour about 1796, following the Hudson River settlements to Queensbury, and then visiting the more remote settlements in the north.
At Thurman (now Warrensburgh) an effort was made to found a church, and a subscription paper was circulated among the inhabitants.
The land was given for the purpose and timber was delivered upon the premises, but with no clergyman to guide the movement the effort failed.
The timber remained upon the ground until unfit for use and the site was finally appropriated for other purposes.
About the year 1800 the Rev. Ammi Rogers made a journey through the vicinity, holding services in the counties of Essex and Warren, beside establishing several church societies in Saratoga county.
Later on the Right Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Indiana, at that time rector of the parishes in the thriving villages of Waterford and Lansingburgh, at the earnest solicitation of some personal friends, visited this section and contributed to the establishment of Zion Church, of Sandy Hill, which had been organized a short time previously through the zeal and persevering efforts of Dr. Zina Hitchcock, of Kingsbury.
The services were held in the court-house, which, for a long period, many years later, was still used for the same purpose.
Some years afterward the Rev. Mr. Pardee officiated for a short time in the Beach neighborhood of Kingsbury, and about the same time the Rev. Reuben Hubbard came to Glens Falls with the intention of founding a church, but the effort failed.
In 1840 several families of the Episcopal faith made another attempt toward establishing a church, and the Rev. John Alden Spooner, of St. Albans, Vt, was requested to assist in the endeavor.
Their efforts were successful, and for a year services were held in the M. E. Church, which then was the old stone building.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Episcopal Church. — The services of this church were first held in the county by the Rev. Philander Chase (afterward Bishop of the Diocese of Illinois), who made an itinerating tour about 1796, following the Hudson River settlements to Queensbury, and then visiting the more remote settlements in the north.
At Thurman (now Warrensburgh) an effort was made to found a church, and a subscription paper was circulated among the inhabitants.
The land was given for the purpose and timber was delivered upon the premises, but with no clergyman to guide the movement the effort failed.
The timber remained upon the ground until unfit for use and the site was finally appropriated for other purposes.
About the year 1800 the Rev. Ammi Rogers made a journey through the vicinity, holding services in the counties of Essex and Warren, beside establishing several church societies in Saratoga county.
Later on the Right Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Indiana, at that time rector of the parishes in the thriving villages of Waterford and Lansingburgh, at the earnest solicitation of some personal friends, visited this section and contributed to the establishment of Zion Church, of Sandy Hill, which had been organized a short time previously through the zeal and persevering efforts of Dr. Zina Hitchcock, of Kingsbury.
The services were held in the court-house, which, for a long period, many years later, was still used for the same purpose.
Some years afterward the Rev. Mr. Pardee officiated for a short time in the Beach neighborhood of Kingsbury, and about the same time the Rev. Reuben Hubbard came to Glens Falls with the intention of founding a church, but the effort failed.
In 1840 several families of the Episcopal faith made another attempt toward establishing a church, and the Rev. John Alden Spooner, of St. Albans, Vt, was requested to assist in the endeavor.
Their efforts were successful, and for a year services were held in the M. E. Church, which then was the old stone building.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Episcopal Church., continued ...
The original record was in the following terms, as given by Dr. Holden: "Act of Incorporation. — To all to whom these presents may come, we, whose names and seals are hereto affixed, do certify that in pursuance of notice duly given according to law for that purpose, at the time of Divine service on two Sunday mornings now last passed, the male persons of full age belonging to such congregation or society worshiping in the village of Glens Falls, in the county of Warren and State of New York, to wit, at the house of W. C. Carter, for the purpose of incorporating themselves under the act entitled an act to provide for the incorporation of religious societies and acts to amend the same."
"At which meeting and by a majority of voices the undersigned, John Alden Spooner, being a deacon in the church, was called to the chair and presided, and the undersigned, Keyes P. Cool and William C. Carter, were nominated to certify the proceedings of said meeting in conjunction with the chairman, and by a majority of votes William C. Carter and N. Edson Sheldon were elected church wardens; and William McDonald, Abraham Wing, Keyes P. Cool, Nehemiah Sheldon, Henry Philo, Walter Geer, jr., George Sanford, and Orange Ferriss were elected vestrymen of said church."
"And Easter Monday in the week called Easter week was, in like manner fixed on as the day on which the said officers, church wardens and vestrymen shall annually thereafter cease, and their successor in office be chosen."
"And the name or title of the 'Rector, church wardens, and vestrymen of the Church of the Messiah in the village of Glens Falls,' in like manner fixed on and agreed to as that by which the said church, congregation or society shall be known in law."
"In testimony hereof, we, John Alden Spooner, together with the undersigned Keyes P. Cool and William C. Carter, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty."
"John Alden Spooner, [l. s.]"
" Keyes P. Cool, [l. s.]"
" William C. Carter, [l. s.]"
" Signed and sealed in presence of,"
"Orange Ferriss,"
"Nehemiah Shelden."
"On the twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty, before me, Hiram Barber, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Warren, personally appeared Orange Ferriss of Queensbury, one of the subscribing witnesses to the above instrument, who being duly sworn, did depose and say, that he was present and saw John Alden Spooner, Keyes P. Cool, and William C. Carter, whose names are affixed to the foregoing certificate, sign and seal the same, and that the deponent, together with Nehemiah Shelden, did, in their presence, and at their request, subscribe the same as witnesses." HIRAM BARBER.
"I certify the preceding to be a true record of the original certificate with the acknowledgment thereof, and examined and compared with the record being this 11th day of March, A. D., 1840." THOMAS ARCHIBALD, Clerk.
"State of New York"
"County Clerk's Office."
"I, Thomas Archibald, clerk of said county, do certify that I have [L.S.] compared the foregoing copy of a certificate now remaining on record in this office, and that the same is a correct transcript of the record, and of the whole of said record."
"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 19th day of May, 1857."
"Thomas Archibald, Clerk."
The history of the Episcopal Church is continued by the following account of the present.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Episcopal Church., continued ...
The original record was in the following terms, as given by Dr. Holden: "Act of Incorporation. — To all to whom these presents may come, we, whose names and seals are hereto affixed, do certify that in pursuance of notice duly given according to law for that purpose, at the time of Divine service on two Sunday mornings now last passed, the male persons of full age belonging to such congregation or society worshiping in the village of Glens Falls, in the county of Warren and State of New York, to wit, at the house of W. C. Carter, for the purpose of incorporating themselves under the act entitled an act to provide for the incorporation of religious societies and acts to amend the same."
"At which meeting and by a majority of voices the undersigned, John Alden Spooner, being a deacon in the church, was called to the chair and presided, and the undersigned, Keyes P. Cool and William C. Carter, were nominated to certify the proceedings of said meeting in conjunction with the chairman, and by a majority of votes William C. Carter and N. Edson Sheldon were elected church wardens; and William McDonald, Abraham Wing, Keyes P. Cool, Nehemiah Sheldon, Henry Philo, Walter Geer, jr., George Sanford, and Orange Ferriss were elected vestrymen of said church."
"And Easter Monday in the week called Easter week was, in like manner fixed on as the day on which the said officers, church wardens and vestrymen shall annually thereafter cease, and their successor in office be chosen."
"And the name or title of the 'Rector, church wardens, and vestrymen of the Church of the Messiah in the village of Glens Falls,' in like manner fixed on and agreed to as that by which the said church, congregation or society shall be known in law."
"In testimony hereof, we, John Alden Spooner, together with the undersigned Keyes P. Cool and William C. Carter, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty."
"John Alden Spooner, [l. s.]"
" Keyes P. Cool, [l. s.]"
" William C. Carter, [l. s.]"
" Signed and sealed in presence of,"
"Orange Ferriss,"
"Nehemiah Shelden."
"On the twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty, before me, Hiram Barber, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Warren, personally appeared Orange Ferriss of Queensbury, one of the subscribing witnesses to the above instrument, who being duly sworn, did depose and say, that he was present and saw John Alden Spooner, Keyes P. Cool, and William C. Carter, whose names are affixed to the foregoing certificate, sign and seal the same, and that the deponent, together with Nehemiah Shelden, did, in their presence, and at their request, subscribe the same as witnesses." HIRAM BARBER.
"I certify the preceding to be a true record of the original certificate with the acknowledgment thereof, and examined and compared with the record being this 11th day of March, A. D., 1840." THOMAS ARCHIBALD, Clerk.
"State of New York"
"County Clerk's Office."
"I, Thomas Archibald, clerk of said county, do certify that I have [L.S.] compared the foregoing copy of a certificate now remaining on record in this office, and that the same is a correct transcript of the record, and of the whole of said record."
"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 19th day of May, 1857."
"Thomas Archibald, Clerk."
The history of the Episcopal Church is continued by the following account of the present.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls. — In August, 1840, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese, accompanied by several clergymen, visited the parish for the purpose of confirmation and ordination.
The services were held in the "old white" Presbyterian Church, where John Alden Spooner was ordained to the priesthood, and fourteen persons were confirmed.
The parish of St. James, at Fort Edward, was established, and Zion Church, at Sandy Hill, was revived and reorganized, and with the church at Glens Falls given to the care of Rev. Mr. Spooner, who held alternate services in the different parishes.
Unpleasant circumstances arose soon after this and the society diminished in number.
The meetings were held for a time in the Ladies' Seminary, which was afterward the school-house of district No. 19, the Sunday-school meeting in the basement of the building; after that being held in an old school- house on Park street.
For about a year following, services were held in private dwellings, the rector's salary being derived from the missionary fund and the Sunday collections.
In 1843 money was raised and a piece of ground on Ridge street purchased, on which a small chapel was begun, and nearly completed in 1844.
In Mr. Spooner's report for that year he said: "By the blessing of God, a church edifice at Glens Falls is so nearly completed, that it has been occupied with comfort most of the year past."
"It is the first and only church edifice in Warren county."
"Its sittings are free, and its font, which is near the porch door, is so constructed as to admit of immersing either children or adults."
A plan to establish parochial schools was perfected about this time, and one was opened at South Glens Falls, and another at Fort Edward.
Dissensions in the diocese at this time affected the welfare of the church, and the controversies finally resulted in the suspension of Bishop Onderdonk from the Episcopate and ministry in January, 1845.
From that time until the election of the Rt. Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright as provisional bishop of the diocese, September, 1852, no returns were made from the parishes, as all reports are required to be sent to the bishop, and the suspension of Bishop Onderdonk left them with no head.
The fire of 1864 also destroyed the church records, thus leaving the church without authentic history.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls. — In August, 1840, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese, accompanied by several clergymen, visited the parish for the purpose of confirmation and ordination.
The services were held in the "old white" Presbyterian Church, where John Alden Spooner was ordained to the priesthood, and fourteen persons were confirmed.
The parish of St. James, at Fort Edward, was established, and Zion Church, at Sandy Hill, was revived and reorganized, and with the church at Glens Falls given to the care of Rev. Mr. Spooner, who held alternate services in the different parishes.
Unpleasant circumstances arose soon after this and the society diminished in number.
The meetings were held for a time in the Ladies' Seminary, which was afterward the school-house of district No. 19, the Sunday-school meeting in the basement of the building; after that being held in an old school- house on Park street.
For about a year following, services were held in private dwellings, the rector's salary being derived from the missionary fund and the Sunday collections.
In 1843 money was raised and a piece of ground on Ridge street purchased, on which a small chapel was begun, and nearly completed in 1844.
In Mr. Spooner's report for that year he said: "By the blessing of God, a church edifice at Glens Falls is so nearly completed, that it has been occupied with comfort most of the year past."
"It is the first and only church edifice in Warren county."
"Its sittings are free, and its font, which is near the porch door, is so constructed as to admit of immersing either children or adults."
A plan to establish parochial schools was perfected about this time, and one was opened at South Glens Falls, and another at Fort Edward.
Dissensions in the diocese at this time affected the welfare of the church, and the controversies finally resulted in the suspension of Bishop Onderdonk from the Episcopate and ministry in January, 1845.
From that time until the election of the Rt. Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright as provisional bishop of the diocese, September, 1852, no returns were made from the parishes, as all reports are required to be sent to the bishop, and the suspension of Bishop Onderdonk left them with no head.
The fire of 1864 also destroyed the church records, thus leaving the church without authentic history.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
In the spring of 1846 the Rev. Samuel B. Bostwick and Henry McVickar were appointed adjunct or assistant ministers of the three parishes.
Some little time previously to this event the Rev. Mr. Spooner had removed to Fort Edward, where, for two or three years, his indefatigable energies found occupation in the management of a parish school, the purchase of a very desirable plot of ground, and the erection of a substantial church edifice.
In pursuance of the plan already indicated, Mr. Bostwick made his home at Sandy Hill, and there commenced the instruction of a classical school, which was maintained for a period of nearly twenty years, with a wide-spread repute for superior excellence and usefulness.
The school previously established by Mr. Spooner, at South Glens Falls, passed at the same time into the hands of the Rev. Henry McVickar.
The services in the three parishes were held alternately by the three clergymen associated in the mission.
As an evidence of their devotion to the work, it may be stated that this laborious interchange of duties was mainly performed on foot, and often at unpropitious seasons and inclement weather.
The relations subsisting between the three parishes continued until the spring of 1847, when the Sandy Hill and Fort Edward churches dissolved their connection with that of Glens Falls, and extended a call to the Rev. S. B. Bostwick to become their pastor.
For nearly a quarter of a century he retained this charge, with the unabated respect and affection of his people.
The same year (1847) the Rev. John A. Spooner is returned in the records of the convention as rector of St. Luke's Church, Mechanicsville, and the joint missionary station of Glens Falls and Luzerne is reported as vacant.
Notwithstanding this rectorship at Mechanicsville, and his subsequent charge of Grace Church, in Albany, Mr. Spooner retained a quasi relation and charge over this virtually vacant parish, until the month of September, 1851, when he formally tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the vestry.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
In the spring of 1846 the Rev. Samuel B. Bostwick and Henry McVickar were appointed adjunct or assistant ministers of the three parishes.
Some little time previously to this event the Rev. Mr. Spooner had removed to Fort Edward, where, for two or three years, his indefatigable energies found occupation in the management of a parish school, the purchase of a very desirable plot of ground, and the erection of a substantial church edifice.
In pursuance of the plan already indicated, Mr. Bostwick made his home at Sandy Hill, and there commenced the instruction of a classical school, which was maintained for a period of nearly twenty years, with a wide-spread repute for superior excellence and usefulness.
The school previously established by Mr. Spooner, at South Glens Falls, passed at the same time into the hands of the Rev. Henry McVickar.
The services in the three parishes were held alternately by the three clergymen associated in the mission.
As an evidence of their devotion to the work, it may be stated that this laborious interchange of duties was mainly performed on foot, and often at unpropitious seasons and inclement weather.
The relations subsisting between the three parishes continued until the spring of 1847, when the Sandy Hill and Fort Edward churches dissolved their connection with that of Glens Falls, and extended a call to the Rev. S. B. Bostwick to become their pastor.
For nearly a quarter of a century he retained this charge, with the unabated respect and affection of his people.
The same year (1847) the Rev. John A. Spooner is returned in the records of the convention as rector of St. Luke's Church, Mechanicsville, and the joint missionary station of Glens Falls and Luzerne is reported as vacant.
Notwithstanding this rectorship at Mechanicsville, and his subsequent charge of Grace Church, in Albany, Mr. Spooner retained a quasi relation and charge over this virtually vacant parish, until the month of September, 1851, when he formally tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the vestry.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
Continuing, we quote as follows from Dr. Holden: "On Easter Monday (12th April), 1852, the Rev. Mr. Bostwick, by invitation, officiated at morning prayers in the chapel, and, due notice having been previously given, a new election, the first for six years, was held for wardens and vestrymen."
"On the 18th of May following a vestry meeting was convened, at which it was 'resolved that the Rev. William George Hawkins be engaged as minister of this parish for the ensuing year,' at a salary of three hundred dollars a year, and a donation in addition to the missionary stipend."
"When the connection between the Rev. Mr. Spooner and this parish was discontinued he declined to surrender the possession of the chapel and other church property on the score of arrearages of salary."
"The congregation was consequently obliged to look elsewhere for a place of worship."
"This state of affairs resulted in hiring for the time being the use of the house of worship belonging to the Universalists, a building since destroyed in the great fire of 1864, and which then stood on a plot of ground now owned and occupied by Judge Rosekrans, facing Warren street."
"Legal proceedings were promptly instituted by the vestry for the recovery and possession of the church property."
"The points in the controversy were finally referred to the Hon. Alonzo C. Paige, of Schenectady, and his decision, which was rendered in June, 1853, and which was final as regarded further litigation, was substantially in favor of the parish."
"During the same season the old chapel was repaired, and in the autumn following, and until Mr. Hawkins's connection with the parish ceased, the services were continuously held therein."
"Mr. Hawkins remained in charge of the parish until the first of December, 1855."
"During that period of time the chapel was repaired, a church lot contracted for and secured, and the work of building the new church commenced."
"The corner stone of this substantial and costly structure was laid on Monday, the 12th of June, 1854, by the Right Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright, Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Otey, of Tennessee, being present and delivering an address on the occasion."
"In this time Mr. Hawkins made two extended visitations to the larger cities of the diocese in solicitation of funds with which to carry forward the church work."
"In this way several thousand dollars were realized with which to strengthen the slender resources of the parish."
"This laborious enterprise, which had been undertaken by Mr. Hawkins in addition to the ordinary parochial work, added to the arduous responsibilities of the school, which under his management speedily attained a magnitude and prosperity, both flattering and remunerative, bears cumulative testimony both to Mr. Hawkins's efficiency as a pastor and devotion to the work in which he was engaged."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
Continuing, we quote as follows from Dr. Holden: "On Easter Monday (12th April), 1852, the Rev. Mr. Bostwick, by invitation, officiated at morning prayers in the chapel, and, due notice having been previously given, a new election, the first for six years, was held for wardens and vestrymen."
"On the 18th of May following a vestry meeting was convened, at which it was 'resolved that the Rev. William George Hawkins be engaged as minister of this parish for the ensuing year,' at a salary of three hundred dollars a year, and a donation in addition to the missionary stipend."
"When the connection between the Rev. Mr. Spooner and this parish was discontinued he declined to surrender the possession of the chapel and other church property on the score of arrearages of salary."
"The congregation was consequently obliged to look elsewhere for a place of worship."
"This state of affairs resulted in hiring for the time being the use of the house of worship belonging to the Universalists, a building since destroyed in the great fire of 1864, and which then stood on a plot of ground now owned and occupied by Judge Rosekrans, facing Warren street."
"Legal proceedings were promptly instituted by the vestry for the recovery and possession of the church property."
"The points in the controversy were finally referred to the Hon. Alonzo C. Paige, of Schenectady, and his decision, which was rendered in June, 1853, and which was final as regarded further litigation, was substantially in favor of the parish."
"During the same season the old chapel was repaired, and in the autumn following, and until Mr. Hawkins's connection with the parish ceased, the services were continuously held therein."
"Mr. Hawkins remained in charge of the parish until the first of December, 1855."
"During that period of time the chapel was repaired, a church lot contracted for and secured, and the work of building the new church commenced."
"The corner stone of this substantial and costly structure was laid on Monday, the 12th of June, 1854, by the Right Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright, Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Otey, of Tennessee, being present and delivering an address on the occasion."
"In this time Mr. Hawkins made two extended visitations to the larger cities of the diocese in solicitation of funds with which to carry forward the church work."
"In this way several thousand dollars were realized with which to strengthen the slender resources of the parish."
"This laborious enterprise, which had been undertaken by Mr. Hawkins in addition to the ordinary parochial work, added to the arduous responsibilities of the school, which under his management speedily attained a magnitude and prosperity, both flattering and remunerative, bears cumulative testimony both to Mr. Hawkins's efficiency as a pastor and devotion to the work in which he was engaged."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
"About this time Mr. James E. Kenney, a resident of this place, and communicant of the church, commenced studying for the ministry with Mr. Hawkins, being also associated with him in the instruction and management of the school."
"Early in the fall of 1855 Mr. Hawkins tendered his resignation, to take effect on the first of December following."
"The interim was passed in negotiations which resulted in the call of the Rev. Louis Legrand Noble, a clergyman of distinguished talents and ability."
"He assumed charge of the parish about the first of January, 1856."
"At that time work had been suspended on the new church building, the walls having been carried up a short distance only above the basement story."
"Heavy debts had been incurred in the prosecution of this undertaking."
"These remained like an incubus upon the feeble parish, paralyzing all efforts."
"Through Mr. Noble's active personal solicitations, chiefly made in New York city, the greater portion of these debts were liquidated, or means and methods provided for their extinguishment during the short period of his incumbency."
"Trinity Church alone contributed two thousand dollars at this time, taking a lien upon the church for security, with a view to insure its perpetuity, and that the benefaction should not be diverted to other uses."
"The dilapidated condition of the old chapel rendered it imperatively necessary that it should be thoroughly overhauled and repaired."
"A new roof was put on, the walls papered, the seats and other wood work painted, and other necessary repairs effected."
"In the mean time, before this renovation was completed, the Universalist church was again rented for another year, and the services were conducted therein until the condition of the chapel, improved by the repairs above named, was such that the congregation was enabled to resume devotions there, and from that time forward until the completion of the new church, and the sale of the old one, the services were held with but slight interruption in this revered and time-honored place."
"The costs of these repairs was defrayed by the Ladies' Aid Society of the church, to whose self-sacrificing efforts and laborious zeal much of the success of the church enterprises in this parish have been due."
"During a period of about fifteen years, dating from the reorganization of the church in 1852, an energetic and devoted band of women, scarcely a dozen in number, but brave with a spirit of Christian devotion, earned in various ways of hard-working industry a sum amounting to nearly, if not quite, five thousand dollars, which, whenever and whatever the financial pinch might be, was always promptly available and forthcoming to meet the needs of the pastor, the vestry, or the church, whenever a call was made or the occasion demanded."
"Deficiencies in ministers' salaries, repairs of chapel, delinquent bank notes given by the building committee for work or material, and finally a large amount expended in finishing the interior of the new church, were among the channels of usefulness to which this steady and unfailing stream of endeavor was applied."
"A passing tribute to the worth and excellence of these Christian women is without doubt worthy of commemoration in the annals of the church they helped to build."
"During the greater proportion of the period of Mr. Noble's ministrations here, and at his request, the Rev. John H. Babcock, a minister of the church, who was at the same time principal of the Glen's Falls Academy, was called by the vestry to the position of assistant minister of the parish."
"In this capacity he aided the rector in his services, besides officiating as missionary in visiting and conducting worship at several contiguous points."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
"About this time Mr. James E. Kenney, a resident of this place, and communicant of the church, commenced studying for the ministry with Mr. Hawkins, being also associated with him in the instruction and management of the school."
"Early in the fall of 1855 Mr. Hawkins tendered his resignation, to take effect on the first of December following."
"The interim was passed in negotiations which resulted in the call of the Rev. Louis Legrand Noble, a clergyman of distinguished talents and ability."
"He assumed charge of the parish about the first of January, 1856."
"At that time work had been suspended on the new church building, the walls having been carried up a short distance only above the basement story."
"Heavy debts had been incurred in the prosecution of this undertaking."
"These remained like an incubus upon the feeble parish, paralyzing all efforts."
"Through Mr. Noble's active personal solicitations, chiefly made in New York city, the greater portion of these debts were liquidated, or means and methods provided for their extinguishment during the short period of his incumbency."
"Trinity Church alone contributed two thousand dollars at this time, taking a lien upon the church for security, with a view to insure its perpetuity, and that the benefaction should not be diverted to other uses."
"The dilapidated condition of the old chapel rendered it imperatively necessary that it should be thoroughly overhauled and repaired."
"A new roof was put on, the walls papered, the seats and other wood work painted, and other necessary repairs effected."
"In the mean time, before this renovation was completed, the Universalist church was again rented for another year, and the services were conducted therein until the condition of the chapel, improved by the repairs above named, was such that the congregation was enabled to resume devotions there, and from that time forward until the completion of the new church, and the sale of the old one, the services were held with but slight interruption in this revered and time-honored place."
"The costs of these repairs was defrayed by the Ladies' Aid Society of the church, to whose self-sacrificing efforts and laborious zeal much of the success of the church enterprises in this parish have been due."
"During a period of about fifteen years, dating from the reorganization of the church in 1852, an energetic and devoted band of women, scarcely a dozen in number, but brave with a spirit of Christian devotion, earned in various ways of hard-working industry a sum amounting to nearly, if not quite, five thousand dollars, which, whenever and whatever the financial pinch might be, was always promptly available and forthcoming to meet the needs of the pastor, the vestry, or the church, whenever a call was made or the occasion demanded."
"Deficiencies in ministers' salaries, repairs of chapel, delinquent bank notes given by the building committee for work or material, and finally a large amount expended in finishing the interior of the new church, were among the channels of usefulness to which this steady and unfailing stream of endeavor was applied."
"A passing tribute to the worth and excellence of these Christian women is without doubt worthy of commemoration in the annals of the church they helped to build."
"During the greater proportion of the period of Mr. Noble's ministrations here, and at his request, the Rev. John H. Babcock, a minister of the church, who was at the same time principal of the Glen's Falls Academy, was called by the vestry to the position of assistant minister of the parish."
"In this capacity he aided the rector in his services, besides officiating as missionary in visiting and conducting worship at several contiguous points."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
Mr. Noble and Mr. Babcock severed their connection with the church in June, 1857, and nearly a year elapsed before the parish was regularly supplied.
Mr. Kenney and other clergymen, however, supplied the pulpit occasionally.
In May, 1858, the Rev. Henry H. Bates, of the diocese of Connecticut, responded to a call and remained with the church for three years, during which time the debt was cleared from the church, and progress made in the building of the new church edifice.
June 7th, 1859, the Rev. James Kenney was called by the vestry as assistant minister of the parish, without salary save such as was derived from the missionary fund.
He added to his income by services in the school already referred to.
During Mr. Bates's ministry the parish was associated with the missionary station of St. James's Church, Caldwell, where he was also assisted by Mr. Kenney.
In 1860 the chapel was repaired, and but little progress was made in the new church building.
In 1861 the church at Caldwell associated itself with the church at Warrensburgh, severing the relations with this parish.
In 1861 Mr. Bates accepted the position as chaplain of the Twenty-second Regiment N. Y. Volunteers.
During the ensuing fall the Rev. Mr. Van Antwerp, who was a candidate, officiated.
Mr. Bates tendered his resignation which was considered by a special meeting in June, 1861.
Resolutions of regard were adopted, but the resignation was not accepted.
Mr. Bates, feeling that the vestry might be hampered by the relations continuing between them while he was in the field, again offered his resignation, which was accepted in June, 1862, and in July the Rev. Edwin E. Butler was called to the vacancy.
He responded, and remained until 1871, when he retired from the rectorship of the parish.
During the occasional absences of Mr. Butler during his ministry the Rev. J. A. Russell, a presbyter of the church, who was at the time principal of the Glens Falls Academy, officiated, also assisting at times in the services.
For two years after Mr. Butler's retirement the church was without a pastor, occasional services being held by visiting and neighboring clergymen.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., continued ...
Mr. Noble and Mr. Babcock severed their connection with the church in June, 1857, and nearly a year elapsed before the parish was regularly supplied.
Mr. Kenney and other clergymen, however, supplied the pulpit occasionally.
In May, 1858, the Rev. Henry H. Bates, of the diocese of Connecticut, responded to a call and remained with the church for three years, during which time the debt was cleared from the church, and progress made in the building of the new church edifice.
June 7th, 1859, the Rev. James Kenney was called by the vestry as assistant minister of the parish, without salary save such as was derived from the missionary fund.
He added to his income by services in the school already referred to.
During Mr. Bates's ministry the parish was associated with the missionary station of St. James's Church, Caldwell, where he was also assisted by Mr. Kenney.
In 1860 the chapel was repaired, and but little progress was made in the new church building.
In 1861 the church at Caldwell associated itself with the church at Warrensburgh, severing the relations with this parish.
In 1861 Mr. Bates accepted the position as chaplain of the Twenty-second Regiment N. Y. Volunteers.
During the ensuing fall the Rev. Mr. Van Antwerp, who was a candidate, officiated.
Mr. Bates tendered his resignation which was considered by a special meeting in June, 1861.
Resolutions of regard were adopted, but the resignation was not accepted.
Mr. Bates, feeling that the vestry might be hampered by the relations continuing between them while he was in the field, again offered his resignation, which was accepted in June, 1862, and in July the Rev. Edwin E. Butler was called to the vacancy.
He responded, and remained until 1871, when he retired from the rectorship of the parish.
During the occasional absences of Mr. Butler during his ministry the Rev. J. A. Russell, a presbyter of the church, who was at the time principal of the Glens Falls Academy, officiated, also assisting at times in the services.
For two years after Mr. Butler's retirement the church was without a pastor, occasional services being held by visiting and neighboring clergymen.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., concluded ...
During the ministry of Mr. Butler the church, which had been slowly building since 1854, was finished, and the first service in the new edifice was the marriage of Mr. James W. Schenck, one of the building committee and vestry.
The church was formally consecrated in June, 1866, by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by a large number of visiting and neighboring clergy.
"In 1867, a committee was appointed at the diocesan convention, which reported in favor of a division of the diocese."
"The following year the preliminary steps were taken, and the act of separation finally consummated, by which the Diocese of Albany was erected."
"It is greatly hoped that this act will work salutary results for the smaller and feebler parishes."
"On the 29th of May, 1869, the Hon. Stephen Brown, in behalf of the executors of the estate of John J. Harris, deceased, offered the vestry a deed of gift of a fine stone chapel, situated near his late residence at Harrisena, in the north part of Queensbury."
"This structure was built up in a great degree of the beautiful Ottawa limestone, imported by the founder, specially for the purpose, from Canada."
"Its erection and completion was one of the last acts of the testator's life; his funeral the first service held within its walls (Sunday, March 14th, 1869)."
"On the 3d of July following the gift was formally accepted by a vote of the vestry."
"Six days later the building was consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, several of the neighboring clergymen being present and assisting in the ceremonial."
"Since that date up to the 1st of July, 1871, services have been held regularly during the summer months on every alternate Sunday afternoon, in this little chapel, by the rector in charge of the church at Glens Falls."
"On the 17th of July, 1869, the vestry passed a vote relinquishing the missionary stipend, of which this parish had been nearly a constant beneficiary from the beginning; and in addition to which, large appropriations have been received from time to time from the Parochial Aid Society, and the Northern Convocation, for the maintenance of the services."
"Thus for the first time, during all these years, and without any appreciable increase in the wealth, resources or membership, the church became self-supporting; and though still feeble and weak, yet with a substantial if not attractive church edifice, and no debt to hamper or impair its energies, it is to be hoped that its day of grace and prosperity is not far removed." 1
The vestry had been looking in this interval for a suitable minister for the church, and finally extended a call to the Rev. Russell A. Olin, of Manlius, N. Y., who accepted, and in the summer of 1873 established himself at Glens Falls.
At the first confirmation after his ministry began, March, 1874, twenty-seven were confirmed.
In 1881 the Rev. F. M. Cookson assumed charge of the church and is the present minister.
In 1879—80 the church building was improved at an expense of $2,000.
The chapel at Harrisena is in charge of the Church of the Messiah.
The present officers (1885) are: Senior warden, William A. Wait; junior warden, L. S. McDonald; vestrymen, Dr. A. W. Holden, Henry Crandell, L. P. Juvet, William H. Robbins, George H. Barringer, Isaac C. Burwell, R. F Haviland, and John L. Dix.
The rector is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
1 Holden's History of Queensbury.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls., concluded ...
During the ministry of Mr. Butler the church, which had been slowly building since 1854, was finished, and the first service in the new edifice was the marriage of Mr. James W. Schenck, one of the building committee and vestry.
The church was formally consecrated in June, 1866, by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by a large number of visiting and neighboring clergy.
"In 1867, a committee was appointed at the diocesan convention, which reported in favor of a division of the diocese."
"The following year the preliminary steps were taken, and the act of separation finally consummated, by which the Diocese of Albany was erected."
"It is greatly hoped that this act will work salutary results for the smaller and feebler parishes."
"On the 29th of May, 1869, the Hon. Stephen Brown, in behalf of the executors of the estate of John J. Harris, deceased, offered the vestry a deed of gift of a fine stone chapel, situated near his late residence at Harrisena, in the north part of Queensbury."
"This structure was built up in a great degree of the beautiful Ottawa limestone, imported by the founder, specially for the purpose, from Canada."
"Its erection and completion was one of the last acts of the testator's life; his funeral the first service held within its walls (Sunday, March 14th, 1869)."
"On the 3d of July following the gift was formally accepted by a vote of the vestry."
"Six days later the building was consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, several of the neighboring clergymen being present and assisting in the ceremonial."
"Since that date up to the 1st of July, 1871, services have been held regularly during the summer months on every alternate Sunday afternoon, in this little chapel, by the rector in charge of the church at Glens Falls."
"On the 17th of July, 1869, the vestry passed a vote relinquishing the missionary stipend, of which this parish had been nearly a constant beneficiary from the beginning; and in addition to which, large appropriations have been received from time to time from the Parochial Aid Society, and the Northern Convocation, for the maintenance of the services."
"Thus for the first time, during all these years, and without any appreciable increase in the wealth, resources or membership, the church became self-supporting; and though still feeble and weak, yet with a substantial if not attractive church edifice, and no debt to hamper or impair its energies, it is to be hoped that its day of grace and prosperity is not far removed." 1
The vestry had been looking in this interval for a suitable minister for the church, and finally extended a call to the Rev. Russell A. Olin, of Manlius, N. Y., who accepted, and in the summer of 1873 established himself at Glens Falls.
At the first confirmation after his ministry began, March, 1874, twenty-seven were confirmed.
In 1881 the Rev. F. M. Cookson assumed charge of the church and is the present minister.
In 1879—80 the church building was improved at an expense of $2,000.
The chapel at Harrisena is in charge of the Church of the Messiah.
The present officers (1885) are: Senior warden, William A. Wait; junior warden, L. S. McDonald; vestrymen, Dr. A. W. Holden, Henry Crandell, L. P. Juvet, William H. Robbins, George H. Barringer, Isaac C. Burwell, R. F Haviland, and John L. Dix.
The rector is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
1 Holden's History of Queensbury.
TO BE CONTINUED ...