HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, continued ...
If the statement of Rev. Orin Foote be correct, and we have no reason to question it, that there were but two Methodists in this village when he came here, in 1829, we can show very conclusively that that single Methodist family has proved to be a remarkably fruitful vine, whose vigorous branches have continued to spread from year to year, to bud and blossom, and to bear and ripen its fruits for the heavenly garner for more than thirty years.
The following figures briefly show the remarkable slow but steady growth of this vine: In 1829, 2 members; in 1831, 17; in 1835, 40; in 1841, 100; in 1851, 290; in 1861, 320; in 1870, 420; in 1878, 662.
The Sabbath School. - It is very difficult to determine, in the absence of records, in what precise year the Sabbath-school connected with this society was established.
Very soon, however, after Mr. Moriarty came here, in 1831, he organized and kept up a Sabbath-school, he being the only superintendent for several years.
Mr. J. B. Felshaw distinctly recollects the names of the following persons who were teachers in the Sunday-school when he came here in 1835, viz.: Catharine Milligan, Harriet Bell, Nancy Hendrick, Mary Phœnix, Betsey Ellsworth, Amanda Carpenter, Mary Milligan, Nathan S. King, and Rev. John Hodges.
Two of these ladies, Nancy Hendrick and Mary Milligan, were members of the Presbyterian church.
At that time the only books for the use of the school consisted of twenty-four small hymn-books, a few small Testaments, and a few question-books, which each teacher provided for his own class.
In March, 1837, some forty or fifty small library-books were procured for the use of the school.
Mr. Felshaw had the charge of the library, and continued to serve the school in that capacity for nearly ten years, when his failing health compelled him to resign.
Mrs. Felshaw was for many years the teacher of the infant department, and was the immediate predecessor of Miss Carrie Carpenter.
The school in those early days numbered from forty to sixty scholars.
The superintendents have been as follows: Rev. J.D. Moriarty, the organizer of the school, Myron White, Elijah K. Bangs, Andrew J. Parker, W.S. Balch, R.H. Benedict, and others.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, concluded ...
Church Edifices. - The first Methodist Episcopal church in the village of Saratoga Springs was erected in the year 1830, and the building is now standing near the corner of Broadway and Greenfield avenue.
It is now used as a boarding-house, and known by the name of Oak Hall.
At the time of its erection it was regarded as a large and spacious building for a church, though it was a plain, unpretending wood structure and quite away from the centre of the village.
In the spring of 1839 it was abandoned as a church and sold to E.K. Bangs for an academic school building for the sum of $1000.
During the following summer the congregation occupied the old theatre or lyceum building, then standing where the Catholic church now stands, on South Broadway.
During the ensuing winter they worshiped in the old Episcopal church standing on the lot, now vacant, corner of East Congress and Putnam streets, the corner next east of Congress Spring Bottling House, now Morrissey's club-house.
In the spring of 1840 the congregation removed to a building in what was then known as "Walton row," on the corner of Broadway and Caroline street.
On the 23d day of April, 1836, the lot on which the present church stands was purchased for $1000 of Dr. John Clarke, the former proprietor of Congress spring, who then resided in the first house next west of the church, now known as the Fish house, and recently purchased by us.
The small house now standing in the rear of the church, and used for years as a sexton's house, was standing, at the time of the purchase, on the front part of the lot, and was occupied by the Andrews family, now living in the Fish house, who paid an annual rent of $70, which was strictly applied to the payment of the interest on the purchase price of the lot.
In the fall of the year 1839 the house was removed to the rear part of the lot, and was used for several years as the parsonage of the church.
Rev. Wm. H. Backus, Seymour Coleman, Joshua Poor, Ephraim Goss, and Dr. John Frasier, each in the order of their names, occupied that house as a parsonage.
From several reliable sources we learn that Rev. J.D. Moriarity was the prime mover in the enterprise of building this church.
In the summer of 1838 Father Moriarity called together, in his own parlor, a number of prominent Methodists, who were at the time guests in his house, and laid before them the project of erecting a new church, showing them the importance of a more central and a more inviting place of worship.
Among those present on that occasion were such men as Revs. Dr. Nathan Bangs, Dr. John Kennedy, Dr. H.B. Bascom, Dr. Abel Stevens, Rev. Wm. H. Guilder, and Mr. Sukely, a prominent and wealthy layman from New York.
These noble men readily and heartily concurred with Mr. Moriarity in his views and plans, and after mature deliberation, they promised to aid in raising funds, in the cities, to the amount of $6000, provided $2000 should be raised here and hereabouts.
Only a small part of this amount, however, was ever realized from the efforts of these strangers.
Such were the encouragements, however, at the time, that the society soon determined to build.
The corner-stone was laid in July, 1840, and early in the winter following the building was up and fully inclosed.
The building committee was Rev. J.D. Moriarity, Rev. Ephraim Goss, and J. B. Felshaw, Esq.; Rev. Olin Foote, B.H. Bartlett, Jeremiah Hart, Charles Kendall, Charles F. Goss, and Rev. Edward Hodges, were trustees.
Early in the spring of 1841 the basement was completed and occupied by the congregation, which had worshiped in "Walton row" one entire year.
On the 23d of July following (1841) the church was dedicated by Dr. John Kennedy, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Noah Levings, of New York; and Rev. Stephen Remington, of Schenectady, preached on the occasion.
The entire cost of the church and lot was $8143.
The lot was paid for in 1839 with the $1000 received of E.K. Bangs for the old church on North Broadway.
But there remained upon the church on the day of dedication a debt of $5147.
In 1846 the debt had increased to $6948.45.
In 1847 it was diminished to $4105.45.
And so the society struggled on, for a number of years, under a heavy and an almost crushing debt.
In the year 1853, under the ministry of Rev. J.T. Arnold, and by his almost herculean efforts, a sufficient amount was raised on subscription to cancel the debt, but a large percentage of that subscription was never collected.
And it is very doubtful whether all of the original debt was ever paid until the year 1865, when, under the administrative push of Rev. C.F. Burdick, the entire indebtedness against the church was finally and fully paid.
In the year 1855, Rev. Dr. Hawley then being the preacher in charge, the church edifice being found too small for the growing congregation, it was enlarged by the addition of eighteen feet to the front of the building, making the structure, as it is at present, forty-two by eighty-four feet.
In the original corner-stone were deposited a single copy each of a Bible, Hymn-Book, Discipline, Christian Advocate, and some other valuable documents touching the early history of the society; it will be found on the west side eighteen feet from the present southwest comer of the edifice.
It is but justice to one whose memory is still cherished among us to say, that probably no person made greater sacrifices, giving liberally of his time and means for the erection and completion of this church, than Rev. J.D. Moriarity.
At the very outset he threw his whole soul into the enterprise, and ceased not to labor for its accomplishment until he saw his efforts crowned with success; indeed, his interest in, and his labors for, his beloved Zion, the church of his early choice, ceased not until he ceased both to work and to live, which occurred in June, 1849.
The church was rebuilt on Washington street in 1870; it was dedicated March 20, 1871, by Bishop Janes.
The value of the church property is $125,000.
The present Sunday-school has five hundred and sixty-three members, and fifty-seven officers.
G.D. Van Vrankin is the superintendent.
Since Rev. Mr. Sexton had charge the ministers have been Rev. James M. King, Rev. J.E.C. Sawyer, and Rev. William H. Hughs, the present incumbent.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, concluded ...
Church Edifices. - The first Methodist Episcopal church in the village of Saratoga Springs was erected in the year 1830, and the building is now standing near the corner of Broadway and Greenfield avenue.
It is now used as a boarding-house, and known by the name of Oak Hall.
At the time of its erection it was regarded as a large and spacious building for a church, though it was a plain, unpretending wood structure and quite away from the centre of the village.
In the spring of 1839 it was abandoned as a church and sold to E.K. Bangs for an academic school building for the sum of $1000.
During the following summer the congregation occupied the old theatre or lyceum building, then standing where the Catholic church now stands, on South Broadway.
During the ensuing winter they worshiped in the old Episcopal church standing on the lot, now vacant, corner of East Congress and Putnam streets, the corner next east of Congress Spring Bottling House, now Morrissey's club-house.
In the spring of 1840 the congregation removed to a building in what was then known as "Walton row," on the corner of Broadway and Caroline street.
On the 23d day of April, 1836, the lot on which the present church stands was purchased for $1000 of Dr. John Clarke, the former proprietor of Congress spring, who then resided in the first house next west of the church, now known as the Fish house, and recently purchased by us.
The small house now standing in the rear of the church, and used for years as a sexton's house, was standing, at the time of the purchase, on the front part of the lot, and was occupied by the Andrews family, now living in the Fish house, who paid an annual rent of $70, which was strictly applied to the payment of the interest on the purchase price of the lot.
In the fall of the year 1839 the house was removed to the rear part of the lot, and was used for several years as the parsonage of the church.
Rev. Wm. H. Backus, Seymour Coleman, Joshua Poor, Ephraim Goss, and Dr. John Frasier, each in the order of their names, occupied that house as a parsonage.
From several reliable sources we learn that Rev. J.D. Moriarity was the prime mover in the enterprise of building this church.
In the summer of 1838 Father Moriarity called together, in his own parlor, a number of prominent Methodists, who were at the time guests in his house, and laid before them the project of erecting a new church, showing them the importance of a more central and a more inviting place of worship.
Among those present on that occasion were such men as Revs. Dr. Nathan Bangs, Dr. John Kennedy, Dr. H.B. Bascom, Dr. Abel Stevens, Rev. Wm. H. Guilder, and Mr. Sukely, a prominent and wealthy layman from New York.
These noble men readily and heartily concurred with Mr. Moriarity in his views and plans, and after mature deliberation, they promised to aid in raising funds, in the cities, to the amount of $6000, provided $2000 should be raised here and hereabouts.
Only a small part of this amount, however, was ever realized from the efforts of these strangers.
Such were the encouragements, however, at the time, that the society soon determined to build.
The corner-stone was laid in July, 1840, and early in the winter following the building was up and fully inclosed.
The building committee was Rev. J.D. Moriarity, Rev. Ephraim Goss, and J. B. Felshaw, Esq.; Rev. Olin Foote, B.H. Bartlett, Jeremiah Hart, Charles Kendall, Charles F. Goss, and Rev. Edward Hodges, were trustees.
Early in the spring of 1841 the basement was completed and occupied by the congregation, which had worshiped in "Walton row" one entire year.
On the 23d of July following (1841) the church was dedicated by Dr. John Kennedy, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Noah Levings, of New York; and Rev. Stephen Remington, of Schenectady, preached on the occasion.
The entire cost of the church and lot was $8143.
The lot was paid for in 1839 with the $1000 received of E.K. Bangs for the old church on North Broadway.
But there remained upon the church on the day of dedication a debt of $5147.
In 1846 the debt had increased to $6948.45.
In 1847 it was diminished to $4105.45.
And so the society struggled on, for a number of years, under a heavy and an almost crushing debt.
In the year 1853, under the ministry of Rev. J.T. Arnold, and by his almost herculean efforts, a sufficient amount was raised on subscription to cancel the debt, but a large percentage of that subscription was never collected.
And it is very doubtful whether all of the original debt was ever paid until the year 1865, when, under the administrative push of Rev. C.F. Burdick, the entire indebtedness against the church was finally and fully paid.
In the year 1855, Rev. Dr. Hawley then being the preacher in charge, the church edifice being found too small for the growing congregation, it was enlarged by the addition of eighteen feet to the front of the building, making the structure, as it is at present, forty-two by eighty-four feet.
In the original corner-stone were deposited a single copy each of a Bible, Hymn-Book, Discipline, Christian Advocate, and some other valuable documents touching the early history of the society; it will be found on the west side eighteen feet from the present southwest comer of the edifice.
It is but justice to one whose memory is still cherished among us to say, that probably no person made greater sacrifices, giving liberally of his time and means for the erection and completion of this church, than Rev. J.D. Moriarity.
At the very outset he threw his whole soul into the enterprise, and ceased not to labor for its accomplishment until he saw his efforts crowned with success; indeed, his interest in, and his labors for, his beloved Zion, the church of his early choice, ceased not until he ceased both to work and to live, which occurred in June, 1849.
The church was rebuilt on Washington street in 1870; it was dedicated March 20, 1871, by Bishop Janes.
The value of the church property is $125,000.
The present Sunday-school has five hundred and sixty-three members, and fifty-seven officers.
G.D. Van Vrankin is the superintendent.
Since Rev. Mr. Sexton had charge the ministers have been Rev. James M. King, Rev. J.E.C. Sawyer, and Rev. William H. Hughs, the present incumbent.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS.
The first mass ever celebrated in Saratoga Springs was in the fall of the year 1834, by the Rev. John Kelly.
Father Kelly settled about this time at Sandy Hill, Washington county, where a Catholic church had for many years existed.
Remaining there for one year, he removed to Lansingburg.
From this place he was after a few months transferred by Bishop Dubois to Albany, where he became the founder and first pastor of the present St. John's church, having purchased the edifice from the Protestant Episcopals and refitted it suitably for the Roman Catholic service.
Father Kelly is yet remembered as a man of naturally mild disposition, unassuming in manner, and abounding in zeal for the welfare of religion.
When, in the year 1841, a request was made by the Propaganda in Rome for some missionaries for Liberia, in Africa, Father Kelly, although advanced in years at the time, was the first among the few priests who offered their services for that distant and dangerous mission.
He remained in Liberia a few years, and, returning, afterwards built a church in Jersey City, where he died about the year 1862, deeply regretted by his people.
He was the brother of Mr. Eugene Kelly, now an eminent banker in New York city.
For seven years after the celebration of the first mass there was no resident pastor in Saratoga, nor any regular or stated time for the attendance of a priest.
The Catholics of the place were left to depend on the casual visits of the few neighboring priests, or other clergymen who might happen to be staying at the "Springs" for the benefit of their health or passing to and from the city of New York and Lower Canada.
Of those who officiated a few only are remembered.
Rev. Mr. McClancy, of Albany, said mass once.
Rev. Mr. Quinn, of St. Peter's church, Troy, attended twice.
Rev. Peter Havermans, now of St. Mary's, Troy, paid a few visits.
Rev. P. McCloskey, appointed in March, 1838, to Schenectady, attended Saratoga occasionally.
Father McCloskey did something towards organizing the congregation; it was through his instrumentality a collection was first taken up for a suit of vestments for the mission.
The vestments were made by the Sisters of Charity attached to St. James' church, in the city of New York, and procured in the spring of 1839.
Rev. Andrew Byrne, then of St. James' church, New York, and afterwards first bishop of Little Rock, Ark., presented a chalice in the spring of 1840.
During the period above referred to mass was celebrated in the summer season either in the Universalist church or in district school-house No. 1, and in the winter in the dwelling-house of Mr. John Costigan.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS.
The first mass ever celebrated in Saratoga Springs was in the fall of the year 1834, by the Rev. John Kelly.
Father Kelly settled about this time at Sandy Hill, Washington county, where a Catholic church had for many years existed.
Remaining there for one year, he removed to Lansingburg.
From this place he was after a few months transferred by Bishop Dubois to Albany, where he became the founder and first pastor of the present St. John's church, having purchased the edifice from the Protestant Episcopals and refitted it suitably for the Roman Catholic service.
Father Kelly is yet remembered as a man of naturally mild disposition, unassuming in manner, and abounding in zeal for the welfare of religion.
When, in the year 1841, a request was made by the Propaganda in Rome for some missionaries for Liberia, in Africa, Father Kelly, although advanced in years at the time, was the first among the few priests who offered their services for that distant and dangerous mission.
He remained in Liberia a few years, and, returning, afterwards built a church in Jersey City, where he died about the year 1862, deeply regretted by his people.
He was the brother of Mr. Eugene Kelly, now an eminent banker in New York city.
For seven years after the celebration of the first mass there was no resident pastor in Saratoga, nor any regular or stated time for the attendance of a priest.
The Catholics of the place were left to depend on the casual visits of the few neighboring priests, or other clergymen who might happen to be staying at the "Springs" for the benefit of their health or passing to and from the city of New York and Lower Canada.
Of those who officiated a few only are remembered.
Rev. Mr. McClancy, of Albany, said mass once.
Rev. Mr. Quinn, of St. Peter's church, Troy, attended twice.
Rev. Peter Havermans, now of St. Mary's, Troy, paid a few visits.
Rev. P. McCloskey, appointed in March, 1838, to Schenectady, attended Saratoga occasionally.
Father McCloskey did something towards organizing the congregation; it was through his instrumentality a collection was first taken up for a suit of vestments for the mission.
The vestments were made by the Sisters of Charity attached to St. James' church, in the city of New York, and procured in the spring of 1839.
Rev. Andrew Byrne, then of St. James' church, New York, and afterwards first bishop of Little Rock, Ark., presented a chalice in the spring of 1840.
During the period above referred to mass was celebrated in the summer season either in the Universalist church or in district school-house No. 1, and in the winter in the dwelling-house of Mr. John Costigan.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, concluded ...
The want of a Catholic church at Saratoga Springs had for some time been felt and regretted by the Catholic inhabitants of the village, and also by the families and individuals of that communion who, residing in the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and elsewhere, resort annually to the Springs.
With a view to provide for this want, as also to carry into effect the earnest desires of the Catholics of the place, who had continued steadily although slowly to increase, Mr. John Costigan did on the 13th day of September, in the year 1839, purchase in his own name, of Thomas J. Marvin, for the sum of $590.33, the lot of ground on which St. Peter's church now stands, with the building thereon known as the "Lyceum," with the sole design of converting the building into a place of Catholic worship, and the vacant portion of the lot into a cemetery or place of burial.
The lot measures fifty feet front and rear, and one hundred and thirty-two feet deep.
The first interment made in said cemetery was the remains of the wife of Patrick Pettit, of Saratoga Springs, in November, 1839.
The Lyceum, now changed into a place of Catholic worship, remained for four years without a priest.
The first resident Catholic pastor ever appointed at Saratoga Springs was the Rev. Anthony Farley, who entered on the discharge of his duties in the month of September, 1843.
This gentleman, better known as "the doctor," was never willing that his genius should be cramped; and Saratoga being, at the time, like Utica of old, a somewhat pent-up place, he took leave and departed for the more congenial clime of Lansingburg; and, after a few years, departed thence to Jamaica, L.I., where at present (1878) he lives, hale and hearty, in the active discharge of his parochial duties, the same pleasant, genial Dr. Farley, revered by his people and admired by numerous friends throughout, the country.
Rev. F. Donohoue succeeded Father Farley in May, 1844, remaining only a few months.
He went with the bishop to Little Rock, Ark., and lived there only a few years.
Rev. Bernard Van Reeth was the next pastor.
He came to Saratoga in the month of November, 1844, and remained about one year and a half, when he was appointed the first resident pastor at Cohoes, where he built the first St. Bernard's church, and returned afterwards to his native country, Holland.
Rev. Thomas Daly was the next pastor.
He entered on the discharge of his duties on the 16th of June, 1847, and remained until the 10th of June, 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. Cull, who came to Saratoga in July, 1850.
The Lyceum, or old St. Peter's, as the edifice was then known, had seen its best days; it was old and infirm, if not unsafe to meet in; besides, it had become too small for the congregation.
The want of a new church had been for several years felt and much debated; but there was no one to take the lead in such a movement.
Father Daly was young and inexperienced; besides, the rough work of church building was not in accord with his tastes.
He would rather be assistant in Albany.
God, who disposeth all things sweetly, it would appear, sent the right man at the right time.
The congregation was small, and their means very limited.
A church must be built.
Others stood appalled at the undertaking.
Father Cull came.
With eye unmoved he surveyed the field of labor, laid his plans: went to work, and the new St. Peter's - one of the prettiest of the new order of Catholic churches in the United States - stands forth to-day as the result of his labors.
The work was brought to a successful close when, on the 15th of August, 1853, the church was dedicated.
Monseigneur Bedini, at the time apostolic delegate to the United States, pontificated at the mass.
Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes preached the dedicatory sermon.
Father Cull was zealous and persevering in labor.
To work seemed to be for him a necessity.
He procured a pastoral residence and cemetery.
He purchased the Hugh Dennin property, where, after enlarging and fitting it up at considerable expense, he introduced a branch of the "Sisters of St. Joseph," to take charge of parochial schools for boys and girls.
His death occurred on the 2d of January, 1873, in the cottage on William street.
It is hoped the Catholics of Saratoga will soon find it convenient to erect a monument to perpetuate his memory.
Rev. M. Sheehan obtained the administration of St. Peter's church January, 1868, and held the same until October, 1871.
The church was incorporated in 1870, under the title of "St. Peter's Church, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.," under an act of the Legislature of this State, passed March 25, 1863.
The first incorporators were John J. Conroy, bishop of Albany, Edgar E. Wadhams, V.G., M. Sheehan, the pastor, together with John Foley and B. McGovern, two lay members of the congregation.
The present trustees are Fr. McNierney, bishop of Albany, P. Ludden, V.G., John McMenomy, pastor, with Frank Jones and Dennis McNelis.
Rev. John McMenamin - McMenomy the name has come to be by force of the customary use of an easier pronunciation, was appointed pastor of Saratoga by Right Rev. J.J. Conroy, on the 10th of October, 1871, and is the present incumbent.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, concluded ...
The want of a Catholic church at Saratoga Springs had for some time been felt and regretted by the Catholic inhabitants of the village, and also by the families and individuals of that communion who, residing in the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and elsewhere, resort annually to the Springs.
With a view to provide for this want, as also to carry into effect the earnest desires of the Catholics of the place, who had continued steadily although slowly to increase, Mr. John Costigan did on the 13th day of September, in the year 1839, purchase in his own name, of Thomas J. Marvin, for the sum of $590.33, the lot of ground on which St. Peter's church now stands, with the building thereon known as the "Lyceum," with the sole design of converting the building into a place of Catholic worship, and the vacant portion of the lot into a cemetery or place of burial.
The lot measures fifty feet front and rear, and one hundred and thirty-two feet deep.
The first interment made in said cemetery was the remains of the wife of Patrick Pettit, of Saratoga Springs, in November, 1839.
The Lyceum, now changed into a place of Catholic worship, remained for four years without a priest.
The first resident Catholic pastor ever appointed at Saratoga Springs was the Rev. Anthony Farley, who entered on the discharge of his duties in the month of September, 1843.
This gentleman, better known as "the doctor," was never willing that his genius should be cramped; and Saratoga being, at the time, like Utica of old, a somewhat pent-up place, he took leave and departed for the more congenial clime of Lansingburg; and, after a few years, departed thence to Jamaica, L.I., where at present (1878) he lives, hale and hearty, in the active discharge of his parochial duties, the same pleasant, genial Dr. Farley, revered by his people and admired by numerous friends throughout, the country.
Rev. F. Donohoue succeeded Father Farley in May, 1844, remaining only a few months.
He went with the bishop to Little Rock, Ark., and lived there only a few years.
Rev. Bernard Van Reeth was the next pastor.
He came to Saratoga in the month of November, 1844, and remained about one year and a half, when he was appointed the first resident pastor at Cohoes, where he built the first St. Bernard's church, and returned afterwards to his native country, Holland.
Rev. Thomas Daly was the next pastor.
He entered on the discharge of his duties on the 16th of June, 1847, and remained until the 10th of June, 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. Cull, who came to Saratoga in July, 1850.
The Lyceum, or old St. Peter's, as the edifice was then known, had seen its best days; it was old and infirm, if not unsafe to meet in; besides, it had become too small for the congregation.
The want of a new church had been for several years felt and much debated; but there was no one to take the lead in such a movement.
Father Daly was young and inexperienced; besides, the rough work of church building was not in accord with his tastes.
He would rather be assistant in Albany.
God, who disposeth all things sweetly, it would appear, sent the right man at the right time.
The congregation was small, and their means very limited.
A church must be built.
Others stood appalled at the undertaking.
Father Cull came.
With eye unmoved he surveyed the field of labor, laid his plans: went to work, and the new St. Peter's - one of the prettiest of the new order of Catholic churches in the United States - stands forth to-day as the result of his labors.
The work was brought to a successful close when, on the 15th of August, 1853, the church was dedicated.
Monseigneur Bedini, at the time apostolic delegate to the United States, pontificated at the mass.
Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes preached the dedicatory sermon.
Father Cull was zealous and persevering in labor.
To work seemed to be for him a necessity.
He procured a pastoral residence and cemetery.
He purchased the Hugh Dennin property, where, after enlarging and fitting it up at considerable expense, he introduced a branch of the "Sisters of St. Joseph," to take charge of parochial schools for boys and girls.
His death occurred on the 2d of January, 1873, in the cottage on William street.
It is hoped the Catholics of Saratoga will soon find it convenient to erect a monument to perpetuate his memory.
Rev. M. Sheehan obtained the administration of St. Peter's church January, 1868, and held the same until October, 1871.
The church was incorporated in 1870, under the title of "St. Peter's Church, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.," under an act of the Legislature of this State, passed March 25, 1863.
The first incorporators were John J. Conroy, bishop of Albany, Edgar E. Wadhams, V.G., M. Sheehan, the pastor, together with John Foley and B. McGovern, two lay members of the congregation.
The present trustees are Fr. McNierney, bishop of Albany, P. Ludden, V.G., John McMenomy, pastor, with Frank Jones and Dennis McNelis.
Rev. John McMenamin - McMenomy the name has come to be by force of the customary use of an easier pronunciation, was appointed pastor of Saratoga by Right Rev. J.J. Conroy, on the 10th of October, 1871, and is the present incumbent.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The First Congregational church of Saratoga Springs was organized March 8, 1865.
Its original membership was about fifty.
Its present membership is nearly one hundred and fifty.
The first pastor of this church was Rev. E.N. Sawtelle, D.D., who was installed in April, 1865.
Dr. Sawtelle withdrew from the active duties of the pastorate in June, 1868, but was not formally dismissed until July, 1871.
From May, 1867, until April, 1871, the Rev. P.R. Day acted as assistant pastor of the church.
Mr. Day was not installed.
The Rev. L.S. Rowland was installed pastor on July 25, 1871, and closed his labors on the last Sunday of March, 1877.
The following members of the church have acted as its deacons, each being elected for the term of two years: H.L. Aiken, Geo. H. Fish, Ralph Brintnall, S.E. Bushnell, Joseph A. Shoudy, William Muir, Sheldon Clark, Joshua Crosby, L.S. Packard, James Bull, H.E. Spaulding.
The present officers of the church are as follows: Rev. Wm. R. Terrett, acting pastor; Geo. H. Fish, L.S. Packard, Joshua Crosby, H.E. Spaulding, deacons; J.C. Goodridge, clerk; Geo. H. Fish, treasurer.
The church edifice occupied by this congregation was erected in 1868.
It is very centrally situated on Phila street, just out of Broadway.
This society also owns the fine business block known as the St. Nicholas building, at the rear of which the church is built.
In addition to the above, we have been kindly furnished with the following facts:
The Congregational society has a history interwoven with that of the church.
In fact, the trustees of the society had the laboring oars, and they used them, under the guidance of a kind Providence, with persistent energy and skill.
After several unsuccessful attempts, a fine central location was selected and purchased by the trustees.
Special laws were enacted by the Legislature, procured by the trustees, to enable them to purchase, build, convey, and rent, as a corporate body, their large property on the corner of Broadway and Phila street, consisting of the post-office and First National Bank building, Saratogian printing-office, seven stores, and a large number of offices and halls.
A pleasant home was thus provided for the church and society, and means furnished to pay all deficiencies for minister's salary and contingent expenses.
The original members were nearly all from the First Presbyterian church and society, and its first chosen trustees were the following, viz., Dexter H. Knowlton, Lewis E. Whiting, Waldo M. Potter, Solon B. Bushnell, Hiram P. Trim, Elisha Bailey, Jacob Myers, Andrew Hall, and Joseph A. Shoudy.
Two of the original trustees have held, by re-election, the office continuously to the present time, viz., Lewis E. Whiting and Hiram P. Trim.
Dr. Whiting was chairman of the building committee and treasurer of the society, collecting and disbursing its moneys for more than ten years.
He came from the Presbyterian church, with the large choir of which he was their leader, and has had charge of the Congregational choir to the present time.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The First Congregational church of Saratoga Springs was organized March 8, 1865.
Its original membership was about fifty.
Its present membership is nearly one hundred and fifty.
The first pastor of this church was Rev. E.N. Sawtelle, D.D., who was installed in April, 1865.
Dr. Sawtelle withdrew from the active duties of the pastorate in June, 1868, but was not formally dismissed until July, 1871.
From May, 1867, until April, 1871, the Rev. P.R. Day acted as assistant pastor of the church.
Mr. Day was not installed.
The Rev. L.S. Rowland was installed pastor on July 25, 1871, and closed his labors on the last Sunday of March, 1877.
The following members of the church have acted as its deacons, each being elected for the term of two years: H.L. Aiken, Geo. H. Fish, Ralph Brintnall, S.E. Bushnell, Joseph A. Shoudy, William Muir, Sheldon Clark, Joshua Crosby, L.S. Packard, James Bull, H.E. Spaulding.
The present officers of the church are as follows: Rev. Wm. R. Terrett, acting pastor; Geo. H. Fish, L.S. Packard, Joshua Crosby, H.E. Spaulding, deacons; J.C. Goodridge, clerk; Geo. H. Fish, treasurer.
The church edifice occupied by this congregation was erected in 1868.
It is very centrally situated on Phila street, just out of Broadway.
This society also owns the fine business block known as the St. Nicholas building, at the rear of which the church is built.
In addition to the above, we have been kindly furnished with the following facts:
The Congregational society has a history interwoven with that of the church.
In fact, the trustees of the society had the laboring oars, and they used them, under the guidance of a kind Providence, with persistent energy and skill.
After several unsuccessful attempts, a fine central location was selected and purchased by the trustees.
Special laws were enacted by the Legislature, procured by the trustees, to enable them to purchase, build, convey, and rent, as a corporate body, their large property on the corner of Broadway and Phila street, consisting of the post-office and First National Bank building, Saratogian printing-office, seven stores, and a large number of offices and halls.
A pleasant home was thus provided for the church and society, and means furnished to pay all deficiencies for minister's salary and contingent expenses.
The original members were nearly all from the First Presbyterian church and society, and its first chosen trustees were the following, viz., Dexter H. Knowlton, Lewis E. Whiting, Waldo M. Potter, Solon B. Bushnell, Hiram P. Trim, Elisha Bailey, Jacob Myers, Andrew Hall, and Joseph A. Shoudy.
Two of the original trustees have held, by re-election, the office continuously to the present time, viz., Lewis E. Whiting and Hiram P. Trim.
Dr. Whiting was chairman of the building committee and treasurer of the society, collecting and disbursing its moneys for more than ten years.
He came from the Presbyterian church, with the large choir of which he was their leader, and has had charge of the Congregational choir to the present time.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
For several years prior to 1869 the fact had been recognized by many friends of religion that the eastern portion of the village should have within its bounds some place of worship and for Sabbath-school instruction.
It was not, however, until the summer of that year that any decided steps were taken to provide for the spiritual wants of the constantly-increasing population in this section of the town.
At that time it was proposed that a mission chapel should be established in the southeastern part of the village without further delay, under the auspices and fostering care of the First Presbyterian church.
The project met instantly with much favor among the members of that church.
A large and desirable lot on the corner of Spring and Regent streets was given for the purpose of erecting thereon the proposed chapel immediately, and in the future a suitable church edifice and minister's house.
A cordial response was made to applications for subscriptions towards the erection of a chapel, and on the 31st day of August, 1869, the corner-stone of the building was laid by the Rev. Dr. John Woodbridge, then the pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the originator and chief promoter of this new enterprise.
The completed edifice was dedicated by him to the service of God on the 30th day of January, 1870.
The Rev. James N. Crocker was placed in charge of the mission work, and a Sabbath evening service was regularly maintained, together with a weekly prayer-meeting, in the chapel until the organization of the church, in August, 1871.
A Sabbath-school was also organized under the superintendency of Mr. John Newland, and soon numbered considerably over one hundred scholars.
In the month of August, 1871, it was deemed advisable that a church should be organized under the name of the Second Presbyterian church, and accordingly on the 8th day of August, 1871, nineteen members of the First Presbyterian church were at their own request dismissed from that church for the purpose of forming the new church.
Four other persons from churches outside of the village united with the above-named nineteen, and were duly constituted as the membership of the Second Presbyterian church, which was thus organized by the session of the First Presbyterian church.
At the same time John Newland, B.M. Fay, and B.F. Edwards were elected and installed as elders of the new church.
On the 28th of August, 1871, the following-named gentlemen were elected trustees of the congregation, to wit: Charles F. Dowd, George S. Batcheller, John Newland, Adam B. Smith, Alexander Bennett, and Samuel H. Freeman.
The church was received under the care of the presbytery of Albany on the 10th of October following, and a call to the pastorate thereof placed in the hands of the Rev. James N. Crocker, which was accepted by him, and he was duly installed by a committee of presbytery on the 22d day of October, 1871.
Under the pastoral care of Mr. Crocker the young church grew steadily in numbers and gave evident tokens of increasing strength and usefulness.
It began with twenty-three members, and at the close of Mr. Crocker's pastorate, in November, 1875, it contained a membership of eighty-five, four members having been during that period dismissed to other churches.
On the 30th of November, 1875, the pastoral relation between this church and the Rev. Mr. Crocker was dissolved, at his request, by the presbytery of Albany.
The pulpit remained vacant until the 15th day of October, 1876, when the Rev. Giles P. Hawley, a graduate of the Union Theological Seminary of New York, and who had been supplying the pulpit of this church since the 1st of August previous, was ordained to the work of the ministry by the presbytery of Albany and installed as pastor of this church.
The present officers of the church and congregation are as follows: Rev. Giles P. Hawley, pastor; John Newland, B.M. Fay, and B.F. Edwards, elders; Charles F. Dowd, John Newland, Adam B. Smith, James J. Wakefield, Alexander Bennett, and William Macgivny, trustees; John Newland, superintendent of Sabbath-school; C.P. Penfield, secretary and treasurer of Sabbath-school; B.F. Edwards, church chorister; and Miss Helen M. Smith, church organist.
The present membership is ninety-nine.
The chapel, which is still used as a place of worship for the congregation, no church edifice having yet been built, is a neat brick structure twenty-seven feet in width and fifty-four feet in length, with a tower in the northeast corner, forming the vestibule or entrance to the chapel.
It cost about $3000, exclusive of the furniture.
The contributions of the congregation for its own support have been, considering its numbers, exceptionally generous, and it has from the outset also contributed liberally to the various schemes of benevolence which are carried on by the Presbyterian church.
The results accomplished by the organization of this mission and church in the locality which it occupies have been marked and salutary.
It has provided a comfortable and attractive church home for many who could not go to the more distant places of worship.
It has drawn in many who had not been in the habit of attending any church regularly, if at all.
It has promoted the better observance of the Sabbath in the neighborhood.
Through its Sabbath-school it has gathered many children to the instruction in God's Word who would otherwise have continued in ignorance or disregard of the Sabbath, and by the preaching of the Word many souls have been brought to a knowledge of the truth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
For several years prior to 1869 the fact had been recognized by many friends of religion that the eastern portion of the village should have within its bounds some place of worship and for Sabbath-school instruction.
It was not, however, until the summer of that year that any decided steps were taken to provide for the spiritual wants of the constantly-increasing population in this section of the town.
At that time it was proposed that a mission chapel should be established in the southeastern part of the village without further delay, under the auspices and fostering care of the First Presbyterian church.
The project met instantly with much favor among the members of that church.
A large and desirable lot on the corner of Spring and Regent streets was given for the purpose of erecting thereon the proposed chapel immediately, and in the future a suitable church edifice and minister's house.
A cordial response was made to applications for subscriptions towards the erection of a chapel, and on the 31st day of August, 1869, the corner-stone of the building was laid by the Rev. Dr. John Woodbridge, then the pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the originator and chief promoter of this new enterprise.
The completed edifice was dedicated by him to the service of God on the 30th day of January, 1870.
The Rev. James N. Crocker was placed in charge of the mission work, and a Sabbath evening service was regularly maintained, together with a weekly prayer-meeting, in the chapel until the organization of the church, in August, 1871.
A Sabbath-school was also organized under the superintendency of Mr. John Newland, and soon numbered considerably over one hundred scholars.
In the month of August, 1871, it was deemed advisable that a church should be organized under the name of the Second Presbyterian church, and accordingly on the 8th day of August, 1871, nineteen members of the First Presbyterian church were at their own request dismissed from that church for the purpose of forming the new church.
Four other persons from churches outside of the village united with the above-named nineteen, and were duly constituted as the membership of the Second Presbyterian church, which was thus organized by the session of the First Presbyterian church.
At the same time John Newland, B.M. Fay, and B.F. Edwards were elected and installed as elders of the new church.
On the 28th of August, 1871, the following-named gentlemen were elected trustees of the congregation, to wit: Charles F. Dowd, George S. Batcheller, John Newland, Adam B. Smith, Alexander Bennett, and Samuel H. Freeman.
The church was received under the care of the presbytery of Albany on the 10th of October following, and a call to the pastorate thereof placed in the hands of the Rev. James N. Crocker, which was accepted by him, and he was duly installed by a committee of presbytery on the 22d day of October, 1871.
Under the pastoral care of Mr. Crocker the young church grew steadily in numbers and gave evident tokens of increasing strength and usefulness.
It began with twenty-three members, and at the close of Mr. Crocker's pastorate, in November, 1875, it contained a membership of eighty-five, four members having been during that period dismissed to other churches.
On the 30th of November, 1875, the pastoral relation between this church and the Rev. Mr. Crocker was dissolved, at his request, by the presbytery of Albany.
The pulpit remained vacant until the 15th day of October, 1876, when the Rev. Giles P. Hawley, a graduate of the Union Theological Seminary of New York, and who had been supplying the pulpit of this church since the 1st of August previous, was ordained to the work of the ministry by the presbytery of Albany and installed as pastor of this church.
The present officers of the church and congregation are as follows: Rev. Giles P. Hawley, pastor; John Newland, B.M. Fay, and B.F. Edwards, elders; Charles F. Dowd, John Newland, Adam B. Smith, James J. Wakefield, Alexander Bennett, and William Macgivny, trustees; John Newland, superintendent of Sabbath-school; C.P. Penfield, secretary and treasurer of Sabbath-school; B.F. Edwards, church chorister; and Miss Helen M. Smith, church organist.
The present membership is ninety-nine.
The chapel, which is still used as a place of worship for the congregation, no church edifice having yet been built, is a neat brick structure twenty-seven feet in width and fifty-four feet in length, with a tower in the northeast corner, forming the vestibule or entrance to the chapel.
It cost about $3000, exclusive of the furniture.
The contributions of the congregation for its own support have been, considering its numbers, exceptionally generous, and it has from the outset also contributed liberally to the various schemes of benevolence which are carried on by the Presbyterian church.
The results accomplished by the organization of this mission and church in the locality which it occupies have been marked and salutary.
It has provided a comfortable and attractive church home for many who could not go to the more distant places of worship.
It has drawn in many who had not been in the habit of attending any church regularly, if at all.
It has promoted the better observance of the Sabbath in the neighborhood.
Through its Sabbath-school it has gathered many children to the instruction in God's Word who would otherwise have continued in ignorance or disregard of the Sabbath, and by the preaching of the Word many souls have been brought to a knowledge of the truth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
In the spring of the year 1873 it became apparent to the pastor of the First Baptist church and a number of his constituents that the southeastern portion of our village offered a favorable field for direct religious influence, and agreeable to that sentiment the following announcement appeared in the Daily Saratogian of Saturday, May 17, 1873: "There will be preaching in the Morrissey Hose House, on South street, by the Rev. E.A. Woods, Sunday afternoon, at four o'clock."
Contrary to expectation the room was filled, and for several Sabbaths services were conducted in like manner, with audiences that augured success for the undertaking.
A Sunday-school was organized the same day, having fifty names on the roll, with the Rev. E.A. Woods as superintendent, he remaining in that position till February, 1874, when Mr. D.F. Ritchie, the prime mover and stanch friend of the school, was chosen superintendent, which position he still occupies.
As winter approached it became necessary to remove to warmer and more accessible quarters, and accordingly permission was received from the board of education to occupy a room in the Spring street school-house.
About this time the friends of the new enterprise, prominent among whom was Mr. D. Winans, pledged funds sufficient to purchase a lot on Regent street, near Union avenue, and erect thereon a chapel.
The building was completed, and on Feb. 7, 1874, this combination of church and Sunday-school moved into its new quarters, and organised under the name of the Union Avenue Baptist Sunday-school, and continued as such until Feb. 2, 1876, when, upon request, letters of dismission were granted to sixty-six members of the First Baptist church of Saratoga Springs for the purpose of establishing a new church, which was duly organized Feb. 22, 1876, as the Second Baptist church of Saratoga Springs.
On April 2 following a call was extended to the Rev. Daniel Corey, of Hudson, N.Y., to assume the pastorate of the church, which call he accepted, entering immediately upon his duties, and filling the position satisfactorily to the present time.
The church was recognized by a council of churches which was held on June 1, 1876, and has steadily grown in strength and influence, until now its position as a power for good in the world is established.
Its present total membership is one hundred and thirty-three, of which number twenty joined by baptism, forty-six by letter, and one by relation of Christian experience.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), continued ...
VI. - CHURCHES, continued ...
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
In the spring of the year 1873 it became apparent to the pastor of the First Baptist church and a number of his constituents that the southeastern portion of our village offered a favorable field for direct religious influence, and agreeable to that sentiment the following announcement appeared in the Daily Saratogian of Saturday, May 17, 1873: "There will be preaching in the Morrissey Hose House, on South street, by the Rev. E.A. Woods, Sunday afternoon, at four o'clock."
Contrary to expectation the room was filled, and for several Sabbaths services were conducted in like manner, with audiences that augured success for the undertaking.
A Sunday-school was organized the same day, having fifty names on the roll, with the Rev. E.A. Woods as superintendent, he remaining in that position till February, 1874, when Mr. D.F. Ritchie, the prime mover and stanch friend of the school, was chosen superintendent, which position he still occupies.
As winter approached it became necessary to remove to warmer and more accessible quarters, and accordingly permission was received from the board of education to occupy a room in the Spring street school-house.
About this time the friends of the new enterprise, prominent among whom was Mr. D. Winans, pledged funds sufficient to purchase a lot on Regent street, near Union avenue, and erect thereon a chapel.
The building was completed, and on Feb. 7, 1874, this combination of church and Sunday-school moved into its new quarters, and organised under the name of the Union Avenue Baptist Sunday-school, and continued as such until Feb. 2, 1876, when, upon request, letters of dismission were granted to sixty-six members of the First Baptist church of Saratoga Springs for the purpose of establishing a new church, which was duly organized Feb. 22, 1876, as the Second Baptist church of Saratoga Springs.
On April 2 following a call was extended to the Rev. Daniel Corey, of Hudson, N.Y., to assume the pastorate of the church, which call he accepted, entering immediately upon his duties, and filling the position satisfactorily to the present time.
The church was recognized by a council of churches which was held on June 1, 1876, and has steadily grown in strength and influence, until now its position as a power for good in the world is established.
Its present total membership is one hundred and thirty-three, of which number twenty joined by baptism, forty-six by letter, and one by relation of Christian experience.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), concluded ...
VI. - CHURCHES, concluded ...
THE FIRST FREE METHODIST CHURCH
Was organized Oct. 2, 1865.
The first trustees were F.A. Town, Seneca Weed, and Seth Grawberg.
The church was built in 1869, and dedicated by Rev. B.T. Roberts, Jan. 8, 1870.
It cost $3500.
It is located on Regent street.
The present officers are F.A. Town, Seneca Weed, Isaac Groff, and Z. Fenton.
The first pastor was Rev. A.B. Burdick, followed by Revs. D.M. Sinclair, W.M. Gould, J.A. Odell, W.W. Warner, H. Mathews, B. Winget, J. Odell.
THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS.
This church was organized in June, 1863, by Rev. J. Boler, who purchased the property on Willow Walk, now named Spring avenue, from Mr. J. Andrews.
The society then consisted of seven members, with a board of trustees, as follows: J. Boler, A. Freeman, J. Lewis.
The building was used for a mission Sabbath-school, which was then attached to the church, under the superintendence of Mr. Bushnell.
Dr. Bedorathy succeeded him.
Mr. Pond succeeded Dr. Bedorathy.
Mr. Crosoy, the present superintendent, has held it for the last four years.
The average attendance has been from twenty to forty, with from four to six teachers.
The church was dedicated by Bishop William H. Bishop.
Rev. S. Golden succeeded Rev. J. Boler; after him Rev. H. Johnson; then Rev. H. Butler; Rev. J.C. Gilbert succeeded him, and remained for five years; during his first year, in November, 1866, the building was destroyed by fire, and was rebuilt in 1867, and dedicated by Bishop J.J. Clinton.
Rev. M.H. Ross followed in 1870; in 1873, Rev. J.C. West was appointed, who died before the end of his term; Rev. J.J. Kelly then supplied the pulpit for two months; in September, 1874, Rev. S. Jones was appointed to the charge.
In September, 1876, Rev. Wm. Sanford, the present pastor, was appointed.
The board of trustees consist of seven members, as follows: P. Rue, C. Howard, W. Adams, R. Bowden, J. Hill, A. Jackson, J.T. Thomas.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
A society was formed at an early day in Saratoga Springs, and a church edifice was built, in which the congregation worshiped for many years.
The church edifice afterwards went out of their hands, and for some time no regular stated meetings have been held.
The society, however, still keeps up its organization, and listens occasionally to the able ministers of the denomination who visit the great watering-place during the summer season.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 3), concluded ...
VI. - CHURCHES, concluded ...
THE FIRST FREE METHODIST CHURCH
Was organized Oct. 2, 1865.
The first trustees were F.A. Town, Seneca Weed, and Seth Grawberg.
The church was built in 1869, and dedicated by Rev. B.T. Roberts, Jan. 8, 1870.
It cost $3500.
It is located on Regent street.
The present officers are F.A. Town, Seneca Weed, Isaac Groff, and Z. Fenton.
The first pastor was Rev. A.B. Burdick, followed by Revs. D.M. Sinclair, W.M. Gould, J.A. Odell, W.W. Warner, H. Mathews, B. Winget, J. Odell.
THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS.
This church was organized in June, 1863, by Rev. J. Boler, who purchased the property on Willow Walk, now named Spring avenue, from Mr. J. Andrews.
The society then consisted of seven members, with a board of trustees, as follows: J. Boler, A. Freeman, J. Lewis.
The building was used for a mission Sabbath-school, which was then attached to the church, under the superintendence of Mr. Bushnell.
Dr. Bedorathy succeeded him.
Mr. Pond succeeded Dr. Bedorathy.
Mr. Crosoy, the present superintendent, has held it for the last four years.
The average attendance has been from twenty to forty, with from four to six teachers.
The church was dedicated by Bishop William H. Bishop.
Rev. S. Golden succeeded Rev. J. Boler; after him Rev. H. Johnson; then Rev. H. Butler; Rev. J.C. Gilbert succeeded him, and remained for five years; during his first year, in November, 1866, the building was destroyed by fire, and was rebuilt in 1867, and dedicated by Bishop J.J. Clinton.
Rev. M.H. Ross followed in 1870; in 1873, Rev. J.C. West was appointed, who died before the end of his term; Rev. J.J. Kelly then supplied the pulpit for two months; in September, 1874, Rev. S. Jones was appointed to the charge.
In September, 1876, Rev. Wm. Sanford, the present pastor, was appointed.
The board of trustees consist of seven members, as follows: P. Rue, C. Howard, W. Adams, R. Bowden, J. Hill, A. Jackson, J.T. Thomas.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
A society was formed at an early day in Saratoga Springs, and a church edifice was built, in which the congregation worshiped for many years.
The church edifice afterwards went out of their hands, and for some time no regular stated meetings have been held.
The society, however, still keeps up its organization, and listens occasionally to the able ministers of the denomination who visit the great watering-place during the summer season.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4).
The following notes from the records of one of the school districts of the village will be of general interest.
It is evident that in the commencement it was a citizens' movement, as the first building was to be erected by subscriptions; but a year later the general school system of the State was inaugurated, and the enterprise became the regular legal work of district 15.
After the organization of the town of Saratoga Springs, in 1819, the same district became No. 1 in the new town.
A meeting of the inhabitants of the village of Congress Springs was held at the house of Moses Stickney, for the purpose of devising ways and means to carry into effect the building of a school-house in said village, on March 12, 1812.
Of this meeting Frederick Ellsworth was chairman and D. Farlin secretary.
It was resolved:
1st. That said building be of the following dimensions, viz., thirty feet by twenty-six, with twelve feet post, and that it be erected on land belonging to Gideon Putnam, on the north side of Washington street, reserved by him for that purpose, and to be by him leased to the proprietors of said building for and during the term that it shall be occupied for the purpose above mentioned.
2d. That the proposals of Jesse Morgan to build said house for the sum of $400, including painting, on a certain plan agreed upon at said meeting, be accepted.
3d. That Gideon Putnam, Miles Beach, and Nathan Lewis be a committee for the purpose of directing and superintending the building of said house.
4th. That the said sum of $400, to be raised and appropriated for the building of said house, be divided into eighty shares of $5 each, and these subscriptions be opened for taking up shares on the third day of March instant.
March 14, 1812, another meeting was held at the house of Moses Stickney; same officers.
It was resolved:
1st. That there be an addition of twenty shares at the aforesaid sum of $5 each, for the purpose of furnishing a bell and other necessaries for the convenience of said schoolhouse.
2d. That an addition of $10 be allowed to the aforesaid Jesse Morgan, making $410 for building and completing said school-house.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4).
The following notes from the records of one of the school districts of the village will be of general interest.
It is evident that in the commencement it was a citizens' movement, as the first building was to be erected by subscriptions; but a year later the general school system of the State was inaugurated, and the enterprise became the regular legal work of district 15.
After the organization of the town of Saratoga Springs, in 1819, the same district became No. 1 in the new town.
A meeting of the inhabitants of the village of Congress Springs was held at the house of Moses Stickney, for the purpose of devising ways and means to carry into effect the building of a school-house in said village, on March 12, 1812.
Of this meeting Frederick Ellsworth was chairman and D. Farlin secretary.
It was resolved:
1st. That said building be of the following dimensions, viz., thirty feet by twenty-six, with twelve feet post, and that it be erected on land belonging to Gideon Putnam, on the north side of Washington street, reserved by him for that purpose, and to be by him leased to the proprietors of said building for and during the term that it shall be occupied for the purpose above mentioned.
2d. That the proposals of Jesse Morgan to build said house for the sum of $400, including painting, on a certain plan agreed upon at said meeting, be accepted.
3d. That Gideon Putnam, Miles Beach, and Nathan Lewis be a committee for the purpose of directing and superintending the building of said house.
4th. That the said sum of $400, to be raised and appropriated for the building of said house, be divided into eighty shares of $5 each, and these subscriptions be opened for taking up shares on the third day of March instant.
March 14, 1812, another meeting was held at the house of Moses Stickney; same officers.
It was resolved:
1st. That there be an addition of twenty shares at the aforesaid sum of $5 each, for the purpose of furnishing a bell and other necessaries for the convenience of said schoolhouse.
2d. That an addition of $10 be allowed to the aforesaid Jesse Morgan, making $410 for building and completing said school-house.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
The following is a list of the subscribers to this school fund, who agreed to pay one-fourth of the same when the building was completed: and the remaining three-fourths in six months from the completion thereof:
Shares.
Gideon Putnam 10
Leno Remington 1
Miles Beach 4
A. Blake 1
Jotham Holmes 4
Benjamin R. Putnam 2
Cyrel Carpenter 4
Charles F. Smith 1
Frederick Ellsworth 4
Jesse Morgan 2
Moses Stickney 4
Robert Martin 1
Dudley Yarlin 2
Thomas Benedict 2
Nathaniel Searing 2
Richard Searing 2
Salmon Huling 2
Peter Abell 1
Samuel Leeson 2
Robert Bryan 1
John Bemus 2
Henry Stafford 2
David Evert 1
Wm. Webster 1
Josiah Ripley 2
D.D. Benedict 1
Joel Sadler 1
John W. Steel 3
Roger Truman 1
Wm. Waterbury 2
John Ellsworth 1
Warren Cady 2
Joel Clement 2
Darius Wright 1
A.G. Sharp 1
Cyrus Johnson 1
John Johnson 2
James Wright 1
Nathan Lewis 5
Isaac Cramphin 1
E.W. Abbott 3
David Huling 1
Ashbel Andrews 1
Total 90
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
The following is a list of the subscribers to this school fund, who agreed to pay one-fourth of the same when the building was completed: and the remaining three-fourths in six months from the completion thereof:
Shares.
Gideon Putnam 10
Leno Remington 1
Miles Beach 4
A. Blake 1
Jotham Holmes 4
Benjamin R. Putnam 2
Cyrel Carpenter 4
Charles F. Smith 1
Frederick Ellsworth 4
Jesse Morgan 2
Moses Stickney 4
Robert Martin 1
Dudley Yarlin 2
Thomas Benedict 2
Nathaniel Searing 2
Richard Searing 2
Salmon Huling 2
Peter Abell 1
Samuel Leeson 2
Robert Bryan 1
John Bemus 2
Henry Stafford 2
David Evert 1
Wm. Webster 1
Josiah Ripley 2
D.D. Benedict 1
Joel Sadler 1
John W. Steel 3
Roger Truman 1
Wm. Waterbury 2
John Ellsworth 1
Warren Cady 2
Joel Clement 2
Darius Wright 1
A.G. Sharp 1
Cyrus Johnson 1
John Johnson 2
James Wright 1
Nathan Lewis 5
Isaac Cramphin 1
E.W. Abbott 3
David Huling 1
Ashbel Andrews 1
Total 90
TO BE CONTINUED ...