CHURCH: First Methodist Episcopal 100th; Penn Yan, Yates Co., New York

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CHURCH CHIMES
CENTENNIAL EDITION
 
One Hundredth Anniversary
First Methodist Episcopal Church
Penn Yan, New York
March 23-30, 1924
 
Rev. Walter S. Wright, Pastor
 
(Photos opposite opening page: Rev. Lyford S. Boyd, D. D., Superintendent
Geneva District, Pastor 1916-1921; Bishop Wm. Burt, Resident Bishop, Buffalo
Area; Rev. Walter S. Wright, Present Pastor)
 
Foreword
 
The celebration of the Centennial of Methodism in Penn Yan would not be
complete without a written history to bring to our attention the outstanding
features of this long period of church life and activity. It is with this
thought in mind that the new edition of "Church Chimes" is brought forth. The
history published at the time of the eightieth anniversary has been carefully
revised and that covering the past twenty years added. It is not intended to
be a detailed record of all the activities of the church, but the essentials
are incorporated, and a very interesting account of our life and work is
herewith presented. One of these books should be in every Methodist home. We
should know our history and appreciate the large place that Methodism has
filled in the life of the community. We are grateful to those who have
furnished information or helped in any way to make our history as complete as
possible. Especially are we indebted to Mr. Frank L. Swann, who has given much
time and painstaking effort to the task of searching records, gathering data
from a variety of sources and presenting it in readable form. He has done his
work well.
                                                                               
 
                                        W. S. W.
 
THE CHURCH CHIMES
CENTENNIAL EDITION
Issued by the FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
PENN YAN, N. Y., MARCH, 1924
 
Church Edifice
Main Street, corner of Chapel
 
Parsonage
219 Main Street
 
Church Services
Sunday
Preaching, 10:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M.
Sunday School . . . 12:00 M.
Epworth League. . 6:30 P.M. 
 
Thursday
Prayer Meeting. . 7:30 P.M.
 
 
Church Officers
Bishop---Wm. D. Burt, D. D., Buffalo, N. Y.
District Superintendent---L. S. Boyd, D. D., 44 Elmwood Ave., Geneva, N. Y.
Pastor---W. S. Wright, Parsonage
Superannuated Preacher---P. J. Bull, 602 Liberty Street.
Local Preacher---F. L. Swann, 518 Liberty Street
________________________________________________________________________
 
Trustees
Timothy Costello, Chairman
Charles H. Churchill, Sec'y
Dr. J. A. Conley, Herbert C. Ovenshire, H. C. Underwood, J. A. Fiero
________________________________________________________________________
 
Stewards
H. J. Davis, Recording
J. A. Darrow, District
D. C. Ayres, C. N. Bacon, G. W. Donaldson, F. H. Cole, Andrew Nissen, G. H. 
Romayne, H. F. Skiff, S. C. Turner, R. E. Wheeler, F. H. Wilson, S. J.
Andrews, L. Blakeslee, Isaac Clark, C. C. Hall, L. R. Platman, A. H. Wheeler,
Earl Morse
________________________________________________________________________
 
Mrs. Herbert C. Winters, Organist
________________________________________________________________________
 
Sunday School
Superintendent    L. R. Platman
First Assistant    Roy Wheeler
Second Assistant    Miss Elizabeth Deighton
Third Assistant    Isaac Clark
Sup't Primary Department    Mrs. Esther Bailey
Secretary and Treasurer    C. C. Hall
Pianist    Miss Eunice Frame
________________________________________________________________________
 
Epworth League
President    Mrs. Mary W. Fox
First Vice President    Eleanor Ayres
Fourth Vice President    Arlene Pulver
Secretary    Harry McConnell
Treasurer    Charles McCarrick
________________________________________________________________________
 
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
President    Mrs. D. C. Ayres
First Vice President    Mrs. M. C. Stark
Second Vice President    Mrs. G.H. Frederick
Recording Secretary    Miss Jennie Gelder
Corresponding Secretary    Mrs. Bradley Beach
Treasurer    Mrs. H. J. Davis
Sup't of Standard Bearers    Mrs. Eugene Shepard
Sup't of King's Heralds    Mrs. Elias Wallace
Sup't of Little Light Bearers    Mrs. M. Chaffee
________________________________________________________________________
 
Woman's Home Missionary Society
President    Mrs. M. W. House
First Vice President    Mrs. C. E. Shepard
Second Vice President    Mrs. H. J. Davis
Third Vice President    Mrs. Lily Gardner
Recording Secretary    Mrs. Hattie Cole
Corresponding Secretary    Mrs. Frank Quackenbush
Treasurer    Mrs. George Frederick
Secretary Mite Boxes    Mrs. F. A. Sutton
Secretary Mother's Jewels    Mrs. Lily Gardner
Secretary Temperance Work    Mrs. D. C. Ayres
Secretary Evangelism    Mrs. M. C. Stark
Secretary Supplies    Mrs. Ethel Burton
________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Ladies' Aid
President    Mrs. Guy Coats
First Vice President    Mrs. Lester Platman
Second Vice President    Mrs. Wm. O'Brien
Secretary    Miss Jennie Gelder
Treasurer    Mrs. Bradley Beach
________________________________________________________________________
 
Committee in Charge of Centennial Celebration
D. C. Ayres, L. R. Platman, R. E. Wheeler, F. L. Swann, Mrs. F. H. Cole, Mrs.
C. 
E. Shepard, Mrs. C. N. Bacon, Mrs. Guy Coats
 
 
HISTORY OF PENN YAN M. E. CHURCH by Frank L. Swann
 
Local church history is of more than minor importance and should be one of
more than minor interest, for the apparently small and insignificant things
which happen in a community such as this are links in the great chain which
binds together God's great progressing universe. If we are to believe reports
of the early spiritual and moral condition of this community, not the
Methodist church alone but all the churches have justified their existence and
done well their God-given tasks.
 
So closely is the early history of Methodism in Penn Yan linked with that of
the surrounding communities that it is almost impossible to draw definite
lines of distinction. At first we shall have to deal with generalities and
become more specific as our sources permit.
 
After Methodism reached American shores its growth is the more remarkable when 
we consider the mode of communication in that day. Two immigrants from
Ireland, Philip Embury and Barbara Heck, were the church's first pioneers. The
former, who landed in New York in 1760, was the first class leader and local
preacher on the American continent and six years later he began to preach in
his own house in New York to a congregation of six. About this same time
Robert Strawbridge, another Irish local preacher, began to preach in Maryland.
Thus almost simultaneously in two American colonies, Methodism had its
beginnings.
 
Appeals from these American colonies that Wesley send them regular conference 
preachers brought matters to a head in the Leeds Conference of 1769. "We have
a pressing call from our brethren at New York (who have built a preaching
house) to come over and help them. Who is willing to go?" And on October 24,
1769, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, who had volunteered, landed at 
Philadelphia. In response to a later call for assistance, Francis Asbury and
Richard Wright landed in Philadelphia in 1771.
 
(Aside from the various church records, the facts gathered here have been 
gleaned from Cleveland's History of Yates County; Bishop Simpson's Cyclopedia
of Methodism, revised; History of the Genesee Conference by Rev. F. W. Conable 
(1876); "John Wesley, the Methodist"; the files of The Yates County Chronicle; 
the historical sketches by Mrs. Louise B. Ayres in the 1898 Church Chimes, and 
Mr. Berlin H. Wright in the 1904 Church Chimes and the personal recollections
of several people of all faiths, who have been interviewed by the writer.)
 
By 1786 the foundations laid by Philip Embury had grown to a membership of 
18,000 with 104 itinerant preachers, who traveled eastward to the Alleghenies, 
and southward to the Carolinas, having at Baltimore in 1784 formally organized 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of America.
 
The tales of the early bishops and circuit riders are thrilling indeed. 
Undaunted by dense virgin forests, swamps carrying dread diseases, they forded 
rivers, climbed mountains, journeyed through rain, snow and sunshine,
sustained by the spirit, for their salaries barely bought their daily bread.
"Then indeed was the glory of the itineracy."
 
1792-1824. But to bring our story nearer home. What was later the nucleus of 
Penn Yan, then was a group of houses scattered between the Orin Shaw farm (the 
late Chas. B. Shaw farm) in Benton, where the Sam Wise tavern stood, and the 
Melatiah Lawrence farm in Milo about the same distance to the south, and 
extending in approximate distances to the east and west. 
 
The first Methodist meeting in this section was held in 1792 in the barn of
Levi Benton by Ezra Cole (great-grandfather of Fay Cole) who was the first
local preacher to visit these parts. A year later he traveled 350 miles
through the forests to visit the session of the Philadelphia Conference to
induce Bishop Asbury to send a preacher to the Genesee Country, "a man of God
who could preach for and pray with the lost and scattered sheep" of this part
of the great wilderness then known as the Genesee Country, "Valley of Pleasant
Waters."
 
"Bishop Asbury having seen its possibilities, ventured to send preachers to 
starve and perish in the wilderness" although strongly opposed by his
advisers. Through roads mere bridal paths through the forest from one little
settlement to another, often beset by Indians, came the Rev. William Colbert
and Valentine Cook, the latter presiding elder, to the newly formed Seneca
Circuit. Meanwhile Ezra Cole on his return from his 700-mile journey had
organized the first Methodist class. The quarterly meetings were held in a log
house near where is now the farm house of the late Chas. B. Shaw, probably the
Sam Wise tavern.
 
Until 1810 the circuits of New York State and Canada were controlled by the
New York and Philadelphia conferences. We were under the control of the
Philadelphia conference until the formation of the Genesee conference in 1810.
The latter included most of the territory now composing the Wyoming, Central
and Northern New York and Canadian conference, the latter withdrawing from the
United States jurisdiction in 1828.
 
Bishop Asbury was severely censured for organizing the Genesee Conference,
some men saying, "it was an unwarranted assumption of authority," and others
saying, "it was cruel, setting off those preachers in the wilderness to
starve."
 
(Photos opposite page 8: SECOND CHURCH HOME. Purchased 1857 from the 
Congregationalists. Additions made in 1859 and 1881. Originally erected in
1841. Demolished in September, 1896, to make way for new church. PRESENT
PARSONAGE. Bequeathed to church by Mr. and Mrs. Delos Hollowell. First
occupied as parsonage in May, 1918.)
 
The methods of the preachers of that day are apparent for as they went they 
formed their converts into classes of ten or twelve and arranged plans for 
preaching to these scattered groups usually semi-monthly.
 
In 1794 Alward White was preacher and Thornton Fleming presiding elder. The 
following preachers succeeded: John Lackey and Joseph Whitby, 1795; Anning
Owen and Hamilton Jefferson, 1796; Johnson Dunham, 1797; Jonas Stokes and
Richard Lyon, 1798; Jonathan Bateman, 1799. Samuel Castner was one of the
earliest class leaders.
 
In May, 1796, a quarterly meeting was held by Rev. Valentine Cook at the home
of George Wheeler, now the Mason L. Baldwin place. Here the first Methodist
church in Yates county was built in 1807 (abandoned in 1828 for one built at
Haven's Corners). People attended from 40 miles distant. Two girls, Polly and
Anne Chambers, respectively 14 and 16 years of age, started from Bath to
attend a Methodist meeting in Benton. They missed the rude contrivance at
Hammondsport, called a boat, and followed the only foot path, an old Indian
trail, through tangled brush and fallen trees along the east side of the lake.
They stopped over night at an old log tavern, at the place now known as Keuka,
where they were overtaken by their brother, and the following day the three
resumed their journey crossing the outlet at Penn Yan, near the present
location of the Birkett Mills, on floating logs and fallen trees. Forests
unbroken, dense, primitive, stood where Penn Yan now is, and but one house. On
they went to the meeting at Benton, a tramp of 35 miles. Anne Chambers became
the wife of David Briggs of Milo Center and the mother of the late Judge W. S.
Briggs.
 
The Crooked Lake Circuit formed in 1814 was an offshoot of the Lake Region 
Circuit formed in 1803 and the latter was an offshoot of the Seneca Circuit 
formed in 1793. We are told that the Crooked Lake Circuit was comprised 16 
classes taking in the territory from Benton on the north to Reading on the 
south. The first local preacher on the Crooked Lake Circuit seems to have been 
Rev. William Smith, who settled here in 1797 and organized the first class in 
what is now Penn Yan, of which the following were members: Abraham Prosser, 
leader; Mrs. Prosser; Eleanor Smith, afterward Mrs. Joseph Hollowell, 
grandmother of the late W. D. Hollowell; Polly Lawrence; Mrs. Joel Dorman;
Mrs. Rebecca Sherman, mother of the late George Sherman, and others who lived
where Penn Yan now is.
 
Local Methodism of all times owes much to the fortitude of its women. All of
the first class but two were women and two of these suffered for righteousness
sake. It is said that Mrs. Dr. John Dorman persisted in organizing class and
prayer meetings although her husband threatened to horsewhip her if she
continued. Finding her absent from home when he returned unexpectedly he went
to a neighbor's home, where a meeting was in progress, armed with a horsewhip,
ready to carry out his threat. Upon reaching the door and hearing prayer he
waited. He remained until the close of the meeting when he walked quietly home
with his wife, no doubt having had a prick of conscience.
 
The preachers until 1825 included the following: Benjamin Bidlack, Benjamin G. 
Paddock, George Harmon, Palmer Roberts, William J. Kent, Robert Parker, Ogden 
Lanning and Henry J. Kent.
 
The first regular prayer meeting in Penn Yan was held in the Home of John
Dorman (referred to just above) in 1823 in his hotel which stood near the
present location of the Benham House. It was called by Abraham Prosser at the
request of Mrs. Susan Benson, who afterwards became Mrs. Susan Woodin,
daughter of Samuel J. Potter. Mrs. Joel Dorman, Mrs. Abraham Prosser, Mrs. Dr.
John Dorman, were among those who attended. Later they met at the home of Mrs.
Benson for one year. Upon the completion of the Methodist church in 1826, the
meetings thereafter were held in it. Before this there were prayer meetings,
of course, but held irregularly and in various places, often in barns. The
seats were of slabs, with easily removable legs that allowed them to be
knocked down and hauled to the next meeting place. Wagon robes and blankets
were spread on them to relieve their hardness.
 
To be a Christian and a church member in those days meant much more than it
does now. Think of walking through the woods, inhabited principally by
Indians, wolves, bears, panthers, wildcats and rattlesnakes, from where Milo
Center now is to the site of Penn Yan to attend prayer meeting. Lighted
torches of pitch-pine were carried on the return at night to frighten off the
wild animals. This was the experience of the mother of the late Judge Briggs,
and many others, of course. We have referred to the trials of the early
preachers. Their seed-sowing amid the rocky places has brought forth bountiful
fruits, and too high praise cannot be given them. As an example of the
salaries of that day we are told that a preacher traveling the old Canaan
circuit in the Susquehanna district received $44.98 and his traveling
expenses. 
 
Data of an authentic character concerning our early history is very meager.
The earliest church record extant begins May 13, 1843, and this notation is
found on the flyleaf: "The former book having been burned in Morgan and
Stark's Store." A private journal covering the same period was also destroyed.
 
We now find our historical data better localized and our sources more
authentic, we find filed in the county clerk's office the following Articles
of Incorporation:
    "We the subscribers, do certify that at a meeting held at the schoolhouse
in the village of Penn Yan, town of Milo and county of Yates, on the
twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty-four, of the male inhabitants of full age, being members and
friends of the Methodist Episcopal church, held in pursuance of public notice
given two successive Sabbaths, or meetings, say at least fifteen days previous
to the time of meeting, for the purpose of incorporating themselves according
to the act to provide for the incorporation of religious societies, the
Reverend Abner Chase and Mr. Abraham Prosser, two of the members of the said
society, were duly chosen to preside at the said meeting and that Abraham
Prosser, Samuel Lawrence, Arch Strobridge, George Sherman and Samuel Henderson
were duly elected trustees of society to be incorporated. And it was resolved
by the said meeting that the society to be incorporated be called and known by
the name of the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the
village of Penn Yan. And we do further certify under our hands and seals that
the above mentioned proceedings were had in our presence.
                                                                               
 
                                     Abner Chase          (L. S.)
                                                                               
 
                                     Abraham Prosser    (L. S.)
 
    The classifications of the within named trustees is as follows, to wit.: 
George Sherman, first class; Arch Strobridge, second class; Abraham Prosser, 
second class; Samuel Lawrence, third class, and Samuel Henderson, third class.
 
STATE OF NEW YORK, Yates County.
    Be it remembered that on the 29th day of March, 1824, personally appeared 
before me William M. Oliver, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the county of Yates, and counselor, etc., the within hand Abraham Prosser
and Abner Chase, to me known to be the same persons described in and who
executed the within instrument in writing, and severally acknowledged that
they executed the same free and voluntarily for the uses and purposes therein
mentioned. There being therein no erasures or interlineations, let it be
recorded. 
                                                                               
 
                                     William H. Oliver."
 
This is the document upon which we base our right to celebrate our 100th 
birthday. Let us refer briefly to the names appearing in this document.
 
George Sherman came to Penn Yan in 1809, and was the grandfather of Abraham 
Sherman. He did not become a Methodist until several years later, although his 
wife was with us from the start. The Sherman home was one of the early meeting 
places for the traveling preachers and Mrs. Sherman delighted to have prayer
and class meetings at her home, much to the annoyance of her husband, who at
one time before his conversion, turned a houseful of Methodists out of doors
when he returned unexpectedly. Samuel Henderson was the brother of Mrs. R. A.
Longwell, whose father, Richard Henderson, great-grandfather of Frank Gillett,
sawed and furnished the shingles for our first church. Samuel Lawrence was the
uncle of the late Mrs. Oliver Stark. Abraham Prosser was the father of Lawyer
David B. Prosser, who, up to the time of the Wesleyan withdrawal, was one of
our strong men. He was a carpenter in his youth and placed the shingles on the
roof of the first church as his subscription to the fund. Archibald Strobridge
was the father-in-law of the late Walter Sutherland, then residing where John
Fiero now lives. He was an active man in all good works and "A great power in
prayer." We shall refer to Abner Chase in connection with his later pastorate.
 
The schoolhouse referred to in the certificate of incorporation and in the 
notice of the organization of the first regular prayer meeting service, stood 
near where the academy building now stands, or near the northeast corner of
that yard---side to the street, door in the south end, and generally in a very
filthy condition. This is confirmed by a written statement of Col. Charles
Lee, made in 1850, and in the possession of Walter Wolcott. He locates the
schoolhouse and says that prior to the first churches all religious meetings
were held in it.
 
1825. The church lot was deeded by Abraham Wagener May 28th for a
consideration of five dollars, to remain the property of the church society so
long as it was used for church purposes. This deed called for a portion of the
lot on the north side of Chapel Street (then known as Church Street), about
opposite the present residence of Mrs. Kate Miles. Later, in 1834, an addition
was purchased for $200, and still later a clear title gained through a
quit-claim deed executed by the Wagener heirs.
 
Concerning the general state of society in Penn Yan in 1825, Mr. Henry
Bradley, in his memorial address for Rev. Chauncey Eddy, pastor of the
Presbyterian church in 1825, says; "There was no Sabbath school, Bible society
or temperance society in Penn Yan, and no place where the Bible or religious
books were kept for sale. So low was religion in the village that it is
believed that there were only two or three family altars and but few praying
folks in the place." This statement, though, is considered somewhat
exaggerated, judging from other data that we have of this period.
 
1826-1829. Rev. John B. Alverson, died April 21, 1850, was the first regular 
pastor, remaining three years, the last being considered supernumerary. Later 
presiding elder of Geneva and Rochester districts. He came here at the age of 
32, a man of commanding appearance and unusual eloquence. Church Chimes Number
1 states that at the close of his pastorate there was a membership of thirty. 
Bishop Simpson in his "Cyclopedia of Methodism," allows us 100 members in
1828, which is no doubt an error. 
 
The earliest trustees and members included the following: John Powell, Asa, 
Ezra, and Elisha Cole, Abner Bridgman, Benjamin Tyler, Fisher W. Hewson,
Abraham Prosser, Ludlow E. Lapham, Alph and Albert Tuell, R. M. Smith, Elisha
G. Hopkins and Joel and John Dorman with their wives and other members of
their families, doubtless. Lydia Stewart, Mrs. Susan Miller and her husband,
Robert Miller, Mrs. Maria Jillett, and Mrs. George Sherman, Sr., were among
the first members, although the husbands of the last two did not join until
later. Up to the close of this pastorate we were in the Crooked Lake circuit;
the Benton circuit, formed in 1828, included Penn Yan and the section on the
south and west to Kinney's Corners.
 
There were few large villages in those days, hence no competition for the
"best appointments." 
 
The first Methodist meeting-house was built in 1826 by Abraham Prosser. It was 
of frame construction, 33 x 60 feet, its tower square, was on octagonal belfry 
surrounded with balcony and rail above. An image representing Gabriel blowing
a trumpet stood on the steeple. The pulpit was in the east end, the choir
occupied the balcony opposite, while side galleries ran between. The walls
were plastered and white-washed, the small-pane windows had no blinds, the
floor no carpet, the pews no cushions, and the choir no instrument of music.
There were wood stoves, and a center chandelier with sperm oil lamps. The pews
had straight back and doors and were stained dark red. Red drapery covered
front and sides of the pulpit, which was the regulation high perch of the day.
It was reached by climbing a flight of stairs on either side, terminating at
doors which made the occupant, when seated, invisible to the congregation
below. The women were all seated on one side, and the men on the other. When
singing, the congregation would rise and turn their backs to the pulpit and
the preacher, facing the choir, which practice continued up to the pastorate
of Dr. Buck.
 
 Many of the details of the dedication of the first meeting house came to
light in 1909 during the pastorate of Rev. D. W. S. Hooker, who in November of
that year received a long envelope postmarked at Chicago and addressed to the 
"Methodist Minister" at Penn Yan, N. Y. Within were a number of discolored
pages cut from the Methodist Magazine published in October, 1827. The text and
full sermon as well as other data concerning the dedication of our first
church were given. The entire sermon was reprinted in the December 29, 1909,
issue of The Yates County Chronicle. The first "meeting-house" was dedicated
December 21, 1826, the Rev. Israel Chamberlayne, a member of the Genesee
conference, preaching the dedicatory sermon, "Divinity," from the text Isaiah
60:7, "And I will glorify the house of my glory."
 
Mr. and Mrs. Abner Bridgman, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha G. Hopkins and Mrs. Lydia 
Stewart composed the choir at this time.
 
After the building ceased to be used for religious purposes, it was for a time 
used for school purposes, until it was sold to C. V. Bush and removed to his 
yard near the north end of Liberty street bridge. 
 
1829-1830. Rev. Abner Chase, pastor, known as "Father Chase." Died April 27, 
1854, and was buried in Lake View cemetery. Many of his descendants still live 
in this section. His son, Elias, father of the late Mrs. Geo. Dunning, was 
sexton for many years, and Mrs. Moses Eastman was a daughter. He began his 
ministry in 1801 and our earlier historian informs us: Though warned against
the rigors and hardships of the itineracy, he followed the leadings of the
spirit and never regretted it, spending thirty-six years in that field and at
the close of his useful career declared, "Had I my life to live over I can
think of no employment this side of heaven that I would prefer to that of an
itinerate minister." Think of it! 300 to 400 miles a week on foot or horseback
in all kinds of weather, reaching thirty or more towns, taking "potluck"
everywhere. He mentions his experience in 1820 when traveling to his
appointment in the Ontario district. "Lost at night in a strange wilderness at
last found a log hut and was stowed away over the overhead logs, because (as
my host explained), the rattlesnakes that abounded were inclined to come in
upon the ground floor was told not to heed the howlings of the wolves and
panthers and was comforted by the assurance that they could not get in." He
saw the church grow to forty-two members. In 1836 he was appointed presiding
elder of the Crooked Lake district which by this time had been subdivided and
his name is interwoven with the early history of nearly every Methodist
society in this section. He was "The Apostle of the Ontario district with no
superiors of his time in the conference." "He preached with his whole body and
soul." "After listening to him for two and one-half hours his hearers dreaded
to have him close." Verily, he left a princely legacy, and no monument of
granite built by man can endure as will the memory of this "Man of God."
 
1830-1831. Rev. Manly Tooker, pastor; later presiding elder. Died December, 
1871. He is remembered as a preacher of great power. He was inclined to be 
gloomy, somewhat pessimistic, rarely smiling, and always assembled the family, 
where he chanced to call, for the reading of a chapter and prayer. He made his 
home with "Uncle John" Powell, who was one of the staunchest supporters of the 
church. The homes of John Powell, George Sherman, William Waddle, and Mrs. 
Jillett, were headquarters for the preachers of this period. Many additions
came through this pastor's efforts, among them Mr. and Mrs. Fisher W. Hewson,
who were converted at a cottage prayer meeting in their own home.
 
 Mr. Tooker wrote in the sketch of his life: "A genuine work of grace was 
witnessed this year, which resulted in doubling the number and strength of the 
society." Abner Chase, presiding elder.
 
1831-1833. Rev. Chester V. Adgate, pastor, died February 4, 1833, buried in
Lake View Cemetery. The stone at his head was erected by the church as a
tribute of love. After the death of Mr. Adgate, Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D.,
was appointed to finish the term. Both men were full of the Methodist vigor of
those stirring times. There were many conversions as a result of the revival
meetings held under the care of Mr. Seager, among them Mrs. L. O. Dunning and
Mary Powell Stewart.
 
The first annual conference held within the borders of Yates County met July
26 to August 2nd, 1832. The meetings were held in the house of Samuel Jillett, 
which still stands on the corner of East Main Street and Garfield Avenue, and 
their preaching services were held in a grove back of the house. Bishop Elijah 
Hedding presided. Richard Jillett, the son, informed a former historian that
he well remembered the house being full of people and that he acquired
considerable wealth by blacking their shoes.
 
1833-1834. Rev. William Hoag, pastor, died April 12, 1839. He was Quakerish in 
his manners and dress, but a "fighter for Methodism". Great religious
excitement 
was produced by the Baptist Elder Knapp revivals of this period. Among the 
converts was Mrs. Oliver Stark. Rev. Manly Tooker was presiding elder. Rev. 
Schuyler Seager and Elder Elijah Hebard occupied the pulpit much of the time 
from March 24th to conference. Mr. Jillett's memorandum book.
 
1834-1835. Rev. Robert T. Parker, pastor, died Dec. 3, 1874. "A pure, kind 
spirited, excellent preacher; too retiring; few equals." An addition to the 
church lot was purchased from Abraham Wagener for $200 and a little later a 
quit-claim deed was executed by the Wagener heirs for $1.00. The record in the 
County Clerk's office shows Samuel Lawrence, George Sherman, Sr., Joel Dorman, 
Elisha G. Hopkins and John Powel1 to be trustees at this time.
 
Mr. Jillett`s memorandum contains the following: "Samuel Henderson, departed 
this life the 12th day of April, 1834." We do not know whether he was ever a 
member of the church he helped to found, although there is good reason to 
believe he was. Two young ladies, holding membership cards to a Methodist
class, rode many miles to attend a meeting, but were refused admittance
because each wore a feather in her riding cap. "Elder Birch, or Burch,
presided at the quarterly meeting May 18th." Elder Steel frequently occupied
the pulpit from 1833-1835. "An Indian preached in Penn Yan, in August, 1835,
from I Timothy, 2:8."
 
1835-1836. Rev. Thomas J. Champion, pastor, transferred to Michigan in 1843.
The following well illustrates the general opinion of the man: Old "Father
John Rudman" said at the close of a sermon one time, "We shall never see a
Brother Champion in heaven. No, never will we see him there, for he will be so
near the throne that we won't be able to catch a glimpse of him." Among those
who formed the choir at this time were, Abner Bridgman, who led the singing
with a bass viol, E. G. Hopkins, Harvey Easton, Lydia, Lucretia and Mercy
Stewart. The singing was fine. A Mr. Pratt was sexton for many years.
 
There was a remarkable continuity in the successive breaking forth of the 
revival spirit at this time, the various denominations alternating, thus
keeping the fires of religious fervor ever burning. Rev. Joseph Cross and
Samuel C. Adams were the great revival leaders of this time. The first has
been thus described: "He caught attention at once and never allowed it to
wander. He seemed to lift one right up into the air, through the ceiling and
roof and far above earthly things." Lambert V. Elliott, Judge Lawrence, Oliver
and Charles Stark, Benjamin Tyler, Miss Phoebe Hopkins, Hannah Bogart, Abraham
W. Sherman and wife, Alfred and Albert Tuell and Bianca Bennett were converted
and brought into the fold. Some fifty converts joined our church as a result
of these meetings.
 
1836-1837. Rev. Seth Mattison, pastor, died in 1845. "A most eminent
preacher," and one of the brave forty-nine who formed the Genesee Conference
in 1810. S. C. Adams, who lived near Milo Center and was known as "Crazy
Adams," held meetings during this pastorate. It is related that when a certain
individual, who was a chronic convert, was again on the "anxious seat"
confessing his backslidings and praying for mercy and forgiveness, Adams
startled everybody by shouting, "I hope God will strike you dead, brother,
before you ever again have a chance to backslide." This well illustrates the
rough, outspoken character of the man; but he well knew how to stir people up
and set them to thinking. Rev. Elijah Hebard, presiding elder.
 
1837-1838. Rev. Thomas J. Champion again pastor. L. O. Dunning and B. L. Hoyt 
were members of the choir. Rev. John Dennis, father of Mrs. Frances Hodgson,
and later one of the greatest preachers in the conference, continued the
revivals. One of the members, with his wife, started for class meeting wearing
a new and showy gold watch chain and fob. As he approached the church he
thought of the chain, and concluding that it would not be wise to attempt to
enter with that in view, he detached it and hid it in his pocket; subsequently
a plain cord was used on such occasions. What a contrast to the present. James
Armstrong, Oliver Stark, and Miss Judith A. Lawrence, later the wife of Darius
A. Ogden, joined at this time.
 
1838-1839. Rev. Allan Steele, pastor, died January 14, 1873, after forty years 
in the ministry. "He was a grand good man." His zeal in preaching caused
throat difficulty resulting in his early death. He was the father of J. Dorman
Steele, teacher and author, having married the daughter (Sabra) of that family
of pioneer Methodists, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Dorman. Another of their daughters,
Nancy, married Dr. Crawford, Oliva married Asa Savage, and Elizabeth married
Judge W. S. Briggs---Methodist all the way through. The church was repaired at
this time and meetings were held in the court house. It is related that Sam
Adams was holding meetings in this vicinity when a very tall man seated in a
conspicuous place created a small disturbance. Adams marched up to him,
exclaiming, "Come down here you great hay pole of hell; down on your knees and
seek pardon for your sins." Much after the style of his later prototypes, Sam
Jones and Dowie. Someone placed brimstone on the stove, and he said he knew it
was a "mighty wicked place, but he did not suppose it was connected by an open
shaft with hell."
 
(Photo opposite page 16: Bishop Frederick S. Leete of Indianapolis, Ind. Who 
spent two of his boyhood years in Penn Yan while his father, Rev. M. S. Leete, 
was pastor.)
 
1839-1840. Rev. Freeborn G. Hibbard, D. D., pastor, died January 27, 1895,
after fifty-eight years spent in the ministry. He was later presiding elder,
editor of The Northern Christian advocate, wrote much for the religious press
and was an author of distinction. He needs no eulogy here; he left lasting
impressions wherever he went. "A great Bible scholar, but did not enthuse."
"Sedate and solid in all his ways and addresses." Mr. and Mrs. Waddell,
parents of George and Dr. Waddell, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sanford, parents of
Prof. Henry R. and Mary Sanford; Bianca Bennett and Sarah J. Purdy were among
the accessions.
 
1840-1841. Rev. William P. Davis, pastor, left the itineracy in 1847. He is
well and favorably remembered by many, rather Quakerish in his dress and ways,
but exceedingly eloquent. Mrs. Oliver Stark, then Miss Sabra Lawrence, came to
us from the Milo Center church at this time.
 
1841-1843. Rev. Freeborn G. Hibbard, again pastor. This was a history making 
epoch in all churches. Great excitement prevailed over the slavery question.
In one instance a Negro who had been invited to speak in the church had his 
audience driven out by an opposing faction. The pastors and those in authority 
were in hot water whichever side they took. About twenty-one members left our 
church and formed the Wesleyan, holding their meetings in Hoyt's tavern which 
stood where the Oliver residence, corner of Chapel and Main, now is. (This
same year a group led by Ovid Minor withdrew from the Presbyterian church
forming the Congregationalist church. This is of interest to us in that when
their society disbanded their meeting house was purchased by the Methodists
and became our second church home.) Some returned after the slavery excitement
subsided; others never did. Among the more prominent who left our church were
D. B. Prosser, Abner Bridgman, Lewis B. Graham, Ezekiel Clark, W.S. Briggs,
Noah Davis, William Sutherland and Mrs. Joel Dorman. Miss Adelaide Harvey,
later Mrs. Reuben Cory, T. C. Sutton and Phoebe Hopkins came to us at this
time. Two colored men were Methodist characters, Abe Hamilton and John Thomas.
The latter remained on earth until January 19, 1899, reaching the age of 120.
He often told in the meetings that he had "read the Bible through leaf by leaf
twenty-seven times." His opening exclamation, "Friends," quick and sharp,
always startled. Samuel Lawrence was removed by death and Harvey Easton joined
at this time. Dr. Hibbard's two lovely children died towards the close of his
pastorate here.
 
1843-1844. Rev. Clinton w. Sears, pastor, died August 29, 1863, as a result of 
service in the Civil War. "A very bright man." This was his first charge. In 
1843 all the records of our church were lost when the store of Morgan & Stark 
burned. (Located where the Seeley Clothing Co. now is.) S. B. Ayres, Rho. D. 
Ludlow and C. W. Stark joined. Rev. Manly Tooker was presiding elder.
 
1844-1846. Rev. Isaiah McMahon, pastor, died January 17, 1892. Both the pastor 
and his wife were great Bible students, they "seemed to know the Bible by 
heart." Mr. McMahon was a polished scholar, yet always used the simplest 
language. At the eightieth anniversary an album was displayed in which he had 
written the Lord's Prayer in ten different languages. He was also a splendid 
singer. On May 10, 1845, a missionary committee was organized consisting of
John Powell, F. W. Hewson, R. M. Smith, A. Buell, and S. B. Ayres. John
Kingsley was sexton. Harvey Easton and L. Britton were among the class
leaders. This was the time of the great camp meetings near the Hollowell place
south of town, where Bishop Hamline preached to 5,000 people. One of the texts
recalled is Gal. 6:7, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Another was, "Let your light so shine before men," Matt. 4:16. Among other
speakers were Rev. J. B. Alverson, F. G. Hibbard and Allen Steele.
 
1846-1848. Rev. William H. Goodwin, D. D., LL. D., pastor died February 17, 
1875. A man of unusual magnetic qualities as a speaker, an orator who at once 
captivated his audience. As a preacher he was the opposite of his predecessor. 
So elaborate was his vocabulary that one member remarked he would have to take 
his dictionary to church with him. In 1854 he was state senator from Ontario
and Livingston counties. He loved to fish and would visit his favorite fishing 
grounds at George Sherman's place as often as three times a week, where he has 
been known to linger for the last strike until he was forced to run part of
the way in order to reach home before prayer meeting. On one occasion when
visiting Jeptha Potter at Yatesville, the pastor using a fine outfit caught
only three fish, while "Brother Jeptha" caught fifteen speckled beauties with
a hickory sprout for a rod. History indicates that the pastor was a better
fisher of men than of fish. "He was a great story teller. He could beat any
man reading a hymn that ever stood in a pulpit it would just lift one out of
the seat."
 
Jeptha Potter came to the Penn Yan church from Yatesville, at this time,
because of the improper use of the home church for town meeting purposes. Z.
Paddock was one of the Bible class teachers and D. A. Ogden one of the
official board. The marked plainness of dress which had for so long
characterized Methodists was severely shaken when some of the sisters created
a decided commotion when they appeared in the place of worship with feathers
in their hats. Even pretty floral decorations, though much less conspicuous
than some of the millinery of today, were denounced as "flowers of the devil."
What if they could witness some of the ultra-modern outbursts in clothing as
well as millinery. 
 
In 1848 we became part of East Genesee Conference due to a division of the old 
Genesee Conference.
 
In the oldest church records we have, is found this entry opposite the name of 
Benjamin Tyler: "Died triumphantly, March 30, 1847."
 
Rev. John Copeland, Presiding Elder; Rev. Abner Chase, supernumerary.
 
1848-1850. Rev. Alpha Wright, pastor. The parsonage on Clinton Street was 
purchased for $1,500, Dec. 19, 1848. The church was repaired and improved, the 
galleries removed, and a basement provided rooms for Sunday school and social 
gatherings, and a melodeon and subsequently a pipe organ made by the Wagstaff 
Company, of Pulteney, was added. A new certificate of incorporation was made, 
probably because of the before mentioned destruction of the records in 1843. 
These articles were dated January 7, and January 22, 1849. George Sherman,
Sr., E. G. Hopkins, R. M. Smith, Oliver Stark, and D. A. Ogden were the
trustees. The following names of the male members appear on the record at this
time, all are now dead: J. Conger, D. A. Ogden, S. W. Munger, James Armstrong,
J. Powell, George Sherman, Sr., H. Kinyon, Asa Cole, E. L. Jacobus, William
Waddell, Sr., A. F. Stark, C. Ayres, E. G. Hopkins, Levi O. Dunning, R. M.
Smith, S. B. Ayres, L. E. Lapham, Oliver Stark, Fisher Hewson, L. B. Ayres, C.
V. Bush, Romulus Gildersleeve, Benjamin P. Lyon, Rufus Schofield, Abraham W.
Sherman, Alfred Tuell, Albert Tuell, Abner Chase, Thomas C. Sutton, Thomas M.
Townsend, A. W. Emerson, Andrew J. Madden, Isaac Jones, Isaac Jillett, David
A. Knapp, John S. Kingsley, David Mosher, George A. Hewson, Geo. Sherman, Jr.,
William Sherman, Chauncey Chapman, and Joseph T. Slaughter. 42 in all. Rev. N.
A. Depew (died Sept. 16, 1903) licensed as a local preacher.
 
Rev. F. W. Connable's History of Genesee Conference describes Alpha Wright
thus: "Small of stature, but a loud and rapid speaker. Words played upon his
tongue and rolled from his small mouth 'like everything.'"
 
1850-1852. Rev. Israel H. Kellogg, pastor, died January 15, 1891. Later 
presiding elder in Genesee Conference. Church affairs were rather quiet though 
we had one of the best pastors in the East Genesee Conference.
 
1852-1854. Rev. D. D. Buck, D. D., pastor, died June 7, 1895, at Geneva, after 
58 years in the ministry. "A strong preacher and a great student and writer." 
Many interesting things are told of his pastorate here. He was original and 
dared to speak his opinions though slow to speak against slavery. He reformed 
the practice of turning the back to the preacher during singing. His 
pronunciation was a little peculiar, his manners quite stiff and he was very 
precise in his sermons.
 
 The annual conference was held here for the second time. The church lost one
of its oldest and staunchest friends when John Powell passed from his earthly
to his heavenly home.  The following constituted the choir: L. O. Dunning,
George Waddell, Mary Hopkins, Mrs. H. R. Sanford, William and Lewis Powell,
Anna and Belle Woodruff, Mrs. Sarah Butterfield, B. L. Hoyt, and E. G.
Hopkins. The class leaders were Chauncey Chapman, Solomon Williams, L. O.
Dunning, and C. V. Bush.
 
The agitation over the slavery question seems to have broken out afresh and to 
have become very bitter. A dog was thrown in the window of one of the churches 
during service to illustrate the contempt held for the position taken by the 
clergy.
 
Rev. F. G. Hibbard was presiding elder.
 
1854-1856.  Rev. Thomas Tousey, pastor, died March 21, 1892, after forty-two 
years in the ministry. He was presiding elder of the Elmira district and 
"greatly beloved by all." Like some of his predecessors and successors he was
a disciple of Isaac Walton and frequently went over to Yatesville where the 
speckled trout abounded, when his real mission was not of a pastoral
character. Joseph Purdy joined at this time.
 
1856-1858. Rev. Nathan Fellows, pastor, died March 7, 1875. New board of 
trustees, on which the names of E. L. Jacobus, L. O. Dunning and C. V. Bush 
appear. Lewis Powell was organist. Mrs. Fannie Chase had charge of the primary 
department and E. L Jacobus had a Bible class. In 1857 the Congregational
church was purchased for $3,000. Because of a financial panic money was scarce
and the problem of raising funds for the purchase was a serious one. While the
subject was under discussion, the vehement declaration of Lewis B. Graham,
that "Brethren, I would about as soon think of giving up my religion as to
abandon the project of purchasing this property," spurred them on to meet
conditions successfully.
 
Another revival set in at this time. Richard Smith and Dr. Belt, a local 
preacher, who possessed a marvelous knowledge of the Bible, were the leaders. 
Mrs. Henry Wagener was an active worker. The church had 225 members. Mrs. Lois 
Hopkins and Miss Mary Kimble, our oldest living members, joined in 1858. B. L. 
Hoyt and Prof. H. R. Sanford, both now deceased, joined at this time.
 
1858-1860. Rev. John C. Noble, pastor. "Left the itineracy in 1866, having 
wrecked his ability for usefulness." He is well remembered for his brilliant
and forceful preaching. He was generally very well loved. Pastor's salary,
$700. Joseph Jones, Mrs. B. L. Hoyt, John Latimer, and Charles Stark, all of
whom became very active, joined at this time. Miss Mary Hopkins was organist
and Mrs. H. R. Sanford a member of the choir. In 1859 an addition of thirty
feet was made to the church. Rev. J. K. Tuthill, presiding elder.
 
1860-1862. Rev. Sanford Van Benschoten, pastor, buried in Lake View Cemetery.
He was a popular preacher; noted for his short sermons, never exceeding thirty 
minutes, always jolly, but could not sing. He spent his last years on his
place south of town on the Branchport road, and during this time often replied
to the greetings of friends, "I am practicing, not preaching, these days."
Pastor's salary, $700. The pastor, Guy Shaw and L. E, Lapham, raised money to
pay the $4,000 indebtedness, except for $95, which was assessed to the members
of the official board. As one looks over the records of these days he cannot
but notice that many of the problems of the church have not changed.
Delinquent subscribers gave as much trouble then as now. Asa Cole and Samuel
Jillett died in 1860, both having been members from the beginning. Cleveland's
history says of Mr. Cole, "As a prominent member of the Methodist church he
was noted for benevolence and sympathy with all religious and philanthropic
work." Rev. Andrew Sutherland was presiding elder, and one has said, "I never
heard the Lord's Prayer until I heard Andrew Sutherland repeat it. The first
two words, Our Father, as they passed from his lips, carried me away from
earth and things earthy and filled me with sweetest emotions."
 
1862-1864. Rev. Charles Wesley Bennett, D. D., LL. D., pastor, died April 17, 
1891. "A Christian scholar." He possessed a vigorous personality, rugged 
honesty, and a great sympathetic nature. In the church record we find this 
entry: "Rev. Chas. W. Bennett preached his first sermon and although a total 
stranger his name and praise is on the lips of all the people." "He was
beloved by all." "A profound thinker and scholar." He became principal of
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and still later professor in Syracuse University.
After leaving the professorship at Lima, he studied extensively abroad, the
fruition of which was his "Christian Archaeology of the First Six Centuries,"
published in 1888, and several other publications. He was a large contributor
to Appleton's American Cyclopedia, and McClintock and Strong's Religious 
Cyclopedia. His wife was a niece of the late Mrs. Louise B. Ayres. Pastor's 
salary, $850, estimated church expenses, $1,500. Slip rent advanced
twenty-five per cent. L. O. Dunning presented a baptismal font. In 1863 the
annual conference was held in Penn Yan for the third time, Bishop Scott
presiding.
 
1864-1866. Rev. D. D. Buck, D. D., again pastor. Salary $1,000. First mention
of a vacation on record of quarterly conference. "Resolved that two or three
weeks' leave of absence be granted to the pastor."
 
1866-1869. Rev. Thomas Tousey, again pastor. Salary $1,200. The parsonage was 
enlarged and repaired at a cost of $1,600. Abner Bridgman died Oct. 22, 1868, 
after a life of good works, both in and out of the church. He helped many a 
drunkard to reform. An attempt made to introduce the catechism in the Sunday 
School was a failure. "In the last conference year more than 200 received on 
probation; $200 for superannuated ministers and $515 for missions." E. H. 
Latimer and F. M. Wheeler were recommended by the quarterly conference for the 
ministry and both entered the field. Mission Sunday School discontinued Aug.
17, 
1868.
 
1869-1870. Rev. James E. Latimer, pastor; died November 27, 1884. A brother of 
our former merchant, S. S. superintendent and church official, John M.
Latimer. He was noted for his scholarly attainments and his sermonic lectures.
He delighted to draw illustrations of the "Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God,"
from the wonders of the stellar universe. In 1870 he was professor at Boston 
University School of Theology.
 
1870-1872. Rev. W. R. Benham, pastor; died November 20, 1901. "One of the most 
eloquent preachers," and dearly beloved by everybody. In his first year $700
was raised for missions. He was later presiding elder of the Genesee district
and principal of the Genesee Wesleyan College (now Syracuse University).
Elisha G. Hopkins died March 22, 1871, 78 years of age, an active and useful
member for 44 years, and one of the first board of trustees. Rev. W. H.
Goodwin, pastor twenty-five years before, preached here. Miss Flora Ellis,
organist. Rev. A. F. Morey, presiding elder. Rev. J. Thompson, supernumerary.
Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Dunton received by letter. On January 27, 1871, was an
organ recital by Miss Flora A. Ellis on the new organ. This organ was built by
S. S. Hamill, of East Cambridge, Mass., and was one of the finest in the
section. (This was the organ removed in 1909.)
 
1872-1874. Rev. M. S. Leete, pastor, died April 24, 1911, at Richmond Hill.
Penn Yan is now located in the Elmira District of the Central New York
Conference. We are honored by having Bishop F. D. Leete, the son of this
pastor, with us on the occasion of our hundredth anniversary. Someone calling
at the parsonage at an early morning hour, found the family at prayer, and at
the conclusion heard the pastor say: "And O Lord, help Freddie to be a good
boy." Freddie and Henry, his brother, were wee boys and full of mischief. All
ministers' children are considered such, but the result in this case does not
permit the well known conclusion about ministers' children. The pastor started
a revival from his class in which over 100 were converted, eighty of them
becoming full members. The lot on Chapel Street was sold to George Hopkins for
$1,200, a part having been previously sold for $500, and land for the sheds
purchased of Mrs. Sprague for $285. The money was spent for painting the
church, for the land and removal of sheds, and the balance applied on the
debt. In 1874 the inception of the Old Ladies' Home.
 
1874-1876. Rev. J. P. Farmer, pastor. He withdrew from the conference and 
resigned his pastorate here while under charges. He later preached for a time
in the Baptist church. The great forte of this pastor was to preach and pray.
The fence was removed from around the church in 1875. Miss Helen V. Bridgman, 
organist. Rev. L. C. Queal, presiding elder. Rev. F. S. Stein finished the
term. Course of lectures instituted that continued for a number of years. In
March, 1874, Mrs. John M. Latimer suggested and planned organization of W. C.
T. U.
 
1876-1878. Rev. Kasimer P. Jervis, D. D., pastor, died May 23, 1891. Studied 
law, but afterwards turned to ministry. "One of our best preachers." Later was 
presiding elder. C. M. Stark, one of our oldest class leaders and officials, 
passed out. Rev. F. G. Hibbard and Rev. E. J. Hermans, presiding elders during 
this period.
 
1878-1881. Rev. A. N. Damon, pastor, died December 4, 1893. He entered the 
ministry at 19 years of age and was known as the "boy preacher." His records 
show that during his ministry of thirty-seven years, 2,200 souls found Christ. 
Mrs. Damon was especially beloved by all who knew her. One hundred and
seventeen members were added to the church under his pastorate; sixty-one by
probation and fifty-six by letter. 1881 annual conference held in Penn Yan for
fourth time.
 
1881-1884. Rev. E. M. Mills, D. D., Litt. D., pastor, now Executive Secretary
of the Permanent Fund of Central N. Y. Conference. Salary $1,500. Numerous 
accessions came to us through the union evangelistic meetings held in 1883, 
under Rev. Edgar Davidson. One hundred were taken into the church September
22, 1883, among them Delos Hollowell, Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Perry, Mr. and Mrs.
H. C. Guthrie. 250 probationers were received during this pastorate. Thomas C.
Sutton and Ludlow E. Lapham, two of our oldest members and officials, passed
out. Church repaired in 1881, new seats, pulpits, carpets, roof and wall
paper. The organ pumper received 25c a week. Choir, Mrs. Mary Raymond, Charles
Bridgman, Mrs. Ernest Bordwell and W. W. Quackenbush.
 
1884-1887. Rev. J. H. McCarty, D. D., pastor, died March 30, 1897, in 
Washington, D. C. He was generally well liked. His running and trite remarks 
during the reading of the Scripture were always a treat. Fred S. Armstrong and 
Mrs. Maria Jillett died during this period, the latter a member of the church 
since its inception. A mission Sunday School meeting at the home of Wolcott
Cole in the hollow was organized May 10, 1885, with M. C. Stark,
superintendent, and Mrs. H. S. Wells, secretary. Attendance from 60 to 70.
Rev. B. E. Ives, presiding elder. H. C. Guthrie elected recording steward and
treasurer, in 1884.
 
Pastor's report states: "Ten cents a week on the average from our membership 
would about pay all the bills, and yet we have hard work to keep even with the 
world." New chairs bought for lecture room.
 
1887-1890. Rev. J. V. Benham, pastor, died March 20, 1913, in Syracuse. The 
church suffered a triple loss in the death of Darius A. Ogden, Stephen B.
Ayres, and Oliver Stark, who had been members and most of the time officials
for nearly 50 years. Mary E. Sotham, organist.
 
1890-1891. Rev. L. F. Congdon, D. D., pastor. Now retired and living in
Batavia, N. Y. "A man of profound learning and rare personality." Later
president of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. Membership 430. Dr. Congdon was not
returned for the second year in spite of strong effort.
 
1891-1893. Rev. Arthur Copeland, pastor. Now chaplain Auburn prison. Agitation 
begins for new church. May 2, 1892, a committee of eight appointed to 
investigate new church. Alphonso Dickinson, John Hutches, and Harvey S.
Easton, three class leaders who had served many years, went on to their
reward. Ladies' Guild organized November 2, 1892. During this period 130 were
received on probation, 91 of these joined in full membership, 122 baptised.
Rev. L. C. Queal, presiding elder.
 
1894-1898. Rev. J. Freeman Beebe, pastor, died August 25, 1910, in Utica. Rev. 
L. H. Pearce, presiding elder. Mrs. D. A. Ogden joined the church triumphant, 
May 17, 1895, after 58 years of service. After much investigation the
individual communion service was adopted in 1895. On April 25, 1896, it was
decided to erect a new church on the site of the old, and the farewell banquet
in the old church was held August 23, 1896. A contract was made with Jacob
Allington, September 1st, and October 22nd, the demolition of the old church
commenced. Meanwhile worship was held in the court house. July 29th, 1897, the
corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremony, the following articles being
contained within: Bible, church hymnal, discipline, year book, conference
minutes of 1896, church history by Mrs. L.B. Ayres, copies church papers, New
York and Northern Advocate and Epworth Herald, copies village papers, lists of
members of the church, officers, teachers and scholars in Sunday School,
members of Y. P. S. C. E., church officers, official board, 1843-1896,
building and finance committee, architect and contractor, county, town and
village officers, board of education, photographs of church, Sunday school
room, class room, etc.---five in all, one set one set proof coins for 1896,
centennial medal of American Methodism contributed by H. K. Armstrong, and an
American flag.
 
The building committee was, C. J. Huson, chairman; D. C. Ayres, secretary; E.
G. Hopkins, Frank Fenner, George Sherman. The finance committee was W. D. 
Hollowell, chairman; H. C. Guthrie, W. W. Smith, S. B. Dunton, George Sherman, 
R. N. Coons, L. O. Dunning.
 
The first money was raised for the new church ($75.00) by Mrs. House's Bible 
Class. The Ladies' Guild organized to aid in building and furnishing the new 
church, contributed nearly $6,000 raised by various means. It was a brave 
struggle. Many generous donations came from without the church and nearly
every member gave to the full extent of his ability, and some did more under
the stimulating work of Dr. Ives and Chancellor Day. Aside from the money 
contributed were the following property donations: Cushions and draperies,
Mrs. Lorimer Ogden; auditorium carpets, communion set of loving cups for love
feast and Bible for Sunday school room, Mr. H. C. Underwood; pulpit chairs,
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Lewis; Pulpit, The Gleaners, taught by Mrs. M. W. House;
Pulpit Bible and hymn book, Ralph and Bessie Russell; tiling in vestibule, Mr.
W. D. Hollowell; communion table, Mrs. H. J. Monell; toilet room, J. L. Ogden;
desk and safe for pastor's room, Dr. W. W. Smith; portrait of Rev. A. N. Damon
by his family; Memorial Windows, H. C. Underwood for his mother; Prof. Landon,
for his parents; Mrs. Susan Gage for Mr. and Mrs. Fisher W. Hewson; Mr. George
R. Cornwell for Rev. E. J. Hermans; Sunday School classes of D. C. Ayres, Rev.
and Mrs. J. F. Beebe, Mrs. M. W. House, and Mrs. J. D. Rogers.
 
1898-1899. Rev. Frederick T. Keeney, D. D., pastor, served but six months when 
he was appointed presiding elder. Now bishop located at Foochow, China. The
new church, our present home, was dedicated January 12, 1898, and the first
regular service was held in the edifice January 16th. Among those who assisted
at the dedication were Chancellor Day and Dr. E. M. Mills.
 
1899-1901. Rev. H. E. Frohock, pastor; later he transferred from this
conference and went into Anti-Saloon League work in South Dakota. His name
disappeared from the General Minutes several years ago. October 27th, 1899,
Jacob Bridgman, son of Abner Bridgman, passed to his reward; E. L. Jacobus and
Mrs. Louise B. Ayres also went from us during this pastorate. Sixty-three
additions by probation and thirty-one baptisms are recorded and a membership
of 474.
 
1901-1904. Rev. William H. Giles, pastor. Now retired and living at Auburn.
Miss Nellie M. Reed, organist; Rev. E. M. Mills, former pastor, presiding
elder. This pastor went carefully over the church records, cutting out the
dead wood and vouched for a membership of 431 members, and 11 probationers.
Salary, $1,300. The church debt of nearly $6,000 due to interest and
unfulfilled obligations was subscribed. In March, 1904, we celebrated our 80th
birthday with appropriate services. One of the surprises of the celebration
was the presentation of an anniversary memorial gift, a marble baptismal font
by Mr. H. C. Underwood.
 
Mrs. Mary Gridley, Mrs. Phoebe Sherman, L. O. Dunning, Lambert V. Elliott and 
Miss Lucy S. Hopkins, passed to their eternal home. At the annual conference
in 1904 our pastor was elected conference secretary and became presiding elder
of Cazenovia district.
 
1904-1910. Rev. DeWitt S. Hooker, pastor, now pastor at Homer, N. Y. The old 
method of pumping the organ by hand was displaced by a water motor in 1905. 
October 3 to 8, 1903, the annual conference was held in Penn Yan, Bishop
Fowler presiding. During this pastorate the pew renting system was abandoned,
and the voluntary weekly contribution system inaugurated. In January, 1909,
Rev. Milton S. Reese, assisted by Mrs. Reese, held union evangelistic meetings
with much success. February 23, 1909, Penn Yan for the first time voted "dry,"
and Yates became the first dry county, as a result of strong efforts made by
the churches for a long period of years. In the summer of 1909 Viner & Son.,
of Buffalo, placed a new $6,500 organ in our church. A brief description
shows, three manuals, 27 stops, over 1,500 speaking pipes, ranging in length
from 16 feet to 3-4 of an inch, display pipes covered with gold leaf and case
of quartered oak. The new organ was publicly used for the first time on
October 3, Mrs. Flora Ellis Wells, a former organist (and who, by the way,
gave the first organ recital on the new organ in 1871) publicly used the organ
for the first time. She was assisted by Miss Bertha E. Becker, harpist. The
dedication took place October 10, 1909. Rev. C. E. Jewell and G. E. Campbell
were presiding elders during this pastorate. Among the deaths were those of E.
G. Hopkins, Mary L. Hopkins, C. V. Bush, Jeptha Potter, Mrs. Eliza Easton,
Philo Conklin, Mrs. Hannah Gaylord, George Sherman, Mrs. Guertha Pratt, Mrs.
Jane Wright, Mrs. Mary Stewart and B. L. Hoyt. During the six years of this
pastorate 182 members were received and 72 baptised. The missionary offering
for 1910 was $800, the largest to date. During this time the parsonage was
thoroughly repaired and modernized. Bishops Berry, Spellmeyer, Fowler and
Quayle addressed us.
 
1910-1916. Rev. Howard I. Andrews, D. D., pastor, now pastor of Towanda, Pa. 
March 19, 1913, the church sheds on Chapel street at the rear of the old
church property, were sold to Mrs. George F. Hopkins. The budget plan and
duplex envelope system was adopted in connection with our voluntary offerings
and has been in vogue since. During this period Rev. Wallace E. Brown and
Philip H. Riegel were district superintendents, the general conference having
changed the old name of presiding elder. Salary at close of pastorate, $1,600.
 
Several series of evangelistic meetings were held during this pastorate with 
splendid results. In January, 1911, union meetings were held under Rev. Wm. D. 
Laumaster, with Rev. H. B. Reddick, then in Elmira, as musical director. In
1914 were held the tabernacle meetings, the greatest union evangelistic effort
in Penn Yan for the past generation. The Fellows hitch barn on Wagener street
was leased and converted into a tabernacle seating 1,600 people. The meetings
were under the direction of Evangelist Rev. M. V. Williams, assisted by Prof.
and Mrs. B. F. Butts, and Carl Leggett. About 130 were received into our
church as a result. In February, 1915, Dr. and Mrs. Ward Moshier were with us
for a series of meetings; and in union with the Baptist church, Chas. R. Drum
held meetings in January, 1916. Among the deaths during this time were Frank
R. Cole, L. N. Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Huson, for 47 years a member in Penn Yan,
Isaac Purdy, and on April 10, 1912, the death of W. Delos Hollowell, long a
faithful member and official. The latter left large bequests to the various
boards of our church, among them $1,000 for endowment of the home church, the
income to be used for current expenses. In the summer of 1912 the union
evening vesper services in the Court House Park were inaugurated. Among the
speakers during this pastorate were Rev. Wm. Oldham, Fred B. F. Fisher and
Bishops Warne and Lewis. Three hundred thirty-two were received into full
membership and 556 resident members reported. 

 
1916-1921. Rev. Lyford S. Boyd, D. D., pastor, now district superintendent of 
Geneva district. Nov. 10, 1917, occurred the death of Sarah M. Holowell. She 
bequeathed to us her beautiful home at 219 Main street for a parsonage and the 
pastor and his family occupied it in May, 1918. Among other bequests was an 
organ endowment fund of $2,000 in memory of W. D. Hollowell, the interest to
be used for care, maintenance and repair of the organ, and $8,000 the income
from which is to be applied towards the support of a pastor in the foreign
field. In February, 1919, the former parsonage was sold to W. W. Gray and in
1921 a garage was built on the parsonage property. In April 20, in union with
the Baptists we held evangelistic meetings under the leadership of Dr. H. Wyse
Jones, assisted by Ralph Stewart. Rev. H. C. Andrews acceptably supplied our
pulpit for a time during the winter of 1920-1921 during the leave of absence
of our pastor due to ill health. Among the deaths were those of Mrs. Mary
Fiero, S. B. Dunton, N. B. Rapalee, H. C. Guthrie, Mrs. T. Costello, and in
May, 1921 the death of Rev. H. J. Owen, retired, for many years a Sunday
School and Bible study class teacher among us. H. C. Guthrie had previously
retired as church treasurer after a service of 32 years in that office. Among
other events, was the raising of $4,104 for the Cazenovia Seminary endowment,
the organization of a Tither's Association with about 120 members, the
beginning of the *Centenary when our church pledged $25,450, exclusive of the
amount received from the Hollowell estate, and the Guertha Pratt Home for some
time under our auspices became non-sectarian. Salary at the close of
pastorate, $2,000. Among other speakers we were glad to hear from Clarence
True Wilson and Rev. Lucian B. Jones, our own pastor in India. This was a
period of trial for church as well as nation. In company with every other
church we gave of our sons in the service of the nation. Two of these, Alfred
Williams and Frank Waddell, made the supreme sacrifice. The names of those who
entered our country's service follow:
 
    Dr. B. S. Strait, Dr. J. A. Conley, Courtney Earle, Fred Griffiths, Alfred 
Williams, Fred A. World, Paul Stark, Clifford Chapman, Lionel Cole, Alfred 
Griffiths, John Whitaker, Max Knickerbocker, Frank Waddell, James A. 
Christensen, Paul Smith, Arthur J. Petersen, Leman Conley, Chas. Butters, 
Cassius Bacon, Earl Conley, Richard Baker, Carroll Daniels, Ashley Brainard,
Dr. J. R. Boyd, Frederick Brainard, Walter Clark, Leon Smith, Forrest
Frederick, Edwin Bridgman, Howard Ousterout, Carl M. Christensen, Wm. E.
Carey, and Sidney E. Ayers. In 1918 the flu epidemic closed our churches for a
few weeks, but in spite of trials such as these the church has made steady
progress.
 
Mrs. William McCuaig organist during this period. 
 
* Our quota was $22,850.
 
1921-    . Rev. Walter S. Wright, our present pastor. During this period
several deaths have occurred, among them Mrs. H. J. Owen, N. C. Shepard. In
February, 1923, in union with the Baptist church we held a ten days' series of
meetings under the direction of Rev. Will H. Houghton. Seventy-two new members
were reported as a result of the work of the year 1922-23. Believing in the 
utilization of any proper method of giving publicity to our work, a bulletin 
board has been placed on the front of our church. At the present time the
church is being thoroughly modernized, and with the addition of steam for the
back rooms of the church, the lighting of the entire church by electricity and
the thorough renovation of the dining room we shall be well equipped for our
work. Centenary payments have gone over the top with a total of $24,011 and
the World Service program is now on. 
 
Again has our history been brought up to date. The historian is limited by the 
meagerness of the material at hand. Church records often record but do not 
enlighten. Difficult it is always to credit where credit is due, always some 
shall reap where they have not strawed, and so it will always be. What will
the future, the coming century, gather from the seeds that we have sown during
the past? At some future date another historian will come and he will read the 
events gathered here. He will separate the essential from the non-essential,
the important from the unimportant, and will determine just how large has been
the growth of the little grain of mustard seed in this community.
 
We have traced history's course over a century of time from a mere handful of 
people meeting here and there because they had no church home, to a membership 
of about 500 and a property valued at well beyond $75,000. Our earliest
existing records show that the yearly expense was $1,500, the last year we
raised for current expenses over $5,000 and paid for the benevolences of our
church $5,594. Forty-two different pastors have serviced the charge in its
century of existence, sharing our joys and comforting us in sorrow, and all
but one lived up to his vows. 
 
Many have gone out into various fields of usefulness and achieved distinction
as ministers, teachers, etc. Among them are: 
   
    In the missionary field: Miss Jennie Churchill Hoyt, Miss Selina A.
Easton, Mr. and Mrs. John T. McMahon, Miss Murial Ayres. 
 
    Ministers and teachers: Rev. N. A. DePew, Rev. W. H. Latimer, Rev. Daniel 
Chase, Rev. Charles Erickson, Rev. Reuben Stanley, Rev. Fred Leete, Prof. O.
L. Gibson, Rev. C. W. Bennett, Prof. L. D. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Ayres,
Prof. C. M. Hutches, Prof. F. D. Hodgson, Dr. H. R. Sanford and wife, Miss
Margaret Emerson, Dr. James B. Sanford, Rev. E. H. Latimer, Rev. F. M.
Wheeler.
 
Old families with their traditions are fast disappearing, many of their names 
cannot now be found in our directories. Changes have taken place in people, 
church polity, etc. Sermons and services have shortened, the time limit has
been extended. The love feast, quarterly meeting, camp meeting, class meeting,
the fervent "Amen," and the heart felt "Halleluiah," have had their day; they
have served their purpose, and have passed on to make room for something else.
Though we may regret and mourn their passing, we but waste our time when we
attempt to revive them or prolong their existence. They were but tools in the
hands of the Almighty, and other tools, have or will take their places.
Customs, methods, doctrines have changed and are changing. Social, political
and spiritual unrest are still in the air. What will be the culmination? Is
another reformation necessary? Do we need another revival of the Wesleyan
type? The future alone can tell. We can raise countless questions that none
can answer. It is enough to look forward to the future with confidence. God's
still in his heaven. Greater than large accessions to the church, greater than
large sums of money raised for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom is
the conviction that is growing stronger and stronger in the hearts of men
everywhere that only in the principles promulgated by the Master may be found
the solution for the world-wide problems of the day.
 
(Drawing on page 29: First church home located on Chapel Street. Erected in 
1826, dedicated December 21, 1826. The engraver has omitted image representing 
Gabriel blowing a trumpet, which should appear on steeple.)
 
 
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL by Frank L. Swann
 
Available records to assist one in preparing a history of the work of our
Sunday school are as scarce as authentic data concerning our church history
for the earliest Sunday school record that the present writer has been able to
find begins August 25, 1876. There seems to be authority for stating that
there was a Sabbath school in Penn Yan as early as 1821, but we cannot say of
what denomination. The account given of the opening of this school reads: "A
Sabbath school was opened in an old school house in Penn Yan in the summer of
1821." Though we do not know definitely this was no doubt the same school
house referred to in our church history, where all religious meetings were
held prior to the building of the first church. Rev. Samuel G. Palmer in his
memorial address in the Presbyterian church February 18, 1823, stated that Dr.
John Hatmaker organized and conducted the first Sunday school in Penn Yan. It
is apparent, however, that in 1825, but four years after the first school was 
organized, Sabbath schools were not securely founded, for Rev. Henry Bradley,
in that year writes in his obituary article on the death of Rev. Chauncey Eddy
that "There was no Sabbath school or temperance society in Penn Yan, and no
place where the Bible or religious books were kept for sale, and at so low an
ebb was religion in the village that there were only two or three family
altars and but few praying folks in the place."
 
In 1827 the Sunday school work in Penn Yan seems to have been revived. On
August 7, 1827, the Yates County Republican published a notice of the
formation of what was termed a "Yates County Sabbath School Union." This
notice reads: "The citizens of Penn Yan friendly to Sabbath schools met, and,
after discussion as to the history and value of Sabbath schools, resulted in
the appointment of a county meeting to be held Friday, August 17, 1827. The
following were the officers elected: Hon. William M. Oliver, president; Elder
John B. Chase, John Beal, Oren Green, David Holmes, Henry Roff, Daniel
Sutherland and James Taylor, vice-presidents; Abram Bennett, treasurer; T. J.
Nevins, corresponding and recording secretary; Elder Abner Chase; Jonathan
Whitaker, Alexander Sutherland, Lewis Stebbins, Charles Graves, and Elder
Jonathan Ketchum, directors. The next meeting to be held the third Wednesday
in August, 1828."
 
Records fail to state just when the first Methodist Sabbath school was
organized in Penn Yan. Someone once told Mr. S. B. Dunton that in 1835 Henry
Page was superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school. We have documentary
evidence that he was superintendent in 1836, but that does not prove or
disprove the statement that he was superintendent a year earlier. The first
authentic record states that in 1842 Dr. F. G. Hibbard was both pastor and
superintendent. Prior to this time Wm. Parsons, John Powell and Richard M.
Smith each held this office but we cannot learn the years they served.
According to the memory of some, Myron Cole was also superintendent. From
1844-1846 D. A. Ogden held the office and he was succeeded by C. V. Bush who
served until 1864. A report to the quarterly conference Aug. 9, 1851, shows 18
officers and teachers and 80 scholars, the expenses for the year were $15.00.
A report April 21, 1853, gives 115 members, the largest number in eight years.
For the year 1859 the average attendance was 165. From 1864 to 1868 Oliver
Stark was superintendent and upon his resignation, J. M. Latimer was elected
and served from 1868 to 1875. In 1875 Mr. Latimer resigned and D. A. Ogden was
again elected and served for one year. In 1865 we find that Royal G. Kinner
was secretary, but how long he served or who his predecessors or immediate
successors were we cannot determine. 
 
In 1876 the Sunday school was reorganized under the rules recommended by the 
discipline. Mr. D. A. Ogden was the superintendent and chairman when the new 
constitution and by-laws were adopted. Article five of the constitution
provided "that regular meetings of the Sunday school board shall be held on
the third Monday of each month," (changed to the third Tuesday later). For two
or three years these meetings were held regularly but owing to lack of
interest they were discontinued and only the annual meeting was held on the
date specified. For several years Frank R. Cole was secretary of the school,
resigning on May 21, 1877. At a special meeting called at the close of Sunday
school on June 3, 1877, S. B. Dunton was elected secretary continuing until
his resignation in 1908, having served for 31 years.
 
At the annual meeting held in 1876, Rev. K. P. Jervis was elected
superintendent and with the assistant, Geo. H. Anderson, served until 1878. A
teacher's class was organized to meet Friday evening of each week and among
the teachers were D. A. Ogden, Mrs. Chas. Morgan, Miss Nellie Latimer, and S.
B. Dunton. In 1877, we find J. W. Shepard, James a. Thayer, Jessie Jervis,
Chas. Bonner, Mrs. M. F. Hobart, Mrs. R. L. Corey and W. P. Gaylord among the
teachers. In the early summer of this year chairs were placed in the Sunday
school room replacing the old turnover benches; and a new cabinet organ was
purchased. The money for these alterations, $233.12, was raised in advance.
Among the picnics held in times past was one on July 30, 1878, when the
steamboat "Lillian" was chartered to take the school to Saint's Rest Cottage.
From 1878-1879 Prof. E. D. Hodgson served as superintendent, 1879-1880 Dr. F.
M. Murphy served, with Geo. H. Anderson assistant for both terms. The records
of the Sunday school board meeting for Aug. 16, 1880, contains the following ,
which is so applicable today: "The necessity for starting and sustaining a
weekly teacher's meeting was discussed at some length, but it was finally
decided that a meeting of that kind could not be held because there are but
seven nights in a week."
 
Because Dr. Murphy declined to serve longer a meeting of the board was called 
Nov. 8, 1880, and James A. Thayer was elected superintendent with Mr.
Anderson, assistant, both serving until 1883. In 1882 Miss Margaret Emerson
was elected second assistant superintendent. In June of that same year the
state convention was held in Penn Yan. In 1883 the Sunday school  room was
enlarged by removing the partition between it and the church parlors,
relieving the cramped condition. In that same year Geo. H. Anderson was
elected superintendent, serving until 1890. Miss Emerson served as assistant
until 1887 when she left Penn Yan for another field of usefulness and Mrs. N.
G. Allard was elected, serving until 1890.
 
Various plans have been utilized to increase the missionary offerings of the 
Sunday school. While it is true that some of the plans did increase the 
missionary offerings, often it was at the expense of the school treasury. The 
Sunday school missionary society was organized in 1856, but the Sunday school 
offerings are not recorded in the conference minutes until 1868. That year we 
are credited with $128; in 1870, $300; in 1871, $300; in 1872, $312; in 1873, 
$400; in 1874, $380; and in 1875, $350.
 
The average attendance of the Sunday school was not reported in the conference 
minutes until 1873. That year with a reported membership of 333 the average
was 225; the same average was given in 1874. There has been no larger average 
reported since, although the membership has been reported over 400.
 
On January 21, 1890, Mr Anderson resigned his office stating that he was about 
to remove from Penn Yan. His announcement was regretfully received by the
board for he had been the most faithful superintendent ever holding the office
and was beloved by all the school. Mr. W. D. Hollowell was elected to fill the
vacancy and he served from 1890 to 1897 with W. W. Smith first assistant, 1890
to 1897, F. M. McFall second assistant, 1893 to 1894, and W. C. Snow second
assistant, 1894 to 1897. In the fall of 1892 the first rally day in the
history of the Sunday school was observed. In 1897 Berlin H. Wright was
elected superintendent, W. W. Smith, Mrs. D. C. Ayres, Mrs. M. C. Stark, and
Mrs. E. B. Perry were elected first, second, third and fourth assistants,
respectively, and served as an advisory board. From 1898 to 1900 W. D.
Hollwell again served as superintendent, with W. W. Smith as first assistant
and E. B. Perry, second assistant, 1898-1899. The first six months of the
year, 1898-1899, Rev. F. T. Keeney was pastor and introduced the present
system of taking the missionary offerings, and the observance of a regular
monthly missionary Sunday.
 
At the annual meeting in 1900, James A. Thayer was chosen superintendent and 
served until 1902 with E. B. Perry as assistant the first year and W. D. 
Hollowell the second. From 1902-1903 Geo. W. Hobart served as superintendent 
with W. E. Dingman, first assistant, and Miss Jessie Miller, second. From 
1903-1905 Robert Swann served as superintendent with W. E. Dingman, first 
assistant the first year and F. H. Wilson, the second. Miss Lulu Bridgman
served as second assistant 1903-1905. During the year 1904-1905 two faithful
teachers, Miss Lucy Hopkins and M. F. Hobart, went to their eternal home. From
1905 to 1908 we find Calvin J. Huson superintendent with Geo. W. Hobart first
assistant, 1905-1906, F. H. Wilson 1906-1908, and Miss Lulu Bridgman second
assistant for the entire term.
 
(Photo opposite page 32: Bishop Frederick T. Keeney of Foochow, China. Pastor 
1898.)
 
>From 1908 to 1910 L. N. Wilson served as superintendent and Prof. E. S.
Elwood first assistant, Miss Lulu Denniston second assistant, 1908-1909, and
Miss Adelaide Hazard 1909-1910. In 1908 D. C. Ayres was elected secretary and 
treasurer following the resignation of S. B. Dunton, serving until 1915. L. N. 
Wilson was re-elected superintendent 1910 to 1912 with F. H. Wilson first and 
Miss Adelaide Hazard, second assistant superintendent. From 1912 to 1913 we
find these officers, F. H. Wilson superintendent, L. N. Wilson first, Miss
Adelaide Hazard second, and Mrs. T. Costello, third assistant. From 1913 to
1915 F. H. Wilson was superintendent, S. J. Andrews first, L. N. Wilson
second, and Miss Adelaide Hazard third assistant. In 1914 Frank L. Swann
succeeded Mr. Ayres as secretary and served until 1918. From 1916 to 1919 we
find F. H. Wilson superintendent, H. J. Davis first, S. J. Andrews second, and
Miss Adelaide Hazard third assistant. In 1918 C. C. Hall, our present
secretary and treasurer, was first elected.
 
In the summer of 1916 the Anti-Summer Slump campaign instituted by our pastor, 
Rev. H. I. Andrews, resulted in an average attendance of 53 more than for the 
preceding summer.
 
In 1919 our present superintendent, Lester Platman, took office. From 1919 to 
1921 Isaac Clark, H. J. Davis, and Miss Adelaide Hazard served as first,
second and third assistants, respectively, and 1921 to 1923 Isaac Clark, Miss
Louise Hemenway and Miss Adelaide Hazard filled these three offices. Our
present officers elected in 1923 are L. R. Platman, superintendent, Roy
Wheeler, first, Miss Elizabeth Deighton second and Isaac Clark third
assistant. At the beginning of the Centenary period the Sunday school
subscribed $1,000 a year. The school's payments to the Centenary total over
$5,000.
 
The primary has been served by a very efficient succession of superintendents. 
Among them will be found Mrs. Fannie Chase, 1856; Mrs. J. M. Latimer,
1876-1877; Mrs. Jacob Shepard, 1877-1878; Miss Della Waite (Mrs. John R.
Clark) 1878-1882; Mrs. C. M. Stark, 1882-1885; Mrs. M. J. Gordon, 1885-1890;
Mrs. Rose B. Markland, 1890-1902; Mrs. Bertha Parker, 1902-1910; Mrs. J. Henry
Smith, 1910-1913; Miss Louie Parmalee, 1913-1915, Mrs. Charles Churchill,
1915-1918; Mrs. George Frederick, 1918-1920; Mrs. Leon Ansley, 1920-1923; and
our present Mrs. Howard Bailey. Mrs. Gordon inaugurated the graduating system
in the primary department in practice for so many years. Since the adoption of
the graded lessons the primary graduation exercises have been changed from
Children's Day 
to October.
 
Two of their present teachers have served for many years, Mrs. Mattie House
for over forty years and Mrs. D. C. Ayres has been a teacher almost
continuously since 1888.
 
Like many other institutions, the Sunday school library, once an important 
adjunct of our work, has ceased its usefulness and has been closed for several 
years.
 
We have given but a bare outline of the work of this important phase of 
Christian activity, but we have been limited both by the very meager data 
available and the space at our disposal.
 
 
WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY by Mrs. Minnie L. Ayres
 
The gathering of broken and tangled threads with which to weave a bit of 
tapestry, the story of fifty-four years of Woman's Foreign Missionary effort
in this church, has been something like the task assigned the Israelites of
making bricks without straw. Assembling historical facts without the
possession of accurate data has been uncertain, even laborious, yet not wholly
without compensation in that every conscientious effort is its own reward.
Omissions and inaccuracies there are sure to be, besides errors in judgment.
In the last analysis, to change the metaphor, the winnowing process, gathering
the wheat and rejecting the chaff, must be left to the generous reader.
 
THE BEGINNINGS. It was a stormy day, March 23rd, fifty-five years ago, when a 
few earnest women met in Tremont street church, Boston, at the call of Mrs. 
William Butler, wife of Dr. Butler, returned missionary from India, and 
organized the Female Foreign Missionary Society, as it was called. Mrs. Lois 
Parker, whose life in India, her adopted country, is still a benediction, was 
one of the founders.
 
A year later, May 18th, 1870,* the Penn Yan auxiliary of the Woman's Foreign 
Missionary Society was organized by the same Mrs. Butler. At a meeting held in 
the Old Methodist Church the speaker gave a thrilling account of her
experiences in India and urged the needs of women in that less-favored land.
This call found a response in the hearts of her hearers and the following
officers were chosen: President, Mrs. D. A. Ogden; Treasurer, Miss Mary
Hopkins; secretary, Mrs. John M. Latimer. To the latter we are indebted for
these earlier reminiscences, for she had the pleasure of entertaining "this
noble and gracious lady" in her home, and of assisting in the formation and
development of the new society. A few still recall the impression made by this
meeting and the speaker's personality. Mrs. Lois Hopkins and Mrs. Jennie
Hopkins, charter members, still belong to the society.
 
* The old "Church Chimes" gives the date a year later, but this mistake was 
corrected in the 1904 edition to agree with the state record of this event.
 
It was a bold venture for women to organize and conduct a society of their own 
in those days when even a woman's prayer meeting was looked upon with
disfavor. One minister explained his attendance upon such a service by saying,
"There's no knowing what those women may take it into their heads to pray for
if I am not there to direct them." Perhaps the women of the church were
regarded as serviceable chiefly, if not entirely, in providing suppers and
supplying parsonage furniture.
 
A NEW START. For about three years there seems to have been little interest in 
the enterprise and a small attendance at meetings which is partly accounted
for by the fact that there were no helps for the programs, nor any literature
except the official organ of the society, "The Heathen Woman's Friend."
 
In December, 1873, Mrs. Latimer invited the members with their husbands to her 
home for a social evening. Mrs. Dr. Hibbard, of Clifton Springs, who was to 
address the meeting, failed to arrive, but an informal talk from the hostess 
took its place, and this gathering seems to have accomplished its purpose.
After this the social tea meeting continued to be a feature of the society,
and has been held quarterly, almost without exception, up to the present time.
The custom of a union tea meeting of the Home and Foreign societies was
inaugurated during the World War.
 
ANNIVERSARIES. The tenth anniversary was celebrated in November, 1880, by a 
general missionary meeting held through the entire day, the principle features 
of which were an address by Mrs. Gracey and a history of the society by Mrs. 
Louise B. Ayres. 
 
A silver anniversary was held in the home of Mrs. Slaughter in 1894. Mrs.
Ogden, who had been president for twenty-four years, presided. There was a
role call conducted by Miss Mary Hopkins, the first treasurer. Eighteen of the
early members were present. Thirty-seven had moved to other fields of
influence and thirty-one had gone to the home beyond. A history was given by
Mrs. Gridley and reminiscences of the society by Mrs. L. B. Ayres. 
 
The fiftieth anniversary was appropriately observed in the church parlors on 
Tuesday, May 18th, 1920. The role call of early members was read by the 
treasurer, Mrs. W. W. Quackenbush. Reminiscence by Mrs. Lois Hopkins, Mrs.
Eliza Lockwood, and others followed. Mrs. Hopkins distinctly remembers the
organizing by Mrs. William Butler in the old church. The secretary, Mrs.
Jasper Smith, read extracts from the records of twenty-five years ago. (This
book has since been lost.) In the program which followed the young people
presented "The Two Crosses" and sang "O Zion Haste," led by Mrs. Fred Beard.
During the social hour supper was served in the dining room.
 
The district meeting was held in our church on four occasions.
 
HISTORICAL SKETCH. Mrs. Frank Steelman wrote the history for Church Chimes 
twenty years ago, from which the following was quoted: "Of our present
officers (1904) Mrs. Mary Gridley, the president, has been longest in service.
Commencing in her girlhood days as secretary, for more than twenty-five years
she has been earnest, faithful and true in her work for the Master. Of those
whose names were on the role in 1876 there are twelve who are still active
members in the society. I wish we might call the entire roll, but we can only
speak of two whose services we cannot count in years, Mrs. D. A. Ogden and
Mrs. Louise B. Ayres. Totally unlike in ways and character, the one life
seemed the compliment of the other. Both served long and well. The one,
presiding at our meeting with dignity and grace, always aiming to place the
society on a firm business basis, always seeing the practical side. The other
labored for our entertainment and profit and to bring our society into a
higher plane of intelligence in missionary matters. Both have gone out to the
great beyond, leaving for us to remember many beauties of character. If we, as
a society, have accomplished one half they planned, then indeed would we
become an important factor in the redemption of the world.
 
Three missionaries have gone out from our midst: Mrs. Jennie Hoyt Churchill, 
Mrs. Sarah Douglas McMahon and Miss Selina A. Easton. The first as Jennie
Hoyt, was a member of the church and Sunday School. She went with her husband
under direction of the Baptist board to the mission work in China, and died in
1875. Sarah Douglas went to India as the wife of Rev. John McMahon, who was
supported by the parent society. The third, Miss Easton, a brilliant scholar
and teacher, whose sunny face and winning smile were well known, was sent out
in 1878 to Eurasian work in Cawnpore, India.
 
THEN AND NOW. The membership has varied from 50 to 104, and the annual 
contributions increased from $34.00 to $300. 
 
Contributions have been made to Miss Easton's school for girls, Mrs. Stevens 
work in India, Mrs. Draper's school for the blind in Japan, Miss Moyer's work
in Bengal, Dr. Mary Carlton's hospital work in China, and later to special
work in Korea and Japan, besides extra contributions to the union colleges and
to the Japan fund for rebuilding.
 
Mrs. Fred Armstrong gave eighteen years of faithful service, first as
treasurer and later as corresponding secretary.
 
Mrs. W. W. Quackenbush resigned from the office of treasurer last year, after 
having served forty years, a record unequalled as far as is known, by any 
officer in the church. She remains active in the society. 
 
For a half century, including Mrs. Ogden's and Mrs. Gridley's long terms (24
and 10 years) there were but six presidents, two of whom were pastors' wives.
Mrs. Hooker, who followed Mrs. George Hobart (each three years) was succeeded
by Mrs. H. J. Davis (two years), and Mrs. H. I. Andrews (four years). There
was however, one year after Mrs. Andrew's departure, when no president was
elected, the society having come to depend upon the wife of the minister. The
work was carried on by Mrs. Emma Stark, vice president, with the help of Mrs.
C. E. Shepard and other faithful workers who has held office for a number of
years. Mrs. D. C. Ayres has been president since 1918.
 
In 1899 a special missionary reading circle was held weekly at the home of
Mrs. Henry Sanford, the study of the first textbook, "Via Christi." Since that
time the use of the union study book has been continued at monthly meetings,
almost without interruption.
 
A midsummer out-door gathering of a social nature has been held for the past 
five years, two at the cottage of Mrs. Frank Quackenbush, together with the
home society. Rev. and Mrs. H. I. Andrews and daughters were guests of honor
at the first,  and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rankin and children, en route to
Lucknow Christian College, India, were present at the other. For two summers a
union gathering of all missionary societies of the churches and the missionary 
department of the W. C. T. U. has been held on a lawn.
 
Founders' Day was observed three times with pageants in which the children and 
young people participated. Miss Jennie Moyer spoke at the Jubilee meeting in 
1919. In March, 1920, an evening farewell meeting was held for Miss Alvine 
Muriel Ayres, who has since spent two years in South America as a world's W.
C. T. U. missionary. The local W. C. T. U. assisted. Rev. L. S. Boyd, the
pastor, with appropriate remarks, presented a camera as a parting gift. Miss
Ayres spoke briefly on "The White Ribbon 'Round the World." 
 
An occasional evening meeting in a home was held, the one last year at the 
parsonage, had as a guest and speaker Miss Edna Brown, a missionary in Buenos 
Aires, Argentina. Other missionary visitors at various times have been Dr.
Mary Carlton, Mrs. Swearer, Miss Irene Haynes, Miss Winfred Draper, Miss Edith 
Frederick, Dr. Cora Kipp and her sister Julia.
 
Our hope for the future is in the children's and girls' societies. 
 
At this fifty-fourth milestone let us raise with gratitude an 
Ebenezer---"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." With new courage for the
future, remembering the promise, "Henceforth***as the mountains are round
about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people," let us press forward
to the goal, a world redeemed.
 
 
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY by Mrs. Mattie W. House         
 
Early in June, 1883, on a beautiful Sabbath morning, during the pastorate of 
Rev. E. M. Mills, two devout Christian women, Mrs. Dunton, of Orangeburg, N.
C., and a Mrs. Spencer, occupied the pulpit of the old church, and confirmed
the good news which we already had heard, that to the Women's Foreign
Missionary Society had been born a sister, who was already adopted by the
parent board of the church and was growing and thriving and needing the aid of
the Christian women in Penn Yan. Even now, we heard members of the society
referred to Mrs. Dunton's address as the most forceful and soul stirring plea
for Woman's Home Missions they have ever heard. The outcome of that days good
work was the organization of our Woman's Home Missionary Society on June 15,
1883. The organization was conducted by our beloved co-laborer, Mrs. Louise B.
Ayres, who was, until her death, district secretary of Geneva District. Seldom
was a district gathering held when her good work and wise counsel were not
recalled with pleasant memories.
 
The names of the first list of officers elected were these: President, Mrs. 
David Waite; vice presidents, Miss M. A. Emerson, Mrs. W. W. Quakenbush, Mrs. 
Eli Lewis; recording secretary, Mrs. M. W. House; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. W. D. Hollowell; treasurer, Mrs. T. North; chairman literary committee,
Mrs. John R. Clark. 
 
At first we met quite frequently with the foreign society but later we
mutually agreed that separate meetings were more profitable, both from a
literary and financial point of view, except on special or general missionary
occasions, although a most cordial and sisterly relation has always existed
between the societies as a large proportion of the ladies are members of both. 
 
The first field of labor chosen was Utah and the first money raised was sent
in response to an appeal for funds for Salt Lake Seminary. Since the Indian
and frontier work, industrial and rest homes, training schools, deaconess
work, and wherever it has seemed to be most needed. Membership dues,
collections, suppers, etc., have brought an average of at least $200 per year
and, in 1901, a legacy of $150 was left us by Mary E. Banks, of Benton. In
1888, a Mother's Jewels society was formed by Mrs. M. W. House, sending their
dues to the home at York, Neb. In June, 1892, a society for older youths was
formed, the Gleaners, boys and girls from seven to fourteen years of age. This
was auxiliary to both the Home and Foreign societies and grew to outnumber our
own Home society. When the new church was building they raised the money to
purchase the pulpit and did other good local work, besides naming and keeping
a bed at Mother's Jewels Home and sending to Miss Moyer five dollars on
several occasions for her work in Bengal.
 
This was later merged into a Junior Christian Endeavor and still later a
Junior Epworth League. The one Young People's Society is now the Queen
Esthers, who had been and are doing good work. Our original Queen Esther's
Circle was some time ago merged into the Auxiliary and for several years we
had no young people's organization. More than a year ago another society of
Queen Esthers was formed with Miss Helen Shepard, president, Miss Doris Wright
and Miss Louise Hemenway, patronesses. The presidents of the W. H. M. S. from
1883 until the present time have been Mrs. David Waite Sutherland, Mrs.
Lafayette Congdon, Mrs. Calvin Russell, Mrs. J. V. Benham, Mrs. Frank Carey,
Mrs. W. W. Quackenbush, Mrs. N. B. Rapalee and Mrs. M. W. House, who has
filled that office for twenty years. Meanwhile she has served for ten years as
Geneva District president and for five years as Conference Secretary of
Literature. Four of these have passed in the glory land. And when we look back
along the years that have gone and count the names of those who have so
silently laid down their finished work here and joined the Great Auxiliary of
those rewarded on the other side, it surely should and does give us new zeal
and courage to do our very best for the Master while the day lasteth; for the
love of Christ and in His name.
 
The following is a list of those who have been useful members here until
called to join the Great Auxiliary where there is no death: Mesdames Roselle
Russell, W. D. Hollowell, Judith Ogden, Frank Carey, William Johnson, Walter
Sutherland, J. H. Smith, R. B. Lefferts, Reuben Corey, Amanda Sprague, John
Underwood, Sr., Louise B. Ayres, James Armstrong, Robert Coon, Harriet Bowen,
Lucinda Rapalee, Richard Jillett, Della Clark, Mary Long, Minnie Shearman, M.
J. Gordon, G. G. Hayes, Mary Gridley, Amanda Hoyt, Ezekiel Perry, Anna
Brundage, Jane Bush, Sophie Sanford, James Beebe, E. M. Mills, Condras (nee
Lottie Benham), Caroline Doubleday, Eliza Easton, Maria Hunt, Sarah Lewis,
Henrietta Dunton, Mary McMaster, Lizzie Nissen, Sarah Wright, Rachel Waddell,
Sabra Stark, Maria Hollowell, Anna Ketchum, Jennie Foster, Guertha Pratt,
Addie Raymond, Lovina Thayer, Carrie V. Baker, Kate Armstrong, H. C.
Underwood, Mary Fiero, Louise Remer, Mary Steelman, Maria Perry, Sarah
Stewart, Jennie Rogers, Grace DeGroff, Frances Sargent, Mary Costello, Mary
Sutton, Emma Gray, Misses Mary Berry, Agnes Lewis, Mary Sanford, Milly Cole
and Mary Schofield.
 
 
QUEEN ESTHER'S CIRCLE by Miss Helen Shepard
 
The original Queen Esther's Circle was organized about forty years ago under
the leadership of the late Mrs. W. H. Whitfield. At first the name "Willing
Workers" was given the new society which was composed of the young girls of
the church. During the first four years of its existence the society endowed a
room at the Adeline Smith Home, Little Rock, Ark., and named it the Whitfield
room in honor of their president. About 1889 Mrs. Dr. H. R. San became leader
and the name was changed to the Young Ladies' Missionary Society. The
following year Mrs. W. D. Hollowell and Mrs. E. R. Bordwell were chosen
directors and presidents and the name was again changed to the Queen Esther
Circle. For a number of years quarterly tea meetings were regularly held.
 
A detailed account of all the work done and money raised would be tedious, but 
the following will show in some degree the work accomplished:
 
    For six years we supported a girl in the Jessie Lee Home, Unalaska,
Alaska, sending $25 a year the first two years and $50 a year the next four
years. In addition a barrel of clothing and supplies valued at least $40 was
sent each year. At the end of the six years a little girl, Eudocia Sedick, was
sent with several other children to the Indian school at Carlisle, Pa. She was
entertained two different times by the circle.
 
    In 1900 we sent $80 in money and a box valued at $75 toward the support of
a boy in the Jessie Lee Home at Unalaska.
 
    During the following two years we sent $80 in money and a box valued at
$30 to Kent Home, N. C., for the support of a colored girl. In 1904 $45 was
sent to help Mrs. Copeland, conference secretary of young people's work, with
a scholarship fund at Rust Hall, Washington, D. C. Besides these larger sums, 
smaller sums have been distributed from time to time.
 
As has been noted in the history of the Home Society, for several years there 
was no Queen Esther's Circle. Until in 1922 another society of this name was 
organized and has since been doing excellent work.
 
The present membership of this society is 20 and 12 honorary members, and the 
present officers are: Patroness, Miss Louise Hemenway; president, Helen
Shepard; vice-president, Hazel Porter; recording secretary, Rosetta
Tinklepaugh; treasurer, Mrs. Frances Swann; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Estella King; mite box secretary, Effie Hunter; secretary of literature,
Arlene Pulver, and secretary of supplies, Mrs. Clara Clark.
 
 
THE EPWORTH LEAGUE by Frank L. Swann
 
It was on January 17, 1888, that a group of earnest young people gathered in
the primary room of the old church and with Rev. J. V. Benham as chairman,
decided to organize a society for the promotion of Christian principles and
adopted the constitution and by-laws of the Christian Endeavor Society. In
reality this was a development from the Young People's class conducted for
years by Geo. H. Anderson and in part of other societies known successively as
the Oxford League, 
Social Union, etc. 
 
Thirty-one members signed the roll as active members and six as associate. The 
first officers elected were amrtin Cooke, president, W. C. Webbie, 
vice-president, L. R. McLeod, recording secretary, Gertrude Barden, 
corresponding secretary, and Mabel Hobart, treasurer. Four committees were 
appointed at first; lookout, prayer meeting, musical and social. Later the 
floral, visiting, temperance and Sunday school committees were added. The
first social recorded was held July 18, 1888, and netted the society $18.21.
Prayer meetings were held Friday evenings until February 12, 1890, when it was
decided to change the time to one hour before the evening church service.
 
The first pledge did not meet the needs of the rapidly growing society, so on 
July 5, 1889, the "iron-clad pledge" was adopted. This was more binding in 
character and all members were asked to sign it or have their names taken from 
the roll. No names were withdrawn and it remained in force until the society 
became the Epworth League in 1900.  Through the influence of Rev. Arthur 
Copeland the society became an affiliated chapter of the Epworth League on 
August 17, 1893. During the existence of the society as a Christian Endeavor 
society the following served as presidents: M. H. Cooke, D. C. Ayres, L. R. 
McLeod, W. D. Hollowell, Dr. W. W. Smith, D. Lois Dean, Mrs. Olive 
Bridgman-Ferris, Jessie M. Miller, W. C. Snow, L. H. Barber, F. O. Wolvin, 
Adelia Hopkins and Margaret Danes. Elections were held semi-annually.
 
More than once the young people have been called upon to aid the church in a 
financial way and has always borne its full share of the burdens of the
church. The Endeavor society contributed to a piano bought by the Sunday
school, for song books, and at the time the new church was started the society
pledged and paid $700 towards the new building. The league has contributed to
missionary causes and for a number of years paid its share of the salary of
the Geneva District Epworth League Missionary. In 1898 the Endeavor society
was responsible for the publishing of "Church Chimes."
 
In 1908 and 1912 we entertained the district Epworth League convention.
 
Study classes have been part of the league's activity and among those of
recent years will be found Missionary, Stewardship and Bible Study classes.
The social and spiritual departments have done much to cultivate these things
in the lives of young people and for a long period they have ministered to the
sick and shut-ins not of the League alone but of the entire church. Many older
persons have felt that they were not entirely forgotten when some member of
the League ministered to them in the little ways that count so much with the
elderly.
 
We have had our ups and downs, our ins and outs, but in spite of failures and 
disappointments the League had endeavored truly to be a society of young
people, working with young people for young people.
 
Since the organization of the Epworth League the following have served as 
presidents: Margaret Danes, 1900-1901; Uz V. Clark, 1901-1902; Della
Francisco, 1902-1903; F. H. Wilson, 1905-1908; Allen Davis, 1908-1909; F. H.
Wilson, 1909-1911; Schuyler Lerch, 1911-1913; Donald Wright, 1913-1914;
Charles Scripture, 1914-1917; Edward Nissen, 1917; Frank L. Swann, 1917-1918;
Carrie Beck, 1918-1919; Mary Hudson, 1919-1920; Howard Bailey, 1920-1921; W.
S. Wright, 1921-1922; Frank L. Swann, 1922-1923; Mary W. Fox, 1923------.
 
 
THE LADIES' AID by Rev. W. S. Wright
 
The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1906 during the pastorate of Rev. D.
W. S. Hooker. The first officers chosen were: President, Mrs. Mary McMaster;
first vice-president, Mrs. Roselle Butters; second vice-president, Mrs. J. O.
Smith; secretary, Miss Carrie Pratt; treasurer, Mrs. M. W. House. The
following ladies have served as president since the organization: Mrs. F. T.
Butters, Mrs. B. B. Havens, Mrs. Anna Denniston, Mrs. C. N. Bacon, Mrs. F. H.
Cole, Mrs. W. W. Gray, Mrs. B. W. Beach, Mrs. G. S. Coats. Among the
organizations which have had a place in the activities of the church, the
Ladies' Aid Society deserves much praise. This organization has done a great
amount of work, and earned a large amount of money, which has been expended
for improvements, repairs, etc., on both the church and parsonage.
 
The work done has not been the spectacular kind, and therefore not always 
appreciated, but the ladies have toiled faithfully and given abundant evidence 
of their loyalty to the church and their interest in the welfare of the
Kingdom  of God. This church owes a debt of gratitude to the Ladies' Aid
Society, which cannot easily be paid.
  
LIST OF OFFICIALS ---1843-1924
 
List of members of the Quarterly Conference and Official Board from 1843-1924:
 
E. G. Hopkins
F. W. Hewson
Rufus Scofield
Oliver Stark
R. M. Smith
J. Powell
S. Jillett
H. Page
Asa Cole
George Sherman
Levi O. Dunning
Alexander Hamilton
C. P. Babcock
L. Britton
Benjamin Tyler
R. F. Cole
S. I. Maggs
S. D. Barr
A. Dickerson
F. S. Armstrong
B. L. Hoyt
Hiram Scofield
John Hutches
M. H. Smith
F. D. Hodgson
W. H. Bonner
F. E. Murphy
S. B. Dunton
Jeptha Potter
Ludlow Lapham
Alfred Tuell
Darius A. Ogden
C. V. Bush
James Armstrong
Stephen B. Ayres
J. B. Bacon
Chauncey Chapman
E. L. Jacobus
Solomon Williams
Harvey S. Easton
Joseph T. Slaughter
Jacob Conger
Charles Stark
O. G. Bryant
Joseph Jones
John Mallory
John M. Latimer
 L. B. Graham
Joseph Purdy
Henry Carley
Guy Shaw
O. L. Gibson
A. F. Stark
T. Townsend
J. P. Scofield
Abram Sherman
Charles Hermans
J. A. Potter
M. W. Eastman
George Sherman, Jr.
William P. Gaylord
Jacob F. Bridgman
H. F. Howe
Reuben Corey
C. M. Hutchins
J. Lorimer Ogden
R. G. Kinner
M. Hatmaker
Geo. H. Anderson
J. N. Jennings
J. A. Thayer
C. G. Brewer
W. W. Smith
Edson Potter
W. D. Hollowell
H. C. Guthrie
W. W. Quackenbush
H. F. Mills
Geo. H. Clark
Wm. Coons
Frank R. Cole
E. C. Perry
J. R. Clark
M. C. Stark
Mrs. Abraham Gridley
Mrs. Charles Morgan
Mrs. C. A. Doubleday
Mrs. W. W. Quackenbush
N. B. Rapalee
Leland McLeod
Olin Hobart
M. H. Cook
David Palmer
M. F. Hobart
D. C. Ayres
H. R. Sanford
H. M. Mills
Howard Woodruff
Geo. Leach
B. F. Fenner
Mrs. F. Belden
H. C. Underwood
Robert N. Coons
Mrs. John Conklin
Mrs. Charles Fitzwater
W. C. Snow
D. B. Thayer
B. H. Wright
C. J. Huson
Wolcott Cole
J. O. Smith
Mrs. Margaret Danes
Della Francisco
U. V. Clark
Geo. W. Hobart
F. H. Wilson
Robert Swann
Andrew Nissen
George W. Donaldson
H. W. Fish
Oscar Griswold
H. C. Van Slyke
Mrs. Mary McMaster
Mrs. F. T. Butters
John A. Fiero
Allen Davis
Prof. E. S. Elwood
L. N. Wilson
H. C. Ovenshire
Mrs. B. B. Havens
H. J. Davis
S. J. Andrews
W. C. Almy
Schuyler Lerch
Timothy Costello
Mrs. T. Costello
Mrs. Mattie House
Mrs. Anna Denniston
George Romayne
William Pulver
George Frederick
H. F. Skiff
Lester Platman
A. T. Angell
Donald Wright
Mrs. H. J. Davis
Mrs. D. C. Ayres
Dr. B. B. Havens
Edward Nissen
Charles Churchill
S. C. Turner
Wm. O'Brien, Jr.
C. N. Bacon
F. H. Cole
Mrs. H. I. Andrews
Chas. Scripture
R. E. Wheeler
Dr. D. B. Strait
Frank L. Swann
Dr. J. A. Conley
Carrie Beck
Llewellyn Blakeslee
A. Hunt Wheeler
Mrs. Frederick Langham
Howard Bailey
Isaac Clark
C. C. Hall
Mrs. F. H. Cole
Mrs. C. N. Bacon
Mrs. W. W. Gray
Mrs. Bradley Beach
J. A. Darrow
Earl F. Morse
Mrs. Mary W. Fox
Mrs. Guy Coats
 
 
SEXTONS
 
------ Pratt
John Kingsley
Rho D. Ludlow
Elias Chase
B. F. Fenner
W. W. Smith
John A. Hall
N. Turner
J. McCarrick
S. H. Peters
H. F. Skiff
Schuyler Lerch
 
 
Members of Our Church for 35 Years or Longer
 
Mrs. Lois Hopkins      1858
Miss Mary E. Kimble    ...        1858
Mrs. Mary A. Raymond    1862
Horace F. Mills       .1864
Mrs. Emma Veeder     ..        1864
Mrs. Jennie Hopkins    . 1865
Mrs. Mary Jane Cole     1866
Mrs. Priscilla A. Miller    ..        1867
Henry C. Underwood    ...        1867
Mrs. H. F. Mills       1867
Calvin J. Huson      . 1868
Mrs. Wealthy Shaw     ..        1869
Mrs. Eliza Lockwood     1869
D. C. Ayres     . about 1869
Wm. O'Brien, Sr.    ... .         1870
Mrs. M. C. Stark      .        1872
Mrs. J. O. Smith    ..about 1873
Mrs. Mattie House    ...         1875
Miss Mary Bridgman             1883
Miss Lulu Bridgman     ..        1883
Mrs. Minnie Clark              1883
Mrs. Agnes M. Feagles            1883
Mrs. Florene Ogden     .        1883
Ezekiel Perry                1883
Mrs. Bertha Parker     ..         1883
Mrs. Adelaide L. Huson    1883
W. W. Quackenbush             1883
Mrs. Frances O. Quackenbush ..1883
Frank M. Raymond     ...1883           
Mrs. Frank Sutton      .1883
F. W. Steelman       .1883
Mrs. William Webbie     1883
James Wheeler      .. 1883
Mrs. J. D. Rogers      .        1885
Thomas Brunskill      ..        1886
Wm. Pulver        ..        1886
Mrs. Minnie L. Ayres     1888
Wm. C. Webbie       1888
 
 
Ministers Buried in Lake View Cemetery
 
The following ministers are buried in Lake View Cemetery. Those marked * were 
former pastors:
 
*Chester V. Adgate
William Potter
A. D. Edgar
A. B. Ryal
H. J. Owen
*Abner Chase
N. A. DePew
Ira Fairbanks
David M. VanTuyl
J. O. Jarmon
*Sanford Van Benschoten
J. J. Gulick
Stephen C. Hatmaker
Ezra Tinker