r VCcu^^A^t- ^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://www.archive.org/details/historicalsketOOback HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE First Presbyterian Cliurcli OF VICTOR, N. Y. ^Including an Introductory Sketch of Victor and its Early History and an Appendix with Rolls op Ministers, Oppicers and Church Members; some Important Documents ; a Roll op the Sabbath School in 1888; the Statute and Church Laws Governing this Organ/zation. BY Rev. CLARKNCE; W. BACK.US, The Pastor. July 2, 1888. NOTE. I am indebted to the following sources for viucJi of the historical viatter in these sketches. Turner s Phelps and GorJiani Purchase. Rev. James H. Hotchkin s History of the purchase and settlement of Western Neiv York and the Rise, Progress and present state of the Presbyterian Church in that section. Documentary History. IV. H. Mc/n tosh's History of Ontario County. Records of t lie Presbyterian CJinrchof Victor, from 1788 to the present time. " Half Ce?itury of the Presbytery of Ontario. " " Half Century of the Presbytery of Rochester. " So far as practicable I have aimed to compile from estab- lished records and history as thereby enhancing the historical value of these sketches. Everything is carefully substantiated from the various sources of information. CONTENTS. I PAtJE. Victor and tho Senecas, - - - - - .5 II The Town of Victor, Formation - - - - - 10 III Cliurch Organization, Victor, ..... 14 IV Organization of the Presbyterian church at Victor, - - 18 V Church Erection, ....... 22 VI Presbyterial Connections, ...... 30 VII General Outhne of church Records inchiding sketches of the sev- eral Pastors, - - - .... 30 APPENDIX. A Documents connected with the early history of the church, - 6T B Roll of Pastors, and Rolls of Deacons, Elders, Trustees, and the present officers, ...... 79 C Roll of Members from the organization of the church in 1799 - 83 D Sabbath School roll, 18SS, - - . - - - 103 E Civil and church law, ....... 110 F Fk^elesiastical ('ouncils and Piilitit supplies - . - 121 ROCHESTER. N. Y. J. A. Gillies, Print, 73 East Main Street, 1888. VICTOR AND THE SENEGAS. DeNonville's Encounter with the Red Men, Two Hundred Years Ago. VICTOR was originally in the possession of the Seneca Indians, a branch of the war-like Iroquois. The prin- cipal village was on what is now called Boughton Hill, and largely on the farms owned by Robert Bruce Moore and Baldwin Green. DeNonville, the French General, calls this village Ga-os-saeh-gwa. It was "the famous Babylon of the Tsonnon-tousans, (Senecas) * * * situated at the top of a mountain of earth, to which one rises by three terraces or hills." It is claimed that Father Chaumonot, a Jesuit Father, from a missionary station at St. Marie, on the river Severn, near lake Huron, was the first white man who visited this village of the Senecas, and that his visit occured in the fall of 1656 It is known that as early as 1640, he and Father Brebeauf were at Niagara beginning such missionary work. It is also claimed that in November of 1668 the Senecas sent to Montreal, requesting the Jesuits there to send them missionaries, and that in compliance with this request. Father Garnier established a mission on Boughton Hill, called St. James. There is also evidence that LaSalle, that distinguished and indomitable young French adven- turer and founder of Frontenac (now Kingston), visited this village of the Senecas as early as August or September of 1669. At Victor is also located the battle ground of DeNon- ville with the Senecas. (For the authentic account of the battle see Turner's " DeNonviile's invasion of the Genesee Country, page 465, Phelps Purchase.") Landing his forces at Irondequoit Bay, July loth, 1687, he followed the old Indian trail, leading from that point to the foot of Canandaigua Lake, until he came to the hill back of Victor, the plateau now owned by the Dryers, and where the old church stood. There are those who clairn that the ambus- cade was further west than this, nearer where the pres- ent Pittsford road enters the village. But this does not satisfy the conditions of the authentic accounts. The Pitts- ford road at that point is made from the side hill, and the gully originally there, was hardly more than a ditch, and not on the Canandaigua Lake trail, which went back of ihe Ladd house and across the Dryer farm. While the gully near Wm. C. Dryer's is wanting, in that there was no stream running through it. The Chief Brant pointed out this defect in the map. The trail DeNonville is described as follow- ing, after crossing the Dryer plateau, lead east back of the pres- ent stores, to the Smith Jones spring that now supplies most of the village with water, thence to the three forks, and from there towards Sidell's to the spring about a mile east of Boughton Hill, and on the foot of the Lake. Coming down on this trail from the north to the brook run- ning under Main street near Mr. Heath's drug store, a trail would naturally branch off from the main one to Boughton Hill. With this view agrees the account of the French Jesuit priest present at the battle. His name is L'Abbe de Belmont, In the course of his description he says, " the village is upon a high hill which is surrounded by three little hills or terraces at the foot of a valley, and opposite some other hills, between which passes a large brook, which in a little valley makes a little marsh covered with alders. This is the place which they selected for their ambuscade. They divided themselves, posted 300 men along the fall- ing brook between the two hills in a great thicket of beech trees." Standing on the Dryer plateau back of Mr. Truman Dryer's house, this is the very scene before you. Beyond, across the valley, is Boughton hill, answering to the high hill surrounded by three terraces. In the valley below is the brook running eastward through theCovill marsh lands, and beyond toward the south-east, on the Covill farm, what is left of the beech thicket described, and which then covered the ground about the brook running across Main Street. It should be remembered that at the time of the fight the slopes from above into the valley were steep and heavily wooded and that the swamp ^ below was a sort of jungle. The " height of the hill " occupied by DeNonville and to which the fleeing advance guard were driven, can be no other than the Dryer plateau. There raged the last of the conflict, until the beating of the drums and rallying of the French " frightened the 300 Tsonnontousans of the ambus- cade, who fled from above to the 500 that were ambushed below." Upon this plateau have been found relics of the battle. To this plateau, following the Indian trail, came the advanced guard of DeNonville's army, and defiled into the little valley, and along the brook, back of the Corn- ford Foundry. When .they had passed by the beeches, and came upon the brook running through the valle}' they were startled and thrown into confusion by the " terrible whoop " and "volley" from the Sfcnecas concealed in the thicket on the bank of the falling brook, down which the advance had passed. Part fled back at once, the others fired two volleys and then made a precipitate retreat, followed closely by the Senecas. Up over the present business part of the village the battle raged until the heig-hts above were gained ; here DeNonville and the main body were met hastening to the scene of carnage. Here the Senecas made one last desperate assault. DeNonville ordered the drums to beat. The Senecas, startled by the sound, gave way and tied to the 500 below. Thus ended this mem- orable fight. Here the French priest continues his narra- tive as follows : "A council was held. It was resolved, as it was late, to sleep on the field of battle for camp." (On the Dryer plateau, the last scene of the engagement.) "On the morrow we marched in battle order, waiting for an attack. We descended the hill by a little sloping valley or gorge, through zvhicJi ran a brook bordered zvith thick bushes,'^ (an exact description of that back of Cornford's Foundry) and which discharges itself at the foot of a hill, in a marsh full of deep mud," (that back of the Lewis place) "but planted with alders so thick that one could scarcely see. There it was that they had stationed their two ambuscades and where, perhaps we would have been defeated, if they had not mistaken our advance guards for the whole army and been so hasty in firing. Encamped above, and in the morning drawn up in battle array, with his left resting on the edge of the little sloping valley. DeNonville would not have marched his army by right flank, across the ravines to the present Pittsford road, when by a left flank movement he could far better defile, as he did, down through the little sloping valley back of the Foundry. I have carefully examined the high ground north of the village, both eastward and westward, and the little sloping valley back of the Foundry is the only one that answers to the French Priest's description, or from the natural conformation of the ground, could have answered to it, before the present Pittsford road was made. A careful examination will show that the latter point cannot well be mistaken for die French Priest's little sloping valley back of the furnace. An historian speaks of the descent to the valley being "near the Pittsford road." It was near it but not at or through it. The valley back of the furnace approaches it on the northwest, and formerly the Pittsford road entered the village near Gallup's store. DeNonville had with him about 800 Indians, four batallions of regulars and four of militia, while the Senecas had 300 in ambush west of the falling brook, running through the village, and 500 in ambush over towards the railroad. II, THE TOV\^N OF VICTOR.— V/HEN FORMED. The Presbyterian Church in Victor the Fifth Oldest Church Organization in Western New York. THAT part of New York State lying west of a meridian drawn through Seneca Lake, and formerly known as the Genesee Country, "(Pleasant V^alley)" was, when settled a part of Massachusetts, and inhabited by the Seneca Indians, a branch of the " Five Nations," afterwards known as the "Six Nations" when joined by the Tuscororas from North Carolina. Soon after the war of the Revolution, and on October 22, 1784, the United States concluded a treaty of perpetual peace and amity with the Six Nations. This opened the way to the settlement of Western New York. "The Genesee Country," west of Seneca Lake, and comprising about six million acres, was in 1787 contracted to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham for $100,000. Mr. Phelps was a native of Connecticut, but both he and Mr. Gorham were at the time of the purchase residents of Mass- achusetts. This accounts for the New England complexion given to the early settlements of this part of the state, both religiously and otherwise. These two gentlemen bought of Massachusetts the pre-emptive right to this territory of 1 1 Western New York. — That is, the right or privilege of se- lection and purchase before all others. Having secured this right they proceeded at once to extinguish, by pur- chase from the Indians, their title to the same. This was accomplished as far as the Genesee River, July 8, 1788, when Messers. Phelps and Gorham bought and paid for more than two million acres of land, embracing the territory between Seneca Lake and the Genesee river on the east and west and the State of Pennsylvania and Lake Ontario on the south and north. The Legislature of Massachusetts confirmed to them this purchase on November 21, 1788. These owners then surveyed this tract, dividing it into "'ranges" by lines running north and south and six miles apart. These "ranges" were numbered from east to west. (Victor lies in the fourth range.) These " ranges" were then sub-divided into townships by lines running east and west and six miles apart, making a township to consist of sixmiles square, and numbered from south to north. (Victor is the iith township in the 4th range.) The townships were then divided into farms or lots of 160 acres each, and in this form sold. Formerly, Ontario County was co-extensive with " the Genesee country," but was subsequently restricted to its present limits. The town of Victor was formerly a part of Bloomfield, and was setoff therefrom in 1812, and organized April 6, 1813, in the " Presbyterian Meeting-house" which at that time stood on the hill back of Mr. Gallup's store. Most of the early settlers came from New England ; from Massachusetts and Connecticut. In 1788 Peter ShafTer settled at Scottsville. At that time only four or five white families lived on the road be- tween Scottsville and Utica. Enos and Jared Boughton were the first settlers in the town of Victor, Jared Boughton, a native of Connecticut, was born in February 19, 1766. Subsequently the change 12 of a disputed State boundary line brought the place of his birth within New York State. In 1787 he married Oliv^e Stone, of Stockbridge, Mass, and moved his residence there. Jared and Enos Boughton visited Victor as early as the spring of 1788, and having se- lected the iith township in the 4th range as a desirable lo- cation, purchased it that fall, of Messrs. Phelps and Gorham, for twenty cents per acre. The purchase was made in behalf of their father Hezekiah and was intended for a family posession. In the Spring of 1789, Enos, Jared and Hezekiah, Jr. three brothers, together with their uncle Levi Boughton and Jacob Lobdell, returned to Victor, and during the sum- mer built a log cabin, and sowed some wheat and buckwheat. As they had brought some fourteen head of cattle with them, it was necessary to leave some one in charge. This duty devolved upon Jacob Lobdell, a young man about eighteen years old. Lobdell boarded during the winter with Elijah Rose, who lived three miles away in the town of Bloomfield. The others of the party returned East, February 19, 1790, Jared Boughton, and his wife, and a two-year-old son Selleck,and infant daughter Melania, six months old. accompanied by Jared's youngest brother Sey- niour Boughton, left Stockbridge for their new Western home, where they arrived March 7, 1790, after a journey fraught with unusual hardships and dangers. Subsequently, in October, 1790, Jared's father arrived with his family and the families of his married sons. Hez- ekiah Jr., died on his way from the East, but his family con- tinued their journey to the end Col. Claudius Victor Boughton. a son of Hezekiah Jr., gave to Victor its name. The town voted this as a reward for "gallant services upon the Niagara frontier" in the war of 1812, to "which the Legislature of New York added the presentation of a sword. " Among the sons of Jared Boughton were Selleck, an attor- ney in Rochester; Frederick, of Pittsford ; (the first white 13 child born in Victor, born June i, 1791), Jared H., of Victor; Enos, of East Bloomf^eld ; Mrs. Dr. A. G. Smith, of New York : Mrs. Bennett Lewis, of Green County, Ohio, and Mrs. Mortimer Buel, of Geneseo. In July, 1790, an of^cial census, taken by General Amos Hall, showed four families and twenty persons in the town of Victor. I have thus particularly mentioned the family of Jared Boughton, because they were in fact the first settlers of the town, and identified with all its interests and early growth. Jared Boughton was a member of the first board of trustees of the Presbyterian church at its incorporation September 13, 1798. In fact all the early settlers, at all religiously inclined, were identified with this church organization. It was the only religious organization in the community for a number of years, and the fifth oldest church organization in Western New York. It is not the intention to go over ground so well written up in the past, as the above ; but merely to introduce the history of a church that began with and has grown up as a part of the settlement of the town of Victor and so largely determined its religious character. This church is one of the old land-marks in the history of Western New York, and its integrity, stability and history should be maintained as the heritage of Christian forefathers who gave to Victor its early existence, and established its leading relieious influence. III. CHURCH ORGANIZATION — VICTOR. IT has been seen that the early settlers of Victor were largely from Massachusetts and Connecticut, or near their borders in Eastern New York State. The scattered character of these early settlements re- tarded somewhat the organization of religious societies, and wh^n such were organized, determined them, largely, as Congregational or Presbyterian. The following from the history by Rev. James H. Hotchkin who was preaching in West Bloomneld as early as i8oi, is quoted in substantiation of the above statement. (see p. 27.) " For some years after the settlement of the country commenced, no minister of the gospel, of the Presbyterian or Congregational denominations resided within its boundaries, nor was any church of these denomi- nations organized. Whether any ministers or churches of other denominations were in existence on this field is not known to the writer." Undoubtedly if there were any such, Mr. Hotchkin, himself on the field as early as 1801, Avould have known it. In 1765 Rev. Samuel Kirkland, a Congregational min- ister; was at Victor, as a missionary among the Senecas. In 1795, Rev. Zadoc Hunn, of Berkshire County, Mass., located on a farm in Canandaigua, adjoining the present town of Bristol. He was the first resident minister, and 15 assisted in the organinization of the East Bloomfield Con- gregational church, November 5, 1796. After Mr. Hunn came Rev. John Rolph from Massachusetts and was in- stalled pastor of the South Bristol Congregational church, January, 1797, (organized December 1796.) This church has since become extinct. Of this occasion Mr. Hotchkin remarks, " the ministers who composed this council " (convened to install Mr. Rolph) " were Rev. Zadoc Hunn, Rev, Eliphalet Steel, of Paris, Oneida County, and Rev. Dr. Asahel S. Norton, of Clinton, Oneida County. "... *' These were the nearest ministers to be obtained." " This undoubtely, was the first ecclesiastical council ever convened in the State of New York, west of the east line of the Military Tract." The third minister to settle was the Rev. Reuben Par- mele, who organized the Victor church September 13, 1798, and was installed its pastor February 14, 1799. Previous to this there had been some missionary work done at points in this field by the missionaries of the Congregational and Presbyterian denominations. In 1793 Rev. IraCondict "a missionary under the appoint- ment of the General Assembly " had organized a Congre- gational church at Palmyra, but this church had no settled pastor until after 1800. In 1795, Rev. Daniel Thatcher, a missionary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, organized a church at Elmira which became extinct about 18 10. Also a Presbyterian church at Charlestown, now Lima; and another in Geneseo. (" This is the church which now has its location at the little village of Lakeville, at the foot of Conesuslake.") Soon after 1790, under the direction of Rev. John Smith, of Dighton, Mass., a number of settlers, members in eastern Churches, are said to have assembled at Canandai- gua, and there as a church, protempore, to have partaken of the Lord's Supper. There is no official record of the i6 occurrence, extant. The Congregational church there was organized February, 1799. St. Mathew's church, of Can- andaigua (Episcopal) was organized February. 4, 1799, but became extinct. It is thus evident that the Victor Presbyterian church is one of the first and oldest church organizations in that part of Western New York, known as "the Genesee Country" and lying west of Seneca Lake. The following table will show its position in the order of organization: Palmyra church 1793 Lima church 1795 Geneseo church (Lakeville) 1795 East Bloomfield November 5 1796 Victor church, September 13 1798 The Victor church, organized September 13, 1798, was the church of the early settlers in Victor. Their religious predilections were Congregational and Presbyterian, evinced in the character of the church they established. To this church they gave their adherence and support, and it was not until after 1800 that other religious affiliations appeared. The Methodists were the first to follow the Presbyterians, and as early as 1805 Rev. Joseph Jewell, a presiding Elder of the Ontario circuit, (an indefinite territory) was accus- tomed to visit Victor, but an organinization was not effected until 1807, when a class of seven persons was formed. Re- ligious services were held for several years in the School houses in the town, and sometimes in the " Presbyterian meeting-house" on the hill. It was not until 1820 that the Methodists began to build a church. I quote the following from an extract of their church history, found in that of Ontario County by Prof. Mcintosh : "A determination was expressed by Mr. Loughborough at the quarterly meeting held January 22, 1820, in the Presbyterian .Meeting house in Victor, to build a house for worship." This church was dedicated August 19, 1 82 1. In 1834 a Universalist Society was formed and its church completed its organization December 21, 1844. 17 St. Patrick's Catholic church was built about 1852, and is now a flourishing organization. The Episcopalians began to establish themselves in 1871, and commenced in 1872 to build their present church, which was formally opened for service February 6, 1873. Such is the outline of church organization in Victor. ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESBY- TERIAN CHURCH AT VICTOR. J^l R. Jabez Moorehouse, one of the early settlers and y V oie of the original nine members received at the constitution of the church, was the first to establish stated public worship in Victor. Subsequently Rev. Nathaniel Steele, of East Bloomfield church devoted a part of his time to this field, but after a brief ministry death terminated his labors. A few from Victor joined the East Bloomfield church as fruits of his labor. Then came Rev. Reuben Parmele. in 1798, and organized the church. This organization was incorporated as a Congregational Church September, 13, 1798. The following is a copy of the Act of Incorporation, as recorded in the County Clerk's office at Canandaigua : Bloomfield, Sept. 13, 1798. This may certify that at a legal meeting of the North Congrega- tional Society m Bloomfield, convened agreeably to an act entitled, an act to enable all rehgious denominafions in this State to appoint Trustees who shall be a body corporate for the purpose of taking care of the temporalities of their respective congregations and for other purposes therein mentioned. Jared Boughton, Joseph Brace, Jr., and Thomas Hawley, were chosen as Trustees tor, and as considered under tlie style of, Trustees for the North Congregational Society in Bloom- field, in the County of Ontario and State of New York. Given under our hands and seals at the place above mentioned this thirteenth day of September, A. D., 1798. Joseph Brace, Joshua Ketchum, [l. s.] Jacob Lobdell, Seymour Boughton, [l. s.] Returning Officers. 19 Ontario Co. — ss.: Be it remembered, that on the 15th day of September, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, personally came before me, Moses Atwater, one of the Judges in and for said County, Joseph Brace, who, being duly sworn, declared he saw Joshua Ketchum and Seymour Boughton sign, seal and deliver the within instrument for the uses and purposes therein expressed. I do permit the same to be recorded as such. MOSES ATWATER. I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the original certificate •examined and compared with the same and recorded the loth of September, 1798. PETER B. PORTER, Clerk. State of New York — Ontario County Clerk's Office, Canandaigua, N. Y. — I, William G. Dove, Clerk of the County of Ontario, of the County Court of said County, and of the Supreme Court, both being courts of Record, having a common seal, do hereby certify that I have compared the annexed copy of a certificate of incorporation with the original, recorded in this office in Liber A, page 55, and that the same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of said original. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the ■seal of said county and courts, this 14th day of February, 1882. W. G. DOVE, Clerk, The work of incorporation was under the immediate supervision of Mr, Parmele. Having completed the organ- ization and recorded the act of incorporation, he accepted the invitation to become its pastor; returned east for his family; and arrived with them early in 1799. The consti- tution of the spiritual part of the church was deferred until his return from the east, probably in order that he might secure the letters of the persons who were to form the nucleus of this part of the organization. The manner of constituting the spiritual church, as then in vogue, and which was probably followed by Mr. Parmele, was for those proposing to associate themselves together as a church of Christ, on a day appointed to assemble, being moderated by a minister. Each gave proof of his Christian hope and character, those having their letters producing them as evidence of their good standing. If satisfied with one another's qualifi- cations, and the minister's endorsement of the same, they then standing, gave their assent to a summary of Christian doctrine, after which a form of covenant was read by the minister, and to which they all gave their assent, whereupon 20 they were announced a church of Christ. A record of such proceedings was generally made, (See History by Rev. J. H. Hotchkin.) Rev. Reuben Parmele having returned with his family, assembled nine persons, as above, five of whom were males and four females. They were Jabez Moorehouse and wife, Elisha Perkins, Mehitable Perkins (his wife), Abijah Williams, Mrs. Hawley, Jemima Brace, Samuel Boughton Dr. Reuben Hart. These persons adopted and subscribed to certain articles of faith and a covenant, which defined the doctrinal standing and religious character of the church, and the relations to it of all its members. The doctrinal points involved are those held by the Orthodox Congregational and Presbyterian churches. On February 13, 1779, an ecclesiastical council was convened to install Mr. Parmele. It consisted of Rev. Zadoc Hunn; Rev. Seth Williston, who was on the field engaged in bringing about what is known as the " Great Revival " of 1799, .and which swept Ontario County with its religious influence ; also Rev. Mr. Rolph, of South Bristol, and delegates Ehud Hopkins from East Bloomfield Congre- gational Church, and Aaron Rice from South Bristol Church. (Rev. Mr. Hotchkin also mentions Rev. Jedediah Bushnell, but the records do not show this). The council examined and approved the call of the church for Mr. Parmele's services, and the articles of faith and form of covenant previously adopted. It then proceeded to the installation, which took place the following day, February 14th. Rev. Zadoc Hunn made the opening prayer and gave the charge; Rev. John Rolph preached the sermon ; Rev. Seth Williston (afterward Dr. Williston, of Durham, Green County, N. Y.) gave the right hand of fellowship and made the concluding prayer. Mr. Parmele, when he came to Victor, "was a man in middle life." He had previously been settled in Hinesburgh, 21 Vermont, but at the time of his removal to Victor, was from Connecticut, and a Congregational minister. He graduated from Yale College in 178 1. So far as the writer can ascertain, Mr. Parmele's was the second installation in this region. The Lord's supper was administered for the first time by this church, on April 7, 1799, on which occasion Mr. Asa Hickox, Jr., (Heacock) and Polly Hickox (probably his wife) were received into the communion of the church. Mr. Joseph Brace, previously admitted, was the first to join the church after its organization. The early meetings of the church were held in the houses of the leading members, and in barns when the houses were too small to accommodate the audience, and it is probable that when the weather permitted services were held in the open air, and under the protection of the woods near by. It was not until after 1800 that the society began to build a church. CHURCH ERECTION. EARLY in 1800, the church known as the "North Congregational Society in Bloomfield" began to agitate the question of buildinga house of worship. As early as 1804, a subscription paper was circulated in the society and undoubtedly there were those who, although not members of the society, were willing to contribute toward this the first church in this part of the town. West Bloomfield had already begun to build, having erected a frame about 1800. Both of these buildings were erected by the Congregational societies to which they respectively belonged. There was not even the shadow of another church organization in the town to assist in such building, or to lay claim to any interest in it after built. The subscription paper of 1804 was of the nature of an assessment or tax roll. Each "pater-familias" in the society, or in case of his decease, the representative of the family, was taxed, according to his wealth and age, his proportion of the whole amount to be raised, and by his connection with the society he felt that he stood committed to pay his proportion, whatever it might be. His relation to the society being of his own volition, there was no compulsion from which he could not withdraw. An illustration of this system of assessment and tax is furnished 23 in the assessment or tax roll found in Appendix (A.) This tax was levied to make a final payment on this very church building. All the current expenses were met by such a tax ; and all expenses of building or otherwise. This is the same custom that prevailed in the East Bloomfield Church, to which this church was closely related. (See Dr. Kendall's sermon, 1851.) The building was erected in 1805-6, on the hill back of the Gallup store, and was known as the " Meeting House in the North Congregational Society in Bloomfield," subse- quently as the " Presbyterian Meeting-House." The pews were owned by members of the society, and when pew- holders moved out of town they often sold their pews to other parties who wished to become members of the society. It is asserted that the neglect on the part of the Trustees to properly guard such sales, and some disaffection on the part of a few in the church about the year 1830, led to conflicting claims as to the rights in the use of the church, and that under the impulse of such contentions, the old church being dilapidated, and the Congregationalists abundantly able to build, a new church was erected and dedicated in 1S33. After the Congregationalists had moved into their new church, the Universalists formed a society and occupied the old house on the hill. Thomas Hawley gave the land upon which the first church stood. There is no record, extant? to show that he executed a deed at the time of the gift; but as late as 181 8, a deed was drawn conveying said land to the proprietors or pew-Holders in the society. This deed was recorded in 1825, but not until other names, apparently more recent purchasers of pews, lately moved in, had been added after the execution of the deed. Abijah Williams was the boss carpenter and was a member of the church from its organization and a deacon in the church from July 10, 1 812, until his death, March — , 1840. In 1831, Nathan Jenks deeded to the Congregational society the land on which its present church stands This church w^as dedicated 24 Thursday, January 24, 1833, at 1 1 o'clock in the morning. There were present at the service, Rev. Daniel Johnson and Rev, Reuben Parmele, of Victor ; Rev. Silas C. Brown, of West Bloomfield ; Rev. Asa Johnson, of Richmond ; Rev. Gilbert Morgan, of Rochester , Delegates — Jonathan Smith, East Bloomfield; Gardner, West Bloomfield; Jas. Templeton, of East Mendon ; James Wells, of Richmond; also. Rev. Richard Kay, who was installed by the above named council at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day. The new church was 40x50 feet, with a gallery and spire, and far in advance of anything in the town for its day, and cost about $3,500. It was altered and repaired in 1S44. "In i860 an addition was made to the rear; a new spire was built ; a bell, weighing 1,700 pounds and costing $500, was hung in the new spire. Mr. Samuel W. Osborne was appointed a committee with power to select and purchase the bell. He finally found one to suit him at Troy. Mr. Osborne is a man of good judgment; a fine musical ear; and orthodox, as well. It was well for the church that he was chosen ; he meant that there should be no heterodox twang to this bell ; and its ring to-day is the clear, strong tone, with its silver sweetness, symbol of that pure doctrine and divine truth which have proverbially emanated from its pulpit. There is no uncertain sound to this bell. In i860 the town clock was placed in the Presbyterian church. In 1868 the society built a parsonage costing about $5,000, and in 1870 made additional improvements in the church, including a place for the organ, at a cost of several thousand dollars. Col. Melancthon Lewis gave the organ, which cost about $2,000. In 1884 the interior of the church was greatly improved, the woodwork grained black-walnut ; the seats recushioned and the floors newly carpeted In 1887 the parlors in the church basement were separated by glass partitions, the ceilingsand wall calcimined, the large room relighted, and the furniture largely replaced 25 with chairs. There were also some important improvements made in the parsonage, and the fence was removed from the front and west sides and the grounds about the church graveled and graded and drained. It is at present a fine •church property, with a very pleasant audience room, and a highly intelligent congregation, with enough of wealth, certainly, to prevent all friction from financial embarrassment. In 1887 Mrs. Carrie E. Sale, a widow, and an earnest Christian woman, devoted to her church, died, and out of her small patrimony, left the church a fund of $1,000. As an organization, this church was connected with the "Ontario Association" until that body was merged into the Presbytery of Geneva. This leads to a consideration ■of Presbyterial connection. ^:^^iv PRESBYTERIAL CONNECTION. T the commencement of the year 1799, Rev. Zadock Hunn, at North Bristol ; Rev. John Rolph, at South Bristol: and Rev. Reuben Parmele, just arrived at Victor were the ministers resident in the Genesee country. Subse quently came Rev. Timothy Field, who was ordained and installed at Canandaigua February, 1800. Rev. Joseph Grover arrived during 1799, ^^ a missionary from a society in New Jersey, and June 11, 1800, was installed at North Bristol. These five resident ministers met at Bristol, March 18, 1800, and formed themselves into an association known as "The Association of Ontario," the first of the kind in New York State. This association was modelled after the Morris County Associated Presbytery of New Jersey. Each church was invited to send a delegate, who should have an equal standing with the ministers. They held semi-annual meetings, and at each such stated meeting elected a moderator and clerk. At its second meeting,. Rev. Eleazer Fairbanks joined the association. In 1803, Rev. James H. Hotchkin, of West Bloomfield and Rev. Abijah Warren, the successor of Mr. Rolph at South Bristol, united with the association. In ib'04the following churches, were connected with the association: Lima, East Bloomfield,. West Bloomfield, Victor, Canandaigua, North Bristol, South Bristol, Naples, Richmond, Rushville. 27 The Presbytery of Geneva was formed from the Oneida Presbytery by the General Assembly of 1805, and included all that part of New York State lying west of Oneida and Chenango counties. The ministers who composed it were Rev. Jedediah Chapman, of Geneva, Rev. John Lindsley, of Covert, Rev. Samuel Leacock, of Hopewell, and Rev. Jabez Chadwick, of Genoa. The churches connected with the Presbytery, at the time of its organization, were Covert, Geneva, Lakeville, Trumansburgh, Ithaca, Ovid, Seneca Falls and Hopewell. The first meeting of this Presbytery was held at Geneva, September 17, 1805. At this meeting it was decided that "Presbytery can consistently receive as a constituent member of their body a minister belonging to an association, without his discontinuing his connection with the association. " In conformity with this decision Rev. David Higgins and Rev. Hezekiah North Woodruff, members of the "Middle Association," were received as members of the Presbytery. These records of Presbytery, upon review by Synod, being approved, the principle involved was regarded as established, and cemented the fellowship already existing between Presbyterians and Congregationalists, and ultimately resulted in the abolishing of the associations, and their absorption by the Presbyteries, thus giving to Western New York a strong Presbyterian complexion. It was recognized by both denominations that they occupied essentially the same doctrinal ground. Believing a more permanent union would subserve the cause of Christ, the Middle Association, on October 7, 1807, appointed a commissioner to attend the meeting of the Synod of Albany, then in session, and propose a union with that body of the " Middle Association." Such union was subsequently effected and sanctioned by the General Assembly May, 1808. Thus the Middle Association became merged in the Synod of Albany. In October, 18 10, the Presbytery' of Geneva was divided, all the ministersand churches west of Cayuga Lake remaining in the Presbytery of Geneva; while the rest of the territory formerly occupied by the Geneva Presbytery 28 . was divided into two Presbyteries, known respectively as the Presbytery of Cayuga, and the Presbytery of Onondaga. The General Assembly, in May, 1811, constituted these three Presbyteries into the Synod of Geneva, which first met at Geneva, October, 181 1. In this new Synod prevailed the same principle and practice concerning Congregational associations and churches that had been established by the Albany Synod; in fact the Congregational churches were Presbyterian in all respects, with the exception " that their sessions were composed of all the male members of the •church of suitable age, instead of a bench of elders chosen for the purpose of Government" and representing the people. May 5, 1813, the "Ontario Association," the oldest of the kind in the State, dissolved itself, and became merged in the Presbytery of Geneva, declaring that "in the view of this association there is no reason why those denomi- nations of professing Christians, usually called Presbyterians and Congregationalists, should not receive each other as brethern, and be united as one body in the strictest sense."' It was therefore resolved to dissolve the association, that its ministers and churches might unite with the Geneva Presbytery. Mr. Reuben Parmele became a member of this Presbytery. There is, however, nothing to show that the Victor church became ofTicialy connected with the 'Geneva Presbytery as thus constituted. It evidently did not. February 19, 1817, the Synod, in Session at Geneva divided the Geneva Presbytery into four Presbyteries. Ontario Presbytery was formed at this time, it embraced the ministers and churches between the eastern boundary line of the "Holland Purchase" and the dividing line between the third and forth ranges of townships in the Phelps and Gorham Purchase in the County of Ontario. (From the dividing line between Farmington and Victor, to near the eastern boundary of Genesee County.) From this Presbytery was set off in 18 19 the Presbytery of Rochester, which also drew from the Niagara Presbytery. At this time Ontario Presbytery, greatly reduced, consisted 29 •of 12 ministers, 9 churches, and one Hcentiate. While the Synod of Geneva to which it belonged, contained 93 ministers, 145 churches and 8 licentiates; showing the marvelous growth in population, churches and ministers, and the deplorable deficiency of ministers to occupy this growing field. The General Assembly of 1821, set off from the Synod of Geneva, the Synod of Genesee, embracing the Presbyteries of Niagara, Genesee, Rochester, and Ontario; which held its first meeting at Rochester, September 18, 1821, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D. D. At the time, the Synod numbered 39 ministers, 4 licentiates and 71 churches. February 8, 1827, the Victor Church voted to adopt the Presbyterian form of Goverment. March 21st Elders were duly elected, aud on the 25th of the same month ordained. January 16, 1828, at its meeting in Geneseo, the Presbytery of Ontario received the Victor church as a member of its body. Against this course of the majority of the Victor church the minority protested. September 20, 1832, a compromise was effected between the two factions by which it was agreed that it should be an independent congregational church, not under the jurisdiction -of Presbytery, but submitting its records to that body annually as a court of review and arbitration, and that in cases of appeal by an aggrieved party to Presbytery, the .adjudication of the case by that body should be final. March 8, 1858. the church again adopted the Presbyter- ian form of goverment and became entitled the " First Presbyterian church of Victor," and united with the Rochester Presbytery at its meeting in Rochester, April 6th and 7th of the same year. In 1 871 the Victor church was transferred to the Presbytery of Geneva, but in 1874 applied to be restored to the Rochester Presbytery, and was so restored. It has since retained this connection. GENERAL OUTLINE OF CHURCH RECORDS. Including Sketches of the Several Pastors, as far as could be obtained. IT has been stated that on April 7, 1799 the Lord's Supper was celebrated for the first time after the organization of the church. May 24th of the same year it was deter- mined to celebrate the Lord's Supper regularly, once in two- months, and on the first Sabbath in the month, which custom is still in vogue. At the installation of Rev. Reuben Parmele, certain articles of Faith and a covenant, were drawn up and adopted by the church. These articles were Calvanistic, and simi- lar to those held by the Congregational churches generally. The essential doctrines of the church have never changed, but now in place of any set of articles peculiar to the in- dividual church, this church stands doctrinally upon the standards of the Presbyterian church, together with a cor- responding confession and covenant, adopted October 3, 1884. In its early history, its discipline was governed by variable rules peculiar to this individual church. Now its discipline is according to the Book of Discipline of the Presbyterian church. Isaac Root, the first deacon in the church, was elected May 31 1804, and ceased to act, March 14, 18 16. 31 January 2, 1806 the pastoral relation between Mr. Parmele and the church was dissolved, but he appears to have supplied the pulpit until 1812, when his successor was chosen. During this time the lead in meetings for public worship, devolved upon a committee consisting of Samuel Boughton, Joseph Rowley, Abijah Williams, and Ira Sey- mour. The Council convened to dissolve the pastoral relation consisted of ministers — Joseph Grover, Aaron C. Collins, and James W. Hotchkin. and delegates, Deacon Goodwin, and Messrs. Eben Norton, and Daniel Canfield. The cause assigned for the dissolution was, a mutual agreement between pastor and people. The Council endorsed Mr. Parmele as a minister of the Gospel of good moral and Christian character, and deserving the support of the churches. Mr. Parmele was elected moderator and clerk of the church, and continued to live in Victor until about 1836. when he went to live with one of his children in the West, He died at the home of his son, Rev. Abiel Parmele, at Almond, Allegany County, N. Y., about 84 years old. He was one of the five ministers and seven ruling elders, who on the second Tuesday in March 1817, met at Livonia and constituted the Presbytery of Ontario, (see Chapter IV ) and also in 1800 "The Association of Ontario," (see Chapter VI.) April 6, 1812, the church called Rev. Philander Parmele. A council was convened for his ordination and installation, on May 5, 1812, There were present at the Council, Ministers Reuben Parmele, Aaron C. Collins, Oliver Ayei, Abiel Jones, Ezekiel T. Chapman, Silas Hubbard, and John Bliss; and delegates Noah Ashley, Josiah Owen, Samuel Blakesley, and Samuel Stone. The following day, May 6th, at 10 a. m. the people assembled in the "meeting house," "and in the presence of the church and congregation, and a respectable Assembly, solemnly consecrated Mr. Parmele to the Sacred office of a minister of Christ in Bloomfield." 32 Eev. Oliver Ayer, offered the introductory prayer. Rev. Ezekiel T. Chapman, preached the Sermon from Acts 9:6. Rev. Aaron C. CoUins, offered the ordaining prayer. Rev. Reuben Parmele, gave the charge. Rev. John F. Bliss, the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Silas Hubbard, offered the concluding prayer. I have been able to obtain only the following concerning the life of this the second pastor of the Victor church. "Philander Parmele son of Josiah Parmele, born in North Killingworth Conn. 1/83, graduated at Yale 1809, ordained pastor of church in Victor N. Y. May 5, 1812, dis- missed December 28, 18 14. Installed pastor of church at Bolton, Conn. Nov. 8, i8i5,died December27, 1822, age 39. He was a laborious, earnest and faithful minister." — Spraguc s Annals, Am. Pulpit p. 546. Action taken by the church July 10, 1812, evinces that it was difficult to induce christians residing in the town whose membership was in Eastern churches, to take their letters to this church. The action taken indicates the importance of the situation, one year's grace was given, after which they must unite with the Victor church, if they would enjoy the privileges of its communion table. The justification for this was undoubtedly, in the evident want of proper christian integrit}^ on the part of such persons; who, while residing permanently in the town, refused to put themselves in full connection with the church, and by so doing, felt free from its proper restraints. Again April 15 18 13' we see the church struggling with corrupting influences in the church and community, requiring members of the church to restrain their children from gambling, dancing or balls. The former a vice at any time and it is not difficult to see how promiscuous dancing and balls, like card playing, may be ruinous to the Christian character and morals of a community. It is the abuse and corrupting tendency and influence, of things considered in themselves harmless, that needs most careful guarding. 33 Another felt need expressed itself at this time, in the demand that members instruct their children in the Catechism, and cause them to attend upon the ministrations of the Lord's House and other moral instruction. The importance of, such is self-evident. Often parents have only themselves to blame, that their children are ignorant of sound doctrine, and are Sabbath-breakers, and direlect in the religious and respectable habit of church attendance. A truly Christian parentage is a great blessing, while a practically irreligious parentage, is a curse to any childhood and the terribleness of the curse only eternity will reveal. December 28, 1814, an ecclesiastical council, consisting of ministers — Aaron C. Collins, Ezekiel T. Chapman and Dennis O. Griswold, dissolved the pastoral relation subsisting between the church and Rev. Philander Parmele. The council commended Mr. Parmele's pastorate and endorsed him as a minister of the gospel. During the five years intervening until the next pastor- ate, Rev. Reuben Parmele appears to have acted as moderator, and to have been in charge of the pulpit. It was during this period and in the year 1816, that the church felt the influence of the revival in this section of the State, and was strengthened by it, 36 uniting with the church. The church had already been through one such season, under Mr. Parmele's ministry during the great revival of 1799, which swept over the churches in this region. Also in 1830 and 1 83 1, under Rev. Daniel Johnson, there was a measure of revival, 49 members being added to the church during these two years. Under Rev. Richard Kay, in 1833 and 1834, 54 members were added to the church, showing a marked spiritual interest. In the beginning of 1837, under the ministry of Rev. Jairus Wilcox, there Avas an interesting revival and 39 members were added to the church. Under the ministry of Rev. Charles E. Furman, in 1839, 4^ were added to the church, and again under the same ministry, in 1843 ^ gracious outpouring of God's Spirit resulted in 65 uniting with the church ; 151 uniting during the eight years 34 •of his ministry here. In 1853, under Rev. Calvin Waterbury, there was a season of considerable interest, and 26 united with the church. Again, during the ministry of Rev. Dr. Nichols, in 1868 there was a precious season of revival and 57 united with the church. During 1885 — 1887 the church was revived, and its membership increased by 134. It is thus seen that God's Spirit has been with this church, and blessed it with special seasons of spiritual refreshing during the almost century of its existence. December 1816, the church voted to join the Congre- gational Association to be formed in this region. Viz. the Genesee Consociation, organized about 1817. October 19, 18 19, the church called Rev. Ebenezer Raymond. A council was called to ordain and install him. It assembled November 9, 18 19, and consisted of Rev. John Taylor and Deacon Ezra Sheldon, of Mendon ; Rev. Ezekiel Chapman, (moderator), and delegate Nathaniel Fisher, of Bristol ; Rev. Chauncey Cook and Deacon Samuel Stone, of Pitts- ford ; Rev. Julius Steele, (scribe), and Deacon William Hall, of Bloomfield, and Rev. Reuben Parmele, of Victor. Rev. Solomon Allen, being present, was invited to sit as corres- ponding member. Mr. Raymond was ordained and installed on the following day, November 10, at 10:30, A. M., in the church on the hill. Rev. Reuben Parmele offered the introductory prayer. Rev. John Taylor preached the sermon and delivered the charge to the people. Rev. Ezekiel T. Chapman offered the ordaining prayer. Rev. Chauncey Cook gave the charge to the candidate. Rev. Julius Steele gave the right hand of fellowship and offered the concluding prayer. Mr. Raymond graduated from Union College when 26 years old, in the class of 181 5, and was licensed by the Union Association in 1816. At the time he entered college he was a resident of Sherbourne, Chenango County, N. Y. These are the only facts I have been able to find concerning 35 his life. After leaving Victor he went to Bristol, where he remained from 1825 to 1830. Early in Mr. Raymond's pastorate the Church revised and elaborated its rules of discipline. The first mention on the records of a contribution to foreign missions, is a collec- tion of five dollars in 1821, which was sent through a Mr. Beele, of Canandaigua, to the Foreign Missionary Society of New York. March 25, 1825, Mr. Raymond requested a dissolution of the pastoral relation. A council convened April 6, 1S25, for the consideration of a case of discipline, declined to dissolve the pastoral relation, upon the ground that it was not mentioned in the call. The records contain no evidence that Mr. Raymond was formally released, but before the next church meeting May 26, he was gone, and Rev, Reuben Parmele was moderator. Rev. Jabez Spicer, appears to have served the church as stated supply, from January i, 1826 to Janury 30, 1827. There is no record of a call, or a pastoral relation being established, nor any trace of him after leaving Victor. February 8, 1827, we again find Rev. Reuben Parmele, the founder and life-long friend of this church, in charge He was moderator of the church meeting held on this date, at which the church voted to change its form of govern- ment to Presbyterian. The minority then withdrew and constituted themselves a Congregational church, and it was not until five years afterward that the breach was healed. May 16, 1827, a meeting of the Genesee Consociation was held at Victor to consider the difficulties arising out of this split in the church, and also an important case of discipline. There were present. Rev. C. Thorp, moderator Rev. John Taylor, Rev. William P. Kendrick, Rev. Ebenezer Raymond, and delegates Deacons James Saxton, from Mendon, and Isaac Seeley, from Henrietta, Lyman T. Lidder, from Elba and Amasa Walker, from Byron, 36 The following ministers being present, were invited to sit as corresponding members : Rev's. Morris, Parmele, Steele, Hollenbeck, and Mr. James Gaboon, a licentiate. The association protested against the action of the majority in the face of so determined a minority. At the same time conceding there was no violation of covenant in a Congregational church adopting a Presbyterian form of government. The association also exonerated the majority from any intention of undue haste or wrong, but the association did not then effect a settlement of the difficulties. At a meeting in the church on the hill, July 14, 1827, which was moderated by Rev. John Taylor, the motion was made to "meet in this place, the Congregational Meeting-house two weeks from to-day, at two o'clock, P. M. to see if the two churches can agree to come together." This brings the record of the Congregational branch to the time of reunion — It will be proper before considering the Reunion to insert here the action of the Presbyterian branch between the years 1827 and 1832. These records begin with a brief historical sketch setting forth that in 1827 a large majority of the Congrega- tional church voted to change its form of government from Congregational to Presbyterian. The reasons given, are the mature conviction that peace in the church could not be properly maintained under a Congregational government, which was neither efficient nor apostolic ; while the Presby- terian government was apostolic and more conducive to peace and spirituality. Then follow the records of the meeting at which the change was effected, and which Mr. Parmele moderated. Subsequently, on March 21, 1827, the following officers were elected: Elders William Parmele, and Alvah Dickinson, Deacons, Abijah Williams and William Parmele. These officers were duly ordained and installed Sunday March 25, 1827, by Rev. Reuben Parmele. 37 May 5, 1827, Rev. Garret HoDenbeck, and Rev. Warren Da)' were invited to attend, as counsellors for the church, the meeting of the Consociation held May 16, 1827, and referred to above. A letter of dismission from the association was requested. November 29, 1827, this branch declined to return to •Congregational government, but proposed as a basis of settlement, to meet on middle ground, and unite on the accommodating plan set forth in the Presbyterian Digest. January 12, 1828, Alvah Dickinson, was appointed a delegate to attend Presbytery at Geneseo, on January 15, 1828, and present a request for the admission of the church to Presbytery ; which request was granted and the church received January 16, 1828. Rev. Daniel Johnson began his ministry at Victor, about September 7, 1828. Mr. Johnson, was the son of Thomas, and Mary Lathrop Johnson, and was born at Bridgewater, Mass. November 1783. He was one of the younger children of a large family, and his father was a farmer. He was educated at Brown University, Providence R. T. and studied divinity at Bridgewater, with his pastor. Dr. Reed, a Unitarian. In 1808 he was ordained and settled for life (a custom then prevalent) in Orleans, Barnstable County, Mass. In 1809 he married Miss Maria A. Sampson, of Plymouth, Mass ("a lineal descendant of Miles Standish ; also of John Alden and Priscilla, whose eldest daughter Sarah, married Alexander, the only son of Miles Standish by Rose ") Miss Sampson was not only of Puritan blood, but also of Puritan orthodoxy, which was far more important when she undertook the reformation of this young Unitarian, who soon began to feel the influence of such association, and con- vinced by such suasion, that his wife's religion was more in accord with Scripture, abandoned his liberal sentiments, burned his sermons, and avowed himself for Christ. He carried his church with him. This shows what one truly pious wife 38 can do. After a ministry of twenty years at Orleans, be- came to Victor about September 7, [828 and was the first pastor of this church under its Presbyterian governments His judgement was good, and he proved successful in harmonizing the discordant elements, and so accomplishing^ much toward reunion. After leaving Victor in December 183 1, Mr. Johnson preached for a time at Bushnell's Basin, was several years at Sweden, also at Adam's Basin, in Odgen. His health failing he retired to a small farm,, occasionally supplying some vacant pulpit for a few months at a time. In 1852 he removed to Fairport where in- Febuary i860 he buried his wife after living together more than fifty years. He died October 1867, in his eighty- fourth year. Mrs. Mary J. Marsaellus, of Fairport, who so kindly has furnished the substance for this sketch, and who is his eldest daughter, born at Orleans, Mass., in 18 10, writes, of him. " He was deeply interested in the formation and success of the American board, and also in everything pertaining to missionary work. . Among my earliest recollections, are the earnest prayers at the family altar for those who had gone to carry the gospel to the heathen. Temperance work early found in him an ardent supporter and advocate. His character was symmetrical, a well balanced mind, and even temperament ; a love for all the ordiances of God's house; a constant attendant at the prayer-meeting, and Sabbath services in his old age ; and liberality with his modest means, were distinguishing, traits." Wherever known he was highly respected. January 11, 1829, John Mosher, and William Bushnell were ordained elders. They had been elected May 30^. 1829, at which time John Wells was elected deacon. Elder William Bushnell was clerk of session for one year, when- he resigned and Elder J. W. Peet was elected clerk. August 25, 1829, the Presbytery of Ontario met for the first time in Victor, the church in the past having been 39 connected with the Congregational association. This brings the record of this branch up to the reunion, which took place September 20, 1832. THE REUNION. Both parties met in the meeting house on the above mentioned date, Rev. Reuben Parmele, moderator, and Nathan Jenks, clerk. The ladies also were given a voice in •the proceedings, and sanctioned the reunion. The name and goverment of the church were to be ■congregational, the majority to rule. Any person, or persons, aggrieved by the decision of the majority, could have the right of appeal, either to a council advisory or to the Presbytery. A matter carried before a council must come before the church for final approval. But in case of appeal to Presbytery, the decision of that body was final. Tlie church records were to be submitted to the Presbytery annually for review^ but the Presbytery was not to have any - 44 5« ?>7 70 63 Roll of Elders. William Parmele, - Ah^ah Dickinson, John. Mosher, William Bushnell, - Waitsell Dickinson, Jasper W. Peet, Samuel Tallmadsce, March 25, 1827, to Oct. i, 1835 March 25. '27. to Sept. 20, '32 - Jan. II, "29, to Mar. 12, '30 Jan. II, '29, to Sept. 20, '32 .March 7, '30, to Oct. 4, '35 March 7, '30. to Sept. 20. '32 Sept. 19, '30, to Nov. 13, 't,j (After the adoption of Presbyterian government, March 8. 1858.) Samuel Tallmadge, - Albert Simonds, George W. Farnham, D. Henry Osborne, Salmon Gorsline. Hiram Parks. Hiram Swezey, April 4, 1858, died April 7, 1863 " " " still living and an elder - " " " to April 29, 1866 ' " " still living and an elder " " " to July 12, 1865 April 4, '58. died Feb. 16, '7^ June 24, '60, to July ,22 '82 John Brown James H. Reeve, Darius L. Covill, - - - James F. Draper, M. D . Stephen J. TaHmadge, - Stafford, S. Lusk, William A. Higinbotham, C. Lewis Simonds, 8i Dec. 19, '66, to March 17. ^dj Oct. 2. '68, died Sept. 9, '81 April 1 1, '75, to Jan. 28, 'jj April II, '75, to June 4, "So Ma)' 10. "85, now in office Roll ok Trustkes. Jared Roughtcn, Sept. 13. ^^f,\ trustees und Joseph Brace, Jr., )- .. r • T-i TT 1 li u ii ( ^ct ot mcorpc 1 homas Hawley, u .^ 1 i Abijah Williams, Ebenezer Bements, Erastus Ingersoll, Thomas Beach, M. D. Abraham Boughton, er original poration. Trustees under re-incorporation, Dec. 2, 181 1, for the purpose of changing the title to the North East Congregational Societ)' in town of Bloomfield. (The record between the above and 1836, is missing.) Date of first No. of election . terms serv'd J. T. Holli-ster, 1836, i Hiram Parks, '37, 3 Frederick, A. Hart, '38, 3 (October 11, 1839 ^^- °^ trustees increased 105.) Nathan Jenks, 1839, ^ Harmon VanVechten, '39 i Alvin Parks, '40, 2 Melancthon Lewis, '40, 1 1 Albert Simonds, '41 6 Samuel Tallmadge '41 2 Rufus Seymour, '42 i Abiram L. Peet, '42, i Hiram Seymour, '43, i William Moore, Otis Dryer, Jasper W. Peet, Wm. P. Hawkins, John Eckler, Philo Parks, Marcus A. Norton, Peter Perry, Thos. K. Embry, PVederick Fox, John Smith Jones, D. Henry Osborne, William GuUap, Orrin S. Bacon, Darius L. Covill, 43- '44. I 2 '44, I '44- I '44. I 45- I •46. I 46, 1 '46. 2 47. I 47- 2 '58, 6 •68. I '71. 4 ^71^ 1 82 David Clark, 74, Edwin S. Norton, 'yj, Marvin A. Wilbur, '79, Albert B. Simonds, '79, I j John VanVechten, '80, 3 ! Stafford S. Lusk, '84, 4 I Wm. B. Osborne' '84, I I Willis D. Newton, '87, The Board of Trustees in i Willis D. Newton, President, Orrin S, Bacon, Marvin A. Wilbur, John VanVechten, William B. Osborne, The Session in 1888. Rev. C. W. Backus, Moderator, Elders,-Albert Simonds, D. Henry Osborn, Stephen J. Tallmadge. Stafford S. Lusk, William A. Higinbotham, C. Lewis Simonds. D. Henry Osborne, Deacons in 1888, Albert Simonds, I James F. Draper, M, D. -♦••£> c. Roll of Members from the Organization of the Church in 1799. Arranged according to DATE OF admission, WITH THE NAMES OF THE Pastors under whom THEY UNITED. United at the organization of the church February 13, 1799, Rev. Reuben Par- MELE, pastor: Jabez Morehouse. Ehzabeth Morehouse. wife of Jabez. EHsha Perkins. Mehitable Perkins. wife of Elisha . Abijah WiUiams. Mrs. Thomas Hawley. Jemima Brace. wife of Joseph. Samuel Boughton. Reuben Hart, M. D. 1799 Joseph Brace. Asa Hickox, Jr. Polly Hickox. Thomas Hawley. Benjamin Wilson. Deborah Perkins, Huldah Hart, wife of Dr. Reuben. Eunice Williams, wife of Abijah. 1800 Ira Seymour. Jerusha Seymour, wife of Ira. Joseph Rowley, By letter from Chai'lestown, Mass. Anna Rowley, wife of Joseph . 1802 Laura Parmele, wife Rev. Reuben, I. fr, Goshen, Ct. Peter Turner, by 1. fr. West Stoclvbridge Mass. Mindwell Turner, wife of Peter. Lucy Ketchum, wife of Joshua. 84 i8o3 Samuel Stone, Mrs. Samuel Stone, Isaac Eoot, Mary Root, Wife of Isaac, by letter f i-om West Stockbridgre. Laura Parmele, daughter of Kev. Reuben. Mrs. Samuel Boughton. 1804 Eleanor Boughton, by letter from Canaan. Conn. 1805 Mrs. Elisha Coan. by letter from West Stockbridg-c. 1806 Margaret Hawley, wife of Capt. Abner. 1807 Aaron Bailey, Mrs. Aaron Bailey. 1808 Jemima Hart, wife of Jabez. 1809 Esther Marsh, Elizabeth Rowley, wife of Jirah. 181O Widow Gould. 1811 Sibyl Rowley, Rhoda Turner, Melania Boughton, by letter from Providence R. I. Erastus Ingersoll, Rev. Abiel Parmele, Isaac Perkins, Roxey Ingersoll, wife of Thomas. Eliplia Beach. wife of Thomas Beach, M. D. Aunt Tally who organized the first Sabbath School. Mrs, Betsey Griswold, wife of Solomon. Susan Hall, Rev. Philander Parmele, May 5th, 1 8 12. 1812* Lydia West, Abigail Parmele, wife of Rev. Phil'r, 1 f r Killing-worth Selina Coan, Simeon Hart, by letter from Pompey . Mrs. Simeon Hart. Lucretia Hart, their daughter. 1813 Timothy B. Applin, by letter from Cazenovia, N. Y. Anna Green, by letter from Sheldon . Samuel Boughton, by letter from Scii>;o. Lucy Boughton, wife of Samuel. Esther Wallingford, by letter from Waterford, X. Y. Gilbert Saxton, Polly (Mary) Morehou.se, l)y letter from Manlius. Solomon Griswold, Mrs. Daniel Chapin, by letter from CazenoA ia, N. Y. Simeon Boughton. 85 i8i4 Betse}' Boughton, wife of Claudius Victoiv Simeon Parks, by letter from Scipio . Abigail Parks, wife ot Simeon. Daniel Chapin, by letter from Cazenovia James Campbell, by letter from Florida, N. Y. Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons, i-ee'd and bap'd with her household. Rev. REirBEX Parmele in charge from Jan. i, i8i5,to Nov. lo, 1819. 1815 Sarah Beach, wife of Samuel, by 1 f r Camden, N. J Rhoda Macumber, by 1 . f r. Richmond. Mary Hays. Persis Turner. 1816 John Grow, Jr. Mrs. John Grow, Jr. William Parmele, Lucy May, John Grow, Sr. by letter from Dansville, Vt. Mrs. John Grow, Sr. Hannah Voorhies, wife ot Georg-e, from Charlestown. George Voorhies, Mary Hart, wife of Harvey. Theodosia Jackson, Eunice Boughton, Ansel Rowley, Frederick A. Hart, Sylvia Hart, wife of Frederick A. Joseph Hosford, Jonathan Smith, Mrs. Jonathan Smith, Ansel Perkins, Betsey Perkins, wife of Ansel. Lavina Rowley, Electa Bushnell, by 1. fr. Richland: wife of Barnet B. Deborah Grow, Abigal Wilmarth, by letter from Westford. Jotham J. Barnes, Lavina Barnes, wife of Jotham. Esther Barret, wife of Amasa. ' Lucretia Rowley, Mary Hosford, Catharine Lane, Charles Monford , by letter from B. Ridge, N. .1 Artelicia Dryer, Sylvia Rowley, Robert Gillis, by letter from Argyle, N. Y Mrs. James Powell, from Clintori, N. Y. Amasa Barret, Apama Dickinson, wife of Nathaniel O. I817 Abigail Wadkins, by letter from Cazenovia. Anna Rowley, wife of Joseph, Jr. I818 John Wells, by letter from Mavflelr? 86 Reuben Smith, by letter from Cazenovaa. Mrs. Reuben Smith, Mrs. Vantile, by letter from Salem . Mrs. Isaac Hathaway. 1819 Mrs. Elizabeth Corey, by letter from Cazenovia. Jacob Lane. by letter from Charlestown. Nancy Wells, wife of John. Dinah Boughton, by letter from West Stockbridge. Ebenezer Parsons, Hannah Parsons, wife of Ebenezer, Genoa. Catharine Parmele, by letter from Phelps Rev. Ebenezer Raymond, from November 10, 18 19, to April 6, 1825. 1820 Mrs. Lydia Raymond. 1821 Mrs. Polly Brunson, by letter from Penflekl. Mrs. Robbins. 1822 Betsey Smith, bj' letter from Cazenovia. Ira Hart, by letter from Stockbridge. Michael Fredricks, Mrs. Jane Furgerson. 1823 Sally Beach, John Bushnell, Ruth Bushnell, wife of John. James Bushnell, Clarissa Bushnell, wife of James. 1824 Waitstell Dickinson, Catharine Dickinson wife of Waitstell . Hezekiah Ford, Hannah Ford, wife of Hezekiah. Hannah Ford, their daughter. Celestia N. Ford, Adelisa Crocker, Sibyl Bigford, Elizabeth Smith, (Mrs. Hilton). Polly Heron. 1825 Alvah Dickinson, Amanda Dickinson, wife of Alvah. Claiissa Peck, w. of Harry, by 1. fr. E. Hartford C. Abigail Horton, Phidelia Perkins, Ruth Delano. 1826 Rev. Jabez Spicer, S. S., from Jan. 1,1826, to Jan. 30, 1827. Joanna Ingersoll, wife of Stephen. Rev. Reuben Parmele ex- ercising general supervis- ion from Feb. i, 1827, to Sept. 7, 1828. 87 i827 Mrs. Abigail Parmele, by letter from Phelps. 1828 John Mosher. by letter from Union Village, N. Y. William Grimes, by letter from Manchester. ]\Iary Grimes, wife of William . Seth C. Parmele, Harriet Parmele, ■wife of Seth . Sarah Mosher, wife of John. Almon Ford, Sinai Ford, wife of Almon, by 1. fr. Portland, Me. William Bushnell, Joseph Perkins, Jasper W. Peet. Ira Dickinson. Anna Dickinson, wife of Ira. Cindaiilla Jones, Rev. Daniel Johnson, pas- tor from Sept. 7, 1828, to December 29, 1831. Mary Weston, Mrs. Ann Decker. 1829 Apama Dickinson, Mrs. Hiram Parks. Mrs. Persis Payne, Mrs. Laura Mosher, Mrs. Polly Sheldon. 1830 Mrs. Electa A. Peet, Josiah Tallmadge, Mrs. Josiah Tallmadge, Samuel Tallmadge, Mrs. Samuel Tallmadge, William J. Wells, Mary Ann Goodrich, wife of Benjamin D. Mary Hickox, Eunice Smith, Hannah Mo.sher, by letter from Clyde . Mrs. Harriet Chaterden. Belden Seymour, Pierpont Seymour, Simeon Johnson, Mrs. Lois Peet. Mrs. Simeon Johnson. Rachel Bradley, Elizabeth Van Arnam. 1831 Mrs. Nellie Inman, Ephraim Johnson, Mrs. Oliver Peck, Samuel Johnson, Satira Dickinson, Cynthia Dickinson, Hannah Bortle, James M. Campbell. Mary Eve Campbell, wife of James. Mary Dickinson, Mrs. Jane Jenks, Mrs. Sylvia Williams, Electa Hubbell, Mrs. Albert Simonds. Mrs. Ann P. Walling, Mary M. Peet, Laura Mo.sher, Benjamin D. Goodrich, 88 Rev. Bostic Perkins, Dr. Doroner, by letter from Palmyra, N. Y. Mrs. Clarissa Walker, Catharine Vanbergen, Catharine Dickinson, Eliza Dickinson, Mrs. Delano, Lorin Root, Sally Root, wife of Lorin. Parmelia Chadwick, Mary Johnson, Samuel Palmer, Polly Palmer, •wife of Samuel. Lydia Turner. 1832 Rev. Reuben Parmele, and supplies, with the church from January i, 1832, to January 24, 1833. Rufus Seymour, Mrs. Rufus Seymour. Richard Butterfield, Charity Butterfield, wife of Richard. Marana Turner, Nathan Jenks, Orrin Olmstead, Mrs. Eunice Rawson, Luther Williams, Submit Grimes, Jerusha Palmer, Alvah Inman, Martha Ann Turner, Robinson Ormsby, Cornelia E. Northrup, Clarissa Ormsby, wife of Robinson, Mary L. Seymour. 1833 Rev. Richard Kay pastor from January 24, 1833 to November 12, 1835. Benjamin D. Turner, Julia Turner. Mrs. Lucy Pullen, Mrs. Ann Look, Asenath Turner, David Raymond, Laura Raymond, wife of David. Clarissa Raymond. Joshua Raymond, Sylvester Harris, John Turner, Theron Chadwick, Asa Root, Solomon Turner, Maria Dunning, Maria Chadwick, Lucina Root. Eunice Boughton. Harvey Hart, Mrs. Asa Root, Augusta Peet, Mary Ann Wallingford, Vashti Grimes, Miles Lowell, Marcus A. Norton, Margaret Norton, wife of Marcus A . Mrs. Margaret Wheeler, Henry Seymour, i 89 Mary Seymour, wilV of Henry. Olive Porter, Mariett Rawson, Mrs. Webster, Missionary to Bom- bay, India. Betsey Raymond, Trowbridge Benedict, Betsey Benedict, vfife of Trowbridg-e. Mrs. Mary Ann Kay. 1834 Stephen Collier, Emeline Collier, wife of Steplien Mrs. Sophia Smith, Martha Seymour, wife of Belden . Mary Root, Mrs. Nancy Groff, Mary Parmele, Elizabeth Raymond, Mrs. Lucinda Dryer, Mary Dryer, Mrs. Peet. Caroline Moore, Julia Witham, John Delano, William Smith, Stephen Ingersoll, Isaac P. Hollister, Ellen Hollister, wife of Isaac P. Sarah Rapeljie, Mrs. M indwell Delano. Samantha Raymond, Hiram Seymour. Cornelia Ellis, Mrs. Mary Hart, William R. Seymour, Hannah Snedaker, (Root) by letter from Ewing Israel Jacobs, by letter from Clyde . Mrs. Olive Colbraith, by letter from Palmyra Mrs. Sarah Embry, 1836 Mrs. Jeanette Vandenbergh, Mary Jane McCullough, Elizabeth McCullough, Rev. Ja I Rus Wilcox Pastor from November 6, 1836, to January 14, 1838. Hiram Parks, Phebe Vandenbergh, Cynthia Himnan. 1837 Esther Wallingford, wife of Jonathan. Eunice Moore, Mrs. Samuel Bartlett. Esther Wallingford, daughter of Jonathan (Mrs. Ga lord Blair.) Jane Parks, Mrs. Van Rensselaer Griffin. Charlotte M. Pullen, Mrs. John Boug-hton, (Tinney) Harriet M. Jenks, Mrs. Dulcher. Mrs Marian B. Seymour, Deborah Boughton, Peter Vandenbergh, Albert Simond'?, Squire G. Beers, Edward Hayes, 90 Abigail Hayes, wife of Edward. Milton Nelson, Amy Nelson, wife of Milton . Harmon, Van Vechten, Eve Van Vechten, wife of Harmon. Wynant Vandenbergh, Sarah Vandenbergh, wife of Wynant . Philo Parks, Phebe Parks, wife of Philo . Avery T Farnham, Mrs. Lucian Moore, Angeline Moore, IVIrs. Keith. Parmelia Ingersoll, Eunice Hart, Jane A. Decker, Mrs. James Sizor, Celia Thompson, Mrs. Betsey Boughton, Caroline Boughton, Mrs. William Gallup. Julia Norton, Lucia A. Tallmadge, Mrs. Beebe. Ann M. Snedaker, JuHa M. Buell, Mrs. Walter B. Titus. Mary Ann Buell, George Eddy, Temperance H. Eddy, wife of Georg'e. Thomas Eddy, Thomas Flynn. 1838 Rev. Charles E. Furman, Pastor from June 20, 1838, to April — 1846, and was in charge of pulpit from the 1st, Sabbath in March of 1838. Mrs. Eliza Mayo, Mrs. Amelia Hummel, M. A. Wallingford. 1839 Mrs. Anna Bushnell. Mrs. Raymond, Rev. J. W. Wood, by letter from Hamilton, Canada. Zaccheus P. Gillette, Clarrington Mayo, Abel Fitch, Henrietta Fitch, Jonathan Wallingford, Gideon Shaw, Sarah Shaw, Stephen J. Tallmadge, Abigail Jane Tallmadge, Mrs. Pixley, (Shepherd,) Marcia Maria Tallmadge, Mrs. Hathfon. Sarah Ann VanVechten, Mrs. Stephen J. Tallmadge, Rebecca Ann VanVechten, Mrs. William Conover, Dow Fonda Vandenberg, Sarah Jane Vandenberg, Hiram Chadwick, Miranda M. Chadwick, Seneca Boughton, James Henry Young, Sarah Wells, Mrs. Johns. Gillis, Sophia Hart, Martha Hart, Mrs. Robert Gillis. 91 Betsey Riddle, Julia Foster Smalley, Cyrus B.Rawson, William Jones, Rachel Maria Peet, Mrs. Harriet Boughton, Eliza Boughton, Laura Maria Lovejoy, Alvan Parks, Martha Wood, John Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Henry B. Jenks, Cyrus Jenks, H. E. J. Furman, wife of Rev. C. E. Catherine Jay, Benjamin Freeman, Sarah Maria Bement, Mrs. Squire Beers. Andrew J. Decker. Jane Lawrence, Mrs . Stephen Blood . Alphonzo Lawrence. Mrs. Parmelia Tallmadge, Mrs. Elizabeth Perkins. Catharine J. Gillis, wife of Enos. 1840 Jane Pullen, Mrs. Center Bushnell. Daniel Dryer, Sr. Jeannette VanVleek, Christiana West, wife of Georg'e. 1 841 Rufus Seymour, Ruth Seymour, wife of Kufus. Delia Seymour, their duug-liter. Giles T. Arnold, Iris Arnold, wife of Giles T. Azuba Benton, John Pixley, 1842 Van Rensselaer Conover, Mary K. Snedaker, Reuben Mosher, John A. Gillis, Joshua Holtam, Isaac Hart, William Fuller, George N. West, Abiram L. Peet, Frederick Fox, Jane Fox, wife of Frederick. 1843 James VanVleek, Tunis Brizee, Maria Brizee, Philip H. Brizee, William Collins, Emily Collins, William Moore, Alma C. Moore, Elizabeth VanVleek, Mary VanVleek, Harriet E. Hawkins, Mrs. William Cole. William P. Hawkins, Abram Bramble, Walter VanVechten, Abner VanVleek, Charles Seymour, Augustus Root, Eveline M. Vandenbergh, Abbie E. Furman, Mrs. Bnggs. Henry Benson, Sally Benson, ♦ Emily Hubbell, Mrs. John HoWt^rd, Robert Bruce Moore, Thomas Turner, Harriet Newell Hinman, Otis Dryer, Augustus F. Hart, Didama Fitch, Frances C Fitch, Harriet Robbins, Susan A. Hickox, Mary Boughton, Lovina A. Bushnell, Mrs. D. Henry Osborne. Simon H. Veeder, Polly Veeder, Sabria M. Root, Harriet Lacretla Hart, Lucy Ann Moore, Malvina Lucretia Hart, Elizabeth McLean, Elijah A. Webster, Noah Root, Susan Root, Gilbert M. Raymond, Giles S. Williams, Matilda Williams, Lucien R. Peet. Ann M. Smith, Minerva Wells. Frances A. Peet, Amanda Beers, Angeline Morris, Lydia Vandenbergh, Ezra M. Peet, John B. French, Sophia Leland, Eliza J. Benson, Emily M. Moore, Philena Dryer, Phebe Markham, George W. Clark, Mary J. Preston, Deborah Perkins, Ira Root, Asenath Root, wife of Ira. 1844 Enoch F. Hinman, John Eckler, Mary Eckler, wife of Jolin. John D. Grow, Electa Grow, wife of John. Mrs. Nancy Dryer, Charles Curtis, Mary Curtis, wiie of Charles. 1845 James Bristol, Lewis H. Fort, Eveline Fort, wife of Lewis. Esther Humphrey, wife of Rev. Mr. Stephens. 1846 Mrs. Sarah Heath. Rev. Charles M. Merwin, Pastor from April 20, 1846, to August 7, 1849. 93 Mrs. Sarah Raymond. 1847 Mrs. Jane M. Boughton, 1848 Mrs. Harriet B. Mayo, Mrs. Sarah Vandenbergh, Mrs. Mary Osborne, Mrs. Ann Osborne, D. Henry Osborne, Caroline Simonds, wife of Albert. 1849 J. W. Palmer, M. D. Mary Palmer, wife of Dr. J. W. Oliver Grow, Parmelia Grow, wife of Oliver Mary Jane Grow, Mrs. James Mills, Geneva. Isaac Perkins, Elizabeth Perkins, wife of Isaac . Mrs. Catharine Wells, Peter Perry, Cynthia Perry, wife of Peter. Mary Jenks, Mrs. Frederick Sines. 1850 Rev. C. Van H. Powell, S. S. from January 6, 1850, to March, 2, LS5L Cornelius Van Every, Maria Van Every, wife of Cornelius. Cornelia A. Van Every, Wynant Van Every, Cornelius C. VanEvery, Mrs. Susan Church, Walter B. Titus. 1851 Rev. Calvin Waterburv, Pastor from July 8, i85I,to Augu.st 15, 1855. Priscilla Waterbury, wife of Rev. Calvin. Charlotte B. Seymour, Mrs. Day, Samuel S. Spring. 1852 Emeline Parks, Mrs. Freeman. Salmen Gorsline, Mrs. Salmen Gorsline, Mrs. Lucy Hart, Ambrose C. Ford, Elizabeth W. Ford, wife of Ambrose 1853 Mrs. Maria Bement, Amelia D. Norton, Mrs Booth . Mary Ann Cockran, Edwin Parks, Elizabeth M. Beers, Mrs. Adrian Ford. Susan McCullough, Joseph Phipps, John Rollinson, Sarah E. Salter, Mrs. George liliss. Mary Ann Salter, Sarah A. Jenks, Mrs. Dorcas Farnham, Avery T. Farnham, Thomas Grow. Mrs. Ruth Adams, 94 Hannah Adams, Mrs. McHuron. Maria Parks, Mrs. Susan Parks, Mrs. Louisa M. Heazlet, James Heazlet, Alfred Curtis, Phebe S. Curtis, witv of Alfred, by 1. fr. Ballston Centre, N. Y. Isaac Carey, Marcia Mayo, Eliza Parks, Mrs. Buckland, Mrs. Mercy Power. 1854 Mrs. Mary Farnham, George W. Farnham, Margaret F. Farnham, Harriet S. Farnham, Mrs. Edward Boug-hton. Helen Hubbard, Mrs. Robert Martin. Marietta Parks, Mrs. Dr. Silliman. Mary Parks. 1855-56 Rev. Job Pierson, D. D., Pastor from December 15, 1856 to September27, 1863. 1857 Mrs. Nancy Wilcox, Ann M. Wilcox, Mrs. Caroline E. Smith, Mrs. Mary Bristol. February 24, 1858, the church changed its form of government and name, and became the " First Presby- terian Church of Victor, N. Y.," which is its present constitution. 1858 Mrs. David Farnham, David Clark, Sophia Clark, wife of David, by 1. fr. Parma. Mrs. Olive Deitrich, Mrs. Maria Van Ness. bv letter from Periuton . i8S9 Mrs. Emeline Lewis, by 1. fr. West Stockbridg-e, Mass. Mrs. Temperance Lewis, by letter from Rochester. Mrs. Helen P. Seymour, Mrs. Celia Norton, by letter from East Bloomfleld, Mrs. Anna Bushnell, by letter from Elmira. Rachael W. Pierson, Wife of Rev. Job, 1. fr. Pittsford. Hiram Swezey, by letter from Newport, N. Y, Mary Swezey, wife of Hiram. i860 John H. Levet, Emma M. Levet, wife of John, 1. fr Rochester. George H. Robb, Catharine Robb, wife of Geo. bothl fr Broadalbin N Y Elizabeth Norton, wife of Edwin S . 1861 Julia Farr, Joanna Camp, by letter from Jamaica, L.I. 95 Joseph Bennet, Helen Peet, Elizabeth Palmer, Hannah Hartman, by k'tter from Perinton. William H. Cline, Emily Cline, wife of Wm. H. Margaret A. Farnham, Rodney Dexter, Cordelia E. Dexter, wife of Rodney. Mrs. Frances S. Boughton, by 1. fr. East Bloomfleld. Mary Jarvis, by letter from Jamaica, L. I. 1862 D Henry Palmer, byl.fr. Rochester, (Rev. Dr. Palmer of Penn Yan . ) Darius L. Covill, by letter from Lima. Mrs. Catharine M. Longyear* 1. fr. Pittsford, wife of James. Samuel \V. Osborn, Harriet E. Osborn, Mary Osborn, Ann Wells, Mrs. Sarah M. Sharp, wife of Cholattu Sharp. Mrs. Eleanor Ferguson, Mrs. Ann Covill, Mrs. Lucy Ann Clapper, Charlotte E. Tallmadge, Mrs. A. |{. Rowley. Margaret Gillis, wife of J A. Gertie Van Hoosen, byl. fr. Mayfleld, N. Y. Marietta Bowerman, wife of Gilford. 1863 Mrs. Cassia Day, by letter from Rochester, Mrs. Nancy Bowers, Charlotte Parks, Mrs. R. Reed. Rev. Wm. H. Webb, Pastor, from December 6, 1863 to October 22, 1865, Mrs. Sylvina Peck Walling. 1864 Isaac B. Kniffen, Tamar Ann Kniffen, wife of Isaac B . Elizabeth Webb, wife of Rev. Wm. H. by 1. fr Niag'- ai'a City, N. Y. Minnie Parks, Mrs. A. J. Lane. Alice D. Lusk, wife of Stafford S.. by 1. fr. East Bloomfleld. Mrs. Sarah A. Rollinson, John O. Palmer, by 1. fr. Auburn, N. Y. John Brown, Eveline Brown, wife of John. Juliette Brown, allbyl.fr. Rose, N. Y. Mrs. Ann Warren. Mrs. Hortense A. Wilder. Mrs. Jeanette E. Rowley, Mrs. Lydia A. Gillett. 1866 Church under supplies un- til November 7, 1866. Mrs, O. J. Woodward, Mrs. Hannah E. Bement, Ity 1. fr. Palmyra, X. Y. 96 Rev. Gideon P. Nichols, D. D., Pastor from May, 1866, to August 8, 1869. Nathaniel Phillips, Emily Phillips, ■wife of Nathaniel, bv 1. fr. Clarkson N. Y. Mrs. Mary Boltwood, Abbie Parks. 1867 Eliza Dryer, Mrs. Edward Bi'owii. Maria Clark, Mrs. George Sidway. Sophia Clark, Elvira Vanderbergh, wife of John. Irene Gilbert, Myra Copeland, Caroline West, Mrs. William Gi'een. James H. Reeve. Lydia Reeve, wife of James H. by I. fr. Jamaica, L. I. Mrs. Mary E. Copeland. by 1. fr. Addison, N. Y. Edward Copeland. 1868 Mrs. Rachel Moore, wife of Robert. William Gallup, Orrin S. Bacon, Harriet E. Bacon, wife of Orrin S. Margaret Ransom, John H. Ransom, Mrs. Mary Wheeler, Elizabeth Norton, wife of Walter D . Walter D. Norton, Laura Parks, Ella Parks, Ella H. Harrington, Mrs. Frank J. Heath . Mary Conover, Mrs. Sidell. Emma Rawson, Cora Wilder, George Randall, William B. Osborne. James Longyear Mrs. Anna Humphrey, by letter from Brooklyn, N, Y. Charles McKallar, Delia McKallar, wife of Charles. Mrs. Jane Howell, by letter from Chili. Ezra M. Peet, Helen B. Peet, wife of Ezra M. John VanVechten, Edwin S. Norton, A. Burton Simonds, George Frederick, John Vandenbergh, Mrs. Mary VanCott, Mary Clark, Mrs. Charles VanVechten. Hattie Peet, Mrs. Diuslow Gould. Carrie Beach, John Potter, William W. Gillis, Julia F. Simmon, by letter from Cold water, Mich. Hannah VanVechten, wife of John, Augusta Norton, wife of E. S. I 97 Nellie Simonds, wife of A. li. Alida Fredericks, wife of George. Charlotte Fredericks, wife (if Nicholas. Julietta Adams, Elizabeth Conover, wife of John. Mrs. Ellen Brocklebank, Mary J. Simonds, Mrs. Gilbert Turner. Alice Parks, Augusta Wilder, Sophia Moul, Mrs. Agnes Decker, Carrie Upton, Mrs. McCarthy. Bell Woodward, Sibly Bell, Mary Moore, in mission work, Chicag-o, 111 . Mrs. Jane Bell, Mrs. Henry Van Voorhies. Julia Gillis, Helen Gillis, Mrs. Eliza Brown, wife of Henry. 1869 James C. Wisner, byl. fr. Lyons, N. Y. Mrs. James C. Wisner. by letter from Lyons, N . Y Rev. Clark B. Gillett, Charles K. Humphre}', Robert Ranney, by letter from Ireland. Peggy Ranney, wife of Robert. Mary Ranney, Mrs. Phebe West, wife of Winslow. Miss Frank Noble. Church under supplies from August 8, 1869, to June i, '71 . William Green. 1870 Thomas Gallup, bj' letter from Albion. Mrs. Mary J. Munson, Emma J. Munson, both by 1. from TitusvlUe, Pa. 187I Mrs. Sarah M. Powell, by letter from Joliet, 111 . Dinslow M. Gould. Rev. Henry T. Miller, Pastor from June i, 1871, to June I, 1873, Anna Peet, Mrs. Henry Boughton, Mrs. McMurdy, Charles Shaw, E. Shaw, wife of Charles. Carrie Lobdell, Mrs Sale. Levi N. Beebe, Mrs. L. N. Beebe, both by letter fr. West Bloomfield. Jennie K. Miller, wife of Rev. Henry T. 1872 Mrs. Esther Benedict, by letter from Perinton. Charlotte Lovejoy, wife of Edward. Catharine A. Norton, wife of John. Catharine J. Gillis, Mrs. Frank Gallup. Elizabeth Boughton, Mrs. James Va il. 98 Cora Osborne, Lillian Bacon, Alice Levet, ■Julia Lewis, Mrs. Moore. Lena Norton, Daniel Wilder, Anna A. Covill, w. of Darius Ij. by 1. fr. Canandaigua Carrie L. Dryer, Mrs. Mary Ann Wilder, by letter from Brockport. Clarissa Bostwick, by letter from Palmyra. James F. Draper, M. D. Amelia Townsend, wife of Doctor Townsend. Mrs. Catharine E. Risely, Mrs. Stephen J. Tallmadge. Delia VanNess, w. of Cassius C 1. fr. Woodstock.N. Y. Mrs. Betsey Dibble, Emeline Dibble, by letter from East Bloomfield . 1873 Anna Svvezey, Mrs. Concklin. Cora Jane Swezey, Celia Christopher, Mrs George T . Ewers Rev. William B. Marsh, Pastor from December 7, 1873, to November 22, 1875- 1874 Joseph Waghorne, Rachel Waghorne, wife of Joseph . Mrs. E. A. Marsh, wife of Rev. William B. Mary Goodnow, wife of Truman. Jennie Thorne, by letter from Rochester, N.Y. Mrs. Helen Beach, by letter from East Bloomfield, (Mrs. Joseph P . Ha thaway . ) Anna Dunlap, Edwin D. Hoyt, Adelia E. Hoyt, wife of Edwin D. by 1. fr. Mendon, 1875 Mrs. Elizebeth B. Tracy, by letter from Ireland . 1876 Rev. Robert Exnis, Pastor from February 12, 1876, to August 5, 1877. William McMurdy. Mary Painton, Ida Longyear, Mrs. Charles Ketchum. Henry R. Robbins, Anna Robbins, by letter from Knoxboro, N. Y. Mary A. Camp, Mrs. Charles Brown. Emily M. Levet, Josephine C. Brizee, Myrtie May Thompson, Hattie Moore, Sarah Ann Brizee, wife of Benjamin. 1877 Mary Force, wife of Charles. Elder, John Kilbourn, by 1. fr. Knoxboro, X. Y. Catharine Kilbourn, wife of John. Mrs. Lillian Moore, by 1. f r. Battle Creek Mich. 99 18/8 Rev. Thomas E. Babb, Pastor from February 3, 1S78, to June 3, 1883. Carrie Osborne, >[is. Mark T. Powell. Mrs. Marietta Sizer, Ida Conov^er, Mrs. Georg-e Shanks. Harriet S. Gillis, wife of William W. Daniel Wilder, Mary Wilder, wife of Daniel, byl. fr. Webster. Mary Ann Draper, wife of Dr. James F. Mrs. Babb, wife of Rev. Thomas E. by 1. fr. Oxford, Mass. 1879 • Clarence P. Kilmer, byl. fr. Ohio. 1880. George F. Swezey, William B. Gallup, George M. Shanks, James Haslip, Mrs. Fanny Haslip, by 1. fr. Parma Centre. Mrs. Maggie McGee. Julia Adams, wife of Freeman, Elizabeth Timmerman, wife of Benjamin. 1 88 1 James G. Vail, by 1. fr. f Geneva. Laura McD. Osborne. wife of Wm. B. by 1. fr. Uochester. 1882 Hell Norton, Mrs. Frank Hopkins Mrs. Laura Sibbits. 1883 Albert S. Bacon, Minister at Oneida Castle. Mrs. Sabra Covill. The following names are found on the church roll without date of admission. Rachael Ball, wife of Dr. William. Eliza Root, Lucinda Norton. 1884 Rev. Clarnce W. Backus, Pastor from Jul}- i, 1 884 to Anna B. Higinbotham, wife of W. A. by 1 fr. E. Bioomfield. Susan W. Backus, wife of Rev.C. W. byl.fr. Prince- town . Ellen Wilbur, Mrs. Torry Moffit, byl fr. Rose. Mrs. Elizabeth Wilbur. I)y letter fr. Rose. Cora French, Minnie Bacon, wife of Orrin S. Jr. Carrie E. Phillips, Nellie Longyear, Mrs. L. H. Stewart. Alice E. Moore, Mrs. Gardner Thomas. Charles A. Moore, Gardner G. Thomas, Mark T. Powell, Mrs. Cora J. Phillips, by 1 . f r. East Mendon Clara Benson, Marian Estella Vandenberg, lOO 1885 Mercy E. Covill. wife of A. L. by l.fr. E. Bloomfield. Georgia McVean, wife of David A. by 1. fr.Scottsville Ziba C. Curtice, Anna Day Curtice, wife of Ziba C botli by 1. ir. Webster. Marvin A. Wilbur, byl. tr. Rose. Lizzie S. Bacon, Jennie O. Bacon, Nellie J. Heath, Lousia Schroth, Cora D. Timmerman, Mrs. A. N. Holcomb. Cora E. Wheeler, Grace L. Phillips, Mrs. John S. Boug-hton. Miranda C. Hill, wife of William . Cynthia S. Webster, wife of Otis. Jessie M. Simonds, wife of George. William A. Higinbotham, Harriet B. Tiffany, Minnie B. Tiffany, Fannie L. Timmerman, Viola G. Adams, Cora E. Boughton, Nellie Pestol, Alice Pestol, Viola Farnsworth, Cola L. Gillis, C. Lewis Simonds, Bertha L. Simonds, wife of C. Lewis, Z. Gertrude Wisner, wife of Ralph S. George Simonds, George D. Sidwa}-, Agnes H. Levet, wife of Oliver. William Conover, Milton P. Cornford. Eugene A. Timmerman, Stafford S. Lusk, Amelia Norton, Rachel Vandenbergh, wife of Dow. Alfred B. Levet, Benjamin F. Timmerman, Charles A. Phillips. Irene Green, wife of Baldwin, Emma I. Green. Mrs . Charles Bowermau. Nettie VanVechten. Ella L Peck. Mary S. Lane, wife of Albert. Celestine L Boltwood, wife of Emmet. Emmet Boltwood, Agnes Bell West, William B. Moore, Freeman E. Adams, Frank Ashley, Rose Ellen Underwood, Jane Howland, wife of Wilbur. Maggie Bennet, vrite of Amos J. by 1 fr. Prlncetown. Milo Freeman Webster, Ralph S. Wisner, 1886 Harriet Bement, wife of Hem-y. Ida M. Wilbur. wife of Marvin A. lOI Anna E. Backus, Jennie M. Sidell, Albert E. Sale, Adelia M. Sale, wife O! Albert E. Emma Brusie, Frank A. Hopkins, Jennie E. Newton, wife of Willis D. Mary L. Jones, wife of Asa Susie Pimm, Ml-:.. Chi Ids Harry Pimm, Emma A. Eox, wife Of Frederick . Wilbur C. Howland, Jr. George Peifer, Minnie M. Rankin, Eva Smith Phillips, wifeof Natliatiiel, by 1. tr. Kochester. 1887 . Anna E. Jacobs, George Warren, Jennie Webster Gallup, wife of Wm B . by 1. fr. Geueseo. P'lora Craft. Kittie Grinnell, Aaron N. Longyear, Charles Longyear, Sadie McVean, John Rupprecht, George H. Frederick, Minnie J. F"rederick, Elida F"aulkner, Minnie A. Miller, Ella M. Brown, Cassius C VanNcss, F^"ed W. Good now, Willie J. Stafford. Oscar Longyear, Minnie A. Longyear, wifeof Oscar. Charles B. Morgan, Chloe L. Payne, David A. McV^ean, John C. O'Brien, Mary L. Draper. Jennie Stafford, Milton Stafford, Catharine A. Stafford, wifeof Milton. Clarence Brusie, Charles Bowerman, Charles Judevine, Francis Judevine, wile of Charles. Albert Lane, Mattie A. Bowerman, Martha L. Bowerman Florence Bowerman, D. Stuart McVean, Mrs. Eusebie Eighme. Will J. Bloodgood, Hattie L. Bloodgood, wifeof WUIJ. George H. French, Delia A. French, wifeof George. Henry Bement, Marcus G. Doyle, Chester S. Gilman, Frances Bowers, Willis D. Newton, bvl. fr. Manchester. N. Y. 102 i888 Alice Isabel Reid, Mary Stanton Shaw, wile of Gideon . Libbie C. Moore, wife of Charles A . Julia A. Preston, wife of Edward. Herman Baldwin Greeiv Ida Emily Green, wife of Herman B . Alfred D. Smith, Cora B. Smith, wife of Alfred D. JD. THE ROLL OF SABBATH-SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP, JANUARY, 1888. Board of Government, THE SESSION. Rev. C. W. Backus, Moderator. Elders. — Albert Simonds, D. Henry Osborne, Stafford S. Lusk, Stephen J. Tallmadge, William A. Higinbotham, C. Lewis Simonds. OFFICERS. The Pastor, ex-officio, General Superintendent. Charles A. Moore, Assistant Superintendent, in charge of Senior Department. William B. Gallup, Treasurer. Harry Pinne, Secretary. Milton Cornford, Librarian. William B. Moore, Assistant Librarian. Miss Sadie McVean, Missionary Treasurer. SENIOR DEPART IVIENX. Elder D. Henry Osborne s. Class. Mrs. Albert Simonds, Mrs, S. J. Tallmadge. " George Clapper, " Delia MacKallar, " Sarah Sharp, " Otis Webster, I04 Mrs. John S. Gillis, Sabra Covill, " James Ransom, ' James Sizer, " D. H. Osborne, " Emma Levet, " Henry H'. Brown, " John Vandenbergh, Mrs. Porter Rawson, " John VanVechten, George West. " Dow Vandenbergh, " Wilham Conover, " Henry Bement, " George Curtice. Mrs. WilliaiJi Gal hip's C/ass. Mrs. Benjamin Timmerman, Mrs. Edward Lovejoy, James F. Draper, O. S. Bacon, Sr., " Asa Jones, " Edward Norton, " George Sidway, " Stafford S. Lusk, Nathaniel Phillips, " Milton Stafford, Charles Judevine, Miss Daniel Barnet, '' Gifford Bowerman, William Hill, Edward Boughton, John Conover, Frank Heath, Edward Brown, John Hotaling, John McCarthy, Wilbur Howland, Bruce Moore, Charles VanVechten, Augusta Wilder, Sophia Clark. Elder Stephen J. Tallmadge s, Class. James F. Draper, M. D., Mr. Edward Norton, " Walter Norton, " Bruce Moore, '• Otis Webster, " William Conover, " Hart Boughton, " John O'Brien; " George Sidway, " Wm. W. Gillis, Mr. Nathaniel I'hillips, " James Longyear, " John Van Vechten, " Benjamin Timmerman, " Dow Vandenbergh, " John Vandenbergh, " Cassius C. Van Ness, " Milton Stafford, " Frances Bowers, " Charles Moore. 105 Mr. Marvin A. Mr. William Green, " George Shanks, " Ziba C. Curtice, " Emmet Boltwood, ■' William B. Osborne, " Nicholas Fredericks, " Freeman Adams, " Frank Gallup, " Edward Winans, " Edgar Preston, " Fred Cooley, mibur's Class. Mr. George Frederick, James Ransom, George Curtice, Hopper Chase, Ralph Wisner, Willis D. Newton, Clarence Brusie, Albert Lane, Daniel Barnet, Herman Green, Alfred Smith. Elder William A. Hio;inbothaiii s Class. Mrs. Miss William Green, Freeman Adams, Benjamin Brizee, Emma Winans, Mary Lane, William W. Gillis, Charles Force, Edward Preston, Leslie Loomis, Willis D. Newton, Ziba C. Curtice, Marvin Wilbur, Reese Reed, James Vail, A. B. Rowley. Emma Raws on Miss Lena Norton, " Cora Wheeler, " Miller, Mrs. Emmet Boltwood, " Amos J. Bennet, " Wm. A. Higinbotham, " Fred Cooley, " Mary Turner, " Hattie Bloodgood, " Oliver Levet, " Ida Beraent, " Herman Green, Miss Viola P\arnsworth, " Emma Brusie, Mrs. A. J. Lane. Elder Stafford S. Lusk's, Clas Mr. Frank Hopkins, " Oscar Longyear. '' Ale.xander P. Gillis, Mr. John Boughton, " Wilbur Howland, '• Charles Bowf.rman, io6 Mr. George Frederick, Jr. Charles Longyear, Edward Timmerman, Albert Sale, Charles Morgan, George Bement, C. Lewis Simonds, George Ransom, George Hill, Mr. George Simonds, Milo Webster, Frank Henry, Charles Boughton, Ray Ransom, Aaron Longyear, Fred Goodnow, William Bloodgood, George Peifer. ^]r. fa Dies G. J^azV's Class. Mrs. C. Lewis Simonds, " Charles Bowerman, " Oscar Longyear. " Wilber Howland, *' Herman Boughton, " Jennie Gallup, *' George Shanks, " George Ewers, " William B. Gallup, " Alfred Smith, " George French, Mrs. George Simonds, Miss Alice Levet, " Emily M. Levet, " Sarah Harrington, " Ella Henry, " Elida Faulkner, " Estella Vandenberg, " Esther Reed, " Frank Henry, " Frankie Strono-. AJiss Cora Osborne's Class. Mrs. John Boughton, " Ray Ransom, Miss Mary Draper. " Alice Tiffany, " Nettie VanVechten, " Flora Craft, " Kittie Grinnell, Miss Ca. lie Phillips, Miss Jennie Stafford, " Clara Benson, " Millie Norton, " Viola Adams, " Ella Brown, " Mattie A. Bowerman. " Martha L. Bowerman, " Florence Bowerman. I07 Mrs. Cora J. Phillip's Class. Miss Cora Boughton, " Nellie Heath. " Sadie McVean Mabel Draper, " Agnes West, '• Maggie Howland, " Lizzie Shanks, " Zobel, Miss Jennie Bacon, Ethel VVaghorne, Minnie Tiffany, " Fann)' Timmermam, " Ella J. Peck, Minnie Preston, Sophia Henry. Mr. Williavi B. Gallup s Class. Mr. Webster Heath', " Eugene Timmerman, " Fred Lev^et, " William Hill. Jr., " John Bennet, " William J. Stafford, " Allen Ransom, " John Zobel, Mr. William Moore, Lee Wilbur, Charles Phillips, " James Benson, " John Rupprecht, " L. Humphreyville, " Herman Miller, " Albert Moore. Mrs. Charles Moore s Class. Miss Gertie Cooley, " Myrtie Preston, *' Maggie Hotaling, " Alice J. Reid, Libbie Conover. Miss Minnie Cooley, " Jennie Sidell. " Ella Waghorne, " Maud Phillips. " Mabel Conover, JUNIOR AND PRIX4ARY DEPARTMENT. OFFICERS. Mrs. David A. McVean, \ ^ . , , , TVT wTw T) r\ u ,■ Supermtendents, Mrs. Willian B. Osborne, \ ^ Miss Mary Osborne, Librarian, Mr. Stuart McVean, Treasurer. io8 J/iss Lizzie Bacon's Class. Robert Higinbotham, Arthur Turner, Charles Sale, Ralph McCarthy, Watie Wisner, George Boltwood, D. Henry (3sborne, Jr. Howard Bloodgood. Mrs. Orrin S. Bacon, fr. Class. Townsend Curtice, Wm. Bushnell Osborne, Jr. Orrin S. Bacon, the III, John Levet, Earnest Hopkins, Marie Bloodgood, Frederick C. Green, William Green. Miss Emma L. Hammond s. Class. Minnie Levet, Edith Lane, Carrie Shanks, Cora Peck, Agnes Higinbotham, Camilla Sale, Florence Judevine, Laura Lane. Jessie Gallup, Miss Alice Parle s Class. Eva Ransom. Ruth Parmele, Florence Adams, Leona Adams, Lola Curtice, H attic Winans, L'ma Reed, V'era Reed, Edith Timmerman, Blanch Phillips, Myrtie May, Clara Chase, Lois Grinnel. Ina E. Green. Mrs. Frank Hopkins Class. Clark Simonds. Joseph Chase, Delois Bennet, Fred Barnet Allen C. Preston, Charles Powell, John McCarthy, Daniel Sullivan, Earnest Peglow, Albert L''nderhill, Fred Peck, George Mayo. I09 Mrs. William Gj'coi's C/ass. Agnes Wisner, Susie Sidway, Bessie Goodnow, iMyra Heath, Minnie Peglovv, Rachella Bennet. J/rs. Cassius C. Fa/iA^iss' C/ass. Ferris Van Ness, Charles Peck, Clarence Boltwood, Robert Childs, J. Trumbull Backus, Jr. Howard McVean, Homer Boughton, Charles Waghorne. J/rs. C. W. Backus' Class. Stuart McVean. Porter Rawson, Ray Vandenburgh, Charles Preston, Walter Childs, George McCarthy, Fred Peglow, Charles Mosher, John Bowerman, Tames Covill, Chester Green, Linas Boughton, John Peglow, Joshua E. Bennet, Simon Hotaling, William Waghorne, John Bennet, Mac Mosher, Silas Bowerman. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, VICTOR, N. Y. The Civil and Church Law Governing the Church AND Society. CIVIL LAW, statutory. The societ}- is to have a board of trustees, not exceeding nine in number, nor less than three. The board of trustees, as thus constituted, are to be divided into three classes, " to the end that the third part of the whole number, as nearly as possible, maybe annuall}' chosen." NOTICE OF ELECTION. " One month " before the expiration of the of^ce of any of the said trustees, notice " in writing'' is to be given by the trustees to the minister, or in case of his death or absence, to the elders or deacons, "specifying the names of the trustees whose times will expire, and the said mini-ter, or in case of his death or absence, one of the said church ofificers, shall proceed to duly notify the congregation of said vacancies and the time for the election of their successors. 1 1 1 Such notice is required tcT be given •' fifteen days" before the da}' of the election, and "on two successive Sabbaths" at the stated meeting for pubHc worship. The law provides, that when an election is invalid ''through defect of due notice, or otherwise, the trustees of said church, congregation or religious society, or a majority of them, shall immediately thereafter give notice thereof, in writing," as prescribed for the regular election and the election be held as herein prescribed. ELECTION. At the election of trustees " two " elders of the church are to " preside," " receive the votes of the electors," and be " the ofificers to return the names of the persons \\ho b}' plurality of voices, shall be elected to serve as trustees," and these returning of^cers shall "immediately" thereafter certify under their hands and seals, the names of the persons elected to serve as trustees, '' and such certificate shall entitle the persons elected to act as trustees." " And in case any trustee shall die, or refuse to act, or remove, within a year, notice thereof shall be given by the trustees as aforesaid, and a new election appointed and held, and another trustee be elected in his stead, in manner aforesaid." VOTERS. At such election, no one ma\- vote until the}' have been "a stated attendant on divine worship in said church . . at least one year bef >re such election, and shall have contributed to the support of said church according to the usages and customs thereof, and that the -clerk to said trustees shall keep a register of the names of all such persons as desire to become stated hearers in the said church . . . and shall therein note the time when such request was made, and the said clerk shall attend all such- subse- quent elections, in order to test the qualifications of such electors, in case the same should be questioned." Male and female, of full age, comph'ing with the ato\c conditions are, by law, entitled to vote. I 12 TERM OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES. Trustees " hold their offices during the term for which they were elected, and until their successors are chosen." A vacancy is created by expiration of term of office, and when any trustee resigns, or ceases to be a member of the society, or ceases to statedly attend upon and support its services, then " his place shall be declared vacant by a notice of the board of trustees to the church." or society "and said church shall proceed to fill the vacancy, as provided in the above mentioned act." Section i6. "Whenever a religious corporation becomes dissolved by any law of the state, or through neglect of any such law, the religions society connected with such corpo- ration may reincorporate itself, and thereupon, all the real and personal property which did belong to such dissolved corporation, at the time of its dissolution, shall vest in such new corporation for the said society. " The number of trustees may be increased or diminished at any annual meeting, provided notice of such shall have been given at least two weeks before, and that the whole number shall not exceed nine trustees, nor be less than three. POWERS OF TRUSTEES. The trustees are to " have and use a common seal, and may renew and alter the same at their pleasure." They are " authorized and empowered " to take into their possession and custody all the teuipoi-alities belonging to the church, both real or personal estate, and however the same may have been acquired. " Also by their corporate name or title, to sue and be sued in all courts of law or equity, and to recover, hold, and enjoy all the debts, demands, rights and privileges, and all churches, meeting houses, parsonages and burying places, with the appurten- ances, and all estates belonging to such church,.. in whatsoever manner the same may have been acquired," etc. 113 Section 4- "And also to purchase and hold other real and personal estate, and to demise, lease and improve the same for the use of said church, etc." "Also to repair and alter their churches or meeting-houses, and to erect others if necessary, and to erect dwelling-houses for the use of their ministers, and school-houses and other buildings for the use of said church, and such trustees shall also have power to make rules or orders for managing the tem- poral affairs of such church, and to dispose of all moneys belonging thereunto ; and to regulate and order the renting of the pews in their churches or meeting houses, and all other matters relating to the temporal concerns and revenues of such church, congregation, or society; and to appoint a clerk and treasurer of their board, and a collector to collect and receive the said rents and revenues : and to regulate the fees to be allowed to such clerk, treasurer and collector, and them, or either of them, to remove at pleasure and appoint others in their stead ; and such clerk shall enter all rules and orders made by such trustees, and payments ordered by them, in a book to be provided by them for that purpose." Any two trustees can call a meeting of the board at any time. A majority of the members of the board being lawfully con\ened constitutes a quorum, and "shall be competent to do and perform all matters and things which such trustees are authorized or required to do or perform." A majority vote of the trustees present at a lawful meeting shall determine all questions and business. "In case of an equal division, the presiding trustee shall have a casting vote." LIMITATIONS OF POWERS. Sections. Provides that the trustees shall not "fix or ascertain any salary to be paid to any minister" "of any church," "but the same shall be ascertained by a majority of persons entitled to elect trustees, at a meeting to be called for that purpose," and such salaries duly ratified in writing, shall "be paid by the said trustees out of the revenues of such church, congregation, or society." 114 " The trustees of any church, congregation, or rcHgious, society, incorporated under said section three of the above- mentioned act, shall administer the temporalities thereof, and hold and apply the estate and property belonging there- to, and the revenues of the same for the benefit of said corporation, according to the discipline, rules and usages of the denomiation to which the church members of the cor- poration belong ; and it shall not be lawful for the trustees to divert such estate, property, or revenues to any other purpose, except towarcl the support and maintenance of any religious, benevolent or other institution connected with such church, congregation or religious society." Section ii. Provides that in the sale of church real estate, application must be made to a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court, for an order for sale of any real estate belonging to the corporation, and that such justice or judge shall direct the application of the moneys arising from such sale, " to such uses as the same corporation, with the consent and approbation of" such justice, or judge, " shall conceive to be most for the interest of the society to which the real estate so sold did belong." SHEDS. No lease or deed is given in this society for the land upon which horse-sheds are built. The trustees could not legally divert such property from church uses. All such property is he'd b\- individuals in consideration of their being stated attendants upon the services and worship of the church. When such attendance and its relation ceases, their rights in such shed property are vacated b}- their own act. Shed holders cannot sell any rights they do not possess, therefore cannot sell their sheds to those not stated attend- ants upon the church. The trustees have established an ecjuitable plan of adjustment, when shed owners choose to change their church connections. The trustees and the shed holder, each choose a person to represent them. These two representatives choose a 115 third. Tlie three constitute a board of appraisement, the trustees taking;" the shed at its actual vakic as appraised. PEW RENT1N(;. Tlie pews of this society are sold anually to the hit^hest bidder, the bid being either for the choice of pews, or for a specified pevv^ as the trustees see fit at the time. The annual sale occurs about the first Thursday in December. Persons not present at the sale, and newcomers during the year, can obtain such sittings as may be unoccupied, by application to the trustees. THE CHURCH LAW. Involving also the Mutual Relations of Session AND Trustees. In general, the trustees are concerned with the tempor- alities ; and the session with the spiritualities, including the control and management of the house for purposes of religious worship and all that pertains thereto. At certain points their paths meet, and are guided by the following rules: STATE LAW. "The trustees shall administer the temporali- ties thereof, and hold and apply the estate and property belonging thereto; and the revenues of the same, for the benefit of said corporation, according to the discipline, rules and usages of the denomination to which the church members of the corporation belong." RESPECTIVE RICxHTS OF TRUSTEES AND SESSION IN CONTROLLING THE HOUSE. " Where a church edifice is held by trustees, the legal title, is vested in them; and having the title, the custody and care of the property, pertains to them for the uses and purposes for which they hold the trust. These uses and purposes are the worship of God, and the employment of such other means of spiritual improvement as may be consistent with the scriptures, and according to the order of the church; to which may be added, congregational meetings for business relating to the church or corporation. 1 ii6 By the constitution of the church, the session is charged with the supervision of the spiritual interests of the congre- gation ; and this includes the right to direct and control the use of the building for the purposes of worship, as required or established by the special usage of the particular church, or the directory for worship. This being the principal purpose of the trust, the trustees are bound to respect the wishes and action of the session as to the use and occupation of the house of worship. The session is the organ or agent through whom the trustees are informed how and when the church building is to be occupied; and the trustees have no right to refuse compliance w ith the action of the session in this regard. These are general principles applicable to all cases, except, perhaps, in some localities where special statutory enactments by competent authority may confer other rights, or prescribe other duties." " But there are other purposes for which the use of the church edifice is sometimes desired, which, though they partake of a religious or intellectual character, do not fall within the class of objects which are properly described as belonging to the worship of that congregation. The house may not be used for such purposes without the consent of the trustees ; and this consent they may properly, in their discretion, refuse. As the function to determine what is a proper use of the house is vested in the session, the trustees have no legal right to grant the use of it for purposes which the session disapprove. And as the strict rights of those who are represented by the session to the use of the house, are limited to the worship of that congregation, the trustees are under no obligation to grant it for any other purpose." "When the trustees grant the use of the house to others, contrary to the expressed wishes of the session, and, as they suppose, to the prejudice of the cause of religion and of that church, the proper appeal is, first, to the persons composing the ^congregation to Avhom the trustees are responsible ; secondly, to the Presbytery, for their advice ; and finally, if necessary, to the legal tribunals." The above action of the highest ecclesiastical court is sustained by the following decision of the Supreme Court of the United States. 117 " In the use of the property for all religious services or ecclesiastical purposes, the Trustees are under the control of the session." Digest, p. ill. SUl'REME COURT DECISION — EXTRACT. " One or two propositions, which seem to admit of no controversy, are proper to be noticed in this connection. 1, Both by the act of the Legislature, crtatingthe trustees of the church a body corporate, and by the acknowledged rules of the Presbyterian Church the trustees were the mere nominal title-holders and custodians of the church property; and other trustees were, or could be elected by the congre- gation, to supply their places, once in every two years. 2, That in the use of the property for all religious services or ecclesiastical purposes, the trustees were under the control of the church session. 3, That by the constitution of all Presbyterian churches, the session, which is the governing body in each, is composed of the ruling elders and pastor ; and in all business of the session a majority of its members, (present) "govern; the number of elders for each congrega- tion being variable." " The trustees obviously hold possession for the use of persons who, by the constitution, usages, and laws of the Pres- byterian body are entitled to that use. They are liable to removal by the congregation for whom they hold this trust ; and others may be substituted in their places. They have no personal ownership or right beyond this, and are subject, in their of^cial relations to the property, to the control of the session of the church." " The possession of the elders, though accompanied with larger and more efificient powers of control, is still a fiduciary possession. It is as a session of the church alone that they could exercise power. Except by an order of the session in regular meeting, they have no right to make any order con- cerning the use of the building; and any action of the session is necessarily in the character of representatives of the church body by whose members it was elected." Upon the back of the above judical decision which was made in 1872, and in accord with the same, the general assembly of 1874, adopted the following: 1. " The constitution of our church charges the session with the supervision of the spiritual interests of the congre- gation, and all services and matters pertaining thereto; and Ii8 that any action, by the board of trustees, nnautJiorirjcd by the co)igregatio7i, tending to annul or contravene in any way such supervision and control, is illegal and void." 2. "That as regards the church building, Sabbath- school and lecture-room, the trustees have no right to grant or with-hold the use of either, against the wishes or consent of the session." In 1869 the concurrent general assemblies, old and new school, now become one, ordered that 'Hnipcrfectly organized churches are counseled and expected to become thoroughly Presbyterian, as early within the period of five years as may be permitted by the highest interest to be consulted, and no such churches shall be hereafter received." a. The church session consists of pastor and ruling elders. — Digest, p. 123. b. A minister and two elders constitute a quorum. c. The vote of the session is the reception to member- ship, and must involve baptism. — Digest, p. 129. d. Members of other evangelical churches are received on certificate.^ — Digest, p. 130. e. Public worship — spiritual affairs. 1. "By our constitution (form of government, chap. 9, sec. 6, and directory for worship, chap. 4, sec. 4), the whole internal arrangement of a church, as to worship and order, is committed to the minister and sess on." — Digest, p. 782. 2. The "delicate and important matter of arranging and conducting the music as to them shall seem most for edification," is left "to each session." — Digest, p. 782. 3. Directory for worship, (chap. 4, sec. 4). " The pro- portion of the time of public w^orship to be spent in singing is left to the prudence of every minister; but it is recom- mended that more time be allowed for this excellent part of divine service than has been usual in most of our churches." f. " The session has no power to prohibit collections ordered by the assembly."— Digest, p. 131. g. Sabbath school and church. The Sabbath school is "an important auxiliary to the churchin the instruction and relig'ious culture of licrchildren. As such it naturallx' comes undcM' the direction of tlie pastor and session of each church, and the)' should ever be recognized as its proper guardians and superiors." "Theyha\eno more right to rehnquish tliis solemn res- ponsibilit}' than they have to give up the care, discipline and instruction of the church." *' With this obvious fact of the responsibilities of pas- tors for the children of their churches, the general assembly does hereb}' set forth the following principles as guides to pastors and sessions in fulfilling their duties in respect to the Sabbath School work:" 1. "The pastoral office involves the practical super- \ision of the Sabbath school. The pastor should frequently, if not constantly, be pres- ent to counsel and aid those who may under him be engaged in the work of instruction." 2. " While the Holy Bible is the great text-book of the Sabbath school, it is eminently fitting that the summary of Christian doctrine as contained in ouradmirable ShorterCat- echism should also be taught, and that a lesson therefrom should be recited at least once a month, and that at least once in a quarter the pastor himself should examine the whole school therein, adding thereto such explanations and illustrations as may to him seem proper." 3. "The books of the Sabbath school library should be wholly subject to the supervision of the pastor and ruling elders, and no work, except it be published by our Board of Publication, shall be admitted, which they have not ap- proved. In this examination care should be taken that no book receives their sanction which might give the minds of children a bias unfavorable to the order, doctrine and prac- tices of our church, or which might beget a taste for friv- olous literature, or which does not impart some weighty truth or important information." — Digest, p. 645. BENEVpLENCE. "That so far as practicable each church should defray the expenses of its own Sabbath schools as a part of its I20 current expense, and the children be practically educated to make their offerings directly and intelligently to the benev- olent work of the church." — G. A. Minutes 1887, p. 122. h. The moneys for the poor are under the charge of the Deacons. distinction lietween the church and the society or con(;regation. 1. The "church consists of a number of professing Christians with their offspring, voluntarily associated to- gether for divine worship, and godly living, agreeably to the holy Scriptures; and submitting to a certain form of govern- ment." — 'Digest, p. 108. 2. The society or congregation, consists of those and their children, church members or otherwise, who are stated attendants on divine worship, and contribute to its support according to the customs or usages thereof. 3. Those of a matu/e age, without respect to sex, are entitled to vote in their respective departments. 4. The jurisdiction of the church and session pertains to the spiritual affairs, including the election of ciders and deacons and management of religious services. 5. The jurisdiction of the society or congregation per- tains to the temporalities, including the election of trustees. And also the right to vote on the question of calling a min- ister, and fix the amount of compensation to be offered him. F. ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCILS AND SUPPLIES. COUNCILS. The foUowini^ councils met in Victor, in addition to those ah'eady mentioned as convening" for installation, and dissolution of pastoral relation. October 7, 1802 Rev. Joseph Grover. Rev. James Hotchkin, Rev. Tim- othy Field, Rev. Abijah Warren. March 7, 18 10 Rev. Oliver Ayer, Rev. Aaron C. Collins, Rev. Eben Norton. Rev. Timothy Buel. January 11, 181 1 Rev. Howell V. Powell, Rev. Aaron C Collins, Rev. John Niles, Deacon Perinton Paine, from Phelps, Mr. Brown, from Elmira. June 20, 181 1 Rev. Aaron C. Collins, Rev. Howell P. I'owell, Rev. Lyman Barrett. December 15 ,1813 Rev. Oliver Ayer, Rev, Aaron, C. Collins, Rev. Ezekiel T. Chapman, Rev. Dennis O. Griswold, Rev. John Adams. April 6, 1825 Rev. John Taylor, Rev. C. Thorpe. Rev Abijah Warren. t52 March 13, 1827 Rev. John Taylor, Rev. Ebenezer Raymond, Rev. Avelyn Sedgwick, Rev. John C. Whittlesey, Rev. James Gahoon; convened at residence of William Bushnell, A few of the more prominent supplies. Rev. Joseph Grover, Rev. Aaron C. Collins, Rev. Oliver Ayer, Rev. Charles Moshier, Rev. Julius. Steele, Rev. Solomom Allen, Rev. John Taylor, Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D. D., Rev. Silas C. Brown, Rev. Byron Bosworth, Rev. E. A. Piatt, Rev. Dr. A. G. Hall, Rev. Henry M. Morey, Rev. Luther Concklin, Rev. John E. Baker, Rev. Frede- rick H. Adams, Rev. Louis Bodwell, Rev. Joseph McNulty, Rev. Charles Kittredge, Rev. Wm. A. Smith, Rev. Walter S. Drysdale, Rev. Dr. Doughal McColl. Rev. Nathaniel Steele of East Bloomfield, preached occasionally in Victor prior to the organization of the church. Miss Sarah F; Smiley, Mrs. Elizabeth Comstock, and Mrs. Mary J. Weaver, addressed a temperance gathering in the church in 1871, and subsequently Miss Mary S. Knowles. These are only some of many whose presence have added interest to this pulpit.. Most of the above are recorded as administering the Lord's Supper. The records in this, as in many other respects are defective in interesting features peculiar to the life of every church. ERRATA. p. 2, Note, 1798 for 1788. p. 6, line 24, led ioY lead. p. 6, " 28, after on insert to. p. 8, " 20, ( " ) ■A.ilQX firing. p. 20, " 16, 1799 for 1779. P 33' " 7. derclfct. p. 39, " 8, government. p. 62, y. Truvdnill for Triinibell. p. 64, line I, 1885 for 1880. p. 64. read Young People's Sabbath Evening pra}'ei meeting was rr-established. p, 84, ElipJdia Beach. p. 103, Harry, Pi mm. p. 115, line 4, annually. Other press mistakes are unimportant.