Centennial History, First Presbyterian Church,
Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. .

Forasmuch as one hundred years have elapsed since the founding of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, N. Y., it seemed good and reasonable that a record should be made of the work performed by those who, amid the greatest privations, were not willing that the hardships of a rude pioneer life should absorb their vitality, but took of their time, their strength and of their little money, to plant a church, erect a house of worship and carry forward a work which has endured to the present day and has increased in numbers and strength to this the end of the century.

This book is in nowise a perfect history, but it is a tribute to those who can no longer speak personally to us, and who have made an indelible imprint on the face of this community. We stand with uncovered heads to do them honor.

A few are mentioned in these pages, but the great number not mentioned personally, compose the army which achieved the victories over poverty, sickness, discomforts and distractions. It was the spiritual man prevailing.

That the history of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, N. Y., to the present date should be preserved, for those who shall constitute the society in later years, it becomes the work of the present members in this, the centennial anniversary, to prepare a record of these hundred years.

Of its earliest history, the society has only a few records, stating the barest facts. Some papers and legal documents of value have been preserved by the descendants of Eber Stone.

It has seemed most satisfactory that the following chapter, covering the first thirty-seven years, should be largely devoted to those families from whom came officers in the society, either laymen or clergymen. Others there were who were just as faithful in the discharge of duty to the church. As the membership roll is reviewed, those longest in our connection will recall the faithful service of many others who deserve a record on these pages.

The first account to be found in print of religious services in Chautauqua County is taken from a history of Erie Presbytery in which are extracts from the journal of Rev. Robert Patterson. The record reads: "Nov. 26, 1803, Saturday--Rode twenty miles to the house of James McMahan, living in a new settlement in the State of New York, situated about Chautauqua Creek that empties into Lake Erie." Again, under date, November 27, Sabbath--"Preached at the home of widow McHenry, to fifteen grown persons and a greater number of children. Received one dollar."

The first church organization in Chautauqua County was founded by Presbyterian settlers at Cross Roads in 1808 and was called the Chautauque Church. It was connected with the Presbytery of Erie and so continued to be until 1824 when it was transferred to Buffalo Presbytery.

The forerunner, the John the Baptist of this church, Father John Spencer, a missionary sent out by the Congregationalists, labored frequently and effectively in this region. Rev. John Spencer, or Priest Spencer, as he was called by the people among whom he labored, had fought in the war of the Revolution. Later, having prepared himself for the ministry, he was sent as a missionary into the territory known as the "Holland Land Purchase." Early in 1807, he appeared among our settlers, dressed in Continental costume, knee and shoe buckles, short breeches and long stockings. Rev. Spencer, of warm heart and genial disposition, made himself a welcome guest at every fireside. A sharp twinkle of the eye accompanied his frequent witty rebukes. He once stopped in the middle of a sermon to reprove some noisy urchins, saying with his usual accent on the first and the last words, "Boys, you must be quiet or you'll wake up your parents." Riding all day through the cold and storms of winter, he would preach at evening to some neighborhood where a congregation of a dozen or more might be summoned, not unfrequently, it was only a single household to whom the word was spoken. After years of such toil, Father Spencer settled in a pastorate at Sheridan, in this county. Not far from us, in that village burying ground, is the grave of that good man who visited the people when as yet there was no organized church in this region.

Holding up the hands of Father Spencer, was Amasa West, the first man on the ground as a teacher at the Cross Roads. Tradition says it was in his honor that the original name of the hamlet was changed to Westfield--for the truth of this the writer does not vouch. Authenticated history tells that this West was a zealous disciple of Christ, who often gathered in some private house those who would listen to Gospel truths. Later, he became a successful preacher. The following is found in the Session Book record of 1822: "The Rev. Amasa West preached in Alexander Wilson's house and administered the rite of baptism."

For a better appreciation of what has already been written, and of the things that are to follow, let us go back in history to the time when this place was known as "the Cross Roads," a name given because here where the stone monument now stands (at the intersection of Main and Gale Streets) the road to Chautauqua Lake, built by the French in 1753, crossed the main road, leading from the east to the Western Reserve, or New Connecticut. We fall upon a time, when, within the present limits of Chautauqua County there was not one organized religious society, much less, was there a church building or a school house. There were, however, homes here established, where, morning and evening, from family altars were sent up the incense of prayer and praise to God.

In the fall of 1807, a young preacher visited the district of the Holland Purchase--Rev. John Lindsey was sent at the expense of "The Woman's Missionary Society." His preaching was effective and in the spring of 1808, on his return from Pennsylvania, he found the settlers ready to drop the axe, leave the plow, the distaff and spindle. From the country round about, in ox-carts, on horseback, or on foot came, on week days as well as on Sabbath days, for three successive weeks, whole families to listen to the exhortations and warnings of the minister.

During "the protracted meeting" the Chautauque Church was formed. For an account of its founding and decline, we quote from the first entry in the Westfield Church Session Book, dated Nov. 1818. "In the year 1808, a church is reported to have been formed in this place by the Rev. John Lindsey, under the name of the Chautauque Church, all records of which have been lost. It has been poorly and irregularly supplied with preaching. God having in a remarkable manner lately revived His work within its bounds, it was deemed expedient to examine into its state, and, if found to have a real existence, to correct and restore its discipline. After several meetings and consultations with ministers it was decided to have a normal existence."

On the 7th of November, 1817, a session for the occasion was formed, consisting of Rev. Johnston Eaton, Rev. Phineas Camp, visiting clergymen, James Montgomery and Thomas Robinson. The following is a copy of their minutes: "Having endeavored after much deliberation on the subject to correct its disorders in part and rebuild the Presbyterian Church in this place, we resolve to consider as united in church fellowship the following original members, they being previously examined: 'James Montgomery, Sarah Montgomery, Sarah McMahn, Eleanor Bell, Annie Andrews, Joseph Thayer, and Abagail Thayer.'" Then follows a list of those admitted on examination only. On Sabbath following, Nov. 10, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by Reverends Johnston Eaton and Phineas Camp when seven others were admitted, making the entire membership fifty-two.

It is noted in passing, that Rev. Johnston Eaton was at this time pastor of a church at Fairview, Pa., where he died on June 17, 1846.

That the subject of church reorganization had been agitated previous to the above date, November 7, 1817, is manifest from the following, found among a file of papers left by one of the subscribed trustees: "We who are nominated to preside at a meeting legally appointed and holden at the school-house on the east side of the creek on Monday, the 23rd day of June, A. D. 1817, for the purpose of incorporating into a religious society, do certify that James Montgomery, Eber Stone, Nathaniel Bird, David Higgins, William Riddle, and Jonathan Harmon are elected to serve as trustees with Jonathan Cass as clerk of the society which shall be denominated 'The First Presbyterian Society in the fourth town, fourteenth range, in the County of Chautauqua.'

Portland, June 23, 1817,

EBER STONE, [L. S.]
DAVID HIGGINS, [L. S.]

Taken and acknowledged by David Higgins, the 26th day of June, 1817, beforeme,
PHILO ORTON,
One of the judges of the court of Common Pleas of the County of Chautauque.

Clerk's Office, Chautauque Co.
Received for recording on the 26th June, A. D., 1817, in Chautauque Book of Miscellaneous Records, No. 1, page 62.
JOHN DEXTER, Clerk.

Fees paid.'"

A year passed from the time of the reorganization when as yet Elders who should act for the membership as directed by "the Presbyterian faith" had not been chosen. On November 4th, 1818, the church, according to previous notice, held an election for the purpose of choosing Elders and making further regulations. After a sermon by Rev. Phineas Camp, James Montgomery, William Bandel and Eber Stone were elected Elders.

It is recorded on July 1st, 1819, "By decision of Presbytery, this church now bears the name of 'The Westfield Church.'"

During this period of the history, there are recorded at its sittings beside those already mentioned the names of John Fay, Ashael Woodruff, Medad Merill, Hiram Couch, David Beecher, Joel Bradley, later Josiah Jones, Silas Kidder, William Cowden and C. J. J. Ingersoll. In this same period, James Carlisle, William Bradley, Jonathan Taylor and Jonathan Harmon were chosen to act as deacons. Some of these men moved to distant states, with them went their families, and with regret all record of them is lost to our community. History is silent in regard to William Bandall, Thomas Robinson and Medad Merill. Ashael Woodruff early moved with his family to Marietta, Ohio. An inscription on a marble slab in our old burying ground reads: "Erected to the memory of Deacon David Beecher who died March 16, 1834" (in the early days it was customary to give the Elders the title of Deacon). Joel Bradley emigrated to Illinois, William Cowden to Ohio, C. J. J. Ingersoll returned to his early home, Greenfield, Mass. After the death of his wife, Silas Kidder made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Adaline Wilson, at Rockford, Ill. Josiah Jones, a man of exemplary life, died while serving in the Eldership and was buried with his kindred in our village cemetery. Here also his kindred in our village rest, except William Bradley, who died in Wisconsin at an advanced age.

To a granddaughter of James Montgomery, Mrs. Sarah Hall, of Chicago, we are indebted for facts in the life of the man who is truly the "father of this church." Mr. Montgomery was born in Mifflin County, Pa., in 1783. In 1803 he crossed the Alleghanies and settled two miles west of the present village of Westfield. At the first election of town officers in 1805, he was elected to the office of Town Clerk. The same year, at the age of twenty-one he married a niece of William Bell, Sarah Taylor, then sixteen years of age. She became indeed a helpmate to her husband. Together, they bravely endured the privations of "early settlers." This was the first marriage ceremony celebrated in the now limits of Chautauqua County. James Montgomery was one of the constituent members of the Chautauque Church, a ruling elder, an office which he held in the reorganized church for the rest of his life, being the clerk of the session until January, 1839. He was justly regarded as its strongest pillar. Mrs. Montgomery was a member of the choir. She would mount her horse, and, with baby in lap would ride to Portland to attend the singing school. When there were no church ordinances in the home church, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery observed communion service at North East. A pastor, who knew this Elder well, said: "He stood by the church in all its changes and dangers. Neither the influence of minister or membership could turn him from his convictions of duty. He had also great ability to defend his positions, both from his inherent firmness and logical powers.

Of the eleven children born to this family, no child nor grandchild lives among us today. Elder Montgomery died in October, 1861.

Until the year 1829 there was no town of Westfield in this county. All the land on the east side of Chautauqua Creek belonged to Portland, that on the west to Ripley. For a few years after the settlement, store, tavern and post office standing on the west side promised that the business center was to be in the vicinity of the "cross roads" in the town of Ripley. Hence the early session entries are dated at Ripley. The year of James Montgomery's marriage brought to that part of Portland now known as Westfield a lad of twelve years, John Fay, who, at the age of twenty bought and settled upon the farm owned by the late Mr. Robert M. Hall. The land was heavily timbered, a clearing was made and a house built. This finished, Mr. Fay brought to the log house his young wife, Nancy McClintock, the daughter of Thomas McClintock, a pioneer of the county who then owned a large portion of the "east side" site of the village. Mr. Fay was an original member of the reorganized church in which, in 1832, he was chosen an elder.

Only one farm lay between Mr. Fay's and Mr. Montgomery's. When later, the owner of this middle farm, Mr. Asa Hall, was chosen an Elder, the settlement was known as "Deaconville."

Mr. Fay's was a deeply spiritual nature. From boyhood he had meditated on Bible truths. In him a living faith was ever manifest. Mrs. Fay died in 1861. Not long after the family removed to Fulton, Ill., where a son and a daughter still reside.

Eber Stone with his wife, Betsy Atwater and their children, a daughter and six sons came in sleighs in the winter of 1814 from Homer, N. Y., to this village. Mr. Stone was among those most active in the reorganization of the church. He gave land for the location of the first meeting house, and when the time came to build a more commodious house of worship in a central location, Eber Stone, Daniel Northrup, John and Joel Bradley and Joseph Farnsworth gave mortgages in the sum of one thousand dollars each as security for the expense of building the first brick church which stood on the present site. Early elected to an Eldership, Mr. Stone gave not a little time in the discharge of the duties of the office. Though demands of family were large, he was ever ready to make sacrifices for the cause of Christ. Two sons were educated for the ministry. His home always held a door open for the itinerating minister. When there was as yet no dedicated place of worship, services were frequently held in his house. Mrs. Stone did not accomplish the three score and ten years. But in the sixty years, there were spared from domestic duties hours for prayer and for labor for the Master in whose service there was joy. In the early Sabbath morning of October 3, 1841, Mrs. Stone was suddenly called to her rest in Heaven. Four years later the husband was laid beside his wife in our village cemetery. It may be said of him, "He was prominent in benevolence, forgetful of self in discharge of duty."

In 1839, as has been said, Mr. Montgomery resigned as clerk of the session and Elder Hiram Couch took the office, having already been a member of this body for ten years. Hereafter, to the end of this chapter, we find each report signed "H. Couch, clerk." A very few of our members will recall the genial smile and the pleasant greeting of Deacon Couch as he passed up and down our streets. Mrs. Couch was the daughter of Eber Stone. As a young woman, she took an active part in church work. In later years, she was occupied with family cares, and, being somewhat of an invalid, was seldom able to meet with the people in worship. She found time for reading. She was especially interested in church history and was familiar with current events in the denomination. Mrs. Couch died February 17, 1880, at the home of her son, Rev. Walter V. Couch of Rochester, N. Y.

Mr. Jonathan Harmon, a member of the church at its reorganization as also a trustee, and later one of the deacons, was pre-eminently a student of the Bible, a scholar in knowledge of Holy Writ. Mrs. Mobelia Rumsey says: "I never went to my grandfather with questions in regard to Bible truths that he did not answer them to my satisfaction." He had an exceedingly tender conscience which held him to a strict observance of the law and the commandments. Mr. Harmon was born at Redding, Conn., November 19, 1775; came to Westfield in 1817, where he lived to the advanced age of ninety years. He was the grandfather of the late Captain Harmon J. Bliss who led to the Civil War the first company from our town, and gave his life at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

There have now been given sketches of the laymen who as officers during the first forty years of this church were leaders in work which would advance in this community a pure religion, suffering no heresy or cant among its members, dismissing by decrees, read from the pulpit on Sabbath days, those members who were negligent in the fulfillment of church vows.

Severe to us may seem many of their judgments. They gave these in obedience to the instructions of the General Assembly. Many of these men were of Puritan ancestry. They brought to this Presbyterian church the faith received from "the fathers,"

"Fearing and flattering none
Such were they nurtured, such they lived and died."

Phineas Camp, the first pastor of this church, the son of Phineas and Martha (Hall) Camp, was born in Durham County, N. Y., on February 18, 1785. He was graduated from Union College in 1812, then took a full theological course at Princeton. It was on the 8th day of September, 1819, that Mr. Camp assumed his first charge, that of the Westfield church. Mr. Camp was a person of strong persuasive power and the church grew under his ministration. There were now fifty-six names on the roll. This pastorate lasted two and a half years. On account of ill health in his family, Mr. Camp asked for a dismission. A son and daughter, Dr. James Camp and Mrs. Irma Camp Hartley, now reside at Brainard, Minn. To the latter we are indebted for a sketch of Rev. Mr. Camp's life and the original call made out by this church. He was to the last greatly interested in educational work. He was a poet of no small merit, having written many hymns and published a book called "Poems of the Mohawk Valley."

During this time there was a steady, healthful growth of the church. Since the reorganization there had been at every communion, except one, additions to the membership. It was in 1821 or 1822 that the first meeting house was built. Before this time, people listened to preaching in a private house or in some more spacious barn where slab seats had been arranged, conveniences for warming, there were none. When June and the following days of summer and autumn came they worshipped in the groves, "God's first temples."

After Rev. Mr. Camp's departure the society for more than two years, without a stated supply, was dependent on clergymen passing this way or on some one sent out by the Home Missionary Society. There was great interest in the community, when, among these last, came Rev. Dr. Goodale, then under appointment to go as a missionary to Jerusalem. People, old and young, crowded the room to look upon and listen to the man who was to take the marvelous journey and stand upon the sacred hills of Palestine to proclaim the Gospel.

On the last Sabbath of October, 1823, Rev. Isaac Oakes commenced preaching as a candidate for settlement. Before the end of five months a call was unanimously given and on the eleventh of August, 1824, he was installed as pastor. Rev. Mr. Oakes came to the church upon the completion of his theological course at Auburn Seminary. With him came his newly wedded wife, Clarissa. After a few years some land on North Portage Street, now owned by Mr. Herman Kent, better known as the old Buck homestead, was given by General Farnsworth to be used for a parsonage. The manse was planned and partly built when it was found that the young pastor's idea of size and finish was somewhat beyond the financial condition of the society. Grave differences arose. It was thought best, after consultations with, and the advice of neighboring clergymen, for Mr. Oaks to resign the pastorate. This occurred in 1830. The parsonage was sold and for a long time our ministers provided their own or lived in hired houses. Mr. Oaks died at Nunda, N. Y., in 1876.

The desire to know of the men and women who have deeply influenced this generation is in no sense an unimportant one. In the history of the church, perhaps, no minister was more persuasive in leading souls to Christ than was Rev. Samuel G. Orton, who in 1831 came to Westfield to labor as an Evangelist. It is said his preaching at this time reached every society in this village. The internal order of many families was changed from neglect of Christ and the soul to prayer and praise. As has been told by the fathers, Mr. Orton's greatest success was his power in prayer. His petitions were like those of a child to an endeared father. Speaking of his presence in the pulpit, Rev. D. D. Gregory says in a memorial sermon for Mr. Orton, preached before Buffalo Presbytery: "His color-less face bespoke a mind exhausted with fasting, with study, and talking with Christ, yet glowing with a faith that surmounts all obstacles." Six different times, Father Orton, as he was tenderly called, came to this community to conduct revival services. They may be traced by years in which there were large accessions to the church; namely, 1831-37-38-41-45 and 66.

In 1833 Rev. David D. Gregory, D. D., a brother-in-law of Mr. Orton, became the pastor of this church. He was a man of impressive appearance and genial manners. A former member writes: "Mr. Gregory is the first pastor in your church whom I distinctly remember. He was, as I remember him, an able preacher; he represented the dignity of the ministerial office, an all-around excellent pastor, one upon whose judgment the people could rely and one with tact in dealing with different sorts of people. Mrs. Gregory, whom he married in 1830, was a lady of much culture, possessing a character, of peculiar excellence. She was truly a co-worker with her husband."

We may well consider the conditions existing at this time. "The Brick Church," for which Mr. James McClurg had generously given the land, was finished. The people were enjoying its comforts, for those times, it may be said, its elegance. There was a debt to be discharged, but, with one mind, all set to the work. Mr. Orton's labors resulted in a spirit of harmony and much prevailing prayer. All things considered, these were prosperous years.

The first tabulated report sent to Presbytery, dates from April 1, 1832, to April 1, I833. It reads thus: "Members added on certificate, 15; dismissed by letter, I2; total now in communion, 124; baptisms, since last report: infants, 23; collections for missions, $73; for commissioners' fund, $8.33." The next annual report found on session record bears date of April, 1837, and reads as follows: "Added on confession, 57; by letter, 28; adults baptized, 14; infants, 27; total communicants, 303; contributions to missions, $126; education, $50; Bible cause, $23; Bethel, $20; commissioners' fund, $10."

An event of much importance in this history occurred at this time. It marks the coming to this community, to this society, in the year 1837, of Mr. and Mrs. Sextus H. Hungerford. Seven years after their marriage they left their farm in Vernon, Oneida County. Traveling by private conveyance, prospecting along the way, they arrived at Westfield, where they decided to locate. A paper to follow will tell of philanthropic and Christian work accomplished by Mr. Hungerford and his wife, Maria Skinner Hungerford.

Having served this people for six years, Mr. Gregory resigned to accept a call to Binghamton, N. Y. Later, we find him the pastor of a church in Cincinnati, O., where Mrs. Gregory died. For a few months the society was served by Rev. A. G. Moss of Philadelphia, Pa.

In February, 1840, the congregation gave "a call" to Rev. Timothy M. Hopkins of Canton, O., the salary offered being $650, payable semi-annually. "The call" was accepted. The new minister came, bringing no ordinary talent and devotion. His sermons were given without notes--in those days an unusual manner. He dealt a good deal in stories which aptly brought home the truth. For the prayer meeting Mr. Hopkins reserved some of his choicest thoughts. There are a few of our number who remember his dignified form and kindly face. Mrs. Hopkins soon made for herself a warm place in the hearts of the people. Pastor and wife were always welcome guests in the homes of their parishioners. The little ones of the church held in great regard the gold-headed cane which the minister always carried, much more the kindly greeting given as they met. Mrs. Hopkins gave of her time and talent to prosper the work of her husband. During the week a "select school" was taught; on Sunday, a Bible class.

Recent letters have been received from the daughters, Frances and Emma, the one Mrs. Flinn, of Mentone, Calif.; the other, Mrs. Cartledge, of Redlands, Calif. They have kindly recollections of Westfield people and write of the affection their parents ever held for the Westfield church. Often had they heard their father say, "Mrs. Hopkins; we left home when we left Westfield."

The new and rapidly growing west had attractions for Mr. Hopkins. In August, 1845, he removed to Racine, Wis. He afterwards held charges in Geneva, N. Y., and other places in that vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins' last years were spent in Hannibal, Mo., where their daughters then resided. Mr. Hopkins died April 20, 1871, at the age of seventy. Mrs. Hopkins survived her husband only a few years.

As in American history the Scotch-Irish have acted a part second to no other element, so their contribution to this church has been men and women of action. These Scotch-Irish came with church membership letters in their pockets. There were the Johnstons, the Cochranes, the Crosgroves, the Nixons, the Thompsons, and others.

In 1841, there came to Westfield and to the Presbyterian society, a man who with his family, made a record such as not one in thousands has ability or inclination to make. We refer to Hon. George W. Patterson, his wife, son George W. Jr., and daughter, Hannah Whiting, then six years old. As this family is better known and its benefactions more extensive in another period of the church history, it is ours only to call attention to the coming of Mr. Patterson, for many years an honored trustee in this church, a wise counselor and a punctual attendant upon its services.

A member in this early period writes: "The Westfield church was in those days of Gregory, Hopkins and Tinker, the strongest in Buffalo Presbytery, outside of the City of Buffalo--strong in numbers, strong in influence."

As the customs in the time of the old meeting house differed from those now practiced in our church, it may be of interest to notice some of these differences. Attention is called to the fact that the ministers, to the pastorate of Dr. Gregory, were engaged for one-half of the time. Some church in the vicinity or some unoccupied field was supplied during the other half.

Much of the Sabbath was occupied in public worship. Soon after 10 o'clock, the people began to assemble in the meeting house. The earliest to make a stir on the streets were the lumber wagons with three or four seats scarcely accommodating father, mother, the children, and the hired help, No excuse, short of illness, for absence from church was accepted. From "Deaconville" came the Montgomerys, the Halls, the Fays. Farther to the west came the Pecks; nearer by, the Crosgroves, the Johnstons; from the hillside, the Northrups, the Durands and Deacon Jones' family; from the east side, the Cowdens, the Wrights, the Whipples and the Rumseys; from the lake road, the Persons family, Stephen Macomber and the Bandalls. Our streets were then Main, North and South Portage, Clinton, Washington, Pearl and Water. These furnished the worshippers who walked to church.

At half past ten the bell, as now, tolled the hour for beginning service. Long psalms or hymns were sung, long prayers--during which the congregation stood were offered, and very long sermons were preached, they often occupied an hour, wherein the preacher went from firstly to tenthly. The congregation was dismissed, when the children with many "grown ups" repaired to "the basement" for Sunday School where the children recited a dozen Scripture verses, perhaps a whole chapter from one of the gospels. During this hour a prayer meeting was held in the room above the vestibule. When the bell calls to afternoon service, the pews are again filled with worshippers. These were not the whole of Sunday service. In the evening there was a prayer meeting. On the first Sabbath of each month there was a missionary concert, at which the congregation usually joined in singing "From Greenland's Icy Mountains." Besides the regular Thursday evening prayer meeting, there was "the church meeting" on the first Saturday afternoon of each month at which every member was expected to be present. On the day preceding a communion it was made the occasion for the Preparatory Lecture. The prayer services were held in the basement of the church. The gentlemen occupied the benches on the west, the ladies those on the east side.

In the very early history of our church only the Psalms were sung. Gradually the hymns of Watts and Dodridge were introduced. In those times it was the custom for the congregation to rise, turn, and face the choir in the gallery.

These early workers in our church whose names have been called and a multitude of others who joined hand and heart in laying the foundation are gone to join in the everlasting songs, but their works do follow them and the imprint of their lives will last until the centuries shall be lost in the years of God. Nor do these influences cease with the boundaries of our village streets. These records have been carried into distant homes where sons and daughters are living witnesses of the instruction, of the example, of the influence of the Godly men and women who made the Presbyterian church of Westfield in the early half of the last century.

(MISS) LAVINIA STONE.