Published April 1910
(Journal Press, Jamestown, N. Y.)
THE PERIOD FROM 1849 TO 1908 INCLUSIVE [Part 1]
The coming of Rev. Reuben Tinker to Westfield in 1849 was the beginning of a new life to this church and society. Fresh from the great missionary fields in the Sandwich Islands toward which so much interest had recently been directed, he was a man to attract unusual attention. The manner of his coming was a part of the day in which he came. He was in Westfield as a candidate three weeks, (how slow of heart this people must have been) entertained at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Stone. When the call was extended and accepted, then came the moving. Here Deacon Fay and Deacon Montgomery were as usual, prompt to respond, and with their heavy lumber wagons started for Madison, Ohio, "to move the Minister." The trip took a full week to accomplish their part of the task; Mr. Tinker following with his load and Mrs. Tinker, together with such of the children as did not find a place on the larger loads of furniture, excepting the two older boys, Samuel and Joseph, who drove the cows over this ninety miles of road.
Mr. Tinker was a man of such marked talent, such attractive peculiarities, such lucidity in expression, such quickness in wit and repartee, and beyond all, such depth of Christian feeling that his preaching drew large audiences from the first. It was soon evident that the brick church, which had been built but a little more than twelve years, was quite inadequate for the demands of the congregation, and after due consideration, the church building was enlarged by an extension of twenty feet, at the northern end, giving a commodious vestibule with a prayer room above, surmounted by a large belfrey.
Mr. Tinker was fond of music, and through his encouragement, a new organ was obtained. This was a decided innovation, but the organ was soon accepted with glad acclaim, even by the few who were fearful that it would secularize the sanctuary. The music during much of Mr. Tinker's time, was under the direction of Mr. Elias S. Barger who as a singer was as famous as was the noted divine in pulpit oratory. Those who heard Mr. Barger sing, cannot forget that superb tenor voice.
Mr. Tinker, so recently from the mission field, called out interest and enthusiasm for all mission work. There were lectures on the mission work in the Islands that drew crowded houses. The ladies had sewing societies where supplies for the families of missionaries were made up. This was before the advent of the sewing machine, and all garments were made by hand work. The collections taken for missions were such as the church had never known before. The Sunday school, as well as the congregation was in the missionary work, and the spirit of missions and zeal for the cause was manifest on every side. Mr. Tinker was an indefatigable worker in the outskirts of the town. His diary shows frequent visits, accompanied by preaching services, at Elm Flats; at the Leffingwell school house; at School District No. 2, the site of the present German Church, at the Johnston school house, on the Main Road, one mile west; on the Lake Road, probably the Bourne district, besides the great number of calls that come to a distinguished and attractive speaker. This work accounts in a way, for the influential position which the church held. It was the center of religious activity, but to the great grief of the pastor, the conversions were not as he had hoped. They came later. The work was by no means in vain.
In his diary is found, several times repeated, the entry, "Writing sermons for the Sewing Society. Evidently he prosecuted the church work through every possible channel.
The church prayer meetings were frequently held in his study, and often mention is also made of these meetings being held at various homes.
The society paid its pastor $700 a year; and donation was also a part of the compensation. Whether these donations were a source of profit may be questioned. But in the later years of his pastorate there was considerable money contributed, as well as what was designated "substantials."
The wedding fees were moderate as compared with present standards. For 21 weddings in one year it is noted that $60 was received. The largest fee being $6.00.
In those days it was necessary for the minister to keep a horse. Long journeys were made by horse and stage. The "Belle" and the "Diamond" are mentioned as the steamboats taken to go eastward to Dunkirk or Buffalo; and westward to Erie or as far west as Painesville. These small steamers, and the manner which they rolled and tumbled, is yet historic in many families. In 1852 the railroad was completed, and after that the entry is made: went to Dunkirk or to Buffalo "on the cars;" and some visitors came "on the cars."
In these years the Presbyterian Boards and the other benevolent objects were presented to the churches by agents sent out by the main office. In 1852, the pastor preached in his own pulpit seventy-five times; he preached in other pulpits, by special invitations, in many instances not on Sundays, forty-two times. Other ministers preached in his pulpit fifty-three times, generally on Sunday. The present church goer, who shrugs a shoulder when occasionally some one other than the pastor is in the pulpit, or turns back at the door if an ex- change is made, should make a note as to those good old times, when the congregation, which came for the strongest of spiritual food, endured the numberless weak men sent out by the boards, took it patiently, as a matter of course. However, many representatives of the boards were strong and eloquent men and were everywhere welcomed.
In these years church discipline was an active agency. The good deacons were watchful of the flock to an extent not in practice now. Did a member neglect church attendance and particularly communion, a call was made by one of the elders or deacons, and if that did not suffice, the careless member was called before the Session. In case of flagrant transgressions, when there was not shown sincere repentance and promise of a better life, the member was expelled. When the entry was made in the records showing the member to have been expelled, good Deacon Couch would add, "and may God have mercy upon your soul." In one entry we read: "This paper is therefore to declare the three above named, to all human appearance are irreclaimable, and are now cut off from this church, and make public the principle fact, that having brought forth briars and thorns, and seemed even nigh unto cursing, they have afforded painful evidence that their end is to be burned, according to Heb. 6-8th, and their blood be upon their own heads."
In 1846, Charles J. J. Ingersoll became a member of the board of elders. Mr. Ingersoll had long been active in church work; in the Sunday school he was particularly successful. He was a refined, capable, scholarly man. For some years he conducted The Westfield Messenger with success. Later he removed to Greenfield, Mass., with his family, where he died.
Mr. Lester Stone was a prominent man in the church, always taking up Christian work wherever it was to be found. In 1848 he was chosen a deacon, and then began an official life that went on for half a century. There was no part of church work or church life that did not feel his influence.
About this time (1848) the whole territory of the Society was divided into sections by the Session, and visitors for the different districts appointed to call, converse and pray with the members of the church. To show some of those to whom work in that day was assigned, we find the Allen Wright District and Elm Flats, to Lester Stone and Sextus Hungerford; Barcelona and Hawley District to Daniel C. Northrop and Stephen Macomber; Durand and Northrop District, to J. Whipple and John Couch; No. 1 Center District, to Hiram Couch, Jonathan Harmon, Hugh Cochrane and Paul Persons.
Mr. Tinker seems to have kept his officers busy looking after the work. In the following year, 1849, a committee of elders was appointed to canvass the Society and ascertain how many families had and how many families did not have family prayers.
In 1853, Elder William W. Cowden, whose name appears often on the church records, moved to Ohio. Elder Cowden was much esteemed in the community. He lived in the brick house which he built a mile and a half east of the village, now occupied by Benjamin Hopson, and with his family filled a large place in the church and community. His son, Harmon Cowden, enlisted in the Ninth New York Cavalry, was Captain of Co. I., and died in Virginia in the year following. His wife, Mrs. Mary Bostwick Cowden, was prominent in church work; and the family is yet represented in the church by the fourth generation in Mrs. Mary Cowden Hall.
In 1853 Mr. Tinker was afflicted with a swelling of the left leg, and in November of that year he went to Boston for medical advice and treatment. There was great anxiety throughout the Society and town.
In April the pastor returned, having suffered the amputation of his leg. He addressed himself bravely to the work. His first sermon after his return was from the text, "If thy foot offend thee cut it off." There was no abatement of the true Tinker spirit. Although greatly reduced in strength he again stood in his pulpit. A revolving chair was provided for him, but he was not content to sit and preach, and so, standing on one foot, he delivered his God-given message with great force and spirit. This continued with occasional interruptions caused by failing strength through the summer and into the fall. Sunday, October 1st, communion services were held. Five persons were admitted to membership and three infants were baptized. Mr. Tinker was assisted in this service by Rev. Timothy Stillman of Dunkirk. The Session records kept by the pastor, were written up in full including this date. October 26, 1854, the Rev. Reuben Tinker, who, had given the church a name known far and near, a pastor idolized by his people, a preacher of great power, passed away at the age of 55 years.
The church had often had the benefit of the services of Rev. William Coleman, a Colporter, who had long been a resident of Westfield. He was of much assistance when a minister was needed, and extended his good offices at this time.
In this same year, 1854, Rev. Levi A. Skinner, of Lancaster, N. Y., who had resigned his pastorate on account of ill health, came to Westfield. He had been a frequent visitor in the place for years, his sister being the wife of Elder Sextus H. Hungerford.
The Sessional records show very little between death of Mr. Tinker in October, 1854, and January of 1855. January 7th, the communion services were held, Rev. Mr. Coleman and Rev. Mr. Skinner officiating.
The next communion was held April 8th. Rev. Anson Gleason of the Cattaraugus Mission officiating. "Father Gleason," was the familiar and affectionate term by which he was best known.
The preparatory lecture was of great interest; and at the communion service it was evident that a marked awakening was upon the church. Father Gleason was invited to remain with the church, which he did. He began holding daily meetings, and was assisted by Rev. Samuel Orton who had been frequently invited on special occasions. Rev. Mr. Skinner was also active in this work.
Father Gleason led everything. There were meetings in the various neighborhoods. At the joint district on the Mayville Road, where Deacon Stone had long held a Sunday School; at Deaconville, the circle of homes comprising Deacons Montgomery, Fay and Hall; at private houses in other portions of the town, until the field was well taken in hand. Father Gleason continually said: "Brother Tinker sowed the seed; I am simply getting in the harvest." His kindly, forceful ways, his grand personality, his persuasive voice, and that soul-stirring hymn which was his favorite, "Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing," which he sang with the greatest zest, carried everything before him. The very air was full of the gospel message.
At this time came to Westfield, Rev. Charles F. Mussey. No man ever found a more open field. The call to Mr. Mussey to become the pastor, was signed by the committee appointed for that purpose, consisting of Sextus H. Hungerford, John G. Hinckley, and William Johnston. Rev. Mr. Mussey preached his first sermon, May 6, 1855, and on June 24th, communion services were held, when thirty persons united with the church, twenty-seven of them by profession; at the succeeding communion seven more of the converts of Father Gleason's "harvest," came into the church, together with five by letter.
As has already been noted by the sketch given of Mr. Mussey, he was absent from his church during the latter part of 1855, through illness. Under date of February 3, 1856, we find the following entry in the Session records. "Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers worshipped and praised God, took fire and came near being consumed. By the blessing and good providence of God, the fire was extinguished; and we desire here to record our sense of his goodness and favor."
The report rendered for the year ending April, 1856, showed a membership of 385; fifty-five having been added during the year.
In 1857, the report to General Assembly of membership was brought down from 385 to 277. Rev. Mr. Mussey evidently had been looking closely into the whereabouts of his flock. In this year persons who absented themselves from the church or from communion, were admonished, and the lines were more carefully drawn than they had been for some time.
In May, 1857, the Session advised calling a meeting of the Society to devise some plan to extricate the Society from its financial difficulties. The members of the Session at this time were Elders James Montgomery, John Fay, Sextus H. Hungerford, Hiram Couch, Silas Kidder, Asa Hall, James Johnston, and James Crosgrove. The following year, 1858, a general letter of recommendation and dismission was granted Elder Silas Kidder to the church at Rockford, Ill., where he remained until the time of his death, a highly esteemed Christian man.
In June, 1858, a committee consisting of John G. Hinckley, George W. , Elias S. Barger, and L. A. Skinner was appointed to raise money to erect a suitable monument to the memory of Rev. Reuben Tinker. The work was promptly attended to and a handsome shaft erected in our cemetery, but Mr. Tinker's most enduring monument is in the homes of those who were brought to the better life through his Godly ministrations. Until the year 1859, the various benevolent causes had been represented by agents going about the country and preaching in the churches, their addresses being followed by a collection. Mr. Mussey was heartily against this method and secured the introduction of systematic benevolence by which all contributions would be collected from the homes, and not at church. The plan worked admirably and the agents have never since visited the field, in fact the old method is now generally done away with.
During the pastorate of Mr. Mussey, Mr. L. A. Skinner was very active in the work of the church. He became by universal consent superintendent of the Sunday School. After holding the position with the greatest success to the school for about three years he requested the Session to relieve him of the work. This the Session declined to do but assigned him an assistant, John Carlisle.
Mr. Mussey was a fine singer and early took charge of the singing in the Sunday School. He introduced a new singing book which contained lively tunes, which were taken up with avidity by the scholars. It was like sunshine in the spring, nothing seemingly could have occurred to have given the work a more responsive impulse.
In 1855, Mr. D. A. Knowlton, of Freeport, Ill., came to Westfield and with his family united with the Presbyterian Church. As a trustee, Mr. Knowlton was a great help--he overhauled the system of support and introduced methods of collection that soon placed the church in a good financial position. The Society, it may be remarked in passing, has been very fortunate in its trustees. The several boards have comprised some of the best business men of the community.
In 186o, Mr. Robert Patterson, of Perry Centre, N. Y., came with his family to Westfield. Mrs. Patterson and the daughters, Miss Susan and Miss Elizabeth Patterson united with the church. They, with their brother, Mr. Alfred Patterson, were at once strengthening factors to the church and society. Miss Elizabeth Patterson identified herself with the Sunday School as teacher, a position which she held until the failing health of her mother prevented her regular attendance. The helpfulness of this family has never abated even until this day.
In 1861, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Long came to, Westfield. Mr. Long as Principal and Mrs. Long as Assistant Principal in Westfield Academy. They came into the church in a very efficient way and continued their good work both in the day and Sunday School during their stay in Westfield. Mr. Long subsequently went into the ministry and is now (1908) a retired clergyman of the Presbyterian Church, residing in Batavia, N. Y.
In 1861, the church sustained a great loss in the death of Deacon James Montgomery, who as father of the original church, as the continuing representative of the church to the re-organization in 1817, and one of the wisest counselors, the staunchest of its members, the most revered of its officers, laid down his work--honored and lamented by all who knew him.
Rev. Charles F. Mussey closed a successful pastorate of the church, November 13, 1861, accepting a call to the Presbyterian Church at Batavia, N. Y.
Rev. James P. Fisher was engaged as stated supply, January 4, 1862, and on the 20th of the same month was given a call to become pastor of the church. Mr. Fisher was a man large of build and was what was called a good sermonizer. He was earnest, forceful and always ministerial in his ways,--a man more of the olden style than of the new. He resigned his pastorate two years later to accept a government position in connection with the army.
In 1863, Dr. F. B. Brewer and family removed from Titusville to Westfield; they at once entered heartily into the work and affairs of the church, Dr. Brewer as a member of the Board of Trustees and Mrs. Brewer in the Sabbath School and church missionary work. Following the retirement of Rev. Mr. Fisher, Rev. Albert T. Chester, D. D., of Buffalo, who was then conducting a Young Ladies' Seminary, was engaged and became a regular supply for the pulpit. This was in war time. Appeals were constantly made upon the church for aid for the Christian Commission. During the year 1864 and 1865, the society raised for that purpose $843 and $589 for the regular objects of benevolence.
In the fall of 1865, Deacon John Fay, who had been an Elder for over thirty years, removed with his family to Fulton, Ill. In all these years Deacon Fay had been one of the stand-bys of the church, conscientious in all things, constant to every call, persistent in every duty, he worked on and on unconscious that he was doing anything more than the simple work that naturally fell to him. He was an earnest, pious man, an example of righteous living. He died in Fulton, Ill., and was buried in Westfield beside his wife, a woman grand in physique, strong of intellect, joyous in life, full of humor and warm of heart toward every one who came within her circle of acquaintance. Deacon Fay was supported by her in every Christian duty which came to him in his long connection as an officer in the church. The members of the Fay family all became active members of the church and in their new home in Fulton, Ill., became and yet continue to be leading members of the Presbyterian Church of that place.
In January, 1866, the Session, which then consisted of Elders James Crosgrove, Sextus H. Hungerford, Asa Hall, Hiram Couch and James Johnston decided to strengthen the board by the election of young men, and four new members were chosen. The new members added by this election were John C. Long, Joseph H. Hall, Edward A. Skinner, Robert M. Hall, all of whom qualified except Edward A. Skinner.
During the winter of 1866, Dr. Chester was in regular attendance for the Sabbath services. Rev. L. A. Skinner frequently acted as Moderator of the Session and assisted in the communion services. Elder Sextus H. Hungerford also often took the Moderator's chair. During that winter there was unusual interest felt all through the congregation. All the meetings were well attended. The weekly prayer meetings were conducted by Rev. Mr. Skinner and by members of the Session. Elders J. H. Hall and J. C. Long most frequently acting. With the spring of 1866, the evidences of a great revival were manifest, and Dr. Chester called for assistance. Dr. Grosvenor W. Heacock, one of the strongest and most magnetic pastors of Buffalo, and Rev. Samuel G. Orton, Father Orton, as he was affectionately known and is yet remembered, responded to the call for help. The members of the Session were actively in the field. Meetings were held each evening and in addition to this there was a morning prayer meeting which continued for a considerable time. The work began in April was carried on through May and into June, the months when it is generally felt that extra meetings and work cannot be sustained. On June 23 the Session met for the examination of candidates for admission to the church. Other meetings were held June 27th and June 30th, July 5th, July 7th and Sunday July 8th. Communion service was held in the afternoon of this Sabbath day when fifty-seven persons were admitted on profession of faith and twelve by letter, sixty-nine in all. The church had been without a pastor since April, 1864. The question of a new pastor was constantly being taken up. A number of ministers had supplied the pulpit during this interim but none of them seemed to have created the feeling to any considerable extent that he was the man called. The last Sunday in September, Rev. R. S. Van Cleve of Trenton, N. J., supplied the pulpit.
Mr. VanCleve was a young man, but twenty-four years of age. At his first appearance he caught the attention of a large portion of the congregation. This was so manifest that the Session met informally following the morning service, and decided to invite him to become stated supply from that date to February following. To the surprise of the Session there appeared afterward some objection to the abrupt action of this body, although those present included all the older members, excepting Elder James Crosgrove, who was detained by illness.
Mr. VanCleve had a large and determined support, and at a meeting of the church and congregation held January 22, 1867, the motion to invite him to become pastor of the church prevailed, 87 votes being for and 29 against the motion. Mr. VanCleve was loth to accept a pastorate under these circumstances, but his friends and admirers gathered about him and simply would not let him withdraw. He was assured that he had the unanimous support of the Session, of the other officers of the church, and generally speaking of the young people. Let no one suppose that those in opposition were of no influence or strength, for they numbered some of the most influential of the church people both in and out of Presbytery. It was a contest such as the church had never known before and such as those who were active in it would never permit again. "The Majority," as they called themselves were prompt to attend the services. The social gatherings were crowded, but there was a general regret over the conditions through the church. The whole matter was such a strain upon pastor that on the 5th of June, 169, he resigned the pastorate. The whole church was tired of the quarrel and there was a universal desire to get together again.
Of Rev. Mr. VanCleve it must be said he was an earnest, active, ardent man, thoroughly given to chosen work. Coming from a home of culture and refinement, educated at Princeton, he seemed and was well equipped for his work. His succeeding work has been with the best results, and he holds a high place in the Erie Presbytery, residing in Erie, Pa., where he has held a long pastorate.
In March, 1867, the church sustained a great loss in the death of Elder James Crosgrove. In the Session Records of March 10, 1867, Elder Crosgrove is spoken of as "one who stood among us a living witness of the truth as it is in Jesus, beautifully exemplifying in all his walk and conversation the perfect law of love." It would be difficult to overestimate such a character as shown in the life Elder Crosgrove. His life and work is being carried forward to the present day both by lineal descendants and by those who came next to him in daily intercourse.
The death of Elder James Crosgrove was followed in May of the same year, 1867, by that of Elder Sextus H. Hungerford. Mr. Hungerford had been an Elder since January, 1851. He was one of the sound, quiet, forceful, conscientious men of his day--never ostentatious but always carefully doing his part in the church work, he stood for all that was best in Christian living. The records show his constant attendance upon the meetings of Session; his assignment to committee work; his frequent attendance upon Presbytery; and, when a clergyman was not in attendance, his acting as moderator at the meetings of the session. Elder Hungerford was one of the kind of men who hold things together. Never over-anxious, never carried away by existing conditions. His interest in the church was evident by his gift of $2,000, being the first to make such a provision toward the future of the society.
In 1868, the number of elders was increased by the election of Lester Stone, Jasper Harrington and Joseph Northrop.
Deacon Lester Stone had, as a church member and as a deacon, been one of the most active of members since boyhood. He had been a teacher, a leader of the singing, and superintendent both of the church Sunday School and for long periods of schools on the outside.
In June, 1868, occurred the death of Elder Asa Hall, who had been active in church life for 35 years. He was one of the three Deacons, Montgomery, Fay and Hall, who formed a neighborhood circle, which was familiarly called "Deaconville." In the early days it was difficult for them with their families to attend the weekly prayer meeting of the church and so alternating between the homes for over thirty years was held the Friday evening meeting. No stress of weather or rush of work, of which there were many occasions, ever interrupted these meetings. They ended only with the breaking up of the families. Of the twenty-one children in these families only two are recorded as not coming into church membership. Let it not be supposed that the deacons represented all the influences which kept these meetings alive, or the children in the right way. Previous reference has been made to Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Fay. Mrs. Paulina Mack Hall was one of those Christian women who never let a stranger, much less an unconverted friend, pass from her door without a word for the Master. Such were the influences that made "Deaconville."
In December of the same year, 1868, Deacon Hiram Couch resigned as an active elder. Deacon Couch had been identified with the church since 1826. He had faithfully filled every position which the church and society could offer him. For many years he was clerk of the Session, and as superintendent of the Sunday School his term of service covered a longer period than that of any other officer of the church in this position. He contributed freely of time and effort toward every undertaking. The records testify to his attendance at all meetings of the Session as long as his strength permitted.
In March of the following year, 1869, Mr. John G. Hinckley, who had been particularly earnest in his activities for the church, passed to the other side. Mr. Hinckley always brought good cheer with him in all that he did. He was aggressive in whatever he undertook and especially generous toward the needy and those who were liable to be overlooked or forgotten. As a church trustee he was a most faithful steward. He was greatly endeared to those who lived close to him, and he filled a large place in the Society.
In September, 1869, Rev. Sanford H. Smith became pastor to the church. He was a man of good mind, well educated, and one who could do that most difficult thing, interest children, but coming at an unfortunate period, his pastorate was of short duration, closing in April, 1871.
In July, 1871, Rev. E. B. Miner, of Camillas, N. Y., became pastor. Mr. Miner was a man of talent, one who was strong in the pulpit. His sermons on special occasions were always remarked by those who heard them and his prayers were often as comprehensive as a sermon and yet they were always humble petitions. Mrs. Miner was fortunate in having a sweet, strong soprano voice and she naturally at once found a place in the choir. During Rev. Miner's pastorate there was a large accession to the church membership, thirty-seven coming in at one time, twenty-nine of whom were admitted upon profession. Other additions for the year brought the number to 57.
At this time Elder Jasper Harrington, who had served as an elder faithfully for over three years, tendered his resignation as an active elder on account of ill health.
In January, 1872, the church adopted the rotary or term service of eldership, the term of active service being three years. The full board to consist of six elders. Under the new method two elders, James Johnston and Robert H. Thompson, were elected. The elders acting at that time were Lester Stone, Joseph H. Hall, Robert M. Hall and Joseph Northrop. Lots were cast to determine the length of time each should serve and thus the terms were made so that two elders should be elected each year. This system has continued until the present time and seems entirely satisfactory.
April 13, 1872, the church bell rang out an alarm of fire. The house of Mrs. Stockton, widow of Dr. W. S. Stockton, was on fire. With no fire department and a strong west wind blowing, the fire was soon beyond control. The house of Mr. Chandler Persons, a brick structure immediately south, was next on fire and burned to the ground, and soon fire was discovered in the steeple of the church, and immediately the fine consecrated house which had been the home of the church for forty years was seen to be doomed. Very little was saved, some hymn books, some pieces of carpet, a few gas fixtures was about all. The Baptist Church was promptly placed at the disposal of the Society. The courtesy was thankfully accepted, Sunday services being held in the afternoon.
In the spring of 1873, Hon. Joseph H. Plumb, of Gowanda, and later of Buffalo, came to Westfield and in June Mr. Plumb with his mother brought their letters to the church. It was a marked event for the Society. Mr. Plumb had been a life-long church worker, and was soon made both an elder and trustee. He at once identified himself with every phase of church activity. He was particularly happy in the large class of boys he held in Sunday School until every member of that class became a member of the church. His home was most hospitable, wherein he was more than supplemented by Mrs. Plumb, and there was no place where Mr. Plumb was not a helpful force.
Rev. E. B. Miner concluded his pastorate, August 1, 1873. The business of the Society now was the erection of a new church. That there should be perfect unity in effort, and all trace of dissension removed, every member of the board of trustees placed his resignation in the hands of the Clerk at a Society meeting, called to consider rebuilding--the resignations to take effect upon the election of their successors. A committee to nominate a new board of trustees was appointed, consisting of George W. Patterson, Henry C. Kingsbury, Thomas D. Strong, Reuben G. Wright, L. A. Skinner, James Johnston.
The committee retired, and after long deliberation returned, naming themselves as trustees. These nominations were somewhat surprising, but in the conference each man had insisted that all the other members of the committee should go on the new board, and so they forced one another to do each his duty toward the Society.
The report was made by Mr. Skinner in a very humorous speech, and the election was unanimous. Work toward the new church was thus auspiciously begun.
The members of the Session, also offered their resignations to take effect when their successors should be elected, and a committee to nominate a new board of elders, was named consisting of Allen Wright, Thomas D. Strong, James D. Carlisle, Jasper Harrington and Jediah Loomis. Certainly a conservative body of men.
This committee recommended that Joseph H. Hall and Robert M. Hall complete the terms for which they had been elected, and nominated in addition, Robert M. Mateer, Charles P. Skinner, D. A. A. Nichols and Morris Dick.
The report was adopted by the church meeting called to consider the question, and all those elected excepting Morris Dick, qualified as ruling elders.