History of the Downsville Methodist Church
Written by Margaret Turnbull and read by her at the Old Home Sunday program
August 14, 1949
The Methodist Society of Downsville is an outgrowth of the work of the Old Missionaries who made trips into this vicinity shortly after the revolution, when the greater part of the country was a dense wilderness. Methodism, as a denomination, first appeared here about 1790. The old Delaware Circuit, which included this region. First became a regular Methodist appointment in 1794 with Robert Dillen as the preacher and David Buck as his associate. It was a part of the Albany district, Philadelphia Conference down to 1804.At the General Conference of that year this section became a part of the New York Conference which before this time had not reached west of the Hudson River. In 1810 the name was changed from Albany to the Hudson River District and so remained until 1830 when it became known as the Delaware District. The circuit was called the Delaware Circuit until 1831. From 1831 to 1836 inclusive this territory was a part of the Middletown Circuit. The circuit extended from the head waters of the East Branch of the Delaware River to Cohecton, now called Hancock, and from the Susquehanna to the Beaverkill. The full membership was 290 persons. There were 33 preaching places, requiring 250 miles of travel most of which was done on horseback. It took three weeks to cover their appointments. The fourth week was a rest week. Preachers in the first quarter of the century, called Circuit Riders, had their headquarters in Stamford or South Kortright where they occupied part of a log cabin with the family of one of their church members. While out on their circuit, they had no regular boarding places but visited at the various homes, as they went along. Each appointment was reached once in 4 weeks. The old fashioned Methodist garb included buckskin breeches which were brightened up with yellow ochre.
In 1837, the Delaware Mission was erected, The appointments on the mission of which J.C. Bouton was the first missionary, were Shavertown, Coles Place, Colchester or Downsville, Long Flat or Harvard and Beaverkill. Later appeared Terry’s Clove, Baxter Brook, Westfield, Hotchkiss, and Purvis Settlement now Livingston Manor.
Rev. Charles Gorse writes of his experiences in the Delaware Mission. “I commenced my ministry on the Delaware Mission in the spring of 1839 under presiding Elder J.B. Stratton and had for a colleague John Davis. The Mission had 22 appointments and we went around once in 4 weeks. We had appointments in several cloves which ran down the river. We went up the cloves 6 or 8 miles and preached in private homes and school houses on week days. At the junction of the East Branch and the Beaverkill we preached in a school house. We had one church in the mission. It was at Long Flat. The people were generally poor, and with few exceptions, lived in log houses. I have often slept where I could look up and see the stars through holes in the roof, and where the snow blew in and covered the bed.
There were many wild animals in the woods and by the streams and rivers. Bear tracks were numerous right along the path. Deer were plentiful. Almost every family had venison hanging in a tree in front of the house. I saw numbers of large cranes flying up and down the valley over the river.”
The Delaware Mission was divided in 1850, the appointments on the Beaverkill and Willowemac were made a new Mission under the name of Beaverkill. The preaching places on the East Branch were organized into a circuit named Colchester and Harvard. From 1852 to 1863 this circuit belonged to the Monticello District. In 1864 its name was changed to the Ellenville District, and is now known as the Newburgh District of the New York Conference.
Much of the success in developing the work of the circuit is due to the efforts of exhorters and local preachers who carried the work between the visits of the regular preacher. Among those were David and Solomon Finch, and Cornelius Turk at holiday’s bridge, now Pepacton; Titus Williams at Long Flat, Cornelius Bennett in Telford Hollow and John Bradley in Wilson Hollow. In 1861, the appointments in this circuit were Shavertown, Pleasant Valley, Phillip Allen’s, Downsville, Telford Hollow, and Gregory Hollow. To these were added Huntley Hollow, Campbell Mountain, Fuller Hill, Wilson Hollow, Lloyd’s, Union Grove, Gregorytown and Whitney’s. In 1870 the name of the circuit was changed to Downsville, and in 1871 another division was made, and all of that portion above a point halfway between Downsville and Pepacton was called the Shavertown Charge, Pepacton was left without preaching and since been supplied from Downsville. The appointments included in the Downsville circuit in 1889 were Downsville, Wilson hollow, Telford Hollow, Campbell Mountain and Gregorytown.
Meetings were held in school houses once or twice a week under the direction of a class leader who was either a licensed local preacher or an exhorter from the community. The regular preacher came once every two weeks.
The Ministers who first resided in Downsville lived in rental rooms until a lot and partly erected house (now occupied by Alzina Knox and Linda Rowe on Knox Ave.) was purchased from Isaac Teed. The work of finishing the parsonage was completed at Conference time in 1845. At the third quarterly meeting of the year 1847, an assessment of 27 cents per member was made to pay the debt on the parsonage.
In 1849, under the Pastorate of Rev. William Blake, a camp meeting was held in Telford Hollow, in the Bennett’s Grove. The results of this meeting and the accompanying revival had much to do in giving the Methodist Society in Downsville a standing of importance and prepared the way for the building of the first Methodist Church in the fall of 1850. It was built on land deeded to the Society by George W. Downs, and is now the “Malnoti Apartments”. Behind the church were rows of sheds where the people of the parish could leave their horses and wagons, protected from the weather, while they were attending the services of worship. This pewter communion set ( a display on the platform) is the one that was used in the first church.
During the pastorate of Rev. Andrew Schriver an order was attained from the court for the sale of the old parsonage property. In 1870, it was purchased by Isaac Teed for $500, and the George W. Downs home was obtained from his heirs for $180o, to be used as a parsonage. The debt was not fully paid until December 1888 when the executors of the state of Amanda Williams, in accord with her will, paid the mortgage and interest, in full.
Outstanding among the ministers of the late 1800’s was the Rev. Arthur Thompson. His influence had much to do with the decisions of six young men from this church to become Methodist Ministers. He soon began to agitate the question of a new church building. The old white box-like building had no beauty, and the high bare walls inside showed many signs of age. Heating stoves stood in the two front corners of the room. From these stoves extended sagging stove pipes which were supported from the ceiling for the length of the room. Encouraged by a statement made privately by C.E. Hulbert that he would give $1000 toward a new church, in August 1887, Rev. Thompson preached a notable sermon, presenting the need of a new church to the members. This address, with its criticism of the familiar old building caused many in his audience to feel reproachful. Especially memorable was his reading of the closing hymn. The hymn was “I Love Thy Church, O God”. Rev. Thompson added, “How can we say that in this place? Her walls before Thee stand”, again he added, “Look at them, will you? Cracked, defaced like that.” After this reading he expected all to sing heartily! This sermon aroused some opposition and much discussion. Many in the congregation felt that the man had gone altogether too far, and that the church was the best that they could afford. However, he must have made some appeasements for soon Matthew Dann had matched the $1000 given by Mr. Hulbert. After the matter was thoroughly ventilated a committee was called to consider the need, and reported the necessity of a more suitable and attractive house of worship. Matthew Dann, C.E. Hulbert and P.L. Purdy were appointed as building committee, after visiting several other churches. They gave the contract for the building, above the foundation, to Felix Miner for $3300. The dedication sermon was preached by the Pastor, the Rev. Arthur Thompson, on December 20, 1888. With the exception of a few dollars contributed by visiting friends, the entire amount was raised in town, by the members and the attendants of the church.
The six young men who went out from the church as Methodist Ministers were, George Downs, Charles Alberti and Frank Crispell from Downsville, Charles Miller from Pepacton, Charles Dann and George A. MacDonald from Telford Hollow. Each of these men served for many years as Ministers of the Gospel. Rev. George MacDonald was twice District Superintendent. He served as Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie District and of the Newburgh District.
IN addition to the regular Sunday services in the Downsville Church there were class meetings once a week in each of the outside appointments, as well as in Downsville. These meetings were under the direction of a class Leader appointed for that purpose. Among these class leaders were Nathan Bradley, John Bradley and Charles Wilson in Downsville and Wilson Hollow; Sherman Williams in Gregory Hollow; George T. Dann in Lower Telford Hollow; George W. MacDonald in Upper Telford Hollow; Hiram Hawks and William Vernold at Campbell Mountain; Nathan Fuller at Fuller Hill; Philip Allan and George Whitney at Pepacton.
This history would not be complete without mentioning Amos Peck who was a licensed local preacher in 1888. He preached once during the week every two weeks on Campbell Mountain and Gregorytown, alternating with the Pastor. In later years he also had added to his charge Telford Hollow, Wilson Hollow, Trout Brook and several other places. He always walked. I can remember, as a little girl, seeing him start out with his lantern right after supper, almost every night in the week. He continued this ministry as long as he was able to do so.
Barbara Betts and her Junior L held on Sunday afternoons, and the old Epsworth League held at 6:30 each Sunday evening are institutions never to be forgotten. This silver communion set (on display) was presented to the church by the Junior league in 1898. The plates are still used with the present set.
Among the twenty two ministers who have served this parish since the dedication of this building, only thirteen are living, and six of these have retired from active Ministry. They are:
Rev. Sanford Hearn, Pastor here during the years 1896-97, retired in 1931 and is living in Brooklyn.
Rev. Charles Oakley, here from 1897-1900, retired in 1930, and now lives in South Schodack.
Rev. Washington Hunt, who was on the Downsville Charge from 1906-1908, retired in 1934, with his present home in Middletown.
Rev. W.H. Winchell who served us from 1913-1915, retired in 1943 and lives in Cortlandville, N.Y.
Rev. (W.H.) Joel Lincoln, in Downsville 1917, retired in 1929, and makes his home in Kingston.
Rev. H.N. Chace, whose Pastorate extended from 1918-1920, retired in 1930 and lives in Treadwell.
Of the others not retired;
Rev. Robinson, who was here only a short time, returned to England.
Rev. Deity left the Ministry to enter the business world.
Rev. W.H. Austin has a charge at North Tarrytown.
Rev. A.W. Coons is at beacon.
Rev. Joseph Raenor is in Delhi.
Rev. G.S. Moody serves in Fleischmanns.
Rev, Milton Ryan now serves the Ashokan Charge.
The historical data which follows is an exact copy of the data found in the older record book of this church. Fearing that it may deteriorate with age, I am making this copy in our new record book for future preservation. Margaret Turnbull – Church Historian - April 23, 1966
History of the Downsville Circuit written from material gathered from old class books, records, etc. supplemented by facts remembered by persons yet living. I have been careful to insert no items here that are not well attested facts.
Dated April 1, 1889 Arthur Thompson
Downsville, N.Y. Preacher in Charge
For the history previous to 1825we have to depend on the published minutes. I here copy from a pamphlet published by E. White, Pastor at Walton in 1880. Bro. White has made careful study of the facts.
“Methodism first preached its way into Delaware County about the year 1790 at which time a large portion of the county was an unbroken wilderness.”
“Delaware Circuit first became a regular appointment in 1794. It then embraced all the territory adjacent to the Delaware and its tributaries from the head waters to a point about a hundred miles down the river. The circuit was in Albany District, Philadelphia Conference, down to 1804. From 1804 to 1810 it was in the Albany District, New York Conference; then till 1830 in the Hudson River District.
At this time the circuit extended from Beaverkill Dam at the head of the east Branch to Cohecton and from the Susquehanna to the Beaverkill, having thirty three preaching places, and requiring two hundred and fifty miles travel every four weeks to fill the appointments. In 1831 Middletown Circuit appeared in the Conference minutes, and in 1833 Deposit, Bloomville, Kortright, and Charlotte took the place of the old Delaware Circuit. These with other circuits, subsequently organized in the county were in the Delaware District until 1853, since which time the greater part have had their District connection with Prattsville and the rest with Monticello. The latter district changed its name to Ellenville in 1864.”
For convenience of arrangement I will now arrange a list of the preachers, associate preachers and presiding elders, who have preached or presided over this circuit from 1794 to 1888 inclusive. The year given in each case being that in which the conference year begins. While the circuit included this territory from the first it can not now be ascertained just when the first preaching services were held in Downsville or Colchester. (See pages 136-141 in official record book dated July 1, 1958)
Development of the Society, Changes to the Circuit, Church Buildings, Etc.
Territorial Development - I have previously given an account of the Delaware Circuit which embraced this territory, until 1804 within the bounds of the Philadelphia Conference. At the “General Conference of 1804” it was changed to the New York Conference which before had not reached west of the Hudson River. In 1810nthe district name was Delaware District. The circuit name was Delaware Circuit until 1831. From 1831 to 1836 inclusive, this territory was a part of the Middletown Circuit. In 1837 the Delaware Mission was erected and this was included within its bounds. Here our Quarterly Conference records begin. The appointments on the mission, of which J.D. Bouton was first missionary, were Shavertown, Coles Place, Colchester and Long Flat and Beaverkill. Then appear Terry’s Clove, Baxter Brooks, Westfield (perhaps same as Beaverkill), Hotchkiss, Purvis Settlement, Brock School House, etc
In 1838 a second man was needed to help look after the increasing number of appointments and J. Tompkins was sent as assistant. By looking at the list it will be seen that two men were kept in the field most of the time while in 1849 Spickerman and Sitser assisted Brother William Blake.
“The Delaware Mission was divided in 1850, the appointment on the Beaverkill and Willowemac being made a new mission under the name of Beaverkill, and the preaching places on the East Branch being organized into a circuit named Colchester and Harvard.”
From 1852 to 1863 this belonged to the Monticello District.
The Beaverkill and Colchester circuits seem to have held their Quarterly Conference together. For instance the heading of the minutes for 1853 is Colchester Circuit and Delaware Mission. In 1853 the list of appointments for the work is Whitney’s, Pleasant Valley, Shavertown, Holidays, Lloyds, Fall Clove, Colchester, Rowe’s, Signor’s, Brock’s Clove, Wilson’s, Gregory’s, Trout Brook, Harvard, Beaverkill. But this Beaverkill may refer to the point belonging to the Colchester Circuit. But the two charges held their Conference together in 1851 at Westfield Flats.
While Colchester and Harvard were in one circuit in 1854 and 1855 they seem to have divided the work and assigned each of the preachers to a definite field of work. In 1859 the territory of the circuit was again divided, and the Harvard Charge was erected.
In 1861 the appointments of this circuit were Downsville, Shavertown, Pleasant Valley, Phyllis Allen’s Bennett’s School House, and Rowe’s School House. The Missionary Society granted $50 (a) year to the work. To These appointments were added Huntley’s Hollow, Campbell Mountain, Fuller Hollow, Wilson Hollow, Lloyd’s, Union Grove, Gregorytown, Whitney’s. In 1870 the name of the circuit was changed to Downsville and in 1871 another division was made and all that portion above a point half-way between Holiday’s Bridge and Downsville was called the Shavertown Circuit with Orville Keuren for its first Pastor.
Since that time the limits of the circuit have not essentially changed. With the dissolution of the Shavertown Charge, Pepacton was left without preaching and for the past few years has been supplied with preaching from this charge. The present appointments March 1889 are, Downsville, Wilson Hollow, Telford Hollow, Pepacton, Brock Hollow, Campbell Mt. and Gregorytown.
From 1864 to 1886 the district name has been Ellenville. At the Conference of 1887 the Newburgh, Prattsville and Ellenville Districts were consolidated and two new districts created, Kingston and Newburgh in the latter of which we are now situated.
Churches and Parsonages – The ministers who first resided in Downsville lived in rented rooms until ( ) when a lot and partly finished house about a half a mile from the village corners (house now occupied by Alfred Know) was purchased of Isaac Teed. The work of finishing the parsonage was completed about Conference time 1843.
At the third Quarterly Meeting of the year 1847-48 an assessment of 27 cents per member was made to pay the debt on the parsonage.
United Methodist Church – In the fall of 1850 was built the new and first house of worship at Downsville for the use of the Methodist Society.
New Parsonage – During the quarter ending in Oct. 26, 1870 the pastor Andrew Schriver obtained an order from the court for the sale of the old parsonage property, and he reported the prospects favorable for building a new one to cost at least $1800.
The old parsonage was sold in 1870 or 71 to Isaac Teed for $500(This is the price named by C.G.Wilson), and the George Downs lot purchased of the heirs in 1871 for $3000.
A portion of the lot was sold near 1876 to C.G. Wilson for $330 – leaving the present limits of the parsonage property. The debt on the parsonage property was not fully paid until Dec. 1888 when the executors of the estate of the late Amanda Williams in accord with her will (and consent of the heirs to a slight change in its terms) paid the mortgage and interest in full.
This last act was consummated just before the dedication of the new church edifice Dec. 20, 1888.
New Church Enterprises – Encouraged by the statement of C.E. Hulbert (made privately to the pastor) that he would give $1000 toward a new church, the pastor Arthur Thompson presented his view of the need and possibility of building a new church, Aug. 1887. This sermon aroused some opposition, much discussion, and the matter was thoroughly ventilated. A committee called to consider the need of the society reported that “we need a more commodious and attractive house of worship”. After some preliminary meetings, a committee on plans and estimates was appointed. Bro. Matthew Dann and C.E. Hulbert visited some churches, and at last the committee decided to adopt the present plan of building.
A subscription list was drawn up and a large amount subscribed before the conference of 1888.
Matthew Dann, C.E.Hulbert and P.L. Purdy were appointed building committee and given power to prosecute and complete the work of construction and furnishing/\. The contract for building above the foundation was let to Felix G. Meines for $3300. The church was dedicated on Dec. 20, 1888. The pastor Arthur Thompson preached the dedicatory sermon and managed finances. Re. M.B. Cumings, a former pastor, Rev W. Fry of the Presbyterian Church, Re. L.E. Hawk of the U.P. Church and the Rev. Dr. White, Presbyterian (retired) assisted in the service. Nearly $1,000 was pledged at that time, more than the amount asked, and if all paid more than enough to pay all indebtedness. The Sunday school raised for carpets $167.50 and gave bill of hardware presented to them by A.G. Newman of $282.50. Brother Newman also paid on subscription $250.00. With the exception of a few dollars contributed by visiting friends, the entire amount was raised in town, mostly by our own membership and attendants on our church. A few contributions of small amounts came from other churches in town. I here close with a financial statement of the building committee at this date. (See page 144 Historical Record).
The balance is more than offset by subscriptions but shrinkage may leave a little balance to be raised.
Repairs – I will not take space to record minor matters in detail. Lead pipe was laid from spring to the parsonage in the summer of 1887. Shingles and other repairs were put on the church in 1896 (?). The parsonage was newly roofed and painted in the summer of 1883. Other matters further back must be omitted.
Revivals – While the history of the society would present a continuous series of revivals, only the more prominent and well attested revivals of great magnitude are here noticed. In 1849 under the pastorate of Wm. Blake a camp meeting was held in Telford Hollow. This was a meeting of great power and the results of this camp meeting and accompanying revival had much to do in giving the Methodist Church in Downsville a standing of importance and prepared the way for the building of the first church in 1850.
During the pastorate of John Dory a camp meeting was held at the grove of Morgan Dibbell above the village. From this meeting the revival continued until nearly every adult in Wilson Hollow was converted and the revival prevailed at Downsville also.
A revival of intense interest was held at Downsville during the pastorate of Andrew Schriver. Over 50 were received on probation during his pastorate. The results of the revival cannot be definitely ascertained.
During the pastorate of G.H. Lane over 70 were received on probation, largely from the outside appointments, but there was no marked revival at Downsville.
In the fall of 1884, Rev. M.B.Cummings, the Pastor held a Holiness Convention assisted by Rev. A. McLean of Ellenville. I have given the account of the revival in the words of the Pastor’s report. “Several forward at our altars for pardon of sins and others seeking full salvation, and we have indications of a grand outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us.” Report Oct. 6, 1884.
“Spirit of revival most of the year. I July, the power of God in conviction began to be felt and some then began to seek God. We were greatly blessed by a Holiness Convention held in our church early in October which was conducted by invitation by Rev. A McLean of Ellenville. During the week 25 seekers of pardon knelt at our altar and several sought and obtained blessing of sanctification. This interest has continued with some degree of power until the present time when we are enjoying the labors of Re. B.W Graham. As the result of our united efforts we have seen over 90 seeking pardon of their sins or to be healed of their backsliding; 62 have united with us as probationers in the church thus far and still there are more to follow.” – Report Dec.14, 1884 at 4th Quarterly Conference.
During the pastorate of Bro. Cummings extending over the period of 3 yrs. 105 were received on probation.
(I here insert report of a camp meeting held in 1880) “a camp meeting was held at the grove near the village (Harry Dibbell’s grove) during the month of August. Attendance good throughout and good results followed in the conversion of 20 souls.” Report of G.H. Lane, Pastor, Oct. 31, 1880.
During the present pastorate of two years there have been held revival services for longer or shorter time at Telford Hollow, Wilson Hollow, Brock Hollow, Pepacton, Gregorytown and Downsville, conducted by the Pastor or Local Preachers. To date – March 21, 1889 – one hundred and twenty-seven have been received on probation.
While the above history is incomplete yet I think it is correct so far as completed, with the possible exception of the exact relation of the Colchester and Beaverkill circuits 1850-1854; yet I have before me records to show that the account given is essentially correct at that time. Arthur Thompson, Pastor
Downsville, March 21, 1889
Record of Important Features of Work of the Year beginning April 1889
In November 1889, A. Thompson was removed by the Bishop to the Warwic Charge and S.G. Champlin was appointed to the Downsville Charge beginning his work on Nov.24, 1889. During the remainder of the year no revival services were held but several conversions occurred during the week of prayer.
In the spring S.G.Champlin was returned to the charge and was continued as pastor upon the charge until the spring of 1893 at the conference at Tarrytown when he was appointed to Kerhonkson charge and John S. Graham was appointed to the pastorate at the Downsville charge.
In the autumn of 1890 revival services were held at Pepacton resulting in about 16 conversions and in the winter of 1890-91 revival services were held at Downsville charge resulting in about 30 conversions also at Gregorytown union services were held with few conversions.
In the winter of 1891-92 revival services were held at Downsville. The pastor being assisted by G.W.Thompson, R.L.Rose and S.G. Piper resulting in about 25 conversions and at Telford Hollow with about 10 conversions. In November and December revival services were held at Wilson Hollow resulting in about 17 conversions. A remarkable work in many respects. In all these much good was done, the church being quickened and revived and God’s blessing resting upon the work.
In the spring of 1890 an effort was made to clear the church of debt and on the 4th day of July it was declared by one that the thing for which he had been working for 40 yrs had been accomplished and the whole church property was free from debt.
During the remainder of the pastorate of S.G. Champlin efforts were made from time to time to raise money for improvements of the church property and at the expiration of his pastorate about $300 was left in the treasury for such purposes.
In the spring of 1890 at the beginning of the conference year, Brock Hollow was made one of the regular appointments of the charge with preaching every fourth Tuesday night. Wilson Hollow was changed from every 2nd Tuesday night to every 4th. Campbell Mountain appointment was dropped and Gregorytown was changed from every 4th Sabbath afternoon to every 2nd Sabbath afternoon. These arrangements were carried out during the pastorate of S.G.Champlin. God’s blessing seems to have rested upon the labor of our hand.
S.G.Camplin, Pastor Downsville Charge,
Newburgh District, New York Conference from
Nov 15, 1889 – Apr 11, 1893
Notes on Admission of Women as Delegates in General Conference, Taken October 29, 1890
Downsville 28 votes cast 11 for 12 against
Gregorytown 7 votes cast 7 for 0 against
Pepacton 8 votes cast 3 for 5 against
Telford Hollow 7 votes cast 7 for 0 against
45 votes cast 28 for 17 against
Lay Inspectors of Election: S.G.Champlin, Pastor; George Griffin, A.E.
Peck (Downsville); Anna M Gregory, Frances R.Evans (Gregorytown); Arthur L Allen, James O. Spencer (Pepacton); Mrs. Geo. Signor, Mrs. Wesley Signor (Telford Hollow).
The following 3 items are not copied “verbatim” but the ideas are there in general
In 1919 rev. H.D.Chace held revival meetings assisted by Young, Evangelist. Meetings were held in the Methodist Church Downsville, in Feb 1919 by Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Young, Evangelists. 32 were received into the Methodist Church as probationary members as a result of this campaign, and on Easter Sunday, following, rev. James S Moore received about the same number into the Presbyterian Church. A few were received by the Christian Alliance.
Re-organization of Downsville Junior League
The Downsville Junior League was reorganized by Rev.H.D. Chace at a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Thursday, June 18, 1918. The following officers were elected: President – Mildred VanDermark; Secretary – Marian Odwell; Treasurer- Elizabeth Griffith; Organist – Vera Sackett. The pastor has appointed Mrs. H.D.Chace as Superintendent and the Quarterly Conference has confirmed the appointment. Mrs. W.H. Baldwin has been appointed Assistant Superintendent.
Organization of Pepacton Junior League
At a meeting of the children in the Pepacton Methodist church, June 4, 1918, with the pastor Rev. H.D. Chace in charge, it was voted to organize a Junior Epworth League. The following officers were elected: President – Georgia Shaver; Secretary- Matilda Paul; Treasurer – Marian Hyser; Organist – Matilda Paul. A superintendent will be appointed by the pastor and 4 vice presidents will be elected in the future.
Woman’s Society of Christian Service of Methodist Church of Downsville
Written by Margaret Turnbull and read at the 25th Anniversary meeting of the Women’s Society, Jan 19, 1966
On June 18, 1941, Mrs. King from Deposit came to Downsville and talked to the Ladies Aid Society of our church about the reorganization of the LADIES Aid into a Society to be known as the Women’s Society of Christian Service. They were told that they could not be forced to change their ways of carrying on but it would be to their advantage to do so. No action was taken until the annual meeting which was held on Oct 16, 1941. At this time, after some discussion the society voted to change its name to “Women’s Society of Christian Service”. The first officers of this new “Women’s Society of Christian Service” were:
President – Mrs. George Hodge
Vice president – Mrs. Mary Baxter
Treasurer – Mrs. Bessie Shaver
Secretary – Miss Madiline Aikens
They had begun to change their ways of doing before this time, however, up until 1940, the major objective of the society seemed to have been to raise money for carrying on the expenses of the local church. In November 1939, a letter from the west (it did not say where) was read, asking for a donation for a Deaconess home. It was voted to lay it on the table. No mention was made of it again in the minutes. All of their disbursements from 1935 to 1941 were for local purposes except once they paid $5.00 to the District parsonage. At each annual meeting held in October when the new officers were elected, two different persons were appointed to carry on some money making project for each month in the year. Some of these committees held rummage sales, some made aprons to sell, some sold products, and some held suppers. The price for one supper in 1937 was 25 cents straight. There were no programs and the only devotions seemed to have been repeating of the Lord’s Prayer. The average attendance ranged from 9 to 15.
At the annual meeting in October 1940, it was decided to try to build up the Society by means of committees. The new president, Sarah Brown, appointed the following committees to serve for one year: 1. Worship – Mrs. Baxter, Mrs. George Bull and Mrs. George Moseman; 2.Program – Mrs. Carlton Frembes, Mrs. Hilsart and Mrs. Coons; Membership – Mrs. Cora Griffith, Mrs. Bessie Shaver, Mrs. Eileen Silvernail and Mrs. Cora Shaw; 4. Refreshments – the hostess was to act as chairman of the refreshment committee for each meeting, with power to choose her helpers. After one year the committees reported on the work which had been done. All decided that the meetings had been much more interesting than before. The membership had jumped from 33 in 1940 to 48 in 1941. This might have been due to the work of the committees, and it might also have been partly due to the influx of many new families into the community.
In 1941, the Society giving had begun to branch out beyond the local church. That year they gave $5 to the Boy Scouts to assist them with their projects, and also raised their contribution to the district parsonage to $9. During the years that followed they added contributions to Delaware County War Fund, to the American Red Cross, to the Polio Drive, and to the Heart Fund. They paid $15 to the Conference Missionary Fund $10 was given to the 4H Camp at Fraziers. They also contributed $50 to the “Crusade for Christ”. Flossie Stevens had led a discussion on the campaign program, “Crusade for Christ”. She had outlined the committee plans for canvassing and collecting the money. As a result, the society voted to give $50, mentioned previously. They also gave $10 for Junior Choir robes.
Invitations had been received to some of the District Meetings but the first attendance to such a meeting was in November 1941, when Rev. Coons, Mrs. Coons, Mrs. Hodge, Mrs. Baxter and Miss Crispell attended a conference of the W.S.C.S. of the Newburgh District which was held in Middletown. The following year, 6 delegates attended the District Conference in Middletown. They found it very interesting and useful.
Not only were they branching out in their giving projects, and in their outlook by attending District Meetings, but their cultural aspect was also picking up. The programs which had died down were again revived in 1945. Along with the revival of the programs, the attendance jumped from an average attendance of 14 to an average of 25. Friendly visitation was instituted in November, 1945. Two society members were appointed to call on the sick and shut-ins during the month. This practice is still followed today.
Another innovation was the installation of officers by the Pastor, Rev. Ryan – using the installation service put out by the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Flossie Stevens was the first President to be installed in Jan. 1947.
The real climax of change in the Society occurred in June, 1956 at a luncheon served in the church dining room when Miss Elizabeth Luce, President of the Women’s Conference of W.S.C.S. spoke to the group. She gave a detailed report on the functions and duties of the staff officers, and also gave suggestions as to the different ways of increasing the usefulness. She said that the primary work of the organization was that of missions. A day of Prayer as observed in 1957 and has been observed each year since. The present method of using pledge cards instead of paying dues was instituted. Parts of a Mission Study Book were read at each meeting. In time, groups were formed to study and discuss these books. Some of these were: Japan of Yesterday, Enlarging Our Borders, and Understanding Cultures. The attendance to all district and sub-district meetings has increased, and with it a better understanding of the problems which confront the church women of today. From instruction received at the summer mission schools which have been attended at Sarah Lawrence and at Drew University, new ideas for carrying on the study of missions have been incorporated in our program until today this study has become a church-wide project with the Pastor and his wife as its teachers.
In the olden days, the meetings were held during the afternoon, once each month in the homes of the various members. An all day annual meeting was always observed in October when the officers were elected for the next year. The noon day meal was usually a chicken dinner. In some years there were 4 luncheon meetings during the course of the year. The first evening meeting was on June 17, 1959, at the home of Mrs. Edwin Tillapaugh. 31 Members were present. At that time it was decided to have the meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 8:00pm. Mrs. Tillapaugh, the new president, explained the obligations of the society which included: $40 monthly to the church budget, the water rent, the upkeep of the inside of the parsonage, and our main objective which is “missions”. The meetings instituted at this time are still in effect with the exception that the church now has full responsibility of the parsonage and its upkeep, and that the Fellowship Hall is now our home base where most of our meetings are held. For 3 years we gave $200 a year which we had pledged to the Building Fund. Since that time we had given whatever we could toward the building debt.
This would not be complete without paying tribute to some of the faithful “Ladies Aiders” who so loyally became “W.S.C.C.ers” and faithfully carried on the work. Since 1935, Mrs. Mary Baxter was president for 4 ½ years and vice-president for 4 years. At other times she was always at the head of some work project. Bessie Shaver was treasurer for 11 years and Theo Baldwin for 5 years. At other times both were active in other fields of the society. Maude Shaver performed the duties of secretary for 6 years, and Gladys Shields for 6 years plus 2 years as assistant secretary. Although Flossie Stevens and Gladys Craig were not members of the Ladies Aid, their years of service as President of the Women’s Society should be mentioned – Flossie served 9 years and Gladys for 5 years. (See page 152 of the Historical Record for a listing of Charter Members of the Women’s Society of Christian Service.)
History of the Methodist Church of Downsville Compiled by Margaret Turnbull
Printed in a Booklet and given out on the Day of History observed by the church, May 22, 1966
The Methodist Society of Downsville is an outgrowth of the old missionaries who made trips into this vicinity, shortly after the revolution, when the greater part of the country was a dense wilderness. Methodism, as a denomination first appeared here about 1790. The old Delaware circuit, which included this region, first became a regular Methodist appointment in 1794 with Robert Dillon as the preacher and David Buck as his associate. It was a part of the Albany District, Philadelphia Conference down to 1804. At the General Conference that year, this section was transferred to the New York Conference which previously had not reached west of the Hudson River. In 1810, the name was changed from Albany to the Hudson River District, and so remained until 1830, when it became known as the Delaware District. This circuit was called the Delaware Circuit until 1831. It extended from the headwaters of the east Branch of the Delaware River to Coshecton, now called Hancock, and from the Susquehanna to the Beaverkill. The full membership was 290 persons. There were 33 preaching places, requiring 250 miles of travel, most of which was done on horseback. It took 3 weeks to cover the appointments. The fourth week was a rest week. Preachers in the first quarter of the century, called Circuit Riders, had their headquarters in Stamford or South Kortright where they occupied part of a log cabin with the family of one of their church members. While out on the circuit, they had no regular boarding places, but visited at various homes as they went along. Each appointment was reached once in four weeks. The old fashioned Methodist garb included buckskin breeches which were brightened up with yellow ochre. From 1831 to 1837 inclusive, this territory was a part of the Middletown Circuit.
In 1837 the Delaware Mission was erected. Here our q
Quarterly Conference Records begin. The appointments on the Mission, of which J.C. Bouton was the first missionary, were: Shavertown, Cole’s Place, Colchester or Downsville, Long Flat or Harvard and Beaverkill. Later appeared Terry’s Clove, Baxter Brook, Westfield, Hotchkiss, Brock School House and Purvis Settlement, now part of Livingston Manor. In 1831, a second man was needed to help look after the increasing number of appointments and J.Tompkins was sent as an assistant to Mr. Bouton. Hereafter two men were kept in the field most of the time.
Rev. Charles Gorse writes of his experience in the Delaware Mission. “I commenced my ministry on the Delaware Mission in the spring of 1839 under Presiding Elder J.B. Stratton and had for a colleague, John Davis. The Mission had 22 appointments and we went around once in four weeks. We had appointments in several cloves which ran down to the river. We went up the cloves 6 or 8 miles and preached in private homes and school houses week days. At the junction of the East Branch and the Beaverkill we preached in a school house. We had one church in the Mission. It was at Long Flat. The people were generally poor, and with few exceptions, lived in log houses. I have often slept where I could look up and see the stars through holes in the roof, and where snow blew in and covered the bed. There were many wild animals in numbers along the path. Deer were plentiful. Almost every family had venison hanging in a tree in front of the house. I saw numbers of large cranes flying up and down the valley.”
The Delaware Mission was divided in 1850. The appointments on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc were made into a new Mission under the name of Beaverkill. The preaching places on the East Branch were organized into a circuit called the “Colchester and Harvard Circuit”. Nine years later, in 1859, the territory of this circuit was divided and the Harvard Charge was erected.
Much of the success in developing the work of the circuit is due to the efforts of the local preachers and exhorters who carried on between visits of the regular preachers. Among those were David and Solomon Finch and Cornelius Turk at Holiday’s Bridge, later called Pepacton.
; Titus Williams at Long Flat; Cornelius Bennett in Telford Hollow and John Bradley in Wilson Hollow.
In 1861, the appointments were: Shavertown, Pleasant Valley, Phil(l)ip Allen’s, Downsville, Telford Hollow and Gregory Hollow. That year the Mission Society granted $50.00 to the work. As a result, the following appointments were added: Huntley Hollow, Lloyds, Union Grove, Gregorytown and Whitney’s. In 1870, the name of the circuit was changed to Downsville, and in 1871, another division was made whereby all of that portion above a point half way between Downsville and Pepacton was included in the Shavertown charge, with Orville VanKeuren for its pastor. Later, with the dissolution of the Shavertown charge, Pepacton was left without preaching and was reinstated into the Downsville Circuit.
From 1864 to 1886, the District name had been Ellenville. At the Conference of 1887, the Newburgh, Prattsville and Ellenville Districts were consolidated and two new districts were created: Kingston and Newburgh. Downsville was in the Newburgh District until, on its own request, it was transferred to the Kingston District, by Bishop Frederick Newell, effective May 1, 1953.
The ministers who first resided in Downsville lived in rented rooms until a lot and partly erected house (now occupied by Alzina Knox and Linda Rowe on Knox Avenue) was purchased from Isaac Teed. The work of finishing the parsonage was completed at Conference time in 1845. At the Third Quarterly Meeting of the year in 1847, an assessment of 27 cents per member was made to pay the debt on the parsonage.
On October 22, 1849, the male members of the Methodist Episcopal Church Congregation held a meeting at the home of Harvey Dann, for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees. Isaac Teed was chosen as Chairman with Harvey Dann as clerk. Three other persons, Henry W. Dibble, Ebenezer Dann and Elisha Teed were elected, making five in all, to be known as the Trustees of The Methodist Episcopal Church of Downsville.
In 1849, under the pastorate of Rev. William Blake, a camp meeting was held in Bennett’s Grove Telford Hollow. The results of this meeting and accompanying revival had much to do in giving the Methodist Society in Downsville a standing of importance and prepared the way for the building of the first Methodist Church, in the fall of 1850. It was erected on land deeded to the Society by George W. Downs, and is known as the “Malnati Apartments”. Behind the church were rows of sheds where the people of the parish could leave their horses and wagons, protected from the weather, while they were attending the service of worship.
During the quarter ending October 26, 1870, the Pastor, Rev. Andrew Schriver, obtained an order from the court for the sale of the old parsonage property. In 1870, it was purchased by Isaac Teed for $511, and the George W. Downs home was obtained from his heirs for $3000, to be used as a parsonage. A portion of this lot was sold, January 2, 1877 to C.J. Wilson for $300. The debt was not fully paid until December, 1888 when the executors of the estate of Amanda Williams, in accord with her will, paid the mortgage and interest in full. Again on July 22, 1929, another portion was sold from the parsonage land. At this time Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Baldwin purchased the lot on the corner of Maple Avenue and Lindsley Street for $500, leaving the present limits to the parsonage property.
Outstanding among the ministers of the late 1880’s was the Rev. Arthur Thompson. His influence had much to do with the decision of six young men from this church to become Methodist ministers. He soon began to agitate the question of a new church building. The old white box-like building had no beauty and the high bare walls inside showed many signs of age. Heating stoves stood in the two corners of the room. From these stoves extended sagging stove pipes which were supported from the ceiling for the length of the room. Encouraged by a statement made privately by C.E. Hulbert that he would give $1000 toward a new church, Rev. Thompson, in August 1887, preached a notable sermon, presenting the need of a new church to the members. This address, with the criticism of the familiar old building caused many in his audience to feel reproachful. Especially memorable was his reading of the closing hymn. The hymn was: “I Love Thy Church, O God”. Rev. Thompson added “How can we say that in this place”. “Her walls before thee stand”. Again he added, “Look at them, will you? Cracked, defaced like that”. After this reading he expected all to sing heartily! This sermon aroused some opposition and much discussion. Many in the congregation felt that the man had gone altogether too far, and that the old church was the best they could afford. However, he must have made some appeasement for soon Matthew Dann had matched the $1000 given by Mr. Hulbert. After the matter was thoroughly ventilated, a committee called to consider the need, reported the necessity for a more suitable and attractive house of worship. Matthew Dann, C.E. Hulbert and P.L. Purdy were appointed as building committee. After visiting several other churches, they gave the contract for the building, above the foundation, to Felix Miner for $3,300. The dedication sermon was preached by the Pastor, Rev. Arthur Thompson, on December 20, 1888. He was assisted by Rev. M.B. Cummings, a former pastor; Rev. W. Fry of the Colchester Presbyterian Church; Rev. L.E. Hawk of the United Presbyterian Church; and the Rev. Dr. White, Presbyterian, retired. With the exception of a few dollars contributed by visitors, the entire amount was raised by the members and the constituents of the church. A few contributions in small amounts came from other churches in town. On February 20, 1890, the old church was sold to Frederick Loos for $800, and on July 4, 1890, the whole church property was freed from debt. (See page 156 in Historical record for Financial Statement of the Building Committee)
The six young men who went out from the church as Methodist ministers were: George Downs, Charles Alberti, and frank Crispell from Downsville; Charles Miller from Pepacton; Charles Dann and George A. MacDonald from Telford Hollow. Each of these men served for many years as ministers of the gospel. Rev. George MacDonald was twice District Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie District and of the Newburgh District.
In addition to the regular Sunday services in the Downsville church, there were class meetings once a week in each of the outside appointments, as well as in Downsville. These meetings were under the direction of a class leader appointed for that purpose. Among these class leaders were Nathan Bradley, John Bradley and Charles Wilson in Downsville and Wilson Hollow; Sherman Williams in Gregory Hollow; George T. Dann in lower Telford Hollow and George W. MacDonald in upper Telford Hollow; Hiram Hawk and William Vernold, Campbell Mountain; Nathan Fuller, Fuller Hill; Phil(l)ip Allen and George Whitney at Pepacton.
This history would not be complete without mentioning Amos Peck, who was licensed to preach as a local preacher on July 21, 1888. He preached once during the week, every two weeks on Campbell Mountain and Gregory Hollow, alternating with the Pastor. In later years, he also added Telford Hollow, Wilson Hollow and Trout Brook to his charge. He continued this ministry as long as he was able to do so. He always walked and always carried a lantern at night.
Barbara Betts and her Junior League held on Sunday afternoon and the old Epworth League held at 6:30 each Sunday evening are institutions never to be forgotten. The Epworth League continued to function, off and on, until September 13, 1942, when the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) held its first meeting at the Parsonage. On October 11, 1942, the following officers were elected: President, Mahlon Brown; vice-president, Bernard Mills; secretary, Peggy Shields, and treasurer, Robert Neff. Week day religious education, later becoming “Release Time Classes”, was introduced in conjunction with the other churches in Downsville, in 1940 while Rev. Coons was pastor.
On February 27, 1911, Herbert and Nancy Shaver had given to the Downsville Methodist Episcopal Church a deed for the Pepacton church building and grounds. This church, with its contents, was sold to New York City in 1946, for $235. The money received from this sale was used to purchase an oil burner for the Downsville Church. This burner was put in the old furnace which was replaced in 1962 by a modern heating plant.
Along with the redecoration of the interior of the sanctuary in the summer of 1947 went the transformation of the chancel and the choir loft which gave more room for the choir. The cost of this project was met by voluntary contributions. In the afternoon of August 17, 1947, a special service was held to rededicate the sanctuary. During the years which followed, many renovations ere made to the church property, one of which was the purchase, in 1954, of a new “Consonnata” Conn electric organ at a cost of $2,352 less the trade in value of $208 for the old organ. During 1957, all of the church windows were straightened and re-leaded at a cost of $2100 and the entire water system of both the church and the parsonage was renewed with copper piping. In 1959, a new roof was put on the church, and in August of that year the exterior of the church was repainted at a cost of $515.00.
When plans were being made for incorporation, in 1956, this church received a legal opinion that the action taken by the church in 1849 (when the first Board of Trustees was elected) was sufficient to accomplish incorporation. The former “Methodist Episcopal Church of Downsville” now the “Methodist Church of Downsville” is therefore duly incorporated as of August 29, 1849.
In 1957, Alexander Dann made a gift to the church of 50 shares of Dravo stock, in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dann. This gift, then valued at $5,000, carried the stipulation that the income of the fund be used for the purpose of the furtherance of Christian Education. Through the use of the Gift, the church was enabled to organize a church library in 1958, with Mrs. Howard Rose as librarian. The original Dravo stock has increased from 50 shares in 1959 to 106 shares in 1966.
Early in the year of 1961, an advisory council consisting of the chairman of each of the five Commissions, the Pastor, the Chairman of the Official Board, and the Lay Leader was set up to coordinate the program and activities of the church. This act was approved by the Quarterly Conference of January, 1962.
A special Quarterly Conference was held on June 22, 1961, at which time approval was given for the addition of a two story frame building at the rear of the church. A Building Committee was formed, of which J. William Bouw was the chairman. This Building Committee met in September with the District Board of Church Location and Building who approved the proposed plans with only minor corrections. It was not until 1962, however, that the construction was actually begun by Andrew Gardner, who had been given the contract and who was assisted by men of the parish. The Trustees’ report of March 28, 1963, included a statement—“…William Bouw, Allan Champlin, Earl Hutchinson, Harold Mattson, Fred Banaut, Paul Shields, Howard Rose and Perry Stanhouse deserve special mention for the many hours spent by them in the work of the church addition.” The addition was put into use in the late summer and room assignments were made on September 27, 1962. The consecration service was held on June 23, 1963, with Bishop Wicke conducting the service. The actual cost of the construction of this addition was $13,617.15. Along with the building of this section, a complete new heating plant was installed in the entire church, bringing the total cost of the project to $20,674.06. This was financed by a Building Fund Drive to secure pledges and contributions from the members and constituents of the church. Certificates of interest were also sold. The total outstanding debt, as of April 15, 1966, is $7,685.00.
A lasting tribute to the memory of Perry Stanhouse is his gift to our church of the Altar Rail. This he made by hand from special cherry wood wide enough so that the entire curved rail was cut as one whole piece. It was consecrated at a Communion Service in the Fall of 1962. Supplementing this Altar Rail are the paraments in four different colors, given by Rev. and Mrs. Lyman P. Taylor in memory of his father, the Rev. Palmer N. Taylor. They were dedicated at the morning service, November 22, 1964.
Under the leadership of Rev. Lyman P. Taylor, the outreach of the Downsville Church School has been extended to Corbett, where a Sunday School was organized in September, 1964, with Mrs. Harold Lake as Superintendent. This project is partially financed by the proceeds of “The Dann Fund” and partly by the people of Corbett who furnish the heat for the building.
During the past two years, extensive repairs to the parsonage have been accomplished at a cost of approximately $4000. Among these are a new heating plant and an upstairs bathroom, and a more recently complete renovation of the Pastor’s study. The lowered ceiling, the paneled walls and the bookshelves and cupboards which extend across one end and one side of the room have transformed an ordinary room into one of beauty and convenience.
The estimated value of the church buildings and grounds, as of January 1, 1966, is placed at $73,125.
On the membership rolls of the Methodist Church of Downsville are the names of five persons whose membership extends back over a period of 65 or more years.
Mrs. Goldie Conklin Nov. 15, 1891 75yrs of membership
Harley Bogart Dec. 21, 1894 72 yrs of membership
Mrs. Theo Baldwin July 1, 1900 66yrs of membership
James W. Miller Oct, 7, 1900 66yrs of membership
Miss Pearl Walrath Jan 6, 1901 65 yrs of membership
Eleven additional members are credited with 50 years or more.
Outstanding among the long time workers in our church are Mrs. Theo Baldwin, organist, who has served in that capacity for 62 years (except for eight years while she was living in Cooks Falls). Her activity has also extended into other branches of the church especially in the Women’s Society. Closely following in years of service is Marvin Bull whose tenure as treasurer of our church spans across forty, of his fifty two years as a church member. He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday School and has many times represented this church, as Lay member, at the Annual Conference. His present Chairmanship of the Official Board began on March 26, 1953.
It cannot be ascertained just when the first preaching services were held in Downsville or Colchester. The first Methodist parsonage was completed in 1845.
The list of resident ministers, with their years of service can be found on pages 159-161 of the Historical record.
Source Material: Old Church records
Old Circuit Riders Magazines
Records in Del. Co. Clerk’s Office
Quarterly Conference reports
Minutes of the Official Board
Trustees’ Reports