The History of Cayuga County 1789-1879 page 294
Town of Cato / Meridian--Churches

became the pastor in March, 1821, and remained thirteen years. In 1821 and 1822 revivals were enjoyed, sixteen being added in the former and eleven in the latter year.

From 1822 to 1829 darkness and gloom rested upon the church. During those seven years only one baptism occurred. In 1829 they awoke from their lethargy, and a revival was commenced which culminated in 1831, in which year one hundred and seven were added to the membership. Elder Tallman closed his labors in May, 1834, and was immediately succeeded by S. Knapp. In this and the preceding year the doctrines of the Cambellites made sad inroads in their membership, thirty-four having been excluded for espousing them.

Though the early part of Elder Knapp's pastorate was full of discouragements, the latter portion was not without compensating encouragements. In 1835 a season of revival was begun which continued with increased fervor during that and the two succeding years, and resulted in the addition of one hundred and sixty-six to their membership. Elder Knapp closed his labors with them in March, 1838, and was succeeded the next month by J.W. Spoor, who remained till July, 1840. During his pastorate fifty-five were added to the church by baptism.

S. Wilkins became their pastor in July, 1840, remaining till October, 1842. In the second year of his pastorate thirty-five members were added. C. VanLoon succeeded Elder Wilkins and remained one year. J. Woodward assumed the pastoral care in October, 1843, and during the second year of his pastorate a revival was experienced and forty-five added to their number. He was succeeded in January, 1846, by George W. Mead, the first three years of whose pastorate "were seasons of declension," resulting from agitation of questions connected with the anti-slavery cause. A large number were dismissed and a new church formed. In the fall of 1849 a reconciliation was effected and was followed by a revival, which resulted in adding sixty-one by baptism. Elder Mead closed his labors in January, 1850, and was succeeded by A. Angier, who commenced his labors the first Sabbath in April of that year. His resignation was accepted March 12th, 1853.

W.D. Hedden, of Rochester University, commenced his labors with them May 9th, 1853. He received a call June 5th, 1853, which he accepted June 12th, 1853. He was ordained October 13th, 1853, and remained till early in 1855, in June of which year he was succeeded by Stephen Wilkins. B.F. Garfield became pastor January 13th, 1856, and was dismissed December 4th, 1858. During the first year of his pastorate sixteen were added by baptism. December 18th, 1858, D.E. Holmes was invited to preach, at $8.00 per Sabbath, till a minister could be got. January 19th, 1859, and some weeks thereafter, Elder A. Wilkins preached. In this year thirty-two were added by baptism. J.S. Webber was the pastor April 9th, 1859. July 29th, 1860, he preached his farewell sermon and became an agent of the Bible Union. A call was extended to Elder I. Wilkinson, of Port Byron, March 9th, 1861. He remained till April 9th, 1864. Andrew Lindsay commenced his labors April 24th, 1864, and after preaching a few Sabbaths he accepted an invitation to serve as pastor. The second year of his pastorate fifteen were added by baptism. His resignation, to take effect April 1st, 1869, was accepted February 7th, 1869. W.L. Goodspeed was the pastor April 9th, 1870; and Rev. J.D. Smith, February 11th, 1871, the latter of whom is the present pastor. A Mr. Townsend preached for them the December and January previous to Elder Smith's coming. In the second year of Elder Smith's pastorate a revival was experienced and thirty added to the membership by baptism.

March 10th, 1877, the church was reorganized under the new State law of May 13th, 1876, and the present name was adopted. The present membership is 144; and the attendance at Sabbath school, about 125. heir church edifice was erected in 1829, and was enlarged, moved and the galleries taken out in 1857. A session room has since been added and other repairs made. Four churches have been formed by members dismissed from this, viz: Hannibal, First Lysander, Victory and Ira.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF MERIDIAN was organized February 2d, 1836, as the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Cato, (the name having been changed April 22d, 1867,) with the following named members: Abner Hollister and wife, Chas. Hoyt and wife, Nehemiah Hoyt and wife, Lewis Hoyt and wife, Clark Hoyt and wife, Madison E. Hollister and wife, Alonzo

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