The History of Cayuga County 1789-1879 page 306
Town of Montezuma / Early Settlements

ings were held in a school house which stood near the site of the "Old Mentz church."

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONTEZUMA was formed September 11th, 1819, and the "Church of Aurelius and Mentz" was adopted as its name. The first pastor was Rev. Ichabod Clark, who was voted $25 for his "labors among us in the gospel," February 21st, 1820. The church took early and strong ground against the practice of dancing, for at a meeting held March 9th, 1820, it is recorded that Benjamin Waite made complaint against Harry Phelps for indulging in that pastime, and a committee was appointed to labor with him. May 11th, 1820, the committee reported adversely and fellowship was withdrawn. At the same meeting $75 was voted Mr. Clark for pastoral services for one year from March 10th, 1820, the amount to be paid in grain, which, according to a vote passed January 20th, 1821, was to be estimated at seventy-five cents per bushel for wheat, and thirty cents for corn and rye.

James Rathbone, Amos Woodworth, William Chandler, Benjamin Waite, William Gay, Samuel Gilbert, R. N. Woodworth, Ebenezer Allen, Freegift Cole, William Blossom, Harry Phelps, William Greiggs, Benjamin B. Jewett, Wheaton Hicks, Sperry Peck, Phebe Gay, and Elias Beach were among the first members of this church.

February 21st, 1820, it was "Voted that we believe it to be a disciplinable evil for our brethren to attend the Free Mason Lodge; therefore feel it our duty as a Church of Christ not to fellowship such brethren as do visit the Lodges, or any other of the Masonic meetings." This view, however, seems soon to have been very much modified, for November 4th, 1820, it was "Voted to withdraw the vote passed February 21st, 1820, concerning the subject of Masonry."

Elder Elkeney Comstock was the next pastor, for February 2d, 1822, he was voted $100 for preaching one year from January 1st, 1822. May 4th, 1822, it. was "Voted that the church acted unconsiderate in receiving Brother Fradrick (sic) Lathrop on his Baptism, being Baptized by an open communion Baptist." At the same date it was "Voted to withdraw the hand of fellowship from Sister Eunice Emons for her unlawful act in marrying another man while her husband liveth." For several years they were without a pastor, although the records show that frequent efforts were made to secure the services of one. Elder Luther Goodrich was the next pastor, from June 28th, 1828, for two years. July 3d, 1830, it was "Voted to hold meetings constantly at the school-house on the turnpike near to Fosterville."

June 4th, 1831, Elder Goodrich officiated, and Elder John Jeffries succeeded him in the pastorate. October 1st, 1836, he was granted a letter. Elder S. M. Plumb served them a few months in 1837, and was succeeded by Elder Ezra Dean, as a licentiate, April 19th, 1838. Elder Dean was ordained August 29th, 1838, and continued one year. Elder John Jeffries was again engaged May 15th, 1838.

January 1st, 1842, the church decided to give Edmon Mott a license to preach, and August 6th, 1842, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from him on account of infidelity to his wife.

In 1843 Elder Jeffries severed his connection with the church, but was engaged to supply the desk till another pastor could be secured, for which he was promised a reward. September 3d, 1844, he was voted $50 for that service; but it was never paid, for February 20th, 1845, it was voted to accept it as a donation, Mr. Jeffries having relinquished his claim to it. June 3d, 1843, a letter of dismission was voted him. W. F. Purrington supplied the pulpit, at the expense of the society, till May 1st, 1844. Sunday, November 3d, 1844, Elder P. Lyon seems to have filled the pulpit, and the following Sunday his services were engaged for one year at a salary of $250.

February 28th, 1846, it was unanimously resolved to call Brother W. F. Purrington to ordination. February 6th, 1847, it was resolved to invite Brother Purrington to continue the pastorate, and instead of a salary to give him all that could be collected in the church and society by subscription and donation. July 1st, 1849, Elder O. M. Gibbs assumed pastoral relations. May 2d, 1852, Elder H. Trow was called to the pastorate one year, for $300. June 10th, 1855, the services of Elder Ferguson were secured till the first of the following September, at $5 per Sabbath.

The record does not show who were the pastors from this period to 1868, in which year Elder L. R. Reynolds was called. He commenced

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