The History of Cayuga County 1789-1879 page 355
Town of Aurelius / Cayuga Village -- Churches


1850." Between 1852 and 1854, the pulpit was supplied by students from the Auburn Seminary, among whom were Messrs. Lacy, Hamilton, McDougal and Parsons. In July, 1854, Rev. Timothy M. Hopkins was engaged as stated supply, which relation he sustained until 1860. To his labors here must be credited the organization of the Sabbath School in the North District and the repairing and enlarging of the house of worship, at an expense of $3,000, all of which was paid when the work was completed. It was at this time that the bell was hung which still calls to worship. Mr. Hopkins was largely assisted by the devoted and efficient aid of his wife. His successor was Rev. F. W. Roberts, whose labors, commenced in May, 1860, were suddenly cut short in September of that year. He had gone to Waverly, N. Y., to exchange with a class-mate, Rev. David Johnson. He was struck by a train while crossing the railroad track, so absorbed in thought as not to notice its approach, and so severely injured that he died within a few hours.

Mr. Roberts was followed by Rev. H. H. Allen, who labored as stated supply from May, 1861, to November, 1869, during which time the church was repaired and cushioned, the organ at present in use purchased, and the parsonage bought, though the latter was not entirely paid for until 1870. A revival was enjoyed toward the last of his ministry, in which Mr. Allen was instrumental in adding ninety to the membership.

From November, 1869, to May 22d, 1870, the pulpit was supplied partly by exchanges with other pastors and by students from the seminary. The present pastor, Rev. G. P. Sewall, who has previously ministered to the church, commenced his labors with it as stated supply the latter date, and was installed pastor December 28th, 1870.

Four young men from this church have entered the ministry, U. T. and Ebenezer Chamberlain, (who studied at Lane Seminary until the anti-slavery excitement arrested their course,) in 1834; Andrew Harris, (colored,) (who graduated at Middlebury College, preached in Philadelphia, where he died in 1836, the church in which he preached having been afterwards burned by a pro-slavery mob;) and E. P. Willard, who graduated from Auburn Seminary in 1862, and is now preaching in Erie, Michigan.

Two missionaries to foreign lands have also gone from the society. Miss Frances A. Willard, (Mrs. A. C. Hall,) was sent in 1834 with her husband to Ceylon; her life in that field was, however, short, as in less than one year after her arrival, viz: in January, 1836, she laid down her life.

In 1845, Miss Nancy A. Foot (Mrs. Webb) was sent to the same field, where she and her husband labored several years; but their health failing, they returned to this country and are both living near Philadelphia.

April 8th, 1874, a "Ladies' Missionary Society" was formed. It now numbers forty members and makes regular offerings to the treasury of the parent society in New York. The first contribution, so far as known, sent from this section for foreign missions, was given in 1813, by the "Ladies' Charitable Society" of the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn.

Sunday, January 3d, 1875, James Jenny, James H. Baldwin and Samuel C. VanSickle, were ordained elders, and C. W. Travis and Albertus Badgley, deaons.*

This church has, from the first, been self-sustaining, and although never rich, it has contributed freely and regularly to spread the gospel at home and abroad. The present membership is 160; and the average attendance at Sabbath School, (three different schools,) about 100.

ST. LUKE'S CHURCH (EPISCOPAL), was organized July 5th, 1871, by James A. Brown, the first pastor, who remained till 1873. The pulpit was supplied till June 21st, 1874, when W. S. Hayward entered upon his labors as pastor. He resigned May 1st, 1876. The pulpit was again supplied till March, 1877, when William H. Casey, the present pastor, entered upon the duties of his office. He is also in charge of the church at Aurora, where he lives, and preaches here every alternate Sabbath, lay services being held the intervening Sabbaths. Their church edifice was built in 1871, at a cost of $5,500. It was consecrated June 27th, 1873. The present membership consists of twenty families.

Prior to the organization of this society Episcopal services were held by rectors resident in Seneca Falls, Auburn and neighboring places, and a regular service every other week was insti

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*Compiled from a History of the Church prepared by the pastor, Rev. G. P. Sewall, and delivered July 9th, 1876.

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