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Home My WebLink Aboutbaptist church history septemberFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ENFIELD CENTER Written for and by the Church - 175th Anniversary 9/13/1992 – Jean Owens, used in part for Chapter 12 Religion by Helen Smith and Sue Thompson Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls, The Town of. Enfield, NY. Enfield Historical Society and Sue Thompson 2002. Updated Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian. September 2017 As Enfield was part of the town of Ulysses until March 16, 1821, for a few years the church was called the First Ulysses Church. On April 5, 1817, a meeting of Baptist brethren was held at the home of Judah Baker. Elder John Lewis was chosen moderator and Chester Coburn, clerk. Other meetings were held May 3, 1817 and May 17, 1817. A council met July 2, 1817, at the home of Elder John Lewis. It voted into membership the following people (See People at end of document for more history on these people): Elder John Lewis, Isaac Beach, Chester Coburn, Jonathan Rolfe, John Hanford, Obadiah Baker, Stephen Mead, Israel Mead, Foster Updike, William Boughton, Susannah Lovell, Jerusha Burgess, Poly Hanford Eliza Coburn, Nancy Updike Hila Cuykendall, Olly Burgess, Rachael Osburn, Sally Burgess, Sally Putman, Mary Cuykendall, Ada Sage, Lucinda Lewis, Betsy Beach, Anna Boughton, Sarah Lyon. The church held its first covenant meeting July 5, 1817, and voted to adopt the 12th Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans as its church covenant. Chester Coburn was elected clerk and John Lewis was invited to become the first Pastor. It was voted that if any member failed to attend the covenant he should be dealt with as a transgressor. The church met for communion service once every three months and a covenant meeting was held the first Saturday in each month. A meeting was held August 6, 1817, at the home of Jonathan Rolfe, when Isaac Beach and Chester Coburn were elected Deacons. The church united with the Cayuga Association in 1817. It united with the Seneca Association in 1824. The name of the church was changed May 5, 1830, to the First Baptist Church of Enfield. In 1842 a comfortable house of worship was completed in Enfield Center (174 Enfield Main road) at a cost of $1,300.00. The first church bell in the town of Enfield was hung in the belfry in April 1870. The Church bell was sold during the early 2000’s when the church built a new church in 2000 at 162 Enfield Main Road. The parsonage was built in 1877 at an expense of about $1,500.00 (144 Enfield Main Road). It was sold in 1947. In 1881, the church was moved across the road and rebuilt where it now stands (174 Enfield Main Road). At a covenant meeting held on April 9, 1887, the Reverend L.M. Gates was invited to become Pastor and it was reported that Brother Brewer has come to terms with the new minister. The salary was to be $35.00 per month, the use of the parsonage, a sociable for his benefit, and all the butter he needed for his family use. At the regular covenant meeting on January 11, 1902, there were just 11 present. The meeting was one of unusual interest and spirituality, and throughout there was a strong feeling of unity, although there were but eleven present." After the covenant meeting there was held the annual business meeting. Deacon Whipple was elected chairman and Edgar Brewer clerk. The treasurer reported taking in $13.55 from a special entertainment (moving pictures). Later in the meeting, "After due deliberation it was unanimously voted for the clerk to inform Brother Woodbury that it was the opinion and the vote of the church that the present Pastorate cease at the close of the year--May 20, 1902, and that this action was taken not from any unfriendliness of the church toward him but for the good of the cause. And that the action was taken thus early so as to give him ample time to secure another field of labor." During the monthly covenant meeting held August 8, 1914, the Ladies Missionary Society was organized. It was noted, "Thanks be to God we are waking up to the realization of our duty to our brother man whether he be in our church or community or whether he or she is 10,000 miles away..." In 1917, the church entertained the Seneca Baptist Association to commemorate its one hundredth anniversary. At the first annual meeting, January 17, 1917, the following were elected to office: Trustees - Leon Tucker, Dana Tubbs, Frank Stevenson Treasurer - Frank Stevenson Clerk - Charles F. Smith Organist - Mrs. Fred D. Rumsey Chorister - Merill Curry Deacons - E.C. Curry, Leon Tucker, Harvey Stevenson Deaconesses - Mrs. Charles F. Smith, Mrs. Fred D. Rumsey A significant measure that was adopted at this meeting was that of an associate membership of the church. The church voted to accept a member from another denomination into associate membership. There were 59 members of the church in 1917. In 1927, when Reverend Dutton S. Peterson was Pastor at Enfield the Enfield Baptist and Methodist churches began holding joint services, meeting six months of the year in each church. These united services were held until 1960. Since then separate services have been held, each church having its own Pastor. In 1928, during July and August, we cooperated with some neighboring churches in putting on a series of vesper meetings at the Enfield Falls State Park. The attendance averaged over 1,000 per Sunday. The first Sunday after the close of the services, the attendance both Methodist and Baptist was over 100. In 1942, the sheds for protection of horses and carriages which stood across the road and also north of the church were removed. This was the church's 125th anniversary. The officers were as follows: Clerk - Pearl Rolfe Treasurer - Harvey Stevenson Financial Secretary - Thomas Brown Missionary Treasurer - Irene Brown Trustees - Frank Stevenson, A.G. Boberg, Walter Griffen, John Hansen, S.H. Stevenson Deacons - Ward Spencer, Frank Stevenson Deaconesses - Cora Rumsey, Susie Hansen Finance Committee - Mazzare Spencer, Harvey Stevenson, Gladys Carpenter, Roger Brown, Tom Brown, Warena Ramsey The Reverend Crippen was Pastor. The parsonage (144 Enfield Main Road) was sold in 1947 for $4,000.00 the total net profit from the sale after expenses were taken out was $3,762.94. In 1954, some of the money from the sale of the parsonage was used to modernize the church. A new ceiling, hardwood floor, electricity and oil furnace improved the appearance and made the church more comfortable. On October 2, 1960, the Enfield Methodist Church sent a letter to the Baptist Church announcing that they once again becoming independent. The letter was signed by Frances Knapp, Harold Laue, and Jake Smithers, a committee elected by the Methodist congregation. On October 16, 1960, the Baptists called their first meeting since the breakup. It was decided that Mrs. Michener would see to the purchase of 25 hymnals and that she and Mrs. Lovelace would launch the Sunday school. It was decided that although the church worship and Sunday school were going on their own, the young people should feel free to attend a joint youth group with the Methodists and they should alternate churches. The youth counsellors were Mr. and Mrs. Krayniak from the Baptist Church and Mr. and Mrs. Knapp from the Methodist Church. The meeting was closed with Pearl Rolfe reading a prayer and all joining in with the Lord's Prayer. In 1967 the church celebrated its 150th anniversary, the sesqui-centennial. The church Service was led by the Reverend Eddie Husted. He served as Pastor from 1966-1971 and again in 1972-1973. The following served as officers: Clerk - Pearl Rolfe Treasurer - Harvey Stevenson Financial Secretary - Warena Ramsey Deacons - George Stark, Ward Spencer, Roger Brown, Brian Towner, Reginald Collins Deaconesses - Mildred Stark, SarahJane Michener, Susie Hansen, Jacqueline Collins, Pearl Rolfe Trustees - George Stark, Leon Tucker, Roger Brown, Ward Spencer, Harvey Stevenson Pianist - LaNetta Husted Sunday School Superintendent - SarahJane Michener Secretary of Missions - Pearl Rolfe The celebration was well attended with a full church of members and friends. During the service, those with special memories of the church shared them. After the service a dish-to-share was enjoyed at the nearby Grange Hall. Everyone interested came dressed in 1817 costume. At the quarterly business meeting of July 12, 1970, Gilbert Lee reported that the bulletin board in the church yard had once again had the glass knocked out of it. He said he'd heard that Corning Glass was now making a clear glass that unbreakable. Reverend Husted said he would check into it. In 1972 the church pews were dipped and stripped at a business owned by John Jackson located next to the church. For several weeks afterward the congregation held worship services at Sarah Jane Michener's home while the pews were painted and varnished by church members at the church building. At a special congregational meeting held June 10, 1973, proposed that the James "chip" Willis memorial funds be used to renovate the upstairs of the church, creating two rooms, was well as making the upstairs safer (the flooring was in danger of coming down under too much weight). The work was done and two Sunday school classes could use the upstairs at the same time. Harvey Stevenson was honored at a special dinner at the Grange Hall celebrating all the contributions he has made to the church and the Enfield Community. At the July 31, 1977 meeting, it was decided to put up a sign on the church itself out of funds from the Irene Brown memorial fund instead of repairing the bulletin board way-sign yet again. In 1985, the emergency food distribution held at the church had grown to the point of serving 80 families regularly. Pastor Cynthia Ikuta moved her from Ithaca home to one on Bostwick Road. Many church members furnished trucks and labors to help her move. We all shared in a dish-to-pass on their new front lawn after the move was complete. The food distribution moved out of the church to the nearby Enfield Community Building (the former Firehouse) in 1990 when the number of families being served rose to the level that 10,000 lbs of food was distributed to nearly 600 people per month. The church incorporated, changing its name to "The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center". In 1992, the church has a lay minister appointed from our own congregation. Sue Siegard is pastoring the church, including working with the teenagers in our congregation, in Sunday school and youth activities. She also leads a Bible Study Group every Wednesday evening. She and her husband Jim, have two children Gary and Tracy. Today (1992) the officers of the church are: Moderator - Roger Brown Clerk - Jean Owens Treasurer - Gladys Willis Assistant Treasurer - Eva Krayniak Pianist - Jean Owens Alternate Pianist - Eva Krayniak Communications Coordinators - Gladys Willis, Eva Krayniak, Juanita Wojtanik Church School Superintendent - Eva Krayniak Trustees - David Owens, Roger Brown, Andrew Krayniak, Ward Spencer--life time Deaconate - Rhonda Connors, Grace Henderson, Roger Brown, Andrew Krayniak, David Owens, Juanita Wojtanik Building & Grounds (responsible to Trustees) Cleaning - Juanita Wojtanik Grounds - David Owens Landscaping - Juanita Wojtanik, Marnie Kirchgessner Maintenance & Bldg. Renov. - Calvin Criss Pulpit Committee - Roger Brown, Rhonda Connors, Jean Owens Missionary Coordinator - Jean Owens Fellowship Coordinator - Greg Kirchgessner Stewardship Coordinator - Jean Owens On September 12 and 13th, 1992 The First Baptist Church celebrated their 175th Anniversary. The event was held at the Baptist Church, 174 Enfield Main Road and in the Grange (178 Enfield Main Road). There was a historical play, quilt auction, games and chicken and dumplings were served. The quilt was made up of 15 inch square quilt blocks with family names embroidered on the square. A special church service was held on Sunday followed by a dish-to-pass dinner . New Baptist Church Notes (7/1996) By Jean Owens, Church Clerk The church has experienced an exciting revival in the past few years. Attendance during morning worship service has climbed to average near 100 on Sundays with it not unusual to have over 200 in attendance on special days. To meet our growing needs, church member Helen Willis Jackson donated land nearby. The congregation’s dreams include the T. Roger Brown Fellowship Hall as well as the potential possibility of moving the entire church building to the new location. 1996 Officers Trustees: Brett Brown, Stanley Conroy, David Owens, Audrey Bostwick, Brad Connors, Andrew Krayniak (lifetime). Deaconate: Lanny Clark, Art Howser, Tammy Molivatis, Matthew Steel, David and Jean Owens, Rhonda Connors, Helen Jackson, Grace Henderson, Andrew Krayniak (life time), Eva Krayniak (life time). Steve Messner is our present (1996) pastor. His wife Susanna and two sons live on a working goat farm where they produce goat cheese for sale. Steve is also a civil engineer. Large attendance at the church building itself was around 400 people. Since the re-opening of the Baptismal in 1993 - 26 people have been baptized at church services. The Baptismal was originally built in 1887 according to the Baptist Church Minutes of January 8, 1887. Brothers Robert Whipple and Harrison Lanning were appointed to supervise the building of the Baptistery. In 2000, the congregation embarked on a project to build a new church (162 Enfield Main Road). With only a portion of the entire project's cost in the church's building fund, members persevered so they could have a larger sanctuary, fellowship hall, cafeteria and school. Although some areas of the church aren't finished, members - about 50 adults and 50 children - are already reaping the rewards of congregating in a new and improved building. The church was built by members of the congregation, project was funded by donations. The old church building is now "The Blessing Shop," a donation center where people can get clothes and other items. Summer 2001 The Enfield Baptist Church worked with Enfield Community Council to build the Gerhardt Achilles Playground on church property, Enfield Main Road. Church volunteers donated the money and labor to re-site our playground on a different part of the church land for a community playground in Enfield. In 2017 the “new church” building is now under the auspices of the Living Water Christian Fellowship with Pastor Chris Lynch Sr. May 2011 Baptist church (174 Enfield Main Road) was sold. The owner kindly allowed the Enfield Baptist Fellowship (Incorporated in 2003 and are members of American Baptist Churches) to hold church services there. Community square dances are also held there. 2024 Church services are no longer held there. The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center will celebrate its 200th Anniversary September 30, 2017. Historical displays, games, and food will be the schedule of the day to be held at the Enfield Grange Hall. On October 1, Reverend James Kelsey, American Baptist Churches of New York State Executive Minister, will be present to lead the gathering in a renewal of the church covenant adopted 200 years ago. A fellowship meal will follow the service to be held at the Enfield Valley Grange Hall. The People Isaac and Betsy (Elizabeth) Ogden Beach Isaac Beach was born March 24, 1773 in Wallingford, Connecticut. He married Elizabeth Ogden 1782 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – 1852 Enfield, NY [buried Enfield Presbyterian Cemetery]. He died at the age of 73 years on July 13, 1846 in Enfield, NY. He is buried in Enfield Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Center, and Enfield Main Road. Their family was Ann J. (1821). Obadiah Baker Obadiah Baker was son of Judah and Lydia Chase Baker, first settlers in the town of Enfield, NY. He was born 1797 in Phillipstown, NY. He married Rachel Rose Laycock (1801 – 1894 in Enfield, NY buried at the Christian Cemetery, Enfield, NY) in 1817. He died at the age of 70 on February 28, 1867 in Ingham, Michigan. He is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Mason, Michigan. Their family was Henry (1820), Ada (1923), Ziliah Ann (1925), John Marvin (1831), Bradford (1833), Mary (1840), Regina (1945), David (1828). William and Malinda (Anna) Boughton William Boughton, son of John Boughton and Currence Downs was born on January 23, 1794 in Southbury, New Haven, Connecticut. He lived in Ulysses, Tompkins County, New York 1820. He lived in Nunda, NY in 1830. He married Malinda Enose, born 1796 in New York, in 1932 in Nunda, NY. He died October 1964 in Pipestone, Michigan. Jerusha, Olly, and Sally Burgess – need more research Chester and Phebe (Eliza) King Coburn Chester Coburn was born in 1788 est. Delaware New York. He married Phebe (Eliza?) King in Seneca County. He died on January 18, 1828 in Friendship, NY after a long illness. Their family was Minor T. Coburn (1817), Emeline, Matilda, and Chester. Hila and Mary Cuykendall - William Cuykendall listed in marks and strays 1821 of Enfield NY – need for research John and Poly Hanford – need more research Elder John and Lucida Drake Lewis John Lewis was born November 29, 1764 in Fairfield Connecticut. He married Lucinda Drake (1775 Westerly, Rhode Island – 1810) in 1795 in Westerly, Rhode Island. He died at the age of 66 years on April 9, 1827 in Saratoga Springs, New York Their family was Justus H. (1800 Ballston Spa, NY – 1885 Trumansburg, NY), Lydia Drake (1802 Saratoga, NY - 1890), John Lewis (1806 Saratoga, NY), and Lorenda (1810 Greenfield, NY - 1892). Susannah Lovell Susannah Baker Lovell was daughter of Judah and Lydia Chase Baker, first settlers in the town of Enfield, NY. She was born 1791 in Phillipstown, NY. She married Moses Lovell (1787 Byram, New Jersey – 1877 Newfane, New York). She died at the age 34 years 1825 in Enfield, NY. Their family is Lucinda (1809), Eber (1811), Amy (1813), Ezra (1816), Phoebe (1818), Emily (1820), Milo (1822), Susanna (1824). Sarah Lyon – need more research Stephen Mead Stephen and Israel Mead were sons of Michael and Martha Mead. Stephen Mead was born April 4, 1797 in Dutchess County, NY. He died March 31, 1847 Seneca County, Ohio. He is buried in Green Springs, Ohio. He married Jemima Newman in New York. They moved to Springfield, Ohio and sometime in the 1830’s moved to Green Springs, Ohio. Jemina was born March 14, 1795 in New York State and died May 2, 188 in Damascus Ohio... Israel Mead was born October 29, 1784 and died October 18, 1832 in Seneca County Ohio. He was married to Elizabeth Gould Newman born November 14, 1787 she died in Plainville, Ohio on January 1, 1872. They first settled in Ulysses (now Trumansburg), Tompkins County, New York, from Dutchess County, New York. They soon sold their farm in Ulysses and moved to Bristol, Morgan County, Ohio, living there a short time and then they moved to, and settled in Clarksfield, Huron County, Ohio as early as 1826, living on a farm on the New London Rd. Israel and Elizabeth had six children. Israel had been married once before his marriage to Elizabeth, and had a son and a daughter by that marriage. By that marriage his son was Platt C. Mead and his daughter was Lucy Caroline Mead, who is believed to have died very young. Israel was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving as a Private in Captain Trowbridge’s Company of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bloom’s 88th Regiment, Cayuga County, New York State Militia. Israel died from cholera on October 18, 1832. His son Platt C. Mead, his son from his first marriage, died just one week later of cholera. In 1841, Elizabeth remarried to Kiah Gould, a Free Will Baptist Minister. After 1846 they moved to Middlebury, Elkhart County, Indiana. Israel Mead - See Stephen Mead Rachel Osburn – need more research Sally Putman – need more research Jonathan Rolfe Jonathan Rolfe was born April 17, 1773 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He married Susanna Ellison (1771 – Middlesex, NY – 1840 Enfield, NY buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Enfield). He died at the age of 77 years on March 3, 1851 in Enfield NY. He is buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate Road, Enfield, NY. Their family was Reuben (1799), Sally (1800), Mary (1802), Ephraim (1804), Samuel (1806), Joseph (1808), Jonathan (1811), Nicholas (1812), Susan (1814). Ada Sage 1830 census Enfield listed on line two below Judah baker. – need more research. Foster and Nancy Updike Foster Updike was born August 8, 1778 near Princeton, N.J. Moved with father, Jacob Updike to Tompkins County, NY. Foster's father Jacob Updike gave 100 acres of 'land in Tompkins County to each of his six sons. Foster sold his share about 1825 and moved to Daggetts Mills, Tioga Co., Pa., where he bought a farm upon which were several mill sites. He and his eldest son built three mills to manufacture the pine timber for use, while the other sons were clearing the farm. Foster and his wife Nancy Skellorn, born April 11, 1751, Princeton, New Jersey and died January 19, 1822, were "exemplary Christian people, members of the Baptist Church, and brought up their family to fear God." He was prominent in church matters, liberal in the support of the gospel, and with feelings easily touched by appeals for private charity. Was very outspoken for the right and against the wrong; a staunch Whig in politics. He died October 3, 1845, Jobs Corners, Pennsylvania. Daniel Whitney Daniel Whitney was born May 20, 1778 in Warwick, New York he died May 27, 1835 in Enfield, NY. He was married June 10, 1798 in Warwick, NY to Lydia Newbury, daughter of Edie and Ruth Newbury of Warwick. She was born June 27, 1773, Warwick, and died December 23, 1876, Enfield, NY Daniel was a weaver and farmer. They settled in Pawling, N. Y., and in October 1817, moved to Ulysses, now Enfield, N. Y., eight miles west of Ithaca. He was chosen a deacon of the Christian Church at Enfield Centre, and served in that office till his death, which took place at Enfield, 27 May 1835. He was buried at Enfield Centre. His widow died 23 Dec. 1876, at Enfield, aged 103 years, 5 months, and 26 days, and was buried there on Christmas. Notes on Pastors Many important items of historical interest are entirely omitted in the church records. It is even contrary to rule to find a notice of the time when a pastor begins or ends his term of service. Elder Job Leach is said to have labored faithfully for two years. He afterward removed to Pennsylvania where he died. Elder J.P. Woodworth was for nearly nine years an earnest worker in this field Elder J.F. Stark preached with real and earnestness, and was not without his reward. Elder F. Dusenberry seems to have won the confidence and regard of all his people. The last pastor, Rev. A.D. Abbott has labored earnestly to obtain a church and to secure and fit up the pleasant parsonage. It is unfortunate that the records of the church are so imperfect, and it is still more to be regretted that many of the pastorates were so short that they seemed to yield no results deserving of record. During part of the year 1872 the pulpit was very acceptably supplied by Henry Talmadge, a grade of Cornell University. Before the church settled its last pastor, Deacon Munson Potter, licentiate supplied the desk to the general satisfaction of the congregation. Officers. The following list includes first pastors with date of settlement second licentiates with date of license third deacons with date of election fourth, clerks with date of first election. Pastors – Note that some of the names listed were only other Brothers of the Church not listed as Pastors or Reverends. John Lewis, 1817; Chester Coburn, 1820; John Bloomer, 1823; Jonathan P. Woodworth, 1828; J.F. Stark, 1836; J. Leach, 1840; J.J. Fuller, 1842; A. Lawton, 1843; J.F. Stark, second settlement, 1844; C. Nelson, 1847; John Gray, 1852; S.S. Tucker, 1852; Wm. Everett 1853; Moses Arkills, 1859; D.C. Marshall, 1864; S. A. Beaman, 1870 – 1871, 1879; Enos Perry, 1872; Henry Talamage 1872; Enos Perry, 1873; A. Lanning, 1873; Francisco Dusenberry, 1874-1876; A.D. Abbott, 1877; 1877-1879 Munson Potter; Francisco Dusenberry, 1879 1880 – Munson Potter 1881 – Rev. E.J. Lewis 1882 – 1887 - Rev. L.M. Gates 1888 – 1890 – R. A. Tilden 1891 – F. Seamon 1892 – 1896 - F.F. Broderick 1902 Reverend James Shoesmith 1927 – 1935 - Rev. Dutton S. Peterson 1935 – 1937 – Rev. J... Foster Hamilton 1937 – 1940 – Rev. Luman Cockerill 1940 – 1941 - Rev. Pierce 1941 – 1948 - Rev. Ford Crippen 1948 – 1951 - Rev. Charles Ackley 1951 – 1953 – Rev. Hoy Rogers 1953 – 1956 – Rev. Rolland Campbell 1956 – 1957 – Rev. Ford Crippen 1957 – 1960 – Rev. Louis Hewitt 1960 - Rev. Paul Heckert 1960 – 1962 – Rev. James Skaine 1962 – 1963 – Rev. Robert Rodgers 1963 – 1966 – Rev. Erwin Towner 1966 – 1973 – Rev. Eddie Husted 1971 – 1972 – Rev. Christian Jenson 1975 – 1979 - Rev. Charles Schwartz 1979 - 1980 - Bernard VanScoter 1980 – 1980 – Kenneth Hoover 1980 – 1981 – James Turturo 1983 – 1989 – Rev. Cynthia Ikuta 1989 – 1992 – Rev. Wilson Small 1992 – Sue Siegard 1993 – Reverend Michael Krembs 1996 - Steve Messner 1998 – 2001 – Jack Osburn Licentiates: Chester Coburn, Aug. 7, 1819; Solon P. Sackett, Dec. 10, 1853; S.A. Beaman, June 12, 1870; William E. Gould, March 9, 1872; Peter Wicks, Aug. 19, 1873; Munson Potter, March 29, 1874. Deacons: Chester Coburn, 1817; Isaac Beach, 1817; Daniel Whitney 1817**; Stephen Mead, 1820; Joel Bassett, 1830; Reuben Rolfe, 1836; Stephen Gould, 1844; Abraham Zerphas, 1844; Harry Wilcox, 1852; Amos V. Lanning, 1862; Munson Potter, 1864; J.M. Lanning, 1873; Minor T Rolfe, 1878; Chas. J. Whitney, 1878. Clerks; Chester Coburn, 1817; John Hanford, 1818; James Tracy, 1819; Whitney Denton, 1824; Chas. Woodward, 1830; B.V. Gould, 1836; A. Zerphas, 1837; W.H. Bradley, 1841; S.P. Sackett, 1843; D.L. Cooper, 1844; H.S.B. Ackley, 1844; H. Rockwell, 1849; T. Wallenbeck, 1857; J. Wallenbeck, 1861, A.V. Lanning, 1862; O. Dearborn, 1867; Frank Aiken, 1875; W.E. Gould, 1876; J.C. Haworth, 1878. Remarkable Terms of Office: Treasurer – Harvey Stevenson 1929 – 1973; Gladys Willis – 1973 – 1992 Financial Secretary – Warena Ramsey 1959-1973 Clerk – Beverly Brown – 1967-1985 S.S. Superintendent – Mazzare Spencer 1938-1960; SarahJane Michener 1960-1980 Deaconate – Daniel Griffen 191-1951; Lettie Griffen 1918-1945;Susie Hansen 1926-1968; Cora Rumsey 1917-1962; Frank Stevenson 1931-1060; Ward Spencer 1938-1972; Pearl Rolfe 1951-1971; Eva Krayniak 1959-1992 Trustee – Harvey Stevenson 1918-1973; Ward Spencer 1950 - ; Leon Tucker 1957 – 1990 Pianist – Jean Owens 1973-present Peterson, of Odessa, was a New York assemblyman from 1937 to 1942 and a state senator from 1952 to 1964. He was the only ordained minister to have served simultaneously in the Senate. A Methodist minister, he served as president of the New York State Council of Churches. In 1950, he was sent to visit Germany, Italy, and Austria as a representative of the National Council of Churches and the International Refugee Organization of the United Nations. He was a decorated U.S. Marine, receiving a Purple Heart. (Glenda Gephart covers southern and western Schuyler County in her Seneca South column. Contact her at P.O. Box 65, Reading Center, NY 14876 or glendagephart@htva.net.) Family information researched through Ancestry.com Ancestry.com. History of the Seneca Baptist Association: with sketches of churches and pastors [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2005. Original data: Halsey, Lewis, History of the Seneca Baptist Association: with sketches of churches and pastors. Ithaca, N.Y.: Journal Association Book and Job Print., 1879. http://www.mead-family.net/histories/Mead_Family_Ancestry.pdf Stephen Whitney Phoenix, The Whitney family of Connecticut, and its affiliations; being an attempt to trace the descendants, as well in the female as the male lines, of Henry Whitney, from 1649 to 1878; to which is prefixed some account of the Whitney’s of England. (New York: Priv. Print. [Bradford Press] 1878). Seneca Baptist Association The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center. 175th Anniversary 1817 – 1992. Enfield Town Historians Collection. Enfield Town Clerk Office 168 Enfield Main Road. September 20, 2024 100 Year Old Quilt Comes Home Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian – April 2013 In 1902 Reverend James Shoesmith accepted the call as pastor for the Enfield, New York, Baptist Church. His wife Adelaide (Addie) came with him and became involved in the Ladies Aid Society. They had three daughters, Bertha, Lena, and Rosa. He stayed until May, 1904 and then moved on to a Baptist church near Albany, NY. In 1903, the Ladies Aid Society presented the Reverend with a hand pieced, embroidered Crazy Quilt. This quilt included over 200 names of residents of the Town of Enfield. Descendants of many of the residents named on the quilt still live in the area. The Reverend and his wife Adelaide traveled to many New York State towns throughout their ministry. He died from pneumonia and Bright’s disease on July 6, 1914 at the age of 55. He is buried in Wilna, Jefferson County New York. Adelaide lived with her daughter Rosa Harrington in Syracuse after the Reverend died. She died July 31, 1924 and is buried next to her husband. Somewhere between 1925 and 1930 Rosa and her husband Ralph Harrington moved to Huntington Park, Los Angeles, California. Ralph worked in the Rubber manufacturing area and Rosa was manager of an apartment house. By 1965 both Rosa and Ralph had died in California. In 2004 this crazy quilt found its way back to Enfield from California. It was purchased from a site on e-bay and is now owned, by the Enfield Baptist Fellowship and several Enfield residents. The Shoesmith/Harrington family story, may explain how the 1903 Enfield quilt was located in California. One could assume that Rosa inherited the quilt after her mother died in 1924 and the quilt traveled with Rosa and Ralph to California. Church Sheds located on the east side of the road from the church Sesquicentennial 1817 – 1967 Choir (L – R) Eva Krayniak, Donald Michener, Andrew, Alan and Jean Krayniak First Baptist Church of Enfield Sesquicentennial 1817 – 1967 Committee (L-R) Jackie Collins, Warena Ramsey, Roger Brown, Eva Krayniak, Sarah Jane Michener First Baptist Church of Enfield Sesquicentennial 1817 – 1967 Chair, Pastor and Wife (L – R) Eva, Andrew, Alan Krayniak, Donald Michener, Jean Krayniak, Shawn Lovelace, Rev. E.M. Husted, LaNetta Husted 18