tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75798120214663304862024-03-13T06:17:33.812-07:00Pieces of Church HistoryPhyllis L. Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893255188852209191noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7579812021466330486.post-79189756184563531532011-07-20T13:11:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:11:35.186-07:00Brief Church History<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plattsburgh</st1:place></st1:city> was settled in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>785, but discussion to organize a church did not occur until <st1:date day="10" month="11" w:st="on" year="1792">November <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>0, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>792</st1:date>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meeting elected trustees, and later called a minister.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rev. Frederick Halsey began his service in October <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>795 with a salary of $250 plus a $<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>25 settlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church was formally organized on <st1:date day="1" month="10" w:st="on" year="1797">October <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>797</st1:date>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It first met in the Old Block House (now the Elk’s Club), and later at the Court House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A frame church was begun in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>8<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>2 at the present site, but was not completed until <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>8<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>6, due to the War of <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>8<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The building was remodeled in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>865.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Second Presbyterian Church in Beekmantown was organized in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>8<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>7 by members living in that village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>864 a split in the congregation of First Presbyterian Church over pew rentals and dogma resulted in the formation of the Peristrome Presby<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">terian</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> (southeast corner of Brinkerhoff and Oak Streets).<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A fire on the night of <st1:date day="21" month="8" w:st="on" year="1867">August 2<st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>867</st1:date>, after a wedding, destroyed the first building (on the present site).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship was then held in the Academy (present library).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second and present building was dedicated on <st1:date day="8" month="7" w:st="on" year="1873">July 8, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>873</st1:date>, built of blue limestone in the Gothic style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cost $56,000 and was without debt when dedicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bell, town clock and fire alarm were added at various times.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remodeling and redecoration have taken place in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>909, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>928, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>946, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>962 and <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>987.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telephone service was installed in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>902.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Electricity was installed in <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>909, along with a new Estey organ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first printed bulletin also appeared. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new tracker organ was installed during the summer of <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>975. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On <st1:date day="13" month="10" w:st="on" year="1967">October <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>3, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>967</st1:date> the educational wing was completed and dedicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On <st1:date day="2" month="11" w:st="on" year="1958">November 2, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>958</st1:date> the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Prospect Avenue</st1:address></st1:street> manse (the 4<sup>th</sup>) was occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was later sold. On <st1:date day="12" month="11" w:st="on" year="1982">November <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>2, <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>982</st1:date> the church was put on the National and State Historic Registers. In <st1:personname w:st="on">1</st1:personname>988 Korean Presbyterians, using our building, became an organized church.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Over 200 plus years the church has been served by twenty three pastors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The present is the Rev. Kathleen Crighton, the first installed woman pastor.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Session, the Diaconate, Sunday School, Presbyterian Women, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Junior and Senior High Fellowships and three choirs are among the current organizations.<o:p></o:p></div>Phyllis L. Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893255188852209191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7579812021466330486.post-25759723754147259942011-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:58:00.159-08:00ORGANISTS AND CHOIR DIRECTORS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An account in the Plattsburgh Sentinel for <date day="21" month="1" w:st="on" year="1876">January 2<personname w:st="on">1</personname>, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>876</date> records the fiftieth anniversary of the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Sabbath</placename> <placetype w:st="on">School</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says: “The morning service included an organ voluntary by Marion Smith, the organist, an anthem by the choir, …”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From <personname w:st="on">1</personname>902 to <personname w:st="on">1</personname>92<personname w:st="on">1</personname> (certain dates unknown) Silas D. Barber was organist and choir director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. J. M. Studholme and Miss Alice F. Hewitt served for short periods between <personname w:st="on">1</personname>897 and <personname w:st="on">1</personname>947.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Mr. Barber retired, Coranel Hudson played the organ.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mrs. Edwin L. Pettis was the director of a quartet which was a paid choir, as well as singing alto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frank Cooper was a tenor in this group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On <date day="24" month="8" w:st="on" year="1931">August 24, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>93<personname w:st="on">1</personname></date>, Session minutes indicate the approval of a change of pay for the choir which consisted of four soloists.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Music Committee appointed on <date day="30" month="3" w:st="on" year="1933">March 30, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>933</date>, reported to the Session on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><date day="22" month="1" w:st="on" year="1934">January 22, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>934</date>, recommending the establishment of the chorus choir. This necessitated dispensing with the existing paid choir at the end of March <personname w:st="on">1</personname>934.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new director had unrestricted authority for selecting the members of this choir, and handling the same. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Walter B. Angel was engaged as organist and director for $<personname w:st="on">1</personname>500 per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choir made its first appearance on <date day="1" month="4" w:st="on" year="1934">April <personname w:st="on">1</personname>, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>934</date>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minutes for <date day="27" month="2" w:st="on" year="1934">February 27, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>934</date>, indicate that $50 was approved for music or special singers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean Nichols was a member of this choir and sang for about forty years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In <personname w:st="on">1</personname>936 Harry McCord became organist and director, serving for five and one half years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He developed a junior choir and choir school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old “pastor’s study” in the church was transformed into an attractive choir room (now the Sunday School office) where rehearsals were held and the choir assembled before the Sunday morning service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At Mr. Angell’s suggestion, the women of the church provided the choir with gowns “in which they make an attractive and dignified appearance”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A junior choir was organized in February <personname w:st="on">1</personname>937, as well as a choir school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry McCord also had an organ class on Monday evenings at <time hour="19" minute="30" w:st="on">7:30 p.m.</time><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gowns for the junior choir were made by the Women’s Aid Society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harry McCord was replaced as organist and choir director when he was called into service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His job was to be open to him if he wanted to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a meeting of elders and trustees on <date day="1" month="5" w:st="on" year="1942">May <personname w:st="on">1</personname>, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>942</date>, V. Weltie Baker, director of music in the city school sys-tem, was approved to become the organist and choir director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Baker’s leadership and performance were held in high regard in the church.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Session records for <date day="5" month="2" w:st="on" year="1953">February 5, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>953</date> indicate that the Women’s Guild offered to raise funds for purchase of new choir robes for the various church choirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choir do-</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">nated the proceeds from the last two renditions of the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These robes were maroon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The minutes of the Session for <date day="12" month="3" w:st="on" year="1959">March <personname w:st="on">1</personname>2, <personname w:st="on">1</personname>959</date>, noted that the lock was to be removed from the door which lead from the Pine Room (now the library) to the choir room (now the Sunday School office).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gladys McShane was an assistant director for the junior choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some junior choir directors were: Janet Thompson, Marian Fee, and Victoria Sandwith (now Washburn).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <personname w:st="on">1</personname>966 the church had a girls choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <personname w:st="on">1</personname>970 there was a cherub, carol, canticle and chancel choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For many years the junior and cherub choirs rehearsed on Saturday mornings, using various times from <time hour="9" minute="30" w:st="on">9:30 a.m.</time> to <time hour="11" minute="0" w:st="on"><personname w:st="on">1</personname><personname w:st="on">1</personname>:00 a.m.</time><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time for these was moved to Monday afternoon in the fall of <personname w:st="on">1</personname>977.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time the youth choir rehearsed on Wed-nesday evenings prior to the adult choir rehearsal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday evening was rehearsal time for the adults many years ago.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In February <personname w:st="on">1</personname>967 permission was given for the choir to leave the choir loft after the anthem on very cold Sundays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Construction on the new addition had necessitated openings in the foundation and back wall of the church which caused a serious heating problem in the choir loft.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the mid nineteen-sixties, the choir director was Marion Fee, and the organist George F. Slosson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church experimented with having an early service in the fall of <personname w:st="on">1</personname>967.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The organist for the regular service, Pat McGraw, also played for this service.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Phyllis L. Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893255188852209191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7579812021466330486.post-1998710326849518272010-12-16T08:50:00.000-08:002011-07-20T13:35:42.725-07:00The annual Tea and Bazaar<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>PIECES OF CHURCH HISTORY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><place><placename>FIRST</placename> <placename>PRESBYTERIAN</placename> <placetype>CHURCH</placetype></place> – <place><city>PLATTSBURGH</city>, <state>N.Y.</state></place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BY PHYLLIS L. WELLS, ASSISTANT CHURCH HISTORIAN</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> First Presbyterian Church is the oldest congregation in Plattsburgh, and the oldest congregation in Clinton County still in existence. It has a long and interesting history. </span><br />
<br />
Many of these entries will be from writing I have done for Pulse, the church newsletter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were written by Edward A. McShane, the former church historian, and a few by other people. </div></span><br />
HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TEA <stockticker>AND</stockticker> BAZAAR</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Sentinel for <date day="10" month="10" year="1902">October <personname>1</personname>0, <personname>1</personname>902</date> reported that the Church Fair, held in the Court Street Theatre, had a large attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially noted was the Culinary Department, “as the Presbyterian ladies had a reputation for good cookery”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps this is the forerunner of the Christmas Tea and Bazaar</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Three ladies societies were merged on <date day="26" month="9" year="1954">September 26, <personname>1</personname>954</date>, to become the Women’s Association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its energy was channeled primarily into mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christmas Tea and Bazaar was listed as one of its annual events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sunday morning bulletin for <date day="10" month="4" year="1988">Apr. <personname>1</personname>0, <personname>1</personname>988</date>, announced a name change to Presbyterian Women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This organization still sponsors the annual Tea and Bazaar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hours are <time hour="12" minute="0"><personname>1</personname>2:00</time> noon-3:00 pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Church Bazaar – <date day="3" month="12" year="1954">December 3, <personname>1</personname>954</date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Friendship Christmas Tea – <date day="4" month="12" year="1965">December 4, <personname>1</personname>965</date>, with cherub and junior choir singing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Fall Tea and <city><place>Sale</place></city>, <date day="15" month="11" year="1975">November <personname>1</personname>5, <personname>1</personname>975</date>, <time hour="13" minute="0"><personname>1</personname>:00-4:00 p.m.</time><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bulletin for Nov. 9, <personname>1</personname>975</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dec. <personname>1</personname>990 Tea and Bazaar – a special crèche display from Miriam Troisi</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">For many years the cherub and junior choirs have sung Christmas songs and carols.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">SOME SNIPPETS CONCERNING THE TEA <stockticker>AND</stockticker> BAZAAR</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Many years ago people would hurry to be at the church when the bazaar opened, in order to get English muffins that Al Earl made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sold very fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Rose Carpenter made special cinnamon rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had to order ahead, and she made them the morning of the bazaar.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sara Black used to bring canned pears and relishes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Phyllis Wells used to bring green tomato pickles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Joy Mazur used to bring home-made vinegars in fancy bottles. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In 2005 we could not bring home-made jellies, pickles relishes etc., due to a regulation of the Clinton County Health Department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cream pies have been added to this list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are a variety of baked goods, especially smaller-sized loaves of bread. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There was a larger demand for these in 2004, so baking is now done in the smaller size. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuart Voss makes his wonderful baking powder biscuits.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are hot soups (served from crock pots). Some people eat it at the bazaar, and some take it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frozen ones are available as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">2005 was the first time for a kitchen shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam Troisi was moving, and gave about <personname>1</personname>00 cookbooks and some other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a modified sale in 2005.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2009 books, especially current paperback fiction, were available.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A number of years ago a farmer from <state><place>Vermont</place></state> brought a 7-8 foot tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later he brought a 5 foot tree which sat on a round table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was used to show Christmas ornaments for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they no longer sold well, it became a mitten tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2006 one woman knit thirty pairs of mittens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come in all sizes and colors.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Phyllis L. Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893255188852209191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7579812021466330486.post-38497532139226912632010-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:002010-12-16T12:46:42.390-08:00Church organs<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>PIECES OF CHURCH HISTORY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><place><placename>FIRST</placename> <placename>PRESBYTERIAN</placename> <placetype>CHURCH</placetype></place> – <place><city>PLATTSBURGH</city>, <state>N.Y.</state></place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BY PHYLLIS L. WELLS, ASSISTANT CHURCH HISTORIAN</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> First Presbyterian Church is the oldest congregation in Plattsburgh, and the oldest congregation in Clinton County still in existence. It has a long and interesting history. </span><br />
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Many of these entries will be from writing I have done for Pulse, the church newsletter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were written by Edward A. McShane, the former church historian, and a few by other people. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Music has always played an important part in the life of our church, and we have a good reputation in the community for its quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There follows a section from a longer history, which will continue with future entries.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">CHURCH <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ORGANS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The original church was built from <personname>1</personname>8<personname>1</personname>2 to <personname>1</personname>8<personname>1</personname>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little is known about the first organ, but it was sketched by a visitor in <personname>1</personname>847.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <personname>1</personname>865 the building received extensive renovations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pulpit was moved to the north end of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind it was a choir gallery, and an arched recess awaiting a new organ which had been contracted for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the fire of <date day="21" month="8" year="1867">August 2<personname>1</personname>, <personname>1</personname>867</date>, the order was cancelled with a $300 penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first organ was installed in the present building (second for the church) in May <personname>1</personname>873 by the Johnson Organ Company of <place><city>Westfield</city>, <state>Massachusetts</state></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a two-manual, tracker organ, the gift of Samuel Flint Vilas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Republican (<place><city>Plattsburgh</city>, <state>N.Y.</state></place>) for <date day="8" month="9" year="1877">September 8, <personname>1</personname>877</date> reported that on Sun-day morning when the organist began to play a hymn, screeching noises were heard from the organ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the hymn, investigation was made, and a cat was discovered in a compartment behind the organ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had probably been trapped after someone completed some work on the organ the day before.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In <personname>1</personname>909 a third organ, built by the Estey Organ Company of <city><place>Brattleboro</place></city>, Vermont, was installed, largely through the efforts of Silas D. Barber, organist and choirmaster. An inaugural organ concert was given on <date day="12" month="11" year="1909">November <personname>1</personname>2, <personname>1</personname>909</date>. with J. Warren Andrews, organist, and Grace Bullock, soprano.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The organ was extensively rebuilt and electrified in <personname>1</personname>938 by the Estey Organ Company for $2400.00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rededicated on <date day="25" month="9" year="1938">September 25, <personname>1</personname>938</date>, with the three choirs participating in the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gift set of carillon chimes was added to the organ in <personname>1</personname>946-<personname>1</personname>947.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In preparation for the <personname>1</personname>50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the church in <personname>1</personname>947, extensive renovations were made to our present building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church kitchen was removed from its location under the organ, and removed to a larger basement room.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The church’s fourth and present organ was installed during the summer of <personname>1</personname>975 and used for the first time on <date day="7" month="9" year="1975">September 7, <personname>1</personname>975</date>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a two-manual tracker organ (mechanical action), built in the classic tradition, by Karl Wilhelm of <place><city>St. Hilaire</city>, <state>Quebec</state></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A recital was given on <date day="6" month="10" year="1975">October 6, <personname>1</personname>975</date>, by Dr. John A. Davis Jr., organist and choir master at the <place><placename>United States</placename> <placename>Military</placename> <placetype>Academy</placetype></place> in <place><city>West Point</city>, <state>New York</state></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marian Fee was the guest conductor of a Bicentennial choir composed of representatives from the churches of <place><placename>Clinton</placename> <placetype>County</placetype></place>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Phyllis L. Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893255188852209191noreply@blogger.com0