Fredonia Church Book

1836-1844

Transcribed by Marsia Painter and Douglas H. Shepard, 2013

Last names and years are in bold type. Transcriber’s notes are in [brackets]. The transcriber has

made an effort to preserve the spelling quirks present in the original, handwritten document. A

question mark in parentheses (?) denotes an uncertainty about the spelling in the original

document.

Page 125

See the names of Church members

The proceedings of the Presbyterian Church in Fredonia in the Town of Pomfret up to Sept. 1

1835 were Examined and approved at the Sitting of the Presbytery at Napoli Sept 1, 1835

H. Bosworth

Fredonia Jany 10 1836

The Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with Pray by Deacon Durkee.

Members of the Session present. H. Durkee, R. I. Manton, T. Kapple, O. Taylor, I. Leach, N.

H. Whitcomb, G. I. Drake, H. Bosworth. The following persons presented themselves as

candidates for admission into the Church Nathan Perkins, Hannah Perkins, Roxanna Wood,

Moses E. Wilson, Robbert Wilson, Rhoda Wilson, Wealthee Burnham, Ira Risly. After the

examination it was unanimously voted they be recd. Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 18th

1836

Session met at the house of the Rev. William Bradley for Prayers & c. Meeting opened with

Prayer. Present Revd Wm Bradley, H. Durkee, T. Kapple, I. G. Drake, N. H. Whitcomb, H.

Bosworth. On Motion voted that H. Durkee be a Delegate to attend the next meeting of the

Presbytery to be held at Silver Creek on Tuesday the 26th

day of Jany Inst. On motion voted that

N. H. Whitcomb be Alternate. Meeting Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

5 line from the bottom read Fayette instead of Silvercreek. H. B.

Fredonia August 28th

1836

Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with prayer. Present, Revr Mr. Lad,

Moderator, H. Durkee, I. Leach, I. G. Drake, T. Kapple, N. H. Whitcomb & H. Bosworth. On

motion voted that Isaac Leach be a Delegate to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery to be

held at Fredonia on Tuesday the 6th

day of September inst. 2 o’clock P. M. On motion voted that

I. G. Drake be alternate. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth, Clerk

Thus far examined & approved in Presbytery at Fredonia Sept. 7th

1836. Jno. G. Lord Mod’r

Decem 29th

1836

Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with prayer by Revr Bradley. Present H.

Durkee, T. Kapple, I. Leach, I. G. Drake, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth as Clerk. Appeared

before the session Catharine Van Curan for examination after which, it was unanimously voted

she be recd into the fellowship of the Church. Meeting Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth, Clerk

P. S. (?) at a meeting of Session Deacon Harvey Durkee requested to be released from being

considered an acting member of the Session by reason of his age & infirm health. The Session

voted that his request be granted. 1836 H. Bosworth Clerk

Jany 27th

1837

Session met at the Presbyterian house called by the Moderator after Services were closed.

Present W. Bradly Moderator, H. Durkee, T. Kapple, I. G. Drake, H. Bosworth Present as

Clerk. On motion voted that I. G. Drake be a Delegate to attend the next meeting of the

Presbytery to be held at Buffall[sic]. On motion voted that H. Bosworth be alternate. Meeting

Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk.

March 1837

Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house opened with Prayer by the Revr W. Bradley.

Present Durkee, Drake, Kaple, Whitcomb, Bosworth. Appeared before the Session for

examination Elisha Foster, Quartis Rust, Amanda Rost, Wm. A. Johnson, James Sage, Linas

Sage, Mrs. Crocker, Sarah Ann Crocker, Parmelia E. Barber, Altayna(?) M. Brown, Augustis

Beckwith, Ezra Lowell, Jesse Starr, Henry Howard, A. Huron Lewis, Sophia Taylor,

Elizabeth Whittaur, Lucretia L. Spenser, Elvira Wheelock, Elvira L. Tuttle, Cynthia Coats,

Ann-Maria Allen, Sylvia B. Lyman, Hamitt Howard, after which it was Unanimously resolved

they be recd. Closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Thus far examined & approved in Presbytery at Dunkirk Sept. 6, 1837

William Bradley Moderator

Wednesday evening Jany 17, 1838

The Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house for prayer &c. Opened by the Revr Mr.

Rudd. Present Durkee, Drake, Kapple, Leach, Seymour & Bosworth. On motion voted that

H. Bosworth be a delegate to attend the next meeting of the Presbeterie[sic] to be held at Lodi

on Tuesday the 31st day of Jany Inst. I. G. Drake appointed alternate. Closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia March 2nd

1838

Miss Flura Norton presented herself before the Session after the preparatory lecture on Friday

previous to the communion season (session?) for examination to unite with the church. The

meeting being considered as opened with prayer. Present Revr Mr. Rudd, Durkee, Kapple,

Drake, Seymour, Lewis & Bosworth after the examination it was voted that she be recd into the

church. Meeting closed with prayer. H. Bosworth Clerk

August 29th

1838

The Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with prayer by Revd Mr. Rudd.

Present Durkee, Drake, Whitcomb, Lewis & Bosworth. Motion voted that Brother Isaac A.

Leach be a Delegate to attend the next meeting of the Presbettres[sic] to be held at Westfield on

2d Tuesday in Sept. 1838. On motion voted that I. G. Drake be alternate. Meeting closed with

Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Thus far examined in Presbytery and approved Westfield Sept. 5, 1838 except a deficiency of

records.

Asher Wright Moderator

Wednesday evening Oct 3d 1838

The Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house for the purpose of prays and other purposes.

Meeting opened by Pray by the Revr Mr.(?) Rudd. Present Durkee, Kapple, Leach,

Whitcomb, Lewis & Bosworth. On motion voted That I. G. Drake be a Delegate to the next

meeting of the Presbitrea[sic] at Buffalo on 18th

day of Oct, 1838. On motion voted That Noah

H. Whitcomb be Alternate. Meeting Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Oct 5th

1838

After a preparatory lecture had been preached by the Rev Mr. Rudd Mrs. Mary Starks and Mrs.

Harriett Norton related their Christian experience to the Session with a view to unite with the

Church after which it was unanimously voted that they be recd into the Church. Members of the

Session present H. Durkee, John Seymour, N. H. Whitcomb, Isaack N. Leach, Thomas Kapple

& H. Bosworth. Meeting closed with prayer. H. Bosworth Clerk

January 9th

1839

Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house – Opened with prayer by the Rev Mr. S. Cowls.

Brethren Present N. H. Whitcomb, Moses Lewis, Harry Durkee, H. Bosworth. On motion

voted that Moses Lewis be a delegate to attend the next meeting of the Presbeteria[sic] to be held

at Springville. On motion voted that Thomas Kapple be alternate. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

(Session rooms

Feby 8th

1839

Zedekiah S. Ames came before the Session and related his Christian experience with a view to

unite with the Church after which it was voted he be recd into the Church. Present Kapple,

Leach, Seymour, Bosworth. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

The Committee appointed to examine the records of the Church in Fredonia report that they

have(?) attended to their duty and recommend that the records be signed as approved with the

exception that on page 12 the signature of the clerk is wanting. James Remmington, Alson

Adams Com’t

Fredonia July 5th

, 1839 Preparatory lecture after which the Session met & the following persons

presented themselves & letters and voted to be recd into the Church. Alanson Hale, Josiah W.

Bristol, Lydia Mitchell, Sarah H. Pettit(?), Elmira Putnam, Lucy Moory, Philop Wells, Sophia

Wells, Louisa Bristol, Martina Birtholf presented herself for examination after which the

Session voted that she be recd on her giving her assent to the articles of faith. Closed with prayer

H. Bosworth Clerk

Novm 3d 1839

Session met for Prayer and Christian conversation. Miss Rose Ann Charlton and Mrs. Selmina

Simons letters were presented after which they voted to be recd into the Church. Meeting closed

with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Jany 4th

1840

Session met for Prayer and Religious conversation when Mrs. Sarah M. Munton, Seth Stark, A.

I. Cowls, Sally Cowls, Harry Baker and Sarah P. Bakers letters were presented unread after

which it was voted she be recd into the Church. Meeting closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 10th

1840

Session met for prayer and religious conversation. Present Rev. S. Cowles, H. Durkee, T.

Kapple, J. Seymour, N. H. Whitcomb, M. Lewis & H. Bosworth. Meeting opened with prayer.

On motion voted that Thomas Kapple &[sic] be a delegate to attend the meeting of Presbiteries

Erie County. On motion voted that H. Bosworth be alternate. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia April 17th

1840

Preparatory lecture by the Revr S. Cowles after which the Session were called together and Mr.

Joseph Starr and Porsa Starr his Wife presented letters of recommendation from the Church in

Erie P. A. to become member of this church. On motion it was voted that they be recd into the

Church. At the same meeting Miss Mabell Smith, Miss Harriett Brown, Miss Susan Barber and

Mr. James J. Pettit presented themselves before the Session and related their Christian

experience with a view to unite with the church after which it was unanimously voted they be

recd into the Church by their giving assent to the articles of faith. Meeting Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

June 5, 1840

Session met in the Session room Deacon Harry Durkee chosen Moderator of the meeting.

Brethren present T. Kapple, I. H. Leach, N. H. Whitcomb, M. Lewis, John Seymour, H.

Bosworth. Meeting opened with Prayer by the moderator the object of the meeting being stated

by some of member present. On motion Voted and resolved unanimously that there be a Church

appointed the next Friday. On motion Voted that John Seymour and I. A. Leach draught

something to be presented to the Church meeting for consideration. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia July 11, 1840

Preparatory lecture by the Revr Mr. Orton after which Mr. Wm Hopkins and Polly Hopkins his

wife and Miss Mary Bradley presented letters of recommendation from other Churches to this

Church with a view of uniting with this church. On motion Voted that they be recd into the

Church. Meeting closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Children Babtised 1839

Wm Beardsley Rudd

1840 Mary Bosworth, Stern D. Wilson, Emila Tuttle, Gerory(?) Marshall, Hubbard W. Gilbert

Fredonia August 14th

1840

The Session met for Prayer and consultation meeting opened with prayer. On motion voted that

Thomas Kapple be a delegate to attend the next meeting of the Presbeterie to be held at Fredonia

Sept. 1, 1840. On motion Voted John Seymour be alternate. The Session of this Church viewing

the Evils arising from cases where Brethren go to law with one another that it is morally wrong

& contrary to the doctrines of Christ & his apostles therefore resolved

That it’s morally wrong for Brethren of the Same Church to go to law with another & should be

treated as an offense against the Church. Meeting Closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Novm 4th

, 1840

Session met for prayer. On motion voted John Ait moderator of the meeting. Opened with

prayer. Brethren present H. Durkee, Thomas Kapple, Moses Lewis, I. A. Leach, Clerk protem.

On motion voted that communication be read from Brother S. E. Stoddard in relation to matters

between Brother A. Hinkly & himself, after which Brother George Drew(?) case was called in

which it appeared that the said Brother being thought deficient in Christian character for some

considerable time, about one year ago a committee was appointed to visit said Brother & report

to the Session. Deacon John Seymour & Deacon Moses Lewis were said committee who after

visiting sd [said] Brother reported that according to confession of Brother Drew(?) he was

deficient in the following particulars Viz 1st he did not pray in secret 2d he did not pray in his

family or in a public manner 3d he did not read the Bible privately or in the family publickly[sic]

4th

verry rarely at the stated or occasional meetings of the Church on the Sabbath or during the

week and no known reasonable cause of absence 5th

had not attended the Sacrament of the Lords

Supper for months a year past and that he had no evidence of being a Christian and wished to be

excluded from the Church. Report accepted & committee discharged.

2d a committee appointed consisting of I. A. Leach and John Seymour to prosecute the labour

with Said Brother which was prevented by the removal of G. Drew(?) to Ohio when a letter was

directed from the Session to offending Brother stating the particulars of his offence requiring

some evidence of amendment and informing him of the necessity of excommunicating if he

neglected to hear us but no answer being had, the Committee was required to prepare and send

out another letter announcing the determination of the Session stating explicitly the points of

offense which was not done, as the committee providentially had a personal interview with the

Said Brother when he plead guilty to all the Charges above stated and no purpose or wish to have

them otherways, which being reported to the Session On motion Voted that George Drew(?) for

impiety of life and covenant breaking be excommunicated from the privileges of the Church till

he repents. Closed with prayer.

I. A. Leach Clerk P. T.

Whereas Mr. George Drew(?) hath by his own confession been convicted of the sins of

restraining prayer in private in publick and the family and for covenant breaking by absenting

himself from the stated and occasional meeting of the Church on the Sabbath and during the

week without a sufficient excuse for more than two years and for absenting himself from the

table of the Lords communion for the same time, and after much admonition and prayer

obstinately refused to hear the Church and hath manifested no evidence of repentance. Therefore

in the name and by the authority of Lord Jesus Christ we pronounce him to be excluded from the

Communion of the Church and neglecting to read the word of God either privately or publickly

by order of the Session. The above was read from the Pulpit by the Revr Mr. Beardsly Novm 5,

1840

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 1841

Session at the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with prayer by the moderator Deacon H.

Durkee. Members present John Seymour, Thomas Kapple, I. A. Leach, Moses Lewis, H.

Bosworth. On motion voted N. H. Whitcomb a delegate to attend the next meeting of the

Presbitrie of Buffalo. On motion voted that H. Bosworth be alternate. Meeting closed with

prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia May 20, 1841

The Session met for prayer and deliberation. Present H. Durkee, T. Kapple, John Seymour,

Isaac A. Leach, Moses Lewis, H. Bosworth. Meeting opened with prayer. After which Brother

Thomas Kapple asked to be released from being an acting member of the Session and gave for

reason for so doing that he had become unacceptable in his official character to a portion of the

Congregation to which he belongs. After which it was voted that he be released from being an

active member of the Session. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Sept. 1, 1841

Session met at Presbyterian meeting house for Prayer and consultation. Present Isaac A. Leach,

N. H. Whitcomb, Moses Lewis, J. Seymour and H. Bosworth. Meeting opened with prayer. On

motion voted that Brother N. H. Whitcomb be a delegate to attend the next meeting of the

Presbytrea to be held at Westfield the 1st Tuesday of Sept. next. On motion voted that Isaac A.

Leach be alternate. Meeting closed with prayer.

Examined and approved at a meeting of Presbytrea at Westfield 8th

of Sept 1841 in accordance

with the within note.

Samuel I. Orton Moderator

Session meeting

Fredonia March 2, 1842

Meeting opened with prayer by the Moderator N. H. Whitcomb. Brethren present [crossed out:

John Seymour] Harry Durkee, Isaac H. Leach, Moses Lewis, H. Bosworth. On motion voted

that the Session recommend to the Church that there ought to be in their opinion an addition of

six made to the Session and that there be a Church meeting called for the purpose of bringing the

subject before them for there consideration. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth

March 8th

1842

Church meeting called by the recommend of the Session to fill vacancies in the Session

occasioned by the resignations of Deacon Harry Durkee and Thomas Kapple. On motion voted

meeting adjourned to March 19, 1842.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Session meeting

March 16, 1842

Meeting opened with prayer by the Revr Mr. Boyer. Brethren Present John Seymour, Isaac H.

Leach, Noah H. Whitcomb, Moses Lewis, Henry Bosworth. On motion voted that at the next

Church meeting the Subject shall be presented to the Church whether they will invite the Revr

Mr. Orton to preach to us a number of Sermons. On motion voted Isaac Leach, Noah H.

Whitcomb and Henry Bosworth be a committee to write to or converse with Thomas Higgins

as opportunity may present and report at the next Session meeting. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Church meeting

March 19th

1842 according to adjournment. Revr. Mr. Boyer Moderator. Meeting opened with

Prayer. The object of the meeting being stated by the moderator. On motion voted that there be

two members added to the present Session to fill the places of H. Durkee & Thomas Kapple. On

voted that John Crane and John Gilbert be the ones to fill above vacancies. Meeting closed.

H. Bosworth Clerk

April 1st 1842

After a Preparatory lecture had been delivered by the Revr Mr. Boyer Mr. George Lowry and

Mrs. Elisabeth Lowry his wife and Mrs. Mary Hart gave us their letters of recommendation

from other churches to this church with a view of uniting. On motion voted they be recd.

H. Bosworth Clerk

At the same meeting Mr. Roswell, D. O. Fellows and Miss Sarah F. Durkee told their religious

experience with a view of uniting with the Church after which it was voted they be recd as

members into the Church. Meeting closed.

H. Bosworth Clerk

April 3d 1842

Children Baptised by the Rev. Mr. Boyer Carlton Kapple, Ann E. Lewis, Sarah Carolin Tuttle.

H. Bosworth Clerk

April 10th

1842

John Crane and John Gilbert were ordained as Elders in the first Presbyterian Church of

Pomfret. Services by the Revr Mr. Boyer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia April 18th

1842

Session meeting. John Seymour Chosen Moderator. Brethren Present Isaac H. Leach, Moses

Lewis, N. H. Whitcomb, John Crane, John Gilbert, Henry Bosworth. Meeting opened with

Prayer. The committee on Thomas Higgins case report that they have not seen him or written

him. Said committee Isaac H. Leach, N. H. Whitcomb and Henry Bosworth be continued and

report at the next meeting of the Session. On motion voted that John Crane and Isaac H. Leach

be a Committee to correspond with some ministers with a view to preach to us and report at the

next meeting of the Session the results of their Correspondence. Meeting closed with prayer.

Meeting adjourned to the first Wednesday in May 7 o clock P. M.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia August 27, 1842

Preparatory lecture by the Revr Mr. Vanburen. Seth Starr, Son of Joseph (Infants) Starr & C.

M. Baker son of Mr. Baker(?) was Baptised.

August 28, 1842 Mr. Lowry two infant Children Children[sic] Baptised.

Fredonia Sept. 2d 1842

Session met opened with prayer. On motion that Isaac H. Leach be a delegate to attend the

meeting at Jamestown the 7 of Sept. 1842. On motion voted that John Seymour, Noah

Whitcomb, John Gilbert, Moses Lewis, John Crane, & Henry Bosworth be Alternates.

Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Thus far examined & approved in Presbytery at Jamestown Sept 6 1842. E. J. Gillete Mod.

The member in Communion according to the report of April 1st 1842

To the Presbytery 219

Added Examination 6

Added on Certificate 14

Died 4

Baptisms Adults 4

Infants 7

Contributions

For foreign Missions 76

For Bethel Cause 10.47

H. Bosworth Clerk

[Pages 38-63 are blank, as is page 65]

Oct. 5th

1842

Session met in the Session room of the P M H [Presbyterian Meeting House]. It opened with

Prayer. Present Elder Leach, Gilbert Lewis & Bosworth. The case of Leonard Hutchinson a

member of this church charged with disorderly conduct being called up Elder John Gilbert who

had been appointed to visit & converse with him stated that he had not yet been able to see him

on which it was voted that J. Gilbert be continued a committee to visit the same as before on the

same business. Meeting closed and adjourned with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

December 18 1842

Session met in the Session room according to adjournment & was opened with prayer by the

moderator. Present Elders J. Crane, J. Gilbert, I. A. Leach, N. H. Whitcomb, M. Lewis, J.

Seymour, H. Bosworth. On motion voted that the report of Brother John Gilbert on the case of

Leonard Hutchinson be accepted. On motion voted that Brothers John Gilbert & H. Bosworth

be a committee to visit Brother Leonard Hutchinson & Ezra Lowell and in case the difficulties

existing between them can be adjusted letters of dismission shall be granted to Leonard

Hutchinson & Mrs. Hutchinson his wife according to their request to unite with the Centreville

Church. On motion Voted that Brothers Whitcomb & Lewis be a committee to visit Brother

Silas E. Stoddard & Mrs. Stoddard his wife & learn of them the cause of their breaking

fellowship with the church and report at the next regular meeting. On motion voted that Brother

J. Crane be added to the committee of Leach & Bosworth on the case of Thomas Higgins. On

motion voted that Brother John Seymour & John Crane be a committee to converse with

Brother Wm Lewis and report at the next regular meeting of the Session the cause of his

breaking fellowship with the Church. On motion voted that J. Gilbert and Bosworth be a

committee to visit Miss Noble & learn of her the cause of her breaking fellowship with this

Church and report at the next regular meeting of the session. On motion voted that Brother

Hopkins & Bosworth be a committee to visit or call on R. M. Barbour & wife & report at the

next meeting of the Session. After free conversation on the state of religion in the Church

Session resolved on taking on taking[sic] steps to present a thorough visitation of our members

according to the system adopted in former years. Messrs Crane, Leach & Bosworth were

appointed to nominate visitors & assign them their respective districts. Adjourned to Jany 4th

1843 Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

January 4, 1843

Session met in the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house according to adjournment.

Opened with prayer by the Rev Mr. Hopkins. Brethren present J. Seymour, I. A. Leach, J.

Crane, M. Lewis, N. H. Whitcomb. Brothers Gilbert & Bosworth report in the case of Lowell

& Hutchinson they have seen & conversed with them and according to direction from the

Session have after such conversation gave Leonard Hutchinson and his wife letters of

recommendation to the Centreville Church. (Brother Crane excused from voting on this) The

report of John Seymour and John Crane in the case of Wm Lewis is that he denies the divinity

of Jesus Christ and also that of the old and new testament & says they are not of a divine

revelation upon which it was voted that that [sic] Brother John Gilbert be appointed to table

charges against him for infidelity. On motion Voted John Seymour & John Crane be a

committee to visit Miss Betsy Marsh. On motion Voted Brothers N. H. Whitcomb & and [sic]

Moses Lewis be a committee to visit (?) Barber. On motion voted that John Seymour & John

Crane be a committee to Nelson Marsh. On motion voted that the clerk inform the session of

the Dunkirk Church that a member of that church living within the bounds of this church has

been guilty of improper conduct. Where as common fame charges Brother Huron Lewis a

member of this church with having desecrating the Sabbath by unnecessary traveling Resolved

that Brothers Leach & Whitcomb be a committee to visit & converse with him in regard to the

alledged offense. Closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth

January 11, 1843

Session met at the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house at the call of the Moderator.

Opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hopkins. Present John Seymour, I. A. Leach, N. H.

Whitcomb, John Gilbert, Moses Lewis, H. Bosworth, J. Crane. Elder John Gilbert appointed

at the previous meeting of the Session to table charges or prosecutor against Wm. Lewis here

reported the following. On the witness of Elders John Seymour and John Crane I John Gilbert

came before the Session and make complaint against Wm Lewis a member of this Church

church[sic] that the Said Wm Lewis on the 3d day of Jany 1843 at his own house denied the

Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and assorted that to worship him was Idolatry and also denied

the Scriptures to be a exhortation(?) from God, which complaint is respectfully submitted to the

Session. After which the Clerk was directed to serve a citation on Wm Lewis to appear before

the Session on the 11 of Jany 1843 to answer to charges alledged. John Gilbert

Mr. I. A. Leach from the committee appointed to visit Huron Lewis a member of this Church

and converse with him in regard to a breach of the Sabbath with which he is charged reported

that Mr. Lewis freely acknowledged that under peculiar circumstances viz having been detained

from home longer than he anticipated & being destitute of means for procuring loding[sic] over

the Sabbath he did drive from Jamestown to this place on that day. after conversation in the case

in which it appeared that the offender was an ignorant & ill instructed young man it was resolved

that the same committee be appointed to wait on Huron Lewis again and give him such

instruction as seemed necessary in regard to the obligations and manner of satisfying the Lords

day.

The Church of Christ against Wm Lewis

Sir you are hereby cited to appear before the Session of this church on Saturday the 21st Inst. at

11 o clock A. M. at the Session Room of the Presbyterians or Church to answer to the within

charges hereoff fail not by order of the Session.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Jany 11th

1843

William Lewis a member of this church cited to appear at this time to answer to the charge of

denying the divinity of the lord Jesus Christ and the inspiration of the holy scriptures having

failed to appear the clerk was directed to serve a second citation to appear before the Session the

2d Wednesday in February 6 o clock P. M. at the Session Room of the Presbyterian M. H.

The report of Brothers Moses Lewis & N. H. Whitcomb appointed in the case of Brother Silas

E. Stoddard and Wife who say that they cannot walk with the church & and [sic]wish to be

excommunicated from the Church upon which it was voted the Clerk serve a citation on Mr. S.

E. Stoddard and Mrs. Theodora Stoddard his wife to appear before the Session of the

Presbyterian Church in Fredonia in the Session room on Wednesday the 8th

day Feb’y 1843 6 o

clock P. M. Messrs Crane & Seymour who was appointed to wait on Mrs. Link and converse

with her in regard to alledged impropriety in her walk as a professing Christian reported in

substance that Mrs. Link acknowledged that she was destitute of any hope in Christ and

expressed a wish to have communion(?) with the divine(?). On motion voted that a citation be

served on Mrs. Link to appear before the Session on Wednesday the 8th

day of February 6 o

clock P. M. at the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting(?) house to answer to charges of

improper and irreligious conduct. Voted the committee in the case of Nelson Marsh be

continued and give such religious instruction in regard to his religious duties as they think

proper. Session being given to understand that R. H. Mason a member of this church has been

guilty while recently travelling in Pennsylvania of pursuing his journey in two Successive

Sundays it was resolved that Mess. Leach & Bosworth be a committee to wait on Mr. Mason &

converse with him in regard to the reported Scandall. Meeting closed with prayer. H. Bosworth.

Fredonia February 8th

1843

Session convened in the Session room according to adjournment it was opened with Prayer by

Elder J. Seymour. Brethren Present Crane, Lewis, Leach, Bosworth, Gilbert, Whitcomb. Mr.

Hopkins being prevented from attending at the Session room from indisposition it was on

motion resolved that Session adjourn to his house. The minutes of last meeting being read it

approved that the first business in order was Silas E. Stoddard a member of this church cited to

appear at this time on the charge of covenant breaking. Mr. Stoddard being present and

declaring his rediness to proceed to trial Session was solemly warned by the moderator that they

were about to pass in Individual business required to recollect & regard their high character as

judges of a cause of Jesus Christ and act with impartiality in the fear of God the citation & the

charges in the case of Mr. S. E. Stoddard being read. He fully acknowledged before the Session

the facts charged admitting that he had not for 18 months worshiped or communed with the

Church. Being heard in his own defence he alledged in justification that having been wronged as

he believed by a Brother in the church he had come before Session several times more than 2

years ago asking for direction and a hearing but that no attention had been paid to his complaint

that Session had also refused to give him a letter of dismission from the church and that his

views in regard to church government were now so changed that he could not continue or again

become a member of a Presbyterian church Mr. Stoddard having withdrawn Session after

conversation on the subject resolved that a committee consisting of Brother Bosworth & I.

Leach be appointed to wait on Mr. Stoddard and inform him that if he now see fit to bring the

complaint refered to before Session it should be impartially considered and that for this purpose

judgment in his case be suspended. Session then passed to the case of William Lewis a member

of this Church summoned by a second citation to appear before Session at this time on the charge

of denying the inspiration of the Scriptures & the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ William

Lewis having failed to appear session proceeded according to the tenor of the second citation,

having appointed Elder N. H. Whitcomb to manage his defence to take testimony in his case as

if he were present. Elder John Seymour being called and placed under affirmation stated that in

a conversation with Wm Lewis on the 3d day of Jany Past at his own house he Wm Lewis said

he did not believe the Bible to be a revelation from God & c. J. C. Elder John Crane being

placed under affirmation said the same. The above evidence being read over to the witness he

acknowledged it to contain a correct record of this testimony. The cross examination & the

questions proposed by member of the Judiatory elicited nothing of importance bearing upon Mr.

Lewis apostasy. The examination of the witnesses being ended and the roll called it unanimously

agreed that the charges were fully sustained on which it was Resolved That the said Wm Lewis

being fully convicted of denying the inspiration & authority of the Scripture and the Divinity of

Christ be & hereby is Excommunicated from this Church.

Session then adjourned and was closed with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hopkins

H. Bosworth Clerk

The church of Christ against William Lewis

Sir you are hereby cited to appear before the Session of this church on Wednesday the 8. day of

February next 6 o clock P. M. to answer to charges which have been made against you if you do

not appear at the time appointed by the Judicatory besides censuring you for contumacy(?) will

after assigning some person to manage your defense proceed to take testimony in the case as if

you were present by order of the Session.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 30, 1843

Coppy[sic] of a 2d citation

Fredonia Feby 21, 1843

Session met at the Session room in the Presbyterian meeting house opened with prayer by the

Revr Mr. Hopkins. Brethren Present Elders J. Seymour, I. A. Leach, N. H. Whitcomb, M.

Lewis, J. Crane, H. Bosworth. I. A. Leach & H. Bosworth appointed at the last Session

meeting to wait on S. E. Stoddard and inform him the result of our deliberations (See under

page 76) (it being done) after which he did inform the committee he wished some time to

consider the case & would then inform the committee what course he intended to persue. On

motion voted that the Revr Mr. Hopkins & I. A. Leach be a committee to wait on R. W. Mason

and present to him a confession to sign as they shall dictate which is also to be read in the

presence of the congregation on the Sabbath. On motion voted that the clerk serve a citation on

Mrs. Betsey Lynk to appear before the Session of the Presbyterian Church at the Session room

in the P. M. H. on the 15 day of March next 1 o clock P. M. to answer to the charge of improper

conduct as a professed Christian. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

March 1st 1843

Session meeting in the Session room of the P. M. H. opened with prayer by N. H. Whitcomb.

Present Revr Mr. Hopkins, J. Gilbert, J. Seymour, I. A. Leach, H. Bosworth. Revr Mr.

Hopkins & H. Bosworth The committee appointed to wait on R. W. Barber & wife formerly

members of this church & to learn of them whether their relation to the Brockport had been

dissolved if so their intention of uniting with this Church. Mr. Hopkins & Leach the committee

appointed to wait on Mr. R. W. Mason and converse with him in regard to his desecrating the

Sabbath by traveling two successive Sabbaths, after such conversation with said R. W. Mason

the committee believe said R. W. Mason shewed marks of repentance & regretted extremely that

he had so wounded the cause of Christ & was willing to sign the confession drawn up by the

Committee & have it read in the Publick congregation on the Sabbath at some future time.

Report accepted & committee discharged. A true coppy of the Confession Signed by R. W.

Mason. The subscriber R. S.(?) Mason feels constrained to make confession before God & this

Church of his sin in desecrating the holy Sabbath as follows During the month of Jany last being

in the state of P. A. with several teams he on two successive Sabbath under circumstances which

he then deemed Justifying pursued his journey the whole or the greater part of the day. He now

feels & acknowledges that those circumstances afforded no justification whatsoever for this

breach of Gods law inasmuch as he views it the duty of Christians to walk by faith and not by

sight he laments that he should have yielded to the temptation & humbles himself before God &

his Brethren for the unchristian deportment he has Exhibited & the encouragement he has held

out to others to violate for convenience or gain the rest of Gods holy day. He acknowledges his

firm conviction of the Justice & mercy of the command which require us to abstain from all

worldly business on the Sabbath and of the duty binding with Special form upon Christians at the

present day to avoid in this respect even the appearance of evil & he hopes that more will be led

by his example of the sinfulness of which he now repents to trifle in any manor with the claims

of the commandments. R. W. Mason

On motion Voted that I. A. Leach & H. Bosworth be a committee to wait on Brother S. E.

Stoddard and Wife & learn of distinctly what they intend to do in regard to cours already

commenced with them and report at the next meeting of the Session. Meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

The Church of Christ against Silas E. Stoddard

Sir you are hereby cited to appear before the session of this church on Wednesday the 8th

day of

February next 6 o clock P. M. at the Session room of this church to answer to the charge of

Breaking covenant with this Church hereoff fail not By order of the Session

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 30, 1843

The Church of Christ Against Theodora Stoddard

You are hereby cited to appear before the Session of this church on Wednesday the 8th

day of

February next 6 o clock P.M. at the Session room of this Church to answer to the charge of

breaking covenant with this church hereoff fail not

By order of the Session H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia Jany 30, 1843

The Church Christ Against Mrs. Betsy Lynk You are hereby cited to appear before the session

of on Wednesday the 8th

day of February next 6 o clock P. M. at the Session room of this Church

to answer to the charge of breaking covenant with this church hereoff Fail not. By order of

Session Fredonia Jany 30th

1843

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia March 15th

1843

Session met at the Session room in the Presbyterian meeting house. Opened with prayer by J.

Seymour Moderator of the meeting Brethren present J. Crane, I. H. Leach, N. H. Whitcomb,

M. Lewis, H. Bosworth. On motion voted that the report of I. H. Leach and H. Bosworth the

committee in the case of S. E. Stoddard & Mrs. Stoddard be accepted and the committee

discharged. On motion voted that the case of S. E. Stoddard & wife be put over to the next

Session meeting that we may avail ourselves of the advise of the Revr Mr. Hopkins who being

absent at this time on the account of ill health. Brothers Whitcomb and Lewis the Committee

appointed at a former meeting to wait on Gardner Barber and learn of him his religious feelings

report that he is in a backslidden state and says he is fearfull that knows not what religion is after

being instructed by the committee he promised to make an effort to Christian faithfulness. The

committee continued. On motion voted that the Clerk serve a second citation on Mrs. Betsey

Lynk to appear before the Session of the Presbyterian Church in the Session room on the 29th

day of March Inst 1 o clock P. M. in case the first citation was dated wrong (Feby 15th

instead of

March 15) the first citation must be served at the same date. (Vis 29 March) Brothers Gilbert

and Bosworth a committee appointed to wait on Miss Noble did not report Voted that H.

Bosworth be discharged from sd(?) committee and J. Crane be added in his place with Brother

J. Gilbert on Sd committee. On motion voted that Messrs Whitcomb and Leach be a committee

to wait on Mrs. Vanuran(?) & converse with her on religion & report at some future meeting.

Brother J. Crane & J. Seymour the committee appointed at a former meeting to examine into

the religious feelings of Nelson H. Marsh the committee report that he acknowledges he has not

been faithfull in regard to Christian duties and promised reformation the report accepted and the

committee continued. On motion voted the meeting adjourn to the 29th

day of March Inst 1 o

clock P. M. 1843 at Session room. meeting closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

In pursuance of the action of Session recorded under page (78 &79) the sentence of

excommunication against Wm Lewis was publicly read before the congregation on Sabbath

morning 18th

Feby by the Revr M. Hopkins being prepared according to the directions of the

book of discipline X.7 with a statement of the nature therein & consequences of

excommunication.

March 29th

1843

Session met at the Presbyterian meeting house in the same room on Wednesday the 29th

day of

March 1843 opened with prayer by Brother Moses Lewis. Present – Brother Isaac A. Leach,

Brother John Seymour, Brother H. Bosworth. The meeting then adjourned to the house of Mr.

Hopkins. On motion voted the case of S. E. Stoddard & wife be put over to the 19th

day of

April one o clock P. M. being the 3d Wednesday of April. The committee on the case of Gardner

Barber not able to report M. Lewis & N. H. Whitcomb continued. Mrs. Betsy Lynk having

failed to appear before the Session as she was cited at this time to answer to the charge of

unchristian and improper conduct also breaking covenant with the Church. after which the

Session directed the Clerk to serve a second citation on Mrs. Betsey Lynk to appear before the

Session at the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house on the 5th

day of April next one o

clock P. M. The committee Brothers Gilbert and Crane appointed on the case of Miss Noble did

not report. (continued) The committee Brothers Whitcomb & Leach in the case of Mrs.

Vanurran(?) failed to report. Said committee continued. On motion voted The clerk inform the

Session of the Dunkirk Church that a member of their church Miss Harriett Barkley is in the

habit and practice of improper conduct during the Sabbath in the time of divine service. The

clerk of Session was directed at a former meeting of Session to inform the Session of the

Dunkirk Church that the above named individual H. B. was in the habit of attending Balls which

was done. (with a request that we might be informed what action they took on the case)

Meeting adjourned to the 5th

day of April one o clock P. M. at the Session room of the

Presbyterian meeting house. Closed with prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Coppy of a 2d citation to Mrs. Betsey Lynk

The Church of Christ Against Mrs. Betsey Lynk

You are hereby cited to appear the second time before the Session of the Presbyterian Church in

the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house in Fredonia on Wednesday the 5th

day of

April next one o clock P.M. to answer to the charge which has been already made against you if

you do not appear the Judiatory besides sensuring you for contumacy will after assigning some

person to manage your defense proceed to take testimony in the case as if you were present. By

order of the Session.

Henry Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia March 30, 1843

March 31, 1843

Session met according to notice after Preparatory lecture and was opened with prayer. Revr S.

M. Hopkins Moderator. Elder John Seymour Present, Elder John Crane Present, Elder Moses

Lewis Present, Elder I. A. Leach Present, Elder J. Gilbert Present, Elder N. H. Whitcomb

Present Mrs. Cogswell a former member of this church who having changed her views of the

mode of baptism had withdraw about four years since & united herself with a Baptist Church in

this place or Vilage applied to this Church for readmission the grounds of her application were

that the Baptist Church had been involved in difficulty & divided and was in such a state she

could not maintain fellowship with it that she preferred as she always did Presbyterian

government & discipline & felt that her home was among us and had accordingly worshiped &

communed with this church the last three years. Session after consultation on the subject

resolved to postpone the further consideration of Mrs. Cogswell’s application until next meeting

and in the mean time invite her to commune with us at the Lords table next Sabbath. Session

adjourned & closed with prayer.

Henry Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia April 3d 1843

By a vote of the Session Mrs. Mary Hart was recd in to the Church (by letter from the Church at

Irving(?)

H. Bosworth

April 1843

Miss Elisabeth King was recd by vote of the Session into the Church (by letter from Hamilton)

H. Bosworth

April 5th

1843

Session meeting at the Presbyterian meeting house in the Session room one o clock P.M. Opened

with prayer by John Seymour. Present John Crane, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth, John

Gilbert. Mrs. Lynk having failed to appear before the Session as she was cited to the second

time The session took up the case after which It was moved & seconded that Mrs. Betsey Lynk

is convicted of contumacy for not appearing before the Session this day & that she be excluded

from the communion of this Church until she repent. The committee Brothers Gilbert & Crane

on the case of Miss Noble failed to report. Committee continued. The committee on the case of

Mrs. Vanurran failed to report Brothers Whitcomb & Leach. Continued. The committee in the

case of Gardner Barber failed to report, Brothers Lewis & Whitcomb. Continued. The

Committee Brothers Crane & Seymour on the case of H. N. Marsh did not report. Continued.

On motion voted the case of Mrs. Cogswell be put over to the 19th

of April one o clock P.M.

meeting closed with prayer.

Henry Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia April 19th

1843

Session met at the Session room in the Presbyterian meeting house one o’clock P.M. according

to adjournment. Opened with prayer by Elder John Crane. Brethren Present John Seymour,

John Gilbert, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth. The committee on the case of Miss Noble Messrs

Gilbert & Crane Report that they have & conversed with her on the subject of Experimental

religion she says she thinks that she does not know what religion is & wishes to have her

connection with the church dissolved. She states that she has been in the habit of attending balls.

The report of the committee accepted & they discharged. After which it was moved & seconded

that the Clerk serve a citation on Miss Noble to appear before the Session of the Presbyterian

Church in Fredonia in the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house on Wednesday the

first Wednesday of May next one o’clock P.M. to answer to the charge of attending balls and

breaking covenant with the Church.

Coppy of a Citation to Miss Noble

The Church of Christ Against Miss Maryette Noble

You are hereby cited to appear before the Session of of [sic] the Presbyterian Church in Fredonia

in the Session room of the Presbyterian meeting house on Wednesday the 4th

day of May next

one o clock P.M. to answer to the charge of attending balls and breaking covenant with the

Church hereoff fail not by order of the Session

Henry Bosworth Clerk

April 24, 1843

The case of Mrs. Cogswell came before the Session – after some discussion it was moved &

second that Mrs. Cogswell produce a certificate of her good standing in the Baptist Church after

which the Session will examine her for readmission into the Church. The Clerk ordered to inform

Mrs. Cogswell of the preceding resolution. The committee on the case of Mrs. Vanurran

Brothers Whitcomb & Leach failed to report. Said committee continued. The Committee on the

case of Gardner Barber Whitcomb & Lewis failed to report. Committee continued. The

committee on the case of H. N. Marsh John Seymour & John Crane failed to report. Said

committee continued.

The case of Mr. S. E. Stoddard and Wife which was put over to the present meeting was then

taken up recd a letter sent by him to the Session in answer to the invitation given him to present

his complaint against Mr. Hinkley before them was read. In his letter Mr. Stoddard declined

appearing as prosecutor but stated that other difficulties between himself & Mr. Hinkley was

notorious he considered the Session bound to take up the matter themselves after free

conversation upon the subject it was resolved that the Clerk be directed to inform Mr. Stoddard

that the Session cannot regard the offence charged by him upon Mr. Hinkley to be so much a

matter of common fame as to Justify them in instituting process upon that ground but that if Mr.

Stoddard should still choos[sic] to prefer charge himself against Mr. Hinkley & the Session will

give him a fair and impartial hearing. Meeting adjourned to the first Wednesday in May 1

o’clock P.M. Closed with Prayer.

H. Bosworth

John Ames Gilbert Infant son of Doct John Gilbert was Baptised by the Rev Mr. J. M. Hopkins

April 30, 1843.

Fredonia Wednesday May 1 1843

Session met at the Session room in the Presbyterian meeting house according to adjournment.

Present Elders John Seymour, John Crane, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth. Opened with prayer

by the Moderator John Crane. The case of Miss Maryette Noble being first on the record of the

last meeting being called up who failed to appear before the Session according to the citation for

improper conduct after some discussion the Clerk was ordered to serve a second citation on Miss

Maryette Noble to appear before the Session of the Presbyterian Church in the S. room of the

Presbyterian meeting house the first Wednesday in June next half past one o clock P. M. The

committee on the case of Mrs. Vanurran failed to report. Committee continued. The Committee

on the case of Gardner Barber failed to report. Committee continued. The committee on the case

of H. N. Marsh failed to report. Continued. The case of Mr. S. E. Stoddard & wife put over to

the 1st Wednesday in June half past one o’clock. Meeting adjourned to the first Wednesday in

June half past one o’clock P. M. it being the regular monthly meeting of the Session. Closed with

Prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

May 1843

The number in communion according to the report of April 1, 1843 to the P of Buffalo.

No. 219

Added on Examination 2

Added on certificate 7

Died 2

Suspend or Excommunicated 2

Total in commun 221

H. Bosworth Clerk

Session met in the Session room in the Presbyterian meeting house according to adjournment it

als[sic] being the regular monthly meeting the 7th

day of June 1843 meeting opened with prayer

by the Revr Mr. Hopkins. Brethren Present John Crane, John Seymour, John Gilbert, Moses

Lewis, Henry Bosworth. The Session then took up the case of Miss Maryette Noble who did not

appear before the Session as she was cited to on the 2d citation. On motion it was unanimously

voted that Miss Maryette Noble be suspended from the Communion of this Church until she

repents. On voted the Clerk serve a citation on Mr. Gardner Barber to appear be the Session of

this Church on the 21 day of June 1843 half past one o’clock P.M. to answer to the charges of

Profane swearing on the ground of common fame (Citation served & Coppy preserved) The case

of Mr. S. E. Stoddard & wife then came up, he not appearing before the Session the Clerk was

directed by the Session to inform Mr. Stoddard & Wife that unless they should or himself

appear before Session on the 21st of June next and shew cause why they did not appear they

would be oblige to give Judgment in the Case. On motion voted the Clerk serve a citation on

Thomas Higgins to appear before the Session on the 21st day of June Inst half past one o’clock

P.M. to answer to the charge of Intemperance Sabbath breaking and heresy. On motion Voted

that Thomas Higgins be suspended from the Communion of the Church until he shall have an

opportunity to clear himself of the charges of Intemperance Sabbath breaking & Heresy which

(?) common fame charges him being guilty of. On motion Voted the Clerk inform the Church at

Lodi Mrs. Perris Chatwick united with this Church in 1810 is not known by any of the members

now in Communion with the Church there fore we are unable to say anything about her Christian

character. The committee on the case of Mrs. Vanuran continued. The Committee on the Case

H. N. Marsh did not report. Continued. On motion voted that a Church meeting be called on the

17th

inst 1 P.M. to consider the propriety of taking measures to secure a Setled [sic] Pastor for

this Church. Meeting adjourned until the 21st day of June Half past one o’clock P.M. Closed with

prayer.

H. Bosworth Clerk

Fredonia June 21, 1843

Session met in Presbyterian meeting house according to adjournment on o’clock P.M. Opened

with prayer by the Revr Hopkins. Brethren Present John Seymour, John Crane, John Gilbert,

N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth. On motion voted that the Clerk serve a citation on Gardner

Barber to appear before the Session of this Church in the Presbyterian meeting house 5th

day of

July inst ½ past one o clock P.M. to answer to the charge of profane swearing and the ground of

common fame. [to the left reads: Citation served & coppy preserved] The Committee on the case

of Mrs. Vanuran Continued. The committee on the case of H. N. Marsh attempted to have an

Interview with him but failed. Whereas Mr. Silas E. Stoddard having failed to appear before the

Session of this Church at this time as he was cited to, the Session after assigning a Brother to

manage his defense after discussion and deliberation it was motioned and second that he be

suspended from the Communion of the Church until he repents. Voted that he be suspended

accordingly. On motion it was voted that the Clerk serve a second citation on Mrs. Theodora

Stoddard to appear before the Session of this Church the second time on the first Wednesday in

July ½ past One o clock P.M. (Citation served & coppy preserved) On motion adjourned to the

first Wednesday in July half past one o clock P.M. Closed with prayer.

Henry Bosworth Clerk

Session meeting July 5th

1843 half past one o clock P. M. according to adjournment. Opened

with prayer by the Revr Mr. Hopkins present. Brethren Present John Seymour, John Gilbert,

John Crane, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth. The records of last meeting were read by the

Clerk. The case of Gardner Barber being the first on record he being cited to appear before the

Session at this meeting he failed to appear. After which it was motioned and second that the

Clerk serve a 2d citation on Gardner Barber to appear before the Session the 2d time the first

Wednesday in August half past one o clock P.M. The Committee on the case of Mrs. Vanuran

did not report. Continued. Brothers Leach & Whitcomb. The Committee Brothers Seymour &

Crane on the case of H. N. Marsh report that H. N. Marsh promised to take up Christian duties.

Committee discharged. The Case of Mrs. Theodora Stoddard being next on record was taken up

she having failed to appear as she was cited to at this time after appointing some one to manage

her defense the case opened for discussion. After which it moved and second that she be

suspended from the Communion of this Church until she repents. Voted that she be suspended

accordingly. Revr Mr. Hopkins gave Session to understand that there were reports that Brother

A. J. Cowles had recd an anonomous[sic] letter of which he charged Brother I. H. Leach to be

the author. Therefore – on motion Voted that Revr Mr. Hopkins, Brothers Whitcomb, Leach &

Seymour be requested to write out their depositions in relation to an anonomous[sic] letter recd

by A. J. Cowles & exhibit the same to the Session at their next meeting. On motion voted that

the Revr Mr. Hopkins, J. Crane and Moses Lewis be a committee to prepare a minute for

adoption in the case of A. J. Cowles. At this meeting of Session H. Bosworth tendered his

resignation as Clerk of the Session, it being granted. Upon which it was moved and second that

Brother John Crane serve as Clerk of the Session it being adopted he was authorized by Session

to purchase a Book to keep the records of the Church and that he be paid for the same. On

motion adjourned to the first Wednesday in August half past one o clock P.M. Closed with

prayer.

Henry Bosworth Clerk

At an extra Sess. meeting held at Presby. Church July 9, 1843 present all the Sessn except

Gilbert. Bro. Hopkins, Lewis & Crane made report in the case of Aaron J. Cowles, whereupon

it was Voted that a letter of censure & admonition & reproof containing the matter of the Report

be addressed to him by Clk of Session.

J. Crane Clk

(Above was done by Clk & enclos’d in letter to Wm Seymour, Southport, Wiscon’n & he

requested to hand letter to Mr. Cowles. Sent by John Dexter.)

Session met July 14, 1843

Prest. Rev. Mr. Hopkins, Brs. Seymour & Crane. Prayer by J. Crane. Joseph H. Coats and

Sarah Turner presented themselves for admiss’n on profession of their faith in Christ. After

examination Voted, that both be recd. Mrs. Esther Nichols presented letter from Cong. Church in

W. Bloomfield to Cong. Church in Fredonia which was read. Voted that she be recd into this

Church on sd letter By her submitting herself to discipline of the Session (which she consented to

do) and entering into Covt with this Church. Voted that a meeting of this Cong. be called on Sat.

22 July inst 2 P.M. to consider the propriety of giving a call to Rev. S. M. Hopkins to become

our settled pastor.

J. Crane Clk

August 2, 1843

Session met Aug. 2 1843 at Presb. Church. Isaac H. Leach Moderator & opened with prayer.

Case of Gardner Barber called up. Clk of session stated that 2d citation returnable here this day

had been served by leaving it at his Dwelling House in season he being gone away to work. G.

Barber neglected to appear, whereupon Br. Whitcomb was appointed to manage his defence,

Case was adj’d to next regular meeting 1st Wednesd. Sept. next. Case of Catharine Van Curen

called up. Com. not ready to report – Committee contin’d. In the case of Gardner Barber, Brs.

Bosworth & Whitcomb stated to sess’n that Barber acknowledged to them he had used profane

language when in a passion. Here Br. Leach gave notice to Sess. that he sh’d retire from the

active duties of an elder & resign. After prayer by Br. Bosworth, sess. adj’d to 1 Wednesday

Sept. next 1 ½ P.M.

J. Crane Clk

Special session meeting August 23d 1843 half past one o clock P.M.

Present Revr S. M. Hopkins, Elder John Seymour, Elder Isaac H. Leach, Elder Moses Lewis,

Elder John Gilbert, Elder Henry Bosworth. Opened with Prayer by the Revr S. M. Hopkins.

The case of Gardner Barber was taken up and after some conversation on the subject it was

voted that he be suspended from the Communion of the Church until he repents. On motion

voted that Deacon John Seymour be a delegate to attend the next meeting of Presbytery to be

held at Silver Creek the first Tuesday in Sept. 1843. On motion voted that Henry Bosworth be

Alternate. On motion voted that a letter of dismission be given Mrs. Mary Robbins a member of

this Church wishing to unite with the Church in Westfield or to some Church of Jesus Christ

where God in his Providence may appoint her future residence. On motion voted that Leach &

Bosworth be a committee to draw up a call for the Revr S. M. Hopkins to be presented to the

next meeting of Presbyterie at Silver Creek the first Tuesday in Sept. On motion voted that Elder

John Gilbert be a committee to visit Ira Risley(?) a member of this Church and converse with

him relating to past delinquencies and report to Session at a subsequent meeting. On motion

adjourned. Closed with prayer.

Henry Bosworth Ck P. T.

Thus far examined and approved in Presbytery at Silver Creek Sept 6th

1843 with the exception

that on page 112 the word censure ought not to be used of censure inflicted in the case recorded

there. W. Waith Mod.

Session meeting Sept. 19th

1843

Present Revr S. M. Hopkins, Elders John Seymour, John Gilbert, Isaac H. Leach, Moses S.

Lewis, N. H. Whitcomb, H. Bosworth Clk P.T. Opened with prayer by J. Gilbert. Report of

John Gilbert on the case of Ira Risley who says that he has not been in the habit of attending the

Presbyterian meeting only occasionly[sic] of late but was in the habit of attending the Christian

Church at Laona. Risley also stated to J. Gilbert that he did not believe that Christ was equal to

God. Report accepted & the committee discharged after which it was thought best that the Revr

S. M. Hopkins and John Gilbert be a Committee to call on I. Risley and instruct him in his duty

as a professed follower of Christ. On motion voted that the Revr S. M. Hopkins & H. Bosworth

be a committee to draw up a letter to send to Aron J. Cowls to correct an error into which Mr.

Cowles has fallen in regard to a letter of admonition recently addressed to him. Closed with

prayer.

Henry Bosworth Clk P.T.

1843 Sept. 28. Fanny Smith & Prudence Smith were received by session into church by letter

from Jamestown Ch on entering into covenant with this Church. J. Crane Clk

Oct. 18, 1843

Session met at S. Room – opened with prayer by Rev. S. M. Hopkins. Present Elders Seymour,

Leach, Whitcomb, Lewis, Crane & Bosworth, absent John Gilbert. Minutes of last meeting

read & case of A. J. Cowles talked over. On motion voted that a committee of 3 to be named by

Modera’r be appointed to consider the propriety of holding neighborhood evening prayer

meetings in the bounds of the Congregation – the particular brethren to attend each & time when

meeting shall commence & report to session. Committee appointed Crane, Bosworth, & Leach.

Adjourned – Prayer by Rev. Mr. Johnson

J. Crane Clk

Nov. 8, 1843

Session met at Rev. Mr. Hopkins’ house. Present Rev. Mr. Hopkins, Elders Gilbert, Bosworth,

Lewis & Crane. Absent Whitcomb, Seymour & Leach. Prayer by Rev. S. M. Hopkins.

Minutes of last 2 last meetings read. [The following crossed out: Mr. Hopkins here states that he

had an interview with Katharine Van Curen which was not very kind nor satisfactory in relation

to her non attendance upon the public worship of God or the Sabbath, and also in relation to the

disturbance of public worship by Ann Van Curen & Sarah Stanton, her friends, which conduct

Mrs. Van Curan in a manner attempted to palliate or justify.] Committee in case of Ira Risley

continued & also that in case of Katherine Van Curen do Voted to adjourn. Prayer by Br. Lewis

J. Crane Clk

Nov. 22 1843

Session met at Rev. Mr. Hopkins house. Prest Mr. Hopkins, Seymour, Whitcomb, Gilbert,

Bosworth & Crane. Absent Lewis & Leach. Prayer by Mr. Hopkins. Committee in case of Ira

Risley report that they have called upon him, and after enquiring into his religious belief said

Risley stated that Jesus Christ is not in his opinion equal with the Father – denies the Supreme

divinity of Jesus Christ. Report accepted & Committee continued. Case Mrs. K. Van Curen

Continued. Voted to adjourn. Prayer by Dea. Seymour.

J. Crane Clk

Dec’r 6 1843

Session met at Session Room. Prest Rev. Mr. Hopkins Mod’r & all the members. Prayer by Mr.

Hopkins. Voted that intermissions, till 1 Feb. next, be one hour. Here Thomas Fellows & Sarah

his wife presented letter from Cong. Church in Stillwater to this church of Good Standing – same

by Mrs. MaryJane Hopkins from Presb. Church at Corning. Voted that they 3 be admitted as

members of this Church on entering into Covenant. Voted that Miss Sarah Seymour be

recommended to Presb. Church Ithaca & when there recd dismiss’d here & letter be given

accordingly. Voted that Rev. S. M. Hopkins be Counsel for Session before Presbytery & appear

& answer for them in case of Complaint of Aaron J. Cowles vs. Session, should any such case he

called up. Application having been made to Session by certain individuals in behalf of Mr. A. J.

Cowles for a copy of their minutes in his case, Voted that the Clerk be directed to furnish such

copy when requested, not on the ground of a rightful claim by him or them, but, actuated by a

disposition on the part of Session to oblige the friends of Mr. Cowles as far as consistent with

our duty to the Church. Voted to adjourn. Prayer by Br. Whitcomb.

J. Crane Clk

Jan’y 3, 1844

Session met. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Hopkins. Present all except Bosworth & Gilbert. Voted that

the Pastor & J. Crane be one committee & Brs. Leach & Whitcomb be another to visit & advise

members of other churches of our denomination resident in our bounds, who have not offered

any letters & Report to session. Voted that Elder John Seymour be delegate from this Church &

Elders Noah H. Whitcomb & Isaac H. Leach be Alternates to attend the next meeting of

Presbytery at Springville. Here Elder Seymour desires Session to excuse him from the active

duties of an Elder, attending Session meetings & c. Closed with prayer by Elder Seymour.

J. Crane Clk

Members in Communion according to report

1st Tuesday Sept. 1843 were

Added on certificate 5

do on Profession (none)

Excommunicated & suspended (none)

Total in Communion . . .