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issue date - June 16, 2002
First Presbyterian Church - 'The Presbyterian Society of Lodi' |
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On July 1, 1827, the first society of this church is organized and known as "The Presbyterian Society of Lodi," the first church to organize in the village. Charter members include: Joseph Plumb, Caroline Plumb, David Grannis, Lola Grannis, Ralph Plumb, Perthenia Plumb, Ira Curtiss, Ruth Curtiss, William Farnsworth Ruth Smith, David Grannis Sr. and Electa Pierce. First trustees are: William Pierson, Phineas Spencer, Lewis Edwards, Albert Burke and Joseph Plumb, who is elected as the first and only elder. The church becomes part of the Presbytery of Buffalo and, in 1828, the Rev. Erastus Gillett, a supply pastor, is the first regular minister. Under the pastorate of the Rev. T.S. Harris (1832-1834), many of the new members are baptized under the covered bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek. John B. Preston becomes the first installed pastor on June 28, 1835 and, also in that year, the first church building is erected and dedicated. While Preston is teaching in the basement on Feb. 13, 1842, the church catches fire and is totally destroyed. Construction on a new church is soon started. Meanwhile, worship serices are held in the ballroom of the Eagle Hotel (Buffalo and Perry streets). Nearly completed, the rebuilt church catches fire again on March 3, 1843. Fortunately, the fire is extinguished before much damage is done. |
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In 1886, the church is completely rebuilt at a cost of approximately $12,000, through the generosity of Franklin F. Spencer of Chicago, a former resident and merchant. Spencer also establishes the Mary Spencer Library (in the Upper Room Lounge) in memory of his daughter. This is the first free library established in the village. The church building is dedicated on Feb. 24, 1887, and on March 11, 1888, the "Dorcas Living Alms" stained-glass window is unveiled, given in memory of Rachel Gifford Macomber by her husband, Franklin F. Spencer. During the early part of J. Emory Fisher's pastorate (1895-1901), membership consists of 45 women and only one man, who seldom attends church. Since women are ineligible, thechurch has no elders. Soon, membership improves and A.J. Corbett, William Smallwood and Dudley Phelps are elected elders. (Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Gowanda) |
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