Church and Family History Research Assistance for Allegany County, New York
CHURCHES:
SCIO
SURNAMES OF MEMBERS:
Graves, Jones, Sawyer (very incomplete list due to loss of records).
INDEPENDENCE (INDEPENDENCE)
The following letter chronicles some of the difficulties caused at this place by the introduction of the modern mission system: "A VOICE FROM THE WILDERNESS. (A Letter from Elder B. G. Avery, dated July 14, 1834.) DEAR BROTHER:- I take this opportunity of stating to you our local situation and prospects. There are a number of small churches in this region of country - Tioga, Potter, and McKeen counties on the Pennsylvania north line, and Allegany and Steuben Counties on the New York South line, adjoining each other, and containing fourteen churches, with but two ordained Ministers; they are very much scattered through these woods. The first of these churches was formed on the ground she now occupies about ten years ago. We had lived in peace and prosperity during the first five years, and had increased to the number of nine churches, and for several years we had existed in great harmony in an associated capacity, when our harmony and union was interrupted (through some spirit or other) by the coming amongst us of men from what I call the New School. From the profession of these we expected help and comfort, but alas! we soon found discord and strife, jealousies and bitterness prevailed; for a while they again left us, and our peace was measurably restored; this was however only like the flies in the fable, a more hungry swarm soon took their place. Some of our churches have taken the exhortation of the Apostle, and have avoided them, that cause divisions, contrary to the doctrine which we have received from the Apostles, but others I fear will be rent asunder. We are experiencing what I last evening (for the first time) learned that you are developing concerning what some of our eastern churches are in measure experiencing. The church to which I belong is the hot-bed of contention, every effort that can be made under the name of religion, has been resorted to, seemingly, by those New School teachers, with only the exception of the good old rule, and of this they seem to be utter strangers. They appear to think that if I was out of the way, the war would end; but they are greatly mistaken. Under these circumstances, we think, from what we have just learned of your paper, that it would be of important service to us. We have never until last evening heard of the paper, and of course it is unknown to my brethren, but I think that many of them will be taken in these parts, you will please to send them directed to the following address. I subscribe myself yours, in haste. ELDER BENJAMIN G. AVERY."
"Independence, Allegany Co., N. Y., February 14, 1835. BROTHER BEEBE:- I returned home from my late journey south, on the 23rd day of last month, after an absence of 19 weeks, which lapse of time afforded ample space for the New School men to perform wonders. I found the Church to which I belong in a state of fermentation. Although no complaint had been made to the Church against me, yet an exparte Council had been called on my account. Mr. Bunel (a licentiate) told the Brethren they need not trouble themselves about the matter, as he would see to it himself. I suppose he did, but neither himself nor any who acted with him have labored with me, unless I am to consider slander, and open abuse, a gospel labor. There was however but a slight meeting of the Council, and they dissolved, to meet in the Church capacity today, at 10 o'clock a.m. A small company of us have met with them, and presented a written remonstrance setting forth the points wherein we believe they have erred in spirit and practice, signed by 17 members. But this was all to no purpose; they told us that they wanted to hear none of our papers. Upon an attempt for my exclusion, their Moderator said they had nine votes, and thereupon declared the Church was dissolved, they then went away and left us. We then proceeded to take our stand as a Church; having done so, withdrew our fellowship from them. After which we Resolved, to call a Council of brethren to advise with us, and who are requested to meet with us on the 18th day of March next, at 10 o'clock a.m., at the Schoolhouse in Bingham, Potter Co., Pa. Our Old School Brethren generally are requested to meet with us, and aid us with their counsel and prayers. We are an handful situated amidst an host who are ready to devour us. Brethren, do "Come over and help us!" Brother Beebe, you are requested to publish this as early as possible; you will hear from us again after the meeting of the Council. We solicit an interest in the prayers of our Brethren. The following visiting brethren are with us, viz: O. R. Lovell, Dea. A. Ellis, Frederick Tanner, and Aaron Rathbone. Written by order and in behalf of the Church. B. G. AVERY, Pastor."
"Spring Mills, December 19, 1835. DEAR BROTHER:- I have just returned from a tour of nine weeks at the South, and find my family and the Independence Church, of which I am a member, all in good health and enjoying the gracious smiles of a covenant-keeping God. In my travels I found but few who would admit themselves to be New School Divinity folks. many attended to hear me preach; and some were dissatisfied, although few said anything while in my presence. Many seem to think that the newly invented societies are doing a vast deal of good, and therefore should be supported; and the evidence of the good they do, I find, is generally from their own reports - like the Pope, their own witness. I found no individual who would maintain the Constitution of these societies. In Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I found many sound and precious advocates for the Truth - who regard the honor of God more than the praise and esteem of men. I had in company with me Zopher D. Pasco, who is truly a fellow-labourer in Gospel Truth - one who will not shun to declare the whole counsel of God, whether men hear or forbear. We attended the Juniata Association as Corresponding Messengers; and at which we met several brethren from Pennsylvania and Virginia, and were highly gratified in hearing them preach the same doctrine we had been taught far distant in other States. Not a sermon was preached during the Association, but what was all of one golden chain. It was with gladness to our souls that we were permitted to visit Occoquan and Buck Marsh Churches, in Virginia; and on our return home we came through Tuscarora Valley, stayed several days and preached to various neighborhoods in the region of Tuscarora Church. We found them very hospitable, sound in the faith, and very cautious who they admitted into their house as teachers - which I wish was a more uniform practice among the Gospel Baptists. Many Churches have been rent asunder, and discord widely diffused, through the imprudent step of letting in unsound, wicked, and designing men, but partially known. May the people of God be like a sentry on the watch tower in time of war. The next Church we visited was Shamoken, Northumberland Co., Pa.; they have had a New School sifting; yet there stands some precious grain which will stand the test when heaven and earth shall pass away - having on, not their own righteousness, but clad with Christ's. I traveled through twenty churches, and found many of them surrounded with new-measure people; some have not separated and declared non-fellowship with those that advocate the new measures, but I am satisfied the sooner they do, the better. Israel cannot prosper under the gold wedge or Babylonish garment. Yours, ELDER B. G. AVERY."
SURNAMES OF MEMBERS:
Avery, Carpenter, Ellis (very incomplete list due to loss of records).
FRIENDSHIP
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