[Second book]
Unionville, Orange Co., N.Y.
Session Records 1851-1909
Records. Unionville. Orange Co. N. Y.
Septem. 21St 1857
Session met at the call of the Moderator after Divine Service. Present. N. E. Pierson, Pastor. B. Vanfleet, P. C. Handord, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. The moderator stated that the object of the meeting was the appointed a delegate to attend the meeting o Presbytery at Denton on the 23 inst. P. C. Hanford was duly appointed. N. E. Pierson Pastor.
January 10. 1852
Session met after Preparatory lecture. Present N. E. Pierson Pastor. P. C. Handford, B. Vanfleet, A. Bullock, Elders. Began with prayer. Mr. J. L. Carpenter and Lydia his wife presented letters of dismission and recommendation from the Reformed Dutch Church of [blank] voted to receive them. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson. Pastor.
Annual Report of the Presbyterian Church of Unionville.
No. Of Church members in last report. 92.
“ Added on Certif. 3
“ Dismissed 1.
“ Died 2.
Present number 92.
Collection F. Missions $5.00
“ Home Missions 10.75
Commissioners Fund 3.12
Total $18.87
N. E. Pierson
July 10. 1852
Session met at the call of the moderator after preparatory lecture. Present N. E. Pierson Pastor. P. C. Hanford, B. Vanfleet, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. There being no business to transact, adjourned. N. E. Pierson Pastor.
Sept 19. 1852
Session met at the call o the Pastor at the close of Divine Worship, all the members being present: Whereupon Alfred Bullock was duly appointed to attend the next state meeting of Presbytery at Montgomery. N. E. Pierson. Pastor.
Thus far in Presbytery examined and approved. Montgomery. September 20th 1852. A. O. Peloubet Modr.
July 16. 1853
Session met at the church after preparatory lecture. Present N. E. Pierson Pastor. Benj. Vanfleet, P. C. Hanford, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with prayer. After some time spent in religious conversation, there being no business, session adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson Pastor.
Oct 11. 1853
Session met at the house of the Pastor, in accordance with the recommendation of Presbytery, + in connection with the Session of Westown. Present. N. E. Pierson, Pastor. P. C. Hanford, B. Vanfleet, A. Bullock, Elders. The afternoon was spent in religious conversation + prayer. N. E. Pierson, Pastor.
March 24. 1854.
Session met in the Town Hall according to public notice give on the previous sabbath. Present N. E. Pierson, Pastor. B. Vanfleet, P. C. Hanford, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with Prayer. The following persons presented letters of Dismission + recommendation + requested to the be received into this church. Viz. Dr. M. S. Hayne + Jane his wife, the former from the Presbyterian Church of Westtown, the latter from first Presbyterian Church in Wantage, N. J. Mr. Dennis Clark from the Presbyterian Church of Ridgebury. Mrs Hannah Schoonover, Mrs Jane Christie + Mrs. Hannah Casterline from the 1st Presbyterian Church of Wantage N. J. I was resolved that these letters be accepted + the persons presenting them be received into the church. Session adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson. Pastor.
Thus far in Presbytery examined and approved in Chester, September 27th 1854. George Pierson, Modr.
August 5. 1854
Session met after preparatory lecture agreeably to previous notice. Present N. E. Pierson, Pastor. P. C. Hanford, B. Vanfleet, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with prayer. There being no special business after some conversation on the state of religion, session adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson. Pastor.
Oct 15. 1854.
Session met after Divine Service + appointed Brother B. Vanfleet to attend the next meeting of Synod to be held at Honesdale, PA. Adjourned. N. E. Pierson, Pastor.
March 24. 1855
Session met according to previous notice. Present N. E. Pierson, Pastor. B. Vanfleet, P. C. Hanford, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with prayer. Mr. Joseph Chandler, a Ruling Elder formerly connected with us being present was invited to sit with us. The following persons presented themselves before session with a view of connecting themselves with the church. Viz. William Harrison, John Harrison, James H. Hanford, Jacob Dewitt, Jesse Owen, Charles D. Vanfleet, Mary Vanfleet (his wife), Elizabeth Seidmore, Mary Ann Seidmore, Harriet Olmstead, Harriet L. Mcdaniels, Elizabeth Vanfleet. After due examination on the doctrines of Christianity + their experimental acquaintance with religion, session voted to receive them at our next communion. Adjourned to meet on Saturday next March 31st. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Pastor.
March 31 1855
Session met according to adjournment. Present N. E. Pierson, Pastor. B. Vanfleet, P. C. Hanford, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with prayer. Bro. J. Chandler being present was again invited to sit with us. The following persons presented themselves + desired to be admitted to membership with this church, viz. Levi H. Truex, Mary Jane Truex, his wife, William H. Thompson, Samuel Christie, Margaret Jane Christie, Mary Christie, Belinda V. Christie. After due examination on the doctrines of Christianity + experimental piety Session voted to receive them at our next communion. Mrs. Emily B. Owen presented a letter of dismission + recommendation from the Presbyterian Church of Amity + requested to be received into this Church. Her request was granted. Adjourned to meet on Saturday next after preparatory Lecture. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson. Pastor.
April 7. 1855
Session met according to adjournment. Present N. E. Pierson, Pastor. B. Vanfleet, P. C. Hanford, Elders. Absent A. Bullock. Began with prayer. The following persons presented themselves before session and desired to be admitted to the church. Viz Sarah A. Dewitt, Mary Jane Dewitt, Susan Montgomery, + L. M. Coykendall. After due examination on the doctrines of Christianity + experimental piety Session voted to receive them at our next communion. Lewis L. Smith presented a letter of dismission + recommendation from the Presbyterian Church of Deckertown N. J. + requested to be received as a member of this church. His request was granted. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Pastor.
April 15. 1855
Session met after Divine Service + appointed brother B. Vanfleet to attend the next meeting of presbytery at Denton, April 17. N. E. Pierson, Pastor.
Thus far in Presbytery examined and approved. Ridgebury, September 26th. 1853. Daniel T. Wood Modr.
November 24. 1855
Session met according to previous notice. Present N. E. Pierson Mod., A Bullock, + P. C. Hanford, Elders. The meeting was opened with prayer. The following action was taken in reference to the recent death of Brother Vanfleet. Viz. Whereas it had pleased Almighty God to remove from the church militant our beloved Brother + a companion with us in the eldership – Ruling Elder Bejamin Vanfleet – therefore. Resolved 1st that while we deeply mourn our loss, we bow in humble submission to the will of God, + pray for grace to make a wise improvement of this afflictive dispensation of Providence. Resolved 2d That in this solemn event we recognize the voice of God commanding us to greater diligence + renewed activity in the discharge of Christian duties, especially devolving upon us as office bearers in His church. Resolved 3d That we recommend to the church to select three or more suitable persons from their number to be set apart as Ruling Elders as pointed out in our book of discipline. Henry D. Elmer presented a letter of dismission + recommendation from the Presbyterian Church of Ridgebury + requested to be received into this church. His request was granted. There being no further business, Session adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
Feb. 23, 1856
Session met at the call of the Moderator. Present N. E. Pierson. Mod, P. C. Hanford, M. S. Hayne, L. H. Truiex, Elders. Absent A. Bullock, J Owen. The meeting was opened with prayer by the moderator who also stated that the object of the meeting was to consider the state of religion, + consult as to the best means of advancing the interests of Christ’s kingdom within our bounds. After consultation + prayer, it was voted to go out two + two + make a Pastoral visit to every family in the congregation, + notice of this intention be given from the pulpit next sabbath morning. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
April 13 1856.
Session met at the call of the moderator after Divine Service + appointed brother A. Bullock to attend the meeting of Presbytery at Port Jervis on the 15th inst + appropriated two dollars to General Assembly. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
May 10 1856
Session met agreeably to public notice. Present N. E. Pierson Mod, P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex + M. S. Hayne, Elders. Absent A. Bullock, J. Owen. The meeting was opened with prayer. Mrs. Catharine Sautica presented herself desiring admission to the church. After due examination on the doctrines of Christianity + her experimental acquaintance with religion, voted to receive her at our next communion. Mrs Catharine VanSickel presented a letter of dismission + recommendation from the 2d Presbyterian Church of Wantage N. J. Session voted to receive her on her letter. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
Thus far in Presbytery examined and approved. Amity, September 17th. 1856 Augustus Seward, Moderator.
Jan 10. 1857
Session met after preparatory lecture agreeably to previous notice. Present N. E. Pierson, Mod. P. C. Hanford, M. S. Hayne, L. H. Truex, Elders. There being no special business the meeting was not organized. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
March 21st 1857
Session met at the call of the mod. Present N. E. Pierson, Mod. P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex, M. S. Hayne, Elders. Began with prayer. Public fame charged Eliz P. Halsey a member of this church with immoral conduct after considerable time spent in consultation it was voted that each member of Session make inquiry as the to the truth of the matter as far as practicable + report to Session at an adjourned meeting. Adjourned to meet on the 28 inst. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
March 28. 1857.
Present N. E. Pierson, Mod., M. S. Hayne, P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex, Elders. Began with prayer. The brethren reported that they had attended to the duty assigned them + were satisfied that whatever may be the truth in regard to reports touching the moral character of Miss. E. P. Halsey, there is not now reliable evidence sufficient to warrant any further action. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
April 19. 1857
Session met at the call of the Moderator after morning service + appointed M. S. Hayne to attend the next meeting of Presbytery at Montgomery, + P. C. Hanford his alternate. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
July 11. 1857
Session met after preparatory lecture by previous appointment. There not being any business did not organize. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
Thus far in Presbytery at Unionville examined and approved. September 16th. 1857. O. M. Johnson, Moderator.
Oct 18. 1857.
Session met at the call of the moderator before service. Present N. E. Pierson, Mod. P. C. Hanford, M. S. Hayne + L. H. Truex, Elders. The trustees having been invited, were present as follows. S. Christie and S. M. Coykendall. The Pastor gave that notice that it was his intention to apply t the next meeting of the Presbytery of Hudson for a dissolution of the pastoral relation now existing between himself + this people. Whereupon, the Pastor was request to communicate this intention to the congregation this A. M. + also request them to appoint a commission to represent them at the meeting of Presbytery. Elder L. H. Truex was appointed by the Session to attend the meeting of Presbytery + also the Synod of N. Y. + N. J. Adjourned. N. E. Pierson, Mod.
Oct 31. 1857.
Session met according to previous notice, after preparatory lecture. Present N. E. Pierson, Mod. P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex, M. S. Hayne, Elders. Began with prayer. The following persons presented letters of dismission + recommedation, requesting to be admitted to the communion of this church; viz. Joseph Chandler from the 1st Presbyterian Church (O. S.) of Westtown, B. Decker, + Levinia his wife, Jonathan B. + A. H. Decker, their sons from the Presbyterian Church of Westtown. Mr. I. Swift + R L. his wife, A. L. Swift their daughter, + Mrs. Hannah Dimmick from the Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis, Mrs. Gamaliel Russel, Alletta his wife, + Miss Mary their daughter. Their request was granted. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer.
April 1st 1858
Session met pursuant to public notice. Present. R. M. Humphreys, P.R. P. C. Hanford, M. S. Hayne, Levi H. Truex, Elders. Began with prayer. Nathan S. Purdy, Asa Kinner, Thomas Carcy, Sarah J. Doty, Ella Decker, Charity J. Casterlin, Sarah A. Jennings, Frances J. Russell, Amanda Van Fleet, Caroline Van Fleet, Anne A. Thompson, Harriet G. Thompson, Caroline Schoonover, Melissa Christie, Anne M. Harrison, Harriet Casterlin, Sarah A. Ryle, William J. Smith, presented themselves before the Session and desired admission into this church. After due examination, Session adjourned util the following evening. Concluded with prayer. R. G. E. Humphreys, Mod.
April 2d 1858
Session met according to adjournment all the members being present. In addition to the persons who presented themselves on the previous evening, the following sought admission to the Church. David Foster, William B. Russell, Geo. H. Casterlin, Sarah C. Hanford, Harriet N. Hanford, George W. Dimmick, Isaac Swift, Junr., Oscar Elmer, Wm. W. Elmer, Jonathan Middaugh, Esther J. Middaugh, Uriah M. Terry, Mary Yities. After a careful examination on Christian doctrine + experimental religion Session adjourned to meet at the call of the moderator. Concluded with prayer. R. G. E. Humphrys, Modr.
April 16 1858
Session met at Call of Moderator. Present R. G. E. Humphreys, P.R., P. C. Hanford, M. S. Hayne, Levi H. Truex, Elders. Opened with prayer. After mature consultation it was voted that the persons who had been examined with reference to admission to the church, on the evening of 1st + 2d of April, be received at the next communion. Mrs. Arminda Decker presented a letter of dismission and recommendation from the 1st Presb. Chh., Port Jervis, and desired admission to this church. Her request was granted. R. G. E. Humphreys, Mod.
After preparatory lecture, April 17 1858, Session met and appointed Elder P. C. Hanford a delegate to Presbytery of Hudson, to meet at Washingtonville Tuesday, April 2d.
April 18 1858. The persons whose names appear on page 20 of this record were this day received into the church, excepting Asa Rinner who has since united with the Baptist Church, Jonathan Middaugh and Harriet Casterlin who were absent.
Thus far in the Presbytery examined and approved. Florida, September 22nd. 1858. E. R. Fairchild, Modr.
Rev. H. F. Wasdworth commenced his ministry with this Parish December 1858 and was installed by the Presbytery of Hudson May 14th 1859.
Jan 18th 1859
Session met according to previous notice. (Present) H. F. Wadsworth. Modr – by invitation. P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex, Elders. The meeting was opened with prayer. Letters of dismission and recommendation were granted to Mr. James L. Carpenter and wife to join the Presbyterian church of Middletown of which the Rev. Mr. Leggett is Pastor. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. H. F. Wadsworth, Modr.
June 4th 1859
Session met according to previous notice. Present. H. F. Wadsworth, Modr. P. C. Hanford, L. H. Truex, Elders. The meeting was opened with prayer. The following persons presented letters of dismission and recommendation requesting to be admitted to the communion of this church. Mr. Jesse Owen and Emily B. his wife from the Mariner’s Church, N. Y. Mr. Asa Smith and Sarah his wife from the First Presbyterian church Wantage NJ. Mr. Abram Purdy and his wife and their daughter Ms. Beercole from the Presbyterian church at Westtown, also at the same time a letter of dismission and recommendation was granted to Miss Sarah E. Kyle to join the 1st Presbyterian church at Wantage NJ. Adjourned – Concluded with Prayer. H. F. Wadsworth Modr.
September 18th 1859
Session met at the call of the Moderator after Divine service and appointed Levi H. Truex to attend the meeting of Presbytery at Circleville Sept 20th. H. F. Wadsworth Modr.
Thus far in the Presbytery examined and approved. Circleville, September 21st 1859. Edsall Femir Moderator.
December 1st 1859
Session met according to previous notice. Present H. F. Wadsworth (Moderator) Peter C. Hanfford, Levi H. Truex, elders. Marcus L. Hayne, absent. Opened with prayer. Letters of dismission and recommendation were granted to Mr. Charles Van Fleet and his wife, Mrs. Mary Van Fleet to join the First Presbyterian church at Middletown Orange Ct. NY. Closed with prayer.