Historic Pelham: Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church Celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 1936

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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A Glass Lantern Slide Created by Pelham Town Historian

William Montgomery Between December 10, 1916 and June 10,

1917. It Depicts the "Little Red Church," the Predecessor

Building to Today's Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian

Church Sanctuary. The Little Red Church was a "Centenary

Church" Opened in July 1876 in Part to Commemorate the

Centennial of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of two brief articles that appeared in The Pelham Sun concerning the celebration. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Huguenot Church Observes 60th Anniversary
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Old Members of Huguenot Memorial Church Honored At 60th Anniversary Fete
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John M. Shinn, Charter Member and Alfred L. Hammett Who Has Been a Member of the Church for 54 Years Are Guests of Honor. Rev. Dr. Lewis Gaston Leary is Speaker.
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More than 150 members and guests of the Huguenot Memorial Church attended a reception held in observance of the 60th anniversary of the church, held in the church house on Monday night [October 5, 1936]. Mr. Alfred L. Hammett, who has been a member of the church for 54 years and Mr. John M. Shinn, the only living charter member of the church, were the guests of honor. Mrs. Hammett, who was also to be honored, was unable to attend.

The Rev. Dr. Lewis Gaston Leary, who was Pastor of the church from 1907 to 1927, was the guest speaker on the program which began with three solos by Miss Margaret Romaine, formerly of the Metropolitan Opera Company. Dr. Leary commended Mr. and Mrs. Hammett and Mr. Shinn on their long period of faithful service to the church. 'They were able to do this work, and their brows are unfurrowed by the cares and strife of life because they have lived with Him for whom we built this church.' said Dr. Leary.

Dr. Leary's address was followed by amusing reminiscenses given by Mr. Hammett and Mr. Shinn.

Following the guest speakers, the Rev. Willard P. Soper, Pastor of the church, read letters from the Rev. Harris E. Adriance, minister of the church, 1890-1895; Rev. Joseph H. Robinson, Minister 1896-1902; Mrs. George William Knox, whose husband was stated supply 1904-1907; Dr. Charles R. Gillett, Mrs. Alfred L. Hammett and a telegram from Rev. and Mrs. William L. Huntsman. Dr. Soper then presented scrolls to Mr. Shinn, only living charter member of the church, and to Mr. and Mrs. Hammett. During the reception, organ selections were played by Mr. Geo. C. Crook, organist of the West Park Presbyterian Church in New York City.

Mr. Shinn, Mr. Hammett and others who had been members of the church more than 15 years, cut into a large, 60-candle birthday cake.

The general committee for the reception included three members of the church session: Mr. Robert M. Morgan, Mrs. Robert I. Dodge and Mr. J. C. Peck; three trustees, Mr. George R. Lord, Mr. William A. Moore and Mr. William O. Ragin; and three members of the Women's Society, Mrs. Arthur Witte, Miss Sophie Elder and Mrs. J. C. Peck.

Those on the receiving line included: Mr. Hammett and his daughter, Miss Anne Hammett, Mr. Shinn, Mrs. L. Brewster Smith, Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Gaston Leary and Dr. and Mrs. Soper.

The decorations were arranged by Mrs. J. D. Currie and Mrs. Lockwood Barr. Mrs. Arthue Witte and Miss Sophie Elder were in charge of refreshments, assisted by Mrs. Forrest M. Anderson, Mrs. Joseph C. Brown, Mrs. David G. Flynn and Mrs. Clarence J. Hicks, who presided over the refreshment table.

The following aided the committee in serving: the Misses Virginia Karl, Marion Moberg, Harriet Maney, Dorothy and Eleanor Wheelock, Ann Ray Smith, Lorraine Gregg, Katherine Roberts, Margaret Prentice, Gladys Kurtzman, Betty Ann Batcheller, Elizabeth Pfodenhaver, Eleanor Soper and Agnes McAliley."

Source: Huguenot Church Observes 60th Anniversary -- Old Members of Huguenot Memorial Church Honored At 60th Anniversary Fete -- John M. Shinn, Charter Member and Alfred L. Hammett Who Has Been a Member of the Church for 54 Years Are Guests of Honor. Rev. Dr. Lewis Gaston Leary is Speaker, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 9, 1936, Vol. 27, No. 27, p. 1, cols. 1-8.

"DEEP IN THE TOWN'S HISTORY.
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In the news of the week comes the interesting announcement of the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the consecration of Christ's Church of Pelham Manor, and a similar announcement of the 60th anniversary of Huguenot Memorial Church.

Both churches have seen the village of Pelham Manor grow from sparsely settled community into a thriving suburban town. Both of these institutions are closely associated with the village history. The men of affairs who conducted village business, came from these churches, and it was because of them and their service that the village of Pelham Manor has read its present high standing.

The 60th anniversary of the Huguenot Memorial Church will pay tribute to two of its members who have been steadfast in their loyalty to the church ever since its founding. To them has been given sixty years of opportunity to serve, as they have rendered signal service through the succession of decades. It is a most happy and unusual thing. A world of memories will crowd into their minds as they tend the commemorative service. Above it all will shine their consideration and loyalty to churchly activities and the nobility of character that has welded them to the church.

One is tempted to indulge in platitudes to express an opinion of such long and devoted service, while knowing them, and the simplicity of their loyalty and devotion, shall join with the members of the congregation in paying homage to their service, knowing that it has been rendered through the year with sincerity of purpose.

John M. Shinn and Alfred L. Hammett, for sixty years members of Huguenot Memorial Church."

Source: DEEP IN THE TOWN'S HISTORY, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 2, 1936, Vol. 27, No. 26, p. 2, cols. 1-2.

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Labels: 1936, 60th Anniversary, Alfred L. Hammett, Anniversary, Church, Churches, Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church, John M. Shinn, Lewis Gaston Leary, Willard P. Soper