The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville Used the Pelhamville Train Station for Services in 1878

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The Union Sabbath-School Society was a predecessor organization to the Congregational Church of North Pelham.  The Congregational Church of North Pelham, organized in 1888, no longer exists.

Although the organization formally known as "Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville" was incorporated as a religious organization on July 20, 1878, its origins date back to 1876.  That year, a group of Pelhamville residents organized to provide "instruction in Christian education" to their children.  The group asked Eli Trott and Jared Macy of the Children's Aid Society in New York to help them organize "a Sunday school that would be Christian and at the same time non-sectarian."  The organization was formally incorporated with Eli Trott, Superintendent; S. B. Carlisle, Assistant Superintendent; Alex B. Macy, Secretary; and Jared Macy, Treasurer.  

I have written before about the history of the Union Sabbath School.  See: 

Fri., Apr. 18, 2014:  The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.  

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926. 

Mon., Sep. 21, 2009:  January 1882 Account of the 1881 Christmas Festival Held at the Union Sabbath School in Pelhamville. 

Mon., Aug. 24, 2009:  1878 Advertisement for Services of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.

The organization provided more broadly for the spiritual needs of Pelhamville residents than merely Sunday School for the youngsters.  It arranged for revolving appearances of local church ministers from Mount Vernon and Pelham Manor to deliver sermons to the congregation.  Early services and Sunday School gatherings were held in the parlor of the home of Mr. Richard Sherwood of Pelhamville.  

At first, there were "sixteen scholars and teachers" in the Sunday School.  Within about eighteen months, however, that number had grown to eighty and Mr. Sherwood's parlor could no longer accommodate the crowds.  On nice days, the congregation held Sunday school and church services "in the open fields."  By April, 1878, members of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville were engaged in extensive fundraising activities and were beseeching other local congregations to help them raise the funds necessary to build a small chapel.

At about this time, the organization was able to arrange the use of the Pelhamville Depot on the New Haven Line during the month of June for Sunday School in the afternoon and for Sunday services in the evening.  The organization placed advertisements in The Chronicle, a Mount Vernon newspaper, indicating that Sunday School would be held in the train station at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday in June and that various local ministers would preach sermons in the train station at 7:30 p.m. under the following schedule:

June 2:  Rev. Dr. Hiscox of Mount Vernon.
June 9:  Rev. Dr. Henry Randall Wait of Pelham Manor.
June 16:  Rev. A. C. Bowdish of Mount Vernon.
June 23:  Rev. M. H. Hutton of Mount Vernon.
June 30:  Sabbath School Concert.

This is another example of Pelham institutions supporting local citizens who sought to organize and grow local religious organizations.  Various such organizations used not only the Pelhamville Train Depot, but also local barns, and even the Pelham Picture House after that movie theater was built.  Though the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville no longer exists, it remains an important part of the early history of the tiny community once known as Pelhamville.

One of the Only Known Depictions of the Tiny

Pelhamville Depot Where Members of The

Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville

Held Sunday School and Sabbath Services in

June, 1878.  Source:  January 16, 1886 Issue of

Scientific American, "A Remarkable Railroad Accident."

NOTE: Click on Images to Enlarge.

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NOTE:  Click on Image To Enlarge.  Text,

Citation and Link to Original Immediately Below.

"UNION GOSPEL SERVICES.
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THE UNION SABBATH-SCHOOL SOCIETY of Pelhamville, will hold SABBATH SERVICES, every Sabbath in June, at the Pelhamville Depot, at 7:30 o'clock, P.M.  Preaching services as follows:  June 2d, Rev. Dr. Hiscox, of Mount Vernon.  June 9th, Rev. Dr. Waite, of Pelham Manor.  June 16th, Rev. A. C. Bowdish, of Mount Vernon.  June 23d, Rev. M. H. Hutton, of Mount Vernon.  Services of Song the first half hour.  Singing from Moody and Sankey books.  Sabbath School Concert June 30.  Several Sabbath-school workers will be present and address the school.  The Sabbath-school connected with this Society will be held every Sabbath afternoon at 3 o'clock.  We give a cordial invitation to all to attend these free services."

Source:  UNION GOSPEL SERVICES [Advertisement], The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 21, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 457, p. 3, col. 1.  

Map of Pelhamville Published in 1868. Source:

Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity from

Actual Surveys By and Under the Direction of

F.W. Beers, Assisted By A.B. Prindle & Others, pg.

36 (NY, NY: Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868) (Detail from

Page 36 Map Entitled "Town of New Rochelle,

Westchester Co., N.Y. (With) Pelhamville).

NOTE:  Click on Link to Enlarge.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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A Description of Churches in the Pelhams Published in 1913

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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Local churches have played a critical role in the development of our community.  Consequently, the histories of our local churches serve an important role in understanding the history of the Town of Pelham.  Moreover, those church histories continue to evolve.  Witness the recent announcement of the merger of the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham Manor with the Church of Saint Catharine's in the Village of Pelham with both parishes continuing to celebrate masses and sacraments at both churches and Our Lady of Perpetual Help serving as the parish church.

On December 20, 1913, The Pelham Sun published a lengthy article detailing the early histories of several churches and church-related institutions in Pelham including the Church of Saint Catharine (referenced throughout the article, erroneously, as "St. Catherine's"), the Congregational Church that began as The Union Sunday School, and the Ladies' Guild of the Church of the Redeemer.  The brief histories, together with a series of interesting photographs, serve as a fascinating snapshot of the early development of a number of Pelham churches and church-related organizations.  

I have written extensively about Pelham Churches and their histories.  For examples, see the lengthy list of postings, with links, at the end of today's article.  

Saint Catharine's in April, 2011.

Source:  Wikipedia.

Immediately below is the text of the article published in 1913 regarding the histories of various Pelham churches and church-related institutions.  

"Churches in the Town -- Various Denominations
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St. Catherine's R. C. Church
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St. Catherine's R. C. Church in North Pelham from a small beginning has developed into a strong parish under the active and wise leadership of its rector, the Very Rev. Mons. Francis McNichol.

St. Catherine's was originally a part of St. Gabriel's Parish of New Rochelle.

The first church was built in 1896 by the Rev. John Kellner on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Farrell.

On December 8, 1897, Pelham was made a parish, and the Rev. Francis McNichol, who was born in Kingston, N. Y., but at that time stationed in New York, was appointed pastor.

When he arrived, the church was a little wooden structure, mortgaged up to the roof.  Now, just look at the building here reproduced, nay, not one building but many buildings, a complex of beautiful architecture and especially fit for the purposes for which they were intended.  

Having built the edifice, he completed the interior furnishings.  His relative, Senator James McNichol, of Philadelphia, Pa., came to his assistance by providing a magnificent organ, and Mrs. McNichol gave one of the altors [sic].  The Stations of the Cross, Sanctuary, Lamps, etc., were donated by others.

Later more land was purchased and the rectory was built in 1899.  The parish now has a frontage on both First and Second avenues.

In 1903 the Lyceum was erected and the money to pay for it was presented to the rector by his personal friend, the late Adrian Iselin, Sr.  Mr. A. G. C. Fletcher was the architect and Peter Doern had the building contract.

The large convent was built in 1906, and the Sisters of St. Francis took possession of it December 8, 1906.  The Sister Superioress is Sister Amelia, a charming lady of brilliant education and executive ability.  

In February, 1907, the Grammar School, with its eight grades, graduating into High School, was opened.  Now more than one hundred scholars attend the parish school.  The Sisters are regularly graduated teachers with State diplomas.

In 1908 the present church, a Gothic structure, cruciform in shape was erected, and on Noveber 8, 1909, it was dedicated by his Excellency, Archbishop Aversa, Papal Delegate to Cuba and Porto Rico.  Two Archbishops and many prominent men of the clergy and laity gracced the occasion by their presence.  Among the latter were Adrian Iselin, Sr., Supreme Court Justice Keogh, William E. Iselin and John George Beresford.  

The present Trustees of St. Catherine's are Daniel J. Kennedy and William Barry.

The parish incudes the three Pelhams.

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Congregational Church
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Historic retrospection reveals the fact that the plans of the Almighty are like the lilies, pure and white; in due season they will unfold.  The shut leaves of the Divine plans concerning men, nations and organizations cannot be torn apart by human intelligence.  Time alone reveals the outermost series of the flower of the Divine plans, in which the possibilities and probabilities of the fabric of human organizations are bound up and which grow into considerable proportions.  An organization, however insignificant and poor in the beginning and with a building not at all inviting or pleasing to the sense of esthetic beauty, and possessing no other ornaments than the dew drops of the early morning to gild its spire, belfry tower and slanting roof, is often a more noble spectacle in the eye of Providence than the loftiest and most beautifully ornamented cathedral or edifice, for within the sacred confines of such a building are found the men and women, the stuff out of which heroes and heroines are made; men and women who make history, and who place themselves in a position, frame of mind and attitude to be the mediums through which the Almighty unfolds His plans.  A perusal of church records reveal in a measure the unfolding of the Divine plans in relation to the Church of the Covenant, Congregational in North Pelham, New York.

On the 29th day of August, 1875, 29 persons met and organized themselves into an organization called The Union Sunday School.  Mr. Jared Macey, of East Chester, was the temporary chairman and Eli Trott was made the permanent presiding officer and Superintendent of the Sunday School; S. B. Carlisle, of New York City, was Clerk.  The committee on drafting a set of by-laws and constitution for the school comprised S. B. Carlisle, John Clark, Richard Sherwood, and Alexander Macey.  S. B. Carlisle was Assistant Superintendent  of the School; Anna B. Macey, Secretary; Jared Macey, Treasurer; Anna W. Strathan, Superintendent and teacher of the primary department; John Clark, Librarian.  The Trustees of the school were E. Trott, John Clark, W. H. Penfield, C. M. Lyon, William Brinkerhoff and Richard Sherwood.  The songs sung were from the Moody and Sankey books.  The teachers were from out of town and were conveyed in a vehicle from Mt. Vernon, for which the sum of from three to five dollars per load was paid.  The funds of the school were placed in the Metropolitan Savings Bank in New York City, from which all bills were paid by check.

This nucleus of people was somewhat prophetic in vision, seeing the far side of near things and the near side of far things and the near side of far things, namely, the building of human character for time and eternity.  They believed that the human mind, however, enriched by and with secular acquisition, and strengthened by exercise, and yet, unaccompanied by an ardent and sensitive heart, might be a sort of light, with which to illumine other minds in secular things.  But it could not inspire.  It might shed a cold, moonlight radiance upon the path of human life, but it couldn't set free the ice-bound fountain of love to God and man within the human breast; it couldn't warm the human flower of love toward man as brother toward brother, and make it bloom.  They believed that if a hundred thousand men could employ themselves in constructing a pyramidal tomb for their dead Egyptian king, they could organize themselves into an organization known as the Church of Christ, and erect for their living King, Jesus, a living temple, a house of worship in which to constantly offer Him their tribute of praise, and make it possible for the ingathering of others in the future, to improve in morals and character, and shape their eternal destiny.  Thus, in the year 1880, the church building was erected, and, on the seventh day of October, 1888, a meeting of this mucleate, known as the Union Sunday School of Pelhamville, N. Y., discussed the promotion of a church organization, and at an adjourned meeting on the second day of November 1888, at which 21 persons were present, they resolved themselves by a unanimous vote into the organization which is known to-day as the Church of the Covenant, Congregational, with the proviso that the Church of the Covenant, Congregational, should assume and pay all debts of the Union Sunday School, which amounted to one thousand dollars.  On June 12, 1895, the Church of the Covenant, Congregational, was incorporated, and the committee on incorporation was as follows:  Mr. T. R. Scott, George Glover, John J. Fairchild, William S. Algie and Edward Patterson.  The trustees were J. R. Scott, W. S. Algie, Alexander Anderson, E. A. Patterson and I.C. Hill.

The stated and regular pulpit supplies and ministers were as follows:  Henry Randall Wait, in 1888; S. W. Laidler, in 1892 to 1893; Rev. Henry W. Brown and Rev. A. H. Robertson, in 1894; Rev. F. B. Kellog, in 1901; Rev. R. G. Goddard, 1902; Rev. I. E. Smith, in 1903; Reverends Wayland Spaulding and George Avery alternating morning and evening from 1904 to 1910.  The present incumbent, Rev. C. Conal MacKay, D. D., arrived on the ground, by invitation of the New York State Home Missionary Society, September 18, 1910, with a view to placing the church in a position to call and maintain a resident pastor, change the church to a new location, and erect and new and better church edifice for the growing people of the community, and better facilities for the religious and social functions of the present organization.

A thorough reorganization of the church took place in all the societies of the institution, and on the 26th day of October, 1910, the present pastor was unanimously called to the pastorate, and on the 16th day of November, 1910, the church authorized the change of location and purchase of the new site, known as lot number 34, situate on the corner of Central and Maple avenues, in Chester Park, North Pelham, N. Y.  The Rev. C. Conal Mackay, D. D., and George F. Meinecke, with Rev. Chas Shelton, of the Home Missionary Society of New York State, as a committee, selected the site.  Already, through the solicitation of the pastor, stones neough have been donated by Mr. Miller, President of the New York, Westchester and Boston R. R. Company, with which to erect a new building, for which plans and specifications have been drawn.  

Lack of money prevented the beginning of the new church building, but the outlook is bright this coming spring and plans are being put into action at this time for that purpose.

The Trustees of the church comprise nine men, Mr. George F. Meinecke being President; Alexander Calderwood, Treasurer; E. F. Griffin, Secretary; and the stated meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.  Two auditors are appointed yearly and are Mr. George Meinecke and Mr. E. F. Griffin, who pass upon all accounts of all societies in the church.  The deacons are two in number, Mr. George F. Meinecke and Mr. Charles T. Johnston.  The clerk of the church is Miss Charlotte Kurtze; Treasurer, Alexander Calderwood; Organist, George Lambert; Assistant Organist, Mrs. Charles Butler.  The church supports financially seven benevolent societies of the Congregational denomination, as well as others outside the denomination.  

The Ladies' Auxiliary is a valued financial and social adjunct to the church, and has for its President, Mrs. Belle Foatelle; Mrs. M. A. Calderwood, Vice-President; Mrs. E. F. Griffin, Secretary; Miss Charlotte Kurtze, Treasurer.

Another most helpful social and financial adjunct to the church is the Young People's Dramatic Club, which presents a number of entertainments during the year, to the enjoyment of all who attend, is under the guiding eye and instruction of the pastor.

The Sunday School has on its roll 118 members, and its quarters are too cramped to admit of many more members.  The church services begin one hour later in the morning than the Sunday School, which is the hour of eleven, and in the evening at 7.45, and the seating capacity is nearly taken up at each service.  The morning service at 11 o'clock is most unique, in that a very large number of the Sunday School scholars are the attendants, the adults attending the evening service.  Miss Dorothy Kurtze is the pianist for the Sunday School, Mr. Meinecke is Superintendent, and Mr. Clarence McDonald is Assistantable , and Lucien Buchanan is acting secretary and treasurer.  The school songs are up-to-date, and many of them are from the old music masters of the school of classics.

One of the most indefatigable workers in all the societies of the church is Mrs. M. A. Calderwood, whose labor of love for the church and all with whom she comes in contact is as colossal as her figure and is the moving spirit among the old and the young alike.  The church has in vogue at the celebration of the Lord's Supper the individual communion cup, purchased by popular subscription, through the kindly efforts of Mr. E. F. Griffin.  The church has about 150 parishioners which includes those who attend the morning and evening service; 63 members have been received into church fellowship during the past three years.  The church maintains a praise and prayer service each Wednesday evening at 7.45 and has for a regular attendance about thirty-two worshippers.

This briefly culled historic narrative would be incomplete without mention of the name of the late Mrs. John T. Logan.  She was President of the Ladies' Aid in the year 1901 and up to her death in 1909.  Her motive in uniting with and working for the Congregational Church, in every aspect, was the public good universally and eternally recognized as being the noblest motive within the human breast.  She served the church wisely and well, and with that fidelity to service that cultivates the peace and virtues of a devout and holy life, which receives the approbation of God.

It is a common experience that the people have a conscious want of leaders, and that they are not particular in the choice of their leaders, and that [illegible] leadership in the hands of inferior individuals are fraught with mischief, and that the smaller the individual unqualification for leadership, the greater the mischief; and that the greatest part of humanity lives by faith in good leaders who are so few and far between.  It was no mistake, either by human or Divine selection, when Mrs. John T. Logan was made President of the Ladies' Aid, the Boys' Brigade and a leader among all the people in the church, for when the question arose as to how this and that should be done, and the means provided for the doing, the answer was forthcoming:  'I know of but one person who can help us out of our plight, and that is Mrs. Logan.'  She was a born leader, but she believed that her Christian exaltation was greater than leadership, for leadership implies the mere glorification of self, while Christian exaltation iplies a useful mission to be fulfilled, which is a fountain head fro which blessings flow unto others.

The noble work which she did for the Congressional Church was recognized in memoriam by the erection of the alcove to the church where stands the sacred desk upon which the Holy Bible rests and from which is expounded the truths which inspire such splendid leadership and Christian qualifications exemplified her Devine Master, Jesus.

REV. C. CONAL MACKAY, D.D.

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History of the Ladies' Guild
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During the first week of September, 1903, Miss Josephine Offinger and Miss Louise Minard met at the home of Mrs. David Lyon and formed an organization called 'The Young People's Society.'  They elected the following officers:  President, Mrs. David Lyon; Secretary, Miss Josephine Offinger; Treasurer, Miss Louise Minard.

In a few weeks the membership increased to twenty-five.  The name was later changed to that of 'Ladies' Guild of the Church of the Redeemer.'

The objects of the guild are to assist the church in a social and financial way, and to take charge of charity work needed in the village.  To this end, the guild has always acted as one concerted body, obtaining funds by holding bazaars, cake sales, socials, concerts, dinners, etc.

Through the efforts of the society, about $500 was contributed to the organ fund, a new piano was bought for the Parish House, the memorial altar to the late Rev. Dr. C. W. Bolton was given, and also a set of altar cloths and communion linens.

Moneys have been given to the renovation of church property and to the support of the church, assistance has been given to the needy, flowers or fruit sent to the sick, and for a few years  a Christmas Tree has been given to the Sunday School.  Donation parties at Thanksgiving time have been held up to within the last two years.

The guild is concentrating its efforts towards a building fund for a new Parish House and has over $1,200 in bank for that purpose.  

Five marriages have taken place among members, each bride being favored with a 'shower' of gifts fro the guild and friends.

The guild has lost thirty-five members by removal and two by death since its organization.

The members who joined the society in its infancy are still active members.  It is the oldest church organization in North Pelham.  The officers for the present year are:  President, Mrs. David Lyon; Vice-President, Mrs. Edward C. Logan; Secretary, Mrs. I. C. Hill; Treasurer, Miss J. Offinger; Treasurer of Charity Work, Mrs. Ellsworth Totten.

Those interested in our church and its work, and not connected with any other church organizations in the village, are most cordially invited to join us.  We meet the first Wednesday evening of each month in the Parish House on Fourth avenue, North Pelham.  

Mrs. I. C. HILL,
Secretary."

Source:  Churches in the Town -- Various Denominations, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1913, p. 3, cols. 1-5.  

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Below is a list of examples of previous articles I have published on the Historic Pelham Blog regarding the various churches of The Pelhams.

Mon., Mar. 07, 2005:  What is That Bell Resting on a Stone Pedestal in Front of the Richard J. Daronco Townhouse at 20 Fifth Avenue?

Mon., Jul. 25, 2005:  The Columbarium at Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham Manor.

Fri., Oct. 21, 2005:  Christ Church Dedicated its Columbarium in 1943 As Part of Its Centennial Celebration.

Tue., Dec. 06, 2005:  The Origins of St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church in the Village of Pelham, New York.

Fri., Jan. 27, 2006:  Lectures to Raise Money to Build the "Huguenot Memorial Forest Church" Building in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Mar. 2, 2006:  A Lecture in 1877 to Raise Money for the New Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Jun. 29, 2006:  A Biography of Lewis Gaston Leary, Early 20th Century Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham.

Wed., Oct. 25, 2006:  A Biography of the Rev. Henry Randall Waite, Ph. D., a 19th Century Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Wed., Nov. 08, 2006:  The Time Capsule in the Cornerstone of the Church of the Redeemer in the Village of North Pelham.

Wed., Dec. 20, 2006: A Brief History of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester Published in 1907.

Mon., Jan. 01, 2007:  Dating an Undated Glass Lantern Slide Showing the Little Red Church (Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church).  

Fri., Jan. 05, 2007:  The Early Years of Grace Church, City Island -- Once a Church in Pelham.

Wed., Feb. 28, 2007 Lord Cornbury Installs John Bartow as Rector of the Parish of Westchester, Eastchester, Yonkers and the Manor of Pelham in 1702.

Tue., May 08, 2007:  Rev. Francis Asbury, Methodist Minister, Preaches in Pelham in 1772.

Fri., Jun. 15, 2007:  Photograph of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester Published in 1914.

Tue., Jun. 19, 2007:  A Brazen Burglary at The Little Red Church in 1904.

Mon., Aug. 06, 2007:  1714 Letter Reporting on the Establishment of the Church at East Chester Built in 1692.

Wed., Aug. 8, 2007:  A Description of an Eyewitness Account of Interior of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester During the Revolutionary War.

Mon., Aug. 13, 2007:  1865 Comments of Rev. William Samuel Coffey of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester Regarding the Tenure of Rev. Robert Bolton of Pelham.

Wed., Aug. 15, 2007:  Plan of Pews in St. Paul's Church 1790.

Thu., Aug. 16, 2007:  Biographical Data About Rev. Charles Eliphalet Lord Who Served as Acting Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1874-79.

Fri., Aug. 31, 2007:  Announcement of the First Services Held in the Little Red Church of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church on July 9, 1876.

Thu., Sep. 6, 2007:  Information About St. Paul's Church, the Battle of Pelham and Other Revolutionary War Events Near Pelham Contained in an Account Published in 1940.

Wed., Sep. 12, 2007:  Announcement of Planned Construction of St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church in Pelhamville in 1895.

Thu., Sep. 13, 2007:  Dedication of St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church in the Village of Pelham in 1896.

Tue., Sep. 18, 2007:  Installation of the First Full-Time Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor in 1877.

Fri., Sep. 21, 2007:  The Ringing of the Bell of St. Paul's Church of Eastchester on the 100th Anniversary of the First Service in the Stone Church.

Thu., Nov. 08, 2007:  Brief History of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester Published in 1886.

Thu., Mar. 26, 2009:  Excerpt from Book Published in 1860 Provides Memories of Sundays at St. Paul's Church Before 1838.

Fri., Aug. 14, 2009:  The Consecration of the Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel at Christ Church in Pelham Manor on April 28, 1887.

Mon., Aug. 24, 2009:  1878 Advertisement for Services of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.

Fri., Dec. 25, 2009 1906:  Christmas Day Celebration at Christ Church in Pelham.

Sat., Jan. 25, 2014:  Putting the Finishing Touches on the Lovely New Church in Pelhamwood in 1923.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Thu., Mar. 6, 2014:  An Account of the Dedication of the Little Red Church at Four Corners on July 9, 1876.

Wed., Apr. 9, 2014:  Brief History of St. Catharine's Parish Published in 1927.

Thu., Apr. 17, 2014:  More on the Lutheran Congregation that Met in the Pelham Picture House During the 1920s.

Fri., Apr. 18, 2014:  The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.

Thu., Jul. 23, 2015:  The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

There is a curious but lovely stone home that stands at 45 Maple Avenue in Chester Park in the Village of Pelham.  Though flat-roofed, it has stunning pointed-arch windows reminiscent of a church.  They are reminiscent of a church because the building originally was built to serve as a church.  Indeed, the structure served as a church for a very short time.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog will provide a little history about the church building that eventually was converted into this beautiful home.

Home at 45 Maple Avenue in Chester Park, Showing

the Stonework and the Pointed-Arch Windows.

Photograph Taken in 2003 by the Author.  Note:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

Home at 45 Maple Avenue in Chester Park from

a Different Angle.  The Facade Depicted in the

First Photograph Above May Be Seenn on the

Far Right Side in this Photograph Taken in

2003 by the Author.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

More Recent Google Maps "Street View" Image of the Home

at 45 Maple Avenue in Chester Park, Showing Home in

May, 2012.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge. 

Early History of the Church of the Covenant, Congregational in Pelhamville

There once stood in Pelhamville a beautiful little church known officially as the "Church of the Covenant, Congregational."  The Church evolved out of "The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville" (also known as "The Union Sunday School") founded in 1875.  The church itself was organized in 1888.  Informally, the Church of the Covenant, Congregational was known as both the Church of the Covenant and the Congregational Church.  I have written extensively about the little Church of the Covenant, Congregational.  See, e.g.:

Tue., Jan. 20, 2015:  The Precise Location of the Congregational Church as Shown on a Map Published in 1908.

Wed., Nov. 19, 2014:  Rare Early Image of the Congregational Church of North Pelham in the Early 20th Century.

Tue., May 6, 2014:  More on the History of the Congregational Church of North Pelham.

Fri., Apr. 18, 2014:  The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Mon., Sep. 21, 2009:  January 1882 Account of the 1881 Christmas Festival Held at the Union Sabbath School in Pelhamville. 

Mon., Aug. 24, 2009:  1878 Advertisement for Services of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.

Tue., Mar. 7, 2006:  The Church of the Covenant of Pelhamville Organized in 1888.

During the Autumn of 1888, twenty-two local residents organized what first was called the "Church of the Covenant of Pelhamville".  Members of the congregation claimed that the church was the first Congregational Church organized in Westchester County, New York.  

The church was a "direct outgrowth" of the Union Sunday School Society organized on August 29, 1875.  The first pastor to serve was the Rev. Henry Randall Waite, a member of the Pelham Manor Protective Club. 

In 1880, the Union Sunday School Society built a tiny frame chapel on Second Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets. An image of a post card depicting that chapel appears immediately below.

Obverse of Undated Real Photo Post Card (RPP) Showing

"CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. NO. PELHAM, N.Y." Circa 1910.

Source: eBay Auction Listing for the Post Card.

As the post card above demonstrates, the tiny little clapboard structure was a country chapel surrounded by a white picket fence. 

By 1910, the tiny little church was in need of repair and was no longer large enough to serve the congregation.  In connection with a "reorganization" of the church and its affiliated societies, on October 26, 1910 a new pastor, Rev. C. Conal Mackay, was called to the pastorate.  Three weeks later, on November 16, 1910, the congregation authorized the construction of a new church building at a new location:  Lot 34 on the corner of Maple Avenue and Central Avenue in Chester Park, Village of North Pelham.  The site for the new church building was selected by a committee consisting of the new pastor,  D. D. Meinecke, George F. Meinecke, and Rev. Chas Shelton of the Home Missionary Society of New York State.

Rev. Mackay approached the President of the New York, Westchester and Boston Railroad Company and asked for the donation of stones from the construction of the new railroad through Pelham to serve as the stones with which to build the new church.  By 1913, enough stones had been donated by the railroad that plans and specifications for the construction of the new church were prepared.  See Churches in the Town -- Various Denominations, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1913, p. 3, cols. 1-5.

For several years, the congregation lacked the money to build the small church.  Slowly, however, the money was raised to build a church not quite as grand as originally hoped.  By the spring of 1916, the building was sufficiently complete to permit the first worship service.  On June 21, 1916, the congregation held its first service in the new church building.  

According to a brief history of the church published in 1946, the "congregation worshipped there until 1920, at which time the property was sold and the church disbanded."  Thereafter, the structure was converted to a home and has been used as such since.  Research has not yet revealed any photograph of the structure during the brief four-year period it was used as a church.

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More on the History of the Congregational Church of North Pelham

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I have written before about the history of the Congregational Church of North Pelham that was organized by a group known as the Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.  For examples, see:

Fri., Apr. 18, 2014:  The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.  

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.  

Mon., Sep. 21, 2009:  January 1882 Account of the 1881 Christmas Festival Held at the Union Sabbath School in Pelhamville.

Mon., Aug. 24, 2009:  1878 Advertisement for Services of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.  

The Congregational Church of North Pelham was so important in the early history of the Village that a brief history of the Church appeared on the first page of the very first issue of The Pelham Sun (Vol. I, No. 1) published on April 10, 1910.  Transcribed below is the text of that article, followed by a citation to its source.

 Map of Pelhamville Published in 1868.

Source: Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity from

Actual Surveys By and Under the Direction of F.W.Beers, 

Assisted By A.B. Prindle & Others, pg. 36 (NY, NY:

Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868) (Detail from Page 36 Map Entitled 

"Town of New Rochelle, Westchester Co., N.Y. (With) Pelhamville).

"CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORTH PELHAM
-----

The Congregational Church of North Pelham, situated on Second Avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets, and a picture of which appears above, was organized in October, 1896, with twenty-two members, and was an outgrowth of the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.  

The original incorporators as given on the records are as follows:  Rev. Henry Randall [Waite,] Mrs. Waite, Thomas R. Scott, Mrs. Thomas R. Scott, Thomas Borthwick, Mrs. R. Pearson, David Lyon, Mrs. David Lyon, S.M. Quailey, Marion C. Borthwick, George Marr, George Borthwick, Marion Borthwick, William S. Algie, Margaret Algie, John H. Maugh, Mrs. John H. Maugh and Miss Ella Maugh.

Dr. Waite served the church for a short time while a resident of Pelham Manor after which the Rev. S. W. Laidler assumed the pastorate.  The Rev. Henry M. Brown now of Mount Hope Congregation Church Bronx served the church most acceptably until going to his new post.  His successor was the Rev. A.A. Robertson who occupied the pulpit for a few months.  The church then extended a call to the Rev. S. B. Kellogg now of Vermont who had just finished his course in Union Theological Seminary and who was ordained by a council of Congregational churches called for the purpose and held at the church on January 14, 1896.  

Mr. Kellogg held the joint pastorate of the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church serving both churches until his resignation in 1902.  Following this a call was extended to the Rev. Reuben I. Goddard now of Passaic N.J. who also held the joint pastorate.  After about a year he resigned his charge here to give his whole time to the work at Mount Vernon Heights.

Our present pastor, the Rev. Wayland Spaulding, came to us in October, 1904, and under his pastorate care the membership has more than doubled.  His sermons are pointed and practical and bear all the marks of careful and prayerful study, with a thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and his interest in all that pertains to the welfare of this curhc is intense.

This church has also been greatly blessed and benefited by the ministration of the Rev. George Avery of Chester Crest Mount Vernon, whose Sunday evening discourses are given to large and interested congregations and who with his large experience amongst men gives many helpful and practical illustrations of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to uplift and save.

The Sunday School is well attended.  The meeting room is now inadequate for its purpose.  Some classes have to use the church proper during the school session.  The superintendent, Mr. I. B. Clegge, is ably supported by an interested staff of officers and teachers.  A new piano of the Weser Bros. make has just been purchased for the Sunday School room and is giving general satisfaction.  A large part of the money for the piano was collected by the children of the Sunday School as an Easter offering.

Many interior improvements have been effected in the church building in recent years.  New carpets, chairs, organ, resetting of the wall back of the pulpit, the railing around the platform, etc.  These improvements were largely the work of the Ladies' Aid Society whose president, Mrs. John T. Logan, recently deceased was deeply interested in all that concerned the welfare of the church.  

The reading desk on the platform was presented to the church some years ago by Mr. and Mrs. John B. Clegg as a memorial of a beloved child.  

The present bell that hangs in the belfry and whose melodious tones are a marked improvement on the former one was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ceder.

This church has had its days of trial and perplexity, its times of stress and travail but in them and through them all its great Heart has never allowed its light to go out nor has it been diverted from the one and only purpose of a true church of Jesus Christ, namely to bring to all men the good news of a full and free salvation through Him from sin here and a blessed fellowship with Him begun here and continued in the hereafter.

The present membership is about 70, and as brethren should, they dwell together in harmony.  

The following gentlemen have served at different periods on the Board of Trustees:  John Fairchild, John T. Logan, H. E. Prindle, Alex Kennedy, William S. Algie, D. B. Algie, and C. E. MacDonald.

The present board consists of the following:  George Glover, president; Thomas R. Scott, John B. Clegg, Kneeland S. Durham, George F. Meinecke and Hubert O. Pettit.

The Deacons are Messrs. George Glover and Thomas R. Scott; clerk, George Glover; treasurer, John B. Clegg; treasurer of benevolent funds, C. E. MacDonald; superintendent of Sunday Schools, John B. Clegg; assistant, G. Glover; secretary and treasurer John Weiss.

Among the Sunday School teachers are John B. Clegg, G. Glover, Frank R. Barnett, C. F. MacDonald, Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Calderwood, Miss Weiss, Mrs. Petit, Miss Rude, Miss Annie Clegg, and Miss Sarah Calderwood.

The officers of the Ladies Aid Society are President Mrs. Clegg, secretary Mrs. Durham, treasurer Miss E. Lyon."

Source:  CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORTH PELHAM, The Pelham Sun [Pelham, NY], Apr. 10, 1910, Vol. I, No. 1, p. 1, cols. 2-3.  

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The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville

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In 1888, the Congregational Church of North Pelham, a church that no longer exists in Pelham, was organized by a group known as the Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville (the church, formed with the assistance of representatives of the American Congregational Union, was known early in its history as the "Church of the Covenant").  The church was disbanded "after a short life."  The Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville, however, had a much longer history.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes two articles that she light on the early histories of the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville and the Church of the Covenant.  The first is a brief article published in 1878 that detailed the first two years of the Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville.  The second is a brief article describing the establishment of the "Church of the Covenant," intended "to succeed the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville."  

I have written about the Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville several times before.  See:  

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.  

Mon., Sep. 21, 2009:  January 1882 Account of the 1881 Christmas Festival Held at the Union Sabbath School in Pelhamville.

Mon., Aug. 24, 2009:  1878 Advertisement for Services of The Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.  

Map of Pelhamville Published in 1868.

Source: Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity from

Actual Surveys By and Under the Direction of F.W.

Beers, Assisted By A.B. Prindle & Others, pg. 36 (NY, NY:

Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868) (Detail from Page 36 Map

Entitled "Town of New Rochelle, Westchester Co., N.Y. (With) Pelhamville).

Since the records of the Congregational Church of North Pelham and the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville have not been located and may no longer exist, an article published in the April 26, 1878 issue of The Chronicle published in Mount Vernon, New York sheds important light on the earliest years of the Union Sabbath School Society.  

Records in the Westchester County Archives make clear that, although the origins of the Society date back to 1876, the organization formally known as "Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville" was incorporated as a religious organization on July 20, 1878.  The incorporation records are available at the Westchester County Archives (Archive No. A-0086(2)S(CB3), Page 392).  It seems that the organization existed until at least 1895 when it conveyed property that it owned in Pelhamville to The Church of the Covenant.  See:  

"Westchester County Conveyances
-----
JULY 31 TO AUGUST 6 -- INCLUSIVE . . . 

PELHAM. . . . 

Union Sabbath School Soc. to The Church of the Covenant, lot 154 w s 2d av, Pelhamville.  1,000"

Source:  Real Estate Record and Builders Guide, Aug. 10, 1895, Vol. LVI, No. 1,430, p. 199, cols. 1-2.

Transcribed below is the brief article published in 1878 addressing the origins of what became the Union Sabbath School of Pelhamville, established by the Union Sabbath School Society.   

"LOCAL NEWS. . . . 

About two years ago the Christian people of Pelhamville, earnestly desiring that their children should receive instruction in Christian education, requested Messrs. Eli Trott and Jared Macy, both connected with the Children's Aid Society in New York, to organize a Sunday school that would be Christian and at the same time non-sectarian, so as to assimulate [sic] the various views of the people as near as possible.  After deep thought on the subject, the Union Sabbath School, of Pelhamville, was organized, with Mr. Eli Trott, Superintendent; Mr. S. B. Carlisle, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Alex. B. Macy, Secretary; Mr. Jared Macy, Treasurer.

Their means being exceedingly limited, they were compelled to meet in the parlor of the house of Mr. Richard Sherwood.  The school consisted, at its commencement, of about sixteen scholars and teachers.  Under the blessing of Providence they now number eighty; and the room that was large enough at first is now altogether too small for their accommodation, and it is rendered absolutely necessary that they procure larger quarters.  In fact, during the past year they have been compelled to hold the session of the Sunday school in the open fields at frequent intervals.  In the event of sickness in Mr. Sherwood's family it would be necessary to hold their Sabbath exercises in the open air.  Feeling deeply that God has called them to a duty that must be performed, they have commenced to look around for assistance from the Christian community surrounding them, to aid them in procuring a larger place to meet in; and in thankfulness to their many friends who have assisted them, they are almost ready to build a chapel.  But more means are still necessary; and one of their friends in New York, the Rev. Albert C. Arnold, of the Church of the Disciples, has kindly volunteered to lecture for their benefit on 'Travel in Europe,' he having returned from an extended European tour.  The lecture will be illustrated by stereopticon views of prominent places visited by him.  The lecture will be delivered in the Chapel of the Reformed Church, Mount Vernon, on Tuesday evening, April 30, 1878.  This lecture has been delivered in the Church of the Disciples, New York, repeatedly, to large audiences.  Tickets may be procured at the following places:  Mrs. D. Ferguson's, Mr. John Berry's, Mr. King's book store, Dr. Gill's drug store, and at the door on the evening of the lecture.  If this effort meets with the success it deserves, the proceeds will materially aid the Union Sabbath School, of Pelhamville, in their endeavor to procure suitable quarters, that are absolutely necessary for their success in this duty that God has called them to perform."

Source:  LOCAL NEWS, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 26, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 449, p. 2, cols. 4-5.  

Immediately below is the text of the second article describing establishment of the Church of the Covenant.

"Pelhamville.

On Thursday of last week, our Pelhamville friends carried to a successful conclusion the organization of a new church society, to be known as the 'Church of the Covenant.'  

At the meeting for organization, Rev. L.H. Cobb, Secretary of American Congregational Union, was chosen Moderator, and Rev. D. Washington Choate, D. D., Second Congregational Church, Greenwich, Conn., Scribe.  The Right Hand of Fellowship was extended by Rev. Dr. J.M. Wheton, of Tremont.

The society numbers 22 members, 19 of whom were present on the above occasion.

This organization is intended to succeed the Union Sabbath School Society of Pelhamville.  The chosen officers are:  

Deacons - David Lyon, Thomas Scott

Trustees - Thos. Scott, W.S. Algie, Thos. Borthwick, E.A. Patterson, David Lyon.

Stated services will be held every Sunday at 3 p.m., and Sunday School at 4 o'clock p.m."

Source:  Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 27, 1888, Vol. XX, No. 1145, p. 3, col. 3.

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