"In the year 1828 there resided in
and around Seneca Castle (known then as Castleton) a little company of men and women who
had no church home. They called themselves Methodists. They met and appointed a prayer
meeting in the school house once every two weeks."
(Written by Cynthia Thatcher, only surviving charter member in 1913)
The Presbyterians held revivals in 1831 and 1832. "In this revival of 1832 some of the most desperate characters in Castleton and surrounding country were converted and became members of the churches and there were six young people who chose to unite with the Methodist Society. That year the first sacrament of baptism was held." (From the journal of William Carson, member of the church from 1829-1852.}
The congregation began meeting in the schoolhouse, on the site of the existing building, but soon outgrew it. The decision was made to but the schoolhouse and build on the corner in 1839. The new building was dedicated in 1843.
Some customs that were observed at that time were: the choir was in the back of the congregation, so the people stood and faced the choir when they sang. All the men of the congregation sat on one side of the building and the women on the other. The children sat with their mothers. This changed and the families sat together and the pews were rented. The offering was taken by two men who used their hats instead of plates. Every winter a donation was given to the minister. No minister left Seneca Castle with his salary unpaid.
Alterations and additions have changed the original building, but the heart of the church, the people themselves, has always had the same purpose. To worship and study together, learning more about God's love and how to carry it into the world.
Seneca Castle United
Methodist Church
Buffalo Street, P.O. Box 151, Seneca Castle, NY 14547
Church Phone: 716-526-5513
Parsonage Phone: 716-526-6780
Jerald F. Lipsius, Pastor
PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS 9-NOON
TUES & THURS
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This page last edited 05/09/98 10:50 PM |
