State Street United Methodist Church

Since our beginning in 1809, the members of State Street United Methodist Church have certainly enjoyed a rich and interesting history. Like other local churches, we’ve expanded undergone renovations and changed to meet the demands of the day. The church has also supported missionaries, helped the poor and others in need. Because of our work in Fulton, our congregation has become known as the “Friendly Church”.

While our humble beginning included Fulton’s earliest settlers who mostly came here because of the benefits of trade along our Oswego River, today State Street’s membership is over 600. Through the years our ministers have provided the needs of our growing congregation whether they were performing a wedding, funeral, baptism, or overseeing one of our many church dinners.

Our Church, as we know it today, originally included the members of 1st UMC and was organized when the Rev. Isaac Teller of Cortland, a Methodist circuit rider, arrived in Fulton. At that time, there were only 13 or 14 homes built along the Oswego Falls. Rev Teller held his first meeting for his Methodists at an inn for travelers. Prior to the Rev. Teller’s arrival, another minister, the Rev. Bishop of Sandy Creek had organized meetings in 1803 under leader Daniel Falley. Those meetings were generally held in school houses or portage warehouses.
It is believed that on April 17, 1826 the two ministers, Rev. Teller and Rev. Bishop, merged together and formed the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Volney. By August of that year, the Society was recognized as a separate station with W.W. Rundell named pastor.

The first house of worship for Methodists was built on Oneida Street on land donated by Norman Hubbard. The Church, located near the corner of South Third Street, was dedicated in the Spring of 1830. It was believed to have been the first land in Oswego County for the Methodist denomination.

About this time there was an attempt to establish a society of Methodists on the west side of the Oswego River. When the Congregational Church was formed there, the Methodists gave up their Westside efforts and concentrated with teaching those on the southeast side of the river.

The Society was more successful with their teachings of the southeast residents. On January 8, 1888, after a revival meeting (evangelistic) in the Methodist Episcopal Church, David Calkins decided to visit the “unchurched” people in that part of the city. He spent a week there talking to residents. As a result, on Monday, January 17, the first Methodist prayer meeting was held in upper Fulton in the A.W. Stonebrough’s home, who had a grocery store at First and Broadway. When David Calkins presided at that first prayer meeting, about 50 people attended. Calkins continued to hold meetings for upper Fultonians. Calkins was eventually appointed leader of Class 5 for upper Fulton until the group disbanded in 1893.
The Rev. W. D. Chase, of the Methodist Episcopal Church (1891-92), recommended a building for permanent work in the southern end of town be purchased. A building was subsequently bought on Broadway near Park Street. This was shared with Methodist Protestants. Some years later the building was sold to the Seventh Day Adventists who, at some point, moved the building to a lot they owned at Broadway and Seventh Streets.

The real beginnings of what has become known as State Street occurred in 1893, at the Annual Conference. On that date, Bishop James K. Fitzgerald of New Orleans, Louisiana, recognized the work of the local Methodists and ordered that a minister “be supplied”. Following that conference meeting, which was held in Malone, a prayer meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Osborn. At that prayer meeting the group voted to be organized into a church. The new church group continued to meet in homes under E.R. Redhead’s leadership until a room was secured in the State Street School house. Along with holding services there, Sunday School classes met there.

In the Spring of 1894, the members voted to build a chapel at a cost of $2,500. They had $1,500 pledged immediately and Erwin R. Redhead, president of Victoria Paper Mill, and Forrest G. Weeks, president of Oswego Falls Pulp & Paper Company, gave a lot of 100’ x 200’ on State Street between Fourth and Park. They then broke ground and built the chapel, designed by J.H. Seeber an Oswego architect. The work on this chapel, a beautiful room finished in Georgia Pine with two class rooms adjoining was done by Mr. George J. Emeny. The opening service was held September 30, 1894 with Rev. Dr. Sawyer, editor of the Northern Christian Advocate, which was printed in Syracuse, NY, preaching the dedication sermon.

At that time, Mrs. Flora Davis was charged to “visit the people, invite them to the new chapel services and talk with them regarding their eternal welfare”. She was also appointed to organize the Sunday School, conduct devotional meetings and have the general supervision of the interests of the State Street Chapel. Her efforts made her a very busy woman. Somehow she even found time to begin the church’s Sunday School in 1894 with just six children! Meetings were held on Fridays, just prior to the Friday night Bible Study. After a few meetings, the Sunday School also began to meet on Saturday afternoons. Meanwhile, the Friday Bible study class was soon developed into a Youth Group. The class became known as the Epworth League. It was organized in February 1895 with proper officers. The weekly devotional meetings were held in February 1895 with proper officers. The weekly devotional meetings were held Friday nights until April, when it met on Sunday nights after church services.

A year after the church voted to build a chapel, in April 1895, the church was officially connected to the Methodist Conference. State Street boasted 25 charter members. A milestone for the young church came on May 5, 1895 when the first class was received into the membership of the church. The presiding elder and minister in charge of accepting the first class was Rev. Thomas B. Shepard. He also oversaw the First Quarterly Conference of State Street Methodist Church on May 14.

Later that year, on December 8th, a second class was received, this time by the Rev. Clifton H. Mix, a student at nearby Syracuse University. He became the regularly appointed pastor of State Street Church. For serving as pastor he received $600 a year. In April of the following year, the church, continuing its development, bought a lot just north of the chapel.
Two groups that would become important to the church were the Women’s Foreign Missions and Home Missionary Society. The Missionary Society was formed before 1896 and by 1898 was very active. They sponsored teas, birthday parties, mother and daughter banquets and later Queen Esther, a younger girl’s group.

To help with missionary support, a portion of the Sunday School collection which at the time had organized a Missionary Society, was donated. The school became a Society in 1897.
In April 1897, the Rev. Charles B. Hill was appointed pastor. However, in December of that year, he became a missionary in Burma. So the Rev. W. S. Wright was secured for the remainder of the conference year. At the time the conference year ran April to April. However, Rev. Wright was unable to get a transfer from his own conference, so the church reluctantly released him. After this, the Rev. F.D. Torrey was appointed pastor. He served at State Street form 1889-1902.

About this time, for unknown reasons the church sold its 50’ x 100’ corner lot located at Park and State Streets. The selling price was $850. The following year in April, a lot west of the church was sold for $450. Church records do not stipulate why this land was also sold.

On July 10, 1900, the corner stone for an addition to the chapel was laid. It cost $20,000 to construct the new auditorium which would seat 800 people. Mr. Redhead gave $20,000 for an organ which was given to the Church in his wife’s name. Mrs. Charles Lee was the first organist. The women purchased a window in memory of the first minister. The old chapel became the Sunday School. Dedication took place May 12, 1901, with Rev. George Mains of New York officiating.

To support the church financially, the official board adopted a plan of pledges and weekly envelopes on May 10, 1901. This same method is in use today at State Street. That same year the church decided to provide a house for the minister and the parsonage, which is still used today, was built next to the State Street auditorium along South Fourth Street. To help with the needs of the newly built parsonage, the Ladies Aid Society was established around 1905. This group not only helped with the needs of the minister’s home, but the church as well.
After five years, the Sunday School had grown so much that the current quarters were just too small. So a basement was added to the old chapel around 1906 under the leadership of the Rev. Samuel D. Robinson whose tenure at State Street was 1902-1906.

In 1907, serving as pastor was the Rev. J. W. Miller. However, he was only at State Street a brief time as he became a missionary in Mexico. After he left, the Rev. Frederick Miller arrived and called State Street his home for six years. During his time here, it was said “extensive improvements were made in the Sunday School room and the auditorium was redecorated.”

The Boy Scouts also found a gathering place at State Street. On September 30,1912, State Street organized a troop which became known as Troop 3. The scouts started with eight boys after receiving a charter from Headquarters. Serving as first Scout Master was Fred G. Vogelsand, known as “Vogie”.

On April 24, 1915, the Courier Class was organized as an adult Bible study class. They supported a boy in a Methodist High School in India for years.

The Queen Esther Society for young girls was formed by Mrs. Holmes in about 1915. It was sponsored by the Women’s Missionary Societies in hopes that when they got older they would carry on the society’s work.

In April of 1916 a tent was pitched where the Fulton Post Office now stands Along with other churches, the Methodists sponsored an evangelistic campaign led by a man named Peacock. His crusade was similar to today’s Billy Graham.

Then, in 1918, under the leadership of the Rev. H. D. Holmes, a new educational building was constructed at a cost of $24,000. By this time, the congregation numbered over 500.

During the worldwide Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918, the church was turned into a makeshift hospital in October of that year. Just before November 11th, the church was closed for three weeks to help stop the epidemic’s spread. All told some 89 Fultonians died due to the epidemic.

In the fall of 1918, during World War I, a city-wide patriotic rally was held at our church. An old Civil War veteran led the rally. There were speeches and singing. Songs like “Kill the Kaiser” were sung which today would seem un-Christian.

In April of 1919 the Crusader Class was organized. They did home and foreign missionary work, remembered the shut-ins and beautified the church. Later that month we hosted our first Annual Northern New York Conference, with the Bishop present. Then in October we held our first Harvest Supper, which is still an annual fall tradition at State Street.

The following year, the Rev. H.D. Holmes started his noon factory talks. Also, in 1920, the Sunday School organized various departments including beginners, primary, and junior. By October 1922 the Sunday School Department was organized, followed shortly by the Senior Young People’s Group.

In 1924, one of the church’s most prominent members died. In his will, E.R Redhead left the church $20,000. However, there was a hitch. The church had to match the $20,000 within ten years. This proved to be very difficult for the congregation. But with much legal help, the church was able to keep the gift. Even today, State Street benefits from Mr. Redhead’s gift as we continue to use a portion of the interest for operating expenses.

On November 7, 1924 the Brotherhood Men’s Sunday School Class received their charter. They met the first and third Friday nights. Also, they sponsored the Father and Son Banquet.
A year later, in January of 1925, the Adult department was organized and shortly the Cradle Roll for 4 year old’s was established.

In 1926 the Scouts were officially organized in Oswego County, with a county leader, and the church group became Troop 13 when they were re-registered.

The 1930’s proved to be financially difficult for the members of State Street. The depression had swept the country and money was tight. The official board at the monthly meetings repeatedly discussed the church’s unpaid bills and ways to collect unpaid pledges. At the December 3, 1934 meeting, the treasurer’s report prepared by Kenneth Wilcox showed a $411.32 deficit.

But while the Church was short on funds, a committee was formed to purchase a “moving picture machine” if one was available at a good price. Just what were appropriate movies for church members was also a concern in late 1934. At the time the Ministerial Association of Fulton began “backing clean movies and that the pastors of the various churches are in favor of using the bulletins of their churches on Sundays to carry notices to the effect that certain pictures were good, hoping to thereby gradually crowd out the pictures that are unclean,” It was reported in the official board minutes of December 3, 1934.

While the church, like many businesses and families found the mid-1930’s a tough financial time, the church’s bills were inexpensive compared to today’s costs. In late 1934, the church electric service for a month was $6.26; the gas service $2.62; water $3.49; the janitor’s salary for a month was $55.00; the organist $42.00; and the pastor received $275.00. However, there were also outstanding bills of $272.44 for coal; $20.79 for lumber and $218.33 for the pastor’s salary.

In spite of the church’s difficult times in the mid-1930’s, Rev. John Warren was able to establish a Cub Scout organization for the younger boys.

The years during World War II kept the congregation busy. A Negro Regiment attached to neighboring Oswego, attended a Spring service in 1941. As a community project, the congregation rolled bandages. And, to make it a merrier Christmas for some servicemen, State Street served Christmas dinner to fifty Fort Ontario soldiers. As the war was about to end, on October 28 through 31, 1945, we celebrated our Jubilee (50th year). Presiding was Rev. Albert Abbott (1945-50).

In the late 1940’s State Street enjoyed an extremely successful Sunday School Program as the church averaged 310 children each Sunday. For some years our church maintained the highest conference Sunday School attendance.

To give local youth a place to go on Friday nights, Rev. Abbott arranged for movies to be shown at the church. However, to make sure only appropriate films were viewed, his wife helped with the selection.

In April of 1953, under the leadership of the Rev. Harold A. Thomas (1953-71), the sanctuary was renovated and the basement of the educational unit updated at a cost of $46,000. Work done included dividing the altar and organ improvements. Members also recall stripping the old varnish off the pews, wainscoting and the altar. The results of this hard work can be seen today. Bishop W. Earl Ledden dedicated the new facilities on November 8, 1953.

A good church service isn’t without excellent music and perhaps one of the church choir’s favorite times of the year was Christmas. In the 1960’s and 1970’s the choir greatly enjoyed opening the traditional Christmas Eve service with the “Quempas Carol” sung by four groups stationed in various parts of the church. And, without fail at midnight, the choir would end their portion of the service by singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.

But while providing music was an enjoyment for choir members, the group did have its moments. On occasion a ‘cipher’ would occur creating a real nuisance and to remove the offending pipe, the organist would have to climb into the organ chamber much to the amusement of the choir. While the church was enjoying the benefits of a large 50 member choir, during these years the congregation found itself becoming more ecumenical. In the 1960’s, State Street held both exchange dinners and worship services with our Roman Catholic friends.

In mid 1961 the congregation took on one of its major building projects. A two-story addition was built along Park Street. The upper portion of the new wing would serve as a kitchen and large dining area. The lower floor would feature classrooms for Sunday School. An official ground breaking for the addition was held on Sunday June 26, 1961 and on September 16, 1962 it was consecrated by Bishop W. Ralph Ward, Jr. This new addition cost State Street more than $140,000.

Shortly after our addition was put to full use, the congregation renovated a room off the sanctuary. In June 1963, the congregation dedicated this room to the Rev. Howard Holmes. The renovation costs for the Holmes Room, now used as a social area or chapel was more than $4,500.

Five years later in 1968, we changed our name and became known as a United Methodist Church. This change was made after the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church joined together and formed the United Methodist Church.

We continued church renovation projects as we entered the following decade. In 1973, we dedicated what would become known as the Thomas Window. The colorful stained glass depicts “Christ Standing At The Door” and can be viewed by all those attending church services as it is situated above the choir.

Other high points of the 1970’s include hosting the Annual Conference in 1974. In 1976, we also bought the adjacent house and property at Park and State Streets. We later demolished the former Bracy home and now use the property as a parking lot.

In the early 1980’s we were still renovating parts of the church. In 1982 we updated the former downstairs kitchen area and old educational unit. This area was dedicated to the Rev. Richard Northrup who served as pastor from 1971 through 1982. The rooms dedicated to Rev. Northrup now are the home to the Fulton ABC Pre School which provides programs for local three and four year old children.

Next, the entire outer structure was remortared in 1991. All the brickwork was sealed at a cost of $46,000. New outside lighting was installed at all entrances in 1992.
Our most recent repair work has been done on our church organ, completed in June 1993. In the last two years, we have paid more than $23,000 to improve the deteriorating sound coming from our organ. The recently repaired organ now boasts a new four foot octave, a solid state switching box, a new combination system as well as new stops. To raise money for the much needed repairs, members were able to “purchase” various parts. A pipe cost $100; a pedal $50; stop $25: white keys $10 and black keys $5. The campaign was successful as the church raised $22,000 for the repair work.

In July of 1993, the renovation of Thomas Hall was approved by the Administrative Board. By the first week in August, the ceiling and new lighting were completed. Hickory-covered beams accent the white acoustical ceiling. Energy-efficient storm windows will be installed and the walls will be insulated and covered. The room should be finished by the 1994 celebration of the first State Street church building one hundred years before.

Mission work continues to be a priority for this local mission-minded congregation. We provide space for the Church and Community Worker’s office and for portions of the program. Once again a Scout unit will be sponsored by this church and an after-school program for children is in the planning stage.

Many national and international Advance Special projects are supported by the State Street United Methodist Church beyond the ordinary denominational askings. In three years, we have provided well over $4500 in support of Dr. Mark Zimmerman our missionary in Nepal. This church mails each of his prayer letters to over 200 churches and individuals.
Also in August of this year, Shirley Moore-Krackhardt was hired as the Assistant in Education and Evangelism. She joins a staff comprised of Charlene Dean, Custodian; Mary Phelps, organist; Cindy MacDougall, Choir Director; and Carol Dievendorf, Secretary. Capable people such as these have assisted God’s ministry at State Street United Methodist Church since its meager beginnings.

Having faith in God and Jesus Christ, State Street United Methodist Church seeks to create atmospheres of worship for all people. A year-round program of education for children, youth and adults is a priority. Particular emphasis is given to social, cultural, and justice issues. Small groups for fellowship and spiritual growth are seen as essential. Priorities for mission in the local community and in the world are reviewed often. Together, we celebrate our successes, our joys, and our church leadership, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in the whole church.