Cape Vincent, Jefferson, NY

Churches, Part I

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. LAWRENCE

The first Methodist class was formed with Morris Cornwell and wife, Christopher Treadwell and wife, and Mrs. Jeremiah Newville, as the original members. This class was organized later than 1840 and continued till August 17, 1868, when the "Second Methodist Episcopal church of the town of Cape Vincent," was begun, and the following trustees elected: Samuel Dillen, Edward R. Farr, Alonzo Walrath, for three years: Albert E. Rice and Alanson Abby for two years; and Samuel Swartwout and Russel Wright for one year. The house of worship was erected in the summer of 1869, and dedicated the following December. Previous to the organization of the church, St. Lawrence was only a preaching station. The largest revival, probably, ever know in the vicinity blessed the congregation during the winter of 1874 and 1875, and very large accessions were made to the membership. The preachers have been D. W. Aylesworth, 1868-70; C. Manson, 1871; S. F. Kenyon, 1872; William Merrifield, 1873-74. The present pastor is W. P. Hall, who began his labors in 1975.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES

It is a matter of regret that records concerning these churches are not at hand for the purpose of a historical narrative. The church building at Cape Vincent was dedicated in June, 1858, with Bishop McCloskey officiating. The church building at French Settlement was given by Mr. Le Ray to the society, which now contemplates a removal to Rosiere. The present structure has been pronounced unsafe for use, and a new home of worship will doubtless be constructed with the coming year.

MORMONS

Two noteworthy visits were made to this town by Mormon elders, in 1833 and about 1848. They assumed to work miracles,--heal the sick by miraculous power, and Patton and Parish, who were the first visitors, claimed the ability "to interpret any language that man could speak." Crosby and Brown, who followed these, fifteen years later, attempted all manner of wonderful works except to raise the dead. The raising of the dead man they prudently never attempted. Sometimes they would baptize, and always by immersion, in the night. To give a weird character to the performance, on of the young converts was baptized in a large well. Meetings were held at St. Lawrence and Wilson Settlement, and during 1833 in Cape Vincent. In some instances whole families went over to Mormonism, and all grew merry as a marriage-bell,--for the more marriages the better,--till challenges were issued for a public debate with any one who believed they had no right to as many wives as Abraham, or as much divine power as Paul. It happened in 1833 that Rev. William Moore, but a short time in this country from Ireland, was supplying the pulpit of the Presbyterian church. He belonged to the Methodist denomination. At one of their Mormon meetings Patton boldly advocated his supernatural gift of tongues, and challenged any person in the house to dispute the claim or the doctrine of the Mormon religion. Mr. Moore quietly arose in his seat and accepted the challenge. The time of the debate was at once arranged, and when the evening came the house was crowded at an early hour. Mr. Moore had agreed to speak first, and began with these words from the Bible: "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts xiii,10.) He spoke about an hour, showed the difference between the miracles of the Scriptures, and these of these Mormon advocates, and closed by calling attention to Patton's claim, publicly and audaciously made, that he could interpret any language under the sun. Then turning to Patton he repeated the Apostle's Creed in genuine Irish, and told him to interpret the same. Not a word could he get from him or the other Mormon. They were sick. The congregation and Mr. Moore waited towards half an hour, but not one word was heard in reply. Persons in the congregation arose and addressed them, and a listener said that the Mormon preacher finally told Mr. Patton that he dare not undertake to speak those Irish words, for if he did it would crack his jaw. They left town soon after.

Crosby and Brown, at St. Lawrence, about 1848, came to an end equally uncomfortable. This was done by a sermon from a Baptist minister, still living in this county. They invited Elder Blount to preach on the promise of Christ to give miraculous power to his followers, and to show why it might not be fulfilled in their case. He finally accepted the invitation. At the appointed time all the neighborhood were present.

Brown and Crosby had very earnestly declared that they had cured a sick child by prayer and the paying on of hands; But elder Blount inquired how it happened that the boy finally died, if he was healed by them? These two sorcerers had also stated, and their followers confirmed their statement, that they frequently removed distressing headaches by fine influences; but later the elder asked why it was, then, that they secretly gave a rousing emetic? Perhaps they intended to throw the headache out of the mouth. The Apostle James speaks of anointing the sick with oil and praying over them. The Mormons declared that they had done that very thing in the case of rheumatic individuals with instantaneous effect; but the Baptist minister, who had slyly been instructed in the details of the anointing, proved to the audience that they nearly skinned the back of one poor fellow by rubbing it with turpentine and then applying a hot shovel. This kind of debating soon checked the religious wickedness and nonsense, and the next spring Crosby and Brown, with a few adherents, went back to Nauvoo. (Jefferson County History, by L. H. Everts, 1878)

Transcribed by Holice B. Young

Html by Debbie

December 27, 1999

Return to Cape Vincent Main Page

[Jefferson County ALHN][NY ALHN]