1 
 
 
Golden Jubilee Souvenir 
 
 Grace Methodist Episcopal Church 
 
 1 8 5 5 1 9 0 5 
 
 The Fiftieth Anniversary 
 
 of its Dedication by the late 
 
 BISHOP MATTHEW SIMPSON 
 
 JUNE, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED and FIFTY-FIVE 
 
 Anniversary services, May 29th to June 11th, 1905 
 in the Church, Michigan Street, between North 
 Division and South Division Streets. :: :: 
 
 A Book for Methodists. Price 50c 
 
 Rev. W. A. V. E. PATTYSON, Pastor. :: :: WM. COULSON, Clerk 
 
MICHIGAN ST., NEAR NORTH DIVISION ST. 
 
'£Ji-,E>clv l c-oX. 
 
 ~f3£?&cr 
 
 BISHOP MATTHEW SIMPSON 
 
 577981 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Old 9race Church 
 
 is now a down-town church — so called — the gateway of 
 strangers and Methodists entering the city, whose stay 
 or term of membership is short. They soon become 
 permanently located in other parts of the city. Out of 
 its present membership of 400, less than 25 date back 25 
 years, and not over 15 per cent. 10 years. 
 
 Fifty years ago, when the Church was dedicated, the 
 location was then the most prosperous in the city and 
 remained so for over 30 years. But for over 20 years, so 
 fast have the old ranks been depleted by the old members 
 and residents moving to other parts of the city, that it is 
 not now self-sustaining, frequently calling on its old 
 members and good friends for financial aid. 
 
 Strange as it seems to us now, in the prosperous days 
 a mortgage was placed on the Parsonage, the interest on 
 which has been a continual burden. The mortgage was 
 originally $2,500, reduced to $2,000 under the pastorate 
 of Rev. I. T. Walker in 1895. and during the pastorate 
 of Rev. B. H. Stauffer, it was further reduced to $1,600 
 at which it now stands. 
 
 During the six year’s services of the Rev. B. H. 
 Stauffer, from 1897 to 1903, nearly $7,000 was raised, 
 over 3-5 from the old members and friends outside the 
 Church, about half being spent for necessary repairs and 
 about half for a new organ. So that during the last ten 
 years there has been no opportunity to pay off old debts. 
 
 On this, the 50th anniversary, our pastor with the 
 Official Board thought it best to appeal to the old mem- 
 bers and friends for an uplifting in financial affairs. We 
 have started out to raise $5000, first to pay outstanding 
 trustee debts of about $700. Second, to pay off the 
 mortgage. Third, to provide a fund to decorate the 
 Church, paint it, new furnace and other repairs that 
 must soon be made. 
 
 By the sale of this Souvenir (the expense of issuing 
 being borne by the advertisers), it is hoped to largely aid 
 in paying off the mortgage. The proceeds of this and the 
 Ladies’ Aid Home Socials being applied exclusively to 
 that end. 
 
 We believe the Souvenir is worth more than the price 
 asked, either for its illustrations or reading matter and 
 will grow more valuable and interesting as a souvenir to 
 Methodists as the years go by. 
 
 Respectfully, THE COMMITTEE. 
 
REV. JOHN WESLEY 
 
 
 
REV. JOHN WESLEY, M. A. 
 
 FOUNDER OF METHODISM. 
 
 John Wesley was born at Epworth in Linconshire, England, June 
 17th, 1703. After a short illness he died in London, March 2nd, 1791, 
 in the 88th year of his age. 
 
 The family name was variously spelled Wesley, Westley and is 
 supposed to be the same as Wellesley. Garrett Wellesley of Dungan- 
 non, Ireland, offered to make Charles, a younger brother of John, his 
 heir on condition of his settling in Ireland, believing him to be of his 
 own family. The offer was not accepted and the estate of Mr. Wel- 
 lesley went to another branch of the family which was soon raised to 
 the Irish peerage with the title of Earl of Morington, and from which 
 the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis of Wellesley sprung. 
 
 Another remarkable story is connected with the parsonage of 
 Epworth, and with the early years of John Wesley’s life — the con- 
 tinued disturbance of the family throughout a considerable time, by 
 loudknockings and other noises, which could not be accounted for, 
 and which therefore were regarded as preternatural, although Mr. 
 Wesley and his household were less effected by the strange visitation 
 than perhaps its authors expected them to be, and persisted in resid- 
 ing in the parsonage, even making sport of “Old Jeffery,” their un- 
 seen visitant, who “was plainly a Jacobite goblin, and seldom suf- 
 fered Mr. Wesley to pray for the King and the Prince of Wales with- 
 out disturbing the family prayers.” 
 
 In 1735, John Wesley was induced to go out to Georgia with 
 General Oglethorpe, to preach to the Indians and colonists. His re- 
 ligious views at this time were strongly tinctured with asceticism. His 
 intercourse with Moravians, who were his fellow passengers to Amer- 
 ica ,and afterward his fellow-laborers in the colony, tended to stimu- 
 late his religious zeal. He attempted to establish a discipline in the 
 colony, very different from that of the Church of England at home, 
 and failed in the attempt. The difficulties of his position were in- 
 creased by an affair in which he became involved with the daughter 
 of the chief magistrate of Savannah, whom he wished to marry; but 
 on the advice of the Moravian bishop and elders, to whom he sub- 
 mitted the matter, he withdrew from her, and she very soon marrying 
 another, Wesley refused her admission to the communion; upon which 
 her husband raised an action at law, and Wesley, finding Savannah no 
 suitable place for him, and, as he said, “shaking the dust off his feet,” 
 returned to England, having resided in America not quite two years. 
 With religious zeal undiminished, he maintained an intimate connec- 
 tion with the Moravians in London. 
 
BISHOP CHARLES H. FOWLER, D. D. 
 
 150 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 
 
 
John Wesley was the son of liev. Samuel Wesley, rector of Ep- 
 worth. His mother, Susanna Wesley, was a woman of extraordinary 
 sense and piety. She was led to interest herself particularly in her 
 son John, who, when about six years old, had a singular escape from 
 being burned to death in a fire which destroyed the parsonage. 
 
 In visiting a condemned prisoner, Wesley became convinced of 
 the power of extempore prayer, and declared that he could no longer 
 be confined to the forms of prayer generally used. 4 4 Neither do I pur- 
 pose to be confined to them any more,” he adds, “but I intend to pray, 
 with a form or without, as I may fined suitable to different occasions. ’ ’ 
 On May 24, 1738, he found the spiritual rest for which his soul had 
 longed. “I felt I did trust in Christ,” he writes, “and an assurance 
 was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved 
 me from the law of sin and death.” 
 
 Wesley at once began , to preach with an earnestness that at- 
 tracted attention. Everywhere, in churches, in factories, in homes, on 
 the streets and in fields he preached the Word. The preaching of the 
 doctrines of repentance, regeneration and sanctification were at once 
 honored of God. Those who were saved soon brought others. Wesley 
 soon saw the need of some organization whereby he could set these 
 converts to work. Hence classes were organized and leaders ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 During the years that followed the founding of these societies 
 Wesley did prodigious work. He probably traveled great distances, 
 every year, than any other man in England. 
 
 Wesley was a clergyman of the Church of England. The clergy 
 were often jealous of his activity in their parishes. Gradually the 
 ecclesiastical authorities forbade his preaching in the churches of the 
 Establishment, though in 1783 he writes, “The tide is now turned; 1 
 have more invitations to preach in churches than I can accept.” 
 
 While Wesley himself remained in the Church of England, he 
 recommended the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
 America, where, after the revolution, the Methodists were left without, 
 shepherds, the Established clergy having, for the most part, returned 
 to England. In vain had Wesley requested the Bishop of London for 
 the ordination of some pious man who might minister to the needs of 
 the people in America. His request was refused. In 1784 he solemnly 
 set apart Dr. Thomas Coke as Superintendent over the American 
 preachers and societies, Francis Asbury to be his colleague. They 
 were to ordain others to administer the Sacraments. He also ordained 
 Whatcoat and Yasey as Elders. 
 
 This step separated the Methodists in America from the Established 
 Church. When Episcopalians of the present day assert that John 
 Wesley was ever a loyal son of the Church of England, and that he 
 never intended Methodism to become a separate religious denomina- 
 tion, it is necessary only to relate his action regarding American 
 
BISHOP JOSEPH F. BERRY 
 
Methodism to show that he was not only fully aware of the proposition 
 to organize a distinct Methodist body in America, but that he was 
 the author of the method of its organization. The Wesleys did not 
 leave the Established Church ; the Church left them by refusing them 
 preaching places and their followers the Sacraments. 
 
 John Wesley’s executive ability is shown in the organization of 
 his conferences and societies out of which, soon after his death, 
 sprung the “Wesleyan Conference.” 
 
 John Wesley earned universal fame by honest and faithful effort, 
 more , perhaps, than any other evangelist on the globe. 
 
 A Short History of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United 
 
 States. 
 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is the name assumed by the 
 Wesleyan Methodists in this country when, after the attainment of 
 national independence, they were organized as a denomination, under 
 rules proposed by John Wesley and adopted by themselves. Their 
 dictrine is set forth in 25 articles, formed from the 39 of the Church 
 of England by omitting some of them entirely and modifying several 
 of the others, with the design to offer a broad and liberal basis on 
 which the general body of evangelical Christians might unite together 
 in brotherly love. Since 1834 a restrictive rule has removed from the 
 authorities of the church all power to revoke, alter, or change these 
 articles of religion ; or to establish any new standards or rules of doc- 
 trine contrary to the existing and established doctrinal standards. 
 Their theology is styled by themselves “Arminian,” according to what 
 they consider the true import of the name as exhibited in Wesley’s 
 doctrinal sermons. 
 
 The bishops preside in the conferences; form the districts ac- 
 cording to their judgment; appoint the preachers to their fields, which 
 until 1900 was for terms of three and five years, but five years ago the 
 Time Limit was removed by a vote of the General Conference. Now 
 the Presiding Bishop appoints and reappoints every year, except the 
 presiding elders, whose term may extend to six years and a few others 
 by special appointment; ordain deacons, elders, and bishops newly 
 elected; travel through the denomination at large and oversee, in ac- 
 cordance with the rules of the general conference, the spiritual and 
 temporal affairs of the church. They have no particular dioceses, but 
 exercise a joint jurisdiction over the whole church as an itinerant 
 general superintendency. They annually arrange and divide the work 
 among themselves, being responsible for its performance to the gen- 
 eral conference by which they are elected and have their respective 
 residences assigned. As an elder was originally put in charge of a dis- 
 trict containing several circuits, he was practically a presiding officer 
 
REV. WARD PLATT, 
 
 PRESIDING ELDER, BUFFALO DISTRICT 
 
 
WE CERTAINLY 
 
 ARE MAKING THIS 
 
 THE UNUSUAL STORE 
 
 IN POINT OF... 
 
 BIG STOCKS 
 
 AND . . . 
 
 BIG VARIETY 
 
 You will find many a quaint and useful piece 
 here to fit some odd corner or other in your home, 
 that you could not find anywhere else, no matter 
 how diligently you look. We would direct your 
 special attention to the fact that 
 
 WE ARE 
 
 Complete Home Furnishers 
 
 That means that within the four walls of this 
 store is to be found everything needed for house- 
 keeping and house beautifying. 
 
 The transforming of bare rooms into completely 
 furnished apartments is our specialty. And we do it 
 to the complete satisfaction of all concerned. Just 
 now we are making very special displays of 
 
 Parlor Suites, 
 
 Davenports, Divans and Couches, 
 
 Stoves, Ranges, Gas Stoves and Gas Ranges, 
 
 Refrigerators, the New Kind and All Other Kinds, 
 Carpets, Curtains, Rugs and Mattings, 
 
 Porch, Lawn and Summer Furniture, 
 
 Baby Cabs and Go-Carts. 
 
 We would very much appreciate the honor of a visit of inspection. 
 
 YOUR CASH IS GOOD YOUR CREDITS GOOD 
 
 The Messersmith Stores 
 
 563-565 MAIN STREET. 
 
 548-552 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 306-310 MICHIGAN STREET. 
 
Rev. W. A. V. E. Pattyson, 
 
 PASTOR GRACE M. E, CHURCH 
 
over them. Thus the office of presiding elder was gradually estab- 
 lished, and became very useful. It is a sub-episcopate, charged with 
 the duties of oversight and administration in a limited sphere, and 
 makes the ecclesiastical system complete and strong. Their intimate 
 acquaintance in their districts with pastors and people, and their 
 presidence in the quarterly conferences, enable the presiding elders to 
 give valuable information and counsel to the bishop in arranging the 
 appointments. In doing this, usage makes them the bishop’s advisers, 
 but with no actual authority, as the church considers it wise to put 
 the whole responsibility of the appointments on the bishop ! 
 
 Local preachers have a share in the acts of the district and 
 quarterly conferences; and as a lay ministry form a body of self- 
 supporting evangelists. All church buildings and parsonages belong 
 to the local society, and are held by trustees chosen according to the 
 law of the state or territory wherever a particular mode is prescribed, 
 and in other cases by the quarterly conference. Admission to mem- 
 bership in the church is preceded by a probation of six months or 
 longer, as may be determined in particular cases, after which the pro- 
 bationer may be admitted to full membership by complying with the 
 rules prescribed. Members of other evangelical churches, coming with 
 proper testimonials, are received into fellowship without probation. 
 Methodism, says the historian of the church, presented itself to the 
 new nation as an Episcopal church with all the necessary functions 
 and functionaries of such a body; the only one of Protestant denomi- 
 nation, for the colonial fragments of the English establishment had 
 not yet been reorganized. 
 
 At the end of the century they had increased their 15,000 mem- 
 bers to 65,000 and their 80 itinerants to 280, besides many who, physic- 
 ally unequal to the strain of the advance, still did their utmost in 
 easier fields. Bishop Coke’s stay in the country was only for limited 
 periods, and after 1787 some of the more arduous portions of the epis- 
 copal labors devolved on Bishop Asbury alone, who was the chief 
 apostle of the church, consecrating to the work all his powers, mak- 
 ing himself an example to all in self-denying toil, giving personal 
 attention to minute details, and visiting much from house to house. 
 One of the first Sunday-schools in America was organized by him in 
 1786, and four years after the conference ordered Sunday-schools to 
 be generally established for the instruction of “poor children, white 
 and black, in learning and piety. , 
 
 Prom the beginning of their history, Methodists have had regard 
 to the wants of their sick and superannuated ministers, and of de- 
 ceased ministers’ destitute families. Funds for their relief have been 
 raised in various ways and have been designated by different names. 
 At present the principal dependence for this purpose is on the contri- 
 butions of the congregation. The Methodist church itself is justly re- 
 garded by its members as one of “the great home-mission enterprises 
 
REV. BYRON H. STAUFFER 
 Pastor Riverside Church. Former Pastor Grace Church 
 
of the North American continent,” and for a long time it called for all 
 their resources of men and money. While the constant extension of 
 the church was thus a missionary movement, further progress was 
 marked in 1819 by the organization of the missionary society, which, 
 having primary reference to home work, joined with that also the for- 
 eign field. , 
 
 At the close of the centennial year of American Methodism, the 
 church reported 25 colleges and theological schools, having 158 in- 
 structors, 5,350 students, about $4,000,000 in endowments and other 
 property, and more than 105,000 volumes in their libraries ; and also 77 
 academies, with 556 instructors and nearly 18,000 students of both 
 sexes. 
 
 lu 1828 the Canada conference withdrew and became a distinct 
 church. This separation was regarded by both sections as a matter of 
 necessity, and was effected without any interruption of fraternal rela- 
 tions between them. 
 
 As at the end of the century, notwithstanding its losses, it con- 
 tained more than a million of members, the hope was cherished that 
 not less than twice that number of dollars would be given to promote 
 its future work. The expected services were held throughout the 
 church, and at the close of the month the total amount contributed 
 was found to be $8,709,500. 
 
 Admission of lay delegates into the general conference. This im- 
 portant change was inaugurated in 1872, after long consideration 
 throughout the church. The plan adopted provides that “the minis* 
 terial and lay delegates shall sit and deliberate together as one body, 
 but they shall vote separately whenever such separate vote shall be 
 demanded by one-third of either order; and in such cases the concur- 
 rent vote of both orders shall be necessary to complete an action.’' 
 
REV. WILLIAM C. WILBOR 
 
 PLYMOUTH M. E. CHURCH 
 
The following' figures show the strength of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States and in foreign fields, in some of 
 its main points, as given in official reports for 1904: 
 
 Home. Foreign. 
 
 Number of churches 27,685 
 
 Value of churches $133,361,819 
 
 Number of Parsonages 12,025 
 
 Value of Parsonages $ 21,290,000 
 
 Total Indebtedness $ 21,033,408 
 
 Total membership, including those on proba- 
 tion 
 
 Increase in membership in 1903 in U. S 
 
 Number of Sunday Schools 
 
 Number of Sunday School Officers and Teach- 
 ers 
 
 Number of Sunday School Scholars 
 
 Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society raised. $ 
 
 Woman’s Home Society raised $ 
 
 Received from Churches for Missions $ 
 
 Received from Sunday Schools for Mission. . .$ 
 
 Number of Bishops 
 
 Number of Pastors 
 
 Amount paid for Conference Claimants $ 
 
 Amount paid for salaries of Pastors, Presiding 
 
 Elders and Bishops $ 12,356,170 
 
 Amount paid for Current Expenses, Sexton, 
 
 Fuel, Sunday schools, etc $ 4,847,770 
 
 3,135,831 
 
 39,806 
 
 31,674 
 
 343,373 
 
 2,725,421 
 
 447,739 
 
 332,819 
 
 1,067,769 
 
 481,290 
 
 23 
 
 17,561 
 
 343,662 
 
 744 
 
 $3,139,881 
 
 233 
 
 $ 710,679 
 $ 966,592 
 
 121,024 
 
 1,297 
 
 6,245 
 88,879 
 $ 1,323 
 
 $ 261 
 $ 10,651 
 
 $ 3,032 
 
 7 
 
 532 
 
 $ 4,794 
 
 $ 232,463 
 $ 124,358 
 
 Brief History of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Grace Church is located on Michigan Street, between North and 
 South Division Streets, and was dedicated by the late Bishop Matthew 
 Simpson, June 2nd, 1855, the fiftieth Anniversary of which is now the 
 occasion of these services. 
 
 Grace Church is the outgrowth of a considerable number of Meth- 
 odists settling east of Main Street, about 1840 to 1844. In the latter 
 year they, with some members from the old Niagara Street Church, or- 
 ganized the Swan Street M. E. Church Society on October 11th, 1844. 
 This date the first quarterly Conference of the New Church was called 
 to meet in the lecture room of the Niagara Street M. E. Church. The 
 Rev. Glezen Fillmore, Presiding Elder of Buffalo District, presided. The 
 minutes of the Conference are carefully recorded and state that the 
 members present were Rev. Glezen Fillmore, Presiding Elder, Rev. John 
 Dennis, Pastor; Daniel M. Vanderpool, local deacon; Peter Brower, 
 George Keech, Benjamin Gorham, David B. Hull, Asa M. Ray, Charles 
 Campbell, William Dodsworth, H. B. Burt and Daniel M. Vanderpool, 
 leaders. 
 
REV. SYLVESTER W. LLOYD 
 Ontario Street M. E. Church. Former Pastor Grace, 1879 
 
The above trade-mark is a guarantee of excellence. It is known 
 in every state of the Union. The factory of the HEYWOOD BOOT 
 AND SHOE CO. is one of the oldest in the United States. 
 
 By the aid of modern machinery and skilled labor, they have the 
 reputation of producing shoes that combine both style and economy. 
 
 The name of Samuel R. Heywood, the president of the company, 
 stands for honesty and good workmanship in shoes. 
 
 For the past ten years they have maintained a branch store in 
 Buffalo, under the management of Mr. Thomas Coulson, a man of large 
 experience in the retail shoe business. 
 
 The store is located at 382 MAIN STREET, where a large and 
 well selected stock of men’s shoes is always on hand. 
 
 THE CORNER BOOK STORE 
 
 We wish you would BEAR IN MIND 
 when you are in need of a book of any 
 kind, or the latest style in stationery, the 
 place to get it is at 
 
 HENRY B. BROWN CO. 
 
 BOOKSELLERS :: STATIONERS :: ENGRAVERS 
 
 496 and 498 Main Street, Corner Mohawk. 
 
 KING & EISELE 
 
 WHOLESALE MANUFACTURING JEWELERS 
 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 Salesroom, 10-20 N. DIVISION STREET. 
 
 Factory, 342-344 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 
REV. R. F. HURLBURT, 
 Delaware Avenue M. E. Church. 
 
Stewards were elected and Henry B. Burt was appointed delegate 
 to the Stewards’ Convention to be held at Bro. Sybley’s, Darien Center, 
 October 23rd, 1844, at one o’clock. Trustees were elected as follows: 
 Benjamin Gorham, Francis H. Root, William Dodsworth, Amasa Joslyn, 
 David B. Hull, George Keech and P. L. Sternberg. The Leaders and 
 Stewards met and arranged weekly meetings. A Love-feast was held 
 November 17th, 1844, at which Asa M. Ray and Ira P. Wheeler acted 
 as door-keepers, admission then being by ticket. A committee to or- 
 ganize a choir was appointed. Religious services were held Thursday, 
 December 9th, on public thanksgiving day. 
 
 To a large extent the above is the beginning of permanent Method- 
 ism in Buffalo, the old Niagara Street church having long since passed 
 out of existence, while from the ranks of the solid, faithful beginning 
 and character of the men who started Swan, afterwards Grace Church, 
 have gone forth more recruits to Methodism than from any other 
 church in the city. , 
 
 The Rev. John Dennis was sent by the Genesee Conference in 1844 
 to look after the new colony, and was the Pastor in charge during the 
 organization of the Society and the Building of the Swan Street Church 
 on a lot purchased by the Congregation, corner Swan and Michigan 
 Streets. The church was dedicated 1845, Rev. Glezen Fillmore, presid- 
 ing elder, Rev. J. G. Gulick and Joseph Cross officiating. After serving 
 two years, the pastor reported a membership of 300 — a Sunday School 
 of the same number having started with a membership of 148 reported 
 at the end of the first 3 months’ service. 
 
 In 1854, the Swan Street Church) was not considered adequate for 
 the growing society, and the present site on which stands Grace Church 
 was purchased. The Building was completed and dedicated free from 
 debt, largely through the generosity of the late Francis H. Root, and to 
 the credit of the various Boards of Trustees, no mortgage indebtedness 
 was ever placed on the property. Two years later the name was 
 changed to Grace M. E. Church Society, and incorporated under the 
 laws of the State of New York, the name “Swan Street Church” pass- 
 ing into History. Of the first Board of Trustees, the late William 
 Dodsworth was the last to pass away, only two of the first members of 
 1844 are still living, so far as is known. Mrs. Julia Burt, relict of H. B. 
 Burt, one of the first Stewards, and after 61 years still a member of 
 Grace, and until within the last year, was a faithful Sunday School 
 Teacher, having resigned on account of health, and Mrs. Margaret 
 Husted, now a member of Central Park Church, wife of the late J. H. 
 Husted, a man who was loving and gentle, generous and of incorrupti- 
 ble integrity, living an untarnished Christian life. 
 
 The Building Committee were David B. Hull, William Dodsworth, 
 Francis H. Root and P. L. Sternberg. They patterned, as far as loca- 
 tion would permit, after the North Presbyterian Church, then on Main 
 Street, and the Building when completed was pronounced superior to 
 

 REV. PRICE E. CROW, 
 St. Mark’s M. E. Church. 
 
With Best Wishes 
 
 MR, and MRS. GEORGE W. CRIPPS 
 
 Compliments of ... 
 
 MRS. BERTHA E. KASSING 
 
 NEW YORK, N. Y. 
 
 PETERSON’S OINTMENT 
 
 CURES 
 
 ECZEMA, BLIND, BLEEDING ITCHING PILES 
 AND OLD SORES OF LONG STANDING. 
 
 SOLD BY ALL DRUGGISTS, PRICE 25 CTS., or sent by Mail on Receipt of Price. 
 
 PETERSON BROS., Chemists 
 
 180 SENECA STREET 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 CHARLES O. ROGERS HARRY E. ROGERS 
 
 . . . Compliments of . . . 
 
 B. D. ROGERS’ SONS 
 
 102 WEST MARKET STREET 
 
REV. E, E. HELMS, 
 
 Linwood Avenue M. E. Church, 33 W. Utica Street. 
 
any Methodist Church then in Western New York. 
 
 Rev. Philo E. Brown was Pastor during the building and dedica- 
 tion, having been sent, it is recorded, chiefly because of his reputation 
 in church-building enterprises. 
 
 The Congregation grew and prospered for nearly forty years, some 
 of the best men of the Genesee Conference serving as pastors, many not- 
 ed revivals having occurred, commencing with the Pastorate of the Rev. 
 John Dennis, following the latter in 1846, Rev. Alpha Wright, Pastor 
 noted for a fluent, rapid speaker, as well as piety. It was during his 
 services that F. H. Root joined the church. In 1848 and ’49, Rev. 
 James M. Fuller served, coming from the Vermont Conference. He 
 was followed by Schuyler Seager, who served 1850-1, also 1863. Then 
 follows Rev. A. D. Wilbor, 1852-4 and 1859-60, serving the church sat- 
 isfactorily and well. Born in 1821, died on January 28th, 1903, aged 82, 
 spending over sixty years of- his life in the ministry. 
 
 During the Pastorate of Rev. W. H. De Puy, the church continued 
 to grow, the Sunday School reaching four hundred. During the next 
 two years a Revival wave swept over the land, adding ninety on proba- 
 tion. , 
 
 The Rev. Sanford Hunt in charge says, “A more harmonious church 
 could not be desired, and at the end of his two years, 134 had been add- 
 ed to the church membership.” Then comes Rev. D. D. Lore, 1861-2. 
 Rev. J. H. Knowles was transferred from the New Jersey Conference 
 and served 1864-6. Rev. George P. Porter followed and served 1867-70. 
 It is said his sermons were models of Logic and Eloquence. Next fol- 
 lows Rev. D. H. Muller, 1870-2, in whose care Grace Church saw the 
 zenith of its prosperity. His pastorate was marked by a continuous re- 
 vival. It was during his second appointment, 1876-79, that a great re- 
 vival, assisted by Maggie Van Cott, took place. On one Sunday after- 
 noon, one hundred and fifty were baptized and four hundred received 
 on probation. It was during his time that the Eagle Street Church was 
 started from “Grace,” now the “Sentinel.” Nearly two hundred let- 
 ters were given to members going to other churches, yet a gain in Grace 
 was reported, the number reported to the Conference of 1878 was 660. 
 
 Dr. Muller had great faith in his people and in God, and his work 
 was crowned with success. During the terms of the Rev. G. W. Pad- 
 dock, 1882-3, and Rev. Ross C. Houghton, began the emigration to the 
 West Side churches, which became so great from 1885 to 1900, that 
 scarcely twenty members of their time now remain. Two hundred con- 
 versions were reported, and ninety-seven received in full membership 
 during the term of the latter. 
 
 In 1879, Rev. S. W. Lloyd became the Pastor. His work was hard, 
 following the large revivals, and the tide of moving to other parts of 
 the city having fully set in. He served the church with fidelity and left 
 it in a more united state, than when he came, — followed by Dr. Robert 
 M. Stratton, in whose time the drift up-town was still more felt in all 
 
REV. F. H. COMAN, 
 Pastor of Asbury M. E. Church. 
 
] 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1889. 
 
 H. C. BANGERT 
 
 Q=D 
 
 HIGH-GRADE 
 
 
 
 
 ..BUTTER.. 
 
 
 
 THE FINEST SOLD IN BUFFALO 
 
 CnD 
 
 Creameries at Elginville, III., and Manchester, Michigan. 
 
 33-34-35-36 Clinton Market 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 I 
 
\ 
 
 REV. SAMUEL L. BEILER, 
 Richmond Avenue M. E. Church, 
 
departments of the church, the pulpit was ably maintained, but a loss 
 in membership was inevitable. . 
 
 Then Dr. J. B. Wentworth, as loyal a soldier as Grant, of the sound- 
 est Theology, sternly honest, full of kindness of heart and a never fail* 
 ing friend, followed, for two years serving faithful and acceptable. 
 
 In the succeeding three years, 1886-9, the continued depletion 
 forced upon the attention of the Pastor and official Board questions of 
 the most serious character as to financial support, every member of any 
 considerable means seemed to move away, their homes either being sold 
 or rented to foreigners and strangers, and even those strangers, ‘ ‘ a not- 
 able one of whom was a boy of 17 years from Berlin, Ont.,” of our de- 
 nomination remaining but a short time, soon finding permanent homes 
 in other parts. It was no fault of the Rev. Dr. J. T. Gracey that no gain 
 was reported in his time. He served acceptably and faithful. 
 
 In 1890-2, during the time of the Rev. Thomas E. Bell, the pew 
 renting system was abolished and free seats were announced, making 
 the church in fact the strangers’ church, and under Mr. Bell’s hard 
 work, the elements were stirred up and the strangers came — one of 
 them being Byron H. Stauffer, then a boy of about twenty years — now 
 the Pastor of Riverside Church. 
 
 Mr. Bell ’s service was successful from the first, on his arrival find- 
 ing 262 members and 415 when he left, showing to Buffalo Methodism 
 the importance of keeping the Gates of Grace wide open and the pulpit 
 ably filled, not only for Grace Church, but for the whole city. Rev. 
 I. T. Walker next served three years, 1892-5. Conversions and new 
 members came continually, but not fast enough to off-set the letters of 
 withdrawal, and the same conditions continued during the Pastorate of 
 Rev. J. B. Sparrow. He was in feeble health during the entire two 
 years, and the members themselves being comparative strangers, but 
 few were added and many removals. Mr. Sparrow was beloved by all. 
 A steadfast friend and faithful worker as long as health permitted. He 
 died a few months after leaving the charge. 
 
 During the six years from 1897-1903, remarkable changes took 
 place in Grace Church. Four hundred withdrawal letters were given 
 in that time to members, mostly going to other churches in the city — 
 yet the membership doubled. The old brick sewers were removed, re- 
 placed by iron, new plumbing, new lighting, the entire church newly 
 decorated inside — extensive repairs in the Sunday School room and 
 basement, at an expense of about $3,600, and a new pipe organ costing, 
 with expense of necessary changes, also about $3,600; making a total 
 extra outlay of $7,200 in the six years. About six hundred were re- 
 ceived into the church during these 6 years, yet the present membership 
 is a little over four hundred. The above is due to the faithful, intelli- 
 gent and hard work of the Rev. Byron H. Stauffer, who came to this 
 city a stranger and to the church in the time of the Rev. Thomas E. 
 Bell. 
 
REV. AMERON F. COLBURN, 
 Sentinel M. E. Church. 
 
May the time soon come when this Gateway for Methodists and 
 strangers entering the city be strengthened so that it can more fully 
 welcome the stranger within its doors; be a church Home for new ar- 
 rivals to the city in the so-called down town districts ; thereby save 
 many from falling by the wayside and continue to be able to give the 
 more welcome hand to strangers as they pass through her portals to 
 permanent locations in all parts of the city, as thousands have gone be- 
 fore. 
 
 Our present Pastor, the Rev. W. A. V. E. Pattyson, is working he- 
 roically to maintain the standard of his predecessors, and is enthusi- 
 astic that this, “The Jubilee Year,” will be one of the most successful in 
 its history. 
 
 In this souvenir will be found illustrations of all except three of the 
 former Pastors of Grace Church, and all of the present city pastors. 
 
 W. COULSON, 
 
 Clerk of the Trustee Board. 
 
 GRACE! 
 
 (Contributed by Rev. D. H. Muller, a former Pastor of Grace.) 
 
 Beauty and Truth unite in this name. 
 
 “Who hath not ow’nd 
 
 With rapture smitten frame, 
 
 The power of Grace, 
 
 The magic of a name.” 
 
 In the chariot of Grace we are all borne onward. 
 
 Beyond the Greeks comes to us “Grace.” The “Krats” were 
 horses that drew the sun around the earth. They were so silent, gen- 
 erous and rich toward all life, that soon the word “Krats” began to 
 stand for human beauty of form and mind. Thus the Greeks and 
 Latins used the words as implying beauty of body and soul, and 
 “Krats” became grace. God was benevolent. He was gentle as a 
 sunbeam. Man was saved not by his own perfections, but by God’s 
 grace. Salvation was to come in an empire of benevolence. How 
 seldom is the word found in the Old Testament. “The law came to 
 Moses, but grace and truth through Jesus Christ.” There was a little 
 grace in the Mosaic law. Some grapes were to be left on the vines 
 for the poor; some grains of wheat for the needy; youths were for- 
 bidden to make sport of the deaf and blind. 
 
 Christ came to make more visible to man the grand attributes of 
 all rational life. Under this growing grace states are changing their 
 laws, society its morals and manners and man his standard of con- 
 duct. To be gracious to the unfortunate; to all forms of honest opin- 
 ion; to be “transient in enmities, and unchanging only in friend- 
 ship ; ” to make it shine upon all dumb animals. Oh, what a destiny for 
 the human heart. 
 
 All arts, painting, sculpture, architecture and music are only the 
 
REV. W. R. PIERCE, 
 
 Pastor Seneca Street M. E. Church. 
 
FILLMORE GLEZEN, D. D. 
 
 was born in Bennington, Vt., Dec. 22, 1789, and died in Clarence, N. Y. Jan. 
 26, 1875. He was licensed to preach in 1809, and after having served nine 
 years as a local preacher he was admitted, in 1818, into the Genesee Confer- 
 ence, and was sent to Buffalo. He found the city without any church 
 building, but succeeded in erecting a small edifice 25 by 35 feet, and at the 
 end of two years reported 82 members. He was then appointed to the Erie 
 district, which embraced all the territory from Lake Ontario to Meadville. 
 Under his supervision Rochester was favored with a remarkable revival, and 
 thus was laid the foundation of the church in that city. He was appointed 
 four times as pastor in the city of Buffalo, and twenty-seven years he served 
 as presiding elder. For fifty-six years he was a member of Conference and 
 never missed a session. When he asked for a superannuated relation he said, 
 “ This is the hardest appoiniment I ever received.” He took an active part 
 in establishing the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y., and was four 
 times chosen as delegate to the General Conference. He was an earnest de- 
 voted, successful minister, and was instrumental in the conversion of 
 thousands. 
 
REV. HERMAN H. DOWNEY, 
 Northampton M. E. Church. 
 
grace of the mind asking material things to become its language. It 
 is the effort of the mind to utter its divine peace and express its at- 
 tachment to immortality. Not from God’s power and wisdom springs 
 the hope of another life, but from God’s grace. 
 
 The Father who turns the air into music, who paints the clouds 
 in the evening, who orders the plants to blossom, who pours beauty 
 into the human soul until it overflows in art, literature and religion; 
 and changes a desert into a paradise, this God will make the death- 
 bed a place where the grace of earth is changed for the more spot- 
 less beauty of some other land. The history of grace written out in 
 our world, assures us of a world, a land, a life more deeply marked, 
 more grandly ornamented, more richly endowed by God’s grace. 
 
 For fifty years the outward form of Grace Church has been 
 a silent witness of these inward truths. Its spire points to the heavens 
 whence the grace of salvation flows. At its altars multitudes have 
 drank at this fountain of life. Within its walls converts have matured 
 into saints. Its portals have swung inward for the weary, tempted 
 and tried, and swung outward toward thrones and crowns for those 
 who have “died in the Lord.” 
 
 From its pulpit the “voice of free grace and full salvation,” has 
 sounded. 
 
 Heaven and earth gather at this anniversary. Above they cry; 
 “This and that one was born in her!” below they sing, “one family 
 of the living God. They salute us, inspire us, ensphere us with the 
 glory that surrounds them. 
 
 “Friends fondly cherished 
 Have passed on before ; 
 
 Waiting they watch us, 
 
 Approaching that shore.” 
 
 May Grace ever be true to her name ; be grateful for her- past, 
 and be hopeful that her future may be more glorious than in the years 
 gone. 
 
REV. CONRAD HOOKER, 
 Lovejoy Street M. E. Church. 
 
 
GEORGE L. FAYFIELD 
 
 George L. Fayfield will be remembered as one of the active and 
 zealous members of Grace Church, more than a quarter of a century 
 ago. A period during which the church reached the zenith of its pros- 
 perity. 
 
 He was converted in 1854 at St. Mark’s Methodist Church during 
 the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Depew. He united with the church and 
 remained there until 1870, in which year he was received into Grace 
 Church by letter; and thereafter was an enthusiastic worker in the 
 various activities of the church and Sunday School up to the time of 
 his death. He taught, for many years, a young men’s class in the Sab- 
 bath School. One of his acts as trustee, was the alterations that made 
 the present church parlors. He was one of the organizers of the Young 
 Men’s Association, who, in the early seventies, were a power in the re- 
 vival work of the church. He also gave valuable aid to the Eagle 
 Street M. E. Church that was organized chiefly through the Young 
 Men’s Association and sustained by them in its early days. 
 
 For several years preceding his decease, he was an ardent mem- 
 ber of the Band of Christian Workers; a small company of half a 
 dozen enthusiastic laymen, who responded to all invitations to hold 
 Gospel services; whether in poor communions lacking a pastor, or in 
 the County House, Penitentiary, or slums. He always had a warm and 
 kindly heart for a fellow brother, and especially for the stranger 
 within the gates; and the hospitality of his home was ever warmly 
 extended to fellow worshippers. 
 
 His death occurred in September, 1889. He left, surviving him, 
 his widow, Harriet N. Fayfield, and two sons, George G. and Rob- 
 ert C. 
 
\ 
 
 REV. WALTER RAYMOND BROWN, 
 Central Park M. E. Church. 
 
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 
 
 Meets at 12 , Noon. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 Superintendent HARRY A. HENDLER 
 
 Assistant Superintendent WILLIAM HARRINGTON 
 
 Secretary E. H. WILDRICK 
 
 Assistant Secretary WILLIAM G. CARTER 
 
 Treasurer J. L. ROACH 
 
 Librarian JOHN WESTFALL 
 
 Pianist LOTTIE E. ELMER 
 
 Assistant Pianist EDNA VO AS 
 
 Chorister B. E. COULTES 
 
 Superintendent of Pink Toe Department MRS. H. A. HENDLER 
 
 TEACHERS. 
 
 Frank S. Hervey Mrs. F. A. Johnston 
 
 W. S. Hoffman Charles T. Gair 
 
 Mrs. W. A. V. E. Pattyson Lulu Ellis 
 
 Mrs. E. Alexander Miss Jessie Anderson 
 
 Mr. E. Krause Mrs. Barden 
 
 Mrs. Westfall Miss M. Grube 
 
 Mrs. F. Goodley Mrs. C. Foster 
 
 Percy Pickard Miss Jennie Ellis 
 
 LADIES’ AID SOCIETY. 
 
 President MRS. W. J. WILSON 
 
 First Vice-President MRS. HABER 
 
 Secretary MRS. HUMPHREY 
 
 Treasurer MRS. SCUTT 
 
 President of the Work Committee MRS. JAMES CUPPS 
 
 Women’s Foreign Missionary Society. 
 
 President MRS. J. WESTFALL 
 
 First Vice-President MRS. F. JOHNSTON 
 
 Second Vice-President MRS. A. TALLMAN 
 
 Secretary MRS. SCUTT 
 
 Treasurer MRS. MILLER 
 
 OFFICIARY. 
 
 Presiding Bishop DANIEL A. GOODSELL 
 
 Residing Bishop JOSEPH BERRY 
 
 Presiding Elder WARD PLATT 
 
 Pastor W. A. V. E. PATTYSON 
 
 Local Preachers. 
 
 GEORGE VO AS 547 South Division Street 
 
 WILLIAM HARRINGTON 286 Myrtle Avenue 
 
REV. JOHN W. McGAVERN, 
 Humboldt Parkway M. E. Church. 
 
Trustees. 
 
 H. MESSERSMITH. .. 
 WILLIAM COULSON 
 
 R, OLIVEY 
 
 S. P. GREEN 
 J. G. CUPPS 
 
 I. STUR 
 
 President 
 
 Secretary 
 
 Treasurer 
 
 DR. J. M. BURKE 
 F. A. JOHNSTON 
 
 J. L. ROACH 
 
 WILLIAM COULSON. . . 
 
 JOHN L. ROACH 
 
 CHARLES H. SCUTT. . . 
 
 JOHN SIEBERT 
 
 ALVAH H.. JENNINGS. . 
 CHARLES W. DERR, . . . 
 
 J. J. SHAFFER 
 
 F. A. JOHNSTON 
 
 WILLIAM HOFFMAN. . 
 WILLIAM ERRINGTON 
 
 GEORGE CRIPPS 
 
 ISAAC STUR 
 
 F. H. JOLINSTON 
 
 Stewards. 
 
 . . . .' 142 Seneca Street 
 
 289 Bryant Street 
 
 35 Milnor Street 
 
 156 Lutheran Street 
 
 235 Connecticut Street 
 
 278 North Division Street 
 
 118 Peabody Street 
 
 354 South Division Street 
 
 420 Michigan Street 
 
 . 295 Kingston Place 
 
 277 North Division Street 
 
 .3375 Michigan Street 
 
 100 Fillmore Avenue 
 
 Class Leaders. 
 
 JAMES G. CUPPS. . . 
 BASIL COULTES. . . 
 WILLIAM GRAY. ... 
 FRANK S. HERVEY 
 CHARLES GAIR. .. . 
 GEORGE VOAS .... 
 FRANK ROBSON . . . 
 S. P. GREENE 
 
 27 Spruce 
 
 267 North Division 
 
 666 Grant 
 
 472 Pearl 
 
 511 Ellicott 
 
 .547 South Division 
 
 9 Milnor 
 
 .72 Pine 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Street 
 
 Sunday School Superintendent. 
 
 HARRY HENDLER 511 Ellicott Street 
 
 Epworth League President. 
 
 EDGAR LI. WIEDRICK 214 North Division Street 
 
 Official Board. 
 
 Composed of all the above. 
 
 Chairman REV. W. A. V. E. PATTYSON 
 
 Recording Steward JOHN L. ROACH 
 
 Financial Secretary MRS. CHARLES SCUTT 
 
 Treasurer WILLIAM COULSON 
 
REV. EDWARD C. TOY, 
 Kensington M. E. Church. 
 
STANDING SERVICES OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 Sunday — 
 
 9.30 A. M. Class Meeting. Leader, James Cupps. 
 
 10.30 A.M. Morning Public Worship. 
 
 12 Noon. Sunday School. 
 
 3 P.M. Jail Meeting. 
 
 Epworth League Cottage Meetings. 
 
 3.30 P. M. Junior League. Mrs. Pattyson, Supt. 
 
 6.30 P. M. Epworth League Meeting. 
 
 7.30 P. M. Evening Public Worship. 
 
 Monday— 7.45 P. M. 
 
 First Monday (each month) — Official Board Meeting. 
 Second Monday — Board of Trustees. 
 
 Third Monday — Sunday School Board. 
 
 Fourth Monday — Epworth League Business Meeting. 
 Tuesday— 7.45 P. M. 
 
 Second and Fourth Tuesdays — Brotherhood of St. Paul. 
 Third Tuesday — Class Social and Business Meeting of 
 Class. 
 
 Wednesday — 7.45 P. M. 
 
 Regular Weekly Prayer and Praise Service. 
 
 Thursday — 2 P. M. 
 
 Ladies’ Aid Society. 
 
 Friday— 7.45 P. M. 
 
 Choir Rehearsal. 
 
 Mizpah 
 
 (Contributed by the Rev. B. H. Stauffer.) 
 
 My first visit to Grace Church was as a 17-year-old youth. 
 
 Unlike the story of Dick Whittington and his cat, the church 
 bell, which was just ringing as I walked into the vestibule, did not tell 
 me that within ten years I was myself to be pastor of the church I 
 was at that moment timidly entering. 
 
 Dr. Gracey preached the sermon and I remember that he described 
 the March of Christ through the Earth, as “grander than Hannibal’s 
 march into Italy and more glorious than Sherman’s march to the 
 Sea.” 
 
 Within two years, I once more found myself in Buffalo, and was 
 drawn to Grace Church again, principally because the Rev. Thomas 
 E. Bell had, the week before, given great comfort at the funeral of my 
 brother. Where we find solace we are apt to look for it again. I 
 rather think he preached that morning on the words, “Fear thou not, 
 for I am with thee.” I remember that he expressed the hope that 
 sinners might be converted unto God at each service, and a volley of 
 “Amens” greeted the remark. 
 
 I was soon at home. Brother Bell had a way of setting people to 
 work, and before I knew it, I was singing in the choir. Tell it not in 
 
REV. C. G. LOWELL, 
 Sumner Place M. E. Church. 
 
 
Gath; publish it not in Askelon; but within a month I was leading in 
 the choir loft. Just what kind of singing we had I must allow Brother 
 Bell to tell you — he has always been indulgently kind to me. 
 
 Brother Wickson, Sr., was the organist, but his place was just 
 then taken by his son, Clarence Wickson, now a worker in Richmond 
 Church, and well known to all Grace Church people, for I dare not say 
 how many years back. When nearly eight years later, I stepped into 
 the pulpit to preach my first sermon as pastor, I felt at home when 
 I saw that Clarence Wickson was at the organ. 
 
 I left Buffalo at the close of Brother Bell’s first year, but the six 
 months spent with him (from March to October, 1890) gave me many 
 a lesson in evangelistic work, which stood me in good stead when 1 
 began my ministry three years later. 
 
 One evening in August, 1897, I had a visitor at the Lovejoy Street 
 parsonage. He was a tall, well built fellow and said his name was 
 Hervey. He was a member of the pulpit committee of Grace Church, 
 and came to see whether I would be moving next Conference ! I 
 moved, and for six years Frank Hervey stood by the church and its 
 verdant pastor. He is still standing by old Grace and its present 
 minister. 
 
 My first winter’s work stands before my mind more prominently 
 than any of the five that followed. The names of the converts and 
 probationers I can see on the church record now. Theodore Woolley, 
 now of Linwood Church, was the first probationer enrolled, and we 
 had quite a list. We held a fair in April, and Mrs. Coulson as treas- 
 urer reported $660 as the net proceeds. , 
 
 The Sunday evening services were my delight, and many a happy 
 hour did we spend in the grand, old lecture room. In 1899 we reno- 
 vated the Church, spending some $3,000 in putting in new floors, 
 plumbing, carpets, frescoing, etc. The people had a mind to work. 
 Two years later, they undertook the work of putting in a new pipe 
 organ, and the subscription book, which I still treasure, contains over 
 400 names of givers. 
 
 I have many happy memories of days in Church and parsonage, 
 and recall many an incident of a pastorate which was as beneficial as 
 a college course, in experience at least, and which would never have 
 been begun but for the tenacity of Presiding Elder Philip S. Merrill, 
 whose faith in me, undeserved I fear, brought about my appointment. 
 
 The work of Grace Church is not yet finished. She still has a 
 glorious mission. The grand people who are helping to sustain her 
 services are to be congratulated on doing so noble a work. May the 
 light hold out to burn, as a welcome to many a lonely one. 
 
REV. E. E. FAIRCHILD, 
 Ripley Memorial M. E. Church. 
 
 
BOYHOOD RECOLLECTIONS OF GRACE CHURCH. 
 
 My father, the Rev. Albert D. Wilbor, .was appointed pastor of 
 Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at the Genesee Conference held at 
 Perry, N. Y., October 17th, 1859. It was a stormy session, lasting sev- 
 enteen days, and resulted in the expulsion of four ministers for con- 
 tumacy. They immediately called a convention in Albion and 
 organized the Free Methodist Church. 
 
 Grace Church was nearly new then and had cost $30,000. It had 
 290 members and had raised the previous year $1,414 for pastoral 
 support, and for benevolence. It was the strongest of the six Methodist 
 Churches in the city and retained that rank for decades. The parson- 
 age was the brick house directly opposite the church. From its win- 
 dows I saw, with wondering eyes, the torchlight processions of the 
 “ Wide-a-wakes” as they tramped by bearing on their shoulders the 
 axes, mauls and split-rails, emblems of Abraham Lincoln’s apprentice- 
 ship for the presidency. I saw some of the same men a few months 
 later, in new uniforms of blue, march to the trains for fields of South- 
 ern conflict. I saw some of them when they returned, bearded, bronzed, 
 with faded garments and broken ranks, the missing left behind in 
 soldiers’ graves. 
 
 The boys’ military company, of which I was a private, saluted 
 Mr. Lincoln as he passed through Main Street, giving him “three 
 hearty cheers and a tiger,” which caused him to rise in his carriage 
 and give us a smile and a courtly wave of his hand and hat. I remem- 
 ber the doleful tones of the old colored crier, as, with bell in hand, he 
 patrolled the streets searching for lost children. I shall never forget 
 many of the prominent families of both Swan Street and Grace 
 Churches who were active in the religious life of the city at that time. 
 Among them were Henry B. Burt and wife and John H. Husted and 
 family; David E. Brown, Robert and Mrs. Barnard, Dorcas Bowen, 
 Thomas Coatsworth, John Caudell, later the patron saint of Plymouth 
 Church; A. M. Crooks, O. H. Draper, William Dodsworth, Richard 
 Edmunds, John C. Jewett, Francis H. Root. James S. Lyon, W. W. 
 Mason, Mrs. Nicholson, C. G. Playter, B. D. Rogers, and their families: 
 and the Sternbergs and Taggerts and a host of others too numerous 
 to name. 
 
 Mrs. Burt, Mrs. Husted and Mr. Edmunds and others survive to 
 grace this Jubilee with the benediction of their nresence. The Session 
 of the General Conference in Buffalo in 1860 is an historical incident 
 of importance, and is worth repeating in 1908. 
 
 Most important of the influences of that time upon my life was 
 the positive religious impressions Grace Church and God’s grace made 
 on my life in that plastic period of childhood. 
 
 My faithful friend from infancy. Mrs. Julia A. Burt, led me every 
 Sunday morning to the Class meeting, of which her husband was 
 
I...' J. H. GAIL 
 
 Memoir. 
 
 John Henry Gail was born at Eden, Erie County, N. Y., August 1, 1831. 
 He was married to Miss Mary Brown, June 29, 1851, in Aurora, N. Y. He 
 began his active religious life in a revival at West Falls, in the year 1858, 
 conducted by the Bev. W. C. Keddall, and united with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. In 1864 Mr. Gail moved to Buffalo and engaged in the 
 fruit and produce business on Michigan Street, which he continued until the 
 time of his death. 
 
 He united with Grace Methedist Episcopal Church, Buffalo, April 12, 1865. 
 He was an active and useful member and office bearer there until December 
 12, 1891, when he transferred his membership to Plymouth Church, where he 
 has ever since been a prominent and influential worker. For many years, 
 and at the time of his death, he was president of the Board of Trustees of the 
 church to which he belonged. 
 
 His death occured at Pasadena, Cal., May 13, 1904. Mr. Gail is survived 
 by a wife and two children, A. D. Gail and H. M. Gail of this city. 
 
leader. There I felt the power of the Spirit in testimony and song. 
 And in the public worship of the Sanctuary, which followed, the quiet 
 solemnity of the service made me feel that the Lord was in His holy 
 temple. 
 
 We learned by heart and recited every week, in the Sunday School, 
 seven verses from the Bible, and on Saturday afternoons, in the base- 
 ment, we recited the Catechism. The Word of life, hidden in my heart 
 then, is with me now. This joyous golden Jubilee inspires every 
 disciple of Christ to be faithful to every duty. How great is the num- 
 ber who have been helped by this Church in a half century. What a 
 great procession of saints have passed through the portals of Grace 
 Church up to the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem. Part of the host 
 have crossed before and part are crossing now. The great majority 
 of the pastors and people of this church’s congregation are now members 
 of the church triumphant, which is without fault before the throne 
 of God. WILLIAM C. WILBOR. 
 
 MRS. MARGARET HUSTED MRS. JULIA BURT 
 
 The above illustrations are of the only two surviving members of the old 
 Swan Street Church, so far as is known; one, Mrs. Burt, being still 
 a member after 61 years, and until the past few months 
 was a Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Husted is now 
 a member of the Central Park Church. 
 
REV. F. J. CHASE, D. D. 
 
 Normal Park M. E. Church. 
 
 The Normal Park M. E. Church is about 20 years old, and is, therefore, 
 one of the younger churches of the city. It is situated at the corner of Nor- 
 mal Avenue and Hampshire St., on the West Side, and was started by 
 Plymouth Church. The membership is about 300, and constantly growing. 
 The present pastorate began last fall, and during the last few months the 
 church has been redecorated throughout, and painted outside and in as well 
 as the parsonage. It is one of the attractive places of worship and the pastor 
 ministers to large congregations. 
 
 i 
 
WM. BARKER 
 
 This is dedicated to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Barker, by 
 their daughter, Emma Barker. 
 
 Mr. Barker was born in England March 17, 1818, and died December 
 31, 1884, aged 77 years and 10 months. 
 
 He, with his wife Lydia, joined Grace M. E. Church in 1872, to which 
 they remained faithful until they removed to the West Side, and joining 
 Plymouth Avenue M. E. Church. He served many years as president of the 
 Trustee Board, ever an earnest worker and a liberal and cheerful giver. 
 None were missed from old Grace M. E. Church more than he. A man 
 absolutely without deception in any form, possessed of sterling honesty, a 
 true friend. 
 
REV. D. A. PARCELLS, 
 Woodside M. E. Church. 
 
TI1E PLAYTER FAMILY 
 
 My contributions to this volume have been confined to descrip- 
 tions of families who were identified with both Swan Street and 
 Grace churches, and who, either themselves or their children, are 
 now prominent in Buffalo Methodism. 
 
 One of the most influential laymen in Buffalo in 1860-61 was 
 Charles G. Playter. He held a responsible position in the firm of 
 Pratt & Co., hardware merchants, a corporation still in business in 
 Buffalo. His comprehensive acquaintance with all the details of the 
 business, his unwavering fidelity and perfect integrity made him 
 almost indispensible in their extensive enterprise. Mr. Playter was 
 equally prominent and effective in the church. He discharged the 
 duties of trustee, class leader and Sunday school superintendent with 
 dignified deportment, ready sympathy and depth and ripeness of 
 Christian experience. He was equally eminent in his personal and 
 home life. The power and influence which he displayed in the domestic 
 circle best evinced the refinement and affection which was conspicu- 
 ous in his intercourse with the members of his family. 
 
 At the early age of 47, after an illness of but one week, he was 
 taken away, leaving the church, his wife and son and daughter to 
 lament his untimely death. His pastor, Rev. A. D. Wilbor, wrote in 
 his journal : 
 
 “Dear Brother, farewell! I will try to meet thee in heaven. 
 Brother Playter was a dear friend, a true Christian, a meek and 
 quiet spirit. Who can take his place?” 
 
 The Buffalo Christian Advocate editorially said : 
 
 “He was on£ of the favored few of this world whose whole life 
 — domestic, social, business and religious — is without a murmur and 
 without a fault. No one ever knew him who did not admire the 
 gentleness of his spirit, the firmness of his integrity and the unaf- 
 fected purity and usefulness of his piety. His memory is blessed.” 
 Mrs. Playter was the equal of her husband in life and character. 
 Soon after his death she was attacked with rheumatism and was 
 seriously crippled for many years. But pain, vigils and helplessness 
 could not daunt her heroic and cheerful nature, nor cloud for one 
 moment her vivacious and hopeful soul. Her devoted daughter, 
 Fanny, the widow of the late Charles A. Sweet, who for many years 
 was an important factor in the commercial and religious life of the 
 city, gave her time, strength and love to her invalid mother. She 
 received as the inevitable compensation of untiring and unselfish 
 service, a noble, well developed, philanthropic character, which has 
 largely enriched her own home circle and the Delaware Avenue 
 church, of which she is a member. 
 
 Members change and pass away, the church lives on. The work- 
 ers finish their labor and pass to their reward, and others take 
 their places, bear their burdens and thus develop character and 
 sainthood. Giving is living. Serving is deserving. 
 
 WILLIAM C. WILBOR. 
 
REV. JOSEPH PACIARELLI, 
 Italian Mission. 
 
 1 
 
COLLINS’ BREAD 
 
 57757 
 
 RED, WHITE AND BLUE LABEL 
 
 AT ALL GROCERS 
 
 COLLINS’ BAKING CO. 
 
 4 * 
 
 350 MAIN STREET - - BUFFALO 
 
 COCOA CREAMS 
 
 60 CENTS PER POUND 
 
 The Most Delicious Chocolate 
 Confection Ever Made. 
 
 BELL PHONE, SENECA 147. 
 FRONTIER PHONE, 10651. 
 
 OPEN UNTIL 11.30 P. M. 
 
 ± 
 
 Wm. B. Kennedy 
 
 ...FUNERAL DIRECTOR... 
 
 346 EAGLE ST., Corner Cedar. 
 
 Bell Phone, 321. 
 Frontier, 1369. 
 
 OPEN DAY AND NIGHT. 
 
REV. E. H. LATIMER, 
 North Tonawanda, N. Y. 
 
In fbemoriam 
 
 The late Chas. H. Webster was 
 always a friend of Grace Church, 
 supporting it on every opportune 
 occasion. :: :: :: 
 
 His sterling integrity and generous 
 nature brought him the esteem of 
 all who knew him. :: :: 
 
 World Wide Methodism according to 1901 Statistics 
 
 Denominations .... 
 Ministers ..... 
 Local Preachers .... 
 Members ..... 
 Churches ..... 
 Sunday Schools .... 
 Sunday School Officers and Teachers 
 Sunday School Scholars 
 
 WESTERN 
 
 
 
 WORLD 
 
 
 
 including 
 Missions in 
 Eastern 
 World 
 
 EASTELN 
 
 WORLD 
 
 GRAND 
 TOTA L 
 
 The M. E. 
 being the 
 largest. 
 
 
 
 17 
 
 13 
 
 30 
 
 42,083 
 
 6,276 
 
 48,359 
 
 46,423 
 
 58,413 
 
 104,836 
 
 6,437,461 
 
 1,221,824 
 
 7,659,285 
 
 62,121 
 
 27,027 
 
 89,048 
 
 62,009 
 
 20,750 
 
 82,759 
 
 582,925 
 
 273,415 
 
 856,340 
 
 5,091,897 
 
 2,175,632 
 
 7,267,511 
 
REV. MARK R. CHAPMAN, 
 Alden M. E. Church. 
 
 L 
 
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 BUFFALO IS DOTTED WITH UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITERS 
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 We have shown the “OTHER FELLOW” 
 
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 Awarded the GRAND PRIZE, St. Louis Exposition, 1905. 
 
 UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER CO. 
 
 52 Niagara Street - BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
[ 
 
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 Hotel Broezel 
 
 JOHN E. BOLDT. 
 
 Rates $3.00 Per Day and Upwards. American Plan. Fire-Proof. 
 ALL MEALS 75 CENTS. 
 
 One Block from Principal Railroad Stations. 
 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 Rogers’ Commission House 
 
 MEMBER BUFFALO PRODUCE EXCHANGE. 
 
 WHOLESALE GENERAL COMMISSION 
 
 FRUITS, VEGETABLES, POULTRY, GAME, ETC. 
 
 HOTEL AND STEAMBOAT SUPPLIES A SPECIALTY. 
 
 145-147 Michigan Street - BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
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 Cbas. W. Webster 
 
SAMUEL McGERALD, 
 
 Former Editor of the “ Christian UpJook.’* 
 
REV. GLEZEN FILLMORE. 
 
 (The Pioneer of Western New York Methodism.) 
 
 The following is a synopsis of an article read before the Ministers’ 
 Association on Monday, May 15th, 1905, by the Rev. W. B. Robinson of 
 Clarence, Erie County, N. Y. Space will not permit it in full. 
 
 The Rev. Glezen Fillmore was born of solid Puritan stock in Ben- 
 nington, Vt., Dec. 22nd, 1789, and died at Clarence on January 26, 
 1875, after making the latter place his home for about seventy years, 
 where rest his mortal remains, with those of his wife, in the beautiful 
 cemetery. 
 
 When an infant his parents moved to Paris, Oneida County, a 
 place 7 miles south of Utica, then a place of but two log houses. He 
 attended district school at Paris and later an academy at Clinton, 3 
 miles distant. 
 
 He became a Christian when 17 years old and leaned strongly 
 towards the Methodist Episcopal Church. His parents objected to him 
 joining the latter, as they had a very poor idea of the Methodists, but 
 being conscientious, he did join the following year. The records show 
 that he was licensed to exhort March 18th, 1809, ten days after which 
 event he started, with his knapsack on his back, for the West. 
 
 He held his first meeting 4 miles from Willliamsville at the house 
 of David Hamlin. Two persons besides the family being present, he 
 prayed, exhorted and held a Class meeting. 
 
 The following October he was licensed to preach by the Quarterly 
 Conference of Batavia Circuit, of which Gideon Draper was Presiding 
 Elder. He served 9 years as local preacher and did noble work, refus- 
 ing to enter the regular ministry on account of his modest opinion of 
 his ability, his parents’ opposition and delicate health. 
 
 In 1816, after listening to him preach with masterly ability for 
 two hours at a Camp Meeting, his father’s opposition to his entering 
 the ministry broke down and he was bidden to do as he felt called. 
 
 In 1818 he was admitted to Genesee Conference and stationed at 
 Buffalo and Black Rock. There were then about 1,500 inhabitants, 
 but no Church Building in the Village. 
 
 He secured the consent of the owrner of a private school house in 
 Buffalo, where the Episcopalians held service, to use the house part of 
 the time. He preached at sunrise and at early candle-light, and during 
 the day he preached twice at Black Rock, making four full services 
 every Sabbath. His preaching had such an effect that the Presbyterian 
 minister, by the name of Squire, who preached in the court house, be- 
 came alarmed, and advised him to leave, as the other two societies had 
 the ground, and there wasn’t sufficient support for another. 
 
 Mr. Fillmore told him he was sent there by the Conference, and 
 he couldn’t leave. Besides, said he, I have 14 appointments in the 
 country now, which I attend on week-days. “Well,” said Mr. Squire, 
 
REV. JAMES H. POTTS, D. D., 
 Editor Michigan Christian Advocate. 
 
“you will not get a support here.” “Then,” said Mr. Fillmore, “I 
 will preach without a support.” After a little this Christian minister 
 of another denomination worked a scheme, and obtained the consent 
 of the owner of the school house to drive the intruder out. A council 
 was held among the Methodists, and it was decided to build a church. 
 
 A lot was leased on what is now Franklin Street, and a church 
 25x35 feet, was commenced on the 8th of December, and dedicated on 
 he 24th of the following Janizary, a period of less than two months. 
 Mr. Fillmore was entirely responsible for the financing and building of 
 this, the first church in Buffalo. 
 
 He says in his record : “I had no trustees, no time to make them, . 
 and nothing to make them of.” Thomas Mason, a book agent at New 
 York, to whom he wrote, collected and gave him $170, and James 
 Elliott, Esq., gave him $300, and the people, who were poor, not having 
 recovered fully from the effects of the recent war, gave the rest. Dur- 
 ing his pastorate here a quarterly meeting was held at Clarence. The 
 entire church, consisting of 7 members, rode in a lumber wagon to 
 the meeting. He preached at Black Rock in the soldiers’ barracks to 
 large and attentive congregations, and during a part of his term he 
 lived at Black Rock in a house furnished by Gen. Porter. 
 
 His salary the first year was $70; the second year, $150. His next 
 appointment was Clarence. He stayed one year, and was then ap- 
 pointed presiding elder of the Erie District, which stretched from Lake 
 Ontario to Meadville, Pa., and was nearly as wide as the old Genesee 
 Conference. 
 
 The appointing of such a young man, and with so little experience, 
 by Bishop George subjected him to criticism among the older brethren, 
 but he fully sustained the Bishop’s opinion of his ability to do the 
 work. It was while closing up his last year on this District that the 
 sheriff called on him to preach at the execution of the three Thayer 
 brothers. On the 17th of June, 1825, a vast multitude, estimated at 
 from 30,000 to 50,000 people, gathered together through morbid curi- 
 osity, and Mr. Fillmore preached from 1 Cor. 10, 11: “Now all these 
 things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for 
 our admonition.” That, as he was heard to say, was one of the most 
 impressive events of his life, and with a voice that reached to the ears 
 of the last man in that mighty throng, he preached with a power that 
 none ever forgot. Several times he was called to officiate on similar 
 occasions. 
 
 From the Erie District he went as Presiding Elder to the Chenango 
 District, an almost unlimited field of labor, over which hundreds of 
 miles from home, he traveled through forest and stream, before rail- 
 roads were ever dreamed of. 
 
 The following year he was reappointed to Buffalo and Black Rock, 
 and again stayed two years. At this time he organized the first Sunday 
 
PASTORAL RECORD. 
 
 PASTORS OF GRACE CHURCH. 
 
 Year of 
 Appointment. 
 
 1844 JOHN DENNIS* 
 
 1846 ALPHA WRIGHT* 
 
 1848 JAMES M. FULLER* 
 1850 SCHUYLER SEAGER* 
 1852 A. D. WILBOR * 
 
 1854 PHILO E. BROWN* 
 
 1855 W. H. DE PUY* 
 
 1857 SANFORD HUNT* 
 
 1859 A. D. WILBOR* 
 
 1861 D. D. LORE* 
 
 1863 SCHUYLER SEAGER* 
 
 1864 T. H. KNOWLES* 
 
 1897 BYRON II. STAUFFER 
 *Deceased. 
 
 Year of 
 Appointment. 
 
 1867 GEORGE P. PORTER* 
 1870 D. H. MULLER 
 1872 G. W. PADDOCK 
 1874 ROSS C. HOUGHTON 
 1876 D. ID MULLER 
 1879 S. W. LLOYD 
 1881 R. M. STRATTON 
 1884 J. B. WENTWORTH* 
 
 1886 J. T. GRACEY 
 1889 THOMAS E. BELL 
 1892 IRA T. WALKER 
 1895 CHARLES B. SPARROW* 
 1903 W. A. Y. E. PATTYSON 
 
School in this city. From this charge he was sent to Batavia. While 
 there, with the interests of Buffalo ever in his heart, he secured from 
 Mr. Elllicott, the land agent, the gift of an elegant lot on the north 
 side of Niagara Street, extending from Pearl to Franklin, and running 
 back to an alley, which afterwards became the site of the Niagara 
 Street M. E. Church. This lot, one of the finest in the city, was se- 
 lected by him, and a deed of it was given outright to him by Mr. 
 Ellicott. Later, several years after the church was built, while he was 
 in Monroe County, near the lake, attending a quarterly meeting, he 
 heard that the trustees proposed to sell a part of the lot. 
 
 The next day, although a cold winter day in December, he started 
 for Buffalo, and secured a meeting of the trustees. He besought them 
 under no consideration to sell a foot of the land. With all his wonder- 
 ful power, he showed them the advantages which would accrue to 
 them and to the work at large by holding it until the rents and profits 
 would be sufficient to build a church every year, and they would not 
 only help themselves, but be able to give assistance to poor societies 
 all over the district. The trustees took a week to consider it, and then 
 they said: “Elder Fillmore can preach, but he don’t understand 
 
 financial matters as we do,” and they sold all the lot except the 
 ground occupied by the church building, and thus defeated the benefi- 
 cent design of this far-seeing man of God, and brought final disaster 
 to themselves. After his appointment to Batavia, he appears to have 
 returned to Buffalo; then to a district called Ontario, where he re- 
 mained but a year. The next two years he labored as pastor of the 
 first and only M. E. Church then in Rochester. These years it is said 
 were the most remarkable years of his ministry. A marvelous revival 
 broke out in August at a camp-meeting at Henrietta, the influence of 
 which was carried back to Rochester. There were over 900 that pro- 
 fessed conversion, and the minutes of 1833 show a membership for our 
 church of 732. 
 
 This was the commencement of prosperity for Methodism in what 
 was then the village of Rochester. This revival is without a parallel 
 in the history of Genesee Conference, and it is no exaggeration to say 
 that Rochester as well as Buffalo is indebted to this great and good 
 man under God, for laying broad and deep the foundation of Metho- 
 dism. After a year as Presiding Elder of the Rochester District, the 
 people of that place clamored so strongly for his return that he became 
 pastor again. From Rochester he was appointed to Buffalo for the 
 third time, and stationed at Niagara Street. Four years more as 
 Presiding Elder of Buffalo District brought him back again to Buffalo 
 and Black Rock, with Tonawanda added to the charge. Then from 
 Lockport, South Church 2 years, Buffalo District claimed him again 
 as Presiding Elder for the next 3 years, then back to Rochester West 
 District for one year. Special interest lingers around his term at 
 
REV. WILLIAM H. DUPUY, 1855. 
 
Lockport, where he made a signal success. Mention is made of his 
 marvelous power in prayer. It is said that a mass temperance meeting 
 was to be held on the public square in front of the court house. 
 
 Bro. Fillmore was at his home in Clarence, and Judge Gardiner, 
 one of the committee of arrangements, insisted on sending for him to 
 open the meeting with prayer. The exercises proceeded while the 
 court was in session. Judge Dayton presided, and a lawyer was 
 earnestly addressing court and jury. Soon the powerful voice of the 
 one praying filled the court room and the judge was seen looking out 
 of the open window, and listening to the prayer. The lawyer ceased 
 his pleading, and with one consent, the court, jury, bar and spectators 
 sat in silence and listened to the prayer until it was ended. 
 
 All who heard it felt that they had never heard such a prayer. 
 Sister Joslyn, 86 years old, one of the elect ladies of Methodism, for- 
 merly of Clarence, now living at Bowmansville, spoke impressively 
 about Bro. Fillmore’s power in prayer. There sat on his face a 
 seraphic vision and the very gates of heaven seemed to open while he 
 prayed. At the Conference of 1847 he was appointed to take charge 
 of Genesee District, which office he filled acceptably for 3 years. In 
 1850 his name appears as Presiding Elder of Niagara District, and he 
 remained until his term expired. The last four years of his active 
 ministry were spent as Presiding Elder of Buffalo District. He was 
 effective to the last. 
 
 For 14 years he served as pastor, and 27 years as presiding elder. 
 Nine splendid years of work he spent in the local ranks, which must 
 be added to his remarkable record, making in all just half a century 
 in the ministry of the gospel. Four times his brethren honored him 
 by sending him to represent them in the General Conference. When 
 the time came when he felt that he must give up the active work, as he 
 left the cabinet without an appointment to ask for a superannuated 
 relation, he said to an associate : ‘ ‘ This is the hardest appointment I 
 
 ever received. ’ ’ He was a man of one work. He loved the ministry of 
 Jesus Christ. One cannot help seeing it, from the time he started West 
 as an exhorter, with a knapsack on his back. 
 
 1 asked Sister Joslyn what sort of a preacher he was, and she said 
 he was not so highly educated, but he had a great delivery. The people 
 loved to hear him preach, she said. Someone has remarked that a sight 
 of his face was as good as a sermon. He had a kind, benevolent 
 nature, and possessed great control over himself and others. He was 
 often called upon to settle disputes which others found it impossible 
 to settle. His long experience as a presiding elder is suggestive of his 
 character. It would be difficult, I think, to find its parallel in the 
 whole connection. He loved his brethren in the ministry and they 
 evidently loved him. There can be no question but that he knew the 
 trials and hardships of an itinerant Methodist preacher. He knew 
 
REV. SANFORD HUNT, 1857. 
 
 REV. T. H. KNOWLES, 1864. 
 
what it was to live on short fare to get a bare pittance for a life of 
 devotion to the ministry. At one quarterly meeting in this city, when 
 Presiding Elder of his first district, he received the total sum of 75 
 cents and at Lewiston, 50 cents. 
 
 He knew the trials of frontier life. When a teacher and a local 
 preacher 20 years old, in 1809, he married Miss Lovina Atwell, and 
 took his bride to his boarding place at the Harris Hill house. Not 
 long after he went into the forest 3 miles north, cut the logs and built 
 his own house. There he took his young wife, even before the house 
 had a door, which some carpenter, on account of sickness, had failed 
 to make. Black bears were frequently seen, and timber wolves 
 prowled around and howled at night. Once, when a preacher was 
 staying with them, at this same log house, he was awakened in the 
 night with sounds the like of which he had never heard before. On 
 being told it was a “wolf concert” and seeing only a blanket at the 
 door, he proposed, in great alarm, to climb to a safer place in the loft. 
 It was while living at this house, north of Harris Hill, that Bro. Fill- 
 more narrowly escaped with his life. He had been to a meeting at 
 Clarence and returned late. The night set in dark, but he had his 
 lantern with him, which, however, needed replenishing. The story is 
 that he stopped at a house, and procured some new tow and oil, and 
 proceeded on his way toward home. Long before he reached his place 
 he heard a snarl, and saw several bright eyes about him. He was 
 followed by the wolves. Soon others joined the pack, but he hurried 
 along, and swung his lantern about, and the savage brutes, cowed by 
 the light, kept at a safe, but uncomfortably close distance. 
 
 That was an experience for a Methodist preached with a ven- 
 geance ; to walk through the lonely mazes of a forest on a dark night, 
 with a pack of snarling wolves snapping at his heels. It is hard to 
 think of a greater peril. Nor were wolves and bears their only un- 
 pleasant companions. 
 
 One sunny Sabbath Mrs. Fillmore stepped out of the house and 
 walked a short distance, and there, lying on a log and partly wound 
 about it, was a monster black snake, as thick as a man’s arm. She did 
 nothing, and told her husband when he came home in the evening, but 
 when he looked for the snake it was gone. It was here they lived when 
 the alarm came that the British and Indians were coming. Shutting 
 the door, which was without lock, and leaving everything as it was, 
 they drove the cows before them, and walked to Alexander, where 
 they remained three weeks. When they returned they found the door 
 closed, and everything just as they left it. 
 
 Shortly after this episode, they moved to Clarence, and resided 
 in a log house, which stood on the site where the quaint old frame 
 house, with its immense fire-place chimney now stands. Here Mrs. 
 Fillmore lived, mostly alone, while her husband performed the tasks 
 
REV. GEORGE P. PORTER, 1867. 
 
 REV. D. H. MULLER, 1870, 1876. 
 
STATEMENT OF 
 
 
 The Erie County Savings Bank 
 
 OF BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 
 • 
 
 January 1, 1905. 
 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 
 At Their Market value. 
 
 
 Bonds and Mortgages, 
 
 $14,454,118.50 
 
 District of Columbia Bonds, . 
 
 836,500.00 
 
 State of Tennessee Bonds, 
 
 582,000.00 
 
 State of Louisiana Bonds, . . . 
 
 210,000.00 
 
 State of Massachusetts Bonds, 
 
 530,000.00 
 
 Bonds of Cities in Other States, . . . . 
 
 2.177,260.00 
 
 Bonds of Cities in this State, .... 
 
 5,769,232.83 
 
 Bonds of Counties in this State, 
 
 656, 270. ( 0 
 
 Railroad Mortgage Bonds, . . 
 
 8,079,420.00 
 
 Banking House, 
 
 700,000.00 
 
 Other Real Estate, 
 
 125,667.29 
 
 Cash on Hand, , . 
 
 229,242.75 
 
 Cash on Deposit in Banks, .... 
 
 3,084,915.75 
 
 Interest Accrued. ....... 
 
 394,672.56 
 
 
 $37,829,299,68 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 
 Amount due Depositors, ..... 
 
 $34,956,318.64 
 
 SURPLUS, 
 
 $2,872,981.04- 
 
 
 $37,829,299,68 
 
 Number of open accounts, 
 
 
 January 1, 1905, 
 
 
 71,061. 
 
 
 Officers. 
 
 
 DAVID R. MORSE, ROBERT S. DONALDSON, 
 
 President. 
 
 Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 JAMES H. LEE, ROBERT D. YOUNG, 
 
 First Vice-President. Ass’t Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 OLIVER J. EGGERT, HENRY WARE SPRAGUE, 
 
 Second Vice-President. 
 
 Attorney. 
 
 Trustees. 
 
 
 David R. Morse, Oliver J. Eggert, 
 
 Joseph P. Dudley, 
 
 Alfred P. Wright, James Sweeney, 
 
 William A. Rogers, 
 
 Charles Greiner, George L. Williams, 
 
 G. Barrett Rich, 
 
 James H. Lee, Dexter P. Rumsey, 
 
 John J. McWilliams, 
 
 Henry M. Watson, Robert S. Donaldson, 
 
 George R. Howard. 
 
REV. G. W. PADDOCK, 1872. 
 
 REV. ROSS C. HOUGHTON, 1874. 
 
of an itinerant preacher and presiding elder. When it became known 
 in the fall of 1858 that he had decided to bring his labors as an itinerant 
 to a close, his friends gathered together in Clarence, and paid him a 
 visit, and also left substantial tokens of their regard. There were 
 fully 2,000 who thus gathered to show their esteem to this friend of 
 God and man, who had reached his 70th year. 
 
 It was a great day in Clarence. The people, always noted for 
 such things, spread long tables in a beautiful grove nearby, and loaded 
 them with good things to eat. Addresses, reminiscent and congratu- 
 latory, were made. At length an elegant rosewood chair was brought 
 out and presented to him by the citizens of Clarence as a slight token 
 of their esteem, and he was urged to rest his weary limbs in it, after 
 so long a life of toil. 
 
 It is said he looked embarrassed, and, after a little hesitation, re- 
 marked: “There is but one chair,” betokening that if he needed one 
 his aged companion also stood in need. Bro. Francis H. Root of Buf- 
 falo, who was present, took the hint, and assured him that one for her 
 would be immediately forthcoming. “Then,” said the old gentleman, 
 * 1 mine will give me double comfort. ’ ’ This care for his companion, who 
 shared his life’s joys and cares, was beautiful, but it was always so. In 
 their home life they set the people an example of family devotion and 
 peace. 
 
 Mrs. Fillmore was a small person in stature, but with an active 
 business temperament. She must have had great courage and nerve to 
 live alone in a dense forest, as she did, with no one but wild animals 
 about her. The story is told that one night, hearing a noise, as though 
 a thief was in the next room, she summoned a young woman friend, 
 who happened to be with her, and said : “You keep right behind me,” 
 and went into the room with a light, only to see the thief escape 
 through an open window. Another time she heard noises at the barn 
 and went alone and drove off someone who had come to steal the oats. 
 Mrs. Fillmore may not have been of much help along the lines of 
 church work, for she was modest and retiring in her Christian testi- 
 mony, but she believed in her husband, and in his work, and kept 
 his home-spot warm, and his heart strong; and no eulogy of him would 
 be complete without equal praise of her who traveled life’s pathway 
 with him for nearly 70 years. Mrs. Fillmore believed the adage “early 
 to bed, early to rise,” was good for preachers as well as others. 
 
 When one such visitor came, as was frequently the case, when it 
 came to be 9 o’clock, she would like a candle and give it to him, and 
 show him where to sleep, and at 5 o’clock in the morning she would 
 call him to breakfast. 
 
 Alas, those good old times, I fear, have passed — at least, with the 
 “cloth” now-a-days. Father Fillmore used to relate some amusing 
 incidents of his early ministry. Once he was sent for to marry a 
 
REV. JOHN B WENTWORTH, 1884. 
 
couple, but when he reached a certain stream he found it swollen so 
 much that his horse could not safely cross it. He tied his horse to a 
 tree, and then sought for some way to get over. He found at last a 
 place where a tree had fallen, and by creeping carefully along, he 
 managed to reach the opposite bank. When the happy couple were 
 made one the bride asked him if he would take a peck of beans for 
 his fee. He thought, however, that it Avould be impossible for him to 
 cross the tree again loaded down with a peck of beans, and so they 
 compromised by the groom giving him a quarter. Another wedding 
 case. A party came at midnight, when they were all abed and asleep. 
 The elder was awakened, and rose to find it was a couple, who said 
 “they wanted to get hitched on.” He told the rest of the family to 
 remain abed, and he married them. His fee was 50 cents. For another 
 wedding fee were offered him dried apples. 
 
 Glezen Fillmore has left a character and work which we may well 
 study with profit. He possessed the elements of greatness. In his 
 veins flowed the blood of which Presidents are made. He was cousin 
 to Millard Fillmore, who occupied the highest place within the gift 
 of this great nation. 
 
 Yet he would not have exchanged places with him. To be a 
 Methodist preacher, in his opinion, was greater than to be President. 
 There is a charm of devotion seen in his life work that is seldom 
 met with. He might have shot bears and wolves for a pastime and 
 fished the well-stocked streams, but his pastime was to hunt for souls 
 and to get men into the Kingdom of God. 
 
 With his usual business sagacity, he obtained a farm, so that, as I 
 think, the little woman would never come to want; but he never 
 worked it himself, but always rented it, he having other and more 
 important work to do. 
 
 Glezen Fillmore was called of God into his holy ministry, as cer- 
 tainly as was the Apostle Paul, and his spirit of approach to men, and 
 of constant labor, amici all obstacles, was singularly similar. “This 
 one thing I do” he could conscientiously say as he threaded the blazed 
 trails of the virgin forest and risked his life and personal comfort 
 while he sought out the dwellings of men. And when he found them 
 his soul went out in gentle love for their souls, and not a man met him 
 but soon came to feel that he stood face to face with a friend. With 
 Napoleonic promptness, always at it, seeking a soul wherever he 
 might find it, gentle as a woman, believing in smiles rather than 
 frowns to effect his purpose, with wonderful pulpit power and a hold 
 on the throne of heaven, through mighty prayer, that seemed well 
 nigh resistless, he went up and down the vast regions of the Western 
 part of this Empire State the embodiment of spiritual power— the ideal 
 herald of the King of Kings. This paper could be extended indefinitely 
 with interesting facts about this departed saint and servant of God. 
 
REV. JOHN T. GRACEY, 1886. REV. THOMAS E. BELL, 1889. 
 
 REV. IRA T. WALKER, 1892. REV. CHARLES B. SPARROW, 1895 
 
but I fear that I have exhausted my time. Glezen Fillmore was born 
 for his age, and the work given him to do was the kind of work he 
 was qualified to perform. 
 
 Genesee Conference is proud of the name of Glezen Fillmore, all 
 Western New York, where he labored, is proud of him. It is an in- 
 spiration to think of his noble character, and a mighty impulse is 
 begotten when one considers his fifty years of uninterrupted work. 
 Thank God for Father Fillmore and the men of his class, who have 
 made proud the name of Methodism. 
 
 MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM W. MASON 
 
 Among the most faithful and valuable members of Grace Church 
 in its earlier history were William W. Mason and his wife Fanny. 
 Both were born in Vermont, in 1812 and 1814 respectively. Mrs. Mason 
 was converted in 1830, and came with her father’s family to Buffalo 
 in 1835, uniting by letter with Niagara Street church, then the only 
 Methodist society in the city. They were married in 1837. Mr. 
 Mason came to Buffalo in 1835, and with his wife formed a part of the 
 twenty-five members of Niagara Street church, who volunteered to 
 form the class which became the new Swan Street church. Mr. Mason 
 was an active worker in the church and filled the offices of trustee and 
 steward with great acceptability. The family home was on Elm Street 
 and was a center of social life and hospitality. The fruits and flowers 
 which abounded in their garden were very attractive to the writer 
 and form bright pictures in his memory. The family consisted of 
 father, mother, two sons and two daughters. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mason exercised a blessed influence in the com- 
 munity. They were noted for their faithful, consistent lives and their 
 unselfish devotion to every interest of the church. 
 
 Mr. Mason died very suddenly October 26, 1860. It was on 
 Thursday evening. He was on his way to the church with the bread 
 for the lovefeast, was taken ill, and died soon after reaching home. 
 
 The Christian home he had founded continued to be a center of 
 religious activity in the community. Mary and Martha, the daugh- 
 ters, now members of Richmond Avenue Church, have always proved 
 to be what their namesakes were in the home at Bethany, where 
 Jesus loved to stay. 
 
 During the later years of her life Mrs. Mason suffered most 
 severely and continuously from an affection which rendered her right 
 arm not only helpless, but also extremely painful. Few of her ac- 
 quaintances ever knew how much she suffered, for she endured the 
 constant agony with such cheerful composure and fortitude that her 
 sufferings were not visible to her visitors. Her presence was a 
 benediction to all who knew her. Her life proved what Mathew 
 Henry has said: 
 
 ‘ ‘ Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of 
 extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary virtues.” 
 
 WILLIAM C. WILBOR. 
 
EPISCOPAL DIRECTORY. 
 
 Names and Addresses of the Bishops of the M. E. Church as Arranged 
 at the General Conference at Los Angeles, Cal., May, 1904. 
 
 1872 Thomas Bowman** East Orange, N. J. 
 
 1872 Stephen M. Merrill**. . .57 Washington Street, Chicago, 111. 
 
 1872 Edward G. Andrews**. . 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. 
 
 1880 Henry W. Warren University Park, Col. 
 
 1880 Cyrus D. Foss** 2043 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 1884 John M. Walden** 220 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O. 
 
 1884 Willard F. Mallalieu** . .Auburndale, Mass. 
 
 1884 Charles H. Fowler 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. 
 
 1888 John H. Vincent** Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 1888 James N. Fitzgerald. . . . 3029 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 1888 Isaac W. Joyce 1115 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 
 
 1888 Daniel A. Goodsell 36 Bromfield Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 1888 James M. Thoburn* Bombay, India. 
 
 1896 Charles C. McCabe 1026 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 1896 Earl Cranston Washington, D. C. 
 
 1896 Joseph C. Hartzell* 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. 
 
 1900 David H. Moore Portland, Ore. 
 
 1900 John W. Hamilton San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 1900 Francis W. Warne* Lucknow, India. 
 
 1904 Joseph F. Berry 455 Franklin Street, Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 1904 Henry Spellmeyer 220 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O. 
 
 1904 William F. McDowell. . .57 Washington Street, Chicago, 111. 
 
 1904 James W. Bashford Shanghai, China. 
 
 1904 William Burt Zurich, Switzerland. 
 
 1904 Luther B. Wilson Chattanooga, Tenn. 
 
 1904 Thomas B. Neely Buenos Ayres, Argentina. 
 
 1904 Isaiah B. Scott* Monrovia, Liberia. 1 ~ 
 
 1904 William F. Oldham*. . . . Singapore, Straits Settlements. 
 
 1904 John E. Robinson* Calcutta, India. 
 
 1904 Merriman C. Harris*. . . Tokyo, Japan. . 1 
 
 The figures indicate year elected. *Missionary Bishop. **Superanuated. 
 
... COMPLIMENTS ... 
 
 WHEAT’S ICE CREAM 
 COMPANY 
 
 68 to 72 ELM STREET 
 
 JOS. R. JOHNSTON 
 
 SIGN, HOUSE AND... 
 DECORATIVE PAINTING 
 
 Graining and Paper Hanging 
 
 19 WEST UTICA STREET 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 JOSEPH KITTINGER 
 
 Have your R TTRRKRS worn ou t? 
 
 REAL ESTATE 
 
 NEXT TIME BUY 
 
 HOOD RUBBERS 
 
 INSURANCE... 
 
 AND BE SATISFIED. 
 
 AND LOANS.. 
 
 One reason why they wear so well is the 
 
 PILGRIM HEEL 
 
 110 Erie County Bank Building 
 
 Patented. 
 
 Made only in Hood Rubbers. Ask to see it. 
 
 Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 HOOD RUBBERS are 
 
 Telephones: 
 
 Bell, Seneca 3378-R. Frontier 769. 
 
 GOOD RUBBERS 
 
 BEST 
 
 
 COFFEE AND TEA 
 
 of the right flavor and 
 
 
 strength, guaranteed 
 
 Compliments of 
 
 to please at . . . 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Olivey. 
 
 WILLET & BORLAND 
 GROCERS 
 160 Seneca Street 
 
 A. H. TRACY, Jr. 
 
 Buxton’s English Balsam 
 
 DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF 
 
 The Favorite Remedy for 
 
 COUGHS, COLDS, HOARSENESS, IN- 
 FLUENZA, DIFFICULTY IN 
 
 ..COAL.. 
 
 BREATHING, BRON- 
 CHITIS and all 
 
 Affections of the Throat and Lungs. 
 
 TELEPHONES: BELL, BRYANT 298. 
 
 None Other Genuine. 
 
 FRONTIER. 298. 
 
 
 1455 Main Street, 
 
 GEORGE B. ROGERS, Prop., 
 
 Near Glenwood Ave., BUFFALO. N. Y. 
 
 402 Michigan Street, Cor. Eagle, 
 
 Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
BISHOP JOHN H. VINCENT 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 
 
WRILSON S. TIFFT 
 
 Born in Nassau, New York, January 10, 1825. Died in Buffalo, New York, 
 May 3, 1900. A member of Grace Methodist Episcopal 
 Church from 1871 to 1888. 
 
 ...COMPLIMENTS OF... 
 
 WALTER D. GREENE, M. D. 
 
 Former Member and Trustee of 
 Grace M. E. Church 
 
WILLIAM TAGGERT 
 
 Among the most active and prominent official members of Grace Church who 
 stand out prominently in the memory of my father’s pastorate was William Taggert. 
 Tall, slim, dignified, he had a striking figure and strong personality. He was 
 kindly and gentle by nature, and a real leader in the spiritual life of the Church. 
 He came with his family to Buffalo in 1857. He and his wife, Mrs. Ann Runcie 
 Taggert, joined Grace Church at once and became prominent in the work of 
 Christianity in this city. Forty years he was a member of this Society, and fifty 
 years of his life an office bearer in the Church. He was greatly beloved by all who 
 knew him, and at his death in 1887, at the age of eighty-four, he was revered and 
 honored by a large number of acquaintances. 
 
 His excellent wife, who was a helpmeet indeed, survived him by six years, 
 dying in 1893 in the eighty-sixth year of her age. She left behind her a blessed 
 memory, the ripe fruitage of a godly life. 
 
 Mr. Taggert was a class leader from the time he joined the Church until his 
 death. His faithful admonitions, his deep experience of divine love, his spirit of 
 helpfulness and encouragement to a large number who for years attended his class, 
 will bring forth fruits unto salvation in the harvest of heaven. Many will rise up 
 and call him blessed. 
 
 When the famous Grace Church Praying Band was organized, with William 
 Dodsworth leader, Mr. Taggert became an ardent and efficient worker. He was 
 converted at the age of fifteen, and was a member of the Methodist Church for 
 sixty-nine years. 
 
 Mr. Taggert’s family of eight children were active in Sunday School and Social 
 life of the Church. Only four children now survive: James A. and Sarah E. Tag- 
 gert, of Buffalo ; Robert T. Taggert, of Angola, N. Y. and Mrs. William W. Allen. 
 
 WILLIAM C. WILBOR. 
 
 k 
 
GRACE CHURCH 
 
 During the Pastorate of the Rev. Thos. E. Bell. 
 
 Following the brilliant preacher and able writer, Dr. Gracey, I 
 found Grace Church passing through a crisis. “The exodus to the land 
 of promise, “the West Side,” had been going on for some time, until 
 nearly all the well-to-do families had moved, leaving but a small com- 
 pany to carry on the work of the church and meet the current ex- 
 penses. Some talked of selling the property and dividing the money 
 with other churches. A bare handful determined to remain, and a 
 Quarterly Conference committee, headed by Wm. Barker, went to Con- 
 ference and called upon Bishop Fitzgerald, saying they could not 
 pledge a dollar as salary, yet, if they could have Bro. Bell, they would 
 hold the field for Methodism. My first Sunday looked like a victory. 
 Dr. Wentworth was with us in the evening and as the “Presiding 
 Elder,” cheered us on. A congregation that almost filled the church 
 greeted the new pastor. Dr. Hunt, in his history of Methodism, says : 
 “The church from the first was filled and the people impressed that 
 the brother who had turned the world upside down had come hither, 
 also.” Among the many who came to swell the numbers and add 
 strength to the church — some by letters and others by profession of 
 faith — were Thomas Dark, Sr., Dr. W. D. Green, Henry Messersmith, 
 Sidney Bovingdon, Dr. James M. Burke, Hon. Josiah Cook and Com- 
 rades John S. Craft and James Paul. 
 
 The Epworth League was organized with Dr. J. D. Flagg as presi- 
 dent, and became largest, but one, in the City. Byron H. Stauffer com- 
 ing into the church, soon became the religious leader in the League. 
 This splendid officer gave strength and enthusiasm to the young host of 
 Christian workers. His genius, talent and grace caused the Quarterly 
 Conference to commend him for the ministry of the church. 
 
 A “Life Saving Crew” of boys, numbering about fifty, with Chester 
 Montague as president, helped in bringing non-church goers to the 
 meetings. This boy-president has become almost as famous as his elder 
 brother, Byron H. Stauffer, in evangelistic fervor and preaching ability. 
 
 A “Wrecking Band,” numbering about sixty men, organized to 
 save men from the saloon, did valiant service, many families being 
 saved from the drink curse. The Sunday School greatly prospered, the 
 brilliant lawyer, Sidney Bovingdon, teaching a large class, and after- 
 ward becoming Superintendent. Henry Messersmith, the successful 
 merchant, and James M. Burke, a popular dentist, were famous teach- 
 ers. Mrs. Thomas E. Bell also added to the work by gathering a large 
 number of young men in a Bible Class. The “Old Pew System” was 
 abandoned, and “Seats Free” announced on the outer walls, and a sup- 
 port of $1,800 given the pastor after the second year. With the great- 
 est reluctance I gave up the pastorate — being invited to return the 
 fourth year, and sought health in California. 
 
The wisdom of the brethren who remained after the exodus has 
 been fully sustained as time goes on, and the “Mother Church” con- 
 tinues to give her spiritual children to the other churches of the city. 
 
 THOS. E. BELL, 
 
 Former pastor of Grace M. E. Church. 
 
 Q — D 
 
 City M. E. Church Statistics 
 
 City M. E. Church 
 Statistics 
 
 Richmond Avenue... 
 
 Lovejoy Street 
 
 Linwood Avenue 
 
 Sentinel 
 
 Normal Park 
 
 Plymouth 
 
 Grace 
 
 Italian Mission 
 
 Ripley Memorial. . . . 
 Delaware Avenue . . 
 
 Asbury 
 
 St. Marks 
 
 South Park 
 
 Seneca Street 
 
 Sumner Place 
 
 Kensington 
 
 Central Park 
 
 Humboldt Parkway. . 
 Northampton Street.. 
 
 Ontario Street 
 
 Riverside 
 
 Date of | 
 
 Organization j 
 
 No. of Members 
 at Organization 
 
 Date S. School 
 Organized ! 
 
 No. of Scholars 
 at Organization 
 
 Date Organization I 
 Epworth League 1 
 
 No. of Members at 1 
 Organization } 
 
 Church Member- 1 
 ship, 1905. t 
 
 Membership S. 
 School, 1905 
 
 Membership Ep- 
 worth League 1905 
 
 1886 
 
 16 
 
 1885 
 
 100 
 
 1890 
 
 
 * 960 
 
 1400 
 
 150 
 
 1884 
 
 20 
 
 1884 
 
 60 
 
 1890 
 
 
 * 145 
 
 210 
 
 28 
 
 1875 
 
 23 
 
 1875 
 
 36 
 
 1890 
 
 62 
 
 * 400 
 
 450 
 
 75 
 
 1872 
 
 18 
 
 1871 
 
 275 
 
 
 
 * 480 
 
 347 
 
 76 
 
 1889 
 
 29 
 
 1887 
 
 70 
 
 1891 
 
 18 
 
 * 275 
 
 225 
 
 50 
 
 1859 
 
 
 1850 
 
 
 1890 
 
 
 * 504 
 
 450 
 
 100 
 
 1844 
 
 148 
 
 1844 
 
 120 
 
 18951 
 
 25 
 
 * 480 
 
 380 
 
 87 
 
 1897 
 
 10 
 
 1898 
 
 
 
 
 * 21 
 
 60 
 
 
 1886 
 
 33 
 
 1886 
 
 30 
 
 1890 
 
 35 
 
 * 200 
 
 240 
 
 60 
 
 1871 
 
 106 
 
 1870 
 
 27 
 
 1893 
 
 54 
 
 * 605 
 
 340 
 
 125 
 
 1847 
 
 138 
 
 1847 
 
 
 
 
 t 488 
 
 445 
 
 150 
 
 1857 
 
 20 
 
 1855 
 
 100 
 
 1890 
 
 25 
 
 * 250 
 
 400 
 
 100 
 
 1873 
 
 16 
 
 1873 
 
 
 
 
 t 102 
 
 175 
 
 28 
 
 1888 
 
 1889 
 
 
 1894 
 
 
 * 307 
 
 350 
 
 65 
 
 1888 
 
 30 
 
 1888 
 
 
 1895 
 
 
 t 200 
 
 240 
 
 74 
 
 1889 
 
 12 
 
 1889 
 
 
 
 
 t 60 
 
 105 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 120 
 
 150 
 
 50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 f 125 
 
 240 
 
 34 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t ioo 
 
 100 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 92 
 
 200 
 
 40 
 
 1856 
 
 
 1860 
 
 
 1889 
 
 50 
 
 * 750 
 
 600 
 
 150 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6.764 
 
 6,907 
 
 1,523 
 
 *Reported May, 1905. 
 t From Genesee Conference Report, 1904 
 
 Totals “aproximately correct.” 
 
THE METHODIST CHURCH OF CANADA. 
 
 In view of the many Canadian Methodists from Canada who have 
 made this city their home, we thought our Souvenir would not be 
 complete without devoting a page to our prosperous and loyal neigh- 
 bors across the line. 
 
 Prior to 1874 there were six Methodist denominations in Canada. 
 The same year three of them joined hands, and in 1883 the remaining 
 three came in, completing the union under the title “The Methodist 
 Church. ’ ’ 
 
 The first General Conference of all the Methodist bodies was held 
 in Belleville, Ont., in 1883, the Rev. John A. Williams, D. D., President. 
 At this Conference Revs. S. D. Rice, D. D., and Albert Carman, D. D., 
 were elected the first general Superintendents. The union has been 
 a marked success; old jealousies have entirely disappeared and the 
 former churches are but historical names. The Rev. Albert Carman, 
 D. D., is now and has been for several years General Superintendent 
 of all the Conferences. 
 
 At the Union in 1883 there were 1,610 ministers and probationers ; 
 in 1902 there are 2,030, an increase of 420. At that time the members 
 numbered 197,479; now, 291,895; an increase of 94,416. The church 
 property was then valued at $9,895,043; now at $14,190,903, an in- 
 crease of $4,295,860. The Sunday School scholars then numbered 
 191,185 ; now, 272,566, an increase of 81,381. The Church is composed 
 of eleven Annual Conferences, two of which are outside the bounds of 
 the Dominion, namely, Newfoundland and Japan. 
 
 The Rev. William Briggs, D. D., is Book Steward; residence at 
 Toronto. The Rev. John Potts, D. D., is Secretary of Education. The 
 latter is also Chairman of the World’s International Sunday School 
 Committee. In going to the World’s Sabbath School Convention in 
 Palestine in 1904 he preached a sermon on Mars Hill at Athens, and it 
 is said he was the life of the party and was acknowledged by all to be 
 the peer of any who took part in the services during the trip. 
 
 Over two-thirds of the Methodist population of the Dominion 
 reside in the Province of Ontario, and they are the most numerous of 
 all the religious denominations, except the Roman Catholics. 
 
 In Canada, as in the United States, the Sabbath School seems to 
 be the greatest recruiting means to fill the ranks of the churches. Too 
 much attention cannot be given to having the schools watched over by 
 the best and most capable members of the congregations. This fact is 
 fairly well illustrated by the Richmond Avenue Church and School 
 in this city, the latter with a membership of 1,400, Mr. F. T. Coppins 
 being Superintendent; and is better illustrated by a school in Belle- 
 ville, Ont., where the population has remained practically the same for 
 30 years, and of which William Johnson has been Superintendent for 
 

 
 REV. WILLIAM BRIGGS, 
 Toronto, Canada. 
 
27 years. During the latter’s services the membership has grown from 
 465 to 1,083, this with a population continually bordering on 9,000. 
 
 It is estimated that about 5,000 scholars have passed through this 
 school, more than one-half coming to this side, to Rochester, Buffalo, 
 Chicago and the far West, the writer being one. But the nucleus 
 from which grew the Bridge Street Methodist Church and School, was 
 formed in 1795 by an American, the Rev. Charles Dunham. 
 
 This Church was the first Methodist Church in Canada to use 
 instrumental music, and the first to have a spire and a bell. The 
 Sunday School gave the first picnic ever given in the world by a 
 Methodist Sabbath School, and, it is believed, by any church. 
 
 In its success and growth of late years it owes much to the ag- 
 gressiveness of its Superintendent, Mr. Willliam Johnson, a man re- 
 spected by all, noted for being an earnest working Christian at all 
 times and places, and for his strenuous loyalty to the British Throne, 
 a native of Ireland, coming to Canada when young. 
 
 As delegate to the World’s Sabbath School Convention in Pales- 
 tine in 1904, in a ship-load of 800 souls, composed of ministers, Sunday 
 school superintendents and laymen, it is said Mr. Johnson presided 
 over a school on ship on the Sabbath and the above parties named 
 him the model Superintendent. 
 
 In Belleville the Methodists make up over one-third the population 
 and outnumber the Roman Catholics more than two to one, and have 
 about 250 more scholars in their Sabbath schools than all other re- 
 ligious bodies combined. 
 
 HONOR ROLL 
 
 of Friends Who Have Helped Us 
 
 Mr. W. L. Sykes 
 Mrs. Elizabeth D. Draper 
 Mrs. Bertha Kassing 
 Mr. John H. Clements 
 Mrs. lulia Burt 
 Mrs. Louisa Lanphear 
 Mr. Jacob Richman 
 Mrs. Agnes D. Christopher 
 Miss Serena Crooks 
 Mrs. O. S. Garretson 
 Fairchild Bros, and Foster 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Albert H. Briggs 
 Mrs. Anna Fitzgerald 
 Mr. Charles O. Rogers 
 Mr. Harry E. Rogers 
 Mrs. Lida L. Byrnes 
 Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Olivey 
 Mrs. D. C. Ralph 
 Mrs. M. Baines 
 Horlick’s Food Company 
 Misses Mary and Martha Mason 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stuby 
 
REV. JOHN POTTS, D. D. 
 
 TORONTO, CANADA. 
 
 WM. JOHNSON, 
 
 27 years Superintendent of the Bridge St. Methodist Sunday School, 
 
 BELLEVILLE, ONT , CANADA. 
 
FRED. GREINER, Postmaster 
 
 NEW POST OFFICE 
 
%Jo Our J-riends : 
 
 We thank all business advertisers, Con- 
 tributors of Money and Articles alike, whose 
 aid has enabled us to issue this Souvenir. We 
 have not spared expense to make it a work 
 that will become more valuable as such as 
 the years go by. :: :: :: :: 
 
 At this time we are pleased to announce 
 that it is anticipated the proceeds will exceed 
 the amount that we set out to realize, that is, 
 $500 to apply on Grace Methodist Episcopal 
 Church Parsonage mortgage. :: :: :: 
 
 Compiled by 
 
 MR. and MRS. WM. COULSON, 
 
 142 Seneca St., Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 May 31, 1905. 
 

lake outlet 
 
 
 Engraved 
 
The Teacher’s Hardest Trial 
 
 is the failure to secure the attendance and attention of the 
 scholars. These desirable objects can best be accomplished 
 by using the Berean Series of International Lessons. By their 
 help the teacher is better qualified to teach and the scholars 
 become more interested in the lessons. 
 
 They meet all the requirements of all the classes in the 
 Sunday School from the beginners in the Primary Department 
 up to the Senior Bible Class. 
 
 john t. McFarland, d.d., Editor 
 
 'pHE SUNDAY SCHOOL JOURNAL. A teacher 
 who studies the lesson by the aid of the Journal will be 
 well qualified to interest and instruct the children. Single copy, 
 
 60 cents a year; in clubs of six copies and upward to one 
 address, 50 cents each. 
 
 'pHE SENIOR BEREAN LESSON QUAR- 
 TERLY contains thoughts from the best writers, ques- 
 tions for Senior Students, and other interesting points on the 
 lessons. 20 cents a year. 
 
 THE BEREAN INTERMEDIATE LESSON 
 QUARTERLY. Biggest of all quarterlies for its 
 price. Two pages to each lesson, besides six pages of general 
 matter. 5 y z cents a year. 
 
 'pHE ILLUSTRATED BEREAN LESSON 
 QUARTERLY. Illustrated by leading artists. Notes, 
 questions, helpful thoughts. 12 cents a year. 
 
 'pHE BEREAN BEGINNER’S LESSON QUARTERLY. Picture illus- 
 trations, and the matter is so arranged as to meet exactly the needs of the beginners. 
 4 cents a year. 
 
 'pHE BOYS AND GIRLS’ BEREAN LESSON QUARTERLY. A beau- 
 tiful, high-class publication, profusely illustrated, g cents a year. 
 
 'pHE LESSON LEAF. With the leaves cut for weekly distribution. 4 cents 
 a year. 
 
 'pHE PRIMARY AND BEGINNER’S TEACHER. Issued quarterly. Con- 
 tains material and suggestions to help the teacher tell the story and teach the lessons in an 
 interesting manner. 25 cents a year. 
 
 piCTURE LESSON PAPER. Issued monthly, but arranged for weekly distribution. 
 
 It is very popular with the little ones of the Primary Department. Single copy, 25 cents 
 a year; in clubs of six or over, to one address, 20 cents each. 
 
 'pHE BEREAN LEAF CLUSTER. Pictures brilliantly illuminated. A splendid 
 weekly object lesson. Issued quarterly. $3 a year. 
 
 'pHE BEREAN LESSON PICTURES. Containing a picture for every Sunday 
 of the year. Yearly subscription, 10 cents per set. 
 
 'PHE BIBLE STUDY HOME DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY. Workers 
 of experience pronounce this quarterly the best adapted to the needs of the Home Depart- 
 ment. 20 cents a year. 
 
 Specimen copies cheerfully furnished on request 
 
 EATON & MAINS 150 P S! New York 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
1 
 
Cbts flfcemorial 
 
 is given by his children in loving 
 memory of Joseph C. Greene, 
 M. D. Born in Vermont, July 
 31, 1829. Died in Buffalo, Jan- 
 uary 3, 1899. 
 
 From 1875 to 1892 inclusive, 
 Dr. J. C. Greene, was a regular 
 attendant at Grace M. E. Church, 
 and for many years was a trustee 
 of the same. 
 
 FOR 
 
 Shur-on 
 Eye-glasses, 
 Artificial Eyes, 
 Occulist 
 Prescriptions, 
 
 Come and. see us. 
 
 Failing 
 Optical Co. 
 
 455 Main Street, 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 CHARLES W. DERR 
 
 DAY AND NIGHT PHARMACIST 
 
 A Full Line of DRUGS, MEDICINES, TOILET 
 ARTICLES, TOILET SOAPS, SPONGES, 
 BRUSHES, COMBS, Etc. Physicians’ Pre- 
 scriptions carefully compounded. Derr’s 
 Benzo-Cuta Cream for the cure of chapped 
 hands, face, etc. 278 N. DIVISION ST. 
 
 LOUIS H. MUSKOPF merchant 
 
 Steam Cleaning and Repairing Neatly Done. 
 372 Michigan, cor. N. Division St., BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 HARRY BUDGE s u C" M B a« 
 
 Custom Work a Specialty. Good Second-Hand Shoes 
 Bought and Sold. 271 Seneca Street and 
 372 Michigan Street - - BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 ■flTE DO NOT sell Wet or Dry Goods - 
 
 But sell all other goods you may think of. 
 
 The Buffalo Novelty Bazaar 
 
 320 Michigan Street. 
 
 CHAS. H. POHLE, Proprietor. 
 
 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NOVELTIES 
 
 CIGARS AND TOBACCOS 
 
 Manufacturer of and Dealer in Sporting Goods. 
 Tricks and Jokes for Entertainments. Large 
 Selection of Smokers’ Goods. Pipe Repairing. 
 
 N. B.— The Prof, can be engaged for Church or Social 
 Entertainments in high-class Ledgerdemain. 
 
 Open Day and Night 
 
 Telephones : 
 
 Bell, Howard 830. 
 Frontier, 3875. 
 
 Geo. H. Andrews 
 
 UNDERTAKER AND EMBALMER :: 339 N. Division Street 
 
 Compliments of^-^ 
 
 MR. and MRS. LEWIS STUBY 
 
 299 North Division Street 
 
 Compliments of . . . 
 
 WILLIAM COULSON 
 
 PHARMACIST 
 
 142 SENECA STREET 
 

Established 1858 
 
 F. T. COPPINS & SON 
 
 Buffalo’s Leading Painters 
 and Decorators 
 
 691 Main Street - BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 Compliments of . . . 
 
 N. MEYERS 
 
 HATS AND MEN’S WEAR 
 
 Frontier Phone 15941 
 
 81 Seneca St. - Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 UNITED STATES 
 LAUNDRY 
 
 MRS. EMMA R. GARRETSON 
 
 President of' : 
 
 ERIE COUNTY WOMAN’S 
 CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION 
 and LLOYD ST. MISSION 
 972 Main Street - - Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 VIENNA PRESSED YEAS" 
 
 ALWAYS ""LIABLE 
 
 DANFORD’S THE MAN 
 
 616 WASHINGTON STREET 
 
 H.S.Bullett 
 
 UP STAIRS 
 LOW RENT 
 1NUF SEDi 
 
 56 Seneca Street 
 
 WE HAVE COMPETITION 
 
 BEAT 
 A 
 
 MILE 
 
SHELTON SQUARE 
 
 
 
Hn Xovincj IRemembrance of 
 
 m>rs. j£U 3 a flDuirbeab 
 
 anb 
 
 flDrs. Xlba X. Writes 
 
 Mohawk ® 
 
 Turkish 
 
 and Gymnasium Bath 
 
 Mohawk St., near Washington. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 1st Floor, Always Open 
 LADIES, 2d Floor, Daily, 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. ( 
 
 BELL AND FRONTIER PHONES. 
 
 T. & E. DICKINSON 
 & CO. 
 
 WATCHMAKERS, JEWELERS 
 SILVERSMITHS 
 AND DIAMOND DEALERS 
 
 254 Main Street 
 Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 GEO. W. MALTBY 
 & SONS - 
 
 Successors to BRADY & MALTBY 
 
 CUT STONE, FLAGGING, 
 GRANITE AND MARBLE 
 
 OFFICE AND YARD 
 
 21 Maryland St.. BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 Miss S. E. Gillott & Co. 
 
 NEWS DEPOT 
 
 A N D 
 
 VARIETY STORE 
 
 Agency for CENTRAL STAR LAUNDRY 
 Frontier Phone 16551 406 Michigan Street 
 
 COULTES & LAWRENCE 
 
 FANCY GROCERIES, TEAS, 
 COFFEES, Etc. 
 
 ALSO ICE AND COAL. 
 
 Bell Phone, Howard 666-R. Orders promptly attended to. 
 
 250 E. EAGLE STREET. 
 
 h THE YALE HAT 
 
 - $2.00 
 
 [No Other Price] 
 
 The best in the world for $2.00 
 Why pay more ? 
 
 ™ THE YALF TAT CO 
 
 Factory: Danbury, Conn. ALL 
 
 George R. Fuller Co. Esla 1 b H 1 ,£ hed 
 
 ^ Chapin Block 
 
NIAGARA FALLS 
 
 A 
 
Established 1853. 
 
 Adam Hauck & Sons 
 
 OLDEST AND MOST RELIABLE 
 HARDWARE AND STOVE HOUSE 
 
 We do all kinds of Heating, Ventilating, 
 Tin, Copper, Galvanized and Sheet 
 Iron Work, Trade and Repair ail 
 Kinds of Stoves & Furnaces. 
 
 505 & 507 MAIN STREET 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 BOTH PHONES: 
 
 BELL, SENECA 1060. FRONTIER, 1060. 
 
 Z*1ef*cmaht Tail-OF? 
 
 / 19 FRANKL.IN «S7t 
 
 Telephone, f QT1 TO 172 NORTH 
 
 Seneca 5833. 1.01 U IV DIVISION ST. 
 
 BICYCLES REPAIRED AND BUILT 
 TO ORDER 
 
 Parts and Sundries. Repairing a Specialty. 
 Key and Locksmith. All kinds of keys made. 
 All kinds of grinding done. Electric 
 Bells installed and Repaired. 
 
 PAUL FOERSTER^pe'eS^.c. 
 
 ... Dealer in ... 
 
 WATCHES, DIAMONDS 
 AND FINE JEWELRY. 
 
 Expert in Fine Watch and Jewelry Repairing. 
 Headquarters for Standard Railroad Watches. 
 
 134 SENECA ST., - BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 GEORGE B. BURD 
 Lawyer 
 
 10-11 Erie County Bank Building 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 J. H. NORTHERN 
 
 Deafe^L Hardware, Stoves, Cutlery 
 
 and General House Furnishing Goods. 
 
 Manufacturer of all kinds of Copper, Tin and 
 Sheet Iron ware. Jo'bbing done on short notice. 
 Phone. My Jewel and Northern Light Mantles. 
 
 ABRAMS & EXSTEIN CO. 
 
 THOMAS MYERS, President. 
 
 Hats and Men’s Furnishings 
 
 77 Seneca Street 
 
 ' s3s *-'-Be!I Phone, Seneca 77 
 
 EDWIN A. COOK 
 
 Manufacturer and Dealer in 
 
 FINE CARRIAGES 
 
 BUGGIES and WAGONS 
 ALL KINDS OF WAGON REPAIRING. 
 
 All Kinds of Rubber Tires Put On and Repaired. 
 
 FORSYTH’S SHOES 
 
 Spring Styles at . . . 
 
 $2.00, $2.50 and $3.00 
 
 Tan Colors are It. 
 
 57 SENECA STREET--^ 
 
 ..Railroad Men.. 
 
 WILL FIND ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME 
 ... at the ... 
 
 Union Terminal Railroad Department, 
 YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 
 Fitch Institute Building, Cor. Swan & Michigan. 
 
 Charles S. Bury 
 
 GROCER 
 
 BELL OR FRONTIER PHONE 
 
 394-396 Michigan Street 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 ROBERT D. BARRY 
 
 I A. J. KENDRICK DE “ ER 
 
 SEASON. 1 MEATS and PROVISIONS 
 
 Tonsorial Parlors. 345 Michigan St. 
 
 LARD, SAUSAGE, etc. 408 Michigan St., Hear Eagle. 
 
h 
 
 
 (