Jewett Presbyterian Church
The Jewett Presbyterian Church is located in the hamlet of Jewett in the northern Catskills of Greene County, New York. Located adjacent to the church is the Jewett Heights Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Presbyterian congregation at the hamlet of Jewett was established in 1799. J. B. Beers wrote in his 1884 The History of Greene County of the early days of the church.
“The first building at this place used exclusively for church purposed, was built around the year 1800, near the present residence of D. Noble Chase. Before it was finished, it was sold at auction to Elisha Thompson for $50. He then presented the meeting-house to the society, by whom it was used for only a short time. In 1804, another church edifice was commenced on the site of the present church, but remained unfinished for a number of years. The present building was erected in the year 1848. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Stimson; the present pastor is Rev. William S. Long.
When the American Board of Foreign Missions had been formed in 1810, and called for aid to send out its first missionaries, Mr. Stimpson caught the spirit, and infuse in into the hearts of the members of his congregation. But little money was to be found in this community, however, and instead, Mr. Stimpson solicited from each a sheep or lamb. He gathered together a flock of about 30, and with the help of a boy, started for Catskill, 30 miles distant. The flock was sold for $1 per head, and the money was given to the missionary society. This was the first offering from this congregation for ethe conversion of heathen in foreign lands. Since then, the offerings of the church to the cause of missions, etc., have been stated and frequent, and according to the means of the donors, often liberal. This church and Sunday-school are prospering finely.”
The church was originally organized as part of the First Congregational Church of Windham. In 1813, the congregation separated from Windham to establish its own church. The church was organized by a “Council of the Northern Associated Presbytery” and became known as the Lexington Congregational Society. Fourteen years later, in 1827, the church changed to the Presbyterian denomination and was received into the Columbia Presbytery. In 1850 the name of the church was changed to Jewett, to correspond with the changed town name.
Beginning in 1846 discussions began about the possibility of constructing a new church building. A committee comprised of Loring Beach, Isaac Hinman and James Harrington was established to examine churches in other places to determine the best architectural plan. A subscription was started amongst the church members to raise the money required.
The current church building was constructed in 1848. The contract for its construction was awarded to J. B. Hinman and William Goslee “for a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars.” One stipulation for the building required that “the floors of the new church shall be laid of good hemlock board one inch thick and lined with the same material half inch thick.” The building was extensively repaired and decorated in 1901. The parsonage was built in 1844, and was enlarged in 1896.
The adjacent Jewett Heights Methodist Episcopal Church was also constructed in 1848. The Methodist church was constructed on a site purchased from the Presbyterian Church for five dollars. The Methodist church flourished for many years, but membership gradually declined until they ceased to hold regular services, around 1892. In 1901 they sold their meeting house to the Presbyterian church, who then fitted the building for social uses. Today, the building serves as the Presbyterian Church Hall.
The Jewett Presbyterian Church, part of the Albany Presbytery, continues to the serve the local community.
National Register of Historic Places
The Jewett Presbyterian Church and the Jewett Heights Methodist Episcopal Church are together listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Jewett Presbyterian Church Complex. The churches represent “a unique and largely intact collection of Greek Revival era ecclesiastic architecture in Greene County.”
“The Jewett Presbyterian Church is a two-story, four by three bay timber frame building. The church is covered by a moderately pitched gable roof clad with asphalt shingles. Narrow clapboards sheath the building. The edifice rests on a modern concrete block foundation, which replaced a failing stone foundation. Windows throughout the church are elongated with simple frames and contain stained glass panels.
The east façade of the church is highlighted by a fully pedimented gable, which features a compound frieze and broad cornice moldings. A wide frieze with a decorative molding band supports the pediment. The frieze extends down the side elevations of the church terminating beneath partial cornice returns on the west gable elevation. The entablature is supported on all four corners of the church by broad pilasters with simple capitals and bases. Two additional pilasters grace the façade marking the divisions between the bays. The central bay of this elevation features an elongated window which contains a Victorian era stained glass panel. The north and south bays on the façade each contain an entrance. Each entry is composed of a pair of four panel wood doors set within finely crafted Greek Revival style frames. The frames are composed of broad pilasters supporting an unusually tall entablature, which is crowned by a heavily molded cornice. Surmounting the roof, on this elevation is belfry. This feature is composed of an unusually tall first stage, which terminates in a broad cornice. The second stage is composed of pairs of pilasters flanking louvered openings. The pilasters support a simple frieze, which in turn supports a broad cornice. The tower terminates with an octagonal spire, which is crowned by an iron weathervane.
The south and north elevations are identical and feature four evenly spaced windows. The west (rear) elevation of the church is unremarkable.
The interior plan of the church is simple and largely intact from the building’s period of construction. The plan consists of nave, chancel and entry vestibules. The main entrance of the building open into small vestibules. The vestibules open into the nave of the church. These entrances flank a two-story classical arch composed of pilasters supporting a segmental arch. The recess behind the arch separates the two vestibule spaces and originally served as the chancel of the church. Presently, this space serves as extra seating. Two ranks of wood pews lead up to the present altar area at the west wall of the church. This space is composed of a raised paneled dais, on which a lectern and chairs are located. A choir area is also located on the platform. Finishes in the church are simple and include plaster walls above wood wainscotting. Window and door surrounds are simple. In the late twentieth century a dropped ceiling was installed in an effort to conserve heat in the building. The original ceiling finishes survive intact above.” (National Register of Historic Places.)
Reverend Henry Bowen Stimson
“The name of Henry B. Stimson is indelibly carved on the foundation of the old church, and is still honored by the generations that survive.”
Reverend Henry Bowen Stimson, the first pastor of the Jewett Presbyterian Church, came from Framingham, Massachusetts to the Windham area in 1785 with his father, George Stimson, who was then almost 60 years of age. Henry was around 13 or 14 years old at the time. George was working as an agent for Robert Livingston and came to manage his herds that were pastured in the mountain sections of his lands. George had previously served during the American Revolution as a minute man at the Battle of Lexington.
At Windham, George and Henry Stimson found “a large, smooth, perpendicular rock, at right-angles to the street, from ten to twenty feet in height and breadth.” There “the two built, against the side of that rock, a rude cabin of brush and logs, with a roof of bark; and there they lived, among bears, wolves, and panthers, two years, until the other members of their family removed there. Their nearest neighbors were at Prattsville, ten mile in one direction, and at Cairo, sixteen miles in the other; and they brought their Indian corn, and other provisions, from the east side of the Hudson River, some thirty miles distant. The corn they bruised or ground with a stone, on the top of a large rock. Just as the first winter of their sojourn there commenced, their rude cabin, with everything in it, was burned; and then they reared another, which was but a poor shelter for them, amid the deep snows and raging winds of those mountain heights.” (Rockwell, p. 269.)
“The Captain and the boy Henry spent the winter of 1785-6 here. Their stores got low, and the father went to Claverack, near Hudson, where the nearest mill was, to get food. He expected to be gone but a few days, and left Henry alone. But the ice in the Hudson made his return crossing impossible for six weeks, during which time the boy Henry had to live in the hut alone, among wolves, bears, panthers, and other dangers, with no kind guardian except the Heavenly Father, whose care for His people never ceases.” (Dodd, p. 9.)
“An incident worth relating, occurred at that time. One night there came along a man on horseback, - a stranger, - who spent the night and shared with Henry his potato breakfast, and tried to persuade the boy that the return of his father was very doubtful, and that he had better go with him to a safer place. The boy, however, would not leave the place, and so the traveler started on. Soon he returned, fearing that the boy would starve if left alone, and evidently thinking it his duty to save him, tried to force him to go, whereupon Henry ran and hid in the woods, and the man had to go on without him after all.
Many years afterward, the Rev. Henry B. Stimson, at a Presbytery meeting was accosted by an aged gentleman who said, “You are from Batavia, are you not?” “Do you know a little boy who years ago lived in a hut there and was left alone?” Mr. Stimson replied, “I am that boy,” a statement which melted all to tears.” (Dodd, p. 9.)
By the age of 20, Henry “had been at school but three or four months in all; and yet, by the diligent reading and study of such books as he could obtain, much of it at night, after severe toil by day, lighted by pine-knows stuck in the back of the chimney of their log-cabin, and lying with his book on the floor before him, he lad the foundation of a solid, useful education.” (Rockwell, p. 269.)
After assisting in taking care of the family for those seven years, Henry entered school at Claverack in Columbia County, New York and at Kinderhook, New York. He remained there for nine years, engaged in his studies, while working as a cabinet-maker to pay his expenses.
When first expressing an interest in studying theology, Henry “consulted the ministers about going to college. They advised him not to go, on account of his age, 28.” Henry ignored this advice, and next studied theology with Reverend M. Thompson, of Oak Hill, and then for a year with Reverend Samuel Fuller, of Rensselaerville. Henry was licensed to preach on June 3, 1802 by the Northern Associate Presbytery at the house of Reverend Stephen Fenn, in Harpersfield, after a “full and thorough examination.” His preaching license was signed by Beriah Hotchkin, as moderator, and John Morse, as scribe.
Reverend Stimson was then ordained on September 14, 1803 at the Windham meeting-house. “The several parts [of the ordination] were performed by the following gentlemen: Rev. David Harrowar of Walton, Delaware County, made the introductory prayer; Rev. Samuel Fuller of Rensselaerville, Albany County, preached the sermon from 1 Cor. 1: 21; Rev. David Porter, late of Spencertown, and now preaching at Catskill, made the prayer during the imposition of hands; Rev. Beriah Hotchkin of Greenfield, gave the charge; Rev. Jesse Townsend of New Durham, gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. Ezekiel Chafman, late Missionary of New Connecticut, and now preaching at Canton [Cairo], made the concluding prayer. It is pleasing to remark that a large concourse of people were present on the occasion., and appeared especially attentive and solemn during the whole transaction.” (Dodd, p. 14.).
After being ordained, he took charge of the First Presbyterian Church of Windham. While there, Reverend Stimson “admitted between six and seven hundred to its communion, baptized about the same number of children, and married nearly two hundred couples. His mountain diocese embraced what are now five or six townships, and he often attended four or five religious services, several miles distant from each other, on a single Sabbath. All honor to such hardy and hard-working pioneers, who laid broad and deep the foundations of religious truth and order, to enlighten and guide all who should come after them.” (Rockwell, pp. 269-270.)
In addition to serving the First Presbyterian Church of Windham, Reverend Stimson also preached at the Jewett Presbyterian Church, and the area around. The region covered by Reverend Stimson extended for over 20 miles, “but he was used to hardships, and often preached nine times a week. Three extensive revivals prevailed during his ministry, and tradition says he received into the church more than 500 souls.” (Dodd, p. 19.)
Reverend Stimson “wielded a potent influence over the mature and rising generation, in the church and congregation, among whom he lived as a man among men. His appearance was commanding even in extreme age, fully six feet in height, erect, spare and muscular. He had strongly marked features, nose, brow, chin, cheekbones, all prominent; the whole contour of the face expressing intelligence, strength of will, and decision of character. He was sincere, devoted, and self-denying . . .” (Beers, p. 198.)
Reverend Stimson remained at the First Presbyterian Church for 24 years until 1826. “By this time (1824), there seems to have arisen a state of things tending to bring to an end this long and useful pastorate. Mr. Stimson did not favor the “new measures” in revival work, and tradition says that some wearied of the frequency with which he preached the distinctive points of his strongly Calvinistic system. After several meetings it was finally decided that his pastorate should be dissolved.” (Dodd, p. 18.)
“His farewell sermon, the text of which was taken from the passage, 1 Sam. 12: 1-5, “Whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded?” & c., was a vigorous and characteristic effort, suited to the situation, and talked about for many years afterward.” (Dodd, pp. 18-19.)
Upon his removal, the Presbytery offered the following strong testimonial. “This may certify that the Rev. Henry B. Stimson has been dismissed from his pastoral relation to the first church of Christ in Windham by the Eastern section of the Northern Associated Presbytery without any allegation brought against his moral or ministerial character by church or society, but merely on account of their being unable to raise his support, and he is hereby cheerfully recommended to be further employed in the Gospel ministry as an orthodox and faithful minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. David Baldwin, Scribe. Seth Williston, Moderator.” (Dodd, p. 19.)
Despite the vote of removal in January 1825, Reverend Stimson seems to have continued preaching at the church until around 1826. He was then succeeded by Revered Clark H. Goodrich, who served for nine years from 1826 to 1835.
Reverend Stimson continued to reside at Windham for the remainder of his life. From 1825 to 1829, Reverend Stimson worked for the Bible Society. From 1829 to 1832, Reverend Stimson was in charge of the Reformed Dutch Church at Prattsville, New York. He then joined the Classis, where he continued to work until his health failed.
Reverend Henry Stimson married, in October 1803, Rebecca “Becca” Pond (1779-1856), the daughter of Edward Pond and Mary (Judson) Pond. Henry and Rebecca had 11 children together. Their son, Edward Pond (b. 1806), became a Dutch Reformed Minister.
In his later years, Reverend Stimson faced a number of medical issues. One publication noted that he was “deranged” for the last eight years of life. Reverend Henry Bowen Stimson passed away at 80 years of age on April 28, 1851. Both Henry and his wife Rebecca are buried at Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, New York.
Reverend Josiah Judson Buck
Reverend Josiah Judson Buck was the pastor of the Jewett Presbyterian Church when the current building was constructed. He served the church for over 23 years from October 1843 to April 1867.
Josiah Buck was born on March 13, 1794. He was the son of Asaph Buck (1762-1848) and Phebe (Wainright) Buck (1768-1855). Asaph was a farmer at New Milford, and later at New Lisbon in Otsego County, New York. He served the United States during the War of 1812. Josiah’s grandfather, James Buck, served during the American Revolution as a captain in the Connecticut militia. Captain Buck participated in several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Horse Neck.
Josiah Buck was married twice, first to Amelia Augusta Duryee (1803-1838), and second to Margaret Maria Wells (1811-1901). Josiah had 11 children by his wives Amelia and Margaret. Two of his sons, Charles Duryee Buck and Edward Henry Buck, also became preachers.
During his early life, Josiah worked on his father’s farm, “but his tastes were literary, rather than agricultural. For a while he studied law; then he turned his attention towards the medical profession. But only for a season. On making a public profession of Christ, he henceforth gave himself wholly to the work of the ministry. He was 24 years of age when he took this step; though he always thought that he might have been converted when nine years old.” (Harvey, p. 141.)
Josiah Buck was licensed to preach in February 1820 by the Union Congregational Association at Exeter, New York. Two years later, in 1822, this association was dissolved, and he became connected with the Presbytery of Otsego. In a long and distinguished career, Reverend Buck served in a number of locations including Worcester, Knox and Hamilton Union (1825-1828), Cairo (1829-1835), Kaatsbaan, Hunter, Malden, Jewett (1843-1867) and Big Hollow (circa 1868). He received an honorary degree from Williams College in 1836.
While serving at Jewett Presbyterian Church, “early in his ministry, in 1847, occurred one of the most extensive and thorough-going revivals in the history of the Church – 40 being added that year, some of whom still survive and are now pillars in the Church. There were several other revivals in Mr. Buck’s time, notably in the years 1858, 1862, 1865. Discipline was faithfully attended to. Some dissatisfied members, who would not walk with the Church, were kindly dealt with. Mr. Buck preached and practiced the giving of a tenth, which he did in spite of his eight children, small salary and lack of capital. And he trained his people to give to . . . Mr. Buck was a good preacher, a diligent pastor, and lived a blameless life. He loved his people and was respected and loved by them. But unfortunately, in the latter part of his ministry, in the Civil War times, his silence on the issues of the war caused dissatisfaction which finally resulted in the his dismission, in 1867.” (Dodd, pp. 33-34.)
In 1855, the sermon preached by Reverend Buck at the funeral of Amos Peck, the ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church at Jewett was published. The title was Dying in Faith – A Sermon Preached at Jewett, Feb. 28th, 1854, at the Funeral of Mr. Amos Peck, Ruling Elder in the Church at that place. At the conclusion of the sermon, Reverend Buck spoke to the family, saying “May they live in the faith in which he lived, die in the faith in which he died, and which, in the hour of his departure, afforded him the richest consolation and joy.”
After Reverend Buck was dismissed from the Jewett Presbyterian Church in 1867, he continued to live at Jewett. One year he supplied the church at Big Hollow. “His friends in Jewett provided for his needs as long as he lived by an annual subscription. Finally, they bought for him, for $600, a place near Glasco, to which he removed . . .” (Dodd, p. 34.)
In his last diary entry, Reverend Buck wrote that “My full assurance of hope still continues, absent from the body, I shall be present with the Lord.” Reverend Josiah Judson Buck died at 76 years of age at Glasco, New York on April 26, 1870. He is buried at Jewett Heights Cemetery in Jewett, New York, “and sleeps among the people he loved and served.”
Historic Pastors
The Jewett Presbyterian Church was served by a long line of distinguished pastors during its first 100 years.
- Henry B. Stimson, 1803-1812
- Daniel Beers, 1813-1819
- Henry B. Stimson, 1819-1821
- David Harrowar, 1821-1826
- Asahel Nettleton, 1827
- William Johnson, 1828-1832
- Charles Jones, 1832-1833
- Augustus L. Chapin, 1833-1841
- Seth Williston, 1841-1843
- Josiah Judson Buck, 1843-1867
- Silas McKinney, supply pastor, circa 1868, for 3 months
- Andrew Montgomery, 1869-1871
- Timothy Williston, 1871
- Nathan Leighton, 1872-1878
- Frederick F. Judd, 1878-1882
- William S. Long, 1882-1900
- Seneca McNeil Keeler, installed 1900
Selected Sources
Beers, J. B. History of Green County, New York. New York: J. B. Beers & Co., 1884.
Buck, Josiah Judson. Dying in Faith – A Sermon Preached at Jewett, Feb. 28th, 1854, at the Funeral of Mr. Amos Peck, Ruling Elder in the Church at that place. Catskill: Trowbridge & Gunn, 1855.
Dodd, Rev. Henry Martyn. 1803-1903 Centennial of the Old First Congregational Church, Windham, New York. Windham, NY: Windham Journal Print, 1903.
Greene County Historical Society. Historic Places in Greene County, New York. Coxsackie, New York: Flint Mine Press, 2009.
Harvey, Cornelius B. Origin, History and Genealogy of the Buck Family. Jersey City, NJ: J. J. Griffiths, 1889.
Pond, Daniel Streator. A Genealogical Record of Samuel Pond and His Descendants. New London, Ohio: Geo. W. Runyan, 1875.
Rockwell, Rev. Charles. The Catskill Mountains and the Region Around. New York: Taintor Brothers & Co., 1869.
