This church originated from a small company of Sabbatarians who removed from Brookfield, several years ago, and who, although deprived of sabbatical and sanctuary privileges, nevertheless maintained prayer and conference meetings, and exhibited in their daily walk and conversation an exact conformity to their holy vocation. Recently several influential and highly respectable families in this vicinity have embraced the Sabbath, and in 1846, a church was organized consisting of sixteen members, with prospects of large additions at an early period. It is supplied with ministerial assistance by the Missionary Society.
SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, DE RUYTER, NEW YORK.
This church, originally composed of emigrants from the Berlin and Hopkinton communities, was constituted in 1806. David Davis became their first, pastor.
Rev. John Green, his successor, was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1819. A well-written biography of Elder Green would be most edifying, as perhaps no other minister in the denomination has been the leader in so many auspicious revivals. In numerous instances, his visitations to the churches have been accompanied with the most remarkable outpourings of the Spirit of grace. Indeed, so often has this been the case, that long since it became proverbial among the people, and a promised visit from Elder John Green was considered as the sure precursor of a reformation. It is no wonder, therefore, that this venerated man is, with few exceptions, so universally beloved and respected, for multitudes look up to, and regard him as their spiritual father. It is no wonder that the aspersions of malice, and the machinations of envy have been unable to destroy his credit or his influence with the denomination at large. Yet this man, who has received so many seals to his ministry, and whose presence to the churches is so auspicious, is a plain old-fashioned man, neither skilled in logic nor taught in the schools. He has none of the polish or blandishments of modern eloquence, no affectation of learning, no parade of jingling phrases or high-sounding words.
O how many of our young men, who discourse learnedly of preparatory studies for the ministry, might, with infinite advantage, sit at the feet and learn of this Shamgar in the churches, who, coming from the fields of honest industry to the pulpit, has been more instrumental in winning souls to God, than most of the scholars who have come to the contest elate with the honours of a full collegiate course. Like a certain remarkably effective preacher of old, who came into the ministry with hands undried from the fisherman's net, or like another, of some account at one time in the churches, who wrought at a useful occupation that he might not be burdensome to any, Elder Green was undoubtedly called and set apart as a chosen vessel, by the Spirit of truth. What weeping sinner, what returning backslider, ever thought or inquired whether he was skilled in algebraic problems, Hebrew nouns, or Greek verbs? Learning to such a preacher would not and could not be any help; it might be a hindrance. It might lead him to trust in earthly availments, and make him forget in what his great strength lay. Have we not reason to fear that a vain trust in learning and temporal advantages is the Delilah that has shorn the locks from so many spiritual Samsons, and rendered them powerless before their enemies? It would be a difficult matter to attempt an analyzation of the sermons of Elder Green, or to show in what the secret of his success consisted. No one, while listening to his discourses, would think of applying to them the ordinary tests of criticism; indeed, no one would be half so much pleased with the speaker as displeased with himself. He would probably forget the time, the place, and the congregation, and see himself transported at once to the bar of God, with the world in flames. His cogitations would not be, "Oh, what a learned and beautiful discourse!" but "Oh, wretched man that I am!" or, "Oh, blessed Jesus, how wonderful is thy love and goodness!" Yet in these sermons, so remarkably effective, there does not appear the least striving for effect, no attempt to enlist the passions of the auditory, no forced and laboured ejaculations; but the attention is first engaged by the voice, the look, the manner, the appearance of the speaker; our interest increases with his amplification of the subject, and his application of it every one that hears must feel.
Elder Green remained at De Ruyter until 1826, when the church was for some time without a pastor.
Rev. Alexander Campbell, his successor, was installed in 1834, and remained for several years.
Rev. James Bailey succeeded him in 1842, and remained until 1848.
Rev. James R. Irish, Principal of the De Ruyter Institute, is the present incumbent.