This church was originally composed of emigrants from the Rhode Island and New Jersey fraternities, and was constituted in 1816. The region at that time was extremely destitute, and these pioneers of our faith were required to undergo many hardships, and experience great deprivations in the prosecution of their schemes. Generally their means were moderate, and their worldly advantages limited; but they were zealous for the truth and rich in faith. They found a wilderness, here and there broken by the hand of man: they left smiling fields and growing villages. They found penury and destitution: they left wealth and plenty. They found a region where the songs of David were not repeated, where the Sabbath was not observed: they left flourishing schools and churches. Did they live in vain?
Rev. Amos Satterlee was installed as pastor of the Alfred Church in 1820, which station he filled with great acceptance for several years.
His successors, Daniel Babcock and Richard Hull, were ordained in 1824, and remained with this church about fifteen years, when they removed to other fields.
Rev. James R. Irish became their pastor in 1837, in which relation he continued until 1846.
During the ministry of these brethren, the church has been blessed at intervals with many precious revivals; and it appears to have been from the first in a sound and healthy condition.
Rev. Hiram Cromwell, his successor, remained for only a short period, and was succeeded by
Rev. N. V. Hull, the present incumbent.
Elder Hull is endowed with talents of the very highest order, and perhaps no minister in the denomination is better qualified to shine in a promiscuous assembly. His fine understanding, ready wit, and brilliant imagination, are united to the most fascinating powers of oratory, a demeanour of princely elegance, and the highest style of manly beauty. His services either as a settled pastor, or visiting evangelist, have been highly efficient in this region, and his preaching has been attended with many powerful revivals.
SECOND SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, ALFRED, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This church, a branch of the former, was organized in 1831, and Elder Ray Green became its pastor. In 1835 Clarke Potter and N. V. Hull were returned as licentiates in its connexion. In 1842, Amos Burdick was also licensed, who continued to serve this church after the removal of Elder Green, until 1844, when