Transcribed by Gloria Reynolds
Moriah Presyterian Church--Utica,
NY
The Moriah Presbyterian Church came into
existence in February 1830 as six couples transferred their membership
from Utica's Welsh Congregational Church to the Penycareau Calvinistic
Methodist Church near Remsen, the mother church in America for the denomination
later known as Welsh Presbyterians. A meeting of Four Calvinistic
Methodist churches in the Remsen-Steuben area appointed the Reverend David
Stephens to organize a Calvinistic Methodist Church in Utica and within
a year the growing congregation erected its building on Seneca Street near
the Erie Canal. Membership rose rapidly and in 1847 reached 190 with
another two hundred children in the Sunday School.
Utica prospered from the canal trade with
the establishment of textile mills and attracted many immigrants from Ireland,
the German States, and Wales. The growing population kept moving
south into the Cornhill area. In 1882 the Calvinist Methodist congregation
adopted the name of Moriah and constructed a new edifice on Park Avenue.
During the next decade membership doubled, then slackened in the 1890s,
but continuted to grow during the first quarter of the twentieth century.
Immigrants arrived from both North Wales and from the slate district of
Granville and southern Vermont.
In 1919 the Calvinistic Methodist denomination
united with the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., reflecting the Americanization
of the Welsh population and their institutions. During the early
1920s the congreation introduced English into its services in order to
retain the second generation. In 1923 Moriah Church erected a three-story
addition for the use of the Sunday School, mid-week services, and choir
rehearsals. The outstanding feature of church services was four part
congregational singing led by a choir of over forty voices.
The end of immigration, the Depression, World
War I, and the movement of population after World War II to the suburbs
led to a decline in membership. A revitalzation took place after
1946 when Dr. R. Glynne Lloyd accepted a call. In 1956 the congregration
supported extensive changes in the sanctuary such as a divided chancel
and a new organ. In 1966 Dr. Lloyd resigned his position to teach
at Utica College.
Membership which hovered between 450 and
500 in the early 1950s gradually declined in line with most Utica churches.
In 1982 Moriah agreed to share the ministry of C. Davis Robinson with Olivet
Church.
Olivet Presbyterian Church--Utica,
NY
The Olivet Presbyterian Church had its roots
in the Westminister Presbyterian Church of Utica and was founded on January
28, 1887, but can trace its roots to the year 1876 when Westminister Church
established a mission church school in the Cornhill area. Two years
before that a survey of the area near Johnson Square uncovered interest
in having a church school in the area; but because of a lack of interest,
the project was deferred. The following year another canvass was
made. This time there were some 43 potential students. Since
no suitable place was found to meet, action was again deferred.
Then on February 17, 1876, at a teacher's
meeting, it was announced space had been found in the Benedict House at
Johnson Square. There was to be no charge for their use. This
offer was immediately accepted. One man gave a stove and a stove
pipe; another contributed 50 hymn books. A number of benches were
moved from the Westminister Church to the new church school room.
On Sunday, February 27, 1876 at 3:00 P.M.
about 150 people from the Westminister Church assembled to inaugurate the
mission school. Some 25 children attended that first Sunday and by
the end of the month the enrollment had increased to some 66. One
boy brought 13 new members in the first month. By April 26, 1876,
99 students were enrolled, and it became evident that new facilities would
have to be found. A chapel was erected on the southeast corner of
Miller and Square Streets, and on June 11, 1876 this building was occupied
for the first time. During the following years, with ebbs and flows
of success, its members grew to nearly 400 by the year 1879.
On January 28, 1887 a large number of people
mostly members of Westminister, gathered at the chapel, and 45 subscribed
to a paper agreeing to help and assist in the formation of a church.
On April 26, 1887 the Presbytery of Utica met and constituted the church.
Shortly thereafer it was evident that new accommodations were needed.
On July 1, 1889 contracts were signed and work was started on the building.
In a little less than two years the chuch was dedicated, the total cost
being $20,804.35.
Through the years the church flourished having
at one time the second largest church school in the city and a membership
of more than 800. Changes in the community surrounding the Olivet
Church began to occur in the 1950s and these changes quickly affected the
church. Membership began to drop as well as church school enrollment.
Continued efforts were made to sustain the church. It was during
the time when the Rev. C. Davis Roinson was co-pastor of both congregations
that a decision was made to consolidate the two churches into one.
Moriah-Olivet United Presbyterian Church--Utica,
NY
On July 1, 1988 the Moriah-Olivet United
Presbyterian Church came into existence as two churches, the Moriah Presbyterian
Church and the Olivet Presbyterian Church, bound themselves together to
become a people united in Christ for worship, fellowship, and service.
Each brough to this union rich traditions that should never be lost.
At its inception, the new congregation numbered
309 and had a church school enrollment of 44.