First Baptist Church of Lodi records, 1804-1924.
Collection Number: 6062
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Title:
First Baptist Church of Lodi records, 1804-1924.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Collection Number:
6062
Abstract:
This volume is divided among those of a church set off from Romulus in 1804 (1804-1821),
the First Baptist Church in Lodi (1821-1900) and later when the church called itself
the First Baptist Church of Valois (1900-1924). It contains covenant meeting minutes
(1812-1821) and annual trustee meeting minutes (1830-1924).
Creator:
First Baptist Church of Lodi (Lodi, N.Y.)
Quanitities:
1 microfilm reels.
Language:
Collection material in English
In 1804 a council met at the home of Jacob Smith, in Ovid New York to constitute a
new church in the boundaries of the Romulus Baptist Church. At that time circuit rider
Elder Caton served the Romulus district and often preached at the church. In 1809
the church was officially organized and in 1826 it was incorporated as the First Baptist
Church of Lodi. Reverend Thomas was the first preacher, only preaching a quarter of
the time. In 1817 Rev. Thomas Brown became the first paid pastor, preaching at the
church three quarters of the time. The first church was built in 1829 on the hill
next to Stephan Smith's home and "a great many old time revivals were held there."
The records of the First Baptist Church are divided among those of a church within
the bounds of Romulus (1804-1821), those of the church when it was called the First
Baptist Church of Lodi (1821-1900), and later when the church called itself the First
Baptist Church of Valois (1900-1924). The records for the church when it was in the
bounds of the Romulus district included lists of baptisms, of women members, of prior
members (1812-1816), and of neighboring towns and their representatives to the ecclesiastical
council. From 1821 to 1830 there are no records. While under the name the First Baptist
Church of Lodi (1821-1900) the meeting changed from bimonthly to annually.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
First Baptist Church of Lodi records, #6062. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections,
Cornell University Library.
Names:
Smith, Jacob.
First Baptist Church of Valois (Valois, N.Y.)
Places:
Valois (N.Y.) -- Religious life and customs.
Lodi (N.Y.) -- Religious life and customs.
Seneca County (N.Y.) -- Religious life and customs.
Subjects:
Revivals -- New York (State) -- Lodi.
Circuit riders -- New York (State) -- Lodi.
Baptists -- New York (State) -- Romulus.
Baptists -- New York (State) -- Lodi.
Form and Genre Terms:
Minutes.
CONTAINER LIST
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Container
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Description
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Date
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Record Book
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Scope and Contents
Contains the records of covenant meeting minutes which contain accounts of disciplinary
cases; the elections of elders, deacons, and trustees; the admission and dismission
of members; a controversy about how much authority elders should have. The only business
recorded after 1830 is the election of trustees. The following are items of note:
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| December 18-30, 1813 | |||
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Scope and Contents
A difficulty between members was brought out and a special meeting was held to settle
it.
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| September 17, 1814 | |||
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Scope and Contents
A disorderly conduct charge was directed at a church member for drinking and fighting.
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| December 17, 1814 | |||
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Scope and Contents
Charges of "disorderly walk," and "foolishly lying" were brought up at the meeting.
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| June 17, 1815 | |||
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Scope and Contents
A member was dismissed for lewd behavior.
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| From 1816 to 1818 | |||
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Scope and Contents
There is much turmoil within the congregation. Members were sent out to visit absent
numbers and report back to the church. Some difficulties between church elders and
church members. There are no specific reasons for the difficulties.
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| October 17, 1818 to May 19, 1821 | |||
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Scope and Contents
Due to the lack of a letter of recommendation a debate began to decide whether the
present preacher would continue to preach or not. Much dissension between church elders
and church members arose. Some memers were dismissed, others were found "out of order"
with the church. The argument against the preacher was over the Scriptures.
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| May 18, 1821 | |||
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Scope and Contents
The authority of the church elders was challenged by church members when a discussion
on "respecting the church's right to hold the authoritative right" of the lord was
brought up.
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| From 1830-1924 | |||
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Scope and Contents
Meetings were held annually to elect trustees.
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