New Horizons Genealogy

"Specializing in New England and New York Colonial American Ancestry"


History
First Presbyterian Church
Town of Lyons
Wayne County New York


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The original name of this church was The First Presbyterian Church of Sodus until 1820, because it was located in the Town of Sodus. Town lines were later changed.

The Presbyterian Society was organized Jan. 2, 1800 at the home of John Riggs. Evert Van Wickle and Samuel Neilson were appointed officers. John Taylor, John Perrine and John Van Wickle, Sr., were chosen to act as trustees. Meetings were first held in a barn, but later a storehouse was secured on Broad St. and meetings were held there.

On Oct. 23, 1809, Rev. John Lindsly, a missionary of the General Assembly, organized the church. There were 22 members. The following names were on this first membership list: John Perrine and his wife Mary, John Gault and his wife Annie, William Alfred and his wife Abigail, Henry Pitcher, Lydia the wife of Lawrence Hossenger, Mathew Clark, John Van Wickle, John R. Van Wickle, Simon Van Wickle, Peter Perrine and his wife Anna, John Riggs, Thomas and Margaret Peacock, William Patten and his wife Nelly, Annie the wife of Ezekiel Price and Abraham Romeyn and his wife Mary. On Oct. 27, John Perrine and Abraham Romeyn were chosen Elders.

Rev. John Stuart, a Scotchman, was supply until Oct. 1811 when Rev. Francis Pomeroy began regular labors in the church. He was installed Pastor by the Presbytery of Geneva on June 29, 1814. At that time, there was a membership of 53. In Feb. 1816, it has increased to 81. Mr. Pomeroy was born in New England.