Writer Recalls Methodists of Caledonia Pioneer Days

Old Article From: Caledonia Library Scrap Book
Written By: Mrs. A.B. Johnson, who was then the local historian for Caledonia
Article Dated: January 10^th. (No year given, but probably around 1920’s)

   Very few people now living remember or have any knowledge that the Methodist denomination flourished at an early date in the town of Caledonia, before an organization was established in Fowlerville. The writer has been unable to obtain the exact date when the Methodist Church edifice was erected. However, the late Historian David Leathersich says in his book, "Old Days in Caledonia in 1838," (printed 1906), the following:

   "The schoolhouse was on the east side of South Street. (now Center Street), a stone building situated on land now owned by the Erie Railroad, close to the north side of where the tracks are now. The Methodist Church was not built then, but was shortly after, "which was likewise built of stone, a commodious, plain looking structure, situated just across the Erie tracks on the east side of Center Street, where it still, may be seen, though long since it has been used and remodeled with stucco work on the exterior, as a dwelling-house, with modern porches, upper and below in front.

   Undoubtedly, the old Methodist Church was built about 1840 and an organization established. Quite soon after its completion as a house of worship, the Canadian Patriot, McKenzie, spoke at a meeting held there, soliciting aid for the patriots in their efforts for independence.

   Among the preachers we have been able to learn of one, the Rev. E.E. Chambers, whose wife was Henrietta Castle, a resident of Caledonia, whose mother was Sarah Nelson, who married a Mr. Castle. Another daughter was Amanda Castle, the first wife of Captain Horatio N. Ayres, a prominent early resident of Caledonia. Later, Rev. Chambers preached in Perry, New York.

   About 1845 is recorded some protracted meetings, which were held in the Caledonia Methodist Church, were of unusual interest.

   Among the interested members of the society were James Hill Sr., and family. They lived in the town as early as 1830. The venerable Mr. Hill and his sons were hatters and also made and sold tallow dips, the principal lights at that time. Mr. Hill was town clerk for a time and also acted as librarian for the town library.

   Early history of Western New York states that Methodism in this section dates back more than one hundred years, or to 1809, when Rev. James Mitchel was the first Methodist preacher to cross the Genesee River.

   Many years have passed since Caledonia had a Methodist Church, though many residents of the town have since been adherents to the faith of John Wesley.

   For a number of years, when the church was vacant, Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church in Caledonia was held in it, until they had a Sunday school room of their own.

   And again we learn some forty or more years ago, the Order of Good Templars Lodge held its regular meetings in the old building, and it was occasionally used for entertain- ment..

   Time passes and the old landmarks crumble to decay, or are remodeled to such an extent all vestige of the original disappears.