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East Sullivan (Gray Valley) Baptist Church |
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EAST SULLIVAN BAPTIST CHURCH
| Mansfield—An interesting history of the East Sullivan Baptist Church,
one of the early Baptist churches of this vicinity has been compiled by
Mrs. Mary Strange Rose of Mansfield, a descendant of one of the organizers
of the church.
The church existed from 1835 until 1880 and was the mother church of the Mansfield, Covington and State Road Baptist churches. Most of the history was taken from the minutes of the church just as they were entered by the church clerk. One of the organizers of the East Sullivan Baptist Church, James Gray, came to Tioga County in 1805 from Sharon County and located in what is now known as Gray’s Valley, between Mansfield and Troy, where he bought 1,000 acres of land. He was a Revolutionary soldier, having served seven years. With him he brought five sons and four daughters. Marcus Strange, who gave the land for the church, came from Freetown, Mass., in 1838 with his wife and five children, and bought one of the farms of John Gray, Jr. |
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The Sullivan Baptist Conference was formed in 1835 with 18 members, and in November 12 young people were baptized. In April, 1836, they resolved to invite other churches to send delegates on May 18, 1836, for the purpose of constituting a church. Tioga, Columbia, Wells, Troy, Canton, Franklin, Springfield and Smithfield responded. At this meeting it was voted that the church be known as the East Sullivan Baptist Church, with 58 members. The church became a member of the Bradford County Association. They reported this of their pastor; "Brother Samuel Bullock is improving as a preacher of the Gospel, with the approbation of this church."
The first mention of a church building was Jan. 11, 1839, when it was resolved that "James Gray Jr., clerk, write a subscription for the purpose of raising funds for building a house for publick worship." Marcus Strange gave the land for the church building, which was erected in 1842. June 10, 1843, the Tioga Association met there, Calvin Reynolds and Caleb Hager having charge of the singing.
In 1849 certificates of stock in the corporation of the East Sullivan Baptist Church and Society were sold, which was invested in pews. Marcus Strange had pews Nos. 27 and 32. It is assumed that lumber for the church was sawed at a mill owned by Marcus Strange that stood by the creek now called Elk Run, south of the present cement bridge.
Covenant Meetings were held the second Saturday in each month. Members not attending were severely dealt with. One member who stayed at home to cut wood was visited by a committee and asked to explain his conduct as a member of the church. Meetings were held sometimes in the school house on VanNess Hill near Brother Pearce’s, in the Robbins Hill school house, near Amari Robbins and Brother Baker’s, which is the farm now owned by Harry Hulslander in Bakersburg.
In September, 1839, a delegation met to ordain the Rev. M. Rockwell. May 29, 1842, the church asked for dismissal from the Bradford County Association. Jan. 11, 1842, the following were appointed as delegates to the organization of the Tioga County Association: Elder M. Rockwell, Dea P. Baker, John Luddington, James Gray Jr., D. Sherwood and Oliver Elliott. Reported 94 members to the first Association held at Tioga Village, June 22, 1942.
Churches reported, according to the first inutes of the Tioga County Association were: Tioga, organized 1817; the Rev. Tobias Tinkham, pastor; East Sullivan, 1836, the Rev. M. Rockwell; Middlebury, 1831, James L. Coffin, licen’t; Delmar, 1838, Rev. A. Sherwood; East Jackson, 1840, Rev. S. Grenell; Covington, 1840, the Rev. George Spratt.
Apr. 10, 1840, at the request of Brother Daniel Sherwood, voted to have a branch of this church at Mansfield, Richmond Township. Held a covenant meeting there on the first Saturday in May, 1840. At their request, the following were dismissed from the East Sullivan Church to form a church at Mansfield, the first Tuesday of June, 1843; Daniel Sherwood; Daniel L. Sherwood, Oliver Elliott, Thomas Jerould, Elijah P. Clark; Sisters Anna Sherwood, Martha Utter and Lorens Ripley.
The Second meeting of the Association of Tioga County was held at the East Sullivan Church June 21, 22, and 23, 1843, nine churches being represented. Elder George Spratt Sr. was appointed moderator. Again June 21 and 22, 1848, the yearly association was held at the East Sullivan Church with 12 churches reporting. After appointing a committee to seat those that may attend "from abroad," a committee was also appointed to take charge of the horses. The association was held in the church in 1854.
June 14, 1856, a request came from members of Sullivan State Road for letters of dismissal for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in that community. Letters were granted to R. H. Doud, Ezra Bixby, Levi L. Smith, Allen F. Webster and sisters Mehitable Miller, Joanna Doud, Samantha P. Doud, Laura A. Webster and Nancy J. Webster. There was also a branch church with meetings held in the VanNess schoolhouse one mile north of Chandlersburg.
The first Sunday School at Grays Valley was organized Apr. 12, 1845. In the early days there were many interesting meetings. On Dec. 12, 1860, the "meeting house in Gray’s Valley was rededicated to the Lord, it having been completely remodeled and finished in good modern style." The sermon was preached by the Rev. N.L. Reynolds.
In the winter of 1852 and 1853 Calvin Reynolds (his wife was Isabelle Gray) presented the church six tin candle sconces, with tin reflectors, the light before this having been a kerosene lamp on the pulpit and lanterns carried by the members. One member present on the occasion said; "The church was light as day."
Other occasions were singing conventions, "sometimes lasting two or three days." There were a number of fine singers in that section. Among them are the names of Baker, Gray, Hager, Reynolds, Robbins, Hulslander and Strange. In 1857 C. Hager held a four day singing convention.
In November 1867, a concert was given Charles Gladding, leader, and Miss Pomeroy of Troy, who afterward became Mrs. Henry P. Davidson, organist, being considered the best in the country. The organ was borrowed from Mrs. Abijah Reynolds.
Charles Strange was baptized and joined the church at the age of 18. He "took care" of the meeting house for five dollars a year. He also served as clerk from 1861 to its close.
The last sermon was preached Apr. 30, 1876. This is his last entry in the church book; "We are now without a minister and have no meetings. Whole number of members 19; male 6, female 13." At one time the membership was 111.
The Church lot and building are now owned by John C. Strange, a grandson of Marcus Strange, who gave the lot for the church building. Mrs. John C. Strange is a great-granddaughter of James Gray Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Strange live on the Gray homestead.
The last members of the East Sullivan Church to pass away were: Mrs. Amanda V. Gray (Mrs. Lafayette), Feb. 8, 1887; Mrs. Hannah B. Strange (Mrs. Marcus), Nov. 27, 1889; Charles Strange (clerk) Feb. 11, 1892; Lafayette Gray, Mar. 4, 1903, and Marietta Cooley Strange (Mrs. Charles), Feb. 5, 1934. Mrs. Strange joined the East Sullivan Church by Christian experience and at one time her six children were also members there. When she removed to Mansfield in 1897 she brought her letter to the Mansfield Church.
There is a church in Gray’s Valley, at Bakersburg, which was known as the "Free Will Baptist Church." Services are held there now regularly as a community church.
The original record book of the East Sullivan Church from 1835 to 1880, also a complete file of the Tioga County Baptist Association minutes from 1842 to 1940 are owned by Mrs. Mary Strange Rose.
In 1707 the Baptist organized the Philadelphia Baptist association , which was for 50 years the only Baptist association in America.
James Gray Sr., was born in Sharon County in 1760. In 1805
he came to Tioga County, Pennsylvania, and located in what is now known
as Gray’s Valley, where he bought 1000 acres of land, for which he paid
cash, and which proved to be one of the most beautiful and most fertile
spots in Tioga County. He was a revolutionary war soldier, having
served seven years. He brought with him his five sons and four daughters
and wished to give each one a farm.
In the spring of 1838 Marcus Strange, with his wife and five
children, came from Freetown, Massachusetts, and bought one of the farms
in Gray's Valley, of John Grey son of James Gray, Sr. they found that as
early as June, 1835, there was being held regular appointments were Baptist
preaching by brother Samuel Bullock, Bradford County, a and also by Elder
Elisher Rich, both members of Troy church.
In October, 1835, a number of men and women who lived remote from the Churches to which they belonged, and others deprived of the privilege of the house of God, voluntarily formed themselves into an association, to be known by the name of “the Sullivan Baptist Christian Conference”. Brother Samuel Bullock was appointed Moderator and James Grey, Jr., clerk, and office which he held for many years. He was followed by Joseph W. Robbins in 1841.
The Sullivan Baptist conference was formed in 1835 with 18 members and in November 12 young people were baptized. In April, 1836, they resolved to invite the following Churches to send 18 delegates on May 18,1836 for the purpose of constituting a church: Tioga, Colombia and Wells, Troy, Canton, Franklin, Springfield and Smithfield, responded, and they voted on May 18,1836, to be known as the East Sullivan Baptist Church with 63 members. They became a member of the Bradford County association. They reported its other preacher: "brother Samuel Bullock is improving as a preacher of the gospel with the approbation of this church." The first mention of a church building was Jan. 11, 1839 when it was resolved that "James Gray, Jr., clerk, write a subscription and for the purpose of raising funds for building a house for public worship." Marcus Strange gave the land for the church building, which was erected in 1842 and in 1843, June 10, the Tioga association met with them, Calvin Reynolds and Caleb Hager having charge of the singing.
In 1849 certificates of stock in the Corporation of the E. Sullivan Baptist Church and society were sold, which was invested in pews, No. 27 and 32.
Covenant meetings were held the second Saturday in every month.
Members not attending were severely dealt with. One member staying
home to cut wood was visited by a committee and asked to explain his conduct,
as a member of the church. Meetings were held sometimes on VanNess
Hill at the school house near Brother Pierce's, at Robbins Hill school
house near brother of Amari Robbins’ and near
….. AP to art missing…………
……….. the following; Elder M. Rockwell , Deacon P.. Baker, and
John Luddington, and John Grey Jr., D. Sherwood, Oliver Elliott.
Reported 94 members to the first association held that Tioga Village June
22nd 1842.
Church reported according to first minutes printed:
Tioga, 1817, Rev. Tobias Tinkham.
To East Sullivan, 1836, Rev. M. Rockwell.
Middlebury, 1831, James L. Coffin, licen’t.
Delmar, 1838, Rev. A. Sherwood.
East Jackson, 1840, Rev. S. Grenell
Covington, 1840, Rev. George Spratt
on April 10, 1840, At the Request of Brother Daniel Sherwood,
voted to have a branch of this church (East Sullivan) at Mansfield, Richmond
Township. Held a covenant meeting they are on the first added a in
May, 1840. At their request the following members were dismissed
from the E. Sullivan Church to form a church at Mansfield, the third Tuesday
in June, 1843; Daniel L. Sherwood, Oliver Elliott, Thomas Jerould, Elijah
P. Clark, Sister Anna Sherwood, Martha Utter, and Lorena Ripley.
The second association of Tioga County was held with the East Sullivan church to June 21,22, and 23, 1843,9 Churches being represented. Elder George Spratt Jr., was appointed moderator. Again the 21st and 22nd of June, 1848, the yearly association was held at the East Sullivan Church in Gray's Valley, 12 Churches reporting. After appointing a committee to see those that may attend the association from abroad, a committee was also appointed to take charge of the courses. Association again held with them in 1854.
June 14, 1856, they would quest came from members of Sullivan
State Road for letters of dismission for the propose of organizing a Baptist
Church in that community. Requests were granted to R. H. Doud Ezra
Bixby, Levi L. Smith, Allen F. Webster, and sisters, Mehitable Miller,
JoAnna Doud, Samantha P. Doud, Loretta a Webster, and Nancy L. Webster.
There was also a branch church with meetings held at the VanNess school
house, one mile north of Chandlersberg.
The first Sunday school that Gray's Valley was organized April
12, 1845.
Very little mention is made in the old church record book of
the building of the meeting house. On Jan. 11, 1839, James gray,
Jr., was appointed to write "a subscription for the purpose of raising
fun for building a house of public worship.”
Brother ake r’s which is a farm now owned by Harry Huslander near Bakersburg.
In September, 1839, the delegation met to ordain Rev. M. Rockwell.
May 29,1842, asked for dismission from the Bradford County association
and on Jan. 11,1842, appointed as delegates to the organization of the
Tioga County association home. He had bought out John Grey with a
farm, a sawmill. It was at a little Creek now called Elk Run Creek
the mill was south of the cement bridge.
It is assumed lumber for the church was sawed there.
Marcus Strange died in 1852, and James Gray, Jr., in 1860, and
Charles Strange (2d son of Marcus) was appointed clerk, which are to see
held as long as the church existed, 1880 being the last entry
The last members of the East Sullivan church to pass away were:
Mrs. Amanda V. Gray (Mrs. Lafayette), Feb. 81887
Mrs. Hannah B. Strange (Mrs. Marcus), Nov. 27, 1889
Charles Strange (Church Clerk), Feb. 11, 1892
Lafayette Grey, March 4, 1903
Marietta Cooley Strange (Mrs. Charles), Feb. 5, 1934
Mrs. Strange was a less member of the old church. She joined
the State Road Baptist Church by Christian experience and at one time she
and her six children were members there. In 1897, she removed to
Mansfield, bringing her letter.
In the early days there were many interesting meetings held.
On December called, 1860, the "meeting house in Gray's Valley was rededicated
to the Lord, get having been completely remodeled and finished in good
modern style." The sermon was preached by the Rev. NL Reynolds
In the winter of 1852 and 1853 Mr. Calvin Reynolds
(his wife was Isabel Grey) presented to the church 6 tin candle sconces,
with tin reflectors, the light before this being a kerosene lamp on the
pulpit and lanterns carried by the members, one member being present
on this location saying "the church was his light as day."
Other occasions were, "Singing Conventions", sometimes lasting
two or three days. There were a great many very fine singers and
all that section of the country. We find the names of Baker, Grey,
Hager,
Reynolds, Robbins, Huslander, and Strange. In 1857 C. Hager held
a singing convention four Days.
In November 1867, a concert was given, Mr. Charles Gladding,
leader, and Miss Pomeroy, of Troy, (afterwards Mrs. Henry P. Davidson)
was the organist, being considered the best in the country. The organ
was borrowed from Mrs. Abijah Reynolds
Mr. Charles Strange was baptized and joined the church
at the age of 18. When a young man he "Took care" of the meeting
house for five dollar a year he also served as clerk from 1861 to its close.
The last sermon was preached April 30th, 1876. This is
his last entry in the church book: "we are now without a minister and have
no meetings. Whole number of members, 19; male six, female 13."
At one time the membership was 111.
The Church lot and building is now owned by John C. Strange,
a grandson to Marcus Strange, who had given a lot for the church building.
Mrs. John C. Strange is a great granddaughter of James Grey Jr., and they
now owned and live on the Gray homestead.
There is also a church and Gray's Valley at Bakersburg , which
was known as "Free Will Baptist Church." If there are old records
in existence, it would prove very interesting to have them published.
Meetings are held now regularly at a community church.
The old original church record book of the East Sullivan church
from 1835 to 1880, also a complete file of the Tioga County Baptist association
minutes 1842 to 1940 are owned by the writer of this article.
Mary Strange Rose
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
October 30th, 1940
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The pulpit of the Gray Valley Church was reinstalled in the State
Road Baptist Church. Joan NAH O'Dell photographed this in 1994
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| This photo is from Margaret WELCH Bentley |  |
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