Name/Title
History of the Congregational Church of Blooming Grove, N.Y.Entry/Object ID
chs-000585Description
Published in 1939 to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the congregation, "History of the Congregational Church of Blooming Grove, N.Y." by A. Elwood Corning serves as both a religious chronicle and a vital record of early Orange County settlement.
Corning, a noted local historian and president of the Temple Hill Association, authored the work to preserve the lineage of one of the region’s most influential ecclesiastical bodies.
Key Themes and Contents
Founding and Early Settlement: The book traces the church's origins back to 1758, when the first edifice was built. It details the spiritual needs of the early Scotch-Irish and English settlers who moved into the "Blooming Grove" area of the Precinct of Goshen.
Architectural Evolution: A significant portion of the narrative focuses on the construction of the "New Church" in 1823, a landmark structure known for its distinct architecture and commanding presence in the hamlet.
The Revolutionary Period: Corning highlights the church's role during the American Revolution, noting how the congregation and its leaders were deeply entwined with the patriotic cause in New York.
Biographical Sketches: The text includes detailed accounts of the various pastors who served the pulpit, most notably Rev. Enos Ayres (the first settled pastor) and long-serving figures like Rev. James Arbuckle.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Transcription
FOREWORD
We desire to express our gratitude to all wlio in any way have aided in the preparation of this history; facts have come to light, the narration of which would have been impossible, if it had not been for this data placed at our disposal. So a task has been completed which otherwise would have becn less illuminating.
A sense of propriety induced us to persuade another to give an account of the present pastoratc, and to Mrs. Jane Durland Sears we owe a word of thanks for having performed so creditably the work assigned to her.
We also are indebted to Mr. Fiske Boyd for the dcft work of art which from his gifted hand forms the frontispiece of this volume. It is indeed most gracious of him to have rendered this valuable service to us, and we take this opportunity of recording our sincere appreciation for so generous a contribution.
A. ELWOOD CORNING
“Highland View,”
Newbwrgh, N. Y.
Jessie Woodhull page 6Book Details
Author
A. ELWOOD CORNINGPublisher
CORNWALL PRESS, CORNWALL, N. Y.LCCN
unk82042219Create Date
January 15, 2025Update Date
July 11, 2026