Lakeside Presbyterian Church
75 Stutson Street, Rochester, New York

"One Hundred Twenty-five Years"
1852 - 1977

Rev. James F. Tyrrell, Minister

Prologue

Lakeside Presbyterian Church stands steadfast at 75 Stutson Street, Rochester, New York. Its brick structure still carries forth a heritage and pride that has been influential in the development of Charlotte as a productive and growing community. It is the center of Christian growth in the lives of many people, both members of the church, and not. One of its ministers said: "A church is not just a building. It is a family of people. If there are not people in the pews, there is no need for a minister at the pulpit."

To produce the history of Lakeside Church correctly is not to write only about a building, but of a tradition of Presbyterian life; a generation of people.

As you regress into the history of this church, keep in mind that it is a history of people. The traditions that began in the mid 1800's are the traditions we continue today. The discoveries we acknowledge today will be our traditions for tomorrow.

M. E. Gibson

Chapter One: The Life of a Church

The Beginning

Settlers in the north-west area of Rochester, New York in the 1800's were very few. The town was Charlotte, and its location as a major port on Lake Ontario, made it a haven for roving sailors, gambling, and prostitution. However, the Genesee River Valley was plush and green. The soil was fertile for farming, and raising cattle. It held a promise of economical growth for farmers. If for nothing else, this one opportunity brought young pioneers here to settle.

During the year of 1832, a group of Christian people began to hold religious services in a small schoolhouse located in the vicinity of Stutson and Broadway, (across from the Church's present location.) It is believed that each week they shared in reading of scripture, and perhaps witnessing of Christ in their own lives. They sang hymns, and prayed for the salvation of their town. A lighted candle was placed in the schoolhouse window to signify that a minister would be present.

The first area Sunday School was started at this time, where children learned to read and write, using the Bible as text.

For the following ten years, the town of Charlotte continued worshiping, together in this manner, occasionally visited by a minister passing through the area.

In 1848, a group called the Methodist Society of Charlotte was organized with the Rev. Loren Stiles as Pastor. This was the first step in creating a community church.

It wasn't until three years later that a public meeting was called by a Rev. Bellamy, a Presbyterian minister from Pittsford, New York who had preached several Sundays in the area, in regards to building a church. It was suggested that whichever denomination could raise the most money, would be the denomination of the church. Since the Presbyterians raised, the most money, the church would be Presbyterian.

The committee in charge of the project, the First Presbyterian Society of Charlotte, bought property from the village blacksmith, Henry Pollard, for $150. John Denise, a member of the Presbyterian Society, donated the lumber and material needed to begin construction.

In April of 1851, a church was incorporated, and filed with the Clerks Office in the city of Rochester. The building stood in from the intersection of Stutson and Broadway, (approximately where the present church now stands.)

The Rev. Archibald Ferguson chose to come to Charlotte and minister to the newly organized church In June 1851, the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte was officially activated with fifteen charter members.

The following, year, June 24, 1852, the church was completed and dedicated with a worship service in the Ferguson Room. There were between fifteen and twenty-one members, with six Sunday School teachers, and thirty students. Placed in the corner stone was a Bible, a church registry, church history, Sunday School children's names, and a prayer of dedication.

1852 was a year of many firsts for the Church. It held its first Communion Service and the first infant baptism. It ordained its first two Ruling Elder's and constituted a committee of Trustees. These officers could hold their positions for as long as they saw necessary.

It was not until the governmental structure of the Church was obtained, that the Rev. Ferguson could be installed as minister. On February 17, 1853, Rev. Ferguson became the official pastor of the Church. His wife, Nancy Ferguson, joined by letter of Faith, seven months later. In April 1855, the Church, joined the Rochester Presbytery, and was well on its way to becoming an influential religious media of which Charlotte could be proud.

The main goal of the First Presbyterian Church up to this time, was to form its structure and be independent. Now it could, truly focus its concerns on reforming the community, "saving souls," and bringing the word of God to all who would accept it.

In 1856, the Rev. Archibald Ferguson died. He had accomplished what many ministers then, and now, never have the opportunity to do. He had helped to build a church and lay a foundation for a needy community. He was the first of many to come who contributed to Christian reformation in Charlotte.

The following years in the life of the First Presbyterian Church were noted as years of growth and development. It was a starter church, and ministers came and went yearly: Rev. A. T. Young, 1857-59, Rev. Lemuel Leonard, 1859-60, and Rev. E B. Van Auken 186l-63. The Rev. Thomas Bellamy, who had originally organized the meeting to build the church, returned as minister in 1863, until his death in 1866.

The Church had substantially grown in number and support, and in July, 1873, the congregation was able to pay its own minister end became a self-supporting Church. Pews were rented at this time, to families who would be seated each Sunday in their own section.

The ministers up until the 1900's were as follows:

The Breakthrough

The 20th Century brought about a turning point in the history of the Church. The rise bf economical growth in the country affected all people. The vision of Presbyterian mission was becoming international and the leadership of the Denomination was fighting evolutionary theory tooth and nail. Two Presbyterian theology professors from Princton, Hodge and Hodge, wrote a book entitled "The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith." That work laid the foundation for Modern Fundamentalism. However, the liberal wing of the church was soon to lay the foundations of modern Christian Liberalism in this country. Much of that work was done at Union Seminary in New York.

The goal of the church changed from the basic "winning souls to God," to developing a Christian environment within, its community. This included fellowship gatherings, social events such as dinners and dances, and even sleigh rides from the Beemish Farms by their horse-drawn sled.

To meet the new demands and its growing membership, the congregation met with its Session, and decided to build a new sanctuary. In 1903, the old building was turned and moved back to the rear of the lot. They continued to use the building for many years as a Sunday School and meeting hall. For $12,500, a new brick building was constructed, and is still present at 75 Stutson Street.

On October 27, 1903 the new sanctuary was dedicated with prayer and thanksgiving by the congregation, and its minister, the Rev. F. Lindsay. The stained glass windows and the pump organ were also given at this time. A new steeple bell was donated, and the old bell, was given to the Methodist Church of Charlotte, and is still being used in that church today.

What was church like in 1900? Many people walked. It was a community church, and families from the area would attend the nearest service. Some families rode to the First Presbyterian Church in their horse and buggy. There was drive area to the left of the building, (to the right as you face it), and the women would enter the door by the high step that leads into the "Brides Room". The men would take the horses to the back of the church, where they would tie and secure them in the open stable. The women wore long, plain, high-neck dresses, and the men attired in boots, single-breasted suit coats, vests and pocket watches. The girls would hurry to their Sunday School class dressed in long frilly dresses and starched petticoats. The boys would wear caps and knicker pants. Church Service was simple, with two or three hymns, and a strong lesson on the fundamentals of faith and religion. The sermon was last, and it was said that "the congregation would leave church silently, with the ministers words still present."

The First Presbyterian Church was now advancing in prosperity and growth. Women became very active through the Ladies Aid Society and the Junior Aid Society. Some of their projects were sewing and church suppers. There were Strawberry Festivals and yearly congregational picnics. The younger people were involved in an organization called Christian Endeavor, quite similar to present day Youth Fellowship. A story was noted that during Christian Endeavor, one or two of the more ambitious young men would sneak around the sanctuary, peeking under the pew cushions, looking for loose coins that the adults had dropped.

The minister of the church between 1905 and 1919 was the Rev. H. P. Gilt. He had the difficulties of ministering to a church during World War I. It was a time of prayer and ministry to the world. As the war advanced, and the United States became involved, the church too, became involved. The Presbyterian Church of the

United States became one of the largest foreign missionary enterprises in the world. At the same time, the city of Rochester adopted Charlotte for its 23rd ward. In 19l9 the church changed its name to Lakeside Presbyterian Church, had become a city church, and had opened its doors to world Christian ministry.

The Rev. Walter B. Jorris served the church from 1919 until his death in 1922. In memory of his ministry, the congregation built an additional room to the rear of the sanctuary, called the Jorris Room. It was here that the first church plays were presented. It was stated that the local townspeople were excited about the coming performances of the Lakeside Players. Rehearsals went on for months, and volunteers were plenty. One of the very first plays was, entitled, The Nautical Knot, presented by Fritz Bonehill and George Estes. It included such stars as Lena Sheer, Edna Manchester, Myrtle Ferguson, Anna Young, and Thelma Timmerman Wolber. It had an orchestra of three violins, (Ed Watson on one) a bass fiddle, and George Gassett on trombone. The Rev. Sherman W. Haven was minister, and his son, notably dubbed "Pope" Haven was also in the play. Clarence Manchester was director of the orchestra, that soon grew to a number: of 12 musicians, that would practice up to three and four months in advance of a production. Another play presented was The Mikado, with a cast of 37 that packed the Irondequoit Grange Hall, and played to standing room only for three nights at the church.

There was a church newspaper started at this time called the "Lakeside Family" that was edited and written by George Gassett, Tinnie Reinhardt, and Sam Rodibaugh. A daily vacation Bible School was in progress, and included children from the Methodist and Episcopal Churches.

By 1927, and the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Church, membership of Lakeside had grown to 298 members. The Rev. Frank Hawley was minister during, the recognition service. A new pulpit was dedicated along with a communion table, and other gifts, Emily Ferguson, wife of Alexander Ferguson of the Ferguson Hardware Store, was church historian.

During the 20's, and up until the Depression, the church experienced an inner growth of fellowship and Christian love that was influential in attracting young families to its congregation. The Sunday School attendance was high, Sunday morning service was full, and socially, there was an active participation of members and community.

The Decline

In 1931, the United States fell into a major Depression. Churches and families experienced financial insecurity. Each Sunday during worship service, the Trustees of Lakeside called upon the congregation to donate any money they could to keep their church active. The women of the church were a definite influence in helping to keep financial assistance alive during this time. The Women's Auxiliary put on, community dinners, baked food sales, bazaars, rummage sales and numerous other projects that raised thousands of dollars in the following years. This not only kept the families of the church working together, bolstered morales, but equally as important, kept Lakeside from falling behind its budget.

Lakeside continued through the Depression supporting itself in a positive attitude and with loving fellowship. Printed on one of the 1930's bulletin was the following: "K.O.K.O. Keep On Keeping On..."

From 1932 until 1937, the Rev. Simeon Jewkes was minister. The Lakeside Young People's League was originated, with president Harry Grotzinger; secretary, Gladys Grotzinger; devotional leader, Frances Hill; and advisor, Elder John Ferguson. The League's Pledge: "We will strive daily to walk in the way of Jesus Christ; to devote our lives to His cause on earth; and to be loyal to the Church." A few weeks after its start, the group held a "Depression Party," inviting the congregation to dress in old clothes and meet in the Jorris Room at 8:00 the evening of November 10, 1932.... tickets sold l2½¢ each, or 25¢ per couple.

Also active during these years was a Fellowship Class, the Laymen Club for young men, along with the Simeon Club, and the continuing Junior and Ladies Aid Societies.

On November 6, 1932 the Sunday bulletin read: "This day is known as Armistice Sunday. Christians everywhere are asked to pray for guidance and inspiration in the great task of making a warless world. Our great Presbyterian Church is pledged to support all efforts and agencies which make for peace and international good will..."

1937 to 1941, the Rev. John Rayen Welch ministered to the Church. On Sunday, November 24, 1940, the order of worship was one of great concern. Despite efforts by many, financially and actively, Lakeside began to decline. Presented to the congregation by the Trustees was the following message: "The church is confronted with the problem of keeping its doors open, due to the present financial condition and the apparent lack of interest in its activities. The Committee has decided to offer the Congregation a definite opportunity to show what they will do. On Thursday evening a Church Roll Call will be held...Every member is expected to come for a few minutes to express their intentions..."

The Committee Members were: Thelma Timmerman Wolber, Rhetta Carris, Harrison Grotzinger, Burton Kirby and Edward Watson. Thelma Wolber stated that only 15 to 25 people responded to the Committee's plea. Within the next few weeks, the Moderator of the Rochester Presbytery came before the Congregation and suggested that the wisest action Lakeside should take is to lock its doors, and throw the key into the river.

The point was made, and dissention stirred. The congregation realized the degree of their plight, and that no one would help them, except themselves and God. It was a difficult struggle that took several years of uncertainty before conditions stabilized. The Rev. Nicholas Bruinix offered to be pastor of the church during its crisis, and accepted a less than average fee during the beginning of his ministry. He remained at Lakeside from 1941, until 1947.

In June 1942, Hitler was in control of all continental Europe and part of Russia. The Japanese had been defeated at Midway, and the United States once again sent men overseas to war. As terrifying and senseless as war may seem, it creates jobs, and jobs create prosperity. The Depression lifted; and Lakeside celebrated its 90th Anniversary.

The week of June 2nd through 7th, 1942 marked the Rededication and Home Coming Celebration. It started on a Tuesday evening with an organ recital, invocation, hymns, and greetings from several visitors. Each night that followed had the same worship and recognition order, up until the final dedication on Sunday, June 7. Included in the celebration, was a Jubilee Dinner, Community Singing, and a review of the history of the church by Mrs. George (Ollie) Frey. The church was also renovated and repaired at this time.

The doors of Lakeside had not closed. The congregation was not defeated by economic and financial loss. Instead, they chose to uphold the traditional legacy of fortitude and endurance that was so evident in their history. The coming years would bring back prosperity and an upsurge of enthusiasm.

The Comeback

1945 was the start of the renown Men's Club, first presided by Clarence Manchester. The club was famous for its all male plays, the first being "Out of the Crackerbarrel," by Charles Timmerman. It included the Village Store Minstrels, a Barbershop Quartet, a banjo player, several tap dancers, and a "Blackface" named Al Denison. Some of the other players were Burt Kirby, Nelson Arend, George Estes, George "Pete" Frey, Ernie Fechner, Gib Kirby, and George Gassett, who supposedly attempted to extinguish a bedroom fire with several glasses of water!

World War II ended in 1945. The mortgage of the sanctuary was burned the same year, and new furniture was given to the church. In 1946 a Bowling League was formed, and Charlotte organized the Charlotte Church Baseball League. There were teams from each of the churches in the community. The Men's Brotherhood was very active during this period, and there was a Westminister Guild, along with four women's circle groups.

From 1948 until 1958, the Rev. C. Daniel Galloway was minister of Lakeside. 1948 was the first year the church worshiped Christmas Eve with a candlelight service. In 1949, the Sunday, School changed its format so the children came into the sanctuary and left after the second hymn. The Children's Day service that year included a pageant direct by Mrs. Frances (Sally) Perduyn, where the children processed into the sanctuary singing "Jesus Loves Me." Mother and Daughter Banquets were popular, and many fellowship groups would take the Ontario Car Ferry to Cobourg, Canada on Sunday afternoons.

In 1950, Donald Frank, member of Lakeside, was recommended by his Session, and received by the Rochester Presbytery as a candidate for the Christian Ministry. He was the first member of the church to choose the ministry for his life work. He was ordained in 1957.

The decade of the 50's was a time of stability and security for Lakeside Church. The Rev. Galloway was a young man with a contemporary manner of ministry. Many new, young families joined the church during the 1950's, and a more relaxed atmosphere developed. It was a busy time for Lakeside fellowship, with Harvest Suppers, Presbytery Dinners, active Cub and Boy Scout troops, and various other projects. In 1956, a Mother-Daughter Banquet catered 142 guests, and the hamburger for the occasion was 42C per pound. The average attendance for a church dinner was 130 people.

In March of 1952, the church purchased the property at 57 Stutson Street to be used as a parish house, Sunday School, and parking area. In June of the same year, Carl Mathews was appointed General Chairman of the Building Fund, organized to raise $40,000 for a new Educational Building. Over $42,000 in pledges and gifts was obtained in one day toward the building.

November 19-23, 1952 marked the recognition of the 100th anniversary Celebration. The order of events and services were similar to the 90th Anniversary. The Rev. Galloway led the dedication, the Rev. Glen Morrow from the Presbytery was one of the guest speakers, and Sally Perduyn reviewed the history of the church to date. At this time, the officers of the church numbered; nine Ruling Elders, eight Deacons, and twelve Trustees.

1955 is the date inscribed on the cornerstone of the Educational Building. On Sunday afternoon, March 25, 1956, the Session held a Dedication Service and Reception-Open House to commemorate the completion of the new building.

In 1958 the Rev. Galloway moved to New Jersey so that he might closely work with the New York City Synod in mission fund raising. There were approximately 462 members at Lakeside. The Rev. Riggs was secured as interim minister until the spring of 1959, when the Rev. Paul Long came to minister at Lakeside. His installation and reception was held Sunday evening June 7, 1959.

It is noted that at this time in the church history, a group of Lakesiders drove to Pennsylvania, Appalachia Area, to help move a family that was in immediate need for assistance. After moving them to Rochester, a job was secured for the father as a church custodian. The family was fed and clothed, and sheltered until all aspects of their need were secured.

For the 1960's life became slightly more complex. The lazy comfortable days of the 50's gave way to political and economic unrest in the country, cities, and churches. It was the age of nuclear weapons, and Test-Ban Treaties with the Soviet Union; it was a time of Civil Rights Movements; a president of the United

States was assassinated, and the United States entered into an unofficial war in Viet Nam that many Americans disputed. The United Presbyterian Church found it difficult to stay neutral in political involvements in these areas. Lakeside, too, found itself entangled in an involvement that eventually divided the church members with different opinions, conflicts of ideas, and many who felt the church should remain totally uninvolved with matters not directly pertaining to its function in the community. The Rev. Long advocated total Christianity and equality of races in all aspects of life. Through the formation of the Adult Forum, he brought into the congregation world wide problems and concerns that would eventually affect Rochester and Lakeside. However, these changing times and ideas were so drastic and contrary to what Charlotte was used to, it was not easy for any one person to accept it all at once. There was integration, equal housing, draft dodging, political scandals, and even disputes as to whether the U. S. should send men to the moon. Never before in the history of our church had there been so many concerns arising all at one time.

The Rev. Long left the church at the end of 1963 and became further involved in the political and economical changes of the city, while Lakeside secured Rev. Dane Gordon as interim minister for approximately four months.

The Rev. Michael Miller accepted ministry of Lakeside. On July 26, 1964, his installation and reception had to be moved up from an evening service to an afternoon service, due to the fact that the City of Rochester had taken on a temporary curfew because of inner city racial riots. In the following years, the community would take a step backward, and the City of Rochester would close the Charlotte Beach due to unsafe pollution levels. The beach would remain closed until the summer of 1975.

Through it all, the congregation once again continued to stand steadfast, and work its way through each conflict and injury. The officers of the church became more involved, and. assumed. More responsibilities than they ever had. The Women's and Men's Clubs had succumbed to lack of enthusiasm, and an over all change in family life styles, but the Circles remained and continued to take care of dinners and fellowships. Sunday School curriculum advanced, and membership in the church was approximately 450. Couples Club became active and began yearly Cabin Parties at Hamlin Beach, among other outings, for the congregation. As the church advanced, and more singles entered into the fellowship, the name was changed to the Lakesider's Club, that included anyone who wished for an enjoyable evening doing most anything from Christmas Caroling, to scavenger hunts, to, road rallies.

By 1970, the congregation had developed a great potential for leadership and mission, both in the community and abroad. The church newspaper became the "Good News", and the Rev. Miller was the first minister to obtain a part-time "salaried" secretary. (It is necessary to point out at this time that in 1970 Edward Watson died, thus ending his service to the congregation as secretary, and financial secretary for approximately 31 years. All the office machinery that he had and used while serving the, church was given to the office staff. In his memory, the Edward Watson Scholarship Fund was originated to help Lakeside youth and community youth to continue their education.)

On Sunday, May 23, 1971, the 183rd General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States was held for the first time in the Rochester Community War Memorial. Lakeside was greatly represented by members of the audience and choir. An upsurge of mission awareness was brought back to the congregation as a result of this attendance.

Most will agree, (although not necessarily advocate), that the 1970's led the way to new and contemporary ways of worshiping God. The youth of the congregation became more fully involved in administering in the worship service. There was, the celebration of the Great Parade, where youth and adults participated with banners and rejoicing, with organ and brass instruments. For the first time in the history of the church, Deacons became an active part of the distribution of the sacrament of Communion. Open prayer requests from the congregation during worship became a practice, and during one service, a member of the congregation was compelled to stand and give witness before all that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Through hardships and difficulties, Lakeside had entered into a time of "Religious Revival". Prayer groups became more popular, and mission giving was on a greater span. The Church continued support of a missionary in Chile and the Rev. Agustin Batlle. It sent Christmas toys to his previous Church in the Bronx, New York. It gave hundreds of dollars to the One Great Hour of Sharing for world mission. The women of the Church continued to support mission through Presbyterial and fund raising campaigns, such as the soon popular fish dinners. (It was noted that by the time the odor of fish left the corridors of the Church, it was time to have another fish dinner.)

Lakeside continued yearly family campouts, originally at the Presbytery owned camp grounds, and then at Webster State Park. There are more than a number of stories in regard to the family camping; everything from allergy attacks, to mud, rain and wind, but most nicely remembered are the services together under the trees.

Over the past century, Lakeside has built a reputation for having great love and fellowship for its members, visitors, and the community. It has shown concern and leadership; and reached a level of confidence and stability.

In 1972, the Church helped communities rebuild and renovate after the floods from Hurricane Agnes. It supports the only Ecumenical Human Development Organization in the City of Rochester. It cares far a local nursing home, and took care of those patients during a workers' strike for better living conditions in the facility. It has recognized and involved itself with the plight of local migrants with assistance in food, housing and clothing. In the spring of 1973, approximately twelve members of the congregation met at the Church to ring the news to the community that the United States had pulled out of Viet Nam and that a total cease-fire had been announced. The following year, the Rev. Michael Miller chose to answer the call for assistance to a church in pastoral need in Matawan, New Jersey. Again, Lakeside called on the Rev. Dane Gordon to serve as interim minister until a new pastor was secured.

On May 18, 1975, the Rev. James F. Tyrrell was installed as minister to Lakeside Presbyterian Church. During the same year, the United States informed the American public that the Vietnamese evacuation camp in Pennsylvania would have to be totally emptied before the onset of winter. Through the concern of the minister and the Board of Deacons, the congregation accepted to sponsor one of the families. At the same time, Lakeside began the first organized tutoring program outside of the public schools, and volunteers from the Church and community helped Junior High students in reading and math. Eleven hundred pounds of clothing was collected from the congregation to be given to the Church Women United. A unique Caring Committee Program was formed to better meet the needs of the congregation by officers and laypeople of the Church.

1976 marked the Bicentennial year for the United States. Lakeside celebrated by presenting a play about Charlotte, written and produced by April Freguson Tantalo. It achieved newspaper acclaim. The, play included music by the choir, skits by the Sunday School children and volunteer players who were dressed in costume from the l800's.

The following summer of 1976 saw Lakeside and the Rev. Tyrrell, leading a community Summer Daytime Program for youth of the community. On July 4th, most of the Sunday School children, and many families of the Church met at the front steps, and filed in line to help ring the Church bell in commemoration of the nations 200th birthday. It was remembered that on the fifth or sixth ring, the bell rope broke, and Trustee Fred Stiffler climbed the steeple to manually continue ringing of the bell.

By January of 1977, the country was under the leadership of a new and contemporary president. The cost of living was becoming exceedingly high, and families found themselves once again under stressful situations. There were great strides in the Presbyterian Churches toward furthering Church Education and Evangelism. There were talks of a possible merger of the United Presbyterian Church of the U. S. A., and the Presbyterian Church of America.

On May 22, 1977 the Church would acknowledge its 125th Anniversary and Rededication Service. The intent of the officers and Historical Committees was to rejuvenate the enthusiasm and faithfulness of the congregation of Lakeside toward more active and willing participation. Lakeside found that it was in need of repairs and renovations that would be difficult to finance. The task of replacing the roof, front steps, and repairs to the sanctuary would be $18,500.

On Saturday, May 21st, the congregation began its celebration with a Tureen Dinner, a historical play by April Tantalo, a Sing-a-Long directed by member, Jean Izard, and an Ice Cream social sponsored by the Senior High Fellowship. The newly elected Executive Presbyter, Margrethe Brown was present. There was a Historical Exhibit in the auditorium, accumulated and, presented by Leah Zimmermann. The next day, Sunday climaxed the eventful weekend with prayer and rededication by the Rev. Tyrrell.

It was in this way, that Lakeside presented itself to itself: 1852 - 1977.

Chapter two: Music: For Ourselves and God

Ted Jackson

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet,
Praise Him with psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance,
Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Let everything that hath breath, prise the Lord.
                            ps: 150

Music has always been an important part in the Life of Lakeside Church. For as long as anyone can remember, the congregation has enjoyed the musical activities in the church, and has enjoyed participating in them. Many visitors to our services have commented on the singing ability of the congregation, particularly in view of the size of the church. They would not be surprised, then, to learn that groups from the congregation regularly carol for shut-ins at Christmas time; (including the memorable occasion when the Couple's Club loaded themselves and a piano on the back of a pick-up truck, to make their rounds.)

With this interest, it is natural that the congregation recognizes the quality of a good choir. There is no particular date as to when Lakeside's choir was first formed, but as far back as there are written records of services, there has been a choir. If one checks these records, they will find a long list of notable accomplishments with a number of cantatas, and other major choral works, given at appropriate times.

There have from time, to time, also been Junior Choirs, and many of their directors have substituted for the Senior Choir directors, in the event of illness.

One of the factors on the success of our choir has been the organ, and the organists, who have performed on it. The organ is one of the few pipe organs still remaining in this area. It was originally purchased and installed in 1912 for an estimated cost of $2,500, which in view of its continued use has turned out to have been quite an investment. Its estimated value at present is $50,000, and it is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in the Church.

The shortness of the list of organists is due to the fact that our present organist, Emma Denise has had that position for over 50 years. Many people compliment the choir on their achievments, and sometimes do not realize that if it were not for the expertise of the organist, the many great works of music would not be done. It is the organist who must bear with playing all parts of the music, and changing notes here and there, along with experiencing many changes of styles in compositions. It would seem that over the past 50 years, Emma Denise has survived quite admirably, the many hours of work, many changes of directors, and the different types of music.

The organists of the Church, from the time there was as organ are as follows:

Mr. Luman Bailey
Mrs. Redman
Mrs. Anna Walker Goss (Emma's teacher)
Mrs. Ruth Mabee Harsha
Mrs. Edith Knight

There have been many organists to visit the Church, and play on special occasions, such as early celebrations, weddings, and Church anniversaries. Emma Denise broke her arm in the mid-60's, and Mrs. Ann Lynch Insalaco became assistant organist. As far as records show, this was the only time Emma was absent from her seat at the organ on Sunday morning.

The first evidence of instrumental music in the Church is a brass quartette, organized around the time of World War I, 1917. It consisted of Clarence and Harold Manchester, Claude McCatheron, and Everett Brown, Sr., (who, as it is noted, used to climb the steeple each year at Christmas, and serenade the village with carols.)

In the early 1920's, Clarence Manchester organized an orchestra made up primarily of high school students who played once a month for the morning worship service, and also for the church suppers. The members of that orchestra included Edward Watson, Harris and Ross Mitchell, Edward Waterhouse, Elwood Meyerhoff, Richard Nesbitt, Feeley Soucie, Irving and Roy Vick, and George Haven. In later years, orchestras were assembled for some the shows that were put on, such as the Mikado, and It Happened in Hollywood.

Another orchestra was formed in the later forties by Mr. Manchester that included: Floris and Sue Ferguson, Elizabeth and Leah Manchester, Franklin and Frances Bright, George Gassett, Lilliam Hanley, Ernest LaSalle, Virginia Viet, and Maureen Lee. They played for many different programs, and furnished the core of musicians for community shows put on the the Paddy Hill Players.

Sue and Floris Ferguson tell of how, for orchestra rehersals, they would bring their little baby girl with them, swaddle her in a blanket, and let her sleep among the security of hats and coats, on a pew. One evening little April disappeared as she rolled off the pew and onto the floor. She was quite unharmed....such is the sacrifice for music!

Although the musical activities of the Church have provided pleasure and ministry for the congregation and participants, alike, it has not been effortless for the participants. Many hours of hard work go into the preparation of the performances. To compliment the achievements, the choir members and organist must be ever alert for a last minute change in the service, or music arrangement. There have been times when the choir has had to sing in the dark, for candlelight services, or suffer with the assistance of a lighted candlabra placed too close to the paneling in the choir loft, that at one point began to singe the wood. Previous Alto, Sue Ferguson's comment to that was: "It's so difficult to sing in tune when your hair is on fire!"

The directors of the choir "have always been influential in helping the music to be properly expressed during service. There is great emphasis on words and dynamics. One of the more important rules of the choir, is that if it does not mean anything to the people performing the music, it will not mean anything to those listening. The Senior Choir directors of the Church have been:

The present Senior Choir director is Mr. Ralph Zecchino.

Former Junior Choir directors are:

The present Senior Choir consists of the following members;

Epilogue

125 years of worship. 125 years of work. The spirit of this congregation has been a long time in forming. Its present has been built out of the loving concern and service of hundreds and hundreds of people. Today, it is our Church: ours to love, to build, to use and to offer to others. In reading this history I was struck by the many different ways preceding generations of Lakesiders have met the challenge of the day. We have faced war, depression, conflict and prosperity. Today we face a slow but relentless need to readjust to inflation, loss of capital and resulting slow-downs in our economic prosperity. We are in a period of recovery, recovery of values and commitments once passed over in the rush and false-confidence of a secular age. How shall we minister now? Look at our past. It can help you prepare for our future.

See you in Church,
Jamie

Ministers of Lakeside Presbyterian Church

Current Members of Lakeside Presbyterian Church

The information in this booklet was compiled from accumulated and historical data. Any error or misrepresentation is unintentional.

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