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Early History - 1784 - 1876 The first settler, James Buchanan, arrived around 1794. He built a tavern of rough-hewn logs along the Williamsport-Genesee Turnpike for the convenience of stage coach travelers who wished to obtain food & lodging. First called Eight Mile Tree, because it was eight miles from Bath, the settlement was later named Buchanan's, then Podunk and finally Avoca. The town was formed from parts of four other towns in 1843. Those towns contributing to the new town were: Bath, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler. The tavern served as the first meeting place of the Methodists in the area. Probably the first minister of the Avoca Methodist Church was Abner Chase who came as a presiding elder in 1820 to the Ontario District to organize churches in this area. Going from settlement to settlement, Mr. Chase told of staying in the Canisteo Valley at a home near the river, where he was given a bed in the loft. Rattlesnakes crawled through cracks in the floor at night to bask near the open fire. During the night, he was entertained by the howls of wolves and cries of panthers. The church was in the Newtown Circuit with Gideon Lanning, a circuit rider, one of the early preachers. One account states that in 1823 a class was formed which met with a family called Sabins. These people must have had religious enthusiasm as some of the more formal clergy called them heretics and fanatics as well as plain nosy. In 1827 Elder Bronson followed a blazed trail from Loon Lake to preach in a log cabin located on the farm where Mrs. Merlyn Bunting lives. Elder Buzzel also preached at times on this circuit after it had been included in the newly formed Bath Circuit. In 1834 a Methodist Church was built in the village largely through the efforts of J. B. Calkins. The subscription book, kept by Mr. Calkins, was homemade with papers sewed together. The following is taken from this account book and is entitled, "How the First Methodist Church was built in Avoca, NY March 6, 1834, Steuben, NY." "For the purpose of erecting a house of worship in this place, we the subscribers obligate ourselves to pay the sums set opposite our respective names, in the manner hereafter stated, that is, materials or labor to be paid when called for and other subscriptions to be paid one half when the house is enclosed and the other half when it is finished. Said subscription to be paid to the trustees of the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Avoca, said house to be in dimensions 34 X 44 feet with a tower for a bell and with a gallery. Said house to be commenced by the first of May next." The total amount of funds donated was $795.00. In 1840 the Avoca Circuit, which included Avoca, Beagles, Bordens, and Wheeler Hill was growing steadily in membership and was included in the Dansville District. At this time a parsonage was built on Mill Street, again largely through the efforts of J. B. Calkins. There were several ministers from 1842 to 1869 when Stephen Brown became Pastor. He immediately began work for a new or renovated church. A clipping dated 1871 says: "Mr. Brown found upon his arrival a miserable, dirty little church and became determined to work for the renovation of it as well as of its souls. He spoke of it season in and season out. He lectured upon it, preached upon it and prayed about it, called meetings about it and finally succeeded in getting the thing started." The old house was used as a nucleus, additions being put on both ends, a graceful spire built up and all finished in fine style. The inside walls were neatly and tastefully frescoed by the parties who did painting in the new Episcopal Church in Bath. Reverend Mr. Ives of Auburn was engaged to dedicate it and solicit the wherewithal to liquidate the debt, which was nearly $4000.00. The clipping adds: "When we look upon the really beautiful church we should thank the Lord and Mr. Brown." With its solid oak woodwork and doors and newly decorated walls the church was undoubtedly beautiful. On August 18, 1876, twelve ladies met with their hostess, Mrs. N. B. Congdon, the minister's wife, to form a Ladies Aid Society. The object was to raise funds for the liquidation of a debt on the church. Dues were ten cents each meeting. The Congdons lived in the old parsonage on Mill Street. Restrictions listed were: Great plainness of dress at the society meetings must be observed. Also, simplicity and economy must be observed in table refreshments. The members decided to make the fee for gentlemen fifteen cents per meeting. In the reports of meetings, dinners and festivals, the names of men figured prominently, so they must have agreed to the higher fee.
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