Spencer Historical Society
PO Box 71
22 Center St.
Spencer, NY 14883
607-589-6134

Dedicated to preserving the history of Spencer, NY. Large room of artifacts, displays, records, and geneology of the people and town.

NOW OPEN Saturdays & Sundays 2-5 p.m. June-August. Other times by appointment.

The Spencer - Van Etten area is proud of it's rich history and settlers. Both Spencer and Van Etten engage in activities educating and presenting important stories and facts linking the past with the present. If you have interesting historical information or photos that you would like to share with the community, please contact the administrator.

By Jean Alve, Spencer Historian

One of the most beautiful church buildings in the area, the First Presbyterian Church, burned in October, 1911. It was located on North Main Street across from the Old Cemetery.

The fire started in the eastern end of the shed along the south side of the church. It was first discovered about 4 a.m. on a Sunday morning by H. H. Fisher, who had risen early to go to the home of his brother-in-law, who was gravely ill. He gave the cry of fire and C. H. Emmons who lived next to the sheds, came out directly and they endeavored to put the fire out by throwing on a few pails of water. It was then only burning on the southeast end of the shed, but they saw that they could not control the blaze by what water they could carry, so Mr. Fisher ran to the fire station and gave a general alarm. On hearing this, the whistle at Seely’s Mill was blown and the church bell tolled. It was but a few minutes before the whole population of the village were on their way to help.

The chemical engine was hastened there at great speed as soon as enough had gathered to draw it. By this time the fire had gained such headway and the heat become so intense that the whole south side of the church caught in one mass of flames. It was only by heroic and well organized work on the part of the firemen and citizens, who turned to battle against the flames, that the two dwellings on either side were saved.

The church was completed in 1828 at great expense just before a time of great depression in the country and many people found it difficult to meet their obligations. The builder, Thomas Pert, eventually lost his homestead.

The church was uncommonly attractive for a country church. Inside was a high pulpit with winding stairs. At the sides and one end were galleries supported by large square pillars. There were two large square pews where sat two important families. All the pews had doors and were straight -backed. One of the most cherished part of the church was the memorial window in honor of the Rev. Gardiner K. Clark, who was the first pastor of the church. This window was installed when the church was remodeled and the annex and basement added in the year 1874.

The congregation abandoned its original and obtained the lot on the corner of N. Main Street and Myrtle Ave (or East Hill Road), and rebuilt there.