Southold Methodist Church Became Southold Opera House - is now home to Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation (CAST) -
By Danny McCarthy
Here’s Something That is Not So Out of Site!
- As a follower of Southold Methodist Church by attending concerts there -&- having parishioners from that church who are friends - I ended-up compiling background being a freelance writer re: Southold Methodist Church -&- I just thought to "go-'write'-on-ahead" and place the information here.
- The above images are also in my collection. -
The 175th Anniversary of the Southold United Methodist Church was marked in 1971. Alice B. Wells compiled an item regarding?Lesser-Known Facts and Bits of Human Interest in the History of Southold Methodist Church?in October 1971. She remarked that “our local church began ten years after the organizing of the Methodist Church in America in 1784.” A stranger had come to Southold in 1794 to the home of Mrs. Abigail Ledyard Moore. Mrs. Moore had kept an inn at the east end of Main Road and she welcomed the stranger named Wilson Lee. He had come from New London and was a Wesley Methodist Faith minister. According to the Alice B. Wells composed item, Wilson Lee preached from a text of the Acts 17: 6 ~ “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” And “thus the seed of Methodism was planted in Southold.”
The homes of Mrs. Moore, Peter Vail and Mrs. Peters had served as locations for meetings where classes were held. Mrs. Peters in 1794 lived in the historic Rev. John Youngs house. Homes were the location of services until 1818. A revival made a church building necessary. The site back then was a lot that was purchased in 1819 and the church then was located on Main Road and Boisseau Avenue and was known as “the church on the hill.” The original walls formed a part of Walt Adamson’s Wayside Market at the corner of Boisseau and Main Roads.
In 1823, Rebecca Peters started a Sunday School. The church had outgrown the building located on Main Road and Boisseau Avenue in 1850. Joseph B. Goldsmith purchased a lot 50 x 100 ft. for $135 in 1850. Lawyer Goldsmith donated $35. A 35 x 45 ft. church building was erected with “a very plain steeple” and the dedication took place in 1851. The cost for that building was $2,500 (“all of which was raised at that time, except $200”).
The oldest first church property was sold to William H. Wells for $180 and was moved nearer the street. The building became the grocery store of the Cochran brothers. The Cochran brothers “were sons of Evelina Case Cochran and J. Henry Cochran, builder of Belmont Hall and grandsons of William Dorrance Cochran, builder of the First Academy and of the First Universalist Church” {according to the?Southold Historical Society Guide to?Historic Markers}.
In 1850, a brickyard was started on the southeast part of the B. B. Tuthill farm. James and Thomas Bolles started that brickyard in that year. “The first bricks made at the new yard were used in the building of the M.E. Church in 1850. Many of these were a second time used in the new church which was completed in 1900.”
There was interest shown in the property where the second church building was erected between it and Mechanic Street in 1853. Sara Ann Terry had built what had become a parsonage that year. Thomas Stephenson was its first resident preacher in the year 1856 and he ministered to 87 persons.
A Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1863 by the pastor’s wife, Mrs. E. D. Nickerson. The ladies would furnish and maintain the parsonage and later on as years past, they would make gifts to the church. Suppers were served by the Ladies to provide money for the gifts.
Sixteen years after the second church building was erected and 10 years after the resident minister arrived in 1866, there was an offering of $3,500 applied to the improvement of the church building by C. S. Williams. “Its convenient vestibule cannot be extended streetward, because of the Lawyer Goldsmith restrictions in the deed for the site.” The building was lengthened 15 feet and a portico was added. A steeple replaced the old one, and new chairs, carpets, and lamps were added.
Shedding a Little Light on the Subject
New were placed in the M. E. church in 1876. There were added improvements and conveniences enjoyed by the members but the members “did not forget or neglect others.” In 1878, a of $50 was taken for yellow sufferers in the South in the M. E. Church. Stained glass were installed in 1890. In 1891, there was money secured for a pipe organ and another pipe organ was installed in the pastorate of D. W. Howell that same year. Also in 1891, the Southold Savings Bank was erected {which is now the home of the Southold Free Library!}.
During the blizzard of 1898, the steeple of the Methodist Church was blown off. Services ended up being held in the home of H. G. Howell’s Hall. The building was moved back and turned parallel with the street, and a new sanctuary was added, at an estimated cost of approximately $7,000.
“In 1900 the cornerstone which had been donated by F. H. Hill Brothers of Riverhead was put in place by H. F. Van Wyck. Appropriate services were conducted at that time.” June 10, 1900 is the date the present church building was dedicated. Reverend H. E. Hiler was in the pastorate at the time. The church had been dedicated of . $2,600 was raised on Dedication Sunday for the purchase of a parsonage. The Sunday School was very helpful too, contributing $180 toward the new church.
Bishop John H. Hurst preached the dedicatory sermon and stated that he had never known of a case where a new church and its furnishings were all paid for before the Dedication Sunday. Some of the fine gifts included: the pews; stained glass indicated as memorials; plates by Mrs. W. I. Hagerman; and the bell by Mrs. Ada Albertson as a memorial to her husband William C. Albertson.
“Through the succeeding years, many fine pastors and their families have served this parish and inspired the membership. Deep and abiding friendships have resulted.”
There is Strength in Unity!
The Presbyterian, Universalist, Shiloh Baptist, and Methodist churches have participated in Lenten services together as well as the union Thanksgiving services. On July 18, 1965, the Southold Methodist Church cooperated by giving a Methodist Day of History during the occasion of the 325th anniversary celebration of the founding of Southold Town. The Methodist Youth Fellowship which consisted of young people from Southold and Cutchogue churches in 1964 sponsored an Exchanged Student from Germany named Dorothea Trost. A Mission Study since 1964 has supported an Indian boy in the St. George’s School and Orphanage in Madras, India. A truly beautiful custom was introduced that was begun in 1966 by the church school staff. Each pupil would bring an unwrapped gift to the Christmas party for a child his/her own age. The gifts would be placed in front of the altar rail and would later be brought for to the South Third Street Methodist Church in Brooklyn.
In 1958, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Hendrickson gave a gift to the church of a steeple cross hich was installed by Jack Clark on November 1, 1958. A bulletin board as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hyatt was installed in 1959 to replace the one that was there and the new one is “so designed that it is easily read by day or night.” On the pews in the sanctuary that same year, useful racks for cards and pencils were installed and the racks were designed by Lyle Shanks. John James Kramer gave iron candleholders for use during candlelight services. Also in 1959, “Further excavation of the basement was done and an extra exit to comply with fire laws was created.”
There is also “The Bykotas” group or circle. The members are the younger women of the church. Each letter in the group’s name is “an initial of the Bible admonition: ‘Be ye kind one to another.’” The church basement has been divided by this group and the members contribute toward music for the choir plus working on the church paper titled?The Messenger. The Men’s Brotherhood shows good will too for the church. (Fine classrooms became in use after their taking care of excavating the basement in 1967.)
Major change was made in the sanctuary in 1961 through the installation of indirect lighting as well as freshly painted walls, new carpeting and cushion covers for the pews plus reupholstering of the pulpit furniture. The Bykotas improved the nursery and kindergarten equipment in 1962.
All for One and One for All!
A Lay Witness Mission was held from November 14th to the 16th in 1969 where Morristown, Pennsylvania layman James Reid together with 18 other laymen were among the church folk. Nine of the Pennsylvania laymen were youths. “Through this type of leadership, members were encouraged to share their faith and all felt greatly enriched.”
Among some of the later ministers at the Methodist Church of Southold included John Francis Horesco who was appointed by Bishop W. Ralph Ward. Mr. Horesco assumed his duties in 1979. He was joined by his wife Jean and four small sons. According to the July 12, 1979?Long Island?Traveler, there was cleaning, painting, and refurbishing of the parsonage in Southold by more than 30 members of the parish. “Mr. William Mosher,
Miss Betty Hagerman and Mrs. Ruth Hyatt provided leadership in this program of parsonage renovation, with others assisting.” The Rev. Ralph E. Spoor and his wife Ruth were welcomed to the United Methodist Church of Southold on July 5, 1984. The Rev. Frank Herbert arrived at the United Methodist Church of Southold in September 1987. The Rev. Herbert worked as an accountant for New York City theater companies and then for Grumman. He led congregations in Smithtown and Connecticut before moving to Staten Island and then arriving in Southold.
I got a real kick out of the sign that was photographed by Judy Ahrens for the February 6, 1986?Suffolk Times. It was the Southold Methodist Churchfront lawn sign: “CH??CH WHAT IS MISSING?”
For Southold Methodist Church " -&- "the-powers-that-be" ~ I wouldn't put it pastor as they had a The News Experience Happening bulletin-type-brochure Vision 2014 A Revitalized People of God
Serving the Community with Joy and Love
No Matter Where You Are"
"Turning Darkness Into Light:
Wholeness from Brokenness;
Transforming Hopelessness
into Hope."
Happening on
Sundays @ 10 AM
at
Southold Methodist Church
54020 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
Dr. Jin Kim, Pastor
Ms. Marne Olsen, Organist
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014, 10 AM
PRELUDE Organ
LIGHTING OF ALL ALTAR CANDLES
SOUTHOLD FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS381
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS & GREETINGS
L: The Lord is my shepherd.
P: I am troubled, O Lord, and fearful. I cannot find my way to you.
L: I will give you what you need.
P: But I am weak, my courage has failed.
L: You are given healing, beloved child.
P: Take me beyond my wants and burdens.
L: You are invited to dwell in the house of peace forever.
P: Lord, I come to you, seeking your healinglove and salvation. AMEN.
L: We are blind to many things.
P: Lord, cure our blindness.
L: The light of God shines for us today.
P: Lord, pour that light on us.
L: Come, worship God who forgives and heals your blindness.
P: Open our eyes, O Lord, that we might see opportunities to serve you. AMEN.
*HYMN: "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" #381
OPENING PRAYER:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Healing God,
we have languished in our blindness.
We have chosen to hide in the darkness in order
to avoid reaching out and risking acceptance.
We are afraid of the light, and we crave it.
In your light, there is healing and hope,
restoration and transformation.
Forgive our lack of faith and our fearfulness,
O Lord. Give us courage to reach out to the
light and accept its healing rays.
May our lives be transformed by your mercy,
for we pray this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
(Silent Moment in Prayer}
WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
Even though \you have lived in darkness, God's
light is being poured out for you. Accept the light
and love that is freely offered, and be transformed
by its healing mercies. AMEN.
ACT OF PRAISE : The Gloria Patri #70
ANTHEM Choir
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Psalm 23
CHILDREN'S HOUR:
领英推荐
LENTEN SKIT: "Release! Release!"
Main Road Drama Group
*HYMN: "The Lord in My Shepherd" #136
SERMON: "Who Do You Put Your Trust In?"
Jin Kim
PASTORAL PRAYER:
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
OFFERING: TITHES, PLEDGES.
THANKSIVINGS
*DOXOLOGY "Praise God" #95
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
*HYMN: "He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought" #128
* BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE Organ.
* PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR NEXT SUDAY
Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Ps 130; Rom 8:6-11; John 11: 1-45
TODAY'S WORSHIP CELEBRANTS
Liturgist: Evelyn Bergen
Ushers: Anne Dixon and Dave Kloepfer
Acolyte(s): Zachary Olsen
Coffee Hour: Audrey Reinhardt
The Altar Flowers this morning are given by
WEDNESDAY, April 9, 1 PM UMW Meeting
Upcoming Events
April 13, 7 PM - Passion/Palm Sunday
April 17,7 PM - Holy/Maundy Thursday'
April 18, 7 PM - Good Friday
April 20 - Easter Sunday
6:30 AM - Sunrise Service at Founders
10:00 AM Easter Service
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Sunday
8:30 AM contemporary Worship Service
10:00 AM Traditional Worship Service
11:00 AM Coffee and Fellowship
Monday
7:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study
Thursday
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday, April 9, 1 PM UMW Meeting
10-10-10 PRAYERS
10 minutes Prayers @ 10 minutes to 10 PM
Eric, Jesse Chagon, Marty and Christina, Cheryl and Ginny Crane, Jimmy Dorsa, Lillian Schulze, Evelyn Nelson, Lynn's brother Warren, Laurie Broadbent, Marjoirie Petras, Verna, Elissa Liszanckei, Andrew Kehl, Kathy, Anne DIxon, Mikel, David Eaton, Todd, Violet Cox, Debbie Cain, David Probe, Terry's brother, Will Mick, Lynn's friend Marilyn Daly, Jean Carpenter, Evelyn Bergen, Marne, Leonie's Family, James Fraanke, Kay Goldsmith, Kay Fisher, Evelyn Bergen, Ruth Borst, Ben Burns, Kaila.
Prayer Request
Southold's Office of Parish Life offers a variety of pastoral services to members and neighbors in need of assistance at times of illness, bereavement, or other life transitions. Fill out a prayer request form in the narthex and place it in the offering plate.
Baptism, Reaffirmation of Faith &
Transferring Membership Service
on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014
Want to Be Baptized, Reaffirmed, or
transfer your membership & join the United
Methodist Church?
Talk to Rev. Jon Kin after service!
Contemporary Worship Service
Sundays, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Vision 2014
"A Revitalized People of God
Serving the Community with Joy and Love
No Matter Where We Are
Interfaith Lenten Season Services
April 2, 7:30 PM @ Southold UMC,
Rev. Jin Kim, Preaching
Take notice of the changes of locations and times
Easter Sunrise Service, April 20, 6:30 AM
@ Founder's {stet} Landing, Rev. Jeff Gambee
They Booked A Date for a Change!
Anne-Julia Audray {a professional opera singer} and her husband, Olivier Chazareix, purchased the Southold Methodist Church in July 2015. The “former house of worship is now The Southold Opera Company,” as?Suffolk Times?reporter Nicole Smith said in her September 16, 2016 article titled?New opera house opening at converted church in Southold.
As one enters the former church, there is the performance room as you as visitor or audience member enter the building. “The altar has been repurposed as a stage with an organ in a back corner.” Seating for audience members is within rearranged pews, “surrounded on three sides by the original stained glass windows {that were beautiful memorials for the Southold Methodist Church}.” Large windows are on a wall, and that wall is to the right of the stage, and the wall can be removed “when {the} audience {amount exceeds} the front room’s capacity of 230 people.”
Ms. Audray “runs The Audray School for Singing at Lincoln Center and serves as executive director and president of the Long Island Opera Company.” She was born in France. Her actual love of music began when she began playing the piano at the age of five. When Ms. Audray reached the age of 12, her grandmother exchanged “opera scores {for Ms. Audray} to practice.” Then one day when she was in the south of France, her neighbor heard Ms. Audray’s vocal quality. The neighbor was an opera singer and that neighbor said to Ms. Audray: “You’re so talented{,} you have to go to {the} conservatory.” Ms. Audray got even more spotlighted in the article when she remarked that after she heard her neighbor’s recommendation to go to the conservatory, Ms. Audray said: “I went the following day … once I started, I never stopped.”
Sounds of Music Truly Came Alive!
December 2016 saw “the first official performances following the renovation of the building,” as Lisa Finn reminded us in her online December 15, 2016?Patch?article titled?Southold Opera House Presents Holiday Victorian Concert. The French American Choir of New York participated in the “Victorian-themed Holiday Concert” that was a fund-raiser. “For each ticket sold, the Southold Opera {donated} $5 to the Southold Historical Society.”
Moya Strast Ballet Theater ballerinas Ellie Schultz and Alexis Stavrinos performed “solos choreographed by Cheryl Rains.” Victorian era carols and “known popular holiday songs” were sung and were given by an absolutely outstanding assemblage of singers who were brought together by owner and artistic director Anne-Julia Audray for rehearsals that winter. That group was referred to as the Southold Opera Choir, and the?Victorian Concert?also included performers that were soloists.
“I’ll Be the Judge of {This}!”
Being in the audience was truly so worthwhile as it was truly magical right before my eyes and ears, as I rightfully understand the sold-out crowd so ultimately and-how was so dutifully thrilled by the beautiful performances. What a true remarkable welcome for Southold! The righteous bravos?and?bravas was ultimately well-deserved along with the standing ovation so appropriately given after curtain call!
Mark My Words!
The absolutely brilliant and mightily creative genius mind of Anne-Julia Audray worked again Saturday evening, July 29, 2017, when “the place to be” supposedly was the Southold Opera House. You see,?La Boheme?was presented in a one-hour version at that Southold Main Road-located?Southold Opera House.
Health-Wise Reinforcement
The September 16, 2016?Suffolk Times?article titled?New opera house opening at converted church in Southold?by Nicole Smith rightfully captures Ms. Audray’s perception: “Singing helps people,” Ms. Audray said. “It helps people have straighter posture, breathe better, be joyful. It brings a special energy and cleans the body, it brings a new enthusiasm.”
It seems the absolute fulfillment of Anne-Julia Audray’s true “work-of-art” in Southold with the?Southold Opera House?being “in town” and making folks feel so much more appreciative and welcoming of her idea of having “taken over,” so to speak, that folks know she has delivered true enterprising creativity.
- It's a true shame that Southold Opera House WILL BE closing. Anne-Julia Audray & Olivier Chazareix had the beautiful intent of being able to share their talent so others can raise their voices with them. It WAS a wondrous idea & a true-welcome for a couple of years.
It is CORONA-virus season & has been for a while. Perhaps there was not availability for concerts to be scheduled for Southold Opera House especially when the owners knew there would be smaller attendees & that they would have to be seated six-feet apart. Perhaps too lack of funding to continue the running of the Southold Opera House could've been a part of the reason Southold Opera House had to call it "curtains"-&- end.?
-?Community Action {of} Southold Town has its arrangements being-maintained being previously-settled via "the-powers-that-be." -
BEN BURNS has been a big part of the Southold Methodist Church history and he still performs funerals for his church family.
Academy Printing Services on Horton Lane in Southold is co-owned by Mike & Rita Hagerman. They were so gracious to publish "my-take" with added-related-information in The Peconic Bay Shopper dated May 2021:
~ Let's all be well-CAST in our-own-journey. ~
~ On a true final note: Happy, HAPPY Birthday June 16 to the former CAST intake coordinator/office manager DALE LEAVAY who knows what's cooking as she is highly-involved with Gluten-Free Groove. ~