The Diocese of Western New York: History and Recollections

Collection Category: Religious Records|Collection Type: OCR|Location: Allegany County, Cattaraugus County, Chautauqua County, Erie County, Genesee County, Livingston County, Monroe County, Niagara County, Ontario County, Orleans County, Schuyler County, Seneca County, Steuben County, Wayne County, Wyoming County, Yates County

Charles Wells Hayes’ survey of the Protestant Episcopate in Western New York was first published in 1903. This second edition (1904) is organized into 49 chapters over 4 sections and includes historical, geographical and anecdotal information about parishes from Utica to Buffalo. It tracks developments in the diocese between the years 1784 and 1896. 


Section highlights include: 
•    Part I “Colonial, 1615-1785.” On early conversionary missions among the Iroquois tribes. 
•    Part II “The Diocese of New York, 1785-1838.” On the original New York episcopate, which encompassed the entire state. 
•    Part III “The Diocese of Western New York, 1838-1868.” On the early history of the Western New York episcopate, established as a distinct entity in 1838.
•    Part IV “The Present Diocese, 1868-1896.” On the contemporary life of the Western diocese, featuring remarks on educational work, charity work and parish life.
•    Final section includes a biographical note on Bishop Coxe and indices of New York clergymen, lay names and places.  

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