Revision as of 19:59, 29 June 2025

Frost Avenue Gospel Hall was an open brethren assembly active +1887-1950+ in Rochester, Monroe Co., in New York. It was originally known as Rochester Gospel Hall thru at least 1918.

The Witness 1918-9 reported on the passing of Thomas Pink in Rochester, who was "converted in Alex. Marshall's meetings in Galt, Ont. In Rochester for 31 years. A valued helper." This might suggest that the early open assembly there dates back to at least 1887.

In 1890, the U.S. Religious Census counted one open brethren assembly in Monroe Co., in New York with 50 meeting in a home, it became known as Rochester Gospel Hall, and met thru at least 1904. In 1897, it was meeting at 273 E. Main St., and in 1904 its correspondent was Alexander "Alex" S. McKenzie (b. 1847 Prince Edward Island|P.E.I.]]).

1926 USCoRB indicated that there were 32 in fellowship (11 men, 21 women) including 1 under the age of 13, and 2 S.S. teachers, presiding over 20 children (for a total of 52 in 1926). The Hall had a value of $7579 with $3500 owed (with $1867.72 in annual expenses), and $885.26 was additionally spent towards the Lord's work in 1926. By then, it was meeting at 595 Frost Ave., continuing at the Frost Ave. location by +1936-1947+. In 1927, the assembly met at 102 State St. There were two correspondents, George W. Lewis +1926-1936+ and Frank A. Perrott +1941-1950+.

There were two open meetings in Rochester in the 1920's, this meeting, and what is now Cornerstone Bible Chapel, of which hived Northgate Bible Chapel and Crossroads Bible Fellowship. There were also a couple exclusive assemblies that pre-date the opens: Rochester Meeting Room (TW-EB) +1878-1944+ and a Grant meeting 1884-1958+. Regarding the latter, a division by 1936 created an open Grant assembly known as Bible Truth Hall that was active thru 1941.

In 1963, Words in Season posted an article entitled "The Unsaved Clergyman" that referenced a train ride from Rochester to Buffalo by D.C.P.

Locations

• 273 E. Main St. +1897+
• 95 E. Main St. 1906+
• 24 Wilder Arcade +1913+
• 595 Frost Ave. +1926+
• 102 State St. +1927+
• 595 Frost Ave. +1932-1947+

Correspondents

• Thomas Pink? +1887?-1918?+ (1860-1918)
• Alexander "Alex" S. McKenzie +1904-1906+ (b. 1847 P.E.I.)
• George W. Lewis +1926-1936+
• Frank A. Perrott +1939-1950+

Also See

• Visiting Ministry at Frost Avenue Gospel Hall, Rochester, NY itinerants, etc.
• Who's Who at Frost Avenue Gospel Hall, Rochester, NY notable alumni

Sources

• OB & EB AAB's 1897-current
• New York history by Robert L. Peterson & David Rodgers
• Witness: 1906-12; 1913-3