Below: Mrs. Katherine Swartwart (right) & her sister Blanch Bernard provided the funding for the church bell in 1884.
pine tree to fall, damaging the bell. It was later hung between two pine trees on wooden framing. St. Gabriel’s owned the distinction of being the only church anywhere in the world to hang its bell from a tree.
Right: the bell in early years, hung from a single pine. Below: the bell was later hung between two trees.
On October 18th, 1893, at the age of 40, Ned passed away. To honor the horse for his years of service, Ned was buried near the church by a big oak tree. Once the tree died, its stump marked his grave. Today, it is unknown where Ned is buried. Upon the deaths of the Rockwells, they were all laid to rest behind the church in an enclosure under the altar window.
In October of 1889, Mr. Schrader of New York donated a pump organ to the church. This organ remained in the church for many years. It is not known when it was removed or why. It was recently found in the Ricketts Mansion at Lake Ganoga and was returned to the church along with the key that makes it work. The organ has been played at a couple of ceremonies held at the church since.
On September 29th, 1896, a severe storm blew through the region. Several trees came crashing down onto the church’s roof, destroying the memorial altar window, and bringing down the bell once again. After the storm, the church closed until the first Sunday of Lent, 1897. Over the years, life was more normal for this little church. Reverends came and went, as did families.
Rev. John D. Rockwell was a “circuit rider” minister and served this congregation from 1879-1899 with his wife, Julia Anne, and daughter, Lily. He rode a horse named “Ned” between churches and services.
Ned was called the “Missionary Horse” and served Rockwell for over 30 years. As Ned grew older, he was fed strained food and mush.
The Rockwell family plot, located behind the church.
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