04/18/2026
Saved the Bell: A Clarence, NY Family Steps Up to Preserve an Historic Treasure
A family with deep Clarence roots is taking preservation into their own hands—this time, not with peaches or pears, but with bricks, bell towers, and an enduring legacy.
Pam Armstrong, her husband James Armstrong, and her mother Janet Mobius of Maple Row Farm have embarked on a mission to save a piece of local history: the First Baptist Church of Clarence and its historic Parsonage, located within the boundaries of their family farm on the corner of Salt and Hunts Corners Roads.
Their story began 200 years ago.
In 1824, Ebenezer and Margaret Hunt purchased land in the north end of Clarence, where they established and built a family home and farm. It still stands today as Maple Row Farm and is designated as a historic landmark by the Town of Clarence Historic Preservation Commission. Upon their passing in 1844 and 1838, the couple was laid to rest in a family cemetery on the property, which was later entrusted to the Hunts Corners Cemetery Association.
Devout Baptists, the Hunt family helped organize the First Baptist Church of Clarence in 1837. In the early years, the congregation met in the Schoolhouse at Clarence Hollow. But by 1844, they were ready to build a dedicated chapel.
Local legend tells of Elder Curtis letting his horse choose the site—believing divine guidance would lead the way. When the horse trotted down a muddy (unpaved at the time) Salt Road and stopped across from the Hunt Family farm, the congregation knew they had found their place. A small wooden chapel was built on that spot. In 1855, Ebenezer’s son, Harrison P. Hunt, becoming its pastor.
By March of 1877, the growing congregation needed more space. A new, larger brick church was planned across the street on land owned by Rev. Harrison P. Hunt. The building committee chose acclaimed architect J.R. Thomas to design the building. (A prize-winning design of Thomas’ was later chosen out of more than 130 submissions to create New York City’s Hall of Records in 1888 at a cost of more than seven million dollars. It is now known as the Surrogate’s Courthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with several other buildings Thomas designed.) As soon as weather permitted, the congregation and their families turned out with tools and began digging the basement and well.
By July 4th, 1877 the cornerstone of the building was laid, and on December 13, 1877 a dedication ceremony was held. The brick church and bell tower were built in 8 months for a total of $800, which included the cost of the iconic church bell!
In March 1880, Harrison P. and his wife Caroline Hunt deeded the church land to the First Baptist Church of Clarence. The Parsonage followed in 1899, thanks to Rev. Hunt’s final gift of land for housing church pastors.
Fast forward to March 2025. After nearly 150 years, the First Baptist Church of Clarence could no longer sustain itself. Its remaining members made the painful decision to list the property for sale.
When the Armstrong/Mobius family learned of the church’s uncertain future, they sprang into action. They formed The Chapel at Hunts Corners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving this historic landmark and making it once again available for community use.
But they can’t do it alone.
Both the Church and Parsonage require significant repairs. The Parsonage needs a full interior renovation—drywall, flooring, plumbing, electric, HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms, and porch restoration. The Church requires foundation work, plaster repairs, emergency lighting and exit stairs, furnace replacements, and restoration of the basement’s community room and kitchen.
The family is now asking their Clarence neighbors to help bring the vision to life.
How You Can Help:
Donations of materials, skilled labor, or financial support are needed—and all contributions are tax-deductible. Fundraising events are planned as soon as the building is safe for public use.
To lend your support or learn more, please contact Pam Armstrong at 716-479-6624.
This is more than a renovation—it’s a resurrection of local history, faith, and community spirit.
Together, we can make sure the bell rings on at Hunts Corners for generations to come.
