Harold William Griffis – A Methodist Minister with Wit and Uncommon Sense: Part I

Round Lake Epworth League Institute August 14-22-1926

“His wit and uncommon sense approach to his messages give him place in the realm of those highly desired as public speakers “

– The Glens Falls Times, March 21, 1950, Page 6
Harold Griffis greeting parishioners
Harold Griffis greeting parishioners outside the church after service. Albany, NY circa 1959, click for larger view.

Overview: An Extensive Career within the Methodist Episcopal Church and Local Communities

Harold William Griffis had a deep compassion for his fellow man and in his belief in God, as reflected in his long and varied career as a Methodist minister [1] ; his work with local communities; and in the various positions he assumed in the church organization and in local business and community groups.

Proof photograph of Harold William Griffis

Professional proof photographs of Harold William Griffis when he was Superintendent of the Troy District. Click larger view of photo on the left.

For larger views of photos below: left hand photo | right hand photo

The following reflects the major milestones in his career within the Methodist Episcopal church. Part I of this story covers Harold’s pastoral roles with Jonesville and Grooms Churches.

YearPosition
1925Pastor of Jonesville Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) Church and Groom’s M.E. Church, NY
1928Pastor at Methodist M.E. Church in Williamstown, MA
1930Pastor at Trinity Church, Troy, NY
1938Pastor at the First Methodist Church, Amsterdam, NY
1940In addition to First Methodist Church, pastor of East Main M.E. Church, Amsterdam
1946District Superintendent of Troy District
1948Pastor at 5th Avenue & State Street Methodist Church, Troy, NY
1954District Superintendent of Albany District
1958 – 1961Pastor at Trinity Methodist Church, Albany, NY

Harold accepted everyone regardless of limitations or faults and his tacit aim was getting the best out of each individual. While he was a spiritual person and looked after the needs of his parishioners, we was down to earth, pragmatic, and business oriented in accomplishing church activities and local business needs. His ability to get along with all walks of life and his organizational skills led to various assignments within the church hierarchy and organization and local business community. In each of his pastoral assignments, Harold Griffis became part of the fabric of everyday activities of his parishioners and in the business and local community.

Harold’s close connections with his parishioners and local business communities were reflected in the scrapbooks he kept of newspaper stories of his parishioners and church activities. He would visit members of the church in weekly hospital visits and at home when there were family crisis or a death in the family. During World War II he personally visited families who lost loved ones in the war and visited soldiers that returned home or were in the hospital.

  • Harold Griffis Scrapbook
    Harold Griffis Scrapbook of newspaper articles related to his ministry.
A sample of obituaries of parishioners in Harold Griffis’ scrapbook, most of which he officiated in their respective funerals , click for larger view.
A sample of obituaries of parishioners in Harold Griffis’ scrapbook, click for larger view.

A review of the leadership he gave outside of the local church is impressive. During his early years, Harold Griffis was active in the Epworth League [2] along with his pastoral duties. He was also District Superintendent for the Troy District as well as for the Albany District. He also assumed duties in various district and national church organizations and Jurisdictional Conferences [3] [4]

During the 36 years of his active ministry with the Methodist Church he was a member of the four major boards of the Troy Methodist Conference: Education, Evangelism, Missions, and World Service, and Finance. During three of the four years on the Board of Missions Harold was the executive secretary. For six years he was on the Conference Secretary’s staff. He was chairman of the Cabinet throughout the four years as Albany District Superintendent. [5]

His ministry reached beyond the Troy Annual Conference. He represented Troy conference at the last sessions of the General Conference, heading the ministerial delegation in 1948, 1956 and 1960. He was a delegate to the Jurisdiction Conference from 1944 though 1960. He served on the Committee on Episcopacy two quadrenniums and on the Committee on Promotion and Cultivation one quadrennium. [5]

The following participation name tags or medals are reflective of Harold’s representation at regional and national Methodist conferences. Harold was a Methodist General Counsel leader from his respective districts various years. For example, he garnered a majority vote on the first round to represent the Troy conference at the 1956 national conference.

“The Rev. Harold Griffis, superintendent of the Albany District, won the designation as leader of the Troy Conference delegation to the General (national) Conference of the Methodist church to be held in 1956 in Minneapolis. He polled 76 votes on the first ballot seven more than were needed to register a majority.” [6]

  • 1948 General Conference
    1948 General Conference
  • 1956 General Conference
    1956 General Conference
  • Denver 1960 Methodist General Conference
    Denver 1960 Methodist General Conference
  • 1952 San Francisco Methodist General Conference
    1952 San Francisco Methodist General Conference
  • 1952 Carlisle Fourth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
    1952 Carlisle Fourth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
  • 1948 Third Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
    1948 Third Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
  • 1956 Fifth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
    1956 Fifth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
  • 1960 Sixth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
    1960 Sixth Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
  • 1944 Second Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference
    1944 Second Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference

Harold also was on the board of managers for the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, a trustee of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and was the former grand chaplain of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New York state. [7]

Proclamation from the Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn. Click for larger view.

  • Sunday School Centenary Offering
    Sunday School Centenary Offering
  • Sunday School Centenary Offering
    Sunday School Centenary Offering
  • Griff Kiwanas Club
    Griff Kiwanas Club
  • Griff Rotary Club
    Griff Rotary Club
Grand Chaplan Free Masons

Harold Griffis was a member of the Freemasons and was typically a Chaplain at their meetings and ceremonies. [8] According to family members, Harold had conflicting views of the rituals associated with the Freemasons but saw the importance of the organization in his role as pastor and as a spiritual leader in the local community.

The following is a photograph of Harold’s American Free Mason’s “Knights of Malta” Cross.

American Freemasons “Knights of Malta” cross. This was a Knights templar lodge medal typically from the 1930s-50s.
American Freemasons “Knights of Malta” cross. This was a Knights Templar Lodge medal typically presented to members from the 1930 to the 1950s .Click for larger view. [9]

In a eulogy to Harold Griffis, it was stated,

“Many remember his unusual skill in teaching the Bible and personal prayer; but the most thoughtful preparation to which Harold Griffis gave himself was in the field of corporate prayer. This is where so many of his parishioners will remember him at his best” [5]

Eloquent speaker The Glens Falls Times January 12 1955 Page 14

“A forceful and eloquent speaker with the ability to clothe spiritual truths in the cloak of humor…”

– The Glens Falls Times January 12 1955 Page 14

Harold’s gift of speaking was noted both in and out of the church, as reflected in this newspaper article.

“His wit and uncommon sense approach to his messages give him place in the realm of those highly desired as public speakers “

The Glens Falls Times, March 21, 1950, Page 6

Early Years

Harold Griffis graduated from Gloversville High School with a commercial diploma and initially worked in the Gloversville YMCA after high school graduation. Having decided to become a minister while he was a junior in high school, he realized the need to obtain a college degree. In his post high school graduate year he was tutored by his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Theresa Dutcher, to take the required college entrance exams to enter college. While Harold was working, Evelyn went on to teacher’s college immediately after they both graduated from high school.

My Creed Page One

My Creed

At an early age, Harold William Griffis gave his life to God and serving man. When he was a junior in high school, he decided he would enter the ministry.

He wrote a letter of testimony that he kept for himself at the age of 18 on December 10, 1921. It was in an envelope that he kept throughout his life. He reaffirmed his thoughts in the letter on February 15, 1923.

(See yer entire letter “My Creed”).

With Evelyn’s help, he passed the college entrance exams. Harold applied and was accepted to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.

Harold William Griffis, Formal photograph while in college at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, probably his senior year. Click for larger view.
Formal photograph of Evelyn Dutcher as a senior in high school, Gloversville, NY. Click for larger view.

During his college years, he applied to the Troy Annual Conference of the Methodist Church to be accepted and ordained as a Preacher in 1920. During his sophomore year at Wesleyan University he was admitted as a trial pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church April 1923 . He became a Deacon in the church in 1925 and an Elder in 1927 [10]

The Glens Falls Times April-05 1923 Page 3

The Glens Falls Times, April 5, 1923, Thursday Evening, “Hudson Falls” Page 3 Click image for larger view.

Harold Griffis admitted as trial pastor excerpt The Glens Falls times April 07, 1923, Page 1

Harold Griffis admitted as trial pastor.

Excerpt from The Glens Falls Times April 7, 1923, Page 1

Local Preacher’s License for the Methodist Episcopal Church, signed by the Fremont St. Quarterly Conference of Troy, March 11, 1920. Click for larger view.
The backside of the Preacher’s License indicating the renewals to the license. Click for larger view.

Harold graduated from Wesleyan University in 1925 and was appointed as a minister and pastor to the Jonesville and Grooms Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) churches in New York state.

Church Elder’s Credentials for Harold Griffis, April 10, 1927. Click for larger view.
Diploma of Ministry from the Methodist Episcopal Church. Click for larger view.

Epworth League

Founded in 1889, the Epworth League is a Methodist young adult association for people aged 18 to 35. At its conception, the purpose of the League was “the promotion of intelligent and vital piety among the young people of the Church: to encourage and cultivate Christ-centered character in young adults around the world through community building, missions, and spiritual growth”. [2]

Harold and Evelyn were involved with the Epworth league as early as 1918. As Harold became more involved in the church, he and Evelyn assumed a variety of roles within the league. Typically they both participated in week long sessions in the summer months. Often these weekly sessions were staged at Riverside or Riparius, New York where eventually they purchased a summer cottage in the 1930’s. Eventually Harold became part of the faculty at local league events and was Dean of the Faculty for the Epworth League Institute in Poultry, Vermont in 1929 while he was Pastor at Groom’s church and Jonesville Church.

Photograph below: Harold Griffis (standing fourth from left) was Dean of the Epworth League Institute in Poultney, Vermont, 1929

Harold Griffis – Epworth League, 1929, fourth from the left back row. Hand written notes by Evelyn Griffis, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for enlarged view of photo.
Source: personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis, click for larger view.

The following is a pamphlet that provides a schedule of events and faculty at the Troy Conference Epworth League Institute at Round Lake, NY in the late summer of 1928. Harold Griffis was manager of the week long event as well as part of the faculty. Evelyn Griffis was also part of the faculty.

  • 1928 Epworth League 1928 Page 1
  • 1928 Epworth League Page 2

Below is a group photograph of participants at the Epworth League Institute, 1931. Harold and Evelyn are seated fifth and sixth from the left in the second row. The original photograph is 19.5 inches by 9.75 inches (source: personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view).

1925 – 1928: Church of Jonesville and Grooms Church, New York

Harold and Evelyn were married on Harold’s birthday June 29, 1926. After their wedding, they immediately left for his pastoral duties at the The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Jonesville, New York and the Groom’s M.E. Church. [12] Both churches were relatively close to each other. Groom’s church no longer exists. The map below shows the location of the Jonesville church (marked B) and where Groom’s church was located (marked A) in New York state just west of U.S. Route 87.

The parsonage, where Harold and Evelyn lived as newlyweds, was in Jonesville, New York. Below is a photograph of the Jonesville church and the parsonage in the winter of 1926.

Jonesville Church, winter 1926, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Jonesville Church Parsonage in the winter of 1926, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.

While at Jonesville, Harold was Pastor when the church reached its 100th anniversary.

  • Jonesville M.E. Church 100th Anniversary
  • Jonesville M.E. Church 100th Anniversary
  • Jonesville M.E. Church 100th Anniversary

The following are photographs of the Jonesville Church Parsonage where Harold and Evelyn lived while he was pastor for the Groom’s and Jonesville Churches.

Jonesville M.E. Parsonage, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.

The following photographs reflect social activities associated with pastoral and church roles: a clam bake to raise money for the church. Harold Griffis is standing on the right along with his father in law, Squire Dutcher to his left with the straw hat. Seated in this photograph is John Dutcher, Squire’s brother.

Groom’s Church

The church has roots back to 1788, when Groom’s Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in the Vischer Ferry area, though John Wesley had been sending preachers to Halfmoon, NY and Newton, NY since 1783. The original Newton Methodist Church was founded in 1830, West Crescent in 1835, and Crescent Methodist Church in 1852. In 1957, members of these four Methodist churches of the Clifton Park area voted to merge, combining their membership to reach a total of 361 members. [12]

About two miles from the Mohawk River in the south central part of Clifton Park, the church stood beside an old Indian trail which meandered northward from the ford in the Mohawk at Vischer’s Ferry. Situated on a hilltop, this tract of land (including the larger part of Clifton Park) was granted to five men on 17 September 1703 by Queen Anne.

On 1 Jan 1793, Richard Peters purchased two acres of the tract from James Murray and was one of the founders and organizers of the Old Clifton Park Church. Established in 1788 with many of the residents of Vischer Ferry and Grooms Corner as its members, it stood adjacent to the cemetery until February of 1975 when it was destroyed by fire.

The cemetery, known as the Grooms Methodist Church Cemetery as well as the McIntosh Cemetery is in the 1927 photograph below.

Cemetery at Groom’s M.E. Church. Personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Harold and Evelyn Griffis in front of Groom’s Church, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Construction of new addition on Groom’s M.E, Church while Harold was pastor, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Photograph of Grooms Methodist Church in 1926 building a new hall
Construction of a new hall on Groom’s M.E. church, with Evelyn Griffis in car on the right. Source: Evelyn Griffis personal scrapbook. Click for larger view.
Grooms Church – New Hall and Harold and Evelyn’s car, from scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis, click for larger view.
Groom’s M.E. Church 1925-1926. Personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Postcard of Groom’s Methodist Episcopal M.E. Church. Personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Grooms Church 1925, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.
Grooms Church 1926. Harold Griffis in the middle with hat in hand with parishioners, personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.

Below is a copy of a letter Harold wrote to the church members on May 27, 1925. He indicates that the trustees of the church were considering repairs on the parsonage and also asked if he wanted a garden plowed and planted. Harold, in good nature, indicated that with their help he would become a farmer.

Click for Larger View
School of Theology Round Lake, New York July-19-24, 1926
School of Theology Round Lake, New York July-19-24, 1926, Harold Griffis is in the third row first on the left. Click for larger view. Source: personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis.

The following photographs, from one of Evelyn Griffis’ scrapbooks, provides memories of a short vacation that Harold and Evelyn had at Caroga Lake in 1927.

Harold and Evelyn visiting family in Gloversville July 6, 1929, from scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis, click for larger view.

The following is a photograph of Harold and Evelyn with some of their contemporaries. All are in their late 20’s, starting careers and new families.

From personal scrapbook of Evelyn Griffis. Click for larger view.

Sources

Featured Image at top of story: Click for enlarged full view of photograph. Round Lake Epworth League Institute August 14-22-1926, Harold Griffis is sitting in the front row, fifth person from the left; and Evelyn Dutcher Griffis is standing in the second row, fourth person from the left.

This story is partly based on material from a book originally published on the life of Harold Griffis as a Methodist minister, see James F. Griffis (Ed.), Sermons, Notes and Letters of Harold William Griffis, Self published, Blurb: Oct, 2018

[1] The Methodist Episcopal Church (MEC) was the oldest and largest Methodist denomination in the United States from its founding in 1784 until 1939. It was also the first religious denomination in the US to organize itself on a national basis. In 1939, the MEC reunited with two breakaway Methodist denominations (the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) to form the Methodist Church

See A timeline of the United Methodist church to gain an understanding on how various factions united and changed the composition of the church since the 1700’s.

[2] Founded in 1889, the Epworth League is a Methodist young adult association for people aged 18 to 35. It had its beginning at Cleveland’s Central Methodist Church on May 15, 1889. Before that year, as many as five young people’s organizations existed in the Methodist Episcopal church, among them the Methodist Alliance, claiming 20,000 members in 1883; the Oxford League, organized at the Methodist Centennial Conference, with a large chapter at Central Methodist Church; and the Young People’s Christian League. The league, which soon spread worldwide, divided its social service into 6 departments: Spiritual Life, Social Work, Literary Work, Correspondence, Mercy and Help, and Finance. Local chapters organized Fresh Air Work (day camps for city children), literary events, lecture series, and fellowship gatherings.  

  • See: Epwoth League, Wikipedia, Page updated 30 March 2021, page accessed 26 April, 2021; Encyclopedia of Cleveland History,
  • Epworth League, Case Western Reserve University, Page accessed 20 Apr, 2021;
  • A Little About Us, Epworth League, Page accessed 20 Apr 2021.

[3] Jurisdictional Conferences are a collection of Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church located inside the United States. The constitution of The United Methodist Church established five jurisdictions within the United States and it specifies which states will be a part of each. Each jurisdiction is responsible for boundaries of annual conferences within those states and electing its own bishops.

See: Jurisdictional conferences (United Methodist Church), Wikipedia, Page updated 26 Jan 2021, page accessed 28 Apr 2021.

[4] See, for example, a newspaper article indicating his role as Assistant Secretary to an annual Troy Conference early in his career, The Glens Falls Times April 12, 1928 Page 11

[5] Brochure: Trinity Methodist Church Memorial Service for Harold William Griffis November 26, 1961:

Harold Griffis Memorial Service Page One
Harold Griffis Memorial Service Page Two
Harold Griffis Memorial Service Page Three
Harold Griffis Memorial Service Page Four

[6] The Glens Falls Times May 6 1955 Page 2.

The Glens Falls times May 06 1955 Page 2

[7] Harold’s various roles in organizations were mentioned in an obituary in The Glens Falls Times, July 01, 1961, Page 5:

[8] F and AM stands for Free and Accepted Masons. For more information on F. & A.M. see AF and AM vs F and AM States, Page accessed 28 Apr 2021.

[9] The Knights Templar, full name The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, is a fraternal order affiliated with Freemasonry. Unlike the initial degrees conferred in a regular Masonic Lodge, which (in most Regular Masonic jurisdictions) only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religious affiliation, the Knights Templar is one of several additional Masonic Orders in which membership is open only to Freemasons who profess a belief in Christianity.

[10] Dates of appointments from the Directory and Pastoral Record , Troy Conference 1957.

See also newspaper article on his appointment as elder, The Lake Placid news., April 22, 1927, Page 3

The following provides an explanation of the difference between Deacons, Elders and Pastors in the Methodist church.

Elders are ordained to a “ministry of word, sacrament, order and service”. They preach and teach God’s word, provide pastoral care, administer sacraments of baptism and communion, and order the life of the church. Deacons are ordained to a “ministry of word, service, compassion and justice”. Like elders they preach and teach and provide pastoral care, but they do not administer sacraments. They are called to a ministry that brings the church into the world — and the world into the church. Susan Keaton, Deacons: Bridging the church and the world, 3 Oct 2016, Page accessed 1 May 2021.

An elder, in many Methodist Churches, is ordained minister that has the responsibilities to preach and teach, preside at the celebration of the sacraments, administer the Church through pastoral guidance, and lead the congregations under their care. The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church states that:

Elders are ministers who have completed their formal preparation for the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order; have been elected itinerant members in full connection with an Annual Conference; and have been ordained elders in accordance with the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church.

The Order of Elder and the Order of Deacon differ in function. To borrow from medical terminology, Elders are generalists, while Deacons are specialists. See Order of Deacon and Order of Elder Similarities, Page accessed 1 May 2021.

A pastor is the ordained or licensed person who has been appointed by the bishop to be in charge of a local church or churches. The pastor in this formal sense is the official representative of the Annual Conference and is responsible for serving effectively in the ministry of “Word, Sacrament, and Order” in that appointment. In a less formal sense, pastor is a title synonymous with minister.

[12] History of Jonesville Church, Jonesville United Methodist Church, Page accessed 23 Apr 2021;

See also: Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, Wikipedia, Page accessed 15 May 2021

Harold William Griffis – His Sermons

Sermon File of Harold Griffis

Harold William Griffis’ long career as a pastor, minister and preacher resulted in an accumulation of an extensive catalog of sermons over 36 years. Unfortunately only a small number of his sermons remain from his library. Most of his sermons were given to a young preacher who was starting his career when Harold passed away on June 30, 1961, the day after his 58th birthday. Evelyn Griffis, Harold’s wife, graciously allowed the young man to comb through his sermons and choose those he wished to keep. The remnants of his sermon files contain 45 sermons. [1]

Additional sermons and written presentations were discovered by Nancy Griffis and have been added to this story.

Sermon Files of Harold Griffis
Sermon Files of Harold Griffis. Click for enlarged view.

What is immediately apparent when looking at his sermon files is their twin nature as visual objects and as written documents and notes. Viewing these files as visual objects while at the same time reading his sermon notes for sound and sense, one needs to seize upon the twin beauty of their form and substance. They are points of contact by touch, sight, and thought. [2]

Sermon Notes as Visual Objects

As visual objects they provide a glimpse of how Harold Griffis compiled and managed his sermons on a wide array of paper, different formats and print. They also unintentionally provide an artistic side of his ritual of composing this thoughts on various different paper and through different means of putting ink to paper. His sermons attest to the considerable care he gave to the ritual of composing sermons. Similar to Emily Dickinson’s envelope writings, I think Harold’s sermons should be understood as visual productions. [3]

Each sermon is contained in an eight by eleven envelope. The sermons are handwritten or typewritten. They appear on different types of paper:

  • Different colored 8 inch by 11 inch paper;
  • 6 3/4 inch by 3 3/4 inch 6 hole punched notebook paper;
  • 8 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 inch 3 hole punch notebook paper; and
  • index cards.

Occasionally the files also contain copies of newspaper or magazine clippings that originally inspired a sermon. Some of the notes in the files are written in shorthand, a nearly extinct method of writing by means of abbreviations and symbols that were used especially for taking dictation. The hand written notes provide a glimpse of his handwriting and penmanship. The typewritten notes and outlines are especially interesting to view. There were no corrective ribbons on the typewriters that Harold used for typing his sermons. His focus on typing single spaced notes on paper as small as 6 3/4 by 3 3/4 note paper is noteworthy, an art form of its own kind..

Harold’s Portable Typewriter Enlarged view

One of his most common approaches to organizing his thoughts and subject matter for sermons, talks, and speeches was the use of his portable typewriter. Many of his notes are single spaced, type-written epistles on various sizes of notepaper. 

One of the typewriters that Harold used was the portable 1948 Royal Quiet DeLux. It is the last known typewriter that he had in his possession.  It is still in fairly good condition and is housed in a traveling case.

This 1948 Royal Quiet DeLuxe is sometimes referred to has a Dreyfuss machine. Henry Dreyfuss was one of the first “industrial designers,” artist/engineers who specialized in improving the looks and workability of everyday products. Dreyfuss was asked to improve the Royal QDL portable and, after some intensive research, came up with this design. In this highly informative video, Alton Gansky talks about the typewriter and the man behind the design.

As Written documents: the Active Process of Formulating Modern Day Parables

As written documents, the sermon files illustrate how his sermons evolved as creative contemporary parables: based on scripture, contemporary news stories, or personal observations of human nature. Many of the files contain two or three sets or iterations of a sermon. These various versions of sermons are hand written, typewritten and in outline form. They were always a work in process. He may also have replicated the outlines of a sermon in appreviated format, perhaps as refresher notes when he gave a sermon.

Each sermon file is contained in an 8 inch by 11 inch envelope. A sermon file number is marked on the upper right hand corner of the envelope. The logic of the numbering system is not known. It appears that the sermons are numbered in a chronological order based on their creation.

Sermon File: The Ship that Never Sailed
An example of the Sermon Envelope: The Ship that Never Sailed. Click for larger view.

A title of the sermon appears to the left of the file number at the top of the envelope. Underneath the title of the sermon is a list of the places and dates that the particular sermon was given.

Sermon File: The Bag with Holes
An example of the Sermon Envelope: The Bag with Holes. Click for larger view.

The first sermon file is number 0008. It was first delivered at the Freemont Church in August 1922 when Harold was still in college. The last file is number 1242. This sermon was given three months before his death on March 5, 1961 at Trinity Church in Albany, New York.

Newspaper Articles Documenting His Sermons, Speeches and Interviews

Harold Griffis kept a scrapbook of local newspaper articles that documented community and church activities. Some of the newspaper articles not only documented his activities but also the subject of his sermons and talks.

For example, below is a newspaper article on his sermon ‘Slaves on Horseback‘ (sermon file 0171 below) which was given at the Williamstown High School Baccalaureate service for graduates on June 16, 1929.

Harold Griffis Newspaper Article Sermon - Slaves on Horseback
Newspaper article on sermon provided for the Williamstown High School Baccalaureate service, from a scrapbook of Harold Griffis. Click for larger view.
Harold Griffis Newspaper Article Sermon - Slaves on Horseback
Newspaper article on sermon provided for the Williamstown High School Baccalaureate service, from a scrapbook of Harold Griffis. Click for larger view.

Another high school graduation address was given to graduates of a technical high school.

Technical High Grads Hear Rev Griffis
Graduation address given my Harold Griffis,, from a scrapbook of Harold Griffis Click for larger view.

An undated newspaper article describes Harold’s sermon on the meaning of Thanksgiving:

Minister Explains Real Meaning of Thanksgiving
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving, from a scrapbook of Harold Griffis. Click for larger view.

Another address, given at a Parent’s Teacher Association meeting in Amsterdam on November 23, 1940, was on the subject of Tolerance.

Tolerance, from a scrapbook of Harold Griffis. Click for larger view.

“We Face Our Social Concerns” a speech provided to the Glens Falls Council of Churches.

Click here to read the newspaper article.

– The Glens Falls times May 29 1959 Page 6

Harold was chosen by a Knickerbocker news staff writer, Ann Olson, in an interview of Albany clergymen of different faiths on view of marriage and marital relationships.

Source: Ann Olson, Plan Your Future Life, Not Merely the Wedding, Knickerbocker News, Albany New York, Tuesday, January 6, 1959. Page 7B, Click for Larger View.

In an eulogy for Harold Griffis, it was noted that:

“Many remember his unusual skill in teaching the Bible and personal prayer; but the most thoughtful preparation to which Harold Griffis gave himself was in the field of corporate prayer. This is where so many of his parishioners will remember him at his best”. [4]

The following is an example of Harold’s gift at a Rotary Club meeting during the Christmas holiday season.

Presentation at Rotary Club, Amsterdam, NY, from personal scrapbook of Harold W. Griffis. Click for larger view.

Another reference to Harold’s ability to weave “spiritual truths in the cloak of humor”:

The Glens Falls times January 12 1955 Page 14

A List of the Existing Sermon Files and Their Contents

The following is a list of the remaining sermons of Harold Griffis. Each title is linked to a PDF version of the original material associated with each sermon. The PDF versions are extracts from a book originally published on the life of Harold Griffis as a Methodist minister [5].

Depending on how the PDF files are viewed (on a phone or tablet versus a computer), it may be easier to read certain sermons by saving and downloading a specific PDF file. You can then increase the view of a given PDF page for reading.

File NumberTitle of Sermon or Speech (click on link to view sermon file)Placed Sermon or Speech was Given
0008Galilee and the Dead SeaFremont,NY 08/1922
South Farms, CT 10/1922
Northville, NY 02/1923
Jonesville, NY 10/18/1925
Trinity, Troy, NY 1938
Amsterdam, NY 07/23/1939
0010The Orchestra of Life or How to be HappyFreemont, NY 08/1922
Plainsville, CT 05/31/1925
Jonesville, NY 07/19/1925
Grooms, NY 07/17/1925
Trinity, Troy, NY 08/22/1957
Amsterdam, NY 10/09/1938
0059Goats, Guns, and GabrielJonesville, NY 05/30/1926
Williamstown, MA 05/24/1926
Trinity, Troy, NY 07/02/1933
0077The House of Obed-EdomJonesville, NY 10/17/1926
Grooms, NY 10/17/1926
Williamstown, MA ?
Trinity, Troy, NY 12/10/1933
East Main St, Amsterdam, NY 09/22/40
Amsterdam, NY
0090The Bag with HolesJonesville, NY 01/20/1927
Grooms, NY 01/30/1927
Caroga Lake, NY 07/17/1927
Round Lake, NY
Grace, Albany, NY 09/28/1927
Albany /Schenectady
Stephentown Hancock SS Association 06/08/1928
Williamstown, MA
Trinity, Troy, NY 02/01/31
Revised – Amsterdam, NY 01/09/1944
0171Slaves on HorsebackWilliamstown, MA 06/16/1929
Johnstown, NY 08/20/1929
Trinity, Troy, NY 06/01/1929
First Presp. Lansingburg, NY 03/26/1938
Amsterdam High School, NY 06/26/1938
0186Open WindowsWilliamstown, NY 1929
Trinity(PM) 07/16/1930
Amsterdam, NY 05/22/1938
Springfield, VT 09/1947
0192Dry Bones
(Empty Folder)
Williamstown 12/1/29
Trinity 7/27/1930
North Main 8/10/30
0194The Ship that Never SailedWilliamstown, MA 12/15/1929
Trinity, Troy, NY 07/20/1930
Amsterdam, NY 07/17/1938
Temple Israel, Amsterdam, NY 01/02/1942
0202The Uncertain TrumpetWilliamstown
Trinity, Troy, NY
Valley Falls
Amsterdam, NY 03/07/1942
Newtown, NY 03/30/47
0241Beauty for Ashes Isiah 61:3Trinity, Troy, NY 09/20/1931
Emma Willard, Troy, NY 06/02/1935
Amsterdam C.E Service Bean Hill 07/10/1938
Gloversville YMCA Service Freemont 01/1940
Amsterdam, NY 05/19/1940
Troy WTRY with” When Goodness Turns Sour”
0334Our Monuments: What Mean These Stones?Trinity, Troy, NY 05/28/1933
Amsterdam, NY 05/29/1938
East Main, Amsterdam, NY 05/26/1940
Johnstown 05/28/1944
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 05/28/1950
Cobbleskill, NY 10/24/1954
Albany, NY Rotary Club 1955
Trinity, Albany, NY
0337 Children’s Sermons and StoriesWilliamstown, MA
Rajah of the Kingdom of Truth & Two Springs at Troy Orphanage 07/09/1933
and others all used in Amsterdam, NY
0363Spring has SprungTroy Kiwanis Club 1931
Grotto, Troy, NY 03/24/1937
1952
0416The Garbage Man
(no files in folder)
Trinity Communion 1934
Emma Willard, Troy, NY 06/02/1935
Amsterdam, NY
0427Slave Captured on State StreetTrinity, Troy, NY
Hoosic Falls, NY Kiwanis
Men’s Club – First Gloversville
YMCA Schenectady
YMCA Troy
Kiwanis Club Amsterdam
Amsterdam Progressive Class
St Luke 1940
Rotary Club, Albany, NY
0446New Temples What’s New?Trinity, Troy, NY 1935
Calvary Albany – Lent 1935
9th Presby, Troy, NY
Amsterdam, NY 06/12/1938
Stillwater, NY 04/18/1948 Installation service for PB Showers
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 10/09/1949
1st Presby, Troy, NY 06/26/1955
0448New CrossesTrinity, Troy, NY 1935
9th Presby, Troy, NY 03/25/1937
Hagaman 06/08/1939
Frankfurt, NY 04/13/1941
0475Alumni Banquet Gloversville High SchoolGloversville, NY 06/1935
0498Fathers and SonsTroy Jewish Comm Center 1937
Pawling Ave ME Church 11/20/1937
BroadwaySchool, 06/21/1942
Amsterdam Woodrow Wilson PTA 11/20/1945
0499Neighbors Who InspireTrinity, Troy, NY 1936
Grace Troy Conference 06/1936
PTA McLeary, Amsterdam, NY 1938
Amsterdam, NY07/30/1944
First Cohoes, NY 08/1953
0779Meet Yourself!
Luke 15:17a
Amsterdam, NY 07/18/1943
Hudson Falls, NY 08/1943
First Pittsfield, MA 09/01/1946
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 10/10/1948
Broadcast
0897It’s Up to You &
Additional Notes
North Adams Men’s Club
Troy Kiwanas
Tuesday Club, Troy, NY 05/11/1948
Cohoes, NY Rotary Club 06/09/1948
Milrose Roll Call 03/15/1949
Petersburg 06/06/1949
Poestenkill Men’s Club 11/03/1951
North Main Brotherhood Class – Canajohan, NY 11/08/1951
Albany NY Kiwanis
0900We are the Music MakersNot known
0915Weeds Among Wheat
Matt 13;24-30
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 08/08/1948
Albany District, NY 1955
East Greenbush, NY 01/1/1958
Fremont, NY Gloversville NY 01/26/1958
Emma Willard, Troy, NY 01/25/1959
Cleverdale, NY 08/23/1959
1st Presby Union Service, NY 08/14/1960
0921You are Missing Something
Luke 14;15-24
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 11/14/1948
Hudson Falls, NY 01/04/1949
Broadcast WTRY 01/20/1952
Quacker St, NY 11/14/1954
Trinity, Albany, NY 11/30/1958
0931What Jesus Taught About PrayerNot Known
0964Big Ideas Thinking Abundantly5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 12/31/50
Canajaharie, NY 10/23/1955
Clarksville, NY 09/15/1957
0976Make Up Your Mind5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 12/31/1950
Hudson Falls Family Night, NY 01/26/51
Troy, NY YMCA N.E. Assoc. of Secty’s Devotional Address 03/27/1951
Waterford, NY LIon’s Club, NY 01/13/1953
Powers PTA 01.27.1953
Armenian Student’s, Troy, NY 10/08/1953
Middleburg, NY
Troy HS Rensselaer County School Board, NY 12/14/1955
Albany, NY Rotary Club 10/10/1958
1019Cheer Up! How to Handle Grief
John 16:33
5th Avenue State Street, Albany NY 10/28/1951 evening
1091Here Comes the Devil
Luke 8:12
5th Avenue State Street, Albany, NY 09/13/1953
Catskill 11/13/1953
First Schenectady NY 11/07/1954
Lafayetter College 03/17/1957
1103A New Greeting
Eph 1:2
5th Ave State St, Albany, NY 12/27/1953
North chatham, NY 07/11/1954
Newtownville, NY 12/30/1956
Forest Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12/29/1957
Trinity, Albany, NY 12/28/1958
1130A New Look at HawthorneNot Known
1131Towers in the DesertRPI 06/1955
Batavia, NY 1958
1153God and Our Work1st Reformed, Albany, NY 09/1957
Westminster Albany Union Service, NY 09/04/1960
1156Mountain ShadowsCleverdale, NY 08/25/1957
1163One Hundred YearsPine Grove 11/21/1957
Rotary – Johnstown 12/04/1957
Richmondville 03/27/1960
used with 1164 at Ft Hentes
1167The House of the LordTrinity, Albany, NY 09/21/1958
1168New Worlds
Columbus Day
Trinity, Albany, NY 10/12/1958
1173Our Response to God’s Revelation
Luke 20:11
Trinity, Albany, NY 12/07/1958
1174Let Your Life Show the LightTrinity, Albany, NY
1175Heavens and Earth!Trinity, Albany, NY 12/21/1958
1176Religion and BusinessAlbany Business School, NY 1958
1177Standing at the Threshold
John 1:9
Communion Meditation
Trinity, Albany, NY
1179Rubbish
Nehemiah 4:10 #see 843
Trinity, Albany, NY 02/01/1959
1182Walk the Light
John 8:12 see #1050
Trinity, Albany, NY 02/221959
1183No Man Walks Alone
John 15:1-5
Trinity, Albany, NY
1185Funeral MeditationsOakley Kennedy 1959
1186When It HappenedTrinity, Albany, NY 03/29/1959
1187The Christian Sacrament of Joy
John 15:11
Trinity, Albany, NY
1188The Fellowship of the Agitated Web 10:24Trinity, Albany, NY 04/12/1959
1191The Wrong Way to Do RightTrinity, Albany, NY 04/12/1959
1218Community ChestAlbany 10/04/1960
1221What is a Saint?
All Saints Reformation day
Romans 1:7
Trinity, Troy, NY 05/24/1959
Trinity, Albany 11/20/60
Sermon of the Month
1226Now Thank We all Our God or Thanksgiving on a Dark DayTrinity, Albany, NY 11/27/1960
1228The Incarnation on Lark Street
John 3:17 John 12:47
Trinity, Albany, NY 11/27/1960
1234God in the Shadow: A Study of Hosea
Hosea 2:15 13:7
Trinity, Albany, NY 01/15/1961
1242Enduring the Intolerable
John 16:33
Trinity, Albany 03/05/1961
What is a Diploma?Commencement Address
An Offer of PowerNot Known
Report on MexicoNot Known
What Thanksgiving Means to MeFreshman Assembly, Troy High School 11/23/49
Three enemies of DemocracyAddress at Annual Convention of NYSSBA, Inc Syracuse NY 10/21/1956
Let Your Life Show the LightTrinity, Albany NY 01/1959
Life’s Dead EndsTrinity, Albany NY 02/1959
RubbishTrinity, Albany NY 02/1959
What is a Saint?Trinity, Albany NY 10/1960
Now Thank We All Our God
Thanksgiving on a Dark Day
Trinity, Albany NY 11/20/1960
Always a StrangerTrinity, Albany NY 12/18/1960
God in the ShadowTrinity, Albany NY 01/15/1961
The Power of TenNot Known

Sources

[1] The original sermons are part of a Family Archive

[2] The featured image at top of story illustrates the contents of the Harold’s sermon files. The image reflects the file contents of sermon 0976: “Make Up Your Mind“.

[3] Werner, Mark and Jen Bervin, Emily Dickinson: The Gorgeous Nothings, New York: New Directions, 2013, Page 10

[4] Memorial Brochure: Trinity Methodist Church Memorial Service for Harold William Griffis November 26, 1961:

[5] see James F. Griffis (Ed.), Sermons, Notes and Letters of Harold William Griffis, Self published, Blurb: Oct, 2018