The next day we went to New York and stayed with John Mills, Esq. Bishop Asbury preached in old John-street. He made this record in his journal: “We are in New York. Great times here. Two new houses within the year.[30] I preached in old John-street. This is the thirty-ninth year I have officiated within the walls. This house must come down, and something larger and better occupy its place.” It did not come down, however, till the venerable bishop was in his grave. It was not till May 13, 1817, the old walls were demolished after an appropriate address by Rev. Daniel Ostrander. Then it was not done without powerful opposition; but the energetic William Thacher succeeded in raising the necessary funds for the new edifice. Now the third church edifice occupies the site. On Saturday we left New York and went to Sherwood Vale, the next morning to White Plains, and the bishop preached from Heb. vi, 9, 10. Methodism was early introduced into White Plains, which is the county town of Westchester. Indeed this has been one of its strongholds. Here a memorable battle was fought during the Revolution, and here is “Washington’s headquarters;” and in the very room Washington occupied the first Methodist sermon in the town was preached, and the first Methodist class formed.[31] On Monday we left for Pittsfield, Mass. We reached Amenia, and put up with Father Ingraham. Amenia has been a stronghold for Methodism many years, and we have here an excellent seminary. Two annual conferences have been held here. The Ingrahams, the Hunts, and others have been strong pillars of Methodism in this place. We passed on to Lenox, Mass., which is indeed a gem among the mountains, and then to Pittsfield. We put up during the conference at John Ward’s. We have ridden from Charleston more than two thousand miles. This would be but little by railroad or steamboat, but much to perform on horseback, as any one would find out by trying it. Here lived the excellent Robert Green, who was a Methodist preacher of the old stamp and brother of Lemuel. Methodism was introduced into Pittsfield in 1790. The first Methodist sermon was preached by Freeborn Garrettson. The Rev. Robert Green formed the first society in this place. He was the main pillar of the society and ornament to the Church, and an honor to Methodism. Both Bishop Asbury and M’Kendree were at the conference. On Saturday evening I heard Francis Ward preach. He was an excellent brother, a fine penman, and for several years secretary of the New York Conference. On Sabbath morning Bishop Asbury preached from Phil. iii, 17-21; Bishop M’Kendree in the afternoon. Bishop M’Kendree presided at the conference most of the time. The brethren were not as familiar with his method as Bishop Asbury’s, and at first it did not go very smoothly. He was more systematic; but they soon got used to his ways, and most highly esteemed him.