The story which explains the origin of this name is that actor George Holland having died, his friends requested one of the cities pastors to conduct the funeral services. The latter refused but advised them to try the "little church around the corner."[1]
Houghton was distinguished for his activity in benevolent work and his skill in teaching Hebrew. For the latter, he was granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Columbia College in 1859.[1]
He died at the rectory adjoining the church on November 17, 1897.[2] He was succeeded by his nephew, George Clarke Houghton.