USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > East Windsor > Historical sketch of Warehouse Point, Conn., dedicated June 17, 1900; and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, from 1822 to the present time > Part 1
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HISTORY
OF THE
Methodist Episcopal Church,
Warehouse Point, Connecticut,
INOM 1822 TO 1000.
Gc 974.602 Ea51h 1763706
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01148 6815
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historicalsketch00unse 2
Historical Sketch ..
-OF-
Warehouse Point, Conn.,
Dedicated
June 17, 1900
- ~ PC -*
AND ALSO OF THE
Methodist Episcopal Church,
From 1822 to the present time.
2
1
. Bassinger,
DEALER IN
The Very Best.
CUT MEATS,
Pork and Vegetables,
Canned Goods, Etc.
No better can be had than I deal in.
5 Water Street,
Warehouse Point, Conn.
1763706 Early Historical Sketch.
-
East Windsor was not incorporated as a sepa- rate township until the year 1768, but for more than one hundred and thirty years before that date events had been shaping themselves towards its existence.
The town of East Windsor existed in embryo from 1630, when a company of people, one hundred and forty in number, organized into a church at Plymonth, England, under the pastoral care of Mr. John Warham and Mr. John Maverick, set sail for the New World.
Settling in Dorchester, Mass. and remaining there six years, the major part of them then remov- ed and planted the town of Windsor, Conn.
The territory embraced in the ancient township was some twelve miles square, divided equally by the Conn. River.
The first settlers located themselves on the west bank of the river, just seven miles north of Hart- ford below the place where the Farmington enters the Conn.
Here they built the block house of Windsor and the settlement grew around it.
But the fields on the eastern bank were so fer- tile and were destined to be occupied ere long ; and so in due time the town of East Windsor came into existence.
Traditions tell us that John Bissel and Simon Wolcott were the first ones who ventured across with their families.
4
Insurance.
FIRE, LIFE,
ACCIDENT.
Fire Insurance everybody will have. Give me a call and I will try to do you good.
Life Insurance is a Good Thing. It is a mode of saving money and a protection to the family at the same time.
Accident Insurance is easy to pay for when you are working, and it is very nice to have something coming in when you are laid up by an accident.
I represent The Travelers of Hartford in Life and Accident, and should be glad to give rates on application.
Call and see me before insuring elsewhere,
ALLYN G. BRIDGE,
Hazardville, Conn.
,
5
Years passed on and the settlements on the east side of the river advanced slowly.
Indians abounded in all that region and though these river Indians were generally friendly and peaceful, yet there were warning signs and tokens which made families fearful about taking up their residence at points remote from the main settlement.
Indeed it was not until after King Philip's War [1675-1676] when the Indian pride was thorough- ly humbled that there was any general movement to occupy the fertile meadows and uplands skirting the eastern banks.
By the year 1694 the people living on the east .side had become so numerous that they had prevail- ed in obtaining leave of the General Court, which was held at Hartford, to establish separate worship.
This liberty was granted May 10, 1694, in an- swer to a petition signed by forty-four men inhabi- tants upon the eastern side of the river.
Our earliest records tell us that Sir Richard Saltonstall of England, sent Francis Stiles to take up a tract of land for him, of about two thousand acres upon Conn, River and to fence it in for a park.
He accordingly laid claim to one mile on the east side of the river, at and near the place called Warehouse Point at the foot of the falls, between Windsor and Enfield.
This extended east until it included two thous- and acres.
The brook then called Saltonstall brook, later known as Boleyns brook and Warehouse Point, were both included in this park.
6
OAL!
OAL !!
OAL !!!
The celebrated Lehigh Valley Coals on hand, and Lackawana Western R. R. Co. The best grades of Coal on the market at the old stand near the depot. Inquire prices before buying.
S. D. ROCKWELL, Warehouse Point, Ct.
WOOD.
The very Best quality on hand continually. R. S. ROCKWELL, Warehouse Point, Conn.
For SHOES that are fine and neat, For SHOES that alway fit the feet, For SHOES that make large feet look small, For SHOES that give satisfaction to all, For SHOES that will never pinch or hurt, Get SHOES that are sold by F. G. BURT.
For SHIRTS that will keep you nice and warm, And ELASTICS to stay them on your arm, For COLLARS and CUFFS in latest style, And SUSPENDERS that help you all the while, For Neckties, Handkerchiefs, Gloves, Socks, Go to his store in WINDSOR LOCKS.
7
The name Warehouse Point does not appear until 1636, when Springfield was settled and Mr. William Pyncheon of Springfield undertook to send his supplies from Boston by water, but he found no vessels could pass the falls in the river and he was oblidged to provide land carriage 14 miles to Spring- field.
Therefore he erected a warehouse on the point on the river bank about fifty rods below the present bridge.
It consequently gave to the place the name by which it has ever since been known, Warehouse Point.
HISTORIC SKETCH
OF THE
Methodist Episcopal Church at Warehouse Point.
Unprejudiced minds capable of appreciating the unmistakable evidence of facts, cannot fail to recognize the hand of God in the establishment of the Methodist Church in England and also in this country.
This may be said of individual societies as well as the church at large.
Emphatically is it true of this society in which the people residing in the place and their posterity are more particularly interested.
8
THE EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY,
East Greenwich, R. I.
ONE OF THE OLDEST AND BEST SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES,-FOUNDED 1802.
ELEVEN TEACHERS.
LOCATION - In the most beautiful and healthful section of New England, overlooking Narragansett Bay. Absolutely no malaria.
TEN COURSES OF STUDY - Elementary English, Classical, Latin Scientific, Scientific, Academic, Commercial, Amanuensis, Music, Art and Elocution. The Classical, Latin Scientific and Scientific courses prepare for the best colleges and scientific schools. Commercial students aided in securing positions.
EXCELLENT HOME INFLUENCES, with constant care for health and morals of students.
CO=EDUCATIONAL - Terms very moderate, $200 per year in advance paying for tuition, Board, Room, Light, Heat and Laundry. Children of all Methodist preachers received on especially favorable terms.
Exceptional opportunities for self-help offered to a limited number of worthy young men and women.
Fall Term opens Tuesday, September 11, 1900 Write for catalogue or detailed information to
REV. AMBRIE FIELD, Principal.
9
THE EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY. RECITATION HALL.
10
H. HALL & CO., Church -Pipe- Organ Builders, 440 Elm St., New Haven, Conn.
Electric Pneumatic, Tubular Pneumatic and Tracker Actions.
Repairing, Rebuilding and Revoicing
PITCH RESET.
Electric and Water Motors Applied.
Estimates furnished Free.
After consultation with many Organ Builders, the contract for taking down, remodeling and rebuilding the pipe organ was awarded to H. Hall & Co., of New Haven, for several reasons :
Ist. Because they are most thorough and competent workmen.
2nd. Because their prices are satisfactory and all work guaranteed. It is the coming firm of the future. We are highly pleased with their work on our organ.
JAS. A. WOOD, Preacher in charge.
In the year 1814 Mr. Ephraim Randall and his wife moved from Providence to this place.
Of the early history of these persons, we know but little except that Mrs. Randall had been ca- quainted with the pioneer preachers, who made her father's house their home while in the city of Provi- dence.
Her recollections of the first visit of Dr. Coke remains very distinct until the present time.
Surrounded with such associations it is not strange that Mr. and Mrs. Randall, were interested in the M. E. Church, although the sect was every where spoken against.
They must have had many trials of faith, dur- ing the eight long years that intervened previous to the preaching of the first Methodist sermon near their place of residence.
In 1822 sister Randall received a communica- tion from Providence stating that one of her friends had married a Methodist minister, whose name was Fifield and that he was stationed in Springfield, Mass.
With a glad heart she commenced correspond- ing with her friend, which resulted in a visit of the Itinerant and his family to her home.
In true Methodist Preacher fashion he improv- ed his first visit by preaching in King Street school house.
After returning home from the meeting Major Joel Holkins called at Brother Randall's and request- ed the minister to make an appointment to preach in the village of Warehouse Point.
He soon came to the place and opened his com- mission in the name of the Lord.
I 2
THE HOME STORE, Established 1897.
A. L. MARKS & CO.
Warehouse Point, Conn.
We carry at all times a complete and varied assortment of Staple and Fancy Groceries, Dry Goods, Boots, Shoes, Hardware, and in fact a good line of General Merchandise usually found in a first-class Country Store.
Our long experience in this business particularly in this locality, has educated us to a great extent in the require- ments and necessities of the public in our line of goods. Experience teaches, and to us it has been and will prove to be a rule which turns advantageously for the benefit of our customers in knowing their needs and being ready to supply the same. Being in constant touch with the wholesale markets we are always on the watch to buy right for the benefit of our own trade. At this time we desire to express our grati- tude for the liberal patronage, since our coming to Ware- house Point, and trust that proper attention to your wants in every particular will merit a continuance of the same.
A. L. MARKS & CO.
I3
At the earnest solicitation of those who listened to his words of warning and instruction, he made arrangements to supply them with Methodist preach- ing until the next conference each alternate sabbath.
His meetings were in what is NOW the Episco- pal Church, which was then unoccupied.
On one of his first visits he formed a class con- sisting of the following persons: Ephraim Randall and wife, a widow by the name of Beulah Chapin and Thomas Knight who had been members in other places.
In addition to these at the same time was the name of Hannah Abbe who was a member of the Congregationalist Church in Scantic.
Such was the beginning of the branch of the church of Christ, that was destined to exert a saving influence over many who would have undoubtedly perished in their sins had it not been for an Itiner- ant Ministry.
No particular revival interest occurred previous to the conference held in the summer of 1822.
At that conference Brother Fifield was appoint- ed to the circuit in which this place was included. and I think Tolland.
He removed his family to this village and remained Preacher in charge for two years.
The Lord owned and blessed his labors to the good of many precious souls and a number were added to the feeble band, among whom were the following persons;
Huldah Patten from the Espiscopal Church and her husband who was reformed from the lowest inebriacy, a widow Crocker and her daughter, Eliza- beth Butler, Amos Pease and his son Reuben.
14
PIETSCH & EBERLE, Fresco Painters,
1146 MAIN STREET, HARTFORD.
Frescoing, paper hanging, plain painting, canvass and metal ceilings by competent workman. We solicit high grade work only, and as we execute all the fine parts ourselves, can guarantee absolute satisfaction. We are always pleased to furnish drawings and estimates on application without extra charge.
We have this year contracts for the docoration of the Jew- ish Synagogue Beth Israel, Hartford, Methodist Church, Simsbury, Methodist Church, Warehouse Point and St. Mary's, Windsor Locks.
We would also refer to numerous satisfied patrons for private dwellings in Hartford and vicinity.
It is a pleasure and a privilage for me to recommend Pietsch & Eberle as most competent and thorough workmen in their line. Their Work on the M. E. Church at Warehouse Point calls forth expressions of delight from all who behold it. JAS. A. WOOD. Preacher in Charge.
15
From the other side of the river, then called Pine Meadow comprising eleven dwellings.
Moses Mitchell, Miriam Bennet, a sister Gaylord and Patty Mather, who had been members in Wind- sor.
A Mr. Fox, his wife, son and daughter and Abi- gail Kingsbury, were added by conversion.
During the revival interest the members of the Episcopal Church concluded to hold a "Reading Service," at the same hour the church was occupied by the Methodists.
As Brother Fifield was commencing the service one sabbath he was interrupted by seeing General Jencks come into the house manifesting a high state of excitement.
After speaking with Major Holkins he struck his cane upon the floor furiously and exclaimed, "I wont have it so," or words of similar import.
At the utterence of these words the present Col. Holkins advised the people not to leave.
But the preacher, who was ever characterized as a man of peace, remarked, "that rather than have any trouble they would leave and hold service in the school house, again.
Soon after they commenced occupying the school house.
General Jencks who was the district committee called a school meeting which resulted in voting the Methodists out of the school house again.
After this act of oppression they resorted to the residence of Brother Randall in King St.
But finding the place inconvenient they came to the village and occupied the house of Phineas Parsons and the residence of Major Holkins.
I 6
AMOS D. BRIDGE,
Contractor
AND
Builder.
DEALER IN
Lumber and all Builders Supplies
PAINTS, OILS & GLASS.
Grain, Feed, Fertilizers and Agricultural Tools.
TOBACCO LATH & HOOKS.
BOXES,
Tobacco Cases.
HAZARDVILLE, CONN.
17
BISHOP W. F. MALLALIEU.
19
After a few months they procured a hall on Water St., owned by Mr. John Abbe where they continued to worship the God of their fathers for a considerable length of time.
While occupying the hall Major Holkins re- solved to build a church for the society.
But some of his friends prevailed upon him to desist and soon the use of the church was secured to him and his associates for Methodist preach- ing every alternate sabbath.
Without further molestation they continued to meet according to the arrangement until July or August 1831.
At that time on the sabbath we believe, Mr. Jones son-in-law of General Jencks informed Brother Randall that they wished to occupy the house and the persecuted, struggling brethren resorted to the school house.
Major Holkins who had been a prominent mem- ber for years, had been called from the trying scenes of earth, we trust to be numbered among the faith- ful at last and the original paper upon which the church was built was not in existance.
Sad indeed was the condition of those who were burdened when they thought of a perishing world.
A degree of encouragement was inspired in the fact that their constant friend bequeathed to the society one thousand dollars, the interest of which was to be applied in assisting to support a minister.
From the best imformation we can obtain they continued to occupy the school house about two years.
20
C. H. DEXTER & SONS,
HERBERT R. COFFIN, Surviving Partner.
Paper Manufacturers,
SPECIALTIES: Grass Bleached, Silver Tissue, White, Buff, Bond and Type Writer Copying.
Star Tissues, Bristols, Black Pattern.
NIQUE AND
RINCES
ERS
Rope, fancy colored, Duplex Papers, Etc.
1769.
1900.
The Old Bristmill,
Is the place to buy the best quality
FLOUR, GRAIN and FEED.
C. H. DEXTER & SONS,
Windsor Locks, Conn.
21
During these exciting times that tried the souls of men, the following Heralds of the Gospel labored to build up the church and lead sinners to Christ.
B. F. Lambord succeeded Brother Fifield in 1824 and remained two years.
His colleague the first year was L. B. Griffing and the second year R. Spaulding we believe.
The preacher appointed in 1826 was Heman Perry.
In 1827 Erastus Otis was in charge with Daniel Fletcher for his colleague.
Brother Fifield was a successful revivalist a genuine "Son of Thunder."
Under his labors many were converted and some valuable accessions were made to the church in Scantic as well as this place and other parts of the circuit.
Brother Otis was returned the second year and had for his colleague George Stone.
In 1829 George Southerland was in charge with E. M. Beebe as junior preacher.
During this year the greatest revival that had ever been witnessed, under the labors of an itiner- ant minister in these parts occurred.
Several men and women who have retained their integrity to God and Methodism until the pre- sent time, were made the subject of converting grace at that time.
Among them we find Rev. R. W. Allen at pre- sent a member of the New England conference, Brother James Pasco who is still with us. Brothers Erastus Olmsted and Pease Allen of Thompsonville. Brother Arnold Olmsted of North Manchester for-
22
J. henry Rising,
The Leading GROCER of WAREHOUSE POINT.
Largest Stock of Groceries, Teas, & Coffees the best to be had. All the vegetables and Fruits in their seasons, and of first class quality.
Prompt & Courteous service.
WM. MATHER, Dry Goods, Nosiery, Draperies and Notions. EVERY LADY Wants her Lace Curtains cleaned at least once a year. WE DO IT.
Bring your old clothes to us, have them cleaned or dyed, and made to look like new.
We have the Agency for the "Old Staten Island Dying Establishment," the oldest and best in the United States.
23
mally of Thompsonville, Brothers Warren and Ash- man Pease of Hazardville, besides a host who have been called hence.
In 1830 H. S. Ramsdell and H. Moulton were on the circuit.
In 1831 W. Case and Philo Hawkes were the preachers.
They were succeeded by E. M. Beebe and Morris Day in 1832.
In the autumn of this year the brethren resolved to make an effort to erect a house in which they could worship without prohibition according to the dictates of their own conscience.
In this they were successful and the next year the work of their hands was dedicated to the service of the Lord.
In 1833 Charles Hayward was stationed in this place, which was then made a separate charge to enjoy the advantage of a regular pastor.
Fifteen or twenty persons found the Saviour to the joy of their hearts during this year among whom was Rev. A. A. Cook of New England conference.
Windsor Ward was the stationed minister in 1834.
During the year a protracted meeting was held, assisted by Brothers Withee and Osborn.
The meeting continued two weeks or more, night and day.
More than a hundred were converted while he labored on the charge, among whom were Brother and Sister Colton.
Great excitement and interest prevailed.
In 1835 Isaac Stoddard labored with the people faithfully.
24
E. R. WALDORF
MANUFACTURER OF
Light and Heavy
WAGONS
AND
General Blacksmithing.
ALSO AGENT FOR THE
Electric Steel Wheel
The best Wheel on the market for heavy Vehicles and cheaper then Wooden Spokes.
At the old Stand on Main Street Warehouse Point Conn.
25
He remained two years.
He was deeply afflicted by the loss of his com- panion during his pastorial service.
In 1837 S. B. Hascall was the officiating minister.
In connection with his labors a good number professed to pass from death unto life.
In 1838 E. Blake labored here with his usual earnestness.
In the following year B. C. Phelps was appoint- ed to the charge.
He continued two years and enjoyed prosperity in which souls were brought to Christ.
He was succeeded in 1842 by Moses Stoddard.
On account of sickness in his family he did not come to his appointment immediately after the close of conference.
When he arrived he found the people greatly excited upon the subject of the speedy advent of Christ.
Rev. L. C. Collins was lecturing in the place upon the subject and when the stationed minister was ready to commence his work a revival of re- ligion was in progress.
In this revival Rev. Rodney Gage of the New England conference was converted.
Many of the members entered into an investiga- tion of the new doctrine which resulted in an avowal that they embraced it fully.
The new pastor decided that he was called upon, not only to believe the theory of Rev. Mr. Miller upon the subject, but he must leave his flock and go forth to sound the alarm.
Some of the most devoted lovers of Methodism struggled against these influences nobly.
26
hotel Windsor
E. a. Cousins, Proprietor.
Board per day $2.00, Single Meals, 50 cents.
Transient guests will find this Hotel comfortable, and cosy rooms heated and electric lights.
The proprietor gives strict attention to serving dinners which, for the money, cannot be equaled.
Those who take the trolley and leave their teams at the Hotel Stable, will have the best of care.
E. A. COUSINS,
Formerly at Haynes Hotel, Springfield, Mass.
27
After the matter was settled that Brother Stod- dard would no longer consent to retain his pastoral charge the services of Elam Chapin a local preacher were obtained for the remainder of the year.
Much bitterness of feeling existed, and to re- call the excitement of the times and the subject, the wonder is that the church survived the fearful con- vulsion.
In 1843 Abraham Holway was the preacher in charge.
The excitement of the previous year increased almost to madness.
Indeed towards the close of the conference year . of this date some person or persons told the presid- ing Elder that he need not station a preacher in the place for the year 1844.
At this some were prompted to deeds of noble daring.
Brother James Pasco informed the presiding Elder that a preacher was wanted and he would become responsible for his support; he would see that he had a support.
Soon after he sent for Jonathan Colton and J. B. Chapman and informed them what he had done.
They were glad that he had taken such a stand and promised to become individually responsible with him in the glorious enterprise.
Thus the responsibility for the support of the gospel was assumed.
In 1844 Frank W. Bill came to labor and make a final disposition of the subject, so far as the effect of Millerism upon the destiny of the church was con- cerned.
28
C. H. SMITH, The Stageman
is on hand to meet all the trains Stopping at
WAREHOUSE POINT DEPOT
Team leaves the Post Office at 7, 9:30 and 11:30 a. m., 1:45, 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m,
Mr. Smith is prepared to do heavy trucking or light teaming as may be desired. You will find his slate at the Post Office. All orders promptly attended to.
29
He was successful in the general work and re- mained two years.
During his first year at his suggestion, the posi- tion of the pulpit and slips in church were reversed at an expense of $200.
In 1846 Charles Barnes, of precious memory, came to the place to labor and to lay down his life with the armor on.
As most of the people in the town can testify, he labored faithfully and successfully, until the aut- umn of 1846 when he was prostrated by disease and rapidly sank to the grave.
In 1847 Franklin Fish was appointed to preach in the place.
He was followed in 1848 by E. A. Lyon who remained two years and labored efficiently.
In the autumn of 1849 he secured the assistance of Moses Chase for the purpose of holding a pro- tracted meeting.
As most of the people knew full well some of the people of the village conspired together and in the usual desperation of rowdies and their friends, raised a mob to assail the revivalists.
He was severely injured and brother Jabez Phelps was also smitten down.
No doubt some one would have been murdered had it not been for the resolute interference of Sam- uel Cook and others.
Thus the assailants were brought to justice and the disgrace and criminality of the act stands against them and their sympathizers to this day; but they paid dear for their wickedness.
30
S. M.c. Auly & Son,
DEALER IN
Prime Jop Beef,
Mutton, Lamb, Veal,
Pork, Hams, Bacon, Prime Corn Beef,
Tongues, and Choice Lard.
Poultry and Game in season. ALSO FRUIT AND VEGETABLES in their season.
Market open every evening except Wednesday. Goods delivered promptly, free of all expense.
Corner Main and Spring Sts., Windsor Locks, Conn. Telephone Call 10-3.
3I
The revival was quite extensive and prosperity attended the labors of Brother Lyon during his stay with the people.
He was called to pass through the deep waters of ffliction in the loss of his excellent wife.
Her name is still cherished in the hearts of those who were wont to associate with her.
Brother Lyon was followed by Sanford Benton who labored to the great satisfaction of the church and congregation during two years.
In 1852 James Mather ministered to the people part of the year.
He was absent on a visit to a friend in England and in his absence the pulpit was supplied by B. C. Phelps.
The two years following, Abel Gardner was the preacher.
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