USA > Connecticut > New London County > Stonington > History of the First Congregational church, Stonington, Conn., 1674-1874. With the report of bi-centennial proceedings, June 3, 1874. With appendix containing statistics of the church > Part 1
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Gc 974.602 St 72wh 1204247
M
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01151 5167
GC 974.602 ST72WH
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyoffirstco00whee
HISTORY
OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
STONINGTON, CONN.,
1674-1874.
WITH THE REPORT OF
BI-CENTENNIAL PROCEEDINGS,
JUNE 3, 1874.
WITH APPENDIX
CONTAINING
STATISTICS OF THE CHURCH.
BY
RICHARD A. WHEELER.
Two hundred years of prayer and praise, Of winter months, and summer days! Yet love divine from age to age, Hath kept our precious heritage!
NORWICH, CONN. T. H. DAVIS AND COMPANY. 1875.
RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED BY H. O. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY.
PREFACE.
-4
12C4247
THIS book is designed to preserve and perpetuate what the writer lias been able to gather up concerning the history of the First Congregational Church of Stonington, Conn., and the pro- ceedings of the Bi-Centennial celebration held June 3, 1874, under the auspices of the descendants of its founders.
That celebration will stand as a landmark in her history for ages, and will be remembered by all who participated in it, as an occasion of great enjoyment.
The preparations were so elaborate, and the arrangements for the same, so complete, and the success of the undertaking so far exceeding all expectations, that some enduring memorial is due to those who worked out the grand result.
With this preface the book is submitted to the public.
R. A. W.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Avery, Henry W., letter from
17
Anthem (Easter) by Choir 168
Brown, widow of Joshua R., letter from .
14
Bourne, Rev. J. R., response by 154
Bray, Rev. William McK., response by
182
Brigden, Rev. Zachariah, sketch of .
92
death of
92
Business, first commercial
64
Committee of Arrangements
2
first meeting
2
second meeting
4
third meeting
5
Committee of Home Arrangements
3
final meeting of 20
Committee at Large
6
Committee on Music
4
Couch, Rev. Paul, reply to invitation .
6
sermon by
116
invocation by
22
admissions by
287
admissions by, since Bi-centennial
288
baptisms by .
287
baptisms by, since Bi-centennial
288 -
marriages by
288
sketch of .
99
Couch, Joseph, letter from
16
Cook, Rev. Nehemiah B., call
83
letter of acceptance from
83
installation of .
279
admissions by
280
baptisms by
282
marriages by
284
dismission of 84 ·
.
.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Cook, Rev. Nehemiah B., baptisms after dismission 283
sketch of
98
Clift, Rev. William, reply to invitation
response by . 162
reading of Scriptures 22
116
Chesebrough, William, and others, petition of
31
answer to .
39
answer to .
39
biographical sketch of 289
19
Cutting, Rev. Charles, response by
183
Collation
116
Church, petition for
41
formed
43
founders .
43
covenant and confession of faith
43
East or Centre, members of
61
at North Stonington formed .
59
at Stonington Borough 82
84
at Pawcatuck Bridge
84
statistics of .
189
decorations of .
20
Census, 1667 .
40
Denison, Rev. Frederic, commemorative ode
113
response by 168
Denison, Capt. George, and others, petition from answer to . 31
30
petition of
37
biographical sketch of .
296
Deacons
100
Doxology
187
Eells, Rev. Nathaniel, call .
60
letter of acceptance . 60
ordination of . 235
admissions to full communion 235
those who own covenant 236
baptisms by .
238
marriages by
251
sketch of
95
6
Chesebrough, Rev. A. S., prayer by
32
petition from .
Copp, Samuel, letter from
at Mystic Bridge .
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Eells, Rev. Nathaniel, death of .
236
admissions after the death of . 238
those who own covenant 238
baptisms after the
251
marriages
259
Exercises, anniversary morning
22
anniversary afternoon
116
order of
8
Fund .
85
subscriptions to Woodbridge .
87
letter relating to Stanton .
88
subscriptions to Stanton
88
Sabbath-school, subscriptions to
89
Grant, U. S., President, letter from .
10
Gilman, Rev. Edward W., letter from .
11
Gallup, Rev. James, benediction by .
116
response by .
169
Gallup, Capt. John, biographical sketch
299
Gallup, John Dean, gift of .
89
Gould, Rev. Hezekiah, call
49
letter of acceptance . 50
185
Holmes, Rev. David E., letter from .
12
Hyde, Rev. M., Cleveland, letter from .
15
Hurlburt, Rev. Joseph, response by .
171
Hetrick, Rev. Andrew J., response by
179 .
Hobart, Rev. Nehemiah, call .
48
letter of acceptance
. 49
Hart, Rev. Ira, call
79
letter of acceptance
79
installation of
265
admissions by
266
baptisms by .
269
marriages by
273
sketch of
96
death of 80
Hymns by choir 26, 116, 116, 116, 128, 153, 187
Invitation, circular form of
8
Kirby, Mary F., hymn by 181
Lottery, petition for .
70
act of the General Assembly relating to
. 74-76
.
Greeting, Baptist church, North Stonington Mystic River . 186
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Meeting-house, first on Palmer's Hill
second, Agreement Hill . 42
third or centre 51
orders of the General Court relating to, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 59
rebuilt at Long Point .
fourth, Agreement Hill 52
fifth, Agreement Hill
79-80
Minor, Thomas, biographical sketch 294
90
Ministers, biographical sketches
Ministry, land vote 40
39
Noyes, Rev. Joseph, call
46
Noyes, James S., letter from
109
response by .
36
ordination of
189
admissions to full communion
189
those who covenant 193
195
marriages by
215
sketch of .
92
death of
92
baptisms after the death of
214
Officers of the day .
2
Public meeting, call for
1
held
2
adjourned, and held .
9
Palmer, Rev. A. G., reply to invitation by
6
poem by .
128
Palmer, Hanna Lathrop, letter from
17
Palmer, Eugene, M. D., response by
177
Palmer, Walter, biographical sketch of 295
Poquatuck people, association of .
32
Plot, town
40
Preparations, descriptions of
20
Rodman, Rev. D. S., letter from
10
Rosseter, Rev. Ebenezer, call
50
letter of acceptance
51
ordination of 215
baptisms by .
215
admissions by .
228
Mystic, named
15
Noyes, Rev. Gurdon W., address by
175
Noyes, Rev. James, call
baptisms by
35
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
ix
Rosseter, Rev. Ebenezer, marriages by
232
sketch of
93
death of .
94
Sabbath-school, sketch of
102
Stanton, Maria, letter of invitation from
5
history of the Sabbath-school
102
vote of thanks to 186 .
Stanton, J. W., greeting by
22
donation.by
88
Stanton, Harriet A., hymn by .
112
Stanton, Thomas, biographical sketch of
293
note of
91
Smith, Annie L., reply to invitation
5
poem
106
hymn
108
Steward, Ira Williams, letter from
14
Sheffield, Rev. John, response by
185
Shaw, Rev. Peter H., call
82
letter of acceptance
82
installation of
279
admissions by .
279
baptisms by .
279
marriages by
279
dismission of
279
sketch of .
98
Settlement, first .
27
Service, religious, first
30
Southerton named
34
Stonington named .
39
Societies, Stonington divided into
47
order for first meeting of
48
union of, and terms . 62-63
order of General Assembly, relating to
67, 71, 72 ·
committee's report 68
re-division of 81,82
Society, North Stonington
47,59
East, organized
48
officers of . ·
60
Treasurers and Secretaries 2
Thompson, Rev. William, sketch of 90
United Colonies, commissioners, decision of 33
Wheeler, Richard A., reply to invitation 5
.
·
.
.
·
x
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Wheeler, Richard A., historical address 26
Wheeler, Thomas, biographical sketch . . 300
Williams, Judge Henry W., letter from 11
Williams, William Henry, letter from 12
Williams, Ira Hart, letter from . 16
Williams, Eleazer Avery, letter from
Williams, B. F., welcome to the children churches by 153
Warner, Rev. Pliny F., call . 84
letter of acceptance by
84
installation of . 286
admissions by 286
marriages by 286
dismissions of 286
letter from 13
sketch of 99
Wales, Rev. H. A., response by . . 157
Wilcox, Rev. Asher H., response by · 158
Wightman, Rev. P. G., response by . 178
Woodruff, Rev. Hezekiah, call .
77
letter of acceptance by
77
ordination of .
260
admissions by . 260
baptisms by
262
marriages by 263
dismission
261
admissions after dismission of
. 261
baptisms
263
sketch of
96
Whittlesey, Rev. Joseph, call
80
letter of acceptance
80
ordination of .
275
admissions by . 275
277
marriages by . 278
dismission of . 277
admissions after dismission of . 277
baptisms
278
sketch of . 97
·
Winthrop, John, commission of . 28
baptisms by
18
ERRATA.
Page 3, 2d column of gentlemen's names, for Henry H., read Henry M.
Page 4, 2d column of ladies names, for Phebe E., read Phebe J.
Page 8, in list of secretaries, for Eliza, read Eliza M. Page 59, 12th line from bottom, for May, read Maj. Page 112, last line, for Williams, read William. Page 179, 8th line from bottom, for has, read have. Page 183, 14th line from top, for Cutling, read Cutting. Wherever Pawcatuc occurs, read Pawcatuck.
Page 299. In bounding Captain John Gallup's homestead on the south, before " Captain Denison's land," add "Captain John Stanton's homestead place."
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
F YOR several years past the members of the First Congrega- tional Church of Stonington have had in contemplation the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary thereof ; and in order to carry out their wishes, the following notice was pub- lished in the "Stonington Mirror," of August 14th, 1873, and. read from the pulpit the following Sabbath.
TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.
The third day of June, 1874, completes the second century since the First Congregational Church of Stonington was formed, and it has been proposed by many to celebrate the event in some becoming manner. And in order to make arrangements therefor a meeting of the descend- ants of the founders of the church will be held at the Road Meeting- house, on the 20th day of August, 1873, at two o'clock in the afternoon, to adopt such measures as may be thought best in the premises. The families embodied in the organization of the church were Stanton, Pal- mer, Noyes, Miner, Wheeler, Denison, Gallup, Chesebrough, Williams, Pendleton, Burrows, Park, Fish, Dean, Wells, Cook, Breed, Richardson, Crary, Cole, Fanning, Searle, Billings, Frink,. Main, and Shaw ..
RICHARD: A .. WHEELER.
STONINGTON, CONN., August 9, 1873.
Agreeable to the above notice, a meeting was held at the Road Church, August 20th, at two o'clock P. M., which was called to order by Hon. R. A. Wheeler. Thomas W. Palmer was chosen chairman, and B. F. Williams, clerk. Upon consultation it was thought best, in order to more successfully carry out the proposed anniversary exercises, to effect an organization consisting of a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee.
1
2
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Voted, That a Committee of six be appointed to report to a future meeting, names of persons to fill the above named places. The com- mittee was then appointed in the following order : -
Hon. R. A. WHEELER, Chairman. Mrs. EUGENE EDWARDS.
Miss MARIA STANTON.
Miss FANNY W. NOYES.
Mr. NATHAN S. NOYES. Mr. THOMAS W. PALMER.
Voted, To adjourn to meet in this house (Road Church) October 25th, 1873, at ten o'clock A. M.
B. F. WILLIAMS, Clerk.
STONINGTON, CONN., August 20, 1873.
The first formal meeting of the Committee appointed by the descendants of the founders of the First Congregational Church, Stonington, Connecticut, to make preliminary arrangements, was held at the residence of B. F. Stanton, 2d, September 9, 1873.
Richard A. Wheeler was appointed permanent Chairman, and Maria Stanton permanent Secretary. The Committee
Voted, That Miss Annie L. Smith, of Stonington, be invited to pre- pare a Hymn for the occasion.
Voted, That the following named persons be nominated for the officers of the day.
President, J. WARREN STANTON, Esq.
Vice-presidents,
Rev. William Clift.
Rev. Joseph Hurlburt.
Rev. N. B. Cook.
Rev. Frederick Denison.
Rev. Paul Couch. Rev. A. G. Palmer.
Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes.
Rev. Amos S. Chesebrough.
Rev. Henry Clay Trumbull. Rev. James A. Gallup.
Hon. Henry W. Williams. Hon. N. F. Dixon.
And sixty others from various parts of the country, and descendants of the founders.
Treasurers,
Benjamin F. Stanton, 2d. Richard A. Wheeler.
Secretary, B. F. Williams.
Corresponding Secretaries,
Miss Maria Stanton.
Miss Eliza M. Wheeler.
3
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Committee of Home Arrangements. GENTLEMEN.
Noyes P. Brown. Thomas W. Palmer. John S. Palmer. Stephen A. Brown. Noyes S. Palmer. Jeremiah Brown. Charles S. Noyes. Daniel D. Stanton. Mason M. Stanton. Joseph Smith. E. Burrows Brown. Edmund S. Noyes. Avery W. D. Noyes. John H. Copp. Oliver Denison. Nathan N. Denison. John F. Chesebrough. Gideon P. Chesebrough. Frank P. Merrill. John Kane. Henry Clay Noyes. Dennis Shea.
Mrs. Eugene Edwards. Mrs. Thomas W. Palmer. Mrs. L. C. Williams. Mrs. Seth N. Williams. Mrs. Paul B. Stanton. Mrs. R. A. Wheeler. Mrs. Elias B. Brown. Mrs. E. Burrows Brown. Mrs. Joseph Smith. Mrs. James A. Lord. Mrs. William C. Moss. Mrs. Asa Fish, 2d. Mrs. James Norman. Mrs. John F. Chesebrough. Mrs. Charles P. Noyes. Mrs. David L. Gallup. Miss Maria Stanton. Miss Mary Ann Brown. Miss Harriet E. Noyes. Miss Eliza M. Wheeler. Miss Elizabeth C. Moss.
B. F. Williams. Seth N. Williams. A. H. Simmons. Henry H. Palmer. Eugene Palmer. Charles P. Noyes. John S. Schoonover. Paul B. Stanton. Eugene Edwards. L. C. Williams. Asa Fish, 2d. Capt. Edgar Denison. James E. Palmer. Amos Chesebrough. Henry Townsend. Edgar P. Farnell.
Samuel Langworthy. E. Everett Brown. Frank W. Palmer. Elam W. Hobart. James A. Lord. John S. Gray.
LADIES.
Mrs. J. W. Stanton. Mrs. Elam W. Hobart. Mrs. John S. Schoonover. Mrs. B. F. Williams. Mrs. H. M. Palmer. Mrs. Frank Noyes. Mrs. Noyes P. Brown. Mrs. Latham H. Miner. Mrs. F. M. Manning. Mrs. E. S. Noyes. Mrs. Gideon P. Chesebrough.
Mrs. John S. Grey. Mrs. Eunice Palmer. Mrs. Mary D. Mathews. Mrs. Samuel Langworthy. Miss Emma A. Smith. Miss Abby J. Williams. Miss Sarah E. Denison. Miss Phebe M. Denison. Miss Sarah P. Brown. Miss Mary E. Brown.
4
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Miss Helen Brown.
Miss Anna Brown.
Miss Annie S. Noyes.
Miss Jennie A. Noyes.
Miss Libbie T. Edwards.
Miss Maria M. Noyes. Miss Mary A. Noyes.
Miss Emily A. Wheeler. Miss Sallie P. Moss.
Miss Mary Brown.
Miss Harriet J. Palmer.
Miss Grace D. Wheeler.
Miss Emeline Palmer.
Miss Asenath G. Williams.
Miss Eliza B. Palmer.
Miss Emeline Miner.
Miss Lucy Palmer.
Miss Phebe E. Greene.
Miss Hannah D. Noyes.
Miss Fanny Brown.
Miss Nora E. Ayres.
Miss Fannie E. Noyes.
Miss Mary Noyes.
Committee on Music.
Dwight Gallup.
Miss Harriet J. Palmer.
Thomas W. Palmer.
Miss Abby J. Williams.
B. F. Williams.
Miss Annie S. Noyes.
Miss Mary A. Noyes.
Miss Emeline Palmer.
Miss Eliza B. Palmer.
Miss Emily A. Wheeler.
The Committee then adjourned to meet at the residence of Thomas W. Palmer, on Tuesday, September 23, at two o'clock P. M.
SECOND FORMAL MEETING.
An adjourned meeting of the Committee of Arrangements was held at the residence of Thomas W. Palmer, September 23, 1873.
Voted, That the Hon. Richard A. Wheeler, of Stonington, be invited to prepare a Historical Address for the occasion.
Voted, That the Rev. Paul Couch, of Jewett City, Pastor, be invited to prepare and deliver a Sermon for the occasion.
Voted, That the Rev. William Clift be invited as the alternate of the Rev. Paul Couch.
Voted, That the Rev. A. G. Palmer, D. D., be invited to prepare a Poem for the occasion.
Voted, That an Honorary Committee of gentlemen and ladies be appointed for the occasion.
There were about seven hundred circular invitations tendered, as honorary, to the descendants in almost every State in the Union.
The meeting adjourned to meet at the residence of Richard A. Wheeler, on Tuesday, October 21, at two o'clock P. M.
Miss Addie Ayres.
Miss Charlotte A. Smith.
Miss Hannah T. Miner.
Miss Anna L. Moss.
5
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
THIRD FORMAL MEETING.
The third meeting of the Committee of Arrangements was held at the residence of Richard A. Wheeler, October 21, 1873.
The following correspondence was laid before the meeting : -
STONINGTON, September 10, 1873. MISS ANNIE L. SMITH : -
Dear Friend, - At the first meeting of the Committee appointed by the descendants of the founders of the First Congregational Church of Stonington, Conn., to make arrangements for celebrating the two hund- redth birthday of the organization of the church, which occurs on June 3d, 1874, it was unanimously voted to invite you to prepare a hymn to be sung on the occasion. It affords me much pleasure to be the medium of communicating their choice, and assure you that it reflects the heart- felt sentiments of the church.
Hoping that you may find it convenient to accede to their wishes, I am, with assurances of the highest regard, Truly yours,
MARIA STANTON, Secretary of Com.
The same letter was addressed to the Hon. R. A. Wheeler, Revs. William Clift, Paul Couch, and A. G. Palmer, with va- riations adapted to the positions assigned them.
MISS M. STANTON, Secretary : - STONINGTON, September 18, 1873.
Dear Madam, -Thanks for your cordial note, expressing the wish of the Committee. If I can bring any offering befitting the occasion, I do not consider myself at liberty to refuse the request, coming as it does from a church that keeps green the memory of its founders, and also sympathizes with the progressive spirit of the age.
Most truly yours, ANNIE L. SMITH.
STONINGTON, October 1, 1873.
DEAR MADAM, - The coming Bi-centennial of our old Mother Church will be an important event in her history, and I most cheer- fully accept the position that your Committee have assigned me for the occasion, and be assured that I shall endeavor to combine and present all that I shall be able to trace of her past history, and of the men who laid her foundations.
Gratefully appreciating the confidence of the Committee, and your courtesy, I remain, Yours truly,
RICHARD A. WHEELER.
MISS MARIA STANTON, Secretary of Com.
6
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
STONINGTON, October 21, 1873.
MISS MARIA STANTON, - Your note of invitation to me to be pres- ent at your Bi-centennial service in June next, should have received an earlier acknowledgment. Be assured I fully appreciate the courtesy, and hope to be able to fill the part assigned me in a way worthy of the oc- casion.
Yours truly,
A. G. PALMER.
JEWETT CITY, October 17, 1873.
MISS MARIA STANTON, Secretary : -
Dear Sister, - Your note, expressing the wishes of the Committee of Arrangements for the Bi-centennial, that I would prepare a sermon to preach on said occasion, is received. As I understand that this is not the Historical Discourse, but one in other respects pertinent to the occa- sion, please assure the Committee that, grateful for the trust reposed in me, I will cheerfully comply with their wishes.
With sentiments of high esteem, Yours,
PAUL COUCH.
MYSTIC BRIDGE, CONN., October 24, 1873. Miss MARIA STANTON, - I accept your appointment. Yours truly, W. CLIFT.
Voted, To prepare a Programme for the occasion.
Voted, To prepare a form of invitation for the occasion.
Voted, To appoint a Committee on Music.
Voted, That it be a picnic entertainment.
Voted, To hire a tent to cover the tables.
Voted, That a Committee at Large, consisting of one gentleman and one lady, be appointed from the various religious societies within the former territorial limits of the First Congregational Church, to be put in communication with the corresponding secretaries, to perfect arrange- ments in their various localities.
North Stonington, Congregational.
Dea. Samuel B. Wheeler. Miss Jennie Wheeler.
North Stonington, Baptist.
Ephraim W. Maine. Mrs. Dudley W. Stuart.
Stonington Borough, Congregational.
Edward C. Denison. Mrs. B. F. Palmer.
7
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Stonington Borough, Baptist. Capt. George Brewster. Mrs. William Brewster.
Stonington Borough, Episcopal. George D. Stanton, M. D. Miss Emma W. Palmer.
Westerly, Congregational.
Horace R. Hall. 1
Miss Fanny W. Noyes.
Mystic Bridge, Congregational.
Manassah Miner. Mrs. Gurdon Gates.
Mystic Bridge, Methodist.
Isaac D. Miner. Mrs. Edwin Gallup.
Mystic River, Baptist.
Isaac W. Denison. Mrs. Benjamin Burrows.
Mystic River, Episcopal.
Daniel W. Denison. Mrs. Roswell Brown.
Mystic, Baptist.
Nehemiah M. Gallup. Miss Emily Gallup.
Mystic, Methodist.
Francis M. Manning. Mrs. Elijah A. Morgan.
Preston City, Congregational.
Chester L. Prentice. Miss Eunice Avery.
Ledyard, Congregational.
Christopher M. Gallup. Miss Abbie E. Williams.
Groton, Congregational.
Thomas A. Miner. Miss Rebecca Avery.
8
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The following form of invitation was unanimously adopted by the Committee, -
1674.
BI-CENTENNIAL PIC-NIC
1874.
CELEBRATION.
The descendants of the founders of the First Congregational Church of Stonington, Conn., have made arrangements to celebrate the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the organization thereof on Wednesday, June 3, 1874, commencing at ten o'clock A. M., at their church edifice, and have elected the various officers for the occasion, and you are hereby cordially invited to attend. Please signify your acceptance of this in- vitation at your earliest convenience, to
MISS MARIA STANTON, MISS ELIZA WHEELER, Corresponding Secretaries.
The following Programme was unanimously adopted by the Committee : -
ORDER OF EXERCISES,
PROGRAMME, A. M.
Exercises will commence precisely at 10 o'clock A. M., and will be as follows : ---
1. Singing- Voluntary by the Choir.
2. Invocation - By Rev. Paul Couch, Pastor.
3. Reading of Scriptures - Rev. William Clift.
4. Greeting - By J. Warren Stanton, Esq.
5. Singing - Hymn 136. Tune "Denmark."
6. Historical Address- By Hon. R. A. Wheeler.
7. Poem and Hymn - Composed for the Occasion, by Miss Annie L. Smith: To be read by Rev. James A. Gallup. Hymn to be sung by the Choir. Tune, " Auld Lang Syne."
8. Address - By Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes. Topic, " God's Providence in caring for His Church."
9. Commemorative Ode - By Rev. Frederick Denison.
10. Singing - Hymn 1336.
11. Benediction.
Adjourn at 12.45 o'clock, M.
Collation at 1 o'clock, P. M.
9
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
PROGRAMME, P. M.
The Services at the Church will be resumed at 2 o'clock P. M.
1. Singing - Voluntary by the Choir.
2. Prayer - By Rev. N. B. Cook.
3. Singing - Hymn 339. Tune " Coronation."
4. Sermon - By Rev. Paul Couch.
5. Singing - Hymn 1312.
RECESS OF FIVE MINUTES.
6. Poem - By Rev. A. G. Palmer, D. D.
7. Singing - Hymn 1324.
8. Welcome to the Children Churches - By Dea. B. F. Williams.
9. Sentiment - North Stonington. Response by Rev. J. R. Bourne.
10. Sentiment - Second Congregational, Stonington Borough. Re- sponse by Rev. H. A. Wales.
11. Singing - Hymn 1151.
12. Sentiment - Pawcatuck. Response by Rev. Asher H. Wilcox.
13. Sentiment - Mystic Bridge. Response by Rev. William Clift.
14. Singing - Anthem by the Choir. The remainder of the time to be occupied by five minute speeches.
15. Singing - Doxology No. 2.
16. Prayer and Benediction - By Rev. Joseph Whittlesey. Adjourn at 7.30 P. M.
All of which is respectfully submitted for your patient con- sideration by the Committee.
The adjourned meeting of the descendants of the founders of the Church was held agreeable to notice, October 25, 1873.
The report of the Committee was unanimously adopted.
B. F. WILLIAMS, Secretary.
Invitations were forwarded to the Honorable U. S. Grant, President of the United States, and to many others of note throughout the country, descendants of the Founders, making the whole number of invited guests nearly 2,000.
In response to the circular of invitation a large number of letters were received. Many were of a very interesting char- acter, and worthy of preservation.
10
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 22, 1874. S
MISS WHEELER, - The President desires me to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your polite invitation to attend the Two Hundredth Anni- versary of the organization of the First Congregational Church of Stonington, Conn., June 3, and convey to you his sincere thanks for the courteous attention. He wishes me to say that it would afford him great pleasure to attend, but that his official duties will not permit him to be absent from the Capital at that time.
I am very respectfully,
LEVI P. LUCKEY, Secretary.
From REV. D. S. RODMAN, Montclair, New Jersey.
MONTCLAIR, N. J., May 30th, 1874
MISS WHEELER, Corresponding Secretary, - I exceedingly regret that other and imperative engagements prevent me from being with you on this most interesting occasion.
Few churches in our favored land can commemorate the Two Hun- dredth Anniversary of their organization. Few descendants have so good reason to meet, and to recount to each other, with honorable pride, and with devout thanksgiving, the facts and memories of the past. Few periods in the history of the race have been so eventful as those of the last two hundred years. Indeed, how long and how full of interest the years which have passed since the first prayers were offered on this favored spot.
John Milton, the great poet, was then alive. It was in November of that very year (1674) he died. It was fourteen years before the death of John Bunyan. Richard Baxter and Joseph Addison were both alive. Hartford had been settled but thirty-eight years. Connecticut as " Con- necticut Colony," had been in existence but nine years.
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