USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Old Saybrook > Manual of the Congregational Church of Old Saybrook, Connecticut 1888 > Part 1
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Gc 974.602 ols 1533297
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01151 3550
m E
MANUAL
OF THE
Congregational Church
-OF-
-
-
OLD SAYBROOK, CONN.
1888₺ ***
DEEP RIVER, CONN. : CHARLES A. KIRTLAND, PRINTER. I888.
:
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1533297
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
"What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me ? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people."
" Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven."
" For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made nnto salvation."
Dearly beloved, called of God to be His children through Jesus Christ, our Lord, you are here, that in the presence of God and his people, you may enter into the fellowship and communion of His church. You do truly repent of your sins : you heartily receive Jesus Christ as your crucified Savior and risen Lord ; you consecrate yourselves unto God, and your life to His service : you accept His Word as your law, and His Spirit as your Comforter and Guide, and trusting in His grace to confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, you promise to do God's holy will, and to walk with His church in the truth and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accepting, according to the measure of your understanding of it, the system of Christian truth held by the churches of our faith and order, and by this church into whose fellowship you now enter, you join with ancient saints, with the church throughout the world, and with us your fellow-believers, in humbly and heartily confessing your faith in the gospel, saying :
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; born of the Virgin Mary ; suf- fered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; the third day He rose from the dead : He ascended into heav-
1 :
14
en : and sitteth at the right hand of God. the Father Almigh- ty : from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost : the holy catholic church ; the communion of saints: the forgiveness of sins; the resur- rection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Then should baptism be administered to those who have not been bap- tized. Then should those rise who would unite with the church by letter. To them the minister should say :
Confessing the Lord whom we unitedly worship, you do now renew your self-consecration, and join with us cordially in this our Christian faith and covenant.
The members of the Church present should rise.
We welcome you into our fellowship. We promise to watch over you with Christian love. God grant that, loving and being loved, serving and being served, blessing and being blessed, we may be prepared, while we dwell together on earth, for the perfect communion of the saints in heaven.
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
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NOTE.
At a meeting of the Church on March 9th, 1899, it was voted to adopt the "Statement of Doctrine" and "Confession of Faith" of the "Creed Commis- sion of 1883." This "Statement of Doctrine" is not put forth as of the nature of an absolute exaction, nor as the determining test any way of fitness for church membership. This Church wishes to fellowship "AH who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and would serve Him with singleness of heart."
STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE.
I. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible :
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who is of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who is sent from the Father and Son. and who together with the Father and Son is worshiped and glorified.
II. We believe that the providence of God, by which He executes His eternal purposes in the government of the world. is in and over all events; yet so that the freedom and responsi- bility of man are not impaired, and sin is the act of the creat- ure alone.
III. We believe that man was made in the image of God: that he might know. love, and obey God, and enjoy him for- ever: that our first parents by disobedience fell under the righteous condemnation of God; and that all men are so alien- ated from God that there is no salvation from the guilt and power of sin except through God's redeeming grace.
IV. We believe that God would have all men return to Him: that to this end He has made Himself known, not only through the works of nature, the course of His providence, and the consciences of men, but also through supernatural revelations made especially to a chosen people, and above all, when the fulness of time was come. through Jesus Christ. His Son.
V. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the record of God's revelation of Himself in the work of redemption: that they were written by men under the special guidance of the Holy Spirit; that they are able to make wise unto salvation: and that they constitute the authoritative standard by which religious teaching and human conduct are to be regulated and judged.
VI. We believe that the love of God to sinful men has found its highest expression in the redemptive work of His Son, who became man, uniting his divine nature with our human nature in one person: who was tempted like other men, vet
12
without sin: who by His humiliation. His holy obedience. His sufferings, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. became a perfect Redeemer; whose sacrifice of Himself for the sins of the world declares the righteousness of God. and is the sole and sufficient ground of forgiveness and reconciliation with Ilim.
VII. We believe that Jesus Christ, after He had risen from the dead. ascended into heaven. where. as the one Mediator between God and man. He carries forward His work of saving men: that He sends the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin. and to lead them to repentance and faith, and that those who through renewing grace turn to righteousness, and trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer. receive for His sake the for- giveness of their sins, and are made the children of God.
VIII. We believe that those who are thus regenerated and justified, grow in sanctified character through fellowship with Christ. the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to the truth; that a holy life is the fruit and evidence of saving faith: and that the believer's hope of continuance in such a life is in the preserving grace of God
IX. We believe that Jesus Christ came to establish among men the kingdom of God, the reign of truth and love. right- eousness and peace: that to Jesus Christ, the Heal of this kingdom, Christians are directly responsible in faith and con- duct: and that to Him all have immediate access without med- iatorial or priestly intervention.
X. We believe that the Church of Christ. invisible and spiritual, comprises all true believers, whose duty it is to asso- ciate themselves in churches for the maintenance of worship. for the promotion of spiritual growth and fellowship, and for the conversion of men: that these churches, under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and in fellowship with one another. may determine-each foritself-theirorganization, statements of be- lief, and forms of worship, may appoint and set apart their own ministers, and should co-operate in the work which Christ has committed to them for the furtherance of the Gospel throngont the world.
XI. We believe in the observance of the Lord's Day. as a day of holy rest and worship: in the ministry of the Word: and in the two sacraments which Christ has appointed for His church: baptism, to be administered to believers and their children, as the sign of cleansing from sin, of union to Christ. and of the impartation of the Holy Spirit: and the Lord's Sup- per, as a symbol of His atoning death. a seal of its efficacy. and a means whereby he confirms and strengthens the spiritual union and communion of believers with Himself.
XII We believe in the ultimate prevalence of the king- dom of Christ over all the earth: in the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ: in the resurrection of the dead: and in a final judgment. the issues of which are everlasting punishment and everlasting life.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
HE history of this church begins with the first settlers at Saybrook Point. The first services are supposed to have been held in the "Great Hall" of the Fort. The first minister came with Col. Winthrop, in 1635, or the spring of 1636. There is no evidence of any organi- zation of the church under the first two ministers. Col. Fenwick brought his wife to Saybrook in 1639, and she joined Rev. Thomas Hooker's church in Hartford; and it was there, also, that Lady Fenwick carried their child for baptism. We have proof of the existence of an orga- nized church in 1646, in the ordination of a pastor. About this time was reared the first house of worship on Saybrook Point. A new meeting house was finished in 1681, and at a town meeting it was determined that it should "stand near about the place of the old meeting house."* The third house of worship was built on the green, a mile or more west, in 1726. It was taken down in 1840, when the present house was built on the opposite side of Main street. The fourth and present house of worship has, within a few years, been improved, and now contains an audience room of convenience and beauty. This church has given largely of itself in the formation of other churches. The greatest sacrifice it was com- pelled to make was in 1660, when the greater part of the church removed to Norwich. Sixty-five years later the parish had grown to such an extent that there was formed
* See Wm. B. Tully's account, in History of Middlesex County, to which I am indebted more than to any other source for the facts in this Sketch.
4
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
a new church in Centerbrook; and one year after, another in Westbrook; and sixteen years later the church in Chester was organized. These changes not only reduced the limits of the parish, but greatly reduced the member- ship of the original church. But, after all these losses, it still continued to advance, and even flourish. These facts explain some of the figures below, in connection with ministerial service. They also testify to God's care of his people.
The first minister-was Rev. John Higginson, son of Rev. Francis Higginson, of Salem, Mass. He came early to Saybrook Point, perhaps with Mr. Winthrop, in November, 1635. It appears from Gardner's narrative that he was certainly at the Fort in the spring of 1637. He removed from Saybrook in 1643. It was under his ministry that the church had its real beginning. That he laid good foundations may be inferred from the fact that, succeeding his father at Salem, he afterwards became eminently useful as a preacher and writer. Nor did he forget his first charge. Among his publications was a volume of sermons, dedicated to the people of Saybrook, Guilford, and Salem, to whom he had ministered.
1643-1645.
The second minister was Rev. Thomas Peters, an ejected Puritan clergyman from Cornwall, England. He left Saybrook in 1645, to assist Gov. Winthrop in found- ing New London.
1646-1660.
The third minister was Rev. James Fitch. He was born at Boking, Essex Co., England, Dec. 24, 1622. The settlement was increased by the arrival of a number of families from Hartford at the same time. He was or- dained in the presence of the Rev. Thomas Hooker of Hartford, at Saybrook, in 1646. The imposition of
5
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
hands was by two of the brethren appointed by the church. The church records previous to 1741 are lost. It is supposed, however, that the first house of worship was put up at this time. In 1648 there were forty-three proprietors in town. Mr. Fitch labored with a devoted people for fourteen years, and then removed to Norwich. He left with reluctance, and only from a sense of duty, after much prayer, to follow the majority of his church. While at Saybrook, he trained several young men for the ministry.
1660-1665.
The fourth minister was Rev. Jeremiah Peck. He came soon after Mr. Fitch left. Very little is known of him. The town records show that he bought eight acres of land in the town plat, and built a house thereon, and certain privileges were granted on condition of his re- maining five years. This was a period of weakness and discouragement to the church; and just how long a period Mr. Peck labored before his resignation is not clear. But it was before, or near, the beginning of 1665 that he resigned.
1665-1709.
Rev. Thomas Buckingham was the fifth minister. He commenced preaching in Saybrook, in his nineteenth year, early in 1665. He preached five years before his ordination, which occurred in 1670. He died after a ministry of forty-four years, April 1, 1709, in the 63d year of his age. Several important events occurred dur- ing his ministry. The second house of worship was put up, as above stated. The college, afterwards called Yale College, held its first commencement in Saybrook, Sept. 13, 1702. Six young men received their degrees, and all became ministers of the gospel. Rev. Mr. Buckingham was one of the founders and trustees of this institution.
6
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
For several years he acted as general superintendent, the rectors living in other towns. He was also one of the moderators of the synod convened at Saybrook in 1708, that formed the " Saybrook Platform," which afterwards became the ecclesiastical constitution of the churches of Connecticut.
1710-1732.
Rev. Azariah Mather, descending from a distinguished ancestry, was the sixth minister and third ordained pastor. He was son of Rev. Samuel Mather of Windsor, Conn. He was ordained in Saybrook in 1710. He had been a tutor in the college, and was distinguished for his knowl- edge of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. He was dis- missed in 1732. It was during his ministry that the col- lege was removed to New Haven, in 1717. The church in Centerbrook was organized in 1725, and the church in Westbrook in 1726. At the time of his dismissal the church numbered 48, of whom 15 were males. Notwith- standing the diminished number, the third meeting house was built in 1726. Its new location had become a neces- sity.
1736-1783.
Rev. William Hart was ordained Nov. 17, 1736. He was the son of Rev. John Hart of East Guilford. " He was much respected by the ministry and esteemed and beloved by a united people." He was also distinguished as a writer, engaging vigorously in the doctrinal contro- versies of those days. In 1783 there were 69 communi- cants in the church. He died July 11, 1784, in the 48th year of his ministry. In the inscription upon his monu- ment are these words: "Wise in council, mighty in the scriptures, instructive in his life and ministry."
1783-1844.
Rev. Frederick William Hotchkiss was ordained colle- giate pastor with Rev. Mr. Hart, Sept. 23, 1783. He was
7
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
born in New Haven, Oct. 30, 1762; graduated from Yale College, 1778. He commenced preaching in Saybrook in November, 1782. A colleague was settled with him in 1838. He died March 31, 1844, in the 62d year of his ministry. Copies of his fiftieth and sixtieth anniversary sermons are still treasured by aged members of this church, with pious care. He was greatly respected and loved by all, even the youngest of his flock. He car- ried on a private school, and also fitted young men for college. At the close of his labors, his church contained 330 members. Six hundred and thirty-two names were added to the church list during the fifty-five years in which he was without an associate. It is interesting to note in this connection that Father Hotchkiss was a hearty believer in revivals of religion. Five or six such seasons of revival were enjoyed during his ministry.
1838-1851.
Rev. Ethan Barrows Crane was ordained as the col- league of Mr. Hotchkiss, June 27th, 1838. He was born in Troy, N. Y., June 15, 1811; graduated from Union College in 1832, and the Theological Seminary at Auburn in 1836. After thirteen years of service he was dismissed in 1851. During his pastorate, 118 were added to the church,-82 by profession.
1851-1852.
Rev. James Beattie, a native of Scotland, served the church, as stated supply, from Oct. 1, 1851, to Nov. I, 1852. A number of persons were brought into the church on profession during his ministry. Most of his ministerial life was spent in New Orleans. He spent the last year of his life at Saybrook Point, where he died June 2d, 1885, and where he was buried in the old ceme- tery.
8
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
1853-1871.
Rev. Salmon McCall was ordained pastor Dec. 7, 1853. He was born at Lebanon, Conn., March 17, 1826, and graduated from Yale College, July, 1851. He preached the gospel to this people for eighteen years, and resigned his pastorate in 1871. During his ministry 134 members were added to the church.
1872-1876.
Rev. Francis N. Zabriskie, D. D., was installed pastor April 17, 1872. He was born in New York city, April 29, 1832; graduated at the University of the City of New York, and at the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at New Brunswick, N. J. He closed his pastorate Sept. 15, 1876. The chapel, built near the church, was opened July 9, 1875. During his ministry, 89 members were added to the church.
1876-1881.
Rev. Richard B. Thurston was called to the pastorate (though his installation did not occur), and began his ministry Dec. 31, 1876. He was born in Charlestown, Mass., June 28, 1819; graduated at Bowdoin College, September, 1841, and at the Theological Seminary, Bangor, MÄ™., August, 1846. During his ministry, which closed June 19, 1881, the church received 36 members.
1881-1884.
Rev. Wilson D. Sexton commenced preaching June 26, 1881, and was ordained and installed as pastor August 3, 188I. He was born at Poland, Ohio, May 30, 1853; graduated from Western Reserve College, Ohio, 1877, and at Union Theological Seminary, New York, 1881. Receiving an urgent call from a Presbyterian Church in
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
his native State, he resigned, Nov. 1, 1884, and preached his last sermon Dec. 7, 1884.
1885.
Rev. Bernard Paine was called to the present pastorate in April, 1885.
.
IO
DEACONS.
DEACONS.
+
Francis Bushnell,
- Chosen, 1648,
Died, 1681.
Aged 82.
William Parker, -
-
1725.
4 6
8I.
Nathaniel Chapman,
1726.
74.
Joseph Blague, -
66
1742. 48
Andrew Lord, -
Joseph Bushnell, -
Chosen, 1742.
Hezekiah Whittlesey,
1761.
1785. 1805. Resigned, 1788. Died, 1812.
73.
Travis Ayer, -
66 1788.
89.
Robert Ely, -
I80I.
Resigned, 1822.
William Chapman,
66 1803.
Died, 1808. I825.
49.
William Lord, - -
1808.
80.
Samuel Lynde, -
I8IO.
Resigned, 1822. Died, 1823.
66 75.
Rufus Clark, -
1822.
Resigned, 1833.
Elisha Sill,
1824.
1850.
William Chalker,
1826.
1848.
William R. Clark,
1834.
1875
William Redfield,
1848.
1854.
Ozias II. Kirtland,
-
1850.
Rufus C. Shepard,
×™×™ 1854.
Robert Chapman, -
1875.
-
1759. 1778. 1785.
83.
Caleb Chapman, -
1774.
80.
Samuel Kirtland,
1782.
Christopher Lord,
1782.
61.
77.
Timothy Pratt, -
1823.
II
FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Dear Friends:
You are here before God and many witnesses to confess the Lord Jesus Christ. We trust that you have well considered the nature and blessedness of this Con- fession, and that you make it with a deep sense of your own unworthiness. Yet you stand here at Christ's bid- ding, and in his strength you perform this act. If faith- ful, what you now declare will be your eternal joy in heaven. With fixed purpose of heart, put all your trust in God, and his rich grace will keep and bless you.
Confession of Faith.
I. We believe in one God, ever living and true, an infinite and perfect being, the first cause and last end of all things, who is the Father of our spirits and the framer of our bodies.
2. We believe that the Bible is the word of God, given by divine inspiration to be the only rule of faith and practice.
3. We believe that God is revealed in the scriptures as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God, and in all divine attributes equal.
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FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
4. We believe that our first parents were created up- right; that they fell from their original state by disobe- dience, and that all their posterity are not only prone to sin, but do become sinful and guilty before God.
5. We believe in the glorious mission of the Son of God from heaven to save the lost; that Jesus Christ was the Word made flesh who dwelt among us; that he was holy, and taught with Divine Authority; that he suffered in our stead, the just for the unjust; that he died to atone for our sins, and take them away; that he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where he ever liveth to make intercession for us.
6. We believe the grace of God is offered to all; and that whoever turns from his sins and heartily trusts and follows the Lord Jesus, is freely pardoned, justified, and made an heir of heaven, while he who remains in unbe- lief will die in his sins without hope.
7. We believe it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, and draw the sinner to Christ; to witness in the believer that he is a child of God; to guide him in the way of truth; to strengthen him in duty, comfort him in trial, and make him perfect in love.
8. We believe in the resurrection of the dead; a final and general judgment, in which God shall judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, when the wicked shall go away into eternal punishment and the righteous into the blessedness of eternal life.
Do you sincerely unite with us in this Confession of Faith?
Gouquant with the Trond.
You do now avow yourselves the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. You declare the Father, the Son, and the
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FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Holy Spirit to be your God, and the Holy Scriptures to be the rule of your faith and guide of your conduct; you give yourselves up to God to be wholly his, to be gov- erned by his laws, to be guided by his spirit, to be dis- posed of by his providence, and to be saved by his grace in the way of the gospel; and you promise to re- ceive in meekness and love the pure doctrines of the gospel, and, through the promised grace of God, to live henceforth as becometh the followers of Christ.
Do you thus profess and promise, and cordially con- sent to God's Covenant of Grace ?
(The ordinance of baptism will here be administered to those who have not received the rite.)
To those previously baptized:
You who were baptized in childhood do now grate- fully accept the same, having confirmed the covenant which was then made for you.
(Those who unite by letter will rise and enter into covenant with the church.)
Couchant with the Church.
And now, having confessed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, you do enter into covenant with His Church, and more especially with this Church. You promise to seek earnestly its purity, peace, and edifica- tion; to attend here upon the public worship of God and the ordinances of the gospel; to share in its labors, de- fend its faith, and uphold its discipline; to love and care for its members as your brethren, and to receive from them all needful care and admonition; and to cooperate with them in building up here, and throughout the world, the kingdom of our Lord.
Do you thus covenant and promise ?
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FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Response of the Church.
(The members of this Church will here rise.)
We, then, give you our Christian welcome. We affec- tionately welcome you to our communion.
(The right hand of fellowship may here be given.)
We offer you the watchful care, kindness and love of the Christian household. We promise on our part, to give you our sympathies and prayers, to walk with you in sorrow and in joy as Christian friends, holding your peace and welfare as our own, to seek advice and strength from you, and to give you in turn the counsel and aid which you may ask; and in all ways, as far as in us lies, to seek your growth in knowledge and grace, your sweet experience of the love of Christ, your joy in his service, and your perfect meetness for the heavenly home. May the Good Shepherd ever keep you, perfect- ing you in every good work, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
I5
RULES.
RULES.
embership.
I. Any person may become a member of this church by showing evidence of conversion, and by publicly as- senting to the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Church.
2. Applicants for admission to the church by profes- sion of faith shall be examined by the church through the Church Committee; shall be publicly propounded, at least one week previous to admission, and be accepted by vote of the church at any regular meeting.
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