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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
n 3 1833 01104 3418
7480
MANUAL
OF THE
NORTH CHURCH IN NEW HAVEN.
MAY, 1742-MAY, 1867. 1742-1862
NEW HAVEN : PRINTED BY E. HAYES, 426 CHAPEL ST. 1867.
1851521
D 28466 .6022
NEW HAVEN. CHURCH IN THE UNITED SOCIETY. Manual of the North church in New Haven. May, 1742-May, 1867. New Haven, Hayes, 1807. 148p.
CHILP CARD
B 14007
--
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/manualofnorthchu00nort
D28/16.6022
CONTENTS.
Page.
Historical Sketch,
iii
Constitution, ix
Rules,
x
Articles of Faith,
1
Form of Admission,
4
1
Pastors and Deacons,
5
Services,
7
Benevolent Society, 8
Contributions,
8
Statistics,
10
CHRONOLOGICAL CATALOGUE,
13
Alphabetical Index to do.,
103
ALPHABETICAL CATALOGUE OF PRESENT MEMBERS,
134
Corrections,
148
5
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
Ir is just a century and a quarter* since forty-three members of the First Church in New Haven, after a day of fasting and prayer, were set apart as the " White Haven Church." The foundations, we read, were laid in " love of evangelical doctrine, of ecclesiastical liberty, of revivals of religion."
The first few months, Rev. John Wheelock, afterward the founder and President of Dartmouth College, sup- plied the pulpit; but, yielding to the importunity of his people, he returned to his own parish in Lebanon, and gave the work into the hands of Rev. Mr. Graham and Rev. Joseph Bellamy.
Five or six years of trial followed. The church was not allowed by law to settle a pastor, or even to listen to ministers of their own choice. The "Act of Toleration," which gave the right of separate worship, compelled them to assist in the support of the First Parish. The civil authorities, the President and Corporation of the Col- lege, and nearly all the ministers of Connecticut, deter-
* The organization of the Church was on May 7, 1742 (old style). Consequently the one hundred and twenty-five years are completed May 18, 1867.
iv
mined that the "New Light church" and its revivals should be "put out." Rev. Samuel Finley, afterward President of Princeton College, was arrested for preach- ing here, "within the limits of the First Parish," and was transported from the Colony as a vagrant. The students were forbidden to attend its worship, and David Brainerd, for disobedience of this law, was expelled from College. The Act of Toleration itself was soon repealed, "in order to suppress enthusiasm." And when, in 1744, the house of Mr. Timothy Jones-still standing on the Northwest corner of State and Court streets-becoming too small, they were refused a place on the public square, they built an edifice on the corner of Elm and Church streets, like the workmen of Nehemiah, having tool in one hand and weapon in the other to keep the timbers from being de- stroyed. During the raising a remonstrance was read against this "public nuisance," and no opposition was spared. But "the more they were afflicted, the more they grew." At length they entered into their house tri- umphantly. This was the building, which twenty years later was enlarged, its front changed from Elm to Church street, a steeple added, and became known, from its color, as the "Blue Meeting House."
In 1748, the revivals having outlived the opposition on the one side and the extravagance attending them on the other, a " solemn deed " was signed by sixty men and one woman, promising Rev. John Curtiss an honorable support of £350 old tenor, a dwelling house, forty loads of wood and the avails of occasional contributions."
V
Rev. Mr. Curtiss remained two years. His successor, Rev. Samuel Bird, came from Dunstable, Mass., and was installed October 15, 1751, on a salary of £90 lawful mo- ney, and twenty cords of wood, half walnut and half oak.
Mr. Bird was twenty-seven years of age at the time of his settlement, " very evangelical," impressive, popular and successful. During the sixteen years of his ministry the church became the largest in the town, containing 302 members. It then threw off the tax which had been rigorously exacted by the First Parish, and even com- pelled a division of their property. But Mr. Bird's health failing, he resigned, and afterward became a chap- lain in the Revolutionary army.
On the 5th day of January, 1769, Rev. Jonathan Ed- wards, son of Rev. Jonathan Edwards of Northampton, was ordained pastor of the White Haven church. His mother was the daughter of Rev. James Pierpont, pastor of the First Church, and sister of Mr. James Pierpont, one of the founders of this church.
At the installation of Mr. Edwards, sixty-eight per- sons, including all but eleven of the brethren, dissatisfied with the " half-way covenant," and the dismission of Mr. Bird, entered a protest. They soon after desired a col- league, and not succeeding in this, in June, 1771, estab- lished a new church called the "Fair Haven" Church, building upon the ground where our present edifice stands. At this time a choir is first noticed, and thirty tunes are voted to be sung in turn, five each Sabbath.
A
vi
·
The Rev. Allyn Mather was installed over the Fair Haven Society in 1773. He remained eleven years, re- ceiving seventy members, and then entered into his re- ward, deeply loved for his devoted piety, and his affec- tionate, winning manners as a pastor.
Three years after the departure of Mr. Mather, Dr. Edwards preached the ordination sermon at the settle- ment of Rev. Samuel Austin, one of his own students, over the Fair Haven Society. Thus the churches were brought into sympathy. In September, 1790, Mr. Austin accepted a call to Worcester, and, still later, became President of the University of Vermont. He was among the most able and prominent of American divines, "a vehement speaker, rising into strains of sublime and im- passioned eloquence, having a comprehensive intellect, a vivid conception, a rapid association of ideas and a great command of language."
The White Haven Society kept on its way during the twenty-five years of Dr. Edwards' pastorate, receiving ninety-six members. The only reason given for his dis- mission was inability to provide for his support. He closed his labors August 1, 1801, while President of Union College, having preached, like his father, on the first Sabbath of his last year, from the text, "This year thou shalt surely die." He left a name imperishable, in the history of theology, religion and sound learning, as a profound scholar and an indefatigable student. Al- though not fond of pastoral duties, he was full of sym-
-
vii
pathy for the afflicted, a fearless friend of the slave, and an ardent advocate of the Revolution. He united with all his wonderful power as a preacher, the utmost direct- ness and simplicity. On one occasion, when he had prom- ised to speak to the children, he would not change his plan because Gen. Washington was present, but, reading his text, " Train up a child in the way he should go," he added, " I shall address my remarks principally to the children in the galleries."
The White Haven and Fair Haven Churches, which had separated in 1769, became the "United Society in New Haven" in 1796, five months after Dr. Edwards' and six years after Mr. Austin's dismission. Worship was held in turn in either church, until the present structure was completed, in 1815.
Rev. Mr. Gemmil commenced a pastorate of three years over the United Society in 1798.
Four years after Mr. Gemmil's resignation, Mr. Samuel Merwin was installed. During his ministry of twenty- six years there were 800 members added to the church. He was dismissed with many expressions of esteem, and abundant recognition of his success and fidelity.
Rev. Leicester A. Sawyer, from Martinsburgh, N. Y., commenced a pastorate of nearly two and a half years, in June, 1835. IIe afterward became President of Central College, Ohio.
On the 26th of June, 1838, Rev. Samuel W. S. Dutton entered upon a longer pastorate than any of his prede-
viii
cessors. Before two years had passed, a delightful work of grace gathered many to bear witness that the tradi- tional character of this church, as a daughter of "The great awakening," had not departed. Like Dr. Edwards, he always suffered for those in bonds as bound with them, was ready to appreciate whatsoever things are pure, lovely and of good report, and will ever be remembered for his genial, sunny interest in all about him. While he was often recognized by the readers of the New Eng- lander by his "clear, earnest and comprehensive think- ing," his deepest interest was centered in his work as a minister, and for this he declined both a Professorship in the East, and the Presidency of one of our most thriving Northwestern Colleges. He was suddenly taken to the worship of the upper temple on the 26th of January, 1866. His last message to the Church was : "Be faithful to the end, to the end, to the end."
The present pastor, Rev. Edward L. Clark, was in- stalled January 3, 1867.
"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
NEW HAVEN, May 18, 1867.
ix
CONSTITUTION.
Articles of Agreement assented to and received by the Church of Christ, founded and established in the United Societies of White Haven and Fair Haven, in New Haven.
1. This Church is free and independent, subject to the government of JESUS CHRIST, the great Head of the Church.
2. The members of this Church, and all who shall here- after become members thereof, are, by their lives and con- versation, to appear as the friends of virtue and religion.
3. The children of professing Christians are entitled to the ordinance of baptism.
4. Adult persons not baptized in infancy, by profess- ing the faith of this Church, and entering into covenant with it, are, in consequence, entitled to all the privileges thereof.
5. No member of this Church shall be subject to dis- cipline, or censure, but for immoral conduct, for ha- habitual neglect of church ordinances, or for an open and explicit renunciation of the fundamental doctrines of re- vealed religion.
6. The Pastor of the Church shall be Moderator, and shall have a casting vote, should the votes of members at any time be equally divided.
7. No alteration or amendment in this Constitution shall take place, unless by the votes of two-thirds of the members, in church meeting especially called for the purpose.
X
RULES ADOPTED MARCH, 1367.
I. Persons who are not members of other Christian Churches, may become members of this Church, after an examination by the Pastor and Deacons, upon giving satisfactory evidence of Christian character. They are to be propounded to the Church for two weeks, and by vote of the brethren to the congregation not less than one week, before their admission : which is to be by their solemn and (except in extraordinary cases) public assent to the confession of faith and covenant of this Church.
II. Persons from other Christian Churches, having given satisfactory evidence of good standing in such churches will, after two weeks notice, be received by vote of the brethren; and upon their own public assent to the Covenant.
III. This Church holds it to be a solemn and important duty to attend watchfully to the discipline which Christ has instituted.
IV. Members of other Christian churches, who are oc- casionally present in our assemblies for worship, are to be affectionately invited to commune with us in Christian ordinances.
V. Members of this church, worshipping elsewhere, are required to take letters of dismission and recom- mendation from us within one year, unless they give suf- ficient reasons for delay. All persons shall cease to be members of this church when received by that to which they have been recommended. Letters of dismission and recommendation shall be requested two weeks before they are granted.
xi
VI. While this Church regards itself as free and in- dependent, subject only to the government of Jesus Christ, it acknowledges the obligation, and rejoices in the privilege, of fellowship with other Churches, and of seek- ing counsel from them, and of giving counsel to them, in cases of difficulty or importance.
VII. In all meetings for business, the Church shall be governed by the usual rules of order for deliberative bodies. Appointments and elections may be made by nomination, or, whenever three or more members request it, by ballot.
VIII. There shall be a Treasurer appointed by the Church from among the Deacons, who shall have the care of all money raised or given for the use of the Church, rendering an account of the same annually. He shall pay from such money all demands upon the Church authorized by them, and shall advance to the Deacons such sums as they shall require for the expenses of the Communion table, or for the relief of poor members.
IX. There shall be a Clerk appointed from among the Deacons, who shall have charge of the church records.
X. There shall be elected every third year, by ballot, three members, who shall be a Standing Committee of the Church, and shall have the powers, and perform the duties, specified in the following articles, viz .:
1. It shall be the duty of this Committee to inquire into all public offenses in this Church, which may come to their knowledge by complaint, or otherwise.
2. In all cases of private offense, when the preliminary measures, prescribed in the eighteenth chapter of the Gos- pel according to Matthew, shall have been taken, com- plaint may be made to this Committee instead of the Church.
xii
3. It shall be the duty of the Committee to ascertain the facts in each case which may come before them, and, if the case cannot be properly settled otherwise, they shall inake report to the Church, both of the facts, and of the measures proper, in their opinion, to be taken.
4. This Committee shall have power to summon before them all members of this Church, accused of any offense, to examine them, and to give them such brotherly coun- sel, as may, in their judgment, tend to reclaim them, if they are found to be offenders.
5. This Committee shall have power to call upon any of the brethren of the Church to aid them in the discharge of their duties.
6. The Committee shall meet as often as cases may require.
But this Church declare, that, in appointing this Com- mittee, they do not discharge or lessen the obligations of the individual members of this Church, to watch over, admonish, and reprove one another.
XI. On or near the second Sabbath evening in Janu- ary, there shall be an annual meeting of the Church for the review of the preceding year.
At this meeting there shall be reports by Committees previously appointed; (1) respecting additions to and re- movals from the Church; (2) respecting the contribu- tions of the Church and congregation to objects of Chris- tian benevolence; (3) respecting the religious instruction of the young, especially in the Sabbath School; (4) re- specting the progress and condition of the Mission School; (5) respecting the state of religion in the Church and congregation.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
I.
We believe in One God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; the Almighty Maker, Preserver, and Ruler of all things: infinite and unchangeable in wisdom, holi- ness, justice, goodness and truth.
II.
We believe that man was originally upright, that our first parents, being able to choose between good and evil, freely sinned and fell, and that, consequently, all their descendants, having that disposition which leads, but does not compel them, to sin, are likewise sinners and under the condemnation of God.
III.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are given by the inspiration of God, and are a perfect rule of Faith and Practice.
IV.
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on Him our nature, being born of the Virgin Mary, and be- came our Prophet, speaking, as never man spake, of the will of God concerning us : and our Priest, presenting our prayers, and, in the voluntary offering of His own life, providing a perfect atonement for all who trust in Him.
We believe that He rose from the dead the third day, and ascended on high, where He ever liveth to make inter- cession for His people, and as King receives their adora- tion and prayers, ruling over, defending, forgiving, and justifying them by IIis infinite mercy.
1
--
2
V.
We believe that the Holy Spirit takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto us, awakening our con- sciences, leading to repentance, to the confession of our sins and the forsaking of the same, sanctifying us and wit- messing with our spirits that we are the sons of God.
VI.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has established a visible church, to consist of those who give reasonable evidence of a change of heart from a love of the world to a supreme regard for the Redeemer, and that He re- quires all such to confess Him before men, as they hope He will confess their names when He cometh in the glory of the Father with the holy Angels.
VII.
We believe that the Sacraments entrusted to us are Baptism, whereby water signifies the washing away of sins through Christ, to which believers with their child- ren are entitled; and the Lord's Supper, to which those alone may come who have publicly professed faith in Christ.
VIII.
We believe that at the end of the world there will be a Resurrection of the dead and a Final Judgment of all mankind, who must then give account for all deeds, done in the body, to Christ the Judge, when the wicked shall be condemned to everlasting punishment, but the right- cous shall be received into everlasting life and glory.
3
FORM OF ADMISSION.
You have come into the house of God to-day, to make a public profession of your faith in Christ, and to enter into covenant with His people. You humbly trust, that the Saviour has forgiven your sins and enables you with a new heart to say, "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."
In the presence, then, of the Searcher of hearts, of the great cloud of witnesses, and of this congregation, you acknowledge the Only Living and True God to be your God. You here renounce everything, which would keep you from a Christian life, and give yourself entirely to the service of your Redeemer, trusting that you will be kept from falling by Him, Who hath said, "My grace is sufficient for thee."
In the belief, that you have prayerfully considered the Articles of Faith contained in the manual of this church, and are able to " answer every man, that asketh of you, a reason for the hope that is in you," I now request your assent to this outline of faith.
I BELIEVE in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, the One sufficient Saviour and Judge of all,
I believe in the Holy Spirit, Who awakens us to a new life, sanctifies us, comforts us on our way, and leads us to our Heavenly Father.
I believe that these Three, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are One God, and are the same in power and glory.
I believe that the Holy Scriptures are the word of God,
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' I believe in the Church of Christ universal, the com- munion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the final judgment, from which the wicked "shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal." Amen.
[The ordinance of Baptism will be administered.]
You will now attend to the covenant.
[Those uniting by letter from other churches will rise.]
You engage to. share with this church all its labors of love, contributing, as God shall give you opportunity, to every good word and work, submitting to its disci- pline, leading and being led, reproving and exhorting, praying and striving earnestly for its peace and purity, remembering the words of the Apostle Paul, "Fight the good fight, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession be- fore many witnesses."
Thus you profess and covenant.
[The members of the church now rise.]
Then doth this church welcome you to its hopes and privileges, and promise you that, through the help of Christ, without Whom we can do nothing, we will walk towards you in all brotherly helpfulness according to the Gospel, loving, watching over, and assisting you with our counsel, means, and prayers.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you ; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
And may Ife in His upper temple acknowledge our names, as we have remembered Him to-day, making us sing,
'Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.'
5
PASTORS.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST in the White Haven Society, was organized May 7th, 1742.
Rev. SAMUEL BIRD, the first Minister, was installed Oc- tober 15th, 1751; and was dismissed January 19th, 1768.
Rev. JONATHAN EDWARDS, D. D., his successor, was or- dained January 5th, 1769; and was dismissed May 19th, 1795.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST in the Fair Haven Society, was organized June 20th, 1771, by persons who had sece- ded from the Church in the White Haven Society.
Rev. ALLYN MATHER, the first Minister, was ordained February 3d, 1773 ; and died Nov. 12th, 1784.
Rev. SAMUEL AUSTIN, D. D., his successor, was ordain- ed November 9th, 1787 ; and was dismissed January 19th, 1790.
The Union of these Churches under the denomination of " The Church of Christ in the United Society," took place November 27th, 1796.
Rev. JOHN GEMMIL, the first settled Minister . after the Union, was installed November, 1798 ; and was dismissed November 22d, 1801.
Rev. SAMUEL MERWIN was ordained February 13th, 1805 ; and was dismissed December 29th, 1831. Died Sept. 3d, 1856.
Rev. LEICESTER A. SAWYER was installed June 2d, 1835; and was dismissed November 20th, 1837.
Rev. SAMUEL W. S. DUTTON was ordained June 26th, 1838, and died, while on a visit to Millbury, Mass., Janu- ary 26th, 1866.
Rev. EDWARD L. CLARK was installed January 3d, 1867.
I*
DEACONS.
In the White Haven Church.
Chosen.
Died.
ISAAC DICKERMAN, April, 1754
-
- 1758
JOSEPH RUGGLES, April, 1754
(removed) 1758
DANIEL LYMAN,
April, 1758 -
- 1786
DAVID AUSTIN, Jr.,
Dec. 1758 -
-
1801
SAMUEL BISHOP, Jr., Dec. 1760 -
1803
In the Fair Haven Church.
JAMES GILBERT,
April, 1773
-
- 1797
ABRAHAM AUGUR, Oct. 1773 - 1798 -
In the Church of the United Society.
DAVID AUSTIN, Nov. 1796
- 1801
SAMUEL BISHOP,
Nov. 1796 -
- 1803
JAMES GILBERT, Nov. 1796 -
- 1797
ABRAHAM AUGUR,
Nov. 1796
- 1798
LEVI IVES,
Nov. 1796 -
- 1826
ABEL BURRITT,
Feb. 1801
- 1828
NATHAN BEERS,
Feb. 1804
1849
WILLIAM AUSTIN,
Oct. 1814 -
- 1833
CHARLES BOSTWICK,
Oct. 1814 -
. 1850
WILLIAM S. JARMAN,
Nov. 1826 - 1847
EDWARD PORTER,
Nov. 1826
1828
SHERMAN BLAIR, · Dec. 1834 (resigned, 1838) 1854 AMASA PORTER, Dec. 1834 (resigned, 1842) 1856 NATHANIEL JOCELYN, Dec. 1834 - ISAAC THOMSON, Dec. 1834 - - - JOHN MERRIMAN, March, 1842 (resigned, 1846) 1854 March, 1842 - - 1853
ABIEL H. MALTBY,
BENJAMIN HIGBY,
March, 1847 (resigned, 1850)
7
Chosen.
Died.
JOHN DURRIE,
March, 1847
185 7
ATWATER TREAT, Feb. 1850
HARVEY S. HALL,
June, 1853 (resigned, 1858) - - 1863
SHERMAN W. KNEVALS, June, 1853
WORTHINGTON HOOKER, NOV. 1858
LEMUEL S. PUNDERSON, Nov. 1858
LUCIUS W. FITCH, Feb. 1867
SABBATH SERVICES.
FORENOON .- At a quarter past ten o'clock, throughout the year.
AFTERNOON .- From the first Sabbath in March, to the first in November inclusive, at three o'clock. At half past two, for the remainder of the year.
UNION, IN THE EVENING .- From November to February in- clusive, at half past six o'clock. From May to August inclusive, at half past seven. For the remainder of the year, at seven.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S PRAYER MEETING .-- In the Lecture room during the hour preceding the evening Union service.
BIBLE SCHOOL .- In the Audience room, from nine o'clock to a quarter past ten.
THE LORD'S SUPPER .- The first Sabbath in every month in connection with the forenoon service.
WEEK DAY SERVICES.
TUESDAY EVENING .- A lecture, alternating monthly with the Missionary Concert.
FRIDAY EVENING .- A prayer meeting, alternating monthly with the Preparatory Lecture. Believers will find these week day services an important aid in promoting their own sanctifi- cation and the religious life of the church.
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THE LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY,
Or Social Meeting of the Church and congregation, is held in the Lecture room once a fortnight (usually on a Thursday), from the month of October to April inclusive. It was organ- ized in December, 1853, for the purpose of a common union in labors of beneficence, and for the mutual acquaintance and fel- lowship which such an union promotes. Every one of the Church and congregation is expected and cordially invited to attend. A public notice is given, from the pulpit, of each meeting on the Sabbath next preceding it.
STATED CONTRIBUTIONS.
The principal objects of Christian benevolence presented during the year are the following.
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