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Gc 974.602 N41net 1847570
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01177 5720
2 28466, .6%
Second Series, No. 1.
1.
MANUAL
OF THE
Third Congregational Church 3d
IN NEW HAVEN,
FOR 1866.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
NEW HAVEN: PRINTED BY E. HAYES, 426 CHAPEL ST. 1866.
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1847570
istorical Sketch.
On the 6th of September, 1826, twenty-nine members of the two Congregational Churches in this city, having adopted the Confession of Faith and Covenant given on a subsequent page, were regularly organized by an Ec- clesiastical Council, into the church of Christ, under the name of the THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
On the Sabbath following, September 10th, public wor- ship was commenced in the building known as Orange Street Lecture Room, and continued to be celebrated there more than two years, when they removed, January, 1829, to their new Church edifice, erected by them on the corner of Chapel and Union streets.
The Rev. CHARLES A. BOARDMAN, was installed. pastor of the Church, March 24th, 1830. He was dismissed September 5th, 1832, having exercised his ministry two years and five months.
After an interval of about ten months, Mr. ELISHA L. CLEAVELAND was ordained and installed as pastor of the Church, July 24, 1833.
In the year 1838, the Church and Society were obliged to abandon their meeting-house and worship in a hall. They had shared largely in the pecuniary embarrassments of that period, and soon found themselves unable to sus- tain the annual tax of twenty-five hundred dollars. The
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
house was held in the form of stock, and the great ma- jority of the shares were in the hands of persons not belonging to the Society. The stockholders were enti- tled, by agreement, to their interest of six per cent. out of the first avails of the slip-rents. A most unfortunate arrangement for the Society. Still, a little temporary indulgence on the part of the stockholders, would have prevented the necessity of relinquishing the house. But those holding a majority of the shares refused any assist- ance. The reasons for this refusal need not here be given. Suffice it to say, that it was for no departure from the Confession of Faith on which the Church was founded. This was never alleged, either by the stock- holders or those who sustained them in their course. For whatever cause this Church was denied sympathy and co-operation in the hour of its extremity, it enjoys the happy conciousness of having remained true to the principles on the basis of which, in 1826, it gave and received the pledges of Christian and Ecclesiastical fel- lowship.
Finding the stockholders determined in their position, and anxious to take the house off their hands, the Church and Society were constrained to relinquish the building. This was done on the last Sabbath of August, 1838. They continued without a consecrated place of worship, for a period of three years and three months. In 1841, they erected, and on December 7th, of that year, they dedicated their Church building in Court street, which they occupied nearly fifteen years.
In the spring of 1854 this church united with the NEW HAVEN WEST CONSOCIATION, and is still a member of that body. This organic connection with the churches of the county, has been found to be both pleasant and
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PASTORS.
useful ; showing the wisdom of our fathers in thus provi- ding,-a century and a half ago,-for the regular and permanent communion of the churches.
It becoming evident from the growth and increasing prosperity of the congregation, that they needed a larger house, the Society in 1855-6, built the edifice which they now occupy. It was dedicated Aug. 13, 1856. The entire cost of the structure, including $16,000 for the site, was about $53,000. It has proved in every respect, a most successful movement :- greatly enlarging the church men- bership, nearly doubling the congregation, and placing the Society on a firm and convenient financial basis.
During the year 1864 the mortgage debt on this house of worship, amounting to $16,500 was paid off by volun- tary subscriptions ; so that the house is now free fromn all incumbrance.
PASTORS.
REV. CHARLES ADOLPHUS BOARDMAN was installed March 24th, 1830; resigned his pastorate Sept. 5th, 1832; preached two years in Westport in this State; labored several years in the West as agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and then became pastor of the Pres- byterian church in Youngstown, Ohio. After a ministry here of sixteen years, he resigned his pastoral charge, and removed to Monroe, Wisconsin, where, in the family of his daughter, he died on the 24th of July, 1860, aged seventy-one years.
REV. ELISHA LORD CLEAVELAND, D.D., was ordained July 24th, 1833.
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LIST OF OFFICERS.
DEACONS.
Chosen.
Died.
TIMOTHY DWIGHT,
1828
(resigned 1836)
1844
JAMES E. P. DEAN,
1829 (resigned 1837)
SAMUEL P. DAVIS,
1831
1849
ISAAC MIX,
1836
(resigned 1838)
CYPRIAN WILLCOX,
1837
DAVID BREED,
1838
(resigned 1845)
1859
TIMOTHY LESTER,
1845
1858
JOHN MERRIMAN,
1845
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GEORGE KING,
1854
BENJAMIN SMITH,
1857
1865
SAMUEL G. THORN,
1857
LYMAN OSBORN,
1865
HIRAM STEVENS,
1865
EDWIN B. BOWDITCH,
1865
STANDING COMMITTEE.
Chosen.
Died.
SAMUEL P. DAVIS,
1838
1849
CYPRIAN WILLCOX,
1838
DAVID BREED,
1839
(resigned 1845)
1859
TIMOTHY LESTER, 1845
1858
JOHN MERRIMAN,
1845
1854
DANIEL S. GLADDING,
1845
1847
ABIJAH BRADLEY,
1845
(resigned 1848)
WILLIAM FRANKLIN,
1849
(resigned 1859)
OBED TYLER FRISBIE,
1854
(resigned 1862)
GEORGE KING,
1854
JOHN WOODRUFF,
1855
SAMUEL G. THORN,
1857
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CONFESSION OF FAITH.
Chosen.
Died.
DOUGLASS R. SATTERLEE, 1858
(resigned 1863)
WILLIAM I. BENTON, 1859
(resigned 1861)
JOHN D. WHEELER,
1862
(resigned 1862)
CHARLES BOSTWICK, 1862
(resigned 1864)
WALTER OSBORN, 1862
EDWIN B. BOWDITCH, 1863
SAMUEL MILLER,
1864
LYMAN OSBORN,
1865
HIRAM STEVENS,
1865
Confession of faith.
ARTICLE I. We believe in the one, only living and true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; who is a spirit infinite, eternal and unchangeable, in his being, power, knowledge, presence, wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness and truth; that it is the duty of all his intelli- gent creatures to serve and to worship him in spirit and in truth; that he created all things; that he preserves and governs all his creatures, and overrules all their actions for his own glory: and that in whatsoever comes to pass, he is accomplishing his eternal purposes, according to the counsel of his own will, in such a way, that man is a free agent, and accountable for all his actions.
ART. II. We believe that God created man upright : that our first parents freely sinned and fell, and that all mankind in a state of nature, and before regeneration by the Spirit of God, are dead in trespasses and sins, without holiness and true love to God, and are justly exposed to all the miseries of this life, and to the pains of hell forever.
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CONFESSION OF FAITHI.
ART. III. We believe that God in his mercy has not left all mankind to perish forever, but out of his mere good pleasure, has, from all eternity, chosen some to ever- lasting life ; and that he has covenanted to deliver them from sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of sal- vation by a Redeemer ; that he has "so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be- lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life ;" and that " whosoever will," may "take the water of life freely."
ART. IV. We believe that the only Redeemer of men is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is very God, and very man ; that taking upon him our nature, he freely suffered and died on the cross, making atonement for sin ; that he arose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where he ever liveth to make intercession for his people ; that "there is none other name, under heaven, given among men, where- by we must be saved; and that all who are saved, are jus- tified through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
ART. V. We believe that without a change of heart wrought in the unregenerate, by the special divine agency of the Holy Spirit, who is very God, no one can be an heir of eternal life; and that the soul which is once made partaker of renewing and saving grace, will never be per- mitted so to fall away as finally to perish.
ART. VI. We believe that adoption, repentance, jus- tification, sanctification and perseverance, are not be- stowed as the reward of any merit in him who receives them, but all flow from the free and unmerited grace of God.
ART. VII. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the righteous and the wicked, and a gen- eral judgment, at which, all the righteous will be admitted
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COVENANT.
to everlasting happiness, and all the wicked sentenced to misery without end.
ART. VIII. We believe that the Lord's Supper and Baptism are sacraments of the New Testament.
ART. IX. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are given by the inspiration of God, and are the sufficient and only rule of faith and practice.
Cobenant.
You do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, solemnly, and as you hope, with sincerity, dedicate your- self to God in Christ, humbly confessing and repenting of your sins.
You publicly acknowledge and choose the only living and true God to be your God, the Lord Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, your Sanctifier.
You covenant and promise, that by the strength of di- vine grace, you will make it your endeavor to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, right- eously and godly, in this present world; hoping that you have a love of benevolence toward all mankind, and in- tending to do good as you have opportunity, especially to those of the household of faith.
You also covenant with this Church that so long as you continue a member of the same, you will walk with it in Christian fellowship and affection, and in a due at- tendance upon all the institutions of Christ.
Thus, in the presence of God, you solemnly covenant and promise.
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BAPTISMAL COVENANT.
We then, in consequence of these professions and prom- ises on your part, do affectionately receive you as mem- bers of this Church,-and in the name of Christ, declare you entitled to all its visible privileges. We welcome you to this fellowship with us in the blessings of the gos- pel,-and on our part engage, according to the opportu- nity and ability given unto us, to treat you with Christian affection, watch over you with tenderness, and seek your edification in Christ, as long as you shall continue among us. And may God enable us to be mutually faithful to this solemn covenant, through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom be glory forever .- AMEN.
Baptismal Cobenant,
RECOMMENDED FOR THE ASSENT OF PARENTS AT THIE BAPTISM OF THEIR CHILDREN.
Believing that God has established his covenant, not only with his people, but with their seed, and desirous to bring your children with yourselves, within the gracious provisions of that covenant, and have applied to them its appointed seal of baptism, and looking upon them as standing in need of the atoning and regenerating grace of God; You do now, in the presence of this assembly, solemnly dedicate this child (or these children) to God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to be his forever ; and, in reliance upon his grace, you engage to train it in his fear and love; to instruct it faithfully in his word; to set before it a holy example; and by all means in your power, to seek its renewal and sanctification; that it may be prepared to take its place as a member in full in
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STANDING RULES.
Christ's visible church on earth, and ultimately, in bis glorified church in heaven.
To these engagements you solemnly assent.
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Standing Bules.
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MEMBERSHIP.
I. Persons are admitted to membership either on pro- fession of faith, or on certificate from other Churches. In the former case they are approved by the Standing Com- mittee, as giving, upon examination, credible evidence of Christian character ; and having stood propounded to the Church and congregation, a fortnight, they are received as members by a vote of the brethren ; after which, they give their public assent to the Confession of Faith, and the Church Covenant.
II. Persons bringing certificates from other Churches, and satisfying the Standing Committee of their soundness in the faith and Christian experience, may be received by a vote of the brotherhood, provided the question on their reception be not taken until a month after their testimo- nials have been read before the Church.
ABSENT MEMBERS.
III. Members removing to other places, are to ask a dismission and recommendation to some Christian church in the place of their residence, within one year after the time of their removal. Those who neglect to do this, may be called to account for the same by the church. And if, after such admonition, they persevere in that neg- lect six months longer, without rendering satisfactory
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STANDING RULES.
reasons, then this church may, at its discretion, declare that such members have broken their covenant with the church, and that the obligations of the church to watch over them have ceased.
Members however, who leave this church for the pur- pose of worshiping elsewhere in New Haven, are to ask letters of dismission and recommendation at the time of their leaving. And if they fail to do this within three months, they may be called to account ; and if the neg- lect be persisted in three months longer, then the church may proceed as above prescribed.
COMMUNION OF MEMBERS OF OTHER CHURCHES.
IV. While members of other Christian churches who are occasionally present in our assemblies for worship, are to be cordially invited to commune with us in divine ordinances, yet when members of other churches, resi- ding in New Haven, or its immediate vicinity, join with us statedly in public worship, they are expected to enter into covenant with this church, regularly as members. And if for special reasons, any such person shall desire to commune with this church longer than one year, with- out becoming a member of the same, application for that privilege is to be made to the church through the pastor.
DISCIPLINE.
V. This church recognizing the great importance of Christian discipline to its purity and well-being, hold that in all cases of private offenses, the rule as given in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, is to be strictly observed.
VI. In cases of public offenses, the church as a body, may proceed to call the offender to an account, by com- mittee or otherwise, as shall be deemed expedient.
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STANDING RULES.
PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
VII. The general principles of ecclesiastical discipline, and methods of parliamentary proceedings, laid down in the Constitution and Rules of Order of NEW HAVEN WEST CONSOCIATION, so far as they apply to church ac- tion, are recognized as a part of the rules of this church.
CHANGE OF RELATION BY LETTER.
VIII. Members having received letters of dismission and recommendation, still retain their full membership with us, until actually admitted to some other church.
POWER OF GOVERNMENT.
IX. In the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided in Rule XXI, all questions shall be decided by the votes of a majority of the brotherhood.
SUBJECTS OF BAPTISM.
X. Baptism is to be administered to unbaptized adults, on the profession of their faith in Christ; and to the in- fant children of parents who are in covenant with God and his church.
STANDING COMMITTEE.
XI. The Standing Committee consists of the Pastor and Deacons, and not less than three, nor more than five other members of the church, chosen by ballot at the an- nual meeting. The powers and duties of this committee are as follows :
1. They are to examine candidates for admission to the church ; and propound such as they approve to the brotherhood. This may be done by a sub-committee.
2. They are to investigate all cases of public scandal in this church, which may be brought to their knowledge.
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STANDING RULES.
And in cases of private offense, when the steps prescribed in Matthew xviii, have first been taken, complaint may be made to this committee, instead of the church. Provided, however, that all parties shall have liberty to bring their cause directly before the church, if they prefer that course.
3. The committee are to investigate the facts pertain- ing to every case which comes before them, and report the same to the church, with their opinion as to the proper course to be taken.
4. This committee is empowered to summon before them all members of this church accused of any offense, to examine them, and give them such Christian counsel as in their judgment the case requires.
5. This committee shall meet at the call of the Pastor or senior member.
6. At its first regular meeting in the year, this commit- tee shall appoint from their own number, the following sub-committees, viz : one to collect the names of all our church members, with their places of residence ; the names of such members as are permanently absent from New Haven, including all who shall have been, at that time, absent from town more than six months, or attending other churches in town, more three months; the names of such members of other churches, as shall have been at that time, for six months or longer, stated communicants in this church ; the names of such as shall have ceased to be members during the year, whether by death, dismis- sion or excommunication ; and the names of such as shall have been added by profession or letter. These several lists of names are to be reported to the church at its next annual meeting.
Another sub-committee, to report at the next annual
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STANDING RULES.
meeting on the state of religion in the church, on what it has done or attempted in the cause of Christ, and on the general course of events pertaining to its history during the year ; another sub-committee to prepare and publish a Church Manual at the beginning of the year.
To prevent misapprehension, this church deems it proper to declare, that the great object of this committee is sim- ply to prepare matters of business for the hearing and ac- tion of the brotherhood :- and that it leaves in full force the obligations of individual church members to watch over and admonish one another.
TREASURERS.
XII. At the Annual Meeting the church shall appoint by ballot, from among the deacons, a Treasurer, who shall have the care of all moneys raised for the use of the church. He shall pay all demands upon the treasury au- thorized by the church, and shall advance to the deacons such sums as they may require for the expenses of the communion table, and for the relief of poor members ; and shall report to the church annually all his receipts and disbursements.
At the same meeting the church shall elect by ballot a Treasurer who shall take charge of all moneys contrib- uted by the congregation for home and foreign missions, and other benevolent objects, and promptly remit the same to the proper quarter. In regard to home and for- eign missions, he shall record in a book the names of all who give written pledges to those objects, and credit each person with the amount paid from month to month. Moneys for foreign missions, he is to forward at once to the Treasurer of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Moneys for Home Missions are to
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STANDING RULES.
be remitted according to the direction of the Standing Committee, except as otherwise specified by the donors. The Treasurer of the benevolent funds shall make report at the annual meeting of all his receipts and remittances.
CLERK OF THE CHURCH.
XIII. A clerk shall be chosen by ballot, whose duty it shall be to keep a fair and accurate record of all the doings of the church.
SABBATH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
XIV. The Sabbath School Committee, consisting of three, chosen every five years, is charged with the duty of cooperating with the superintendents and teachers, by advice and assistance in all matters pertaining to the library, the course of study, and the general interests of the Sabbath Schools connected with this church. The nomination of superintendents by the teachers must be submitted to the approval of this committee.
LIBRARY.
XV. The church library is to be held as the sole prop- erty of the church, for the use of the whole congregation. It is to be strictly religious in its character. No person (the pastor excepted) is allowed to draw more than one volume at a time.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
XVI. The library committee consists of three, includ- ing the pastor, and chosen at the pleasure of the church. It is empowered to make all purchases, to determine what books shall be received, and to appoint the librarian.
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STANDING RULES.
MODERATOR.
XVII. At all business meetings of the church, when the pastor is absent, the oldest deacon present shall pre- side. If no deacon be present, then a moderator shall be chosen in the usual manner.
ANNUAL MEETING.
XVIII. The annual meeting of the church for the re- view of the preceding year, shall be held as near the first day of the year as practicable.
STATED MEETINGS.
XIX. The church holds a stated meeting for the trans- action of business, at the Lecture Preparatory to the Lord's Supper.
SPECIAL MEETINGS.
XX. Special meetings are to be called by notice from the pulpit on the Lord's Day. And it shall be the duty of the pastor, or,-in his absence, or refusal to act,-of one of the deacons, to call a meeting of the church at the written request of ten members of the brotherhood in regular standing.
ALTERATIONS AND AMENDMENTS.
XXI. No alteration or amendment shall be made in the Confession of Faith and Covenant of this Church, unless the same shall have been proposed in writing a month previous, and is agreed to by two-thirds of the members present in a meeting of the Church especially warned for that purpose. The standing rules may be altered by a majority of votes, after a month's written notice.
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LIBRARIES .- HOURS OF WORSHIP.
Libraries.
1. The Church Library is composed of religious books designed for the gratuitous use of all persons statedly attending public worship with this church. It contains at present about 300 volumes. It is kept in the Commit- tee room, and is opened for the delivery and return of books at the close of public worship every Sabbath afternoon.
The Library Committee are the Pastor and Deacon George King, to whom donations of books and money for the library may be made. The Librarian is Edward Hume.
2. The Pastor's Library is designed for the exclusive use of the Pastor of this church, and now contains about 350 volumes.
3. The Sabbath School Libraries are reserved for the special use of teachers and scholars in the respective schools. All these libraries are to be constantly replen- ished by the purchase of new and valuable books every year.
ours of Dublic adlorship.
The hours of public worship on the Sabbath, agreed upon by the various Societies in the city of New Haven, are as follows :
MORNING SERVICE. - At a quarter past ten o'clock throughout the year.
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LORD'S SUPPER, LECTURES, &C.
AFTERNOON SERVICE. - From the first Sabbath in March to the first in November, inclusive, at three o'clock. Through the remainder of the year at half past two o'clock.
EVENING SERVICE .- In the four months of shortest days (viz : November, December, January, February,) at a quarter past seven o'clock. In the four months of longest days (viz : May, June, July, August,) at half past seven o'clock. Through the remainder of the year at seven o'clock.
The hours above mentioned are, in all cases, the hours for ringing the bells.
Ford's Supper, Wectures, and Prager Meetings.
The Lord's Supper is celebrated on the first Sabbath of every month, occupying the hour of morning service.
A lecture, preparatory, is preached in the Chapel on the Friday evening next preceding.
A lecture is maintained in the Chapel on Tuesday evening.
A prayer meeting is held in the same place on every Friday evening of the month except when superseded by the preparatory lecture.
The Monthly Concert of prayer for the Evangelization of the world, is held on the first Sabbath evening in each month.
The Sabbath School Monthly Concerts usually occur on the second and third Sabbath evenings of the month.
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SABBATH SCHOOLS.
Sabbath Schools.
1. The Sabbath School of the Church and Congrega tion is held in the Sabbath Room on the morning of the Lord's Day, commencing at a quarter before nine o'clock.
The monthly concert, held on the second Sabbath evening in each month, is awakening new interest in the study of Scripture.
The amount contributed to benevolent objects during the past year is eighty dollars.
Four members of the school have, during the year, made a profession of religion. The officers of the school for 1866, are Deacon S. G. THORN, Superintendent; Mr. J. B. HUBBARD and Miss MARY BRADLEY, Assistant Su- perintendents; SHERMAN FOOTE, Librarian.
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