USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > Manual of the church in the Davenport Congregational society New Haven, Connecticut > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN YOUNIT FUDLIV DONAN!
3 1833 01177 5712
4484
MANUAL
OF THE
CHURCH
IN THE
Dabenport Congregational Society,
NEW HAVEN.
THE NEWBERRY LIBR .. Y
NEW HAVEN: TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & TAYLOR, PRINTERS. 1863.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/manualofchurchin00newh
1851585
CONTENTS.
- -
Historical Notice, 3
Articles of Belief,
5
Admission of Members by Profession,
7
Profession of Faith,
7
Covenant, - 8
Standing Rules, -
9
Hours of Public Worship,
11
Congregational Singing,
12
Catalogue,
13
2916
HISTORICAL NOTICE.
-
THE Davenport Church has grown out of an effort to carry the gospel to the poor. Rev. EDWARD E. ATWATER, under an appointment from the City Mission, commenced in November, 1857, to preach regularly every Lord's day at the Chapel which then stood in Wallace Street.
It being found important to connect the administration of the sacraments with the preaching of the word, the First Church of Christ in New Haven, commenced on the first Sabbath in June, 1858, to celebrate the Lord's Supper once in two months at the Chapel, the minister in charge and a few other regular worshipers being members of that church.
The Chapel in Franklin Street, erected by members of the First Church and Society, for the sole use of this Mission, was dedicated to the worship of God, Feb. 11, 1859, and from that time, the congregation being free from discomforts and annoyances incident to their first place of worship, increased till it became evident that the institution was to be permanent, and to grow into an inde- pendent parish.
With this in view, and to provide for a present need of some organization for collecting and disbursing money, an Ecclesiastical Society was formed, March 13, 1860.
The Church in the Davenport Congregational Society, was instituted by a Council convened for that purpose, April 22, 1862.
4
JAMES C. BROWN and SAMUEL H. SEWARD were soon after chosen Deacons. On the 20th of May, Deac. BROWN was instantly killed by the fall of a building on which he was at work, and his associates in the Church were over- whelmed with sorrow for the loss of a man so wise, de- vout, and exemplary. The vacancy in the Diaconate thus occasioned, was filled by the election of FRANK W. PARDEE. In January, 1863, Deac. SEWARD being in the army, the Church desired to have still another Deacon, and elected to that office EDWARD GILLETTE.
Rev. EDWARD E. ATWATER was installed Pastor on the 22d day of April, 1863, the anniversary of the institution of the Church.
5
ARTICLES OF BELIEF.
-0- -
[This Church publish the following Articles as a statement of Chris- tian doctrine, which they hold and teach in their organic capacity as a Church of Christ, without requiring as a condition of membership, that a candidate shall fully receive, or even perfectly understand every part of it. Those who are weak in the faith should study it for their own personal growth in knowledge, searching the Scriptures to see if these statements accord with the Oracles of Truth.]
1. We believe that there is one only living and true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, a being of every possible perfection, infinite in power, wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.
2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are given by inspiration of God, and that they contain the only perfect rule of faith and practice.
3. We believe that God made all things for himself; and that he governs the universe according to the counsel of his own will, and that all events will be made subser- vient to his wise and benevolent designs.
4. We believe that man was created in the image of God, in a state of rectitude and holiness; that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine law ; and that in con- equence of the original apostacy the heart of man in his natural state is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil ; and that all men, previously to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins.
6
5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, has, by his sufferings and death, made atonement for sin, and that all who are saved are justified wholly by grace, through the redemption which is in Christ.
6. We believe that salvation is freely offered to all men, and that all are under obligation, immediately to embrace the gospel ; but that such is the depravity of the human heart, that no man will come to Christ, unless he is led by the Spirit of God.
7. We believe that all who embrace the gospel, were from the beginning chosen unto salvation, through sancti- fication of the Spirit and belief of the truth; and that they will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
8. We believe that there will be a resurrection of the just and of the unjust, and a day of general judgment; and that the wicked will go away into punishment, and the righteous into happiness, both of which will be with- out end.
9. We believe that in this world the Lord Jesus Christ has a visible Church, the terms of admission to which are a credible evidence of regeneration, baptism, and a public profession of faith in Christ; that the ordinances of bap- tism and the Lord's Supper are to be observed to the end of the world; that none but members of the visible Church have a right to the Lord's Supper, and that such, and such only, have a right to dedicate their infant offspring in baptism.
.
7
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS BY PROFESSION.
-0- -
Persons bringing satisfactory testimonials and recom- mendations from another Church, are received by: vote, without their public profession of faith and assent to the Covenant ; other persons become members, if no objection is offered, after they have been propounded for two weeks, by giving, in the presence of the congregation, their as- sent to the following Profession of Faith and Covenant.
PROFESSION OF FAITH.
You believe in God the Father, the Creator and Sov- reign Ruler of the universe ;
And in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for us as a propitiation for sin, and rising from the dead ascended to heaven, exalted to the right hand of the Father, as a Prince and Savior, whence he shall come to judge the world, sending the wicked away from his presence into everlasting punishment, and receiving the righteous into eternal blessedness;
And in the Holy Ghost, who by his powerful operation in the renewal of our hearts makes the redemption by Christ effectual to salvation.
Thus you believe ?
And in this faith you have been, or wish to be, baptized ?
8
COVENANT.
You do now enter into covenant with God, confiding in and thankfully accepting his offer to be your God, your Father, Redeemer and Sanctifier.
You promise that with the help which he covenants to give to his people, you will endeavor to lead a life of sobriety, righteousness and godliness, bringing into sub- jection your natural appetites and desires, cultivating a . spirit of justice and kindness toward your fellow-men, seek- ing to have daily communion with God in secret, honoring him with filial confidence and obedience, giving up your- self and all that you have to him and his service.
You promise that you will diligently attend on the wor- ship and sacraments of the Church of Christ, that you will faithfully employ and meekly receive its discipline, and that so long as you continue a member of this particular Church, you will endeavor to promote its purity, peace and usefulness.
Thus you promise ?
Then do we, the members of this Church, likewise promise that with the help of the great Head of the Church, we will walk with you in love and helpfulness, endeav- oring to aid you in the Christian life by our prayers and fraternal watchfulness, expecting the same offices in return.
May God enable us to be mutually faithful in this cove- nant through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom be glory forever .- AMEN.
9
STANDING RULES.
- 0-
I. Persons desiring to become members of this Church on profession of faith shall be examined by a committee appointed for such purpose in regard to their views of truth, and their religous experience; and being approved shall stand propounded to the congregation for two weeks. Then, if no objection has been offered, they may be admit- ted to membership by their publie profession of faith, and assent to the covenant.
II. A person bringing a dismissal and recommendation from another Christian Church may be admitted to mem- bership in this Church by a vote of the brethren, without a public assent to the covenant. Testimonials, in such cases, are to be read to the Church at least four weeks before the question is taken; and a certificate of such admission is to be forwarded to the Church from which the recommendation proceeds.
III. Any member of this Church removing to another place, is expected to ask a dismission to some Christian Church at the place of his residence within one year after his removal, and neglecting to do so, may be called to ac- count in such manner as the Church may deen expedient. And if any person, having been thus admonished, shall per- severe in that neglect for another period of six months with- out giving satisfactory reasons, then this Church may, at its discretion, declare that such member has broken his covenant, and that the obligation of the Church to watch over that member, has ceased.
IV. Certificates of recommendation and dismissal from this Church, are valid for the term of one year from date;
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY { HIL ACO
10
and members receiving them are requested to return to this Church a certificate of their reception by the Church to whom they are recommended.
V. Members of other Churches, joining with us statedly in public worship, are expected to become members of this Church ; and if any such person shall desire, for special reasons, to continue to commune with this Church, for a longer period than one year without becoming a member, it is required that he shall present his request for such privilege, through the Pastor, or one of the Deacons.
VI. This Church holds it to be a most important duty, to attend watchfully to the discipline which Christ has instituted in his Church. As a means to such an end, there shall be a Standing Committee chosen by ballot, who shall have the powers, and perform the duties, specified in the following articles :-
1. It shall be the duty of this committee, to inquire after all public offenses in this Church, which may come to their knowledge by complaint or otherwise.
2. In cases of private offense, when the preliminary measures prescribed in the eighteenth chapter of Mat- thew's Gospel have been taken, complaint may be made to this committee instead of the Church.
3. It shall be the dnty of the committee, to ascertain the facts in each case which may come before them, and to make report to the Church both of the facts, and of the measures proper in their opinion to be taken in the case.
VII. No alteration shall be made in these Rules, or in the Articles of Belief, or in the Forms of Profession and Covenant, by which members are received, except by a vote of two thirds of the brethren present at a meeting called for that purpose, such alterations having been pro- posed in writing at a previous meeting.
11
HOURS OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
By agreement among the Churches in the City, the hours of public worship on the Lord's day, are arranged as follows :-
MORNING SERVICE .- At a quarter past ten, throughout the year.
AFTERNOON SERVICE .- From the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, inclusive, three o'clock. Through the remainder of the year, half past two o'clock.
EVENING SERVICE .- In the four months of shortest days, (viz: November, December, January and February,) half past six o'clock In the four months of longest days, (viz : May, June, July and August,) half past seven o'clock. Through the remainder of the year, (viz: March, April, September and October,) seven o'clock.
The hours designated above, are for the ringing of the bells, service commencing fifteen minutes later. Notices from the pulpit of this Church, are to be understood as appointing the time of commencing service.
12
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING.
-
The whole congregation is requested to unite in the ser- vice of song, as well as in the service of prayer. Those who are infirm, will be excused if they retain their seats while the people praise the Lord, with Psalın or Hymn ; but all who have sufficient physical strength, should con- form to tho established custom, of standing up to sing. Indolence is a hindrance to devotion in ourselves, and a clog upon the worship of others.
13
CATALOGUE OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
-0- -
In this Catalogue, a name printed in italic, following the Christian name of a female, was her maiden name. A name in a parenthesis ( ) following the name of a female, is the Christian name of her husband. The letter w, pre- ceding the husband's name, is to be read widow. The letter e signities that the person was received by certifi- cate from another Church.
PASTOR.
Rev. EDWARD E. ATWATER, installed April 22, 1863.
-
DEACONS.
Chosen.
Died.
JAMES C. BROWN,
1862
1862
SAMUEL H. SEWARD,
1862
FRANK W. PARDEE,
1862
EDWARD GILLETTE,
1863
-
STANDING COMMITTEE.
Chosen.
Died.
EDWARD E. ATWATER,
1862
JAMES C. BROWN, 1862
1802
14
Chosen,
FRANK W. PARDEE,
1862
SAMUEL H. SEWARD,
1862
THADDEUS BEECHER, 1862
ISAAC MORRIS,
1862
MEMBERS.
The following persons, forty-six in number, constituted the Church at its organization, April 22, 1802.
c Edward E. Atwater.
c Rebecca H. Dana, (Edward E.) Atwater,
c George HI. Bartlett,
c Julia A. Parmelee, (George H.) Bartlett,
c William A. Blackney,
c Mary Ann Bonney, (William A.) Blackney,
c Thaddeus Beecher,
c Maria Brooks, (Thaddeus) Beecher,
c Josephine Lavell, (Hiram) Bristol,
c James C. Brown, *
c Abbie A. Chamberlain, (w. James C.) Brown,
c Janet Donelson, (Hugh) Brown,
c Elizabeth R. Norton, (James) Burns,
c Chauncey Clark,
c Esther Tryon, (Chauncey) Clark, Elhanan Dewey,
c Samuel C. Farren,
c Elizabeth A. Clark, (Samuel C.) Farren,
c Elizabeth R. Andrews, (George S.) Hamilton,
c Charlotte L. Wilson, (Charles F.) Hartwig,
* Died, May 20, 1862.
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15
c Sarah W. Hitchcock,
c Susan A. Smith, (George) Hotchkiss,
c Mary Ann Brown, (Henry) Lewis, Richard J. Mayne,
c Philip B. Miller,
c Isaac Morris,
c Mary Southerton, (Isaac) Morris,
c Jane Markland, (Eli) Morris,
c Ammi Norton,
c Jano M. Gridley, (Ammi) Norton,
c Celia B. Norton,
c Frank W. Pardee,
c Orilla A. Hemminway, (Frank W.) Pardee, Elizabeth Ann Benjamin, (Wm. E.) Parker,
c Hannah E. Kelsey. (Henry) Parker, Kitty Nutt, (Samuel) Pilling,
c Jessie Deuchers, (John) Richardson,
c Samuel II. Seward,
c Martha W. Smith (Samuel HI.) Seward,
c Lois Cooper, (w. Augustus) Smith, c Caroline S. Smith,
c Abbie Johnson, (William) Taylor,
c Sophia Wortendyke, (Nicholas A.) Terhune,
c Elizabeth Terhune,
c Delia Cowls, (w. Ezra) Ward,
c Ellen Higgins, (Robert) Woolworth.
To the above have been added :
1862.
Ang. 3. Mary A. Farren, (Elhanan) Dowey,
Sept. 7. c Eli H. Scofield, c Jane Hitchcock, (Eli II.) Scofield,
16
Nov. 2. c Thomas Hamilton, c Mary Jane May, (Thomas) Hamilton, c Jennie Hamilton,
Dec. 7. c Julia Ann Bassett,
c Edward Gillette, c Lucy A. Sweetland.
1863.
May 3. Hugh Brown, Madelene Andel, (w. William F.) Lewis.
Whole number, -
-
57.
Present number,
-
56.
[William Brust and Wilhelmina Kittler, (William) Brust, stand propounded, when this Catalogue goes to press, for reception on the first Sabbath in June.]
D 284/40,609
MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER. INDIANA
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