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M. L.
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOCY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01151 3477
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/methodistepiscop00clar_1
THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
OF
NORWICH, CONN.
REV. EDGAR F. CLARK, A. M.
BY
NORWICH: 1867.
D
28467
.17
. Clark, Edgar Frederick, 1835-1914. The Methodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Conn. By Rev. Edgar F. Clark, A. M. Norwich, 1867. zil, 270 p. 3 port. (incl. front.) 10je.
1. Norwich, Conn .- Churches, Methodist Episcopal.
24-10000
Library of Congress
BX$240.NOC5
150
4 ...
1851490
:
Photo, by N. D. MORGAN, Norwich, Conn.
Per. J. N.Bulilty
Photo. by N. D. MORGAN, Norwich, Conn.
Mrs. D. N. Bentley
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PREFACE
III
INTRODUCTION
1
METHODISM ORGANIZED
13
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH
22
HISTORY OF M. E. CHURCH ON WHARF-BRIDGE
53
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH
61
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET CHURCH
·
89
HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH
144
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH
152
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX A
203
215
APPENDIX B
.
233
APPENDIX C
248
PREFACE.
THIS Work is not committed to the press with the expectation of reaping a literary or pecuniary harvest. Written under the pressure of ministerial duties, it is designed to save from oblivion the early history of Methodism in this city, and transcribe from the few remaining pillars of the churches, the inscriptions which otherwise will soon be irrecoverable. We de- sire hereby to return our hearty acknowledgments to all who have assisted, by pen or information, in the success of the undertaking, and especially to Rev. and Mrs. David N. Bentley, by whose munificence and aid the publication of the work has been indemnified. Children of a generation long since past, may their exodus to God be as glorious as their lives have been devoted. To the Methodists of Norwich, on earth and in heaven, is the Work affectionately dedicated by the
AUTHOR.
LIST OF THE DONORS OF 1 MAIN STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH FOR CENTENARY OBJECTS. 1889.
William Callyhan, Levi Perry,
Sarah E. Wilcox,
Mary R. Cook,
Elihu M. Frazier,
Ann M. Chapman,
James G. Dolbeare,
Phebe A. Pendleton,
Abby Dolbeare,
Sarah E. Hyde,
Henry Shepard, Julia Hyde, Almira Shepard,
Martha Roath,
Ruth A. Gore,
David C. Fuller,
Mary Whiting,
Sarah A. Fuller,
Caroline B. Rix, James M. Stewart,
George D. Fuller,
Rachel Van Cott,
Albert Weldon,
Andrew J. Bently,
Chauncy C. Franklin, Joseph Chapman, George E. Harkness,
Ebenezer Fuller, David G. Bentley, Arabel W. Bentley, Henry Hanson, Rebecca P. Arnold, Harriet E. Capron, Reuben Harris, N. P. Potter, William W. Holdrich, L. W. Rogers,
John A. Robinson, Thomas Brown, Vashti Clark, Charlotte Day, Sarah A. Roath, Mary Dorchester, Abby A. Culver, Lucy A. Howard, Ellen K. Richards,
George H. Pool, Sarah J. Chapman, Caroline Bently, Sally Hopkins, J. B. Trueman, Nahum Fay, Sarah Harris, P. Van Cott, Betsey Osborn, Patience Babcock, Aaron C. Southwick,
Eldridge G. Allen, H. Allen, Thomas Kinney, Jr.,
viii
Isabella Hubbard, Mary Wilbur, Rebecca Champlin, Abby Marsh, Hannah Cranston, Louisa Holdrich, . Mary Cranston, Ann Watrous, Downer Ladd, Esther E. Ladd, Caroline Tryon, Electa Lummis, Hannah Johnson, Susan M. Allen, Edna Geer, -
Sarah Dennison, Asenath Babcock, Sally M. Swinerton, Henrietta Van Cott, Jane Watrous, Daniel Dorchester, Joseph Carter, James Buddington, Charles Buddington, Emily J. Witter, Abby Gore, Charlotte Carter, Emily Godfrey, Elizabeth D. Perry, Alonzo Fay, Abby L. Congdon, John Perkins, Hannah Cranston,
F William Trench, . Edward A. Manning, Maria Crawley, Nancy Babcock,
-
Nancy Haywood, Henrietta H. Trueman, Henrietta Trueman, Mary Johnson, Harriet Brownson, Betsey Brewster, Christopher C. Thompson, Ward B. Gleason,
Park Brewster, Alfred Gleason, Sylvia A. Burdick,
Angeline B. Rathburne, Albert W. Ladd,
Betsey Chapman, Elizabeth R. Bently,
Wealthy A. Watrous,
Sarah H. Dorchester,
Elizabeth Dorchester,
Mary L. Carter, Harriet R. Barnes,
Philip R. Hyde,
George M. Loomis,
George Hebard, Alfred Hebard, William M. Shepard, John S. Barnes, Simeon D. Chapman, Enoch F. Chapman, Otis F. Cole, Charles Cranston, Elizabeth Cranston, Mary E. Watrous, Lucy E. Wilkie, Mary H. Bently, Sally Robinson, Phebe A. Fay.
1
A PARTIAL HISTORICAL LIST OF OFFICERS
IN THE M. E. CHURCHES OF NORWICH.
Stewards.
Adams, Henry A., Allen, Charles H., Annis, William H., Armstrong, Aaron,
Bentley, David N., Bentley, George R., Bowen, John, Brady, John G., Brewer, J. M., Brewster, Patrick,
Callyhan, William, Carrier, Alvan C., Carrier, Titus, Carter, Samuel, Case, George, Chapman, Enoch C., Cobb, Amos E., Cole, Frederick, Crosby, Hiram,
Crowell, Zadoc C., . Currier, J. M.,
Fellows, Joshua E., Frazier, Elihu M.,
Frazier, William,
Frazier, Thomas M.,
Fuller, Jesse,
Gardner, U. S., Gifford, Erin, Griffing, Jeremiah,
Hill, Edwin, Hopkins, Charles W., Hopkins, Joseph O.,
Hull, Peleg, Hunt, F. W., Hurlburt, F. B., Hurlburt, Wait, Hurlburt, William, Hyde, James,
Ireson, Franklin,
Jennings, James,
Davis, Samuel A., Dennis, Jared D.,
Kendall, John, Kingsley, A. W.,
Eldredge, David P., . Leach, Henry W.,
Lee, Henry P., Leffingwell, George E., Lewis, W. B.,
Manning, Asa, Maples, Joshua, Maples, Joshua, Jr., Mitchell, Thomas, Mitchell, John,
Nickerson, Joseph,
Palmer, H. C., Palmer, William B., Park, Albert F., Pendleton, David, Perkins, John,
x
Perry, John, Perry, John B., Pierce, A. D., Pierce, Elmore, Pratt, Caleb,
Seaman, David H., Standish, Nathan, Stead, Owen, Strickland, W. A.,
Toomey, David,
Whetmore, George, Wilbur, John, Woodward, Daniel J.
Class-Leaders.
Adams, Henry A., Allen, Elbridge G.,
Beckwith, Oliver, Bentley, David G., Bentley, David N., Bentley, George R., Bentley, Lorenzo D., Bill, Amos W., Billings, E., Boon, E. G., Brady, John G., . Brewster, Albert, Buell, Joshua B.,
Calkins, E. M., Callyhan, William, Carrier, Alvan A.,
Carrier, Titus, Case, George,
Cole, Frederick, Collins, Warren,
Corning, A., Cox, John Q., Cox, William T., Covell, Thomas S., Cranston, Richmond,
Dennis, Jerod G.,
Fellows, Joshua A., Fuller, Jesse W.,
Gardner, Ulysses S., Gifford, Erin,
xi
Hopkins, Joseph O., Huntington, Simon,
Jennings, James,
Kendall, John, Kimon, Joseph, Kingsley, Charles,
Lamphere, William, Lewis, M. P.,
Manning, Asa, Manning, Edward A.,
Noyes, Richard,
Pendleton, David, Perkins, John, Perry, John B.,
Sherman, John, Standish, Nathan, Stead, Owen,
Tourtelotte, James D., Trench, William, Truman, J. B.,
Warren, Albert G., Wildman, Russell.
Sunday School Superintendents.
Barnes, John, Beaumont, Ingham, Brewster, Albert,
Carrier, Alvan C., Carrier, Titus, Congdon, Charles, Cox, W. T.,
Crowell, Zadok C.,
Dennis, Jared G., Dennison, Charles, W.,
Fellows, Joshua A., Fuller, Jesse W.,
Gardner, Ulysses S., Gifford, Erin,
Hopkins, Joseph O.,
Hurlburt, William,
Kingsley, William,
Leach, Henry W., Lewis, Maxson P.,
Manning, Asa, Manning, Edward A.,
Peck, John H., Perkins, John, Perry, John B.,
Trueman, John B.,
Upham, Nehemiah, Wildman, Russell.
xii
Exhorters.
Adams, J. A.,
Godfrey, Orlando,
Noyes, Richard,
Swan, S. B.,
Brown, IIenry,
Trench, William,
Carrier, James M., Cooley, Horace,
Vaughan, Ariel,
Warren, Albert G.
Dennison, J. B., * Dorchester, Daniel, Jr.,
Local Preachers.
Bentley, David N.,
Bentley, George R., Bentley, Lorenzo D.,
Blackmer, John, Blanchard, John F., .
Kingsley, Augustus W.,
Brierley, James, Brownson, Hector,
Lamberton, Sewall,
Dorchester, Daniel, Jr.,
Ely, Thomas,
Fillmore, Comfort D., Fillmore, Jehiel,
Gardner, Austin,
Hoyt, F. S., Huntington, Simon,
Hyde, Edward, Hyde, James,
May, George,
Park, Albert F.,
Smith, James S., Standish, John G.,
Thatcher, Hezekiah,
Warren, A. G, Whear, John.
Bentley, David G., Bentley, David N., Bentley, Lorenzo D., Blackmer, John,
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
THE Centenary Year of American Methodism is replete with grateful memories. The web of time-honored associations has been strengthened and extended, until there is not a city, scarcely a town, within the United States, which is not vocal with the voices of the Past, calling her children to visit the tomb of the Fathers of transatlantic Ar- minianism, and borrow thence the treasures that shall adorn and bless the Future.
The Norwich of to-day is under imperial obli- gations to her Puritanic founders and ancestors, for a high moral and religious cultus. That her former pastors were possessed.of talent and influence, is sufficiently evinced by their prolonged pastorships, which find few parallels in New England, and reflect the highest credit on both preacher and people. The Church of Dr. Arms, in this, as well as many other respects, is " sui generis," and pre- sents a proud instance of elective conservation amid the growing and capricious fickleness of the times.
Yet it can hardly be denied that the introduc- tion of other evangelical churches has been produc- tive of signal advantage, not only to their respective
1
2
INTRODUCTION.
communicants, but also to the faith and worship- ing practice of the original denomination. The character of the preaching has undergone great changes for the better, which is not more true of this city than of others. The sermons of early times were marked by sincerity, unequivocal expo- sition of doctrine, and reverence for divine auto- cracy. But the following may indicate a distinctive which formerly discounted the motive effects of the discourses of the Sanctuary.
It is taken from the Weekly Register of this city, Dec. 25, 1792, entitled, " A Hint to the Clergy," and is signed by "Religious Enquirer." The writer says : " Having observed the advantages the community derive from the preaching and . pious examples of the clergy, in producing good ·neighbors, good subjects to government, and indus- trious people, I have a high estimation for them. Yet there is one thing of more importance to indi- viduals than any thing else, which, as far as my knowledge extends among the clergy, seems much overlooked by them ; whether it is from the nature of the subject being entirely unintelligible, or from their amazing neglect, is to me unknown. This, however, is the fact, that the road to the celestial mansion is very obscurely pointed out by them. It is not uncommon for the same preacher, and in the same sermon, to tell the audience they must do, and they cannot do; that they must go to God for salvation, and they cannot ; that it is in the power
3
INTRODUCTION.
of all mankind to be saved if they would, and if they are not all saved it is their own fault, and yet that no one not elected can be saved, and a few only are of the elect.
" How these seeming contradictions are reconcil- able, is to me unknown. Perhaps some gentleman of the clergy will undertake to reconcile them and make the matter plain to every understanding. If they cannot, perhaps they will either deny the fact or confess they have undertaken to explain what is equally unintelligible to all.
"These propositions are certainly true : either all mankind can be saved, or they cannot ; either there are certain conditions, on which salvation is offered to all mankind, that are in their power to comply with, or there are not. If the Saviour has purchas- ed unconditional salvation for all mankind, or only a part, then whatever use a man may make of his agency, it will not alter the matter, and he is saved or damned according to the sovereign will of Om- nipotence. If this be the case, tell us plainly that a man's conduct in this world can have no effect on his happiness or misery in a state of future existence. 'Deny not fact for fear of consequences,' 'Do not evil that good may come.' But if, on the other hand, there are certain conditions, on which salva- tion depends, that are in the power of all to comply with, let them be clearly and plainly pointed out ; for, if the conditions are inexplicable, or are such as we are incapable of complying with, the conse-
4
INTRODUCTION.
quences are the same as unconditional salvation or damnation. Were the conditions on which salva- tion is offered to mankind explicitly pointed out, the preacher would have little more to do than to enforce the motives to compliance. Was this once completely explained, theology would be reduced to simplicity, and I should learn with facility what a few, if any, have ever heard in this life."
The above quotation hints at a feature of the then current preaching, which has disappeared none too soon from its prominence, to be succeeded by more of the practical and experimental.
To say that this reticence or " change of base" has wholly resulted from Methodism, is an assump- tion too erroneous to command attention. To suggest that she has administered a prominent in- strumentality toward this status, few will be dis- posed to deny. Methodism in its inceptive history scarcely deserves the significancy of "sect." That which stamped it, was not schism, nor doctrine, but activity in religious action, and deep spiritual expe- rience. It is well known to history that the great Revival, called " Wesleyan," in deference to its most illustrious promoter, was not denominational in design ; nor, in fact, until after a period of several years. Nonconformist and Churchman, Arminian and Calvinist, labored as coadjutors in that great awakening. , To-day, when the Calvinist Method- · ists of Wales are mentioned, the modern discrepancy is irreconcilable only to such as are not conversant
5
INTRODUCTION.
with the progress of the movement in that country. Congregationalism in this republic owes much of her modern life and growth to the impetus received from that morning, but Calvinistic star of Method- ism, Whitefield, whose funeral sermon was preach- ed by Wesley. Such of the early converts as were not Arminian in doctrine, fell to the regular churches, for the most part, while the Arminian converts of England and America, composing, in a brief period, the strength of the reformers, grew at length into a separate organization, whose influence has been felt throughout the world; modifying theology, influencing experience, and vitalizing the energies of Anglican and American Protestantism. Norwich would have been a glaring exception to the general rule, had she remained unaffected, amid the surrounding modulations. A glance at the past and present suffices to convince the most skeptical, that stagnation in doctrine, or in doctrinal presentation, can never stigmatize the "Rose of New England." During the late revival of this city, what Arminian could ask for more; what Calvinist for less ? It is no common glory for Pu- ritanism to boast that her tenets are practically relieved of their former repugnance to action and reason. And may not the hope be cherished that the day is nearing, when, practically and cordially, the evangelical churches shall be a unit in bringing the world to Christ, and paving the way for the kingdom of God ?
CHAPTER II.
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
COMMENCING in New York, the Methodism of America spread over the Middle, and penetrated the Southern States, before it had obtained in New England.
The first Methodist preachers in this section were Revs. Cornelius Cook and William Black. The former is known to have preached at Norwalk, of this State, in 1787. Methodism was "held forth" in Sharon, Ct., the same year, where a society was formed the year following .* In 1789, a new
* See Connecticut Historical Collections, p. 493. If this society was regularly organized, it must have preceded that formed at Stratfield, Sept. 26, 1789, which is reported to have been the first society formed in Connecticut. Is it not probable the discrepancy may be reconciled by supposing the society did not continue long, in the same way as the '" first " society was said to have been formed at Boston in Aug., 1792, although Rev. William Boardman, one of the first Methodist preachers who came to this country, "preached and formed a small society in 1771"? Or is the term "Society " used in different senses, since the "Conn. Historical Collections " records, notwithstanding its assertion respecting Sharon, that "the first Methodist society in New England was formed by the Rev. Jesse Lee, Sept. 26, 1789," at Stratfield ? (See p. 413.) Rev. Aaron Hunt affirms that a small class at Stam- ford, Ct., synchronizes with that at Sharon.
Rev. Cornelius Cook commenced itinerating in 1787. He died suddenly of the yellow fever at New York City, in 1789. Rev.
7
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
circuit, the first in New England, was established in this State, called at first "Stamford," afterward " Reading." To this circuit, Revs. Jesse Lee and Andrew Van Nostrand were appointed, but the latter never traveled upon the circuit. The former entered upon his duties June 17, 1789, at Nor- walk, upon which date he preached "the first " Methodist sermon in that place, by an appointed ministry. So great was the prejudice, that not even a house could be procured !! "Every person was afraid to give liberty." Accordingly, going
William Black is recorded to have preached in Boston, Oct., 1784, but the light esteem in which Methodists were held influenced most of the converts to seek communion in other denominations. His labors in this State are little known.
The following are the dates of the first Methodist sermons preached at various towns within this State, by the regular min- istry :
Norwalk. June 17th, 1789.
New Haven.
· 21st,
New London .Sept. 2d,
Middletown Dec. 7th,' "
Hartford.
9th. . "
Tolland.
April 2d, 1790.
East Windsor
3d,
Windsor
7th, 66
Suffield
9th,
Granby.
11th,
Endfield
16 22d,
Wintonbury
29th,
Windham June 24th,
.
Wintonbury was formerly a parish in Windsor, but has now substituted the name of Bloomfield.
8
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
into the street, he sang, prayed, and " preached to a decent congregation." This new circuit com- prised Norwalk, Fairfield, Stratford, Milford, New Haven, Derby, Newtown, Reading, Danbury, and Canaan, with intermediate places. It is recorded that "many people flocked to hear the Word, and sometimes they felt it; but men and women were so fond of disputation about peculiar sentiments, that they seldom left the place after preaching without having some dispute with the preacher."
The first .Methodist Meeting-house in New England was built near the upper edge of Strat- field (Easton, Ct.), 1797, and was long known by the name of "Lee's Chapel."* According to Dr. Heman Bangs, " Mr. Lee said one day to the con- gregation after preaching, that if they had a meeting- house, they should have Sunday preaching. They took the hint. One gave timber ; some took oxen and drew it to the spot ; some went to scoring, and some to hewing the timber, and they framed, raised, and finished it about in the same way without much concert or plan."
The first Society that was ever formed upon this circuit was at Stratfield, Sept. 26, 1789. Stratfield is now known as Bridgeport, and was formerly a parish in Stratford. Here, Mr. Lee
* The first Methodist meeting-house in Rhode Island was erected at Warren, 1794; in Massachusetts, at Lynn, 1791, dedi- cated in less than ten weeks from the day the foundation was laid ; in Maine, at Readfield, 1794.
9
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
states, "a kind of class-meeting" was held, which paved the way for the organization of a class on the following day. The Society was composed of three women, Misses Ruth Hall, Mary Hall, sisters, and Ruth Wells. They all continued faithful until death, and their last moments were characterized by peace or triumph.
The second Class was formed at Reading, Dec. 28th, of the same year, consisting of one man, Mr. Aaron Sandford, and one woman, Mrs. Hawley, his wife's mother. This was, however, a notable class, for in a short time, the first man, his brother, and a lawyer, Samuel S. Smith, became ministers.
Thus the tireless and undaunted Lee pursued his labors among a people who seemed to have en- tertained little friendly feeling for the tenets of Methodism. His first appearance in Norwich was the result of events which demand our attention.
While he was journeying through the eastern part of Connecticut, he preached at Tolland, where Mrs. Thankful Pierce, of Norwich, was paying a visit to some friends. The advent of Mr. Lee ap- pears to have caused a general sensation among the inhabitants of that place, and, as large numbers went to hear him, drawn most likely by curiosity, she accompanied her friends to learn something about the "New Sect," having never heard of the name " Methodist." She was much affected by the spirit and doctrine of the preacher, and invited him to Norwich. Accepting the invitation, he
1*
10
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
came and preached in her house the first Methodist sermon, June 25, 1790. That house in which the discourse was presented, and in which the first Methodist preacher was entertained, by the first convert to Methodism, is still situated on West Main Street, directly opposite the residence of Rev .. D. N. Bentley. On the following day, Mr. Lee preached in the " Old Academy," which was situ- ated at the foot of Bean Hill, at the instance of Capt. James Hyde. It is not apparent nor probable that he met with very great encouragement, for these first Arminian sermons were followed by an interval of over two years before regular preaching was established by the Methodists. It is, however, reasonable to suppose that the views of Mr. Lee had awakened attention, and elicited a desire on the part of some to hear a further exposition of his novel tenets.
On Feb. 27, 1790, Mr. Lee was joined by Revs. Jacob Brush, George Roberts and. Daniel Smith, the two latter of whom were young preach- ers. They met him at a quarterly meeting at Dantown, a place situated between New York and Connecticut. Their advent was a source of great joy to Jesse Lee, who describes the services of the next Sabbath in the following graphic language. He says: "On Sunday, preaching was in a new, unfinished dwelling-house. In the time of preach- ing, the Lord visited the people in mercy, and a great cry was raised among them, such as was not
11
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
common in that part of the world. The people were alarmed ; some ran out of the house ; others, that were above in the loft, ran to the end of the house and jumped out on the ground. In the midst of all the confusion, the Christians were exceeding- ly happy."
In the Conference, of 1790, three circuits were "taken in" within the territory of Connecticut. The New Haven Circuit was formed in March, and " extended along the post-road from Milford to Hart- ford." About the same time Litchfield Circuit was formed, which comprised " the northwest part of the State." Hartford Circuit, which comprised " both sides of Connecticut River," was formed late in the spring. The name of Stamford or Reading Circuit appears to have been substituted by Fair- field. Of the three ministers mentioned above, Revs. Daniel Smith and Geo. Roberts remained with Mr. Lee, who was made Elder, and Rev. J. Brush was appointed in October of that year to New Ro- chelle Circuit. He was moreover reinforced by Rev. John Bloodgood, appointed to Fairfield Circuit; John Lee, to New Haven Circuit, and Nathaniel B. Mills to Hartford Circuit.
It should be remembered that the territory of the circuits was subject to great variation, and oft embraced what was without the State, a fact to be premised from the tireless and energetic character of the pioneer itinerants of the New World. The Hartford Circuit in 1790 included Wilbraham, Mass.
12
INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM.
On the other hand, circuits whose names were taken from adjoining States extended into our own. The Granville Circuit, of Mass., in 1798, included a portion of Connecticut and was " 200 miles in cir- cumference !"
CHAPTER 111.
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
THE Conference appointments in Connecticut for 1791 were as follows, Jesse Lee being Elder :
Litchfield Circuit. . Matthias Swain, James Covel.
Fairfield
Nathaniel B. Mills, Aaron Hunt.
Middlefields
John Allen, Geo. Roberts.
Hartford Lemuel Smith, and Menzies Rainor.
The appointments for 1792 were :
Fairfield Circuit Joshua Taylor, Smith Weeks.
Litchfield
Philip Wager, James Coleman.
Middle-Town " Richard Swain, Aaron Hunt.
Hartford Hope Hull, Geo. Roberts, F. Aldridge.
Rev. Jacob Brush was Elder, in place of Rev. Jesse Lee, whose "star " .continually ascended northward, until it shone amid the forests of Maine. The New London Circuit was first recorded in a Conference, held at Tolland, Connecticut, August 11, 1793. The Conference was composed of " ten or twelve members," and is believed to have been the first in the State (although an appointment was made for 1791), and were nearly all " entertained at Mr. Howard's hospitable mansion." Bishop Asbury preached from 2 Tim. ii. 24-26 ; and having concluded the business departed on the same day. In the early part of the year, the circuit had been formed, but this Conference recognized the circuit,
14
METHODISM ORGANIZED.
and designated for its ministry, Revs. George Roberts, Richard Swain, and Fredus Aldridge. The distance around the circuit was three hundred miles.
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