A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 66

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 66

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The first building in which church services were held was the old brick schoolhouse already mentioned. In 1849 the then new Quinebaug hall was leased as a meeting place. It was well suited to the needs of the pioneer church society. It was a two story building and had stores on the ground floor. This was used until 1852, when the first regular church edifice was erected on a lot in front of the old schoolhouse. Its cost was $1,800, a plain, but good build- ing. It was used for almost twenty years as a house of worship. In 1870, the present edifice was erected at a cost of about $32,000. Many changes and improvements have been made on the property ; parlor, kitchen and other rooms

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were added to the original structure as the years went by. In 1900, extensive repairs were made, costing about $1,800. Again in 1907, the improvements made in the basement cost about $3,000.

The membership of this church is stated thus: Commenced with twenty- seven members. Since then over one thousand names have appeared on the church roll. In 1890, the books show a membership of 328, of which member- ship less than seventy remain, yet 382 were received into the church during the first twenty-five years of Mr. Sargent's administration. Forty-four were received into membership during the first year of Mr. Merrill's pastorate, the membership now totaling 416.

THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF KILLINGLY

By Clara B. Stokes

The Second Congregational Church of Killingly, located in Dayville, was organized May 23, 1849, with a membership of about thirty-five. Its con- stituent members were mostly dismissed from the three older Killingly churches, Westfield, South Killingly, and North Killingly (now Putnam Heights). The meeting house was built the same year, on land given by Asa Starkweather on condition that the church always remain Congregational. It was dedicated November 4th. Rev. Alvin Bond of Norwich, Conn., preached the dedication sermon. It was then called the Second Congregational Church of West Killingly.

The first book of records was lost, therefore there is a period of nearly twenty years of the church's existence with no record. Fortunately the records of the Ecclesiastical Society formed in 1850 have helped to sketch the early life of the church. The first pastor was Rev. Roswell Whitmore, more com- monly called Priest Whitman. He served until 1857, a period of eight and one-half years, the longest pastorate in the church history.

History records that for a while after Priest Whitmore left, the church declined. Among the names of those who supplied for sometime is that of Rev. John Potter, a noted evangelist of that time, Rev. Mr. Brooks, and Rev. Daniel C. Frost.

Rev. Mr. Belding supplied the pulpit for a while, and in 1859, Rev. F. E. M. Bacheler served for one year with a salary of $600 which was considered. large in those days. He was succeeded by Rev. D. W. Richardson who was the first minister to be ordained in this church in 1862. During his pastorate there was a very earnest revival when many were added to the membership. He was dismissed in 1865.

Rev. A. Ranson and Rev. W. W. Belden served the church until. 1867 when Rev. John H. Mellish was called, who faithfully and successfully served until 1871. During his pastorate the meeting house was enlarged and repaired, an addition of twelve feet was added and the vestry, which had been divided that a part might be used as a carpenter's shop, was made into one large room where the Sunday school and evening service could be held-at this time the cost was about $3,000. In August 27, 1868, the house of worship was rededi- cated with appropriate ceremonies.

Rev. F. E. M. Bacheler was the next pastor coming for a second time. At this period Dayville and Williamsville (now Goodyear) united, the pastor preaching at Dayville in the morning and at Williamsville in the afternoon. Dayville paying the greater part of the salary.

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May 15, 1871, plans were made to build a parsonage, the house lot having been given by Messrs. Harris and Sabin L. Sayles, the principal business men of the village. The building was completed that year. Rev. F. E. M. Bacheler's pastorate of seven years was the second longest in the history of the church.

Rev. L. H. Angier then served the church a few months until 1879 when Rev. E. S. Huntriss was called. It was during his pastorate that the house of worship was again renovated and repaired, part of the vestry made into a ladies' parlor and a kitchen. Later on a "Jubilee Sunday" cleared the in- debtedness.

About this time, the church voted that the use of fermented wine for com- munion be discontinued and that unfermented grape juice be substituted. Dis- cord arose in the church and Williamsville withdrew from us and organized a church of its own.

From 1883 to 1884 Rev. John Parsons was pastor. Rev. Henry S. Kimball followed and during his pastorate of four years no record of the church was kept, either of those uniting or dismissed. After his departure, Rev. George Wright, a Methodist minister supplied. In 1889 Rev. Joseph R. Flint was called and remained until 1891. His successor was Rev. Harry C. Vrcoman. In 1892 came Rev. G. Henry Flint whose brief stay was especially helpful to the young people, and a blessing to the church.

Rev. Thomas B. Hall followed and supplemented the work of Mr. Flint by evangelistic efforts, a goodly number uniting with the church. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. George E. Ladd who kept the spiritual interest of the church moving. In 1896 Rev. John Deans was engaged and in July of that year was ordained, the second ordination in the church history. At that time the annual roll call was instituted.

December 1, 1899, Rev. Lewis E. Perry was called and remained five years. By his earnest efforts the debt on the parsonage was cleared, a fact greatly appreciated. The next choice was Rev. Robert S. White who served from Jan- uary 1, 1905 to August, 1907. Rev. C. R. Hamlin was Mr. White's successor. February 1, 1909, Rev. William J. Reynolds was called who served until April 28, 1912. During his stay there was much interest manifested along the line of improvements, the vestry was repaired, steel ceilings added and new lights installed. Also greater interest was taken in missionary work.

Rev. Frank Louis Bristol began his labors as pastor in July, 1912, remain- ing until May, 1913, he was instrumental in organizing a men's club.

May 3, 1914, Rev. John W. Wright accepted a call and remained until 1917, doing efficient work. Through his efforts the Men's Forum was formed. Mr. Wright was the third minister to be ordained in this church. It was during his pastorate that our house of worship was again remodeled, made smaller, and greatly improved, made much more cosy and attractive, considerable money being expended.

Mr. Wright was followed by our present pastor Rev. William Swainson who commenced his labors in June, 1917. His pastorate has witnessed a num- ber of red letter days. One was the impressive dedication of our parish service flag, representing twenty-one of our young men who were in service in the World war, who all returned home safely, not even seriously injured. Our every member canvass Sundays for 1918-1919 were a splendid success.

Among the various departments of the church we have a very flourishing Ladies' Aid Society which helps socially and financially, the chief factor in

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

raising money to assist in any way most needed. A fine men's club, another social factor, as well as the Women's Missionary Society, helping both home and foreign missions which is arousing greater interest in mission work, and promoting greater liberality. A backward look over the church history finds both prosperous and dark days, yet God has in the darkest times always raised someone to help in the good work.

When this church was organized and for many years after, there were no churches in the surrounding villages, and the people came here to worship from Pomfret Landing, Williamsville, Attawaugan, Ballouville, Elmsville, and Kil- lingly Center, and also gave financial support. Now some of these villages have their own churches, and with the trolley lines, and other conveniences, they worship nearer home. Aided greatly by the liberal support of The Assawaga Woolen Company, the local manufacturing plant, Dayville supports its own church, pays its pastor a fair salary, and as a whole is up to date with a bright look for the future.

WAUREGAN By Carrie L. Fellows

In the early part of the year 1854, a Sunday school was organized in the old schoolhouse, at Wauregan, which stood on or near the site of the present one. The next year, 1855, the Wauregan Company built a hall for religious worship, and the first sermon was preached in it by Rev. George Tillotson, then of Brooklyn, Conn., on September 24, 1855. In January, 1856, Rev. Charles L. Ayer was engaged as pastor and he preached here for two and a half years. There had been no church organization until June 17, 1856, when a council of ministers and delegates was called and a church of ten members was duly organized. Mr. Ayer left for another pastorate, and different ministers preached for one and a half years, when a call was extended to Rev. S. H. Fellows of Durham, N. Y., to become the pastor. He accepted the call and began his work on December 19, 1859. There were then thirteen members, nine resident and four absent. Services were held in the hall for eighteen years, but in the year 1873 a beautiful church of Gothic design was built by the Wauregan Company. It was dedicated on January 29, 1874, and the universal opinion was that here stood one of the prettiest churches in eastern Connecticut.

Up to this time the church had received an annual grant from the Connecti- cut Home Missionary Society, but this aid was discontinued on occupying the new church building. The Wauregan Company has always paid a large per- centage of the church expenses, as well as of the pastor's salary. But the church has always maintained an enviable reputation for benevolence, thus asserting its claim to real life. The population of this village like that of many another, has always been a fluctuating one, families staying here for a few months or years then going on. But for many years the growth of this church was steady. After twenty-five years of its history, the whole number who were or had been connected with the church, was 126. The year 1878 saw the larg- est accession to the church, thirty-four in all, twenty-six coming in at one com- munion, the most ever received at one time. Mr. Fellows' preaching was strong and convincing, for he made Christ and his service most attractive; living out in his own life the principles for which he stood. His influence was no small factor in the making of the village a good place in which to live, for he was

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intensely interested in all that concerned its welfare. He served on the Board of Education of the Town of Plainfield for forty-two years, most of the time as school visitor, besides holding other offices. This work was very near his heart, and he worked in season and out of season, for the improvement of schools throughout the town. His ministry continued until April 20, 1905, when he

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WAUREGAN, CONN.

"entered into the larger life," having given forty-five and one-half years of service to the church and community, which he so dearly loved. At the time of his death there was a church membership of ninety-two. But very many more came under his influence at one time or another. Up to 1896 (the last record to be found), he had received into the church 163. After preaching for twenty-five years he was asked, "How does the religion of Jesus Christ appear to you now?" The answer was, "There is nothing else that can satisfy the immortal soul !" One of his strongest characteristics was his broad charity and ability to recognize the best in human nature. This won for him the title

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of "peace maker," and many are the rocky places over which he steered the churches, that, but for his wise counsel, would have been severed by discord. To stand in the same pulpit Sabbath after Sabbath for forty-five years, bring- ing to ones people a different message each week, is no small achievement.

Never a person of robust health and for years battling with severe organic trouble, yet he faithfully performed every known duty, in village, in town and in state. No effort was too great, no expenditure of time or strength too exhausting if only he could be of service. Among the churches he served as registrar of Windham Association for twenty-eight years, and as director of the Connecticut Home Missionary Society for fifteen years.

Wherever he went his presence was a benediction, and he was sometimes called "The Apostle John of Eastern Connecticut." It is not too much to say that on many a soul his influence has left an ineffaceable mark. One of his brother ministers said of him after his death, "It is a great thing for a man to simply understand where he is and to profess what he is. There is a charm about a man when he knows that he is not a great man, but simply stands up under the conviction of duty and does his best. We dare measure Mr. Fellows by these standards-for the greater men are, the humbler they are."

June 1, 1905, the church voted to call the Rev. Elliott Ford Talmadge, secretary of the Connecticut Sunday School Association, the call was accepted and Mr. Talmadge began his work July 1, 1905. The membership of the church when Mr. Talmadge closed his work January, 1912, was 130, the largest in the history of the church. From that time until the fall the church was without a pastor. The Rev. George F. Waters of Woodstock (retired minister) sup- plied the pulpit when the church was not hearing candidates.

July 25, 1912, the church called the Rev. J. Sherman Gove of Marlboro, N. H., and he began his work September 1, 1912. During Mr. Gove's pastorate the church membership list was revised. When he closed his work in August, 1915, the membership was 106.

In October a call was extended to the Rev. Frank A. Jenkins at Attleboro. Mr. Jenkins accepted and took up his duties as pastor November 1, 1915. The membership, when he closed his work in July, 1917, was ninety-nine.

November 7, 1917, the Rev. William Fryling of Winchester, Mass., was called and accepted. Mr. Fryling took up the work December 1, 1917, and on February 20, 1918, was installed. This was the first installation in the history of the church. Following is the order of service :

Organ Prelude; hymn "The Church's One Foundation;" report of the council by the Rev. Stanley C. Sherman; invocation by Rev. William B. Chase; reading of Scripture by Rev. William Swainson; anthem, "In the Beginning was the Word," church choir; sermon by Rev. Frank D. Sargent, text, Timothy 1:3-5, The Church its object and its Capacity; installing prayer by Rev. Clar- ence A. Barber; response, right hand of fellowship by Rev. Walter Byran Williams ; solo, "Open ye Gates," Mrs. Gertrude W. Tracy; charge to the pastor by Rev. Harry A. Beadle; charge to the people by Rev. Arthur W. Barwick; hymn, "Blest be the Tie that Binds;" benediction, Rev. William Fryling ; postlude.

At the present time the membership is eighty-one and services are held every Sunday by the Rev. Mr. Fryling.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

THE WESTFORD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH By Abigail D. Amidon

When Ashford was first settled, the entire town comprised one church parish, but as time went on, population so increased that it was found convenient to divide the territory. The first section to be set apart was Westford, an area consisting of the western and northwestern part of the town. Here, in 1765, an ecclesiastical society was formed and in 1768 the Westford Congregational Church was organized. This church, beginning with fourteen members, had grown by 1833 to a membership of 142.

Before a church was organized or a meeting-house could be erected, services were held in the house of one Ichabod Ward, who was active in getting the new church in Westford and who also gave land on which to erect a house of worship. The following extract from a later church record gives an account of the first church building: "The first Congregational house of worship in Westford was raised in June, 1767. It was occupied for public worship be- fore it was finished, and there is no account of its dedication. It was taken down in the summer of 1844, having been occupied seventy years; and during that period it was twice struck by lightning, though not materially injured. It is a curious fact, that while there is no account of its dedication, there is a vote of the Society recorded, to procure a barrel of rum, and 100 pounds of sugar for the raising. This house, built on the hill about one hundred and fifty rods northwest of the burying ground, was the sport of the winds, and consequently it became so shattered, that it was abandoned several years before it was taken down. Public worship was held in the conference room, situated on the same hill, near the old meeting-house, till the commencement of the year 1846."

The second meeting-house was built in 1845. This time a more sheltered spot was chosen, the new structure being erected under the hill, southeast of the old site. The cost of building was $1,500, $150 of which sum, the records state, was contributed by the Ladies' Social Circle, having been raised by knit- ting stockings.

The first pastor called by the church was Rev. Ebenezer Martin, who was followed by Rev. Elisha Hutchinson, and Rev. William Storrs. Mr. Storrs, who was pastor here thirty-four years, spent his life in the services of this parish and the church prospered greatly during his ministry, over fifty members being added to the church during the last year of his pastorate. A grandson of Mr. Storrs, William R. Storrs, who was himself born in Westford but was later a resident of Scranton, Pa., remembered the church in a sub- stantial way by giving a fund whose income goes toward the support of the church of which his grandfather was pastor.

The church was next served by Rev. Luke Wood, Rev. S. M. Wheelock, Rev. Job Cushman, Rev. Alvan Underwood, and Rev. Charles S. Adams. In the early days of the church, the pastors were usually installed but this practice was discontinued at the close of Mr. Adams' pastorate.

Between 1860 and 1877 the church had eight pastors-Rev. Lavius Hyde, Rev. Ezra D. Kinney, Rev. Alfred White, Rev. David Breed, Rev. John B. Griswold, Rev. Charles C. Beeman, Rev. John Wheelock Allen, and Rev. John R. Freeman.

In 1877 Rev. Oscar Bissell came to the church, remaining there over four-

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teen years. During the last year of his ministry fourteen new members were added to the church.

Since 1891, F. W. Weed, Edward N. Billings, Rev. Frank Rand, George N. Edwards, Rev. S. W. Clarke, H. T. Ryder, and Rev. George Bliss have in turn been pastors of the church, and from 1906-1912 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. G. C. Chappell and Rev. B. C. Bugbee, respectively.

In 1894, while Mr. Billings was pastor, a Young People's Society of Chris- tian Endeavor was organized; and, during Mr. Edwards' ministry, the Ladies' Aid Society was revived and several young peoples' societies were formed.

In recent years there has been a steady influx into the community of people of foreign birth; mostly from Austria and Hungary. This, with the removal of many American born residents, has left the former in preponderance. Ac- cordingly in 1912 Rev. Adolph Kukl, who was a Bohemian by birth and had received ministerial education in the United States, came to take charge of the Congregational churches at Willington Hill and Westford. Services were con- ducted in both Bohemian and English.

From 1914-1917, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Arthur Muir. Since 1917 the church has had several supplies, among them being Mr. Valis, a Czecho- Slovak worker.

Beginning in 1903 extensive repairs were made on the church. A new bell tower was erected, the interior remodeled and re-arranged to accommodate rooms for Sunday school and social purposes, new seats and pulpit were added, and the building redecorated.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT HAMPTON

By Eleanor Sharpe ٣

The Congregational Church at Hampton was built in 1753 being the second oldest church building now standing in the county (Abington church was built in 1751). This church architecturally is considered a building of cor- rect proportions. The following extracts from the church records show the character and progress of the life of the church.

The high cost of living was considered long ago for we have the record in 1778, "It was put to vote whether the society will pay Mr. Mosely's salary according to the rise of grain, such as Indian corn, "Rie," Wheat, etc .- re- solved in the negative."

"Whether the society will allow anything for extraordinary prices in the necessaries of life. Resolved in the negative."

"December 14, 1772. Voted to set aside all the seating of the meeting- house heretofore and every one to sit where he thinks he ought to sit."

April 25, 1846, three men were appointed to attend the boys in the gallery in regard to their cutting the benches.

June 2, 1894, Ladies' Aid Society was formed for "social privileges and to devise means to raise money for needed church repairs." Mrs. Morgan, wife of the pastor, was chosen president.

October 9, 1901, it was voted by the society to offer to the Ecclesiastical Society the sum of $500 if that society would give an equal or larger amount toward building a chapel.

Thursday, May 15, 1902, Rev. Mr. Woodwell was accorded the honor of breaking the ground for the chapel. January 1, 1903, was the formal opening

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reception of the chapel and roll-call of the church. Total cost of the building $1495.50, and a deposit of $160 in the savings bank, the interest of which is sufficient to pay the insurance.

April 10, 1915, the Ladies' Aid Society voted to purchase the Whitaker property for a parsonage, consisting of a house, barn and five acres of land more or less. The deeds were recorded July 15, 1916, the price paid, $2.700. In addition to the purchase of real estate, the society has given liberally on church repairs, aid to the Ecclesiastical Society and benevolent purposes.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, HAMPTON

The Hampton Church service flag in the World war bore twelve stars and is able to report the return of all save one, Leander Downs, who died of influ- enza at Camp Devens. None of the boys were severely wounded.

The present pastor at Hampton Congregational Church is Rev. C. W. Fogg who has been in the service of this church several years.

EASTFORD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH By Rev. Frank T. Meacham

On October 11, 1777, the Legislature of the State of Connecticut granted the right to a group of petitioners in Ashford to establish an Ecclesiastical Society in the Village of Eastford. January 7, 1778, they called Mr. Elisha Hutchinson as minister but he did not accept so in May, Andrew Judson, was called and became the first pastor. At a meeting held September 23, 1778, a church covenant was presented by a committee and signed by the fol- lowing persons who thus became charter members of the Eastford Congrega- tional Church : Andrew Judson, Benjamin Sumner and wife, Samuel Snow. Jonathan Chapman and wife, Elisha Wales and Simeon Dean and wife.

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From this time until 1858 the following men served as pastors of the church : Rev. Hollis Samson, Rev. Reuben Torrey, Rev. Francis Williams. From 1851, when Reverend Williams resigned, there was no regular pastor until Rev. Charles Chamberlain was installed on April 14, 1858. He continued as pastor during the Civil war times until March 18, 1867, when the relationship was dissolved.

Another period of years from March, 1867, until April, 1872, elapsed with- out a resident pastor. The church struggled along and finally called Rev. Charles M. Jones, April 7, 1872. This was a long and fruitful pastorate. The chapel was erected in 1875, dedicated October 4th, thus adding to the material equipment of the church and helping it to minister to the community in a better way.

A notable gift was received by the church in September, 1883. "Mr. Ben- jamin Green gave a pipe organ to the church which has been greatly enjoyed from that day to this.

On June 1, 1888, Rev. Charles M. Jones resigned his pastorate and was dis- missed by a church council on June 15th. Mrs. Jones and her daughter are residing at West Woodstock at the present time. They still have a large part of a notable collection of birds which Mr. Jones, who was a fine naturalist and taxidermist, collected and prepared for preservation.

Rev. F. D. Chamberlain was then called as pastor and served the church from August 19, 1889, until June 1, 1892.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 66

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930