A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 71

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 71

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THE DANIELSON CHURCH

By Joseph W. Shekleton

The history of the Danielson Methodist Church dates back to 1839, when a small class was formed in the village. Meetings were held in several houses during 1840 and 1841. The next year Rev. George May was appointed the first pastor and the first church was built. It was located on a high bank at the corner of Main Street and Railroad Square, with many steps to descend to the street level. By 1851 the congregation had increased to such an extent that the building was enlarged, the ground removed from underneath, and a vestry built. Here the people worshipped, and it is to be presumed increased in numbers under the several pastors following that period.

In 1912, during the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Davis, the church building was sold and a new church built on Spring Street, the present structure. An enumeration of the activities of the church would fittingly show its work. There

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are 221 church members, a Sunday school of 235 including cradle roll and home department, Epworth League of forty members, Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies, the Queen Esther Circle, the King's Heralds, the Knights of King Arthur, and the Ladies' Aid Society.

In the centenary drive in 1919 this church loyally raised its quota, and under the ministry of Rev. M. S. Stocking is looking hopefully toward the future.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DANIELSON

EAST THOMPSON METHODIST CHURCH

By Rev. J. R. Miller

There seems to be no record when this church society was first formed or its first members met. The church was built in 1843. Two faithful workers were Asa Sheldon and Parson Tourtellotte who held meetings when no preacher could be secured.

The records show that preachers who came from out of town were Hezekiah Davis from Dudley, Otis and Rufus Foster from Webster. The first preacher on record is Otis Perrin. Other distinguished preachers have held the charge -Daniel Dorchester, Isaac Sherman, Walter Eler, S. D. Bently, S. V. B. Cross, T. C. Denman, J. Harding Baker, Frank Chamberlain, and others.

The present pastor is Rev. J. R. Miller and he is on his third year. There are a few faithful workers in the church at the present time. The church stands as a beacon light in the community, and though many of the older mem- bers are dropping out, it is hoped that the young people will prepare them- selves to take up the good work of the church.

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THE METHODIST-PROTESTANT CHURCH AT CANTERBURY

By A. B. Hicks

The Methodist Protestant Church on Canterbury Plains was built in the year 1875. There was a split in the congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church situated on Canterbury Green, one mile east of where the Methodist Protestant Church now stands. The seceding faction intended to join the same denomination but the Methodist Episcopal conference refused to have two churches of the same denomination so close together. Consequently they were obliged to join elsewhere. The officials voted to join the New York Methodist Protestant conference and on the 9th day of March, 1870, the society applied for a preacher from that organization.

Mr. A. B. Burday was sent to Canterbury and served three years. Services were held in the town hall. He was succeeded by Alfred B. Kelly who en- couraged and induced the members to build a new church. The membership was only about thirty-four and the people were not wealthy, but the matter was laid before the church. It was decided to erect a new house of worship. Some of the members gave work while others gave timber. Trees were cut and hauled to the sawmill. One noticeable feature was that the first timber landed on the grounds was brought by a young woman, Mary Bennett, driving a yoke of oxen and horse ahead. The cornerstone was laid June 5, 1873 with appropriate services and the church was dedicated November 12, 1873, and there have been services held from that date up to the present time.

Preachers were supplied by the New York conference up to two years ago. The church is now employing a local preacher. The old and most influential members that attended the dedication of the church have passed into eternity. At the present day the membership is small as members have moved out of town.

When the church first started, Brother John L. Hyde was superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was a good, conscientious, influential Christian man. He held that office for thirty years and was beloved by all who knew him. He went home to his reward January 29, 1902, leaving one son, Frederick, and a daughter, Mrs. Addie Bushnell, who is one of the few older members still remaining in the church.

Brother Raymond Johnson succeeded Brother Hyde for about four years, and died in the service of the church. Brother A. B. Hicks succeeded him as superintendent and still holds that office.

The membership is small at the present time, eighteen in full membership, besides a goodly number of children in the Sabbath school.

The organist, Mrs. Emily Bushnell has presided at the organ for forty- seven years from the time the church was dedicated up to the present time. She is one of the four teachers of the Sabbath school. At the beginning, at the time of the dedication, November 12, 1873, we had thirty-four members in full connection with the church. Since that date there have been added sixty-three new members.

THE AFRICAN M. E. ZION CHURCH, PUTNAM By Josephine Hall Greene

In 1910, some of the colored people in Putnam asked the Methodist con- ference to send a man here to start a church. A man named Washington came

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

and a church was organized. The church was left in charge of Rev. Sinclair Grinsted. For some time the people met at the home of J. D. Leathers. In 1911, Rev. J. B. Wallace came to Putnam. Under his leadership the church grew from a few to a membership of about seventy-five persons. A hall was hired, church furniture procured and for about three years the church pros- pered. Then the conference sent Rev. Charles Gooding to take charge of the work. He remained a year when dissatisfaction among the members arose and a split was the result. Though the breach was healed, the church never seemed to prosper as interest had died. Mr. Gooding was followed by. Rev. S. S. V. Holland and he in turn was followed by Rev. H. Tolbert who died September 10, 1916. Since then no effort has been made to revive an interest in the African M. E. Zion as so many of the colored population have moved or gone away.

A. M. E. ZION CHURCH, WILLIMANTIC

By Mrs. E. J. Bentley

In the year of 1892 Mrs. David Clark organized what was known as the Union Mission, with less than a dozen members and began to hold services in a hall on Valley Street. The pulpit was supplied with speakers from local churches and others. Through the influence of Mr. A. B. Lincoln, students from the theological seminary in Hartford were secured. Mrs. David Clark, Mr. J. A. Conant, Mr. A. B. Lincoln and Mr. W. M. Grant were a great help to the mission. Rev. W. C. Norris and Mr. Bolles helped out by preaching in the church.

In 1893 the mission went into the A. M. E. Zion connection. The member- - ship had increased. Ministers were supplied by the A. M. E. Zion Conference. The members then worshipped in what was known at that time as Cushman Hall on Union Street. Through the efforts of Mrs. Mary Pelham and Mr. J. A. Conant, Mr. Wm. Grant, and Mrs. E. J. Bentley, a Sunday school was organ- ized. The first minister was Mr. C. C. Ringold, who remained two years. The Sunday school, with Mr. J. A. Conant, the superintendent, and a few of the members held together, various pastors supplying.

In 1902 Rev. Wm. Taylor was sent to take charge. The congregation had increased and moved back to the Valley Street Hall. Rev. Mr. Taylor served for three years, during that time the members secured a house on the corner of Chestnut and Summit streets for a new house of worship. The next pastor was Rev. W. W. Johnson. After an unsuccessful struggle to pay for the house the mission moved once more to Cushman Hall on Union Street. At this time some of the members and friends had moved away and Mrs. David Clark, the organizer of the mission, had died. She, however, had laid a foundation of a good work which is still standing.

In 1912, when the Reverend Robinson was in charge, some of the members withdrew and formed what is now known as the Calvary Baptist Church, hold- ing services in what is known as Labor Union Hall on Main Street.

In 1914 the Rev. J. B. Wallace became the pastor and continued until 1919. During that time, through the influence of Mr. Wm. Grant, the mission secured the building at 74 Spring Street, where they now hold services. The member- ship is small but the church is trying to pay the balance on the building of about $900 and hopes some day to succeed. The church is grateful for the help of its friends, Mrs. J. M. Reid and daughter and Mrs. F. F. Webb. The

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present pastor is Rev. D. R. Overton; the mission is now known as the Walters A. M. E. Zion Church. The list of pastors follows :

C. C. Ringold, 1895-97; J. H. Young, 1898; J. H. Parker, 1899; W. H. Taylor, 1902-04; W. W. Johnson, 1905; S. Grimstead, 1906-07; W. J. Smith, 1908; D. A. Willis, 1909-10; J. T. Battle, 1911; S. E. Robinson, 1912-14; J. B. Wallace, 1915-19; D. R. Overton, 1920.

One of the most efficient and helpful members of this church in recent years has been Mrs. Harriet Toney, who died August 16, 1920, and the Willi- mantic Chronicle of the Saturday the 23d contained the following tribute to her memory.

"There are many in Willimantic who are sincerely mourning the death of Mrs. Harriet Toney. She was a woman of unusual qualities of mind and heart. She lived with her sister, Mrs. Emma Bentley, and had been employed in a number of homes in this community for many years, the same families retain- ing her services year after year, as they found her competent, faithful, accom- modating, of sterling integrity, and absolutely trustworthy. She was deeply devoted to the A. M. E. Zion Church where she was a member, and she gave freely of her means and of personal service for the cause of her Lord and Master. There was a large attendance at her funeral last Tuesday and a profusion of floral tributes. Her genial and helpful presence will be sadly missed, and she will long be remembered in her church and among her many friends."

BAPTIST CHURCHES EAST THOMPSON BAPTIST CHURCH

By E. M. Carlton

The first movement towards establishing the gospel ministry in Killingly was in 1708, when the court granted liberty to the inhabitants to survey and lay out 100 acres of land within their township for the use and encouragement of a minister to come and settle there and carry on the worship of God among them. One hundred acres of land was also to be given to the first minister. The church prospered, so that by 1741 there were 463 members. In 1745 the court divided the parish into two societies.

In 1746 a "separate" church was organized; and this may have prepared the way in part for the Baptists.

The first Baptist church in Windham County was formed in Thompson parish in 1750. Jerome Barstow was the first Baptist exhorter; he suffered for months imprisonment in Windham jail for presuming to preach without .per- mission from constituted authority. Refusing to pay rates for the "Standing Order," they were "strained upon" by collectors and suffered various trials. This church seemed to die out when the pastor removed in 1769. But the Baptist sentiment had been scattered widely, and on November 17, 1772, a Baptist society was formed, with ninety-five subscribers expressing their re- gard for the Baptist constitution and way of worship.

· Mr. John Martin of Rehoboth, Mass., was their first pastor; the ordination services were held November 13, 1773, and Elder Backus preached the sermon, using for his text Phil. 1:18.

The deacons were formally ordained, but it was not thought wise that a

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY 577

deacon "should rise up of his own head and open the meeting with prayer, but only on the suggestion of the elder."

The meeting-house was built in 1774. Many were added to the member- ship and public worship was largely attended. In 1796 Solomon Wakefield was given permission to preach, and the clerk gave him credentials. Some difficulties arose, so that a council was called September 7, 1797, and the church was divided, but "each member, male or female, was to have full liberty to join which party he chose.""

Pearson Crosby was ordained as the first pastor of the East Thompson Branch, November 7, 1798, and his labors were abundantly blessed, so that the numbers were more than doubled; but though they were so prosperous other- wise they found it difficult to support their pastor. After laboring two years, they voted to pay him $40 for his past services! But a little later they pur- chased a farm so that the pastor had a residence and $80 a year for salary.

May 19, 1803, more than one hundred men came to assist in raising a small meeting-house; "dinner, supper and liquor enough were provided." The pews were sold to ready purchasers, and the meeting-house was filled with attentive listeners.

In 1805 a standing committee was formed to settle all minor disputes with- out bringing them before the church. Between 1812-1815 a remarkable revival was experienced, bringing hundreds into the churches. Its influence was espe- cially felt in the newly-formed factory villages, where for two or three years Satan had seemed to hold despotic sway. Eighteen baptismal scenes were ob- served by Elder Crosby during this period.

One bitter cold day in January, 1813, twenty-seven young people were baptized in a nearby stream; and people came through the snow many miles to witness such a scene. Young people went about town with ox-sleds breaking the paths so that others might attend the precious services. Many of these brought in in such a way became valuable members. Benjamin Hill, after- wards secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, was licensed by this church in 1815. Thirty-five were added to the church during the ten years of Elder Crosby's ministry.

May 19, 1819, Elder John Nichols was installed as pastor; and associated with him in the work was Arthur A. Ross, a licentiate of the church.

In 1825 Elder James Grow entered upon the pastorate, and in ten years 145 members were added to the church. Rev. Bela Hicks became the pastor in 1834. At this time the growing prosperity of Thompson Hill led to the division of the church, and the building of a meeting-house in that village, and Elder Hicks moved to the new place of worship. Elder Grow resumed the pastorate of the remainder of the church that had been divided, and continued his labors until the infirmities of age compelled him to lay down his work. Four hundred and seventy were baptized by him.

From his small salary he sent to Doctor Judson in the early days of foreign missions $50; Doctor Judson answered in a letter which brought $20.000 to the Burman Mission.

Elder James Smithers was pastor for two years. And then Elder Nicholas Branch entered upon the pastorate and tried to bring together the two parts of the church; for a little time they worshipped together, but the older people could not feel at home, and soon returned and built for themselves a new house of worship.

Vol. 1-37

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

After careful thought and mutual conference, a very harmonious separa- tion was effected April 8, 1846, "each one signifying his desire as to which he shall be connected." One of these bodies was to be known as "The East Thomp- son Baptist Church," and the other as "The Central Baptist Church of Thomp- son."'

From this time until 1873 there seems little record except the names of the pastors.

September 9, 1873, the two churches gathered in the meeting-house of the East Thompson church to celebrate the one hundreth anniversary of their or- ganization ; and Rev. A. J. Pinkham gave the history of the church up to that time. Rev. Samuel Thatcher was then pastor, and again became pastor in 1895, and continued his work until 1908. Since that time there has been no settled pastor, but the pulpit has been supplied by able men.

For many years there was a large, prosperous, and harmonious church, nearly all the members were intelligent and prosperous farmers with large families. Nearly all have lived and died in this place; comparatively few have been dismissed from the church. The record shows how devoted they were,- how well they kept their covenant with God and man, and how freely they gave of their hard-earned money for all charitable purposes, and especially for the home and foreign missions. They have kept the house in perfect re- pair, have never been in debt, and have been careful not to partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily.

There are only sixteen members now; the congregation is largely made up of children and youth. Persistent efforts have been made for years to have the two churches unite in one, since there is only a mile's distance between them.

J. G. Ward, John Ross, A. W. Brown, Committee.

WOODSTOCK BAPTIST CHURCHES

Woodstock has two Baptist churches within its borders, but as it is a large town, and the first Baptist church is in the west parish and the second one in the southern part of the south parish there has never been any duplication of their work. The "First Baptist Church of Woodstock," was organized the year we became an independent nation, 1776. With its meeting-house built on a hill top in a most picturesque bit of the town, not far from the border line of Massachusetts, it has shown the steady radiance of a devoted working religious body during the years that have intervened since its formation. In the early days of its existence it ministered to a wide constituency and many men and women of a strong, positive, Christian character were among its members. For the past fifty years, as in so many of our country churches away from railroad centers, it has lost steadily in membership and wealth, owing to deaths among the older ones, and the going away of its younger peo- ple, whose places have been filled by the foreigner, who in most cases, as an adherent of the Roman Catholic Church. From the year 1880 until the present time, with the exception of the years from 1897 to 1908 when Rev. W. L. Atherton and Rev. A. J. Wilcox were pastors, they have united with their sister church in South Woodstock in the support of their minister, who has usually lived in West Woodstock as that church owns a parsonage. Although

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now with a membership of only about forty they are bravely holding the fort in the cause of righteousness and striving to keep alive the Christian spirit and life in that part of the town. The South Woodstock Church was formed in 1792 with strong men like Deacon William Manning, the Arnolds, and Sawyers and Wells families among its early members. The first meeting-house was built about one mile west of the present edifice, just north of the Quassett cemetery. About 1840 or a little later a new church building was erected in the then thriving village of South Woodstock. The first service being held May 31, 1845. Several mills, shops and stores with a busy prosperous people and fine farms owned and tilled by Americans and nearly all of Baptist tendencies, made the new church a very live, active organization, its parish bounds ex- tending over the Pomfret line. Until the year 1866, it was a fine country church exerting a wide influence for good. During February of that year, a large reservoir, lying west of the village was broken away and several of the mills and shops were destroyed. The village has never been restored to its former activities, and the church very keenly felt the result of this.

It rallied in the years from 1869 to 1873, when Rev. C. B. Rockwell, a very spiritual, active, worker was the pastor. In that time between forty and fifty were added to the church many of them strong, helpful members. It has had its ups and downs since that time. For many years it has united with the people of the West parish in supporting a pastor.

From the spring of 1897 to 1901 Rev. L. J. Bamberg, just from Crozier Seminary, young and zealous, came a resident pastor, and did a good work. A good number were added to the membership. The church building was thor- oughly renovated and improved and all seemed prosperous again.

In the year of 1902 in June the church had a unique experience, during the pastorate of Daniel Cookley. An acetylin gas plant was established when the repairs were made in the preceding pastorate and one evening a violent ex- plosion occurred quite badly wrecking the edifice. It was repaired again and has kept along since then doing the work that comes to churches, striving to keep alive a gospel centre in the midst of a gradually dwindling population. Revs. R. H. Sherman and L. B. Curtis of blessed memory built faithfully and also Rev. H. D. Pierce, now of Bridgeport. This was his first pastorate. Rev. Henry D. Baker, a native of South Woodstock, is at present the pastor of both West and South Woodstock churches.

THE SECOND ASHFORD BAPTIST CHURCH AT WESTFORD VILLAGE

By A. Olin Griggs

The Second Ashford Baptist Church and the hamlet that clusters about it are not without distinction. Among others of their families were the Rich- monds and the Deans who lent to the spot character and enterprise, and to the church substantial aid.

The word "Glass Factory" suggests a small army of choppers to feed the furnaces and the "ashman" who furnished the potash for the glass and the rattan-covered demijohn. The end came suddenly and the glass ball that for years crowned the "Buck" barn was a memento of the last "blow."

The old stage route was an artery that connected "Richmondville" with the outer world, Hartford on the one hand and Boston on the other; so in like manner the Ashford Baptist Association and the Ashford Bible Society have

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kept the church in touch with the social and religious world. On this turnpike, to the northeast, lies "Boston Hollow" and it is easy to believe that its sluggish stream was in days of the retreating glacier an imposing river, while the talus of the cliff is its fitting memorial. Here in little, may be had the thrill of moun- tain climbing, with just a hint of danger to give it a tang of adventure.

Here too, The Caves of Rattlesnake Dens, the largest of which may be entered by him of lowly mind and of moderate proportions; for it is necessary at times to lie prone and worm a passage through the narrower parts. Traditions cluster around the place.

The church was established in 1780 with an anomaly, to wit, a well-to-do pastor. Can history repeat itself ?

The first church stood on the hill to the west of the present site. The timbers of the demolished building went into Elder Amos Snell's house, and later those same timbers are said to have been used for building hen-houses. We also hear that the money obtained from selling the wreckage of the church was dis- tributed as far as possible to those who had contributed when the church was built.

The present structure was built in 1840 and discourages late comers be- cause so arranged that the congregation faces the entrance; while its high pulpit, now seldom used, dignifies church worship. Attempts to have this pulpit cut down were discouraged out of respect to the Richmonds who crowned other gifts with that of the pulpit.

"The Christian Baptists" who disclaimed Christ's equality with the Father joined with the "Free Will Baptists" who would welcome any to the communion table. In 1884 the "Free Will Baptist Church was organized as 'close com- munion.' '?

No records previous to this can be found. When last heard of the old records were in the possession of Elder Snell.

L. S. Brown, its first pastor, taught holiness as a Christian experience to grow in, not into. These tenets were not fully endorsed, for one of the deacons when publicly reading the words, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect," paused an instant and said, "Of course, it does not mean that," and went on reading.

This brings to mind the story of a Unitarian minister who seldom read the Scriptures publicly without previous consideration, but lapsed on one occasion and stumbled on a passage not in apparent accord with his doctrine, he said, "This passage might seem contradictory; let us look it squarely in the face and pass on"; and pass on he did.

It might be a comfort to the Free Will Baptists to hear the invitation given out, in later years, at the communion service to all baptized believers, especially as one pastor put it, "Each communicant must decide for himself the significance of the word 'baptize.' "'

If this suggests latitude or laxitude the church has had some strict and stern teachers. Mrs. Fenner came to us from Putnam Heights for a short time and the tone of her teaching is symbolized by her favorite hymn, "Let me die."

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 71

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