USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 72
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"Lord drive the nails nor heed the groans,
My flesh may writhe and make its moans, But in this way and this alone, I must die."
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
There is something stimulating in these old "watch dogs of Zion."
When C. L. Chamberlain was ordained, one of the ministerial brothers was deeply grieved because the candidate had never experienced the "Woe is me if I preach not the gospel." In vain did the candidate explain that he had never resisted the call. Deacon Jacob Walls protested against ultraevangelical preaching and showed mathematically that Christ said once to Peter, "Feed my lambs" and twice, "Feed my sheep." When the church was without a pastor some layman would read a printed sermon and thus bridge over a crisis.
One other incident must be cited that brings out with- a touch of humor the sincere loyalty of some of the pastors that is refreshing to remember. There had been much talk of a "Federation of Churches" for economy and efficiency and Brother Higgins was an ardent advocate. He closed an eloquent sermon with a prophetic vision of the day "When all denominational barriers shall be broken down, and all sectarian strife shall cease and we shall have one grand, glorious BAPTIST Church."
In 1904, the Ecclesiastical Society that controlled the financial side turned over the property to the church. The Westford Village Cemetery Association has a fund of about $3,000, and that burial place is no longer a village disgrace.
The Ashford Bible Society has held its meetings annually, and if weather permitted, in some grove, rotating between the parishes. Here a collation is served, and ice cream, peanuts and bananas are sold. While it has never de- parted from its first principles and still defends the Bible against all enemies, especially "higher criticism," it has never emphasized Bible interpretation or study, and Bibles are seldom seen. At one gathering no copy could be found for the desk, so one was sent for in haste. In later years the social side has been stressed and it is, in fact, taking the place of "Old Home Day" for Ashford. And yet the addresses are always of religious inspiration and es- sentially the society holds true to its mission.
In the church records we read, "It was unanimously voted to accept Rev. J. H. Biddle as their pastor provided a sufficient salary could be raised to hire him." The church has never been self supporting though much of the time we have shared our pastor with Westford Hill, Warrenville or Eastford (North Ashford). At present, Rev. P. S. Collins ministers to both North Ashford and Westford, finding it necessary to eke out his income by farming.
The Baptist state fund has given small but regular aid. When in 1912 a fund of $3,000 was left the church by Col. Charles L. Dean, and when in 1915 that fund was swelled to $4,000 by the will of Mrs. Emily R. Perry, it looked as if the onus might be lifted, but the "salary" is still hard to raise.
No history of the church would be complete without the mention of Deacon Anson G. Barlow, clerk, treasurer, superintendent. There was an air of warmth, cheer and friendship wherever he was found; and he was seldom absent from any church service. Far from rich he gave liberally. Others left funds as memorials, he left a family which is his living, dynamic memorial.
The Protestant English speaking population of Westford is dwindling and now no Sunday school or mid-week service is attempted.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, WILLIMANTIC By William N. Potter, Clerk
"Agreeable to a request of a number of brethren and sisters in Christ at the Willimantic Falls and vicinity in Windham, Conn., a number of brethren
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
met in council at the house of Elder Chester Tilden on Thursday, the 20th of October, 1827.
"The brethren comprising said council are as follows: from the church in Lebanon, Elder Esec Brown, Deacons Able Goodwin and Gurdon Robinson and brethren Nathan Church and Simeon Crocker, from the church in Mans- field, Elder I. Goodwin, Deacon Origen Bennett and Bro. Oliver Bingham, from the church in Ashford Elder Ezekiel Skinner, Deacon A. Weston.
"The brethren formed themselves into a council by choosing Elder Ezekiel Skinner moderator and Elder I. Goodwin clerk, Elder William Bentley from Wethersfield and Elder Oliver Wilson from the Second Baptist Church in Montville being present were invited to take a seat with the council.
The names of the brethren and sisters proposing to be formed into a church are as follows :
BRETHREN
SISTERS
Charles Thompson.
Mehitabel Thompson.
Samuel Barrows.
Lucy Barrows.
William Barrows.
Betsey Barrows.
Elisha Whiting.
Dora Whiting.
Eliphalet Martin.
Armina Martin.
Rescon Coggshall.
Susan Coggshall.
Elder Chester Tilden. George Byrnes.
Lydia Smith.
Hanna White.
Laura Balcom.
Clarinda Parker.
Mary Lawrence. Esther Smith.
After adopting articles of faith and practice the council voted: To give them the right hand of fellowship as the Baptist Church in Windham (Willi- mantic) and after several appointments the council adjourned to the White schoolhouse at seven o'clock in the evening for public services. Records of December 11, 1827, show that the first pastor chosen was the Rev. Chester Tilden and the first clerk of the church was George Byrnes. The first com- munion services by vote was to be celebrated on Sunday the 23d of Decem- ber, 1827, at the White schoolhouse in this vicinity. The first member re- ceived into the church after its organization was Emily Hopkins-received December 22, 1827, and the first baptism recorded was December 23, 1827,- Sister Sophronia Mead.
At meeting December 26, 1827, steps were first taken looking to the erec- tion of a meeting-house for the use of this church. First male member to be received into church by baptism was Bro. Noah Smith, June 8, 1828.
The first church edifice was built in 1828-29 and was dedicated May 27, 1829. Rev. John Cookson of Middletown preaching the sermon. From records of church September 12, 1829, we find that it was voted that as brothers Sam- uel Barrows and Eliphalet Martin are considered by the church as worthy and qualified to undertake the duties belonging to the office of deacons and that they are called of God to this work. By passage of this vote they became the first two deacons of the church.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
November 7, 1830, Rev. Alfred Gates was chosen as second pastor of church, Brother Tilden resigning to take the church at Andover. Rev. Alfred Gates was succeeded by Rev. Alva Gregory, who commenced his labors here as third pastor of church April 22, 1831. By records of November 10, 1832, it was voted that we proceed to the election of deacon to fill vacancy and that sisters be invited to vote (first entering wedge of woman's suffrage in the church). In 1857 and 1858 the present house of worship was built. Contractor, Colonel Fitch. February 3, 1858, this house was dedicated. Rev. Jabez Swan preached the sermon. This year Rev. Jabez Swan became pastor of the church and many additions were made to the church membership.
Coming up to the time of Civil war we find the church well represented as the clerk of that day enrolled the members serving as follows: A. W. Dexter, E. T. Perkins, John Barrows, Thomas Jordan, William H. Boyden, Charles Chase, James Sullivan, William Nixon, Charles Baldwin (killed in battle), Henry Shaw, Andrew Scott, Charles M. Thorne, Henry Gifford (starved at Andersonville), Bradford Larkin, Monroe Perkins, Bezaleel Seagrave, James Nixon, Bennett Rowe, Edward Thomas, Sylvester Rice, Henry Hart. Opposite the name of one (Charles Chase) we find this record : "Deserted his country's service and for which the church excluded him."
Members of the congregation that went to war: James Burnham (killed in battle), Sanford Commins, Albert C. Wilson, Moses Buchanan, Capt. Lester Braley, John Nixon, Jerome B. Baldwin, George Baldwin, Henry R. Brown, Henry W. Larkham, Frank Babcock, Lieut. A. W. Loomis, Lieut. James Long, James Bliven, Henry Hall (killed in battle), Horace Hall, M. Morey.
In 1869-70 the church was rebuilt and enlarged; this under pastorate of Rev. P. S. Evans. The rededication of this church took place February 15, 1870. Sermon by Rev. Dr. C. B. Crane of Hartford. October 24, 1877, very interesting services were held in commemoration of fiftieth anniversary. Seven former pastors of church were present, among whom was Rev. Alva Gregory, third pastor of church. The only living constituent members of the church, Bro. William Barrows and Sister Esther Smith, were present, occupying seats upon the platform. Sermon in evening was by Rev. E. D. Bentley, former pastor of church; an historical poem by Rev. P. S. Evans was received with great favor.
In 1889, the building was again enlarged and decorated under the pastorate of Rev. M. George Coker and dedicatory services were held January 7, 1890. A large audience present and addresses were made by several prominent pas- tors of the state. March 9, 1890, church by vote adopted the free seating sys- tem. November 30, 1893, church was organized as a corporate body, adopting a constitution and by-laws for its government.
October 23, 1892, services were held in commemoration of seventy-fifth anni- versary that were very interesting. A poem was read by Dr. E. G. Sumner of Mansfield, touching on local matters of church history, particularly in last twenty-five years. This was followed by historical sermon by the Rev. P. S. Evans, pastor of church from 1869 to 1873.
Following is a list of pastors of the church with dates of service: Rev. Chester Tilden, 1827-1830; Rev. Alfred Gates, 1830-1831; Rev. Alva Gregory, 1831-1834; Rev. Benajah Cooke, 1834-1842; Rev. J. B. Guild, 1842-1845 ; Rev. L. W. Wheeler, 1845-1847 ; Rev. Thomas Dowling, 1847-1849 ; Rev. Henry Brom- ley, 1849-1851 ; Rev. Cyrus Miner, 1851-1852; Rev. Henry Knapp, 1852-1854;
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
Rev. Edwin Bell, 1854-1857 ; Rev. Jabez Swan, 1857-1858; Rev. E. D. Bentley, 1858-1866 ; Rev. E. S. Wheeler, 1866-1868; Rev. George R. Darrow, 1868-1869 ; Rev. P. S. Evans, 1869-1873; Rev. William A. Fenn, 1873-1878; Rev. George W. Holman, 1878-1888; Rev. M. George Coker, 1888-1891; Rev. J. B. Lemon, 1891-1900; Rev. E. A. Bowen, 1900-1905; Rev. O. R. O. Farel, 1905-1909 ; Rev. Ralph G. Hartley, 1909-1912; Rev. William F. Rowley, 1912-1917; Rev. Arthur D. Carpenter, 1917-
Following is a list of the clerks of the church : George Byrnes, 1827-1833; Samuel L. Hill, 1833-1835; William Reid, 1835-1836; Erastus G. Snell, 1836- 1836 ; Niles Potter, 1836-1839 ; Charles W. H. Warner, 1839-1841; J. B. Guild, 1841-1843; William B. Hawkins, 1843-1847; Charles H. Farnham, 1847-1849 ; J. H. Carpenter, 1849-1857; William Flower, 1857-1859; Albert Wilson, 1859- 1869; D. P. Corbin, 1869-1870; Armin Martin, 1870-1871; William N. Potter, 1871- (present incumbent).
The church and parish are today in excellent condition and the house of worship well kept up. The present pastor, Rev. Arthur D. Carpenter, is an earnest worker, highly esteemed as pastor by his own people and as a citizen by the entire community. He believes that the church should stand for the best interests of community life, and the lives of its members have influence for the general welfare. The people of church parish are looking forward to the centennial celebration in 1927.
THE PACKERVILLE CHURCH
By Mary E. Bishop
The Packerville Baptist Church was organized in the Village of Packer- ville in October, 1828. Mr. Daniel Packer moved into the Village of Packer- ville in 1825 and it seems that as he looked around him his spirit was stirred within him. The interests of religion were in a low state; the Sabbath was dis- regarded, and the warning voice of the Bible by most people neither heard or heeded. He formed the resolution that should the Lord prosper him he would use the utmost of his influence not only to have the Word of God regularly dis .. pensed but a house of worship erected. This he accomplished chiefly by his own exertions and the blessing of God on his efforts. Taking into account the conditions existing in Packerville and the lack of a Baptist Church home, Cap- tain Packer secured for a time the services of Bro. Levi Kneeland of Mason- ville, N. Y., who was sent out by the Missionary Board of Home Missions (good reason why this church is so interested in home missions). He was satisfied that the interests of Zion demanded that a Baptist Church should be erected in the community. There were twenty or more holding Baptist principles, and members of Baptist churches in other places.
At a meeting of Baptist professors held at Packerville by special appoint- ment September 5, 1828 "Voted that Levi Kneeland, D. Packer, J. Williams, and James Briggs be a committee to draft a covenant and set of church articles of faith." Following is a statement made to the council at that time :
"Dear Brethren: We the undersigned desiring to enjoy the privileges of a church of Christ in union and fellowship with you, do hereby request you to recognize us as such and grant us your approbation. And also to examine and if you judge expedient set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by ordina- tion Brother Levi Kneeland."
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
The council reported favorably and the church was organized with twenty- one members; and the same day Levi Kneeland was ordained as a preacher of the gospel of Christ and the pastor of the Baptist Church at Packerville. Elder Kneeland labored perseveringly and overcame the obstacles that constantly surrounded the church. They visited the baptismal waters almost every Sab- bath. One hundred and one were baptized between the day of organization and the first day of the June following. The church met alternately at Packerville and Voluntown, and also at Jewett City every fifth Sunday; and frequently persons from the latter place united at Packerville. At first the church had no house of worship. One whole summer the services were held in a grove, and the next winter they were held in the carpenter shop connected with the mill. Some of the time meetings were held in the schoolhouse.
PACKERVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
At one of the meetings in the schoolhouse, the Rev. Charles Spalding, D. D., of Boston, then a young lad, was converted and confessed his love for the Saviour; but removing to Moosup united with the Moosup church. When he was ordained to the gospel ministry he preached his first sermon in the Baptist Church at Packerville, showing his love for the church where he found the Saviour. In the summer of 1829, the present house of worship was erected largely, through the efforts of Captain Packer. Great numbers attended the preaching of Elder Kneeland, but how many would attend now under the same circumstances? January 1, 1831, they took into consideration the im- portance of having a stove to warm the church, and appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions to buy one. The record of one year later says that the committee had made no report; so another name was added to the committee,
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
and they were asked to report at the next meeting, as it was considered ex- pedient that they have a stove. But the record shows that the final report of the stove committee was not made until February 1, 1834; so that we infer that through the greater part of Elder Kneeland's pastorate the house was not warmed. For the arduous labors of attending church services over the Packerville parish, Voluntown and Jewett City too, the Rev. Levi Kneeland received $228 per year until the year 1831, when his salary was raised to $300.
September 4, 1832, the Voluntown church became a separate church. It was during Elder Kneeland's pastorate that the church opened her doors to Prudence Crandall, and gave her colored school a cordial welcome, when they were so cruelly treated in Canterbury. Elder Kneeland and Captain Packer rendered her valuable aid during her persecution and imprisonment. A short time before her death in her western home, when visited by Miss Ellen Larned the Windham County historian and C. B. Montgomery of Packerville, she said that she considered every member of the Packerville church not only her friend but the friends of liberty and freedom. Elder Kneeland labored faithfully and untiringly until the time of his death August 23, 1834, at the age of thirty- four. His last message to the church from his dying pillow was: "Tell them to be Christians throughout, to be ashamed of nothing but sin, to act for the glory of God in all things." He did a noble work. His grave is in the Packer lot, directly behind the church he was so zealous in building up for the glory of God. During his pastorate he baptized between three and four hundred persons.
Rev. Tubal Wakefield of Wales, Mass., was settled as pastor of the church April 1, 1836. In October, 1837, a meeting of many days was held and the Lord blessed the meetings. A goodly number was converted and united with the church. That same year Noyes Miner, who afterward was in charge of the Ministers' Home at West Farms, was appointed chorister. In January, 1838, the church was called to mourn the loss by death of Daniel Packer. He had been a faithful and true Christian and a great financial helper in the support of the church. About two years before his death, he promised to provide a suitable lot and buildings for a parsonage. He at once proceeded to erect the buildings and prepared the parsonage wholly at his own expense. This he gave to the church for the exclusive use of the pastor.
August 1, 1840, Rufus Williams requested letters for himself and two brethren and twelve sisters to form themselves into a church in Jewett City. Request was granted. Rev. Tubal Wakefield while pastor helped we are told to organize the first woman's temperance society there is any record of in Windham County. He closed his labors in Packerville in March, 1842. He was followed in May of the same year by Martin Byrns from Maine. He served the church until April, 1843. The church was without a pastor until September when D. D. Lyon was ordained and began a useful ministry. He labored faithfully and successfully and his labors were greatly blessed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Ten months in succession the church was permitted to visit the baptismal waters. Over eighty were added to the church as the result of this revival. D. D. Lyon continued pastor of the church until 1847, though the last six months of his pastorate he was employed by the Baptist State Convention as an assistant missionary.
It was during D. D. Lyon's pastorate that James Phillips was licensed to preach. In 1848 Rev. John Guild of Clinton began his labors. He was an
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
earnest, clear-headed preacher and a faithful pastor. In 1852 the church again rejoiced in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Seventeen were added to the church by baptism and the renewing and sanctifying power of the Spirit was long felt by the church. Brother Guild remained pastor of the church until the spring of 1853 when on the account of failing health he deeemd it advisable . to resign and died the September following. His last message to the church was tell them that "the same gospel that I preached to them sustains me now." In June of the same year at a regular meeting as a number of the members had become delinquent, and as the residences of some were unknown, it was voted to erase fifty-one names from the record.
At times the church has had occasion to bless God for stormy Sundays. The first Sabbath in 1857 was stormy and but few brothers and sisters met; instead of the usual communion season the time was spent in earnest prayer. That very evening gracious outpouring of the Spirit was granted and sinners were awakened, and twenty-four were gathered into the church. After five years of faithful service Brother Gates closed his pastorate in 1858. During his stay Brethren Edwin A. Francis and George N. Greene were licensed to preach the gospel. In April, 1858, Rev. John Paine began his pastorate. In January, 1861, Deacon Walter Williams died. He had served the church as deacon for nearly thirty years. Showing by his constant attendance, liberal support and earnest prayers his attachment to it and desire for the best in- terest of Zion.
In March, 1863, Brother Paine thought it best to leave the field. Though his labors were not marked by any special religious awakening good seed was sown and several united with the church. He was a sound scriptural instruc- tive preacher. Soon after the removal of Brother Paine the church called Rev. Percival Mathewson of East Thompson. The first communion season four were received for baptism, the following winter eleven were added by baptism. Brother Lucien Burleigh, a licentiate of this church, having labored successfully for a number of years came before a council for examination for ordination June 7, 1865. The council voted that the ordination should take place at the meeting of the Stonington Union Association in the Packerville Baptist Church one week later.
Lucien Burleigh was born in Plainfield in December, 1817. His early educa- tion was received mainly at the Plainfield Academy and the Connecticut Liter- ary Institute at Suffield. Doctor Phelps, long editor of the Christian Secretary, was a chum of his at the institution and afterward ordained him to the work of the ministry. At an early age he began teaching and worked on the farm summers. In 1837, while teaching in North Oxford, he was converted to the Christian faith and soon after united with the Baptist Church in that place. He afterward removed his church relation to Packerville where he was or- dained to the Christian ministry. For a considerable time he was principal of the Elm Grove Academy at Granby, Conn. In 1841 he entered the employ of a company in Hartford to travel and exhibit a painting the "Descent from the Cross," during which time he visited the most of the towns and cities of New England. His sympathies were early enlisted in the cause of the op- pressed colored people of the South and he advocated the anti-slavery senti- ment at a time when it was most unpopular. He was not as prominent in this field of labor as his brother Charles, who with Lloyd Garrison for anti-slavery speeches, was dragged through the streets of Boston. They were dear friends
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
of Elder Kneeland and occasionally attended church at Packerville. Lucien Burleigh very early became possessed of very positive views on the temper- ance question, and in 1845, while preaching occasionally he spent several months lecturing on temperance in Eastern Connecticut, his efforts attracting so wide attention that he was invited to New Haven County to act as agent of the temperance society, which for a number of years he served with zeal and energy, accomplishing a great amount of good work and gathered many thou- sands of names to the temperance pledge.
As a temperance orator his sincerity, zeal, originality and ability com- manded for him everywhere the closest attention of his hearers, and in this field he was an acknowledged power. He at one time made a temperance tour through all the villages of Westchester County, N. Y., and the entire south- eastern portion of the State of Wisconsin, travelling 3,000 miles and filling seventy appointments to speak in thirty-six days. He was interested in the subject of education and was instrumental in organizing a county teachers' association and was the life of the same as long as the sessions were held. By the death of the teacher in his native village, he was invited to assume the position of principal of the Plainfield Academy, which he filled for five years with credit to himself and to the advantage of scores of his pupils who passed under his instruction. While teaching, he was also preaching two or three sermons each Sabbath in an adjacent parish.
After resigning his place in the academy he opened a select school of high standard and during these years of teaching he preached two and a half years at Westminster enjoying an interesting revival. From this place he was called to the Baptist Church at Warrenville where the fruits of his labors were abun- dant. In 1865 he resigned his charge, and became the agent of the Connecticut Temperance Union, which position he occupied until 1879. In the later years of his life, although not having a permanent pastorate, he nevertheless preached the greater part of the time nearly every Sabbath beside attending to his farm work. Mr. Burleigh was a man of great versatility of talent which, combined with his remarkable power of physical endurance, enabled him often to ac- complish what would seem nearly impossible. For a time while preaching at Willimantic, Warrenville, Ashford, and other places he would frequently ride twenty miles on the Sabbath, preaching two or three sermons, and aside from this during the week teach school, and was acting school visitor, and also had the care of quite an extensive farm. Few men had the happy faculty which Mr. Burleigh possessed of speaking extempore upon any subject, and always fittingly and to the point. It is very much to be doubted if Plainfield has ever raised a more talented man or one more hearily in sympathy with every good cause than Rev. Lucien Burleigh.
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