A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 80

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 80

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On Whitsunday, June 13, 1886, the Rev. Frank H. Church became the priest-in-charge. He remained for three years.

On Christmas Day, 1891, the Rev. Theodore M. Peck (having been ap- pointed general missionary for the New London Archdeaconry) reopened the mission church which had been closed for some time.

In 1894, with the aid of the Missionary Society and a number of generous gifts from other sources, a plot of ground was then purchased on Grove Street for the building of a rectory. Mr. Peck writes: "On Monday, September 4, 1893, in the presence of my family I broke ground on the church lot in the form of a cross for the erection of a parsonage house." On September 26, 1894, the bishop formally opened and blessed the new home in the presence of a large gathering of people. In this way was completed a great work for the permanent welfare of St. Philips' Mission." The total cost of the property was about $6,000.

In order to secure a more favorable location, and a building more suitable to the needs of the mission, the church and lot were sold on January 17, 1898, to a "Holiness Society" for $4,500,

On Sunday, July 10, 1898, the Rev. Lawrence Sidney Shermer (deacon) began his work as missionary-in-charge. He remained about one year. Serv- ices were then held in the Universalist Church Building.

In the meantime having secured the new site for a church building on Grove Street, the cornerstone for the new Saint Philips' was laid by the Rev. Theodore M. Peck, archdeacon of the New London Archdeaconry, on the Feast of Saint Thomas, December 21, 1898. The Rev. L. S. Shermer acted as master of ceremonies. A box containing the historical deposits was borne by the Rev. Henry MacBeth of Willimantic, and the music was furnished by the choir. A large number took part in the ceremonies although the day was stormy.

On Wednesday, May 3, 1899, the new St. Philips' Church was consecrated by the Right Rev. Chauncey Bunce Brewster, D. D., bishop of Conecticut. Music was rendered by the choir of Christ Church, Pomfret, Conn. The fol-' lowing clergy were present : Reverends F. C. Hoskins of Hartford. J. E. Brown of Norwich, G. A. Alcott of Danielson, T. M. Peck, Lawrence S. Shermer (priest- in-charge), N. S. Emery of Christ Church, Norwich, George Buck of Quetannuc,

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E. W. Schmitt of Stonington, and R. R. Parker of Norwich. The day was clear and beautiful and there was a large gathering of people.

The building is of wood and suggests Gothic architecture. It seats about one hundred persons. The three memorial windows which were given to the old church were placed in the sanctuary of the new. The altar, altar cross, pulpit, font, and lecturn were also transferred. A new carpet was given to the church, and a bell was presented as a memorial to a Mrs. T. J. Thurber.

The first marriage in the new St. Philips' was that of the priest-in-charge, the Rev. L. S. Shermer to Miss Marion Peck. In speaking of Father Peck, it should be noted that he was greatly interested in all town affairs and the Day Kimball Hospital was organized through his instrumentality. It was first known as the Windham County Infirmary. At that time it had but one nurse. Later. Mrs. Kimball gave the new building in memory of her son, Day Kimball. It was dedicated in November, 1895. Archdeacon Peck was also its secretary and treasurer, and he served as a member of the board of trustees.

In the summer of 1899, Archdeacon Peck ended his work as archdeacon of the New London Archdeaconry, and with his family removed to Black Hall, Conn., where he took the charge of the Lyme Missions.

After this the Rev. John Hewlett supplied St. Philips' Mission for a season. He was followed by the Rev. Charles S. M. Stewart who remained in charge for four years. He was a brilliant speaker, his sermons being of a very high order. His wife's musical talents will long be remembered.

For a period of two years the church services were maintained by the Rev. Lucius M. Hardy (archdeacon). The Rev. Scott Kidder, of St. Albans' Church at Danielson, and the Deaconess Elizabeth Taylor of New York City, assisted the archdeacon in his work at Putnam.

April, 1906, the Rev. John W. Walker, a son of the Rev. M. Walker, be- came priest-in-charge of St. Philips' Mission. Under his wise and careful leadership many valuable improvements were made. In the same year a pipe organ was installed, the funds for the same having been collected by Mrs. F. A. Morrell. The cost of the organ was about $1,200. The church was some- what enlarged to provide space for a surpliced boy choir, the stalls being made by the mission priest and his father. From funds which were raised by the church school, a processional cross was given to the mission. Also a hymil board, which was a memorial gift. An organization, known as the Knights of St. Paul, held regular meetings in the guild room. An altar guild was also organized. A violet frontal of silk, and a green frontal of silk, embroidered in gold thread, were given as a memorial. The eucharistic candlesticks were pre- sented by the Rev. William Walker, an uncle of the priest-in-charge.

Father Walker resigned his charge with a greatly increased communicant list. His resignation took effect in February, 1910, and he became curate of "Old St. Peter's Church" in Philadelphia.

The Rev. Sidney H. Dixon was then appointed to the mission. He re- mained one year and was followed by the Rev. Frederick W. Bailey, 1911 to 1912.

In May, 1912, the Rev. Charles Jarvis Harriman became priest-in-charge and was tendered a reception in the guild room, assisted by the Glee Club of Trinity College, Hartford. The next year the altar guild was reorganized. Electric lighting was installed in 1916. A large and handsome Bible was pre- sented to the mission in memory of Mrs. F. H. Richmond.

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In connection with his work of the mission, Father Harriman was inter- ested in many of the town affairs. He was connected with the Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in organizing the Putnam Chapter of the American Red Cross. During the time of his pastorate the great war darkened the entire country. Father Walker's sermons were intensely patriotic and forceful. He presented two silken flags to his mission, the Connecticut State flag, and the Stars and Stripes. Both were hung in the church.

In November of 1917, the Rev. Frederick Leeds was appointed by the bishop to be priest-in-charge. The labors of this priest were marked also by several interesting events. The altar guild was again reorganized and there was an increased membership. Many gifts were made, of which Father Leeds gave not a few in memory of those he had "loved long since, and lost awhile."

The following summer the guild was entirely remodelled, the work being done very largely by the men of the mission, under the direction of Mr. Arthur D. Lown. This was formally opened on October 30, 1918. The women's guild served a fine harvest supper to a large number of invited guests. Amongst those present were the Rt. Rev. Edward C. Acheson, D. D., suffragan bishop of the diocese; the Ven. J. W. Brown; Rev. Fr. Jepson of Danielson; Rev. and Mrs. Frank H. Bigelow of Pomfret; the Rev. Fr. Linsley of Webster, Mass .; the Rev. Fr. Roberts of Westboro, Mass .; the Rev. Fr. Harriman, chaplain United States army; the Rev. and Mrs. Frederick Leeds.

On November 18, 1918, Father Leeds planned and gave a large victory service, in which certain ministers of the neighborhood took a part. The church was crowded to the doors. Father Hull of Plainfield, Conn., was the special preacher.

Father Leeds' work was greatly hampered by the very trying conditions under which he endeavored. to live, there being no rectory and much of his time was spent alone. He finally asked that the bishop relieve him of the charge, and on March 1, 1919, he accepted the senior curacy of St. Paul's Church at New Haven. On May 8, 1919, he received a call from the vestry of Grace Church Parish, New Haven, to become rector. He assumed the rec- torship of that parish on Trinity Sunday of the same year.

From March 1 to December 1 of 1919, the services of the church were con- tinued by Mr. Arthur D. Lown, the lay reader of St. Philips' Mission. Mr. Lown has done a very faithful work in this mission. His efforts and deep interests have been of help and inspiration to many.

The next priest at St. Philips' is Father Ullery.

With a devout leader and faithful co-workers, organizations active, and the mission free from debt, the history of our mission closes with the Eastertide of 1920.

"O Almighty God, who hast instructed thy holy church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that, being not like chil- dren carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, PLAINFIELD By Caroline H. Sanford

The establishment of the Lawton Mills in Plainfield brought to the place many English operatives. A large proportion of these were members of the

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church of England, corresponding to the Episcopal Church in America. Bishop Brewster of Connecticut had appointed Rev. James Hardin George missionary of this region with headquarters at Danielson. During one of his journeys to minister to scattered church families, he stopped in Plainfield and found a nucleus of communicants who welcomed him gladly. The first service was held in Babcock's Opera House, January 26, 1913, when the sacrament of baptism was administered to Edward Hanan, son of Wm. P. and Mary A. Whitford. The interest manifested encouraged the missionary to appoint a meeting for the following Wednesday, at the house of Mr. James Ridings, when a mission was organized with the following officers: Warden, Franklin Peterson ; secretary, Robert Lee; treasurer, James Ridings; executive com- mittee, Charles Alexander, Thomas Rhodes, Walter Holden, Joshua Peterson. Robert Lee left town soon after, when Frederick Lever was elected secretary, and still holds the office.

It was decided to have regular services Sunday afternoon, but the only place that could be secured was Spinners Hall. Here then the faithful little congregation worshipped for two years, and steadily increased in numbers. The location of Spinners Hall was unfortunate, being close to the railroad station, especially in summer with the windows open the noise and smoke from passing trains were most trying. It was decided that something must be done before another summer. Five hundred dollars had bought a most desirable lot, during the first year, and the plan was to grade it and dig a basement which could be roofed over and used for service until they had the means to build a church. The Missionary Society of the Diocese, and especially the secretary, Mr. Burton Mansfield, now came to their help most generously, sec- onded by church people all over the diocese, and made it possible for the mis- sion to build the whole church. Excavations were begun September 21, 1914, and the cornerstone was laid October 10, 1914. The first service was held in it January 17, 1915, though it was not formally dedicated until February 13th.

In the spring of 1916, the diocesan missionary board decided that the time was ripe for a resident pastor as the work was too much for any man to take in addition to his own parish. While a minister was being found, Mr. Sidney Bard, licensed lay reader from Brooklyn, took the services, and was most de- voted to his charge until the Rev. John D. Hull came. He was called to a larger parish after two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. David Coombs, who is the present pastor.

UNITARIAN CHURCH, BROOKLYN, CONN. By Mrs. S. Irving Frink

Older historians have given us a vivid account of the early history of the Unitarian Church, yet in compiling notes for this-a "Modern History of Windham County"-it seems only fitting that a little space be given in record- ing events and traditions occurring in a church which has been so vitally con- cerned in the building up of Brooklyn.

The first church was built in 1734 and stood about ten rods west of the present edifice. Rev. Ephrin Avery became the pastor in 1735. Through the old records some strange motions were legally put to vote at society meetings "regularly warned and afsembled" such motions as "The pastor shall read the Holy Scripture for the time to come on Lord's day, a portion in the morn-

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ing out of the Old Testament and in the afternoon out of the New Testament in course, immediately before the singing omitting the less instructive chapters."

In November, 1755, a call was extended to Rev. Josiah Whitney of Pomfret to become pastor of the Brooklyn church. After "prayerful consideration" Mr. Whitney sent the following to the Brooklyn parish :

"To the Society of Brooklyn in Pomfret,

"Gentlemen :

"Whereas on the 17th day of Nov. last you proceeded to give me a call to settle in the work of the gospil ministry with you and propose £120-00-00 law- ful money for fettlement and £65-0-0 lawful money for falary, I do now heartily accept of proposal and may the lord Bless us in the way everlasting.

"Brooklyn, Jan. the 7-1756. "Josiah Whitney."

There was talk in 1763 of building a new meeting-house but they voted in- stead at a meeting "legally warned and assembled" to provide a cushion for the pulpit also to mend ye glafs, and frames and cafementf of ye meeting-house and where ye clapboards are off or split to put on more and put on shingles where they are wanted and to rectify ye underpining. "Daniel Tyler to be the man to see that ye meeting-house be repaired." Again in 1766 came more agitation of the new meeting-house but again they voted instead "To put a new window on the North side of the meeting-house and board up the window that is broken against the front gallery and put new shingles on the roof where the water runs through and put a new clapboard on the North side where one is off and give Joseph Davison 27s for doing same." This proved to be not to the liking of some of the members especially Israel Putnam (destined in later years to become a famous character of history). His ability in leadership was manifested in the life of the society. He presided at their public meetings which were held in ye meeting-house. Within its walls Putnam helped lay out and plan the school districts. Old records show his signature as clerk at many of its meetings.

At a meeting of the society February 6, 1770, the decisive vote was taken which resulted in the affirmative for building a new meeting-house. Daniel Tyler whose descendants still reside in town was again brought before the public eye as master builder. It was voted "that this building should be placed a few rods South East of the old building, its front foreside facing the road ; it was further voted that this building should be painted white, that it should be of ample size, graceful proportion and have a steeple." By a bequest of Mr. Joseph Scarborough who had ever been a prominent and helpful member, a bell was provided and hung, this was the second in the county. The pro- gressive spirit of the Brooklyn people was further manifested by their voting that "an Eleclarick Rod be set up at new meeting-house provided it be done without expense to society." Private enterprise placed a convenient clock in the steeple. It was ordered that the bell be rung on Sabbaths, Fasts, Thanks- giving, and lecture days, also at 12 at noon and 9 at night. As one enters the belfry door they may see a cross cut into the floor just beyond the threshold. As the sun casts the door's shadow even with the arms of the cross, it marks the noon hour.

The society conferred upon Israel Putnam what in those times was con- sidered a great honor. They gave the care of the church and ringing of the

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bell into his hands and voted to pay him three pounds a year for doing same, a duty he never shirked until the call to arms came at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. Doctor Whitney ministered to his people faithfully and well until the infirmities of old age made it seem best to obtain an assistant pastor. In 1831 Mr. Luther Wilson of New Braintree was called. His ordina- tion as colleague pastor was marked by proper exercises on June 9, 1813, a po- sition he filled with acceptance and fidelity until it became known that he had embraced the Unitarian view, at that time so conspicuous throughout Massa- chusetts. Then indeed did some of the members lift their hands in holy horror. The time was not yet come in good old orthodox Connecticut for the preaching of "The Fatherhood of God"; diversity of opinion led to the division of the society.

This division which cast a dark cloud for a time was really a blessing in disguise for it led to the election of the Rev. Samuel J. May of Boston to the

UNITARIAN CHURCH, BROOKLYN The shingles on rear end were put on by Israel Putnam

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pastorate of the Unitarian Church. On Sunday, the 17th of March, 1822, Rev. Mr. May delivered his first sermon to the Brooklyn Society. What a wise choice those representative men made in selecting Mr. May as pastor was shown by the records of his ministration among them. Mr. May was a young man of unusual ability, well educated, broad philanthropic sympathies, a man who considered with unbiased opinion all questions brought before him, a born + reformer ; he initiated most vital and salutary reform in Windham County. Philip Scarborough, Perrin Scarborough, Uriel Fuller, Eleazer Mather, Joseph Tyler, Bela Spaulding, James A. Stetson, Septimus Davison, John Parish, Phineas Searls, Joab Fassett, Jacob Kimball, Jasper Martin, Martin Williams, Charles Williams, and Dr. James B. Whitcomb, were men closely associated with Mr. May in the church work. During his ministry the anti-slavery con- troversy was raging. He was instrumental in forming the first Female Anti- Slavery Society in this section with officers chosen from his church. President, Mrs. James A. Stetson; vice presidents, first, Mrs. Thomas Huntington; sec- ond, Mrs. Robert Sharpe; third, Miss Martha Smith; secretary, Miss Olive Gilbert ; treasurer, Miss Sarah Benson; librarian, Miss Maria E. Spaulding.

In 1829, Mr. May built the house now known as the Lewis Searls place. This so far as known was the first house whose frame was "raised" without spirituous drinks as Mr. May was a staunch advocate of temperance. In 1831, during Mr. May's reign, a choir was formed with Jacob Kimball, a then famous. singing master, as leader. Music has ever held a prominent place in the service of the church and with the singing school and training given by Mr. Kimball, new singers were always ready to fill any vacancy which might occur. Nathaniel and John Williams have always held prominent places in the choir. Mr. Kim- ball conducted until the time of his death, which occurred May 13, 1887. John Williams followed him as leader and successfully conducted until he passed away in 1906. Fine Easter and Christmas concerts were recorded during his leadership. Four of the young ladies of the choir, Miss Martha Griggs, Mrs. Mabel Leavens, Misses Maud and Myra Wood, formed the "M" quartette in 1893 and on occasions gave especially good music.

Unfortunately a love for things modern possessed the minds of the people in 1845. That year saw great changes wrought in the interior of the church; a floor was placed from gallery to gallery thus giving a lower and upper room. The lower room was used for years as a town hall, in fact the only hall the place afforded. The main portion of the upper floor was given over to an audience room, a partition across the east end gave a commodious "vestry." Many and varied have been the scenes enacted therein. It served for a school room a number of years, the first "select" school in fact.

During the Civil war her doors were thrown open, sectarianism was for a time cast aside; here gathered women from all denominations, to perform what simple, loving tasks they could for the husbands, son or brother who had marched boldly into the fight. Theirs a common sorrow; here they worked and prayed together and many a package of lint, many rolls of bandages were forwarded by those sad hearted women from the "vestry" of the old church. The old "vestry" too has been the stage set for many happier scenes. Here Jacob Kimball conducted his singing school through the '60s and '70s, where would gather the young folks for miles around. Young people of the Scar- borough families, the Williamses, Clevelands, Spauldings, Stetsons, and Mr. Kimball's own children. "Hyde Town" a strictly Unitarian section until re-

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cent years was represented by the Hydes, Sangers, Kendalls, Witters and Burlingames. No evening service was held in the church, so on Sunday eve- ning the choir met in the "vestry" to have a "sing," then gradually they began to meet around at the members houses. What glorious "sings" they had and who knows but what those songs reached even as high as the modern evening meeting service.

Brooklyn Band was organized and the vestry chosen as a meeting place ; eventually very creditable music was given by those young men of the early '50s. The Unitarian's "Oyster Suppers" were famous in the early '80s. Such dances as the "Cotillion," "Redowa," "Virginia Reel" and "Money Musk" were not despised and with Cady's Orchestra and the one and only "Gurdon" to prompt, the hall presented a merry and attractive scene. The Quilting Bee and Sewing Circle accounts would make an interesting volume in themselves. In 1917 the scene again changes.

The dark cloud of the World war hovered over Brooklyn and her brave women under the direction of Miss Anne Dyer, a member of Trinity Church, formed an organization known as the "Brooklyn War Relief Association." The old church "vestry" was offered as a meeting place and was gratefully accepted. Here again thousands of bandages were rolled, the whirr of ma- chines and click of needles gave testimony of the work being done. Brooklyn has need to be proud of her women for the part they played in the horrible tragedy of war and the old church honored for the work accomplished within her portals.

The exterior of the church had remained unchanged. Most impressive were the dedication services on Wednesday, October 1, 1845. The choir loft was placed at the west end of the church, Mr. Kimball's comment upon the occasion, taken from an old diary, is, "the choir seats was full and they sung well."

Mr. May must have been a good talisman to the society for following him have come broad-minded men, men of unusual intelligence, firm in the faith of their conviction. The Rev .. George G. Channing and Rev. Courtland Yardley De Normandie were especially brilliant men and dearly loved not only by their own people but by the public. Mr. De Normandie's marriage to one of the girls of the church, Myra Stetson, eldest daughter of James and Dolly Witter Stetson was quite an event. Rev. Mr. Stone, who followed Mr. De Normandie, was a great favorite, through his interest many were brought into the church.

The year 1871 found the wise ones of orthodox faith shaking their heads in doubt as to the sanity of their Unitarian neighbors for on October 5, 1871, a woman, Mrs. Celia Burleigh, was ordained as their pastor at whose ordination no less a personage than Julia Ward Howe addressed the people. Mrs. Bur- leigh formed the Brooklyn Dramatic Club, a stage was placed at the west end of the hall with anterooms on either side, a suitable drop curtain was made. Mr. Albert Conant, an artist of note, painted some scenery and plays were presented which would have done credit to a much larger company of actors. In 1873 Mrs. Burleigh was obliged to resign her pastorate on account of ill health. She died in Syracuse, N. Y., July 25, 1875. By her request her funeral was held in the Unitarian Church and she was placed to rest in the South Cemetery.

The ordination of Mrs. Caroline P. James occurred October 9, 1879. For the past six years students of Harvard Divinity School had supplied the pulpit. Mrs. James was warmly welcomed by the people. On several occasions Mrs.

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James was invited by Rev. William H. Beard, pastor of the Congregational Church, to occupy one of the chairs in his pulpit and assist in some public service. Mr. Beard on several occasions accepted invitations extended in like manner by Mrs. James. So far as recorded Mr. Beard was the first minister of orthodox faith to extend any courtesy to a Unitarian minister.

The idea of having church sales of "Fancy and Useful Articles" for the benefit of the church was conceived by the Unitarian ladies, quite elaborate bazaars were held during Mrs. James' administration and on to the present time. The church variety supper was given first by this society. Both these customs have been adopted by other local societies. Mrs. James was with the society until 1881, from then until 1885 students from the divinity school sup- plied, among them was Rev. Adam J. Culp, whom the society decided to call to the pastorate of the church. June, 1885, found Mr. Culp installed as pastor. Mr. Culp was a man of marked ability, an eloquent speaker. He was with the church until 1889, resigning to go to Winchendon, Mass., a large field for work. During Mr. Culp's stay the church was painted inside and out, the walls re-pa- pered, new carpets replaced the old. The choir, removed from the west end, was placed at the south end near the pulpit, the latter was replaced by a hand- some set consisting of a desk and three chairs, the gift of Mrs. Charles Bush to the church. This with a new organ completed the improvements. Sunday, September 5, 1886, was marked by special services at the church, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The seats were filled with an interested and attentive audience. Mr. Culp gave a wonderfully fine address, the closing words of which fell as a benediction over all: "The old building, thoroughly repaired without and within, is again reconsecrated to the worship of God: old memories make it a sacred spot to some, old associations make it dear to all. May its gospel and its influence make it the house of God and the very gate of Heaven to all who come up hither." The communion was then admin- istered.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 80

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