USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > An old New England church, established religion in Connecticut; being an historical sketch of the first Church of Christ and the Prime ancient society, Fairfield, commemorating the two hundred and seventieth anniversary of public worship in the town > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
The Rev. John Jones, Puritan divine of the Church of Eng- land, independent minister in a non-conforming church of New England, scholar in exile, gentleman, uncomplaining sufferer, Self-denying friend, a founder of the new order of things, fear- less, ingenious, workful, true to the faith dominating his rugged
140
THE MINISTERS AND THEIR CO-WORKERS
spirit. His portrait shows him in gown and bands, the conven- tional garb of the Puritan divine in his pulpit.
The Rev. Samuel Wakeman, first ministerial product of the western soil to minister unto this people in the land of his nativ- ity, lover of books (his library was appraised at £54, 50s, 6d, a large sum for early days in New England), diligent student, aggressive preacher, robust and prosperous farmer, community counsellor, man of property (his estate amounted to nearly a thousand pounds), and widely influential in public affairs, an honored father in Israel, transmitting to numerous descendants the precious heritage of the righteous.
The Rev. Joseph Webb, a merry, exuberant son of Harvard toned down by several years of arduous and varied labors to a calm, observant, sympathetic workman, lines of deep thought and noble purpose traceable in his face, strength and zeal char- acteristic of the man; "hospitable in his house," writes his biographer, " steady in his friendships, free and facetious in his conversation" (many of these worthies shone in bright and humorous talk) ; "a gentleman of probity and piety," says an- other eulogist, "of distinguished erudition in grammar, rhetoric logic, and theology, appearing most free of affectation." The inventory of his estate tells us what manner of clothes were worn by Mr. Webb, namely : shoes with silver buckles, homespun worsted stockings, knee breeches of plush with silver buttons, "a good shirt," a calamanco vest, black broadcloth coat (ap- prized at six pounds), a great coat of broadcloth, a wig, a silk handkerchief, a wide-brimmed soft hat, a pair of spectacles, and white gloves.
The Rev. Noah Hobart, a man of vigorous body and intel- lect-tireless, efficient through forty years ministry-" laborious student," acute and learned-adorning " the doctrine which he professed by an exemplary life"-I quote the first President Dwight, his intimate friend-a born ecclesiastic and controver- sialist-revered in all the colony as a conservative and eminent
14I
THE MINISTERS AND THEIR CO-WORKERS
leader-the champion of orthodoxy, Presbyterial ordination and the Established Church of Connecticut-a servant who lived out his full span of life in rich enjoyment of work-preaching his two sermons "with more than his accustomed animation " the very last Sabbath of life-conversing with freedom and compo- sure in the hour of translation itself.
The Rev. Andrew Eliot, worthy son of a distinguished father, lover of books and the midnight oil, a genial and attractive person- ality, making strong attachments and binding men to himself by enduring ties, a judicious and affectionate pastor, " unentangled with the things of this life," candid and simple in his piety, brave and wise in spirit, urbane and happy in manners, as one of his biographers writes, he "conciliated the esteem of all ranks."
The Rev. Heman Humphrey D. D., L. L. D., ardent work- man, profound thinker, guide of young men, passionate reformer, his great heart beating in sweet accord with his active brain-a many-sided helper, practical, imaginative, spiritual, progres- sive-touching life with quickening energy in variety of ways- illustrating by word and deed, book and character the exalted principles which dominated him through an eventful career. It is a face of gracious refinement and splendid, abounding manli- ness which looks down upon us from the canvas.
The Rev. Nathaniel Hewit, a rugged, forceful represen- tative of the early Puritan leaders-Carlyle-like in the massive- ness and frank insistence of his awakening individuality-the rich, deep, eloquent speech flowing with majestic sweep like some river, the revelation of rare mastership in assemblies-stern advocate of righteousness, true defender of the faith, magnetic yet playful, imperious but prayerful-combining the active and the passive virtues, a wondrous blending of paradoxical forces. The streams of subtle influence continue their rich fertilization and the end is not yet.
The Rev. John Hunter, admired and beloved friend of Judge
142
THE MINISTERS AND THEIR CO-WORKERS
Sherman-his name suggestive of the sport particularly dear to him, tramping through field and forest in eager pursuit of game, to the annoyance of staid, old-fashioned people-a devotee of books and nature, well versed in both realms-frank and enthu- siastic-a keen wit sparing neither friend nor foe, his shafts not seldom fired while standing in the pulpit, the aim sure and the effect startling-a man of imagination and writer of verses, im- pulsive, eccentric, courageous, his very excess of spirits pushing him to such extremes that depressing reaction often ensued with attendant suffering.
The Rev. Lyman H. Atwater, D. D., L.L.D., a man whose massive frame seemed the fitting vehicle of his great mind and generous spirit-weight, solidity, resource, power, words inter- pretative of the person-a cultivated and learned teacher, a strong Biblical preacher, a citizen whose judgment and courtesy proved to be large elements in shaping village life. Blessed with keen sense of humor and good common sense ; straightforward aud outspoken, he never made an enemy, his sterling Christian manliness working for the perpetual improvement and uplift of parish and society.
The Rev. Willis Lord, D.D., L.L.D., a minister with stu- deut caste of countenance and tell-tale expression of absorbing meditation, eloquent and profound iu speech, sympathetic, ambitious, a laborer whose physical strength did not equal the tasks which pressed themselves upon his consideration, industri- ous and energetic, heedful when called to sacrifice self, a servant seeking ever rightly to divide the word of life and incorporate the truth into his own vital manhood.
The Rev. Alexander McLean, a buoyant, tireless worker- abounding in the good cheer of the gospel-witty, social, and popular with a bent toward practical affairs and a mind quick to adapt itself to fresh conditions-orthodox to the backbone with early Scotch orthodoxy-a genial companion, loyal citizen, happy sportsman, generous friend-he loved merriment, children and
143
THE MINISTERS AND THEIR CO-WORKERS
righteousness, and he proved himself ever the champion of jus- tice, progress, and the nobler manhood.
The Rev. Edward E. Rankin, D.D., a gentleman of the old school-dignified, affable, invariably courteous, the soul of honor-methodical in all his labor, accurate in scholarship, a wise and faithful leader, studious of his people's needs, and abundant in his service among them. His stately presence and free-spent life imparted tone to the community, distributing like leaven, precious, vital influences.
The Rev. George S. Burroughs, D.D., L.L.D., a son of the manse, inheritor of lofty impulses, ever breathing the atmos- phere of great ideals-slender in body but stalwart in mind- incarnation of true purpose and glad hope-beloved of children, chosen, happy companion of men, sympathetic helper of young or old, whether rich or poor-what a flow of life gushed forth into various channels of noteworthy well-doing ; what a narra- tive of large plans, brave wise words, and splendid self-denying labors is told in his life.
The Rev. John E. Bushnell, D.D., eloquent preacher, loyal pastor, whose abundant and fruitful ministry continues in his great western parish-shall a successor here attempt the charac- terization of the man who labors unweariedly to-day in the rich plentitude of his powers ? Dr. Bushnell abides in the affection- ate remembrance of this people, his earnest labors as a workman fresh and joyous from the school of the prophets held in dear and tenacious memory. Long may he contribute to the Church of Christ strength, devotion, leadership !
Is it not a praiseworthy and remarkable succession of minis- ters for a country parish-for any parish ? Does it not provoke a certain flush of honorable pride that such men have served this ancient, prosperous Zion ?
The records of the first half century in the history of the church were lost many years ago so that the register of laymen who served in an official capacity is incomplete. It begins with
144
THE MINISTERS AND THEIR CO-WORKERS
Goodman John Thompson, who was elected deacon in 16 -. This first named servant represented the church in the Stratfield Council which adopted the Fairfield Interpretation of the Say- brook Platform in 1709. The chronicle of deacons with the dates when chosen to the office is as follows :
John Thompson, 16 -.
Lothrop Lewis, 1729.
Moses Dimon, 1733.
David Rowland,
1747.
Nathan Bulkly, 1768.
Gold Selleck Silliman, (exact date of election unrecorded. )
David Judson, 1787.
Daniel Osborn, 1790.
Moses Jennings, 1804.
Elijah Bibbins, 1810.
Roger M. Sherman, 1810.
William Morehouse,
1823.
Charles Bennett, 1833.
Samuel A. Nichols, 1840.
J. Madison Morehouse, 1854.
Henry S. Curtiss,
1864.
Oliver B. Jennings, 1871.
Joseph Lockwood, 1871.
Samuel Morehouse,
1880.
John B. Morehouse,
1885.
Andrew P. Wakeman,
1889.
Edward Osborn,
1891.
Francis H. Brewer, I893.
J. Elting Deyo, 1903.
Will O. Burr, 1908.
These names represent pioneer families, cherished traditions, consecration, the loyalty, affection and generous service of sturdy New England stock.
CHAPTER XVIII.
METHODS OF SERVICE.
VARIOUS methods of christian activity have been put in operation during the period covered by the history of our church. But the last century was prolific in important changes. We have spoken of the various forms taken by the church in its management of parish affairs-the distinction between the Stand- ing Committee of the church and that of the parish-the broad- ening scope of the former and the narrowing scope of the latter. The Sunday School soon became an important factor and gradu- ally there has been passed over to it the instruction of children and youth, a task which through the early years was shared by the pastor and parents in certain catachetical exercises.
The office of superintendent has been filled these later years successively by Deacon J. Madison Morehouse, Benjamin Betts, Samuel Morehouse, Dr. W. H. Donaldson, John L. Morehouse, Will O. Burr, Bacon Wakeman and J. Elting Deyo.
Another organization which assumed helpful service here was the Charitable Society.
The ladies of Fairfield, including Black Rock, on the first Thursday of June, 1815, met at the residence of Mrs. David Hull to organize a society to be called "The Fairfield Charitable Society," the object of which as mentioned in Rule Ist, "Shall be, to afford to the poor, relief in any way that their situation may require. If any of the managers absent themselves un- necessarily more than one hour after the time appointed for meeting, they must pay to the treasurer six cents."
This Society flourished for well nigh a century. The funds were recently given into the keeping of the Standing Committee of the church.
146
METHODS OF SERVICE
Another Society which had large influence in the parish was that organized for the purpose of stated prayer among the ladies.
The Female Prayer Meeting Society was formed at the house of Rev. Nathaniel Hewit, the first Saturday evening in March, 1821. Members present at that time were :
Mrs. Sarah Allen, Miss Eliza Knapp,
Mrs. Elizabeth Burr,
Mrs. Wilsana Nichols,
Mrs. Sarah Hewit, Miss Sally Patchin,
Miss Mary Hobart, Mrs. Esther White,
Miss Hannah Hobart,
Miss Lucinda Allen,
Mrs. Rebecca Hewit,
Miss Lydia Chatterton,
Mrs. Anna Jennings,
Miss Susan Eliot,
Mrs. Mary Joy,
Miss Sarah White,
Mrs. Cynthia Knapp.
The regulations observed by the Society were as follows :
ARTICLE Ist. No persons shall be admitted members of this Society unless they will pray in their turn.
2d. No remarks ever to be made with regard to the per- formance of any member while present, or after they return home.
3d. No person shall be invited in occasionally, unless they will close the meeting with prayer.
4th. No reading but the Scriptures shall be admitted.
It is interesting to note the names of the ladies concerned in this movement.
Mrs. Elizabeth Allen Mrs. Harriet Hoyt
66 Sarah Allen
66 Mary Meeker 66 Ann Atwood Wilsana Nichols
Miss Lucinda Allen Rutha Nash
" Maria Allen Miss Eliza Knapp Mrs. Elizabeth Burr Mary Ann Knox
" Eliza Burr
Mrs. Lucia Lee
147
METHODS OF SERVICE
Mrs. Abigail Belden
" Caroline Dodge
Miss Emily Mallory
" Ellen Bennett
Sarah Ann Mallory
Miss Sarah Bulkley
Lydia Chatterton
Susan Eliot
Lucy Smith
Mrs. Sarah Hewit
Mary Ann Squire
" Rebecca Hewit
Susan Hull
Mrs. Esther White
Miss Mary Hobart
Hannah Hobart
Mrs. Martha Trubee
" Eliza Hull
" Elizabeth Trubee
Miss A. T. Allen
Mrs. Anne Jennings
" Mary Joy
Catherine Smedley
Nancy Smedley
.. Dinah Maltbee
Catherine Hunter
Mrs. Mary L. Skinner
Mrs. Julia Ann Hunter
Elizabeth Sturges
" Mary Dimon
" Sarah Rowland
Miss Abby B. Nichols
Miss Mary P. Joy
Anna P. Nichols
Jane A. Nichols
Mary S. Skinner
Abby Dimon Eliza D. Skinner
Mrs. Susan Atwater
Harriet H. Burr
Lydia Holbrooke Eleanor B. Lyon
Miss Esther G. Judson Julia B. Nichols
Mrs. Euretta Denison
Mrs. Caroline Knapp
The Ladies Home Missionary Society has been an efficient aid in the growth and maintenance of the missionary spirit for more than two generations. Its well sustained meetings, gener-
Colored.
Janette Hayes
Miss Lois Jennings
Eliza Jennings
Mrs. Cynthia Knapp
Miss Susan Osborne Phebe Osborne
Abby Lewis
E. H. Osborne
Mary Mills
" Mary Ann Jennings "
Miss Eunice Turney
Priscilla Sturges
Miss Sarah White
M. A. Leavenworth
Sally Patchen
Polly Bennett
148
METHODS OF SERVICE
ous financial assistance and tireless activity are matters of record. The missionary boxes sent to the frontier for a long succession of years have been remarkable for excellent character, making glad many a faithful servant, imparting fresh courage as well as liberally supplying instant needs.
Another society which has served helpful purposes these later years is the Fortnightly which meets statedly for sewing in behalf of the poor. Contributions to various missionary objects have also been forth-coming from the members. The Fresh Air Association is under special obligations to the society for help in the making of garments and the preparation of the Home for the comfort of the children.
A later society is the Young Ladies Mission Circle meeting once in two weeks for nine months of the year and working for such charities as specially appeal to the young. This society has taken an active part in several festivals conducted for the pur- pose of raising funds in behalf of mission enterprises. Like the Fortnightly it has been especially interested in our Fresh Air work.
The Y. P. S. C. E. was organized in the spring of 1888 and has flourished during two decades, taking charge of the prayer meeting on Sunday evening and contributing generously to the social life of the church. It has sent flowers to various missions in New York, distributed good literature, given funds to assist several churches, schools, and other christian enterprises, and proved itself a useful agency in our parish.
An outcome of charitable impulse in the church and com- munity is seen in the Fresh Air Home. The handsome, com- modious building was erected in 1906 at an expense of nearly $8,000-a gift largely contributed to the Association by Mrs. Oli- ver B. Jennings, Miss Jennings and Mr. Frederick Sturges. The support of the work has come through the free-will offerings of the friends in the neighborhood, bestowed without regard to sect or class. One hundred and twenty-five little girls-more or less-
149
METHODS OF SERVICE
have enjoyed each season a happy vacation in this beautiful town by the sea during the past eighteen years. The cost of main- taining the work has been from $400 to $600 a year, varying with the length of the season and the number of children enter- tained. Nearly two thousand guests from the missions of New York City have profited by this gracious charity.
The work at Hope chapel began as a Sunday School back in the seventies. People of the neighborhood joined with helpers from Fairfield and Greenfield in raising the funds and erecting the modest chapel which has served the community for a gen- eration. The Sunday School gathered such a large company of young people that it was finally arranged to hold a preaching service regularly on Sunday evenings and a student from Vale Divinity School was engaged to supply the pulpit. This was in the early part of the eighties. A long succession of young preachers have ministered in the place-their time of service generally being the senior year of the divinity course. Dr. Rankin, Dr. Burroughs, Dr. Bushnell and the present pastor have also held frequent services in the chapel. For several years a mid-week meeting was conducted with excellent results. Many people from the chapel have united with the church, the tone of life in the community has been noticeably improved and a large number of christian workers have been privileged to con- tribute to the common welfare of the town and the real advance of the Kingdom.
Among the many workers we name the superintendents of the Sunday School : Deacon Donaldson of Greenfield Hill, John H. McAlpin, James Pratt, Will O. Burr, Morris W. Lyon, Charles L. Hill, W. Ralph Thomas and J. Elting Deyo. The names of the teachers would fill a page-devoted men and women who have climbed the hill through heat and cold, in sun- shine and storm, during youth and age that they might teach children the way of life and inspire them to the highest ideals of manhood and womanhood.
150
METHODS OF SERVICE
Hope chapel has been a very fountain of moral and spiritual refreshment where hundreds have drunk the waters of life. Sev- eral of our people have remembered the work by gifts which help to perpetuate the beneficent service wrought through the years.
1
CHAPTER XIX.
THE OLD RECORDS.
TURNING the pages of old records and deciphering antique chirography is akin to an actual touch of hands with former generations. The "sere and yellow leaf " into which the pages of these chronicles have passed gives the reader a curious sense of remoteness, He fingers them reverently, he gazes upon the cursive characters traced by old time worthies with a feeling that he really lives as a contemporary with them. This indefinable, sympathetic association makes vivid and strangely real the life which expresses itself by such simple agencies as quill and ink and paper and manifold straight lines and curved.
The prime adventurers in Fairfield did not leave many pieces of writing. Some portion of the early town records were destroyed; while the first records of the church-dating from 1639 to 1694- were altogether lost. The curious, irregular signature of Lieut- Governor Roger Ludlow, the founder of the town and for a time the most conspicuous figure in the church, may be seen appended to his last will and testament. Whatever revelation of character is given by hand-writing must be sought, so far as these original settlers are concerned, in the few legal papers which are filed in the Town Hall or preserved at Hartford. Perhaps the freedom and individuality in spelling interests a reader quite as much as the varieties of penmanship-a state of independence which the modern stickler for conventionality might well envy.
Then we are to remember that paper was an expensive com- modity and people made a very economic use of it. That com- memorative sermon preached by Mr. Webb on the Sunday fol- lowing Major Nathan Gold's death-in which by the way no
152
THE OLD RECORDS
mention is directly made of the eminent and worshipful church- man-was written on diminutive sheets of paper in a chirography so minute that a magnifying glass is necessary to decipher it. It was read however by the preacher-albeit he must have held it so close to his eyes that his face was quite hidden from his con- gregation. But the manuscript had not been put to its final uses on the day of the eulogy. There were several blank pages at the beginning and the ending of the sermon. These precious spaces became a journal to which Mr. Webb committed various observations upon the weather and important events of the times. (The manuscript is now in the keeping of the Fairfield Histori- . cal Society.)
Some goodly portion of the early writing in the first volume of the Church Records was done by Mr. Webb. This agreeable gentleman was as delicate in his wit as he was in his penman- ship. Some of the Boston brethren termed him at one time "a lively and ingenious youth "-this agreeable disposition getting him into trouble when a student at Harvard College and result- ing in his temporary suspension from scholastic privileges. The exhibition of his merry spirit however simply expressed the ardent, happy nature of a strong and noble man.
A bright, facetious style of conversation made him exceed- ingly popular in the parish and the colony. Hospitable and gen- erous, abounding in good cheer he made glad many hearts when engaged in the more serious tasks of life, communicating some por- tion of his hopefulness to various enterprises, imparting to his learning and culture an element of attraction not often observed in scholarship.
The old records first contain the names of those who "re- newed the covenant." In 1679 the Reforming Synod of New England recommended that there should be a "solemn and explicit Renewal of the Covenant" on the part of God's people. Among the names in the year 1694 which head the list are The- ophilus Hull, Sarah Jennings, John Wheeler, Samuel Lockwood,
I53
THE OLD RECORDS
Nathaniel Seymour and Samuel French. Many familiar names follow-Burr, Barlow, Bennit, Rowland, Sturges, Rumsey, Jesup, Bradley, Wakeman, Bulkley, Osborn, Morehouse, Perry, Lyon, Sherwood, Dimon, Gold and others. Then we turn to the register of those who "recognized their baptismal engagements," the first date of which is July Ist, 1733.
The names of the baptized begin with the earlier date, Aug. 19, 1694. This record is voluminous. The persons baptized by Mr. Webb numbered 1492,-those by Mr. Hobart 908 and those by Mr. Eliot 926.
The beginning of the marriage records dates back to 1694.
The record of those admitted into full communion begins with Theophilus Hull and Mary Hull, Nov. 11th, 1694.
As we read the firm, vigorous handwriting of Rev. Noah Hobart we readily accept the verdict of the day concerning his unusual force and ability. The romance in this good man's life concerned his first love and his last marriage. When a student at Harvard he became enamored of a Plymouth maiden. Miss Austen has told the story in one of her novels. The course of true love did not run smoothly and the lovers parted. Twice were they married and twice bereaved of their consorts. Late in life they met again, revived old times and finally united their destinies.
The Sabbath preceding his death Mr. Hobart preached twice as usual, and " with more than his usual animation " remarks Dr. Timothy Dwight.
In their record of marriages Mr. Hobart and Mr. Eliot both append the letters "V. D. M." to their signatures-Verbi Dei Minister-Minister of the Word of God.
These records sometimes put people into strange juxtapo- sition. Here is the marriage of Jack, negro servant of David Barlow and Mary, negro servant of Deacon Hill by Andrew Eliot V. D. M., followed by this interesting record :
154
THE OLD RECORDS
Hancock and Quincy
1775
August 28th
The Hon. John Hancock Esqr. and Miss Dorothy Quincy- both of Boston-were married at Fairfield.
Pr. Andrew Eliot V. D. M.
The Church Register of these early days was kept by the pastor, a church clerk being a later convenience. But the rec- ords are meagre at the best and must be supplemented by the work of the town clerk.
When the people first met in the unfinished meeting-house March 26th, 1786, Mr. Eliot preached from the text Gen. xxviii, 17, last clause : " This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." But the books show that it was many years before the house was plastered and painted.
A few historical notes concerning the burning of Fairfield, appear in the records set down by Mr. Eliot.
July 7th, 1779. " A part of the British army, consisting of Britons, Germans and American refugees, under command of Major General Tryon and Brigadier General Garth, landed in this town from a fleet commanded by Sir George Collier."
"In the evening and night of the same day great part of the buildings in the town plot were consumed by said troops."
"In the morning the meeting-house, together with the Church of England building, the court house, prison and almost all the principal buildings in the society were laid in ashes."
The brief lines roughly sketch the most tragic days in the history of church and society.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.