USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Bethany > Bethany sketches and records > Part 11
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Rev. Isaac Jones, son of Isaac Jones, was born in New Haven Feb. 16, 1775, and graduated from Yale college in 1792. He came to Bethany to preach June, 1803. Jan. 26, 1804, the society voted to call Mr. Jones. Daniel Tolles, Col. Joel Hine and John Thomas were appointed a committee "for that pur- pose." Mr. Jones' license had expired and had not been renewed. He brought a paper from certain minis- ters in Georgia. An advisory council was called April 17, 1804; but con- trary to their advice, the eonsociation was invited to ordain him without a renewal of lieense.
Mr. Jones made the following reply to the call:
"To the Church and Congregation of Bethany in Woodbridge.
"Gentlemen-I have officially re- ceived from you a paper containing
"The object for which you have called me is certainly noble and im- portant; it is of immense magnitude, loth as it respeets yourselves, and the rising generation among you; and it may be observed that the societies are doubtless at liberty to make choice of a minister, whose example they would make the pattern of their mor- als, and whose powers they judge will be the most persuasive to righteous- ness. The minister whom you have therefore chosen, is to be your spirit- ual teacher in holy things, to preach the word, to be instant, in season and out of season, to reprove, rebuke and exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.
"I have considered my inability without the strength of the Divine Immanuel; and although I have been sustained through some trials uncom- mon to the morning of ministerial life, by a very kind and blessed Provi- dence, yet my ardor and delight in the saered ministry is not lessened.
"I have therefore considered your vote with that attention that it mer- ited; and accordingly I do now signify my acceptance of your call to the work of the gospel ministry.
"I am, with gratitude and esteem, yours,
"ISAAC JONES, Jun'r. "Woodbridge, Feb. 24, 1804."
April 18, 1804, the Ecclesiastical so- ciety voted-"To concur with a vote passed by the church to eall the West- ern consociation to ordain Mr. Jones." "Voted-The 6th day of June next, at 11 o'clock, be the time for ordina-
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tion, and the council meet the day be- fore at 10 o'clock in the forenoon."
The Consociation met at the house of Rev. Stephen Hawley, June 5
1804. Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, of
North Haven, moderator, and Rev. Ira Hart, of Middlebury, scribe. Rev. Mr. Hawley expressed a desire that the consociation would proceed to ordain
"Voted-That Isaac Jones, Jr., be the clerk, pro tempore. This church tak- ing into consideration their peculiar situation as a Consociated church, oc- casioned by the extraordinary and un- Mr. Jones. The council held in April | precedented proceedings of the associa- had declared-"That to admit the li- cense which Mr. Jones received from certain ministers in Georgia would be to relinquish very necessary and use- ful regulations and stipulations, and that it is unhappy that the church and society proceeded to improve
and make choice of Mr. Jones, and that he accepted their choice, when the
recommendation of the association which introduced him as a candidate for the ministry had expired and was not renewed." The consociation, quot- ing these words, concurred in this declaration, but in consideration of concessions made by Mr Jones to the council in April, and promises to abide by the usages and order of the Consociation-signed by him-and in order to adjust matters peaceably, the Consociation voted to ordain Mr. Jones; but adding the solemn protest against all such irregularities.
The appointments for the religious service were:
Rev. Daniel Bronson, .
. Introductory Prayer Rev. James Dana, D. D.
Ordination Sermon Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D
Consecrating Prayer
Rev. Messrs Williston, Trumbull, Al- ling, Smith ... To Impose Hands
Rev. Noah Williston Charge Rev. Abraham Alling,
Right Hand of Fellowship Rev. Bezalell Pinneo.
Concluding Prayer The sermon delivered by Mr. Jones ou the Sabbath after his ordination, as his inaugural sermon, was printed. A num-
ber of copies of this sermon are still to be found in Bethany homes.
At a church meeting holden on the 16th day of October, 1806:
tion now in session on certain charges exhibited by Mr. Timothy Hitchcock (through the procurement of Mr. Medad Hotchkiss, who is not a church member,) against the Rev. Isaac Jones, pastor of this church; and, for the reasons this day detailed by our worthy pastor, in his remonstrance to handed in to said association, as well as for others reasons;
"Voted-That this church do now withdraw from all connection with the Consociated churches in the Western district in New Haven county, and do hereby declare and make it known that in future this church will be and re- main an independent church. Passed in church meeting unanimously, (thir- teen members present.)"
Attest: Isaac Jones, Jr., Moderator and Clerk pro. tem.
There were present at the Con- sociation, November 18, Benjamin Trumbull, D. D., and Rev. Messrs. Al,- ner Smith, Oliver Hitchcock, Bezalell Pinneo, Abraham Alling, Hokand Wecks, Ira Hart, John Hyde and dele- gates. Rev. Dr. Trumbull retired from the Consociation.
In regard to the whole result of the association, the Consociation, on re- view, ratified and established it. It pronounced a sentence of exclusion from all ministerial and Christian fel- lowship upon Mr. Jones and declared that he had no longer authority from the Consociation to preach or ad- minister the gospel ordinances.
A communication was sent to Mr. Jones by the Consociation. containing a statement of their doings. This Mr.
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Jones refused to accept, declaring that he would receive no communication from this body. Advice being asked: "The Consociation advise the church that in case Mr. Jones and the seced- ing brethren propose in a constitutional way to call the Eastern Consociation in New Haven, to sit with this body and hear the allegations against Mr. Jones, they consent to the same." April 21, 1807. The two Consociations met, and were in session three days. It was decided that Mr. Jones might be re- stored on making suitable confession. A confession was prepared and Mr Jones publicly assented thereto. But November 3, 1807 the New Haven West Consociation assembled at Woodbridge, declared that Mr. Jones had not com- plied with the advice of the united Consociations and was pursuing a course subversive of ecclesiastical or- der; and therefore that the decision of November, 1806, was in full force, and Mr. Jones was without ministerial au- thority. His farewell sermon was preached in the hall of the Wheeler house, December 11, 1808. His text was from Jeremiah 12:10-11: "Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, etc." The address was printed. Mr. Jones be- came an Episcopalian with many of his congregation. On November 6, 1809, the newly formed Episcopal society voted Isaac Jones "a person worthy and well qualified for the gospel min- istry." He was admitted as a candi- date for orders, later becoming a dea- con and a priest, in regular succession. He was the first rector of Christ church and remained here for about two years. He was stationed in Litch- field, 1811-1826; in Huntington, 1831- 1834; Hitchcockville, 1837-1839; Bethany, 1841-1842; Milton, 1845-1847, and then for years chaplain in the Litchfield county prison. He died in Litchfield, March 17, 1850. He had a son and a daugh- ter. The son died a year after the father, the daughter the next year and the mother the next.
Rev. Nathaniel Gilbert Huntington, son of Deacon Josiah and Abigail (Gilbert) Huntington, was born in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Oct. 30, 1785. He was fitted for college un- der Rev. Dr. Nathan Perkins of West Hartford. He was graduated from Yale College 1806. June 6, 1809 the Hartford North Association licensed him to preach and he came to Beth- any, the following october. June 6, 1810 the Ecclesiastical society voted. This meeting does concur with the vote of the church in this place this day to give Mr. Nathaniel G. Hunt- ington a call to settle with us in the work of the "Gospel Ministry." The consociation met at the house of Elihu Sanford Aug. 21, 1810; and the ordination took place on the follow- ing day:
SERVICES.
.ev. Caleb Pitkin Introductory Prayer Rev. Nathan Perkins, D. D .. Sermon Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D. Consecrating Prayer Trumbull, Smith and Pinneo . ...
Impose hands
Rev. B. Pinneo Charge
Rev. Jason Allen Right hand Rev. Abraham Alling Concluding Prayer
There were fifteen ministers pres- ent at the ordination of Mr. Hunt- ington.
About two years after his ordina- tion Mr. H. had a hemmorhage-he took a year's rest. During the re- maining years of his pastorate his health was poor. The state of his health is indicated by a number of communications which he made to the society, and it became worse as
the years went on so that he asked to be dismissed. His dismission oc- curred in March 1823. He remained in Bethany, then removed to Oxford, where he was a farmer fourteen years, supplying the pulpit some- times at Salem (Naugatuck); and he
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preached three or four Sabbaths in | Goodyear preached here.
Oxford. His health became worse and he removed to Orange, lived nine years there in tolerable health. and died Feb. 10, 1848. His wife was Betsey Tucker, of Bethany, a native of Derby, whom he married in 1821. Her father was Zepheniah Tucker. She was the mother of four children. Mr. Huntington issued two geographies published in Hartford He wrote for the Christian Specta- tor.
After Mr. Huntington's dismission the pulpit was supplied, for four years, chiefly by Rev. Abraham Al- ling of Hamden. From March 1826 to March 1827, Rev. Samuel Tillot- son Babbit preached half the time, alternating with Mr. A. Abraham Alling was born in Stamford, Dutch- ess county, N. Y. He came to Ham- den and at 16 or 18 joined the North Church in New Haven. He became a farmer. At 44 he was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Whitneyville (Oct. 19, 1797-Oct. 22. 1822.) After the close of his pastorate there ihe became acting pastor of the church in Bethany. He died on his farm in Hamden July 22, 1837 Aged 83. Samuel Tillotson Babbitt, born in Huntington Mar. 30, 1800. was graduated from the Yale Theo- logical Seminary in the class of 1826. He was ordained at New Ha- ven, Nov. 7, 1827. He preached in the new settlements of Western New York fo nearly thirty years. Mr. Babbitt never had a pastoral charge.
Rev. Ephraim G. Swift preached here from Jan. 1828 to Jan. 183). He was the son of the Rev. Seth Swift of Williamstown, Mass. He had been a colleague with Dr. West. in Stockbridge, Mass., and had preach- ed in Oxford. He was in Killing- worth 1843-50; afterwards at Chester He died while on a visit in the state of New York, Aug. 28. 1858.
In 1830 S. C. Baldwin and Geo. I
The Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, D. D., of Yale supplied the pulpit much in 1831, 1832. He preached the dedica- tion sermon of the present house of worship, Oct. 13, 1831. There were Several other ministers present on the same occasion. Dr. Taylor died Mar. 12, 1858.
Jairus Wilcox was born in Crom- well, Conn. (Upper Middletown) Mar. 8, 1802. He studied for
a time at Bangor Theological Seminary and then at Yale Theological Seminary (two years) class of 1830. The con- sociation met at the house of Lewis Thomas (Wheeler house) Nov. 6. Present Rev Stephen W. Stebbins. Zephan'ah Zwift. Leonard Bacon. Chas. Thompson, Abraham Browne. Jason Atwater. Corresponding mem- bers, E. T. Fitch. D. D., J. B. Rich- ardson, Henry Herrick
Introductory Prayer C Thompson Sermon E .T. Fitch. D. D
Ordaining prayer S. W. Stebbins Swift and Stebbins Impose hands Charge Swift
Right hand Browne
Address to people Atwater
Concluding prayer Herrick
1834, June 17, Consociation met to dismiss Rev. J. Wilcox, who was dismissed with testimony to his abil. ity and fruitfulness.
1834, July 23. Rev. John B. Kendal! was called by this church and so- ciety and installed Aug. 12. 13. 1834. He was dismissed June 7, 1836.
From 1836 to 1840 the pulp't was supplied by many different preachers Rev. Erastus Colton came in 1836 and was succeeded by Rev. I. D. Moore. In 1838 Rey. William H. Adams, Rev. Josiah Abbott and Rev. Geo. Taylor supplied. In 1839 Rev. Eli B. Clark, Rev. Irvin. and Rev. J. Curtiss.
In March 1840 Rev. Saul Clark was hired and remained until March, 1842. He came to Bethany from South Egremont, Mass. While here
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he taught a high school in addition | Prayer and Reading of Scriptures, .. to his pastoral duties.
In 1842 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Cyrus Brewster, Rev. Geo Thatcher and others.
The services of Rev. Daniel B. Butts
were engaged in May 1843. Mr. Butts was born in Rome, N. Y. Dur- ing the years he lived in Bethany he occupied the Congregational parson- age, which stood on the cross-road west of Chas. Booth's. After it was sold, the house was kown as the Par- son Butts place. It was burned sev - eral years ago. Two of Rev. Mr. Butts' children were baptized in Beth- any, Eugene and Edwin, Eugene died Jan. 24, 1846, and is buried in the Congregational cemetery. Mr. Butts remained in Bethany five years, un- til 1848.
Rev. W. W. Belden preached here in 1848 and was invited to settle as pastor, but declined. In 1848 Rev. Augustus Smith, and Rev. Ira H. Smith were supplies.
Rev. Fosdick Harrison was engaged in March, 1849, and remained until December 1851.
He began to preach in Bethany on the second Sabbath in March 1849. He lived while in Bethany in the Lycias Beecher house, now occupied by Mr. Murphy.
While in Bethany, he officiated at the funeral of George Peck, who was the first one buried in the Methodis+ cemetery. Mr. Harrison was the author of the interesting epitaph which Peck's gravestone bears.
The Rev. osdick Harrison, who is pastor of the Southington Congrega- tional church is a grandson of the Bethany minister.
In December, 1851, Rev. Alexander Leadbetter was hired as supply, and remained until Sept. 1854.
Rev. Ebenezer W. Robinson came from Hanover, Corn., (a village in the town of Sprague,) October, 1854, and was installed Pastor May 2, 1855. Thc services were as follows:
Rev. C. S. Sherman
Sermon Rev. Mr. Hazen Installing Prayer Rev. S. Topliff Charge Rev. Cleaveland
Right Hand Rev. Putnam Address to the People. Rev. Beebe Concluding Prayer Rev. Thayer
Rev. Mr. Robinson lived in the par- sonage which the society had pur- chased in 1851, where Mrs. Celia Perry now lives. He was dismissed August 15, 1860, but continued to reside in Bethany until about 1865, when he was dismissed by letter to the Congrega- tional church in Washington, D. C. In 1863 he was one of the speakers at the Centennial.
Rev. Seth C. Brace, son of the famous Rev. Joab Brace, was ordained and in- stalled pastor of this church June 26, 1861. The services were as follows: Prayer and Reading of Scripture .... . Rev. W. W. Atwater
Sermon Rev. John Todd, D.D. Ordaining and installing prayer. ...
Rev. E. L. Cleaveland, D.I.). Charge Rev. Jonathan Brace, D.D. Right Hand. Rev. Austin Putnam Concluding Prayer Rev. A. C. Raymond A few of the older members of the church remember Mr. Brace.
He prepared a historical address for the Centennial celebration, and after that event collected a large amount of matter which has never been published. Much of the data in this article is oh- tained from this source. Mr. Brace re- signed the pastoral charge April 17, 1864. In his communication to the so- ciety, he wrote: "I wish to be consid- ered as making this proposition not only without complaint, but with grate- ful acknowledgement of your forbear- ance and kindness, and most earnest wishes for the prosperity of this church and society." The consociation assem- bled May 18th and resolved: "That in assenting to the dismissal of Rev. S. C. Brace, from the pastoral charge of
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the church in Bethany, this council de- | gree from Yale. Thus the church has sires to express its high estimate of the Christian and ministerial character of the retiring "pastor of his fidelity and zeal in discharging the duties of his pastorate * * and of his scholarly and ministerial ability." He lived in New Haven until 1871 and after that date in Philadelphia until his death, January 25, 1897, aged 85.
Rev. D. M. C. Elwood, M.D.,
of Woodbridge, was the acting pastor of the church for a number of years, until 1867. We regret that we have few facts in regard to Mr. Elwood.
S. W. Barnum was stated supply in 1869 and 1870.
The church voted December 12, 1875, to extend a call to Rev. William Louis Woodruff. He was ordained and in- stalled pastor of the church April 5, 1876. He lived in the house nearly op- posite the church, which had formeriy been the parsonage. He conducted a school for boys which became popular. Perry's hall was built for the gymnas- ium for his academy and after the school was closed it was called Gym- nasium hall for many years. Mr. Wood- ruff was a man of great intellectual ability. He presented, December 12, 1876, his resignation, to take effect in three months as previously agreed, and June 9, 1871 the church voted to unite with Mr. Woodruff in calling a council for his dismission. The council failed to convene. Another invitation was ex- tended and a council, consisting of min- isters and delegates from neighboring churches, convened and the pastoral re- lation was dissolved July 7, 1878.
Mr. Woodruff went from Bethany to Hamden and was master of the Ever- est school, in Centerville, for a time.
Since Mr. Woodruff's time the pulpit has been supplied by ministers study- ing at the Yale Divinity school. The high reputation of Yale attracts manv ordained ministers, who have gradu- ated from some other theological semin- ary, but who desire to obtain a de- tow.
been able often to secure men of mark- ed ability who have maintained a high- er standard of preaching than would have been the case if a resident minis- ter had been maintained with the salary which this church can offer. On the whole this has been the most satisfac- tory plan, circumstances considered, al- though the system has its serious drawbacks. The chief of these, non- residence of the minister, has been partly offset by the fact that many of the ministers have spent the long sum- mer vacation in Bethany.
George Boothwell supplied the pulpit from March, 1880, to March, 1881.
William G. Roberts, March 20, 1881. to March 20, 1882.
J. C. Mitchell was acting pastor from March, 1882, to March, 1884.
C. B. Whitcomb, April, 1886, to April, 1887.
R. J. Thomson, May, 1892, to Decem- ber, 1892.
J. O. Jones, March, 1893, to October. 1894.
J. Deane, November, 1894.
H. W. Johnson, September, 1895, to September, 1896. Mr. Johnson wrote a history of the church which was print- ed in the Seymour Record. He was eventually ordained to the Congrega- tional ministry, which was not the de- nomination to which he had previously adhered.
Rev. Charles F. MaeFarland began his work in Bethany in October. 1896. He expressed a desire to be ordained here, and a council was called for that purpose, which met on Wednesday. Nov. 3. 1897. The order of service was:
Invocation, Rev. Frederick Lynch. Anthem, Choir.
Reading of Scripture, Rev. B. M. Wright.
Hymn 339. Congregation.
Sermon, Rev. Professor L. O. Bras-
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Prayer of ordination, Rev. Professor | ber to December, 1906.
E. L. Curtiss.
Anthem, Choir.
Charge to the candidate, Rev. Pro- fessor G. B. Stevens.
Right hand of fellowship, Rev. John C. Wilson.
Hymn, 1,019, Congregation.
Prayer, Rev. S. P. Marvin.
Benediction.
Rev. C. F. MacFarland was the sev- enth minister to be ordained by this church. He remained in Bethany un- til 1899. In the summer of 1898 he was in Europe and during his absence the pulpit was supplied by E. G. Zel- lars, of Yale. Mr. MacFarland has risen high in the ministerial ranks; is the author of many religious hooks, and is at the present time executive secretary of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America. He lives in New York city.
Rey Philip J. Phelps preached here during 1899. He now resides at Bakersfield, Cal., without pastoral charge. He was ordained in 1901
The church was closed for about a| Burtner remained in Derby to 1910, year, being reopened Nov. 1, 1901, with Rev. Shirley J. Case for its min- ister. Mr. Case was an interesting speaker. He remained here until De- cember, 1903, when he received a call to the United church, Beacon Falls.
In December, 1903, Rev. J. F. John- ston, M. A. (Yale) Ph. D. began to preach in Bethany. He went from Bethany to Seymour Congregational church in June, 1904.
Rev. van Lubken preached here from June, 1904, until June, 1905.
teem of the people of Bethany His Burtner, as well as several succeeding last Sunday hore was Dec. 18th, 1910. ministers, officiated at the Methodist The next minister was Paul L. Kir- church, Bethany, in the afternoon. by, who remained here until June, He was called to the First Congrega- '1911. then, after finishing his course tional church of Ansonia in Septem- ber, 1906, where he is still pastor.
Rev. Dr Roop officiated here for a
In December, 1906, Rev. G. Douglass Milbury, of New Brunswick, Canada, began his labors in this church. Five members were added during his min- istrations He took a great interest in the people of the community and suc- ceeded in increasing the size of his congregations. He also preached at the Methodist church. Upon finishing his course in the Yale Divinity school he returned to New Brunswick, in June, 1908, preaching his farewell ser- mon here on the 14th.
Rev Elmer Edwin Burtner, brother of the Rev. Otto W. Burtner, preached here beginning June 21, 1908. His home was in Hinton, Virginia. He was a very popular young minister, and the church regretted to have him leave, in January, 1909, for the First Congregational church Derby, where he was ordained Oct. 12, 1909.
It seems a noteworthy fact that from Bethany ministers have accepted calls to Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia and Derby, in regular order. Mr. accepting at that date a call to the First Congregational church of Mis- soula, Montana.
Rev. Herman Henry Lindeman, of Nebraska, supplied the pulpit from January, 1909, to May 22, 1910, a longer period than most of the recent ministers have spent here. He was ordained in 1910, and the same year became pastor of the church at Red Lodge, Montana.
Rev Howard Grant Parsons gave his first sermon in Bethany, May 23,
Rev. Otto W. Burtner, ordained in 1912. He gained the respect and es- 1901, began here in June, 1905. Mr.
in the Divinity school, he accepted a pastorate in Maine.
Rev. Homer L Scott came next and few months following, from Septem- preached during the summer. His
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BETHANY.
home is in Concord, N. C. Rev. Ever- ! He took a very keen interest in the ett E. Bachelder, of Pittsfield, N. H., affairs of the church. and sought in every way to promote its interests. He now has charge of a church in North Madison. a graduate of Dartmouth college, was here from Sept., 1911, to June 2, 1912. The Sunday school was re-organized while he was the minister. He ac- cepted a call to the church at Stan- wich, Conn., where he was ordained Oct. 5, 1912.
The present minister is Rev. John W. Wright, of Pylesville, Md. He graduated from the Western Mary- land college in 1911. Mr. Wright's Rev. James W. Newton, of London, England, began his ministerial labors in Bethany in June, 1912, and contin- sermons are preached without refer- ence to notes and they are so helpful and instructive that he holds the close ued to officiate here until May, 1913. attention of his audience.
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THE HOADLEY FALLS.
THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
A most important phase of the his- tory of a church is its membership. The members indeed, make the history. They represent the highest and best type of society in the community in which they live and they set a standard for morality. If some fall short of high ideals and, in the words of a men- ber of long ago, have thereby "wounden the cause of Christ and the brethren and sisters of this branch of His church." it is not just for us to con- demn the whole church for the sins of a few.
That the names of those who, during the last hundred and fifty years have
been connected with the First Church of Christ, in Bethany, may be made ac- cessible and convenient for reference, the following list has been prepared:
There is now no record of members of the church from its organization un- til 1814, a period of just about fifty years, although the early records are complete in most other respects. Rev. Seth Brace stated fifty years ago that the earliest lists were lost, and it seems improbable that they will ever be re- covered. To overcome this do fficiency the names of those who labored in the cause of Christ during the long and prosperous ministry of the Rev. Stephen
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Hawley, have been compiled in alpha- Ball, Widow Mary.
betical order. The list contains the names of all who worshipped in his congregation before 1800, as far as the records show. Here again we find un- fortunately that the names of few wo- men have been preserved. Most of the persons mentioned were probably com- municants. All were inhabitants of Bethany before 1800, and many of them were the first settlors. A few of the first comers had died before the incor- poration of the parish.
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