USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Bethany > Bethany sketches and records > Part 2
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During the early history of the church rates were levied repeatedly through the year, sometimes being as heavy as two shillings on the pound. These taxes might be paid iu provis. ions, however, if the people so wished.
A word might be inserted here con cerning the records of the society. Of the three earliest records dating from 1762 but two are now extant, the bank book and the record of the society meetings. The third, a record of births, baptisms, marriages and deaths in the society for a long period, of prime im portance to genealogists, is unfortun- ately missing. The prominent sur- names that appear in the early records are given below:
Alling, Andrew, Andrews, Atwater, Baldwin, Ball, Barnes, Beecher, Beers, Bishop, Bradley, Brisco, Brown, Buck- ingham, Carrington, Clark, Collins,
In 1756 it was found necessary to build a larger meeting house to accom- modate the increasing congregation, and application was made to the Coun- ty court for a committee to look over their situation and choose a site. Much difficulty was experienced in choosing a suitable situation, and three committees were elected before a loca- tion could be agreed upon, and even then ten members opposed. The site was located on the north side of the road leading over the hill from the turnpike near the residence of James Cotter. The meadow on which James Cotter's carriage house now stands was the meeting house green, the church being on the western side. On the north was the mansion of Dr. Hezekiah Hooker, and the south and east sides respectively the residences of Rev.Ste- phen Hawley and Capt. Ebenezer Day- ton.
Capt. Dayton's residence, of D'évolu- tionary fame, is now the only one re- maining, although the Buckingham place is built on Rev, Stephen Haw- ley's cellar. The cellar place of Dr. Hooker's mansion is still visible.
It was voted that the meetinghouse should be fiftyfive feet in length and forty in width, and that material for building it should be furnished during the ensuing year. "Dear Hotchkiss, Dea. White, Capt. Hitchcock, Capt. Lines, Mr. Jesse Bradley, Mr. Hez. Clark and Mr. Timothy Peck" were appointed "a committee to carry on the building above said. Timothy Ball
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and Isaac Beecher were soon afterward | Similar attempts were made in 1802 added to this number. Application and 1804 to have the parish incorporat- ed a town, and at last successfully in 1832. was made to the General Assembly to enlarge the parish by annexing the tract of land belonging to the town of The ringing of curfew was observed in Bethany long after it had become ob- solete in other parts of the country. The old meeting house bell was rung here until the early part of last centu- ry at nine o'clock in the evening, Sun- days included. It was a signal for the inhabitants to cover their fires and re- tire for the night. Milford "which lyeth south of the top of beacon hill, and also for that part of Derby that lyeth between bethany and nawgetuck river." The exterior of the meeting house was completed in 1769, and services were held in it at this time, although the interior was not entirely finished until several years afterward.
The society now had a church edifice of which they might be jnstly proud, since it was one of the largest and most expensive in the region and con- side ably larger than either of the churches now at the Center. Besides the galleries and choir loft, it contain- ed nearly thirty large square pews, ar- ranged in two central "square bodies," and ir a row about the sides, with the exception of spaces reserved for the pulpit And the three entrances. The pulpit was on the western side of the church and was reached by a number of steps. The whole was surmounted by a huge green sounding board." Be- neath the pulpit was a long seat on which the deacons sat facing the con- gregation. The tall white spire of Bethany meeting house was one of the most conspicuous objects that met the sailor's eye as he entered New Haven harbor.
In 1783 the parishes of Bethany and Amity united their efforts in trying to secure town privileges, but they could not agree at to the location of the town house. After Bethany had made many proposals, none of which were accepted by Amity, it was decided to petition the General Assembly to be made into a separate town, but Amity coming to terms, the two parishes were incorpo- rated under the name of Woodbridge.
Rev. Stephen Hawley died July 17, 1804, in the fortyfirst year of ministry and the sixtysixth of his life. For a short period preceding his death he was unable to perform all the duties of his pastoral office.
He was an intelligent and honest preacher, exemplary and faithful in all the relations and duties of life. He was twice married and had, it is believed, several children whose names are now unknown, with the exception of Spen- cer, who died in 1803. Mary Bellamy, his first wife, died in 1791, and his wid- ow, Mehetable Hotchkiss, November, 1827. aged 66. The aged pastor was buried in the old cemetery and there reposes, surrounded by his family and a numerous congregation, slumbering, and many of whom he himself, while living, had followed to the grave. As in life he was ever united to his peo ple, so in death they are not divided.
At this point in the ecclesiastical his- tory of our town it would be well to glance back on the difficulties which surrounded the lives of the early fath ers in the church. Many of them, be- fore coming to this wilderness, had comfortable estates on the other side of the ses, but they came for con- seience sake and made light of their privations.
It was their aim, in establishing the many towns, to erect churches in
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CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
strict accordance to Scriptural example jest hill at the intersection of roads and to transmit civil and religious lib- leading to various parts of the parish and as near the geographical center as possible. But the people went up to the sanctuary though bitter storms were in the air and the wild wind howled drearily about the bleak hill. At that time the possibility of heating the meeting-house by stoves or fire- places had never entered the minds of men, and hence the only heat was de- rived from the small foot stoves which the wealthier matrons carried with them. No matter how severe the weather, the worshipper, who perhaps had waded three or four miles through roads drifted with deep snow, sat with heroic fortitude for an hour and a half, and then at intermission repaired to the glowing fires of the parsonage or union schoolhouse, which was rented for that purpose. Then another hour and half in the warm meeting-house completed the service of the day, and they were dismissed to the long, cold ride home. The remaining hours of the Sabbath were spent in the employments appropriate to the conclusion of the day of rest. But the early settlers of long since departed and several gene- rations sleep with them. It is to be feared that many of their valuable cus- tomus and precepts have departed with them. erty to their posterity. All their acts and designs tended to the accomplish- ment of this grand purpose, and there- fore all persons were obliged to con- tribute to the support of the church and ministry. All must attend the public worship. The Congregational mode of worship was adopted and es . tablished by law, but all orthodox per- sons dissenting could, upon application to the General Court, worship in their own manner. Such persons, however, were beheld with distrust. Our fathers, who desired religious freedom and per- iled all for it, probably had not antic- ipated that they would speedily be called upon to extend the toleration to others for which they had vainly sought in the mother country, and at first they viewed with alarm any de- parture from the established discipline or doctrine, yet they had the germ of toleration and developed with more ra pidity, it is believed, than any otherchris- tian sect can show. In early times the in- fluence of the clergy was much greater than at present. The majority of them were wealthy and could help their pa- rishioners out of their financial difficul- ties, They also were the most highly educated and possessed a large amount of the literature of the colony. They prepared the young mer for college and afterwards assisted them in their studies, and in return the people loved and respected them.
The Puritan Sabbath began, accord- ing to Scriptural injunction, at sunset Saturday, the "day of preparation." and all nnnecesary work was laid aside. At the sound of the meeting-house bell on the Lord's Dav the industrious in- habitants prepared for the journey to the house of God, on foot or horseback as their means allowed. The huge old meeting- house was built upon the high-
For a short period during the last year of his ministry Rev. Stephen Hawley's health did not permit him to discharge all his pastoral duties, and the society found it necessary to install a colleague with him in the person of Mr. Isaac Jones. Rev. Isaac Jones was ordained June 6, 1804. For many reas- ons he was disliked by many of his congregation, and a wide breach was opened between the two factions. Rev. Isaac Jones' actions intensified this feeling, and at last it was determined to dissolve his pastoral relation with
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BETHANY
the church. The church met many times in order to adjust the difficulty, and finally, after a long debate, the controversy was brought nearly to a close. Before the conclusion of the meeting Col. Joel Hine, the leader of those in favor of Isaac Jones, said, "Now do you not think you ought to make some recantation for what you have said to our party?" David Thom as replied, "No; we think that you ought to acknowledge to us for what you have done." Silence ensued for a few minutes, and then both parties quietly departed and never met again for the same purpose. Soon after Rev. Isaac Jones was deprived of bis office by a Council met for this purpose. With about sixty others including the deacons, Phenehas Terrel and Hezekiah Beecher, he "signed off" and united with the Epis- copal church, a small body which had been organized a few years previously.
That this sad event did not effect the ruin of the church is due, perhaps, to the spirit of determination to overcome great obstacles which have every where characterized the descendants of the Puritans. It deprived the church of nearly or quite one half of its members, but in the following year a large fund of several thousand dollars for the sup- port of the ministry was raised by sub- scription among the remaining mem- bers of the society and added to a fund which had been willed to the church many years before. Donations have been received from time to time until the fund is now nearly double the orig- inal amount.
Shortly after the deposition of Isaac Jones Nathaniel G. Huntington was or- dained third pastor, in which office he continued until 1823, when his health obliged him to resign much to the re- gret of the parishioners.
Previous to 1824 no stoves were used
in the meeting-house, but by the aid of warm clothing, foot-stoves and a glow- ing fire at the parsonage and union schoolhouse at intermission, the con- gregation seemed unaware of the cold weather. In 1824, however, stoves were placed in the church.
By means of a General Conference convened in this parish, Jan. 17, 1829, a revival occurred and thirtytwo mem bers were added to the church, twenty- five of whom were received in one day, probably the largest number on one occasion since the formation of the so- ciety.
Preparations for building the present church edifice were begun by the soci- ety in 1830. John Thomas, Silas Hotch - kiss, Elihu Sanford, Lewis Thomas, Lewis Hine and Hiram Hotchkiss were appointed a building committee, with the liberty to pull down the old meet- ing house and to sell the green. From tne proceeds of this sale and by sub- scription the present church was built in 1831 according to plans submitted by Ira Atwater, of New Haven.
Extensive repairs were made on the church in 1851, and a new bell pur- chased partly by subscription. The old parsonage was sold and the house now occupied by F. A. Perry was purchased and used by the society for a parson- age many years. The church was again repaired a few years later and the wide portico which extended across the church was enclosed in order to en- large the vestibule.
The centennial of the church was celebrated Oct. 12, 1862, near the site of the first meeting house. Many clergy- men and a great concourse of people from various parts of the state attend - ed this celebration. Rev. Dr. Elwood, who was then pastor, conducted the services, consisting of speaking, sing - ing, etc. The assembly then proceed- ed to the old cemetery and there wit-
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CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
nessed the erection of a tombtone in | memory of Rev. Stephen Hawley, whose grave had remained unmarked for nearly sixty years. The stone bears the following inscription:
REV. STEPHEN HAWLEY,
FIRST MINISTER OF BETHANY,
PASTOR FORTY YEARS. Ordained Oct. 12, 1763. Died July 17, 1804, Æ. 66.
A few years since an academy was conducted by Rev. W. L. Woodruff in a large hall which was formerly at. tached to the residence of F. A. Perry, Perry's Hall was built to serve as the gymnasium for the numerous students. Rev. W. L. Woodruff was ordained and installed pastor over the church April 5, 1876. In many ways he was unfit for the holy calling, and two years after ordination a council was called and the pastoral relation dissolved.
The following is a list of the persons who have held the office of deacon as complete as the records show. Their
names appear as far as far as possible in the order in which they were ap- pointed: Joel Hotchkiss, John White, Benajah Peck, Peter Perkins, Phene- has Terrel, Hezekiah Beecher, Jabez H tchcock, Jesse Bradley, Theophilus Smith, Clark Hotchkiss, David A. Lounsbury, Edwin N. Clark, Thomas Horsefall and Clifton D. Rosha.
The pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. Mr. Case of New Haven. He is an earnest and thrilling speaker, and his efforts are appreciated by his parish- ioners.
Thus we have traced the principal vicissitudes of this part of the "church universal down the stream of time for over one hundred and forty years. At times, ever since its incorporation, the storm and whirlwind have passed over it, but by the kindness of Providence it still stands secure and prosperous, notwithstanding the marked decrease in the population of Bethany for the last few decades among its younger sister churches of the various denomi- nations.
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SKETCH BY REV. H. W. JOHNSON.
The following historical sketch, by Rev. H. W. Johnson, published in the Seymour RECORD Nov. 19, 1896, gives so good a view of the church usages in the olden time, and so many details not before given in the other sketches and compilation, that so much of it is given as is not in- cluded in the preceding pages.
There was no preaching here until 1763. There was no meeting house, and as yet no town house. Services were held in the sehoolhouse, built 1750, the first one erected in Bethany. * * *
The period of Mr. Hawley's ministry may be said to be the most flourishing and prosperous in the history of the church. It was the period that saw the largest number of influential men. Prominent nameg were Timothy Peck, Joel Hotch- kiss, John White, Isaac Beecher and Daniel Tolles. In piety it was also thorough, even austere, and every action was characterized by fervor and zeal. Religion was pure and hearty. It was a period of strong, intense faith, of firm, unshaken trust, as seen by their persistence during the stress of the Revolutionary War and the years following; but also of good works. There was a jealous care for the things of God, a stern regard for the purity of the church, but also a tender solicitude for one another. The young of the parish were cared for and any delinquent was quickly dealt with. Through the severe trial of the Revolutionary days the faith remained strong and unshaken, and in the face of great hardships they persisted in the work of keeping up preaching and church institutions. During this time the church had paid singers. Expenses were met like modern town expenses by a property rate.
The first church edifice, used for many years until the present building was occupied, stood upon the high hill, just above the house where Mr. James Cotter now lives, and was visible for miles around, in almost all directions. It was one of the first landmarks seen by the sailors entering New Haven harbor. It was a rectangular structure, 40x50 feet, with high pulpit, and with benches just beneath the desk for the leading men singers who had places assigned them. The diagram showing the seating arrangements and the assignments is still preserved. About 175 persons were given seats, as many as six or seven in a square pew, show'ng that at the time the audiences were large. It was voted that a tax of four pence on the pound, payable in flaxseed or other specie, acceptable in New York, should be levied. The first meeting was held in it in 1770. It was voted that Isaac Balding, Joel Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, etc., should tune the Psalm and that the above choristers should sit together near the foot of the pulpit stairs.
The War of the Revolution made exacting drafts up mn the young society. At this time we find the titles C'apt , Lieut., Ensign, prefixed to the names of the prom- inent leaders, and that year (1775) it was voted to pay the salary of Stephen Haw- ley in provisions, labor, or money if wished, the price of wheat being the standard.
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Later 25 cords of wood was paid as part of his salary. In 1803, being advanced in years, a committee was appointed to visit Mr. Hawley and learn on what condi- tions he would consent to retire. Arriving at terms they secured as their next pastor Rev. Isaac Jones, A. M., evidently a young man of promise and ability as gleaned from his sermons at that time. His first sermon after ordination is in print, as also his farewell sermon, preached two years later, in 1806, when a division arising in the church, he was deposed. The records contain no statement as to the cause of the difficulty or the charges preferred against him. The matter was of such dimen- sions that the Consociation was appealed to to settle it. Charges were made by one Medad Hotchkiss and as the result Mr. Jones was obliged to leave the parish and with many others joined the Episcopal church.
Tradition has it that certain of the older members and deacons undertook to advise the young man in matrimonial matters, who, rejecting their counsels, married the person of his choice, a Miss Thomas, and brought upon himself their ill wishes which continued to work against him, leading to opposition of his labors and this resulted finally in his deposal
In 1808 about 61 members withdrew. There had been a growing difference in religious opinions, other views than those held by the orthodox or Presbyterian church, as this church was then called, and disrupting tendencies began to appear. Those who left joined the Methodist, the Baptist or the Episcopal churches, the latter getting the larger number.
About this time effort was made to raise the amount in the church bank as it was called, to $5,000, and a subscription was started, the name of John Thomas head- ing the list with $750, and Elihu Sanford following with $250, others with amounts from $25 to $200, making it considerably above the amount set as the goal at the start. From certain references the church bank had existed for many years. In 1791 the amount in the bank was £430 9s. 7d. It was increased in 1809.
The old meetinghouse having become unserviceable, the matter of building a new one was agitated and finally it was voted to appoint a committee to sell the property known as the old green and add it to amounts raised for the new building. It was not until 1832 that the present building was put up. In 1866 it was re- modeled at a cost of $2,500, and again in 1885 further repairs were made at an out- lay of #500.
The parsonage for many years was a house not far from the corner to the right of the present church, but in 1850 it was exchanged for the property nearer the church, the society paying $1,600 as the difference in value and also assuming a mortgage for $600, a total of about $2,225.
There have been, if I have studied the records aright, four sets of deacons. The first deacons were Joel Hotchkiss and John White, who continued long in office and were strong pillars in the early church. These were followed by Dea. Jesse Bradley and Dea. Jabez Hitchcock. These were succeeded by Deacons Clark Hotchkiss and Theop. Smith and they by the present incumbents. Mr. Oliver Nettleton was clerk when the church records were first kept. After him we have Clark Hotchkiss and Theophilus Smith.
Faithful in the discharge of all duties, whether town or church, was Mr. Na- than Clark, who for years presided at the church organ, sustaining the musical department of the church efficiently and well.
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BETHANY
Of the familiar figures of last generation none were more closely identified with every movement in the church and few remembered with more affection as none were he'd in mo, e reverence than Dea. Clark Hotchkiss and Dea. Theophilus Smith. Elected deacon in 1829 at the age of 85, Dea. Clark Hotchkiss continued the hono ed officer ot the church until his death it 1890, a period of service of over 62 yea s In addition to serving as deacon he was also clerk of the church for a major part of his life time. He was a man of thorough piety, modest and retiring, though .ctive in anything of general welfare. His name is today the synonym of goodness, virture and integrity. His religion was of the quiet, retired kind, « f thorough purity and deep sincerity. His name was above reproach and everyone was forced to recognize the purity and simplicity of his religions life. Such a life in its consistency could bring only honor to the cause of Christ, as many were led to respect and honor the God of his faith, and the church of his love and labor. While not forward in devising plans for the advancement of the church, he was active in co-operating with any scheme presented which he thought would de- velop or better it, and threw in his effort to make the plan successful He died in 1890 at the age of 87, honored and beloved by the community and the church in whose spiritual and material development for over 60 years he had had such part.
His colleague and colaborer, whom the older members remember with an esteem and honor not less great, Theophilus Smith, was equally identified with the church and society. Coming to the town as a young man, he soon showed himself a person of great energy and push, and by reason of his strong character as well as marked efficiency soon took a place of prominence and influence. He was a self- made man, obtaining by hard effort his education. He taught a high school, the first in the town, and not unfrequently a person returns from distant parts who sat under him for instruction in those days. He kept a store, and also a tavern, which because of the great amount of travel between the northern villages and cities and New Haven was well patronized. He was a man of wonderful energy and marked vigor. From an active days work he would go to the house and taking up a paper or book spend the evening in the cultivation of his mind. Family worship was constantly kept up in his house. The tavern was never open on Sunday. He was closely connected with the church in many sides of its life and carried with it the same energy and spirit and businesslike ways. He made it the subject of prayer and was constantly anxious for her welfare. His characteristics were great activ- ity and boundless energy, with thorough conscientiousness. His religion possessed the heartiness and fervor carried into his daily life. His life was intense and strong, and though possessing decided opinion and a quiet, active spirit he never dishonored the cause in which he was found a faithful and valiant warriors '. Moreover it is required in a steward that he be found faithful."
In addition many here will remember the kindly features, the genial paternal bearing of Mr. Amos Hitchcock. Of modest, quiet demeanor, he was a man thor- oughly conscientious in his discharge of christian obligations. His integrity and the sincerity of his christian life was never questioned. Retiring in habit, he was yet shrewd and keen in mind, faithful in his observance of the Sabbath and by report a true christian.
Closely identified with every movement of the church, deeply interested in everything pertaining to it, and long an officer of the society, was Mr. Justus Peck,
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
whose faithful attendance at church services and whose constant zeil touching even the minor matters of her on going are still vividly remembered.
During this period the church was served in the ministry by Daniel Butt, 1844-'47, Fosdie Harrison '49-51, Alex. Leadbetter '52-'54, Ebenezer Robinson '54-'60, Seth C. Brace '61-'64, and David Elwool '64-'69. During the terms of Mr. Harrison and Mr. Mitchell revivals we e held which stirred the church and awoke it to ne w endeavors and a m re earnest, active life.
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