USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Bethany > Bethany sketches and records > Part 3
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 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
One of the most impressive things in the history is the piety of the early church. We glean this from the confession of faith, its church covenants and dis- cipline. The confess on of faith is remarkably simple and strong. In its broad and simple statement of view it is more like the liberal creed of today, while in it there is nothing opposed to the orthodox views of that period. The church cove- nant is a- you will see impressive and solemn. It reads:
" You do now in the presence of God, the dread majesty of heaven and earth, before angels and men, with the utmost seriousness and sincerity of soul, avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God and Supreme Good, through Jesus Christ, de- voting yourself to his fear and service and engaging in dependence upon his divine aid conscientiously and perseveringly to keep his Iloly Commandments. You do also solemnly covenant with His church that so long as you remain a member of it you will walk tog ther with it in christian fellowship in all Gospel ordinances, and in a conscientious discharge of all christian duties, constantly de- pending on the Lord Jesus Christ for that gracious assistance which may be need- ful and sufficient for you."
After neglecting to keep up the society interests for some years, in 1828 a petition was sent to the General Assembly, which is noteworthy for its expression of humility and deep contrition. It abounds in statements of regret and remorse and confession of neglect and deadness. "They have been a stumbling block to sinners." "They have failed to manifest brotherly feeling and tenderness among themselves." "They have neglected the children of the flock who have been pub- licly dedicated to God, and have left the sins of their brethren go unreproved." " They thus seek the forgiveness of the christian brethren, and of the High, Holy and Heavenly Father."
In discipline under Mr Hawley they were exact. One Jesse Lounsbury ap- peared and upon refusing to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper according to the rules of the church, it was voted that they obey the command of Christ and let him be as a heathen man and a publican and that the watch and care of the church be withdrawn from him. Also voted that " Whereas Rhoda Hotchkiss has given satisfactory evidence that she has exercised sincere repentence for living a long time in neglect of christian duty, and for dishonoring the cause of true religion, and wishes to be received, that she be again cordially received." One Allen Thomas makes a confession to the church in these words: "Having been for some years a member of this church and having lived unworthy of my christian profession 1 desire to humble myself before God and his people this day concerning my sins." Then followed a statement that he has neglected seasons of prayer, absenting himself from the table of the Lord and the company of his people. " I now repent of my sins and ask Christ's forgiveness and of the members of the church whom I have offended "
2I
BETHANY
In many ways the pure and sincere religion of the early church, their tender solicitude for one another, their care and watchfulness over the young of the parish, and their responsibility over the errant members, stand as an example for the church of today. The dev tion and loyalty of the older members seems a solemn call to the same firm faith, pure and honest piety and thorough devotion to the church and kingdom of our God and His Christ.
In 1783 a committee was appointed "to assist the Church of England Commit- tee to find a place for them to set a church on "
In 1779 the Society began "to confer with Amity about being made a town." This subject was one of much discussion and negotiation and of some strife in re- ga'd to the place of a town house. The town of Woodbridge was incorporated in 1784 and was named in honor of the first minister of the Amity church. The separation of Bethany as a town be_an to be agitated in 1803 ; but was not accom- plished until May, 1832.
Ot er names of those who acted in Society business before 1800 are, (placing them in order of time), Jesse Bradley, William Wooding. Deacon Isaac Johnson, Josiah Lounsbury, Deacon Peter Perkins, John Lines, Timothy Hitchcock, Eph- raim Turner, Abraham Carrington, Ezra Sperry, Daniel Beecher, Jonathan Andrew, Reuben Sperry, Amos Hitchcock, Jonathan Tuttle, Deacon James Wheeler, Jacob Hotchkiss, Jared Sherman, Edward Perkins, Jesse Beecher, David French, Ray- mond Sanford, David Thomas, Lamberton Tolles, Roger Peck, John Russell, Medad Hotchkiss, John Thomas, Ilezekiah Thomas, Caleb Andrews, Elihu Sanford, Jr. Reuben Perkins, Hezekiah Johnson, Lucas Lines, Jared Tolles, John Wooding, Darius Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah Beecher, Jared Beecher.
In 1804, (Feb. 2d), it was "voted that we will give Mr. Isaac Jones, Jr , one hundred pounds annually for three years and then rise five pound a year until it shall amount to one hundred and twenty pounds, to commence at the time of his ordination and to continue as long as he shall continue to supply the pulpit as a minister of the Gospel in this place."
Feb. 8, 1804, it was "voted to give Mr. Hawley the interest of the minister's Bank in this place beginning the first of March, 1803, and to continue during his natural life, upon his giving the Society a full discharge from any other demand on sd society from the first day of March, 1803 "
At the May session of the General Assembly in 1809 the following resolution was adopted.
Whereas, it hath been represented that the members of the Ecclesiastical So- ciety of Bethany, in Woodbridge, have had no legal society meeting for several years. Resolved by this Assembly that John Thomas, Esquire, be, and he is here- by authorized to give said Society six days warning by posting up the same on the Sign Post in said Society before the first Monday of June next, to meet at the meetinghouse in said Society on the said first Monday of June, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and when met, to preside in said meeting, and lead said Society to the choice of a Societies' Committee, Clerk and Treasurer, and to do and transnet any business proper to be done at said meeting.
At the meeting so called Timothy llitcheock was chosen clerk and treasurer, and the following society's committee was chosen: John Thomas, Esy., Medad Hotchkiss, Isaac Hotchkiss, Jabez Hitchcock, Jesse Atwater, Demas Sperry,
22
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
John Terrell, Silas Hotchkiss and Jesse Bradley were chosen bank committee, and a tax of one cent and five mills was laid on the list of 1808, to be paid by the fir-t of July.
In 1828 there was a great revival, and from March 1st to October 1st thirtytwo were received into membership on confession of faith.
The list of officers and committees elected at the annual meeting held March 1, 1837, is as follows: Theophilus Smith, moderator ; Lewis Hine, clerk ; Grant Hitchcock, Levi Wooding, Ebenezer Platt, society's committee; Miles Hitch- cock, auditor; and Theophilus Smith, first chorister ; Hiram Hotchkiss, second chorister ; Clark Hotchkiss, third chorister; Clark Hotchkiss and Oliver Nettle- ton, singing committee.
The church today (1896) has about 50 members. The present officers were elected as follows : Dea. Horsfall in 1883: Dea. Rosha, 1895; church clerk, Ed- win N. Clark, 1890.
THE PRESENT CHURCH, BUILT IN 1831.
"RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY DAYS."
Edwin Buckingham many years ago narrated his "Recollections of Early Days," which were taken down for the Seymour Record, from which we take the following :
" The old meeting house which I first remember, stood on what used to be called " Meeting Ilouse Hill," on what is now called the "Shun Pike Road," in contradistinction of the "Turnpike " on the east side of the town It was a large building-larger by far than the present Congregational church-but yet not too large for the attendance, as it was the only church in which constant services were held in that section of the country, and the inhabitants were by law compelled to
23
BETHANY
attend church. This old church was torn down the year 1830, and the timbers were used in building the present church on the hill north of it.
" This old church was built of large heavy timbers, with a belfry on the north end. The interior had plastered walls, a box pulpit in the west end high enough to permit the preacher to look into the gallery, and box pews with heavy doors, both in the gallery and on the floor. The seats were bare and straight-backed, and such a thing as a cushion on a church seat would have been looked upon as a mortal sin.
It may not be uninteresting to the reader to recount a few incidents here which illustrate that human nature has not materially changed in seventy years even in New England. Some of the young folks desired to have some fun at the clergy- man's expense, and so they drove a large flock of geese belonging to Squire San- ford, into the church early Saturday evening, and up into the pulpit and carefully closed the door. In due time, on Sunday morning, the congregation assembled and the minister with solemn tread marched down the aisle, ascended the steps and
*********
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH.
opened the pulpit door. Immediately a hissing and quacking sound filled the church, and the frightened dominie sprang backward and aside as down the steps and up the aisle marched the geese with a gabble that was perfectly deafening. The dea- cons assisted in driving the geese out of doors, and after awhile order was restored and the service proceeded with. Great efforts were made to find out the perpetra- tors of this act, but without success. Nevertheless the neighborhood was satitied who were the parties concerned in the act, and, if he has not recently died, one of them is still living in New Haven.
24
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Another circumstance connected with the church was the stealing of the tongue of the church bell and hiding it under Dr. Castle's haystack. In the spring when he fed to the bottom of the stack the tongue was found. A court of inquiry was held to inquire into the case and half a dozen of the boys of the town were arraigned on the charge, among whom was Jehial Castle, son of Dr. Castle, Edson Sperry, and Harry Tolles, son of Daniel Tolles. But no one was convicted.
" Tithing men" were annually elected, whose dutv it was to see that order was kept in the church. They were usually the most austere men of the society, and we boys looked upon them with an eye of dread and dislike which they at times seemed to heartily return. If a boy whispered to another in church behold there was the tithing man at his side in a moment, with scowling face and threatening words, and if he smiled during the services he was sure of an admonition from them immediately afterward. One of the most austere of these officers was Dea- con Tolles, living a little way south of the church. He was quite an elderly man and wore a wig with a long cue hanging behind. He was the terror of the boys. One Sunday quite a number of them were in a pew alone, and the Deacon suspect- ing they meant mischief went into the seat with them, carrying along a short rid- ing whip. The boys were quite good until they threw the Deacon off his guard, and then one of them managed to tie the end of the whiplash to his cue. This accomplished they were quiet for a few minutes, and then began a concerted noise which caused the Deacon to flourish his whip; and immediately the congregation were edified by seeing a wig flying through the air and the Deacon standing and feeling his bald pate in a most bewildered manner.
25
CHRIST CHURCH.
On the 26th day of August, 1785, the Rev. Bela Hubbard, rector of Trinity church, New Haven, began missionary work in Bethany by conducting divine service and baptising seven infants in the "Church House," a small building situated on what is now an unfrequented road, about a mile east of Bethany center. The people were too few in number and too poor to finish this building, so that it was never lathed and plastered. Through cracks in its walls the wind whistled and the snow blew. And yet, without heat from any source except from foot stoves, which a few had who could afford them in the coldest of weather, on the Lord's Day as many were gathered together to worship God as could find sittings on the rude and backless benches.
At noon they went to a near neighbor's to warm themselves, eat dinner, take out of their foot stoves the dead coals and put in live ones for the afternoon service. Although Mr. Hubbard con- tinued to officiate in this churchhouse until the end of his rector- ship in New Haven, it seems that no steps were taken to organize a legal society of the Episcopal church in Bethany until Nov. 29th, 1799. Then twentytwo persons, including four whose names were Tuttle, affixed their names to the following:
We, the undersignors, professing ourselves Episcopalians and claiming the privileges of the afore mentioned laws, do designate ourselves by enrollment, and are hereafter to be known by the name of Bethany Episcopal Society, holding the right to transact all matters in our own body agreeable to law."
On April Ist, 1800, in answer to a summons issued by a justice of the peace, the signers to this declaration met at the churchlionse and elected a clerk and a committee for the society. They were then ready to do business as a religious body according to law, and their first act was to vote to tax themselves one cent on a dollar for
26
BETHANY.
the support of religious services, the tax to be laid on the grand list of 1799. It is quite surprising to us in these days to find how ready and willing they were that their religion should cost them some- thing.
Until taxation for the support of public worship was abolished by act of the legislature, they continued to tax themselves, nearly all the time, three cents and sometimes four cents on the dollar, so that one of their number, whose property was assessed at $1,000, had to pay for religious purposes $30 and $40 a year.
The first wardens were Uri Tuttle and Daniel Hotchkiss, elected April 17th, 1800. On the 16th of December, 1800, it was "voted that we keep church in the schoolhouse near Ely Todd's," the grandfather of Street, Dwight and Jasper B. Todd, who came from Northford in 1783 and lived near the present home of J. B. Todd. Evidently the interior of the churchhouse had become too windy for services in cold weather. Soon after this the old churchhouse was sold, and the proceeds of the sale were kept to apply toward the building of a new house. Public worship was then held all the time in schoolhouses, laymen reading the services when no clergy- men could be had.
On the 9th of January, 1808, the society decided to build a church near the house of Roger Peck, now F. A. Perry's place, 48 feet in length and 36 feet in width, with a cupola. In the year 1809 one fourth of an acre of ground was deeded to the society by Roger Peck, for which they paid him $50, and on -which the church, represented in the accompanying picture, now stands.
On the 2d of May, 1809, Alling Carrington was appointed by the society as an agent to present to the General Assembly a peti- tion asking that body to grant them a lottery of $2,000 to finish the church. But there is no evidence that, in this case, this then quite customary plan of getting money for religious and charitable pur- poses was ever carried into effect. The desired amount appears to have been raised by subscription and promissory notes. Perhaps it was the pressing need of money that caused the appointment of a committee at this time to sell tallow and candles belonging to the church.
At a meeting of the society on the 6th day of November, 1809, it was "voted that this meeting consider Isaac Jones a person worthy and well qualified for a gospel minister, and wish that he
CHRIST CIIURCH. 27
may be introduced into the Episcopal order agreeable to the rules in such cases made and provided." This vote of recommendation was the outcome of a sensational event which took place at about this time among the Presbyterians.
Isaac Jones, their pastor, for the offense of coming among them a bachelor and marrying one of their number, and for various
CHRIST CHURCH AND RECTORY.
other reasons, was disliked by some of them. So intense did the feeling against him grow to be, that it even entered that indispen- sable thing of uncertainty-the country choir, and affected it to such a degree that it refused to open its mouth in praise to God, when Mr. Jones was present. Every time after he had given out a hymn and read its verses, the choir was silent. Then it was that the good Deacon Phinehas Terrill immortally distinguished him-
%
28
BETHANY.
self as a soloist; for he arose, and going to the front in the choir loft, sang the whole hymn through alone. The result of this trouble was that the Rev. Isaac Jones, with his two deacons, Phine- has Terrill and Hezekiah Beecher, seceded and went over to the Episcopal church, taking with them sixty Presbyterians
This accounts for the fact that since that time the Episcopal society has been the strongest religious body in Bethany, and for many years the only one able to support a resident clergyman. Mr. Jones was rector of the church here in 1810 and 1811.
The frame of the present church edifice was raised May 12th, 1809. While this church was being built regular services were held in Darius Beecher's hall, or ball room, as it was then called. This building still stands on the "Shun Pike" road, just north of the churches, and was later owned by Orrin Wheeler.
On the 18th of April, 1814, the society voted to hire preaching three fourths of the time. When there was no minister, Archibald Perkins and Reuben Judd were appointed to read the service, and the following to read the sermon: Timothy Ball, Lysias Beecher, Roger Peck, John Russell, George Peck, Eber Lines and Heze- kiah Thomas.
On the 16th of January, 1810, a committee of seven men was elected "to seat the church, on the list of 1808, showing such re- spect to age as they shall think proper." The debt of respect due from all to the aged was always paid in full in those days. Thus sittings were assigned to members of the congregation from time to time, until on the second day of June, 1828, it was voted to sell the seats annually to the highest bidders. The society then purchased one half of a slip and gave it to Archibald Perkins for his services as chorister. The church received its name, Christ church, on the 2d of September, and was consecrated on the 19th of September, 1810.
Near the beginning of the last quarter of the 19th century, s) long a time had elapsed since any repairs had been made on the building that it had become almost dilapidated. It was estimated that $2,000 would be needed to put it in fair condition, The people were determined not to get into debt for their house of worship. The society met time and again to consider ways of raising money. It seemed impossible to get the amount required. S. R. Wood- ward had done hard and faithful work as collector, but had secured
29
CHRIST CHURCH.
De shall Reverence my Sanctuary J um the Lord.
o
INTERIOR OF CHRIST CHURCH.
30
BETHANY.
only $1,500. It was believed that no more could be obtained. S. G. Davidson, at the request of the society, then undertook the task of collecting, and the $1, 500 soon increased to $2,300. Then work was begun.
The two tablets, on which were inscribed the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, were taken from the chancel wall and stored in the woodroom of the rectory. These tablets had come from England, found a place'in Trinity church, New Haven, when it stood on Church street, and when Trinity church was built on the Green they were given to the church in Bethany. They were returned in 1885, and are now to be seen, bright with new gilding and varnish, in the vestibule of Trinity church.
These tablets and the galleries and windows are the only objects that still exist to show how the interior of Christ church looked before its renovation in 1875. Then its high pulpit, with stairway, was torn down, new flooring was laid over the old. new and most inviting pews and cushions were put in position, new carpets laid, a beautiful and costly stained glass window placed over an appropriate scriptural sentence in the chancel, and the walls, ceiling and woodwork were tastefully kalsomined and painted. And when all was done, on the 14th of September, 1875, a great gathering of the clergy from all parts of the state assembled here, with a crowd of people, and the church was reconsecrated to the worship of God.
Again in the year 1875 the building was a in deplorable condition for want of paint. At the same time there was urgent need of an organ to take the place of one which had been given to the church many years ago by Seymour Tuttle. Some desired that an effort should be made first to raise money to paint the church, and then that a small sum should be expended for a reed organ. Others wanted a pipe organ, but cared not for the paint. S. G. Davidson declared that it would be easier to raise the money needed to paint the build- ing, if at the same time subscriptions were solicited for a pipe organ. He was appointed collector, and within two weeks he obtained $1,600. The church building was then thoroughly painted, all neces- sary repairs were made, and an organ purchased from Hook & Hastings of Boston, at a cost of $1, 200.
Christ church stands a monument of the piety and self-sacrific- ing spirit of men and women of past generations, and of generations
31
CHRIST CHURCH.
still living, who were and are the really great ones of the town; for the day of judgment will show the great ones here to have been those who have faithfully worked for God's honor and glory.
The present officers of this church, February, 1901, are:
Lewis F. Morris, rector.
F. W. Beecher, clerk.
T. D. Davidson, treasurer.
Noyes Wheeler and J. B. Todd, wardens.
S. G. Davidson, E. O. Pardee and George Selleck, vestrymen. (ABOVE BY REV. L. F. MORRIS.)
The following entry was found in the parochial record of Trinity Church, New Haven, the entry having been made by Rev. Bela Hubbard, then rector of Trinity church. "Bethany, Woodbridge, August 26th, 1785, opened ye Episcopal church by ye name of X church and preached, &c., and baptized 7 infants."
The following list of Bethany names found in the above men- tined parochial register under the heads of baptisms, marriages and burial, show which were the families then included in the church.
Beecher-Anna, Benjamin, Betsey, Comfort, Eli, Elizabeth, Trasene, Grace, Hannah, Thompson, John, John Dunlap. Laban Sinith, Mary, Marriner. Moses, Moses, Jr., Rachel, Wealthy, Wealthy Ann, William, Parmelee, Wilmot.
Tolles-Abram, Chauncey, Dan, Deborah, Elizabeth, Elnathan, Francis, Hannah, Henry, James, John, Lydia, Martha, Patty, Sarah, Thomas, William.
Todd-Charlotte, Law, Eunice, George, Joseph, Lowly, Lu- cinda, Hansel, Michael, Sarah, Thaddeus.
Perkins-Archibald, Arch, Abner, Hulday, Sarah, Samuel, Uri.
Sperry-Dan, David, Dennis, Eber, Esther, George, Isaac, Joel, Lois, Lyman, Mary, Miles, Parmelee, Sarah, Susan. Zymri, Margaret. Mary, Peggy, Polly, Richard, Samuel, Sarah, Stephen, Thomas, Uri, William, Zerniah.
Tuttle-Abigail, Abraham, Amin, Miles, Asahel, Bethel, Bethia, Charles, David, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Hannah, Eunice, Fannie, George, Harriet, Henrietta, Henry, Hopkins, Hezekiah, Isaac, Jane, Catherine. John, Todd, Jotham, Julia, Lucy.
The original "church-house" was on the hill south of the resi- dence of Frederick Beecher, on the corner as the road runs east-
32
BETHANY.
ward, which is known as the church corner. The following have had ministerial charge of the parish: Rev. Bela Hubbard of New Haven, Rev. Isaac Jones, (1809-1811,) Rev. Mr. Ives of Cheshire, Rev. Mr. Prindle of Oxford, Rev. Joseph Clark, during whose pastorate of four or five years the rectory was built; Rev. Mr. Curtis-, Rev. Mr. Rouse, Rev. Mr. Potter, who during a pastorate of two years devoted great energy toward clearing the incum- brances which weighed so heavily upon the society, succeeding before his departure in showing a clean balance sheet; Rev. Mr. Zell of Litchfield, Rev. Josephus Tragitt, and Rev. L. F. Morris.
41
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL.
What is now the town of Bethany was in colonial times in- cluded in the towns of New Haven and Milford. If a straight line be drawn on the map of Bethany along the Round Hill Road to where it would terminate at Beacon Cap it will represent the line which formerly was the boundary between New Haven and Milford. The parish of Amity was incorporated in 1739, and included the present towns of Woodbridge and Bethany. This parish was divided in 1762, and the parish of Bethany was incorporated, covering nearly the same area as does the present town of Bethany.
Bethany Center is about ten miles from New Haven and twelve from Waterbury. It is beautifully located on a plateau six hundred feet above the sea level, overlooking an irregular but con- tinuous valley reaching to the lowlands along the seashore. Direct- ly to the east the hillside drops several hundred feet to a wooded valley, beyond which the verdant hills rise again to a considerable height, their sides but sparsely dotted with farmhouses. To the westward there is but a slight rise to a broad stretch of arable land including some of the finest farms in the town.
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.