USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Newington > Early annals of Newington : comprising the first records of the Newington Ecclesiastical Society, and of the Congregational Church connected therewith : with documents and papers relating to the early history of the parish > Part 20
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Rev. Mr. Aiken continued to discharge the duties of the pastoral office for ten years, most acceptably to his people, who with great reluctance yielded to his departure to another field of labor in the summer of 1867. He resigned, and a mutual council was called which severed the tie which had so happily bound pastor and people together. He became principal of the Lawrence Academy at Groton, Mass. He is at this time settled at Vergennes, Vt.
In February, 1868, Mr. Sandford S. Martyn received a call, which he accepted March 12, 1868, and was ordained April 29, 1868. He continued pastor two years, when he resigned to take charge of the church in New Hartford, where he is still settled.
On the second Sabbath in June, 1870, Rev. Robert G. Ver- milye, then professor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, began to supply the pulpit. July 3d, 1870, on invitation of the Society's Committee, he became stated preacher, and so continued until November 2d, 1873, when he ceased his serv- ices on account of failing health. He is now living in Hart- ford. He continued to discharge his duties as professor while acting as preacher in Newington. This ends the catalogue of
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worthy men who have for nearly a century and three-quarters proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation to hungry souls in Newington. Most of them have gone to their reward, but their influence has left its impress upon the character of the people, who are pre-eminently moral, intelligent, temperate, and industrious, and who from the first have been engaged almost wholly in the peaceful cultivation of the soil. Like the Acadian farmers, they have been-
" Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands,
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven.
Living in a fruitful valley, formerly
" Distant, secluded, and still,
the description of the poet might be very truthfully applied to the homes of our fathers.
" There, in the midst of its farms, reposed the Acadian village,
Strongly built were the houses, with frames of oak and of chestnut, There in the tranquil evenings of summer, when brightly the sunset Lighted the village street, and gilded the vanes on the chimneys,
Matrons and maidens sat in snow white caps and in kirtles Scarlet, and blue, and green, with distaffs spinning the golden Flax for the gossiping looms, whose noisy shuttles within doors Mingled their sound with the whir of the wheels and the songs of the maidens. Then came the laborers home from the fields, and serenely the sun sank
Down to his rest, and twilight prevailed,
Columns of pale blue smoke like clouds of incense ascending,
Rose from a hundred hearths, the homes of peace and contentment.
Thus dwelt together in love these simple Acadian farmers- . Dwelt in the love of God and of man.
Newington has an honored past. May her sons ever prove worthy descendants of those noble sires who originally ob- tained the liberty to be a distinct parish from the parent soci- ety, for the high purpose of " carrying on the worship of God amongst themselves."
"Sweet Auburn ! loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheered the laboring swain, Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid, And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed- Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease. Seats of my youth, when every sport could please, How often have I loitered o'er thy green, Where humble happiness endeared each scene; How often have I paused on every charm- The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm, The never failing brook, the busy mill, The decent church that topped the neighboring hill."
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EXTRACTS FROM SOCIETY RECORDS. 1857-1874.
LEASE OF PARSONAGE TO REV. WM. P. AIKIN.
Know all men, That the Newington Ecclesiastical Society, for the cou- sideration hereinafter mentioned, have leased to Rev. William P. Aikin the house, barn, and land lately purchased by them for a parsonage,* to occupy and use the same, with the appurtenances thereof, so long as he shall remain ministerially connected with said society; the said William P. Aikin paying therefor the yearly rent of one hundred aud fifty dollars, to be deducted from his salary. And the said William P. Aikin agrees with said society, to keep the fences and buildings in good repair, and to paint such parts of the house and fenees, as are now, or ought to be painted, so often as shall be necessary or proper ; the society to provide timber for repairing the fences, and whenever it shall be necessary to renew the roof of any building, or replace any timber by reason of decay, the said society will do it at their own proper cost. This agreement is to be of force for one year, and then from year to year, unless annulled by the society at their next annual meeting, or at some other meeting called for the purpose. WILLIAM P. AIKIN.
NEWINGTON, January 14, A. D. 1857.
It is not to be understood by the above agreement that I am to paint the fences now needing it until they have been once painted by the society. W. P. A.
J. DEMING, JR.,
A. S. HUNN, Society's Committee.
CHAS. K. ATWOOD,
At a society meeting held April 19, 1858, " Voted, That the society committee be authorized to put a new roof on the parsonage house ; that the society committee be authorized to remove the present front fence south of the parsonage, and build a slat fence, and to bring it out so as to correspond with the line in front of the house of Miss Prudence Hall."
At a society meeting held Nov. 2, 1858, " Voted, That Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, Erastus Latimer, and Charles K. Atwood be appointed to inquire as to the expediency of this society giving a bond or making ta covenant with the occupant or owner of certain property formerly given by Roxanna Deming, to remain for the use of the Congregational minister of Newington."
At a society meeting held Nov. 16, 1858, The committee appointed to inquire concerning the property bequeathed by Roxanna Deming, reported adversely to any claim on the part of the minister or society of Newington, because said claim was relinquished years ago, and said report is on file.
" Voted, That the report of our committee appointed to inquire cou- . cerning the property bequeathed by Roxanna Deming be accepted."
At a society meeting held Nov. 1, 1859, "Voted, That all money received by the agents of this society shall be paid to the treasurer, and that the treasurer shall pay no money out without an order from the society's com- mittee."
At a special society meeting held June 11, 1860, in consideration of the request of Rev. William P. Aikin that his connection with this people as junior pastor be dissolved, Resolved, That we believe the labors of the
* This was the late residence of Rev. Dr. Brace, sold by him to Milo Doty, formerly of Hartford, of whom it was purchased by the society.
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junior pastor of this people have been in a high degree acceptable and profitable to us, and we desire in this manner to testify to our confidence in his ability to continue to minister unto us to our edification and satisfac- tion ; and we feel that the severing of the ties existing between the pastor and people will be highly detrimental to the spiritual and temporal wel- fare of this church and society. We, therefore, earnestly and affection- ately invite him to withdraw the request in compliance with which this meeting was called.
At a society meeting held Nov. 3, 1863, " Voted, That the society's committee with the treasurer be authorized to obtain an iron safe for the society."
At a society meeting held March 9, 1864, " Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire and report in regard to an organ or other instrument of music to be used in the church. H. L. Kellogg, Rufus Stoddard, Edwin Welles, committee."
At a society meeting held March 16, 1864, " Voted, That whereas Rev. William P. Aikin, our pastor, has expressed a desire to purchase the real estate known as the parsonage, and whereas it is our desire to encourage his labors, and efforts to procure for himself a permanent residence with us, therefore,
" Voted, That the society's committee be instructed to offer to him the above named property for the sum of $2250."*
At a special society meeting held Jan. 31, 1865, for the purpose of taking action upon a notice given to the society's committee by the presi- dent of the Phoenix Bank of Hartford that said Bank has voted to effect a new organization, as a national banking association under the national currency act, and that said society should surrender up its certificate of stock in said bank, and withdraw its stock from said bank at its par value, Resolved, That this society elects to continue to hold its shares of stock in the Phoenix Bank of Hartford, consisting of seven shares, as transferable stock ; and to hold the same as stock of the proposed national banking association. . The action of the society's committee in giving notice to such effect, to the said bank, is hereby ratified and confirmed.
At a special society meeting held March 1, 1865, " Voted, That we appropriate the sum of $375, to increase the salary of our pastor, Rev. William P. Aikin, for the present year."
At a society meeting held Nov. 14, 1865, " Voted, That the society's committee be directed to employ a sexton, and stipulate with him in regard to digging graves and attending funerals.
" Voted, That the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be added to the salary of our pastor, Rev. W. P. Aikin, for the ensuing year.
Whereas Rufus Stoddard has expended for musical instruments the sum of $27.85 more than he has received, Voted, That the above sum be paid to him from the treasury of the ecclesiastical society, if it is not raised for him in some other way, in three months from the present time."
At a society meeting held Nov. 6, 1866, " Voted, That the society accept the lot known as lot No. 11, in the new part of the old burying ground, donated by the Newington School Society for the use of the pastor of the Congregational Church." t
* Mr. Aikin did not purchase.
" The school societies of the State were abolished by public act in 1856. In 1862 the Newington School Society was re-established.
At the annual meeting of the voters of the Newington School Society held ()ct. 15, 1866, "Voted, That this society hereby donate the north half of the Burial lot, No. 11, in the old ground, to the Ecclesiastical Society, as a parson- age lot, for the use of the pastor of the Congregational Church ; and the treas-
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At a society meeting held Dec. 4, 1866, " Voted, That the sun of three hundred dollars be added to the salary of William P. Aikin, for the year ensuing."
At a society meeting held July 13, 1867, " Voted, That from and after January 1st, 1868, the salary of our pastor, Rev. William P. Atkin, shall be thirteen hundred and fifty dollars a year and the parsonage."
At a special society meeting held July 20, 1867, " Voted, That the mem- bers of this society deeply regret the action of our pastor, Rev. William P. Aikin, in tendering his resignation of the pastoral office in this place ; that the ties which have, for the last ten years, so happily bound pastor and people together are not willingly sundered on our part; but acqui- escing in his decision that to change his field of labor would be more con- sistent with his sense of duty, and give him a wider opportunity to use his influence for good, we hereby accept his resignation, tendering him our heartfelt thanks for his faithfulness to us in the past, and assuring him that our benedictions will go with him into his new sphere of action.
"Voted, That the society's committee are hereby instructed to unite with the committee of the church, and with Mr. Aikin, in calling a council for his dismission.
"Voted, That the society's committee be authorized to act as agents for the society, to represent the society before the council.
"Voted, That Edwin Welles and H. A. Whittlesey be and they are hereby appointed a committee to communicate to Mr. Aikin the action of this meeting, and present to him a copy of the foregoing vote."
At a special society meeting held Feb. 10, 1868. to give a call, if deemed expedient, to the Rev. S. S. Martyn to become the settled pastor in the gospel ministry over the congregational church and people in this place, and to arrange terms of his settlement as such pastor.
urer is hereby authorized to issue the usual certificate, upon being notified that the Ecclesiastical Society have accepted the donation for the use specified."
In 1865, the school society purchased additional land for burial purposes adjoining the old burying ground on the west, and employed Mr. Scott of New Britain to lay out the ground into suitable lots, and make a plan, which was deposited with the clerk of the society for reference. Unoccupied lots in the old ground were also examined and numbered and assessed. At a meeting of the School Society held Dec. 18, 1865, " Voted, That the society's committee is hereby instructed to sell, subject to all rules and regulations which, from time to time, may be made by the society, only the exclusive right of burial in the lots offered for sale in the new burying ground, reserving to the society the title in fee simple to the lots, and the society hereby guarantee to all who shall become purchasers thereof and to their heirs and assigns forever, upon receipt of the purchase money for said lots sold, the exclusive right and title of burying their dead in said lots, and all other rights and privileges necessary to the full enjoy- ment of said right of burial."
"Voted, That the terms of sale be cash or approved notes on interest for three months."
At a meeting held Dec. 25, 1865, " Voted, That no person shall plant or retain on his lot on the new ground any tree, or set or retain around his lot any fence or hedge without the approbation of the society's committee." It was afterwards voted to sell lots in the new ground to members of the society only.
By the action of the legislature in 1872, the school society was again abolished, and its property vested in the town of Newington, which now therefore owns the burying ground, and holds it upon the same terms and subject to the same rules and regulations as did the school society.
The last meeting of the school society was held Sept. 28, 1871. In the fall of 1872, the town by vote authorized the town clerk to sell the lots in the bury- ing ground, subject to the same conditions as before. It is believed most if not all of these conditions are enumerated above.
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Whereas a communication has been received from the church, inform- ing us that they have chosen Mr. S. S. Martyn for their pastor, and desire our concurrence. Therefore, Voted, That we concur with the church in the choice of Mr. Martyn, and direct the committee, to be appointed for the purpose, to request his acceptance of the offer .*
At a special society meeting held April 22, 1870, " to take into consider- ation the resignation of Rev. S. S. Martyn." The moderator, as committee of the church, reported that the church had passed a vote to unite with the pastor and society in calling a council to take action upon Mr. Mar- tyn's resignation, "Voted, That this society unite with our pastor and the church in calling a council to act upon his resignation. Roger Welles, Charles K. Atwood, and John M. Belden were then appointed a committee to represent the society before the council."
At a society meeting held Nov. 8, 1870, " Voted, That the society's committee be authorized to employ Rev. Dr. Vermilye to supply the pulpit for the ensuing year."
At a special society meeting held April 12, 1871, "to take into con- sideration the expediency of celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the existence of Newington."
The clerk read by request a report of a committee of the "Farmers Club," recommending that a celebration be held on the 25th day of May next, as the 25th day of May, 1721, was the date of the passage by the Gen- eral Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut of the resolution which gave the name of Newington to this parish.
" Voted, That Charles K. Atwood, Henry M. Robbins, Joshua Belden, and David L. Robbins be a committee to take into consideration the ex- pediency of celebrating the 150th anniversary of Newington, and if deemed expedient by them, to make the necessary arrangements for such cele- bration."
At a society meeting held Nov. 7, 1871. " Highly appreciating the past services of Rev. Dr. Vermilye, and desiring to enjoy them still further, it is Voted, That the society's committee be instructed to engage him for another year. Passed unanimously.
At a special society meeting held Feb. 24, 1873, "to take action upon the acceptance of the devise of Miss Prudence Hall of certain land with conditions attached."
" Whereas Prudence Hall, late of Newington, deceased, has, by her
* The society voted to give him $1,200 a year in addition to the parsonage, which he accepted March 12, 1870. Previous to this time the pulpit had been supplied partly by Rev Mr. Winslow, then of Newington, also Rev. Mr. Riggs of West Hartford had held many meetings which resulted in a revival which was in progress at this time.
A majority of the committee were of the opinion that the best mode of cele- brating this anniversary, was to obtain another grant from the General Assembly making Newington a new town. It was accordingly done. The history of that transaction is too long for insertion here. It marks an epoch in the annals of Newington, which will be long remembered by those who participated in it. The statute book gives one result of the action that was taken, other results are unfolding and will continue to unfold so long as Newington stands firm on its foundations. Let us cherish the hope that these results will always prove con- ducive to the permanent prosperity and advancement of the place. The "Far- mer's Club," is also one of the institutions of Newington which deserves more than a passing notice, social in its character, it has brought the people together for their mutual pleasure and improvement, in agricultural, literary, and salta- tory pursuits. Its chronicles may be found written in the book of records kept by its clerk, which, being at once instructive and amusing, will repay perusal. Its meetings will ever remain green in the memories of those who attended them.
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last will and testament, given and devised all her real estate unto this soci- ety, to be and remain to the use and benefit of this society and their suc- cessors forever, as and for parsonage property, for the maintenance of the ministry of the gospel in the Congregational church or society in said Newington, subject however to the condition that this society shall pay the expenses of her last sickness, her funeral expenses, the expenses of settling her estate, and shall erect a suitable monument to her memory, as appears by said will duly proved and approved by the Probate Court in and for the Hartford Probate District. Now, therefore,-
" Voted, That this society accepts said gift and devise of said real estate above mentioned for the purpose and upon the condition named in said will as aforesaid.
" Voted, That the society's committee be and they are hereby authorized and instructed to draw an order or orders on the treasurer of this society in favor of the executor of said will for the payment of the expenses of the last sickness of said Prudence Hall, her funeral expenses, and the expenses of settling her estate, whenever bills for the same shall be duly presented to them by said executor, taking his receipt therefor, and that they cause a suitable monument to be erected to her memory at her grave, satisfactory to her said executor.
" Voted, That a true and attested copy of the above votes be furnished to said executor by the clerk, also a like copy together with a copy of the will be furnished to the town clerk to be recorded in the land records of the town." *
Voted, That John D. Seymour, Joshua Belden, Henry M. Robbins, and Samuel N. Rockwell be a committee to take into consideration the subject of heating and repairing the meeting house, and report to the next meeting.
At a meeting held March 3, 1873, Voted, That Mrs. Marcus Stoddard, Miss Mary Robbins, Miss Agnes W. Belden, and Mrs. Charles Stoddard be added to the committee of gentlemen appointed at the last meeting to estimate expenses and recommend alterations and improvements inside the church.
At a meeting held Aug. 11, 1873. Voted, That the special committee be authorized to make repairs on the inside of the church to the amount of three thousand dollars, to be raised by subscription in such manner as they think best, also such other repairs as future contributions may pro- vide for.t
At a meeting held January 15, 1874. Voted, That the rent of all slips shall be due and payable on the first day of November, 1874.
* Extract from the will of Prudence Hall.
"I give and devise all of my real estate unto the Ecclesiastieal Society of Newington aforesaid, to be and remain to the use and benefit of said society and their successors forever, as and for parsonage property, for the maintenance of the ministry of the gospel in the Congregational Church or society in said New- ington, this devise is however subject to the condition that said Ecclesiastical Society shall pay the expenses of my last sickness, my funeral expenses, the expenses of settling my estate, and shall erect a suitable monument to my memory."
After making certain bequests of personal property to other parties, the will pro- vides as follows. "All the rest and residue of my estate both real and personal, I give and devise to said Eeclesiastieal Society, to them and their successors for- ever."
Executed October 22, 1870.
Exhibited in Court Feb. 3, 1873.
t The committee made extensive repairs, modernizing the whole interior, put- ting in new windows, and two furnaces instead of the old stoves, making the church look quite attractive.
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Voted, That all persons who purchase slips and may choose to pay the rent thereof before it becomes due, shall be allowed a deduction on such rent of one per cent. for each full month between the time of payment and the first day of November.
At a society meeting held May 9, 1874. Voted, That we concur with the church in extending a call to Mr. Greenwood to settle with us in the gospel ministry .*
At a society meeting held May 30, 1874, Voted, That the Clerk have permission to print, at his own expense, and for his own use, such of the society records as he may desire.
CHURCH RECORDS, 1857-1874. I. ADMISSIONS.
1. During the ministry of REV. WM. P. AIKIN.
Mar. 1, 1857. Joseph Francis. Mary Ann Francis, his wife. Jane E., wife of Jacob Dix, letter from East Hartford.
Nancy Francis.
Mar. 21. Adeline, wife of Pratt Francis, letter from West Avon.
April 12. Margaret Taylor, let- ter from Westfield, Mass. July 4. Electa Merrills.
" Lucy Addison, wife of Woodford Kilbourn.
Reuben Canfield Osborn.
Olive Osborn, his wife.
John Deming Seymour.
Rufus Stoddard.
" Abby Coffin Aikin.
Nov. 4. George Scranton Dem- ing.
Julia Richards, letter from N. York.
May 12, 1859. Charles K. At- wood, letter from the church in Yale College.
Aug. 21, 1860. Susan Curtis, wife of William P. Aikin, letter from Rutland, Vt.
May, 1861. Mrs. - Luce, wife of Joshua C. Luce, letter from East Hartford.
July 1. Eliza A., wife of Joseph Camp, letter from Windsor Locks.
July 22. Jerusha, wife of Josiah E. Atwood, letter from New Britain.
Jan. 4, 1863. Rev. Frederick Gridley, letter from Yale College.
Mrs. Mary Gridley, his wife, letter from East Lyme.
66 Martha Lois Butler.
May. Mrs. Charlotte Soper, let- ter from Poquonnock.
Nov. 4. Henry Butler.
" Mary Elizabeth Belden.
Jan. 3, 1864. Agnes Whittlesey Belden.
July 3. Mrs. Sarah C. W., wife of Robert Joyner, letter from Egremont, Mass.
May 7, 1865. Elias Merwin Steele.
Ella Harriet Dillings.
66 Sarah Louisa Wiers.
Mrs. Maria Anna Bacon.
Jane Electa Whittlesey.
Cornelia Hale Belden.
Mary Cornelia Francis.
July 2. Mary Ellen Davis. 66 Elisha Burrit Blinn.
* Mr. Greenwood declined. The society offered him a salary of $1,000, and the use of the parsonage.
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July 2. Harriet Lavinia Blinn. Mrs. Mary Jane Churchill.
Ellen Agnes Merrills.
66 Charles Levi Willard.
66 Joshua Belden.
66 Julia Arabella Robbins.
66 David Lowrey Robbins.
66 Alexander McLean, letter from Bloomfield.
Dec. 31. Mrs. Anna, wife of Seth Purrinton, letter from Colerain, Mass.
Jan. 21, 1866. Mrs. Hepsebah
Stoddard, letter from Weth- ersfield, Ill.
July. Mary, wife of Shubael Whaples, letter from Day- ville, Conn.
Edward L. Deming.
Eliza J. Deming, his wife. April 14, 1867. Mrs. Martha, wife of Hudson N. Stoddard, letter from West Hartford, May 5. Luella Dow.
July 12. Charlotte, wife of John S. Rowley, letter from Hart- ford.
2. After MR. AIKIN resigned.
Mar. 22, 1868. Mrs. E. E. W. Camp, wife of L. W. Camp, letter from Berlin, 2d.
3. During the ministry of REV. SANDFORD S. MARTYN.
May 3, 1868. Blinn Chester | Sept. 6. Katie M. Deming, d. of Griswold.
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