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 9
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At a meeting held May 13th, 1793, "Voted, That this society will oppose the petition of certain memorialists who have petitioned the Hon. General Assembly, at their present session, to annex sundry persons belonging to this society, together with their estates, and also to annex a certain tract of land at the south end of this society, to the society of Worthington, relative to society and school charges."
" Voted, That Col. Roger Welles and Charles Churchill, Esq., be appointed agents in behalf of this society to oppose said petition." *
At a meeting held May 20, 1793, " Voted, That Messrs. James Lusk and Martin Kellogg be employed to repair the fence around the burying yard, and that the expense be paid out of the rate-bill in the hand of Mr. Simon Wells."
At a meeting held March 31, 1794, " Voted, To General Roger Welles, three pounds ten shillings, which he paid to Chauncey Goodrich, for memorial for meeting house and attendance on the Court, Nov. 25, 1791, and January, 1792, and for petition to the Assembly in May, 1792."
At a meeting held April 14, 1795, "It was then voted, To raise three shillings on pound on the list of this society for the year 1794, one shilling of the same to be paid annually for the purpose of building a meeting house at the stake set by the Assembly's Committee. 13 for it ; 11 against it.
" Voted, That Messrs. Unni Robbins, Elizur Andrus and Joshua Bel- den, jun., be a committee to procure materials and build a meeting house, agreeable to the above votes.
" Voted, "That Mr. Solomon Stoddard be appointed sheep master, to take care of the sheep in this society the coming summer."
At a meeting held April 27, 1795, " Voted, That General Roger Welles and Deacon James Welles be appointed to procure subscriptions to ease the burdens of the south-western people in this society, on condi- tion that a meeting house be built at the stake set by the Assembly's Com- mittee."
At a meeting held May 18, 1795, " Voted, To General Roger Welles, two pounds eight shillings, to enable him to settle with Mr. Wm. Mosely, and one pound ten, to enable him to settle with Mr. Thomas Y. Seymor, for services to the Assembly, on the petition of Theodore Beckley and others against this society, being in the whole £3, 18."t
* The petition of Theodore Beckley and others, dated April 22d, 1793, prays that they, with their ratable estate, "may be annexed unto the said society of Worthington, in said Berlin, relative to society and schooling charges."
The society of Worthington, at a meeting held May 13th, 1793, voted that they were "cordially willing" the annexation of the petitioners to that society should be granted by the Assembly, and that they esteemed it "not only expedi- ent, but just and reasonable that this nnion be made." The petition was granted by the lower house May 20th, 1794. In the upper house, it was granted so far as to annex a part of Stepney (now Rocky Hill) to Worthington. Afterwards, the upper house reconsidered their action and concurred with the lower house.
f General Roger Welles died May 27, 1795, in the 41st year of his age. He was a graduate of Yale College, Class of 1775. After his graduation he taught school in Wethersfield till the Revolutionary War broke out, when he entered the service and continued to the close of the war. He was captain of a company of picked men, under the command of Gen. Lafayette, at the siege of Yorktown, and his company, under his command, led the storming party on the redoubt taken by assault by the Americans. He was the second man in the fort, Col. Alex. Hamilton being the first. He was afterwards presented with a sword by
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At a meeting held October 3, 1796, " Voted, To keep five months' school at each district in this society the year coming.
" Voted, Eight pounds to each school, to be raised on the list of this society.
" Voted, That half a cord of wood to a scholar be carried to the schools, and that those who carry the same be allowed at the same rate it shall be set to Mr. Belden.
" Voted, That Messrs. Martin Kellogg, Levi Wells and Jonathan Blinn be appointed a school committee for said schools, and that they collect the poll tax.
" Voted, That Capt. Levi Lusk draw the country money for the schools."*
At a meeting held June 12, 1797, " Voted, That this Society will build a meeting house at the stake set by the Assembly's Committee, agreeable to a resolve of said Assembly. 22 for, 17 against."
At a meeting held August 7, 1797, " Voted, That the north-west corner of the meeting house be set at a stake now set on the green, and that the sills be ranged due north and south, east and west, with the porch or steeple at the east end."
At a meeting held August 28, 1797, " Voted, That this Society direct the present committee of superintendence for building a meeting house in this society proceed to erect and finish a meeting house at the stake set by the Assembly's Committee where the foundation now lies. 33 for, 21 against."
At a meeting held August 30, 1798, " Voted, To proceed to finish the lower part of the meeting house, now erecting, with the breastwork of the gallery, as soon as may be, lathing and plastering excepted."
At a meeting held September, 24, 1798, " Voted, That the Committee appointed to superintend the building a meeting house in this society, be directed to engage some suitable person to finish the same as they shall judge will be best for the society."
At a meeting held October 15, 1798, " Voted, To build pews in all the lower part of the meeting house instead of seats."
At a meeting held November 12, 1798, " Voted, To sell and dispose of the old meeting house in this society, and apply the avails of it towards defraying the charges of the new meeting house now building in said society, according to the discretion of a committee hereafter to be ap- pointed for that purpose."
At a meeting held March 23, 1801, " Voted, That we will raise one cent on a dollar, for the purpose of painting the meeting house, on the list of 1800."
At a meeting held December 6, 1802, " Voted, That James Wells, jun., be a society clerk in the room of Daniel Willard who has resigned said office."
At a meeting held March 8, 1803, to take into consideration " Mr. Bel- den's proposals to the society."
Gen. Lafayette. He married Jemima Kellogg, March 27, 1785, and settled in Newington. In May, 1788, he was appointed colonel of the Sixth Reg't of State Militia. In May, 1793, he was appointed brigadier-general of the Seventh Brigade of Militia. He was a member of the House of Representatives at the sessions held in May, October and December, 1790, May, 1791, May, 1792, May and October, 1793, May, 1794, and May, 1795, being a member when he died. In personal appearance he was tall and commanding, being over six feet high, and by his training and martial bearing was well fitted to be a general in reality as well as in name.
* These are the last votes of the Society on the subject of schools. The school society was probably soon organized.
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" Voted, To comply with Mr. Belden's first proposal."
" Voted, To appoint a committee to hire a candidate if there should be need."
At a meeting held December 5, 1803, " Voted, To pay the Rev. Joshua Belden the salary due to him to the present time, $290, to be raised on the list of 1803."*
" Voted, To raise $200, on the list of 1803, for the purpose of supply- ing the pulpit the year ensuing, and that one half be collected and paid by the first day of March next, and the remainder by the last day of June next."
" Voted, That Col. Levi Lusk, Dea. James Wells, Dea. Daniel Wil- lard and Mr. Abel Andrus be a committee to supply the pulpit the ensuing year, according to the best of their discretion."
At a meeting held November 19, 1804, " Voted, That this society will give Mr. Joab Brace a call to settle with us in the gospel ministry, (51 for (.)
" Voted, That Col. Levi Lusk, Dea. James Wells, Dea. Daniel Willard, Mr. Abel Andrus, Mr. Martin Kellogg, Maj. Justus Francis, and Mr. David Lowrey, be a committee to confer with Mr. Brace on said subject, and to obtain his mind with respect to settling in this society, and make report to the next meeting."
At a meeting held December 3, 1804, " Voted that this society agree to the report made to this meeting by the committee appointed to confer with Mr. Joab Brace with respect to his settling in this society."
At a meeting held Dec. 17, 1804, " Voted, That this society agree to the proposals made by the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Joab Brace, and his agreement thereto be agreed to, and that the day appointed for his being ordained be on the third Wednesday of January next. (45 for, 2 against.)
" Voted, That the society's committee be appointed, in concurrence with the committee to be appointed by the church, to grant letters missive and to transact all business relative to the ordination.
" Voted, That the aforesaid committee be appointed to seat the counsel and strangers that shall attend on the day of ordination, and that they confer with Mr. Brace on what day he wishes to have a fast, and make public proclamation on the Sabbath."+
At a meeting held January 7, 1805, " Voted, That Abel Andrus, David Lowrey, Martin Kellogg, Unni Robbins, jun., Simon Kilbourn, Lemnel Holmes, Widow Honor Blinn, and Widow Jemima Welles be appointed to keep houses of entertainment on the day of ordination."
At a meeting held February 11, 1805, " Voted, $39.83 to Joshua Bel- den, Esq., for entertaining the counsel."
" Voted, Widow Jemima Welles $25.50 for boarding Mr. Brace and keeping his horse."
Mr. Joab Brace's Call from the Society.
" Newington, December 3d, 1804.
" Whereas Joab Brace, candidate, has been preaching for a length of time among us, and given universal satisfaction, we hereby give him a call to settle among us, in the work of the Gospel ministry ; and for his encouragement in the sanie we engage with him on the following terms, viz : That we will give him a permanent salary of three hundred and
* Mr. Belden did the actual service of the ministry during fifty-six years. Dr. Brace's Dis., 17.
t The fast was January 9, 1805, and the ordination January 16, 1805.
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seventy dollars a year so long as he shall continue to officiate with us in the ministry of the gospel. Provided, however, that his salary shall not cease for any temporary interruption from any providential ill- ness or inability. Also in addition to the above we will give him, for the four first years successively, one hundred dollars a year, out of the interest of the public moneys belonging to this society, for his present assistance. And, further, we will fetch and deliver to him yearly the wood he shall provide, not exceeding twenty loads a year, from a lot lying about two miles south-west of West Hartford meeting house.
Signed, in behalf of the society,
Abel Andrus, David Lowrey, Martin Kellogg, James Wells, Justus Francis, Levi Lusk, Daniel Willard, committee.
Mr. Brace's answer to the Society.
The people of this society having given me a regular call to settle among them in the work of the gospel ministry, and having proposed their engagement with me on the following terms, viz .: That they will give me a permanent salary of three hundred and seventy dollars a year so long as I shall continue to officiate with them in the ministry of the Gospel. Pro- vided, however, that my salary shall not cease in case of any temporary interruption by any Providential illness or inability. That in addition to the above permanent salary, they will give me, for the four first years successively, one hundred dollars a year out of the interest of the public monies belonging to this society, for my present assistance. And further, that they will fetch and deliver to me yearly the fire wood which I shall provide, not exceeding twenty loads a year, from a lot lying about two miles south-west of West Hartford meeting house. And I, also, having turned my attention to this great and solemn subject, with mature delib- eration, with much prayer to God, and with consultation of those friends whom I judged capable of advising. These are therefore to signify my acceptance of their proposals and agreement stated above, and my will- ingness to comply with their call, depending on divine aid, to be their minister in the Gospel of Christ, devoutly praying to Almighty God that by His sovereign grace I may be the humble instrument in His hands of awakening and converting sinners, and of building up saints in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation, and that this solemn connection may be for the everlasting peace and happiness both of this people and myself. Newington, December 17th, A. D. 1804. JOAB BRACE.
Addition to Mr. Brace's answer.
That there may be no objection in the minds of any person, I am content that the donation for the four first years should be paid on the following conditions, viz .: If I should be dismissed from this people at my own request, at the end of four years, that only half the four years donation be retained by me, if at the end of six years, three fourths of the four years donation be retained, and if I continue eight years that the whole be retained; but if I am dismissed at the people's request, no refunding shall be made. Newington, December 17th, 1804. J. BRACE.
Rev. Joshua Belden was born July 19, 1724. He was a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1743. He began to preach in Newington in May, 1747, and was ordained as pas-
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tor Nov. 11, 1747, when he was twenty-three years of age. He actively discharged the duties of the pastoral office from that time till Nov. 1803, a period of fifty-six years, when the infirmities of age compelled him to relinquish them. The pulpit was then supplied by Rev. Aaron Cleveland, and per- haps others, till October 7, 1804, when Rev. Joab Brace began to preach. Mr. Brace was ordained January 16, 1805, enter- tering this "solemn connection" at the same age as his imme- diate predecessor had done, when he was but twenty-three years old. He continued the pastor of the church till he also resigned, after a service of fifty years. He preached his last discourse as pastor, January 16, 1855. This discourse, which was of an historical character, was published by vote of the society. Dr. Brace died at Pittsfield, Mass., at the residence of Rev. John Todd, his son-in-law, April 20, 1861, aged 80.
The history of the society to the close of Mr. Belden's pastorate is virtually the history of Newington. For nearly the first century of its existence it was the only organization within its geographical limits. Even the church, during the time of Mr. Williams and Mr. Backus, has left no traces to show that it was in any sense separate from the society. Either no church records were then kept, or if kept they have been lost. The ecclesiastical society appointed the days for the ordination of the three first ministers and the days for fasting and prayer. No reference is made to any concurrent action on the part of the church.
The society voted September 12, 1722, " to keep Wednes- day, the 3d day of October, next ensuing, as a fast, to implore divine assistance of God, in gathering a church of Christ here, and in the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams," yet Mr. Williams had already preached two years, the meet- ing house had been raised in April, 1716, and January 15, 1719, the society voted to call a minister, and appointed a committee to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Burnham. The meet- ing house was located by the Legislative Committee, "near Dea. Joseph Andrus' house," so that there was a deacon at that time, May 13, 1715. He was undoubtedly the first dea- con, and the only one before the ordination of Mr. Williams ;
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whenever his name occurs he is uniformly given the title of Deacon. The second was Dea. John Deming, who is given the title for the first time in the record of the next meeting held after the ordination of Mr. Williams. He was probably appointed deacon at the fast, when the church was organized. These two were the deacons during nearly the whole of the ministry of Mr. Williams. The name of Dea. Andrus appears for the last time in the record of the meeting held January 6, 1726. He was succeeded by Dea. Jabez Whittelsey, who first receives that title in the record of the meeting held April 15, 1726. Dea. Whittelsey continued to act till he removed from the place in 1745. He was probably succeeded by Dea. Josiah Willard, whose name next appears with that title in the records. Dea. Willard died March 10, 1757, and was succeeded by Dea. Joshua Andrus. Dea. John Deming died May 1, 1761, and was succeeded by Dea. John Camp, who was appointed July 2, 1761. Dea. John Camp was suc- ceeded by Dea. Elisha Stoddard, who was chosen August 14, 1782. Dea. Joshua Andrus was succeeded by Dea. Charles Churchill who was chosen August 31, 1786. Dea. Elisha Stoddard was succeeded by Dea. James Wells, who was chosen August 5, 1790. Dea. Charles Churchill was suc- ceeded by Dea. Daniel Willard, chosen Feb. 24, 1803. Dea. Wells and Dea. Willard were the two deacons of the church when Mr. Brace was ordained.
The first church records kept, separate from the society records, are those of Mr. Belden. These records are quite defective as to church votes and proceedings. All the records of cases of discipline were purposely destroyed by him. His · record of Baptisms, Marriages, and those who owned the Half- way Covenant, appears to be complete. The others are more or less defective. These records are appended, and together with the society records, form the treasury to which we must go for accurate information during the period of Mr. Belden's ministry. Only a selection from the society records could be admitted within the compass of this work, the aim has been to present those votes which best illustrate the history of the parish. They show that the powers of the society in its early
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days embraced many subjects now within other jurisdictions, such as schools, pounds and pound-keepers, the flocking of sheep, appointment of sheep-masters, the burying yard, &c. The minister's salary and the other society expenses were paid by " minister and society rates" or taxes which were assessed each year upon the list of all the inhabitants within the geographical limits of the parish. The Collector of these rates was armed with a warrant which authorized and required him, "in his Majesty's name," to collect the sums named in his rate bill, of the several persons therein named, and in default of payment, to distrain their goods and chattels, and for want of goods or chattels, to seize the bodies of the de- linquents and them to commit to the common jail, there to remain till they paid and satisfied the sums assessed upon them, unless upon application to the County Court, their rates were abated. With this formidable power it is pre- sumed the Collector was generally successful in raising the minister's salary and the society expenses. Rates were quite commonly paid in wheat, rye, or Indian corn, at standard prices, varied from year to year, and fixed by votes of the society, a medium of exchange more stable and certain often- times, than the fluctuating currency of the Colonies, especially when inflated in times of war or great necessities for money. The seats in church were not sold, neither were they free, but they were assigned by a committee duly appointed for that purpose, called " seaters," who, in seating the inhabit- ants, paid due regard to their list, age, parentage and useful- ness. During the time of Mr. Williams and Mr. Backus, the male and female portions of the audience were separated, but afterwards men and their wives were permitted to worship together. When the second meeting house was built, the then modern invention of pews was substituted for seats, in the lower part of the house. In the first meeting house, though its walls were not lathed and plastered for some years, no artificial heat ever warmed the hearers in their devotions. Not till after Mr. Brace's settlement was this innovation made. The zeal of the worshipers more than supplied the want of luxuries. The long doctrinal sermons of the day enabled
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them to become well grounded in the tenets of their religion, and better qualified to give reasons for the faith that was in them, than the worshipers of the present day, who, in more luxurious churches, listen to less exhaustive sermons. Cases of discipline were more common then than now, probably be- cause the watch and care of the church over its members were more strict and constant, the church members fewer in number, and the church more accustomed, from the union of the church and State, to wield the arm of power than at present; then there was also one prolific source of evils, the sin of intem- perance, far more common in the church than to-day. The circumstances of the times in which they lived in the last century, tended to make our fathers and mothers rugged in body, and strong in mind and character. They were trained amid privations and necessities, contest succeeded contest with Indians, French, and lastly with the English. They had to grapple with nature itself, and turn the wild wilderness into the cultivated field, to build roads and bridges, meeting houses and school houses, causing endless disputes between conflicting interests. The first settlers had to fight against the adverse influences of a new climate, diseases laid them low, and death consigned them to the "place of silence." Educated in such a school they were taught, first, reliance on God, second, reliance on themselves, and they became valiant soldiers, whether battling for their spiritual or temporal inter- ests. They laid the foundation of religion and education, broad and deep. They builded better than they knew. Let their descendants, while they reap the benefits of their toil, also cherish and honor their memory. " Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation."
. THE FIRST RECORDS
OF THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NEWINGTON,
CONTAINING
Admissions to Communion, Baptisms, Those who Acknowledged the Baptismal Covenant, Church Votes and Proceedings, Marriages and Deaths,
From November 11, 1747, to January 16, 1805,
AS KEPT BY
REV. JOSHUA BELDEN, PASTOR.
I.
ADMISSIONS TO COMMUNION.
Feb. 9, 1752. Stephen Deming and his wife were admitted to full communion.
April 26. Louis (Lois), the wife of Phinehas Andrus, being recom- mended from Stepney, was accepted to communion with this church. At the same time Abigail, the wife of John Frary, recommended from East Guilford, was accepted to communion. June 28. Mary, the wife of Daniel Kilborn, recommended from Kil- lingworth, was accepted to communion.
Nov. 26. Penelope, the wife of John Camp, was admitted to full communion.
April 1, 1753. David Goodrich was admitted to full communion.
At the same time Henry Kircum, with his wife, recommended from New Cambridge, were received again to communion.
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June 1, 1755. Prudence, the wife of Timothy Kilborn, and Happy Kilborn were admitted to full com.
At the same time Mr. David Webster, with his wife, recommended from Glassenbury, were admitted to church privileges.
Aug. 3. Peletiah Buck, jr., and his wife, were admitted to full communion.
Dec. 4. Mercy Lamb was admitted to full communion.
June 6, 1756. Jemima Lamb
Jan. 16, 1757. Abigail, the wife of David Woolcut, recommended from Guilford, was accepted to church privileges.
Dec. 3, 1758. Sarah, the wife of Thomas Francis, recommended from East Middletown, was accepted to church privileges.
April 6, 17€0. Sarah Wells, admitted to full communion.
May 3, 1761. Mr. Simon Backus
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July 4, 1762. Thomas Francis
66
March 6, 1763. Thomas Wright 66
May 1. Henry Kircum, jun.,
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July 3. Martha, the wife of Ensign Chas. Hurlbut, admitted to full communion.
May 6, 1764. Caleb Andrus admitted to full communion.
July 5, 1767. Mr. Zadock Hun
May 7, 1769. Eunice Woolcot 66
Sept. 3. Dorothy, the wife of Luther Latimer, received to commu- nion.
At the same time Hannah, wife of David Woolcut, jun., recommended from Windsor, was accepted to stated com.
Nov. 5. Joseph Churchil and his wife were admitted to full com- munion.
At the same time James Wells was admitted to communion.
April 29, 1770. Martha Wells and Eunice Lusk admitted into com- munion.
July 1. Elijah Wells and Mary Lusk were admitted to full com- munion.
Nov. 1. Gamaliel Deming and Rebecca, his wife, Cloe Wells and Absalom Wells were admitted to communion.
July 28, 1771. Ashbel Seymour was admitted to full communion.
Jan. 6, 1772. Elias Francis and his wife were received to full com- munion.
March 1. Capt. Charles Churchill and his wife received to full communion.
At the same time Lucy Camp was admitted to full communion.
Nov. 1. Jessie Churchill and Sarah, his wife, recommended from New Cambridge, admitted to communion.
Dec. 13, 1772. Hannah Fairchild, admitted to communion and baptised.
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