USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 15
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There is no evidence that the Church took any action as to calling Mr. Ogden, but the Society, contrary to Congregational usage, took the lead, and with great informality proceeded in the matter. The follow. ing is from the Records:
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held upon the 1st day of June, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
" Voted, that the committee appointed to call a candidate to supply
1 His texts were, 2 Chronicles, 19 : 2, and Amos 4 : 12. His inaugural sermon was from 1 Timothy 4 : 15, 16.
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the pulpit, be instructed to continue the call to Mr. David L. Ogden, until the next meeting of the Society, and in case Mr. Ogden cannot be obtained, that the committee exercise their discretion with respect to other candidates for said purpose.
" Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the third Monday in August, at one o'clock, P. M.
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held upon the 20th day of August, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
" Toted, that this Society make a call to Mr. David L. Ogden, to set- tle as our Gospel minister.
" Voted, that the present Society's committee to procure a candidate, be directed to inform Mr. David L. Ogden, that this Society has given him a call to settle as their Gospel minister.
" Voted, that the above mentioned committee be requested to offer to Mr. David L. Ogden, the sum of five hundred and fifty dollars as an annual salary.
" Toted, to adjourn this meeting to the 30th day of August, instant, at one o'clock P. M."
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society held in Southington, upon the 30th day of August, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
" Voted, to appoint a committee 1 to confer with Mr. David L. Ogden, respecting the sum that he will be willing to settle for as our Gospel minister, and report to the next meeting.
" Voted, that the committee to procure a candidate, be the aforesaid committee.
" Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the 6th day of September next, at one o'clock, P. M."
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held upon the 6th day of September, A. D., 1821, by adjournment.
"Toted, to grant to Mr. David L. Ogden, six hundred dollars as an annual salary to settle as our Gospel minister.
"Provided, the Society shall raise six hundred dollars by subscription for his settlement.
"Voted, that a committee be appointed to procure subscriptions for the settlement of Mr. David L. Ogden, to consist of one from each school district.
District Ist, Lucas Curtiss, District 6th, Philemon Woodruff,
2d, John A. Hart,
7th, Chester Granniss,
66 3d, Leverett Curtiss, 66 8th, Timothy Hart,
4th, Selah Barnes,
9th, Chittenden Byington,
5th, Levi Longdon.
1 The committee consulted with Mr. Ogden at once, and reported. The next vote is in view of the fact that the parties had failed to agree.
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"Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the 12th day of September, in- stant two o'clock, P. M."
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held upon the 12th day of September, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
"Voted, that a committee be appointed to report to Mr. David L. Og- den, the proceedings of the Society respecting his proposed salary, and also his settlement, and request his answer on every material point re- lating to settling with us as our Gospel minister, and report to the next adjourned meeting.
" Voted, that Selah Barnes, be said committee.
" Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the 24th day of September, in- stant at two o'clock, P. M."
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held on the 24th day of September, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
" Voted, that a committee be appointed to agree with Mr. David L. Ogden, upon the terms of his settlement with us as our Gospel minis- ter, and make report to our next adjourned meeting.
" Voted, that Roger Whittlesey, Eli Pratt, Timothy Hart, Selah Barnes and Chester Grannis, be the aforesaid committee.
" Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the 1st day of October next. at three o'clock P. M."
"At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society in Southington, held upon the 1st day of October, A. D. 1821, by adjournment.
" Voted, that the Prudential committee agree with Mr. Ogden upon the time of his ordination, and take the needful measures for the same. Upon Mr. Ogden's complying with the state of the Society respecting his salary. The committee appointed by the Society to agree with Mr. Ogden on the terms of his settlement in the ministry report. That they have had a conference with Mr. Ogden on the subject of their appointment, and the terms of Mr. Ogden are: That the Society pay to him the proposed salary of six hundred dollars, annually, so long as he shall continue to perform the duties of a Gospel minister toward the people of this Society-provided this be not construed to mean any mere suspension of duties occurring from temporary illness, or other like excuse.
Whereas, the committee appointed to agree with Mr. Ogden on the terms of his settlement, have reported to this meeting, that the terms of Mr. Ogden, are: That the Society pay to him the proposed salary of six hundred dollars annually, so long as he shall continue to perform the duties of a Gospel minister toward the people of this Society,-pro- vided this be not construed to mean any mere suspension of duty oc- curring from temporary illness, or other like cause.
" Voted, That we accept of the terms of Mr. Ogden, as reported by
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committee, and upon his settlement with us as our minister, that the Society pay to him a salary of six hundred dollars annually, so long as he shall continue to perform the duties of a Gospel minister to the Society-provided that these terms be not construed to mean a mere suspension of duty, arising from temporary illness, or other like ex- cuses."
The only meeting of the Church of which there is any record, and the only one that those who remember the facts can recall, is that of August 27th, 1821,-seven days after the Society had acted- when it was "Voted, to call Mr. David L. Ogden, to become pastor. Voted, that Dea. Eli Pratt, Dea. Phineas Pardee, and Mr. Theodosius Clark, be a committee to transact in the name of the Church any business which may result from the above vote."
These records of the Society so explain themselves that they need no comment.
The respective committees arranged with the pastor-elect for a coun- cil, of which the following is an official report.
At an Ordaining Council convened by letters missive in Southington, at the house of Mr. Levi Hart, on the 30th of October, A.D. 1821. Present:
Rev. William Robinson, of this place.
Rev. Benoni Upson, D.D., pastor of the First church in Berlin.
Rev. Stephen W. Stebbins, pastor of the church in West Haven.
Rev. Samuel Goodrich, pastor of the Third church in Berlin.
Mr. Daniel Galpin, delegate.
Rev. Noah Porter, pastor of the church in Farmington.
Hon. John Treadwell, delegate.
Rev. John Keys, pastor of the church in Wolcott.
Deacon Isaac Bronson, delegate.
Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, pastor of church in New Haven.
Deacon Nathan Whiting, delegate.
Rev. Royal Robbins, colleague pastor of the First church in Berlin.
Deacon Samuel Galpin, delegate.
Rev. Jonathan Cone, pastor of the church in Bristol.
Deacon Charles G. Ives; delegate, and
Deacon David Whittlesey, delegate from Second church in Berlin.
The Council made choice of Dr. Upson as Moderator, and Mr. Cone, Scribe.
The Moderator being indisposed, prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Stebbins. Several brethren in the meeting not of the Council, being present, were invited to sit with them as corresponding members.
The Council having attended to a communication from the church in this place, giving an invitation to Mr. David L. Ogden to settle
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with them in the Gospel ministry; also to a corresponding communi- cation from the Ecclesiastical Society, uniting with the church in this invitation, and having received testimonials from the candidate of his license to preach the Gospel, and of his acceptance of said invitation; Resolved, to proceed to the examination of the pastor elect, Mr. Ogden, having given to the council a very particular account of his exercises with regard to experimental religion; also of his views of the doctrines of the Gospel, the council voted unanimously their satisfaction with his qualifications for the ministry of the Gospel.
Voted, That the respective parts of ordination be performed by the following persons: That
Rev. Noah Porter make the introductory prayer;
Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor preach the sermon;
Rev. Stephen W. Stebbins make the consecrating prayer, during which the moderator and Mr. Taylor are to assist in imposing hands;
Rev. Samuel Goodrich give the charge;
Rev. Jonathan Cone give the right hand of fellowship; and
Rev. John Keys make the concluding prayer.
Voted, To proceed to the exercises of ordination to-morrow at 10 o'clock A. M.
Voted, That the council adjourn to meet at ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
October 31st. Met according to adjournment.
Voted, That in case the moderator should unhappily be unable to preside during the future exercises of ordination, the Rev. Mr. Good- rich supply his place.
A true copy of the doings of the council.
JONATHAN CONE, Scribe.
Mr. Ogden1 was born in Hartford, Conn., October 6th, 1792. His remote ancestor was John Ogden, of Northampton, Mass., who is named in the charter of Connecticut, granted by Charles II. in 1662. His great-grandfather, Colonel Josiah Ogden, resided in Newark, N. J .; and though originally a Puritan, became an Episcopalian, and in this line the succession ran till it was turned back into the Puritan channel by our lamented brother. His father was Jacob Ogden, and his mother Jerusha Rockwell, daughter of Joseph Rockwell, one of the first settlers of Colebrook, Conn., and of Puritan descent.
In 1804 his parents removed from Hartford to Stratford, and from thence to New Haven in 1809. At the age of sixteen he united with the Center Church in that city, then under the care of Rev. Moses
1 The substance of this sketch was prepared by Rev. Dr. Griggs, of Bristol, Conn., and published some years ago in the Congregational Quarterly.
18
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Stuart. For his early religious impressions he was mostly indebted to his mother, who was a very earnest, sincere, and consistent Christian. She was reared in the Congregational Church, and always adhered to its doctrines and forms of worship. He cherished her memory with more than ordinary filial affection; and whenever he alluded to her it was with the deepest tenderness, and often with tears.
In early youth he evinced a fondness for books, and having com- pleted his preparatory studies in the Hopkins Grammar School, he entered Yale College in 1810, and graduated with honor in 1814. He spent three years at the Andover Theological Seminary, and one under the tuition of Professor Fitch, at New Haven, in preparation for the ministry.
He preached in various places with acceptance, and received invita- tions to settle which he was constrained to decline. At length he was ordained, and installed pastor over the church in Southington.
Mr. Ogden had wonderful skill in preaching the gospel so as to im- press men with a sense of obligation to repent, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. No one understood the peculiar views of Doc- tors Taylor and Fitch better than he. The doctrines of human obliga- tion and dependence were urged with great power, and the Holy Spirit attended the labors of Mr. Ogden, and made them productive of rich blessings. No minister in the state had a more prosperous pastorate than he did for fifteen years in Southington. Frequent and powerful revivals of religion were enjoyed. As the fruits of one of these sea- sons of refreshing seventy-four united with the church at one time. During the whole period of his labors in Southington four hundred and sixty-seven were received into the church, and three hundred and ninety-eight of these on profession of their faith.
As a pastor Mr. Ogden was faithful and affectionate, sympathizing with every form of suffering, and with every condition of life. He was especially attentive to children, and had a faculty of interesting them, and gaining their love. He was frank, artless, and childlike in his own feelings and expressions, and hence he obtained easy access to the hearts of all, both old and young.
At the time of his settlement here it was emphatically a period of revivals throughout the state and country. Not only here but in adja- cent parishes Mr. Ogden entered with zeal into this department of work. There must have been something unusual about his manner or style to occasion the interest in his preaching so widely felt. Those of other places who recall his preaching during this period speak of him as always indicating strong mental traits, defining and stating doctrinal truths perspicuously, and as very earnest and impressive in delivery.
Mr. Ogden's ministry, if measured by apparent results, is the most
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brilliant of any of the pastors. The average additions to the church were thirty-one. It was under his pastorate that the most marked revival1 in the history of this town occurred. It was greatly due to him that the present meeting-house was built, and also that the present common at the center of the town was not disfigured with horsesheds. Mr. Ogden was a decided contrast to Mr. Robinson. His whole make-up was different. And yet the friends of Mr. Robinson rallied around the young pastor, and gave him the same confidence and affection reposed in his predecessor.
He was a good scholar, a fine preacher, and devoted to his calling. He had a nature so sensitive that it was often wounded by the thought- lessness or neglect of his people. Reared in the city, and unfamiliar with much that enters country life, he found here a great deal that was uncongenial. But in the fear of God and for the love of souls he labored on, and bore patiently the trials laid upon him. The church and society were (with very few exceptions) much attached to him, and desired him to remain; but the "few " were enabled to so annoy him that he determined to seek a dismission. He said afterward that had his friends made known to him " the insignificance of the oppo- sition " he would have remained.
There was a trait of Mr. Ogden's that was not understood by his people. Although in its exhibition as we now recall his character.it adds beauty and lustre to his name, it was never appreciated in this town. I refer to his great transparency of heart and unreserved frank- ness. Everybody saw him just as he was, and heard him speak just as he felt. His simplicity made it impossible for him to conceal an opinion or fault. Consequently any error of judgment or conduct would appear before the people. Day by day they saw not only the better but worse side of his character. If any were evil disposed they could find many things to misconstrue for the sake of mischief. For example, when the Baptists began to revive their church under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Atkins, in 1827, a great many sayings were attributed to Mr. Ogden that were without foundation. In this respect he was grossly maligned. At first he did have some feeling with respect to services held in the south-west part of his congregation, because he misunderstood Mr. Atkins, but afterward he warmly co-op- erated with that body in Christian work. Mr. Atkins distinctly states, and I record it here to do away with traditional misrepresentations, that Mr. Ogden after the first interview not only treated him cour- teously, but ever gave him the warmest expressions of Christian confidence and sympathy. And it does credit to the heart of Mr.
1 See note at the close of this sketeh.
1
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Atkins that he is so anxious to have all statements to the contrary con- tradicted. If Mr. Ogden, in 1827, was led to make a remark that offended the Baptists, it must be borne in mind that from 1785 on for forty years there had been difficulties in the three churches of the town that would naturally call out remark, and that which might be said in pleasantry could be construed as an intentional affront. Mr. Ogden suffered by having remarks of his repeated, and with an empha- sis he never contemplated. Had his people fully appreciated his noble frankness, and rightly interpreted his impulsiveness, he would have probably remained here until his death. He felt keenly this want of appreciation, and the disposition to misinterpret his conduct. No one could well be more abundant in labors than he, and nothing did he withhold from the people. His record is his glory.
The indisposition to increase his salary, and the want of promptness in receiving his dues from the society, made him very uneasy. He justly felt that as he had given his flock that which was "spiritual," they should meet his "temporal wants." He found his best friends slow or reluctant to act in the matter, so that at last he was led to resign his charge. When his resignation was really before the people then they saw their error and tried to correct it, but it was too late.
The following communication was sent, August 5th, 1836, to the church:
" BELOVED BRETHREN: Will you, if the society concur, join with me in calling a council for the purpose of dissolving the pastoral relation which I sustain toward you? My reason for this request is, that I am entirely unable, at the present advanced price of provision, any longer to support my family upon the salary which I receive, having already fallen into debt in your service more than three hundred dollars. I do not ask the society to raise my salary, because many would not understand the necessary expenses of one who cannot turn any thing to account, but must pay money for all that he uses, and therefore an injury might be sustained by the society. I am deeply affected with the kind feeling which the greater part of this people bear toward me. I shall ever remember it with pleasure and satisfaction. My affections towards you are strong. For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, Peace be to this Zion. My long connexion with you has made traces on my heart which I trust will never be worn out. God grant you wisdom and grace to be acceptable in his sight, to shine as lights in the world, and to flourish as the cedars in Lebanon. Yours in the hope of everlasting life and in the bonds of the gospel,
DAVID L. OGDEN."
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The following is the action of the church:
"The above communication was read by Brother Lowrey. Voted that a committee be appointed to confer with Mr. Ogden on the subject of the above communication, and report to the church at the next meeting."
At a later meeting, held August 15th, the following action was taken:
" The committee appointed at the last meeting reported. Resolved, that our attachment and confidence in our pastor, Rev. David L. Ogden, still continue, and that we should deeply regret any necessity for dis- solving the connexion that has so long and so happily existed between him and this church."
At a still later meeting, August 29th, the following was voted:
" Whereas the pastor still adheres to his request for a dismission, voted, that a committee of three be appointed to act with the commit- tee of the society in calling a council for the purpose of effecting the object."
The following action was taken by the society, August 15th:
" Whereas this society has received a communication from their pastor, the Rev. David L. Ogden, by which they learn with the deepest regret that he requests a dismission from the pastoral care of the church and society over which he has so long presided, and being unwilling that he should be dismissed, provided that he could be con- tented to remain with us, therefore-
Voted that Stephen Walkley, Romeo Lowrey, and Selah Barnes, be . a committee to confer with the Rev. David L. Ogden on the subject, and endeavor to ascertain upon what condition, if any, he would be satisfied and contented to continue the relation in which we have been so long and so harmoniously united, and report to this society at their next adjourned meeting."
At a meeting held August 22d, the following result was reached:
" Voted that we comply with the proposition of the Rev. David L. Ogden as reported by committee, viz: to pay during the current year his debts to the amount of three hundred dollars, and to pay him the next year one hundred dollars in addition to his ordinary salary, and every subsequent year during his pastoral connexion with this society to pay him two hundred dollars in addition to his ordinary salary."
This action was not acceptable to Mr. Ogden, because there was not perfect unanimity in the vote. Then at the same meeting it was voted:
"To pay Rev. D. L. Ogden a salary of seven hundred and fifty dol- lars annually so long as he continues his pastoral relations with this society, commencing on the first of the next current year-yeas 66, nays 16."
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It was then voted that if he did not concur in this, that the society concur with the church in calling a council to act upon the subject of dismission.
The following is the record of the council called to consider the question of dissolving the pastoral relation :
" At an Eccl. Council convened at Southington Sept. 13, 1836, by letters from Rev. David L. Ogden and the comees of the church and Society for the purpose of dissolving the pastoral relationship of the Rev. David L. Ogden to this church and people. Present,
Rev. Erastus Scranton-Dea. Ard Hart from the church in Bur- lington.
Rev. Noah Porter, D.D .- Dea. Simeon Hart from the church in Farmington.
Rev. Joab Brace-Br. Erastus Lattimer from the church in New- ington.
Rev. David L. Parmelee-Dea. Charles G. Ives from the church in Bristol.
Rev. Royal Robbins-Br. Sheldon Moore from the church in Ken- sington.
Rev. Joseph Whiting-Br Andrew H. Foot, from the church in Cheshire.
" Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., was chosen Moderator, and Rev. J. Brace, Scribe. The council was opened with prayer by the moderator. The records of the church and Society were laid before the council, from which it appeared, that the Pastor had requested a dismission, because his salary was inadequate to the support of his family. The church and Society unwilling for the dismission of their Pastor, offered to in- crease his salary; but could not do it with such unanimity as to satisfy the pastor of his future comfort and usefulness among this people, and he therefore insisted on his request to be dismissed. The council after maturely deliberating on the communications, judged it expedi- ent, and voted that Mr. Ogden be dismissed from his pastoral relation to this church and people, and it is hereby ordered that the connection cease at the close of the next Sabbath. The council affectionately commend this church and people to the Great Redeemer, rejoicing in their christian kindness and liberality as manifested in all the votes of this church and society which has resulted from their pastor's request for a dismission, praying and trusting that they may be entirely united in some other good minister of Jesus Christ.
"The council are happy to find the testimony of this church and peo- ple to the good character and acceptable services of Mr. Ogden in the christian ministry. They do cordially rejoice in the great success of
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his labors, and in the blessing of Christ upon this people in connection with them, and they affectionately recommend him to the churches and people of God, whenever he may be called. They would also ex- press their high satisfaction in the evidence presented before them, that the mutual affection which has so long subsisted between Mr. Og- den and this church and people, will still remain.
" Finally-the council commend this church and people and Brother Ogden, to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build them up, and to give them an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. .
The above were passed unanimously at the record of the council- closed with prayer by-
JOAB BRACE, SCRIBE."
After his dismission Mr. Ogden accepted a call to Whitesboro', N. Y. and he was installed Dec. 28, 1836.
It was a time of disquiet in Whitesboro' and in all that region, in consequence of the agitation of the slavery question, and the "New Measures " as they were called. Mr. Ogden was constrained to dis- cuss these subjects, and he was generally acknowledged to have been remarkably successful, in allaying the excitement in the surrounding regions, and in bringing the minds of his own people into a more tran- quil state, better fitted for the reception of religious truth. His labors were not productive of such rich and abundant fruit as had been gath- ered in Connecticut, but yet they were not in vain. The difference in apparent results can be traced to his different position and circum- stances, rather than to the man himself. Mr. Ogden was highly es- teemed and honored by the churches, and his brethren in the ministry, while in Whitesboro'. He was elected a member of the Corporation of Hamilton College, and also a corporate member of the American Board of Missions.
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