USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 36
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Resolved that while the Council feel Called upon to Rebuke what they Consider to be fundamental Errors in Br Rogers, that they by no means feel Disposed to Injure him, and affectionately advise him Carefully to Review his Sentiments and Especially his methods of Ex- pression, With the Expectation that he will Comply with this advice, we commend him to the prayers and affections of this Church and of Brethren in General.
Resolved that in the opinion of this Council it is highly Expedient that the Brethren of the Church unanimously Concur in Releasing Br Rogers from any further Connection with the Church as its minister.
Resolved that we Discover in the present Difficulties of this Evidence of the Error of Introducing into the Ministry Brethren without Expe- rience who have not Enjoyed Sufficient opportunities of Information upon the Doctrines of the Bible, and that We advise the Church to manifest a Judicious Care in this Respect in the Choice of their ininisters.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
The Church being Instructed to furnish copies of the Result of the Council for the Church and Br Rogers the Council adjourned.
D. C. HAYNES, SIMON SHALER, Chairman."
Clerk.
At a meeting of the church held Sept. 26, it was
" Voted that the Church accept and approve the Report and advice of the Council and that Br Rogers now be Released from any further connection with the Church as its minister."
At a meeting held Oct. 24, 1840, it was
" Voted the following preamble and Resolutions:
Whereas that as Br E. C. Rogers has for the past year been preach- ing for this Church and to the great grief and Dissatisfaction of the Church Whereupon a Council of Brethren of Sister Churches were Called to Examine into his Doctrine and Sentiments as Advanced and Advise with him and us. And as the Council have found Br Rogers in Error and advised him to Retire from Preaching and to Review his Course, and as he has Refused to comply with the advice of Said Coun- cil and as he Left the Church and its Interests and Aided and Assisted in setting up a Separate Interest whereby Several of the Brethren and Sisters have been drawn away from the Church to its great grief, Therefore
Resolved that as br Rogers has Departed from the Simplicity of the Gospel and from the Rules of propriety he is Justly Subject to the Censure and Dissepline of the Church and that a Committee be ap- pointed to wait on him and Report at some future meeting."
At a church meeting held Nov. 7, "The committee on the Case of Br. Edward C. Rogers Reported that in their Labor with him they had Received from him no Satisfaction.
Report accepted; Voted that a letter of admotition be Sent to Br. Rogers in Behalf of the Church by the Clerk.
At a meeting held March 9, 1841, the committee appointed to wait on Mr. Rogers, reported that, "he declined Attending the meeting And Should not attend any future meeting of the Church for the pur- pose of making defence before them and He Expressed a wish to have his name erased from the records of the Church. Report accepted.
Voted, that this Church withdraw the hand of fellowship from Br. Rogers on the ground of false doctrine &c embraced and taught by him, as alleged against him and recorded on the records of the Church at a meeting of the Church held Oct. 24, 1839.
Voted, that the Clerk inform Mr. Rogers by Letter of the above Vote."
The friends of Mr. Rogers withdrew and began to hold service in the Episcopal church. The numbers, and the interest in the movement, 42
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
were such as to encourage. the immediate organization of a new church and society. The subsequent life of Mr. Rogers, I have been unable to trace. He soon left this town and preached to the Universalist so- ciety of Berlin. So far as known he was never ordained.
REV. S. W. PALMER.
The Rev. S. W. Palmer was invited, March 9, 1841, to preach for one year. Nothing of importance occurred during his ministry, and of his history I have been able to learn but little.
REV. ANDREW HOPPER.
In the summer of 1842, Rev. Andrew Hopper, a licentiate, preached to the society and church with acceptance, and a decided effort was made to raise a salary sufficient to support him, if he accepted a call. Some difficulty was experienced in securing the amount, but in the fall it had been raised, so that the church desired his ordination and settle- ment. A Council was convened, Nov. 30, but a copy of the proceed- ings I have been unable to get. Mr. Hopper continued here until July, 1843. Nothing occurred during his ministry of special interest.
The ancestors of Mr. Hopper were from Holland, and settled in Bergen Co., N. J. His parents were John H. and Mary (Voorhis) Hopper, and he was born in New York city, Jan. 20, 1811. I can get no information of his early life. His parents were members of the Reformed Dutch church, and he was baptized in infancy. Afterwards he adopted the vievs of the Baptist church. He married Margaret Pike Inslee, daughter of John and Catherine (Willis) Inslee.
The names of their children are, Inslee A., Mary H., Oliver T., Mar- tha, Emma, Julia, Anna, and Henry.
After leaving Southington, Mr. Hopper labored in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and was finally disabled by some ailment of the throat. Latterly he has been engaged in business in Newark, N. J.
REV. SAMUEL RICHARDS.
The Rev. Samuel Richards succeeded Mr. Hopper, and remained six months.
REV. WILLIAM PATTISON.
The church voted, July 14, 1844, to employ Rev. Mr. Pattison for six months at the rate of $350 a year, provided "the funds could be raised." No record appears of action, by the society, until Nov. 15, 1845, when it was voted "that we employ Rev. Wm. P. Pattison to preach for us the ensuing year, commencing the 1st of January, 1846, if the salary required be satisfactory."
At a meeting of the church, Nov. 28, 1845, it was voted to give Mr.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
Pattison " four hundred dollars for the year 1845." A similar vote of salary was passed for the year 1846. Of Mr. Pattison I can learn but little. He has been settled at New Britain, Conn., Auburn, N. Y., Ypsilanti, Mich., and in some places farther west. After he left Southington the pulpit was supplied for a little time by Elder Swan.
REV. G. W. DORRANCE.
After a brief supply by Elder Swan, the Rev. G. W. Dorrance was invited, May 3, 1847, to preach for one year. The vote of the church was conditioned on raising $400 for his support. This pastorate lasted but one year. Mr. Dorrance seems to have satisfied the people, for at a church meeting, Feb. 5, 1848, it was voted "That we have been, and still are, highly pleased with the labors and Preaching of Bro. G. W. Dorrance since he has been with us, and that we will use every requisite effort to secure his continuance with us after his present year expires." But the church could pledge but $350 for the salary, and Mr. Dorrance thought this insufficient for his support, and July 29, 1848, he resigned his charge.
REV. DANIEL ROBINSON.
He was born Jan. 4, 1806, at Norway, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was the son of Robert and Annie (Foster) Robinson. Aside from the com- mon schools, he pursued his studies privately under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Jason Lothrop and Rev. Dr. Eaton, both men of fine culture. He was ordained pastor of the church at Oppenheim, Fulton Co., N. Y., in 1833, and here remained for several years. He was subsequently settled at Springfield, Pleasant Valley, Kingston, Claverack, and Hills- dale, N. Y., before he was called to Southington. When 1 he came bere he found the church depressed and suffering from various causes, but he began his work with great energy and was successful in uniting and encouraging the people. His own faith and zeal imparted a new spirit to the church, and there was at once a greatly improved state of affairs. He visited the scattered portions of his flock and held meet- ings out in the various school districts. There was a great increase of spiritual interest. Under the improved state of things a heavy debt was paid, and the church building repaired. Mr. Robinson labored here four years, during which he was blessed in his work. Eighty- seven were added to the church.
Against the wishes of the church here, Mr. Robinson accepted an in- vitation to return to one of his former charges, Claverack, N. Y. He afterwards made several changes, and finally died, April 22, 1863, while engaged at Conway, Mass., in the 58th year of his age.
1 He was called June 17, 1849, and resigned Nov. 1, 1853.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
Mr. Robinson is said to have been a man of good physical appear- ance, with an excellent voice, gifted in speech, keen in rebuke, and yet of affectionate manner. His friends rank him above the average as a . preacher and pastor.
The Rev. A. L. Freeman writes of Mr. Robinson: "He was an earn- est, devoted, and successful christian worker, and quite an evangelist. He literally wore himself out in preaching and laboring for souls. He was hardly contented without being in a revival most of the time, and hence labored in season and out of season, not only with the churches of which he was pastor, but in surrounding communities."
REV. N. JUDSON CLARK.
Dec. 12, 1853, a call was extended to Rev. N. Judson Clark, to become pastor. He accepted and was ordained March 8, 1855. Dur- ing the first year of his ministry, thirty-three were added to the church. He continued two years and a half.
REV. E. J. AVERY.
After Mr. Clark left, the pulpit was supplied for a few months by Rev. E. J. Avery, then Principal of Lewis Academy. He was born Jan. 6, 1815, at Bozrah, Conn. When seven years of age, the family removed to Colchester, and here Mr. Avery attended Bacon Academy and fitted for college, entering Yale in 1840. When near the close of the Sophomore year he was invited to teach Latin and Greek in a Friend's Academy at Burlington, N. J., where he remained a year, and then entered the Junior Class in Brown University, where he graduated in 1845. At Brown, he carried a prize in mechanical phi- losophy, and was elected member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. A few weeks after graduation, he was licensed to preach by the Baptist church in Colchester, of which he was a member.
He labored for six months in Danielsonville, when in the spring of 1846, he entered Newton Theological Seminary, from which he grad- uated in 1849. He was ordained pastor at Addison, Maine, remaining there two years. For two years he was principal of Worcester Academy, Mass. In 1854, he was invited to the charge of Lewis Academy, Southington, where he remained four years. In 1858, when forty-two years of age, he was married to Miss E. Maria Allen of East Windsor, and a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary.
From Southington, Mr. Avery went to Shelburne Falls, Mass., tak- ing charge of the Academy in that place, where he remained for ten years. In 1873, he removed to Suffield, Conn., where he now is con- nected with the Conn. Literary Institute.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
REV. JULIUS BOND.
The Rev. Julius Bond supplied the pulpit for six months after Mr. Avery left.
REV. JOSHUA FLETCHER.
In the winter of 1857, a call was made upon Rev. Joshua Fletcher, of Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., with a salary of $800, which indicates an increase of material strength. May 7th, Mr. Fletcher was installed pastor. "Early' in the year 1857, the church was deeply afflicted in the removal by death of some of their oldest members who had sustained a connection with them for nearly a half century, and who had, amid the severe trials through which God in his providence called them to pass in the days of darkness and adversity as well as seasons of prosperity, borne the interests of the church on their hearts continually." The following year was one of prosperity, and seventy-eight united with the church. Mr. Fletcher continued the successful pastor until the spring of 1862, when he resigned. Mr. Fletcher was an able preacher, and ranked high among his brethren, and was honored with the title of Doctor of Divinity.
REV. JOSEPH BARBER.
From the spring of 1862, until the fall of 1863, the Rev. Joseph Bar- ber acted as stated supply. The records of this period contain nothing of importance.
MINISTRY OF REV. A. L. FREEMAN.
In the spring of 1864, Rev. Andrew L. Freeman of Stockton, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., preached as a candidate, and June 5th, received a unanimous call to become pastor of the church. He accepted, and be- gan his ministry July 10th. The congregation increased in size, and in every respect was there a marked improvement in the condition of the church. In Feb., 1865, there began an extensive revival which resulted in large additions to the church. And from this time on, until the close of his ministry, in August, 1873, Mr. Freeman was per- mitted to rejoice in the confidence, affection, and prosperity of his flock.
He was born in Shandaken, Ulster Co., N. Y., April 17, 1828. His father was a native of New England, and served in the Revolutionary war. His mother was of good Holland blood, and while inheriting noble qualities from his father, there came to him through his mother, those particular traits that made him such a delightful companion and true friend. His youth was spent on a farm, although attending school a due portion of the time. He was baptized at Kingston, N. Y., July 4,
1 Church Manual.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
1844, and admitted to the church by Rev. Daniel Robinson, whom he followed, after an interval of a few years, in the pastoral office here. In 1846, he entered Madison University, but his senior year was spent at Rochester University, where he graduated in 1851, with the first class graduating at that institution. The next two years he spent at the Theological Seminary of Rochester, completing his course in 1853. Accepting a call at Camillus, N. Y., he was ordained in September, 1853. He remained here six years, when he accepted a call to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
His family suffering here from malarious influences, he removed to Deposit, N. Y., in 1860, and subsequently was settled at Stockton, N. Y., where he remained three years, or until he was called to Southington.
Mr. Freeman labored in this town for nine years, and impressed himself upon the community beyond that of any of his predecessors. He was a good student, and kept himself intelligent as to all the im- portant questions of the age. It was the judgment of those beyond the limits of his parish, as well as those within, that he was devoted to his work and faithful in all duties. Decided in his own convictions of truth and duty, he never failed to exhibit a catholic, tolerant spirit toward all. He was interested in the subject of popular education. During the late civil war he is remembered as having been loyal in word and work. He left behind him a good name. [See Genealog ical table.]
The present pastor is the Rev. A. P. Buell.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
This was organized at Plantsville, Ang. 13, 1872, with forty-two members. For a long time weekly prayer meetings had been sus- tained by a few families in this part of the town. The thought of a new church seems to have originated with the late Dea. A. P. Plant. Sept. 30, 1872, a Council was called, consisting of delegates from twelve of the adjacent Baptist churches, by which the new enterprise was formally recognized. It was also received into the New Haven Baptist Association, Oct. 2, of the same year. The first Deacons chosen were A. P. Plant, R. W. Cowles, and Charles A. Hotchkiss. The society was organized May 8, 1872, and steps were at once taken to build a house of worship. The land for the purpose was given by Dea. Plant. The building committee consisted of A. P. Plant, E. H. Plant, and R. W. Cowles. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate services, May 13, 1873, and the building was dedicated March 11, 1874, the sermon on the occasion having been preached by Dr. Rollin H. Neale, of Boston. The cost of the building was about $13,000.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
For nearly a year the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. W. C. Walker, when June 22, 1875, a unanimous call was given to Rev. Thomas A. T. Hanna, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and by him accepted.
DEACONS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
DEA. CORNELIUS CORNWALL.
He was born in what is now Burlington, and was from the first active in the building up of the Baptist church in that section of the town. It was of that church that he was Deacon, but he officiated in this capacity at Red Stone Hill and Southington. So far as I can learn, he was never a member of the church in this town, but when after 1780, the interests of the denomination here demanded an or- ganization, he was frequently presenti to aid by his sympathy and counsel the struggling enterprise. He was also efficient in aiding Mr. Wildman to establish the church in Bristol. The Rev. Mr. Atkins, who remembers him well, speaks of him as a man of excellent spirit, deep piety, and full of good works.
He married, Jan. 9, 1771, Elizabeth Butricks, and had children; Elizabeth, born Nov. 29, 1772; Eli, born Nov. 16, 1775; Rachel, born Nov. 11, 1777; Chauncey, born June 4, 1781.
DEA. EBENEZER HAWLEY.
He was the son of Ebenezer and Mary (Hart) Hawley, and was born at Scott's Swamp, Farmington, Feb. 11, 1747. He joined the Farmington Congregational church in 1770, as did also his wife. At what time he began to give attention to the subject of baptism (as to its mode) is not known. Nor is the date of his withdrawal from the Farmington church given. The records simply state that he and his wife had "joined the Baptists." It is said that he was very positive and persistent in whatever views he adopted. "He 2 was a deeply pious man. His conscience was of the Puritan stamp. He had his faults but they were not sins. His family altar was based on princi- ple. He was truly honest in all his relations and dealings. He was an honor to the office of Deacon."
When Dr. Porter first settled in Farmington, Dea. Hawley fre- quently visited him to argue the question of baptism, but finally aban- doned the effort to convert him to his views. Some live who remem- ber his public comment upon the Doctor-" Mr. Porter is a good man and has larnin', but he don't know much about baptism."
Dea. Hawley attended church at Redstone Hill, and here was elected
1 He was probably the acting Deacon until the church could elect its own officers.
2 MSS. from his grandson, Rev. F. Hawley, Westfield, Mass.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
to his office. In all church duties he was faithful, although sometimes at variance with his brethren because of his strong self-will, all be- lieved him to be a godly man. He died Feb. 21, 1827. His wife was a woman of remarkable traits. With superior natural gifts sanc- tified by the Holy Ghost she was enabled to accomplish much for the church. Her prayers and exhortations seemed at times inspired. [ add an extract from a letter of Rev. David Wright, who, in recalling his ministry of more than fifty years ago, affectingly alludes to this noble woman-
"Our aged sister Hawley who had been in darkness between four and five years, in the latter part of Feb., 1818, was blessed with a re- newed manifestation of divine things and had a new conversion. She never forsook the church or the ordinances, and was punctual at cove- nant meetings often confessing that she was a very great sinner and that Christ was a great Saviour, but did not enjoy satisfactory evidence of her interest in him. She loved the members, had nothing against any, and would not in any way grieve them. Her relief was on this wise. While hearkening to the reading of Flavel on keeping the Heart, she was led to a fresh view of Christ as the Babe of Bethlehem, and thence she traced his life to the cross and to glory. Her bands were loosed at once; her heart was enlarged and filled with joy and confidence through faith. She spoke of the Blessed Redeemer to almost every one she met. The church were greatly delighted and re- freshed by her godly addresses, and the wicked were confounded in her presence. Her words were strengthening to the weak, consoling to the afflicted, encouraging to the tempted, and animating to the believing heart. She praised the Lord for his dealings with her, and confessed she had not had one trial too many, or one moment too much of darkness. She seemed to have entered the land of Beulah. Every cloud was gone and every doubt had fled away. Often she sung with elevated affections,
" Blessed be God for doubts which he has overcome,
My soul in full assurance shouts of being soou at home."
A little more than a year after her revival she left us and joined the church triumphant."
DEA. SAMUEL HART.
In connecting the name of Samuel Hart with the Baptist church, it is but just to state, that he did not become identified with the denomina- tion because of any very deep convictions upon the question of baptism. It was simply an act of remonstrance against certain measures of "the standing order," that he joined this body. But his admission to the body was of great importance at the time it occurred, as his name and influence brought to it great strength.
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IIISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
He was born in Kensington, Jan. 21, 1738, and was the son of Sam- uel and Mary (Hooker) Hart. Through his father he was connected with Stephen Hart, one of the first proprietors of Farmington, and a man of vast influence in both the church and town. This Stephen Hart came from Braintree, England, and settled about 1632, in Cam- bridge, Mass., and removed from thence to Hartford, about 1635, with Mr. Hooker's company. Tradition has it that he was the first to dis- cover the beautiful and fertile valley of Farmington, which he did while out on a hunting excursion. Among his descendants none have possessed a more honorable and generous spirit than the subject of this sketch.
The mother of Thomas Hart was grand-daughter of Rev. Thomas Hooker, second pastor of Farmington, and great-grand-daughter of Rev. Thomas Hooker, first pastor of Hartford. Thus through both lines of ancestry he inherited the best New England blood.
As a boy he indicated fondness for study and argument, and it was his father's purpose to give him a thorough education, but the death of his father made it necessary for him to remain home and cultivate the farm.
Although denied a liberal culture, he gave himself to reading and study to such an extent that he soon acquired a large measure of intelligence, and took the front rank in the public affairs of the town and church. He joined the Kensington church in 1763. When the Congregational church in Berlin was organized, in 1775, he became clerk and treasurer. Probably no man in the town surpassed him in in- fluence. But a circumstance occurred that resulted in diminishing his influence, and exposing him to the rebuke of friends. Two of his neighbors, upon conscientious grounds, refused to pay the taxes levied upon them for the support of "the standing order." They were im- prisoned in Hartford jail. Mr. Hart was greatly troubled by this act of the authorities. He called a meeting of the society and urged that in such cases great forbearance should be exercised. Upon a resolu- tion he proposed for this end, only one vote besides his own was given in the affirmative. Abhorring such intolerance, he resigned his society offices, paid the taxes of the imprisoned parties, and began at once the advocacy of what is now well known as the " voluntary principle." His friends begged him to abstain from espousing a cause so unpopu- lar, and the tide of feeling in the town turned against him. But no persuasion or rebuke of friends, and no fear of public disapproval de- terred him from his work.
At that time he had hope of no support except from the Separatists and Baptists, who were few in number and absolutely without influ- ence. To them he turned for sympathy and began to attend their meet-
43
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
ings occasionally held at Redstone Hill, and along the West mountain road to Cheshire.
At this time the bond of union was this single question of tolera- tion. The Baptists freely communed with the Separatists. No theo- logical opinion was allowed to divide them. Mr. Hart came among them and was warmly welcomed. He frequently read discourses to them upon the matter of toleration. It is said that he was unable to speak in public without full notes before him. This inability led him to a constant use of his pen, and perhaps no layman in the country during the last century wrote more than did he.
When he was baptized, the tradition runs, he explicitly stated that he submitted to the rite by immersion. not because he felt it obligatory but only to illustrate his principle of freedom in all religious matters, and to break down the walls of bigotry.
It was known that at this very time he had doubts upon the doctrine of eternal punishment. Of his doubts he freely spoke, but they were no barrier1 to his cordial reception. At a later date we find him elected Deacon-probably about 1785.
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