USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > East Windsor > Historical sketch of Warehouse Point, Conn., dedicated June 17, 1900; and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, from 1822 to the present time > Part 4
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by letter Sept. 15, 1898
Nettie C. Kitchen
66
Olin S. Rockwell
66 Ida M. Rockwell
66 Sarah F. Sperry
died May 17, 1895
66
66 Mabel A. Bower
Bessie M. Bower Ogden F. Cone
66
Apr. 13, 1890 Henry Johnson .. .. Esther Johnson
Mabel P. Sexton
5, 1892 6. Orrin S. Smith
90
Time Received.
How Removed.
Oct. 2 1892 Susan L. Bangs
66 Lillie Bradway
II 66 Julia Furrow
by letter Dec. 1, 1894
60
66 Clara I. Smith
66
13
66
Lester G. Bancroft.
1893-1894, Rev. James Biram, Pastor.
March 26, 1893 Joseph H. Doane
66
Inez G. Doane
Jan. 7, 1894
Angie Fenton
May 6
Eugene C. Juckett
66 £ 66 66 Flora E. Easton
without letter
" 1894 Annie E. Biram
by letter by letter Nov. 15, 1895
Sept, 2 " Elizabeth Speers
66 6.
Dec. 28, 1899
Nov. 4 66 Annie Speers
6. Nov. 15, 1895
66 Isaac Speers 66
66
66 66
Nov. 4, 1894
Robert Speers
March 3, 1895
Edith I. Bower
66 66 Emma I. Bower [Bromage]
1895-1896, Rev. John Pearce, Pastor.
May 3, 1896 Emma M. Doane
died July 2. 1897
Belle M. Pearce transfered to another charge
Aug. 2 66 Mary Bennett
Hattie Derwig
Lottie Derwig [Rockwell]
1897, Rev. C. H. Walter, Pastor. 1898-1900, Rev. J. A. Wood, Pastor.
Nov. 6, 1898 William H. Lathrop
66 66 Abigal Lathrop
66 66 Josephine S. Baily
66
Julia E. Cone
66 66 66 Emily Sperry
Barbara Wood
May 7, 1899
Arthur E. Pascoe
Iona G. Pascoe
66
15 " Mary Everett
91
Time Received.
How Removed.
1898-1900, Rev. J. A. Wood, Pastor.
June 17. 1900
Effie E. Horton
66
Rose S. Fillmore
. . Alice Scranton
Sadie Scranton
66 .. 66 Myrtie Judd
Lena E. Judd
66
Murial B. Wood
Annie May Van Nostrand
66
Charles W. Chace
1
66
Herman C. Schmeiske
66 Cynthia Schmeiske
66
.
66
Annie M. Stone
Asa P. Fillmore
66
Emma M. Higgins
66
66
Hobart R. Wells
66
66
Sarah M. Wells
May Birge
Florence Birge
66 .
Irene A. Chace
John M. Stone
92
THE NEW CHURCH.
93
DEVELOPING OF THE NEW CHURCH IDEA.
The project to build the New Church grew out of attempts to remodel the old one. In the latter part of the year 1892, during the pastorate of the Rev. F. C. Baker, the remodeling of the old church was agitated, plans were prepared by Bro. G. W. Bower, and an effort was made to raise $2,500 for this purpose; of this amount $1,825 was secured in pledges. At the close of the year Rev. F. C. Baker decided to move and nothing further was done, un- til the Rev. J. A. Wood took charge in 1898.
During that year the subject was agitated and on January Ist 1899 a committee was appointed, consisting of the Pastor as chairman, O. F. Cone as secretary and treasurer, R. A. Parker, S. D. Rock- well, J. R. Sperry, G. W. Bower, F. L. Jacobs and Olin S. Rockwell.
This committee held its first meeting on Friday evening, January 6th, 1899, at the home of Bro. S. D. Rockwell and organized for work.
F. L. Jacobs and Pastor were appointed a com - mittee to see what a piece of land north of the church could be purchased for. The pastor was appointed to lay the plans before an architect who would draw it out in detail, so as to give a good effect from the outside.
The estimate cost of remodeling was about $3,000.
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M. J. Liberty,
DESIGNER and BUILDER OF
Monuments
and
Memorials.
Correct Designs, Selected Material, Perfect Workmanship.
You cannot afford to Employ unskillful workmen at any Price. The best is Always the Cheapest.
THOMPSONVILLE
MONUMENTAL WORKS,
Pearl Street, Thompsonville, Conn.
95
REV. JAMES ARCHIBALD WOOD.
The publisher of this book and present pastor, was born in Nova Scotia, Nov. 4, 1863, of Scotch descent. Educated at the public schools in Providence, R. I., New Hampshire conference seminary and college, Tilton, N. H. and Hartford Theological Seminary. Licensed a local preacher from Asbury Church, Providence, R. I., Feb. 5, 1885, Michael J. Talbot, Presiding Elder. Ordained deacon at Newport, R. I., April 20, 1889, by Bishop William X. Ninde. Ordained Elder at Fall River, Mass, April 5, 1896 by Bishop Randolph S. Foster.
Mr. Wood began his active labors in the ministry by taking charge of a Mission in Taunton, Mass. While there he married Miss Barbara Clark of Boston, Mass. Dec. 18, 1888. His first pastorate was with the church in North Tisbury Martha's Vineyard, and there remained three years, his next charge was South Middleboro there he remained two years. In 1893 he was appointed to the pastorate of the M. E. Church, Hock- anum, Conn., where he remained five years, and while there organized a new church in East Hartford, Ct., in 1898 he was appointed to Ware- house Point Ct. and it is through his efforts that this fine new edifice has been erected and dedicated free of debt.
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The next meeting of the committee was held Wednesday evening, January 18th. in the vestry. It was decided to engage Mr. F. R. Comstock, an architect of Hartford, and let him advise regarding the most feasible plan, which Mr. Comstock did, delivering plans Saturday morning, January 21. A committee meeting was held that evening and the plans carefully gone over, the arrangement of the rooms and other matters did not appear as conven- ient as was desired.
Mr. Comstock submitted plans showing alter- ations, and on January 25th a committee meeting was held and the plan was considered very accept- able.
At the fourth quarterly conference held in the vestry Tuesday evening Feb. 7, 1899 this was con- sidered a very important conference because the plan for remodeling was to be accepted or rejected.
The action of the conference was unanimous on the remodeling of the church, the conference also elected and authorized a building committee to pro- ceed, also accepted the plan.
Monday evening Feb. 20, 1899 is an evening long to be remembered in the history of the M. E. Church for on that evening the building committee met at the home of S. D. Rockwell.
While talking matters over Bro. R. A. Parker thought that it was a waste of money to remodel . the old church and Bro Rockwell thought the same.
Bro. Parker staggered the committee by sug- gesting that they build a new church and that he would be one to start a subscription paper to-morrow morning with a $1000 subscription and Bro Rock-
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well declared his intentions to do likewise, where- upon, a motion was made by R. A. Parker and seconded by S. D. Rockwell that we build a new church, which motion received a unanimous vote.
A motion was made by S. D. Rockwell and seconded by R. A. Parker that the Pastor prepare a subscription paper, Tuesday morning Feb. 21, 1899.
Those present at the meeting were Rev. J. A. Wood, R. A. Parker, S. D. Rockwell, G. W. Bower, J. R. Sperry and O. F. Cone. Wednesday evening Feb. 22, Mr. Comstock "the architect" met the committee at the home of Bro. R. A. Parker and . was instructed to make a sketch of a new church and submit it to the committee. Several plans and sketches were submited to the committee before one was thought satisfactory.
Mr. M. H. Bancroft greatly relieved the com- mittee by purchasing the Filer lot and presenting it to the trustees as a site on which to build the new church.
The plan of the present church building was accepted the first part of April and placed in the hands of the architect to furnish detailed drawings.
At a public meeting held in the vestry of the old church August 12, 1899, the Pastor Rev. J. A. Wood made a statement as to how the new project stood.
Bids were received on the new building and opened, were found to be as follows $5500, $5600. $5750, $5800 and $6500.
Mr. A. D. Bridge of Hazardville made an offer through Bro. Bancroft to build the new church for
98
$5600 and allow $800 for the old church, with this consideration it was thought that pledges enough had been secured to warrant the erection of the new church.
On August 17 the building committee met at the home of Bro. Parker, the contract was let to A. D. Bridge of Hazardville and was signed by all the committee exept Bro O. F. Cone, who was absent on his vacation and on Aug. 22 a memorable and long looked for day in the history of the new pro- ject, ground was broken at 7.30 a m. Mrs. J. A. Wood taking the first spadeful then followed Miss Mary Waldorf, Miss Regina Waldorf, Althea Wood (4 years old) Ruth Willard Wood, Murial Barbara Wood and the Pastor. Thus the development of the new church idea developed.
This sketch would not be complete without a reference to the splendid aid rendered the com- mittee by Bro. M. H. Bancroft, his timely and wise suggestions have added immensely to the beauty of the building
Mr. BANCROFT'S ADDRESS.
It is said that an ardent but illiterate Methodist living in a frontier town being anxious that religious services be held in the place, wrote the bishop ask- ing him to come and preach for them; if he could not come to send a sliding elder, and if he could not come to send a circus rider and if he could not come to send an exhauster.
Some appear to think that the bishop has sent the exhauster here, for he seems to have nearly
99
exhausted the financial resources of his people. If there is any scheme or plan which he has not consid- ered by which a dollar can be obtained for this enterprise I have no doubt he would by glad to be informed of it. A friend recently suggested that the weather vane be in the form of an extended hand. The more I have thought of this suggestion the more I am convinced that it would be a very appropriate emblem.
First, because by an unwritten law, where only two or three Methodists are assembled it is consid- ered mete, right and proper and their bounden duty to pass the plate.
Second, because I think an open extended hand would be an appropriate emblem to symbolize benev- olence. Benevolence, the offspring of love, is the essence and soul of true religion-religion that does not reach the pocket has but little heart in it. Con- cerning giving and receiving there may be no need that I speak unto you, but nevertheless it may be well to recall that giving and receiving are two principal sources of real happiness. Who has not been made happy by receiving gifts of service, gifts of sacrifice and gifts of love from others? But who has not been made more happy by being able to bestow like precious gifts upon their friends, -verifying the declaration that it is more blessed to give than to receive?
Does any soul desire to be made fat ?- then give liberally, for it is promised that the liberal soul shall be made fat.
Let us remember that the divine hand is ever extended to bless and save, for He giveth to all life
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and breath and all things; He giveth us richly, all things to enjoy ; He giveth us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye may be made par- takers of the divine nature. Let us also remember that his omnipotent hand is extended to lead his people-the psalmist declares that He leadeth him into green pastures and beside still waters and he leadeth him into the paths of righteousness for his name sake. Happy indeed is the heart that can truly say with the poet :
"He leadeth me. O blessed thought!
O, words with heavenly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
Still'tis God's hand that leadeth me."
But let us especially remember that the great- est gift of God to a lost and perishing world is the gift of a divine redeemer mighty to save; for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not per- ish but have everlasting life.
"O, for such love let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break, And all harmonious human tongues The Saviour's praises speak."
"Were the whole realm of nature mine That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all."
This line of thought leads me to conclude that an open extended hand would be a very appropriate emblem to symbolize human and divine benevolence.
As to contrasted agencies of good and evil- let us ever abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good.
IOI
In passing from the old harbor to the bathing beach at Block Island, a government building is to be seen bearing this inscription, "U. S. Life Saving Station." Within can be seen the life-boat, life-car, life-preservers and all the paraphernalia used by the crew in their rescue work. The captain and his crew have their quarters here the greater part of the year and go forth to patrol the coast watching for an op- portunity to aid a disabled ship, or save a shipwreck- ed mariner. The work is hazardous and costly, but it is to be commended because its main object is to save life But mark a contrast to that. Not far away are two life-destroying stations, sanctioned and licensed by law to carry on their work which tends mostly to wretchedness, misery woe and death. What an illustration of the inconsistency of modern law and civilization that so much effort should be put forth in certain lines to save a few, while sanc- tion and license is given to destroy many.
But let us come nearer home. Upon this plot of ground, sixty or more years ago stood a soul- destroying plant, -its product was sent forth to become a source of evil instead of good; to curse instead of to bless. Oh! how much family misery, how many wretched homes desolate hearts, blasted hopes and ruined souls it produced only the records of eternity can disclose.
Every lover of humanity, anxious for the welfare of his fellow men, should rejoice that upon this same ground, to-day is laid the corner stone of a soul saving institution. Its spire pointing skyward will direct the thought of the beholder toward heav- en. The tones of its bell will ring a welcome to the
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worship of the living God. The voice of prayer and praise within will lead hearts to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. The pulpit we trust will so declare the whole counsel of God and the unsearchable riches of Christ, that many shall inquire what they must do to be saved and be led from darkness to light and from the power of sin and Satan unto God and sealed by the divine spirit as joint heirs with Christ, to an inheritance, incorrup- table, undefiled and that fadeth not away.
If all soul destroying agencies, could be trans- formed into soul saving agencies how soon would the millennium dawn appear; the whole earth re-eden- ized, the kingdoms of this world become the king- dom of God and his Christ and all nations, kindreds, peoples and tongues unite in swelling the grand chorus of the angelic anthem till it should echo from pole to pole and reverberate from earth to heaven in loud acclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will to men."
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Ex. Judge, MAHLON H. BANCROFT.
Was born October 17, 1837. Educated in Wesleyn Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. Was teacher, and for three years principal of Ware- house Point grammar school. Has been one of the board of school visit- ors for East Windsor for over twenty years, Justice of the Peace for twenty years; Town Clerk and Treasurer for the town of East Windsor for seventeen years; Judge of Probate, district of East Windsor from July 4, 1876 to 1897. Joined the M. E. Church October 20, 1865. Elected steward March 4, 1866; elected trustee September 1884, and Superintendent of Sunday School June 7, 1883.
104
CHURCH CORNER STONE LAYING.
A perfect September day brought out a large gathering at the services of the laying of the corner stone of the new Methodist Episcopal church at Warehouse Point, Conn.
At 3:15 Rev. Jas. A. Wood, pastor of the church, announced the opening of the service and read the service used by the church in the laying of corner stones.
Rev. W. S. McIntyre of Hazardville announced the collection, and had cards passed among the con- gregation for subscriptions. The cards were after- ward placed in the stone.
Rev. F. C. Baker, a former pastor of the church, read a hymn, which was sung by the united choirs of the Warehouse Point and Thompsonville churches.
Rev. J. H. Buckey of Thompsonville offered prayer.
Rev. C. B. Pitblado of Windsor Locks led the responsive reading of the 132nd psalm, and part of the third chapter of Ist Corinthians. The choir sang the anthem "Rejoice and give thanks".
S. D. Rockwell, one of the oldest members of the church, spoke of the efforts in building the first church, and the offerings which made possible the erection of the present building.
Mahlon H. Bancroft made a few remarks on the need of giving bountifully at all times.
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MARY S. RICHARDS (BANCROFT)
Daughter of Thomas D. and Salome Richards, born at Roxbury, Mass. Educated at Wesleyn Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. While there she became acquainted with Mahlon H. Bancroft and they mere married at the close of the school year, in the old chapel, June 27, 1862. They took up their residence at Warehouse Point where they have since lived. She joined the M. E. Church, October 20, 1865 and has been a loyal supporter of the church ever since.
IO6
Rev. W. J. Brewster, rector of St. John's Epis- copal church spoke briefly on the brotherhood of all churchmen, from the words found in Joshua 24: 27 "Behold this stone shall be a witness unto us" and suggested that, instead of a weathervane with an extended hand, which had been sug- gested by the previous speaker, he would suggest one with two hands uplifted to God for his accept- ance of the work and asking His continued blessing on the people.
He was followed by Rev. Dr. C. B. Pitblado of Windsor Locks who spoke 20 minutes on "The value of the church in civilization". The choir sang the anthem "Praise the Lord, O my soul".
During the singing a general collection was taken up.
A list of articles in the copper box for the cor- ner stone was read. They include: copies of Zions Herald, Christian Advocate, duplicate of architects receipted bill, sketch of Christian Endeavor society, sketch of the Womans Christian Temperance Union, a copy of the Springfield Republican of the 16th, which contains a picture of the church, small coins of 1899, file of the Church News, copy of contract of the building, list of subscriptions given to the church, order of exercises for the day, sketch of foreign missionary society, picture of the old church, copy of Year Book, small coin given by Mrs. E. W. Baily and the subscription cards presented at the service which numbered 47. The copper box was the gift of The Allen Pease Co. of Windsor Locks Ct.
The amount received was $136.00.
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The laying of the corner stone then followed, placed by the pastor and Rev. W. J. Brewster of St. John's Episcopal church and C. J. Waldo, the con- tractor for the mason work, putting in the cement and bricking it in.
Rev. Mr. Wood read the service of blessing. Hymn 86I was read by Rev. W. S. Mc. Intire and sung by the choir, and the benediction was pro- nounced, closing the service.
The stone is of Indiana limestone measuring 30 by 13 by 12 inches, and is inscribed on the face, "M. E. Church, 1899".
. It was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Munson.
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BELL CONSECRATION.
A more beautiful day could not be desired than was that Easter Sunday Apr. 15, 1900, memorable to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Warehouse Point Conn, as well as to the world.
Memorable to us because, we were to hear for the first time, the sweet tone of the new bell from the New Church tower. We shall ever be indebted to Ex. Judge M. H. Bancroft, for his generous gift of the bell.
The bell alone weighs 2100 lbs. with its mount- ings 3000 1bs; it is set to the Key of F. natural, and bares this inscription. In memory of William and Caroline B. Bancroft, by M. H. B. Easter 1900," "Ring out the old, Ring in the new,
Ring out the false, Ring in the true
Ring in the Christ who makes us free."
In accord with Mr. Bancrofts desire founded on Mark 16:2 the bell was for the first time officially rung, just as the sun arose in the eastern sky April 15. 1900.
The consecration of the bell took place at 2. 30 in the afternoon, when a large congregation gath- ered at the old Church, and marched to the New Church, gathering on the lawn where they sung a hymn.
The Pastor Rev. J. A. Wood ascended the tower and as the Presiding Elder, Rev. Geo. H. Bates pro- nounced the words of consecration "In the Name of
109
OGDEN FREDERICK CONE.
Member of the building committee. Joined the church June 5, 1892. Elected trustee, September 1892; secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees and building committee. Elected superintendent of Sunday School in 1900.
IIO
the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," the Pastor struck the bell three times with the tolling hammer after this the congregation returned to the old Church, where the Presiding Elder preached an Easter sermon, from the text found in psalms 110-7, "He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head."
At this service, on account of the sickness of Mr. Bancroft, the address of presentation prepared by him was read by the Pastor the address of accept- ance in behalf of the trustees was compiled and delivered by Mr. O. F. Cone.
Adresses are given below.
Mr. Bancroft's address was as follows:
At the laying of the corner-stone of the new church last September, in connection with other re- marks, it was said that the "tones of its bell shall ring a welcome call to the worship of the living God." I little thought then that the prophecy would be ful- filled so soon. Upon this Easter we would supple- mentally say that its tones shall also ring a welcome call to the worship of the living Christ. Upon the first Easter morning, about 1867 years ago, sad and loving hearts were made happy by the unexpected and wonderful news of a risen Saviour.
A woman, a saved sinner, the first at the sepul- cher, coming very early while it was yet dark- earlier than most Christians care to be called to worship-was greatly astonished and overjoyed at the announcement of the angel, "He is not here, He is risen and goeth before you into Galilee, there ye shall see Him." The rocky tomb, the stone boulder, the king's seal and the Roman guard could not detain
III
SYLVESTER DAVID ROCKWELL.
Ex-representative of the town of East Windsor. . Joined the church March 31st, 1856. Has been class-leader since he first joined. Elected trustee Sept. 16, 1866. Elected steward March 5th, 187,1. Elected district steward March 4th, 1875. Was first selectman for sixteen years and representative two terms.
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the risen Lord. The great teachers of other religions are dead and their sepulchers are with their follow- ers until this day and they may make weary and mournful pilgrimages to their tombs to behold the ashes of their dead prophets. But no Christian need go to the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea to look for a dead Christ; for He is not there. He has risen and hath ascended and siteth at the right hand of the Maj- esty on High where he ever liveth to make interces- sion for the sins of his people. The resurrection is the climax of the plan of redemption. It is the key- stone of the mighty arch that spans the deep, dark chasm between earth and heaven. It is the bow of promise arching the heavens, saying "because he lives ye shall live also." Paul hung his faith upon Christ's resurrection for he says, "If Christ be not raised then is our preaching vain, your faith is also vain and ye are yet in your sins."
The divine sorrow, sacrifice and suffering and the resurrection of our Lord is the sublimest tragedy of the ages. This supreme exhibition of divine grace challenges the admiration of the intelligences of the universe, for even the angels desire to look into the mysteries of redemption.
This manifestation of the divine love was not made primarily for the glory of God, but for our good, our salvation, our exultation that we through his poverty might be rich and made heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to an inher- itance, incorruptable, undefiled and that fadeth not away. "Herein is love, not that we first loved Him, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the pro- pitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also
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OLIN SYLVESTER ROCKWELL.
Member of building committee. Joined the church June 5th, 1892. Elected steward March 14th, 1893. Secretary and treasurer of Sunday School since January 1st, 1894. Elected trustee Sept. 26th, 1894.
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for the sins of the whole world." This is love divine, all love excelling.
O, for such love, let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break, And all harmonious human tongues The Saviour's praises speak.
Upon this last Easter of the 19th century it is my privilege and pleasure to present to the trustees of this church, for the use and benefit of this society the new bell in yonder tower. The reason for placing it there is at least two-fold. First, it is a memorial to my revered parents, who for nearly half a century were members of this church. It seems as fitting and certainly a more useful and speaking tribute of re- membrance than any granite shaft that I should care to erect in the graveyard, for I am not a graveyard worshiper for "Dust to dust was not spoken of the soul." Second, it is a small token of gratitude to the Giver of all Good for the many mercies, blessings and favors which He has conferred upon the donor for more than three score years. I will not weary your patience by attempting to enumerate them all, but will simply name two or three from which you can infer others and for all of which you undoubtedly ought to be grateful as well as the speaker. First, I am thankful for life in this century of light, liberty and gracious Christian privileges, rather than in the gloom superstition and tyranny of the dark ages. Second, I am thankful for New England parentage and being permitted to live in this beautiful Con- necticut valley-one of the most beautiful in the world-rather than in the saharas or jungles of the dark continent of Africa, on the banks of the Ganges
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