USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartland > History of Hartland, the 69th town in the Colony of Connecticut > Part 7
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Under the terms of the Federation, both Societies retained their individual identities so far as their tenents of religious doctrine were concerned and each Society maintained its own church officers and membership. Both societies contributed equally to the common cause of supporting the gospel by sharing the expense of the Pastor's salary but each was to be responsible for the maintenance of its own property and buildings. The Congregational Church was designated as the place for worship and the Methodist Church building became a Community House for the benefit of all. A Comity Committee consisting of equal repre- sentation from both Societies provided for the settlement of all griev- ances. The Federation proved a success from the beginning and has been functioning harmoniously for some 38 years. The remaining his- tory of the Second Church and Society must of necessity be considered in the light of its federated activities for there are many of the Methodist faith who have contributed since the federation to its present state of harmony and well-being.
Due to ill health and the infirmities of age, Rev. Warren E. Wheeler resigned in August, 1926 and was succeeded by Rev. William V. Sweetland who occupied the parsonage in Riverton and preached in West Hartland during the morning services. The Sunday evening serv- ices and weekly prayer meetings were discontinued around 1920 and.
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The Churches
with the exception of a few "hymn-sings" held occasionally during the summer months, have never been resumed.
In April of 1929, Rev. Sweetland submitted his resignation and Rev. Edmund L. Smiley became pastor of the Riverton and West Hartland churches in September of the same year. At various times he also served the East Hartland and Barkhamsted Congregational Churches on a temporary basis. His pastorate in Riverton and West Hartland continued for fourteen years and he was a man devoted to his profession and beloved by his congregations.
It was during Rev. Smiley's pastorate that the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Second Society occurred. A two-day celebra- tion was held on August 2nd and 3rd, 1930 to commemorate the event. A printed "Historical Sketch of The West Hartland Church" was writ- ten and prepared for the occasion by Rev. Smiley containing a great amount of information relating to the early church activities. Services were held both morning and afternoon and a general "old home day" atmosphere prevailed among those who had come many miles to attend the church of their childhood or that of their ancestors. The sermon at the morning service was given by the Rev. Raymond N. Gilman, pastor of the Stanley Memorial Congregational Church of New Britain, Con- necticut, whose ancestors owned and occupied for many years the house immediately South of the Church building. The speaker for the after- noon service was the Rev. Sherrod Soule, whose activities as Superin- tendent of the Connecticut Missionary Society "has endeared him to us and to every rural church in Connecticut." Special music and refresh- ments made the program one to be remembered for many years by those fortunate enough to have been a participant in the event.
Although the population of Hartland reached an all-time low dur- ing the 1920's, nevertheless, there was renewed interest in religious matters and the West Hartland church gained in membership although struggling to obtain the necessary finances for operation through the depression years. When Rev. Smiley retired and left to take up his residence in Maine in August of 1943, after fourteen years of continuous labor, it was with great regret that his congregation bade him farewell.
Following Rev. Smiley's departure, a period of preacher uncer- tainty set in and continued for three years. During that time the Rev. Otto J. Schiebe of Granby, although retired, kindly consented to supply the pulpit when his health would permit and preached intermittently from October, 1943 to June, 1945. Rev. Watson Woodruff, also retired, filled in on those occasions when Rev. Scheibe was unable to attend. Both of these ministers were men of great courage and although laboring under extreme hardships of ill health, won the love and admiration of their congregations. Rev. Carolyn Welch, the second woman preacher in the Second Church, served from July Ist, 1945 to December 25, 1945, and was followed by Rev. Norman Macleod, an army chaplain, from May 5, 1946 until August 11, 1946.
It was not until Rev. John Lang, also a former army chaplain, came and settled in October, 1946, that the Church was definitely sure of hav- ing a preacher at the Sunday morning service. Rev. Lang occupied the
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History of Hartland
parsonage in Riverton and served both parishes. Possessed of a fine first tenor voice, he was soon in demand by choirs and male choruses. Hc added much to the musical activity of the church. His pastorate con- tinued until May, 1950, when he left for a larger church in Westbrook, Connecticut. His four years' service was marked by an era of extreme good-will. The Second World War had come to an end and interest in religion appeared to be on the increase. It was easier to raise money for church expenses and no momentuous questions arose to require serious consideration by either pastor or congregation. The younger generation began to take a more active part in church activities and to willingly assume responsibilities formerly delegated to the older members.
The year 1951 brought the Rev. John H. Moseley to the pastorate of the Federated Church. Beginning in April of that year and continuing until his death in January of 1960, the period of his service was dis- tinguished by continued progress in matters spiritual and a complete renovation of the church building. Occupying the parsonage in River- ton and also serving that parish as Pastor, Rev. Moseley and his wife, Sara, soon won the love and devotion of both congregations.
By 1951, no major repairs having been made to the church building since 1884, after a period of 67 years the western end of the building had settled in the ground. A new floor and sills needed to be installed as well as renewing the foundation under part of the building. In addi- tion, the plastered ceiling and side walls had to be renewed in several places. Available funds were insufficient to pay for items other than the actual material required, but through the generosity of a small group donating much in the way of labor, love and devotion to the cause, the building was restored and once more became a sanctuary in which a restful atmosphere and quiet dignity contributed to the contemplation of things eternal.
Mrs. George R. Crunden was general chairman of the Committee on Repairs, and her husband, George R. Crunden, a local building con- tractor, supplied the supervision and did most of the work without com- pensation. Assisting him were W. Helmas Emerick, Carl Nelson, Stanley A. Ransom and others. Walter E. Cole, Jr., a local mason, did the plas- tering of the side-walls and ceiling; donating both time and material. The building was painted inside and out and new carpeting obtained for the floor. A mural oil painting depicting a primitive version of the XXIII Psalm was painted on the plaster wall in back of the pulpit by Stanley A. Ransom. New drapes were obtained for the windows and the old wood stoves with their long lengths of pipe were removed and a more modern oil-heater installed. Landscaping was added to the front of the building resulting in a most harmonious effect to the natural rustic setting of the structure.
Repairs and renovations were completed by mid-summer of 1953, and on August 11, 1953, it being the occasion of the traditional "Old Home Day", a dedication service was held to ask God's blessing on the work accomplished and to renew and rededicate the faith of those as- sembled in their objective to work for the further advancement of God's kingdom on earth. Rev. Dr. Rockwell Harmon Potter delivered the
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The Churches
Psalm XXIII Mural Painting 8' x 13' on Wall of Second Congregational Church, Painted by Stanley A. Ransom
dedication sermon and chose for his text: "He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters", part of the phraseology of the XXIII Psalm. Mrs. Stanley A. Ransom sang "The Good Shepherd" and the theme of the entire service was based on the Psalm portrayed by the mural.
With the restoration of the building and the good works of Rev. John Moseley, new interest developed in things spiritual and the church experienced a steady progress in attendance and willingness of its mem- bership to meet the financial obligations necessary for its continued prosperity. A Youth Choir was formed, under the direction of Mrs. Donald Swift, who gave unstintingly of her time and substance to make it one of the outstanding groups in this section. Mrs. Stanley A. Ransom succeeded Mrs. Swift as director and continues in that capacity.
The 175th Anniversary of the Second Ecclesiastical Society occurred on May 4th, 1955, but the celebration in commemoration of the event was held on August 14th, 1955, in conjunction with the annual "Old Home Day" which has become a yearly tradition since 1930. A special program featuring church music of the late eighteenth century was given under the direction of Mr. Lawrence Madison, using some of the old church tunes written and composed by Timothy Olinsted. Timothy Olmsted lived in West Hartland from 1780 to 1800 and was considered one of the foremost teachers and composers of Church music in the State of Connecticut at that time. The anniversary sermon was given by Rev. Hollis M. French, pastor of the Methodist churches in Moosup and Oneco, Connecticut, the History of the Second Society was given by the
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History of Hartland
writer. A social hour followed at the Community House and the attend- ance was the largest of any church event of recent years; friends coming from great distances to participate in the celebration.
(Five days later this section was hit by the Great Flood of August 19th, 1955, but fortunately no damage was experienced in West Hart- land, although the parsonage in Riverton occupied by Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Moseley was inundated almost to the second floor, destroying much of their furniture and possessions. Their faith was equal to the occasion, however, and disregarding their own loss and hardships, it was only a short time before they were active in relieving the sufferings of others and by sympathetic acts and deeds endeared themselves to the residents of both parishes.)
This history would not be complete without mentioning the im- portant part women of the community have played in connection with the life of the Church. Beginning in 1884 as the Ladies' Aid Society, we have recounted their splendid work in raising money for the restoration of the building at that time. Over the years they have been the source of leadership in providing those things which make a Church a home- but which men of themselves might consider unimportant. Their names, some of them long forgotten, are legion and too numerous to mention here, but their good works continue. When the Federation was consum- mated in 1923, the name of their organization was changed to "The Ladies' Guild". By means of Card Parties, pot-luck dinners and numer- ous other activities, they continue to raise the additional revenues so sorely needed to carry on the work of a country church.
The years from 1955 to 1960 were fruitful and marked by increases in baptisms and memberships. The Youth Choir sponsored a number of projects-procuring their own robes and providing for the outdoor flood lighting of the church at night as well as inaugurating Candle- light services at Easter and on Christmas Eve. The harmony between pastor and members of the congregation continued unabated and the entire community supported to the best of their individual abilities, the work of maintaining and spreading the Gospel from the little Church on the West Mountain.
The death of Rev. John H. Moseley in January of 1960, came as a distinct shock to his devoted congregation in West Hartland. The seri- ousness of his illness had not been fully realized and the loss became deep and lasting. He was a man of strong and sterling character-a true Christian. In June of 1959, he had completed fifty consecutive years in the ministry of Christ-most of it spent in the service of small country churches. A man caring little for personal honors or agrandizement- his deep concern was the spiritual welfare of others. The subsequent removal to the home of her son by his wife, Sara, also left an aching void in the hearts of those many friends who came to know and appreci- ate her work in the Sunday School and other church activities. Posses- sed of a striking personality and lovable disposition, she endeared her- self to both old and young alike. Their ministrations in West Hartland will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to have had an opportunity of sharing in their good work and affection.
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The Churches
The darkness and gloom of the situation caused by the loss of the Moseleys was dispelled by the arrival of the present pastor, Rev. Rich- ard J. Nordgren, a young man enrolled as a student at the Hartford Theological Seminary.
In keeping with the trend of the times and in order to modernize and stream-line the business affairs of the Second Church, it was con- sidered expedient by many of the members to eliminate the functions of the Second Ecclesiastical Society and organize the Church as a body corporate, for religious purposes. On September 20, 1960, after proper notice to all members and after considerable debate, pro and con, it was voted "To discontinue the Second Ecclesiastical Society and to organize the Church body as a new Corporation." The vote was made unanimous.
At a meeting of the Second Ecclesiastical Society, held on the fol- lowing evening, September 21, 1960, it was voted "to terminate the Sec- ond Ecclesiastical Society as of November 21, 1960, the interim to be used for the officers of the S.E.S. to turn over all the assets and liabili- ties of the discontinued Society to the new corporation." This vote was also made unanimous. Accordingly, application was made to the Secre- tary of State and the new organization created in November, 1960 chose the name of THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HART- LAND, INC .; proceeded to elect officers and now functions completely within the borders of its own framework, no longer dependent upon the dictates of the Second Society, the membership of which at various times consisted of individuals not members of the Church body.
In the 181 years of its existence, the Second Ecclesiastical Society reflected the life of the Church and community which it served so well and faithfully and whose membership, for the most part, consisted of those who were held in high esteem in both church and civic circles. A Society possessing great responsibility and authority at its inception, with power to conduct and regulate the religious, educational and social activities of the entire area within its jurisdiction; the separation of Church and State reduced its activity and confined its actions solely to religious matters. It is impossible in this brief history to adequately record their continual struggle to obtain ministers, raise money and carry on the work of the church, sometimes under the most adverse circumstances. Souls less hardy and dedicated would have given up in despair on many occasions. Over the years their numbers were many -- their names lost to the present generation, except as they appear in the scanty records which they left for posterity. Space permits only one citation which may be construed as typical of many others. A footnote in the record of the Annual Meeting of the Society, held April 28, 1890, states: "Dwight L. Williams died last night, April 27, 1890, Age 80. He attended every societies' annual meeting since 1834." This simple statement summarizes the long and devoted service of many more in the same category, whose only hope of reward was that their lives would be "abundantly enriched by the divine truths" which they sought to promulgate and that their souls might be "afterward received to Glory".
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History of Hartland
The Second Ecclesiastical Society of Hartland is no more. Many of its early members and pastors sleep peacefully in the little church- yard close to the Meeting House, oblivious to the icy blasts of winter or the pleasant warmth of summer suns. To walk among their resting- places and view their modest head-stones is a means of inspiration to the living-for like the inscription on the head-stone of their first pastor, Rev. Nathaniel W. Gaylord-"Though dead, he yet speaketh,"-these words may be applied to all those who labored so long and faithfully "in the vineyard of the Lord".
The little white Meeting House still stands atop the West Mountain. The bell presented in 1835 still sends its mellow voice across the coun- try-side-calling the faithful to worship on a Sunday morning-regard- less of their individual religious doctrines or creeds. The pulpit Bible presented in 1848 still graces the lectern and "Old Hundred" is still sung by the congregation. Physical appearances and names have changed since the days of the founding fathers and those who came after them but their good works follow in the labors of the present gen- eration-federated now in their endeavors to advance Christian unity and God's Kingdom on Earth.
Perhaps the Psalmist had a similar situation in mind when he pen- ned the words of CXXXLII:
"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head ... "
NAMES OF MINISTERS SERVING THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HARTLAND
With Dates of Settlement, Dismissal, and Death If Known
Ministers
Settled
Dismissed
Died
Nathaniel Gaylord
Jan.
1782
April
1841
William Ely
1823
1824
1850
Adolphus Ferry
Nov.
1824
April
1832
John A. Hempsted
Oct.
1833
Sept.
1835
Aug.
1851
Aaron Gates
May
1843
April
1846
April
1850
Pearl S. Cossitt
June
1847
Nov.
1848
Charles G. Goddard
June
1850
Feb.
1854
Henry A. Austin
May
1854
1855
Charles G. Goddard
June
1856
1872
Aug. 1872
Rodney L. Tabor
July
1872
Sept.
1874
Gilbert A. Curtiss, Lic.
May
1875
April
1876
1908
Rolla G. Bugbee
Nov.
1876
Nov.
1880
1914
Frederic A. Balcolm
Jan.
1882
May
1884
Hiram N. Gates
June
1884
May
1886
1902
F. I. Nute
July
1887
Aug.
1888
Luke Wood
Oct.
1838
May
1842
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The Churches
Frank P. Waters
Nov.
1888
Mar.
1891
1920
Clay D. Chunn
May
1891
Nov.
1892
George E. Lincoln
Nov.
1892
Nov.
1894
1913
George S. Richards
May
1895
Nov.
1911
Lydia Hartig
Dec.
1911
Dec.
1912
M. Dean Moffatt
Jan.
1913
Dec.
1914
James H. Potter, Lic.
Oct.
1915
Aug.
1916
P. Harry Dodd (Meth.)
April
1917
Apr.
1922
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES OF WEST HARTLAND WERE FEDERATED IN SEPTEMBER OF 1923 Names of Ministers Serving Under the Federation
Ministers
Settled
Dismissed
Died
Warren E. Wheeler
April
1923
Aug.
1926
William V. Sweetland
Sept.
1926
April
1929
Edmund L. Smiley
Sept.
1929
Aug.
1943
Otto J. Scheibe
Oct.
1943
Nov.
1943
Watson Woodruff
March
1944
Dec.
1944
Otto J. Scheibe
March
1945
June
1945
Carolyn Welch
July
1945
Dec.
1945
Norman Macleod
May
1946
Aug.
1946
John Lang
Oct.
1946
May
1950
John H. Moseley
April
1951
Jan.
1960
Jan. 1960
Richard J. Nordgren
March
1960
Present Pastor
NAMES OF DEACONS SERVING THE SECOND CHURCH AND SOCIETY DURING THE FIRST 100 YEARS With Dates of Their Service
Abel Brace
1782 to 1795
Israel Williams
1784 to 1812
John Wilder
1794 to 1805
Edmund Beach
1804 to 1815
Abiathar Newton
1812 to 1833
Childs Taylor
1815 to 1829
John M. Case
1829 to 1834
Lyman Merrill
1833 to 1840
Abiathar Newton
1834 to 1841
Richard Marks
1840 to 1859
Elias Gilman
1843 to 1854
Samuel C. Newton
1844 to 1880
Charles M. Vaughan
1868 to 1870
Samuel B. Gilman
1855 to 1867
Harvey L. Wilcox
1871 to 1902
Flavel C. Newton
1880 to 1905
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History of Hartland
From 1900 to 1960 the office of Deacon has been more or less dor- mant in the Second Society. Most of the Annual Meetings of the Society during this period failed to appoint or elect one of their members to this office-once considered a very important and highly respectable position; a mark of distinction to the incumbent second only to the Pastor in local prestige and esteem.
-Courtesy Olga Dean
Methodist Church Building, West Hartland. (Built in 1897. Discontinued as a church in 1923. Now used as Community Hall.)
THE HISTORY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN WEST HARTLAND
Methodism in West Hartland may be said to have begun with the establishment of the Granville Circuit on June 20, 1795, when two riders were assigned to cover a large part of Hartford County in Connecticut as well as Granville and other towns in Massachusetss. The Beech Hill
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The Churches
Church in Granville became the center of the Circuit Riders who made periodic trips throughout their territory, preaching in the homes of the interested brethren before church buildings were erected.
Billy Hibbard who had been appointed to the Granville Circuit in 1800 and again in 1816 and 1817, mentions in his "Memoirs"-"that many in Hartland were converted in a good revival of religion".
The first Methodist Church building in West Hartland was built in 1834 about one mile south from West Hartland Center on the northwest corner of the cross-roads, one leading from West Granville to Barkham- sted and the other from East Hartland to Hitchcocksville (Riverton) . Land for the structure was donated by Rideout Moore who operated a Tavern on the opposite corner. A Methodist class had existed for some years before the church was erected, and meetings held at the homes of the several members.
The carly records of the West Hartland Methodist Church have been lost or destroyed and the first official record on file is that con- tained in the present Methodist Record Book whose first entries indi- cate that recording was begun in 1892.
Under the heading of "Historical Record" the entries are as follows: "1834-1892: The first Methodist Church in West Hart- land was built in the year 1834, the Society having met for worship in private homes for some years before. The struc- ture was erected nearly a mile south of the Center, at a junction where four roads meet, the work being largely due to the enterprise and energy of the Tiffany family. Divine Service was conducted in the church for a long ser- ies of years, but eventually there were intervals when there was no stationed minister and its doors were closed During the period of the church's history, among the pre- siding elders who officiated were: The Rev. Messrs. Nash, Barnes and Hubbell, while of the preachers-in-charge may be mentioned the names of Robert Codlin, McCoy, Marcus Delevan, Curtis, Northrop, Zarvel, O. J. Ranje, and W. W. Hard."
"1892-1894: In the beginning of the year 1892, the church up to that time having been closed for some years, the Rev. F. B. Adams was appointed as resident minister, he having previously entered the neighborhood as an Evangelist. Under the ministry of this earnest brother, there was a general awakening to religious life and pur- pose in the district and permanent good accomplished, the Society have become re-organized and re-established. The Presiding Elder for 1892 was Rev. J. W. Beach, D.D., he being succeeded the next year by Rev. Crandall J. North. Brother Adams concluded his ministry at the beginning of the year 1894."
"1894-1896: During these two years the Rev. Crandall J. North continued as Presiding Elder. The preacher-in- charge was the Rev. George Bennett, Jr., who had come to Connecticut from England about a year previously. During this brother's ministry, energetic efforts were directed toward the building of a new church edifice, the existing structure having become very dilapidated and unfit for divine worship. Enthusiasm was aroused, a subscription-
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History of Hartland
list opened, voluntary labor offered and through the bless- ing of God the basis of the enterprise was laid."
"In the years from 1896 to 1899, the preacher-in-charge was Rev. J. N. Crane, and it was during his first year that the new church was commenced and nearly completed, the pastor preaching most of the time in the brick parsonage and living at a farm-house 21/2 miles away. In the early part of the second year the new church was completed and dedicated June 10, 1897. When the church was commenced there was about $750. subscribed; when it was dedicated this was increased to over $1500. which still left between $400. and $500. debt, the building costing about $2,000."
"1899-1900:Rev. Myron R. French made a good record and served his community well." (Still living at this time, 1961.)
"1901-1902: Rev. James Taylor, resigned on account of poor health.
"1902-1903:Rev. John P. Hillerby, resigned to go to supply a charge.
"1903-1905:Rev. H. I. Thayer-during his pastorate the church enjoyed great material and a fairly good spiritual prosperity. The debt of $450. was paid and a new bell cost- ing $50. was installed. The church and parsonage were painted at an actual cost of about $30. for materials, the work being done by the pastor and people. A new organ was purchased at a cost of $50., and the benevolent collec- tions for the two years amounted to $160., while the pas- tor's salary was paid in full, $200. each year.
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