History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 151

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532

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" When the first meeting-house was proposed for the west side of the town, an agreement was made between the inhabitants that those on the east side need not pay towards the building of the house, pro- vided they would relinquish all right as to the loca- tion or site, and a record of this agreement was en- tered among the deeds of land dated in 1748. The names of persons thus agreeing stand as follows : East side, Abraham Dibble, Benjamin Bissell, Nehemiah Gaylord, Elijah Gaylord, Gideon Loomis, John Birge, Thomas Dibble. These names probably represent nearly all the families east of the swamp at that time. West side, Noah Wilson, Israel Avered, Moses Loomis, Aaron Loomis, Jacob Strong, Ebenezer North, Wm. Grant, Joel Thrall, Asahel Strong, Ebenezer Coc, Isaac Higley, Zebulon Curtiss, Thomas Stoughton, Joel Loomis, Ebenezer Lyman, Thomas Curtiss, Aaron Loomis, Jr., Beriah Hills, Jonathan Coe, Na- thanicl Barber, Abel Beach, Joseph Fowler, Joseph Beach, Thomas Marshall, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., John Whiting.

" Why the names of John Cook, Noah; Wilson, and Abel Beach were not on this paper is not clear, for the agreement was such as to which none seemingly could objeet, and, therefore, when the east

side began to build they had no claim on the old church for assistance, because of aid previously .rendered.

"The Torringford society, having made some pro- vision towards building a meeting-house in 1763, voted in December, 1764, to 'add two feet to the length and breadth,' and arranged to obtain a com- mittee to 'pitch the stake for a site which would ac- commodate the whole society.' In June, 1766, they voted to 'proceed to build a place of worship.' In April, 1768, they agreed to 'raise the house as they could conveniently,' and in September of the same year they 'voted that the annual meeting of the so- ciety should be held in the church ;' therefore the house was built in the summer of 1768. In October of the same year they presented a petition to the General Assembly, showing that the territory of the society embraced about ten thousand acres of land, of which about seven thousand belonged to non-resi- dents ; that they had erected a church, which was covered, had doors, a floor, convenient benches, and glass windows for the lower story ; that they desired to settle a minister as soon as they could; and that the list of the present inhabitants is only two thou- sand and eight hundred pounds, and they pray that the Assembly would grant a tax of threepence per aere for three years on all the land in the society, to provide a settlement for the first settling minister, and if any surplus remains it should be used to- wards completing the church. The petition was granted. This house stood on the highway, on the west side, some fifty rods south of the present church edifice.

"In December, 1783, a committee was appointed to consider and decide whether the church stands in the right place, and, if it did not, to pitch a stake where it ought to stand, and at the same time they voted to raise means to procure material to finish the inside of the meeting-house. These aets were re- seinded afterwards, but in January, 1785, a tax was laid, payable by the 1st of June, to finish the house. In obedience to this movement, considerable work was done that summer on the inside of the house, but it was not plastered. In March, 1788, a committee was appointed to settle with David Soper for plastering the church. In December, 1788, a seating com- mittee was appointed, and the appointment there- after was made annually while they worshiped in that house.

" The house was painted in 1792, having neither bell nor steeple. Repairs went on thus until 1818, when a stove was placed in the house. In 1828 lib- erty was given to alter the front gallery for the sing- ers. In 1835 the thanks of the society were voted unanimously to Uriel Tuttle, for the use of his organ for the time past, showing that in instrumental music they were in advance of many churches of that day; and Charles B. Smith and Frederick Phelps were com- plimented for their services nt the organ by a vote of

· Made from the names of the two towns.

+ Mr. Kelsey had been deacon in Woodbury, and hance is called descon before any church was organized In Torringford.

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

thanks from the society, and thereby, probably, re- ceived a larger salary than they expected.

The present church edifice was erected in 1838 and 1839, and in 1874 the interior was remodeled.

The following is a list of the ministers: Rev. Mr. Heaton (supply ), in the autumn of 1760, some months. Rev. Ebenezer Devenport (supply), from summer of 1764, one year or more. Rev. Samuel Jolin Mills, ordained June 28, 1769; died May 11, 1833. Rev. Epaphras Goodman (associate), March 6, 1822; dis- missed Jan. 12, 1836. Rev. Herman L. Vaill, July 5, 1837; dismissed Sept. 29, 1839. Rev. Brown Eni- erson, July 21, 1841 ; dismissed Sept. 24, 1844. Rev. John D. Baldwin (supply), a short time, and received a call. Rev. William H. Moore, Sept. 30, 1846 ; dis- missed Sept. 26, 1854. Rev. Stephen Fenn, Nov. 16, 1854; dismissed Sept. 4, 1857. Rev. Charles New- man, May 18, 1858; dismissed Oct. 28, 1862. Rev. Spencer O. Dyer (supply), one year. Rev. Franklin Noble, June 7, 1865; dismissed Nov. 30, 1866. Rev. Joseph F. Gaylord (supply), two years. Rev. Dana M. Walcott (supply), one year to 1871. Rev. Her- rick Knight (supply), from 1872 to 1874. Rev. George R. Ferguson (supply), 1875 to 1877; went to Africa as a missionary preacher.

Ministers Raised in Torringford .- Rev. Luther Ros- siter, son of Newton Rossiter, a tanner at Burrville, became an Episcopal minister, and his life has been spent at the West ; Rev. Orange Lyman, Rev. Samuel J. Mills, Jr., Rev. Jonathan Miller, Rev. Harvey Loomis, Rev. David Miller, Rev. Stanley Griswold, Rev. Erasmus D. Moore, Rev. Lucius Curtiss, Rev. Warren H. Roberts, Episcopal, in 1857.

Deacons .- Jonathan Kelsey, at Woodbury and here, died in 1792, aged eighty-nine years; Nehemiah Gaylord, died in 1801, aged eighty years; Abraham Filley ; Ebenezer Miller, died in 1814, aged seventy- nine years ; Job Curtiss, died in 1807, aged sixty-two years ; Ebenezer Miller (second), appointed in 1807, died in 1842, aged seventy-eight years; Elizur Cur- tiss, appointed in 1808, resigned in 1843, died in 1868, aged eighty-five years ; Ebenezer Rood, appointed in 1826. resigned in 1843, died in 1851, aged seventy-five years ; Thomas Watson, appointed in 1843, resigned in 1855, removed to Winsted ; Thomas A. Miller, ap- pointed in 1843, died in 1861, aged fifty-five years ; Har- vey L. Rood, appointed in 1855; William Watson, appointed in 1861; Giles L. Gaylord; Chester H. Barber.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WOLCOTTVILLE.

This church was organized June 11, 1832, with the following members: David Baldwin, Mrs. Sarah Baldwin, Sarah Ann Baldwin, Elizur Barber, Mrs. Polly Barber, Mrs. Lucy Bissell, Ruth Brooks, Re- becca Goodman, Sarah Hungerford, Mrs. Charlotte Hungerford, Mrs. Elizabeth Eno, Mrs. Ursula Frost, Nancy S. Goodman, John Hungerford, Abigail Taylor, Lyman Wetmore, Mrs. Betsey Wetmore, Lor-

rain Wetmore, Mrs. Frances Wetmore, Louisa Wet- more, Amanda Wetmore, Leverett Scott, Mrs. Leverett Scott, Sarah Wilcox, Lydia Kimberly, Maria S. North, Ruhama Smith, George D. Wadhams, Mrs. Lucy Wadhams.

Rev. L. Perrin, in his centennial sermon, in 1876, says,-

"During all the years of effort by the people of Wolcottville to insure its rapid growth as a business place, a little band of thoroughly earnest Christians were watching, working, and praying, with a long- tried patience and a wrestling faith, for the establish- ment of a church of Christ, and for such help of the Holy Ghost as would lift up a standard effectually against the abounding wickedness of the place. While Christopher Wolcott, the devout and efficient agent of Frederick Wolcott, in managing the mill, and other kindred spirits which his position enabled him to bring to his aid, were trying to sow some good secd, the Methodists were contending nobly for truth and righteousness as well; and the older members of this church speak with becoming respect and af- fection of their fellow-disciples of the common Master.

" From the organization of the church the mutual action of the church and society has been harmonious, and a commendable zeal, prudence, and liberality has marked their efforts to sustain the ordinances of relig- ion. Without zealous stickling for mere points of order in their mutual work, they have accomplished much toward the civil, social, educational, and religious cul- ture of this community, and their outlook upon the opening future is full of hope and promise. But since the church is an institution of divine appointment, and since it is by inspiration called the body of Christ, it is meet and proper that in its relation to other agencies it should always have the precedence, with- out regard to numbers, wealth, or earthly distinctions. Any society that does not choose to have this rule ob- served is radically defective in its character as an eccle- siastical society ; and any church that does not make the fitness of this rule apparent fails to execute its high commission."

The settled pastors have been Hiram P. Arms, Stephen Hubbell, Samuel Day, Samuel T. Seelye, Ralph Smith, Edward W. Bacon, and Lavalette Perrin, and the following have been stated supplies : E. S. Clark, R. M. Chipman, W. L. Adamson, George B. Newcomb, and others. It will be seen that during the forty-four years of its history this church has had a settled pastor about twenty-eight and one- half years, and acting pastor about six and a half years.

"The benefit of the Home Missionary Society in this State is realized to some extent in the aid this church received for several years from its commence- ment, making it possible to have a settled pastor when otherwise it could not, and giving it strength until it acquired strength of its own.

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TORRINGTON.

" The membership of the church has slowly though steadily increased in numbers, although its forty-four years of effort and labor have been amidst great na- tional struggles and calamities.

" The Sabbath-school, under different forms, with such intervals as circumstances have made inevitable, has been sustained from the first. Indeed, before there was pastor, church, or society, Mrs. Charles Hunger- ford maintained such a school on Sabbath morning, and she attended service after it at Torringford. From that time forward the school has steadily in- creased until the numbers in it are nearly equal to the numbers in the regular service of the congrega- tion.

"The membership of this church has steadily though slowly increased in numbers from the first. There have been seasons of special religious interest in the community, but no very remarkable times of refreshing, such as are on the records of other churches, have been experienced by this church. The following are the years in which ten or more persons were added to the membership of the church: 1834, thirteen ; 1843, fifteen ; 1852, thirty-four; 1858, twenty-one; 1867, thirty-nine; 1873, ten; 1874, ten ; 1876, ten.

"Other years of its history have indicated more or less of spiritual vigor, but it has not been equipped and furnished as some churches are for aggressive work. From its membership of twenty-ninc at the start it has increased to one hundred and seventy-five at the present time.

" All the ordinary means of grace have been sus- tained, and for a number of years the plan of Sab- bath offerings has been successfully maintained, and thereby the benevolent institutions of the times re- ceive monthly attention to the noted credit and honor of the congregation ; the average amount is about eight hundred dollars annually.

" The service of song has quite uniformly been ren- dered, to the edification and quickening of all true worshipers, and from the beginning of its history this society has been favored with a specially competent choir, who have cheerfully and faithfully sustained this important service.

"This church and society have occupied two, and in a qualified sense three, houses of worship. This is a matter usually controlled by the society, and from the first there have been a few men of sound wisdom and high-toned morality worshiping with the church, though not members of it, who have infused energy into all the movements of the society, and enriched its records with many wise and liberal acts."

The first church edifice was erected by Capt. Uri Taylor. This was occupied until 1844, when exten- sive repairs were made.

In 1864 the question of reconstructing the meeting- house and buikling, or fitting up a conference-room, was brought before the annual meeting, and this proved to be the beginning "of that protracted, per- plexing, and nobly sustained effort of the society,

which, after long-continued struggles, resulted in the solid, chaste, and truly beautiful granite edifice now standing as a Sabbath home. Though the vicissitudes of the enterprise were many, and made doubly bur- densome by the failure of the contractors in the early stages of the work to fulfill their engagements, yet it was carried to completion by the force of unyielding purpose and resolution, to the general satisfaction of those interested. The contract was taken by a New York firm for the sum of nearly nineteen thousand dollars, and when the last bill was paid the sum had increased to over thirty-two thousand dollars; and, as in all such cases, those who do most at the commence- ment are quite certain to do most in the final closing up of indebtedness, so in this case ; the first were last. It is, therefore, a beautiful monument of carnest, wise, and well-directed energy in the accomplishment of a noble Christian object."

Ministers .- Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D., installed Feb. 7, 1833; dismissed July 6, 1836. Rev. Stephen Hubbell, installed Feb. 29, 1837; dismissed Sept. 29, 1839. Rev. Samuel Day, installed Sept. 23, 1840 ; dis- missed June 4, 1845. Rev. Samuel T. Seelye, D.D., installed June 17, 1846; dismissed March 21, 1855. Rev. Ralph Smith, installed March 25, 1856; dis- missed Sept. 29, 1857. Rev. George B. Newcomb (supply). Rev. Edward W. Bacon, installed Sept. 29, 1869; dismissed Oct. 31, 1871. Rev. Lavallete Per- rin, installed July 31, 1872; present pastor.

Ministers Raised .- Rev. Edward Hungerford, Con- gregational ; Rev. John Barbour, Episcopal.

Deacons .- Lorrain Wetmore, Dec. 22, 1822; Silas Humphrey, March 10, 1836; Amasa Scoville, June 29, 1837; Victorianus Clark, Nov. 7, 1841 ; Leonard Blakeslee, Oct. 31, 1845; Darius Wilson, July 5, 1846; Addison Palmer, 1851; Nelson Alvord, June, 1857; Charles Hotchkiss, March 3, 1861 ; Henry S. Barbour, Feb. 15, 1868; Samuel J. Stocking, Feb. 15, 1868.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.

The first sermon in this town preached by a Meth- odist was about the year 1787, by a Mr. Bloodgood, at the house of Abijah Wilson.

" It is very probable," says Rev. Mr. Orcutt, "that there was a Methodist class in existence here not only as early as 1807,* but possibly twenty years before, in this immediate neighborhood ; for it is difficult to con- ceive of two or three such families as Abijah Wilson's and Capt. Frisbie's living in a community such as was in this vicinity twenty-one or more years without a class-meeting. Methodists were not of that kind in those days. It would have been as easy for old Paul Peck, if he had lived, to have entrapped an alligator in the Pine swamp as to have eaught a Methodist living twenty years without a class-meeting in those early days. It is therefore more than probable that

· See a memorial sermon, by Rev. T. D. Littlewood, In the Bridgeport Standard, May 17, 1872.

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

class-meetings were held at Abijah Wilson's and Capt. Frisbie's and other places some years before 1800. Regular preaching by this denomination may have been established at the school-house in the village in 1809 or 1810, and from that time greater improve- ments in congregations and church enterprises may have been experienced. In 1808 a Methodist camp- meeting was held in Canada, in Goshen, which se- cured a more prominent influence to that denomina- tion throughout this region.

" The ministers who preached at Mr. Coe's, and afterwards at Newfield, doubtless preached here also. A Mr. Sweet is mentioned as one of the carly ones. Mr. Laban Clark, celebrated for more than fifty years in his denomination, preached here in 1810. Samuel D. Ferguson and Elbert Osborn were among the early ones, and two by the name of Hill, and Gad N. Smith, Mr. Canfield, Mr. Beach. Col. John H. Perry, a man of military education, became a minister, and preached here; became a very influential minister in New York and Brooklyn; went as a colonel of a regiment into the army against the late Rebellion ; was promoted to a general's commission ; returned in safety to his home in Brooklyn. Rev. Ebenezer Washburn is also mentioned prominently in regard to the prosperity of this denomination in this com- munity.

" The real pastors, however, of Methodist churches in early days were the local preachers. The circuit ministers were preachers, traveling on tours that re- quired their absence from each preaching-place two, three, and four weeks; and hence the real pastoral work, or care for the local churches, fell, in a great measure, on the local ministers and class-leaders. Such men as Daniel Coe, of Winsted, and David Miller, of Torringford, were the men who preached many funeral sermons, visited the sick, and supplied vacant places with preaching at no cost to any one but themselves.

"A number of families came into Wolcottville soon after the woolen-mill was started, and united with the Methodist congregation and church, who proved themselves true and faithful witnesses, and were of much value to the denomination and to the community in religious things. But the progress of the enterprise of making woolen clothis was not an even course of prosperity, and therefore the forward movement in the church was impeded for a number of years."

The ministers who had preached here to that time are mentioned in the following order :* Laban Clark, James Coleman, in 1810, Arnold Scoville, Benjamin Griffin, William Swayne, Gad Smith, Samuel Coch- rane, Cyrus Culver, E. P. Jacobs, J. J. Matthias, Datus Ensign, Ezekiel Canfield, Nathan Emery, Smith Dayton, Ebenezer Washburn, John Nixon, James M. Smith, David Miller, Julius Field, Daniel

Brayton, Elbert Osborn, Eli Barnett, John Lovejoy, Bradley Silleck, Milo Chamberlain, David Stocking, John Lucky, Richard Hayter, Morris Hill, David Osborn, S. W. Law, George Taylor, John M. Reid, George A. Hubbell, Robert Codling, William B. Hoyt, S. C. Keeler, C. T. Mallory, Otis Saxton, A. V. R. Abbott, Benjamin Redford, C. W. Powell, B. T. Abbott, J. Vinton, L. W. Abbott, S. H. Bray, T. D. Littlewood, H. L. Judd, S. K. Smith, George L. Taylor, - Burns, and Rev. Mr. North.

The first church edifice was erected in 1843. The present building, which is one of the finest Metho- dist churches in the county, was erected in 1865, and is an honor to the self-sacrificing spirit of all who have aided in making it what it is.

TRINITY CHURCH.

Trinity parish was organized in February, 1843,+ with the following members : Samuel Bradley, James Gaunt, M. W. Fyler, Henry B. Richards, Rodney Brace, James Ashborn, Samuel Workman, Charles B. Smith, Nelson Alvord, James R. Coe, Benjamin H. Morse, James H. Seymour, Edward Atkins, Charles Cooper, Demas Coe, Janna B. Phelps, James Ogleby, Allen G. Brady. The officers of the parish elected on the day of its organization were James Gaunt and Benjamin H. Morse, wardens; James R. Coe, Charles Cooper, Samuel Bradley, vestrymen ; Demas Coe, treasurer ; Benjamin H. Morse, clerk. This society continued to worship in the brick academy during the summer of 1843, and until their house of worship was completed in 1844.

This edifice is located on the corner of Water and Prospect Streets, and was consecrated by Bishop Thomas C. Brownwell, Dec. 4, 1844.

Jan. 6, 1845, Rev. Henry Zell was elected rector of the parish. At Easter, 1848, he resigned, and during the succeeding year the rectorship remained vacant, Revs. Enoch Huntington, Abel Nichols, and George L. Foot officiating. Rev. David P. Sandford became rector on Easter Day, April 8, 1849, there being then forty families in the parish, and cleven communi- cants. This relation Mr. Sanford held one year, when he resigned, and Rev. S. V. Berry was in tem- porary charge of the parish a little more than a year. In August, 1851, Rev. J. S. Covell became rector, and continued until October, 1855. Rev. Ezra Jones and C. B. Seymour officiated nearly a year each in suc- cession, when the parish was united with Christ Church, Harwinton, as one cure, for one year, Rev. James Morton being the rector. On Oct. 10, 1858, Rev. J. S. Covell was recalled to the rectorship, and remained until 1863, when he removed to Hunting- ton, Conn. Rev. David P. Sanford served his second term of office in this church, commencing in April,

+ Occasional services had previously been held by the rectors of St. Michael's parish, at Litchfield, and Christ parish, Harwinton. At the time of the organization of the church, Rev. Henry Zell was holding regular services here.

* Mr. Littlewood's sermon.

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TORRINGTON.

1864, and resigning Sept. 13, 1868. During this time the house of worship was considerably improved : a vestry-room was added, stained glass put into the windows, and other improvements were made upon the building. In 1868, Rev. Benjamin Eastwood be- eame the rector, and remained until 1874. In June, 1874, Rev. Henry B. Ensworth became reetor-elect, but resigned in the next December. He was suc- ceeded, Sept. 1, 1876, by the present reetor, Rev. Henry M. Sherman.

ST. FRANCIS' CHURCH.

Mass was first said in this village by Father James Fitten in 1835. Since that time the following priests have condueted services here as missionaries : Revs. John Brady, Fathers Lynch, O'Niel, James Lynch, Sillic, Quinn, Thomas Hendrickson, Richard O'Gor- man, Michael Mangin, Daniel Mullen, Philip Sheri- dan, and Father Leo, O.S.F., the present pastor at Winsted. The first resident pastor was Father Isaiah, the present ineumbent. The church edifice was com- menced in 1859, and completed in 1860. It was en- larged in 1866, and beautified and impreved.

BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWFIELD.

A Baptist Church was organized at Newfield, or "Noppet," as it is sometimes called, Sept. 17, 1788. Among the original members of the church, and those who united with it soon after, were Stephen Shepard, Aaron Marshall, Silas Fyler, Gideon Smith, Esther Beach, Chloe Marshall, Betbesda Brunson, Rhoda Agard, Joseph Drake, Ashbel Bronson, Remembrance North, Julia West, Sabra North, Esther Fyler, Jane Loomis (2d), Hannah Bronson, Olive Agard, Noah North, Levi Marshall, Norman Shepard, John Fyler, Lemuel Loomis, Elizabeth North, and Elizabeth Macomb. The first pastor was Stephen Shepard. The first church edifice was erected in about 1800 or 1804. It was subsequently improved and repaired, and July 5, 1875, was destroyed by fire. It has been unused for a number of years.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NEWFIELD.

The first Methodist services were held here in about 1816 by Rev. Daniel Coc, of Winsted. These servi- ces were held in the Baptist church. Soon much in- terest was manifested, meetings were multiplied, and quite a number of persons were baptized in the brook north of Harlow Fyler's residence. A church was organized, and Capt. Levi Munsill was appointed elass-leader. The church increased until it numbered about fifty members, and the interest became so gen- eral that the school children held prayer-meetings in the grove during the intermission of school exercises. Capt. Stephen Fyler and his sons, Harlow and Juba, the Munsills, Loomises, Grants, Thralls, Daytons, and Capt. Asahel Smith and Amasa Wade, of Winches- ter, and a number of other families, warmly espoused this cause, and for some years a thriving society ex- isted. Besides Daniel Coc, who always manifested a

fatherly interest in this church, David Miller, of Tor- ringford, was a frequent early preacher. Afterwards several other ministers are remembered as having preached here, viz .: Mr. Canfield Cochrane, Billy Hibbard, John Nickerson, Morris and Aaron Hill, - Washburne, Samuel D. Ferguson, John Beach, Gad N. Smith, Col. James Perry, Josiah Toy, Miles N. Olmstead, and Henry J. Fox. Some of the pre- siding elders were Nathan and Heman Bangs, Laban Clark, John Lucky, -Washburn, - Martindale, - Ferguson, and Griswold. Among the class- leaders after Capt. Munsill were Augustus Grant, Archibald Dayton, and Chauncey Riggs.

Several of these ministers resided in Newfield, the circuit being at first, and for many years, a four weeks' circuit, with two ministers, each preaching in the same place onee in four weeks, the other minister living in Burlington; the four preaching-places being Burlington, Newfield, Canada village (in Goshen), and Cornwall.

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History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 151

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1532

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532