History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 37

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 37
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 37

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The first officers of the Lodge were: Samuel Bellamy, W. M .; George IV. Bristol, S. B .; Amasa Bradley, J. W .; and Luman Frisbie, tyler. Among the early admissions were Elias Hotchkiss and Jared Good- year. After 1828 the communications were irregularly held and for half a dozen years appear to have been suspended. In May, 1836, a full set of officers was again elected, embracing Leverett Hitchcock, M .: Doctor C. B. Foote, S. W .; Julius S. Tolles, J. W .; Elam Warner, T .; Lewis Goodyear, S .; Leverett Hotchkiss, S. D .: James Wiles, J. D .; Eli Hull, T. and S. It is probable that these were chosen simply to keep up the organization, but it appears that even if no communica- tions were held, it was deemed best, in view of the opposition against Masonry in that period, to surrender the charter. This was done in 1838.

In May, 1870, through the efforts of Norris B. Mix, the old charter was restored, and the Lodge has since kept up its organization, in- creasing in numbers and influence. In 1890 there were about 90 members and the communications were held in an elegant room in the town hall, which was occupied, after appropriate ceremonies, in October, 1888. Prior to that and after March, 1875, the place of meet- ing was in Warner's Hall.

Since its reorganization the masters have been Gilbert S. Benham, George L. Clark, Elbert A. Doolittle, Walter Hoyles, Francis J. Hin- man, Charles H. Kimberly, Norris B. Mix, William W. Price, David C. Sanderson, William F. Smith, Ernest C. Spencer, George A. Tucker.

In recent years the Lodge has admitted from five to eight mem- bers a year and it is the only important organization of this nature in the town.

Public schools were first provided by the Mt. Carmel and East Plain ecclesiastical societies and in the course of years nine districts were established. These were later subdivided or consolidated until the number the past few years has been thirteen, in three of which two schools each have been taught. These sixteen schools and the interest of the town in the several joint districts are maintained at a

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

yearly outlay of about $5,800. About two-thirds of this amount is raised by direct taxation. More than four hundred families are rep- resented in the schools, in which are over 800 children of school age. The character of the schools has been elevated, as compared with former years, but probably not as great a degree of proficiency has been attained as if the union were more close. A scheme to consoli- date the districts was defeated in 1870. Each district has its own committee man and in 1889 Elias Dickerman was the school visitor.

Select schools of good reputation have been conducted by mnem- bers of the Dickerman and Everest families, both of which have been active in promoting the cause of education in the town.

In 1843 Reverend Charles W. Everest began an enterprise at Cen- terville in connection with his duties as the rector of the Episcopal parish, which was successfully continned by him many years. It was a boarding and training school for boys, known as the Rectory School. On the old Deacon Hart place south of the corners, he began his buildings in 1844, adding to the number or enlarging from time to time as the patronage required. From four boys, at the beginning, there were, before the close of the second year, a dozen in attendance, and several assistants were employed. In the tenth year there were 45 pupils, and not long after he reached his desired maximum num- ber, 65. The pupils were early dressed in uniform, the West Point gray being adopted, and were instructed in military tactics, which be- came distinguishing features in the life of the school, and added to its reputation. There were half a dozen efficient instructors and the school had a large degree of prosperity until Mr. Everest was so much enfeebled by age that he could no longer give it his individual atten- tion.

NNot the least result connected with the school was the creation of the fine grounds, buildings, etc., of the institution, which were attrac- tive, and to this day form one of the pleasantest objects of the village of Centerville. This beautifying influence extended beyond his own grounds, and to his taste and zeal the people of Hamden are indebted for many of the fine trees in this locality.

After being closed a number of years against use for school pur- poses, the two sons of the honored former principal re-opened the building as a boys' boarding school, in September, 1885, and have since been conducting it with fair promise of restoring it to its former high position.

Most of the early inhabitants of the present town, living south of Mt. Carmel, first attended church at New Haven. In 1718 the parish of North Haven was formed, composed of forty families, twelve of which lived in Hamden. Those living in the northern part attended the church in Cheshire. In the course of forty years the population of this section had so much increased that separate parish privileges were demanded. They were afforded by the act of 1757, which con-

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTV.

stituted the parish of Mt. Carmel, within which the first ecclesiastical society was organized, January 31st, 1758. Daniel Bradley moderated, Samuel Atwater was chosen clerk, and Andrew Goodyear, Samuel Dickerman and Ithamar Todd were chosen the first society committee. Provision was made for winter preaching that year, and steps taken to secure a permanent place of worship.

In 1760 1 the meeting house was built. Originally it was to be a plain frame, but it was afterward voted to add a turret, certain men of the society having agreed to bear the expense of that addition. The interior was after the manner of the better meeting houses of that period-there being square pews, "dignified seats," for the aged and those in authority, and a massive sounding board over the pulpit. Near by were the customary " Sabba-day " houses in which those com- ing from a distance could refresh and warm themselves while waiting for the second service of the day. In the church building there were no means for heating other than foot stoves until 1832, when the stove still in use in the basement was procured.

After serving its purpose about eighty years, the old meeting house was displaced by the present edifice, which is near the site of the old one, and which was selected only after several years agitation and warm discussion. The present edifice is also a frame and rests on a basement in which are vestry and other rooms. It was dedicated June 10th, 1840, and has since been repaired and improved. In 1860 a heat- ing furnace was supplied. Ten years later the house was remodelled at a cost of $2,000 ; and in 1872 a pipe organ. costing $1,200, was pro- cured. The last improvements were made in 1888, when the building was painted and attractively frescoed. The parsonage was built in 1854 and has also been materially improved.

Although they began to worship by themselves in 1760 the people of the parish were not gathered into a regular church organization until January 26th, 1764, when " The Church in Mount Carmel " was duly constituted by a council at which were present the pastors of the Cheshire church, Reverend Samuel Hall, and of the North Haven church, Reverend Benjamin Trumbull. Of the latter church eighteen members now connected with the new body. The 46 persons who covenanted together to form the Mt. Carmel church were the following : Daniel Sperry, Andrew Goodyear, Daniel Bradley, Wait Chatterton, Jesse Blacksly, Amos Bradley, Amos Peck, Solomon Doo- little, Jonathan Alling, Caleb Andrews, Benjamin Pardee, Jonathan Dickerman, Daniel Bradley, Jr., Benjamin Hotchkiss, Nathan Alling, Elisha Bradley, Jabez Bradley, Joseph Ives, Joel Bradley, Abraham Chatterton, John Munson, Isaac Dickerman, David Sperry, Abigail Bradley, Mary Bradley, Mary Dickerman, Anna Alling, Mary Bellamy, Martha Hitchcock, Mabel Bassett, Hannah Pardee, Elizabeth Peck, Mary Sperry. Jerusha Doolittle, Martha Brooks, Mary Granniss. Joanna Chatterton, Esther Bradley, Mary Alling, Mary Bradley, Hannah

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Goodyear, Abigail Bradley, Lydia Munson, Dinah Sperry, Esther Sperry, Anna Sperry.

After the church was formed, and prior to 1780, 90 more members were added to the rolls, the males being : Bazel Munson, Simeon Bristol, Phineas Castle, Abraham Todd, Samuel Atwater, Stephen Goodyear, Asa Goodyear, Gamaliel Bradley, Daniel Rexford, Jr., James Ives, Samuel Hitchcock, Elisha Mallory, Abiah Warner, Theophilus Goodyear, Joel Todd, Job Todd, Timothy Goodyear, Samuel Lee, Thomas Ives, Benjamin Ford, Daniel Goodyear, Jared Bassett, Chaun- eey Dickerman, Hezekiah Bassett, Abraham Norton, Eliakim Mallory, Samuel Hitchcock, Jason Bradley, Titus Goodyear, Jesse Diekerman, Hezekiah Warner, Enos Atwater, Caleb Doolittle, Usal Mansfield, John Goodyear, Jeremiah Ives, Enos Dickerman and Caleb Andrews, Jr.

The church has had an aggregate membership of nearly 800, and in 1890 the number belonging was 140, which was a good percentage of the population of the Mt. Carmel region.

The deacons of the church, with dates of their appointments, have been : Daniel Bradley, 1768; Amos Peck, 1768; Stephen Goodyear, 1773; Daniel Bradley, 1783; Asa Goodyear, 1803; Aaron Bradley, 1808; Lyman Goodyear, 1828; Ezra Dickerman, 1828; Marcus Goodyear, 1840; Elihu Dickerman, 1840; Willis Goodyear, 1861; Joshua Carpenter, 1869; Andrew H. Smith, 1871: George H. Allen, 1880; E. P. McLane, 1882, and reflected in 1886 and 1889.

The church did not have a regular pastor until five years after it was organized, and there have been many changes in the ministerial office. The regular and acting pastor's have been the following: Rev- erend Nathaniel Sherman, ordained May 18th, 1769, dismissed August, 1772; Joseph Perry, ordained October 15th, 1783, dismissed in the year 1790; Asa Lyman, ordained September 9th, 1800, dismissed April 26th, 1803: John Hyde, ordained May 20th, 1806, dismissed in Janu- ary, 1811: Eliphalet B. Coleman, ordained February 5th. 1812, dismiss- ed November 9th, 1825; Stephen Hubbell, ordained May 19th, 1830, dismissed in May, 1836; James Birney, ordained June 14th, 1842, dis- missed March 29th, 1846; Israel P. Warren, D. D., installed July 8th, 1846, dismissed September 23d, 1851; D. H. Thayer, ordained January 5th, 1853, dismissed May 20th, 1866; John Hyde DeForest, ordained May 24th, 1871, dismissed August 7th, 1874; George C. Miln, installed December 29th, 1874, dismissed January 10th, 1877: Robert C. Bell, installed April 16th, 1879, to August 7th, 1881; L. H. Higgins was the acting pastor from October 23d, 1881, till June, 1888. Since October 13th, 1888, the acting pastor has been Reverend Clarence Greeley, who graduated from Vale in 1886 and since that time has taken post gradu. ate courses at Yale and Harvard.

Usually the ministers of the church have also performed the duties of church clerk, but from 1870 until 1889 the elerk was L. A. Dicker- man. He was succeeded by the present (1890) clerk, Arthur E. Wood-

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

ruff. The society clerks have been: 1758, Samuel Atwater; 1773, Dan- iel Bradley; 1786, Samuel Bellamy: 1789. Elisha Chapman: 1795, Josiah Root; 1804, Hezekiah Bassett, Jr .; 1813, Jason Dickerman: 1818. Lyman Goodyear; 1825, Ambrose Tuttle: 1827, Ezra Dickerman; 1832, Parsons Ives; 1840, Hobart Ives; 1847, Lucius Ives; 1856, Amos B. Peck; 1858, L. A. Dickerman; 1868, D. H. Cooper; 1871, J. B. Jacobs; 1888, Elam J. Dickerman. The last named. Homer Tuttle and Jesse Jacobs, constituted the standing committee in 1890. Wilbur Ives was the superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has about one hun- dred members. Reverend George A. Dickerman has been raised up as a Congregational minister, and a former pastor, Reverend J. H. De Forest, became a missionary to Japan.

A ministerial fund or fund for the support of the Gospel, was raised by subscription of the members in 1800. Originally it was $8,000, but it has become somewhat reduced. Reventies from the sale of pews have been derived and used since June. 1849.

Soon after the revolutionary war some of the inhabitants living in the southern part of the town who belonged to the Fair Haven and other churches in the city of New Haven, desired a society in their midst, or at least a place of worship in their locality. The former object appearing at that time impracticable, they contented themselves with establishing a place of worship in the southwest dis- trict. After a time, with a view of accommodating the people living still more remote from the New Haven meeting houses, this place of worship was moved to the house of Captain Mix, who lived on the Hamden East Plain. This move dissatisfied Caleb Alling and others. who first met with them, and who now set up separate meetings at his house, which were continued a number of years. In spite of this division of interest and strength, the meetings at Captain Mix's were continued, and some time about 1793 it was proposed and carried out by those who were wont to assemble there that a meeting house be built in the same locality. "It stood precisely where the Methodist church now stands. It was a cheap and unsightly building, having but few attractions, and for many years at least there never was any fire in it. The people assembled there in the coldest weather without a spark of fire, and it stood in a very cold, bleak place. If the wind blows anywhere it is sure to blow on Hamden Plain."# It is probable that the meeting house was not wholly completed until after the regular organization of the church in Hamden East Plain. This took place August 18th, 1795, the work of constituting being done by a council composed of delegates and ministers from the neighboring churches. The constituent members were three males: Charles Alling, Abraham Alling and Asa Gilbert; and nine females, namely: Hannah Alling. Abigail Alling. Mary Gilbert, Eleanor Carrington. Hannah Bassett, Sybil Andrews, Desire Humiston, Sarah Turner and

*From Reverend Austin Putnam's discourse.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Rebecca Mix. On the same day the church was formed, Moses Ford, Jabez Turner and Timothy Andrews joined by a profession of their faith, and these fifteen persons were the nucleus of a body which has become strong and vigorous. and whose aggregate membership approximates 600. In 1890 the number belonging was more than 200.

For more than two years the church was without a pastor, and often there was no minister, when Abraham Alling usually led the · meetings, exhorting or reading printed sermons to his fellow mem- bers. He was also gifted in prayer, and was well fitted to be the leader of this small band of Christians, who extended him a unanimous call to become their first pastor. He accepted and was ordained October 19th, 1797, and after a pastorate of 25 years was dismissed, at his own request, October 22d, 1822. He continued to reside on his farm, three miles northwest of the meeting house, until his death, July 22d, 1837, at the advanced age of 83 years. In his ministry 81 persons were added to the church, all but ten by profession of their faith.

"After the dismission of Mr. Alling the church was destitute of a pastor for sixteen years, and it is a singular fact that during that period about 240 different preachers officiated. In this time of no pastor and of many preachers the church was reduced to a state of extreme feebleness, discouragement and depression, insomuch that it even despaired of life."* Some of these supplies, however, were men of great ability, among them being Reverend N. W. Taylor, D.D., of New Haven, who was the minister about eighteen months. In May, 1833, George E. Delevan began his labors with the church, being ordained as an evangelist June 19th the same year in the old meeting house, and soon thereafter began the work of building a new house of worship at Whitneyville. In this he had the active support and assistance of Deacon Eli Dickerman, but others of the members strongly opposed the removal of the church, and refused to co-operate. After much effort, and aided by outside parties, a part of the present edifice was built in the spring and summer of 1834, the lecture room being first occupied May 25th, 1834. In much that condition the house was used more than thirty years when, in 1866, it was rebuilt and greatly enlarged. It is now a spacious frame building, with a stone basement, fitted up for a lecture room. The main room has a gallery on three sides and has a large seating capacity. In 1889 a very fine parsonage, costing $4,000, was built on the hill east of the old church residence, and all the property is in good condition.

The second pastor of the church was Reverend Austin Putnam. He first preached here as an evangelist in the fall of 1835, and was installed to the pastorate October 31st, 1838, having been induced to accept a call while on a second visit to Whitneyville. He remained continuously in the pastorate until his death, September 26th, 1886, at the age of 77} years. "For forty-eight years he filled this place with

*Church Manual. p. 5.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

faithful service, and made it beautiful by deeds of kindness and sym- pathy. Love was the central element of his ministry, and it not only made his own life tender and attractive, but molded the feelings of the church so that he left it harmonious and united, permeated by his spirit, which was that of the Master. As a preacher the substance of his sermons was Biblical. He delivered them extemporaneously and with great energy and earnestness. As a pastor he was tireless in his visitations and care. The church was the center of his thoughts the focus that united every energy-'and it will always hold his name in profoundest reverence and warmest love."*

In December, 1886, Reverend Charles A. Dinsmore began his labors with the church as a supply, and so continued until February 19th, 1890, when he was installed as the pastor by a council called for that purpose. In the summer of 1890 the affairs of the church were in a most prosperous condition. and the Sabbath school was also very flourishing. Eli G. Dickerman was the superintendent. In the past fifty years much attention has been paid to the music of the church, the choir usually being large, and has in that period been led by Lyman Ford, Horace Lord, James M. Payne and Charles P. Augur.

Since the organization of the church the deacons were chosen as follows: 1795, Moses Ford; 1795, Joseph Benham; 1828, Lyman Ford; 1828, Eli Dickerman; 1834, Eaton Bassett; 1838, Elias Bassett: 1860, Darius Webb; 1862, James M. Payne;+ 1869, Oliver W. Treadwell; 1878, James G. Baldwin; 1878, Harmon Humiston; 1881, Oliver F. Treadwell: 1882, Elias Dickerman;+ 1884, Henry W. Munson.+

Grace Church (Protestant Episcopal)} was organized in 1790. The parish was at first confined to the Mt. Carmel region, and in that part of the town the religious services were established. The first meet- ings were held in private houses of members until about 1795, when a church, 34 by 44 feet, was built at Mt. Carmel. But several years more elapsed before suitable furniture and a pulpit could be supplied. The church was occasionally visited by clergymen from neighboring parishes, but more frequently the services were conducted by lay readers, Amasa Bradley, Ezra Bradley and others officiating in that capacity. In the course of a few years the meetings were held with greater frequency, and for a time clergymen were secured to officiate every two weeks. In this way Episcopal ministers from the Cheshire church and the academy served Grace church a number of years.

In June, 1818, legal measures were taken to make the bounds of the parish co-extensive with those of the town. A more central site for a church was now demanded, and accordingly, in January, 1819, a new church edifice was commenced at Centerville, which was com- pleted in the course of the next two years. It was consecrated by Bishop Brownell, October 14th, 1821. The church building at Mt.

*Church Manual, 1888. + Present deacons. + From data by Reverend H. L. Everest.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Carmel was sold and the proceeds applied toward the new church. In 1847 the church at Centerville was thoroughly repaired and improved, the work involving an outlay of $1,000. Other repairs on the building have been made, the most noteworthy being those in 1874, when the interior was refitted. In 1890 the house afforded com- fortable sittings for 250 persons. The corporation controlling the property had as its wardens: George W. Bradley, senior, and Jesse Cooper. junior; vestrymen, Ira W. Beers, John Collett, Henry W. Austin and George L. Clark.

For fourteen years the enlarged parish had no resident rector, the clergy of New Haven, Cheshire and other parishes ministering here. and it was not until 1835 that Reverend John H. Rouse was called to take full charge of the parish and become the first resident minister. After two years he was succeeded by Reverend Henry Fitch, who was the rector six years, resigning on Easter, 1843. In the same year Reverend Charles W. Everest was elected rector, and had full charge of the parish until April. 1874, with the exception of one year (1846-7), when he officiated in a New Haven church. To help eke out the small salary which the parish felt able to pay. he opened the rectory school, and with the consent of his parishioners, conducted it 31 years, in connection with his church work. This was the largest and most successful rectorship in the history of the parish.

After the resignation of Mr. Everest a number of clergymen had charge of Grace church, among them being the Reverends E. Whit- combe, Joseph Brewster, Heman R. Timlow, J. E. Walton, Henry Tarrant. William B. Walker, A. B. Nichols and H. L. Everest. The service of the latter as rector was terminated in 1887, and in Decem- ber of that year he was succeeded by the Reverend H. W. R. Stafford, who was rector until November, 18SS. Since June, 1889, the rector has been Reverend Walter Downes Humphrey.

In the past few years some of the friends of the parish have con- tributed a fund for church purposes which amounted to more than $4,000 in 1886: and the amount yearly raised for all purposes is about $800.

In 1890 there were in the parish of Grace church 35 families, which furnished 48 communicant members. The Sunday school had 25 members. A large and increasing foreign clement in this part of the town has limited the scope of the parish work, but the church appears to be firmly established and has been a useful factor in the com- munity.

Saint Mary's Church ( Roman Catholic) is on the highway between Centerville and Mt. Carmel, and is the finest church edifice in the town. The first public mass in Hamden was celebrated in September, 1852, by Father Matthew Hart in a dwelling belonging to Parsons Ives. At that time there were in the town five Catholic families, and about thirty members. These were visited once a month by priests

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from neighboring parishes, who said mass at private houses. In 1856 Father E. J. O'Brien. of St. Mary's, New Haven, purchased a lot on which to build a church to accommodate the increased membership of the mission. Upon this site a building used by the old axle works was moved and properly fitted up as a place of worship. In 1867 it was enlarged, and with other improvements has been used 34 years. After being served by the priests of the churches in Wallingford and Cheshire (connected with Southington) St. Mary's became a perma- nent mission of the Wallingford church. and August 11th, 1867, Father Hugh Mallon assumed care of it. The Catholics at that time numbered 225. Until 1878 Father Mallon labored alone in Hamden in connection with his church at Wallingford, but afterward had the service of assistant priests and with little exception inass has been said once per week. The membership has also been largely increased, there being. in 1890. more than 550 Catholics in the parish. Accord- ingly. a new and larger church was needed for their better accommo- dation, and Father Mallon set about to erect it. A lot south of the old building was purchased. on which the foundation walls for a large and fine brick edifice were laid in 1888. The superstructure, in the Gothic style of architecture, has since been carried to completion, the new house being in the summer of 1890 completed for use. It is a very handsome building, and when it is completely furnished will cost about $20.000, making it superior to any country church of that denomination in the county. About half a mile from the church a burial ground of half an acre has been consecrated for the use of Catholics in Hamden, and a number of interments have there been made. St. Mary's was set off from Wallingford as a separate parish April 22d. 1891, and Reverend John T. Winters was appointed resi- dent priest.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 37

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 966

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966