USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 64
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 64
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After the decease of the first pastor, and when it was purposed to install his successor, John Hubbard, on a call extended him October 5th, 1767, there arose a disagreement in regard to the matter which seriously affected the welfare of the church. Both the manner in which he was called and the orthodoxy of Mr. Hubbard were subjects of controversy, prolonged in their discussion several years, and which arrayed the church into warring factions. Before the matter was set- tled the ecclesiastical and civil authorities were involved, and the subject lost its local significance; and when Mr. Hubbard was finally ordained, June 22d, 1769, several of the ministers of the state refused to participate in the ceremonies. In consequence of the triumph of the adherents of Mr. Hubbard, about a dozen families of the society seceded and set up separate worship in a house one mile north- east of the meeting house. In the course of a few years most of them were persuaded by Mr. Hubbard's amiable disposition and concilia- tory conduct to return to the folds of the old church, where they sat many years under his ministrations. Mr. Hubbard was a pastor of more than usual ability, whose opinions were perhaps a little in ad- vance of his time, but whose piety and virtue none could question. He died in the service of the church, November 18th, 1786.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Before the death of Mr. Hubbard, John Willard was settled as colleague pastor, in June, 1786, and his pastorate was also characterized by disputes arising out of his beliefs in regard to some controverted doctrinal points. The opposition to him was manifested mainly in indifference to attendance upon the public worship held by him, which caused a great decline of interest before his pastoral relation was severed in 1802.
The ministry of Reverend Erastus Ripley, which began in 1803 and continued 19 years, was not wholly fruitless, but the church was much weakened by great numbers leaving to join other denomina- tions on account of dissatisfaction with his preaching, which was learned but so destitute of animation that it was uninteresting. Under the preaching of Reverend Charles Rich, in 1840, about one hundred persons were added to the church, and the reviving work thus begun was continued during the ministry of Reverend George W. Perkins, beginning May 19th, 1841. In 1847-8, especially, was there a power- ful work of grace, at the end of which season the membership of the church was about 400.
Mr. Perkins was a minister of unusual energy and ability, perform- ing much work not connected with his charge. In 1854 he was dis- missed from the church at Meriden and moved to Chicago, where he was pastor of a church, editor of a newspaper and also established a theological seminary. He died in that city November 13th, 1856, but his remains were brought to Meriden and lie in the cemetery on Hanover street.
The revived interest in the work of the church, together with the fact that the village of West Meriden was so rapidly growing and had no place of worship, caused the society to consider the propriety of building a new meeting house in that locality, and sell the meeting house at the Center, where were two other houses of worship. Accord- ingly September 19th, 1846, it was voted to build a commodious house on the land of James S. Brooks, who subscribed $1,000 toward the project. The following year a frame edifice, 56 by 90 feet, in the Grecian order of architecture, was erected at a cost of $8,000. The building had a spire 196 feet high and was considered very attractive, both as to its exterior and interior arrangements. It was dedicated January 27th, 1848, and was last used for religious meetings March 30th, 1879, when it was occupied for memorial services, preparatory to the occupancy of the new edifice, farther north on Colony street. Subsequently the old church building was moved farther back, on the same lot, where it was transformed into the present opera house. On the old site the fine Wilcox Block was erected by Horace C. Wilcox, the purchaser of the frame meeting house. In 1848 a parsonage was also erected at a cost of $3,000.
When the Colony street meeting house was occupied, in January, 1848, a separation of the society took place. The pastor, Reverend G.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
WV. Perkins, and 297 members went to the new house as the First Con- gregational church; the officers and 100 members remained in the old building as the Meriden Center church. On the 3d of March, 1848, a division of the property was made, each society taking equal parts of the common furniture and the Sabbath school library of the original society. The Center society also paid the Colony street society $1,000 for its interest in the Broad street meeting house; and thus these two bodies, parts of the original society, the one retaining the name and the records, the other the old meeting house and the ordained officers, each entered upon a distinct career, but both glorying in their com- mon origin and indivisible history, until the time this demand for separate effort was brought upon them.
In the First church the election of new officers was rendered necessary and, in March, 1848, Benjamin H. Catlin, Homer Curtiss, David N. Camp and John Yale were ordained as deacons. The wisdom of the removal to West Meriden was soon made apparent in the increased membership. In the course of three months many per- sons joined the church, so that the rolls, in May, 1848, bore the names of 352 persons. The work of the church progressed thereafter, under the several pastors, with varying interest, but generally with increased effect, so that the congregation outgrew the capacity of the frame meeting house. A larger edifice of modern architecture was demanded and was erected during the pastorate of Reverend Alfred H. Hall.
On the 15th of October, 1874, the society voted to erect a new church and appointed a committee of twelve to carry out its wishes. Eli Butler was appointed chairman, and Horace C. Wilcox, Doctor G. H. Wilson and William A. Read were chosen as the executive com- mittee. The plans for the building were prepared by Cutting & Hol- man, of Worcester, Mass. Ground for the foundation was broken July 1st, 1875, on the site of the old parsonage, and the corner stone was laid June Sth, 1876. The architecture of the church is Medieval Gothic and the material of the outer walls is Westerly granite, of which 2,200 tons were used. A tower, 24 by 24 feet, relieves the front and when completed will be 190 feet high. The inside columns are from the Stony Creek quarries. The capitals on the same are of Berea, Ohio, sandstone, the carvings being symbolical and from orig- inal designs by Doctor G. H. Wilson, in which the best phases of natural and revealed life are harmoniously exhibited.
The building is divided into the audience room proper, 84 by 116 feet, which, with the galleries, seats 1,300 people; and the chapel and its accessories, such as library, reception and committee rooms, parlors, etc. The interior of the building is finished in hard woods and hand- somely furnished, including a large organ of Western oak, in East- lake design. The best effects of church embellishment have been employed, and at the time of its completion the edifice was regarded the finest in the state. The entire cost was nearly $157,000, much of
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
which was contributed in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The new edifice was dedicated April 2d, 1879, by Doctor Leonard Bacon, assisted by many ministers of neighboring churches.
Since the occupancy of the new church building the membership has steadily increased, the number belonging in 1889 being 564. Con- nected with the church are many valuable auxiliaries, the chief one being the Sabbath school, of which Erastus Hubbard is the superin- tendent, and which had 563 members in 1889. A Sabbath school was organized in 1818, with 130 scholars, but until 1830 its meetings were held in warm weather only. Since the latter date all year meetings have been held. In 1824 a pastor's Bible class was formed, which was well attended. Six of the original members became ministers. Adult classes have been taught since 1832. The Center Sunday school has 250 members, and William G. Hooker is the superintendent.
The pastors of the First church from the time of its organization, in 1729, to the present time, have been as follows: Reverends The- ophilus Hall, settled December 29th, 1729, died March 25th, 1767; John Hubbard, settled June 22d, 1769, died November 18th, 1786; John Willard, settled 1786, dismissed 1802; Erastus Ripley, settled 1803, dis- missed 1822; Charles J. Hinsdale, settled 1823, dismissed 1833; Arthur Granger, settled 1836, dismissed 1838; George W. Perkins, settled 1841, dismissed 1854; George Thatcher, settled 1854, dismissed 1860; Hiram C. Hayden, settled 1862, dismissed 1866; W. H. H. Murray, settled 1866, dismissed 1868; W. L. Gaylord, settled 1870, dismissed 1875; A. H. Hall, settled 1875, dismissed 1879; Thomas M. Miles, settled 1879, dis- missed 1881; Lewellyn Pratt, settled 1882, dismissed 1883; Charles H. Everest, settled 1884, dismissed 1885; C. H.Williams, settled 1886, dis- missed 1889; Asher Anderson, settled 1889.
The Reverend William McLean supplied the church one year, 1834 5; and in the fall of 1840 to 1841 the pulpit was supplied by the Reverend Charles Rich, who declined a settlement. Other ministers have supplied the pulpit for short periods.
The deacons of the church since its organization have been: Sam- uel Royce, Robert Royce, Benjamin Whiting, Benjamin Royce, Eze- kiel Royce, Ebenezer Cowles, John Hough, Isaac Hubbard, Samuel Royce, Nathaniel Vale, Zenas Mitchell, Silas Royce, Walter Booth, Phineas Hough, Nathaniel C. Sanford, Benjamin H. Catlin. Homer Curtiss, David N. Camp, John Yale, Edward C. Allen, Arthur L. Fiske, and the present board of deacons: William H. Catlin, Homer A. Cur- tiss, Erastus Hubbard, Nathan Olds, Robert P. Rand, Robert T. Spen- cer, Henry W. Seips and Henry S. Wilcox.
James C. Twichell is the clerk of the church, and Benjamin H. Catlin the treasurer. Walter H. Squire is the clerk of the society, and its committeemen are: N. L. Bradley, Eli I. Merriman and Henry S. Wilcox.
When the Center Church began its separate existence, in January,
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
1848, the deacons in service were Walter Booth, Silas Royce, Phineas Hough and Nathaniel C. Sanford. On the 15th of March, the same year, Reverend Asahel A. Stevens was installed as the first pastor, under this arrangement, and served the congregation until December 11th, 1854, when he was obliged to leave on account of the failure of his voice. Prior to his going, Reverend A. S. Cheesbrough was called as a supply, and so continued until November, 1855. Reverend Lewis C. Lockwood was installed June 3d, 1857, and dismissed February 22d, 1858. From June, 1858, until June, 1862, Reverend O. H. White sup- plied the pulpit. Reverend Joseph Woolley was installed the pastor of the church October 22d, 1862. Reverend Edward Hungerford served the church next, his pastorate being very successful. After the dismissal of Reverend Edward Hungerford, in October, 1879, the pulpit was supplied until March 1st, 1880, when Reverend Alfred H. Hall was installed pastor, and under his faithful ministrations the church had, in 1889, 265 members.
The following have been raised up as Congregational ministers in Meriden: Jeremiah Root Barnes, Daniel Collins Curtis, Erastus Curtis, Lemuel Ives Curtis, Joseph Edwards, Isaac Foster, Lawrence M. Fos- ter, Avery Hall, Thomas Holt, Lyman C. Hough, Jesse Ives, Henry Norton Johnson, Matthew Merriman, Charles Edward Murdock, Charles Loveland Merriman and Ralph Tyler.
St. Andrew's Church (Protestant Episcopal) was organized in 1789. In a historical discourse delivered by Reverend Doctor Deshon, he stated that in all probability several churchmen lived in this locality as early as 1729. They " were in the habit of meeting together for worship in accordance with the usages of the Prayer Book, and whose faith was sustained by lay services among themselves, and the occa- sional visits of clergymen." It is probable, too, that when the "Union Parish" was formed in Wallingford, in 1741, and a rude house was built for worship, that some from Meriden attended. In 1770 'a mis- sionary of the church reported that there were in the district of Meri- den six families of Episcopalians, having fourteen communicants. Most of them, no doubt, bore the name of Andrews, the father of the family and his eight sons being staunch churchmen. The youngest son, Samuel, was educated for the ministry in England, and being or- dained in 1761, became the first rector of the church in Wallingford, the parish at that time including Meriden.
Another son, Moses, was a small farmer in the western part of the town. This Moses Andrews and others of that family and of the Episcopal church became objects of suspicion to the patriot authori- ties, in the troublous times of the revolution, and he was forbidden to leave his farm on any pretense whatever, without permission of the selectmen of Wallingford. Denied the liberty of attending Episcopal worship, he fitted up a room in his house, in which the services of the church were held, Mr. Andrews himself acting as lay reader. Thus for
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
a period of years a dozen or more persons were wont to assemble each Sunday, and these, properly, were the first regular Episcopal meetings in Meriden. It is said that occasionally Congregational neighbors at- tended these humble services, and that some of them were so much im- pressed with the order and devotion which prevailed, that they accepted the teachings of the church. Among these were Joseph Merriam and his wife, Mindwell, who were afterward leading Episcopalians, the hus- band being senior warden many years; the wife, whose life rounded out a full century of years, being a faithful attendant upon the public service of the church even unto the 95th year of her age.
After the revolution more toleration prevailed, and the purpose of forming a church was discussed with so much favor that a preliminary meeting was held, at which the following agreement was signed : " Meriden, April 13, 1789 .- We, whose names are underwritten, do declare our conformity to the Church of England, and desire of join- ing the worship and sacraments of said church, do consent and agree to support the same. Reuben Ives, Clerk; Denison Andrews, Moses Andrews, Isaac Atwater, David Andrews, Simon Perkins, John B. Douglass, Ezra Butler, Watts Hubbard, Seth DeWolf, Soloman Yale."
This purpose was commended by the proper authorities, and the organization of the present parish of St. Andrew's followed, as will be seen from this simple record:
" MERIDEN, Dec. 28, A. D. 1789.
"At a meeting of the adherents of the Episcopal church, voted that we will be a society; also voted that Moses Andrews be the clerk, Denison Andrews and Isaac Atwater, committee.
" Test: REUBEN IVES, Missionary.
" The parish was immediately placed under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Ives of Cheshire, in accordance with the following votes:
" Voted, That we will hire Mr. Ives to preach four days for this year.
" Voted, To keep up meetings for this year."
The parish had the missionary labors of Mr. Ives, in the above manner, except that some years he came six times, until Easter, 1824, the lay services being also continued meantime, Moses Andrews and others being the readers. In 1803, Reverend Virgil H. Barber preached on six Sundays, coming from Wallingford.
In 1825, Reverend Ashbel Baldwin became the first resident clergy- man of the parish, whose interests now demanded a rector. Since that time the church has had a recognized place among the religious bodies of the town, its services being conducted by ordained clergy- men.
The building of a church was considered as early as 1792, when Isaac Atwater, Seth Wolf and Simeon Perkins were appointed a com- mittee to erect one, but did not succeed. In 1795 the project was re- newed, and it was decided to build on the southeast corner of the
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
green, if the site could be obtained. Three years later it was consid- ered to build on the land of Joseph Merriam, near the present railway station on West Main street. Later in the same year the site on Broad street, south of the Congregational meeting house, was selected and the frame of the church raised. Plans of various natures to complete the house were entertained, among them being an application to the assembly for a lottery privilege to raise funds, and to enlist the co- operation of Baptists and Presbyterians, by giving them the use of the church when not occupied by the Episcopalians, neither plan being adopted. After ten years' effort and denial the church was. com- pleted and consecrated October 18th, 1816, by Bishop John Henry Hobart, of New York, as St. Andrew's Church. At the same time he confirmed 38 persons.
It was a plain and modest building, 45 by 36 feet, with nothing ex- ternally to distinguish it but the round-headed windows over the gal- lery. The interior of the church was neatly arranged, according to the fashion of the times. A gallery ran around three sides of the building. A huge pulpit stood at the west end, surmounted by a canopy, flanked on either side by a lofty flight of steps, and cushioned and festooned most lavishly with crimson damask. In front of the pulpit was a formidable structure which served for a reading desk. In front of the reading desk was a small communion table, enclosed by a semi-circular rail. The space under the stairs in the lower part of the church, by the side of the door, was used for a vestry room.
After more than thirty years' use a church of finer appearance was built, and the old house served as a place of worship for the Catholics, being later converted into a dwelling. Its successor was a fine Gothic chapel, of brownstone, 45 by 80 feet, erected at a cost of $15,000. Its corner stone was laid June 8th, 1848, and the church was consecrated by Bishop Brownell, February 6th. 1850. Before many years the parish had outgrown this building, and as population had shifted to the western part of the town, it was decided to erect a new edifice at some intermediate point, between West Meriden and the old site. For this purpose a fine lot, near the town hall, was purchased, upon which was reared the present St. Andrew's church, the material in the second edifice, which was taken down, being used in its con- struction.
The corner stone of the present St. Andrew's church was laid August 8th, 1866, by Bishop John Williams, the ceremonies connected therewith being impressive and largely attended. This beautiful house of worship was completed for dedication November 7th, 1867. The original cost was about $40,000, but subsequent repairs and ad- ditions have greatly added to its cost and beauty. The latest improve- ment was made in the fall of 1889, and in the December following the church was reopened for divine worship. There are 675 sittings. In
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
1889 a parish house was also completed, at a cost of $16,000, which was dedicated by the bishop of the diocese on St. Andrew's day.
In 1825, when the parish had its first settled rector, there were within its limits 65 families and 70 communicants. On the accession of Doctor Giles H. Deshon, in 1850, the families numbered 95, having 117 communicants. His pastorate, extending to the time of his death, January 1st, 1883, was the most important in the history of the church, and the first one continued long enough for the rector to demonstrate his usefulness to the parish. His labors were abundantly blessed, and in the last year of his ministry there were 300 families and 375 com- municants. The parish monies raised amounted to $9,579.54, and the Sunday school had nearly 400 attendants.
It is pleasing to record the continued growth of the parish under the successor of Doctor Deshon-the Reverend A. T. Randall-who became the assistant minister in June, 1880, and the rector on Easter, 1885. The statistics for 1889 show 525 families in the parish, the whole number of individuals being 2,100. In the Sunday school were 39 teachers and 563 scholars. The monies raised for parish purposes amounted to $11,212.77.
The rectors of the parish since the ministry of Reverend Reuben Ives, in 1824, have been the following: 1824, Ashbel Baldwin; 1826, Nathaniel Bruce: 1828, James Keeler; 1832, Robert A. Hallam; 1835, Edward Ingersoll; 1837, John M. Guion; 1839, Melancthon Hoyt; 1840, Sabura S. Stocking; 1841. Charles W. Everest: 1843, John T. Cushing; 1844, Cyrus Munson; 1849. Abram N. Littlejohn: 1850. Giles H. Deshon; 1885. A. T. Randall.
Since 1871 the church has had the services of assistant ministers as follows: Frank B. Lewis, Chauncey B. Brewster, Alexander J. Miller, John H. White, Fred. W. Harriman, E. W. Babcock, A. T. Randall, T. D. Martin, Jr., F. H. Church, S. H. Watkins and G. W. Griffith.
List of wardens from 1791: 1791, Joseph Merriam, Denison An- drews; 1792, Joseph Merriam, Seth D. Wolf; 1793, Levi Douglas, Simeon Perkins; 1794, Joseph Merriamn, Levi Douglass; 1796, Levi Douglass, Simeon Perkins; 1797, Joseph Merriam, Simeon Perkins; 1805, Joseph Merriam, Moses Andrews; 1806, Joseph Merriam. Lemuel Bradley; 1807, Joseph Merriam, Yale 1. Hough: 1808, Samuel Tibbals, Dan. Andrews; 1809, Samuel Tibbals, Asahel Merriam: 1810. Samuel Tibbals, Moses Cowles; 1812, Samuel Tibbals, Dan. Andrews; 1813, Samuel Tibbals, Amasa Merriam: 1814, Samuel Tibbals, Marvel Andrews; 1816, Samuel Tibbals, Asahel Merriam; 1823, Samuel Tibbals, Elisha Curtis; 1831, Elisha Curtis, Asahel Mer- riam; 1848, Edwin E. Curtis, Bryant Hotchkiss; 1863, Edwin E. Curtis, Asa H. Churchill; 1869, Edwin E. Curtis (till April, 1885), Lemuel J. Curtis; 1886, Lemuel J. Curtis, George R. Curtis; 1888, George R. Cur- tis, Benjamin Page. George M. Curtis is the parish clerk.
The First Baptist Church of Meriden had a history co-ordinate with
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
that of the Baptists in Wallingford for many years. Organized in the old town of Wallingford the church, by the formation of the town of Meriden, in 1806, found most of its interests within the latter town, and thereupon took its present name. The principal events up to this time were, briefly, the meeting together, August 23d, 1786, of seven males and five females, and the avowal of a solemn purpose to form the First Baptist Church of Christ in Wallingford; the public recog- nition of this church, October 7th, 1786, as the third Baptist organiza- tion in the colony, Groton and Southington preceding it in the order of time; the slow progress of the church, the meetings being held in private houses 15 years, when, in 1801, a small house was specially fitted up for worship; the faithful adherence to the cause they had espoused, with no minister to preach the Word to them, except for brief periods, until the beginning of the church in Meriden proper. With the exception of 1789, when Reverend Daniel Wildman was the pastor, and 1791, when Reverend Nathaniel Norton preached one year, the meetings were in charge of "leading brethren," the first one so serving the church being Isaac Hall, who was elected November 3d, 1786. At the same time Ephraim Hough was chosen the first deacon and Joel Ives the church clerk. Later "leading brethren " were Deacons Hough and Higby, Joel Ives, Samuel Miller and Nathaniel Yale.
Samuel Miller having well improved his gifts, a number of years in the above capacity was, May 20th, 1806, ordained to the ministry, and entered upon pastoral relations to the church, being the first minister of the Meriden church proper. His service extended through 23 years, until his death in 1829, covering a most critical period in the history of the church, in which for several years it barely main- tained an existence.
When Meriden became a town, the effect was to naturally make the village the center of those interests which engaged the attention of the people at that time, and thither tended population. The humble Baptist meeting house, derisively called the "Temple," on account of its simple appearance, stood three miles distant, near the south- eastern line of the town. Besides being remote from the center, it served its purpose poorly in other ways, and after some delay, it was determined, in 1815, to abandon it and to erect a new meeting house at Meriden Center. A plain structure was begun, on a lot on the east side of Broad street, near where is now the Baptist parsonage. The interior was not finished and the few members engaged in this work found it a difficult undertaking, since they could get no assist- ance from the people of the village, where were already Congrega- tional and Episcopalian meeting houses. To some extent Methodists in town aided in building the meeting house and, by vote of the Bap- tist Society in December, 1817, they were privileged to use the build- ing when not otherwise engaged. It was not wholly completed until
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