USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 54
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Among the recent improvements are the opening of new reading rooms, new locker and dressing rooms, shower baths, a new toilet building and a wash room for the boys, also many other items of lesser importance.
This summer classes in domestic training for the girls are in progress. The instruction includes cooking, baking, sewing, darning, washing, ironing, in fact a complete course in housekeeping. For several months Mrs. Morse has an eve- ning in embroidery. The officers and directors for 1917 are: President, Arthur L. Clark; vice president, James G. Woodruff ; secretary, Wilbur G. Manchester ; treasurer, S. Landon Alvord ; corporators, Arthur L. Clark, James G. Woodruff, Frederick C. Strong, Dudley L. Vaill, Eugene Potter, Harvey L. Roberts, Luman C. Colt, Edward L. Pratt, S. Landon Alvord, L. W. Tiffany, E. B. Gaylord, L. C. Strong, Chas. J. York, Wilbur G. Manchester, Wm. S. Hulbert, Lorenzo M. Blake.
WINSTED'S PUBLIC LIBRARY
There were several small libraries in Winsted prior to the establishment of the present free libraries, some of them dating back over one hundred years. It is stated that one was kept in the office of Solomon Rockwell & Bros. There was also one in the west school district as early as 1808. The Winsted historical and theological library was organized by the First Congregational Society in 1810. In 1812 some young men in the west village organized a library which was kept in the house of Colonel Hosea Hinsdale. Another was organized in east village in 1820. Some of the churches have also established libraries in connection with their Sunday schools at different times.
In 1874, as a momerial to her late husband, Deacon Elliott Beardsley, Mrs. Delia R. Beardsley, gave $10,000 to found the Beardsley library in West Win- sted. A board of seven trustees was chosen by her and they were directed to spend $5,000 for books and magazines that year and to invest the balance and use the income to replenish the library from time to time. Mrs. Beardsley also fur- nished rooms in the Beardsley block free of rent for the use of the library. It was opened September 15, 1874. Upon her death in 1878 members of the family generously continued until 1884 to give the use of the rooms. The expenses that were incurred for maintenance were paid by membership tickets.
After remaining in its home for twenty-four years in the Beardsley block, where it had become cramped for room, the library was moved in 1898 to the beautiful brick memorial building erected for it on the corner of Main Street and Munro Place by the late Jenison J. Whiting and his wife, Mrs. Mary Phelps Whiting. At the solicitation of some of the friends of the library, it was made a free institution, a vote of the town having been passed for an annual appro- priation, amounting now to $1,500 and it was re-opened as such on June 30, 1899. It then had 8,100 books bound and unbound. Previous to that time the circula- tion had been between 7,000 and 8,000 volumes annually and the first year after Vol. 1-27
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it was made free, the circulation jumped to 41,133. The library now has 14,900 volumes.
The Gilbert school library, which is also free to the public, has over ten thou- sand volumes on its shelves.
LITCHFIELD COUNTY HOSPITAL
Situated on a prominence in the western part of Winsted, is the Litchfield County Hospital of Winchester. The main building is constructed of buff brick with foundation and trimmings of Keene granite. It is 81 by 53 feet, with an ell 30 by 24 feet, and wings on either end for sun parlors. There are three floors and basement, and the interior arrangement is all that could be desired, every necessity and requirement having been carefully looked after. The structure, independent of furnishings, cost about $42,000.
A charter was obtained from the General Assembly in 1895, establishing the Litchfield County Hospital, and an organization was perfected and officers elected. The first money raised for the purpose was by Miss Adelyn Howard. During her long years of illness, visiting friends were asked to contribute for such a purpose, and quite a sum was realized. No immediate steps were taken, and several years after, in 1899, another charter was obtained from the General Assembly under the name of the Winchester Hospital Association, and an appro- priation of $10,000 was granted.
Further encouragement came from the offer of Mrs. Julia A. Batcheller to give the fine site extending from Spencer Street to Main, containing 1372 acres for the building; and the gift of Mrs. Maria M. Brown of $5,000 for the furnishing.
A committee, consisting of Doctors Howe, Pratt and Hulbert, visited hospi- tals in various parts of the country and the present main building is the result of their investigations.
Ground was broken July 18, 1900, and the General Assembly of 1901 consoli- dated the two organizations under the name of the Litchfield County Hospital of Winchester, and made further appropriation of $20,000 for building and $6,118 for maintenance.
In addition to this state aid, personal gifts of money have been large; Mrs. Batcheller giving generously in addition to the land. On the 29th of January, 1902, the Litchfield County Hospital of Winchester was formally opened and inspected by delegations from every town in the county, and the gift of $5,000 for the first free bed was announced.
At the end of the year, the records showed a total of 159 patients coming from twenty-one different towns and including twenty-four state beneficiaries. The daily average for the year was twelve. The working force had been increased from three to eight and even this number was at times inadequate and it was found necessary to employ extra nurses a few days at a time to meet special emergencies.
Within three years from its opening, ground was broken for an additional building west of the main building and similar in construction and architecture for an isolation ward. The building cost $7,000 and this expense was liquidated by Wheelock T. Batcheller. The ward was opened June 1, 1906.
The Legislature of 1909 granted an appropriation of $15,000 for the erection of a home for the nurses on the grounds.
The hospital has been generously remembered in the way of gifts, the perma- nent funds in the hands of trustees in 1917 totaling nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
LITCHFIELD COUNTY HOSPITAL, WINSTED
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The woman's auxiliary and the Litchfield County Hospital Training School for Nurses are valuable adjuncts to the hospital and from its inception have con- tinued to be of invaluable assistance. The officers of the hospital in 1917 are: President, Edward B. Gaylord; vice president, J. H. Alvord; secretary, L. C. Strong ; treasurer, Wm. H. Phelps; executive committee, E. B. Bronson, M. H. Tanner, E. R. Holmes.
HISTORY OF WINSTED'S CHURCHES
The exact date of the organization of the First Church of Christ, as the First Congregational Church was at first called, is not known. The parish records go back to March 7, 1778, at which time a meeting was held at the house of John Balcom and officers were appointed. The first step taken toward building a meeting-house appears in a vote of the society, September 26, 1780.
On October 2, 1792, a site was finally chosen on Wallin's Hill but ground was not broken until the following April. The raising occurred a month or two later, when the records read, "cakes and good cheer were provided." The build- ing was 40 by 30 feet, with gallery encircling three sides of the interior.
Soon afterwards the movement of the population toward the valley began and in eight years the church was rendered useless. Only the large horse block remains now to mark the site.
The society selected as the site for the new church the spot at the southwest corner of Winsted Park. It was a commodious edifice and stood there until 1849 or 1850 when it was moved to the site the old building still occupies and was reconstructed in part, and rededicated with an historical sermon preached by its pastor, Rev. Ira Pettibone.
During his pastorate there occurred two important events, the removal of the church, as stated above, and the withdrawal, on January 8, 1854, of fifty-one members to form the Second Congregational Church, they being desirous to locate a church near their places of residence.
On November 14, 1860, Rev. James P. Pierson was ordained to the pastorate. Reflecting the militant spirit of the times in some of his utterances, opposition was stirred up and as a result Mr. Pierson tendered his resignation, sharply rebuking those who had denied a preacher of the gospel the right to discuss the topics of the day in the pulpit. Malcolm McG. Dana, who later became one of the best known preachers in the denomination, supplied the plupit from 1862 to 1865, declining a call to the pastorate extended to him in March, 1863. Rev. T. B. R. Walker received a call January 5, 1867, and continued two years, during which time important repairs were made and the large organ which did good service for over thirty years was installed. Rev. Henry E. Cobley served as acting pastor following him. On November 10, 1867, Rev. Thomas M. Miles was ordained pastor and served until March 25, 1879. He was an able man and did very efficient work, adding 107 to the membership of the church. The par- sonage, an attractive and commodious home, was built during his pastorate. He was followed by Rev. T. F. Lee who was ordained December 30, 1870. Sixty- six members were added during his pastorate of 41/2 years. Two months after his dismissal in October, 1884, a call was extended to Rev. Henry N. Kinney. During his nine years of service 269 were added to the membership of the church. He was a leader in the Christian Endeavor movement in the state and was greatly beloved. Rev. George Foster Prentiss was installed pastor February 21, 1894, and remained until December 30, 1897. He inaugurated the movement for a new church and made a good start in raising the funds. The
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present pastor, Rev. George W. Judson, was installed June 28, 1898. To him belongs the credit largely for the completion of the subscriptions and the erection of the beautiful granite church building which was dedicated September 19, 1901, the 100th anniversary of the old meeting house being celebrated the same day.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
On January 18, 1854, an ecclesiastical council was convened at West Winsted, of which Rev. Joseph Eldridge of Norfolk was moderator. Fifty-one members of the First Church and six from other churches were organized into the Second Congregational Church. Rev. Charles H. A. Bulkley was chosen first pastor and was installed December 5, 1854. For three years and eight months, until the erection of a church edifice, services were held in Camp's Hall. The society committee was authorized to purchase the site next north of the Winsted Savings Bank. The church was dedicated September 16, 1857, free of debt. Less than two years later, in July, 1859. a chapel was erected just north of the church building.
On November 15, 1859, a Meneeley bell, weighing 2,190 pounds and costing $700, was placed in the belfry. Within three months, in a severe gale February 10, 1860, the spire was blown over, carrying the bell with it, crushing in about one-third of the roof. It required nearly a year to make the repairs and build a new steeple, costing about $3,000. The church was re-opened January 6, 1861.
The second pastor, Rev. Hiram Eddy, was installed January 9, 1861. In the following June he was granted a leave of absence for two months to accept the chaplaincy of the Second Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Bull Run and suffered severely in rebel prisons at Richmond and elsewhere for more than a year but at length returned to his pastorate.
On March 10, 1873, the society voted to make extensive repairs upon the church, chapel and parsonage. A little later an addition of twenty feet was built on to the rear of the chapel, and it was rededicated December 17, 1876. After a pastorate of ten years, Rev. Mr. Hallock was dismissed December 4, 1883. He was followed by Rev. H. H. Kelsey, who was installed September 10, 1884, and dismissed June 27, 1888. The Christian Endeavor Society was organized during his pastorate, December 14, 1885.
After Rev. Mr. Kelsey, Rev. Henry P. Peck served the church as acting pastor for nearly two years. Rev. J. Spencer Voorhees was installed April 20, 1892, and was dismissed October 9, 1896. Rev. Newell M. Calhoun succeeded him September 1, 1897. Not long after Rev. Mr. Calhoun had arrived the project for erecting a new church edifice was well under way. A subscription committee was appointed and met with splendid success. The lot on the corner of Main and Spencer streets was purchased and A. B. Jennings of New York was chosen as architect. The contract for the beautiful granite church, the first of the stone churches to be erected in Winsted and in which the town takes great pride, was awarded to Decker & St. Claire, of New York City. Ground was broken July 18, 1898. On September 10th of that year the memorial stone was laid by Deacon John Hinsdale and the church was dedicated September 5, 1899, the pastor, Rev. Mr. Calhoun, preaching the dedicatory sermon. His installa- tion occurred in connection with the services on the following day. The cost of the church, including the lot and memorial windows, was about sixty thousand dollars. The seating capacity of the auditorium is 850 and with the Sunday school rooms 1,500.
The semi-centennial celebration of the church was held January 17 and 18.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WINSTED
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WINSTED
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1904, Rev. Mr. Calhoun preaching the anniversary sermon. The membership then was 418. Rev. Everard W. Snow, the present pastor, succeeding Rev. Mr. Calhoun, entered upon his duties January 16, 1908.
In September, 1909, a large, new Hutchins three-manual pipe organ having forty-two speaking stops and costing $10,000 was dedicated. In 1917 there was a vacancy in the pastorate.
WINCHESTER CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CITURCIE
The Congregational Church at Winchester Center, the oldest in the town, was organized October 30, 1771, by the Revs. Nathaniel Roberts of Torrington and Ammi Ruhamah Robbins of Norfolk, with fourteen members, eight males and six females.
The present church building was erected in 1841 on land leased to the ecclesi- astical society by Isaac Brownson, with the agreement that no buildings should hereafter be erected on Winchester "green."
Following the pastorate of Rev. Joshua Knapp there have been six settled pastors over this church, two who have enjoyed the unique and remarkable experience of a pastorate of forty years each-Rev. Frederick Marsh, or Father Marsh as he was better known, and the revered and beloved pastor, Rev. Arthur Goodenough, known to the clergy of Connecticut and Litchfield County as the "Bishop of Winchester," who celebrated in October, 1910, the completion of his forty years as pastor of this church.
TIIE METHODIST CHURCH
The history of Methodism in Winsted dates back to some time prior to 1790, when pioneer Methodist preachers used to come occasionally while making their circuit and hold services at the home of some friend or in a barn or field.
It was not long before the little red schoolhouse at the foot of the hill on Spencer Street, which is still remembered by many inhabitants, was secured as a place for holding services for the constantly increasing number of worshippers. The Methodist society continued to hold its meetings there until the year 1807 when a site just below, adjoining the schoolhouse, was purchased and the first Methodist Church in Winsted was erected there. The building still stands.
The structure was used for a house of worship until 1834. The society had continued to grow and prosper in spite of the opposition that it constantly met, so that in 1832 it was decided to build a new and more commodious church. A lot on Main Street forming the west portion of the present church site was bought, and in 1833 a large wooden church with basement was erected. The society had reason to be proud of the new edifice which was dedicated January 29, 1834, the preacher at the dedication being Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D. D., first president of Wes- leyan University. That same year the church was set off from the old Burling- ton circuit and made a separate charge, Rev. Daniel Smith being appointed as the first pastor. This church served the needs of the society for seventy years.
A new and handsome parsonage was erected by the society on High Street during the 'zos and it still houses the pastor and his family. One of two unsuc- cessful attempts were made to secure funds for a more modern and commodious church which it was felt was beginning to be badly needed. There was a grow- ing membership but there was very little wealth represented in the church.
Fortunately for the society. in 1890, Rev. B. F. Kidder, full of energy and of large faith, was sent to the Winsted pastorate. In the fall of 1901, through the
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indefatigable efforts of the pastor, $30,000 was secured in cash and pledges, and the Batcheller property adjoining the church lot on the corner of Main and High streets was bought for $10,000, the two properties making a most desirable and commanding site. The next year, 1902, $6,000 more was raised and the contract for the beautiful new church to be faced with Torrington granite and furnished in oak was awarded to E. B. Parsons of Winsted. Two years later, in Decem- ber, the church was dedicated, Bishop Cyrus D. Foss preaching the dedicatory sermon. The entire cost of the church, including the land, furnishings, memorial windows, organ, etc., was over sixty thousand dollars, and the property is nearly paid for.
The church has a membership of over seven hundred and is in a prosperous condition. Its pastor in 1917 is Rev. Claude C. Coile.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The Connecticut Baptist convention made the first definite move for a Baptist church in Winsted. The Rev. Wallace H. Buttrick suggested that the conven- tion use money in its possession to build a church. The idea met with favor and Winsted was chosen as the place.
Among those interested in the project was the late Lieutenant-Governor James L. Howard of Hartford, who procured the plans and gave generously of time and money.
The building was erected in the fall of 1889 and the winter of 1890 on the lot given by Mr. Griswold. On May 14, 1890, the church was dedicated with fitting ceremonies.
Before the formal organization of the church a Bible school was started and grew to goodly numbers. At the first annual meeting, held in December of 1890, an average attendance of fifty-seven was reported. The home department for the "shut-ins" proved of mutual benefit through the personal touch of the visitors with the members. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was also started with about twelve members and soon grew in numbers, influence and usefulness.
On June 21, 1900, the formal organization of the church was held with impressive ceremonies.
The original constituent members numbered twenty-nine and under the wise spiritual leadership of the Rev. Philip S. Evans the membership doubled during the year and a half that he was pastor. In November, 1891, the church called for its first regular pastor, Rev. A. Willis Clark. Mr. Clark's pastorate continued for six years. He was succeeded by Rev. Frederick H. Gates, who began his labors in Winsted in May, 1898. Forty-four members were added to the church during his pastorate, which lasted for three years.
The longest pastorate in the church's history was that closed in 1911 with the resignation of Rev. Franklin D. Elmer.
The present pastor (1917) is Rev. Walter C. Scott.
ST. JAMES PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Protestant Episcopal Church had been firmly planted in Litchfield County for many decades and churches of that denomination had been established in Torrington and Riverton when soon after Easter, 1846, services were begun to be held on alternate Sundays in Winsted, in a school house, by Rev. William H. Frisbie, who ministered at Riverton and Harwinton.
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Pledges amounting to $1,500 for a church building were secured by Rev. Mr. Frisbie during the following winter, and on Easter, 1847, Rev. Jonathan Coe, under appointment of the Clerical and Missionary Association of Litchfield County, took charge of the congregation. In 1848 the services were held in a hall and on September 27th, of that year, the parish of St. James' Church was organized with fifteen members. The new church building was completed in October, and on the following All Saints' Day the church was consecrated by Bishop Brownell and at the next diocesan convention the parish was formally admitted into the diocese. For the first twenty years the new parish did little more than hold its own, the number of communicants at any time not exceeding thirty. During this period five clergymen succeeded the first rector, one of them being Rev. James R. Coe, who had been a warden. Then followed a period of great prosperity and growth in the twelve years succeeding, beginning and ending with the short rectorates of two priests, Rev. William H. Lewis, Jr., and Rev. Frederick Harriman. Under Rev. Mr. Lewis the number of communicants became sixty-one, and in fourteen months Rev. Mr. Harriman baptized fourteen adults and twenty-four children and presented twenty-six for confirmation, leav- ing 135 names on the communicant roll.
In 1880 began the long rectorate of Rev. George M. Stanley, covering nearly a third of the parish's history, in which there were 125 marriages entered upon the church register. A half century of parochial life, marked by years filled with employment in the Master's cause and by many successes, ended in this rectorate.
Early in the history a rectory had been provided and care had been taken for its maintenance.
The rectorate of Rev. S. Wolcott Linsley, which terminated in 1911, cover- ing eight years, marked another era of progress in spiritual and numerical growth in the church's history.
The present rector is Rev. Robert V. K. Harris.
A. M. E. ZION CIIURCH
Religious work among the colored people in Winsted as a separate denomina- tion was begun about sixteen years ago, when William N. Berry was sent here by the New England conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to work among his people. Services were held at first in the town hall and later Mr. Berry engaged Mechanics Hall for their place of worship and this was used until 1909.
The new church was dedicated on Sunday, January 3d, 1909. The corner- stone was laid at the same time, provision having been made for its being slid into place.
THIE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
Christian Science has had adherents in Winsted for many years, as far back as in the 'gos, but not until December, 1900, did Christian Scientists take any active steps to hold public Christian Science services. In January, 1901, a Chris- tian Science society was organized and from that date a steady increase of inter- est has developed and at present Winsted has a thriving, working society.
Since December 9, 1900, and until 1911, public services were held continu- ously in Winsted either in private homes or halls. Since 1905 the society has held services in rooms especially fitted up for it on the second floor of the Wet- more Block. It has also maintained reading rooms open to the public daily from 3 to 5 P. M., except Sundays and holidays.
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During 1910 the society reorganized and now is a state corporation. This was necessitated by the acquiring of property by the society, it having purchased what has been known as the old Lincoln property on the corner of High Street and Fairview Avenue, at the head of Union Street. It is on this lot that ground was broken for the new church edifice.
The first reader of the church in 1917 is Mrs. Carrie Spencer. The treasurer is Raymond W. Churchill.
THE HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN WINSTED
With the Catholics of the entire town solidly united in a single parish, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church stands out forcibly in the religious life of the community and its influence is widely felt.
It has just completed its magnificent new church at the corner of Main and Oak streets.
The Catholic Church in Winsted dates back to 1851, when Rev. James Lynch, who resided in Birmingham (now Derby), New Haven County, at the time, began making occasional visits to Winsted, celebrating mass in a schoolhouse in the west end of the borough. He was not long in organizing his flock, however, for in 1852 the land occupied by the former church on Oak Street was purchased and the same year Rev. Thomas Quinn entered upon pastoral duties and com- menced the erection of the church. A recent graduate of the Roman Catholic Theological Seminary at Fordham, N. Y., Father Quinn was a brilliant orator and a year later he was transferred to a more important field. Rev. Phillip Guil- lick, already well known among the priesthood as "the great church builder," succeeded him and completed the church, although greatly handicapped by a shortage of funds.
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