USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut > Part 87
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The Second church, gathered in New Roxbury, pursued its way quietly after the settlement of Mr. Williams. Comprising at
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first residents throughout the parish, its numbers were reduced by the development of Baptist principles and interests; yet the number of children baptized was very large. Mr. Williams was an able preacher and ranked well among the ministry of the day. He was also a successful teacher, receiving many young men into his family for instruction. His own sons, Stephen and Timothy, were fitted for college, together with John McClellan and other Woodstock youths. Diaries kept by Messrs. Stephen and Timothy Williams give a vivid picture of colonial and col- lege life. The Williams homestead, with its inmates, comes freshly before us. We see the busy pastor studying, writing, visiting the sick, attending numerous funerals, catechizing the children in various schools, and entertaining the increasing flow of company with patriarchal hospitality. The young men study and read, help about farm work, install the great logs upon the hearthstone, and bring reports from the busy world about them. With them we participate in installation and training days, fu- nerals and frolics, school exhibition and college commencement, and gather all the news and gossip of neighborhood and towns adjoining. How vital the question of the new mode of singing, just introduced into West Woodstock church ! Our young men favor regular singing and set tunes, and record with reprehen- sion the conduct of those church fathers who stalk out of the meeting house when "Virginia" is sung, or other obnoxious tunes attempted. In 1782 it was voted " That the singing be carried on by reading the portion line by line till the last sing- ing of the afternoon, and then a whole verse to be read at a time." Six choristers were appointed to lead in this exercise. This proving unsatisfactory, "that they may all rest easy," after large debate it was decided " That the deacon read the portion line by line in the forenoon, and in the afternoon a verse at a time, ex- cept the double-verse tunes, and them to be sung through with- out reading."
The meeting house soon after this date was thoroughly re- paired, fitted up with pews, and painted in fashionable stone color, the roof a Spanish brown. Mr. Williams remained in charge till advanced age, sustaining through life a very amiable and worthy character. His son Stephen was cordially invited to the vacant pastorate, but thought best to decline. The place wa's filled by another resident of the parish, Alvan Underwood, a graduate of Brown University, ordained and installed May 27th,
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1801. John Fox, Elias Child, 2d, and Philip Howard served as society committee; John Austin, Parker Morse and John Paine as special committee, "to attend on and see to seating people, and to keeping order and regularity in the assembly of specta- tors." The pastorate thus inaugurated was peaceful and pros- perous. Mr. Underwood was of an especially genial and sym- pathetic nature, beloved by old and young. The church singing was carried on successfully and harmoniously, Mr. Jathniel Per- rin, a famous singing master, taking the place of the former six choristers. The new bass-viol introduced during this period was cared for and kept in order by Benjamin Lyon, 3d, Abiel Fox and Abraham Paine.
In 1821 a new meeting house was completed. Darius Barlow, John Fox, Abram W. Paine, Elias Child, 2d, Benjamin Lyon, 2d, successfully circulated subscriptions for necessary funds. A year's salary for that purpose was relinquished by Mr. Under- wood. Ebenezer Skinner, Benjamin E. Palmer and William Lyon were deputized " to stick the corner stakes for the founda- tion," and within two years the work was accomplished. Several revivals were enjoyed and valued accessions made to the church during Mr. Underwood's ministry, and its first Sabbath school was successfully established. Thomas Child, Edmund Chamber- lain, Ebenezer Corbin, Timothy Perrin, Shubael Child, Gideon Shaw, Henry Bowen, Stephen Johnson, Albe Abbot, Jacob Lyon, Alexander Dorrance and Laban Underwood had then served the church in the office of deacon. March 30th, 1833, Mr. Under- wood was dismissed from his office, and engaged mainly in evan- gelistic labor, returning to West Woodstock in the closing years of his life.
John D. Baldwin in 1834 entered upon three years service. During his ministry a new confession of faith and church cove- nant were prepared and adopted, and pains taken to collect and preserve the church records. Reverend Benjamin Ober was in- stalled pastor December 4th, 1839. The revival of 1841-2 brought thirty-eight persons into the church. Ill health soon com- pelled Mr. Ober to resign his office. Reverend E. F. Brooks served from 1846 to 1849. Reverend Joseph W. Sessions was in- stalled March 27th, 1854, and continued ten years in service. About seventy were added to the church during the great revi- val season of 1857-58, adding much to its strength and vitality. Equally fruitful was the ministry of his successor, Reverend
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Henry F. Hyde, whose praise is still vocal in other Windham county churches. During his three years' ministry in West Woodstock the Sabbath school was much increased and many families added to the congregation.
Other faithful ministers have followed as stated supplies, the latest but the present, Reverend John P. Trowbridge, preparing an interesting historical discourse, delivered in his own church September 29th, 1886, in commemoration of the two hundreth anniversary of the settlement of the town. Reverend John Avery, one of the former pastors of the church, assisted in the service. Ancient hymns were sung under the leadership of Mr. Luther Fox, and many aged members of the church enjoyed the privileges of the occasion. Though from unfavorable cir- cumstances, the church in West Woodstock has lapsed from its early prominence and standing, it has sent out into the world many faithful men and women, and fulfilled in good measure the designs and hopes of its founders.
A Baptist church was organized in New Roxbury parish in 1766. A Baptist element had previously existed, and a Six Prin- ciple Baptist church had been formed and disbanded. Fresh in- terest in Baptist principles was aroused by the preaching of Reverend Noah Alden, a popular Baptist minister, which led to the conversion of young Biel Ledoyt, a former leader in merry- making and frolic. Young friends attempting to ridicule and argue with him were themselves convicted and converted, and many young people became subjects of a powerful work of grace. " Parents were amazed to see their giddy children distressed for their souls." Frolic and dance were given up, the Bible and good books read eagerly, meetings for prayer and exhortation greatly frequented. The standing church of West Woodstock, always noted for formality and somewhat rigid orthodoxy, looked with some suspicion upon these irregular and enthusiastic dem- onstrations. A church fast was proclaimed, and several sound divines invited to advise in this emergency, who, with marvelous lack of wisdom, " fell to reading about false spirits, and Satan transforming himself into an angel of light," insinuating that the late powerful work was a delusion, and "the first instru- ments of their awakening " the deceivers which should come in at the last time.
No wonder that these young converts turned to the church which offered them comfort and liberty, and separating from the
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church of their fathers, agreed to meet together as a society, im- proving the gifts which God had given them. At the first favor- able opportunity a number were baptized by immersion, and in February, 1766, a church of sixteen members was constituted, under the guidance of three ordained Baptist members. In- creasing rapidly in numbers, May 26th, 1768, Biel Ledoyt was ordained as its pastor.
As the First Baptist church in a large section of country it held a commanding position, and was early connected with the Warren Association, of Rhode Island. Opposition from the standing church increased its influence and popularity with the masses. While a majority of the West Woodstock church was disposed to admit the claims of this Baptist church and release its members from taxation, a minority stoutly denied the validity of their organization, and protested against "freeing the Ana- baptist people in this society from paying minister's rates amongst us." After much discussion and wrangling the matter was referred to the wise judgment of Jonathan Trumbull, who showed with much clearness, "that the Baptist churches in this Colony are no otherwise known in law than that church of Bap- tists in your society is, that those people having formed them- selves into a Baptist church and society are excused from paying any part in your society tax for the support of your minister."
This matter settled, the church continued to gain in num- bers. A rough meeting house was soon built and well filled with hearers. With some peculiarities of character and ex- pression, Elder Ledoyt was an able preacher. Timothy Wil- liams attending a chance service in 1788, reports, "a thronged assembly; First prayer, seven or eight minutes; sermon, Eph. III : 8, one hour in length; last prayer, ten minutes." Serious difficulties soon after ensued, scattering the large congregation and dividing the church. Various councils failing to heal the breach, Elder Ledoyt withdrew to Newport, N. H., "leaving his flock in a very broken and divided condition." Members were added through the labors of Samuel Webster, a colored evangelist. January 19th, 1799, Brother Robert Stanton was or- dained as pastor over the First Baptist church in Woodstock, "as long as they are profitable to each other." During his ministry some fifty were added to the church, and a new church edifice constructed.
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Difficulties marring the profitableness of Mr. Stanton's min- istry, he was succeeded by Elder Ledoyt in 1806, who found a door opened by God's Providence, " whereby he must return and labor with the church of his youth." Malignant disease ended life and faithful service, March 24th, 1813. He was suc- ceeded by Elder Nicholas Branch, long known and honored in the ministry, but then a youth just entering ministerial ser- vice. "Peace, love, union and prosperity " were enjoyed dur- ing his six years' ministry. In succeeding brief pastorates a remarkable revival was experienced, adding sixty to the church. Uniting in the Ashford Association, formed in 1825, it reported 110 members, 45 baptisms during the year. The faithful labors of Elder George B. Atwell extended over nine years, and were greatly blessed to the growth and spirituality of the church. His successors, Elders Nathan D. Benedict and Bela Hicks, were faithful and successful pastors.
The great revival season of 1841-42, brought the member- ship of the church to nearly two hundred. Reverends Isaac Woodbury, Henry Bromley, Edward Brown, Thomas Holman and John Paine officiated as pastors in varying terms of ser- vice. Reverend Leavitt Wakeman served from 1855 to 1858, when Elder Branch again assumed the charge. Reverend W. A. Worthington followed in 1861, and was succeeded in 1865 by Reverend J. Torrey Smith. The hundredth anniversary of the organization of the church was observed in November, 1866, when a valuable historic discourse was delivered by the pastor. Former pastors assisted in the service in person or by appropriate letters. In 1869 the meeting house was thoroughly repaired and renovated, the sisters of the church giving much effective aid. Reverend Sylvester Barrows served as pastor from 1869 to 1874. A new parsonage was built by the society during his pastorate. Reverend Samuel J. Bronson became pastor in 1875, and died in charge in 1879. His successor, Reverend William H. Smith, remained in service six years.
Loss of population has told heavily upon this as on other churches in West Woodstock, so that its present membership is much reduced. Four of its members have been licensed to go forth as preachers, viz., Miner G. Clark, John B. Guild, Hugh Dempsey, Percival Mathewson. A beloved sister of the church, Calista Holman, the wife of Reverend Justus H. Vinton, has ac- complished most valued missionary work among the Karens.
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Her son, Justus B. Vinton, while laboring in the same distant field, maintained his connection with the West Woodstock Bap- tist church. Many other members have gone out to help build up and strengthen other churches throughout our own country. The list of deacons serving the church comprises many honored names, viz., Nehemiah Underwood, John Morse, David Bolles, Samuel Crawford, Sr., Aaron Gage, Penuel Corbin, Sr. and Jr., Luther Tucker, Charles Mathewson, Samuel Crawford, Jr., Hal- sey Leonard, Joseph E. Dean, Shubael Day, Francis L. Corbin.
Woodstock's Second Baptist church was gathered at what was known as Quasset, June 29th, 1792. The council was held at the spacious old Bolles House, occupied by Jesse Bolles, tanner and shoemaker, a prominent Baptist. Thirty-five members united in fellowship. Amos Wells of Stonington, was ordained pastor August 9th the same year. Jesse Bolles and Robert Baxter were chosen deacons. A convenient house of worship was soon erected on land given by Deacon Bolles. The Stonington Association met with this church in 1795, and found a membership of 76. Deacons Baxter and Bolles, Brothers James, Jeremiah and Childs Wheaton, Charles Chandler, Robert Aplin, Artemas Bruce and Thomas Bugbee, were chosen a committee to aid in settling dif- ficulties between the members in 1802. William H. Manning was chosen deacon upon the removal of Deacon Bolles; Childs Wheaton succeeded Deacon Baxter. Elder Wells was retained as pastor till 1811, a man of power and public influence, es- pecially in relation to the ecclesiastic constitution of Connecti- cut. When, by vote of the town, Baptists and Methodists were allowed to preach to the freemen on election day, Elder Wells chose for his text Paul's assertion, " But I was free born," and his stirring sermon was published and widely circulated.
His successor, Reverend George Angell, was a man of lovely Christian spirit. James Wheaton, Thomas Bugbee, William Manning, John Sanger are names honored in the history of this Woodstock Second Baptist church. Deacon Sanger received liberty to preach as he had opportunity, and his fervent exhorta- tions are still remembered. The prevalence of Millerite senti- ments greatly reduced the membership of the church, but its prosperity returned with its removal to South Woodstock, where a new church edifice was erected in 1844, upon land granted by the town. The venerable John Paine then served as pastor. Many other faithful men have served in its ministry. Elder John.
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Paine, honored in many Baptist churches, officiated at the time of the removal to South Woodstock. The late Reverend Per- cival Mathewson, born and reared in Woodstock, spent his clos- ing years with this church.
The church of East Woodstock, or Muddy Brook, as it was formerly called, assumed local habitation in that precinct early in 1760, taking with it minister, records, church utensils, indicative of previous existence. There is no evidence of any reorganization at that date. An established church or body of believers sim- ply changed its place of worship. An ecclesiastic society, known as the Third or North parish of Woodstock, was organized Oc- tober 30th, 1760, Nathaniel Child, Nehemiah Lyon, Caleb May, committee. It was voted, November 24th, "To build a meeting house of the same bigness as that admired edifice in the first so- ciety." The choice of site occasioned some delay, during which interval the church held services in the dwelling house of Ben- jamin Child, Jr., still standing near the residence of Mr. N. E. Morse. Successive committees agreed in fixing the meeting house spot on land given by Nathaniel Child, east of the brook, but there were those who preferred a more westward site, and transmitted their preference to their descendants. Nathaniel Child, Esq., Lieutenant Ephraim Child, Ensign Stephen May, Stephen Lyon, Ezra May, served as building committee.
The house was so far completed as to be ready for occupation August 8th, 1762. Pew spots were granted to Reverend Abel Stiles, Madam Urania Lyon (widow of Captain Jabez Lyon, a prominent resident then recently deceased), Stephen Lyon, Dea- con Daniel Lyon, Nathaniel Child, Esq., Captain Nehemiah Lyon, Benjamin Wilkinson, Henry Child, Elisha Child, Deacon John May, Caleb May, Thomas May, Ephraim Child, Job Re- vere, Stephen May, Joshua May, Samuel Chandler, Benjamin Child, Jr., Josiah Sumner, Samuel Corbin, Jesse Carpenter, Alex- ander Brown, Moses Marcy and Seth Chandler. Four pews in the rear were added afterward. The house was large and abun- dantly lighted, and seated a large congregation.
Mr. Stiles completed a new dwelling house nearly opposite in 1763, and enjoyed a peaceful anchorage after his many trials. Substantial residents in adjacent parts of New Roxbury and Thompson parishes were annexed to the society. Land for a burial ground was purchased of Elisha Child, and Nathaniel Child was chosen to care for the meeting house and dig the graves.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Singing received immediate attention, Nathaniel Child and Caleb May being selected "to tune the Psalms of this society." Joseph Manning and Increase Child were soon called to render assistance in that office. In 1774 Asa Child, Samuel Corbin, Jr., and Chester Child were requested to assist in tuning the psalm. As early as 1780 money was paid for "instruction in singing," probably to Jedidiah Morse, Jr., a proficient in that line. Oppo- sition to new tunes was manifested, as in West Woodstock, by the withdrawal of offended hearers, Deacon Nehemiah Lyon marching gravely out when St. Martyn's was sung.
Mr. Stiles remained in charge till 1783, though in great bodily infirmity, "his soul wading in clouds and temptations." Im- pressive funeral services are reported in the diary of Stephen Williams : " A crowded assembly of above a thousand persons, the remains of Rev. Abel Stiles being placed in the broad alley, Mr. Gleason made first prayer ; Dadda preached (Rev. Stephen Williams) ; Mr. Ripley in behalf of the mourners made a short but comprehensive and pertinent speech at the grave after Mr. Russel had closed with prayer." Reverend Joshua Johnson, previously ordained as colleague, continued in charge till 1790. Mr. Stephen Williams, as delegate, reports the ordination of his successor, Reverend William Graves, August 31st, 1791. After preliminary grog drinking at Nehemiah Child's, "the council marched into the meeting house followed by the multitude, a thousand of whom filled the house, and perhaps five hundred without. Rev. Josiah Whitney as scribe read the doings of council. Woodstock was sung before the prayer, then Mon- tague. Joseph Lyman gave a solid old divinity sermon from John 21, 17, forty-five minutes ; addressed only pastor elect and society. Mr. Whitney with imposition of hands made ordain- ing prayer, ten minutes. Rev. Stephen Williams gave the charge, eight minutes, Eliphalet Lyman with considerable pathos the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Mr. Graves read psalm, well sung-Lisbon-and dismissed people a little after one ; attention and decent solemnity remarkable ; no opposition appears though a number profess neutrality. By Mr. Graves' request drank punch, cherry, and wine, and dined well with the council at Mr. Thomas May's, who entertains gratis. Rode with Mr. Mosely of Sturbridge or Hampton, theologue, towards night, to Bowen's, and spent the evening in festivity with ladies and gentlemen from Woodstock, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Thompson,
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Sturbridge ; cost 5/4. Saw most of them away, but the dark- ness prevented finding all the horses. called next day on Mr. Graves; drank wine and had a water-melon feast."
This festive ordination inaugurated a very serious and profit- able pastorate. Mr. Graves was an earnest and devoted Chris- tian laborer, greatly esteemed by his own people and brethren
in the ministry. A fund had now been raised for the mainten- ance of public worship, and those who did not approve of the legal minister's rates were released upon easy terms. Collec- tions were taken for the Connecticut Missionary Society, and four months absence was granted Mr. Graves to go on a mission among the new settlements. Church music was aided by a grand bass-viol, manipulated by Pearley Lyon and Chester May, and the singing school kept by William Flynn for one dollar per evening. Nehemiah Child had succeeded to the office of grave- digger. Alfred Walker, Amasa Lyon, Rensselaer Child, John Paine and Stephen Child were chosen in 1814 to act as superin- tendents of funerals.
Reverend Mr. Graves died in 1813, and was succeeded by Sam- uel Backus, of Canterbury, ordained January 19th, 1815. A very remarkable revival was soon experienced by the church, adding some two hundred within two years to its membership. Mr. Backus was pre-eminently a man of faith and prayer, and though moderate in discourse, made deep impression upon the heart. He organized a Bible class of seventy-five members, of whom fifty-nine came into the church at one communion. A very effective Sabbath school was begun in 1818. The deacons up to this date had been Caleb May, Nehemiah Lyon, Elisha Child, Charles Child, Aaron Lyon, Nathaniel Briggs. William Child was chosen in 1819; Luther Child in 1824. Additional funeral superintendents were Oliver Morse, Alduce Penniman, Ezra Child, William Child, Penuel May and John Fowler.
Contentions respecting the site of a projected meeting house troubled the closing years of Mr. Backus' ministry, leading to the disruption of society and church, and the erection of two church edifices. A majority of the society favoring the house built at Village Corners, the eastward residents organized as a distinct society December 26th, 1831. Their meeting house was already in progress, John Paine, Judah and Pearley Lyon, com- mittee. The site was given by Messrs. Nehemiah and William Child. William Child, Chester May, Charles Child, Jr., James
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Lamson, Oliver Morse, William and Abiel May, Caleb, Erastus and Stephen Child and Elias Mason, 2d, were added to the com- mittee. April 25th, 1832, the house was formally dedicated, and Reverend Orson Cowles ordained as pastor. W. M. Cornell had supplied the pulpit in the interim after the dismission of Mr. Backus. During Mr. Cowles' five years' ministry remarkable re- vivals were enjoyed, bringing many converts into the depleted church. Mr. Boutelle's ministry (1837-1849) was marked by a great advance in benevolent contributions. Reverends James A. Clark, Michael Burdette and J. A. Roberts served for short periods.
Next followed the pastorate of Reverend Edward H. Pratt, ex- tending from 1855 to April, 1867, so abounding in all good influ- ences. Faithful in every detail of duty, interested in everything relating to the well being of individual or community, the pro- motion of temperance principles and practice was the crowning interest of Mr. Pratt's useful life. His influence, especially upon the young men of his own congregation and the children of the Sabbath school, was most vital and permanent, and has greatly strengthened the temperance standing of the town. Called to active service as the secretary of the Connecticut Temperance Union, his aid and counsel were ever given freely to town and church till his lamented death. Succeeding his ministry were the short terms of Reverends Francis Dyer, W. A. Benedict, C. A. Stone, W. H. Phipps and J. A. Hanna, extending to 1875, when the two North Woodstock parishes again united in service, each occupying its own church edifice part of the Sabbath.
The East Woodstock house has been thoroughly renovated and improved, and the singing, under Messrs. Harris May and William Child, maintains its ancient reputation. The deacon's office since 1832 has been filled by Elisha C. Walker, T. B. Chandler, Asa Lyon, Halsey Bixby, George A. Paine, Monroe W. Ide, John Paine, Edwin R. Chamberlain. Willard Child, D. D., Albert Paine and Charles Walker, D. D., have gone out from it into the ministry. The son of Doctor Walker, George L. Walker, D. D., is the well known pastor of Centre church, Hartford, Conn.
The Northward wing of the East Woodstock church took pos- session of its new house of worship February 10th, 1831. Its first pastor was Reverend Foster Thayer, ordained and installed the following June. During his five years' labor forty were ad-
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ded to the church. His successor, Reverend L. S. Hough, con- tinued in charge four years. Reverends Willard Child and D. C. Frost officiated until the installation of William H. Marsh November 30th, 1844, who accomplished nearly seven years' service. O. D. Hine, D. M. Elwood and John White followed in quick succession. Reverend T. H. Brown, a young man of much promise, was removed by death after a pastorate of two years. Reverend J. W. Kingsbury, installed in 1869, dismissed in 1871, was the last pastor settled by the church. Reverend W. A. James, of Killingly, served as acting pastor for four years, during which time the church edifice was destroyed by fire. Subscriptions were immediately circulated and a sufficient sum raised to repair the loss. Children of former members and generous friends helped in fitting up the new building, which was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1873. After the re- moval of Mr. James in 1875, the North and East churches united in support of a minister. Reverends C. N. Cate, T. M. Boss, John Parsons and C. W. Thompson, have served successively as pastors of the two societies. The present incumbent is Rever- end F. H. Viets.
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