USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Woodbury > History of ancient Woodbury, Connecticut : from the first Indian dead in 1659 to 1872, Vol. II > Part 18
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
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BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE.
BY THE REV. GURDON W. NOYES.
"I HAVE CONSIDERED THE DAYS OF OLD : THE YEARS OF ANCIENT TIMES."-Psalm 77 : 5.
To many in this age there is little enchantment in the distant past. The present is so full of duty and enjoyment, and the future is so bright with hope and promise, that they readily forget "The days of old, the years of ancient times." Hereby they lose much of help and cheer in their life-work. It is, as we trace our connec- tion with departed worthies, and realize our indebtedness to them for present privileges and blessings, that we are incited to emu- late their virtues, and fitly labor for posterity and Heaven. To- day this church completes a history of two hundred years. With- in this period great events have transpired on this globe in rapid succession ; events which have changed the entire face of human society. Empires have been built up and cast down ; nations have been born and buried ; modes of government, and systems of opin- ion, have flourished and decayed, and yet amid all these changes, this church has continued steadfast in its faith and worship. Its founders ere long passed away, but they left behind a godly seed, and so from generation to generation this candlestick of the Lord has been kept in its place, and from it has ever shone forth the pure light of the Gospel. It is a fitting time to trace its course, recall the bright names identified with it, and note Heaven's favor toward it. The church and congregation of to-day, on whom has devolved the duty of arranging this celebration, do here and now, through, me, most heartily welcome to these sacred festivities all who are drawn hither by filial or fraternal affection. Let us to- gether scan the wisdom and love of God in planting this goodly vine near the Indian wigwam, and keeping it in such vigorous growth down the ages, and join our earnest petitions that it may continue to flourish in the future, ever covering the hills with its shadow, and extending its boughs like goodly cedars.
The church has been signally fortunate in receiving one from another State, William Cothren, Esq., who, in filial love, and with great skill and fidelity, has written her history, and that of the
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town as well. In this, her records, and kindred sources, I have found such rare and rich materials for a historic sketch, as to be puzzled in deciding what to leave out, so as to bring it within proper limits, and have it symmetrical and just. Aiming only at impartiality, pertinence, accuracy, I frankly submit my work to your kind and Christian consideration.
In 1650 the churches of New England began to be agi- tated by what was termed the half-way covenant system. By this system persons of good moral character, recognizing bap- tism, assenting to the creed, and signifying their intention of becoming true Christians, were admitted to all the rights and privileges of church members, except partaking of the Lord's Supper. Controversy rose to such a pitch upon the matter, that a council of leading ministers convened in Boston, in 1647, to deliberate upon it, and they decided in its favor. The church in Stratford did not believe in the practice, and would not adopt it, even after the decision. A respectable minority, however, clung to it, and were uneasy at its disregard, and the more so as they felt that it was largely owing to the influence of Mr. Chauncy, who had been recently settled against their wishes. By earnest argument, and fraternal remonstrance, they sought to secure accordance of views, or if not that, an arrangement by which each party could have its own minister, and worship at dif- ferent hours of the Sabbath in the same sanctuary. According to the custom of the day, the aid of the general court was called in. The discussion was keen and spirited on both sides, though digni- fied and courteons. As the result, early in 1668, the minority had the civil sanction to obtain their own minister, and had three hours of the Sabbath to worship in the Sanctuary. They soon engaged Rev. Zechariah Walker, a licentiate from Jamaica, L. I., to act as their pastor. But their position was still unpleasant and unsatisfactory, as the other party would allow them no use of the church, and spoke of their unordained minister to his and their disparagement. So, despairing of any agreement, they deter- mined to set up for themselves. They appointed a day for the purpose, and spending most of it in prayer for the Lord's guidance and blessing, they entered into solemn covennat with God, and one another. Then calling neighboring churches together, and renewing that covenant, which is a model for brevity, scriptural- ness and beauty, they were constituted the second church in Strat- ford, on May 5th, 1670, and Mr. Walker was ordained their pastor. Twenty males comprised the church at its outset. Some of them
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forcasting separation as the probable relief from their difficulties, had made provision for a new sphere for growth and enjoyment, by applying to purchase lands of the Indians, as early as 1667. Accordingly, at the suggestion of Gov. Winthrop, who deemed the course best for the churches and the colony, the court, in May, 1672, granted them the privilege of erecting a plantation at Pom- peraug. Early the next spring twenty-five families migrated to this place, then a wilderness. Mr. Walker divided his ministra- tions between this flock and that at Stratford until June, 1678, when he moved here. Seventeen more had been added to the church, and so it started as the first church of Woodbury, with thirty-seven members, six of whom were females, and full one-third of the half-way covenant type. Yet, few as they were in numbers, busied as they were in procuring food and houses for their fami- lies, beset as they were with difficulties of every kind, beyond our conception, they cheerfully undertook the sustainment of the Gos- pel in their midst. They sequestered lands for the use of their pastor, and freely taxed themselves for his support. At first reli- gious services were held in each other's houses in winter, and in summer on the east side of the Orenang Rocks, with sentinels stationed on their summits, to guard against sudden attack from hostile Indians. On this account the name of Bethel Rock has been given to the spot. In later times, good men, their descend- ants and others, have repaired thither for meditation and prayer. Hence, though beautiful in itself, with its surroundings of tree, shrub and flower, and for its clear out-look upon the charming valley, it is more so for its historic incidents and hallowed associa- tions. For several years, during King Philip's war, the people were so absorbed in erecting fortified houses, furnishing soldiers for the colony, and providing guards for their own safety, that they could do nothing toward supplying themselves with a place of public worship. But early in 1681, when the stress of care and peril had passed, they took the matter up, and after some little difference of opinion as to the site, they came to a pleasant agree- ment by leaving the decision to two prominent and disinterested outsiders. The house was at once erected, and stood just below the present residence of Hon. Nathaniel B. Smith. It was large and plain, with pulpit opposite the entrance, and with elevated pews and high-backed seats. The people were called to worship therein by the peculiar tap of a drum upon the high rock nearly opposite. Here Mr. Walker preached the word until his death in 1700, at 63
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years of age. His papers in the Stratford discussion evince his learning, ability and piety. His thirty years' hold upon the atten- tion and regard of the people, as well as the harmony and growth of the church, evince his power as a preacher, and his wisdom as a pastor. During his ministry he received one hundred and eight to the church, and baptized three hundred and seventy-six. The church sincerely mourned him as their heroic leader and faithful shepherd.
In the same year they invited Mr. Anthony Stoddard, then just licensed, to preach to them. They soon became so interested in him, as to desire him to settle. As an inducement to this end, the people in lawful town meeting voted as a salary seventy pounds per annum to be paid in wheat, peas, Indian corn, pork, as also firewood, at the following prices " not to be varied from, extraor- dinary providences interposing being excepted," to wit: Wheat, 4s. 6d. per bushel; pork at 3 cents per pound ; Indian corn, 2s. 6d. per bushel ; peas, 3 shillings per bushel. They also voted to build him a house of specified dimensions, he only providing nails and glass, and also a well, and to furnish him with 115 acres of land, properly divided into lots for tillage, pasture, meadow, wood, and conveniently situated. He accepted the call, and was ordained in May, 1702, and moved into the house built for him, and which still stands in the lower part of the village, in a good state of pre- servation, after the storms of 170 years. It was built in the old lean-to style of the time, with a small room projecting at the front for a portico, which Mr. Stoddard used as his study for 58 years. May its historic character long keep it from vandal hands, as its palisadoes once kept it from the assaults of the Indians, to remind coming generations of the Christian forecast and self-denial of their fathers ! Mr. Stoddard possessed great versatility of mind ; had enjoyed the best classical and theological culture of the day, and had been favored with the counsels and example of his eminent father at Northampton. And though retiring to this then obscure parish, he found room and verge enough for the exercise of his rare powers, He soon took rank among the leading ministers of the colony. He was chairman of the committee to draft the origi- nal rules of the Litchfield Consociation, and was chosen to preach the election sermon at Hartford, in 1716. He was also as much at home in medicine and law as in theology. According to a custom then quite common, he prepared himself in these departments that he might be useful to his flock when physicians and lawyers were
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not at hand. He was probate clerk of ancient Woodbury for 40 years, and all the records are in his handwriting. He drew most of the wills of his parishioners; he was also one of the largest farmers in the town. And yet it would seem that he did not suffer these secular labors to interfere with his higher work as the Lord's ambassador.
Under his ministry the church was harmonious and prosperous, while others in the colony experienced dissensions and drawbacks. Though losing many to form churches at Southbury, Bethlehem, Judea, Roxbury, yet through frequent revivals it filled up again. In the great awakening of 1740, it received 97. Indeed admis- sions were made during all the years of his ministry save two, amounting to 616-142 of these being by the half-way covenant, most of whom, however, subsequently entered into full com- munion. He baptized 1540, and ordained five deacons. In the latter part of his ministry he was privileged to preach in a new and finer edifice, built in 1747. With remarkable retention of mental and physical powers, he labored on until his 88d year, when, after a two days' illness, he died, esteemed and lamented by the children and grand children of those whom he had followed to the tomb, and in the midst of whom they reverentially laid his body to await the general resurrection. Just before his death the people had called the Rev. Noah Benedict to settle as his col- league. He had accepted, and the day was fixed for his ordination. He was accordingly ordained Oct. 22, 1760. Mr. B. originated in Danbury ; graduated at Nassau Hall in 1757. Though a Barnabas in temperament and manner, bearing consolation and cheer unto all with whom he came in contact, yet in preaching and debate he could rise to somewhat of an Apollos in might and eloquence. The main grounds of his success, however, lay in his remarkable discretion, his eminent goodness, and his rare fidelity. At the very outset of his ministry he devised a plan to get rid of the half- way covenant, without any jar, and with good effect, though to it the church had tenaciously clung for 90 years, and that, too, when neighboring churches had dropped it long before. He also secured some slight changes in the covenant, thereby giving it such excel- lence that for 110 years no one has attempted its improvement. Rev. Worthington Wright was settled as his colleague in 1811, but in consequence of some disease of the eyes, preventing study, he was dismissed at his own request early in 1813. Mr. Benedict's pastorate, like that of his predecessors, was long, prosperous, and
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
peaceful, until near its close, when an unpleasant controversy arose about locating the third and present edifice. He received 272 to the church, baptized 758, and ordained eight deacons. He re- tained the confidence and affection of his people until his death in 1813, at 76 years of age, and the 53d of his ministry. Here and there an aged one in the parish and vicinity has a pleasant remem- brance of his person and work, and through them his influence gleams gently out on the present generation, as the sun's rays gleam upon the sky after his setting.
And here, in passing, I would call attention to the fact that the united pastorates of the three first ministers of this church cov- ered the remarkable period of 143 years, probably the only instance in the country, and one alike creditable to both parties. Fortu- nate as this ancient church may be in the future there is now little prospect that it will ever have a pastor who, in this respect, will attain unto either of the first three. After a year's vacancy, Rev. Henry P. Strong, of Salisbury, was settled over the church in May, 1814, and was dismissed in Jannary, 1816. Rev. Samuel R. Andrew, of Milford, became his successor in October, 1817. From Mr. Bene- dict's death to his settlement, the church had received 38 additions. The party too, disaffected by the location of the new church edi- fice, had withdrawn and formed themselves into a strict Congre- gational church. He entered upon his work with forecast and tact, and prosecuted it with earnestness and efficiency. Over his rich endowments and fine culture there was cast a kind, devout, loving spirit, which gave him great power as a preacher and pastor. So exemplary was he in his daily walk and conversation, that a quaint and captions neighbor once said that, "He had watched him for 25 years to find something inconsistent with his profession, but must give it up." This speaks volumes as to his discreetness and piety. Hence, no wonder that the church was united and success- ful under his care. He was blessed with three revivals, received 263, baptized 243, and ordained three deacons. Finding his health failing, he resigned, and was dismissed in 1846, about 29 years from his settlement. He removed to New Haven, where he died, May 26th, 1858, at the age of 71. Rev. Lucius Curtis, of Torring- ford, was immediately installed as Mr. Andrew's successor in July, 1846, and was dismissed in 1854, at his own request. He led the church forward, adding 70 to its membership, baptizing 36, and leaving it harmonious and hopeful. In April of the ensuing year, Rev. Robert G. Williams was installed, and remained until
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1035
July, 1859. In 1857, the second year of his ministry, some $4,000" were expended in modernizing and improving this church edifice. He also received 32 persons into this visible fold of Christ. Rev. Charles E. Robinson began to supply the pulpit early in 1861, and was ordained pastor in June, 1862. He received 17 to the church, and was dismissed at his own request, in the spring of 1864. Rev. Charles Little began to supply the pulpit in 1865, and after two years retired, having added 30 to the church. Rev. Horace Winslow, as his successor, supplied the pulpit one year, and added to the church 24. In vacancies, from time to time, 10 persons were added. Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, of Stonington, the ninth and present pastor, began his work on November 14th, 1869, and was installed on the 8th of December following. He has received 6 to the church. From its origin, this church has received into its f'1 1526; placed the seal of the covenant upon 2999, and ordained 23 deacons, only three of whom sur- vive. Its present membership is 192. Six churches have been formed entirely out of it, and two others have received a goodly number of members from it, to say nothing of its contributions to other denominations within its ancient limits, and to the churches of its own faith in the cities of the East and West. From it have sprung 13 ministers, seven by the name of Judson, one the father of Adoniram, the pioneer missionary, and another, Philo, distinguished as a revivalist. It has also been favored with a line of deacons of such rare worth and long continuance in office, as to deserve a passing notice.
Hon. John Minor, the pioneer who at the first view of this place from Goodhill, with bended knee, craved heaven's bless- ing upon the little company, and asked for a godly posterity, was in office 49 years, and seven of his descendants filled it after him, the last dying in 1865. Of these, Matthew and Truman (the last one) were distinguished for Bible knowledge, piety and usefulness. The first was in office 42 years, and several of the others of like merit were in office from 25 to 45 years; and one, Eli Summers, still remains with us who has been in office 40 years. To the wise effort, bright example, fervent prayers, of these men, the church is greatly indebted for its unity, stability and success. Society has received more marvelous modifications in these two centuries than in any other two since the Christian era. In this period, printing, steam, machinery, electricity, have been exerting their magic and civilizing power. In this period, too, gradually, indeed, church
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
edifices have improved in style and comfort. Square pews, eagle- nest pulpits, with sounding-boards, have disappeared. The wor- shippers rent their seats, and are not seated as formerly, accord- ing to age and rank. The cold, humid air, which our fathers and mothers endured for hours is rarified by the heat of stove or tur- nace. About the sanctuary no Sabbath-day houses appear; and instead of coming to church on foot, or upon saddles or pillions, as of old, the people now come in spring wagons or covered car- riages. And then at its origin, this church was one of 18 in the Connecticut colonies. Now there are 290 in the State, and 3,043 in the United States, with other evangelical denominations as strong or stronger. Then a few hundred colonists were struggling for a foothold in this wilderness, against the rigors of the climate, the assaults of savages and the interferences of the mother country. Now, there are 37 States, scattered over a vast and fertile arca, with some forty-five millions of inhabitants, under one free and beneficent government, and with almost every conceivable facility for material, intellectual and spiritual advantage. With few helps and many hindrances, our ancestors kept the flame of worship burning on the altars of this Zion. Though the church has been weakened by wars, wasted by pestilence, thinned by emi- gration, endangered by prosperity, yet it still lives and in much vigor. It is a glorious thing that it has thus held right on its way through ten generations. It has rendered acceptable service to its Head and Lord, and been a rich boon to this community.
And now, how interesting this transitional point when it is to pass over its great legacy of good to the keeping of another series of generations. Our fathers cast up stepping-stones for our ad- vancement ; not arbors wherein to take our ease. We may well glory in their work ; but if we rest upon it, the Lord will raise up children to them from the stones of the street. We should rather feel that the church is to go forward in numbers, beauty, achieve- ment, influence.
As we leave this cycle of years, lined with Christian heroes and heroines behind us, we must needs cast the horoscope of the future. We who gladly join in this jubilee, will, ere long, pass away; but others will take our places, and the tide of affairs will sweep on. When the next century comes round, and posterity gathers for commemoration, what shall be the aspect of the place, and the character of the people ? We can decide with certainty, as to some things that will greet our descendants then, as they
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1037
do us now. They will be hailed by the same spring, with its birds and flowers. They will pass up the same broad and shaded street, and look out upon the same gem of a valley, with its pic- turesque setting of hills. The rude monument of Pomperaug will remain and will be visited by the curious, as to-day. But will the people be wiser, better, happier ? Will most of them be in Christ's visible fold, as burning and shining lights ? Christian friends, the answer to these queries depends largely upon us. Our faith, zeal, fidelity, with heaven's favor, may fill the lips of posterity with glad hosannas at the tri-centennial. Gazing
backward, I seem to see the great cloud of witnesses for Jesus here clasping hands along the flying years, and as they pass on, the blessed results of their sacrifices, toils and tears, I seem to hear them say : "Freely ye have received, freely give." "Take the triumphs we have gained to cheer you; gaze upon the tro- phies we have gathered and hung around you, then press forward from conquest to conquest, until called to lay your armor down, and receive the Master's well-done." Amen.
The concluding prayer was uttered by Rev. John Churchill, and after this a recess of five minutes occurred to give opportu- nity for such as chose to retire.
During the services of the forenoon, the deacons of the mother church, our own, and those of the North church, sat about the communion table after the manner of "ye olden time." After the recess came the administration of the Lord's supper to some 800 communicants, filling the seats above and below, Rev. William K. Hall, of Stratford, and our own pastor, officiating. It was a solemn and interesting occasion-never before enjoyed here-never again to be enjoyed by us below,-when a mother church, with its own mother and six children sat down together at the "Earth- ly marriage feast of the Lamb." The remembrances of that hour will go with us through the eternal ages.
The exercises at the communion were opened by singing the following verses, beautifully rendered by William Cothren, James H. Linsley, Mrs. Enos Benham, and Mrs. Horace D. Curtiss, as a : quartette :
'Tis midnight. and on Olive's brow, The star is dimmed that lately shone ; 'Tis midnight; in the garden now, The suffering Saviour prays alone.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" 'Tis finished,"-so the Saviour cried, And meekly bowed his head, and died ;
"'Tis finished,"-yes the race is run, The battle fought, the victory won !
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ADDRESS AT COMMUNION.
FATHERS, BRETHREN, FRIENDS :- We approach this sacramental table to-day under circumstances of peculiar interest. The "com- munion of saints " is changed from a dry dogma of our creed into a blessed reality of our experience. The mother church sits down in this heavenly place in Christ Jesus, with her daughter, grand- daughters, cousins, and many of the remoter kindred and others of different denominations. No idea of the Church in the Bible is more common or beautiful than that of a family or household. God is the Father, Jesus is the elder brother, and all true believers, brothers and sisters in Him. The Savior once said that whosoever should do his will, the same was his brother, sister and mother. And Paul gathers into one family the redeemed on earth and in heaven. Ah! the hundreds who have preceded us in caring for this Zion, must be near to-day in sympathy and gratulation, though we feel not the pressure of their hands, and hear no word of cheer from their lips. And through the knowledge we have of their career and of their blest estate in glory, we can commune with them, and gather inspiration to press on in our Christian course. Friends, our time for holy fellowship and achievement here is fast passing by. The Lord help us to go down from this mount of glorious privilege with a fuller consecration to his service. Then, when called to rest from our earthly labors and cares, we shall be numbered among those who die in the Lord, and whose work's follow them !
The service was continued by Rev. William K. Hall, in the fol- lowing remarks :
BRETHREN IN CHRIST :- Our thought has been directed to the blessed truth of the unity of all believers in Christ, of the family relation in which all who are Christ's are found, a relation which death itself cannot sever.
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