USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Woodbury > History of ancient Woodbury, Connecticut : from the first Indian dead in 1659 to 1872, Vol. II > Part 21
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" The Devil-Hurrah! I'm right glad ! Now the old fellow will never do much more hurt to my kingdom!"
" All Hell-Hurrah ! hurrah ! "
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It is needless to state that Dr. Bellamy remained " in the woods " with the church of his first love, and "his sepulchre is with us to this day." Of his scarcely less illustrious successor, Dr. Backus, time forbids me to speak. The ministry of these two men of God reached over a period of 70 years, more than half the history of the church. Under Dr. Bellamy, nearly two hundred and fifty united with the church, and under Dr. Backus, one hundred and forty-eight. Then followed the shorter ministries of Mr. Langdon of nine years, who received one hundred and three into the church ; Mr. Stanton of four years, who received twenty-two, and Mr. Couch of five years, who received fifty-two.
These were sound, godly men, whose labors resulted in much good. The church received as its next pastor, from a sister church (Roxbury,) Mr. Harrison, whose ministry,was long, peaceful and prosperous. He received into membership one hundred and nine persons. Of the two later pastors-known to you all-still labor- ing in other fields, I may not speak. Mr. Loomis received seven- ty-three into the church; Mr. Wright, fourteen. Under the pres- ent pastorate, fifty-seven have united with the church.
Favored with such a ministry in the past, this daughter has been sound in the faith, a spiritual-minded church, and often refreshed with heavenly blessings. In such a family gathering as this, it may not be immodest for her briefly to state some facts in her history of which she feels justly proud. She was among the first churches in the land to see the folly and abandon the practice of the " half-way covenant." She is a temperance society by a vote of the church. She has never indulged in what has come to be a mod- ern luxury to most churches-a stated supply. She believes in the holy ordinance of ecclesiastical marriage. In all her history there have been but four years in which she has been without a pastor. Finally, she claims to have the oldest Sabbath School (in the modern form of that institution) in the country, if not in the world. Forty years before Robert Raikes ever thought of such a thing, the first pastor of this church, with his deacons, was wont to gather on Sabbath noon, the youth of the congregation into classes for instruction from the Bible and the Catechism. That Sabbath School has maintained an unbroken organization down to this day. The daughter on the hills has never been and probably never will be a large church. She is located in a sparsely settled agricultural community, whose high hills and deep vales no railroad will dare look in the face. Emigration constantly drains off her
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young people. Two churches of other denominations have grown up by her side, and to a great extent out of her material. But she trusts that she has a mission in the future as she has had in the past. That mission will be to endeavor to sanctify the stream of young life that flows out from her as naturally as the waters run from her hills, that it may prove a blessing to the church of Christ and to the world. If she shall send forth in the future any " streams that shall make glad the city of our God," she will not live in vain, even though she continue to be " among the least of Princes of Judea." May the daughter on the hills never be mothertheless, and may the mother in the valley never mourn the loss of her daughter, until we are all taken to our Father's home in the church triumphant.
JUDEA !- Thou " praise of the Lord," seated on thy hill like the ancient hill of Zion; beautiful for situation, fit place for a new temple ; " Unanymously and Lovingly Agreed upon," third pledge of our affections, we greet thee !
Response by Rev. W. S. Colton.
MR. PRESIDENT :- I should almost have imagined, but for the address of the last speaker, (Rev. G. W. Banks), that I was in a Woman's Rights Convention, so much has been said about Grand- mother, and Mother, and Daughters, in the remarks already made. But as I looked around me, and caught sight of various beards and mustaches, and other evidences of the presence of the mas- culine persuasion in the audience generally, and remembered that we had just been attending the dedication of the Fathers' Monu- ment, and saw from the programme that the speaking on this occasion was to be by men, I felt reassured of the character of the event which has convened us here.
I ought, in passing, to notice the observations of my good brother from Southbury, (Rev. Mr. Smith), who has informed us in glowing terms how delightfully his Church is situated on "the Jordan," and has dilated on the pleasantness of the region there- about, in language highly wrought and very jubilant. But ac- cording to my studies in Sacred Geography, the Jordan runs through Judea, and I feel quite disposed to claim a part of that same river and the lovely valley adjacent, for that third daughter, which I represent, in my response to-day. I have also read in an old prophet, words like these: "Thou Bethlehem in the land of
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AKE MERAUMAUU
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Judah (Judea ?) art not the least among the thousands of Israel," -so I think we on the hills may fairly share in the honors as well as territory of some of our neighbors.
Speaking of Bethlehem, sir, reminds me of the story Dr. Taylor used to tell of Drs. Bellamy and Backus, the famous pas- tors of that Church, formerly. Some one asked an old negro, who had sat for many years under their preaching, which of the two he liked the best ? " Massa Bellamy, sir." " Why so, Sambo ? " "'Cause, Massa Backus make God big-but Massa Bellamy make God bigger !"
May it be the aim and lot of him, the now pastor of this Church, so to magnify God to the people by his preaching, that some witness will in future time testify of him, that, he also " made God bigger !"
Now, as to the occasion that has called us together, I have to observe, that whenever the children are invited home to Thanks- giving, the first thing they wish to find is, that the old lady, their mother, is well. If they discover her eye undimmed, her cheek still unfaded, and the old vigor in her step, then are they glad. The times of yore seem to come back. And this is what we discover about our mother here to-day. Certainly, no signs of decrepitude or decay are visible in her appearance. I remember once taking tea with an old lady of nearly one hundred years of age; and, on asking the honor of escorting her to the table, and remarking admiringly how nimble was her step, and vigorous her appetite, she observed, as she was helped to biscuit and cake, and other things : " Old folks like good things as well as young folks !" She had, as I said, a good appetite, but she died about a week or two afterwards !
And so our old lady here in Woodbury, two hundred years old, has a quick step, and looks well, and for aught I have observed to the contrary, has shown as hearty an appetite in the town hall at the table to-day, as any of her daughters. Certainly she has shown the old hospitality.
Another thing children want to know when they come back to Thanksgiving, is, whether their mother is keeping house in the same old place. If they found her in a boarding-house or hotel, how differently they would feel ! The old feeling of the fireside and the table would be gone, and they would not, as of old, seem to be at home.
Now we are happy to find that our venerable mother here is still
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housekeeping. This goodly house, especially fair internally, gives satisfactory evidence of her good condition, and of her future prospects as well, and we are quite comforted on that score.
And then again, since this is a Thanksgiving Jubilee, the children are always eager to know if their old mother's love for them still remains.
Should there be any falling off of affection, how grieved they would be! The home would seem home no more, if the mother, as well as father, should be found to be changed in the quality of their feeling for their children.
We are happy to find no such change of affection in the hearty welcome we have all received here to-day. The mother church keeps the old love alive, and for that we thank God and are grateful.
One thing more the children want to know when they come back, as we now do, to the ancient homestead, and that is, if the old mother keeps the flame of piety alive and pure, as in the days of their youth, Is the Bible still in the same familiar place, and well worn, and loved, and reverenced, as of old ?
We are glad to find evidence that such is the fact with our dear and venerated mother here, and rejoice that God, in His great goodness, has continued so spiritually to bless her in all these years, down to this hour.
In behalf of the church in Judea, therefore, I congratulate our mother church on her past and present prosperity. This third daughter on the hills, of which 1 am pastor, has outgrown her sister churches, and is the only one of them, also, that has ever outgrown in numbers the mother herself, having now over 240 members, more than 60 having been admitted by profession within the four years of my ministry, while the Sabbath School embraces 375 scholars and teachers.
May these sister churches strive in all the coming times to be faithful to God, that, at last, their work on earth being done, all the members of the same may hear the voice of the final Judge saying : " Well done, good and faithful servants ; ye have been faithful over a few things, I will make you rnler over many things; enter ye into the joy of your Lord."
ROXBURY !- Dweller in the " hill country," and along the river of the hills, brave witness for the truth, and companion of the
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faithful, fourth blessing from a Bountiful Hand, we welcome thee to the old fireside !
Response by Rev. A. Goodenough.
MR. CHAIRMAN :- Since this occasion naturally invites our attention to the past, I feel that it would be more appropriate could Roxbury be represented by one who has shared more fully than myself in her past history-yet I flatter myself that in one par- ticular I may have my fitness as a representative. More than any other community in which it has been my fortune to live, ours is deficient in the gift which finds public expression in words-not of course from lack of thought or ability, (which we would not for a moment concede), but, as I take it, from excessive diffidence. If this brevity should be the soul of my wit, I shall have no doubt of the fitness of it, and hope it may be accounted wisdom.
As has been suggested, we also belong to the "hill country," and I think it might truly be said of us as of the chosen nation in the older time. "The Lord our God hath brought us into a good land ; a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills ; a land wherein we shall eat bread without scarceness; we shall not lack any good thing in it, a land whose stones are iron." A land of hills and valleys, and that drinketh water of the rain of heaven ; a land which the Lord our God careth for ; the eyes of the Lord our God are upon it from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year."
Perhaps also, so far as it is the home of our choice, we may take some credit to ourselves-for, in the prophecy of Agur, the conies -a feeble folk-are pronounced " exceeding wise " because they make their dwelling among the rocks.
There is the less need that I should speak in detail concerning the history of our church, because we claim a share in the glory of that common history which has been already brought before us.
Though we claim to be the " heirs of all the ages," we especially cherish the heritage which has come down to us through the faith and faithfulness of those earnest men and women who first planted the Gospel of Christ among these hills. We reverence the memory of those who before our time bravely witnessed for the truth, and through severe labors and discouragements kept their faith to the end, and it is our cherished ambition to hand down to our children untarnished the blessed inheritance we ourselves have
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received from our fathers. The hearts of many children are turn- ing toward the Father to-day, inquiring for the old paths, and desiring to walk in them. (Indeed, I sometimes think that not only does our reverence extend to the old paths, but that we are occasionally proud to stick in the same old ruts, which were worn by the ancient cart wheels).
We delight to gather to-day around the old fireside, rejoicing in the past, yet thankfully recognizing the larger growth of the present, and looking forward with joyful confidence to the days yet to come, in which the perfect harvest of good shall be garnered from the sown seed of the past.
Though allusions to a lady's age are not always welcome, they seem to be the fashion to-day, and since our Mother Church seems proud of her natural position, and herself invites us to celebrate her birthday, we join in congratulating her on bearing her years so well, and sincerely hope that she may live long in the land- vigorous in perpetual youth, strengthening her children by her sympathy, and guiding them by her example to the perfection of righteousness and faith.
SOUTH BRITAIN !- Dweller in the Southwest, along the banks of the "Great River,"' "beyond the mountains," fifth pledge of faith, hope and charity, right heartily do we welcome thee to the old family gathering !
Response by Rev. H. S. Newcomb.
Venerable mother in Israel, gladly at thy bidding we have come around " the mountains " and up the little river towards its source, here to receive thy greeting and to offer thee our warm congratu- lations at this happy family gathering. Had the pioneers who came before thee, mother, come by the path we came, they would not have been under the necessity of clambering over those west- ern rocks and hills to obtain their first view of this beautiful valley. But it is well for us that they missed their direction, and passed by the mouth of the little Pomperaug, seeking in vain farther up the "Great River" a more promising branch that should lead them to their future home; else this happy gathering would not now be enjoying the blessings of Heaven resulting from the prayer of the sainted Deacon John Minor, on Good Hill, where, after their weary climbing, they first cast eyes on their land of promise.
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We feel somewhat abashed in view of the peculiar relations in which we stand to this family here gathered. We are thine only grand-daughter, ancient mother, the sole offspring of thine eldest daughter. We are aware, too, that there is here a more venerable presence, thine honored mother, making thy daughters grand- daughters also ; but at the same time making us the only little great-grand-daughter present. So, though our youth makes us bashful, we presume a little on thy tender regard and kind con- sideration.
We lead a pleasant life over there by the " Great River." But we would not have thee think that we are come from the ends of the earth, for we have heard that there are still higher mountains and greater rivers beyond ; and some of our young people have even seen them.
We are enjoying a pleasant and prosperous life over there. We ourselves-feel somewhat old, mother, having entered one year into the second century which thou art just leaving. But years do not weaken us. We have renewed our age, having put on the habiliments of youth, and we are looking for a prosperous future.
We think we have kept the pledge. We " hold fast the pro- fession of our faith." We earnestly "contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." We have that hope, which is " as an anchor to the soul ; " we put on that " charity which is the bond of perfectness." We are looking forward to a larger, hap- pier, more glorious family gathering than this ; where " they shall come from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God." We hope to meet thee and thy daughters there ; and to furnish a list of honored names written in the "Book of Life ; " and to add to the royal diadem of our King a cluster of stars that have shone with greater or less lustre here, and will shine still brighter there ; among them, first and foremost, Tyler, champion of the faith ; Smith, early called to his reward, and Butterfield, embalmed in in the memory of many still living. May we all meet there, where the distinctions of age shall be done away; where Christ shall be our elder brother, and we, all brethren.
WOODBURY NORTH !- Latest and nearest, the child of our old age, co-dweller in this beautiful land of promise, and co-laborer in every good word and work in the Lord, with motherly pride and affection we welcome you to this our glad jubilee !
Response by Rev. John Churchill.
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MR. PRESIDENT :- In responding in behalf of the North Church, to the cordial invitation and welcome which you have extended to us, I beg leave to say that we are exceedingly happy to be present, and to be made welcome to participate with you in the Christian associations of this most interesting occasion. The emotions of the hour rise altogether too high for utterance, and I am not able to speak with that calmness and considerateness that would seem to be most becoming.
It is proper, perhaps, that the confession should here be publicly made, that as jealousies and disagreements sometime arise among the members of the same family, who dwell upon the same old homestead, so there have been some discord and want of good fellowship between us; yet I am happy to say, that at no time has there been any total disruption of Christian confidence and fellow- ship, and that whatever may have existed, of an unpleasant nature, at any time, has passed away, and is among the buried debris of the Past, and that to-day our fellowship and concord are without any barriers or embarrassments. Let us praise God to- gether to-day, that churches that might seem to have local rival interests, are able, through His grace, to maintain the peace and " fellowship of the saints."
I had supposed, sir, that it would be expected on this occasion as the daughters return to their ancestral home, that they would relate their experiences, and tell their mother and their sisters what had been the dealings of a kind Providence with them since their separation.
We are here, Mr. President, to commemorate the Christian results of the planting of this church in the wilderness two hun- dred years ago, and we have come by your invitation, not only to join in your rejoicings, and to make our courtesy, but to tell you how we have prospered in our respective households. I hope I may be indulged, therefore, in a brief statement concerning the history of your youngest daughter.
The North Church in Woodbury was organized by a colony from this church, in the year of our Lord 1816, on the 25th of December. The colony consisted of eleven males and twenty females, only two of whom are now living. These, I see, are present here to-day.
The church remained without a pastor until the following July when, on the 27th of that month, Rev, Grove L. Brownell wa. ordained and installed the pastor. Judging from the results o
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his labors, it must be allowed that he was a very capable and faithful minister of the Gospel. During the first year of his min- istry, fifteen were added to the church by profession; the next year, ten ; during the next three years, thirty-six ; during the next three years, thirty-nine were added; the next three years, sixty- three ; and so on at this ratio for the whole period of his ministry, which continued for abont twenty three years. The whole number received by profession during his ministry is two hundred and thirty-eight- a little more than an average of ten persons for each year. Forty were of the church when he entered on his ministry, and fifty-eight were added by letters from other churches, so that there were three hundred and seventy-five persons connected with the church during the first pastorate.
It is dne to the men who constituted the church fifty-four years ago, nearly all of whom have passed away, to say that they were earnest, resolute, capable, Christian men, who shrank not from responsibility, who feared not hardship, and who made great per- sonal sacrifices to build a church, and sustain the public insti. tutions of religion. They present a noble example of Christian enterprise, which it would be equally noble and Christian, in their children and successors, to emulate. Possibly they constitute a portion of that " cloud of witnesses," holding in view the doings of those who succeed them.
Under the ministry of Mr. Brownell's successor, which began in April, 1840, in less than a year after his dismission, and which continued for a period of twenty-seven and a half years, there were gathered into the church by profession, one hundred and ninety-seven. Almost the entire congregation, at the close of that ministry, on the last Sabbath in September, 1867, were mem- bers of the church. Since then, for a period of two and a half years, the church has been without a pastor.
Such, briefly, Mr. President, has been the success of your young- est daughter, the North Church in Woodbury. "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." Our course has been one of uniform pros- perity, and we are grateful that we can bring to-day, such a record of His goodness and mercy, to the honor not only of the Great Head of the Church, but of our venerable mother, as well.
I beg leave now, Mr. President, to give way, and introduce to the audience the Rev. Mr. Shipman, of Jewett City, who, for a considerable number of years, was pastor of the Church in Southbury.
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Rev. Thomas L. Shipman responded as follows :
The privilege is accorded me of recalling the name, and lingering a moment on the memory of one of your deceased pastors, Rev. Mr. Andrews. I made his acquaintance soon after I came into the vicinity. He impressed me, upon my first introduction, as a man of singular purity, an impression which all my future inter- course served only to confirm. He was a man of the nicest sensi- bilities; the cords of his heart vibrated to the slightest tonch ; his tender sensibilities often filled his eyes with tears. He had a look which none who knew him can forget, and which it would be vain for any one to imitate. There was that in his tone, when his sonl was stirred to its depths, which strangely penetrated your heart. I remember at the meeting of the Consociation in Har- winton, in the summer of 1831-that year so remarkable for the outporings of the Spirit-he was called to officiate at the admin- istration of the Lord's Supper. As he rose, and cast a look over the assembly, every heart seemed to be moved, and before he closed the first sentence, the house became a perfect Bochim. It
was not so much what he said, as his manner of saying it. " We are about to approach the foot of the Eternal throne, and how can we come ?" I was present at the ordination of his son-in-law, Rev. William Aitchison, who gave himself to Christ and to China. "My son," was uttered with a tone and a look which thrilled at least one heart. His prudence was memorable. At one time the regiment of which I was then chaplain met at Woodbury. Mr. Andrew was invited to dine with us. He sat at my side, and opposite to us sat a member of the society committee of a neigh- boring parish. " Mr. Andrew," said the gentleman, " do you know why Mr. - was dismissed from --? " He waited a moment ; I rather guess he shut his eyes. "I do not think I am sufficiently acquainted with the facts to state them correctly." Had he replied, " there was some disaffection toward him among his people," the report would have gone over the hills, gaining as it traveled: "Rev. Mr. Andrew, of Woodbury, says there was great disaffection at --. " He was a man of much culture; he held a polished pen. He often wrote for the Quarterly Christian Spectator, and his articles are among the choicest contributions to that periodical. I would particularly direct attention to the article in the December No. for 1833, entitled, " What is the real difference between the New Haven Divines and those who oppose
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them ?" The paper was read at the minister's meeting in South- bury, and published at the request of the brethren. The contro- versy was at that time very earnest, not to say sometimes bitter. Whatever was then thought, or whatever may be still thought of the " New Haven Divines," all will agree that Mr. Andrew stated their position with great calmness and clearness. His article in the No. for September, 1830, entitled, "Review of Advice to a Young Christian," and the article in the March No. for 1832, en- titled, " Assurance of their piety peculiarly the duty of Christians at the present day," are papers of great excellence. Mr. Andrew was one whom all who knew love to think of when alone. It makes us better at least for the moment only to think of him, and we love to talk of him when we meet, and one of our most cher- ished anticipations is, renewing our acquaintance with him in our Father's kingdom.
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