USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Cromwell > History of the First church in Cromwell, 1715-1915; > Part 5
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In later years, he became an Episcopalian and carried on a very successful mission for that Church in Mexico.
During the two years of the Rev. Mr. Ladd's pastorate, he received into the fellowship of this Church, 34 persons of whom 23 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
The Rev. Thomas M. Miles began his ministry here in November of 1868, and closed it in September, 1870. The
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most lasting impression of his personality upon the life of the community was his enlistment of the non-church goer in the interests of the Kingdom of God.
During the two years of the Rev. Mr. Miles' pastorate there were added to the membership of this Church 20 per- sons, of whom 10 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
Following the completion of Mr. Miles' ministry, the Rev. A. S. Cheesboro supplied the pulpit for four months. But it was not until November, 1871, that the Rev. A. C. Hurd began his pastorate which culminated in 1873.
It was said of this pastor that he might have written his biography in the words of Amos of Tekoa: "I am no prophet, neither am I a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees."
During the two years of his ministry here, the Rev. Mr. Hurd received into the fellowship of this Church 22 persons, of whom 10 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
In February, 1874, the Rev. Myron S. Dudley began his pastorate. The deep appreciation with which his eleven years of ministry is held in memory can be best expressed from the records of this Church at the time of his death.
"His earnest zeal for all that is best in community life - for temperance, for morality, for the promotion of intelligent and effective interest in the care and beautifying of the town - as well as for his faithful ministrations as pastor, have laid the whole town under lasting obligation to him."
Two marked characteristics gave Mr. Dudley's ministry perennial power. Their beginnings date from his youth.
His Militant Christianity. The closing weeks of his senior year in Williams College, were shadowed by the ravages of war. A brother was severely wounded in the battle of Gettysburg and another brother died of typhoid fever in Kentucky on the day of Mr. Dudley's graduation. This prevented him from fulfilling his appointment on the commencement program. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in the Fifth Vermont Vet- eran Volunteer Infantry, and during his first year passed through the grades of sergeant and first lieutenant to captain.
He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, May, 1864, participated in Sheridan's brilliant Shenandoah cam- paign, served through the war and was honorably discharged with the volunteer army, in June, 1865.
Although Mr. Dudley rarely ever referred to his "army life," the experience dominated and directed his whole career.
His Literary Ability. His expression of thought was logi- cal and laconic. And had he chosen to convey his message
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CROMWELL, CONN. 41
to men through the Editorial columns of some daily rather than through the call of the Evangel of Jesus, he would have met with large success.
There are two pieces of his work which remain as abiding witnesses of his ability, namely, his history of the "Class of Sixty-three, Williams College," and his "History of Crom- well" (this town) under date of 1880.
As one of the children of his ministry, Mr. Dudley bap- tized and later received into the Church, at sixteen years of age, Miss Emeda Sage.
On November 10, 1908, the Cumberland Association of Congregational Ministers, at Portland, Me., granted Miss Sage a license to preach. And today we rejoice with her in the blessings of her ministry to the churches of West Minot, West Newfield and now Springfield, Me., as our home mis- sionary.
During the eleven years of the Rev. Mr. Dudley's pas- torate, he received into the fellowship of this Church, 74 per- sons, of whom 42 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
June 14, 1885, marks the beginning of the longest pas- torate of recent years. It was the ministry of the Rev. Henry G. Marshall that then began and continued for nineteen years, his resignation taking effect July 31, 1904.
Again this Church was served by one who had first served his beloved land in the dark days of the Rebellion. Enlisting August 2, 1862, as Sergeant in Company E, Volunteer Infan- try, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Company E, Con- necticut Volunteers (colored troops) on February 16, 1864, and became captain of the same company on January 31, 1865. He was honorably discharged from the Volunteer Army October 24, 1865. But again in 1913, the State of Connecticut needed his services as chaplain of the House of Representatives.
At the opening of Mr. Marshall's ministry and through- out the nineteen years of its duration, both pastor and people responded in many ways to the manifold activities enlisting the strength and sympathy of the modern Christian worker.
One of the first expressions of this modern day was the installing in 1887 of the present pipe organ valued at $2,000. This was the gracious gift of Mr. Frederick Wilcox. Recently our Church has placed upon the organ a plate commemorative of this gift.
It seemed as if the spirit of the first century of this Church's life had become reincarnated in the quickened Civic Conscience and Christian Culture. The quickened
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civic conscience was especially manifested in the organization of the Law and Order League in which Mr. Marshall was an active leader for three years. This League after a hard fought battle, settled the Saloon Question in Cromwell for years to come.
The Christian culture was manifested in two marked ways: in the organization of a Cradle Roll in the Bible School under the leadership of Mrs. E. S. Coe, and in the organiza- tion of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, under the guidance of the pastor.
Besides all this, a century-long influence came to fullest fruition. The old-time debating society, the Friendly Asso- ciation of 1810, eventuated in the organization of the Belden Library Association on February 28, 1888. And its first officers were: Rev. H. G. Marshall, President; George Gillum, Vice President; F. W. Bliss, Secretary, and Arthur Boardman, Treasurer.
During the Rev. Mr. Marshall's pastorate, he received into the fellowship of this Church 152 persons, of whom 110 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
The Rev. Frederic M. Hollister succeeded to the pastorate on September 4, 1904, and resigned his ministry here on May 1, 1909.
Like his predecessor, Mr. Hollister found this people responsive to the many modern activities enlisting the civic and Christian interests. The most pronounced and perma- nent of these activities were:
The organization of the Men's Bible Class and Brother- hood, the Earnest Workers Society of young women, the Missionary Study Classes, "Aliens or Americans," were car- ried out very successfully, and the Knights of King Arthur was conducted with increasing interest.
The Bible School celebrated its Ninetieth Anniversary April 28, 1907. The Christian Endeavor Society purchased a piano with money bequeathed affectionately to the memory of Miss Mattie Frisbie and Mr. Harry Frisbie.
In 1907, the marble baptismal font now in use was dedicated -
"In Memory of Lewis Edward and Katherine Infant children of Edward S. and Elizabeth S. Coe."
their loving gift to this Church.
And lastly, but not least, the Parsonage was thoroughly renovated and improved and the church building was much
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improved with a slate roof, interior decorations, electric lights, basement cemented and exterior painted.
The rededication services were held the morning and evening of September 6, 1908.
The latter part of this pastorate, at the suggestion of the pastor, the first committee was appointed to collect data for the Two Hundredth Anniversary.
From May 5 to 14, 1907, Union Revival Meetings were held under the leadership of Rev. D. S. Toy, a Chapman worker. And the pastor was given the great joy of receiving into the fellowship of this Church some of the strong men and women of the community.
During the nearly five years of the Rev. Mr. Hollister's pastorate, he received into the fellowship of the Church 74 persons, of whom 46 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
The present pastor, the Rev. Homer Wesley Hildreth, is the fifteenth minister in the pastoral succession. He began his ministry here on July 1, 1909. But to chronicle the bless- ings of these years, together as pastor and people, would be more fitting for another than the author of this historic sketch.
May it not be enough to add, that during these brief years, it has been my sacred joy to welcome into the fellow- ship of the Kingdom of God here, 49 persons, of whom 21 came on confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
Up to the date of this writing, two of the former pastors are living: the Rev. Henry G. Marshall, Milford, Conn., and the Rev. Frederic M. Hollister, Mystic, Conn.
The others have entered into the eternal inheritance which is prepared for all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and have labored acceptably for him.
During the two centuries of the Church's life there have been three marked periods of progress and power: namely
THE PERIOD OF ORGANIZATION from 1715 to 1808. During this era there were three pastorates, that of the Rev. Joseph Smith, 21 years service, 75 additions, of whom 53 were on profession; the Rev. Edward Eells, 38 years service, 360 additions, of whom 116 were on profession, and the Rev. Gershom Bulkeley, 28 years service, 256 additions, of whom 69 were on profession.
THE PERIOD OF REVIVAL from 1808 to 1857. During this era there were also three pastorates, that of the Rev. Joshua L. Williams, 23 years service, 231 additions, of whom 210 were on profession; the Rev. Zebulon Crocker, 14 years service, 144 additions, of whom 95 were on profession; and
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the Rev. George A. Bryan, 8 years service, 67 additions, of whom 33 were on profession.
THE PERIOD OF WIDE-SPREAD ACTIVITIES from 1857 to 1915. During this era there were nine pastorates, that of the Rev. James A. Clark, 5 years service, 62 additions, of whom 47 were on confession; the Rev. Wm. K. Hall, 1 year's service, 5 additions, of whom 5 were on confession; the Rev. H. O. Ladd, 2 years' service, 34 additions, of whom 23 were on confession; the Rev. T. M. Miles, 2 years' service, 20 additions, of whom 10 were on confession; the Rev. A. C. Hurd, 2 years' service, 22 additions, of whom 10 were on con- fession; the Rev. M. S. Dudley, 11 years' service, 74 addi- tions, of whom 42 were on confession; the Rev. H. G. Marshall, 19 years' service, 152 additions, of whom 110 were on con- fession; the Rev. F. M. Hollister, 5 years' service, 74 additions, of whom 46 were on confession, and the Rev. H. W. Hildreth, 6 years' service, 49 additions, of whom 21 were on con- fession.
The activities of this period, and those culminating during this era, are: The Saturday evening Prayer Meeting, held alternately in the homes of Deacon Rufus Sage and Mr. Samuel Wilcox, "till about 1826;" later in the Treat Home- stead. Then in the academy, and since 1874, in the church building.
The Friendly Association, organized in 1810.
The Sunday School, organized in 1817.
The Gentleman's Foreign Miss. Association, 1834.
The Ladies' Foreign Miss. Association, 1834.
The Monthly Missionary Concert from 1834 to 1875. The Y. P. S. C. E., organized in 1886.
The Earnest Workers, organized in 1904.
The Knights of the Order of King Arthur, organized 1905.
The Men's Brotherhood, organized in 1906.
The Ladies' Aid Society, organized in 1891.
The Junior Brotherhood, organized in 1913.
The first period of 87 pastoral years brought 238 into the church on profession, the second period of 45 pastoral years brought 338 into the church on profession, and the third period of 52 pastoral years brought 294 into the church on confession.
The total number of members enrolled by this Church during the two centuries of its life is 1,625 persons, of whom 890 were received into the Kingdom of God on "profession" or "confession" of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
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The records of the past two centuries also reports that there have been 26 deacons, nearly double the number of pastors during the same period. To recall their names is to remember those much honored and beloved. The complete roll is as follows:
Names.
Appointed.
Ceased to act.
Remarks.
Samuel Hall,
Feb. 10, 1716
Jan. 25, 1727
S. Stow,
Sep. 28, 1741
J. Wilcox,
May 13, 1751
Died, Age 68
S. Gipson,
Mar. 18, 1748
Died, Age 76
S. Shepherd,
Dec. 3, 1745
Apr. 9, 1750
I. White,
Jan. 15, 1749
June 27, 1769 .1774
Died, Age 71
W. Savage,
T. Johnson,
Jan. 9, 1766
Dec. 26, 1774
Died, Age 56
J. Kirby,
Nov. 29, 1770
Sep. 12, 1783
Died, Age 64
S. Sage,
Jan. 26, 1775
June 7, 1795
Died, Age 74
T. Gipson,
Jan. 14, 1784
Mar. 23, 1810
Resigned
A. Sage,
Feb. 22, 1790
Mar. 23, 1810
Resigned
J. Hubbard,
Dec. 14, 1807
Aug. 23, 1808
Died, Age 63
B. Parmelee,
Mar. 23, 1810
Apr. 6, 1822
Resigned
R. Sage,
July 1817
Mar. 13, 1826
Died, Age 49
J. R. Wilcox,
Nov. 11, 1822
Jan. 4, 1839
Resigned
I. Sage,
Oct. 29, 1826
Sep. 30, 1861
Died, Age 75
R. Warner,
Jan. 4, 1839
Sep. 1, 1843
Resigned
J. Stevens,
Sep. 1, 1843
Feb. 5, 1875
Resigned
G. H. Butler,
July 6, 1862
Dec. 11, 1905
Died, Age 85
R. B. Savage,
Apr. 30, 1875
Sep. 20, 1887
Died, Age 75
E. S. Coe,
Nov. 4, 1887
Acting
A. N. Pierson,
May 4, 1888
Resigned
E. C. Bailey,
Dec. 30, 1904
Acting
E. H. King,
Jan. 7, 1906
Dec. 29, 1912
Resigned
Died, Age 74
W. Savage,
Feb. 10, 1716
What shall we say, what shall we do, 'compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses? Shall we not begin the new century this day as the fathers began? Begin with the Lord Jesus Christ. "Let us then lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, let us run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith." Then, in the new century, we shall see Truth in the Book-Bible and in the World-Bible. We shall proclaim our visions of the Truth as God's prophets, we shall bear men's sins as His cross-bearers, our Creed becoming not only a test but a testimony. Our Religion not only Believed but Be-lived as we work out what we pray and pray out what we sing, as we daily live the prayer of New England's Prophet-Bard, Whittier:
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Our fathers' God! From out whose hand
The centuries fall like grains of sand.
We meet today, united, free,
And loyal to our land and Thee,
We thank Thee for the era done
And trust Thee for the opening one.
O make Thou us through centuries long,
In peace secure, in justice strong;
Around our gift of freedom draw
The safeguards of our righteous law;
And, cast in some diviner mold,
Let the new cycle shame the old."
Most appropriately did the congregation then unite in singing "Blest Be the Tie That Binds, Our Hearts in Chris- tian Love."
Mrs. Edward S. Coe read a paper recalling the beginnings and the blessings of the Missionary zeal that has dominated the life of this Church for many years. She said:
This is Dr. Gordon's reply to the question, "What are Foreign Missions?"
"The flying shuttle that weaves, and weaves, and weaves, the seamless robe of the Lord Jesus, until it is ample enough to cover those at home, and those abroad; till it is great enough to overshadow our entire humanity with the sense of the Infinite compassion and the Eternal Love." What more fitting words than these to begin this report of faithful work done by the women of this old historic church for more than eighty years.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the First Congregational Church of Cromwell was first named the "Ladies' Association for Foreign Missions in Middletown Upper Houses," organized, September, 1834. Then follows the Constitution, composed of five articles, and the following officers: Mrs. Elizabeth Crocker, President, Mrs. Mary W. Warner, Vice President and Mrs. Margaret Sage, Secretary and Treasurer.
Mrs. Crocker, wife of Mr. Zebulon Crocker, who for many years was an efficient pastor of this Church, survived her husband for thirty years, making her home in Cromwell so long as she lived. She was a woman of sterling worth, strictly conscientious, and reported as being an excellent organizer. Her religious fervor and reverence for the Mis- sionary Society may be appreciated by this little incident given by one who well remembers her activities. While hold- ing the regular monthly meeting in one of the homes, the hostess requested that the ladies should remain after the closing exercises to congratulate a bride and groom who
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CROMWELL, CONN.
chanced to be visiting there at that time, but Mrs. Crocker sternly forbade any such frivolity after a missionary meeting.
The first real work undertaken by this society was the fitting out of the first missionary from this Church, sent into the foreign field, the Rev. William Stocking. His labors were begun in Oroomiah, Persia, from which field many messages of efficient work were sent to this Church a number of years. Just here we are reminded of the present suffering, caused by the terrible war now raging in Europe.
This society's first record of members and contributors was in 1860, and seventy in all, showing how largely every member of the church became identified with mission work under Mrs. Crocker's presidency, which concluded in 1873, after thirty-nine years of faithful, devoted service. Can we estimate the results of such service or know the gains for the kingdom of Christ made during these many years?
Ex-President Harris said in a 1900 conference, after listening to a young Hindu lady, professor of English litera- ture: "If I had a million dollars to give to foreign missions, I should count it wisely invested if it led only to the conver- sion of that one woman."
Mrs. Harriet Savage held a long term of office as vice- president for twenty years. She was the mother of Miss Mary G. Savage and Mrs. Harriet W. Wheelock, who are now the oldest living members, and have given lives of service and love to this Missionary Society.
Miss Savage has filled every office of this society for a longer or shorter period, the longest being secretary and treasurer from 1862 to 1879 - seventeen years. Mrs. Wheelock, her sister, the next oldest living member, acted as a very efficient secretary and treasurer from 1881 to 1909 - a term of twenty-eight years. What we owe to these two members for keeping the interest in foreign missions alive is difficult to relate. Their love for this society never failed, and their untiring efforts never ceased.
After the death of Mrs. Crocker in 1877, the office of president has been filled by the pastors' wives (with a few exceptions between times), beginning with Mrs. Dudley, followed by Mrs. Marshall, who was next in length for hold- ing this office, which she did most faithfully for nineteen years, the entire time of Mr. Marshall's pastorate. We remember with appreciation the five years of good work in this capacity of Mrs. Hollister, which brings us to the present time, and our much loved president, Mrs. Hildreth, who has led us along pleasant and useful ways for six years, and this society is prospering under her leadership. Our other officers at present
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CROMWELL, CONN.
writing are Mrs. A. N. Pierson, Vice President, Mrs. Edward S. Coe, Secretary, and Mrs. T. W. Beaumont, Treasurer.
We now number twenty-five members and hold regular meetings each month, usually at the homes of such members as choose to invite us.
The exercises are largely' religious, occasionally letters from foreign fields being read, and such missionary intelligence as our leader advises.
Quite contrary to Mrs. Crocker's prohibiting the social hour, we have in late years served tea and refreshments at the close of our gatherings which have given us pleasure not inappropriate to the occasion, and find it not difficult to imagine our first president's spirit hovering over us with approval.
It may be of interest to know the amount of money given during these eighty-one years. The exact amount cannot be ascertained, but it is more than seven thousand dollars. The largest contribution in any one year was in 1894-$269.98. Thus far, in late years, we have more than met out apportion- ment of $115.00 yearly.
Not the least of our workings are shown in its branches. This Foreign Missionary Society is mother of our faithful "Ladies' Aid Society," whose record you will learn more about from its efficient President, Mrs. William Couch.
In 1882 and 1883 a children's Mission Band was formed, and in 1884 Mrs. Dudley organized the Eaton Circle. The young people for years sent twenty dollars annually to Mrs. Eaton in Mexico to help in her missionary work. This was in existence until their children formed a Mission Band under Mrs. Hollister, and this society is still doing good work under the name of the "Earnest Workers," which truly expresses their efforts as they give us willing service and substantial returns every year under the leadership of our pastor's wife.
Within a few years this organization has included Home Missions in its work, sending many barrels of clothing both West and South.
Mention should be made of one way in which we have spread the Gospel message. This has been through a Bible reader, Guanaparhasi, in South India, who labored for years among the heathen supported by this society. How many souls have been saved through the faithful services of this converted native we may never know.
In these days of "wars and rumors of wars" does it take no soldierly instincts to carry our foreign missionary enter- prises? "It is a mistake to think that all the brave deeds are done in uniform to martial music." Christ's words to us
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CROMWELL, CONN.
sounds a higher challenge: "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel."
Still another branch I have failed to mention, even the babies of our society, called the Cradle Roll, have had their share in missionary work. Mrs. Bradley of Middletown first interested me in this little band, and for ten years it seldom sent less than fifteen dollars to the W. B. M. Then it was merged into the Sunday School primary department, and is there helping to spread the Gospel.
This little mission among the children reacts upon them- selves, for it tends to unselfishness and forms the habit of thinking of others.
Once the word missionary seemed to frighten many away from its gatherings, now we realize the interest in and love for missions comes to the Christian who loves the Master and His work.
To my sisters in Christ, members of this old historic church, and this Foreign Missionary organization in particular, I submit this brief report, but asserting what I am sure each one feels, that this dear old society has not only done good work abroad, but has filled our own hearts with deeper love for each other, and quickened the inner desires for greater service in the Kingdom of God.
The Earnest Workers, a band of girls having the future missionary zeal of this Church in their keeping, then earnestly sang :
"Coming, coming, yes, they are, coming, coming from afar; From the wild and scorching desert, Africa's sons of colour deep; Jesus' love has drawn and won them, at His cross they bow and weep."
Mrs. William P. Couch read a paper giving a summary of the worth and the work of the womanhood of this Church during the long years of its life in this community. She said:
It is a difficult matter to write an Historical Sketch of the Ladies' Aid Society for the reason that the good women of this Church must have expended their strength in deeds not words, since, in the two hundred years of its existence only the most meagre records have been kept of the immense amount of work they accomplished. Not until 1891, when the Ladies' Aid Society was properly organized has there been a systematic record of the work of the women. If Mrs. Crocker could have used her executive ability in organizing the women in the practical work of the church as well as she organized the Missionary Society, what a splendid record we
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CROMWELL, CONN.
might read today! Once, when an out-of-town visitor attempt- ed to express her opinion at a meeting, Mr. Crocker gently re- minded her that women were not expected to speak in public. Perhaps Mrs. Crocker felt somewhat handicapped after this and became resigned to her limitations. However, we must not think for a moment that these active women did not record in other ways their doings.
An interesting account is given by Miss Amelia Butler, the aunt of Kate Butler Warner and George S. Butler, of the moving from the old Meeting House on the green below up to this present building: "the non-drying of the paint kept. us one week more from the new building," she says, and then follows this description :
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