USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Milford > Manual of the Church of Christ Congregational in Milford, Ct > Part 3
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He sustained the character of a pious and good man.
THE REVEREND CALEB PITKIN
REV. CALEB PITKIN, son of Stephen and Jemima (Ryder) Pitkin, born in New Hartford, Conn., February 27, 1781. He labored on his father's farm until he became of age, and then devoted him- self to study with a view to the ministry. After graduating from Yale, 1806, he studied Theology with Rev. Asahel Hooker, Goshen, and was licensed to preach by the Litchfield North Association, June 10, 1807. Married June, 1807, Anna, daughter of James and Anna (Cook) Henderson, of North Hartford. Supplied vacant pulpits in Derby and Oxford. Ordained and
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installed pastor of Plymouth Church, Milford, March 6, 1808. Dismissed October 22, 1816; went as a missionary to Western Reserve, Ohio, and preached in Charlestown, Streetsboro, and Northfield. Here he instructed young men who were preparing for the ministry. Largely through his personal efforts a charter was secured for Western Reserve College at Hudson, February 1826. He was made president of the Board of Trustees and delivered an address in Latin at the laying of the cornerstone of the first building. He devoted most of his time to the college until his death February 5, 1864. Mrs. Pitkin died December 5, 1882, in her ninety-ninth year.
He was a man of strong and vigorous mind and of great energy of char- acter.
THE REVEREND JEHU CLARK
REV. JEHU CLARK, son of Ebenezer and Hannah (Tenny) Clark, born in Washington, Conn., November 8, 1767. After he gradu- ated from Yale in 1794, he studied Theology and was licensed to preach by the Litchfield South Association of Ministers in 1796, and ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in Newtown, Conn., in October 1799. Pastor: Newtown 1799-1816; Plymouth Church, Milford 1817-1827. He married Mary Fleming, of New York. They had four sons and one daughter. He died in New York City, March 29, 1839.
THE REVEREND ASA M. TRAIN
REV. ASA MILTON TRAIN, son of Jonathan and Rebecca (Lane) Train, born in Enfield, Mass., July 26, 1800. Education: Amherst, B.A. 1825; M.A. 1831. Studied Theology one year at Andover and one year at New Haven. Ordained pastor of Plymouth Church, Milford, July 16, 1828, where he continued until January 1850. He preached as stated supply in Orange, Prospect, and Burlington, Conn. He married November 2, 1826, Lucia, daughter of Frederick Levenworth, of Waterbury. They had four children. He was Representative to the State Legislature several terms and State Senator one term. He died in Milford, June 14, 1863.
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CHURCH OF CHRIST MILFORD THE REVEREND JAMES MANNING SHERWOOD
REV. JAMES MANNING SHERWOOD, born in Fishkill Landing (Beacon) on the Hudson, September 29, 1813. He was installed pastor of the Milford Church May 29, 1851 and dismissed October 20, 1852. Again he supplied the pulpit from March 1863 to March 1865. As a result of his work in 1852 twenty new members were united with the Church. He preached the ordi- nation sermon of his successor, Mr. Dodd. He married Annie Velona Clark, daughter of Deacon Anon Clark, of Milford. From May 1865 to 1869 he edited a semi-annual magazine: "Hours At Home," published by "Scribners." The same magazine was edited 1869-70 by Richard Watson Gilder and succeeded to "Scribners Monthly." According to Mott's "History of American Maga- zines," Sherwood was at the same time associate editor of the "Eclectic Magazine" and of the "Bibliotheca Sacra." At various times he "edited half-a-dozen other religious magazines." He edited "Princeton Review" 1872-77 also "Homiletic Review." He died October 22, 1890, and was buried in Milford Cemetery.
THE REVEREND STEPHEN GROVER DODD
REV. STEPHEN GROVER DODD, son of Joseph Smith and Maria Darby (Grover) Dodd, born in Bloomfield, N.J., March 24, 1826. He prepared for college in Bloomfield Academy; graduated from Princeton in 1846, giving the Latin Salutatory. He taught at Richmond, Va. and at Mt. Holly, N.J. Studied in Union Theo- logical Seminary, N.Y. In 1848 he entered the Seminary at Princeton, attending lectures for two years while a tutor in the University. In March 1849 he was licensed by the Presbytery of Newark, N.J. Ordained and installed pastor of the Milford Church October 20, 1852 by the same ecclesiastical council which dismissed Rev. James Sherwood. Rev. Jonathan Brace, Pastor of First Church was moderator. Rev. Mr. Sherwood preached the ordination sermon. He was dismissed July 19, 1854. Other Pastorates: Spencer, Mass. 1854-56; Middleborough, Mass. 1865-70; St. Johns, N.B., Canada 1870-79. Resided in Salt Lake City, Utah, until 1895; in Boise, Idaho 1895-1912. He died in San Diego, Calif., December 15, 1912, in his eighty-seventh year. Buried in the Military Cemetery at Rasmoram, Calif. He was
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Chaplain of the Twenty-Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers from May 1864 to July 1865, and Post Chaplain of the United States Army from 1879 until his death. He married November 1, 1852, Eliza DeWolfe Shaw, of Marietta, Ohio. She died December 16, 1895. One son, Amzi, born August 10, 1855.
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THE REVEREND WILLIAM CAMPBELL SCOFIELD
REV. WILLIAM CAMPBELL SCOFIELD, born in Westerlo, N.Y., April 1, 1826. Education: Hamilton College B.A. 1847; Yale B.D. 1852; Wheaton, Ill. Hon. D.D. Pastor: Danbury, Conn. 1851-54; Milford 1854-58; Janesville, Wis. 1858-59; Plym- outh, Ottawa, Ill. 1859-64. Central Presbyterian, Newark, N.J. 1865-68; LaPorte, Ind. 1869-71. Fredonia, N.Y. 1871-72; Congregational, Oswego, N.Y. 1877-80; Westhampton, Mass. 1881-84; Tabernacle, Washington, D.C. 1886-89; Athol, Mass. and Mansfield, Pa. (Evangelist) 1890-97. Died in Albion, N.Y., October 13, 1909.
THE REVEREND WHEELOCK NYE HARVEY
REV. WHEELOCK NYE HARVEY, son of Charles Rufus and Olive (Willard) Harvey, born in Jamestown, N.Y. April 15, 1825. Education: University of New York, B.A. 1844; Union Theo- logical Seminary B.D. 1850. Ordained in Congregational Church, Bethel, Conn., May 18, 1853. Pastor: Bethel 1853-58; Plymouth Church, Milford 1858-61; Wilton, Conn. 1862-67. In business New York City, 1867-86. Married August 26, 1852, Margaret Baron, daughter of Edward and Cynthia (Gildersleeve) Lewis, of Portland, Conn. Four children. Died January 8, 1889.
THE REVEREND GEORGE HERMON GRIFFIN
REV. GEORGE HERMON GRIFFIN, son of Hermon and Louisa (Faulker) Griffin, born in New York City, May 13, 1839. Edu- cation: Collegiate School of New York; Yale B.A. 1860. After graduation he traveled in England, France, Germany, Switzer- land, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Palestine. On his return he entered Union Theological Seminary and graduated in 1864.
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Ordained in Milford, June 22, 1865, where he continued as pastor until February 18, 1885. Secretary for New England of the American Sunday School Union, 1885-92, living in Springfield, Mass. He married June 13, 1867, Katherine Lavinia, daughter of Samuel A., and Lavinia (Nichols) Hayte, of Fishkill, N.Y. They had five children. He published (1) "Thanksgiving Sermon," 1868. (2) "From New York to Jerusalem" (Book), 188I. (3) "Concerning Sacred Music, Ancient and Modern," 188I. (4) "Memorial Day Poem," 1883. (5) "Record of Yale Class of 1860." (6) "What is Needed to Make Our Church Music More Effective," 1891. (7) "God's Care for the Children," 1891. (8) "A Little Child Shall Lead Them-A Christmas Poem," 1891.
His recreations were many and varied. Music next to preach- ing was his talent, which gave him and others much pleasure. He played the piano quite brilliantly, usually without notes. The Church organ he mastered when young, and played well. He was fond of sketching in pencil, many points of interest in Milford and wherever he traveled. Often on Monday morning, after a busy Sunday, he welcomed into his study at the parsonage, Deacon John Benjamin, the scholar of the town for a two-hour study of their Greek and Hebrew Testaments. He died in Spring- field, Mass., September 9, 1894.
He made himself greatly beloved.
THE REVEREND NATHAN GIBBS AXTELL
REV. NATHAN GIBBS AXTELL, son of Rev. John Axtell, born June 7, 1827 in Pierpont, N.Y. Education: Victoria College, Canada. Pastor: M.E. Church, St. Albans, Vt. 1854; Oswego, N.Y. 1861. Entered the Army as Chaplain at outbreak of the Civil War. At end of first year received commission as Major and later became Colonel. Served in the Army of the Potomac, at the siege of Charleston, in the army of the James and Shenandoah. He was wounded three times. In 1867 he was a member of a con- vention to revise the Constitution of the State of New York. He was Pastor of Plymouth Church, Milford 1886-1889. He held many important positions and was a popular lecturer on temperance and other reforms. He married Mary Elizabeth,
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daughter of Thomas B. Watson, April 23, 1856. They had four children.
THE REVEREND CHARLES E. UPSON
REV. CHARLES E. UPSON, son of Russell and Adeline (Tuttle) Upson, born November 30, 1848, in New Britain, Conn. Educa- tion: Studied in Yale Divinity School 1877-78. Ordained at Lewis, N.Y., March 26, 1875. Married Frances White, of New York City, in 1883. Pastor: Kankakee, Ill .; Wolcott, Conn. 1878- 79; Milford 1889-1902; Woodmont, Conn. 1902-03. Died in Shelton, Conn., October 19, 1931.
THE REVEREND HOWARD CURTIS MESERVE
REV. HOWARD CURTIS MESERVE, son of I. Curtis and Anna (Brigham) Meserve, born in New Haven, Conn., September 18, 1875. Education: New Haven High School; Bucknell University, M.A. 1899; Hartford Theological Seminary 1902. Married November 30, 1905, Charlotte Platt Clark, of Milford. Pastor: Plymouth Church, Milford 1902-1912. Supplied chapels in Woodmont and Wildermere Beach about ten years. Librarian of Mary Taylor Memorial Library, Milford, since 1912. During the years as librarian he has continued a faithful servant of the churches, and a Minister to the whole town; supplying pulpits and officiating at baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He has been a good loyal friend to all the pastors. His knowledge of the Bible, which is his daily companion in study, makes him an inspiring teacher of religion. By his integrity of character, and his spirit of unselfish service he has commended himself to the community as a Christian gentleman and a most useful citizen. His home address is 5 Plymouth Place, Milford.
THE REVEREND CLARENCE REIDENBACH
REV. CLARENCE REIDENBACH, son of William D. and Anise L. (Burgett) Reidenbach, born February 14, 1889, in Edinburg, Ind. Education: Butler College A.B. 1912; Yale B.D. 1915, PH.D. 1918; Drury College D.D. 1935. Married June 30, 1915, Hil- dred Hughes. Ordained Congregational Minister 1919. Pastor:
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Milford 1913-18; Indianapolis, Ind. (Christian) 1918-21; Holyoke, Mass. 1928-33; Oakland, Calif. 1935- . Trustee Pacific Theological Seminary and Drury College, Springfield, Mo. Address: 26th Street and Harrison Avenue, Oakland, Calif.
THE REVEREND FRANK E. CARLSON
REV. FRANK E. CARLSON, D.D., son of Swen and Emma (Han- son) Carlson, born October 8, 1884, in Malmo, Nebr. Education: University of Nebraska B.A. 1914; Yale B.D. 1918; Pacific School of Religion D.D. 1938. Pastor: Milford 1918-20; Helena, Mont. 1920-25; Portland, Ore. 1925-28; Olympia, Wash. 1928- 32; Pocatella, Idaho 1932-36; Orville, Calif. 1943-44. He was Superintendent of the Congregational Conference of Oregon 1936- 43. Controller of the Pacific School of Religion beginning July I, 1944. He was a member of the State Board of Charities and Reform of Montana, appointed by Governor Dixon, and served as Chairman of that Board. He represented Montana at the American Prison Association Congress in Salt Lake, 1924. Married 1916, Gladys Veghte, daughter of Ellsworth F. and May (Deegan) Veghte. Four children.
THE REVEREND CHARLES FIELD ATKINS
REV. CHARLES FIELD ATKINS, son of Charles and Martha (Field) Atkins, born in Yonkers, N.Y. Education: Public Schools of Yonkers, N.Y. and Paterson, N.J .; Dartmouth College; Bangor Theological Seminary 1916. Previous to entering the ministry he served as Y.M.C.A. Secretary for four years in Springfield, Mass., and New York City. During his Seminary years he was pastor in Brooksville and West Brooksville, Maine. Then in Orford, N.H., where he continued his studies in Dart- mouth. Called to Plymouth Church in Milford in 1921, he was active in the fraternal and civic affairs of the town. As chairman of the Milford District Committee of New Haven Council Boy Scouts of America he saw a rapid expansion of the Scout program in Milford and New Haven County. Under his leadership the First and Plymouth Churches were united in 1926. Mr. Atkins was pastor of the united church, now known as Church of Christ, Congregational, until 1931, when he resigned to become
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educational adviser for field work of Columbia University. He was pastor of the Federated Church in Fairlee, Vt. 1936-1944. Died December 27, 1944.
THE REVEREND ROY MARTIN HOUGHTON
REV. ROY MARTIN HOUGHTON, born in Laingsburg, Mich., June 22, 1876. Son of David and Amanda M. (Smith) Houghton, and a descendant of John Houghton, co-founder of Lancaster, Mass., 1650. Education: Olivet College, Mich., A.B. 1902, D.D. 1924; Yale Divinity School B.D. 1905. Married April 5, 1926, Caroline Eisenhart Davis. Ordained in Congregational Church Bethlehem, Conn., June 20, 1905. Pastor: Bethlehem 1903-06 (student), Derby, Conn. 1906-09; Brattleboro, Vt. 1909-16; Church of the Redeemer, New Haven, Conn. 1916-31; Milford, Conn., 1931 to present time. During these pastorates he received 2,450 new members into the Churches, an average of more than sixty a year for forty years. He was guest preacher in The American Church in Paris, France, 1936 and 1937. He attended five ecumenical conferences; Delegate to World Conference of Churches on Life and Work, Stockholm, Sweden, 1925; Faith and Order, Lausanne, Switzerland, 1927; Church, Community and State, Oxford, England, 1937; Faith and Order, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1937; International Missionary Council, Madras, India, 1938. He is a member of the World Alliance (Executive and International Committees); Connecticut Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (Chaplain). He edited: "Milford Church Tercentenary," 1940. During the first World War he served as Y.M.C.A. Secretary, attached to the 26th Division in France. His favorite text. I John 4 : 7. " Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
THE REVEREND IRVIN G. THURSBY
REV. IRVIN G. THURSBY, Amherst B.A. 1935. Union Theological Seminary B.D. 1938. Pastor: Lyme, N.H. 1938-42. Called to this Church as assistant pastor February 1943, and was made associate pastor February 1945.
ORGANIZATIONS
CHURCH
DEACONS, Deaconesses, Clerk Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Superintendent of Church School, Trustees, Auditors, Executive Council, Church Committee, Church Cabinet, Music Committee, Committee on Religious Education, Welcoming Committee, Ushering Committee.
CHURCH SCHOOL
General Superintendent elected by Church, Officers and De- partment Superintendents, by General Superintendent and Teachers. These include Secretary and Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Superintendent of Children's Church, and Superin- tendents of Cradle Roll, Beginners, Primary, Junior, Intermedi- ate-Senior Department Superintendents, Home Department Superintendent and leader of Adult Bible Class.
WOMAN'S ASSOCIATION
The purpose of the Woman's Association is to train its mem- bers in Christian Work, to develop the missionary spirit and to build up the religious and social life among the women of the Church. The work of the Association is divided among five Units: The Benevolent Unit which meets every other Wednesday for quilting; the Dorcas Unit which has charge of all sewing done by the Association and meets regularly every fourth Thursday; the Kayopha Unit whose purpose is to promote fellowship among young women eighteen years of age and over, and which meets the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month; the Evening Unit, whose purpose is to promote fellowship among those women who find it inconvenient to attend the daytime meetings of the other Units. This group meets the fourth Wednes- day evening of each month; the Missionary Unit, a study group interested specifically in the missionary program and activities of the Church, and meeting on the third Thursday afternoon of each month. The women of the Church are also divided into nine groups whose specific duty is the serving of the monthly luncheons. Membership in one or more of the Units is open to all women in the Church and Parish.
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CHURCH OF CHRIST MILFORD THE PLYMOUTH MEN'S CLUB
An organization whose purpose is to promote fellowship among the men of the Church and Parish and to stimulate an interest and participation in Church activities. This Club meets regularly on the second Tuesday evening of each month.
THE YOUNG COUPLES CLUB
The object of this group is to promote fellowship among the young married couples of the Church and Parish. The group meets the second Wednesday evening of each month.
THE SENIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY
An organization of High-School age young people. The pur- pose of the organization is to train the young people for service in the Church and Community.
THE JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY
An organization of Seventh and Eighth grade boys and girls whose purpose is to train the children in group participation, conduct of meetings, and service for the Church and Community.
THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
An organization of boys 12 years of age and over under the supervision of men who aim to train the boys for effective man- hood.
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OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
REV. ROY M. HOUGHTON, D.D., Pastor
REV. IRVIN G. THURSBY, B.D., Associate Pastor MISS GLADYS L. WELLS, Pastor's Assistant Clerk, RICHARD N. PLATT Treasurer, HAROLD S. HAWKINS
Financial Secretary, HARRY P. BREWER
Historian, MRS. FREDERICK M. SMITH
Superintendent of Church School, MILES W. MERWIN
Auditing Committee, HERBERT V. CLEMENS AUGUST A. DEBARD, JR. MISS FLORENCE D. SMITH
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CHURCH OF CHRIST MILFORD
Deacons
Albert A. Baldwin
Harry O. Bangs
George S. Murray
Elwin T. Clarke
George J. Smith
George Storck
James T. Trueman
Emil Usinger
Charles H. Bryan
Honorary Deacons David E. Platt Rev. John G. Stanton
Deaconesses
Mrs. Albert A. Baldwin
Miss Mary Ballantine
Mrs. Albert N. Beard
Mrs. C. J. Benjamin
Mrs. Herbert V. Clemens
Mrs. John O. Short
Mrs. Leslie Davis
Mrs. George Storck
Trustees
Raymond W. Bissell
Harry P. Brewer
Malcolm A. Buell
Trubee J. Doolittle
Carleton T. Sampson Clarence I. Platt
Franklin A. Holloway, Chairman
Church Committee
The Pastor, Associate Pastor, Pastor's Assistant, Deacons, Deacon- esses, Clerk, Superintendent of Church School, Mrs. Norman S. Buckingham, Mrs. W. Lincoln Merwin, Frederick E. Dingman, M. Francis Heberger.
Welcoming Committee
E. Treat Beard
J. Edward DeCourcy
Franklin A. Holloway Frederick M. Smith George Storck
Music Committee
Mrs. Albert A. Baldwin Raymond W. Bissell Mrs. Manton Botsford
Miss Ruth E. Platt Mrs. Donald Rice Frederick M. Smith
Mrs. James T. Trueman
Alvin W. Comstock
Arthur B. Leach
Carl W. Maddocks
Rev. Howard C. Meserve
Mrs. Trubee J. Doolittle
Mrs. Harold S. Hawkins
Mrs. Charlotte Merwin
Mrs. Earle A. Merwin
Herbert G. Fowler
Harold S. Hawkins
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CHURCH OF CHRIST MILFORD
Religious Education Committee
J. Edward DeCourcy Mrs. A. M. Edgerton Mrs. Jerold D. Gale
Mrs. Franklin A. Holloway Miles W. Merwin Donald Rice Miss Gladys L. Wells
Ushering Committee
C. Herbert Finger John K. Arlanian
Augustus M. Lyon
Earl T. Lyon
August A. DeBard, Jr.
George H. Mark
Wilbur W. Peck
Howard Gowing DeRoss Kellogg David Lay
Joseph O. Petersen
Edward Storck
Delegates
To State Conference and District Association
Miss Mary Ballantine
Mrs. Charles Ruoss
Arthur B. Leach
Mrs. John O. Short
Mrs. Earle A. Merwin
Mr. and Mrs. George Storck
Rev. Howard C. Meserve
Rev. and Mrs. Irvin G. Thursby
Mr. and Mrs. George S. Murray Miss Gladys L. Wells Alternate Delegates
Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Platt Mrs. Franklin A. Holloway George J. Smith
To New Haven Council of Churches and Religious Education
Rev. Roy M. Houghton
Rev. Irvin G. Thursby
Miss Gladys L. Wells Miles W. Merwin
Nominating Committee
Mrs. Norman S. Buckingham
Mrs. Earle A. Merwin
August A. DeBard, Jr.
Trubee J. Doolittle
Carl W. Maddocks
Miles W. Merwin Mrs. H. Franklin Norton Clarance I. Platt
Miss Ruth Platt
FORM FOR THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS INTO THIS CHURCH
TO PERSONS RECEIVED ON CONFESSION OF FAITH DEARLY BELOVED, called of God to be His children through Jesus Christ, we give hearty thanks to him, who has opened your eyes to see and your hearts to receive Jesus as your Saviour and Lord,
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and has inclined you to present yourselves here to enter the com- munion and fellowship of his Church. -
THE DECLARATION OF FAITH
I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, and make him my example, and take for my rule of life his words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and mind and soul, and thy neighbor as thyself."
THE COVENANT OF SERVICE
In the presence of God and these witnesses I give myself to his service, and take this to be my Church. Ever mindful of the welfare of my fellow-members, I promise to walk with them in faith fulness and Christian love. I promise that so far as able, I will attend the services of this Church, observe its sacraments, share its work, support its benevolences, and endeavor to make it a faithful body of Christians.
THE BAPTISM
From the beginning of the Christian Church those who wished to be numbered with the followers of Christ were baptized on confession of their faith; do you now wish to receive such Christian baptism as a symbol of that inward purity of life which you seek, and a sign that you dedicate yourself to the service and glory of God?
ANSWER : I do.
TO THE PERSONS RECEIVED BY LETTER
Kindred in Christ, who come acknowledging the vows you made when first you declared your faith in Christ, we bid you welcome. We greet you as fellow-laborers in his service and fellow-travelers to his promised rest. Do you now cordially unite yourselves with this Church of Christ, and accept its cove- nant of mutual service? Do you promise to pray and work for its upbuilding and its usefulness; to help in sustaining its worship, its activities and its charities; and to live with us in Christian fellowship?
ANSWER: I do.
WELCOME BY THE CHURCH
We, then, the members of this Church, welcome you with joy into our communion and fellowship. We pledge you our sym-
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pathy, our help, and our prayers that you may evermore in- crease in the knowledge and love of God. God grant that loving and being loved, serving and being served, blessing and. being blessed, we may be prepared while we dwell together on earth for the perfect fellowship of the saints above.
BENEDICTION
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with ex- ceeding joy; to the only wise God and Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, world without end, both now and forever. AMEN.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. NAME
T' HE name of this Church shall be the CHURCH OF CHRIST, CONGREGATIONAL, IN MILFORD, CONNECTICUT.
ARTICLE II. OBJECT
The object of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and in making His will dominant in the lives of men, individually and collectively, especially as that will is set forth in the life, teachings and death of Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE III. POLITY
This Church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head and finds in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Divine Spirit through reason, faith and conscience, its guidance in matters of faith and discipline.
The government of this Church is vested in its members, who ex- ercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject in legal matters to the Articles of Incorporation granted it by the State of Connecticut.
While this Church is amenable to no ecclesiastical body, it accepts the obligations of mutual council, comity and cooperation involved in the free fellowship of the Congregational and Christian Churches, and pledges itself to share their common aims and work.
ARTICLE IV. DOCTRINE
This Church recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship. Each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of his own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The following statement of faith (or principles), there- fore, is not a test but an expression of the spirit in which the church interprets the Word of God.
FAITH. We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, goodness and love; and in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord and Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived and died and rose again and liveth ever- more; and in the Holy Spirit, who taketh of the things of Christ and and revealeth them to us, renewing, comforting, and inspiring the souls of men.
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