USA > Connecticut > New London County > Hadlyme > Manual of the Congregational church and history of the church and parish in Hadlyme, Connecticut, with a list of the principal officers and an entire list of the members from its organization, June 26, 1745; and a list of present officers and members to 1913 > Part 3
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of Thomas Hungerford* stood on the southeast corner of the Four corners, near the Asa Hungerford place, and traces of its foundation and the well still remain. The Willey homestead was farther south at the corner of the ancient highway, long since discontinued, running easterly to the John Luther place, and within fifteen years its location could still be made out. John Booge's dwelling was located on the westerly side of South Town street, near the site of the present dwelling of John C. Church, and Samuel Spencer's home was in the same locality, but probably on the easterly side of the street.
By 1700 or thereabouts, the Spencers, Willeys and Hun- gerfords began to settle further east in the central part of Had- lyme. According to tradition one of the Willeys early settled on the farm now occupied by Francis E. Gates. So far as has been ascertained, however, the earliest settler in the vicinity of Hadlyme Church was Nathaniel Beckwith, Jr., who came from Lyme about 1700 and settled upon land lying east of the church. When the first church was built this place was occu- pied by his eldest son, Job Beckwith. At about the same time (1700) Joseph Dutton also came from Lyme and settled east- erly of the Second Burying Ground, on an ancient highway. running from Town street near the residence of Joseph G. Rubicius, easterly to the highway running northerly from near the residence of the late Silas R. Holmes.
John Holmes, who had married a daughter of John Willey, came to Hadlyme in the winter of 1713-14 from New London and settled about forty rods westerly of Hadlyme church. His aged father, Thomas Holmes, came with him and is said to have been the first person buried in the Second Burying Ground.
The earliest settler in the Lyme part of Hadlyme Society was, beyond question, Joseph Selden from Hadley, Mass., who settled on Selden's Neck, a part of Capt. Cullick's Twelve Mile Island farm in 1696. There had been a herdsman's lodge there as early as 1660 or before, but no person was perma- nently settled or domiciled there until Selden purchased the farm of the Leveretts in 1695-6.
* This settlement was upon land now owned by Mrs. Henry T. Comstock.
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Samuel Tubbs of New London, whose wife was a sister of John and Abraham Willey, was a land owner in East Haddam ( Hadlyme) about 1689, but it is not certain that he ever lived in the parish. By 1730 settlements had been made in about every part of Hadlyme Society, and families by the name of Harvey, Marsh, Comstock,* Crosby, Banning, Pike, Brock- way and Warner were located within the limits of the parish. The order of their coming can only be ascertained by a careful study of the land records and vital statistics of the towns of East Haddam and Lyme.
The period of most rapid increase in the population and number of dwellings in Hadlyme came a little later, between 1730 and 1765. Before the revolutionary war nearly all the homesteads now occupied were improved as sites for dwellings and many of the old chimney stacks in the parish, - abandoned before the memory of persons now living, -- were erected during that period.
Early settlements were made in the northerly and easterly parts of the society along Pike Lanet and in the vicinity of the dwelling of Henry C. Parker in the East Haddam part of the Society. Within a short distance from the ruins of the Lord house, now standing on the road running northerly from Joseph Edward Howell's place, there are chimney stacks or other vestiges of eight abandoned homesteads, two of them some distance east of that road on an easterly extension of Pike Lane, on land lately owned by William E. Hungerford, deceased, showing that at an early date there was a consider- able settlement in that locality.
Tradition informs us that the first settlement was made in the northeastern part of Hadlyme, northeast of J. Edward Howell's and east of the road leading to Miss Sarah Parker's
* The Comstock family were early represented by four original mem- bers of the church.
t "Named for John Pike ( or Peek ) who married Hannah Spencer, the youngest daughter of Samuel and Hannah ( Willey) Spencer in 1712 and settled on this ancient highway, now discontinued."
For much of the preceding historical matter and other valuable suggestions the compiler is indebted to Francis H. Parker of Hartford.
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(but no dates can be obtained to verify this.) Traces of the settlement can still be seen. It was an unique location sloping to the southwest, hidden among the hills but a short distance from a commanding eminence and furnished a most desirable retreat from the Indians. This settlement was upon land now owned by the estate of Wm. E. Hungerford.
The parish of Hadlyme was well represented by those who bore arms in the struggle for American Independence. In common with all other localities in New England, the public mind was distracted by political discussion and service in the field. This naturally diverted the attention of the people from the affairs of the place and the duties of the church. Hadlyme was distinguished for its patriotism during the period of the American Revolution.
John Hungerford, the brother of Robert 2d, the grandson of John, the great-grandson of Thomas, the blacksmith, a brother of Zachariah, (the grandfather of the late William E. Hungerford), served in the French and Indian wars preceding the Revolution. Zachariah Hungerford was a captain. Lieutenant Robert Hungerford 2d, the grandfather of Deacon Joseph Hungerford, served in this struggle for freedom. Colonel Samuel Selden,* for twenty years a deacon of this church, died a prisoner of war. Judge Eliphalet Holmes, the grandfather of Deacon Silas R. Holmes, was a captain. Abraham Willey was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army. From Hadlyme there went one colonel, two captains, two or more lieutenants, and several non-commissioned officers who rendered valiant service for their native land.
* Colonel Samuel Selden served in the division commanded by his cousin, Major-General Joseph Spencer, whose services and memory the state has honored with a monument. His powder-horn taken by a British soldier, and since restored, bore the inscription, " Made for the defense of Liberty." Three of his sons followed him into the service.
Colonel Samuel Selden was taken prisoner about where 34th Street is, and was confined in the old City Hall in Wall Street for a few days, then in the Old Federal Hall where Washington took the oath of office. He was removed to the "New Jail "-later the Hall of Records, back of the City Hall; it was torn down a few years ago. He died there, and was buried in the old Brick Church yard. "The distress of the prisoners cannot be communicated by words. Twenty or thirty die every day; they lie in heaps unburied. What numbers of my countrymen have died of cold and hunger, perished for the want of the necessaries of life! I have seen it."-From a prisoner of distinction belonging to Connecticut, dated at New York, December 26, 1776.
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The descendants of some of these also served in the war of the Rebellion. Colonel Joseph Selden, t for five years a deacon of this church, and others from the parish of Hadlyme served in this struggle for civil supremacy.
A local library was formed in Hadlyme in 1790, which afterward passed into the Circulating Library Association.
A Baptist church was built about 1825, and became a branch of the Pleasant Valley church in 1828. It was situated on a rise a short distance east of the Rufus Phelp's place. It was destroyed by fire on the 6th of March, 1866.
The Ecclesiastical Society was dissolved January 28th, 1890.
The new hall was built during the summer of 1911, and dedicated on the evening of October 6th.
+ Colonel Joseph Selden was a nephew of Colonel Samuel C. Selden, who was the grandson of Colonel Samuel Selden; and the father of the Rev. Edward and the Rev. Joseph H. Selden.
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history of the Hastorates.
Mr. Rawson,* from what we can learn of his life and char- acter, was of a versatile mind, a man of excellent learning and great determination. He* has the honor of being the pioneer preacher to two New England churches. He came to Had- lyme with the wealth of his experience and education, and freely bestowed his labors upon the church and parish. He had a wide acquaintance with learned men of his time; a position of honor and influence seemed to be his by birthright.
Mr. Rawson commenced his labors following the Great Revival in New England. During his faithful and efficient ministry to this church for thirty-two years the foundations were laying for its future permanency, but it was not until after the first half of Mr. Vaill's ministry that there were refreshing showers of divine grace. When Mr. Vaillt assumed his pastoral labors, the church consisted of less than forty members, and only twelve were males. During the ministry of both Mr. Rawson and Mr. Vaill the attention of the people was directed to warfare and to political discussion in the cause of American Independence. After twenty-two years Mr. Vaill writes, "I have had serious apprehension of late that this small society would come to speedy dissolution. I know not but that will be the case. God will visit us with his Holy Spirit to reform us, or he will leave us to confusion of face."
* From the church records, dated May 23d, 1745: Voted we will settle Rev. Mr. Rawson with us upon the Cambridge platform, as a congrega- tional minister if we can agree upon principles, salery and settlement. It was than voted to Give Mr. Rawson a salery of one hundred and fifty pounds old tenor pr year and to add 5 pounds pr year after 4 years until the salery shall amount to {170 old tenor, and three hundred pounds settle- ment, also {roo in labor on his house if he settles amongst us."
| Mr. Vaill was given {200 at settlement, {70 yearly salery, 12 cords of wood, an annual liberal donation from his people. In addition to this he had the products from his farm, and the income from his school.
32 A
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THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE. - Built 1743.
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THE NEW OR PRESENT HADLYME CHURCH .- Built 1840.
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Rev. STEPHNE A. LOPER.
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Rev. ELIAS B. HILLARD.
Rev. JOSEPH VAILL.
Rev. JOSEPH VAILL, D. D.
Rev. HENRY M. VAILL.
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Rev. WILLIAM CLIFF.
Rev. HENRY W. JONES.
Rev. CLARENCE C. LYON. Author of this Book.
Rev. M. J. CALLAN.
Rev. GEORGE H. BURGESS.
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Deacon FREDERICK A. TIFFANY.
Deacon SILAS R. HOLMES.
Deacon ELIJAH COMSTOCK.
Deacon WILLIAM C. SPENCER.
WM. SUMNER HUNGERFORD.
Deacon CHARLES W. HARRISON.
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THE FIRST PARSONAGE .- Built 1747, still standing.
THE SECOND PARSONAGE .- Home of Rev. Joseph Vaill.
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THE THIRD PARSONAGE." Built 1820. Destroyed by fire 1908.
THE FOURTH AND PRESENT PARSONAGE. -- Built 1909.
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Dea. Holmes in his Anniversary address truly describes the ministry of this venerable man. "He had the fidelity and fortitude to labor in a cause unpopular. Having once put his hand to the plow thought not of looking back, but kept right on with his efforts." It is such kind of toil which accomplishes wonderful results and reaps fruits of everlasting reward. " His ministry was a marked illustration of Ps. 126: 6." "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him."
Mr. Vaill was noted for his punctuality on the attendance of religious and business meetings. The sight of his chaise on the way to church was a sort of "time regulator " for the neigh- borhood through which he passed. Although living nearly a mile from church he was always on time. He was a gentleman of the old school and possessed the sterling qualities of our Puri- tan fathers. The hardships endured in securing his education taught him that obstacles were no impediments to success. His journey on foot from Litchfield to Hanover, N. H., carrying his ax and a small bundle of clothing, was the beginning of his illustrious career. Doubtless, as he traversed the wilder- ness, high hopes rose within his mind of the great advantage offered him to obtain a collegiate education. Little did he know of the hard manual and mental toil, of the privation, and sickness to which he was to be subjected; but all this he patiently endured, that he might prepare himself for a life of usefulness, for he longed to be a blessing to his day and generation.
A select school was taught by Mr. Vaill * with occasional intermissions for several years; and, after discontinued by him, was taught by his daughter.
Among his distinguished pupils who received their prepar- atory education were: William Hungerford, Esq., ( one of Connecticut's most prominent lawyers, and a diligent legal student, who read Blackstone's Commentaries in course thirty times, and so familiar was he with this work that he could give every division and subdivision without reference to the
* Formerly spelled Vail.
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volumes. Law, the Bible, and Shakespeare were his principle and constant study. He graduated from Yale in 1809, and received the degree of Doctor of Laws from the same Institu- tion in 1856; he died at Hartford, January 15th, 1873, aged 86 years.) Dr. Edward Dorr Griffin, ( an eminent Divine, who graduated from Yale in 1790, studied Divinity with Dr. Jona- than Edwards, Second; was Professor at Andover Theological Seminary, and President of Williams College ) and Rev. Joseph Harvey (esteemed as a theologian, author, and promoter of religious enterprises. Graduated from Yale in 1808, and studied Divinity with President Day. Received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Amherst College in 1835. His first past- orate was in Goshen where he remained fifteen years, after this he resided in Andover, Mass., holding the office of Secretary for the Congregational Education Society. Was installed over the Westchester Congregational Society January 17th, 1827; was one of the principal founders of the East Windsor Theo- logical Institution; organized the first Presbyterian church in the state at Thompsonville; founded a conservative religious paper, the Hartford Watchmant. Was one of the founders of the "Cornwall School for the Heathen." Mr. Harvey in co- oporation with Rev. Lyman Beecher and Judge Morris organ- ized the mission to the Sandwich Islands. The first mission- ary was ordained in Mr. Harvey's church at Goshen. He was the author of a work, "An Inquiry Concerning the Obligations of Believers to the Visible Church, " New Haven 1830; also edited " Life of Obookiah, " a first convert of the Islands).
James Ely from Hadlyme gained his general education and studied Divinity under Mr. Harvey. Mr. Ely was one of the first missionaries to the Sandwich Islands. After the completion of his work, and at the time of his departure the King of the Islands presented him with the Royal Mantle, and the Queen with idols she had renounced.
The Church of Christ, East Haddam ( Hadlyme) in co- operation with Mr. Vaill was a pioneer in the Home Missionary movement of Conn. In 1792 a missionary spirit was manifested in the Middlesex Association, and an earnest desire was
t Printed by Elihu Geer.
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expressed to carry the Gospel to the new settlements in Ver- mont. A temporary mission * was arranged for, and Mr. Vaill was selected to labor in the destitute places of that State, being absent for six weeks; his pulpit was supplied by the ministers of the Association. His reports and encouragements were a prominent factor in the formation of the Society which was organized by the General Association of Connecticut in Hebron, June, 1798.
The churches of the State sent the Gospel to the neighbor- ing settlements before the Revolutionary War. The Missionary Society of Connecticut was a continuation of work done by the General Court; this body was the Missionary Society for more than a century.
In 1807, the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connec- ticut appointed Mr. Vaill as a missionary to the Black River country, state of New York. In this mission t his labors were attended with gratifying results and suggestions offered prov- ed useful in directing their future operations. During this mission he was absent from his pulpit fifteen Sundays.
He was a member of the American Bible and Tract Socie- ties, the monthly Concert of Prayer for the conversion of the world was introduced by him, and has been observed by the church until within a few years.
Mr. Vaill was a pioneer in the temperance movement, holding strenuously to its principles, long before there was any especial interest in this direction. At the time of the Temper-
* Says Mr. Vaill of these pioneer missions, "Through the blessing of God, incalculable good has been effected; by their salutary influence, a great check was given to the progress of vice and error; and the way pre- pared. in the then infant settlements, for the conversion of souls, the for- mation of churches, the better observance of the Sabbath, and the settlement of ministers. The labors of missionaries were followed with a number of powerful revivals of religion."
+ Mr. Vaill writes November 24th, 1809, "I have been in ministerial labors often within the two years and a half past: Including my mission to the New Settlements. I believe that I have preached not far from six hundred times."
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ance Reformation ; he led forward the people with great suc- cess. Every member of his church, male and female, were members of the Temperance society and the great majority of people in the parish espoused the temperance cause.
At the time of the Temperance Reformation the church took advanced steps in Temperance principles :
I. "The church regards the manufacture, sale and use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage, in the midst of the light which now exists upon the subject, as inconsistent with the Christian profession.
2. "No person shall be received into its membership on profession or by letter, who manufactures, uses or sells such liquors as a beverage.
3. " If any member is known to do any of these, it is made the business of the Standing Committee to report the case to the church.
4. "The church recommends and requires all its mem- bers to use their influence in every legitimate way against such manufacture, use or sale."
Up to the year 1807 there were but little indications of revival interest; but when the pastor and the people began to reach out in earnest to bless the waste places, and carry them the tidings of salvation, they were blest at home. This was the very year in which Mr. Vaill made his mission to the State of N. Y. In a year and a half sixteen persons were received into the membership of the church.
In the summer of 1813 a revival interest was manifest and thirty made a public profession of religion.
In 1827 the dews of the heavenly grace fell upon the people and fifty-six persons were added to the church.
1830 and 1834 were periods of more than ordinary religious interest and several were added to the membership of the church.
These last two periods of revival interest and the temper- ance reformation coming during the latter portion of his pastorate in Hadlyme were a most fitting prelude to his retire- ment from the pastoral service.
# The Temperance Reformation in New England covered the period from 1820 to 1840.
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Considerable space has been given to the clergymen who have ministered to this church, especially to the first two installed pastors. Their pastorates were long, and their services most valuable to the church during its early history. Others equally worthy come to our notice with a shorter record.
One hundred and sixty-eight years have elapsed since the organization of this church, or five generations. Its clergy through this long term of years have been men of personal worth, faithful preachers, well educated teachers, who would compare most favorably with any New England parish. Upon its list are the names of those who have become eminent preachers in larger fields of service; and those who have remained for longer periods have accomplished a good work in behalf of the church and parish. Following the pastorate of Mr. Vaill the next in order of length of service were Mr. French, ten years; Mr. Loper, eight years; Mr. Carrington, seven years and Mr. Jones, six years.
The church has been represented by several societies which have aided in missionary enterprise and christian benev- olence.
The Ladies Association was organized by Rev. Mr. Gridley in 1825. It became an auxiliary to the Middlesex Society, and was termed the " Ladies' Association of Hadlyme." The con- tributions from 1825 to 1841 were $222.41.
A Gentlemen's Association was formed at the same time. The object of these Associations was to aid in the work of Foreign Missions. Addresses by distinguished clergymen were given once in two years, alternating the addresses given by the resident pastor.
The "Hadlyme Ladies' Education Society" was formed for the purpose of donating money or articles of clothing, to assist in the education of pious, indigent young men for the ministry. It was organized October 3d, 1816. At one time it had over forty members.
The Church of Christ in Hadlyme appears under the "Account of moneys contributed in the several Congrega- tional societies of Connecticut, for the support of missions on the first Sabbath in May, 1801, pursuant to a Resolve of the Gen-
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eral Assembly of said State, passed, October, 1798."* The Church in Hadlyme contributed $5.76; in 1804, $4.85. The church contributed from the first to the Home Missionary Society.
Dr. Field preached the missionary sermon at the annual meeting at this church in 1815, five years after the organization of the American Board, and three years after the first mission- aries of this Society were sent to foreign lands. These early missionary meetings with their thrilling addresses, were occa- sions of deep interest, and brought a new spirit of consecration to the Church.
The records and tradition of an ancient church which has stood as a "beacon light" for five generations, are blended with the history of the entire community. The garnered recollections of the benefactions of good men, blessed with the visitations of the Holy Spirit are a precious and sacred inherit- ance which ought forever to be preserved. The names of the fathers and mothers connected with this church, and their noble example, cannot fail to live in the thought and respect of this community. Their works do follow them and those who come after them catch the spirit of their loyalty and devotion, their toil and self-sacrifice for the cause of Christ. The names of its early and later pastors will not be forgotten, and many shall rise up in generations to come, and call them blessed.
What shall be the future of this church? For one hundred and sixty-eight years this Parish has had a worthy and influen- tial life. Its permanency can only be measured by a like com- parison with any other church. If the members are loyal, lib- eral, faithful, this church with any other of a like constituency will stand for righteousness, for the leavening of the community with the principles of Christianity. Its history in the past speaks encouragement for such a service. A membership of loyal devoted souls, desiring the prosperity of the church and the advancement of the community toward higher ideals will exert a strong influence to uplift the people morally and spiritually in their midst.
* From the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine.
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We are justified in exercising the spirit of faith and hope in relation to this church. In one hundred years from now there will doubtless be happy, prosperous families telling again their stories of the faithful, sacrificing efforts of the past, and honestly aspiring to make old Hadlyme a good place in which to live. It may become richer, more widely known through some historic act, or honored by the exceptional life of some genius.
The good citizen takes pride in his parish; he lives a life of justice and honor, and does this frequently in a spirit of self-sacrifice for the good name of the church, also for other proper existing institutions. He seeks the well being of every individual in the community where he dwells.
The Christian church is the highest of all institutions, the broadest in its scope; it stands for the redemption of the world from sin. It is the "repository of the goodly fellowship of the living and the dead."
Let the people of this old parish do all within their means to worthily maintain the church and the schools, and to send the young people to the best schools and colleges, that they may receive the necessary stimulus and sustenance to prepare them for worthy living and influential life.
And may this house be so gently hospitable in its greeting and welcome that all needy men and women will gladly seek the influences of its services, for rest, sympathy, and real helpfulness. And here upon this ancient site may there be preached the Gospel in its purity and power for all genera- tions, the simple story of Divine fatherhood and human brotherhood.
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