USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Canaan > South & East Canaan, Connecticut record of Congregational churches > Part 12
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Test ASahel Heart, Pastor
P 12 At a Church Meeting of the 2nd Church of Christ in Canaan legally warned Nov. 7th 1771.
Then was present the Rev. Messrs. Farrand & Robbins at the Mutual desire of the Church & Jarad Huxley to give their opinion & advice with regard to sd Huxley, with whom the Church were offended for his Unchristian Conduct at the funeral of his Daughter Foster & charging Ensign Sam'l Hide in a publick Manner of being Instrumental of her Death. The Case having been fully heard & examined the Rev. Messrs Farrand & Robbins gave it as their opinion & advise that ho the sd Huxley at the Funeral of his Daughter Foster in uttering these words to Ensign Sam'll Hide
T
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that he the sd Hide had been instrumental of the Death of his Daughter & with such a Temper of Mind as he Manifested on such a Mournful occasion was a transgressor of the Gospel Rule & Unbecoming the Christian Character, & that he the sd Huxley ought publickly to confess the same, with which opinion & advise the church fully complied as they Manifested by a Vote, & the said Huxley by signing a Confession to be read the next Lord's Day publickly.
Test Asahel Heart --- Pastor
Nov. 17, 1771 -- Deacon "lisha Baker was chosen Messenger to Meet in Consociation at Litchfield South Farms. He being unable to attend the Church appointed Deacon Andrew Bacon for the same purpose . Test Asahel Heart, Pastor.
Dec. 8, 1771. Justice Gaylord was dismissed from this church & Recommended to the Church in Norfolk by vote of the Church. Test Asahel Heart, Pastor.
March 8, 1772 Deacon Elisha Baker was chosen Messenger to attend the consociation at East Greenwich to set apart Mr. Peter Starr to the work ofthe Gosple Ministry -- called by the committee of sd Church.
But Deacon Baker not being able to attend Deacon Bacon was appointed by the Church in his Room for the same purpose. Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
At a Meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan legally warned April 10th A.D. 1772, for the Church Committee for the year ensuing the Church made choice of Deacon Elisha Baker, Deacon Andrew Bacon, & Capt. Sam'll Forbes. Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
May 17, 1772 Hannah the wife of Charles Dupee was dismissed from this Church & recommended to the Church of Richmont by vote of the Church.
Test Asahel Heart, Pastor.
₽ 13
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Nov. 8, 1772 Deacon Andrew Bacon was chosen Messenger to Attend the Consociation at Winchester to the ordination of Mr. Joshua Knapp, called by the Committos of sd Church.
April 22, 1773. At a meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan legally warned, was chosen for a Committee of the Church the ensuing year Dea. Elisha Baker, Dea. Andrew Bacon, Capt. Sam'll Forbes . -- -Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
April 24, 1774. Mr. Ebenezer Mudge at his own desire was by a vote of the Church dismissed from this Church & recommended to the Church of Christ at Lanesborough.
Test Asahel Heart -- Pastor.
May 5, 1774. At a Meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan legally warned, were chose for a Church Committee the year ensuing De acon Andrew Bacon, Deacon Elisha Baker, Sam'll Forbes Esq. Test, Asahel Heart, Pastor
14 At a Meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan legally Warned Sept. 15, 1774. There was laid before this Church for their Consideration and Examination the following Complaint exhibited by Abiel Follows, a Member of sd Church, Against Deacon Elisha Baker, a Member of the same Church, viz:
To the church of Christ in North Canaan -- whereas Elisha Baker a Member in full Communion with this Church has in my opinion been Scandelouly guilty of a breach of the divine Rule -- by drinking to excess of Spirituous Liquor, which is strictly forbidden in the Gosple :- on the Evening following the third day of May last at the House of Capt. Tarball Whitney's in said Canaan -- whereby he has given occasion of offence to his-Christian Brethren & I being grieved with the conduct of the sd Elisha Baker have endeavoured in a private Manner, According to the Rules of the Gosple to bring him to give Gosple Satisfaction but He refusing --- These are therefore to desire the Church to take the Matter into their Consideration & examine into the affair -- I standing ready to produce Evidence which in my opinion will support
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the Complaint.
Canaan, Sept. 2, A.D. 1774 Abiel Fellows upon which the accused plead not guilty -- sd Fellows pro- duced his evidence to Support his Complaint & sd Baker his Evidences to invalidate them -- which were all heard, which being done, Sd Fellows proceeded to a Plea in apply- ing his Evidence to shew they were Sfficient to support his Complaint & in his turn sd Baker made his plea to invali- date it (by assistance of Gilas Pettibone Esq. a Brother in a neighboring consociated church) when the Church had heard the whole by way of Evidence & Pleas on each side they agreed to adjourn for Consideration & determination of the cause until the Monday following two of the clock afternoon to meet at the Meeting House, the Church Meeting was according adjourned to fores'd Time & Place & for fores'd Purpose . Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
P 15
On Monday the first suceeding the 15th Day of September A.D. 1774. -- then the Second Church of Christ in Canaan Mett according to adjournment & for the Purposes therein Specified & after having Met & taken into their Consideration the Matter before them & not having Time or being able to come to a full Determination & Result in the Matter before them. Voted to adjourn the Church Meeting to Wednesday of the same wook to be at the same place at three o'clock afternoon further to consider upon & fully determine concerning the fore recorded Complaint of Abiel Fellows against Deacon Baker. Test Asahel Heart Pastor
1
On Wednesday the 21st day of Sept. A.D. 1774 Then the 2nd Church of Christ in Canaan Met According to Adjournment & for the Purpose therein Specified & not think- ing it Expedient then fully to determine sd Affair but to Adjourn it to the third Thrusday of October ensuing two of the Clock Afternoon & it was accordingly adjourned . Test -- - Asahel Heart, Pastor
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P 16 Thursday October 20th 1774 the Second Church of Christ in Canaan Met according to Adjournment & the Pastor being Necessarily absent the church proceeded to appoint Capt. Allen Curtiss a Brother of sd church, Moderator, untill the return of the Pastor or Dissolution of the present Church Meeting. Test And'w Bacon Deacon.
The Church having Met & appointed a Moderator pro-tempore & Not being able to accomplish the Business of the Meeting adjourned to the first Thursday of December to Meet at the Meeting House, one Clock in the afternoon. Test Allin Curtiss Moderator
Thursday, Dec. 1st 1774. At a Meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan by Adjournment -- Deacon Elisha Baker, Against whome a Complaint lay before the church being present, the Church & sd Baker Mutually Agreed upon the following fersons( to be a Council to come hear, Judge & Advise them respecting sd Complaint) to wit Mr. Philemon Robbins & James Barker Esq. of Branford, Mr. Dan'l Brimsmade & Increase Moseley Esq. both of Judea -- Mr. Hezekiah Gould & Heman Swift "sq. both of Cornwall-Mr. Joel Bodwell & Ephraim Hubble Esq. both of Kent -- Mr. Jeremiah Day, of New Preston & Capt. Justus Sacket, of Greenwich, Mr. John reep & Lieut. Daniel Dewey, both of Sheffield --- sd Council to "eot at the House of sd Baker on Tuesday Night the seventh Day of February next A.D. 1775, & they desired the Pastor of the Church in their Name & behalf to write Letters Missive to all the forementioned Gentlemen desiring them to give their Attendance at Time Place & for the purpose aforesaid then the Church Meeting was adjourned to Wednesday the Eighth Day of February next to be at the Meeting House in North Canaan at Nine of the Clock in the Morning. Test Asahel Heart Pastor
Feb. 8, 1775 The Second Church of Christ in Canaan Met at the Meeting House According to Adjournment -- The whole Council Agreed upon between the Church & Deacon Baker (for hearing Judging & Advising with respect to the Complaint against sd
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Baker before the church) being present, except Rev. Mr. Robbins & Esq. Barker of Branford & Esq. Mosely of Judeu, the Council & church Meeting being opened by Prayer of the Modor- ator of this Council the Complaint was read by the Scribe of the Council, the Evidence was then heard & Examined for the Support of the Complaint, & on the other Part for Deacon Baker's defence & everything said on both sides desired -- when the church Meeting was adjourned to nine of the clock at the Meeting House next morning to wait on the Council to hear their Judgment & advise . Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
P 18 Canaan. Feb. 9th 1775. Nine of the Clock in the Morning. then the Second Church of Christ in Canaan Mot at the Meeting House according to adjournment to hear the Judgment & Advice of the Council, when the Scribe of the Council by order read to them (as stands on their records) their Judgment & Advice, which is as follows.
Wednesday Nine a Clock in the Morning met at the Meeting House according to Adjournment & the Council was opened with Prayer of the Moderator -- then the Church proceeded to lay before the Council a Complaint against Deacon Elisha Baker for being scandalously guilty of a breach of the divine Rules by drinking to excess of spirituous Liquor on the Evening following the Third day of May last at the House of Capt. Tarball Whitneys in sd Society. The Council attended to a full & free hearing of the Evidences on both sides, & the Arguments adduced to enforce them, & the result of our best enquiry into the matter laid before us is that the per- son complained of did at the Time & Place specified in his speech & Actions exhibit the appearance of having drinked to excess of spirituous Liquor -- Yet as it appeared by clear Evidence, that the sd accused was not only frequently in Times past subject to but at that very Time was exercised with Vertiginous Disorders & Paroxym by which all the Un- common appearances of his Conduct might be accounted for without any excessive Use of spirituous Liquor -- we are therefore of the Opinion that the charge was not Supported by Gosple Evidence & therefore we advise this Church that they Maintain their brotherly Christian Love & Charity towards & hold
P 19
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Communion & fellowship with sd Baker -- & in this way the present threatning Aspects on this church & Society may hopefully be removed & Peace & Tranquility be restored which is the earnest desire of us your Brethren in the Faith & Fellowship of the Gosple .
Voted unanimously by this Council. Attest John Keep Scribe which being read & other Reasons & Arguments being given by Members of the Council for their opinion & to enforce their advice the church wanting a little Time of Consideration & to attend to the Light held up by the Council before they adopted the advice of the Council & passed it into their own Act --- desired an adjournment of the Church Meeting for that Furpose, & the Church Meeting was accordingly adjourned to the next Thursday, being Foby, the 16th at one of the Clock in the afternoon to meet at the house of Sam'11 Forbes Esq. in Canaan. Test Asahel Heart, Pastor
P 20 Canaan, Feb. 16th P.M. A.D. 1775 The Second Church of Christ in Canaan Met according to Adjournment at the House of Sam'11 Forbes Esq. & being then Met & having freely conversed & Maturely deliberated upon the Matter for which they adjourned the Church Members present Unanimously Voted to adopt the Judgment & advice of the Council concerning the complaint against Deacon Elisha Baker as their own act & that they would Maintain their Brotherly Christian Love & Charity towards & hold Communion & Fellowship with sd Baker. --- the church then made choice of Sam'll Forbes Esq, Dea. Andrew Bacon & Mr. Nehemiah Lawrence for their Committee the year ensuing -- then the church meeting was dissolved. Test Asahol Heart Pastor
March 19, 1775 Jared Huxley & his Wife from their desire were dismissed from this church & recommended to the Christian fellowship & Communion of the Church of Christ in New Marl- borough by vote of the church. Test ASahel Heart Pastor
P 21 At a Church Meeting of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan legally warned Sept. 18, 1777
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Voted that if any member of the Church for the futre do set appen doors to what is commonly called frolicking carried on by musick drinking & dancing or Shall aid or assist any in Such frolicks shall be considered as walking Disorderly Contrary to our Covenant and the Rules of God's word. Andrew Bacon, Moderator
July 11, 1779. Dr. Ebenezer Lee by a letter from the Church of Christ in Farmington was Received in full Communion in the 2nd Church of Christ in Canaan Andrew Bacon Moderator
P 22 At a church meeting of the second church of Christ in Canaan legally warned May 30, 1782. Voted that this church do chuse the Rev. Mr Amos Thompson to be their minister and now give him a call to take the pastoral charge of them. Voted unanimously .
Voted that Capt. Allen Curtiss, Messrs Abial Fellows and Elisha Baker present this call to Mr. Thompson and take his answer and present it to the church.
Attest -- Elisha Baker, Moderator
Gentlemen, I have seriously considered of the call to the pastoral office and work of the Gospel Ministry in the Church and Society in North Canaan Presented by you and after nature Deliberation and advice think it is my duty to accept and do accordingly accept of said call hoping the Great Redeemer will make me a faithfull Messenger of spiritual good to this Parish,
and am Gentlemen yours in the Gospel
Amos Thomson, Junior To the Committee of the Church & Soceity in North Canaan
P 25 (Note. One leaf containing pages 23 & 24 has been very plain- ly cut out of this book at some time. Rollin H. Cooke July 27, 1901)
At a church Meeting of the second church of Christ in Canaan regularly warned May 25th 1786. Voted that Deacon Andrew Bacon & Mr. Abiel Fellows be a
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Committee to receive of the Executors of the Rev'd Asahel Heart a legacy sd Mr. Heart bequeathed to the second church in Canaan, together with the interest on sd legacy which Esq. Forbes one of the sd Executors is willing to pay and sd Committee are hereby authorized and required to hire out on lawful interest for one year upon sufficient security the money they shall receive from Esq. Forbes on account of sd legacy as above. Attest Amos Thompson Pastor At the abovesaid meeting the Churches aforesaid chose Samuel Forbes Esq. and Deacon Bacon and Mr. John Franklin their Committee for the ensuing year. Amos Thompson Pastor
It does not appear on these records that Mr. Thompson was dismissed. He did not die here, but as soon as the difficulties of the revolution were settled he returned South where he came from in order to be out of the way of those difficulties. He bro't some slaves North with him who refused to go back with him. Canaan, Feb. 22, 1859 (?) H. Eddy
P 26 March 19, 1798. the Second Church of Christ in Canaan being legally warned, meet at their Meeting house , the Meeting being opened proceeded as follows: After choosing a Moderator --- -
Voted to give the Rev'd Solomon Morgan a Call to settle over them in the work of the Gospel Ministry, & to take the Pastoral watch and care of this Church.
Voted that Capt. Jacob Hensdel, Abiel Fellows & Andrew Bacon be a Commity to make the Report to the Rev'd Solomon Morgan and Receive his answer, & make Return to the Church. Andrew Bacon, Moderator.
At an adjourned Meeting meet on the 24 Day of April Received the following answer.
P 27 Whereas the 2nd Church of Christ in Canaan have invited me to Settle with them in the work of the Gospel Ministry & to take the pastoral Charge over them, I feel sensable that the work is Great & difficult, & that I am not of my Self Suffi- cient to discharge the duties of the office: yet trust in the Grace that
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is through Christ Jesus I shall submit with a degree of cheerfulness to serve this church in the pastoral work. If Consociation in this visenity should aprove, & see fit to Reinstall me in this place. Requesting your prayers for me that I may be faithfull to our Lord & usefull to his flock. I am your servant in the Gospel April 24, 1798 Solomon Morgan
P 28
Deaths in the Church
1798 Nathaniel Lawrance -- Mrs. Rood
1799 Nehemiah Lawrance John Franklin
1801 Mrs. Huldah Rose wife to Alban Rose Deacon Andrew Bacon Edward Pierce Rev. Solomon Morgan Died in the Society
June
1801
John Spalding
Mrs. Mix wife to Daniel Mix
P 29 Sept. 8 1799
Anna Morgan, the wife of Solomon Morgan was Received into the Second Church in Canaan, also the wife of Mr. Nathaniel Lawrence John Ehnor & wife
Lucy Burrel wife of Obed Burrel
Pagy wife Robin
Nov. 15 1799
Received to the Communion of the Second Church in Canaan
James Stephens Anna Stephens wife of Henry Stephens
Miles Toby & wife and
David Wickham
Jan. 12 1800
Mr. Levi Barker & wife
Mr. Comfort Sotow & wife
Mr. Anson Lawrance & wife
Mr. Nathaniel Dean & wife
Mrs. Rockwell
March
Mrs. Lois Perce (Original entry was Cynthia and it was crossed out & Lois written later in pencil R .H. C. )
Sept. 3 1804
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Mrs . Huldah Rosa Rachel Sage Mrs. Abigail Rockwell Wifo to Honry Stow Edward Pierce Joseph Fellows Anna wife to Josiah Lawrance
P 30 July 5, 1801
Received to the Communion of the second church in Cansan Wido Anna Babcock Wido Elizabeth Stephens Salmon Eltren
Canaan May 27, 1805
At a meeting of the Church of Christ in the Second Society of Canaan Deacon Jacob Hinsdale, Moderator for sd meeting. Voted to give Mr. Pitkin Cowles an Invitation to settle over us in the Gospel Ministry and that the Members of sd Society be Requested to unite and give him a call.
Voted that Messrs Abial Fellows and Anson Lawrence be a committee to confer with Mr. Cowles and make Report at some future meeting.
Test Jacob Hinsdale, Moderator.
P 31 Canaan July 1st, 1805
The Committee appointed by the church having waited on Mr. Pitkin Cowles, received from him the following answer, which Was prepared to be laid before the ordination council when they should be convened.
Jacob Hinsdale, Moderator.
Brethren in Christ Jesus
Having received through your committee proposals for settling with you in the work of the gospel ministry, I have given that attention which the nature & importance of the subject demand. Taking them into serious consideration, I am impressed with a sense of the importance & reality of religion & feel highly interested in your temporal & eternal happiness. Sensible of the duty incumbent on all to devote themselves to the cause of their Lord &
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Master & the interest of his Kingdom, it is desirable to be mado Instrumental in promoting a knowledge of the truth & the salvation of men. But, to perform tho dutlos incumbent on an ambassador of Jesus Christ to be faithful to a Ministarial charge, to watch with all requisite care over the souls of men; and in all caces act worthy the office of a Bishop, is a task more difficult to perform than is readily conceived, & requires more christian patience, perseverance, attention & application than is usually thought necessary. Thought necessary. Though one who takes on him the charge of immortal souls may look to the great head of the church for support; & be assured hewill never leave nor forsake a faithful minister of Christ Jesus; yet he needs the cordial friendship of his people: and the personal prayers of the saints that he may be supported in the way of his duty, & be preserved from error. He will also look for a prospect of lasting peace & harmony among those whom he expects as hearers of the word. When called by the joint voice of church & society, he may conceive a door to be opened for his usefulness in promoting the cause of truth & the salvation of his fellow mortals. Devoting himself to the cause of his Lord & Master Christ Jesus : looking to the highest happiness of immortal souls, & submitting himself to the care of heaven, he will choose to go whither divine wisdom shall seom to direct him & occupy that station which providence shall assign him. Conceiving there is at present a prospect of a harmonious union relative to the settlement of a Pastor over this church & society, I look forward to that period, when we may expect to be connected as Minister & people: and when we shall use all our powers to promote each other's growth in grace, & quicken our hearts in our united exertions for the building up of the Redeemer's kingdom. Relying on divine power for support under all tryals & difficulties -- on that wisdom which is from above, for direction in ways of peace prudence & discretion -- & on divine grace for deliverance from errors in faith & practice- -expecting your fervent prayers at the throne of grace -- your cordial & joint efforts to
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Advance the cause of Christ & your united labours to impress a sense of the importance of religion on the minds of those around you; especially those of the rising generation; & trusting you will use all possible endeavors to promote your own salvation & the glory of God; I cordially accept of your invitation to settle with you in the work of the gospel ministry.
July Ist 1805
Pitkin Cowles.
P 38
Canaan, August 27th 1805 The Consociation by letters missive, being called, formed into an ordaining council, & proceeded to make the arrangements for the next day, when they proceeded to the ordination of Mr. Pitkin Cowles by Fasting & Prayer & the Laying on of the hands of the Presbytery agreeable to apostilic directions. The various parts were performed by the following persons, viz : Rev. Ammi K. Robbins made Ist prayer Rev. Giles H. Cowles preached sermon Rev. Samuel Mills made consecrating prayer Rev. Nathan Perkins D.D. gave the charge Rev. Charles Prentice gave right hand of fellowship Rev. Jonathan Miller made last prayer
29 August 1805 Test Pitkin Cowles Now Pastor
P 43 ( Two leaves, covering pages 39-40-41-42, have evidently beon cut out because of an error at the time. At the foot of page 38 are three lines crossed out which read "Names of Members of the Second Church of Christ in Canaan on the 28th of August 1805. See page 52 R.H. Cooke July 27, 1901)
At a legal meeting of the second church of Christ in Canaan December 15, 1805.
Voted that Doct. Thomas Huntington be Deacon of this church. Who refused.
Several notices being laid before the church from the association which are in the words following --- "West Britain Sept 25th 1805 Voted by the Northern association of Litchfield County
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Ist. That the Pastors and Committees as prudence shall direct, should visit the families belonging to their rospective societies; previous notice being given, that all the members of the family may be present .
2nd That there be times for chatechising the youth & children, at schools, or at chatechising lectures, or at intermission on the Sabbath; and that public teachers adapt their discourses or parts of them to the instruction of the rising generation. 3rd. That the Pastors & Committees should converse with parents & others as far as prudence may direct, on the duty and importance of maintaining religious government & also due subordination in families & appoint particular timas for chatechising their children.
4th. That it is also recommended to chhs to pay special attention to baptized children, reminding them of their ob- ligations arising from their dedication to God; & admonish Parents as they shall see occasion; & to aid & encourage them in the duty of training them up in the nurture & admonition of the Lord.
Voted by the Church; that the foregoing resolutions be laid over for consideration at the next sacramental Hecture in February next. Test Pitkin Cowles Pastor
P 45
Canaan, December 15th 1805 Mr. Abiel Fellows was appointed delegate to attend in Con- sociation to be convened at Winstead, for the purpose of setting apart Mr. James Beach to the work of the ministry over the church of Christ & society in that place. Test Pitkin Cowles Pastor
February 28th 1806
Church met, according to adjournment after the exercises of Sacramental Lecture & called for the business of the day, viz: Ist Called on Doct. Thomas Huntington to give his answer to Chh whether he accepted of the office of a Deacon . Answered in the negative.
2nd. Called up the resolutions of the association which were laid over to this time. For good reasons adjourned to the next sacramental Lecture. Test Pitkin Cowles, Pastor
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