USA > Connecticut > Tolland County > Columbia > The 150th anniversary of the organization of the Congregational Church in Columbia, Conn., October 24th, 1866 : historical papers, addresses, with appendix > Part 2
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The seasons of special religious interest during his ministry will be noticed in his own words, taken from an account pub- lished near the close of his life, in April, 1803, in the Con- necticut Evangelical Magazine. "Compared with other ac- counts, I have little to say, yet on the score of sovereign grace, and the almighty power of the divine Spirit, in subdu- ing the sinner, I have much to say. I can bear the same tes- timony with those that have labored in a larger field, that
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with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. In the year 1781, it pleased God to revive his work among us; a special attention and uncommon serious- ness seemed to prevail in all parts of the society ; and the happy effects for many years were sensibly felt. At that sca- son there were upwards of thirty added to the church. After that, there was nothing special took place, except in individual cases, for twenty years; during which period the spirit of vital religion was reduced to a very languid state. This will ever be the case without fresh anointings from the Spirit. Toward the latter end of March, in the year 1801, two or three pious people agreed to meet and pray for a revival of religion among us. This was soon discovered and others joined. The numbers increased weekly, and in the May and June following, our meetings became crowded, and the Spirit of God in the conviction of a number was evidently seen among us. A public lecture was appointed, in which I was favored with the kind assistance of my brethren in the minis- try. Our conferences were attended three or four times in the week; but the most crowded, and that which discovered most of the power of the Spirit was on Thursday in the after- noon. During this period religion appeared not to be a sec- ondary object, but the one thing needful. Sabbaths seemed too far distant, and the appointed seasons of conference were waited for with anticipated delight. The work, however, was far from being general among the people. There were some from almost every part of the society ; and some families so peculiarly distinguished, that it might almost be said of them as of the favored house at which our Lord when in the flesh so often called, that they were all friends to Jesus. To the serious, contemplative mind, there was a striking display of the sovereign, discriminating grace of God. While one family was wholly occupied with the concerns of the soul, perhaps a few rods at the next door, nothing of it was to be seen; they were wholly unmoved, unless with a spirit of opposition. The work, in its carly stage, took deep hold of professors. They seemed to awake as from sleep, and the prosperity of Zion was the object of their united prayers. Love to one another, and
- وبائة كرمه بلي
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zeal for the cause animated them, with but few exceptions. The still small voice has characterized the work from the beginning, without any thing of an opposite nature."
One still remains with us who was a subject of that revival of 1801, and united with the church that year, whose wife,- also a subject and uniting with the church then,-has passed away during the present year. Thirty-five were added to the church as the fruits of that revival. The whole number admitted to the church during Mr. Brockway's ministry was 139, of whom twenty-nine were by letter.
Having been ill and not able to preach for a few weeks, he went to Lyme, his native place, for the benefit of his health, and there he died suddenly on the night of the fourth of July, 1807. His body was brought to Columbia, and on Monday the sixth, the funeral was attended by a large concourse of people. The sermon was preached by Rev. Zebulon Ely, of Lebanon, from Hebrews 13: 7, 8, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their con- versation, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and to day and forever." And some there are still with us who do "remem- ber," with reverence, with esteem and with affection, that holy man of God, who "ruled over" them so gently and with such a tender care for the flock, whose words were spoken as by the servant of God, and whose ministry was manifestly accept- able to the Great Head of the Church.
Ilis pastorate was just the same number of years as Dr. Wheelock's, thirty-five. He died at the age of sixty-two, and you read upon his tomb-stone in yonder cemetery,-" As an husband, he was tender ; as a father, affectionate; and as a friend, sincere. As a minister of Christ, he shunned not to declare all the counsel of God, and was wise in turning men to righteousness."
Mr. Brockway married Eunice Lathrop, of Norwich, Decem- ber 18, 1772. They had thirteen children, three sons and ten daughters; two of whom, a son and daughter are buried by the side of the father. Mrs. Brockway died in 1823.
IIe published an epic poem, entitled " The Gospel Tragedy,"
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in 1795; a sermon on "Virtue its own rewarder," in 1795; and one at the ordination of Bezaleel Pinneo, in Milford, October 26, 1796, from Colossians 1: 26, 27.
Nearly four years elapsed before the fifth pastor was settled, Rev. Thomas Rich. Mr. Rich was born in Warren, Massa- chusetts, February 9, 1775, and was graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1799. He was ordained pastor of the church in Westbrook, June 13, 1804, from which church he was dis- missed September 5, 1810. He was installed pastor of this church and society March 6, 1811. The sermon was preached by Rev. Salmon Cone, of Colchester.
During his ministry, in June, 1814, the church adopted a form of Covenant and Confession of Faith. Near the close of his ministry, in the year 1816, a season of revival was enjoyed, as the fruits of which forty-six were added to the church. Ho was dismissed June 13, 1817, having been pastor but six years. He afterwards preached in Sharon, Massachusetts, and in Salisbury, Massachusetts, and died in Amesbury, September, 1836, at the age of sixty-one.
The sixth pastor was Rev. William Burton. He was born in Washington, Vermont, and was graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1815. He was ordained here February 24, 1818; sermon by Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry. He preached but a few times, holding the pastoral office only six- teen months, and was dismissed June 23, 1819. From here he went to the southern states, but spent the chief part of his life preaching in Ohio, where he died in 1858.
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The seventh pastor was Rev. David Dickinson. He was born in Conway, Massachusetts, July 22, 1770. He was first engaged in the medical profession for six years. After enter- ing the ministry he was settled in Plainfield, New Hampshire, for cighteen years. He was installed here January 19, 1820. The churches invited on the Council were, Hebron, third church in Chatham, (now East Hampton,) Ellington, Exeter, South Coventry, and Andover. The sermon was preached by Rev. Amos Bassett, D. D., of Hebron; charge to the pastor, by Rev. Joel West, of Chatham ; right hand of fellowship, by
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Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry; and address to the people, by Rev. Diodate Brockway, of Ellington.
In the early part of Mr. Dickinson's ministry there were marked indications of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and his labors were blessed in many hopeful conversions, so that in the year 1821 there were added to the church by profession, twenty-three, and fifteen in each of the years 1823 and 1825. But in 1831, there was a more extensive and powerful work of divine grace; this church sharing largely in the blessing which was so widely experienced throughout the State. In that year forty-one were added to the church by profession. The whole number added during his ministry of seventeen years, was 123, of whom twenty united by letter. He was dismissed July 4, 1837. After his removal from this place he resumed the practice of medicine, and died in Mexico, N. Y., January 1, 1857, aged eighty-seven.
The eighth pastor, Rev. Charles Kittredge, was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in August, 1809, and was grad- uated at Dartmouth College, in 1834. He was ordained here March 27, 1839, after having supplied the pulpit nearly a year. The churches acting in the Council were, Ellington, South Coventry, North Coventry, Bolton, Andover, Hebron, North Mansfield, and Gilead. Rev. Bennett Tyler, D. D., of East Windsor, preached the sermon, from Isaiah 58, 1; charge to the pastor by Rev. George A. Calhoun, of North Coventry; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Alpha Miller, of Andover; and address to the people by Rev. William Ely, of North Mansfield.
In the latter part of the year 1839, the pastor proposed " an abridgement in the language of the Confession of Faith, and the addition of proof texts, and to have the same printed, together with the covenant and a catalogue of all the names of the members of the church, in pamphlet form, and one copy for cach member ;" which proposal, after due delibera- tion, was approved, and, on June 9th, 1840, our confession and covenant, as at present existing, were adopted.
Being unable to preach for a considerable time from im- paired health, Mr. Kittredge asked the church to agree with
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him in calling a council for his dismission, to which request the church and society consented, and he was accordingly dis- missed Feb. 16th, 1841, after a pastorate of only two years, in which time nine were added to the church. He afterwards preached, for a time, in West Greece, N. Y., in which place he now resides, without any pastoral charge.
The ninth pastor was Rev. James Wheelock Woodward, a descendant, in the fourth generation, of Dr. Wheelock. He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, March 30, 1805, and was graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1826. For nine years he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Shrews- bury, New Jersey. After preaching here several months, lie was installed March 23d, 1842. The churches comprising the council were, South Coventry, North Coventry, Andover, Gilead, East Stafford, Marlboro and Willimantic. The ser- mon, from II Cor., ii : 16, was preached by Rev. Jonathan Cogswell, D. D., of East Windsor; Charge to the pastor by Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry ; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. George HI. Woodward, of East Stafford, brother of the candidate ; and Address to the people by Rev. Charles Nichols, of Gilead.
During the year previous to his settlement, his labors with this people were largely blessed, and 17 were added to the church near the close of the year. During his ministry 56 were received to the church. He was dismissed Oct. 12th, 1848, having been pastor nearly seven years.
After leaving this place he resided, for a time, in Flatbush, Long Island, and then in Albany, N. Y., where he was cil- gaged in mercantile pursuits ; and again, for a few months, in Columbia ; nearly all this time under treatment for that dread disease which was disfiguring his face and by which his life was terminated. His last two years were spent in Iowa, whither he went, as he said, " to die with his brother." He was, however, able to labor there happily and successfully, till near the close of his life, connected, most of the time, with the Congregational church in Irving. He died in Toledo, Iowa, at the house of his brother, Rev. George H. Woodward, Jan. 6th, 1864, aged 58. In his funeral sermon, preached by
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Rev. Mr. Dodd, we have this passage: "How has grace abounded in all his comfort ! always satisfied and thankful, he received his affliction as the wisely-directed allotment of a loving Father, chastening an erring child for his good. He felt, under all, that God is good when he afflicts as when he comforts. Though for a long time a great sufferer, he was never known to utter a word of complaint. While he had breath he praised his God. For years he had looked death in the face, and, though nature always shrinks from it as an enemy, through grace he had been enabled to see it disarmed of its sting, and to greet it with a smile, yea, with triumph. 'O, death where is thy sting ? O, grave where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' "
Mr. Woodward was married in 1834, to Miss Jane Ten- brook, of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. She died in Albany, New York, Dec. 6th, 1857.
The tenth and present pastor was ordained here, June 11, 1850. The sermon was preached by Rev. Abel McEwen, D. D., of New London; Charge to the pastor by Rev. George A. Calhoun, of North Coventry ; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. John Avery, of Exeter ; and Address to the people by Rev. Samuel G. Willard, of Willimantic.
During the present pastorate the church has enjoyed three scasons of revival : in 1854, when 26 were added to the church ; in 1858, when 20 were added to the church ; and in 1865, giving an accession of 22. And besides these three, it is a most happy coincidence that we are observing this 150th anniversary just in the midst of a work of grace, so marvel- ous and so wide-spread in this town, reaching especially so many of the men and women in and past mid-life, that it seems as if we were indeed carried back to that mighty work of God, here in Lebanon Crank, in the first year of Dr. Wheelock's ministry. And just here would we desire to re- cord our grateful sense of this great and undeserved favor of God, extended to us within the month past, in connection with the labors of Rev. John D. Potter.
The wife of the present pastor, Mrs. Julia S. Avery, daugh-
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ter of Roswell and Phebe H. Smith, of New Haven, died here June 24th, 1855 ; and at the grave stands a fitting mon- ument, erected by the ladies of the Parish,-a soothing token of their affectionate remembrance of one whose delight it was to share in the joys and sorrows and duties of the people whom she fondly loved.
In the latter part of the year 1860, a new catalogue and manual was printed for the use of the church. The present list of members contains 130 names, 47 males and 83 fc- males .*
THE DEACONS OF THE CHURCHI.
Of some of these scarcely more can here be noted than the bare names. No date of election can be positively ascertain- ed until the beginning of the present century. Previous to that time we take the year in which they are first called dea- cons in the society records, as very near the time of their election. The first deacons mentioned are Samuel Wright and Jolin Newcomb, and these persons undoubtedly officiated from the first.
Deacon Samuel Wright, died April 18, 1734, aged 61.
Deacon John Newcomb was the son of Simeon and Deb- orah Newcomb, and was born in Edgarton, Mass., about the year 1688. He moved from here to Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, where he died Feb. 22, 1765.
Deacon Joseph Clark is mentioned as holding the office as early as 1735. His tombstone bears this testimony : " Capt. Joseph Clark Esq., a man who was faithful in his private and public life ; used the office of deacon well, endured his last sickness with patience, and died in hope of a blessed immor- tality, Sept. 10, 1769, in the 78th year of his age."
Deacon Eliakim Tupper, is spoken of in the year 1741, but how long he held the office, or when he died, is not ascer- taincd.
Deacon James Wright is also mentioned as early as the year 1745.
*To this number add 39 received into the church in Jan. 1867, of whom 3 by letter.
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Deacon Josiah Lyman held the office from about 1750 till his death, Feb. 6, 1760, at the age of 70.
Deacon Thomas Lyman served about the same time, and we have this record on his tombstone : " He was a man of great experience in the christian religion. Few in our world have enjoyed a more constant communion with Heaven, or, at intervals, had greater discoveries of divine things. His life was zealous and exemplary, his death was peaceful and tri- umphant. IIe did great honor to religion while he lived, but greater when he died. In his last moments were seen the power of the divine life and the most convincing proof of the truth of the christian religion." He died Aug. 13, 1785, in the 80th year of his age.
Deacon Israel Woodward united with this church in 1736, and was performing the duties of the office as early as 1752. He died July 30, 1797, in the 90th year of his age. We have this inscription at his grave : "He was eminent for his piety towards God and usefulness to the world, and came to his grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. The memory of the just is blessed."
Deacon James Pinneo, born in 1708, held the office as early as 1755. Ile died April 16, 1789, aged 80 ; and his tomb- stone tells us :
"The sweet remembrance of the just, Shall flourish when they sleep in dust."
Deacon Preserved Wright was holding the office at the time of Dr. Wheelock's removal, and accompanied him to Hanover, N. H.
Deacon Jabez Kingsbury is spoken of as early as 1768, but no further record is found of him.
Deacon Samuel Dunham united with the church in 1741. On his tombstone is written : " A man of real worth in private and public character, his usefulness in society was such that he might fitly be called a blessing in his day. He professed hearty friendship to the cause of Christ, which both his life and his death witnessed to be genuine. In the lively hope of a blessed immortality, he departed this life Dec. 9, 1779, in the 62d year of his age."
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Deacon Daniel Dunham, son of Deacon Samuel Dunham, united with the church in 1769. He removed from town, and where and when he died has not been ascertained.
Deacon Wadsworth Brewster is remembered by two or three of the oldest members of the church, as fulfilling the duties of the office in the first days of their communing with this church. He died May 30, 1812, at the age of 75, and at his grave we read : "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."
Deacon James Pinneo, son of Deacon James and Priscilla Pinneo, was born April 5, 1734; united with this church in 1793; and died June 14, 1824, at the full age of 90.
Deacon Samuel Barstow, was born in Exeter, April 8, 1760. When he was about ten years of age, his father moved into this Parish. At the age of seventeen he yielded his heart to Christ after a protracted struggle, in which he was made to see the fearful guilt of his strong rebellion against God. He did not, however, unite with the church till Sept., 1781. Hc was chosen deacon in 1801. The characteristic feature of his spirit and life would quite truly be expressed by that scripture, " not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He was ever ready to introduce and carry on religious conversation. In seasons of religious interest in neighboring towns he would find it his delight to be present with his whole soul, sharing in and helping on the good work. "In 1801 he was one of three brethren who com- meneed a weekly prayer meeting in his own district on Thurs- day evening. They longed for a revival of religion, and they determined to seek it in the appointed way. They began to inquire of the Lord for it. And while they were yet speak- ing, the Lord heard and answered them. The meetings filled up, christians awoke to prayerful efforts, and sinners inquired, ' what shall we do ?'" Thus began that powerful work of grace in 1801-2. So too in 1816, he was very active in origi- nating those meetings for prayer which resulted in another blessed revival. And even when he had passed his fourscore years, "he wished to be a fellow-helper to the truth, and consented to act as one of a committee to go from house to
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house and converse and pray with families. Just before his death, he said, "I am willing to stay just as long, and suffer just as much pain, as may please the Lord. But I long to go. I feel that for every brother on earth, I have fifteen in heaven, and I long to be with them. I love them, but I love the Saviour more. Precious, precious Saviour." He died Feb. 27, 1846, aged 86. A sketch of his life was published in pamphlet form, and was made one of the tracts of the Ameri- can Tract Society.
Deacon Daniel Lord united with this church by letter in the year 1800. He was chosen to the office in 1801. He re- moved from this town to Bolton where he died in 1834.
Deacon Henry Bliss was chosen to the office in 1810, and . died May 27, 1815, at the age of 73.
Deacon Benjamin Lyman, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Lyman, united with this church Oct. 18, 1809. He was chosen deacon in 1813, and having obtained help of God, he re- mains with us until this day. He had anticipated this Anni- versary with very great interest, hoping he might have strength to be present, but the hand of his Heavenly Father is upon him in sickness and infirmities, and he is only awaiting a happier day than this.
Deacon Sylvester Manley united with this church Oct. 18, 1809, and was chosen deacon in 1815. He removed to Penn- sylvania where he died in 1833.
Deacon Silas Holbrook, son of John and Sarah Holbrook, united with this church in 1814. He was chosen to the office in 1831. A man of great simplicity of character, and of de- vout, humble spirit, carnest and importunate in prayer, his memory is cherished with esteem by the whole community. He died Feb. 19, 1861, aged 79.
Deacon Lorenzo W. Dewey, son of Eleazar (the sole rem- nant of the revival of 1801,) and Lydia Dewey, united with this church in 1823. He was chosen deacon July 8, 1843, and is still performing the duties of the office.
Deacon Chester W. Lyman, son of Chester and Sophia Ly- man, united with this church in 1823, and was chosen deacon April 30, 1858, which office he still holds.
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THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
This school was first organized in May, 1820, chiefly through the agency of Rev. Alfred Wright. Deacon Benjamin Ly- inan was the first superintendent, which position he contin- ued to hold for fourteen years. The first lesson given to the school was the first chapter of John, and cach scholar was to repeat as many verses as could be remembered. The scholars in those classes of 1820, have mostly passed away in death, a few remain to compare those beginnings with the school of the present day, which numbers about 150. For 35 years the school was discontinued through the winter, but the last 10' or 12 years show that it has an unbroken life. It has had a part in benevolent contributions, annually for 9 years pre- vious to May, 1865 ; since which time by weekly collections. The Fortieth Anniversary of the school was observed in 1860.
Such is a cursory glance at the history of this church, ex- tending over a period of 150 years. It has had its trial scenes, but not so severe as many of the early planted churches. It has preserved, nearly complete, its original ter- ritory, the sole occupant. It has not been subjected to those unhappy vicissitudes which are incident to a fluctuating pop- ulation. Generations have come up, one after another, adopt- ing, quite generally, the same form of christian doctrine and mode of worship, thereby preserving unimpaired the strength and numbers of the church ; and this, doubtless, is to be at- tributed, in a great measure, under God, to the thorough doctrinal inculcation and long continued labors of its two early pastors.
Here also have been experienced, from time to time, re- freshing seasons from the presence of the Lord, enkindling anew the faith and the zeal of the church, and gathering spiritual harvests from each successive generation.
In view of these untold blessings, with what gratitude and praise to the Great Head of the Church should we remem- ber all this way. God hath given you the goodly heritage. He established it here and has preserved it through more than "the third and fourth generation," that it may be a
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blessing to you of to-day. Here, on this day of commemo- ration, give God the praise, and forget never, all these his benefits.
Remember also, with grateful affection, those fathers and mothers in Israel, who, at whatever point in all this way, be it earlier or later, have passed on before you to their Heaven- ly Father's rest. They acted and planned with reference to those who should come after. For you they labored, for you they prayed. Be yours the grateful heart, the affectionate remembrance and the just appreciation of their self-denying exertions in behalf of this beloved Zion.
Here also take up a due sense of your own responsibility. These blessings have descended to you by vigilance and faith- fulness on the part of your fathers. Just in the same way must these blessings pass down to your children and your children's children. The inheritance, handed down so far in its integrity, is now in your hands, and yours is the responsi- bility of transmitting it, unimpaired, to those who come after you. Be mindful then of this solemn and weighty responsi- bility ; be faithful to your priceless trust, that at some distant Anniversary day, fifty and a hundred years hence, it may be among the highest sources of gratulation, that here, even in your day, the people of God were found seeking the Lord and Zion was made to prosper.
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