The First Church of Christ in New London : Three hundredth anniversary, May 10, 17, 31 and October 11, 1942 ; 1642-1942, Part 7

Author: Laubenstein, Paul F
Publication date: 1946
Publisher: New London, Conn. : First Church of
Number of Pages: 142


USA > Connecticut > New London County > New London > The First Church of Christ in New London : Three hundredth anniversary, May 10, 17, 31 and October 11, 1942 ; 1642-1942 > Part 7


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8


It is cause for rejoicing that spiritual recovery did get under way in a movement still continuing, of which we are heirs and in which we are participants. It is a meaningful thing for a particular ecclesiastical fellowship in America to be celebrating a three hundredth anniversary. May the illustrious past of this church, with its roots struck so deeply into New England soil, be but prophetic of a corresponding growth in the future; and in a spiritual sense, "may the latter glory of this house be greater than the former." Therefore, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us earnestly strive to keep faith with these our fathers in Christ, realizing that apart from us they shall not be made perfect.


[70]


Three Hundredth Anniversary


Officers and Organizations of the Church May 1942


OFFICERS


Minister-Rev. George Avery Neeld


Church Assistant-Miss Marian H. Story


DEACONS


Clarence G. Brooks 1943


Garabed K. Daghlian 1944


Arthur L. Hjortland 1945


Albert G. Rapp 1948


Norman M. Ruddy 1946 Henkle S. Scott 1947 Ralph P. Smith 1947 George Whittlesey 1947


DEACONESSES


Mrs. George A. Benner 1945 Mrs. Leila Blake Latham 1948


Miss Susan R. Boss 1943 Mrs. Horace C. Learned 1946


Mrs. Stephen A. Gardner 1944 Mrs. Charles Prentis, Jr. 1947


Mrs. Graham S. Hislop 1947


Mrs. Clark E. Smith 1947


TRUSTEES


Nathan Belcher 1948 Miss Kate Huntley 1943 Malcolm M. Scott 1944


Church Clerk-Miss Jane Cobb


Assistant Clerk-Miss Marian Monroe


Treasurer-C. Harrison Whittemore


Assistant Treasurer-Malcolm M. Scott


[71]


The First Church of Christ in New London


COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN


Committee for Church's Service to Service Men-Albert W. Butterfield Committee on Tercentenary-Nathan Belcher


Committee on Young People's Work-Mrs. Richard Faulkner Music Committee-Malcolm M. Scott


Committee on Scouting-Joseph A. Silva Flower Committee-Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Hjortland


Finance Committee-Allen B. Lambdin


Sexton-George M. Chapin


MEMBERS OF FIRST CHURCH CHOIR -MAY 1942


Miss Jane Cobb


Mrs. John T. Conway


Mrs. Arthur L. Hjortland


Mrs. Allen B. Lambdin


SOPRANOS


Miss Arlen Lambdin


Miss Barbara Lambdin


Mrs. Donald G. Prince


Mrs. Albert G. Rapp


Miss E. Alverna Burdick Mrs. Phyllis L. Canfield Mrs. John J. Connors


ALTOS Miss Anna G. Hield Mrs. James E. Maher Miss Lois Pond


Francis E. Payne


TENORS Henkle S. Scott


BASSES


Malcolm M. Scott


Paul F. Laubenstein


Choir Director-Frederick S. Weld Organist-Mrs. Beatrice Hatton Fisk


[72]


Three Hundredth Anniversary


ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH -MAY 1942


Name Sunday School


Enrolment Leader


Department:


Cradle Roll .


35


Beginners


25


Primary .


24


Junior


40


Intermediate-Senior 45


Home


22


Total


191


General Superintendent .


Secretary-Treasurer .


Men's Forum . ca. 50


Women's League .


. ca. 50


Mizpah Circle,


King's Daughters 60


Mrs. Ray Lundahl


Evening Guild


61


Mrs. George C. Robert


Young People's Society


25


Miss Barbara B. Lambdin


Girl Scouts


12


Boy Scouts


25


Mrs. Hibbard N. Alexander Miss Marian H. Story William R. Caird


Church membership May 1942 634


Mrs. Albert W. Butterfield Mrs. Richard L. Faulkner 6 teachers Mrs. Hibbard N. Alexander 5 teachers Miss Elizabeth A. Hislop 7 teachers Miss Marian H. Story 7 teachers Mrs. Joseph Maynard


Miss Louise H. Allyn Sidney H. Moon


Ralph P. Smith Mrs. Ralph P. Smith


[73]


(H.W.F.)


AVERY HOUSE-FRONT VIEW. THE LEFT PORTION IS THE BLINMAN MEETING HOUSE, THE FIRST BUILT IN NEW LONDON.


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NEW LONDON


by PAUL F. LAUBENSTEIN


The First Church of Christ in New London


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NEW LONDON, 1642-1942


EIGHTH OLDEST LIVING CHURCH IN CONNECTICUT


by PAUL F. LAUBENSTEIN


I. PASTORATE OF RICHARD BLINMAN, 1642-1658


Richard Blinman, non-Conformist minister of Chepstowe, Mon- mouthshire, England, founded the church in Gloucester, Mass. in 1642; was pastor there until 1651, when he migrated with most of his congregation to New London (then Pequot Plantation); pastor here until 1658. Also worked among Indians and preached at Mystic and Pawcatuck. Returned to England in 1660.


Worship first held in Robert Parke's barn 1651-1655, located on the southwest corner of Hempstead and Granite Sts. (1) First Meet- ing House built in 1655, in what is now Bulkeley Square; used until about 1682. Purchased by James Avery in 1684 and moved to Poquon- nock Plain, where he added it to the house which he had built in 1656. It stood until July 20, 1894, when it was destroyed by fire. See pho- tograph page 74.


(The first minister of whom any mention is made in New London was the Rev. Thomas Peters, uncle of Mrs. James Winthrop, Jr. He was chaplain of the garrison at Saybrook, and was associated with John Winthrop, Jr. here in 1646 "for the better carrying on of the plantation.")


Thomas Minor's Diary (1653-1684) begun, a valuable source book of the period. Coming from England on the Arabella in 1630, Thomas Minor helped to found the towns of New London and Ston- ington, as well as the First Church at the latter place, of which he was a deacon. Previously a member of First Church of New London.


[76]


Three Hundredth Anniversary


II. PASTORATE OF GERSHOM BULKELEY, 1661-1665


Son of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, the first minister (non-Conform- ist) of Concord, Mass. Never ordained as pastor of the church, atlhough the town wished it. Married Sarah, daughter of President Chauncey of Harvard College. Became pastor (1667) of Wethersfield Church. An able physician and surgeon, he left the ministry in 1677 to practice medicine in Glastonbury, Conn.


Author of pamphlet, "Will and Doom, or The Miseries of Con- necticut by and under an Usurped and Arbitrary Power," (1692); also of a volume on the divinity of the Scriptures. Inscription upon his tombstone in Wethersfield reads: "He was honorable in his descent; of rare abilities, extraordinary industry, excellent learning, master of many languages, exquisite in his skill in divinity, physic and law, and of a most exemplary and Christian life. In certam beatae resurrec- tionis repositus."


III. PASTORATE OF SIMON BRADSTREET, 1666-1683


Second son of Governor Simon Bradstreet of Massachusetts.


Rogerene Movement had its beginnings.


Opposed to the practice of the Half-way Covenant church mem- bership, whereby persons were admitted to the sacrament of baptism for themselves or for their children, without making public profession of the Christian faith, and becoming identified with the church in full membership.


Church records begin from day of Bradstreet's ordination, October 5, 1670. They list twenty-four persons in full communion with the church on that date and embrace the names of Avery, Miner, Morgan, Meades, Douglas, Smith, Parker, Hough, Nichols, Royce, Prentice, Rogers, Gallup, Keeney, Coyte, and Lewis.


First "daughter church" founded at Stonington (Road Church) 1674.


(2) Second Meeting House (Bradstreet) built 1680-1682, just west of the first one; destroyed by fire in 1694.


[77]


The First Church of Christ in New London


Bradstreet kept a Journal entitled "a Breif Record of remarkable Providences and Accidents" (1664-1683); also wrote "Remembrances of the greatest changes in my Life."


The "dreadful comet" of 1681 caused great searchings of heart. Interim pastors 1683-1691: Edward Oakes, Thomas Barnet.


IV. PASTORATE OF GURDON SALTONSTALL, 1691-1708


FitzJohn Winthrop declares the Town's acceptance of him to the ministry.


Members in full communion 1691, thirty-three. During his min- istry, one hundred and forty-one admitted to the church. A bell pro- cured for the church, the first in the town and in New London county, 1691, replacing the older drum used to summon worshippers. Half- way Covenant membership practiced.


Saltonstall Meeting House (3rd) completed 1698; new bell (2nd) presented by Gov. Winthrop. Last church on old site; struck by light. ning in 1735, badly shattered, but repaired; used until 1785.


Two solid silver communion cups presented to the church by Christophers and Picket, owners of the ship Adventure 1699-the first of sixteen historic communion cups acquired by the church (see account in Year Book for 1919-20, pp. 28-30).


Second daughter church founded at Groton 1704.


The church exercises its privilege of dissent from the Connecticut Saybrook Platform 1708, as smacking too much of an established church system.


The Assembly of Connecticut, repealing a law for the purpose, makes it possible for Mr. Saltonstall to be elected governor of the state, May, 1708; with John Winthrop, Jr. and FitzJohn Winthrop, the third member of this church to be so honored.


In a sermon commemorating Mr. Saltonstall's death (1724), Dr. Cotton Mather said, "We will not call him a star, but even a constellation of the most fulgid endowments."


[78]


(Courtesy of Connecticut State Library) G. SALTONSTALL, 1708-1725


The First Church of Christ in New London


V. PASTORATE OF ELIPHALET ADAMS, 1708-1753


Last minister settled by the Town.


Called "the father of all the Indian Missionary work done in his neighborhood." Pastor of the Uncas family, and was responsible for the opening of the Indian schools at Lyme among the Niantics, and at Groton among the Pequots.


Twice appointed to preach the election sermon before the Con- necticut Legislature, 1710, 1733.


Under Mr. Adams, "a happy revival in 1721, the period of deep- est darkness in New England."


The third daughter church organized in the North Parish, now Montville, 1722.


Mr. Adams offered the presidency of Yale College in 1724; trus- tee of Yale 1720-1740.


St. James' Episcopal Church founded 1725. First Ecclesiastical Society of New London formed January 23, 1726-7, to transact the business of the church, rather than the Town Meeting. With the advent of other denominations (Baptist Church in Waterford 1726), the Town ceases to be the (Congregational) Parish.


The "awful thunder-clap" of August 31, 1735, killing one wor- shipper and damaging the church.


The church preserves an even keel during the emotional excesses of the Great Awakening, at its height 1741-1743. Eighty-two members added to the church in 1741. Samson Occum converted, influential apostle to the Indians. Defection of the Separates (New Lights) and the establishment of The Shepherd's Tent (Truman St. near Blin- man), New London's only "theological seminary." The Burning of the Books (at head of Hallam St. ) March 6, 1743. George Whitefield preaches in New London 1745, and again in 1763.


September 3, 1742, the church by vote adopts its official name: The First Church of Christ in New London.


The church repaired and enlarged, and a new bell (3rd) hung in the renovated belfry 1746.


Mr. Adams active in Connecticut pioneer home missionary move- ment to Rhode Island.


Timothy Green, notable New London printer, publishes ten ser-


[80]



(H.W.F.)


ELIPHALET ADAMS


The First Church of Christ in New London


mons of Mr. Adams-still extant.


In the interim between Mr. Adams and Mr. Byles, services con- ducted by deacons, neighboring ministers, and the Rev. William Adams, eldest son of the late pastor.


October 17, 1757, the church again refuses to admit the Saybrook Platform as a rule of discipline.


VI. PASTORATE OF MATHER BYLES, JR., 1757-1768


Son of the Rev. Mather Byles, D.D., of Boston, and great grand- son of Increase Mather.


Ordained November 18, 1757. Membership one hundred and sixty.


An eloquent preacher, as his father.


Continues practice of Half-way Covenant.


Climax and subsidence of Rogerene disturbances 1766.


After resignation, Mr. Byles receives Episcopal ordination in Eng- land, and D.D. from Oxford. Rector in Boston and in New Bruns- wick, where he dies 1814.


VII. PASTORATE OF EPHRAIM WOODBRIDGE, 1769-1776


Grandson of Ephraim Woodbridge, first pastor of the Groton Church.


A minister of strong Calvinistic convictions.


Piety at a low ebb, and growing religious indifference, largely due to practice of Half-way Covenant, in use for over a hundred years in the churches. Woodbridge's ministry an emphatic protest against the Half-way covenant. "He insisted that persons who were received into the church should have an experience of renewing grace and make a public confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, nor would he acknowledge any church membership which was not justified by evi- dences of a change of heart." He also refused to baptize the children of those who were not in full communion with the church.


Membership at outbreak of Revolution about fifty-five.


[82]


(H. W. F.) (Courtesy American Antiquarian Society, Worcester. Mass.) MATHER BYLES, JR.


The First Church of Christ in New London


THE INTERIM PERIOD, 1776-1787 THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR


A period of general confusion and moral disintegration. Owing to financial poverty of church, its low spiritual state, and the dilapi- dated condition of the meeting-house, which made it unfit for services in the cold weather, services may have been omitted during a portion of this time. Interim pastors included the Rev. William Adams, the Rev. Emerson Foster, the Rev. Solomon Wolcott, the Rev. William Patten, the Rev. John Murray. January, 1780, the church was per- mitted to use St. James' Church (then on the Parade) for worship, "during the severity of the season." This church was destroyed in the burning of New London, September 6, 1781.


In 1784, the Saybrook Platform, which constituted the state legis- lature a sort of Congregational presbytery was disestablished and liberty was granted to Christians of every name.


The last sermon in the Saltonstall Meeting House is believed to have been preached by the Rev. Roswell Cook of the North Parish, August 23, 1786.


VIII. PASTORATE OF HENRY CHANNING, 1787-1806


Uncle of William Ellery Channing, Unitarian leader.


Erection of the Channing Meeting House (4th), the first on the present site, by means of subscriptions made mostly "in kind." Con- tained square pews. Method of renting pews adopted with the con- struction of the new meeting house. In use from 1787 to 1849. In 1794 a new bell (4th) provided.


1793-Methodist Church organized.


In 1795 the church votes against a proposed quasi-Presbyterian consociation of New London County churches, confirming its consist- ently held position in re the Saybrook Platform.


Between 1797 and 1825 the Society makes repeated provision by way of a singing school for the encouragement and improvement of Psalm singing.


The Yellow Fever and drought of 1798; 111 deaths in a popula-


[84]


Three Hundredth Anniversary


tion of about 2800.


1804-First Baptist Church organized.


Channing's emergent Unitarianism revealed in the profession and covenant used at the reception of new members, which he substituted for the more evangelical one in use; one of the earliest formal state- ments of modern Unitarianism. Mr. Channing influential in the formu- lation of his nephew's views. Increasing indifference to and dissatisfac- tion with his ministry finally leads to his resignation.


IX. PASTORATE OF ABEL MCEWEN, 1806-1856 (1860)


Descended from Scotch Covenanters.


President Timothy Dwight of Yale preaches the ordination sermon.


Membership about 200 in 1806; from 1806 to 1860, accessions to the church numbered 728.


Half-way Covenant done away with in Mr. McEwen's ministry, also Marked improvement in moral and spiritual tone of church and community noted.


1807-Dwight's Psalms and Hymns adopted for use in public worship.


Mr. McEwen introduces week-day prayer meetings and religious instruction; encourages restoration of family worship; promotes im- proved observance of Sunday.


1810-A more evangelical Profession of Faith and Covenant drawn up by Mr. McEwen and accepted by the church-really a revision of the pre-Channing statement.


1815-Mr. McEwen prominent in originating a more democratic association of the Congregational churches of New London County.


1816-July 28. Beginning of Sunday School work in church and town with opening of a school at home of Miss Matilda Wright. Ses- sions held in Conference House 1819 -; removed to the church in the early twenties.


Mr. McEwen initiates movement to organize Domestic Missionary Society of Connecticut, to rehabilitate destitute and pastorless churches of the State. In 1880 merged with the Missionary Society of Con- necticut (established 1798) .


[85]


--


(H.W.F.)


ABEL MCEWEN


Three Hundredth Anniversary


1819-Conference or Sessions House erected-on site of present Parish House.


1820-The Oodooville Female Seminary in Ceylon founded by Harriet Lathrop Winslow, a member of this church. Her husband was the first missionary to Ceylon.


1821-Formation of New London Sewing Society in the church, working for both foreign and home missions. Later became Ladies' Home Missionary Society to distinguish it from the Women's Foreign Missionary Society.


1825-First organ installed in the church - money raised by subscription.


A service according to the rituals of the Roman Catholic Church conducted in the church by visiting French Bishop Chevereaux-an afternoon service.


1826-1860-Mr. McEwen a member of the Yale Corporation.


1831-A new bell (5th) purchased for the church.


1835-The Second Congregational Church in New London or- ganized-fourth daughter church. Adopted the confession and cove- nant used by the parent church. This church worshipped for six months (1834-35) in Second Church building before its dedication, while Channing Meeting House was undergoing repairs.


1846-Degree of D.D. conferred upon Mr. McEwen by Union College.


1848-A collection of Psalms and Hymns "recently compiled by a committee appointed by the general association of this state" substi- tuted for Dwight's Psalm Book.


1849-51-The congregation worshipped in the Methodist Church (then at the corner of Union and Methodist Sts.) while the present church was being built. Last service in Channing Meeting House held September 30, 1849, Dr. McEwen's sermon text being Psalm 102:14.


1850-51-Present church building erected-first to be of stone (local granite). Cost about $43,000.00. Architect Leopold Eidlitz, New York. Provided with slip style pews, and a new organ (Hook and Hastings ).


1854-Dr. McEwen relinquishes active ministry of church.


1856-Thomas P. Field, professor of English Literature in Amherst College, called to be associate pastor of the church.


[87]


-


Tad de


(H.W.F.)


THOMAS P. FIELD


Three Hundredth Anniversary


X. PASTORATE OF THOMAS P. FIELD (1856) 1860-1876


A member of the faculty of Amherst College:


1837-39 as tutor


1853-56 as professor of English Literature


1876-86 as college librarian, professor of biblical history and pastor of the college church.


1859-June 12-Primary Department of Sunday School organized.


1861-Degree of D.D. conferred upon Mr. Field by Amherst College.


1865-Dr. Field preaches notable sermon from steps of City Hall upon the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.


1868-Second Congregational Church destroyed by fire; extended free use of First Church during repairs upon their own.


1870-A new Hook and Hastings organ installed, and choir gal- lery made to connect with side galleries. Mr. A. Jantz, organist.


1871-A new hymn book, Songs for the Sanctuary, adopted.


1872-Voted that the Sunday School be recognized "as an essen- tial and life-giving branch of the church, and as such it should be maintained."


1875-Women's Foreign Missionary Society organized.


1876-Present church bell (6th) purchased; by arrangement with the Town used to summon Town meetings, to sound fire alarms, to ring the midday bell and the curfew.


1876-Parsonage at corner of Huntington and Federal Sts. left to the church by Mrs. Susan I. Potter; occupied by the Revs. Mr. Bacon, Blake and Danforth.


Dr. Field called "an inspiring example of the religion he pro- fessed" and "a preacher who wore well."


XI. PASTORATE OF EDWARD WOOLSEY BACON, 1877-1886


1878-June-Weekly envelope offering system introduced.


1879-Deacon Asa Otis' legacy of funds eventually totaling one and a half million dollars left to the A.B.C.F.M .; in part used to


[89]


-


(H.W.F.) EDWARD WOOLSEY BACON


Three Hundredth Anniversary


establish missions in Japan, China, Africa and Mexico; one important project being the founding of the Angola Mission in Portuguese West Africa in 1880.


May 18-The Blackhall St. Mission School opened under aus- pices of this church, under leadership of John G. Crump and John C. Nichols; from 1887 to 1898, C. W. Chapin was superintendent. Sun- day School and preaching services held. Mission closed in 1908.


Free Parish Library made possible; available with opening of the Parish House.


1880-Church Improvement Society begun; organized as Mizpah Circle in 1894, and in 1907 took again its original name. Original purpose to aid in building and furnishing the Parish House.


Parish House begun; pending completion, the lecture room of First Baptist Church used for 13 months-1880-81.


1881-Parish House completed at a cost of over $15,000.00. Occupied in September. Site given by Leonard C. Learned; much of money raised by women of the church. It housed the new Parish Library.


1883-Baptismal font placed in church in memory of Emily Chew by her husband, Horace Coit.


1885-The Rev. Edward K. Rawson, U. S. N., minister for six months during illness of Mr. Bacon.


Membership this year, 259. Contributions for General Bene- ficence at home and abroad, $4,254.89; Gifts for Use in this Parish and City, $2,747.83. Total aggregate ordinary contributions for the year, $7,002.72.


1886-The Young Ladies' Missionary Society organized.


"His fine scholarship, his fearlessness, his kindness and consid- eration for the poor and unfortunate have endeared him to the hearts of New London people of all creeds and classes." (From editorial in The New London Day, August 23, 1886, on the occasion of Mr. Bacon's resignation because of ill health.)


[91]


The First Church of Christ in New London


DIRECTORY OF SERVICES DURING MR. BACON'S MINISTRY


SUNDAY :


9:30 A. M. Bible School at Blackhall St. Mission


10:45 A. M. Public Worship and Preaching


2:30 P. M. Bible School-Senior Department in the Church Primary Department at the Rear of the Conference House (until building of Parish House in 1881)


In 1886, hour of meeting changed to 12:15 p. m.


3:45 P. M. Public Worship and Preaching


7:00 P. M. Pastor's Class for Young People, during Winter


Celebration of the Lord's Supper, the first Sunday of every other month, beginning with January


WEDNESDAY:


2:30 P. M. Ladies' Home Missionary Society, at private houses


7:00 P. M. Teachers' Meeting to study the Sunday School Lesson


THURSDAY:


P. M. Women's Prayer Meeting, at private houses


7:30 P. M. Service at Blackhall St. Mission, conducted by pastor and church members


FRIDAY:


7:00 P. M. Prayer Meeting. Preparatory Service on Friday preceding Lord's Supper


Last Saturday afternoon of each month at 3, the Women's Foreign Missionary Society at private houses


{92]


-


(H. W.F.)


S. LEROY BLAKE


The First Church of Christ in New London


XII. PASTORATE OF S. LEROY BLAKE, 1887-1902


1888-The publishing of church "Year Books" begins, with report for the year 1887; continues until 1935.


Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor formed.


1889-Chinese S. S. Class begun; continues until 1908.


1890-February 5-Bethany Chapel dedicated, replacing Black- hall St. Mission School; continues until 1908.


The church "adopts" as its foreign missionaries the Rev. and Mrs. Charles N. Ransom in Amanzimtote, Natal, South Africa, toward the support of whose work it contributes until 1921.


1892-Home Department of the Sunday School organized with 60 members. Enrolment in S. S. January 1, 1893, 309; in Bethany Chapel 150, making a total of 526 in the Sunday Schools of the Church.


1895-Tablets erected in the church in memory of Dr. McEwen and Dr. Field.


1897-Membership of church January 1, 474; on January 1, 1887, 262.


1898-Sunday evening service changed from 4 to 7:30 p. m.


1899 -- The hymnal In Excelsis introduced, and with it the use of Responsive Readings in the service.


From January 1, 1887 to January 1, 1897 the church gave to foreign missions $15,850.25; to home missions $11,262.76; to the American Missionary Association $2,681.94.


Mr. Blake is the author of The Early History of the First Church of Christ, New London, Conn., 1897; The Later History of the First Church of Christ, New London, Conn., 1900; The Separates, 1902, and The Book; or, When, and by Whom, the Bible Was Written, 1886. In all ways, Mr. Blake's was a substantial ministry.


XIII. PASTORATE OF J. ROMEYN DANFORTH, 1903-1940


1903-January 1-Membership, 444.


1907-Men's Club organized.


1908-Evening service changed from 7:30 to 5 p. m.


1909-Miss Louise Allyn begins her work in Trinity School, Athens, Ala.


[94]


(H.W.F.)


J. ROMEYN DANFORTH


The First Church of Christ in New London


1910-Electric lights installed in the church in memory of Henry R. Bond.


1911-Mr. Danforth elected a member of the executive commit- tee of the A.M.A.


Junior Society of C.E. organized; reorganized in 1920 and again in 1933.


Junior Department added to the Sunday School.


1912-Cradle Roll organized as a branch of the Primary Depart- ment of the S. S.


1913-Mizpah Circle of King's Daughters organized.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.