USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Methodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Conn. > Part 10
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"The speaker then gave a discriminating account of the deceased, his devotion to duty, and his services as chaplain, by the testimony of soldiers under his care, from the time of the battles of the Chickahominy to the last at Fredericksburg.
" Rev. Loranus Crowell, D. D., gave a biographical sketch of the deceased. He had been a preacher about twenty years. Ile joined his regiment last spring at Fortress Monroe, and was with it during the Peninsular Campaign. He entered the army from a
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sense of duty, and by the faithful discharge of the duties of his office, won the respect, confidence, and affection of the soldiers.
" Rev. E. A. Manning and Rev. Mr. Miles followed, in beautiful and affecting tributes to the memory of the deceased.
" A last view of the remains was then taken by sorrowing friends. The casket was enveloped in the national ensign, and decked with laurel wreaths and rare flowers. The following were the pall-bearers: Rev. B. K. Pierce, Rev. C. L. McCurdy, Rev. E. A. Manning, Rev. George M. Steele, Rev. Z. A. Mudge, and . Rev. M. Dwight.
"The body will be taken to Wilbraham, and interred in the graveyard attached to the Seminary there."
The "Boston Preachers' Meeting," at a session held Monday morning, December 29, 1862, unani- mously adopted, by a rising vote, the following re- solutions :-
" Resolved, That we have heard with deep emotion of the sudden demise of our excellent friend and beloved brother, Rev. II. E. Hempstead, late Chaplain of the 29th Regiment Massachusetts Vol- unteers, and member of the N. E. Conference of the M. E. Church.
" Resolved, That his position in the ministry, of which he was a bright ornament, his ability as a public speaker, his patriotic devo- tion to his country, the excellence of his character in all the social relations of life, as citizen, husband, and father, all combined with the suddenness of his removal from life and its enjoyments to the solemn realities of eternity, make this bereavement most deeply afflictive.
" Resolved, That while we deplore the death of our esteemed fellow- laborer, we submissively bow to the dispensation of Providence, in the full belief that what has been our great loss has been our brother's greater gain ; and that he has only been called thus early · to receive the reward and welcome of the good and faithful servant.
" Resolved, That we doeply sympathize with the family and friends
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of the deceased, and commend them to God, who has promised to remember the widow and fatherless."
At a meeting of the official members of the M. E. Church of Watertown, held on the evening of December 22, 1862, the accompanying resolutions were unanimously adopted :
"Whereas, we have learned with sincere sorrow of the death of our late beloved pastor, Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, chaplain of the 29th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers, at the head- quarters of General Sumner's division, upon the Rappahannock ; and desiring to make some formal expression of our deep emotions under this providence : Therefore,
"1. Resolved, That we humbly bow before this expression of the Divine Will, knowing that the event has been ordered in wisdom and love, however painful in its human aspects to us. 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.'
"2. Resolved, That we bear grateful testimony to the valuable services of our dear brother when ministering among us-to his un- blemished purity, to his marked gentleness and courtesy, and to the universal affection with which he was regarded, both in the church and in the community.
"3. Resolved, That we were profoundly impressed with the earnestness and sincerity of his love for our afflicted country, and his confident belief that in struggling for her he was fulfilling his duty to God, urging him, at great sacrifices, to take the position which he has filled to the comfort of many a suffering soldier (as such an one has often borne testimony), and we trust to the salva- tion of some.
"4. Resolved, That we do, in union with all our members and the community generally, sincerely sympathize with our truly afflicted sister and her fatherless daughters, in the loss of a peculiarly fond and faithful husband and father; and we would prayerfully com- · mend her to her only solace-to the widow's God and the Father of fatherless children.
"5. Resolved, That we ask the privilege of tendering the accom-
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panying donation (two hundred dollars) as a free-will offering of sympathy and appreciation from friends within and without the church.
"6. Resolved, That we will attend the funeral services as a body."
No supplement is needed or can be furnished to these unequivocal expressions. He rests amid the benedictions of heaven and earth, and when God's nobility put on their regalia, he shall shine " as the stars forever and ever."
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
DURING the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Stoddard over the Norwich appointment, five Methodist ladies removed to Greenville, and were employed in the cotton-mill of Mr. Archibald Kennedy. The building is now known as "Deacon Mowry's Ma- chine Shop." Soon after their advent they were formed into a " class," together with a Miss Hannah Dean, who hailed from Willimantic. The names of those eminent five were Hannah Cranston, Sabra Bushnell, Roxana Starkweather, Sarah Dennison, and Belinda Rood, of whom the first still resides in Greenville, respected, beloved, and devoted. Mr. Jesse Dennison, who was also an exhorter, was ap- pointed the first leader of the class. "Five o'clock" meetings were soon held on the Sabbath, at which Rev. George May often preached, in a grove that was then situated in the rear of the " chapel," for- merly the Methodist Church. This woodland was at that time thick and dark, and only a little path extended through to Mr. Elisha Hill's. Here this zealous band were accustomed to listen to the Word
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of Life, seated on rocks, boards, and chairs, and du- ring the first summer several conversions occurred. Subsequently, Messrs. John B. Truman and Rich- mond Cranston became leaders. Still later, Messrs. Samuel Wilbur, James Babcock, and Martin Ober- nauer enjoyed the same honorable distinction. Rev. David N. Bentley also preached frequently during the early history of the Society, and baptized many of the converts. In the year 1834 he baptized eleven in the Shetucket River, and eight the year follow- ing. Additions were made to the classes until a house for public and social services became neces- sary. Accordingly, at an adjourned Quarterly Con- ference, May 13, 1839, Mr. Frederick Coles "inti- mated a wish that a committee might be appointed to take into consideration the expediency of building a house for public worship at Greenville, and report at the first Quarterly Conference of next conference year." In approbation of which it was " Resolved, That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Frederick Coles, William Callyhan, and James Jennings, be appointed for that purpose." In the Quarterly Conference of November 21, 1839, the above com- mittee reported " about $350 subscribed," "and the promise of a lot to be given by the Water-Power Company, and recommended Trustees to be ap- pointed to take a deed of the lot. The following persons were appointed, viz. : David N. Bentley, Frederick Coles, Sanford B. Swan, William Cally- han, and Richmond Cranston. The same to be a 7
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building committee, with discretionary powers to erect said building, and at such time as they may. think proper."
The " chapel " was dedicated by Rev. D. Dor- chester, in the early part of 1840. During the pastorate of Rev. D. M. Rogers, it was lengthened to meet the requisitions of the increasing audience. During the Conference year of 1841, Rev. A. Latham often preached at Greenville, and a num- ber professed conversion.
In 1842, Rev. S. Lamberton, Local Preacher, was pastor, and his labors will ever be held in high estimation. A revival of uncommon power attended his labors, and his character was exceedingly amia- ble and spiritual. Rev. Roger Albertson reported, at the close of 1843, ninety-six members in full connection, and eighteen on trial; twelve converted, and eight withdrawn, during the year. The latter item is the more significant, as it connects with the " Scottite" movement of that place, a schism of about twenty members, that continued but a short period, but threatened, at one time, serious disaster to the young Society. They were accustomed to meet in the school-house in the rear of the Baptist church. Most afterwards returned to the fellow- ship of the Church. The pastorates of Revs. M. P. Alderman, Charles Morse, Sanford Benton, L. Daggett, Jr., William Turkington, E. Blake, and W. O. Cady will ever be cherished in memory as years of revival, or great acceptability.
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HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
This Society has always been marked by devotion and religious activity among its members. That which especially has affected their numerical sta- bility has been the flux of the inhabitants, a feature, in greater or less degree, of every manufacturing town. From about 1855 the Society declined in numbers until, in the autumn of 1861, public Sab- bath services were discontinued, and the chapel sold. Great was the sorrow of the veteran members as they left for the last time their religious home. The cause of Methodism was, however, only bap- tized in the tears that fell, and a brighter day and a better church shall soon reward the faithful.
In the Conference year of 1863, the present place of worship was so far begun and indemnified, that at the ensuing annual Conference they petitioned for an independent pastorship, which was granted them. Rev. J. Ellis Hawkins was stationed at the new appointment, under circumstances that would call into exercise all his varied talents, and prove a test of his ability to lead forward a Society under doubtful advantages. The limited indifference that was encountered in the enterprise had aroused the members, concentrated their efforts, and led to determined sacrifices. With this favorable omen, Mr. Hawkins led his prudence, activity, and esti- mable wife to the field, where he soon saw the favor of God crowning his ministry, and confirming the interests of what had become, at his advent, nearly missionary ground for Methodism. He dedicated
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the new church, April 7, 1864, with a sermon from 1 Peter i. 13. The dedication of the house was only adumbrative of the renewed dedication of hearts, and a revival of greater or less efficiency has synchronized with his entire pastorate of three years.
About one hundred have been honored by the " anxious seat," and seventy-two have been enrolled as probationers, most of whom have been received into full connection. The members have been increased more than threefold, and, what is ever worthy of mention, both pastor and people appear to be held in high esteem by the community.
Among the deceased, or rather among the now " Immortals," the names of Mr. Samuel Wilbur and first wife, Miss Almira Cole, daughter of Mr. Fred- erick Cole, Mrs. Keturah Clark, one of the oldest members, Mrs. Betsy Bennett, deeply pious, Mrs. . Louisa Wilbur, first wife of Mr. John Wilbur and daughter of Mr. Frederick Cole, Messrs. Osborn Kinney, and Sanford Prentice, were greatly beloved in life and honored by a glorious dissolution.
Mr. John Sherman was an active participant in the interests and movements of the church, while Rhodes Alexander, George Culver, Elsey Maynard, Elizabeth Gardner, Francis A. Batty, Erastus Cole, Elizabeth Newcomb, Mary Arnold, and others, died in the Lord, leaving their lives and usefulness to the church as a sacred inheritance.
" Thus star by star declines, Till all are passed away."
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HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
Many of those who took an active and early part removed to other portions of the country or discon- tinued their activity with this church, among whom Mrs. Roxana Palmer, wife of the late Mr. Robert M. Palmer, of Main St. M. E. Church, Miss Amy Prentice, since married and removed, Mr. Buell, Mr. John B. Truman, Mr. Martin Obernauer, Mr. O. Beckwith, and Mr. James Babcock, merit espe- cial honor.
But the most signal member of this Society remains to be mentioned-Mr. Frederick Cole. He first presented a petition for separate preaching at Greenville, and by his stability, activity, and ardent piety, became nearly synonymous with the Method- ism of that place for many years. During all his Christian career, he seems to have maintained a fervent love for the church of his choice ; was class- leader for half .a century. He died November 8, 1866, aged eighty, after he had survived to witness his highest earthly ambition, the erection of a new church and a gracious revival. His last days were peaceful, and full of the oft-repeated desire to enter the " mansions fitted up for him in glory."
But others who have long served the Society will take the banner from his victorious but fallen hand, and, planting it on his grave, will continue to defend and cherish the cause. God gives men and grace for the hour, and when Washington is called to the Cabinet of Heaven, Lincoln is substituted to raise the nation higher than the past. Among the
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active members of to-day, the name of Mr. Owen Stead is highly significant, of a catholic, humorous, and cheerful disposition, and a useful, enlightened piety. Messrs. John Wilbur and Henry P. Lee are active officers of the church, and Mr. Elisha Perry, with Mr. Albert Brewster and others, will . be remembered as contributing much to the spirit- ual or practical interests of the new Society. The church has ever been blessed with a pious sister- hood, many of whom have long since been removed with reliable certificates to " the church of the first- born in heaven." Among the remaining, Miss Hannah Cranston, one of the original five early members, and Miss Nancy Babcock, Mrs. Asenath Wilbur, and Mrs. Ann Anderson, of later date, are distinguished by a devoted Christian character. It would be inconsistent and impossible to properly memorialize all the meriting, and especially the young, whose history, although so well begun, is yet to be made. May they not fail in due time to reap the spiritual laurels of earth and heaven.
Rev. Henry C. Arnold, a local preacher of the M. E. Church, is a member here, and by a consist- ent life, and acceptable participation in the social meetings, is useful and respected, while his labors abroad, upon the Sabbath, are with the divine bles- sing.
The record of this church, on the whole, has been chameleon, in respect to permanent numbers, and financials ; but, spiritually, the fire has never
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gone out upon the altar. The recording angel alone can survey all the harvest of the bygone-God only, the success of the future. As the past encourages, so the present should stimulate to greater zeal, and, necessarily, to greater victory.
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CHAPTER IX.
HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
THE pioneer spirit of Rev. D. N. Bentley and others was not yet prepared for adopting the words of Simeon : " Lord, lettest now thy servant depart in peace." Another church is to arise, progress under grave, but not insurmountable difficulties, and culminate in freedom from debt, and general pros- perity. Rev. James D. Butler, in the " Preachers' Church Book" of Main Street M. E. Church, writes : " About October, in consequence of a desire long cherished by a portion of our membership, for a separate interest on the west side of the river, a place was procured, and a meeting opened. Soon
after a regular church was organized." The " Re- cord Book of the Trustees" of the Free Church con- tains the following : " In the summer of 1864, some brethren connected with the E. Main Street M. E. Church, in the City of Norwich, under the pastoral charge of Rev. James D. Butler, obtained the ap- probation of said church and pastor to procure a place for a free meeting, in the city. In pursuance of this object, these brethren obtained and fitted up a large commodious room on Central Wharf. And
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
for the purpose of giving character and authority to the enterprise, the Quarterly Meeting Conference, holden in the vestry of the E. Main Street M. E. Church, on the evening of the 29th day of Sep- tember, 1854, appointed Messrs. Alvan C. Currier, Ulysses S. Gardner, John M. Brewer, David H. Seaman, Henry W. Leach, and William B. Lewis, to act as stewards to procure means to support and carry forward the object of organizing and estab- lishing a free church in the city, where the pews in the place of worship shall be free to be occupied by any and all who may be induced to attend such place of worship, without respect of persons, or con- dition in society."
The Quarterly Conference records for Sept. 29th, 1854, contain the following : "Brother Butler says that a few brethren have opened a new house of worship on the west side, and wish to be set off, stating also, that the subject had been brought be- fore the Board, and acted upon, and approved. The Presiding Elder wished to know how many of the members were engaged in the movement. The answer was, 'about twenty-five.' Other remarks were made on the movement of the brethren on the west side, and a resolution was presented to the Conference, as follows : ' Resolved, That this Con- ference approve of the action of the Board, by which they consented that the brethren should organize a new church on the west side of the river.' Passed. * * The Presiding Elder de-
7*
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
clared them to be a separate charge, and Brother I. M. Bidwell is to have charge of the new station."
The "Bethel," situated on Central Wharf, was secured as a temporary place of public worship, and after having been refitted, was dedicated Sept. 26, 1854, by Rev. Robert M. Hatfield. During the year, a white flag was displayed from the church, inscribed " Bethel Church."
Nov. 26 of that year, their former pastor resign- ing, Rev. C. R. Wilkins, a local preacher from the Troy Conference, was made his successor, and was reappointed at the ensuing Annual Conference, when the Station was designated, " West Main Street M. E. Church." He remained only till June 18th of that year, when Rev. Charles M. Payne assumed the pastorship, and closed the year after a most interesting revival, which proved a blessing no less to other denominations than the "Bethel."
In the biennial ministry of Rev. L. D. Bentley, the following occurs among the archives of the Society : " At a meeting of the Official Board, convened Aug. 31, 1857, Rev. L. D. Bentley and Messrs. James M. Currier and John M. Brewer were authorized to purchase the lot on the south side of Main Street, belonging to the Main Street Congregational Society." The same committee was appointed to take the deed in trust and con- tract for building a new church upon that site. They contracted for the lot, and proceeded to build the basement, when serious reverses beset the enter-
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCHI.
prise, and threatened fatal results. Rev. David N. Bentley, however, by supplying the pulpit free of expense for a year, and donating one thousand dol- lars, a sum which Mrs. Betsey Bentley, his wife, equaled in her subscription, at the same extremity, relieved temporarily the crisis. The basement was first occupied Feb. 13, 1858, and the church was dedicated by a sermon from Rev. Dr. Raymond, then of Wilbraham, Aug. 3, 1859, under the pas- torship of Rev. Robert Parsons. The ministry of Rev. Carlos Banning witnessed considerable pros- perity, and Rev. Norris G. Lippitt, from his success, was retained to the utmost limit. But a heavy debt encumbered its growth until Oct. 1866, when the entire indebtedness was swept away. The fol- lowing explains, taken from the Norwich Bulletin, Oct. 11, 1866 :
"Since the commencement of the present Conference year, a friend outside of this church, but partial to free sittings in the ' house of God,' said to the official Board : 'It is in vain for you to struggle longer with this burdensome debt, drawing semi-annually on your limited means of support. Now I will give you $1,000 on condition that you will raise the other $2,000, and wipe out this church debt by the first of October.' The matter was undertaken, with confidence that the good people of Norwich, of different denominations - friendly to the cause, would respond generously to an application for assistance to accomplish this desirable object. And the result has been, by twenty-eight subscriptions, including that of the friend above alluded to, the whole sum of $3,000 has been raised. The mortgage has been canceled, and the church is now free from debt.
.
" Those generous donors who, in the spirit of true Christian philan-
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCHI.
thropy, have aided in this good work, have now the satisfaction of knowing that Norwich has one decently finished and very com- modious free-seated house of worship; pleasantly located in the central part of the city, for the benefit of the people, where all are alike invited to avail themselves of the privilege of attending divine worship and the preaching of the Gospel; where none in our city, however poor or unfortunate in their circumstances, or transient persons in the place, on business or otherwise, have the excuse for not attending religious worship on the Sabbath, that they cannot afford to hire a slip, or that they have no seat in the house of God. For this church offers its seats freely to all alike- saying to the people, both rich and poor together, 'O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.'
"It was to meet such a want in our city that this church was projected on the plan of free seats; and for its continued success it is now renewedly commended to God and a sympathizing Christian public.
"In view of the foregoing facts, in the Providence of God, at a meeting of the Trustees of the M. E. Free Church, held in the small vestry on the 9th day of October, 1866,
" It was Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments and thanks of this Board of Trustees, in behalf of themselves and the . Free Church in this city, are hereby tendered to those generous friends who have so munificently sympathized with this church and its object of opening a free-seated house of worship to the people, and for their prompt assistance in freeing the same from a . cumbersome debt by their liberal donations, so that this church, by the blessing of God, may be the means of gathering from the ' highways and hedges' a goodly number of saved sinners that will be admitted to the 'Marriage Supper of the Lamb.' And may the greater blessedness of those that give than of those that receive, be upon the generous donors."
Its history, to-day, lies in prophecy. Trial and discouragement have marked the past; but the
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HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH.
future, if piety continue on their side, and worldli- ness and Satan on the other side, can hardly be less than honorable to Christ and glorious to the Church.
Mr. Ulysses S. Gardner, with others of the same name, holds high distinction among this Society for his liberality in the support of the Gospel, and interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of the cause. No secondary place can be assigned Mr. Titus Carrier, who, as class-leader or " sweet singer in Israel," is little excelled in any of the previous churches. He seems an incarnation of the senti- ment,
"O, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise.".
Mr. John Mitchell, for exalted views of Christian munificence, and an ambition not only to have religion exist, but flourish, merits the grateful recognition of the Methodists of Norwich ; and, with his lamented brother, Mr. Thomas Mitchell, who was so suddenly removed from the church militant, entombed in the respect of community, will reap a full reward. In a word, the entire Board of Stewards ought to remove from the city, leaving us opportunity to speak their estimate with earth and heaven.
Mr. David P. Eldredge, late of this city, and a member of the Free Church from March, 1861, was born in Nantucket, March 6, 1816. After leading a nautical life for several years, often visit-
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ing the missionaries in his voyages, he came to this city, June, 1860, where, with his worthy consort, he has won the respect and affection of the Society, who regret his departure.
Among the laity, both young and aged, will be found notable examples of piety, whose record has been, and is being, committed to celestial archives, to await the publication of the judgment-day.
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