USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Methodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Conn. > Part 2
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Rev. Jesse Lee seems to have been particularly interested in New London Circuit, especially in New London. He says of the last named place : " It was upwards of five years, from the time of the Society's being formed in New London, until they built a meeting-house to assemble in. Their meet- ing-house was raised on the 20th day of July, 1798, and the dedication sermon was preached in it two days after the frame was raised, i. e., on Sunday, the 22d of July, in the afternoon."
In 1796, a small class was formed in Norwich North, comprising some of the best inhabitants of the town. Among its earliest members we find the names of Captain James Hyde, father of the late Rev. Edward Hyde, Solomon Williams, Richard Lamb, "Father Lathrop," Mrs. Carew, and her amiable daughter Sarah, Mrs. Lamb, and Miss Sarah Clement, of precious memory. There being no class at the Landing, Mrs. Thankful Pierce also united with this class.
Previous to this time, it is probable the converts were known as Methodists, but this date constitutes the epoch of their organization in this city.
Norwich North M. E. Church is, therefore, the parent of all the M. E. Churches in the city, and around her history, much of which is hermetically
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sealed from the inspection of to-day, clings the ivy of affection and gratitude, which centenary hands are proud to weave into garlands for those who long ago have joined the Church triumphant.
The introduction of Methodism into portions of this State will serve to indicate the difficulties which were encountered nearly everywhere, and which relieve Norwich from the charge of extraordinary opposition to the " new sect " in its early history.
The first sermon preached by Jesse Lee in New England, was at Norwalk, June 17, 1789, and bears the following record :
" At four o'clock I arrived at Norwalk, and went to a Mr. Rogers, where one of our friends had asked liberty for me to preach. When I came, Mrs. R. told me her husband was from home, and was not willing for me to preach in his house. I told her we would hold meetings in the road, rather than give any uneasiness. We proposed speaking in an old house which stood just by, but she was not willing. I then spoke to an old lady about preaching in her orchard, but she would not con- sent, and said we would tread the grass down. The other friend gave notice to some of the people. They soon began to collect, some went to the road, where we had an apple-tree to shade us. When the woman saw that I was determined to preach, she said I might preach in the old house, but I told her I thought it would be better to remain where we were. So I began on the side of the road, with
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about twenty hearers. After singing and pray- ing, I preached on JOHN iii. 7: Ye must be born again. I felt happy that we were favored with so comfortable a place ! * * Who knows but I shall yet have a place in this town where I may lay my head ? "
Of Wapping, Conn., where he preached, Aug. 26, 1794, he says : " I was happy to have an oppor- tunity of retreating a little into much-loved solitude at Capt. S-'s, a man of good sense and great kindness. I had some enlargement on Is. lv. 6-9, and was enabled to speak with power and demon- stration. I preached at T. S-'s barn : my spirits were sunk at the wickedness of the people of this place. My subject was Is. lxiv. 1-7. Oh what mountains are in the way ! Idolatry, superstition, prejudice of education, infidelity, riches, honors, and the pleasures of the world. * * Oh ! how might men address their own souls ; as, Oh ! my soul, hast thou had conviction, penitence, faith, regeneration ? Art thou ready to enter the unseen, unknown state of happiness and stand before God ? Or wilt thou be content to make thy bed in hell ?"
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As an instance to show how theological differ- ences operated to destroy unity, Farmington, Conn., furnishes illustration. Rev. Jesse Lee visited this town, March 15, 1789, and was entertained with dinner by a Mr. W -. He says : " We had been there but a little time when the old man began to talk about principles, and the old lady to prepare
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dinner. We continued the discourse till we had dined. When the old man found out that we be- lieved that a person might fall from grace and be lost, he discovered a good deal of anger, and said, if David had died in the act of adultery, and Peter while swearing, they would have been saved ! ' Then,' said I, ' after a man is converted .he is obliged to be saved, he can't help it.' 'Yes,' says he, 'he is obliged to be saved whether he will or not, for it is impossible for him to help it.' He said he would as soon hear us curse God at once, as to hear us say that God would give his love to a person and then take it away. I told him God would never take it away, but we might cast it away. See- ing he was much ruffled in his temper, I thought it best to be moving, so we asked him the way to Mr. Coles' [Cowles (?)], but he would not tell us, for he" said Mr. Coles would not like his sending such men to his house. However, we got directions from his wife, and then set out."
This should not be taken as exponential of the whole town, for Rev. Freeborn Garrettson, preach- ing here June 27, 1790, records: "I preached in Farmington to about three hundred people, and had great freedom in showing that Christ tasted death for every man, and that, as the way was open, if they did not repent, they would justly be damned. There are a few precious souls here who cleave to our doctrine and have united to our Society." A little after he added : "Thursday I preached with
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freedom at Farmington, and on Tuesday morning I gave an exhortation on the subject of Baptism ; baptized fourteen adults and children. We had a sweet time."
Rev. Francis Asbury, the " Apostle of American Methodism," reports a "gracious shower at the Quarterly Meeting " held at West Farmington, July 20, 1791.
The obstacle to be encountered in the primitive itinerancy can hardly be realized at this distant day. The current theology was strongly intrenched, and prescribed Church and State. The itinerants were denounced in pulpit and parlor both on account of doctrine and style. Such was the poverty of the young church, that, at first, a married minister was hardly found, for the reason that a sufficient sup- port could not be obtained. Most of the pioneers therefore located early in life and began secular pursuits for domestic maintenance.
Rev. George Roberts, " during the whole period of his labors in New England, never received over $40 per annum, from any source, circuits and con- ference dividends together. He never had more than one suit of clothes at once," and was accus- tomed to mend "his garments with his own hands, in the woods or behind a rock." Yet this servant of God was characterized by dignity, a noble person, powerful persuasion, and systematic sermons, and · would have been an ornament to the clergy of any age or church. Their triumphant death attested
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the sincerity and glory of their sacrifices and the divine favor, while they fell as
" The corn in its fullness, and sear in its leaf."
Rev. Jesse Lee, who first preached in this city, was born in Prince George County, Virginia, 1758. Early taught moral and religious duties, his mind became deeply impressed, and after much mental suffering, prompted especially by the conversion of his parents, he was converted in youth, under the ministry of Rev. Mi. Jarret, a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church. When sixteen years of age, in 1774, he united with the Methodists, and soon after, removing to North Carolina, became a class leader; then an exhorter, and afterward local preacher. Attending a conference in 1782, he was induced to enter upon itinerant service, and started to form a new circuit in the South. After con- tinuing his labors there for awhile, his mind was providentially led toward New England, a desire which he never abandoned, till it was realized in 1789. He entered all alone this great field, to be- come, under God, the Founder of New England Methodism. Hopeful under difficulties, systematic in labor, zealous for souls, persuasive in utterance, devoted to his work, he evinced great symmetry of character and was worthy to introduce the denomi- nation which now rises up to bless him.
Rev. George Roberts was one of the first min- isters appointed to New London Circuit, in 1793.
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In person he was large ; in manner, dignified and cheerful ; in elocution, impressive ; capable of wit and satire ; contented with little; deeply laborious and highly successful.
Rev. Richard Swain, who was associated with the former, was characterized by mental activity, bril- liant conversational powers, and willingness to work amid primitive discouragements.
Rev. Zadock Priest died early in the ministry from hemorrhage of the lungs, superinduced, it is believed, by the extraordinary privations and labors of the times. Few appear to have won a deeper friendship in so limited a period, which is evi- denced by the fact that a Christian brother desired to be buried beside him, " that he might sleep with him in death." He fell in the 27th year of his age, in a " Methodist hotel," to which he had been invited, and though the workman in those days oft gained early
"The bright coast,
He fell as the martyr, he died at his post."
The name of Rev. Enoch Mudge was hallowed in the hearts of those who listened to his preaching in different parts of the States. He was the first Methodist preacher born in New England. Im- pressive in mien, urbane in manners, varied in pul- pit illustration, exceedingly amiable in disposition, he filled life's cup in usefulness, successful, beloved, and honored.
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Barkhamstead, of this State, has the honor of the birthplace of Rev. Timothy Merritt, whose influence was weighty and extensive. Consecration, argu- mentation, benevolence, laboriousness, simplicity, and a tireless ardor, characterized that man of God, who lies deeply embalmed in the love of a church which he so signally honored during a long life.
The positions held by Rev. Shadrach Bostwick, in the ministry, evince the respect and ability with which he was blessed. For intellect, piety, and manners, he was reckoned among the great of the early itinerants, and his labors are fully recorded in the "Lamb's Book of Life."
Thus have we briefly sketched a few of the primitive preachers of Norwich. They were a noble company of men, and in their starlit thrones to-day, their honor is brighter than Napoleon's, while they share the joy of their Lord.
CHAPTER IV.
HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
IT has been stated that a class was formed at Bean Hill, in 1796. The Society here formed never lost its organization, though experiencing great changes. They were accustomed to meet for pub- lie worship in the " Old Academy," at the foot of the hill, a large double building, the upper part. of which was divided by swinging partitions which might be raised and fastened above. The lower rooms were separated by an entrance, from which stairs led the way into the upper rooms. This anogeon, or " upper chamber," was their meeting- house for many years. One part of it was seated with desks on an inclined floor, while the other con- tained a large stage, together with some rough seats. In winter the partitions were closed, and in summer they were raised, to unite the rooms. Social meetings were often held during the week at the residence of some member, where often
" Heaven comes down our souls to greet, While glory crowns the Mercy-seat."
In numbers they have never excelled, but their religious position among the Methodist churches
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of this city merits the interest and sympathy which they will ever share.
Among the early members, Capt. James Hyde held a leading influence. Dr. Fisk says of him : "He was a man of piety and one among the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Norwich, Conn., and subsequently a local preacher." His wife " was a devout member of the Congrega- tional Church, in which communion she lived and died." He was beloved and respected for his piety and moral integrity, carrying his religion with him into secular pursuits. From his meat-cart he was prepared to ascend the pulpit acceptably, or kneel in his white frock with the sick and the dying. One of the Abrahamic trials of his life was the relinquishment of his son, Rev. Edward Hyde, to the itinerancy, a son whom he had designated to be the prop of his old age.
The Sabbath previous to the departure of young Edward, the father preached in reference to the matter, under deep emotion, which was fully warranted, for ere the son returned he had slept the last sleep, leaning upon his God. He died April 9, 1809, aged 57 years.
Mr. Solomon Williams holds estimable rank among the pioneers of Norwich Methodism. Like Capt. IIyde, he was many years a class-leader ; industrious, consistent, and beloved. Not far from 1823 he assisted in revolutionizing the " Old Acade- my," removing the stage, rough seats, desks, in-
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HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
clined floor, and partitions, erecting a pulpit on the centre of the back side, and a flight of stairs in front on the outside. The class-meetings were long held at his house, and he often conducted social meetings in the absence of the circuit preacher. His service on earth ended Sept. 1, 1837, at the age of 81. Ilis wife, also an honored member, had deceased Sept. 13, 1825, aged 49 years. Without attempting to exhaust the catalogue of the early members, we must not omit to mention the names of Capt. Richard Lamb, who began celestial life Nov. 28, 1809, of 65 years; Mr. Jeremiah Griffing, deceasing March 12, 1825; Mr. David Gillson, Aug. 19, 1817, who, while walking in usual health, suddenly dropped dead.
Associated with these men, were a number of " honorable women," who rendered no inconsider- able service in the progress of Methodism. In fact, woman was the means of its introduction into the city, and her love for the institution has ever been signal and practical. Among the most dis- tinguished was Miss Sarah Clement,* who taught
* Miss Clement was the daughter of Deacon Clement, whose residence was situated on Washington Street, next beyond that of the late John Breed, Esq. He was possessed of a high Christian reputation. The following is related. A man by the name of Mr. Abel Wing was accustomed to bring water for washing. One morning, approaching the house in the performance of his accus- tomed work, he found Mr. Clement engaged in prayer, and listen- ing, he heard him pray that the devil might "take wings [Wing] and fly away." Not gathering the import of these words, and be-
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for many years a private school of small children. Wishing to obtain a letter of dismissal from Rev. Mr. King's church, he replied, that he would give her any amount of recommendation, but, from his appreciation of her, declined giving a demit, thus making it necessary for her to enter the M. E. Church by the door of " probation." She resided a long time with her sister, Mrs. Capt. Richard Lamb, who was among the most devoted of that day. They have been honored by the appellation of " prominent exhorters." The former passed to the "Church triumphant," Sept. 1, 1832, aged 75 years : the latter, Feb. 6, 1832, of 80 years. In life, they were useful, beloved and pious ; in death, they were not long separated.
Miss Sarah Carew and her mother were held in high estimation ; and Miss Sarah Caswell, whose death occurred April 30, 1851.
But the most notable woman of the early church was Mrs. Thankful Pierce. By her influ- ence, as previously stated, Methodism was first preached in this city, by Rev. Jesse Lee. Her
coming ruffled, he went to a Mr. Oliver Arnold, a noted and poetic wit, and related his version of the petition, and asked him to compose an impromptu stanza upon it. Whereupon he ex- temporized:
" Deacon Clement, he did pray The devil to take Wing and fly away. The devil, I think he ain't half fair, He don't regard the deacon's prayer."
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tombstone was inscribed with the following : "In memory of Mrs. Thankful Pierce, relict of Capt. Moses Pierce, who died Feb. 3, 1821, aged 92. She was a mother in Israel, and the first member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this city, who, like Lydia, first heard the preachers, and then received them into her house." She was ever a power in the church for good, gathering about her a circle of devoted women, who were styled " The Holy Band." There was something so inde- scribably interesting and lovely in her spirit and appearance, that she won the esteem of all who knew her. She was afflicted for many years with feeble eyesight, and finally was almost totally blind. Relinquishing housekeeping, she resided with her amiable daughter, Mrs. Gilbert, who par- took of the maternal disposition. Still she main- tained a faithful attendance on the means of grace, regardless of distance. When the meetings were held at the " Old Masonic Hall," she was accus- tomed to occupy a large-armed chair, near the pulpit or desk, where she feasted on the words of life. Ever cheerful amid discouragements, she was a lamp in darkness, as the following incident will illustrate. In a season of spiritual reverses, when some had moved away and others backslidden, the preacher came and found no preaching place, nor provision for himself or horse, and standing with the class-paper in his hand, he asked her, " Shall I transfer your name to the Up-Town Class ?" Cast-
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HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
ing her sightless eyes toward him, she replied : " Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy ; when I fall, I shall arise." She inherited a vigorous constitution, generally enjoying good health. All she seemed to require was an arm to guide her in the way, and that was never wanting, for such was the attachment, that her friends and acquaintances of all ages, particularly her grandchildren, vied with each other who should enjoy the privilege of leading that saintly mother to the place of worship. Her last sickness was short, and her translation glorious. On the evening of Feb. 2d, word was dis- patched to Rev. David N. Bentley, of this city, by her kind-hearted grandson, Mr. N. Gilbert, that she was failing, would probably not survive till morn- ing, and wished him to repair to her death-room without delay. Hurriedly dressing himself, he proceeded to her residence, when he was met at the door by Capt. Gilbert, her son-in-law, who said, "I am glad you have come. Mother has been inquir- ing after you all night, and, from the way she spoke of you to ' come and help her die,' we think she may be a little out." On his entering her chamber and being announced, she reached her death-cold hands toward him, which he, clasping, said, " How do you do, Mamma Pierce ?" To this she rejoined, " O, bless the Lord, I'm waiting to go ! My blessed Saviour has sent his heavenly chariot for me! And I've been waiting all night for you to come and help me die !! O, kneel right down
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here, and pray the Lord to release me now and let me go to my long-wished-for Home, to my Father's House above ! ! " Immediately dropping upon their knees, and engaging in prayer,
" The opening heavens around them shone With beams of sacred bliss."
While the prayer was being offered, she clapped her hands, saying, "Glory ! Glory to God !- I'm going !- Farewell !- Glory ! I'm going -farewell ! -farewell !" Rising up from prayer, behold, the mortal struggle had ceased. The accents of that . last farewell were hushed in the stillness of death. The soul had entered the long-sought rest, and the venerable tabernacle, which had withstood the storms of ninety-two winters, was now forsaken of its almost centennial occupant. Peace to her ashes ! her eyes with trans-sepulchral clearness, forsooth, may betimes fill with the welfare of the churches she so tenderly loved, but her spirit must be ever welcom- ing us to the " chariot " that bore her so triumph- antly to the Home of the soul.
It is probable a few persons were converted at Bean Hill in 1794 and '95, as, in 1796, a " respect- able " church was said to be located at the "Aca- demy." Some are known to have been added in 1796 and '97. Although 1798 witnessed little in- crease, the members became much established, and a larger number were converted in the following year. The closing year of the eighteenth century
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HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
was remarkable in Norwich Methodism. The Second Quarterly Conference for the circuit was held at Norwich North, and was a wonderful meet- ing for those times. Persons came from distant parts of the circuit, women coming nearly thirty miles on horseback, in the plain attire and dress which distinguished the Methodist sisterhood of that day. Such was the power of conviction at- tending the Word, that two ladies, attempting to leave the room, dropped suddenly to the floor, as if struck with death .* During the year, two local preachers, Revs. Wm. Gurley and John Beatty, assisted the circuit preachers, and were of great help to the young church. The former took a pro- minent part in the insurrection of Ireland, 1798, when, after undergoing multiplied dangers, his life being attempted, he removed to Liverpool, whence he emigrated in the fall of 1801 to the United States, and settled in this city, where he remained about ten years. His son has since published his memoirs, in which his life appears in extenso. Many a bon mot is told concerning his preaching. It is related that on one occasion, in prayer, having re- ferred to a promise of Scripture, he continued,- " And now, good Lord, we put Thee up to it." When asked at one time where he was going, he replied, " Down to Poquetonock, to give the devil a kick." His son, Rev. L. B. Gurley, in his Me- moirs has inserted a tradition which is proof that
* See Appendix B.
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HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
he could enjoy as well as occasion witticism. Par- son Strong had a shoemaker in his parish, who, though he seldom or never attended his church, was assessed five dollars. As delinquent in payment as in attendance, he was at length waited on by the parson, who, not willing to collect by law until he had asked it, concluded to make a pastoral visit, and modestly present his claim. The shoemaker heard the demand with well-feigned surprise, ex- claiming, " Why, Sir, I never heard you preach in my life." "That is not my fault,"replied his Reve- rence ; my church was open to you, and you could have heard if you chose." " True," replied the now hopeful disciple, "I did not think of that. Well, parson, I will call to-morrow and settle all demands." "O, very well, Sir. Good afternoon, Sir," replied the minister, and bowing politely, left the shop. True to his promise, the parson was pleased to see the shoemaker at his hall door. “I have come to settle with you parson," said he. "O), very well; no hurry ; sit down." A glass of wine was offered and accepted, after which the visitor took from under his arm his account-book, saying, " Well, parson, we will now compare accounts." The parson looked a little confused, but replied, " I think you have nothing charged to me." "O, yes," said he, " here is a charge of five dollars for a pair of boots." " Boots ! boots !" said the astonished parson, "surely there must be some mistake ; cer- tainly, I never was in your shop till yesterday in
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HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH.
my life." "True enough; but, sure, that was not my fault, my shop was open to you, as well as your church to me. The accounts, you see, exactly balance; and of course you will be satis- fied." So saying, he made a low bow, and, bid- ding the astonished parson "good evening," re- tired.
This year Methodism was established in the city, and the returns from the classes for Confer- ence showed about seventy members at Norwich North.
During the five years following, little more was .effected than to retain the former numbers. . The deaths, transfers, and apostasies, were about bal- anced by the number of conversions each year. The reprehensible conduct of the ministry of 1804 was a serious discount on the success and courage of the members.
A revival commenced in Norwich while the Conference was holding its session, in 1803, at which Rev. Edward Hyde was converted, with others who have remained faithful to the end. The history of several succeeding years was marked by little that was striking and much that was excellent both in the ministry and laity ; the former, generally be- loved and useful ; the latter, persistent, active, and pious. If that period is stamped with little that is extraordinary, it is stigmatized with little that is culpable. Professors pursued with an even tenor their lifeward journey, and Arminian views per-
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