USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Methodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Conn. > Part 5
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* It was opened with a sermon by Bishop Baker, from Ps. xlviii. 12 and 13.
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for a revival, that, commencing in the fall of the former year, continued with varying success till the spring of 1867. Signalized at no time by the great excitement which sin and its penalty warrant, but rather by deep interest and reflection, Christianity won many to its privileges, and a feature, remarka- ble with many of the converts, was the idea that there is REALLY no sacrifice nor cross in the Chris- tian life. The requirements of the Christian reli- gion they believed to be opportunities, dictated by reason and love, not by divine capriciousness, nor unrequited necessity. Sin pays nothing for every thing : virtue pays every thing for a little. While, before God, each one is a matter of high interest, it would hardly be just to truth and the Holy Spirit not to record that some of the conversions were deeply interesting in character. Mr. Rufus Ladd, long time respected for his general integrity, became so impressed by a sermon from the text, " Am I my brother's keeper ?" that he subsequently declared he was upon the point of arising and disclaiming his responsibility for the salvation of others. A few evenings after, he came forward to the altar of penitents, and said, "I have been in the habit of believing Christians in this community, and would as soon have their word as their note upon all except one thing. This conversion, the new-birth, I never could understand." With almost a breathless anxiety, the audience awaited the se- quel, and he continued : " But I'm going to take the
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Bible for my guide, and if there is any thing in religion, I'm going to find it." IIe soon reported that the " Grace of God is a big thing," and only regretted inability to express it. Though contained within his " philosophy," a little beyond his phi- losophy is the " modus operandi" of the Spirit in regeneration. Simultaneously with his interesting wife and household, he was initiated into the high- est honor of mortals, or rather immortals. And may the day be far distant when their opportunities for well-spent probation shall be numbered.
The regenerative experience of Mr. Sylvester Subert and Captain Daniel T. Adams, the latter of whom commenced to seek Christ with little or no unusual feeling, will long be remembered with many others, of whom was Miss Elizabeth A. Chappell, already gone for the many-mansioned home, to pioneer the way for those who must soon follow.
The list of deceased historic members contains bright examples of piety, activity, and consecration. Among the recent, the name of Mrs. Lydia P. Hop- kins is highly honored. From the funeral sermon, which was committed to press by her affectionate and highly respected children, we clip the follow- ing :-
"Sister LYDIA P. HOPKINS, whose translation we mourn to-day, departed this life January 17, 1866, aged 72. Until recently, her health has been singularly good. Step by step, for the last two years, has the 'sable shepherd' been approaching to gather from
.
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the damp cold meads of earth a member of his flock, whose un- complaining attitude gave evidence of a desire to be led within the heavenly fold. She was converted under the labors of Revs. R. Ransom and L. B. Griffing, in 1829, in connection with her estima- ble husband, who preceded her to heaven by a period of twenty- four years.
" Her Christian life has been characterized by great consistency. Her temperament was even, and, in harmony with this, her reli- gious experience was the same. She pursued an even tenor to the skies. Her mind was naturally strong, and her views well taken. While others flagged in the journey, because temporary stimulus had been withdrawn, she persisted in her life of faith, and to-day from her starlit seat she may look on the sad wreck of souls, who, wearied of the 'narrow way,' deserted to the 'broad road.' She was deeply interested in all that pertained to the welfare of Zion. Whenever a revival obtained in the churches, she was especially delighted, and evinced most plainly that the life of the church was the life of her joys. Until prevented by infirmity, her attendance on the social means of grace was regular, and in them she nearly always participated. Though catholic in sentiment, and loving all the churches of Christ, she was deeply attached to the church of her choice, its doctrines and economy. Consistency, fidelity, punc- tuality, spirituality, faith, and sympathy with Christian interests, have been prominent in her religious life.".
Of her husband, Mr. Joseph O. Hopkins, Rev. A. Latham, who delivered his funeral sermon,* said : "To tell you that he was a respected, beloved, and useful citizen, would be but little of the truth con- cerning him. To tell you that he discharged the duties of a husband and father faithfully and affec- tionately, would be only to reiterate the language of the sighs and tears of the now widowed wife and
* Preached December 5, 1841, and printed the following year.
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fatherless children. But he was a Christian -- a humble, unobtrusive, consistent, faithful Christian."
Mrs. Eliza Hurlburt, after an unostentatious devotion to Christ, ended in peace her sufferings, and, in the cold and dark of dying, left her fidelity and faith to one, who, with a stricken father, is sitting in the lights and shadows of two worlds.
Charge it to personal interest, but the conscious pen refuses to pass by the demise of little Minnie Allen, who slept the last sleep in the Shepherd's arms, and who fills some mysterious niche in the revolution of divine events. God's young, who fight not the " fight of faith," but of pain and mor- tality, for the sake of others, merit a place even with the martyrs of the Church.
Miss Elizabeth M. Phillips, daughter of Rev. Joseph H. Phillips, died early to earth, sin, and sorrow, and lived early to heaven, Christ, and her- self.
Earlier, the name of Miss Carrie M. Bowers, the estimable daughter of Mr. John E. Bowers, whose mention prompts a willing respect, honors the cause of her early espousal, and was equally honored by a peaceful exodus to life's land.
Mrs. Martha Witter held an even but upward tenor in spiritual living, and, though " being dead, yet speaketh."
"The age that in heaven they spend, For ever and ever shall last."
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Mrs. Deborah B. Crandall, wife of Rev. Phineas Crandall, died a highly respected member of the Sachem St. Church, March 3, 1864. She was pos- sessed of many charms and excellencies of character, and enjoyed the lasting friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Rev. D. N. Bentley baptized her at Jewett City, June 17, 1821, since which time she remained a bright example of Christian character, until summoned to enter "the joy of her Lord." Her mother, the venerable Mrs. Wait Cady, soon followed, from a neighboring State, and, truly, in her departure the Methodist Church suffered no common loss. Seldom or never has it been our lot to witness such devotion, faith, prayer, and spirit- uality as were manifested in this Christian lady. . Heaven, hell, angels, devils, Christ, and eternity were so real in her consciousness, that the promises or warnings of God, and the foretastes of futurity, were an inexhaustible source of joy or activity. Mrs. Thankful Hempstead, the mother of the late Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, of the New England Conference, was among the most respected of the earlier members. Two of her daughters, Mrs. Maria Bowers and Mrs. Esther Farrington, live in the grateful recognition of this church, which blesses the memory of the translated mother, whose Chris- tian life was as illustrious as it was valuable.
Mr. William Fletcher was one of the earliest members of the Sachem St. Church. His piety was of a high order, and his devotion constant. He
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lived long to glorify the interests of the church he so tenderly loved, and a whole Society wept at his grave, April, 1855.
Mr. Joseph W. Kimon, for many years a licensed exhorter, was a faithful and respected member, and the records add, he "died well."
"O for the death of those Who slumber in the Lord."
Of the Robinsons, Mr. Franklin Robinson and wife, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, and Mr. Warren Robinson and wife, afterwards Mrs. Diantha Hop- kins, and daughter Ilarriet, were among the dying, but now the living members of the church, the memory of whom is blessed. Mr. Amos E. Cobb, Jr., died in the commencement of his usefulness, but he lived long enough to evince the purity of a Christian character, whose light goes not out in the sanctuary of home.
Mrs. Tryphena Brady, wife of the esteemed Mr. John G. Brady, departed this life April 12, 1859. She lived, and therefore died well, as also Mr. Frederick C. Stedman, Mr. Henry Welch, Mrs. Rhoda Thompson, and Miss Prudence Willett.
Among the present members are many meriting notice. There are few Societies where the same proportions are ornaments, and so few are blemishes. The Board of Stewards consists of Messrs. Benja- min Upham, Charles Hopkins, Nehemiah Upham, 4
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Amos E. Cobb, Charles H. Allen, William H. Ham- ilton, Edwin S. Barrows, Daniel J. Woodward, and William H. Hurlburt. The class-leaders are Messrs. M. P. Lewis, who has also been a successful super- intendent of the Sunday-school for many years, Asa Manning, a veteran leader and pillar of the church, and James Babcock, who has been, with some inter- ruption from change of locality, a class-leader for thirty years. Messrs. John E. Bowers, William Lampher, William Greenman, and Jared G. Dennis formerly held the same honorable distinction. While it seems almost invidious to select among the general excellency of the recent membership, Messrs. Samuel Hopkins, Rufus M. Ladd, Sylvester Subert, Daniel T. Adams, Lewis A. Lamphere, several of Mr. James C. Rogers's family, in a word, all the members of the " Praying Band," furnish a just pride for the church, while their lives promise to their faith, if persistent, no common rank and joy for the endless future.
Among those whose active membership has been longer, are Messrs. Austin Bliss, George L. Yeomans, Horace E. Burke, Henry R. Gardner, Hylon N. Perry, Freeborn O. Fletcher, Alvin B. Bliss, and Robert Atcherson, while several who have too recently experienced religion for full communion, promise not only happiness to themselves, but use- fulness to the church militant.
The family of Rev. Nelson Goodrich, who has
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continued to fill regular appointments in the itine- rant ministry, reside in this place, and, unlike what sometimes occurs, are a valuable supplement to the membership. Miss Eliza Goodrich, the eldest daughter, has opened a private school under fa- vorable auspices, and is eminently worthy of the patronage she is receiving.
Rev. Joseph H. Phillips, a local preacher, is highly respected, and although not " slothful in busi- ness," is "fervent in spirit," and a useful member of the Society.
The Perry family has been prominent in the history of Norwich Methodism. Mr. John Perry and wife, Mrs. Mary B. Perry, removed to Norwich Falls in March, 1827, where they remained mem- bers for about three years, when they united with the North M. E. Church. Here Mr. Perry was steward and class-leader until the day of his death, April 12, 1841, his wife having deceased the pre- vious year, November 16. Their son, Mr. John B. Perry, was made superintendent of the Sunday- school upon his first Sabbath at the Falls, and soon a leader of the Sunday class, Mr. Ira Allen being leader of the Saturday-evening class. He also led an early class formed at the Landing. Class- meetings were held at his house for fifteen years, and he often led the prayer-meetings of Sunday and Wednesday evenings for ten years. Liberal in the religious disbursement of his means, his house was the home of the primitive itinerant ; and, early at
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the sick-room, and late at the open grave, his activ- ity is seldom excelled. His sister, Mrs. Mary Derby, is a beloved and consistent member of the Main Street M. E. Church, whom many of God's ambas- sadors have reason to remember with no common or fleeting gratitude.
The venerable Mrs. Lois Edwards, nearly blinded by years, still lingers among the church militant, " only waiting for the boatman," and the dawning of celestial day. Her daughter, Mrs. Eunice H. Welch, and granddaughter, Mrs. Hannah R., wife of Mr. Alvin B. Bliss, have entered upon the same Christian experience, and are a living example of the influence of parental education.
The sisterhood of this Society merits especial commendation. In general, they are characterized by harmony, freedom from detraction, kindness and sympathy in the hour of affliction, and consist- ency of religious life. In the Sabbath-school, the class-room, the sewing society, the parlor, and death-room, they command general respect, and the mention of one would compel the mention of many. Mrs. Charles Witter and Mrs. Austin Bliss, though not members of the Society in name, have done much for a foster-mother, who forgets not her bene- factresses. - Such a sisterhood has earned the right to testify at least in the common courts of Jesus ; and if earth is the place to prepare for activity in futurity, surely the Christian Church can as ill afford to deprive woman of acquiring the public
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' "ton " of heaven, as prevent itself from reaping the power of her peerless exhortation and monition.
Rev. Edward Augustus Manning, son of Mr. Asa Manning, was born at Norwich, August 6, 1820. His early life was characterized by manliness, selected friendship, and morality. He was con- verted September, 1835, baptized and received into the Church during the pastorate of Rev. William Livesey. He entered upon the trade of type-setting at the printing-office of the "Norwich Courier," where he soon became foreman, and in this capacity remained till he had nearly attained majority.
He entered the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, August 4, 1841, with forty dollars, all told. Here, by great economy, and a gentle exercise at sawing wood, he continued a year, when, his means failing, he was employed, by the kindness of F. Rand, Esq., agent of the Zion's Herald .Association, in the printing-office of the "Herald," and afterwards in that of David H. Ela, Esq. In 1842 he resumed his studies at the Academy, where he closed the academic year, beloved and influential. He had received exhorter's license as early as 1841, and during his stay at Wilbraham had "improved " upon it several times. He soon became local preacher, Rev. Reuben Ransom being presiding elder. His admission to Conference as a probationer took place at Boston, in Church Street, 1843, where he was first appointed to the Asbury Chapel, at Springfield.
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He found the Society in a feeble condition, hav- ing been greatly reduced by changes that had taken place in the United States Armory, located in the vicinity of the church, but more seriously broken down by the excitement attending the preaching of Millerism. Indeed, on arriving at his appointment, so disastrous had been the influence of this excite- ment among the churches as well as the community, that the brethren had not expected a preacher. They concluded, however, to try for three months, and then decide whether or not to disband. The year was passed prosperously, however, but, owing to the interruption of employment in the Armory, the reduction of wages, and other causes, the Society was the next year merged in the new enterprise of the Pynchon Street charge.
At the close of the year he was married to Miss Edna A. Geer, of Norwich, by Rev. Richard Live- sey, in the Main Street M. E. Church, in presence of quite a large congregation, on the 17th day of July, 1844.
His next Station was at South Hadley Falls, where the great secession of Rev. O. Scott had left its ruinous effects upon the Society. He found the church greatly dispirited and demoralized, for in addition to the folly of secession, a predecessor had lent his influence not a little to the encouragement of a strong anti-temperance party in the community. He had even invited to membership in the church a person who had been virtually excommunicated
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from another church on account of his intemperate habits ; whom he found installed as chorister.
With all prudence and firmness he commenced privately to effect a correction of this sad state of things, so far as the chorister was concerned, hold- ing up at the same time the great principles of abstinence, characteristic of our discipline.
All his efforts in this direction proved unavailing, however, for he could neither persuade the man to leave off his tippling (which was notorious), nor take himself out of the way; neither could he per- suade the official board, as such, to act in concert with him, or indeed to act at all. They even refused to make any efforts to raise money for the
relief of his family. His circumstances, owing to the sickness of his family, became exceedingly embarrassed, and the threat was made by a leading steward, that if he meddled with the temperance question, he would risk his support. He quickly responded to this intimation, " Then I do risk my support." The risk was incurred only so far as the official members were concerned, for the friends of temperance in the place, getting an inkling of what was going on, made him a princely donation, so that he left the place without being in debt.
The next Station, Chesterfield, Mass., was signal- ized by the building of a church edifice. At the . close, however, of two years, such was the earnest desire of the people for his return, that, with the presiding elder's advice and consent, upon the idea
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that a connection of Chesterfield with some other charge might be effected, throwing it into a circuit, and he might remain another year. He removed his family into a new house which had been bought expressly for him before the session of Conference. Bishop Hedding positively declined sanctioning the elder's plan, and he was removed to Charlemont, Mass., where he remained two years, enjoying a very extensive revival.
In Enfield he remained but one year, although strongly urged to stay longer.
In South Walpole he enjoyed a good revival during the two years he remained there, yet it was a period of much affliction, the mother of Mrs. Manning and two precious daughters being taken away by the "sable shepherd."
From this charge he was sent to Neponset, where the Lord rewarded his labors with converts, but was removed at the end of this Conference year to the city of Charlestown, and stationed at the Union. Church. He had been but six weeks here, when, by an accident to a train of cars, he received such injuries that he was disabled from duty for the rest of that year, and most of the two years following, during which he was on the superannuated list. In 1855 he supplied for the most of the year the charge in South Danvers.
In 1856, '57, he was stationed in Lynn, at the Boston Street charge, but was unable to give him- self up so arduously to the work as he desired, as
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his health was far from being confirmed, and he was under the necessity of seeking all possible out- door exercises.
At the end of his term of labor here, he was sent to Waltham, where, much improved, he was enabled to renew his work with something of his former vigor. An old and dilapidated church was removed, remodeled, and enlarged; subsequently burnt, then rebuilt. Meanwhile a very gracious outpouring of God's Spirit was enjoyed, so that, at the end of three years, during the latter of which he was a " super- numerary," he left the Society with a fine church edifice, worth some $18,000, and a parsonage worth $2,000, incumbered by only $5,000, the membership nearly doubled, and the congregation largely in- creased. The church property previously was rated at $1,500.
Thence he removed to Salem, where his health became so miserable that he was removed at the end of the year to Bennington Street charge, Bos- ton, whence, after a highly successful pastorate, he was sent to the Centenary charge of the same city, where he is now passing his third year.
Mr. Manning is a highly successful minister of the Gospel. His amiability is a power which is mirrored in a generous face and carriage. Dignity amid affability, cheerfulness amid gravity, personal . sacrifice amid firmness in principle, are prominent features in his character. As a minister, he is earnest, evangelical, persuasive, and spiritual. He 4*
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enjoys the happy art of accommodating himself to circumstances and individuals ; possesses a great knowledge of human nature; is admirably adapted' to the financial interests of a Society, and his repu- tation as a church-builder has widely transpired. He is esteemed as a pastor and friend, honored as a. minister, and efficient as a promoter of temperance. His manly and successful efforts to prepare for use- fulness are proof-text of a persistent energy, and God will live long enough to complete a remunera- tion the church can never bestow.
Rev. Billy Hibbard was born in this town, near the "Star Farm," February 24, 1771. His parents were Nathan Hibbard and Mahetable Crosby, who died when he was about two years of age. His father afterwards married Miss Phebe Fitch, of whom he says, " The first things of importance that I can remember were the instructions of this good woman." His education was limited in character, and his influence and success as an itinerant ininis- ter is to be largely attributed to God and native talent. He was highly sensitive to the monitions of conscience in youth, and yet appears to have become early profane. When about twelve years of age he experienced religion, and continued in great peace until the tenets of unconditional election and reprobation led into unrest and trepidation of soul. He records : " Often when I have been going in secret for prayer and meditation, it has bolted into my mind, If you are elected to be saved, you
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will be saved; and if you are reprobated to be damned, you will be damned, and why need you pray so much ?" His mind became so oppressed under these views, he prepared at one time to com- mit suicide by hanging, but was prevented by the sudden presence of his brother. He was led to this sad conclusion from the following reasoning: " If God has elected me, I can never be lost; if God has reprobated me, I can never be saved; and if I live ever so religiously until I am eighty or ninety years old, I must notwithstanding be damned, and have a more aggravated damnation than I would if I were to hang myself and go to hell now; besides, if I were to hang myself, I should thereby put my- self beyond the power of committing any more sin, and the Lord knows that I would suffer almost any thing, rather than commit any more sin ; it is odious and grievous to my soul. But if I am elected, and it is possible that I am, then though I hang myself, I shall go straight to heaven, and certainly I had rather be in heaven than here."
By what he regarded to be divine impressions, he was finally relieved of this nearly insupportable dilemma, and he continued some time in a very felicitous state of mind. For several reasons, his religiousness subsequently waned, until a renewed repentance and faith, soon after his marriage, re- stored him, after great agony of spirit, to the con- scious favor of Christ.
Soon after becoming a probationer in the M. E.
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Church, he was appointed a class-leader. This was followed by holding meetings, in which he sang, prayed, and read Scripture, of which he gave an exposition. After the most remarkable experience, he accepted the call of God to labor as a minister in His moral heritage, and selling his farm, preached two years, as occasion offered, while he was prepar- ing in study for the regular work of the itinerancy. In 1797, he commenced to travel upon Pittsfield Circuit. June, 1798, he was sent to Litchfield Circuit; and at Granville, September, 1798, he was received by the Conference, and appointed to Dutchess Circuit. He records that "persecution raged on Litchfield Circuit. The work of God was manifested in power. Sometimes they fell as one shot down in battle, and would lie without strength from half an hour to two hours, when they would arise happy in God." "One young woman fell in their meeting, and they carried her out to a private house near by, and sent for a doctor. He said he could not rightly tell what was the matter, but he thought it best to bleed her; and while cording her arm, she came to so as to speak, and she cried out, 'Nothing but the blood of Christ can do me any good.' This made them give over bleeding her."
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