USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Methodist Episcopal churches of Norwich, Conn. > Part 6
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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
During these twenty-nine months he received only $217, including his presents ! And when ap- pointed to Cambridge Circuit, 1799, he found him- self destitute of means to remove his family, but he
85
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCHI.
was cheered by conversions and the inspiriting language of his wife, who often said: "If we can do our duty to God here, and be a means of saving some souls, and get to Heaven at last, all our suf- ferings will work together for our good." This circuit required five hundred miles of travel, and sixty-three sermons were preached in four weeks. With no house to be obtained within this circuit ; with all the contumely heaped upon the early itinerant; with all the hard and unrequited labor ; with all the patience and good cheer of his wife, who worked hard at spinning and weaving, to pro- cure bread for herself and children, in a log-house that would not shed rain, he stands to represent a noble race of pioneers, many of whose sufferings " crop out" on earth in the rich harvest of to-day, but whose enviable recompense is with the Lord of Glory.
The record of his experience upon Granville Cir- cuit is veined by incidents of the most energetic character, from a verbal discussion to the cowardly action of a mob. Those who decry the age in which we live as an age of growing corruption and infidelity, would do well to consider the deism, lack of æsthetic. culture, parsimony, and prejudice of those times. "Say ye not the former days were better than these, for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning them."
In 1802 he was stationed on Long Island, where he procured a house, and removed his family. Of
86
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
this place he says: "The Long Island devil seemed to be a different devil from that in other places-a stupid indifference, either as to religion or the hon- ors of the world, prevailed generally. They had a pretty good share, however, of the love of money." Something of his idiosyncrasy may be gathered from a meeting held at North Hempstead. . At this place several young women " were awakened, and were humbly seeking the Lord." This aroused the opposition of several young men, who deter- mined on mischief. "So they came out in a mob and beset the house. They consulted what to do." He says, " As they saw through the window that I stood on the farther side of the room preaching, and opposite to me was a candle in a large brass candlestick ; so they appointed a stout young man of their party to go in and take that candlestick and throw it at my head, and then rush out. This, they said, would break up the meeting, and all the people would rush out after him, and if I came out they would catch me in the dark and throw me into the Sound. So this young man came in and took up the candlestick, according to their plan. I saw he behaved oddly and strangely ; and while preach- ing I kept my eye upon him. He made some motions as if he would throw the candlestick at me ; and just then, hearing some voices out of doors, I concluded the devil was in him and in those out of doors; and while he was looking at me I broke off preaching abruptly, and said to him,
87
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
' Young man, the devil is out of doors, calling for you. Set down that candlestick and go out to him.' He immediately set down the candlestick and went out. As he was going out, I cried out, ' That is a faithful servant of the devil. No sooner is he informed that his master wants him than he goes immediately.' We had no more disturbance that night ; for some reason, they all departed from around the house."
In 1802 he was made elder in the ministry, at Rhinebeck, by Bishop Asbury, and the same year was reappointed to Dutchess Circuit, when, after a year of great affliction to himself and family, he took the "supernumerary" relation in a manner that would doubtless be regarded highly "effective" at the present day.
In 1805 he was appointed to Croton Circuit, where, as upon the previous, large numbers were converted, and he continued with growing success for two years.
On New Rochelle Circuit, the year before, during which an impression of some calamity to take place had long obtained in his mind, even from twelve years of age, he believed that intimation was ful- filled in the decease of his son John, upon whose grave-stone he placed :-
"May death's best slumbers occupy thy urn. The turf that hides thee, nature's livery wear;
O, be thou sacred in the silent bourne, Till time rolls 'round the great Sabbatic year."
88
HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH.
In 1809 he went to Reading Circuit, where his life was nearly as chameleon as ever. The two following years were passed on Courtland Circuit, where, after he had paid the junior preachers at the end of the first quarter, he received eight cents ! Of which he cheerily says, "I was happy with my eight cents. 'Blessed are the poor.'" 1813 was occupied upon Pittsfield Circuit, and the following year he was constituted a chaplain of a regiment of militia. In 1815. he traveled Litchfield Circuit; the two succeeding years, Granville Circuit; 1818, Chat- ham Circuit ; New York City, two years ; after- ward, in poor health, on Petersburg Circuit, one year; then at Dalton the same time, after which he was compelled to take a "superannuated " rela- tioņ.
No one can read the autobiography of this emi- nently singular and devoted minister without admi- ration for his native talent, his piety, his cheerful sacrifices, and success. His public ministry is re- plete with them, and eternity alone can reveal the results of his more than imperial life.
1
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
FOR a time the church at the Falls appears to have satisfied the members at the Landing as a place for public Sabbath worship, but by 1833, the distance was felt to be a severe tax on the con- venience, if not the religious prosperity of the latter, who determined upon the erection of a sanctuary in that part of the city .; Pursuant to this end, the Class at the Landing petitioned Con- ference for permission to supply themselves with the local ministry at their command, under the supervision of the Presiding Elder, Rev .. Daniel Dorchester. Their petition meeting with favor, Rev. D. N. Bentley was appointed "preacher in charge," and Revs. George May and John Black- mer, "assistant ministers" in supplying the appoint- ments.
At a general meeting of the brethren of the
* Called "Norwich South," 1834; "Landing," 1837; "East Main Street," 1855; "Main Street," 1858.
+ The Sabbath services had been held in the Town House.
90
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
" Norwich City Station," as the appointment at the Landing was then called, held June 23, 1834, at the residence of Mr. Jesse Fuller, situated near the corner of High and Main Streets, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :-
" Resolved, First, That the time has come when a Meeting-house in the Landing, for the use of our Society, is indispensable.
" Secondly, That we will make a united effort to procure funds for the purpose.
" Thirdly, That individuals are hereby authorized to procure a lot of ground in their own name, and to make any contract, for erecting a meeting-house on the same, that they may think pru- dent; Provided, that such individuals do the same on their own personal and individual responsibility, so the Society, in its associate capacity, be not involved by any such contract.
" GEORGE MAY, Secretary."
In view of such an arrangement, Rev. D. N. Bentley and Mr. Jesse Fuller had some time pre- viously purchased a lot on their own responsibility ; and on the 5th of August, 1834, the said parties, together with Mr. Andrew Clark, "jointly. and severally agreed with Messrs. Shepard and Rogers, to erect and completely finish a meeting-house, 44} by 60 feet, with a basement and steeple, for the sum of $3,200." The lecture-room was finished by the first Sabbath of January, when Rev. D. N. Bentley preached the first sermon, from Gen. xxviii. 17. $617 were obtained .on subscription. Mr. Andrew Clark gave $1,000, on the condition that $70 per annum should be guaranteed to him during his lifetime, and $60 to his wife so long as she might
91
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
survive him. Mr. Clark deceased July 10, 1839 and Mrs. Vashti Clark, his widow, at Binghamton, N. Y., August 27, 1860. Rev. D. N. Bentley borrowed $600 of Miss Roxana Starkweather, now Mrs. Palmer, on his own note, and a still larger sum at the Norwich Bank, mortgaging his house for security. So prominent were his exertions and indemnification, that he received, with Mr. Jesse Fuller, the deed of the property, and retained it until July 1, 1844, when the pecuniary responsi- bilities were assumed by the Board of Trustees, appointed at the Quarterly Conference held in the basement of the Main Street M. E. Church, Sep- tember 9, 1843. The Board consisted of Messrs. David N. Bentley, Jesse Fuller, William Callyhan, John Perkins, George Hebard, Richmond Cranston, and Samuel Carter. Mr. William Callyhan soon resigned as trustee, and, December 14th of the same year, the Quarterly Conference, held at the residence of Mr. John Perkins, elected Mr. John Barnes to succeed him.
The church was dedicated June 17, 1835, by a sermon from Rev. Dr. Fisk, "in one of his happiest efforts," founded on Ps. xciii. 5. The discourse was "so exceedingly well adapted to the occasion, and so evangelical in its doctrine, style, and spirit, that it produced a most thrilling effect upon the congre- gation. They seemed to be held with an invisible hand, awed and charmed as by a spell, while the speaker presented a view of that 'Holy House,'
92
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
composed of 'Living Stones,' polished by grace, and made the dwelling-place of the Most High God."
The Station at this time embraced one hundred and eighty members, including those at the Falls. Rev. William Livesey was present at the dedica- tion, and early in the autumn a revival, which had commenced at the Falls, added largely to the mem- bership at the Landing. The following year the Main Street M. E. Church became a Station.
Revivals of greater or less extent have character- ized the ministry of most of the pastors of this church, but they possess little that is peculiar. The Society has always embraced devoted and talented members, many of whom have entered upon the "great reward," the memory of whom is fondly im- pressed upon their surviving contemporaries, who, faithful, must soon join them in God's Elysium.
During the past year the vestry of the church has been tastefully remodeled, under the pastoral charge of Rev. I. M. Bidwell, and the ministry of Revs. E. J. Haynes and Joseph D. Weeks, of the Wesleyan University, under whom the congrega- tion has greatly augmented. Several conversions have taken place during the year, and if talent, pecuniary ability, and a Divine disposition to bless, are all the requisites of ecclesiastical prosperity, this Society cannot fail of attaining a felicitous future.
The following action was taken respecting the
93
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
Centenary of general Methodism, which, as it be- gan in England, may justly be called " British," to distinguish it from " American " Methodism.
"NORWICH, July 29, 1839 .- At a meeting of the Official Board this evening, some conversation was entered into respecting the approaching Centenary, recommended by the Wesleyans in Eng- land, to commemorate the One Hundredth Year of Methodism. So few being present, no order was taken, but it was concluded to bring it before the next Board meeting.
" August 31, 1839 .- The Board met this evening.
" Resolved, That Rev. George F. Pool, preacher in charge, and William Trench, and John Perkins, be a committee, to take into consideration the approaching Centenary, and to bring the subject before the next Quarterly Meeting Conference.
" September 2, 1839 .- The Quarterly Meeting Conference having met, the committee appointed by the last meeting of the Board brought in their report on the subject of the approaching Cen- tenary of Methodism, consisting of a Preamble and Resolutions, which were read, but it being too late in the evening to discuss the subject, it was Resolved to adjourn until Friday evening next.
" September 6 -Quarterly Meeting Conference met as per ad- journment. The records of the last meeting read. The Preamble and Resolutions that were before the meeting on the 2d instant were read, and passed separately, and are as follows :-
"'We, the members of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of Norwich City Station, hereby record our gratitude to God that he has mercifully permitted us to live in the Hundredth Year of Method- ism, and to hail with heartfelt joy the approaching Centennial Celebration. In order that we may be actuated by a zeal becoming so great and so rare an occasion, we adopt, as the basis of our operations, the following resolutions :-
"'First, That we cherish in grateful hearts the memory of Wes- ley, who, under God, was the instrument of that revival of religion which is so well calculated to spread Scriptural Holiness through- out the world.
"' Secondly, That our Doctrines and Discipline, after the lapse
r
94
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
of a hundred years, are still entitled to the high respect and ardent love of all who bear the name of " Methodists."
"' Thirdly, That we celebrate the Centenary of Methodism at the time, and in the manner, recommended by our Annual Confer- ence-namely, on the 25th day of October next, with a prayer- meeting at sunrise, a suitable public discourse at 11 o'clock, and a love-feast in the evening.
"' Fourthly, That we will not only make this an occasion for spiritual improvement, but that by our pecuniary contributions we will erect a monument which may long remain a blessing to the Church and a memento of our gratitude to God, and of our attach- ment to Methodism.
"' Fifthly, That in addition to the objects of benevolence speci- fied by the New England Conference, and in view of the wants of our own Society, we recommend to our friends to direct at least a part of their subscriptions, either to liquidate the debt on the meeting-house, or to build a parsonage.
"' Sixthly, That the names of all who contribute to one or more of these objects be registered in a book, and be preserved in the archives of our church, as a memorial of their gratitude to God, for having lived in the Hundredth Year of Methodism .*
"' Seventhly, That as soon as may be, a preparatory meeting be held and subscriptions be opened for the above-named objects.
(Signed) " GEORGE F. POOL, - Committee.'
"JOHN PERKINS,
" WILLIAM TRENCH,
" Resolved, We accept the whole document, including the Pre- amble.
" Resolved, We appoint the second Sabbath in October to hold the Preparatory Meeting, and that a committee of five be appointed, to make the necessary arrangements for conducting the meeting, taking subscriptions, &c., to consist of the following persons: Rev. George F. Pool, D. N. Bentley, William Callyhan, J. Perkins, and Jesse Fuller."
· The following was taken from an Address given
* See Appendix D.
95
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
by Rev. George G. Cookman, in John Street M. E. Church, of New York City, October, 1839 :
"Sir, although upwards of eighteen years have passed away since your speaker stood upon that sainted spot-the tomb of the Rev. John Wesley's father-yet the sublime and holy enthusiasm of that moment lives and burns in this heart as intensely as ever. *
* Now in this, the Hundredth Year of Methodism, I find myself standing in John Street Church, the birthplace of American Meth- odism, surrounded by a multitude of its warmest friends. What hath God wrought! Surely, Sir, we may sing,
"' When he first the work began, Small and feeble was his day.'
Yes, Sir, while in imagination's bright creation I see the parsonage of Epworth on fire, and in yonder window a little boy enveloped in the raging flames, and crying aloud for help, I involuntarily ex- claim, ' Who is that boy ?' and the reply is, 'Yonder is little John Wesley ; yonder is the boy who will set the world on fire; yonder is the boy that, under God, will make a stronger impression upon the public mind, and public morals, than all the philosophers who have ever written, or the legislators who have ever governed.' For, Sir, the little plant of Methodism which was placed by his hand, as a root in a dry ground, amid the scoffs and persecution of the world, has become a most magnificent tree, throwing its wide- spreading branches over the continents of the earth and the islands of the sea, and in this, the first Centenary, more than a million of happy rejoicing Methodists, from 'Greenland's icy mountains to India's coral strand,' will, beneath its friendly shade, raise the loud and triumphant song of 'Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good-will to men.' It is not my intention to pro- nounce any panegyric on Mr. Wesley, but rather to glorify the grace of God in him. We regard him as an eminent instrument, employed by Divine Providence for the good of mankind. The . history of Methodism, as identified with that of John Wesley, is a bright page in the mysterious book of Providence. Was it not providential that he was born when he was, where he was, what
96
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
he was ? Was it not providential that he descended from an hon- orable and pious ancestry ; that he was the happy son of so excel- lent and talented a mother ? * I thank God, Sir, that John Wesley was a college student ; that he sharpened his wits on the Oxford grindstone; that in the great emporium of British erudi- tion, he forged and polished those weapons of intellectual warfare by which, in future, he was able to reason with the lofty prejudices . of the prelate, or detect the sophistries of the skeptic. Mr. Wes- ley was one of the most successful preachers, and one of the most industrious writers and extensive publishers of his day. He wrote, not for fame or for money, but for the illumination and elevation of the mass of the people. He could appear to advantage in a two- penny pamphlet, or in a royal octavo. From his little tract on ` ' Primitive Physic,' to his 'Christian Library,' in fifty volumes, we see the versatility of his taste, the comprehension of his views,
the energy of his application. * mencement of the eighteenth century that a handful of Oxford students came to the conclusion that if the Bible were true, real Christianity was a very different thing from the popular religion of the day. To promote the one grand object, they laid down rules for reading the Scriptures, conversation, prayer, meditation, fasting, and visiting the sick. Their precision attracted the attention of a wag of a student, who facetiously remarked one day, ' A new sect of Methodists has arisen among us,' and from this satirical remark, a by-word, a nick-name, arose this famous cognomen, 'Methodist.' But what's in a name ? 'A rose would smell as sweet with any other name.' * * Full of strong moral convictions, and lionest zeal, and good intentions, behold our young Churchman embarking for Georgia, to convert the North American Indians, and before half way across the Atlantic, discovering, through the aid of a few pious German Moravians, to his consternation, that he was uncon- verted himself! Finally, behold him led on by Peter Bohler, the Moravian, his spiritual father, from one step to another, until finally, he says, while at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London, . as one was reading Luther's preface to the Galatians, 'I felt my heart strangely warmed.' That, Sir, was Methodism. Then was the kindling of a fire, which, I trust, will glow and run, until
Well, Sir, it was in the com-
97
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
'Heaven's last thunder shakes the world below.' And in all his subsequent history, in his expulsion from the Established Church, in his out-door and field preaching, in the origin of class-meetings, the employment of lay preachers, the settlement of the " Poll-, Deed,' securing the chapels forever to the itinerancy of Method- ism, thus perpetuating the system, binding it equally upon preach- ers and people, we see not the wisdom and policy of man, but the wisdom and power of God.
" But what is Methodism ? To this oft-repeated question, and to the many explanations which have been offered, permit us to give a definition of our own. And first, we would answer the question negatively by remarking, Methodism, so culled, is not a sect. The announcement of Mr. Wesley at the outset of his career was anti- sectarian, and has been fulfilled to the very letter. 'The world is my parish.' Mr. Wesley ever disowned all idea of forming a mere sect. He intended that Methodism should be a nucleus to radiate light and heat throughout all the churches. Then it was no uncommon circumstance for persons to be in communion with the Established Church, or of the Dissenting denominations, and yet meet in class among the Methodists. Thus Mr. Wesley lived and died a mem- ber of the Church of England, nor have the Wesleyan Methodists ever formally withdrawn from the Establishment. Our pulpits and altars are anti-sectarian, admitting all evangelical ministers to the former, and members of other churches to the latter, setting forth on this subject an example of Christian liberality' which it would be well for some churches to imitate who charge us continu- ally with sectarianism.
" But Methodism is not a form. It has waived controversy about forms, but contended manfully for the power of Godliness. Mr. Wesley was no ways scrupulous; he could preach at St. Paul's, or St. Bartholomew's Fair; in a mahogany pulpit, or on a horse- block ; under a tree, or upon a mountain. And his sons are like him. They can preach in a surplice, or in their shirt-sleeves; in pewed or free churches ; with notes or without. *
"Methodism is not an opinion. It demands no previous test of opinions, but one only condition, ' A desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins.' The magnanimous lan- 5
98
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
guage of Mr. Wesley was, 'Away with opinions : if thy heart is as my heart, give me thy hand.'
" What, then, is Methodism ? And we answer, Methodism is a spirit. It is the spirit of Bible truth and Christian charity intro- duced and defined in the mind, the heart, the character, the habits, the labors of that remarkable man, John Wesley, and, from him, expanded to upward of a million other minds and hearts, making. upon them the imprint of his sentiments and doctrines, the light of lis example, the impulse of his zeal. And what is this spirit ? We answer, 'Now the Lord is that spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.' That, Sir, is Methodism. What is Methodism ? Methodism, Sir, is a revival of primitive New Testa- ment religion, such as glowed in the bosoms, and was seen in the lives of the Apostles and Martyrs. It is a revival of the vital, fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. It is a revival of original New Testa- ment organization, particularly in restoring the itinerancy and brother- hood of the ministry, and the right administration of church discipline. It is a revival of the social spirit, the free and ancient manner of social worship. It is, above all, a revival of the Missionary Spirit, which, not content with a merely defensive warfare upon Zion's walls, goes forth aggressively, under the eternal promise, to the conquest of the world.
"Sir, I can never think of the great revival of religion which took place within the Church of England one hundred years ago, with- out having before me the image of some ancient cathedral, with its lofty aisles and vaulted roof; and in the very centre of the marble- paved floor I see a few shivering, decrepid old people, endeavor- ing vainly to warm themselves over the flickering embers of an expiring fire, and while indulging feelings of pity and commisera- tion, I see a brisk, sprightly little man enter, and, with character- istic promptitude and zeal, he begins to stir up the fire. That little man is John Wesley. While he is thus engaged, I see the saintly Fletcher approach with an armful of fagots, and throw them on the brightening flame ; and, presently, I see approach with eager steps a portly personage, George Whitefield, and he begins to blow, and blow mightily, and the fire begins to kindle; and as the tow- 'ering flame illumines and warms the church, I see Charles Wesley,
9.9
HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.
the sweet singer of Methodism, take the harp, and as he touches the strings with more than mortal inspiration, I hear the joyous strain :
"" See how great a flame aspires, Kindled by a spark of grace ; Jesus' love the nations fires, Sets the kingdoms in a blaze.
"' To bring fire on earth he came; Kindled in some hearts it is; O that all might catch the flame, All partake the glorious bliss.'
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.