The Norwich jubilee. A report of the celebration at Norwich, Connecticut, on the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the town, September 7th and 8th, 1859. With an appendix, containing historical documents of local interest, Part 12

Author: Stedman, John W comp
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Norwich, Conn.
Number of Pages: 346


USA > Connecticut > New London County > Norwich > The Norwich jubilee. A report of the celebration at Norwich, Connecticut, on the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the town, September 7th and 8th, 1859. With an appendix, containing historical documents of local interest > Part 12


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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 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27


Neither can I forbear to notice, among mercies showered down


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BISHOP LEE'S DISCOURSE.


from the Father of Lights, the elevated standard of morality and religion that has prevailed in this community. Let me also refer to the public spirit manifested in many ways, and especially in the education of youth. Great is the advance that has been madesince the time when the town voted " that Mr. Daniel Mason be improved as a schoolmaster for nine months." Nay, great is the advance within the memory of many of us here present to-day. The sub- stantial, spacious and well conducted public schools are an honor to the town which erected and sustains them.


The free academy, which adorns the beautiful central plain, is a noble expression of judicious and large hearted benevolence. Under the blessing of God it will stand for ages, a monument more honorable to its founders than obelisk or mausoleum. To the youth of successive generations it will prove a rich benefaction; opening its doors not to wealth but to merit, holding out to the poorest as well as the richest the privilege of enlarged and thorough mental culture, presenting to the youthful a worthy object for those aspirations and efforts which so improve and strengthen the mind, and indicating to other communities a fit and noble employment of property. Its influence for good, who can now attempt to mea- sure? A city dignified by such institutions may be expected to occupy, as years glide away, higher and still higher ground.


Upon the younger portion of my audience now devolves the duty of sustaining the reputation of their birthplace and home. Youth of Norwich, to you we commend her good name for the future. You come of a goodly stock. You trace your ancestry to those who, if they wore no coronets, and boasted no heraldic blazonry, were more truly noble than many who walk in purple. Yours is the more precious heir loom of integrity, industry and virtue, of patriotism and public spirit, of godliness and faith. Let the un- blemished examples of those who have gone before prove to you an incentive to " whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, love- ly and of good report." Honor the God of your fathers, and prize that holy volume which they so deeply reverenced. And what- ever part may be allotted you in the untried future, whether you abide in this home of your affections, or wage your life warfare in some distant clime, may your characters and actions shed lustre upon your native town, and make her rejoice to claim you as citi- zens and offspring.


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138


THE NORWICH JUBILEE.


It has been the desire of those charged with the duty of arrang- ing this celebration, to gather as many as possible of the sons and daughters of Norwich to participate in its joy. You have sent your hospitable invitations far and wide, and a goodly company appear in response to your call. But how many, who not long. since were conspicuous in your social movements, how many who were the ornaments of your homes, how many of the busiest and most active, how many of the loveliest and most cherished, are absent from this day's gathering ! The narrow house which holds them you can not unlock ; the solemn silence that enwraps them you can not interrupt. More of your town's people are beyond than within your summons. The larger proportion can not recip- rocate your greeting, or unite in the melodies and congratulations of this jubilee.


I look forward to the close of another century. In the year of grace 1959, if so long the course of this world continue, your descendants may be gathered to celebrate their tri-centennial. The air may be as pure and the sun as brilliant ; the moon may walk through the heavens as brightly, and the outspread city may be still more magnificent and beautiful; but none of you will be there. You will have followed the many whose features now live only on the speaking canvas, or in more faithful memory. Per- chance the record of this day's doings will be drawn forth, musty and time eaten, from the deposit of the curious antiquary. The Norwich of that day will look back upon your proceedings as you now revert to the olden time. Let us then bear in mind that, garnish and extol as we may the place of our altars and hearths, here have we no continuing city. "The fashion of this world pass- eth away."


But there is a city, which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Of that city glorious things are spoken. Its foundations are all manner of precious stones, and each several gate a pearl. That city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it, for the glory of God doth lighten and the Lamb is the light thereof. May we, through redeeming grace, be accepted citizens of the New Jerusalem. Brethren and friends, give all diligence to secure for yourselves an entrance into that pure and blissful abode, through that Holy and Blessed One who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Amen.


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HYMN.


Rev. Dr. Bond rose and said :- I move that a vote of thanks be given to the Right Rev. Bishop Lee for his able, interesting, and peculiarly appropriate address just delivered. Carried.


The choir then sung the following hymn composed by Miss F. M. Caulkins, of New London :-


HOME OF OUR FATHERS.


MUSIC COMPOSED BY H. W. AMADEUS BEALE, OF NORWICH.


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THE NORWICH JUBILEE.


So we to-day from land and sea, From town and hamlet gathering free, Pour down the hills, crowd all the ways, And tune the winds to songs of praise, Resounding loud-our fathers' home ! Sweet towers of peace !- our fathers' home !


What transport here to meet and trace The golden links of name and race ; Blest hopes and fervent thoughts impart- Throw open all the genial heart- And hear from every hall and dome- "Come in, my brother ! Welcome home !" To Thee, O God! the grateful song- The raptures of the heart belong. Two hundred years of gifts divine, Still showering, brightening, round us shine ;- With palms in hand, we come! we come! To praise Thee in our fathers' home.


The nearest point to heaven's high throne Is home-our fathers' and our own :- Then let us, 'mid these hills and dells, Draw water from salvation's wells; So we, by this sweet coming home, Shall nearer find our heavenly home.


The ceremonies of the evening were concluded by the reverend Dr. Bond pronouncing the benediction: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be and abide with you for ever. Amen.


THE ILLUMINATION.


In the evening, after the close of the exercises at the tent, there was a general illumination of the city. Nearly every street was lighted up, but the principal thoroughfares of the city, and those extending even to the town, were brilliant with illuminations. The governor's residence, the residence of the mayor, Franklin square, Main street, Washington street, Broadway, Union street, portions of Franklin street and Water street, Williams park and the vicinity, shone forth magnificently. It would be pleasant to notice particularly the brilliant devices and arrangements of those whose stores, residences and grounds made so brilliant a show, but to do justice to each and all would be impossible.


SECOND DAY.


This day, like the first, was ushered in by the firing of cannons and the ringing of all the church bells, at sunrise.


At 9 o'clock, the masonic orders, consisting of the knights Templars of Columbian encampment, the companions of Franklin chapter, and the members of Somerset lodge, all of Norwich, formed in procession, and being joined by all the officers of the celebration, and invited guests present, proceeded to Yantic ceme- tary to perform the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the proposed monument to the memory of major John Mason.


On arriving at the ground,


David Clark, P. G. M. of the state of Connecticut, having com- manded silence, said :--


It is proposed to erect a monument to the memory of a man who is called " captain," "major," and "major general" John Mason. The ceremony of laying the corner stone will now be performed by the masonic fraternity.


The following ode was then sung :-


ODE.


Tune-OLD HUNDRED.


Deep in the quarries of the stone, Amid vast heaps of other rock, In darkness hid, to art unknown, We found this rude and shapeless block.


Now shaped by art, its roughness gone, And fit this noble work to grace;


We lay it here, a corner stone, Chosen and sure in proper place.


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THE NORWICH JUBILEE.


Within this stone there lies concealed, What future ages may disclose ; The sacred truths to us revealed, By Him, who fell by ruthless foes.


On Him, this corner stone we build ; To Him, this monument erect; And still, until this work 's fulfilled, May Heaven the workman's ways direct.


At the request of the W. P. G. M., Rev. Benjamin Whittemore offered up the following prayer :-


O Thou, who art and wast the Supreme Architect, who laidst the broad foundations of nature, and erected thereon its vast super- structure; Thou inhabitest eternity, while centuries roll, and generations pass away. May Thine All-seeing Eye look down with approbation upon the occasion which has convened this vast assembly. May Thy hand, which has guided during the past, and Thy power, which has supported and brought us to the present, be duly recognized, and Thy blessing felt.


Behold, the children here gathered from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south, in their old ancestral home, to revive their recollections of the past, to renew olden friendships, to do homage to the memory of their fathers, and to render thanksgivings to Thee, their God, and their fathers' God. Through those fathers' toils and tears, successes and triumphs, with Thy blessing added, we enjoy a goodly heritage. It is well, that years ago, yonder granite shaft was erected to the memory of the Mohegan's sachem; once the rightful owner of these our fair possessions, and whose signature is fixed to the title deed by which those possessions were secured to our fathers. It is fitting that we should rear another monument; and we now come, as a fraternity of craftsmen, with the proper working tools of our profession, to lay the corner stone of a monument to be erected to the memory of one of those fathers. Wilt Thou be with us in these services ; and may Thy wisdom direct, Thy strength support, and Thy beauty adorn this undertaking.


Through Thy favorings may av monument arise, on the foun- dation we now lay, which shall stand amid the coming centuries, bearing upon its engraved tablet the historic name of one, who lived two hundred years ago; who wrought mightily in the thick-


143


MASONIC CEREMONIES.


est perils which beset our fathers; who was, under Thee, greatly instrumental in giving birth to this ancient town; and whose memory Norwich this day delights to honor.


May that name remain imperishable as the stone which shall be entrusted with its keeping ; may it remain, and be beheld by young eyes, and honored by noble hearts, when, among these old hills and beside these sweetly flowing rivers, other generations "shall build houses and inhabit them; plant vineyards and eat the fruit thereof."


Thanking Thee for the blessings of the past, rejoicing in Thy smiles of the present, we trustingly rely on Thy ever-enduring mercy for the future.


One more petition we offer, as directed by Him who spake as having authority-"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temp- tation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


The ceremonies peculiar to the masonic order on such occasions, as laid down in the masonic chart, were then proceeded with in due and ancient form. On their conclusion, W. G. M. Clark arose and delivered the following address :-


GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS :- In obedience to your invitation and those you represent, we, the masonic fraternity, have come here to take part in the interesting ceremonies of this day.


Under your direction, and in conformity with the duty imposed upon the craft to be good, loyal and obedient citizens, we have as- sembled to render our profound homage to the shining virtues of one of the early patriots of our country. This pleasing duty has now been performed. The corner stone to his monument has been laid in its appropriate place. We have every reason to hope that in due time it will be completed, and the chaplet of victory crown the beautiful structure. Although our fathers may have been re- miss in their duty to pay proper homage to him who rendered most important services in the early settlement of our country, yet sure it is, merit can not, yea, will not, go unrewarded. For some


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144


THE NORWICH JUBILEE.


good purpose it was left for us, the descendants of captain John Mason and his associates, to erect this monument to the sacred memory of one whose services to his country can not be over esti- mated. It is not my province to speak of those services at this time, as that duty has been assigned to other and abler hands.


We of the mystic tie are pleased to unite with you in these in- teresting ceremonies, not because captain Mason was a member of our fraternity, for he was not. Masonry was unknown in the col- onies at that time. But because he possessed in his traits of char- acter all the elements that go to make a good and true free mason.


One of the first and most important lessons taught us in mason- ry is, that "no one should ever enter upon any great and import- ant undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity." So it was with captain Mason, when, in May, 1637, he and his little army had been detained at Saybrook by adverse winds until he feared that the object of his mission to the Pequot country had been frustrated, he held an interview with Samuel Stone, his spir- itual guide and chaplain, and " begged him to commend their con- dition to the Lord that night, and ask advice of Him."


We are also taught that we are to be quiet and peaceful citizens, true to the government and just to our country. We are charged not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the laws of the country in which we reside. So again it was with captain Mason. He was true and loyal to the colonial laws, and hazarded his life in a thousand ways in the execution and main- tenance of them.


Time would fail me to draw the parallel with the requirements of masonry and the peculiar traits of captain John Mason's char- acter. We feel confident in saying that if masonry had existed in the colony in his time, he would have been a bright and shining light in the order, as were those distinguished heroes who came after him; Washington, Putnam, Wooster, and every other gen- eral in the war of the revolution, except Benedict Arnold.


Governor Buckingham and gentlemen, if what I have now said, and the duties which we, as free and accepted masons, have here performed, meet your approval and those you so honorably repre- sent, our highest duty has been attained.


145


MASONIC CEREMONIES.


Rev. Charles R. Fisher, of Hartford, closed with the following benediction :-


May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and his son Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and re- main with you always. Amen.


The following ode, composed by Miss F. M. Caulkins, was then sung by the choir, and the assembly returned to the tent :-


WELCOME OF THE FATHERS.


Tune-SICILIAN MARINER'S HYMN.


Hear ye not the soft low whispers, Breathing upward from the ground ? 'T is the voices of the fathers, Wafting their sweet welcome round.


Welcome to these tents so goodly, Planted by our toilsome care ; Welcome to this breath of heaven- Soul refreshing native air.


At our coming none said welcome ; All was lonely, drear and wild; In the midst we built an altar ; Soon an Eden round us smiled.


Homes we sowed along the valley ; Learning's dews we bade distill ; And the church with wings o'ershadowing, Hovered on the highest hill.


Slowly up the pathway climbing, Heaven grew nearer, airs more sweet ; And a glory filled the temple, Opening to receive our feet.


Inward peace and outward trials- We accepted both with praise : With our blessing, take our counsel- Children, keep the good old ways!


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146


THE NORWICH JUBILEE.


On reaching the tent, the president of the day having taken the chair and called the meeting to order,


Wm. P. Eaton came forward and said :-


GENTLEMEN OF THE MASONIC FRATERNITY : I am instructed by the P. G. M. of the state of Connecticut, and the master of Somerset lodge, to say, that at the close of the address by the Hon. John A. Rockwell the masonic fraternity will form in procession and march to their hall. I would say further, that it is not that we do not desire their company, but because the acting G. M. of the day, with several of his associates, have been called upon to perform a melancholy duty in New London. Samuel Greene, the oldest editor in the state of Connecticut, has died at a very advanced age, and by his special request the day before his decease, he will be buried this afternoon in New London, according to the order of the masonic brethren.


The President .- At the close of the services here, a procession will be formed and proceed to the dinner tent near by. It is expected that at that time ladies will be present as well as gentlemen, and we do not care how many. (Applause.) Prayer will now be offered by the Rev. Thomas L. Shipman.


The reverend gentleman said :- God of our fathers-our God ; we invoke Thy gracious presence in the conclusion of these civic and sacred services. We thank Thee that we have been permitted to engage in them ; that under these smiling skies, the sons of this ancient town have been permitted to gather together, in the Jeru- salem of our love, to recall the names and deeds of our fathers, and with filial gratitude commemorate their virtues. We thank Thee that Thou didst cast their lot along these streams, and on these hill sides ; that Thou didst make the place of their abode Thine own dwelling place; blessing them at their fire-sides, with the bless- ing that maketh rich and addeth no sorrow; that Thou didst meet them in the sanctuary of their worship, and cause Thy glory to shine forth around their dwellings, and into their hearts. We thank Thee for all that fair inheritance which has come down to us, the price of their perils, and toils, and sacrifices. Though dead, they yet live, and shall live, in the recollections of a grateful posterity, when time has worn their names from monuments of stone. We thank Thee for the generation just departed, our honored fathers


147


PRAYER.


and mothers; who, if spared to see this day, would have rejoiced to mingle with their children in these festivities. While we pray their forms rise before us, and we are whispering their names in our hearts.


The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers ; leave us not, nor forsake us. Dwell in this land, in the length of it, and in the breadth of it, by the kindness of Thy providence, and by the blessings of Thy grace. Bless us in our national government, and in our several state governments. A great, may we be a united people. We pray for all that are in authority. Give to all who occupy places of trust and influence, the spirit of wisdom and un- derstanding; the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowl- edge and of the fear of the Lord. Make our officers peace, and our exactors righteousness; may our judges be as at the first, and our counselors as at the beginning. Deliver us from whatever disturbs our peace and menaces our prosperity. May Thy mercy be nigh to us, and Thy judgments be turned away from us.


And now be with us in the remaining services of the occasion- an occasion never to be forgotten. Soon we shall be separated, and scattered far and wide; but often, as we look back to these hills and valleys, we shall exclaim, as of Jerusalem of old, If I forget Thee, let my right hand forget her cunning; if I do not remember Thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.


God of our fathers, be Thou our protection and portion, and be the God of our children, and children's children, from genera- tion to generation; and let the whole earth be filled with Thy glory.


These our supplications we present, in the name of Thy Son, our Saviour, who has taught us when we pray, to say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debt- ors ; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


Hon. John A. Rockwell then delivered the following address.


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ADDRESS


ON THE


LIFE AND TIMES OF MAJOR JOHN MASON.


In one of those truthful and life-like representations of the great novelist, we have a description of a humble man, bending under the weight of years, who devoted the evening of his days in searching out the graves of the covenantors of Scotland, and with his ham- mer and chisel, removing the moss from the grave stones and deep- ening the impressions of the inscriptions which time had nearly effaced. The pious duty which we are now to perform is not un- like that which occupied the thoughts and time of Old Mortality. The remembrance of the noble deeds and of the noble character of the foremost of the founders of our town and state, is greatly im- paired by time, and we are in danger of forgetting the debt of gratitude which we owe to John Mason. We are to-day assembled that we may remove the rust of time, may root out the weeds that have obscured his grave, may rescue the moss covered tablet, and deepen and sharpen the impressions worn by time. We aim to erect a humble, but we hope an enduring memorial hewn from the granite rocks which bound the coast of that territory which was conquered by his valor; a memorial which, in its loftiness and symmetry, should be, as in the firmness and durability of its ma- terial it will be, no unfit emblem of the character of Mason. We meet to inscribe anew upon the fleshly tablets of our hearts the record of his acts and his virtues.


The day, the scene, the assembly, are fit attendants, and speak more eloquently than any language that I can use.


The two centuries that have passed since that little band, led by major Mason as their military chief, and his son-in-law as their


1


149


ROCKWELL'S ADDRESS.


spiritual guide, founded our town, have furnished a history of which no son of Norwich need be ashamed, and not unworthy of the manly and Christian virtues which distinguished its founders.


Whose heart is not warmed, whose eye is not moistened, on this anniversary, while recalling with gratitude the labors, sacri- fices and virtues of our fathers !


The hills and valleys upon which our eyes rest for miles around with so much pleasure, were the hunting grounds of the Indians, and when our fathers came, an unbroken wilderness. The Yantic, which is almost at our feet, and is hurrying on in its winding and beautiful current, is full of Indian legends and Indian history. On its banks, were the wigwams of the Mohegans. Its most romantic scenery is memorable for Indian battles. On one of the most beau- tiful spots on its borders, and in sight from where we stand, is the royal burying ground and the grave of Uncas. On its banks, and about a mile distant, were the farm and house where John Mason lived and died; and on the same stream, a short distance above, un- der the shadow of a magnificent oak, the solitary remains of the primeval forest, on an elevation from which you see around the woods and cultivated fields, comfortable and costly residences, and amid the countless evidences of the industry and wealth of his de- scendants, rest his remains, henceforth to be marked by an appro- priate monument.


Among the multitude by whom I am surrounded, of the citizens and descendants of Norwich, is an uncounted host of the direct . lineal descendants of major Mason, and if it shall be my lot in any, the most humble manner, to aid in rescuing from oblivion the events connected with his long and distinguished life, I shall feel that I have performed a duty to the town and a grateful service to his numerous posterity.




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