USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Stratford > The genesis of Christ Church, Stratford, Connecticut : background and earliest annals, commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary 1707-1957 > Part 4
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"[Connecticut] contains, in length, about 140 miles, and has in it about forty towns, in each of which there is a Presbyterian or Independent Minister, settled by law, to whom the people are all obliged to pay, notwithstanding many times the Ministers are not ordained, of which I have known several examples. The number of people there is, I believe, about 2,400 souls. They have abundance of odd kind of laws, to prevent any dissenting from their Church, and endeavour to keep the people in as much blindness and unac- quaintedness with any other religion as possible, but in a more particular manner the Church, looking up- on her as the most dangerous enemy they have to grapple withal, and abundance of pains is taken to make the ignorant think as bad as possible of her; and I really believe that more than half the people in that government think our Church to be little better than the Papist, and they fail not to improve every lit- tle thing against us. But I bless God for it, the Society has robbed them of their best argument, which was the ill lives of our clergy that came into these parts; and the truth is, I have not seen many good men but of the Society's sending; and no sooner was that honourable body settled, and those prudent mea- sures taken for carrying on of that good work, but the people of Connecticut, doubting of maintaining their ground without some further support, with great industry went through their colony for subscriptions to build a college at a place called Seabrook; and the Ministers, who are as absolute in their respective parishes as the Pope of Rome, argued, prayed and preached up the necessity of it, and the passive, obed- ient people, who dare not do otherwise than obey, gave even beyond their ability .... I believe, for the first step, the most proper way Would be, that one of the Ministers of this County [Westchester?] should be directed, by my Lord of London, to inform himself where there are any in that government that profess themselves to be of the Church, and to know if they or any of their neighbours have any children to bap- tize, or desire to partake of the Sacrament; and inform them that he will come to the town where they live, and after having given them a sermon, will perform those holy rites. There need, I think, no more be done in this matter at present; but the Society may, if they please, leave the rest to me, and I won't only give him the best advice and directions I can therein, but will, God willing, wait upon him in his progress, and persuade some useful friends along with me. And when this essay has been made, I shall be much better able to guess at the state of that government, and what is fitting to be done next.
"Now, the person that I would advise them to pitch upon, by all means, for this expedition, is Mr. Muirson; he being not only posted next those parts, and so it will look less like design; but he has a very happy way of delivery, and makes little use of his notes in preaching, which is extremely taking amongst those people; and for argument, few of his years exceed him.
"The chief end I have in this projection is to have the people of that government undeceived in their notions concerning our Church -- there being, I believe, fifteen thousand in that colony who have never heard, or scarce seen a Church of England Minister; and I have the charity to believe that, after having heard one of our Ministers preach, they will not look upon our Church to be such a monster as she is rep- resented; and being convinced of some of the cheats, many of them may duly consider of the sin of schism. However, let the success be what it will, to me the duty seems plain. "56
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1705, November 21: The Rev. George Muirson made a preliminary exploration of Connecticut towns and reported to the Secretary of the S.P.G. from his headquarters at Rye: 57
1706: Sometime during this year, in accordance with her promise to the S.P.G. to do all within her power to help [see p. 14 above], Queen Anne presented to the Church at Rye, N.Y., a collection of books, pulpit and communion cloths, and the silver chalice and paten, still in use.
Anna Regina
t
The Queen Anne Chalice presented in 1706
1706, April 4: His Excellency Edward, Viscount Cornbury, writing from New York, issued the following license to Muirson for carrying on his work in Con- necticut : 58 "Whereas, I am informed that severall persons in the Towns of Stamford, Hertford, and severall other places in the Colony of Connecticutt, have not been baptized by reason they have had no Church of England Minister among them; and being now desierous to be baptized by such a Minister, I have therefore thought fitt, and do hereby give and grant unto the said Geo. Muir- son, full and free liberty, leave and lycense to visit those places and per- sons for the service aforesaid, from time to time, as often as you shall be thereunto requested by them. Given under my hand at Fort Anne, in New-York
1706, April 16. Colonel Heathcote, writing from New York to the S.P.G., reported that Muirson was planning a visit to Stratford, situated about sixty miles from his parish, in about one month.59 "I have since my last been tak- ing some pains to find out the best ways for introducing the Church into the neighbouring colony of Connecticut, and am informed that there are a consider- able number at a place called Stratford, about 6[0] miles from this parish, who are willing to conform, and some families who refuse baptism from any other than a church of England minister; that Mr. Muirson intends, God willing, about a month hence, to take a journey amongst them where I design, God willing, to accompany him, and after that progress, we shall be able to give a better ac- count of ye state of that Colony relating to the Church."
1706, May 22: Contact with Stratford Anglicans was made in advance of Muirson's first visit, appar- ently by letter. Writing to the S.P.G. from Rye, Muirson reported : 60 "Every fourth Sunday I preach at Bedford [which, along with Rye, belonged formerly to Connecticut], and I am afraid, without success, for they are a very willful, stubborn people in that town, there are about 120 unbaptized, and notwithstand- ing all the means I have used, I could not persuade them of the necessity of that holy ordinance till of late, (thanks be to Almighty God for it, ) some of them begin to conform. I intend to stay a month at once with them, which I hope by God's help, will produce good effect .... I am invited by some persons in Connecticut Colony, to baptize their children; the town is called Stratford, about 60 miles distant, whither I intend to go in a few days. By the next I shall give you an account of what progress I made."
1706, September 2: For the first time, apparently, Muirson visited Strat- ford, accompanied by Colonel Heathcote, baptizing approximately twenty-four persons. (The account of this first visit and its consequences appears in Document I.)
1706, October 2: Muirson reported the following to the S.P.G. : 61
RYE, October 2d, 1706.
Pleaso to communieato to your Society that I havo lately been in Connecticut Colony, and found some persons well- disposed towards tho Church. I preached in Stratford to a very numerous congregation, both forenoon and afternoon. I baptized about twenty-four persons tho samo day. I intend another journey thither again quickly, being invited to bap- tizo their children, and hopo (by tho Divino aid) to mako a fair beginning for the establishment of tho Church, in a con- siderablo part of that government. Thero are, I'm informed, somo thousands of persons in that colony unbaptized, and tho reason is this, most of their Ministers refuso to admit any children into Christ's Church by baptism, but those whose parents are in full communion with them. The Independents
GEORGE MUIRSON.
Your most faithful,
Humble servant,
Honor'd sir,
Caleb Heathcote. Warden of the Parish of Rye 1703-1704
1 have lately been in ye Government of Connectient where I observe some people well affected to ye Church. for those that are new come to my parish on Sabbath days so that I am assured an Intinerant Missionary might do great service in that Province. Some of their Ministers have privately told me that had we a Bishop among us they would conform & receive Holy Orders from wrh as well as on all ye Continent ye necessity of a Bishop will plainly appear
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threaten me, and all who are instrumental in bringing me thither, with prison and hard usage. They are very much incensed to sce that tho Church (Rome's sister, as they ignorantly called her) is likely to gain ground among 'cm, and use all the stratagems they can invent to defeat my en- terprises. But, however, since I hope my superiors approve of my undertaking, I shall not fail to visit as often as the affairs of my parish will permit; neither shall all they can do or say discourage me from proseenting (to the utmost of my ability) so good a design. I shall be glad to receive the instructions of your Honourable Corporation by the next op- portunity, which I shall always think myself happy in obey- ing. In the mean time shall continne to proceed in this method till I receive further orders. The Hon. Col. HIcath-
cote (who always studies and endeavours the good of the Church) has been very diligent and industrious in carrying on this great work. The eminency of his station, and withal his favouring and countenancing my attempts of this nature, is of so great consequence among the people that, truly, what snecess I have hitherto liad, either at home or abroad, is ow- ing more to his prudent conduct than to the best of my weak labours. He honours me with his good company in all such progresses, and exerts his utmost endeavours to settle the Church wherever he goes, which will recommend him to the esteem and regard of all good men, but especially (I'm per- snaded) of your worthy members.
1706, October [ca. 15]: Colonel Heathcote reported to the S.P.G. in like fashion. The letter speaks of the September 2 visit as being "six weeks ago" and indicates a plan to pay a second visit in a month
or six weeks, that is, about November 16.º 62
I gave yon the trouble of a very long letter by Mr. Talbot, and another by the Virginia fleet, both which I hope are come to your hands, and have not since been favoured with any from you, tho' am in daily expectation thercof. I have not lately licard any thing of or from Mr. Clayton ; and since he does the Society no service, I hope he is in no charge to them. I have a proposal to lay before the Board concerning schooling, in which I propose a considerable service without any very great charge, and am apt to believe it may be ap- proved of. I have it now upon the anvil, and hope to have it ready to transmit to you in my next, which shall be with the first opportunity, God willing, that presents after this. I told you, in my former letter, that I intended to accompany Mr. Muirson into Connectient, to try what impression could be made on those people. We accordingly paid them a visit about six weeks ago, and had done it sooner, but the expecta- tion we were under of the French making an attack on this Province, obliged me not to leave until those fears were over. We found that Colony much as we expected-very ignorant of the constitution of our Church, and, for that reason, great enemies to it. All their towns are furnished with Ministers, (as I formerly told you,) who are chiefly Independents, and denying baptism to the children of all who are not in full communion ; there are many thousands in that government
unbaptized. The Ministers are very nneasy at our coming amongst them, and abundance of pains was taken to persuade and terrify the people from hearing Mr. Muirson, but it availed nothing ; for, notwithstanding all their endeavours, he had a very great congregation, and, indeed, infinitely be- yond my expectation. The. people were wonderfully sur- prised at the order of our Church, expecting to have heard and seen some wonderful strange things, by the account and representation of it that their teachers had given them. I am in hopes, upon the whole matter, that our journey was not lost ; but that we have done service to the Church in our progress, in which I shall be able to give a better guess after our next visit, which we intend, God willing, to pay them abont a month or six weeks hence. Mr. Muirson baptized about twenty-four, mostly grown people ; and when he goes there next, I hope many more will be added to the Church. He is, truly, very well qualified for that service, having a very happy way of preaching ; and, considering his years, wonderfully good at argument, while his life is withont blein- ish. I've not any thing further at present worth the while to trouble yon with, save my most hnmble regards and duty to the Society, so remain, sir,
Your most affectionate servant,
CALER HEATHCOTE.
1706, November [ca. 16]: The second visit of Muirson and Heathcote is described under "Thirdly" in Document I. If Saturday, Nov. 16, be not the date of the visit, then it may have occurred either on Sat. Nov. 23 or Sat., Nov. 30. (In 1706, Sunday, Nov. 17, was XXVI Trinity; Nov. 24 was XXVII Trinity; Dec. 1 was I Advent.) On this visit, the Town officers read to the assembled group a threatening paper, a copy of which Heathcote tried unsuccessfully to obtain. The statutory fine of 5 sterling was promised to any who should gather for Church-of-England worship on Sunday. (See page 4 above for the origin of the Connecticut Blue Laws.) [What might the English courts have done with such a document?]
1707: The Rev. John Reed, the Congregational clergyman, is mentioned more and more frequently in Anglican correspondence with the S.P.G. as Mr. Reed's difficulties with his Congregational flock become more numerous. The Anglicans held out hope that the S.P.G. might assist a plan whereby he might receive Episcopal ordination in England, but nothing came of it.63
1707, February 24: Colonel Heathcote reported as follows to the Secretary of the S.P.G .: 64
I wrote you a letter by tho last fleet, since which. I have not been favoured by any from you, which I attribute to the misfortune of the Resolution Galley. I therein gave yon an account of some small progress we had made toward settling the Church in Connecticut. Since which, we have made another journey amongst them, when Mr. Muirson baptized four or five more, mostly grown persons, and administered the
Sacrament to about fifteen. He met with more opposition this time than the last, the justices having taken the freedom to preach, giving out at the same time, amongst the people, that he and all his hearers should be put in gaol. But, not- withstanding all their threats to some and persuasions to others, he had a handsome congregation ; and I believe the next visit that is paid them, it will be found that their strug-
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gling to stifle the Church will be a great means to forward its growth, for I hope, with the blessing of God, in as short a time as can reasonably be expected, there won't only be a fine congregation gathered, but ways will be found by our projection, or otherwise, to have a handsome Church for them to worship God in-for the effecting of which, my hearty endeavour shall not be wanting. Those there in the interest of the Church are very desirous to have a Minister sent amongst them, in which, if the Society shall think fit to assist them, more than common care must be taken that they have one of an exemplary life, and in all respects quali- ficd to answer that great work ; for a miscarriage at our first setting out would ruin all, and it would afterwards be ex- tremely difficult to make any steps toward settling the Church in that colony. It would be absolutely necessary, for the better and more casy effecting this great and good work, that an order be procured from Her Majesty, requiring the gov- ernment of that Colony not to force any of her subjects to pay for maintenance of the Ministers settled by their laws, and to repeal that act whereby they pretend to refuse liberty of conscience to those of the established Church. If those grievances were redressed, which in itself is very reasonable and proper, and not much more than hath been granted the Quakers, on their petition against the same government, it would be of greater service to the Church than can at first sight be imagined. I acquainted you, in my former letter, that there was a very ingenious gentleman at Stratford, one Mr. Reed, the Minister of that place, who is very inclinable to come over to the Church; and if the charge can be dis- pensed with, he is well worth the gaining, being by much the most ingenious man they have amongst them, and would be very capable to serve the Church. By reason of the good inclination he shews for the Church, he has undergone perse- cution by his people, who do all which is in their power to starve him, and being countenanced and encouraged therein by all the Ministers round them, they have very near effected it; so that if any proposal could be made to encourage his coming over for ordination, his family, which is pretty large, must be taken care of in his absence. I thought fit to lay this matter before the Society, and leave it to their wisdom and judgment to move therein, as they think proper and con- venient.
T hear nothing of Mr. Cleator, so suppose that he is citlier lead or hath declined the service, as having since better con- sidered that matter. If the Society will be pleased to allow
the £15 he was to have for schochnasters in this country, I believe I could, for that money, encourage the settling of four, by having it sent over in goods, as I shall dircet; and the Society shall have no trouble, nor run any risque therein, for 1 will be answerable if any misfortune happen to it in coming over ; for, though 'tis but a small sum, I will give directions to have it insured. If this projection answers my expecta- tion, as I am very much of opinion it will, it inay bo of great use and service to the Society on many other accounts.
The bearer hercof, Mr. Evans, who has a very fair charac- ter, and is clothlied with the reputation of having done very great service to the Church in Philadelphia, is going home to receive my Lord of London's directions for settling the Church at that place, which is very much rent by some unhappy differences, and I don't doubt his Lordship will find ont effectual ways for healing their wounds, for it's a great pity the Church should be hurt by any divisions amongst her own members ; but especially in that place, where she is, in a more than ordinary manner, surrounded with enemies. Mr. Evans will be able to give you some account concerning the state of this parish, which Mr. Muirson hath, as I formerly told yon, got into very great order. They are now busy in ceiling their Church, and it is, I believe, the first country Church in America that ever had that cost bestowed on it; and I question not but we shall persuade them to finish it in all other respects decently and well. Mr. Muirson, the next journey he makes to Connectient, intends to settle his Church at Stratford, by making choice of Churchwardens and Ves- try, as Mr. Evaus will more fully inform you. I was not mistaken when I formerly told you that he was the most proper of all the Missionaries hercabouts to go on that great undertaking, having performed that work with a wonderful deal of prudence and discretion. When the Church hath got footing in Conncetient, it will in the next place be advisable to try what is to be done with the cast end of Long Island, where there are several considerable towns, concerning which, when I have informed myself better, I shall give you my thoughts therein. I have not at present any thing further worth your notice, so with my most humble duty to the Society
I remain, sir, Your most obedient servant, CALEB HEATHCOTE. NEW-YORK, 24 Feb'y, 1707.
1707, [ca. March 29-30]: The Rev. George Muirson and the Rev. Evan Evans, of Philadelphia, visited Stratford, suggesting that the Stratford Churchmen organize themselves into a Society with wardens and vestrymen. (See Caleb Heathcote's letter just above.) [Heathcote's letter of April 14 stated that the visit had been made about fourteen days before.] See Document I.
1707, April 1: Understanding that Evan Evans was bound for England, Stratford Churchmen asked him to carry to the Lord Bishop of London the following letter in their behalf. 05 (For details, see Document
I.)
RIGHT REV. FATHER IN GOD : May it please your Lordship,
We, your Lordship's humble petitioners, living in Strat- ford Town, in the Colony of Councetieut, do, with all snb- mission, crave leave to represent before your Lordship our present condition, which briefly is as followeth : We are members of the National Church of England, but having no minister of our own communion in this colony, have sent, some time ago, unto the Rev. George Muirson, who, in com- plianee with our request, hath been twice amongst us, and administered the holy sacrament of Baptism aud the Lord's Supper to us. We praise God for his goodness in giving us
an opportunity, at last, of receiving his holy ordinances in the way which, of all others, we believe to be most pure and agreeable to the IIoly Scriptures. There are many in this colony who are well-disposed to our Church, but being under the same circumstances with ourselves, are not capable of maintaining a minister of our Church, by reason of some laws which compel us to pay our money to the support of Disseuters, and empower them, as sometimes they do, to take our goods by distress. They have another law, by virtue of which they hinder many persons from coming to hear Mr. Mnirson preach; they threaten us with imprisonment and severe usage, and though we have proceeded regularly in
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asking their magistrates' leave before wo did meet together to worship God, yet they carried it so far as to forewarn Mr. Muirson from preaching in their Charter Government; and told him that he did illegal things; but what relates to all the particulars contained in these laws we shall not at pre- sent off'er your Lordship any trouble in mentioning, but refer ourselves to Mr. Mnirson to inform your Lordship by letter, and also to the Rev. Mr. Evans, Minister of Philadelphia, who hath been pleased to give us a visit, and, being bound for England, we present to your Lordship, by him, one of the law books of this colony. He can acquaint your Lordship
what laws they make uso of against the Church, and what hardships and grievances we labour under because of them.
Now we humbly request that your Lordship would be pleased of your zeal, which always moves your Lordship to extend a fatherly care to the distressed members of tlie Church, to take this our case into your serious consideration ; and becauso by reason of the said laws we are not able to support a minister, we further pray your Lordship niny bo pleased to send one over with a missionary allowance from the IIonourable Corporation, invested with full power, so as that he may preach and we hear the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ, without molestation and terror. We live in the midst of the rigidest Presbyterians and Independents, and we doubt not but your Lordship will be pleased to send us one exemplary in his conversation, finent in preaching, and ablo
in disputation, that he may silence the cavils of our encinics. The Hon. Colonel IIcatlicote hath been pleased to come along witli Mr. Muirson ; his presence has had no small influence upon the people ; we have prayed him to add to all the rest ono favour more, that is, to present to your Lordship our case, which we, hoping he will do, shall not offer you any further trouble. Wo humbly beg your Lordship's fatherly benedic- tion and prayers, that our infant Church may be daily en- larged for God's glory and men's good ; and that your Lord- ship, for its further prosperity and happiness, may long pro- side over the same, shall be the constant prayers of,
My Lord, your Lordship's nrost obedient sons and humble servants,
Stratford, April 1st, 1707.
RICHARD BLACKLATH,
ISAAC SNELL,
DANIEL SHELTON, WM. RAWLINSON,
JONAHI PITMIAN, JOHN PEAT,
SAML. GASKILL,
SAMUEL HAWLEY,
WILL. SMITHI, JOHN SKIDMORE,
TIMOTHY TITHARTON, ARCHIBALD DUNLAP,
THOMAS EDWARDS,
ISAAC BEINT,
DANIEL BENNETT,
RICHI'D BLACKLATH, Jr.,
THO. BROOKS, ISAAC STILES,
SAMUEL HENERY,
(in bchalf of the rest.)
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[Corrections: Richard Blacklath should have been transcribed Richard Blacklach or Blackleech. Isaac Snell is a misreading of Isaac Knell. ]
CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD, WAS APPARENTLY ORGANIZED AS A PARISH BETWEEN SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1707, AND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1707. THE INTERVENING SUNDAY WAS LENT V.
1707, April 4: Mr. Muirson reported to the S.P.G. on the latest of his three visits to Stratford and the Christian stumbling-blocks which this community placed in his path. He asked for more copies of the Prayer Book and apologetical pamphlets. 66
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