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Go 974.702 N83j 1426521
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01150 3312
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https://archive.org/details/historymanualoff00john
HISTORY-
AND
MANUAL
OF THE
First Congregational Church,
NORWICH, N. Y.
BY THE CHURCH CLERK,
(C. R. JOHNSON.)
August 1, 1879.
NORWICHI, N. Y. G. H. MANNING, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. 1879.
1426521
-
HISTORY
AND
MANUAL
OF THE
First Congregational Church,
NORWICH, N. Y.
BY THE CHURCH CLERK,
(C. R. JOHNSON.)
August 1, 1879.
NORWICHI, N. Y. G. H. MANNING, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. 1879.
RESPECTFULLY
DEDICATED TO THE
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION
OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
NORWICH, N. Y.
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PREFACE.
This book has been prepared solely for the purpose of preserving the history of this Church, and making a permanent record which neither caprice nor accident can destroy. A great deal of time and labor has been spent to verify every statement of fact, but many of them could not be verified, and often there has been a conflict in au- thorities, which rendered it still more difficult. In every doubtful case the most probable version has been given, with the hope that some one seeing, might thus be led to substantiate or disprove the statement. To this end it is earnestly desired that any one detecting an omission, or error of any kind in this book, will at once. point it out to the Church Clerk or Pastor. Any trustworthy information will be gladly received. If any one, able to give information, has not been applied to, it is be- cause the author did not know that such person possessed it.
The authorities cited are: Hotchkin's History of Western New York; Fowler's Presbyterianism in Central New York; Gillett's History of the Presbyterian Church; New York State Gazetteer; Clark's History of Chenango County; Hon. S. S. Randall's Letters; Files of Norwich Journal, Chenango Union, and Anti-Masonic and Chenango Telegraph; Records of Chenango and Otsego Presbyteries, Chenango County Bi- ble Society, and various others.
Much valuable information has been received from Rev. M. N. Moore, Secretary of Home Mission Society; Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D. D., Stated Clerk of General Assembly; Rev. H. H. Allen, Stated Clerk of Otsego Presbytery, and many others, and assistance cheerfully ren- dered by Rev. Samuel Scoville, Pastor of this Church, to all of, whom the author wishes to express most grateful acknowledgments.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Preface
3
General History of Western New York, and of Chenango County- 9
Coming of first Missionaries-Revs. Nathan Ker and Joshua Hart. Also, Revs. James Boyd and Aaron Condict 9
Congregational Churches formed at Oquago, Sherburne, Lisle, Jer- icho and Oxford 10
First Congregational Minister Ordained 10
General History of Norwich 10
Coming of the first Minister- Mr. French
11
The second and third Ministers 11
The Great Revival of 1799 11
Attempts at Church Organization in Norwich 11
The prevalence of Worldliness in Norwich 11
The coming of Truman Enos, and his Conversion 12
Religious Services held in School Houses and Barns 12
Joseph S. Fenton Converted 12
Elder Hascall hired to Preach 12
Rev. David Harrower comes as a Missionary 12
His Letters from and about Norwich. 13
The Congregational Baptist Society formed. 13
Rev. Joel T. Benedict comes as a Missionary 13
His Letters from and about Norwich.
13
First Congregational Church Organized. 14
Names of first Members, and Children Baptized. 14-15
Articles of Faith and Covenant 16-17
First Deacons Elected 17
First Baptist Church formed. 18
Manner of Worship by the Congregational Church, and where held_ 18
Names of Men who labored as Missionaries 18
First Minister hired by the Church 18
6
CONTENTS.
PAGE
The Congregational Church Incorporated.
The Baptist Church Incorporated 1:Corne
Efforts to build a House of Worship by the Congregational Church 1: Relics
Curious Advertisements about it.
10Ir. S 1.Conce
The Congregational and Baptist Meeting Houses Begun
Revival of 1816-17 19-2Churc
Land Bought, and the Congregational Meeting House Built. 2. Descr
2 Plan
Exercises of the Dedication
Dr. Thomas Hastings
2 All pe
Description of the Building
2: Reviv
Rev. Luther Clark hired
2.DId C
Rev. Edward Andrews hired and installed
2 Organ
Formation of Ecclesiastical Bodies
" Accommodation Plan "
The Church joins Chenango Presbytery
Mr. Andrews' pastorate closes
Rev. Peter Lockwood hired
Two factions in the Church, and Mr. Lockwood declines to stay __
Rev. Lyman S. Rexford occupies the Pulpit
First Methodist Episcopal Church Organized.
Emmanuel (Protestant Episcopal) Church Organized
Great effort to secure Mr. Bogue, and he comes.
Revival under the Preaching of Rev. Augustus Littlejohn
Trial of George Denison for murder
Mr. Bogue leaves, and Rev. Seth Williston comes.
Mr. Sessions hired and installed.
The Church changes to Presbyterian, and causes great trouble.
Mr. Livermore comes
Mr. Williston again supplies the Pulpit
Mr. Richards and Mr. Jennings come and go
Rev. Daniel Clark, Jr., comes
Mr. Bush and Mr. Doane come.
The Church begins to return to the Congregational form
The Meeting House Burned.
Academy Hall Rented
" Coffin Hall " Rented.
Steps taken to sever the connection with Chenango Presbytery
The Church divided in consequence.
Rev. Hiram Dyer hired by one part_
Steps taken to build a House of Worship
Trouble with the heirs of the Garnsey estate. 2: list of I
Mr. Doane resigns, and leaves the place 29-3 istory
Mr. Scoville's first visit. 2Males ..
Connection with the Presbytery entirely severed 3 resent(
Work on new Church Building begun 3Fixty -fit
2 Reviva 2 Hr. Sc 2 Che St 2 Reviva 2 Mrs. N 2|ent (
2 Enlar 2 Archit 2 Reviva 2 Congr 2 Enlarg
2 When 2 Dedica 2 Descri
2 Names
2 Ur. Sc 2 Carly a 2 Ecclesi 2 Biogra 21Present 2 Church 2 tustitut 2 Admis 2 Articles 2 Discipli 2 Order of
2 hrono! 2 faptism
1:Mr. S
7
CONTENTS.
PAGE. Er. Scoville hired 30
Corner Stone laid. Hymn by Judge Kingsley 30
felics deposited in it. 31 fr. Scoville called and accepts 31
concert Hall Rented 32
Church Building Dedicated. Hymn by Judge Kingsley 32
jescription of Building 32
alan of Renting Pews 33
2,11 parties reconciled.
33
Revival of 1865 33
ald Clerk's Office Rented for Prayer Meetings
33
argan moved, and Choir given up 33
enlargement of Church talked of
33
architect employed and land bought 33-34
Mevival of 1872.
34
congregational Orchestra formed 34
alargement of Building begun 34
3hen first occupied
34
dedicated
34
2 escription of Building 37 Revival of 1875 37
sfr. Scoville's 14th Anniversary. The debt pledged 37
the State Association held in the Church 37
Revival of 1876
37
2 rs. Nettie C. Mitchell hired as Chorister and Organist, and the pres- ent Choir formed 37
games of its first members 37
2 r. Scoville's 17th Anniversary 38
aprly and cotemporary Churches
39
ecclesiastical Bodies.
40
ographies of all the Ministers
41-68
resent Organization of Church and Society 69-70
2 hurch Polity 71
2 stitutions and Ordinances 71
admissions to Membership 71
articles of Faith and Covenant
giscipline
72-74
75
order of Public Worship.
76
Chronological List of Members 77-98
baptism of Infants and Children 99
2 st of Infants and Children Baptized
100-108
History of the Sunday School.
109-110
Jules 110
Present Organization of Sunday School
111
Exty-fifth Anniversary
112-112
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HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF CHENANGO COUNTY.
On Monday, November 1, 1683, the original County of Albany, State of New York, was erected by the English Government, and comprised nearly all of the present State.
Thursday, March 12, 1772, " Tryon County," famous in the Revo- ution, was taken from Albany County, and Friday, April 2, 1784, its name was changed to Montgomery. It included all that part of the State lying west of the centre of the present County of Schoharie. All that part of it lying west of the Unadilla river was known as " West- rn New York." The part of this section, now the Counties of Broome, Chenango, Madison, and parts of Oneida and Delaware, was called ' The Shenang Country," taking its name from the river, which the ndians had named " Chenango," or "pleasant " river.
Wednesday, February 16, 1791, Tioga and Herkimer Counties were et off from Montgomery, the "Chenango Country" being included in he former.
Thursday, March 15, 1798, Chenango County was taken off from Herkimer and Tioga, and included Madison and part of Oneida Coun- ies. The latter was taken off in 1804, and the former in 1806.
In May, 1790, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of he United States commissioned Revs. Nathan Ker and Joshua Hart as missionaries, to labor three months each in the frontier settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, beginning early in June. They were to doubt the first missionaries of the Presbyterian Church in Western New York. During this tour these men came into the " Chenango Country," and preached a short time in Binghamton-then called " Che- ango Point"-and Unadilla. The Congregational General Associa- ion of Connecticut also sent missionaries into this region, about this ime. (H., p. 180; F., p. 47.)
In 1791, The General Assembly employed Revs. James Boyd and Laron Condict as missionaries, and they spent a portion of their time in this section, (F., p. 47.)
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HISTORY.
Thursday, August 15, 1793, Rev. Benjamin Judd, a missionary from anst The General Assembly, assisted by Rev. Daniel Buck, who had pre been a Major in the Revolution, organized a Congregational Church at Oquago, now Colesville, Broome County. It had seven members, fars and was probably the first Congregational Church organized in West- İIn ern New York. Oquago was then in the "Chenango Country." (H., d ps. 29, 66, 67 and 302; F., p. 47.) the
Sunday, July 6, 1794, the First Congregational Church of Sherburne pm, was organized, with seventeen members, by Rev. Mr. Campbell, a missionary from Connecticut. (H., ps. 29, 62 and 288.)
At some time during the last of 1797 or the first of 1798, the Congre- gational Church at Lisle was organized, with sixteen members, by Rev. apti Seth Williston, then a missionary employed by The Missionary Socie- ty of Connecticut. Lisle was then also in the " Chenango Country."jam (H., ps. 65 and 427.)
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At about the same time, and so near that it cannot now be told which on, was first, though the preference is given to Lisle, a Congregational (5.) Church was organized at Jericho-now Bainbridge-by Rev. William Tb Stone, as is supposed, though not without some doubt. In 1798 Mr. eviv. Joel Chapin was ordained and installed over that Church, by a Coun- early cil. This was the first ordination of a Congregational minister that took place in the " Chenango Country," and probably in Western New York. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1791, at the age of thirty years, in the same class with Rev. Seth Williston, who was at his ordination. He died in 1845, in Pennsylvania. (H., ps. 67 and the 297.)
In 1799 the Congregational Church at Oxford was organized by Rev. ode John Camp, with only a few members. (H., ps. 73 and 295.)
The foregoing gives in outline, the religious history of the section which before 1800 was included in Chenango County, and shows that our denomination, if not the first, was not a whit behind in bringing the gospel into this section of the State, for all the ministers who set- tled in the Chenango Country before 1800 were Congregationalists, strictly Calvinistic, and very devout. (H., p. 70.)
CHAPTER II.
EARLY RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF NORWICH.
Saturday, January 19, 1793, the town of Norwich was erected, and ere included the present towns of Union, (Broome Co.,) Bainbridge, New on, Berlin, North Norwich, Pharsalia, Plymouth and Preston. The only (The buildings on the site of the present village, were four log cabins. One of these was where Dr. Harris' house now stands, No. 308 Broad Street; ome a second where now is the store, No. 184 Broad Street; a third near ry fe the old Coomes place, No. 45 Broad Street; the fourth was built that durch year, near the river, (probably on the east side, near where Matthew eetin
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11
HISTORY.
nsford's farm house now stands,) by Hezekiah Pellet, who had ved with his family from Schenectady. He was the father of " Un- John Pellet," who died a few years ago, and who was then five rs old. (Talks with Uncle John.)
n 1793 or '94, it is not known which, Rev. Manasseh French came, I was undoubtedly the first clergyman who held religious services the village. (Uncle John Pellet.) It is not known where he came m, what denomination he belonged to, nor how long he stayed. Dr. rris thinks he was preaching here in 1796 or'97. He must have left place very near this date, if indeed he remained so long.
The next minister to come into the village was Elder Elisha Ransom, a ptist, who afterwards was settled in Plymouth. He could not have yed longer than a few months, for in 1798, probably, Rev. John np came to Oxford, and for seven or eight years was employed by people of that village and Norwich, without regard to denomina- h, and he preached alternately in the two villages. (H., ps. 292, )
The year 1799 was long afterward known as " The Year of the Great vival." The work began in the village of Palmyra, and spread to rly every settlement in Western New York. (Dr. Williston in H., 36.) Probably growing out of this revival, Thursday, October 30, 0, "The First Associated Presbyterian Society and Congregation of rwich " was formed at the house of Dea. Elisha Smith, which stood the south-east corner of the present West Park. He was grand- her of the Smiths in "The Quarter," and had been Deacon of a urch in Connecticut. At this meeting Stephen Collins was chosen derator, and Silas Cole, Clerk. The Trustees were Stephen Collins, in Welch, Benjamin Edmonds, Nathan Parker, Phineas Wells and lliam Smith. This Society was incorporated Sunday, January 18, 1. (Book of Incorp. of Relig. Socs., at Clerk's Office.) Saturday, e 20, 1801, " The Second Religious Society of Norwich " was formed n the Square of number 14-known as Cheley-in the village of rwich." This was probably the side hill, west of the creek. Silas implin and Gurdon Hewitt were elected officers, and Silas Champ- Nathan Squire, Frederick Bacon, Israel Clark, Randel Billings and omas Richman, Trustees. It was incorporated Thursday, July 9, 1. (Book of Incorp. of Relig. Socs.) It is not known that any urch was organized by either of these societies, and it is probable re was none. The last was undoubtedly a Universalist organiza- 1.
The labors of Mr. Camp ended about 1806, and for several years the y religious services held in the village were occasional sermons by he missionary or Methodist preacher who chanced to come along. ry few of the settlers were religious people, and there being no irch organization, those who had once been professors of religion, eting with no sympathy, soon relapsed into worldliness.
12
HISTORY.
CHAPTER III.
FORMATION OF SEVERAL RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
In the year 1806, Truman Enos came into the village of Norwic and engaged in the tanning business, very near the site of the Guer sey stone mill on West Street, and lived in the house just east, no. known as the " old Enos place." Though a straight-forward man business, he was very far from being a Christian. On a Sunday 1811 he went upon the West Hill, as was his wont, hunting deer. As drew near night, having been unsuccessful, he came out into a cleari facing the west and the setting sun, when suddenly there came into ] mind the Bible lessons taught him by his mother years before, and seemed to himself " the wickedest man on earth." He hurried hor under deep conviction, and for several days tried to smother his feeling Not succeeding in this he bought a Bible, read it and tried to pray, b could not. There were at this time several hundreds of people in t vicinity, but the only one he knew who even pretended to be a Christi was Mrs. Elizabeth Snow. He called upon her, and she prayed with hi: He, however, found no peace until he had read his Bible and prayed hi self. Then the command of Christ to Peter, " When thou art conve ed, strenghen thy brethren," he took to himself, and he was a Peter deed, for with all the great energy of his nature he attacked Sabbat breaking and all infidelity, and soon the mill was closed on Sunday and hunting and fishing, and visiting on that day, were to a great ( gree checked.
About this time several professors of religion moved into the villag and much more attention was paid to religious matters. In the villag services were held in school-houses or other commodious building and out of the village in barns. Mrs. Elijah Lewis remembers atter ing a preaching service in 1809 or '10, in a large new barn on the far where Benjamin Barber now lives, four miles south of the villag These services were all conducted by missionaries or other traveli ministers, as, after Mr. Camp left, no minister settled in the village 1 several years.
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The next winter Joseph S. Fenton, partner in business with Me Enos, was converted through Mr. Enos' influence, and from that tirty they were partners in every work that was undertaken for the buioc ing up of the Redeemer's Kingdom in the village.
In the fall of 1812, Rev. Jonathan Hascall, a Baptist, from Onei County, who had been in the place a few times previously, came alo and stopped at Mr. Enos' house, and Mr. Enos engaged the ball-roc Jis of the tavern-the " Old Yellow House," kept by Benjamin Edmoncere now the residence of Dr. Charles M. Purdy, No. 138 Broad Street-al Mr. Hascall preached there the following Sunday to a good congreg
Ful tion. After the services a consultation was held around the stov
5 which resulted in Mr. Hascall being hired for a year, on a salary
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HISTORY.
$300.00 in money and produce." Mr. Enos carried the subscription per up and down the valley, and raised the amount; all the citizens ntributing, whether Christians or not. (Talks with Mr. Enos.)
About this time Congregational missionaries, employed by the Mis- nary Society of Connecticut, began to visit the place and hold servi-
S. Prominent among these was Rev. David Harrower. On Friday, ovember 27, 1812, he wrote to that Society : " Rode to Norwich lage, about ten miles (from Oxford.) The village is very beautifully uated, and with the vicinity might form a large congregation. By formation, religion is here in a very low state." Two days after he ain wrote : "November, 29, Lord's Day. The assembly here was all, though the place is populous. Finding the restoration scheme evailed in this place, I preached twice on the eternity of future pun- iment. The inattention of the people so discouraged me thiat no ening appointment was made. In this I now think that I was too thless." (Letter of Rev. M. N. Moore.)
Saturday, June 26, 1813, " The First Congregational Baptist Society Norwich" was formed in the Court House. Rev. Jonathan Hascall d Stephen Steere were elected officers, and the following as Trustees: John Randall and Samuel Hammond, 1st class; Casper M. Rouse d Hascall Ransford, 2d class; Asa Norton and Truman Enos, 3d ISS," This Society was incorporated Monday, July 5, 1813. (Book corp. Relig. Socs.)
Wednesday, December 8, 1813, Mr. Harrower again wrote: "Tlie y was stormy, and therefore I only rode eight miles to the village of orwich. In the evening I preached. The assembly was small, but ey gave excellent attention. There are some hopeful converts in this ace since I visited them before. There is a praying female society cently formed here, and I cannot but hope that the Lord will visit s people." (Letter of Rev. M. N Moore.) Mr. Hascall was un- ubtedly laboring in the village at this time, but he is not mentioned any reports by missionaries.
Rev. Joel T. Benedict, who had just closed his seven years pastorate er the Congregational Church at Franklin, and had resumed mission- tidy labor in connection with Mr. Harrower, in the employ of the same uil ciety, wrote under date of Tuesday, April 6, 1814: "In company th Mr. Harrower, rode eight miles to Norwich. On the earnest re- ei est of some of the inhabitants we tarried, and I preached in the eve- long to a large and solemn assembly. The epidemic" (spotted fever) 00 n is prevailing here to a great degree, and is very mortal. We visited veral families; conversed with the heads of families who had recent- obtained a hope of reconciliation to God. They appear to be eg ily humbled, and received instruction with great delight. Gave me pamphlets to individuals. A Mr. Fenton gave to the Society
.00."
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HISTORY.
CHAPTER IV.
ORGANIZATION OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORWICH.
Under the faithful labors of Mr. Harrower and Mr Benedict, a: the zeal of the little company of believers, the number of Christia (N. ) and their spirituality .soon increased, and they began to want chur A nd chi Tud Ens Ir organizations in which those of the same faith could unite for mutu sympathy and freedom of expression. Mr. Benedict was written t and under date of Monday, June 13, 1814, he wrote to the Missiona Society: "Having received a letter from Norwich, in the County Chenango, to assist in the organization of a Church in that place judged best," he rode to Sidney and preached a funeral.sermon. The cut an rode to Eastern, (Guilford,) and next day, "Tuesday, 14th. Rode sixter miles to Norwich. Here met Mr. Colton. He preached in the afte noon. Wednesday, 15th, after consulting with some of the princip persons proposing to unite in forming a Church, it was agreed to pr as Har ceed to-morrow on the examination. Preached in the afternoon to full assembly and very attentive. Thursday, 16th June. The day w the Ten employed in the examination of those who proposed to compose th Church. Six males and ten females presented themselves for exam nation. Not being able to complete the examination, postponed it ul til Saturday next. This day was an unusually solemn season; th candidates gave very satisfactory evidence of a real change of heart." T
"Friday, 17th. The day being very wet, visited a few families only.
." Saturday, 18th. One male and five females in addition to those a Ino ready examined, were examined. Four of them, with the other siz beo teen, were approved." (Mr. Benedict makes an error here. There werhan twenty-one approved, as will be seen farther on.) "A confession Cant faith and covenant having been prepared, was read to them and meRer their approbation. Agreed, by Divine leave, to organize them into visible Church on the next Lord's day."
" Lord's Day, June 19th. Preached in the morning. After sermo ld proceeded to organize the following persons into a regular visible Churc hen of Christ, viz: Tracy Ensworth and Polly, his wife; John Ambler an dion Ruth, his wife; Joseph Kelso and Esther, his wife; Elijah Chamber T lain; Levi Ray and Tryphena, his wife; Joseph T. Fenton and Saraltho T., his wife; Truman Enos and Linda, his wife; Prudence Dickinson bet Eliza Snow, Bridget Wells, Hannah Randal, Adocia Smith, Pheb Cstl Brewer, Betsey Miller, and Polly Brewster. Of these six were bap is tized, and after the Church was organized, baptized nineteen children no Afternoon, preached and administered the Lord's Supper. The audi liz ence was large, supposed to be nearly four hundred. The change Han which has taken place in this village is surprising. Three years sinceai it was difficult to obtain leave to preach in the place. The Sabbathute was a day of labor or festivity and mirth, with not a human professoreve
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HISTORY.
n it, or a family who offered the evening and morning sacrifice. Now he Sabbath is revered, divine worship attended, a respectable, zeal- us Church, and a female prayer meeting, composed of ten or twelve females. The congregation contributed $5.86." (Letter of Rev. M. N. Moore.)
Among the children baptized were Philinda, daughter of Truman nd Linda Enos; William M., Sarah Frances, Lovinia B., and Julia I., Children of Joseph S. and Sarah T. Fenton; one or two children of udge Elisha and Adocia Smith; and two sons of Tracy and Elizabeth nsworth. (Dr. Harris.)
In his report to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecti- it, Mr. Benedict writes : "In the shire-town of the County of Che -. ango, called Norwich, for years past the greatest stupidity, and an al- lost total indifference to divine things prevailed, and the Sabbath as wholly neglected. During the last winter and spring the Lord re- jarkably owned the labors of missionaries in that place. I organized Church there in June, consisting of twenty members, and on le Sabbath the audience was large; nearly four hundred persons at- nded. It is impossible to describe the alteration that has taken place ere within a short time for the better." (H., ps. 292-3.)
E
th The services described by Mr. Benedict, were held in the old ood Court House, which occupied the same ground on which te present stone building stands. His sermon was from the text, Acts, 27, 28: " For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast pointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the ople of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy erfand and thy council determined before to be done." Thus the in- nt Church was fed on strong meat from the first. (Old Manual.) nev. John B. Hoyt assisted in the services. He was from 1820 to 1833 astor of the Congregational Church at Greene, and from 1833 nntil s death, in 1862, pastor of 2d Congregational Church at Coventry. lder Elisha Ransom, then pastor of the Baptist Church in Plymouth, entioned on page 11-a very godly man-conducted the examina- on of candidates, and made it very thorough.
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