USA > New York > Chenango County > Norwich > History and manual of the First Congregational Church, Norwich, N.Y. > Part 7
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May 14, 1842, he was dismissed from the Third Presbytery of Ne York, to Oneida Presbytery. In January, 1843, the latter was divided and the eastern part made into the new Presbytery of Utica. In Oct ber following what remained of Oneida Presbytery was transferred 1 the Presbytery of Utica, and the former became extinct. Mr. Clark ther by became a member of the latter. He continued to hold his agenq until June, 1847. In 1846 the honorary degree of A. M. was conferre upon him by Hamilton College. Tuesday, June 8, 1847, by invitatio he preached at a meeting of Chenango Presbytery at Sherburne. F had undoubtedly preached several times in Norwich during his age cy, and was well known in the place.
Tuesday, July 6, 1847, he joined Chenango Presbytery, from Presb tery of Utica, was formally called, and immediately installed Past of this Church. September 1, 1851, his pastorate closed by his requer and the same day the Presbytery dismissed him to the Presbytery Buffalo, and he immediately left Norwich and took charge of the Pre byterian Church at Fredonia, N. Y. From there, in 1856, he remov to Lyons, Iowa. From there to Galena, Ill. He visited Norwich September, 1857, and Sunday, September 6, he assisted at communic Was Stated Supply in Galesburg, Ill., a while, after which he w installed over a Congregational Church in Plainfield, Ill., by a Joi Council, still retaining his connection with Chicago Presbyter He again visited Norwich, as an agent of the American Education : ciety, in 1865, and lectured.
He remained Pastor of the Plainfield Church until his death, whit occurred Friday, September 24, 1869, under the following circumst:
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.
's: He was at the regular prayer meeting the evening before, and boke of the resurrection body. A person who was present said that no one who saw him then could ever forget his appearance. His face ecame radiant with his subject, and he seemed on the very verge of eaven." On Friday morning he rode on horseback a short distance, to 'ive a cow home from pasture. He attempted to ford a bayou of the u Page river, which had the appearance of shallow water, but was stead a deep gorge. Into this horse and rider plunged. Mr. Clark ceived a very severe blow on the head, probably from the horse's of, which must have caused instant death. His body was found in e river three or four hours after. His family were all away from me at the time. The funeral services were held in the Church, and ere attended by large numbers of those who had known him as Pas- r and friend. His people, by whom he was greatly beloved, erected monument to his memory at Plainfield. His age was sixty-five years.
Dr. Fowler gives the following very truthful sketch of his character: His great energy and zeal, and his popular address, made him effect- e in sermons and still more in addresses, and his unsparing and un- ring exertions, and his alertness and tact and ready improvement of cidents and circumstances, made him successful in his enterprises id operations. Tall, and well proportioned, he bore himself with gnity, and was imposing in his appearance, and at the same time his rnest countenance, yet mobile features, and his firm tread and quick ovements, showed how supple and vigorous he was, Life was too st with him for a long race, and at an age when most men liave an tended course before them, he fell * * * at Plainfield." (Rec- ads of Chen. Presbty., and of this Church. Letters of Mrs. Clark, Rev. r. Hatfield, and Chester Huntington.) e 1
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REV. SAMUEL WEBSTER BUSH.
Mr. Bush, whose father was a physician, was born in Virginia, July ), 1806. At eight years of age he was sent to Albany, N. Y., to school, ad soon after he was twenty-one studied law with Judge Bishop, of renox, Mass. Was admitted to the Bar, but practiced very little, if all, and did not go to College. For four years and a half he edited le newspaper now known as "The Berkshire County Eagle," and ublished at Pittsfield, Mass. After this he lived in Albany for a short oi me. In 1836 he entered Auburn Theological Seminary. and gradua- ed in June, 1839, taking the full course. In November, 1839, was or- ained at Binghamton, by Presbytery of Tioga, and December 24 was istalled over the Congregational Church at that place, though a Pres- yterian in belief. February 12, 1840, he married Betsey Weed, at inghamton.
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.
He remained with the Binghamton Church until February 20, 184(bal when he went to Skaneateles, and March 20, was installed over ton Presbyterian Church of that place. In 1851 he left that Church, ardan in October came to Norwich, and became Stated Supply over thian Church. His labors here closed in May, 1855, and Sunday, June 1 P he began laboring with the Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, whe 185 he remained until 1861, and removed to Binghamton. February 1 the 1865, he was appointed Chaplain of the New York State Inebria pit Asylum at that place, a position for which he was peculiarly fitte an He held this position, with the intermisson of only a few months, ushi til his death, which took place March 21, 1877, at the age of seven h years. He was buried in Spring Forest Cemetery at Binghamton ro
Of him Dr. Fowler writes: "Modest and retiring, he did not ' minng high things,' and yet his appearance and manners as a gentleman, Lyses good understanding and intelligence, his manifest sincerity, and h wl unflinching and unfailing devotion to his calling, introduced him in fere cultured congregations, and made him acceptable and useful to ther Tar
Particularly was he adapted to the post he held. His sympathy; ar gentleness, and patience, and christian benevolence, his assiduity ar judgment, made him the best of counselors and succorers for the vi tims of vice whom he sought to reclaim, and among them, perhaps, I performed the most valuable labors of his life." (Records of Che Presbty. and of this Church. Letters of Mrs. Bush. Files of " Chen. Tel graph," and Dr. Fowler.)
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REV. HIRAM DOANE.
. Mr. Doane was born at Lorraine, Jefferson County, N. Y., Maran 17, 1806, and was the son of Daniel Doane, a farmer. He expected rea ea follow the same occupation; but when about eighteen years of ag was one day driving a hay wagon from one field to another, with et scythe and snath laying on the rack. By some means the snath caug] in one of the wheels, and the scythe was thrown against his left kne pati which was injured so badly that his knee became stiff, and he w crippled for life. This made a change in his occupation necessar CI He thereupon decided to enter the ministry, and very soon began bator studies. Entering Yale College in 1829, he graduated in 1833, " amor bres the foremost of his class." He then studied theology in the same i stitution, and in 1838 began preaching in Smithville, Jefferson Cou ty, N. Y. He remained there two years, and was then called to tl b Congregational Church at Rutland, in the same County. Novemb 21, 1841, he was ordained, and November 25, installed Pastor of th Church.
November 26, 1847, he married Mrs. Margaret A. Cummins, wido of William T. Church. In the fall of 1850 he went to the Congreg
to
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.
gal Church of East and West Carthage, Jefferson County, N. Y. tin after he came, the members living in East Carthage, with Mr. arline at their head, withdrew and formed themselves into a Presby- han Church. Mr. Doane withdrew from the Consociation, joined Presbytery, and was installed over that Church by the latter body e 851. In the winter of 1854 " about twenty united with that Church, the fruit of a revival." While at Carthage he also supplied the apit of the Congregational Church at Deer River, in the same Coun- edand that Church " also received a considerable addition to its mem- uship."
Thile in Jefferson County he was very much interested in trying to oduce the raising of sweet potatoes into that. region; also in any- ing that pertained to agriculture. At one time he speculated in h ses, taking them to New York City to sell. He also taught school; h which capacity his discipline is said to have been very strict and mere.
anuary 21, 1856, he accepted a call to this (Norwich) Church, and iday, January 6, preached his first sermon on that engagement. le 24, he joined Chenango Presbytery from the Presbytery of Wa- own, and Tuesday, July 15, was installed Pastor of the Church. urday, June 30, 1860, he tendered his resignation. It was not ac- ted, and he tendered it again, August 2, adding a request that it be epted, which was complied with according to the following:
Resolved, That we feel obliged to and do hereby accept of such res- ation of our Pastor, the same to take effect as of the 23d day of Ju- 1860.
Resolved, That we heartily and earnestly commend the Rev. Mr. dane to any Church and Society with which he may be connected cafter, and that a copy of these resolutions be given to him, signed each one of the Trustees of said Society "
October 12, he asked, at a meeting of the Presbytery at Sherburne: f a minister desirous of leaving his people presents to them his res- ation, and they refuse to accept it, what course shall he then pur- ?” Answered: "That he stay a reasonable time, and try to get Church to join with him in the request."
Monday evening, October 8, a farewell gathering was held at the yes House, then kept by B. B. Andrews, at which there was a large endance of the friends of Mr. Doane, to bid him God speed. To- rd the latter part of the month he left the place, and moved to basha, Minn. Here he had bought land near where some of his thers and friends lived, so that he might have some means of sup- 't when he could no longer preach. June 26, 1861, Chenango Pres- ery dismissed him to the Presbytery of Wabasha. Soon after going Wabasha, by invitation, he took charge of the Presbyterian Church re, and remained two years.
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.
In 1862 he accepted a call to the position of City Missionary at Peo-1960 ria, Ill., and left his farm for that place. While there an encampmentdeel of soldiers came under his care, in which he labored so successfully s that he was elected Army Chaplain by the Young Men's Christian As-gad sociation of Peoria. He received a formal commission from the Gov-New ernor, in the 47th Regiment of Infantry, Ill. Vols., and in February, He 1863, went with his Regiment to the Army before Vicksburg, then un- e der Major General Grant. He was with his Regiment in every battle, om never fearing any danger when duty called. Too much exposure tour the malaria of that region finally broke his strong constitution. He was attacked with fever, became unconscious, and died near Vicks- burg, Miss., Wednesday, July 22, 1863, aged fifty-seven, While at Leti Peoria the parsonage was burned, and with it all his books and papers.
In many respects Mr. Doane was probably the strongest man intel lev. lectually that has ever been over this Church. His voice was strongly MY nasal, which gave a marked peculiarity to his pronunciation, and he f. was awkward in gait, caused by his stiff knee; yet in the pulpit all re to his peculiarities were forgotten in the earnestness and power of his Ou rd lion ent discourse. An old gentleman who once heard him make an agricultu ral speech at a Fair in Watertown, describes his manner of address as " handsome."
He was a man of very strong convictions, which he clung to with unyielding persisteney, therefore he was not as noted for spirituality as many men of less ability; yet the Church grew under his ministra tions. The second year of his pastorate, during a powerful reviva continuing six or eight weeks, he led the Church unaided, and forty eight were added to its membership.
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REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE.
Mr. Scoville was born Sunday, December 21, 1834, at West Cornwall Conn., from whose stony hillsides his father, Jacob Scoville, a farmer gathered a comfortable income, and built up an old-fashioned New Eng land home, which the children and grand-children to this day coun " the dearest spot of earth."
At eleven years of age the son was converted, and joined the 2d Cor gregational Church in Cornwall, May, 1846. He graduated from Yal College, in the Class of '57. In January. 1858, he entered Aubur (N. Y.) Theological Seminary, and remained until May, when he too a commission from the American Sunday School Union, and spent th summer in Clinton County, founding Sunday Schools. In September he entered the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass., and left ther in July, 1859. In August following, he went to Europe, and passed th fall and winter in France, Switzerland and Italy. In the spring c
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.".
30 he visited Germany, and returning to England, spent several eks in that country and Scotland, and returned home in August. 1 September he entered Union Theological Seminary, New York City, nduated in May, 1861, and was immediately licensed to preach by the Jw York and Brooklyn Association, being a Congregationalist.
He came to Norwich by request, and preached the first two sermons I ever preached, Sunday, February 3, 1861, in the Furniture Ware- Dm Hall. After two or three days spent in visiting the people, he Turned to New York.
Monday, June 10, the Trustees of this Church called him to preach f three months on trial, and the next day the following rather pro- retic letter was mailed to him :
V. SAMUEL SCOVILLE:
NORWICH, June 11, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR-Your letter of the 4th instant was received last Fri- y. On Saturday and yesterday we passed through our Society, and ve raised the $200 for three months, as proposed by you, or so near it to warrant us in accepting your proposition.
Dur Trustees have just had a meeting, and I am now happy, in ac- dance with their direction, to say to you that we accept your propo- ion to come and preach to us for three months at $200, the engage- nt to look toward the pastorate, as suggested by you.
[ not only speak my own wishes and feelings, but those also of our ciety and Church, when I add that we sincerely hope and trust that s brief engagement may be but the beginning of a long, pleasant d profitable connection as minister and people.
We earnestly hope that you will be with us to commence your labors xt Sunday, and trust your engagements will allow you to be. To ve Brooklyn on Friday evening, by N. Y. & Erie Railroad, will ng you here Saturday noon; or on Saturday morning, will bring you re at say 10 P. M. the same day.
Pray be here next Sabbath, if possible. It will greatly please all r people. We are literally famishing for the preached word. I send imilar letter to West Cornwall, not knowing where you now are. Trusting that we shall see you soon, and hear you next Sabbath, I 1, for the Church and Society, as well as for myself,
Yours sincerely,
LEWIS KINGSLEY.
He accepted the proposition, and began his labors Sunday, June 23. lesday, September 17, he was ordained at Greene, by Susquehanna sociation, and the next day was called by this Church and Society become its Pastor, on a salary of $800 and the Parsonage. He ac- pted, but was not installed.
Wednesday, September 25, he married, at Peekskill, N. Y., Harriet , daughter of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher: Mr. Beecher officiating. ter a few weeks passed in a wedding tour, he returned to Norwich th his wife, and began his engagement, Sunday, November 3, 1861, conducting the services of the Church in Concert Hall. January 5, 62, himself and wife presented letters, the one from the Church at orth Cornwall, Conn., and the other from Plymouth Church, Brook-
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BIOGRAPHY OF MINISTERS.
lyn, and united with this Church; he being the first Pastor who ha become a member of the Church.
The engagement with Mr. Scoville was renewed year by year, unti 1875. It was then understood that he should remain until notice shoul be given by either party to sever the engagement. He has thus continued and now closes his eighteenth year of service, being the longest eve performed for any Church in town, and nearly three times longer tha any ever performed for this Church. Sunday, June 23, 1878, the sev enteenth anniversary, occurring on the same day of the week on whic. his engagement began, was celebrated in an appropriate and elaborat manner.
Mr. Scoville has had seven children born to him, three of which h has buried in the Norwich cemetery. He has had frequent calls t other and larger Churches, with larger salaries and greater honors, bu thus far the love of his people, neighbors and fellow-citizens, and th graves of his children, have been bonds too strong to sever, and he stil remains, with high hopes for the future of his Church, and with grow ing zeal in the Master's work; and to-day we thank God for the close union of Pastor and people.
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Present Organization of this Church.
ACTING PASTOR: REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE. DEACONS: JAMES MCCAW, [Elected July 13, 1861.] LESTER TURNER, [Elected January 4, 1868.] W. D. PORTER, [Ordained January 3, 1875.] SAMUEL I. FOOTE, [Ordained January 3, 1875.[ JOHN W. REDINGTON, [Elected July 9, 1876.] WILLIAM P. CHAPMAN [Elected July 9, 1876.] CHURCH COMMITTEE:
Composed of the Pastor and Officers of the Church, and Superintendent of the Sun- y School.]
Its present members are:
EV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE, JOHN W. REDINGTON, AMES MCCAW, WILLIAM P. CHAPMAN,
ESTER TURNER, JOHN HAMMOND,
ILLIAM D. PORTER, CHARLES H. STANTON,
AMUEL I. FOOTE, CHARLES R. JOHNSON.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF DISTRICTS:
North- West : ILLIAM D. PORTER, JOHN W. REDINGTON, North-East :
LESTER TURNER. South-East : SAMUEL I. FOOTE. South- West :
JAMES McCAW,
WILLIAM P. CHAPMAN.
CHURCH CLERK: CHARLES R. JOHNSON. CHURCH TREASURER: JOHN HAMMOND.
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ORGANIZATION.
Present Organization of the Society.
TRUSTEES :
[The Annual Meeting for the election of Trustees and renting of pews, occurs the la week in December of each year, and the year begins January 1, following.]
John Hammond, 1 Terms expire July 1, 187
Samuel I. Foote, S
William P. Chapman,
Nathan P. Wheeler, Terms expire July 1, 188 T
T. De Witt Miller, Terms expire January 1, 188
Robert A. Stanton, S
CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES-Nathan P. Wheeler. CLERK OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES-William P. Chapman.
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TREASURER AND COLLECTOR-John Hammond.
TREASURER OF WEEKLY OFFERINGS-Robert D. Eaton.
CHORISTER AND ORGANIST-Mrs. Nettie C. Mitchell.
COMMITTEE OF USHERS-Frank P. Waters, Chairman; William J. M Caw, William W. Porter.
JANITOR-Norman Squires.
WOMEN'S WORKING ASSOCIATION:
PRESIDENT-Mrs. George W. Marvin.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE-Mrs. Nathan P. Wheeler, Mrs. Joseph Latham, Mrs. John Mitchell, Mrs. T. De Witt Miller. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-Mrs. Isaac S. Newton.
RECORDING SECRETARY-Miss Agnes McCaw.
TREASURER-Mrs. George W. Rice.
MATRON-Mrs. Lucy H. Miller.
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
PRESIDENT-Mrs. Julia A. K. Kingsley.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER-Mrs. Rachel A. N. Barber.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION.
PRESIDENT-John W. Church.
VICE PRESIDENTS-Frank P. Waters, L. Randall Gibson, Maria Smith, Emma L. Comstock.
SECRETARY-Agnes McCaw.
TREASURER-Samuel S. Hale.
YOUNG MEN'S CONGREGATIONAL CLUB.
PRESIDENT -- Rev. Samuel Scoville.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER-Robert D. Eaton.
T T
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Polity of this Church.
[Adopted by the Church, June 5, 1879.]
This Church is an independent ecclesiastical body, and in matters of octrine, order and discipline, is amenable to no other organization. will, however, extend to and receive from other evangelical Church- that fellowship, advice and assistance which the laws of Christ re- lire. It is now united in especial fellowship with the " Oneida, Che- ango and Delaware Association."
Institutions of this Church.
The Regular Sabbath Services, morning and evening. The Sunday School.
The Regular Weekly Prayer Meeting. Thursday evening.
The Preparatory Lecture, Saturday afternoon before Communion. All of these, except the Sunday School, shall be known as Regular feetings of the Church.
Ordinances of this Church.
Baptism.
Communion of the Lord's Supper, held the first Sunday of every month, immediately after the morning service.
Infant Baptism, administered at any Sunday morning service, to hildren when either parent is a member of a Christian Church.
Admission to Membership.
Applicants for Church Membership upon Profession of Faith, must ppear before the Church at one of its regular meetings, (usually the econd Thursday evening before communion,) for examination upon heir faith and practice. If approved, their names must be propound- d at some future regular meeting of the Church. The Church shall rote upon the names so propounded, and those accepted shall become
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POLITY.
members by publicly assenting to the Articles of Faith, and enteri osis into Covenant with the Church at any subsequent communion. foly
Applicants for Membership by Letter from other Churches, sh qua. hand their letters to the Church Clerk (or Pastor), and such letters sh be read at any regular meeting of the Church. At any subseque regular meeting, if not objected to, such applicants may be receiv I. by vote of the Church, and shall become members by publicly asse: ing to the Articles of Faith, and entering into Covenant with t Church at any subsequent communion.
If objection is made, or for any reason it shall seem best, the ca of any applicant may be referred to the Church Committee, and su person shall not be admitted to membership except upon the reco: nad mendation of said Committee.
Form Used for Admission to the Church.
[The persons about to unite with the Church upon a profession of faith, will take that places in front of the pulpit.]
ADDRESS BY THE PASTOR.
You have separated yourselves from this congregation, dear friend V. to perform one of the most momentous, and yet joyful acts of yopun life. You will never cease to feel the effect of the dedication whilum you now make. Should you cling affectionately to that Redeem P whom you are now about openly to avouch, you will ever rejoice th you were brought to this hour, but if your soul shall draw back al V Épe you shall put Christ to an open shame, this deed and this hour sh be everlasting witnesses against you.
You have been deeply convinced of your personal sinfulness; y have heartily repented thereof; you have believed in the forgivil 3 love of Jesus Christ; you have dedicated your heart and life to Hir that dedication you are about to renew in the presence of God al V this congregation. Be not cast down nor fearful. Though we things it meet to admonish you, it is with a calm and cheerful hope that Eliti who in love has called you will never leave nor forsake you until yI shall stand in Zion and before God.
You will now listen to our Articles of Faith, and declare if in su stance you accept them.
Articles of Faith.
[Adopted March 26, 1857.]
I .- We believe that there is but one only living and true God, who infinitely perfect; the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all thing
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POLITY.
rinbsisting incomprehensibly in three Persons, the Father, Son and oly Ghost; the same in substance, and in all Divine attributes, haual.
Deut., vi., 4; I. Cor., v111., 4, 6 ; I. Thes., i., 9; Jer., x., 10; Col., i., 16 ; Heb., i., 3 ; Dan., iv., 34, 35 ; Matt., ini., 16. 17 ; do., xxviii., 19; II. Cor., xiii., 14; Isa., ix., 6 ; John, i., 1, 2, 3 ; do., v., 23 ; do., xx., 28 ; Acts, v., 3, 4.
Ve[I .- We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ents are the Inspired Word of God, and the only perfect Rule of th ith and Practice.
II. Peter, i., 21; Heb., i., 1, 2; II. Timothy. iii., 16; I. Thes., ii., 13; Isa., viii., 20; Rev., xxii., 18, 19.
ud[II .- We believe that our first parents were created perfectly holy; ond by disobedience fell from their holy state; in consequence of which their posterity are by nature entirely sinful.
Gen., i., 26 ; Eccl., vii., 29 ; Gen., iii., 6, 7, 8; Ps., li., 5; Gen., vi .. 5; Job, xiv .. 4 ; do., xv., 14 ; Jer., xvii., 9.
IV .- We believe that God the Son became incarnate; by His obe- ence honored the law, and by His death made atonement for sin; so at all who believe in Him obtain forgiveness, and a sure title to eter- the/1 life.
Phil., ii., 5-8; I. Pet., iii., 18 ; I. Cor., xv., 3 ; I. John, ii., 2; Isa., liii., 4,-6; Rom., v., 19 ; do., iii., 25, 26 ; Phil., iii., 9 ; John, vi, 37 ; Eph., ii., 8 ; I. John, i., 9; do., ii., 1; John, iii., 15 ; do., x., 28 ; Rom., vi., 23; Acts, xvi., 31 ..
MV .- We believe that God ordereth and worketh all things after the oyunsel of his own will, yet in consistency with the freedom of the inman will and the use of means.
Philip, ii., 12, 13 ; Rom., ix., 16, 18 ; II. Tim., i., 9 ; Eph., i., 4 ; John, v., 40 ; Rev., xxii., 17 Mat., vi., 33 ; do .. vii., 7, 8 ; John, vi., 37.
VI .- We believe that the offer of life is freely made to all mankind; an
at that such is their opposition of heart to holiness, that none will pent of sin and believe in Christ, except they are renewed by the oly Ghost, according to the eternal purpose of God.
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