USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Wallingford > History of Wallingford, Vermont > Part 4
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In 1807 Elder Green left Wallingford, respected as pastor and preacher. Other churches had grown from the Wallingford church, one in East Clarendon organized May 30, 1798, and one in Mount Holly organized Sept. 6, 1804. The Con- gregationalists were supporting their own preach- er since 1802.
Ten years passed after the dismission of Elder Green before another pastor was secured. Deacon
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THE CHURCHES.
Randall conducted services and there was occa- sional preaching by neighboring preachers. Mat- ters in the church soon got into a bad way. Many became indifferent and the church was weakened by the emigration of many members to the West. Then fault was found with Deacon Randall, some complaining that they were not edified by his ex- hortations. Then another trouble arose. It was in the time of the last war with England in 1812. Some of the members joined the "Washington Benevolent Society", (a political organization), and the matter was carried into the church and amid much excitement hard words were spoken and strong ground taken.
In 1817 the church secured the services of Sedg- wick Rice, a licentiate from Connecticut, who stayed two years at a salary of $100 per annum.
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BAPTIST CHURCH AS IT WAS.
74
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
During Mr. Rice's pastorate the subject of building a meeting house in the village was agi- tated but nothing definite decided upon. He stayed with the church about three years. It was during the ministry of Gibbon Williams that the present meeting house was built in 1827 at a cost of $870. (Built by contract by Capt. Simon Cook who met with no inconsiderable loss in the operation), and repaired again in 1843 at an expense of $600. In 1855 the Rev. Simeon L. Elliott in a discourse upon the history of the church said "From the close of the labors of Elder Green in 1807 to the present time, a period of forty-eight years, there have been fourteen ministerial settlements and the aggregate of the whole service performed by the fourteen, as near as can be ascertained is about twenty-five years-less than two years each- leaving the church destitute of a pastor nearly half the time. Now it is perfectly evident that such a policy as this is not calculated to build up a strong and efficient church. I am not surprised that the church has made so little real progress in the last half century of its existence. I am more surprised that it has any existence at all, after passing through so many changes. I cannot resist the impression that Deacons Randall and Moon were men of superior minds and well calculated to watch over the affairs of a church when destitute of a pastor. It is evident too that God has exer- cised a fostering care over the church. He has spared it to be a light to the world for three- fourths of a century and many precious souls have been truly saved through its instrumentality. Shall it continue to be a blessing to this community? This under God depends in a great measure upon us. If we are faithful to the truth committed to
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THE CHURCHES.
us, we may be the means of perpetuating this holy influence to help those who may come after us."
The Rev. Mr. Elliott labored about five years and after serving other churches came back to Wallingford where he died October 21, 1865, aged 48 years. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. F. H. Archibald from Matt .: 13, 43. In
REV. S. HENRY ARCHIBALD.
spite of frequent pastoral changes the church has continued to be a strong influence and for a con- siderable period in its early history the poor of the church were supported by a tax on the mem- bers according to their ability. One of the longest pastorates was that of the Rev. S. Henry Archi-
76
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
bald, who began his labors April 1, 1876, and con- tinued until October, 1898. His ministry is still remembered as one of great usefulness and he
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BAPTIST CHURCH AS IT IS.
endeared himself to the hearts of his people. One of the stained glass windows in the church is a memorial of his loving service.
.
77
THE CHURCHES.
Although numerically small the church has been supported by a loyal membership, eager to carry forward its mission. Under the pastorate of the Rev. F. S. Leathers, the building was renovated and enlarged in the summer of 1904. Stained glass windows were placed on the south and west sides. The interior was rearranged and the out- side modernized. The Sunday School has been regularly carried on and work among the young people developed. Recently electric lights have
INTERIOR OF BAPTIST CHURCHI.
been installed and a goodly measure of success enjoyed. The present pastor, the Rev. S. D. Sikes, is forceful and energetic. His labors have been fruitful and although a call to New York State has come to him at this time of writing, it is hoped he can remain with his people, even unto the larger service and better opportunities of the future.
78
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
A complete list of pastors who have served this church appears upon a following page. Some can- not estimate their ministry by time alone. Many, quiet and unosten- tatious have labored faithfully and well. No great results of their work may have been visible, but in patient courage and strength they have lived among their people, proclaiming the truth as they discerned it, and making an influence positive and helpful to the whole com- munity.
Mention should also be made of those who have served this church as deacons, Sunday School superinten- REV. S. D. SIKES. dents and workers among the young people. Love's labor is never lost and self-sacri- fice always influences for good, not only in the present, but in the days to come.
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THE CHURCHES.
List of Ministers who have served the Baptist Church
Began
Closed
Henry Green
1793
1807
Sedgwick Rice
1817
1819
Leman Andrews
1822
1825
Gibbon Williams
1826
1828
F. Page
1830
1835
Leland Hunter
1838
1839
J. H. Sherwin
1839
1841
David Hascall
1841
1842
Joseph Packer
1843
1844
Elder Constantine
1844
1845
R. Myers
1846
1847
F. Page
1847
1850
E. H. Smith
1850
1851
S. E. Elliott
1851
1857
Edwin M. Haynes
1858
1859
Edward Conover
1859
1863
James W. Grant
1863
1864
Robert G. Johnson
1865
1867
John A. Fletcher
1869
1873
Edward Conover
1874
1876
S. Henry Archibald
1876
1898
F. S. Smith
1898
1901
Silas P. Perry
1902
1903
F. S. Leathers
1903
1905
H. S. McCreedy
1905
1906
Caleb R. B. Dodge
1906
1910
S. David Sikes
1910
1911
Howard B. Smith
1911
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HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Among the earliest settlers there were very few if any Catholics. As late as 1789 Vermont was a part of the diocese of Baltimore but when the dio- cese of Boston was formed in 1810, Vermont was included in its territory. Missions were given occasionally but there were no resident priests.
Father Jeremiah O'Callaghan, a priest from the diocese of Cork, settled in Burlington in 1830 and his influence and pastoral zeal radiated far and wide for a quarter of a century. The first mission in Rutland was established in 1837 by Rev. Fr. Dailey, a Franciscan Monk, who was known as "an eccentric and very learned man", whose field extended from Brattleboro to Canada.
In 1853 the diocese of Vermont was formed and Fr. de Goesbriand, who had been Vicar General of Bishop Rappe, of Cleveland, became the first Bishop of Vermont. On the day of his consecra- tion, October 30, 1853, (he was only thirty-seven), he found in Vermont five priests, ten churches or chapels and between 9,000 and 10,000 Catholic population. The first priest stationed in Rutland was Rev. Fr. Z. Druon and in connection with his work he frequently served the Catholics of this community. He was followed by Father Charles Boylan who had come as one of Bishop de Goes- briand's recruits from Ireland. He was an inde- fatigable worker and in his thirty years of min istry, built several churches, schoolhouses and convents and collected over $200,000 for religious purposes. As the settled priest in Rutland he gave himself unstintedly to calls from outside his parish, and it was under his guidance and direc- tion that the present church in Wallingford was built. Previous to the Civil War services were
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THE CHURCHES.
held in various houses but in 1864 a site for the church was purchased from Mr. I. B. Munson. The following year the church was constructed and it proved to be for its size one of the finest in the State. It was built from drawings made by P. C. Keiley, the architect of the church in West Rut- land, in St. Albans and the Cathedral in Burling- ton. Situated on the Main Street in the north end of the village, built of stone quarried nearby, at a
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ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
cost of $8,888, with seating capacity for 350 people, it reflects great credit upon the Catholic population of the town. The corner stone was laid in May, 1865, and on the second day of September, 1866, the church was blest under the title of St. Patrick. With the growth of the diocese and the increase of parishes, Wallingford, in conjunction with Danby and Dorset, was considered as a field of its own. In 1868 the Rev. T. J. Gaffney was appointed as the first resident priest and remained
(6)
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HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
about twenty years, after which he was trans- ferred to St. Peters in Rutland.
In 1887 he was succeeded by the Rev. A. J. Glynn, who remained until 1900. i
The Rev. Fr. J. J. Boyle followed him the same year, but his stay was not so long, being trans- ferred in 1903.
Then came the Rev. H. J. Maillet and he devel- oped the resources of the parish, laboring with zeal and energy for seven years, when he went to
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INTERIOR OF CATHOLIC CHURCH.
his present parish in Woodstock, 1910. During the change the parish was again subdivided, Dor- set and Danby forming a field of its own and Wall- ingford uniting with Mount Holly, and for the first time Wallingford had a resident priest.
The Rev. Fr. Thomas O'Donoghue, assumed the charge in the summer of 1910 and more fre- quent services have been held than was before possible.
83
THE CHURCHES.
The service of Mass is observed each Sunday instead of every second Sunday. A Holy Name Society has been organized and is exerting a goodly influence in the community. Under the present administration a beautiful and commo- dious rectory has been built next to the church at a cost of $2,800, and all branches of the church's work are in a flourishing condition.
The present priest is Rev. Fr. Thos. J. Henry, who was transferred from St. Peter's Church in Rutland.
Since its organization the membership of the church has far more than doubled and the future is faced with hopefulness and great courage.
Priests who have served St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wallingford :
Rev. Fr. T. J. Gaffney, Mar., 1868, to Jan., 1887.
Rev. Fr. A. J. Glynn, 1887 to June 15, 1900.
Rev. Fr. J. J. Boyle, June 20, 1900 to Jan. 14, 1903.
Rev. Fr. H. J. Maillet, Jan. 14, 1903 to July 24, 1910.
Rev. Fr. T. O'Donoghue, July 24, 1910 to Oct. 7, 1911.
Rev. Fr. T. J. Henry, Oct. 14, 1911-
84
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
THE MEETING HOUSE ON THE HILL.
The older inhabitants of Sugar Hill can still remember the meeting house that stood near the cross roads not far from Mr. W. C. Stone's house. In 1828 when the Rev. T. M. Hopkins was the Congregational pastor quite a number of church members lived in this part of the town. As the distance from the village was so great it was de- cided that they should be allowed the services of their minister a part of the time.
Then a revival spirit became manifest and regular meetings were held. A church was built on a Union principle, and Bap- tists, Congregationalists and Methodists occupied it in succes- sion. The Congregational ser- vices were held one week in each Key of the Old Sugar month and when the Rev. Mr. Hill Meeting House Martindale became pastor he con- tinued the arrangement throughout his ministry. Elias Kent was the first and only deacon. There was an excellent spirit of harmony and good work was accomplished although there was no formal organization separate from the one in the village.
Part of the minister's support was raised by the church members on the hill. After Mr. Martin- dale had passed on, and Rev. Mr. Mitchell became the preacher, it appears that he did not go as fre- quently, for according to the records, he visited the hill eight times a year. Then at a society meet- ing in the village it was voted "that those men- bers who reside on Sugar Hill should have preach-
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THE CHURCHES.
ing in proportion to the amount of their subscrip- tions". Evidently this kept growing less for the Rev. Mr. Sanderson preached there four Sabbaths in the year, and finally services were discontinued in 1857.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
The early records of the church are lost, one of the first ministers taking them away with him for the purpose of copying, and he omitted sending either the original minutes or the proposed copy. The only information that could be gathered con- cerning them was that he had mislaid them and they were not to be found.
Deacon Mosely Hall united with the Church in 1798 and stated that it had been in existence seven or eight years at that time. He informed the Rev. H.H.Saunderson that there was no Congregational Church in town until after Deacon Abraham Jack- son's death. (The good deacon used to go to Rut- land to attend services.) He died September 18, 1791. This statement was also corroborated by Mrs. Melinda Chatterton (daughter of the first deacon). So that in all probability 1792 is the date of the church's organization. We know not who preached in the first years of its existence of where the meetings for prayer or business were held. So what historical facts we have commence with the installation of the first pastor. This occurred on November 10, 1802, and the Rev. Benjamin Osborn was the first minister. He had been settled over the Congregational Church in Tinmonth from 1780 to 1787. In the early days Tinmouth was considerable more of a town than Wallingford. He was highly esteemed as a pastor
86
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
and preacher. The Union Meeting House (just north of Mr. Pitt Clark's barn) had been com- pleted and occupied in 1800. The Baptist Church was enjoying the ministry of Elder Henry Green and both congregations used the same meeting house.
As already recorded the town records contain evidence of a meeting house as early as 1786 but the Rev. S. Henry Archibald in his historical sketch of "The first 100 years of the Baptist Church of Wallingford" (published 1880) claimed the records show that the meeting house on the hill (northeast of the Ballou place) was not used for the services of the Baptist Church and offered the explanation "that Elder Rich who seceded in 1783 built the house and after struggling for a short time to keep up meetings, abandoned it, but in the minds of the church it was so tainted that they would not attempt to gain possession of it, or perhaps could not".
Twelve petitioners, desirous of forming a Con- gregational Society, had requested William Fox, town clerk, to call a public meeting on the 21st of July, 1802, and the following persons met:
Ichabod Shaw
Nehh White
Josephus Hull
Joel C. Warner
John Wylie
Sam1 .Jones
Jam& White
Eliakim H. Johnson
Sunn White
Miles H. Johnson
Horatio G. Amiden
Zeph, Hull
David Meachem Asa Warner
Jams Thomson
Phillip Edgerton
Nathnl Ives
Robt. Edgerton
Eben" Campbell, Jr.
Sol. Miller
Wm. Fox
Phillip White Eben™ Towner
Dan1 Douglass
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THE CHURCHES.
James Conkrite Joel Hart Joshª Hart
Mosely Hall Fredk Miller Edmund Douglass
The above formed themselves into a Society "for the Support of the Gospell" which has con- tinued unto this day. They voted to give Mr. Osborn "the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars and his fire-wood annually".
That the relations were pleasant is shown by the fact that Rev. Mr. Osborn stayed for nearly six- teen years when in consequence of failing health the services of another pastor seemed to be neces- sary. With the consent of Mr. Osborn, the church extended a call to Rev. Eli Meeker and invited a council for his settlement. This Council met July 6, 1818, and found a division in the minds of the people as to whether Mr. Osborn should be made Pastor Emeritus or not. The Council adjourned before making their decision, till the following morning. During the night the question was de- cided for them by the death of their pastor.
The Rev. Eli Meeker succeeded Mr. Osborn July 7, 1818, but his ministry was short, terminating the following year. In 1820 came the Rev. Eli S. Hunter. He served through the War of 1812 and while not an educated man, preached with great acceptance. According to the records he minis- tered about five years, when a council was called to dissolve the relations existing between pastor and people. The reason for such a dismissal is given "on account of pecuniary embarrassment arising from inadequate support". But the truth is that the inadequacy on the part of the people was intentional and simply proved a means of making the change that the congregation desired.
The Rev. Timothy M. Hopkins came to Walling-
88
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
ford in 1828 at a salary of $350 per year. He was born in Pittsford in 1800 and had studied theology with his brother Dr.Josiah Hopkins of New Haven. In a letter which he sent to Dr. Aldace Walker he says "We continued to meet for a time in the 'Old Church' as it was called (old and built in 1800) which stood about a mile south of the vil- lage; but soon removed to the village, occupying
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AS IT WAS.
the Baptist Church, which had just been com- pleted (1827) and which that denomination then without a minister, kindly offered to the Congre- gational Church." During the summer and autumn of 1829 the Congregational Church and Society erected a church and in the beginning of the fol- lowing winter it was dedicated. The Rev. Charles Walker, D.D., then of Rutland preached the dedi-
89
THE CHURCHES.
catory sermon December 1, 1829 from Psalm 122: 1." This sermon is among the Society's records.
Even before Mr. Hopkins came to Wallingford a committee had been appointed to build a meet- ing house, "forty by fifty with a projection of three and one half feet either with Brick or wood as they think best". (May 19, 1827).
It was erected during Mr. Hopkins' pastorate at a cost of $2,560. The last year of Mr. Hopkins' pastorate was one of great religious excitement and interest. To quote from one of his letters "There was soon a perceptible change in the num- ber of our congregation, as well as in the degree of solemnity or apparent interest in religious matters in those who attended, so much so that in the fall of that year some fifteen or more were added to the church. But the great change which removed the ancient landmarks of church and society in Wallingford commenced in the spring of 1829". The community had been for a long time agitated with the anti-Masonic Excitement; so much so that it seemed impossible that anything of a religious nature should get into the minds of the people. Prayer meetings were attended by only a few, and those came to smite upon their breast and exclaim "alas, alas, to what are we coming?" A small circle of females met weekly and by themselves to mourn over the desolations of Zion. To this circle, their unceasing, patient, persevering, earnest prayers, I have ever since been constrained to attribute as a means under God, the great and precious revival which fol- lowed. This was the commencement of a work which continued all the following summer, extend- ing on the hill where I was accustomed to preach one fourth of the time; and ending in the hopeful conversion of more than a hundred souls." After
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HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
Mr. Hopkins left in 1830, there was an interim of several months when the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. Eli Taylor.
In 1832 the Rev. Stephen Martindale came to Wallingford. He was a native of Dorset and was brought into the ministry through the influence of Dr. Jackson (son of Wallingford's first legal settler). Mr. Martindale did not wish to be installed and his connection was that of acting pastor which he continued to hold till his death. "He had an engaging personal appearance, a good voice, great flow of language and an earnest impressive manner." The membership at this time amounted to 132 and the salary was $500 annually and use of the parsonage. He won the affection of old and young, and even the present inhabitants have reason to call his memory blessed. His lot was to have an appreciative people and to find his grave among them. A handsome monument erected by his parish, marks the spot in the village cemetery where he is laid. He died March 8, 1847.
Rev. William Mitchell came to Wallingford in 1847, having previously been pastor of the Rut- land church. He was a graduate of Yale College and Andover Theological Seminary and continued to serve the churches in the village and on the hill until 1852. He afterwards became agent of the American Colonization Society and spent his last years at Corpus Christi in Texas, where he died of yellow fever in 1867.
H. H. Saunderson commenced his ministerial labors in 1853 and remained with the church nine years. During his pastorate the church was en- larged and remodeled in 1856. There are those still living who recall the helpfulness of his labors, and it was due to his influence and energy that our streets are so well shaded in the summer.
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THE CHURCHES.
After leaving Wallingford, he went to Charles town, N. H., where he wrote and published the history of "Old No. 4" for the town of Charles- town.
Aldace Walker, D.D., entered upon his work the last Sunday in June, 1862, and after almost seven years labor was installed as pastor on March 10, 1869. His ministry is recalled with love and thankfulness. On account of sickness he tendered his resignation but it was not acted on, so that he continued his official relation but without preach- ing until his death July 24, 1878. In the church there is a beautiful Tiffany tablet presented by his family as a memorial. It reads:
To the beloved Memory of Aldace Walker D.D., Pastor of this church from 1862 until his death in 1878.
"But Cristes his loore and His Apostles twelve he taughte; but first he folwed it hymselve."
The Rev. E. S. Huntress served as stated supply during Dr. Walker's sickness, leaving the church in December, 1878. He was followed by the Rev. Charles N. Brainerd who stayed until 1882. Nine years of fruitful ministry was given by the Rev. S. Franklin French when he moved to New Hamp -. shire in 1892. The Rev. William A. Bushee came the same year and served as pastor for a year and then as a stated supply until the Rev. John S. Tupper came in 1895. On account of sickness, he resigned in September, 1897.
He was followed by the Rev. John C. Evans who came in December of the same year, remaining until February 1899.
92
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
In May a call having been extended to the Rev. J. Alphonse Belanger, he accepted and commenced his labors, staying for three years. He left in June, 1902.
In August the Rev. Alexander L. Mckenzie. recently graduated from the Seminary, was asked to become teacher and pastor. He came, and dur- ing his ministry, the interior of the church was remodelled, the old pews giving place to seats,
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AS IT IS.
the side windows changed over, substituting stained glass memorials in their place. An organ was given in memory of Mr. Albert Congdon by his wife, and the church was remembered in the wills of some members thus adding to its
93
THE CHURCHES.
endowment. Mr. Mckenzie much to the regret of his people accepted a call to Winthrop Beach, Mass., and left Wallingford in June, 1906. The following October the Rev. Walter Thorpe, having accepted the pastorate, came and his first service was held on the first Sunday of November.
During his min-
istry the front of
the church has
been changed to
better conform with the sides. A cement porch with steps the whole width of the build- ing was added, and memorial windows representing the three revelations of God to man through the Law, the Prophets, and through Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, were placed in the front.
A new system of lighting was installed when the town had opportunity to use electric light and in all probability was the first church in the state to use what was then the new Tungsten light. The church is fortunate in having many who take pride in its appointments and without doubt, for its size, it presents one of the finest auditoriums in the county.
A helpful literary society is continued in the Ladies Fortnightly and the missionary activities of the church are strong. Sunday School sessions are regularly held and the church seeks to ally itself with, and become a part of the greater
94
HISTORY OF WALLINGFORD.
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH.
influences for good in the town. Many who have had its welfare upon their minds have
"gone to that bourne From which none e'er return."
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