History of Churches in Woodstock, Connecticut
The church on Woodstock hill remained without a stated pastor some
three years after the deposition of Reverend Abel Stiles, when it
harmoniously united with the society in extending a call to Mr. Abiel
Leonard, of Plymouth. Faithful to the Old Dominion and Cambridge Platform,
eleven Massachusetts churches were invited to carry forward the ordaining
exercises, June 23d, 1763, and over ten pounds expended in " liquors,
sugar and lemons." The eloquence and affability of the young minister soon
won the hearts of the congregation, and old grievances were gradually
overloo-ked and forgotten. In 1766 the rupture was so far healed that
mutual concessions were interchanged between the two churches and amicable
relations permanently established. Those honored brethren, Jedidiah Morse
and William Skinner, were now elected deacons; a vote was passed, "That a
chapter in the Bible should be read publicly every Lord's day if agreeable
to the congregation, and three forward seats in the front gallery
sequestered for the use of the singers." Those women, both elder and
younger, that were favored with agreeable voices were desired by the
society to occupy the reserved seats on the women's side. Repairs were
made in the meeting house, and everything indicated renewed harmony and
prosperity. Old men in later years looked back to this era as the Golden
Age " of Woodstock, when the renovated house was filled with joyful
worshippers, and the pastor, with his two deacons, " the largest and
finest looking men in the parish," sat together at the communion table.
War with its absolute demands turned all this joy into mourning. The
beloved pastor was called away and many of the congregation. Mr. Leonard
served most efficiently as chaplain of Putnam's regiment, preaching with
great acceptance on several important occasions. An autograph letter from
Washington and Putnam "to the church and congregation at Woodstock,"
requesting that his term of service might be extended, is held as a sacred
relic. The church, unable to vote consent, " in silence manifested its
resignation." His mournful end overwhelmed his people with sorrow.
Overstaying a furlough, according to tradition, on account of dangerous
illness in his household, he was met on his way back to camp by a rumor of
disgrace and dismissal, and in a moment of weakness took his life with his
own hand. His widow and family remained in Woodstock.
After two years interim, Eliphalet Lyman, of Lebanon, was ordained as
pastor, September 2d, 1779, having first given satisfaction as to his
doctrinal standing. He was an able and sound preacher, and held a leading
position among the clergy of his generation. In the early part of his
ministry he was involved in an unpleasant controversy with Hon. Zephaniah
Swift, of Windham, in consequence of his attitude toward Oliver Dodge,
Pomfret's reprobate minister. The refusal of Mr. Lyman to allow Dodge the
use of his pulpit called out a most vituperous castigation from the irate
judge, and he was also subjected to a legal trial and damages for
intrusion upon his own meeting house. The affair occasioned much
excitement and ill feeling, and was widely ventilated in current
newspapers. This incident may have stiffened the orthodoxy of Mr. Lyman
and his church, which in 1815 joined the Windham County Consociation, and
thus identified itself with Connecticut churches, after a century of
spirited opposition.
In 1821 the First society entered upon the work of building a new meeting
house; Captain William Lyon, General David Holmes and William K. Green,
committee; Rhodes Arnold and James Lyon were commissioned to take down the
old house in a prudent manner; Jedidiah Kimball, to procure subscriptions
to defray expenses of building. Four long days in June were spent in
gratuitous labor upon the foundation. At seven in the morning, August 22d,
1821, the work of raising the new frame was initiated by prayer from Mr.
Lyman. Free dinners and supper. and spirit at eighty-nine cents a gallon,
helped incite a large attendance, so that by noon the second day the frame
was successfully erected, when, "in view of the goodness of God in
preserving the lives and limbs of all those who were engaged in this
perilous business," the meeting was closed by a second prayer from Mr.
Lyman and a thanksgiving anthem. Though so auspiciously begun, the work
was carried on with difficulty, but by July 11th, 1822, this was so far
surmounted that the house was publicly dedicated. The veteran chorister,
Mr. Flynn, was requested " to select such tunes as - he may think proper,
and with the rest of the singers learn and sing them on the day of
dedication." James Lyon, Doctor Daniel Lyman, John McClellan, Esq.,
Spalding Barstow and Rhodes Arnold had charge of seating the large
congregation. The sermon was preached by the venerable pastor. The bell
had been recast by Major George Holbrook, a communion table given by Mr.
Jedidiah Kimball, and the ladies of the congregation had tastefully
assisted in dressing the pulpit. Two years later Mr. Lyman was dismissed
from his charge at his own request.
His successor, Ralph S. Crampton, ordained May 22d, 1827, remained but
little over two years, the anti-Masonic agitation hastening his departure.
The vote not to receive into the church any person who was a member of the
Masonic institution, was afterward rescinded. The pastorate of Reverend
William M. Cornell continued three years. Reverend Otis Rockwood,
installed November 20th; 1834, remained nine years. He was much interested
in temperance and kindred reforms, and in 1842 received forty persons into
the membership of the church. Reverend Jonathan Curtis was installed
February 18th, 1846, and labored faithfully till smitten with paralysis.
He was dismissed by the same council which ordained his successor, Henry
M. Colton, November 18th, 1852, who after a three years' pastorate - was
dismissed at his own request. Reverend Lemuel Grosvenor, of Pomfret, next
served as acting pastor for five years, and on Thanksgiving day, 1859,
gave an interesting historical sketch of church and society. Reverends
James L. Corning, J. A. Wilkins, J. W. Allen, J. W. Lyon, followed in
quick succession. In 1868 Reverend Nathaniel Beach was received as acting
pastor, and remained ten years in charge, greatly respected and beloved in
church and county. The succeeding six years' service of Reverend F. M. E.
Bachelor was also acceptable and profitable.
With such experience the church willingly returned to its primitive mode
of settlement, inviting Reverend E. B. Bingham to become its pastor, and
after more than thirty years lapse enjoyed the privilege of installation.
Very interesting services were held, April 14th, 188 5. The sermon was
given by a descendant of several old Woodstock families-Doctor George L.
Walker, Hartford-and former beloved pastors participated in the services.
A united, strong, aggressive church is reported as the happy result of
this five years' pastorate. Spiritual and material prosperity are alike
quickened. Young people join with much heartiness in wide-awake "Christian
endeavor" and missionary societies.
The church edifice of 1821 has been made over and beautified. So complete
a transformation has rarely been accomplished. The plain, old-fashioned
meeting house, with its double row of square windows, high galleries,
rectangular pews and awkward pulpit, is replaced by an aesthetic
auditorium, elaborated in every detail with the best skill of modern art
and taste. Eleven stained glass windows, of exquisite design and coloring,
add greatly to its effectiveness and beauty, in soothing contrast with the
glare of other days. Beautiful in themselves, these memorial windows
transmit to succeeding generations the memory of departed worth. A window
contributed by Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes, Hon. E. H. Bugbee, and
others, bears a portrait of the first white man connected with the history
of Woodstock-the pioneer Indian missionary, John Eliot. One of the leading
spirits in the first settlement, Lieutenant Edward Morris, is most fitly
commemorated in the window given by his descendant, J. F. Morris, of
Hartford. A third perpetuates the memory of the gifted and eloquent
chaplain, Abiel Leonard, so beloved by his people, so prized by Washington
and Putnam. Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Beach, a heroine of to-day,
is another window. The daughter of an honored Woodstock pastor, a
successful teacher in Woodstock Academy, appreciative pupils have thus
shown their reverence for her high character and valued missionary
service. The remaining memorial windows were given by Messrs. Edward E.
and Henry C. Bowen, and by representatives of the well-known families of
Bugbee, Carrol, Lyon, Mathewson and McClellan. The renovated church
edifice was re-dedicated February 17th, 1889, with sermon by Mr. Bingham
and prayer by Mr. Beach. Music from the new organ added to the interest of
the occasion. The church on Woodstock hill, near the close of its second
century, enters upon a new period of prosperity and usefulness.
The Second church, gathered in New Roxbury, pursued its way quietly after
the settlement of Mr. Williams. Comprising at first residents throughout
the parish, its numbers were reduced by the development of Baptist
principles and interests; yet the number of children baptized was very
large. Mr. Williams was an able preacher and ranked well among the
ministry of the day. He was also a successful teacher, receiving many
young men into his family for instruction. His own sons, Stephen and
Timothy, were fitted for college, together with John McClellan and other
Woodstock youths. Diaries kept by Messrs. Stephen and Timothy Williams
give a vivid picture of colonial and college life. The Williams homestead,
with its inmates, comes freshly before us. We see the busy pastor
studying, writing, visiting the sick, attending numerous funerals,
catechizing the children in various schools, and entertaining the
increasing flow of company with patriarchal hospitality. The young men
study and read, help about farm work, install the great logs upon the
hearthstone, and bring reports from the busy world about them. With them
we participate in installation and training days, funerals and frolics,
school exhibition and college commencement, and gather all the news and
gossip of neighborhood and towns adjoining. How vital the question of the
new mode of singing, just introduced into West Woodstock church ! Our
young men favor regular singing and set tunes, and record with
reprehension the conduct of those church fathers who stalk out of the
meeting house when "Virginia" is sung, or other obnoxious tunes attempted.
In 1782 it was voted " That the singing be carried on by reading the
portion line by line till the last singing of the afternoon, and then a
whole verse to be read at a time." Six choristers were appointed to lead
in this exercise. This proving unsatisfactory, " that they may all rest
easy," after large debate it was decided " That the deacon read the
portion line by line in the forenoon, and in the afternoon a verse at a
time, except the double-verse tunes, and them to be sung through without
reading."
The meeting house soon after this date was thoroughly repaired, fitted up
with pews, and painted in fashionable stone color, the roof a Spanish
brown. Mr. Williams remained i n charge till advanced age, sustaining
through life a very amiable and worthy character. His son Stephen was
cordially invited to the vacant pastorate, but thought best to decline.
The place was filled by another resident of the parish, Alvan Underwood, a
graduate of Brown University, ordained and installed May 27th, 1801. John
Fox, Elias Child, 2d, and Philip Howard served as society committee; John
Austin, Parker Morse and John Paine as special committee, " to attend on
and see to seating people, and to keeping order and regularity in the
assembly of spectators." The pastorate thus inaugurated was peaceful and
prosperous. Mr. Underwood was of an especially genial and sympathetic
nature, beloved by old and young. The church singing was carried on
successfully and harmoniously, Mr. Jathniel Perrin, a famous singing
master, taking the place of the former six choristers. The new bass-viol
introduced during this period was cared for and kept in order by Benjamin
Lyon, 3d, Abiel Fox and Abraham Paine.
In 1821 a new meeting house was completed. Darius Barlow, John Fox, Abram
W. Paine, Elias Child, 2d, Benjamin Lyon, 2d, successfully circulated
subscriptions for necessary funds. A year's salary for that purpose was
relinquished by Mr. Underwood. Ebenezer Skinner, Benjamin E. Palmer and
William Lyon were deputized " to stick the corner stakes for the
foundation," and within two years the work was accomplished. Several
revivals were enjoyed and valued accessions made to the church during Mr.
Underwood's ministry, and its first Sabbath school was successfully
established. Thomas Child, Edmund Chamberlain, Ebenezer Corbin, Timothy
Perrin, Shubael Child, Gideon Shaw, Henry Bowen, Stephen Johnson, Albe
Abbot, Jacob Lyon. Alexander Dorrance and Laban Underwood had then served
the church in the office of deacon. March 30th, 1833, Mr. Underwood was
dismissed from his office, and engaged mainly in evangelistic labor,
returning to West Woodstock in the closing years of his life.
John D. Baldwin in 1834 entered upon three years service. During his
ministry a new confession of faith and church covenant were prepared and
adopted, and pains taken to collect and preserve the church records.
Reverend Benjamin Ober was installed pastor December 4th, 1839. The
revival of 1841-2 brought thirty-eight per-sons into the church. Ill
health soon compelled Mr. Ober to resign his office. Reverend E. F. Brooks
served from 1846 to 1849. Reverend Joseph W. Sessions was installed March
27th, 1854, and continued ten years in service. About seventy were added
to the church during the great revival season of 1857-58, adding much to
its strength and vitality. Equally fruitful was the ministry of his
successor, Reverend Henry F. Hyde, whose praise is still vocal in other
Windham county churches. During his three years' ministry in West
Woodstock the Sabbath school was much increased and many families added to
the congregation.
Other faithful ministers have followed as stated supplies, the latest but
the present, Reverend John P. Trowbridge, preparing an interesting
historical discourse, delivered in his own church September 29th, 1886, in
commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the
town. Reverend John Avery, one of the former pastors of the church,
assisted in the service. Ancient hymns were sung under the leadership of
Mr. Luther Fox, and many aged members of the church enjoyed the privileges
of the occasion. Though from unfavorable circumstances, the church in West
Woodstock has lapsed from its early prominence and standing, it has sent
out into the world many faithful men and women, and fulfilled in good
measure the designs and hopes of its founders.
A Baptist church was organized in New Roxbury parish in 1766. A Baptist
element had previously existed, and a Six Principle Baptist church had
been formed and disbanded. Fresh interest in Baptist principles was
aroused by the preaching of Reverend Noah Alden, a popular Baptist
minister, which led to the conversion of young Biel Ledoyt, a former
leader in merrymaking and frolic. Young friends attempting to ridicule and
argue with him were themselves convicted and converted, and many young
people became subjects of a powerful work of grace. " Parents were amazed
to see their giddy children distressed for their souls." Frolic and dance
were given up, the Bible and good books read eagerly, meetings for prayer
and exhortation greatly frequented. The standing church of West Woodstock,
always noted for formality and somewhat rigid orthodoxy, looked with some
suspicion upon these irregular and enthusiastic demonstrations. A church
fast was proclaimed, and several sound divines invited to advise in this
emergency, who, with marvelous lack of wisdom, " fell to reading about
false spirits, and Satan transforming himself into an angel of light,"
insinuating that the late powerful work was a delusion, and " the first
instruments of their awakening " the deceivers which should come in at the
last time.
No wonder that these young converts turned to the church which offered
them comfort and liberty, and separating from the church of their fathers,
agreed to meet together as a society, improving the gifts which God had
given them. At the first favorable opportunity a number were baptized by
immersion, and in February, 1766, a church of sixteen members was
constituted. under the guidance of three ordained Baptist members.
Increasing rapidly in numbers, May 26th, 1768, Biel Ledoyt was ordained as
its pastor.
As the First Baptist church in a large section of country it held a
commanding position, and was early connected with the Warren Association,
of Rhode Island. Opposition from the standing church increased its
influence and popularity with the masses. While a majority of the West
Woodstock church was disposed to admit the claims of this Baptist church
and release its members from taxation, a minority stoutly denied the
validity of their organization, and protested against " freeing the
Anabaptist people in this society from paying minister's rates amongst
us." After much discussion and wrangling the matter was referred to the
wise judgment of Jonathan Trumbull, who showed with much clearness, "that
the Baptist churches in this Colony are no otherwise known in law than
that church of Baptists in your society is, that those people having
formed themselves into a Baptist church and society . . . are excused from
paying any part in your society tax for the support of your minister."
This matter settled, the church continued to gain in numbers. A rough
meeting house was soon built and well filled with hearers. With some
peculiarities of character and expression, Elder Ledoyt was an able
preacher. Timothy Williams attending a chance service in 1788, reports, a
thronged assembly; First prayer, seven or eight minutes; sermon, Eph. III:
8, one hour in length; last prayer, ten minutes." Serious difficulties
soon after ensued, scattering the large congregation and dividing the
church. Various councils failing to heal the breach, Elder Ledoyt withdrew
to Newport, INT. H., "leaving his flock in a very broken and divided
condition." Members were added through the labors of Samuel Webster, a
colored evangelist. January 19th, 1799, Brother Robert Stanton was
ordained as pastor over the First Baptist church in Woodstock. "as long as
they are profitable to each other." During his ministry some fifty were
added to the church, and a new church edifice constructed.
Difficulties marring the profitableness of Mr. Stanton's ministry, he was
succeeded by Elder Ledoyt in 1806, who found a door opened by God's
Providence, - whereby he must return and labor with the church of his
youth." Malignant disease ended life and faithful service, March 24th.
1813. He was succeeded by Elder Nicholas Branch, long known -and honored
in the ministry, but then a youth just entering ministerial service.
Peace, love, union and prosperity " were enjoyed during his six years'
ministry. In succeeding brief pastorates a remarkable revival was
experienced, adding sixty to the church. Uniting in the Ashford
Association, formed in 1825, it reported 110 members, 45 baptisms during
the year. The faithful labors of Elder George B. Atwell extended over nine
years, and were greatly blessed to the growth and spirituality of the
church. His successors, Elders Nathan D. Benedict and Bela Hicks, were
faithful and successful pastors.
The great revival season of 1841-42, brought the membership of the church
to nearly two hundred. Reverends Isaac Woodbury, Henry Bromley, Edward
Brown, Thomas Holman and John Paine officiated as pastors in varying terms
of service. Reverend Leavitt Wakeman served from 1855 to 1858, when Elder
Branch again assumed the charge. Reverend W. A. Worthington followed in
1561, and was succeeded in 1865 by Reverend J. Torrey Smith. The hundredth
anniversary of the organization of the church was observed in November,
1866, when a valuable historic discourse was delivered by the pastor.
Former pastors assisted in the service in person or by appropriate
letters. In 1869 the meeting house was thoroughly repaired and renovated,
the sisters of the church giving much effective aid. Reverend Sylvester
Barrows served as pastor from 1869 to 1874. Anew parsonage was built by
the society during his pastorate. Reverend Samuel J. Bronson became pastor
in 1875, and died in charge in 1879. His successor, Reverend William H.
Smith, remained in service six years.
Loss of population has told heavily upon this as on other churches in West
Woodstock, so that its present membership is much reduced. Four of its
members have been licensed to go forth as preachers, viz., Miner G. Clark,
John B. Guild, Hugh Dempsey, Percival Mathewson. A beloved sister of the
church, Calista Holman, the wife of Reverend Justus H. Vinton, has
accomplished most valued missionary work among the Karens.
Her son, Justus B. Vinton, while laboring in the same distant field,
maintained his connection with the West Woodstock Baptist church. Many
other members have gone out to help build up and strengthen other churches
throughout our own country. The list of deacons serving the church
comprises many honored names, viz., Nehemiah Underwood, John Morse, David
Bolles, Samuel Crawford, Sr., Aaron Gage, Penuel Corbin, Sr. and Jr.,
Luther Tucker, Charles Mathewson, Samuel Crawford, Jr., Halsey Leonard,
Joseph E. Dean, Shubael Day, Francis L. Corbin.
Woodstock's Second Baptist church was gathered at what was known as
Quasset, June 29th, 1792. The council was held at the spacious old Bolles
House, occupied by Jesse Bolles, tanner and shoemaker, a prominent
Baptist. Thirty-five members united in fellowship. Amos Wells of
Stonington, was ordained pastor August 9th the same year. Jesse Bolles and
Robert Baxter were chosen deacons. A convenient house of worship was soon
erected on land given by Deacon Bolles. The Stonington Association met
with this church in 1795, and found a membership of 76. Deacons Baxter and
Bolles, Brothers James, Jeremiah and Childs Wheaton, Charles Chandler,
Robert Aplin, Artemas Bruce and Thomas Bugbee, were chosen a committee to
aid in settling difficulties between the members in 1802. William H.
Manning was chosen deacon upon the removal of Deacon Bolles; Childs
Wheaton succeeded Deacon Baxter. Elder Wells was retained as pastor till
1811, a man of power and public influence, especially in relation to the
ecclesiastic constitution of Connecticut. When, by vote of the town,
Baptists and Methodists were allowed to preach to the freemen on election
day, Elder Wells chose for his text Paul's assertion, " But I was free
born," and his stirring sermon was published and widely circulated.
His successor, Reverend George Angell, was a man of lovely Christian
spirit. James Wheaton, Thomas Bugbee, William Manning, John Sanger are
names honored in the history of this Woodstock Second Baptist church.
Deacon Sanger received liberty to preach as he had opportunity, and his
fervent exhortations are still remembered. The prevalence of Millerite
sentiments greatly reduced the membership of the church, but its
prosperity returned with its removal to South Woodstock, where a new
church edifice was erected in 1844, upon land granted by the town. The
venerable John Paine then served as pastor. Many other faithful men have
served in its ministry. Elder John Paine, honored in many Baptist
churches, officiated at the time of the removal to South Woodstock. The
late Reverend Percival Mathewson, born and reared in Woodstock, spent his
closing years with this church.
The church of East Woodstock, or Muddy Brook, as it was formerly called,
assumed local habitation in that precinct early in 1760, taking with it
minister, records, church utensils, indicative of previous existence.
There is no evidence of any reorganization at that date. An established
church or body of believers simply changed its place of worship. An
ecclesiastic society, known as the Third or North parish of Woodstock, was
organized October 30th, 1760, Nathaniel Child, Nehemiah Lyon, Caleb May,
committee. It was voted,- November 24th, " To build a meeting house of the
same bigness as that admired edifice in the first society." The choice of
site occasioned some delay, during which interval the church held services
in the dwelling house of Benjamin Child, Jr., still standing near the
residence of Mr. N. E. Morse. Successive committees agreed in fixing the
meeting house spot on land given by Nathaniel Child, east of the brook,
but there were those who preferred a more westward site, and transmitted
their preference to their descendants. Nathaniel Child, Esq., Lieutenant
Ephraim Child, Ensign Stephen May, Stephen Lyon, Ezra May, served as
building committee.
The house was so far completed as to be ready for occupation August 8th,
1762. Pew spots were granted to Reverend Abel Stiles, Madam Urania Lyon
(widow of Captain Jabez Lyon, a prominent resident then recently
deceased), Stephen Lyon, Deacon Daniel Lyon, Nathaniel Child, Esq.,
Captain Nehemiah Lyon, Benjamin Wilkinson, Henry Child, Elisha Child,
Deacon John May, Caleb May, Thomas May, Ephraim Child, Job Revere, Stephen
May, Joshua May, Samuel Chandler, Benjamin Child, Jr., Josiah Sumner,
Samuel Corbin, Jesse Carpenter, Alexander Brown, Moses Marcy and Seth
Chandler. Four pews in the rear were added afterward. The house was large
and abundantly lighted, and seated a large congregation.
Mr. Stiles completed a new dwelling house nearly opposite in 1763, and
enjoyed a peaceful anchorage after his many trials. Substantial residents
in adjacent parts of New Roxbury and Thompson parishes were annexed to the
society. Land for a burial ground was purchased of Elisha Child, and
Nathaniel Child was chosen to care for the meeting house and dig the
graves.
Singing received immediate attention, Nathaniel Child and Caleb May being
selected "to tune the Psalms of this society." Joseph Manning and Increase
Child were soon called to render assistance in that office. In 1774 Asa
Child, Samuel Corbin, Jr., and Chester Child were requested to assist in
tuning the psalm. As early as 1780 money was paid for "instruction in
singing," probably to jedidiah Morse, Jr., a proficient in that line.
Opposition to new tunes was manifested, as in West Woodstock, by the
withdrawal of offended hearers, Deacon Nehemiah Lyon marching gravely out
when St. Martyn's was sung.
Mr. Stiles remained in charge till 1783, though in great bodily
infirmity," his soul wading in clouds and temptations." Impressive funeral
services are reported in the diary of Stephen Williams: " A crowded
assembly of above a thousand persons, the remains of Rev. Abel Stiles
being placed in the broad alley, Mr. Gleason made first prayer; Dadda
preached (Rev. Stephen Williams); Mr. Ripley in behalf of the mourners
made a short but comprehensive and pertinent speech at the grave after Mr.
Russel had closed with prayer." Reverend Joshua Johnson, previously
ordained as colleague, continued in charge till 1790. Mr. Stephen
Williams, as delegate, reports the ordination of his successor, Reverend
William Graves, August 31st, 1791. After preliminary grog drinking at
Nehemiah Child's, "the council marched into the meeting house followed by
the multitude, a thousand of whom filled the house, and perhaps five
hundred without. Rev. Josiah Whitney as scribe read the doings of council.
Woodstock was sung before the prayer, then Montague. Joseph Lyman gave a
solid old divinity sermon from John 21, 17, forty-five minutes; addressed
only pastor elect and society. Mr. Whitney with imposition of hands made
ordaining prayer, ten minutes. Rev. Stephen Williams gave the charge,
eight minutes, Eliphalet Lyman with considerable pathos the right hand of
fellowship. Rev. Mr. Graves read psalm, well sung-Lisbon-and dismissed
people a little after one; attention and decent solemnity remarkable; no
opposition appears though a number profess neutrality. By Mr. Graves'
request drank punch, cherry, and wine, and dined well with the council at
Mr. Thomas May's, who entertains gratis. Rode with Mr. Mosely of
Sturbridge or Hampton, theologue, towards night, to Bowen's, and spent the
evening in festivity with ladies and gentlemen from Woodstock, Pomfret,
Brooklyn, Thompson, Sturbridge; cost 5/4. Saw most of them away, but the
darkness prevented finding all the horses called next day on Mr. Graves;
drank wine and had a water-melon feast."
This festive ordination inaugurated a very serious and profitable
pastorate. Mr. Graves was an earnest and devoted Christian laborer,
greatly esteemed by his own people and brethren in the ministry. A fund
had now been raised for the maintenance of public worship, and those who
did not approve of the legal minister's rates were released upon easy
terms. Collections were taken for the Connecticut Missionary Society, and
four months absence was granted Mr. Graves to go on a mission among the
new settlements. Church music was aided by a grand bass-viol, manipulated
by Pearley Lyon and Chester May, and the singing school kept by William
Flynn for one dollar per evening. Nehemiah Child had succeeded to the
office of gravedigger. Alfred Walker, Amasa Lyon, Rensselaer Child, John
Paine and Stephen Child were chosen in 1814 to act as superintendents of
funerals.
Reverend Mr. Graves died in 1813, and was succeeded by Samuel Backus, of
Canterbury, ordained January 19th, 1815. A very remarkable revival was
soon experienced by the church, adding some two hundred within two years
to its membership. Mr. Backus was pre-eminently a man of faith and prayer,
and though moderate in discourse, made deep impression upon the heart. He
organized a Bible class of seventy-five members, of whom fifty-nine came
into the church at one communion. A very effective Sabbath school was
begun in 1818. The deacons up to this date had been Caleb May, Nehemiah
Lyon, Elisha Child, Charles Child, Aaron Lyon, Nathaniel Briggs. William
Child was chosen in 1819; Luther Child in 1824. Additional funeral
superintendents were Oliver Morse, Alduce Penniman, Ezra Child, William
Child, Penuel May and John Fowler.
Contentions respecting the site of a projected meeting house troubled the
closing years of Mr. Backus' ministry, leading to the disruption of
society and church, and the erection of two church edifices. A majority of
the society favoring the house built at Village Corners, the eastward
residents organized as a distinct society December 26th, 1831. Their
meeting house was already in progress, John Paine, Judah and Pearley Lyon,
committee. The site was given by Messrs. Nehemiah and William Child.
William Child, Chester May, Charles Child, Jr., James Lamson, Oliver
Morse, William and Abiel May, Caleb, Erastus and Stephen Child and Elias
Mason, 2d, were added to the committee. April 25th, 1832, the house was
formally dedicated, and Reverend Orson Cowles ordained as pastor. W. M.
Cornell had supplied the pulpit in the interim after the dismission of Mr.
Backus. During Mr. Cowles' five years' ministry remarkable revivals were
enjoyed, bringing many converts into the depleted church. Mr. Boutelle's
ministry (1837-1849) was marked by a great advance in benevolent
contributions. Reverends James A. Clark, Michael Burdette and J. A.
Roberts served for short periods.
Next followed the pastorate of Reverend Edward H. Pratt, extending from
1855 to April, 1867, so abounding in all good influences. Faithful in
every detail of duty, interested in everything relating to the well being
of individual or community, the promotion of temperance principles and
practice was the crowning interest of Mr. Pratt's useful life. His
influence, especially upon the young men of his own congregation and the
children of the Sabbath school, was most vital and permanent, and has
greatly strengthened the temperance standing of the town. Called to active
service as the secretary of the Connecticut Temperance Union, his aid and
counsel were ever given freely to town and church till his lamented death.
Succeeding his ministry were the short terms of Reverends Francis Dyer, W.
A. Benedict, C. A. Stone, W. H. Phipps and J. A. Hanna, extending to 1875,
when the two North Woodstock parishes again united in service, each
occupying its own church edifice part of the Sabbath.
The East Woodstock house has been thoroughly renovated and improved, and
the singing, under Messrs. Harris May and William Child, maintains its
ancient reputation. The deacon's office since 1832 has been filled by
Elisha C. Walker, T. B. Chandler, Asa Lyon, Halsey Bixby, George A. Paine,
Monroe W. Ide, John Paine, Edwin R. Chamberlain. Willard Child, D. D.,
Albert Paine and Charles Walker, D. D., have gone out from it into the
ministry. The son of Doctor Walker, George L. Walker, D. D., is the well
known pastor of Centre church, Hartford, Conn.
The Northward wing of the East Woodstock church took possession of its new
house of worship February 10th, 1831. Its first pastor was Reverend Foster
Thayer, ordained and installed the following June. During his five years'
labor forty were added to the church. His successor, Reverend L. S. Hough,
continued in charge four years. Reverends Willard Child and D. C. Frost
officiated until the installation of William H. Marsh November 30th, 1844,
who accomplished nearly seven years' service. 0. D. Hine, D. M. Elwood and
John White followed in quick succession. Reverend T. H. Brown, a young man
of much promise, was removed by death after a pastorate of two years.
Reverend J. W. Kingsbury, installed in 1869, dismissed in 1871, was the
last pastor settled by the church. Reverend W. A. James, of Killingly,
served as acting pastor for. four years, during which time the church
edifice was destroyed by fire. Subscriptions were immediately circulated
and a sufficient sum raised to repair the loss. Children of former members
and generous friends helped in fitting up the new building, which was
completed and dedicated in the fall of 1873. After the removal of Mr.
James in 1875, the North and East churches united in support of a
minister. Reverends C. N. Cate, T. M. Boss, John Parsons and C. W.
Thompson, have served successively as pastors of the two societies. The
present incumbent is Reverend F. H. Viets.
In its comparatively brief term of separate existence this church has had
the good-fortune to send out honored ministers and missionaries. Three
sons of Captain John Chandler, of North Woodstock, have accomplished
valuable service. Reverend John E. Chandler was sent by the American Board
as missionary to India in 1846, and still labors in Madura over an
extensive field. His son, Reverend John S. Chandler, and his two
daughters, Henrietta and Gertrude, have also devoted themselves to mission
work in Madura. Reverend Joseph Chandler served in the war as delegate
from the Christian Commission, and also in Home Mission work. The third
brother, Reverend Augustus Chandler, debarred from missionary work in
India by delicate health, labored usefully as evangelist and stated
pastor.
Methodism was introduced in West Woodstock in 1795 by that active
itinerant, Jesse Lee. A class was formed at an early day and a few
Methodists joined in social worship, but no substantial footing was gained
until the revivals of 1829-30, when through the preaching of Elders
Lovejoy, Bidwell and Robbins, many converts were gathered in and added to
the class. A Methodist house of worship was built in West Woodstock and
stated services instituted. Ebenezer and Elisha Paine, Thomas Chandler,
Charles Child, Benjamin Works, and a worthy band of Christian women, were
active in this church. Connected successively with Dudley, Thompson and
Eastford circuits, it enjoyed the ministrations of many faithful, zealous,
self denying Methodist preachers-Elders Livesy, Ireson, Allen, Carter,
Davis, Perrin, Pratt, names honored in wide circuits. In connection with
the labors of Reverend Charles C. Barnes in 1841, an extensive revival
prevailed, bringing in the whole neighborhood in the vicinity of the
church. Reverend John Howson was sent by the conference in 1843 as the
first stated preacher in the Methodist society, and aided much in
confirming and strengthening the members. Two faithful ministers went out
from the church at this date, Elders Charles Morse and Mellen Howard.
Elder Morse afterward labored in adjoining towns and died a few years
since greatly respected by all.
Methodist conference meetings were often held in East Woodstock village,
especially in the house of Mrs. Stanley, a zealous Methodist sister, whose
children were working in the factory. In 1828 a class of forty-five
members was formed in the village-John Chaffee, leader; Elders H. Perry
and G. Southerland, circuit preachers. Having no stated place of worship
an earnest brother, Nathaniel Jones, built an addition to his house for
this purpose, where many fervent meetings were enjoyed, under the guidance
of some of the shining lights of Methodism. The hall of the new school
house was afterward occupied by the Methodists for day-time Sabbath
services. In 1847 East Woodstock was made a station, Benjamin M. Walker,
preacher. Through the efficient agency of Elder Daniel Dorchester,
preacher in 1851-52, the church edifice in West Woodstock was purchased,
and removed to East Woodstock village. A comfortable house of worship and
overflowing congregation was the happy result of his labors, greatly
benefiting succeeding ministers. Elders J. D. King, Caleb S. Sandford, J.
E. Heald, Culver, Boynton, S. A. Winsor, W. A. Simmons, Horace Moulton,
Daniel Pratt, Mellen Howard, O. E. Thayer, L. D. Bentley, Pack, Case,
Latham, Turkington, G. R. Bentley and A. H. Bennett have successively
served in ministering to the East Woodstock Methodist church. One faithful
minister, Reverend E. S. Stanley, has gone out from it to fulfill much
useful service.
In 1854 Methodists in West Woodstock completed anew house of worship,
stimulated by the presence and aid of Reverend Otis Perrin; Luther Arnold,
Lewis and Jared Corbin, Elisha Paine, William Myers, Benjamin Chandler,
and other residents assisting in the work. Miss Mary Myers went out to
Africa, in 1885, to aid in the missionary enterprise inaugurated by Bishop
William Taylor. Marrying on the voyage another consecrated worker, they
entered upon the field with much hopefulness, only to meet the fate of so
many missionaries in that deadly climate. A son of Mr. Myers followed his
sister in the same work. The church in West Woodstock is mainly supplied
by resident local preachers, Elders Perrin, Goodell and Pratt, with S. B.
Chase, having had it in charge. Some forty-two families in the town are
connected with these two Methodist societies.
Universalists appeared in Woodstock toward the close of the last century,
uniting with the church of Oxford. These families, with their descendants,
remained apart from the standing churches of the town, attending services
in other localities. A Universalist society was organized in West
Woodstock in 1839, Ebenezer Philips, clerk; Adolphus Alton, treasurer;
Charles Wood, George Sumner, John G. Marcy, John Fox, 2d, John Weaver,
committee. Reverend Zephaniah Baker was hired as preacher. In 1842 Sanford
Marcy and Luther Fox were chosen choristers; L. M. Bradford, Pitt Sharpe,
Sanford Bosworth, G. Sumner, A. Alton, building committee. A house of
worship was completed the following year. F. M. Fox was chosen to take
care of the house and seat the people. It -was voted to have the slips
free. Reverend Holmes Slade was retained as preacher for a number of
years. In 1859 thirty-three persons were enrolled members of this society.
Zephaniah Baker, its first minister, returned to the charge in 1876.
Weakened by deaths and removals, the society gradually lost ground, and
its meetings were discontinued.
In 1874 an Advent Christian church was formed in West Woodstock, with
fifty-six constituent members, and Reverend P. S. Butler as pastor. An
Advent chapel was built in Woodstock Valley in 1579, and dedicated
November 25th. A considerable number of persons, in different parts of the
towns, have embraced Advent principles, and maintain religious services.
An Advent chapel was also built in East Woodstock, in 1879, on land of Mr.
Nathaniel Child. Reverends P. S. Butler and E. S. Bugbee have charge of
these churches and services.
Religious services are conducted in behalf of the Swedes, in Agricultural
Hall, and a Swedish church has been organized.
Back to: Woodstock, Windham
County, Connecticut History
Source: History of Windham County, Connecticut,
Bayles, Richard M.; New York: W.W. Preston, 1889 Back to: Windham County, Connecticut
Genealogy |
Windham Townships
Connecticut Resources
Genealogy Resources
|