BX7I4S 
 ,C8A7 •■% 
 
. r Q I] 1 
 
HISTOHKAL NOTES 
 
 _ ! .-ia 
 
 Coiij^rei^ ational Churches 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY, 
 
 Fnnn 1S;](; to 1S(>9, 
 
 Fn's«'iit(Ml to the ('(uifcicnt'e at Montvillc, (htobcr I'itli, \s(iU. 
 
 HIHA3I P. AK3IS, 
 
 /'o.sfor of' f/ii I'irst ill Ill-fit ill Xoriri'-li. 
 
 NORWICH : 
 
 nUNTKK BY Wll.CnX * DAVIS, 
 
 18fi9. 
 
f/aiCALsn 
 
 HISTOKICAl. NOTKS 
 
 Conjires^titional Churclies 
 
 IN 
 
 NEW LONDON ( 01 NTY, 
 
 Vvmn \SM\ U) IsiJ*.). 
 
 rrcM'ut ')1 (<• the ( DiilVrtucc at .M(»n1viII('. October I'itli, ls<>!». 
 
 HI!J AM r. AH3IS. 
 
 /'iisfor of t/n I' list CliKi-f/i ill \(triri'/i. 
 
 NORWICH : 
 
 MtlX'IKI) KY WU.COX A DAVIS, 
 
 is«;>. 
 
i:$;Um 48:12,13— ^Valh about ^tou, ami i^o round about her, 
 
 tfU the toners thfrcof. 
 ^«arh uf ncU her bulnarlvei. consirtcr her paUucs. that uc may 
 
 tfU it to the lU'ncration foUon'ini). 
 
 8inoe it w«is mv i)riviloge to liecome a resident of this 
 oountv the index on the dial plate of time has moved for- 
 ward one-third of a centnry. This marks the aire of a wliole 
 •leneratlon. It e(|uals the jHTiod of our Saviors sojourn on 
 the earth. Tlie world in all its ini])ortant interests, mate- 
 rial, intellectual, social and religious, has kept ])ace with the 
 onward movements of time. 
 
 The (.'onl'erence of the Con.iire.uational Churches of New 
 London County has iXMjnested me to ,<:ive some account of 
 the j)ro_uress of these churclies. as it has fallen under !ny own 
 observation durin<i- the last thirty-three years. In pin'suanee 
 of this appointment I invite you to-day to accompany me in 
 a walk ahont this portion ol"(Mn- Zion. to mark her bulwarks. 
 (M)nsider her i)alaces. and nndve note of them i'nv the coming 
 i::eneration. 
 
 We will t;d<" them in the order of their seniority, hence 
 
 we be,iiin with the 
 
 First (Iturch in Xctr LoHffon. 
 
 It was oi-<iani/.e(l in 1 ()•')<». At the beginning of the pe- 
 riod nuder review. \i\ IS.JC), the Kev. Abel xMcEwen. D. I).. 
 was its pastor, then in the vigor of his manhood. Al'ter a 
 
4 
 
 siiccossCiil ministry of •")() Years ho was rclioved from active 
 service by the settlement of a colleiiijue, the Hev. Thomas P. 
 F'ield. D. [)., the present pastor. Fonr years hiter he went 
 to his rest. 
 
 Dr. McEwen was one of the pioneers in tlic work ot 
 Home Missions, and was identitiiMl witli most of the move- 
 ments in the State for the extension olsonnd leai'ninu'. pnre 
 morality, and vital piety. 
 
 Undei' his ministry his parish erected a snhstantial 
 chnrch edijlce ot "granite and furnished it with a new oruan. 
 Thongh the church has sent out a lame colon v, its nundjers 
 are not essentially diminishe(l. 
 
 The apparent decrea.se in the table whicli follows is be- 
 lieved to be due to the correction of the catalo<2;ue, and the 
 erasure of the names of members long absent. 
 
 Fit 'st Clitfi 'clt 1 1 i Xo )'fri eh , 
 
 ()]{(;anized i<3(3(), 
 
 Has had six pastors, giving to each an average of 'M')h 
 years. The present church editice was built in iSOl, re- 
 modeled in 184(», and since thoroughlv repaired, and a new 
 oi'gan introduced. In lS-")2 Mrs. Gen. William Williams 
 presented to the society a lot of ground with a brick store 
 upon it, adjacent to lier paternal homestead. On this they 
 erected a chapel of brick, containing a commodious lecture 
 room, and a, study. In the latter is de])i'sited a pastoral li- 
 ))rarv, the gift o( a few liberal-minded individnals. It has 
 no fund for re[)lenishing it. 
 
 The congregation on the Sabbath has regularly increas- 
 ed, till the house is becoming too strait ibr it. 
 
 The Sunday School has grown in nund)ers and cfKcien- 
 cv. The churcdi has been largely replenished {"rom this 
 source. God has blessed tlie church with si.v seast)ns of re- 
 freshing. Those of 1S42 and IStiT were most extensive. 
 
 The reliance Ibr home evangalization is mainly on a 
 band of Christian females, who visit monthly more than four 
 hundred families. The cliurch has in this time raised up 
 twelve ministers, and has several more in training. 
 
First (lit welt hi Sfoinnf/toH, 
 
 <»!;(;. WIZKi) i(;7i. 
 
 Il;i.< i)c('ii (liiiiiiiislicd by scndiiiii- (Mil t\\(» cohjiiics. one 
 ill 1n4o to tlic cliurrli at Piiwcatiick. and one in IS'il to tlie 
 cliiircli at Mystic Hridiii*. Five revivals aro rejjortcd. the 
 most extensive in IS-t'i, which achU'd to tlie cliurcli 4o niem- 
 \)vyr^. Two pastors have l)een dismissed. The IJev. Paul 
 Couch is at present the stated j)rea(dier. 
 
 (Intrch hi ()lf( Ltjinc, 
 
 Ol.MiAXlZKl) l<;(i:i. 
 
 lias dismissed one jiastor. Iiev. Chester Colton. Thr' 
 ))resent ineumbeiit. Rev. L)a\is S. Brainard, is in tiie 2'.)th 
 year ol" Ids pastorate. 
 
 VlinvcU in Preston, 
 
 OIKiANIZKl) ic.os. 
 
 Has disinisx'd two pa«<tors. and is now vacant. Within 
 tlie last lour years. uiKhn- tiie pastorate ol' the Rev. A. }J. 
 Wileox. the chureh has been ureally revi\-ed ami the parisli 
 streii,i:tliened. The house of worshi]) has be<'n thorouuhh re- 
 paired, a new parsonauv built, and the salary of the ])a>:tor 
 doubled. 'I'he society has a iiind of .9'^>-'S-")((. established in 
 17S-t. So lonii' as this fund was their main reliance the\- 
 languished. Since they liaAc ])Ut their own hand to the 
 work, and drawn liberally from their private resources. tli<^ 
 Lord has blessed them abundantly. The conirreuation has 
 lariiely increased, and many have been gathered into the 
 church. in four years it has inci'eased bo per cent. A 
 steady pro«:ress has also been made in the tein|)eiance reform. 
 
 (Iniych in Lvlxmon. 
 
 oKiiAXIZKI) 17(H). 
 
 Two of its three j)astors diirinu the time uiuh-r re\ iew , 
 were dismissed, and have since entered into their rest, vi/.: 
 Rev. Edwarfl Bull, and Rev.. John C. Nichols. The i)i('.<ent 
 pastor. Rev. Orlo D Nine, is in the 14tli year of his pastor- 
 ate. God has blessed the cinmh with freipient revivals, the 
 
6 
 
 last of which, in 1867, })rought into it 4') mcnihers. iiiiiny of 
 thi'iii lionds of famihes. 
 
 This parish, in connuoii with most of our rui-al [)arish('s. 
 has to contond with a. constant (h'aft n])on its strciiiith hy 
 (Mni<.vration. It has furnished six men for the ministry. 
 Not all its emigrants foruet the old homestead. One of them, 
 accustomed to such acts of beneticenoe, has recently endowed 
 a pastoral library, with a fnnd of Sl.COO. The society has 
 erected a parsoniige and a building ior the acconnnodation of 
 the pastoral library and study. 
 
 They ha\e a jjcrmanent fund of $7.00(1. and pay a sal- 
 ary oi $900 with the use of parsonage. 
 
 Churcli hi Coh']i(\sf('i\ 
 
 OlM^AXIZKJ) 17U.;, 
 
 Has, since 18-56 maintained a constant and healthful 
 growth. Four othci- denominations lia\e planted churches 
 within the limits of the parish. Meantime the attendance 
 upon the (.'ongregational Chundi has largel}- increased. A 
 new church edifice was !)uiit in 1842 and repaired in 1867. 
 A convenient chapel has also been erected. Four pastors 
 have been dismissed, three of whom have gone to their rest. 
 The })resent incum))ent. Kev. Samuel G. Willard, was in- 
 stalled in 8epten3ber, 1868, on a sa.lar\ of $2,000. The 
 Sunday School has been very efficient in pre})«iring the young 
 for church fellowship. There have be<^'n live s'^asons of re- 
 ligious revival, which added largely to the membershi]) of 
 the church. Under the present pastorate a number have 
 been gathered into the fold ol' Christ. 
 
 Cluu'cJi hi Grofoii, 
 
 ORGANIZED 1705, 
 
 Has had in the last 38 years 4 pastors, two of them dis- 
 missed, and one. Rev. Samuel W. Brown, gone to his reward. 
 The present pastor, Rev. Jose])h E. Swallow, was installed 
 in 18f)7. During the past year the chundi has re-Htted and 
 Leautified its house of worship, and is in a state of general 
 j.rosperity. 
 
(7nn'ch hi Frdtthlhi. 
 
 Last iiutiiinn the church coinincinonitcd its loKtli auiii- 
 NX'isarv witli appropriate services. 
 
 Since 18:50 a new church e(hlice has l)een huilt and fle- 
 niolished and a much hetter one erected, on a more eh,i:ihle 
 site. A [)arsonau(' has jdso l)een recently huilt and ])r('S"nted 
 to the society hv the late Ezra Clnippell, Escp. of New Fion- 
 don. In 18o2 the venerahle Dr. Samuel Nott passed away, 
 in the U'.lth year of his a^e. and t'»e Tlstyear of his past(!r- 
 ate. He had a salary oK^KMI, ($800. oo)' and a settlement. 
 
 The poj)ulation of the town is less than it was 00 years 
 a_i:-o. and the attendance upon jjublic worshij). which has in- 
 creased of late, is pnjbahly not ureater than it was then. 
 The parish has lost iiuich l»y emigration. Five revivals <if 
 religion, two of them of great power, have added much to 
 tlie strength of the church. Four-fifths of the congregati(!n 
 are in the Sunday School. The present pastor, Kev. Frank- 
 lin C. Joni's. was ordained in February, ISGo. During the 
 present autumn the remains of the Uev. Samuel Nott. one of 
 the first Missionaries of the xVmerican Board to India, were 
 interred in th. parisli cemetery, hy the sepulcherof his father. 
 
 (Inirch hi GiisfroIfL 
 
 OiaiAMZKI) IT-'o, 
 
 Has had three i)astors since 18?)(), two ol' whom were 
 dismissed. The present ])astor, the Kev. Bennett F. Nor- 
 throj), has t)een in office sixteen years. 
 
 Emigration and death have made serious iiu'oads u[)on 
 the parisii. The society has a fund of between eight tuid 
 nine thousand dollars, and ])ays a salary ol 8<><>0. The 
 Sunday School embraces most of the congregation. A re- 
 vival of religion in 1S(>7 added 2(S to the church. Two 
 ministers have been raised up. Amidst nnmy discourage- 
 ments the pastor has reason to know that his labor is not in 
 vain in tlie Lord. 
 
 Chui'('/t hi Moiifi'lUe. 
 
 oIMt.VNIZKI) IT-'l. 
 Since the vear I80G this church has been without a 
 
8 
 
 settled pastor. Their spiritual interests have suffered iu 
 conse(]ueDce. The eongregation has diminished. They 
 have enjoyed no general revival sinee 1842. Reeently. 
 however, their affairs present a more hopeful aspect. Their 
 house of worship, built in 1847, has been thoroughly re- 
 paired, a new organ intro(Uieed, and a convenient ])arsonagc 
 erected. 
 
 The Sunchiy School embraces almost the entire congre- 
 gation. The Rev. William M. Birehard is the stated preaxdi- 
 er. If the friends of Christ in Montville will continue to 
 labor as they have begun, to strengthen the things that re- 
 main, the blessing of the Lord will descend upon these 
 [)leasant hills like the dew upon Hermon. 
 
 IJshon, Netrent Society, 
 
 ()1{(;ANIZP:D 172;i. 
 
 In 1855 the Rev. Levi Nelson, after a pastoratv! of fifty- 
 one years, was received up on high, in the 77th year of his 
 age. He was '*an able divine, an impressive preacher, a 
 good man, f^iithful to his trust." The pulpit is at present 
 supplied by Rev. John Haskell, as stated preacher. In 1858 
 the venerable old meeting-house, the last representative, in 
 this region, of the antique style of church architecture in 
 New England, was demolished, and a modern structure took 
 its place. 
 
 (Jhiirch in East Lyme, 
 
 okganizp:i) 1724.' 
 
 This is one of our feeble churches, and is at present 
 without a pastor. The Rev. Joseph Ayer. recently dismiss- 
 ed, has a call to another settlement, in a ripe old age of 7() 
 years 
 
 The society has a substantial church edifice built of 
 stone, by the liberality of the late Nathanial L. Griswold, 
 Esq,, of New York, a grandson of the first pastor of the 
 church, the Rev, George Griswold. The parish has idso a 
 fund of $5,000 for the support of the gospel, $3,000 of which 
 were contributed by the family of George Griswold, Esq., also 
 adescendantof thefirst pastor. Such examples of liberalitv 
 

 
 c )iiiiiuMi(l t'lC'insclvc'S to imitation. It is dtic to our IrcMc 
 chuivhe's, that tlio^e who I'orsakc their pattMiial acres to se<'k 
 wealth elsewhere, in like iiiaimer reiiienihei' the home of their 
 chiklliood, 
 
 LtjuH, ( IIain1nfi'(/J 
 
 OlJCiANlZKl) IT-'T. 
 The Rev. Enoch F. Burr, D. D., is in the I'.ltii vear of 
 his pastoi'ate. 
 
 Xo i 'tJi Sfo tin I f/to 1 1 , 
 
 OKCiANIZED 17 JT. 
 Has had three pastors — is at present vacant. 
 
 ORGANIZED ITJit. 
 This ehurch has a permanent fund of $1),00() anil pays 
 asalarj' of $6-30. Rev. Hiram Ixdl is stated preachei-. 
 
 Leba n on — Gosh en. 
 
 OUGAXIZFJ) 1729. 
 This is a workin.U" church. Most of itsmemhers attend 
 the weekly prayer meetin^ii". No spirituous li(piors are sold 
 in the i)arisli. and \QYy few addicted to the use of them. 
 The Sun(hiy School nearly etpials the congre.uation. Fre- 
 quent revivals liave given elliciency to the church. Four 
 pastors have been dismissed, two of whom have since died. 
 The present ])astor, Rev. Daniel B. Lord, was oi'dained Oct. 
 18GS. The j)arish has built a house of worship, and is 
 erecting a convenient parsonage. 
 
 Jioxralt, ( y^tr Co)icoi'(fJ 
 
 ORGAN IZEl) irM). 
 Except six years from 1842 this church has had no 
 pastor. For eleven years past the Rev. N. 8. Hunt has l)een 
 the stated pi-eacher. Three new societies have been formed 
 within the limits of the parish, and yet the old society more 
 than holds its own. Three ministers have been raised up. 
 
 Grass tj II Uh (in LtjnteJ 
 
 OK(tAN1ZED 1757.* 
 The Rev. Wm. A. Hyde, installed in 18G7, is the only 
 
10 
 
 pastor since 1820. The parisl] contains 2o families, all na- 
 tive born, with a cliurch membership of 49. Most members 
 of the Sunday School are hopefully pious, and all pledged to 
 temperance. 
 
 ORGANIZED 1760. 
 
 In 18G4 the Rev. A Ivan Bond, D. D., after a siiccessful 
 pastoratf^ of 2U yea\-s, resigned his cliargv?, and was succeed- 
 ed by the present ])astor, the Rev. Malcolm M. G. Dana. 
 Dm'inii; the period nuder review the society has erected a 
 church edifice of granite, built a parsonage, ])rocured a new 
 organ, and increased tlieir pastor's salary from $1,000 to 
 $3,000 and use of the parsonage. In 1848 Dea. Joseph 
 Otis, of this church, founded a pu')lic Library, also a pastor- 
 al library, and provided a connnodious brick building to con- 
 tain them. The church has been blessed with five general 
 revivals of religion which have added to its nnmbers and 
 efficiency. Its members snstain a Mission Sunday School, 
 and in connection with the Broadway church, support a city 
 Missionary. It has furnished five ministers. 
 
 Sprm/ne, (Hanover,) 
 
 ()1I(4ANIZEI) ITOfJ. 
 
 This churcdi has enjoyed the labors of three pastors, two 
 of whom were dismissed, and one died. Rev. Luther S. 
 Barber is at present stated preacher. The church has been 
 refreshed by frequent revivals. 
 
 Lebanon, (Bxeter,) 
 
 ORGANIZED 177:?. 
 
 For the last '21 yeai's this church has been under the 
 charge of its present pastor, the Rev. John Avery. A new 
 house of worship was built in 1845, aud in i8o2 a parson- 
 age was procured, with 12 acres of land. The congregation 
 has somewhat diminished with the decrease of po])ulation in 
 the parish, which is about 20 ])er cent in 20 years, yet the 
 membership of the churcii has greatly increased. Four re- 
 vivals of religion have yielded precious fruit. 
 
11 
 
 Exotor shows ;i .L^ond war rcconl. Out of a |)()i)iil:ili(>ii 
 of 351 fortv-ono enteml the anny as privates. Four of tliciii 
 rose to the' rank of Captain, one to that of Hospital Steward. 
 and one beeanie chief ►Sur^'von of his regiment. 
 
 This field indicates faithful and ])er.severing culture. 
 
 CJutrch hi Sale in n 
 
 OlUiAXIZEl) 17'2o. 
 
 Rev. Charles Thoin[)son, pastor of this chiuvh. died m 
 185'), a godiv man. and' a faithful pastor. The pulpit has 
 since lieen supplied by stated preachers. The Rev. Lent S. 
 Hough has recently entered upon his labors here with much 
 promise of success! A new parsonage has been liuilt. ^ 
 
 Church In Lcdiffwd, 
 
 ()K(;anizki) isKt. 
 
 The Rev. I'imothy Tuttle, pastor of this church from 
 the time of its organizotion, after nfty-three years of faithful 
 and self-denving labors, entered into his rest. On a salary 
 of S-'jf><K added to the cultivation of a little farm. Father 
 Tuttle surroumled himsell' with the comforts of life, and ex- 
 ercised a libi'ral hosi)itality. The church owes much to the 
 liberalitv and i)eis()nal inHuence of one of her non-resident 
 sons. We love to note such instances of filial regard. 
 
 The present pastor, the Rev. Charles Cutting, was or- 
 dained in June, ISCS. He has been permitted to reap an 
 abundant harvest from the good seed sown ijy his predeces- 
 sor. A wonderful work ol God's grace ])ervaded the parish 
 during the last autumn and winter. The whole congrega- 
 tion, with few exceptions, including many heads of families, 
 were gathered into the church, thereby more than doubling 
 its membershii). The Sunday School — which endjraces the 
 whole congregation— takes the place of the afternoon ser- 
 vice. No intoxicating li(iuor is sold, and little, if any used 
 in the parish. . . 
 
 The friends of Zion have cause for special thanksgiving 
 to God for his areat goodness to the church in Ledyard. 
 
12 
 Church in Jewett City, 
 
 ORGANIZED 1825. 
 Since 1836 this church has had five pastors. The Rev. 
 J. W. Tuck, the present pastor, was installed in May, 18(U). 
 A new church edifice was built in 18G7 at a cost of $15,000, 
 and nearly paid for. In 1856, a fund was created for tlie 
 support of the gospel, amounting to $8,000, The temper- 
 ance cause here receives a very efficient support. The 
 church has furnished two foreign missionaries. 
 
 Church at Nonvicli FalLs, 
 
 ORGANIZED IsiiV, 
 Alter an existence of 15 years, in which it accom])lished 
 much good, was in 1842 disbanded and absorl)ed in the 
 neigWjoring churches. The enterprise was begun and car- 
 ried forward by a few earnest, large-hearted Christian men, 
 most of whom rest from their labors. Among them w^ere 
 the Hon. Charles W. Rockwell, William C. Oilman, and 
 William P. Greene, The house of worship was afterward 
 sold for a nominal price to the Methodist church, which con- 
 tinues to occupy it. 
 
 Church in Boxi'ffhrllle, 
 
 ORGANIZED 18-2s. 
 
 Tliough one of the least of the tribes of our Israel, is 
 among the foremost in point of zeal and efficiency in the 
 work of the Lord. This church has never had a settled 
 pastor, ))ut has relied upon stated preacliers. The pi-esent 
 is tlie Rev. William Goodell. 
 
 Their house of worship was burned in 1862, and was 
 re-built the follow^ing year. A tried friend of the church 
 has recently presented them with an organ. The prayer 
 meetings are a power. Much has been accom})lished by 
 means of personal labor with individuals. The Sunday 
 School has furnished to the ciiurch, since l8o6, one hundred 
 members. A good record for a church without a i)astor. 
 
 Church in Mohcgan, 
 
 0R(;ANIZED 1s:{2, 
 Since the dismission of Rev. Anson Gleason in 1848, has 
 
13 
 
 had no settled pastor. Rev, Clarendon F. Mii/,/,\ is stated 
 preaeher. A revival in 1842 added 22 to the (diiireli. The 
 congregation is composed in part of Indians. The chnrch 
 owes much tn the personal services of Gen. Wni. Willlianis. 
 
 Sfon iufftou. Second, 
 
 ()!{(; AX IZHl) \x:v.\. 
 
 'X\w Rev. Edward W. Oilman, tlu'ir fouitli pastor, was 
 installed in 1804. A good house of worship was built in 
 lSo7. A chapel is in the process of erection. The society 
 has also a valuable parsonaue. They pay a salarv of .Si, 800; 
 appropriate annually $100 to the pastoral library, and give 
 liberally to public charities. While they thus devise liberal 
 things God prospers them. Eight revivals are reported 
 during the last 83 years, two of them under the ])resent pas- 
 torate, adding 62 members to the church. Tliree ministers 
 have been raised up. 
 
 Church In Grcoicrillc, 
 
 ()U(4AXIZE1) is:33. 
 
 Under the continued blessing of God, and with fre(juent 
 revivals of religion, has maintained a steady and healthful 
 growth. During the year past they have enlarged their 
 house of worship and introduced an excellent organ. Their 
 chapel, ibrmerly occupied by Unitarians, has also been re- 
 centl}- made lai'ger. The Sunday School has been found an 
 important auxiliary to the church. One of our aldest foi- 
 eign ndssionaries, the late Rev. Wm. Aitchison, was raised 
 in this church, as was also its present pastor, the Rev. Rob- 
 ert P. Stanton. 
 
 Neiv London, Second, 
 
 OIUiAMZKD ls:i.5. 
 
 The Rev. G. Buckingham "Willcox. the fourth pastor, 
 was installed in 1800. 
 
 A church edifice was built in 1834, re-fitted at a heavy 
 expense in 1868, and the same year consumed by the torch 
 of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, the society resolved at 
 once to re-build in a more eligible position and of more en- 
 
14 
 
 (luring material. A beautiful structure of granite, overlook- 
 ing tbe city, is nearly completed, at a cost of ^8o,0()0. Near 
 by is a commodious parsonage, recently purchased and en- 
 larged. Adjoining tbe church is a commodious' chapel. The 
 church sustains four Mission Schools, one of which has a fine 
 brick chapel. The expense of these enterprises has been 
 met with a liberal spirit. Four general revivals have been 
 enjo3^ed in the last twelve years, the most extensive in 1867, 
 in which G8 were added to the church. The Sunday School, 
 under the Superintendence of Hon. H. P. Haven, is the 
 largest in the county and is regarded as a model, in point of 
 management and efficiency. Four ministers have been raised 
 up, and two more are in a course of Theological study. A 
 live church. 
 
 Preston, Long Soelefij, 
 
 OKGANIZED 1887. 
 
 After sustaining Avorship for ahout twenty years, this 
 church was absorljed by adjacent churches. 
 
 Novuncli, Broad iraij, 
 
 ORGAXIZEI) 1S42, 
 
 With 112 members, mostly from the Second Church. 
 In October, 184.5, they entered their new house of worship 
 on Main Street. In September, 1854, this house was de- 
 stroyed by fire. In 1857 they entered their present commo- 
 dious church on Broadway. They have had a rapid growth, 
 and have come to be the largest church in the county, The 
 Rev. Daniel Merriman, their third pastor, was ordained in 
 September, 1808, with a salary of $o,000 and use of ])arson- 
 age recently procured. This church has a pastoral library, 
 founded by one of its members. It sustains a Mission Sun- 
 day School, in a chapel erected by the same person. In 
 connection with the Second Church it employs a City Mis- 
 sionary, the Rev. Samuel Ho])lcy, who is doing an important 
 work. 
 
 The educational interests of the city are largely indebt- 
 ed to the lal)ors of the late pastor of this church, the Rev. 
 John P. Gulliver, D. D. 
 
ir, 
 
 ()K(iAXIZKI) is4:{. 
 
 The house of worship, l)iiilt in IsID lor $'),000, and re- 
 fitted at a oust of ^in.lHHI in IN()8 is in the town of Ston- 
 iii"-ton. The peojjle are mostly on the other side of the 
 river, in Westerly, R. I. The enterpi'ise of this tlourishinu 
 village does not expend itself on personal ag;:randizenient, 
 but is seen in ])ublic improvements, in schools, in a first-class 
 hotel, and in houses of worship, one of which, at least in 
 point of taste and convenience, with its exctllent oiaan, will 
 compare favorably with any similar structures in our cities. 
 Until ISGO this church was aided by the R. I. Home Mis- 
 sionary Society. 
 
 The Kev. Edward W. Root, their second pastor, was in- 
 stalled November, 1S68: salary $1,500. 
 
 A revival in 180S added much strength to the church. 
 The other churches in the village, Bai)tist. Methoiist, and 
 Episcopal, all cordially co-operated in this revival, and shared 
 largely in its fruits. 
 
 Mf/sffr Jirhhf(\ 
 
 (il{(iAXlZKl) is.vj. 
 l)uilt a house of worship in 1847, another in 1800. 
 which was enlarged in 1S(»7. During the seventeen years 
 of its existence tliis church has enjoyed six seasons of s])ecial 
 revival, the last of which, in 18GS, added oO to its membei'- 
 ship. The Young Men's Christian Association, sustained by 
 the different churches in the viUage. is doing a good work in 
 the neighboring districts. Rev, William Clift, the tiiurth 
 pastor, was installed March. 1>>00. 
 
 Fif('1n-UI<\ ( lUtxrah.) 
 
 ()K(;axizku iso4. 
 
 This church has never had a settled pastor. Ju.st lie- 
 fore its organization, Asa Fitch, Esq., erected at Lis own ex- 
 pense a beautiful churcli edifice, and provided for the main- 
 tenance of public worship so long as he lived. Since his 
 death, in 180'), the house lias been closed and the congrega- 
 tion dispersed. 
 
16 
 
 Eagle t'iU(% Sprafjue, 
 
 OKUANIZEl) ]SGo! 
 
 Tdffs r Ule, Xort r ich , 
 
 OIJGAXIZKI) IsoT. 
 
 These ehurclies are yet in their iiilancy. Their growth 
 depends, under God, upon the success of the manufacturing 
 interests in the villages where they are planted. One minis- 
 ter, the Rev. William A. Benedict, at present has charge of 
 them botli. 
 
 The' following is a list of the pastors of these churches 
 during the period under review^: 
 
 •■• Indicates deceiifJiHl. 
 
 ABEL i\[. EWEX, 1). 1)., 
 THOMAS P; FIELD, 1). D., 
 ITIIJA.M P. AILMS, D. I)., 
 Pt:TEP ILSILVW, 
 NEIihLMLVII B.COOK, 
 CHESTER COLTOX, 
 DAVIS S. BKAINAPD, 
 XATHAX S. HUXT, 
 Al^GLSTUS W. COLLIXS, 
 
 asih^:p h. WILCOX, 
 
 EDWAPJJBULL, 
 .lOHX C. XICHOLS, 
 OIILO I). HIXP; 
 LYMAX STPOXG, 
 JOEL P. APXOLD, 
 EPASTPS DICKIXSOX, 
 Ll'CIUS CPPTIS, 
 SAMUEL G. Wn.LAPD, 
 SAMPEL XOTT, D. D., 
 GEOIJGE J. HAPPISOX^ 
 JAlfED P. AVEPY, 
 
 FPAXKLix c. joxp:s, 
 
 \VILLIAM P. JEWETT, 
 CALVIN TEPPY, 
 BENNETT F. XOPTHPOP, 
 SPEXCEP F. BEAPD, 
 LEVI XELSOX, 
 DAVID BPFED, 
 IIEPMAX L. VAIL, 
 FPEDEPICK (UHDLEY, 
 JOSEPH A YEP, 
 
 ENOCH F. BUPP, 1). D., 
 MIPOX X. 3IOPPIS, 
 STEPHEN HPBBELL, 
 DAXIEL G. SPPA(;UE, 
 SPOFFOPD D. JEWETT, 
 ISPAEL T. OTIS, 
 JOSHUA P. BPOWX, 
 ELIJAH W. TUCKEP, 
 
 AAPOX P. liveilmopp:, 
 
 DAXIEL B. LOPD, 
 Wn.LIA:\I y\. BIPC IIAPD, 
 WHJJAM A. HYDE, 
 ALVAX BOXD, D. I)., 
 MALCOLM .AI. G. DAX^A, 
 JAMES A. HAZEX, 
 
 joiix s. WHrniAX, 
 
 JOIIX AVEPY, 
 ELI HYDE, 
 
 CHAPLES THO:\IPS0X, 
 TL^IOTHV TUTTLE, 
 CHAPLES CUTTING, 
 G?:OPGE PEP KINS, 
 WILLIAM WPI(4HT, 
 TIKLAIAS L. SIIIP31AN, 
 IIENPY T. CHEE\EP, 
 JEPE.MY \Y. TUCK, 
 JOEL AV. XEWTOX, 
 THO.MAS K. FESSEXDEN, 
 
 Axsox (;leason, 
 
 J. EPSKINE EDWAPDS, 
 WHJJA.AI CLIFT, 
 
17 
 
 KDWAlxT) W. (ilLMAX. .lollN I'. (a'LT.IVKlJ, D. I)., 
 
 AI.lMIoNSO L. \Vlirr.MAN\ DANIKL MF.IMM.MAX, 
 
 ( iiAKLKs r. r.rsii. d. d., kdwakd w. koot, 
 
 Koi'.Kin 1*. >'rANrox, waltku i:. i,()X(;, 
 
 .1. yi. MAC'DOXAJJ). 1). I)., * ("lIAin.KS II. I'.OVI), 
 
 * AKTK.MAS r.OlKS, * SA.MIKL W. I;K()\VX, 
 TKVOX KDWAKDS, 1). I)., .loSKI'lI E. SWALLOW, 
 
 (;. r,rcKiX(UiA.M willcox (;k()];(;kii. woodwakd, 
 
 WILLAHD CHILD, I). D., * CHAKLES K. MIKDOCK. 
 
 The cliiirclics liiive ('ini)l()V('(l ;is pR'aclicrs for a lonircr 
 or shorter period the loUowin^' ministers, in luhlition to the 
 pastors named above : 
 
 * JOIIX IIYDK, JOIIX IIASKKLL, 
 
 * JOIIX W. SALTEK, OLI\ EIJ JUloWX. .In., 
 EDWAUI) EELLS, II. C. IIAVDX. 
 
 WM. P. AVEUY, n. HAYAK'i) SXoWDEX, 
 
 T. D. P. STOXE, AVILLIAM E. DIC'KIXSOX, 
 
 * OLIVEP liKOWX, TII03IAS M. BOSS, 
 
 * ISTEPHEX HAYES, JOSEPH IirULBlT, 
 GEOUCiE ClfYER, PHILO JIDSOX, 
 DkW I'lT C". STEPKY, CH APLES L. AYEK, 
 PIliXEAS CPAXDALL, :;: J.\C()IJ ALLEX, 
 
 * WHJJAM AITCHISOX, POPEPT SOlTHGATE, 
 WILLIA.M W. P.ELDEX, =;: ELI HYDE, 
 
 JOSEPH A. SAXTOX, J;EXJ. P. HOl'KIXSOX, 
 
 * EPASTIS PIPLEY, XATHAXIEL-AIIXEP, 
 
 * SAL.MoX C"OXE, LEXT S. liorciH, 
 
 * ALPHA.MILLEP. PAPL COL'CH, 
 (iEOlUiE II. WOODWAP.D, AXPPEW C PEXLSOX, 
 SYLYE>TEK IIIXE. S. G. W. PAXKIX, 
 HAPYEY PL'SHXELL, ' HHiA.AI JiELL, 
 PHIIJP PAYSOX, WILLIA^I A. IJEXEDICT, 
 JAMES A. MOOPE, HIPAM TIJAC Y, 
 DAXn':L G. TYLEP, C LAPEXDOX E. .MUZZY, 
 SAMUEL (tIHsWoLD, THOMAS TALLMAX, 
 
 * EPEXEZEP W. POPIXSOX, * POS^^ ELL WHrUMoPE, 
 LI rilEP H. BAPliEP, * 8TEPHEX GPUSBY. 
 LEWIS JESSUP, 
 
 Of the eighty pastors, twenty are deceased, twenty 
 
 are still in the pastoral office in this county. There have 
 
 been 63 instalhition.s, and ol dismissions. Twenty-one 
 churches have pastors, twelve have stated preachers, three 
 are vacant. Oidv 44 churches in the state have the same 
 
18 
 
 pastors which thoy had ten j^ears ago. Eleven of tliese are 
 in this county. 
 
 Some of the men whose names are starred on the fore- 
 going catalogue are worth}- of a more extended mention. 
 But ni}' limits forhid. Their praise is in all the churches, 
 and their record is on high. JNor in extolling them have 
 we any occasion to disparage the younger men who have 
 entered into their lahors. Our pul})its were never more ef- 
 ficiently manned than they are to-day. It would he a re- 
 proach to our young ministers were it otherwise. They have 
 the experience of the past to guide them, facilities for train- 
 ing and helps in their Avork unknown to the fathers. The 
 world moves, and the Christian ministry may reasonably be 
 expected to mov^e with it. 
 
 The perfect hnrmony and christian fellowship which 
 have characterized the ministry of this county, is due, in 
 no small measure, to their monthly meeting. They here 
 take each other by the hand, discuss points of difference, 
 take fraternal counsel, bow together at the throne of grace, 
 and learn by exjierience what is meant by '' conmiunion of 
 saints." 
 
 From the survey which has here been taken, it ap- 
 pears that seven new churches have been organized, and 
 two have become extinct. 
 
 In the year ISoG, the whole number of communi- 
 cants in tliese churclies, as near as can be ascertained, was 
 3,557. They now report 5, '200, an increase of IJUo, or 46 
 per cent. I'he increase of population for tAventy years, from 
 1840, was 41 per cent. If we except the Roman Catholic 
 immigration, it is believed that the increase of all our evan- 
 gelical chuiches is in advance of the population. 
 
10 
 
 or the cliurclics ()rj2;mi/,('(l previous to 1 .SHC). the follow 
 iiiii' table shows the increase or ileerease : 
 
 New I^oinlon. 1st. 
 
 Norwich. 1st 
 
 Stoiiiiijrton, 1st... 
 
 Old l-yiue 
 
 Pri'stoii 
 
 Li'hiiiion 
 
 Colchester 
 
 Ciroton 
 
 Franklin 
 
 Criswold 
 
 Montville 
 
 Lisbon 
 
 iN:i(> 
 
 .uo ; 
 
 174 
 
 17] 
 
 p]ast !.,yino , 
 
 Lyme, ( Hanildirc: 
 .North Sfoninirton. 
 
 Westchester 
 
 (iosiieii 
 
 Hozrah 
 
 rJrassy Hill 
 
 Norwich, lid 
 
 Sprairne 
 
 Exeter 
 
 Salem 
 
 Ledyard 
 
 .lewelt City 
 
 Bozraliville 
 
 Mohegan 
 
 Stoniny:ton. 'jil 
 
 Greeneviile 
 
 New London, 2i\.... 
 * Indicates increase. 
 
 in; 
 
 1-_M 
 •_':;'» 
 .'iC. 
 1(14 
 is:! 
 141 
 
 lot; 
 :,(; 
 s-_' 
 '■>] 
 n(\ 
 fiO 
 
 KIC, 
 
 W7 
 CR 
 40 
 S6 
 75 
 78 
 
 3:') 
 
 57 
 141 
 
 114 
 
 i:'.0 
 
 2155 
 21 ".9 
 !»;■) 
 ]H-2 
 11'. 
 I'.f. 
 •_'77 
 
 i:1S 
 
 1 :>; 
 
 '.HI • 
 
 71 
 1 -JO 
 11-2 
 109 
 
 87 
 
 fi4 
 
 40 
 4-20 
 
 lor, 
 
 98 
 
 fi8 
 
 134 
 
 U^ 
 
 44 
 
 18 
 
 2*22 
 
 •ifiO 
 
 383 
 
 l»>r < 1 . 
 
 — 11 
 
 -•20 
 V, 
 — 1 
 '•'ii'i 
 *ir) 
 '12;'. 
 
 —31 
 —32 
 —12 
 
 •27 
 
 ••".7 
 
 *27 
 
 *9.', 
 
 •40 
 —40 
 
 — 11 
 •17 
 ".-4 
 
 *14.'i 
 
 *89 
 
 *7« 
 
 •ri.9 
 
 •20 
 _r.8 
 
 ••'w 
 •128 
 •104 
 
 — Indicates (Iccrea.'i 
 
 Twenty-two liave increased, eight have heeii diniin- 
 ished. The lar<xest per centage of increase is in New Lon- 
 don 2d ; next is Exeter, wliieh. with a decrease of popula- 
 tion 20 per cent., has added to the church l-l") i)er cent. 
 This is one of the fruits of a perniaiKMit and ellicient inini.s- 
 try. If our young ministers would more generally be con- 
 tent to toil on in the sphere to which the providence of God 
 assigns them, thoudi limited in extent, they would have 
 the satisfaction of seeing the fields about them whitening for 
 an aljundant harvest, and in the end would purchase to 
 themselves a good degree. 
 
 Most of the parishes have largely increased the salaries 
 of their ministers. The average, about »^1,200, is more tlian 
 the highest paid thirty-three years ago. In some ]iar- 
 ishes the salaries are still unreasonably, unjustly small. This 
 
20 
 
 is specially true of those which rely inaiiily upon permanent 
 funds. 
 
 The au'iiTcgnte of j)uhlic chanties rej)orted for 18(j8 is 
 |27,35o 80r 
 
 Twenty-six new houses of public worship have been 
 erected. Several have been refitted and enlariied. To these 
 may be added three mission chapels in our two cities. 
 
 Fourteen parsonages have been provided. 
 
 Four pastoral libraries have been founded. There is de- 
 mand for more. 
 
 The period under review has been characterized by the 
 constant indwelling of the Holy Spirit, intbcated b}' the 
 christian fellowship and healthful growth of tliis sisterhood 
 of churches, together with the frequent reviving of their 
 graces and the increase of their luunbers. At the same time 
 there is within the limits of the county a mass of people 
 who are not reached by any saving influences of the gospel. 
 They neglect public worship, desecrate the Sabi)ath, profane 
 the name of God, scofi' at the trutlis of Christianity, addict 
 themselves to vicious indulgence, to the slavery of the basest 
 appetites, and sink themselves far below the better class of 
 heathen. How to bring the gospel to bear upon these men 
 is a problem which awakens much anxious thought and 
 earnest discussion. 
 
 The experience of our churches has taught them to put 
 a high value upon the ordinary means of grace, the preach- 
 ing of the word, the prayer meeting and family visitation. 
 
 Some of them have held a series of religious meetings 
 of several days continuance with very great s])iritual bene- 
 fit. Many have been induced by means like these to join 
 themselves to the Lord. 
 
 Our experience has demonstrated another fact, viz., 
 that persons of upright lives, trained in christian families, 
 and habitual attendants uj)()n })ublic worship, when they 
 openly espouse the cause of Christ, are less liable than oth- 
 ers to fall away. One of our churches reports, " That nearly 
 all the persons ho[)efully converted here two years ago, who 
 did not previously sustain a good moral character, have gone 
 
21 
 
 back to tlioir evil ways. Some of the most r<'in;irkal)le eon- 
 versions, as they were (tailed at the time, turned out to be 
 remarkable apostacies. and stronjr driidv lias Ikhmi the princi- 
 pal cause ol' it.' 
 
 The experience of other chui'ches it is believed would 
 prove that while some men of vicious lives, suddenly con- 
 verted, run well, very many, not to say most ot" them, go 
 back to their old courses. 
 
 The history of these churches proves that permanent 
 funds, like the law, are good, if a peoj>le use them lawlully. 
 They afford uselul help to feeble societies, and so subserve 
 the interests of true religion. But where they ccmstitute 
 the sole or main reliance, they are a positive damage. Men 
 attach little value to that which costs them nothing. If, 
 therefore, you would crush out the vitality of a chnrch aide 
 to sustain its^elf, impo.se upon it a permanent fund sullicient 
 to meet all its expenses. 
 
 The churches of this state had long felt the need of 
 some closer bond of union. In the autumn of 18G7 a con- 
 vention was called at New Britain to consider this subject, 
 "which after due deliberation organized a general confer- 
 ence of Congregational churches of Connecticut, to l>e com- 
 posed of delegates from county conferences and other ec(de- 
 siastical bodies, in the ratio of one delegate for every three 
 hundred members. 
 
 The General As.sociation. whi(di is a clerical body, has 
 transferred to the conference the mnnMcr^ment of Ihmie Mis- 
 sions, Home Evangelization, the '' ' ^und. corres;)ond- 
 ence with other ecclesiastical b' %erything • , •: .li 
 pertains to the general welfare c "lies. I his js a 
 movement in tlie right directi- the [)romise of 
 much good. It marks one sttp ■ , . ■ - ' 
 
 To tlio.se of us who are soon to clo.^e our labors, it is 
 gratifying to know that the i)resent membership of our 
 churches is no whit behind the generation Avhich pre- 
 ceded them, in devotion to the work of the Lord and active 
 
 *The Conference is no lonjrer a matter of experiment. The second annual 
 meeting, held at Kockville, October 2G, demonstrates its perfect success. 
 
22 
 
 endeavors to advance his kingdom. They have more libe- 
 rality in giving, more ability to give, a better understand- 
 ing of God's truth, and hence more fellowship with Chris- 
 tians of other name. 
 
 On bidding adieu to the past, we commend to those who 
 come after us and who enter into our labors, the interests of 
 these churches, the training of the children for Christ, the 
 gathering into the fold of the Good Shepherd our home born 
 population, and the evangelization of the thousands who 
 fro7n the old world are every year thrown upon our shores. 
 We commend to them the diffusion of the gospel among all 
 nations. 
 
 We have made a beginning. Our methods of labor are 
 imperfect, they may need to be revised. To achieve the full 
 triumjjh of the cross, demands a large increase of liberality, 
 zeal and devotion to the work of the Lord. 
 
 As we surrender our trust to other hands, we do it in 
 the confident assurance that they will bring to it greater 
 wisdom, richer resources, and more entire consecration to 
 the common cause, till the earth shall be filled with the 
 knowled<'e of the "dorv of the Lord. 
 
HOTOMOUNT 
 ^^PHLET BINDER 
 
 "onufocturedby 
 t-ORD BROS. Inc. 
 .cocuso, N. Y. 
 
 ■' JCkfon, Calif.