Burlington, Vermont Manual of the First Church BX7I50 B^5F5 A3 ^ftN OF PuiNcer^ % OC" BX 7 ( 50 B95F5 '71^0 5F5 MANUAL OF THE FIRST CHURCH, BURLINGTOxY, VERMONT. M A N U A J. OF THE FIRST CDMREtATIOni fHliRfH BURLINCTOX. VERMONT. NO. II. 18 6 7 . COMPILED BY OKDEK OF THE CIIUIKJII. BURLINGTOX : FRKE rP.ESS STEAM PUINT, 1SG7. ^ DATES ORGrANIZATION OF THE DIFFERENT CHUECHES IN' BURLINGTON. First Congrcu'atioiKil. Feb. 'Jo, 1^^0o. Unitamn, April 19, 1810. Methodist, 1820. Episcopal, April, 1831. Baptist, . 1834. Roman Catholic, ~ 1830. Third GonoTeo;ational Xov. 4, 1860. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TEST OONGEEGATIONAL CHUEOH. The Town of Burlington was chartered in June, 1763. The first settlement was commenced in it about the jear 1775, but was mainly abandoned during the war of our Reyolution. In the spring of 1783 nine or ten families came from Connect- icut, and effected a more permanent and flourishing settlement. From 1783 to 1800, the population increased from about 40 persons to 600. During this period, the ministrations *of the gospel were seldom enjoyed, except through the laboi's of oc- casional missionaries. Xotwithstanding the increase of popu- lation, and the prosperous state of the settlement, no church was organized before the year 1805. During the autumn of 1804, several persons became specially interested in the spiritual wants of the town. The public worship of God on the Sabbath, had indeed been par- tially sustained in the College Chapel, for some time previous to 1804. But this was not enough. Tlie people needed a more effective preaching of the gospel, by the influence and example of a Christian Church and Pastor. The few profess- ing Christians in the town felt the responsibility of their situ- ation, and determined, in reliance on God's blessing, to organ- ize a Church. Accordingly, on Friday the l^lst of February; 1805, four- teen persons, five males and nine females, assembled at the house of Moses Catlin, Esci., and adopted and subscribed arti- cles of faith, and a covenant, by which they mutually pledged themselves to be governed. On the Sabbath following, viz : on , the 23d of February, 1805, they were formally organized and constituted a Church of Christ. Such was the origin of the first church formed in the town, consisting of the following persons, viz : Alexander Catlin, Daniel C. Sanders, Abigail Catlin, Nancy Sanders, LrciNDA Catlin, Ebenezer Lyman, OziAS BuELL, Anna Lyman, Abigail Buell, Clarissa Lyman, Daniel Coit, Sarau Atwater, Amelia Tuttle, Miriam Wetmore. In August of the following year, (1806,) the church, thus formed, gave a unanimous call to the Rev, Sidney Willard, to become their Pastor. Mr. Willard did not accept their call, and the church remained without a Pastor until the year 1810. On the lOtb of April, 1810, the Rev. Daniel Haskell was ordained and installed as the first Pastor of the church and society. He was the first settled minister in the town, and continued his labors successfully through a period of twelve jear.s, when, on the lil^d of June, IX'2'2, he was dismissed to accept the presidency of the University of Vermont. TJie following persons succeeded him in the pastoral office, viz : Kcv. Willard Preston, D. D., installed Aug. 2U, 1N22 ; Dismissed to preside over the University, July 9th, 1825. ^ Rev. Reuben Smith, installed May 4th, 1826 ; Dismissed May 5th, 1831. Rev. John Kendrick Converse, ordained Aug. 9th, 1832 ; Dismissed Oct. 7th, 1844. Rev. John Hopkins Worcester, D. D., installed March loth, 1847 ; Dismissed Jan. 7th, 1855. Rev. C. Spencer Marsh, ordained Nov. 6th, 1856 ; Dis- missed Feb. 8th, 1860. Rev. Eldridge Mix, installed Sept. 4th. 1862. The first and only Deacons of this church, prior to 1823, were Moses Robinson and Lyman King. The following per- sons have since borne this office, in the order in which they are named : Ozias Buell, Samuel Hickok, Pliny M. Corbin, James Mitchell, Dan Day, Martin A. Seymour', Loyal T. Sprague, Jonathan Farr, Jr., Henry P. Hickok, Nathan A. Ward, Hor- ace Hatch, Horace L. Nichols, David K. Pangborn, Charles A. Seymour, Augustus Kimball, John S. Storrs, Burnham Seaver, and Edwin L. Ripley. The first church was built of wood, on the site occupied by the present church, fachjf/ the north, and was dedicated G Dec. 12tli, iSli!. It was the first house of worship erected in the town, was large and commodious, and stood for twenty- seven years. In the summer of 1835, its interior was thoroughly re- paired and modernized, in such a manner as to enlarge the number of pews, and greatly to promote the comfort of the congregation. The church, thus improved, was furnished with an excellent organ, the gift of Dea. Samuel Hickok. Before dawn on Sabbath morning, June 28d, 1830, this edifice was fired by the hand of an incendiary, and totally destroyed. The society immediately set about the erection of another. In th-' course of three years they were enabled to complete the pres- ent house of worship, which Avas dedicated April 14th, 1842. Two colonies have gone out from this church. In Octo- ber, 1836, twenty-three persons were dismissed from its mem- bership, to be organized, with others, [Xov. 1), 183G,] into the Congregational Church at Winooski Falls. In October, 18G0, forty-five members of the church were dismissed, and formed [Xov. 4, 18G0] the College St. Church in this city. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, as given herein, are those reconnnended by the Chittenden County Conference, and were adopted by this church March ."), 1852. The whole number of members ree-eived into this ciiurdi, from its organization up to April 1st, 1SG7, is 1300. C H U K (HI n E (i T ST K K The nanius of all persons who have ever been nienilters of this church since its organization in 1805, the date of theii admission, and also the date of the dismission or death of mkIi as are no longer members — so far as known to the present offi- cers of the church — are recorded in the Church Ileorister, to which all persons interested may have access by callinii" on the clerk of the church. C H U R C IT N T ICES 1. The .saeraiHt'iit of the Lord'.s Supper i.s administered on the afternoon of the first Sabbaths in January, Murcli, May, July, September and November. The Preparatory Lecture occurs on the Friday afternoon preceding Communion Sabbath. A meeting of the church is held two weeks previous to the time of the Preparatory Lec- ture, for the purpose of transacting business pertaining to the church, and receiving candidates for church membership. Pre- vious to this meeting, the standing committee of the church meet to confer with candidates desirinor admission to the church, notice of which is given from the pulpit. '2. The proper time for the administration of the ordi- nance of Infant Baptism is at the opening of the comnnuiion service. It may be administered, by special request, either at the Preparatory Lecture, or at the residence of the parents ; but it is desirable, if practicable, that it should be connected with the celebration of the Lord's Supper. This ordinance should not be unnecessarily delayed. The name of each child presented for baptism, the date of its birth, and the names of the parents, should be given to the Pastor in writing, at the time of the administration of the ordinance, in order that the records of the church may be properly kept. 8. The regular weekly meeting for [.rayvr and eunfer- ence is held on Thursday evenincr. 1) 4. The Sabbath School is held iininediatcly after the morning service. 5. Annual collections are taken ii{ as follows : for Foreign Missions, February ; Bible Society, April ; Domestic 31issions, June; Education Society, August; Tract Society? October ; American Missionary Association, Decemljer. A collection for the poor of the church is taken up at the close of each communion service. (.». 31 embers of the church are particularly requested to inform the Pastor in writing of any change in their names or places of residence. Members who are living in other places, or at too great a distance to worship regularly with us, should either connect themselves with a church in their vicinity, or once a j'car report themselves, in person or by letter, to the Pastor. In case of removal, to be absent for any considera- ble period of time, letters of dismission should always be ta- ken, if practicable, to some church where one purposes to re- side. 7. Early information should be given to the Pastor in cases of sickness or affliction, or if any other reason should oc- cur why a visit from him is especially desired. 10 A E ^J^ I C L E S OF FAITH. Article 1. We believe in one God, subsisting in three jtersons — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; a Being of infinite [torfection, and the only proper object of religious worship. Art. 2. We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the in- spired Word of God ; the only and sufficient rule of faith and practice. Art. o. We believe that all events are embraced within the wise and holy providence of God, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will ; yet so as in nowise to in- terfere with the perfect freedom of the creature. Art. 4. We believe that our first parents were origin- ally holy and happy, but that by disobedience they fell into a of Divine Grace. Art. 8. We believe that those who are refi;enerated were " chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy," and are confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in them, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Art. U. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, ami a general Judgment, from which the wicked will go away in- to everlasting punishment ; but the righteous into life etfi-- nal. Art. lU. ^V(i believe that a Church, Patriarchal, Jew- ish, or Christian, hasiexisted in all ages, and that for the hit- ter Christ instituted the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for the edification and comfort of believers. Art. 11. We believe that Baptism is to be adminis- tered only to believers and their children ; and the Lord's Supper to those who publicly profess their Faith in Christ, and walk according to their profession. 1:> COVENANT You do now, in the presence of the heart-searching God, and before angels and men, solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to be your God, Jesus Christ to be your Saviour, and the Holy Ghost to be your Sanctifier ; promising that, denying ungodliness and every worldly lu^t, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, giving up yourself (selves) and yours, to be the Lord's. You also bind yourself (selves) to walk with us in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, discharging ac- cording to your station the various duti#s offomily and secret pr,ayer, keeping the Holy Sabbath, and attending public wor- ship, and covenanting that you w^ill walk with your fellow- members in all brotherly love, as becomes the followers of Je- sus, and that you will submit to the government of Christ in this Church, to all the administrations and censures of it. so far as they accord with the word of God. 13 llECEPTiOX m^ THK CIlUilCH.* Then dotli this Cluircli also aiioetionat(^;ly receive you to its comnmnioii and fellowship, bidding you a cordial welcome, as a fellow-eiti/.eu (fellow-eitizeiis) with the saints, and of tlio househohl of (lod. And, syleniuly renewing this day our covenant with God and with each other, we do also novr, humbly depending on the Ljracc of God, solenndy covenant with yon, severally promising vou our prayers and Christian love, and engaging to walk witli vou, as becometh saints, in all Thristian watchfulness, charity, and brotherly kindness. And now, " unto Ilim that is able to keep you from tail- ing, and to present you faultless before the presence of His irlory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be dorv and majesty, ted to riic, and sUnJ. while tb«i funn of reception is pronounced . 14 C^H U 11 ( ' II O F F I C E R S 1 S (3 7 . Pastor. Hev. Elduiuge Mix. Deaco7is. John S. Stokks, Augustus Kimball, BUKNIIAM SeAVER, Edwin L. Rip lev. St a }idi)iKNT IN r.rKTJNGTON, OR ONLY TEMPORAlUf.Y A15SF.NT. Abbott, Goo. Nelson Abbott, Mary (Ladd); Mrs Geo. N. Abbott, Lucy Aim (Bennett); ]Mrs. John ; w, Abbott, Louisa M. Adams, Lucy Adams, Olivia (Morehouse); Mrs. K. W. Allen, 3Iartha L. (Storrs); Mrs. Horace A. Atwater. Cornelia (Evarts); Mrs. E. J). liaile}", Eliza Jane Baird, Elizabeth Ballard, Charles Kolliu Ballard, Helen Maria (Perry); Mrs. A. K. Ballard, Sarah E. (Perry); Mrs. H. N. Ballard, Maria (Seymour); Mrs. O. L. IJarnes, Henry C. Barstow,,Geo. L. Barstow, Caroline (Farnsworth); Mrs. G. L. Barstow, Matilda S. Barstow, 3Iartha B. Belknap, Henry Bennett, Milo L. Bennett. Adeline L. (Hatch); Mrs. M. L. 16 Bicknell, Alfred Blackman, Betsey (]\)tter); 3Irs. P.; w. Blackman, C'aroliue Bliii, Almira (Learned); Mrs. K.; w. Blodgett, Sarah (Ellis); Mrs. G. S. Blodgett, Liithera (Bissell); Mrs. Calvin Boardman, Ellen M. Bostwick, Henry H. Bostwiek, Clarissa (Hamilton); 3Irs. H. H. Bostwick, Laura A, Bostwick, Sarepta (Hadley); Mrs. Anson ; w, Brinsmaid, James E. Brinsmaid, Caroline (Hull); Mrs. James E. Brinsmaid, Mary (Walton); Mrs. Wm. Brown, Mary (Fleming); Mrs. S. P.; w. Buckhani, Thomas Scott Burritt, Caroline (Williams); Mrs. A.; av. Burritt, Deborah (Parker); Mrs. Harmon Burritt, Helen Buttolph, Harriet (Smith); Mrs. Henry A. Byington, Fionisa (TTpham); Mrs. M. M. Camj), Isaac Newton Camp, Flora M. (Carpenter); Mrs. Isaac N. Carey, Edward M. Catlin, Henry W. Catlin, Mary A. (Poor); Mrs. Henry W. Chamberlin, James S. Chamberlin, Josephine A. (Taylor); Mrs. Jamei 17 Chandler, Betsey (Wheeler); Mrs. John G.; w. Chittenden, Eli Chittenden, Mary Y. (Hatch); Mrs. L. E. Clapp, Liieinda (Hall); Mrs. Wm. Clark, Elizabeth T. (Raymond); Mrs. A. H. Cody. Ann E. Coggin. Frederick G. Coggin, Louisa R. (Yose); Mrs. Frederick (}. Colbiirn, Dan Colburn, Lucia (Brewster); Mrs. Dan Cole, Sarah E. Cole, Mary A. Cook, Anson G. Cook, Emily (ETamilton); Mrs. Anson G. Cooley, Paulina M. (Newell); Mrs. Corning. Angelina E. Corning, Harriet Cottrill, Roxana Crandall, Henry A. Crandall. Esther (Storrs); Mrs. Honry A. Crombie, L3'dia C. Crombie. Wm. A. Dewey, Archibald S. Dewey, Lucina A. (Rich); Mrs. Archil)ald S. Dow, Gilbert B. Dow, Frances (Scott); Mrs. Gilbert B. Edgell, Sarah A. (West); Mrs. L. A. 18 Evarts, Miles A. Evarts, Hannah (Blood); Mrs. Miles A. Fay, John J. Fay, Mindwell (Brewster); Mrs. John J. Fay, Cornelia Fay, Elizabeth S. Fay, Frederick Field, Abigail D. Fisher, Abigail (Cutts); Mrs. M. I. Fleming, Mary J. Fleming, Julia A. Fletcher, James Harvey Floyd, Eugene B. Francis, Rebekah (Wheeler); Mrs. John ; w, Francis, Mar}- M. (Pease); Mrs. (}eorge Francis, Sarah H. Grant, Lydia A. (Seymour); Mrs. Ohas.; vv. G-riffin, Samuel E, Croodrich, John Ellsworth Grow, Minerva P. (Haynes); Mrs. C. A. Hagar, Sarah Hagar, Catherine A. Harrington, Mary (Doak); Mrs. Andrew A. Hatch, Horace Haynes, Minerva (]^liss); Mrs. Joshua ; w. Haynes, Ellen E. Hazen, Wm. E. 19 lleniinwiiy, Clara Herrick, Mary A. (Williams); Mrs. Strpheii L. Herriek, Frances Jj. Hiekok, Anna (Rei.l); Mrs. E. Hiekok, Mary Frances Hiekok, James W. Hiekok, Julia (Francis); Mrs. James W. Hiekok, Wm. C. Hiekok, Laura A. (Piatt); Mrs. Wm. (\ Hiekok, Franei.s Hill, Audelia (Wood): Mrs. Cyrus C. Hill, Lucia Marion Hoklen, Jane M. Hubbard, Harriet A. Hubbard, Maria L. Hunt, Eunice (Wright); Mrs. S. ^\^; w. Hutchins. Wealthy Ann (Emery); Mrs. W. F. Ingraliam, Helen (Fisk); Mrs. Geo. Isham. Harriet (Hall): Mrs. (Jeo. 15. Jones, Amos 15. Jones, Clarissa (Millard); Mrs. Amos U. Kimball, Augustus Kimball, Caroline A. (Fay); Mrs. Augustus Kimbail, Ellen E. Langdon, Henry H. Langdon, Hannah M. (Russell); 3L-s. Henry H. Lane, Caroline (Field); Mrs. Wm. H. 20 Lano, Will. II., Jr. Lawrence, Luther L. Lawrence, Anna (Lyman); Mrs. Luther L. Liseum, Phoebe (Hamilton); Mrs. John Li scum, Emerson H. Liseum, Minerva M. Liseum, Kate Amelia Tioomis, Eliza (Deming); Mrs. Geo.; w. Lowry, Louisa (Bhikeslee); Mrs. John Lovely, Aurelia (Post); Mrs. Noble ; w. Lyman, Florence Lyon, Mary (Grout); Mrs. Dan Lyon, Lucia E, Lysaght, Mary Ami (Walker); Mrs. M. 31cLane, Sulmiit (Shurtlcff); Mrs. J. 11; w. Mead, Ellen (Martin); Mrs. Giles T.; w. Mills, Mary Jane Mills, Caroliiie Elizabeth ^litchell, James Mitchell, Sarah (Harrington); Mrs. James Mitcliell, Sarah Louise Mix, Susan A. (Willard); Mrs. Eldridge Moore, Henry E. Mower, Cornelia M. (Liscuin); Mrs. (). (J.; w. Munson, Harriet (Earle); Mrs. J.; w. Xabb, Sarah (Armstrong); Mrs. John Newell, Elislui Newell, Emeline (Read); Mrs. E. 21 NewL'lI, Esther (ratlin); Mi>. Hiram : w. Nichols, Benjamin S. Nichols, Lucy H. (PcntieUl); Mrs. Benjamin S. Nichols, Charles P. Nichols, Mary H. Norris, Ellen 31. (Grout) Mrs. Northrop, John O. Northrop, Ellen (l^arbcr); Mrs. John O. Norton. John Wright O'liricn. Thonia> Panghorn, Elizabeth (h'arrington): Mr--, 1>, K. Peaslee, Lydia H. Peck, James Peck, Grace A. (Starr): Mrs. James Peck, Louise H. (Turrill); Mrs. John E. Peck, David Brainerd Peek, Frances (IJrainerd); Mrs. D. B. Peck, Hamilton S. Peck, (ieorgiana C. Peek, Elsa Janette Peek, Edward Sprague Peek, Theodore ^afford Peirce. John t^. Peirce, Ann (Hill); Mrs. J. 8. Perry, Daniel Perry, Catherine (Aylswortli); 3Irs. I>. Perry, Wm. A. Perrv, Nathaniel Wheatlev IV'rry, Clari.ssa (Collins); Mrs. X. W. Perrj-, Clementine S. 1^.1K^ Lucina (Allen); xMrs. S. 31. Kead, Kmily (Marsh); Mrs. David Read, Edward M. liiee, Henry Clinton ]ii(v, Harriet E. (Marshall); Mrs. H. C. liicliMrdson, Sarah AY. (Peaslee); Mrs. Amos; w Jliplej % Edwin L. Rol»in.. Stacy, Jane Stiicy, Clara Staniford, Jifliette Stearns, Augusta (Swan); Mrs. 11. B. Stone, Mieah H. Stone, Mary C. (Gilmour); Mr>. M. II. Storrs, John S. Storrs, Fanny (Crandall); Mrs. .) . S. Storrs. Charles Storrs, Susan L. (Pitkin): Mrs. Clias. Storrs, Asahel Storrs. Mahala (Parsons); Mrs. A. •24: Tiiylor. Annii' (Anustroiig)^ Mrs. Arc-hiliald Thoiiipsou, Cha.^. Wlieoler Torrey, Mary Cutler Tm-rill, Lydia A. (Hall); Mrs. L. U. Viclo, Celinda (Boyiitoii); Mrs. Win. 13. WaiuAvrighl, Nancy (Hunt); Mrs. Carles Wainwright, Charles AVanl. Hannah (Chirk); Mrs. Nathan ; w. Weeks, Edward Weeks, Hannah (Kilhurn); Mrs. K. Wheeler, H<»raei' Wheeler, Laura (Islumi); Mrs. H. Wheeler, Mary C. (Kignall); Mrs. John ; w AVheeler, Lucia Tiiouipson AVheeler, llehekah Wheelock, Hineline Whipple, Clarissa (Church): Mrs. A.; w. White, Adeline Whitney, Lavilhi ((folding); Mrs. Stephen Willard, ()ri>ha (Hichards); Mrs. M. A. Willard, Ella J. Worcester, John Hopkins Worcester, Catherine (Fleming); Mrs. J. H, Worcester John Hopkins, -Ir. 25 26 N C) N - K E S I 1) E N T C L E U G Y M E N WHO AllE MEMBERS OF TUTS CTIURCII. Rev. J. 0. B. Beaubicu, New York. llev. Archibald Fleming, Constable, N. Y. Hev. Wm. W. Livingston, Missionary A. B. C. F. M. Rev. Sidney H. Marsh, President of Pac. Univ., Oregon llev. John Orcutt, J). .1)., Hartford, Conn. llev. Charles C. Parker, Gorham, Me. llev. Moses P. ParnieK?e, Missionary A. B. C. F. M. Rev. John B. Perry, now in Burlington. llev. Azro Andrus Smith, Lowell. Rev. Charles C. Torrey, W. Randolph. Rev. Joseph Torrey, Jr., Bardwick. llev. Henry A. P. Torrey, Vergennes. llev. Francis B. Wheeler, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. FIRST CALV. rOSi}. SOCIETY OFFICERS, HOT. Prudential Committee. James Mitchell, James Peck, C. J. Algeii. Clerk and Treasurer. J, W. HlCKOK. Collector. Dax Lyon. The animal meetings (jf the Society are held in January of each year, as warned by th<' Clerk or l^rudeiitial Commit- tee. On the written application of three or more members of the Society, the Clerk is re(|uire(l to call a special meeting. It is desirable that not only all Jiiale members of tlie church. }»ut all gentlemen regularly worshiping with them, shoukl connect themselves with the Society. ThfV may do so by subscribing its articles, and paying an annual sum in aid of it, either as pew rent, assessment, or subscription ; and may remain members so long as such annu- al payments are continued. 28 In compliance with a vote of the Society, passed June lo, 1864, a collection is taken up each Sabbath morning, and the receipts are applied, unless notice is given of a different application, to the payment of the expenses necessarily inci- dent to the maintenance of public worship. Persons desiring seats in the church should apply to the TreasuVer of the Society. [HiSTOPviCAL Note. — ^Thc town of Burlington was tirst organized into a parish in June, 1805, with the title of the *' First Society for Public and Social Worship in Burlington." This Society acted harmoniously with the First Church in sus- taining public worship until Jan. 1, 1810, when, the Church and Society being unable to agree in the settlement of a pas- tor, this Society forthwith dissolved, and two new societies were formed. The one now generally known as the Unitarian Society was organized' on the 19th of January, 1810, and as- sumed the name of the " First Congregational Society." The other organized with the title of the " First Congregational Society under the Calvinistic order," for the express purpose of co-operating with the First Church. Its original articles of association were signed by thirty-one members, and bear date January, 1810. The first meeting duly warned was lield March 5, 1810. Their first minister was settled on the lOtii of April following. The Unitarian Society settled their first minister on the P.tth of the same month ; a church of six members, of whom the pastor elect was one, having been previously organized by the ordaining council. The right of land belonging to the first settled minister, though legally vesting in the Society connected with the First Church, was, bv their consent, evenly divided between the two.l ■'x PAMPHLET BINDER ' Manufactured by IgAYLORD BROS. Inc. I Syracuse, N. Y. ! Stockton, Cal.r. BX7150.B95F5A3 Manual... No. II, 1867. limSllST,'^ Semmary-Speer Library 1 1012 00036 6338 '^M^s^ i^ ^^^