THE LIBRARIES Bequest of Frederic Bancroft 1860-1945 Rev. Henry Crocker President of the \'erniont Baptist Historical Society HISTORY OF THE Baptists In Vermont BY REV. HENRY CROCKER bellows falls, vt. The p. H. Gobte Ppess Copyrighted 1913 by The Vermont Baptist State Convention PREFACE "Other men labored and ye are entered into their labors." The importance of preserving material for a history of Ver- mont Baptists was recognized by a few persons at an early date. In the minutes of The Shaftsbury Association of 1794, is this note: "N. B. It is the request of some of the members of this Associa- tion, that the several Associations with whom we correspond would print their annual minutes in sizable octavo. By this we judge a valuable end might be answered; by being all of one size they might easily be reduced to a volume, without any expense; being ranged in order from year to year, and bound together, they will naturally be preserved. The various circular letters they contain will be richly worthy of perusal and preservation; they will contain a body of divinity, in a familiar style of letter writing. This method fol- lowed a few years will produce at once a more extensive history, and accurate register of the Baptists in America, than any other. It will at least contain particular and extensive information, for rising generations, without any expense but merely the care of pre- serving. To this end an octavo size will be best. " Unfortunately this suggestion as to uniformity of size was not heeded, but the prediction concerning the value of the minutes as sources of history was correct, and much credit is due those who pre- served the minutes and to others who have collected the files now available for reference in our Historical Societies. For many years, however, a vast amount of history was in the archives of the peo- ple 's memory, and much has been lost, for lack of a timely historian. In 1841, the State Convention took definite steps to secure a history of Vermont Baptists. Brethren A. Churchill, D. Haskall and M, Field were appointed a committee for this purpose. They reported that they found in the hands of Brother Churchill a num- 2 PREFACE ber of histories of the churches, but not in condition to enable them to come to a definite conchision on the subject of pubUcation, They recommended that a committee be appointed to receive further communications from the churches, and to prepare a con- densed history, to be inserted, if practicable, in The Vermont Gaz- eteer, about to be published by Mr. Thompson of Burlington. Rev. C. A. Thomas was appointed chairman of this committee and instructed to prepare the article for the Gazeteer. During the next year the article was prepared and forwarded. Mr. Churchill reported that a goodly number of churches had made returns, yet there were several from which no returns had been received. Brethren A. Churchill and C. A. Thomas were appointed to prose- cute the work of collecting the history of the Baptists, with in- structions to report at the next meeting of the Convention. Near the close of the session in 1843, a box was presented to the Convention from Brother A. Churchill, containing copies of the minutes of the several Associations, biographies of deceased Bap- tist ministers, histories of individual churches and other material which he had collected within a few years at great trouble and ex- pense, for the purpose of enabling the Convention to issue a full and accurate history of the Baptists of Vermont. The box was received with thanks, and a committee consisting of C. A. Thomas, B. Brierly and one other was appointed to examine the material and see what could be done to arrange it for the press. The committee reported the material worthy of preservation, and recommended that a committee of nine persons, one from each Association in the State, be appointed to prepare from information already collected and which may be collected, an article including the histories of the churches in his ovm Association, together with a history of the Association itself. These articles were to be pre- pared and handed in at the next session of the Convention. An able committee was appointed, consisting of N. Dennison, L. A. Dunn, I. Keach, J. Clement, W. M. Guilford, M. G. Hodge, M. D. Miller, C. W. Hodges, J. M. Rockwood. This committee was reappointed the next year and Brother L. Hayden of Saxtons River was ap- pointed a committee of oversight of the whole, during the year, PREFACE 3 to bring together the whole history and report to the Convention. This general committee failing to accomplish the work, a new committee was appointed and L. Hayden continued as a committee of oversight. For two years this committee simply reported pro- gress and was discharged. A special committee then made the following report : "Whereas, a committee of this body has been annually ap- pointed for several years past to collect materials for a History of the Baptists of this State and, whereas, it seems from reports that nearly all has been done by way of such committee scattered through the different Associations as can be expected; and, whereas, the work, if published at all, must be compiled, not only from ma- terial already obtained, but from additional facts obtained per- sonally by the compiler; therefore, "Resolved, that we recommend the appointment of a com- mittee of three located conveniently near for consultation with each other whose duty it shall be to procure if possible some person com- petent to take the manuscripts already prepared, and who will de- vote his own personal attention to collecting additional facts, and compiling and publishing the work on his own responsibility, aided by the counsel of said committee in the discharge of his responsible trust. "Resolved, that we recommend to such compiler and pub- lisher to visit most of the churches personally, collecting material for the history, and obtaining subscribers to the book when pub- lished. " These resolutions were adopted, and A. Sabin, M. G. Hodge and C. A. Thomas were appointed the committee. The committee failed to find the historian able and willing to undertake the work. The whole subject was then by vote referred to the several Associa- tions with a recommendation that they severally prepare histories of their bodies, and publish them in their minutes. Here the Con- vention rested their efforts for many years. The Shaftsbury As- sociation found in Stephen Wright a historian for their body, and a history of four hundred and sixty-two pages octavo was pub- lished. From time to time church histories and historical ad- dresses were printed in the minutes. 4 PREFACE In 1868, Rev. Cyprian Frenyear, a zealous and laborious stu- dent of Vermont Baptist history, began collecting historical ma- terial, and it was his ardent desire to prepare a history of the de- nomination in the State. He died in 1876, before his hopes could be realized. The Vermont Baptist Historical Society was then organized, and purchased of Mrs. Frenyear the collection of her husband's papers. William Randall, Charles Hibbard, R. L. Olds, T. H. Archibald, S. T. Archibald and others have added to this collection. Rev. T. H. Archibald was the next to undertake the production of the history. He was recognized by the Convention as its his- torian and a])propriation was made to compensate him for work done. He, too, passed on before this work was accomplished, and the work of revising his manuscripts and completing the history fell to his son, Rev. S. H. Archibald, who died in 1904, also leaving the work unfinished. The Archibald manuscripts became the property of the State Convention. It was at this point that the work of the editor of this volume began. Relieved from the cares of a pastorate, he volunteered to prepare the Archibald manuscripts for the press, supposing that there was little to be done but to copy pen written manuscripts upon the typewriter. But these papers, though interesting and valu- able, were found to be far from complete, and the publication of them as a history of Vermont Baptists would have proved inade- quate and unsatisfactory. This led to a careful examination of the accumulated historical material, to a purpose to edit, and publish whatever is of interest and value, following practically the plan proposed bj^ Cyprian Frenyear as outlined in the minutes of the Shaftsbury Association in 1875. Upon the announcement of this purpose, the Vermont Baptist Historical Society appointed Rev. Henry Crocker, Rev. J. R. Gow, D. D., and Hon. W. W. Stickney, a historical committee, and at the request of the histo- rical society the State Convention appointed Willard Crane, Col. Silas A. Ilsley and Dr. H. M. Holton a committee to cooperate with the above named committee in planning for the publication of the history. PREFACE 5 To Rev. W. A. Davison, D. D., secretary of the Board and superintendent of missions, was committed the problems incident to securing sul)scriptions and funds necessary to launch the work. At his suggestion, several brethren, beside the joint committee, sub- scribed liberally toward the cost of manuscript and publication. The final business arrangements were committed to Mr. Davi- son, Henry Bond and the editor, Henry Crocker., Someone has said, "By failures we may estimate difficulties. " If it had been an easy task the history of Vermont Baptists would have been written long ago. Difficulty has long defeated desire. Great credit is due to those who, wishing to publish the history, col- lected a great amount of material which they were compelled to pass on to a successor. Three names are worthy of special honor in this connection: Churchill, Frenyear and Archibald. The little box given by Churchill to the Convention, and the tin-lined trunk containing most of the Frenyear collection, together with the files of minutes carefully collected and preserved in the Historical So- ciety's Ubrary, have l)een the mine from which most of the facts here given have been taken. Some of the narratives are given as they were written long ago. It has been impossible to give the au- thority in many instances, as the papers are unsigned, and it has not been thought necessary in other cases to use quotation marks or notes. It is a satisf auction to know that facts long concealed or known to but few can now be known by many, and we may cherish the hope that the backward look will incite to more earnest efforts for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of Christ among the Green Mountains and the fertile valleys of Vermont. CONTENTS Chapter I. Chapter II. Chapter III. Chapter IV. Chapter V. Chapter VI. Chapter VII. Chapter VIII. Chapter IX. Chapter X. Chapter XI. Chapter XII. Chapter XIII. Chapter XIV. Chapter XV. Chapter XVI. Chapter XVII. Beginnings west of the Green Moun- tains in Shaftsbury, Pownal and Wallingford 13-33 Shaftsburj' Association, and Caleb Blood's Account of his Missionary Journey 35-54 Itinerant Missionaries from the Massachusetts Baptist Mission- ary Society and the Maine Bap- tist Missionary Society 55-59 Later accounts of the churches in Shaftsbury, PowTial and Walling- ford 61-69 The Vermont Association 71-78 Manchester Association 79-00 Other churches in the Vermont and Shaftsburj^ Associations 81-118 Addison County Association 119-13*2 Churches in the Addison Associa- tion Group 133-159 Revivals 161-171 Ecclesiastical Legislation 173-175 Beginnings east of the Green Moun- tams 177-184 The Windham County Association. . 185-194 Later Account of the churches in the Windham County Association. . . . 195-223 The Woodstock Association 225-240 Later Account of the Churches in the Woodstock Association 241-283 Barre Association, now Central Ver- mont As.sociation 285-311 CONTENTS Chapter XVIII. Caledonia and Orleans Counties, Danville Association and its Churches 313-327 Chapter XIX. Franklin and Lamoille Counties, Pioneers and Early Churches 327-341 Chapter XX. Richmond, Fairfield, Onion River, and Lamoille Associations 343-352 Chapter XXI. Churches of the Lamoille Association 353-426 Chapter XXII. Vermont Baptist State Convention. 427-519 Chapter XXIII. Education, Ministerial Education, Academies, New Hampton Theolo- gical and Literary Institution 521-558 Chapter XXIV. Sunday School \York 559-568 Chapter XXV. Vermont Baptist Bible Society 569-511 Chapter XXVI. Vermont Baptist Historical Society. 573-574 Chapter XXVII. Vermont Baptist Young Peoples' Union 575-577 Chapter XXVIII. Gifts of Vermont Bapti.sts to Home and Foreign Missions. Their Mis- sionaries Chapter XXIX. Women's Missionary Societies, Home and Foreign 593-603 Chapter XXX. Prominent Laymen 599-603 Chapter XXXI. The Free Baptist in Vermont 605 Appendices : Roll of Baptist and Free Baptist Churches Chrono- logically Arranged 621 Roll of Baptist and Free Baptist Churches Alphabeti- cally Arranged 628 List of Extinct Churches Chronologically Arranged 632 List of Extinct Churches Alphabetically Arranged 634 State Convention Compendium 639 Vermont Baptist Sunday School Convention Com- pendium 641 Compendium of Shaftsbury Association 642 Compendium of Addison Association 644 8 CONTENTS Compendium of Vermont Association 646 Compendium of Woodstock Association 647 Compendium of Windham County Association 650 Compendium of Vermont Central Association 651 Compendium of Danville Association 653 Compendium of Lamoille Association 655 Appropriations of the State Convention to the churches from beginning in 1824 to 1912 658 Index 677 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Rev. Henry Crocker Frontispiece Shaftsbury Baptist Church 16 Rev. S. H. Archibald 67 C. A. Thomas, D. D 89 Dea. E. M. Bixby 94 Ilsley Memorial Baptist Church 155 Col. S. A. Ilsley 160 Rev. Aaron Leland 185 Dea. Jacob Estey 207 A. B. Clark 214 Dr. Henry D. Holton 224 Dea. B. A. Park 245 Hon. Fred G. Field 248 O. H. Henderson 325 Rev. Alvah Sabin 358 Rev. Ezra Butler 390 Hon. Lawrence Barnes 398 Dea. Willard Crane 405 David G. Crane 419 Brandon Baptist Church 426 Hon. W. W. Stickney 455 Howard Crane 470 William A. Davison, D. D 501 Hon. J. J. Estey 505 Henry Bond 514 John A. Greenwood 519 Hon. Levi K. Fuller 545 New Hampton Literary and Theological Institution 553 Arthur G. Crane 569 Hon. Fred M. Butler 600 INTRODUCTION THE meeting and mingling of several currents of social and religious life made the beginning of Baptist history in Ver- mont a rapid and powerful movement. The tide of im- migration, long restrained, came in with a sudden rise when once the dykes were broken. The increasing population furnished the material for the multiplication of new churches. The settlement of the State, while largely a pioneer enterprise, was to some extent a religious movement. There were men and women of strong con- victions and fervent piety who were seeking release from some of the ecclesiastic restraints under which they had been living. This was particularly true of the Baptist immigrants. Baptist sentiments and practices were not then popular, but their adherents held them with the tenacity of conviction, and preached them fearlessly and with ef- fect. Their resistance to taxation for the support of "The Standing Order" subjected them to severe criticism and sometimes to more trying experiences, and the prospect of more perfect religious liberty among the mountains of Vermont was attractive to them. Moreover the times were ripe for an intense religious interest. The preaching of Wesley and his associates had pricked the consciences of many and had awakened among christians generally an evange- listic spirit. Many an immigrant, no doubt, brought into the soli- tudes of the wilderness pungent religious convictions which isola- tion and loneliness served to increase in force. Pioneer preachers and evangelists itinerating among these new settlers were warmly welcomed and their efforts were fruitful in encouraging christians and leading others to conversion. Near the close of the eighteenth century a gracious revival of religion began almost simultaneously throughout the State; converts were multiplied; new churches were organized; the small associations already organized welcomed the new churches to their fellowship and watchcare. The correspond- 12 INTRODUCTION ence between the associations in the State and in other states served to develop a denominational spirit and enterprise. The success of volunteer itinerants encouraged the associations to send out their preachers among the infant settlements and to the frontiers of civilization and to the camps of the Indians, and thus organized missionary work began. The letters of Adoniram Judson and the visit of Luther Rice awoke the churches to the cause of world wide missionary work. The need of combined effort for the care of weaker churches and for the work of missions led to the organization of the Vermont Baptist State Convention. Various departments of christian enterprise led to the organization of societies specially entrusted to these branches. Sunday schools were organized and Sunday School Conventions became a necessity. The women heard the call to special missionary service and their mission circles took a place of prominence in the local and State work. The young people rallied for service and for culture. Men and women endowed with the spirit of sacrifice gave of their earnings and income for the support of churches and the spread of the gospel at home and abroad. Generous bequests came into the treasury of the Convention, accumulating a fund for the more ade- quate su])port of pastors and for the maintenance of the weaker churches. Thus the denomination developed. Loved and honored leaders have lived and finished their work and others have entered into their labors. Some churches have had brief life and others have survived for more than a century, and now the Baptists of Vermont, well organized and with somewhat ample resources, are holding their place in the wide brotherhood of Baptists, and are trying to do their part of the work of the kingdom of Christ. This is an out- line of the story which the following pages of the book attempt to tell. History of the Baptists in Vermont Chapter I BEGINNINGS— CHURCHES IN SHAFTSBURY, POWNAL AND WALLINGFORD Hostility between the English, the French and the Indians, delayed the permanent settlement of \'ermont. Long after the colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut had become prosperous, Vermont remained a wilderness. When, in 1724, by vote of the Gen- eral Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Fort Dummer was erected within the present limits of Brattleboro, a measure of safety was secured, and settlements slowly began in Brattleboro, Putney, Vernon, Addison and Pownal. A small force of soldiers was sent to garrison Fort Dummer, and with them came Rev. Daniel Dwight, as chaplain. He was a minister of the "Standing Order, " and, so far as we know, the first to perform the duties of his sacred office in this State, and the only one for more than forty years. In 1760, the French finally capitulated, and Canada became a possession of Great Britain. Then the tide of immigration began to set strongly in this direction. The fertility of Vermont's soil and the wealth of her forests had long been kno\\Ti to soldiers, hunters, and adventurers, and these were among the foremost to become set- tlers, as soon as it was safe to do so. 14 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Others came, lured by the prospect of pleasant homes, where they might be free from some of the ecclesiastical restraints to which they had been subjected in the older colonies. Among the many immigrants, some were devout christians, who, true to their best impulses, united in efforts to establish schools and churches, and to evangelize their communities. The first township, granted by Governor Winthrop, of New Hampshire, was Bennington, in 1749. Settlement here, however, was not accomphshed until about 1760. Between 1760 and 1768, Wentworth had granted one hundred and thirty-eight towniships, and these were called New Hampshire Grants. The grants required that every grantee should plant and cultivate five acres of land,with- in five years, for every fifty acres granted; and other conditions were imposed. In each township one share of two hundred acres was set apart for the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts," one for a glebe for the Church of England, and one for the first settled minister. This provision for the first settled minister was very helpful to the infant churches in securing pastors, and an incentive to promi)tness on the part of the several denominations. The first church organized within the present limits of Ver- mont was the First Congregational Church in Bennington, De- cember 3, 1762, whose first pastor was Rev. Jedediah Dewey, from 1763 ^ntil his death in 1778. Other churches of this denomination were organized in Vernon and Westminster. The Bennington church was comjjosed of a zealous band of reformers called "Separatists," immigrants from Hardwick and Amherst, Mass. In this, as in many other instances, a portion of these New Light Reformers began to imbibe Baptist sentiments. This interrupted their harmony with those of their brethren who held on to the Pedo-Baptist system. Seeking to promote their o\mi religious comfort and advance the cause of truth, the Baptists removed from Bennington, some going north into the southwest part of Shaftsbury, near the present site of North Bennington, and others south into PowTial. The gathering of Baptists in these two places and their in- crease may have been due partially to another cause. Samuel Rob- inson, one of the original settlers and the largest proprietor, was a HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 15 Congregationalist, who had an eye to the peace and unity of his owTi church and congregation. It is related of him that, when per- sons came to Bennington to purchase land, he used to invite them to spend the night in his hospitable home, and, in the course of the evening, he would inquire concerning their denominational prefer- ences. If they were Congregationalists, then they were offered tempting tracts of land in the immediate vicinity of Bennington; if they were found to be Baptists, then the country about Shafts- bury and PoA\Tial was described as a veritable Land of Promise; if they were Episcopalians, then Arlington was pictured as a land flowing with milk and honey, and thus, the unsuspecting settlers were sorted, and the happy result was four settlements, in which the people were somewhat homogeneous in their doctrinal sentiments. The first Baptist church in \"ermont was organized in Shafts- bury in the latter part of August, 1768, at a time when the inhabi- tants were greatly excited over the contentions between New Hamp- shire and New York, both claiming jurisdiction over the New Hampshire Grants. These grants had suddenly risen in importance, and a very strong current of immigration had set toward them for eight years previous. The earliest records of this pioneer church have been care- fully preserved, and, in quaint language, tell the story^ of its origin, and incidentally of the origin of other Shaftsbury churches. They reveal, too, somewhat clearly, the character of the founders of this early church, and the course of their church life. The first entry in the old book of records is as follows : "Shaftsbury in the year, 1768. " lly. A number of christians, that had before Covenanted To watch Over one another for Good, had much labour about the Doctrins of Christ and the form of his house. Some of us hold that the Doctrin of laying on of hands is to be Imposed on Common believers, others hold not. Finally a Number agreed That Laying on of hands Should not hinder Our building togather in Church State, Not holding it as a Term of Communion. "2ly. we had a dispute about Telling Experiances. Finally we agreed that Telling of Experiances of a work of Grace upon the hearts of those who offer themselves to the Ch*^, is in 16 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the general, Essential Steps toward admitting members Into the Chl^. "August ye latter End a Number of Christians being met To- gether after labour upon points forementioned we proceeded in the Following order. " Cyprian Downer, John Millington, Sammuel Waters, Ichabod West, Reuben EUis, Thomas Matteson, Lydia Barr, Join togather in a most Sollem Covenant as a Church of Christ to watch over one another in the Fear of, and to walk in all the Laws and ordi- nances of the Lord as members of Christ's Ch^, depending upon God for Grace." That the church prospered in its earlier years is evident, from the fact that, in August, 1774, they wrote that they had thirty- nine members, twenty-one of whom were men. Thomas Mattison. one of the original members, was one of the first settlers in the town, and its first town clerk, a position which he held for more than forty years. For twelve years this first church in Vermont was without a pastor. There were two members, with recognized ministerial gifts, whose record is so interwoven with that of the church, and so illustrative of its life, that we trace it in with special interest. The Willoughbys Avere early settlers in Shaftsbury. Backus, the historian, speaks of Bliss Willoughby as a leader among this people, though never pastor. Mr. Willoughby was received into the church "as a private member, under no obligation to the church as a minister, nor the church under any bonds to him as such, but for him to preach when it is his choice, to have the same privilege of hearing as any other brother, upon which proposal Brother Willoughby said he could come into the church, and likewise the church manifested their freedom in opening the door to receive him. " In January, 1774, he was unjustly accused before the church, and fully exonerated by it. The trouble grew out of a misunder- standing over the sale of an iron pot. Although he was exonerated by the church, the trial evidently left a sting. November 22, he was kii.dly invited l)y the church to attend a meeting, at which some of the brethren made special effort to remove any stumbling blocks 1^ sIk^ R ^f . ^•^^^SBw- '-'-j^ 01 — --. -t-ii « B^^ — » - - • i ^^HHH Shaftsiu in Baptist Church The first Haplist ("hurcli in NiTinont was organized in Shaftsbury, 1768 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 17 in his way, and as a result, he "prof est he found himself bound to attend meeting with the church, as a fellow sufferer and burden- bearer with the church. " The next month the church, with a single dissenting vote, "manifested their freedom that he should improve his gift in the church." At this same meeting, however, Brother John Milling- ton and Samuel Doolittle, alleged against Brother Willoughby that "he did frequently on the Sabbath Day, the summer past, visit the house of Mr. McNiff, where he spent the greater part of the Sabbath." The church considered the matter and concluded that, although it might be lawful to do so, it did not appear ex- pedient, especially when it grieved any brother. Brother Willough- by declared that he would have left off to go to Mr. McNiff 's if he had known his going grieved any brother. The church concluded that they could not find whereof to condemn Brother Willoughby in the matter. " However, Brother Willoughby shortly afterward withdrew from the church, declining to give any reason for so doing. John Millington, another of the constituent members, had ministerial gifts; — a man evidently impulsive in disposition and wavering in his doctrinal beliefs. As early as March, 1770, the church recorded its conviction "that brother, John Millington, is called of God to be in readiness to take charge of the flock of God in Shaftsbury. " When the question of his ordination came up the next year, there were objections so pronounced that the church con- cluded it could not " see Brother Millington to be a watchman as he now standeth." In May, 1773, Brother Millington having openly denied the doctrine of "God's election, and the parseverance of saints, " the church could not bid him God speed. About a year later he retracted, to the satisfaction of the church, and was restored. The next year he made public with- drawal from the church, "alledging that the church doth not weigh with God's balances, nor measure with God's rule, wherefore he chuses to be understood in distinction from the church. " In No- vember of the same year, 1775, Millington made public confession of his wrong in withdrawing from the church, rededicated himself to service, and was restored. At length, in the presence of a council, 18 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and with the approval of the same, the church, " excepting those be- fore known as Aggrieved brethren,'' voted their satisfaction with Mr. MiUington's quahfications to become pastor of the church, and he was formally ordained on Saturday, November 23, 1782. The record of this meeting adds this significant and peculiar paragraph : "Inasmuch as there is a number of brethren that cannot join in the present choice and ordination of our Elder, we allow them to con- sider themselves distinct by themselves as to their particular travel and government. " This action gave birth to the Third or Middle Baptist church in Shaftsbury. Five years after his ordination, John Millington was summoned before a council and admonished, on account of neglect of the duties of his office, and for having changed his doctrinal sentiments from that of particular election to that of belief in universal salvation of all the human race, and on account of personal conduct having the appearance of evil. We hear no more of Brother Millington. The church was destined to be without an ordained pastor for seven years, till one of her owti young men was called of God to lead her many years in paths of peace and fruitage. In 1789, Cyprian Dowmer, one of the original members who, as licentiate, had for some years been active in the Second Shafts- bury Church, reunited with the First Church and doubtless be- came a leader. A season of marked prosperity followed and the closing years of the century found the church enjoying the fruits of a powerful revival. During the years 1798 and 1799, seventy- three were added to the church by baptism, the ordinance be- ing administered by several neighboring pastors, among them Lemuel Covell, Caleb Blood, and Samuel Rogers. On the 20th of December, 1799, two candidates were baptized about ten or eleven o'clock at night. Referring again to the old records, we note the struggles of this first Baptist church in Vermont during its early years. More than once it became so weak in numbers and interest that it seemed to have become extinct, when the members would rally, reconse- crate themselves, put away differences and receive tokens of divine favor. It strove to maintain strict discipline, counting non-at- tendance upon the means of grace as a breach of covenant, subject HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 19 to discipline. It held family prayer "to be an eternal rule of right- eousness, and binding upon all God's people, namely, heads of families. That they make their daily practice to call on God's name with their families, — want of unity in the family not being regarded as sufficient excuse why one should not pray with his family. " One brother, after being kindly labored with in vain, was disfellowshiped on the ground of neglect of this duty. Occasionally a member withdrew from the church for reasons that seem ec- centric, as when Brother N. and his wife did publicly withdraw from the church alleging "that the church doth shut out the wit- ness of God and the ark of God's covenant is not with us, " or as when Sister M. withdrew, "assigning this as her reason, that we have not got the Gospel with us. She gits the evidence of what she charges is true in our neglecting the sallutation that Paul speaketh of, and the washing of the saints feet in an external way ; also that we do not sacrament in the evening only. " In discipli- nary action, the church, as a rule, appeared to be proceeding, not as a judge between parties at variance, but as counsellor and peace- maker. One institution feature of this church is worthy of note. The record reads, "To communicate in temporal as well as in spirituals to the wants of the needy we have hit and agreed upon the follow- ing mode, viz : To lay by in store for said purpose a public stock in the church, to be distributed to the sons of need as their necessity shall appear to call for the same." They encouraged great plainness of speech at church meetings and at other times, in order to know each others' circumstances in respect to temporal needs, and ap- pointed Thomas Mattison to have charge of receiving and distribut- ing their bounty, under careful direction and under obligation to make frequent and correct reports of all transactions. To guard against any misapprehension, the quaint record of this plan closes with the remark, "Now it is not our meaning by drawing out our breasts to the hungry to nourish the least idleness or imprudent management in any matter, for we are sure it is the duty of all ac- cording to their ability and opportunity that they are not slothful in business but fervent in spirit serving the Lord. " 20 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT The following entries are of historical interest, reflecting as they do the political troubles growing out of the contest between Vermont and New York over the New Hampshire grants, and also from the presence of Tory sympathizers with Great Britain in the Revolutionary period. "March 23 1774 att a Chb Meeting 1st; after Prayer to God Considered a diffculty that Br. ^Yilliam Fareman and Amaziah Martin Brought into the Chh,. which they had with some of the Brethren, Because they have assisted the Mobb against the York- ers, but when they Came to talk with the Brethren in the matter they find a Disposition To Pass by and forgive one another, w^hat Ever hath Been Done of that Nature. "2ly the Chli Concludes that agreeable to the advice of the Gov- ernor and Council of New York, it Is Right for Every man to keep his Possession and not to be Turned out of it as things are now Circumstanced. "Sly the Chb Doth wholy Renounce Resisting the authority, or opposing any oflice, in Bringing any man to Justice for any Crime that he hath Committed or from bringing any to Pay his Lawful Debts. "First Wed. Sept. 1779 "2ly Considered the Accusation of Br William Farmer and Amaziah Martin against Br. Clark For Sending for them, in Milli- tary order, when they ware Accus'd with Inimical Conduct Toward the Country. "The Church Conclude that we Cannot Find Whereof To Con- demn Brother Clark in the matter, on the Contrary Do Judge Brother Farmer and Martin 's Reasons InsuflBcient and hold them Under Admonition for the same. "The 20 December 1798 Br. John Goodinear and Sister Hurd Baptized by Elder Lemuel Covel about 10 or 11 o'clock at Nite of the 3d 20th." The Second Church in Shaftsbury On the first Wednesday in August, 1780, Cyprian Downer and several others, members of the First Church, requested dismission HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 21 that they might organize a church by themselves, in fellowship with the mother church, assigning as their reason the distance of their homes from the place of meeting. These with some others living in the locality called Maple Hill, united in church relation. The church was sometimes called the Rhode Island church because many of its members were from that State. This church was also one of the con- stituent members of the Shaftsbury Association, and at the time of its organization reported a membership of thirty -four. They seem not to have had an ordained pastor at all till 1827. They never had a meeting-house of their own, and hence could not well sustain a pastor in his labors. But, with the aid of Brother Cyprian DoAvaier and Deacon Sly, they maintained their visibility for more than for- ty-five years without a settled pastor. In the year 1799, this church shared in the great work of grace that blessed the town, and added fifteen to their membership, making thirty-six in fellowship among them. No returns were made from this church to the Association for more than twenty years, from 1807 to 1827. At this last date they reunited with the body reporting the name of Elder Daniel A. Coon as pastor, and a membership of fifty -five, having evidently been refreshed and strengthened by a revival of religion, as the First Church had been that year. Elder Coon left them in 1830, and we next find the name of Elder Robert R. Bennett among them as pas- tor, froml832 to 1835 and again in 1838. In 1831, they enjoyed a re- vival and reported twenty-four baptized in 1832, with a total of sixty- four members. Again in 1838 and 1839 a few more were baptized, while the central church was sharing a blessing, but their numbers diminished until, in 1841, they were dropped from the minutes of the Association and ceased to be counted a church in gospel order. The Third Shaftsbury Church, or The Middle Church The action of the First Church, in connection with the ordina- tion of John Millington, to which reference has been made, re- sulted in the "aggrieved members" uniting to form a church called the Third or Middle church. The unhappy relation of these to the members of the parent church was amicably settled a few years later, and the two churches brought into fellowship, which %% HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT continued till the revival of 1798 and 1799, when this third church was merged intp the other churches and ceased to maintain an independent existence. The Fourth Baptist Church in Shaftsbury The Baptist church in Shaftsbury called the Fourth, afterward, for a season the Third, and since 1844 the only church in town, was constituted in Bennington on the 19th of August, 1783. The arti- cles of faith and church covenant which appear among the papers of the church, are subscribed to by twenty-four members in 1787, and are very similar to those which the church now recognizes as theirs and which are contained in their printed rules. Although the records of the first formation of the church are \ery incomplete, still enough is recorded to show the views which these fathers and mothers in Israel entertained, at that early day, in respect to some leading and important parts of church discipline, to wit: "That persons not baptized according to Scripture ex- ample should not be admitted to the communion ; that no trespass or offence committed by any member should be brought into the church, without evidence to prove the fact, nor w^ithout private stejjs of labor first taken; that every member is bound by the law of Christ to attend the meetings of the church, except for some reason- able excuse; and that no brother should go to law' with a brother. " The meetings were held in Bennington until January 16, 1785, after which time the center of Shaftsbury appears to hav^e been their place of meeting. Elder Amos Burroughs was at this time preaching for the church, and so continued until after the first meeting-house was erected in 1786. During this year a very extensive re^'ival of religion was enjoyed. It appeared as if the Lord approved the pious design of His people erecting a house for His worship, in this then ncAvly settled country, and poured out His Spirit upon them, even before their house was completed, and a number of valuable members were at this time added who were afterward pillars of the church. The meeting-house finished, the revival past, now came a scene of trial. Elder Burroughs, who had been preaching for some HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 23 time in town, was a man of ardent temperament, but somewhat periodical in his religious feelings, and seemed better calculated to enlist the feelings and kindle the passions than to instruct his hearer in the doctrines and duties of Christianity. He had ardent friends in the church, whose views and tastes corresponded with his o\^^l, who wished that he might be settled as pastor, while others looked for other gifts and qualifications to unite in the man whom they should place in the charge of the church as pastor and teacher. After patient waiting and the exercise of mutual christian love and forbearance. Elder Caleb Blood was settled as the first pastor of the church in 1788. In 1794, this church enjoyed another re\'ival season in which thirty-five were added to their number. But the most extensive re- vival ever enjoyed by this church, commonly referred to as "the great reformation. " commenced in the spring of 1798 and continued nearly a year. During this revival one hundred and seventy-fire were added to the church. Of this number, however, al)out twenty who had sustained a relation together as the Salisbury church in the south part of the town, dissolved that connection and united with this church, so that subsequent to this period this church was us- ually called the Third instead of the Fourth church as heretofore. POWNAL A few Baptists \\ere gathered into a church in Pownal by Rev. Benjamin Gardner, of Rhode Island, in 1772. The town was settled by the English ten years before, and the people had been livmg in a ^'ery careless way, neglecting public worship and indulging themselves in all kinds of vanity. In March, 1773, they were afflicted with a serious distemper, which greatly alarmed them, and led them to attend upon the means of grace in large numbers. The church increased to sixty members, as a result of this awaken- ing, but owing to the defection of their pastor from the purity of a minister 's life, their prosperity was short. His fall threw them into confusion. They remained unorganized till 1781, when they were visited by a minister named Francis Bennett, from Rhode Island. By his efforts they were reorganized, November 25, 1782. 24 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT But for this unhappy break in the organization of the Baptists in Pownal, the present Pownal church would have the distinction of being the oldest living church of Baptist order in Vermont. That honor is now held by the Baptist church in Wallingford. Caleb Nichols became pastor of the Pownal church in 1788. In Miss Heminway's Gazeteer is this tribute to him : " He came to Pownal bringing with him only fair paper credentials but, what far exceeds, a heart glowing with love to God and man. And now, instead of using his violin to captivate the thoughtless throng, he is engaged with successful zeal in sounding the gospel trumpet. His life and conversation are exemplary. His preaching is spiritual and animat- ing, pretty full of the musical 'New Light' tone, but his gift of prayer is his excellence, for he not only prays as if he were climbing Jacob 's ladder to the portals of heaven, but his expressions are so doctrinal that a good sermon may be heard in one of his prayers. " The following inscription appears on his tombstone: "Sacred to the memory of faithful service as a minister and watchman over the First Baptist Church in PowTial. Departed this life the 27th of February, 1804, in the 61st year of his age. He was bom in Exeter, R. I., on the 12th of March, 1743. " Stephen Wright, in his History of the Shaftsbury Association, furnished the following facts, "Of the progress of this church during the pastorate of Elder Nichols, we can give but a meager account from the materials at hand. Suffice it to say that in the last ten years of it there were added to the church one hundred, raising them to an average num- ber during his ministry of one hundred and thirty members." This church first united with the Shaftsbury Association in 1793, with seventy -two in their fellowship. The next year they reported the large accession of sixty -four to their number, with a total of one hundred and thirty-seven. Wallingford The history of the Wallingford church, the oldest of the Vermont Baptist churches now existing, begins February 10, 1780, when as the record reads, "A number of brethren and sisters to the number of twenty -two, living in the townships of Clarendon and Wallingford, met together on previous agreement at HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 25 the house of Titus Andrews in Wallingford, on the important affair of joining together in church state and in covenant relation. The meeting was opened by solemn prayer to God for assistance and direction. Made choice of Elder Elisha Rich moderator. Then first gave our sense of the Scriptures in our confession of faith and prac- tice, which we mutually agreed should be more particularly ex- pressed in our Church articles. 2d, Made relation to each other for mutual fellowship. 3d, Solemnly covenanted together as brethren to watch over one another in the fear of God. 4th, The Elder made a public declaration of our solemn obligations to be faithful to God and each other as the rules of the Gospel require. " The names of these who thus covenanted together are, Eliakim Richmond, Eber Murray, Caleb Handy, George Jenney, Stephen Arnold, Elkanah Cook, Edward Bumpus, James Bumpus, Hezekiah Rhoades, Titus Andrews, Ichabod G. Clark, Reuben Ives, Joseph Randall, Thankful Cook, Phebe Arnold, Rachel Walker, Jerusha Bumpus, Love Andrews, Dorcas Clark, Damros Rhodes, Sabra Randall. It appears from the records that on the same day, February 10, 1780, "The church chose Eber Murray to serve as a deacon for the present" and Joseph Randall, church clerk, which position he held for fifty-four consecutive years. Fortunately, a carefully prepared history of this church from the original records was written by Rev. S. H. Archibald in 1880, from which the following facts are taken for the most part in the language of the historian. It may be mentioned that Titus Andrews, in whose house the church was formed, rests under a cloud by reason of a vote of the town December 17, 1778, allo\\'ing him "to become an inhabitant of the town on his good behaviour, and his making a public ac- knowledgement to the inhabitants of the town, " did well redeem his pledge and proved an excellent and useful citizen, despite his Tory predilections, which rightly placed him under the ban of his towTismen. And it is also fitting to record that several of the con- stituent members of this church served in the Revolutionary army as valiant defenders of the country. It is generally supposed that this was the first religious or- ganization in towTi, but there is credible evidence that certain of 26 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the inhabitants of Walhngford, wishing to evade miHtary duty, professed themselves to be Friends, and organized a society of that order in 1777, which existed till about 1790. There is, however, equally indisputable evidence that the settlers of this region were, for the most part, inclined to Baptist sentiments. No other church was organized, so far as is known, prior to 1792, when the Congrega- tional church was instituted, though from certain towTi records it is evident Presbyterians and Congregationalists were settled here. The confession of faith agreed upon contains little that is peculiar. The seventh article is as follows: "We believe that the laying on of hands is an ordinance of Christ, to be administered on all set apart for officers of the church, and on private members that see it to be their duty when baptized, but not to be as a bar with those who do not. " This last clause concerning the laying on of hands on private members was not expunged until May 31, 1844. The eleventh article reads thus: "We believe it to be our duty to administer of the good things of this life to the wants and necessi- ties of our i)oor brethren, either ministers or people, according to our several abilities, and also in all public charges of the church." There is nothing particularly noticeable in the remaining articles. With the exception of the above clauses these articles remained unchanged till July 30, 1852, when articles kno^^^l as the "New Hampshire" were adopted. Sometime in April, 1780, the church chose Joseph Randall to serve as deacon for the present. The next record shows the com- mencement of what was a frequent procedure for many years. "At a church meeting held in Clarendon the first Saturday in July, 1780, a committee of four was appointed to labor with a cer- tain man and his wife for walking disorderly. This labor was prosecuted until we find that the man had made himself a public example by drinking and other unlawful conduct, for which the church on March 7th, 1781, voted to send him "a letter that they withdraw fellowship from him." In the history of this church upward of one hundred are re- ported as excluded, quite a number of whom afterward confessed their fault and were restored. By far the greater part of these were HISTORY OF THjE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 27 cut off previous to 1820, and the most of these by reason of drunken- ness and other sins induced thereby. The temptations to drink in those days were manifold; everyone was expected to indulge, and many who had formed the appetite were unable to resist, and fell into drunkenness and kindred vices. In the cases of excluded per- sons, a letter was sent notifying the individual of the act of the church. Copies of many of these letters are found in the records. There is a loving tenderness and warm Christ-like spirit displayed in these letters. At first there was no regular pastor, but Elder Rich preached more or less of the time, and it is shown by the records was desirous of becoming their pastor. This led to much conference and prayer and brethren from abroad were counciled with, but no agreement could be reached whereby Elder Rich could become pastor. The difficulty appears to have been that Elder Rich proposed a new constitution, which the church was not prepared to adopt. Ac- cordingly he withdrew, and a number of brethren followed him with the intention of forming a new body. Concerning Elder Rich, it is proper to remark that in other fields he proved an efficient and useful minister of Christ. It was a custom of the church, when in any special straits, to appoint a day of prayer; and when any special matter was under consideration which threatened division, there would be appointed also a meeting for conference on the following day; and in some manner the brethren would maintain unity. August, 1784, the church held a meeting at Moses Hinman's and "Proceeded to inquire for gifts in the church. First, for the gift of preaching, and found it in Brother Samuel Lathrop, and gen- erally satisfied that he had the gift of lead. " A day in September was appointed for further inquiry for other gifts, and when they met they "supposed the gift of exhortation and prayer to be given to Joseph Randall, and Mebediah Angell, which they ought to wait upon; hkewise supposed Eliakim Richmond to have the gift of prayer; all which were public gifts and to be waited upon and improved in the church." It is interesting to conjecture what changes might be wrought if the same plan were pursued in all our churches now; whether some in official position might not be re- 28 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT manded to the more private walk, and some be called to officiate who now hide their light. The plan seems conducive to humility and to resemble the Apostolic method of choosing men to be leaders. The action of the church in regard to singing is interesting and worthy of record. There was an impression among the churches at an early day that only professing christians should take charge of the singing, and in this church one and another was assigned to this duty. Thus, in November, 1800, a committee was appointed to select the tunes and have the entire matter under their charge. January 17, 1801, "After conversing on the subject of singing, agreed to sing once in a day by reading. " As late as December, 1813, the church "mutually agreed that no person, not a member of any church, should be called on to lead in singing or preach in the church. " One of the items March 2, 1816, is, "We will regulate the singing, the lead of the singing we will keep under the government of the church, if money and pains will effect it; if not the young peo- ple shall have the lead at all times when we fail. " April 10, of. the same year, however, it was voted that "if there are persons present qualified to lead the singing, though they are not church members, yet they are to be improved in that way." So far as the records show, the matter was dropped here forever. The proceedings of the church in the choice of their first pastor are exceedingly suggestive. After appointing a special day for con- sideration of the matter, on February 2, 1787, "the church agreed, from the satisfaction they have of Henry Green's gift in doctrine, to request him to come and preach to them all the while if he sees it to be his duty, if not as much as he can." In March, we find a record of the names of those who joined in the request to "Brother Henry Green to come and take the watchcare of them as an under- shepherd, to lead them through this wilderness — and to set him apart for the Avork." Others are recorded as having "a freedom that the said Henry Green should come and take the pastoral care of the church in this place. The distinction seems to be that while a part requested him to do so, others did not join in the request, but were willing he should come. At another meeting some not present before signified their assent to the action of the church, and their names are entered. March 31 , at a church meeting, Brother Green HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 29 gave the church to understand that it was the "freedom of his mind to Hve with them the present season and preach to them, and get further acquaintance, and if Hght opens, and the doors open agree- ably to God's word, to comply with the request. " May 31, the ques- tion was asked, "Whether their satisfaction of Brother Green's gifts was enlarged. " All answered in the aflSrmative. "The church then proceeded to appoint brethren to make inquiry and see if they can find a farm to purchase for Brother Green, and inquire how much help can be had from the brethren and friends." With due seriousness and care the call was finally extended, and accepted, a council assembled and Brother Green ordained. The ordination took place on the 4th of October, 1787. The ordination services were by a presbytery chosen by the church, instead of by the Coun- cil. Joseph Randall was ordained deacon by the same presbytery A\nth Brother Green added for the church. Henry Green was now some twenty-seven or twenty-eight years of age, and he gave twenty years of faithful labor to the church, nearly four times as long as any pastor since served up to 1880, and by far the most prosperous years, apparently. The town records show that the towm, as a civil body, had a voice in the settlement of Mr. Green. Mr. Green was the first settled minister in town, but for some reason not clear some dispute arose in the matter of right of land, and October 3, 1787, as ap- pears on the town records, a committee "was appointed to agree on a settlement of the affair. " This committee reported as appears on the same day, "That the right of land for the first settled min- ister in town be equally divided, in quantity and quality, between the Presbyterian and Baptist churches. " In the records of a to\\Ti meeting held December '24, 1793, this entry is found: "A motion was made to try the minds of the meeting to know whether they are agreed in Elder Henry Green as a minister for the towai of Wallingford, unanimously voted in the aflBrmative. Then voted that Elder Green for the time being be apointed for the examination and approbation of regular min- isters of the Baptist, Congregational and Presbyterian orders to preach with us occasionally." What the town, as such, had to do with this matter is not so clear at this day. 30 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT A somewhat unusual matter is to be found in the church record of April 30, 1789. It seems there were two classes under consideration; some who were comparative strangers would wish to unite with the church. Concerning these it was determined the church was in duty bound "to extend their watch and care over them for such a term of time as shall be necessary to form a suitable acquaintance." But the other class, it appears, did not want to be in church membership, hence this vote: "If any person wishes their watch and care, for the benefit of good christian society, it is our duty as individuals to watch over them, but not as a church act." Some cases of watch and care were immediately acted upon in accordance wnth this rule. Wednesday, June 20, 1792, Colborn Preston, formerly a mem- ber of Elder Rich 's church, was ordained by a council as deacon. Preceding the ordination, Mr. Preston gave a relation of his travail and call to the office of deacon, with his ideas of the duty in the same. A question concerning infants came up at a church meeting, December 27th, 1792. " Brother Stephen Arnold manifested a wish to know the sentiment of the church in respect to dedication of infants in public." The church manifested their minds as follows: "That every brother or sister hath a right in any public meeting to ask the privilege of having mention made in public prayer, either in sickness or recovery; and if any brother or sister have a child bom and wish mention to be made publicly of their thanks- giving, and wish to dedicate themselves and child to God, and wish for wisdom to train it up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, either having the child at home or at meeting; if the child be at meeting, that mention be made to the public, without presenting the child to the minister. " So careful and judicious was this early church in dealing with a question which has caused so much dis- cussion and, as we believe, unscriptural practice. For many years the church held its preaching services and conference meetings in private houses, sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. Some meetings were held in Mount Holly before a church was organized there. The members were widely scattered and much inconvenience was experienced. Propositions to build a meeting-house were, from time, to time, considered, but HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 31 it was difficult to agree upon a place. The Clarendon church wanted the services of the pastor of the Wallingford church part of the time and objected to some of the locations proposed. To settle the question a council was called. Their decision was that the Clarendon i)eople ought to consent for Elder Green to preach con- stantly in the town of Wallingford at such place as may best ac- commodate the church in Wallingford, and the inhabitants in said towTi. The council also set a stake where, in their judgment, the meeting-house ought to be built; and their advice was accepted, a tax raised and a meeting-house erected and finished in 1800. It was used by Baptists and Congregationalists for the most part, but occasionally occupied by others. May 30, 1798, seventeen members were dismissed and or- ganized into an independent church in ('larendon, William Har- rington being ordained their pastor the same day, by a council called by this church. Sanford Moon was ordained deacon, May 25, 1803. This is the last occasion on which a deacon has been ordained by this church. Without any general revival the membership of the church increased from fifty-eight, in 1789, to eighty-nine, in 1795. In the revival of 1798-1800, forty-one were received by baptism, besides those received by letter, and in 1802, the membership was one hun- dred and thirty-eight. In 1795, and again in 1800, the Association met with this church, and in January, 1796, there was a meeting of delegates from the churches of the Vermont Association, held hereto "revise and make amendments to the constitution of the Vermont Associa- tion. " The result of their labors was printed in a pamphlet. After being discussed at three successive annual meetings of the Associa- tion it was, after some amendment, adopted in 1798. In 1804, the most extensive revival ever enjoyed by the church occurred. Some of the time baptisms occurred every week, and in a period of six months one hundred and fourteen were added to the church. In 1805, the membership was reported at two hundred and twenty -five, the largest it ever attained. A considerable number of the members of this church were living at Mount Holly, and the church had voted to have Elder Green and others go there at sundry times and hold meetings and 32 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT administer the ordinances. In 1801, a council was called, which did not deem it advisable to have a separate church there. Finally a council met September 6, 1804, and twenty-three members from this church were recognized as an independent body. Around this nucleus. Rev. Daniel Packer subsequently gathered a church exceed- ing four hundred in its membership. In financial matters, the church from the first held theoretically to an adjustment of the pecuniary burdens of the church upon all the members. In 1789, the church voted "That when any wants or necessities of the church appear, the deacons shall call for a con- tribution, keep an account of what each contributes, and lay it be- fore the church. And if any have not come up to their duty they are to be admonished; and if any have overdone they are to be abated, according to the judgment of the church for that purpose, that there may be an equality in the church." Two prin- ciples are here asserted ; one that every meml)er is to give something according as the Lord hath prospered him, this being in strict ac- cordance with the eleventh of the articles of faith before noted; there is to be a division of burdens. The church was to be the final judge. Another scriptural principle recognized in the vote of 1789, is that the deacons are to be the business managers of the church. One scripture principle seems not to have been recognized with equal clearness, and that is liberality in deahng with the pastor. At first the compensation was in the form of some assistance in his farm work. April 18, 1799, it was agreed to give Elder Green forty dollars this year in cattle or grain. The next year it was increased to eighty-five dollars. In 1801, the church agreed to raise one penny on the pound on their church list for the assistance of Elder Green the present season. This would be about four dollars and twenty cents on a thousand dollars. The same amount was assessed the two following years. In October, 1805, there was an arrearage. It was voted that this debt should be^ paid, forty dollars for the then current year, and one hundred dollars per year in the future, and that the Elder should be assisted one day in the winter to get his wood; but this was not done till Mr. Green had asked for his dismission from the pastorate on account of his small salary. In 1806, he was allowed to go to West Clarendon half the time. The records do not state, but there can be no doubt that his dissolving HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 33 of the pastoral relation in January, 1807, was occasioned by lack of financial support. The church thus lost a faithful pastor. The years immediately following were marred by dissensions and bicker- ings which might have been avoided. Chapter II SHAFTSBURY ASSOCIATION The association of churches had its origin in an impulse as natural and instinctive as that which led the early disciples to meet often of one accord in one place. The natural longing for fellow- ship in worship and in work accounts for the organization of both churches and associations of churches. For twelve years the Baptist church in Shaftsbury lived in isolation. It was a lone star in Vermont, save for the brief period when the church in Pownal was visible. To the north were no other Baptist churches. To the south, in Ma^achusetts, was the Baptist church in Cheshire, organized about 1770. In the year 1780, a Second Baptist church was organized in Shaftsbury, largely from members of the First church. About the same time two churches were organized across the New York line; one in Stillwater and one in White Creek, from fragments of earlier organizations, which had been scattered by the devastations of the war of the Re\'olution. Between the two older churches and the three younger ones, there was a natural bond of fellowship, and they formed an as- sociation in 1780, and on the 12th day of June, 1781, held their first anniversary in Shaftsbury, and assumed the name of The Shaftsbury Association, an honorable name from that time till now. This little organization became the rallying point for churches over a wide area, until it included in its membership churches in what are now seventeen counties in three states, to which should be added five churches in Upper Canada, beyond the waters of the Niagara River. At the first anniversary of this body, held with the First Shaftsbury church, June 11, 1781, Lemuel Powers was ordained, probably at the request of the Stillwater church, that he might be- 36 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT come their pastor; as his name stands connected with this church just before and just after this event. Mr. Powers was pastor of this church and a member of the Shaftsbury Association till the time of his death, about twenty years. Stillwater was his only pastorate and a very successful one, as the church increased in numbers till, in 1793, it reached four hundred and thirteen. In 1789, thirty -three were baptized; in 1791, one hundred and eighty -two ; in 1793, ninety- one; and in 1790, another church was added to his which had been gathered in the same town by Beriah Kelly. For several years the Stillwater Church was the largest church in the Association. Mr. Powers was chosen moderator of the Association in 1797, a position of honor in that large body of forty-eight churches and three thou- sand five hundred members. This may have been the last time he attended the Association, as he is known to have been absent in 1799 and is reported as having died in 1800. President Millard Fillmore married a daughter of Elder Powers. The following conspicuous notice appears in the minutes of 1797 : " TAKE NOTICE ! A certain man has been traveling around the country in the profession of the ministry, sometimes calling himself Dudley Young, and at other times Peter Powers, alias Walter Powers. He was whipped last fall at Northampton, for stealing a horse, and declared he was Elder Lemuel Powers of Stillwater. Who the fugitive is we know not, but take this method of clearing the character of Lemuel Powers of the charges that were proved upon the vagrant. Eldef Powers is a large fat man with large eyes; but the counterfeit is a slim man with small eyes. " So large a portion of the Shaftsbury Association was for years outside of Vermont, and so small a portion within it that a history of the Baptists of Vermont would hardly include a full history of the Shaftsbury Association; but from the first the Vermont churches were influential in this body and bore their full share of its important and interesting work. Five years after its organization, the Associa- tion numbered fifteen churches, in which number is included two other Vermont churches, the Wallingford, and the Halifax. None of these churches had pastors at that time. The founders of the Association had clear and definite ideas as to the powers and limitations of an association, and these they placed on record by publishing in their minutes, in 1791, a paper HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 37 prepared by Elder Caleb Blood as a circular letter. The first part of the letter concerns the nature, business, power and government of a christian church; the second part concerns the association, and because it contains ideas on this subject, held and practiced by as- sociations generally at that time, may well be included as an im- portant part of our history. "By an association we mean no more than a number of churches in sister relation, mutually agreeing to meet by their dele- gates at stated seasons, for free conference on those matters that concern the general good of the churches; that we might be mutual helpers to each other, by giving and receiving intelligence of each other's welfare; that we may sympathize with and pray for each other, and so be partners in the joys and sorrows that await us in this changing world. "In which conference any church has a right to propose any question that relates to doctrine or discipline, provided that such questions are always so circumstanced that the solution of them will not interfere with the goveriiment of particular churches. On authentic information of the purity of faith and practice of any sister church, which desires to be received as a member of the con- ference, it is the privilege and liberty of this association to give them fellowship, and to receive them as a member of this conference. But in case any church or churches shall apostatize from the faith, and become corrupt, on information from sister churches, w^ho have taken gospel steps to reclaim them, and have not succeeded, but have necessarily been called 'to withdraw from them, ' it is the duty of this association to sympathize with those grieved churches in their sorrows, and to inform the churches in general, that we con- sider those churches who have fallen no longer in our fellowship. It is (also) the duty of this association to give information of apostates and corrupt men in the ministry, that the churches may not be imposed upon by them. In case any church that is a mem- ber of this conference shall neglect to attend with us in conference, it is but an act of brotherly kindness in us to inquire into the rea- son for such neglect; and if any church chooses not to meet any more with us, in this manner, it is reasonable they should let us know it, in a christian way. If any church think it best not to continue a 38 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT member of this meeting, it is unreasonable to publish their names annexed to the transactions of the meeting, of which they did not consider themselves members. "In such cases we may drop them from our minutes, and pub- lish the reasons for so doing. But any church not becoming or con- tinuing a member of this conference, is not considered a bar of our fellowship with them. " Finally, brethren, we consider ourselves to have no 'power as an association to determine any cases of discipline in the churches, but we are only to give our advice and opinion in those points, and intelligence, in such matters as come within the limits of a free christian conference. ""From what has been said, we learn that it is the church only, and not an association of churches or of ministers that is authorized to execute church discipline. "We are sensible that some may object to this and say that the church is imperfect and liable to make wrong judgments. True, but if we admit of decisive councils to whose judgment the church must submit, if their judgment is in opposition of the church, and the church is not convinced that they were wrong,— they cannot restore the member rejected, without counteracting their own judgment; and if they do it ujion the judgment of others, still they can have no more fellowship with such a person than be- fore. It appears hence, that decisive councils immediately militate against real fellowship, and gospel union in the churches. But councils for advice only in difficult cases are useful. In this way churches and brethren may gain light, and all their difficulties be happily settled. " The Association scrupulously kept itself within the bounds thus carefully defined. It entered into correspondence with other as- sociations, recei\ed delegates from them, and sent messengers to them, and thus kept in touch with the rapidly increasing number of Baptist organizations. Its circular letters were carefully prepared and were upon vital subjects. The period from 1792 to 1800 was one of rapid development. From twenty -six churches, nineteen ministers, and seventeen hun- dred and fifty-four members, it increased to forty -six churches, having thirty-three ministers, and more than forty-one hundred members. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 39 after dismissing several churches to other bodies. Elder Caleb Blood and Elder Caleb Nichols, representing respectively the fourth Shaftsbury and the Po\^^lal churches, were among the most promi- nent and influential ministers in the Association. The Pownal church united with the Asociation in 1793, and the year following entertained the Association under happiest circumstances; the church having received during the year previous sixty -four new mem- bers, bringing its membership up to one hundred and thirty-seven. The Otsego Association was organized in 1796, and came into most sympathetic relation to the Shaftsbury, as was natural, for several of the infant churches had been planted and watered by Elders Blood, Nichols, Cornell and Craw. The year 1789 witnessed a gracious revival in many of the churches, none being more favored than the Fourth Shaftsbury, a full account of which will be given in another chapter. One hun- dred and seventy-one were added to that church during that event- ful year. The correspondence of the Association widely increased till, in 1799, there were twenty -two associations sending minutes or messengers, thirteen of these associations being south of Phila- delphia. To this Association, in 1797, came messengers from the Stoning- ton, Warren, Leyden, Vermont, and Philadelphia associations and took seats with them, and minutes were received from a number of Virginia and North Carolina associations. A worthy company of men were present. The names of these pastors and delegates are suggestive of old-time family religion. Parents name their children after those whom they honor, and pray that they may be worthy of tlie name; and no names were so common in early days as those of Bible characters. Here are ninety-eight names and all but fifteen are Biblical. To read them is like a wide review of Scripture history. Thomas, Elisha, John, Isaac, Peter, Stephen, Daniel, Abijah, Mat- thew, Nathan, Samuel, Joseph, Eli, Jeduthan, Joshua, Ezra, Abel, Israel, Ezekiel, Issacher, Jonathan, Aaron, Gamaliel, Hezekiah, Lemuel, Benjamin, Caleb, Judah, Reuben, Jesse, Jeremiah, James, Sylvanus, Thaddeus, Ebenezer, Elijah, Lazarus, Solomon. This session, in 1880, was held in Elder Blood's meeting-house in Shaftsbury, and he was chosen moderator. By this time the Asso- 40 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT ciation consisted of forty-six churches with a total membership of forty-one hundred and twenty -seven. A painful feature of this ses- sion was the disfellowshiping of two churches, on account of the con- duct of their pastors, and the failure of the churches to take satisfac- tory action in the premises. An appeal for help came at this time from the Partridge vi lie church, stating "that they were in distress, by being taxed, and having their proper'ty sold at public auction, to assist in building a Congregational meeting-house; that there was some hope of ob- taining redress if they could raise money enough to carry on a suit at law." They therefore requested the advice and assistance of the Association in their embarrassed situation. After some delibera- tion, it was proposed to request a contribution immediately, for their assistance; $45.50 were collected. The Association also advised them to strive to be at peace with all men, but at the same time to use all lav^^ul endeavors to preserve inviolate the rights of conscience and propertjs "And as we think the conduct complained of is in violation of both we conclude that they have a right to stand in their own defence; and do promise to afford them further assistance if needed to relieve them from their present dis- tress." In order to carry out the above mentioned purpose the Association appointed Elders Werden, Leland and Smith a com- mittee to deliver the money collected and to report to the churches what further assistance they might need. 1801 marks the beginning of a new era in associational work. At this session, the Shaftsbury Association became emphatically a missionary body in a wide sense. Elder Caleb Blood preached the introductory sermon on the text Matt. 23: 8. "Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your master even Christ, and all ye are brethren." The customary routine of business was followed. The proposition from the Philadelphia Association respecting a General Confer- ence was considered and after deliberation it was concluded that, "at present, we have not sufficient light on the subject, to see the utility of such a combination ; therefore, voted not to engage there- in till we have further light thereon." Then Elder Lemuel Covell, of Pittstown, rose and made a proposition for "raising a fund by contribution, for the purpose of HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 41 sending missionaries to preach the Gospel in destitute parts of our frontier settlements, and as far as we may have opportunity, among the Natives of the Wilderness." The mover of this proposition was the pastor of the Pittstown church. He was a man of slender con- stitution, subject to frequent attacks of disease, aggravated, no doubt, by his intense labors of various kinds. He was a man of more than average ability, and his natural talents had been so improved that he was a very interesting and acceptable preacher. He la- bored under many seeming disadvantages, from the depressed state of his outward circumstances by which his sphere of useful- ness was considerably circumscribed. It was not his lot to be favored with much of this world's goods. He was one of the poor, whom God chose to be rich in faith and inheritors of the kingdom. Preaching was his element. The doctrine of salvation by the cross was his grand theme on which he dwelt with peculiar pleasure. His voice was clear and majestic and his address manly and engaging. Few could hear without feeling in some degree the force of truth. This man's heart was yearning for those who, scattered abroad, had not the privileges of the Gospel, and he was as ready to go himself on such errands as to send others, and did go and shortly fell in the midst of missionary efforts. His proposal was received with marked favor and it was voted to recommend to the churches to take it into mature consideration; "and those who are disposed to adopt so benevolent a plan to sig- nify it in their letters at our next session; and likewise to make liberal contribution and send it forward at the same time to begin said fund, to be entrusted in the hands of such Committee or Trust- ees as the Association shall appoint to receive the same, and ap- propriate it to the above use as they shall from time to time think proper. And to contribute annually for the support of the same till the churches contributing shall judge they have suflScient cause to discontinue such contribution." Before the close of the session. Brethren Elder Joshua Craw, and Elder Samuel Rogers expressed their intention to travel abroad in the course of the year for the purpose of visiting and preaching in the distant parts of the wilderness, and the Association gave them recommendations and encouragement and promise of prayers. 42 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT At the next session, 1802, a plan proposed by Mr. Cornell was adopted. The plan was the appointment of a "Committee charged with Missionary Contributions," consisting of six ministers and six laymen, who should have charge of the money contributed by the churches for the maintenance of missionary effort, who should examine missionaries and recommend those whom they approved, and determine the time and place of their labors, which should be in the new settlements of the United States and Canada where the inhabitants were destitute of the preached word and unable to ob- tain it. They were to pay the missionaries sufficient for their ex- penses and no more. The missionaries were to keep careful account of their expenses and restore to the treasury any surplus above their expenses, and to make a full report of their work. In accord- ance with this plan the first Committee appointed consisted of Elders Abijah Peck, Caleb Blood, Isaac Webb, Justus Hall, Joseph Craw, and Lemuel Covell; laymen. Deacon WilHam Stillwell, John Rouse, Joshua Mattison, Isaac Brewster, Stephen Carpenter, and James Green. Under this plan the Association began at once its beneficent missionary work, which was to continue for many years. Elder Caleb Blood, one of the first Committee, was one of the first to volunteer for the difficult and sacred service. The account of his first missionary journey has been preserved, and as illustrative of the pioneer work of these missionaries it is full of interest. Until 1 806, the Association carried on its missionary work on the association committee plan, without any separate organiza- tion. At this time, however, there developed a difference of senti- ment among the brethren as to the best method to be followed in missionary work. Some were convinced that a society was essen- tial to the highest success. A plan for a missionary society was drawn up, and an organization effected assuming the name of The New York Baptist Missionary Society, and later finding that an- other society had taken the same name, this society added to its name "Northern" — "The New York Northern Baptist Missionary Society." The Association, however, continued to work as before through its committee, and the contributions of persons interested were HISTORY OB" THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 43 given, some to the society, and some to the committee, and each made reports of their receipts. The committee and the trustees of the society met at the same time and place and planned and worked together. Concerning this duplex missionary work. Rev. A. L. Vail in "The Morning Hour of American Baptist Missions," writes, "The special interest to us in this story is that it exhibits the contest be- tween the association and society methods in missions as it is ex- hibited nowhere else in our period. "Remember that, in 1797, on this same territory, an interdenom- inational missionary society had been established on a plan of dis- tricts which was adopted, in 1806, by the Baptist society, and ap- peared nowhere else among Baptists. This indicates intimacy be- tween the Baptist and the Pedobaptist missionary forces on this field ; and that when the Shaftsbury Association launched its plan of missions, it did so against the influence not only of Boston, but of its immediate missionary neighbors in other denominations, with whom some of its people had probably been associated in the older society, just as the same two classes of people were associated in the original society in the city. And the Baptist conflict on the upper Hudson over two plans, extending through a decade, indicates somewhat clear convictions and pungent discussions not now in view. This, however, does not mean any disturbance of fellowship, the indications being that it was a cordial contest between prefer- ences." This missionary work was carried on by a noble company of men, the full record of which can never be given. By far the larger part of the work was done in western and northern New York and in Canada. Comparatively little in Vermont, and that in the ex- treme northern portion. Summing up the chapter of this association, ending with 1811, Stephen Wright, in his History of the Shaftsbury Association says : "The services of a Blood, Covell, Warren, Finch, Gorton, Asahel Morse, C. Chamberlain, N. Kendrick, Haskall, Witherell, and An- drews, — who labored under the patronage of this body,^ — cannot be valued till the revelations of the final day shall tell what good they did in comforting God's people, awakening sinners, encouraging 44 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IX VERMONT feeble churches, and setting in order the things that were wanting in a hundred places whither their footsteps were directed by the great Head of the church in the wildernesses of Northern and Western New York and of Canada West." Although some fifteen churches had been dismissed by the formation of the Saratoga Association and others had been dropped, there had been a great gain in the Association during the period from 1786-1800, and at the close it numbered but eleven less churches and four hundred less members, while some three thou- sand had been added to all the churches in the same time. Only a few of the churches were in Vermont; these were the First, Second and Fourth Shaftsbury and Pownal. By transfer of churches to other associations more conven- iently near, the Shaftsbury Association became reduced in number till, in 1854, it consisted of but five churches; first Bennington, one hundred and twenty -four members ; second Bennington, one hun- dred and fourteen members ; first Hoosick, one hundred ; Manches- ter, ninety-one; Shaf tsbur\% one hundred and sixty -five. In 1855, the Shaftsbury Association united w^th the Vermont Association under the name of The Shaftsbury and Vermont As- sociation. In 1878, the name was changed by the omission of "Vermont" to the Shaftsbury Association w4th the note, "Shaftsbury formed in 1780, Vermont formed 1785. United in 1855." In 1910, under the name of The Shaftsbury Association, were nineteen churches, sixteen pastors, two thousand four hundred and ninety-four total membership; one thousand seven hundred and twenty-six resident members. The churches were as follows, with the birth year of each of the organizations : Bennington, 1827; Brandon, 1785; E. Hubbardton, 1787; E. Poultney, 1802; Fair Haven, 1867; Hydeville, 1850; Ira, 1783; Manchester Center, 1781; Middletown Springs, 1784; N. Benning- ton, 1844; Pittsfield, 1841; Poultney, 1802; Pownal, 1782; Rutland, 1823; Shaftsbury, 1783; Wallingford, 1780; West Haven, 1803; West Pawlet, 1852; West Rutland, 1884. Eleven of these were among our pioneer churches. The history of primitive associations would be far from com- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 45 plete without some special allusion to the queries that were brought to them for answers. These queries and replies reveal the problems and perplexities of the early churches. One of the first ones proposed in the Shaftsbury Association was the theological question on which many were pondering, "Whether all men or any part of them are actually discharged from the condemnation of the law, by the Atonement of Christ, without the special application of that Atonement by the Holy Spirit?" This wa-i answered in the negative. 2nd. Whether the benefits of the great Atonement, as they respect the eternal salvation of man, are applied to any except the elect. Answered in the negative. In 1798, queries on Masonry called forth the following reply : "Dear Brethren, As a number of our churches are greatly dis- tressed by their members joining with the Free Masons, for the peace of the church, we pray such to desist. If there is no moral evil in joining with the Masons, yet it is sinning against the weak breth- ren, and he that sins against his weak brother sins against Christ. But as this Association claims no jurisdiction over the members of churches each church must judge for itself according to facts and circumstances." In 1803, the query was raised, "Is honor done to the public cause of religion when an association has published advice in their min- utes to the churches not to allow their members to associate with Free Mason Lodges, and have declared against it; yet give fellow- ship to brethren of other associations who do the same and call on them to take seats in the Association." This was referred to Elders Blood, Gray, Warren and Brother Hezekiah Mason, to report next meeting. The reply of this com- mittee was as follows : "We think it proper to insert in our minutes that there are numbers of our brethren and some of our churches, who cannot walk in fellowship with those brethren who join with, and frequent the Masonic Society, when they know it is a grief to their brethren; and that some have joined that society, to the grief of others, which has been and still is, the cause of much difficulty in many of our churches and has repeatedly occasioned trouble in this Association. This has given rise to the remarks published in the 14th section of our minutes for 1798 on that subject." 46 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT "In order to prevent further difficulty of that nature, we wish now to be fairly and fully understood; — That as to the propriety or impropriety of Free Masonry we do not as an association under- take to determine. Yet, we freely say, that inasmuch as our breth- ren do not pretend they are bound in conscience, by any rule in the word of God, to unite with the fraternity; for them to form a con- nection with them or frequent their Lodges when they know it is a grief to their Christian Brethren, and makes disturbance in the churches; it (in our opinion) gives sufficient reason for others to conclude that they are not such as follow after the things that make for peace and things whereby one may edify another (Rom. 14: 19) but rather, are such as cause divisions and contentions, contrary to the doctrine we have learned, (Rom. 14: 17,) and of course if they continue obstinately in such practices, ought to be rejected from fellowship; and consequently it is not reasonable for us to invite them to a seat in our Association. We, therefore, answer the query from the church at Providence in the negative. Yet, we do not wish, at present, to have this resolution so construed, as to interrupt our correspondence with sister associations, but to have it continued. "If there be any Brethren, in any of our churches or sister as- sociations, who live in the practice of frequenting Masonic Lodges, we flatter ourselves that such churches and associations, after hear- ing our minds on the subject, will not feel disposed to grieve Breth- ren among us, by sending such of their members, as Delegates to this association." The troubles of the Part ridge ville church was the occasion of this querj': "Is it not best, all things considered, to endeavor to promote a public fund for the benefit of suffering churches in the Association?" The reply of the Association shows that the period of oppression was near its end. "This Association esteem it duty to afford relief to churches or Brethren who are suffering by op- pression (which is the suffering contemplated in the query) as far as we have opportunity, but as there are very few of our churches in a situation to suffer in this way, we do not think it necessary to raise a fund for that purpose, but would recommend it to churches who are suffering to make known their wants to the Association, and they will undoubtedly obtain relief." From the same church HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 47 came the query, "Is it agreeable to the gospel for a church of Christ to petition the civil powers, to incorporate them into a religious so- ciety?" Answer: "We view it derogatory to Zion's King, and undervaluing his ample code of laws, for a christian church to ap- ply to the civil authority to be incorporated as bodies politic, for the purpose of regulating their ecclesiastical concerns, or forcing their members to support their preachers, or even for the sake of getting exemption from rehgious oppression; belie\dng religion, in all its branches, to be no object of civil government, nor in anywise under its control. It may, nevertheless, be proper in some states for churches to avail themselves of the act of incorporation for the sole purpose of holding possessed property." The questions concerning pastoral authority suggested this query: "WTiat duty is there devolving on a minister which does not devolve on a deacon, except to be the administrator of the word and the ordinances. Answer: "The pastor has a special rule (Heb. 13: 7 and 17), and oversight to practice which the deacon has not.'* Neglect of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper by some mem- bers was a cause of grief and perplexity, and the Association was; called on to give its voice concerning the query: "Is it right to ex- clude a person for neglect of communion?" To this the careful reply was given: "That we think, as a general rule, continued neg- lect of attending the ordinances of the Lord's Supper merits ex- clusion. Notwithstanding, as such a neglect may originate from different causes, we think that these causes ought by the church to be taken into consideration, and the individual so neglecting be treated as circumstances may require. 'Of some having compas- sion, making a difference, and others saving with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. A query on the temperance pledge brought on an animated dis- cussion and a pretty even division of the Association. The ques- tion was, "Is it just and right in a church to require of all of its members a pledge of entire abstinence from all drinks that are in- toxicating as a condition of membership in good standing?" The answer by a majority of two was, "Yes." 48 history of the baptists in vermont Caleb Blood's Account of His Journey On the 24th of August, 1802, pursuant to appointment of the Shaftsbury Association, I set out for a three months' tour in the Western country. I traveled first in the northerly and westerly part of the state of New York, particularly through the Onondaga and Genesee countries. Here I found a large extent of country with but very little stated preaching. The people were very nu- merous and anxious to hear. At some places, as I went on my journey, there were evident tokens of divine power and grace among the people, who in general gathered to attend preaching; but, as is too often the case in new countries, they are awfully im- posed on in some places by false preachers, whose character and doctrines are both corrupt. This has often been distressing to me, when I have visited the infant plantations of our country, and has been one stimulus to my having so often visited the new settle- ments in former years. But to return. When I came to Genesee River I crossed and went through the wilderness, where there were few inhabitants except the natives, for nearly one hundred miles. I, however, found two small settlements of white people, wath whom I attempted to preach. This tract of country is distinguished by the name of Hallan Punches. When I had gotten through this wilderness I struck Lake Erie, went dowTi to its outlet, and crossed over into the westerly part of Upper Canada. Here I found large settlements of white people, who understood our language; but when I first entered the Province I traveled twenty -five miles be- fore I found a house, where the people would willingly open their doors for preaching, and scarce any people were willing to converse on religious subjects. This route was dowTi the Niagara River to- ward Lake Ontario. When I came to Queensto\\Ti, I was introduced to a Mr. Thompson, a Scotchman, who received me with great hospitality and was anxious for preaching. With him I left my horse the next morning, and went on foot two miles down the river to the landing. I crossed into the \\'ilderness on this side, and after climbing a precipice of rocks found a kind of house made of rough logs. Here I found Elder Holmes, missionary to the Indians. He was sit- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 49 ting at a kind of table writing on the business of his mission. If you could paint to yourself how you should feel in a dreary land, hun- dreds of miles from any brethren in the ministry to advise with, and your soul filled with concern to disseminate light among the poor heathen, and a number of councils to hold with different nations, and no mortal to assist you but an Indian interjJreter, you may guess what a meeting we had ! We soon went on three miles and a half to the Tuscarora village of Indians, and held a council with that na- tion, and obtained an answer to a talk sent them from the New York Missionary Society on the subject of their receiving the gospel. This council was on Saturday. I tarried with Mr. Holmes and attended worship with the Indians on the Sabbath. After worship in the evening he stated to me the circumstances of the business with the Indians, and wished for my assistance. I agreed to spend some time with them; accordingly attended three days with the Indians. Mr. Holmes, being otherwise employed, the Indians were very attentive, and the interpreter appeared very pious and faithful. I did not find the difficulty in preaching by an interpreter that I expected. Indeed, to see the poor creatures in such profound ig- norance, and yet eagerly attentive to hear instruction, I must say absorbed all my feelings beyond any other preaching I ever at- tempted in my life. While I was here I had opportunity to make some appointments among the people of Upper Canada. On Thurs- day, I went on my way up Lake Ontario. Here I found large set- tlements of white people, and all destitute of preaching. In some settlements it was hard work to get them to hear preaching. I was in some cases obliged to adopt measures I had been wholly un- accustomed to. I was forced to go into settlements and put up, and then go from house to house and beg of them to come and hear, and did not give out when one after another told me they did not choose to attend, and even when they said they would and did not, I still tried them again. For when I could once get them to hear they were as anxious to hear more as any people I ever saw. Then I made ap- pointments on my return. Thus I went on and preached in every settlement until I had gone some distance beyond the head of Lake Ontario. I imputed much of this backwardness in hearing to the 50 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT people having been so greatly imposed upon by vicious characters, who had been among them in the profession of preachers. I must here mention a trying circumstance. Word came to me with a re- quest to go about fifty miles farther, to a place called Long Point Settlement on Lake Erie, informing that there was a work of divine grace in that place; that there were thirty or forty persons who stood ready for baptism, and no administrator whom they could obtain wathin two hundred miles of them; but I had my appointment back through the Province and could not go to their relief. This tried my feelings beyond expression. I endeavored to give the case up to God, and returned according to my appointments. As I came back through the Province, the people attended meetings, which were full and very solemn. Some hopeful symp- toms of good appeared among them. I gave them encouragement that we should send a missionary among them next year, and they were anxious that we should. I left them with reluctance, crossed the water at the outlet of Lake Erie, and spent two weeks with the Seneca nation of Indians. These are thought to be the most savage of any of the Six Nations, and have, therefore, utterly refused to re- ceive missionaries. The Grand Council of the Six Nations met while I was there. I was admitted with Elder Holmes to attend the Council which continued four days. Our interpreter informed us what they were doing. They had business on different subjects, and among others whether they would follow the dictates of their prophet, or receive the gospel; for in the Allegany Nation a prophet had risen up who professed to be immediately inspired by the Great Spirit to teach the people. He taught some good morals; just enough to answer the purpose of Satan to blind the poor creatures. He then urged the necessity of all their Pagan worship. It had been the practice of this nation once a year to sacrifice two dogs to the Great Spirit. With this sacrifice they offer a kind of incense, made of compounded spicy herbs, dried and puherized, which are thrown into the fire, a little at a time, while the dogs are burning. They close the scene by a festival, and spend a night in dancing. The young warriors are generally pleased with the prophet, and love those high dances. Great exertions were made in the Council to depose Red Jacket from his oflBce as Sachem because he was in HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 51 favor of receiving the gospel, and would not submit to the dictates of the prophet. A majority, however, of the sachems and chiefs of the nations present, with long speeches, delivered strings of wam- pum, in confirmation of Red Jacket in his office. This is the famous orator by that name who has so often attended public business with the government of the United States. The last interview I had with him, I went with my interpreter to his own wig^wam and spent some hours in conversation. He said, with tears on his cheeks, that he thought it would be a happy thing if their nation would receive the gospel; and that when he traveled among white people, he noticed that all good white people receive it, and pray to the Great Spirit in their houses; and that they prayed for the good of the red people, as well as of the white people. He further plainly saw that the doctrines that we preach to them tended to peace and good order in society ; but the doctrine of their prophet tended only to confusion. I pitied the poor creature, persecuted by his own people, without means of de- fense. I attended some of their meetings where they were cove- nanting to follow the instruction of the prophet. Their zeal went to great extremes, and there were such hideous yells interspersed with their devotions, as would have effectually tried my courage if my interpreter had not been there to inform me what they meant. But, notwithstanding all their confusion, it was easy to be perceived, as I attended with them at the Seneca village, that light daily in- creased in their minds, and some of them seemed sensible that the temper of the gospel is preferable to savage barbarity. From the Senecas I went in company with Elder Holmes thirty miles to the Lanlawanly village of Indians, but the sachems being absent, could not obtain a council with them as we hoped. The night before we left them was a severe rain, and a part of that day, being taken up in our concern for the Indians, we were inat- tentive to the time in the day when we left the village, so that night overtook us while we were in the woods. The timber high and the night dark, we soon found ourselves out of the path and could not regain it; accordingly we were obliged to tarry that night in the wilderness. We were on low land, so that the water prevented us from lying dowai to get any sleep that night. We, however, spent 52 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT that time in religious devotion and conversation; the hours rolled away insensibly, and we passed the night in a manner quite agree- able; we were glad, however, to see the dawn of day. When the kind heavens had given us light we found our path and went on our way. This day there was a storm of snow. Two days after I parted with Mr. Holmes, which I was obliged to do before we could obtain a council with the different nations, as we intended. My obliga- tions and engagements on my way home, and the idea of leaving my brother Holmes, to go through this business without any hu- man assistance but his Indian interpreter, wrought up every feel- ing in my heart to the highest pitch. Concluding, however, that anxiety could do no good, I endeavored to resign the matter to Him, who can give to all his servants strength equal to their day. I then pursued my way home, preaching through the country as I came. The kind Lord returned me in safety to my family and people, and I found all things well. The experiences of Elder Blood here related were probably no more trying and eventful than those of many of his brethren who from year to year followed in his paths. A volume of thrilling in- terest could be written if the reports of the other missionaries had been as fully related and as carefully preserved. Among these zealous missionaries were Joseph Cornell, Calvin Chamberlain, Nathaniel Kendrick, Solomon Bro^vii, Daniel Haskall, George Witherell, Ebenezer Smith and Cyrus Andrews. The pitiable condition of the Indians appealed to the sympa- thy of these brethren, and they gave them no little attention, win- ning their confidence and gratitude. The Tuscarora Indians were in particular responsive to the efforts of the missionaries, sending to the Association by them "written talks" expressive of their ap- preciation, and requesting further help, and sending, also, strings of wampum expressive of their friendship. To these the Associa- tion sent replies, and a staff or some other symbol of their regard. In 1803, Lemuel Covell delivered an address to the Tuscororas in behalf of the Association, and preserved a copy of their reply, which was published in the Massachusetts Baptist missionary magazine as follows : history of the baptists in vermont 53 Letter from the Tuscarora Indians to the Shaftsbury Association, 1803 Fathers and Brethren: We are very happy to meet you here this day, and that we are well and in health. As many of us as are here, have met to let you know our minds, and what we have to say, I thank the good people, the ministers, that they have sent missionaries to visit our fire-place — ^to preach the gospel — the will of the Great Spirit, to us. Our whole nation thanks the ministers for their good will to our nation. We hope the Great Spirit may protect you safe on your jour- ney home — that you may find all at your fire-place well. We pray that the Great Spirit may prosper your labours. I say to the good people, that when they see our mistakes or errors, that they will not think hard of us, because we meet with a great many difficulties in the way. We slowly go on to get ac- quainted about the Great Spirit — for we thmk we are firm in taking hold of the gospel. We say now, all we chiefs of our nation, we hope that the good people will not be discouraged about us because other nations of our color do not receive the gospel ; for we are sure that we wish to be instructed. We are chiefs — we do all we can to persuade our young men and our children to be taught in the good way — that they may be- come acquainted with the gospel, to the latest generation. Second Sachem — I am very much pleased, and thank the min- isters of the Shaftsbury Association who sent you to us to preach the good word to us, which we have felt in our hearts ! First Sachem — I send word to my nephew, George, that he would not be uneasy about us — we have put off drinking spirituous liquor, — we feel happy to live a sober life — I wish that he would keep from liquor, and not taste one drop, so that he may be sober. You may know by this, that I am glad always to see ministers, and hear their good words. SCARESA X First Sachem, WILLIAM X Printup, Second Sachem. October 31, 1803. 54 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT We, the subscribers, certify, that the foregoing Speech, was delivered by the above named Sachems, to the Rev. Lemuel Covell, word for word, as near as could be translated. Witness our hands, NICHOLAS COSICK JOHN X MOUNTPLEASANT Literpreters. T, Hereby certify, that I write down the above Speech as de- livered to me by the above interpreters. ELKANAH HOLMES. Chapter III ITINERANT MISSIONARIES FROM THE MASSACHU- SETTS BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY AND THE MAINE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY While the missionaries of the several associations were busy in their beneficent work of evangelism, they were ably assisted by the missionaries of the Maine Baptist Missionary Society, and the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. In October, 1802, Rev. John Tripp, one of the first trustees of the Maine Baptist Missionary Society, and for forty-nine years pastor of the church in Hebron, Maine, commenced missionary labors under the society which he ably represented. While preach- ing in towns on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut River, he crossed over and preached in Northumberland, Vt., May, 1803. In January, 1804, he preached in Waterford on the Vermont side. Here he found a few brethren sincere and earnestly desiring in- struction. At their request, he urged the missionary society to pay them some attention. In May, that same year, the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society appointed Rev. Peter Philanthropos Root, a missionary, with directions to visit the District of Maine, Upper Coos, and the destitute parts of Vermont, and so westward. In August of that year, Mr. Root preached in Brunswick, Maidstone, Guildliall, Granby, Waterford, St. Johnsbury, Barnet and Ryegate. Leaving this country he writes, "I steered my course for the LaMoille and Onion Rivers, preaching as I passed from place to place, but after leaving Onion River, I did not stop to preach till I came to Pawlet, where I attended the Vermont Association, October 3 and 4. In 1806, Mr. Root went again to Otter Creek and preached in Ira, Rutland, Leicester, New Haven, Cornwall and Sudbury. 56 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Samuel Ambrose was another zealous itinerant minister sent out by the Massachusetts Society. He visited the destitute dis- tricts of Vermont in March, 1909, going through Danville, Hard- wick, Greensboro, Irasburgh, Barton and Coventry. He found Esquire Ide's house a sanctuary, and after preaching there, spent three days visiting from house to house, then crossed over into Canada, and returning, preached on his way home to the churches that had given him previous welcome. In December of the same year, he began a midwinter journey at Bethel, going thence to Randolph, Brookfield, Roxbury, Warren, Waitsfield, Moortown, Cabot, Hardwick, Craftsbury and Coven- try. At Coventry he found a church had been organized since his summer visit. This midwinter tour was one of wearisome journey- ing, exposed to tedious storms and other forms of discomfort. The record of it is given as by one who enjoyed the memory of it, and who had no disposition to magnify the trials of it. He refers with special pleasure to his visit at Brookfield, at the home of Elder Samuel Hovey. A reformation had been in progress in that place all summer, and ten of Elder Hovey 's family, and near connections, had "obtained a comfortable hope in Christ" as well as a goodly number more from ten to twelve to fifty years of age. Samuel Churchill traversed this same territory in 1811, and Barnabas Perkins again in 1816. The reports of these missionary journeys, as given in the Baptist missionary magazine, are full of the incidents of this interesting and fruitful ministry. Rev. Phineas Pillsbury, another of the missionaries sent out by the Maine Society, drawn by the destitute condition of Ver- mont, crossed the line from New Hampshire and did evangelistic work here. He came to Danville in February, 1807, where he found a small Calvinistic Baptist church, and one Free Will Baptist church. Here he preached six times, and then rode seventeen miles to Hardback and "preached a lecture at the house of Deacon Fuller" of the Congregational church. There was another Con- gregational church there and one Free Will Baptist. He next visited Greensboro and preached in a Congregational church. Thence he made his wav to Craftsburv'. He was informed that HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 57 there was no regularly ordained minister of any denomination in Orleans County, besides a multitude of destitute places in ad- joining counties. After crossing into Canada, on his return, he stopped at Alburgh, where there had recently been a reformation, and the converts had sent for a council to organize them into a Baptist church. On this mission he spent six months, rode eleven hundred and twenty -seven miles, preached one hundred and fifty- five times, baptized four persons and attended to other missionary labors. Received eleven dollars and forty-two cents, and expend- ed eight dollars and eleven cents. Joshua Bradley, a missionary of the Massachusetts Society, visited the new settlements in Vermont in the fall of 1804. He attended the Woodstock Association in Alstead and "beheld their good order, love, peace, unity and zeal. " Then he visited Braintree, preaching in different parts of the to\\'n, then went to Randolph, followed by a large number of people from Braintree, who were eager to hear more of the Gospel from his lips. He preached later at Hartford, and was greatly moved by the evidence of spiritual destitution among the people and their need of shepherding. Barnabas Perkins made a missionary journey, beginning his work in Danville, September 18, 1809. From Danville he was called to St. Johnsbury to visit a sick man, who a little before had been calling for some one to pray with him, and there was no one, who had learned to pray for himself, able to respond to the dying man's request. After spending some time here, at Lyndon, and Whee- lock, he returned to Danville and baptized two persons. Thence he made his way to Coventry, where a reformation was in progress. This was an eventful visit. Mr. Perkins had been there the pre- vious July and had preached in the home of John Ide, a highly respected citizen, supposed to be inclined to Universalist sentiments. Mr. Perkins, while spending the evening with Mr. Ide, talked w4th him on the nature and design of the atonement, the freeness of grace, the necessity of the new birth and of faith in Jesus Christ, without which no one can be saved. "His host was respectful, but reticent." He seemed to be in deep study. Mr. Perkins, after preaching twice in the place, left, not knowing the result of his "fire-place sermon." But the truth found lodgment in a good 58 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT heart and brought forth fruit. Mr. Ide was soon thrown into deep conviction in which he continued for several days, and then came into "sweet Hberty. " His wife and four others were converted, and a deep rehgious seriousness pervaded every family in the place. Later, Mr. Ide was baptized by Mr. Perkins. He afterward be- came the pastor of the Coventry church and continued in that relation sixteen years. He was the father of George B. Ide, who became well-known in the denomination far beyond the limits of his native state. The Coventry church was supplied by several of the missionaries of the Massachusetts Society, among them, Ariel Kendrick, Samuel Churchill, Barnabas Perkins and Jacob Cottle. From this church was set off, in 1816, members to constitute the church in Irasburgh, and, in 1817, others to constitute the church in Newport, and, in 1818, still others to form the church in Troy. Mr. Perkins made another tour in September, assisted in organizing a church in Lunenburg, and baptized several persons in Derby, two of them aged women, one seventy -five and the other seventy-eight years of age. Barnabas Perkins relates the following: A REMARKABLE DREAM {Miss. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 180) Lord's Day, the 16th of October, I preached at Wheelock, and while I was there a respectable sister, belonging to the Danville church, sent me the folloA\nng dream: Sister D. in a dream thought her father, who had been dead about five years, came to see her, with whom she had considerable conversation; after which he went to the door as though he were going away, but turned about and asked if Mr. Perkins were going to preach in town any more. She answered, yes. He asked, when? She answered, "the Lord's day after next." He asked, at what place? She answered, "at the courthouse." He replied, "Tell him that he must preach from this text, John 21, 22. 'Jesus saith unto him, if I ^all that he tarry until I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.' And do you tell him that this is an errand from me." On my way to Danville, I called on her and she repeated the dream as related above; and told me withal, that she had a trial on HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 59 her mind about doing the errand ; but the impression was so great that she dared not omit it. She furthermore told me that she could not remember a word of the conversation ^vath her father, excepting what is related above. It made a singular impression on my mind which led me to think much about it. However, it was not long before a field opened from the text, that was quite new to me. When the time came for me to preach, I delivered my subject with much freedom of mind; and the attention of the people appeared to be called up. A few days after, I baptized three amiable young sisters in the bloom of life. They declared that the text and subject so impressed their minds, that they felt constrained to follow the example of their Lord and Master. Some others told me afterwards that they had hard work to go from the water, and not receive the ordinance. "He that hath a dream let him tell a dream." Chapter IV LATER ACCOUNTS OF THE CHURCHES IN SHAFTS- BURY, POWNAL AND WALLINGFORD. The First Shaftsbury Steven Wright gives the following later history of this church : In 1801— 2, they had a pastor in the person of Elder Andrew Harpending; his labors seem not to have been of much service to them. But, in 1803, Isaiah Mattison, one of their own number, born, reared, converted and baptized among them, was called for- ward to public service, and in November of that year he was or- dained to the pastoral care of his native church at the age of twenty- three and a half years. In 1807, this church reported nineteen ad- ditions; in 1811, thirty-three more, and from that onward till 1825, a few scattering drops fell upon their soil to encourage the fainting laborers. Yet, with their pastor's labors only one-half the time from 1807, there was a gradual decrease of their numbers from one hun- dred and thirty -six until in the year 1824, they reported only six- ty-five members in standing. But, in 1825, they went up to the Association rejoicing over thirty-five accessions to their number; and, in 1827, they reported over forty more, making a total of one hundred and thirty, after dismissing fifteen the year previous. In 1831—4, during three years, they received seventy-one by baptism and a few by letter, raising their total membership ^o one hundred and eighty -two. Again, in 1839, they reported thirty- two baptized; and, in 1843, seventeen more, which was the last re- vival they ever enjoyed. During the long period of forty years Isaiah Mattison was their spiritual guide and counsellor. He was, in fact, the only pastor the church ever really enjoyed. All others had been mere transient helps for a brief period. But this pastorate endured till its incumbent had well-nigh worn himself out in the 62 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT ser^ace of this single church and the fourth church for a while half the time. After the death of their pastor, this church became entangled in difficulties and dissolved its organization in 1844, after an ex- istence as an independent body about seventy -six years. The Fourth Shaftsbury, Later Called Third Shaftsbury Elder Blood continued his relation with this church as pastor until April, 1807, a period of nearly twenty years. Owing to the destitution of Baptist ministers in this region at that time, and owing to his long and justly established character as a successful minister of the gospel, whose fame was in all the churches, he was so frequently called upon to attend public meetings, councils, as- sociations, ordinations and funerals, that it took much of his time, and his people felt the loss. Several circumstances conspired to fix his mind upon a resignation. Years had passed without any special work of grace under his ministry. His congregations had been thinned by death and removals, and frequent and urgent solicita- tions were made to him for his service in other places. He removed from this place to Boston, and two years afterwards to Portland, Maine, at which place this venerable man closed his eyes on all earthly scenes. Upon the dismission of Elder Blood, the church made applica- tion to Elder Isaiah Mattison of the west church and obtained his services for one-half the time, he preaching every other Sunday for this church and continuing his connection with the first church as their pastor. This arrangement continued with Elder Mattison for nearly nineteen years, until the 1st of January, 1826. During the ministry of Elder Mattison two revivals of religion were enjoyed, one in 1810-1811, in which about one hundred members were added, and one in 1817, in which twenty were added. Following Elder Mattison's pastorate. Elder Daniel Tinkham served one year, and Elder Cyrus Hodges, four years, ending in the spring of 1833, during which time two revivals were witnessed, one in 1829, in which thirty-two were added; the other in 1831, in which HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 63 forty-one were added. The consistent piety of this devoted servant of Christ, together with his amiable deportment, sweetness of tem- per and meekness of mind, greatly endeared him to the people of his charge, especially to those who, by the Divine blessing, had be- come the subjects of grace under his ministry. In the month of January, 1839, a committee was appointed to take into consideration the subject of holding a series of religious meetings, and in their discretion to employ suitable gifts in aid of such meetings. This led to the acquaintance with Joseph W. Saw- yer, who came at the request of said committee to labor for the church. These labors proved successful, and with the blessing of God, resulted in the addition of fifty members. Elder Sawyer was employed as pastor of the church and so continued for five years. In the autumn of 1842, and winter and spring of 1843, a very in- teresting work of grace was enjoyed by the church and one hundred were added to its number. Several united, who had been members of the Second church, and the Second church held no meetings after that time, being thus dissolved. Elder Sawyer was succeeded by Elder Israel Keach in the spring of 1845, who remained ^nth the church as their pastor for three years; and in the summer of 1848, Elder Lansing Bailey was chosen and remained till 1851. During the autumn of 1849, twenty- five new members were added as the result of a series of meetings held by Elder Isaac Wescott. After reading the record of such frequent revivals and large in- gatherings one might expect to find reports of a large membership at the end of this period, and is surprised to learn that this church, in 1852, returned to the Association one hundred and seventy as its membership. The explanation is that large numbers, which united during so many successive revivals, were dismissed principally as a consequence of emigration to the West, where many of them were promptly called to fill important stations. (The foregoing sketch was prepared by the Hon. Nathan H. Bottom, for many years clerk of this Shaftsbury church, in June, 1852). The more recent record of the church's history is of frequent changes in the ministry, gradually decreasing membership; earnest 64 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT effort to meet the demands of changing conditions in the commun- ity. Much has been made of the Sunday school and young people's meetings. In 1857, the church was sustaining seven Sunday schools in different parts of the town. Prayer meetings in school-houses and private dwellings have been means of reaching the scattered mem- bership and their neighbors. Since 1852, the following pastors have served short periods: Arthur Day, S. Adams, J. Tucker, J. N. Chase, M. Merriam, Philander Perry, W. H. Rugg, P. C. Dayfoot, G. B. Smith, A. J. Chandler, C. A. Votey, G. A. Wilkins, J. Free- man, L. B. Steele, J. M. Compton, G. N. Gardner, Geo. Williams, Thomas Adams. The membership, in 1911, numbered forty -nine. POWNAL Elder Caleb Nichols gave fifteen years of faithful labor among this people, and died in their affections. The next pastor was Elder Dyer Starks, three years. For three or four years they were again ^-ithout a pastor, 1807—1810, and dur- ing this time they were favored mth a gracious revival, aided bj^ the labors of Elder John Leland, so that in 1808, they reported to the Association, meeting with them that year, the accession of seventy-seven and a total of one hundred and ninety -two in the membership of the church. In the year, 1811—12, Elder David Hurlbert was pastor; and then three years of destitution till 1816. George Robinson was pastor for five years. But, from 1811 to 1821, it was a time of de- clension in which not more than five persons were added to the church, according to the minutes of the Association. For many years the church was supplied in their seasons of destitution by two licentiates living among them, named Benjamin Gardner, and Dr. Cranmer Bannister. Elder Leland, of Chester, usually baptized for them. In 1822, they report twenty-six baptized, with a total of only ninety-five. In 1824—5, Elder Edward Green was pastor and thirty- one baptized in 1824. In 1829, we find Elder Wakeman O. Johnson pastor, and in 1831—3, Elder Green was again their supply, with an addition of fifteen in the time. But, in 1834, Elihu Dutcher was their HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 65 pastor till 1837. During his first year, in mid-summer, a powerful revival was enjoyed as the result of a protracted meeting in which various ministers assisted, among whom was Elder Eber Tucker, an evangelist, and fifty-nine were baptized, raising the number to one hundred and seven. In 1837, another season of refreshing was enjoyed in a similar meeting, in which their pastor. Elder Thomas S. Rogers, was aided by Elder William Grant, which brought in another accession of twenty by baptism. Elder Rogers was or- dained in the midst of these meetings. He remained only a year. After him came Elder Isaac Childs as pastor, and then a destitution for three years. In 1843, Elder D. W. Gifford, pastor, there were no additions, — total membership, seventy-eight. In 1843, Elder Matthew Batchelor settled among them and continued pastor for many years. In 1854, the Association passed the following resolutions : Whereas, it has been made known to this Association by the North Bennington and Hoosick churches that they recently com- menced a labor with the church in Pownal, with reference to certain heretical sentiments understood to have been embraced by their pastor. Rev. Matthew Batcheler, and fellowshiped by them, par- ticularly the following, viz.: That future punishment of the wicked consists in an utter extinction of being, and Whereas, it was satisfactorily ascertained, from the acknowl- edgement of both pastor and people, that the doctrines above re- ferred to are held and propagated by them, and Whereas, the said church refuses to unite with them in calling a mutual council, therefore, Resolved, that according to Article V of our Constitution, said church be "considered as regularly out of fellowship, and be dropped from the minutes." In 1873, the Association appointed a committee, consisting of Rev. Z. Jones, Rev. F. Henry, and Rev. S. L. Peck, to visit the church in Pownal to learn the condition of the church and their wishes with reference to its reinstatement with them. This committee at the next meeting reported that a visit had been made to several prominent members of the Pownal church, with whom they were acquainted, and on stating the object of their 66 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT visit were most cordially welcomed, and each for himself expressed much gratification that the church had been thus remembered; and the Committee from information these brethren gave, in refer- ence to the condition of things there, are encouraged to believe the prospect is fa^'orable to its early reinstatement into the fellowship of the Association. Upon this report, the Association voted to re- ceive the Pownal church, and the hand of fellowship was extended to its pastor. Rev. J. M. Batcheler. For a few years there was little sign of vitality. In 1879, Arthur Day was chosen pastor, and the membership reported was thirty-five. The house of worship was put in repair and the church began to show anxiety concerning its future. A. H. Simons was pastor in 1883, and three were baptized, the firstfor many years. L. E. Scott followed, in 1888, and ten new members were added. Women's Mission Circles were organized. In 1890, three hundred dollars were expended on their church property. McGeorge came to their help in 1892 and tw^enty-one new members were received. The next year the church entertained the Association for the first time in fifty-one years, and for the fifth time in its historj% the other times being in 1808, 1828, 1837 and 1843. Rev. Thomas Cull, visited them in 1895, and seven new- members were received. In 1897, Rev. B. F. Kellogg began a pastor- ate of seven years, during which Rev. W. A. Davison, State Superin- tendent of Missions, assisted in a series of meetings, resulting in the addition of twelve. Rev. F. W. Klein had a short pastorate, 1904. In 1907, State Evangelist Hafer held a ten days' meeting with the church and baptized fourteen and received three by letter. The help rendered at intervals thus by the State evangelists proved most fruitful and gave the church new hopefulness and influence. Rev. C. E. VanSchaick was the next pastor, under whose ministry the church became greatly encouraged. In 1908, it invited the Association to hold its sessions with them the next year. In 1909, H. G. Mohl became pastor. The bright prospects of the church were greatly darkened January 11, when their church edifice, recently reno\^ated, wis destroyed by fire. The member- ship last reported was seventy-six. Under the energetic leader- Rev. S. H. Akciiibald The eflBcient Secretary of the State Convention for twenty-two years Born, 1848— Died, 1904 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 67 ship of pastor Mohl, a new, substantial edifice was erected in place of the one destroyed by fire, and dedicated in 1912. Wallingford After the resignation of Elder Henry Greene, in 1807, the church came to rely on Deacon Randall. He supplied the pulpit by exchange with neighboring pastors; by the use of his own talents, and in many ways, sought to maintain the institutions of the church. Some were not edified by the improvement of his gifts; others were doubtless jealous of his lead, and instead of doing what they could to secure a pastor, tried to weaken him in his labors. It was a long, dark time. Many were excluded and others were lost to the church for usefulness and christian growth. Still others removed, and the ranks were fearfully decimated by these causes, and by heresy, which came into the church; a preacher, named Lobdell, leading several from their love to the church. Political divisions entered, and it being the time of the war of 1812, some were excluded for being Federalists. But this danger passed and others were en- countered. The meetings had been scattered, the church divided and re- duced, but there was a faithful remnant and, in 1816, there is ex- pressed in the records a desire for new life and power, and methods of attaining this end are sought and mentioned. In 1814, some steps had been taken looking to the securing of a pastor, and in this Dea- con Randall took the lead. In January, 1817, ten years after the departure of Rev. Henry Greene, they chose Sedgwick Rice, a licen- tiate from Connecticut, who labored about two years on a salary of one hundred dollars. A long succession of brief pastorates follows : Lemon Andrews , 1821-1824; Gibbon Williams, 1826-1828, two years; Frederick Page, 1830-1834, four years; Davis, 1837-1838, six months; Leland Huntley, 1838—1839, one year; Joseph H. Sherwin, 1839—1841, one and three-quarter years; Daniel Hascall, 1841— 1843, two years; Joseph Packer, 1843—1844, one year; A. A. Con- stantine, 1844—1845, one year; R. Meyers, 1845— 1847, two years; 68 HISTORY or THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Frederick Page, 1849-1850, one year; S. L. Elliott, 1851-1857, five and one-half years; Edwin M. Haynes, 1857—1859, two years; Edward Conovec, 1859-1863, three and one-half years; James W. Grant, 1863-1864, oneandone-halfyears;R. G.Johnson, 1865-1867, two years; Joshua Fletcher, D. D., 1869-1873, three and one-half years; Edward Conover, 1874-1876, two years; Henry S. Archibald, 1876. Up to this date there had been twenty-one pastorates covering sixty -five years, giving an average of a little more than three years, or deducting that of Rev. Henry Greene, the remaining ones average two and one-fourth years. For thirty-five years, or more than one- third the history of the church at that time, the church had been without a pastor. The total number received into this church up to the time of its centennial, in 1880, was seven hundred and eighteen. There were on its roll at that time seventy-four. Its present house of worship was erected in 1827, at a cost of $870.00. Recent renovations and improvements make it still a comely and convenient church home. With Rev. S. Henry Archibald's pastorate, a new order of things began. As a wise, energetic, patient laborer, he devoted him- self to the interests of this church with genuine ardor and love. He was a genuine under-shepherd to them. Though his immediate parish was limited in extent, he became influential in all the enter- prises of the denomination, serving many years on the Board of the Convention, as secretary; he became intimately acquainted %\'ith the condition of the churches, generally, and his judgment was of much value. He retained his position as pastor of the Wallingford church twenty-two years. He was succeeded by Rev. S. F. Smith, four years; S. P. Perry, 1902-1903; S. F. Leathers, 1903-1905; C. R. B. Dodge, 1906-1910; S. D. Sykes, 1910. The associational relationships of this church have been varied. In 1788, it withdrew from the Shaftsbury Association to unite with the Vermont Association, which was more conveniently near. In 1808, it withdrew from the Vermont Association and remained unassociated till 1824, when it united with the Man- chester Association, remaining in that body till it disbanded some HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 69 five years later. In 1833, it again united with the Vermont As- sociation and has since been a member of that body, or its suc- cessor, the present Shaftsbury Association. A name worthy of special mention and remembrance is that of Deacon Joseph Randall. For fifty-four years he served the church as clerk; for fifty-six years as deacon, and much of the time he filled the pulpit of the church, and ever interested himself in its welfare. He is most emphatically its hero and its greatest burden bearer. He filled an important place in civil life — ^Representative four years, Judge of Probate four years, and was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1793. He also filled other town oflfices' — as town clerk, etc. Says the author of the biographical sketch in the Vermont Historical Gazeteer: "In addition to this, he bore his part in the war of the Revolution, and also in the war of 1812. An honorable man, a christian, a patriot, he was of very great benefit to the town and performed no inconsiderable service for the State." Says Mr. Archibald, "doubtless he had his faults, but time has covered these. His integrity, his virtues and his fidelity shine above the lapse of years. Having faithfully served his generation and well discharged the duties which belonged to him, he fell asleep in Christ, April 15, 1836, aged eighty years." Chapter V THE VERMONT ASSOCIATION In May, 1785, the delegates from five little chui'ches with four pastors met in Elder Joseph Cornell's barn in Manchester, and organized an association to which they gave the name of Vermont Association. The churches thus uniting were: Manchester, Clar- endon, Danby, Middleton, and Granville, N. Y., with a total mem- bership of two hundred and thirteen. The pastors were: Joseph Cornell, Thomas Skeels, Isaac Beals and John R. Dodge. It is probable that their first published minutes were printed in 1789. There were then eleven churches, and six hundred and thirteen members. In 1791, there were fifteen churches and four hundred and eighty -four members. The territory then included in this body extended from Manchester on the south to Georgia on the north, and in addition to that covered when first organized, it included all now included in the Addison and the Lamoille Associations. Little is known of the history of the Association during the first ten years. Of the three circular letters which have come down to us from this period, one is on the duty of searching the Scriptures, and trying ourselves constantly by that standard, both in respect to our doctrines and our practice; another sets forth christian fel- lowship as consisting, first, in fellowship with God the Father, and secondly, with those who are godly and walk in the truth. The sentiments, as condensed in the preamble of a new Con- stitution, published in 1796, were these: "We believe that the scriptures of the Old and the New Testa- ment are the word of God and the only rule of faith and practice, — that there is one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, — the doc- trine of eternal personal election, — total depravity, — the convey- ance of sin from Adam by natural generation to all his posterity, — of pardon and justification alone by the blood and righteousness of 72 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Christ, — the final perseverance of the saints, — resurrection of the dead and a general judgment, — that the punishment of the wicked will be endless, the happiness of the righteous eternal, — the sanctity of the Sabbath (otherwise the Lord's day), — immersion, the only mode of baptism and its necessity to the communion of the Lord's Supper; that none have a right to either ordinance but true be- lievers in Christ; that no person has any right to administer them but those who are called of God, and regularly set apart to the sacred office by a presbytery of ordained ministers of the gospel, appointed by the churches." The first constitution was liberal, acknowledging the entire independence of the churches, but reserving to itself the right of rejecting or excluding churches and ministers who had become cor- rupt in sentiment or practice. But to some of the brethren the original provisions of the constitution did not sufficiently guard against a nominal and undesirable fellowship, and a Convention was called, in 1795, to revise the constitution or make a new one. The committee on revision consisted of Isaac Beals, Caleb Blood and Obed Warren. The proposed Convention was held at Wallingford the 6th of January, 1796. The reading of the special provisions of the new constitution indicate that in the minds of its advocates, the dominant purpose of an Association was to guard from infringement the ortliodoxy of the churches and its own doc- trinal purity. By the provisions of the new Constitution, the churches were represented in the Association by two members only, the pastor and one delegate, or in the case of a pastorless church, by at most two delegates, and each delegate was to bring a letter, not only certifying to his appointment by the church, but also stating the esential doctrines of the gospel held by them, &nd the present state of their churches. If the church sent a minister as their messenger, who had not previously been a member of the Association, the As- sociation was to examine him respecting a work of grace vpon his soul, ministerial qualifications, principles in the christian religion, etc. If the examination did not prove satisfactory the minister was to be refused a seat in the Association, his church informed of the objection, and unless the objection was removed by them or the HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 73 pastor dismissed, the church would be refused the fellowship of the Association. Two other lengthy articles provided for the settlement of difl&culties between churches in the Association, and also between any church in this Association and one belonging to a correspond- ing association. The Association practically reorganized itself into a standing council, to test the soundness of ministers and churches within its own constituency, and even, if need be, to jjass judgment upon churches and associations with which they were in correspond- ence. Naturally, this action caused serious disagreement and ulti- mately rent the Association into two parties. In 1799, two sets of delegates presented themselves at the Shaftsbury Association, both claiming to represent the Vermont Association. The Shaftsbury cautiously but kindly declined to receive either delegation officially, but invited both to seats individually; appointed a committee to investigate, and two years later, recognized as the Vermont As- sociation, the body which had adopted the new constitution. Before 1805, however, another convention had been called by both parties in the Vermont Association, and their differences amicably adjusted and reunion effected. At the close of the second decade of its history, the Association numbered nineteen churches, ten ordained ministers, and one thousand three hundred and seven- ty-four members. At this time it was in correspondence with eight other associa- tions, and was carefully providing for the supply of the pulpits of pastorless churches, each church giving its pastor occasional leave of absence to supply some other church, unable to support preach- ing. Now an incident occurred which opened the way for a broader work into which the Association heartily entered. The record of it is: "As we understand, our beloved brother, William Hartington, contemplates a journey to preach in the new settlements the ensuing year, we take this opportunity to express our approbation, and do cheerfully recommend him to all who wish to hear the Word of Life dispensed, as a regularly ordained minister of the gospel in our fellowship." 74 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Mr. Harrington made two tours on the east side of Lake Cham- plain as far as the bounds of Canada, and spent a few days in that province, and from his mission he brought to the Association such encouraging reports that definite plans were adopted for the con- tinuance of the work. A standing committee of twelve was ap- pointed annually, half the number being ministers, the others lay- men. These were carefully organized as directors, for the appointing of missionaries, directing their labors and meeting their expenses. Until 18'20, the Association continued this important work. The men employed as missionaries were: Isaac Sawyer, William Harrington, Samuel Rowley, Solomon Brown, Abel Wood, Henry Chamberlain, Elisha Starkweather, J. W. Sa\vyer, Roswell Mears, Clark Kendrick, John Spaulding. Two or three tours were made annually. The most active in this work was Isaac Sawyer, who made at least seven tours. They journeyed along the east and the west side of Lake Champlain, into Canada, and along the St. Lawrence in northern New York, and into the valley of the Scroon. Their usual time was two months' absence, during which time they would preach upward of fifty sennons and perform other work. They re- ceived on an average five dollars a week, and returned to the As- sociation treasury all collections received on their tours, thus re- ducing considerably their expenses. The importance and blessed results of this mission work can never be estimated. The visit to this Association, in 1814, of Luther Rice, the associate of Adoniram Judson, gave it a broader outlook and led it to engage in foreign mission work. A society was organized auxiliary to the Triennial Convention and the Association engaged at once in promoting, with praiseworthy liberality, the foreign work. In 1815, $381.00 are found in the foreign mission fund. At the close of this third decade of its history, the Association embraced twenty- two churches, twenty ministers, and one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six communicants, being an increase during the last ten years of three churches and four hundred and sixty-two members. The funds raised for domestic missions were given in charge of the Foreign Mission Society, and that society assuming the name of The Vermont Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, went for- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 75 ward in its useful work, making frequent appropriations to both foreign and domestic work. Its receipts, exclusive of legacies, are estimated to have averaged not much less than $150.00 a year. In 1826, this society was merged in the State Convention. The year 1817 was one of remarkable ingathering. There were received that year, by baptism, eight hundred and sixty-six; and by letter, one hundred and seven. The Poultney church received ninety-nine by baptism; x\ddison, ninety -three; Ira, sixty-eight; Granville, sixty-nine; Middletown, fifty-eight; Ferris- burg, eighty-two. The total membership of the Association ad- vanced to the number of two thousand eight hundred and forty. The year 1809 was a remarkable one for the Middletown church, which received one hundred and twelve by baptism. T^dce the Vermont Association glanced over the mountains into the fold of the Woodstock Association, once troubled because of Elder Aaron Leland's interest in civil affairs, and once on ac- count of the departure from orthodoxy of Elders Manning and Higbee. In the first instance, failing to take all the preliminary steps, their complaint was tabled, and in the second it led to action on the part of the sister Association with good results. A difference of sentiment grew up in the Association on the subject of Freemasonry. Some wished to act upon the subject and others refused to, in the capacity of an association. The feeling be- came strong and, in 1833, several of the churches asked and received dismission to form the Addison Association. Other churches in Addison County soon connected themselves with the new body, leaving the Vermont Association at half its former size. In 1835, it numbered fourteen churches, and one thousand one hundred and seventy-eight members. In 1851, the Vermont iVssociation made overtures to the Ad- dison Association, proposing a reunion of the two organizations, and for a time the prospect of this reunion was encouraging. A joint meeting was held at Brandon, in 1852, but the parties failed to agree on a basis of union. About the same time the Shaftsbury As- sociation invited the Vermont Association to unite with them, and the invitation was cheerfully accepted and the two bodies, in 1855, united under the name of The Vermont and Shaftsbury Associa- 76 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT tion. The minutes of the body were published under this name until 1878, when it assumed the name, Shaftsbury Association — the dates of the origin of the two united bodies being printed under the name on the title page, thus preserving the historical connection. At the time of the union this Association consisted of ten churches: Brandon, Hubbardton, Hydeville, Ira, Middletown, Pittsford, Poultney, Rutland, Wallingiord, Westhaven. Total membership, seven hundred and seventy-five. The Shaftsbury Association gave to this union five churches: The first Bennington, second Bennington, first Hoosick, N. Y., Man- chester, Shaftsbury; five pastors and five hundred and ninety -four members. Total membership of the union, one thousand three hundred and sixty-nine. Concerning the ministers in the early period and even in later ones who founded and developed the Baptist churches in Vermont, the words of an old chronicler are true: "Few, if any of them, had received a liberal education, but thej' were men of strong minds, ardent piety, sound judgment, firm faith and untiring zeal. Their courage was unflinching and they were distinguished for great soundness in the doctrines of the Gospel. They were close students of the Bible, men of one book. They believed in what they preached and those that heard them believed that they believed it. They were chosen vessels, — apostles, on whom a necessity had been laid to preach the Gospel. To other natural and spiritual qualifications, there were added great physical constitutions. And thus furnished, they did the Master's work in heat and cold, by day and by night, threading the wilderness by marked trees, swimming the rivers, ex- posed to rain and snow, often with no guide and at the peril of their lives. And they were everywhere welcomed. The scattered settlers hungered for the bread of life, and these men dispensed it with great hearts and liberal hands. They had sought the wilder- ness for this very purpose, not called to the pastorates of churches, — not expecting settlements, not to live upon the people, but to pleach the Gospel and to win souls. Even where they settled and became pastors, they had no salaries; they lived by the labor of their own hands. They took up farms, felled trees, rolled logs, made potash, put in seed and gathered the grateful harvests, and they were as HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 77 good farmers as they were ministers. In short, they were great men, and God blessed their labors, giving them good success." (Conven- tion Hist. Add., 1875). A vivid conception of an associational gathering in the e irly days calls for an exercise of imagination, assisted by something be- sides the formal minutes of the body. These anniversaries involved long journeys over bad mountainous roads. The hospitality of the entertaining churches were heavily taxed, though the burden was most cheerfully borne. Their accommodations were not ample and the delegates had to make the best of what they could find. Beds were made up on the floor and the men were sometimes compelled to sleep in the pews in the meeting-house. It was on one of these occasions that Elder Leland, who was a very fleshy man, snored loudly. One nervous minister, unable to sleep on account of Le- land's snoring, bore his trial as long as he could, and then, standing up full length in the pew he called out, "Elder Leland, Elder Leland, the glory of your nostrils is terrible." But the serious features of these gatherings were far more in evidence than the mirthful. They were often genuinely evange- listic, the massing of the spiritual forces of the body upon the com- munity where the association was held. A notice of the Vermont Association published in the Vermont Telegraph in 1829 is sugges- tive of the evangelistic motive of an Association. The x\ssociation was to be holden in the new meeting-house in Bridport the first Thursday in June, and this was the call : "The churches are requested to send active lay brethren to visit from house to house and hold meetings in different parts of the town on Wednesday preceding the Association. Brethren from Shoreham will be received and conducted in visiting by Dea. S. Converse; from Crown Point, by Bro. Frost and Bro. Wilcox; from Moriah, by Breth. Hiram Smith and J. C. Eldrige; from Panton and Ferrisburg, by Bro. Luther Smith; from Addison, by Bro. Hinds. Breth from Weybridge will visit in the northeast neighborhood, and call on Cap. W. Cory for entertainment and from Cornwall on Bro. Wm. Baldwin; from other churches will be directed by myself when they arrive. Jonathan Merriam." 78 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT This was, doubtless, a quarterly meeting of the Association as the regular session of the body was held in October that year at Rutland. It is interesting to turn to the statistical table of the Association and to find reported the next year twenty -two baptisms in the Bridport church. One can hardly refrain from connecting in thought the meeting in June, 1828, with the cheering report in 1830. Chapter VI MANCHESTER ASSOCIATION It was with the Manchester church that the Vermont Baptist Association was organized in Elder Cornell 's barn in 1785. For some ten years this church remained a member of the Association it had been so influential in forming. By this time the Vermont Associa- tion had enlarged its borders far to the north, embracing the churches of Orwell and Shoreham sixty miles away, leaving' Man- chester on the extreme southern limit. From their distance from the center of this body, and from their own depressed condition for years after Elder Cornell 's removal, as well as on account of the distracted condition of the Association, they were discouraged, and failing to represent themselves were left off the minutes, and re- mained unassociated until 1818, when in the same barn where the Vermont Association had been organized, a new Association was formed under the name of The Manchester Association. The churches uniting with this body were: Arlington, Manchester, Dorset, Londonderry, Hebron, Rupert, and Winhall; Pawlet, and Wallingford afterward joined it. The largest number of members in this body at any time was six hundred and eighty. The prin- cipal ministers were Rev. C. M. Fuller, P. W. Reynolds, C. Cham- berlain and I. Beals. Those who planned the organization hoped to have united all the churches from the Green Mountains on the east, to the Hudson River on the west, and from Arlington and Salem on the south, to Wallingford and Whitehall on the north, but the formation of the Washington Association in 1827 prevented the accomplishment of this purpose. The Association was dissolved in 1829 or 1830. Some of the churches have become extinct: Arlington, Dorset, Winhall, Hebron and Rupert. The others united with the Associa- tions contiguous to them. Chapter VII OTHER CHURCHES OF THE SHAFTSBURY AND VERMONT ASSOCIATIONS Manchester In 1781, a church was organized in Manchester by Elder Nathan Mason, and other brethren present, from the church in Lanesboro, Mass. Many of the early settlers of this town were from the Baptist colony that had come up a few years before from Rhode Island and south-eastern Massachusetts. At the same time Elder Joseph Cornell was elected pastor of the church, a position which he held for fourteen years. He came to Manchester by invita- tion the year preceding, immediately after his ordination in Lan- singburgh. He was born in Swansea in 1747. He entered into his ministry with a heart full of missionary ardor, and success attended his labors. His barn served for a time as meeting-house. The habits and manners of Elder Cornell were peculiarly adapted to his times. His ardent evangelistic and missionary spirit made Manchester for him the center from which his influence went out in every direction. The Manchester church united with the Shaftsbury Associa- tion in 1784, but never met again with that body, it is presumed, for forty-five years or more; because in 1785 the Vermont Association was formed in Elder Cornell's barn to which this church became connected and remained some ten years, when discouraged and failing to report to the Association it was dropped from the roll, and never reunited with any other body till 1818, when the Man- chester Association was organized, embracing a few adjacent churches that held together in an associated body till about 1830. Many of those who resided in town when Elder Cornell settled in it were transient settlers, gathered there as a post of safety during the troublous scenes of the war of the Revolution, who at its close re- 82 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT moved elsewhere, so that the church suffered diminution of num- bers and strength. Its reduced condition was the reason assigned by Elder Cornell in asking for his release from the pastorate. Calvin Chamberlain, who came from Brandon and took charge of this church in April, 1801, was the second pastor. During his ministry of twenty-two years there was a succession of gracious revivals. Elder John R. Dodge was associated with Chamberlain as assistant pastor two years. Chamberlain did not wholly resign charge of the church till his death. In his last days he was permitted to see the salvation of God among his beloved people. In the fall of 1824, from September to December, a revival was enjoyed which brought some twenty-five into the church who were baptized by Elder Dodge. With such influences around him Elder Chamberlain passed away. He died November, 1824. Mr. Dodge was succeeded in the spring of 1825 by Elder P. W. Reynolds who, after a four years' successful pastorate, resigned, he having embraced the views of Alexander Campbell. The church labored for months to reclaim him, called a council for advice, but to no purpose. Finally in De- cember, 1829, they withdrew their fellowship from him. He, with ten or fifteen others from the church, set up a counter interest which existed many years. Moses Field was chosen fifth pastor, and before the first year of his ministrj^ had closed thirty were added to the church. Two years later a brick meeting-house was erected at Factory Point, a most promising part of the village. Silas Kennedy was the sixth pastor, remaining two and a half years. Dexter P. Smith was the seventh, 1838-1839. Assisted by Elder William Grant, in a series of meetings in the busy month of July, he was permitted to gather some fifty souls into the church. For a week or two baptisms occurred almost daily, and in that one month about forty were buried with Christ. At the close of this pastorate the membership was one hundred and twenty-six. D. W. Burroughs, Harvey I. Parker, G. S. Stockwell, Winthrop Morse and Stephen Wright, served short pastorates. From the death of Elder Chamberlain the length of the succeeding pastorates averaged about three years. T. H. Archibald was pastor two years, 1854-1856, George Carpenter one, 1857. Then A. M. Swan led the church on a pros- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERxMONT 83 perous course, serving five years; 1858-1863. At this time the church reached its highest mark in the number of members and apparent prosperity. In 1860 it reported to the /Association as fol- lows: "We have received accessions every communion but one for thirty-two months, during which time one hundred and forty- seven have united. " The total membership became two hundred and twenty-six in 1863. From that time the changes in pastors have been frequent and the membership declining. The list of pas- tors is as follows: O. C. Kirkham, E. B. Hurlbert, C. J. Butler, W. S. Blaisdell, D. F. Estes, T. H. Archibald, J. A. Swart, E. E. Brown, Herbert Probert, O. F. Waltze, J. A. Swart, J. N. Latter- mer, D. R. Watson, J. S. Brown, H. S. McCready, E. M. Fuller, F. S. Clark. Membership, seventy-nine in 1912. Ira Several families were settled within the present limits of the town of Ira before the Revolutionary war, whose religious sympa- thies were with the Baptists. The town was organized in 1779, but there was no church organization until 1783. The organization was effected through the labors of Rev. Thomas Skeels, who had preached occasionally for eight years, and with a few believers as the constituent membership, he accepted the pastorate of the in- fant church. The pastorate of Mr. Skeels was very brief. He left in the spring of 1785, leaving a membership of some fifty -three, showing that his labors were abundantly blessed for so large a num- ber in proportion to the population to be added to the church. The church was supplied occasionally by Rev. Henry Green of Walling- ford. Rev. Amasa Brown was settled as pastor on February 13, 1786, and dismissed at his own request, May 29, 1788. Deacon Reuben Baker was then licensed to preach, and continued to min- ister to the church several years, but was not ordained. Rev. Thomas Skeels was then recalled November 15, 1791, and was set- tled on a salary of seventy -five pounds. In otie year, however, he was called to his reward. He died in the triumphs of faith and his body rests in the village graveyard, surrounded by those among whom he labored. 84 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT For several years after the death of Elder Skeels the church was without stated preaching, save by occasional supplies, until December 31, 1801, when Rev. Joseph Carpenter was ordained pastor, and he divided his labor between his farm work and preach- ing on the Sabbath and from house to house until 1812, during which time a gracious revival commenced and continued, reaching with its blessed influence into adjoining towns, until two hundred and twenty -five souls were added to the church. On the 18th of June, 1812, a branch was set off and formed a church at West Clarendon. In 1813, Rev. Leland Howard became a member of the church and served them till November 15th, when, at his own re- quest, he was dismissed. The same autumn Rev. William McCuller became pastor, who is reported as being thoroughly doctrinal in his sermons, and whose labors appear to have been very acceptable. A revival of most interesting character occurred during his min- istry, which signally changed the character of the inhabitants of the town; about forty persons, all of them heads of families, hus- bands and wives, were received into the church by baptism, by which it was greatly strenghened. In the autumn of 1819, McCuller re- signed, and the church was dependent upon supplies until July 10, 1822, when Rev. Lyman Glazier was ordained as pastor. He is re- ported as being a man of excellent spirit. He continued his work till his death in 1825. In the fall of 1825 John Peck became pastor and continued two years. Artemas Arnold followed with a two years' pastorate. February 15, 1832, Joseph Packer was ordained an evangelist and preached as a supply for about four years. In the month of March previous to Mr. Packer's coming to them, the church collected together for prayer and supplication to God for an outpouring of His Spirit, and a great awakening followed as a result, and Brother Packer found them enjoying a most powerful revival which continued under his ministry until he was permitted to baptize more than one hundred persons, mostly in middle life and heads of families. The departure of Brother Packer occurred in 1836, and the church was again dependent upon supplies from abroad. Rev. John Peck supplying most of the time. Rev. John Cannon was engaged for one year, and then John Peck again oc- cupied the pulpit till May 1, 1838, when Rev. Elias Hurlbut was HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 85 settled, and during his ministry another gracious refreshing is re- corded, as the result about thirty persons were added to the church. Rev. Jacob P. Huntington, Frederick Page, and Levi Smith served brief pastorates between 1842 and 1844. Rev. Norman Clark was called and entered upon a fruitful pastorate of seven years. Warren Mason was pastor from April 1, 186,S, till March, 1865. He was ordained November 18, 1863. In April following, Rev. C. P. Frenyear was invited to supply until November, at the expiration of which time he accepted a call to the pastorate. In January, 1866, it was voted to observe "The World 's Prayer meeting, " which occurred during the coldest period that had been known for many years. In consequence of this but few assembled for prayer, but the blessed promise was fulfilled in their experience. The prayers of the few were heard, the divine presence was experienced, and the influence of the meetings per- meated the whole church like leaven in the meal till all were filled with the spirit of prayer and earnest zeal. For five weeks the meet- ings were sustained, the pastor having secured the assistance of Elder Coon. Baptisms were frequent, and the spirit of giving was quickened, as their annual reports showed. Mr. Frenyear closed his work here on the first of November, 1867. Edward Ashton, L. Kin- ney and O. C. Sargent, followed with brief terms of service. Rev. C. Blaisdell served from April, 1875, till May, 1878. Rev. W. R. Warner was then installed. The minutes speak of the 26th of May, (only a few days after the installation of Brother Warner) as a day long to be remembered by the church. On this day twenty persons, mostly young people, were united to Christ by baptism. " While the lightnings flashed over their heads, and the loud peals of thunder rent the air, and the rain fell in copious showers, they went down into the water with their hearts full of the love of Christ." "Perfect love casteth out fear." Early in the autumn following, by invitation of the pastor, the Rev. Dwight Spencer, then of Fair Haven, came and commenced a series of meetings, which interested several outside of the church, and also awakened . much serious anxiety and prayerfulness in the minds and hearts of christians. 86 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT His searching and powerful sermons were succeeded by the exhaustive and eloquent appeals of the Rev. M. Burnham, the evangelist. Very material aid was rendered by the Rev. J. K. Rich- ardson of Rutland. Baptisms are reported as follows: December 1, ten; December 8, twelve; December 15, seven; December 22, eight, making thirty-six that month. On the first of June, fol- lowing, five more received the rite under peculiarly happy circum- stances. A long drouth had prevailed for several weeks and vegeta- tion was suffering. Everything was parched and dry. After the baptismal service, while the pastor was giving the hand of fellow- ship previous to administering the Lord 's Supper, a heavy rain was filling up the streams and refreshmg the earth, symbolizing their own experience. Mr. Warner's pastorate ended October 27th, 1880. During the following nine months, in the interim between pastors,the church sustained services every Sunday, one of the deacons reading a ser- mon; three prayer meetings were held every week and well sus- tained. Rev. John B. Lewis took up the work April 24th, 1881. The membership of the church at this time was one hundred and twenty-one. It will be observed that no dissensions or church troubles have been reported in this sketch of the church's history. As a matter of fact the records are almost entirely free from these painful experiences. Doubtless, differences have arisen and de- linquencies among the membership have occurred, and the hand of fellowship has had to be withdrawn from some, but the spirit of love seems to have characterized even these sad chapters of the church 's history. The list of pastors from 1888 to 1912 is as follows: W. M. Hitchcock, 1888-1891; William Wyeth, 1893-1894; George H. Watt, 1895; C. A. Johnson, 1897-1898; B. A. Schurke, 1899-1900; Thomas Davison, 1901-1903; T. Ellis Jones, 1904-1906; Leonard Aldrich, 1907-1908; G. A. Littlefield, 1909; Thomas Adams, 1910. MiDDLETOWN The Baptist church in Mid^letown was formed in 1784. From about 1790 to 1802 it was a large church and embraced in its com- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 87 niunion members residing in the town of Wells, Poultney, Tin- mouth and Ira. In 1802, residents in Poultney, thirty -four or thirty- five in number, withdrew and formed a church in that to^\'n. In the first meeting of which we have any record, Caleb Smith was elected moderator and Thomas McClure, clerk. Caleb Smith ap- pears to have been the leading man from that time until his death, November 10, 1803. He usually acted as moderator in the absence of the pastor and was the first deacon. He was not a noisy man, but undoubtedly an efficient worker, laying the foundations of the institutions in the settlement. Among the first members of this church were Caleb Smith, Thomas McClure, John Sunderland, Gamaliel Waldo, Hezekiah Mallary, Daniel Ford, Asher Blunt, David Wood, Ephraim Foster, Josiah Johnson, Nathan Walton and Jonathan Haynes. Jonathan Haynes was early elected deacon but did not accept the office for the reason probably of his physical infirmities, occasioned by a terrible wound he received in Ben- nington, 1777. He was a useful man in the church while he lived, held many important positions and was regarded as a sincere, ar- dent and devoted christian. Daniel Ford, a good christian man, the father of Nathan Ford, and grandfather of Joel Ford, was elected deacon to supply the place to which Mr. Haynes was elected. Gamaliel Waldo, one of those decided, stern, resolute men, who was not to be moved by any outside influence, was another efficient mem- ber. And this was to a great extent the character of nearly all the early members of both this and the Congregational church. Both churches were formed at a time and under circumstances that we should hardly suppose would have admitted of prosperity, but they at once sprang into life and activity, and perhaps were as successful in the first year of their existence as they have ever been since in the same period of time. The Baptist church was without a pastor till 1790, during which time Rev. Hezekiah Eastman seems to have administered at communion seasons and performed the rite of bap- tism. Rev. Sylvanus Haynes, of Provincetown, Mass., was ordained pastor August 30, 1790, and remained in office twenty-seven years. The Baptist Society bought a piece of land for him of Captain Joseph Spaulding, and Mr, Haynes commenced living on it in a log 88 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT house. Besides attending to his ministerial duties he did a good deal of work on his land. The church prospered under the ministry of Mr. Haynes. He was a faithful minister, author of several religious works, which at the time gave him a good reputation as a writer in his denomination. He preached the election sermon before the Legislature of Vermont, in October, 1809, which sermon was printed by vote of the Legislature. To Mr. Haynes belongs the honor not only of being the first settled minister of the Baptist church here, but the first minister settled in Middletown. He preached in log meeting-houses and private houses until what has been known as the Congregational house was completed in 1790, when he preached in that until the Baptist house was built in 1806. Rev. Seth Ewens supplied the church about two years. Rev. Isaac Bucklin was pastor, 1821-1828. Rev. Mr. Fuller, Rev. Linus J. Reynolds, and Rev. G. B. Day each preached here between 1828 and 1832. Rev. Mr. Day was ordained here. He was a very zealous man and was here during the revival of 1831. In one day, Septem- ber, 1831, there were thirty-six persons baptized and received into the church. Rev. Mr. Soullard was pastor three years and went to Pawlet sometime in 1837. Rev. E. B. BuUard was pastor from 1839 to 1841. He was a well educated and a very devoted man. After leaving here he went to Burma and died there. Robert Meyers fol- lowed with a four years' pastorate. Rev. R. O. Dwyer came in 1846 and remained about three years. He removed to a place near Saratoga, N. Y., became a chaplain in one of the New York regi- ments, and died in the service of his country. His only son was a soldier in the same regiment and was killed in battle about the time of his father's death. J. M. Smith was pastor, 1848-1850. J. J. Peck followed two or three years. Rev. Berriah Leach, a native of the town, officiated five years, followed by Cyprian Frenyear and Thomas Tobin. In recent years there have been a succession of very brief pas- torates with few accessions. Intervals between pastorates have been seasons of depression. With the coming of each new pastor hopes have revived. A few years have been marked by special tokens of grace, as in 1890, when twenty-eight were received by bap- tism and five by letter, the fruitage of special meetings under the C. A. Thomas, D. D. Pastor of Baptist Church in Brandon 183{> — 1875 Born, 1800— Died, 1889 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 89 lead of State Missionary, A. McGeorge. In 1898, ten new members were added. Sunday schools and cottage prayer meetings have been sustained .^ Total membership in 1911, fifty. Resident membership, thirty-six. Brandon The Baptist church in Brandon was constituted in 1785, the year following that on which the town received the name which it bears. The town was chartered by the name of Neshobe, October 20, 1762; its name was changed to Brandon October 20, 1784. The original members, so far as can be ascertained, were twelve in number, as follows: Nathaniel Sheldon, Noah Strong, Elizabeth Strong, Solomon Tuttle, John Mott, Mary Mott, Nathaniel Welch, Peter Whalen, Elizabeth Whalen, Thomas Tuttle, Deborah Tuttle, Thomas Tuttle, Jr. For several years the church was without a settled pastor or a house of worship. The dwellings of Nathaniel Sheldon and Solomon Soper were often the church's sanctuary. Accessions were made from time to time. The church, while desti- tute of a pastor, was supplied occasionally by neighboring pastors as Elnathan Phelps, Henry Greene, Isaac Beals, Elisha Rich, Eph- raim Sawyer, Nathan Dana, Hezekiah Eastman, and Isaac Fuller. In 1789, Mr. Isaac Webb, who had been employed as a licen- tiate preacher, was called to ordination. The terms of his settle- ment were "one hundred pounds settlement in lands, and thirty -five pounds for the first year, and to rise five pounds a year till it amounts to sixty pounds, which is to be his stated yearly salary." Mr. Webb was ordained September 25th, 1789. Caleb Blood preached the ordination sermon, Isaac Beals gave charge, and Henry Greene the hand of fellowship. Mr. Webb was the first settled pastor in town. The Congrega- tional church, however, was the earlier in date of organization, and on that account the ministerial lands were equally divided be- tween the two denominations most amicably. 90 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT During the first fifty years of its liistory the church had eleven pastors. During the next fifty years it had three pastors. A log meeting-house was built in 1790, wliich was occupied ten years, when a new edifice was erected which served till 1835, when the present church edifice was dedicated. Isaac Webb, the first pastor, was succeeded by Calvin Cham- berlain, who was ordained here, and had a prosperous pastorate of five years. In 1795, Jonathan Merriam came from Ashburnham, Mass., and was followed by his brother-in-law, John Conant. These two men became eminently influential and helpful in the church. Mr. Merriam was appointed deacon in 1806, and died in 1826, aged sixty -two years. John Conant was chosen deacon in 1826, and died in 1856, aged eighty -three. He was a man of great decision and energj^ of character; nothing was too difficult for him. The present meeting-house was built under his supervision and labor. Few works of improvement in the village of Brandon were undertaken during his active life but received his approbation and aid. This church has been specially observant of its members who were inclined to the gospel ministry and gave promise of usefulness in the work. Of this class were: Thomas Tuttle, Jr., Isaac Merriam, Jonathan Merriam, Jr., Reuben Sawyer, David Hendee, Cyrus Hodges, Conant Sa\Nyer, Warham Walker, Isaac Sawyer, Nathan Brown, A. H. Stowell, B. F. Burr, Leland Huntley, C. B. Smith, Mylon Merriam, George W. Stockwell, Alvah Hovey, Cyrus Thomas and Edward J. McKenna. Accessions to membership have been made for the most part little by little, but there have been seasons of general revival. In 1836, fifty-seven persons were received by baptism and letter; in 1839, forty-four; in 1842, sixteen; in 1850, fourteen; in 1854, six- teen; in 1857, eighteen; in 1865, eighteen; in 1866, eighteen; in 1869, twenty-one; in 1875, twenty-four; and in 1878, thirty-nine, following the meetings of evangelist Earle, and in 1884, under the pastorate of D. E. Post, and following the meetings of Evangelist Bennett, thirty were added. The most notable pastorate in the history of this church was that of Cornelius A. Thomas, continuing forty years. The other HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 91 pastors and their terms of service have been as follows: Calvin Chamberlain, five years; Ithiel Peck, two; Moses Ware, two; Joshua Young, three; Abiel Fisher, two; Elisha Starkwether, two; Isaac Sawyer, six; Joseph W. Sawyer, three; William Hutchinson, two; George B. Ide, two. Eleven pastors during the first fifty years of the church's history. The successors of Mr. Thomas have been, David R. Watson, five years; B. E. Post, five; E. A. Herring, ten; J. J. Townshend, five; E. M. Bartlett, six; George Pomfrey, one; C. A. Nutting, one; C. W. Turner. Benson This church was constituted in 1797. Elder Abel Woods was principally instrumental in its organization. During the first year it increased from fourteen to thirty-nine members. In 1805, it re- ported fifty-nine communicants. After this no mention of this church is found in the minutes for several years. Nothing of special interest is recorded until 1823, when Elder John Carter and a large part of the members were deprived of their standing, in conse- quence of a change of sentiment. This was a great stroke to the church. Yet it struggled along till 1834 and then discontinued its meetings. In 1840, under the labors of Elder Henry Allen, it re- vived again, several additions were made by baptism and it again was in fellowship with the Association. In 1843, it reported sixty- five communicants. It then ceased to make returns. Dorset A small church was organized here in 1796, by Elder Corpse. John Howard became pastor for three years. When he left the church numbered fifteen. It continued happy and united and oc- casionally enjoying supplies for a number of years. In 1804, it built a meeting-house. The church was rather low from this time till 1814, when it enjoyed for two years the labors of Horace Griswold, received some additions, and was encouraged to hope and pray for greater blessings. The blessings came. A considerable quickening and increase was experienced under the labors of Rev. C. M. Fuller. 92 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IX VERMONT The church increased to sixty. After this it began to decline and though it enjoyed at different times supplies for longer or shorter periods, it continued to go down and became extinct. A second church was organized in the center of the town about the year, 1808, comprising about twenty members. For a time it bid fair to become a useful church, but it soon dwindled and became extinct. East Hubbardton Organized in 1787, as a branch of the Manchester church. The first preaching was by Abel Woods in the spring of 1785. A few were converted under his labors. From this time meetings were held regularly on the Sabbaths, in a log barn in summer, and in a log house in the winter, until a schoolhouse was built in 1786. Elders Cornell and Skeels furnished occasional sup- plies for several years. In the meantime the church had been organized as an independent body and several members had been added till in 1788 they numbered twenty -four. The following ten years were years of darkness and declension. Elder Nathan Dana was pastor ten years, then Elder Stark one year, when Elder Dana returned and lived in tovm till 1816. His second connection was not attended with the happiest results. In November, 1816, Joseph Sawyer was ordained as pastor. A revival followed, resulting in the conversion of many and the healing of difficulties in the church. During the ministry of Mr. Sawyer about sixty were added to the church. He was succeeded by Abel Woods, who labored with con- siderable success till 1826. A second season of exceeding darkness and declension now ensued for several years, during part of which the meetings of the church were suspended. In February, 1830, a short time after the church had given up their meetings in de- spondency, a few brethren were coming together and mourning over the low estate of Zion. They concluded at length to give notice of a meeting in which the members might come together and stir each other up. The meeting occurred on the usual Covenant meeting day. Five members only were present and two of the neighboring women, one of them an Irish woman. Gloom and sad- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 93 ness brooded over the meeting though the time was spent in prayer and a free exchange of feeling in view of the low state of Zion. Just before the members were about to depart in sadness it occurred to someone that possibly one of the visiting women might like to say a word. Opportunity was given. To the great surprise of all, the Irish woman rose and related a christian experience full of thrilling interest. She had never heard an experience nor witnessed a baptism, but had read of both in the Scriptures and \\ashed her- self to be baptized. The other woman then arose and related a satisfactory experience and closed with a request for baptism. The brethren were melted to tears, and the tokens of the Lord 's pres- ence so unexpected and so overpowering were followed, as might be expected, by other and delightful proofs of his power and w\\\- ingness to save. Notice was circulated of another meeting on the week followang. A minister. Elder Reynolds, was sent for to preach and baptize, and no small stir was awakened. The ice had to be cut away before the baptism could be administered, and during the ordinance there was a visible convulsion among the crowd. The power of the Spirit was manifest and many were brought under conviction. The work became general throughout the towai, and ex- tended into neighboring toiiVTis. Other denominations shared in it, and its influence was felt through the year until into the next sea- son. As a part of the fruit sixty-four were baptized and added to the church. The labors of Elder Isaac Fuller were greatly blessed in carrying forward the revival. In the course of the history of this church up to 1845, there were eight seasons of revival, as the fruit of which two hundred and twenty were gathered into the church. Up to that time it had received into its membership three hundred and sixty-seven and numbered sixty-one. In 1853, Elder B. Allan became pastor. The next year the meeting-house was remodelled at a cost of $850. Meetings were held alternately at Hortonville and East Street. Allan's pastorate con- tinued thirteen years. After a year interval, Elder Zen as Jones be- came pastor and served with fidelity till his death, fourteen years later. The death of this good pastor was a heavy blow to the little church he had so faithfully shepherded so many years. In 1893, students from Troy Academy awakened a deep interest, and on the 94 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 26th of November, seventeen were baptized, mostly young people. , In 1896, J. E. Nye, a licentiate of the church in Georgia Plain, became interested in this little flock, and began ministering to them on the Sabbaths and returning to his farm in Georgia dur- ing the week. His work was greatly blessed. He won the hearts of the people and was ordained by the church as pastor. For sixteen years this relation has been sustained, Mr. Nye giving as much of his time as i:)Ossible to the church while still following his occupa- tion as farmer in Georgia. Throughout its history the church has been often depleted by removals and deaths, but for the most part has manifested remarkable hopefulness and vitality. Rev. Henry S. Archibald, in his report as secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Convention in 1895, said : " An illustration of the work that many, perhaps most, of our Vermont churches are called to do, is afforded by the church at East Hubbardton. Here, where the servants of God for more than a century have toiled, whence almost sixty years ago Brayton went forth for a forty and more years of service on the foreign field, a little more than two years ago God was pleased to reveal himself to the handful in his mighty power to save. Seventeen were then added to the church by baptism. Of that seventeen, ten have already removed to other fields to do service for the Lord. To this little band it falls to sow the seed, gather now and then the sheaves that look to promise re- sults more to be desired than much fine gold, and then it is taken from them to become seed scattered upon a thousand fields that shall be in turn rich with choicest fruitage in heaven 's owti day of reward and ingathering. " POULTNEY The first settlement of the town was commenced by Thomas Ashley and Ebenezer Allen, April, 1771. The first Baptist that moved into town was Isaac Ashley, 1772, followed soon after by William Ward. They had both been baptized the year previous and united with the church in Canaan, Conn. In 1777, the inhabitants were all driven from their homes by the British and Indians. The next year they returned, and soon afterwards a number of persons Dea. E. M. IJixBY, roultiiey Member of Convention Board HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IX VERMONT 95 were baptized at different times, till their number had increased to ten or twelve. The first persons baptized in towni are supposed to be: Mrs. Thomas Ashley and Mrs. Nicholas Marshall. Elder Cornell was the administrator. Others soon followed, among whom were: John Ashley and Ichabod Marshall. This church was constituted two years after the Wallingford church, in 1782. William Ward was appointed its first deacon, which office he honorably and usefully held till the time of his death in 1818. The little church, consisting in its infancy of but ten or twelve members, united with the Congregational church in the support of preaching, the worship in the sanctuary, and in the observance of the Lord's Supper. Afterwards, in 1795, having come to doubt the propriety of communing with unbaptized per- sons, they united as a branch wdth the Middletowai church, but still continued to sustain public worship with their Congregational brethren in Poultney. In 1801, they were set off from the Middle- to'^Ti church and duly recognized as an indejjendent church. They soon after invited Clark Kendrick, who had been supplying the desk in Poultney, to become their pastor. Mr. Kendrick accepted and was ordained over them in 180*2. A revival followed which re- sulted in the accession of about fifty members, some of whom were from the Congregational church. In 1804, the church numbered eighty-four members. Unhappily a misunderstanding arose be- tween the two churches in respect to the right to occupy the meet- ing-house. The result was the erection of a convenient house of worship of their own, and a very unpleasant state of feeling between the two churches for several years. But happily this feeling sub- sided, and the two churches have long since been on friendly terms. During the twenty -two years of Elder Kendrick 's labors in Poult- ney the church was greatly blessed. The whole number added to the church under his ministry was two hundred and thirty-three, of which there were one hundred and fifty -five connected with the church at the time of his death in 1824. With the death of Elder Kendrick closed the second twenty years of the church's history. In the next twenty years it witnessed more frequent changes in the pastoral relation, and yet a contin- uance of the gracious care of the covenant-keeping God. Under the 96 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT labors of Pharcellus Church, Eh B. Smith, and others, the blessing of God was richly enjoyed and interesting revivals experienced in the years, 1825, 1830, 1834, 1838, and 1843. In all its seasons of refreshings the church must have received into its membership not less than four hundred persons. In 1845, the church numbered two hundred and thirty-one members. It sent out one of its members as a missionary to India. Elder Isaac Fuller, who had for a number of years been a member of this church, supplied its desk at different times to the satisfaction of his brethren and the edification of the church. He finished his pious ajid useful course in 1843, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who knew^ him. In 1849, John Goadby became pastor, and led the church through some seasons of discouragement. His ten years ' ministry was blest to the church. In 1856, twenty -one were received to the church. During the last year of his ministry he was assisted by Rev. Thomas Cull, and thirty-three were added to the church. Wm. L. Palmer followed with a fruitful pastorate of six years. In 1867, came a crisis in the history of the church. The body which hitherto maintained its unity was divided. Two letters and two sets of delegates were sent to the Association and the matter of the difficulty was referred to a committee to examine and report upon at the next session. The committee reported in 1868, recommending on the ground of the nearlj^ equal division of the church in Poultney and because of the vote to divide the church, that the Association re- ceive the letters and delegations of both sections as independent regular Baptist churches. The division w^as thus made permanent. The title to the property was awarded to the church at Depot Village. John Goadby was recalled to the church which retained the name Poultney, and Rev. Thomas Tobin was chosen pastor of the East Poultney church. Mr. Goadby officiated five years, Mr. Tobin, three. In 1873, J. A. Pierce became pastor of the Poultney church, and A. T. Dunn of the East Poultney church. That year both churches were blessed with a remarkable outpouring of the Spirit and sixty -five new members were added to the Poultney church and twenty-six to the East Poultney. The evangelistic im- pulse continued with the churches for several years, and additions HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 97 were annually made. Mr. Pierce continued pastor six years, and was followed by A. W. Jefferson in 1879; Mr. Dunn by D. Beecher, D. W. Palmer, and Thomas Tellier. The pastors of the Poultney church since 1881 have been F. Barnett, 1881-1884, H. H. Parry, 1885-1889, R. H. Ferguson, 1891-1892, J. E. Bruce, 1893-1896, A. D. Clark, 1897-1902, I. E. Usher, 1902 -1907, C. E.Ross, 1908. The church has prospered under these leaders and taken active in- terest in the work of the denomination and in all branches of mis- sion work. The East Poultney church has had the leadership of pastors C. E. Stearns, C. J. Wilson, 1883-1884; J. B. Webster, 1887-1890; T. B. Webster, T. B. Mowrey, 1890-1893; W. V. Grattan, 1893, 1895; J. E. Bruce, 1897; A. D. Clark, 1899-1901; I. E. Usher, 1902- 1904; H. E. Webster, 1908. The membership of the Poultney church in 1912 was one hundred and sixty -five, of the East Poultney, fifty -one. The fact is worthy of record that one of the members, Mrs. Ichabod Marshall, an aged sister of this church, who died in 1837, at the advanced age of ninety -three years, had lived to see the whole history of the church up to that time, and outlived all the original members. She was one of the first baptized, was one of the mem- bers when the church was first organized in 1782, and again in 1802, when it was set off from Middletown and had been a resident of the town sixty -two years, and there were known to be of her posterity, then living, three hundred and seventy persons, extending to the fifth generation. West Haven William Pattison, a licentiate from the church in Benson, preached in this town in the course of the year, 1803, with manifest tokens of divine favor. Many were convicted of sin and gave evi- dence of conversion. In the month of December a church was or- ganized, consisting of sixteen members. The year following it came to number twenty-seven. Mr. Pattison continued his labors with this people till 1815, but was never ordained. A pleasing re- vival was enjoyed in 1816. The church continued to enjoy a meas- 98 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT ure of prosperity under occasional preaching by Elders Isaac Saw- yer, John Stearns and Isaac Fuller. Elder Reuben Sawyer labored successfully with this people from 1823 to 1836. During his minis- try there were frequent manifestations of divine favor. In 1831, the church came to number sixty-one. After 1836, it was served by a number of ministers and reported several seasons of aw^akening and conversions. In 1845, it numbered fifty-one. Moses Field was then pastor. Mr. Field's pastorate continued till 1857, when his health failed, and he withdrew- from the pastoral relation. He continued his residence in the town and his active interest in the church, sup- plying occasionally when there w^as need and his strength permitted. He returned to the pastorate in 1865, and continued till his death, in 1870, a man of marked ability and fervent piety; a true shepherd to his people. A series of short pastorates followed: M. M. Mills, N. Clark, A. T. Dunn, E. D. Craft, J. A. Swart, ordained here January 24, 1879; M. M. Mills, C. H. Eveleth, P. C. Dayfoot. For a season, after Mr. Dayfoot 's pastorate, the church was supphed by the pastors of the Fairhaven church, J. H. Lyon and A. E. Foot. In 1894, came a precious work of grace and thirty-eight were bap- tized. A. E. Foot then became pastor, 1895 to 1898, when H. M. Douglass began a long and pleasant pastorate, continuing till 1910, when he was succeeded by E. S. Greenleaf. The church attained a membership of seventy -seven in 1892. A purely rural church, its membership scattered, its young jieople removing from their native towTi, the population changing in character, this church has main- tained the means of grace and filled an important place in this community. Rutland As early as 1805, there was a Baptist church in Center Rutland, of thirty -five members. They held their meetings for the most part in the home of Allen Pooler. David Hurlbut was their minister and continued to labor with them till 1809. when he resigned, and for a time the church was without pastoral care. They enjoyed, how- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 99 ever, the occasional ministrations of Sylvanus Haynes of Middle- town, Clark Kendrick of Poultney, Elders McCuller, Sa-^^vyer, Harrington, and other itinerant ministers. In 1808, the church re- ported to the Vermont Association thirty -four members, and from that time the name of the Rutland church disappears from the minutes and early chroniclers say that in 1813 and 1814, becoming reduced in numV)ers by deaths and removals, the meetings were dis- continued and their organization broken up, the members uniting with neighlioring churches. In 1818, several families of Baptists removed from Center Rut- land to Mill Village, now known as the Pooler District, and im- mediatelj^ commenced holding meetings at the house of Daniel Ford. These were mostly meetings for prayer and conference, wdth an occasional sermon by some itinerant minister. For five years this little band maintained the means of grace under adverse cir- cumstances. In 18'23, they organized as a church of jBfteen members. May 6, 1824, Elder Isaac Fuller was engaged to preach half the time, and served till December 'i, 1826, when the church called Rev. Hadley Proctor of China, Maine, to the pastorate. His labors continued until 1834, years of earnest labor and gracious ingather- ing of souls. He was a good man, and faithfulh' led the flock of Christ. In 1834 and 1835, Rev. Samuel Eastman supplied the pul- pit, then Rev. Hadley Proctor returned to the pastorate, but after one brief year was recalled to China, Maine, where he remained till his death. After the second removal of Elder Proctor, Rev. Daniel Has- kell, a venerated father in Israel, served the church during the year, 1837, after which Rev. Arus Haynes, a graduate of Brown Univer- sity, was called to the pastorate and ordained to his work January 30, 1858, and enjoyed an unusually successful pastorate of two years, ninety persons being added by baptism, and twenty-seven by letter and experience, being the greatest addition in any like period in the history of the church. He resigned in 1840, and the church was without a pastor until February 2, 1843, when Joseph M. Rockwood was ordained and settled, continuing his ministry till September, 1849, when he was dismissed. Rev. Leland Howard, of blessed memory, was next called to the pastorate, who was set- 100 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT tied in 1852, and resigned in 1860. This pastorate was fruitful of much good, and the ingathering of many precious souls; the year, 1858, being signally blessed in this respect. After his resignation Elder Howard continued to reside among the people, to whom he had ministered so faithfully and long, until his death, which oc- curred on the 5th of May, 1870. The next pastor was Rev. Francis Smith of Providence, R. I., May, 1860 to July 27, 1862. Pastor Smith was a good man and a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. C. Fernald of Cambridge, Mass., who was ordained pastor of the church, March 23, 1864. He remained with the church seventeen months, resigning September 2, 1865. Rev. O. Cunningham sup- plied the pulpit from November, 1865, to August 6, 1868. Novem- ber 1, 1868, Edward Mills commenced his labors, continuing till 1875. During this pastorate the present house of worship was built. In 1827, a meeting-house was built, strictly in harmony with the prevailing New England style, the pulpit placed high between the entrance doors, and the gallery extending along both sides of the house and across the east end. In 1852, this was remodelled and renovated, and made much more convenient and attractive. As the location of the house was in the center of the village at that time it was hoped that the foundations of it were permanently estab- lished, but in consequence of the rapid growth of the village, north and west of this location, a more central location was desirable, and after long and serious consideration it was determined to build, and on the 18th of July, 1871, the cornerstone was laid with becom- ing ceremony. February 1, 1872, the spacious vestries of the house were opened with appropriate services. Rev. Dwight Spencer of Fairhaven, preaching a sermon from Psalm 148: 11. The decade, 1873-1883, was an eventful one in the history of this church. In 1873, the assistance of Rev. A. B. Earle was secured in a series of evangelistic meetings in which the church heartily united. The results were occasion of great rejoicing. Among the converts were strong men and noble women, young men and women and children. Whole classes from the Sunday school and whole families from the homes gave themselves to Christ and the church. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 101 Sixty-six were baptized and nine received by letter and experience. The ingathering continued under the pastorate of Rev. J. K. Rich- ardson, which commenced in 1875. Fifteen were added that year, forty-three the next, and twenty-three the next. Then came another remarkable revival. The church entered into imion ser- vices under Evangelists Whittle, McGranahan and Whittier, Con- stant work was kept up for six months, and one hundred and thir- teen were received into the church, bringing its total membership to three hundred and eighty -nine. During the next three years there was evidence of reaction, and the church suffered the de- pression that attends disciplinary work, but strength had been gained to prune the vine without endangering its life. In other lines the church had put on strength. In September, 1873, it dedi- cated its new house of worship upon which some $40,000 had been expended. The field of its activities had been broadened by a mis- sion at North Clarendon, and by the organization of a branch at West Rutland in 1875. In 1879, the pastor had begun to publish the Vermont Baptist in the interests of the churches of the State. A Telugu preacher was receiving his support from this church and a Karen Bible woman, and a colored teacher in the South, were de- pendent on the ladies of this church. In 1883, Charles A. Reese began ministering to this people, and the church continued to prosper under his leadership. In 1885, the debt of $13,000 incurred in building the new house of worship was finally cancelled. In 1886, Evangelists Pratt and Birdsall con- ducted special meetings which resulted in the addition of thirty- five members. In 1887, the roll was revived, eleven dismissed and sixteen excluded or dropped, bringing the total membership to three hundred and eighty -nine. In 1890, the weekly envelope sys- tem was adopted, and the conviction recorded that at least one- tenth of one 's income ought to be devoted to the Lord. In 1891 , Rev. O. D. Thomas, evangelist, rendered effective service, and sixty were added to the membership, bringing the total number to four hun- dred and forty-six. Mr. Reese resigned this year and the pastorate of Rev. Gibbs Braislin began. Mr. Braislin commended himself speedily to the people of the community, by his plain preaching, and his fearless position on the moral issues of the day, and large 102 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT congregations attended his ministry. His work was educative and scriptural. Substantial additions were made annually till 1899, when fifty -four were received, and an equal number the year fol- lowing, bringing the membership to five hundred and thirty -three. Five years later Dr. A. C. Dixon came to the assistance of the pas- tor and sixty-eight were received to membership that year, most of the converts coming from the Sunday school, which had been conducted with wisdom and energ\' by J. E. Tilson and W. R. Kinsman. During the years, 1902-1904, some seventy-five new members had been received, without special evangelistic help. A mission near the fair grounds and the North Clarendon Mis- sion had been well sustained. At the close of Mr. Braislin's pas- torate the church numbered five hundred and sixty-nine members. Mr. Braislin was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Brown University hi 1905. Eugene Haines followed in the pastorate, and for four years had the privilege of welcoming upward of one hundred and twenty to the church. He was succeeded by F. W. Irving in 1910. The mem- bership of the church in 1912 was six hundred and twenty-nine. The Rutland church in infancy received the fostering care of the State Convention, receiving from its limited treasury sixty dollars annually during the years 1826-1829. For many years it has been a helper of the weak churches of Vermont, and of the cause of missions at home and abroad. Bennington This church had its birth amid many difficulties, in 1827. A number of l^rethren, who were members of Baptist churches, had resided hi the north and west parts of the to\\ai for some time. They were associated principally with the churches of Shaftsbury and Hoosick, N. Y. About 1825, several brethren became residents of what is now the ^'illage of Bennington, then known as East Ben- nington or Algiers. Among these were Isaiah Hendrix, Enoch Winslow and Aaron Grover. In the center village liA-ed Anthony Haswell, a half-brother of the devoted missionary to Burma, James Haswell. These brethren, far from church privileges, began to as- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 103 semble for worship. After a while neighl)oring pastors began to render help occasionally. The attendance upon religious services gaining, it was determined to form a church. On the 11th of x\pril, a church was constituted and recognized by public services. In 1828, Henry Baldwin became the first pastor. He was with the church till 1830. Under able ministers the church increased in membership, till in 1842, it had a membership of two hundred and fifty-seven. Then came the Advent excitement. Miller was in- vited to speak in the church, and his influence wrought havoc in the flock. Surviving this critical period, the church has continued a prosperous course. Its pastors and their terms of service have been as follows : Henry F. Baldwin 1828-1830. Thomas Teasdale 1830-1832. Jeremiah Hall 1832-1835. Samuel B. Wilhs 1835-1836. Stephen Hutchins 1837-1841. W. W. Moore 1842-1843. Cyrus W. Hodges 1844-1849. Edward Conover 1849-1852. A. Judson Chaplian 1853-1856. Warren Lincoln 1857-1861. E. B. Palmer 1861.1862. W. S. Apsey 1862-1869. S. K. Dexter 1868-1870. R. M. Luther 1871-1880. George C. Baldwin, Jr 1881-1885. Z. Martin . .1885-1893. A. McGeorge 1894-1895. George B. Lawson 1895-1901. Frank R. Morris 1901-1910. F. W. Meyer 1910 In 1832, the temperance sentiment in the place was at a very- low ebb. There was a large distillery in town, apples were abun- dant; the juice was drunk like water; cider brandy was made and indulged in by church members, for the custom was not held in 104 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT disrepute. Finally, there came a turn in the tide of public opinion. A stanch committee was formed in this church and a great tem- perance revival was the result. During the pastorate of Mr. Lincoln the church passed reso- lutions disapproving and discountenancing the amusement of dancing, and with christian love and affection earnestly recom- mending to its members to refrain from it. The reasons assigned were "that we regard the amusement of dancing as inconsistent A\ith the christian profession, believing that it has a tendency to dissipate serious thoughts and unfit us to engage in the worship and service of God; that it tends to neutralize and destroy our influ- ence as Christians; that the spirit which accompanies the practice is a pleasure-loving and worldly spirit, and that it tends to hinder our growth in grace and thus endangers our spiritual interests. " In connection with these resolutions the church passed the follow- ing: "Resolved, that our pulpit is free to the pastor for the dis- cussion of all moral and religious subjects and that it is his right and privilege to present his views on such subjects without re- buke or hindrance from any member of the church. " Several revivals have been enjoyed, one of the most notable that of 1839, under the lead of Elder Knapp, the evangelist, when eighty were received by baptism and eighteen by letter and restora- tion. In 1842, and 1843 sixty-seven were added by baptism and twelve otherwise. During the years, 1857 and 1858, ninety-four were received to membership, seventy-seven of them by baptism. During the year of ISIcGeorge's pastorate seventy-seven were re- ceived by baptism and twelve by letter. Z. Clark Martin 's pastorate w as one of the longest. The par- sonage was built at this time. The first meeting-house was erected in 1830 and was destroyed by fire in 1845. A new house of worship was erected two years later. Again in 1878, a new church edifice was built, which became too strait twenty-five years later and was enlarged and beautified, according to plans of Architect Bull, at a cost of $6,500.00. The addition provided for the Sunday school accommodations suited to the needs of the school. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 105 The efforts of this church to secure a bell with an inviting voice furnishes a unique chapter in the history of Vermont Baptist churches. The first bell was hung in the fall of 1830. It was a dis- mal sounding bell, said to have been the poorest bell ever shipped into the State of Vermont. The sound of it provoked the criticism of all who heard it. It was taken down and carried back to the foundry in Troy, and, in 1832, July 4th, the new bell was hung to ring on that occasion. This proved to be a fine bell, the only one in the town. On the third Sunday of the revival meetings, under Elder Knapp, to the surprise of all, the bell did not ring. The tongue had been stolen during the night. Three men, who had been hanging around the building during the evening services, were supposed to be the thieves. The Methodist minister denounced the robbers. Mr. Knapp simply noticed it with the remark, "The way of the transgressor is hard. " And he afterward said that these men would be severely punished. The bell tongue was returned in two or three days. These three men lost their lives in less than a year. These fatalities naturally recalled to the people the evangelist's predic- tion. In 1845, the meeting-house burned. The heat was intense and in some unexplained way the bell began to toll, sending out its solemn notes until it fell. It seemed to be sounding its o\\ti funeral knell. The melted metal was taken from the ruins and sent to Troy to be recast. In the meantime the church in Hinsdillville be- came very much involved. Their bell was a fine one and the foun- dry at Troy had a claim on it. So they exchanged the debris for the Hinsdillville bell, paying five hundred dollars additional. After all it did not sound well when hung. The tongue was too light, so they increased the weight of it and cracked the bell. This was a dilemma. They sent it to Troy, but it still lacked the silver to make the sound clear. So gifts of money in silver and copper were made with the express request that they should be put in the bell and this is what gives it its clear sornid. This bell has been blown down twice in severe storms of wind. The last time it was cracked a little and this detracts some-what from its sweetness, but not seriously. The church has long enjoyed the bell w^ith an inviting voice. 106 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT PiTTSFORD The Baptist church in Pittsford was organized in 1784, com- posed of the following members : Elisha Rich, Caleb Hendee, Abel Stevens, Moses Olmstead, Mary Stevens and Esther Rowley. Elder Elisha Rich was chosen pastor and installed March 17, 1785, and contmued in office until 1803. Temporary supplies served till 1808, when Elder William Harrington was secured at a salary of one hundred dollars for his services the ensuing year. His pastorate continued until 1817. After the removal of Mr. Harrington the church organization w^as kept up for a short time and then dis- banded. In 1841, the church was reorganized with fourteen members. Samuel Hendee w'as chosen deacon and Nahum Mills, clerk. Rev. Charles Berry commenced his ministry here November 7th, 1841, and continued it one year. Rev. Levi Smith became pastor in Februarv% 1843, and remained four years. Rev. Washington Kingsbury served two years, 1847-1849; Rev. H. B.Wright, De- cember, 1849, one year; V. Church, 1851-1852; C. R. Nichols, one year; W. Kingsbury, 1854-1856; H. I. Wood, 1856-1859; J. C. Car- penter, 1856. In 1787, a meeting-house was built of logs and was occupied till 1795, when, by a combined effort of the different denomina- tions, another house of worship was built and the Congregational- ists and Baptists, the only churches in town, occupied it alternately. Elder Rich preached one part of the day and Elder Harward the other part. In 1802, the Baptists withdrew and built a meeting place of their own, which they continued to occupy till some time after the close of Elder Harrington's ministry, when they dis- banded and the house was neglected. At the time of the reorganization in 1841, the meeting-house was remodelled and greatly improved. In later years the pastors have been several and the terms short. Stephen Wright, B. A. Palatier, J. R. Taylor, G. J. Ganun, D. E. Post, L. B. Steele, Thoman Broxholm, J. W. Barker. For several years Sunday school and services were held in Whipple Hollow and pastors of West Rutland rendered assistance. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 107 In 1908, State Col])orteur, G. H. Watt, held special meetings. Church and Sunday school reorganized, greatly to the encourage- ment of the church. Twenty -three were baptized. The following year a schoolhouse was purchased and fitted up for a chapel and nine were received by l)aptism. Deacon Thomas was specially in- fluential in carrying this enterprise through without incurring a debt. Under the efforts of Deacon Bixby, of Poultney, money and pledges were secured for seven nice horse sheds. Deacon Foster of the West Rutland church did much to encourage. In 1912, the church had a total membership of fifty-four, L. A. Cooney, pastor. North Bennington July 23, 1844, a church of thirty -eight members was formed at North Bennington, about three-quarters of a mile from the old Shaftsbury meeting-house. The First Church in Shaftsbury had recently dissolved and the new church was composed largely of its members, resident in North Bennington. Justin A. Smith, at the time principal of Union Academy, and afterward well-known as editor of The Standard, Chicago, was chosen first pastor. His ordination took place in October, in the old Shaftsbury meeting- house, where the Shaftsbury Association was then holding its sixty-fifth anniversary. The next important step was the resolution to build a meeting- house, an eligible site having been given by Deacon Nathan Hall. This house twenty years afterward was moved about one hundred and twenty paces farther north, enlarged and greatly improved. Hon. T. W. Park gave the new lot for this purpose, paid the ex- pense of moving, and contributed liberally to the expense of im- proving the edifice. Deacon S. B. Sherwood, Deacon Elon Clark, Robinson & Parsons, Thatcher and Welling and others contributed liberally. Mr, Smith's pastorate was completed on August 15, 1849, much to the regret of his people. He was followed by J. D. E. Jones, William Hancock, Jay Huntington, Jireh Tucker, Horace Burchard, Harvey R. Travers, and Foster Henry, all men of talent 108 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and culture, graduates of colleges and theological institutions. In 1878, when an historical sketch was presented at the Association, the church had a membership of ninety-eight. A. W. Cady was the next pastor, 1881. Twenty-six were added that year. George Shepherd served in 1885. A. S. Gilbert had a five year pastorate, 1887-1892, and R. M. Tozer, one of thirteen years, 1892-1905. Under these long and able pastorates the church prospered and attained a membership of about one hundred and fifty. The church continued to prosper under the pastorates of A. S. Davis, L. A. Cooney, and W. I. Coburn, and numbered one hundred and forty-nine members in 1912. Hydeville A church was constituted in this place in May, 1850, consist- ing of twenty-one members, and was received the same year into the Vermont Association. The new church, by the kindness of Messrs. Hyde, Fuller and Hyde, were permitted to occupy a con- venient and agreeable place of worship till the following year, when a meeting-house was erected. The State Convention gave the church its aid, continuing the same for ten years, during which time it had appropriated for this purpose about one thousand dol- lars. Nine were baptized the second year and two removed by death, one of these, the first person baptized into the church. In 1854, C. H. Green was ordained and entered upon a pastorate of seven years. A convenient parsonage was secured, good Father Churchill paying about one-fourth the cost. Large congregations attended the preaching services of Pastor Green, and the church prospered and increased in numbers till in 1860 it numbered ninety members. J. H. Gile, J. Goadby, J. K. Clark, served short terms. In 1865, a Sunday school was sustained in Fairhaven by the mem- bers of this church, and two years later, 1867, the interest had so increased there that twenty -four members were dismissed from the Hydeville church to constitute a church in Fairhaven, greatly weakening the parent church. For a time it was supplied from Fair- haven. Though weakened, it maintained unity and a degree of hope. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 109 In 1872, it had this record, that from the beginning they had never been divided and no action had ever been taken that was not un- animous. At length, by 1876, preaching was discontinued, and no meetings were held for a time, and in 1878, in its letter to the As- sociation, it expressed the expectation that soon it would become extinct. But Rev. C. A. Thomas, of Brandon, befriended them with a sermon the first Sunday in each month for a year, 1879, and A. W. Jefferson followed the same course the next year. A Sunday school was organized. Then preaching was secured. Rev. M. Mills and Rev. C. A. Ferguson supplying the pulpit. In 1882, they are re- ported as wrestling with God for the outpouring of his Spirit. A pastor was given them the next year in the person of Rev. E. D. Phillips, and in 1884, the answer to their prayers came and thirty- one were added to their membership. W. H. Walker became pastor in 1886. In 1889, calamity came. Their house of worship was de- stroyed by fire. They continued worship in the parsonage, L. B. Steels and O. Richardson supplying. The following year a new meeting-house was erected and dedicated free of debt. J. B. Web- ster was chosen pastor and served till 1892. The church roll was revised, reducing it to thirty-six. In 1895, G. H. Wrigley was se- cured as pastor. The next year the church was thoroughly re- organized; four were received by letter and twenty -five by restora- tion or experience. The courage of the church was renewed. A. J. Swart led them from 1898 to 1901; F. J. Franklin, 1902-1904; O. E. Cox, 1904-1906; G. W. Compton, 1906-1907; Leonard Aid- rich, 1909. Thus the little church survived its trials and at last reports had a membership of sixty -seven. Pawlet The first Baptist church in Pawlet was organized on the first Monday in May, 1790, on the premises of Allen Whedon. It was organized under the auspices of Elder Brown of the church in Westfield, N. Y. Its first members were: James Bennett, Thomas Hall, Solomon Brown, Joseph Haskall, John Crouch, Samuel Sisco, Caleb Agard, Nathaniel Harmon, Samuel Abbott, Alexander Trumbull, Edmund Whedon, Lydia Wilcox, Mary Bennett, Han- 110 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT nah Hanks, Miriam Hopkins, Sibel Sheldon, Lydia Agard, and Elizabeth Crouch. For the first ten years it was destitute of a meeting-house. Its preachers were: Elders Brown, Skeels, Green, Wait, Cornell, Dodge, Blood and Beals, each for brief periods. Its first deacons were: Joseph Haskall and Jeremiah Arnold. From its membership Solomon Brown, Timothy Brewster, Daniel Hascall and Lemon Andrus were licensed to preach. In 1800, a church edifice was built on the premises of Seeley Brown, by the West Pawlet Meeting-House Company, which was used almost exclusively by the Baptists for twenty -four years. A parsonage was built in 1802, which appears to have been used for the Bai)tist minister exclusively. The whole number of members be- longing to this church was about two hundred, and it is said to have had at one time one hundred and fifty members. It was the mis- fortune, perhaps, the fault of this church, to be isolated from sister churches during most of its existence. Elder Isaac Beals was called to settle over the church in 1801, and continued till its dissolution in 1831. The second Baptist church in Pawlet was formed in 1826, and admitted to the Vermont Association. It owed its origin to the fact that the first Baptist church in Pawlet, from which all of its first members came, was not, and had not been for many years, in fellowshi]) with any other body. Isaac AVickham, Seth Blosson. Reuben Toby, Washington Z. Wait and Seth P. Stiles were among its first members. Its ministers were: Elders L. P. Reynolds, Wetherell, Abram Woodward, Joseph Packer, Daniel Cobb, E. S. SouUard, Sweet, Meat, Sanders, and Archibald Wait. Its deacons were Isaac Wickham and Reuben Toby. About the year 1848 this organization was dissolved. West Pawlet In the year 1852, what is known now as the Baptist church in West Pawlet was organized under the auspices of Elder A. Wait, who served them as pastor three or four years. A church edifice was built the same year. Elder Wait's ministry was attended with considerable success. After him Elders Combe, Hancock and Mos- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 111 her, were employed, but not till 1859 was this church in fellowship with any other body. In that year, under the influence of David Beecher, this church was admitted to the Vermont and Shaftsbury Association. In 1859, its membership was twenty-four. Under the zealous and faithful labors of Mr. Beecher it increased to one hun- dred and seventeen. Its first deacons were Jeremiah Clark and B. H. Nelson. In its letter asking for admission to the Association the church expressed its conviction that "it is our duty to bear a decided testimony against Intemperance, and Oppression and believe that church members should not unite with secret so- cieties; sympathize with the American Baptist Free Mission So- ciety, but desire to exercise, and also ask the charity that thinketh no evil, where conscientious differences of opinion may exist on this subject." Twenty-four united with this church the following year and seven the next. In 1867, for two months beginning with the first of January, meetings were held nearly every night and sometimes in the afternoon. The result of these efforts was that the church was greatly encouraged and strengthened, and twenty -eight put on Christ by baptism a large share of whom were from the Sunday school. The church was saddened in the midst of this rejoicing, by the death of the pastor 's wife. The more recent pastors have been S. H. Archibald, 1874, one year; H. J. S. Lewis, 1877, one year; E. D. Mason, 1882, one year; F. W. Gookin, 1883, one year; A. J. Swart, 1888-1893, about six years; H. M. Ives, 1894; R. L. Olds, 1897, one year; Thomas Cull, five and one-half years; H. M. Ives, 1894, two years; Geo. Williams, 1910. During E. D. Mason's ministry special meetings were held under the lead of A. B. Earle and twelve were added. McGeorge and Brother Swart worked together in special meetings in 1888 and twenty-two were added, thirteen the next year and nine the next. Under the loving and judicious leadership of Thomas Cull the church prospered and made advance in temporal and spiritual lines. The church at last report numbered ninety members. 112 history of the baptists in vermont Fair Haven The Baptist church was organized December 14th, 1867, with thirty-one members, most of whom were from the church in Hyde- ville, Alonzo Allen and I. N. Compton, deacons. Meetings were first held in the chapel over Mr. Adams' store, and afterwards in the town hall. Preaching was supplied for a time by the Rev. L. Howard and O. Cunningham of Rutland, and H. L. Grose, then of Balston, N. Y. Rev. F. P. Jones became pastor in September, 1869. The cornerstone of the new church on the south corner of the common was laid with religious ceremonies on the afternoon of June 2, 1870, addresses being delivered on the occasion by Revs. E. Sawyer, J. Freeman, W. W. Water, E. P. Hooker, J. Goadby, and by the pastor, Dwight Spencer. The basement was finished and entered in 1871 and the structure completed in 1874, at a cost of $24,000. The church grew rapidly in membershipand in resources. In 1873,$1 1,000 were paid on the church edifice, $7000 more subscribed, and a bell purchased at a cost of $860. During the four years, $6000 had been paid out on current expenses. The membership increased from the original thirty-one in 1867, to one hundred and fifty-five in 1879. From that time, for a season, the tide of prosperity receded somewhat. Removals were frequent and death harvested some of the members who had been most influential in the earlier years. Mr. Spencer resigned in 1881 and was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Gow who remained about four years. J. B. Lee, Thomas Neal and L. L. Hobbs followed with brief terms of service. In 1891, J. S. Lyon began an energetic pastorate and there was a turn in the tide of prosperity. Thirty-two were received in 1891 and twenty-three in 1893. Mr. Lyon was succeeded by B. F. Kel- logg, 1894-1895; C. A. Johnson, 1896; John Johnson, 1897-1898; R. C. Penney, 1902-1905; E. A. Foote, 1905-1910. Special attention has been given by this church from the be- ginning to its Sunday school and Young People's organizations. Mr. Spencer was a specialist in this line of work; Mr. Lyon was a leader in the promotion of Y. P. S. C. E. work, and a flourishing so- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 113 ciety added material strength to the church. Under Mr. Penney 's ministry this church had the largest Junior C. E. society in the State. Accessions to the church have been largely from the Sunday school. The work of maintaining and renovating the house of wor- ship taxed the liberality of the people, and they generously re- sponded. In 1901, Miss Phoebe Wood gave a deed of the parsonage property. Labor troubles in the town in recent years caused serious financial stringency, and the removal of many from the place, crip- pling the churches and causing discouragement. The need of a cheerful, hopeful pastor was happily met in E. A. Foote, during whose ministry the church reached a membership of one hundred and eighty-four. Mr. Foote resigned in 1910 and was followed by another optimistic pastor, Silas P. Perry. Membership, one hundred and ten, in 19l!2. West Rutland The West Rutland Church became independent of Rutland, the parent vine, in 1884, May 28. The constituent members were from Rutland and Ira, and others who had long cherished and worked for the cause in this place. A house of worship was erected at a cost of $2,500, and the Holy Spirit seemed to bless the efforts of the young church in the conversion of souls. The State Conven- tion, by its agent and its appropriations, fostered the infant in- terest. In December, Rev. H. C. Leverett commenced his work as the first pastor, but was quickly called to his reward above. Rev. A. N. Woodruff, of Shutesbury, Mass., was chosen to fill his place, but resigned May 3, 1889, and Rev. W. H. Walker, after supplying three months, was called and ordained pastor. In 1887, evangelistic effort, under Alexander McGeorge and others, resulted in the in- gathering of thirty -four new members. For a season the church was pastorless and part of the time closed. In 1893, Brethren Marshall and Horner, of Rutland, led the Thursday evening prayer meetings, until a pastor was secured in the person of Rev. W. Weyeth, who served two years. The church then united with the Ira church in support of Pastor Geo. H. Watt, and in 1899, seventeen were 114 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERAIONT brought into the church. Pastors F. C. Wright, H. S. Vinal, and C. H. Shaw served short terms. In 1806, Rev. Frank S. Tolman, a careful planner and energetic worker, took up the work and the church grew in strength and num- bers. In 1910, Rev. A. B. O'Neal, whose spirituality and ability awakened bright hopes, died after a brief stay. L. A. Cooney succeeded him. The church, still fostered by the Convention, numbered thirty-six in 1912, having lost many by removals and other causes. Clarendon Within the years 1784, 1785, 1786, churches were organized in Pittsford and East and West Clarendon. The chief agency in this work was Elisha Rich. Though the Wallingford people did not find in him the "Pastoral Gift," he was eminently successful in other places. He was one of the interesting men of his period, not thoroughly educated, but richly endowed with gifts and with evan- gelistic zeal. He was born in Sutton, Mass., in 1737. He came into Vermont from Chelmsford, Mass. He was a blacksmith and gun- smith, to which he added the accomplishment of successful farmer and beekeeper, as well as of evangelist and pastor. He came to Cavendish, then moved to Saltash, now Plymouth, bought a piece of ground and tarried there till the spring or summer of 1778, then moved to Clarendon and purchased a good farm on Otter Creek. Many of the early settlers of Clarendon were Baptists from Rhode Island. Under Mr. Rich's preaching, during the five years he lived there, a great revival occurred which resulted in the organization of the two churches, the West in 1785, and the East in 1786. Elder Rich experienced no little rough opposition in Clarendon. Persons in disguise would surromid his house and cruelly beat his cattle, that they might have opportunity to abuse him also. The pulpit in the log meeting-house was torn down and set up again so slightly as to tumble dovm whenever Mr. Rich should attempt to ascend it. history of the baptists in vermont 115 East Clarendon As previously stated, this church was organized probably in 1786. Elder William Harrington became their pastor in 1798. The church then consisted of seventeen members. His labors were blest, and in 1805, one hundred and twenty-three members were reported at the Association. Fifty-six had joined the church the previous year. The church then passed through some trials. Elder Harring- ton was dismissed in 1808, and William McCullar served from that time till 1814, che church in the meantime enjoying an interesting revival. From this time it seems not to have had a settled pastor, though they enjoyed a measure of prosperity, as two revi\'als are reported, one in 1817 and the other in 18'25. In the former there were added forty members, and in the latter, about thirty. The church maintained "travel" from 1798 to 1827, when its existence as a church practically ceased. West Clarendon There was occasional preaching in West Clarendon also by Elders Eastman, Cornell, Skeels and others. In 1789, Elder Isaac Beals was settled as pastor, whose labors resulted in the ingathering of large congregations and the melting down of opposition, and in securing occasional conversions. At length it pleased God to pour out his Spirit and convert a large number. A meeting-house was erected in 1798, and things wore the aspect of prosperity, but as in many cases, it was the forerunner of heavy trials. The church be- came divided, the society disbanded, and in less than four years from this time this church was prostrate and in ruins. From 1802 to 1808 was a dark time in West Clarendon. Little attention was paid to the public worship of God. In 1808, the neighboring town of Ira was visited by an extensive revival and its influence extended into Clarendon. Large numbers professed conversion and united with the churches in Ira and East Clarendon. At length, in 1812,the Clarendon members of the Ira church united together and con- stituted a new church at West Clarendon, consisting of eighty -nine members. Its first pastor was Elder Daniel Tinkham. Under his 116 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT labors the church seemed to prosper for several years. He was dis- missed in 1817. Nathaniel Culver, after being ordained, next be- came their pastor. He wks with them about four years. Then Elder John Peck preached to them more or less for several years. The struggle in reference to Free Masonry occurred in the mean- time, which very much reduced and disheartened them. From this discouragement they did not rally, and before 1845 were extinct as a church. Danby About the year 1780, Hezekiah Eastman, then a licentiate, came to this place and preached and gathered a church. He was soon after ordained, and being the first ordained minister in town, he took possession of the rights reserved by charter for the first settled minister. This church was one of the constituent members of the Vermont Association. In 1789, it reported one hundred and nine members. Mr. Eastman did not remain long after his ordina- tion, and sold out his ministerial right, and so involved himself in circumstances not the most favorable to himself, and not most favorable to the cause. After this there was some more preaching in town, but the church soon became extinct. Hezekiah Eastman is described as a person of great natural ability. His education did not extend beyond the rudiments of a common English education, but he was a close student of the Bible, and a careful observer of men and things, and having thorough physical training he was prepared to endure great hardships. He met appointments in other towns and was obliged to travel many miles, sometimes on horseback and often on foot, over bad roads and through wilderness to meet appointments. His meetings were held in log houses and were generally large. It is related that while he was preaching at a certain place, one Deacon Mott came in at the front door very late, causing a dis- turbance to the hearers, and Mr. Eastman himself was somewhat disturbed, and remarked that those coming in at the eleventh hour should enter the back door, which would cause less disturbance. Deacon Mott replied, "that the Bible taught that those that came HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 117 in at the eleventh hour are just as good as those who came in at the first hour, and that he had come in the strait and narrow way, and who so entereth in any other way is a thief and a robber. " In 1833, Elder Packer visited Danby and made some effort to awaken an interest. The effort seemed to be blessed, a number pro- fessed conversion and were baptized, and soon after a church of twenty-one members was constituted. They enjoyed occasional preaching from different ministers for a time, and afterward en- joyed the services of licentiates, and in 1839, the church reported forty-four members. It soon met with discouragements. Some of its members moved away and it ceased to report to the Association and became extinct. Arlington The Baptist church in Arlington, after due examination of her Articles of Faith, and Covenant, was constituted August 27, 1812, and received into the fellowship of the Baptist churches by the Ecclesiastical Council, then and there convened, from the fol- lowing churches : First Baptist church in Shaftsbury, Elder Isaiah Mattison, Deacon Nathaniel Hall; East Shaftsbury, Cyprian Downer, a licentiate, Deacon Daniel Smith; Fourth Shaftsbury, Deacon Ebenezer Clark, Jacob Galusha, Charles Dyer, Oliver Whipple, Russell Loomis; Manchester, Elder C. Chamberlain, Jacob Thomas, Samuel Pettibone, Salem, N. Y., Samuel M. Plumb, licentiate. Deacon Stephen Estee, James Lake, James Hastings, Cambridge, N. Y., Benjamin Smith, Leonard Center. The church then consisted of fifty members residing in the towns of Arlington, Sunderland and Sandgate, who were previously members of Baptist churches and thus became a distinct church. Their names, Hull Curtis, James McKee, Currine McKee, Moses McKee, Aruba McKee, Jonas Galusha, Electa Galusha, Sarah Washbom, Lydia Bartlett, Amos Woolman, Mary Hinsdale, Abner Evarts, Isaac Whitehead, Hepsibah Pollard, Sally Pollard, Benajah Cook, Caleb Andrews, Ruonril Andrews, Sarah Canfield, Elisha King, Philip Marble, Jr., Sally Marble, K. Griffin, Reuben Beebe, Elizabeth Beebe, Moses B. Sherwin, Lucy Sherwin, John 118 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Baron, Sally Baron, Rhoda Temple, Lydia Perkins, Amos Baron, Mary Baron, Eunice Baron, Anna Annin, David Allen, Polly Allen, Lillis Wheat, Laura Aylsworth, Clarissa Aylsworth, Nathan Skin- ner, Jeptha Beebe, Sarah Beebe, Rufus Spencer, Hulda Spencer, Mary Ward, David Mattison, Jr., Rhoda Curtis, Persis Folsom, Abigal Baker, Hannah Curtis, Elizabeth Elsworth. On the same day after the coimcil adjourned, the church ap- pointed Moses McKee, moderator, and Elias King, clerk, and then adjourned to the 10th of September, at the house of Jeptha Beebe. September 10, met agreeable to adjournment and elected dea- cons, Hull Curtis and Moses McKee; Elisha King was chosen clerk. The preceding is taken from the church records, and from them we learn that at different times there were added to the church, in about twenty years, over a hundred and twenty more members. During that period, and perhaps a few more, the ordinances of the Gospel were enjoyed and much of the time the services of a Gospel preacher. Some severe trials were passed through — many of the most efficient members removed to other parts and several died. Most of the time they enjoyed a good degree of harmony, but roots of bitterness did spring up. The efficient mem]:»ers were few and constantly diminishing; opposition from without was powerful, in wealth and influence; the love of many waxed cold. The church ceased to report to the Association after 1836. In its last report it expressed fears that its candle would be removed, and that fear was soon after realized. Chapter VIII ADDISON COUNTY ASSOCIATION On the 13th of November, 1833, a Con\ention was held in Whiting (as tradition has it, for the minutes of that body do not give the place of meeting), for the purpose of organizing a new Association in Addison County. Nine churches were represented by their delegates. Elders Henry Green, Isaac Sawyer, Anthony Case, Aaron Angier and Jehial Wright were invited to a seat with them. The Convention resolved that it was expedient to form such an Association, appointed a committee to draft a constitution and rules of decorum, and appointed H. H. Half to preach the in- troductory sermon, and B. Carpenter to write the circular letter. Agreeably to appointment, delegates from the churches repre- sented in the Convention, and also from Cornwall and Charlotte churches, not there represented, met at the Baptist meeting-house in Panton, and organized the Association by choice of Rev. B. Carpenter, moderator, and Rev. S. Fletcher, clerk. The churches thus associated were: Whiting, with one hundred members. Rev. W^. Moore, pastor; Middlebury, sixty-three members, Rev. H. H, Haff, pastor; Bristol, eighty-tw^o members. Rev. Henry Green, pastor; Ferrisburg, seventeen members. Rev. John A. Dodge, pastor; Monkton, forty-nine members; Bridport, one hundred and thirty-eight members. Rev. S. Fletcher, pastor; Addison, one hundred and thirty-six members. Rev. B. Carpenter, pastor; Pan- ton, eighty-six members. Rev. J. Tenbroek, licentiate; Weybridge, fifty-seven members. Rev. J. Wright, pastor; Cornwall, eighty- three members, Rev. A. Case, pastor; Charlotte, thirty -five mem- bers. Total membership, seven hundred and forty-one. All the churches cbnstituting the Addison Association had been connected with the Vermont Association, and their with- 120 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT drawal to form an Association by themselves appears to have been the result of the Anti-Masonic controversy. Several efforts had been made by the churches holding the most radical disciplinary sentiments on this subject, to have the Vermont Association de- clare itself in favor of excluding members of the Masonic Fraternity from the churches. The Association declined to pass the desired resolution, considering it better to leave the settlement of that vexed question wath the individual churches. This unsatisfactory action unquestionably had much to do with the call of the Con^•en- tion which decided to organize a new association. The first resolution passed in the new^ organization put it on the desired platform. '' Resolved, that this Association recom- mend to the churches composing it to deal with such as practice speculative Freemasonry^ (if any there be) as they would with those that practice other moral evils. " The history of the Associa- tion, and of the individual churches, indicate that a ruling common purpose of the body was active opposition to existing moral evils, of which Freemasonry' was considered one, by public discussions in their annual sessions, and by vigorous disciplinary measures in the several churches. At the first session, R. B. James, agent of the Moral Reform Society, New York, and O. S. Murray, agent of the Vermont Anti-Slavery Society, were present and participated in the exercises. Their second resolution, after several addresses on the subject, was, "Resolved, that, in the opinion of this Association, the prin- ciples of the American Seventh Commandment and Female Moral Reform Societies, do fully accord with the Scriptures, and their measures are well calculated to prevent licentiousness, and that we consider the publication of McDowall's Journal peculiarly adapted to promote the objects of these societies; and for this pur- pose recommend it to the patronage of our churches and the public generally." From the beginning, for many years, slavery, licen- tiousness, intemperance, war and kindred topics, received a large share of attention in the annual sessions and the resolutions passed are in language plainer and stronger than most of such declarations in the other associations. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 121 A peace resolution passed at the session in 1837, is worthy of record, being advanced enough to satisfy the most ardent advocate of peace measures. ''Resolved, that the precepts and example of our Saviour teach peace on earth and good will to men; that he laid down his life in obedience to the principle of non-resistance — of rendering good for evil, leaving vengeance to the Lord; that his precepts are to be obeyed and his example to be imitated, by all his followers. Resolved, therefore, that all war and fighting is sinful, and consequently to be immediately abandoned, forever abstained from, and always reproved by every follower of Christ; Resolved, that to be in preparation for war is not the way to pre- vent war, but, on the contrary, directly calculated to induce it. therefore, it is the duty of all christians to discountenance and testify against all military trainings, — the keeping of standing armies, — the building of fortifications, — the establishment and maintenance of institutions of learning for teaching the art of war — and all means and measures by which the unchristian, irrational practice is perpetuated." From the beginning the Association made special effort to incite the churches to active interest in all the benevolent and mis- sionary enterprises of the time. The churches were urged to form themselves into charitable societies, and to take immediate meas- ures to raise a definite sum per member for benevolent purposes. They were advised to observe the evening of the first Monday in each month as the Missionary Concert of Prayer, and every Satur- day evening as a Concert of Special Prayer, for a revival of religion in the churches of the Association. Prompt efiforts were made to secure a fund for the benefit of widows and orphans of deceased Baptist ministers. At the meet- ing in 1836, a fund of $850 was raised fort his purpose, and annually, contributions were made and dispensed under the management of trustees. The Bible cause and Ministerial Education and other branches of work were not neglected in the discussions and plans of this body. The opening years of the Association were full of promise. In 1835, the churches of Orwell, Cornwall and Addison received an unusually large number by baptism. The year following was still 122 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT more encouraging. Addison received forty-three by baptism and three by letter; Bristol, eighty-three by baptism, and nine by letter; Charlotte received thirty-six new members, more than doubling its former membership; Whiting received thirty-one new members, and the total number of baptisms in the Association that year was two hundred and twenty-seven, the largest accession in its history. The Panton church was revived in 1839 and received seventy - two converts. From 1836 there begins the history of a steady and sorrowful decline. The Association, which in 1836, numbered one thousand, one hundred and ninety -five, was in 1865, reduced to three hundred and forty -five, or less than one-third the number which it had once attained. The annual reports from the churches were extremely depressing. Now and then there were hopeful indications, but for the most part indications of weakness, trouble and decline. The causes of decadence were many. One unavoidable cause was the emigration of the younger and vigorous members to the west or to the cities. The proportion of losses to be credited to this cause have no doubt, however, been sometimes overestimated. Other more destructive causes were at work. The extreme Anti-Masonic sentiments which prevailed in these churches gave them frequent trouble. Sympathy with Free- masonry was as hateful to them as heresy, and the discovery of it in a member, and especially in a minister, was like a spark in powder. In July, 1830, the church in Bristol, after declaring Masonry incompatible with the religion of Jesus Christ, had resolved that "we cannot receive nor fellowship any person in this church that has anything to do with Speculative Freemasonry, directly or in- directly, in supporting or upholding the same." Parties were formed in a way that made neutrality untenable. Good members were highly excited about the possible connivance of the pastor with that system. The grievance wdth the church was "for keeping Elder Hendee to preach on account of Masonry. " Elder H. stated to the council that he was once a Mason, but now avoided all as- sociation with that obnoxious fraternity. Yet he could not unite in the exposure and indiscriminate denunciation against them, but HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1'23 had attempted to maintain a strict neutrality. The council finally "Resolved, that the minority has had cause of grief with the church that they had not required of Elder H. a full and frank expression of his disapprol)ation of Freemasonry, as he ought to have made. Resolved, that the minority ought to be satisfied with the expression Elder H. has this day made. " Elder Hendee closed his labors October 1, 1831. From the earliest days of Vermont Baptist History, Free- masonry was regarded with undisguised suspicion by many in che churches. It was questioned whether a christian ought to become a Mason, and whether churches should fellowship any person who was a member of that secret order. But about 1827, excitement on that subject became acute. A man named Morgan, a printer, had published for gain, a book in which the harmless secrets of the order of Freemasons, of which he was a member, were divulged. Public curiosity caused this book to have an immense sale. Soon after its publication, Morgan announced another volume which was to re- veal unimagined horrors; but before the book appeared Morgan disappeared, and neither ever came to light. Now arose the ques- tion, "What became of Morgan?" and it rent the nation for a time into two embittered and angry factions. " Morgan, " said the Free- mason, "died and was buried in the natural and ordinary fashion. " "Morgan," said the Anti-Masons, "^hat martyred patriot, was dragged from his home by Masonic ruffians, taken in the dead of night to the shores of Niagara river, murdered, and thrown into the rapids." It is impossible for anyone to conceive the utter delirium into which the people in some parts of the country were thrown by the agitation of this subject. Books were written ; papers were established. Exhibitions were gotten up in which Masonic ceremonies were caricatured. Families were divided. Fathers disinherited their sons, and sons forsook their fathers. Elections were influenced, not in towns and counties merely, but state and national. There were Masonic candidates and Anti-Masonic candidates in every election in the northern states for at least two years after Morgan vanished. It was seriously believed among the Anti- Masons that the Masons were bound to protect one another in 124 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT doing injustice; even the commission of murder and treason did not, it was said, exclude a man from the shelter of his lodge. It was alleged that a Masonic jury did not dare, or would not, condemn a prisoner, who after the fullest proof of his guilt had been obtained, made the Masonic sign of distress. It was said that a judge re- garded the oath which made him a Freemason as more sacred and more binding than that which admitted him to the bench. "It is in vain, " said the Anti-Masons, "for one of us to seek justice against a Mason, for a jury cannot be obtained without its share of Masonic members, and a court cannot be found without its Masonic judge. " This is a secular account of Freemasonry excitement, taken from James Parson's "Life of Horace Greeley." Naturally this excite- ment affected the churches. It divided the Vermont Association and was the cause of the withdrawal from it of the churches that immediately formed the Addison Association. In this Association the hostility to Masonry was particularly fatal to the peace of the churches, and among the causes of the decline and extinction of some of them. The Advent excitement in this Association was violent and more destructive here than in any other part of the State. William Miller was a member of the Orwell church and licensed by it to preach. He was permitted to lecture freely among the churches of the Association, and a large number of members embraced his doctrines. But, not content with differing with their brethren, they became schismatics, denouncing all who did not embrace the same views. They stigmatized the churches as " Babalon, " "the mother of harlots," and the " abomination of the earth. " "The wise " were called to come out of them and touch not the unclean thing. They forsook the churches and its ordinances and defamed both alike. They desired to be separated from the churches and would not walk with them, and accordingly after a time were expelled. The churches sometimes failed in forbearance, but in the main their exclusion was a necessity. Another breeder of discord and destruction was Orison S. Murray, who was a member of the Orwell church until expelled. He had been licensed in 1837 by this church to preach. He was the anti-slavery leader of the Association. But mingling with his anti- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 125 slavery views other dogmas opposed alike to the word of God and the peace of the churches, he drifted farther and farther from the simplicity of the Gospel until he made land at last in open infidelity. He drew some disciples after him, and this Association furnished some who embraced his j^ernicious heresies. On this account ex- pulsions were necessary. There were still other causes for decline. Rev. T. H. Archibald, in his semi-centennial address before this Association in 1883, spoke with utmost frankness upon these causes, and since his address was adopted and printed in the minutes, his judgment appears to have been endorsed by the Association as historically correct. He says, "An influence far more fundamental and far reaching was at work, and that was the worldliness of the members generally. This spirit manifested itself in many directions. One of these was an utter failure to provide an adequate support for the ministry. The As- sociation has had not a few able men in the pastorate of the different churches, but they were so inadequately supported that they were either compelled to resort to secular labors for a livelihood, or to leave the Association for other fields, where those who waited upon their ministry were willing also to communicate to them in temporal things. The names of M. D. Miller, J. Tenbroek, W. G. Johnson, J. Wescott, Benjamin Brierly, Ahira Jones, I. Keach, A. Angier, and others that might be mentioned, show clearly that there might have been no dearth of ministerial service. But they were often hampered by their pecuniary necessities and took their departure, literally starved out, to bless other communities with their work of faith and labor of love. "Such men as E. H. Gray,D.D., E. B. Smith, D. D., M. M. Dean, were the spiritual children of these churches, but they could have no hope of sufficient support if they tarried where they first received spiritual life, and they left the people who would never fully appreciate their work, and afford them such means of living as would enable them to give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." Historical sketches of the churches were read before the Association, from year to year, beginning in 1852, in the following order, Bridport, Orwell, Bristol, Monkton, " Charlotte, Panton, 126 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Whiting, Addison, Waltham, Middlebury, Ferrisburgh, Cornwall and Shoreham. These were printed in the minutes of the Association and are interesting and valuable sources of information concerning the early life of these churches. They were written with remarkable plainness and abundantly confirm what has been said concerning the causes for the declension of the Association in membership and strength. The judicial function of the church was conscien- tiously exercised, but not always with discretion, and was some- times overtaxed by a trivial fault-finding disposition. Several elements of weakness will appear in a single incident, quaintly told in the history of the Middlebury church. " While Elder Nathaniel Kendrick labored Avith the church his support was so little that he taught school. He was much attached to the church, and left because he felt compelled to, saying in effect that he would submit to the most homely fare if he could be permitted to preach to the church in Middlebury." The reason he left was like this: "A certain Diotrephes (we will call him), became a member of the church. Seth Langdon, a most exemplars^ man, was appointed deacon. Diotrephes coveted the office and frequently entered complaint against Deacon Langdon in the church, but the precise cause of the complaint against the deacon has not transpired farther than that Deacon Langdon was exalted and Diotrephes abased. He left the meeting, also declaring he "could not walk with the church so long as Mordecai sat in the king's gate. " He also alleged that the deacon's wife was unfit for the duties that devolved upon her. Whether Diotrephes met the fate of Haman we leave others to decide, for both Diotrephes and the Deacon's wife soon died, and we may suppose that the Deacon obtained a wife, who, in the estimation of Diotrephes, was fit to share in the honors and duties of deaconship, for the Deacon soon afterward married his widow. Elder Kendrick felt the disturbing influence of this modern Diotrephes, and though no one could say aught against his charac- ter or ministry, though he had a good report of those \Aithout, the male members showed uncommon apathy when the time for raising a new subscription arrived. On the other hand the sisters were HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 127 very anxious for him to remain, and four of them went out with their subscription papers and raised the stipulated salary without any aid from the male members of the church. It was a sore trial for Elder Kendrick to leave the church, but he had accepted an- other place before he knew that his salary had been raised. "In about a year Elder Isaac Bucklin succeeded to the pastor- ate and remained two years. He is represented as a kind man who tried to smooth the path of the brethren and sisters and was well regarded by the people. His fault, for ministers have faults and a change of them has been wittily termed 'obtaining a new assort- ment of faults,' was driving a nice horse and carriage. Once he ventured to exchange horses and that was a mortal sin, in the eyes of one of the deacons. When questioned about it he said he thought it was as cheap to keep a good horse as a poor one, and as for the carriage, that was a present from his father-in-law to his wife. But all was of no avail. Though God blessed his labors and most of the brethren much desired him to stay, there was not that unanimity that promised success, and he left for another field." Concerning salaries, in the pioneer days when the people were poor the pastors received no stipulated salary. In the history of the Cornwall Church is this record: "When Elder Ephraim Sawyer commenced his labors among the people, by a series of reverses in fortune he had been reduced to poverty. Having no stipulated salary the people gave him what they pleased. That the people were pleased to bestow of the blessings they enjoyed is proved by several instances of justice dealt out with kindness, among which we notice the following: There was a general contribution of wool, which was carded, spun, colored and woven by the good housewives and their daughters, and so Elder Sawyer was provided with a complete suit of clothes, which he much needed, " In the records of the Whiting Church, under date of October 4, 1799, is this item, — the only one concerning the pastor's payment : "The church voted to bear Elder Rathbun's extra expense for liquor for himself and family, and to have it averaged on the members of the church, and that the Elder call on the deacons of the church for said liquor when he is in want of it. " 128 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Upon this item the historian makes this comment: "To the present generation it might be a matter of pleasing reference did the records of the church show the footing of expense annually, for this kind and thoughtful provision for their Spiritual Guide and his household, but this does not appear. We have reason, however, to believe that it was generous and ample according to the spirit of the times." When the Bristol church, in 1811, began to raise money by subscription for preaching, twenty-eight brethren subscribed the sum of thirty-five dollars. This they paid out to several ministers, in sums from one shilling to one dollar as cases demanded. It is fair to add that this church, in 1835, was ])aying three hundred dollars, which they increased to four hundred dollars the next year. In pioneer days when all were poor, the meager provision for ministers was not culpable perhaps, but became so when prosperity became general among the members. Dr. Archibald in his address said: "Addison County is one of the richest, if not the richest agri- cultural county in the State. For many years one of its purely' rural to\Mis, given wholly to agriculture, had the largest grand list in proportion to its population of any town in Vermont." While lacking in respect to provision for ministerial support, the Association was not forgetful of the claims of the various benevolent and missionarv' enterprises of the denomination. At its first session the following resolution was passed : "Resolved, that we recommend to the several churches com- posing this Association to form themselves into charitable societies, and take immediate measures to raise a sum equal to fifty cents on each member, the ensuing year, for benevolent purposes." Al- though this recommendation was not fully complied with, yet the next year with eight hundred and eighty-seven members they report three hundred and forty-seven dollars and seventy cents raised for benevolent purposes, and the Association at that session raised in addition one hundred dollars for ministerial education, and two hundred and seventy-five dollars for the anticipated Widow and Orphan Fund. In 1836, when the membership was eleven hundred and ninety-five, they reported six hundred and HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 129 seventy-six dollars and twenty-four cents for benevolence. Dur- ing forty -five years preceding 1883, the benevolent contributions of the Association amounted to thirteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-three dollars and ninety-eight cents, or an average of three hundred and seven dollars and forty -two cents annually. The average of the membership for forty -nine years is six hundred and seventeen, so that the yearly contributions to benevolent purposes have averaged about fifty cents per member. If the sums paid for Vermont Academy, and to the Middlebury and Vergennes churches for building meeting-houses were added, the total w^ould amount to over twenty thousand dollars. For the last three decades the Association has maintained a constituency of nine or ten churches. All but two of the churches now in the Association were among the constituent churches. These are Addison, Bristol, Charlotte, Middlebury, Panton, Whiting, West Cornwall. The church in Vergennes joined the circle in 1868, Lincoln in 1879, Middlebur5% for a time blotted from the constellation, reappeared in 1879, and now shines with cheering brilliance. Few recent years have been marked by general revival interest. The largest ingatherings were in the years, 1807 and 1809, when sixty-two and seventy-one respectively were added by baptism. The annual meetings of the Association have been inspira- tional. The story of Ephraim Sa^^yer's life is a part of the history of the churches in Addison County; from early youth till old age he w^as fired with evangelistic zeal, which was very fruitful in this county. Elder Ephraim Sawyer. Ephraim Sa^vyer was born in Leominster, Mass., September 19, 1756. His parents were of the Presbyterian school of thought, very pious people, who were not neglectful of their children's religious training. Though often deeply impressed with his need of Christ, he resisted impressions through his youth. At the age of twenty-two he married. His father, catching the pioneer 130 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT spirit, had moved to Westmoreland, N. H., which was then a wilderness. Extreme toil and hardships were theirs, in a country infested with savages and scoured by unprincipled Tories of the Revolution then in progress. Soon after his marriage he joined the Revolutionary Army. The godless life of many of the soldiers only deepened serious impressions and resulted in a somewhat protracted season of deep conviction, out of which he came into the peace of confiding trust. The hardships of camp life under- mined his health and he hired a substitute and returned to his family. He at once confessed his faith and began to bear witness and to seek the conversion of others. He was much in prayer for the unconverted. His activity awoke the church and resulted in the ingathering of thirty into the Westmoreland church, then under the care of Elder Ebenezer Bailey. From Westmoreland, he moved his family to Charlotte. There he was deprived almost wholly of church privileges. He was compelled to work stren- uously to provide for his family. He became financially em- barrassed and discouraged. For the first decade after his settlement in Charlotte, he de- pended mainly on his daily labor for the support of his family. The country being new and the settlers few and not wealthy, Mr. Sawj'er received but little for his ministerial services, — nothing but his presents. Wages were low. As late as 1805, men worked in June (as I remember, said his friend. Rev. S. H. Tupper), for thirty-seven and one-half cents a day, which was the price of corn. Mr. Sawyer walked eight miles one day to his work, and at night took his pay in grain and carried it home on his back. This was about 1798, when the roads were new and bad. Soon after moving to Addison County, he preached in the school district, for which he received one hundred dollars. The week days he spent in making potash and clearing land. He cleared several acres of heavily timbered land (after chopped), and received only the ashes for his labor. None will wonder that he was always poor. He moved to Grand Isle, and there his prospects brightened, but his wife fell a victim to consumption, and he attempted to carry her to her home in Westmoreland. Securing a two-horse HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 131 sleigh, he began the journey with her, but when within thirty miles of home she died, and he finished the journey in great sorrow. His affliction quickened his religious life. Arranging for the care of his children in Westmoreland, he came to Whiting, Vt., and cleared land for Gideon W^alker, one of the earliest settlers. He there sought the fellowship of christians in Whiting and Orwell, and opened week day meetings, which were held about two hours before sunset and were well attended. He conducted these meetings.. An interest was awakened and thirty added to the church in Orwell, of which Elder Phelps was then pastor. In these labors he was assisted by Elder Chamberlain, who emigrated from Westmoreland about the same time and lived in Leicester. People became impressed that he ought to become a minister. He gave the subject much thought. He was much in the solitude of the forests and always had his Bible with him, and was much in prayer. He made an effort to preach, and at first was encouraged, but his second attempt was not so successful, and he postponed the decision. He met Miss Susanna Farnum and married her. Soon after he started for the Genesee Valley, which was then a dense wilderness. The road was marked by blazed trees. He began work within thirty miles of Rochester. The fertility of the soil was much better than that of Vermont, but the country was ravaged by malaria and his \^^fe sickened and died, and an infant followed in a few days. His own health also was broken. He returned to Whiting in 1792, and began at once his evange- listic work, resolved to preach if the way opened. He had not the learning of schools and books, but he understood the avenues to the human heart and was able to draw illustrations from nature. He was of a clear, logical mind. His addresses were marked by genuine sympathy and kindness, and he loved to proclaim the love of God. In 1792, he was invited to Cornwall. There he worked with- out the promise or expectation of reasonable compensation. He labored with his hands; erected a log meeting-house; was ordained, and for nine years preached in Cornwall and adjacent towms. He was often in financial straits and twice was imprisoned by impatient 132 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT creditors, but was soon bailed out by friends. He undertook long missionary journeys. He was invited to preach as pastor in Granville, N. Y., where an interest had been started. He went, built a meeting-house and had great success. But he wished to work as an evangelist. Removing his family to Rehoboth, Mass., he preached throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for five years. In 1811, he wished to make a missionary journey to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He went as far as Addison, where his daughter was living, and there fell sick and abandoned his journey to St. Lawrence County. He accepted a call to Shoreham and preached alternate Sundays there and at Whiting. He returned to Rehoboth and preached in that region from 1814 to 1821. Preached then in Bridport and Ferrisburgh and other towns. In 1822, removed to Orwell and preached three or four years. From Orwell he went to Addison, and stayed six months, and then to New Haven, where he remained till his death, October 14, 1827, aged seventy- one years. He had six children by his first two wives and ten by the third. One daughter was wife of Elder Henry Baldwin. The following incident was given on the authority of one of his daughters in the Vermont Observer, September 30, 1846: While traveling to meet his appointment he had occasion to pass a high liridge that was in a state of dilapidation and deemed unsafe. He, however, passed over in safety. On his return he had to repass it, but did not reach it until the darkness of night rendered his vision entirely useless. On approaching it his horse stopped. He urged it forward gently, but he soon stopped again. He was about to alight from his carriage when the animal moved gently forward, and he resumed his seat. He shortly arrived at an Inn, and the inten.se darkness induced him to put up for the night. His host inquired from what direction he came. He told him. His host replied he must be mistaken, for that was im- possible, the covering of the high bridge having been removed that afternoon. Subsequent explanation satisfied him of the fact. In the morning he returned to the bridge and found it even so. The horse took one string piece and the wheels two others, and he came safely over. Chapter IX CHURCHES IN THE ADDISON ASSOCIATION GROUP Orwell Orwell was early a center of Baptist influence. At a confer- ence meeting held December 21, 1787, a little company of eleven Baptists voted to organize themselves as a Baptist church, which purpose they carried out a few days later. One of their number was Elnathan Phelps, and him they chose and ordained to be their pastor. Their union was wonderfully blessed. Within a year from the date of their organization, they had ordained their minister, built a meeting-house, and increased their membership to seventy-two. In the spring of 1790, a work of grace began, and a year later the membership had reached the number of one hun- dred and forty. Then serious dissensions arose and nineteen mem- bers withdrew^ and, uniting with seventeen others who had previous- ly withdrawn, organized themselves into a separate body. The two bodies continued to hold separate meetings for six years, when a reconciliation was effected through the mediation of Elder Samuel Webster. Wounds were healed and eighty-seven mem- bers signed a new covenant and agreed to walk together, and to this number were added in subsequent years fifty-seven others. In June, following. Elder Webster removed his family to Orwell and became pastor of the church. In 1799, the church complied with the request of a number of brethren and sisters,living in the towns of Cornw^all and Whiting, for letters of dismission to form the church in the town of Whiting. April 5, 1800, a number of brethren, living in Hampton, N. Y., were received into this church as a branch. September 15, 1804, Deacon Murray brought charge against the pastor, Webster, of falsehood and the trial resulted in his exclusion. The exclusion 134 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT caused a division in the church and a part of it followed him, and together set up meetings which were continued for several years. The church from this time rapidly decreased in numbers, holding few meetings, the last of which was on the second day of March, 1805. Before the close of that year, however, at a conference held in a schoolhouse in the north part of the town, sixteen Baptists, nine men and seven women, united as a church, and were recognized as such June 18, 1806. For two years this little band maintained worship and the ordinance of the church, and then an awakening occurred and thirty-two 'were baptized. Again, in 1810, they were encouraged by the reception of twenty converts. Elder Peck was pastor till 1812, when he moved west. Isaac Sawyer succeeded him until 1816. The year 1815 was a fruitful one in which thirty- nine were baptized into the fellowship of the church. A few years of depression followed, in which the pulpit was supplied at inter- vals by Elders Spaulding and Ravelin, Isaac Fuller and Ephraim Sawyer. Robert Hastings was ordained pastor in 1826. During this year a large council convened, called by the church on recom- mendation of several Baptist ministers, to investigate certain charges preferred against the church by Abner Ames for neglecting to entertain his complaints against some of the brethren, — ^he having published a book in relation thereto. The church was exonerated from blame in the matter. Elder Hastings continued his relation about two years; and for two years the church was without pastor. In the years from 1830 to 1840 there were seasons of ingatherings and seasons of trouble. Edmund Greenough was ordained September 23, 1830, but was dismissed in April following. Aaron Angier united with the church in 1832 and was called to ordination in 1833. Thirty were baptized in 1833, mostly young people. Soon after, Leland Howard became pastor, followed by the venerable Elder John Ide in 1838. The church at that time numbered one hnndred and fourteen. Thirty-six more were added in 1840. Elder Ide was dismissed at his own request, July 24, 1842. A. perceptible alienation of feeling had sprung up. A difficulty in which Orison S. Murray was concerned caused much di\ ision, and finally terminated in his exclusion. Difficulties HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 135 multiplied and divisions increased, caused among other things by the Advent excitement, that doctrine ha\'ing been embraced l^y many of the members, until finally the church was scattered like sheep upon a mountain not having any shepherd. The meetings were neglected, records silent, the members attending other meet- ings or neglecting the means of grace entirely, mitil 1848, when on the nineteenth day of August, after one or two preliminary meet- ings, the church united on a resolution to renew covenant. Elder B. Allen preached during this and the two succeeding years, one- fourth of the time; and others supplied occasionally. At the meeting in 1848, six only were willing to subscribe their names renewing covenant. In 1853, the church numbered thirty-two. J. W. Sawyer was pastor in 1854. That year their former beloved pastor, Aaron Angier, died. In 1855, they purchased a parsonage, remodelled their meeting-house and received eleven new members. C. D. Fuller and R. A. Hodge suppHed a while, but the church declined under its difficulties and became extinct about 1867. Cornwall As early as 179''2, Ephraim Sawyer had heard the call of God, and in response, had begun his work in humble ministries from house to house, among the friends he had made in the neighbor- hood of Fair Bridge, in Cornwall. In cottage meetings he met the people and told the Gospel story and preached the doctrines of grace. The people heard him gladly. They built a log school- house and made it a Bethel, where they ordained their preacher, and in increasing numbers attended his ministry. The pastor was a poor man, havmg met recent financial reverses. When not en- gaged in ministerial duties he and his intimate friend. Elder Henry Chamberlain, were making potash near Lemon Fair. The people contributed wool which the women carded, spun and wove and made their minister clothes, suitable for his public duties. They allowed him to travel far and wide through the region on evangelis- tic errands, and though these sometimes took him several weeks at a time from his own people, his church did not appear to suffer loss but grew in numbers and influence. For more than nine years 136 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT he continued his work here, and then removed to Granville, N. Y. The Cornwall church, though flourishing while meeting near the Fair, concluded to remove the meetings to West Cornwall, where they built a meeting-house in 1805, and the church at Lemon Fair was dissolved that it might be reorganized under the new name of the Cornwall Baptist church. From the resignation of Elder Sawyer mitil 1808, the church was without pastor. Then Henry Green came to them and was called by the society to settle with them. Mr. Green was a strong man, a bit eccentric, but an interesting and powerful preacher able to bring men to conviction and consecration. For twelve years he led this people with remarkable success. From a membership of sixty -five, the church grew under his ministrations till it num- bered two hundred and hventy-five. But Elder Green grew old, and there were some in the church who "desired a change." They magnified his faults and lessened his influence till he resigned his position, much to the grief of many of the people. Division in the church was the natural result. He, however, retained his interest in the church, and often in after years, supplied them when they were in need. It was hard to find a satisfactory successor. Said an earlier chronicler, "The fire that had been kindled at the removal of Elder Sawyer had not gone out, and the smoke and cinders annoyed his successors and their stay was short." B. N. Leach was ordained in 1825. Reuben and Isaac Sawyer, Elder Case, George B. Ide and others, rendered temporary' service. J. K. Wright and Amzi Jones were ordained in 1832. None continued to preach more than two years. In the interval between 1845 and 1860, it can hardly be said that they had a stated minister. In 1862, their old meeting-house was thoroughly remodelled at a cost of about two thousand dollars. The same year thirty-five were added to the membership. W. L. Palmer was then pastor. W. L. Palmer continued pastor till 1870. Rev. A. W. Eastman the next pastor, (1873), was expelled within the year. Rev. T. H. Archibald supplied from 1874 to 1876, and was followed in 1878, by Rev. I. P. Kellogg, 1878-1880. Ahira Jones was pastor from 1880 until his death in 1885. Ahira Jones was bom in Cornwall and was a son of Deacon Amzi Jones. In 1836, he HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 137 graduated from Waterville College, bearing the second honor of his class. His first pastorate was at Saco, Maine. In 1854, he re- turned to Vermont as missionary agent for the Vermont Baptist State Convention, prosecuting that work with great energy and success for five years. Subsequently he was pastor of churches in Colchester, Jericho and West Cornwall. He was a wise counsel- lor, a tireless worker and a successful agent and pastor. He died at the parsonage in West Cornwall, December 11, 1884, aged seventy-six years. Rev. A. A. Cambridge was next pastor 1890-1891. ;From that time till 1900 the church had no pastor, and sustained preach- ing services but a portion of the time. Then, with the backing of the State Convention, Rev. Guy C. Lamson became pastor and the parsonage was repaired and the church took on new life. He remained about two years and was succeeded by Rev. Clement Tomlin for one year, and by Rev. T. A. Howard for five years, 1903-1908. Since 1908, the church has been pastorless and has failed to report to the Association. Membership last reported was twenty- six. Panton On the Fourth of July, 1794, an event occurred in the little village of Panton, which added to Independence Day a sacred historical association. On that day a Baptist church was formed under impressive circumstances. Sherman Babcock, a licentiate from Kingsbury, N. Y., had been holding meetings in private dwellings and in the schoolhouse. Some of his hearers had jre- ceived the word with gladness and wanted to be baptized. They sent to Washington County for Elder Amasa BrowTi, the nearest Baptist minister, who came, listened to the young converts' chris- tian experiences and baptized them in Champlain. These, with their leader, Mr. Babcock, constituted the Panton Baptist church. Their names were Sherman Babcock, Elisha Grandy, Abner Hol- comb, Zadoc Knapp, Samuel Shepherd, Salome Grandy, Midwell Holcomb, Mary Ferris and Mary Shepherd. Elisha Grandy was 138 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT chosen clerk. In 1799, Henry Chamberlain was ordained first pastor of the church, first settled minister in the town. His pastorate continued five years. We have only the briefest annals of the years that followed, years of mingled joy and trouble. Fre- quent conversions and accession of members, frequent cases of discipline kept the minds of the members busy. In 1810, they dedicated their meeting-house. Abel Wood was pastor in 1811 and until 1816. The church then numbered ninety-three. For the next ten years there was steady decline. Jeremy H. Dwyer, H. Chamberlain, John Stearns and William Myrick served short terms as pastors. Then came the great revival of 1831, when sixty-one were added by baptism and others by letter, and one hundred and thirteen was the number of members. John A. Dodge was pastor during this ingathering. J. Tenbroek was one of the converts he baptized, one destined to be of great usefulness in this and other churches. In 1854, he was licensed to preach, and began in liis home church. The next year he was ordained pastor. For some ten years he ministered with great success, and the church attained its maximum strength of one hundred and sixty -nine meml)ers in 1840. Then the tide began to ebb; W. W. Moor, E. E. Mills and even J. Tenbroek were not able to stay it. These were the days of the Advent excitement when all the churches suffered. J. P. Huntington, H. S. P. Warren and Isaac Sawyer followed one another in the pastor- ate, the tide steadily ebbing, till thirty-seven was the number remaining. Then for a little while came increase under the leader- ship of H. H. Parker, followed by steady decline till in 1890, the church ceased to report to the Association for a decade, though maintaining its organization. In 1901, Rev. S. H. Meyers came to the little church, backed by the State Convention with an annual appropriation of about one hundred and fifty dollars, and gave seven years of patient, wise ministry, under which the church doubled its membership. Since 1908, the pastors of the church in Vergennes, H. T. Slocum and Geo. Pomfrev, have taken the Panton church under their care. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 139 MONKTON This church began its work in 1794, under the care of Elder Joseph Call, of Cambridge. The constituent members were Ephraim Page, Ezbon Fuller, Ashbel Fuller, Isaac Sa\\yer, Ebene- zer Stearns, Lydia Fuller, Hannah Brant, who were baptized by Elder Call, and Rachel Sterns, who had previously been baptized. Of these original nembers, Isaac Sawj'er was a recognized leader. He was first appointed church clerk and also chosen to lead the devotional meetings in the absence of the pastor. In 1797, he was appointed deacon, the next year licensed to preach, and in 1799, was ordained pastor, — the first regular pastor of the church, and the first ordained settled minister in the town. The church in- creased with a gradual increase during the pastorate, which con- tinued for fourteen years. During this period two churches were constituted of members dismissed from this church for that pur- pose, the church in Charlotte, nineteen members, in May 1807, and the church in Hinesburg, eighteen members. In 1810, Elisha Collins and John Stearns were licensed to preach. A meeting-house was erected in 1811. The next year Sa\vyer resigned and removed to Fairfield, Vt. Nathaniel Kendrick was the next pastor, and during the two years of his labor the church passed through sad scenes on account of a prevalent sickness of great mortality. Ephraim Butler was pastor, 1818-1821; Peter Chase, 1821-1824 ; H. J. Hall, 1828-1830. P. E. Fish was hcensed in 1830, A. Lawrence in 1833 and M. M. Dean in 1834, A. Kings- bury in 1837. These licentiates supplied frequently as circum- stances required. M. D. Miller was ordained pastor. M. M. Dean was also ordained in this church. From 1843 till 1852, the church nearly lost its visibility, having no pastor and holding no church meetings. In 1852, however, Zenas Jones came for their encouragement, and the following year Elder E. Smith gave his whole time to the church, and the church put on strength and doubled its membership, and repaired its house of worship. In 1867, Elder I. P. Kellogg became pastor and for ten years shep- herded the little flock. Then for several years the church was again practically pastorless most of the time, till 1885, when I. P. 140 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Kellogg again became pastor, retaining that relation for fifteen years, resigning in 1901. After his resignation the church was supplied two or three years by Pastors Kinzie, of Bristol, and Safford, of Hinesburgh. Since 1904, the name of the church has disappeared from the minutes and the church is reckoned extinct after a life of one hundred and ten years. Shoreham The Shoreham Baptist church was recognized June 2, 1794, and consisted of fifteen members to which others were soon added. Abel Woods was chosen its first pastor and ordained February 26, 1795. The first deacon was Eli Smith, who was chosen to stand on trial until the church should get satisfied. Four years later he was confirmed in his office. During the winter of 1795, there was special interest and sixteen were ''brought into liberty.'' In 1810, there was another revival and frequent additions. Elder Woods closed his labors as pastor that year and was succeeded by Ephriam Sawj^er, 1810-1814, and by Elder John Spaulding, 1815. In 1817, the church in Ticonderoga was set off, and not far from this time a branch church was formed at Pitts Creek, which appears to have been the source of the church at Crown Point. Elder Spaulding was dismissed in 1819 and was succeeded by Elder Ravlin, in 1810, Elder Henry Chamberlain in 1823, and Elder Storers in 1832, who appears to have been their last settled minis- ter. The whole number of members that were connected with this church during its existence was not far from three hundred and fifteen. Many of these were noble men and would have been an ornament in any society. They were men of character leaning decidedly to firmness, but without the dogmatic element. For several years Deacon Eli Smith and Brother Hopkins Rowley bore a large share of the burdens of public duties. The place of meeting was at first in private dwellings and afterwards in a school- house. It does not appear that they ever had a meeting-house. The members generally lived between the center of the town and the lake, and the meetings would be on one side of them if held at the center. Had the church adopted the policy of a central HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 141 location, it is possible that it might have maintained its existence. But like many other churches it did not feel that it could remove the meetings so far from them, and the result was that they did not exert so wide an influence in the town as it appears they might. The first clerk, Timothy Page, died in 1810, and left the reputation of a great man in Israel. Deacon Eli Smith, the first deacon, was also an able man; Rev. Eli B. Smith was the son of Joseph Smith. He joined the church in 1817, graduated at Middlebury College in 1827 or 1828, was successively pastor at Buffalo and Poultney, Vt.; was called to the professorship of theology in the New Hamp- ton Institution and died in Colchester, Vt. Professor Smith was a man of great administrative ability, a sound theologian, a clear and vigorous writer. He left his impression on the generation in which he lived. Elder Abel Woods, who served them seventeen years, was annoyed by a controversy over the ministerial lands, which were rightfully his as the first settled minister, but which the to\VTi sought to divide between other denominations, and finally to take from Mr. Woods altogether, but were defeated. The first intimations of salary are contained in a record that refers to the obligation of the church to pay a man they had hired to work for Elder Woods. Afterwards the salary- was twenty-five dollars a year, then forty dollars and finally sixty dollars. The records of the church are very full and accurate until 1826, but after this little is recorded till 1832, when the record closes. About the year 1815, members began to take letters to other churches, and the tide of emigration that had formerly favored the church turned against it until it was a common thing to dis- miss several members nearly every month. It is said the church ceased to exist. It might be said it moved away, some of it to hea\en, but a large number to other parts of the earth, first. It proved the parent of at least two other churches, and its members removing to other places materially assisted many more. An unhappy di\asion marred the peace of this church a few of the last years of its existence. One of the deacons was dissatis- fied in some way and so became a leader of a party that insisted on removing the meetings to the center of the town. A council that considered the matter gave a decision both wise and clear. They 142 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT decided that the attempt of the minority to remove the meeting was wrong, since majorities should govern, but also that the majority ought to remove the meeting to the center of the town. The meeting was removed to the academy hill a portion of the time, but the division had become so serious that it materially weakened the church. Bristol The early history of the Bristol church has been more full}' written than that of many others and is perser^^ed in the minutes of the Addison Association for ISo^. It reads like the record of April days, sunshine and showers in quick alternation, now and then a June-like day followed by a storm, but all the while the plants of God were grownng. The earliest days were beautiful. Elder Joseph Call and two of his friends, Silas Smith and Thomas Tuttle, came down one day from Cambridge, and a small company assembled to hear him preach. Among his hearers were nine who had already found Christ, and after the sermon they confessed him, gave satisfactory evidence of conversion, and were baptized by Elder Call. Their names were Timothy Allen, Phineas Rugg, Daniel Dean, Johnson Allen, Asa Smith, x\nna Day, Margaret Smith, Polly Rugg, Esther Allen. Three days later, August 10, 17{)4, these, with Elizabeth Day and Elizabeth Sutton, covenanted together as a church and chose Timothy Allen, deacon, and Asa Smith, scribe. Several others desired baptism at the next coven- ant meeting, September 18, and the church sent Daniel Dean through the wilderness to Pittsford to secure the services of Elder Joseph Rich, who came and administered the ordinance. The church adopted very brief and simjile rules, providing for monthly covenant meetings, attendance of all members, orderly proceedings under a moderator's government, etc. The seventh article was, "No member shall go out of doors on any imnecessary occasion." The church had no settled pastor for many years. They were visited at intervals by such pious, helpful men as Roswell Mears, Henry Chamberlain, Ephraim and Isaac Sawyer, who baptized and administered the Lord's Supper. Their numbers increased HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 143 by baptisms and emigration. When no minister was present the brethren sustained their own meetings under "leaders" who were regularly appointed by the church. This custom was continued for a long period and aided materially in preserving its visibility. About 1805, among the new comers was one Asa Palmer, who was received on letters of recommendation from seven churches, of which he had been a member. They appointed him deacon. He was ambitious to preach, but the church "after discussion, voted that his improvement was not edifying doctrinally." Soon after he withdrew from his office as deacon, became estranged from his brethren, brought charges against the church for employing an unconverted man to lead the singing, and for reading sermons written by collegians to the neglect of the exhortations of the brethren, etc., and finally withdrew from the church, joined the Quakers and became an active leader among therh, greatly dis- turbing the church. In 1807, Deacon Timothy Allen embraced the doctrines of the Universalists and was cut off, and the church was plunged in gloom for a time. But in 1810, came a brighter day. Several sisters who could not go up through the "Notch" from the "Flats" began holding meetings for conference in their homes. They read the scriptures and exhorted but "did not know as sisters could pray in public," to use the language of one of them. Soon after inquirers were directed to this almost unknown prayer meeting for spiritual guidance, and there a work of grace began that spread through the town and bore fruit, that long remained. Robert Holley, Amos Eastman, Michael Dayfoot, and associates, — firm supporters of Universalism, — came forward, and a score of others, and were baptized by Elders Sawj^er, Green and Babcock. Timothy Allen then returned with bitter tears of repentance. These were times of joy and hope. But within a short time the church was troubled with causes for disciplinary action. In 1811, they first began to raise money by subscription for preaching. Twenty-eight men subscribed the sum of thirty -five dollars. This they paid out to several ministers, in sums from one shilling to one dollar as the cases demanded. Two methods of raising funds were tried, neither of them fully successful. The subscription method proved inadequate, and the assessment method irritating. The 144 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT natural result was financial stringency and a fluctuating ministry. Amos Stearns, a man of piety and promise, came to Bristol from Monkton and united with the church. He preached so accept- ably that he was licensed and brought the church into harmonious union. In 1818, a ministers' meeting was to be held in Bridport, and a committee was sent with the request to have Mr. Stearns examined by them and to ask their ad\dce as to his fitness for ordination. They advised ordination and their advice was followed. Previous to ordination, however, the church appointed a committee to meet a committee of the to^m and arrange all questions concerning the Glebe lands. They voted in church meeting "that Brother Stearns be ordained in such a way as to hold the Ministerial Right and deed the same to the town for the use of schools forever; and leave it to the generosity of the town to give Mr. Stearns what they see fit as compensation for securing the land to the town." This proposal they sent by a committee to a town meeting held for the purpose. They thus magnanimously disposed of a claim that had been a fruitful source of discord in the State. The town voted to give Mr. Stearns six years' use of the land and a hundred dollars in money; a part of which he invested in a meeting-house. At the time of Mr. Stearns' settlement, the church numbered forty-four. The whole number who had been members during the twenty -four years of its history were one hundred and eight. Forty-one had left, six had died, sixteen had been excluded. The church united, in the year 1819, with the Congregationalists and Universalists in building a meeting-house. It was called the White House. Each denomination was to occupy it in proportion to the amount of stock set to their credit. During 1820, the pastor preached half the time in the White Meeting-House and one-fourth on the East Hill. In 1824, Elder Da\-id Hendee was employed and continued pastor till 1831. The discovery was made that he had been a Mason, and although he avoided all association with the obnoxious fraternity, yet he did not denounce it ^^^th sufficient energy to satisfy many, and he was brought before a council, and although this exonerated the pastor of blame, and somewhat censured both parties in the church, yet its disapproval of Masonry was positive. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 145 and the pastorate soon ended. W. W. Moore was ordained in June, 1834, and the church seemed to have entered upon an era of prosperity, but Mr. Moore thought it best to go at the end of a year, and shipped his goods to northern New York. The church prevailed upon him to remain and his goods were brought back. A meeting was held soon after for sixteen days and fifty came forward for baptism during a single month. Mr. Moore was re- tained three years. The last year was less successful than the first and it is recorded that "The result was that the closing busi- ness arrangements were discordant, and the farewell sermon distasteful." A. Kingsbury followed Mr. Moore and served two years. In 1842, Elder E. Hurlbut was secured as pastor and began work under favorable circumstances, many coming forward for baptism. Then came the INIillerite excitement. Mr. Miller had lectured here and his sentiments had taken root. The minister favored the first period prophesied, and withdrew. The church became divided and violently discordant. The Comeouters, as they were called, were specially offensive in their denunciation of their brethren, who differed with them. Finally nineteen were excluded. Richard Amsden was pastor from 1845 to 1847, when Elder C. W. Dodge was secured, who soon afterward sickened and died, deeply lamented by all. For a time deep depression paralyzed the members, meetings were forsaken and hope seemed abandoned. But in June, 1852, A. A. Sawin was employed, hopes revived, and confidence was restored. The church reported eighty-four members in 1854, at its semi-centennial. P. C. Himes was pastor, 1857-1858; N. J. Pinkham, 1859-1884; T. H. Archibald, 1866-1873; L. B. Hibbard, 1875; S. Small, 1879; W. D. Hall, 1877-1887; I. W. Coombs, 1882-1884; P. B. Strong, 1885-1886; S. E. Miller, 1888; G. A. Smith, 1889; B. F. Kellogg, 1891-1894; W. A. Kinzie, 1895-1902; S. P. Perry, 1903-1906;!. E. Usher, 1908-1910; E. M. Holman, 1911. Under these pastors the church prospered and gradually gained in strength and mem- bers, attaining in 1902, its highest mark, one hundred and fifty-one. Membership in 1912, one hundred and forty. 146 history of the baptists in vermont Addison The name of the Addison church has been on the roll of Ver- mont Baptist churches since 1797. The birth of the church at that time was largely due to the house to house evangelism of Elders Henry Chamberlain and Ephraim Sawyer, the intimate friends, who burnt forest refuse and made potash near Lemon Fair Bridge, Cornwall. Elder Phelps, and probably others, did pioneer work. October 25, 1797, twelve Baptists covenanted to- gether, in the house of Noah Wilson. Their names will be precious to any of their descendants. They were James Doran, Seth Abbott, John White, Leathan Clark and Sisters Keziah Seegar, Eunice Clarke, Sarah Abbott, Comfort White, Chloe Squire, Polly Wilson, Mehitabel Morley, and Betsy Spencer. These signed a short covenant, one clause of which confessed faith in what is called "the Cah-inistic doctrine of sovereign grace." Some dis- satisfaction was felt over the word "Calvinistic" and it was changed to "Apostolic." Another article which was afterward added is worthy of mention; it was as follows: "If any member shall have a difficulty with any minister or member in relation to their principles or practice, if they tell it to any other person before they have tried in a Gospel manner to reclaim them, if the church cannot reclaim them (i. e., the one who has the difficulty and told of it), they ought to be expelled as disturbers of the peace of the church." The original members were descendants of Puritan stock of Massachusetts, or of the Dutch that settled near New York, and are said to have been intellectually, physically, morally strong men. Samuel Rogers was their first pastor, and as the first settled minis- ter in town, became proprietor of the Ministerial Rights in land, which, when he left the place, he deeded to the Congregational church and to the Baptist, one-half to each. In discipline this early church was thorough, kind and successful. On several occasions it labored with and cut off the prominent members. The sins of men of property could not go unrebuked. The trials of the church in its efforts to maintain correct discipline were the cause of some very dark days, but often they were followed by days of bright- ness. It is a matter of record that almost every revival was pre- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 147 ceded by a season of darkness. The years 1805, 1806, and 1807 were years of trial and discouragement, but the cloud passed, and one hundred and twenty -three were added to the church. Painful disciplinary action preceded the revivals of 1811 and 1817, when more than a hundred were added; and the same fact is true of other later revivals. In 1811, the church began to plan for the erection of a meeting- house, but there were three eligible sites proposed, the people divided into factions over these, and the meeting-house was not built till 1817, and the ill feeling engendered over the enterprise was long in healing. The church was almost unanimous in its positive opposition to the principles of Freemasonry, and a violent excitement was aroused, about 1828, over the fact that a member of a lodge had gained church membership, notwithstanding the moderator's cautious call, "if anyone has anything against the candidate let him manifest it now or forever keep silent in relation to it." The outcome was that all Masons left the church of their own accord or were compelled to leave. The Advent excitement in this church was equally fierce. Mr. Miller lectured in the place and won followers, who became schismatics, and after patient labor twenty-seven were excluded in 1827. These trials retarded the growth of the church. In 1816, its membership was reported as sixty-six. Abel Woods was then pastor. The next year, under phenomenal spiritual influence, it sprung to one hundred and seventy-four. The years following were comparatively barren, till 1826, when fourteen were added. This hardly checked the decline till 1831, when four successive revival years brought the membership to one hundred and eighty-seven, its highest mark. In the years 1842, 1850 and 1851 there were additions, but the decline con- tinued till the unhappy year 1856, when thirty-four were dismissed, and the membership became sixty. Since then the number of members has fluctuated between fifty and eighty. During the last five years the tide of prosperity and power has been on the rise and the total membership, in 1912, was eighty-five. 148 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT During the first fifty-seven years of its history this church had been served by twenty ministers, the pastorates averaging less than two years each. The names of these pastors John Rogers, John Hayward, Nathaniel Kendrick, E. Starkweather, Abel Woods, John S. Carter, Seth Ewers, Aristarchus Willey, L. Austin, Alanson Covell, Elias Hurlbut, Wm. Stoors, Burton Carpenter, H. F. Davis, Robert Bryant, Israel Keach, C. E. Miles, M. D. Miller, P. C. Himes, J. Q. U. A. Ware. Since 1867, there have been at least twelve pastors: E. Good- speed, E. D. Craft, L. Wheelock, R. Nott, E. Bullard, now missionary in India, T. H. Archibald, T. F. Ogden, John Pearson, Guy C. Lamson, H. H. White, G. L. Powell and C. T. Reekie. Whiting The W^hiting Baptist church was constituted of members of the church in Orwell, and accordingly traces its origin under God to those two well-known servants of God, Ephraim Sawyer and Henry Chamberlain, who carried their Bibles with them to their work as constantly as they did their axes, read and chopped alter- nately, and spent time in meditation and prayer as far as practic- able. Often an hour or two before sunset they met the people, during the summer and autumn seasons, for religious services, and out of these came the churches. The Whiting church was set off and recognized February' 25, 1799, with ten members: Ezra Allen, Josiah Stone, Ashael Fields, Elisha Fields, Thomas McNeil, Elijah Kirkham, Jr., Joanna Wiswell, Sarah Stone, Rachel Beach, Sarah Ketcham. The first settled pastor was David Rathbun, whose pastorate began April 26, 1799. October 4, 1799, the church voted to bear Elder Rathbun's extra expense for liquor for himself and family, and to have it averaged on the members of the church. What other provision was made for the supply of his needs and comfort we do not know. This record is well worth preserving as a help in noting the progress in moral reform, specially in the temperance movement. In the first sixty years of its history the church had the follow- ing named pastors: David Rathbun, Samuel Churchill, John HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VEKMONT 149 Stearns, I. W. Sawj^er, Isaac Wescott, W. G. Johnson, Volney Clark, Barna Allen and Stephen Wright; nine in number. Up to 1858, the greatest number of members in the church at any one time was in 1840, when it numbered one hundred and . twenty-five. The greatest number added by baptism, in any one year, was twenty-six, in 1836. There had been eleven revivals, averaging one in every five years. There had been added to the church up to that time by baptism, two hundred and twenty-four; by letter eighty-four; exclusions had been twenty-eight; dropped, three; died, forty-eight. The total membership was forty-eight. J. Q. A. Ware was pastor from 1859 to 1864, R. L. Smith from 1866 to 1878, the membership averaging about sixty during this period. During the last two decades of the nineteenth century, W. H. Mawhew, Jos. Freeman, G. C. Shirk and R. L. Verry served short pastorates, and L. Kenney one of seven years. J. W^ Ilsley followed with a two years' pastorate; H. H. White, three. T. A. Howard became pastor in 1903. The State Convention has generously assisted in maintaining the church. In 1911, the Baptist church federated with the Congregational church, with T. A. Howard as pastor, the services being held six months in one meeting-house, and six months in the other. The membership reported in 1912 was twenty-eight. Waltham A Baptist church was organized in Waltham at a sch.oolhouse in the west district May 7, 1802, and recognised by a council, March 10, 1803; ordained Jesse Smith its first pastor, June 30, 1803, and dismissed him to another church the following December. Elder Samuel Rogers followed, 1804, and remained till March, 1806. Elder John Howard then commenced a pastorate of eleven years, which proved to the church years of blessing. June 27, 1827, Elias Hurlbut, a licentiate of the church, was or- dained pastor and labored six years with good success. Elder J. K. Wright was pastor from January, 1831, to January, 1839, much to the prosperity and satisfaction of the church. Elder Increase Jones followed him with a four years' pastorate, at the close of 150 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT which he went out with a number of the members to join the Adventists. Ira Bently was ordained pastor, August 12, 1843, but continued only a short time. S. P. Warren, a licentiate, was ordained March 23, 1848, and he too made but a brief stay. E. W. Allen began leadership in 1858. The Advent exciteijient greatlj^ reduced the ranks of the church, and, in 1860, there were but four men and fifteen women members. The name of the church was changed by vote of the church, Sej)tember 17, 1817, to The New Haven and Weybridge church. The church became extinct in 1876. Rupert Elder Warren, of Salem, labored here one-fourth of the time from 1794 to 1797, and other ministers occasionally. A church of thirty-three members was organized in 1803, and Ahan Wales was ordained pastor. A very extensive and powerful revival attended his ministry, and a large number were added to the church. In 1804, the membership was one hundred and two. Elder Wales left in 1809. Rev. Werden P. Reynolds became pastor in 1813. Twenty-one were baptized in 1815, and fifty-three in 1817, and ten received by letter. In 1818, fifteen new members were re- ceived and the total membership became one hundred and seventy- two. Declension followed. Some of the members became Camp- bellites. In 1830, when Elder Wait became pastor, the cimrch was reduced to about thirty members. But the Spirit was again poured oul . In the spring of 1831, Daniel Mattison, a young man of dissolute habits and skeptical opinions, given to profanity and intemperance, astonished the church by telling a christian experi- ence and rec|uesting baptism. Mr. IVIattison convinced the most incredulous of his sincerity and of the genuineness of his conver- sion. He manifested much zeal in religion and was quite useful. This case, as might be expect ey baptism and thirty-seven by letter. The third session was at Hinesburg. The jVIiddlesex church joined it (afterward uniting \\dth the Waitsfield church) . Additions, twenty-one by baptism; twenty-six by letter. The fourth session was in Waitsfield. The year had been un- marked by any special interest. The next year at Colchester, the Association held a most en- couraging and pleasant session. Almost half the churches had enjoyed revivals; one hundred and ninety-seven had been baptized and twenty -four added by letter. The membership of the Associa- tion had reached one thousand, sixty-six. 352 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT The sixth and last session was held at Westford in 1840. At the time of this session, the state of religion was low in the churches, owing to the waves of public excitement, which in quick succession were affecting the people. This feeling, however, had not char- acterized the whole year, which had been more fruitful than most years, one hundred and thirteen having been added by baptism, and forty -five by letter, bringing the membership up to one thou- sand, one hundred and seventy -four. The churches in this body, in 1840, were generally poor; more than half of them were destitute of preaching. Only three churches were favored with preaching all the time. The fifteen churches had but seven to break to them the Bread of Life. They resolved to reunite with the other churches, from which they had separated, and form the Lamoille Association. Timothy Spaulding was one of the first laborers in this As- sociation. He was a man of superior talents, humble and faithful, and zealous. He removed from this part of the country and went West, and there, as in the churches of New England, he plead the cause of the oppressed, and when every sanctuary was closed against him, and no suitable place was opened to him, where he could advo- cate the inalienable rights of the doA\n-trodden of our land, like his Saviour and like the early heralds of the Cross, he showed the people their transgressions in the open fields. Not being inured to the hardships of this nature, he soon sickened and died. The zeal with which he worked and the pathetic circumstances of his death, enshrined his name with peculiar sanctity in the mem- ory of the Baptists of this Association and of the churches of Ver- mont, generally. Chapter XXI CHURCHES OF THE LAMOILLE ASSOCIATION Fairfax The first Baptist meeting in Fairfax was probably held in June, 1790, conducted by Deacon John Cressey, and from this time up to September, 1792, a few brethren and sisters met occasionally to worship, in a log house, about a mile from the village, now known as the Safford neighborhood. In September, 1792, the first Bap- tist church in Fairfax was organized, consisting of twenty-five mem- bers, among them, John Cressey, Martha Cressey, Eunice Barrett, Shaloma Squires, Subriette Heart, Joseph Call, Stephen Churchill, Naomi Cressey, Luther Cressey. October 3, 1793, was the first ordination in Fairfax. Elisha Andrews was ordained pastor. The salary agreed upon, was board and clothes for himself and wife and five dollars for books. Mr. Andrews' work continued but one year. After him, came a Gospel worker, going from house to house, stirring the people up spiritually. That young man was Ephraim Butler, who afterward became a minister and preached the Gospel for more than fifty years. The church was incorporated on October 25, 1797. At the first meeting of the society. Rev. Amos Tuttle was called to the pastorate, and it was voted to give him one piece of land worth $400, as a settlement, and $200 as salary, to be paid yearly in good merchantable produce. Mr. Tuttle was installed August 6, 1806. That year was a glorious one for Fairfax. Sixty -five were received to membership by baptism. The years 1807-1816, were a dark period. Most of the time in the meetings was taken up in dis- ciplinary inquiry and action. Even the pastor was called to account for speaking publicly, in a manner that implicated his rulers. In 1809, Deacon Wilkins refused to commune with the church because the minister was settled on civil law, and his salary raised 354 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT by tax on the estimated property of the members. The church came off that ground as speedily as possible. Agreement was made with Elder Tuttle that he should receive $200 in the follow- ing articles: $20 worth of pork; $15 worth of beef; $5 worth of tallow; $15 worth of rye; $10 worth of wool; $25 worth of wheat; $10 worth of flax. The remainder to be paid in articles most con- venient for the church. Later it was found impossible to keep this agreement and Elder Tuttle was dismissed. The next trial came from John Cressey, complaining that some of the members had joined the Washingtonian Temperance Society, a secret organiza- tion. The outcome was the exclusion of ten members, who were afterward recalled, the church confessing that it had not acted in a spirit of brotherly love. In 1816, an interesting revival was en- joyed and twenty-four were baptized. Elder Tuttle became pastor again in 1817, after an absence of five years, during which the church had been without a pastor. In 1820, a controversy began as to the validity of baptism, if performed by any but a Baptist minister in regular membership in a Baptist church. The controversy was hot and long, resulting in the withdrawal of thirty members, including the pastor, who was afterward excluded l)y the church. Various efforts at recon- ciliation were made, which finally succeeded, and a great revival followed. From the time of Elder Tuttle 's withdrawal, 1820 to 1830, the church had preaching only occasionally, by Ephraim Butler and Roswell Mears. In 1830, Jeremiah Hall was chosen pastor, and he proved a peacemaker. Mr. J. C. Bryant, a licentiate, sup- plied a few months in 1832. In 1833, there was an interesting dis- cussion upon the subject of Freemasonry, and that secret order was denounced and renounced. The Sunday school was organized in 1833, and for many years a prayer meeting was sustained once a month in place of the Sun- day school lesson. In 1837, Rev. Simon Fletcher was hired for one year. In October, 1839, Rev. C. W. Hodge commenced a series of meetings, which resulted, in the course of ten weeks, in the reception of thirty-one by baptism. Mr. Hodges became pastor and served two years. In 1841, a parsonage was purchased. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 355 April 23, 1843, Rev. Lewin A. Dunn was engaged as pastor, half the time for six months. Thus began a pastorate which con- tinued twenty-eight years. In 1846, a new church edifice was built. Elder Dunn acting as engineer and overseer. An incident connected with the building of this house is of special interest. The necessity of a new^ house of worship had be- come so impressed upon the mind of Mr. Dunn that he decided, if this could not be done, his work with this church would soon cease. It was decided that if suitable stone for the l^asement could be obtained, the house would be built. Several efforts were made to obtain the stone, which proved unsuccessful, and the matter of building the new church began to look shady. One more effort was to be made. If a certain rock or ledge could be broken suc- cessfully, the stone could be obtained and the house built. This would decide whether Elder Dunn was to remain longer as pastor of the church. Elder Dunn, with Osias Story, a mason, went forth to test this last plan. The holes were drilled, the wedges driven, but the rock was not broken. The young pastor went a little dis- tance from the rock and sat down, heartsick and discouraged. His work appeared to be done. But at length, a slight snapping sound was heard in the direction of the rock. He went back to it. The rock was broken its entire length. His sorrow was turned into joy. The little church seemed inspired with new life and energy. The edifice was completed in 1849. Supplication was then made for revival influences, and soon a revival began, in which men and women and children were converted, and the power of the Spirit was manifested as never in this place before. In 1850, there were fifty-nine additions by baptism and fourteen by letter. In 1851, the house was enlarged. During the years 1850 to 1860, inclusive, one hundred and seventy -two were baptized, and seventy- four received by letter, the membership increasing from one hun- dred and twenty-seven to two hundred and eighty-eight. This period includes the time when New Hampton Institution was flourishing, and the students constituted a large part of the mem- bership, and the church was heartily at work for the conversion of the students. In the period, 1861 to 1871, inclusive, the accessions by baptism were one hundred and twenty-nine, and by letter, 356 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT twenty -nine; the membership attaining its maximum number, of three hundred and forty-six. The influence of the church and its pastor, through the student body of New Hampton Institution, became very strong and wide. In the fall of 1870, Rev. H. G. DeWitt commenced a protracted meeting with the church, con- tinuing several weeks. Thirty-six were brought to Christ and were baptized ; four were received by letter. In the fall of 1871, Elder Dunn closed his labors as pastor here, having been pastor here twenty-seven years and six months. He baptized, while here, three hundred and fifty ; three successive years he represented his town in the State legislature. He went from Fairfax to become President of Pella University. In 1861, and again in 1878, he visited Europe, Egypt and Palestine, and pub- lished the story of his travels in a book entitled, " Footprints of the Redeemer." His name will long be held in remembrance in the community and in the State, where he did such a commendable work. Rev. Jabes Ferris supplied for six months; then, for about six months, the church was without a pastor. In October, Rev. J. L. Webber became pastor and remained two years. These are re- ferred to as dark days. Indeed, for the next decade, the accessions were very few, the losses by dismission and revision of the roll many, and the membership rapidly diminished from three hmidred and sixteen in 1875, to one hundred and thirty-six in 1885. The pastors during this period were: De F. Safford, 1875-1876; G. W. Bower, 1878; W. G. Goucher, 1880-1883; C. A. Votey, 1883-1887. Mr. Safford. and the church with him, were afflicted by the death of his wife, during his short stay. Mr. Bowers was a man of fine abihty, but in feeble health, and soon after his work closed in Fair- fax, his life work ended. W. G. Goucher was a fine sermonizer, an ardent Baptist, and always wore his Baptist armour and kept it bright by constant use, and whenever he used it, he drew blood. So said one, who knew him well. C. A. Votey was a man of evan- gelistic zeal and had the privilege of welcoming twelve by baptism. In 1885, the church edifice was thoroughly repaired and reno- vated at a cost of over $3,000. Rev. Henry Crocker became pastor in June, 1887, and con- tinued in that relation till the spring of 1899. These were years of HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 357 normal church hfe and work marked by some noteworthy incidents. On July 15, 1888, Dr. Dunn was present with his loved people, after an absence of seventeen years, and gave a short address, full of tender allusions to the past and of suggestions for the future. Four months later came the news of the sudden death of this beloved pastor. His body was brought to Fairfax for burial in the cemetery, which he himself was instrumental in having consecrated as a public burial place. Special services were held, in which both the pastor and some friends from Pella took part. In 1893, the centennial year of the church was signalized by a series of sermons at intervals, by representatives of the several missionary and philanthropic organizations, and by special com- memorative exercises, September 27. These exercises were at- tended by large numbers of former members and former students of New Hampton Institution, and were very impressive and in- spiring. The State Convention was held here the three days fol- lowing. In this period a company of promising young people came up from childhood into young manhood and womanhood, and entered upon courses of study, or upon their life work. Among them were Rolla Hunt, now pastor of the Baptist church in Shel- burne Falls, Mass., and another, A. F. Ufford, now missionary in China. It was in this period that the buildings of old New Hampton Institution were bunied, and this somewhat melancholy reminder of the glory of departed days was removed from sight. A smaller, new school building stands in its place, which is the rallying place of the Green Mountain Summer Institute. The next pastor was Rev. O. R. Hmit, 1900-1905, who wel- comed twelve by baptism, and was an energetic pastor. He was followed by Rev. A. Frank Ufford, a member of the church, brought up from infancy under its influence. Mr. Ufford had con- secrated himself to the foreign mission work and these years were pending his appointment. This was a brief but ideal pastorate, marked by the baptism of fifteen converts. Mr. Ufford was ordained here. The next pastor was Rev. C. E. VanSchaick, well-known as the State Colporteur, for a season. He remained two years and was followed by Rev. W. S. Boardman. 358 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT This history would be incomplete without the mention of the important place given to the service of song, and the name of Deacon Francis W ayland Shepardson, who for sixty-four years has been chorister. Georgia In 1788, Benjamin and Stephen Holmes, and their wives, were the first Baptists that settled in Georgia, \ t. In 1791, Rev. Joseph Call, an evangelist, came from New Hampshire. He preached in Cambridge, Fairfax, Fairfield, Georgia and Milton. He was the first Baptist minister that preached in this region. July 12, 1793, marks the date of the first Baptist meeting in Georgia. It was held in Abraham Hathaway 's house, for the purpose of gaining fellow- ship, forming articles of faith, and adopting rules of order. A council was called October 21, 1793, and a church regularly con- stituted. The region was then little less than a wilderness. There is no record of their having a pastor. When the first meeting- house was to be built in Georgia, the majority of the inhabitants wished it to be built and the minister supported by a towni tax. This the Ba})tists resisted. The meeting-house was built in 1800, by subscription. In 1807, the Bai)tists claimed the use of this house a portion of the time. This was resisted by the Congregationalists, but finally a compromise was agreed upon and each used the house in proportion to the amount of interest of the members of the re- spective churches. In 1807, Roswell Mears was called to the j)astorate. In 1808, Benjamin Holmes ard Ephraim Lewis were chosen and ordained as deacons. Deacon Holmes represented the town ten years in the State legislature. He held many important trusts. He and his wife were well-known for their benevolence. During the winter of 1815 and 1816, the church enjoyed a powerful revival. Sixty were added to the church. Of this uum])er, were four young men who afterward became ministers, viz.: Alvah Sabin, Daniel Sabin, Joseph Ballard, and Paul Richards. In 1818, Elder R. Mears be- gan preaching one-half of the time in Swanton and continued his labors there twelve years. While he was pastor, there was much Rev. Alvah Sabin Member of United States Congress 1835— 1837 Pastor of Georgia Plain Baptist Church 1825—1857 Born, 1793— Died, 1885 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS INVERMONT 359 church discipline and many trials. One burning question was whether a person called to preach should spend time in attending a theological seminary, previous to preaching the Gospel. Because Alvah Sabin spent some time in preparatory study, several brethren left the church. Alvah Sabin was born in Georgia, October 20, 1793. He was converted in early youth, but neglected to put on Christ in baptism till February, 1815 or 1816, when he was bap- tized with fourteen others in the Lamoille River, the ice being cut away for the purpose. In 1817, A. Sabin preached before the church and received a license. He spent some time in preparatory study and having proclaimed the Gospel in all the region round- about, in 1825, commenced preaching in Georgia half the time. In the meeting-house in Georgia, such a thing as a stove or furnace was a thing miknown, except the hand-foot stoves that the matrons brought from home filled with live coals. In 1826, the church paid to have the schoolhouse, which was being built, have an upper room. Many meetings of interest were held in that upper room. In October, 1831, H. H. Hale, John Bowker, and Truman Williams, were ordained deacons and became towers of strength, financially and spiritually. In 1834, Elder Sabin served the State Convention as agent. Elder R. Mears took his place for one year; Elder N. H. Downs, one year, and R. Mears the year following, then A. Sabin resumed his work again as pastor. In 1846, the church voted to build a brick church in the southwest part of the town. The same was dedicated February 2, 1848. The following year quite a number were converted and baptized. In 1852, Elder Sabin was elected to represent the second district of Vermont in the United States Congress. He was absent four years, except during the summer months. In his absence. Rev. Eli B. Smith, D. D., was a most acceptable supply. Several valuable additions were made to the church during those four years. Upon his return from Washington, Elder Sabin was often called upon to comfort those that mourned the loss of friends upon the battlefield. In 1868, Rev. Rufus Smith assumed the pastoral care of the church and during the two years and three months of his stay, the Sunday school was reorganized and several united with the church. In April, Elder Sabin assumed the pastorate. He did not feel him- 360 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT self physically able to perform much pastoral labor, yet his gray hairs and well-known voice were a blessing to those who attended the meetings. During the summer and fall of 1876, the old par- sonage was sold and a new one erected, at a cost of between $1,400 and $1,500. Rev. J. G. Lorimer became pastor in December, 1876. Not long after his settlement, three brethren, who had been the main leaders of the church for at least a half century, were called to their reward and rest — H. H. Hale, who had filled the office of deacon for forty-seven years, a man gifted in prayer, genial, benevolent and highly respected ; Alfred Ladd, a deacon in the church thirty- three years, a man of financial ability and devoted to the interests of the church; and Elder Alvah Sabin, a man of ability, recog- nized not only by the church but throughout the State. October, 1826, the Baptist meeting-house in Georgia was burned. A new one was promptly erected at a cost of $6,235. The new house was dedicated October 25, 1887. Rev. Henry Crocker, of Fairfax, delivered the sermon from Psalm 122 : 1. There was a debt of $1,430. This was provided for on the day of the dedication. October 25th was a red letter day for the church. Mr. Lorimer served the church with ability, fidelity and love, for twenty-five years, cheerful under discouragement, a lover of young people, the companion and friend of the aged, a genuine under shepherd, beloved of all his people. Failing health compelled him to give up his pastoral work in 1902. He spent the sunset days of his life among the people he had so long served and passed to his rest, December 21, 1911. Joseph Gibbs Lorimer was born in Beebe Plain, P. Q., February 4, 1833. He was ordained to the Gospel ministry by the church in Derby, Vt., in June, 1861, and served this church as pastor six- teen years. On September 30, 1862, he was married to Miss Almira Hale of Georgia, Vermont. In 1877, he moved to Georgia Plain and began his second pastorate, which lasted twenty -five years. While he gave up his pastorate in 1902, almost to the end of his life he was in truest sense a minister at large. It was his to win many to Christ and the church. He baptized three of his nephews, who later became clergymen: Rev. Addison B. Lorimer, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 361 Rev. Albert W. Lorimer and Rev. E. I. Nye. Mrs. Lorimer died June 11, 1811. While deeply interested in the home field, both Mr. and Mrs. Lorimer were very much interested in State, home and foreign missions. By industry and economy they saved con- siderable money and at their death bequests were made to the Georgia Plain church, the Vermont Baptist State Convention, the Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society and the Woman's Baptist Foreign Mission Society, $500 each. Rev. Thomas Adams succeeded Mr. Lorimer as pastor, 1903, continuing till 1908, when Rev. L. L. Holmes succeeded him, serv- ing till 1911, when J. R. Thomas became pastor. Cambridge April 2, 1793, eleven persons, whose homes were in Cambridge and Johnson, met at the house of Robert Cochran, m Cambridge, related their christian experience, were baptized and covenanted together to walk in the ordinances of Christ's house. On the 10th of July, 1793, a council convened to ordain Robert Cochran to the office of deacon, examined its articles of faith and recognized this body as a regular Baptist church and shortly after it became a member of the Woodstock ^Association. The materials of which this church was composed, were the fruit of a work of grace which commenced in this vicinity in the summer of 1792. The commencement of this work is to be cred- ited CO two earnest christians, Amos Page, and Ichabod Warren, who noting the destitute condition of the place and the indifference of the people to the interests of souls, became deeply affected and resolved to appoint a conference meeting for the purpose of calling the attention of their neighbors to the great subject of religion. In their first meeting two persons became seriously interested and were soon converted. Thus encouraged, they continued their meetings, which increased in interest and solemnity, till a general seriousness prevailed. About this time Roswell Mears came, full of faith and holy zeal, and under his influence and preaching many were led to Christ, until seventy or eighty were giving evidence of conversion. 362 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Then came Joseph Call, who was present at their organization into a church, and became their first pastor. This church continued to maintain its organization till 1801, when diminished in numbers and discouraged by difficulties, it was disbanded. Four years later, however, a new organization was formed which lived a few years. SWANTON On the ISth of March, 1796, brethren, delegates from the churches of Fairfax and Caldwell's Manor, met in Swanton, and were organized as a council, and after deliberation, recognized as a Baptist church, the following persons : Joshua Calkins, Thomas Browm, Thomas Armes, Daniel Rowley, Caleb Calkins, David Campbell, Mercy Calkins, Elizabeth Calkins, Martha Armes, Deborah Adams, Deborah Campbell. David Campbell and his wife lived in St. Albans, the others were residents of Swanton. ■ In July, they appointed delegates to the Richmond conference and at this time probably united with that body. In January, 1798, Thomas Brow^l was ordained and became pastor, serving two years. He appears to have been one of the first settlers of the town, which was organized but six years before the organization of the church, and it is supposed that all who were first constituted into a church, were previously members of Bap- tist churches. From June to August 25th, there were received into the church forty members, the fruit of a revival, the first the to\^^l ex- perienced. It appears that one young woman dreamed of having much trouble to keep clear of the devil, who was continually fol- lowing her wherever she went, and she saw no possibility, however untiring her efforts, to escape him, but concluded that his she must be. After troubling herself about her dream for some time, she finally disclosed it to a christian neighbor, who observed that she wished all would manifest as much zeal and diligence in keeping out of the hands of the devil. At length, the young woman was led to lay hold on the hope set before her in the Gospel, when she felt herself free from the power HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 363 of the devil. She commenced exhorting her companions, and the result was that the meetings became more interesting and soon the intelligence was spread through the town that a revival of religion was in that neighborhood and people came to see what a revival was, and the result was that the interest spread through the whole town. East Swanton In 1802, David Hurlbut was ordained evangelist. In 1803, a Baptist society was formed. At the time, application was made to the town for the privilege of holding a Baptist society meeting on east road, to choose a moderator, society clerk, and other officers. The meeting was held and a Baptist society organized by choice of John Baker, moderator; Wm. Green, clerk; Stephen Robinson, treasurer; Israel Robinson, collector; Joshua Calkins, Wm. Green, John Baker, committee; Asa Green, Isaac Lackey, and Otis Free- man, assessors. (1st Town Book p. 119). Several of these were not members of the church, some of them Congregationalists, there being no Congregational church near. This organization continued for many years. Preaching was supported on the grand list. After a few months' service by Josiah Orcutt, Jesse Smith commenced preaching to the church and was settled as pastor in 1804. Josiah Orcutt was again employed and continued to supply the pulpit from 1808 to 1811 or 1812, soon after which he died. In 1814, Elder Phineas Culver began to serve as pastor. Revivals attended his work. Under his faithful ministry the church at- tained its largest membership. On April 7th, of that year, a large number were baptized; among them Francis W. Emmons, about sixteen years of age. Fifty years afterward he returned, an or- dained minister, preached a good sermon and gave a short history of his life. Between this and 1820, in connection with the Con- gregationalists, they built a meeting-house, and shortly afterward Elder Roswell Mears was employed as pastor, continuing his work four or five years. In 1830, Elder Culver again supplied them, alternating with Roswell Mears, and twenty-one were received that year by baptism. In this year they denounced and renounced 364 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Freemasonry. Elder Daniel Sabin was pastor from 1836 till 1846. In 1840, protracted meetings were held, assisted by Elder Baldwin, and about thirty were added to the church. The old meeting- house falling to decay, a new one was built and dedicated January 1, 1850. J. Cressey was pastor, 1848-1849; P. C. Hines, 1851-1854. During most of 1854, they were supplied by students from Fairfax. Geo. H. Bixby was pastor five years, 1855-1860; and welcomed at least fifty members. A season of depression followed. During the years, 1861, 1862, 1863, they had no pastor; J. G. Lorimer and F. E. Osburn, then students at Fairfax, supplied. In 1865, H. C. Leavitt was settled, a parsonage purchased and prospects brightened. This pastorate ended October 1, 1867. A. S. Gilbert, ordained June 30, 1870, served till April, 1873. From April, 1873-1875, A. L. Arms supplied. June 23, 1875, W. M. Mayhew was ordained. He remained till April, 1876. Rev. J. A. Johnson, from St. Albans, supplied for a time. G. A. Arms, 1877-1878. Beginning 1879, P. S. McKillop served. He was assisted, in 1880, by John Corrie and some fifty were converted, twenty -seven baptized. G. A. Wilkins served 1882-1884. All hearts were saddened by the death of his wife in 1883. The church has been without a pastor since then, but has beep supplied much of the time by the pastors from St. Albans. Mrs. Clara Powell was their spiritual leader in 1911, and the mem- bership was twenty -four. Westford In the spiring of 1798, Rev. Jedediah Hebbard, of New Hamp- shire, found in Westford a little group of Baptists, who were like sheep in the w^lderness, needing the shepherd 'scare. This he gave them, preaching as often as opportunity offered. Other preachers came to his assistance and soon a congregation was gathered, of reg- ular attendants upon the word. On the 23d of December, the Baptist church of Westford was organized with eleven members. Their names were: Deacon Isaac Chase, Deacon Uriel Stewart, Jonathan Chase, Reuben Smith, Lebeus Burdick, Jonas Hobart, Josiah Ingersoll, William Weaver, Levi Famsworth, Avary Bur- dick and Truman Chase. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 365 The church was not favored with steady preaching until about three years after, when Rev. Thomas Brown moved into town and continued three years, after which Ephraim Butler was pastor for several years. In the year 1809, twenty were added, principally by baptism. Soon after this ingathering, a difficulty arose relative to their choice of a pastor, the church was divided, and both parties sent delegates to the next Association, claiming to be the Westford Baptist church. A council, called for the purpose of adjusting the difficulty, and a committee from the Association, both decided that Isaac Chase, Jacob Eastman, Reuben Burdick, Timothy Burdick, Jonathan Chase and others, who agreed with them, were in order and on Gospel ground and advised the other party to confess their fault and renew their covenant with the others. This they were unwilling to do and maintained separate services for a time and then became extinct as an organization. The war of 1812, and the cold year of 1816, caused much suf- fering. These things made the people feel their need of divine help and comfort. Their fidelity in attendance upon the means of grace is illustrated by the following incident from the life of Rev. Alvah Sabin, p. 53 : "Deacon Jonas Hobart lived about four miles from the place of worship, and the road lay over a small mountain. His father and mother lived in a house near him. They were both over seventy years of age, but were uniformly at meeting. They made the journey in this way. One of them would take the horse and ride to the top of the hill while the other walked. Then the one who had ridden would hitch the horse and go down the hill on foot. The one who had walked up the hill would ride down. After church they reversed the order and so went home. " Some of the early records are lost and so a full history cannot be written, but two ministers are mentioned in the records before Elder Sabin. These were Rev. Thomas Brown and Rev. Phineas Culver. Alvah Sabin 's pastorate began in 1821. On the 29th of April, that year, some ten or twelve Baptists, who lived in a part of the town some distance from the place of meeting, presented their letters and were received, adding not only numbers but sub- stantial strength to the church. About the same time, some who had been disfellowshiped came with confessions of fault and were 366 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT restored to membership. The church felt their need of some more convenient place of worship, and applied to the Congregational church for the privilege of holding meetings in the town meeting- house, (toward the cost of which the Baptists had contributed,) on Sundays, when it was not Otherwise occupied. The answer given was that the Baptists could have the use of the meeting- house when it was unoccupied, except on Sundays. The manifest injustice of this action awakened for the Baptists a measure of popular sympathy, and they were enabled with the cooperation of the Methodists, to erect another meeting-house, facing the green opposite the old meeting-house. An extensive revival began in 1824 and Elder Sabin baptized between fifty and sixty, and the Methodists as many more. Elder Sabin continued his pastoral work about seven years. Meanwhile, the society, duly incorporated, had purchased five acres of land conveniently near the meeting- house and erected a parsonage and barn at a cost of about $1250, which was raised by subscription, except $450, the avails of their proportion of the ministerial rights in land reserved for this purpose. Jeremiah Hall was next pastor, ordained February 1, 1831. It was his happy lot to lead this people during the remarkable revival of 1831. In the short pastorate of less than three years, Mr. Hall welcomed thirty-eight to the church, mostly by baptism. Isaiah Huntley, of Duxbury, commenced preaching here in the fall of 1832 and continued four and a half years. During that time, thirty-six were added to the church. In June, 1837, James M. Beeman, of Fairfax, was ordained pastor and served four years. These were trying years. In 1840, there were one hundred and forty members. In September, 1840, William Miller, of New York, began to lecture in ^Yestford. As a result of his preaching, the Bap- tist church lost nearly half of its members. For a while, previous to 1886, the church was in a discouraged condition. Then came Rca'. Thomas Tellier, first as a home mis- sionary and then as pastor, and for se^•en years he put his life into this field and the results were wonderful. The people responded to his hopefulness and courage, and cooperated with him in efforts for material improvement and equally for spiritual improvement, the membership doubled, the church was repaired, sheds built, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 367 parsonage built, and the church greatly encouraged and strength- ened. The Methodists had for many years united with the Bap- tists in worship, but about 1892 they repaired their own house of worship and began holding meetings by themselves. Mr. Tellier's pastorate closed, September, 1893. Among the strong support- ers of the church were Henry Woodruff and R. M. Huntley, for many years church clerk, and Mrs. R. M. Huntley, a member for more than sixty years, and Deacon George Huntley. Mr. James Conlon came to this country from Ireland when sixteen years old. His father and mother died of cholera during the voyage, leaving a family of children to enter, as strangers, a strange land. Mr. Con- lon fought in the Rebellion of Canada, in 1837-1838. He served in the Mexican war in 1847-1848; and in the Civil war, 1864-1865. He endowed the church with $200, the interest of which is to be used for the preaching of the Gospel. E. Hatfield was pastor, 1894- 1896. E. P. Lyon was ordained pastor. May 24, 1896. Having omitted the names of some of the pastors in the fore- going account, we give here the full list of pastors in the order of their service: Thomas Brown, Phineas Culver, Alvah Sabin, 1821-1828; Jeremiah Hall, 1828-1831; Isaiah Huntley, 1832-1837; J. M. Bee- man, 1837-1841; Chester Ingraham, 1841; O. W. Babcock, R. D. Hodge, T. C. Morley, 1855-1857; J. Ferguson, 1857-1859; C. D. Fuller, 1860-1861; Nehemiah Pierce, 1862-1864; M. Howard, 1866; G. W. Arms, 1867-1871; A. A. Davis, M. L. Fox, 1875-1876; DeForest Safford, 1877-1883; T. Tellier, 1886-1893; E. Hatfield, 1894-1896; E. P. Lyon, 1896-1897; H. M. Hopkinson, 1899-1907; S. H. Chambers, 1908-1909; G. L. Cook, 1910; F. S. Leathers, 1911. The membership in 1912 was thirty-four. The attendants were somewhat widely scattered and the Sunday school sustained a home department of one hundred or more members. Essex Center The first Baptist church in Essex, Vt., was organized with six members November, 1801, as a branch of the Wesfford church. The constituent members were Uriel Stewart, Joshua Bates, Peter 368 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Hubbard, Gardner Bullard, Thomas Fulsom, and Mehitable Bates. The branch became an independent church, January 16, 1802. The first baptism into the mission was William Ingraham, wife and daughter, November 14, 1801. William Ingraham was the father of Chester Ingraham, who was pastor of the church seventeen years. The church has had twenty-four different pastors. Two were called to a second pastorate. Their names are David Hurlbut, Ephraim Butler, David Boynton, Thomas Ravlin, Rob- ert Hastings, Chester Ingraham, Lyman Smith, M. G. Hodge, Isaiah Huntley, S. S. Kingsley, Jacob Gray, Holmes Chipman, Albert McGloughlin, Charles Coon, James A. Johnson, J. F. Ferguson, J. A. Leavitt, Irving W. Coombs, W^illiam Gussman, Richard Bradshaw, A. N. Woodruff, J. T. Buzzell, P. C. Abbey, N. W. W'oolcott. The following were ordained while pastor of this church: Da^'id Hurlbut, Ephraim Butler, Thomas Ravlin, Robert Hastings, Chester Ingraham, Jacob Gray, Albert McGloughlin, James A. Johnson, Richard Bradshaw. W^hen without pastor, Isaiah Hunt- ley, Chester Ingraham, P. C. Abbey, Thomas Tellier, and Richard Nott, have acted as supplies. David Hurlbut was the first ordained and settled minister in the toAMi of Essex. Prominent mention is due Chester Ingraham. Born in Essex, born again and baptized into the church, afterwards ordained and served the church for seventeen years as pastor. He always resided in Essex, but sup- plied churches in other parts of the State. The church has enjoyed several extensive revivals. In 1816, during the short pastorate of David Boynton, there was quite an ingathering. Ten were baptized in one day. In 1821, when the church was without a pastor, thirty were added to the church by baptism. Again in 1839-1840, following the lec- tures of William Miller, and during the pastorate of Chester In- graham, fifty were added to the church, forty-two by baptism. In 1842, during the pastorate of Lyman Smith, forty-one were bap- tized. In 1842, one hundred and thirty-seven members were re- ported to the Association. During the pastorate of David Gray, 1856 to 1858, as the result of a revival, thirty -four were added to the church by baptism. In 1874, another revival, the most gen- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 369 eral through the to^\^l since 1840, Rev. J. F. Ferguson was assisted by Rev. E. A. Whittier, the evangeUst, and nearly a hundred in the to>\ai experienced hope in Christ and twenty united with this church. During ninety-five years of its history, four hundred and seventy persons were received, or an average of nearly five annually. The first meeting-house was commenced in 1821, and com- pleted in 1827 or 1828, at a cost of $1,600. In 1839, this was de- stroyed by fire, and in 1840, another was l)uilt at a cost of $2,000. The present house was thoroughly remodelled in 1867-1868, at a cost of $3,000. From this church have been dismissed brothers and sisters to form the Baptist church in Jericho, and many more who have become reliable and efficient members of other churches. South Fairfield The to«'n of Fairfield began to be settled about the year 1789. Among the first comers were seveial Baptists, viz.: Andrew Brad- ley, John Leach and wife, Abram Northrop, and Hon. J. D. Farns- worth. These, together with a few Congregationalists, commenced holding meetings on Sundays in a barn. They enjoyed no preach- ing save as they were occasionally visited by some missionary, till 1796, when Rev. Ezra Wilmarth cast in his lot with them and preached two or three years. His work was abundantly blessed. About the close of the year 1900, an interesting revival occurred and for a time they were supplied by Elder Jedediah Hebbard, Joseph Marsh and Ephraim Sawyer. The result of this revival was the organizing of a church of thirty members in 1801. David Churchill was chosen deacon. Though destitute of a pastor, these held together and maintained religious meetings till 1811, when Elder Isaac Sawyer became pastor and served two years. These were years of the right hand of the Most High. In 1812, a powerful revival was in progress and thirty-three were baptized and eight received bj^ letter. One of the first converts and most influential workers in this interesting work of grace was Sally Whitman, daughter of Jacob Whitman, and later the wife of Rev. Joseph Sawyer. Her first serious impressions were received one night upon her return from a ballroom, when she overheard some con- 370 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT versation between her father and mother, expressing anxiety for her. A Uttle later she gave her heart to the Saviour and began earnest effort to lead her companions to Him. Joseph Sawyer was then a young man of about twenty and had just commenced preach- ing. One of his first efforts was on the very day that the battle was fought at Plattsburg. It was a time of great excitement and anxiety in Fairfield. When the British fleet, ascending the St. John's, had suddenly entered Lake Champlain and the cry came for volunteers, there was an instant rally — no patriot stopped to think — it was just go. Instantly the volunteers were together, and to the wonder of them all " Priest Wooster, " the Congregational pastor, was among them ; and when one of his church members ex- pressed a doubt as to his being called to fight, it was reported that he said, " If fighting must be done, I might as well fight as others. The volunteers made him captain, and away they all hurried on. But there was considerable of Tory feeling in the community. As the company was leaving. Colonel Barlow stood on a wagon box and said he hoped they would never come back, or if they did it would be with missing limbs to remind them of their folly. Sally Whitman relates that when her father and the rest had gone, a neighbor came to the house, and finding her mother very sad and expressing her fear thac some of them might be killed, made the cruel remark that it wouldn't hurt his feelings if none of them re- turned. It was under these circumstances that the people who were left went to the little schoolhouse for the usual Sunday ser- vices. Young Joseph Sawyer conducted the services. One of his youthful hearers has related the story. He says: "It was a solemn time when we heard the boom of the cannon. It made the win- dows rattle and we knew that the battle had commenced. The young preacher continued speaking in a low voice and impressive manner. Before he got through it was a rousing sermon. His text was, 'Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.' " The preacher went from his meeting to Fairfield Center, and there, in sympathy with anxious wives and mothers, he proposed to learn, as soon as possible, the fate of the volunteers. Hurriedly supplied with old linen for lint and bandages and many other articles known HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 371 to be of use to the wounded, he rode away at sunset on his embassy for patriotic women in Fairfield. Just as the morning dawned, he descried on the sand bars the volunteers returning with their chaplain in the joy of victory, no one missing or materially harmed. Only a few weeks later occurred the marriage of Joseph Sawyer to Miss Sally Whitman, Judge J. D. Farnsworth officiating in the ceremony. As a part of Fairfield history, if not specially of the Baptist church, it is interesting to know that, by way of compliment to the volunteers for their prompt movements, the Governor of the State presented to their captain. Priest Wooster, a large Bible; and the next Fourth of July celebration he led the procession, walking in front of the musicians, holding that Bible in his hands. A company of girls, representing the states of the Union, followed the musicians, all with wreaths of mountain evergreen upon their heads. In 1814, Joseph Sawyer was licensed to preach and to the great satisfaction of the church they enjoyed his labors about a year. The church now was scattered over a large territory, and that all might enjoy the privileges of church, they commenced holding their meetings in two difi^erent parts of the town. Elder Amos Booth was pastor, 1817-1818; Elder Ephraim Butler, half the time, 1820-1821; Elder William Chase, 1822; Elder J. Spaulding, 1824-1825. From 1828 to 1830 was the most prosperous season the church ever enjoyed. Elder William Arthur, father of President Arthur, was pastor, and his work was fruitful and edifying. Half of the time services were held in the north part of the town and one-half the time in the town house. The church had become large and scattered over so wide a territory, it was thought best to organize a new church. Accord- ingly, forty-six members were dismissed to form a church in the north part of the town. This reduced the church to a feeble band of thirty-two members. Elder Arthur became pastor of the new church. From 1830 to 1838, the South Fairfield church was sup- plied one-half the time by Elders C. P. Hines, Ephraim Butler, and Simon Fletcher. Then came a time of sorrow. A number of the most active and efficient brethren became Universalists, weak- ening this church. 372 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Madison Beeman supplied them in 1839-1840; H. D. Hodge and R. A. Hodge, 1841; J. M. Beeman, 1842-1844; O. W. Babcock, 1846; C. J. Bryant, 1847. From this time the church ceased to re- port to the Association and in 1856, its name disappears from the minutes. Fletcher By a sketch, prepared in 1841, we learn that Sarah Church was the first Baptist in tq,wni and she commenced her residence in 1800. In 1801, Elder Joseph Call and his wife came to the place, and in 1804 or 180.5, he was hired part of the time. In the spring of 1817, Joseph Wilcox, living in the southeast part of Fairfax, established religious meetings at the center schoolhouse, once in two weeks, for a year. July 5 of that year, a Baptist church was formed and recognized by a council the following August. Elder David Boynton succeeded Mr. Wilcox and Ephraim Butler fol- lowed him. The meetings were held in a meeting-house, ownied jointly by Baptists and Methodists, and their meetings were held alternately. Elder Butler retained his membership here from September 17, 1825, till September 10, 1842. In 1830, a temper- ance society was organized, some heartily favoring it, others violently opposing and discord in the church resulted. In August, 1841, Elder Chester Ingraham united with the church as pastor. In the winter of 1845, Rev. O. W. Babcock, of Westford, finding difficulties existing that could not be settled amicably, advised disbanding, and this advice was followed, x\pril 12, 1845 The number of members, when organized, was nine. W^hole number included in membership from beginning, ninety- eight. James Robinson served the church, both as deacon and clerk, during the whole existence of the church. June 26, 1845, a new Baptisi church was organized, consisting of nine of the members of the original church. Alvah Chase was chosen clerk, which oflSce he held till his death in 1851. In 1852, Willis Leach was appointed clerk, and in 1858, deacon. In the year 1847, Rev. J. C. Bryant, then settled at the Bap- tist church in Cambridge Center, began work here and remained HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 373 till the spring of 1851, when P. C. Himes of Wells, Maine, settled at East Swanton, ministering to the church there and at this place alternate Sundays. From September, 1852, until the spring of 1856, the pulpit was supplied by various theological students, to- gether with Dr. Smith from New Hampton Institution, Fairfax. Then Rev. Geo. W. Bixby was with the church one year. Prof. Cummings, of New Hampton Institution, was also pastor one year, 1858 or 1859. From that time, till 1866, the church w^as again de- pendent upon student supplies. From 1868, till August 3, 1871» little was done and no records kept. In the summer of 1870, the church, in connection with the Methodist, succeeded in building a house of worship, each church oA\Tiing one-half. This was dedi- cated in February, 1871. L. B. Elliott was chosen clerk, which office he held till his death. Josiah White was chosen deacon and he too held his position till death, December 21, 1880. Rev. L. B. Parker was pastor, 1871-1875; I. W. Coombs, 1876; M. L. Fox, died while pastor, June 12, 1877; De F. Safford succeeded him, September, 1877, and preached till 1881. September 25, 1852, the church granted a license to preach to J. W. Buzzell. He studied theology at New Hampton Institution and was ordained at East Sheldon in 1856. July 7, 1855, Corwin Blaisdell was licensed to preach. He studied theology at Fairfax, also, and was ordained at Colton, N. Y. In 1887, Rev. Henry Crocker, pastor of the Fairfax church, began to preach alternate Sundays in the afternoon, and continued to do so till 1893, when he was obliged to give it up for lack of strength to do the work of both churches. Rev. Edgar Hatfield, of Westford, was then engaged and was followed by Rev. E. P. Lyon in 1896, who served one year. The church since then, unable to maintain preaching, has become ex- tinct. The Methodist church ministers to the needs of the com- munity, so long occupied by the two churches. Johnson In 1780, a charter was granted to a Mr. Brown of Jericho and the boundary lines fixed. By him the territory was called Brown- 374 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT ington. The grantee, before making any attempt at a settlement, was taken by the Indians, who infested the northern boundaries, and by them carried away and sold to the British officers of St. Johns. He remained in captivity three years. When released, he returned to his claim purchase. But because the charter fees had not been paid and nothing was kno^m of him, a man by the name of Johnson had received a grant of the same territory. At his return Mr. BrouTi was granted a towmship in Orleans county in place of this. The charter was signed by the governor in 1792, and the name recorded as Johnson, after the name of the grantee. The first settler, Samuel Eaton and family, came from New Hamp- shire in 1784. He built him a home on the banks of the Lamoille River. All his goods were brought seventy miles on the back of his family horse. The next year, two brothers, named McConnell, followed him. Others followed the same year. Among them are the familiar names of Miller, Rogers, Mills, Smith, Grey, etc. From 1790 to 1800, a second band of settlers came from New Boston and Amherst, N. H., and again we find familiar names, as Dodge, Wilson, Balch, and Ellenwood. From Massachusetts and Con- necticut came others, as Ferry, Clark, Wheeler, Atwell, and a little later came families by the names of Griswold, Ober, Patch, Per- kins, Waters, Nichols, Whiting, and Waterman. These are still familiar family names in the town. In the month of March, 1807, Elder David Boynton, of Spring- field, Vt., in search of a place to locate himself where there might be an opening for him to labor in the Gospel, as well as at his trade, which was that of a bricklayer, was providentially directed to Johnson, where, while spending a few days to fix upon a location for his family, by embracing opportunities for religious conversation with those he chanced to meet, fourd many disposed to listen, and after preaching a few times, was determined, more by the prospect of usefulness in the cause of Christ than of pecuniary advantage to himself, to settle in the towa. The next March he removed his family into the town and commenced holding stated meetings for preaching and d'vine worship. In a few weeks the appearance of seriousness on the minds of the people, induced him to appoint meetings for prayer and conference. It soon became evident that HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 375 a good work of the Lord was in progress, five had obtained hope of pardon and were desirous of submitting themselves to the ordi- nance of baptism. These were accordingly baptized — others fol- lowed soon, so that in November, twelve had been baptized, who with two others, were organized into a church in the following manner : The little band had determined to call a council and to arrange for it, when to their great surprise and joy, Elder Ariel Kendrick, sent out by the Woodstock Association as a missionary, arrived in town, accompanied by a Brother Willey, a licentiate, who to- gether with Elder Boynton, made up a number sufficient to form a council. Of this council. Elder Kendrick was chosen moderator and Brother Elijah F. Willey, clerk. November 11, 1808, the twelve converts were organized as a church. Two others were im- mediately added; Jonathan Burnham was chosen deacon and Charles B. Taylor, clerk. Additions by baptism and letter con- tinued till one year from the date of their organization. They numbered thirty -nine. The names of the constituent members are as follows : Nathan Atwell, Enos Clark, Jonathan Burnham, Eunice Clark, Martha Davis, Sally Ferry, Martha Fletcher, Charles B. Taylor, Eleanor Ferry, Parker Fletcher, James Heath, Lucy Taylor, Joel Wheeler, and Martha Wheeler. Elder D. Boynton, from the church in Weathersfield and Baltimore, was first pastor, and served till 1821. He still continued a member of this church and resided m Johnson until his death, except for a time, when he became pastor of the church in Coit's Gore, now known as Waterville. Nine members, with Elder Boynton, were dismissed to form that church, which continued its existence for nearly twenty years. Elder John Spaulding was next engaged to preach half the time in conjunction with Morristown. He labored here two years. Robert Hastings followed from September, 1824, one year. Rev. Joel P. Hayford began a pastorate in July, 1826, which continued till 1830. He died in 1831. He was born in Middleboro, Mass., February, 1799; graduated at Waterville College, Me.; ordained at Morris ville, December 21,1831. Elder Alber t Stone became pastor in 1831. He had been ordained in his own house in Waterville in 376 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT February of the same year. His coming was followed by a revival, in which, during that year, thirty-seven were added by baptism and two by letter. His pastorate continued till 1840. They were years of increase in numbers and strength. During his pastorate, the first meeting-house was built. Elder Stone accepted the doc- trines of William Miller, after his pastorate here closed. He died in that faith in the fall of 1893, at the advanced age of ninety years. Elder E. L. Clark was pastor from August 24, 1840, to Jan- uary 8, 1842. Many were added to the church during these ex- citing times of the Millerite preaching. Mr. Clark espoused the Millerite faith and was deposed by a council. From 1842 to 1850, the pulpit was occupied by R. A. Hodge, J. P. Hall, and I. J. Cressey. Then came Rev. Moses H. Bixby. His pastorate of a year and a half was one of marked success. Eighteen were added by baptism and ten by letter; the Sunday school became large and flourishing. From Johnson, Mr. Bixby was called of God to enter the work of foreign missionary% and later to the pastorate of the Cranston St., Providence, R. I. Rev. E. Gale was ordained pastor, October, 1852. The membership at this time was one hun- dred and sixteen. He baptized twelve. Rev. T. M. Merriam followed in 1856 and continued pastor till 1861. Under him, twenty- four were baptized. Rev. L. B. Steele was ordained, after his graduating from New Hampton, in July, 1863. He obtained a strong hold upon the affections of the people and baptized seven- teen. The pastors succeeding were: Rev. H. D. Hodge, 1866- 1870; D. C. Bixby and J. P. Hall, supplies; Jabez Ferris, 1872-1874; B. F. Rattrey, 1875-1878; (at the close of his work the church numbered one hundred and forty -three, the largest in its history) J. A. Pierce, 1879-1883; T. Crudgington, 1884-1888. Baptisms were frequent during this pastorate and forty were added to the membership. Rev. N. C. Saunders began a successful pastorate in 1889, which lasted till 1896. Sixty -five were added to the church, forty-four of them by baptism. A historical sketch of the church was written by him and read at the eighty-fifth anniversary of the church, November 3, 1893. A succession of brief pastorates have followed: R. I. MacLellan, 1898; A. L. Boynton, 1899; S. E. Pack- ard, 1900; H. C. Leach, 1904; C. E. Hargrave, 1905-1906; G. A, Williams, 1907-1908; A. M. Watts, 1909-1910. history of the baptists in vermont 377 Colchester \ The first persons in Colchester to embrace the sentiments of the Baptists were Brother Fisher, and his wife and sisters, Roby Greenough, Mehitable Ames, and Jane Hooper. These people became residents of Colchester about 1810, and Brother Fisher preached for a short time, having been licensed by a church in New Hampshire. He remained. in Colchester till his death, which occurred in February, 1811. After his decease there were none in Colchester who embraced the Baptist faith till 1816. That year. Brother Jonathan Blake, a licentiate from the church in Essex, came and preached and many were converted. In October, 1816, Ebenezer Spencer and Peter Burns were baptized by Elder Roswell Mears. A few weeks later he baptized nine others. The eleven recently baptized and two others baptized, before coming to Col- chester, now longed for church fellowship. They decided to call a council, which met on the 27th of November, 1816, and recognized this little company of thirteen as a Baptist church. The names of these constituent members were: Walter Ames, Azariah Lee, Ebenezer Spencer, Peter Burns, Parker M. Dole, Melze Packard, William Blakely, Mehitable Ames, Jane Hooper, Sohina Clapp, Silome Washburn, Minerva Hill, Isabella Blakely. The church enjoyed the labors of Jonathan Blake till 1817 and many were con- verted, some of whom united with the Congregation alists and Methodists, which were strong bodies in comparison with the Baptists. From the spring of 1817, till January, 1820, the church had no spiritual guide, but in this interval eleven were added by baptism. Ebenezer Spencer was chosen clerk, and Azariah Lee was ordained deacon. Phineas Culver was installed in 1820, and with an interruption of two years, served the church nine years, and the church came to number thirty-one members. At this time the Baptists in Colchester were a poor, despised people, their sentiments were everywhere spoken against. The church, left without a pastor and depressed by the loss of members, removing from town, despaired of continuing as a church, and in 1832, they voted to give the members letters of dismission and recommenda- tion to unite with any other church of the same faith and order. 378 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT but the members did not use their letters and two years later they got together again and determined that they would maintain their visibility as a church. They employed Elder J. C. Bryant to labor with them, for eighteen months. Then Elder Isaiah Hunt- ley, of Jericho, befriended them, holding special meetings, which were blessed in the conversion of a good number and twenty were baptized. In the fall of 1839, WilHam Miller, of Hampton, N. Y., lectured a few days in Colchester and was received with sympathy. His preaching resulted in the baptism of twenty-three into the Baptist church. Again in 1840, William Miller came and lectured and twenty-five were baptized and ten united by letter. The membership of the church was seventy in 1840, and ninety in 1841. Elder Huntley, who came to them in their depressed state and con- tinued to shepherd them from time to time, won their deep grati- tude. In 1860, they decided to build a meeting-house by themselves. In July, they secured as pastor, Rev. S. A. Whiting, and the church entered upon a season of prosperity which lasted seven years. After this came strife and removals and consequent weakness. Since the erection of the new meeting-house the following men have acted as pastors : S. A. Whiting, July 1, 1862-December, 1863; George S. Chase, February 24, 1869-May 5, 1872; Rev. R. Nott, August 4, 1872-July, 1875; J. W. Buzzell, January, 1876- January, 1878; H. C. Robbins, August, 1878-1879; H. H. Davis, 1881-1884; J. S. Ferguson, 1885; Dr. Freeman, 1887; S. E. Miller, 1889-1897; Thomas Davison, 1899-1900; J. T. Buzzell, 1901- 1908; S. E. Aldrich, 1909. Membership (1912), fifty-seven. Jericho April 21, 1817. a branch of the Baptist church in Essex was set off and organized as a church in Jericho. The manner of con- ducting their meetings, the name of their first pastor and the salary offered him, are recorded in the following vote, passed near the close of the year 1819. Voted, that Brethren Joiner, Norton, and Castle stand as those who shall take lead of the meetings. Voted to add $17 to the subscription to make up $75 to Elder J. Ravlin for preaching two years past. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 379 Meetings were held half of the time at the village, known as the Corner, and the other half at the south part of the town, be- ginning February, 1823. Up to 1829, the pastors were Thomas Hastings, Joel P. Hayford, and Elders Kimball, Spaulding and Cheney, serving in the order named. In 1829, Elder J. M. Graves was chosen pastor and immersion and additions to the church make up its record till the close of his labors in 1833. Rev. Tim- othy Spaulding was recalled and remained till 1835. He was fol- lowed by Elder I. Huntley, five years. Elder Hodge was pastor in 1843, and in February of this year, thirty-nine persons were set off and organized into a church called the Second Baptist church of Jericho, later known as the West Bolton church. Rev. H. M. Stearns acted as pastor from the close of Elder Hodge's service in 1845, for two years, followed by Rev. Peter Chase for one year, and S. H. Abbott from 1850 to 1852; Rufus Smith, 1852-1856; 1856-1859, served by supplies. A house of worship and parson- age were built in 1859. Later pastors: James Andem, 1859- 1861; H. C. Estes, 1861-1872, the longest pastorate; Evan Lewis, a short time; A. Jones, 1874-1880; DeForrest Safford, 1880-1883; P. C. Abbey, supply; J. W. Coombs to 1886; Richard Bradshaw, ordained, 1889-1890. Rev. A. N. Woodruff came in 1890 and remained till 1894, when Rev. J. T. Buzzell began his service, which continued till 1901. The following pastors have served since this long pastorate closed: O. N. Bean, 1901-1903; G. W. Campbell, 1905; Frederick Emerson, 1907-1908; N. M. Wolcott, 1910. In 1874, extensive repairs were made on the meeting-house, and in 1891, the prayer meeting room was constructed and the furnace put in the basement of the church. Up to 1869, there had been six hundred and nine persons con- nected with the church. At that time the roll was examined and there were found to be one hundred and thirty- three names then enrolled and the committee recommended that fifty-two of these be stricken from the roll for various reasons, leaving eighty-one as the membership then. Additions have been made from time to time, the most notable that of 1896, when twenty baptisms are reported. Losses have been many and the present membership is 380 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT fifty-seven. Deacon E. B. Read kept the records faithfully for thirty-eight years and W. R. Curtis for more chan twenty years since then. The longest period of continued prosperity was probably that of the eleven years' ministry of Rev. H. C. Estes, and it remained for Rev. J. T. Buzzell to record the largest single year's addition by baptism within the church's history in 1896. Montgomery The Baptist church in Montgomery Center was organized March 18, 1820, with ten members; Elder John Ide, acting pastor. 1826-1827, Elder Grow served as pastor. In 1829, the church had reached a membership of about thirty. 1831 was a year of refresh- ing. Elder Powell served the church and baptized seventeen. From 1833 to 1840, the church was served by Elders Spaulding, Beeman, Stone, Rockwell, Cole, and Flint. Elder L. Cole was the first pastor settled in 1835. During this period several were bap- tized. The exact number is not known, as the records were de- stroyed by fire. In 1846, the pastor. Rev. A. Stone, and a large portion of the church, were carried away with the Miller doctrine, and no meetings were held during the next six years. The church became practically extinct. In 1846, a council convened and organized a church after the apostolic order of twelve members. Elders J. Spaulding and I. Cressey, supplied part of the time. From 1850 to 1859, Elders Jersey and A. L. Arms, labored as time would permit. In 1860, the church numbered about fifteen. Rev. J. W. Buzzell labored a year. Up to this time the church had met in schoolhouses. Now they secured the use of the Advent house part of the time. Eleven were liaptized this year. 1861 was a year of blessing. The church doubled its membership. From 1862 to 1868, Rev. J. W. Buz- zell was pastor. In 1862, Rev. J. S. Small served about a year. 1865, a building committee was appointed. In January 30, 1867, the new church edifice was dedicated. George A. Parker was ordained the same day that the church was dedicated, a parsonage secured, and the church was greatly revived. The membership HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 381 was again doubled; thirty being added by baptism, fourteen by experience, and seven by letter; total fifty-one. From 1868 to 1872, Rev. J. F. Ferguson was pastor. These were prosperous years. In 1868, Brother S. H. Green was licensed to preach and commenced a course of study at Hamilton. Brother G. A. Smith was also recommended to the same institution, with the ministry in view. In 1869, the church reported thirteen added by baptism, and five by letter; were saddened by the death of Deacon King. In 1870, a commodious church was built. The debt on the meet- ing-house was reduced to $350. In 1871, Rev. H. G. DeWitt as- sisted the pastor in revival work. During Mr. Ferguson's pas- torate forty-six were received into the church, twenty-eight by baptism. April, 1873, Rev. A. S. Gilbert became pastor, and served with acceptance about four years. Prosperity continued. Seventeen were added by baptism, four by letter and one by ex- perience. Within about ten years the church sent out seven young men to preach the Gospel. In 1864, George H. Parker, ordained in 1867; in 1867, S. H. Green, ordained in 1875; in 1868, George H. Smith, ordained in 1876; in 1868, M. L. Fox, ordained in 1875; in 1871, John Low; 1874, J. T. Buzzell; 1875, O. W. Peck. Rev. S. B. Macomber labored from May 1, 1876-August, 1879. During his work the last of the debt was paid, and he helped to pay it. Rev. S. G. Chase supplied till January, 1880, when Rev. S. H. Anderson was chosen pastor. He served until August, 1881. The church was supplied by G. Arms, S. B. Macomber and Thomas Grusia, till May, 1883, when the church called Rev. Thomas Tellier. During his pastorate of three years, nineteen were added to the church, fifteen by baptism. In March, 1887, Rev. R. S. Cook became pastor. Evange- listic meetings were held, assisted by State Missionary, Rev. A. McGeorge. Fifty-seven were added to the church, thirty-seven by baptism, nineteen by experience, one by letter. July 1, 1888, the church called E. K. Dexter and ordained him as pastor. He served about two years and resigned on account of poor health. In December, 1890, Robert MacJannet was called and ordained. He remained about six months. In the spring and summer of 382 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1892, Mrs. M. L. Jackson was employed. In the fall of 1894, Rev. D. Cooksley came and staid six months. In the fall of 1895, Frank A. Leach commenced to supply and continued till April, 1896. May 10, 1896, the church called Rev. Charles J. Engstrom. During all these years there have been men and women, who have stood by the church, toiling, praying and sacrificing, because of their love for Christ and his cause. Among the number it will be proper to mention a few. Deacon Kingsley, Stephen Kendrick, Mary Kingsley, Deacon Davis, Deacon Campbell and his wife. Deacon L. Hurlbut, William Peck, Joseph Wright, George W. Wright, William O. Parker, and wife, S. N. Dix, Mary J. Wright, Columbus Green, Martha Green. RiCHFORD The present Richford Village Baptist church is the fourth that has been organized in Richford. The first Baptist church was gathered by the labors of Rev. William Marsh and Rev. J. Hebbard and was organized August 12, 1802, with eleven constituent members. These were John French, Francis Brown, Friend Gibbs, Stephen Carpenter, Jere- miah Rowe, Sibbal French, Rhoda Gibson, Lucy Gibbs, Florinda Carpenter, Chloe Schovill and Nancy Calf. Shortly afterward they were joined by Thomas Arms and his wife, Martha; Parker Ingalls and his wife, Mabel; John Stearns, Caleb Sanders, and his wife, Sally ; Anna Coff , Lucy Powell and Charlotte Nutting. In March, 1804, Elder William Rogers became first pastor. He was a native of Hancock, Mass., son of Elder Clark Rogers, who was settled minister in that town; was baptized by Elder J. Heb- bard in St. Armands, and was the second person baptized in that place, and one of the seven constituent members there when the church was organized. He was ordained in September, 1802. God blessed Elder Rogers ' labors and the church increased to a membership above eighty. But unhappy divisions and difficul- ties took place. One of the first was on account of one of the breth- ren allowing his children to attend balls. After long discussions and efforts at satisfactory discipline, eight or ten withdrew from HISTORY or THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 383 the church. About this time, a woman began a train of prophesy- ing, as she called it, pretending to have messages from Heaven to denounce against Elder Rogers, calling him a sheep in wolf's cloth- ing, and a devourer of the flock, etc., and considered that she had authority from God to depose him and to name others in his stead. Some of the church were half inclined to believe her. However, in spite of difficulties, the Lord revived His work and added to their number, those who gave evidence of having been renewed by grace. Other trials soon came, but the fatal one was division upon doctrinal questions, one part of the church being strongly Calvinis- tic and the other Armenian. Elder Rogers continued his labors until age and infirmities disabled him. He died March 9, I80I, after service of forty-seven year's. At this time the church became extinct. The Second Baptist church was organized about 1827, by those who left the first church on account of the doctrinal differences. Prosper Powell and Albert Stone were pastors of this church. A large number of this church, with their pastor, Albert Stone, became Second Adventists in 1842. As a consequence, the church be- came extinct in 1844. The Third Baptist church in Richford was organized with four- teen constltutent members on the 16th of July, 1851. Rev. J. C. Bryant was the first pastor and served five years. Rev. A. Bedell served as pastor two years. In March, 1860, Rev. A. L. Arms be- came pastor and continued to serve until the church, after an ex- istence of twenty years and eight months, thought it advisable to disband. On the 25th of March, 1872, the church met, and with the advice of the late Rev. M. G. Smith and Dr. Estes, deemed it advisable to give letters of dismission to all members in good standing and to dissolve the church for the purpose of clearing the way for the present organization. The Fourth Baptist church, called the Richford Village church, was organized with twenty -three constituent members on the 25th of March, 1872. Rev. M. G. Smith served as pastor for the first three years. He received able assistance from Rev. H. C. Estes, D. D., during the first year. By advice of Mr. Smith pews were purchased in the new edifice, built by Adventists and others. 384 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT $2,000 were paid for these with the promise of the use of the build- ing one-half the time. Rev. J. S. Goodall was next pastor one year; G. S. Chase, three years; and J. T. Buzzell, two years. Good work was accomplished and many added to the church. In September, 1886, Rev. W. G. Schofield was called to the pastorate and held the sacred office until 1907. The arrangements with the Adventists concerning the joint use of the house worked smoothly for a time, but at length a jealousy on the part of the Adventists led them to seek a separation. Efforts on the part of the Baptists to buy out the shares of the Adventists proved unavailing, and on the 9th of October, 1887, the Baptists began holding their services in music hall, meanwhile erecting a meeting-house of their o"v\Ti. On the 30th day of August, 1888, the new house was dedi- cated free of debt. The cost of the new house was about $4,500. The church, happy in their new house, seemed on the high road to prosperity. The Lord graciously smiled on them. Their meetings were of high spiritual order and converts were multiplied. The aid of the State Convention was relinquished. But in 1892, thirty members moved away to other places and six passed to the better country. Among them were the very best workers and most liberal givers. The pastor thought it best to resign, but the church were not willing to let him go, but on the contrary, built a convenient parsonage and retained his faithful labors. During the first ten years of this pastorate, ninety new mem- bers were added, sixty-six of them by baptism. The membership increased from forty-six to seventy. Ten years later the number enrolled was one hundred and eight. Mr. Schofield 's pastorate of thirty years was well nigh an ideal one. The relation between him and the church and people of the community, one of confidence and esteem. After the resignation of Mr. Schofield, Rev. Silas P. Perry was called to the pastorate and took up the work with character- istic hopefulness and energ>% remained five years, welcomed to membership thirty-eight by baptism, twenty-one by letter and ex- perience. Numerical losses were many, twenty-one having been dropped from the list in 1908. Mr. Perry removed in 1911, to take up the work in Fair Haven, Vt. The present membership of the church is one hundred and six, (1912). history of the baptists in vermont 385 Huntington This church was organized as a branch of the Hinesburg church May 17, 1828. Elder Peter Chase officiated at the first meeting of the church and Amos Dike was clerk. January 1, 1833, Daniel Bennett commenced to preach one-third of the time for one year. April 6th, the church separated from the Hinesburg church and became the Huntington church, with twenty-six mem- bers. These were: Amos Pike, Aaron Firman, John Ellis, Harry Williams, Lumon Loveland, James Hazard, George Small, Lemuel Livermore, Lydia Dike, Mary Firman, Catherine Ellis, Susan Williams, Lucinda Small, Hannah Ellis, Polly Fargo, Roby Car- penter, Mary Ann Livermore, Betsy Bunker, Hannah Fitch, Mary Derby, Sarah Ingersol, Lucy King, Mary Firman, 2nd, Phileta Marieo, Sibil Livermore, Hannah Ellis, 2nd. Harry Will- iams was clerk, 1837-1843; John Work, 1843-1861; Joseph Butts, 1861-1875; O. Ellis, 1875; Aaron Firman was first deacon, hold- ing office till his death, 1843, when John Ellis succeeded him. G. B. Andrews was chosen November 7. Elder Daniel Bennett labored with the church six or seven years one-third of the time, commencing January 1, 1833. A. D. Low, (licensed) preached in the winter of 1840-1841. William Hurlbut commenced his min- istry here; was ordained and became pastor September, 1841. He remained with the church over eleven years. In 1843, twenty were received by baptism and four by letter, about doubling the membership of the church. In 1840, they built their first meeting- house; J. Ellis, S. Buel, H. Williams and A. Firman, bearing nearly the whole burden. The following incident in connection with this building is related : Mr. Harry Williams called one evening at Mr. J. Ellis' and suggested that the Baptists ought to have a house of worship, as there w^ere three other denominations occupying the schoolhouse in that place. The cjuestion arose. How can it be done? Mrs. Carter Ellis said she w^ould help all she could. She had two geese and one gander, and she said she would give all she could get from them. The old goose laid eighteen eggs. She set five under a hen and thirteen under the goose. Every egg hatched. The old 386 HISTORY or the baptists in VERMONT goose took care of them for three weeks, when she was missing. Search revealed the fact that the old gander had taken charge of the eighteen goshngs and the old goose was laying again in her old nest under the barn. She laid eight eggs and hatched seven gos- lings, making a family of twenty-five. Twenty of them matured. The young goose raised ten. Mr. Ellis saved one for Thanksgiving and sold twenty-nine in Burlington for seventeen cents apiece. The feathers sold for sixty-two cents per pound. The proceeds were given to aid in building the house of worship. Others were stimulated to bring in their mites. The material having been ob- tained, the building was commenced. Mrs. C. Ellis went a dis- tance of a mile and carried a warm dinner to the workmen until the building was finished. Mr. Ellis, after working on his farm all day, would drive to Bristol in the evening and l>e gone all night after lumber. Mr. John Fitch, having only pine lumber, gave a supply of this for the new meeting-house. He was not a religious man. This house served the church till 1861, when they joined with the Free Baptists and built a larger house. After Elder Hurlbut's long pastorate the church was supplied by different anes for short periods. Chester Ingraham, of Essex, in 1855; G. W. Bixby, in 1863; G. W. Arms, in 1864; J. S. Small, in 1867, 1868, and 1869. In 1874, I. P. Kellogg became pastor, continuing till about 1876. In 1874, special meetings were held, assisted by E. A. Whittier, evangelist, and the church was much re- vived and eight were added to its membership. In 1884, A. S. Gill)ert of Hinesburg supplied once in four weeks; I. P. Kellogg again in 1887. From that time on the church declined, having only occasional preaching. In 1893, the name of the church was removed from the list of churches in the Lamoille Association as having become extinct. North Fairfax The North Fairfax neighborhood was settled by emigrants from Bennington, among whom were a few Baptists who "spake often to one another" concerning the things of the Kingdom, and welcomed itinerant preachers, as Elder Call and Elder Grossman, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 387 prayed for the conversion of their neighbors. In 1816 and 1817, the Spirit's influence was felt in the community and quite a num- ber were converted and some of these united with the church in Fairfax. It was not, however, till November, 1827, that it was deemed prudent to organize a church. Then, encouraged by the help of Daniel Sabin, of Georgia, an organization was effected and the church recognized by a council the following June, 1828. The name given the organization was "The New Church of Fairfax." The constituent members of the North Fairfax church were: Alonzo Mason, Peabody Bal)cock, Francis Storj' , Moses Howard, Asahel Story, Ruth Story, Chloe Story, Hulda Babcock, Nancy Beeman, Mary Howard, Hannah Mason, Fhila Mason and Polly Beeman. In December, 1828, Daniel Sabin was ordained pastor. The next year, in the month of September, there were some indications of special interest, and at the close of a Sabbath meeting, liberty was given for any who washed to speak, when a young man, under deep emotion, asked that old and most important question, "What shall I do to be saved?" The inquiry fanned the latent interest into a flame, and a powerful revival followed, in which some sixty persons gave evidence of conversion and twenty -three were bap- tized into the membership of this church ; most of these were heads of families. In the autumn of 1836, under the evangelistic labors of Elder Isaiah Huntley, came another gracious ingathering. Twenty-three were baptized, all in the vigor of youth. Three years later. Rev. J. D. Baldwin, then in the service of the State Convention, led the church in evangelistic services. Elder Daniel Sabin 's health failing about 1840, he retired from active pastoral work, much to the regret of his people. The church secured the labors of Rev. O. W. Babcock one-half the time and prospered. In November, 1842, the Lamoille Association held a quarterly meeting with this church, which was followed by a deep, religious interest. Elder Daniel Sabin 's health continuing poor, the services of Elder L. A. Dunn, of Fairfax, were secured for one-half the time. This arrangement continued till about 1849. Rev. G. B. Bills preached in 1850; R. A. Hodge, 1851 and 1852; G. W. Bixby, 1853 and 1854.* 388 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT The establishing of New Hampton Institution in Fairfax was an encouragement to the church in North Fairfax. One of the teachers, M. A. Cummings, was secured as a supply, and in 1856, was ordained by this church and continued to serve the church till 1860. For a few years, students from the Institution supplied the pulpit. Then in 1865, Rev. G. W. Arms served three years. For about ten years the church was without regular preaching, then arrangement was made with the church in St. Albans and its pastor, Rev. G. S. Pratt, supplied about three years. From that time the church declined till about 1890, when it disbanded. North Fairfield This church was organized May 26, 1830, with fifty-two mem- bers, forty-six of whom had been prcA-iously members of the South Fairfield church and were dismissed for this purpose. Elder William Arthur, who had been pastor of the South church, took charge of this branch and continued in that relation two years. He was followed by Elder James Rockwell, one year. In March, 1835, the church carried into effect a plan of itinerant preaching, in connection with several other churches. Elder Luther Cole and Elder Moses Flint were the preachers the first year, and Elder Moses Flint and Elder James M. Beeman the second year. Then Elder William Chase commenced preaching one-fourth of the time and continued till 1841. In the spring of 1839, Elder J. Baldwin assisted in special revival meetings, and as a result, twelve were baptized by Pastor Chase. Brother Edwin x\dreon came to re- side in town in 1841, and preached to this church one-half the time. Asahel Famsworth and Elias Sherman were chosen deacons and ordained to their ofiice. In 1842, twenty-eight were received by baptism. J. M. Beeman was pastor, 1843-1845. In 1844, thirteen members were dropped from the list. The same year a church was organized in the east part of the tow7i and reported to the Associa- tion, under the name of the East Fairfield Baptist ctnirch. The name does not appear again. The natural inference is that this number were dropped to form the new church which soon became extinct. The cause of this separation is not known. The names HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 389 of I. Waldron, J. Spaulding, J. Bowdich, appear as supplies during the next decade. In 1857, the North Fairfield church joined with the church in Sheldon in the support of a pastor, whose services they enjoyed alternate Sundays. The name of the North Fairfield church disappears from the minutes, and the name Sheldon and Fairfield church appears for a few years. In 1858, this church ordained J. W. Buzzell as pastor, and had a membership of thirty- two. In 1860, Corwin Blaisdell was the preacher. After this time the name of the North Fairfield church disappears from the minutes, and its history as a church thus ends. HiNESBURG The Baptist church in Hinesburg was constituted May 30, 1810, consisting of eighteen members, seven men and eleven women. These members, most of whom lived in Hinesburg, were dismissed from the church in Monkton. The most perfect harmony and christian affection existed between the mother church and the newly organized band. Elder Isaac Sawyer, then pastor of the Monkton church, preached for them occasionally and adminis- tered the ordinances. The eighteen constituent members were: John Beecher, and his wife, Lydia; Asa Moon and his wife, Hannah; John Miles and his wife, Mary Ann; John Beecher and his wife, Clarissa; Elisha Booth and his wife, Elizabeth; Stephen Post and his wife, Hannah; Amos Dike, Merch McEuen, Anna Willard, Rhoda Bostwick, Hulda E. Booth, Lydia Andrews. The church has had a large number of pastors, most of whom have served for only a few years. The longest pastorates have been those of Peter Chase, six years; I. G. Burwell, twelve years; A. S. Gilbert, nine years; C. W. Safford, six years. Rev. Peter Chase came to Hinesburg on invitation of the Bap- tist church in May, 1821, and continued to preach to the church until August, 1828. During the years of 1823 and 1824, he taught a select school in the masonic hall, and the success of this school led to the origin of the academy, and in its organization and in the erection of the building, Mr. Chase took a very active and success- ful part, as also in the erection of the Baptist meeting-house. He 390 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT had commenced study of the languages and the higher branches of academical education at the age of twenty-one, and pursued his studies with great diligence and success foi four years, mostly in Philadelphia. He is said to have acquired the ability to read with considerable ease, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Chaldee, German and French. He transcribed Chaldee grammar, from the only copy he could find in Philadelphia, in 1820. He went from Hinesburg to Williston in 1828, and thence to West Enosburg (1862). The succession of pastors, time of service and the blessing of God upon the united evangelistic efforts of pastors and church, as indicated by the number of baptisms, are shown in the accompany- ing table. The church has been blessed at frequent intervals with gracious outpourings of the Spirit and the conversion of souls, as these figures clearly show. Time of service 1813-1814 1818-1821 1822-1828 1831-1832 1833-1834 1834-1837 1839-1840 1841 1843 1844-1847 1849-1851 1852-1855 1856-1858 1859-1861 1863-1867 1867-1878 1878-1887 1888-1889 1890-1891 1893-1895 No. of Name Baptism Samuel Churchill 1 Ephraim Butler 79 Peter Chase 66 S. S. Parr 18 WiUiam Arthur 33 John Ide 29 Amasa Brown 44 W. G. Johnson 22 A. H. Stowell 2 M. G. Hodge 38 W. L. Picknell 2 Archibald Wait 5 Freeman Gregory 20 Reuben Sawyer 2 I. G. Burweli 58 A. S. Gilbert 24 G. H. Page — P. C. Abbey 22 William Fuller — Rev. Ezra Butler Governor of Vermont, 1S'2C — 1828 First President of the Vermont Baptist State Convention Born, 1763— Died, 1838 [This is a composite picture, copyrighted by the Tuttle Company of Rutland, and courteously loaned for this publication.] C. Ayer 2 C. W. Safford 19 Philbert Contios 13 E. S. Greenleaf 6 N. C. Gushing — HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 391 1896-1897 1899-1903 1905-1906 1907-1910 1911 Two branches of this church have become independent bodies. In 1828, eighteen members went out to form the Baptist church in WilHston, the mother church of the Burlington church. In the same year twenty-six members were set off to form the Baptist church in Huntington, The Hinesburg church has given of her sons a goodly number for the christian ministry. It gave license to Thomas Ravlin in 1814, to Emery Hills in 1827, to Perly Work in 1837, to Solomon Johnson, son of W. G. Johnson, 1842; Carlton E. Miles, 1842; Mr. Thayer, 1860; and John S. Beecher, 1844. Mr. Beecher gave himself to the foreign missionary work in 1854, going out first under the Foreign Missionary Society, and after a few years re- turned to this country and went again under the Free Missionary Society. In 1827, it built a substantial house of worship, and later a vestry, which was used for some years, and then sold. Expensive repairs and improvements have been made upon their meeting- house from time to time. Among the early members, men of strong character and ear- nest piety, these may be mentioned: John Beecher, John Miles, Edmund Baldwin, EHsha Booth, Asa Moon, Philo Ray, Shubael Clark, (colored), Stephen Post, Joseph Stearns, Lyman Beecher. Descendants of four of these names, Baldwin, Beecher, Miles and Post have long been among the main supporters of the church. Membership, seventy-seven (1912). Waterbury Previous to 1791, so far as is known, there was but one pro- fessor of religion in the town except one woman, a Congregationalist, whose membership was in another place. At this time the in- 392 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT habitants were few and their homes far apart. No reHgious meet- ings were held and Httle attention paid to this subject. In De- cember of that year, it pleased the Lord to arrest the attention of Ezra Butler to the subject of his soul's salvation. After having spent five or six days, and having been driven hard upon the borders of despair, he obtained evidence that he had passed from death unto life, and was enabled to go on his way rejoicing. A year later he was baptized by Elder Joseph Call. The next year David Atkins and his wife, who had moved into town from Clare- mont, N. H., were baptized. These three united with the Baptist church in Bolton. Later a few other Baptists moved into Water- bury without uniting with any neighboring church. About the year 1800, the brethren in Bolton, impressed with the need of more laborers in their field, which seemed to be white for the harvest, began offering prayer for that object, and soon became convinced that one of their own number was endowed with gifts fitted for that purpose, and that it was their duty to call Ezra Butler to ordination. A council was called and Mr. Butler was ordained in his own house in February, 180L The next May, the few Bap- tists residing in Waterbury, eight or ten in all, organized a Baptist church there. These walking in the fear of the Lord and the com- fort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied, until they numbered about thirty. But a season of declension followed. Some apparently apostatized and the love of others became cold. Deacon Atkins, and his family, removed to Springfield, Ohio, and some to other parts of the land. Elder Butler's health became impaired so that he could not preach all the time, the ordinance of the supper was neglected and the church lost its visibility in 1807. From 1807 to 1819, there was no Baptist church in town, nor any great amount of Baptist preaching. Spiritual interest, how- ever, did not wholly cease and now and then a convert was won to Christ. Toward the close of the winter of 1819, without apparent effort on the part of christians and in the absence of the means of grace, the Spirit of God wrought on the hearts of the people, prayer meetings were held in different neighborhoods, and a num- ber were hopefully converted. This work proved quite deep and continuous. Desire for a church was awakened and on the 6th HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 393 of August, 1819, a church was constituted, consisting of twenty members, with Ezra Butler, pastor; Paul Dillingham and Chester Whitney, deacons. The interest continuing, within a year and a half twenty -two were brought into church fellowship, most of whom were heads of families. From 1821 to 1825, on account of the poor health of Elder Butler and the lack of means to employ others, the services and ordinances were not regularly observed. In 1826, while general apathy prevailed, some were deeply con- cerned, appointed neighborhood meetings, and were given the spirit of prayer and exhortation. A revival followed and twelve were added by baptism. Meetings were held more regularly. Samuel Sebra, a licentiate, assisted Elder Butler. In 1831, a substantial brick meeting-house as erected. Special meetings were held, assisted by Re\'. J. M. Graves. There were, however, some difficulties in the church of long standing, which were not wholly removed, although some twenty-five were added to the number of members and the church strengthened. For four or five years following, the church passed through the waters of affliction and trial. Elder Butler's health would not allow him to perform much pastoral work. The difficulties de- veloped into larger proportions. In 1833, Deacons Dillingham and Whitney, becoming aged, were excused from official duties and Ezra Butler and Daniel Green, appointed in their places. Elder John Ide was secured as pastor, and recognized March 13, 1834. Deacon Green was excused from oflBce and Erastus Parker ap- pointed. Elder Ide 's ministry was fruitful and thirty -two were received by baptism and letter. Elder Aaron Angier was next pastor, 1836-1839, and thirty-two were added by baptism and otherwise. In March, 1839, Elder Julius P. Hall was chosen pastor. Revival followed and fourteen were added. This pastorate continued until 1850. The membership reached the number one hundred and one in 1847, and then began a decline which was somewhat rapid and seldom arrested. S. Gustin was pastor, 1852. I. J. Cressey, who became pastor in 1853, died in 1855. The meeting-house, becom- ing unfit for use, a new one was erected in 1858. Pason Tyler was pastor, 1858-1861; G. A. Bixby, 1862; L. B. Hibbard, 1864-1866; 394 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT A. N. Woodruff, 1867 1868; E. Goodspeed, 1869-1870. Then for ten years the church maintained a feeble existence, holding coven- ant meetings but seldom having preaching. Letters to the As- sociation became infrequent. In 1878, came the pitiful plea, "Do not drop us, pray for us. '" In 1881, encouraged by a visit of G. S. Chase, missionary of the State Convention, a pastor was secured for one year, G . A. Wilkins. From that time the name of the church only (with the name of the clerk, Mrs. Mary Tyler, 188^2-1883) was inserted in the minutes of the Association till 1896, when it disappeared. The life of Ezra Butler was so interwoven with that of the Waterbury Baptist church, in particular, that a fuller account of this remarkable man may fittingly be inscribed here. Mr. Butler was the son of Asaph Butler, and was born in Lancaster, Worcester County, Mass., September 24, 1763. He was the fifth of seven children, four sons and three daughters. In his seventh year his father moved to West Windsor, Vt., where his mother, whose maiden name was Jane McAllister, soon died, and where he spent the next se^•en or eight years, mainly in the family of his elder brother, Joel Butler. When about fourteen years of age, he went to live with Dr. Stearns of Claremont, N. H., as a laborer on his farm, and with the exception of six months, in his seventeenth year, when he was a soldier in the army of the Revo- lution, he continued in the service of Dr. Stearns, having almost the entire management of his farm, until he was of age. In 178.5, having spent a few months previous in Weathersfield, he came to Waterbury, in company wnth his brother, Asaph, next older than himself. They came to Judge Paine 's in Williamstown, with an ox team. The rest of the way they came on snow-shoes, drawing their effects on a hand-sled, the snow being three or four feet deep. It must have been a joyful day to the Marsh family when these two young men, with their hand-sled, hauled up before their door. Their loneliness, in part at least, was ended. Mr. Butler and his brother immediately made their pitch, near where Mr. C. C. Corse afterward resided, and made a s lall clearing, planted it to corn, and returned to Weathersfield, where in June, of that vear, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Tryphena Diggins. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 395 He soon returned, and finding the title of the land on which he had pitched bad, he selected another right a little below the village, made a clearing, built a log house, and in September of 1786, moved into it with his wife and child, and on that place, he spent the remainder of his eventful life. He and his wife made their journey from Weathersfield on horseback, much of the way by a bridle-path, and in this way brought some of their effects, deemed most necessary in the matter of housekeeping. The brother, who first came with him, settled in Richmond, and twenty or thirty years later moved to the West. Mr. Marsh subsisted his family to a great extent, hunting and fishing, and into this pioneer life Mr. Butler was soon initiated. Their meat was that of the moose, the deer, and the bear, and in their pursuit they were often led far from home into the wilderness of neighboring towns, far up the mountain sides, not unfrequently camping out, the cold winter nights, to renew the chase in the morning. If faint with weariness and hun- ger they were ready to despair and to return with empty hands, the thought of a starving wife and children put new vigor into their limbs, new resolves into their hearts, and nerved them with the energy of desperation. Food they must have or perish in the pur- suit. It was a battle for life for themselves and their families, and bravely they fought it. It was a life full of thrilling adventures, with which, had the story of them been treasured, a volume might be filled. By these hardships the constitution of Mr. Butler was seriously impaired before he was thirty years old. As Mr. Marsh was drowned before the next settler arrived, Mr. Butler was properly regarded as the pioneer man of the town. Though a young man, he took prominent part in all the private enterprises and public movements of the town. He built the first framed house in town- — so long occupied by his son, Russell Butler. To him was issued the warrant to call a meeting of the freemen of Waterbury, in 1790, to organize the town, and at that meeting he was chosen town clerk. From this time the oflBcial life of Mr. Butler was remarkable. From this humble beginning he went through almost every grade to the chief magistracy of the State. From 1794 to 1805, with the exception of 1798, he represented the to^\Ti in the general assembly. In 1807, he was chosen both as 396 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT a representative and as a member of the council ; and by the record of votes seems to have acted part of the time in one body and a part in the other. In 1808, he was again elected to the council and with the exception of 1813 and 1814, when he was in Congress, he was annually re-elected to this body until 1826. In 1803, he was elected assistant judge of Chittenden County court, Waterbury, at that time belonging to that county, and was re-elected to that oflBce the two follo\\'ing years. In 1806, he was elected chief judge of that court, and continued to hold that office until 1811. In 1811, Jefferson, now Washington County, was organized, and Judge Butler was elected chief judge of that county court, and except two years (1813 and 1814) when in Congress, he held that office until 1825, when the judicial system of the State was changed to substantially its present form, when Judge Butler was chosen first assistant judge of the court. In 1806, he was chosen a member of the council of censors, and in 1822, a member of the constitutional convention. In 1804, and again in 1820. a presidential elector. In 1812, he was elected a member of Congress on the Republican general ticket, along with James Fisk, \Vm. Strong, \Vm. C. Bradley, Richard Skinner and Charles Rich. In 1814, the candidates of the Federal party were elected, entirely changing the delegation from Vermont. In 1826, he was elected governor of the State, and reelected the following year, and each time "unthout an organized opposition. Immedi- ately after his second election he declined another election, and at the close of that term retired from official life, having been in office, without interruption, from the organization of the town in 1790, often holding two important offices at the same time. In addition to these civil and political offices, he was a com- mittee with Elijah Paine and James Whitelaw, to fix the site for the first State House in Montpelier; a commissioner in 1807, wdth Samuel Shaw, John Cameron, Josiah Wright, and Elihu Luce, to determine the place and plan for the State prison, and subsequently a commissioner to locate the State arsenal. He was a trustee of the University of Vermont from 1810 to 1816. Indeed, there was hardly an office of trust and honor in the gift of the people or legis- lature that he did not fill. In this respect, the career of Gov. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 397 Butler, from an untrained pioneer,— (his schooling was limited to six months in his boyhood) from a hunter and trapper, up through almost every grade of office to the chief magistracy of the State, is a remarkable one and has few parallels in history. These honors and trusts he won by his sterling sense and honesty, and by his great energy and strength of will. Everybody felt that whatever trusts were imposed on him were safe, that whatever was given him to do would be done, and so they always found it. Mr. Butler had a religious as well as political history, and the former was as marked and positive as the latter. When he came to Waterbury, he was an irreligious and profane young man, and not a little disposed to quarrel with certain great doctrines, and so he continued for some three or four years. The story of his conviction and conversion is an exceedingly interesting one. At a time of profoundest indifference in regard to religious things, when he did not know of a religious man in town, and before there had been a Gospel sermon preached in it, his attention was called to the subject of personal religion in the following singular manner. The account has been preserved substantially in the words of one who received it from his own lips: "Being obliged to work hard during the week, and there being no public worship in town which he could attend, if he desired, he was in the habit of spending much of the Sabbath in sleep. On a certain Sabbath, awaking from his sleep, he found his wife reading a pamphlet, and proposed to read it aloud for the benefit of both. The beginning and end of the pamphlet were gone, and he never knew whence it came, what was its title, or who its author. But he found it treated of a subject which in former times had given him great perplexity, viz., how a man could be blameable for a disposition which he did not create. He would admit the justice of God in punishing overt acts, but not wrong propensities. The author he was reading made it appear that we are justly condemned for wrong dispositions as well as wrong actions. After reading awhile, he exclaimed to his wife, 'If this is true, we are undone. ' In a moment all the convictions he had formerly had turned upon him and he was cast into the deepest anxiety. After days of profoundest darkness and sharpest distress, bordering on despair, he was brought into clear light and 398 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT liberty of the Gospel. His feet having been set in the way of life he walked circumspectly in that way to the end." His was the first conversion in Waterbury. A few days after his conversion. Rev. Mr. Call, a Baptist minister from Woodstock, came along and preached the first sermon in Waterbury. About a year after this, Mr. Butler was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Call and united with the Baptist church in Bolton. At the organiza- tion of the Baptist church in Waterbury, in 1800 or 1801, Mr. Butler was ordained as its pastor, and amid the multitude of his civil offices he continued to discharge the duties of this office until within a few years of his death, and that without salary or re- muneration. In all the conflicts of party politics, and all the labors and perplexities of official life, it is said the meekness and dignity and propriety of the Gospel ministry never forsook him. He walked ujirightly, and with serious christian deportment, amid them all. ^^'ell may his children venerate his name and the com- munity hold him in lasting remembrance. His form was slightly stooping, his complexion dark and sallow, and his whole appearance quite unprepossessing; but his penetrating black eye and the calm tones of his voice, quickly told of intellect and will of no common order. He died July f^, 1838, in the seventy -fifth year of his age. Burlington The Baptist chnrch in Burlington cannot be classed among the pioneer churches. While in many less promising places churches were coming into vigorous life, Burlington was taxing the faith of a few residents, and the benevolence of sister churches. The townshij) was chartered in 1763, by Governor Wentworth. An attempt to effect a settlement was made in 1775, but the Revo- lutionary war, breaking out about the same time, the settlers were driven back by the Indians, and ore of the number killed. In the spring of 1783, the first permanent settlement was eflfected by six or eight families from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Con- necticut. From that time till 1800, the population ii creased from forty Hon. Lawrence Barnes A pillar in Burlington Baptist Church, a power in the state Born, 1815— Died, 1886 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 399 to six hundred. From 1783 or 1784, no traces of a solitary christian can be found, and the Gospel was preached only occasionally, as missionaries chanced to pass by. In 1795, Mr. Lee, a Congrega- tional minister from Connecticut, visited the place, and remained something more than a year. Mr. Lee found but four professors in a population of near five hundred. His labors were crowTied with a measure of success. For nine years after he left, the place remained destitute of stated preaching. The names of Kingsbury, Gartu and Williams are mentioned as occasional supplies, up to the time when Mr. Saunders entered the presidency of Vermont University, who then became the religious instructor of the peo- ple, and continued as such until the organization of the Congrega- tional church, in 1815. The first settlers were reckless of the interests of religion. There is no evidence of the erection of a single family altar before 1800, and as late as 180'-2, at the funeral of a respectable person, not a man could be found to engage in prayer, and no house of public worship was erected until 1811. Records have been searched in vain for a single member of a Baptist church before 1823. From that time till 1830, a few traces of our brethren have been found. The first member of a Baptist church, of which any informa- tion has been obtained as a resident of Burlington, was a Sister Boyington, whose husband was not a professor. She was a very devoted sister. Elder Phineas Culver was probably the first Bap- tist minister who ever proclaimed the Gospel in Burlington. Some circumstances led to his acquaintance with Sister Boyington, when she solicited him to "come over and help, " and it is believed that his first sermon was delivered in her house, and the great probability is that she was the germ from which Baptist interests sprung in this town. Elder Culver continued to preach occasion- ally in the academy, which was generally filled with attentive hearers. Soon after this. Brethren Pangborn and Ebenezer Bartlett settled in the village. A few sisters came about the same time. These met often together. Elder Peter Chase made them a visit, probably about 1825 or 1826, and commenced preaching in the court house, and continued his labors for some time. 400 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Left without a leader, the little company felt keenly their destitution and began to rally and to cry to Heaven for help, and finally came to the resolution that whatever came they would throw themselves upon the promises of God, and ask their breth- ren to constitute them into a branch church, under such regulations as they might deem proper. The church was finally organized by advice of a council as a branch of the Williston church, provided that church extended to them their fellowship as such, January 5, 1830, with power to transact any church business save the final exclusion of members. The persons composing this branch were six, viz.: Ebenezer Bart- lett, Tera Pangborn, Esther Pangborn, Rebua Bartlett, Lucy Wainwright, Ruth Cheney. Terah Pangborn was appointed their first clerk, and they adopted the Articles of Faith of the Danville Association. This church was recejved into the fellowship of the Williston church, August 13, 1830, and into the fellowship of the Fairfield Association soon after its organization, and with other churches was dismissed for the purpose of forming the Onion River Association . Few, poor, and without a place of worship, the church began its organized work. Brother E. Hill, a licentiate of the Williston church, was their first preacher. Elders J. M. Graves, Alvah Sabin, M. Cheney, and Elder Winegar of Hamilton, N. Y., sup- plied now and then. Baptism and the Lord's Supper were first administered, April 18, 1830, by Elder Graves. Elder Gregory Norris became their first pastor, July 24, 1834, and on the 26th day of September, with the advice of a council, the church was recognized as an independent church. The con- stituent members, eleven in number, were as follows : Elder Gregory Norris, Benja. D. Hinman, Mrs. Norris, Abigail Hmman, Charles Benns, George Wells, Isabella Benns, Lucy Wainwright, E. Bartlett, Silva Proctor, Lorinda Merritt. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 401 For five years, the little church, being almost without pastoral watchcare, maintained a precarious existence. Rev. Mr. Norris, who had been laboring with them previous to their organization, took his departure two months afterward. Rev. John H. Walden, who accepted a call to the pastorate in June, 1836, resigned in September of the same year. In June, 1835, Rev. Hiram D. Hodge became pastor and resigned at the expiration of nine months; but not without seeing the church doubled, numerically, by the recep- tion to its fellowship of sixteen by baptism and two who brought letters from other churches. In August, 1840, Rev. Hiram Safford was chosen pastor. Hitherto, the church had worshipped in a chapel on Colchester Avenue, built for their use by Charles Benns, one of the constituent members, and rented to them at a nominal price. At length, stimulated by the earnest encouragement and guided by the wise counsel of Mr. Safford, the church purchased a lot, and undertook the erection of a house of worship, on the south- west corner of Church and Main streets. Before, however, the little band were able to complete this enterprise, they were bereaved of their pastor, who died July 28, 1844, aged fifty -three years. The work of this consecrated man was not long, but was so fruitful of important results as to make him worthy of special mention. He came to the Burlington church when the church was poor, and few, and overshadowed by Congregational, Unitarian, and Methodist churches, and also by the University of Vermont, which was officered by Congregational professors. He preached in an old academy for some time. His congregations were small and the church had been struggling for some eight or ten years with its head just above water. He encouraged his people to build a meet- ing-house. He circulated the subscription in the town and the neighboring towais, and as he was a mechanic himself, he supervised the building of the house, collected the subscription, and paid for the material and paid the workmen. The effort was a noble, self- sacrificing effort. Brother Safford was a noble gentleman and he had the entire respect of all the christian community of Burlington, and was tenderly beloved by all who knew him. In January, 1845, Rev. I. H. Parker became pastor and en- tered with earnestness upon the completion of the house of worship. 402 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT This was speedily accomplished and the dedication took place on the 3d day of April, ensuing. Mr. Parker resigned after a fruitful ministry in November, 1852. Rev. Leonard Tracy became pastor in March, 1853. The protracted illness of his family compelled him to resign in February, 1755, to the great regret of the church. Mr. H. H. Burrington was ordained December 27, of the same year, a man of frail health who served two years. In January, 1858, Rev. N. P. Foster took pastoral charge of the church, which he re- tained eight years. His pastorate was marked by an interesting revival, in which thirty -five were baptized into the fellowship of the church. The period of this pastorate was characterized by a sub- stantial growth in material resources, which manifested itself in the erection of a new and superior house of worship in a more favorable locality, on St. Paul street, at a cost of $32,550. The dedication took place December 15, 1864. In January, Mr. Foster resigned and the church remained without a pastor one year. During this interval, however, they enjoyed manifest tokens of divine favor. There was developed in the Sunday school, under the superin- tendency of Deacon E. A. Fuller, such a degree of religious interest that the church had recourse to Rev. A. B. Earle, the evangelist, for assistance in reaping the evidently ripened harvest. The labors of Mr. Earle, though of brief duration, were attended with the blessing of God and large numbers were added to the church. In February, 1867, Monson A. Wilcox became pastor and was ordained the 25th of April, following. In the autumn of the same year, a mission school was started, and the erection of a chapel on Water street projected. This was speedily acco nplished and dedicated January 9, 1868. The school, which commenced with an attendance of six, so increased, under the superintendency of George E. Davis, as to tax, not un- frequently, the capacity of the chapel. In April, 1875, Mr. Davis resigned his position as superintendent and in 1877, this work was discontinued. In July, 1870, the church was incorporated wath the cordial consent of the society, which had previously had charge of its business affairs. Early in the same year enlargement of the house of worship became a necessity, and it was extended one-half its original dimensions, securing a main audience room, seating HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 403 seven hundred and thirty, and in the vestry, accommodations for five hundred or six hundred persons. The cost of this enlargement exceeded $23,000, giving a total value of $55,550 to the enlarged structure, which was dedicated to the worship of God, January 1, 1871. The same winter, fifty-eight converts were baptized. In the autumn of 1872, the church established a French Mission, in a chapel, presented by Deacon Mial Davis for that purpose. Rev. A. L. Therrien of St. Pie, Canada, was secured as leader of this mission. The first French converts were baptized May 3, 1874. In 1876, financial embarrassments constrained the church to seek the aid of the American Baptist Home Mission Society in the prosecution of this French work. In 1879, the mission experienced an interesting spiritual re- freshing, which resulted in the accession of several converts. Mr. Therrien relinquished the work in July, 1879, to take up the work in Grande Ligne Mission, and Rev. J. Rossier immediately as- sumed charge of the mission, which continued for a time to prosper, but after awhile was given up. In the winter of 1875, there was a gracious spiritual quickening, and forty-eight persons were baptized, and the Sunday school be- came so large as to need extension of its accommodations. The church has been greatly favored with the wise counsels of its deacons. The names of those who have held this office, and the dates of their appointments and retirement, are as follows : Charles Benns, September, 1834, to January, 1845; Daniel Stearns, December, 1839, to 1841; Azariah Lee, August, 1844, died February, 1851; Wilham Hawkins, i\pril, 1845, to June, 1854; Isaac Austin, April, 1847, to January, 1849; Milo Fuller, February, 1854, to March, 1854; Eliashib A. Fuller, June, 1854; Dandy Fletcher, June, 1854, to Fel^ruary, 1856; George Duncan, June, 1856, to July, 1857; Mial Davis, March, 1861, to December, 1878; John Tennant, December, 1867, died March, 1868; Lawrence Barnes, March, 1871; Samuel Bigwood, March, 1871; Volney G. Barbour, March, 1871, to May, 1873. The following persons have believed themselves called to the work of the ministry and have been licensed by the church : 404 HISTORY OF TH^ BAPTISTS J^ VERMONT Frank W. Ryder, September 4, 1873; Gaylord B. Smith, August 13, 1874; Samuel W. Nichols, August 14, 1874; John C. Bracq, April 8, 1880; Mr. Ryder was ordained at Rockport, Maine, August, 1876; Mr. Smith was ordained at Plainfield, N. H., June, 1877. Mr. Nichols was ordained at Essex, N. Y., in September, 1877; and in the autumn of the following year, sailed \\^th his wife, the daughter of Lyman Jewett, D. D., to Madras, to labor among the Telugus. Mr. Bracq was converted from the errors of Roman- ism in the summer of 1875, studied at McGill University, and gave himself to the foreign mission work. The Baptist church in Burlington, beginning its existence ^vith very limited resources, early asked the aid of the Vermont Baptist State Convention, and for a period of twenty years, previous to 1859, received large appropriations for the support of its ministry. Sometime between 1850 and 1860, the Convention Board appointed a special committee to investigate the wisdom of having a Baptist church in Burlington and of longer continuing aid to it. Rev. L. A. Dunn was chairman of that committee, and went to Burling- ton on a prayer meeting night, to meet the people and inform them that the Convention Board had decided that a Baptist church was not really needed in Burlington, and could no longer be aided from the Convention funds. The thirteen members fell upon their knees, and one after another besought Almighty God in some way to carry on the work, and help thorn to maintain a New Testament church in Burlington. When all had prayed, Elder Dunn was so moved with their sincerity and determination, that he reversed his decision, and told them to go on, and the Convention Board would help them. In 1856, Lawrence Barnes began business in Burlington, and shortly after put in money enough so that the church could get along without Convention aid, and from that time until the present, has continued to grow numerically, spirit- ually, and financially, so that it now has about five hundred mem- bers, and is one of the most generous supporters of the State Con- vention. Lawrence Barnes moved from New Hampshire to Bur- lington in 1861, as the business which he established in 1856, had greatly increased and prospered, and he became Burlington's fore- Deacon Willard Crane, Burlington Member of Convention Board for thirty-three years HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 405 most citizen, and always proved himself an earnest christian and a true philanthropist, and after his death, Willard Crane and D. G. Crane stepped into the breach and for many years have given much time and thought to the work, and been by far the largest con- tributers for the support of preaching and the expenses of the church. The Burlington church has long since cancelled its pecuniary obligations to the State Convention, by its liberal contributions to that missionary body. It has been the aim of this church to maintain vital interest in the principal enterprises of christian benevolence, and in the progress of the Redeemer's kingdom throughout the world. It established, at a very early period and still continues to cherish, a monthly concert of prayers for missions. Pastors John H. Walden, June, 1836, to September, 1836; Hiram Dodge, June, 1839, to February, 1840; Hiram Safford, August, 1840, to July, 1844; H. U. Parker, January, 1845, to November, 1852; Leonard Tracy, March, 1853, to February, 1855; H. H. Bur- rington, August 1856, to August, 1857; N. P. Foster, January, 1858, to January, 1866; Monson A. Wilcox, February, 1867, to 1880; F. J. Parry, 1882, to 1886; F. S. McFarlan, 1887, to 1890; W. S. Roberts, D. D., 1891, to 1902; F. Dee Penny, 1903, to 1910; J. S. Braker, 1911. Suggestive of the evangelistic efforts of this church, within the last thirty years, there have been received into the church by bap- tism, eight hundred and twenty-five persons. The benevolent contributions, as reported in the minutes for the same period, total $21,443. Present total membership (1912), four hundred and eighty -three. East Enosburg The East Enosburg church observ^ed its centennial October 26, 1910, Pastor Rev. William J. Clark gave the historical address, a part of which is here given. It must be said of the history' of the 406 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT past century in this place, as of so many others, that it has been one of constant struggle. Or to put it in the words of Deacon T. T. Snell, "part of the time we have been swimming, and part of the time we have been swimming with our heads scarcely above water, yet we have kept on swimming. " The first Baptist known to have hved in town was Joseph Waller. He moved here February, 1806. Others soon joined him, and steps were taken looking toward church organization, which took place on the 26th of October, 1810. There were ten constituent members. There is no record of there having been a pastor till 1812, and then only for a brief season. During long periods the church was pastorless, and dur- ing other periods it had preaching one-fourth or one-half the time. How ever, year by year, some additions are reported and the church grew, till in 1833, it had forty-seven members. This gain was in spite of distracting difficulties, one of which was likened to the severing of a limb to save the body. In 1835, a few churches in this region organized what was called the East Enosburg Conference, a sort of circuit preaching, in the bounds of which Brethren Cole, Flint and Chase, labored. The first year, 1835, Brethren Cole and Flint, worked among the seven churches of the circuit and their ministry was specially blessed to this church and eleven converts were baptized. The second year. Brethren Flint, Beeman, and Chase, were engaged on the circuit and a revival followed in Fair- field. But the third year the circuit preaching was discontinued, because there were a few who opposed it. The churches were urged each to settle its own pastor. During this time, however, a continued healthy growi:h was maintained and the membership became fifty -three, in 1841. At this time, there was in this church much sympathy for the slaves, some members of the church having been members of the Anti-Slaverj' Society from its origin. But now there came a sudden reverse in the continued pros- perity of the church. The church voted to discontinue meetings when they had no pastor. Perhaps the men of that day did not realize the full purport of this action, but to one reading the records today, it seems like the first great turning point in the church's history. It seemingly makes a cooling of that warm spirituality HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 407 which had previously characterized the church. However, the church kept together and in October, 1842, Rev. R. A. Hodge be- came pastor. For the next ten years httle was done. During the latter part of the decade they had preaching only one-fourth of the time. During the next six years, the work appears to have been nearly abandoned. On May 2, 1858, Rev. J. W. Buzzell was called to the pastorate for one-half of the time. He went from house to house, hunting out the places where spirituality had been hibernat- ing and bringing it again to the light of day. By faithful efiPort and prayer he gave the church the impetus which has made what it has since become. In July, 1858, the East Enosburg and the West Enosburg churches united and a revival followed. In May, 1860, twenty- five baptisms are recorded. A new meeting-house was built and dedicated about December 20, 1860. A burdensome debt remained a few years, but was finally cancelled by the generosity and firmness of Deacon Snell, who said, "If you will pay the whole debt I will give $50, and a friend ^\^ll give a like amount. If the whole is not paid I will not give a cent. " The debt was paid and the property deeded, with reversionary clause, to the State Convention. During the early sixties, this community sent out its quota of men to the army. They were accompanied by the active sympathy, interest and prayers of the church. The clerk of the church was appointed to hold correspondence with the brethren in the army and the church voted to look after the families of the soldiers who belonged to the church and provide for them if necessary. This correspondence brought its replies from the men at the front and cemented the bonds of fellowship which had previously existed and thus was a benefit to the men at home as well as to those in the army. Another revival season is mentioned, with special interest, that was about 1882 or 1883, when Rev. G. W. Schofield was mightily used of God as a messenger of life. The church bell was given by David Stebbins, in memory of his mother. At the same time he left $200 in cash. During the recent years the church has suffered gradual diminishing in num- bers by death and removals. The present resident membership 408 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT is seventeen. Three men have been ordained by the church and two young men have entered preparatory studies for the ministry. In 1907, the church was closed. In 1908, it was reopened and Rev. Wm. J. Clark chosen to work with this, in connection with the Enosburg Falls church. At the dawn of the new century the out- look is encouraging. 1 Berkshire January 3, 1905, a small church was constituted and recog- nized in Berkshire. After adding eighteen to their membership, they secured the services of Elder William Rogers a part of the time. There are no records of any other preachers until 1809, but from other circumstances, and from the records of the St. Armand church, it is probable that Rev. William Galusha did preach to them part of the time from 1806 to 1809, when Rev. Moses Ware was installed pastor and preached for a number of years, until 1813. There are no records after that time to show what became of the church. From the minutes of the Richmond Association, we find that in 1813 a committee was appointed by that body to inquire into the character of their former minister, Moses Ware. In 1814, this committee reported that they had made what inquiry they thought proper, relative to the character of Elder Ware, and they found nothing proved against him, whereby his character could be impeached. It is quite likely that the trou- ble, which gave occasion for the appointment of this committee, had something to do with the disbanding of this church. Berkshire, Second Church In 1817, another council was called in Berkshire, to recognize as a Baptist church, nine brethren and nine sisters who had banded together for that purpose. Ira Smith was appointed deacon and Cromwell Bowin, clerk. Rev. William Rogers and William Galusha preached to them part of the time. Their covenant meet- ings and preaching services were held in dwelling-houses and school- houses till 1827, when, in connection with the Congregationalists, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 409 Methodists and Universalists, they built a meeting-house, owned by the four denominations jointly, and occupied by each a quarter of the time. On December 29, this house was dedicated, and in January following. Rev. William Arthur was called and commenced labor in the new house. His work was greatly blessed and this year twenty -four were added by baptism and seven by letter. Eleven were dismissed the same year. Arthur remained two or three years. Rev. Mr. Rockwell served one year, when Peter Chase became pastor in 1835, and continued till 1841. He was assisted in 1839, by Rev. Mr. Baldwin, and twenty-two united this year by baptism and four by letter, making the total membership, fifty- nine. In 1841, Rev. Albert Stone commenced pastoral work and continued till 1843, when the Millerite excitement arose and the pastor was carried away with it. The church was pastorless for a short time. Isaac Cressey came and preached so acceptably that he was ordained in 1846. In 1848, Rev. F. N. Jersey was secured and served till 185 1 . A protracted season of depression followed. Removals and deaths were saddening. Rev. S. Adams, a theological student, supplied in 1854. J. W. Buzzell, A. L. Arms and Geo. Parker, a licentiate, preached from 1860 to 1867. A great blow came to the church that year when the church in East Franklin was organized ai d twenty members of the Berkshire church were dismissed, to unite at East Franklin. The same year, Deacon Jasper Chaffee, a strong pillar in the church, died. This reduced the membership to sixteen. During the decade, 1870-1880, they were under the pastoral care of E. Ashton, E. P. Merrifield, A. L. Arms, David F. Estes, M. G. Smith, J. S. Goodall and G. S. Chase. From 1880 till 1885, Rev. A. L. Arms served as pastor, and during the years 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, Rev. Wilham G. Schofield, of Richford, gave them preaching and pastoral care. Since this time, the church has not sustained regular preaching and has not reported to the As- sociation. In 1888, the subject of building a new meeting-house was strongly agitated. Mr. Schofield helped to secure pledges of money for this purpose and succeeded in getting $1800 subscribed. A building lot was secured and it was confidently expected that 410 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT t a new meeting-house would be built that year. But through the inaction of the building committee, nothing was done. The op- position of some, who wanted another union meeting-house, was apparently the cause of the inaction, and from that time many lost interest in the church. Franklin Franklin began to be settled about 1816, and a few Baptists were among the inhabitants, but there is no evidence of any attempt to organize a Baptist church there previous to 1831. In 1826, Elder John Spaulding became a resident of the town and preached in parts of it, though his labors were chiefly in other places, till the spring of 1831, when he thought he saw signs of spiritual interest, especially in the northern part, and his mind was strongly impressed that there was a field ready for the harvest. He began laboring there with increasing interest. A powerful revival fol- lowed, which appeared to be at its height in November, though the interest did not subside till the next summer. Among the one thousand, one hundred and thirty inhaV)itants, near two hundred were thought to be converted within a year, and about one hun- dred joined some religious society. Some of the few Baptists, the older ones, thought the time had come to set up a Baptist church. About September 1, a covenant meeting was held in the house of Job Prouty. Six persons only were ready to take up the cross of setting up a standard different from all the other denomina- tions. These were J. Spaulding and his wife, members of the Enosburg Falls church, Dorcas Glover and Harriet Giddings, of St. Armand church, Mary Shepard, of Rupert, andLydia Bradley, of Fairfield church. These appointed a similar meeting every other Saturday. At the third meeting a convert told her experi- ence and was baptized into the Enosburg Falls church. At the next meeting, Dr. Levi Cu.shman, an influential citizen of the place, and his wife, memliers of the Baptist church in Chester, N. Y., and Esq. Clark Rogers, who had long been a citizen of the town, with his wife, aged people, who, in their younger days, had lived in Hancock, Maine, and were members of the Baptist church there, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 411 joined the little band. Their number was twelve. These called a council which met October 26, 1831, and approved of their organizing as a church and gave them fellowship. In about six weeks, the number was doubled by baptisms. The next September, it joined the Fairfield Association. Its numbers increased to forty-two, in 1833. From that time began serious losses by dis- mission and a few by defection. Elder Spaulding became super- annuated and by 1841 the church was extinct. East Franklin The Baptist church in East Franklin was organized and recog- nized as a church, June 11, 1867, by a council called by twenty brethren and sisters, who were dismissed from the East Berkshire church for this purpose. G. H. Parker was pastor till May, 1869; E. A. Ashton, till February, 1870; E. P. Merrifield, May, 1870, to May, 1872. No regular preaching till July, 1874; G. M. Smith, one-fourth of the time for one year; G. S. Chase, half of the time; A. L. Arms, alternate Sundays, 1885-1893; W. G. Schofield, 1885- 1893; A. Darrach, 1894. No report to the Association since 1894. Membership then, ten. Largest number, twenty -nine. The church up to 1895, and it may be, longer, sustained covenant meet- ings and bore their part in maintaining union Sunday school. West Bolton This church was organized, February 16, 1843, with thirty- nine members, as the Second Baptist church of Jericho, and was so-called till 1862, when it was changed to the Baptist church and society of West Bolton, and in 1873, it became an incorporated church. The first pastor was Elder I. Huntley, who preached one- half the time till August, 1845, and perhaps longer; the records do not say. In August, 1847, Elder S. Parker was pastor. July, 1848, Rev. Wm. S. Hurlbut became pastor and preached one-third and one-half the time for twelve years. He died in the place where he had so long and faithfully served, February 13, 1887. In Nov- ember, 1860, Brother H. C. Leavitt commenced preaching and 412 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT February, 1861, he was ordained pastor and continued to labor with the church until October, 1864. In the winter of 1865, L. L. Wood, a student from Burhng- ton College, was hired to preach half the time. He continued till 1866, and then went to Hamilton, N. Y., to study theology. In March, Rev. L. B. Steele was hired to preach all the time. His was a prosperous pastorate of about eight years. A good number were received by baptism. He was assisted, in 1872, by an evan- gelist. Rev. J. Peacock. During this pastorate the church edifice was built. For four years after Mr. Steele went away the church was w^thout a pastor. Sermons were read. Elder Hurlbut preached when he was able. He was aged and nearly blind, but he kept the church together, administering the ordinances and preaching the Gospel. January, 1879, Rev. A. A. Davis became pastor, preaching half the time till April, 1881, when Rev. De F. Safford became pastor. From June, 1883, till January, 1888, Brother P. C. Abbey preached with acceptance as a supply. In 1889, had preaching but twice by visiting brethren. Rev. Richard Nott, of Burlington, was the next suppty, 1890. They were then visited by Brother H. Rider, who came as a colporteur and held meetings and visited from house to house. He was aided by Rev. A. McGeorge and God blessed their united labors. Seven were baptized. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized. For several years the church was without' pastoral care, but improved their house of worship and maintained church life. They shared the pastoral care of the Jericho minister. Rev. O. N. Bean, 1900-1902, and G. W. Campbell, 1904. Since then, they have had but such occasional supplies as the State Convention can furnish in summer by students and helpers. The church, however, though pastorless and with a membership of but fourteen, sustains a Sunday school, and two prayer meetings and a young people 's meeting, and attend the services of the Methodist church in towTi. St. Albans The first regular service of the Baptist denomination held in St. Albans took place December 17, 1865, in the chapel of the court HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 413 house, Rev. J. F. Bigelow conducting the service, at the suggestion and with the assistance of the Baptist State Convention. On January 17, 1866. a Baptist church was organized, consisting of twenty-five members, six brethren and nineteen . sisters^ An Ecclesiastical council, held in the court house, January 31, gave the name of the First Baptist church of St. Albans to the new organiza- tion. The first church officers were Rev. J. F. Bigelow, D. D., pastor; M. D. Walker and Marshall Mason, deacons; L. J. Sw^ett, clerk; and S. S. Robinson, treasurer. A Sunday school was at once organized and also a missionary concert and Thursday evening prayer meeting. In May, 1867, Dr. Bigelow resigned, having per- formed the initial work of organizing a church. His signal ability, fine scholarship and christian courtesy gained for him the regard, not only of the church and society, but of all denominations of christians. For about a year and a half the church was dependent upon supplies, and held its meetings in the court house, which was its meeting place for seven years. November, 1868, W. G. Walker, a graduate of Hamilton, commenced his pastorate and was ordained to the christian ministry, January, 1869. He remained only one year. Seventeen had then been added by letter and till June the church was again dependent on supplies. In June, 1870, Rev. M. G. Smith, under the auspices of the State Convention, whose general agent he had been elected, com- menced labor here as pastor, doing very much in addition to his pastoral duties in securing funds for building a church edifice and enlisting the interest of others in the enterprise. The cornerstone of the new church was laid September 9, 1871, and the vestry finished and dedicated August, 1873, after which pubhc services were held there until the whole work was completed. In September, 1873, Rev. M. G. Smith, having seen the church occupying the new vestry, w^as called elsewhere by the Convention, leaving many devoted friends, who were called, not long after, to mourn his death. During his pastorate, seventeen were added by baptism and twenty -three by letter. Till about this time the Con- vention had aided the church. Now^ it became self-supporting and helpful in benevolent enterprises. In May, 1874, Rev. J. A. John- son commenced labor as pastor. On the twenty-eighth of the 414 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT following December, the whole church edifice was finished and dedicated free of debt, through the generosity of Lansing Millis, Esq., prominent Baptists in the State; and townsmen of other de- nomination s» helping to provide one of the pleasantest church edi- fices in the State. Mr. Johnson remained pastor until January, 1878. During the three years and more of this pastorate, the church had received thirty-six by baptism and twenty by letter, reaching a membership of one hundred and eight. Seven died among them. Deacon D. M. Walker, had been identified with the church from the beginning and had served as clerk nearly all the time, till his last illness compelled him to resign. Rev. Geo. S. Pratt was next pastor, commencing labor April, 1878, and continuing till March 13, 1887 — a period of aggressive, vigorous work on the part of both pastor and people. In January, 1879, a series of well-sustained meetings, continuing ten weeks, resulted in the accession of fifty-one members; forty-one by bap- tism. May 10, 1883, the church edifice was destroyed by fire, and about three years later, a new church edifice had been dedicated, and a parsonage built at a cost, in round numbers, of $3,500. From this pastorate Mr. Pratt went over to the Episcopalians. Rev. Geo. A. Smith, of the First Baptist church in Saratoga, was next pastor, February 28, 1887, to June, 1889. Shortly after his dismission, his letter of dismission was recalled and proceedings instituted against him for unchristian conduct. On advice of the Lamoille Association the church called a council, the charges were investigated and sustained, the hand of fellowship withdrawn, and the pastor deposed from the Gospel ministry. The church rallied nobly to the work after this crushing experience and were lovingly led by Rev. L. S. Johnson, from September, 1889, till September, 1891, when ill health compelled the separation between the church and this faithful pastor. Rev. E. D. Croft was pastor from October 8, 1891, to October 13, 1893, and was succeeded by Rev. Chas. McGlauchlin, whose pastorate was from April 5, 1894, to April, 1895. This half decade was one of serious trouble. At the close of the first pastorate, the church was divided and some thirty or more of those who had been active and influential in the church work withdrew from the body. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 415 Mr. McGlauchlin 's habits, confessedly irregular, brought reproach upon himself and the church and caused his retirement from this pastorate. Rev. W. H. H. Avery was then invited to this field from Upper Alton, 111., and began pastoral work in July. He found the church disheartened and well-nigh ready to give up all, but the membership rallied about him, put away differences, en- gaged in special meetings, and within a year seventeen members had been received, harmony restored and strong hopes awakened of a prosperous future. This pastorate continued till 1903. Sub- stantial accessions were made to the membership, notably in 1899, when twenty -five were received by baptism and six by letter. The membership attained one hundred and forty-one, notwithstanding the roll had been carefully revised and numbers dropped, and, more serious than all, within four years, more than twenty-five families connected with the church and congregation removed from town, reducing considerably the financial strength of the church and mak- ing appeal to the Convention for generous support a necessity. Since 1904, the Convention has appropriated $300 annually to sus- tain this important work. Rev. John Cameron succeeded Mr. Avery, serving till 1905, when Rev. J. S. Brown was called from Manchester, Vt., and began courageously leading the church in aggressive work. The church has an exceedingly pleasant place of worship and parsonage property. Essex Junction Established first as a mission. From May, 1877, until May, 1880, Rev. J. A. Leavitt was pastor. In 1878, began the erection of a meeting-house and finished the chapel for immediate use and completed the house in 1889. The Essex church dismissed twenty- four members in 1879, to form a Baptist church in Essex Junction. The church was organized July 5, 1879, and recognized by a coun- cil November 4, 1879; admitted to the Lamoille Association, Sep- tember 1, 1880. The first report of the church is as follows: Baptisms, ten; letter, two; dismissed, two; total, thirty -four; resi- dent members, thirty-four; Sunday school officers, ten; pupils, sixty; average attendance, forty -two. 416 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Pastors: Rev. I. Coombs, 1880, to May, 1882; W. Gussman, January, 1883, to January, 1885; S. E. Miller, January, 1889, to 1897; D. D. Owen, 1899, to 1902; W. F. Sturdevant, 1903, to 1904; N. A. Wood, 1905, to 1909; I. M. Compton, 1910. This church has had its trials and discouragements, but the field is an important one, and the Convention has given liberal ap- propriations and encouragements to it. The following tragic incident is a part of the history of the Lamoille Association. Davidsonism In September, 1829, a man by the name of Davidson called on Elkana Reed, who lived in the southeast part of Fairfield. Elkana Reed was a prominent member of the Congregational church in Bakersfield. Mr. Davidson introduced himself as a Congregational missionary, and as there was quite a settlement in the neighborhood, part in Bakersfield and part in Fairfield, that were some distance from any stated place of worship, Mr. Reed asked him to preach in their neighborhood. He readily consented; the appointment was circulated; the neighborhood gathered, and Davidson preached, much to the acceptance of the people. The next evening he preached in the same place to a larger congregation, and all were much interested. He then, by invitation, appointed a meeting on Friday evening at a schoolhouse in an adjoining neighborhood, in the south part of Bakersfield. A good congrega- tion assembled, and all seemed highly pleased with the new preacher. His sermons were a little peculiar, as he dwelt mainly on the prophecies, but they were of a high order; they exhibited great study and research; they were finely arranged, and delivered in a captivating manner. His language was elegant and well cho- sen, yet plain and simple; his style was earnest, but not boisterous; in a word, he was an eloquent preacher. By request, he appointed a meeting for the Sabbath at the usual hour, ten-thirty o'clock a. m., at the house of Timothy Carroll, his house being larger and more convenient for a large assembly than any other in the section. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 417 The day was fine and at an early hour a very large congregation assembled to hear the eloquent stranger. He was seated near a front window, so that he could be seen and heard by those within and without the house. As soon as ten-thirty a. m. the audience was all seated and ready for the service to commence. He was sitting, looking steadily dowTiward toward the floor, seemingly unconscious that a large congregation had gathered to hear him preach. After a little time, someone told him that the congrega- tion was seated and ready for the services to commence, but he paid no attention, but still remained with his eyes turned downward; a long hour passed away; the congregation remained in profound silence; all eyes were fastened on him; curiosity and excitement were raised to the highest pitch. By and by he raised his head; his eyes rolled in their sockets ; his features were distorted, and, in a manner overwhelmingly astounding, he announced to his hearers that he was a prophet sent by God! And then in language the most persuasive, and in tones the most solemn and impressive, he urged his hearers not to doubt on pain of eternal death. He then presented a very ingenious and conclusive argument, based on prophecy, to show that a prophet was to appear at that time. His array of arguments in favor of that position was perfectly astonishing; he seemingly made it as clear as the noon-day sun. Miller never presented an argument so clear in favor of his view of scripture prophecy as did Davidson in favor of his position. He then proceeded to open his mission. He stated, first, that he was sent to announce to the world that God, the Father, was then on earth; that God, the Son, who was equal with the Father, came in person to introduce the last Gospel dispensation, and that the Father had come in person to close the dispensation and with it wind up the affairs of earth. He stated that the world would end in 1832, and his arguments in favor of 1832 were stronger and more conclusive than any that have been presented in favor of 1843. The effect of these astonishing announcements upon the audience, under the circumstances, cannot be described. Some believed; some ridiculed and at once called him an impostor; but a large portion seemed to be struck with awe, and were disposed to suspend their judgment for the time being. He continued his 418 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT meetings in that neighborhood each evening for some four weeks; much excitement was created, and many professed to embrace his views. In his sermons he labored especially to reveal the dark things in prophecy. His discourses were able, impressive, and thrillingly interesting; some of his views were rational and scrip- tural; others were absurd and ridiculous. Among other things, he taught that Christ was a woman, and that she would appear on earth with the Fathet. Not long after this announcement, a Mrs. Thompson, a lady some fifty years old, who had never previously made a profession of religion, but had embraced his vi^ws, and become wild with excitement, announced that she was the Christ. At first Davidson seemed to hesitate a little, but soon declared that she was Christ. Other people called her crazy; her husband confined her; the neighbors watched her as a crazy person. These meetings were holden mainly in Fairfield, and a large number gathered from Bakersfield, Fairfax, Franklin, Georgia, Milton, and some from the other side of the lake. Some were Baptists, some were Congregationalists and some were Metho- dists, but a large jiortion were persons who had never been members of any church. The meetings were continued night and day and assumed a most ridiculous character. Toward spring, Mrs. Thompson es- caped from her confinement and joined them. She was worshipped as Christ and all her commands were strictly obeyed. A Mr. John Steward, an Englishman by birth, and a joiner by trade, a very pious Methodist man, embraced Mr. Davidson's views. He had no family and for some time had made his home with Mr. Timothy Carroll, in Bakersfield. While Mrs. Thompson was in Fairfield, Mr. Steward, by request or otherwise, called to see Mrs. Thompson, whom he believed to be the very Christ. She had some private conversation with him; what she said to him we know not. On coming out of the room he looked pale and terrified. He walked rapidly some four miles to Mr. Carroll's and without speaking to the family, went directly to his chest of tools, took a cord, went a little way into the woods, a little way back of the house, fastened the rope around his neck and then around a tree, swung off, and soon he was in the eternal world. Dami) G. Crane A membt-r i)f the Hiirlington Baptist Church over fifty years HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 419 In the autumn following, a Mr. Craw in Fairfield, who had embraced the views of Davidson, had become entangled in the snare, sharpened his knife and deliberately cut his own throat. A short time after this, a Mr. Randall, in Franklin, who had become affected with this same doctrine, came to believe that he must offer his children in sacrifice; he, therefore, took his butcher knif and deliberately cut their throats. At this, some of the in- habitants of Fairfield became so indignant that they resolved to put an end to this work, and one night this Davidson mysteriously disappeared. What became of him I know not. Report says that he was placed astride a little French horse, and having been well covered with tar and feathers, was driven beyond the line of the State. Where he came from, what had been his former occupa- tion, or what was his true name, or what was his end, we know not. He mysteriously came among us, ran a short race, accomplished a vast amount of injury, and disappeared. There being no Bap- tists in Bakersfield, and but few in that part of Fairfield, we suf- fered less in this raid than some others; but yet, our churches suf- fered to some extent. Historical Sketch of the French Baptist Church of Montgomery, Vermont In the years 1840 and 1841, several French Canadian Catholics were led to embrace the truth of the Gospel in some Methodist meetings held at the village of W' est Enosburg, Vt. Among them a laboring man, Mr. J. Morin, a mechanic, unable to read even in his own language, worked very earnestly to spread the truth among his countrymen. His efforts developed in him natural talents for the work of evangelization. After a few years, forty of these converts, who had united with the American Baptist church of Enosburg, severed their relations to it in order to form the French Baptist church of Enosburg, of which Mr. Morin, who had made a short stay at the Institution of Grande Ligne, became the pastor. Prayer meetings, from house to house, multiplied. Most of the Canadian families of the locality were won to the truth, and the good work soon spread in the neighboring towns 420 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT of Berkshire, Richford and Montgomery, where the French popula- tion was on the increase from year to year. In the meantime, while the Lord was using J. Morin as an in- strument of His grace among the French Canadians scattered among the Green Mountains, he was preparing in distant vil- lages of Canada, new souls, who were soon to come and share in this glorious gift of Gospel light. In the village of St. Aime, (twelve miles from Sorel), an aged man named Dominique, a native of France, lived peaceably in the midst of his numerous family, which was nominally Catholic, while he himself, connected with no religious denomination, spent his leisure hours in reading an old Bible which he had brought from his native country. The priest, who watched with close attention this family, whose devotion to the church was somewhat doubtful, had often attempted to take possession of the precious volume, the old man's treasure, with which indeed some of his sons, in order to escape the suspicion of heresy, would have consented to part. Three of these came to settle with their families in the vicinity of Enosburg. One of them, Felix, having obtained a Bible from Mr. Morin, read it with much interest, so much was he under the impression that the Protestant Bibles were falsified. In this anxiety he returned to St. Aime, and desired the opinion of his father with regard to the book. After a careful examination, his father said to him, "This book, my son, is the living word of God; read it without fear." Not long after the father died and the priest ordered that the book, which had kept him aloof from his church, be burned, an order which the children at first refused to obey. However, one of the sons, the o'VMier of the old homestead, having delivered the book into the hands of the priest, he quickly cast it into the fire, thrusting it with the poker before the horrified eyes of the family. After his return to Vermont, the Bible became indeed for Felix and his family, "the living word of God. " His zeal and christian fidelity conduced greatly to the edification of the Enosburg church until his death. Afterwards, the church in Montgomery numbered among its members several of his children and relatives, and the author of this sketch considers it one of the most interesting incidents of his missionary life that he received these details from HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 421 the lips of his pious A\ife, when on her death bed she praised and glorified the Lord that He had delivered her husband with his kin- dred from the power of darkness and translated them into the king- dom of His dear Son. (Col. 1 : 13.) This progress of the Gospel among the French of Vermont awakened the lively interest of the American churches. Mr. Morin and his colporteurs were liberally supported. A society was even organized at Burlington with the special object of aiding this work. This sympathy, thus expressed, created great anticipa- tion that might have been fully realized had not self-seeking human nature been allowed to use these smiles of divine grace and the gifts of christian munificence for its own glorification, an act which is always the sure presage of humiliating defeats. The French population, disseminated in the forests which at that time completely covered the hills south of Montgomery, formed an important part of the West Enosburg church. The Gospel was readily and joyously received by those people, who were laboriously engaged in establishing for themselves homes in those wild places where the soil was comparatively chea]). On the tenth of November, 1851, forty -eight of these people, most of them members of the West Enosburg church, organized a French Baptist church, of which Mr. Antoine Boisvert, a French colporteur of the same locality, became the pastor. Rev. J. Morin presided at the council convened for that purpose in the Metho- dist chapel at Montgomery. On this occasion some of the French Protestants, w^hose homes were situated o*n the Richford mountain, but who had attended this Convention for the purpose, also organ- ized themselves into a Baptist church. Soon after, the church of Enosburg was obliged to sever its connection with its pastor, who had brought reproach upon himself and upon the church by the use of intoxicating drinks, while Rev. A. Boisvert, receiving little encouragement, retired from the work at Montgomery. Thus, in a short time, this missionary enterprise, deprived of its leaders, presented the sad spectacle of a ship abandoned in mid-ocean. In these circumstances the Grande Ligne Mission directed some of her laborers, particularly Rev. J. N. Williams and T. Riendeau, to visit the field as often as possible. They did so until the year 1858, 422 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT when a missionary from PVance, Rev. J. Sestourneau, who had come to Canada under the auspices of the Grand Ligne Mission, impressed by the urgent need of Vermont, came to settle at West Enosburg with his family. He was ordained the year following, by a council of Baptist pastors, and immediately addressed himself with great energy to the work of re-establishing the churches and re- pairing the injuries which they had received. At first he was but scantily supported, receiving but a small appropriation from the Vermont State Convention. He, however, labored none the less with an energy and devotion which will not soon be forgotten. The work received a new impetus. The churches setting aside their local preferences, united under the name of The Church of Montgomery and West Enosburg. The little church of Richford was also revived. A general revival took place. A large number of converts were gathered in who confessed their faith by baptism and greatly rejoiced the heart of the missionary and the churches. In the meantime a meeting-house was built at Montgomery, the seating capacity of which often proved inadequate for the increas- ing congregation. At the request of the church, the board of the Grande Ligne Mission, in 1860, decided to assume the support of Brother Ses- tourneau, and to consider his field as one of their missionary sta- tions. A colporteur was engaged to help him in the person of Mr. E. Villeneuve. Swanton and Highgate were visited by the mis- sionaries. In this last place the Gospel was well received by sev- eral French families, and a few persons having given evidence of a change of heart were baptized. This, however, drew the opposi- tion of some Catholic priests, three of whom came to visit their former adherents at Montgomery, where they challenged the Protestant missionary to a public discussion, in the hope of bring- ing back into the pale of the Roman Catholic church some of those whom they considered as lost sheep. But this attempt resulted in their discomfiture. A poor Catholic man having asked them where he must go to find the truth, he was told that the truth was at Rome. "In that case," said he, "I must make up my mind to go without the truth, for I am too poor to go so far to get it. " During the war of the secession, a comparatively large num- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 423 ber of French Canadians entered the army of the United States. This national calamity was the cause of many painful separations, and of the making of many orphans and widows among the French families under the pastoral care of Brother Sestourneau. His visits became more urgently needed and much more frequent. In leaving their families these soldiers commended them to the watch- ful care of their devoted pastor, and when they were away a large part of their correspondence devolved on him. These additional cares and labors made the draught upon his system too great. Before the end of the first year of the war. Brother Sestourneau 's health was seriously impaired, symptoms of a nervous disease developing with an alarming rapidity. Family circumstances having induced him to settle at Richford, his visits became still more difficult. The field of Montgomery was the first to suffer. In a visit to Canada, Mr. Sestourneau met with a young brother, who had just left the Institute of Grande Ligne, and who some time before had entertained a conviction of duty to de^'ote his life to the missionary cause, but who was at this time in a state of serious doubt and uncertainty with regard to the foundation of these convictions. Accepting, however, an invitation extended to him by Mr. Sestourneau to accompany him to his field of labor, he was thus initiated into the work, accompanying him in his missionary visits and participating in the conduct of public meet- ings. His vocation soon became manifest. Hearing of this. Madam Feller, of the Grande Ligne Mission, was greatly rejoiced, and she requested the board of that mission to appoint him as as- sistant missionary, stationing him at West Enosburg, where he re- mained about a year. Thus, the Lord was preparing for his work a new missionary in the person of our brother, Rev. A. S. Therrien, whom the board of the Grande Ligne Mission now justly claims as one of its laborers and has called him to the important station of Montreal. Brother Sestourneau 's health growing worse and worse, he was obliged to resign the pastorate of the Montgomery church, but retaining that of the Richford church, which soon lost two-thirds of its members, who immigrated to Minnesota. In the same year, at the request of the church and on the recommenda- tion of Mr. Sestourneau, the board of the Grande Ligne Mission 424 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT appointed Rev. J. D. Rossier, a native of Switzerland, to the post of Montgomery. He found the congregation greatly stirred through the ardent and somewhat eccentric zeal of a Methodist brother. From its origin, the church had shown a predilection for that demonstrative style of praying and exhorting which some- times characterize religious revivals among country people. In meetings protracted to a very late hour, the emotions of the heart culminate in an enthusiasm and ecstatic demonstration. This dangerous element, which lead many to depreciate quiet meetings, and to place a higher estimate upon loud and demonstrative speak- ing than upon plain and earnest preaching of the Gosppl, and which fosters the notion that clamours and groanings are the necessary accompaniments of true worship, can easily be developed among the French who have received the first glimpses of Gospel light. A too free reception given to new doctrines and an undiscriminating admiration for those who can speak well, is another danger which has often threatened the peace of the church. In these circum- stances the new pastor saw that his work called him to plant his home among his j)eople upon the hill of Montgomery, which through years of hard la])or, had become more habitable. Being aware of the church 's lack of a solid foundation of religious knowl- edge upon which to rest its faith, he thought it of primary import- ance to instruct them, and to apply himself to the teaching of sound doctrine, in order to place his flock in better condition to resist the dangers mentioned above. It was not long after this that some Seventh Day Adventists, who had succeeded in founding in a neighboring town, a church which was under the direction of two French brothers, formerly connected with the Enosburg church, attempted to spread their views among the flock. But receiving no encouragement they abandoned their undertaking. iVfter- ward. some Catholic priests came, preaching in private houses, visiting among the people, sprinkling children born of mixed mar- riages, and artfully assuring the people that they could be received into the communion of the Roman Catholic church without being constrained to obey all its regulations, and that they could even be excused from accepting certain doctrines too repulsive to be accepted by those who have tasted of God's pure Gospel. The HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 425 pastor was again challenged to a public discussion which, however, was conducted more prudently than the one above alluded to. The priests agreed to establish their thesis by the Scripture, which they recognized as the basis of christian faith; but, forced to ex- press themselves upon certain doctrines of their church directly contradicted by Scripture, they declared that the Church of Rome is endowed with divine authority to establish or condemn. No unfortunate results ensued from this discussion; the church re- mained firm and united. The meetings were well attended and several members were added to the church. The board of the Grande Ligne Mission, having become con- siderably embarrassed in its finances, the church was obliged to look elsewhere for help. An application was made to the American Baptist Home Mission Society, which agreed to pay two-thirds of their pastor 's salary, the church paying the other third. In the year 1874, the board of the Grande Ligne Mission called the pastor to take the direction of the Grande Ligne Institu- tion, hoping to find a suitable man to succeed him at Montgomery. During two years the church remained without a pastor, depending upon the occasional services of colporteurs and neighboring pastors and the monthly visits of its late pastor. After two years, and as a consequence of too many cares and excessive labors in the supervision of the house-management at Grande Ligne, Mrs. Rossier's health failed and this induced her husband to accept a second call extended to him by the church in Montgomery. Shortly after his return his heart was greatly cheered by the conversion of a few persons who had recently aban- doned Romanism. One of these, Mrs. D. Vierge, deserves a special mention. Being a widow and an invahd, she had been, until the age of seventy-five, a sincere adherent of the Roman Catholic church, in spite of the fact that her children had aban- doned that church long ago. But at last, through the labors of the French Canadian colporteur she was led to see and embrace the truth as it is in Jesus. She soon desired to follow her Saviour in baptism and prayed earnestly that the Lord might send a pastor to administer the ordinance to her. Being unable to walk, some of her friends carried her in their arms through the woods to a 426 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT favorable place where she was baptized in the presence of a large assembly, largely composed of Catholics, who admired her courage and her sincerity, which could not be questioned. "What a blessing," exclaimed the daughter! "We left Canada with the thought that we were coming to a country where there was no religion, and behold we found in it the light and truth. " Not long after the pastor's return to his former field of labor, the board of the Grande Ligne Mission having decided, on account of its financial embarrassments, to abandon its station in Vermont, the church was left to its own resources and the pastor found him- self in a critical position. Owing to the inabihty of the Vermont State Convention, and of the other missionary societies, to extend any help for the continuation of his work, and in the circumstances desiring to leave the church entirely free to act for itself, the pastor resigned, in 1874, his pastoral charge, while continuing to serve the church as supply according to the measure of strength the Lord gave him, he being obliged to work with his hands for the support of his family. In 1879, the church of Montgomery numbered sixty-one members, who had regular services every Sunday in two different localities. The field of the missionary embraced seventy families of French Canadians, nominally Protestants, and a certain number of others which, though Catholic, were disposed to listen to the reading and exposition of God 's Word. Translated from the French by Rev. A. L. Therrien, 2 Thistle Terrace, Montreal. Brandon Baptist Church The Convention was organized in Brandon, 1824 Chapter XXII THE VERMONT BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION Origin and Early Years Convinced of the need of closer co-operation in evangelistic and missionary operations, the Fairfield, Vermont, and Woodstock Associations, each appointed delegates to confer with the delegates from other Associations, and with brethren from different parts of the State, on the expediency of forming a General Convention of the Baptists of Vermont. Thus authorized, a number of brethren met in conference in the court house, in Montpelier village, on Wednesday, October 14, 1825. In addition to the brethren appointed by the Associa- tions mentioned, there were present brethren from the churches in the Barre, Danville and Leyden Associations. Ministers present were from Waterbury, Ezra Butler; Chester, Aaron Leland; Dummerston, Jonathan Huntley; Sharon, Joseph Parker; Brandon, Isaac Sa^\'yer; Whiting, Joseph W^ Sawyer; Montpelier, C. C. P. Crosby; Coventry, John Ide. Lay brethren, from Fairfield, Joseph D. Farnsworth; Swanton, Joseph Berry; Vernon, Samuel Sikes. Brethren, after deliberating upon the question committed to them, agreed that the interests of religion required that a Con- vention be formed. This decision was not reached till the whole question had been thoroughly debated. One of the delegates, at least, was there as a vigorous opposer of the enterprise; that was Aaron Leland. "With the most determined energy he fought the proposed formation of a State Convention, believing or fearing that it would jeopardize the independence of the churches. After the vote was taken, resulting in a strong majority against him, he arose and said in a good natured way all his own, 'And now, my brethren, I suppose you think you have got rid of the troublesome old man; 428 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT but if SO you are much mistaken. I can never be separated from my brethren, and if you are determined to launch this ship, I shall jump aboard and ride; and I warn you now, that if you do attempt to interfere with the independence of the churches, you will hear my voice in protest.' " (Convention Minutes, 1875.) The main question having been thus settled, Brethren Joseph W. Sawyer, and C. C. P. Crosby were appointed a committee to draft a constitution, rules of decorum, and a circular or call to the churches and associations. x\t a subsequent meeting, this com- mittee made their report, which was unanimously adopted. The names of all present were appended to the circular, and a number of copies of the constitution and circular were printed and distri- buted through the State. The time mentioned in the circular for the meeting of the delegates was the fourth Wednesday in October, 1824. The place fixed upon was Brandon. Agreeable to this appointment a Convention was held in Brandon, October 26, 1824. The following brethren were present, Vermont Association, Rev. Abel Woods, of Hubbardton; Rev. Isaac Sawyer, Rev. Samuel C. Dillaway, of Granville, N. Y.; Rev. Jonathan Merriam, Jr., of Bridport; Deacon Oliver Sanford, of Poultney. Fairfield Association, Rev. Peter Chase, of Hines- burg; Rev. Alvah Sabin, of Georgia; Austin Beecher, of Hines- burg; Edmond Chamberlain. Woodstock Association, Rev. Daniel Packer, of Mount Holly. Manchester Association, Rev. John R. Dodge, of Manchester. Mission Society, Vermont Association, Rev. Pharcellus Church, of Poultney. The Convention was organized by choosing Rev. Isaac Sawyer, moderator, and Rev. John R. Dodge, clerk. The circular was read, and the probable advantages of the Convention discussed. 1. The Convention voted to adopt the substance of the constitution (adopted by the meeting the preceding year). 2. Appointed Rev. J. R. Dodge, and S. C. Dillaway, a com- mittee to prepare a set of by-laws for the Convention. 3. Appointed the follo\^^ng persons, officers for the ensuing 3'ear: Rev. Ezra Butler, president; Rev. Aaron Leland, first vice- president; Rev. Roswell Mears (of Georgia), second vice-presi- dent; Rev. Joseph W. Sawyer, corresponding secretary; Rev. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 429 John R. Dodge, recording secretary; Deacon Abner Forbes (of Windsor), treasurer; Rev. Linus Austin (of Whitingham) , Rev. Abel Woods, Rev. Timothy Spaulding, Rev. John Ide, Rev. Alvah Sabin, Rev. Daniel Packer, John Conant, Esq., (of Brandon), Deacon Peter Dean (of Manchester, afterwards of Grafton); Deacon Daniel Mason (of Rockingham); Hon. Joseph D. Farns- worth, board of trustees. 4. Voted that the next meeting of the Convention be held at the Baptist meeting-house. East Bethel, on the third Wednesday of October, 1825. Every association was represented except Shaftsbury, which then had only four churches in the State. The Shaftsburv' Associa- tion, however, in 1826, voted to unite with the rest in the Con- vention. It is noteworthy how many able leaders there were, so early, among the Baptists in Vermont. Aaron Leland was then lieuten- ant governor of the State: Ezra Butler had been in Congress (1813-1815), and was .soon to be governor of Vermont (1826-1828), before Leland laid down his office, — two Baptist ministers, at the head of the commonwealth ! Alvah Sabin was sent to Congress during the anti-slavery struggle in 1853. Deacon Conant, Judge Farnsworth, General Forbes were among the most influential men on either side of the Green Mountains. Rev. Pharcellus Church, D. D., died at Tarrytown, N. Y., June 5, 1886, full of years and honor, the last of the founders of the Convention. He was or- dained in Poultney, in June, 1825, but he left the State in 1828. The foresight and energy of these brethren and others of equal wisdom, if not equal in prominence, led to a remarkable series of denominational enterprises during the next fifteen years, and under the divine favor, to an advance of our numbers from 6,600 to 11,000. The outflowing westward tide of emigration was only then beginning. The Vermont Baptist Convention was formed in the same year as that of Rhode Island, and was preceded in age only by Massachusetts (1802); New York (1807); South Carolina (1820); Georgia (1822), Alabama, Connecticut, Virginia (each 1823). Twenty agents were appointed at Brandon to collect funds and to form auxiliary societies : The treasurer and Deacon Conant were 430 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT designated to receive money or goods, and disburse the same under the direction of the Board. Rev. Abel Woods was also appointed to be a traveling agent for six months. But funds were not secured, and the ensuing February, at Royalton, the Board resolved to retain but one collecting agent, Rev. John R. Dodge, with a salary of six dollars per week, to be paid in money or goods in proportion to each collected. This arrangement stood till 1826, and then it was voted that "the compensation of the missionaries and agents be 'the same,' payable half in goods and half in money. " Circular Ordered by the Vermont Baptist State Convention in 1824 The Board of the Baptist Convention of the State of Vermont and vicinity, to the churches composing the same, and to the friends of the cause of benevolence, send christian greetings. The work of evangelizing the world is now successfully com- menced by the friends of Christ— and in this labor of love we, as a denomination, are attempting to bear some humble part. There are already, in the various fields occupied, twenty-eight com- petent missionaries — sixteen males and twelve females. Nine males are ordained preachers. These missionaries have, under their immediate instruction, about two hundred scholars. They have also established four churches among the heathen. In addi- tion to this, we have a number of institutions, literary and theologi- cal, which make a demand on our charities, and ought not to languish through our neglect. Also, the condition of our own State, (in which there are at least one hundred churches of our own denomination, and of ministers not more than two-thirds that number), demands the sympathies, the prayers and the benevolent efforts of all who cordially desire the advancement of the Redeem- er's cause. These considerations, together with that of a world lying in sin and wickedness, and perishing without the knowledge of sal- vation, have impelled the Board to call upon you in this manner, in the hope of exciting you to greater exertiors. Our missionaries require immediate assistance in order to continue their operations. The resources of our brethren, which HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 431 were called into action for about three years from the formation of the General Convention, manifested that they were both able and willing to do much for the spread of the Gospel. If, then, for any reason, we have become inactive and indifferent, let us not remain so. It is time to awake and put forth our energies in the best of causes. Does not He, who gave His life for us, require it at our hands? Consider how large a portion of the church in America is made up of our brethren; and shall we withhold our portion from the treasury of the Lord? Let each one now act with eternity in view. And let it not be found, in the Great Day of accounts, that for the sake of leaving a trifle more to his heirs, he has withheld from immortal souls the Gospel of salvation. As united and concentrated action is most powerful and suc- cessful, to this we now invite you. We confidently hope that ministers, deacons and private brethren will take an active part in this good work, and exert themselves in forming in their respec- tive neighborhoods, societies auxiliary to the State Convention. That all monies and other property may be at the disposal of the united wisdom of the whole; unless when a special object is named by the donors; in which case, it will be faithfully applied to that object, whether foreign or domestic missions, or the support of our literary institutions. We trust that it will be obvious to every one, that a State Convention on the general plan marked out by the constitution, supported by the different auxiliaries, is the best means of pro- motion, the great object we have in view. We have, therefore, appointed Rev. John R. Dodge, as a traveling agent, to make the necessary explanations — to assist in organizing societies, solicit donations and subscriptions, and receive whatever is contributed to the funds of the Convention; who will make returns to the Board at their next annual meeting, at Bethel, the third Wednesday in October, 1825, at ten o'clock A. M. Done by order of the Board, John Conant, Chairman, Joseph W. Sawyer, Clerk Pro Tem. Randolph, February 9, 1825. 432 history of the baptists in vermont Form of a Constitution for an Auxiliary Society Article 1. This society shall be called the Baptist Benevolent Society, auxiliary to the Baptist State Convention of Vermont and vicinity. Article 2. The sole object of this society shall be to raise money, or other property, annually, to aid the funds of the State Convention. Article 3. Any portable property may be taken in payment for the subscriptions of those who sign, but no property may be taken on a subscription, above the current price of such property, at the time when it is paid into the treasury. Article 4. All persons, belonging to this society, shall have the privilege of designating the object to which the Convention shall appropriate their subscriptions or donations; and the same privilege is by the Convention, given to each auxiliary society. Article 5. It shall be the duty and the right of every societjs which adopts this constitution, to send an agent to each State Convention, to act in all their deliberations. Article 6. The officers of this society shall be a chairman and scribe, a treasurer and collector; who shall perform the fol- lowing duties, viz. : The chairman shall preside in all the meetings of the society ; the scribe shall keep the records and conduct the correspondence; the treasurer shall take charge of the money or property collected, and pay it out by order of the society; the collector shall make collection of the same for the society. Article 7. The annual meeting of the society shall be on the third Wednesday of October. The meeting shall be opened by prayer; and, if practicable, a sermon shall be delivered, before the ordinary business of the society commences. The report of the treasurer shall be presented, and audited by a committee, ap- pointed for that purpose; and the funds transmitted to the treasur- er of the State Convention ; together with directions for its appro- priation, unless it be left at the disposal of the Board. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 433 1824—1840 At its next session, October 19, 1825, the Convention began to assume the proportions of a State organization, and its con- stituency, constitution, its appeal to the churches and the begin- nings of its work become the objects of interesting study, in com- parison with more recent developments. The following associations and auxiliary societies were repre- sented: Woodstock Association, Rev. Daniel Packer and Rev. R. M. Ely; Vermont Association, Rev. Abel Woods, Rev. Joseph Sawyer, Gibbon Williams, Rev. Jonathan Merriam, Jr.; Ley den Association, Rev. Phineas Howe; Manchester Association, Rev. C. M. Fuller; Barre Association, Rev. Isaac Sa^vyer, Rev. Timothy Spaulding, Rev. Elijah Huntington; Warren Baptist Missionary Society, Bissell Phelps; Bethel Female Mite Society, John Billings, Jr.; Bethel Baptist Missionary Society, E. A. Fowler; Putney Female Mite Society, John Townsend; Putney Baptist Benevolent Society, John Townsend; Manchester Female Mite Society, C. M. Fuller; Grafton Female Mite Society, C. M. Fuller; Brandon Flock Society, J. W. Sawyer; Townshend Baptist Missionary Society, J. M. Graves; Townshend Female Missionary Society, J. M. Graves; Jamaica Baptist Missionary Society, J. M. Graves; Jamaica Female Missionary Society, J. M. Graves; Hartland Baptist Missionary Society, Rev. T. Grow; Halifax Female Mis- sionary Society, P. Howe; Vermont Baptist Missionary Society, Rev. Pharcellus Church. There is nothing in the records to show how many attended the Convention besides the appointed delegates, but it is evident that the attendance was not large, as the morning session, which was doubtless held in the meeting-house, adjourned for one hour, "and then to meet at Deacon Fowler's." Rev. Nathaniel W. Williams, R. M. Ely, Deacon Abner Forbes and Brother John Billings were appointed to prepare a circular, make the necessary alterations in the constitution and superintend the printing of the minutes. Elected Rev. Isaac Sawyer, president; Rev. Abel Woods and Rev. Daniel Packer, vice-presidents; Rev. Joseph Sawyer, cor- 434 HISTORY or the baptists in VERMONT responding secretary; Rev. Richard M. Ely, recording secretary; Deacon Abner Forbes, treasurer; Brother John Jones, sub-treas- urer. Rev. Joseph Sawyer and Cy renins M. Fuller were appointed delegates to the General Convention of the United States, to meet in New York, in April, 1826. The business transacted by the Board of Managers makes a very brief report. The churches of Dresden, Grafton and Putney were the first to receive appropriations; to Dresden, the sum of twenty dollars, that the Rev. Isaac Fuller might continue his labors with them; to Putney, fifteen dollars, to be paid their pastor, Rev. M. McCullar; and Elder Sweet, a missionary for the town of Grafton, was allowed to receive the money still retained by the society there (auxiliary to the Convention), for his labors while in the service of the Convention. One hundred dollars were ordered sent to the treasurer of the General Convention. Note the small beginnings of State work and the relatively large appropriation for the general work of the denomination. Several agents were appointed: Rev. Timothy Spaulding, for the term of six months, to labor in the northern part of the State and vicinity; Brother Gibbons Williams for four weeks; Rev. Isaac Sa-^yer to labor one-fourth part of the time till the next meeting of the Board; Rev. C. M. Fuller, for four weeks; Rev. J. M. Graves for four weeks. The first treasurer's report is in two columns, one for the cash receipts, mainly from associations and societies, amounting to $184.45; the other for clothing, etc., amounting to $166.56^^. The items in the clothing column are exceedingly suggestive of the primitive conditions in those early days of the Convention. They are not unworthy of permanent record in these pages. "Tw o boxes of clothing, etc., for Carey Station, in the hands of Asa Bill- ings, Royalton, from a few females of Thetford and Fairlee, $61.00; Brandon Religious Flock Society, 14^^ yards fulled cloth, $15.35- 9 yards fulled cloth from Manchester Society, $9.00; 1 pair shoes, do., $1.50; sundry clothing from Grafton Female Missionary^ Society, $17.52; Putney Female Society, sundry socks, etc., $4.25; HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 435 Jamaica Missionarj^ Society, sundry clothing, $2.08; Do. Fern. Society, 15 yards cotton cloth, 123^^ yards flannel, 5 pair socks and 1 handkerchief, $10.38; Townshend Missionarj^ Society, 2 pair socks, etc., $4.81; D. Female do., sundries, $4.09; Elder Dodge, 2 pair shoes and 3 pair socks, $2.10; 10 volumes sermons and pamph- lets collected by Elder Dodge, $15.00; 1 pair Satin Den shoes, $1.50; 1 pair child's morocco shoes, $.75, and 1 cotton shawl and two silk handkerchiefs, $3. 123/2 5 1 pair shoes and 2 pair socks, $1.31}/^; linen and two yarn $.94. From individuals in Plainfield, 43^ yards fulled cloth, $4.50, diaper, $.50; Middletown Female Missionary Society, 4 pair socks and 43^2 y^^rds fulled cloth, $6.85." Contributions of goods and articles of value continued for some years to form a large part of the income of the Convention. The work of collecting, appraising, transporting, storing and dis- tributing these articles became at times burdensome to the treasur- er and his assistants, especially when the contributors were not careful to give a careful inventory of their boxes, or properly to label them, and more than once they had to be reminded of this important duty. The women bore their full share of the Convention burdens, giving their money, time and toil for the cause. The "Female Mite Societies" and "Female Missionary Societies" are con- spicuously in evidence in the treasurer's reports. They carded, spun, wove, knit, sewed and sacrificed to supply the needed re- sources. Many of them parted with their personal ornaments, strings of gold beads, necklaces, finger rings, ear knobs, watch seals and watches, jewelry of every kind. These were sold in Boston by the agents of the Convention, and the receipts turned into the treasury. Articles of other kinds bear witness to the devotion of the men. Sermons, pamphlets, sole leather, axe helves, found their way to the treasury. An elder and his family contributed "two dozen boxes of pills, appraised at four dollars." Children put in their offerings, juvenile societies and Sunday school scholars are credited with contributions, and old people cast in of their slender income. Among the most interesting entries, occurring several times, is "a tenth of an old Revolutionary soldier's pension, sacredly consecrated." 436 history of the baptists in vermont The Second Circular, Five Hundred Copies of Which Were Ordered Printed in 1825 After a comprehensive review of the missionary movement that began with Pierce and Carey about the year 1790, the circular continues : "It is probably kno\^^l to you all, that a Convention of our denomination was formed in this State one year since, having for its object the promotion of the interests of true religion. This object they aim to attain, not by an exclusive attention to any one method of exertion, but to embrace in the design, foreign and do- mestic missions, and the instruction of pious young men called to the Gospel ministry. Which of the three may be considered the most important, it is difficult to say. The design is to afford aid to them all, and, from time to time, to bestow the greater atten- tion to that object, which appears to need the greater assistance. At the present time it is conceived that a considerable portion of attention is needed in our own State. Many of the churches are destitute of pastors, and are suffering for want of constant, faith- ful i)reaching and discipline, and other parts of the State, where no churches exist, or where destructive errors and practices are prevalent, need the faithful and judicious labor of pious mission- aries. "Many of our churches and societies are too small and too poor to support a minister themselves, but where they lie con- tiguous to each other, by combining the means of two or three churches and societies, they might support a respectable preacher, who should devote his whole time to prayer and the ministry of the Word in their service. "In this way our churches may be brought into a more reg- ular and systematic state, and it is believed that by the constant labors of pastors the cause of religion would be more extensively promoted. We know that, in a state which is comparatively new, it cannot be expected that every desirable object should be at once accomplished, but every^ object should be prosecuted in a manner adapted gradually to secure the end proposed. The sup- port of faithful and well informed missionaries, to labor within the HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 437 State, is thought to be one of the best which we can employ. And if we would have missionaries qualified for their work, our young brethren, who are generally unable to bear their own expenses, must be furnished by the hand of christian charity, with the means of cultivating and improving the gifts which God graciously be- stowed upon them. "Nor must we overlook missions among the red men of our forests, and the many millions of idolaters which live in foreign countries. To carry the Gospel where it has never been known is an apostolical work. To engage in this work, the providence of God is particularly inviting us. Great facilities are afforded in the translation of the scriptures, and very pleasing success has of late attended some of the exertions which have been made. It is true that the peril of our dear friends in Burma have been great, and for the safety of some of them we have many fears. Yet, even there it is believed the way is preparing for much more extensive efforts, and with far greater safety, than were made before the war. "A more perfect translation of the New Testament is now preparing in Calcutta, with which the brethren will return to Bur- ma as soon as the war shall have ended. Beside the missionaries, who have been for several years in India, our worthy Brother Boardman, with his wife, have probably reached their destination about this time. Other brethren are ready to go when the Board or management shall think fit to send them. In view of all these circumstances, it must be obvious that large expenditures are re- quired and larger ones will be required. "How desirable it is that missionary funds should be increased. But we have to lament that for several years the spirit of missions has declined, so that it has been with difficulty the Board has been able to support their laborers in the field. We do not, however, think that this defect has been wholly owing to the want of feel- ing, but chiefly to the want of system and cooperation among our churches. The practice of forming distinct societies is not suf- ficiently prevalent. To remedy this evil the Convention has been formed in this State, and it is ardently desired that, in each and all of our churches, societies may be formed speedily, auxiliary to the Convention, and reported without delay. This Convention 438 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT will be likely to become auxiliary to the General Convention of the United States, and thus a regular channel of communication be formed from the individual contributions to the general treasury. "And now, beloved christian friends, we have only to exhort you to think of the millions of precious souls that are destitute of gospel instructions and liable every moment to drop into etern- ity ! Let the question come home to your oxsti mind, 'How much owest thou unto my Lord?' and if your hearts are grateful for the love of Jesus for you, do all in your power to make knowm the same love to others. Govern your charity by this apostolic rule: 'Let every one of you lay by him in store, on the first day of the week, according as God has prospered him.' And while you give, dear friends, do not forget to pray that a blessing may attend your gifts. 'Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. ' Imagine yourselves and your children in the same situation in which the disciples of Jesus in Burma are. ^Yould you not desire and justly expect the favored inhabitants of America to send the gospel to your perishing countrymen? Bear, then, on your hearts the poor heathen before God, and in view of that day when you must need the assembled nations before the Lord, now act as you will at that time wish you had done." ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION OF THE VERMONT BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION Preamble At a day when the christian church is impressed with the great importance of spreading the Gospel of Christ, the Baptist churches of the State of Vermont, being desirous of aiding the same cause, delegates from different parts of the State, pursuant to a circular missive, from brethren convened at Montpelier in October, 1883, resolved that it was expedient to form a State .Convention, and proceeded to the adoption of a constitution, which, being altered and amended by a committee appointed by the Convention for that purpose, at their annual meeting in Bethel, in the present month of October, 1825, the following is the revised: history of the baptists in vermont 439 Constitution of the baptist convention of the state of vermont and vicinity I. This Convention shall be called The Baptist Convention of the State of Vermont and Vicinity. II. The object of this Convention shall be to unite the wisdom and energies of the Baptist Denomination in this State and vicinity, thereby to facilitate their union and cooperation in supporting missionary labors among the destitute, and to devise and execute other important measures for the ad- vancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. III. This Convention shall be composed of delegates annually appointed, by the different Associations, Missionary and Education Societies within the State and vicinity, i. e., each Association contributing to the funds of the Convention shall have the right of sending one delegate, and for a con- tribution of $50 or more, shall have the right of sending two delegates. Each Missionary or Education Society, which shall contribute to the funds, shall have the right of sending one delegate, and for a contribution of $50 or more, two delegates; and each individual contributing $5 annually, shall be a member for life, and anyone who shall contribute $50 at one time, shall be a member of the Board of Trustees for life. IV. The Convention shall meet annually at such time and place as shall be appointed, at which time a sermon shall be de- livered by a person previously elected, at the close of which a collection shall be taken up for the benefit of the Con- vention. V. At the annual meeting of the Convention there shall be chosen by ballot a President, two Vice Presidents, Corres- ponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and one Trustee, who shall constitute a Board of Managers eight of whom shall be a quorum to transact business. 440 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT VI. It shall be the duty of the President to preside in all meet- ings of the Convention and Board of Managers, and in his absence one of the Vice Presidents shall fill his place. VII. The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain correspondence with such individuals and societies as he may think proper, or the Board may direct, with a view to aid the great ob- jects of the Convention. VIII. The Recording Secretary shall register every society which becomes an auxiliary', and every member's name, and shall keep a fair record of the transactions of the Convention and Board of Managers, which shall be liable to their inspection whenever requested. IX. The Treasurer shall receive all donations made to the Con- vention, and give a sufficient security for the funds in his possession, and shall pay out on the written order of the Board, signed by the Secretary, and shall render an accurate statement of accounts at each meeting of the Convention, or oftener if required by the Board. X. In regard to the funds, contributed to the promotion of the general objects here contemplated, the Board shall exercise discretion in their appropriation, but no moneys, contributed for any specific object shall be otherwise applied. They also shall have power to make appropriations, from time to time, to the General Convention of the Baptist Denomi- nation in the United States, — to employ missionaries, de- cide on their qualifications, designate the place of their labors, and dismiss them at their discretion, and they may draw on the treasurer for the amounts due such missiona- ries, — appoint agents to collect funds, and at their annual meeting shall make a report of their proceedings for the past year. XI. The Convention shall recognize the independence and liberty of the churches of Christ, and shall not in any case interfere with their spiritual or secular interests; and no decision of this body shall be further binding on any church or association, than the decisions of the Associations are upon the churches which compose them. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 441 XII. Whenever a General Convention from State Conventions throughout the United States, shall be formed, or designed, it shall be in the power of this C'onvention to send delegates to meet in such Convention and to instruct them to enter into any arrangements to promote the interests of religion not inconsistent with this Convention, nor with the general declaration on which it is founded. XIII. It shall be the duty of the delegates, from each Association, to present to the Convention a full and correct list of all the churches belonging to the Association which they repre- sent. This list shall specify the number of churches and of members at present, the numbers added, dismissed, ex- cluded and deceased, since the last meeting, the number of licentiates, and the number of destitute churches, belonging to the Association, together with such other information as the Convention may, from time to time, request. XIV. Any alterations may be made to this Constitution at any annual meeting of the Convention, by three-fourths of the members present. XV. This Convention may make such by-laws, from time to time, as may be thought proper, not incompatible with this Constitution. In 1826, the Convention met in the Baptist meeting-house in Poultney. Rev. Isaac Sawyer presided. Deacon Forbes, Rev. Alvah Sabin and Rev. John Ide, were chosen a committee to obtain from the legislature the grant of an act of incorporation for the Convention. The Board of Managers reported that the agents appointed at the last meeting had organized seventy -five societies, from which an income of $1,651 was expected; $20 had been appropriated for the church in Dresden, N. Y., for the support of Rev. Isaac Fuller; $15 to assist the church in Putney, and $60 to the church in Rut- land, to enable them to obtain a suitable minister to preach in East Village, in the court house. The treasurer's report showed receipts in money and goods amounting to $1,248, received from no less than fifty -four societies and associations. 442 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT At this session a resolution was passed earnestly recommend- ing to the churches and ministers to take immediate measures to promote the systematic study of the sacred Scriptures. An elabo- rate plan for systematic instruction was presented by Mr. Merriam, which was endorsed by the Convention. In 1827, the Convention met at Mount Holly, October 17. Aaron Leland presided and preached the concluding discourse. Ira M. Allen was authorized to carry into effect the plan of forming county societies, auxiliary to the Convention, to be com- posed of primary societies, in order to establish a uniform system of operation throughout the State, and it was resolved to employ Mr. Allen as agent, until he had passed over the State, agreeable to the plan on which he had commenced, and pay him according to the agreement made with him by the committee of the Board. The Board, in their report at this session, complain of their lack of success, and yet show a commendable amount of missionary work done. They say, "The principal object of this Convention is to amass together all the pecuniary resources of the denomina- tion, for the purpose of rendering the most immediate and ef- fectual aid to the cause of general l^enevolence. This object has therefore been viewed by us as one of primary importance, and when attending to it, we have felt the necessity of having an agent constantly employed 'informing societies auxiliary to the Conven- tion, and promoting a spirit of liberality in the churches. But after making diligent and unwearied efforts to obtain a person suit- able to act in such a capacity, it is with regret that we state to you that we have not succeeded to our wishes." The Board employed Rev. Timothy Spaulding as agent in the early part of the year. He stated that he had formed sixteen primary societies in the to^\Tls of Rochester, Middlebury, Bridport, Addison, Panton, Bristol, Jericho, Essex, Fairfax, and Cambridge; that the sums subscribed would jjrobably amount to $232. The whole number of subscribers, two hundred and ninety-two. He also stated that "a part of the societies were flock societies; the number of sheep for which keeping has been procured was thirty- five. Mr. Spaulding stated that his missionary labors were per- formed in the following towns: Chelsea, Brookfield, Washington, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 443 Barre, Plainfield, Orange, Topsham, Bradford, Montpelier, Nor- wich, Sterling and Rochester. He found some of these churches in a very low state, spiritually; baptized four persons and received, while engaged as missionary and agent for the Convention, $31.34, and articles of clothing, etc., to a considerable amount, not valued. Rev. Joseph Gambrell spent ten weeks with the churches of Winhall, Londonderry and Weston. The northwest part of the State, adjacent to Lower Canada, offered at that time the most extensive and needy field for mission- ary effort. There were a few feeble churches, scattered here and there, that are described as appearing like stars of the sixth magni- tude, and there were few ministers to break the bread of life there. The cry from that region was like that from Macedonia, "Come over and help us," and the Board could not but respond. Rev. Marvin Grow was sent and labored in twenty to-^ms, baptizing eighteen persons, and reporting revivals in Richford, Montgomery, Craftsbury, Maiden and Goshen Gore. Rev. John Ide was another missionary sent to that part of the State, laboring in sixteen towns. He was gladly received wherever he went and baptized seven persons, assisted in organizing one church, and formed one auxiliary^ society. Rev. Harvey Clark, another missionary, was sent across the border into Lower Canada and spent about twelve weeks, principally in Stanstead, Barnston, Eaton, Bolton, Dunham, St. Armand and Stanbridge. Mr. Harvey reported the region very destitute of evangelical preaching, and that he was probably the only Baptist preacher in that region. Ira M. Allen, agent of the Convention, during an agency of six weeks in Bennington County, traveled five hundred miles, originated five primary societies and reorganized sixteen. He found many societies in a dying state, their annual meetings having passed without notice, and nothing would have been raised by them had they not been visited by an agent. Appropriations of from $20 to $25 were made to the churches in Dresden, East Clarendon, Pittsford, Dorset and Arlington, and one of $60 to the Rutland church, which had been suppHed during the year with a pastor and had erected a new, decent house of worship. 444 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT An appropriation of $33 was made to Hamilton Theological School, and $20 given to assist a beneficiary of that school. Boxes of clothing were sent to the western missionary sta- tions among the Indians, and $300 appropriated to the Burman missions. One cannot read this report without being impressed with the breadth of the missionary spirit of the Convention. In 1828, the Board reported that the small amount of funds, and the difficulty in obtaining suitable men, had given them much perplexity. Home and foreign missions received some support, and the circulation of missionary and other religious periodicals and publications was encouraged by the Convention and its agents. Seven missionaries had been employed from two weeks to three months each. In this number of missionaries was Rev. Wm. Arthur, widely known now as the father of Ex-President Chester Allen Arthur. In his report to the Board he gave a gratifying account of his work, which was half the time for six months in Richford. He remarks that when the brethren were made ac- quainted with his appointment to labor among them as an under shepherd, they manifested gratitude to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, as also to the Board for their special fostering care ex- hibited to them in seasons of peculiar need. He had the pleasure, generally, of preaching to large and deeply interested audiences, and frequently enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing anxious sinners come forward to request prayers. During the period of labor with them, seventeen were added to the church by baptism and three by letter. The connection of William Arthur with the Convention, and his relation to the people of this country as the father of Chester Arthur, give special interest to the account of his life and character published at the time of his death. He was born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1797. He sprang from that Scotch- Irish stock which is excelled by no other in all those qualities which go to make strong, true, independent men. After a thorough pre- liminary training, he entered Belfast College and was graduated from that institution at the early age of eighteen. Not long after, he determined to make the new world his home and accordingly HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 445 sailed from Liverpool to New York. Proceeding from the metro- polis he began his labors in this county as principal of Burlington Academy. While maintaining this connection he commenced the study of the law, which he subsequently continued in the office of Governor Van Ness of Vermont. His future, however, was destined to run along a different path, and he had not been long at the law before he became convinced, first in his heart and then in his mind, that he was called to the ministry. He at once ])re- pared himself with characteristic energy and assiduity for the sacred calling, and in due course of time was installed as minister of the Baptist church in Bennington. He was subsequently settled at Hinesburg, Fairfield and Williston, Vt., and, in 1835, removed to western New York. After laboring a while at York, Livingston county, he accepted a call from the Baptist church in Greenwich, Washington County, and in that field remained five years. Later he removed to Schenectady and had charge successively at Schen- ectady, Lansingburg, Hoosick, West Troy and Albany. Among his literary labors, the most ^\adely known was his work on "Family Names. " A correspondent of the Rutland Herald, probably Dr. Case, of Brandon, wrote the following letter to that paper : "I send you a few facts concerning the parentage and birth of Gen. Arthur, the Repubhcan nominee for Vice President. Nearly fifty years ago, the writer, then a small boy, lived in a re- mote district in the town of Fairfield, Vt., which joins St. Albans on the east. I well remember the advent to that neighborhood of a Baptist preacher of Irish birth, but of remarkable ability and eloquence. He drew audiences unheard of before in that rustic community, where there was a flourishing Baptist church. He at first preached in the district schoolhouse, which soon failed to hold half his audience. Finally, a spacious neighboring barn was pressed into service as a place of worship. A meeting-house was soon built in which he afterward preached. On moving his family to the place of his labors there was no vacant house suitable to re- ceive them, as the large families of the farmers filled all desirable tenements. The minister and his wife and four young daughters moved into a small log cabin, onlv a few rods from the humble 446 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT dwelling of my parents, to remain there till a small but comfortable parsonage should be built across the way. In this log cabin Chester A. Arthur was born. " At the session in 1829, the Convention made its first declara- tion on the subject of temperance, appointing a committee on that subject composed of three strong men — Hadley Proctor, Aaron Leland and Alvah Sabin. When we take into account the com- paratively low standard of public sentiment at that time upon the subject of temperance, the stand taken by the Convention becomes an item of history worthy of record. The report of the committee sounded a note of uncompromising hostility to the use and sale of intoxicants. The report: "The committee on the subject of intemperance beg leave to report that they consider the evil of intemperance as one of an alarming nature, and while they are pleased with the powerful check which it has received, it is still evident that much more must be done before the remedy will be equal to the disease. It is the duty of all christians to use their influence to advance the cause of temperance, and especially should the ministers of religion lift up their voice and cry aloud until the alarm be sounded through all the land, and the means of suppressing the evil be known and suc- cessfully employed. It is the duty of every christian to adopt as his maxim, in relation to this subject, 'Touch not. Taste not, Handle not.' Wherefore, ''Resolved, 1. That it be recommended, that all persons, and especially professors of religion, wholly abstain from the use of inebriating liquors. "2. That it be recommended to the several churches to take the subject into consideration, and adopt such measures as will best promote temperance, and report next year to the Convention their doings on the subject. "3. That this Convention approve of the object and measures of the American Society for promoting temperance, and recom- mend to the churches a cooperation with that body to the extent of its ability. "Hadley Proctor, Chairman." HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 447 Another important incident marked the session of the Conven- tion in 1829. "On the expediency of forming a Sabbath School Union for the Baptist Denomination in this State, the churches by their delegates were agreed; therefore, Resolved, that we proceed to form a Baptist Sunday School Union for the State of Vermont. " Jonathan Merriam, Leland Howard and Cyrus W. Hodges, were appointed to draft a constitution, wliich, after amendments, was adopted and the Union organized by choice of Rev. Proctor, presi- dent; Rev. Jonathan Merriam, corresponding secretary; and Eli B. Smith, recording secretary. A committee was appointed to prepare a suitable address to the churches which, with the constitu- tion, was printed in the Vermont Telegraph, a paper which was re- garded as an important auxiliary in promoting the various objects of the Convention. This organization was maintained until 1844, when it was merged into the State Convention. The year 1830, was one of great religious interest throughout the churches in most of the Associations. The baptisms for the year were one thousand, three hundred and twenty -nine. The Board reported the missionary work as encouraging, considering the amount of funds at their disposal, $1,609. Six missionaries were employed, mostly for short periods of time, and thirteen churches were aided, among them the Burlington church, which was organized that year, and was aided to the amount of $100. The great destitution of pastors in the northern parts of the State, to- gether with the inability of the Board to procure suitable men to supply vacancies, led them to recommend to such churches to unite in forming circuits of suitable size, and to employ one or more min- isters to preach to them. Rev. J. M. Graves was appointed agent of the Convention to assist the churches in forming such circuits. Committees in each association were also appointed to carry the measure into effect. At this anniversary was formed the Vermont Branch of the Northern Baptist Education Society. This society, of which further account wall be given, was maintained till 1845, when it was merged into the State Convention. The next anniversary, in 1831, was one of deep and thrOling interest. A large majority of the churches had enjoyed a glorious 448 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT refreshing from the presence of the Lord — one thousand, two hun- dred and sixty-three baptisms were reported for the year. The circuit system so far as organized had worked well. Eight mis- sionaries were employed, most of them for short seasons. Some of the aided churches had been specially blessed by re- vival influences and additions to their membership. The Arlington church had received thirty by baptism; Middletown was rejoicing in the addition of fifty, nearly all youth and children. The pastor of the Wallingford church had baptized forty; Williston had re- ceived thirteen converts; Londonderry and Weston each had re- ceived fifteen. Burlington alone is mentioned with discourage- ment. Brother Winegar, after laboring there eighteen weeks, thought the prospect not very flattering for a Baptist church there. They had no convenient place of worship. At this session, which was held in Ludlow, the Convention appointed a board of twenty -five trustees "to take measures to establish a literary institution in this State. " This action resulted in the founding at Brandon, in 1833, of the Vermont Literary and Scientific Institution, which school, in its day, did good service in the cause of education, but for want of adequate support did not realize the hopes of the founders. The year 1832, was also a year of unusual spiritual prosperity. About one thousand, six hundred souls were gathered into the churches by baptism. The receipts of the Convention were large, amounting to $2,347. The domestic mission work was carried on in the northern part of the State and in Canada, though by fewer missionaries and with less \igor than for a few years pre- vious. Fewer churches also were aided than before. Foreign missions absorbed, and naturally, a larger share of the interest of the churches that year. Since its organization the Convention had taken a deep interest in the Burman mission. During the six years it had contributed more than $1,000 to its work. Now the relation was to be still more intimate and sympathetic, for one of their own number was to be a missionary there, and for this event the churches had been preparing, having raised some $1,800 for the outfit, passage money, and support of Nathan BrowTi and his wife, who were soon to sail as " our missionaries to Burma. " HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 449 The Convention at this session pledged itself to support the Rev. Nathan Brown and wife, "while they shall labor as mission- aries under the approbation of the Baptist General Convention." The Board in its report says, "This field has now become ex- ceedingly dear to us, from the circumstance that one of ourselves has taken a commission to labor in it, nursed in our churches, set apart to the work of a missionary by our hands, clothed, fur- nished, and sent forth by our liberality, known to our eyes, loved by our hearts, and to be sustained through the toils of his life by the aid we have pledged; we are, it is believed, ready to say, as was said to the first mission from England : while Nathan Brown is in the well, we will hold him up — we will not let go the rope. " Although Dr. Brown was not born in Vermont, and was edu- cated in Massachusetts, yet, as he removed with his parents to Whitingham the year after his birth, and was ordained and sent out from this State, he is appropriately claimed as our representa- tive. He was born in New Ipswich, N. H., in 1807. He was con- verted at the age of nine years and received into the Whitingham church, August 5, 1816. He was graduated from Williams College in 1827. After graduation he was one of the associate principals in the Bennington Seminary, in 1829, having taught formerly in Sunderland and Ipswich, Mass., and Concord, N. H., thus earning money to pay his debts incurred during his college course. Here he became acquainted with William Lloyd Garrison, then editor of the Bennington Times, and the intimacy doubtless deepened and intensified his anti-slavery views. He was dismissed from the Whitingham church to unite with the Bennington church, March 6, 1830. On the sixth of May, 1830, he married Eliza Ballard, who was born in Charlmont, Mass., April 12, 1807, and was educated at Framingham, Mass., and later at Sanderson Academy in Buckland, Mass., then under the charge of Miss Mary Lyon. For a while they resided at Bran- don, and Mr. Brown was editor of The Vermont Telegraph. He was a member, for a short season, of the church in Rutland, and was ordained there as a missionary to Burma, August 15, 1832. They embarked for Burma, December 21, 1832, and arrived in Bengal, May 2, 1833. 450 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT As a translator, philologist, poet and philanthropist. Dr. Brown met the highest expectations of those who were so interested in his going to the foreign field. Dr. and Mrs. Brown, in consequence of conscientious scruples in regard to the receipt of money from slave-holders, for the sup- port of missions, returned to this country in 1855. For fifteen years he was editor of the American Baptist, the organ of the American Free Baptist Mission Society. While he was in this post, he was one of a committee of three, who visited President Lincoln, to urge the issue of the Emancipation Proclama- tion. The difference among northern Baptists in regard to slavery having been settled by the war of the rebellion, Mr. Brown accepted an appointment from the missionary union as a mission- ary to Japan, and reached there in February, 1873, when he was sixty-five years old. Having translated the New Testament into that language, finishing it in 1847, he now did a kindred work for the Japanese, completing it in 1879. He died January 1, 1886, aged seventy-nine years. Mrs. Eliza Brown died in 1871. On the 24th of July, 1872, Dr. Brown married Mrs. Charlotte A. (Worth) Marlitt. The joy of the delegates at this session, in 1832, was tempered with sadness on account of the death of one of its foremost mem- bers, Elder Aaron Leland. At the close of the annual report, the Board ])ay a brief but fitting tribute of respect to the venerable Father Leland, "wliohad for the last five years, witli no ordinary diligence and patience, presided o^■er the deliberations of your Board, and taken a verj' active part in all the business of the Con- vention. Prompt in his attendance upon all the meetings of the Board and Convention, ever ready to unite with all the friends of Zion in all measures to advance her interests, we feel that we may be allowed to imitate the conduct of the ancient Israelites, who mourned when they saw that Aaron was dead." At this meeting also the Convention voted to become an auxil- iary of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, and or- ganized a board of managers to act as an executive committee for home missions. Of this board, Alva Sabin was president and G. B. Ide, secretary. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 451 In their report on the state of rehgion for 1833, it appears that the churches were generally prosperous, although in the Barre Association the condition was said to be deplorable. It had four- teen churches and only three were ordained ministers. The Board appropriated $200 to support circuit preaching in eight towns in the northwestern portion of the Danville Association, and Brethren Downs, Powell and Jonathan Baldwin preached on the circuit with much success. Earnest effort had been made to secure an effective agent for the Convention and Rev. J. M. Graves had been engaged, but for special reasons he had been able to give but ten weeks to this work. At one of its meetings the Board, having sought in vain to secure an eflScient agent, appointed every Bap- tist minister in the State an agent of the Convention. But the result approved the wisdom of the old adage, "What is every- body's business is nobody's," as the receipts for the year were only $755, the smallest amount reported since the first year of the Convention, when the Board began by appointing twenty agents. At this session, added to the usual committees was one on tracts. On this was the untiring Hadley Proctor and Edward Mitchell. In their report they refer to the general utility of tracts, as proven by their success in the foreign mission work, and by the increasing demand for them throughout the world. The report concludes with the resolution, "(1) That we feel a deep interest in the affairs of the Baptist General Tract Society and approve both their general and denominational publications; (2) That we purchase the Depository at Brandon and take the whole manage- ment of the concern; (3) That we furnish all our domestic mis- sionaries a suitable portion of tracts for gratuitous distribution. " The sessions of the Convention were adjourned three hours to give time for the anniversary of the Education Society. In 1834, the Convention held its anniversary at North Spring- field. Mr. Joab Seely, agent of the American Bible Society, ad- dressed the Convention in relation to the work of that society, and was commended to the patronage of the Baptist churches of Ver- mont, among which he was then traveling. Rev. Bela Jacobs, secretary of the Western Baptist Education Society, gave an interesting account of the efforts in operation to 452 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT extend general information and pure religion throughout the states of the Mississippi Valley, and upon calling for contributions, above $100 was immediately raised for the work of the society he repre- sented, and resolutions passed commending the interests of that great valley, \Wth its rapidly increasing population, to the prayers and contributions of the people. The work of the Board had been limited for lack of means. But few churches had been aided. The Orleans circuit had been organized, but no man found to take charge of it. One church, the Passumpsic, realizing the destitu- tion in this circuit, were willing that their pastor should be absent from home a third of the time, and he worked with success and was rewarded by seeing several churches revived, and reported sixty conversions in Derby and thirty in Coventry. William Guilford and Prosper Davison were employed about thirteen weeks, and Edward Mitchell and Jona. Baldwin worked in Lower Canada with encouraging success. During that year twelve protracted meetings were held in the Danville Association, and three hundred were V)aptized into the fellowship of those churches. The Leyden Association changed its name to the Windham County Association. The Vermont Association was divided and its boundaries confined to Rutland County. The Addison Association held its first anniversary this year. We have covered now the first decade in the history of the Convention. The results have been thus summed up by Rev. Chas. Hibbard, whose centennial address is the basis of what has been already given. "The success of the organization has already become assured. It has facilitated intercourse among brethren in all parts of tlie State; it has become a strong bond of union to the churches and of fraternal and christian affection to their member- ship ; it has made known to all the wants of the destitute, and has become the medium of their relief. Noble plans of usefulness have been devised, sectional jealousies have been removed, selfishness repressed and benevolence promoted. Churches separated by mountain barriers have become one in feeling, in interest, in action. Supported by its contributions, the heralds of the Cross have con- veyed the glad tidings of mercy to the sinful and perishing through- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 453 out the length and breadth of the State; and many a barren spot has been made to blossom as the rose. And not only to our own State, but to Canada and to many a western settlement, and even to distant Burma, it has become a fountain of blessings. The Sab- bath School Union, The Home Mission Board, The Education Society and institutions of learning have been the natural out- growth of the Convention. During these years, six thousand, four hundred and forty -nine persons have been received into the mem- bership of the churches by baptism, and the total membership has been increased from six thousand, six hundred and twenty -nine in 1825 to ten thousand, six hundred and eighty -two in 1834. The receipts of money in the meantime have amounted to $13,657, making a yearly average of $1 ,365.70. And, finally, Nathan Brown and his noble wife, have been sent as missionaries to Burma. " The study of these early records and documents reveals the conception the founders had of the constituency of the Convention and of the method of accomplishing its mission. The Convention i originally was a federation of missionary societies. It was a sort \ of missionary trust; all the little scattered missionary societies pool- ing their contributions in a central treasury, under the management of trustees appointed by their representatives. The membership of the Convention consisted of the delegates of associations, missionary and education societies, and contributing individuals. The representation of a society was determined by the size of its contribution. Each organization was entitled to one delegate, and if its contribution amounted to $50, it could send another. The influence of an individual was determined by the size of his con- tribution. Five dollars annually made him a member for life, and $50 at one time made him a member of the Board of Trustees for life! Churches were not recognized as missionary organizations from which delegates could be sent and contributions expected. Or- dained ministers were not members by virtue of their office, but by virtue of their appointment by some society. Within the churches there were missionary societies, and female mite so- cieties, and flock societies, and Education societies, and these were the units of the Convention and the base of its supplies. 454 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Accordingly, the first work of the Convention was an effort to multiply these societies. The lack of missionary interest was accounted for as due not to want of feeling, but chiefly to want of system and cooperation among our churches. They said, "The practice of forming distinct societies is not sufficiently prevalent. To remedy this evil the Convention has been formed in this State, and it is earnestly desired that in each and all our churches, socie- ties may be formed speedily, auxiliary to the Convention and re- port without delay." The agents appointed in 1825, addressed themselves vigorously to this task of organizing societies, and within a year seventy-five new societies were reported. The work of organizing and reorgan- izing was urgently pressed. Appeals were addressed to the pastors to engage in this work. Thus, plainly the hopes of our fathers were based upon organizations within the churches, rather than upon the churches themselves. It is interesting to follow the amendments to the constitution and note the gradual change in the recognized basis of the State Convention. By an amendment in 1826, a contribution of $50 entitled a society, not only to an additional delegate, but also gave it the right to elect a trustee, and $25 annually gave a contributing individual the right to a place on the Board of Trustees. The offer of a life membership in the Board for $50 was withdrawn. In 1829, the Associations were permitted to send each five delegates instead of one ; and the churches are for the first time in- cluded with the societies, as entitled to delegates, if contributing to the funds of the Convention. In 1832, the constituency was apparently broadened by the general provision, that it consisted of delegates from Associations not exceeding five, and of delegates from any other body of people, who shall contribute $5 annually. Additional delegates were al- lowed for additional $50. In 1842, ordained Baptist ministers in regular standing, resid- ing within the bounds of the Associations, were entitled to member- ship; the delegates from Associations reduced from five to three each ; one delegate was received from each church and each auxiliary society, and the members of the Board were ex-officio members. Hon. William W. Stickney Governor of Vermont, 1900— 190''> President of Convention Board HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 455 The amendment of 1851 differs little from that of 1842, except by the provision that any member of a Baptist church in good standing may be a member for the year, by the payment of $5. The latest amendment, that of 1893, reads, "This Convention shall be composed of ordained Baptist ministers within its bounds in regular standing, members of the Board, and delegates from the churches as follows: One from each church contributing to its funds; any church contributing not less than fifty cents per resident member (as reported the preceding year) shall be entitled to a second delegate, or any church, contributing $50, or more, shall be entitled to a delegate for every $50. " | Thus the Convention has come gradually to recognize its^ ministry and its churches, as the sole basis of its membership, and source of its supplies. 1835-1840 For the next six years the Convention prosecuted its work with commendable energy, and a fair degree of success, but evidently under increasing difficulties and discouragements. The average yearly receipts were $2,083. And yet, in the year 1837, the receipts fell off from $2,600 of the year before, to $1,140. This unexpected decrease seemed to lay upon the Board the neces- sity of paying only fifty cents on the dollar of the appropriations; and they had to borrow the funds in the treasury, belonging to foreign missions, to do that. The year 1837, was one of great financial disaster throughout the country. During the six years there were employed, on an average, seven and one-half mission- aries a year, in Danville, Barre and Fairfield Associations, and in the border townships of Canada. The mission in Canada became very interesting. In 1838, six missionaries were appointed to that field alone, five of them labored through the entire year, and the sixth, four months. They reported nine churches and four hun- dred members. Edward Mitchell and Jonathan Baldwin were especially useful through this period. Mitchell laboring for the most part in Canada, and Baldwin both in Canada and in the northern part of Vermont. It was in 1838, and in a protracted 456 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT meeting in St. Armand, held by this venerated man of God, that Charles Hibbard was brought to the decision to give himself un- reservedly to Christ. Mr. Baldwin's labors as a missionary and in protracted meetings were greatly blessed for many years. During this period there were baptized into the churches connected with the Convention, four thousand, five hundred and seventeen, or an average per year of seven hundred and fifty-two and five-sixths. In 1837, the Convention, sympathizing with the feeling which originated the American and Foreign Bible Society, recommended the immediate formation of a Vermont State Bible Society, auxil- iary to said society. An adjournment was at once voted to give an opportunity for the organization of the same. Hon. J. D. Farns- worth was chosen president, with ten vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, and executive committee. A full account of this organization is given in a separate chapter. During these years two more schools of higher learning, under the control of the denomination, were established in the State, in- dicating a revival of educational interest of much promise — Black River Academy, founded at Ludlow in 1835, Leland and Gray Academy founded at Townshend about the same time, and the Derby Literary Institute, afterward known as Derby Academy, at Derby Center, incorporated in 1839. During these years the questions of temperance and slavery, specially the latter, began to assume increasing prominence. Resolutions, strongly condemnatory of the slave-holder, as well as the institution of slavery, were introduced and earnestly discussed in the meetings of the Convention. At the close of this period the total membership in our churches was eleven thousand, one hundred and one, being an increase of four hundred and nineteen since 1834, and of four thousand, seven hundred and seventy -two since the formation of the Convention. At a meeting of the Board in October, 1837, it was voted "that the American Baptist Home Mission Society be requested to recognize our missionaries laboring in Lower Canada, as their own; and that they authorize this Convention to sustain them from funds raised by the Convention, designated for Home Missions, and HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 457 pay over the surplus to the parent society. This course was not taken for the purpose of rehnquishing our jurisdiction over the Canada mission, nor because we have discovered any diminution of interest on the part of the churches to sustain it; but solely to avail ourselves of funds raised within our borders, for what is called the Home Mission." The executive committee of the Home Mission Society in reply to the request of the Board, agreed to comply with the request. "It is deemed reasonable," they say, "that the money expended out of Vermont should be considered as belonging to the Home Mission Department. By this arrange- ment it is understood that your Board are still to have the oversight of the Canada mission, and that all moneys, raised in Vermont for home missions, shall be appropriated for the support of that mission; the surplus to be transmitted to the treasurer of the parent society. " Under this new arrangement the missionaries were expected to report, from time to time, to the Home Mission Society, and the treasurer of the Convention to report an account of the moneys paid over to these missionaries. The Convention considered itself pledged for the support of this mission, but were not able to long carry the burden, and the mission was practically transferred to the Home Mission Society, 1841-1850 In the sessions of 1841, the discussions were animated, if not exciting. Anti-slavery was the subject of all-absorbing interest. A proposition was introduced recommending that the relation between the Convention and the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society and the American Baptist Home Mission Societies be dis- solved, and another resolution introduced called for a protest against the action of the Triennial Convention, which was thought to have committed that body in favor of the South on the subject of slavery. Neither of these resolutions passed, but they were fully discussed. A remarkably large number of visitors from abroad were present and took part in these discussions. These were Reuben Winchell, agent of the American Baptist Mission Society; 458 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Horace Seaver, agent of the American and Foreign Bible Society; William Crowell, editor of the Christian Watchman; E. Thresher, secretarj^ of the Northern Baptist Education Society; Seth Ewer, Sandy Hill, N. Y.; D. S. Lincoln, Hubbardton; Lewis A. Dunn, Granville, N. Y.; J. M. Rockwood, Mass.; and S. Fletcher, N. Y. The committee on the state of religion reported, "There has not been such general dearth of re^'ival intelligence through the State for many years. Last year nine hundred and sixty-four bap- tisms, this year three hundred and seventy-six. Of the one hun- dred and thirty -five churches reported last year, only about fifty have retained their pastors. This is one of the most unfavorable indications in the history of the Baptist denomination in this State; for these changes have taken place among the churches themselves. But few pastors have been called out of the State, or to larger or more important fields. Under the unhealthful ex- citement of these frequent changes the churches can enjoy but a spurious prosperity at best, and the ministry cannot greatly im- prove. " Such was the bankrupt condition of the treasury that the Board felt obliged to decline nearly all applications for aid to churches. Three only received any help, and the year closed with a debt. In 184:2, little was done save to render $50 each to the churches in Burlington, Brattleboro, and Middlebury. The Burlington church, under the lead of Rev. H. Safford, was building a meeting- house. The Brattleboro church was thought to be able, under favorable circumstances, to raise $300, and needed the fostering care of the Convention. Brother Safford, of Burhngton, had expressed the hope "that Baptists in Vermont, who have means, will not forget the Burling- ton church, and that the Board of the Convention will increase their appropriation for a few years, when they hope to go alone, and do something to help others," — a hope gloriouslj^ fulfilled. In 1843, no missionaries were employed, and no appropria- tions made. Even the Canadian mission was cut off. This year the Convention received its first legacy. By the will of John Rog- ers, a legacy was given the Convention, which at that time was HISTORY or THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 459 thought to be about $750, but fell somewhat short of that amount. This was the beginning of the permanent fund. There were no signs of improvement in 1844. Many churches had been sadly injured by the recent extravagant notions of the Second Advent of Christ. On its twentieth anniversary, the Convention was still in debt and practically disabled in most lines of work. In 1843, the eighteenth annual report of the Board began with this melancholy record: "We have been constrained for the want of funds the past year, to almost suspend our missionary operations. ^^ e have been obliged, not only to withdraw aid from Canada, l>ut to turn away from waste places within our own borders." During the next five years little was attempted or accom- plished. The Convention was, however, awakening to its condi- tion and was studying the causes and seeking the remedy. In 1848, a special committee, appointed to suggest the causes and ascertain the remedy for the decline of the Convention, re- ported as follows : "I. Causes. We consider a worldly spirit, sapping the foun- dations of deep piety and benevolence, as the main cause. The prejudice against State agencies, on account of the supposed use- less expenditure for their support, as a second cause. "Giving up the prosperous Canada mission, and the missions among the Catholics in northern Vermont we consider a cause. "Want of full published reports of the success attending the aid afforded several of our once feeble, but now flourishing churches, we consider among the causes. "Did the churches generally know the value of their aid formerly afforded to several feeble churches, they would be more ready to continue their benevolence. "II. The Remedy. We consider that the appointment of one or more missionary agents, to take the oversight of the whole field — its wants, and its pecuniary means — is one of the first things to be done. "We consider that definite fields of labor should be hunted up and pointed out to the churches, as objects of specific effort; 460 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT such as used to be the Canada mission, and as would be the Catho- lic population on the northern border of our State; such towns as once were Burlington, Rutland, Brattleboro, and places where former assistance has been rendered by your body. "Feeble churches should be visited by the missionary agents, ascertaining their ability, stirring them up to duty and aiding them in obtaining pastors to supply the churches according to their ability of support. "Pastors raising funds for benevolent purposes should en- deavor, under existing circumstances, to see, especially, that the wants of the Convention be supplied. While we would not wash to have any cause of bene^'olence neglected, still we would have the importance of making first efforts, at least the present year, for the State Convention." A. iVngier was chairman of this committee. Again, in 1850, Mr. Angier expressed to the Board his con- viction, that if the Board, for the ensuing year, should adopt effi- cient measures for the supply of the destitute in our own State, the churches would cheerfully devote the major part of their contribu- tions to the treasury of the Convention. During the years 1840-1849, inclusive, twenty-nine churches became extinct. These were Dorset, Craftsbury, Burke, Shafts- bury 2d, in 1840; Franklin, 1841; Barre, 1842; Arlington, Roches- ter 2d, West Windsor, Windsor, 1843; Richmond, — the birthplace of the Richmond Association, 1844; Ferrisburg, Fletcher, Reads- boro, Randolph, West TowTishend, Williamstown, Winhall, 1845; Sterling, Stowe, 1846; Charleston, Stockb ridge, Stratton, 1847; Hartford, Pawlet 2d, Union Village, 1848; Milton, West Roxbury and Waitsfield, 1849. Sunday schools, ministerial education, and, in short, all our State benevolent work seemed struck with spiritual paralysis. And yet one or two items cast a glittering ray into the gloom. One was the French mission at Enosburg, which, though it had its lights and shades, was generally very prosperous from the time it was taken up in 1843, till at the close of this period. The church numbered one hundred and se^'en members, the most of whom were won from the thrall of Romanism. One new church, the Hyde- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 461 ville, was organized this year under promising auspices, and aided by the Convention. The Brattleboro church, after nine years of fostering care, in which time it received from the Convention about $350, became self-supporting, in 1849, and it is important to notice that, while thus fostered, it contributed during those nine years, to different benevolent objects, between $600 and $700 Thus, "the bread cast upon the waters was found after (not) many days." It is but just, also, to the churches of this period to state that they were not utterly dead to the claims of the perishing world. They took a far deeper interest in foreign missions than in their own State or home mission work. During the last four years of this time, they contributed $7,966.57, or about $2,000 a year to the Missionary Union. Some of the more prominent causes of this remarkable de- clension, noted by Mr. Hibbard, are as follows : First, is Millerism, which from 1841 to 1843 swept like a deso- lating fire over a considerable section of our State. It was specially destructive in Addison County and Lamoille Association. At the outset, it led many to scoff and turn away in disgust from all con- sideration of religion, but as the time set drew nigh, there was in- tense excitement, and multitudes from sheer fear, it is believed, professed to be converted and were baptized. In that year, one thousand, two hundred and fifty -five united with our churches by baptism, while the year before, only four hundred and seventy- seven did so; and the year after, one hundred and fifty-four; and still a year later, one hundred and one. But if many had scoffed at religion during the excitement, very many more did so after the set time had passed, and became utter infidels. And while spurious converts quickly fell away, thousands of true christians, who had more or less strongly entertained the belief, were paralyzed by the shock given to their faith in God's word. It took years for some of the most excellent of them to regain their lost ground, and many of them died under a cloud. Second. Following in the track of this desolating scourge, or rather sweeping on with it, came a wave of infidelity, — often called Murrayism, — from the fact that Orison S. Murray of Brandon, was 462 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the head and front of it. He was a Baptist, and a man of great energy and determination of character, and had for some years been editor and proprietor of the Vermont Telegraph, a Baptist paper widely taken by our people. Becoming an infidel, he began at first covertly, but afterward openly and boldly, to disseminate his pernicious views, through the columns of that journal. When the paper was discarded by the denomination and the " Vermont Baptist Journal" was started in Middlebury, in 1842, (this paper was pu})lished only a few months) to counteract its infidelity, he took the lecture field. Being a strong, outspoken opponent of slavery, he drew large audiences, into whose ears, willing or un- willing, he was sure to pour his infidel sentiments. The poison was widespread, and the evil results far greater and more lasting than those of Millerism. Third. The anti-slavery discussions were a third element in explanation of this declension. Baptist principles demanded equal liberty for all. It is not surprising, therefore, that our people early took strong anti-slavery ground. This they did as far back as 1834, but then, trampling on their own principles, many were not willing to allow others the lil)erty of seeking its overthrow in whatever way might seem to them the most promising, and so the discussion grew hot, — nay, almost fierce. It was brought into the Convention and all public meetings consuming time, dividing coun- cils, impugning motives, alienating brethren. The Vermont Tele- graph was full of it, and in 1842, was formed the Vermont Anti- Slavery Society. Now, there is no doubt but that God over-ruled this discussion for good. It did its part in bringing to pass President Lincoln's ever memorable proclamation of liberty to the slaves, in 1862, but turning away men's minds, as it did so largely, from the subject of personal religion, it just as certainly did much to bring on the great declension of this period. Fourth. But a cause, greater than any one — nay, than all these, because it left an open door to them all — was the ineffi- cient ministry. One of the most keen and accurate obser^•ers in the State referring to that period, wrote: "We had no adequate supply of even partially trained men, in the ministry, to meet the evils that came in like a flood. " Here we have in a sentence the HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 463 secret of the disaster. Beyond a dozen or fifteen names, we had no well-trained men in the ministry — men fitted by mental discipline and generous culture to meet the disseminators of error, hand to hand, foot to foot, and turn back the tide of evil; or yet, as in the anti-slavery discussions, to stem the torrent of misguided enthus- iasm. Grant, Patterson, Church, Conant, Hotchkiss, Hodge, Smith, and Ide, and others like them, each a host in himself, had left the State. We find that against the churches where such men were re- tained, the storm surged in vain. Fifth. A fifth adverse influence, and one which, to a certain extent, lay still back of the last mentioned, was a worldly spirit, or a love of the wealth and honors and pleasures of this world. It had grown strong with the greatly increased prosperity of the coun- try. It indisposed men to take the sacrifices needful to the pro- curing of an educated ministry, or to support, and so retain, such as had providentially come to them. It took advantage, moreover, of the early prejudice against a learned ministry, and so refused to support the men, who, if re- tained, would have been the salvation of the churches. Christians hoarded their wealth, or spent it upon their lusts, which, if poured into the treasuries of the churches and the Convention, would have saved the State from the terrible calamity of this period, and caused many a desert place to bud and blossom with beauty. If the last was the secret of the disaster, this was the bottom element. Other minor causes might be mentioned, but such of them as were pe- culiar to this period are substantially covered by the above. The anti-slavery discussions were so animated in this period, and the action of the Convention on the subject so distinctly his- torical, that the full account of it may well be included here. Slavery In 1837, a new committee was appointed, — a "Committee on Slavery,"— A. Sabin, and O. S. Murray. The report of this com- mittee was adopted and ordered printed in an extra of the Vermont Telegraph, signed by the chairman and clerk of the Convention, 464 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and sent to all the Baptist churches in the southern states of the American Union, The next year, 1838, Wm. Guilford and W. Marsh, were on this committee. This was their brief report, unanimously adopted : "Resolved. 1. As the ancient prophets were sent to warn the kings and nations, and remonstrate with them for their sins, the sons of the prophets ought to speak in the ears of this nation, re- proving, exhorting, and remonstrating for the sin of slavery. Resolved. 2. That the historj' of the last six years demonstrate that God has been arousing the minds, not only of this nation, but of all Christendom, to the injustice and cruelty, and sin of slavery; and we cannot be workers together with God unless we throw our influence into the scale of humanity and justice. " The extent to which the subject of moral reforms was agitating the minds of the delegates to the Conventions is indicated by a resolution which, though tabled, had some grounds, evidently, for its introduction. " Whearas, the introduction into this Convention of the various subjects of moral reform, such as Temperance, Anti-Slavery, Peace, etc., seems to divert attention and retard the business con- stitutionally before this body, therefore. Resolved, that in future we vacate the afternoon of Thursday to give room for those who may wish to discuss the several subjects of moral reform now agitating the community." In 1840, the committee of arrangements of the Convention, assigned Wednesday evening to the friends of the slave, at which time most of the members of the Convention assembled, and many from the village and vicinity of Bristol. It was a full meeting, indicating deep interest in the subject. Brother Stephen Hutchins, pastor of the Baptist church in Bennington, was appointed chairman, and O. S. Murray, clerk. Moses Flint, of Charlotte, led in prayer. All were invited to par- ticipate in the discussion. The following resolutions were intro- duced and read : " Resolved, that slavery is a violation of human rights, a sin against God, and, as connected \\'ith the christian church, a scandal on the Christian religion. "Resolved, that the time has fully come to withdraw christian HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 465 fellowship from those who practice this sin, or apologize for it, or in any way countenance it. "Resolved, that robbery for offering is an abomination to God. Resolved, therefore, that in future we will seek channels for our contributions to the cause of benevolence, uncontaminated by the offerings of those who extort without wages. " The first resolution was adopted unanimously after thorough discussion. The second gave rise to an animated discussion of great length. It was manifest that a large majority were at any time ready to adopt it. But there were a few who thought that the time had not yet "fully come." Most of this class appeared to think that the time would come, but they confessed that they had not yet discharged the duty which they felt to be incumbent on themselves, preparatory to such a step. The number was small who did not look to action of this kind, and in this degree, sooner or later. At length the following substitute was offered and adopt- ed by a large majority: ''Resolved, that the time has fully come, when we can no longer invite slave holders, either to our pulpits, or our communion tables, or in any other way countenance the sin of slavery." By this time it was near eleven o'clock and the meeting ad- journed without taking up the third and fourth resolutions, hoping there might be another opportunity to give further attention to the subject, before the close of the Convention, but no opportunity was found. It is evident that the Convention was divided between the more radical members and the more conservative. In 1841, a resolution was introduced by Brother J. A. Beeman. ''Resolved, that our connection with the American Board of Missions for Foreign Missions and the American Baptist Home Mission So- ciety, as an auxiliary, be dissolved." This resolution, after long discussion, was divided, and the last item taken first in order. In the afternoon, after another long discussion, it was rejected by a vote of seventeen affirmative and forty negative. Another resolu- tion was introduced at the same session by Rev. H. D. Hodge: "Resolved, that we view the doings of the Triennial Convention, 466 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT at Baltimore, in which, in our opinion, the Convention became com- mitted in favor of the South on the subject of Slavery, as a breach of the neutral ground which the Convention as such has heretofore occupied, and that we hereby enter our protest against it. " This resolution, on motion of D. Haskell, was indefinitely postponed. October 13, 1842, the Vermont Baptist Anti-Slavery Society was organized at Ludlow. A large number of the brethren as- sembled in the Baptist meeting-house to deliberate upon their duty to the colored population of our country, enslaved and free, and the best means of discharging that duty. Brother Wm. Warner, of Andover, was chosen chairman, and J. W. Sawyer, of Shafts- bury, clerk. Brethren B. Brierly, T. H. Lunt, J. Ide, T. Galusha, and A. Beecher, were appointed a committee to report a declara- tion of sentiments and a constitution. The following declaration of sentiments was adopted : "We, the undersigned ministers and members of the Baptist churches in Vermont and vicinity, adopt the following sentiments: "1. That God, as the moral governor of the universe, justly claims the right to give us such laws as He, in infinite wasdom, sees fit. "2. That God, in His word, has given laws for the regulation of our intercourse ^\-ith Himself, and with our fellowmen. "3. That in giving us these laws. He has clearly defined man 's relation to his fellowman, and the duties growing out of this rela- tion. "4. That this relation and these duties, as revealed to us in the Bible, render, in our view, the chattel principle of slavery a fearful infringement of human rights, and no small violation of the law of God. "5. That such being the facts we conceive that under no circumstances, whatever, can man hold the right of property in his fellow man, as he may in the soil or its products. "6. That with these views we cannot believe that slavery, in the modem acceptation of the term, ever did exist, or ever will exist, by divine right or with divine sanction, "7. That if slavery did exist anciently, by divine authority, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 467 the American slave-holder can claim no such authority, the former system can be no justification or palliation of the latter. " 8. That American slavery is a fearful violation of the divine law, a gross outrage upon human rights, a plague spot upon the purity of the American church, a stain and reproach upon our na- tional character, exposing our professions of religion and liberty to the contempt of the civil and christian world, endangering the purity and safety of the church, and the permanency of our civil institutions, and worse than all, exposing us, as a church, and a nation, to the rebukes and judgments of God. "9. That we are called upon by our duty to man, by our pro- fessions of attachment to liberty and religion, by our piety and our patriotism, to bring all the influence that we possess to redeem the nation and the church from its moral and political evil. " 10. Believing that our relation to the Baptists of the South and the mutual relation of both them and us to the cause of Christ gives us the right, and makes it our imperative duty to remon- strate with those of them who are directly or indirectly fostering this sin, and that we may labor more effectively, we agree to form ourselves into a society, and to be governed by the following Constitution:" The object of this society was, "To aid in forming correct abolition sentiment in our churches at home and among the church- es of the South, and to exert our influence for the elevation of the free colored population of our country. " It shall endeavor to accomplish these objects by resolutions and addresses at the annual meetings, by the circulation of informa- tion among the churches at home, and by the opening and conduct- ing, by means of committees appointed for this purpose or by its corresponding secretary, a correspondence with the Baptist church- es and Associations in the South, and with such individuals at the South as may be thought desirable. " The oflScers chosen were, for president, W. M. Pingry, of Perkinsville ; vice presidents, M. Bruce, V. Church, A. Angier, F. Blood, T. Galusha, J. Conant, R. Fletcher, L. Bottom. Each of these represented an Association to which he belonged. Record- ing secretary, J. W. Sawyer; corresponding secretary, B. Brierly; 468 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT treasurer, L. H. Cheney. Brethren Brierly, Sawyer and Angier were appointed a committee to prepare an address to the churches of the South, stating our grievances, and entreating them to break every yoke and let the oppressed go free. The society recom- mended to the churches to hold a concert of prayer for the Slave, in connection with the monthly concert of prayer for missions, on the first Sabbath evening of each month. At the second meeting of the society resolutions similar to those referred to were passed and another address prepared to be sent to the churches in the south. In 1854, the society expressed its approval of the action of the Foreign Missionary Board in the following resolution : "Resolved, that while our acting Board of Foreign Missions is bound to confine its attention to the one great object for which it was appointed, we hear with pleasure that several of its members, in their individual capacity, are decidedly opposed to slavery, and that as an associated body they have deliberately and fully de- termined that they can never be a party to any arrangement which would imply approbation of slavery. Resolved, that as by righteously refusing to appoint a slave-holder as a missionary, they have incurred the displeasure of the slave-holders at the South, and the consequent loss of their cooperation and pecuniary aid, it behooves us, as anti-slavery Baptists, and as the Friends of Foreign Missions, to tender to the acting Board our warmest sympathies, and to offer on their behalf our fervent prayers, and to diminish their pecuniary embarrassment by contributing liberally to their funds." There are no further records of this society in connection with the minutes of the Convention. In 1848, the Convention, by resolution, expressed its pleasure that the Executive Committee of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Union, in April last, speedily and unanimously refused a legacy of about six hundred dollars, when the money offered them was a part of the proceeds of the testator's slaves. A final resolution, expressive of its stand relating to slavery, until the outbreak of the Civil war, was passed in 1855: "Whereas, this Convention has, in various ways, and at various times, ex- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 469 pressed its convictions of the wickedness of the whole system of slavery, and its abhorrence of it, therefore. Resolved, that we deem it unreasonable and improper for any persons or person to demand any reiteration of views on this subject. We do, however, now re-affirm our past declarations, that we do not in any manner sanction that iniquitous system and have no brotherhood or fellow- ship with its supporters or advocates. " In 1854, a resolution was introduced by T. H. Archibald and adopted by unanimous vote : "Resolved, that we deem it our duty to express our deep abhorrence of the late act of Congress of the United States, known as the Nebraska Bill, opening the extensive territories embraced in its provisions, to the enormities and horrors of slavery, as being alike a violation of plighted national faith, an outrage upon the principles of human liberty, and a disregard of the Divine law, which demands a stern rebuke of every friend of humanity and of God. " In 1859, immediately after resolutions commending the American Baptist Publication Society, a resolution was introduced by T.H.Archibald: "Resolved, that in the judgment of this Convention, the American Baptist Publication Society ought to bear the same out- spoken testimony against the system of American slavery which it has already recorded against intemperance, Sabbath breaking, and other kindred sins. "Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed whose duty it shall be to present the above resolution to the American Baptist Publication Society and urge action in consistency with the opinion therein expressed." T. H. Archibald, R. Fletcher, and I. Person were appointed. The following year the report of this committee was recom- mitted to the same committee, awaiting the final action of the society on that subject. Before the next session the Society had taken the stand desired, and upon the motion of T. H. Archibald the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, that we hail with peculiar gratification the action of the American Baptist Publication Society at its last annual 470 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT meeting affirming its duty to publish on the sin of American Slavery as on other sins; that we pledge our hearty cooperation w-ith them in their new position on this subject, and respectfully, yet earnestly, urge upon the Board an early compliance with the practical in- structions of the Society. " 1851-1860 With this decade a brighter period opened, but with no sudden outburst of light. Pursuant to the policy which the Board be- lieved had been wisely prescribed, they set themselves to the task before them. The closing action of the Convention in 1850 was a vote which was prophetic of good things. On motion of Brother N. W. Smith, " Resolved, that we go home and go to work and raise $2,000 for the Convention. " More than $400 were subscribed on the spot. The Board, confidently anticipating that God would stir up the people to increased liberality, did not feel at liberty to turn a deaf ear to the urgent entreaties of need, and every application was carefully considered and none wholly denied. God honored their faith, giving them an income of $1,845 — against $513 of the year before. Brother M. G. Hodge served three months as agent, soliciting funds, and Ahira Jones was secured for the whole of the ensuing year as agent of the Convention. In 1851, we find the first record of aid extended by the CouAen- tion to the Grande Ligne Mission. Two incidents made the ses- sion of 1852 memorable. In the afternoon session of the first day the business was suspended to see if the sum of $2,000 could be raised, to complete the endowment of the New Hampton Institute, to be transferred to Fairfax. The effort was successful, and a prayer of thanksgiving was ottered. The next morning Rev. Moses H. Bixby, who, with his wife, was about to sail for Burma, made a farewell address, and Rev. L. A. Dunn, in behalf of the Convention, gave the partmg hand, and Brother H. I. Parker commended to the kind guardianship of the God of missions. Dr. Bright then addressed the Conven- tion on the subject of foreign missions. Howard Crane Treasurer of Convention since 190''2 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 471 A similar service made impressive the session of the Conven- tion at Brandon, in 1853, when Rev. M. J. Knowlton who, ■VN'ith his wife, was under appointment of the American Baptist Mis- sionary Union, addressed the Convention, and prayer was offered in their behalf, led by I. Person, after which Alvah Sabin addressed them and, in behalf of the Convention, gave them the parting hand. The following December they sailed for Ningpo, China, and began their service of twenty years, which made their names dear to all American Baptists, and gave them a lasting monument in the China mission. The year 1853 was made memorable by the removal of the New Hampton Academical and Theological Institution from New Hampton, N. H., to Fairfax, Vt. The legal transfer had been effected in November, 1852, but it was not until the summer of this year that che removal of the school was fully effected. The open- ing of this institution in Fairfax, with its able faculty and full classes, was a happy augury for our denomination in Vermont. It did very much to change the ebbing tide of disaster into the flood tide of success. During the remainder of this decade the Convention pros- ecuted its work with steadily increasing success. A review of the whole period shows on an average ten churches aided per year, against three the last decade. The Bellows Falls church was formed in 185-1. The Burlington church, which had been steadily aided by the Convention since 1828, in 1859, with grateful thanks, declined further assistance. Many a time this little church had been ready to die; and many times the Board sent a committee to see if it was not better to let it die; but in every instance a little handful of devoted christians, for the most part women, plead for assistance with a faith that could not be denied. Many and l)right will be their jewels in the day of the Lord Jesus. There were baptized during these ten years, three thousand, three hundred; and the total membership was eight thousand, two hunded and sixty -three, against seven thousand, six hundred and fifty -three in 1850; or a gain of six hundred and ten, against a loss of three thousand, four hundred and forty-eight during the previous ten years. The advance will be still more apparent when we com- 472 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT pare the receipts of the treasury for the two periods — $23,351, against $5,133, being a gain of $18,218. In both cases only funds raised for the purposes of the Convention are included. "Besides, it is to be borne in mind," says the report for 1860, "that during said period there has been raised among the churches comprising this Convention a subscription of more than $2,000 for an endow- ment of a Theological Institution among us. " Another event marks this period. In the year 1851, an Act of Incorporation was passed granting a charter to the Convention, which, after a slight amendment the following year, was accepted, and the Convention thus incorporated entered upon a new era in its history, as the guardian and manager of trust funds sacredly consecrated to its work. That expectations of the Convention at that time were not extravagantly large is indicated by the limit fixed to the amount which might legally be received in trust. Ten thousand dollars was the measure of their faith. The possibility that this body might ever be the guardian of funds amounting to over $200,000 was beyond their fondest dreams. The text of the charter is as follows : "Act OF Incorporation "Passed November 18, 1851, and amended November 9, 1852. "It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, as follows : "Section 1. Joseph D. Farnsworth, John Conant, Truman Galusha, Peter W. Dean, Nathan N. Bottom, John P. Skinner, Frederick W. Baldwin, Jacob Estey, Samuel Griggs, and Samuel L. Armington, and their associates, are constituted a corporation and body politic, by the name of 'The Vermont Baptist State Con- vention' and by that name may sue and be sued, prosecute and de- fend, and be vested with, and enjoy, all the privileges and powers in- cident to corporations of a similar nature. "Sec. 2. Joseph D. Farnsworth, John Conant, Truman Galusha, Peter W. Dean, Nathan N. Bottom, John P. Skinner, Frederick W. Baldwin, Jacob Estey, Samuel Griggs, and Samuel Armington, and their successors in office are hereby constituted a HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 473 Board of Trust, to control and manage the funds, and all the pecuniary interests of said Convention. The persons named in this section shall hold oflBce until their successors shall have been chosen by said Convention, The said Convention may increase the number of said Board to a number not exceeding twenty -one, and may elect such Board, or a part thereof, from year to year, according to such methods as the Convention may prescribe. "Sec. 3. Joseph D. Farnsworth is hereby authorized to call the first meeting of said Board of Trust, at any suitable time and place, by giving such notice to the members thereof as he may judge sufficient; and said members, or a majority of them present at said meeting, may choose a moderator and clerk, and establish such rules and by-laws as they may deem expedient, and not re- pugnant to the Constitution and laws of this State. "Sec. 4. Said Trustees may receive, hold and alienate real and personal estate, to an amount not exceeding $10,000 in trust, for the use of said Convention, to be appropriated for the benefit of Domestic and Foreign Missions. " Sec. 5. This act shall be under the control of the Legislature to alter, amend or repeal, as the public good may require. " The number of trustees authorized by this act is not to exceed twenty-one. The old number, thirteen, was for some time con- tinued as sufficient. In 1869, the number of trustees was not less than twelve. In 1878, the articles of incorporation were amended, making the amount of funds authorized $100,000 instead of $10,000, and the purposes designated are "for Domestic and Foreign Missions and for any other religious or educational purposes. " In 1885, Art. VI. of the Constitution was amended to read, "At the annual meeting, in 1886, a Board of twenty -one managers shall be chosen in three classes of seven each, to serve respectively one, two and three years. Annually, thereafter, one class of seven shall be elected for three years, and vacancies in the other two classes shall be filled. Five members shall constitvite a quorum. All shall be nominated by a committee appointed for that purpose. The Board of Managers shall annually elect from their members a president, two vice presidents, etc." Hitherto the officers of the 474 HISTORY or the baptists in VERMONT Board were appointed by the Convention at the annual meeting. November 13, 1900, the Act was again amended and the hmiting clause in Sec. 4, "not exceeding $100,000," was removed and no limiting clause substituted. 1861-1870 This period opens at the beginning of a chapter of national history of unparalleled tumult and trouble. The WTongs and abuses of slavery were to yield their legitimate fruit of suflFering and blood. The year 1861 had hardly begun before the mutterings of the impending war became distinctly audible, and before it had closed the war was casting its dark and fearful shadow over the whole land . The part that Vermont took in that Civil war has been told by those who witnessed its terrible scenes and shared in its perils at the front. The stories of camp and march, siege and battle, have been rehearsed for many years. The storj% however, of the homeward side of that dreadful war, the anxiety, suffering, sacri- fice and sorrow of those who remained at home, has never been as fully told, and probably never will be told. If it could be, it might be impossible and perhaps undesirable to separate from the rest the narrative of the part taken, the trials endured, by the Baptists of Vermont. Still one cannot help wishing, at times, that when it was possible to gather the facts we might have preserved the knowl- edge of the suffering and the cost in life and treasure to our churches of that terrible strife. The history- of our part of that war is a record of a small and rural commonwealth, heavily drained of its able bodied men by emigration, "VN-ithout large towns or floating population, and having thus much less than the average proportion of the material out of which modem armies are made, but which, nevertheless, sent to the war ten men for everj' one hundred of its total population. In proportion to her population Vermont had more of her sons killed in battle than any other northern State. The deaths from all causes are reckoned to be five thousand, two hundred and twenty -four, or one hundred and sixty and forty- nine hundredths men lost to every one thousand of her population. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 475 How many families were thrown into mourning, how many homes and hearts made desolate ! It could not be otherwise than that the churches should feel heavily the burdens and the depres- sion of this period. But no portion of the people were more loyal than the Baptists. The annual sessions of the State Convention, and of the sev- eral Associations, gave opportunity for the expression of patriotic and loyal sentiments, and these expressions are an interesting and honorable part of Baptist history. They were usually made by men who penned with care the resolutions that they presented, and the hearty adoption of them by these representatives, assemblies of the delegates from the churches, bears witness to the prevalent sentiments among the membership. In 1861, the committee on National Affairs reported the fol- lowing resolutions, which, after interesting remarks, were adopted and ordered to be printed in the minutes : "Resolved, that in the present state of our national affairs, we ^v^tness the culmination of a strife, which has long been pro- gressing, between the principles of freedom incorpnarated into the frame work of our government, and laying at the foundation of our national existence, on the one hand, and the system of American slavery on the other. "Resolved, that in our judgment, every just principle of reason combines with all the signs of the times, and all the events of the conflict, to indicate that the conquest can be determined only by the complete and permanent subjugation of one or the other of these contending elements. "Resolved, that every principle of right, and every considera- tion of expediency, continue to call upon this government to emancipate the slaves, of every person engaged in the rebellion now going on against the authority of these United States. "Resolved, that as citizens, as christians, and as christian ministers, we tender to the Government in this contest our constant sympathy, our earnest prayer, and our cordial and persevering aid in all righteous means for the suppression of this unholy rebelHon. " 476 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1862 In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed and the Convention expressed its satisfaction by the following : "Resolved, that the proclamation recently put forth by our Chief Magistrate, looking to the emancipation of more than three million of slaves, increases our confidence in the wisdom and in- tegrity of Abraham Lincoln, and meets our hearty approbation, gives us great reason to thank God and take courage, places before us additional motives for labor, and affords new encourage- ment for prayer for the emancipation of every slave, and for the suppression of the wicked rebellion which seeks to overthrow and destroy all our liberties, both civil and religious. "Resolved, that, as citizens and as christians, we tender to the Government, in this contest, our constant sympathy, our earnest prayers, and our cordial and persevering aid in all righteous means for the suppression of this unholy rebellion. " The progress of the war was watched with intense interest. Fervent prayers were offered to God for the return of peace. The hand of God was recognized directing events, and strong faith was exercised that He who founded the nation had beneficent purposes for the world through it, yet unfulfilled, and that he would, in due time, suppress rebellion and preserve the nation from disruption. Though the longed for end of the war had not come, yet there were indications of final victory, and the resolutions in 1863 were hopeful and loyal. 1863 "Resolved, that in the present appearances that the beginning of the end of the rebellion is come, we have occasion for devout thanksgiving to God; we see the efficiency and adaptation of our Chief Magistrate to the position Providence has assigned him; that protestantism and evangelical piety are to supplant all false systems of religion and rule the world; and that America is yet to be what her ancient historv' promised, the missionary nation to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 477 "Resolved, that the policy of the Administration in emanci- pating the slaves and employing them in the service of the Gov- ernment is evidently directed by 'that wisdom which cometh from above, ' and is an omen of success in securing freedom, and restor- ing peace and union to the nation. "Resolved, that we endorse the policy of the Administration in suspending the writ of the habeas corpus, as demanded by the occasion, and a wise measure for the preservation of the Union. "Resolved, that in the hopeful signs of the times we see no occasion to omit the least effort to overcome the rebellion ; and that, as heretofore, we pledge to the President, 'our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor, ' to stand by him until the authority of the Government is vindicated, and the honor of our flag maintained, which is the emblem of freedom, equality, justice, and the power of a great law-abiding and liberty -loving people. " Another year passed and the end had not come. The Con- vention met again mider the depressing influences of the prolonged and dreadful war, but its utterances were still hopeful and patriotic. 1864 "Resolved, that we recognize, with devout gratitude to Al- mighty God, that divine favor which has given so many and such important victories to our arms, and hail them as harbingers of the complete and speedy suppression of this unhallowed rebellion. "Resolved, that in this terrible conflict, the insurrection of the southern oligarcy against the constitutional government of the country secures the sympathj' and aid of exery lover of civil and ecclesiastical despotism throughout the civilized world, as they hope for the overthrow of civil and religious freedom of this con- tinent. "Resolved, that while we long and pray for a speedy peace, we believe that no peace can be either righteous or permanent, and therefore no peace can be desirable, that does not embrace these three things, namely, the integrity of the whole Union, the complete submission of those in arms against the Government, and 478 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the entire abolition of chattel slavery — the impelling cause of the conflict — and that for the attainment of these ends, we are willing to bear all needful burdens and make all necessary sacrifices. "Resolved, that we believe it to be the duty of every christian and of every patriot to rally around the Government and sustain it to the utmost, in its efforts for the preservation of the country and that we pledge it our earnest prayers, our continual sympathy and our steady support." When the Convention met in 1865, the nation had passed through experiences of unj^aralleled interest. The victory of Appomattox and the surrender of Lee had wakened ecstatic re- joicings, which were soon quieted and quenched with tears by the assassination of the beloved Lincoln. By autumn, the minds of the people were quieted, and christians were filled with devout thanksgiving to God for his providential care and were seriously facing the problems before them. "Resolved, that in view of the wonderful and stirring develop- ments of divine providence during the past twelve months connected with our national affairs, while we have abundant reason for humility and al)asement for the carnage and atrocities of war, culminating in the unparalleled assassination of our late beloved President, we find cause for devout thanksgiving for the return of peace to our borders and that in deserved wrath God has remem- bered mercy. " Resolved, that although the surgings of the battle are stilled and the effusion of fraternal lilood is stayed, perils of scarcely less magnitude yet gather around us, threatening to destroy the pros- pective good purchased by such terrible sacrifices of treasure and Ufe, it becomes us as patriots, philanthropists and christians, to earnestly and humbly pray Almighty God that he will grant our Chief Magistrate, his counsellors and advisers, all that wnsdom requisite for the great and difficult work, 'Reconstruction,' and that the Government may not forget or disregard the entire man- hood belonging to the race manumitted by the stem arbitrament of arms, in which that race have exhibited so much loyalty to the Gov- ernment and faith in God . " Notwithstanding the distress and depression of this condition of things during the war, the State Convention continued its work HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 479 with increasing activity and widening usefulness. Strong men were upon the Board and in the pastorate of the churches. A. Sabin, J. Freeman, T. H. Archibald, M. Merriam, C. A. Thomas, L. A. Dunn, N. P. Foster, W. L. Picknell, I. Person, R. Sawyer, and others of like ability. I. Person was moderator in 1861; and N. B. Lock, D. D., president of the Board; T. H. Archibald, cor- responding secretary; Deacon E. A. Fuller, treasurer. Eli B. Smith, D. D., had been recently taken from the scenes of his important labors. No man could have been taken from among us whose departure would have left a wider breach. Re- spected as a christian, wise as a counsellor, mighty in Scriptures and ready for every good work, his advice was of great service in all the deliberations of his brethren. Ezra Butler, C. A. Briggs, R. M. Ely, and E. Megregor, were also among the men who had ceased from their labors and entered into rest. The Board found itself exceedingly embarrassed by the un- expected financial revulsion, which utterly deranged the monetary interests of the country. They, however, aided fifteen churches. Their appropriations amounted to $1,093.33; their whole expendi- tures, including salary of agent, amounted to $2,059.70. For a time it appeared that the debt of the previous year would be heavily increased, but the receipts of the treasury were unex- pectedly large at the last of the year, and that debt was increased but a little over $160. Rufus Smith was the very efficient agent of the Board during this year. The anniversaries of 1862 were held with the church in Bur- lington. The place of meeting was suggestive of the good achieved through the instrumentality of this body. The secretary' of the Board, in his report, naturally called attention to this fact. "Here, for many long years, an infant church, struggling for existence, was sustained by appropriations from the Vermont Baptist Convention, without which, it is not too much to say, that Baptist preaching could not have been maintained in Burlington. Here and now we witness a portion of the ripened fruit — a self-sustaining church welcoming us here, to hold our thirty-seventh anniversary, and causing us with grateful admiration to cry, 'What hath God wrought?' Long may this church continue a monument of your 480 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT wise liberality, to bless this community, and to bless the world; and may many such be raised up and matured in every part of the State, through the same agency, till our whole people shall become, 'The chosen of the Lord, the branch of His planting, that He alone may be glorified in that day.' " This session was rendered specially impressive by the presence of another of our number designated for the foreign mission field. Rev. C. H. Carpenter, of Brattleboro, designated as missionary to the Karens, was sent out with appropriate services. Rev. J. G. Warren, D. D., addressed the missionary on the qualifications es- sential to missionary success. Rev. Mark Carpenter, father of the missionary, offered the consecrating prayer. Rev. C. H. Car- penter addressed the Convention upon his convictions and hopes upon going forth to his work. The chairman addressed the mis- sionary in behalf of the Convention, and a missionary hymn was sung by the choir. Fifteen churches were again aided by the funds of the Conven- tion. A part of the report of the Board reflects the condition of the churches and of the times. "They have been perplexed more than they can describe in ascertaining the path of duty. On the one hand the distress and embarrassments have borne, with oppressive weight, upon the feeble churches, which have been accustomed to look to them for aid. Their numbers have been diminished, and their pecuniary ability reduced, by the enlistment of their members, and supporters in the armies of the nation, while those who remain have been called to struggle under unusual pecuniary burdens, and they have urged, with the importunity of distress, for aid as involv- ing not only their usefulness, but their visibility also. On the other hand, the churches that have been accustomed to contribute to your treasury have themselves, in many instances, been crippled, and in all cases rendered less able, than in times of wonted pros- perity." The balance against the treasurj^ at the end of the year was $380.17. Eleven churches were aided in 1863. At the commencement of the year it was determined to make an earnest effort not only to defray the current expenses of the year, but also to remove the existing liabilities of the Convention, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 481 which then amounted to $750. This, together with the expendi- tures of the year, constituted an aggregate of $2,284, besides in- terest. The receipts of the year exceeded this, and cancelUng all past liabilities, left a balance in the treasury. The Board had been specially impressed with the need of enlarging their work, entering new and promising fields, and Rufus Smith, agent of the Board, made a careful survey of the State, county by county, mentioning the towns that were without Baptist preaching, and suggesting where work might profitably be begun. Acting upon these suggestions, the Board appointed a committee to visit St. Albans to confer with the friends there in regard to the establishment of a Baptist church there. The result was that a lot for a house of worship was secured, and a subscription started to build a chapel that could be occupied until sufficient strength could be gained to erect a larger and more commodious building. During the winter of 1866, the safe of Deacon E. A. Fuller "was feloniously opened, and along with private property, cash, drafts and bonds belonging to the Convention to the amount of $344, were stolen." A part of this was in drafts, the payment of which was stopped; the remainder was lost. The Board, in view of the fact that no blame could by any possibility be attached to Brother Fuller, and that his valuable services as treasurer for a series of years had been entirely gratuitous, unanimously voted to recommend to the Convention to discharge him from all liability for the funds lost. The anniversary in 1867 was held at North Springfield, and was rendered specially serious and sad by the death of the pastor of that church, the beloved Brother W. L. Picknell, which occurred September 28. The convention met October 2. Business was suspended for an hour in the afternoon of the first day for devo- tional services, followed by services in memory of Brother Picknell. The family were conducted to the house by Brethren Freeman, Cudworth and Dunn. Rev. S. F. Smith pronounced a eulogy upon the life and character of Brother Picknell, and resolutions were sub- mitted which, after remarks by Brethren L. A. Dmm, T. H. Archi- bald, Ira Person and H. Fletcher, were adopted. Rev. W. K. Picknell was bom in Fairfax, in the year 1823. He pursued his studies at the New Hampton Institution and was 482 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT ordained to the work of the ministry at Hinesburg. In 1855, he removed to Windham, and in 1858, to North Springfield, where September 28, 1867, he entered into rest. Brother Picknell was a man of earnest and consistent piety, with as few imperfections of character as are often found in any one, yet he was always deeply conscious of his own unworthiness in the sight of Christ. His con- ceptions of man 's sinfulness and need of a Saviour were very clear, and gave impressiveness to his sermons. He was marked by warm sympathies and strong affections. As a pastor he was more than usually industrious and discreet. Free from ebullitions of passion, he preached and practiced forbearance. He lived for the single purpose of preaching Christ, and Him crucified. His ministry was a successful one. The years 1866-1867, will long be memorable for the great spiritual awakening experienced by many of our pastors and laymen under the labors of Rev. A. B. Earle, the evangelist. The meet- ings in Burlington, Chester and elsewhere, were specially blessed to the development of a simpler faith in God and more perfect consecration to his service. The success of these meetings led to the revival of a policy so successful twenty-five years before, viz. : that of employing missionary evangelists to hold protracted meet- ings among the churches. Rev. M. G. DeWitt was accordingly invited to do this work. He came, and under the direction of the Board, labored with much success. In 1868, the First Baptist church in Vergennes, was constituted under the fostering care of Joseph Freeman, D. D., pastor. In 1870, was organized the Vermont Baptist Sabbath School Convention, with much promise of good in promoting a more ear- nest and effective prosecution of this important branch of our evan- gelistic work. This year, also, the Rev. M. G. Smith of Connec- ticut, a long tried and efficient pastor, was secured as State mis- sionary, and entered upon his work \\ith good hopes of success. Thus closes this eventful period, during which the nation was aroused as it had not been for ninety years; and the energies put forth in the defense of a free and united country were terrible. But though the demand upon our people for money, as well as men, was heavy and continued, business, after the first shock, was pros- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 483 perous, and the Convention was well sustained. Its receipts for the ten years were $22,966, only $300 less than during the previous decade; three thousand, three hundred and seventy-five were added to the churches by baptism, making a total membership at the close of this period, of eight thousand, seven hundred and twenty-seven. 1871-1875 For several years the instability of the pastoral relation was a cause of embarrassment and of special mention in the reports of the Board. In 1867, the Board called special attention to this. "Never, since the organization of this body, have we so many removals of pastors to record as at the present time. Rev. Messrs. Sherwin, Gurr and Swain of the Board, and R. A. Hodge, W. H. Dean, A. Sabin, J. Upham, J. F. Bigelow, L. B. Hibbard and R. G. Johnson, ten in all, have resigned their respective charges, most of whom have removed from the State. It is a serious disaster to any de- nomination, in any state, when moie than one-tenth of its effective ministry are taken from it in a single year. " In 1868, notice was again called to the number of ministers re- moving from the State in considerable numbers. "The Rev. Messrs. Foster, Jones, Pillsbury, CD. Fuller, Coon, Small, Dean, Nicholson and Peabody have left us and many of the vacancies thus created are unsupplied, while the churches to which they min- istered are in danger of being scattered as sheep having no shepherd. May the Head of the Church in mercy save us from the desolation and decay which are the natural results of this constant mutation in the pastoral office among us. " x\gain, in 1870, comes the same note of warning. "We re- gret to notice the frequent changes occurring throughout the State in the pastoral relation. The feebleness and consequent ineffi- ciency of a large proportion of our churches is due, in a great meas- ure, we believe, to this cause. It is demoralizing to both pastors and churches, but especially to churches. Often more is lost in one change than can be regained in a three or four years' pastorate. The extent of this evil is startling. No less than forty of these 484 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT changes have occurred, within the bounds of the Convention, dur- ing the year under review. In view of the importance of this sub- ject the Board would recommend the appointment of a Committee to prepare an exhaustive report upon it to be read at the next anniversary." This recommendation was adopted by the Convention and Brethren L. A. Dunn, C. Hibbard and I. D. Burwell, were ap- pointed to make, at the next session, an exhaustive report on the lamentable frequency of pastoral changes, and the remedy therefor. This committee accepted its appointment seriously, and at the session in 1871, did render an "exhaustive" report, of which Rev. L. A. Dunn was author. It was printed in the minutes and fills thirteen pages of closely printed matter. It was also published as a pamphlet. The discussion was so thorough and the subject so important that but for its length the paper might be inserted here as a part of the history. A summary of it is worthy of preserva- tion: "Here, then, in brief, we have the cause and the cure for fre- quent pastoral changes. The cause may be found in the want of love between pastor and people, or any real, earnest desire to make the relation permanent, and, consequently, a want of a willingness to make the proper sacrifices and put forth the proper effort. " To remedy this evil there must be : "A better understanding of the nature of the relation and of the principles on which it depends. "Pastors should be more careful and not enter fields that they have not the ability to cultivate. "The pastor should more thoroughly cultivate his field. To do this, and insure success, he must have wisdom. " 1 . To preach the right truths at the right time. "2. To foresee an evil and shun it. "3. To adapt his preaching to the wants of the common people. "4. To enable him to overcome evil wnth good. "5. To give point and purpose to his preaching, "6. To preach the gospel so that sinners may be converted, and the piety of the church strengthened. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 485 "And, lastly, to secure the blessing of a permanent pastorate, both pastor and people must avoid everything that will tend to weaken the strength or retard the growth of the bond of union." Whether this report accomplished its mission or not may be judged by the subsequent course of events. It certainly was an honest effort, on the part of the Convention, to expose and to remedy a great evil, and a pregnant cause of weakness; and it is suggestive of a line of work that a State Convention may well de- vote itself to, not spasmodically, by an occasional exhaustive paper, but by constant, studious and well directed effort to discourage short pastorates and secure longer ones. The year 1871 is memorable for the report of the Committee on a New Educational Institution, the outcome of which was the founding of Vermont Academy, to the history of which a separate chapter is devoted. At this session the trustees of Derby Academy offered the buildings and other property of the corporation to the Vermont Baptist State Convention, and a resolution was introduced, "That we accept the trust and manage the school. " This resolution was referred to the Board. This year marks the beginning of the Women's Missionary Work, and the Convention cordially recommended to the sisters of our churches the Woman's Baptist Missionary Society, recently formed at Boston, as worthy of their generous support. In the morning session of the Convention, in 1872, the Board through its secretary. Rev. Charles Hibbard, made an appeal for the immediate liquidation of the debt of $1,873.50. The effort was made and $1,886.82 raised and nearly all paid in. The ladies held a session by themselves and were addressed by Mrs. C. H. Carpenter, lately returned from Burma, and Miss Hill of Boston, on Woman 's Foreign Mission Work. A notable series of addresses marked this anniversary. Dr. Lorimer, of Boston, addressed the Convention on the subject, "The Mission in Rome," and a collection was taken for that object. Addresses were made by Dr. Backus, corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Rev. C. H. Car- 486 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT penter, returned missionary from Burma, and Dr. Gillette, presi- dent of the American and Foreign Bible Society, In 1873, the report of the Board gave rise to an animated dis- cussion in which twenty of the brethren took part. There was evidence of a strong desire to undertake advanced work. In 1874, the Board called attention to an important, radical change in their policy and methods of work. Up to about that time, from the beginning, the success of the Convention financially was thought to depend upon having an efficient agent to go throughout the State, as far as possible, representing the Conven- tion and collecting funds. There were always some who chafed under the cost of this method of collection, but it seemed impera- tive. But it was always difficult to find the suitable man for this service, and after one was found in Rev. M. G. Smith, his services became so much more valuable as a missionary, than as a collector of funds, that it was about impossible to get him away from the new fields like St. Albans, Richford and other places, to permit him to spend time collecting funds. At length the experiment was tried of securing several men, in different parts of the State, to collect at the least possible expense, and so far as the treasurer's report shows this expense was cancelled entirely, and the Board devoted itself to purely missionary work, especially in new and promising fields. The result was gratifying. Their report in 1874 begins, "In presenting their annual re- port your Board desire first of all to make mention of the good hand of our God upon us, })oth in counsel and in field. The year began with a small balance in the treasury, and has closed, we are thankful to say, without debt. We think the financial success of the Convention for the past few years has fully justified the wis- dom of the Board in dispensing with paid agents for the collecting of funds. And we desire to call the attention of our brethren especially business men, in all parts of the State, to the fact that every dollar that is now contributed to the Convention goes directly, and without loss, to its benevolent work, no fraction of it being absorbed on the way by secretaries, treasurers or collectors. Where else can the gifts and legacies of Christ 's almoners do more to advance His cause .f^ " HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 487 M. J. Smith spent most of his time this year in the northern part of the State, half of it at Richford. Another missionary, Rev. J. H. Parmelee, was employed in the central portions of the State. The fiftieth anniversary of the Convention was held at St. Albans, October 6, in the beautiful and well-appointed meeting- house which had recently been dedicated, free from debt. Its cost was about $36,000. Of those who were present at the first anniversary of the Con- vention, but two were known to be living at that time, viz. : Rev. Alvah Sabin, of this church, and Rev. Pharcellus Church, of New York. At this session Rev. Charles Hibbard gave a most excellent historical address, covering as fully as could be in a single address the fifty years' history of the Convention. It has been the basis of historical papers since then, and most of the facts he mentioned have been noted in the preceding pages. In a concluding paragraph he says, "Since the first anniversary of this body fifty years ago, more than one hundred churches have been aided by its funds, either by appropriation of money or by missionary supplies (seventy-four by grants of money) and all have received its foster- ing care. Of the present leading churches, Burlington, Brattle- boro, Bennington, Manchester and Rutland were for a time thus aided. In carrying on its work the Convention has received and expended $94,438. (For the first fourteen years small contribu- tions for home and foreign missions are included in this sum). In the meantime, $57,014.02 have been contributed for foreign missions, and twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and seventy- one converts, have, during the same period, been added to the churches by baptism. "During these one hundred and forty -two years since the found- ing of the first church in Shaftsbury, many churches have come into existence, been sustained for longer or shorter time, with more or less of vigor, and then passed away. There have been about eighty of such. The causes for such decay and death are various. "But with all these drawbacks, it is of great importance that the feeble churches be generally aided, even though they continue 488 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT weak or die. The smallest and shortest lives of them all have lived long enough to be the means of saving precious souls. And if the strong men who were raised up among them were not re- tained by them, they were sent forth to do noble work elsewhere and to make other fields 'blossom as the rose.' I have but to name a few of them to make this apparent: as Chase, Culver, Conant, Cutting, Church, Woods, Kendrick, Ide, Haskall, Hodge, Hovey, Parker, Fish and others like them, a long catalogue; be- sides Brown, Haswell, Brayton, Bullard, Beecher, Knowlton, Carpenter and others who have carried the Gospel to heathen lands. Moreover, the sons and daughters of all our churches are, by thousands, carrying light and joy and a purer morality and deeper piety into the homes and churches of all the West. It pays to support churches which send forth such streams of in- fluence as these; churches that are the mothers of Gospel ministers and missionaries; churches which, if they die here, yet live broader lives in other states and lands. Finally, brethren, shall not this inquiry of the former age, this search of the fathers, incite us to yet greater diligence and self-denial and singleness of purpose in prosecuting the work which the Master has set before this Con- vention." 1876-1885 The Convention entered upon its fifty-first year, and the centennial year of national history, in the midst of a session of financial depression, and burdened with a debt of over $1,000. Rev. M. G. Smith, who, since 1870, had served the Convention as missionary, finished his life work in Preston, in November, 1875. "He literally wore himself out in the service of Chiist among us, and his memory will long live in grateful remembrance here." Rev. Charles Hibbard of Chester, was elected State missionary in his stead. After assisting in evangelistic ser\aces at Abbotts Corner, P. Q., by the direction of the missionary committee, he went to Vergennes, vnih instructions to do the work of a pastor, and especially to lead the people in an effort to build a house of wor- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 489 ship. In the face of great difficulties $5,000 was raised, and a contract let for the erection of the house. The Board, though burdened with the debt, yet feeling the responsibility of the great commission to preach a pure Gospel throughout our bor- ders, and to establish churches, according to the pattern showm us by Christ, dared not retrench to any considerable amount. Trusting God and the liberality of the churches, they appro- priated something over $3,000. "God and the brethren," say they, "have justified our faith." The next two years, 1877 and 1878, the financial stringency continuing, the number of aided churches was reduced in 1877 to ten; 1878 and 1879 to eight; and the amount appropriated cor- respondingly reduced $2,218, $1,080, $1,065, for the years respec- tively. From that time the number of churches aided increased from eight to sixteen, and appropriations from $1,065 to $2,254. Strenuous efforts were made to reduce the debt, but the de- mands upon the treasury were such that appropriations exceeded receipts each year, and at the anniversary, in 1885, the debt was $1,749. Meanwhile, however, the permanent fund increased from year to year. In 1870, the permanent fund was $2,296, and in 1885, it had increased to $15,430. This increase in the permanent fund necessitated a change in the articles of incorporation, and in 1879, an amendment was secured authorizing trust funds to the amount of $100,000, to be appropriated for the benefit of foreign and domestic missions and any other religious or educational purpose. During this period some new and promising fields made en- couraging progress, notably St. Albans, Vergennes, West Randolph, Montpelier and Essex Junction. The church in Middlebury was organized with the encouragement of the Board in 1879. The Shaftsbury Association and the Woodstock Association completed their hundred years of history, in this decade — the Shaftsbury in 1880, and the Woodstock in 1882. Rev. T. H. Archi- bald delivered appropriate historical addresses on both occasions. Ministerial changes were frequently causing anxiety. In 1883, more than one-third of the pastors enrolled had changed church 490 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT relations. In 1877, Rev. S. F. Brown served efficiently as mission- ary. Rev. N. G. Alger served as State missionary in 1883, 1884 and a portion of 1885, The report of the committee on convention work in 1880, presented by Rev. J. K. Richardson, is of special interest because of its comparisons and recommendation. "In the past fifty years we have a little more than held our o^^ti in the State, while as com- pared with forty years ago we have fallen off. While the denomi- nation has increased six-fold in the country during the fifty years, it has increased but one-fifth in Vermont. During this period the population in the country has increased three and three- fourths times, and in Vermont, one-half. Approximately, the denomination has increased six-fold, and the population four-fold, in the country, while in Vermont, the increase has been one and one-fifth. Had the same increase obtained denominationally in Vermont as in the country, we should now number about fourteen thousand Baptists in this State. "A comparison for the last thirty years will give a very dif- ferent result and will show that our denomination in this State has increased three times faster than the increase of the denomina- tion at large and population might have led us to expect. The reason for this remarkable difference between the two periods of fifty and thirty years is to be found in the reasons for falling off from 1840 to 1852, and the steady gain since then. Among other causes, it was shown that during the period of decline there was a very great falling off in funds, and that the change in progress is nearly coincident with the increase of funds; that the period of progress was marked by special emphasis being laid on helping the churches to secure permanent pastors; that something had been done by })etter Sunday school work; and lastly, that missionary work had been an important factor of progress. A glance was taken at the State by counties, sho^^•ing that there was one county with no Baptist church, two counties with only one each, one with two, and one hundred and sixty-one towns with none. It was further sho\NTi that if any great progress was to be expected there must be a State missionary, who should be one of our very best HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 491 men, and should receive a salary as large as though he were a pastor, and that this work must not be done at the expense of the work we are now doing. " (The above is a very brief abstract of quite a lengthy paper published in full in the November number of Vermont Baptist, by special request of the Convention). The closing paragraph of the report of Convention work, presented by Rev. W. N. Wilbur in 1885, ends in the same key, and is prophetic of action soon to be taken, the fruits of which commend the wisdom of the recommendation. It reads: " Brethren, we ought to visit every village and hamlet of the State, bearing the glad tidings of salvation, and carrying the gospel in its purity and completeness to the multitudes who are yet ignor- ant of the way of life. This thought leads me to express the con- viction which has weighed upon my mind for years, namely, our Convention should keep constantly in the field, at least one mis- sionary—a man of God, thoroughly qualified for his work, the equal of our best pastors, who, by his wisdom and piety, shall commend himself to the affection and cooperation of all the pastors and all the churches. Hitherto the difficulty in sustaining such a missionary has been a financial one. Now our "Permanent Fund," wisely invested, will yield an income nearly sufficient to meet the entire expense. Such a man would be a tower of strength in our Convention work, and with the divine blessing and the cooperation of the churches, he might reasonably hope to accom- plish more for the cause, and secure larger results, than he would in strictly pastoral work." Another suggestion in this report was that the Convention carefully consider the wisdom of electing its Board of Managers in three classes, each class to hold office for the term of three years. The baptisms during this decade were three thousand, five hundred and ninety-eight and accessions by letter and restoration made the additions reported five thousand, eight hundred and two. The losses, however, seem to have over-balanced the gains, and the membership of the churches of the Convention numbered in 1885, eight thousand, nine hundred and eighty. 492 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1886-1895 Alexander MacGeorge, State Missionary With the annual session of 1886 began a period of expansion and progress in the work of the Convention. By appointment of the Board, Rev. S. Henry Archibald, Rev. R. L. Olds and Deacon D. M. White, had canvassed the State for the purpose of raising funds and, early in this session, the glad announcement was made that the Convention was free from debt. The hearty thanks of the Convention were expressed by vote to the members of this committee for their energetic and successful work. The incubus of a debt was not allowed to weigh upon the Convention again during this decade. The permanent fmid had reached the sum of $16,365. The time for enlargement had evidently come. Encouraged by che outlook, the Board listened to the appeals of a larger number of churches and appropriated aid to eighteen churches, the largest number ever aided directly in one year up to this time. But more important than any other action of the Board, about this time, was the engagement of Rev. Alexander MacGeorge as State missionary, at a salary of $1,200, and traveling expenses. Toward this increased expense a special subscription had been made for one year amounting to $442. Col. J. J. Estey, president of the Board, was especially in- terested in this enterprise. The convictions of the executive com- mittee as to the need of a State missionary were strong, and their conceptions of the sphere of his duties clearly defined. The \'iews of the executive committee on this subject were clearly outlined by J. J. Estey, in 1888, in a paper read to the Con- vention, and reveals the arduous work which was laid out for the new official. "The State missionary labors under the immediate direction of the executive committee of the Board, doing such work and accomplishing such things as they may direct. The executive committee hold the view that the work in which they can most widely employ a missionary's efforts is as follows: Looking after the weak, pastorless churches in the State — especially those that HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 493 have been aided by the State Convention — and undertaking to get for them suitable pastors; helping them on the field to raise money for the support of the pastor; doing the same thing for churches that are not aided by the Convention, but, from all appearances, will very soon need aid unless assistance of this kind is given them; helping to settle difficulties in the two classes of churches mentioned above; aiding the weaker churches in evangel- istic work; helping to raise money to liquidate debts in these weaker churches; looking after new fields where should be Baptist churches, and visiting, as far as possible, the different associations in the State, presenting the needs of the State Convention, and in this way assist in the raising of funds necessary for the work of the Convention. "It seems to me that the first duty named above is the most important one to the feeble churches in the State. With due respect to the brethren who have given themselves to the preaching of the Gospel, it does seem to me that the first requisite for a preacher has been neglected in many cases; viz.: practical common sense. This is needed to a greater degree in the smaller churches of our State than in the larger ones, where there is strength enough to carry on the work even if the pastor is not well-fitted for the field as he ought to be. But in the smaller churches, where the pastor must be the leader in all the affairs of the church, it needs a man peculiarly fitted for the work, and it seems to me that a lack of such pastors is one of the reasons why so many of our churches have been compelled to be aided by the Convention, year after year. There are, I am aware, exceptions to this rule, but this is the general rule, and while we cannot, as a denomination, have a bishop, I do believe that the most important work of the State missionary is to see that proper pastors are procured for these small churches. "There are many other ways that the missionary can be made useful, but I think I have named the principal ones. " For the multiplex and delicate duties of the State missionary, Mr. MacGeorge was peculiarly well-fitted. He was in the prime of young manhood, of fine physique, easy manners, fluent in speech and of evangelistic spirit. Besides, he was unusually gifted wdth 494 HISTORY or the baptists in VERMONT executive ability to bring things to pass. He was enthusiastic in his work and inspired courage and enthusiasm in others. He made himself familiar with the past history of the churches he visited, and with their present circumstances; ascertained their financial ability; studied their peculiar problems; examined their property, and noted what repairs or improvements were needed and possible on the church edifices or parsonages. He promptly made up his mind what the church could do and ought to do, and usually suc- ceeded in leading them on to the accomplishment of it. His recommendations to the Board were based on careful study of each church, and were made with commendable judgment. His first report to the Convention, through the Board, in 1887, was of special interest, a practical introduction of the man to the Con- vention, and of the aided churches to the Board. He entered upon his work June 15, 1886. He was directed to visit Enosburg. On the way he made a short call at Colchester and became interested in that church. At Enosburg, he writes, " I began a visitation from house to house and was much pained to hear complaints made against the State Convention, in some re- cent transactions between the church and that body. The com- plaint was based upon the action of the Convention in refusing to aid to support a particular pastor called to settle with them. I learned all I could, met objections as fast as I could and as well as I was able. Called a meeting for the Sabbath, June 27, intending to remain but a few days. Our hearts were gladdened by the response to our invitation and the evident relish for the word of God. We came together in the evening and God poured out His Spirit. Souls began to ask the way to eternal life. Meetings were then announced for an indefinite period; and as night after night brought a crowded house, I saw it was best to stay until the work was finished. For five weeks I labored with this church, visited the baptismal waters four Sabbaths, and had the great blessing of leading many to the Saviour. Result of the meeting: Baptized, nineteen; received by letter, four; by experience, one; organized a Sunday school of seventy-eight members; raised for State Conven- tion, $16 in money; also secured the entire dismissal of old difiicul- ties and promise of future cooperation with this body; raised $40 Mt. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 495 for library books and received one hundred and one volumes of very interesting books from our great publication society; raised $10 more for Sunday school literature, which I insisted upon should be received from the same great society; and left the school in active operation with a corps of competent teachers." He introduced to the church Geo. H. Page, of Montreal, who subsequently became their pastor. Of this work he says, "The work with this church has thoroughly convinced me of this fact: Churches that have grown weak and refused to aid the State Con- vention, can be reached aad brought to a paying basis only in the same proportion as they increase in spiritual life. A revived church will give way to the needs of the Gospel. I consider it a useless task for your agent to present the needs of this body to a weak and spiritless church. To reach them preach the living Gos- pel in a living way, and then the money needed to carry on the Convention work will be furnished. Another fact is the necessity of careful nursing of a work begun in these weak churches. I am aware of the fact that fault has been found ^v^th the prolongation of my stay at Enosburg. I went there to do the work I was sent to do, and had I remained but a week or two I could not have made this report. To resurrect a church takes time and hard work, and any other method employed by this Board will prove disastrous to both the Convention and the missionary, whoever he is. " After leaving Enosburg he made short stays in North Troy and Jay, finding that they were contemplating uniting these two fields under one pastor, he commended the step. "Better for a weak church to clasp hands with another weak church and try to support a strong man, than for a weak church to try to support a weak man." He studied the complexities of the conditions at Richford, Berkshire, East Franklin, Essex Junction and Fairhaven. At Montgomery he held a series of meetings and laid the founda- tion for a revival that he was permitted to share in the following year, when fifty-one were added to the Baptist church there, twenty or more with the Congregational, and some to the Metho- dist. Most of the additions to the Montgomery church were adults, and long residents of the community, bringing with them a strong influence for future prosperity. 496 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT The zeal and enthusiasm with which Mr. MacGeorge entered upon his important work, he maintained throughout the lengthened period of his service. The temporal and spiritual interests of the aided churches received his unremitting care. In the report of the Board in 1893, special mention was made of his work. For seven years and three months he served the Convention as State mis- sionary% and the Board was a unit in thinking that he was an in- strumentality used and blessed of God. During the years of his work he visited and labored with sixty-five churches. With fifty- seven of these he held revival services, varying from four days to five weeks with each. In the summer of 1892, he made a tour of the State, spending three months, traveling two thousand miles, visit- ing eighty-five churches and presenting Convention stems to six thousand, five hundred people. " In summer's heat and winter 's cold he has gone up and down these valleys and on these hills and we have all been made glad by his coming; we have received him as God 's messenger to our churches, and we do assuredly know that at the last many shall be found who will affirm that his was the human instrumentality through which they were led to see the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. To many pastors and churches he has been the welcome counsellor, who has helped them through many a difficulty, and we cheerfully award him our commenda- tion and hearty good will and christian fellowship. " He was re-elected to his position in 1893, and spent the time until February with the churches in St. Albans, Bellows Falls, Saxtons River, Brandon and Bennington, beginning his work in the latter place during the week of prayer. After seven weeks of special meetings the Bennington church requested the Board to release the missionary to finish the work begun, and the request was granted. Ninety were added to the church by baptism and letter, and all departments of the work were quickened. In September the missionary sent in his resignation to take effect October 1 . The Board adopted this minute, expressive of its appreciation of the labors of Mr. MacGeorge: "Desiring to place on record some expression of our apprecia- tion of the consecrated and excellent work of our brother. Rev. A. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 497 MacGeorge, who had heard a call which he believed to be of God, to give himself wholly to the work of an evangelist, and therefore, to decline a further appointment to the office of State Missionary of the Convention, it seems eminently fitting that this minute be entered upon the records of the Board of the Convention. Rev. A. MacGeorge, having served the Convention as its missionary for more than seven years past with distinguished fidelity and devo- tion; and God's abundant blessing having resulted in such vast good to the churches throughout the State, we desire to express the sentiment that, while we part with him most reluctantly, we will yet pray that in the sphere of service into which he enters he may be blessed in even greater degree than in his greatly successful work among us. We earnestly commend him to the fullest con- fidence of the churches everywhere, and do assure our beloved brother that our earnest prayer and heart-felt interest will follow him in his new work." The Convention cordially adopted this minute of the Board. It would be difficult to sum up adequately the progress made in this decade. Added churches grew stronger, some of them com- ing to independence after many years of partial dependence upon the Convention, notably the churches in Montpelier, Newport, Richford and West Randolph. The Barre church was organized and entered upon a most promising career. At the close of this period the Convention was assisting vnth. its funds twenty -nine churches, a larger number than ever before. The permanent fund had increased from $16,365 to $20,585. The executive committee of the board of trustees carry a responsibility heavier than that which is felt by the other mem- bers of the Board. The work of the State missionary and the mis- sionary pastors is always under their direct control, and much de- pends upon their wisdom and management. During the whole of the decade under consideration Col. J. J. Estey, of Brattleboro, was president of the Board and chairman of the executive committee. To the Convention work he gave unsparingly of his time and thought and means. He was always in intimate, friendly relations with the missionary, and in warm sympathy with the weaker churches and their pastors. Rev. S. H. Archibald, of Wallingford, 498 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT was continuously secretary of the Board and a member of the executive committee. His acquaintance with the churches and pastors was probably more extensive and intimate than any other person on the Board. He gave careful study to all the details of the work, and much weight was given to his judgment when diffi- cult and delicate problems were under discussion. For a few years, Guy C. Noble, of St. Albans, and Rev. R. L. Olds, of Ludlow, were influential members. The death of Mr. Noble and the removal from the State of Mr. Olds, were losses seriously felt. Deacon Willard Crane, of Burlington, Hon. \Y. W. Stickney, of Ludlow, and Rev. E. A. Herring, of Brandon, each possessed peculiar quali- fications for the work of the executive committee and they heartily cooperated with the other members. 1896-1900 Early in the year 1895, the Board appointed the Rev. Thomas Cull its State missionary at a salary of $1,200, and expenses. Mr. Cull entered upon his work in January, and for about three years, in his own quiet, judicious, winning way, sought the good of the churches. He gave to the Convention work the benefit of ripe experience, mature judgment and sincere devotion. But the Con- vention had entered upon a brief period of financial depression and, in 1897, the Board decided, for financial reasons, to dispense with the services of the missionary; and, at a public meeting of the Board, on Tuesday morning of the Convention day, in Chester, the follo"wing was adopted : " In view of the high christian character, carefulness of deport- ment, judiciousness of action and esteemed services of our bro- ther. Rev. Thomas Cull, during the years that he has been the missionary of the Vermont Baptist State Convention, ''Resolved, that it is with sincere desire and heart-felt regret that the Board, on account of the stringency that is upon our treasury, feels its inabliity to reappoint him as the missionary of this body. " Rev. Thomas Cull was bom in England, in 1835, and came to America in 1854. He worked at shoemaking in Troy, N. Y., till HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 499 1855, and joined the Fifth Street Baptist church by a letter brought from England. Rev. James Warren D. D., afterward secretary of the American Baptist Missionary Union, was then pastor of the church. Mr. Cull was a modest, retiring young man, yet Dr. Warren picked him out as one who ought to preach the Gospel. Dr. Warren told him that he did not suppose that anyone else would think he was adapted to the work, but that made no differ- ence. When Dr. Warren had an opinion, he did not stop to inquire what other people's opinions were, but held fast to his own. He told the young brother, also, that he believed he had longings him- self for the public work of the ministry, and in this the doctor was correct. Mr. Cull took a course in college and theology, mostly at Madison University, and settled as pastor first in Malone, N. Y., in 1862, one year before closing his theological course. Rev. John Peddie supplied the church while Mr. Cull was finishing his studies. This pastorate continued four years, after which he went to Adams Village, N. Y., and to the Tabernacle church, Albany, two years each. Then he went to Stillwater, N. Y., where a fine new church was built. There were frequent baptisms in all these churches. The Stillwater pastorate lasted between three and four years. From Stillwater he went to Middletown, Ohio, and remained be- tween six and seven years, and from there to Greenwich, N. Y., remaining there over fourteen years, baptizing three hundred and thirty candidates during the time. The Middletown church was also frequently blessed with tokens of divine favor. Mr. Cull en- tered on the work of missionary of the Vermont Baptist State Con- vention, January 1, 1895. At the session at Bristol in 1896, for the first time since 1885, the Convention entered upon a new year with a debt of $1,520. Retrenchment seemed necessary. Five churches relieved the Con- vention materially, by attempting to carry on their work without assistance. The number of aided churches was reduced to twenty- seven, and the appropriations were reduced below the usual amounts. Gradually the debt was cancelled, and, in 1899, the Convention treasury was once more free from debt. Meanwhile, the permanent fund had been increased by bequests, $3,606. 500 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Some advanced steps were taken at this period. In 1896, after an address by the Rev. T. J. Morgan, D. D., upon "The New Plan of Cooperation in Christian Beneficence." a committee was appointed of seven brethren, to cooperate with the Commission of Systematic Benefience, created at Asbury Park, in May, 1896. The committee consisted of Rev. D. D. Owen, Ludlow; Rev. C. R. B. Dodge, Bellows Falls; Rev. L. D. Temple, Brattleboro; Mrs. S. A. Andrews, Vergennes; Miss Abby Baldwin, Ludlow; J. J. Estey, Brattleboro; John N. Feasey, Rutland. This was the beginning of that special educational and inspirational work in the line of Systematic Beneficence, which has been continued since, and which must be regarded as an important branch of Convention work, essential to its highest success. In 1899, the Convention observed its seventy-fifth anniversary at Brandon, and Rev. T. H. Archibald, D. D., delivered an his- torical address, which was ordered printed in the minutes. At this session Rev. T. H. Archibald was formally recognized as the historian of the Convention by the following vote : "Whereas, the Vermont Baptist Historical Society has by unanimous vote asked T. H. Archibald, D. D., to enter at once upon the preparation of a reliable and authentic history of Vermont Baptists with a view to publication and dissemination of said his- tory; therefore "Resolved, that this Convention endorses the action of the Historical Society in this matter; and " Resolved, that this Convention approves the raising of a sum not to exceed $300 for defraying the expenses of the preparation of such a history, and appoints Rev. R. Nott, J. J. Townsend, D. D., and Rev. \V. A. Kinzie a committee to have charge of raising the same. " The attention of the American Baptist Home Missionary So- ciety and the American Baptist Publication Society was called to Vermont as a promising home mission field, and as a result, in 1898, the Italian mission in Barre was begun under the leadership of A. B. Bellondi. The opening of this mission, and the coopera- tion of the Convention in the work among the foreigners of the State, was a long advance step in its important work. William A. Davison, D. D. Secretary of Convention Board Superintendent of Missions HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 501 In 1899, a committee was appointed to represent this body in the Anti-saloon League work in the State. Rev. W. H. H. Avery, D. D., Rev. W. S. Roberts, D. D., and Rev. F. E. Marble, Ph.D., were this committee. Later the appointment by the League of C. J. Ferguson, of Burlington, as its State superintendent, brought this work still closer to the Convention, and it has been a stanch supporter of that important work ever since. A committee on Denominational Comity was appointed at the same session, consisting of Rev. Gibbs Braislin, of Rutland, Deacon J. J. Estey, Brattleboro, and Rev. C. R. B. Dodge, of Bellows Falls. This initiated a department of effort from which much was expected, and comparatively little has resulted. 1900-1912 Rev. W. a. Davison, D. D., Evangelist, Superintendent of Missions, Secretary of the Board With the beginning of the twentieth century the Convention entered upon a period of unprecedented activity and development. The anniversary was held that year with the church in Brattle- boro. The most eventful action reported by the Board that year was the appointment, at the February meeting, of Rev. W. A. Davison, as evangelist, at a salary of $50 a month and expenses. Mr. Davison had attended Brown University two years, and spent three years in Colgate Theological School, graduating from that institution in 1896. He had served as pastor of the Calvary Bap- tist church in Utica, N. Y., and also at Montpelier, Vermont, and had given evidence of special qualifications in him for the work in which Mr. MacGeorge and Dr. Cull had been engaged. In 1905, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Middlebury Col- lege. Immediately upon his appointment by the Convention, Mr. Davison entered upon his work as evangelist, and during the eight months before the Convention met, he held special meetings with thirteen churches, and visited thirty-six fields, becoming quickly acquainted with the needs of the mission churches. A remarkable expansion in the conception of the work of the State Convention 502 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT marked the beginning of the twentieth eentui^. It no longer divided the churches into the dependent and the self-supporting, limiting its care to the weak and dependent ones, but it came to re- gard the larger churches, even, as needing its fostering care, that they might continue strong and be incited to missionary activity. It began to define the State Convention as the Baptists organized for work. Accordingly there was a corresponding change in the conception of the offices and duties to which Dr. Davison was called in 1900. He was then regarded as State evangehst and his duties were described by that name. As the missionary enterprises of the Convention broadened, his work ceased to be exclusively evange- listic. Administrative duties claimed a large share of attention, and special evangelists were appointed for that part of the work, and although Dr. Davison did not give up evangelistic work, yet the title, superintendent of missions, became the title appropriate to his work. The need of his presence and influence in the Board becoming evident, he was chosen a member, and, later, the secre- tary of that body, and became designated by the double title, superintendent of missions and secretary of the Board. A large amount of administrative work naturally fell to this office, financial problems, the raising of funds, the planning of wide educational and missionary measures, besides the care of all the churches. The raising of salaries for pastors of mission churches, the improve- ment of church property, the securing of titles with reversionary clause, insuring to the Convention valuable property in case a church becomes extinct, assistance in finding pastors for vacant pulpits and parishes, roll calls and anniversaries, and countless other duties and obligations, gradually crowded upon the incum- bent of this office of superintendent and secretary till the physical powers of a man of well-nigh gigantic strength were often overtaxed. The increase in permanent fmids rendered it possible for the Convention to broaden its missionary work. At the beginning of this decade the permanent fund was $24,791.99. The following table exhibits its remarkable increase from year to year, partially by personal bequests of ^'ermont Baptists, anxious to prolong their beneficent work for Vermont churches, through the Convention, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 503 and especially by the gradual payment of the Ford bequest, the announcement of which made eventful the session of 1900 : 1900 $ 24,791.99 1901 49,480.89 1902 89,372.55 1903 111,746.19 1904 131,106.70 1905 151,168.57 1906 171,020.08 1907 195,205.56 1908 211,066.61 1909 212,266.95 1910 213,462.51 1911 215,962.51 1912 : . . . 218,601.51 At a meeting of the Board, in Brattleboro, in 1900, preliminary steps were taken for the disposition of a portion of the Ford legacy. At the next meeting of the Board, in April, the following action was taken : Vermont Academy "For several years this school, founded by the direct instru- mentality of this Convention, has been in financial difficulty. Building faster than funds were procured for the same, the under- taking to give the best at a price below what it could be afforded at, resulted in serious deficits for several successive years, and to crown the misfortunes, the death of a liberal friend who had been relied upon to extricate the school from its financial embarrass- ments, all resulted in complications that threatened the longer existence of the school. Influenced by these considerations and believing that Vermont Academy was such a part of our work as to justify the assistance thus rendered, the board passed the follow- ing vote: "That the Finance Committee of the Vermont Baptist State Convention be authorized to loan to the Vermont Academy from the Ford Special Fund, a sum not exceeding twenty -five thousand 504 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT I dollars ($25,000), for the term of ten years, with interest, at the rate of four per cent per annum, if said Academy will secure the same by first mortgage on all its real estate in Vermont, and keep the buildings thereon well insured for the benefit of said Conven- tion as its interest may appear. That the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) annually for the next ten years, is hereby appropriated for the support of the Vermont Academy." The Barre Church "It is well knowTi that this church has been struggling for years with a heavy debt incurred in building. While the church has had many evidences of prosperity and healthy gro^\i:h, yet this burden of debt has been felt as an hinderance, which should be removed at the earliest possible moment. At its meeting in June, the Board passed the following: " Resolved, that the Board hereby appropriate from the Ford Special Fund, $5,000, to apply as a subscription upon the debts of the First Baptist church of Barre — on condition that the church shall secure pledges, acceptable to the Board, for a sufficient sum above that amount to cancel its indebtedness, and that said ap- propriation shall be paid in sums proportionate to each $500 paid in upon the pledges secured by the church. " At the session of the Convention in 1910, the following resolu- tion was adopted : " Whereas, on April 19, 1901, the Board of Trustees of the Ver- mont Baptist State Convention, by vote duly recorded, loaned the Vermont Academy from the Ford Fund the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) secured by first mortgage upon all its real estate for the term of ten years; " Whereas, the said loan becomes due and payable wnthin the next year and it is deemed just and wise thus early to determine the attitude of the Board in reference to the payment or extension of said loan; therefore "Resolved, that it is the desire of the Board that the loan be paid when due; but if the necessities of the Academy require that an extension be granted, then the Finance Committee of the Board Hon. J, J. EsTEY, Brattleboro General of State Militia President of Convention Board, 1885 — 1901 Born, 1845— Died, 190^2 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 505 are authorized to extend the time of payment of the present mort- gage loan for a period not exceeding three years, conditioned upon the punctual payment of interest thereon at the rate of four per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, with the understanding that the principal sum shall be raised and repaid within that period. " The above resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Board at a meeting held on Tuesday, September 27, and then submitted by Secretary Davison to the Convention on the morning of the 28th with his report, and with his report were unanimously adopted. The Academy, a little later, having bonded its indebtedness, guaranteeing payment of interest on the same by the income of its invested funds, cancelled its debt to the Convention, restoring to the treasury $25,000,^ — as a part of its permanent fund for the general use of the Convention. On March 2, 1902, Julius J. Estey, long president of the Board, "fell asleep," and the burden of his office was transferred to Rev. Gibbs Braislin, of Rutland. Affectionate memorial exercises marked the anniversaries in 1902. He was honored in life, alike in church and civic affairs, as a true man and a consistent christian. He was greatly beloved in the Convention. In 1903, another efficient officer of the Board passed away. Deacon D. M. White, who, for sixteen years had been treasurer, serving always with fidelity. In 1904, January 23, Rev. S. H. Archibald, secretary of the Board, died at his home in North Springfield. From the year 1877, till the time of his death, he was continuously upon the Board of this Convention, interested in its mission, thoroughly conver- sant with its work in every detail, and laborious in its behalf. From 1881 till 1902, he was secretary of the board of trustees. The records of this board are among his best memorials. Evangelism became a dominant feature of this period under the energetic leadership of Dr. Davison. In 1903, circulars were sent out to all the churches in Vermont, requesting them to hold special meetings for the deepening of spiritual life and the saving of souls. Thirty-five churches held meetings every night for two or more weeks, and in every instance the church was quickened, 506 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and in most cases converts won. Many pastors willingly left their own fields and assisted their brethren in their special meetings. In 1902, the American Baptist Home Mission Society offered to cooperate with the Convention in the employment of evangelists, on the same basis as then existed for work among the foreigners. Encouraged by this generous offer, the Convention determined to enter upon evangelism as a distinct branch of its work. In December, 1904, Dr. Davison planned for eleven confer- ences, with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions in all excepting two. These conferences began Tuesday, December 6, and were held in the following places: North Bennington, Brattle- boro. Bellows Falls, Ludlow, Poultney, Rutland, Bristol, Burling- ton, St. Albans, Montpelier, and St. Johnsbury. The speakers from outside who assisted were Drs. Cook, McBride, Witter, Cummings, and Spaulding. The offerings taken at the conferences practically covered the traveling expenses of these brethren, so that the only expense to the Convention was the printing and dis- tribution of the programs. In November, 1905, Rev. C. C. Maxfield of Springfield, Mass., a sweet-spirited, godly, consecrated minister of the Gospel, began work as State evangelist, but, after laboring seven weeks, was stricken down vrith serious illness, and compelled to return to his home in Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Leger were secured and labored faithfully till spring with good results. May 1, 1906, Rev. Thomas N. Hafer, of Mansfield, Mass., became State evangelist, and continued in this position till April 1,1910. In 1906, two evangelistic conferences were held, three days each, with Dr. A. C. Dixon, of Boston, as leader, and principal speaker. One of these conferences was held in Brattleboro, and the other in Burlington in April, these places seeming best adapted to reach all the ministers and churches in the State. Ip 1907, ten missionary conferences were held, and Dr. Davi- son spent as much time as possible in evangelistic work. After nearly four years of faithful and successful labor as State evangelist, Rev. N. T. Hafer resigned, and accepted the pastorate of the Trinity Baptist church, Brooklyn, N. Y. His preaching. mSTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 507 singing, and personal work were very fruitful of good to the Bap- tist churches of Vermont. Rev. Henrj^ R. Meyers was secured as his successor. In 1911, Mr. Meyers held evangelistic meetings at Newport Center, East Poultney, North Springfield, Burlington, Perkinsville, East Enosburg, East Hardwick, Johnson, Barre, St. Johnsbury, East Charlotte, Norton, West Rutland, Cavendish, Chester, Passumpsic, Groton, Georgia Plain, and Panton, In 1912, he held meetings in twenty -three places, preaching two hun- dred and fifty-seven sermons, making four hundred and fifteen calls, which resulted in two hundred and fifty-four professions of conversion, and one hundred and one baptisms, which is more than one third of all the baptisms reported in the State. In another direction the work of the State Convention broad- ened. The need of work among the foreigners in Vermont be- came too evident to be neglected, and was cheerfully undertaken. The population of Vermont, by nationalities, in 1900, was as follows: Austria, two hundred and thirty-seven; Bohemia, twenty-seven; Canada English, ten thousand, six hundred and sixteen; Canada French, fourteen thousand, nine hundred and twenty -four; Den- mark, two hundred and twenty -five; England, two thousand, four hundred and forty-seven; France, one hundred and seventy-one; Germany, eight hundred and eighty -two; Holland, twenty; Hun- gary, one hundred and twenty-eight; Ireland, seven thousand, four hundred and fifty -three; Italy, two thousand, one hundred and fifty-four; Mexico, three; Norw^ay, fifty-four; Poland, German, eighteen; Poland, Russian, three hundred and twenty-eight; Poland, others, one hundred and thirteen; Russia, three hundred and seventy-seven; Scotland, two thousand, forty -nine; Sweden, one thousand, twenty; Switzerland, ninety-eight; Wales, one thou- sand, fifty-six; all others, four hundred and thirty-seven. Total, foreign, forty -four thousand, seven hundred and forty-seven; native, two hundred and ninety-eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety-four. Total, three hundred and forty -three thousand, six hundred and forty -one. In view of the facts, the obligation of Baptists to the foreigners of Vermont became apparent and pressing. The superintendent of missions urged the importance of this work. 508 history of the baptists in vermont Italian Mission The American Baptist Home Mission Society founded an Italian mission in Barre, about 1900, placing Rev. A. B. Bellondi at the head of it, and soon began to look to the Convention for co- operation. This society also offered, in 1902, to contribute $100 toward the support of Rev. Daniel Gyrtzell, Swedish mis- sionary, at Barre and Montpelier, for the year from June, 1902, provided the Convention contribute an equal amount. They were also willing to cooperate with the Convention for the support of a French missionary to labor where the French are thickly settled in our State. These offers were accepted, and the Convention en- tered upon this important branch of work. After attempting to manage the Italian mission jointly with the Home Mission Society, the impossibility of the method became evident, and the Conven- tion declined to have a divided responsibility in the control of the mission, and it was transferred wholly to the management of the Board, through its superintendent of missions. The chapel, which had been under construction for some time, Mr. Bellondi was unable to complete, and after his dismissal, the work was placed under the superintendence of Dr. Davison, who, •svnth characteristic energy, brought the enterprise to completion, and the cha{)el was dedicated. Rev. G. B. Castellini was appointed over this mission, which promptly gave promising signs of progress. In 1911, Mr. Castellini bapti/ed three, one of whom was a young man who has entered the Italian dejiartment in Colgate University, at Brooklyn, N. Y., studying for the Gospel ministry. Swedish Mission In 1902 and 1903, Rev. Daniel Gyrtzell, a Swedish missionary, was employed among the Swedes of Barre and Montpelier, but sorely handicapped liecause he did not have adequate financial support, and was compelled to work at manual labor, in order to care properly for his family. In February, 1904, Rev. A. Kallgren took charge of this mission and began a good work, with increasing congregations. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 509 He continued his work there until the summer of 1906, when he returned with his family to Sweden. The Sunday school, how- ever, was kept up and efforts made to find a successor to Pastor Kallgren. After much effort and diligent search, a suitable man was found in the person of Rev. Augustus E. Johnson, who came in June, 1907, from Crozer Theological Seminary. He quickly made for himself a large place in the hearts of his countrymen, holding two services weekly in both Montpelier and Barre, the Home ]\Iission Society cooperating wdth us in this work. He closed his work early the following spring to take up a larger work in Pennsylvania. One intelligent Swedish woman was converted under his ministry and baptized. Rev. William Kohler was secured as leader, in July, 1909,— a man of experience and ability, — and a religious interest was soon awakened and con- verts led to baptism. In 1910, he had an average of thirty-five at the preaching services, and a membership of twenty -five in the Sunday school. Three were baptized and united with the First Baptist church in Barre. During the year 1911, Mr. Kohler resigned, and accepted the call of the Swedish Baptist church in Bridgeport, Conn., and Rev. John Bjork, of Pittsburg, Pa., was secured, and before the year closed four of his countrymen had been received for baptism. French Mission In 1902, the Home Mission Society expressed their willing- ness to cooperate with the Convention in the support of a mis- sionary among the French. In compliance with the vote of the Convention in 1903, the Board employed Rev. L. O. F. Cote as evangelistic missionary among the French. Mr. Cote was edu- cated for the priesthood and converted at the age of twenty -five, and for seventeen years, since his conversion, had been doing mission work in New England and Canada. He came to Ver- mont in November, 1903, and during the year labored at North Bennington, Websterville, Fairfax, Burlington, West Rutland, Bennington, St. Albans, Montgomery Centre, East Wallingford and other fields, doing good work on each field, so that conversions 510 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and baptism followed his efforts. He closed his work in Vermont, in April, 1906. This year a somewhat new policy was adopted. Concerning this mission the secretary of the Board reported: "Most of the French within our own borders can speak the Eng- lish language, and are to be won by personal love and personal work, and it is intended that Miss Brooks, who has spent most of her life in Vermont, will give most of her time and energy to the churches, Sunday schools, and communities in the northern section of the State, where these French largely reside. The labors of the past have not been in vain, for some of these people have been reached, brought to Christ, and are now members of our churches; but it is conceded by all students of this work that it is not necessary to talk the French language in order to reach these people, and in fact most of them prefer to be addressed in English," Miss Brooks made work among the French a part of her mission. Sunday School Visitors and Personal Workers In 1905, after much correspondence, and a visit to the train- ing schools in and around Boston, in search of a Simday school visitor and personal worker, Superintendent Davison finally se- cured Miss Amy Haskins, who had been laboring for the Congrega- tionalists in this State several years, and was highly recommended as a christian woman and worker. She began her work in Novem- ber 15, and proved an eflScient worker wherever she went. x\ll the pastors agree that this house to house and heart to heart work is what is greatly needed, and amply repays for the money ex- pended. Invitations came from so many pastors and Sunday schools that it would have been impossible for Miss Haskins to reach them all within the year, and so upon the advice of the executive committee another personal worker was secured in the person of Miss Grace Brooks, who for three years had been studying in the training school at Northfield, and came to us highly recommended. She began work April 1, 1905, and con- tinued in the employ of the Convention as one of its valued and successful workers. Miss Amy Haskins continued her work till June 1, 1906, when HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT. 511 she resigned, and soon was married to Rev. H. C. Leach, and went vidth him to the mission field in Burma. The pitiful need of many Vermonters dwelling in districts remote from the churches, brought another pressing obligation upon the Convention, which could only be met by providing and supporting an energetic and consecrated colporteur. On Novem- ber 1, 1906, was to be held a quarterly meeting of the Woodstock Association at East Wallingford, and Superintendent Davison had gone do^\Ti the night previous, in order to be there for the morning session. He was entertained at the home of Pastor and Mrs. Morse, and, though the room was well ventilated and the bed all that could be desired, yet he could not sleep. The unsaved condition of a great multitude of people back in our rural commun- ities was upon his mind and heart, and after much thought and prayer, he decided that if a certain man was present at the con- ference the next day he would ask him to assume the support of a colporteur in co-operation with the American Baptist Publication Society, who were willing to pay one-half of his salary and all expenses. That same night God was impressing upon the heart of a man in Chester to attend this Conference, and during the noon hour, Mr. Davison laid the matter before him, with the result, that as he was about to step onto the platform to speak on "Prevailing Prayer," a note was handed him which read, "Trot out your horse and wagon and I will guarantee the salary." We then needed some man to give $450 to purchase the outfit, and two weeks later, in response to an appeal made in Brattleboro by our beloved brother. Dr. Charles H. Spaulding, a young man, Mr. J. H. Brink, who was brought up in a rural community and knew what it was to be denied religious privileges, went to his pastor, Mr. Lawson, and offered to give, as a loving memorial to his father, who was so interested in the welfare of Vermont, the $450 needed. Thus was secured the outfit and the money needed for salary, and now the work of finding the right man began. Finally Rev. C. E. Van Schaick, of Ulisses, Pa., was secured. Mr. Van Schaick, after serving in this important position a year and a half, resigned, to become pastor of the Baptist church in PowTial, and was succeeded by Rev. George H. Watt, of Barre, formerly pastor of the West Rutland church, who began at once traversing 512 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the highways and by-ways of Vermont, working in sections remote from churches, and besides doing faithful work in distribution of Bibles and christian literature, finding opportunity to do effective evangelistic work, sometimes alone, oftener in connection with the pastor of some rural church. In the years 1908 and 1909, Mr. Watt visited forty-five churches, preached 261 sermons, visited 980 families, sold 138 Bibles, 701 books and distributed 11,700 pages of tracts. During the \v4nter of 1912, he held evange- listic meetings with eight churches, and in almost every instance additions by baptisms resulted. This survey of the work of the Convention partially reveals the remarkable extension of Convention work since the present century began. In the resolutions passed at the Convention in 1910 is this reference: "That we gratefully recognize hereby the splendid and un- tiring service of our efficient superintendent of missions, Dr. William A. Davison, who has at this Convention presented his eleventh annual report. We are constrained by the strongest impression of thanksgiving as we calmly review the steady gro^\'th of the Vermont Baptist State Convention during the past ten years. In 1900, the Convention stood alone and unaided by any of our great missionary and benevolent societies in any specific measure. Today, as for a number of years, the American Baptist Home Mission Society and the Publication Society have co-operat- ed with our Convention in a vast amount of extension work, mak- ing possible, wnthin the limits of the last years, the carrying on of a blessed and fruitful work among the foreign population of our State, the establishing and maintaining a work of the Gospel and for Christ among the Swedes, the Italians, the French, and backing up a splendid work accomplished by a State Convention Colpor- teur, evangelist and Sunday school worker. With about $1,500 from the Home Mission Society and $450 from the Publication Society, our own churches have been encouraged to lift hard and surely for the extending of our borders of service. In the last ten years the permanent fund has nearly doubled, aside from the gifts of the Daniel Sharp Ford Fund, by the munificent gifts from within our ovm State. The churches have been caught forward by this mighty stimulus, and the offerings of the churches, which HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 513 in 1900 were $2,400, we have learned today, are in excess of $4,500. Thus we have seen the offerings doubled within the memory of many of our Vermont pastorates. For all these things we are glad and praise God that out of our owti midst He has chosen him who has been a wise leader, counsellor and friend to the friends, members and pastors of our beloved churches of Vermont." From 1900 to 1912, the number of special workers has in- creased from one to six or more. In 1900, twenty-nine churches were receiving aid; in 1912, fifty-four were on the list. In 1900, the amount appropriated for the mission churches was $3,018. In 1912, the aided churches received, $7,920. The total appro- priations of the Convention increased from $4,746 to $22,423. The permanent funds increased from $24,791 to $218,601. In 1900, the average salary of the missionary pastors was $400 and house, while that of all the pastors in the State averaged $550 and house. In 1911, the average salary of the missionary pastors was $600, while the average of all the pastors in the State was $736 and house. During most of this period, the churches cheer- fully contributed on an average of seventy-five cents per resident member. Successful effort secured to the Convention reversionary title to nearly all the church edifices and parsonages. No. churches aided Amt. Total Exp. 3,018 4,746 3,775 6,716 3,328 6,825 3,560 7,029 4,605 9,338 4,430 10,537 4,595 11,510 6,059 14,789 7,256 15,780 7,216 15,789 7,225 19,889 7,169 22,088 7,920 22,423 1900 29 1901 31 1902 32 1903 35 1904 38 1905 36 1906 37 1907 46 1908 51 1909 47 1910 55 1911 51 1912 54 514 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT By the appointment of Secretary Da^nson on the nominating committee of the Northern Baptist Convention, and the election in 1912, of Vice-President Henry Bond to the presidency of that body, the Baptists of Vermont came Into a position of national influence in the denomination. Vermont Baptists promptly and loyally endorsed the signifi- cant denominational movement that gave birth to the Northern Baptist Convention. The following resolution voiced the sentiment of the Con- vention in 1809 and 1810: "Resolved, that we endorse the action of the Northern Baptist Convention, at Portland. First, that Christian Stewardship, wdth special reference to systematic and proportionate giving, be made a leading feature of the work of all our missionary or- ganizations throughout the coming year; Second, that the churches be requested to lead the largest possible number of their members to form the habit of laying aside at least a tenth of their income for distinctively christian work. "Resolved, that we instruct our State Secretary and Steward- ship Committee to carry out in our State a campaigTi of education with the definite objective that 1,000 Vermont Baptists be com- mitted to the j)ractlce of })roportionate giving. " Resolved, that the following secretaries in our several Associa- tions be appointed by the Convention to serve for the ensuing year: Addison Association, Rev. Thomas Davison; Danville, Rev. G. H. Chambers; Shaftsbury, Rev. H. E. Wetherbee; Vermont Central, Rev. L. J. Bamberg; Windham, Rev. G. W. Russell; Woodstock, Rev. J. W. Moore; Lamoille, Rev. L. L. Holmes. "Resolved, that we share in the general gladness over the birth and development of The Northern Baptist Convention; that we note with satisfaction the evidence of its power in stimu- lating and organizing the benevolent and missionary activities of the churches; that we approve in general the Budget Plan, and commend it to our churches. "Resolved, however, in view of the wide missionary character of the work of our Vermont Baptist State Convention and the imperative need of the full amount called for in the secretary's Henry Bond Vice President of Convention President of The Northern Baptist Convention, 1912 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 515 report, we suggest that the Apportionment Committee, when sending out to the churches the apportionments for the Budget, the opportunity for emphasizing the needs of the State Convention and of adding the weight of their appeal to the churches to raise if possible the seventy-five cents per resident member for the work of the State Convention. ^'Resolved, that we hail with delight the increasing signs of Baptist unity as disclosed in the organization and continuance of the Northern Baptist Convention; that we acknowledge with gratitude this new and divine call to larger service for God; that we believe that such unity will aid us greatly in conserving the missionary fruitage at home and abroad; and that we pledge anew our loyalty to Jesus Christ who is thus manifestly leading our denomination by a new and living way. " The Committee of Christian Stewardship entered heartily into the work, of which the following is a report: "At the session of the Vermont State Convention a year ago, a resolution endorsing the 'Standard of Efficiency for Baptist Churches' as adopted by the Northern Baptist Convention was formally accepted. All the important features of the stewardship work are here emphasized; and your committee, in the firm con- viction that the 'Standard of Efficiency' as a whole presents an excellent working program applicable to any church and making definitely for a larger life and service, have made a determined effort to bring the matter to the attention of every Baptist church in the State. To this end we have had printed in attractive form five thousand copies of the Standard, with an appended foot note earnestly requesting pastors to present it to their people for adop- tion. From twelve to twenty -five copies, with the offer of as many more as should be needed, were mailed to every pastor, with the exception of the enterprising few who had anticipated the action of this committee in having copies printed themselves for their churches. Through the Associational secretaries. Minis- ter's Conferences have been requested to discuss it. This has been done by some with interest and profit to our certain knowledge. Probably in every ministers' conference in the State the subject has been introduced at some time. A place was asked for on the 516 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT program of each Association for the presentation and discussion of the subject, and our Superintendent of Missions consented to add to his already heavy burden of service that of presenting the subject at these meetings, as opportunity offered. And Dr. Davison has had his opportunity, for some of the program com- mittees took kindly to the idea and made place as requested. In fact. Dr. Davison this year has been the Stewardship committee in the field and we are duly grateful to him for his splendid service in this particular. An ample supply of the leaflets were forwarded for use at the Associational gatherings. "The churches adopting the Standard were requested to report the fact to Dr. Davison and the number 'W'ill doubtless be given in his report." The Budget Plan was not only endorsed by the Convention by resolutions, but its secretary and representatives made special effort to instruct the churches and to stimulate them to adopt the plan and raise the amount apportioned. In 1911, inspirational institutes were held in Wilmington, Brattleboro, Chester, Ben- nington, Poultney, Rutland, Vergennes, Montpelier, St. Johns- bury, Newport, Hardwick, St. Albans and Burlington. The Standard of Efficiency, commended by the Northern Baptist Convention, also received careful and cordial attention, and earnest effort to promote its adoption. The record of this effort was given in the annual report of Secretary Davison in 1912, as follows: "Early in the year we planned conferences which reached nearly every church in the State. These meetings had afternoon and evening sessions and were held at Townshend, Readsboro, Manchester, Ludlow, Bellows Falls, Fairhaven, Brandon, Middle- bury, Vergennes, West Derby, Richford, St. Albans and Essex Junction. At these meetings the standard of efficiency, adopted by The Northern Baptist Convention and by the Convention last year, was discussed in the afternoon, placing especial emphasis on the reduction of the non-resident membership, the adoption of the every-member canvass and more personal work, and more than one-third of the churches have already adopted the standard of efficiency and are trying to work it out. These meetings were HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 517 also preparatory to the Stackhouse campaign which followed a week later with banquets at Burlington, Barre, Newport, Brattle- boro, Rutland and Bennington, and special Sunday services at Poultney and Fairhaven. Your Superintendent was ably asisted in many of the meetings by President Bond of the Northern Bap- tist Convention and by Pastor Braker of Burlington and the district secretaries of New England. "The results of this month's campaign are already manifested in three ways. The reduction of the non-resident membership, the increase in benevolent offerings and a greater desire for the salvation of souls. " From the beginning, the Convention sought, by many agen- cies, to stimulate the churches to generous missionary offerings and efforts. It has not ceased to keep the great commission always in view, and has always had some representatives among the mis- sionaries in the foreign field. The gifts of our churches to foreign and home missions has been made the subject of a separate chap- ter and need not be mentioned particularly here. Not long ago it touched hands with the Baptist missionaries of the world by send- ing its secretary, Dr. Davison, to the World's Baptist Congress, held in London in 1907. It is perpetually echoing every Macedon- ian call and striving to extend the helping hand. The attitude and the altitude of the Convention may be judged in part, at least, by the men whom it has invited to address it and the themes on which they have spoken. In 1907 and again in 1910, Rev. O. P. Gilford, of Boston, spoke in his own unique and impressive manner upon the need and possibility of a life of spiritual power, in the first instance, and upon winning souls, in the second. The same year, Rev. A. F. Ufford, the latest gift of Vermont Baptists to the foreign mission work, spoke from recent experience upon the "Problems of Rural Life." In 1908, Rev J. E. Norcross, district secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, addressed the Convention upon "Evangelizing the Foreigner;" Rev. L. L. Henson, D. D., of Providence, R. I., upon " The Northern Baptist Convention and its Allies, " and C. C. Earle, of Boston, Mass., on "Saving the Masses." In 1909, Rev. J. E. Norcross was again present and spoke on "How to reach men;" 518 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Rev. T. S. Barbour, representing the Foreign Missionary Society, had for his theme, "The Development and Progress of the King- dom in the East, especially in China and Japan; " Rev. J. M. Moore spoke upon "Missionary Education," and a closing address was delivered by Prof. Walter Rauschenbusch, of the Theological Semi- nary, Rochester, N. Y., upon "The Church and the Social Crisis," a remarkable series of addresses by men of unusual gifts. In 1911, the principal address was by Rev. Cortland Meyers, D. D., of Boston, who dwelt upon the necessity of meeting the prevailing spirit of materialism and socialism and agnosticism with a right conception of God, the atonement of Christ and the facts of chris- tian experience. The anniversary of the Convention, in 1912, was one of special interest throughout. The speakers from abroad were Rev. Guy C. Lamson, representing The American Baptist Publication Society, Rev. A. W. Anthony, who brought before the Convention once more "The Northern Baptist Convntion," and Rev. C. H. Wool- son, D. D., of Philadelphia, Pa., who gave a practical illustration of the "Art of Illustrative Teaching. " Besides these, Rev. W. T. Stackhouse, D. D., of New York, secretary of the Layman's Missionarv' Movement, was present. For two years previous, he had been scattering the light of his knowledge and the fire of his zeal throughout the State in the inspirational meetings planned by Secretary Davison, and no man could have been more welcome and no one's words could have been awaited with greater expec- tancy. Dr. Stackliouse lirought this exceptionally impressive Convention to a climatic close on the evening of the twenty- fifth of September. The meeting was held in the spacious and beautiful auditorium of the North Congregational church, which had been courteously offered for the occasion. As he stood before the representatives of the Baptist churches of Vermont, and others assembled with them, he seemed to stand as upon some lofty height, and gave the people a vision of vantage and of possibilities, show- ing how the Lord 's work could easily be done, and the world come to know Christ in this generation, if the church could be brought to realize the importance of the call and the crisis in which we live. John A. Greenwood, Chester President of Convention, 1911 — 1912 raSTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 519 From this solemn and inspiring vision of vantage and of pos- sibility, the members of the Convention went back to their homes. The last session of the Convention was true to its principles and traditions. Whatever the accomplishments or failures of The Ver- mont Baptist State Convention in the past, this has been its domi- nant purpose and effort — the upbuilding of the Kingdom of Christ in the State, the nation and the world. Chapter XXIII EDUCATION Ministerial Education Vermont Baptists were somewhat slow in awaking to the importance of an educated ministry^ , and to the need of concerted action to secure one. In the early days a deep-seated prejudice existed in the minds of many against educated ministers. The training of college and theological seminary was thought to foster pride and to unfit one for the humble ministries of a pastor among common folk. This prejudice was never universal, but it was suf- ficiently general to prove a serious stumbling block to many pious young men who felt the need of special training for the sacred office of the christian ministry. An illustrative incident occurred in the life of Elisha Andrews . Mr. Andrews was a great lover of books, and this was urged against him when it was known that he desired to preach. He had a cousin, Mr. M , about his own age, who did not love books well enough to incur the displeasure of the most conservative, and who felt it his duty to preach. A church meeting was appointed to hear Mr. M improve his gifts with a view to his being licensed to preach. After the usual introductory exercises, Mr. M named his text, but that was absolutely as far as he could go; the attempt proved an entire failure. To relieve the embarrassment, one of the deacons in- quired if Brother Andrews would not like to speak to them on that occasion. He consented to do so; took the text that had proved an over-match for his cousin, and delivered what turned out to be a very acceptable discourse. Whereupon, a meeting was appointed the next week, at which Mr. Andrews was to preach, with a view of being licensed; but on that occasion he succeeded but little better than his cousin had before him, finding himself obliged to 522 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT stop before he had finished the introduction. His cousin was then called upon to speak, and, taking the same text, preached an acceptable discourse. This so balanced the case as to leave the church just where they were before in favor of licensing Mr. M and opposed to Mr. Andrews, on the ground that he was bent upon being a student. Soon after, Mr. Andrews left Galway to visit his parents in Vermont, and on his way called on a minister in Granville, N. Y., who, having heard his story, detained him a few days, and put him to the exercise of his^ifts among his people. The result was that when he was about to leave, the minister said to him, "Go, and preach as you go, and I will see that your license is forthcoming in due season." This occurred in 1787. By degrees the early prejudices were overcome. The in- creasing number of pastorless churches, and their importunate call for competent leaders, aroused more general interest in ministerial education. Pious young men were encouraged to enter upon full courses of study. Funds were contributed V)y individuals to as- sist them. As there were no theological institutions exclusively under Baptist control in this State, men and means were sent to such institutions in other states, principally to Hamilton, N. Y. Organized effort naturally followed. In 1817, Vermont Baptists swmig mto line with the Baptists of the other New England states in a general educational mo^'e- ment, of which Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, of Danvers, Mass., was a leader. He had been accustomed to receive into his family young men studying for the ministry. He gave them instruction, and they assisted him in his pastoral work. Meanwhile, he was perfecting himself in the knowledge of Hel)rew and in exposition of the Scriptures. The trustees of the ISIaine Literary and Theological Institution at Waterville, chose him as the one best qualified to take charge of the enterprise of founding the new institution, AVaterville College, in which there was to be a theolog- ical department. While his mind was burdened with this enter- prise, Mr. Chaplin prepared the corresponding letter of the Boston Association, making an urgent appeal to New England Baptists to ' HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 523 t organize for the assistance of worthy young men studying for the ministry. This letter was read in the several Vermont Associa- tions and had the desired effect. The Vermont Association took up the subject and, after careful inquiry, recommended the organization of an Education Society. As there were then several young brethren who urgently needed some assistance, a resolution was passed recommending that subscriptions be opened in the churches that year for their benefit, and Elders Clark Kendrick, Henry Green, Samuel Rowley and Isaac Sawyer, were appointed for the purpose. The next year an Education Society was formed. There is nothing further m the minutes of the Vermont Association concerning it. From another source we gain further information. From an obituary of Clark Kendrick, written by Nathaniel Kendrick, and published in the Baptist Missionary magazme, July, 1824, we learn that the society formed in the Vermont As- sociation adopted a resolution to establish a theological institution for the gratuitous education of indigent young men having the gift of God to preach, as soon as adequate funds could be obtained. Mr. Kendrick acted as agent for the society in collecting funds, until he became convinced that one institution for several states, well endowed, would be preferable to several small ones, and upon the first proposal he was ready to relinquish the design of having one in his owm State in favor of the one established in Hamilton, N. Y. The practical result of combining the New York and Ver- mont Education Societies in all respects equalled his anticipa- tions, and afforded him the most entire satisfaction. The last two years of his life he acted as general agent for that section of the country, superintending the concerns of the society, as far as the impaired state of his health would admit. In the Woodstock Association, the topic of the circular letter, in 1817, was on the question of devising some plan whereby those pious young men who possess talents that promise usefulness in the Word, and who we have reason to believe have been called of God to preach the Gospel, may receive some assistance in procur- ing an education. The next year a constitution was presented by the committee appointed for that purpose, and a society organized. 524 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT with Joseph Elhott, secretary, and Abner Forbes, treasurer. In 1820, there was in the treasury, $201.45. The treasurer's report, in 1822, indicates a very general interest in this branch of christian work, the items being numerous, including, besides generous cash offerings, a variety of useful atricles for students — sheets, pillow- cases, flannels, cloth, socks, shirts, fuUed-cloth, etc. Two of the donations were for B. Stowe, doubtless Baron Stowe, who was then a student at Hamilton. The corresponding letter of 1822 is an in- teresting document. After expressing regret that they cannot report a general work of grace, it expresses gratitude for the divine influence in this special line. "We have reason to praise the great Head of the church that some begin to feel impressed wdth the im- portance not only of a pious but of a learned ministry. WTiile we have witnessed, with a kind of horror, the prevalence of the anti-christian sentiment, that learning without grace is suJBScient qualification for the gospel ministry, we lament that our denomi- nation has verged to the other extreme, and the importance of scientific knowledge has not been appreciated. We rejoice to note the increase of more correct views upon the subject, generally, and that corresponding exertions are making to assist young men, whom God has called into the ministry, in acquiring a useful educa- tion. "A small education society has, for a short time, been in opera- tion in connection with this Association; and although it is but little that we have done, or can do, yet we have afforded assistance to a number of young brethren, some of whom are now manfully engaged in the ministry; some have availed themselves of the pat- ronage of more opulent societies with a view of more thorough education, and others are still under our patronage who, we hope, will do valiantly for the truth." In 1824, by request of the trustees of Waterville College, the principal part of the donations for that year were approp- riated to the theological students in that institution who had gone from this Association. In 1826, there was in the treasury, property, in clothing, to the amount of $17.29, and in cash, $33.51. This was divided equally between the New Hampshire, and the Vermont State Con- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 525 ventions, and the Education Society was dissolved. The amount received by The Vermont State Convention was forwarded to students at Hamilton. The Shaftsbury Association was not indifferent to the call for Education Societies. Its circular letter, in 1817, contained an earnest appeal for help. "We must encourage and assist, where assistance is necessary, young men of piety and gifts that are ap- proved by the churches, to obtam that portion of human learning which will enable them to understand and rightly divide the word of truth. For any person, while profoundly ignorant of the sys- tem of gospel doctrine and the evidence by which it is supported, to attempt to teach them to others is an absurdity not to be en- dured. In this age of the christian church it is vastly important. " A sympathetic appeal in behalf of young men studying for the ministry follows: At the next meeting of the Association, a committee was appointed to obtain information on the subject of theological seminaries, lay before the Association that information and pro- pose such measures as may be thought best calculated to promote them. In 1819, a communication was received from Clark Kendrick sohciting aid for the establishment of a theological seminary, and a committee was appointed to make some arrangements and devise some plan of operation with said society. In 1820, Kendrick 's proposition was withdrawn and no further action was taken. An Education Society in connection with the Leyden Associa- tion was organized in 1818, and J. M. Graves was the first bene- ficiary. The circular letter, in 1819, was upon this subject and closed with this appeal: "Long and fervently have our fathers prayed that God would raise up, qualify, and send forth, of the sons of Zion to the ministry. And now we are called upon to unite our alms with our prayers; by which we may offer a living sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. When we pay due attention to this subject we know not how many Brainerds, Buch- anans, Martyns, Careys and Judsonsweare helping forward; and upon whom the blessings of many ready to perish shall rest. Neglect, and we know we are helping none." 526 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT This organization was maintained till 1830, when it was dissolved and the funds transferred to the Windham Associa- tion Missionary Society. Besides Mr. Graves, it had assisted Jeremiah Hall, Bela Wilcox and Nathan Bro-v\Ti. The last contribution was from Jeremiah Hall, a note of $50 for what the society had done for him. The final resolution of the Leyden Association on this subject was, "Resolved, that we regard with peculiar interest the efforts which have been made in different parts of the Union, during the past year, to encourage and facilitate the acquirement of minis- terial education, and especially the organization of the Northern Baptist Education Society, which we think promises great useful- ness to the cause of Christ, and that we believe the time has arrived when the cause of Christ demands that a branch of this society should be constituted in Vermont." The original constitution of the State Convention assumed the existence of Education societies whose delegates were included in its constituent membership. The object of the State Convention embraced, not only foreign and domestic missions, but also the instruction of pious young men called to the Gospel ministr!.\ It was regarded as doubtful which of the three should be considered the most important. For a few years, however, the claims of foreign and domestic missions absorbed the attention of the Convention to the exclusion of the one under consideration. In 1830, Mr. Thresher, corresponding secretary' of The Northern Baptist Education Society attended the Convention and urged the organization of a Vermont Branch of the society he represented. There were at that time twelve young men from Vermont under the patronage of the Northern Baptist Educational Society. A branch society was promptly formed, and about $100 sul)scribed on the spot for its purposes. Thirteen able men were appointed trustees, among them John Conant, of Brandon; Rev. Hadley Proctor, of Rutland; Rev. Alva Sabin, of Georgia; and Rev. Joseph Freeman, of Cavendish. Hadley Proctor, E. B. Smith, Leland Howard and Joseph Freeman were appointed examining committee. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 527 This action of the Convention was regarded as eventful. "It is now confidently believed, " said the secretary in his first report, "that the energies of the whole denomination will soon be concentrated on one point, and that manifold advantages will result to the churches from this society long after its projectors and present supporters shall rest from their labors amid the clods of the vaUey." The next year the society reported six young men under its patronage, calling for about $375. In 1832, the society reported eight young men under its patronage. The expense of sup- porting these was $450. Besides these there were ten young men from Vermont on the funds of the parent society, making eighteen in all. The Board of the Vermont branch society had been com- pelled to reject five applicants for lack of funds. Ladies ' Education societies were organized, as auxiliaries to the branch, in Middle- town, East Bethel and an auxiliary, probably of ladies, at Pas- sumpsic. These contributed both money and boxes of goods. The Convention in 1831, and 1832, by resolution, recommended to the churches the observance of the first Monday in January as a day of fasting and prayer, and that we pray especially for an in- crease in the ministry and for a blessing on the labors of the Education Society. In 1833, the Convention recommended to the churches the raising of funds averaging twelve and a half cents per member for their branch of the Northern Baptist Education Society. Five Associations took collections for its treasur5\ The removal of E. B. Smith from the State brought the work of the secretaryship upon Rev. George B. Ide. His report for 1833 is an interesting chapter in the history of this organization. The year was com- menced by the Board under circumstances of deep discouragement. None but men of sturdy faith and commendable courage would have ventured to go forward. But feeling themselves sacredly called to the high and holy work of supplying the world with an eflBcient ministry, sensitive to the voice of conscience and the call of destitute churches, they resolved to authorize the reception of every applicant for patronage, who should present the necessary credentials, and give evidence of having the requisite qualifica- 528 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN \T:RM0NT tions; and pledged themselves to meet the appropriations which might thus arise, to the utmost extent of their personal responsi- bility. The result justified the experiment. Friends rallied; the treasury was replenished; debt extinguished, and every applicant promptly helped. The receipts were $331.59, being more than double those of the previous year. Eighteen young men received assistance, two of whom were in college, the others in different academies. In 1833, in accordance with the plan of the parent society, appropriations were diminished to $12 per quarter, to men in pre- paratory studies, and increased to not exceeding $75 per quarter, to men pursuing further studies. Appropriations were considered as loans, to be repaid gradually after the completion of studies. The student was required to have an examination upon the month 's previous study before the Board. In 1834, Rev. Bela Jacobs, secretary of the Western Baptist Education Society, gave an address before the society on the moral and intellectual condition of the states in the Mississippi valley. Subscriptions for that society were immediately taken, amounting to $100. The number of students assisted that year by the Vermont branch was twenty-one, and the whole amount expended was $417.75. During the first two years of its existence, this society paid its funds, and recommended its beneficiaries, to the parent so- ciety; but subsequently it was resolved that the Vermont branch retain its owti funds, and support its ovm. beneficiaries, and make an effort to increase its funds, to enable them to receive all appli- cants of suitable promise and support them, subject to the same regulations with the beneficiaries of the parent society. In 1825, twenty-five young men were aided, at a cost of $631.92 and the treasury was overdrawn to the amount of over $300. The money had been hired so that the beneficiaries had not been in- convenienced. The work began to drag heavily. The want of a permanent secretary, the pecuniarj^ embarrassment of the coun- try' and various other causes very greatly depressed the Board. To » HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 529 relieve the situation it was recommended that Yomig Men 's Educa- tion Societies be organized in each Association, auxiliary to this society. The experiment of running a branch society, practically in- dependent of the parent society, did not prove entirely satisfactory. The great distance of the beneficiaries from each other, and the difficulty of securing full quarterly meetings of the Board, proved serious impediments. The parent society was requested to be- come our agent to receive the returns of our beneficiaries and to make them regular quarterly remittances. The request was kindly granted. The advantages were promptly seen. Some who had become disheartened by a failure of support returned to their studies, and other promising young men were added to their number. The State Convention at this time recognized the work form- ally by recommending that collections for this object be taken in the churches on or near the first Sunday in May, annually. In 1840, the number of students aided was seven. A collec- tion was taken at the annual meeting amounting to $303.03. Eleven years after its organization the society had the satisfaction of knowing that forty young men had received aid, most of whom were then in active work as pastors, teachers or missionaries. In 1843, the Board in its report raised the question, "What can be done to secure the regular contribution of the churches for this object? Why do not funds flow spontaneously into our treas- ury? Why are we compelled to depend almost entirely upon pledges given at the annual meeting to replenish our treasury? The answer suggested was, "The want of systematic mode of action." At this session. Prof. E. B. Smith, principal of the New Hampton Literarj^ and Theological Institution of New Hampshire, gave an address, following which the Convention appointed nine- teen of its ablest men as delegates, to meet delegates from Maine and New Hampshire the following November, to devise, if prac- ticable, some plan by which the energies of the three states might be concentrated upon the theological department of New Hampton and they in turn receive its benefits. This committee reported the following year, recommending that, "Whereas, we need a school where some of the young men 530 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT may have theological instruction, not so extended as that of New- ton or Hamilton, we recommend to this Convention to take meas- ures to form some alliance with the New Hampton Institution in its theological department. We also recommend that a committee of three be appointed as a committee on education and corres- pondence with the trustees or a committee of the New Hampton Institution. Brethren E. Hutchinson and J. P. Skinner, of Windsor, and R. Sawyer, of Chester, were appointed as this com- mittee. In the multiplicity of business at the meeting of 1843, no provision was made for the supply of the treasury, and as a result, the Board were unable to make any appropriations the following year, and was in debt to the j^arent society to the amount of $267.85. In 1845, at the Convention held in Rutland, the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, that the Vermont Branch of the Northern Baptist Education Society be and hereby is merged into the Convention, upon condition that the Convention appoint a secretary to conduct the correspondence of educational matters, and open her treasury for moneys designated to ministerial educa- tion, to be disbursed to indigent young men preparing for the ministry, as the Board of the Convention shall direct." Rev. J. M. Rockwood was appointed educational secretary. Thus ended this effort of the Baptists of Vermont to assist in the education of ministers through a branch of the Northern Baptist Education Society, in close alliance with the State Con- vention, and yet, in a measure, distinct from it. No inconsiderable service of this branch was its effort to awaken public sentiment upon the important subject connnitted to it. The annual reports of its secretaries, especially those of E. B. Smith, Hadley Proctor, J. M. Graves and John Ide, are masterly discussions of the whole subject of ministerial educa- tion and the beneficiarj' system for its promotion. These reports, printed in full in the minutes, and sent out by the thousand into the homes of Vermont Baptists, and doubtless read with more care than such pamphlets are now, must have exerted a strong influence overcoming a prejudice against an educated ministry and in HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 531 kindling, somewhat, a flame that has never burned as brightly in this State as the importance, and the needs of the cause demands. By the merger of 1845, under the conditions named. The Ver- mont Baptist State Convention became the recognized agency for Vermont Baptists in their work of ministerial education. The Convention definitely accepted the responsibility and assumed this as one branch of its work. To this extent it became a branch of the Northern Baptist Educational Society. The first year following, on account of the sickness of Baxter Burrough, who was to have preached on this subject, no address was given at that session, and in the absence of material for a report none was given by the secretary. The next year, however (1847), Rev. I. H. Barker delivered a sermon on ministerial education, and Mr. Rockwood gave a report, the opening words of which gave one some idea of the condition of sentiment among the churches at that time. Said he, "Brethren, the least observant among us must have felt that the cause of ministerial education in Vermont was laboring. The feeling may have become fixed that the education ship must go down, and that the next approaching Convention would see nothing left but her drifting fragments." Against such a fate he strongly protested. The Convention this year gave its hearty approval of the efforts making by the New Hampton Institution, to raise a part of its funds in this State. Twenty dollars only passed through the Convention treasury for the cause of this branch. Moses Field gave a disheartening report. In 1849, the Convention passed a resolution approving the action of the Northern Baptist Education Society in calling a con- vention of the New England States to meet in Boston the 1st and 2nd of November next for the adoption of some plan of cooperation between them, and for consideration of the general interests con- nected with this department of christian effort. C. A. Thomas, E. Hutchinson and L. Hayden were appointed a committee of examination and correspondence, whose duty it was to be to receive applications from young men, examine them and recommend them to the patronage of the Northern Baptist Education Society, give what direction they might deem necessary 532 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT to the secretary, respecting his labors in the State, and, in con- nection with him, do what they could to interest the churches in their efforts. By invitation of the Newton Theological Institution, a visitor was appointed to act with others on an examining committee of that institution. In 1852, T. F. Caldicott, secretary of the Northern Baptist Education Society, delivered an address at the Convention, and a collection of $100 was at once taken for the society. At the same session of the Convention, the sum of $2000 was subscribed to complete the endowment of New Hampton Institu- tion, to be retransferred to Fairfax, Vt. At this time the work of the ministerial education received a new and strong impulse, and the State made for itself then a record that it has never surpassed. New Hampton Institution was bodily transferred to Fairfax, faculty, students and all. The Northern Educational Union was organized in support of New Hampton Institution, and especially to provide the neces- sary aid for students for the ministry. As early as 1853, there were fifteen ministerial students enjoying the benefits of this in- stitution and others were preparing to enter. For a few years this institution, though always financially embarrassed, did a splendid work in its theological department. It had an exceedingly able faculty, consisting of Rev. E. B. Smith, D. D., Rev. James Upham, D. D., Rev. Mark Cummings, A. M,, Daniel Putnam, A. B., Selim Peabody, A. B., and S. M. Bassett. For a few years this institution was the pride of our denomi- nation in the State, but for lack of financial support it soon lan- guished and ceased to be a denominational school. There was no general awakening among the churches for the financial support of this work. In 1862, the Convention did, under the spur of the moment, raise $520, and voted to attempt, by a com- mittee, to raise the amount to $1000 for the New Hampton minis- terial students, but the additional amount was not raised. At the session when this special contribution was taken, a resolution passed, "That the money now raised and which shall be raised hereafter for the purpose of educating young men at New Hampton HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 533 Institution at Fairfax, for the ministry, be committed to the treasurer of this Convention, subject to the order of the Northern Educational Union." This action apparently broke the organized connection be- tween the Convention and the Northern Baptist Education So- ciety, for in his report, in 1864, Mark Carpenter refers to the fact that "We are excised from the Northern Baptist Education So- ciety." At the close of the war of the Rebellion the claims of the Na- tional Theological Institution for the education of freed men for the ministry received the endorsement of the Convention, and, on one occasion, $100 was raised for its work. For many years there has been nothing specially worthy of record in this connection. Once, in 1870, to meet an evident emergency, the Convention invited the New York Baptist Educa- tion Society to send a man into our State for a short time to secure contributions from our churches, which should be sacredly applied to the benefit of students from our State in Hamilton. Rev. G. W. Lasher, of the New York Society, Dr. G. W. Bos- worth, of the Northern Educational Society, Dr. Geo. BuUen, and others, have represented the work at intervals. For more than fifty years the Convention kept this subject be- fore the churches by able addresses of great inspirational and educative value. Committees and secretaries without number have been appointed to make reports, and resolutions have been passed expressive of interest, but for some reason the churches, generally, have not been thoroughly aroused to benevolent action for the sake of an educated ministry, and what has been accom- plished has been at a comparatively small cost. Since 1899, the subject of ministerial education has disap- peared from the programs and resolutions of our State Convention. Meanwhile, however, some of the churches (sixteen on an average, annually), have kept the cause in mind and contributed $2,565 for its support. The review of the organized efforts of Vermont Baptists in the cause of ministerial education is somewhat humilating. It must be confessed that interest in forwarding this work by assisting 534 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT students for the ministry, financially, has not been so general nor so deep as the relative importance of the work deserves. This, however, in justice, may be said that there has always been an honest difference of opinion as to the wisdom of the beneficiary system. It is refreshing to turn from considering our financial con- tributions to consider our contribution of men, whose liberal cul- ture and wide uifluence in educational lines bear witness to the fact that Vermont Baptists have not wholly underestimated the value of education for the ministrJ^ Young men, by heroic per- sonal effort and by the help of parents and friends, have secured thorough training for their sacred calling, and proved the wisdom of the time and means thus spent. These have been presidents of colleges: Jonathan Going, D. D., at Granville, Ohio; Robert E. Patterson, D. D., president of Waterville College, Maine, Kovington, Ky., Columbian Col- lege, D. C, Shurthfl College, 111., NcAA-ton, Theological Institu- tion, Mass.; Lewis A. Duim, president, Central University, Pella, Iowa; Lewis B. Hibbard, president, Leland University, La.; Na- thaniel Colver, president, Freedmans ' Institution, Richmond, Va. ; T, C. Graves, L. L. D., president, Mary Female College, more than thirty years; James R. Kendrick, president, Vassar College, 1885- 1886; Nathaniel Kendrick, first president, Hamilton, now Colgate University; Norman Wood, D, D., president, Shurtleff College, 111., 1852-1855; Alvah Woods, president, Alabama University, Ala., 1831; George C. Chandler, D. D., president, Franklin College, 111., 1843-1850, also of a Baptist College in Oregon. The following have been professors in colleges or universities : Romeo Elton, Bro^\^^ University; Beriah Leach, D. D., Seth \ATiit- man, Daniel Haskall, Roswell R, Prentice, Edward Judson, D. D., David Estes, D. D., in Hamilton; Thomas Conant, D. D., and A. C. Kendrick, D. D., L. L. D., both in Hamilton and Rochester; E. B. Hurlburt, D. D., in Chicago; James Tenbroke, in McGill College, Toronto, Can. The following have been presidents or professors in Theolog- ical Institutions: Ira Chase, D. D., Alvah Hovey, D. D., E. P. Gould, D. D., at Newlon; Eh B. Smith, D. D., and James Upham, D. D., at New Hampton Institution; A. S. Hobart, Crozer. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 535 All these have been members of Baptist churches in Vermont, and all except five have been bom or brought up here by the im- migration of their parents in infancy. On this Dr. Archibald remarked, "We are not aware that any Baptists, whose numbers have not averaged more than nine thousand for the last seventy- five years, have furnished an equal number of instructors for our higher institutions of learning in all that period of time." To these names might well be added such as these: Ezra Fisher, from the church in North Springfield, who after a pas- torate there of some years, went as a missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, first to Iowa, and thence in 1845 to Oregon. He left Iowa in April, and reached Tualatin Plains in Oregon, December 5, havmg been seven months on the road and having traveled more than 2,500 miles. In company with Hezekiah Johnson, he laid the foundation of the Baptist cause in Oregon, and underwent hardships and privations such as men will not be called to experience again in the history of this country. E. H. Gray, D. D., laid the foundations of a university in California. H. I. Parker secured the establishment of the school at Beaver Dam, Wis. S. S. Cutting, D. D., was the prominent mover in the Educational Convention at BrookljTi, N. Y., which origmated the great educational uplift of Baptists throughout the country. Nathan Brown gave to Assam and to Japan, the New Testament translated into their owti tongue. A long list of finely educated men who have served in the foreign field might be added. It is not generally known, but it is a fact, that the Chicago Theological Seminarj^ now a part of Chicago University, had its origin with Vermont men. The storj' is too interesting to be abbreviated. The late Brother Mial Davis, of Burlington, stated the facts of the case as follows: "In June, 1867, that great preacher, the man of great intellect and spiritual power, Nathaniel Colver, left his Tremont Temple church and came to Burlington, Vt., preaching in the First Baptist church on the Sabbath. His sweet spirit and deep insight into God's truth, with his great force of deliverj% greatly interested Mr. Lawrence Barnes. The writer was not less interested, but he had listened to his powerful preaching in Boston twenty years be- 536 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT fore. On the Monday following, Dr. Colver wished to see Mr. Barnes and myself, and an inter\'iew followed. An adjournment was made till we could call William Cook, of WTiitehall, a godly man, full of good deeds. At this meeting, held at the home of the writer, Dr. Colver said substantially this : 'that God had laid upon him the work of providing a Theological Seminary for the West, where young men called to the ministry could, in some measure, pre- pare themselves for their great work. He said there were to be a great number of them; that they were generally poor, and could not come East for training and study. With great earnestness he pleaded for these young men. He continued, ' The churches must have trained pastors. ' As he walked the floor he said, 'O, we must have this seminary. ' "Then he told us his plan ; that we three men pledge his salary for five years, at $1,500 per year, while he should work it up. We agreed to this and pledged as follows: Lawrence Barnes, $3,000; Wm. Cook, $3,000; Mial Davis, $1,500, or $7,500 for the five years. "Dr. Colver started off, happy as a lark in the morning, to his work. Very soon he returned to us and said that God had blessed him in presenting it, so that he was sure it would come. 'Now,' he says, 'I wish, if you will, to pay the $7,500 as the commence- ment of the fund for the Institution.' This we did, and paid the money. The dear Mr. Goodman of The Standard, with other friends, took hold of the matter and subscriptions followed. The Seminarj^ came up. Dr. G. W. Northroj) has said to the writer that the nest egg of the Seminarj^ was laid in Burlington, which was true. And now, dear Dr. Colver, Brother Barnes, and Brother Cook have some years since passed over to the heavenly land, and I remain alone to tell the story. To God be all the glorj' of a work so far reaching in its results." Mention ought to be made in this connection, of men who, not connected with any of our literary institutions, have neverthe- less performed distinguished service in the ministrj'^ in various parts of the country. Among these, we record the names of H. C. Fish, so long the distinguished pastor in New Jersey, and the author of valuable religious works, who was brought up in Halifax, and converted in the little Baptist church there; E. H. Gray, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 537 D. D., of whom we have spoken, was the gift of the now extinct church in Bridport; S. H. Green, D. D., so long the loved pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D. C, came from the feeble church in Montgomery'; Alvah S. Hobart, now professor in Crozer Theological Institution, was born in Georgia, Vt.; A. T. Dunn, came from Fairfax, and S. S. Cutting, D. D., so prominent in educational and editorial work, was the gift of the church in Windsor to service in other states. Academies The first allusion to the State Convention's interest in academies occurs in the minutes of 1830. In reply to a com- munication received from the trustees of the Burr Seminary, to be located in Manchester, the Convention passed the following : Resolved, that we cordially approve the plan of said Seminary, as presented in the prospectus, and that we wish its friends success in their important enterprise; yet, as we have, during the present session of the Convention, organized a branch of The Northern Baptist Education Society within this State, and as institutions to which we are already pledged imperiously demand our patronage, we feel ourselves unable at present to render that assistance, which, under other circumstances, might have been afforded. The Academy at Brandon On the evening of October 26, 1831, a meeting of the friends of education was held at the home of Esq. Fletcher, in Ludlow, and a resolution was passed recommending to the Convention to take measures for the establishment of a literary institution in the State. The following day the Convention approved the resolu- tion and appointed twenty-five persons to serve as trustees of said institution. 538 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT (Names of trustees appointed by the Convention to take measures to establish a Uterary institution, 1831) : Hon. J. D. Farnsworth, Charlotte, Dea. J. Clark, St. Johnsbury, J. Conant, Esq., Brandon, E. E. Starkweather, Irasburg, Rev. A. Leland, Chester, Rev. J. M. Graves, Jericho, J. P. Skinner, Esq., Windsor, Rev. H. Proctor, Rutland, Rev. D. Packer, Mount Holly, Rev. L. Howard, Windsor, Rev. A. Sabin, Georgia, Rev. R. M. Ely, Rockingham, Dea. T. Galusha, Jericho, Dea. D. Mason, Westminster, Dea. S. Riggs, Rutland, Dea. E. Ransom, Tovtmshend, Mr. Joseph Smith, 2d, Shoreham, Rev. M. Bruce, W^ilmington, Hon. N. H. Bottom, Shaftsbury, Asa Fletcher, Esq., Ludlow, Dr. A. McKee, Arlington, Rev. J. Merriam, Bridport, Rev. E. B. Smith, Poultney, A. Clark, Esq., Hinesburg. The legislature, in 183*2, granted the above named persons, and their successors in office, an Act of Incorporation, with the usual powers and privileges of like institutions in the State. The trustees held their first meeting in Rutland, and adjourned from time to time, receiving jjroposals from several toA\Tis in the State for the location of the institution.' Finally the proposal from Bran- don was considered the most liberal and was accepted, and the institution located there by the name of the Vermont Literary and Scientific Institution. The people of Brandon subscribed $5,000 and erected a four- story building of brick. It was commodious, conveniently placed and handsome; one hundred feet in length and forty feet in width. This building was opened February, 1833. The school was under the instruction of Hadley Proctor, principal; Mr. N. N. Wood, assistant, first quarter; Myron N. Dean, assistant, second quarter; Mr. Curtis K. Harvey, teacher of languages; Mr. Josiah C. Hazel- tine in the English department, and Hiram A. Graves, A. B., teacher of penmanshij>. In the female department. Miss Sophia Fox, principal; Miss H. K. Seaver, assistant, first term; Miss Susan M. Griggs, assistant, second term. Number of students: Males, one hundred and twenty-one; females, eighty- two; total, two hun- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 539 dred and three. This school never had an endowment, although some contributions were made through the Convention for fur- nishing its room. It fitted a considerable number of students for college, some of whom became eminent. In 1866, the trustees leased the buildings to the consolidated school district of Brandon village for graded schools, provided said district would put the building in order and sustain a first- class graded school, according to the school laws of Vermont. In 1842, the Convention acknowledged its obligation to this institution by the following resolution : ''Resolved, that the Scientific and Literary Institution in Brandon is entitled to all the aid that the Convention and the denomination in the State can give it; that since it was brought into existence by the Convention it may reasonably look to us for support. We, therefore, recommend to our brethren that such agents as the trustees may send out be favorably received, and their efforts be crowned with funds, scholarships and scholars." The hopes expressed in this resolution were not fulfilled. John Conant, Esq., one of the founders of the institution, in letters to William Churchill, wrote: "This institution has, from the commencement, felt great need of the fostering hand which was extended, not to say pledged, from the denomination, for want of which its course of instruction has been fluctuating, and without permanent professors, and is at present supported by the tuition bills and such other aid as a few in the village can afford to it. Could the Baptist Convention be induced to give it, the small sum of $1 to each member of the Bap- tist churches, it could soon be in a flourishing condition again and be of great general use, and honorary to the denomination. The trustees feel that such a fimd is due to their efforts in raising the institution and still hope that their brethren feel it too, and will not leave them to serve alone an object so important to the good of the whole." In a note to the letter from which we have just quoted, allud- ing to an imderstanding that the original trustees were expected to raise $1,000 before proceeding with the work of founding the institution, Mr. Conant writes: 540 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT "The $1,000 was never half subscribed, and this is the point on which its failure turned. The trustees anticipated too much; they should not have started a peg imtil the sum was raised. " In a later letter he said, "The Institution was got up by the State Convention; that is, by their choosing a board of trustees to take measures to raise funds for and locate the Institution where they might judge most advantageous for the State, for the general good of the whole State. This was expected by the people of Brandon, when they expended $5,000 for the building. But we were sadly disappointed when we saw immediately spring up other small academies, in different sections of the State, and fostered, more or less, by men whose names were on our list of trustees. Instead of supporting our Institution, and making that a respecta- ble one, the denomination countenanced other small ones, and, so dividing the interest, ruined all. " (Letters in the possession of the Vermont Baptist Historical Society.) The schools to which Mr. Conant referred were doubtless those established at To\\iishend, Ludlow and Derby. Leland and Gray Seminary As nearly as can be determined. Rev. Joseph Freeman, D. D., of Cavendish, was the father of the movement for the establish- ment of a Baptist school within the limits of the Woodstock As- sociation. He introduced the subject to the Association in 1833, and it met with favor. Plans were formed as soon as possible and steps taken to carry them into effect. Money and a suitable loca- tion were the first things to engage attention. To awaken interest and secure means, the Association authorized or sanctioned the appointment of mass meetings in various places. On these oc- casions the character of the undertaking, plans for raising funds, and especially the matter of a suitable location, were fully and freely discussed. As the meetings progressed, it came to be seen that latitude, as well as other considerations, was a thing not to be overlooked, for some contended that the proposed seminary of learning should HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 541 be in the northern part of the Association limits, and others that it should be in the southern. Elder Freeman took a stand in favor of the former view, and Major Ezekiel Ransom, of Townshend, the other. Ransom spoke of the beauties of the natural scenery and the healthfulness of the Townshend location, but natural scenery and zeal of friends could not alone win the prize for Townshend, or any other locality. Resolving not to be behind others, in January, 1834, the people of Townshend instituted measures to raise the funds needed. This was done by voluntary subscription. The minutes of the Woodstock Association, for 1834, show that a committee was appointed by them to appoint "twenty trust- ees of the Leland Classical Institution of Townshend". The As- sociation also chose a committee of five, consisting of Chapin Howard, Wm. R. Shafter, Peter R. Taft, Daniel Cobb and Epaphro Ransom, to superintend the erection of a school building. The General Assembly, in the autumn of 1834, granted charters; one for Leland Classical and English School, at Townshend, and the other for Black River Academy, at Ludlow. The name, Leland, was m honor of Lieutenant-Governor Aaron Leland, of Chester. The use of his name was a fitting trib- ute to the memory of one who had stood high in the councils of his own denomination and had filled a large place in the hearts of the people. At the first meeting of the trustees, it was voted that the committee that had previously been appointed by the Association "to superintend the erection of a building, be a committee to superintend the financial affairs of said corporation until by-laws are reported and adopted by said trustees." This fact con- stituted them the prudential committee and no successors were appointed that year. The committee appointed by The Woodstock Association contracted with Daniel Cobb, of Windham, to erect a brick build- ing on the premises, which Ezra Ober had conveyed to Chapin Howard in trust. Mr. Cobb performed the terms of the contract and received for work and material, $1,220. The first term of the school was opened in the autumn of 1835 by Rev. Erastus Willard, in the absence of Professor A. B. Tilton, 542 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT principal elect. Mr. Willard was a Baptist clergyman then preach- ing in Grafton, Vt., afterw^ard missionary to Paris. Professor Tilton soon assumed the management of the school, which under him set out on a prosperous career. The Woodstock Association contmued to manifest the same fostering care for the two schools as long as both were held to be within its territorial limits, and their yearly minutes, with few exceptions, until 1856, contained some commendatory' resolutions, or favorable mention, and many times they appointed visiting committees for each school. In 1856, or thereabout, the Baptist church of To^vnshend, transferred its connection to the Windham Asssociation and the Seminary no longer appears in the Woodstock minutes. The Windham Association, by its yearly resolutions and in other ways, has since the last named date manifested interest in the prosperity of the school. Black River Academy at Ludlow ^ This academy was incorporated in 1834. Its first board of trustees were nearly all Baptists and continued so through its entire existence. Among its principals were Rev. C. B. Smith, Rev. Burbank and M. C. Hyde, and its teachers were nearly all Baptists. It was often recommended to patronage by the Wood- stock Association and the Windham Association. In 1867, the trustees were authorized by an Act of Legislature to lease the property to District No. 1, in the to\\Ti of Ludlow, they still maintaining their organization and retaining a voice in the selection of teachers, and this arrangement still continues. The school has never had an endowment, although some small sums were occasionally raised for its aid, which seem to have been used for repairs, apparatus, etc. Derby Academy In 1839, the Danville Association, composed of the Baptist churches in Caledonia and Orleans Counties, and a part of the HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 543 eastern townships of Canada, "feeling the need of an institution for the education specially of yoimg men, for ministerial and other professions, chose a committee to locate such an institution under their care and direction." This committee, after visiting Irasburg, Barton, Greensboro, Ha^d^v^ck and Walden, fixed upon Derby Center as the most eligible location. The late Benjamin Hinman and Lemuel Rich- mond, members of the Baptist society in Derby, gave each an acre of land, and suitable buildings were erected by the inhabitants in the following summer — Colonel Chester Carpenter defraying nearly half the expense. At a meeting of the Association, held in Burke, June, 1840, the school was called The Derby Literary and Theological Insti- tute, and the foUo-^A-ing trustees were appointed, viz. : J. M. Morrill, L. P. Parks, John Hawes, Rev. Lewis Fisher, Rev. Rufus Godding, Enoch Thomas, Rev. Silas Da\ason, John Bellows, Rev. Jonathan Baldwin, Jonathan Lawrence, Rev. Aaron Angier, Luman Bomson, Rev. Silas Grow% Rev. Horace Hovey, Isaac Denison, Thomas Baldwin, E. L. Clark, Rev. S. B. Ryder, Dustin Grow, Rev. Noah Nichols, Chester Carpenter, Hon. D. M. Camp, Lemuel Richmond, Orem Newcombe, Davis Blanchard, Israel Ide, M. Cushing, Rev. Edward Mitchell, Isaac Ives, Enos Alger, Rev. N. H. Downs, W. Rexford, Joel Daggett, Rev. A. H. House, and Joseph Ide. Executive committee. Colonel Chester Carpenter, Rev. Noah Nichols, and Dr. Lemuel Richmond. The next September the school was opened. Heman Lincoln was principal, and Miss E. Appleton, (afterw^ard Mrs. John Ives) preceptress. The school numbered one hundred and forty-seven,, several of whom were fitting for college and have since become efficient members of the pulpit, the bar and the medical professions. In the years, 1841 and 1842, Alvah Hovey and Miss Sarah Ayer, of New Hampton, were the principals. 1843-1851, Austin Norcross was principal, and Miss Ann Nichols, (afterward Mrs. Austin Norcross) preceptress. The number of students ranged from one hundred to one hundred and fifty per term. 544 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT During the first few years, the Baptist Association, at its annual meetings and through its agents, Jonathan Baldwin, N. H. DowTis and Aaron Angier, contributed generously toward its sup- port; but being unable, under its title of Theological Institute, to procure a charter which would entitle it to a share in the grammar school funds, the trustees, in 1845, at a meeting held in Derby, de- cided to substitute the name Derby Academy. In 1851, the ser\aces of Frederick Mott, A. B., of BrowTi University, and Miss Emma Dean, of New Hampton (afterward Mrs. F. Mott), were procured and they remained three years. During this time the success of the school had more than equalled the expectations of its most sanguine friends. Perhaps no term passed without hopeful conversions of several members of the school. But while the friends of the institution were encouraged, there had been a growing jealousy on the part of some prominent members of other religious societies in the vicinity, who used strenuous efforts to convert the academy into a union school, and at last succeeded in electing officers in equal numbers from the three societies. Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist, near the close of Mr. Mott 's term of service. The school, being under the especial care of no one in particular, diminished in numbers and standing; this giving one more proof of the truthfulness of the homely adage, "What is everybody's business is nobody's." In 1871, at the session of the Convention when the question of a new institution was under discussion, which resulted in the founding of Vermont Academy, a communication was received from the trustees of Derby Academy, offering the buildings and other property of the corporation to the Vermont Baptist State Conven- tion, and a resolution was offered by Rev. J. G. Lorimer: "That we accept the trust and manage the school." This resolution was referred to the Board. No mention of this matter is made in the subsequent reports of the Board. In 1873, however, a committee was appointed to look after the de- nominational institutions of learning in the State, and the following year, Mr. Rugg, in behalf of the committee, made a verbal report concerning Derby Academy, and Rev. J. G. Lorimer spoke of its condition and wants. Hon. Levi K. Fuller Governor of Vermont 1892—1894 Born, 1841— Died, 1896 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 545 Among the many who prepared here for college, some of whom entered one or two years in advance, mention should be made of the following who became clergj'men, viz.: Marvin Hodge, D. D.; Moses Bixby, missionary; Charles S. Morse, and Zenas Goss, mis- sionaries to Turkey; W. W. Niles, Professor of languages, Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.; J. C. Hyde, Nathan Denison, Charles Willey, Isaac Waldron, Horace Hovey, B. F. Morse, Clark E. Ferrin, J. G. Lorimer, John Kimball. Of those who became lawyers: Hon. Benjamin H. Steele, Hugh Buchanan, Edgar Bullock, Alonzo Bartlett, Major Amasa Bartlett, Enoch Bartlett, Ossian Ray, George and Charles Robin- son, L. H. Bisbee, Jerry Dickemian, B. F. D. Carpenter, Alonzo Bates. Physicians: Geo. Hinman, Simeon Corey, Cephas Adams, John Buchanan, John Iver, John Masta. To these should be added: John Graham, L. L. D., presi- dent of St. Francis College, Richmond; Paschal Bates, Edwin Bates, Charleston, S. C, Alva Godding, D. M. Camp, editor of Newport Express, and N. W. Bingham, knoTkVTi for his poetical talent. Vermont Academy The Vermont Baptist State Convention, which assembled in Windsor, November 10, 1869, was attended by two brethren who had pondered earnestly for some time previous, the educa- tional interests of the Baptists of Vermont and who were mutually pledged to test the practicability of inaugurating in this Conven- tion, some movement looking to the establishment of a new and well endowed academy in this State. On the joint solicitation of these brethren, the chairman of the committee on resolutions. Rev. Charles Hibbard, cordially consented to introduce the follow- ing resolution: "Resolved, that the time has come when the Baptists of Ver- mont should awaken to an increased interest in the subject of gen- eral education, and should express that interest by taking immediate steps to secure the establishment and adequate endowment of a 546 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT first-class literary and scientific institute for the education of our youth of both sexes." The resolution, after receiving consider- able discussion, disclosing a general incredulity of success in the project, was, however, at length adopted, the measure being al- lowed to receive, substantially uncontested, the votes of the few earnest friends. The following brethren were appointed a com- mittee to take the necessary preliminary measures for carrying the resolution into effect: T. H. Archibald, W. L. Palmer, S. F. Brown, G. S. Chase, M. A. Wilcox, R. J. Jones, Wm. M. Pingry. The progress made by the committee in their work during the fol- lowing year was reported by the chairman, Rev. T. H. Archibald, to the State Convention held in Hydeville, October o and 6, 1870. They had addressed a circular to all the Baptist pastors of the State, inquiring: First, Do you judge such an institution among the Baptists of this State necessary to their prosperity and ad- vancement? Secondly, Are you ready to cooperate in founding and maintaining it? The answer to both these questions, with verj' few exceptions, was unexpectedly hearty and emphatic in the affirmative. A meeting was called to consider the matter further, in con- nection with the ministerial institute held in Brattleboro, in the month of February, which was addressed by S. S. Cutting, D. D., and a general expression of feeling was decided in regard to the great need of such a movement as was contemplated. Wishing to proceed intelligently in their work, the committee sent out a circular to all the churches, inquiring the number of young people between the ages of fourteen and twenty -one, connected with Baptist congregations; the number of those studying in Baptist schools; the number studying in schools of other denominations; the number studying in schools of no denominational character and the number of graduates of colleges. Returns were received and collated from only thirty -one churches, but these furnished some very suggestive facts. The committee was encouraged to believe that the enterprise was commending itself to the judgment, and entrenching itself in the hearts of benevolent, enterprising, far- seeing laymen, and that the prospect of a first-class academy, under the control of Baptists of Vermont, was bright. The report HISTORY or THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 547 of the committee was received as a report of progress, and on mo- tion of one of the committee, Hon. LawTence Barnes, of Burhng- ton, and Rev. Charles Hibbard, of Chester, were added to the com- mittee. Subsequently the Convention adopted the following resolution : ''Resolved, that this Convention hails with joy the progress which has been made by the educational committee, in ascertain- ing the state of opinion and feeling in the churches on the ques- tion of establishing a first-class academy in Vermont, under the auspices of the denomination, and in giving practical direction to this important project. ''Resolved, that the committee are requested to proceed with their work, expressing always in their consultations and appeals the conviction of this body, that our churches will have done their best work for the cause of Christ, and of christian civilization, only as the higher forms of education are made easily and cheaply accessible to all our sons and daughters." During the year en- suing, the committee prosecuted their work with renewed zeal, and at the expiration of the second year of their labors the com- mittee laid before the unusually large Convention, assembled in Burlington; October 4, 1871, the following as their final report: "Your committee, in accordance vnth the report of last year, have prosecuted the investigation which had then been com- menced, and ask leave to present the following report: They have received returns from sixty -five of the one hundred and two churches in the State, of which nine, including several of the most able, do not report the amount of property connected with them. These reports disclose the following facts: There are, in these sixty-five churches, two thousand, two hundred and twenty per- sons between fourteen and twenty-one years of age. Of these, one hundred and twelve are in attendance on Baptist schools, seventy of whom belong to the congregation in Fairfax, leaving forty-one from the other sixty-three churches in attendance on Baptist academies. There are attending schools of other denomi- nations, three hundred and forty-seven; and attending schools under no denominational control, three hundred and twenty-five. Sixty-nine persons over twenty -one years of age are engaged in 548 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT attendance upon schools, mostly of other denominations. We have forty-four graduates of colleges, and ninety-six graduates of other schools, not including commercial academies. The prop- erty reported amounts to $5,819,991." These statistics show that only one-third of our youth are receiving any academic education, and only one-twentieth of them are being educated by Baptists. They further show (condensing the remainder of the report) that the Baptist institutions, now in existence among us, command only an exceedingly narrow local patronage; that it is in vain to hope that to any considerable extent our youth will be sent to Baptist institutions outside the State. As a matter of fact, less than one in a hundred of them go away from Vermont to attend a Baptist academy. That abundant means for the accomplishment of all that we need in this direction, a contribution of a little more than one per cent of the property of the Baptists of the State — less than the amount required by this Convention to be raised by the feeblest church which it aids for the support of the Gospel at home — would endow an academy with $100,000. "Your committee have discharged, to the best of their ability, the work committed to their hands. They were not em- powered to raise funds for this purpose, or to locate or endow an academy. Still, they feel deeply that the time has come when this work should be entered upon in resolute earnestness. It has come to their knowledge that a legacy has already been made for this purpose, and that another waits only for a permanent organiza- tion to which it can Ije bequeathed. They, therefore, recommend to the Convention to choose a Board consisting of from nine to fifteen trustees, three of whom shall hereafter be elected by the Convention and the Board, as to its remaining members, to be self- perpetuating in three classes, with the sole limitation that they shall be members in good standing of Baptist churches, who shall organize as a corporate body under the laws of the State, and pro- ceed to found a first-class academy in Vermont, and to endow and control the same. Signed by each member of the committee. " On this occasion, able addresses were delivered by Alvah Hovey, D. D., of Newton Theological Seminary, and Sewall S. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT. 549 Cutting, D. D., secretary of the American Baptist Education Commission, and Rev. H. C. Estes, of Jericho, after which the fol- lowing resolution was adopted: "Resolved, that on nomination of the chair, a committee of three be now appointed to nominate a board of from nine to fif- teen persons, whose duty it shall be to prosecute the work of estab- lishing and endowing a new educational institution in this State,^ to determine the question relative to its location, and raise for it an endowTuent fund of at least $100,000, exclusive of grounds, buildings, and apparatus, and to secure for it, from the General Assembly of the State, an act of incorporation for themselves and their successors, as the Corporation, or Board of Trustees, for the said academy, with such conditions, limitations and powers, in accordance \A-ith the report just adopted, as shall seem to them advisable." Rev. H. C. Estes, M. Davis, Esq., and Rev. W. N. Wilbur were appointed such committee. Subsequently this committee reported, recommending that the following named brethren be chosen to constitute the Board of Trustees, contemplated in the foregoing resolution: Board of Trustees: Hon. William M. Pingry, Rev. T. H. Archibald, Rev. Charles Hibbard, Rev. W. N. Wilbur, L. K. Fuller, Esq., Hon. Alanson Allen, R. M. Galusha, Esq., Hon. LawTence Barnes, Rev. S. F. Brown, Rev. E. Mills, Rev. M. A. Wilcox. These brethren immediately took measures for effecting a legal incorporation under the General Statutes of Vermont. Re- markable progress was made during this year. A circular was issued by the Board of Trustees, rehearsing the historj^ of the enterprise, announcing the decision of the Board, selecting Saxtons River as the location for the academy, stating that Mr. Charles L. Jones had given to this enterprise $20,000; the citizens of Sax- tons River, $30,000; and Baptists in other places, $20,000, and appealing for the completion of the endowment. The cheering announcements in the circular drew from the ensuing Convention the following cordial acknowledgement of the Divine interposition: 550 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT "Resolved, that we gratefully recognize the hand of God in the signal success which has attended the labors of the Board of Trustees appointed at our last annual meetmg, at Burlington, to prosecute the work of establishing in this State a well endowed academy of the highest order; that we regard the sudden and un- expected opening of the school at Saxtons River, and the sub- stantial encouragement given for its location there, as singularly providential; and we commend this enterprise to the friends of education, and our churches generally, as preeminent in its im- portance and claims at the present time and especially deserving their cordial sympathy and generous subscriptions." The Convention appointed as members of the academy board, raising the number to fifteen, for permanent member, J. J. Estey, Esq.; for three years. Rev. L. J. Mattison; for two years. Rev. I. D. Bursvell; for one year, Rev. H. C. Estes. At a meeting of the board in 1872, Rev. W. N. Wilbur was appointed financial agent, and in less than one year from the time of his ap- pointment the complete subscription of $100,000, for the endowment of the academy, was secured. This is the story of the fomiding of Vermont Academy and a bright portion of the history of Vermont Baptists in educational lines. The academy soon became the pride of our people, its buildings stately and beautifully situated, its facultj' able and attractive, and its student body large and enthusiastic. The Esteys and Levi K. Fuller became, especially, personally interested in the school and were generous in their gifts and in their devotion of time to the interests of the school. The platform of the Conven- tion has always been accessible by the trustees of the academy for the account of its work and the presentation of its claims. The Associations also have welcomed the representatives of its manage- ment. The part taken by the State Convention, in 1900 and sub- sequently, has been narrated in the chapter on the State Conven- tion. New Hampton Institution, Fairfax One of the most interesting and noteworthy events in the history of Vermont Baptists was the rise and decline of New Hamp- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 551 ton Institution. The history of that institution has never been fully written. Materials for such a chapter now are somewhat scanty. Most of the men w^ho promoted it have passed away, but the influence of the school abides, and the denomination owes much to the work it accomplished. In the beginning, a wonderful opportunity was promptly improved, later, it seems, from the present point of view, a magnificent providentical opportunity was lost by the failure of Vermont Baptists to support an institution which for a time was one of its choicest treasures. For some time previous to 1852, the problem how to secure a supply of suitably trained ministers for our Vermont churches was weighing on the minds of many. Rev. I. H. Parker, in his circular letter read before the Lamoille Association in 1850, expressed sentiments then widely current. He said, "It is granted, I be- lieve, that ministers of the Gospel, in order to labor successfully among us, should be raised in Vermont. Exotics do not thrive in our high latitude. If this is true, then Vermont must furnish her own ministers. This, at least, must be the general rule, and each Association should furnish a number sufficient to supply all her own churches, and her proportion to go abroad to destitute regions and preach the Gospel where Christ has not been named. So many and pressing are the calls to other regions, that, unless we can raise up men upon our o-v^ti soil to labor among us, our churches must suffer more or less by destitution. We labor under some very serious embarrassments as Baptists in Vermont. We have no institution of our own at which pious young men can carry forward to its consummation a course of study preparatory to the ministry. The consequence is that most of our young men go abroad to study and never return among us. Is there not something for us to do in this behalf? A native educated ministry and a school in which to train them were the needs of the time." Some of the brethren, who were wont to make practical ap- plication of wnse suggestions, began to inquu-e as to the possibility of Vermont having an institution of her own. A providential op- portunity was in sight. At that time New Hampton Institution in New Hampshire was in financial straits. The hope of New Hampshire endowing and maintaining it was waning and nearly gone. Could it be transferred to Vermont? Could Vermont 552 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT endow and maintain it? Upon inquirj' the possibility of a transfer became evident. The Northern Educational Union was formed to finance the enterprise. Subscriptions were solicited and obtained. In October, 1852, the Convention met in Hyde\Tlle, and after an address by Dr. Caldicott, secretary of the Northern Baptist Education Society, and a collection of $100 for that object, the business of the Convention was suspended to see if $2,000 could be raised to complete the $20,000 needed for the endowment of New Hampton Institution, to be transferred to Fairfax. This sum was promptly pledged and prayer offered, expressing gratitude for the signal success. At 2 o'clock the Northern Educational Union, which had previously been organized, met. Rev. L. Howard was appointed president pro tem and Rev. M. G. Hodge, secretary. A statement of the circumstances which called the Union into existence, and of the action up to this time, was made by Rev. H. L. Parker. A plan of the buildings which the people of Fairfax proposed to erect, was presented by Rev. L. A. Dunn, and a board of trustees was elected by ballot. That same year, 1852, the trustees of New Hampton Institu- tion presented their report to the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention, in which they told of the efforts to sustain the theolog- ical department for more than twenty years, and stated that only about $4,000 had been secured toward the $20,000 proposed ; that the debts were then about $2,400; that they had received a proposition from the brethren in \'ermont that they would raise an endo\nnent of $20,000 and would provide suitable buildings if the institution were removed to that State. Being convinced that there was no prospect of obtaining an endo\\'nient in New Hampshire, the trustees asked the Convention to give them authority to transfer the institution to the Northern Educational Union, which had been formed in Vermont. ^\fter considerable discussion in two sessions of the Convention, the matter was referred to the Board of the Convention. The Board decided in favor of making the transfer. AYritings were executed the 10th of November, 1852, by which all the liabilities of the in.stitution were assumed by the Board in Vermont, in consideration of which the property of the institution was conveyed to said Board. New Hampton Literary and Theological Institution f Fairfax, Vt. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 553 The Institution was reopened at Fairfax the 30th of August, 1753, with fourteen theological students and a total of one hun- dred and forty, as many as could be accommodated at that time. Another boarding-house was then near completion. The site provided for the new buildings was one of the finest in Fairfax, commanding a xievr of Mount Mansfield, the highest of the Green mountains, and a wide extent of country in every direction. The grounds were ample. The buildings were sugges- tive of the ideals entertained by the promoters of the Institution. Three large buildings were connected in such a manner as to give an imposing architectural front. The center building was the old meeting-house, furnishing a chapel on the lower floor, an assembly hall on the second, and above this was a Masonic hall. The new buildings were three stories high, with tall columns giving them a classical appearance. These buildings furnished recitation rooms, reading rooms and dormitories. A dome surmounted the whole structure. This dome-crowmed, composite building could be seen for miles around and the picture it made will never be erased from the memories of those who often saw it. At the opening of the school, students came in encouraging numbers. In 1854, three hundred and thirty-five yoimg people availed themselves of the advantages of this school, during all or a portion of the year. The average attendance was one hundred and thirty-nine. Twenty-six young men were in the theological department. The faculty was a very able one. At the head, as president and Follett professor of biblical theology and pastoral duties, was Rev. Eli E. Smith, eminent as a scholar and teacher. One, who as a pupil knew him, says "He was a dignified man, with a kindly heart. Most of the students were afraid of him a little." Rev. James Upham, A. M., was professor of sacred litera- ture and ecclesiastical history. He is said to have been a careful student, who loved Latin as he did his meals. Mark A. Cum- mings was professor of mathematics and the natural sciences. John A. Pooler was tutor of the preparatory department. In the female department was Laura A. Gage, principal and teacher of German and moral sciences. Susan M. Ham, teacher of Latin and rhetoric. Martha J. Tucker, teacher of mathematics and 554 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT French. Nellie F. Gate, teacher of drawing, painting and French. Anne E. Taylor, teacher of preparatory department. Susan Weir, teacher of vocal and instrumental music. Three courses of study were arranged: a preparatory course for young people whose parents wished them to be under careful training and for those who were not well prepared to enter at once the higher grades; an English and classical course designed to give thorough, practical education, more extended than that of academies and high schools and less extended than that of the New England Colleges, including as much of Latin and Greek as would prepare one to enter college; and so much of history, higher mathematics, natural sciences, rhetoric, logic, intellectual and moral philosophy as were necessan^^ for any occupation aside from the learned professions. The theological department was designed for students for the ministry, who did not wish to pursue the nine years ' course in the ordinary system. It was a very %nde and thorough course. The expenses to students were reduced to the minimum. Young ladies could be boarded at the boarding-house for from $1.75 to $2.00 a week. This sum paid for lioard, washing, room rent, use of furniture and wood. One can hardly read without a smile the one requirement mentioned in the catalogs: "Each young lady is expected to furnish towels and teaspoon or dessert- spoon for herself." Young men could obtain board at about the same rate, and in clubs could reduce expenses below these figures. For tuition a general charge was made on all students of $3.00, to which was added for each branch of higher mathematics, $.50; for ancient and modern languages, $l.'-25; bookkeeping, by single and double entry, $1.12; natural philosophy, geography of the heavens, and astronomy, each $.50; mineralog\% botany, and zoology, each $.50; anatomy and physiology with lectures, $1.00; geologj' with lectures, $1.00; chemistry with lectures and experi- ments, $2.00; mental and moral science, rhetoric, logic, evidences of natural and revealed religion, history of English literature, criticism, Butler's Analog^', each $.75; writing and vocal music, accordmg to the number of lessons; music on piano or organ, two HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 555 lessons per week, $8.00; use of instrunient, $2.00; painting in water colors, $2.00; oil painting, $5.00; incidental charges per quarter, $.25. Rev. E. B. Smith and Dr. James Upham continued in their positions till the death of Mr. Smith, January- 5, 1886, when Dr. Upham became principal and continued in that position till 1867, when Joseph S. Small and Milon Davison were the male teachers, two years, and Milon Davison and Edwin C. Ferguson in 1869. The lady principals during this time were Laura A. Gage, 1854- 1856; Susan Ham, 1857-1858; Caroline V. Bums, 1860-1861; Mary E. Mayo, 1861; Sara D. Freeman, 1862-1863; Frances J. Chamberlin, 1864; Marj^ G. Wadsworth, 1865-1866; Juliette E. Miles, 1867-1868; Emma A. Barton, 1869. Rev. Alvah Sabin was president of the Board of Trustees till 1860, when Rev. Joseph Freeman became president, with Alvah Sabin, vice-president till 1865, when Alvah Sabin was again presi- dent, with Rev. L. A. Dunn, vice-president, till 1868, when L. A. Dunn was president, and T. H. Archibald, vice-president. The Institution was conducted with utmost discretion and ability. The discipline was rigid, but the students did not be- come restive under the restraint. As a body, the students were loyal to the Institution and a fine school spirit was developed. An evangelistic spirit was constantly cultivated. Many conversions occurred among the students. The Baptist church, of which Rev. L. A. Dunn was so long pastor, was in cordial sympathy with the school and exerted its full influence upon it. The faculty were active in the church. In the first decade of the school life the church membership increased from two hundred to two hundred and ninety-six. The whole surrounding country felt the elevating and refining influence of the Institution. The theological students supplied churches near and far and did splendid work, while gaining valuable experience for their later ministry. For nearly twenty years the Institution was maintained, with an attendance of between two hundred and three hundred students. For a time there was a decrease, followed by gain. From 1863, to 1866, there was an increase in the aggregate attendance from 556 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT two hundred and thirty-three to four hundred and ninety-five. The Civil war made serious inroads into the school, many of the students enlisting in the Union Army. But while the outward ap- pearances of the school were prosperous, the causes of decay were at work. The endowment was largely in notes and the interest only available, and when the donors died the principal lapsed in some cases. The financial basis was inadequate to the support of a school upon so high ideals. When the financial stress became acute, there came a division of sentiment as to the course to be followed. Some were in favor of reducing the scale of the school to the proportions of the en- dowment; the faculty and others were opposed to this, believing that the hope of an increased endowment depended upon main- taining the high standing of the school. Unhappily, difference in judgment generated discord and bitterness of feeling. While discussions continued, the work of raising an endowment was de- ferred and the sympathies of the denomination for the school were being withdra\\ii. The death of Principal E. L. Smith was a fatal blow to the Institution. There is reason to belie^'e that if he had lived he would have succeeded in raising the endowment, for which he was planning, and the school would have been saved. The founding of Vermont Academy at Saxtons River tended to divert attention and interest from New Hampton, creating a rival interest, and this once flourish- ing institution gradually declined to an inferior private school and later the buildings were occupied by the to%\Ti public schools, till the tragic end came in the l)urnuig of the buildings to the ground in 1897. The early history of the Institution was so bright, its useful- ness so evident, that its decline seems little short of an occasion for regret, if not of grief. Rev. Alvah Sabin Hobart, in a recent letter, writes, "I can scarcely conceive of a school being of more practical use than that school was at that time. It stood among the best of its grade then. As I look at it now that school had a divinely assigned work and it did it splendidly. It failed, not because its aim was not right, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 557 nor because the teachers were not competent, but because of the changing circumstances of the people and of the changed demands of the times." The Northern Educational Union still maintains a legal existence, holding whatever property remains of the original body. A small school building has been erected on the site of the old ones, and this is used for educational purposes, and is the seat of the Green Mountain Bible and Missionary Institute, which holds its annual sessions there in the summer, and for a short time pre- sents scenes reminding the older residents of Fairfax of the early days of the New Hampton Institution. Ministers who Studied at New Hampton Institution Sullivan Adams, Lucius Ames, Willard W. Ames, Ruel W. Arnold, George W. Arms, Henry C. Beals, George W. Bixby, Samuel A. Blake, Swett F. BrowTi, Joseph W. Buzzell, Waitstill Bliss, Corwin Blaisdell, John F. Bassett, Sanford L. Burnham, E. M. Bixby, Amariah K. Batchelder, Reuben Emerson Bartlett, John Henry Bowker, John N. Chase, A. J. Chandler, Silas F. Dean, John Fairman, James F. Furguson, George Keely, Joseph G. Lorimer, Frederick F. Lyman, William P. Lowrie, Halsey C. Leavitt, William E. Lockheart, John II . Mansfield, Thomas C. Morley, Bailey S. Morse, Albert McGlauflin, George W. Mason, C. D. R. Meacham, James Mitchell, Frank E. Osborn, Henry C. Pierce, Nehemiah Pierce, David J. Pierce, George H. Parker, A. W. Peet, Clark J. Rugg, Daniel Rogers, Joseph Small, John W. Smith, 558 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Cyprian Frenyear, Charles E. Fisher, Melvin L. Fox, John S. Goodall, George B. Greenough, H. P. Guam, WilHam C. Gunn, Asahel S. Gilbert, Egbert B. Hatch, Lewis B. Hibbard, Merrill Howard, Thomas B. Holden, Frank S. Hesseltine, John W. Henr\% William Dana Hall, Charles H. Hickok, E. H. Emorj' Jameson, Luman Kinney, William H. Kelton, J. H. Shepardson, Levi B. Steele, Arvin A. Smith, O. C. Sargent, John Shean, Jeireh Tucker, John C. Thayer, Isaac A. Taylor, Edmund Therrien, Irvin VanBuskert, A. J. Walker, Nathaniel Whittemore, James E. Wiggin, Nathan Wardner, H. Olin Walker, Plmy F. White, Asahel N. Woodruff, E. A. Wyman, Lysander W ood. To these might be well added the names of many more who took, at New Hampton, the literary course and their theological course elsewhere. Among these are S. H. Green, D. D., A. S. Hobart, D. D., S. H. Archibald, John Bowker, George Parker, George Arms, A. N. Woodruff. Chapter XXIV SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK The Vermont Baptist Sunday School Union 1826-1844 As early as 1826 the State Convention recorded its interest in Bible study and Sunday school work, by the following resolution: "Resolved, that the Convention recommend to the churches and ministers of the State to take immediate measures to promote the systematic study of the Sacred Scriptures." A plan presented by Jona. Merriam was endorsed and commended. In contrast wath present Sunday school methods, this plan is interesting, and worthy of preservation as a bit of Sunday school history. "The following plan embraces the objects both of a Sabbath school and a Bible class. If the school be large, let it be divided into eight classes, four of males and four of females. Arrange those under fourteen years of age in the first classes; from fourteen to eighteen in the second classes; from eighteen to twenty -three in the third classes; all over twenty -three and persons settled in life, in the fourth class. Let some appropriate question be given to each class, suited to its capacity; and to each of these younger classes some select portions of the scripture, to be committed to memory. When thus organized let it be called a Bible school. "Method of operation. 1. Let every meeting be opened and closed with prayer. 2. Let the Superintendent hear the younger classes recite their lessons of scripture, in doing which let a whole class rise at once, and each individual recite a verse until the lesson is gone through. At the close of each lesson the Superintendent may explain briefly any expression in the lesson which may not be understood. 3. Let the Superintendent repeat the questions already given out, commencing as before with the youngest classes. 560 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and call for their answers. The Superintendent should express his views upon the answers, or upon the question itself. 4. When all have answered, give out the questions and lessons for the next school. "Encouragements. Let a society be constituted for this object, each member of which shall pay annually a stipulated sum. Let the moneys thus raised be appropriated for the purchase of a library, and tickets and rewards, if necessary, for the use of the school under its patronage. A library of some extent will induce many young gentlemen and ladies to attend who otherwise would not, and will render the school permanent. "Rewards. Let tickets be given to the first and second classes for attendance, one ticket, for lesson one, and for their answers, one." Following this plan is a plea for systematic study of the Bible. In 1828, the Convention appointed Revs. A. Sabin, Hadley Proctor and Jona. Merriam, a committee to consider the expediency of forming a State Baptist Sunday School Union auxiliary to the American S. S. Union and to report the next day. This committee recommended that the whole subject be referred to the churches, to be taken into consideration and to be reported on by delegate or letter at the next session. In 1829, the Convention suspended its exercises long enough to form a Sabbath School Union. The organization was effected by choice of Rev. Hadley Proctor, president; Rev. Isaiah Matti- son, 1st vice-president; Rev. Peter Chase, 2nd vice-president; Rev. Richard M. Ely, 3rd \ace-president; Rev. Mansfield Bruce, 4th vice-president; Ezekiel Ransom, Esq., 5th vice-president; John Conant, Esq., treasurer; Rev. Jonathan Merriam, corres- ponding secretary; Rev. Eli B. Smith, recording secretary; Rev. J. M. Graves, Rev. Alvah Sabin, Rev. Leland Howard, Rev. J. Freeman, Rev. Cyrus, Rev. W. Hodges, Rev. Willard Kimball, trustees. The object of the Union, as defined in its constitution, was "To promote the opening of new, and the increase of old Sabbath schools, wathin the limits of the State of Vermont; to establish a regular intercourse among the schools, by which improvements in HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 561 teaching, and all other communications, may be transmitted; to provide a Depository for supplying schools with suitable books, on the lowest terms; to furnish destitute schools with books, gratis, when the funds of the Union and circumstances of the school will justify such a measure; to stimulate and encourage each other in the instruction of the ignorant; to establish auxiliary societies to be connected with the Union in different parts of the State and to correspond regularly with the American Sunday School Union. " At the first meeting of the Board, w^hich was on the same day that the Union was organized, viz.: October 29, 1829, it resolved to establish two depositories, one at Brandon, the other at Wind- sor. For the accomplishment of this object, the Board resolved to use their utmost exertions to raise $500 the ensuing year in shares of $5, one-half to be used as a permanent fund, the other half to be drawn by the subscriber at prime cost. Notw ithstand- ing considerable effort was made, and several appeals were made to the churches upon this subject, less than $100 were paid into the treasury for this object. The inconvenience arising from this failure was partially lightened by the generosity of Brother Ira M. Allen, who, at his own expense, procured a good supply of class and library books. The Board appointed one Sabbath school mis- sionary in each county, and requested them, at their own expense, to do all they could to forward the general cause of Sabbath school instruction in their several counties, by forming new schools, regulating, encouraging and strengthening these already estab- lished, but very little was done that year. In 1832, there W'ere eight auxiliary unions connected with the Vermont Sabbath School Union. These were the Addison County Union, organized in 1830; the Bennington County Sabbath School Union, organized in 1832; the Fairfield Sabbath School Union, organized the same year; and Unions connected with the Vermont, Danville, Barre, Woodstock and Leyden Associations. None of these auxiliaries made careful reports, and the Board com- plained somew^hat bitterly of this neglect. This Union kept up its organization several years, holding its annual meetings in connec- tion with the Convention, and its Board presented an annual re- port, which, w^ith the minutes of the annual meeting of the Union, was published with the Convention minutes. For lack of funds 562 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT and other causes, however, the organization did not accompHsh the object for which it was founded. As early as 1838, the report of the Board was practically a confession of failure. In 1841, the Board reported. "It is now eleven years since the organization was formed. It has, doubtless, been the means of accomplishing some good, by diffusing informa- tion, and to a limited extent combining the moral power of the denomination in support of Sabbath schools. Its operations have, however, met with several serious interruptions. It manifestly has never enjoyed the sympathy and favor which its importance demands. Its claim to an equal place among the institutions for the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, seems never to have been practically admitted. In 1844, by mutual agreement between the Union and the State Convention, the Union was merged into the Convention and was dissolved as a separate organization. Rev. B. Burroughs, last president of the Sabbath School Union, was appointed by the State Convention as Sunday school secretary, and in the first session, after the dissolution of the Union, he reported from thirty-seven schools, thirty -eight superintendents, three hundred and ninety-seven teachers, and two thousand, eight hundred and ninety -three pupils. He made a strong appeal for increased interest in the work. In 1848, the Board reported "The Sabbathf school cause, we have reason to think, is very low in our congregations. " In 1850, the need of more thorough organization was felt by the Sabbath school committee and a futile effort made to secure it. From this time the mention of this subject drops from the published reports and discussions until 1863, w^hen a committee was appointed to attend a Union State Sunday School Convention and to assist in the organization, if such should be called. In 1869, the Convention met in Brattleboro. The interests of the Sunday school received special attention. W. C. Child, D. D., representing the American Baptist Publication Society, called attention in his address to the fact that the Publication So- ciety had inaugurated a new movement by calling a National Bap- tist Sunday School Convention. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 563 At the same session, a resolution was adopted, viz. : that a com- mittee be appointed, consisting of S. F. Brown, L. J. Mattison, E. M. Mills, M. A. Wilcox, L. K. Fuller, to confer with the different Sabbath schools and associational conventions, to arrange measures for calling a State Convention to settle all prehminaries, and to designate the time and place for the first session. This committee carried out their instructions with great care, and a Convention was called for Wednesday, June 1, 1870, at Rutland. Forty-seven schools were there represented by twenty-nine pastors, forty-one superintendents, and forty -four delegates. Among the pastors were M. A. Wilcox, C. A. Thomas, L. J. Mattison, Charles Hibbard, S. F. Brown, A. N. Woodruff, Dwight Spencer, H. L. Grose, Luman Kinney, C. P. Frenyear, N. Cud- worth, J. Goadby, E. Mills, Wm. Rugg and J. Freeman. Among the superintendents, whose names are now familiar, were S. Big- wood, A. M. Kendall, A. F. Sherman, S. L. Armington, E. S. Hib- bard, Wm. M. Pingry and E. W. Horner. Among the delegates were W. A. Felt, E. A. Fuller, S. H. Archibald, Ex-Governor R. Fletcher, Alpheus Haynes. The Convention organized by choice of Wm. M. Pingry, president; Deacon E. B. Stuart, secretary. Rev. E. Mills, of Rut- land, gave the opening address. The question, " Is there a demand for a Sabbath school missionary in the State," was discussed with animation. The question was finally tabled without action upon it. The committee on permanent organization reported against the proposition. Lengthy discussion followed this report, until, finally, the resolution was amended to read, "Resolved, that in the opinion of the delegates here assembled, the temporary organiza- tion formed today should be made permanent." This resolution was unanimously adopted. S. F. Brown, L. K. Fuller and J. Freeman were appointed to draft a constitution. The name adopted by this constitution was The Vermont Baptist Sabbath School Convention. 1870-1890 The object of the Convention, as defined in the constitution, was "to promote the interests of the Baptist Sunday schools in this 564 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT State, either in connection with the church or in destitute places. The membership consisted of pastors, superintendents, and not more than three delegates appointed to represent each Sab- bath school in the State. The officers to consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and five directors. The time fixed upon was the first Wednesday in June, annually. Thus was organized the Vermont Baptist Sabbath School Convention, which, for thirty years, vied with the State Conven- tion in popular interest. In some respects it rivalled in interest and popularity the parent Convention. The time of its annual meeting was the most inviting of the year, and it became like an annual festival. Delegations came in large numbers, till at times more than two hundred representatives of the schools were in at- tendance. Laymen took a specially active interest in the business and upon the programs of the Convention. L. K. Fuller, J. J. Estey, Guy Noble, A. F. Sherman, L. W. Hawley and others were enthusiastic supporters of the Convention. The programs were prepared with great care. The most talented speakers on Sunday school questions were engaged, regardless of expense. The annual expense of the Convention for speakers and incidentals averaged about $150. Geo. A. Peltz, Warren Randolph, W. F. Sherwin, C. R. Blackall, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Stebbins, Ira D. Sankey and Dwight L. Moody were among the speakers. Singing was led by the most skilled conductors. A very wide range of topics was treated. Time was allowed for devotional services, and for gen- eral discussion. From the beginning to the end, the Convention was of the nature of an institute. It w^as not a Simday school missionary organization. The project of employing a Simday school mission- ary was agitated now and then, but was not adopted. The Conven- tion was educative and inspirational. One of the special charms of the Convention- was its harmony and the homogeneity of its constituency. All were of one mind. There was the opportunity for the freest expression of denomina- tional sentiments, narrative of Baptist history, and instruction in the cardinal principles of the denomination. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 565 The tax upon the entertaming churches was heavy, but was cheerfully borne. The traveling expenses of the delegates amounted to no small sum. The practical results of the Convention it is difficult to meas- ure. The delegates returned to their homes unquestionably better fitted for work, and with deepened convictions. The evangelistic character of many of the sessions kindled interest among the per- sonal workers and leaders of the Sunday schools throughout the State. A glance at the statistical tables appended, shows a rapid gain in the enrollment of the schools for a few years after the organi- zation of the Convention. This increase may be partly due to more complete reports of the schools, but this cannot wholly account for the increase. In 1876, nine thousand, nine hundred and thirty pupils were enrolled. During most of the life of the Convention the enrollment was upward of eight thousand. In 1900, the num- ber enrolled was seven thousand, seven hundred and ninety-two, with one thousand, twenty -seven teachers and officers. 1900-1910 At length, interdenominational organizations and assemblies were becoming more and more popular. The Vermont State Sun- day School Association, auxiliary to the International Sunday School Association, became more active in institute and missionary work. Its annual anniversaries were becoming, not a counter attraction, but in some measure a substitute for the Baptist Sun- day School Convention. Many of the most active Sunday school workers found in the union organization a wider sphere of useful- ness. The cost of maintaining both Conventions had weight as a motive for discontinuance of the Baptist Sunday School Conven- tion. Strong appeals were made for the cooperation of the Bap- tists in the State Association, and in the thirty-first annual meet- ing of the Vermont Baptist Sabbath School Convention, held in Ludlow, June 5 and 6, 1900, Gen. J. J. Estey made a motion, which amended, read, "For the purpose of facilitating a more active cooperation in the State Sunday School Association work on 566 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT the part of our Sunday schools, Resolved, that this Convention dissolve at the close of this annual session. " This was carried by a rising vote of forty-one to ten. The last resolution of this body was as follows: "Resolved, that this Convention, about to dissolve, recommend that it do all in its power to advance the work of the union effort of the Inter- denominational Sunday School Association of Vermont." The last address of the Convention was given by Rev. H. S. Johnson, pastor of the Warren Avenue Baptist church, Boston, on "A Child's Soul." After singing, the benediction was pro- nounced by Rev. F. J. Franklin, of Mount Holly, and the Conven- tion was dissolved. The State Convention in 1900, the same year that the Vermont Baptist Sunday School Convention was dissolved, amended Article II of the Rules of Order, by adding the words, "which shall provide for a session in the interests of the young people." Pro- vision was thus made to supply, in part, the loss of the Sabbath school convention. Since then a Sunday school session has been held at each annual anniversary of the State Convention, and live Sunday school topics have been presented by such able speakers as L. W. Hawley, C. H. Spaulding, D. D., Rev. E. H. McEwen, Rev. E. M. Fuller, Rev. Woodman Bradbury, Rev. O. S. C. Wallace, Edwin P. St. John, Rev. Hugh T. Mussleman and others. While thus maintaining a denominational interest in their own Sunday schools, the Baptists of Vermont have not been in- different to the obHgations assumed in connection with the Inter- denominational State Sunday School Association. In April, 1869, Dr. O. B. Douglas, then living in Brattleboro, and a member of the First Baptist church in that place, went to the Fourth National Sunday School Convention at Newark, N. J. He returned thoroughly convinced that some organized effort ought to be made by the various denominations in Vermont to pro- mote the Sunday school interests. He laid the matter before the State meetings of the various denominations, with the result that a convention of Sunday school workers was called officially by the denominations to meet in Rutland, in October, of the same year. At that meeting The Vermont Interdenominational Sunday School HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 567 Association was organized. Its first president was Deacon E. A. Fuller, who was a member of the First Baptist church in Burling- ton, and its first secretary was Capt. Geo. E. Davis of the same church. During all the years up to the time of the abandonment of the Baptist Sunday School Convention the Baptists of Vermont were prominently engaged in the interdenominational work. The names of Gen. J. J. Estey, L. W. Hawley, and others associated with them, are a sufficient indication of their interest. There is no question but that the Baptist Sunday schools bore their pro- portionate share of the burden of the interdenominational work, and some individual Baptists contributed very largely. In 1903, Rev.E.A. Fuller had resigned the pastorate of the Bap- tist church in Barre, and became State secretary of the Interdenom- inational State Sunday School Association, and held that position for about six years, and, naturally. Baptist schools rallied to his lead- ership. At the time of his appointment, John A. Greenwood, a member of the Baptist church in Chester, was president of the organization. ]Vlr. Greenwood and Mr. B. A. Park, of Chester, with a few leaders in other denominations, became practically responsible for the financial obligations of the Association for at least two years. Since that time, such men as C. J. Ferguson, F. S. Retan, W. A. Clark, of Rutland; R. S. Benedict, of Middlebury; C. A. Crampton, of St. Albans; Rev. A. H. Gage, Rev. F. S. Tolman, Rev. W. F. Meyer, Rev. S. P. Perry, Rev. J, S. Brown, and many others who have held prominent places in the State and County Associations, are abundant proof of the interest of Baptists in this work. F. G. Safford, of the First Baptist church in Burlington, has been its treasurer. 568 history of the baptists in vermont Sunday School Statistics Year Teachers Pupils 1868 717 7245 1869 788 8435 1870 711 7664 1871 512 5383 1872 709 6864 1873 524 7146 1874 860 7745 1875 924 9916 1876 917 9930 1877 1020 9601 1878 1146 9153 Teachers and Year Officers Pupils 1890 1082 8528 1891 1134 8546 1892 1087 8285 1893 1063 8098 1894 1038 8249 1895 1015 7641 1896 1118 7998 1897 1034 7429 1898 1003 7410 1899 1059 7242 1900 1027 7792 Year Teachers Pupils 1879 1143 9416 1880 1162 9291 1881 1213 8440 1882 1086 7524 1883 1059 7622 1884 1078 8257 1885 1039 7673 1886 1103 7796 1887 1127 8245 1888 1122 8041 1889 1070 8370 Teachers and Year OflBcers Pupils 1901 1054 7597 1902 991 7266 1903 936 6406 1904 940 6765 1905 1028 7083 1906 1033 7007 1907 1073 7501 1908 1068 7115 1909 1130 7367 1910 1083 7602 1911 1096 7990 1912 1064 7630 Arthur G. Crane Treasurer of Vermont Baptist Minister's Conference Chapter XXV THE VERMONT BAPTIST BIBLE SOCIETY The Baptists of the State commenced early with other de- nominations in the promotion of the Bible cause, and continued their efforts in that direction imtil 1836, when their interest re- ceived a new impetus in new channels. In 1834, Adoniram Judson, after long, long years of toil, com- pleted his translation of the Bible into Burmese. In a letter dated January 31, 1834, he wrote: "Thanks to God, I can now say I have attained. I have knelt down before Him, with the last leaf in my hand, and, imploring his forgiveness for all the sins which have polluted my labors in this department, and His aid in remov- ing the errors and imperfections which necessarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to His mercy and grace. I have dedi- cated it to His glory. May He make His own inspired Word, now complete in the Burman tongue, the grand instrument of filling all Burma with songs of praise to our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen." Up to this time Baptists of this country had been cooperating with other denominations in the Bible work of the American Bible Society, and they had reason to suppose that this society would hail with delight and gratitude the accomplishment of Dr. Judson, and aid in distributing it among the people for whom it was in- tended. But after American Baptist missionaries had translated the Bible into half the languages of the globe, this society, in 1835, resolved that we should have no aid from their treasury in circulat- ing the versions made by Baptist missionaries. The reason for this resolution was solely that the word "baptize" and its cognates, had been clearly and correctly translated immerse, instead of being transliterated as in our authorized English Bibles. 570 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Baptists, protesting in vain, were throwTi upon their own re- sources, and preliminary steps were taken to organize a new society. The Vermont Baptist State Convention appointed as delegates to the proposed Bible Convention, that was called to meet in Philadelphia on the last Wednesday in April, 1836, D. Haskell, chairman, Daniel Packer, Samuel Eastman, E. Hutch- inson, J. D. Farnsworth and Samuel Greggs. The following year, 1837, upon report of the Bible committee, the Convention passed a resolution approving the formation of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and recommended the immediate formation of a Vermont Bible Society, auxiliary thereto; and that, as soon as possible, branch societies be formed in each Association; and that means be adopted to bring all the churches and benevolent in- dividuals to aid the society by their contributions. They resolved, further, that it was inexpedient to restrict the American and For- eign Bible Society to the circulation of the scriptures in foreign languages. Upon the passage of these resolutions the Conven- tion suspended its business long enough to organize the Vermont Bible Society. J. D. Farnsworth was appointed president; W. Walker, B. Carpenter, J. Ide, A. Sabin, L. P. Parks, L. Fisk, D. Packer, I. Pearsons, M. Bruce, S. C. Dillaway, vice-presidents; J. Freeman, secretary; J. P. Skinner, treasurer. J. D. Farnsworth, A. Sabin, S. Greggs, D. Packer and J. P. Skinner were appointed delegates to the next annual meeting of the parent society. Meanwhile, the Associations were aroused on this subject. The Vermont and the Woodstock Associations passed resolutions upon the subject. The Woodstock Association had a record-mak- ing session in 1836. In the afternoon of the second day, although upward of $200 had been previously subscribed for the Vci-mont Branch of the Northern Baptist Education Society, Brother Packer, of Mount Holly, made some remarks upon giving the Bible to the heathen, and closed by saying that he would pay $150 to constitute Adoniram Judson a life director, and $30 to con- stitute Nathan Brown a life member of the American and Foreign Bible Society. A proposition was made that the ladies present should raise the sum necessary to constitute Mrs. Bro-VNH a life HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 571 member of the same society. This was soon done. Then the spirit went on till a subscription was filled to constitute Brother Has well and wife and Mrs. Judson life members of the same so- ciety. In 1839, the Vermont branch paid to the treasurer of the parent society, $303.78; in 1839, the receipts were $423.89. In 1841, and 1842, the receipts fell off considerably, being $106.20 and $102.18, respectively. In 1843, owing to the personal solicita- tions of Rev. H. Seaver, agent of the parent society, the receipts for Bible work were much larger, amounting to $789.91. At the anniversary in 1845, Missionary Kincaid, of Burma, addressed the society in support of the Bible cause. Mr. Seaver had col- lected $534.89, and upward of $50 had been received for books and Bibles sold. In 1846, $671.82 were forwarded to the parent so- ciety. Of this sum, $217.57 were from the Rutland County branch. The last meeting of the society was held in Chester in 1846. Upon report of a joint committee of the Bible Society and the Vermont Baptist State Convention, the society was dissolved, and the organization of associational or sectional societies recom- mended. Chapter XXVI THE VERMONT BAPTIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY The origin of the Vermont Baptist Historical Society is due very largely to the efforts of the late lamented Rev. Cyprian P. Frenyear. For several years previous to his death, he spent much time in the collection of material pertaining to the history of Ver- mont Baptists. In the report of the committee of obituaries, presented to the State Convention in 1876, the opinion was ex- pressed, that the time and labor thus spent was equal to a year of continuous toil. In 1875, Mr. Frenyear prepared a paper on "Our denominational history, its scope, sources, importance and means of preservation." In its closing paragraph he says, "I sincerely hope th^t the denomination will not let the centennial year pass without organizing a Baptist State Historical Society upon so broad and firm foundations as to give it immediate and perpetual success." This paper was printed and circulated in the State. At the semi-centennial of the State Convention at St. Albans, in 1875, the matter of organizing a historical society was considered, and a committee of three appointed to report a basis of union at the next meeting of the Vermont Baptist Sabbath School Convention. This committee consisted of C. P. Frenyear, C. Hibbard and F. Henry. Before the time designated, Brother Frenyear died and W. H. Rugg was chosen to fill his place. After the close of the Convention in Chester in 1876, pursuant to a call previously issued, a few brethren met in the Baptist church at six o'clock p. M., October 6, and organized a society to be called The Vermont Baptist Historical Society. A constitution drafted by the hand of Brother Frenyear was adopted with some amendments. At the first meeting, a committee consisting of W. H. Rugg and J. J. Estey was appointed to confer with Mrs. Frenyear with a view of securing the material left by her husband. This com- mittee, after visiting Mrs. Frenyear and examining the material. 574 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT concluded that $500 would be a fair offer for it. This offer was confirmed by the society and accepted by Mrs. Frenyear, and the material turned over to the society on condition that the docu- ments to be made over to the society should be placed in the cus- tody of a librarian, and, secondly, that the society should pay for the documents the sum of $500, in installments of $100 per year, for five years, payable on or before October 10 in each year. The society thus began its life with lofty incentives and sacred obliga- tions and a heavy financial burden. The agreement with Mrs. Frenyear was carried out. The most valuable part of the material was transferred to the care of a librarian and placed in the fire- proof safe belonging to Judge Pingry in Perkinsville. In 1879, the Frenyear material was catalogued. Efforts were made to increase the membership; historical papprs were written and contributed to the society. In 1885, substantial gifts of historical material were received from Hon. W. M. Pin- gry 's heirs and Rev. S. F. BroAMi. At the time of its organization, the society appointed Rev. T. H. Archibald, president, which oflSce he held four years and then, after an interval of eight years, he was reappointed and held the position from that time till his death — 1888-1900. He was deeply interested in the purposes of the society and prepared valu- able papers on historical subjects, some of which were published in the minutes of the State anniversaries. The preparation of the History of Vermont Baptists was committed to him in 1898, and he gave much time to the arranging of material for it, under the direction of the society, and with the approval of the Conven- tion. It was a matter of great regret that he could not finish this important work for which he was so well fitted. Other presidents who have served short terms are Foster Henry, R. L. Olds, J. A. Pierce, W. A. Kinzie, Henry Crocker and George B. Lawson. The collection of the society has for several years been kept in the library of Vermont Academy. Chapter XXVIl VERMONT BAPTIST YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNION In 1891, the aims and methods of the Baptist Young People's Union of America had so commended themselves to the pastors and members of some of our churches that, at the Convention which met at Montpelier that year, Rev. D. D. Owen offered the following resolution, which, after an animated discussion, was adopted. Resolved, that since the interests of the young people of our Baptist churches \\nll best be secured by alliance wath our denomi- national organization, we therefore recommend the young people of our Baptist churches to organize with the constitution recom- mended by the National Union, and that all young people's so- cieties already existing affiliate with these in associational and State organizations. The follo'u'ing summer, a Convention was called at Burlington, consisting of delegates from all the young people's organizations connected with our Baptist churches in the State, to consider the expediency of organizing a State Baptist Young People's Union. The call was responded to by a large number of delegates. A con- siderable number were strongly opposed to the movement. The principal cause of the opposition was the misapprehension that the movement was antagonistic to the Christian Endeavor Societies. After full and free discussion and explanation of the educational purpose of the union, the vote was taken and a decided majority was in favor of the union. Rev. W. S. Roberts, of Burlington, was one of the most earnest advocates of the union, and was elected its first president, a position which he held till 1894, and to which he gave much thought and personal effort. The State Convention, in 1892, passed a resolution endorsing the action taken in furtherance of the young people's movement,, and approving the organization of a State Baptist Young People 's Union, sincerely believing that it would result in the unification 576 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT of the constituency of our churches. Associational unions were formed in Lamoille and Woodstock Associations. For a few years the Union did comparatively little beside act as distributing agent for the literature and circulars of the Bap- tist Young People 's Union of America, and, by its officers and mem- bers, advocate the study of the christian culture courses. Annual meetings were held in connection with the State Con- vention, and excellent speakers were secured, who kept the educa- tional features of the Union before the people. Later, the educational leaders made more systematic effort to organize classes among the young people of the churches and were successful to some degree. In this work Rev. H. E. Thayer, Rev. F. R. Morris, Rev. C. W. Jackson and Rev. Silas Perry, were specially active, and Miss Grace Young, Junior leader, among the younger members. The difficulty of obtaining full and accurate reports from all the societies makes it impossible to record the extent of the young people's movement in the State. In 1896, fifty -four societies re- ported one thousand, seven hundi-ed and thirty-nine members. In 1900, forty -two societies reported a total membership of one thousand, five hundred and eighty -five, of which one thousand, three hundred and twenty -two were active and two hundred and forty-seven associate members. In 1910, in response to fifty-six communications, the secretary received reports from twenty-two societies (twelve Christian Endeavor and nine Baptist Young People's Union and one Junior), sho^^'ing active membership, seven hundred and forty -four; associate members, one hundred and sixty- four. Nineteen societies failed to report — eleven Christian En- deaA'ors and eight Baptist Young People's Union. These, the previous year, reported eight hundred and six members. This would give the probable total membership hi the State over one thousand, seven hundred. In 1904, about two hundred and sixty had been enrolled in some kinds of classes. At a business meeting held in INIiddlebury, September 27, 1910, the following resolutions, unanimously adopted by the Ver- mont Christian Endeavor Union in annual Convention, assembled at Barton, Vt., Octobers, 1910, were endorsed. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 577 CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR RESOLUTIONS ON INTERDENOMINATIONAL STATUS AND SERVICE Whereas, we, the Young People's Societies of the Vermont Christian Endeavor, and the Vermont Baptist State Convention, being of common interest and service in the Kingdom of God, real- izing a deep need of unity of purpose, do hereby state our mutual plan for the successful carrying out of a uniform policy of support for our general State work. Whereas, the Vermont Christian Endeavor Union in the mem- bership clause of its constitution places all societies of identical purpose and methods, of whatsoever name, on the same plane as those bearing the name of Christian Endeavor. Whereas, the Young People 's Societies of the Vermont Baptist State Convention recognize the value to them of fellowship with Christian Endeavor, and in order to promote such fellowship have disbanded the State Baptist Young People's Union and the local Baptist Young People's Unions, and have united in one organiza- tion all Baptist Young People's Societies of every name for the single purpose of denominational unity; have adopted the policy of organizing all new societies with the Christian Endeavor name and urging all existing societies of other names to join the Vermont Christian Endeavor Union and expect all their societies to be mem- bers of local and county Christian Endeavor Unions; and Whereas, the method of raising funds for the Vermont Christian Endeavor Union of the Young People's Societies of the Vermont Baptist State Convention has been burdensome to the Baptist societies, be it Resolved, that hereafter the treasurer of the Vermont Christian Endeavor Union shall send no appeals for funds to any Baptist Young People's Society, but shall receive their contribution from the treasurer of the Young People's Societies of the Vermont Bap- tist State Convention and such contribution shall consist of one- half the amount given by all the Vermont Young People 's Societies to their treasurer. 578 history of the baptists in vermont The Green Mountain Bible and Missionary Institutes An interdenominational enterprise, especially in the interests of young people, in which Baptists of Vermont have taken an active part, is the Green Momitain Bible and Missionary Institute, held as a summer conference for several years at Fairfax. In 1907, the Young People's Missionary Movement encouraged the exten- sion of the Silver Bay Conference spirit and work in other places. Dr. W. E. Witter urged the founding of a permanent institute for young people in Vermont upon the Silver Bay plan. In the spring of 1907, a meeting of those interested was held in the vestry of the Baptist church in St. Albans. There were in attendance. Rev. J. S. Brown, pastor of the Baptist church, St. Albans; Rev. Mr. Lowe of the Methodist church, St. Albans; Rev. A. Frank Ufford of Fairfax, Rev. Silas Perry of Richford, Dr. Frank W. Norris of Swanton, and others. An organization was formed, and Rev. A. Frank Ufford was chosen president. Plans were laid for an annual summer conference. Fairfax was chosen as the place, the free use of the commodious school building on the site of the old New Hampton Institution, having been offered for the purpose. Conferences were held annually, 1907- 1912, led by Rev. J. S. Brown, as president, 1908-1909, and by Rev. Silas P. Perr^^ 1910-1912. Courses in Bible study, missions, teachers' training and general christian culture, were conducted by Rev. Jesse Smith of Rangoon College, Burma, Mr. George Hunting- ton, Miss Ada A. Brigham and others, and the foundations laid for a summer conference of great value. Chapter XXVIII GIFTS OF VERMONT BAPTISTS TO FOREIGN MISSIONS AND HOME MISSIONS The following account of the gifts of Vermont Baptists to the work of both foreign missions and home missions, is from the paper prepared by Rev. S. H. Archibald and pubhshed in the minutes of 1903. Vermont and Missions The part taken by Vermont Baptists in the various missionarj' enterprises has been so fully shown in the histories of the several Associations and of the State Convention, that a full resurvey of this work is unnecessary. We have seen that the Woodstock As- sociation appears to have the honor of making the earliest record of missionary effort beyond their owii bounds, by any body of Baptists in this country, although there was no special organization separate from the Association itself for the promotion of this object. This was at its regular session in 1791, a year before Carey preached his great sermon, " Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God," when Jedediah Hibbard, Joseph Call, Nehemiah Wood- ward and John Hebbard were encouraged and assisted to make their proposed journey through the northern part of Vermont, and as far as Caldwell's Manor within the Canada line. The other associations sent their itinerant ministers and missionaries far abroad throughout the infant settlements and to the frontiers, winning converts, planting and encouraging churches and spread- ing the Gospel message. The State Convention, from the begin- ning, has been inspired ^^'ith the spirit of world-^\^de missions. In the report of the Board of the Convention for ISS^, mention is made 580 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT of the special contributions of Vermont to the Burman mission, and it is there said that, "in the past six years more than $1,000 has been paid out of the treasury to the Burman mission, which, added to the about $1,800 that has passed through the treasury the present year, raised for the special purpose of furnishing the outfit, passage money and support, for a season, to Rev. Nathan BrowTi and vdfe, makes nearly $3,000 from the State of Vermont for the Burman mission alone." Subsequent reports of the Board and committees make reference to this matter and show the con- tinued interest in the subject of wo^ld-^\^de missions, which it would be interesting to quote. Summarizing as best we can, it appears that down to March 31, 1839, the total contributions going through foreign missionary channels was $7,290; several hundred dollars being in goods, and, as far as observed, the largest single contributor giving, during his life, was a pastor. Once it is noted that a Revolutionary soldier, a pensioner, gave a tenth of his pen- sion to foreign missions. From this time the money contributions can be stated with only such errors as may be incident to computa- tion, and there is a total to the American Baptist Foreign Mis- sionary Society and its predecessors in name, the sum of $251,020. This includes the contributions of the churches, to 1912, inclusive, the collections of the Woman 's Foreign Mission Societies for forty years, the offerings to the work of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and $305.33 contributed to the American Baptist Free IVIission Society. But other contributions to foreign missions made by the Bap- tist churches of Vermont must not be forgotten. Men and women, consecrated to God, have gone from these hills and valleys giving service to the cause of christian missions. Only brief mention of these will be attempted, with hasty sketch of work performed. There are some names to be found on this roll which, in our present day division, would be considered as home missionaries. In this class would be found : Rev. Lemuel Sfannard, born in Dorset ; appointed a missionary to the Oneida Indians; died in 1828. Amanda W. Siannard, of Dorset, Vt., appointed to the Puta- watomies, in 1830. She resigned in 1831. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 581 Rev. Ambler Edson, born at Brandon, in 1811, and, in 1833, licensed to preach by the Chester church; ordained at Plymouth, 1839; health prevented going to the East; missionary for two years to the Ottoe Indians, when ill health compelled his return; died at North Fairfax, 1873. Charles R. Kellam, born at Irasburg, 1809, and there ordained in 1836, and appointed the same year a missionary to the Choc- taws and Creeks, dying in 1838. Elizabeth S. Morse, born in Concord, Vt., 1816, appointed a missionary to the Indians, 1842. There are at least three who did missionary work in France: Rev. Erastus Willard, bom at Lancaster, Mass., 1800, baptized at Saxtons River, in 1820, by Rev. Joseph Elliott, with whom he fitted for college; graduated at Colby, 1829; studied at Ne'W'ton; ordained at Grafton, in 1833; appointed to France, in 1835, where he remained until 1856; from 1857 to 1859, when he resigned, mis- sionary of the American Baptist Missionary Union to the Ottawas in Kansas; afterwards a pastor and died at Newport, R. I.,. December 29, 1871. Mr. Willard married Sarah Clarke, who was, born in Rockingham, in 1800; went with her husband, in 1835, to France, and died in 1844, after nine years of service. Mrs. Harriet Willard, who married Rev. Isaac Wilmarth, was born in Rockingham, in 1807, appointed, in 1833, to France, and by reason of ill health, returned to this country after three years of service. This Isaac Wilmarth, a native of New York, after his re- turn from France, was a pastor at Grafton and Pondville. Alfred A. Constantine and wife appear to have been the con- tribution of Vermont to the work in Africa. He was born in Massachusetts, in 1812, but early was brought to Vermont, where he was converted at sixteen years of age. July 2, 1840, he was ordained at Mount Holly, where a large concourse of people were gathered. The same day he was married to Mary Fales, a missionary to the Marshpee Indians. Ill health made his stay in Liberia a short one of only some two years. He returned to this country and did some pastoral work in Vermont. He died at Summit, New Jersey, July 9, 1902. The others have all been missionaries to some parts of Asia, if no mistake has been made. First in point of time, if not as well 582 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT in dignity of service, is the name of the man who gave the Bible to two distinct nations in their own language, Nathan Brown, D. D., who was born in 1807, in New Ipswich, N. H., removed when a few months old to Whitingham, Vt., where he was born again and re- ceived into the church, August 5, 1816; graduated at Williams College, in 1827; having been in the meantime member at Benning- ton and Brandon and then, for a short time, at Rutland, where he was ordained a missionary to Burma, August 15, 1832. He had married in May, 1830, Eliza Bullard, who was bom in Charlemont, Mass., 1807, and while residing at Brandon, he had, for a time, edited the Vermont Telegraph, the Vermont Baptist paper; while at Bennington, he had made the acquaintance of William Lloyd Garrison, and so, perhaps, originated or at least strengthened the convictions which led Mr. and Mrs. Bro\Mi to object to receiving money from slave-holders in support of missions; and, in 1855, they returned to this country, where Dr. Brown edited the Ameri- can Baptist for a series of years; and after the Civil war, in 1873, he went to Japan under appointment of the Missionary Union. Mrs. Brown died in 1871, having been a foreign missionary twenty- three years; and Dr. Brown died in 1886, having performed thirty- seven years of service on the foreign field. Next in order of time is Rev. James M. Haswell, born in Ben- nington, in 1810, appointed in 1835, and reached Burma the next year, where he died after forty years of service, in 1876. He married Jane Mason of Massachusetts, who died in 1884; they left three children to continue their work on the foreign field, and, on one side, are the progenitors of a distinguished missionary family. Durlin L. Brayton, bom in Hubbardton, in 1808, early removed to New York state, whence he was appointed as a missionarj^- to Burma, in 1837. He married the daughter of a Vermont Baptist minister, Mary H. Fuller, who died in 1890. Mr. Brayton died in 1900, after sixty -three years of service, having re\asited his native country but twice. John Sidney Beecher, born in Hinesburg, 1820; ordained at the same place, 1846; sailed for Burma in company with Dr. Judson in that year; returned to this country, in 1854, and sailed again in 1857, and on the way home he died in England, in 1866, after HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 583 twenty years of service as a missionary. The closing inscription on the tablet to his memory in Memorial Hall, in Burma, is, "His is the distinguished honor of establishing the first christian school in Burma, on the basis of indigenous support. The Karen christians of Bassein will not suffer his memory or the Institution he founded to perish." Mrs. Juliette Patterson, the daughter of a Baptist minister, was born in West Haven, 1808, and became the wife of the Rev. J. G. Binney; was appointed a missionary to Burma, in 1843, died in 1884, after forty years of service. Edivin B. Billiard, born at Shrewsbury, in 1813, ordained at Middletown, in 1840; one fruitful year as a pastor in Massachusetts, and, in 1843, appointed a missionary to Burma, where he died in Maulmain, in 1847, after only four years of service. He married Ellen Huntley, of Brattleboro, in 1839, who became the third wife of Francis Mason; she was instrumental in founding the first woman 's mission society in 1861, ten years before the founding of the present organization. Her later years were clouded by certain hallucina- tions, which led her to work much injury among the couAcrts of Christ. M. H. Bixhy, D. D., a most successful missionary on the foreign field, and equally successful as a pastor on the home field, was bom at Warren, N. H., in 18'-27, converted and baptized at East Hard- wick, Vt. ; ordained at Williston, in 1849; was also pastor at Johnson; sailed as a missionary to Burma, in 1851; returned after three years ' service, hoping to save the life of his \\'ife, who died shortly after arriving in this country; was a pastor in Providence, R. I., and, in 1860, was reappointed a missionary, where he labored until 1868, when failing health again compelled his return, and he founded the Cranston Street church in Providence, where he was a pastor for upward of thirty years, and died in 1901. Susan C. Dow, who was the first wife of Dr. H. M. Bixby, was born in Walden, Vt., 1829; converted in 1847; baptized into the church at East Hard\\'ick; sailed as a missionary in 1853, and died in August, 1856, leaving a nine-months old daughter, who became the wife of Truman Johnson, M. /)., in Toungoo, Burma. Miles J. Knoiolton, D. D., was born at West Wardsboro, in 1825, in which place he was also ordained, September 8, 1853, 584 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT after graduating at Hamilton, sailed, December of the same year, for China, where he died after twenty years of service, in 1874. He married, in 1853, Lucy Ann St. John. At the Convention service held in Brandon, by special vote, two days before his ordination, an evening was given to " arranged with reference to the departure of Miles J. Knowlton as a missionary." A sympathetic and keen survey of mission work by John A. Goadby, D. D., was given and remarks were made by the missionary appointee. Rev. J. D. E. Jones, Rev. E. A. Cummings and Rev. J. W. Eaton. Prayer was offered by Rev. Ira Pearsons, "with special reference to the de- parture of Rev. M. J. Knowlton and wife," after which they were addressed in behalf of the Convention by Rev. A. Sabin (mod- erator), who gave them the parting hand. The fine monument erected to the memory of Mr. Knowlton, at Ningpo, China, by loving friends, many of whom were native christians, tells of his long journeys and untiring preaching in summer's heat and winter's cold; of his gentleness, patience and wisdom, so that he was often called the Confucius of the West. Mary E. Blandin was born in Brandon; reared and educated at Townshend; married Rev. Isaac D. Colburn and appointed to Tavoy, in 1863. For several years has been in this country. Mrs. Julia (Putnam) Cross, the daughter of Rev. Benjamin Putnam, was bom at Bethel, in 1819; married E. B. Cross, and was appointed, in 1843, and, after more than thirty years of service, died in 1875. Edward Payson Scott was born in Greensboro, Vt., in 1832; in early life went West; educated at Knox College and Hamilton; appointed a missionary in 1860, and died in 1869. Corodon H. Slafter was bom at Norwich, Vt., 1811; educated at Hamilton; sailed for the foreign field in December, 1838; de- signated to Siam. A brief but active missionary life was terminated in 1841 ; he and his wife had a family boat in which they sought to penetrate to every part of the country. "When informed that he must die, he at first evinced disappointment at so early an end of his work; but soon remarked, "God is able to carry on his work without me." Edunn D. Kelley was born at Clarendon, in 1846; sailed to the foreign field in 1871, where he was drowned in 1873. His wife was HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 585 Jennie W. Blackador, who took a four years' course in medicine and a term of study at Newton; returned to the foreign field in 1880, and died in 1889. Edwin Bullard, son of missionaries above named, was born in Burma, in 1847; appointed in 1870, and served until 1878, when he returned to this country and immediately became pastor at Addison, whence he departed, in 1882, for a second term. He is still on the field. W. H. S. Haskall, bom at Pittsford, in 1850; appointed a missionary, in 1872; returned in 1879, reappointed, 1883; returned the second term in 1889; resigned in 1890; was reappointed in 1903; returned to the United States in 1906; sailed again for Burma, in 1912. When in this country he served different churches as pastor. Samuel W. Nichols, was born in Burlington, in 1846; educated at Hamilton; ordained and pastor in New York for a brief term, when, in 1878, he sailed for the foreign work, dying in 1880. Rev. George A. Hnntley, M. D., was born in 1865; converted and baptized in England and saw service as a missionary of the China Inland Mission; came to this country with his wife; went to Burlington for the purpose of completing his medical education, uniting with the Baptist church there. He was appointed to the mission field by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, in 1897, and is still in the service of the society. Sumner R. Vinton, born in Burma, in 1874; baptized at Brat- tleboro, 1888; sailed with his wife, daughter of missionary Bunker, in 1900. Their last return to this country was in 1908. Mrs. H. Morrow was born at Rochester, Vt., baptized at Wolfville, N. S.; married Rev. H. Morrow, and sailed, in 1876, for Tavoy. She was a medical missionary, having pursued full studies and practiced one year before her marriage. A few months after the death of Mr. Morrow, in 1905, she returned to this coun- try where, in 1912, she is still living. Mrs. J. E. Cummings is a native of this State; was married at Bakersfield, in 1887, and went with her husband to Henzada, Burma, in 1887. She died there in 1892. Miss Anna S. Young, was bom at Hartland; baptized at Wind- sor, 1883; a member of the Montpelier church for a time; studied at 586 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Montpelier Seminary; appointed, in 1888, to Kinhwa, China; severed connection with our missionary work after marriage. She died in 1907. Miss Ella J. Taylor was bom at Perkinsville, Vt., where also she was converted and baptized in 1869; educated at Randolph Normal School, and at Winona, Minn.; taught in Vermont, Iowa and Minnesota; was appointed by The Woman's Society of the West, and sailed for Moulmain, in 1888. Her last return to this country was in 1909. Miss Clara A. Convers was born in Grafton, in 1857, where also she was baptized in 1876; educated at Vermont Academy and Smith College; taught at Vermont Academy five years; appointed a missionary to Japan, in 1889, and is in charge of the Mary L. Colby Home, Yokohama. She is supported by the churches of the Shaftsbury Association, who voluntarily assumed her support in 1889; yearly she sends them a letter, which is read at the annual session of the Association. There are others in whom ^'ermonters claim an interest, but their direct connection with Vermont Baptist interest came after their return from mission fields. Rev. and Mrs. Charles Hibbard, for many years prominent in our work; he was pastor at Chester, Vergennes and Middlebury; bom at St. Armand, P. Q., in 1823, educated at Brown University and Rochester Seminarj-; ordained at Providence, R. I., in 1852, where he was also married, saihng the same year for the foreign shore, and returning in 1866. He visited, in the interest of foreign missions, many of our Vermont churches, and performed valuable service in so doing. He died at Providence in 1887. Mrs. Hib- bard is still living (1912). Rev. S. M. Whiting was born in Sutton, Mass., in 1825, con- verted in 1841; sailed in July, 1850, for Assam, where he did faith- ful work for ten years; returning, by reason of his wife's health, they settled at Colchester for seven years, at Windsor for four years, and at Fair Haven, Conn., where he died in 1878. Rev. and Mrs. H. M. Hopkinson. He was born in Maine, in 1840; converted in 1856; ordained at Bangor, Maine, 1871; and missionary at Bassein, Burma, 1871-1876. On his return he HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 587 served the churches as pastor at West Wardsboro, Perkinsville, West HaHfax and Westford. John Goadby, D. D., bom in England, in 1808, ordained in 1833; four years a missionary in India; returning by reason of ill health, and was pastor twice at Poultney, and also at Vergennes. R. M. Luther, D. D., and his wife, were for several years mis- sionaries in India, and, upon returning to this country, he became pastor at Bennington, where he remained nearly nine years. More than ten years, he was district secretars^ for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society; pastor in New Jersey, and in- structor in a missionarj^ training school connected with Amity Church, New York. Dr. Luther died September 28, 1903. Miss Julia C. Bromley, born in Michigan, but resided for a time in Vermont, and was baptized at East Bethel. Miss Emma J. Cummings, M. D., was bom in Fairfax, Ver- mont, afterwards resided in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She was appointed a missionary of the Woman 's Baptist Foreign Mis- sionary Society in 1886, and sailed the same year for South India. She returned to the United States in 1892, and afterwards was married to William P. Park. For several years after her return, Mrs. Park was a field worker in coimection with the Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Societies (East and West). Rev. A. H. Danforih was born in Massachusetts, but re- sided in Vermont, and was baptized in Halifax, in February, 1835. He sailed for Gauhati, Assam, -^-ith his wife, in 1847. He died in 1865, in this country. Miss Linnie M. Holbrook was born in Wolcott, Vermont, in 1876; attended People's Academy, in Morrisville. She went to Tura, Assam, in 1906, under the auspices of the Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society. At the present time she is in Assam. Miss Charlotte M. Huntoon was born in Castleton, Vt., in 1877; went to Shaohsing, China, in 1903, under the auspices of the Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society. She re- turned to the United States in 1907. Mr. J. M. Lewis, of Vermont, went as a lay evangelist, in 1887, to the Congo Mission in Africa. He returned to this country in 1892, and did not retum to the field. 588 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Rev. A. F. Ufford, born in Fairfax, Vt., in 1887; united with the church there in 1895, and was pastor of the church at the time; he went to East China, in 1908. He is still on the field. Home Missions It is to be regretted that no satisfying statement can be made in reference to what Vermont Baptists may have done for the American Baptist Publication Society. This is due, in part, to the destructive fire that consumed records. When steps were taken looking to the formation of an organiza- tion, whose special field should be America, our fathers were not backward in supporting and forwarding the same. The American Baptist Home Mission Society was organized in New York, April 27, 183!2, and at the session of the Vermont Baptist State Conven- tion, held in Barnet the following October, the Convention voted to become an auxiliary to The American Baptist Home Mission Society, and organized a board of managers to serve as an execu- tive committee for home missions. From year to year, interest has been shown and attention given to this important branch of the common work. On the money side of our gifts, it is easy to state, with meas- urable accuracy, what has been contributed by our State. The first year, ending March, 1833, there was contributed from Ver- mont, $82.25, coming from the eight churches of Windsor, Caven- dish, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Middleto^^^l, Poultney, North Spring- field and Chester. The total amount contributed to the Home Mission Society and the Woman's Home Mission Society, in- cluding 1912, is $166,597. A remark, which will apply equally to the contributions for foreign missions, should be made, \az. : that a great many collections and contributions have been taken and sent directly to the several fields and workers, and no account can now be made of such gifts, which, in the aggregate, must a ount to a considerable sum. Concerning the workers who have been related to Vermont Baptists and have gone to the West and South — the two special fields of our Home Mission Society 's work — prominent among the HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 589 movers, and the first secretary of that society, organized in New York, April, 1832, was Jonathan Going, a Vermonter, born in Read- ing, March 7, 1786. He fitted for college in Massachusetts, en- tered Brown University, and graduated in 1809. During his freshman year, he was con^'e^ted and baptized into the old First Baptist church in Providence; studied theology for a time with the President of B^o^^'n University, and returning to "S'ermont, he was ordained pastor of the church in Cavendish, the next tova\ to his birthplace. May, 1811, where he remained pastor for four and a half years, when he removed to Worcester, Mass. He was greatly interested in home missions and, in 1831, was given leave of absence by his church to visit the churches in the western states, during which tour, he assisted in founding Granville College, and the next year entered into the service of the new society, in which work he continued five years, when he accepted the presidency of Granville, and there continued till his death. His death was regarded as the greatest loss that had befallen Ohio Baptists, and his name and work are held in grateful remembrance. No records have been kept of the states from which the workers or missionaries of home missions have been appointed, hence any gleaner may regretfully omit mention of names that are equally worthy as those that are known to have been from this State. But if the records had been kept by states, first from the Green Mountain State to receive appointment would be found the name of Rev. Ezra Fisher, chairman of the first committee ap- pointed by the State Convention on home missions. That meeting was held October 24 and 25, 1832, and the next November, Ezra Fisher requested dismission from the pastorate of the North Spring- field church, that he might devote his life to the spread of the Gos- pel in the western states. To this laborious and sometime perilous work, he did devote himself. He was born in Wendell, Mass., January 6, 1800; converted in 1818; graduated at Amherst, 1829, and spent a year at Newton; pastor at Cambridge, Vt., one year, where he was, probably, ordained January, 1830; married Lucy Taft, February 7, the same year; then, November, 1830, became pastor at North Springfield, closing as above stated; but in that two years he baptized seventy. He preached for thirteen years as the missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society in 590 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Indianapolis, Ind., Quincy, 111., and Davenport, Iowa. In 1845, he crossed the plains, traveling two thousand, five hundred miles with an ox team, being seven and one-half months going to the Tulatin Plains, Oregon, where he at once commenced to preach. In 1846, he organized the first Baptist church west of the Rocky Mountains, in Washington County, Oregon. He taught in what became McMinnville College, Oregon. But after 1849, he gave his entire attention to pastoral and missionary work. His last sermon was preached at the Dallas church, October 18, 1874, when he was taken suddenly ill, carried to his home and died, No- vember 1, 1874. Says one, "In company with Hezekiah Johnson, he laid the foundations of the Baptist cause in Oregon, and they underwent privations and endured hardships such as men will not be called to experience again in the historv' of this country.'* (T. H. Archibald). Another missionary was M. D. Miller, born in Elizabethtown, N. Y., 1811; ordained at Monkton, in 1835, and successively pastor there and at Charlotte, North Springfield, Dan\ille, Windham, Wilmington and Addison, from which last place he went to Madi- son, Wis., where he laid Baptist foundations well and securely; and spent the remainder of his days doing much in the general educational and missionary' work of the state. Nathaniel Culver, bom in Orwell, Vt., where his father was then pastor. May 10, 1794, was the third successive generation of his family to enter the ministry. He was converted in Massa- chusetts, ordained, and his first pastorate was at West Clarendon, Vt., in 1820. Passing over his work in Massachusetts and else- where, we are specially interested in him as a pastor in Michigan and Ohio in the fifties, as a leader in the work in the South, after the Civil war, at Richmond, and again, in his work in the Divinity School, in Chicago, where he died. Robert E. Patterson, D. D., born in Benson, Vt., hi 1800, the son of a Baptist minister, pa.stor and teacher in Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, was for three years secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, and then teacher in Kentucky, Waterville and ShurtUff College, 111., and, finally, in 1870, at Chicago, and died at St. Louis. "Few men have im- pressed their \aews more deeply upon others. " HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 591 Worthy of mention in this connection are Brothers J. R. Graves and Z. C. Graves, both born in Chester, both uniting with the North Springfield church, and later giving their lives to preach- ing and teaching in Ohio and Tennessee. H. I. Parker, D. D., was born at Cavendish, Vt.; ordained at Manchester Center; pastor for a time at Burlington, from whence he was called by the Wisconsin Baptist Educational Society, to assist in laying the foundations of Beaver Dam School, Entering the pastorate soon after, he removed to Austin, Minn., where he preached at six stations, at all of which, churches were subse- quently organized; thence to California, where he was pastor of three or more churches, and occupied a high place in the councils and affection of his brethren. He died, January 30, 1885. J. W. Parker, D. D., an older brother of the last named, also bom in Chester, did valuable work as pastor in Massachusetts, but gave several years of service to work for and among the Freed- men. He died in California, in 1871, at an age of eighty-two. Rev. A. B. Green was born in Warren, Vt.; died at White- water, Wis., 1878, aged fifty -two. He toiled and wrought as few have done in pioneer mission work. Rev. Benjamin Brierly was one of the most distinguished, elo- quent and influential preachers in California. Bom in England, in 1811, he early came to this country; was converted as a child, and baptized in Massachusetts ; studied and gained honors as a student ; pastor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and thence came to the North Springfield church, Vermont, and also served the Middlebury church. From there he went, in 1849, around Cape Horn, arriving in August, of that year, in California, where he was first chaplain of the legislature. He wrought nobly and left a good witness, dying, in 1863, at Nevada City. George C. Chandler was born in Chester, Vt., 1807; baptized at North Springfield, 1825; graduated at Hamilton, 1835, and at Newton, 1838; ordained the latter year, and alnost immediately went West; became pastor and president of a college in Indiana, whence he was called to the presidency of a college in Oregon; be- came pastor at Dallas, in 1874, and the same year was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered. 592 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT It was in 1880, that one of the most successful pastors in Ver- mont was summoned by the Home Mission Society for service in the far West — Divight Spencer, D. D., who wrought effectively in the far West for several years. Rev. Frank Barnett, ordained at Poultney, was, in 1885, called to a similar service in Utah. M. L. Rugg, D. D., born in Chester; converted and baptized in Grafton. Elbridge W. White, D. D., also from the Grafton church; J. A. Leavitt, ordained at Grafton; Arthur White, and Miss Nellie Greene, both of this same Grafton church, have all been in the ser- vice of the Home Mission Society, laboring in the West and in the South. This is but a partial list of the gifts of Vermont in men of ability and piety to the work of home missions. Chapter XXIX WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETIES Home Mission In 1879, the women of Vermont, already organized for the foreign mission, began to reahze the importance of organization and effort for home missions. Mrs. S. B. Packard addressed the women present at the State Convention in Pouhney, and organized effort was begun, with the approval and commendation of the State Convention. Mrs. Guy C. Noble, of St. Albans, was appointed State vice-president, and began the work of arousing the attention of the women of the State to this important branch of missions. By 1884, a director for each Association had been secured, and upward of twenty circles formed. Mrs. Noble was compelled by ill health, to resign in 1885, and Mrs. George E. Foss, of St. Albans, served one year, when Mrs. C. C. Post, of Burlington, was ap- pointed and superintended the work till 1890. Sixty-eight churches were then contributing, and the annual offerings had in- creased from $205 to upward of $1,000. Miss Carrie Kingsland, of Burlington, served as vice-president two years, 1891-1892. Mrs. Julia B. Safford, of Fairfax, was appointed in 1894, and with great zeal and fidelity continued in the work till 1907, and was then succeeded by Miss Bertha I. Field, of North Springfield, and she in turn by Mrs. J. A. Greenwood, in 1908. The churches very generally entered into the work, holding basket meetings and associational gatherings, besides their in- dividual circle appointments. Publications of the society have been taken, and interest, based upon information, stimulated. The associational directors have borne their share of the work. Worthy of special mention among these, for their long terms of service and interest taken, are the names of Mrs. J. C. Hinds, of Vergennes, who has served as director in the Addison Associa- 594 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT tion since 1889; Miss Mary Miles, of Hinesburg, Lamoille Associa- tion director, 1894-1908; Mrs. H. Rust, Rutland, Shaftsbury As- sociation, 1886-1893; Mrs. Laura T. Hawley, Brattleboro, Wind- ham Association, twenty-five years, 1887-1912; Mrs. L. A. Ballou, Chester, Windsor Association, ten years, 1899-1909. Other directors have been: Addison — , Mrs. A. A. Arthur, Mrs. N. J. Nason; Danville,— Mrs. S. B. Wheeler, Mrs. F. A. Shepard- son, Mrs. Foster Stevens, Mrs. J. M. Mitchell, Mrs. A. P. Hawley, Miss Mary L. WiUiams, Mrs. A. L. Wadsworth, Mrs. Emily K. Weed, Mrs. G. C. Meyers, Mrs. J. L. Manuel; Lamoille, — Mrs. C. C. Post, Mrs. C. M. Galusha, Miss Carrie Kingsland, Mrs. Juha B. Safford, Mrs. C. Aiken; Shaftsbury,— Mrs. A, W. Cady, Mrs. C. A. Reese, Mrs. J. O. Bangs, Miss Ella E. Mills, Miss Marion M. Forbes, Mrs. W^illiam Adams, Miss Minnie A. Brush, Miss Helen Douglas; Vermont Central, — Mrs. S. R. G. Clark, Mrs. Jerome Leland, Mrs. I. G. Ford, Mrs. E. E. TowTier, Mrs. Eugene L. Hol- man, Mrs. Ella F. Leland, Mrs. Mary L. Rising, Mrs. E. M. Fuller, Mrs. Ella F. Clough, Mrs. F. A. Cragg; Windham, — Mrs. Horace Burchard; Woodstock, — Miss Lilly A. E. Robbins, Mrs. E. C. Pinney, Mrs. C. B. Wheeler, Miss Ellen Harlow, Mrs. S. S. Clark, Mrs. O. P. Fuller, Miss Alice S. Chipman, Mrs. P. D. Root. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 595 CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE WOMAN 's HOME MISSION CIRCLES IN VERMONT 1882 $ 206.86 1897 $ 977.81 1883 234.75 1898 911.67 1884 563.24 1899 1,042.39 1885 459.59 1900 1,087.99 1886 706.90 1901 864.66 1887 603.06 1902 896.21 1888 1,091.19 1903 1,165.00 1889 1,142.35 1904 1,320.94 1890 1,028.54 1905 971.01 1891 1,037.54 1906 1,072.11 1892 891.66 1907 1,178.80 1893 1,070.05 1908 1,655.76 1894 1,162.05 1909 1,351.90 1895 939 . 27 1910 1,146.00 1896 1,058.21 1911 1,316.00 1912 1,483.00 Total in the thirty-one years, $30,636.41. Foreign Mission In 1872, the Baptist women of Vermont began to organize circles auxiliary to the Women's Baptist Missionary Society. The State Convention endorsed the movement, and cordially recommended the formation of circles in every church. Mrs. Mial Davis, of Burlington, was appointed State secretary, and be- gan at once to study the problem of bringing the subject before the women of all the churches. She sent out to every church in the State, that year, circulars, with a copy of "The Helping Hand" and a magazine. Six circles were organized the first year. Mrs. Davis ' sudden death brought sadness and grief to many. Mrs, L. K. Fuller of Brattleboro, was appointed State secre- tary in February, 1874, and held the office till 1877, during which time the number of circles increased from six to seventy; associa- tional secretaries were appointed, and the work was well organ- ized. Mrs. R. M. Luther, of Bennington, became State secretary 596 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT in 1877, continuing in office till 1881. Mrs. J. J. Townshend, of Chester, served in 1881 and 1882; Mrs. G. B. Gow, of Brattle- boro, in 1883; Mrs. E. D. Mason, of Montpelier, 1884 to 1889; Miss Zenobia Brigham, of Bennington, 1889 to 1892; Mrs. D. D. Owfen, of Ludlow, 1892 to 1901; Miss Ada Brigham, of Benning- ton, has been State secretary since 1901. Miss Mary Brown, of Ludlow, has been State Junior secre- tary since 1893. The difficulty of ol^taining complete reports from the churches makes statistical accuracy next to impossible. The largest number of circles reporting in one year is seventy ; the average number re- porting annually is not far from sixty. Li 1888, the young ladies of Bennington, who had for four years been supporting a girl in Mrs. Mushell's school, undertook the support of a boy. The young ladies of the Burlington church adopted as their missionary. Dr. Huntley, in 1904, and sent their money for his support. The appointment of Miss Clara A. Convers, of Grafton, to mission work in Japan, m 1889, more than any other one event, brought the women of Vermont into sympathetic relation to the work of the parent society, and deepened interest in missions gen- erally. Miss Convers had endeared herself to many in the State before she entered upon mission work. As a teacher in Vermont Academy, she had proven her ability and revealed the quiet depths of her christian character. It was fitting that she should take up the work that the ^^^dow of our own Dr. Nathan Bro%\ai was compelled, by failing health, to give up, thus continuing Ver- mont 's work among the Japanese, into whose language Dr. Brown had translated the New Testament. Miss Convers' interesting work in the Mary E. Colbj- Home, in Yokohama, has kept alive for her the interest and affection of her sisters in her native State. The Shaftsbury Association prom])tly adopted Miss Convers as their missionary, and, in 1807, the circles of that Association assumed her support in place of the churches. In 1911, Vermont reported fifty-nine circles, eight young ladies ' circles and fourteen mission bands. The following table exhibits the iannual contributions for forty years: history of the baptists in vermont 597 Contributions of The Women's Baptist Foreign Missionary Societies During Forty Years TOTAL amount, $58,569.66 annual amounts 1st year $ 95.75 21 $1,404.20 2 365 . 37 22 2,490.07 3 802.62 23 1,528.87 4 1,022.56 24 1,329.45 5 1,362.28 25 1,516.99 6 1,210.65 26 1,250.95 7 1,490.11 27 1,355.93 8 1,124.48 29 1,288.59 9 1,423.01 30 1,269.02 10 1,408.50 31 1,321.39 11 1,355.79 32 1,424.77 12 1,453.23 33 1,691.85 13 1,067.94 34 1,520.07 14 1,213.83 35 1,379.74 15 1,252.71 36 1,579.61 16 1,540.82 37 2,068 . 08 17 1,732.18 38 2,071.85 18 3,640.14 39 1,998.96 19 20 1,247.31 1,583.48 40 2,451.83 Chapter XXX PROMINENT LAYMEN Gen. Abner Forbes was born in Sutton, Mass., February 29, 1772. He came to Windsor in 1788, and engaged in mercantile business there, first as a clerk, but at the age of twenty-one engaged in trade on his own account. In a few years he accumulated a handsome estate. He was converted some time before 1800, and joined the Congregational church in Windsor in that year. He became a Baptist in 1813. Zealously engaged in christian service, he furnished a large part of the means for building a brick meeting- house for the Baptist church in Windsor. Some years after, he conveyed to the church a brick dwelling-house for a parsonage, and estabhshed a permanent income of $200 annually to be applied to the salary of the pastor. He was a man of ardent piety ; long a deacon of the church. When the church was without a pastor, he performed all the duties which it was proper for a layman to discharge. He held various civil offices. He was a trustee of Middlebury College and of Columbian College. He died about the year 1828. Jonathan Merriam. He was born in Concord, Mass., July 6, 1764. He was converted in 1782. In 1795, he moved to Brandon and united with the Baptist church there, and was soon after chosen deacon and ordained to that ofiice in 1806. He devoted himself to the duties of his office, discharging them with fidelity and success. His piety was earnest, his death triumphant. He died March 26, 1826. Hon. John D. Farnsworth was born in 1772, and united with the church in Pownal, in 1794. He settled in Fairfax, in 1795, and remained there till 1824, when he removed to Charlotte, and afterward to Fairfax. He died in 1857. Mr. Farnsworth was widely known both in the civil and in the religious affairs of the State. For about twenty years he was a member of the legis- 600 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT lature of this State, and almost the same length of time Chief Jus- tice in Franklin Countj' and for more than half a centurj' an ac- tive physician. In connection with Governor Butler and others he drafted the Constitution of the Vermont Baptist State Con- vention and was among its firmest friends and most liberal sup- porters. He presided as moderator of the Lamoille Association seven years, and five years as moderator of the State Convention. Hon. W. M. Pingry was born in Salisbury, N. H., May 28, 1806; lived with his father on a farm until 1828; studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1832; was baptized in 1831; in May, 1835, he became a constituent member of the Baptist church in Waitsfield, and, in 1838, was elected deacon and organized and superintended a Sunday school at that place. He moved to Per- kinsville in 1841, and was elected deacon there in 1842, and was for more than thirty years a teacher or superintendent of the Sunday school there. He was the first president of the Wood- stock Baptist Sunday School Convention, and also of the Vermont Baptist Sunday School Convention, and of the Vermont Baptist Anti-Slavery Society. He was president of the board of trustees of the Vermont Academy from its organization till his death. He was judge of the AVashington County Court 1838-1840; member of the Vermont Constitutional Convention in 1850; State auditor from 1853-1860; a member of the House of Representatives I860, and of the State Senate, 1869-1870. He died May, 1885. Hon. Truman Galusha. A member of the Baptist church m Jericho, and a deacon there; was a trustee of the New Hampton Institution, from the time of its removal to Fairfax, in 1852, until his death, and the most liberal subscriber to its endowment. He died suddenly in 1859. He was a member of the Board of the Con- vention nine years, and also sustained various positions in civil life. Deacon P. W. Dean was bom in 1798, and died March 1879. He was one of the founders of the Convention, and, for fifteen years, a member of the Board. He was also, at one time, a member of the board of the Missionary Union. He was a man of earnest piety, and a great aid to the church in Grafton, where he resided, and also filled important positions in the civil affairs of the town. Hon. Fred M. Butler, Rutland Judge of Superior Court President of Convention, 1909—1910 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 601 Deacon S. Griggs. Long an active and prominent member of the church in Rutland, and a member of the Board of the Conven- tion for thirty-two years. He was born in 1784, and died in 1866. Deacon John Conant was one of the most prominent Bap- tist laymen in the State, and a large factor in the growth and pros- perity of Brandon. He was born in Massachusetts in 1773, and died in Brandon, in 1856, to which place he removed in 1797. He aided in building a house of worship for the church before he built his owTi residence. He was a member of the Board of the Conven- tion for twenty years, and its treasurer for a long time. Deacon Jacob Estey was bom in New Hampshire in 1814, and died in Brattleboro, 1890. He was energetic and persevering in business and, although sustaining several losses, time and again, by fire and flood, he pressed on, and in connection with his son. Gen. J. J. Estey, and his son-in-law, Hon. Levi K. Fuller, built from small beginnings, the Estey organ manufactory, probably the largest and most widely kno"wai of its kind in the world. He was a wise counsellor, a prosperous business man, a generous giver, and a true christian. Hon. Alanson Allen. For many years a prominent man in the history of the Convention ; he aided in forming the church in Hyde- ville, in 1850, and continued his connection w^th that body until he, with others, secured the formation of the church in Fairhaven, in 1867. His double wagon used to bring a load from Fairhaven, on the Sabbath, to worship at Hydeville. He was five years a mem- ber of the Board of the Convention, and was prominent in the rela- tions of civil life. He was discreet in advice, and large hearted in giving. He was one of the first trustees of Vermont Academy. Hon. Ira C. Allen. He was born in Bristol, April 4, 1816. He entered the employ of Alanson Allen, in Livmgston County, N. Y., in 1835, and removed with him to Fairhaven, in 1836, where he passed the remainder of his life, with the exception of one year at Whitehall, and one year in the city of New York, where, in 1845, he became a member of the Laight Street Baptist church. On his return to Fairhaven, he united in the formation of the church in Hydeville, and when the church in Fairhaven was or- ganized, he was one of its constituent members. He had large 602 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT success in business, and was a representative and a senator in the legislature. He was engaged in slate manufacturing, in banking, and in the Rutland and Whitehall railroad. It is affirmed, by those competent to judge, that to no other man does Fairhaven owe so much of its prosperity. He was at one time trustee of Vermont Academy and a vigorous supporter of its interests. Hon. Ryland Fletcher was bom in Cavendish, and was long connected with the Baptist church in that place. He was gov- ernor of Vermont, in 1859, and was from early life a decided and outspoken anti-slavery man. He was moderator of the Conven- tion in 1858-1859, and was one of the committee appointed by the Convention in 1859, to address the American Baptist Publication Society, in regard to the duty of that society in reference to the subject of slavery. Hon. Levi K. Fuller. He was born in Westmoreland, N. H., February 24, 1841, and died in Brattleboro, October 10, 1896. In early life, he united with the Tremont Street Baptist church, in Roxbury, Mass. In 1860, he settled m Brattleboro, and began that connection with the Estey Organ Company, which contmued until his death. He was a man of varied abilities. At the time of his death, he had more than one hmidred patents standing in his name in the United States Patent Office. He was prominent in the military organizations of the State. He was lieutenant- governor of the State in 1886, and governor in 1892. He was president of the Convention three years, its treasurer five years, and a member of its Board fifteen years. He was a member of the board of trustees of Vermont Academy, from its commencement until his death; for many years its president, a liberal contributor to its funds, and among its most enthusiastic supporters. Deacon Lawrence Barnes was bom in Hillsboro, N. H., in 1815. In the year 1861, he removed to Burlington and entered into the lumber and manufacturing business there, and during his whole after-life was one of the greatest factors m the business of that place, and one of the most important agencies in the rapid growth, and increasing influence, of the Baptist church there. While he was active and energetic in his business, he was a man of consistent and devoted piety, and of large liberality. Of his in- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 603 creasing means, he imparted freely to the various appeals of chris- tian benevolence at home and abroad. He was especially in- terested in education, and to the Vermont Academy and the in- stitution at New London, N. H., to the theological seminary at Chicago, and to the Vermont University, he made large donations. He was deacon of the church in Burlington many years. He died June 21, 1886. His Bible class was for years one of the institutions of Burlington. Deacon Mial Davis was born in Dunstable, N. H., Decem- ber 9, 1828. He removed to Nashua, N. H., in 1828, but finally made Burlington his home, in 1858. In his business, he succeeded in amassing large wealth, but did not forget to be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He was deacon in the Baptist church nearly forty years. It is said that in his life-time he was privi- leged to give to the cause of Christ over $100,000. In the year 1875, business reverses overtook the firm of which he was a mem- ber, and he no longer possessed the means to do as he had done for the good of men. He removed to Fitchburg, Mass., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Board of the Convention eight years, and was one of the first board of trustees of the Vermont Academy. He was for some years a mem- ber of the board of the Missionary Union. He died in 1896. There have been many other laymen, now dead, and are many still living whose names we would be glad to record here, but we forbear. Their record is on high, and sooner or later their Master will reward them openly. Chapter XXXI THE FREE WILL BAPTISTS IN VERMONT. Rev. I. D. Stewart, in his "History of the Free Will Baptists for Half a Century," published in 1862, says, "It is to be regretted that the traces of the early churches in Vermont are so fragmentary. Only a glimpse now and then can be caught of their condition, and the efforts in planting them, with one exception, are mostly for- gotten, or have not been furnished for the history. The number of strong churches has never been large, but from them, and even some of the feeblest ones, have gone forth the first men to raise the standard of the Cross westward of New England, and in every period of our history has that State furnished her quota of minis- ters to the cause, many of her ablest ones having spent their best energies in other fields of labor. " The first Free Baptist church in Vermont was organized in Strafford, with nine members, early m 1793. Robert Dickey, a member of Elder Benjamin Randall's church in New Durham, N. H., workuig as a hired laborer with a relative, saw the wicked- ness and needs about him, and under the influence of his "excel- lent gift of exhortation," about thirty were hopefully converted. Several were baptized. Calvinistic articles of faith were pre- sented and tacitly received, and a church was organized. The members, however, were of mixed sentiments, part were Calvin- istic and part were not. They all loved each other then and chose to be embodied together, but finally they could not walk together because they were not agreed. A letter dated Strafford, September 10, 1791, was addressed to the Baptist church in New Durham, N. H., requesting assist- ance in organizing. It was written by Samuel Rich in behalf of Note. — Sources: I. D. Stewart's "History of the Free Will Baptists," Free "Baptist Cyclopaedia" and Year Books. 606 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT several others, and said, " We now think it expedient to come into church order, as the word of God directs, and being informed by Brother Dickey, of your standing and order, it being agreeable to our minds, we request some of the elders of your church to come as soon as possible to our assistance, as we are exposed to many snares, and we are alone as to sentiments in this part of the world. " Elder Randall's engagements were such that he could not visit them at once, but he wrote an encouraging letter, and in July, he with John Buzzell, made a tour to Vermont. They tarried m Strafford a few days, preached frequently, visited extensively, and baptized a few. They found the converts divided in their doctrinal views, but united in their church relation, and being filled with the Spirit, they believed it possible to live in peace, hav- ing softened their articles of faith. Without objection, they were allowed to make the trial, and were recognized as an independent church. In this condition Randall and Buzzell left them, fearful that they could not walk together, because they were not agreed in their doctrmes of communion, election, and final perseverance. The fears of Randall were soon realized. The brethren could not let the differences in their doctrinal views rest; neither could they discuss them with love and forbearance. A spirit of alienation crept in, and a mutual council was called. A letter received at New Durham, requested Randall, or some of the "most able members," to come to their assistance. Accom- panied by a lay brother, Randall visited them again in February, 1793, and met in council six others from Calvinistic Baptist churches in the vicinity, for the settlement of their difiiculties. As the division involved principles that neither could sur- render, the council advised a separation. But some were mi- decided with which division to go; and to make a finality of the matter, it was agreed that William Grow, a Calvinist, and Randall, should each preach a discourse, embodying his own views in the "five points," and then they would "poll the house." The ser- mons were accordingly preached, after which the church took the broad aisle, and Grow, standing on one side of the house and Ran- dall on the other, the members were called upon to follow the min- HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 607 ister of their choice. Ten stood with Grow and fifteen with Ran- dall. Neither division was then organized as a church, l)ut a "solemn word of caution, advice and exhortation was given by several," that they would strive to live in christian "love and union and not be consumed one l)y the other." Having "joined in solemn prayer," the council dissolved and the congregation dis- persed. Among the fifteen that stood with Randall were two men of note. Dickey, noted for what he had done in the commencement of the revival, and subsequently in the ministry^ though sad to re- late, afterward joined the Shakers; and Nathaniel Brown, noted for his later labors. He soon entered the ministry; preached suc- cessfully in Vermont; afterward removed to New York; planted the first Free Will Baptist churches in that state, and organized the first Quarterly Meetings beyond the limits of New England. Randall, on his return home, informed Buzzell of the tried state of the brethren in Vermont, and advised him to go to their relief. He did so immediately, and performed the entire journey of one hmidred and ten miles on foot, through the snows of Feb- ruary, on the last days of that unpleasant month for traveling. He found them not only at variance with Calvinists, l)ut divided among themselves, and greatly disheartened. He preached sev- eral times, visited from house to house, and encouraged them as best he could, but no human power could move them to action. Like Elijah under the juniper tree, they were ready to die. At their last meeting, he called them together in a room by them- selves; told them of his anxiety for their spiritual life and labor; the pains he had taken to afl^ord them aid, and the apparent failure of his effort. "Now," he said, "I ask it as a partmg favor that you sit do^vn in silence with me for one half-hour, and think of your condition." A request so reasonable, under the circumstances, they could not refuse, and all were seated; all were thoughtful; Buzzell was engaged in mental prayer; God was in that silence; and after fif- teen or twenty minutes, one of the number could not suppress his convictions, and in a most contrite and affecting manner, con- fessed his wandering from God, asked forgiveness, and declared his 608 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT purpose to live for Christ. Eight others in quick succession fol- lowed his example, and the power of God was manifest beyond de- scription. These nine then entered into a covenant engagement, and thus was constituted the First Free Will Baptist church in Vermont. No record can now be fomid of its struggles for the first ten years, but tradition says it came up through great tribulation. For a few years it was a lone star in the State, and has been one of dif- ferent magnitude at different times, but its shining has always been visible. The further progress of Free Will Baptist sentiments and the multiplication of churches by this name were due to Gospel evan- gelism pure and simple, not a love of controversy, but a love of souls, coupled with intense conviction as to the truth of the doc- trines which distinguished them from others. In the autumn of 1800, Rev. Joseph Boody, senator, of Bar- rington, N. H., made a tour into northern Vermont, baptized eighteen in Sheffield and organized a church with fifty-six members. Batchelder had organized one at Tunbridge. William S. Babcock, son of a wealthy merchant, settled in Springfield, was converted from infidelity, aliout 1800; commenced preaching; was ordahied by Jeremiah Ballard, and gathered a church of twenty-five members. Rev. Steven Place, from Rhode Island, also gathered a church of twenty-one members m Weathersfield. These two churches sought admission to the fellowship of the Free Will Baptists, and after examination were received. Aaron Buzzell came into Vermont at this time, and became pastor of the Strafford church, continumg in that relation thirty-seven years, and became a general councilor in the cause of Christ. In the northern i)art of the State, Joseph Boody was preaching and planting churches. July 4, several brethren from the churches in Hard wick, Sutton, Sheffield and Danville, met at Gideon Leavitt's, in Wheelock, for conference, and established the AMiee- lock Quarterly Meeting, an unauthorized organization according to the policy of that day, l)ut later formally approved. June 26, 1802, Tingley, John Buzzell and representatives from Strafford, Tunbridge, Vershire, Corinth and probably. Brook- HISTORY Oi^ THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 609 field, met at Vershire and organized a Quarterly Meeting to be knowTi as the Strafford Association. At a meeting held in the same place the next day, Nathaniel BrowTi, of Strafford, was ordained. John Buzzell preached two hours and three-quarters, from the text, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." The last part of his discourse consisted of four distinct addresses, made to ministers, christians, backsliders, and sinners. Those of each class rose, and stood, while the ad- dress was being made to them. There were fifteen hundred in this audience. The same council met with the church in Tun- bridge, July 1, and ordained one of its members, Nathaniel King. Eli Steadman was soon afterward ordained and the Quarterly Meeting then had four ministers, five churches and three hundred and thirty members. "From this storehouse of gospel truth, the seed of the kingdom was soon carried to western New York and southern Ohio by these two men, Bro^vn and Steadman." August 28, a committee of the Yearly Meeting met the as- sociated churches at WTieelock, and ordained Eliphalet Max- field and Robmson Smith as evangelists; and Peleg Hicks, a Calvinistic Baptist minister, and with his two churches, miited with the Quarterly Meeting. The Hardwick, now Wheelock Quarterly Meeting, then had four ministers — Boody, Maxfield, Smith and Hicks — and eight churches — Hardwick, Sutton, Shef- field, Upper Danville, Lower Danville, Cabot, and the two Cal- vinistic Baptist churches, names unknown, and it numbered two hundred and sixty members. For a time, in both the Strafford and the Hardwick Quar- terly Meetings, there were revival influences and large accessions of members. By 1807, reaction had begun. The Lower Danville church left the Quarterly Meeting, renomiced the name Free Will Baptist and assumed the name Christian. At the Yearly Meeting held in Bradford, February 6, 1808, the reports from the churches were not altogether cheering. The next year there was evidence of some improvement. During the next decade, in spite of some distracting influences, the work of the Free Will Baptists prospered through the efforts of consecrated men in evangelistic work. John Colby, after a long journey westward, spent the rest of the year 1810, in revival 610 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT in Sutton, Burke, Lyndon and WTieelock, where fifty-one were baptized. In central Vermont, the labors of Buzzell and King were blessed to the churches in Strafford, Tunbridge, Vershire, Corinth, Northfield and Woodstock. Clarissa Danforth, of Weathersfield, entered ujion evangelistic work and the winsome- ness of her manner and the novelty of her position, and the ability of her preaching, drew large audiences and gave encouraging resuhs. Charles Bowles, a colored man born in Boston, a soldier in the army of the Revolution, became a Free Will Baptist and an evangelist, whose unblemished character and aliility as a preacher won for him confidence and gave him power. In 1816, he settled in Huntington, where one hmidred and fifty were con- verted and a church of ninety members organized. The Yearly Meeting at Tunbridge, Februarys 1, 1817, was one of great interest. Twelve hmidred were m attendance on the Smiday services. The Waterford and St. Johnsbury churches were refreshed. The Huntington Quarterly Meeting was organized September 12, 1818, and consisted of the churches in Huntington, Duxbury, Hines- burg and Shelbunie, and a little later, churches were formed in Stowe and Waterl)ury. Allen preached alternately at WTieelock and Cabot, and fifty were baptized. Early Free Will Baptist Churches and Ministers in Vermont The churches kno^\^l to have existed in Vermont at the close of the eighteenth century were Strafford, organized in 1793, and Corinth, in 1798, and Daniel Batchelder was the only man that had received ordination. 1800-1810 Churches Organized. Cabot, Danville, Hardwick, SheflKeld, Springfield, Tunbridge, Vershire, Walden and West Danville, 1801; Lyndon, Sutton, and Weathersfield, 1802; Washington, \^'aterford, Hatley and Stanstead (in Canada), 1805; Calais, Con- cord, Deweysburg and Barnston (in Canada), 1808; Chester, Peacham and Bradford, time unknowTi. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 611 Ordinations. In 1800, William S. Babcock; 1802, Ephraim Ainsworth, Nathaniel Brown, Nathaniel King, Eliphalet Max- field, Robinson Smith and Eli Steadman; 1803, Benjamin Page, James Spencer and Ziba Woodworth; 1804, Edward Ralph, and two in Strafford Quarterly Meeting, names unknown; 1805, Paul Holbrook; 1806, Avery Moulton (in Canada); 1809, John Colby, David Norris and Benjamin Putnam; and Daniel Chappel, time unknoMii. 1810-1820 Churches Organized. In 1801, East Randolph; 1812, Mont- pelier; 1815, Newark; 1816, Huntington and West Brookfield; 1817, Duxbury, Hinesburg and Shelburne; 1818, St. Johnsbury and Melbourn in Canada; 1819, Stowe and Waterburj'^; and Compton in Canada. Ordinations. In 1810, Rufus Cheney; 1811, Moses Norris; 1815, Willard Bartlett, Nathaniel Bowles, Samuel Gilman and Moses Wallace; 1816, Charles Bowles, George Hackett, Thomas Moxley and Daniel Quimby; 1818, Reuben Allen, Abel Bugby, John Orcutt and Jonathan Woodman; 1819, Jonathan Nelson. The years in which Frederic Clark, J. Capron, B. Maynard and Samuel Webster, were ordained are unknown. Deaths. In 1811, Nathaniel Marshall; 1817, John Co.by. 1820-1830 Churches Organized. 1820, Middlesex, and Woodbury; 1821, Jericho, Morgan, Roxbury, Starksboro and Windsor; and Dur- ham, Canada; 1822, Groton and Richmond; 1823, Canaan and Enosburg; 1824, Woodworth; 1825, Farnham, and St. Armand, Canada; 1826, Bakersfield and St. Albans; and Dunliam, Canada; 1827, South Enosburg and Worcester; 1828, Leverett, and Bolton, Canada; 1829, Newport and Westboro, Canada. Ordinations. In 1820, Leland Huntley, Samuel Lord, and George W. PowTial; 1821, Edward E. Dodge, Calvui Huntley, 612 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT James Morgan, Dexter Smith and Josiah Weatherbee; 1822, William Davidson, Ziba Pope and Sylvanus Robinson; 1823, Perley Hall; 1824, Jonas Allen, Thomas M. Jackson and Porter Thomas; 1825, Nathaniel Ewer and Erastus Harvey; 1826, Harley Burr, Edward Fay, John Hillar, Alanson Kilborn and Nathaniel Perry; 1827, Sewal Fullom, Stephen Leavitt and Nathan Muxley; 1828, Benjamin Chatterton and Abiel Moulton, Canada; 1829, Samuel Dennett, Orange Dike and Simeon Haseltine, Simeon Alden, James Rockwell, Canada. Deaths. 1824, Paul Holbrook; 1826, Samuel Webster; 1827, Ziba Woodworth; 1828, Thomas M. Jackson and Avery Moulton, Canada. The Strafford Quarterly Meeting About 1830, we find that the ten veteran interests, whose origin we have traced, had gained another ten. In addition to Strafford, organized in 1793; Corinth, 1798; Tunbridge, 1800; Vershire, 1800; Washington, 1802; Randolph, 1810; West Brook- field, 1816; East Roxbury, 1821; Groton, 1822; Windsor, 1822; we find in the field the Second Tunbridge, Northfield, Hartford, Orange, Hanover, (N. H.), Plymouth, West Roxbury, East Brook- field, Topsham, and Kingston. Aaron Buzzell was still at Straf- ford, Nathaniel King, at Tunbridge, while Ziba Pope and Natha- niel Bowles, and twelve other ordained ministers, were serving the nineteen churches of the Quarterly Meeting. In 1833, Berlin, MoretoA^Ti, Cavendish, Mount Holly and West Windsor had been received, and the Quarterly Meeting had twenty-four churches with a membership of one thousand, two hundred and ninety-four, far the largest in the Yearly Meeting, and the fifth Quarterly Meeting in size in the denomination. The Strafford church now had a membership of one hundred and sixty-four; the First Tun- bridge, of one hundred and eighty-six; the First Corinth, of one hundred and fifty-five. In 1834, Newbury was added; 1835, Granville and East WilliamstowTi. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 613 In 1836, the Strafford Quarterly Meeting yielded its thirteen northern churches, with a membership of about seven hundred, to form the Corinth Quarterly Meeting. Its eleven remaining churches, the Cavendish, Granville, Plymouth, Randoljjh, Straf- ford, First Tunbridge, Second Tmibridge and West Windsor, had a membership of five hundred and eighty-four. Three years later there were seven hmidred and twenty-nine. During the next fifteen years it decreased to three hmidred and two. In 1840, Second Plymouth was added; 1842, Plymouth and Ludlow church; 1843, Bridgewater and Plymouth; 1842, Center Tmibridge, with fifty-seven members, and 1843, East Tunbridge, with thirty members. In 1845, the old Second Tunbridge became extinct, and the next year the East Tunbridge. The First Tun- bridge contmued its work till 1879. In 1846, a church with eighteen members appeared in Andover, for a little time. In 1861, another, with ten members at Hancock, and in 1878, a church at Plymouth with twenty-four members. In 1888, the Strafford Quarterly Meeting had three churches — Strafford, East Randolph, and Tunbridge, with a total member- ship of two hundred and eighty-eight. Wheelock Quarterly Meeting Organized 1802 The complete report of this Quarterly Meeting, in 1832, shows five hundred and thirty-one members; nine ministers, and fifteen churches: — Hardwick, Sheffield; Cabot, organized in 1800; the Sutton, 1801; the Waterford, 1802; Concord, 1805, 1821; Mont- pelier, 1812, 1826; St. Joliiisbury, 1818; Indian Stream, Canaan, StewartstowTi, (N. H.), 1823; Worcester, 1827; Brandon, 1832; WTieelock (South Wheelock after 1850); and Charleston (after 1870, East Charleston), time unknoxMi; In 1834, Brighton ap- peared for one year, with six members, and Lyndon, where an in- terest was planted in 1801, was reorganized with sixty members; while Woodbury, organized in 1820, appeared in the report. In 1837, Second Sutton and Second Sheffield interests appeared; in 1839, Glover; Second Wheelock (later Wheelock Hollow), and the next year. Second Montpelier and Newark, where an original in- 614 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT terest had been organized in 1815. At Wheelock (after 1862, Walden and Wheelock), where an original interest began in 1800, the church was organized in 1840, and retained its visibility for over forty years. About 1841, temporary interests appeared at Second Waterford, Second Danville (West Danville, 1800), and Kirby, and a year or two later, at Monroe and at Orleans. The Coventry church, organized in 1841, was known as the Coventry and Brownington after 1860, and ten years later was reorganized, in 1870, as the Brownington church. By 1845, churches were organized at Albany, Danville (after 1870, called North Danville); Second Lyndon, Lyndon Center, (called Lyndon Center after the loss of the First Lyndon or Lyndon Hill, in 1857); Goshen Gore (Goshen Gore and West Wheelock in 1865); in 1846, Wolcott (after 1860, Wolcott and Hardwick), was organized, and soon after, Colebrook. By 1860, Irasburg, New- port (Newport Center, after 1870), and Westmore had appeared, and the Quarterly Meeting had nineteen churches with over seven hundred members. In 1861, Craftsbury and South Barton (re- organized in 1887), were added, and West Charleston, in 1864. By 1870, East Haven and Stannard (soon Stannard), and West Wheelock churches were reported. In 1887, the Quarterly Meeting had one thousand, one hun- dred and sixty members, with eighteen ministers and seventeen churches. First Sheffield, 1800; East Charleston (early North Danville), 1800; South Wheelok (early St. Johnsbur>0, 1818; Sutton, 1837; Second Sheffield, 1837; Wheelock Hollow, 1839; Albany, 1843; Lyndon Center, 1843; Wolcott and Hardwick, 1846; Newport Center, 1860; West Charleston, 1864; East Haven, 1870; West Derby, 1870; Brownington, 1870, and South Barton, 1887. Huntington Quarterly Meeti nonorganized 1818 In 1829, the Huntington Quarterly Meeting had fourteen churches, as follows: Huntington, Duxbury, Hinesburg and Shel- burn, organized in 1817; Stowe, 1819; Waterbury and Stowe, 1819; Middlesex, 1820; Starksboro, 1821; Richmond, 1822; Ben- son, 1823; Putnam, Bolton, Jericho, Second Huntington, time of organization unknown. In 1832, IVut eleven churches reported. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 615 though new interests had appeared, as Third Huntington, Underhill, Lincoln, Hinesburg (organized in 1832). The membership in 1832, was four hundred and one. In the next two years it rose to four hundred and sixty- two, and Dresden church reported. In 1835, four churches of this Quarterly Meeting united with three new churches to form the Rutland Quarterly Meeting. In 1835, Bolton Reckerhill church appeared. In 1836, the Quarterly Meet- ing still had three hundred and ninety-four members in eleven churches, including Waterbury (reorganized in 1836), old organiza- tion, 1819), with nine ministers. In 1837, Danbury and Second Starksboro were added. In 1839, Second Underhill (Underhill Center, after 1853), Second Huntington and the Warren churches appeared; Waterbury Center in 1841; Second Stowe, in 1843; and, in 1844, the churches at West Craftsbury and in Morristown. In 1846, the Quarterly Meetmg had seventeen churches, with as many ministers and six hundred and seventy-six members. Temporary interests appeared at Elmore, in 1843; Second Middle- sex, in 1850; and Craftsbury, in 1852. In 1856, Stowe, West Branch, was organized; in 1858, Walcott, West Branch; in 1859, West Berlin, and in 1860, Jonesville. In 1860, the membership was four hundred and ninety-eight, with twelve churches and as many ministers. In 1870, the Waterbury Center church was divided to form the Waterbury Center and Waterbury River church. The same year churches were organized at Cambridge and at Fayston, and four years later, at Morristown Center, and at South Starksboro. The Quarterly Meeting now had sixteen churches, with seven hundred and ninety members. In 1887, the Quarterly Meeting had six hundred and twenty-four members, with nine ministers, and twelve churches, as follows: Hunting- ton, 1817; Waterbury Center, 1819; Starksboro, 1821; Middlesex, 1823; Lincohi, 1832; Underhill Center, 1839; Warren, 1839; Stowe (West Branch), 1856; Waterbury River, 1870; Caml)ridge, 1870; Fayston, 1870; and Morristown, 1874. Dover Quarterly Meeting — Organized 1828 In 1831, this Quarterly Meeting reported Dover with eighty- five members; Dummerston, forty-five; Florida (Mass.), fifteen; 616 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Guilford, twenty-three; Hinsdale (N. H.), fifty; Halifax, nineteen; ^^^litingham, forty-seven. Total membership, three hundred and twenty-one. Being isolated, this Yearly Meeting did not unite with any Quarterly Meeting. In 1840, the Dummerston church disappeared; in 1842, the Guilford church was lost; in 1845, the Whitingham church was lost. With the disappearance of the Dover church, in 1845, the little Quarterly Meeting drifted wholly into Massachusetts, and became the Franklin Quarterly Meeting, M'hich, after reporting three years, disappeared. Enosburg Quarterly Meeting In 1832, the Quarterly Meeting had fourteen churches, with eight preachers, and two hundred and thirty-five members. Dur- ing the next few years, temporary interests appeared at Hog Island, Alburg and St. Avanon. In 1841, the Second Enosburg mterest was organized with eight members. In 1842, the Brome, Bolton, and Farnham East churches were dismissed to form the Brome Quarterly Meeting. In 1845, an interest was organized at Berk- shire, with seven members, and another at East Famham with ten members. The East Farnham, which joined the Brome Quar- terly Meeting, had disappeared. The Old East P'arnham had been the First Farnham, (organized in 1825); East Farnham, (1845), was knoA\Ti as Second Farnham; West Famham (1832), became First Farnham. In 1846, a church was orgarized with nine members at Lowell. The next year the Quarterly Meetuig had two hundred and thirty-four members, against two hundred and thirty-five in 1832. In 1850, Rice Hill appeared on the roll . with forty-three members. In 1851, Bakersfield (old interest organized in 1826), was organized with fifteen members, and two years later, Fletcher, with twelve members. In 1858, the Quar- terly Meeting had nhie churches, four ministers, and two hmidred and thirty-eight members. The next year Sheldon appeared. In 1861, Bolton again appeared, and, in 1873, Brome was added. The Quarterly Meeting had one hundred and twelve members, three ministers, and five churches: at Enosburg (1823), Frank- lin, Famham, (East Famham 1825, 1845); Bolton, (West Bolton, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 617 1828, 1861); Brome (West Brome by 1842). The report in 1886, had these same five churches with five pastors and one hundred and nine members. The Rutland Quarterly Meeting Organized in 1835, by the union of the four churches from the Hmitmgton Quarterly Meeting; Benson, organized 1823; Putnam (N. Y.), 1829; Rutland, 1833, (West Rutland after 1845); Dres- den (N. Y.), 1834, with the churches in Northeastern New York at Fort Ann, Warrensburg, and Whitehall, (all organized in 1835). The Quarterly Meeting had in its seven churches two hun- dred and fifteen members, with two ministers. It was not then connected with the Quarterly Meeting. In 1836, churches were added at Caldwell and Danby, with their pastors. From 1839, the Quarterly Meeting was reported under the Yearly Meeting. In 1839, Johnsburg was added; in 1841, Minerva Branch; in 1842, Middletown, and in 1843, Hadley. The Quarterly Meeting now had eleven churches, with seven ministers, and two hundred and thirty-one members. A church was organized at Day, in 1848. In 1849, the Quarterly Meeting had two hundred and forty-eight members with ten churches and nine ministers. The next year Bolton church appeared. Its four pastorless churches at Dresden, Fort Ann, Middletown and West Rutland had failed to report for several years. In 1855, its five churches at Caldwell, Hadley, Johnsburg, Putnam and Warrensburg, with nine minis- ters, became known as the Lake George Quarterly Meeting and united with central New York Yearly Meeting. The Corinth Quarterly Meeting — Organized 1836 This body was organized by the Strafford Quarterly Meetmg, yielding for this purpose the churches as follows: First Corinth (1798), Vershire (1800), Washington (1802), Northfield, First Orange (East Orange), West Roxbury, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, (1816), (1836), Topsham, Berlin, and Moretown (1833), Second Corinth (1833), Newbury (1834), and East Williamstown (1835). 618 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT In 1835, a Second West Brookfield church was organized with fifteen members. In 1837, West Fairlee, Middlesex, and Second Orange churches reported. In 1839, East Roxbury was added and the number reached seven hundred and ninety-eight. By 1855, several of the smaller churches had disappeared and the Quarterly Meeting had but ten churches and three hundred and forty-nine members. The Second Orange church disappearing in 1853 reappeared in 1859 for a few years. In 1859, a church in Groton was organized with nineteen members. In 1875, the Quarterly Meeting had three hundred and fifty-five members and six of its original churches. First Corinth (1798), Second Corinth (1833), East Orange (First Orange), West Topsham, (Topsham), East WiUiamstowTi (1835) and Washington (1802). A small church in West Berlin which disappeared about 1865, reappeared in 1882, and makes the list m 1888, seven, with a membership, three hundred and five. 1912. The Free Baptist churches in Vermont have been subject to the same influences that have affected other Baptist churches. Emigration, change in the character of the population and other causes have caused a serious shrinkage in the numerical strength of the denomination. From 1892 to 1911, there has been a change in the statistics for the State from six Quarterly Meetings to three, from forty-nine churches to twenty-seven; from fifty-three min- isters to eighteen, and from two thousand, four hundred and forty- five members to one thousand, seventy-nme. Recent mutual ad- vances of Baptists and Free Baptists toward practical union give ground for the expectation that soon the two denominations will be merged in one. The Quarterly Meetings are Huntington, Orange County, and Wheelock. T}ie Huntington Quarterly Meeting consists of five churches, namely, Huntington, thirty-four members; Shady Rill, thirty-five; Starksboro, one hundred and thirty-one; Waterliury Center, thirty-five; Waterbury River, ten. Contributions, $161.55. The Orange County Quarterly Meeting consists of nine churches, HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 619 five ministers, one hundred and seventy-six resident members; two hundred and sixty-one total membership. Total contribu- tions, $306.26. The churches are First Corinth, fifteen members; Second Corinth, twenty-one; East Orange, twenty-four; East Randolph, forty-two; East Williamstown, seven; North Tunbridgc, thirty-four; South Strafford, seventy-one; Washmgton, fifteen; West Topsham, thirty-two. The Wheelock Quarterly Meeting consists of thirteen churches, nine ministers, resident members, three hundred and seventy-nine; total mem])ership, five hundred and seventy-three. Contributions, $301.81. The churches are Albany, seventeen members; Dmi- kirk, fourteen; Enosburg Falls, seventy-seven; Lyndon Center, eighty-five; North Danville, forty-two; First Sheffield, twenty- three; Second Sheffield, twenty- three; South Barton, six; South Wheelock, nine; St. Johnsbury, sixty-four; Sutton, eighty; W>st Charleston, eighty-four; \Mieelock, twenty-five. ROLL OF BAPTIST AND FREE BAPTIST CHURCHES CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED 1768-1910. 1708. Shaftsbury 1st, disbanded, 1844. 1772. Pownal, t'xtiiKl, 1774. 1780. Wallingfurtl. Woodstock, extinct, (luilford, extinct, 18!iJG. Shaftsbury, i^nd, extinct, 1840. 1781. Manchester Center. Danby 1st, extinct, 1800. Guilford, 2nd, exiinct, 1800. 1782. PoA\'nal, 2nd. Westminster, extinct, 1812. Cfuilford, 3d, extinct, 1800. Shaftsbury, 3d, extinct, 1798. 1783. Shaftsbmy. Corinth, extinct. Ira. Halifax, extinct, 1792. Richmond, extinct, 1844. Athens, extinct, 1798 1784. MiddletowTi Springs. Royalton, extinct, 1807. Pittsford, extinct, 1841. 1785. Brookline. West Clarendon, extinct, 1802. 1786. East Clarendon, extinct, 1832. Leicester, extinct. 1787. Putney, extinct, 1860. East Ilubbardton. Orwell, exiinct, 1865. 1788. Reading, extinct, 1834. 1789. Chester. Hartford, extinct, 1840. Hartland, extinct. Rockingham, extinct, 1812. Thetford, extinct. Woodstock, extinct. 1790. Jamaica. Danville, extinct, 1843. Pawlet, extinct, 1831. Pownal, 2nd, extinct. 1791. Cambridge, 1st, extinct, 1801. Hard wick, extinct, 1800. Randolph, extinct, 1841. Somerset, extinct, 1822. 622 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1792. East Wardsboro. Straflford, extinct. Sharon. Thetford and Fairlee, 1st, extinct, 1797. Norwich, extinct, 1805. Fairfax. 1793. Georgia Plain. Halifax, 2nd, extinct, 1885. West Dummerston. Strafford, Free Baptist. 1794. Shoreham, extinct, 1833. Bristol. Alburg, extinct, 1796; reorganized, 1807, extinct. Newfane. Bolton. Canton. Williamstown and Northfield, extinct. Hartland, extinct, 1837. Northfield, extinct, 1834. 1795. Windsor. Hardwick. West Cornwall. Kingston and GranAnlle, extinct, 1811. Chelsea, 2nd, extinct, 1825. 1790. EastSwanUm. Dorset, 1st, extinct, 1840. 1797. Addison. Guilford, 1st, extinct, 1840. 1797. Addi-son. Guilford, 4tli, extinct, 1821. 1798. Westford. Chelsea, extinct, 1809. Corinth, Free Baptist. 1799. Stamford, F. B. Thetford and Fairlee, 2nd, extinct. Wliiting. Brain tree. 1800. Randolph and Bethel, extinct, 1807. GuiKord. Waterbury, extinct, 1807. Barre, extinct, 1842. Cabot, Free Baptist. Danville, Free Baptist. Hardwick, Free Baptist. Sheffield, Free Baptist. Springfield, Free Baptist. Tunbridge, Free Baptist, extinct, 1846. \'ershire. Free Baptist. Walden and West Danville, Free Bap- tist. 1801. Fairfield, extinct, 1858. Essex. Burke, extmct, 1840. East P^nosburg, extinct, 1858. Topsham, extinct. Lj-ndon, Free Baptist. Sutton and Weathersfield, Free Bap- tist. 1802. Poultney. East Poultney. Richford, extinct. Waterford, extinct, 1811. New Haven and Weybridge, extinct, 1876. Pomfret, ex-tinct, 1813. Waltham, extinct, 1809. Sutton, extinct. Washington, Free Baptist. Waterford. 1803. Cavendish. Grafton. North Springfield. Andover. West Haven. West Rupert, extinct. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 623 1804. Mount Holly. Bridport, extinct, 1877. Craftsbury, extinct, 1827. 1805. Cambridge, 2nd, extinct, 1860. Berkshire, extinct. West Windsor, extinct, 1843. Calais, Free Baptist. Concord, Free Baptist. Deweysburg and Bamston, in Canada, Free Baptist. 1806. Wilmington. Rutland, extinct, 1806. 1807. Windsor, extinct, 1843. Derby, extmct, 1822. Charlotte. South Windham. Hardwick. 1808. Benson, extinct, 1846. Winslow, extinct, 1843. Johnson. Dorset, extinct. Randolph, extinct. Thetford and Fairlee, 3d, extinct. Chester, extinct. Free Baptist. Peacham, Free Baptist. Bradford, Free Baptist. Whitingham. 1809. Williamstown, extinct, 1845. Coventry, extinct, 1860. Middlebury, extinct, 1852. Concord, extinct, 1816. Plainfield, extinct. 1810. Warren. Hinesburg. East Enosburg. Calais, extinct. Milton, extinct, 1849. 1810. East Randolph, Free Baptist. 1811. Lunenburg, extinct. Londonderry. Morristown, extinct, 1835. Winhall, extinct, 1845. Townshend, extinct, 1845. 1812. Passumpsic. Arlington, extinct, 1843. East Bethel. Saxtons River. West Clarendon, extinct, 1856. Readsboro, extinct, 1845. St. Johnsbury. Montpelier, Free Baptist. Groton. 1813. 1814. East Dover. 1815. Newark, Free Baptist. 1816. Colchester. Ferrisburg, extinct, 1864. Kingston and Hancock, extinct, 1836. Irasburg, extinct, 1864. 1817. Jericho. Newport. Fletcher, extinct, 1845. Troy, extinct. Duxbiuy, Free Baptist. Hinesbm-g, Free Baptist. Shelbume, Free Baptist. 1818. Dummerston, extinct, 1847. 624 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Stowe, extinct. St. Johnsbury, Free Baptist. 1819. Stratton, extinct, 1847. Greensboro, extinct, 1831. Waterbury, extinct. Stowe, Free Baptist. Waterbury', Free Baptist. 1820. Warren and Roxbury, extinct. Stockbridge, extinct, 1847. Montgomery. Waterville, extinct, 1833. Middlesex, Free Baptist. Woodbury, Free Baptist. 1821. Jericho, Free Baptist. Morgan, Free Baptist. Roxbury, Free Baptist. Starksboro, Free Baptist. Windsor, Free Baptist. 1822. Groton, Free Baptist. Richmond, Free Baptist. 1827. Rutland. 1823. 1824. Derby. Woodworth, Free Baptist. 1825. Ludlow, extinct, 1837. Famham, Free Baptist. 1826. Danby, extinct. HanccK-k, extinct. Pawlet, 2nd, exiinct, 1848. Bakersfiekl, Free Baptist. St. Albans, Free Baptist. Townshend. Richford, extinct. Bennington. 1827. South Enosbm-g, Free Baptist. Worcester, Free Baptist. 1828. W^illiston, extinct. North Fairfax, extinct, 1890. Leverett, Free Baptist. 1829. Newport, Free Baptist. 1830. Rochester, extinct. Wallmgford, 2nd, extinct, 1861. Enosburg Falls, extinct, 1858. 1831. Craftsbury-, 2nd, ex-tinct, 1840. East Ilardwick. FrankHn, ex-tinct, 1841. W'estfield, extinct. Dover, Free Baptist. Dummerston, Free Baptist. GuiKord, Free Baptist. Halifax, Free Baptist. Whitingham, Free Baptist. 1832. Albany. Fairfield, 2nd, exlinct, 1876. Plainfield, extinct, 1852. Guildhall extinct, 1836. Random, Free Baptist. WTieelock, Free Baptist. Charleston, Free Baptist. Himtington, 3rd, Free Baptist. Underhill, Free Baptist. Lincoln, Free Baptist. Hinesburg, Free Baptist. HISTORY OF THE BAl TISTS IN VERMONT 625 1833. Tinmouth, extinct, 1839. Shrewsbury, extinct, 186.5. Lyndon, extinct. Marshfield and Plainfidd, extinct, 1898. Huntington,2nd. Danby, extinct, 1840. Topsham, Free Baptist. Berlin, extinct, I860, Re., 1882, Free Baptist. MoretowTi, Free Baptist. Corinth, 2nd, Free Baptist. Mount Holly, Free Baptist. West Wardsboro, Free Baptist. Hog Island, Free Baptist. Alburg, Free Baptist. 1834. Burlington. East Roxbury, extinct, 1852. West Roxbiuy, extinct, 1847. Rochester, 2nd, extinct, 1843. Dresden, Free Baptist. Newbury, Free Baptist. West Brookfield, Free Baptist. Brighton, Free Baptist. Lyndon, organized 1801; reorganized, 1834, Free Baptist. Woodbury, organized 1820; reorganized, 1834^ Free Baptist. 1835. Sterling, extinct, 1846. Felchville. Ludlow. Perkins ville. Waitsfield, extinct, 1849. Granville, Free Baptist. East Williamstown, Free Baptist. Bolton, Recker Hill, Free Baptist. 1836. Caldwell, Free Baptist. Danby, Free Baptist. 1837. Union Village, extinct, 1848. Middlesex, extinct. Weston. Sutton,|2nd, Free Baptist. Sheffield, 2nd, Free Baptist. West Fairlee, Free Baptist. Orange, 2nd, extinct, 1853; reorganized, 1859, Free Baptist. Danburj', Free Baptist. Starksboro, 2nd, Free Baptist. 1838. Barre and Plainfield, extinct. 1839. Woodstock. Glover, Free Baptist. Wheelock, 2nd, Free Baptist. East Roxbury, Free Baptist. Groton, Free Baptist. Johnsburg, Free Baptist. Underbill, 2nd, Free Baptist. Huntington, 2nd, Free Baptist. Warren, Free Baptist. 1840. Morristown, extinct, 1864. Brattleboro. Plymouth, 2nd, Free Baptist. Montpelier, 2nd, Free Baptist. Newark, organized, 1815. 1841. Pittsford Center. Randolph, extinct, 1845. Charlestown, extinct, 1847. Waterford, 2nd, Free Baptist. Danvdlle, 2nd, Free Baptist. Kirby, Free Baptist. Coventry, Free Baptist. East Famham, Free Baptist. Waterbury Center, Free Baptist. 2nd Enosburg, Free Baptist. Minerva Branch, Free Baptist. 1842. Brookfield, extinct, 1870. Middletown, Free Baptist. Plymouth, Free Baptist. Monroe, Free Baptist. Ludlow, Free Baptist. Orleans, Free Baptist. Tunbridge Center, Frtee Baptist. 626 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1843. StoWe, 2nd, Free Baptist. Bridgewater and Plymouth, Free Bap- tist. East Tunbridge, extinct, 1846, Free Baptist. Hadley, Free Baptist. Elmore, temporarily. Free Baptist. 1844. West Craftsbury, Free Baptist. Morristown, Free Baptist. North Bennington, Bloomfield, extinct, 1870. 1845. Albany, Free Baptist. Fletcher, extinct, 1902. Danville, North District, Free Baptist. Lyndon, 2nd, Free Baptist. Lyndon Center, Free Baptist. Berkshire, Free Baptist. Goshen Gore, Free Baptist. 1846. Lowell, Free Baptist. Wolcott, Free Baptist. Colebrook, Free Baptist. Andover, temporary. Free Baptist. Hancock, Free Baptist. Lowell. 1848. Day, Free Baptist. 1849. West Roxbm-y and Northfield, extinct, 1864. 1850. North Troy. Hydeville. Rice Hill, Free Baptist. Middlesex, 2nd, Free Baptist. 1851. Montgomery, French, extinct, 1874. Bakersfield, Free Baptist. 1852. Mclndoe Falls, extinct, 1858. Vershire, extinct, 1877. West Pawlet. Craftsbm-y, Free Baptist. 1853. Richford, French, extinct. Halifax, extinct, 1885. 1854. Bellows Falls. Milton, 2nd, extinct. 1856. Stowe, West Branch, Free Baptist. 1858. Wolcott, West Branch, Free Baptist. 1859. Topsham, 2d, exlinct. West Berlin, Free Baptist. 1860. Irasburg, Free Baptist. Newport Center, Free Baptist. Westmore, Free Baptist. Jonesville, Free Baptist. 1861. East Wallingford, the Wallingford, 2nd, reorganized in new place. Bolton, reorganized. Free Baptist. Craftsbm-y, Free Baptist. South Barton, Free Baptist. 1864. West Charleston, Free Baptist. 1865. Montpelier. 1866. Montgomery. St. Albans. East Franklin. Fairhaven. Vergennes. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1867. 1878. Plymouth, Free Baptist. 1879. 627 1868. 1870. Readsboro. Middlebury. Essex Junction. Waterbury di\-ided, W. Center, W. Pntnev River, Free Baptist. Cambridge, Free Baptist. Fayston, Free Baptist. Morristown Center, Free Baptist. Brownington, Free Baptist. South Starksboro, Free Baptist. 1871. East Haven, Free Baptist. Stannard and West Wheelock, Free Baptist. West Bolton. Jay. West Rutland. South Barton. Richford. Newport. 1872. 187,S. 1874. Barre. Heartwellville. Norton. Websterville. West Brattleboro. Morristown, Free Baptist. St. Johnsbury. 1883. 1884. 1887. 1889. 1907. 1908. West Derby. Newport Center. 1910. ROLL OF BAPTIST AND FREE BAPTIST CHURCHES ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED Addison, 1797. Albany, 1832; extinct, 1910. Albany, Free Baptist, 1845. Alburg, 1794; extinct, 1796; reorganized, 1807, extinct. Alburg, Free Baptist, 1833. Andover, 1803. Andover, Free Baptist, 1846, tem- porarily. Arlington, 1812; extinct, 1843. Athens, 1783; extinct, 1798. Bakersfield, 1826, Free Baptist. Barton South, Free Baptist, 1861. Barre, 1800; extinct, 1842. Barreand Plainfield, 1838; extinct, 1850. Barre, 1889. Bellows FaUs, 1854. Bennington, 1827. Bennington, North, 1844. Benson, 1808; extinct, 1846. Berkshire, 1805; extinct, 1813. Berkshire 2nd, 1817; extinct, 1889. Berkshire, Free Baptist, 1845. Berlin, Free Baptist, 1833. Berlin, West, Free Baptist, 1859. Bethel, East, 1812. Bloomfield, 1844, extmct. Bolton, 1794; no further record. Bolton, West, 1883. Bolton, Free Baptist, 1861. Bolton, Becker's Hill, Free Baptist, 1835. Bradford, Free Baptist, 1805. Braintree, 1799. Brattleboro, 1840. Brattleboro, West, 1874. Bridport, 1804; extinct, 1877. Bridgewater and Plymouth, Free Bap- tist, 1843. Brighton, Free Baptist, 1834. Bristol, 1794. Brookfield, 1842; extinct, 1870. Brookfield, West, Free Baptist, 1834. Brookline, 1785. Burke, 1801; extinct, 1840. Burlington, 1834. Cabot, Free Baptist, 1800. Calais, Free Baptist, 1805. Calais, 1810; extinct. Caldwell, Free Baptist, 1836. Cambridge, 1791; extinct, 1801. Cambridge, 2nd, 1805; extinct, 1860. Cambridge, Free Baptist, 1870. Cavendish, 1803. Charleston, Free Baptist, 1832. Charleston, 1841. Charleston, Free Baptist, 1864. Charlotte, 1807. Chelsea, 1795; extinct, 1825. Chelsea, 2nd, 1798; extinct, 1809. Chester, 1789. Chester, Free Baptist, 1808. Clarendon, West, 1785; extinct, 1802. Clarendon, East, 1786; extinct, 1832. Clarendon, West, 1812; extinct, 1856. Colchester, 1816. Colebrook, Free Baptist, 1846. Concord, Free Baptist, 1805. Corinth, 1782; extinct. Corinth, Free Baptist, 1798. Corinth, 2nd, 1833. Cornwall, West, 1795. Coventry, 1809; extinct, 1860. Coventry, Free Baptist, 1845. Craftsbury, 1804; extinct, 1827. Craftsbury, 2nd, 1831; extinct, 1840. Craftsbury, West, Free Baptist, 1844. Craftsbury, Free Baptist, 1861. Danby, 1st, 1781; extinct, 1808. Danby, 1826; extinct. Danby, 1833; extinct, 1840. Danby, 1836, Free Baptist. Danbury, Free Baptist, 1837. Danville, 1790; extinct, 1843. Danville, Free Baptist, 1800. Danville, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1841. Danville, North District, Free Baptist, 1845. Day, Free Baptist, 1848. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 629 Derby, 1807; extinct, 1822. Derby, 1824. Derby, East, Free Baptist, 1870. Derby, West, 1898. Dorset, 1st, 1795; extinct, 1840. Dorset, 1808; extinct. Dover, East, 1814. Dover, Free Baptist, 1831. Dresden, Free Baptist, 1834. Dummerston, 1818; extinct, 1847. Dummerston, 1831, Free Baptist. Dummerston, West, 1793. Duxbury, Free Baptist, 1817. Elmore, Free Baptist, 1843. Essex, 1801. Essex Jmiction, 1879. Enosburg, East, 1810; extinct, 1858. Enosburg, South, Free Baptist, 1827. Enosburg Falls, 1830; extinct, 1858. Enosburg (consolidated) 1858. Fairfax, 1792. Fairfax, North, 1828; extinct, 1890. Fairfield, 1801; extinct, 1858. Fairfield, 2nd, 1832; extinct, 1876. Fairhaven, 1867. Fairlee, West, Free Baptist, 1848. Famham, Free Baptist, 1825. Famham, East, Free Baptist, 1841. Fayston, 1870, Free Baptist. Ferrisburg, 1816; extinct, 1864. Fletcher, 1817; extinct, 1845. Fletcher, 1845; extinct, 1902. Franklm, 1831; extinct, 1841. Franklin, East, 1867. Georgia Plain, 1793. Glover, Free Baptist, 1839. Goshen Gore, Free Baptist, 1843. Grafton, 1803. Granville, Free Baptist, 1835. Groton, 1813. Groton, Free Baptist, 1822. Groton, Free Baptist, 1839. Greensboro, 1819; extinct, 1831. Guildhall, 1832; extinct, 1836. Guilford, 1780; extinct, 1826. Guilford, 2nd, 1781; extinct, 1800. Guilford, 3d, 1782; extinct, 1800. Guilford, 4th, 1797; extinct, 1821. Guilford, 1800. Guilford, Free Baptist, 1831. Halifax, 1793; extinct, 1885. Halifax, 1853; extinct, 1885, the two churches uniting. Halifax, Free Baptist, 1831. Hadley, Free Baptist, 1843. Hancock, 1826; extinct. Hancock, Free Baptist, 1846. Hardwick, 1791; extinct, 1811. Hardwick, 1795. Hardwick, Free Baptist, 1800. Hardwick, 1807. Hardwick, East, 1831. Hartford, 1789; extinct, 1846. Hartland, 1789; extinct. Hartland, 1794; extmct, 1837. Heartwellville, 1907. Hmesburg, 1810. Hinesburg, Free Baptist, 1817. Hinesburg, 1832, Free Baptist. Hog Island, Free Baptist, 1833. Hubbardton, East, 1787. Huntington, Free Baptist, 1832. Huntington, 1833. Huntington, Free Baptist, 1839. Ira, 1783. Irasburg, 1816; extinct, 1864. Irasburg, Free Baptist, 1860. Jamaica, 1790. Jay, 1883. Jericho, 1817. Jericho, Free Baptist, 1821. Johnson, 1808. Johnsburg, Free Baptist, 1839. Jonesville, Free Baptist, 1860. Kingston and Granville, 1795; extinct, 1811. Kingston and Hancock, 1816; extinct, 1836. Kirby, Free Baptist, 1841. Leicester, 1786, extinct. Leverett, Free Baptist; 1828. Lincoln, Free Baptist, 1836. Londonderry, 1811. Ludlow, 1825. Ludlow, 1835. Ludlow, Free Baptist, 1842. Limenburg, 1811, extinct. Lyndon, Free Baptist, 1801. Lyndon, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1845. Lyndon Center, Free Baptist, 1845. Halifax, 1783; extinct, 1792. Marshfield and Plainfield, 1833; ex- 630 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT tinct, 1898. Mclndoe Falls, 1852; extinct, 1858. Middletown Springs, 1784. Middletown, Free Baptist, 1842. Middlebury, 1809; extinct, 1852; re- organized, 1879. Middlesex, Free Baptist, 1820. Middlesex, 1837, extinct. Middlesex, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1850. Milton, 1810; extinct, 1840. Milton, 2nd, 1854; extinct. Minerva Branch, Free Baptist, 1841. Monroe, Free Baptist, 1842. Montgomery, 1820. Montgomery, French, 1851; extinct, 1874. Montpelier, Free Baptist, 1812. Montpelier, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1840. Montpelier, 1865. Moretown, Free Baptist, 1833. Morristown, 1811; extinct, 1835. Morristown, 1840; extinct, 1864. MorristowTi, Free Baptist, 1844. Morristown, Free Baptist, 1874. Morristown Center, Free Baptist, 1870. Morgan, Free Baptist, 1821. Mount Holly, 1804. Mount Holly, Free Baptist, 1833. Newark, Free Baptist, 1815; extinct, reorganized, 1840. Newbury, Free Baptist, 1834. Newfane, 1799. Newhaven and Weybridge, 1802; ex- tinct, 1876. Newport, 1817. Newport, Free Baptist, 1829. Newport Center, Free Baptist, 1860. Newport Center, 1910. Northfield, 1794; extinct, 1834. Norton, 1907. Norwich, 1792; extinct, 1805. Orange, Free Baptist, 1837; extinct, 1853; reorganized, 1859. Orwell, 1787; extinct, 1865. Panton, 1794. Passumpsic, 1812. Pawlet, 1790; extinct, 1851. Pawlet, 2nd, 1826; extinct, 1848. Pawlet, West, 1852. Peacham, Free Baptist. 1808. Perkinsville, 1835. Pittsford, 1784; extinct, 1831. Pittsford Center, 1841. Plainfield, 1809; extinct. Plainfield, 1832; extinct, 1852. Plymouth, Free Baptist, 1840. PljTnouth, Free Baptist, 1878. Pomfret, 1802; extinct, 1813. Poultney, 1802. Poultney, East, 1802. Pownal, 1772; extinct, 1774. Pownal, 1782. Pownal, 2nd, 1790; extinct. Putney, 1787; extinct, 1860. Putney, 1883. Randolph, 1791; extinct, 1841. Randolph and Bethel, 1800; extinct. 1801. Randolph, 1808; extinct. Randolph, East, Free Baptist, 1810. Randolph, 1841; extinct, 1845. Random, Free Baptist, 1832. Reading, 1788; extinct, 1834. Readsboro, 1812; extinct, 1845. Readsboro, 1879. Richford, 1802; extinct, 1851. Richford, 1827; extinct, 1844. Richford, 1853; disbanded and re- organized, 1872. Richford, French, 1853; extinct. Rice Hill, Free Baptist, 1850. Richmond, 1783; extinct, 1844. Richmond, Free Baptist, 1822. Rockingham, 1789; extinct, 1812. Rochester, 1830; extinct. Rochester, 2nd, 1834; extinct, 1843. Roxbury, Free Baptist, 1821. Roxbury, East, 1834; extinct, 1852. Roxbury, East, Free Baptist, 1839. Roxbury, West, 1834; extinct, 1847. Roxbury, West and Northfield, 1849; extinct, 1864. Royalton, 1784; extinct, 1807. Rupert, West, 1803; extinct, 1878. Rutland, 1806; extinct, 1809. Rutland, 1823. Rutland, West, 1884. Saxtons River, 1812. Shaftsbury, 1768; extinct, 1844. Shaftsbury, 1780; extinct, 1840. Shaftsbury, 3d, 1782; extinct, 1798. Shaftsbury, 1783. Sharon, 1792. Sheffield, Free Baptist, 1800. Sheffield, Free Baptist, 1837. Shelbume, Free Baptist, 1817. Shoreham, 1794; extinct, 1833. HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 631 Shrewsbury, 1833; extinct, 1865. Somerset, 1791 ; extinct, 1822. Springfield, Free Baptist, 1800. Springfield, North, 1803. Stamford, Free Baptist, 1799. Stannard and WTieelock, West, Free Baptist, 1871. Starksboro, 1821, Free Baptist. Starksboro, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1837. Starksboro, South, Free Baptist, 1870. Sterling, 1835; extinct, 1846. Stowe, 1818; extinct. Stowe, Free Baptist, 1819. Stowe, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1843. Stowe, West Branch, Free Baptist, 1856. Stockbridge, 1820; extinct, 1847. St. Albans, Free Baptist, 1826. St. Albans, 1856. St. Johnsbury, 1812; extinct. St. Johnsbury, Free Baptist, 1818. St. Johnsbury, 1874. Strafford, 1792; extinct, 1794. Strafford, 1793, Free Baptist. Stratton, 1819; extinct, 1847. Sutton, 1802; extinct. Sutton and Weathersfield, Free Baptist, 1801. Sutton, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1837. Swanton, East, 1795. Thetford, 1789; extinct. Thetford and Fairlee, 1792; extinct, 1797. Thetford and Fairlee, 2nd, 1799; ex- tinct. Thetford and Fairlee, 3d, 1808; ex- tinct. Tinmouth, 1833; extinct, 1839. Topsham, 1801; extinct. Topsham, Free Baptist, 1833. Topsham, 2nd, 1859; extinct. Townshend, 1811; extinct, 1845. Townshend, 1827. Troy, 1817; extinct. Troy, North, 1850. Tunbridge, 1800. Tunbridge, Free Baptist, 1800. Tunbridge Center, Free Baptist, 1842. Tunbridge, East, Free Baptist, 1843. ITnderhill, Free Baptist, 1832. Underbill, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1839. Union Village, 1837; extinct, 1848. Vershire, Free Baptist, 1800. Vershire, 1852; extinct, 1877. Vergennes, 1868. Waitsfield, 1825; extinct, 1849. Walden and West Danville, Free Bap- tist, 1800; reorganized, 1840; ex- tinct, 1880. Wallhigford, 1780. Wallingford, 2nd, 1830; extinct, 1860. Waltham, 1803; extinct, 1809. Wardsboro, West, 1792. Warren, 1810, Free Baptist. Warren and Roxbury, 1820; extinct. Warren, Free Baptist, 1839. Washington, Free Baptist, 1802. Waterbury, 1800; extinct, 1807. Waterbury, 1819. Waterbury, Free Baptist, 1819. Waterbury Center, Free Baptist, 1841. Waterbury (divided) 1870. Waterford, 1802; extinct, 1811. Waterville, 1820; extinct, 1833. Websterville, 1907. Westford, 1798. Westfield, 1831; extinct. Westhaven, 1803. Westminster, 1782; extinct, 1810. Westmore, Free Baptist, 1860. Weston, 1837. Wheelock, Free Baptist, 1832. Wheelock, 2nd, 1839, Free Baptist. Whitingham, 1808. Whitingham, Free Baptist, 1831. Whiting, 1799. Williamstown and Northfield, 1794; extinct. WilliamstowTi, Free Baptist, 1832. Williamstown, 2nd, Free Baptist, 1839. Williamsto-mi, East, Free Baptist, 1835. Williston, 1828; extinct. Windham, South, 1807. Windsor, 1795. Windsor, West, 1805; extinct, 1843. Windsor, 1807; extinct, 1843. Windsor, Free Baptist, 1821. Winhall, 1811: extinct, 1845. Winslow, 1808; extinct, 1843. Woodbury, Free Baptist, 1820; reor- ganized, 1834. Woodworth, Free Baptist, 1824. Woodstock, 1780; extinct. Woodstock, 1789; extinct. Woodstock, 1839; extinct. Wollcott, Free Baptist, 1846. Wollcott, West Branch, 1853. Worcester, 1827, Free Baptist. LIST OF EXTINCT CHURCHES CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED 1786 Leicester. 1790-1800, 1792 Strafford. 1793 Cambridge 1st. 1795 Bolton. 1796 Albany, Bradford. 1797 Thetford and Fairiee 1st; Thet- ford and Fairiee 2nd. 1798 Athens, Shaftsbury 3d, E. Burke, Marshfield and Plainfield. 1800-1810. 1800 Danby, Guilford 2nd, Guilford 3d, Tunbridge. 1802 W. Clarendon, Topsham. 1803 West Rupert. 1804 Washington. 1805 Vernon, Norwich. 1806 Westfield. 1807 Randolph and Bethel. 1807 Waterbury. 1808 Randolph organized. 1809 Rutland, Waltham, Chelsea. 1810-1820. 1810 Calais, Dorset 2nd. 1811 Kingston and Granville, Royal- ton, Lunenburg. Waterford merged in St. Johnsbury. 1812 Westminster, Rockingham. 1813 Pomfret. 1820-1830. 1820 Warren and Roxbury, Guilford 4th, Hancock. 1822 Derby, Somerset. 1825 Chelsea, 2nd. 1827 Ludlow, Craftsbury. 1828 Williston. 1830-1840. 1830 Pawlet. 1831 Greensboro. 1832 E. Clarendon. 1833 Shoreham, Waterville. 1834 Reading, North6eld. 1835 MorristowTi. 1835 Kingston and Hancock, Guild- hall. 1837 Middlesex, Hartland, Dummers- ton. 1839 Tinmouth. 1840-1850. 1840 Burke, Shaftsbury 2nd, Danby, Dorset, Franklin, Lyndon. 1842 Barre. 1843 Rochester, Windsor, W. Windsor. 1844 Richmond, Richford, Shafts- bury 1st. 1845 Ferrisburg, Fletcher, Randolph, Readsboro, Townshend 1st, Winhall, Williamstown. 1846 Benson, Sterling, Stowe. 1847 Charleston, Stockbridge, Strat- ton. 1848 Hartford, Pawlet 2nd, Union Village. 1849 Waitsfield, W. Roxbury, Milton. 1850-1860. 1850 Vf. Clarendon, Troy. 1851 Morristown, Richford. 1852 Danville, Mi — Organized, 1827; extinct, 1844. Richmond — Organized before 1783; extinct, 1844. Richmond Conference organ- ized here. Richford 3rd — Organized, 1853; disbanded, 1872; and reorganize present fourth Richford. Rochester — Organized, 1830. Rochester, 2nd — Organized, 1834; extinct, 1843. RocKiNGH.VM^ — Organized, 1789; extinct, 1812. Probably its members united with the Saxtons River church. RoYALTON — Organized, 1784; extinct, 1811. (1810 reported fourteen members. H. C.) HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT C37 RoxBURY, East— Organized, 1834; extinct, 1852. RoxBUBY, West— Organized, 1834; extinct, 1849. United with the Northfield church. Rupert, West — Organized, 1803. Rutland — Organized at Gookm's Falls, 1806; dissolved, 1809. St. Johnsbury- — In existence 1818. Shaftsbury, 1st— Organized, 1768; dissolved, 1844; reorganized at North Ben- nington the same year. Shaftsbury, 2nd^ — Organized, 1780; dissolved, 1840. Shaftsbury, 3rd — Organized, 1782; dissolved, 1798. "Salisbury church," un- associated. Sheldon — Organized, 1762; extinct, 1879. Shrewsbury— Organized, 1833; extinct, 1865. Somerset — Organized, 1791; (lroi)i)ed from the Association for open communion in 1822. Shoreham^ — Organiz(>(l, 1794; extinct in 1833. Never had a meeting-house. E. B. Smith was converted here and became a member of this church. Sterling — Organized, 1833; extinct, 1846. Stockbridge — Organized, 1820; extinct, 1847. Stowe — Organized before 1818; extinct, 1846. Strafford — Organized, 1792. Stratton — Organized, 1819; extinct, 1847. Sutton — Organized Ijefore 1802. Thetford — Organized, 1789; united with Fairlee. Thetford and Fairlee, 1st — Organized, 1792; extinct, 1797. Thetford and Fairlee, 2nd — Organized, 1799. Thetford and Fairlee, 3rd — Organized, 1808; extinct, 1880. Tinmouth — Organized, 1833; extinct, 1839. Townshend 1st, West Village — Organized, 1811; extinct, 184j. Hiram A. (naves, for many years editor of " Tlie Reflector,"' was converted and baptized here. Topsham, 1st — Organized, 1802. Topsha.m 2nd — Organized, 1859. Troy — Organizeti, 1818. There was a church here, which in 1843 reported one hundred and twenty-two members; extinct, 1850. TuNBRiDGE — Organized. 1800. Union Village^ — Organized, 1837; extinct, 1848. Vernon — Organized, 1803; extinct, 1805. Vershire — Organized, 1852; extinct, 1897. Waitsfield — Organized, 1835; extinct, 1849. Walden — Wallingford, 2nd — Organized, 1830. Disbanded in 1861, organized as the church in East Wallingford. Waltham— Organized. 1803; extinct, 1809. Wardsboro, East — Organized, 1792. Warren and Roxbury — Organized, 1820. Washington — Organized, 1804. W.\terford — Organized, 1802; dissolved, 1811. Sprung from the Hartland church and merged into the St. Johnsbury and Waterford church. Waterbury — Organized, 1800, with eight members; dissolved, 1807. Westfield — Organized, 1806. See Missionary Magazine, Vol. 1. p. 338. Westfield — Organized, 1831. Westminster — Organized, 1782; dissolved, 1812. Partly merged in the Saxtons River church. West Windsor — Organized, 1805; extinct, 1843. West Roxbury and Northfield — Organized, 1849; extinct, 1864. Williamstown — Organized, 1809 or 1814; extinct, 1845. 638 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT WiLLiAMSTOWN AND NoRTHFiELi> — A cliurch was Organized here in 1794, which seems to have become extinct as another was organized under the same name in 1834, which is also extinct. WiLLisTON — Organized, 1828; extinct. The mother of the Burlington church. WiNHALL — Organized, 1811; extinct, 1845. WiNDSOR^ — Organized, 1807; extinct, 1843. Woodstock — Two churches have existed here. The first was formed before 1780 and belonged for three years to the Warren Association. The second was organized in 1789. Both are now extinct. West Roxbury and Northfield — Organized, 1849; extinct, 1864. Waterbury — Organized, 1819. Waterville — Organized, 1823; extinct, 1833. We find mention made of churches in Searsburg and Wheelock, but find no account of when they were organized or how long they existed. STATE CON\'Ex\TION COMPENDIUM YR. PLACE MOUIO.tATCJK PREACHER BAP. MEM. 18'2-i . . Brandon Ezra Butler IH'ir, . . Bethel Isaac Sawyer CM. Fuller 599 182(i . . Poultney Isaac Sawyer Richard M. Ely .... 3S\ (i,(i'i9 18:27 . . Mt. Hofly Aaron Leland J. Merriam 3iVZ 7,760 182S. . Windsor Aaron Leland Alvah Sabin .'iGl 0,685 182;). . Shaftsbury Alvah Sabin Hadley Proctor '584 183U. . Ilinesburg Alvah Sabin Leland Howard 711 8,083 18J1 . . Ludlow Daniel Packer Eli B. Smith 1,329 1832. .Barnet John Ide E. Fisher 1,597 9,289 1833 . . Brandon John Ide Jeremiah Hall 375 10,090 1834. . No. Springfield. .Alvah Sabin Samuel Eastman. . . . 521 10,682 1835. .Jericho John Ide Reuben Sawyer 848 10,447 18.36. . Windsor J. I). Farnsworth Jos. M. Graves 724 10.582 1837 . . Waterbury J. I). Farnsworth Luther Crawford . . . 42.3 10,108 18.38. . Mt. Holly J. D. Farnsworth E. Hutchin.son 748 10.209 18.39 . . Brandon John Ide Wm. G. Johnson. .. . 910 1 1,047 1840. . Bristol John Ide Joseph W. Sawyer. . 8(>4 11,101 1841 . Poultney J. D. Farnsworth C. A. Thomas 370 11,063 1842. Ludlow John Ide Moses Field 447 10„338 1843. . Hinesburg Jos. W. Sawyer Wm. M. Guilford. . . 1,255 10,906 1844 . . Grafton E. Hutchinson Joseph M. Driver. . 154 10,092 1845. . Rutland E. Hutchinson E. Hutchinson 101 9,000 1846 . . Hardwick E. Hutchinson Eli B. Smith, D. D. 19 '8,824 1847 . . Chester E. Hutchin.son C. W. Hodges 134 8,540 1848 . . Whiting E. Hutchinson Lewis A. Dunn 129 8,545 1849 . . Windsor E. Hutchinson H.I. Parker 132 7,620 1850 . . Townshend E. Hutchinson Marvin G. Hodge. . . 310 7,653 1851 . . Fairfax J. D. Farnsworth Joseph C. Foster. ... 199 7,326 1852. Hydeville Alvah Sabin John Goadby 90 7,12>' 1853 . . Brandon Alvah Sabin Lucian Hayden 178 7,751 1854 . . No. Bennington . Lucian Hayden C. A. Thomas, D. D. 435 7,849 1855 . . Addison Lucian Hayden E. B. Smith, D. D . 199 7,473 1856 . . Shaftsbury S. L. Elliott Ira Pearson 313 7,520 1857. . Mt. Holly E. Hutchinson N. W. Smith 267 7,413 1858 . . Windsor Ryland Fletcher S. L. Elliott 621 7,821 1859 . . Rutland Ryland Fletcher Alvah Sabin 412 8,097 1860. . Fairfax E. B. Smith, D. D.. . . H. Fletcher, D. D... 302 8,263 1861 . . Factory Point. . . Ira Pearson N. Cudworth 232 8,374 1862. Burlington Jos. Freeman, D. D.. A. Norcross 190 8,309 1863. Ludlow H. Fletcher, D. D N. P. Foster, M. D. 202 8,431 1864 . Poultney N. P. Foster, M. D.. . .J. Upham, D. D. . . . 167 7,959 1865. Bennington J. M. Hotchkiss H. D. Hodge 219 7,690 1866 . . Saxtons River . . E. A. Fuller W. S. Apsey 321 7,714 1867 . . No. Springfield. . E. A. Fuller A. W. Goodnow 6.38 8,200 1868 . , Newport E. A. Fuller W. N. Wilbur 548 8,433 1869. .Windsor J. Goadby, D. D Mark Carpenter 402 8,518 1870. .Hydeville J. Goadby, D. D J. Freeman, D. D.. . 450 8,707 640 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1871. Burlington J. Goadby, D. D S. M. Whiting 439 8,670 1872. .Brattleboro H. C. Estes, D. D M. A. Wilcox 299 8,816 1873. .Rutland J. Goadby, D. D L. J. Matteson 300 8,734 1874. .Ludlow J. Goadby, D. D M. G. Smith 269 8,666 1875. .St. Albans J. Goadby, D. D Foster Henry 389 8,864 1876 . . Chester Foster Henry Dwight Spencer. . . . 649 9,294 1877 . . Fairhaven Levi K. Fuller Wm. H. Rugg 328 9,569 1878 . . Brandon Levi K. Fuller R. M. Luther 504 9,662 1879. . Poultney Levi K. Fuller T. H. Archibald, D. D. 491 9,376 1880. . Wallingford T. H. Archibald, D. D. S. H. Stackpole 234 9,870 1881 . Johnson G. B. Gow, D. D Geo. S. Chase 181 9,614 1882. . Townshend G. B. Gow, D. D J. K. Richardson. ... 299 9,628 1883. West Randolph.. T. H. Archibald, D.D.. J. G. Lorimer 197 9,410 1884 . . Bennington T. H. Archibald, D. D..G. S. Pratt 353 9,326 1885 . . East Hardwick. . E. T. Sandford J. A. Pierce 362 8,980 1886 . . Saxtons River. . . W. N. Wilbur F. J. Perry 303 9,146 1887 . . Manchester Ctr. J. A. Pierce C. A. Reese 299 9,087 1888 . . Burlington J. A. Pierce E. T. Sandford 373 9,148 1889 . . Brattleboro C. A. Reese Henry Crocker 232 8,680 1890. Rutland C. A. Reese F. G. McFarlan. ... 421 8,756 1891 . . Montpelier F. J. Parry A. S. Gilbert 425 8,812 1892. Fairfax F. J. Parry R. L. Olds 288 8,688 1893. Ludlow P. C. Abbey E. A. Herring 413 8,738 1894. . N. Bennington . . P. C. Abbey J. A. Swart 461 8,832 1895 Barre P. C. Abbey S. H. Archibald 225 8,580 1896 . . Bristol W. S. Roberts, D. D. . H. M. Douglas 257 8,590 1897 . . Chester W. S. Roberts, D. D. W. G. Scofield 192 8,589 1898 . . Vergennes G. B. Lawson W. S. Roberts, D. D. 348 8,575 1899 . . Brandon G. B. Lawson T. H. Archibald, D. D. 217 8,520 1900. Brattleboro G. B. Lawson Gibbs Braislin 329 8,582 1901 . Burlington F. E. Marble, Ph. D. . C. R. B. Dodge 200 8,401 1902. Bennington F. E. Marble, Ph. D. .F. E. Marble, Ph. D. 283 8,452 1903. . Saxtons River. . . W. W. Stickney W. H. H. Avery, D. D. 235 8,324 1904 . . Newport W. W. Stickney F. D. Penney 281 8,165 1905 . . Fairhaven W. W. Stickney G. B. Lawson 360 8,255 1906 . . Montpelier W. W. Stickney J. S. Brown 287 8,154 1907. Rutland H. D. Holton F. R. Morris 394 8,338 1908 . . Ludlow H. D. Holton G. R. Stair 425 8,351 1909. St. Albans H. D. Holton John Ward Moore. . 513 8,754 1910 . . Middlebury Fred M. Butler A. E. Foote 257 8,827 1911. Barre Fred M. Butler L. S. Bamberg 404 9,098 1912 . . St. Johnsbury . . . S. A. Greenwood R. M. Jones 288 8,823 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 641 VERMONT BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION COMPENDIUM YR. 1S70. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 187(). 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882 188.'3 1884. .Rutland. . . . .Chester .Brandon. . . . , Fairfax .Cavendish. . . l$rattleboro. . Poultney. . . St. Albans. . .Newport. . . . .Vergennes. . . Montpelier. .Brattleboro. .Rutland. . . . .Manchester. .Sharon 1885. . Poultney. . . 1886.. Ludlow 1887.. St. Albans. . 1888..Fairhaven. . 1889. .Bennington. 1890. 1891. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. . W. Randolph .Burlington. . . .Chester .Rutland .Brattleboro. . .Bennington. . .Newport .Bellows Falls. .Montpelier. . . Barre . Ludlow PRESIDENT SECRETARY CONDUCTOR W. M. Pingry. . . W. IL Rugg . W. N. Wilbur. . S. M. Whiting. . . . W. N. Wilbur. . L. K. Fuller . D. Spencer W. H. Rugg George A. Peltz. . D. Spencer W. H. Rugg C. B. Stout and W. F. Sher- win. L. K. Fuller W. IL Rugg W. Randolph and C. G. Allen. .R. M. Luther. . .J. K. RichardsonG. A. Peltz and W. F. Sher- win. . L. K. Fuller J. K. RichardsonG. A. Peltz and W. F. Sher- win. .Guy C. Noble. . . J. K. RichardsonW. F. Sherwin. .Guy C. Noble. . .S. H. Archibald W. F. Sherwin. .C. Hibbard S. H. Archibald W. F. Sherwin. C. Hibbard J. M. Hull C. B. Stout. .J. J. Estey J. M. Hull Theo. Gessler. . J. A. Pierce C. C. Boynton. Rev. and Mrs. W. F. Crafts. .J. A. Pierce C. A. Reese C. R. Blackall, Mrs. S. W. Clark. .J. R. Gow C. R. Blackall. L. W.King C. R. Blackall. .R. H. Sherman. .W. F. Sherwin, Mrs. L. C. Roath. R. H. Sherman. . C. B. Stout, Ira D. Sankey. .H. Crocker Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Steb- bins, singers. F. G. McFarlan H. M. Douglas. .Ira D. Sankey, singer. . Z. Marten G. T. Raymond. W. A. Billings, singer. . Gibbs Braislin. ..H. H. Hackley. . . Gibbs Brai.slin. . .S. Robson . W. S. Roberts. . . S. Robson . W. S. Roberts. . .S. Robson . W. R. Baldwin. .N. C. Saunders.. .C. R. B. Dodge W. A. Davison. . .C. R. B. Dodge W. A. Davison. . . W. A. Kinzic. . . .T. A. Howard. . . ,W. A. Kinzie. . ..T. A. Howard. . . .J. A. Pierce. . . . . L. W. Hawley. . F. J. Parry. . . . F. J. Parry. . . . F. J. Parry. . . . 642 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT COMPENDIUM OF SHAFTSBURY ASSOCIATION YR. PLACE MODEUATOR PREACHER BAP. MEM. 1781 1786 Justus Hull 67 715 1787 . . Adams J. Morse Joshua Morse .... 50 718 1788 . . 1st Shaftsbury. . C. Blood Nicholas Cox 71 803 1789 . . 1st Hillsdale S. Waldo P. Werden 174 1,118 1790 . . Adams 1,500 1791 . Stockbridge C. Blood J. Hull 408 1,754 179!^ . Stillwater C. Blood 2,150 179:5. .Pittstown C. Blood S. Waldo 261 2,500 1794 . . Pownal P. Werden L. Powers 345 2,809 1795 . .Stillwater J. Leland J. Leland 182 3,029 1796 . . W. Stockbridge . C. Blood C. Blood 260 3,181 1797. . Bottskill L. Powers J. Gray 271 3,458 1798 . . 1st Ste'phentown C. Blood S. Rogers 161 3,460 1799 . . 2d Stephentown. S. Rogers I. Webb 732 4,060 1800 . . 4th Shaftsbury. . C. Blood J. Hull 767 4,127 1801 . .2d Galway C. Bh)od C. Blood 395 4,318 1802. . Pittstown J. Craw E. Lee 221 4,220 1803. . W. Stockbridge J. Hull C. Blood 285 4,301 1804 . . Clifton Park . . C. Blood L. Covell 314 4,433 1805 . . Hoosick Palls. . . C. Blood E. Lee 229 4,593 1806. .Troy S. Gano* C. Blood 145 3,122 1807. .2d Cheshire C. Blood I. Webb 236 3,288 1808 . Pownal L Webb J. Leland . 341 3,392 1809 . . Schodack L Webb J. Glass 291 3,303 1810 . . White Creek. ... I. Webb A. Peck : . 249 3,321 1811 . .3d Cheshire O. Warren C. Lahatt 375 3,724 1812. . W. Stockbridge. .0. Warren L Matti.son 392 3,667 1813. .Nas.sau L Webb O. Warren 31 3,572 1814. Schodack A. Peck J. Hull 131 3,599 1815. .Newton, N. H...0. Warren L Webb 98 3,511 1816. Sandi-sfield L Webb L Mattis.m 226 3,573 1817. .Stephentown. . . . A. Peck S. S])aulding 510 3,563 1818 . . 4th Shaftsbury. J. Cornell* E. F. Willey 286 3.554 1819 . . Pittstown E. Wayland G. Rol)in.son 189 3,238 1820 . . North Adams. . . A. Peck L Mattison 173 3,877 1821 . Egremont L Mattison I). Tinkham 144 2,846 1822 . . Hoosick Falls. . . I. Mattison J. Harris 189 2,865 1823 . . Nassau I. Matti.son E. D. Hubbell 54 2,570 1824 . . NMiite Creek. . . . D. Tinkham Ira Hall 202 2,725 1825. Newtown, N. H.L Mattison A. Beach 212 3,317 1826. East Hillsdale. . . J. Harris E. Sweet 71 2,713 1827. .Stephentown. . . E. D. Hubbell J. Cooper 167 2,545 1828. .Pownal E. D. Hubbell E. D. Hubl)ell 91 2,353 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 643 1829. . 1st Shaftsbiiiy. . E. D. Hubbell E. Marshall 1830. . 1st Na.s.sau I. Keach I. Keach 1831 . .Stamford E. D. Huhholl P. Roberts, Jr 1832. . 1st Shaftsburv. . I. Keach E. D. Hubbell 1833. .1st Bennington E. D. Hubbell I. Keach 1834. . Hoosick Corners E. D. Hubbell M. Field 1835 . . 3d Shaftsbury. . . I. Keach T. Marshall 1836 . . Manchester S. Kenney J. M. Graves 1837 . . Pownal I. Keach.' I. Mattison 1838 . . 1st Bennington . S. Hutchins H. Ellis 1839 . . 1st Shaftsbury. . I. Keach S. Hutchins 1840 . . Hoosick J. W. Sawyer J. W. Sawyer 1841 . . 3d Shaftsbury. . . J. W. Sawyer A. Kenyon 1842 . . Manchester J. W. Sawyer J. W. Sawyer 1843 . . Pownal J. W. Sawyer I. Mattison 1844 . . 1st Bennington . J. W. Sawyer H. I. Parker 1845 . . 1st Shaftsbury. . I. Keach C. W. Hodges 1846 . . X. Bennington I. Keach M. Bachelor 1847. .3d Shaftsl)ury . .C. W. Hodges J. A. Smith 1848 . . Manchester C. W. Hodges J. Cannon 1849. .West Rupert. . . .1. Mattison I. Mattison 1850. . 1st Bennington. .1. Mattison L. Bailey. 1851 . .N. Bennington. .J. D. E. Jones E. Conover 1852. Hoosick Corners Wm. Arthur J. D. E. Jones 1853. .Shaftsburv Arthur Day O. Tracy 1854. . Manchester T. H. Archibald A. T. Chapman. . . 1855 . . Bennington L. Howard T. H. Archibald. . . 1856. . Wallingford N. W. Smith C. A. Thomas 1857 . . Poultney C. A. Thomas C. H. Green 1858 . . Hoosic Corners . . J. Goadby N. Clark 1859. . Manchester W. Lincoln B. N. Leach 1860 . . Brandon B.N. Leach W. Lincoln 1861 . . West Pawlet C. H. Green A.M. Swain 1862. .North Bennington A. M. Swain W. L. Palmer 1863. Rutland C. A. Thomas J. Tucker, Jr 1864 . . Hydeville W. L. Palmer L H. Wood 1865 . Shaftsbury L. Howard W. S. Ap.sey 1866. . Middletown J. Goadby D. Beecher 1867 . . Brandon J. Goadby J. Goadby 1868 . . Manchester C. A. Thomas W. H. Rugg 1869. Bennington H. L. Grose H. L. Grose 1870 . . Wallingford E. Mills S. K. Dexter 1871. .Ira E. Mills E. Mills 1872 . . North Bennington E. Mills I. C. Carpenter 1873. Poultney R. M. Luther D. Spencer 1874 . . Fairhaven C. A. Thomas F. Henry 1875 . . West Pawlet W. L. Palmer R. M. Luther 1876. Rutland R. M. Luther J. A. Pierce 1877. Shaftsbury D. Spencer J. K. Richardson. . 1878 . . Middletown D. Spencer S. H. Archibald. . . 1879. Bennington D. Spencer D. R. Watson 1880. . Jay J. K. Richardson A.J. Chandler 1881 . . Manchester J. K. Richardson T. H. Archibald. . . 1882. .East Poultney. . .J. K. Richardson J. A. Swart 27 2.185 84 2,080 131 1,920 550 2,495 59 1,546 88 1,510 133 1,092 10 993 7 948 64 986 146 1,028 87 992 7 793 4 793 187 871 14 780 19 662 6 665 .5 653 33 728 33 738 42 77 7 853 4 734 13 594 14 1,476 49 1,388 93 1,462 287 1.673 58 1,086 82 1,655 30 1,705 45 1,718 35 1.664 16 1,625 46 1,552 70 1,.561 108 1,644 87 1,690 43 1,650 76 1,698 54 1,674 31 1,651 149 1,695 42 1,710 01 1,786 130 1,874 31 1,863 246 2,094 118 2,145 36 2,116 59 2,090 97 2,109 644 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1883. .No. Bennington. G. C. Baldwin, Jr F. Barnett 1884. . Wallingford D. E. Post J. B. Lewis 1885 . . Brandon S. H. Archibald J. R. Gow 1886. .Fairhaven S. H. Archibald H. H. Parry 1887. .Pittsford S. H. Archibald Z. Marten 1888. . Poultney S. H. Archibald C. A. Reese 1889 . . West Pawlet S. H. Archibald L. B. Steele 1890. .No. Bennington. Z. Marten E. A. Herring 1891 . . Middletown Spa.Z. Marten P. C. Dayfoot 1892. .Shaftsbury S. H. Archibald A. S. Gilbert 1893 . . Manchester S. H. Archibald J. S. Lyon 1894 . . Pownal S. H. Archibald R. B. Tozer 1895 . . Rutland S. H. Archibald B. F. Kellogg 1896 . . Ira R. B. Tozer Gibbs Braislin 1897 . . E. Hubbardton. . R. B. Tozer J. E. Bruce 1898 . . Wallingford R. B. Tozer A. D. Clark 1899 . . West Haven Gibbs Braislin J. Johnson 1900. West Rutland. . .Gibbs Braislin E. I. Nye 1901 . . Brandon Gibbs Braislin Thomas Cull 1902. West Pawlet H. M. Douglas H. M. Douglas 1903. Fairhaven H. M. Douglas Gibbs Braislin 1904. . Bennington H. M. Douglas R. C. Penney 1905 . . Manchester H. M. Douglas F. R. Morris 1906. No. Bennington . H. M. Douglas H. S. McCready. . . . 1907. . Poultney H. M. Douglas Eugene Haines 1908. . Hydeville Eugene Haines F. S. Tolman 1909 . . Pownal Eugene Haines H. M. Douglas 1910. Rutland E. M. Fuller L. A. Cooney 1911 . E. Poultney W. F. Meyer Leonard Aldrich. . . . 1912. .Shaftsbury W. F. Meyer H. E. Wetherbee. . . . 52 2,081 81 2,079 55 2,084 56 2,079 47 2,059 91 2,124 57 2,149 151 2,231 118 2,272 55 2,213 123 2,241 193 2,395 45 2,303 70 2,351 51 2,348 95 2,358 84 2,364 90 2,404 63 2,407 41 2,410 64 2,338 60 2,292 29 2,345 182 3,013 78 2,303 122 2,362 146 2,512 140 2,494 100 2,627 65 2,455 COMPENDIUM OF ADDISON ASSOC lATION YR. PL.\CE MODERATOR PREACHER 1834 . . Panton B. Carpenter L Westcott 1835 . . Bridport B. Carpenter A. Case 1836. .Bristol J. A. Dodge J. Ten Broeke. . . 1837. Addison W. G. Johnson W. G. Johnson. . 1838. .Orwell John Ide J. K. Wright 1839 . . Middlobury John Ide J. Ten Broeke. . 1840. . Whiting John Ide A. Kingsbury. . . 1841 . . Fcrrisburg O. S. Murray W. G. Johnson. . 1842 . . Ciuirlotte John Ide I. Keach 1843 . . Panton I. Keach B. Brierly 1844. Addison I. KeaCh E. Hurlburt 1845 . . Bri 00 Montpelier 400.00 Sharon 2;W.OO St. Albans 400.00 Vergennes 400.00 North and South Troy 200 . 00 $2,190.00 1875. Albany $ 50.00 Andover 100.00 Brookline 60.00 Huntington 50.00 Lowell 100.00 Monkton 50.00 Montgomery 100.00 Montpelier 300.00 St. Albans $ 300.00 Sharon 200.00 Enosburg 50.00 Vergennes 300.00 North Troy 300.00 Nev\T)ort 400.00 1879. $2,360.00 1876. Monkton $ 50.00 Newport 200.00 North Troy 150.00 Sharon 150.00 Felchville 16.02 Brookline 30.00 $ 569.02 1877. Beebe Plain $ 50.00 East Wallingford 50 . 00 Lowell 25.00 Monkton 50.00 Montgomery 50 .00 Montpelier 200.00 Newport 250.00 North Troy 150.00 West Randolph 200 . 00 Sharon 100.00 St. John.sbury 200.00 Vergennes 400 .00 $1,725.00 1878. Monkton $ $37.50 Montpelier 175 .00 Newport 150.00 West Randolph 183.00 St.Johnsbury 200.00 Sharon 100.00 Vergennes 200.00 East Wallingford 35 . 00 Felchville 15.02 East Bethel. 1,095.52 140.60 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 665 Highgate Springs $ 125 . 00 Montpelier 150.00 West Randolph 200 . 00 St. Johnsbury 150.00 Sharon 50.00 Vergennes 150 . 00 East WaUingford 50.00 $1,015.00 1880. East Bethel $ 15.00 Highgate Springs 225 . 00 Middlebury 300.00 Montpelier 150.00 West Randolph 200 . 00 St. Johnsbury 150.00 Sharon 50.00 Vergennes 150 . 00 East WaUingford 25 . 00 Enosburg 50.00 $1,315.00 West Randolph $ 100.00 Waterbury 100.00 $1,720.99 1883. Colchester $ 75.00 Derby 100.00 East Bethel 100.00 East WaUingford 75. 00 Jamaica 166. 66 Middlebury 250.00 Montpelier 175 . 00 Newport 150.00 Putney 133.33 Richford 100.00 St. John.sbury 125.00 Sharon 41 . 65 Weston 50.00 West Randolph 158 . 34 Vergennes 30 . 00 $1,729.98 1881. EastBethel $ 100.00 Enosburg 150.00 East WaUingford 50 . 00 Highgate Springs 225 . 00 Middlebury 300.00 Montpelier 200.00 Newport 150.00 St. Johnsbury 150 . 00 Sharon 50.00 Vergennes 150 00 West Randolph 200.00 $1,725.00 1882. Colchester $ 75.00 Derby 166.66 EastBethel 100.00 Enosburg 100.00 Middlebury .327.25 Montpelier 200.05 Newport 93.70 Richford 58.33 St. Johnsbury 150.00 Sharon 50.00 Vergennes 200.00 1884. EastBethel $ 100.00 East WaUingford 41.67 Jamaica 66 . 67 Jav 29.17 Middlebury 300.00 Montpelier 200.00 Newport 185.83 Putney 200.00 Richford 83.34 St. Johnsbury 125.00 Sharon 91.67 West Randolph 200 . 00 Whiting 62.50 Colchester 100.00 $1,548.34 1885. EastBethel $ 100.00 East WaUingford 100 .00 Enosburg 75.00 Jamaica 200.00 Jay 100.00 Middlebury 300.00 Montpelier 200.00 Newport 200.00 666 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Putney $ 200.00 Richford 37.50 St. Johnsbury 100.00 Sharon 79.16 Vergennes 50.00 West Randolph 175 . 00 West Rutland 187.50 Whiting 150.00 $ 2,254 . 16 Total appropriations 1825-1885, $59,014.29 to nearly one hundred churches. 1886. East Bethel $ 102.00 East Wallmgford 100 . 00 Enosburg 100.00 Felchville 16.02 Groton 43.62 Jamaica 200.00 Jay 100.00 Middlebury 300.00 Middletown Springs 50 . 00 Montpelier 200 . 00 Newport 200.00 Putney 200.00 Richford 37.50 Sharon 79.16 St. Johnsbury 100.00 Vergennes 50.00 Vershire 25.00 West Randolph 79.00 West Rutland 187.00 Whiting 150.00 $2,319.30 1887. Vergennes $ 200 . 00 Sharon 100.00 West Rutland 150.00 Whiting 100.00 West Rutland 100.00 Middlebury 300 .00 West Riindolph 175 . GO Jamaica 200.00 Jay 100.00 Newport 100.00 Montpelier 200.00 Putney 200.00 East Bethel $ 100.00 Monkton 33 . 34 Westford 33.34 East Wallingford 100 . 00 West Randolph 75 .00 Sharon 50.00 Jay 66.67 Middlebury 150.00 Vergennes 100 . 00 West Rutland 100 . 00 Westford 66.66 $2,800.01 1888. Colchester $ 66.67 Monkton 50.00 Jamaica 200.00 Middlebury 150.00 West Randolph 100.00 Montpelier 200.00 Richford 100.00 Vergennes 100.00 Westford 33.34 Newport 100.00 Whiting 100.00 Brookline 20.00 Sharon 34.38 West Wardsboro 27 . 08 East Wallingford 100 . 00 West Rutland 100.00 East Bethel 100.00 Jay 16.67 Middlebury 100.00 Vergennes 50 . 00 West Randolph 50 . 00 West Rutland 100.00 Putney 150.00 Putney 75.00 East Bethel 58.33 $2,181.47 1889. Newport $ 100.00 West Randolph 150 . 00 'Richford 100.00 Jamaica 162 . 50 Montpelier 116 . 67 Middlebury 275.00 Jay 50.00 Monkton 50.00 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 667 Vergennes $ 200.00 Whiting 80 . 21 Andover 100.00 West Wardsboro 9 . 37 Westford 150.00 Panton 50.00 East Enosburg 100.00 East Wallingford 100 . 00 Halifax 75.00 Brookline 60 . 00 Putney 92.84 West Rutland 237.50 $2,259.09 1890. West Randolph $ 175 . 00 Monkton 50.00 Brookline 60 . 00 Middlebury 180.00 Putney 201.67 West Wardsboro 43 . 75 Jamaica 125 . 00 Andover 100 . 00 Essex Junction 100 . 00 Vergennes 150 . 00 Westford 150.00 East Enosburg 83 . 33 Panton 50.00 Halifax 75.00 West Rutland 341.66 WTiiting 75.00 Richford 50.00 Colchester 116 . 67 Sharon 64.58 East Hardwick 83 . 33 East Wallingford 44 .47 Jay 16.67 East Bethel 5.77 Shaftsbury 34.38 $2,376.28 1891. Brookline $ 60.00 Sharon 125.00 East Bethel 165.00 Monkton 50.00 East Wallingford 184 . 62 Shaftsbury 56 . 25 East Hardwick 200 . 00 West Randolph 75.00 Essex Jimction 150.00 Middlebury $ 270.00 West Rutland 16.72 Jamaica 150 . 00 V^ergennes 100 . 00 Andover 133.33 HaUfax 125.00 Enosburg 125 . 00 Putney 130.00 Whiting 31.25 Jay 50.00 Westford 150.00 Colchester 115.00 Panton 6.00 Wilmington 100 . 00 Derby 50.00 $2,618.17 1892. Andover $ 131.25 Brookline 60.00 Colchester 100 . 00 East fiethel 168 . 33 East Enosburg 12.50 East Hardwick 200 . 00 East Wallingford 200 . 00 Essex Junction 150 . 00 Halifax 125.00 Jamaica 137 . 50 Jay 21.87 Middlebury 381 . 25 Monkton 30.24 Putney 270.00 Readsboro 150.00 Shaftsbury 112.50 Sharon 183.33 Vergeimes 16 . 67 Westford 150.00 West Wardsboro 75 . 00 Whitingham 75.00 Whiting 100.00 $2,850.44 1893. Andover $ 131.66 Barre 200.00 Brookline 60.00 Colchester 85.00 Derby 100.00 East Hardwick 150.00 East Wallingford 91 . 66 Essex Junction 180 . 00 668 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Halifax $ 125 . 00 Jamaica 112.50 Jay 37.50 Middlebury 187 .50 Monkton 50.00 Putney 115.00 Readsboro 40.00 Shaftsbury 200 . 00 Sharon 47.21 Vergennes 145 . 00 Westford 100.00 West Rutland 85 . 00 West Wardsboro 158 . 33 Whiting 100.00 Wljitingham 100 . 00 Windsor 200.00 $2,801.36 1894. Andover $ 135 . 00 Barre 100.00 Brookline 60 . 00 Shaftsbury 100.00 Monkton 50.00 East Hardwick 150 . 00 Felchville 50.00 Windsor 100.00 Middlebury 200 . 00 Whiting KM) 00 St. Johnsburv 198 . 33 Richford 100.00 Essex Junction 70.00 West Rutland 198 . 33 Readsboro 35.00 Halifax 41.67 East Enosburg 100 . 00 \\Tiitingham 75 . 00 East Wallingford 200 . 00 Putney 208.34 Sharon 21.83 Vergennes 59 . 17 Westford 150.00 Colchester 80.00 Jamaica 150 00 Jay 25.00 East Hubbardton 1 3 . 00 1895. Andover. Barre. . . $2,760.67 150.00 200.00 Brookline $ 60 . 00 Shaftsbury 150 . 00 Monkton 50 . 00 Colchester 95 .00 East Bethel 62.50 East Enosburg 75 . 00 East Hardwick 50.00 East Hubbardton 50.00 East Wallingford 81 .25 Essex Junction 125 . 00 Felchville 37.50 Halifax 100.00 Jamaica 187 . 50 Jay 43.75 Putney 125.00 Readsboro 75 .00 Richford 100.00 St. Johnsbury 135.00 Vergennes 75.00 Westford 181.25 West Rutland 33.33 West Wardsboro 62 . 50 Whiting 100.00 Whitingham 75.00 Windsor 100.00 $2,579.58 1896. Andover $ 150.00 Barre 2.33.33 Brookline 60.00 Colchester 75 . 00 East Enosburg 75 . 00 East Hubbardton 25 . 00 East Wallingford 112 . 50 Es.sex 75.00 Felchville 50.00 Fletcher 66 . 66 Halifax 100.00 Jamaica 60 . 83 Jay 16.67 Middlebury 142 . 50 Monkton 50.00 Putney 100.00 Readsboro 75.00 Richford 100.00 St. Johnsbury 265 . 00 Shaftsbury 150.00 Sharon 112.50 Vergennes 44 . 25 We-stford 125.00 West Rutland 75.00 Whiting 100.00 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 669 Whitingham $ 46 . 13 Windsor 83.33 $2,568.70 1897. Addison $ G.io Andover 150 . 00 Barre 250.00 Brookline 60.00 Colchester 100 . 00 East Enosburg 75 . 00 East Hubbardton '25 . 00 East Swanton 100 . 00 East Wallingford 150 . 00 Essex Junction 100 . 00 Felchville 50.00 Fletcher 13.50 Halifax 100.00 Jamaica 118.00 Jay 45.83 Middlebury 170.00 Middletown Springs 37 . 50 Monkton 50.00 Montpelier 96 . 88 North Troy 91.67 Putney 140 . 00 Readsboro 75 . 00 Richford 100.00 St. Johnsbury 135 . 00 Shaftsbury 150.00 Sharon 100.00 Vergennes 30 . 00 Westford 53.12 West Rutland 150 . 00 Whiting 100.00 Whitingham 75 . 00 Windsor 75.00 1898. Andover Barre Brookline Ea.st Enosburg East Hubbardton East Swanton East WaUingford Essex Felchville Fletcher $1,274.79 ! 62 .50 275 .00 60 .00 50 .00 50 .00 110 .00 165 .00 50 ,00 50 00 25. 00 Halifax $ 100.00 Jamaica 102 . 00 Jay 50.00 Middlebury 310 . 00 Middletown Springs 41 . 67 Monkton 50.00 North Troy 100 . 00 Putney 145.00 Readsboro 75 . 00 vShaftsbury 105 . 00 Sharon 175 . 00 Vergennes 1 15 . 00 Westford 225 .00 Weston 50.00 West Rutland 125 . 00 West Wardsboro 40 . 62 AMiitingham 75 .00 Windsor 59.37 $2,901.16 1899. Andover $ 71 . 67 Barre 375.00 Brookline 60.00 East Enosburg 62 . 50 East Hubbardton 50 . 00 East Swanton 40 . 00 East Wallingford 85.00 Essex 50.00 Felchville 50 . 00 Fletcher 20 . 83 Halifax 71.17 Jamaica 60 . 00 Jay 50.00 Middlebury 135 .00 Middletown Springs 50 . 00 Monkton 50 . 00 North Troy 100 . 00 Putney ' 140.00 Readsboro 50 . 00 St. Johnsbury 150.00 Shaftsbury 147.50 Sharon 150.00 Vergennes 25 . 00 Westford 56 . 25 Weston 54 . 67 West Rutland 90 . 00 West Wardsboro 75 . 00 ^Vhitingham 120 .00 Windsor 180.33 $2,619.92 670 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1900. Andover $ 125.00 Barre 175.00 Brookline 60.00 East Enosburg 68.75 East Hubbardton 75 . 00 East Swanton 75 .00 East Wallingford 100 . 00 Essex 50.00 Essex Junction 100 .00 FelchviUe 58.33 Halifax 70.83 Jamaica 100.00 Jay 27.08 Middlebury 45.00 Middletown Springs 25 . 00 Monkton 50.00 North Troy 54 . 17 Perkinsville 40.63 Putney 112.50 Readsboro 75.00 St.Johnsbury 360.00 St. Albans 100.00 Sharon 90.00 Wcstford 140.88 Weston 112.83 West Rutland 35.00 West Wardsboro 75 . 00 Whitingham 30.00 Windsor 150.00 $2,587.00 1901. Andover $ 94.00 Barre 337. .50 Brookline 90.00 East Enosburg 131 .50 East Hubbardton 150 . 00 East Swanton 131 .50 East Wallingford 193 . 75 Essex 50.00 Essex Junction 250.00 FelchviUe 175.00 Halifax 175.00 Jamaica 162 50 Jay 79.17 Jericho 30.00 Middlebury..... 258.32 Middletown Springs 96 . 87 Monkton 50.00 North Troy 158.33 Panton 78.12 Perkinsville $ 125 . 00 Putney 119.79 Readsboro 158.33 St. Albans 200.00 St. Johnsbury 295 .00 Shaftsbury 161 . 00 Sharon 197 . 50 Westford 162.50 Weston 105.00 West Rutland 87 . 50 West Wardsboro 150 . 00 Windsor 181.25 Whiting 74.00 Whitingham 116 . 66 $4,825.09 1902. Andover....! $ 91.66 Barre 229 . 16 Brookline 55.00 Cornwall 16.50 Derby 56.25 East Enosburg 68.50 East Hubbardton 91 . 66 East Swanton 18 . 50 East Wallingford 1 14 . 58 Essex Junction 183 . 33 FelchviUe 58.33 Halifax 79.16 Jamaica 91 . 66 Jay 45.83 Jericho 65.83 Middlebury 399.99 MiddletowTi Springs 58 . 33 North Troy 91.66 Panton 114.58 Perkinsville 91 . 66 Putney 98.96 Readsboro 91 . 66 St. Albans 50.00 St.Johnsbury 248.33 Shaftsbury 91.66 Sharon 137.50 West Bolton 33.33 Wcstford 137.50 We-ston 91.66 West Rutland 106.25 West Wardsboro 25 . 00 WTiiting 50.00 WTiitingham 98.95 Windsor 135.94 $3,418.91 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 671 1903. West Cornwall $ 82. iil Middlebury 350.00 Panton 125.00 Vergennes 83.33 Whiting 44.71 Derby 100.00 Jay 41 .66 Lyndon ville 75 . 00 North Troy 83.33 St. Johnsbury 260.00 East Enosburg 39.90 Essex Junction 174 .98 Jericho 75.00 West Bolton 25.00 We.stford 150.00 East Hubbardton 100 . 00 Middletown Springs 54 . 16 Shaftsbury 103.41 West Rutland 125.00 Barre 62.50 Sharon 150.00 Brookline 35.00 West Halifax 100.00 Jamaica 73 . 50 Putney 125.00 Readsboro 100.00 West Ward.sboro 82 . 05 Whitingham 100.00 Andover 108.33 East Wallingford 31 . 25 Felchville 42.00 Perkinsville 100.00 Weston 108.33 Windsor 150.00 $3,460.65 1904. We.st Cornwall $ 93.75 Middlebury 350.00 Monkton 33.00 Panton 168.75 Vergennes 201 . 46 Whiting 93.75 Derby 37.00 Jay 62.50 Lyndonville 25 . 00 North Trov 125.00 St. Johnsbury 325.00 East Enosburg 125 .00 Essex Junction 283 . 33 Jericho 43.26 Johnson $ 25 . 00 Montgomery 100 . 00 St. Albans 300.00 West Bolton 43.26 AVestford 187.50 East Hubbardton 125 .00 Middletown Springs 8 . 34 Shaftsbury 100 . 00 West Rutland 187.50 Sharon 162.50 East Barre and Websterville Mission 25.00 Brookline 57.32 Halifax 125.00 Jamaica 119.83 Putney 150.00 Readsboro 108.50 West Wardsboro 125 . 00 Whitingham 112.50 Andover 32.72 Ea.st Wallingford 135 . 50 Felchville 63.00 Perkinsville 125 .00 Weston 32.72 Windsor 337.50 $4,755.49 1905. West Cornwall $ 75 . 00 Middlebury 316.34 Panton 150.00 Vergennes 200 .00 AMiiting 75.00 Derby 150.00 Jay 58.33 North Troy 83.33 St. Johnsbury 288 . 47 East Enosburg 125 .00 Essex Junction 208 . 33 Jericho 92.28 Johnson 100.00 Montgomery Center 87 . 50 St. Albans 300.00 West Bolton 44.50 Westford 150.00 East Hubbardton 100 . 00 Middletown Springs 106 . 75 Shaftsbury 90 . 36 West Rutland 150 . 00 East Barre and Websterville Mission 100.00 Brookline 98 . 53 Halifax 114.58 672 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT Jamaica $ 104.17 Putney 121.(50 Readsboro 52.06 West Dummerston 40 . 50 West Wardsboro 125 . 00 Whitingham 100.00 Andover ^5.00 East Wallingford 125 . 00 FelchviUe 104.00 PerkinsvUle 10000 Weston '^5.00 Windsor 150.00 Perkinsville B. C. Windsor B. C $4,436.63 1906. West Cornwall B. C $ 75.00 PantonB. C 15000 VergennesB. C loO.OO Whiting B.C 75.00 DerbyB.C ^-^00.00 javB C 100 00 North Troy B.C 100.00 St. Johnsbury B.C 300 . 00 East Enosburg B.C 70 . 85 E.ssex Junction B.C 250 . 00 Jericho B.C S7.50 Johnson B.C 100.00 Montgomery B. C 138.60 St. Albans B.C 300.00 West Bolton B. C 43.75 WestfordB.C 150 00 East Hubbardton B.C 125 00 Middletown Springs B.C... 76 . 75 Shaftsbury B. C 66.25 Wallingford B. C 11532 West Rutland B. C 137.50 East Barre and WebsterviUe Mission Broookline B. C 64.16 Ea.st Dover B. C 88.51 Halifax B.C 125. 00 Jamaica B.C 162 50 PutnevB.C 112 98 Rcad.sboro B. C 125. 00 South Windham B.C 109 90 West Dummerston B. C . . 68.75 West Wardsboro B.C 40 . 16 Whitingham B. C 100.00 Andover B.C 128.00 East Wallingford B. C 175 00 FelchviUe B. C 104.00 Mount Holly B. C 100.00 $ 100 . 00 150 . 20 $ 4,565 . 68 1907. Charlotte $ 79.17 West Com wall 75.00 Panton 150.00 Vergennes 175 00 Whiting 75.00 Derby 250.00 Jay 100.00 North Trov 100.00 St. Johnsbury 300.00 East Enosburg 200.00 E.ssex Junction 550.00 Jericho 141.75 Johnson 87.50 Montgomery 150 . 00 St. Albans 300.00 West Bolton 33.00 Westford 162.50 East Hubbardton 125 . 00 Middletown Springs 183 . 50 Pownal 50.00 Shaftsbury 192.00 WalHngford 92.00 West Rutland 150.00 Groton 50,00 Sharon • • • 93.75 East Barre and WebsterviUe Mission 100.00 Brookline 100.00 East Dover 94.25 Guilford 25.00 Halifax 125.00 Jamaica 200.00 Putney 125.00 Readsboro 125.00 South Windham 135 .55 West Dummerston 75 . 00 West Wardsboro 116 . 70 Whitingham 135.42 Andover 166.66 East Wallingford 159 . 75 FelchviUe 104.00 Mount Holly 87.49 Perkinsville 100.00 South Londonderry 100 . 00 Windsor 150.00 $3,036.07 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 673 1908. 1909. Charlotte $ 112.50 West Cornwall 75 . GO Panton 148.00 Vergeimes £25 . 00 Whitingham 75 . 00 Derby 228.32 Jay 100.00 Norton Mills Mission 100 . 00 North Troy 112.50 St. Johnsbury 300 . 00 East Enosburg 166 . 66 E,ssex Junction 262 . 50 Georgia Plain 71 . 25 Jericho 162.50 Johnson 162.50 Montgomery Center 162 . 50 St. Albans 300.00 Westford 275.00 East Hubbardton 125 . 00 East Poultney 51 . 75 Middletown Springs 200 . 00 Pownal 200.00 Shaftsbury 189.16 Wallingford 100.00 West Rutland 200.00 Groton 50.00 Sharon 93.75 Websterville 100.00 Brookline 100.00 Ea.st Dover 67 . 66 Guilford 100.00 Halifax 102.00 Jamaica 200.00 Putney 150.00 Readsboro 96 . 68 South Windham 162.50 West Dummerston 87 . 50 West Wardsboro 175 . 00 Whitingham 116.66 Heartwellville 475 .00 Andover 200 . 00 East Wallingford 175 . 00 Felchville 94.00 Mount Holly 112.50 Perkinsville 100.00 South Londonderry 100 .00 Weston 95.74 Windsor 200.00 Charlotte $ 100 . 00 Lincoln 45 . 00 Panton 135.00 \'ergeimes 235 . 67 Whiting 75 . 00 Derby 300.00 Jay 103.84 Norton Mills 100 . 00 North Troy 103.84 St. Johnsbury 300 . 00 Essex Junction 250.00 Georgia Plains 100 . 00 Jericho 150.00 Johnson 155 . 76 Montgomery 150 . 00 St. Albans 300.00 Westford 325.00 East Hubbardton 125.00 East Poultney 150 . 00 Middletown Springs 200 . 00 Pownal 109.66 Shaftsbury 200 . 00 Wallingford 150 . 00 West Rutland 175 . 00 Groton 50.00 Sharon 113.03 Websterville 100 . 00 Brookline 95 . 83 East Dover 100 . 00 Guilford 78.00 Halifax 150.00 Jamaica 182 . 00 Putney 103.00 Readsboro 150 . 00 South Windham 1 13 . 90 Whitingham 100.00 W^est Dummerston 75 . 00 West Wardsboro 200 . 00 Heartwellville 450 . 00 Andover 147 . 15 East Wallingford 200 . 00 Felchville 104.00 Mount Holly 100 . 00 Perkinsville 100 . 00 South Londonderry 100 . 00 Weston 191.00 Windsor 175 . 00 $7,259.13 $7,216.68 674 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 1910. East Charlotte $ 11^2 . 50 Lincoln 100. 00 Panton 100.00 Vergennes 212.50 Whiting 75.00 Derby 300.00 EastHardwick 36.00 Hardwick 50.00 Jay 100.00 St. Johnsbmy 300 . 00 Norton Mills 62.50 North Troy 100.00 East Eno.sburg 91-66 Essex 98.75 Essex junction 149 . 40 Georgia Plain 100.00 Jericho ■• 111 '^S Johnson 162.50 Montgomery Center 131 .50 St. Albans 300.00 Westford 152.28 East Hubbardton 106 . 00 East Poultney 162 . 50 Middletown Springs 200 00 Pittsford 32.00 Pownal 100.00 Shaftsbury 185.00 Wallingford 137.50 West Rutland 118.75 Sharon 72.91 Groton 02.50 Web.ster%alle 142.50 Brookhne 150.00 East Dover 137. .50 Guilford 80.00 Halifax 150.00 Jamaica 162.00 Heartwellvillc 450 00 Putney 162.50 Read,sboro 150.00 South Windham 150 . 00 West Dummerston "•> . 00 West Wardsboro 200 00 Whitingham 88 . 00 Andover 150.00 East Wallingford 174 . 57 Felchville 116.00 Mount Holly 95.00 PerkinsviUe 100. 00 South Londonderry $ 100 . 00 Weston 1.50.00 Windsor 168.32 $7,174.89 1911. East Charlotte $ 100 .00 Lincoln 100.00 Panton 200.00 Vergennes 200 . 00 Derby 200.00 Hardwick 200.00 Jay 100.00 St. Johnsbury 300.00 Norton Mills 75 . 00 Newport Centre 89 . 00 North Troy 100.00 East Swanton Essex 125.00 East Enosburg 100 . 00 Essex Junction 184. 66 Georgia Plain 108 33 Jericho 125.00 Montgomery Center 150 00 St. Albans 300.00 Westford 250.00 East Hubbardton 125 . 00 East Poultney 200 . 00 Ira 50.00 Middletown Springs 50 . 00 Pittsford 50.00 Shaftsbury 200.00 Wallingford 150.00 West Rutland 150.00 East Bethel Groton 50.00 Websterville 150.00 Brookline 150.00 East Dover 125.00 Guilford 100.00 West Halifax 150.00 Jamaica 237 50 Heartwellville 241 . 62 Putney 150.00 Readsboro 137.25 South Windham 150 . 00 W'est Dummerston 75 . 00 West Wardsboro 200 . 00 HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN VERMONT 675 Whitingham $ 204 . 00 Andover 130 . 75 East Walling-ford 175 . 00 Felchville 104.00 Mount Holly 105.78 Perkinsville 100.00 South Londonderry 100.00 Weston 130.75 Windsor 175 . 00 $7,169.64 1912. East Charlotte $ 100.00 Lincoln 131.25 Panton 95.00 Vergennes 190.00 Derby 200.00 Hardwick 150.00 Jay 100.00 St. Johnsbury 250.00 Norton Mills 100 . 00 Newport Centre 145 .66 North Troy 150.00 East Swanton 162 . 44 Essex 131.25 East Enosburg 95 . 33 Essex Junction 300 . 00 Georgia Plain 91.00 Jericho 131.25 Montgomery Center 125 .00 St. Albans 383.28 We-stford 600.00 East Hubbardton $ East Poultney Ira Middletown Springs Pittsford Shaftsburj' Wallingford West Rutland East Bethel Groton Websterville Brookline East Dover Guilford West Halifax Jamaica Heartwellville Putney Readsboro South Windham West Dummerston West Wardsboro \Miitingham Andover East Wallingford Felchville Mount Holly Perkinsville South Londonderry Weston Windsor 150 . 00 200.00 50.00 176.40 75.00 200.00 127.00 150.00 25.00 50.00 150.00 150,00 125.00 100.00 150.00 250.00 96.66 150.00 150.00 150.00 75.00 200.00 176.00 150.00 164.75 104.00 116.00 100.00 100.00 200.00 228.00 Total appropriations, . $ 7.920 . 27 .$167,194.11 INDEX Abott, Rev. Stephen Gano, 214, 245, 379. Abby, Rev. P. C, 290, 368, 379, 412. Adams, Rev. P. S., 207. Adams, Rev. S., 64, 254. Adams, Rev. Thomas, 64, 86, 361. Addison, 13, 75, 121, 122, 129, 134. Addison Association, 119 (history), 142, 169, 452. Adreon, Rev. Edwin, 388. Adventism, 124, 135, 147, 150. Ainsworth, Rev. E., 242. Albany, 323. Aldrich, Rev. Leonard, 86, 109, 218. Aldrich, Rev. Jonathan, 322. Aldrich, Rev. Sidney E., 219, 378. Aldrich, Rev. Tristram, 211. Alger, Rev. N. VV., 278, 322, 490. Alger, Rev. R. S., 215. Allen, Hon. Alanson, 601. Allen, Rev. A., 272. Allen, Rev. B. B., 135, 149. Allen, Rev. E. W., 150. Allen, Rev. Henry, 91. AUen, Rev. Ira M., 442, 503. Allen, Hon. Ira C, 601. Allen, Rev. J. C, 264. Allyn, Rev. Lewis, 194, 196, 209. Ambrose, Rev. Samuel's Missionary Journey, 56. Ambrose, Rev. Samuel, 225, 237, 285. American Sunday School Union, 153. Ames, Rev. Nathan, 194, 206, 216. Amherst, 14. Amsden, Rev. Richard, 145, 276. Amsden, Mrs. Nancy, 276. Anderson, Rev. S. H., 381. Andem, Rev. James, 379. Andover, 183, 225, 226, 249, 256 (his- tory). Andrews, Rev. Cyrus, 52. Andrews, Rev. Elisha, 43, 264, 335, 336, 337, 344, 353, 520, 522. Andrews, Rev. Emerson, 207, 255. Andrews, Rev. Lemon, 67. Andrews, Mrs. S. A., 500. Andrews, Rev. Titus, 25. Angier, Rev. Aaron, 119, 125, 134, 1.35, 263, 394, 460, 543, 549. Anti-Saloon League, 501. Anti-Slavery Discussion, 462. Apsey, Rev. W. S., 103. Archibald, Rev. S. H., 10, 11, 25, 68, 194, 111. 125, 251, 492, 497, .505. Archibald, Rev. T. H., 10, 11, 69, 82, 83, 128, 136, 145, 148, 1.56, 231, 234, 265, 280, 479, 480, .500, 516, 146, .549, 555. Archibald, Rev. H., 197, 223. Arlington, 15, 79, 116, 443, 448. Arms, Rev. A. L., 364, 409, 411. Arms, Rev. G. W., 367, 381, 386, 388. Arnold, Rev. Arteraas, 86, 154, 264, 306, 311. Arthur, Chester, 444. Arthur, Rev. William, 349, 371, .388, 390, 409, 444. Ashton, Rev. Edward, 85, 409, 411. Ashton, Rev. J. M., 147. Ashley, Thomas, 94. Ashley, Isaac, 94. Athem, Rev. D. W., 217. Atkinson, Rev. G. A., 198. Aubert, Rev. Adolph, 214. Austin, Rev. Linus, 193, 194, 212, 213, 214, 148, 429. 678 INDEX AuxiliarygSunday School Unions, 503. Avery, W. H. H., D. D., 415, 501. Babcock, Rev. O. W., 367, 372, 387. Babcock, Rev. Sherman, 137. Bailey, Rev. Alvin, 319, 120. Bailey, Rev. Ebenezer, 232. Bailey, Rev. Lansing, 63. Baker, Rev. C. L., 219. Baker, Elder, 206. Baker, Rev. H. V., 200, 219, 289. Baker, Rev. Lucius, 264. Baker, Rev. Reuben, 83. Baker, Rev., 19, 233. Baker, Rev. W. E., 215, 264, 276. Baldwin, Miss Abby, 500. Baldwin, Rev. George C, Jr., 103. Baldwin, Rev. Henry, 102. Baldwin, Rev. Thomas, 225, 230, 231. Baldwin, Rev. W. R., 268, 319, 320, 388, 452, 455, 543, 544. Baldwin, Rev. J. D., 387, 409, 451. Ball, Rev. A. H., 245. Ball, Rev. Eli, 194, 213. Ball, Rev. Mason, 213. Ballard, Rev. Joseph, 348, 358. Ballou, Mrs. L. A., 594. Baltimore and Weathersfield, 249. Bamberg, Rev. J. L., 296. Bannister, Rev. Cranmer, 64. Barford, (Canada), 315. Barker, Rev. I. H., 531. Barker, Rev. J. W., 106. Barker, Rev. L. B.. 347. Bamett, Rev. F., 97, 592. Barnes, Lawrence, 404, 535, 536, 549, 602. Barre Association, 285, 455. Barre, 225, 443, 497, 505, 506. Barre and Plainfield, 300. Bartlett, Rev. VV. P., 251. Bartlett, Rev. E. M., 91, 214. Bartlett, Rev. Gardner, 320. Batchelder, Rev. Matthew, 65, 66. Bayliss, Rev. E. L., 275. Beach, Rev. James E., 247. Bean, Rev. O. N., 379, 412. Beavins, Rev. W., 202. Beckwith, Rev. Amos, 194, 198, 209. Bedell, Rev. Abram, 302. Beecher, Rev. Austin, 428. Beecher, Rev. John Sidney, 391, 582. Beecher, Rev. D., 97, 111. Beecher, Rev. G. F., 197. Beeman, Rev. J. H., 212. Beeman, Rev. James, 366, 367, 372, 388, 406, 465. Beeman, Rev. Madison, 372. 380. Bemis, Rev. Abner, 180, 194. Bellondi, Rev. A. B., 500. Bellows Falls, 277, 496. Benedict, Rev. L H., 296. Bennington, First Congregational Church, 14. Bennington, 15, 22, 44, 76, 102 (history), 163, 445, 487, 496. Bennington, North, 14, 44, 64, 107 (history). Bennington Second Church, 76. Bennett, Rev. Daniel, 385. Bennett, Rev. Francis, 23. Bennett, Rev. Jonas S., 197, 201, 211. Bennett, Rev. R. M., 21. Bennett, Rev. Robert R., 21. Benedict, Rev. R. S., 567. Benson, 91, 163. Bentley, Rev. Ira, 150. Berry, Rev. J. E., 198, 210, 323, 426. Berkshire, 344, 345, 349, 408 (history), 420, 495. Berry, Rev. Charles, 106. Bethel, 285, 292, 429. Bevans, Rev. William, 323. Bickford, Rev. F. S., 202, 203. Bigelow, Rev. J. F., 413, 483. Birdsall, Evangelist, 101. Bishop, Rev. W. H., 258, 282, 223. Bixby, Rev. D. C, 347, 364, 373, 376. Bixby, Rev. G. W., 386, 387, 393. Bixby, Rev. Moses H., D. D., 376, 545, 583. INDEX 679 Bixby, Deacon E. M., 107. Bjork, Rev. John, 502. Black River Academy, 235, 542. Blacklock, Rev. J. F., 206. Blaisdell, Rev. C. 85, 282, 373, 389. Blaisdell, Rev. W. S., 83, 153. Blandin, Mary E., 581, 584. Blake, Rev. S. A., 557. Bliss, Rev. George B., 194, 197. Blood, Rev. Caleb 18, 23, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 72, 89, 110, 161. Blood, Caleb, Missionary Journey, 48. Blood, Rev. Friend, 303, 304, 309. Boardman, Rev. A. W., 289, 320, 324, 323. Boardman, Rev. W. S., 223, 257. Boisvert, Rev. Antoine, 421. Bolls, Rev. Nathaniel, 194. Bolton, 315, 329, 332, 443. Bolton, West, 411. Boody, Rev. Joseph, 608. Bosworth, G. W., D. D., 533. Bottom, Hon. Nathan H., 63. Boughton, Rev. F. T., 268. Bowser, Rev. A. J., 215. Bowers, Rev. G. W., 356. BojTiton, Rev. A. L., 376. Boynton, Rev. Beeman, 249, 250. Boynton, Rev. Da\-id, 347, 367, 372, 373, 374. Boynton, Rev. G. E., 258, 282. Bracq, Rev. John C, 404. Bradford, 305, (history), 443. Bradley, Rev. Joshua, 57, 235, 285. Bradshaw, Rev. Richard, 368, 379. Briarly, Rev. Benjamin, 8, 125, 237, 250, 591. Braintree, 165, 285, 291, 299. Brai&lin, Rev. Gibbs, 101, 501, 505, 102. Braisted, Rev. W. E., 291. Braker, Rev. J. S., 405. Brandon Academy, 235, 448, 537, 538. Brandon, 44, 75, 76, 89, 109, 165, 168, 169, 496. Brattleboro, 13, 177, 187, 188, 189, 190, 207 (history), 208, 210, 215, 458, 461. Brattleboro, West, 188, 208. Brayton, Rev. Darlin L., missionary, 94, 582. Brewster, Rev. Timothy, 110. Brewster, Rev. W., 200, 206. Bridgewater, 225. Bridport, 77, 78, 125, 132, 156 (history), 442. Briggs, Rev. C. A., 479. Briggs, Rev. Erastus, 211. Briggs, Rev. T. B., 212. Brigham, Miss Ada, 596. Brigham, Miss Zenobia, 596. Brink, J. H., 511. Bristol, 119, 122, 125, 128, 129, 169, 332, 442. Bromley, Julia C, missionary, 587. Brookfield, 315, 318. Brookline, 182, 187, 190, 198 (history). Brooks, Miss Grace, 279, 510. Brooks, Evangelist, 213, 221. Brooks, Rev., 223, 282. Brown, Rev. Amasa, 83, 137, 390. Brown, Rev. C. H., 268. Brown, Rev. E. E., 83. Brown, Nathan, D. D., 70, 82, 211, 230, 449, 580, 592. Brown, Eliza, (Mrs. Nathan), 450. Brown, Miss Mary, 596. Brown, Rev. J. S., 83, 415, 509. Brown, Rev. S. F., 264, 278, 490, 514, 563, 546. Brown, Rev. Solomon, 74, 52, 110. Brown, Rev. Thomas, 362, 365, 367. Broxholm, Rev. Thomas, 106. Bruce, Rev. Mans6eld, 181, 187, 192, 197, 202, 203, 209, 211, 213, 502, 538. Bruce, Rev. J. E., 97. Bruler, Elder, 206. Bryant, Rev. J. C, 346, 357, 372, 378. Buck, Rev. George, 280. Budget Plan, 516. 680 INDEX Buckingham, Rev. Charles, 219. Bucklin, Rev. Benjamin, 178, 187, 196, 197. Bucklin, Rev. Isaac, 88, 127, 155. Buffum, Rev. H. E., 210, 212. Bullard, EHzabeth, 582. Bullard, Rev. E. B., 88, 583, 585. Bullard, Rev. E., 148. Burbank, Rev. Aaron, 194, 197. Burbank, Rev. Moses, 274, 542. Burchard, Rev. Horace, 107, 208, 254. Burke, 314, 318, 315, 324. Burlington. 328, 346, 347, 391, 398, 458, 482, 487. Bumham, Rev. Edward, evangelist, 170. Bumham, Rev. E. M., 194. Bumham, Rev. M., 8. Burr, Rev. B. F., 90. Burroughs, Rev. Amos, 22. Burrows, Rev. D., 246, 275, 276. Burrows, Rev. R. A., 280. Burrows, Rev. Baxter, 237, 254, 258, 274, 321, 531. Burrows, Rev. D. W., 82, 319, 323. Burrington, Rev. H. H., 402, 405. Burwell, Rev. I. H., 389, 390, 484. Burwell. Rev. I. D., 200, 550. Butler, Rev. C. J., 83. Butler, Rev. Ephraim, 139, 158, 353, 354, 365, 370, 372, 391. Butler, Rev. Ezra, 331. 332, 344, 392, 393, 394. 427, 429, 479. Butler, Rev. Joel, 179, 241. Butler, Rev. T. M., 217. Buzzell, Rev. A. S., 210. Buzzoll, Rev. H. A., 296, 315. Buzzell, Rev. J. T., 322, 323, 368, 378, 379, 380, 381, 384. Buzzell, Rev. J. W., 321, 324, 373, 378, 380, 389, 406, 409. Buzzell, Rev. John, 608, 609. Cady, Rev. A. W., 108. Cain, Rev. Thomas, 245. Calais, 300. Caldwells Manor, 225, 231, 362. Caldicott, Dr., 552. Calhoun, Rev. H. A., 295. Call, Rev. Joseph, 139, 142, 231, 232, 329, 331, 332, 344, 358, 362, 372, 386, 392, 398, 521. Cambridge, Rev. A. A., 156. Cambridge, Rev. C. C, 137, 142. Cambridge, 225, 328, 329, 332. 344, 345, 346, 351, 357, 361, 442. Cameron, Rev. .John, 415. Campbell, Rev. G. W., 379, 412. Campbell, Rev. Alexander, 82. Campbell, Rev. H. G., 320, 323. Carpenter, Benjamin, (Lieutenant Gov- ernor) 178. Carpenter. Rev. C. H., 480, 485. Carpenter, Rev. H. F., 148. Carpenter. Col. Chester, 543. Carpenter, Rev. Joseph, 84, 106, 196, 202, 271. Caipenter, Rev. A. M., 82. Carpenter, Rev. B.. 119. Carpenter, Rev. F. E., 201. Carpenter, Rev. George, 197, 223, 294. Carpenter, Rev. Mark, 189. 193. 201, 202, 207, 219, 480. Carpenter, Rev. James. 187, 192, 194, 211, 214. Carey, Rev. R. H., 323. Carr. Rev. \V. C, 245. Carr, Rev. S. H., 153. Carter, Rev. John. 91. Case, Rev. Anthony, 119, 136, 138, 213. CastelHni, Rev. G. B., 508. Causes of decline in churches, 459. Cavendish, 114, 182, 225, 226, 237, 249, 261, 272. Chamberlain, Rev. Calvin, 43, 52, 79, 82, 90, 91, 117. Chamberlain. Rev. Edmond. 428. Chamberlain, Rev. Henry, 74, 135, 138. 140, 142, 146, 148, 52, 206, 218. Chamberlain, Rev. Simeon, 216, 197. INDEX 681 Chambers, Rev. G. H., 200, 367. Chandler, Rev. A. J., 64, 322. Chandler, Rev. George C, 250, 534, 590. Chapin, Rev. Pelatiah, (Congregation- aHst), 243. Chaplin, Rev. A. Judson, 103. Chaplin, Rev. Jeremiah, 522, 580. Chapman, Alexander Meetings, 151. Charleston, 315. Charlotte, 119, 122, 125, 129, 130, 139, 154 (history). Chase, Rev. G. S., 378, 381, 394, 406, 409, 540. Chase, Rev. Ira, 534. Chase, Rev. J. K., 310. Chase, Rev. Peter, 139, 379, 385, 389, 390, 391, 399, 409, 428, 502. Chelsea, 225, 226, 309, 442. Chelsea and Tunbridge, 309. Cheney, Rev. M., 325, 326, 379, 400. Chesboro, Rev. J. Wallace, 279, 300. Chester, 169, 182, 183, 184, 205, 225, 226, 245, 249, 253, 264, 266, 272, 482. Chicago, Theological Seminary, Ver- mont's part in its origin, 535, 536. Chick, Rev. A. S.. 280. Chickering, Rev. L., 282. Child, Rev. J. B., 275. Childs, Rev. Isaac, 65. Child, Rev. C. E., 200. Chipman, Rev. A., 251. Chipman, Rev. Holmes, 368. Christian Stewardship, 575. Choate, Rev. Stephen, 163, 194, 206, 212, 217, 218, 221, 233. Church, Rev. Pharcellus, 96, 428, 429, 433, 487. Church, Rev. V., 106. Churchill, Rev. A., 7, 8, 11. Churchill, Rev. Samuel, missionary journey, 56, 148, 314, 318, 319, 325, 344, 390. Clark, Rev. C. E., 202, 203. Clark, Rev. E. L., 376. Clark, Rev. Harvey, 348, 385, 443. Clark, Rev. J. K., 108. Clark, Deacon John, 322. Clark, Rev. Norman, 85, 98, 194, 206. Clark, Rev. William J., 405, 408. Clark, Rev. Volney, 148. Clement, Rev. J., 265, 304. Clones, Rev. W. J., 296. Clough, Rev. G. W., 245, 265, 294, 295. Clough, Mary E., 295, 323. Claflin, Rev. Jehiel, 303. Claremont, 225. Clarendon, 24, 31, 71, 114, 163. Clarendon, West, 32, 114, 115 (history). Clarendon, North, 101. Clarendon, East, 442. CHfton, (Canada), 315. Colchester, 137, 328, 345, 346, 349, 351, 377, 494. Cole, Rev. Luther, 350, 380, 388, 406. Colesworthy, Rev. G., 212, 215. Collins, Rev. Elisha, 139. Collins, Nathan G., evangelist, 197, 214. Colportage, 510. Coombs, Rev. I. W., 145, 368, 373, 379, 416. Combe, Rev. N., 110, 151. Combes, Rev. Simeon, 194, 205, 206, 220. Compton, Rev. T. M., 201, 202, 254, 280, 315, 416. Compton, Rev. M., 64, 109. Conant, John, 90, 429, 431, 536, 538, 601. Conant, Rev. F., 219. Conant, Rev. Thomas, D. D., 534. Concentration of effort on the Theo- logical Department of New Hampton Institution, N. H. Concord, 314. Conover, Rev. Edward, 68, 103. Conrad, Rev. J. R., 258, 282. Constitution of State Convention, 438, 439. 682 INDEX Constantine, Rev. Alfred A., 581. Constantine, Rev. C. C, 67, 258, 280. Constitution of Auxiliary Societies, 422. Contois, Rev. Philip, 212. Contributions to Woman's Baptist Foreign Mis.sion Society, 597. Contributions to Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society, 595. Convention, Anniversary, 1912, 518. Convention, Speakers, 517. Convention, Circulars, 4.S0, 436. Convers, Miss Clara A., missionary, 255, 586. Cook, Rev. G. L., 367. Cook, Rev. R. S., 289, 381. Cook, William, 536. Cooksley, Rev. D., 382. Coon, Rev. Charles, 265, 271, 280, 368, 483. Cooney, Rev. L. A., 107, 108, 114. Coops, Rev. I. F., 203. Corey, Rev. W. G., 251. Corrie, Rev. John, 364. Corinth, 301. Corinth, Quarterly Meeting Free Bap- tist, 618. Cornell, Rev. Joseph, 42, 52, 71, 79, 81, 92, 115, 243. Cornwall, 119, 121, 126, 127, 131, 133, 135, 136, 152, 155. Cornwall, West, 129, 136, 137. Corpse, Elder, 91. Cote, Rev. L. O. F., 509, 510. Cottle, Rev. Jabes, 58, 233, 237, 244, 301. Covell, Rev. I^muel, 18, 40, 42, 43, 52, 54. Covell, Rev. Alanson, 148, 154. Cox, Rev. O. E., 109. Coventry, 314, 316, 318. Craft, Rev. E. D., 96, 148. Craftsbury, 314, 319, 339, 443. Crane, Deacon Willard, 10, 405, 498. Crane, Rev. Denzel M., 209, 2.50, 251, 254. Crane, D. G., 405. Craw, Rev. Joshua, 39, 41, 42. Cressey, Rev. I. I., 346, 393, 409. Cressey, Rev. J., 346, 328, 364, 376, 380. Crocker, Rev. Henry, 10, 11, 356, 360, 373, 574. Crocker, Rev. W., 202, 294. Croft, Rev. E. O., 212, 414. Crosby, Rev. C. C. P., 426, 427. Cross, Mrs. Julia (Putnam), 584. Crowley. Rev. J. H., 194, 223, 289. Crudgington, Rev. T., 376. Cudworth, Rev. Nathaniel, 206, 209, 250, 258, 274, 277, 563. Cull. Rev. Thomas, 60, 95, 111, 498, 499. Culver, Rev. Phineas, 349, 363, 365, 367, 377, 399. Culver, Rev. L., 258, 300, 303. Cummings, Rev. Mark, 388, 532, 553. Cummings, Miss Emma J., M. D., 588. Cummings, Mrs. J. E., 585. Cunningham, Rev. O., 100, 112, 267. Curtis, Rev. L. B., 217. Gushing, Rev. N. H., 391. Cutler, Rev. David, 194, 199. Cutting, Rev. S. S., 237, 535, 537, 546. Dana, Rev. Nathan, 89, 92. Danby, 116 (history), 71. Danforth, Rev. A. H., 587. Daniels, Rev. C. G., 215. Danville Association, 312, 314, 451, 452, 455. Danville, 312, 329, 225, 318 (history). Davis, Rev. A. A., 367, 412. Davis, Rev. H. H., 378. Da\'is, Rev. A. S., 108. Davis, Geo. E., 402, 509. Davis, Rev. H. F., 148, 150. Davis, Deacon Mial, 535, 536, 549, 603. Davis, Mrs. Mial, 595. Davis, Rev. Paul, 220, Ucensed. Davidson, Rev. Prosper, 314, 320, 322, 325, 425. INDEX 683 Davidson, Rev. Preserved, 314, 322. Davidsonism, 348, 416-419. Davidson, Rev. E. E., evangelist, 291. Davison, Rev. Thomas, 86, 155, 378. Davison, W. A., D. D., 11, 66, 156, 208, 215, 501, 502, 512, 516, 517. Davison, Rev. Silas, 314, 321, 322, 325, 543, Day, Rev. Arthur, 64, 66. Day, Rev. G. B., 88. Dayfoot, Rev. P. C, 64, 98. Dealtry, Rev. Charles W., 219, 254. Denison, Rev. Nathan, 8, 326, 545. Dean, Rev. Benjamin, 267. Dean, Rev. F., 154. Dean, Rev. H. F., 279. Dean, Rev. M. N., 125. Dean, M. N., 536. Dean, Rev. Peter, 429. Dean, Deacon P. VV., 600. Dean, Rev. Silas, 265, 294. Dean, Rev. W. H., 325. Derby, church, 314, 326, 344. Derby, academy, 316, 456, 485. Derby, West, 315. Dewey, Rev. Jedediah, 14. Dexter, Rev. S. K., 103, 245. Dexter, Rev. E. K., 381. DeWitte, Rev. G., 381, 482. Dickey, Robert, 605, 606, 309. Dike, Rev. Amos, 385. Dixville, 315. Dodge, Amos, 323. Dodge, Rev. C. R. B., 68, 279, 325, 500, 501. Dodge, Rev. C. W., 145. Dodge, Rev. J. A., 154, 158. Dodge, Rev. Hiram, 401, 405. Dodge, Rev. John R., 71, 82, 119, 254, 428, 429, 431. Doloway, Rev. E. E., 245. Donovan, Rev. J. D., 200. Dorrellites, 222. Dorset, 79, 91, 163, 212, 443. Dorset, Rev. J. P., 212. Dow, Susan C, 583. (Mrs. M. Bixby). Downs, Rev. E. H., 359, 457. Downs, Rev. N. H., 319, 543. Dover, Quarterly Meeting, Free Bap- tist, 645. Dover Baptist church, 178, 187. 188, 190, 192, 203 (history), 222. Douglas, Rev. Henry M., 98, 210, 325. Dressier, Rev. F., 206. Dresden, 434, 441, 443. Drew, Elder, 247. Driver, Rev. J. W., 254. Driver, Rev. J. M., 154. Dummerston, 177, 179, 180, 185, 187, 190, 191, 200, 201, 225. Dummerston, West, 193. Dunham, Rev. Levi, 194, 101. Dunham, 443. Dunn, Rev. L. A., D. D., 347, 354, 355, 356,387, 404, 479, 481, 484, 534, 555. Dunn, Rev. A. T., 96, 97, 98. Dutcher, Rev. Elihu, 64. D wight. Rev. Daniel, 13. Dwyer, Rev. R. O., 88. Dwyer, Rev. Jeremy H., 138. Eager, Rev. E. C, 322. Earle, Rev. E. B., 206, 223, 296. Earle, Rev. A. B., evangelist, 90, 100, 111, 169, 208,246, 265, 402, 482. Eastman, Rev. A. W., 136. Eastman, Rev. Samuel, 99, 115, 254, 570. Eastman, Rev. Hezekiah, 87, 116. Eastman, Rev. T. B., 258, 282. Eaton, (Canada), 315, 443. Edson, Rev. Ambler, 587. Education Society, Vermont Branc y- Northern Baptist Education Society, 447, 451. Education Society in State Convention, 526. Education Societies, Ladies', 527. Education Society in Leyden Associa- tion, 525, 526. 684 INDEX Education Society in Shaftsbury Asso- ciation, 525. Education Society in Vermont Associa- tion, 523. Education Society in Woodstock Asso- ciation, 525, 534, 535, 580. Edwards, Rev. T. R., 155. Eggleston, Rev. A. B., 187, 194, 197, 211, 223. Elliott, Rev. S. L., 68. Elliott, Rev. Joseph, 167, 194, 209, 212, 226, 254, 266, 524, 582. Elliott, Rev. William, 233, 235, 247. Ellis, Mrs. Carter, 385. Elton, Rev. Romeo, 244. Ely, Rev. R. M., 216, 226, 246, 250, 263, 265, 267, 281, 479. Emerson, Rev. Frederick, 212, 280. 379. Emery, Rev. S. H., 278. Emmons, Rev. Francis W., 363. East Enosburg Conference, 406. Enosburg, 340, 419, 493. Enosburg Falls, 345, 346. East Eno.sburg, 405 (history), 419. Engstrom, Rev. Charles J., 382. Enosburg, Quarterly Meeting, Free Baptist, 617. Emery. Rev. W. S., 324. Essex, 158, 329, 344, 345, 346, 347, 351, 367, 442. Essex Junction, 347, 415, 489, 495. Estes, Rev. D. F., 83, 409, 534. Estes, Rev. H. C, 549. Estee, Rev. S. A., 254. Esten, Rev. R. B., 157. Estey, Rev. H. C, 379, 380, 383. Estey, Col. J. J., 209, 210, 492, 493, 497, 500, 505, 564, 565, 567, 573, 550. Estey, Deacon Jacob, 210, 601. Evans, Rev. E., 321. Eveleth, Rev. C. H., 98. Everett, Rev. S. P., 210. Ewer, Rev. Seth, 269, 271. Ewing, Rev. William, 244. Fairhaven church, 44, 85, 88, 108, 112 (history), 495. Fairfax, 166, 328, 329, 332, 335, 344, 346, 351, 353, 357. Fairfax, North, 346, 362, 386, 442. Fairfield Association, 168, 345, 346, 350, 455. Fairfield, 139, 228, 332, 344, 345, 357. Fairfield, North, 346, 388 (history). Fairfield, South, 346, 369. Fairman, Rev. J., 223. Fairman, Rev. Charles, 219. Farnhara, Miss Susanna, 131. Farnsworth, Hon. J. D., 344, 369, 371, 426, 429, 538, 599, 212. Farrar, Rev. C, 200, 219, 275. Farrar, Rev. J. P., 274, 280, 282. Fay, Rev. N., 198. Felchville, 227, 252, 275 (history). Feller, Madame, 423. Ferguson, Rev. J. F., 332, 367, 368, 378, 381, 473. Ferguson, C. J., 50, 567. Ferguson, Rev. R. H., 97. Femald, Rev. J. C, 100. Ferris, Rev. Jabes, 36, 376. Ferrin, Rev. Clark, 545. Ferrisburg, 119, 126, 157 (history), 175. Fletcher, 328, 345, 346, 349. Fletcher, Judge Horace, 193, 216, 235, 237, 262, 264. Fletcher, Rev. Joshua, D. D., 68. Fletcher, Hon. Ryland, 602. Fletcher, Rev. S., 119, 153. Fletcher, Rev. Simon, 325, 354, 371, 380. Flint, Rev. Moses, 154, 319, 323, 388, 406, 464. Foote, Rev. A. E., 98, 112, 113, 268. Forbes, Deacon Abner, 235, 429, 433, 441, 582, 596. Foreigners in Vermont, 507. Foshay, Rev. M. R., 214. INDEX 685 Fort Dummer, 13. Ford, Daniel Sharp Fund, 512. Ford, Daniel, 87, 99, 512. Foster, Rev. N. P., 402, 405, 479, 483. Foster, Rev. F. L., 264. Foster, Rev. Joseph C, 194, 207. Foster, Rev. Horace, 198, 214. Fox, Miss Sophia, 538. Fox, M. Z., 251. 367, 373, 381. Field, Miss Bertha I., 588. Field, Rev. Moses, 7, 98, 194, 207, 531. Fillmore, President Millard, 36. Fish, Rev. Henry Clay, 191, 536. Fish, Rev. P. E., 139. Fish, Rev. Samuel, 187, 191, 194, 195, 196, 198. Fisk, Rev. G. H., 194, 203, 206, 221. Fisher, Rev. Ahiel, 91, 194, 209, 313. Fisher, Rev. Ezra, 250, 348, 589, 590. Fisher, Rev. G. C, 258. Fisher, Rev. Lewis D., 318, 325, 543. P'isher, Rev. Nehemiah, 194, 202. Fisher, Rev. W., 219. Fitts, Rev. WiUiam, 296. Franklin, 410. Franklin, East, 347, 409, 410, 495. Franklyn, Rev. F. J., 109, 265. Frary, Rev. Milo, 150, 194, 197. Freeman, Rev. Rufus, 194. Freeman, Rev. Joseph, 64, 112, 149, 154, 207, 226, 237, 258, 263, 266, 272, 275, 277, 294, 325, 378, 479, 480, 481, 560, 563, 540, 541, 570. Freeman, Rev. G. W., 151. Free Masonry, 45, 46, 75, 120, 122, 144, 147, 153, 288, 354, 364. Free Will Baptists, 605 (history), 178, 199, 295, 310, 315. French, Rev. C. N., 254. French Mis.sion, 347, 403, 460, 509. Frenyear, Rev. Cyprian P., 10, 11, 85, 88, 180, 190, 206, 217. Frost, Rev. C. H., 277. Frost, Rev. C. L., 219, 275. Frost, Rev. S. T., 321, 325. Fuller, Rev. C. D., 135, 154, 166, 200, 202, 213, 284, 367, 483. Fuller, Rev. C. M., 79, 88, 91, 433, 434. Fuller, Deacon E. A., 402, 479, 481. Fuller, Rev. E. M., 83, 290, 567. Fuller, Rev. Isaac, 93, 96, 98, 99, 441. Fuller, Gov. L. K., 209, 210, 324, 563, 564, 549, 602 (sketch). Fuller, Mrs. L. K., 595. Fuller, Mary H. (Mrs. Brayton), 581. Fuller, Rev. M. L., 281. Fuller, Rev. O. P., 270, 271. Fuller, Rev. P. W., 294, 323. Fuller, Rev. William, 390. Furman, Rev. J., 219. Gale, Rev. E., ordained, 376. Galusha, Rev. R. M., 549. Galusha, Hon. Truman, 600. Galusha, Rev. William, 408. Gambol, Rev. Joseph, 266. Gambrell, Rev. Joseph, 194, 197, 209, 221, 443. Ganun, Rev. G. J., 106, 223. Gardner, Rev. Benjamin, 23, 64. Gardner, Rev. G. N., 64. General Missionary Convention, 234. Georgia, 71, 75, 94, 344, 345, 346, 358 (history) . Gifford, Rev. D. W., 65. Gifts of Vermont Baptists to Missions, 579 sq. Gilbert, A. S., 108, 322, 364, 381, 386, 389, 390, 347. Gile, Rev. J. H., 108. Girley, Rev. Royal, 177. Glazier, Rev. Lyman, 84, 221. Glazier, Rev. N. N., 296. Goadby, Rev. John, 90, 108, 112, 505, 588. Goddard, Rev. Josiah, 180, 194, 200, 209. Goddard, Grace (Mrs. Mansfield Bruce), 213. Godding, Rev. R., 318, 320, 324, 543. 686 INDEX Going, Rev. Eliab, 237. Going, Rev. Ezra, 237. Going, Rev. James, 237. Going, Rev. Jonathan, 186, 234, 235, 237, 263, 272, 534, 589. Goodell, Rev. Abner, 267. Goodall, Rev. J. S... 271, 299, 384, 409. Goodnow, Rev. A. E., 189, 192, 203, 214. Goodspeed, Rev. E., 148, 394. Gookin, Rev. F. W., 111. Goshen Gore, 442. Goss, Zenas, missionary to Turkey, 545. Goucher, Rev. G. W., 356. Gould, Rev. C. E., 215. Gould, Rev. E. P., 534. Gow, Rev. J. B., 208. Gow, Rev. J. R., D. D., 208. Gow, Mrs. G. B., 596. Gowe, Rev. Phincas, 194. Graffam, Rev. A. D., 254. Grafton, 183, 225, 226, 247, 253, 434. Grand Isle, 130. Grant, Rev. Daniel H., 194, 197, 202, 203. Grant, Rev. James W., 68. Grant, Rev. William, 65, 82. Grand Ligne Mission, 419, 421, 422, 423, 425, 426. Granville, N. Y., 71, 75. Grattan, Rev. W. V., 97. Graves, Rev. Atwell, 272. Graves, Rev. Hiram A., 216. Graves, Rev. J. R., 250. Graves, Rev. Joseph, 186, 206, 216, 272, 273, 379, 393, 400, 433, 434, 447, 451, 560, 531, 525, 538. Graves, Rev. Samuel, 322. Graves, Rev. T. C, 534. Gray, Rev. E. H., 125, 535, 536. Gray, Rev. Jacob, 368. Green, Rev. A. B., 590. Green, Rev. Charles, 219, 108. Green, Rev. C. R., 153. Green, Rev. Edward, 64, 278. Green, Rev. G. N., 202. Green, Rev. Henry, 67, 68, 83, 89, 110, 119, 136, 153, 155, 271, 329. Green, Rev. J. R., 321, 323. Green, Rev. S. H., 537, 381. Greenleaf, Rev. E. S., 98, 319. Greenough, Rev. Edmund, ordained 134. Green Mountain Institute, Fairfax, 557, 578. Greensboro, 165, 314, 315, 319, 320, 339. Greenwood, J. A., 509. Greenwood, Mrs. J. A., 593. Gregory, Rev. W. J., 313. Gregory, Rev. Freeman, 390. Griggs, Deacon S., 601. Griswold, Rev. Horace, 91. . Groton, (history), 294, 333. Gros, H. L., 112, 505. Grown, Rev. William, 234, 697. Grow. Rev. Timothy, 291, 226, 433. Grow, Rev. Silas, 543. Grow, Rev. Marvin. Grusia, Rev. Thomas, 381. Grytzell, Rev. Daniel, 508. Guilford, Rev. W. M., 267, 275, 277, 325, 452, 464. Guilford churches, 177, 185, 187, 191, 195 (history), 225. Gurnsey, Rev. Oliver, 181. Gurr, Rev. C. G., 246, 483. Gushee, Rev. W. W., 217. Gussman, Rev. WiUiam, 368, 416. Gustin, Rev. S., 265, 393. Hafer, Rev. N. T., evangelist, 66, 151, 208, 215, 315, 506. Haff, Rev. H. H., 119, 155. Haines, Rev. Eugene, 101. Hamilton, Rev. W. H., 299. HaUfax, 36, 177, 180, 185, 187, 189, 190, 198, 212, 535. Hall, Rev. C. S., 244. Hall, Rev. E. D., ordained, 2158. INDEX 687 Hall, Rev. Elisha, 181, 197. Hall, Rev. H. J., 139. Hall. Rev. J. P., 346, 376, 393. Hall, Rev. Justus, 42. Hall, Rev. W. D., 145. Hall, Rev. Jeremiah, 103, 186, 306, 354, 367, 376, 526. Hampton, N. Y., 133. Hancock, Rev. William, 107, 110. Hapgood, Rev. Ephraim, 219. Hardwick, 14, 314, 315, 319, 339, 341. Hargrave, Rev. C. E., 376. Harpenden, Rev. Andrew, 61. Harrinian, Rev. A. E., 157. Harrington, Rev. William, 31, 73, 74, 99, 106. Harris, Rev. Benjamin, 265. Hartford, 226. Hartland, 226, 314, 319, 227, 244. Hartwell, Rev. Foster, 202, 194, 211. Heartwellville, 188, 215. Harvey, Rev. A., 151, 152, 322. Harvey, Rev. Curtis K., 538. Harward, Elder, 106. Haskall, Rev. W. S., missionary, 585. Haskall, Rev. D., 7, 43, 52, 67, 99. 512, 534. Haskins, Miss Amy, S. S. worker, 510. Haskins, Rev. J. R., 254, 278. Hastings, Rev. Robert, 368, 375, 134. Hastings, Rev. Thomas, 379. Haswell, Anthony, 102. Haswell, Rev. James, missionary, 582. Hathaway, Rev. A., 219. Hatfield, Rev. Edgar, 197, 303, 367, 373. Hatley and Stanstead (Canada), 315, 344. Hawley, L. W., 208, 564, 567. Hawley, Mrs. Laura, 597. Hayden, Rev. L., 8, 9, 254, 267. Haynes, Rev. Edwin M., 68. Haynes, Deacon Jonathan, 87. Hayford, Rev. Joel P., 375, 379. Haynes, Rev. Sylvanus, 87, 88, 99, 211. Hayward, Rev. John, 148. Hazeltine, Josiah C, teacher, 538. Heald, Rev. Albert, 276. Henry, Rev. Foster, 65, 107, 250, 551, 264. Heilner, Rev. I. I., 324. Hebron. 79, 163. Hendee, Rev. David, 98, 122, 144. Herring, Rev. E. A., 278, 498, 91. Hibbard, Rev. L. B., 145, 254, 264, 352, 483, 534. Hebbard, Rev. Jedediah, 179, 231, 232, 364, 369, 382, 521. Hibbard, Rev. Asa, 194, 209. Hibbard, Rev. Charles, 10, 156, 169, 246, 247, 452, 456, 484, 485, 487, 488, 545, 549. Higbee, Rev. Jeremiah, 233, 234, 235, 237, 256, 257. Hicks, Rev. Derby, 314, 318. Hicks, Rev. Perly, 178. Hill, Rev. G. W. F., 215. Hill, Rev. Emery, 391. Hinesburg, 139, 140, 328, 346, 350, 385, 389 (history), 445. Hinds, Mrs. J. C, 593. Hines, Rev. Paul, 145, 148, 194, 202, 198, 364. 371, 373. Historical Society, Vermont Baptist, 10, 11, 573 sq. Hobart, Rev.A.S. D. D., 534, .537, 556. Hobart, Deacon Jonas, 365. Hobbs, Rev. L. L., 112. Hodge, Rev. C. W., 8, 62, 90, 123, 237, 250, 447, 507. Hodge, Rev. C. D., 354. Hodge, Rev. H. D., 154, 296, 299, 372, 376, 401, 405. Hodge, Rev. R. D., 367. Hodge, Rev. M. G., 8, 9, 246, 390, 545, 552. Hodge, Rev. R. A., 135, 346, 372, 376, 387, 406, 483. Holbrook, Rev. Linus M., 588. Holman, Rev. E. M., 145. 688 INDEX Holman, Benjamin, 328. Holmes, Rev. Elkanah, missionary to Indians, 48. Holmes, Rev. L. L., 361. Holmes, Stephen, 328, 344. Holton, Dr. H. D., 10, 209. Home Mission Gifts from Vermont, 579. Hooker, Rev. E. P., 112. Hopkmson, Rev. H. M., 223, 277, 3G7, 586. Hopkins, Rev. F. L., 76. Hopkins, Rev. A. J., 277. House, Rev. A. H., 320, 321, 543. Hovey, Rev. N. C, 320, 322. Hovey, Rev. Alvah, D. D., 90, 285, 534, 543, 546. Hovey, Rev. Samuel, 285, 304. Hovey, Rev. Horace N., 304, 308, 545, 543. Howe, Rev. Phineas, 432, 187, 192, 202, 209. Howard, Rev. John, 91, 149, 154. Howard, Rev. Leland, 84, 99, 102, 112, 134, 158, 226, 244, 447, 560, 526, 552. Howard, Rev. T. A., 137, 149. Howard, Rev. Ziba, 188, 194, 201, 209. Hubbardton, 44, 76, 92 (history). Hull, Rev. J. M., 245. Hant, Rev. O. R., 377. Hunt, Rev. RoUa, 351. Hunt, Rev. Theodore, 277. Himtington, Rev. Adoniram J., 300. Huntington, Rev. E., 285, 291, 299, 301, 311. Huntington, Rev. Elijah, 351, 385, 433. Huntington, Rev. Jacob P., 85, 197, 200, 202, 271, 300, 309, 345, 456. Huntington, Rev. Jay, 107, 165. Huntington, 385. Huntington, Quarterly Meeting Free Baptist, 614, 619. Huntley, Ellen, Mrs. Bullard, 583. Huntley, Rev. Jonathan, 190, 191, 194, 200, 201, 209, 426. Huntley, Rev. Leland, 67, 90, 194, 206. Huntley, Rev. I., 346, 366, 367, 379, 387, 411. Huntoon, Charlotte M., 568, missionary. Hurlbutt, Rev. David, 64, 98, 362, 368. Hurlbert, Rev. E. B., 82, 84, 534. Hurlbut, Rev. E., 145, 148, 149, 155, 258, 272, 534. Hurlbut, Rev. W. S., 323, 385, 386, 411, 412. Huse, Rev. A. H., 323. Hussey, Rev. A. C, 325. Hutchinson, Rev. Elijah, 237, 244, 512, 531. Hutchinson, Rev. William, 91. Hutchinson, Rev. Stephen, 103. Hyde, Rev. J. P., 545. Hydeville, 44, 76, 108 (histoiy), 112, 460. Ide, Rev. George B., 58, 91, 138, 320, 321, 450. Ide, Rev. John Coventry, 56, 57, 58, 314, 318, 320, 325, 380, 390, 393, 426, 441, 442, 526. Ilsley, Col. Silas A., 10, 156. Ilsley, Rev. J. W., 149. Indians, 48, 49, 50, 51. Indians, Letter from the Tuscaroras, 53. Ingraham, Rev. Chester, 367, 368, 372. Ira Church, 44, 75, 76, 83 (history), 113, 115. Irasburg, 314, 322. Irving, Rev. J. E., 197. Irving, Rev. F. W., 101. Italian Mission, 508. Ives, Rev. H. M., 111. Jacobs, Rev. Asa, 197. Jacobs, Rev. Bela, 45. Jacobs, Rev. Whitman, 195. Jackson, Rev. C. W., 279, 518. Jackson, Mrs. M. L., 382. Jamaica, 163, 183, 188, 204 (history), 215, 217, 225, 226, 227, 249. James, Rev. R. B., 120. INDEX 689 Jefferson, Rev. A. W., 97, lO'J. Jay, 495. Jericho, 137, 158, 345, 328, 346, 351, 373 (history), 442. Jersey, Rev. F. N., 309, 317, 323. Johnson, Rev. Augustus E., 509. Johnson, Rev. C. A., 86, 112. Johnson, Rev. David, 179, 182, 184, 209. Johnson, Rev. J. A., 257, 364, 368, 413. Johnson, Rev. L. S., 414. Johnson, Rev. R. C, 68, 251, 276, 483. Johnson, Rev. Samuel, 279. Johnson, Mrs. Truman, 583. Johnson, Rev. Solomon, 391. Johnson, Rev. Wakeman O., 125. Johnson, Rev. W. G., 49, 390, 391. Jones, Rev. Ahirah, 125, 136, 254, 278, 379, 483. Jones, Rev. D. M., 254. Jones, Rev. Amzi, 136. Jones, Rev. F. P., 112. Jones, Rev. Increase, 149. Jones, Rev. J. 1). E., 107 Jones, Rev. James, 197. Jones, Rev. Nelson, 200. Jones, Rev. N. B., 278. Jones, Rev. R. J., 546. Jones, Rev. R. M., 247. Jones, Rev. T. Ellis, 86. Jones, Rev. Z., 65, 93, 139. Judson, Rev. Adoniram, D. D., 74. Judson, Rev. Edward, 534. Joy, Rev. Amariah, 209. Kallgren, Rev. A., 208, 209. Keach, Rev. Israel, 8, 63, 125, 148. Kellam, Rev. Charles, 581. Kelley, Rev. Beriah, 36. Kelley, Rev. Edwin D., missionary, 584. Kellogg, Rev. B. F., 66, 112, 145. Kelton, Elder, 302. Kenniston, Elder, 296. Kendrick, Rev. Ariel, 58, 233, 235, 25(i, 263, 272, 375. Kendrick, Rev. A. C, D. D., L. L. D., 534. Kendrick, Rev. Clark, 74, 95, 99, 163, 166, 523, 525, 287. Kendrick, Rev. James R., 534. Kendrick, Rev. N., 43, 52, 126, 139, 148, 155, 237, 581. Kenney, Rev. Isaac, 179, 194. Kenney, Rev. Moses, 179, 194. Kenyon, Rev. F. T., 215, 280. Kimball, Rev. John, 454. Kimball. Rev. L. H., 204. Kimball. Robert J. M., 299. Kimball, Rev. Willard, 266, 293. King, Rev. L. W., 265. Kingsbury, Rev. A., 139, 145. Kingsbury, Rev. Washington, 106. Kingsbury, Rev. Samuel, Jr., 194, 201, 203, 216, 226. Kingsley, Rev. S. S., 197, 282, 368. Kingston, 285. Kinney, Rev. L. 85, 149, 214, 158, 282, 505. Kinsman, Rev. W. R., 101. Kinzie, Rev. W. A., 140, 145, 219, 500, 516. Kirkham, Rev. O. C, 83. Klein, Rev. F. W., 66. Knapp, Elder, 104, 105. Knowles, Rev. Samuel, 299. Knowlton, Rev. Miles J., missionary, 226, 581. Kohler, Rev. William, 509. Kyle, Rev. John, 288, 304, 310. Lamoille Missionary Society, 350. Lamoille Sunday School Union, 350. Lamoille Education Society, 350. Lamoille Association, Chapter XX, page 343. Lamb, Rev. Amherst, 187, 188, 193, 196, 197, 211. Lamb, Rev. David, 210. Lamson, Rev. Samuel, 244, 235. Lamson, Rev. Guy C, 137, 148, 296. Lane, Rev. B. I., 216. Lane, Rev. Gershom, 263, 268, 271, 280, 281. 690 INDEX Langley, Rev. T. H., 202, 203. Lasher, Rev. G. W., 533. Lathrop, Rev. Ruel, 216, 254, 263, 272, 250. Lathrop, Rev. Samuel, 27. Latterman, Rev. J. N., 83. Lawrence, Rev. A., 139. Lawson, Rev. G. B., 103, 516. Lawson, Rev. Samuel, 226. Lawton, Rev. W. H., 265. Leach, Rev. B. N., 136, 534. Leach, Rev. Beriah, 88. Leach, Rev. H. C, 376. Leach, Rev. F. A., 382. Leathers, Rev. F. S., 68, 367. Leavitt, Rev. JuUus, 254, 255. Leavitt, Rev. H. C, 271. Lee, Rev. J. B., 112. Legislation, ecclesiastical, 173. Leger, Mr. and Mrs. M. A., evangeUsts, 506. Leland, Rev. Aaron, 182, 184, 205, 219, 226, 235, 236, 245, 246, 247, 256, 262, 265, 271, 272, 292, 426, 429, 446, 450, 538. Leland & Gray Academy, 200, 216. 235, 254, 456. Leland, Rev. John, 40, 64. Lewis, Rev. John B., 86. Lewis, Rev. H. J. S., 111. Lewis, J. M., 587, 588. Leverett, Rev. H. C, 113. Leyden Association, 39, 185, 190, 195, 214, 337, 180. Leyden Association, 452. Lincoln, Rev. Heman, 543. Lincoln, Rev. Warren, 103, 104. Littleheld, Rev. G. A., 86, 180. Lock, Rev. N. B., D. D., 49. Londonderry, 79, 183, 226, 268, history, 443, 448. Lorimer, Rev. J. G. 318, 360, 361, 364, 544, 545. Lorimer, Rev. Addison B., 360. Lorimer, Rev. Albert W., 36. Low, Rev. A. D., licensed, 385. Ludlow, 263, 271, (history), 226, 448. Lunenburg, 314. Luther, Rev. R. M., 588, 595. Lyman, Rev. D. W., 158, 264. Lyme, 308. Lyon, Rev. J. S., 98, 112, 271. Lyon, Rev. E. P., 367, 373. MacGeorge, Rev. A., State Missionary, 89, 104, 103, 111, 113, 289, 290, 381, 412, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496. Mace, Rev. J. M., 201. Maine Baptist Missionary Society, 55, 313. MacLellan, Rev. R. I., 376. Macomber, Rev. S. B., .381. Maiden, 443. Manchester church, 44, 49. 71, 76, 79; 81, 92, 487. Manchester Association, 68, 79. Mann, Rev. James, 190, 203, 204. Manning, Rev. Joel, 75. 226, 233, 234, 237, 288, 261, 281. Marble, Rev. F. E., 501. Marks, Rev. David, 178, 204. Marlboro, 180, 185, 187, 190, 192, 202, 213. MarHtt, Mrs. Charlotte X. (Worth), Mrs. Nathan Brown, 450. Marsh, Rev. William, 325, 344, 382, 464. Marsh, Rev. J. H., 325, 369, 375. Marshall, Mrs. Ichabod, 97. Marshfield, 301. Martin, Rev. Zenas, 103, 104. Mason, Rev. Daniel, 318, 319, 429. Mason, Rev. Edward S., 268. Mason, Rev. E. D., Ill, 296. Mason, Mrs. E. D., 595. Mason, Rev. Nathan, 81. Mason, Rev. Warren, 85. Massachusetts Baptist Missionary So- ciety, 55, 58, 185, 285, 313. Mattison, Rev. Daniel, 150, 151 INDEX 691 Mattison, Rev. Thomas, 19. Mattison, Rev. Isaiah, 61, 62, 117. Mattison, Rev. J. H., 208, 213. Mattison, Rev. L. J., 189, 505, 550. Maxfield, Rev. C. C, evangeUst, 506. Mayhew, Rev. W. M., 364. Mayhew, Rev. W. H., 149. McCready, Rev. H. C, 83. McCullam, Rev. Jacob S., 246. McCuUar, Rev. M., 186, 434. McCullar, Rev. William, 84, 99. McCuUoch, Rev. Nathaniel, 194, 209. McEwen, Rev. E. H., 206. McFarlan, Rev. F. S., 405. McLauchlin, Rev. Charles, 414, 415. McGloughhn, Rev. Albert, 368. McGranahan, evangelist, 101. McHale, Rev. H. S., 200, 265, 323. Mclndoe Falls, 307. McKean, Rev. Joseph, 217. McKenna, Rev. E. J., 90. McKillop, Rev. P.' S., 364. McLaurin, Rev. A. B., 245. Meacham, Rev. C. D. R., 217, 322. Mears, Rev. Roswell, 74, 142, 332, 333, 334, 335, 354, 357, 358, 361, 363, 377, 428. Megregory. Rev. E., 479. Merriam, Rev. Jonathan, 77, 90, 152, 321, 428,433, 442,447, 479, 501, 502, 559, 599. Merriam, Rev. Myron, 254, 264. Merrifield, Rev. E. P., 202, 219, 223, 280, 310, 409, 411. Merriam, Rev. Charles M., 64. Merriam, Rev. Isaac, 90. Merriam, Rev. Milon, 90. Merrill, Rev. J. W., 310. Metcalf, Rev. H. S., 200. Meyer, Rev. A., 289. Meyers, Rev. F. W., 103, 509. Meyers, Rev. R., 67, 88, 206, 258. Meyers, Rev. S. H., 138, 280. Mick, Rev. W. M-, 245. Middletown Springs, 75, 76, 86 (history), 88, 95, 162, 164, 167, 448. Middlebury, 119, 126, 139, 155 (history), 170, 442, 458. Miles, Rev. C. E., 139, 148. Miles, Miss Mary, 593. Miles, Rev. S. W., 264. Miller, Rev. S. E., 378, 416, 145. Miller, Rev. Manoah D., 206, 219, 250, 318. Miller, Rev. M. D., 125, 154, 139, 148, 589. Miller, Rev. Wilham, 102, 124, 147, 368, 376, 378, 380. Millerism, 461. Millington, Rev. John, 16, 17, 18, 21. Mills, Rev. Edward, 100, 505, 549. Mills, Rev. M. M., 98, 109. Milton, 328, 332, 345, 346, 357. Ministerial Education, Chapter XXIII, page 521. Ministers Aid Society, 350. Missionary Conferences, 516, 517. Mitchell, Rev. E. F., 210, 214, 254, 450, 451, 455, 543. Mitchell, Rev. R. B., 217. Mohl, Rev. H. G., 66. Montgomery, 315, 345, 346, 443, 495, 380 (history). Monkton, 125, 139 (history), 154, 155, 389. Montgomery French Mission, 419. Montpelier, 295 (history), 443, 489, 497, 508. Montague, Rev. Elijah, 212. Moore, Rev. W. W., 103, 119, 138, 144. Moore, Rev. Forrest, 207. Moore, Rev. J. W., 279. Morley, Rev. T. C, 307. Morris, Rev. Frank R., 103, 578. Morrain, Rev. J., 346, 419. Morristown, 315, 345, 349, 375. Morrow, Mrs. H., missionary, 585. Morse, Rev. Winthrop, 82. Morse, Rev. B. S., 254. Morse, Elizabeth S., missionary, 581. Morse, Rev. Charles S., missionary to Turkey, 545. 692 INDEX Morse, Rev. B. F., 543. Morse, Rev. Lyman H., 197, 280, 295. Mosher, Rev., 110. Mott, Rev. E., 154. Mount Holly, 30, 31, 165, 22f), 264 (history), 442. Mowrey, Rev. T. B., 97. Moxley, Rev. S. D., 245. Mulhern, Rev. D. S., 206. Munroe, Rev. J., 282. Murray, Rev. O. S., 463, 564. Murray, Rev. A. H., 154, 264. Murray, Rev. O. E., 120, 124, 134. Murrayism, 461. Myrick, Rev. William, 138. Nailor, Rev. J. E., 245. National Theological Institution as- sisted, 533. Neal, Rev. Thomas, 112. Newell, Rev. Israel D., 318. Newfane, 184, 185, 187, 190, 192, 202. New Hampton Institution, Fairfax, 141, 235, 347, 356, 371, 373, 388, 481, 531, 532, 550 (history). New Hampton Institution, teachers in, 555. New Hampton Institution, ministers who studied there, 557, 558. New Haven, 132, 150, 155, 170. New Hampshire Grants, 14, 20. New York Baptist Education Society, 633. Newton Theological Institution, 532. Newport, 314, 315, 497. Nichols, Rev. Caleb, 24, .39, 64. Nichols, Rev. C. F., 278. Nichols, Rev. C. R., 106. Nichols, Rev. Samuel W., 402, 585. Nichols, Rev. Noah, 543. Nicholson, Rev. C. V., 325, 483. Nicker.«on, Rev. George H., 200. Nobbs, Rev. James, 206. Nobbs, Rev. S. B., .325. Noble, Guy C, 498, 564. Noble, Mrs. Guy C, 593. Norcross, Rev. Austin, 293, 543. Norcross, Rev. N., 323. Norris, Rev. Gregory, 400. North Springfield, 248 (history). Northern Baptist Convention, 514. Northern Educational I'nion, 350, 532, 552. Northfield, 307. North Fairfax, 349. North Troy, 315, 323. Norton, 315. Norwich, 225, 443. Nott, Rev. R., 148, 154, 271, 278, 500. Nutting, Rev. C. A., 91. Nye, Rev. I. C, 94, 316. Ober, Rev. George, 254. Ogden, Rev. T. F., 148. Olds, Rev. R. L., 10, 11, 275, 325, 492, 498, 516. Onion River Association, ,345, 346, .351. O'Neal, Rev. A. B., 114. Orange, 443. Orc'utt, licentiate, 203. Orcutt, Rev. Josiah, 363. Orleans Circuit, 452. Orwell, 121, 124, 125, 131, 133. Osbum, Rev. F. E., 364. Owen, Rev. D. D., 275, 416, 500, 517. Owen, Mrs. D. D., 596. Packard, Rev. S. E., 376. Packard, Rev. Thomas, 215. Packer, Rev. Joseph, 67, 84, 110, 116. Packer, Rev. Daniel, 32, 226, 237, 264, 265, 279, 281, 428, 429, 432, 538. Packer, Rev. Jeremy, 178, 187, 195, 196. Page, Rev. Frederick, 67, 68, 85, 222, 227, 275. Page, Rev. George H., 390, 495. Palatier, Rev. B. A., 106. Palmer, Rev. D. W., 202, 223, 255, 97. Palmer, Rev. E. B., 103. INDEX 693 Palmer, Rev. William L., 9G, 136, 170, 545. Panton, 119, 122, 125, 129, 137 (his- tory, 170, 442. Park, Deacon, B. A., 309. Parker, Rev. Addison, 237, 264. Parker, Rev. Alvin, 200. Parker, Rev. Charles, 280. Parker, Rev. George H., 276, 323, 381, 409, 411, 138. Parker, Rev. I. H. D., 2.37, 281, 401, 405, 551, 552, 590. Parker, Rev. Hervey, 138. Parker, Rev. James, 289, 291. Parker, Rev. Joseph, 426, 598. Parker, Rev. J. W., D. D., 237, 264. Parker, Rev. L. B., 373. Parker, Rev. Samuel, 295. Parmlee, Rev. J. H., 206, 214, 223, 298, 487. Parmlee, Rev. Wheelock, D. D., 300. Parr, Rev. S. S., 390. Parry, Rev. H. H., 97. Parry, Rev. F. J., 208, 405. Parsons, Rev. James, 186, 194, 197. Partridgeville church trouble, 40, 46. Parsons, Rev. N. D., 210. Passumpsic, 314, 321, 425. Patterson, Rev. Robert E., 5.34. Patterson, Mrs. Juliette, 583, 598. Patterson, Rev. W. S., 280. Pattison, Rev. William, 97. Pittstown, 40, 41. Pawlet, 79, 88, 109. Pawlet, West, 44. Pay, Rev. G. F., 310. Peabody, Rev. Charles, 267. Peabody, Rev. H. H., 483. Peabody, Sehm, A. B., 532. Peacock, Rev. Evangelist, 206, 254, 412. Peak, Rev. John, 242, 243, 244, 247. Pearson, Rev. Ira, 237, 246, 274. Pearson, Rev. John, 84, 116, 134, 247, 262. Peck, Rev. S. L., 65. Peck, Rev. Abijah, 42. Peck, Rev. Ithiel, 91. Peck, Rev. J. J., 88. Peck, Rev. O. W., 311. Penny, Rev. F. Dee, 405. Peckins, Rev. J., 242. Penny, Rev. R. C, 112. Perkins, Rev. Barnabas 55, 56, 57, 58, 285, 318. Perkins, Rev. E. R., 210, 311, 325. Perkinsville, 227, 232, 276 (history). Permanent Fund of Convention, 503, 513. Perry, Rev. Philander, 64. Perry, Rev. S. P., 68, 112, 145, 384, 567, 576. Pierson, Rev. I., 479, 487. Peru, 268. Phillips, Rev. E. D., 109. Phelps, Rev. Elnathan, 89, 131, 133. Phelps, Rev. Lemuel, 146, 155. Phelps, Rev. N. D., 214. Philadelphia Association, 39. Picknell, Rev. J. W., 251. Picknell, Rev. W. L., 219, 390, 479, 480. Pierce, Rev. Benjamin, 264, 272. Pierce, Rev. N., 278. Pierce, Rev. J. A., 96, 97, 258, 299, 376. Pierce, Rev. L. E., 223. Pierce, Rev. Sem., 194, 200, 203, 270, 271, 269. Pierce, Rev. Samuel, 226. Pierce, Rev. Stephen, 264. Pierce, Rev. Nehemiah, 367. Pillsbury, Rev. S., 265. Pillsbury, Col. Silas A., 157. Pillsbury, Rev. Phineas, missionary journey, 56. Pingry, William M., 450, 574, 546, 549. Pinkham, Rev. N. J., 145. Pittsfield, 44, 76, 114, 443. Pittsford, 105 (history), 167. Plainfield, 225, 226,286, 301, 442. 694 INDEX Plymouth, 114. Pollard, Rev. Samuel, 281. Pomfrey, Rev. George, 136, 2C4, 276. Pomfret, 225, 314. Pondville, 190, 192, 202. Pooler, Rev. Allen, 98. Post, Rev. D. E., 90, 91, 106. Potter, Rev. A. B., ordained, 156. Poultney, 44, 75, 76, 87, 94, 107, 141, 332. Poultney, East, 44, 166. Pratt, Rev. G. S., 388, 414. Pratt, Rev. Cahnn, 203. Preble, Rev. F. W., 245. Prentice, Rev. R. M., 217. Prentice, Rev. Roswell R., 446, 451, 534. Probert, Rev. Herbert, 83. Proctor, Rev. Hadley, 99, 446, 451, 502, 520, 526, 530, 538, 560. Powell, Miss Clara, 364. Powell, Rev. G. L., 148. Powell, Rev. N. F., 197. Powell, Rev. Prosper, 319, 320, 380, 383, 451. Powers, Rev. C. R., 202. Powers, Rev. Lemuel, 35, 36. Potter, Rev. E. W., 245. Pownal, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 35, 44, 64 (history), 65. Puffer, Rev. E. W., 323. Purinton, Elder, 211. Putnam, Daniel A. B., 523. Putnam, Rev. A. B., 274. Putney, 13, 84, 185, 187, 201, 209 (history), 434, 441. Queensbury, 163. Ramsay, Rev. W., 307. Randall, Rev. Benjamin, 605, 606, 607. Randall, Deacon Joseph, 25, 26, 27, 29, 67, 69, 329. Randall, Rev. W. H., 10, 268. Randolph, 285, 292, 293. Randolph and Betliel, 306. Randolph, West, 498, 497. Ransom, Rev. Ehsha, 179, 242, 225. Rankin, Rev. H. B., 325. Ranney, Rev. D. H., 273. Ranstead, Louis, licensed, 250. Rathbun, Rev. Da\ad, 127, 248. Rattrey, Rev. B. F., 376. Ravlin, Rev. Thomas, 140, 152, 368, 378, 391. Raymond, Rev. G. F., 290. Read. Rev. E. A., 214, 322. Reading, 225, 227, 237, 244, 247 (his- tory). Readsboro, 187, 214, 188. Reekie, Rev. C. T., 148. Reese, Rev. Cliarles A., 101. Renfrew, Deacon Jefferson, 295. Reynolds, Rev. Linus J., 88, 110, 151. Reynolds, Rev. P. W., 79, 82, 93. RejTiolds, Rev. Werden P., 150. Rice, Rev. Luther, 74, 186, 234, 350. Rice, Rev. Micha, 177. Rice, Rev. Nathaniel, 180. Rice, Rev. SedgAvick, 67. Rice, Rev. W. T., 271. Rich, Rev. Elisha, 25, 27, 30, 89, 105, 114. Rich, Rev. Joseph, 142. Rich, Rev. J. A.. 202. Richards, Rev. Paul, 348, 358. Richardson, Rev. C. H., 276. Richardson, Rev. D., 262. Richardson, Rev. O., 109. Richardson, Rev. J. K., 86, 490. Richford, 344, 347, 382, 420, 480, 495, 497. Richmond, 343, 351. Richmond Conference, 343, 344, 363. Ricker, A. H., 295. Robbins, Rev. H. C, 378, 280, 310. Robbins, Rev. J. H., 247, 250, 268. Robbins, Rev. H. E., 289. Roberts, Rev. A. H., 296. Roberts, Rev. W. S., 405, 501, 517. INDEX 69^ Robinson, Rev. George, 203, 206, 213, 216, 64. Robinson, Samuel, Esq., 14. Robinson, Rev. Otis, 294. Robinson, Mary R., 276. Robson, Rev. G., 299. Rochester, 442, 443. Rockwell, 380, 388, 409. Rockingham, 183, 221, 225, 226, 166. Rockwood, Rev. M., 99. Rockwood, Rev. J. M., 531. Rogers, Rev. John, 148. Rogers, Rev. Samuel, 18, 41, 152. Rogers, Rev. Thomas S., 65. Rogers, Rev. H. A., 296. Rogers, Rev. William, 328, 383, 408. RoUes, Charles, licensed, 267. Rood, Rev. E. C, 212, 214. Root, Rev. Isaac, 339. Root, Rev. P. D., 251, 252. Root, Rev. Peter Philanthropos, mis- sionary journey, 35. Ross, Rev. C. E., 97. Rossier, Rev. J., 403, 424. Rowley, Rev. Samuel, 74, 523, 587. Roxbury, 285, 302 (history) 307. Royal, Rev. E. A., 217. Royalton, 179, 225, 291, 292, 306. Rugg, Rev. C. P., 219. Rugg, Rev. C. J., 282. Rugg, Rev. Martin, 255, 592. Rugg, Rev. William, 277. Rugg, Rev. W. H., 64. 563, 573. Rupert, 150 (history), 151, 163, 79. Rush, Mrs. H., 594. Russell, Rev. E. B., 258, 282. Russell, Rev. John, 260. Rutland, 40, 76, 98 (history) 102, 113, 168, 487, 441, 443. Rutland Quarterly Meeting, Free Bap- tists, 618. Rutland, West, 44, 101, 106, 113 (his- tory). Ryder, Rev. H., 412. Ryder, Rev. Frank W.. 404. Ryder, Rev. S. B., 323, 325, 543. Ryder, Rev. A. H., 295. Sabin, Rev. Alvah, 9, 333, 334, 335, 346, 349, 358, 360, 372, 365, 366, 367, 400, 428, 429, 441, 446, 450, 463, 479, 487, 560, 526, 555. Sabin, Rev. Daniel.. 346, 348, 358, 364, 387. Safford, Rev. Hiram, 401, 405, 458. Saflford, Mrs. J. B., 593. SafFord, Rev. Charles W., 140, 258, 282, 389, 390. Saflford, Frederick G., 509. Safford, Rev. DeForrest, 200, 356, 367, 373, 379, 421. SaUsbury, 23. Saltash, 114. Salaries, 211, 219, 128, 1.30, 268, 269, 272, 353, 378, 513. Sanford, Rev. Lewis W., 322. Sanford, Rev. E. T., 324. Sanford, Rev. OUver, 428. Sanborn, Rev. Ebenezer, 304. Sandgate, 117. Sanders, Rev. John, 254. Sargeant, Rev. O. C, 85. Saratoga Association, 44. Saunders, Rev. N. C, 318, 325, 376. Sawyer, Rev. Conant, 90. Sawyer, Rev. Ephraim, 89, 112, 127, , 129, (sketch) 134, 135, 136, 140, 146, 142, 152, 349, 350, 369. Sawyer, Rev. Isaac, 74, 90, 91, 119, 138, 139, 142, 154, 149, 155, 293, 344, 349 369, 389, 427, 428, 433, 434, 441, 581. Sawyer, Rev. Jo.seph W., 63, 74, 91, 135, 369, 370, 428, 431, 433, 434. Sawyer, Rev. Reuben, 90, 98, 138, 246, 390, 479. Sawin, Rev. A. A., 145. Saxtons River, 206, 496. Schofield, Rev. W. G., 347, 407, 409, 411. Scott, Rev. Ernest L., 247. 696 INDEX Scott, Rev. Payson, 581. Schurke, Rev. B. A., 86. Seaman, Rev. Job., 233, 237. Searles, Rev. Henry- Clay, 258, 276, 282. Seaver, Miss H. K., 538. Seeley, Rev. Joab, 451. Sestoumeau, Rev., 422. Shaftsbury Association, 7, 9, 10, 24, 35, 36, 44, 72, 73, 75, 76, 107, 68, 151, 229, 230, 232, 429. Shaftsbury churches, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 35, 39, 44, 61, 62, 63, 64, 102. 161 sq., 165. Sharon, 295, 289. Sheldon, 389. Shepardson, Deacon F. W., 329. Shepardson, Rev. L. F., 202, 223, 322, 384, Shepherd, Rev. George, 108. Sherman, Deacon A. F., 564. Sherman, Rev. C. S., 197, 258. Sherman, Rev. S. C, 223. Sherwin, Rev. A., 207. Sherwin, Rev. I., 275. Sherwin, Rev. Joseph H., 67. Sherwin, Rev. Luke. 270, 271, 277, 283. Shirk. Rev. G. C, 149. Shoreham, 120, 132, 140, 155, 170. Shumway, Rev. Elijah, 206. 254. Sikes, Rev. Samuel, 426. Simons, Rev. A. H., 66. Skeels, Rev. Thomas, 71, 83. 84, 92, 110. Skinner, Rev. J. D.. 214, 322. Skinner, Rev. J. P.. 538. Slafter, Rev. Corodon H., 584. Slocum, Rev. H. T., 138, 153. Small, Rev. J. S., 380, 386, 493. Small, Rev. Joseph, 276, 289. Small, Rev. S., 145. Smith, Rev. A. A., 214. Smith, Rev. Brown E., 299. Smith, Rev. Caleb, 202. Smith, Rev. C. B.. 90, 200, 213, 214, 252. 542. Smith, Rev. Dexter P., 82. Smith, Rev. Edmund H.. 194, 197. Smith, Rev. Edmund, 52, 125. Smith, Rev. EU B., 96, 139, 140, 141, 347. 359, 373, 447, 479, 530, 534, 553, 555, 560. Smith, Rev. Francis, 100. Smith, Rev. Gaylord, 404. Smith, Rev. G. A., 145, 381, 414. Smith. Rev. .Jesse, 149, 344, 363. Smith, Rev. J. M., 88. Smith, Rev. Justin A., 107. Smith, Rev. Lyman, 154. Smith, Rev. Levi, 106, 321. Smith, Rev. M. D., 213. Smith, Rev. M. G., 363, 411, 413, 482, 486, 487, 488. Smith, Rev. 321. Smith, Rev. N. VV.. 302, 304. Smith, Rev. Origen, 203, 214. Smith, Rev. R. L., 149. Smith, Rev. Roswell, 241, 242, 244, 289, 344. Smith, Rev. Rufus, 200, 206, 271, 281, 296, 359, 379, 479, 480. Smith, Rev. Samuel, 233, 314, .341, 481. Smith, Rev. G. B., 64. Smith, Rev. S. F., 68. Smith, Rev. W. J., 289. Snow, Rev. Simeon, 194, 195, 190. Somerset, 204. SouUard, Rev. E. S., 88, 110. Souter, Rev. T. C, 295. Sparks, Rev. Thomas, 197. Spaulding, Rev. Timothy, 352, 379, 429, 433, 434, 442. Spaulding, Rev. A. D.. 202. Spaulding, Rev. John, 74, 134. 140, 294, 371, 375, 380, 389, 400. Spencer, Rev. Dwight, 85. 100, 112, 289, 563, 592. Spencer, Rev. William, 214, 215. Sperry, Rev. W., 263. Springfield, 226. 276. 183. St. Albans, 347, 349. 412, 480, 486. 489, 496. INDEX 697 St. Armand, 344, 442. Standbridge, 341, 443. St. Dalmas. Rev. A. E., 315. St. Johnsbury, 316, 319, 325 (history). Stair, Rev. George R., 156, 157. Stamford, 214. Starks, Rev. Dyer, 64, 92. Stackhouse Campaign, 517. Stackpole, Rev. S. H., 268. Stannard, Rev. Lemuel, 580. Stamiard, Amanda W., 580. State Convention, 102, 108, 137, 155, 11.3, 114, 157, 215, 177, 182, 286, 349, 427. Starkweather, Rev. Elisha, 74, 91,' 148. 152, 154,263. Starkweather, Rev. Thomas, 272. Stearns, Rev. A. W., 202, 206. Steams, Rev. Amos, ordained, 144. Steams, Rev. C. E., 97. Stearns, Louise, 276. Steams, Rev. H. M., 379. Steams, Rev. John, 98, 130, 139, 149. Steams, Rev. M. X., 346. Stebbins, Rev. David, 407. Steele, Rev. L. B., 64, 106, 109, 289. 310, 347, 376, 412. Sterling, 349, 351, 443. Stewart, Rev. W. H., 277. Stickney, Hon. W. W., 10, 498. Stillwater, 26. Strafford Quarterly Meeting Free Bap- tist, 609, 612. Strafford, 309, 605. Stratton, Rev. \V. N., 223. Stratton, Rev. F. R., 325. Stratton, 163. .Streeter, Miss Nellie, 255. Streeter, Rev. H. B., 201. Strong, Rev., P. B., 145. Stockbridge, 226, 272, 306. Stockwell, Rev. G. S., 82, 90, 281. Stoddard, Rev. Ira, 196. Stone, Rev. Albert, 375, 376, 380, 383, 409. Stone, Rev. Isaiah, 219, 232. Storers, Rev., 140. Stonington Association, 39. Stover, Rev. C. E., 244. St owe. Rev. Baron, 235, 524. Stowell, Rev. A. H., 390. Sturdevant, 323, 416. Sabbath School Convention, 563. Sunday School Work, 559 sq. Sunday School Convention, Inter-de- nominational, 565. Sunday School Statistics, 568. Sunl)ury, Rev. W. C, 200. Sutton, 220. 225, 344, 315. Sunderland, 117. Swan, Rev. A. M., 82, 483. Swan, Rev. J. C, 208. Swaim, Evangelist, 282. Swart, Rev. J. A., 202, 203, 254, 98, 111. Swedish Mission, 506. Swanton, 345, 362, 346, 422. Swanton, East, 363. Sweet, Rev. David, 226, 244, 254, 269, 271. Sweet, Rev. E. H., 245. Sweet, Elder, 434. Sykes, Rev. S. D., 68. Systematic Beneficence, 500. Tandy, Rev. L.. 212. Taylor, Ella J., missionary, 586. Taylor, Rev. E. O., 156. Taylor, Rev. J. R., 106. Taylor, Rev. F., 293. Taylor, Rev. O. J., 200, 265. Taylor, Rev. S. H., 206. Taylor, Rev. Sereno, 266. Teachers of Brandon Academy, 538. Teasdale, Rev. Thomas, 112. Tellier, Rev. Thomas, 97, 276, 295, 347, 366, 367. Temperance, 47, 103, 111, 146, 440. Temple, Rev. L. D., 208, 500. Tenbroek, Rev. J., 119, 125, 138, 1.54, 534. Thayer, Rev. II. E., 275, 319, 518. 698 INDEX Thetford and Fairlee, 286, 311. Thetford (history), 310, 225. Thomas, Rev. C. A., 8, 9, 90, 108, 563. Thomas, Rev. J. R., 361. Thomas, Rev. O. D., evangeHst, 101. Thoms, J. A., 258. Thompson, Deacon Joseph, 231. Thompson, Rev. J. H., 275. Thompson, Rev. S. B., 279. Therrein, 403, 422, 426. Thorne, Rev. WiUiam, 219. Tibbals, Rev. R. H., 271, 282. Tilden, Rev. H. B., 247. TilUnghast, Rev. Wilhara, 213. Tilson, Rev. J., 208, 299, 293, 300, 101. Tilton, Rev. A. B., 541. Tinkham, Rev. Daniel, 62, 115. Tinmouth, 87. Tobin, Rev. Thomas, 88, 96. Toby, Rev. Alvin, 212. Tolman, Rev. Frank S., 114, 325, 567. Topsham, 285, 304 (history). Tootliaker, Charles E., licensed, 250. Tower, Rev. F. E., 208. Towns, Rev. E. D., 153. Townshend, Rev. D. C, 254. Townshend, 166, 183, 193, 194, 205, 206, 216 (history), 225, 226. Townshend, Rev. J. J., 91, 247, 500. Tozer, Rev. R. B., 108, 280. Tract Society, Baptist General, 188. Tracy, Rev. Leonard, 293, 402, 405. Tracy, Rev. Milo, 219. Travers, Rev. Harvey R., 107. Treasurer's Report, First of the Con- vention, 434. Triennial Convention, 174, 457, 464. Tripp, Rev. John, missionary journey, 55. Troy, 314, 315, 323. Troy, North, 495. Troy and Potton, 315. Tuck, Rev. B. F., 219. Tucker, Rev. Cyrus, 293. Tucker, Rev. Eber, 65. Tucker, Rev. J. N., 64. Tucker, Rev. J., 107. Turner, Rev. C. W., 91. Turner, Rev. Charles B., 293. Tupper, Rev. Miles G., 202, 203. Tunbridge, 291. Tuttle, Rev. Amos, 314, 338, 340, 344, 353, 354. Tuttle, Rev. Thomas, Jr., 90. Twiss, Rev. F. C, 265. Tyler, Rev. Payson, 325, 393. Ufford, Rev. A. F., missionary, 357, 588. Upham, Rev. James, D. D.. 347, 483, 532, 534, 552, 555. Upham, Rev. W. D., 216. Upham, Rev. William, 273. Upton, Rev. C. R., 254. Usher, Rev. I. E., 97. Union Village, 211. Van Schaick, Rev. C. E., 66, 219, 350. Vail, Rev. A. L., 43. Vermont Association, 31, 39, 68, 71-79, 81, 108. 116, 151, 154, 185, 234. Vermont Academy, 129, 235, 485, 556. Vermont Anti-slavery Society, 120. \'ermont Association Education Society, 523. Vermont Baptist Bible Society, 569. Vermont Branch of the Northern Bap- tist Education Society merged into the Convention, 530. Vermont Baptist Historical Soc iety 500, 573. Vermont Observer, 132. Vermont Telegraph, 77, 447, 449, 463. \'ermont Baptists, Presidents of Col- leges, 534. Vermont Baptists, Professors in Col- leges, 534. Vermont Sunday School Union, 447. Vergennes, 129, 139, 170, 489. Vernon, 13, 14. INDEX 699 Verry, Rev. R. L., 149. Vershire, 310. Vinton, Rev. Sumner R., missionary, 585. Vinal, Rev. H. S., 114. Vincent, Rev, Joshua, ordained, 221. Votey, Rev. C. A., 64, 154, 219, 356. Wadsworth, Rev. A. L., 325. Waitsfield, 345, 357. Wait, Rev. Archibald, 110, 150, 390. Wakefield, Rev. Samuel, 179, 318. Walden, Rev. John, 401, 405. Walden, 339. Waldo, Gamaiel, 87. Waldron, Rev. Isaac, 545. Walker, Rev. A. J., 202, 223, 258, 323. Walker, Gideon, 131. Walker, Rev. W. H., 109, 113. Walker, Rev. W. S., 206. Wallingford, 24-32, 36, 44, 76, 67 (his- tory) 79, 163, 249, 264. Wallingford, East, 265, 279 (history). Waltze, Rev. O. F., 83. Ward, William, pioneer, 94, 95. Wardsboro, 163, 184, 190, 205, 121, 117, 119 (history) 225. Ware, Rev. J. Q. U. A., 148, 149. Ware, Rev. Moses, 91, 344, 408. Warner, Rev. W. R., 85, 86. Warren, 285, 306. Warren, Rev. Obed, 72, 180, 194, 212. Warren, Rev. S. P., 138, 150. Warren, Elder, of Salem, 150. Washington, 225, 308. Washington Temperance Society, 348. Washington Association, 79. Waters, Rev. W. W., 112, 150. Waterville College, 584. Waterford, 314, 319. Waterbury, 328, 331, 344, 346, 351, 391. Watson, Rev. D. R., 83, 91. Watts, Rev. A. M., 376. Watt, Rev. George, colporteur, 586, 107, 113, 300, 511, 512. Weathersfield, 225, 244. Webster, Rev. George, 324. Webster, Rev. G. D., 296. Webster, Rev. J. B., 97, 108. Webster, Rev. T. B., 97. Webster, Rev., 133. Webb, Rev. Isaac, 42, 89, 90. Webber, Rev. J. L., 356. Wells, 87. Wells, Rev. Asahel, 194, 200, 209. Wellman, Rev. Isaac, 180, 194, 199, 209. Werden, Rev. Peter, 40. Wescott, Rev. Isaac, J49. Wescott, Rev. J., 125;, West, Rev. Thorn? s SOD. Westminster, ]': J, 226. Western Baptisv Education Society. — Contribution to, 528. Westford, 328, 344, 345, 346, 347, 349, 351,352, 364 (history). West Haven, 44, 76, 97. Weston, 226, 269, 280 (history). Weybridge, 150. Wlieeler, Rev. George B., 264, 293, 325. Wheeler, Rev. L. W., 271. Wheeler, Rev. Russell, 254, 271. Wheeler, Rev. Philip, 295, 297, 301. Wheelock, Rev. L., 148. Wheelock Quarterly Meeting, Free Baptist, 606, 613, 620. White, Rev. D. M., 492. White, Rev. Elbridge W^, 255, 592. White, Rev. H. H., 148, 149. White, Rev. S. S., 189, 201, 202, 206, 265, 310. Whiting, 119, 120, 127, 129, 131, 133, 148 (history). Whiting, Rev. S. A., 378. Whiting, Rev. S. M., 245, 586. Whitingham, 187, 190, 193, 210 (history), 214. Whipple, Rev. M., 177. Whipple Hollow, 106. Whitman, Rev. Seth, 534. Whitman, Sally, 371. 700 / INDEX Whittier, E. A., Evangelist, 101, Hi, 276, 396. Whittle, Evangelist, 101. Wilcox, Rev. A. J., 325. Wilbur, Rev. W. N., 267, 325, 491, 549. Wilcox, Rev. Bela, 186, 194, 267, 526. AVilcox, Rev. Horace, 272. Wilcox, Rev. Joseph, 372. Wilcox, Rev. M. A., 546, 549. Wilcox, Rev. Monson. 402, 405, 563. Wiley, Rev. Elijah, 233. Wilkins, Rev. G. A., 64, 364. Williston, 445, 448. Willard, Rev. Era^tus, 54, 21(i, 254, 255, 266, 581. Willey, Rev. Arisb. 54 1.. 148. Willard, Rev. S., 28V,.q, (i. Willard, Bvinyan. evangeli.st, 308. Williams, Rev. J. J., 325. Williams, Rev. G. A., Ill, 876. Williams, Rev. Nathaniel, 433. ^Villiams, Rev. Rufus, ordained, 180. Williams, Rev. Richard, 178. Williams, Elder, 210. Williamstown, 308. Williams ville, 189. Williams, Rev. Gibbon, 67. Williams, Rev. M. W., 244. Willis, Rev. Samuel, 103. Willis, Rev. Beriah, ordained, 179. Wilmington, 180, 187, 190, 192, 212 (history), 213, 163, 165. Wilmarth, Rev. J. M., 202, 254. Willoughby, Rev. Bliss, 16, 17. Wilmarth, Rev. Ezra, 343, 369. Wilson, Rev. R. A., 247. Wilson, Rev. C. J., 97, 202. Wilson, Rev. Jonathan, 194, 196, 209. Windham Association Sunday School Convention, 188. Windliam, 190, 193, 200, 217 (history), 223, 225, 227. Winegar, Elder, 400, 448. Winhall, 79, 163, 217, 225, 443. ' Winestock, Rev. O. C, 277. Windham Association, 182, 185, 187, 207, 227. Windsor, 225, 226, 227, 234, 237, 341 (history), 269, 182. Winthrop, Governor, 14. Witherell, Rev. George,- 194, 209, 210, 52, 111. Winter. Rev. E. T., 263. Wood, Rev. Asahel, 194, 209. Wood, Rev. I. H., 106, 206, 282. Wood, Rev. L. L., 412. Wood, Rev. A. N., 416. Wood, Rev. Norman, D. D., 534. Wood, Rev. N. N., licensed, 250, 538. Wood, Rev. N. W., 271. Wood, Miss Phoebe, 112. Woods, Rev. Abel, 74, 91, 92, 138, 140, 141, 147, 148, 152, 155, 428, 429, 430 433. Woodstock, 225, 241, 332. Woodstock Association, 207, 225, 227, sentiments, 241, 228, plan, 272, 308. Woodward, Rev. Nehemiah, 231, 531. Woodward, Rev. Abram, 110. Woodiuff, Rev. A. N., 113, 201. 254, 293, 294, 323. 324, 268, 379, 394. Wooster, Rev. Priest, 371. Woolcott, Rev. N. W., 368. Woman's Missionary Work, 593, sq. Wolcott, Rev. N. M., 379. Worthington, Rev. W., 294. World's BaptistCongress, 517. Young, Annie S., 585. Young, Miss Grace, 518. Young, Rev. Joshua, 91. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES This book is due on the date indicated belo-" r- '^f - definitP ' '•'' COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 0035520876 ^v-.8,i5 C872 BRimE DO NOT PHOTOCOPY ^