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ANNIVEESAET

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November i^th, 186'].

ANNIVEESAET

OF THE

llinton B0npt^^timul Bj^ttrtl^

HELD IN

JLiisTTOisr, GonsriNr.,

November i^th, i86'J.

NEW HAVEN:
TUTTLB, MOREHOUSE k TAYLOK, BTEAU PRINTERS.
1868.

1 7^ 5 So

PRELIMINARY MEETING.

At a meeting of the Church and Congregation, Sep
tember 15, 1867, it was voted, that the Two Hundredth
Anniversary of the organization of this Church be
celebrated with appropriate exercises ; and that a Com
mittee be appointed to make the necessary arrange
ments. Gen. Ely A. EUiot, Hon. Henry Taintor, Dr.
D. H. Hubbard, George B. HUliard, Esq., Capt. Dota L.
Wright, and Rev. William E. Brooks, were appointed
said Committee.
October 14th, Committee met at the residence of
Gen. Ely A. Elliot, and selected the 13th of Novem
ber, 1867, for the Bi-Centennial Anniversary.
Voted, That the Rev. Wm. E. Brooks be invited to
prepare and deliver the Bi-Centennial Address.
Voted, That this Address be dehvered at 10 and 1-2
o'clock, A. M., to be followed by a Collation served in
the basement of the Church. The afternoon to be
devoted to short speeches from invited guests.
Voted, That a Committee of twelve be appointed to
arrange the tables, and direct the entertainment.
Voted, That Messrs. George E. Elliot, Alfred Davis,
Ely Stannard, Jared Buell, Andrew J. Hurd, Samuel
L. Stevens, Jr., Mrs. Henry A. Elliot, Mrs. Ely Stan
nard, Mrs. Jared Buell, Mrs. Leander Hull, Mrs. Silas
Stannard, Mrs. Andrew J. Hurd, be said Committee.
D. H. Hubbard, Secretary.

ANNIVERSARY.

The decorations of the Church for this festive occa
sion, were entrusted to a committee consisting of Mrs.
Wm. E. Brooks, Mrs. Leander Hull, Miss Mary Leffing-
well and Miss Roxanna Buell. They were assisted in
the execution of their work, by a large number of the
young ladies and gentlemen connected with the Church
and Congregation, who brought willing hearts and
iready hands to the task.
The building is a parallelogram, sixty-nine feet by
forty, having a gallel-y on three sides, east, west and
south. The north end being occupied by a recess for
the pulpit and the platform.
The faces of these galleries were festooned with heavy
ropes of the Ground Pine. Each loop encircling the
name of one of the previous Pastors of this Church,
commencing on the right hand as you enter, with
WooDBRiDGE, and following round with Pierson, Eliot,
Huntington, Mansfield, Talcott, Wood, Foster, Hine,
Huntington, 2d, to the opposite side, where it
ended with Moore. Brooks, the name of the pres
ent beloved Pastor, appeared in large letters on the
front of the Pulpit. The letters which composed these
names were formed of the shining, dark green leaves
of the Mountain Laurel. This produced a very beauti
ful effect, as each name, encircled by its evergreen
wreath, stood out clear and distinct on the white back
ground. Mrs. Henry Taintor contributed two Harps

wrought of Laurel, with minute flowers of Golden
Immortelles for strings. These were placed on each
side of the south gallery, devoted to singers. The un
fading Laurel, a beautiful symbol, that the memory of
the lives of the departed shall remain evergreen in the
hearts of the people ; although long ere this, all but
two have gone to strike their Golden Harps where
Flowers Immortal bloom.
The decorations over the Pulpit were designed by
Miss Roxanna Buell, and consisted of an Arch on the
front of the recess, reaching half way down the side.
On the right hand of the speaker, the base rested on an
oil painting of the Church edifice erected in Seventeen
Hundred and Thirty-one.* On the speaker's left, at
the base of the Arch, was a fine portrait of the ReV.
Dr. Jared Elliot. Directly under the centre of the
Arch, and following its curve, was a section of a few
feet, the whole covered with white, and wreathed
with a heavy border of the Ground Pine, interspersed
with the shining red berries of the Bitter-sweet. On
the outer Arch was inscribed in letters of Laurel,
similar to those before mentioned, this motto :
"HE WHO PLANTED HAS SUSTAINED."
On the right hand side of the under section, was the
date 1667, wrought in Autumn leaves. On the left, in
leaves of Laurel, was the date 1867. Between them,
and directly in the centre, were two hands, clasped.
The one representing 1667, was composed of Autumn
?December 24, 1730. # # • It was also agreed by voat,
that in case they build a new meeting house, it shall be set on the hill
where the meeting house now standeth where it shall be judged most
convenient. It was also agreed that sd meeting house should be 60 foots
in length, 38 foots in breadth, and zz foots between joynts, and a suitable
turrit to be carryed out at one end suitable .to hang ye Bell in.

leaves. The one representing 1867, of LaureL The
whole speaking plainly this sentiment: — 1667 in the
sere and yellow leaves of the past, reaches down Two
Hundred Years, and with its withered hand, clasps the
fresh vigorous hand of 1867, bringing this congratula
tory message : Although bitter has been mingled with
the sweet in past experiences, still. He who planted has
sustained. Yea, and will sustain, until we exchange
the Laurel of Time for the Tree of Life in Eternity.
On the left hand side of the platform below the
Pulpit, was a pannel, taken from the Rev. Dr. Jared
Elliot's house, on which was painted a view of the hiU,*
and of the second Church, erected in Seventeen Hun
dred. Seated on a rock in front of the house, is Dr.
Elliott, and either he was a very large man, or the
Church was very small, or the artist had some singular
notions of perspective, as the Rev. gentleman's head is
on a level with the eaves of the building. Hovering in
the air is an American eagle, which the artist must have
seen in a prophetic vision, so large is he painted. The
ledges of rocks on the east banlc of Indian River, are
clearly defined and easily recognized. This painting
•Whereas the town, at a town meeting December 6th, 1698, had
agreed to have an addition to the meeting house by gallaryes, the towns
men, who were imployed there in, meeting with difficulties in their way,
whether the town ware not better to buld a New meeting house then to
make an Addition to the old by gallaries, this the town, haveing ben now
called to gather to considar, they have now by thur voat agreed to buld a
New meeting house, and they have agreed that the meeting house shall
be five & thirty foots square, and to stand whare the old house now stands
or whear convenient their unto."
At a town meeting in Killingworth, January 28, 1728, • • • •
Also it was agreed by voat, that the meeting house shall be repaired as to
the walling and covering, so as to secure it from being Damnified by the
weather.

8
was executed by an artist from Boston, in the year
1710, — and is a curiosity.
On the right hand of the platform stood the old
chair of Rector Pierson, kindly loaned for the occasion
by Yale College, and occupied by Prof. D. C. Oilman,
as its representative.
The occasion was one of the most heartfelt interest.
The spirits of the men whose names we had before us,
and whose lives and noble deeds we had assembled to
commemorate, appeared to be with us. By some mag
netic influence we seemed to be put in direct communi
cation with the Spirit Land, and messages of Hope,
and Love, and Cheer lifted our souls far above the
ordinary level of existence. Great praise is due to the
Rev. Wm. E. Brooks, for the able manner in which he
performed his part as historian. Few could have so
grasped the spirit of the lives and achievements of
these departed worthies, and have brought it so
eloquently before us. The hearts of the crowded
audience were stirred with emotion, and smiles and
tears held alternate sway.

ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.

The Exercises of the Bi-Centenial Celebration of the
Clinton Congregational Church, were held in their
house of worship, the Thirteenth of November, Eigh
teen Hundred and Sixty-eight, A most unusual and
unseasonable storm of snow prevailed throughout the
previous day. During the night, however, the storm
ceased, and the morning of the Thirteenth rose clear
and bright, with the thermometer nearly at zero, and a
hard frozen crust of snow on the gi-ound. Despite the
unpropitious weather, the Church was filled to over
flowing. The Choir, under the direction of Mr. Elias M. Dib-
bell, opened the morning service with the old tune of
"Denmark/' "Before Jehovah's awful throne."
Invocation by Rev. Wm. E. Brooks.
Singing. — Hymn composed by Miss Wealtha Maria
Hilliard. TnNE— "AMERICA."
" Our fathers' God, to thee,
lu this, our jubilee.
To thee we siag:
Thy holy name we praise
In our most joyful lays,
For all thy wondrous ways,
Great God, our King.
" Our kindred hearts here meet
And hold communiou sweet
Friend with his friend.
While from the courts abovo
!l?hy smiles, 0 God of love,
Our worship to approve.
On us descend.

10
" Thy grace, 0 God, impart,
tJnto each waiting heart
Before thee now.
Do thou our praises own.
And let thy power be shown,
While here before thy throne
We humbly bow.
" Help us to serve thee still.
Teach us to do thy will
In all our ways :
And thus, a light divine,
Reflected, Lord, from thine,
O'er all our lives shall shine
Through endless days."
Reading of the Scriptures and Prayer, by the Rev.
James D. Moore. Psalm read, the 90th, commencing
with " Oh ! Lord thou hast been our dwelling place in
all generations." HYMN.
God of our fathers, to thy throne
Our grateful songs we raise;
Thou art our God, — and thou alone, —
Accept our humble praise.
Here thou wert once the pilgrim's guide ;
Thou gav'st them here a place,
Where freedom spreads its blessings wide,
O'er all their favored race.
Here, Lord, thy gospel's holy light
Is shed on all our hills ;
And, like the rains and dews of night
Celestial grace distills.
Still teach us. Lord, thy name to fear
. And still our guardian be ;
0, let our children's children here.
Forever worship thee.

HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.

INTRODUCTION.

In giving a Historical Sketch of this Church on this, its
'Two Hundredth Anniversary, I shaU be forced to throw myself
I on your Christian charity and your kindly forbearance.
The few months which have elapsed since my settlement
here, and the brief time allowed me to collect and arrange the
materials from which a history might be written, must be my
apology for whatever lack of detail there may be, and the
passing by of most important and interesting facts. But what
I have been able to accomplish in the time allotted me, and
amid the pressure of other duties, I will now place before you.
It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the assistance
which I have received from the older members of the Church,
in respect to the former pastors, and the events of by-gone
days ; and my indebtedness to the Rev. J. D. Moore for the
information I have obtained from the Historical Sketches
which were published in •' The CKnton Advertiser ;" to these
persons, in a great measure, is due whatever of interest there
may be in the present Discourse.

DISCOURSE.
"Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations."—
Ps. xc : 1.
The statement has somewhere been made, that the history
of the world is but a history of God's Church : and so it may
be said with especial truth, that the history of this town is to
a great extent the history ot this Church, and so closely are
they united, that a brief notice of the former is essential to a
clear and full knowledge of the latter.

12
The first name of this place was Hammonassett, so called
after a tribe of Indians that lived upon these hills and roamed
along these shores.
In 1663, at the October Session of the General Court that
convened at Hartford, it was resolved, " that there should be
a plantation formed at Hammonassett, and S. Willis, Mr.
Wolcott, and Wm. Wadsworth, were appointed a committee
for the ordering of the plantation at Hammonassett," who con
cluded on nine binding articles to be observed.
The 9th was, " That there shall be thirty families on the
east side of Hammonassett River at the least."
The committee then entered twenty as planters. Soon after,
ten of this number deserted the place ; and it was not till
December, 1665, two years after the grant of the Assembly^
that the required number of families had located themselves
upon the " new plantation ;" and even then it was necessary
to call the parsonage lot 29, and the minister's first lot 30.
The 7th article read thus : " They shall settle an able,
orthodox, godly minister, free from scandal, with the advice of
the major part of the magistrates of Connecticut." Thus we
see that this Church was provided for at the very outset, and
formed, if I may so speak, a part of the town, so that, as
stated at the first, the one is inseparably linked to the other.
And there can be no doubt that among the first buildings
erected was the " Meeting House," small in si^e, but suffi
ciently large to accommodate the few, who were here to attend 't

'J
church,* till 1700, when the " new meeting house was built."-*"

* At a Town meting: November: 15th : 1703, the town have agreed,
and Conclued by their voate to have a scoll houes bult : of sixteen foot
square besides rome for the chimmie, and to be set on the meting houes
hill whear judged most conveniant^allso the town have agreed : and
voted that they wold have a skol : keept this year ackording to Law : and
On halfe of the time to be keept in the winter and the other in the sumer.
All so Atenry Crane Senior is voted and made Choyce of for a skoU mas
ter for the year insuing, for a leven shillings per weaek.
All so town voted to take down the old meting hous and to improve it
to buld a skool houes.
t Town meeting, Kenillworth, January the 18: 1704: * •
The town have agreed with Samuel Buell Senior to hew Draw and

13
The Rev. Mr. Moore, in his historical sketches, states that
previous to the organization of the Church, a Mr. John Col-
ton labored among the people ; but who he was, whence he
came or whither he went, I know not, as I have been unable
to learn anything more concerning him. It is quite evident,
however, that they were wont to hold weekly service, for on
the 28th of Sept., 1666, " the town bargained and agreed vdth
Nathan Parmelee for forty shillings per year to beat the drum
Sabbath days, for the calling of the people together, and to
maintain the drum at his expense ;" and it is more than prob
able that this custom continued till a bell was procured, for
on April 14th, 1668, " The town agreed with Samuel Gris-
wold to beat the drum Sabbath days for one year and to give
him one pound and ten shillings,"* a novel and curious way of
calling people to the worship of God.
The first two recorded votes for the support of the ministry
were the following: "Feb. 7th, 1667. The town voted to
free Mr. Woodbridge from paying any rate for two hundred
Pounds estate, during his abode with us."
2d. The town voted to give him (Mr. Woodbridge,) " Fifty-
five Pounds for the ensuing year, and parsonage land and his
transportation and a house ; and further, it is left with the
committee, if he will not come for the above said sum, to give
him five Pounds more," — exhibiting even at that early day,
Yankee shrewdness in trade making.
The plantation continued to be known as Hammonassett till
not far from May, 1667, when it " was called Kenilworth,
after a town in Warwickshire, England, from which, according
to tradition, some of the settlers at first emigrated." The
frame timbar for a school houes of twenty one foots, in length, sixteen
foot wide, the timbar to be soficent and Drawen to the place appointed
by the town for the skoole hous to stand, this to be finished at or before
the last of Aprill next, and for his satisfaction the town have agreed to
Igive him the frame of the old meeting house, and thirty five shillings in
iCurrant paye next year.
• In the Town Records is found the following :
" At a town meeting, December 6th, 1698. • • •
Ithe town have agreed that there shall be a new Drum bought for the
town."

14
name was gradually changed from Kenilworth, being spelt
sometimes Kenelworth, Kenell worth, "and in the State
records, Kenelmeworth until the year 1707. In that year Sar-
jant John Crane was chosen Town ' Clark.' From that time
the name in his hand writing is Killingworth, and has remain
ed so ever since."
It was, as I have already stated, in February, 1667, that
the town voted to secure the servipes of Mr. Woodbridge ; and
in October, of the same year, the following petition was for
warded to the General Assembly, which convened at Hartford
on the tenth of that month :
" May it please the Honored Court : Whereas the plenary enjoyment
of all the sacred ordinances and institutions of Christ, and all possible
communion with him therein, is that one thing that we should desire and
seek after, and all tedious and unnecessary remissenesse in the prosecution
of so sacred a designe, grandly culpable ; and. forasmuch as the Honored
General Court haue formerly in their wisdome established that no persons
or inhabitants within this Colony imbody themselves in a Church without
their favorable approbation ; we the inhabitants of the Town of Ken
elmeworth, in obedience to so, not more just then, necessary a law,
humbly craue and entreat their benigne aspect and approving allowance
of so profitable and desirable a work as the gathering of ourselves into
Church order, for the full and regular enjoyment of the aforesaid ordi
nances and institutions. A-s we therefore beseech your acceptance of us
and incouragement to us in this proceeding, so we humbly implore the
Eye of Almighty God to guide you in all your affaires.
JOHN WOODBRIDGE,
EDWARD GRISWOLD,
WILL HEAYDEN.
" In the name & with the consent of the rest."
"Oct. nth, '67.
This petition was forwarded to the General Court which had
assembled at Hartford the day previous, and was granted in
the following words :
" This Court, upon the petition of the inhabitants of Kenilworth, doe
hereby declare and give them theire approbation and encouragement to
gather themselves into Church order according to the order of the
Gospell."

15
The precise day on which the Church was organized, I have
not been able to learn ; but as the petition was not signed till
the 11th of October, (0. S.,) which would be the 22d, (N. S.,)
and as Dr. Field, in his History of Middlesex County, says
that it was within a few weeks, it was probably not far from
this time, if not on this very day of the month, that the
Church was organized.
Two hundred years ago, then, it may be to a day, on this
hill, and near the spot we now occupy, this Church was duly
established, and John Woodbridge, a young man of twenty-
three, was ordained and installed its first pastor, concerning
whom, I learn from Dr. Sprague's Annals, (Vol. Ist, page 129,
&c.,) that he was the grandson of the Rev. John Woodbridge,
a distinguished Non-conforming minister, and that his grand
mother was the daughter of the Eev. Robert Parker, who by
his writings is well known to have been a strong friend and
advocate of non-conformity. His father, whose name was also
John, was born at Stanton, Wiltshire, England, about the
year 1613, and was sent to Oxford to be educated, but, when
the oath of conformity was required of him he refused, and
was therefore obliged to leave the University. He then pur
sued his studies privately. " The ceremonies of the Church
being rigorously enforced," and being deeply imbued with the
spirit of dissent, he came to this country in company with his
uncle, Rev. Thomas Parker, in 1634. In 1641 he married the
daughter of the Hon. Thomas Dudley, and was ordained and
installed first pastor of the Church in Andover, Mass., where
John Woodbridge, the first pastor of this Church was born, in
1644, and graduated at Harvard College, in 1664. During a
portion \)f the next three years, he was doubtless devoting him
self to the study of Theology, and became first pastor of this
Church in 1667. " At his settlement he had allotted to him
eight acres of land as a home lot, located on Main street, rest
ing on South street, in compliance with a vote passed February
15th, 1664 :"
" That the first minister that is called and settled amongst us shall
haue the lott that lyes by the high way that goes down to the landing
place."

16
Besides, I find that he was allowed to take up and hold land
the same as any other citizen, as the grant made by the Gene
ral Court in 1671, proves : —
" The Court grants Mr. John Woodbridge, of Kenilworth, 250 acres
of land for a farm, provided he take it up where it may not prejudice any
former grant to any plantation or perticuler person."
In March, 1669, the town voted to give him " £60 towards
the building of him a dwelling." His salary at this time was
£60 per year, and fifty loads of wood. He first lived near
where Elias Wellman now lives, and afterwards on the comer
now known as the Stanton place. For twelve years he was
pastor of this Church, and then, for reasons unknown to me,
and contrary to the wishes of his flock, he resigned, and the
same year (1679) was installed pastor of the Church in Weth-
ersfield, where he remained till his death, in 1690, being about
forty-six years of age.
His son, John Woodbridge, married Jemima Eliot, daugh
ter of the Rev. Joseph Eliot, of Guilford, and grand-daughter
of the Apostle Eliot ; and it may be of interest to you to
learn that the town of Woodbridge, near New Haven — ^for
merly Amity — was so named in honor of Benjamin Wood-
bridge, the first, and for forty-three years the only, pastor of
the Church in that place, who was the grand-son of the first
pastor of this Church ; and that on this Ibth day of Novem
ber, 1867, they are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of that
Church. So much in respect to him whose name stands first on the
list, both as member and pastor ; and his worthy descent,
together with the results of his labors, prove that he was
indeed one of " the most excellent clergymen of Connecticut."
The first private donation or gift to the Church for the sup
port of the ministry, was made by William Kelsey, and that
you may know in what form it was made, I will give his words,
as found in the " Old Church Records :" —
" Know all men by these presents : — that I, William Kelsey, of Kil
lingworth, being desireous to promote Religion and the maintainance
thereof according to my Power, do freely give, to be paid yearly and for-

17
ever after my decease. Twenty Shillings in current country pay, to the
Church of Killingworth, for the use of the ministery that shall from time
to time be there called, and for the ensurance thereof I do firmly bind
over my Land in the Neckfield, purchased of John Meigs, Jnr., unto the
Church of Killingworth, and do give full Power to him or them that are
or from Time to time shall be. Deacons of the said Church, or in Case of
their absence, to any two of the Brethren thereof to demand, recover or
dispose of the money as aforesaid, and upon refusal to pay or in Case of
Non-solvency, to seize upon the Land and to use and improve it as they
see cause, for the aforesaid end.
In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand this present June 6th,
1674. WILLIAM KELCEY."
This land was " resigned up into the Church," in May, 1676,
by his son, John Kelcey.
It was a sad misfortune for the Church to lose Mr. Wood-
bridge. After his departure, dissensions and divisions sprang
up, and it was not till 1694, fifteen years after, that they suc
ceeded in securing as their second pastor, Abraham Pierson,
' the son of the Rev. Abraham Pierson, who was minister suc
cessively at Southampton, L. I., Branford, Ct., and Newark,
N. J.' He was born probably at Southampton — though Dr.
Sprague says at Lynn, Mass., — in 1646, being thus two years
younger than Mr. Woodbridge, and graduated at Harvard Col
lege in 1668. " He began to preach in 1669, and received a
unanimous call from the people of Woodbridge, N. J., to
become their pastor. But the people of his father's congrega
tion, desiring him for an assistant, at once made overtures -to
him to be ' helpful to his father, in the exercise of his gifts in
the ministry, for the space' of a year.' " In 1672 they extended
to him a formal call to become his father's colleague, which he
accepted. On the death of his father, in August, 1678, he
became sole pastor, and his salary was fixed at £80 per year,
"with a supply of fire wood, and freedom from taxation."
He continued their pastor till 1692, when, on account of dif
ference of opinion in respect to church government, he was
dismissed. He immediately disposed of his property in New
ark, and came into this State, and became, as already stated,
the second pastor of this Church, in 1694.
2

18
He very happily succeeded in reconciling the difi^erences
which existed in the Church, and soon gained both the confi
dence and love of his people. At this time there were efforts
being made to establish a College in Connecticut, in which he
took a great interest. In 1700 he was chosen as one of those
ministers who were designated by public consent to act as
Trustees " to found, erect and govern a College." At a session
of the General Colonial Assembly at New Haven, in October,
1701, a petition was presented to that body, signed by many
ministers ani others, which stated, —
" That from a sincere regard to and zeal for upholding the Protestant
religion, by a succession of learned and orthodox inen, they had proposed
that a Collegiate School should be erected in this Colony, wherein youth
should be instructed in all parts of learning to qualify them for public
employments in Church and Civil State ; and that they had nominated
ten ministers to be trustees, partners or undertakers for founding, endow
ing or ordering the said School, and thereupon desired that full liberty
and privilege might be granted to the said undertakers for that end."
On the 9th of the same month, the Assembly granted the
desired charter ; and at a meeting of the trustees on the 7th
of November, 1701, Mr. Pierson was chosen to take charge of
the College " in its instruction and government, with the title
of Rector.^' Their choice was regarded as a happy one, as Mr.
Pierson was both a fine scholar and took a deep interest in the
cause of education. He had even then prepared a work on
Natural Philosophy, which he introduced in the College, and
which continued as a manual in that department for many
years. The College building was established here in what was
then Killingworth, near the edge of the Green, and a little
south and east from the barn which stands on the Stanton
Place, some of the beams of which are still to be seen in the
" Stanton House." The building has been torn down within
the memory of some of the older members of this congrega
tion ; so that the statement made by Dr. Sprague, that Mr.
Pierson heard the recitations in his own house, is in part an
error. Not only did the Church prosper under his ministry, but the
cause of education received an impulse which continues to be

19
felt. It was during his pastorate that the old church building
was torn down, and the second one was erected, (1700,) for
which a bell — one of the first in Connecticut — was procured in
1703 ; in respect to whiclT the following action of the town
may be of interest : —
" At a meeting of the town held August 2oth, 1 703, » * » #
it was offered unto the town, by several of the neighbors which had by
subscription purchased a Bell in order to be hung up in the meting houes,
whether they would accept of said Bell and hang it at the town charge,
which was consented unto and voted."*
The following action of the town, on the 14th of December,
1695, shows how closely at that time the town and church
were united : —
"The town being met together to consider of something to be done
for the encouragement of Mr. Abraham Pierson, our present minister in
his settlement with us — Do give the said Mr. Pierson the Town House
and Orchard . . . upon the condition hereinafter named, that is to say,
that the said Mr. Pierson shall plant an orchard of an hundred apple
trees upon the parsonage land, where the town shall judge most conveni
ent, and the said trees to manure and secure." — (" Town Records.")
But while the interests of both the Church and the College
were in a most flourishing condition, the people of Saybrook
felt anxious that the College should be removed to their town,
which, as it would deprive them of a much loved pastor, the
people of Killingworth bitterly opposed. Nay, more, they
were unwilling that he should continue its Rector. At a town
• At a town meetin in Killingworth, December ye 29th, 1724.
mm***
"It was also voated that the town will be at the cost of haveing the
bell belonging to the meeting house in Killingworth, new cast, or run"
with the adition of fifty pounds of Copper and one quarter so much
puter, and that they will Imploy Mr. Liscome of Saybrook to Do the
sd work, upon condition sd Liscome will do sd work for twelve pounds, if
he will efect the same and that he will Demand nothing for his Labor if
he fails in the well performanc of sd work." • • • •
Also ye meeting was adjourned untel ye nth Day of this Instant
november at sun two Hours high at night.

20
meeting held November 7th, 1706, he sent to them a request,
in behalf of the trustees, that they would allow the College to
remain in Killingworth, under his care. Even this they were
unwilling to grant. It was while matters were in this dis
turbed state — his flock calling in one direction and the inter
ests of education in another — that he sickened and died, fall
ing asleep on the 5th of March, 1707, at the age of sixty-one.
His grave is in the north-western part of the cemetery, sur
rounded l^y the remains of those he loved, and may the day be
not far distant, when a monument more worthy of his mem
ory and record, shall mark the place where lived and labored
Abraham Pierson, the second pastor of this Church, and first
President of Yale College.*
* Knowing that all lovers of Yale College feel a deep interest in what
ever pertains to its early history, has prompted to a careful searching of
the early Town Records, wherein the following letters and votes have
been found recorded : —
" To the Inhabitants of Killingworth :
Sirs, — Whareas I perceive that there is a misapprehention of my
Answer at New Haven to the Reverend trustees of the Collegiate School,
which was latly published, in part among you, I do declare as foUowith,
viz, that in their motion to me there ware two things; i : their Desire
that I should take the care and conduct of the said school. 2, that I
should remove with the schoolto the place by them appointed for it. to
the 1st of these I Answered as you have heard; the true meaning whereof
was, that I Durst not Deny a Divine call to attend that work so far as
was consistent with my ministerial work among you : and accordingly I
have endeavoured to practise ever since. To the 2nd of them, not Dis-
carning a present call thereunto ; after much perswasion and pressing to
it, my Answer was to act therein as god should open my way : in which
opening of my way, I ever included, your consent to my removal and
never obliged myself to Remov without it, and by your consent I mean
your General and Joyant consent, and not mearly a major part of you
consenting ; that as through Divine favour I have lived among you in
peace, now about a : 1 1 : years, so if I be removed from you, which is
not at all of my seeking, I may leave you in peace, and have hope that
the god of peace will be with you, and as a testimony of your general
and joynt consent to my Removal, (if I do remove,) I expect your
ingagement by sufficient sureties to Reimburse and according to a gree-
ment, without which I shall not part with the house, and with out this

21
In regard to his person Dr. Field thus speaks : " He was
above a middling stature, was fleshy and well favored. As a
Christian he was charitable and pious ; in preaching he
excelled, and by his character and talents was excellently
qualified for the station to which he was advanced." Pres.
Clapp says : " He was a hard student, a good scholar, a great
divine, and a wise, steady and judicious man in all his conduct.
ingagement I shall not think I have a sufficient expression of your consent
to my removal. ABRAHAM PIERSON.
September 21 : 1705."
To this letter the town made reply that, " We do declare that it is
our opinion that it is not, or like to be consistent with your ministerial
work amongst us to attend sd school as heitherto." They also made
reply to his request, in case of their consenting to his removal, that they
should reimburse him for his house, " that we shall not endeavor to act
in that matter any firther than we have allready Don.
This voted in town meting November 25th 1705."
" At the above meeting (November 7th, 1 706) it was proposed to the
town by the Desire of Mr. Pierson in the behalf of the trustees, for the
town's allowance for the Collegiate Scool to be & remain here under the
care & conduct of the Reverend Mr. Pierson : the town have Declared
by their vote that they are not -willing to allowe that the School be keept
hear as it has been."
At a town Meting in Kenillworth, December the 24th, 1 706.
* • * *
Also the town Did make Choyce of Decon Griswold, Robert Lane,
Sarjt John Shether, Sarjt Sam. Stevens, and Sarjt John Crane, as a Com
ity to consider of, and draw up sum terms or proposalls for the town to
consider of with Respect to the allowance of the Collegiate School Being
here under the care and conduct of Mr. Pierson, and to make return
thear of to the next town meting."
What action would have been taken is uncertain. Mr. Pierson dying
in March after, put a stop to all further proceedings. There can be no
doubt that Mr. Pierson exerted a great influence in arousing the people
of this town to a higher regard to the demands of Education. This is
indicated by the fact that in 1696, two years after his settlement, "the
town concluded by their voat to hire mr. Brown to keep skoul for one
quarter of a year, and for his pains there in to give him nine pounds : the
one half of it to be paid by the skollers and the other halfe by the town,"
this being the first school of which we have any record, and the first
school house was built in 1703.

22
About fifty-four were gathered in during his ministry of
about thirteen years ; a number, without doubt, equal to the
whole membership at his coming.
The third pastor was the Rev. Jared Eliot, D.D. and M. D.,
a grandson of the Apostle Ehot and son of the Rev. Joseph
Eliot, of Guilford, where he was born on the 7th of Nov.,
1685. He graduated at Yale College in 1706, under President
Pierson, by whom he was recommended to this Church as one
in every respect worthy to become his successor and their
pastor. Accordingly^ in June following Mr. Pierson's death,
a call was extended to Mr. Eliot ; but doubting his ability to
fulfill so great a trust, he was not ordained till Oct. 26th,
1709.* The following will give you a glimpse of the times in
which he lived :
"At a Town Meeting held in Killingworth Nov. 25th, 1608: The
Town do agree to give to Mr. Jared Eliot when he, the said Jared Eliot,
shall marry, or have a family, sixty loads of good fire wood a year."
* " At a Town Meeting held in Killingworth, September ye 26 : 1709,
the Town did by their vote, conclude to Indever that Mr. Jared Eliot be
settled a monst us in office, (or ordayed) on ye Last Wednesday of
October next insueing.
"Also the Town do agree that the Charge of the Ordaination of Mr.
Eliot shall be boren or paid by a Rate Levied upon the Estates of ye
subscribers to the Covenant in the Town, allwaye provided yt any other
person is not bared from doing what they shall see cause. * •
" Also that there shall be a foundation Laied for the Galleries on ye
South Side in the Meeting House before the ordination of Mr. Eliot.
"At a Town Meeting, March ye 7th, 1712, The town have agreed
to finish ye for part of the Gallery in the meeting house, both stairs seats
& banesters.
" Also at the same meeting the town granted liberty to those persons
that will appear to make or build the foundation of the galery on ye
East & West Sides of ye meeting house and put up ye banesters, pro
vided they doe it upon their own cost and charg : not claiming perticuler
right in the account thereof : The Town made choice of Leftt : Samuel
Buel, Sargtt Josiah Stevens & Gersiam Palmer as a Comete to cary on
the work of finishing fore gallery in the meeting house.
"March ye 12th 1712 * • * * The Comite for finishing the
frunt galery are appaynted to manag the other part of building & finish
ing sd Galiryes,"

23
Two inferences readily suggest themselves. Either the peo
ple were anxious that he should fulfill the Scriptures by
becoming the husband of one wife, or they thought he spent
too much of his time in Guilford in the winning and enchant
ing society of Miss Elizabeth Smithson, to whom he was mar
ried Oct 26th, 1710. That the amount of wobd first promised
was insufficient is shown by the fact that on the 17th of Nov.,
1741— .
" 0640 were appropriated to procure Mr. Eliot 80 loads of wood, at
ten shillings per load, for the year ensuing ; and, if any person neglect
his jugt proportion of wood to Mr. Eliot, as aforesaid, at or by ye first
day of Jan. next coming, they shall pay their proportion to ye Minister's
Collector to procure wood for Mr. Eliot." There was also, on the 14th
of Dec. of the same year, a vote of " £1 20 to pay ye Rev. Mr. Eliot's
Salary for ye year past, to be paid in Bills of publick credit, or in provis
ion, at the Current market price, exclusive of ye use of parsonage and his
wood." It is stated that his early progress in letters was not rapid,
but that what he once gained he never lost. The further he
advanced in knowledge the stronger his mind became, and
increased also in quickness of apprehension, and, at length, he
acquired a greatness and excellence rarely surpassed in this
country. Rev. Thomas Ruggles, who preached his funeral sermon,
said : " His person was well proportioned. The dignity, and
gravity, and openness of his countenance were plain indications
of the penetration of his mind, and the agreeable turn of h'is
conversation. He was favored with an excellent bodily con
stitution. Idleness was his abhorrence, and every moment of
time was filled with action by him. Perhaps no man slept so
little in his day and did so much in so great a variety. His
endowments of mind were no less superior than his bodily
vigor. A sound mind in a sound body was what he was blest
with ; and his great soul shined like the sun in the firmament
with radiant luster. Always active, always bright and pleas
ant. He had a mind peculiarly adapted for conversation and
happily accommodated to the pleasures of social life. Nothing

24
affected, nothing assumed. It was all nature. Divinity he
made his chief study. He understood what he preached to
others in a very large compass of knowledge, in the theory of
Theology. He was truly a good preacher in a proper sense.
Though he never studied to shine in rhetoric, and the enticing
words of men's -rtfisdom, yet his discourses were always instruc
tive and entertaining. Diff'erences as to religious principles,
were no obstruction to the hearty practice of the great law of
love — true benevolence and true goodness to man — ^to every
:aan. He abhorred narrowness and the mean contractedness
(if party spirit. As he claimed the right to think and act for
liimself, so was he more than free to accord the same privilege
io others. As a physician, he was quick to determine the
nature of the disease, and to apply the proper remedy. He
\ras especially successful in his treatment of that dread dis-
( ase — dropsy. His practice becoming extensive, he was called
many miles from home ; and, that he might not lose time, he
acquired the habit of reading on horseback. Here, also, he
thought out many of his sermons." He would, while traveling
along, become so absorbed in thought, as to be entirely obliv
ious to what was taking place around him ; and his horse,
taking advantage of this, was wont to stop and graze by the
roadside, or turning into the field would pursue his own course,
till Mr. Eliot, arousing up, would find himself — ^not as he
hoped — many miles nearer his journey's end, but facing a hay
stack.* He possessed the power of losing himself in his subject.
" Although so actively engaged, he was seldom absent from
his charge on the Sabbath ; and for more than forty years of
the latter part of his life, he never missed of preaching some
part of every Sabbath, either at home or abroad."
" He had a scientific turn of mind, and for discovering the
fact that black sand might be wrought into iron, he received a
* The following incident will illustrate another phase of his' character :
One Sabbath morning just before starting for Church, he discovered a
rent in his long black silk stocking, which he repaired, not by calling in
the aid of Mrs. Eliot, but by applying with his pen, ink to the exposed
part, and with the rent thus concealed, he gave himself to the duties of
the Sabbath.

25
gold medal from the society instituted in London for the
Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, — an
honor seldom conferred on a citizen of this country. He was
fond of society ; and by a pleasant and sociable temper con
nected with his talents, he was eminently qualified to secure
and entertain friends. His acquaintances and correspondents
were numerous, among whom were Dr. Frankhn and Bishop
Berkley. He was liberal. As a physician he did much with
out charge. But while he scattered, he increased ; and being
a man of fine business talent, he acquired a large amount of
land which proved a source of wealth to a large family."
As might be supposed, the Church was greatly prospered, as
is clearly shown by the fact that during his ministry of fifty-
six years, some five hundred and twenty-seven were gathered in.
For the last thirty-two years of his life he was a member of
the Corporation of Yale College.
His home was just across the street in front of the Church,
and stood where the cottage occupied by the widow Dee now
stands, — before which Nature has reared up a beautiful and
graceful Elm — a Hving monument, and fit emblem of him,
who, while he lived, was a joy to the sorrowing, a health-giver
to the sick, a promoter of the sciences, a true lover of his
country, a devoted follower of Christ, and a rich and lasting
blessing to this Church.
He died April 22d, 1763, aged 77 years and 5 months.
The fourth pastor was the Rev. Eliphalet Huntington, who
was born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1737, graduated at Yale Col
lege in 1759, and was licensed by the Hartford South Asso
ciation, Oct., 1761.
On the 22d of May, 1763, just one month after the death of
Dr. Eliot, he preached for the first time to this people, being
hen in his twenty-sixth year. At a meeting of the Church,
held on the 20 th of December of the same year, it was
voted, " That Mr. Eliphalet Huntington be desired to accept
the united call of the First Society of Kilhngworth, and also to
take the pastoral charge of this Church." He accepted, and
was ordained and installed January 11th, 1764.
There were two votes passed some two weeks after Mr.
Huntington first preached here, which may be of interest :

26
" 1st. Voted that ye Committee are Desired to engage Mr. Hunting
ton for a longer term of time to supply ye pulpit.
2d. Voted that ye Society are desireous of having the Funeral
Sermon of ye Dr. Eliot printed and that ye Society are desired to apply
to Revd Mr. Ruggles for a copy of the same, to be done at ye expense
of ye Society."
At a meeting held Jan. 17th, 1764, it was voted
" That the Society's Committee take care and see that the Rev. Mr.
Huntington be supplied with necessary fire wood for the current year, at
the expense of the Society.
He was voted 66200 for settlement, to be paid in annual payments of
<-£5o. His salary was ;
1st. <;e40 per year, for four years, after which it should be .£50.
2d. The use of parsonage land, calculated to be worth a yearly rent
of 0625.
4th. The Society likewise vote and grant for the further encourage
ment & support of sd Mr. Huntington necessary fire wood, during his
continu in sd work, as aforesaid, according as he may stand in need of
for his own use, not exceeding sixty cart loads annually, to be provided
sumtime in the month of November annually."
This was recorded Jan. 25, 1764. He was married April 24th,
1766, being then about twenty-nine years of age, to Miss Sarah
Eliot, grand-daughter of Rev. Dr. Eliot, who was not at that
time quite fifteen,— almost if not quite justifying a remark she
is said to have made, that " Mr. Huntington was old enough to
be her father." He died of small-pox, Feb. 8, 1777, having
been pastor of .this Church a little more than thirteen years.
In person he was large and portly, very pleasant and agree
able in his intercourse with all ; and won a place in the hearts
of his people. " He was strongly attached to the doctrines of
Grace, — a warm, zealous and eloquent preacher." He preached
at the meeting of the General Association, which met in Nor
wich in 1775, from which I infer that he was regarded as " one
of Connecticut's most able ministers." There were above sixty
added to the Church during his pastorate. He lived in the
house now occupied by Gen. E. A. ElHot,
Achillies Mansfield was the fifth pastor. He was born at
New Haven in 1751. Graduated at Yale College in 1770.
Licensed by the New Haven East Association in 1775. Began

27
to preach for this people the 17th of August, 1777, being then
twenty-six years of age. On the 17th of December, 1778, a
call was given him to become pastor, which he accepted, and
was ordained and installed January 6th, 1779. It was voted :
" 1st. That there be given to Mr. Achillies Mansfield, on condition of
his settling amongst us in the work of the Gospel Ministry, the sum of
6oo ounces of silver, or in bills of credit to the value thereof, to be
improved by him at his discretion, towards providing himself with a con
venient tenement for his accommodation among us, to be collected &
paid in four equal payments annually.
" 2d. That there be granted unto Mr. Mansfield as a yearly salary,
for the four years first after his being regularly inducted into the work of
the Gospel Ministry among us, the sum of 135 ounces of Silver or in Bills
of Credit to the value thereof, to be paid Mr. Mansfield on the first day
of January, annually, until the term of four years be completed; and
after the expiration of four years coming, this Society do hereby grant to
Mr. Mansfield the sum of 180 ounces of Silver annually, during his con
tinuance in the office of the Gospel Ministry among us ; & to be com
puted and paid to him in Wheat at the rate ot 5 shillings per bushel ; or
Rye at three shillings per bushel ; or Indian Corn at 2 shillings per
bushel ; or in Pork at four pence per pound ; or in Beef at two pence
per pound ; or in other articles in like proportion ; or in Bills of Credit
to the value thereof."
He was also allowed the use of the Parsonage or Society
lands, and the sixty cart loads of good wood annually.
On March the 10th, 1779, he married the widow of the Rev.
Eliphalet Huntington, by whom he had three children — Eliza
beth, who married Dr. Olcott ; Nathan, who graduated at
Yale College in 1803, studied medicine, and died in 1813 ; and
Susan, who married the Rev. Joshua Huntington, of Boston.
A gentlemen, who was a member of his congregation and
knew him well, has kindly furnished me the following :
" The Rev. Achillies Mansfield was of medium height, of
good form, and had a very pleasant countenance. He was
Courteous and affable in his manners, and upon all occasions
gave good evidence of a sincere desire to promote the interest
of his Master's Kingdom. His voice was good, being clear and
full. In the delivery of his sermons he was lively and inter
esting and very punctual in the performance of all his duties

28
as pastor. In extempore speaking, at funerals and like occa
sions, he had few equals ; for, possessing a tender and sympa
thetic heart, he felt keenly for those in affliction, and so,
prompted by his own kindly nature, he was in an especial
degree fitted to soothe and console the soiTOwing.
It was during his ministry that evening meetings were estab-
Hshed, being held in the Old Stone School House which then
stood a little east of the Church. He conducted the meetings
thus : After the preliminary exercises, such as prayer and
singing, he would read the chapter selected for the occasion
and then explain it verse by verse, remaining seated. All who
attended these exercises well remember, how, after reading a
verse or two, he would stop, sit back, raise his spectacles, and
then explain and enforce the truths of the passage. Few, if
any, surpassed him in like efforts ; and the meetings were well
attended and appreciated."
He was six years a member of the Corporation of Yale Col
lege, being so at his death. He was faithful and attentive in
the discharge of his duties to that Institution, and was ever
desirous of promoting its interests. He was very popular with
his associates, and his death was regarded as a severe loss to
them and the flock which he loved.
Dr. Field says : " He was a man distinguished for mild and
pleasant manners, for uniformity and sweetness of disposition,
and for the patient endurance of affliction." Here for thirty-
seven years he preached to this people, and for the whole time,
lacking two years, their pastor, — and he had the joy of welcom
ing one hundred and eighty-two to the Sacramental Feast.
On the Sabbath preceding his death he preached from the
text, " His rest shall be glorious." He lived in the house now
occupied by Esquire Taintor, where he died July 22d, 1814,
aged sixty-three.
It was during his ministry that Dr. Benjamin Gale, who
married a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Eliot, died. I refer to him
because, in one sense, he stands connected with the history of
this Church, and because I desire to call your attention to the
fact that even then there were those in this place that were
looking for the speedy destruction of the present order of
things. He buUt the stone house, which, with some improve-

29
ments, is now known as " The Clinton House." It is said
that he had its walls made thick and strong, so that it might
stand till he should rise from the dead, so that he could have
a home to go to, and one that should look natural. Some
state that he set out the cedar which stands in front of it, but
others say, — which is far more probable, — that it was there at
the first settlement of the town, and is therefore one of the
oldest, if not the oldest tree in this section of the country, — a
living link connecting us to " the long, long ago." He was
buried according to his request, with his feet towards his
home, facing the west, so that, as he said, the firet thing he
should behold on coming forth from the grave, would be his
old Homestead. Well, the house still stands, and as far as I
can judge, is likely to for years, — perhaps for centuries yet to
come ; in front of it the cedar still sways, looking as if weary
with its long vigil ; and for your comfort, who desire to so
think, his dying wish may yet be gratified ; at any rate, those
of you who may wish to visit his grave, will find the following,
in letters almost effaced by the finger prints of time :
" In memory of Dr. Benjamin Gale, who, after a life of usefulness in
his profession, and a laborious study of the prophecies, fell asleep May
the 6th, A. D. 1790, .^t. 75, fully expecting to rise again under the
Messiah and to reign with Him on Earth. ' I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth, and mine
eyes shall behold Him and not another.'"
Rev. Hart Talcott was the sixth pastor. He was born at
Bolton, Conn., graduated with honor at Dartmouth College in
1812, studied theology at Andover, where, at the end of three
years, he graduated with the highest honors of his class, and
was licensed by the Tolland Association, June 4th, 1816. He
was invited to preach in the 1st Congregational Church of
New Haven, and but for his lack of voice would have received,
it is said, their unanimous invitation to settle as their pastor.
In 1817 he received and accepted a call to become pastor of
this Church, and was ordained and installed the 11th of June
of the same year. At his own request he was dismissed June
14th, 1824.
During the first part of his ministry here he lived on the
place now owned by Mr. Horace Barker, in an old house which

30
has since been removed. In 1823 the Parsonage was erected,
and he became its first occupant. After leaving here he was
settled in Warren of this State, where he died in March, 1836,
greatly beloved and lamented. " As a writer," says one that
knew him well, "he was preeminent. His style was chaste,
and his reasoning cogent. His sermons when ready for the
pulpit were also ready for an Edinburgh Review. Had he
possessed sufficient vocal powers, he could have commanded,
as those well qualified to judge declare, some of the best loca
tions in our State or land. He was a man of excellent social
qualities, — modest, unassuming, and only anxious to spend
and be spent in his Master's service."
During his pastorate of six and one-half years, eighteen
were gathered into the Church.
After his dismission, a serious division arose in the Church
in regard to employing the Rev. Peter Crocker, against whom
charges of immorality were circulated. So bitter became the
feeling, that a portion of the Church refused to listen to him,
and, having withdrawn, worshiped by themselves. There being
dissatisfaction also with the Consociation on account of the
course the members pursued, formal votes of secession from the
Consociation were passed at Church meetings held on May the
5th and June the 28th, 1830, which I will quote, in order to
show how squarely they took their stand on pure Congrega
tional grounds :
" At a regular meeting of the l st Church in Killingworth, held at the
meeting house, this, the 28th day of June, 1830, it was voted, that this
Church do not consider themselves in any way as a Consociated Church,
and do stand on the same foundation and footing as it respects Consocia
tion, as the first Church of Christ in Guilford, which has never been
Consociated, and that the Consociation have no right, nor any of their
ministers, to intermeddle with the right of this Church to appoint its own
officers, examine and receive members into the Church, or any other of
the concerns of this Church, unless requested by the Church."
On this new basis the Church were again united, and on the
5th of Sept., 1831, at a regular meeting of the Church, it was
unanimously voted :
"That we concur with the 1st Ecclesiastical Society of Killingworth in
giving the Rev. Luke Wood a call to settle with us in the work of the
Gospel Ministry, and also to take pastoral charge of this Church."

31
And at a Church Meeting held on the 26th of the same
month, the following action was taken, viz : —
"Whereas, this Church and the ist Ecclesiastical Society in Killing-
worth have given to the Rev. Luke Wood a call to settle with
them in the work of the Gospel Ministry, and he having accepted
the call, voted. That we sincerely invite those that once professed to
belong to this Church, and are still in good standing, to come together
with us upon the same foundation and standing, as it respects Consocia
tion, as the 1st Church in Guilford; and also all those that made a public
profession of their faith, and partook of the Sacrament at the Union
Prayer Meeting, held at the Meeting House in this place in the summer
of 1830. And we also wish them to unite with us in the Installation and
settlement of the Rev. Luke Wood over the Church and Society in the
work of the Gospel Ministry."
This was acceded to, and Mr. Wood was installed the 13th
of October, 1831.
I have given somewhat in full the action of the Church for
two reasons : First, that the real condition of affairs in the
Church might be seen ; and second, that it might be apparent
to all how difficult and peculiar was the position of Mr, Wood.
Great tact and skill were necessary to unite in one harmonious
whole, the then so lately separate and discordant elements.
That he was successful two facts will prove : First, the Church
remained united ; and second, during his pastorate of two and
one-half years, thirty-one were added to the Church, and all
but two on profession of faith. He was dismissed March, 1834.
Rev. Mr. Wood was born at Somers, Conn., in 1777 ; grad
uated at Dartmouth College in 1803 ; took his second degree
in course, and also at Yale ; studied Theology with Dr. Em
mons ; was licensed by Hartford North Association, and or
dained pastor of the First Congregational Church of Water-
bury, Conn., November 30th, 1808, where he continued till
dismissed on account of severe sickness in 1817. Upon his
recovery, he engaged in Missionary labors in other states,
organizing, during the time, the Congregational Church in
Agawam, Mass. ; after this he came to Killingworth. From
here he went to Queechy, Vt. ; thence he became pastor of the
Church in West Hartland, from which he was dismissed in
1842. 5eing then far advanced in hfe, he returned to Somers,

32
his birth place, where he spent the remaining years of his hfe
doing good, teaching a Bible class and occasionally preaching.
The Rev. Mr. Wood died August 22d, 1851, aged 74.
In the Congregational Journal of February 4th, 1852, it is
stated that —
" His (Mr. Wood's) opinion on the subject of the education of the
female sex more particularly, were formed on a high standard of female
character. On this point his views were greatly in advance of the pre
vailing sentiment during the early years of his ministry ; yet with the
judicious and reflecting class of parents they had great weight; and not
a few among the more highly educated women of Connecticut owe, in
part, their superior advantages to the influence of his views upon others."
In the Congregational Quarterly of 1859, may be found the
following :
" Mr. Wood was eminently successful as a pastor, and did much to
heal the wounds in Christ's Church, and to build up her waste places.
His preaching Was direct and practical in a good sense."
The eighth pastor was Lewis Foster, who was bom at Hart-
land, Conn., in 1806 ; graduated at Yale College in 1831 ;
studied at New Haven Theological Seminary ; was licensed by
New Haven West Association in 1834, and was ordained and
installed pastor of this Church, December 3d, 1834, and died
October 27th, 1839, after a brief ministry of four years and
ten months, during which eighty-one were gathered into the
Church. Mr. Foster was a little above the medium height, arid a
little inclined to stoop. As a preacher he was earnest, argu
mentative and spiritual, the great, all absorbing desive of his
life being to build up and advance the cause of Christ. He
loved his flock deeply, his wife often hearing him in the quiet
hours of the night, when he thought those around him wrapt
in sleep, pleading with God for an outpouring of His Spirit
upon the Church and people. It was during his ministry here,
that the present Church edifice was erected, he preaching
the dedication sermon from the text, " Thy way, 0 God, is in
the Sanctuary."
His labors were eminently blessed, and having lived the
same number of years that his Savior did, God called him from

33
the scenes of earth, to the brighter and more radiant glories of
heaven. He too sleeps in yonder yard, and at the head of his
grave is a marble slab, erected by the members of his flock, as
a shght token of the love they bore him ; a love which, to-day,
after the lapse of more than twenty-eight years, is warm and
glowing. . One, who was a member of his flock and prized him highly,
says : " His ministry was brief but very successful. He won
the affection of his people by his ardent devotion to his work,
and his earnest and successful labors in the vineyard of his
master, as well as by his genial and kindly disposition. The
record shows a larger accession to the membership of the Church
during his ministry, than for the same length of time in its
previous history."
A friend relates the following incident illustrative of the
predominant trait of his character. The people had assembled
to erect the frame work of this building ; an unsuccessful at
tempt was made to raise a portion of it, when he stepped for
ward, and, amid the silent group, offered an earnest invocation
for the blessing of Almighty God upon their efforts to rear, for
His worship and glory, this house of prayer. Quietly and
rapidly every timber was then placed in position, without
accident or delay.
He was exceedingly sensitive. At one time he imagined that
the people were dissatisfied with him, which lead him to indi
cate his purpose of leaving his field of labor ; but the spontane
ous protest of his people convinced him, that he had been mis
taken, and thereupon he remarked to one of the brethren, who
assured him of the affectionate regard of his fiock, that he
was ready to live, labor and die among them, — which he did.
One, that had ample opportunity for observation, says, " That
the time usually occupied by young ministers in rehearsing their
sermons, previous to entering upon the labors of the pulpit,
was uniformily spent by him, pleading with God for His bless
ing to rest upon his efforts." The prosperity of Zion was the
great burden of his life. His death was deeply lamented by
his charge, who still treasure his memory so fragrant with all
that is precious and lovely in a devoted, humble Christain
character." — Truly, " the memory of the just is blessed."
3

34
Orlo D. Hine, was the ninth pastor. He was born in New
Milford, Conn. ; graduated at Yale College in 1837; licensed
by New Haven West Association in 1840 ; was ordained and
installed pastor of this Church, April 14th, 1841, and, at his
own request, was dismissed October 25th, 1842. He was the
first pastor of this Church after the town of Killingworth was
divided, and the name of Clinton had been given to this por
tion, which was done at the May Session of the General As
sembly in 1838. During his pastorate, twenty-one united with
the Church. He is now, and for the last eleven years has been,
pastor of the Church in Lebanon, of this State.
Enoch S. Huntington, was the tenth pastor, who was bom
in Ashford, Conn., September 30th, 1804 ; graduated at
Amherst College, and studied Theology at Lane Seminary,
Ohio. He spent the first of his ministerial life in the West,
preaching for several years in Groveland, Tazwell Co., 111.
After a few years, his health faiUng hiin he was forced to come
East. It was while at home, that he was recommended to this
Church by Dr, Biles ; both he and the people being mutually
pleased, he accepted a call to become their pastor, and was
installed May 24th, 1843, and was, at his own oft expressed
desire, dismissed March 26th, 1850. Sixty-eight united vfith
the Church while he was its pastor. After leaving here he
preached, as stated supply, to several Churches, and died in
Danbury, Conn., April 7th, 1862.
Mr. Huntington, soon after his settlement here, was blest
with one of the most extensive revivals ever enjoyed by this
people. He entered into the work with his whole heart, labor
ing early and late for the salvation of those out of Christ.
His health, — none of the best at any time, — ^gradually failed
him ; and being of a strong " nervo-billious temperament,"
aggravated by his labors in the West, he suffered, at times,
intensely from melancholy, which unfitted him for mental or
corporeal exercise. He would, when thus oppressed, seek
retirement, being entirely incapacitated for visiting his flock^
or making any suitable preparation for the Sabbath. Sermons,
written with the greatest care, seemed, at such times, worth
less, and he would have destroyed many of his best produc
tions, had not his wife, having persuaded him to allow her to

35
examine them, put them away for safe keeping, till his
despondency should be in a measure past. Often the whole ser
vice of the Sabbath was a terrible trial to him, feeling that his
prayers were soulless, his preaching of no power, and he would
go home and weep over what seemed to him his weak and
inefficient efforts ; during such seasons, he thought himself
unfit to preach, and would determine, without delay, to have
a council called for his dismission.
By the judicious management of his wife, who would
urge him to take carriage exercise, his life was prolonged
many years. The following incident wdl illustrate the nervous
excitability of the man : The neighboring ministers, on a cer
tain occasion, were to meet at his house and take dinner with
him. The butcher failed to appear with the desired beef, and,
having sought in vain for a substitute, he came home all
excitement, exclaiming, "Wife, wife ! what shall be done ? ten
or a dozen brother ministers to take dinner with us, and we have
nothing to give them 1" " Do not worry. Mr. Huntington, you
take care of the ministers, and I will attend to the table." " But
wife, we must have something to eat, and I can find neither
flesh, fish nor fowl." " Have faith, have faith, Mr. Huntington ;
God will provide ; just leave it with Him." " Yes, but what
will He provide, codfish and potatoes ? You are all faith, but
I think it about time for works. Only look, — ^in one half hour,
and my brethren will be here, and we have nothing for dinner."
" True, but I assure you, that theie shall be enough and well
cooked." While this debate was going on, a knock was heard,
and upon going to the door, Mrs. H. found one of their
parishioners, who said : " We have been kilUng some nice
roasters, and, thinking that our pastor might like one, have
brought this, which, I hope, may be acceptable." It is need
less to say, that Mr. Huntington felt rebuked ; and with tears
he acknowledged his lack of faith in the loving and providing
care of God.
The eleventh pastor was James D. Moore, who began his
ministry the tenth day of March, 1850, and ended his labors
as pastor on Sunday, the 4th day of March, 1866 — a ministry
of just sixteen years. As one result of his labors, one hundred
and twenty-three were gathered into the Church ; and if those

36
who united on the first Sabbath in May, after his departure,
be added, it will increase the number to one hundred and
seventy-six. He is now pastor of the Congregational Church
in Plainfield, Conn.
Of him, or his, or his works, I need not speak. His pleasant
face, his kindly beaming eye, his cordial greeting, his loving
heart, — these are household treasures — present to you all.
His deep and sincere sympathy especially endearing him to the
afflicted. As a citizen, he was an ardent lover of his adopted
country ; as a man, he was honored and respected ; as a pas
tor, he possessed the confidence of his flock, as one who really
desired to do them good ; and as a friend, he was loved. He
especially desired that his people might not only be Christians,
but intelligent ones.
Your present pastor was ordained and installed. May 23d,
1867. In looking back over the history of this Church, we find
that there have been, including the present, four " Meeting
Houses." The first which was built at the first settlement,
and lasted till the year 1700. The second was then built, for
which a bell was procured in 1703 ; and in which galleries
were made in 1709. In 1731, the third was erected, upon
which a new steeple was raised in 1809, as is shown by the
following entry by Mr. Mansfield : ,
" 1809, June 1st. The new steeple was raised to the meeting house.
The meeting house was then about seventy-eight years old."
It faced the West, the principal entrance being on the South.
It had gallaries, high pulpit on the side — under which was the
Deacons' seat, — and its " pews " were high and square. In the
foundation wall of this building, near the South-east comer,
may be seen the stone step, which was at the South or principal
entrance, worn smooth by the countless steps of our fathers
and mothers who trod upon it entering into the house of
God, — a sacred memento, and appropriately placed as one of
the corner-stones of this Sanctuary.
Some thirty years out of the two hundred, the Church has
been without a pastor ; one half of this period elapsed between
the dismission of Mr. Woodbridge and the settlement of Mr.

37
Pierson, in which " their pulpit was supplied, for longer or
shorter periods, by several occupants. Among these, Rev.
Mr. Bayly preached in the years 1684^5 ; and in June of
the latter year, a unanimous,call was given to him to settle, at
a meeting warned for that purpose, ' which was the number
of twenty.' Another year passed without any permanent set
tlement being effected. When, in Sept., 1686, another vote
was passed accepting his terms ; still no settlement was effected.
In 1692 the Rev. Mr. Mather was acting minister, and in
August a call was given to him to settle. He continued to
preach sometime longer but was not installed."
I have already stated that both Mr. Eliot and Mr. Mansfield
preached nearly two years each, before becoming pastors by
ordination and installation, but as the Church had previously
given them a call to become such, I regard them as pastors
from the beginning of their ministry here.
The average length of pastorates has been about fifteen
years ; and if we deduct that of Mr. Wood and Mr. Hine,
which united amounted to only four years, it will bring the
average up to a little over eighteen years.
Mr. Eliot's pastorate was the longest, being about fifty-six
years ; Mr. Hine's was the briefest, being one year and a half
The annual additions to the Church were the largest during
Mr. Foster's ministry, averaging almost seventeen ; the small
est during Mr. Talcott's — being less than three annually.
There have been, including those now living, seventeen
Deacons, fourteen of whom have finished their work, and have
entered into their rest. They were men, generally, who were
an honor to their office ; and so far as they are remembered,
were considered worthy, pious men, sincerely desirous of pro
moting the interest of religion and morality in the Church and
community ; inculcating, by their example, the duty of keep
ing holy the Sabbath day, which, with them, began with the
going down of the sun on Saturday. Then all work would be
suspended, and the time devoted to preparation for the duties
of the coming day, and no little thing kept them from being
promptly present, with their families, at the services of the
Church. As sunset Saturday night began, so sunset Sunday
eve closed the Sabbath.

38
Of the thirteen hundred and sixty-two, who have become
members of this Church since its organization, one thousand,
at least, have mouldered back to dust. Many of them are
sleeping in yonder cemetery, among whom, as guardian shep
herds, five of your former pastors keep watch — Pierson, Eliot,
Huntington, Mansfield — the youth winner, as he was called, —
and Foster, the devoted, but too early called.*
There, too, rests the tuneful Redfield, whose life was a
speaking witness of the deep Christ-love, which, as a gushing
fountain, lived within his soul. . His loving words, his earnest
prayers, his songs of praise, — these have written themselves
upon your hearts ; and well do many of you remember the
last time his faltering voice was heard, joining in with yours,
in the closing hymn, as you went forth from the Sacramental
Board. Then, too, what sweet and precious memories cluster around
the name of John L. Hull ; seldom heard, but always working
for Christ ; whose daily life and consistent walk were fitting
exponents of the living, loving, clinging faith, which made him
what he was, — a devoted husband, an affectionate father, a
kind neighbor, a good citizen and a worthy and exemplary
Christian. Let these two, whose memories are so fragrant and precious,
be types of many, many, whose names I may not speak, who
have here lived, and labored, and who, by a loving Father, have
been taken from the Church militant, and are now the enrolled
and rejoicing members of the Church triumphant.
During the two hundred years now gone, God has given
many a gracious token of His presence. Time and again has
* The first Marriage, Birth and Death found recorded are the fol
lowing :
" John Meigs and Sarah Wilcox were married the 7th day of March,
1665." " Hannah, the Daughter of Joseph Wilcox, was born the igth day of
January, 1665,"
" William Haydon died the 27th of Sept., 1669."
The oldest stone in the Clinton burial ground, has cut on it the letters
" M. G.'' with the date 1670.

39
His Spirit been poured out upon this people, — glorious harvest
times when many precious souls have been gathered into His
Garner House.
How sacred, in the spirit life of this Church, should be the
years 1711, '14, '21, '25, '31, '36 and 1757, in which Mr. Eliot,
by the blessing of God, welcomed more than five hundred to
the Communion of this Church. 'Yes, scattered all along
through these two centuries, have been precious seasons of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, causing plants of
righteousness to spring up and strengthen this vine of His love.
The last of these occurred in 1866, and was a beautiful
illustration of the loving care of the Redeemer for His Church,
as well as of the prophetic words, " He shall come down as
rain upon the mown grass, hke showers that water the Earth."
With no pastor, and having no ministerial labor, save on the
Sabbath, still the work went forward, quietly, yet with power,
till more than fifty, — many of whom were from the Sabbath
School, — were gathered, as precious fruit, into the bosom of the
Church. At some of the most prominent points in the history of this
Church I have now glanced ; photographed, though dimly and
imperfectly, its former pastors, of whom all, save two, have
entered into their rest ; have spoken of the three Church
buildings, which were but are not, — which, together with this,
have all stood on this very hill, and near the spot where this
now stands ; called to mind the more than ten hundred, who,
as we trust, have past on from here to the rest and joy of
heaven ; and have reminded you of God's loving and watchful
care towards you as a Church and people ; and now, as we
stand here on this rocky, but oh, how sacred hill, and let our
eyes glance back over the two hundred years to the birth morn
of this Church, and behold what the world was then, and what
it is now, we cannot but feel, and be deeply and movingly
impressed with the fact, that they have been most important
centuries in the civil, educational and religious history of
the world.
Only forty-seven years had then past since our Pilgrim
Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock, — yea, many were then living,
who had been the subjects of Elizabeth, England's most noted

40
queen, and some who had spent many a pleasant and never to
be forgotten hour with the immortal Shakespeare.
Upon these shores the red man made his home, — here lived
and died. Nay, our whole, broad, beautiful land was almost
a howling wilderness. The vast, fertile prairies, where now
stand mighty cities of rapid growth, and well cultivated fields
are found, were then the indiaub' hunting ground, untrodden
by the white man, unexplored and unexplorable. Then we
were the subjects of England. The thought of an independent,
free government had not been conceived, much less born. In
England the licentious Charles II was unvailing to the world
his total depravity.
Only six years had past since Louis the XIV, to the State
officials, who, at the death of Mazarine, his chief minister,
had asked " to whom in the future they must address them
selves on public business," had given this significant and ever
memorable reply, "To myself!" Milton, the heaven-inspired
poet, still lived, and, perchance, the out-breathings of his
devoted heart may have brought down upon this then new
born Church, the rich and Ufe-giving blessing of that God whom
he so loved. Peter the Great, who, in more senses than one,'
may be regarded as the father of the vast empire of Russia, was
not yet born ; and William of Orange had not fiooded Holland
and thus repelled the invading hosts of France. Such a thing
as a really free government was unknown. It was an age of
Despotism, when might made right.
Since then what changes have taken place. What men have
lived. What fearful scenes have been enacted. What glo
rious triumphs to human liberty have been gained. What
fearfully bloody revolutions have swept over France. What
untold horrors have been enacted in the BastUe. How has
earth trembled beneath the excited tread of contending armies.
All the battles of Wellington have been fought. Napoleon,
inspired by the spirit of War, and impelled by the demon
Ambition, has come, written his name in blood, and long since
has departed from a startled, wondering, admiring world.
The Inquisition, that hell-born instrument of death and tor
ture, — worse than death, — has been forever banished.
In our own land, scenes no less wonderful and important
have transpired. The events of the Indian wars have past.

41
The long seven years' struggle, put forth to attain our inde
pendence, with all concurrent events, has become, for these
eighty years, part of the history of the past.
Liberty with us has become a reahty ; and from a weak
dependent we have grown stalwart and strong, so that to-day
we grasp with one hand the turbulent Atlantic and with the
other the milder Pacific, while the Arctic Ocean on the North,
and the Gulf on the South, indicate our latitude. Well forged
shackles have been broken, the enslaved have been set free,
and we stand to-day a representative people. And not alone,
for throughout all the nations of the world, the spirit of human
liberty, emanating from us, is at work, so that to-day it is not
the man but the masses, that rule.
Like wonderful transformations have taken place in the edu
cational world, the results of which have filled lake, river,
sound and ocean with floating palaces, steam-impelled ;
spanned our country with railroads ; spread out like living
threads, the electric wire, which with one swift bound leaps
across the ocean, and will soon flash its messages around the
world. Yea, results too great and grand to be grasped at once,
have been attained since Pierson — ever to be honored name —
became first President of Yale College.
If to-day he is permitted to look down upon us assembled
here, where once he lived and labored, and with deep and anx
ious interest and steadfast hope, watched over and prayed for
success of the then youthful College, and see it loaded with the
thickly clustering honors of almost two centuries, already
become America's noblest and best University, owning as her
children more than nine thousand, who have gone forth from
her various departments, who have proved, and are now proving
in numberless ways, powers for good in the world ; and that
holds, in her arras to-day, seven hundred young men, lacking
one, that one being equal to the number in the Senior Class in
1702 ; if he is permitted from his distant home, — and per
chance not so distant as we sometimes think, — to see all this,
and the noble, learned and justly celebrated band of men that
now have charge of ifs educational interests, and you,* its most
* President Woolsey was not able to be present on account of sickness,
but Professor D. C, Gilman being his representative, he, (Pres. W.,) is
addressed as though present.

42
honored head, sitting in the same chair in which he sat, while,
like yourself, he was President of the College, then surely his
spirit heart must glow, and his joy must receive a deeper thrill,
as he beholds these already perfected results of his labors.
In the religious world, the change has been none the less
marked. Freedom to worship God according to the dictates
of one's own conscience, was a dream which few, even if any,
hoped or expected would ever prove a reality. But to-day, no
" Blue Laws" or laws of bigoted proscription mar or deface our
statutes. Baptist, Methodist, — a name then unknown, —
Episcopalian, or what not, may now, without let or hin
drance, worship God, To-day, throughout the broad earth,
no martyr stakes are erected ; no cruel flames, with their hiss
ing, fiery tongues eat up the quivering flesh ; no instruments
of cruel torture in the hands of heartless men, make life a
curse, or force the heart to stay its beatings ; these are all
things of the past, and have become so since, on this hill, the
WATCH-PIEES OF God'S TRUTH WEKE KINDLED.
Truth was walled out then ; now, the walls are broken down ;
then, mankind were groping their way, seeing but dimly the
way of life ; now, in fulfillment of Christ's blessed promise, —
to draw all men unto Himself, — they have been lifted up into
the purer atmosphere of a higher, holier hfe ; they see more
clearly the truth — they better understand their real wants, so
that from even Priest-ridden Italy, and lust-enslaved Turkey,
comes the cry : " Send, oh, send us Light and Life," — the
Missionary and ihe Bible !
With all these revolutions in State and Church, with all the
mighty changes in the civil, educational and religious world,
this Church stands connected. Its hfe has formed a part of
the great life which has existed around it. The spiritual influ
ence which has gone forth from this sacred lull during the two
hundred eventful years now past, has helped make the world
what it is. The holy longings and the deeper pulsations of its
inner life, have not only called down the blessings of God here,
but have infused new life and power into His entire Oathohc
Church, so as a living branch of the true vine there is a fresher
vitality here. Just as the rough, uncouth and stony surface of
this hill, as it was two hundred years ago, has been wrought

43
upon by the strong arm of man, and still stronger hand of
time, till, compared with what it was, it is a beauteous lawn,
dipping to the south and east and west, but with the same
everlasting granite for its base, so, some of the rough points
which may have marred the outer beauty of the Church here
planted, have been brushed away by the changes of the past,
but the same real spirit-life remains ; upon the same immova
ble, eternal Foundation-Stone she rests. Here, there is no
change. For one, I feel deeply grateful that God has given us this
opportunity to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of this
Church, — a vine of His own planting, — that He has granted us
this blessed, interest-fraught season to travel back over the past,
and greet those who have gone on before us, and whom, ere
long, we shall join in a never ending union.
And as I glance over the names of the under shepherds, who
have been sent by God to watch and feed this flock ; when I
contemplate the character of Woodbridge, the sterling worth
of Pierson, whose efforts in behalf of education have been so
wonderfully blest ; the intellectual power of Eliot, who
was instrumental in gathering into the bosom of the Church
more than five hundred immortal souls ; when in fine I call
to mind the worth and work and character of those who have
been pastors of this Church, — from Woodbridge to Moore, — I
feel that you have reason to rejoice and praise God for his
great and continued goodness to you as a Church and a people.
And as to-day, in our history as a Church, we clasp hands
with long ago, even as the green leafed 1867 reaches backward
to the sere leafed 1667, and the verdant and smooth hand of
the present clasps the dry and withered of the past, so with
the hand of a living faith, let us, reaching upward and for
ward, clasp closely the hand of those who have gone before,
and thus, with one hand in heaven and the other on
earth,  one resting on mortality, the other grasping
Immortality, — let us plant our feet more firmly on the
Rock, Christ Jesus, and like our fathers, as was their

44
wont at the settlement of each new pastor,* solemnly
renew our Covenant Vows, to live henceforth more to His
glory, the building up of His kingdom and the gathering of
immortal souls.
* It was the custom of the early Fathers of this Church at the settlement
of each new pastor to declare their " adhearance to the Doctrine of
Faith and Covenant which were agreed upon and signed by our Rev.
Pastor, the Rev. John Woodbridge," and others.
Note 2d. — The Cong, Church in what was then North, but now
Killingworth, was organized in May, 1735,
THE ORIGINAL CONFESSION OF FAITH AND COVENANT
OF THE CHURCH.
The Doctrine of faith. And the Covenant in and according unto which
the Church of Christ at Kelinworth in the ffirst Imbodying of it was and
yet is Ingaged unto God and their Duty,
I Believe that there is only one true, living, and Eternal God ; infinite
in his being, truth holyness, power, wisdom, justice and goodness distin
guished into and subsisting in three glorious and undivided persons who
are the same in substance. Essence & Attributes, equaU in glory power
and Majestic : yet distinguished bv their Relative & personall properties.
The ffather beeing the first in order & orignall, begetting the Son. The
Son the second beeing begotten of the ffather. The holy ghost the third
proceeding both from the ffather & the Son. That this God is the
Almighty Creator, the sovereigne, ' wise and just upholder, desposer &
Governour of all his Creaturs, & all their actions. That man being
created after his Image, in a state of Integrity & Blessedness hath now
suffered the Loss of both, by his disobedience to, and his disunion from
God, and is by nature in a state of spiritual weakness, enmity, pollution,
guilt unrighteousness & wrath,
I believe that when the fullness of time was come, God the ffather
sent his true, only & eternall Son, true God and equall with the ffiither
to take upon him the nature of man, that so subsisting in and consisting
of two distinct natures, & one undivided person, he might be a fitt
mediator between, & reconciler of God & man ; and an efficacious and
sufficient Redeemer of man, by price and power, which Son of God being
Anointed the King, Priest and Prophett of the Church, did execute his
office by his obeying the Law, revealing the Gospell, suffering Death, and
now presenting before the ffather his Righteousness, Death and merites, and
in sending the holy spirit to inlighten, convince, call and sanctify all those
that are given unto him, who, being enabled to believe in his name in the

45
Anniversary Hymn, written by Miss Wealtha Maria
Hilliard.
Sung to the old Time of " Stappokd."
We gatlier, in this Autumn time,
To offer notes of grateful praise
To Him whose goodness crowns the year,
Whose glories shine through endless days.
We praise Thee, that in counsels wise,
Of Thy most gracious, sovereign will,
Thou didst ordain this Vine to stand
Upon this consecrated hill, —
And that for these Tivo Hund/red years
Thy never-tiring, loving hand
Hath nurtured it, caused it to spread,
And made it flourish in the laud.
day when God, having raised them from the dead, shall judge all men
according to their works, shall be adjudged to eternal life, and all others
to everlasting punishment according to the scriptures of truth, which I
believe to be the very word of God, and the only rule of faith &
manners. This God in Jesus Christ I avouch to be my God & do promise and
Covenant to have no other Gods before him, but as his spirit & grace
shall enable me I will believe his truths, obey his will, and run the Race
of his Commandments, walking before him & beeing upright exercising
my self in duties of piety towards God, sobrietie towards my self, & Jus
tice and Charity towards others. And because Christ hath appointed
spirituall administrations in his Church as the Sacraments to signifie, scale
and exhibitt the benefitts of Christ, as also Admonitions for the unruley,
censures for oifenders, consolations for the penitent, teachings, quickenings,
& exortations for all, I will truly countenance, & faithfully submit to the
Regular dispensation of all in the Church of Christ in this place, and for
the promoting of the same performe my injoyned & Respective duties
unto others, that we may be all saved in the day of the Lord.
JOHN WOODBRIDGE,
EDWARD GRISWOLD,
WILLIAM HAYTON,
JOSIAH HULL,
HENRY FFARNAM,
And one hundred others " were Ingaged in the Covenant above men
tioned before the year 1694."

46
We praise Thee, that thy love didst send
Thine husbandmen to train the Vine,
And that it prospered 'neath their care :
The glory, Lord, we own, is thine.
May every branch united be
To Christ, the true and living vine,
Till on each one the fruits of life
In rich, abundant clusters shine.
And when that fruit shall ripened be,
'Neath beams of God's perfecting grace,
He shall prepare, for each glad soul,
Tq realms of bhss, a welcome place,
Where, with the saints of ages past.
And all who yet redeemed shall be,
With Christ, our ever-blessed Lord,
We'll reign through all eternity.
BENEDICTION.

m
At the close of this service, cordial invitations were
given for aH to visit the basement of the Church, where
a sumptuous entertainment, provided by the ladies,
awaited them. Some three hundred persons were boun
tifully supplied.
At this Thanksgiving Festival of the Church, her
sons and daughters, with their guests, gathered around
a table heaped with a liberal hand, with the best pro
ductions of a fruitful season, arranged with taste and
skill. There were oysters, chicken pies, roast turkeys,
chickens, ducks, roast pig, boiled ham and tongue ;
puddings, cakes and pastry, all looking as if they had
come on purpose to grace this Thanksgiving Feast.
The pumpkin pies were fully equal to the support of
N ew England's ancient renown in that line, and the
time-honored pork and beans were not forgotten.

47
Patient and skillful fingers had wrought many and
curious devices in cake and pastry, among which the
figures « 1667," and " 200," often appeared.
Boquets, arranged by Miss Marietta W. Hull, of the
beautiful late blooming flowers of this region, adorned
the tables.
Old friends here met, exchanging cheerful greetings.
One tie binding aU together, the remembrances of the
past. At two o'clock the audience reassembled. The choir
giving the anthem, "0! come, let us sing unto the
Lord." In response to a call from the moderator, Prof. D.
C. Gilman, of Yale College, (who had been seated in
the old oaken chair which once belonged to Rector
Pierson,) then made a short address, in which he
described the early connection of Yale College with the
town of Killingworth, and paid a tribute of respect to
the first rector* of the " Collegiate School of Connec
ticut," the pastor also of the church now celebrating
its two hundredth anniversary. He quoted a letter
from Rev, Dr, Vermilye, of New York, referring to a
silver tankard once belonging to the rector, which was
for a while handed down from one generation to
another as an heir-loom, but of which the trace, for the
rhoment at least, has been lost. He remarked that Old
Killiagworth should be regarded by scholars as one of
the shrines of American education, and promised to do
what he could to secure a Memorial Stone, with a suit
able inscription upon it, to mark the spot where the
earliest senior classes of Yale College were taught.
He also mentioned that the Rev. Dr, Jared Elliot,
successor of Rector Pierson, in the church, was like-
* Rev, Abraham Pierson,

48
wise a celebrated man, a graduate and trustee of the
College, a physician and a scholar, the author of a trea
tise on Field Husbandry, and the friend and corres
pondent of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. We may presume,
he said, that Franklin on his journeys from Philadel
phia to Boston, took the Shore Line Route, like a sensi
ble man, stopping at his friend, Dr. Elliot's, to talk
over the scientific topics of the day.
Irof. Q-ilman expressed his regret that President
Woolsey had been detained from this festival by ill-
health, and in conclusion he urged the present genera
tion to emulate the love of learning, the devotion to
education, and the Christian virtues of those Worthies
of the past whose services had been in the morning so
fully recounted.
The next in order, was Mr. Wm, L, Kingsley, Editor
of the New Englander, whose theme was the patience
and perseverance of the early settlers. He related a
story illustrative of this,
A welcome guest was the Rev. James D. Moore,
The sight of his face, and the sound of his voice,
awakening tender memories in the hearts of many.
He who for sixteen years had been identified with the
interests of the Church, as its pastor, and who had
given much time 'and patient research of the records of
the past, was well prepared to speak of its early history.
He remarked that the storm of the preceding day,
a^d the chilling cold of that, furnished fitting types of
the trials and hardships* they endured, who here
* Killingworth, Dec, ye 20th, 1720:
* * m * * m *
Also it was agreed by voat that there shall be allowed 2S. per head for
Every fox or wild cat that shall be killed within the town Bounds and to
be paid out of the town treasurey, they that shall kill any fox or wild cat
to bring the head thereof to the selectmen.

49
planted this " vinej)f the Lord," which had been such
a mighty influence for good in all this region.
" There are two interesting facts connected with the original
and the present names of this place. One is that Killing-
worth is a corruption of the first true name ; the other is, that
Clinton is the same name slightly varied. The name origin
ally given to the place (upon passing from Homonoseit Plan
tation into a township) was Kenilworth, from a town in War
wickshire, England, from which place some of the first settlers
are supposed to have come. In the course of a few years, we
find by the town records, it came to be spelt Kelinworth, by
the transposition of the Z and n, doubtless in accordance with
a similar change in the pronunciation. By the end of the cen
tury it became, by a horrible metamorphosis, Killingworth,
which form (as evil, by a law of its nature, is persistent,) it
still retains. The same change occurred in England, where
the town in Warwickshire has in like manner become Killing-
worth. When the south part, of the original Killingworth was con
stituted into a new town, the name Clinton was chosen, in
honor of Governor De Witt Clinton, like the long list of
towns and counties of that name in the United States. It is
unfortunate that the original name, Kenilworth, had not been
selected, but as it was not, the name Clinton is the next best
that could possibly have been adopted. It is, in fact, the
same name. The first syllable, Clin, is manifestly only a
slight change of the first corruption, Kelin, and the last sylla
ble of each, ton and worth, have essentially the same significa
tion, namely, an inclosure ; ton or tun, in the old Saxon, was
a fenced hill or fortification ; worth, was a fenced place, a court,
or castle. Making for the town a name full of meaning, with*
God's everlasting hills on the north, and the restless, murmur
ing sea on the south.
Nor does this identity of the names rest only on etymology.
It is also proved by historic fact.
Kenilworth, England, was the barony of Sir Geoffrey de
Chnton, chamberlain and treasurer of Henry the first, and who
in the reign of Henry the second built there the famous Kenil-
4

50
worth Castle. It is inost probable, therefore, that the name of
the place (the fief,) was Clinton, or Kenilton, as these barons
took title from the name of their barony. Hence, when Sir
Geofirey de Clinton built, his castle, he called it Kenilworth, or
Kenilcastle."
The Rev. James A. Gallup followed Mr. Moore, and
interested and amused the audience with a sketch of
his " thoughts by the way." He had been wondering
if this aged sister, who to-day was holding her Two
Hundredth Birthday Party, would appear in the cos
tume of ye olden time, with her cap and spectacles. If
her voice would be faltering, her sight dim, her steps
tottering with the infirmities of age. On the contrary,
he had found that her bonnets were as fashionable, her
eyes as bright, her form as erect and as full of the life
and vigor of youth as her younger sisters. Might he
not conclude that she had been the especial care of her
Father, who had made her to be eternally youthful,
beautiful, immortal.
Poem — Glimpses of the Years — written by Mrs.
George B, Hilliard, and read by Mrs. Maria Josephine
Warren. GLIMPSES OF THE YEARS.
Friesds, would ye look with fancy's gaze
Through the vista of Two Centuries?
Come where the Indian River flows, —
Where the red men paddled their bark canoes.
Here, in later times, the stately ship
Was built, and launched for the ocean trip ;
Now, thousands of human beings ride
On iron rails, o'er its swelling tide.
On its grassy bank, which our fathers chose
A shrine for their sacred trust,
Our treasures rest in death's repose.
Dust mingling with the dust I
On the hill-top o'erlooking the river and lea,
The sparse settled hamlet, and blue, rook-bound sea.
Stands a monument, true to the faith of our sires.
The Church of their God, with its heaven-pointing spires.

51
See here, the foundations of time-honored Yale, —
And there, a stone school house, where old "Master Teal,"
At the blazing hearth, with book on his knee,
Taught the children to say the A, B, C,
And showed the far-advanced, minister's son
How the intricate " Rule o' Three" was done.
But the Puritan's Church, with its large, square pews.
And very high pulpit, is long ont of use.
Then, the pastor no gloomy " Shady Side" found.
His salary was paid in pork by the pound.
And wood, corn, and grain ; cheese, butter, and flax ;
And a little " pin money" just settled the tax.
The Puritan mothers, with pious care,
Took thought for the minister's family wear.
In each donation basket with riches fraught,
The notable " skein o' yarn" was brought ;
Producing a fabric, the parish pride.
When a skillful hand the shuttle plied.
The red, low-roofed houses, with chimneys of stone.
And mammoth flre-places, are nearly all gone.
The architect copies their model no more,
Nor housewife, for carpet, strews sand on the floor.
They'd no marble-top tables, with books by the score.
But honored and blessed was their ancient lore, —
The Bible, and Psalm-book, and famed " Catechise,"
And "Old Saybeook Platform," so reverently prized.
No news-boy came, night, and morning, and noon,
With "New York Daily Times, Sun, and Tribune;"
The news came, jogging along the post Une
la saddle-bags, safe, but not always "on time."
Intelligence traveled at tardy rate,
Ere steam power and lightning came to compete.
But see 1 round the world on the wings of flame
Is borne through the darkness " His wonderful name."
The vales are exalted, the mountains brought low.
And a pathway is found for the ransomed to go.
Hear! Earth's joyful millions respond to the thought
Sent first on the telegraph, " What hath God wrought!"
Singing, — " Guide me. Oh ! Thou Great Jehovah."
The next speaker, Lewis Elliott Stanton, elo
quently compared the privations of the past with the
privileges of the present. He said, —
" While listening to the Historical Discourse, I have been
thinking what curious changes have occurred in Clinton since
our ancestors came up to the house of God, upon this sacred
hill, at the sound of Samuel Griswold's church-going drum.

52
" What an unusual sight to witness, as the various house
hold groups draw near the church. The head of the farnily,
instead of carrying the light walking stick of to-day, is man
fully shouldering his gun.*
" The pastor has alluded to the Class of 1702. What joys
and sorrows, hopes and fears, must have concentrated upon
that Senior Class of one ! . Who took the Valedictory ? Who
delivered the Latin Oration ? Who carried ofi" the Wooden
Spoon ? and who, I shudder at the inquiry, was the poorest
scholar in that Class ?
" You have spoken, sir, of Mr. David Eedfield. But you
never heard him sing. We remember how he made melody,
with heart and voice, and many of us reflect upon the subhme
and impressive words with which he invariably opened his
prayer, ' 0 ! Thou who art from everlasting to everlasting, the
same unchangeable God.'
" Friends, how many of you have forgotten the old Oak Tree
in the grave yard .? The Bible says, ' Cursed be he who
removeth his neighbor's landmark,' and I could almost pro
nounce a similar malediction upo^ any who should have cut
down that ancient and revered landmark. Through many a
generation it guarded the resting place of your ancestors ; for
the past few years withered, and with only a few leaves at the
top, then leafless and dead ; and the last time I saw it, the old
tree had fallen, and lay among the graves, stretching bare arms
to the sky. The sentinel oak is gone, and many of this audi
ence have more friends who have been laid to rest under its
branches than they have among those who are walking the
earth in God's blessed sunlight.
" A good story is told of Dr. Elliot. He was careless of
temporalities. His wife attended to them. The deacons paid
him a quarter's salary one day. They were afraid he would
give away the money. So they tied it up — none of our mod-

* August : 1 5 : 1 696,
At a meeting : the town thought it nescary to have a guard to attend
the meting Saboth Days : they agreed and voted that if 8 men wold
Appeer to attend that sarvice, they should have : 2 : Shillings a pece
allowed them in their town rate.

53
em greenbacks, but good hard silver — in a silk handkerchief,
in a great many knots. Going home, he met a poor woman,
whose wants touched his heart. He tried to untie the knots,
but the deacons' precaution proved too much for him. After
working a while without success, he broke out with, ' Well,
my good woman, I believe the Lord intends you shall have it
all,' and handing over the handkerchief and silver, rode home
to his prudent wife, with joy. in his heart, but no money in his
saddlebags. " Eventful two hundred years ! 1667, the licentious era of
the Kestoration ; 1867, the era of liberty and peace, of new
liberty for the slave, and of stable peace for all the people.
' Qui transtulit sustinet,' were, in 1667, words of faith and
hope ; in 1867, they are words of assurance ; they illustrate
the history of this Church and community. By the blessing
of God, our ancestors wrought and conquered ; under the bles
sing of God, we inherit the fruit of their labors."
Mr. Stanton continued with a variety of local and
personal anecdotes illustrative of the olden time, and
the history of the Church and Town.
The Rev. Wm. E, Brooks desired to express his
thanks for the experiences of the day, which had been
signally blessed to him. Being comparatively a stran
ger, having been called to this pastorate but a few
months previous, he had known little or nothing of the
Church's history. But in making the preparations for
the Historical Address, he had been compelled to delve
into the old records, bringing out all the facts possible,
until he had felt himself pervaded by a new and pow
erful affection for every thing pertaining to her life and
growth. Happy in the thought that he had been
called to work where such noble and efficient laborers
had in their day and generation wrought. Pointing to
the motto over the pulpit, he said, —
'•' This motto, that has been like a spirit of inspiration to
me, and whose language of assurance we with full hearts can

54
to-day adopt, may the future years as they come and go, prove
still more especially ours. As we together go hand in hand
down to the night of time, may there dawn for each one pres
ent, the morn of a blissful eternity."
Hymn,*composed by Miss Wealtha Maria Hilliard.
TuxE— " Old Hundred."
Anew we gird the armor on;
We grasp witli firmness, faith, our shield;
Hope's helmet place upon our brow.
And fain the Spirit's sword would wield.
We turn our faces to the foe ;
The hosts of sin come pressing on ;
We fight not with the arm of flesh ;
By love, alone, the vict'ry's won.
We conquer in His mighty name,
Wlio triumphed over death and hell ;
What trophies in His name we'll win.
Eternity alone can tell.
V(''e'll march beneath the cross of Christ, ¦
Till our brief warfare shall be o'er,
Then wear the crown His hand bestows,
Au'd sing His praise forever more.
Doxology — sung as only an audience can sing, whose
hearts are all alive with emotion — "Praise God, from
whom all blessings flow,"
Benediction by the Pastor.

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