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"Thou shalt Tememher all the rva^ which ihe Lord </ip Cod
hath led thee."

SUNDAY MORNING. Public Worship. Communion. Sermon
by the Pastor. "Fear not, little flock; for it- is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32. Rev. Lucius
H. Higgins, Rev. Philemon R. Day, Rev. David D. Marsh, Rev.
Henry B. Roberts, and Rev. Prof. Curtis M. Geer assisted in the
Service.
SUNDAY EVENING. Young People's Service. Salutation and
Greetings, Frederic C. BidweU, President of the Connecticut
Christian Endeavor Union. Address, There's a Reason, or The
Four Fundamentals, Willieim Shaw, General Secretary of the
United Society of Christian .Endeavor. Rev. Charles A. Boyd,
Pastor of the Baptist Church and Rev. Harry E. Robbins, Rector
of St. James Episcopal Church, assisted jn the Service.
MONDAY EVENING. Service of Song. Singing of some of the
hymns of other days by Chorus and Congregation. Prayer, Rev.
Charles S. Lane. Address, The Ministry of Music, Rev. Wil
liam A. Bartlett, D.D.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON. Anniversary Service. Prayer, Rev.
Roscoe Nelson. The Message of a former Pastor, Rev. Henry
B. Roberts. Greetings in behalf of the Congregational Churches
of Connecticut, Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D.D. Address, The Cus
tom of Public Worship, Rev. Edwin P. Parker, D.D.
Reception at the Parsonage from half-past four to six o'clock.
TUESDAY EVENING. Anniversary Service. Prayer, Rev.
George L. Clark. Historical Address, William H. Hall.
WEDNESDAY MORNING. Automobile Trip for Guests. Start
ing from the Church at nine o'clock, points of interest in the Town
were visited.
The Dedication of The Boy Scouts' House at Camp Valentine.
Address, Arthur R. Thompson, Scout Master.
WEDNESDAY NOON. Collation and Festival Social al the Church.
Messages from friends, and addresses by guesU.*
A valuable portrait of Dr. Nathan Perkins was presented to the
Church by Mr. Frank E. Meyer of Troy, N. Y., a descendant
of Dr. Perkins.
* See Appendix.

2 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. Children's Meehng— a Service
for the generation following — at the old Meeting House. Prayer,
the Pastor. Songs by the boys and girls. Words of Greeting
and Fellowship in behalf of the Mother Church to her Children,
Rev. Rockwell H. Potter, D.D. Address, Yesterday and To
morrow, Professor William T. Sedgwick.
WEDNESDAY EVENING. Service in Memory of the Workmen
of Other Days. Address, A Backward Look — A Call to Ad
vance, illustrated by Stereopticon, Rev. Sherrod Soule, Superin
tendent of The Missionary Society of Connecticut.

The music was in charge of Dana S. Merriman, the organist of
the Church. A large Chorus with Miss Clara Sears, soloist, effectively
led the singing.

The Morning Services began at quarter before eleven; the After
noon Services at quarter before three; and the Evening Services at half-
past seven o'clock.

"IVisi jje not that I rrtust he about m^ Father's business?"
Sf Jitratorg Sxemsea
THE BOY SCOUTS' HOUSE
Psalm 121 The Boy Scouts
Hymn. "Fairest Lord Jesus" The Camp Fire Girls
Address Arthur R. Thompson, Scout Master
THE DEDICATION
The Pastor. To the glory of God, our Father, who made the heavens
and the earth and robed them in beauty, who sendeth the springs
into the valleys which rise among the hills, of whose riches the
earth is full;
To the honor of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, our Lord and
Saviour, who while on the earth rejoiced in the fields and the
mountains, taught his disciples on the hillsides, wrought at the

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 3
carpenter's bench, and whose delights are with the sons of men;
To the praise of the Holy Spirit, our loving Guide into the world
of truth and beauty, who reneweth the face of the earth and
maketh it blossom as the rose, filling our hearts with joy and glad
ness, and causing us to delight in all good things;
The Bo^ Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Pastor. For the noble uses of the Boy Scouts, their parents
and friends;
The Bop Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Pastor. For the cultivation of the pleasures of comradeship and
friendship ;
The Boy Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Pastor. For the increase of our knowledge of the birds, the trees,
the rocks, and the precious things of the earth;
The Boy Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Pastor. For the promotion of mutual helpfulness and the cul
tivation of deftness of hand and readiness of heart to give help
and succour to those who are in need of our kindness and assistance ;
The Boy Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Pastor. For the honor of our Church, the good name of our
Town, and the increase of true patriotism;
The Boy Scouts. We dedicate this house.
The Donors and Friends. As a tribute of gratitude and love to Him
who hath led us from childhood to man's estate, and of deep
interest in the boys and girls of the Town we have made our con
tributions toward the building of this house, and we now affirm
our wrillingness and purpose to work together with the Lord for
the welfare of the children and the youth. To this cause we dedi
cate this house, and to this end we will labor and pray.
All. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without
end. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Hymn, "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
Benediction Rev. Henry B. Roberts
"The Son of man came not io be ministered unto, hut to minister, and
io give his life a ransom for many."
The beautiful site on which the Scout Cabin is located, together
with the adjoining land, is the property of Samuel H. Valentine, of

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

New York City, who has generously given the Scouts and their friends
the privilege of the use of this valuable location. In recognition of his
kindness and in his honor, the house is named — Camp Valentine.

The entire celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary, May 18-
21, 1913, was eminently successful and satisfactory. The weather
was delightful, and the town, clothed in all the verdure and beauty
of the early summer, presented a very attractive appearance.
The people, old and young, descendants of the early settlers,
and those who have come here in more recent years to reside, were all
most cordial and enthusiastic in their co-operation for the success of the
occasion. The presence of numerous guests and the messages of
affectionate remembrance from many who could not be present, furnished
gratifying evidence of the loyalty and devotion of the sons and daughters
of the ancient Church.
The harmonious, beautiful blending in the exercises of the old
and the new, the historic and the prophetic, the blessed, tender memories
of the past and the buoyant, hopeful anticipations for the future was
indeed remarkable.
The committees charged with the responsibility of preparation and
management, performed their duties with dispatch and efficiency, so
that all plans were carried out without annoyance or hindrance.
The successful completion in a quiet, earnest way of the plans of
the committee having in charge the procuring of contributions and
pledges for the liquidation of the debt of the Ecclesiastical Society was
an important and gratifying feature of the celebration.
The exercises were conducted by the pastor, Rev. T. M. Hodg-
don, in a most skillful and felicitous manner, and those who had been
invited to participate responded promptly and rendered service of a high
degree of excellence. The only occasion for regret was that all non
resident members and friends of the Church and descendants of former
pastors and members could not be present to participate in, and enjoy
the exercises. The opening service of public worship and the celebration of the
Holy Communion on Sunday morning was a most appropriate and
impressive introduction. A spirit of tender, reverent and grateful de
votion prevailed and remained in the hearts of the people.
On Sunday evening the children and young people had the great
privilege of looking out upon the opportunities and work of the future

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 5
under the inspiration of stirring statements and appeals, and on Monday
evening the successful rendering of old-time hymns and tunes by choir
and congregation, under the leadership of the chorister, revived grateful
memories of
"The old village church and the old village choir.
The girls who sang alto and the girls who sang air.
Old Hundred and Corinth, and China and Mear,
And other loved tunes which we ever hold dear."
Tuesday afternoon was the special occasion for the numerous
friends of ex-pastor Rev. Henry B. Roberts (now of San Diego, Cal.),
to extend to him their greetings, and to listen to an address from his
lips and heart. The reception at the parsonage in honor of our guests
was very largely attended and greatly enjoyed.
The evening was devoted to the historical paper, really too lengthy
for public reading, but read, in behalf of the author, so admirably by
Professor Curtis M. Geer that the people were willing to listen for a
long time. On Wednesday morning a goodly array of automobiles were in
readiness to convey guests and friends about town, revisiting familiar
places cmd scenes, and observing marked changes and signs of growth.
At Camp Valentine on the eastern slope of Talcott Mountain,
under the shade of the trees, in the quiet and beauty of a summer's day,
and amid the songs of the birds, the rendezvous of the Boy Scouts was
formally dedicated in a simple but impressive way — an appropriate
memorial of the spirit of interest in the welfare of the young, which
has always characterized this Church.
The dinner served in the church dining-room at noon was bountiful
and greatly enjoyed. It reflected great credit upon the members of
the Local Work Department and the ladies who assisted them.
In the afternoon there was great interest in the brief addresses by
descendants of former members and former residents, and the time de
voted to this service seemed all too brief.
The children and youth, excused for the day from attendance in
the public schools, assembled at a later hour in the Town Hall, and
contributed to the interest of the occasion by rendering several patriotic
songs. The addresses by Rev. Rockwell Harmon Potter, D.D., and
Professor William T. Sedgwick, the latter a descendant of one of the
first settlers of the town, were of great interest.
The closing service on Wednesday evening in which were por-

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

trayed upon the screen the men and the scenes contemporary with the
lives and service of former pastors was a fitting conclusion of the cele
bration, reminding all that in the past and in the future the Church
has not and should not live for itself and this community alone, but
for the broader Kingdom of God in the world.

Elxcerpts from the Pastor's letter sent to each member of the Church
previous to the annual meeting, held Thursday, January the second,
nineteen hundred and thirteen:
Tlie New Year toward which we are hastening, whose golden
days hold for us new visions of the beauty of our God, new experiences
of his love, and new achievements through his manifold grace, marks the
completion of two hundred years of fellowship in the enjoyment and
furtherance of the gospel by the Church of which we are members.
These years include the most eventful and fruitful periods in our
national life, and cover nearly the entire period of the existence as a
community of the West Division of Hartford, now West Hartford,
and from the first day until now have been sunlit and star-crowned with
the merciful favor and loving guidance of God. Through the vicissi
tudes of the years He has led his people like a flock, gathering the lambs
in his arms, and carrying them in his bosom.
Even meagre reflection upon such loving-kindness, exercised un
ceasingly toward a company of believers, stirs within us emotions of>
gratitude and praise. Bright youth and age snow-crowned in wisdom's
ways, strong men and true and godly women, were these, our prede
cessors, who for this Church and through it for this community and the
wide world lived and labored, counting no toil too arduous, no self-
denial too costly, no sacrifice too great ; who through their faith obtained
a good report and transmitted to us a priceless heritage.
The two hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Church falls
on February twenty-fourth, nineteen hundred and thirteen. The form
al commemoration of the event is wisely deferred until the following
May — probably the third week — a season more favorable for the com
ing of our guests and the fitting observance of an occasion so significant.
Rare indeed is the privilege of sharing in such a celebration, and there
fore one to be highly prized and wisely used. Freighted with fragrant
memories and enkindling hopes it will come to us, a testimony to our
worth or worthlessness, a challenge to our faith in God, arid our loyalty
lo his Church. It will bring lo view the vision splendid that attended

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 7
our fellow Christians of former days, and out of the luminous cloud
we may hear again the gracious words, "This is my beloved Son, Hear
ye Him." Every consideration of gratitude for a noble past, and appreciation
of a present engirt with opportunity, and of sunny hopes of better things
lo be, incline and impel us to make the most of this approaching festival
of splendid memories and worthy achievements.
For us individually it should record the glad reaffirmation of our
confidence in Him who giveth us richly all things lo enjoy, and our will
ing acceptance and approval of his trust in us to live for Him and carry
on his work in the world. And for us as a Christian Church it should
mark ihe development and expression of a finer spirit of brotherhood,
a richer unity in the purptoseful pursuit of things honorable and worthy,
a more intelligent and earnest concern for the salvation of our neighbors
cmd fellow-citizens, and all for whom Christ gave himself, and the in
auguration of generous plans for carrying forward more effectively and
fruitfully the work entrusted to us. We cannot too seriously lay to
heart, nor too diligently remember that we have come to the kingdom
in a time like this to think and plan large things, to do which, or to be
gin to do which, we have been counted worthy. Any idle dreaming or
aimless drifting, any shirking of responsibility or failure to do the utmost
that in us lies, will be a betrayal of a sacred trust, which must not be,
and by the grace of God, will nol be, if we follow Him who leads the
way. Much has been done and well done. Much remains lo be done.
And for us, "The past and the lime lo be are one!
And both are Now."
Few churches of the size of our Church are blessed with a finer body
of devoted men and women, or with greater resources of mind and heart,
and few have a brighter prospect of large influence and usefulness.
With this in mind let us steadily look al some of our outstanding needs
and confidently attempt the solution of some of our difficult problems,
which afler all make life interesting and worth while.
That graceful spire — a poem in granite — is laid low, and its silent
stones, chiseled for a noble purpose, seem lo say wistfully lo the passer
by, (how much more eloquently do they speak to friends and members
of the family), "Lift me again lo my watch-tower and place of honor

8 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
and beauty, and let me continue to fulfill my needful mission in leading
the thoughts of men heavenward."
The Society's debt, incurred by the erection of the parsonage and
the dismantling of the Church of its distinguishing glory, is a hindrance
and a weight rather than an inspiration and a help, and as yet no serious
effort has been made lo lay it aside.
The accommodations for our Bible School are faulty and inade
quate for our present needs, to say nothing of suitable and wise provision
for growth in a progressive and growing lown hke West Hartford.
The erection of a building for the use of our Boy Scouts is only
the beginning of a plan to provide for our boys and girls avenues of
healthful and inspirational recreation and guidance in helpful service
under trustworthy and competent leadership.
Then there are conditions in the life and work of our Church,
and the Church of Christ as a whole in our time, that call for serious
consideration, if a forward movement of vital import and permanent
value is to be engaged in by us as followers of Christ. God is sifting
his people and summoning them to a deeper and more genuine Christian
living; to a finer and sweeter life in the home with its family altar, its
open Bible, and its song of praise; lo a more earnest and careful train
ing of our children in the knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures
and in the love and service of God; to a Biblical emphasis upon the
Church as the center of worship and a more joyful and faithful attend
ance upon the public services of the sanctuary and the study of the
Word of God; and lo a humble and radiant walk with Christ in sac
rificial service, the scope and variety of which are limitless and fascinat
ing, without which no life fulfills ils purpose and no Church becomes in
fluential and permanently useful.
Prayerful concern for these things has given us this Church and
made it a living force in creating, nourishing and guiding the best life
of this lown for six generations, and makes it possible for us to com
memorate the completion of its two centuries of fruitful history. Into
this succession we have come, and who will say we are not grateful for
such a superb heritage of achievement and responsibility. Are we suf
ficient for these things? Surely we may be, and we must be, and God
helping us, we will be.
"Leaning on Him, make with reverent meekness
His own thy will.
And with shrenglh from Him shall thy utter weakness
Life's task fulfill."

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 9
Sermon preached by the Pastor, Sunday morning, February
23. 1913. "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith
is proclaimed throughout the whole world." Rom. 1 :8.
"I thank him that enabled me, even Jesus Christ our Lord, for
that he counted me faithful, appointing me lo his service." I Tim. 1:12.
Two hundred years ago, the 24th day of this month, twenty-nine
of the Christian citizens of Hartford, seventeen men and twelve women,
entered into a solemn convenanl with God lo walk with Him in his
love and service. Thus began The Fourth Church of Christ in Hart
ford, subsequendy and generally called The Church of Christ in West
HEurtford, founded lo be a school of Christ, a household of the faith,
a mount of trcmsfiguration. a witness unto the truth, a wellspring of
life, a militant company of Christiem soldiers in the army of the living
God. This event and the completion of two centuries of continuous service
will be formally celebrated the third week of next May. The annals
of its arduous toils and ils varied and fruitful service will then be fit
tingly and gratefully rehearsed, commemorative words revealing in some
measure the inner motive and the urgent and splendid errand of ils past
history, lovingly spoken, and a bugle call from the front of its still
advancing colunm, hopefully sounded.
This morning your attention is summoned to a small section of
these two centuries — two decades and a little more — ^which includes
the ministry of the present pastor and the service of nearly three-fourths
of the present membership of the Church. If it seems to any one pre
sumptuous lo use the day nearest the real anniversary for the consideration
of so small a part of its long life, it should be remembered that by the
grace of God most of us have shared in the responsibiUlies of this part
of its history, and thai to others have been assigned the larger and more
important task of taking the full-orbed view and the presentation of the
cumulative message of these fruitful years. "Distance all value en
hances," but the near has its fountains of hope and inspiration from
which we may oft refresh ourselves and lake courage.
In the glowing words prefixed to this discourse, in the light of their
jubilant faith and in the warmth of their gratitude and love, is heard
the paean of a grateful soul. It may nol be given to us to sound these
joyous notes of thanksgiving, but as the mystic cords of memory and
hope are touched by the better angels of our nature we may together

iO BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
swell a little the volume of praise that ascendeth continually to Him that
loveth us and loosed us from our sins by His blood; and made us lo
be a kingdom, lo be priests unto his God and Father, to whom be the
glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
"I thank him that enabled me. even Jesus Christ our Lord, for
that he counted me faithful, appointing me lo his service." In these
words of Paul, easily among the first of the ministers of Christ, the
speaker finds the note of adoring wonder and gratitude he wishes to
sound with reference to himself as a minister of Christ and his pre
decessors in this Church in this sacred office. No man puts himself
into the ministry. If one is in the ministry in any real sense he is put
there by the Lord, not in the same manner as was Paul, but in a way
compelling and valid, the evidence and witness of which are written
indelibly by the Holy Spirit in his own soul.
"Ere stars were thundergirt, or piled
The heavens, God thought on me his child;
Ordained a life for me, arrayed
Its circumstances, every one
To the minutest."
No man is worthy of the ministry. An angel might covet such
honor and with such distinction be well pleased. Indeed, is it not
written of the angels, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth
to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?" To men
also is this grace given and on them is such honor bestowed.
No man is sufficient unto the ministry — its clamant duties, its
cares and burdens of love and sacrifice. The masterful Christ, the
minister of the New Covenant even unto the measureless deeps of the
cross, counts each of his ministers faithful and then with matchless gen
tleness and sympathy, and with patience that knows no wearying sup
plies all the grace and provides all the opportunities for becoming faith
ful. Whatever else a true minister doubts — and there are times when
the heeding cliffs of doubt are black and threatening and the rift in
the cloud is no larger than a man's hand — he never doubts this, that he is
what he is of significance and does what he does of worth only by the
grace of God.
Yes, Christ not only makes his own ministers, but He himself is
the inexhaustible theme, broad as the love of God and as many sided
as his abounding goodness, of all preaching; the companion and goal
of all endeavor. "We preach nol ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord,

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION I I
and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." Whatever a minister may
know or not know — and "there is no research of scholarship, no philo
logical skill, no power of historical investigation, no mastery in philos
ophy, no largeness of imagination, no grace of life or character, no
practical self-denial, no gift of eloquence to man by written or spoken
word, no energy of character, no practical sagacity, no polemical acute-
ness, no wisdom of counsel, no ready sympathy with the outcasts and
abandoned, no zeal for human rights and against social wrongs, no
living faith, and no large charily." which may nol find amplest scope
and fullest exercise in the ministry — men have a right to expect, indeed,
to insist, that he know
"Christ — the one greal Word
Well worth all languages in earth and heaven."
However fcir removed from these idecds your minister may seem
to you to dwell, he has at least tried lo pitch his lent in the hinterland
of these mountains of light and has now and then caught a glimpse of
their shining peaks.
Before turning away from this facet of our theme suffer me to
express in words all too meagre and inadequate the gratitude I feel for
the friendships and fellowships into which this ministry has led the way.
Lovers of this Church, and friends of Christ have taken their pastor
into their confidence and esteem, and have been his helpers, advisers and
fellow-workers. In the officiary and councils of the Church, friendliness
and the spirit of co-operation have uniformly prevailed, and heart has
been knitted to heart in the common desire to know and do the will of
God. The ministry is a blessed calling, "frowning with difficulty.
beset with disappointments, but its real rewards are sweeter than honey
and the honeycomb." and among the richest of these rewards on the
earth are these friendly faces into which your minister looks, these
warm hearts in which his work is cherished, these hands of helpers ex
tended in hearty greetings, these spirits, which are not unmindful of his
struggles and difficulties and hopes, these — who in prayer and sym
pathy and patient co-operation bear him up as on angel wings to the
throne of our common Lord.
As we turn now to enumerate as is fitting and proper some of the
visible results of the faith which lives in this Church and is proclaimed
throughout the world in no imaginary sense by this people we are pain
fully and joyfully conscious that statistics cannot measure enterprise and
endeavor. Nor does the roll of members, the list of organizations, the

12 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
records of deeds and gifts, anything more than suggest the limits of the
influence of the Church. Our Lord's great word, "The kingdom of
heaven cometh not with observation," both rebukes our pride and dis
pels our fears and discouragements. Multitudes through the ministry
of the Church find their Lord and experience the solace of his love
whom the Church never finds. Christ cannot be hid, but it is quite
as well that much, perhaps the greater part of the far-reaching influence
of the Church should be hid until that Day shall declare it to the glory
of God. This Church was here, fine and fit, rich in spirit and achievement,
when the period now under review began. "Other men had labored;
we entered into their labors." On ils roll, including the absentees.
were 308 members. Of this number only 1 38 remain with us, 34 of
whom are non-residents. Among these, however, are found some of our
wisest counsellors, largest givers, most faithful and efficient workers.
There are now 5 1 5 members, 5 1 7 having united with the Church
during the present pastorate, making the total from the beginning 2,342.
This total is approximately correct. There is a slight uncertainty at
one point in our records, and in a few cases members have been trans
ferred to sister Churches and subsequently returned to the home Church.
1 75 families were connected with the congregation at the begiiming of
the year 1 89 1 . By the canvass made last October 308 families call
this Church their home, and now as always the ministry of the Church
through the Bible School and in times of affliction and need extends to
not a few families riot included in this number.
Our Bible School, which numbered 183 and met in the chapel,
now has a membership of 378. with a large, virile, progressive Men's
Bible Class and a flourishing Home Department, and meets in every avail
able room in the Church. A small but vigorous Christian Endeavor
Society, which held its meetings in the library, has maintained its vigor,
multiplied its numbers and usefulness, and gready extended its work
through a strong Junior Society. Special work for and with the boys
was undertaken early in this period and for a time club rooms were
maintained in the old academy building. Later the Boys' Brigade did
a fruitful work. Three years ago the Men's Union assumed the care
of the work for boys, enlarged its scope and through the Boy Scouts
and Gymnasium classes has carried it forward successfully.
The Gymnasium classes are now conducted by the local Young
Men's Christian Association.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 13
The Men's Union, organized in 1 898. one of the oldest men's
orgcmizations in the modern brotherhood movement, has continued its
work with varied degrees of interest emd efficiency. The points em
phasized in the recent Men and Rehgion Forward Movement have long
been an integral part of our men's work. The women's work was re
organized about twenty years ago in three departments, Loced. Home
and Foreign, with auxiliary and affiliated societies, and has been one
of the most helpful agencies in the work of the Church. "The Gray-
stone Herald," published monthly by the Church, for fourteen years a
welcome visitor to our homes, was discontinued in the interest of a
weekly calendar.
These are some of the wheels in the machinery of this period and
are probably no better, even if more in number, than those of any period
of equal length. Needful they seem to be and valuable so long as
they have in them the breath and fire of the Holy Spirit; but in these
days of a procession of movements we are exposed to the grave peril
of supposing that these shining wheels in the machinery are more need
ful than the power-house. Perhaps we need to hear again the pro
phetic word. "Not by an army, nor by resources, but by my Spirit, saith
the Lord of Hosts."
This Church was among the first in New England to undertake
in addition to its usual gifts to missions the support of a pastor in the
mission field, and for thirteen years has raised by the free-will offerings
of its members $600 towards the salary of Henry G. Bissell, late of
Ahmednagar. India, whose recent death has pierced us with sorrow.
Its beneficences have been generous and worldwide. During the
present pastorate $221,972.00 has been given -to proclaim outside of
the parish the faith once delivered to the saints. Of this large sum
$169,140.00 was given in legacies by Miss Nancy Gaylord. Miss
Maria Whitman, and Mr. and Mrs. Ansel Chappelle. all of whom
by thrift, rigid economy, and self-denial, either preserved or amassed
a small fortune to pass on to the Lord for the extension of his kingdom.
And of the gifts of the living the larger part by far has been given by
those who have gladly denied themselves not a few of the comforts of
life in order to share with their less fortunate brothers and sisters the
blessings of the gospel. The amount of our home expenses for this
period is $98,615.00, making the total $320,588.00. by no means a
small sum. when our limited resources are considered.
Time would fail me to tell of things done, the raising of debts.

14 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
the building of a new parsonage, the enlargement of the seating capacity
of the auditorium, new carpets, new hymn books, new furnishings, oft
and expensive repairs on the church building including the spire, a new
heating and ventilating plant, and many little comforts and improve
ments for which we are chiefly indebted to the women of the Church.
And through these years as in former years the Church has steadily
sought without the flare of trumpets and the egotistical recitals of its
achievements to serve the community in a multitude of ways and is now,
as throughout its entire history, strongly represented in the civic and
educational life of the town.
Let me hasten in conclusion to present for your earnest and pro
longed consideration three suggestions- — and these three are one, that
is, they deal with the efficiency of the Church and its ever-increasing use
fulness in the Kingdom of God.
ENDOWMENT FUND.
First. — The establishment of an EndowTnent Fund, the income to
be used toward the payment of current expenses. Five thousand dol
lars is already available for this purpose — $3,000.00, the gift of Mr.
Chappelle, the income to be used for the preaching of the gospel, and
$2,000.00, now in transitu, the gift of James M. Thomson. As the
years roll on, encourage the people to give to this Fund, both by the
gifts of the living and by legacies, sacredly keeping a list of all the
donors and the amount of their gifts, and never using a dollar of the
money except for the purposes designated. Within a quarter of a
century this Fund might easily reach $50,000.00, and would be of in
valuable assistance, not in easing the responsibihties of the living, but
in enlarging and extending the work, and in providing for emergencies
and in meeting the demands of critical periods which may be reasonably
expected to come.
A NEW HOUSE OF WORSHIP.
Second. — No extraordinary vision is required to see that this
Church is located in the center of what is to be a large, well-to-do, resi
dential population. Another twenty-five years with their busy fingers
of progress will transform this entire section. This property is strategic
in its location and already of great value. It is plainly the part of

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 15
wisdom and prudence for this people to wait upon God and to wait
for Him that his mind with respect to the not distant future may be
known. If the Church grows during the next quarter of a century at
the same rate which has characterized its growth during the last two
decades — and its growth ought to be more rapid if we keep pace with
the growing population, — its membership will be three times what it was
twenty years ago, and its Bible School, which now teixes the available
space at our command, will either be restrained from further growth
and efficiency or be compelled to seek more capacious quarters. The
enlargement of this building, because of its defective construction and
its general plan, seems to those who have given this subject prolonged
thought, impracticable, and if practicable, unwise. It is situated on a
noisy emd busy corner where four ways meet, and with cross-town
electric cars, which are sure to come, and an increasing population, the
noise is hkely to be not less but greater. The graceful spire which a
generation has admired is prostrate. What does this mean, coming as
it does at this particular time in the history of the Church? How shall
we interpret these things, wliich are a part of the Divine Providence?
What bearing do they have on the future plans and work of this Church?
Your minister believes these things are an imperious summons to this
people to consider prayerfully and with prolonged deliberation the wis
dom of the erection of a new house of worship south of the present
home of the Church, devoting this building to a parish house, which
without great expenditure of money could be so adapted cmd easily
become the center of a very valuable and useful work, for at least a
generation. This large lot, purchased by the fathers, means some
thing. Who will read its significance? If in due time this suggestion
should receive serious attention and anything like approval, it would be
the part of wisdom to pwnder whether or not the old church across the
way. dear to the fathers and also to some of us, if its condition warrants
it, might not be obtained from the town, moved to the south end of this
lot and restored to its former beauty. To carry out this plan years
would be required, the expenditure of a considerable sum of money, an
increase in current expenses and in the staff of workers; but none of
these things should move us — except to greater zeal and more earnest
endeavor. You did not fail to note the large amount of money this people
has put into the work the last twenty years. Why not invite our well-to-do
and liberal people to divert, either by gift during their lifetime or by

16 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
will, some of their money to this channel in order to equip this Church
for a larger work? If $50,000 was directed to this cause by gift or
legacy during the next twenty years the people could do the rest. I
am a believer in this project or any project only as it receives the earnest
and uncompelled co-operation of the great majority of the people. It
will require time, — perhaps many years, — serious thought, great devotion.
Today, in view of all the facts in sight, the suggestion I have made
commands my respect, but my mind is not mortgaged. Wise coimsels
may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but sooner or later this Church
is sure to have a new house of worship.
RAISING THE DEBT.
Now dismissing these day-dreams, or rather in part because of
the suggestions just made, let me make a third suggestion which is re
inforced by the judgment of a strong committee having this matter in
hand: Immediate provision for the removal of our debt. In a sermon
preached in this place three years ago last November it was recommended
that in view of the approaching Bicentennial our strongest men give
their immediate attention to this matter, devising some plan whereby the
removal of the debt could be provided for by extending its liquidation
over a period of two or three years. Soon after that suggestion was
made an earnest campaign to reiise funds for the erection of a Noah
Webster Memorial Library was inaugurated by the Sarah Whitman
Hooker Chapter of the D. A. R. This Church, which has been the
foster-mother of the Library all these years, and foremost among its
supporters, courteously held in leash its own desire and purpose to raise
its debt and gave the right of way to this commendable project, and also
its cordial co-operation through its members, as will appear when it is
remembered that not only was the fine lot for its location given by a
member of this Church but also the major part of the money pledged for
this commendable object. Now that the amount of money needed for
the Library building is practically assured, we turn again to our debt,
which was incurred by the erection of the new parsonage and unavailing
repairs on the church spire and its subsequent removal, and bring to you
the recommendation of your committee, that an effort be made at once
to remove it or to provide for its early removal. And may I suggest
that we are not only ready to respond to this recommendation, but to
ask them to become our Cato and boldly say, Delendum est debitum 

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1 7
the debt must be wiped out. This is the first thing to do, the first step
in any forward movement in our work. It must be stormed with the
energies of our wills, shot to pieces with the gading guns of our judg
ment and persistency, swept away by our bank notes and checks and
promises to pay. I am sure we are prepared to say to the committee:
"Go ahead. We are ready."
Let us discharge this obhgation; let us lay aside this weight; let
us remove this hindrance to our progress, and solenmly resolve that as
for us we will henceforth pay as we go and have only such things as we
can afford to have.
Does this emphasis on material equipment look as if "things were
in the saddle"? They are not, and never can be in a world where
character is supreme. We do not forget that the future of this Church
rests not with you or me. but with God. To us it is dear, but to Him
it is unsp>eakably precious. We can do nothing only as we labor to
gether writh Him in humble dependence and joyful obedience. We are
building not only for time but for eternity.
"The glory of our life below
Comes not from what we do — or what we know.
But dwells forevermore in what we are."
And what we are depends upon what we receive and what we
receive depends upon the constancy and depth of our communion with
Him in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the
life of our life, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ANCIENT CHURCH
BY REV. HENRY B. ROBERTS
A special Providence has prepared me to speak with enthusiasm
and with understanding on this theme. Years of my ministry have been
spent in the State of Coimecticut, several of them in this parish, and
then I was called to the far Southwest to work under frontier conditions.
Tucson is a city of 19,000 people, not far from the Mexican hne.
Sixty per cent, of its population is of the Roman Catholic faith, and
fifty per cent, is either Mexican or Indian. There are 2.000 Protestant
churchgoers, for which ten Protestant organizations compete. Sunday
is a day of open saloons, open theatres, special ball games, and excursions.
In this setting, the litde Congregational Church of which I am pastor.

18 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
with a devoted band of adherents (and adherents means, you know.
people who stick) is standing by the New England faith and is keep
ing alive in hearts and homes the Puritan ideals. If I could have had
the western experience first and then come East. I might have appre
ciated more the blessings of the pastor who serves an ancient New
England church. I love the breadth, freedom, and the hope of the
West, but I see now as I did not the special advantages of this West
Hartford Church which I loved as its pastor and still love.
An ancient church has a history behind it which gives it stabihty,
solidity and dignity. Your good, old age prevents any feeling of un
certainty concerning the future. The thought of failure never intrudes,
for you have the certainty of an honorable past. You remember that
the members who have gone before you were descendants of the Puritans,
people who cared enough for their faith to go into exile across the seas.
They were Hartford Puritans whose views of liberty were broader and
more advanced than their fellows. They were willing to push further
into the wilderness as far as the Connecticut River, that they might
have greater freedom. The Puritan was the result of two forces, the
Renaissance, whose symbol was the printing-press, and the Reformation.
whose symbol was the open Bible translated into the tongue of the
people. So we are not surprised to find on your old church records
that the same meeting that voted to pay for wood to heat the school-
house voted also to pay the minister's salary. Those that have gone
before you believed in education as well as piety, and the schoolbook
as well as the Bible was precious to them. Such a line of predecessors
gives strength to the present. A recent visitor to London reports that
he was attracted to a shop-window, where was hung a large placard,
with these words upon it, "My Ancestors." He saw rows of painted
portraits set in huge, gilt frames. In front of each painting was a small,
mild photograph. He read still further this inscription, "Old family
photographs even if faded made over into charming portraits of one's
ancestors." At such a time as this, it is praiseworthy to exalt the virtues
of our ancestors. We are not to be blamed if we touch them up a
bit, and set their somewhat faded memories into resplendent frames.
It means much to have had a goodly line of ancestors. Stabihty and
strength come from an honored past.
An ancient church can look back upon many difficulties, all of
which have been overcome. Hard places there have been, but they
have all been passed through. It is with churches as with men, failures

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 19
surmounted become valuable assets for future success. The past has
brought its trials to this Church. It is pathetic to read in the old records
of the deaths during the Revolution from wounds and disease. The
pastor must have found it a bitter task to record the death of so many
stalwart men of his flock. In my own pastorate, this building in which
we gather had just been erected at the cost of great sacrifice on the part
of the people. It was no small trial that the roof leaked till the fresco
ing was spoiled, that the graceful steeple cracked from top to bottom, and
that the foundations had to be opened lo let in light and air. But the
people met the crisis bravely and for years poured out their money till
ihe building was in good order. Thai difficulty surmounted should give
you courage as you face the problem of a building adequate for your
present needs. Through two centuries this Church has been led now by
the still waters and now through the valley of the shadows, and it has
lived lo say: "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. My cup runneth
over." Sorrows have always had consolations. Defeats have always
been followed by victories. You may be sure that goodness and mercy
shall follow you all the days that are lo come.
An ancient church can see results. It has had time lo accumu
late certain definite achievements. It means much to be able lo say that
in two hundred years this Church has gathered in a definite number of
members, that it has baptized hundreds of children, that it has trained
hosts of young people, thai it has spent a definite sum for worship and
has given thousands of dollars for missions. Here are things accom
plished, things which can be counted. Statistics presented in a mass
have force and spur on to work. Then think of your influence beyond
this parish. For two hundred years, a stream of its sons and daughters
hais been flowing westward, and everything lives whither that river
cometh. The descendants of the Puritans have put their mark on the
institutions of our country, and today New England is mightier beyond
her borders than within. From the Connecticut line to the Pacific
coast, you will find indications of her presence that are not to be mis
taken. What Whittier said of the emigrants to Kansas may be said
of many who have gone from West Hartford:
"We cross the prairie as of old
The Pilgrims crossed the sea;
To make the West as they the Elast
The homesteads of the free."
So New England has made her mark on the West. A mass meeting

20 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
in the far West is said to have made the formal resolution that the West
and South have not a proper position in history because Yankees have
written it all. It is true that the Yankees have written much of the
history of our country, but it is equally true that they have had a large
share in making it. This Church has done its part in sending forth its
people who have carried its traditions throughout our land. yes. and into
other lands beyond the seas. The fact of this great tide of influence is
a help to present endeavor.
An ancient church has the advantage of conservatism. With the
Psalmist, many of these members can cry, "My heart is fixed, O God,
my heart is fixed." They have a warm affection for this Zion where
they have worshipped and their fathers before them. In an old church
there is not likely to be a tendency to stray to other folds, to run after
the latest sensation or to dally with the newest cults. A steadfast love
is in the hearts of such a membership. They are inclined to love the
old ways of worship and the old forms of truth. A reasonable amount
of conservatism in these uneasy times is a helpful quality. I heard a
venerable Hartford pastor say that thought had been on the move
through all his life, and he added with a twinkle in his eye: "The trouble
is that now I have things settled just right, they don't stay so. They
keep on moving." The world moves, and the Church with it. There
is progress in methods and progress in doctrine. Each century has its
mode of thought, and its own way of expressing the truths which are
eternal. The danger is that we forget that the Christian faith abides
whatever its form of expression. The conservative element in a church
holds back from raw error and guards historical continuity. To break
completely from the past is always harmful and a blunder. I am not
forgetting the strain of obstinacy in the Puritan character, and some of
our ancestors were "sot," as they termed it. I had a dear deacon in
one of my parishes who dwelt on the chilliest summits of ultra-Calvanism.
He never closed an eye during my preaching — I have had deacons that
did. He watched his pastor to detect, and to rebuke if need be. any
swerving from the truth as it was in Calvin. Yet I honored him, for his
watchfulness was due to devotion to the gospel message as he conceived
it. There is a modern liberality that is but a fine name for indifference.
Many have no interest in the statement of religious truth, because they
have ceased to care for religion. In the West, we are so progressive
that we are in danger of going too far and fast in political and religious
experiments. It may be that through suffering we shall be brought back

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 21
to safer and saner paths. So blessed is the church that has enough
conservatism in it to keep its members from straying too far from the
good, old paths.
In closing, a familiar expression from Wordsworth is appropriate.
It is found in "The Elxcursion," where a litUe group is standing before the
old church, and they see coming down the hill a loaded wagon drawn
by a fine team of horses, and beside them strides a man with clustering
white locks, but of erect form and full of vigor. The remark is made
of him. "He seems like a man of cheerful yesterdays and confident to*
morrows." It is true of this old but vigorous church. Its yesterdays
are cheerful. Trials ! Yes. but all overcome. Hardships ! Yes, but all
passed through. Mercies in abundance. Victories without number. Re
sults that have been laid at the Master's feet. And confident tomorrows.
Well orgcmized. blessed with consecrated leaders, the population grow
ing all about you. O Church of Christ! I see a bright pathway before
you. The centuries ahead shine with a greater lustre than those that
are behind. You are called to tread a pathway of light.

THE MEETING HOUSES.
The First House in West Hartford 1712 (?)-i744
The Second House in West Hartford 1744-1834
The Third House in West Hartford 1834-1882 (now Town
Hall)
The Fourth House in West Hartford 1 882-
THE MINISTERS
Benjamin Colton 1713-1 759
Nathaniel Hooker 1757-1770
Nathan Perkins 1772-1838
Caleb S. Henry 1833-1835
Edward W. Andrews 1837-1840
George L Wood 1841-1844
Dwight M. Seward 1845-1850
Myron N. Morris 1852-1875
Franklin S. Hatch 1876-1883
Henry B. Roberts 1 884-1 890
Charles W. Mallory 1 890- 1 890
Thomas M. Hodgdon 1 89 1 -

22 bicentennial celebration
HISTORICAL PAPER.
The following paper is simply a comprehensive historical sketch.
The writer has aimed to present, in perspective, the story of the estab
lishment and development of the First Church of Christ in West Hart
ford. The task has been a difficult one because of necessarily imposed
limitations of time and space, and the , consequent necessity and per
plexity of selecting from an abundance of valuable and interesting ma
terial that which seemed to be most desirable for the purpose.
But it has also been a most delightful and inspiring task afford
ing a rare opportunity to enter, to some extent, into the spirit and ex-
pieriences of those who in former generations labored with love, devo
tion and sacrifice for the welfare of the Church.
Grateful acknowledgment is here made of valuable information
received from our pastor. Rev. T. M. Hodgdon, Mrs. Leila Seward
Gleason and Mrs. E. M. W. Vinal of Washington, D. C, Mrs. Julia
Morris Butler of Newton. Mass., Miss Mary K. Talcott of Hartford,
Mrs. Elizabeth G. Sisson, Mrs. Mary J. Shepard, Miss Sarah W.
Talcott, Miss Ehzabeth S. Elmer, Mr. John E. Millard, Mr. Henry
O. Griswold, Mr. Henry C. Whitman, Mr. John M. G. Brace (now
deceased), Mr. Stoddard Lane, Mr. William H. Seymour of Clare-
mont, Cal., Mr. Henry H. Selden and Mr. Charles S. Munger.
This paper is presented in the hope that it may be of interest
to all members and friends of the Church and serve a good purpose
as the foundation of a more complete history to be prepared at some
future time by a more capable writer and also with the earnest desire
that it may be accepted as a tribute of affection from one who is
devoutly grateful for the blessed influence of this Church upon his own
life. The West Division of Hartford was laid out in sections in 1 672.
Those sections were a mile and a half in length from east to west,
extending to the Farmington boundary line, which was then our present
West Street or Mountain Road. The sections varied in width from
three rods to ninety rods.
* In 1 679 Thomas Hosmer of Hartford purchased one of those
sections and built on it a sawmill and house for his son, Stephen
Hosmer. That was really the beginning of the setdement of West Hartford,
^ See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 23
less than sixty years after the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth
Rock. Other famihes soon came to estabUsh their homes here, until in
1710 there were in the West Division thirty-four houses, including
seven just completed but not occupied, and one hundred seventy-four
persons. Those people were of genuine Puritan stock, a part of that larger
company of whom Longfellow wrote:
"God had sifted three Kingdoms to find the wheat for this planting."
They believed in God. the Bible, the Church and the school.
They considered the public worship of God on the Sabbath and instruc
tion in the Holy Scripture as essential to right living and the develop
ment of true Christiem character. And so, during those early years
whenever it was possible they made their way on the Sabbath through
the forest to Hartford to take their places in the house of the Lord
and to worship with his people.
The journey was difficult and dangerous, over rough paths and
across unbridged streams. It was made on foot or on horseback.
possibly sometimes with ox teams, in any case long and tedious.
At the present time when Hartford and West Hartford are so
closely connected by beautiful avenues and various modern facihties for
rapid transit, so that the city may be reached expeditiously and com
fortably at any time by day or night, we may not readily comprehend
the difficulties, discomforts and dangers of a journey to Hartford two
hundred years ago. Very naturally there arose in the hearts of those
people an earnest desire for the establishment of a house of worship and
the privileges of the gospel in this vicinity.
* That desire assumed definite and practical form in a petition
which was presented to the General Assembly of Connecticut in ses
sion in New Haven on the twelfth day of October. 1710. This was
signed by twenty-eight residents of the West Division.
The petitioners stated that the journey to Hartford was long, and
the discomforts great, that sometimes it was impossible to cross the
streams, and that always the young children must be left at home, un
guarded, exposed to their own fears and the rage of enemies, deprived
of the privilege of instruction in the doctrines of the gospel, and left
to grow up in darkness and ignorance. They therefore entreated that
they might have liberty to call or setde a minister to carry on the public
worship of God in the community.
* See Appendix.

24 bicentennial celebration
The General Assembly regarded the petition favorably and ap
pointed a committee of three to visit the West Division, examine the
premises, confer with the people and make a report. That committee,
consisting of Lieut. -Col. Matthew Allen, John Moore, Esq., and Mr.
Rehirn Strong, visited the West Division in November, 1710. and re
ported at the session of the General Assembly held in May, 1711. that
in their opinion the request of the petitioners should be granted. In the
meantime the people of Hartford had bestirred themselves.
* At a town meeting in December, 1710, a committee of four was
appointed lo act in behalf of the town in presenting lo the General
Assembly a remonstrance lo the petition of the people of the West Di
vision. The remonstrance as prepared and presented by that comrmttee
staled that the journey from the West Division to Hartford on the
Sabbath was not unusual or unreasonable in length or character, that
there were already three ministers in Hartford, that the co-operation of
the people of the West Division in the financial support of present gospel
privileges was greatly needed, and that in their opinion the people of
the West Division were not able to support a minister of their own.
Despite the remonstrance and the strong opposition of the people of
Hartford, the General Assembly, at its May session in 1711, passed
an * act incorporating an ecclesiastical society in the West Division.
The definite boundaries of the new society as well as its name were
left somewhat in doubt until 1 806 when an * act was passed naming
the society "The Society of West Hartford" and defining its boundaries.
We can easily imagine the joy that was experienced and manifested by
the people of West Hartford on that day in the early summer of 1711
when the news reached the litde hamlet that their hearts' desires had
been granted. Probably it was even greater than that which was ex
perienced on another May day in 1854, when the tidings came from
New Haven that the General Assembly had passed an act setting off
West Hartford as a separate and independent town.
It may be truthfully said, in no spirit of boasting, that the subse
quent history of both the society and town, fully justify the wisdom of
the action taken by the General Assembly in response to the wishes of
the people in diose early years. The Ecclesiastical Society, in the early
history of Connecticut, practically exercised die functions of the town in
caring for public interests, as well as administering the affairs of the
Church in all matters involving financial obligations.
A tax was imposed upon all the people for the support of the
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 25
gospel, and as some people in the community were nol members of the
church, they were granted the privileges of suffrage and representation
in church affairs through the medium of the society. The records of
the West Hartford Ecclesiastical Society, prior to 1 736. are not now
in existence, and we have no means of knowing what action was taken
during those early years. It is highly probable that the people who
so earnesdy desired the privileges of the gospel in their own vicinity
proceeded soon to erect a meeting house and to provide at least oc
casionally for services of public worship. They undoubtedly estab
lished public schools, for in 1 745 we have *record of old schoolhouses
giving way to new ones built at that time. On the twenty-fourth of
February. 1713. a church was organized, consisting of twenty-nine
* members, seventeen males and twelve females ; and the first minister
or pastor was ordained and installed. The church was called The
Fourth Church of Christ in Hartford, the other three being those now
known as the Center, or First Church, the South, or Second Church, and
the Congregational Church in East Hartford, then called the Third
Church of Christ in Hartford.
That was indeed a small beginning — a few people starting out in
a new enterprise, amid unfavorable surroundings and in poverty of re
sources — "a handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains."
But the spirit of the living God was in the hearts of the people, and the
purposes and plan of Him who "loveth the gates of Zion more than
all the dwellings of Jacob" were in the movement. The handful of
corn has brought forth successive and ever-increasing harvests.
Today, after the passing of two hundred years, we review the
history of that veritable church in the wilderness, which has embraced
in its membership more than twenty-three hundred souls, and which
at the present time has a living membership of over five hundred persons.
The twofold organization of church and society which was adopted in
the beginning heis been continued until the present time. A spirit of
harmony and hearty co-operation has prevailed, and we have been spared
the distressing and disasterous experiences due to disagreements and con
tentions which have been the outcome of this duplex system in some
other communities. There is no longer a necessity in Connecticut for
the perpetuation of the Ecclesiastical Society, as the General Assembly
in 1896 passed an act permitting churches to become incorporated and
assume all the functions of the society. Our Church was incorporated
soon after in accordance with that act, but has not yet entered upon
the enjoyment of all its privileges.
* See Appendix.

26 bicentennial celebration
CHURCH BUILDINGS.
Our Church has had four houses of worship. The first three
were located on the plot of ground on the northwest corner of Main
Street and Farmington Avenue, now occupied by the town buildings.
Mr. Henry C. Whitman has prepared with great care a * map or chart
showing the location of each of the old meeting houses and of the
present town buildings.
The ground on which they stood was originally a part of the Pantry
lot or section as laid out in 1 672. The first meeting house was probably
built about 1713. It was a plain, rectangular structure with a steep
roof, corresponding in general character and appearance to the customary
New England meeting houses of that period. It was used by the
Church until about 1 742 when it was moved to the premises adjoining
the churchyard on the west and converted into a barn.
In December, 1 74 1 , it was voted that a new meeting house be
built fifty-five feet in length, and forty feet wide. Col. John Whiting.
Capt. Daniel Webster, Moses Nash, Timothy Seymour, and Stephen
Hosmer were appointed as a building committee.
Moses Nash was chosen to go to the General Assembly on the
following May, lay before that body the doings of the society and
ask for the appointment of a committee to place or fix the site of the
new meeting house. The site chosen was quite near the first building,
but a little to the north and west of it.
The frame of the new meeting house was raised in June, 1 742,
but the building was not completed until 1744. Evidently the delay
was occasioned by a lack of funds. The fathers beheved in the "pay
as you go" policy. They had no idea of incurring debt or resorting to
lottery schemes in order to provide funds. Three separate taxes were
laid during the time when the building was in process of erection.
In September, 1 744, the building committee with the addition
of William Kelsey, Samuel Wells, John Merrills, Henry Brace and
David Ensign were appointed to "seat the meeting house." that is. to
assign the seats to families and individuals. It must have been a some
what difficult and delicate task. Due regard must be paid to the social
standing and rank of the people in the community. Special seats were
assigned to "widow women, old maids and colored servants."
The pulpit in the old meeting houses was high up on the wall with
a huge canopy-shaped sounding-board above it, designed to intercept
and reflect the tones of the preacher's voice.
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 27
The location of the pulpit seems to have been determined quite
as much with reference to preserving the dignity of the minister as with
regard for placing him where he could be most readily heard.
In 1 754 the seats in the .meeting house were cut up and made into
pews. These were large rectangular enclosures with seats on three
sides and doors, familiarly known as box or square pews. A *chart
is in existence, which shows the pews in the second church as they ap
peared in 1814, and a copy of it prepared by A. Clarke Hall with a
list on a separate page of those to whom the pews were assigned at that
time appears in the appendix.
Those early meeting houses were not warmed. The people car
ried foot-stoves containing live coals which helped to keep their feet
somewhat comfortable. During the noon intermission they resorted to
nearby houses lo eat the simple lunches which they had brought from
their homes, to gossip and to get warm in preparation for the afternoon
service. Those places of resort were generally spoken of as "Sabbaday"
houses. In 1 767 the society voted that the people might have liberty to
go into the schoolhouse on Sabbath noons, provided they do no mis
chief. That *school building stood just across from the Church on
the east side of Main Street, and was then a comparatively new and
fine structure. The second meeting house was in existence nearly a hundred years.
covering a long and important period in the history of the Church. Each
of the first three pastors officiated at its altar. Rev. Dr. Nathan Per
kins ministered to the people v^athin its walls during nearly all of his
long and memorable pastorate. There are probably not more than three
people living. who ever entered the building. Rev. Myron N. Morris
in an historical sermon preached in 1 863 referred to it as follows :
"That old house must be endeared to many of you by very tender
recollections. There your fathers and mothers worshipped. There
you were consecrated to God in baptism. There in childhood and youth
you listened to the word of truth from revered lips, and there you ex
perienced the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. It was your Zion
of which it might be said. 'Tliis or that man was born in her.' "
On the ninth of January, 1834. the society voted that it was
expedient lo lake measures for the erection of a new house of worship.
A committee was appointed lo consider what measures should be adopted.
and lo present plans and estimates of expense. The committee con-
* See Appendix.

28 bicentennial celebration
sisted of James Buder, Seth Talcott, Augustus Flagg, Joseph E. Cone.
Solomon S. Flagg. Thomas Brace. Albigence Scarborough, Hezekiah
Selden, Nathan Seymour, Ralph Wells, Morgan Goodwin. Jr., and
Theron Dening.
Al a meeting held January Iwenty-sevendi. they reported that they
had visited and inspected the church buildings in Avon. Simsbury. Bristol.
Soulhinglon, Turkey Hills (East Granby), New Britain, Litchfield,
and New Milford. It was voted to erect a building sixty-eight feet
in length and fifty-six feet in width, and to make the interior hke that
of die Free (South) Church in Hartford and the exterior front like
that of the church in Bristol.
There was some delay aad further action in regard to the site, and
finally some additional land on the north was purchased of Thomas
Brace. The building committee chosen were Seth Talcott, Timothy
Sedgwick, Samuel Whitman, Solomon S. Flagg, Ralph Wells, Mark
Gridley and Joseph E. Cone.
The building was dedicated in March, 1835, under the direction
of a committee of arrangements consisting of H. G. Webster, Benjamin
Belden, Romania Seymour, Edwin W. Belden, Gurdon Flagg, Whit
ing Colton and James Whitman. The names of these committees will
be of interest to many, since they recall the families who were prominent
and efficient in church affairs in those days.
Come with me now on wings of memory for a brief visit to the
church of our childhood.
It is a bright, beautiful Sabbath morning in early June. We are
standing under the shade of the beautiful maple trees in the churchyard.
remembering vidth gratitude that they were planted about the time the
Church was built, in 1 834. by Mark Gridley. as a token of his affection
for the Church.
What a stately, substantial building the Church is, with its many-
decked steeple and imposing pillars in front! Let us enter the building.
Here in the corners are the old wood stoves with their long lines of
black pipe stretching along under the front of the galleries and entering
the chimneys in the western wall. There is no fire in the stoves now
and there was none on the first Sunday after they were purchased, but
in spite of that fact some of the good people who had objected to their
introduction were so affected by the unusual and oppressive heat, that
they almost fainted.

"We have thought on thy loving-kindness, O Cod, in the midst of thy
temple.
Our Fathers trusted in Thee:
They trusted, and Thou didst deliver ihem."

THE third meeting HOUSE.

"Walk about Zion, and go round about her;
Tell the towers thereof, mark V^ 'O'M her bulwarks, consider her palaces;
That ye may tell it to the generation following.
For this Cod is our Cod for ever and ever:
He will be our guide even unto death."

bicentennial celebration 29
There in the western wall above and behind the pulpit is the triple
window, and still higher above the window is the tablet with Roman
numerals in gold, MDCCCXXXIV. How often you studied it and
wondered at it when you were a child, too young to understand ils
significance. And there is the high pulpit with a curved stairway
enclosed by balustrades on either side, and doors at the top guarding the
entrance or shutting in the minister.
Do you remember, when as a boy you first ventured to enter the
Church on a week day without the knowledge or consent of the
sexton, and how with fear and trembling you crept slowly up those stairs,
opened the door and actually entered ihe sacred pulpit? That was
indeed a daring act. You were afraid to touch the big Bible resting
on its cushion of velvet with big dark-red tassels hanging down over the
front of the pulpit. You did not tarry long, but hastened cautiously
down the stciirs with mingled feeUngs of awe and guilt, fearing that the
sexton or perhaps the minister might come in and find you there.
And there in the gallery opposite the pulpit are the seats for the
choir rising up from the front, tier upon tier. Along the front suspended
from a brass rod are the short damask curtains, designed when drawn
to shield the front row of singers partially from the gaze of the con
gregation. Over there in the corner leaning against the wall is the
big bass viol, silent now but resonant with deep tones when Benjamiin
Sterling Bishop puts his hand to the bow. And Thomas Brace, the
chorister, will bring his fine old violin from his house nearby, and Julius
W. Deming will come v»ath his flute. The faithful members of the
choir will fill the seals.
"As well the singers as players upon instruments will be there."
But the people are beginning to come from the east, west, north
and south in goodly numbers, some on foot but many more in family
wagons and carriages, with two and in some instances three seats, all
occupied by members of the family or neighbors who have been invited
to join them. The best wagon or carriage will not encounter objection
now, but when Captain Ebenezer Faxon drove to Church in the first
carriage used here, the people were greatly aroused at such vain show
and desecration of the Sabbath, and he was permitted to continue its
use only upon the condition that he would drive very slowly.
The farmers who have the fleetest horses will get upon the road
first and arrive early, since it is not considered a proper thing for one
team to pass another on the way to Church.

30 bicentennial celebration
For half an hour or more the people have been coming. The
horses have been hitched in the sheds on the corner opposite or in Mrs.
Olmstead's and Mr. Brace's yards, or in the back of the old tavern.
Some are hitched to posts south of the Church or in front of the old
schoolhouse. The sexton is tolling the bell. From the parsonage yonder across
from the park come forth the minister and his family. They cross the
street, enter the Church, pass up the center aisle well to the front. The
family are ushered into their pew and the minister climbs the stairway
and enters the pulpit.
The tolling of the bell has ceased. The men who love to linger
on the porch until the very last moment hasten in.
The service begins.
Soon the minister announces and reads the opening hymn. The
chorister in low tones announces the tune to the choir, and soon all
are singing: "How pleased and blest was I
To hear the people cry:
Come, let us seek our God today;
Yes, with a cheerful zeal
We'll haste to Zion's hill.
And there our vows and homage pay."
With tender, reverent hearts and eyes dimmed with tears, we
return from our reverie.
A vestry or conference house was built in 1833 upon the corner
where our Church now stands. The land for its site was leased, or
practically donated to the society by Samuel Whitman, grandfather of
Mr. Henry C. Whitman, our present Town Clerk and Treasurer.
The building committee consisted of Samuel Whitman, Augustus
Flagg and Jedediah W. Mills. The building was conshucted by
members of the society, Messrs. Belden, Brace and Cone. It was
a plain, rectangular structure facing die west. On the south and east
of it were several rows of horse sheds.
Miss Sarah Talcott has made from memory an excellent sketch
of this *building.
The entire cost of the building and its furnishings was $739. 1 1 .
The funds were secured by subscription. The amount raised was not
sufficient to cover the entire expense and the builders generously con
tributed time and labor to the amount of over $100.
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 31
The ladies of the Church, the young men and several individuals
donated various articles of furnishings.
The services of public worship on Sunday was held in the vestry
while the Church building was in process of erection in 1834. For
many years the sessions of the Sunday School and the Church prayer
meetings were held there. The public library was located in the vestry
and the town used it for holding elections and town meetings for a
number of years. It was a very useful building in many ways. The
memory of it recalls varied and dehghtful experiences and associations.
It was sold to the town in 1863 for $750 to be used as a town
hall. In 1881 it was transferred again to the society in partial ex
change for the Church building, now the Town Hall. The vestry was
at that time taken down and converted into a barn by Mr. Theron H.
Darling. In 1864 the question of building a new lecture room was con
sidered. There was a desire to locate it south of the Church building,
either attached to it or close by. Owing to a conflict in deeds as to
the boundaries of two tracts of land there was a controversy between
the Baptist Ecclesiastical Society and our own as to the ownership of
the land south of the Church. Various attempts were made from time
lo time, by conferences of committees and finally by an appeal to courts.
to setde the question. The claims of our society were practically sus
tained by the court, but the Baptist Society was unwilhng to abide
by that decision. It was found impracticable to secure a site in an
amicable manner, or to adopt any plans for a building or rooms near
the Church, or connected with it that were satisfactory.
Finally in 1880. al the suggestion of the pastor. Rev. Franklin
S. Hatch, a plan was favorably considered for the erection of a new
Church, on a new site, and exchanging the Church property with the
town for the vestry and the land upon which it stood.
It was indeed a bold proposition and a very formidable under
taking. There was at first strong opposition to the abandonment of
the site where from the beginning the Church had been located, and
the severing of many very strong and precious ties of memory and
sacred associations. Furthermore, the vestry site was in itself inadequate.
It was necessary to secure considerable adjoining land, upon which
numerous horse sheds were located. The title to that land as a whole
vested in three men, but they had given separate deeds to the owners
of sheds of the particular portions of the land upon which their sheds

32 bicentennial celebration
stood, so that it was necessary lo deal directly with al least thirty
different people in securing a title lo the land. Much time, some money
and a large amount of patience were required.
But the needs of the Church were urgent; the faith and courage
of the pastor and leader were strong and the response of the people was
hearty and loyal. TTie enterprise was successfully accomplished. Some of
you who were not living here thirty years ago sometimes wonder why the
transition was made. Some of us who were here then, actors in the scene.
wonder how it was done. The proposition at first was lo erect a wooden
building, but as matters progressed, Mr. Charles Boswell, who had
subscribed $5,000. became interested in the idea of erecting a stone
building and offered lo double his subscription in case such a change
was made. The proposition met with favor. The building was
erected by W. N. Flynl & Company of Monson. Massachusetts, the
granite of which it is built coming from their quarries at Monson. The
entire cost of the building, including the furnishings was $33,000.
It was *dedicaled free of debt on June 6, 1882. The organ
and the bell were transferred from the old church to the new one. A
*poem written by one of our people on the transfer of the old bell to
the present church building is appended.
The first parsonage was built in 1 838. It was removed in 1 90 1
to the south side of the parsonage lot and remodeled and is now occu
pied by Dr. C. O. Purinton as a residence and office. The present
parsonage was built in 1901.
PASTORS.
The Church has had twelve pastors, two of whom served as acting
pastors and colleagues of Rev. Dr. Perkins during the closing years of
his long and memorable pastorate. They were, and are, true men
of God, worthy of their high calhng, richly endowed widi intellectual
and spiritual gifts, faithful and efficient as heralds of die gospel and
under-shepherds of the flock of Christ which they loved and cherished.
The character and progress of die Church dirough all the genera
tions is due, under God, to the influence and ministry of these leaders
more than lo all other agencies.
Rev. Benjamin Colton, the first pastor, was ordained and *installed
in connection with the organization of die Church, February 24, 1713
He graduated from Yale College in 1710 and was only twenty-three
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 33
years old when he entered upon his pastorate here. He is described
by Rev. Myron N. Morris as a man of serious turn of mind, sound in
doctrine and well versed in the Scripture. His portrait indicates a
mild temperament. His pastorate continued forty-six years. The
Church increased in membership and influence emd his pastorate was
successful until, near its close when dissensions arose in the Church and
the conditions were so serious that it was necessary to call in two asso
ciations for counsel. He was in poor health during the latter years
of his pastorate and this may in part, at least, account for the disturbed
condition of the Church. He resigned in I 759.
The second pastor was Rev. Nathaniel Hooker, Jr., a descendant
of Rev. Thomas Hooker of Hartford and on his mother's side of Hon.
Joseph Talcott, one of the early governors of Connecticut. He was
ordained and *installed December 21, 1757. having graduated from
Yale College in 1 755. He was only twenty years old at the time
of his ordination. Rev. Mr. Morris vividly depicts the scene "when seven
pastors of churches in the vicinage assembled to lay reverent hands upon
the head of a mere boy whom his people had called to be their spiritual
guide." Mr. Hooker was slender in person and not physically strong,
but endowed with somewhat remarkable intellectual qualities. The
epitaph which is inscribed upon the tablet which is over his burial-place
is a fitting tribute to his character and life:
"A facetious gentleman of an open and benevolent disposition.
a universal scholar, exemplary Christian and good minister; a celebrated
preacher and a warm advocate for civil and religious liberty, a kind
husband, tender parent, and hearty friend to mankind. He lived in
high esteem with his Church and in good reputation with all who
knew him."
His pastorate was characterized by a spirit of harmony. It con
tinued only twelve years and was terminated by his death.
For two years after Mr. Hooker's death, the Church was pastor-
less. Seventeen candidates were heard, all excellent men, but not one
seemed to be in favor with a majority of the people. The Church
sought the advice of the association and it recommended that they
dismiss all the candidates and look for an entirely new man. This
advice was followed and Rev. Nathan Perkins of Norwich was selected.
He came and preached nine months before he reached a conclusion
as to the acceptance of the call of the Church.
* See Appendix.

34 bicentennial celebration
Mr. Harvey Seymour, a native of West Hartford and for many
years a prominent business man of Hartford, was accustomed to say
that Mr. Perkins was approached also with reference to the pastorate
of the First Church in Hartford, but diat his father advised him to
choose the Church in West Hartford as that seemed to be the more
promising field.
He was ordained and *installed October 14. 1 772. The last day
of September was observed by the people as a day of fasting and prayer
in an earnest and solemn way. Mr. Perkins was of strong physique.
quite an athlete of large stature and dignified bearing, pohte and cour
teous, fond of humor, of great presence of mind and strong self-control.
He was genial but reserved, careful and painstaking in all things.
He was Uberal in advance of his times in his views, of far-seeing
vision, deeply interested in the promotion of the Kingdom of God in
the earth. He was held in high esteem by the people among whom
he lived and moved as a recognized leader and spiritual father.
He found time to carry forward with great faithfulness his work
as a preacher, often holding services in the different schoolhouses of
the town, serving as a leading member of the school committee, cate
chising the children, giving much attention to the missionary enterprises
on the broader fields, assisting young men in preparation for college
and the gospel ministry, and successfully managing the work of a
large farm which he owned. He was the first to suggest the organiza
tion of a pastoral union in the State and the establishment of a theological
seminary at East Windsor Hill, laying with his own hands the corner
stone of its first building in 1 834.
His pastorate continued for sixty-five years in harmony and pros
perity. The story of Dr. Perkins' life and service in his community is
fittingly told in the following sentences written by him in a young lady's
album at her request, when he was eighty-five years old:
"I have lived eighty-five years, preached the gospel of Christ
sixty-three years, trained for the holy ministry thirty-five young men,
fitted one hundred for college, preached four thousand written sermons
and three thousand extemporaneous sermons, been blessed with nine
revivals of religion, and have kept the Church and society under God
united and in peace."
Rev. Caleb S. Henry was installed as colleague pastor with
Rev. Dr. Perkins in 1 833. He continued in the service of this Church
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 35
less than two years, but during that time there arose a spirit of enterprise
and progress which led to the erection of the third church and vestry.
Rev. Edward W. Andrews was installed in 1837, only two
months prior to the death of Mr. Perkins. Mr. Andrews continued
until December 22, 1840, when he was dismissed to become pastor of
the Broadway Tabernacle in New York City. Mr. Andrews is re
membered as a man of physical and intellectual vigor and an eloquent
preacher. Rev. George I. Wood was installed as pastor in 1841. He was
born in Stamford, Conn., in 1814, and was a descendant on his mother's
side of Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the
United States. He graduated from Yale College in 1833, when only
nineteen years of age.
He was a man of scholarly attainments, a lover of nature, and fond
of historical research. He had considerable ability as an artist and was
deeply interested in the promotion of public improvements. On account
of ill health he resigned his pastorate here at the expiration of two and
a half years. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him here and
in other communities where he subsequendy resided.
Rev. Dwight M. Seward was the next pastor. He was installed
January 14, 1845, coming to this Church from a pastorate in New
Britain. He was a graduate of Yale College in 1832, taught deaf
mutes in New York for a year, and then pursued a course in theology.
He was an eloquent preacher and excellent pastor, thorough in
his preparation for the pulpit and prayer meeting.
It is remembered by people in this parish that he was fond of
and always drove a good horse. He resigned in December, 1850,
and for twenty years thereafter was pastor of a flourishing church in
Yonkers, New York. He preached ahnost continuously for sixty-six
years, during the latter part of his hfe supplying churches in the vicinity
of South Norwalk. Coim., where he resided. He was familiarly and
lovingly called the "Bishop of the Coast."
Rev. Myron N. Morris was called in 1852 to be the pastor of
the Church. He graduated from Yale College in 1837 and had ren
dered very efficient service as an educator for several years, being the
principal of Bacon Academy in Colchester. He came to West Hart
ford from a successful pastorate in North Stonington. His pastorate
here continued for a period of twenty-three years and was characterized

36 bicentennial celebration
by a substantial growth of the Church, and the prevalence in the com
munity of a high standard of morals and Christian living.
Mr. Morris was a man of large stature and courtly bearing. He
possessed a well-balanced judgment and a clear perception of truth.
He had strong convictions and courage to give them expression on proper
occasions, but was discreet, self-controlled, and calm under provoca
tion. He was studious and thorough in his preparation for the pulpit,
clear and forcible in his preaching, and methodical in all that he did.
He cared faithfully for all the interests of the Church and was held in
great esteem by the people of the community.
For a considerable period, he was an influential member of the
corporation of Yale University and held important positions in the
associations and fellowship of his contemporaries. TTie following words
spwken of him at the time of his decease fittingly portray his character
and life: "The grace of God was upon him and the spirit of Christ dwelt
in him. The beautiful light of his life filled all the community with
its radiance." Fortunate indeed were those who in childhood, youth and early
manhood and womanhood enjoyed the privileges and blessings of a
continual pastorate under the leadership instruction and personal in
fluence of Mr. Morris.
He resigned in 1875, and, gready to the delight of the people,
continued to reside here, erecting and occupying the house which is
now the home of Robert S. Cruttenden.
In his hfe as an ex-pastor and parishioner, he exhibited a remark
able degree of wisdom and grace in the presence of methods of work
and changes which might have been the occasion of discomfort. Some
months after the retirement of Rev. Mr. Morris, Mr. Henry Talcott. who
was chairman of the society's committee, secured Franklin S. Hatch, a
student in the Hartford Theological Seminary, to preach as a supply for
one Sunday. There was no thought on die part of Mr. Talcott or of Mr.
Hatch that he was to appear as a candidate. But he was so acceptable
in his personality and preaching that he was invited to appear again as
a candidate with the result that he was soon called to the pastorate.
He graduated from Amherst College in 1873 and from the Hartford
Theological Seminary in 1876. He was installed and ordained in
June, 1876. His pastorate continued for seven years, when he re-

bicentennial celebration 37
signed to assume an official position as representative of the Hartford
Theological Seminary.
He afterwards served as pastor of the Congregational Church in
Monson, Mass., and for three years was General Secretary of the Chris
tian Endeavor Union of India.
Mr. Hatch was a man of winsome manners, sympathetic, con
siderate, kindly in all his relations with others, artistic in his tastes.
progressive in spirit, but remarkably patient in the presence of obstacles
and opposition. He was a fluent speaker and impressive preacher,
seldom making use of memuscripts in his sermons.
His pastorate was successful especially in the line of new enter
prises, the most prominent being the erection of our present church
building. A system of cards and envelopes for use in benevolent offer
ings was introduced by him. also a plan for written reviews in the Sunday
School. He arranged for and conducted service in commemoration
of the life and labors of Rev. Dr. Perkins. He resigned in 1 883.
When the time came to secure a pcistor to succeed Mr. Hatch.
a plan was adopted for the appointment of a committee representing
the Church and society, for the purpose of looking up desirable candi
dates, with the understanding that no candidates were to be presented
to the Church whom the committee did not unanimously recommend.
This plan has been in practice ever since. The choice of the committee
was Rev. Henry B. Roberts, then pastor of the Plymouth Church in
Providence, Rhode Island, a new church, which, under his leadership
had been developed and rapidly brought up from a mission Sunday
School. The choice of the committee was also the choice of the people.
Mr. Roberts entered upon his pastorate here in 1883, and continued
until 1890. when he resigned to accept a call to Torrington, Conn.
Mr. Roberts is with us on this anniversary occasion, and the fact that he
finds in all our hearts an affectionate and cordial welcome is in itself
good evidence that his pastorate here was successful. Coming here as
he did from the stirring scenes and activities of a growing city church
where the enthusiasm and energies of the pastor must be constantly
exercised, to a quiet and somewhat conservative community like West
Hartford, Mr. Roberts experienced some difficulty in adjusting himself
to the situation. But he kept a cheerful heart and sunny face and a
patient, hopeful spirit. The Christian Endeavor Society was organized
and other vigorous work for the young people was undertaken. The

38 bicentennial celebration
people had the privilege of listening to most excellent preaching on
every Lord's day, and the horse and carriage which had been purchased
of Mr. Hatch were kept busy in pastoral calls and church work about
the community. The Church increased in membership and prospered.
In all probability, the interest which has been manifested in per
petuating the memory of the life and distinguished service of Noah
Webster, received a great impetus in connection with the Noah Webster
Memorial Day, which was planned and successfully observed under
Mr. Roberts' direction.
While the committee appointed to present a desirable candidate
to succeed Mr. Roberts was busy in its quest. Rev. Charles W. Mallory,
of Charlotte, Michigan, a graduate of Amherst College in 1871.
preached one Sunday as a supply. The people at once eisked the
committee why he should not be considered as a candidate. The com
mittee was glad to accede to the wishes of the people, and in May, 1 890,
he received a unanimous call, which he accepted.
He was installed in July, and entered heartily upon the work. He
took the Church and people into his heart and they soon came to regard
him most affectionately. He was a man of good judgment, fine social
qualities, an excellent musician and capable preacher. He was modest,
sincere, and true in character and life. He had a large degree of
good sense and knew how to approach people in a way to win their
confidence and affection.
His pastorate was very brief. One Sunday morning in September,
only about two mondis from the time of his installation, while the people
were entering this sanctuary for public worship, the Heaveidy Father
called him to the worship of "the temple not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens." The whole community was in deep sorrow.
During the six mondis subsequent to the deadi of Mr. Mallory,
Professor Clark S. Beardsley of the Hartford Theological Seminary
served as the spiritual leader of the Church, ministering to the people
in their time of need from his own great heart of love, the comfort and
strength which come from that knowledge of and devotion to the word
of God which characterize his Hfe and service. He is remembered
with grateful affection by this Church for the service which he rendered
at that time.
Our present pastor. Rev. Thomas Manning Hodgdon, was in
stalled in 1891. He graduated from Darhnoudi College, and from
the Hartford Theological Seminary.

bicentennial celebration 39
Once more the Church and community have had the advantage
of a continuous pastorate for a generation. A review of this pastorate
is presented in another part of this publication.
Under his leadership the Church has increased in membership and
spiritual power. The people have heard the message of the gospel
in clearness and force from a heart intensely loyal to the truth and
have been blessed and strengthened by a ministry of loving, unselfish
devotion, illustrated and enforced by the example and influence of a
noble character and pure life.
It is a matter of interest that five of the pastors of this Church
came here in their young manhood to begin in this parish their hfe-work
as ordained ministers of the gospel, namely: Revs. Benjamin Colton.
Nathaniel Hooker, Jr.. Nathan Perkins, Franklin S. Hatch and Thomas
M. Hodgdon. Three of the five spent the remainder of their lives
here. Five pastors also came to the end of their earthly course in this
parish and their sepulchres are in our cemeteries in the midst of the
graves of those to whom they ministered and by whom they were be
loved. These were the Revs. Benjamin Colton, Nathaniel Hooker,
Jr., Nathan Perkins, Myron N. Morris and Charles W. Mallory.
All the pastors have had wives, — most excellent women, and true
helpmeets. They have been influential workers and leaders, but their
services have been for the most part rendered in such modest and quiet
ways that they have not attracted the attention of those who have kept
the records. An interesting vote was passed by the society at the beginning
of Mr. Hooker's pastorate, to the effect that "his wife, if he gels one.
should sit in Mr. Colton's pew on the Sabbath."
The administration of affairs al the parsonage, including the ex
tension of ils hospitahly lo numerous visitors and guests has involved
large amount of labor and time.
The pastors' wives have rendered service of great value by encour
aging them in all their plans and efforts and by looking after their
personal interests in a spirit of unselfish devotion.
The results of this important ministry may be most appropriately
set forth in the words of Holy Writ:
"Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the
elders."

40 bicentennial celebration
As leaders in the sewing circles, the pastors' wives have been of
great service. As visitors in the homes and sympadiizing helpers to
those who were in trouble or need they have rendered a great amount
of unheralded service.
During the later years, especially, ihey have been influential in
the organization and maintenance of important departments of Church
work. We remember wtih gratitude Mrs. Roberts' efficient work in
behalf of the young people, and we are now experiencing the benefits of
Mrs. Hodgdon's successful labors in organizations for the young and
in the promotion of missionary spirit and enterprise.
The spiritual hfe of the Church has been very strong through all
its history. In common with the other churches, it has passed through periods
of general declension and a low state of rehgious hfe, but these con
ditions have been temporary. It was organized after the controversy
and dissensions in regard to the question and practice of the half-way
covenant had spent their force to a large extent. While members were
for a rime received on the basis of a half-way covenant, there seems to
have been no dissension in coimection with the introduction or subsequent
discontinuance of the practice. So far as we have been able to dis
cover, the Church has not passed through the trying experiences of
heated and prolonged theological discussions, or the baneful promul
gation and prevalence of heresy.
Its pastors have all proclaimed the true gospel, and practiced its
precepts in their daily lives, and by precept and example have been
influential leaders in the spiritual hfe of the Church and community.
The Church has experienced the blessed results of several seasons of
great revival, when the lives of all the people have been quickened and
strengthened by glorious refreshings from the presence of the Lord.

DISCIPLINE.
The early records of the Church contain accounts of many cases
of discipline. This is not necessarily or probably to be taken as
evidence of the prevalence in any unusual degree of sins and mis
demeanors in the lives of the Church members.
The obligations of the Church to watch over its members were
more strictly and seriously observed then, than in these later years.

bicentennial celebration 41
To the executive committee of the Church was intrusted the
duty of keeping a watchful oudook upon the lives of the people and
of bringing to the attention of the Church for discipline all cases which
in their opinion were deserving of notice.
To us the measures adopted and the course pursued may seem
lo be somewhat severe and cold, but they followed the New Testament
rule with exactness, and doubdess were actuated by a desire to promote
the highest interests of the Church.
MISSIONARY SPIRIT.
A strong and ever-increasing spirit of interest in missionary work
at home and abroad has been maintained here from the time when the
pastor. Rev. Dr. Perkins, went forth on leave of absence as a home
missionary emd also took a prominent part in the organization of the
American Board.
In earlier years the contributions of the people were gathered
annually by duly appointed collectors in the several school districts.
Those collectors found generous souls whose cordial welcome and
ready money ledd aside for the purpose made their hearts glad. They
found some who could not decide how much to give until they had seen
the book and had ascertained how much they gave the year before or
how much their neighbors had given.
The plsm of systematic giving by means of pledge cards and en
velopes for weekly offerings was established during the pastorate of
Rev. Mr. Hatch and in an improved form is still in operation. The
monthly concert of prayer for missions on Sunday evenings which was
observed with great regularity and profit during the pastorate of Rev.
Mr. Morris has given way now to the more frequent and thorough con
sideration of missions and prayers for their success, which has been
organized in departments during our present pastorate, and which is
promoting a higher degree of intelligence and interest in missionary
enterprises from year to year.
Through the Junior Endeavor Society and in other ways the
children are taught and influenced. For nearly thirteen years Rev.
Harry Gaston Bissell has been our missionary pastor at Ahmedneggar,
India. The Church has conhibuted $600 annually for his salary and
has rejoiced to have some share in the great work which he has ac
complished. The news of his recent death brought sorrow to all our
hearts.

42 bicentennial celebration
FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
The financial support of the Church, as well as of the schools, was
provided for in early times by the taxation of all the people. That
seems to have been a fair and just way of placing the financial
responsibility upon those who were benefited in proportion to their
resources and abihty to share in bearing the burden. There is no
doubt that the burden was heavy, but the people were accustomed to
hardships and willing to make sacrifices for the promotion of the welfare
of the community. There were usually two tax rates annually, one for
the support of the Church called "the minister's rate," and the other
for the support of the schools and other necessary expenses. The rates
varied from one penny on a pound to eight pence on a pound. The
higher rates were usually to provide for some increased advantages.
The people residing in that part of Farmington just west of our
present Mountain Road, were p»ermitted to enjoy the gospel privileges
of this society and were taxed to help in providing for the expenses.
Some one was annually appointed by the society to go to Farmington
and get the tax rates of the people there.
The salary of Rev. Nathaniel Hooker, Jr., the second pastor,
was seventy-five (lounds a year, and all the wood which he could con
veniently use.
Rev. Nathan Perkins had a salary at first of one hundred pounds
annually and a full supply of wood. During the period of the Revolu
tionary War when times were hard and money scarce, the society at one
time voted him a salary of one hundred pounds value in provisions, or
three hundred pounds in Continental bills, which were at a discount.
The furnishing of provisions at that time may have been the be
ginning or suggestion of those minister's donation parties which prevailed
at a later period, which did not always prove to be to the minister and
his family a "blessing of the Lord which maketh rich and he addedi
no sorrow." The furnishing of wood for the minister was not difficult. In
those days a wood-lot was considered an essential part of every farmer's
possessions. The entire eastern slope of Talcott Mountain was di
vided into wood-lots, owned for the most part by farmers of West
Hartford, and from these were procured in the winter season the huge
piles of wood which adorned the dooryards of the people and the
minister, as well as the schoolyards.

bicentennial celebration 43
One winter's day a parsimonious parishioner drove up in front of
the parsonage with a load of wood drawn by two yoke of oxen and a
pair of steers. The load was composed largely of crooked and scraggly
limbs which could nol be closely packed but made a huge pile, calculated
if nol intended lo convey the impression that it was a very generous
supply. When Dr. Perkins came out lo view the load al the solicitation
of the donor, he look a position immediately behind it and looking through
between the crooked sticks, he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "That is
a fine pair of steers you have on the lead, Mr. Blank."
During the latter part of his pastorate. Dr. Perkins received a
salary of six hundred dollars a year.
The early ministers were not entirely dependent upon their salaries
for the support of their families. They owned and successfully carried
on large farms.
Dr. Perkins was the owner of a large tract of land on which he
produced large crops of hay and grains and raised cattle and horses.
Rev. George I. Wood, who succeeded Dr. Perkins, received a
salary of seven hundred dollars and the use of the parsonage.
Rev. Myron N. Morris received during the early part of his
pastorale a salary of nine hundred dollars.
In 1834, when plans were under consideration for the erection of
a new church, the society decided to seek for some method of raising
fimds other than by taxation. They decided to sell the seats or pews
in the new church for a sum sufficient to cover the entire expense of
erecting the building, estimated at six thousand dollars, and to impose
an annual tax upon each *pew owner at a rate per cent, on the price
paid for it, sufficient to provide in the aggregate for the support of the
minister and other necessary expenses. This plan was carried out.
The aimual rate of taxation was fixed at ten per cent.
But it soon became necessary to increase the salary of the minister
and other expenses and the income proved insufficient.
A movement was started inviting the owners of pews to relinquish
their claims to the same and allow them to be sold or rented annually
to the highest bidder at auction.
Many of the people responded promptly and heartily to this appeal.
Others did so after considerable deliberation and somewhat reluctandy.
and some never acquiesced in the plan, and retained ownership of their
pews so long as they existed. One pew owner, who had become an
* See Appendix.

44 bicentennial celebration
attendant at another church and who rented his pew annually to another
party, promptly and almost indignantly rejected the invitation to re
linquish his ownership in favor of the society, stating that his pew was
the best paying property in his possession. It was one of the assets at
the time of his death.
The plan of annually renting the pews at auction worked well
for a time, although there were almost always those who took offense,
interpreting a spirit of generous competition as personal attack or com
plaining of unfair treatment. If all the seats were sold or rented, or
nearly all of them and if the rentals were paid when due a sufficient
income was secured to provide for current expenses. But these con
ditions rarely ever existed and frequently there was a deficit at the close
of the fiscal year.
Several years ago a plan was adopted by which all the seats in
Church were to be free and the necessary income was to be secured by
voluntary offerings from the people pledged at the beginning of the
fiscal year. This plan with some variations in respect to methods of
operation is still in vogue. It has been on the whole successful, al
though it has not always been found easy to provide for all the expenses.
The Church has been quite fortunate in two ways, in respect to
*permanenl invested funds in its possession. It has a few comparatively
small funds, which yield an aimual income which is helpful in promoting
various lines of church and parish work. It has no large funds yielding
an income of such size as to present to the people the strong temptation
to rely upon that as the main source of income for providing for the
expenses of the Church, emd thus relax their efforts.
On account of defective construction our present Church edifice
has been the occasion of large exp>enditures and at times it has been
necessary to incur a debt, but the people have responded generously
whenever appmals have been made to pay the indebtedness.
CHURCH MUSIC.
Church music was in a crude and unsettled condition in this region
two hundred years ago. The people were accustomed to sing metrical
versions of the psalms line upon line as read by the minister, or some
one appointed to perform that service. Only a few tunes were in use
and these were sung from memory over and over. Rev. Dr. Walker
has stated in his history of the First Church of Hartford, that as a
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 45
result of this practice "tunes called by the same names were scarcely
recognizable when sung by congregations only a few miles apart."
There was strenuous objection to the use of any musical instru
ments except the pitch-pipe and tuning-fork. The singing was un
doubtedly devout, but it was not very melodious.
In 1727, Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, then pastor of the First
Church of Hartford, became deeply interested in the idea of learning
lo sing by rule or note. He prepared an address which he called a
"Singing Lecture" and delivered it on various occasions in different
parishes in this vicinity, thereby provoking an animated and prolonged
discussion. Some of the people were opposed to the new idea and said,
"If we once begin to sing by rule, then the next thing will be to pray
by rule, aad preach by rule, and then comes popery."
We have no means of knowing whether Rev. Mr. Woodbridge
gave his "Singing Lecture" here or to what extent the people of the
West Division entered into the controversy or were affected by it.
The first record concerning music, now extant, was made in 1 752.
when the society appointed Mr. Henry Brace "to set the psalm."
Probably he was not the first one appointed to perform that service in
the Church, but we may properly consider this as the beginning of that
faithful and efficient leadership in the church music by members of the
Brace family, which continued for more than a hundred years.
Mr. Brace had some unpleasant experiences at first. Within a
month from the time of his appointment the society held a meeting
and voted that they were uneasy at Rev. Mr. Colton, the pastor, for
putting down Mr. Brace from singing or setting the psalms. A
committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Colton. and at an ad
journed meeting a second committee presented a written statement from
him to the effect that "he had carried his resentments too high and con
tinued diem too long." Apparently Mr. Brace experienced no further
trouble from that source.
In 1 795 the society appointed a committee consisting of Isaac
Webster. John Pantry Whitman. Stephen Brace and Ehsha Hossing-
ton to lay out the money which had been and was to be contributed for
the purpose of hiring a master or masters to teach the singers such
tunes, hymns and andiems as shall be appropriate to be sung on the
Lord's day. That was the first music committee in the Church.
It is probable that at this time Lory Brace was chosen to be the
leader of the choir. He served in that capacity until 1825, when he

46 bicentennial celebration
was succeeded by his son, Thomas Brace, who served until 1873.
During diat entire period of seventy-eight years diere was strong, skilled
leadership and a spirit of hearty co-operation in the service of song in the
sanctuary, and the choir of the Church in West Hartford was known
far and wide as one of the best.
In 1810 Lory Brace purchased a fine old violin from a sea captain
who had brought it from Holland and diis was used continuously in
die choir until 1865. It was used during the week in singing-schools
taught by Mr. Brace throughout this entire region, and its merry tones
often resounded in household groups on winter evenings and in dancing
parties on numerous occasions.
It is still in existence and if it could speak it might tell us of the
opposition which it encountered when it was first taken to the Church,
for there were still some earnest souls who objected to the use of musical
instruments in the Church.
In 1864 the people became greatly interested in the subject of
purchasing a pipe-organ. Sufficient subscriptions were soon secured.
the organ was made and installed by Johnson of Westfield. Mass.. and
on the evening of June 12, 1865, it was *dedicated with an appropriate
musical service conducted by Dr. J. G. Barnett of Hartford, a promi
nent organist of that period. Mr. A. C. Sternberg was one of the
prominent singers in connection with that service.
There were a few people in the Church who were gready dis
turbed because, as they expressed it, the House of the Lord had been
desecrated by the introduction of such a musical instrument. Finally
the sagacious pastor. Rev. Myron N. Morris, who was slow to speak
in the presence of provocations, but whose utterances when he did speak
were of no uncertain character, preached a sermon, taking for his text
"Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs." There was no
further contention and the organ is still in use.
Mrs. J. M. G. Brace was chosen to serve as the first organist and
continued in that position with marked fidelity and efficiency for twenty-
three years when ill health compelled her to resign. She brought to
that service not only great skill as a musician, but also great devotion.
She loved her work and came to have an affectionate regard for the
organ, which seemed when she played it to respond to the outgoings
of her soul.
Mr. Brace, the chorister, found in her a most cordial and helpful
fellow-worker. He was cheered and encouraged by her presence and
* See Appendix.

bicentennial celebration 47
efforts. He had some intentions of resigning soon after the organ was
introduced, but at earnest ^solicitation of all the members of the choir,
and undoubtedly gready influenced by Mrs. Brace, he continued until
1873. when he retired and Mr. WiUiam A. Burr was chosen to suc
ceed him. Mr. Edward L. Morris has written a *poem entided.
"When Uncle Thomas Led the Choir."
The first mention of a hymn book in the Church appears on the
records for 1835. when it was voted to introduce "The Church Psalm
ody." About thirty years later a collection called "Psalms and Hymns
for Christiem Worship" was introduced.
It was the custom for many years for the congregation to stand.
turn around in their seats and face the choir during the singing. During
the pastorate of Rev. M. N. Morris an attempt was made to change
this custom aad the people were asked to face the pulpit or front of
the auditorium. For some time there was quite an amusing condition of affairs.
some of the i>eople stemding and facing one way and some facing in
the opposite direction, while others did not stand at all. After some
months the custom of facing the front of the room prevailed.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The modern Sunday School movement, which began with Robert
Raikes in England in 1 780, soon reached America. In Connecticut
a considerable number of new Sunday Schools were organized during
die decade from 1810 to 1820.
Our own school was organized in 1819 under the pastorate of
Rev. Dr. Perkins.
Many of the ministers of that day regarded the Sunday School
with disfavor and suspicions. There were some, however, like Rev.
Dr. Lyman Beecher, Rev. Dr. Nathaniel W. Taylor, Rev. Dr. Noah
Porter, and others, who caught a vision of the beams of morning light
coming over the eastern hills, and gladly welcomed the dawn of a new
and better day in the religious life of New England.
Undoubtedly Dr. Perkins was among that number. One evidence
of his sympathy and interest in the new movement is found in the fact
that within a few months after the organization of our school, he prepared
and published a catechism for the use of the Sunday School.
* See Appendix.

48 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The people of West Hartford at that time were very gready in
terested in the Sunday School. This may be athibuted to a friendly
attitude and influence on the part of the pastor. It is also probable
that the spirit of devotion to the spiritual welfare of the children, which
actuated the fathers to seek for the establishment of a church here in
1710, had been transmitted to succeeding generations. Mr. Henry
Talcott, in an historical sketch of our school prepared in 1 882 for the
Wethersfield and Berlin Sunday School Union, wrote as follows:
"The origin of the Sunday School in West Hartford reminds one
of the ancient myth of Venus, born full-formed, for when organized
for the first time in the summer of 1819, it at once entered upon a
career which in some respects it has never smce equalled." Great
credit is ascribed to the first superintendent, *Mr. Ira Webster, whose
enthusiastic interest and self-sacrificing labors contribute much to the
success of the new enterprise. It has been stated by one who knew
him, that so much of his time and efforts were devoted to the school
that his own personal affairs and interest suffered from neglect.
A repwrt of the school prepared for pubhcation in September,
1819, represents that it had a membership of two hundred children.
Their interest in the work is vividly set forth in that report as follows:
"Visit their homes on any day of the week, and they are found either
engaged in study, or with their books lying near them, at every inter
mission of their domestic engagements."
Those children were studying the catechism and committing to
memory verses of Scripture and hynms. That was the work under
taken by the Sunday Schools at first.
The attainments of some of those scholars may seem to us now
as somewhat marvelous.
One scholar memorized in twelve weeks seven thousand one hundred
verses of Scripture, an average of more than eighty-four verses per
day. Think of memorizing the first eight psalms or die first chapter
of Luke's Gospel in one day, in addition to die regular duties of daily
life in the home!
The total number of Scripture verses memorized by die school
in twelve weeks was one hundred thirty thousand thirty-one.
The task imposed upon the teachers in hearing their scholars recite
the Scripture which diey had memorized was one which required a
large amount of time in many cases.
* See Appendix.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 49
After a time the work of the Sunday School was modified by
the introduction of books containing lessons on selected passages of
Scripture, but these did not entirely displace the memorizing of Scripture.
Mr. Talcott was of the opinion that the first book of this kind used in
our school was "Emerson's Scripture Questions."
The question books sometimes had printed questions and answers,
making the work in the class very easy for both teachers and scholars
who were inclined lo confine attention lo the form of the lesson as pre
sented in the book. In some of the books used the answers to the
questions were to be found by the scholars in Scripture texts from refer
ences given in the books. In later books greater opportunity was given
for an expression of opinions by both teachers and scholars, and for
explanation by the teacher. One teacher is remembered on account
of his original and sometimes rather amusing explanations of Scripture
passages. The lesson on one occasion was on Christ's triumphal entry
into Jerusalem, and the teacher informed his scholars that the hateful
Jews broke off bramches from the trees and (by waving them) tried
to frighten "the jjesky colt" on which Christ was riding, hoping that
the colt would jump and throw him off and so break up the procession.
The primary or infant department, as it was formerly called for a con
siderable period, made use of large, colored pictorial cards, illustrating
various Bible stories. The lessons taught in that way were made so
interesting and impressive that they are even now clearly in the minds
of those who were children and members of that class sixty years ago.
under the leadership of Miss Jane Faxon and Mrs. JuHa Seavey.
The Sunday School was organized and managed for many years, as
was the custom elsewhere, somewhat independently of the Church.
An aimual meeting was held in the spring, usually in the month of
May, for the reorganization of the school, including the election of
officers. This meeting vfas attended and conducted by those people
who were interested in the school. Afler this annual meeting there
was a vacation of two weeks, during which time the librarian, having
called in all the books in circulation, renovated and rearranged the
library, putting in such new books as had been secured, issuing new
cards to scholars, etc.
A new list of teachers was at this time prepared. They were
appointed by the officers and at a later period by the Church, but
without special reference to the classes which they were lo teach. Al
the beginning of the new year this list was passed from class to class.

50 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
and each class was allowed the privilege of selecting its own teacher.
The list was passed from the older classes down to the younger ones
one year and the next year the order was reversed. The adult Bible
classes were not subjected to this method of choosing, but were
allowed to retain the same teacher from year to year.
The school provided for the payment of its own exfjenses, which
were very Hght, as the question books, etc., were purchased by the
teachers and scholars.
The Sunday School was held for many years in the vestry.
The infant or primary department was held in the Center School-
house and a part of the time in the Church gallery. *A sketch of the
old schoolhouse made from memory by Miss Sarah W. Talcott.
which is appended, will bring to many still living here, the memories
of the infant department as they knew it.
OTHER WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
Much attention has been devoted for many years to the interests
of the young people.
In addition to the work of the Sunday School, young people's
prayer meetings held during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Morris, the
Endeavor Society organized as already noted by Rev. Mr. Roberts,
the Junior Endeavor, Boys' Brigade, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire
Girls, which have flourished under the leadership and hearty support
of Rev. Mr. Hodgdon. have all proved of great value in die training
and upbuilding of the young in Christian character and service.
Mr. George M. Butler, the first *president of our Endeavor Society,
now a successful young business man in Boston, and an efficient
Christian worker, may be cited as an illustration of die far-reaching
influence of this work.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
Some consideration should be given to die valuable service ren
dered by the Church to die community in lines apart from its regular
work. For many years die ringing of die church bell was an important
element in die daily Hves of the people. The sexton realized die
responsibihty of his position and was accustomed to go to Hartford
as often as once a week and obtain correct time at some reliable jeweler's
—probably Thomas Steele's. When he rang the bell he was proudly
* See Appendix.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 51
conscious of the fact that good housewives throughout the community
would regulate the family clocks by his standard. The church bell
was rung daily at noon and at nine o'clock at night. For a time the
day of the month was indicated for the succeeding day by shokes of
the nine o'clock bell. When the bell rang at noon the farmers, busy
with their labors in the fields, recognized the signal and repaired to their
homes or to the shade of nearby trees to partake of the noonday meal
and enjoy a brief season of rest. The children in school, and the
teachers as well, rejoiced that the time had come for an hour of glad
release. The tones of the bell at nine o'clock at night were not as
cheery as at noon. Young people away from their own homes recog
nized the salutary warning that it was time to say good-night and
retum thither, aad all honest people at home or abroad realized that
it was time to be in bed.
The tolling of the church bell announcing a death in the com
munity, the hour of a fimeral service, or the passing of a funeral pro
cession Wcis of considerable importance at a time when there were no
daily newspapers in the homes and when the people were inclined to
give heed to the sad aad solemn experiences of human Hfe, than in
our hurrying, rushing age. The words of the old song were quite
appropriate then. "In the old church tower hangs the bell.
An old friend that seems to know
All our joy. and all our woe;
It is glad when we are wed.
It is sad when we are dead.
And all is well."
The modest but beautiful park here al the Center with ils fine
stretch of well-kept greensward, free as yet from the encroachment of
those clumps of shubbery now so popular, but not always truly orna
mental, is the properly of our society.
In 1 747 *Mr. Timothy Goodman donated this land to be used
and kept forever as a parade-ground or park.
Undoubtedly it was originally, before Farmington Avenue was
opened, direcdy connected with the land on which the first meeting
houses were located, and was a part of the so-called Pantry lot or
section. In the old training days the local militia used the park for a
parade-ground, and on diis arena, those citizens who from time to
* See Appendix.

52 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
time bore the distinguished tides of captain, major, or colonel, displayed
their authority and skill as commanders.
Agricultural fairs. Fourth of July celebrations, festivals, fairs,
and picnics have been held there during die years of the past, and
groups of merry boys and girls have on summer afternoons played and
strolled beneath the shade of the overhanging trees.
It has been an ornament to the town and a source of pleasure to
the people of the community and to those who have passed by.
In 1877 Mr. James S. Seymour of Auburn, New York, a native
of West Hartford, bequeathed to the society the sum of two thousand
dollars to be used for the improvement of the park and old cemeteries,
and it was expended in accordance with his wishes. At the same time
Mr. Charles Boswell contributed a sufficient amount to provide for
putting in the curbing at each end of the park.
The community is indebted to our society for valuable contribu
tions to its welfare in educational Hnes. We are quite familiar with
the statement that the Pilgrims were accustomed to plant the church aad
schoolhouses side by side, and we may fairly assume that our fathers
estabhshed the pubHc school as early as 1710. The records of the
society during those early years show that the schools received large
consideration and were well provided for.
For a number of years the committee of the society, consisting of
three persons, had the care and oversight of the schools as well as of
all other pubHc affairs. They were practically the board of selectmen
of those days. Subsequendy a school committee, usually consisting of
five members, was annually elected to visit and inspect the schools. The
minister was usually an important member of the school committee, and
the successive pastors of this Church during the entire period of its
existence, have with only two or three exceptions, rendered service in
that capacity. The minister in earHer years, even down to the childhood
of some who are now Hving. was accustomed lo question the children
in the public schools on the occasion of his visits, in respect lo the con
tents and teachings of the Westminster Catechism. Sometimes the
school committee visited the schools in a body. The scholars, and also
the teachers, must have reaHzed the importance and impressiveness of those
occasions when several of die most dignified and highly respected men
of the community, headed by the minister, sat together in die schoolroom.
The records of the society show dial in 1 760 five pubHc schools
were maintained on the main street of West Hartford. In addition to

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 53
these there were schools in West Lane, Mountain Road, and Prospect
Hill. This Hberal and wise provision for the education of the children
as mamifested in the large number of schools required strong financial
supjjort. The people did not hesitate to impose heavy taxes upon them
selves for this purpose. There is no evidence that they ever contem
plated the plan of incurring a debt to be left as a heritage to succeed
ing generations. The rate of teixation was in some instances eight pence
a pound, equal to about thirty-three mills on a dollar. The schools were
sometimes in session for eleven months in the year, kept in winter by
masters aad in summer by dames.
An 'academy or school of higher grade was opened here quite
early. The exact date when it was started is not known, but in 1 845
it was spoken of as the old academy, and at that time a new building
was erected and a new organization or board of directors was formed.
At one time a considerable number of boarding students from other
towns were in attendance. The academy flourished until about 1865.
While it was not direcdy instituted with and managed by the Church or
society, it may properly be recognized as one of the benefits bestowed by
the Church on the community since it really owed its existence to the same
spirit in the hearts of the people that had actuated them in providing the
pubHc schools.
We cherish a just pride in our present excellent system of pubHc
schools. We do well to mingle with our pride a large measure of
gratitude lo the fathers who in a spirit of wisdom and sacrifice laid broad
and deep the foundations upon which it has been the privilege of their
children to build.
But the story of the contributions made by our Church lo the
community in educational Hnes is not confined lo the public schools. On
September 25. 1837, Noah Webster, LL.D., a native of West
Hartford, then residing in New Haven, sent a 'communication to his
nephew, Mr. John Belden, conveying to him and to the pastor of this
Church seventy-eight volumes from his own private Hbrary, to be held by
them in trust and used as the nucleus of a pubHc library to be eslabKshed
and maintained for the benefit of the people of West Hartford.
Rev. Edward W. Andrews was at dial time the acting pastor, and
he and Mr. Belden proceeded to carry out the wishes of Dr. Webster.
A library association was dien formed and Rev. Mr. Andrews was
elected as ils first president on January 2, 1838. The Hbrary was
* See Appendix.

54 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
opened soon after and continued in operation for more than thirty years.
Mr. John Belden resigned as trustee in 1838 and his son, Benjamin
Belden, succeeded him until 1 852, when he resigned in favor of his son-
in-law, Lyman Hotchkiss.
Rev. Dwight M. Seward and Rev. Myron N. Morris successively
held important official positions in the association.
The library was located in the vestry of the Church and was opened
regularly for the distribution of books. At one time it contained nearly
one thousand volumes. It was well patronized and very useful at a
time when books, magazines and- periodicals were not found as now in
the homes of the people. The significance of a public library in such
a community at that time may be more fully realized in consideration of
the fact that there were in 1838 not more than six public libraries in
all the towns of Connecticut, exclusive of those which were connected
with colleges, seminaries, and other public buildings or institutions.
Apparently the Church did not maintain a strong interest and
activity in the library association during the later years of its existence.
The direct management of its affairs, especially in the selection of books,
was allowed to pass into the hands of those who were careless or lacking
good judgment. Books of Kght fiction predominated. People began
to lose interest and withdraw from the association. The income from
annual dues and other sources was greatly diminished and finally, about
1870, the library was closed, or rather left open without a custodian
in the vestry, which had become a town hall. The books were taken
away one by one by people who did not return them and ere long the
library had disappeared.
When in 1 880 plans were under consideration for the erection of a
new church edifice, Mr. James Talcott of New York, a native of West
Hartford, and a Hfelong friend of this Church of his fathers, suggested
that a room be provided in it for the accommodation of a public library,
and gave assurance of liberal financial support of such a project. His
suggestion was adopted, and on January 1, 1882, our present library
was opened. Mr. Talcott contributed $500 at the outset for the pur
chase of books and in subsequent years made several liberal contributions
for the same purpose. Mr. James Merrick Arnold bequeadied $100
to the Church for die library and Mr. James M. Thomson gave $1 ,000,
which at the suggestion of our pastor. Rev. T. M. Hodgdon, was desig
nated as the CorneHa Thomson Fund in honor or memory of Mrs.
Thomson, recendy deceased. The income of this fund is used annually

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 55
for the supply of magazines and periodicals for the reading-table. Many
other friends have made liberal contributions of money, books, etc., and
the Church through the agency of an efficient committee, elected at each
annual meeting, has maintained this Hbrary with marked success as a free
and generous contribution to the welfare of the community. The town
of West Hartford in 1897 assumed the responsibiUty for the library in
accordance with the laws then recently enacted, but the Church has con
tinued its service by loaning 2,200 volumes, furnishing still the room in
which the Hbrary is housed and co-operating in its management through
the Hbrary committee annually chosen. The movement, which started
some years ago by citizens of the town for the erection of a library build
ing as a memoricd to Noah Webster, was subsequendy espoused by the
ladies of the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter of the D. A. R., and
has been carried forward by them and their friends to a successful
issue. A site has been donated by Mrs. Mary J. Shepard, a Hfelong
and devoted member of this Church. When the building is erected
and the Hbrary is properly located in its new quarters it will be a worthy
memorial, not only to the distinguished man whose name it will bear,
but also lo all those who in a spirit of sacrifice and patriotic devotion
have in so many ways contributed lo the enterprise. Most certainly it
will serve as a constant and grateful reminder of the courage, persever
ance and devotion of the members of the D. A. R. And it should also
be remembered that the initiatory steps were taken by this Church in
1837, in response to the wishes of Dr. Webster, and that the Hbrary,
which is of sufficient value and usefulness to warrant the erection of
the proposed building, has been maintained and will be cherished
by this Church in the exercise of that pubHc spirit and desire for the
welfare of the community which has signaHzed its history from the
begiiming.
OTHER CHURCHES.
UnHke many other ancient churches, our Church has never be
come either wilHngly or unwilHngly a mother of churches.
But through the Hves and service of many sons and daughters
whom it has sent fordi far and near, it has been a sort of foster-mother
of many strong and influential churches. Until about 1 794 it was the
only church in the community. A Quaker church was then organized
and a meeting house and schoolhouse built on the street now known
as Quaker Lane.

56 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Some members of our Church asked for dismission in order to
become members of that body. The Church was not wilHng to grant
their request and was inclined to disciphne them for heresy because
they did withdraw and join the Quakers. Saint James Episcopal
Church was organized in 1843, and the Baptist Church in 1858.
Quite a number of the members of our Church and congregation
united with the Baptist Church because they were persuaded that baptism
by immersion was the true door of entrance to the church; some,
especially the young people, because of the attractions and influence
of social environment and associates.
The pastor and many members of the Church were for a time
somewhat disturbed by these expmriences, but these peissed away in due
time and for many years the relations existing between the churches has
been cordial and hearty.
For a term of years quite a number of earnest Methodist people
resided here and the property on the corner opposite this building, owned
by Mrs. Susie B. Andrews, was purchased and held for several years
with some consideration of a project for erecting a building thereon
for the use of a Methodist Episcopal Church.
About thirty years ago a small band of Christians under the
leadership of John A. Decker organized under the name of "The Free
Church." They held regular services for a time in the lower room of
the academy, but continued only a short time.
EXTENT OF INFLUENCE.
Think now of what die members of diis Church and parish in
successive generations have seen and known of the growth of our
country, almost from the beginning of its history:
The long and weary struggle for independence.
The establishment in this western world of a new republic.
The westward course of empire from the Adantic coast, across
the continent, to the golden shore of the Pacific — and still on to the
far-off islands of the sea.
The marvellous increase in population.
The development of natural resources, inventions, arts and in
dustries. The coming forth of the nation from the distressing and bitter
experiences of internal strife, cleansed from the foul blot of human
slavery, firmly bound togedier in ties of national unity and brotherhood.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 57
The progress of education, and the spread of the Kingdom of God.
And it is well for us to remember that in all this advancement
and experience our Church has had its full share.
It will be possible to call attention now to only a few of the many
events and people representing the participation and influence of the
Church in the progress of the world.
In the War of the Revolution, West Hartford soldiers rendered
vaHant service under the leadership of Captain Noah Webster, Captain
Charles Seymour cmd others.
Deacon Moses Goodman, Senior, went on horseback through the
British line, carrying in his saddle-bags $30,000, which had been con
tributed in this section for the benefit of the soldiers and delivered it
safe and sound to General Gates at Valley Forge.
It is a tradition that there was a camp of Revolutionary soldiers
in the northwestern part of our town, and that many soldiers who died
in Ccunp and in service were buried in our soil.
In the Civil War the camps of the Eleventh and Twelfth Regi
ments, Coimecticut Volunteers, were located on or near the hill now
known as Heunilton Heights.
How well some of us remember the strange feelings of excitement
and interest which we experienced when on Sunday we saw and heard a
company of soldiers in uniform marching to the music of drum and fife
up Farmington Avenue, entering our Church, and filHng all the seats
in the galleries.
We had never seen soldiers before and so intent were we in
watching them that we gave Httle heed to the patriotic and forceful
sermon which the pastor. Rev. Myron N. Morris, preached on that
occasion. West Hartford young men in goodly numbers enHsted in different
regiments and companies.
Company D of the Twenty-second Regiment was composed of
West Hartford and Bloomfield boys under the leadership of Captain
E. Buel Root, one of our citizens.
Members of this Church at one time owned slaves. Their slaves
were also members of diis Church. They were set at liberty in due
time by the voluntary action of their owners.
A boy, Lemuel Haynes, was born here, the son of a colored
woman who had been a slave, who in his manhood became a very
devoted and useful minister of die gospel.

58 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
At least one of our young men, Hiram W. Elmer, participated
in the patriotic service and exciting experiences which transpired in
the interests of freedom in Bleeding Kansas, prior to the RebelUon.
In the business world many names of eminently successful men,
natives of this town and sons of this Church, might be given. Let it
suffice to speak of Benjamin Burr, founder of the glove industry which
has built up the flourishing city of Gloversville, N. Y., and James S.
Seymour, a prominent banker of Auburn, N. Y., whose life and large
fortune were devoted in varied and generous ways to the cause of
Christ. In professional Hfe and statesmanship Hon. Theodore Sedgwick
stands forth preeminent, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Massa
chusetts, member of both branches of the Congress of the United States.
a valued confidential friend of George Washington, a representative of a
family which has been identified with our Church during all its history.
In the realm of education and Hterary pursuits all thoughts turn
at once to Noah Webster, a man of versatile abihties. prodigious ac
complishments, and world-wide reputation emd influences.
We have sent out more than thirty young men who in other fields
have rendered efficient service as 'ministers of the gospel. Several
of these in the early days were home missionaries on the frontiers in
Vermont, New York. Ohio and Peimsylvania.
On the foreign field we have been represented by Rev. and Mrs.
Marcellus Bowen and Rev. and Mrs. C. C. Stearns for a time mis
sionaries at Manissa, in Turkey, and by Dr. Caroline F. Hamilton who
for seventeen years has been, and still is, a medical missionary in the
hospital in Aintab, in Turkey.
The original members and their descendants, many of whom are
still in our membership, and those men and women of kindred spirit
and purpose who from time to time have come to us from other com
munities, have steadily maintained this Church, which for two centuries
has conferred upon this community untold blessings, and, hke a living
spring of pure and sparkling water among the hills, has sent fordi its
ever-flowing streams of blessing and influence far and wide. And here
may it abide and its work still go on
"Till these eternal hills remove.
And spring adorns the earth no more."

y?"^

See Appendix.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 59

APPENDIX
Addresses were made on Wednesday afternoon by Hon. Charles
S. Ensign, Newton. Mass. ; Hon. Joseph Selden, Norfolk ; Edward
L. Morris, Boston, Mass., and Professor WilHam T. Sedgwick,
BrookHne, Mass.
The plan for providing an exhibit of articles of historic interest,
in connection with the Bicentennial celebration was not suggested until a
late date. Mr. Henry C. Whitman consented to take charge of the
exhibit and the following articles were collected:
The board or wooden tablet inscribed "MDCCCXXXIV" in
gilded figures, and which formerly hung in the meeting house erected in
1 834 ; the communion table used in that meeting house, before the intro
duction of the marble table ; also the clock which was affixed to the front
of the gallery.
A part of a pilaster from the meeting house completed in 1 744.
and an iron hinge from the door of one of the pews in that building.
Dr. Perkins' spectacles and a manuscript sermon by him; loaned
by Miss Mary K. Talcott of Hartford, a great-granddaughter.
A catechism by Dr. Perkins; loaned by Mrs. WilHs M. Flagg.
A devotional book presented by Rev. Caleb S. Henry lo Mrs.
Elizabeth Howard Whitman.
A manuscript copy of the first volume of church records, 1713-
1839, the properly of the Church.
A manuscript book of inscriptions, historical notes, copies, photo
graphs, etc., loaned by Henry C. Whitman.
A vioHn, over 1 00 years old, used by Lory Brace and Thomas
Brace in leading the church music ; loaned by WilHam S. Brace.
A chair used by the family of Jonathan Buder in one of the
large square pews of the meeting house completed in 1 744 ; loaned by
Mrs. Elizabeth G. Sisson.
A fool-stove used in die old meeting house by the family of
Samuel Talcott of Ehnwood; loaned by Miss Mary L. Whitman.
Photogravure of the petition of 1710, for the establishment of a
Society in the West Division, contributed by George S. Godard of the
Stale Library.
Photographs of former pastors and members as follows: Rev.
E. W. Andrews, Rev. and Mrs. Dwight M. Seward, Rev. Myron

60 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
N. Morris, Rev. F. S. Hatch, Rev. Charles W. Mallory, Rev. Henry
B. Roberts, Prof. Charles C. Stearns, Mrs. JuHa Seavey. Mrs. J. M.
G. Brace. Thomas Brace and Dr. Edward Brace.
Mrs. Amelia S. Emmons, daughter of Captain Childs Goodman.
was born in 1 824 in the Goodman house, now known as the Emmons
house near the bridge and mill pond on North Main Street.
She once told the writer that in her childhood days there was a
very old mill on the north bank of the pond, some distance back from
the street, which was probably the site of the mill built by Thomas
Ho'smer. There are some remnants of an old mill dam in that vi
cinity. "October 12, 1710.
"To the Honored General Assembly now sitting in New Haven.
"The petition of the inhabitants of that part of the town of Hart
ford, commonly called by the name of the West Division, showelh: —
That your petitioners, being by the providence of God setded something
remote from the town of Hartford, do desire the liberty to call or
settle, as we may see meet, a minister amongst us to carry on the
public worship of God, for which we offer these reasons to your
Honors' consideration: —
"I. The distance from the places is such that a good part
of God's time is spent traveling backwards and forwards, which if
otherwise we might spend in his service to our comfort.
"2. The difficulties of the way that many times must be en
countered with, as bad traveling underfoot, uncomfortableness overhead,
and a river not seldom difficult, sometimes impassable; which things
render the way not only difficult, but sometimes impracticable.
"3. That our small children may be present at the public wor
ship of God, and not be brought up in darkness in such a land of Hght
as this is, but may be instructed in the doctrine of the gospel.
"4. Is the difficulties of leaving them, unguarded at home,
especially in dangerous times, whereby we do not only expose them
to their own fears, but to our enemies' rage, or in hazard thereof.
"These things, with the reasons offered, we desire may not only
be taken in serious consultation, but also that we may have a present
affirmative result and approbation; and your humble petitioners shall
ever pray. Which is die humble request of your humble petitioners.
(Signed.) "Thomas Olmsted, David Ensign, Sen., John Wat
son, Sen.. Nath. Arnold. Joseph Butler, Lamrock Flower, Simon Smith

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 61
John Merrill. Joseph Gillet. Abraham Merrill, John Webster. Jonadian
Bull. Abel Merrill. Thomas Steel. Samuel Sedgwick, Samuel Kellogg,
Thomas Morgan, David Ensign. Jun., Cornelius Merry, James Wil
Hams, Samuel Shepherd. Thomas Shepherd. William Gaylord, John
Scot, Paul Peck, John Peck. Esther Bull. John Watson, Jun."
This petition was referred to a committee for investigation, as
appears from the following vote:
"Voted in the Lower House, That Lieut. Col. Matthew Allyn.
John Moore, Esq., and Mr. Return Strong of Windsor, or any two
of them, are a Committee appointed by this Court, to inspect the reason
ableness of this petition, emd make their report to this Assembly in
May next, to be done at the expense of the inhabitants of the West
Division; the saud Committee to treat with the town of Hartford and
the West Division, endeavoring to bring them to a compHance.
"Test. Roger Wolcott. Clerk-
"Passed in the Upper House. "Test. C. Stanley, Sec'i;."
At the next session of the Legislature, a remonstrance was presented
by the town of Hartford, as follows:
"To the Hon. Governor, and Council, and Representatives, now
sitting in Hartford, May 10, 1711.
"Whereas the town of Hartford have by their vote at their aimual
town meeting. Dec. 19, 1710. made choice of us the subscribers, to
lay before this Hon. Assembly the inconveniency of granting a petition
exhibited in this Court, in October last past, by the inhabitants belong
ing to a certain place called the West Division in Hartford, and in pur
suance of the trust reposed in us by the said town, do humbly offer to
this General Assembly's consideration: Imprimis, that there are already
three setded ministers of the gospel in the town of Hartford, and if
that we have a fourth, it would much disenable us to maintain them
already setded amongst us, and do much stand in need of their con
tinuance with us as yet, especially considering the extraordinary charge
of the Colony which hadi been, and still lieth upon us; and we would
pray your Honors (as we hope we do) (to) consider dieir own in-
abiKty at this present juncture of difficulty, to maintain the pubHc wor
ship of God by themselves. And as to the distance they complain of.
in our apprehension (it) is no other than what is common in almost all
die plantations and towns in the Colony, and not further to travel dian

62 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
the setdements at Windsor, Wediersfield. New Haven, Saybrook, and
many odiers; neidier is the way more difficult; and upon these con
siderations can nol be willing to part with our neighbors of the West
Division; but if this Hon. Court will overrule so as to grant their pe
tition, we humbly offer and entreat diat it may be widi diese restrictions.
viz., that those that desire to continue with us may pay to their respective
ministers where they now belong; that all the land lying in the West
Division belonging to persons living in the town may pay to the ministers
in the town; and that all die land lying in the town belonging lo those
living in the West Division may also pay to the ministers in the town.
All which we submit with all due regards to your Honors' wise con
sideration. We desire Mr. Richard Edwards may have Hberty in our
behalf to offer what may concern the premises.
Joseph Talcott,
R'd Lord,
Cyprian Nichols,
Aaron Cook."
The report of the committee, lo whom the mailer was referred for
investigation, was as follows:
"To the Honorable General Court, silting al Hartford, May 10. 1711.
"Whereas the subscribers were by order of the Hon. Gen'l Court
holden al New Haven. Oct. 12. 1710. ordered and appointed to treat
with the inhabitants of Hartford upon the matters of the petition, and
endeavor lo bring them to a willingness emd consent thereunto, and also
to consider the reasonableness of the petition of the inhabitants of the
West Division of Hartford, and the ability of the petitioners to main-
lain a minister: In pursuance of the order of the Hon. Court, and also
upon the desire of the inhabitants in general of said Division, did on
the 30th of November last past, go upon the place, and by the best in
formation we could gel, the inhabitants there upon the spot were 27
(families), — the number of souls 164, besides seven houses newly
built, and the families belonging to them come, or are likely to come
shordy. The furlong of lots, as we are informed, will contain about
90 families, with about 60 acres to each family. We further inform
this Honorable Court that on the 19th of December last past we went
to Hartford, and showed our commission, and labored with them to come
to a compHance with their neighbors, by the best arguments we could use ;
all that we could obtain was such an answer as was granted to the

bicentennial celebration 63
inhabitants on the east side of the Great river, as may be seen by the
record. As to the reeisonableness of their petition, we can not but appre
hend, (with submission to your Honors,) that the people are in a way
of duty, to look after a liberty of enjoyment of the ordinances amongst
them, considering the distance they live, and the abihty they are at
present in, and Hkely to be a considerable more.
Matth. Allyn,
John Moore."
ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT,
INCORPORATING THE WEST DIVISION PARISH.
The General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, holden at
Hartford the 1 0th day of May, 1711, upon consideration of the pe
tition of the West Division farmers in the town of Hartford presented
to this Assembly in October last and referred to this time, and of the re
port of the committee then appointed to consider their case which was now
laid before this Assembly, and also of the objections made against the said
petition by the said town of Hartford, this Assembly do now grant to
the said farmers the Hberty and privilege of being one entire parish
and society by and of themselves within the said town of Hartford.
for the settling, upholding and maintaining of the public worship of
God amongst them with all such liberties, powers and privileges as other
societies and congregations in this colony generally have and do enjoy
by law; and that the bounds of said parish or society shall be the town
of Windsor on the north, the town of Farmington on the west, the town
of Wethersfield on the south and the east end of the said West Division
lots on the east, provided always that no person that is owner of any
land within said bounds and doth not dwell there shall or may be taxed
or rated for his said land for or towards defraying the charge of the said
Society.
ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT.
NAMING THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY AND
ESTABLISHING ITS EASTERN
BOUNDARY LINE.
At a General Assembly of die State of Connecticut, holden at
Hartford on die second Tuesday of May, 1 806.

64 bicentennial celebration
Upon the petition of Moses Goodman and the rest of the inhabi
tants of the Society commonly called West Division in Hartford, show
ing to this Assembly that diey are incorporated into an ecclesiastical
society but have no Corporate Name, and that die eastern boundary
between said Society and the first and second ecclesiastical societies in
Hartford as the same hath been long used — hath never been estabUshed
by law and that disputes are Hkely to arise concerning the said boundary
Hne, praying diis Assembly diat they may be known and called by the
name of The Society of West Hartford, and that die eastern boundary
Hne between said Society and the first and second ecclesiastical societies
in said lown of Hartford be ascertained and established — ^which peti
tion hath been duly served upon the first and second societies and this
Assembly have by a committee inquired in the facts stated in said pe
tition, we find the same to be true.
Resolved by this Assembly that the inhabitants of said Society
shall henceforth be named and called by the name of The Society of
West Hartford, and by that name shall have power to sue and be sued,
plead and be impleaded in all courts of law, — and that a line beginning
at a stake and stones in the dividing line between the town of Hartford
and Windsor, thence running a course due south 1 80 chains to south
side of the Talcott Mountain Turnpike road, at its intersection with said
line, thence running on the same course fifty-four chains, sixty-eight Unks,
to a point on the west side of a highway, a few rods north of the
dwelUng house of Levi Arnold, thence south 20 degrees west. 37
chains, thence south 5 degrees west 25 chains 40 Unks. to a maple
staddle on the north side of the road called Middle Public Road, and
on the west side of said dividing line the whole distance from the Talcott
Mountain Turnpike to the last mentioned boundary runs in the western
Une of an ancient highway — thence on the last mentioned course to the
dividing Une between the town of Hartford and Wethersfield, be and
the same is hereby ordained and estabUshed to be the boundary line
between the said Society of West Hartford, and the first and second
ecclesiastical societies in said Hartford.
A true copy of record examined by
Samuel Wyllis, 5ec.
Caleb Perkins, Society's Clerk.
Note: — The Talcott Mountain Turnpike was probably what is
now known as Albany Avenue, and the Middle Public Road was

bicentennial celebration 65
probably what is now Farmmgton Avenue. The dwelling house of
Levi Arnold was near the corner of Asylum Avenue and Prospect
Avenue. The ancient highway was probably what is now Prospect
Avenue. FROM SOCIETY'S RECORDS, 1 746.
"Voted, that there be three school houses built this parish at the
cost of the Society."
(These buildings were erected to take the place of old ones then
in existence.) The earUest records, now extant, containing information in re
gard to the school committee, were made in 1 736. The following
named persons constituted the school committee at that time: Isaac
Goodwin, Stephen Hosmer, Jonathan Sedgwick, John Seymour and
John Ensign.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH IN 1713.
David Elnsign, Sr. Mrs. Abraham Merrill
Thomas Olmstead. Sr. John Peck
Samuel Kellogg WilHam Parsons
Mrs. Samuel Kellogg Mrs. WilHam Parsons
Samuel Sedgwick John Adams
Mrs. Samuel Sedgwick Mrs. John Adams
Thomas Cadwell John Watson, Jr.
Mrs. Thomas Cadwell David Ensign, Jr.
Thomas Shepherd Mrs. David Ensign, Jr.
WilHam Gaylord John Webster
Mrs. WilUam Gaylord Jacob Merrill
Joseph Gillet Mrs. Jacob Merrill
Nadianiel Arnold Mrs. Consider Hopkins
Mrs. Nathaniel Arnold Widow Bull
Abraham Merrill
The statistics of church membership for the first one hundred and
fifty years are as follows :
Number of original members, 1713,  ^"
Number added during pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Colton,
1713-1757  290

66

bicentennial celebration

Number added during pastorate of Rev. Nathaniel Hooker, Jr.,
1757-1770  59
Number added during pastorate of Rev. Nathan Perkins, 1 772-
1838  741
Number added during pastorates of Revs. George I. Wood,
Dwight M. Seward and a portion of pastorate of Rev.
Myron N. Morris, 1839-1863  236
Number added during entire pastorate of Rev. Myron N. Morris,
1852-1875  306

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Map of plot of ground on northwest comer of Main Street and Farmington
Avenue, showing location of each of the first three church buildings, and of the
present town buildings. (Prepared by Mr. Henry C. Whitman)

bicentennial celebration

67

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38

37

36

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18

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List of persons holding seats in the second church building in 1814.
See chart on opposite page.
1 Mr. Perkins' Pew
3 John Belden
Richard Goodman
Mrs. Eleanor Whitman
Amazy Keyes
Mrs. Sarah Collins 6
Benjamin Bishop 7
3 Aaron Seymour 8
Elisha Mix
Isaac Webster
Gideon Webster
James Seymour
Mrs. Esther Colton
Mrs. Belinda Hurlburt 9
Mrs. Joanna Steel
4 Joseph Butler
Moses Fitts
John Ingham
John Bray
David Rowe
5 Mark Gridley 10
Hezekiah Selden
Mrs. J. Butler
George Flagg
Ebenezer Steele
Samuel Millard
Noah Butler
Moses Spencer
Henry Graham
Zenas Segwick
Nathan Gilbert
 Steel
Mrs. B. Crosby
 Brace
Seth Goodwin
Amzi Stanley
Tho. H. Hooker
P. Olfred
Frances Parcival
Gideon Hurlburt
Samuel Talcott
Phineas Hurlburt
James Whitman
Mrs. Goodman
Jonathan Butler
Elias Frink
Theron Seymour
11 Erastus Seymour
Asahel Porter
Mrs. P. Sedgrwick
Truman Stanley
Samuel Hurlburt
13 Ira Webster
Jedadiah W. Mills
Moses Goodman, Jr.
Abram Hurlburt
13 Edwin Gaylord
Samuel Hurlburt
Jonathan Battch
Chester Seymour
14 John Jenkins
John Murphy
15 Ebenezer Faxon
Barney Collins
68

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Lemuel Hurlburt
Joseph Colton
James Butler
16 Nathaniel Seymour
Solomon Ensign, Jr.
Zadoc Hensdale
Joseph Whiting
Theron Deming
Morgan Goodwin
17 Moses Goodman
Jonathan B. B 
Mrs. S. Whitman
Zedadiah Mills
Ashbel Wells
Joseph Elmore
18 William Benham
William Stedman
Timothy Stanley
Simeon Rowley
19 Adonijah Francis
Truman Sedgwick
Stephen Webster
Mrs. Hatheway
30 Gideon Butler
Mrs. Faxon
Mrs. Seymour
Joseph Selden
Abijah Flagg
Mrs. Wells
31 Asa Goodman
Ebenezer Sedgwick
George Wells
Mrs. Caswell
Samuel Miller
33 Justus Smith
Jesse Gilbert
Samuel Tuttle
Elisha Wadsworth
Asa Cosset
Allen Steel
33 James Gladden
Rufus Wells
Anson Brace
Joseph Ervin
34 John Seymour
William Crosby

Solomon Brace
Mannen 
John Belden
Leonard Braman
35 Roger Francis
Abel Butler
Frances F. Olmsted
Derius Woodruff
Jesse Porter
Mrs. Cadwell
26 Aaron Goodman
William Battch
Osias Griswell
Ralph Wells
Asahel Brace
David Spencer
37 Joseph Elmore
Richard Heath
William Elmore
Cornelius Cadwell
Erastus Phelps
38 Ichabod Love
Wright Griswold
William Perry
Norman Dannels
39 Stephen Brace
Job Steele
Abel Merrels
Timothy Olmsted
Mrs. Phelps
Pollard Merrels
Stephen Sedgwick
30 Henry Brace
Isaac Talmage
William 
Mrs. Gaylord
Isaah Gilbert
Theodore Web
Eliacor Elmore
 Francis
Michael

Joseph Whiting
33 
33 Old Maids
34 Luther

31 John Steel
Timothy Steel
Sulvester Goodman
Jos. Huntington
Samuel Mix

Horace Strong
William Strong
David Cadwell
35 Miner Hillard
Elisha Wells
Mrs. 
Amos Burr
Erastus King
Daniel Hooker
36 John Watson
Ebenezer Sedgwick
Charles Millard
Dorcas Hart
Susan BidweU
Mrs. Hooker
Mrs. Wells
37 Thomas Olmsted
Mrs. Stanley
Mrs. Hillard
Mrs. Hurlburt
Mrs. Steel
Mrs. Belden
Mrs. Hopkins
Mrs. Gladding
Mrs. Belden
Jabez Parsons
38 Ashbel Seymour
Ebenezer Wells
Thomas Merrels
Timothy Olmsted
Solomon Ensign
Timothy Gridley
Mrs. Gaylord
Abijah Colton
Henry Brace
Nathaniel Braman
39 Mrs. Deming
Mrs. Kellogg
Mrs. Seymour
Mrs. Heath
Mrs. Brace
Mrs. Marsh

The pews were assigned as indicated on this chart and Hst by
a committee appointed "to seat the church," consisting of the following
persons: Nathaniel Seymour, Elisha Mix, Samuel Talcott, John Bel
den, Lemuel Hurlburt, Barney Collins, Joseph Colton, Seth Goodwin,
James Buder, Ira Webster.
The numbers were not on original chart, but are inserted for con
venience of reference lo the list of occupants of pews which appears on
the opposite page.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

69

1

.r

1

i

^ 5

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

^ «
1

iB.I/l6«femrH
E.Belden
TSfanley
•
H. Selden
J.Butler
Companf
5. Talcott
M. 6 rid ley
J. Butler
£. Faxon
T.Dem'mg
A. Flagg
J. Colton
J. Mills
C.Franok
J.yt.6risrmk
O.Selden
R.Colfon
S.t/hitmein
Brace
5.Harlbi/in
S.mifmcin
J. Sutler-
B. Bissell
Burr
6,Y(hiimQi
J. Porter
J.EIIsmrt,
'j Burr
D.White
A.FIagq
J. Belden
PSteele
lEIIsmrlh
L.draman
O.Coodtr'm
S.hfhiting
C.6rismld
RBelcfen
C Faxon
J.FIqqq
fifCo/Iins
L. Gay lord
TSed^mck
T.S,6nfC€
J.Whitman
A.Hifrlbuh
li.Gridley
ff.Steinley
0.£.damei
R.Hurlbur1
F.Hooker
R.Merrill
O.Selden
H. Selden
MSeymcui
D.lf^oedtvni
L. Brace
L.Broce
5.Goodmn
J. E. Cone
0. Barnes
E. Good man
A.Soitfkll
d.dissell
TDeming
FBuckley
S-Tafcoff-
T.Coodrf'in
A.Mtiitinq
E. Belden
l.ri'di'n^
H.Selden
L Brace
ff.Cadrfell
A.GmmM
J.Olmsted
CCadrrell
Alden
£, Crosby
C.Cadi/feH
Chart showing pews in the third church building, with names of owners,
in the year 1834
(A copy made by A. Clark Hall)
North

O

T. R. Ber^kins

?

A. laham

.<frs.0ridley

a

Utrsonaye »-«7~7

Hotel

Church

T. Brace

Post ofFloe

West Hartford Center

June ^-1030 Henry Talcott
County Surveyor

•2. \ COImsfead

D
5. Brace

om
zH PI
Zz >rn PI
r PInI o
z

_ -ft— —

¦«=*«

_ ¦''/«!<•¦ ,^ _ _

THE OLD \-ESTRY BUILT IX IS:;.'!
(From a sketch made from memory by Miss Sarah W. Talcott)

-^^

OLD CENTER SCHOOL HOUSE
Probably one of the three schoolhouses built by the Society in 1740
(From a sketch made from memory by Miss Sarah W. Talcott)

FIRST CHURCH PARSOXAGE DUILT IX ls:;,S

Occupied by Revs. Andrews, Wood, Seward. Morris, Hatch, Roberts, Mallory,
Hodgdon, and tlieir families

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 71
The following is a copy of the lease given by Mr. Samuel Whit
man (grandfather of Town Clerk Henry C. Whitman), of the land
on which the vestry was built in 1 833.
"To the persons it doth or may concern — Know ye that I Samuel
Whitman of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Con
necticut for the consideration of fifty cents a year do lease for eight
years to John Belden, Ralph Wells, J. W. Mills, Albigence Scar
borough and others, the present standing Committee of the Congregational
Church in Hartford West Society and their successors in office so much
of the northwest comer of my lot near the meeting house in said society
as shall be necessary for the erection and convenience of a building to be
used for a vestry and other purposes under the direction of said Com
mittee.
Hartford 23rd Aug. 1 833.
Samuel Whitman."
The following is copied from an old diary found among the papers
of the James Whitman family: Sunday, June 15, 1834.
"This day was laid the foundation of the new church. The
exercises consisted of some remarks by Rev. Dr. Perkins, an address
by Rev. Mr. Henry, and a prayer by Rev. Joab Brace of Newington,
and singing by the choir which concluded the exercises."
Dedication of the House of Worship of the First Church of
Christ, in West Hartford, Conn., June 7, 1882.
ORDER OF SERVICE.
Organ Voluntary
Doxology "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow"
Invocation  '  Rev. Wm. Thompson, D.D.
Scripture Anthem "O how amiable"
Historical Address  Rev. F. S. Hatch
Hymn "I love thy Kingdom, Lord"  Olmutz
Address  Rev. W. L. Gage, D.D.
Address  Rev. J. W. Cooper
Addresses Thank Offering

72 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
*Andiem "The Eardi is the Lord's"
Dedicatory Scripture  Rev. W. L. Gage, D.D.
Dedicatory Prayer  Rev. N. J. Burton, D.D.
Dedicatory Hymn Portuguese Hymn — "To thee, our Creator,
our Father and God"
Benediction *This anthem and the hynm that follows were sung at the dedi
cation of the house of worship lately occupied by this Society, which
was built in 1 834.

COST OF THE NEW CHURCH BUILDING
AND ITS FURNISHING.
BUILDING.
Moving sheds and preparing ground. ... $ 290.00
Architect's bills  1 ,229.50
Contractors' bills  26,3 1 7.55
Windows  1.1 15.00
Decorations  500.00
Heating during construction  45.00
Bell yoke, Ughtning rod, freights, adver
tising, etc.,  1 66.84

$29,663.89

FURNISHING.
Carpets, $950; cushions, $550; other fur
niture, $650,  $ 2.1 50.00
Gas machine, chandeUers, and fixtures, . 875.00
Kitchen and dining-room utensils  143.92
Hymn books,  200.00
Moving, repairing, and casing organ  400.00
Miscellaneous  4.25

3,773.17

Total cost,  $33,437.06

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 73
HOW PAID FOR.
Sale of Society's property  $ 3,035.00
Home subscriptions  19,807.00
Subscriptions from friends in odier places, 7,300.00
From Ladies' Furnishing Society —
Bazaar,  $664. 1 9
Entertainments  352.99
Home subscriptions, . . 936.53
Miscellaneous  236.45 2, 1 90. 1 6
Butler legacy  300.00

$32,632.16
Balance due,  804.90

$33,437.06
BUILDING COMMITTEE.
Joseph E. Brace. Chairman, John B. Griswold. Edward L. Mix,
Walter Cadwell, Benjamin S. Bishop and Charles C. Stearns.
THE CHURCH BELL.
It is imi>ossible lo ascertain from the society's records when the
first bell for the Church was purchased. As early as 1 804 there were
votes recorded in regard to the ringing of the bell. From 1808 lo
1827 there are records of several votes for the purchase of a new bell,
and in connection with one of these in 1 808 it was voted lo put the old
bell into the new one (probably by recasting) .
In 1 82 7 it was voted lo purchase a new bell, weighing from 700
to 900 pounds. A committee was appointed lo purchase the bell and
dispose of the old one, consisting of George D. Gates. Zenas Brace,
Ebenezer Bevans, Romania Seymour and Moses Goodman. Jr.
Our present bell bears upon ils circumference the following in
scription :
"FOR WARD BARTHOLOMEW & BP^INARD HART
FORD DOOLITTLE FECIT 1828"
Apparently this bell was purchased in 1827, hung in the steeple
of the second church building, transferred lo the third church building
in 1 834, and then transferred to ils present pwsition as already noted.

74 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
AN OLD MAN'S PLEA.
WRITTEN BY MISS FLORENCE E. FLAGG.
You're going to build a brand new church.
You've voted to, I hear.
And put one side the old one now.
For fifty years so dear.
You're going lo sell out everything
And build one grand and new;
And those opposed to such a plan
I think are very few.
Nor would I find a word of fault;
Indeed I'm very glad
To think you're going lo do this thing.
Although a trifle sad.
Bui when you come to tear it down.
Whatever else you sell.
For one thing there I fain would beg:
Please spare our dear old bell!
And this I think you well may do;
For look the country 'round.
So fine a tone, so sweet and grand.
Not oftentimes is found.
Such depth, such power are in the notes
That from that steeple fall.
And just a grain of sadness
Is mingled with it all.
I've heard it time and time again.
For nigh lo fifty years;
Sometimes with heart filled full of joy.
Sometimes mid falling tears.
I've heard it when al closing day
It told the evening hour.
Or called lo church on Sabbath morn.
With voice so dull of power.
Or when the long, black funeral train
Was passing slowly by.
It tolled in sad and solemn tones

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 75
For one more gone on high.
It always seemed lo have a voice
That acted Hke a spell ;
One always paused lo Usten lo
The rmg of that old bell.
******
So wlien you build your fine new church.
And move from out the old.
Which is rather soiled, I must confess.
Sometimes a trifle cold.
When I sit within the new one.
In the warmth and radiance shed
By the sunHghl through the window.
Throwing Ught rays on my head.
And when I gaze around me
On all things strange and new.
In this church lo come you're planning
With its low and modern pew;
With carptels rich and tasty.
Yielding softly lo the tread:
With ils chai>el, nave and chancel.
And ils arched wall overhead.
You may build it all as suits you best.
Whatever else you sell.
For one thing there I fain would beg:
Please spare our dear old bell!
So when you come lo move it.
Please handle it with care ;
As if it were a thing most frail.
Something precious, rich and rare.
For it is friend beloved
To many a long-gone year.
I should like lo hear ils mellow notes.
While on this earth I slay.
And lo know ils echoes long will ring.
When I have passed away.
And when I drift beyond the gales,
To the many mansions fair.
Who knows but dial ils sweetest tones

76 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
May reach me even there.
For wherever I may wander
I should always know it well;
And bend from heaven lo Usten
To the sound of that old bell.
The ministers present and assisting in the i*lallation of Rev.
Benjamin Colton in 1713 were: Rev. Timodiy Woodbridge, First
Church of Hartford; Thomas Buckingham, South Church of Hartford;
Samuel Whitman of Farmington, and Timothy Woodbridge, Jr., of
Simsbury. The ministers present and assisting in the installation of Rev.
Nathaniel Hooker, Jr., in 1757, were: Revs. Elnathan Whitman of
South Church in Hartford, Hezekiah Bissell of Winlonbury (now
Bloomfield), Joshua Belden of Newington, Edward Dorr of First
Church in Hartford, Eliphalel Williams of East Hartford, Ebenezer
Booge of Northington (now West Avon), and Timothy Pitkin of
Farmington. Al the installation of Rev. Nathan Perkins, in 1 772, the follow
ing ministers were present and participated: Revs. Elnathan Whitman
of South Church, Hartford, Eliphalel Williams of East Hartford,
Hezekiah Bissell of Winlonbury, Timothy Pitkin of Farmington, Joshua
Belden of Newington, Thomas Russell of Windsor, Joseph Perry of
East Windsor (now First Church in South Windsor), George Colton
of Bolton, Andrew Lee of Hanover, and John Staples of Westminster
Parish in Canterbury.
The following is a list of the permanent invested funds of the
Church and society:
Selden Fund, bequest of David Selden  $ 400
Income to be used for poor of the parish.
Seymour Fund, bequest of James S. Seymour of Auburn,
N. Y  1.000
Income to be used for poor of church and parish.
Seymour Fund (from same source as above)  600
Income to be used for care of park and old cemetery.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 77
BosweU Fund, gift of Charles Boswell  500
Income to be used for instruction in singing.
Boswell Fund (from same source as above).  500
Income to be used for Sunday School Library.
Brace Fund, bequest by Mrs. Roxana Brace  200
Income to be used for church purposes.
Chappell Fund, bequest of Anson Chappell  3.000
Income to be used for support of preaching.
CorneHa Thomson Fund, gift of James M. Thomson in
memory of his wife,  1 ,000
Income to be used in supplying magazines, periodicals, etc., for
pubUc library.
Thomson Fund, bequest of James M. Thomson  2,000
Income for benefit of church and society.
Inauguration of the New Organ, in the Congregational Church at
West Hartford, on Thursday evening, January 12, 1865.
Under the direction of Mr. J. G. Barnett, Organist.
Solos and Duets by Mrs. C. T. Preston, Mrs. R. G. Hibbard,
Mrs. Risley, Miss Gertrude Frankau, Miss Louise Campbell, Miss
Elmma Watson, Mr. A. A. Patton, Mr. A. C. Sternberg, and other
first-class talent. PROGRAMME. Part I.
I Selection from a Festivel Te Deum  J. G. Barnett
The Solos by Mrs. C. T. Preston and Mrs. Risley
2 Scene from the Oratorio "Fall of Babylon"  Spohr
Miss Louise Campbell
(A Jewish Mother watching over her sleeping Child)
3 Addison's version of the Twenty-third Psalm
"The Lord my pasture shall prepare"
Composed for Solo and Chorus by  J. G. Barnett
4 Air from the Creation  Haydn
"On mighty plumes" Mrs. C. T. Preston
(Description of the Creation of Birds)
5 Duet and Chorus from the Hymn of Praise  Mendelssohn
"1 waited for the Lord" Miss Campbell and Miss Watson

78 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
6 Air from the Messiah  Handel
"If God is for us" Miss Gertrude Frankau
7 Terzetto "Down by the living waters"  Mercadante
8 Air from the Messiah  Handel
9 Solo and Chorus from the Hymn of Praise  Mendelssohn
"Praise thou the Lord"
Voluntary. Extempore. Exhibiting the various Stops in the Organ.
Part II.
1 Solo with Chorus "Our Country, Land of Freedom"  Rossini
Solo by Mrs. Preston
2 Air from the Creation  Haydn
"With verdure clad" Mrs. R. G. Hibbard
(Description of the springing into life of Flowers and Plants)
3 Air with Chorus "The Day of Freedom" Arranged by J. G. Barnett
Mr. A. A. Patton
4 Quartette with Chorus "I to the hills will lift my eyes"
Arranged by J. G. Barnett
5 Air from the Messiah  Handel
6 Song "The Batde Prayer"  Himmal
Mr. A. C. Sternberg
7 Chorus "Glory be to God"  Mozart
Tickets 25 Cents each, to be had at L. Buckland's Store.
Door open at 6:30  Commence at 7
William Storer, Printer, West Hartford
A copy of a communication from members of the Choir to Mr.
Thomas Brace, chorister, under date of October 28, 1866:
The undersigned members of the Choir connected with the Con
gregational Church and Society of West Hartford have heard with
unfeigned regret the announcement that Thomas Brace, Esq., our life
long leader and conductor of music, proposes to resign his position and
withdraw from his connection with the Choir.
While we feel that the cordial thanks of the Choir as well as the
congregation are due to Mr. Brace for his long and faithful services,
we would respectfully assure him that it is our unanimous wish that
he should revise and reverse his decision and continue to lead us in our
dehghtful part of the service of this sanctuary.
We are not unaware of the fact that a compliance with our request

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 79
may involve a sacrifice of the personal comfort of Mr. Brace, but we
have been so long accustomed to his presence and leadership that we
do not know how to do without them.
It is our ardent desire that he continue in this position which he
has so long and so ably filled until it shall be the pleasure of our Divine
Master to translate him from these earthly songs to a participation in
the more delightful, because the more harmonious anthems of the upper
samctuary.Signed by
Mrs. J. M. G. Brace, Organist, Mrs. Lorenzo G. Flagg, Mrs.
Walter L. Brace. Misses Laura W. Mills, Kate L. Ely, Gertrude
M. Ely, Alice R. Flagg, Mary C. Buckland, Lizzie S. Elmer.
Josephine M. Griswold. Mary E. Stoddard, WilHam Storer, Charles
S. Mills, William B. Ely. Edward Stanley. William A. Burr. Samuel
H. Francis. Benjamin S. Bishop, John B. Griswold, H. Gage Mont
gomery. Edward Keney. Justus T. Millard. Richard P- Sternberg,
Walter L. Brace, CUnton B. Elmer.

THE TIME WHEN UNCLE THOMAS LED
THE OLD CHURCH CHOIR.
BY EDWARD L. MORRIS.
Bright thoughts of happy childhood! how oft I turn
To memories of those halcyon days that glad within me burn.
To field and font and river, and mountain darkly green,
WTiose sights and sounds within this breast grow dear I ween!
The birds among the maples, how bUthe were they with cheer.
And winds that waved the willow boughs. I seem their sighs to hear.
Swift weeks of pleasure how they came, yet Sunday with desire.
For Uncle Thomas always led the old church choir!
Refrain.
The old church choir! the old church choir!
Oh how their joyous voices rang, in accents swelUng higher!
They sang die songs diat David sang, to tuneful harp and lyre.
The time when Uncle Thomas led die old church choir.

80 BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
What morns there were of glory, what starlights fair!
Or if the rain-drop chanced to weep, how tripped its music rare!
The insects chirruped Hvely along the dusky mere.
Or mirth that on the even fell spoke friendship near;
Where'er the call to duty were willing hands to do.
And what though burdens troubled sore, brave hearts to faith were true.
For well the parson plied the Word, nor reckoned ally nigher
Than Uncle Thomas with his bow in the old church choir.
A sturdy stock, I see them, that race of old.
With many heads of titled r2mk, whom youth in awe might hold.
With zeal they spoke and fitly of Zion's sacred walls.
And crowns that for the victors wait where splendor falls;
Each at his post was earnest as hour by hour went 'round.
Each reared the altar at his home, or in his pew was found.
And strange indeed would be the fate, and point to fortune dire.
If Uncle Thomas e'er should miss the old church choir.
Here stands the temple lofty, with pillars four.
And here yon bell flung out its tones and pealed them o'er and o'er.
The tower loomed Hke a castle, with sweep of scenes around.
And fingers pointing to the sky from holy ground;
A blessed, peaceful country! no surge of strife was there
When wagons wound from nook and dell all to that place of prayer.
Now rose each matron and each maid, and barkened son and sire.
While Uncle Thomas gave the chord to the old church choir.
But changed indeed the faces from those of yore.
The viol and the flute are heard as through those aisles no more.
Grave men that lordly worshipped, pale mothers meek and gray.
Their forms in yonder grassy slope are laid away;
Sealed are those Hps and silent that vied in homely throng.
The eyes that scanned the noted page are dimmed, alas, how long!
The children then that sprightly played now Hslless sit and tire.
And Uncle Thomas leads no more the old church choir.
The years have run a-fleeting! so soon their sum
For all who tell the ancient tale in turn must surely come I
Fond requiems, hear them tolUng! and but a Httle while

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 81
Until die daisies on the hill for us shall smile;
Yet in my dreams, entrancing, such strain the night doth fill!
The bass and tenor lusty loud, die ttebles in a trill.
And gates of heaven just ajar flash out their crystal fire
Where Uncle Thomas seems to lead the old church choir.
Refrain.
The old church choir! the old church choir!
Oh how their joyous voices rang, in accents swelling higher!
They sang the songs that David sang, to tuneful harp and lyre.
The time when Uncle Thomas led the old church choir.
The following persons have served as superintendents of our Sun
day School. The Hst for the earHer years was made by Mr. Henry
Talcott as a result of careful inquiry of older members of the Church,
as there are no records extant covering that period.
For the latter period the records of the Church furnish the necessary
information. From 1819 to 1838: Ira Webster, Deacon Moses Goodman,
Jr., Deacon Roderick Colton, Richard Woodruff (afterwards Rev.),
Deacon Hezekiah Selden, Deacon Albigence Scarborough, Benjamin
Belden, Deacon Josiah W. Griswold.
From 1840 to 1855: Deacon Joseph E. Cone, Henry Selden,
Henry Talcott, Austin Isham (afterward Rev.), Rev. S. B. Morley.
From 1855 to 1913: Deacon Chester Francis, Chester Colton,
Deacon John B. Griswold, William Storer, Noadiah F. Emmons, Wil
liam H. Hall, Deacon Edward L. Mix, Henry H. Selden, Rev. Charles
C. Steams, Rev. Hemry B. Roberts, WilUam S. Griswold, Rev.
Thomas M. Hodgdon, Rudolphus L. Webb, Nellis E. Day, WilUam
A. Wells. PRESIDENTS OF Y. P. S. C. E., 1888-1913.
George M. Butler Charles H. Jaggar
WilHam S. Griswold A. Carl Sternberg, Jr.
Miss Victoria Soeckel Robert H. Ellsworth
WilUam E. Swift WilUam E. Buder
Alfred F. Howes Miss Bertha E. Lord

82 bicentennial celebration
A. Clark Hall Joseph H. Butler
Edwin H. Munger Miss Louise V. N. Day
WilHam A. Wells Miss ArUne L. Late
R. Roy Thomson Lincoln D. Kelsey
Alfred Dixon
COPY OF DEED OF PARK TO THE SOCIETY BY
TIMOTHY GOODMAN.
To all People to whom these presents shall come Greeting Know
Ye that I Timothy Goodman of Hartford in the County of Hart
ford and Colony of Connecticut in New England for and in
Consideration of a small piece of Land made over to me per the West
Society in Hartford per their Committee for that purpose Have given
Granted Bargained Conveyed, and by these presents do fully Grant
Bargain Convey and Confirm to the West Society in Hartford one
certain piece of Land lying in Hartford West Society near their Meet
ing House Butted and Bounded as followeth North on Land of said
Society West on my own Land extending from said Societies Land
South to Gideon Butlers East Corner of his Lot on the West Side of
the Road leading through the said Society Butting East on said Road
also it being the Land I have lately thrown out of the East End of my
Lot by Erecting a new Fence there To Have and to Hold said piece
of Land with the Priviledges and appurtenances thereto belonging to
said Societys own proper Use for a place of Parrade forever.
Furthermore I the said Goodman for myself my Heirs & by these
presence do Covenant and Engage to Warrant & defend, the same
against all the lawfull Claims and demands of any other Person or
Persons whatsoever
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 24th
day of November in the Twenty first Year of his Majestys Reign Anno
Dom 1 747 Timothy Goodman (Seal)
Signed Sealed and deUvered in presence of Us
John Whitman
Adonijah Bidwell
Hartford County April 21st A D 1748 personally appeared
Timothy Goodman the Grantor Signer and Sealer of the above In
strument and acknowledged the same to be his free Act & Deed
Before Joseph Talcott, Justice Peace
Received December 5lh 1 791 and here Recorded
George Wyllys, Registrar.

bicentennial celebration

83

The following is a Hst of the shareholders (or stockholders) in
the West Hartford Academical Association, as appears by records in
1840. The number of shares was one hundred, and the amount of
each share was $12. The figures opposite the names in the list indicate
the number of, shares held by each person.

Rev. E. W. Andrews—
Josiah W. Griswold — 8
Elihu Olmsted— 3
Michael Jeimings — 1
Samuel Whitmem — 8
Thomas Brace — 3
Roderick Colton — 2
Horace Stardey — 1
Frederick Colton — 1
David Selden — 1
George D. Gates — 2
WiUicun Sedgwick — 3
Amos Hurlburt — 1
Truman St2mley — 2
Hezekiah Selden — 1
Gideon Deming — 2
Henry Mix — 1
Amaziah Sawtell — 1
ElUott MiUard— 1
David White— 1
Solomon Porter — 1
Thomas K. Brace — 5
Charles Seymour — 1
John Ellsworth — 1
Childs Goodman — 1
Artemas Knight — 1
Pollard Merrils — I
Josiah T. OUnsted — 1
Benjamin Bishop — 1
Allen S. Griswold — I
Daniel L. Sisson — 1
Henry Goodman — 1
Roswell Hurlburt— 1

Hiram Wells— 1
George Flagg — I
Levi Sedgwick — 1
Morgan Goodwin — 1
Elihu Barber — 1
Samuel Whiting — 2
S. H. Huntington — 3
Benjamin Gilbert — 1
Chester Griswold — 1
Amos S. Braman — 1
H. G. Webster— I
John Porter — 2
Harvey Arnold — 2
Mason Seymour — 1
Joshua Raymond — 1
John Flagg — 1
Augustus Flagg — 1
W. A. Fuller— 1
Timothy Sedgwick — 1
W. and E. Selden— 1
Albert W. Butler— 1
Pollard Merrils, Jr. — 1
Walter Deming — 1
J. W. Mills— 1
Henry Talcott — 1
Chester Francis — 1
R. G. H. Confr— 1
Thomas S. Williams — \
Charles Gilbert— 1
Samuel Hurlburt — 1
WilUam Knight— 1
S. F. Cone— 1
Solomon S. Flagg— 2

84 bicentennial celebration
George Butler — 1 Benjamin Bissell — 1
Rev. G. I. Wood — 1 Thomas O. Goodwin — 1
Rev. P. H. Huntington — 1 Simeon Arnold — 1
Edward Stanley — 1
Copy of letter from Noah Webster, LL.D., to John Belden,
conveying gift of books for library:
"The following books I give to my nephew, John Belden, and to the
pastor of the church in West Hartford for the time being in trust for the
use of any social or proprietor's Hbrary, which is now, or which may
be formed in said West Hartford, my native place, with power to
said Belden to appoint one trustee to succeed him after he shall die, or
resign, to act with such other trustees as the proprietors of said Ubrary
may appoint to manage the concerns of said library. (Here followed
a list of the books.)
N. Webster.
New Haven, September 25, 1837."
The following persons have gone forth from time to time from
this Church to the service of the gospel ministry.
Rev. EU Colton (son of the first pastor), born August 5, 1716, grad
uated from Yale College, 1737. Pastor at Granby, 1740-2;
Stafford, 1744-56.
Rev. George Colton (son of first pastor) , graduated from Yale College,
1756. Pastor at Bolton, 1763-1812.
Rev. George Colton, born 1779, graduated from Yale College, 1804.
Home Missionary in New York State. Pastor at Westford,
N. Y., 1809-1836; pastor at Wyoming, N. Y., 1836-39.
Eliphalel Steele, born 1 732, graduated from Yale College, 1 764.
Probably pastor at Paris, N. Y., 1 770.
Rev. Nathan Perkins, Jr. (son of third pastor), graduated from Yale
College, 1795. Studied law for a time, pastor of Second Con
gregational Church, Amherst, Mass., 1807-42.
Rev. Marshfield Steele, graduated from Yale College, 1 790, Home
Missionary for a time in Vermont and New York State. Pastor
at Machias, Me., 1800-32.
Rev. Chester Colton, born 1 783, graduated from Yale College, 1 804.
Home Missionary for a time in New York State. Pastor at
Brentwood, N. H.; Old Lyme, 1829-39; North Goshen, 1839-

bicentennial celebration 85
45. During the latter part of his life was engaged in Home Mis
sionary work in Ohio.
Rev. Harry Crosswell (no information at hand).
Rev. Joab Brace, graduate of Yale College. Pastor at Newington,
1805-55.
Rev. Epaphras Goodman, born 1 790, graduated from Dartmouth
College, 1816. Home Missionary in South CaroUna. Pastor
in Torringford, 1 822-36. Actively interested in reformatory, mis
sionary and educational enterprises. Editor of "Watchman of the
Valley" and "Christian Era." Western Secretary at Chicago of
A. M. A.
Rev. Avelyn Sedgwick, born 1 793. Pastor at Ogden, N. Y.
Rev. Seymour N. Spencer. Engaged in Foreign Missionary work.
Rev. Richard Woodmff. Pastor at Morris, 1838-41; Unionville,
1842-46; Hampton, 1848-52.
Rev. Amzi Francis, born 1 794, graduated from Middlebury College,
Vt. Pastor at Bridgehapton, L. I.
Rev. Chester Isham, born 1 798, graduated from Yale College where
he excelled in scholarship and attainments. Pastor at Taunton,
Mass., 1824. Died 1825, greatly beloved and lamented.
Rev. Austin Isham, graduated from Yale College. Pastor at Rox-
bury, 1839-63. Later supplied church at New Preston Hill.
United with our Church in 1 829, and continued a member through
Ufe.
Rev. Lemuel Haynes, supposed to have been son of a colored household
slave in one of the West Hartford families. A devoted and
eflicient pastor at Granville, Mass.
Rev. Hiram Elmer. Pastor in Chelsea, Mich. Afterwards connected
widi die Faculty of Olivet College, Olivet, Mich.
Rev. Charles C. Steams, graduated from Yale University, 1872.
Ordained 1874. Missionary at Manissa, Turkey. Professor in
Doane College, Nebraska. Proprietor of Boys' School, Hartford ;
now Professor in Pomona College, Claremont, California.
Rev. Everett H. Francis, graduated from Yale University in 1892.
He was pastor at Ludlow, Mass., 1895-1905, resigning his
position on account of illness. He now resides in Springfield,
Mass.
Rev. Charles N. Morris, graduated from Yale University, 1882;
Berkeley Divinity School. 1889. He served in Episcopal

86 bicentennial celebration
churches as curate and rector at Stamford, New Haven, Lyme,
Westminster, Md., Philadelphia, Boston, Chester, Vt.
RESIDENT CLERGYMEN.
From time to time ministers temporarily without pastoral charges
have resided here and co-operated in the work of the Church. Rev.
Aaron Cleveland (grandfather of Grover Cleveland, twenty-second presi
dent of the United States), resided for a time in the Gaylord house on
Main Street, which was located near the present residence of George
A. Kellogg. He also lived for a time in the house now occupied by
the Misses Talcott in Elmwood.
Rev. Sardis B. Morley, father of Professor Edward W. Morley,
retired for a period from the active work of the pastorate, on account
of his health, and in 1 84 1 purchased the farm now known as the Fuller
farm on Albany Avenue. He served for a time as superintendent of the
Bible School and occasionally occupied the pulpit.
Rev. John R. Herrick, D.D., while serving temporarily as an
instructor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, occupied the house
known as the Baptist parsonage and was active in the work of our
Church. Rev. John D. Hull for a brief period occupied the house which
is now owned by Mr. Frederick Bishop on Farmington Avenue. He
conducted a small private school for boys and was active in our prayer
meetings and Bible School. He presented our Bible School with a
large wall-map of Palestine.
Rev. Charles C. Stearns after his retirement from a professorship
in Doane College resided here, caring for the business interests of his
step-father, Mr. Charles Boswell, for several years. He was an efficient
worker in the Church, serving for a time as superintendent of the Bible
School. He was also a valuable worker of the building committee for
the erection of our present Church edifice.
Rev. Merrick Knight spent the last years of his Hfe here and was
helpful in our church work.
Rev. Henry E. Hart, who resided on School Street, was much
interested in the work of the Church. He rendered service in a variety
of ways, taking special interest in parish visitation and personal work
with individuals, helping and comforting many.
Rev. Myron A. Munson, now a resident of New Haven, was for
a time a resident here on Lancaster Street, and active in church work.
Revs. Lucius H. Higgins, Philemon R. Day, David D. Marsh,

bicentennial celebration 87
Professor Curtis M. Geer of die Hartford Theological Seminary and
Professor Charles S. Lane of die Hartford School of Religious Peda
gogy are present residents who have been and still are valuable workers
in our Church.
Rev. David Osbom and Rev. John HoUingshead, ex-pastors of
Mediodist Episcopal churches, resided here and co-operated to a
considerable extent in our church work.
DEACONS.
For many years die deacons of die Church had a permanent tenure
of oflice. In 1884 a rule was adopted making the term of office for
each deacon eight years. This was subsequendy changed to six years.
The following is a Ust of those who have served as deacons during
the two hundred years now in review.
Abraham Merrill, WilHam Gaylord, Daniel Webster, Abraham
Merrill. Jr., Thomas Hosmer, John Whitman, Noah Webster (son
of Daniel, and fadier of Noah Webster, LL.D.), Benjamin Gilbert,
Abijah Colton (son of Rev. Benjamin Colton), Timothy Gridley,
Jonathan B. Balch, Moses Goodman, Sr., Jedediah Mills, Moses
Goodman, Jr., Roderick Colton (son of Abijah Colton), Hezekiah
Selden, Albigence Scarborough, Josiah W. Griswold, Joseph E. Cone,
Edward Brace, M.D., Chester Francis, George Butler, John B.
Griswold (son of Deacon Josiah W. Griswold), Edward L. Mix,
Walter Cadwell, Edward A. Flagg, Joshua N. Oviatt, George T.
Goodwin, Samuel A. Griswold, William H. Hall, Robert S. Crutten
den, Professor John H. Peck, NelUs E. Day, Charles S. Munger,
Edwin H. Munger (son and contemporary of Deacon Charles S. Mun
ger), Cyms M. Blackman, Arthur R. Thompson, Professor Edward
W. Morley.
LIST OF PERSONS BURIED IN THE OLD CEMETERY.
Copied from a book of inscriptions prepared with great care by
Mr. Henry C. Whitman, and with the original spelUng.
The list below includes the names of all persons buried in the
ancient burial-ground in West Hartford so far as appears from the
inscriptions upon the stones. There are supposed lo be many others
in unmarked graves. Nearly all those buried here were included in the

88 bicentennial celebration
parish of the Congregational Church. The ground was deeded for
burial purposes in 1719 and the earUest inscription is 1725. The
stones are well preserved, only one being undecipherable.
The Hst includes many well-known family names and is of especial
value in the present age of ancestral research. The descendants of
those buried here are many and are scattered to all parts of the country.
Belden, Ester, died 1823, aged 75. Bidwell, Amos, died 1803,
aged 73. Bidwell, Phebee, wife of Amos, died 1 796, aged 62. Bid-
well, Phebe W., daughter of Ozias, died 1797, aged 19 months.
Brace, Henry, died 1814, aged 70. Brace, Abigail, wife of Henry,
died 1802, aged 55. Brace, Thomas, died 1796, aged 46. Brace,
Oren, died 1804, aged 19. Brace, Zenas, died 1791, aged 63.
Brace, Mary, wife of Zenas, died 1808, aged 69. "Bristol, a
native of Africa," slave of Thomas Hart Hooker, died 1814, aged 83.
Buder, Zacheus, died I 79 1 , aged 48. Butler, Joanna, wife of Za-
cheus, died 1813, aged 79.
Cadwell, Jonathan, died 1 760, aged 25. Cadwell, Ensign Sam
uel, died 1 788, aged 78. Cadwell, Elishaba, wife of Samuel, died
1784, aged 72. Cadwell, Aaron, died 1802, aged 42. Cadwell,
infant of Aaron, died 1 785. Center, Ebenezer, died 1 786,
aged 44. Coleman, John, died 1758, aged 57. Collens, Caj)-
tain Seth, died 1 792, aged 50. Collins, Sarah, wife of Seth,
died 1837, aged 90. Colton, Rev. Benjamin, died 1759, aged 69.
Colton, Ruth, wife of Benjamin, died 1725, aged 32. Colton, EUza
beth, second wife of Benjamin, died 1 760, aged 7 1 . Colton, Anna,
wife of Lieutenant Benjamin, died 1 762, aged 38.
Easton, Rachel, wife of James, died 1 75 1 , aged 1 8. Ensign,
David, died 1 727, aged 82.
Faxon, Thomas, died 1801, aged 92. Faxon, Thomas, Jr., died
1 789, aged 33.
Gaylord, Deacon WilHam, died 1 770, aged 92. Gaylord, Hope,
wife of WilHam, died 1763, aged 82. Gaylord, Moses, died 1733,
aged 16. Gaylord, Aaron, died 1750, aged 31. Gaylord, Aaron,
died 1 750, aged 6. Gaylord, Asahel, died 1 750, aged 2. Gaylord,
Samuel, died 1783, aged 71. Gilbert, Anne, wife of Benjamin, died
1782, aged 39. GilUtt, Lieutenant Joseph, died 1746, aged 81.
Goodman, Timothy, died 1 786, aged 79. Goodman, Joanna, wife
of Timothy, died 1768, aged 58. Goodman, Aaron, died 1756,
aged 4. Goodman, Timothy, died 1752, aged 16. Goodman,

bicentennial celebration 89
T^°7'- ^'^^ '809. aged 70. Goodman. Sarah, wife of Thomas.
died 1798. aged 58. Goodman. Rudi. wife of Thomas, died 1820.
aged 81. Goodman. Timodiy. died 1770. aged 3. Goodman.
Thomas. Jr.. died 1800. aged 28. Goodman. Abagail. wife of
Ihomas. Jr.. died 1824. aged 51. Goodman. Timodiy. died 1788.
aged 18. Gray. Lucy, wife of Abiel. died 1791. aged 48.
Hooker, die Rev. Nadianiel. died 1770. aged 32. Hooker.
Eumce. died I 769. aged 1 mo. Hosmer. Thomas, died 1 777. aged
75. Hosmer. Susannah, wife of Thomas, died 1 798, aged 82. Hos
mer, EUsha. died 1 779, aged 26.
Keyes. Captain Stephen, died 1788, aged 71. Keyes. Abigail,
wife of Stephen, died 1808. aged 85. Keyes. Peggy, died 1808,
aged 61.
Langdon. Timodiy, died 1811, aged 22. Lyman, Abigail, wife
of Ichabod. died 1 809. aged 59.
Marshfield, Rachel, wife of Josias, died 1 754. aged 86. Merrell,
Lieutenant Isaac, died 1 742. aged 60. Merrell. Deacon Abraham.
died 1 747. aged 76. Merrell. Prudence, wife of Abraham, died 1 747,
aged 71. Merrell. Jacob, died 1771. aged 5 6. Merrill. Mary, wife
of Jacob, died 1792. aged 63. Merrill, Thomas, died 1814. aged
100. Mix. Mary, wife of Ebenezer. died 1745. aged 31. Mix.
Ebenezer. died 1 766. aged 5 1 . Mix, Anna, wife of Ebenezer. died
1811 (?). aged 92.
Nash. Elizabeth, wife of Lieutenant John, died 1 750. aged 76.
Sedgwick. Captain Samuel, died 1 735, aged 68. Sedgwick.
Mary, wife of Samuel, died 1 743, aged 72. Sedgwick, Samuel. Jr.,
died 1 725. aged 34. Sedgwick. Ebenezer, died 1 759, aged 60.
Sedgwick. Stephen, died 1 768. aged 67. Seymore. Ensign Timothy,
died 1 749. aged 53. Seymour. Allyn. died 1 760. aged 30. Sey
mour, Moses, died 1 795. aged 84. Seymour. Rachel, wife of Moses.
died »1 763. aged 46. Skiimer, Joseph, died 1 770. aged 73. Skinner.
Timothy, died 1 779. aged 78. Skinner. Ruth, wife of Timothy, died
1 754, aged 35. Skiimer, Timothy, died 1 750. aged 5. Skinner,
Mabel, died 1 743, aged 3 mo. Skinner, James, died 1 750, aged
18 mo. Skinner, Abigail, died 1750, aged 3. Skinner, Thankfull,
wife of Jonathan, died 1 781, aged 25. Smith, Nathaniel, died 1 733,
aged 38. Stanley, Samuel, died 1 787, aged 38. Stanley, Anna,
wife of Samuel, died 1 780, aged 33. Stanley, Amaziah, died 1 790,
aged 57. Stanley, Mary, wife of Amaziah, died 1822, aged 77.

90 bicentennul celebration
Steel. Captain Thomas, died 1740. aged 57. Steel, Dr. John, died
1760. aged 37. Steel, Alien, died 1802. aged 45. Steele. Joanna.
wife of Allyn, died 1 835. aged 78. Steel, Allyn. died 1 789. aged 1 0.
Steel. Lucy, died 1790. aged 4. Steele. Ebenezer. died 1805, aged
52. Steele, Rachel, wife of Ebenezer. died 1839, aged 85.
Trumbull. Sarah, wife of die Rev. John, died 1805, aged 87.
Trumbull, Elizabeth, died 1 778, aged 22.
Watson, John, senior, died 1 725, aged 74. Webster. Rachel, wife
of Abraham, died 1 776. aged 23. Webster, child of Rachel, died
1776, aged 7 days. Webster, Noah, father of the lexicographer, died
1813, aged 91. Webster. Mercy, wife of Noah, died 1794, aged 67.
Wells, Ebenezer, died 1 737, aged 43. Wells, Rachel, wife of
Ebenezer, died 1787, aged 93. Wells, Ebenezer, died 1814, aged
82. Wells. Abigail, wife of Ebenezer. died 1 758, aged 1 8. Wells.
EUzabeth. wife of Ebenezer, died 1 78 1 , aged 5 1 . Wells, Abi, wife
of Ebenezer, died 1 804, aged 52. Wells, Ebenezer, died 1 766,
aged 1. Wells, Ruth, died 1775, aged 4. Wells, Ebenezer, Jr.,
died 1798. aged 32. Wells, John, died 1795, aged 84. Wells,
Jemima Smith, Wells, Hannah, Baker, Wells, Susanna Smith, wives of
John. Wells, Sarah, wife of John, died 1 736, aged 2 1 . Wells,
Sarah, died 1750, aged 13. Wells, Bazey, died 1814. aged 70.
Wells. Ruth, wife of Bazey, died 1835, aged 86. Whiting, Colonel
John, died 1 767, aged 72. Whiting, EHzabedi, died 1 750, aged 7.
Whiting, Nathan H., died 1801, aged 42. Whiting, Rudi, wife of
Nathan, died 1783, aged 22. Whiting, Gurdon S., died 1804, aged
38. Whiting, Elizabeth, wife of Gurdon S., died 1802, aged 34.
Whiting, Nathaniel H., died 1869, aged 86. Whitman, Samuel, died
1785. aged 13 days. Whitman. Emma, died 1795, aged 1. Whit
man, Emma 2d, died 1797, aged 1. Williams, Mary, wife of the
Rev. Wareham, died 1801, aged 73.
Rev. Benjamin Colton, the first pastor, owned and occupied
a house which stood on Main Street near the present residence of Mr.
James E. Smith.
Rev. Nathaniel Hooker, Jr., owned and occupied the house
on Main Street which is now the rectory of St. James Episcopal Church.
This house was built for him by his father.
Rev. Nathan Perkins purchased the Hooker house and owned
and occupied it throughout his entire pastorate.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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