< c •c €SL KSSl5.< cc ■*■■ c'-kz: <££<&& ■<: «:*•■■■■. c ^ ~ o CO : *«S&$*-S — ~~ c cc 1 ^ devout and bold. For Hooker, {S) 'mid the angels sphered, For Mitchell, <4> crowned and blest : For living guides, (6 > whose light has cheered, Full many a darkened breast. For trials that the church refine, For good men passed away : For yon fair scion from our vine, [c:i Our sister church to-day. Now, Savior, let thy grace divine, Fall on us like the dew ; Say to thy church, Arise and shine ! Revive our love anew. So may the century we begin, High o'er the past ascend ; A nobler throng of converts win — In loftier anthems end. F. M. C. An invitation was then given to the Congregation and the Sabbath School, to meet in a social gathering at the grove in the rear of the " Free Academy," at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The exercises of the Anniversary were resumed by a numerous social gathering in the afternoon in the grove ac- cording to the preceding notice. The Sahbath School was formed in procession at the church, and, preceded by a -band of music, inarched to the ground, where preparations had been made for their reception and entertainment. The num- ber was large, and their appearance, and good order elicited the expression of general satisfaction. Members of the church and congregation, and many who were formerly connected 1. Rev. Nathaniel Niles, the patriot preacher of the Revolution, author of the beautiful ode, entitled, " The American Hero." 2. Rev. Walter Kinp, ordained May 25, 17S7. 3. Rev Asahel Honker, installed Jan. Ih, lol2. 4. Rev. Alfred Mitchell, ordained Oct. 27, 1814. 5. Rev. James T. Dickinson, dismissed in 1834, to go on a mission to China, and Rev. Alvan Bond, D. D., the present pastor. 6. The Broadway Congregational Church, — a colony from the Second Church, organized June 1, 1842. 51 therewith, were assembled in large numbers to participate in the services and festivities of the occasion. The grove of native forest trees was attractive, and the weather sunny and breezy, it being one of the most perfect summer days. The surrounding scenery, unsurpassed in its beautiful and pic- turesque features, added much to the charming interest of the occasion. The place of meeting was a hill-side somewhat steep, from which there cropped out at different points rocky projections, affording natural and substantial platforms, which were oc- cupied by musicians, juvenile singers, and speakers. At the foot of this terraced amphitheatre of nature's construction, tables were spread, tastefully ornamented with floral decora- tions, and richly loaded with refreshments. The best arrange- ments had been made to render the occasion both profitable and pleasant. The assembly was called to order by Hon. John A. Bock- well, with a few remarks, when the following original Hymn, by Mrs. Sigourney, was sung by the Sabbath School. Our ears have heard their righteous deeds Which ancient records show, Who in this pleasant region dwelt One hundred years ago. Their earnest care, their christian zeal To guard with faithful hand The Church, the School, the Laws that make The glory of our land. Oh ! may the heavenly grace be ours Now, in our early days Like them, to choose with love to walk In our Redeemer's ways, That when to these delightful scenes Our closing eyes grow dim, It also may of us be said, They have gone home to Him. Eev. Mr. Haden, of Montville, offered prayer. Short ad- dresses were made by the following gentlemen : — William C. 52 Gilman, Esq., of New York, the first Superintendent of the Sabbath School; Rev. Joseph Hurlbut, and Rev. G. B.Wil- cox, of New London ; Wm. P. Eaton, Esq., and Hon. L. F. S. Foster, of Norwich. Rev. Dr. Bond read extracts of letters from Mrs. Sally Dodge, of New York, who united with this church sixty-six years ago, — and from Rev. Wm. Allen, D.D., of Northampton, who forwarded an original Hymn for the occasion, which was read as follows ; — O Zion's King ! Thee we adore, That here a hundred years ago, On this implanted river-shore A precious vine was made to grow. llich, clustering grapes from year to year, "Which thou hast nourish' d in thy love, Thy vine hath home, and still doth bear, — Sweet foretaste of the joys above. This Church, blest Redeemer, still With every grace wilt thou endow, — Thy Spirit every heart to fill With heaven's own bliss brought clown below. Thy Church, Lord, that growing vine, Shall spread its branches wide around, Nurtur'd by Prayer, Truth, Power divine, Till knell of time on earth shall sound. The venerable author of the foregoing Hymn, married for his second wife, Miss Sarah J. Breed, an esteemed member of this church. In a letter, dated, Northampton, July 19, 1860, he remarks in reply to one addressed to him, — " You are right in thinking, that, although shut up at home by severe illness, my heart will be with you then. Lying on my sofa, I write with a pencil a hymn designed to be adapted to your celebration." The exercises of this occasion were interspersed with sing- ing by the children of the Sabbath School, which was per- formed in a manner that reflected great credit on the teacher, who for several weeks had met them for the purpose of in- 53 struction in vocal music. When the sweet, tiny voices of the infant class were united in one of their spirited melodies, we were reminded of the words of inspiration, — " Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength." Two hours having been spent in these pleasant services, the chairman announced that the refreshments would now be distributed, which was received, especially by the juvenile portion of the assembly, with marked demonstrations of satisfaction. It was a charming spectacle to witness the elastic movements, the happy faces, and exuberant cheer of the many juvenile groups, that gathered round the tables, "all borne with unconscious effort on a common tide of joyous, though controlled excitement. This scene in the programme having closed, the members of the school were re-called to their seats for the closing service. After a few remarks by the chairman, the following Hymn, composed by Mrs. S. P. Coit, was sung in the favorite tune, " Auld lang syne," in which the whole assembly united. Now let us sing our parting song, With these kind friends of ours, For we have been a happy throng, Among these leafy bowers. We've heard of those good men, who laid The first rough corner stone, Of this dear church — God bless'd and made Two spreading bands become. Pastors who left this church for Heaven, The flock fast following too, Some who for heathen souls have striven, How sweet, all to review ! Our fathers ! Bless their memory for Their century's holy work, And on the coming hundred years, We'll make our christian mark. And now with very grateful hearts, And very happy voice, We'll bid these pleasant friends farewell, Who've made us thus rejoice. 54 And when we've weathered storms and calms, O'er life' s rough ocean driven, Through centuries long, may we adore Our fathers' God, — in Heaven ! Thus the Centennial occasion was closed in a manner*, satisfactory to all who had interested themselves in its arrangements. The day with its review of the past, and its hopes for the future, will form a historical epoch in the life of this church. The struggles of its infancy, through which it was carried, and the fruits of its manhood, which have abounded to the glory of God, are fitted to inspire the confi- dence, that, under the same good Shepherd it will be pro- tected in all future emergencies, and, at the close of the century on which it has just entered, that a report will be made far richer in its recorded results, and a nobler jubilee celebrated. The committee held a meeting, July 27th, when the report of the finance committee was heard and accepted. A vote was adopted, requesting a copy of the discourse, delivered on the occasion, for publication. The committee then finally adjourned. E. A. DORRANCE, Clerk. Note A. The following is the Covenant, adopted at the time of the organization of the church : Our Lord Jesus Christ, having finished the work of our redemption, and broken down the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile by removing the covenant of particularity out of the way, He has set up His own kingdom or church, and has sent His Gospel to all nations for the obedience of faith, and invited sinners of all nations to turn from dumb idols unto Him ; and has required all who own Him to join together as opportunity may offer, into a particular society or church, to walk, worship, and serve Him agreeably to His blessed Gospel, and to watch over one another for their good, aud not for their halting ; 55 "Wherefore, we, unworthy sinners, who have sometime lived without Christ and without God in the world, being now called out of it by the ministry of the Gospel, to the fellowship of Christ ; and having our hearts stirred up by His Spirit, and made willing to join together in church state and communion, do by the help of Christ, renounce the devil, the wicked vain world, and the sinful lusts of the flesh, and all anti- christian pollutions, and our former evil ways ; and do give up ourselves first to God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, through the mediation of Jesus Christ ; we offer up our professed sub- jection to Jesus Christ, as the only Prophet, Priest, and King of His people, beseeching Him in His rich grace and free mercy to accept of us, as His cove- nant and peculiar people. And also we give up ourselves to one another by the will of God, promising, in the name and grace and strength of Christ, on whom we desire always to rely and trust, and who worketh in us both to will and to do, to worship God through Jesus Christ according to His com- mands, institutions, and appointments, as they do, or shall appear to be con- tained in the Word of God, and to watch over one another, and to walk to- gether in brotherly love, according to the rules of the Gospel, to the common edification of the body and of each particular member, and to be guided in all things according to the revealed will of God, seeking to advance the glory of Jesus Christ our Head, both in church and brotherly communion, through the assistance of His Holy Spirit, which He has encouraged us to hope for by the Word of Truth ; and to submit to the discipline of Christ in His church, and to maintain the worship of God in this place, while God shall continue us here ; and we do consecrate and give up our children to Him, promising, by the help of His grace, to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, as God in His Word doth direct and require. And we do manifest our joint assent and consent herein, in the presence of the Lord and this assembly, by this our present public profession, and by setting or ordering to be set or affixed our names to this solemn covenant. At the time of the formal and solemn renewing of their covenant, May 1 7th, 1787, a revised form was adopted, slightly differing from the foregoing, which is found on the records of the church, vol. I, pp. 48 and 49. The form, as adopted at this time, is, with a few verbal alterations, the same as that now used. The Confession of Faith, adopted at the same time, is expressed in the fol- lowing preamble and articles : Whosoever will be saved, must confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in his heart, that God hath raised Him from the dead ; for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We do, therefore, from our hearts confess the faith of Christ, and profess to believe as follows : I. There is one only living and true God, the unchangeable Jehovah, who is one in essence, yet subsisting as three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 56 II. That God did in the beginning create all things out of nothing by the word of His power, and by His will and providence preserves all creatures, ruling and governing them for His own glory. III. God did create man in His image, after His own likeness, in knowl- edge, righteousness, and holiness; and therefore in a happy state, under a moral law, which was suitable for him, and a covenant of life, which was holy, reasonable, just and good. IV. Man continued not in that estate ; but our first parents (fell,) and we, and all mankind who descended from them by ordinary generation, did in, together, and with them, fall from that estate by sinning against God, and so are by nature the children of wrath, and liable to the pains of hell forever. Y. God has not left all mankind to perish in a state of sin and misery ; but from all eternity elected some to everlasting life, and ordained to bring them into a state of salvation by a Redeemer. VI. The Lord Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, two distinct na- tures in one person, by a wonderful conception and incarnation in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary, through the power of the Holy Ghost, is the only Redeemer of God's elect, who has offered up Himself in His death a pro- pitiatory sacrifice to God, and purchased everlasting salvation for them. VII. The Holy and Eternal Spirit of God, whose special work it is to apply the redemption purchased by Christ to the souls of men, doth by working faith in us, unite us to Christ, and make us effectual partakers of the saving benefits of the death of Christ, insomuch that they, who do bebeve on His name, are justified. VIII. God requires of us and of all Christians, as necessary duties, though not meritorious conditions of eternal life, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, repentance towards God, and sincere and unfeigned holiness in heart and life, with a diligent use of all the means, appointed for the application of the benefits of redemption, which are, especially His Word, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and Prayer to God in the name of Christ, the only Mediator, together with the sacraments of the new Cove- nant, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. IX. There will be a resurrection of the dead bodies, both of the just and unjust, and a reunion of the soul and body, so that they shall be jointly and together, capable of being the subjects of happiness, or of misery to all eternity. X. There will be a great and general Judgment, God having appointed a day in which he will judge the world by Jesus Christ, whereof he hath in the Gospel given assurance to all men ; and at the last day, the Son of Man shall come from Heaven in the glory of the Father, attended with his Holy Angels, and sitting on a throne of glory, before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall judge the world in righteousness ; the sum of which judgment will be, that the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, and the right- eous into life eternal. This confession was publicly read, and assented to by those who signed the Covenant on the 24th of July, 1760. Free Seat for Aged Women. i w CO w > •n o M !> s w 57 The Articles of Faith with the Scripture proofs, and the Church Covenant, in their present form, were adopted by the Churoh, July 27, 1829, and first printed with a Catalogue, in 1830. The number on this Catalogue is 177, of whom 22 only remain. Note B. The following are the names of the pew-holders, two families being accom- modated in the same pew, as follows : Seth Harding and William Rockwell ; Sybile Crocker and Jonathan Lester ; Thomas Trapp, Jr., and Stephen Barker ; Jabez Dean and Elijah Lathrop ; John Tracy and Peter Lanman ; Joseph Trumbull and Jabez Perkins ; Ephraim Bill and Hugh Ledlie : Ebenezer Fillmore, Jr., and Timothy Herrick ; William Coit and Simon Carew ; Nathaniel Backus and Nathaniel Backus, Jr. ; Abel Brewster and John Martin ; David Lamb and Moses Pierce ; Benajah Leffingwell and Ezra Backus ; Benjamin Huntington and Nathaniel Shipman ; Joseph Smith and Isaac Park ; Stephen Roath and Stephen Roath, Jr. ; Hannah Wight and Joseph Kelley ; Jacob DeWitt and John M'Clarren Bn.ed ; John and Peter Waterman ; Benjamin and George Dennis ; Caleb Whitney and Joshua Norman ; Daniel Kelley and William Capron ; Prosper Wetmore and Ebenezer Fitch ; David Roath and Samuel Roath ; William Breed and Zephaniah Jennings ; Joseph Wight and Lemuel Buswell. The minister and his family had the use of an entire pew assigned to them. Fifty-two pew-holders besides the family of the minister, are in- cluded in this record, as it appears on the Society's books. Note C. The mission of Dr. Whitaker in behalf of the " Indian Charity School," identifies him and this church with the work of missions in a manner worthy of remark. The successful labors of David Brainard among the Indians about that time, had awakened in the churches much interest for the conver- sion and civilization of the native inhabitants. The proximity of the Mohegan tribe, and their firm frendship, created a missionary spirit in the older church of this town, in which our church and its Pastor participated. A mission school for Indian youth was founded by Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, at Lebanon. It was patronized by the General Court of Massachusetts, which assumed for a time the support of six Indian youth. The General Assembly of New Hampshire made a donation to promote the design. Contributions were sent in from churches and individuals. Among the benefactors were Rev. George Whitefield, the Countess of Huntington, and other foreigners. Samson Occum was one of the first pupils of this school, and as he became a preacher of popular talents, it was arranged for him to go on an agency for it to the mother country, accompanied by Dr. Whitaker. This mission was so successful, as to justify an enlargement of the plan, and, as the result, 58 the Indian Charity School became the foundation of Dartmouth College. The missionary zeal of Dr. Whitaker was an element in his life and ministry, which for those times entitles him to be reckoned as one of the honored pioneers in the work of evangelizing the pagan tribes of this new world. And the fact is not without interest, that his labors were subsequently identified with the Tabernacle church in Salem, Mass., in which at a later period, the ltev. Dr. Worcester, one of the founders, and the first Secretary of the American Board of Foreign Missions, officiated as Pastor till his death. The facts, to which this reference is made, unimportant as they may seem in the eventful history of missions in our country, may be regarded as con- stituting one of the small head-springs, whence there has arisen a noble tributary to that river of missionary influences and agencies, which is diffusing the waters of life over the arid wastes of the heather world. Thus to trace a noble stream up to its source in some hidden spring, while pleasing to the historic inquirer, affords an instructive illustration of the method, in which Divine Providence works in the incipiency and development of its plans. Note D. FORM OF A " SISTERLY COVENANT " ADOPTED IN THE YEAR 1790. We, whose names are here written, having, as we hope, a sincere desire for the glory of God, and the good of our own souls and others, have thought proper, besides the Covenant we have already made with God and each other, to make this also, whereby we hope mutually to assist each other in our Christian course. 1. We think it best to set apart one evening of every week, for the pur- pose of meeting together to read the Holy Scriptures, and other good books, to sing the praises of our Redeemer, but more especially to pray with and for each other, for our dear friends, and all our fellow creatures. 2. We propose to begin our meetings at the time of lighting candles, and not be needlessly absent, but must be as near the time as Ave can ; read while our company is collecting, then begin with prayer, then sing a hymn, or psalm, next we may read in the Bible, and converse, if we think proper, till it is time to conclude with prayer and singing. 3. Every member that agrees to take her turn in the performance, is to do it in the order of her name, as annexed to this our agreement, and in case the person should be absent, whose turn it is to pray, the next in order must do it in her stead, and the absent one must perform the next time. It is agreed that no person shall be urged to perform this duty against her will ; but it is hoped, that none will long refuse, since God looks only on the heart. 4. We promise not to divulge the infirmities of a fellow member, but to keep all things secret belonging to the Society, the discovery of which might be a disadvantage. 5. We resolve to be charitable to each other, and to advise, caution, ad- monish one another, and we agree not to be offended, but kindly and thankful- 59 ly receive reproof from any of our members. "We shall endeavor that our dis- course while together, shall be of the things that pertain to godliness. And when apart, our behavior shall be such as becomes Christianity. And if any member commits any offence, and after being often reproved, still contiuues impenitent, she shall be excluded from us, until she gives evidence of her sorrow for her past conduct. 6. We further agree, that if any person desires to join with us, it shall be mentioned in one of our meetings, and the one chosen for our head shall converse with her, and if there be no objection, she shall be orderly received as a member. Signed, ANNA BUSWELL, EUNICE HART, SARAH LANMAN, LYDIA M'CURDY, SARAH TRAPP, BETSEY BREED, LYDIA PERKINS, SALLY DODGE, SARAH SMITH, LYDIA BREED, HANNAH JOHNSON, MARTHA WILLIAMS, ABIGAIL YOUNG, ELIZABETH BUSWELL, SARAH KING, MARY HUNTINGTON, SUSANNA HOWLAND, MARY ANNA G. LANMAN, ANNA VERA KIRTLAND, REBECCA BREED, ANNA FANNING, SARAH PERKINS, ANNA COIT, REBECCA HUNTINGTON, MARY SILSBY, SALLY HUNTINGTON, LUCINDA CHENEY, BETSEY PERKINS, ELIZABETH HUNTINGTON, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, PERCY PEABODY, ELIZABETH GREEN, ANNA REDDY, BETSEY ROCKWELL, ELIZABETH ROCKWELL, NANCY COIT, CATHERINE PEABODY, SARAH DEMING. Note E. CIRCULAR AND CONSTITUTION OF THE FIRST FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The period in which we live, is deeply interesting to the Church and to the world. While the Most High is arising to shake terribly the earth, and to punish the inhabitants for their iniquities, he is not unmindful of his own cause. The last fifteen years have not been more distinguished as a season of distress and perplexity to the nations of the earth, than for the exertions, to which many are awakened, for the spread and establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom through the world. Among such exertions none are more anima- ting, and worthy of support, than those which are directed to translation of the Holy Scriptures into the languages of many benighted millions, and the sending of able and pious missionaries to instruct them in the way of eternal life. Under the direction of a respectable Board of Commissioners of five gentlemen in Massachusetts, and four in this State, five young men of the most promising character have already taken their departure, as missionaries CO to the East Indies. Several others are preparing to follow them ; -while many societies are forming for their support, and for promoting the benevolent object of their mission, by aiding the translation of the Scriptures. In these labors of love to the Redeemer, and to the souls of our fellow men, we are desirous to bear a part. In proportion as we value the precious privileges, which God has graciously bestowed on our ancestors, and on us, we would cheerfully acknowledge the duty of extending the same privileges to those who have never seen a Bible, nor heard the name of a Savior. While we consider, the earth is " the Lord's and the fulness thereof," that the silver and the gold are his, and that we are stewards for him of all we possess, we would cheerfully contribute of our substance for promoting the glory of the Redeemer in the instruction and salvation of our fellow sinners. With such impression, and such views of this momentous subject — we, the subscribers, do hereby associate for the purposes here contemplated, and give our consent to the following CONSTITUTION. Article 1. The name of this Association shall be The Foreign Mission Society of Norwich and the Vicinity. 2. The general object of the Society shall be to raise money for the sup- port of Foreign Missions, and to aid the translation of the Bible into various languages, — the particular objects being specified in the subscription. 3. Every person who shall subscribe to this Constitution, and shall engage to pay to the Treasurer of this Society annually a sum not less than one dollar, shall be a member. 4. Every person paying fifty dollars at one time, shall be a member of the Society for life. 5. The officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor, to be chosen by ballot at the annual meeting. 6. The Society shall hold its annual meeting, alternately in the first and second Society in Norwich, on the third Tuesday of May in each year. 7. The first payment shall be made at or before the first annual meeting. 8. Defines the duties of the Secretary. 9. Defines the duties of the Treasurer. 10. The Society will receive donations for the support of either of the above (named) purposes, under such restrictions as the donors shall impose, and will pay such donations according to the direction of the donors. 11. Defines the mode in which the current expenses of the Society shall be met. 12. If the office of the Secretary or Treasurer shall become vacant during the year, the President shall designate a person to fill his place. 13. Any member may withdraw from this Society by giving written notice to the Treasurer of his intention to withdraw, and paying all arrearages. 14. No alteration shall be made in this Constitution, unless by a vote of two-thirds of the members, present at an annual meeting. 61 OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY. Rev. Joseph Strong, D. D., President. Rev. Asahel Hooker, ) •.,. -r. . . „ TT y Vice Presidents. Zechariah Huntington, Esq., J Jabez Huntington, Esq., Secretary. Hezekiah Perkins, Esq., Treasurer. James Stedman, Esq., Auditor. Norwich, May 25, 1812. In this record we recognize one of the first auxiliary Missionary Societies organized in the country. From the commencement of its operations it has not failed to contribute annually to the funds of the American Board. The Foreign Missionary Society of New London and vicinity, was organized April 14, 1812. Gen. Jedediah Huntington, the grand-father of Mrs. Eli Smith, was the first President of the Society. In the month of June following, the sum total for Foreign Missions, acknowledged in the Panoplist, was $1379 15; of which amount $375 60 was contributed by the two Societies, principally that of New London and vicinity. During the first year they forwarded $531 60, to the Treasurer of the Board of Missions. A few years since, these Societies were united under the name of " Norwich and New London Foreign Missionary Society." Note F. The native place of the present Pastor was Sutton, Mass. He was gradu- ated at Brown University, in 1815. His theological studies were prosecuted at the Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., where he remained as a resident graduate most of the year after having completed the regular course of study. Near the close of that year, 1819, he was ordained and installed as Pastor of the Congregational Church in Sturbridge. Having prosecuted his labors there about ten years, he accepted an appointment, as Professor of Sacred Literature, in the Theological Seminary, Bangor, Maine. The severity of the climate affecting his health unfavorably, he was induced to seek a field of labor in a milder region. In the winter of 1835, an invitation from this Church and Society was extended to him to assume the pastorate thereof, which was accepted. On the sixth of May the following Council was convened to attend to the, preliminary services, and perform the solemnities of the installation. Rev. Samuel Nott, D.D., Franklin; Ashbel Woodward, Delegate. " Levi Nelson, Lisbon ; Freeman Tracy, " " Lyman Strong, Colchester ; R. H. Isham, " " Timothy Tuttle, Ledyard ; Isaac Gallup, " " Joel Hawes, D. D., Hartford ; AVilliam Watson, " " Charles Hyde, Norwich ; (without charge.) " Joel W. Newton, Norwich ; Wm. C. Gilman, Delegate. " A. B. Collins, Preston; George Loring, " Fourth Church, Norwich. S. L. Hough, " 62 The Rev. Mr. Strong presided as Moderator, and Rev. Chas. Hyde acted Scribe. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Dr. Hawes. The installing prayer was offered by Dr. Nott. The charge was addressed to the Pastor by Mr. Strong. The Right Hand of Fellowship was given by Mr. Newton. Note G-. The edifice, which at present is occupied as the house of worship by the Second Congregational Church, is ninety-one feet in length, including the tower, and sixty-four feet in width. It contains one hundred and twenty slips on the floor, and twenty-four in the gallery, besides the orchestra. The architecture is of the Roman order, the plan of which was furnished by a professional architect, Mr. Warren, of Providence, R. I. The building Com- mittee were Messrs. Russell Hubbard, William Williams, Charles W. Rockwell, George Perkins, Daniel L. Trumbull and Henry Allen. The services of dedication consisted in reading selections of Scripture by Rev. Eli Smith, Missionary from Beirut, introductory prayer by the venerable Samuel Nott, D. D., in the ninety-second year of his age ; sermon by the Pastor ; dedicatory prayer by Rev. Thomas L. Shipman ; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Clark, Pastor of the Central Baptist Church, whose house of worship had been kindly offered for the use of the Society, while their house was in the progress of building. The resident members of the Church at this time numbered two hundred and eighty. The Deacons were Jabez Huntington, Joseph Otis, H. B. Buckingham and Charles Coit. The organ, which cost about three thousand dollars, was the gift of Dea. Joseph Otis, who, in addition to many other liberal benefactions, founded and endowed the Library, which bears his name. Besides this, he contributed one thousand dollars towards the establishment of the Pastor's Library. A rich silver christening vase was presented to the Church by Mrs. Eunice B. Farnsworth, and a plated communion service with a silver cup was given by Miss Mary R. Mackie, now Mrs. Frank Johnson. A beautiful Bible for the pulpit was presented by Charles Boswell, of Hartford. In the summer of 1855, this house of worship underwent extensive repairs, and important changes, at an expense of about six thousand dollars. This amount was subscribed and promptly paid when the work was done. The dimensions of the Church are sufficient to accommodate eight hundred hear- ers, and with extra seats a thousand persons may be comfortably stated. The Sabbath School room is fifty-nine feet by thirty-six, exclusive of the room for the infant class, and will accommodate from three hundred and fifty to four hundred scholars. The Lecture room contains seats for one hunched and seventy-five. All these rooms have been furnished so as to make them comfortable and pleasant. 63 Note H. The persons referred to, as having entered into the work of the Gospel Ministry from the Sabbath School, are the following: L. D. Bentley, Silas H. Hazzard, Albert T. Chester, Walter K. Wilkie, Henry Bromley, Daniel W. Havens, Edward W. Gilman, James A. Bolles, Elias B. Hillard, William Palmer, Giles B. Wilcox, John T. Coit, William Tracy, Francis C. Woodworth, Charles H. Chester, Timothy Dwight, James Dwight, Henry D. Woodworth. Several have died while preparing for the ministry, viz : — Peter L. Huntington, John B. Dwight, Daniel Willes, and N. W. Dewey. Note I. The following catalogue of Missionaries, who have gone from the original limits embraced in the Town of Norwich, was prepared by William C. Gilman, Esq., once a member of this Church, now of New York. Year. 1761. Rev. 1766. « 1812. i< 1812. Mrs, 1819. Rev. 1819. Mrs. 1821. Rev. 1825. Mr. 1826. Mrs. 1827. Rev, 1827. Mrs, 1833. Mrs. 1833. Mrs, 1833. Mrs. 1833. Mrs. 1833. Rev. 1835. i< 1835. (< 1835. Mrs. 1836. Mrs. 1836. Rev. 1839. Mrs. 1839. Mrs. Names. Samson Occum. - Samuel Kirtland, ... Samuel Nott, Jr. ... Nott, (Roxana Peck,) - Miron Winslow, ... Winslow, (Harriet Lathrop,) William Potter, ... William H. Manwaring, - , Anson Gleason, (B. W. Tracy.) Jonathan S. Green, Gulic, (Fanny H. Thomas,) - Ely Smith, (Sarah L. Huntington,) Palmer, (Jerusha Johnson,) - Hutchins, (Elizabeth C. Lathrop,) Perry, (Harriet L. Lathrop,) Stephen Johnson, - James T. Dickinson, ... William Tracy, ... Hebard, (Rebecca W. Williams,) Cherry, (Charlotte H. Lathrop,) James L. Thompson, - Palmer, (Clarrissa Johnson,) Sherman, (Martha E. Williams,) Mission. Oneida. Mahratta. Ceylon. - Cherokee. Choctaw. Sandwich Islands. Syria. Cherokee. Ceylon. Siam. Singapore, Madura, Syria. Madura. - Cyprus. Cherokee. Syria. 64 1839. lira. Brewer, (Laura L. 1840. Rev. Joshua Smith, 1844. Miss Susan Tracy, - 1844. (i Lucinda Downer, ii Eunice Starr, 1854. Rev. William Aitchison, 1860. ii Wm. F. Arms, Oiddings,) Oregon. Africa. Choctaw. China'. Bulgaria. Fourteen Missions have been or are at present strengthened and sustained by the sons and daughters of the Congregational Churches of Norwich, as it was one hundred years ago. This fact has, as would be naturally ex- pected, created in these Churches a healthy and stable interest in the work of Foreign Missions — an interest that lives in unabated vigor and efficiency. I \ A HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, DELIVERED AT THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORWICH, CONN., JULY 24, 1860. "WITH AN APPENDIX. BY A L V A N BOND, D. D. M NORWICH: MANNING, PLATT & CO., PRINTERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1860. CC04L" *c cC««i. trcac CCc "' <*C— ~=? ^~^ ^^^ ^ < «! <*fc--<^ Sv c ^T 1 " -«rr, c'<~'c"^r_ * « c:<<^,