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HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY

CHAPTER XXV.

ECCLESIASTICAL--EARLY LAWS FOR SUPPORTING THE GOSPEL--CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY--PROCEEDINGS OF THE TOWN--EPISCOPAL SOCIETY--METHODIST SOCIETY--BAPTIST SOCIETY--CATHOLIC SOCIETY.

HE doctrines respecting religious liberty and toleration, and the relations of "Church and State," which prevailed in the States, from which the immigrants came, were imported and established here. The liberty of worshiping the Supreme Being according to one's own convictions, was not denied, nor was any one forced to worship contrary to his convictions. Religion was regarded as essential to the highest interests of the state, and therefore it was considered right for the government to require all the citizens to pay their proportion of taxes for its support, to some ecclesiastical organization. The contribution of each must therefore be paid to the existing organization, unless he belonged to some other, to which he contributed.

The

following are the main provisions of the law existing in this state from the organization of the town until the year 1801. "When any number of the inhabitants of the town or parish, exceeding twenty-five, being of a similar sect or denomination of Christians, shall think themselves able to build a meeting house," and otherwise provide for the support of the gospel, a town meeting was to be called, and two thirds of those assembled, being not less than twenty five, were authorized to provide for erecting a meeting house and "hire or otherwise agree with a minister to officiate as a minister " of the inhabitants; and to assess the necessary taxes to defray the expenses. And it was further provided, that every voter in town " shall be considered as being of the religious opinion and sentiment of such society, and liable to be taxed for the purposes aforesaid, unless he shall procure a certificate, signed by some minister of

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the gospel, deacon, elder, moderator or clerk of the church, congregation, sect or denomination, to which he belongs," making "known the person procuring the same to be of the religious opinion or sentiment of the signer thereof, and to what sect or denomination he belongs." This certificate was to be recorded in the town clerk's office.

The

Congregational was almost the only denomination known to the first immigrants, and was at first almost the only one established in this state. It was established in this town as the "standing order," taxes were assessed for its support and ministers settled by vote in town meeting, as other town business. The support of the gospel in that denomination constituted an important share of the business of those meetings, its history is a part of the history of the town, and is therefore extended beyond the limits, which would otherwise be assigned to it.

There

had been, as elsewhere stated, religious meetings to some extent, and occasional preaching in town before any action in town meetings. At the annual meeting in March 1788, two years after the organization of the town, and the first meeting, when any business was done except the appointment of a few officers, the following votes were passed:
"Voted to choose a committee to stick a stake for the meeting house and pitch on a place or places to bury the dead."
"Voted, That Mr. Daniel Foot's house be a place to meet for public worship far the present."
"Voted Daniel Foot, Benjamin Smalley, Abraham Kirby and Nathaniel Munger be a committee to procure preaching for the present year."

January

1, 1789, "Voted that the town be divided into two distinct societies." "Voted, that the committee, that was appointed last March, hire preaching for three months, as they, in their wisdom, shall think proper." March 2, 1789, "Voted that we will try to procure preaching for the ensuing year. Voted that we will raise a tax of three pence on the pound to be paid in wheat at 5s per bushel. Voted that Benjamin Smalley, Abraham Kirby and Jonathan Chipman be a committee for the purpose of procuring

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some suitable person to preach in the town on probation for a settlement. Voted that we will meet one half of the time at the north end of the town, and the other half at the south end of the town on Sundays for public worship. Voted that Capt. Stephen Goodrich's house for the north end and Mr. Bill Thayer's for the south end for to meet at, at present. Voted to reconsider the vote passed last town meeting concerning dividing the town."

July,

1789, "Voted that the committee try to hire Mr. Parmelee, on probation five Sabbaths more, when he comes back. Voted to re-consider the former vote that was passed, to meet one half the time at the north end and the other half at the south end of the town for public worship, and that we will meet at Mr. Daniel Foot's for said purpose."

February

8, 1790, "Voted to have the Rev. Mr. Parmelee to preach for the term of six months on probation, if the situation of his family is such that they can be removed by sleighing, otherwise for three months in the town of Middlebury."

March

11 1790. Meeting warned " to see if they will raise a tax to pay Mr. Parmelee for preaching in said town for the space of six or three months." " Voted Samuel Miller, Esq., Moderator, and tried to get a vote for the above purpose, and it passed in the negative:"

a meeting April 12, 1790, notified, among other business," 4thly, to see if the town will agree to hire the Rev. Mr. Barnett to preach on probation, or some other person." " Voted Samuel Miller, Esq., moderator of said meeting. Voted to appoint a committee to procure preaching for the present year. Voted Joshua Hyde, John Deming and John Chipman, Esq., to be a committee for the above purpose. Voted that we raise a tax of three pence on the pound, to be raised on the list of the present year 1790, and paid in grain by the first day of October next,-there being two thirds in the affirmative, and those two thirds consisted of more than twenty-five legal voters. Voted that wheat be paid at 5s and corn at 3s per bushel, and other grain equivalent on said tax. Voted not to act on the 4th article in the warning."

a meeting June 2, 1790 warned " to deliberate on the subject

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of hiring or settling Rev. Mr. Barnett as their minister, and choose a committee to treat with him, if necessary," it was " voted to choose a committee of three to treat with Mr. Barnett. Voted Gamaliel Painter Esq., Capt. Stephen Goodrich and Joshua Hyde a committee for said purpose."

June

15, 1790. " Voted to give the Rev. Mr. Barnett fifty pounds L. money per year as a salary to commence at his settlement. The above vote carried by more than two thirds of the meeting, and those two thirds consisted of more than twenty-five legal voters."

The

result of these proceedings was, that the Rev. John Barnett was ordained as pastor of the church and society on the 11th of November 1790. In anticipation of his ordination, a Congregational church was organized on the 5th day of September previous, and adopted as their " articles of faith " the doctrines which are common in the Calvinistic Congregational churches in New England. The following persons composed the church at its organization: Daniel Foot, Elijah Buttolph, Moses Hale, Bethuel Goodrich, Abraham Kirby, Ebenezer Summer, Simon Farr, Prudence Preston, Silence Goodrich, Abigail Foot, Sarah Farr and Deborah Buttolph.

March

1791. "Voted that the selectmen for the present year be a committee to treat with Rev. Mr. Barnett and agree with him on some certain price, at which he will receive grain in payment of his salary."

March

1793. "Voted to hold meetings in future in Mr. Ebenezer Sumner's harm till such times as he shall fill it with hay "

December

30, 1794, at a meeting held at John Foods, " The vote was called for the tax of 25 in addition to Mr. Barnett's salary and carried in the negative."

a meeting at the same place January 1795, " Voted Mr. Barnett a dismission agreeably to the warning."

committee was afterwards appointed to confer with Mr. Barnett respecting his dismission or continuance as a minister; but the result of the proceedings was that he was dismissed March 31, 1795. The controversy, which had existed in the town, in relation

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to the place of holding meetings and the location of the meeting house, which we have referred to elsewhere, had extended to the church, and was the principal occasion for the dismission of their pastor. Whether he took any part in the controversy does not appear; but it rendered his position very unpleasant. It will be
recollected, that the town had voted to hold religious meetings at Mr. Mattocks' in the village for the time being, with such conditions as to future meetings, as rendered it hopeless, that they would ever build a house of worship or again hold their meetings permanently in the centre of the town. Some of the members of the church, as well as others in that neighborhood, refused to attend the meetings. This led to a course of discipline, and several members were excluded or suspended; but most of them afterwards returned, and were received by the church. Dr. Merrill says, " Mr. Barnett resided in town nearly two years after his dismission, he was chosen moderator of the church and preached as a supply. After several removals he died at Dorham. N. Y. December 5, 1837, at the advanced age of eighty-four."

After

Mr. Barnett left, measures were adopted from time to time to sustain the preaching of the gospel, and various clergymen were employed temporarily. The expenses were principally paid by taxes voted by the town, but sometimes by subscription. In December 1798, some measures were adopted by the town toward extending an invitation to Mr. Mason to become the permanent pastor; and in August 1799, similar measures were adopted in relation to Mr. Thomas Bobbins ; but neither resulted in effecting the object. Mr.Bobbins was son of Rev. Dr. Bobbins of Norfolk Conn., from under whose preaching the Mungers and other settlers had removed, was then a young man, and now Rev. Dr. Bobbins of Hartford. Soon after Mr. Bobbins left, Rev. Jeremiah Atwater preached for the society two or three years, while acting as principal of Addison County Grammar School, and president of the college. Rev. Roswell Shurtliff, afterwards professor in Dartmouth College, and Rev. Moses Stewart, afterwards professor in the Andover Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit for a time, and each received a call to settle as pastor, but both declined. Rev. Dr. Merrill and Rev.

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Walter Chapin, then officiating as tutors in Middlebury College, jointly supplied the pulpit, for several mouths, commencing, in March 1805.

The

meeting held July 1, 1799, was notified as other town meetings were, but the business proposed and acted on related only to the ecclesiastical affairs of the town. For the first time the officers were chosen for the management of such business. Such continued to be the practice until the alteration of the law in 1807. And from this time those who assembled for that purpose were denominated a " society," and sometimes " The first Congregational Society," and in one case, " The Religious Society consisting of the Town of Middlebury." The town clerk was also chosen and officiated as the society's clerk; their meetings were sometimes held at the same time or an hour before the town meetings, and the records of both were for some years kept in the same book. After the completion of the court house in 1798, the meetings for business and for public worship were held in that building.

the 3d of November 1801, the legislature altered the law " for the support of the gospel," and instead of a certificate signed by some church officer that the person belonged to some other denomination, required only a certificate signed by himself in the following form : "I do not agree in religious opinion with a majority of the inhabitants of this town." This, being lodged with the town clerk for record, discharged the person signing it from all connection with the society, and exempted him from all future taxes in it. Previous to this few persons had lodged the required certificate; for few belonged to any other denomination. But there were many, who thought themselves oppressed by being forced to, pay taxes for the support of an institution, of which they did not approve. Within two months after the alteration of the law, not less than forty three persons, liable to pay taxes, had released themselves and within three years about thirty more.

December 1801, incipient measures were adopted toward the erection of a church building, the location was fixed on the corner where the Methodist chapel now stands, then owned by Daniel Chipman, and a tax laid to defray the expense of the erection. It

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was in anticipation of this measure, that so large a number hail lodged their certificates. As the meeting house was not erected for several years, it is possible, that this diminution of the society might have had some influence in delaying its erection; but there were other sufficient causes of the delay, and the object was undoubtedly more satisfactorily accomplished, than it would have been under the old law. In this country at least, the support of religious institutions is rather encumbered than aided by unwilling contributors. Many who lodged certificates afterwards voluntarily returned and united with the society, and became members of the church.

The

location of the church was several times changed, axed at length the present site was settled on, the land was purchased of Laudon Case, who then owned it, and removed the house then standing on it to the north part of the lot, where it is now occupied by Dr. Charles L. Allen. The difficulty of fixing on the location did not arise from any difference of interest, convenience or opinion in the members of the society, but from a change of the general taste and judgment. At a meeting in August 1805, it had been decided, " that the expense of building the house shall be defrayed by a public sale of the pews;" a committee of seven, including Judge Painter was appointed "to draw a plan of a meeting house, and expose the pews for sale by public auction," twenty per cent to be paid in money, " and the remainder in neat cattle or materials for building."

After

the location was finally settled, the committee proceeded to make the necessary arrangements, and Judge Painter acting as the agent for that purpose, contracted with Mr. Lavius Fillmore, an experienced architect to erect and complete the building. The building was commenced in the spring of 1806, and the frame was put up and covered, so that, with temporary seats, the legislature assembled in it to hear the election sermon that fall; but the house was not completed until the spring of 1809. It was dedicated on the 31st of May of that year. The sermon was preached by Rev. Heman Ball of Rutland. The expense of the building, we think, was between seven and eight thousand dollars,-about half what it

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would cost now. The house when completed was regarded as not inferior to any one in the state, and its steeple,-135 feet in height,- still admired for the beauty of its proportions. The pews or slips were circular, having the pulpit for the centre of the circle, so that the whole audience, in their natural position, faced the speaker. With a few alterations, in lowering the pulpit and otherwise, and necessary repairs, the house was used until the summer of 1854. In the meantime the society, by the individual contribution of pews and money, had obtained the ownership of about two thirds of the slips on the lower floor, the rent of which had been appropriated to meet the expenses of the society.

to the season above mentioned, arrangements had been, for some months, maturing for a thorough repair and alteration of the house to make it conform to the more modern style of such buildings. The society had decided on the alterations to be made, and several gentleman, belonging to the society proposed to complete them, under the direction of the society's committee, and purchase the remaining pews owned by individuals on their own responsibility, with the right to compensate themselves from the sale of the pews on the lower floor. This proposition was accepted. Under this contract the following alterations and repairs were made. The whole interior of the building was torn out, except the frame of the gallery; the floor was raised two feet, together with the timbers under it; two chimneys were built at the north end for the smoke from the furnaces; the front of the gallery was lowered eight inches, and the stairways and entrances to the gallery rebuilt; the pulpit was remodelled,and the lower floor and gallery re-seated, with four aisles below, instead of three as before; the west and north walls, which supported the building were taken down and rebuilt, and the earth, under and on the west side of the church, reduced about five feet, and a handsome and convenient lecture room, forty five by thirty-six feet, built in the basement, and furnaces placed in the basement for warming the house above.

The

expense of these alterations, with some exterior repairs, and the purchase of pews belonging to individuals, was somewhat more than seven thousand dollars,-about the sum of the original

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cost of the building. Pews were sold to nearly the amount of this sum in one day, subject to a ground rent, which will amount to about five hundred dollars annually. Several families, which had not before been connected with the society, secured pews. The house was dedicated anew on the 5th day of February, 1855, and sermons were preached during the day and evening by Rev. R. S. Kendall, the pastor, Rev. Dr. Labaree and Rev. Professor Boardman.

return to the general history of the society, the date of which we have anticipated. On the 15th of August, 1805,-the day on which the final measures for erecting the church originally were adopted,-an invitation was extended to Mr. Thomas A. Merrill to become their pastor, and he was ordained as such on the 19th of December, 1805. Rev. Asa Burton, with whom Mr. Merrill had pursued his theological studies, preached the sermon on the occasion.

Mr.

Merrill was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1801, and had officiated as tutor in that institution before he came here. He continued to perform the duties of pastor until the 19th of October, 1842, when he presented a request to be released wholly from pastoral duties; agreeing, in that case, to relinquish his salary; and this proposition was accepted by the church. He afterwards preached occasionally in other places, and for several of his last years, as long as his health permitted, he supplied the destitute church in Weybridge. He had been for some time afflicted with a disease of the heart, of which he died on the 29th day of April, 1855. He had a reputation for talents of a high order, and at the commencement of Middlebury College in 1837, the corporation conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. During his ministry, the society and church of which he was pastor greatly prospered, and large additions, from time to time, were made to each. By his connection with all the ecclesiastical bodies of the Congregational denomination, and with the important benevolent associations in the state, and by his punctual attendance and active labors in them, he exerted an extensive influence among the clergy and churches, which was highly appreciated.*
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*Rev. Josiah Goodhue, late pastor of the church in Shoreham, soon after Dr. Merrill's aeath, published a valuable memoir of his life; and Dr. Sprague, in his

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After

Dr. Merrill was released from his pastoral duties, the pulpit was temporarily supplied by different clergymen. In the spring of 1844, Mr. Samuel G. Coe, of Greenwich, Conn,, son of Rev. Noah Coe, of that place, preached several weeks for the society, and the society and church severally invited him to become their pastor. He accepted the invitation, and was ordained on the 17th day of July, 1844. Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven, Conn , preached the ordination sermon. Mr. Coe was dismissed, at his own request, on the 30th of October, 1850, and has since been the pastor of a church in Danbury, Conn.

the 14th day of April, 1853, Rev. R. S. Kendall, late professor in Illinois College, on the invitation of the church and society, was installed pastor. He continued to discharge the duties of that office until his ill health compelled him to request a release from them, and he was dismissed on the 4th day of June, 1856.

For

another year the society was left destitute of a settled pastor, and supplied with preaching by several different clergymen. In the spring of 1857, they extended an invitation to Rev. James T. Hyde, the present pastor, who had been for a year or two supplying the pulpit of Rev. Dr. Bushnell, in Hartford, in his absence in California. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Hyde was installed pastor of the church and society on the 10th day of June, 1857. Rev. Dr. Bushnell preached the sermon on the occasion.

the 24th of October, 1807, the legislature repealed all the existing laws for the support of the gospel, except such as invested voluntary associations with corporate powers, and legalized all contracts voluntarily made for that purpose. Since that time the support of the gospel has been left entirely on the voluntary system. This society was immediately called together, and agreed to form an association, under the law which remained, and as their constitution and articles of association, adopted the provisions of the law which had been repealed, by signing this agreement and articles of association, each person became a member. The new society voted to
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"Annals of the American Pulpit," has given a sketch of his life and character; which supercede more particular details here.

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assume the rights and obligations of that which had been dissolved.

Many

persons were alarmed lest this sudden withdrawal of legislative aid should undermine all religious institutions, and dissolve the relations of pastors and churches. But no such devastation occurred in the Congregational Society. The church building, which was in the process of erection, proceeded vigorously to its completion, and the pastor, who had been but a short time settled, remained as firmly settled as before. And we heard of no place where any serious injury occurred. It opened the way for the more convenient establishment of other denominations, which soon sprung up, and, without doubt, by giving each man the right of selection, more persons are enlisted in the aid of religious institutions. Notwithstanding the multitudes who have connected themselves with other associations, the Congregational society has been more prosperous than it would have been under the old law.

The

entire destruction of the records on the 22d of February, 1852, left no evidence of the proceedings of the society since 1805, when they began to be kept separately from the records of the town, nor of the persons who constituted the association, or of the term and conditions on which it was farmed. The society was therefore called together for the purpose of renewing their compact and articles of association, as far as practicable, so as to constitute themselves a continuation of the former society, with the same rights and obligations. At the meeting called for that purpose on the 31st of March, 1852, they adopted a compact, with rules and conditions somewhat more particular, but such generally as had been from time to time voted by the society. In order to avoid all appearance of constraint, one article is, that any person may at any time discharge himself from his connection with the association, and from all obligations he had assumed. The business has progressed precisely as before the destruction of the records.

The

numbers of the society and of the church have varied at different times. While there have been accessions from time to time, the numbers in both have been greatly diminished by removals and deaths, especially in the agricultural districts. Dr. Merrill, while pastor, from 1806 to 1842,-each year ending June 1,-kept a

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list of the additions to the church, and the deaths and dismissions to other churches, and the remaining members; as did the succeeding pastors generally. June 1, 1806, the number of members was 197. From this period the number annually increased until 1817, when the number was 428. From that time to 1840,-we have not before correct data of later years,-the smallest number, 404, was in 1820 ; and the largest number, 781, in 1836. In 1840, the last of these years, it was 515. During the period which soon followed, while the church had no settled pastor, or the pastors were frequently changed, the number, by reason of deaths and removals, declined. It appears by a record of Rev. Mr. Kendall in 1853, that the number was 358, some of whom were absent members,-as was the case in other years,-and, among them, 19 clergymen. Since the installation of the present pastor, Rev. James T. Hyde, in June 1857, 84 have been added, and many have died or been dismissed, leaving the number in June 1859 about four hundred.

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

The

following history has been furnished, at our request, by Rev. W. T. Webbe, rector of St. Stephen's Church in Middlebury.

The

history of St. Stephens Church and of the Society to which it belongs, can only now be given with that brevity and incompleteness that results from deriving the knowledge that we possess from dry records of past recurrences, and not from the recollection, from the memory of an eye witness, or an actor in the scene. All of the individuals prominent in the establishment of this Parish, have gone from among us. The very meagre statements of business meetings, never very accurately kept, and the indefinite allusion to circumstances perhaps deemed unnecessary or unworthy of very much minuteness of detail, is all that can be relied upon as the materials for this sketch. No attempt will be made to do more than condense the principal circumstances in order as they have occurred, leaving the real history of the Society confessedly unwritten. Many circumstances in the early efforts made to obtain clergymen, and many matters that to the worshippers in this church, scattered all

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over the land, would be of the greatest possible interest, must go unnoticed, unrecorded.

The

Society was organized December 5th, 1810, under the name of the " First Episcopal Society in Addison County," according to an act passed October 20th, 1797, entitled " An act for the support of the Gospel." Horatio Seymour, Joel Doolittle, George Cleveland, Wm. B. Sumner, John A. Summer, Isaac Landon, Sam. Clark, John Alexander, D. Henshaw, William Kellogg, Joseph Bracken, Luther Barnard, Daniel Chipman, Lavius Fillmore, John Willard, Lewis Stearns, Eben W. Judd, Stephen Weston, Roger Haskill, Sam' S. Phelps, Robert Holley, Jun., Chas' P. Harris, Dorastus Wooster, Jonathan Hagar, Alfred B. Allen, Josh' Burks, Albert P. Heath, Sam' H. Honey, Ozias Seymour, George Chipman, John Chipman, Joseph Hough, Chas' Linsley, N. Wood, James McDonald, Robt' B. Bates, Edwd' Tudor, Calvin C. Walker, G. C. Loomis, J. W. Stephens, were among the earliest numbers of the Society, but how many of them identified themselves with it at the first meeting is not known.

Services

were held, and arrangements made with clergymen who visited the village occasionally, supplied for a season the wants of the people until 1811, when a resident Minister was secured. Public Worship at first was held in the Court-House. Then a room belonging to the late Judge Seymour was placed at the disposal of the Society, which was used for many years. At length a building belonging to Mr. Daniel Henshaw, was fitted up for the exclusive purpose of Public Worship, and continued to be so used until the present edifice known as St. Stephen's Church was erected. The first steps towards this important improvement in the condition and welfare of the Society, appear to have been taken as early as 1825.*
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*An unsuccessful effort had been made in 1816. A committee was appointed, measures were taken to raise the necessary funds, ands. resolution was passed April 21st 1817, directing certain steps to be taken 11 for building a church on the ground purchased by George Cleveland, agreeable to the plan submitted by Eben W. Judd," and m committee of five was appointed to superintend the building of the church. The records fail to indicate the reason why this design was never carp rigid into affect.

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The

following resolution appears in the minutes of the proceedings of the Society passed July 11th, in that year.

"Resolved,

That a Committee be appointed to enquire where will be the most eligible place in which to erect a Church, and what will be the probable expense of obtaining the same. Messrs. Horatio Seymour, Eben Judd, Joseph Hough, George Cleveland, Nathan Wood, Lavius Fillmore, James McDonald were appointed the said Committee." In the month of July, this Committee made a verbal report, and a resolution was adopted " to examine into the expediency of soliciting aid from abroad to build a Church." The Rev. B. B. Smith, Hon. Horatio Seymour and Danl' Chipman were appointed the Committee for this purpose. At this meeting Col. S. S. Phelps was added to the Committee, formerly raised on the subject of a site. It was further resolved that the Committee inquire "on what terms the lot of Mr. Van Ness, Mr. Wainwright's, Mr. Henshaw's and Judge Doolittle's lots can be obtained, and whether liberty would be granted to build a Church on the Common, &c."

There

is no record of the result of the labors and investigations of these Committees; but in August, a Committee of five was appointed to "make a plan of a Church, with an estimate of the probable expense of building on the site selected by the Committee appointed by the Town of Middlebury for that purpose." In September, the Committee already named, was appointed to ascertain what sums can be obtained to erect a Church on the spot located by a Committee of the town, and the same persons were to be considered as the Building Committee, and are directed to proceed in the erection of the building, with as much expedition as the case will admit of.

There

is no further record as to the completion of the erection, or as to the time of the Consecration of the building. This, as we learn from other sources, took place on the 14th day of September, 1827. The names of the individuals who have been regularly settled in the village as officiating Ministers, are the Rev. P. Adams, from 1811 to 1814. The Rev. S. S. Safford, from 1814 to 1816. The Rev. George Leonard, a part of the year, 1817. Rev. B. B. Smith,

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1823 to 1828. Rev. S. A. Crane, 1831 to 1835. Rev. S. R.Crane, 1835 to 1837- Rev. W. H. Hoyt, 1837, to 1838. Rev. J. W. Diller, 1838 to 1842. The Rev. Jedidiah Huntington, 1842 to 1843. Rev. Joseph F. Philips, 1843 to 1847. The Rev. Mr. Hickox, of Westport, N. Y., supplied the parish with occasional
services during the year 1849. Rev. Mr. Mulchahey, 1849 to 1854. Rev. W. T. Webbe, elected by the Vestry on the 4th of June 1854, and Instituted to that office on the 4th of July 1855, is the present Rector.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

( BY REV. B. X. HALL. )

THE

exact date of the introduction of Methodism into Middlebury is not known. The published Minutes of the Conference mention the name of the town, as designating a circuit, in 1810, for the first time. But there was Methodist preaching here much earlier; and there is reason to believe that a Society had been formed several years anterior to that date.

There

is now living in this village, an aged member of the church, who assures the writer that she came here with her husband in 1804, and found both Methodists and Methodist preaching at that date.

Rev.

Ebenezer Washburn was one of the early ministers who travelled in Western Vermont; and was on the Vergennes Circuit in 1801. In 1842, he published in the Christian Advocate and Journal, a series of letters, containing reminiscences of his early itinerancy. In those letters the following paragraph occurs:

"At

Middlebury I found a small and persecuted class. Our preaching was at the house of Lebbeus Harris : and in the midst of that village our average congregation was from twenty-five to thirty. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were deeply pious, and ready to greet the preacher with joy at his coming, and to render him every service and accommodation to make him comfortable and happy while he stayed."

Mr.

Washburn was, in that year, (1801) appointed to Brandon Circuit, which was then newly organized, and composed of the

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southern part of Vergennes Circuit, which had extended far south of Brandon.

Lebbeus

Harris and his wife, who are mentioned above, were converted in the spring of 1801; the same year in which Mr. Washburn came upon the circuit and found a small class. A record of their conversion was made by Mr. Harris, and preserved in his Old Pocket Book, now in the possession of his son, Dr. Harris, of this place. It is as follows:

"Middlebury,

April 21, 1801. This day Sally Harris made a profession of Religion."

"Middlebury,

May. 18, 1801: This day Lebbeus Harris made a profession of Religion.''

the back of the paper are these words: " Old things are done away, and all things are become new."

Taking

into account the above facts and dates, we shall be safe in believing that a Society has existed here almost from the organizing of the Circuit in 1798.

The

first preacher appointed to Vergennes Circuit was Joseph Mitchell, who is described as " a man of extraordinary natural powers;-a shrewd, witty, energetic and overwhelming preacher."

Mr.

Mitchell was admitted into the travelling connection in 1794, and located in 1804.

The

next preacher was Joseph Sawyer. He was in charge of several important places, including the Presiding Eldership of Upper Canada District, during four years. He also retired from the itinerancy, after having travelled thirteen years; and of his later life there is no record.

1800 Henry Ryan was Pastor of this charge. This was his first appointment, after which he served in Fletcher, Plattsburgh, Bay Quintie, (Canada) Long Point and Niagara Circuits. He was Presiding Elder of both Upper and Lower Canada Districts in succession: also of Bay Quintie District, and Missionary to the Chippeway Indians in Canada. After laboring twenty-five years, he became a Superannuate in Canada.

Mr.

Ryan was a man of vast size and strength, and utterly fearless in the presence of those "lewd fellows of the baser sort," who

418

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

sometimes delighted in making disturbance in Methodist meetings, and mal-treating Methodist preachers. More than one such fellow has taken counsel of that discretion which " is the better part of valor," and retired before this " son of thunder."

Ebenezer

Washburn, the first whose name is associated, particularly, with that of Middlebury, was a man who lived long, labored much, and died well. In his letters we find the following, which refers to-his labors on this Circuit.:

"Here

too, I was compelled to be a man of contention. If I presented Christ to the people as having tasted death for every man, that was strenuously opposed by the doctrine of partial atonement. If I called upon sinners to repent and believe the Gospel, I was told that a sinner could not repent until he was converted. If I preached the knowledge of sin forgiven, that was wild and dangerous fanaticism."

Speaking

of the trials which he endured on this circuit, Mr. Washburn says;

have had stones and snow balls cast at me in vollies. I have had great dogs sent after me, to frighten my horse, as I was peacefully passing through small villages. But I was never harmed by any of them. I have been saluted with the sound of 'Glory, hosanna, amen, hallelujah'; mixed with oaths and profanity. If I
turned my horse, to ride toward them, they would show their want of confidence, both in their master, and in themselves, by fleeing like base cowards.

1802, Elijah Chichester was the preacher. He was one of the strong men of the times; and had he made preaching the business of his life, would have risen to the high places in Zion. But having travelled about eight years, he located, and entered into mercantile business in the city of Troy. In later years he removed to Lansingburgh, and continued in the same business until the infirmities of age admonished him to rest. He entered into his final rest a few years since, at Lansingburgh, and the writer of this preached his funeral sermon.

William

Anson next appears in this field of labor, but of his toils, or success here, we have no account. The old members who were

419

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY

living but a few years since, and whose memories would have gone back to those times, are gone from us. By consulting the Minutes of the Conference, we find that the numbers in Society increased during his year from 227 to 268,-a very fair per centage.

Mr.

Anson was a faithful and competent minister. In all his relations, on Circuits, in Stations, and as Presiding Elder, he showed "all good fidelity." On account of impaired health, he sought retirement on his farm in Saratoga Co , N. Y., in 1823. There he remained until 1848, when he died in great peace, respected and beloved.

1804 James M. Smith travelled this Circuit. Of him but little is known at this late date. That he was a man of good talents is evinced by the grade of his appointments. The largest villages in the Conference, in connection with New York City, shared his labors.

Samuel

Cochrane was on the circuit in 1805. All that can be learned of him, is, that he served the cause well in places of importance and responsibility until 1842, when he was returned superannuated. He was living in 1846-"old and full of days."

Samuel

Draper was one of the strong men of his day, and he came to this field in 1806. He was admitted into the travelling connection in 1801, and died in 1824. His "record is on high," and his memory is yet fragrant among the preachers of olden time. As Presiding Elder on Champlain, and Ashgrove Districts, each four years; he was faithful, efficient, and beloved. His "works do follow" him.

came Dexter Bates, whose connection with the travelling ministry was brief; he located in 1809. He was followed by Andrew McKean. This was a good man and a good preacher. But like many in those days, he found the labors too severe for his physical powers; and after some years of useful toil, was obliged to retire from active service. Taking his place with the worn-out members of the conference, he took up his residence on his farm in Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he still resides.

This

closes the first period of the history of Methodism in this immediate vicinity. It is; in some sense, the traditionary period;

420

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

for though the published Minutes of the Conference are preserved, and we there find the stations of the preachers, and some statistical information; yet there is but little of the kind that is needed for the " filling up." There are no details, except such as are laid up in the memories of the ancients, and some fragments in the scanty reminiscences of aged ministers who have written, now and then, for the weekly press.

Middlebury

first gave its name to a circuit, or station, in 1810, and Phineas Peck was the first resident Pastor. The appointment probably became a Station, in contradistinction from a Circuit, at this date. How many were in Society at this time, cannot be known, for heretofore the numbers for the whole circuit were reported in gross. But at the end of Mr. Peck's first, and also of his second year; there were sixty members reported.

Mr.

Peck is remembered by some who yet live, and is represented as a man of sound sense, sterling integrity, and good preaching talents. It is said that he was once Chaplain to the State Legislature. In Dr. Bangs' History of the M.E. Church, there is a list of names of all the preachers who have joined the Travelling Connection-of the time of joining-of deaths-of withdrawals-or expulsions, as the case may be-with the date of each. From that list it appears that Mr. Peck died in 1835; but at what place, is not known.*

the spring of 1813, Samuel Howe was stationed in Middlebury: and also again in 1816-remaining but one year each time. It was during his first year that the first Chapel was erected. It was a humble structure; yet it was, doubtless, much better than the " loft " in which they had worshipped since leaving the house of Lebbeus Harris. Besides, it was their own, and erected specifically
----------
*The preaching place at this time, was an "upper room " in what is now called Seymour's Block, at the north end of the Bridge. It was about this time that two men from the " father-land," who were Methodists, arrived in town, and the next day being the Sabbath, they walked out, in order to see if a Methodist Meeting could be found. Seeing no house which appeared like a Chapel, they began to despair, when the sound of Praise was heard issuing from a private house ; and after listening to the words and music, they said to each other ; "There is a Methodist Class-Meeting ;" and they both wept for joy ! They entered, and found a happy introduction to Methodism in the New World.

421

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

for the worship of God; and the Saviour, whose birth-place was emphatically humble, did not disdain to be with those who were gathered in His name.

have no report of numbers at the end of Mr. Howe's first year; but judging from what the writer knows of the man, he is confident that the Gospel was faithfully proclaimed, and the Church edified-and doubtless, some souls were converted.

Mr.

Howe became an itinerant in 1801, and labored diligently until 1831, when his impaired health rendered it necessary for him to take a superannuated relation.

the 16, Feb. 1858, he went to Troy to attend the funeral of an aged and esteemed member of the Church. After the sermon, which was preached by another, Mr. Howe made a few remarks, and closed by saying : " I have entered my 78th year, and expect soon to follow the deceased, and hope to meet him in heaven." He immediately retired to one of the Class-Rooms in the basement-sat down in a chair, and expired before the procession had left the Church!

"How many fall as sudden ; not so safe!"

The

next in the regular succession of Pastors; was Cyprian H. Gridley, who remained two years. We have no report of numbers at the end of his first year, but at the close of the second there were 100 members. He was stationed here again in 1818 ; and in 1820 he was compelled by ill health to take a superannuated relation, which continued for twenty-four years, during all which time he resided in Middlebury. In 1844 he became effective, and travelled until 1850, when he once more retired from the open field. He is now, (1859, ) residing at Appleton, Wisconsin; with some of his children. Mr. Gridley joined the itinerant band when it was feeble in all this region, and "endured hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," so long as his health would permit.

The

many in this place who remember him, will call to mind his small, but wiry frame-and quick elastic step; and also his mighty prayers and moving exhortations. In these exercises he had few equals. When he was young in the ministry, it was supposed by many, even in the moral and orderly Village of Middlebury,

422

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

that it was neither unlawful nor dishonorable, to disturb Methodist meetings, or mal-treat Methodist Ministers! Mr. Gridley has many interesting recollection in this department of experience. On many occasions he was followed from evening meetings, by savage hootings, and assailed by dangerous missiles! On one occasion his window was broken in the night, and a large and heavy file was thrown into his house and found sticking in the wall above the bed on which he lay at the time of the assault! He facitiously remarked, that he thought that the devil was about to retire from business, as he had begun to distribute his tools.

Now,

why was Methodism so violently persecuted? Any other ism, no matter how erroneous or fanatical, could have shown itself in the same place, and made its proselytes without such opposition. I leave the answer to such as are responsible.

before-stated, Samuel Howe was here for the second time in 1816. This was a year of trial, and many were distressed for food. It was called "The cold season," and at the and of the Conference year I find the following entry in the Book of Records.

"N.

B.This year, paid P.Elder,II.Stead,in all $23,00

"N.B. This year, paid

Rev. S. Howe,in all $256,00
.......................................................................$279.00

"Cheap

enough for the pure Gospel ; we hope to do better next year. As this was a severe season in these northern parts, some were destitute of a morsel of bread; and surely, both ministers and people must have suffered. But, O, that there may never be a famine of the pure gospel word of grace !"*

the spring of 1817, the church was favored with the ministrations of Buell Goodsell. This able minister, has occupied prominent positions among his brethren, and yet lives to enjoy their respect and affection, in the, New York East Conference.

James

Youngs was stationed here in 1819-1820. He was a
----------
*The New York Conference held its session here in June 1817. At that time the whole number of preachers in the Conference was ninety-four. Since that time the Conference has been divided into three-all numbering about five hundred preachers. Bishop George was the presiding officer, " A mighty man of God."

423

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY

man of social habits, kindly feelings, and catholic spirit; and was influential in bringing in a better state of feeling among Christians: dispensing with that bigotry so often seen in those days-so unlovely and injurious to all.

was an able minister, and his mind was well stored, and well disciplined; a scholar, a Christian, and a Divine.

in order was Ebenezer Brown,-a minister of rare talents, sound mind, deep thought, and popular address. Under his labors the Chapel proved too small-"the place was too strait," and the house was enlarged. Still, a portion of the " Old-fashioned Methodists " were not quite pleased with the preacher. He was not loud enough for them, though sufficiently so to be heard with the greatest distinctness and ease in all parts of the house.

Besides,

he had a fashion of tying his white cravat in a double bow, in front; and moreover, his hair stood up in front, instead of lying smoothely down on his forehead! When labored with for this last offence, his explanation was, that he had a " Cow-lick" on one side of his forehead, and his hair on that side stubbornly refused to comply with the usage, and he chose to allow the other side to keep it company!

Notwithstanding

these faults, Mr. Brown was quite successful, and the membership increased about fifty per cent during his year of service. He left the itinerancy in 1825, and entered into business in the city of Troy.

1822 Noah Levings was appointed to this station, where he remained but one year. He was young as a minister at that date, and had not arrived at the maturity which he reached in later years. Starting from the anvil in the city of troy, soon after reaching his majority, and with but a limited English education, he won his way to the "high places in Zion." He was studious and quick to learn, and his literary attainments became very respectable.

was never one of the most profound-but one of the most popular preachers :-he was eloquent in the best sense of the word. His address was pleasing, his manner easy, his heart warm, his doctrine pure, and his voice like aeolian music!

Having

served the churches in the cities of Troy, Schenectady

424

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

and Albany, some of them more than one term, he was transferred to New York, and stationed at Vestry Street. While there he was elected Financial Secretary of the American Bible Society, which office he held until the close of his useful life. While stationed in Schenectady, he received the Degree of D. D., from Union College.

the Fall of 1818 he left New York, intending to visit large portion's of the South West in behalf of the Bible Society; and while in that region, in the midst of the Cholera, which then prevailed, he was attacked with disease which he knew was alarming - and he hastened toward home by way of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Having reached Cincinnati he could proceed no further, and at the house of his former friend and Brother, Mr. Burton, with no member of his family present, he " entered into rest," on the 9th day of January, 1849. He died like the good and happy Minister expressing his unshaken faith in that Gospel, and Saviour which he had so long preached to others.

During

his ministry of thirty years, he officiated in eighteen Circuits and stations,--preached about four thousand times--dedicated thirty-eight churches--delivered sixty-five miscellaneous addresses--two hundred and seventy-three addresses in behalf of the Bible Society,--and travelled more than thirty-six thousand miles! Surely, he exhibited the "signs of an Apostle."

John

J. Matthias had charge of this church in 1823, for one year only. He was, at one time, in the early history of Colonization, the Governor of the Colony of Liberia, in Africa; and is now a prominent member of the New York East Conference.

Robert

Seeney followed Mr. Matthias. He is reported as one of the best Pastors ever stationed in this place--one who performed the greatest amount of visiting in a strictly pastoral manner. In preaching, he is said to have greatly excelled; being full of thought, easy in manner, and rapid and graceful in elocution. On Sabbath mornings he would be in great distress through nervous excitement--feeling as if he could not possibly preach, and giving illustrations of motion without progress; for he would hurry from room to room, in his efforts to prepare for going to church, and yet if his wife did

425

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY

not follow, and put him in order by piece-meal, he was likely to go with half-adjusted apparel and hair unkempt!

John

B. Stratton became the pastor in 1825. He was received into the travelling connection fifty-eight years ago, and is still hale and strong. After having occupied important posts in the ministry, and discharging his duties with the greatest fidelity, he is enjoying a green old age in the office of Presiding Elder on Burlington District, in which this town is included. As he is in our midst, it may not be proper to say more; except that, as he has been one of our ablest men, we hope that his robust health and unabated vigor may continue to the church his services for years to come.

John

Clark was pastor in 1826-7. He was admitted in 1822, and having made good use of his time and means, became an able minister. He was favored with considerable revival, and saw the membership increased during his administration from 126 to 182. Though not quite thirty-one years old when his term expired here; yet he was made Presiding Elder of Plattsburgh District, and showed himself an accomplished and efficient officer in that capacity. He was next appointed to New York City, where he served one year, and then offered himself as a missionary to Green Bay.

that field he continued five years, having charge of all our missions and schools among the Indians in the whole North West. His labors were extreme, and often perilous. His travels were extensive, reaching from Green Bay and Sault de Ste. Marie, to Mackinaw,-and westward to the Mississippi River. The country was then a vast, wilderness, and the modes of travel-by canoes and portages, both slow and toilsome.

leaving the Indian work, he spent a few years as Presiding Elder in northern Illinois, and then volunteered for Texas. In going to that country, he took the over-land route, via St. Louis, with his own horses and wagon, taking his wife and child with him. In that journey they slept under their own tent twenty-one nights before reaching their destination !

After

three years passed in that region, the health of his family required his return; and in 1844 he again became a member of this Conference. Having remained with us eight years, he took a trans-

426

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

far to Rock River Conference, and was stationed at Clark street, Chicago. He had nearly finished his two years there when he was smitten with cholera, and died in great peace, July 11, 1854.

John

C. Green succeeded Mr. Clark in this station in 1828. Of him there is not much to be said.

Jarvis

Z. Nichols was next in order. He is still in the vineyard, in the New York Conference.

was succeeded by Peter C. Oakley, who also is a member of the same Conference;--a man of sweet spirit, pleasing manners and good talents.

Charles

P. Clarke came to this place in 1833, and was stationed here again in 1844, remaining but a year at each time. He was quite successful the first time,-increasing the membership from 200 to 307. He went south the year after his last labors here, and his locality is not known. He joined the Protestant E. Church, and we have lost his address.

Merritt

Bates came next in order, and was an efficient and successful laborer, and the church was increased in numbers and edified. He is still in this Conference.

1836 Joseph Ayres became the pastor for one year, and again in 1841, for two years. There was a great revival during his last term, and the numbers went up to 451 ! He is now preaching in Northern Ohio.

After

his first term came John (now Dr.) Frazer, who preached here in 1837-8. It was during his term that the present House of worship was erected. It is 45 feet in width, and 69 in length ; having a basement with a Lecture Room 30 by 45 feet, and four class rooms: and is surmounted by a belfry and beautiful spire. Mr. Frazer has since been transferred to Ohio, where he is still in the ministry.

M. Osborn was appointed here in 1839, and tarried but one year. He is now a member of New York Conference, and wears the title of D. D.*
----------
*The Troy annual Conterence, which was organized in 1832, met in Middlebury in 1840. Bishop Roberts presided--a white-haired, apostolic looking old man, who
preached on the Sabbath, with great effect. He has since been called to his reward in the higher Kingdom.

427

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

Cyrus Prindle was the next incumbent, and served two years. He soon after seceded from the Church, and joined the " American Wesleyan Church."

1847, Elijah B. Hubbard was the pastor. It was a year of deep and sore trial to him, for he was prostrated by a painful and lingering disease, and his excellent wife was taken away by death ! These afflictions gave his nervous system a shock from which he never fully recovered; and he died at Fort Edward, N. Y., April 22, 1852.*

Lester

Janes preached in this place in 1848. He has since taken up his abode in the West, where he has been employed alternately in preaching and teaching.

B.O.

Meeker was the next Pastor, and served this people in 1849-50. The numbers were considerably increased under his labors. He is still a member of this Conference.

was followed by his brother, Hiram Meeker, who was the Pastor for two years. At the end of that time he became supernumerary, and continues to reside here, engaged in the practice of medicine.

The

next incumbent was Robert Fox, who tarried but one year, and was succeeded by Peter, M. Hitckcock. Here this minister, also, buried his wife after a long and painful illness!

C. H. Dudley was appointed to this charge in 1855; and after spending about three-fourths of the year, he joined the Protestant E. Church, and is gone-we know not where.

The

next in order was J. F. Yates, who labored here two years. During his last year there was a large revival, which increased the number to 290. During that year the House of worship was thor-
----------
*Mr. Hubbard was the victim of a useless, if not cruel custom which prevails in many places. He had preached funeral sermon in a school-house, which was densely crowded, and extremely warm. He then rode some distance in an open sleigh, though the day was cold and the wind harsh. There he stayed until the grave was filled, and then rode back. By this time he was thoroughly chilled; and a pulmonary disease followed which baffled the skill of physicians and the power of medicine. How many other ministers have been sacrificed on that altar of cruel custom!

428

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

roughly repaired and modernized, and made one of the best in the denomination in Western Vermont.

Mr.

Yates was succeeded by B. M. Ball, who is still, (August, 1859) the Pastor. The annual Conference was again entertained in this village in the spring of 1858--Bishop Ames presiding, and " winning golden opinions from all sorts of men."

a careful examination of the oldest Records which are preserved, I find the following names, as in Full Connection, in 1809, viz:

Lebbeus Harris,	Azuba Babcock,
Sarah Harris,	Sarah Weaver,
Daniel Bigelow,	Amelia Farnsworth,
Betsey T. Bigelow,	Chester Haskins,
Abel Knights	Huldah Fisher,
Nathan Alders, Local Pr.,	Josiah Johnson,
Barbary Alden,	Joseph Johnson,
Thomas Carpenter; Local Pr,.	Anna Johnson.
Aurelia Carpenter,

How

long these had been members, is not known. But it is evident that a Class had previously existed.-(See Mr. Washburn's statement on a former page.) Besides, there is a long list of names placed " On Trial," at the same date, 1809, showing that those not then on trial, were the original members.

There

were forty-five admitted on trial in that year; which made the whole number in society sixty-two. Among those who composed that little band, just fifty years ago, there are but few now living; and fewer still who are in connection with Methodism in Middlebury.

those who were in Full Connection in 1809, Betsey T. Bigelow is the only representative. She is still here, in good standing in the church, and looking for a re-union with the others in the world above.

all who joined on trial in 1809, Althea Demming alone survives among us. And of those admitted in 1810, Joel Boardman is the sole survivor! What changes are wrought by the lapse of time! Among those who identified themselves with this branch of

429

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

the Church in its infancy, several will be long remembered for their attachment and devotion to the cause.

such, mention may be made of Lebbeus Harris, Daniel Biglow and their wives, David and Clark Dickinson, John and Hastings Warren, Jonathan Barlow, Luther Hagar, and others.

From

this Society there have gone out at least three Ministers of the Gospel, who are doing good service within the bounds of the Troy Conference ;-Albert Champlin, Alfred A. Farr, and Chester F. Burdick:-While the sons and daughters of this church are its representatives in many places and states.

This

church, like most others, has had a varied experience-sometimes passing through waves of trial, and again exulting in hope of that heavenly rest where

"Not a, wave of trouble " rolls.

At times it has been " minished and brought low," by reason of numerous removals, and other causes;-and again, it has been favored with powerful revivals so that "the wilderness and the solitary places have been made glad for them, and the desert has blossomed as the rose."

Its

present position is such as will insure success in the future, if it will only be true to itself and its Master. May this, and every true church of Christ, " grow into a holy temple in the Lord."

The

following Table exhibits the numbers in Society in each year since Middlebury became a separate station.

DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.
1809	62	1820	100	1831	244	1842	213
1810		1821	114	1832	215	1843	451
1811		1822	166	1833	200	1844	274
1812	60	1823	149	1834	307	1845	246
1813	60	1824	142	1835	221	1846	246
1814		1825	118	1836	284	1847	240
1815	100	1826	126	1837	296	1848	220
1816	100	1827	139	1838	295	1849	191
1817	97	1828	182	1839	272	1850	185
1818	79	1829	243	1840	245	1851	240
1819	83	1830	237	1841	218	1852	183

430

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.	DATE.	NO.
1853	171	1855	174	1857	155	1859	280
1854	147	1856	160	1858	290

BAPTIST CHURCH.

FOR

many years there was a respectable Baptist Church and Society, generally supplied with regular preaching, and the usual ordinances of religion. But for ten or twelve years past, their members have been so much reduced by removals and deaths, that the organization has ceased, and the remaining members attend upon the worship of the other churches. We have no means of obtaining a correct account of its history, except from the following, copied from Dr. Merrill's History, published in 1841.

"By

Rev. Arnold Kingsbury, pastor of the Baptist Church.

The

church was constituted Dec. 10, 1809. First pastor Rev. Nathaniel Kendrick from 1810 to 1817; second Rev. Isaac Backland from 1818 to 1820. Since the last date the church has been destitute, a portion of the time and has enjoyed the labors of the following pastors, viz: brothers Ewens, Spaulding, Mott, Green, Haff, A. Jones, W. G. Johnson and A. Kingsbury. The church generally attended public worship in the Court House, till 1838, when they procured the meeting house, 65 feet by 32, which they now occupy. The present number of members in the church is 66."

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The

following account has been furnished, at our request, by Mr. Timothy O'Flanagan.

The

first Missionary Catholic Priest, that came to this town was the Rev. James MacQuaide in 1822. He left here the following year and we had none here until 1830, when the Rev. Jeremiah O. Callaghan came, as a Missionary of the whole State--coming here occasionally--until 1834: Then the State was made into two missions, and the Rev. James Walsh came on this part of the mission and left in 1835. In 1837, Rev. John B. Daley came here and built the present brick church, which is 60 feet by 40, in 1839; and remained on the mission until 1854. Then the first and

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HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY

present Catholic Bishop of this Diocese, the Right Rev. Lewis Goesbriand sent the Rev. Joseph Duglue, who is here now. The number of hearers is about 400, and the number of communicants 300. Some of these are from the adjacent towns. As to church membership, any person, no matter wherefrom, who confesses and receives the eucharist, is a member of the Catholic Church; in any part of the world. T. 0. F.