The Rev. Henry Burdick, was his successor, and was assisted in the ministry by Rev. Arnold Bliss. Both were young men of eminent piety and considerable ability, and both continued to exercise their holy vocation, until they were called to rest from their labours at a very advanced age. Subsequent to the death of Elder Bliss, which occurred in 1826, this church appeared to sink under an accumulation of misfortunes and unpleasant influences. This deplorable state of things continued for several years, when the General Conference took into consideration the utility of appointing a missionary to labour in that vicinity. Accordingly, Lucius Crandall received an appointment to that field, in which connexion he continued for three years. He was succeeded in 1846 by Libbeus Cottrel, a young man of considerable promise. Besides this succession of pastors, the church at Newport had several highly eminent men in its connexion. Of these, the Wards were distinguished for holding high official stations in connexion with the royal government of the province. They were descended from an ancient and highly respectable family in England, whose elder members espousing the cause of the Parliament in the civil wars, thereby became obnoxious to the dominant party at the time of the Restoration. Mr. Thomas Ward, Esq., emigrated to America, and joined the Sabbatarian church, of which he continued a member until his death. Richard Ward, his son, was one of those rare characters, who, with talents and capacities fitted to adorn the highest circles, are, nevertheless, not ashamed of godliness, or of a consistent observance of the humble duties of religion. He made a public profession of Christian faith, in 1753, and uniting with this, then infant church, contributed greatly by his talents, and wealth, and influence, to its support. Determined likewise to give his brethren a solid proof of his affection and regard he bequeathed five hundred pounds sterling to the church at his death, which occurred in 1766. This eminent man, as a citizen and statesman, was distinguished for patriotism and philanthropy. In his executive character as royal governor of the province, he displayed a singular ability, and his memory will long be remembered with affection and respect by the people whom he served. Samuel Ward, his son, was also governor in the years 1762 and 1765; the duties of which office he administered with fidelity and zeal. In the years 1774 and 1775, he was a member of the Continental Congress, in which difficult station all his conduct was signalized by an inflexible integrity and unfailing patriotism. As a man, a scholar, a statesman, and a Christian, his character was equally respectable.