Two Centuries of New Milford Connecticut: An Account of the Bi-Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the Town Held June 15, 16, 17, and 18, 1907, With a Number of Historical Articles and ReminiscencesVarious
History
Two Centuries of New Milford Connecticut: An Account of the Bi-Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the Town Held June 15, 16, 17, and 18, 1907, With a Number of Historical Articles and Reminiscences
Various
New Milford (Conn. : Town) -- History
“This first pastorate continued for seven years, when Rev. Seth Higby
assumed charge for one momentous year, as it witnessed the beginning of
this present house of worship; and the following year, 1822, saw its
completion, when Elder Higby resigned, and Elder Beecher was again
installed, serving the church for ten years more. He was succeeded by
Rev. Nathan Benedict in a two years’ pastorate, and he, in turn, by Rev.
Elijah Baldwin, who remained until 1840. For ten years the church was
without a settled pastor, though the pulpit was supplied by various
non-resident clergymen.
“From 1850 to 1866 but little growth is recorded; they were years of
struggles and trials. There was a succession of pastors, Revs. H. M.
Barlow, J. F. Jones, and J. Hepburn, serving as under shepherds.
“In 1868 the Rev. C. W. Potter was called, and his three years of
service witnessed a gracious revival and added ten to the church roll.
With the resignation of Elder Potter, the church experienced five years
of pastorless existence, though being supplied occasionally by Rev.
Arthur Day. With the settlement of Rev. Edwin Beardsley, in 1875, the
church entered upon a new era of growth and activity. The records show
that two are still members who came in during that time. The succeeding
pastor was Rev. J. P. Cotney, who remained about three years, adding two
by baptism. He was succeeded by Rev. F. P. Braman, in 1887, who remained
two years, baptizing six into fellowship. In 1889 the Rev. Frederick
Kratz was installed, to be succeeded within two years by Rev. John
Scott, during whose ministry of two years the parsonage was well-nigh
completed and three members added to the church roll. This pastorate
also saw the church made a corporate body. In 1893 Rev. F. D. Luddington
was called, and remained three years, baptizing twenty-eight into church
fellowship. In July, 1896, Rev. Charles I. Ramsey assumed the pastorate,
and for nearly five years continued the good work already begun, by
adding ten by baptism. The Rev. A. H. Manee began his pastoral labors in
August, 1901, closing his labors in October, 1904, baptizing one into
fellowship.
“From November, 1904, until April, 1905, the pulpit was supplied by
various clergymen, when Rev. S. D. Woods became pastor, and continues in
that office at the present time. Thus far there have been nineteen
baptisms, and the church shows the largest membership in its history.
“All told, there have been two hundred and sixty-nine baptisms. The
present membership is seventy....
BY REV. HARRIS K. SMITH
IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
_“Text--Proverbs 22:28. ‘Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy
fathers have set.’_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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