Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1842-04-28

have found shelter under ills branches -
Inconsiderable rs were the number al
this period such an anticipation was now
INDUCED and the highest ambition then
cherished wssto attract the notice OF some
Missionary to this quarter. Occasionally
one from among our dissenting brethren
would visit this remote corner of the vine
yard, but none Of our Apostolic church
were heard Of except the Rev. Duven-
port Phelps, and he had been compelled
by infrmi,y, and declining years TO relln.
quish his charge.
During the first season Of our friends
sojourn, they were cheercd by an oppor-
tunity afforded them Of meeting our be-
loved Hobart (then on his first visitation,
accompanied by the Rev. d.. Borden
and the young missionary who succeed
ed Mr. P-p's. Rev. Onin Clark,
al this time, a much beloved member OF
the family, received the Apostolic rite OF
confirmation. A gilt Of Prayer Books
from Bishop 1t, shortly after,
we're most acceptable, and useful, and
they were quickly distributed. BY means
Of these, some knowledge of the church
was .difused, and those who were provi
ded with them, began to respond in the
service as they became more familiar
with it. Although disabled from the per
forrnance of active duty, MIR. P visi-
ted the family Of W and exhorted
them to persevere in the path opened be
fore them. Nor was it long before the
young missionary, whom they had met
with the Bishop, found his way to their
dwelling; and most cordially was he re.
ceived as harbinger Of good.
Mr.. c. came in a tremendous
snow storm, which detained him a day,
was requested to bsptize an infant be.
longing to family near by, and this
probably was the first baptism at this
place, certainly the first administered by
u minister of the Episcopal church.
With the opening Ct the spring, an at
tempt was made To collect SUNDAY
school. This was very successful, es-
pec'ally among the colored population,
who were very desrous Of instruction,
and It is hoped that few derived lasting
ben6t from the knowledge then acquir.
Cd.
As this simple sketch is intended mere
ly give a brief outline of the origin of
IA Church, the writer will not dwell upon
any incidents that led the way TO this de-
siruble result. Much might be mention
ed ul interest TO those who love 10 watch
the progress of events, particularly as
developing the fuliilment of the gracious
promise to tmo or three gathered together
IN The name Of Christ. But neither time,
nor ability permits the extension oi this
communication father than To give an
accurate statement OF the leading events
that resulted IN. the establishing the
CHURCH Of God where previously 1t was
not known. Therefore, passing by some
years, during which these young peo.
pie esteemed II u privilege to be able,
two or three times IN u year, TO ride 80 !
miles Tor The purpose Of joining the people
oi God, in offering prayers, and praise
To Him, in the house where his honor
dwellcth) an event will here be noticed,
which much facilitated an object SO much
desired by them.
This was their being induced to
change their residence, and remove a lew
miles into the interior, but in the same |
township. Here they met with several
persons ardentiy attached to the Episco-
pal Church, and deeply regrelling their
estrangemrnt from it. Here too "The
Gospel Messenger" came to them, (then
published at Auburn and formed link
10 bind them sweetly 10 the church Of
their affections.
This volume visIiant, was most cor
dinlly greeted, and became an efficient
auxiliary in advancing the interest OF the
cause, now claiming so much attention.
Additional stimulus was given by a
visit from Mr.. C, the Rector of
Trinity Church, Geneva, who preached
in the ball room of the public house, and
was listened to with evident satisfaction.
Mr.. c. was The first Episcopal Min
lister who preached in this region of coun-
try, he had also been the first to admins
ter Baptism as our Church prescrbes,
when Missionary. II
The Importance Of organizing
Church was now seriously considered
and after diligent enquiry, II was deemed
practicable to procure the requisite num-
Der Of persons TO form a vestry, from a
mong those who were attached, and those
who were friendly to the Church, and
were willing to promote her prosperity.
A younger brother Of Mr.. C, was
then a missionary, active, and jealous.
10 him application was made for aid,
which was cheeriully granted. /
lie came without delay, and entered
into the feelings and wishes Of the little
flock, with the ardor Of one, animated
with zeal for the salvation OF souls. His
earnest pleading arrested the attention of
his hearers, and induced them to regard
with different views the reading Of pray-
ers. This led TO the examination OF our
TorE Of worship, and to'ihe discussion Of
is propriety. Explanation being given,
IN most cases proved satisfactory, aud
that the Missionary prayed
fioIn his heart, as well as from book,
prejudice was overcome, kind feeling was
eliriied, and all agreed to bid the Herald
nj the Cross, God speed. This was ins
deed an important era, which will never
be forgotten hy the comparatively lew,