Connecticut western news., 1875-04-23
History of MethOdisna.
IN THE OLD CANAAN CIRCUIT.
By J. H. L.]
IGoncludad.l

ISoncludeO,I.
 In speaking of the introduction of Method ism at Canaan Depot would remark that there are no facts or dates given me of the first preacher and place of appointment This fact is given. As early as l843, . MT. Catlin moved here from Burlington and built tho store that formerly stood opposite the Stephens house. This man was a Methodist, and through his influence, occasionally Methodist preacher came here and preached in the schooI-houss. In l847 Rev D. L. Marks. then stationed in South Canaan, had regular appointment here at the school-house. There was preaching also at one time in the house of Wm. Douglas, now owned by Robert Vandeusen. In 1858 and 59, Rev. O. Haveland, then stationed at Ashley Falls, preached here in the Episcopal church. In 1861 Rev. Wm' E. Clark was appointed to Norfolk and Goshen circuit. On his way from conference to his appointment, he passed through Canaan Depot. At that time MT. N. M. Brown was station agent here and member of the Methodist church. No class as yet had been formed here. He met Rev. Clark and invited him to preach here in the town hall, which he agreed to do providing house could be rented for him, as he learned there was no parsonage at Norfolk. The next week on his return, he found house had been rented and the good ladies of the Episcopal Church had cleaned and prepared it ready fer bis use. which he gladly accepted. This year he preached at the town hall, Sunday School was organized with N M. Brown superinten dent This year there was no settled pastor over either the Episcopal or Congregational churches in this town, supply for the pulpit each Sabbath. A choir was also organized with Mir. H. H. Cogswell as leader, and Mrs. Luther Brown as organist. Mr. Cosswell's melo- deon was used for about year, when the society, which was formed, purchased the organ now used in the church. MT. Cogs- well has remained leader of the choir up to the present time. The next year following, Rev. P. Germond came in .xs supply under the Presiding Elder, and preached here alternate Sabbaths with Rev. Clark. This year gracious revival visited the place, and Methodist society was organized ; though several who profess .d religion after. wards united with tho East Canaan Congregational Church.
 In 1865 Rev. David Phillips succeeded GermoId and preached here in the town hall and at Kellogg's hail. During this year revival again visited the place, and large number professed religion, many of whom remain until this day. Following this revi val subscription was started to build g Methodist Church. A lot was purchased oi MT. Edward Hunt, on which the church was afterwards built, under the pastorate ot of Rev. M. R. Lent. The churca was dedicated by Rev. E. s. James. D. D., as sisted by Rev. J. B. Wakeley, D.D. James A. Root, John A.. .Beckley, R. Van Deusen, John H. Pulver, H. J. Mead, were the first board of trustees.
 James A. Root, George Church, K. P Hunt, R. Van Dusen and W. Knlckerbock CT were the building committee. In the building of the church liberal subscriptions were made by those who attended the oth CT church, as we'll as others not members of any church.
 Though no special revival has visited tho place since the church was dedicated, ye the accessions to the church have steadily increased until at the present time the membership numbers 1O2, including 9 probationers received this year.
 This, in brief, is the history of the churches on the Canaan and Ashley Falli charge. may also mention in this con nection another means employed by the church in reaching the people who are sel dom found attendants at service in the church, and that is the camp meetings Three of these Methodist gatherings, after the manner of ancient Israel, have beer held on tie old Canaan circuit, which may mention here. One was held or Canaan mountain in the year 1927, on tho land now owned by Elisha Gilett, Rev A. Scofield was the presiding elder and hat charge of the meeting Revs. Phenial Cook and Billy Hubbard were circui preachers. This meeting was attended by a number of preachers from all the ad- joining charges. Rev. Joseph M. CrearN preached at this meeting from Is Psalm : 30. "As for God, His way is perfect. A Presbyterian minister present lis | aH fo hn tears. Rev. A. Sco6eld preached the las sermon from Isaiah 42-1l-'Let the in habitants of the rock sing let them sheu from the top of the mountains" A ser mon of great power, remembered by som unto this day. Lorenzo Dow attended thi meeting, during which some wicked fel lows rode up on horseback from Furnace . Village and disturbed the meeting. Dov afterwards remarked, "He hoped the mex camp-meeting would be appointed wher the Devil could not get there on horse back"
 In 1924 camp-meeting was held on tn grounds of Benjamin Benedict, along tb Hartford. and Albany turnpike, west o Canaan valley. Rev. Henry Stead. F. K.
 and Revs. David Mills and John Loveiov l circuit preachers. There were 22 preach : CTS at this meeting. Rev. Ebert Osborl : preached the first sermon from Isaiah 40 3 g Revs. Billy Hubbard, David Stocking, Al , hold Scofield, George Coles, Cyrus SiIls ] man, Moses Amadon and others breaches : ct this meeting, Some wicked person came on the encampment to break up tn meeting. One night some one threw club, which struck Rev. Miller on tn 2 head and Cuito earicuolv ;piurod b;ro th