Connecticut western news., 1875-04-09

1916 Q Methodist Church was built at Canaan Valley, near the residence of Henry J. Mead. This was the first church buRt in the town of North Canaan. Benjamin Bene- dict gave deed for the land. The drat board of .trustses.were:: ::Asehel North, Austin Spaul- din and Benjamin Benedict. The church was never formally dedicated. Father Culver, . local preacher from North East, preached the first sermon in the new church from Ephs. 2-le-2o2l. This church was the grand center of Methodism in this town for many years. It continued to be occupied until 1868, when the new church at Canaan Depot was built under the pastorate of Rev. Marvin R. Lent, after which the old church was abandoned and by permission of tho annual conference: sold. The proceeds being applied in payment of the debt on tue new church. The history of old Canaan church, is one we would like to give here if time would permit Its pulpit has been supplied by such men as Rev. Wm. Hib- bard Thos. Thorp J. B. Matthias Noble W. Thomas; Coles Carpenter; Theodocius Clark J. B. Wakeley and others "whose "praise is ln all the churches" At its alter hundreds of souls have been born of God, ssme of whom found home in the Congregational Church and have been for years honored pillars in that church, others have gone out as laborsrs in the Lord 6 Vineyard, honored of God In the work of the ministry, few still remain as surviy- ing links of the past, to tell of the trials aud triumphs of former years. But by far the larger number have entered into "the rest which remains for the people of God. ' may here recount some incidents of the preacher at the old Canaan Church. It is related of Rev. William Hubbard that one day while preaching, 1t being warm day in the season of having. when many of the congregation wearicd with the labors of the week, fell asleep during the sermon. In the midst of which, in order to awaken them, Hubbard paused for . few moments and lSsning over the pulpit cried out in . loud voice. up jumped Joe right in the midst of it, and cried, don't take it all, leave ne little of it." This causedmany to laugh which awoks all the sleepers. At another time he was very much annoyed by the growing of the dogs who followed theil masters to church. He turned to the congregation and said; "I came here to preach to you and not to your dogs. II you will appoint dAy and bring all yeuI dogs will preach to them" The reprool vas afterwards needed. When Rev Thomas Thorp was pastor of the church
 the Rev. Burt, pastor of the Baptist Church in New Marlboro. sent challenge to the quarterly conference, to discuss with hin the doctrine of Election, Reprobation ant
 final Apostasy, which Thorp accepted. The debate was held in the old Baptis, Church above Campbel's Falls during whici
 Rev. Burk manifested considerable of feel
 ing, and gave expression to what seemed
 angry words. The next day one of hii
 congregation met him on the street ans
 said, II think our elder was little angry
 yesterday in the discussisn." To which b,
 replied, II was very much provoked b,
 that Methodist Preacher" We'll said hi
 neighbor. eff you had not shown you
 anger never would hear you preach again
 For you were 30 used up in the debate. al
 you could do was to get mad and bluste
 away.