The Newtown bee., 1889-06-07
BRIDGEpoRTs SOUTH CHURCH.
ITS HISTORY.


 years since the Second Congregational church, called (to distinguish it from the parent organization, the First or North Congregational church) the South church, was organized January 20, 1880. One hundred and seventeen persons, of whom 39 were men and 7S women, mem bers of the Stratfleld (now North) church, were dismissed for the purpose of forming new church and society. William De- Forest, stephen Hawley and Josiah Baldwin were chosen deacons and meas ures at once taken for the erection of a suitable house of worship. Pending this, however, regular services were held in the old high school building on State street.
 A lot at the northeast corner of Broad and Gilbert streets, still occupied by the South church, was purchased and a wooden structure erected and occupied ere the advent of the new year. AS the church had but 80 male members, ''poor in this worlds goods but rich indeed in faith and good works" the quick com Hitllpb VI IiIC buSh NdS NVlbl1 blC est praise. The cost of the building alone was $5000; the foundation and the finishing of the basement were done al- most entirely by members of the church, some of whom donated material and others the work of their hands. Then, as now, the ladies took an active inter est in all that pertained to the prosperity of the church and materially furthered the work. The church was dedicated November 30, 1880, when the member ship had risen to l2S.
 No pastor was hired until August 2S, 1880, when Rev Nathaniel Hewitt, D. D., already eminent as divine and a tenn perance advocate, was unanimously called. He accepted and was installed, December l. For p years, he was pas tor of this church and, during the entire period, enjoyed the respect and confi- dence of the entire community, while his rare talents were widely recognized. He was a sturdy old preacher, who used to deliver three sermons on Sunday and lecture every Thursday evening.
 The Summer of 1881 found Dr Hewitt in Europe in the cause of temperance, while Rev Mir Hermance occupied the pulpit and great revival occurred, when l7 were added to the church on confession of faith. After Dr Hewitt's return, he continued to preach boldly against all manner of vice, in every form, with notable effect; for he was an eloquent man and mighty in the Scrip lures. During the latter part of his ministry, the church was enlarged and repaired at considerable expense.
 September 2l, 1853, he was dismissed and, October 0, IS members requested their dismissal, that they might form the First Presbyterian church, of which labors at the South church, 153 persons were added by profession and 220 by letter; 100 members died and 130 mar riages were performed. At least $24 ,00( was contributed for charitable objects.
 After Dr Hewitt's dismissal, pastors remained but few years each. Rev Asahel Brooks, installed January 20 1854, remained until March II, 1856 when he removed to Chicago. During his short ministry, the church made a net gain of 37.
 He was succeeded by Rev Benjamin L. Swan, who is still living at Mendham N. J., at a ripe old age. A gain of 29 was made during his pastorate of two and half years and the church was left in a prosperous and united condition.
 Rev Alexander Thompson was in stalled March l, 1859 and was retained for three years. He established mis- sion Sunday school on William street, East Bridgeport, where he preached Sun- day afternoons, and one among the col bred children in the lower part of the city. During his time, also, the old church building was moved across the street and the present handsome struct- ure erected. This was dedicated, Janu- ary 20, 1862. The membership was in creased to 26l.
 Rev Fr rances Lobdell, installed in April, 1863, remained until February, 1865. Revival services, conducted by Rev F. F. Hammond, added B to the church during Mir Lobdells first year and generous subscriptions entirely re- moved heavy debt the following year.
 Rev Daniel Lord remained four years, resigning in 1869.
 Eighteen months later, Rev Edward Johnson was installed and served faith fully and we'll for six years. He re- signed in November, 1s76and the church was again without pastor until Decem- Der 4, 1877, when Rev R. G. S. McNeille was installed.
 In the Summer of 1879, both church and chapel were repaired and altered and services were held, Sunday morn ings, at St John'shall. The church was thoroughly renovated at cost of nearly SS000, including new slate roof, paint inside and out, new gas fixtures (since replaced by electricity), changes in the stairs and galleries, many handsome stained glass windows. Bay windows were also added to the chapel parlors, gas introduced, an addition built and parlors and lecture room painted and frescoed.
 Stated services in the church are Morning service, l0.30 . m; Sunday school,l ,l2; Christian Endeayor meetings, or G.30 p m; evening service, 7 or 7.3O ? n; communion, first Sunday in Janu- ary and each alternate month; young ladies' mission circle, second Sunday in each month. Prayer meetings are at 7.30, Wednesday evening.
 The young mems union, organized in 1882, was the forerunner of the present Y.P. &. c. E which was formed in