Morning journal and courier., 1889-03-25

1ICu, NCH hofCA'
 u in the eastern DOT
 subsequently occupying
 -ouse by the brook and later
 -,Ituated nearly opposite the resi-
 -1 MT. Burton Gilbert. As no Metho-
 society existed in the town she was ac- customed to meet with the little band in New Haven which had then become some- what established. Through her instrument tality meetings were conducted by the pas- tor of First church assisted by several mem bers of that organization.
 MT. Futile was not at that time profess ing Christian, but made no opposition to the movement; on the contrary, when the work increased, fitted an upper room for the ac- commodation of the people.
 On December 27, 1913, the first Methodist class in the town was organized at the resi- dence of Amos Benham. Two circuit preach- ers-Revs. Bussing and Jewell-were pres ent, and Eli Barnett was appointed class leader. The class was still connected with the First church, New Haven, of which the Rev. Cad Smith was then pastor.
 Seven persons composed the class, viz: Sybil Futile, Amos Benham, his wife, Ruth Benham, Timothy Andrews, his wife Sybil Andrews, Rebecca Dorman and Isaac Ben- ham. The class and prayer meetings grew in interest, eliminating in an extensive re- igious revival in 1914, when forty persons were converted, nearly all of whom have since died. At the time of the delivery of MT. Powell's historical sermon Clarissa All ling only remained in the Hamden society, while Hetty Wooding and the wife of Israel Wooding were residing in New Haven. Be- fore church edifce was built, services were held in Mrs. Sybil Tuttle's house, and in the summer grove meetings were conducted un- til they were set apart from New Haven.
 After much discussion subsequently, Sep tember il, 1919, a site was donated by Mrs. Ruth Benham, the property being deeded to Abner Wooding, Timothy Andrews, Isaac Benham and Amos Benham, trustees of the church.
 Mrs. Benham also gave much of the tim Der used in the new buildings. Soon after wards a small plain structure was erected, which was used in an unfinished state for few years.
 In 1884 new building was built on the sight of the old Congregational church. It was dedicated on Christmas day in that year and cost &, 300.
 In 1876, during the pastorate of Rev. John s. Haugh, the building was thoroughly re- modelled and enlarged, the result being the beautiful and commodious church now in use. The church and parsonage property now in use are valued at 5000.
 The following clergymen have been pastors of the Methodist Episcopal church, Hamden, Conn, beginning with the year 1884, when the second church edifce was built: 1S34-5. T. Bainbridge; 1886, A. s. Francis; 1882, O. Starr; 1888, D. Wright: 1889, I. Abbott; 1940 w. s. Stillwell; 1842, A. s. Hill; 1s4s 4, 0. Fuller; 1s49,'5o, c. Bartlett; 1s51-s, T; A. Lovejoy; 1953-4, B. Bedford; 1955e6, B. Lefdngwell; 1857-s, W. H. Russell; 1s59-'6o, D. W. Lounsbury; 1s61.s,W. P: Estes; 1863, F. Brown; 1o645, J. Warriner; 1s6s-7O, G. P. Mains; 1871, s. M. Hammond; 1872, L. Richardson; 1873, H. Van Dalsem; 1874-5, J. Rippere; 18767, J. s. Haugh; 1878 80, J. B. Merwin; 1ss1-3, N. L. Porter; 1884-6, D, MeMullen; 1887, J. Parker; 1888, N. Hubbell.
 During the past year thirty five persons have been converted, all of whom have united with the church on probation. The contributions for the missionary and other benevolent causes have been large, and the utmost harmony prevails in all departments of the church. The pastor, the Rev. Nathan Hubbell, has received unanimous invita- tion from the quarterly conference to con- tinue his pastoral labors for the ensuing con- ference year. He has accepted the invita- tion, notwithstanding the fact that excellent offers have been made to him by churches elaawhara