Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1897-09-03
PASSED THE CENTURY
THE NEW HAVEN CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH HAS AN ANNIVERSARY.


Years Ago-The Occasion Celebrated in a
Betting Manner-NIany Guests of Promi-
nence Present-Doings of the Day.
The centennial of the New Haven Con-
gregatlunal church was observed on
Wednesday, Aug. %. The exercises
were largely attended and were of an
intesesting nature The opening eXer-
cises were led by Rev. Chas. f. Lathrop
of DeckertOwn, y, j., who read selpc
ton from the Scriptures. Mr.. Lathrop
spent his bOyhoOd days in the place. and
he consequently formed an interesting
figure in the exercises of the day. Rev.
C.. y. Thomas made an address of well
come and gave very interesting sketch
of the early families upon each street in
town, tracing leading members down to
| the present day, and said that about
three-fourths of the inhabitants of the
town to-day traced descent from the
early settlers of the place.
The address of the day was delivered
by Rev. L. H. Byington of Newton,
Mass, and was an able and eloquent in
PRODUCTION, receiving the close attention
of the large audience present. He gave
review of the ministry of the town for
the past 100 years and spoke at length
upon the work and influence of Rev.
Josiah Hopkins and Rev. James Meacham,
the latter an eloquent preacher and ora
tor and for some wears a member of con-
gress. Rev. Mr.. Hopkins was a man of
many sterling qualities, free mason.
and could preach powerful sermon. ioiu
in a wolf hunt or chop down tree
quicker than any man in town. Rev.
Samuel Hurlbut was a man who was
deeply beloved by the people and
is buried In Evergreen cemetery.
/ lie was man with kind warm
heart, whom people revered and re-
spected In 1904 Rev. Slas J.. Bingham
became pastor of the church by instala-
/ tion. Following Mr.. Bingham, the
church has been served by the following
pastors: Rev. Josiah Hopkins, lS09-lS3O;
/ Rev. Joel Fisk. lS3O-lS32; Rev. Enoch
Mead. 1898: Rev. James Meachsln. 1888
! lSlG: Rev. Samuel Hurlbut, lSI1-lSjG:
/ Rev. Calvin b. IIurlbut. lSj9-lSG9:
Rev. Stephen Knowlton, lS73-lSNl; Rev.
/ Clarence ). Sargent. lNS2-lNN1: Rev.
WIN. B. Hague, lS>1-lS90; Rev. Cham
dler y. Thomas, 1890
over POO people have united with the
church, y large number have been pre-
pared for the ministry from among its
members. and number have become
missionaries The society has raised
500 .OO0 ia ministers salary. $4,000 for
fuel. lights. etc and $50, 900 for build
ings, besides many thousands for mis-
sOnary work.
1t is understood Mr.. Byingtons ad-
dress will be published in pamphlet
form.
After the addresses, about 400 were
served with dinner in the vestry of the
town hall.
In the afternoon remarks Of reminis-
cent character we're made by Rev. Dr..
Boardman of Chicago, Rev. Mr.. Bying-
ton. Rev. Mr.. Merrill, Hon. l.. d. Ell
dredge of Mddlebury, Judge J. d. Smith
of Vergennes, Rev X. j. Barton of Sails
bury. and Profs. Howard and Eaton of
Middlebury college and Rev. c. c.
LathrOp of New Jersey. y large num-
Der remained to supper, and the ladies
gave delightful reception in The vestry
of the church in the evening. Those who
were dressed as colonial danes and re-
ceived were Mesdames G. y. Thomas.
Mary II. Dana, d. w Nash, c. +. Squier,
Alice V. Doud. j. O Bottum, and Misses
Marianne Landon and Emily Rose. The
costumes worn were handsome and
unique. After the reception a concert
was given in the church by the choir.
II va, of high order. the singing being
very fine. Rev. G. y. Thomas. + NJ.
Rosco, W. :. Brown and c. ID. Noetch
composed male quartet, which rendered
a selection in an admirable manner.
{ Miss Charlotte l.. Iandon presided al the
organ, and ii is generally conceded that
New Haven has the finest country choir
of any church in Vermont. c. ). Dana
/ ;. ID. Doud and Sherie Langdon acted as
ushers. and were dressed in colonial
| attire. After the concert over 300 per.
/ sons were served with cake and ice
cream. Hon. 5. p. Nash made a brief
speech in the evening. Mr.. Nash became
/ member of the church in 1910
The centennial was in every respect q
success. The different committees worked
like clockwOrk and in entire accord. The
church was handsomely trimmed. the
; display of flowers and plants being
superb. The dinner was elegantly serveC
] and abundant. Everyone marveled a.
= the music and the whole affair was &
e red letter day for New Haven. Many
| were present from other towns, and the
e affair will long be remembered by those
: present. The church commences III
4 second century of life under most aus
. riciOus circumstances.