Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-06-14

1
with four class rooms, and was sur
mounted by belfry and beautiful spire.
The Troy conference, which was organ
lied in 1892, met in Middlebury in 1910.
Bishop Roberts presided. He is spoken
of by those who remembered the
occasion as white-haired, apostolic
man, who preached with great effect.
In 1856 Rey. j. F. Yates succeeded to
the pastorate. Brother Yates is now
living at Fort Edward ard is expected
to be present at these services. During
the last year of his ministry here a great
revival occurred. A profound religious
impression and conviction seized the
entire community, and very many were
hopefully converted. 1t is strange
fact, as appears in the record, there
were times of great fuctuation as re-
CARDS the number composing the
membership of the church. In 1913, 457
members are reported, and In 1857, 100
only are reported. In 1858 the number
again went up to 300, and let it, be re-
corded with devout gratitude the number
has never fallen below POO from that day
to the present. 1t was at this time, viz,
1858, that the house of worship was
thoroughly repaired and modernized and
made one of the best ia western Vermont.
Mr.. Yates was succeeded by Rev.
Barnes NJ. Hall, man of might and
power, an excellent preacher and a
painstaklng pastor. The influence of his
strong personality remains still. (The
writer of this history is greatly indebted
70 oil Sc,
which he gathered and placed in form
for presentatOn.) The annual confer
ence was again entertained in this village
in the spring af 1858, Bishop Ames pre-
siding and winning golden opinions
from all sorts of men,"
In 1852 Rev. ID. w. DAYTON, whose
name appears on our program, was the
pastor. This was at the beginning of the
civil war. Brother Dayton was ap-
pointed chaplain of one of our regiments
and so relinquished his work here IN
order that he might faithfully serve the
boys in blue in hospital, tent and field.
Here follow in succession pastors whose
names will be familiar:
lSG24, NJ. Ludlam.
1S65-G, Bennett Eaton.
lS67.S.9, L. 5. Walker.
1S70-l-2, A. F. Bailey.
1874, w. H. Meeker.
1916, Sanford Washburn.
lS77.S-9, w. III. Rowsom.
During the second year of this last pas
torate powerful revival occurred. A
lady evangelist, Mrs. Hammond, labored
with the pastor about five weeks. The
pastor reported JOG practitioners at the
following conference.
1851, NJ. B. Mead.
During this pastorate the church was
thoroughly repaired at an expense of
S26l5. There was high stoop in front
which was taken away. The front
entrance was cut down TO the level of
the sidewalk. The old galleries were
partly cut away, stained glass was put
in the windows and the audience room
very finely frescoed; new cushions were
also put IN the seats and the church was
relighted.
lSS2-3, j. w. Quinlau.
1SS4-G, John j. Noe.
During this term of service 80 persons
were received on probation, of whom As
were received into full membership,
three discontinued, two removed and six
remained on trial. Forty adults and ten
children were baptised.
1SS7-S, Il. G.. Thompson.
The parsonage, located next to the
church, had become dilapidated and
greatly needed to be repaired before the
pastor could occupy it, After some con,
sultation, the generous and progressive
element in the church prevailed and the
present location was purchased at a cost
of $1,000 and the parsonage, comfortable,
commodious and in every way adapted
to the purpose of a pastors home, was
erected upon it at an expense of about
$500. In convenience, location and
adaptation it ought to be an occasion OF
pride to the church as 1t is a Joy and COM
fort to the pastor and his family.
1Sss-93, Rev. F. G. Heaxt.
1t was during this period that the sore
atlliction of trial. in the loss by fire OF