Norwich bulletin., 1909-07-05
Ministers Preach Special Sermons


 Moore, then of New Lyndon. was en- gagged to preach once a month for a year. In the fall of 1885 Rev. John H. Gibson was called to the pastorate and remained less than two years. It was during his pastorate that the Sabbath school was formed that continues to the present time.
 Change of Name.
 It was also during his ministry that the name of the society was changed to that which it now bears, viz, The First Universalist Society in Norwich" {" In 1S42 an act of the legislature was obtained legalizing the change and also the proceedings of the society to that time under it's new name
 From 1886 to July 1888, the society was without a. settled pastor, yet dur ing that period a, church was organized on the 9th of February, 1888, through the influence of MT. Gerard Bushnell, then member of the society, but who later became Universalist minister.
 In July, 1888, Rev. Henry Lyon be- came the pastor and continued until April, 1S40. In the summer of 1S40 Rev. J. V. Wilson succeeded to the pas torate, under whose encouragement, advice and material aid this present building (which we are to leave July H. 1909) was erected There were POP contributors. The bricks were made by Mir. Standish of Preston. The Spaulding, Charles Denison. Theodore F. Albertson. Caleb Miller and Thomas Potter. The edffice was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1S41.
 The sermon was preached by Rev. W. s. Balch of New York Among the workers of 1S41 now living are Mrs. Hempstead, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Crock CT. The pastorate of Rev. MT. Wilson terminated in the early part of 1S42. He was succeeded by Rev. R. O. Will Hams, who served to the autumn of 1S44. November 5. 1845, Rev. l.. c. Brown was installed as pastor, re- signing in September, 1S4S. January Il, 1847. the society voted to buy more land and enlarge the church building. October 1s4S Rev. Elhanan Win chester Reynolds commenced his la bors here and was installed pastor November 15 1S4S, at which time this was dedicated. Mir. Reynolds resigned in September, 1850 Rev. A. L. Love land immediately succeeded him, serv- ing until October 1, 1853.
 Rev. Benjamin Whittemore, the hon ored, beloved and revered pastor of thds society," for eight years, became the leader of this people in April, 1854, oClNlIl6 uulil l12C OA 1OOA.
 Gift of Communion Service.
 Charles Tracy (the father of our ef- fcient Sunday school superintendent, trustee of the society and deacon of the church) who had held several offices in connection with the church as clerk and deacon and secretary for the so- ciety showed his faith in many ways; and on June 1st, 1856, as a continued testimony of his love to this church, and for the glorious faith we cherish, caused to be presented to the church ia beautiful and appropriate commun- ion service"
 After the resignation of Rev. Mir Whittemore Rev. R. P. Ambler accept ed cail on April Is, 1862, remaining until May, 1865.
 Under the pastorate of Rev. J. Riley Johnson, who began his duties October Is. 1865, the church was reorganized October, 1866, adopting new cove nant and constitution November 19, 1866. In 1892 the constitution was again revised. MT. Johnson's resigna- tfoo was accepted September 27, 1869, when resolutions of the most favor able character were adopted conn mending Brother Johnson and his work, also that of Mrs. Johnson.
 Rev Asher Moore served from De- cember 14, 1869, to March 27. 1871. Rev J. M. Paine began November 13, 1871, serving to November 25, 1872. Rev. J. J. Twiss served from January, 1873, to April 1. 1875. December l. 1875, Rev. L. P. Blackford began one of the longest pastorates in the history of the society, serving at pastor to February, 1884, a period of eight years two months. Rev. $. G. Davis was next called to take up the work as pas tor on the first Sunday in May, 1884. resigning June 21, 1886, but continued to supply the pulpit for some time.
 Freed from Debt
 On May 22, 1887, Rev. G. W. Jenkins began a happy pastorate. which term mated with his death, which occurred Sunday October 16, 1892. During his administration January 1, 1890. found the society actually free from debt, and it was then resolved not to again incur a debt. At the same meeting steps were taken looking toward re- pairing the church. New pews, a new carpet, new pulpit furniture, frescoing