The Press., 1909-06-23
18O0 10O0. The Baptist Church of Stafford, Conn.
BY REV. A. B. TODD.

present. OrRhulAhblOH 4t WAAA p0 AA- teresting to state the early Baptist movements within the limits of our town
 'The roots of the Baptists of Staf- ford appear to be in the New Light movement of northeastern Oonnecti- out. ' Shubael Stearna, convert Of Whitefield's work in 174O, was bap- tized the following year in Holland by company with others, Elder SteArns removed to North Carolina and founded the Baptist cause there, bus before leaving Holland in July, 1754. he baptized Noah Alden, who had formerly been Congregationalist but by meditation on Bible standards was driven to this decision.
 Members of the Holland church joined with others in Stafford, near Square Pond, and ordained Noah AL den as their pastor, June 5, 1755. Here he remained for ten years, until called to the passionate of the Baptist church in Boiling ham, Mass., where he had long and conspicuous useful ness
 Our historians record the existence of a Baptist church in Stafford from 1755 to 1794. and from 1786 to 1924. In 1911 tho membership was forty five
 Elder Noah Alden is the only pas tor have been able to find, although one member, Jonathan Pasco. fire. quently represented the church as it's messenger, and according to the records was evidently an ordained minister, but he is never called the pastor. Another church, of which David Lillibridge was pastor, was located on or near Village Hill. but it's existence ceased at his death. What members remained united with the church on Wilmington Hill.
 In West Stafford there was branch of the church known as the Wilbra- ham and Monson Baptist church., and Elder Alvin Bennett served as pastor one quarter of the time, from 1914 to 1917, during which time twenty one were baptized. After Elder Ben- nett's departure the remaining man. bers united with this church.
 Elder Lyons church, so called. In most particulars 8 Baptist church but without denominational utilization, was located north of us and partly within cur limits Of this church Elder Batohelder writes What were the members of this church and how long they continued to maintain their visibility have not ascertained It was too distinctly Elder Lyon s church long to survive his decease. A few of it's members eventually united with this church. ''
 We come now to our present organi- zation. which is older than any other church in town. This church was organized as the ''Second Baptist Church of Christ in Stafford that one near Square Pond being called the First. ;
 The record of the first meeting is as follows: Stafford, Thursday, April 20. 18O9 A meeting of the Baptist brethren was this day holden at Bro. Samuel Blosses'. (The Bloss house stood at Stafford Springs, but was demolished last week.. Pro- oeeded: 1, to choose Bro. Jacob Leonard moderator; ?, chose Bro. Samuel Bloss, Jr., clerk. After opening by prayer, proceeded: 1. to read Articles of Faith and Practice, previously prepared. which were ac- cepted; 3. voted to annex our names to those Articles of Faith; 3, voted to request a council to convene to view our circumstances. and if they think proper give us fellowship as church of Christ; 4. voted to request the Baptist church in Wrentham, the First Baptist church in Providence, the two Baptist churches in Woodstoc k and the Baptist church in Wilmington to send their elders and a messenger, or messengers, from each church to sit with us in council; 5, voted that the council convene at Bro. Jacob Leonard's on Wednesday, the 14th of June next, at o'clock a. m. 6, chose Spencer Alden, Samuel Alden and Samuel Bloss, Jr., committee to write to the several churches, in- forming the churches of our proceed ings; z, voted to adjourn the present meeting until the 17th of May next, at Bro. Jacob Leonard's, at one o'clock p. m.'
 On that date they met at Bro. Jacob Leonard's. This house was situated in the Village, on the site now occupied by the residence of Myron Leonard. After opening by prayer proceeded to business chose Bro. Samuel Bloss, Jr as an agent for the brethren, to act for them in the council on the 4th of June next !; 2. chose Bro Jacob Leonard, Aaron Gage and Samuel Alden a committee to make provision for the council; 3, voted to adjourn until the 14th of June next at Bro. Jacob Leonard's, at 8 o'clock a. m. y
 The following is recorded: s'The council deliberately entered into an examination of the situation of the brethren and sisters of the proposed church, together with their Articles of Faith and also their Covenant, and uniformly voted to give them fellow ship. whose names are as follows
 Males Jacob Leonard. Aaron