Year: 1865

For The Vermont Phenr.


Historical Sketch of the Congregational


Church nt Putney.-(Continued)


During the year 1904, (he year subsequent
to the dismissal of Mr. Remington from the
pastoral charge of this church,) there was for
the first time in its history, very important
and profitable revival of religion enjoyed here,
resulting in the addition of twenty-six mem
bers by profession, and very materially increas-
ing its religious strength and influence. In
deed, considering the time and the surround
OF this revival were very justly considered of
great value to the church. In no one year be-
fore had there been as many added by profess
ion. From the time of Mr.. Rs dismission,
February, 1S03,) until June, 1907, the church
and society remained without settled pastor
their pulpit being supplied by several different
mnisters-each one for longer or shorter pc
Rod, while they were passing through several
phases of peace and contention, of harmony
and disorder. Finally, at the time above stated,
June, 1S07,) the Great Head of the church
sent them one who was destined, during pas
torate Of twenty-five years, to prove an inval-
liable blessing to the whole community. This
worthy and excellent man was Rev. Elisha An
drews. Very shortly after his settlement all
discord and contention were laid aside, and un-
der the reign of peace and harmony that sue
ceeded an unusual degree of prosperity was
enjoyed. From the organization of the church
to the beginning of Mr.. Andrews's adminstra-
ton, it appears from records left behind by
him, that there had been ninety-two members
added to it by profession and letter but dur
ing his ministry of twenty-five years there had
been not less than two hundred and fifty added,
more than half of whom were admitted during
one year, as the fruit of one great and general
revival. This occurred in the year 1916 But
previously to this, during the first four or five
years Of his pastorate, the church was blessed
with some seasons of gentle spiritual refresh
ing, the results of which were the addition of a
goodly number to her membership, and much
vigor and prosperity. But the year above
named seemed to be the great time of spiritual
favor for this little branch of the Savior's fam
ly. Early in that season the previous work of
preparation seems TO have eliminated and a
powerful and widespread work of grace COM
menced in this community which resulted in
the conversion of many from sin to holiness,
the greater part of that season, religion seems
to have been the one great subject of general
and personal interest. The pursuits of world
illness and vanity were to great extent with
drawn from prominent view, and the present
and everlasting welfare of the soul appeared to
engross the attention of almost every one. The
Divine presence was felt, and the great truths
of religion were a realization to many hearts.
The immediate fruit Of this most benign work
of grace was the addition to the church of one
hundred and fifty members, eighty of whom
were received at one time. That Sabbath was
memorable one in the annals of Putney.


The increase of members, however, was not
the only advantage resulting from this Divine
visitation The church was greatly increased
in its spirituality and strengthened in its influ-
ence for good. Thus under the minstrations
of that faithful pastor the church continued to
fourish,-a bright beacon-lght to all the sur
rounding region. Nevertheless, like all other
such organizations that have enjoyed similar
blessings, it also experienced seasons of declen-
sion, when the abounding of worldliness and
sin would return and the love of many would
wax cold. Yet on the whole, piety hourished
in many new hearts, and God was truly honor
ed in many lives. NJ.