Elijah Boardman, third son of Deacon Sherman Boardman, and grandson of the first pastor of this Church, was born March 7, 1760. In 1821 he was elected to the U. S. Senate; he died August 18th, 1823. Mr. Boardman’s earlier years were in connection with this Society; but having married a daughter of the aforementioned Dr. Whiting, a zealous Episcopalian who engaged in a pamphlet controversy with Dr. Billamy, he afterwards identified himself with the Episcopal Church and died in its communion.
Perry Smith, who died in 1852, was elected to the United States Senate in 1836, and served one term. He was connected with the Episcopal Society.
Orange Merwin, born here July 3, 1776, was in Congress in 1826-7, during the administration of John Quincy Adams. He died September 5th, 1854. He was a member of this Society.
The Sabbath School was begun in 1812 or 14 by Rev. Mr. Elliott, who for some time was the only teacher. The first appropriation of money for its benefit by the Church was in 1821. The present membership of the Sabbath School is 300. The Infant Class in the Chapel was begun, under its present teacher, Miss Isabella Wilson, in 1872.
Under Mr. Elliott’s ministry, prayer meetings became common in the town. They were held on Sundays between services, in the Town House and in the school houses of the outlying districts. In times of religious interest many week day meetings were held in various places. A Saturday evening prayer meeting was held for years in the parlors of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Mygatt, when they lived on the spot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Sanford and afterwards in the Town house. But no regular mid-week Church afternoon service was established until during Mr. Rood’s pastorate, when the Friday afternoon meeting was begun. The Tuesday evening meeting was commenced in 1865 or 66. The Mother’s Monthly Prayer Meeting began in 1869.
The gifts to the Church, so far, are these: July 14th, 1815, Deacon Dobson, and W. M’Mahon gave the Church $100, the interest to be used for relief of poor members, or for books. February 20th, 1820, Deacon M’Mahon gave $400 to be used for the same purposes.
In 1844 Miss Lois Wells gave the Church $200 for the relief of the poor, sick and destitute female members.
Mrs. Anna Hine, widow of Stephen, who died in 1851 or 2 bequeathed $200 to the Church.
And in January 6th, 1860, Miss Sully Northrop, who completed her 100th year a few days ago, gave $200 to be added to the Church Fund.