THE SOUTH CHURCn. 120 



score. All classes were there — so far as there were classes in that equal 

 social state of fifty years ago — the rich and poor, the wise and sim- 

 ple, the strong and weak, together. 



Let us venture to take the first seven names that appear upon the 

 church list, and say of each a single word. I am only sorry tliat no 

 woman appears among them. 



At the head of the roll stands most fittingly the name of Deacon 

 Elijah Francis. He was a venerable man, with an interesting history. 

 Born in New Britain in 1760, he did not become a Christian until he 

 was fifty-seven years old, when he joined the church under Dr. 

 Smalley — " a remarkable instance of the renewing and regenerating 

 grace of God." He had been a deacon in the First Church for more 

 than a score of years, and was eighty-two years of age when this 

 church was formed. He had served as a soldier in the revolutionary 

 war; had been a frequent representative in the legislature; was a 

 man of great sobriety of character ; seldom spoke in the meetings of 

 the church ; but is remembered to this day by some here present for 

 his remarkable gift in prayer. ♦ 



The second name is that of good Deacon Cornwell. He was a much 

 younger man than his associate, though for several years he had 

 served in the diaconate of the old church. Deacon Cornwell was a 

 manufacturer, aud one of those constant, faithful. Christian men who 

 gave substantial weight and character to our old New England 

 churches. 



Then comes the name of Seth J. North. Major North has often 

 been called the " founder of New Britain." He was the leading busi- 

 ness man of the town, a man of wealth and influence, a man of 

 large and comprehensive views, public-spirited, generous, efficient, no 

 less interested in the educational, moral, and religious advancement of 

 the community than in its business affairs — the leader of the new 

 church enterprise. 



Alvin North comes next, and Henry North follows close after. 

 These three were brothers, all over fifty years of age — strong, sub- 

 stantial, earnest men. Alvin North was a positive man, clear-headed, 

 tenacious, and generous withal — the man with a conscience. He was 

 the theologian of the company, a well-read man, and a Bible Chris- 



