150 A HALF CENTURY. 



daytime, the various projects for advancing Christ's kingdom were 

 freely discussed, and the final action was the result of the concurrent 

 judgment of all, or of the majority. 



After a ministry with this church of fifteen and a half years, Mr. 

 Rockwell was dismissed at his own request, June 20, 1858. During 

 his pastorate, 137 were received on confession of faith, and 133 by let- 

 ter, in all 270. There were dismissed to other churc hes by letter, 93, 

 and 53 were removed by death, and 5 by discipline, total. 150, leaving 

 the net gain 119, or nearly one hundred per cent. Mr. Rockwell still 

 resided in New Britain, and occasionally preached in his accustomed 

 place, but Rev. Constans L. Goodell, who had been preaching at the 

 First Church, Hartford, in the summer and early autumn of 1858 was 

 invited to preach here, and was ordained February 2, 1859. Mr. Good- 

 ell's pastorate began in the years of excitement preceding the civil wan 

 The attention of the community was largely absorbed in the events 

 which preceded the outbreak, and this church partook of that interest. 

 The first war meeting in the state was held in New Britain, presided 

 over by the first pastor of this church. The captain of the first com- 

 pany which went from New Britain to the army was a member of this 

 church. Young men and men in mature life were enlisting and go- 

 ing to the front. 



When Mr. Goodell was installed there were 227 members of the 

 church, but at the close of the year there were but 220, and his first 

 five years of service closed with the same number. After the war 

 closed, society gradually resumed its normal condition, and an advance 

 in church work was inaugurated. Active and efficient efforts were 

 put forth to bring the gospel to the neglected. Large additions w^ere 

 made to the church, and for nine years in succession, there were net 

 gains in membership every year. During this period over five hun- 

 dred united with the church, and the net gain over losses by 

 death, dismission, and discipline, was 322, or one hundred and forty- 

 six per cent., and the church from being one of the smaller in the 

 state, had become the largest outside of the city of New Haven. The 

 Sunday-school during this decade had more than trebled in numbers. 

 This church edifice had been erected and dedicated. Though during 

 this decade more than $200,000 had been raised for church building 

 and parish expenses, benevolent contributions had largely increased. 

 Two or three missionary societies and the " Young People's Meeting " 

 were established, and 561 members were added to the church, during 

 Mr. Goodell's pastorate. On account of the health of his family, he 

 was dismissed at his own request, November 18, 1872. 



Rev. Henry L. Griflin was ordained and installed pastor, October 

 1, 1873. A powerful revival occurred during his ministry, and in 

 1876, in a single year, 178 members united with the church, 157 on 



