Untitled Document

mention of Jesse Ives re Sandy Hill Road between Clebrook and Barkhamsted from Waterbury Turnpike following the course of the Sandy Brook to the Still River Turnpike and thence by the house of Allen Deming in Colebrook to the Farmington River Turnpike Road near the house of Jesse Ives in Barkhamsted

quite a number of other Ives were involved with turnpikes and railroad in this volume

. In November of the same year, Rev. Saul Clark was settled over the society, and remained until 1829. During his term a serious division arose in the society, and the feeling at one time was very bitter. I think he died in Meriden near thirty years ago. In 1830 Rev. Calvin Foote was called, but nothing ever came of it. In 1832 Rev. Wm. R. Gould was settled, and remained until 1838. I distinctly remember him as a pleasant, mild-mannered man, with a peculiar voice. Of course, I could not understand the knotty points of theology, but as a boy (although boys are not expected to know much) I could not help thinking that the most attractive feature of Mr. Gould's preaching, especially to the young men, was the presence of his family of fair and interesting daughters. Even in my boyish imagination they were about as fine specimens of the feminine gender as the town afforded. The family, I am informed, removed to Gallipolis, Ohio, and farther I have no trace of them. In 1840-41, Rev. John W. Alvord, of Winsted, was employed to preach, but I think was not regularly settled. Mr. Alvord was a man of great activity; had large descriptive powers, of great skill in word-painting, and terribly in earnest. He heard the thunders of Sinai, and saw the lightnings "flash from Calvary's Mount. All the tropes and figures, all the types and symbols of the Bible were to him vivid and startling realities. I have never, in a somewhat extended experience, heard any one who could so vividly portray the torments of the damned or the anguish of the hopelessly lost as he could. I think few who were present will ever forget a sermon which he delivered one December Sunday in 1841. It was a gloomy winter day, such as is described in " Snow-Bound," when

" A chill was in the frosty air—

A chill no coat however stout

Of homespun stuff could quite keep out

A hard, dull bitterness of cold,
That checked midway the circling race
Of life-blood in the sharpened face,

The coming of the snow-storm told."

By some mischance no fuel was to be had, and the old box-stoves that usually consumed so much of wood and time in vain attempts to warm the old barn like edifice, were as cold and cheerless as the day. His text was Romans vi: 23. He said but little about the gifts vof God, but the wages of sin were set forth in glowing colors. I can 't say for others, but I was ivarm during the delivery of that sermon. A burning sun in a July hay-fie'ld could not surpass it. Although I have somewhat recovered from that fright, I shall never forget it, even though my years should exceed those of Lomer Griffing. During his term a powerful revival occurred, and a large number were added to the church. He had traveled extensively in the South, and had seen the horrors of slavery ; and it was while he was here, I think, the first anti-slavery meetings were held in the old house. Little did we fancy then, as we listened to'his eloquent language, in his burning zeal against that blot on our civilization, that the lives of the noblest and best, not only of our friends and brothers, but all over the land, must be the penalty paid for all the shame and injustice of our nation. During the war Mr Alvord was very active in the Christian Commission, and also in behalf of the Freedmen, nor did he cease from his labors until the tired brain gave way, and the needed rest which he was too busy to allow himself to take was found in an insane asylum. Of late I have no knowledge of him, but I am sure that you who remember him will join with me in the wish that his last days may be peaceful and happy.

Barkhamsted, Conn., and its centennial, 1879:

a Jesse Ives is mentioned as a 1776 refugee from Long Island a congregational or presbyterian minister from Cutchogue

rev Jesse Ives served in Mass right near the CT border until his death " The town of Monson lies in Hampden county, about 14 miles east of Connecticut river; and is bounded on the N. by Palmer, on the E. by Brimfield and Wales, on the S. by Stafford, Ct., on the W. by Wilbraham.

In Oct. 1772, the district extended a call to the Rev. Jesse Ives, and offered him £100 settlement, and £65 and 30 cords of wood, as an annual salary. During the war of the revolution, specific grants were made, at different times, for his reliet. It appears from the records, that in the years 1785 and 6, considerable dissatisfaction existed among the people, in relation to Mr. Ives. Two or more ecclesiastical councils were called in succession, to consider the subjects of complaint; and by their advice and labor, difficulties were removed, and he continued pastor of the church until his death.

The second pastor was Rev. Jesse Ives. He was born at Meriden, Ct, 1736. He was educated at Yale college, and was graduated 1758. He first settled in the ministry, in what was then a parish of Norwich, Ct., now the town of Franklin. How long lie continued there is not ascertained. He came to this place in 1772, and was installed over the church, June 23, 1773. He died, while pastor, on the 31st of Dec. 1805, in the 71st year of his age. The period of his ministry, in this place, was 32 years and six months.—The present pastor of the church was ordained Dec. 17, 1806. His native place is West Springfield. He is a graduate of New Jersey college, of the class of 1804. He pursued his theological studies at the college, one year under Prof. Kollock, and the remainder of the lime under the direction of Dr. Lathrop of West Springfield, Spiritual blessings. These our gracious Lord has bestowed upon the church in much mercy, and to the glory of his great name. He has attended the preaching of the word of his grace by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, according to his will. He has frequently refreshed his heritage when it was weary, and to his name be all the glory. There have been nine seasons, within the 25 past years, in which more or less special attention to religion was manifest, and in which a greater or less number were brought to submit to Christ, and take his yoke upon them. The years 1810, 12, 13, 17, 19, 25, 29, 31, and 34 were particularly distinguished by divine influence. The number brought into this church, as the immediate fruit of these revivals, is about 500. Two-fifths of these were admitted to the church from the summer of 1810 to the close of 1817. Many who were subjects of renewing grace, during the progress of these revivals, have united with other churches, and some remain unconnected with any church. Though divine influence was more special and powerful in the years 1S12, 13, and 17, yet, from the beginning to the close of these five years, there seemed to be a silent progressive work of the Holy Spirit. The number admitted to the church averaged about 25 a year. The subjects of these revivals have generally held on their way, and witnessed a good confession. Some have gone back to their former state of feeling, and habits of thinking and acting; while others have, in great measure, lost their spirituality, and their deep concern for the good of Christ's church, and the cause of vital godliness. But while we have looked with grief upon such cases of departure from God, we have been permitted to witness the triumphs of some in the last contlict, and are cheered in beholding others living for God."

The American quarterly register, Volume 10 By American Education Society