About Us

History

...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

HISTORY OF TRINITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 1785 – 1985

Over the course of these past 200 years there has been a people of God gathered in the area of Windsor, Vermont. These people have come together to seek the Lord and to learn to share together in order that they might reach out to others with the gospel message. The history of Trinity Evangelical Free Church is a reflection upon several things: the faithfulness of a loving God and the continued labors of many faithful men and women who loved God deeply.

The town of Windsor seems to date its existence to the year 1761, when Governor Wentworth of the Province of New Hampshire issues charters to three towns, one being Windsor. The first settlement of the area was undertaken in the 1764 with the first evidence of a town meeting occurring in 1767. The first settlers were laborers, working on the farms and in the shops. It was on July 8, 1777 that the birth of the State of Vermont took place in Windsor. During a violent thunderstorm and under the threat of invasion a constitution for this new state was written and adopted in the Constitution House. During the ensuing years the population increased and the town of Windsor was well on its way to becoming quite a good size settlement.

Baptists were among the first settlers in the town. During the late 1700’s there seemed to be a greater openness to religion in the area. At this same time a number of families moving to the area brought their “Baptist faith” with them. The first mention of a Baptist church is contained in the records of the Congregational society of March 26, 1779 which states that “The church voted to dismiss Joseph Thompson and Roswell Smith from their communion that they might have leave to build with the Baptists.” This dismissal, it seems, was to the Baptist Church of Woodstock. However, it is a fact that “Baptist preaching” was occasionally enjoyed in Windsor. The church was now forming under the shadow of Mount Ascutney.

1785 – 1802

The first records in the church books state, “Whereas, a branc of the 1st Baptist Church in Woodstock, living in Windsor, State of Vermont, met by mutual agreement in the house of Deacon J. Thompson on the 3rd day of December 1785, to confer respecting building a church in Windsor, having previous liberty therefore from the Woodstock Church, proceded to unite under the character of the 1st Baptist Church in Windsor, and signed a covenant.” Three men signed with a number of others joining in the months ahead. With this action a church was begun to the glory of God. In 1786 the church was welcomed into the Woodstock Baptist Association. During these first years various men preached, with payment being made for their efforts.

In October, 1878, one of these men who occasionally preached was called to be the first pastor. Subsequently another vote was passed, with the minutes recording, “November 5. Met by sudden notice at the house of Jospeh Thompson, chose John Gill, Moderator; voted in addition to the first vote passed in October 13, to call on Brother John Peak to come with his family and lead in the worship of God with us, as long as we shall think it is for God’s glory and our own comfort and edification.” This call to John Peak, a tailor by trade, was made by eleven faihtful baptists.

The following years saw this small group increase greatly. Attendance was soon too large for private houses that had been used, so meetings were moved around to different parts of town. The Congregational Church in the West Parish of Windsor (now Brownsville) extended an invitation to the Baptists to use the chruch, when not otherwise occuppied. Three men who opposed this matter were certain that the Baptists would defile the purity of the sactuary. In his autobiogarphy, Reverend Peak writes what happened, “One who carried a large cane said, ‘Peak will not get by me into the pulpit,’ was a few days afterward, at a funeral, melted to tears under Mr. Peak’s sermon, and became a constant friend. Another who said, ‘He had rather see hell-fire in the pulpit than to see Peak there,’ had a little daughter scalded to death, about a week after the parish meeting, and in a few months after, his only boy was drowned. Mr. Peak attnded both funerals; the father and mother were brought to Jeses, and were baptized by Mr. Peak. The third, who said with an oath, ‘He wished the house was in flamed,’ called for Mr. Peak about two weeks after the parish meeting with his wife, who was deeply convicted of sin. The wife was soon after baptized and her husband continued a frim friend of Mr. Peaks.”

The protestors were quieted and the Baptists met in the meeting house for several years. When Rev. Peak moved in 1795, he left a church of 75 people that was by now healthy.

1802 – 1813

The Baptist Society had not acquired sufficient strength to build a church home before 1802. In that year a house for worship was started., but was never finished inside. This was located about 4 miles west of Windsor, and the best records seem to indicate that it was a log structure, 21’ by 34’ in area. At this time a seperate church was constituted in the West Parish, therefore the East Parish church was now beginning to stand on its own. Several buildings were used during this period with a brick one replacing the inital unfinished structure and then a more permanent one of frame construction. This third building was to house the church until 1813. This structure currently stands on Durkee Street, just behind the Methodist Church.

1813 – 1834

The church continued in a small way until 1813 when General Abner Forbes, “having changed his opinion in regard to the mode of baptisms, and the proper subjects of it, and having become disaffected toward certain leading men in the Congregational Church and Society, withdrew from the church and united with the Baptist Church, then worshiping in the west part of the East Parish. His wealth and influence added greatly to its strenght.” Many other people within the church were also catching a vision for the work to grow in Windsor. Therefore, on December 30, 1813, forty-two subscribers passed the following preamble to the Articles of Association thus re-organizing and re-focusing the ministry of the church. “We the subscribers, being desirous of hiring a minister, fixing on a place for erecting a house for public and social worship, do hereby associate for these purposes, under the name of the First Baptist Society of the East Parish of Windsor agreeable to an act of the Legislature of the State…” In the early months planning was done for a house of worship. Meetings were held in the Court House until the buidling was complete. With abner Forbes as a moving force, a brick church was built on land that he owned and chiefly at his expense. The cost was an amazing $4, 392.301/2. During the following years many plans and decisions were made. Some of the more interesting were to “raise funds by the disposing of pews,” Thus in these early years records were kept of “pew taxes”. As the State of Vermont was in the forefront of abolishing slavery, this too was reflected in the church minutes in their embracing people of all races to be a part of their fellowship. The records state, ”...to appropriate soem part of the common seats in the gallery to the use of people of color.” The preaching of the gospel to all the people in the Windsor community was now well underway.

In the succeeding years there was smooth progress with several pastoral transitions. The major concern during this period was financial, with considerable attention given to the “pew taxes”. The pastor’s salary recorded in 1826 was ”$400.00 annually. $250.00 to be given in money and the rest in produce.” In 1829, Pastor Leland Howard, who served as pastor from 1816 – 1822, was asked to serve again. During this second pastorate the church records note a continual revival for the next four years. 109 were baptized and 198 were received into membership. The church was now maturing in its faith and developing in its minitry.

1834 – 1861

1834 marks a high water mark in the churches history. In these pre-civil war years, the church was blessed with the stability and growth that would help it to continue to serve effectively in the years ahead. A large part of this is attributed to Pastor Elijah Hutchinson, who pastored for some 27 years. His strong leadership is reflected throughout the church records. In 1834 and 1835 revival was felt as 84 were baptized. There was also a spirit of separation from such worldly pursuits as “ardent spirits.” The church in 1836 passed a resolution stating, “Resolved…that we as a church, engage to abstain entirely from the use as a beverage, of ardent spirits, including wine and strong beer.” This was eventually made a requirement for membership. It was during this period that the churches indebtedness appears and the concern to buy land on which to build a parsonage. This was finally accomplished in 1852. Pastor Hutchinson battled ill health throughout his pastorate, being given leaves of absence and resigning in 1854. However, in April, 1857 these words from Rev. Hutchinson appear in the records, “The unanimity and cordiality of the requests, together with the deep interest I feel in the welfare of the people, have constrained me to decide to continue my labors for the present.” Finally on July 1st, 1861, “Beloved Pastor Elijah Hutchinson was forced to resign due to protracted illness that has caused much suffering.”

Revival fires always seem to be in the air. Several notable events are recorded for us. Martha Forbes presented the “sacramental cups” which are still in the churches possession and on display. A decision was also made to hire a custodian for $30.00 per year to “split wood, tend the fire and ring the bell and sweep the church.” In 1860 major renovations were made to the meeting house. The church was one of the strongest in the state with a membership of 254 and attendance around 300. The Lord had again been pleased to bless he Windsor Church.

1861 – 1874

Upon the resignation of Rev. Hutchinson a previous church history states, “that for another twenty-five years much of the material strength remained; but the increase of the church during thirty years, has by no means been sufficient to repair the inroads made by death and removals.” There was a period of ongoing financial problems and paying a pastor became more difficult. Thus young pastors seemed to come and go in quick succession. In a report to the Woodstock Association these words were found, “Many losses by death, lack of spirituality among the remaining, lack of unity and harmony as a church and some of us felt that there was no hope for the Baptist cause in Windsor.” (September, 1868) Though finances seemed to consume this period, the Lord was still providing an ongoing witness of the gospel. In 1869 there were 500 people gathered on the banks of the Connecticut River to witness one of the churches baptism services. It was also during this time that a vision to build was seen and plans began to take shape for the building of a new meeting house as the old one was in need of repairs. “On examination the committee found the walls and timbers in very good condition and the size of the building on the ground sufficient, but the height of the walls would not admit the finishing of an audience receiving vestry under the same roof, which the society now needs.” July, 1873 plan were adopted for the new church.

1873 – 1917

A generous gift by Dr. Ripley Clark did much to make this project possible, and it encouraged the others who also gave. A new and more desirable location was secured at the corners of River Street and Main Street. July 22, 1874 saw the impressive dedication of the new church building. The cost was $16,854 with the final payment being made in 1885. It was a beautiful building seating around 350 people.

During the succeeding years young pastors served a church that was going through a period of holding its own. What growth took place was small and apparently not dramatic. In 1885 it was noted, “The congregation is larger, prayer meetings are well attended, and there seems to be more interest and more earnestness.” But by 1890 it was the fact of deaths and removals from membership that again was sapping the vitality of the church. Business in the area was struggling and failing. All of this not only affected the community but the church too.

The early 1900’s were years at the church when “evangelistic fervor was at its peak.” An evangelistic crusade in these years saw more than 100 people saved in a two week period. One of the pastors upon accepting the call to pastor related his desire, ”...to begin at once aggressive evangelistic work…I want to pastor a church that is doing the most intense evangelistic and missionary activity.” However, with all the hopes, the membership continued to decline over these years. By 1905 there were only 36 in attendance at services. A new organ was donated by Mrs. Ripley Clark in 1903 and in 1905 the church was incorporated as the 1st Baptist Church.

1915 – 1925

Spirits appeared to be high as a new pastor arrived in 1915. Rev. Clarence Waldron had a desire to see the church grow and focused on building up the men. A men’s class was a huge success and attendance in the next three years went from the 30’s to the 90’s. The church was now again on the move and all things appeared to be moving in the right direction until October 21, 1917.

President Wilson had requested that all churches, “have their congregations sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ that Sunday and that all church bells be rung at 10 AM on that same day to kickoff the first Liberty Bond Dirve. Because Rev. Waldon felt that the , “church was not a place to discuss issues concerning the outside world,” he declined to do so. In the afternoon a crowd of 1,000 angry towns people called for Rev. Waldron to appear on the church steps. He did appear wrapped in an American Flag and singing the “Star Spangled Banner” to show his patriotism. This seemed to quiet the crowd and he invited them to the evening service to continue the discussion. However, dissension in the church continued and finally in November, 1917, Clarence Waldron resigned. The Vermont Journal announced on December 21, 1917, that “Charles H. Waldron, formerly pastor of the local Baptist church and whose pro-German utterances and sentiments have been notorious, was today arrested by U.S. Marshall A.P. Carpenter.” He was tried and convicted of sedition, and sentenced to 15 years in Atlanta Penitentiary. After serving for one year, President Wilson pardoned him.

As might be expected this had a negative effect upon the church. Resident membership declined from the 90’s to the low 40’s and the spirit in the church seemed to be at a low eb. In the next eight years 6 pastors were called to serve the church. A number of them stayed in Windsor for only 6 months. Undoubtedly the Baptist work in Windsor was in trouble and the Baptist State Convention shared those feelings. On October 11, 1925, Rev. Davison of the State Convention, “sent word to the trustees to close the Baptist church for an indefinite period on account of financial standing.” With the church closed won most of the people did not stay with the church, but went to fellowship elsewhere.

1928 – 1945

June 1st, 1928 saw the arrival of Pastor Walter Sturtevant, from the Vermont Baptist State Convention to re-open the church. At this point only 12 members remained, but Rev. Sturtevant through hard work and an evangelistic spirit was able to re-enfuse life back into the church. On September 23rd, 1928 there was an impressive Re-dedication Service after repairs had been made to the church. The folowing Sunday 16 were baptized, with frequent baptisms following that. Through the hard work of Pastor Sturtevant and the providence of Almighty God, by 1932 there were 200 members and a thriving church again. During the mid 30’s prayer became a hallmark of church life with many cottage prayer meetings being established. During these depression years the people in Windsor certainly had a mind to work.

In 1938, a hurricane roared through the town and was to change the focus of the churches ministry in the years to come. That hurricane tore off the church steeple, badly damaging the roof. Though this was partially repaired, the building was not considered safe. During this interim period the church met in the Strand Theater in Windsor and in the State Street School for services. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Cecil Petrie that a vision for anew building was begun and land was purchased where the present church now stands to build on. In 1943, Rev. Petrie resigned to become a chaplain in the army. Because these were war years, the new church could not be started because the people were not allowed the priority for building materials.

1945 – 1974

During the late 40’s building efforts were moved ahead under the leadership of Rev. Lawrence Vincent. New plans were accepted for the church and in 1945 work was begun on the building that the church currently inhabits. On September 22, 1945 22 volunteer workers and hired help completed the pouring of the cement for the foundation of our new church building. Work began at 7:00 AM and the mixer was in constant use until 9:00 PM. A carpenter who worked on the Empire State Building said it was impossible to do such a job in just one day. The people worked hard in using the floor boards, pews, pulpit furniture, bell and stained glass windows from the old church building. Services were held beginning in 1946 with the sanctuary first being used on Easter Sunday of that year.

On June 1st, 1947 the sanctuary was dedicated and the church bell, “which had not rung since the hurricane of 1938 rang out again.” The following years saw a people struggling with financial difficulties due to the indebtedness of the building. The completion of the building project seemed to linger on and discouragment seems to set in. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Lewis Pratt, a renewed enthusiasm appears. Evangelistic services were held and finally after a few years of planning and discussion, the cornerstone is placed and a meaningful service was held on October 14, 1951.

During the early 50’s, there was a substantial interest in missions as evidenced by the large missions conferences held yearly. Evangelistic services continued and a young adult group of 15 met regularly. Church life was stable and outside of financial considerations, appeared quite healthy. On October 11, 1954, the church finalized plans to purchase the current parsonage. The previous parsonage was just north of the present one. The agreement allowed for the “swapping” of houses, thus Rev. & Mrs. Pratt became the first inhabitatns of the present house. The church also sponsored a family from Latvia who was brought to this area and church. Rev. Paul Ferrin was called to pastor and continued the work. Rev. Petrie, now a missionary in Africa, returned to share in a missions conference. A period of prosperity with gains in a number of area’s characterized the church. The first baptismal service held in the new baptistry was a memorable one with seven people being baptized on new Years Eve of 1957.

In 1958, feeling a need for further schooling, Rev. Ferrin resigned. After a short unsettled period, when the church was again discouraged and attendance was low, a call was extended to Rev. Warren Biebel to become the churches part time pastor. In 1960, a report by Rev. Biebel relates, ”...a lot of bright spots along with some discouragements.” He was much encouraged about the financial picture and encouraged the people to be so too! May 25, 1960 was a dy of “Burning the Mortgage”, an indication that finances were coming into line. The church in 1961 made a commitment to youth through the hiring of a youth pastor and the enlargement of ministry to young people.

A fire destroyed the back of the church in 1965, doing much damage to the room to the right side of the platform. With the focus on youth and camping, family camps during the summer months prospered with over 100 members attending. By 1966 the Sunday Bible School had tripled in attendance from 5 years previous, and the youth programs were well attended and active. In 1967, Pastor Biebel was called to pastor the church full time. In the 5 years to follow, youth and camping ministries took a greater portion of Pastor Biebel’s time, thus prompting his resignation in 1972.

1972 – 1985

Pastor John Aker became pastor in 1972. With a zeal for seeing the work grow and reach out to the community with the gospel of Christ, many significant events occured over the next few years. The purchase of property north of Windsor was necessitated by rapid growth and meeting room needs. Discussions were under way projecting new facilites to meet the grwoing need. Another significant change was the decision on May 14, 1974 to become a part of the Evangelical Free Church of America and be called Trinity Evangelical Free Church. With a vision for growth, and a new denominational affiliation, the churches growth was solidly established. New attenders, large youth group meetings, a bus ministry and a spirit of trusting God for big things characterized this period. In October, 1974 the church was officially joined with the Evangelical Free Church. A call to the military chaplaincy necessitated Pastor Akers leaving Windsor in November of 1974.

Pastor Jack Kroeze became Trinity’s 53rd pastor in February, 1975. The church has continued the solid growth in many areas as the Lord has provided. A new addition to the previous building was completed in June, 1980 with a time of dedication and praising the Lord. This has allowed the church to effectively serve the people of Windsor. The missions ministry of the church has grown. The financial commitment to missions has nearly quadrupled in the last 10 years. A number of people from the church have been sent to the missions field, with the church comissioning two of its young couples just recently for service. This has extended the world view of the church far beyond the boundaries of Windsor itself. Another development has been the participation of the church in the beginnings of 3 new churches: Bradford, Vermont; Spoffod, New Hampshire, and Wilder, Vermont. The Lord has been faithful over these 200 years. Many un-named yet faithful saints have worked together to maintain and further the gospel witness established so long ago.

Time has not permitted reflections on many interesting detials: from a pastor who caught the pigeons in the belfry and made pigeon pie, to the frustrations and discouragement in sharing together; from a pastor spitting out his false teeth while preaching, to the agony of sorrow and grief over those who have passed on to be with the Lord. These pages do not reflect the joy of laughter, the warm glow of satisfaction at tasks completed, of people coming to know the Lord, nor the tears of heartache over disappoinments suffered. But these reflect a faithful God who over the years preserved a people to proclaim his Word to a needy area. It has always been “the Lord who has given the increase.”

In reading the church records it appears that the church has been found true to the Word of God, zealous in its desire to tell others that message, and visionary in looking to grow and develop in their life in the Lord. It is with a gratefulness to our Lord for these recounted blessings in the past; and with a dependancy upon the Lord for His continued provision as long as He tarries that we dedicate this review of our history on this, the celebration of our 200th year.

Jack Kroeze, Compiler & writer November 17th, 1985

« Calendar

Links »