Church of Christ

At this time in American History, Ulysses S. Grant was about to begin his second term as President. Elias Ward Howe had invented and patented the sewing machine; both Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison were several years away from patenting the telephone and the light bulb, and the desire of men and woman to restore the church of the New Testament was flourishing. Many, seeing the weakness and failures of denominationalism around them, made it their aim to be simply Bible Christians. Creeds and traditions of men had divided the religious world into sects and small groups were forming determined to accept the Bible as their only guide and final authority for every religious practice. While not maintaining that they had discovered every truth contained in the Book, they believed they had discovered much of it, and were closer to practice of the first Christians than any other Group. One such congregation of the church of Christ had been in existence in Danbury, Connecticut since 1817. The church there would be a source of strength and encouragement for another group with the same convictions meeting in Bridgeport years later.

A Restoration Movement congregation began in Bridgeport, Connecticut in November 1872 when Evangelist William Lane of Cincinnati, Ohio preached for one week at the urging and invitation of "the boy preacher" named Dodge. He had conducted a mission in a room over Liefields Store on North Washington Avenue advocating a return to the New testament and the doing away with Creeds and Confessions of Faith that were keeping Christians divided. After one night's preaching, Lane convinced four men of their need to obey the Gospel and to be baptized "the same hour of the night." These four men were William Cleaveland, Andrew Fancher, Sylvester Pike and Leland Rider. From this foursome of obedient believers the First church of Christ of Bridgeport would develop and grow.

Brother Lane returned to Bridgeport in February 1973 and baptized eight more, one of the eight was Estella Baily. The following is the account of her and the seven others' baptism.

"There were eight of us baptized, it was in the month of February in Berkshire Pond, the ice was thick, but we were in earnest so they cut steps for us to go down into the water. Not any of us had any bad effects from the exposure".

It was June, 1873 that this small group of Christians started meeting every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday on a regular basis for prayer, Bible reading, and hymn singing at the home of Sylvester Pike. Bro. Pike was already a leader among the group of disciples and would become a pillar of the church as well as one of its elders. Bro. Lane returned to Bridgeport at this time and after preaching three "discourses" (sermons), baptized Laura Bailey, Fanny Pike (Sylvester's wife) Lizze rose, Charles Rowe, and William Wheeler.

In May 1874, those who had been immersed (about 20 in number) began meeting every Lord's day in Brother Pike's house and began observing the Lord's Supper on each Lord's day as well. At this time, there was a close fellowship between the church in Danbury and the brethren of Bridgeport. The Danbury church sent its preacher, W. Baynard Craig, to preach here. He advised the brethren to secure the services of Bro. Belding of Troy, New York, for a 16 day Revival meeting which was held in August. Evangelists played a major role in the growth of the Bridgeport church. In 1879, William and Fannie Boerum, and Lydia Pike were baptized into Christ, and in the early 1880's, there was a month long meeting conducted by Evangelist T.D Garvin of Ohio. Whereat many were baptized including several from the First Baptist church whose baptistery had been used for the immersions.


In the City of Bridgeport there existed the Howe Sewing Machine Co. which would prove to be the source tore-unite a family of believers in 1880. A decade earlier, Charles Abercrombie worked with the church of Christ in Morrisania, New York. Charles was a native of Scotland and had responded to his native land's call to come to Scotland where his two sons, Alexander and Charles would find work at the Howe Sewing Machine Co. in Glasgow, Scotland. Toward the close of 1878, son Alexander decided to return to America and while visiting Friends in Bridgeport noticed and advertisement in the Bridgeport newspaper stating that the church of Christ met for worship at Olivet Hall. Alexander attended the service of the church and upon presentation of his letter, was received by the church. Alexander found employment at Howe, Sewing Machine Co., and a few months latter was joined in Bridgeport by his brother Charles. Then, in May of 1880, their father Charles, their mother, and the rest of the family followed and arrived at the church in Bridgeport.



Many were the expressions of thanks and gratitude that a potential shepherd had returned to the States and very soon after his arrival, Bro. Charles Abercrombie was appointed an Elder of the congregation along with Bro. Sylvester Pike. Elders' Abercrombie and Pike would provide excellent shepherds to the church in Bridgeport, which was having an attendance for worship of 50 or more as well as a well attended Sunday School. To assist the elders with their shepherding of the growing flock, 4 deacons were selected and in January 1886, the congregation began keeping weekly attendance records for each member. The church had secured a meeting house located on Main Street at the foot of Fulton Street where they met weekly on Tuesdays for Prayer meetings and every Lord's day.

Because the church had not been officially recognized by the State as a legal body, all property, including the newly acquired building lot, was purchased in the name(s) of individual(s). Alexander Abercrombie held title to the land, which had originally been owned by the famous circus owner P.T Barnum, native of Bridgeport. So, on January 18.1892, the following "Articles of Association" were filed with the Secretary of State and the City of Bridgeport. It was the next day on January 19, 1892, that the First Church of Christ of Bridgeport officially owned their own property as a recognized association having Bros. Olmstead, Bedient, Pike, Vincent, and Abercrombie as its trustees. The congregation was growing and making plans for its new meeting house to be on the corner of William and Stillman Sts.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

THE FIRST CHURCH OF BRIDGEPORT

Rec'd for record by Geo. Watson, town Clerk, January 18, 1892 @11 a.m.

The undersigned Trustees of the First church of Christ of Bridgeport by special appointment of the present church make application to be incorporated under the statues provided for religious societies.

Article 1st

The name by witch the association shall be known id the "First Church of Christ" Bridgeport, Conn.

Article 2nd

The purpose is to maintain a congregation of the disciples of Christ after the ancient apostolic order as set forth in the New Testament scriptures being our sole rule of faith and practice.

Article 3rd

The association shall be located in the city of Bridgeport, County of Fairfield, State of Conn.

Article 4

The present officers of the church are the following named persons:

Elders - Charles Abercrombie, Sylverser Pike

Deacons - Geo. Olmstead, Stephen S. Bedient

Trustees - Geo. Olmstead, S. S. Bedient, S. Pike, J.J. Vincent, and A.V. Abercrombie

Bridgeport Town Records, Volume 4 "articles of Associations, Joint Stock Cos.




As is usually true with any growing organization along with progress, problems arise. Conflict within the Danbury fellowship was growing due to what was described as "new, more lenient" attitudes being accepted. The turn toward more denominational beliefs was becoming evident and this came to a head when instrumental music was introduced. These events unfortunately lead to a split in the Danbury congregation and the Danbury church would eventually be known as the "Disciples denomination in the town of Danbury and vicinity". The Danbury church was no more, but those who desired to stay true to the New Testament doctrine began meeting in the home of the Weed family in Bethel, CT. On occasion the weeds would travel by horse and wagon the Bridgeport congregation for worship, and in time would become members making the 30-mile trip every Lords day. Fred weed and Nettie Weed, cousins, would marry Ada Boerum, and Harry Wheeler, respectively, members of the Bridgeport congregation providing the next generation of those who would become members of the church of Christ. The weeds had hoped to someday build a new meeting house in Danbury, but this would not happen in their lifetime, though in 1963 two families (the Wilsons and Smiths) started a fellowship which would become the Danbury church of Christ we know Today. The church in Bridgeport also faced turmoil in July 1896. As it was finalizing plans construct the new building, two "would-be" pastors were successful in drawing away some twenty, mostly younger members to their scheme of overthrowing the eldership and taking over the congregation. However, due to the strength and wisdom of Elders Abercrombie and Pike, the coup of these two erring young men was thwarted. They left, taking some with them, building a meeting house on Maple Ave. Their group soon dissolved, and they sold their building to the Jews for use as a Synagogue.



This event, though discouraging and divisive, did increase the elders' and congregation's determination to move forward with the construction of the new building. In October 1896, an agreement had been signed with Architect Albert Beers. In an agreement, the church would pay $250 when the building was raised, $250 when the outside was completed and the inside plastered, and $297 when the work was complete. Total cost for the building was $797 paid for with money borrowed from the Bridgeport Savings bank. Including the cost of the lot, the congregation had a meeting house for just under $1,000. What a bargain! However, keep in mind that the average contribution at this time was $30 a month. The construction completed, the first Church of Christ of Bridgeport met for worship in their newly completed building on Sunday, January 10, 1897. In the cornerstone of the foundation, the brethren had hollowed out a place to encapsulate a small copper box wherein they placed three newspapers from 1896, a small red Bible, and a document authored by Alexander Abercrombie. following is the document as it read:

And as the primitive disciples of Christ assembled upon the first day of each week to break bread in commemoration of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in obedience to His command, and so we in harmony with, and in institution of, the early Christians - His disciples - do meet on the first day of each week to break the loaf symbolic of His broken body, that we may keep alive in our hearts the promise of His coming again.

Through trials and through years and adversity, we have maintained our individuality striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Though we are poor in this world's goods without asking or receiving help from the world, we have steadily and faithfully, contributed our mite to the course we love, holding out neither inducement or attractions to the people of the world than Jesus Christ and Him crucified-esteeming our poverty the riches of Christ, greater than all else besides.

The experiences of years have been in many instances very discouraging and attempts to disrupt the Body of primitive Christians have been frequent and not without sad success but that success has contributed more strength to those who have been unaffected by those efforts of divisonists, and we now stand, though fewer in number, more resolved to strive for the glory our master in the face of opposition.

In erecting this House for the worship of God and for the presentation of the simple order founded on the rock Christ Jesus, we are actuated by motives purely in keeping with His commands, that we may keep in mind his great and wonderful atonement, until he shall come again; and that the faithful may be in a position to guard against the intrigues of false brethren who may try to draw away disciples after them and if possible, to bring troubles into the church by introducing things unwarranted by the word of God and unknown to the primitive Church of the living God.

We in harmonious cooperation and in the fullest confidence that all the words of our Lord are true, and that every promise made shall be fulfilled in the experience of His faithful followers, subscribe our names to this simple statement that it may, though hidden from our view in the darkness of the sealed stone, be always remembered as a solemn reminder of the darkness of the tomb neverless a comforting assurance of a triumphant resurrection - knowing that as it lies hid in the stone, our lives are hid with Christ in God.

And now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding great joy to the only wise God, our savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever and ever, Amen"

The church in Bridgeport was on its way into the Twentieth Century under the leadership of its faithful elders and deacons. Since its inception 25 years earlier, there had never been a located minister, but faithful brethren kept the preaching and teaching of the Gospel between visits from several Evangelists, some of whom were W. Lane, W.B Craig, D. Belding, S.B. Moore, T.D Garvin. Bro. Darsie, I.C Mitchell, J.F Rowe, Bro. Lockhart, Bro. Bagdy, R.W Singer, W. Monroe and W.D Campbell. The Bridgeport church was growing with a membership of 100 by 1900.

At the Sunday morning service, February 12, 1900, while occupying his place on the platform shortly before worship commenced, Elder Charles Abercrombie was stricken with apoplexy (rupture of an artery producing a clot in the brain). He was assisted to his home where he lingered until 2:23 a.m. February 15. Shortly before his death, his son, Charles, mentioned that his pulse was strong. "Yes", he replied ", strong for Jesus". At the age of 80, Bro. Elder Charles Abercrombie gently fell asleep surrounded by his family. Now, Sylvester Pike along with Brothers Alexander and young Charles Abercrombie would lead the congregation.

The Bridgeport church would continue in its Mutual-Edification tradition until 1974 when they would hire their first full-time preacher, thus ending the century-old tradition. A famous evangelist, Daniel Sommer, who was not only opposed to a located preacher, but also opposed Christian colleges and degreed "clergy", visited Bridgeport often over the next thirty five years. Sommer was in the process of holding a three-week meeting in September 1901, when an anarchist, Leon Czolgosz shot President William Mckinley, on September 6. Mckinley did not die from the wound until September 14. Theodore Roosevelt became President and declared September 19, 1901, the date of Mckinley's funeral, "as a day of Mourning and Prayer and recommended that all the people assemble in their places of worship and bow in submission to the Will of Almighty God". The church complied with Presidents Roosevelt's request and at 2:30 that afternoon Bro. Sommer delivered a lesson of which a summary appeared the next day in the Telegraph Union Newspaper (the Connecticut Post). From that evening through September 25 there were six baptisms.

Over the next two decades, no major events occurred at the Bridgeport church. Every year two or three evangelists would come to speak and lead meetings to proclaim and study the Bible. These brethren preached the Word during the first twenty years of the Twentieth Century: Daniel Sommer, Stephen Settle, Paul Mackey, Fred Sommer, B. Huddleston, Austin Sommer, A Joynes, C.F Ladd and E.M Zerr. All of the evangelists would receive room and board while they were here along with travel expenses. Most came by train, some with their families.

The nations had been dragged into the Great World War in 1917. Six young men in the Bridgeport church would serve their country. They were Leslie Abercromboe, Charles Bromley, Arther Bullock, Herbert Murry, Chester Taylor, and Wilford Wright. Armistice was achieved November 11, 1918, two days too late for Brother Charles Bromley who was reported "killed in action" on November 9, 1918. Being a soldier of the Cross having preceded his being a soldier of the United States had prepared him for Eternity. Many members purchased and donated a plaque to honor both Charles Bromley and the other young men who had served God and Country.

When the Roaring 20's arrived, the Bridgeport church had a growing active Sunday School, which was now referred to, as the Bible School. Names like. Tomlinson, Weed, Wheeler, and Arther Pike would be recognized as present day leaders of the congregation along with Elders and Deacons.

In December, 1923 the meeting of the church recognized some erring members as "a body of digressive" and determined the need to bolster their Articles of Association with some additional clauses. Resulting in 1925 with these proposals: "to inquire into the legal status of the church organization with a view to protecting its property for loyal disciples," and a bill incorporating such clauses "as shalfully protect a church organization holding particular views and beliefs as those help by the loyal churches of Christ".

Nearly Twenty years after the passing of Bro. Elder Charles Abercrombie, his son, Charles, was appointed elder in 1919. His son, along with Bro. Elder Sylvester Pike no Shepherd the congregation as Pike and the older Abercrombie had for over 20 years. Howerver, Charles passed away in October 1921, again leaving Sylvester Pike the only shepherd. On December 2, 1926, the late Bro. Elder Charles Abercrombie's other son, Alexander, was appointed elder to serve with Bro. Elder Pike, who was now 86 years of age, These two served as shepherds to the Bridgeport church until Sylvester died on March 7, 1930

Evangelists H. Hinds, J. Hall, W. Burcher, E. Zerr, and E. Buttram would all visit and serve the church. The record also indicated that on Sunday, January 9, 1927 at the regular quarterly business meeting, there were female members present who participated in voting on motions made.

Singing practice and instruction was provided by two of the brethren and a sister, Bessie Bullock, in the Fall of 1927 to be followed up by "engaging" Mr. Brabner to give singing instructions in January 1928. The brethren allowed the Temperance Union to use the building for a lecture in 1929 to support Prohibition Laws.

In the 1930's, several of our elderly members today were children and would be raised in the Bridgeport church. All would obey the Gospel and become faithful members. Some would be married in the building.

Brother Huddleston had been working with the congregation since the Fall of 1929 and was about to move in August 1930. The congregation sought to find another "visiting" evangelist and secured the services of Bro. Edward Buttram who stayed for several years with two or three other evangelists being engaged each year with him. The congregation was evolving toward having a located preacher without calling him such.

In June 1938, the following Article would be adopted as an amendment to the church's Articles of Association

"Be it resolved that following Article be adopted as an amendment to the Articles of Association of this Corporation in lieu of Article 1 now in force and as a provision relative to the government of the affairs of the Church
Article 1 (a) In the conduct of the affairs of this church corporation, the name shall henceforth be the First Church of Christ of Bridgeport in order to conform to Articles of Association are filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Bridgeport, January 18, 1892.

(b) On and after date, the officers of the church who are Elders and Deacons and while holding said office, shall be and are the Trustees of the Corporation, and the said Trustees shall hold legal title to the church building or buildings and land, and to any other real property belonging to the church.

(c) If at any time there are less than tree officers of the congregation living and qualified to ask, the congregation may elect other members of the congregation to be Trustees, to bring the number of Trustees up to three.

(d) All members of legal age (21) shall be entitled to vote for Trustees, on occasions of necessity as prescribed above, provided that they shall have attended the regular Lord's Day service and communion at least four times during the twelve months preceding and these four times consists of at least once in each quarterly periods of said months.

Dated at Bridgeport, this 20th day of July 1938."


Several evangelists including Brother Burcher, Roady, Harrington, Buttram, Sommer, Hastings, Reedy, Cox, Wallace, Settle, Bales, Joynes and Shasteen would server the congregation throughout the thirties. Doris Wheeler (Brewer) and Frances Boerum (Elizeus) who had been raised in the congregation would both become baptized believers during this decade. In 1937 a "colored" sister moved into the Bridgeport area and placed membership. Beatrice Curtis would be the first Black member of the congregation. Sister Curtis would remain faithfully involved until her passing in the early 90's

At the end of the thirties, most of Europe was engaged in what we now recognize as World War II. Bro. Elder Alexander Abercrombie would pass into Eternity in 1939 becoming the last man to serve the Bridgeport church as and Elder for almost 60 years.

The church would enter the Forties under the leadership of men like Arther Pike, Fred Weed, Harry Wheeler, and Wilford Write. Fanny Pike, daughter of Arther Pike and granddaughter of Brother Elder Sylvester Pike would be baptized by Evangelist Brucher in July 1940. Louise Robinson would move to Bridgeport from Grafton, W.V. in 1940, and placing membership. Louise would marry Russell Kensler in 1940 and together they would server the congregation faithfully. The early Forties would bring Evangelists MacNeil, Wickman and Freedman to work with the congregation. Due to the United States becoming involved in World War II, several young men would be locating to Bridgeport along with many sisters in Christ who would accompany their husbands who were stationed in the area. These men were here as employees of the U.S Government in the Defense factories. One of the young men, Alton Brewer, would marry Doris Wheeler in 1945. Evangelist Robert Brumback would marry them. The Brewer's have been faithful dedicated members here to the present day.

In July 1943, both Evelyn and Carolyn Bullock would be baptized by Bro. Brumback. Also, their father, Arther Bullock would place his membership with the Bridgeport church and become an active, servant of the congregation until his death shortly before his 98th birthday in 1991. Evelyn Bullock would marry Richard (Dick) Watt in 1954. Evelyn and Dick are faithful members here in Trumbull today, along with their children and grand children.

Frances Boerum, another lifelong member would marry Paul Elizeus in November of 1956. Active throughout the years this family would also bring their children and grand children to this body of believers.

One of the sisters who would find herself in Bridgeport with her husband because of World War II was Ann Wheeler who in 1943 was received into the Bridgeport fellowship from Georgia. Ann and her husband Wiley still worship with the congregation today. It is and always has been encouraging to know that members of the church of Christ seek out the church wherever they relocate. Another sister, Estelle O'Connell would find herself in Bridgeport in 1946. Estelle would teach Bible classes for many years. One of her three sons, David would preach for the Farmington church from 1978 through 1995. Estelle lives in Florida now and David is presently in Rome, GA.

Brother Robert Brumback would lead the congregation from 1942 through 1946 as its preacher. the mutual edification attitude seemed to be waning, but after 1946, several more Evangelists would server the Bridgeport church. Some were Bros. Roberts, Uland, Weems, Hensley, Boren, Duncan, Woofard, Crum and Higginbotham.

In the late 40's there was a push among the brethern to increase attendance at Bible classes. Improvements to the basement classroom area were accomplished, and an advertising campaign began. Signs were posted in grocery stores, at gas stations, in area hotels, and at both the YMCA and YWCA. Also, small chairs and a table for younger children were requested. At this time, the practice of all members being invited to participate in the Business Meetings of the church continued.

In December 1948, the Bridgeport church would begin a mission work in Meriden, CT. The group would send Bros. Crum, Pike and Write over the fourteen months to meet with some members in the YMCA in that city. It appears that on Feb. 5, 1950, that effort ceased to be supported and promoted. The congregation was also involved with purchasing, repairing, and maintaining typewriters and duplicating machines to produce the bulletin. Building repairs and maintenance continued on and usually occupied many minutes and sometimes hours of discussion at the Congregational" Business meetings. Some things never change.

The congregation closed the decade of the Forties "in the red" financially as their contributions were less than their expenses. However, because of previous years' excesses, the work went on into the 1950's.

As the church stepped into the second half of the 20th Century, it was still using the visiting evangelist method. Names like Bullock, Weed, Brewer, and Wright were leading the congregation between the evangelists whose services would cost the church $2,597.24 for 1950-51. The records indicate that a "caretaker" of the building was receiving an annual stipend. Advertising costs for the church began to receive a much lower portion of the annual budget. A very unique quality of the Bridgeport church from its very inception to the present hour is that it has always been self-supporting. Evangelism and Benevolence has also been a part of its personality. Records show that in 1954, the brethren assisted the New Haven work financially.

By this time, the building, being over half a century old, had had two new roofs and two new furnaces. with the church growing and having no room to really expand, the congregation considered looking to relocate in the city. In October, 1958, when the Christian Scientist building on Maplewood Ave. came up for sale, the Bridgeport church set out to purchase it. The building was bought in March 1959 for $31,000. The old building on William Street was sold for $15,000 and $7,500 was borrowed from Connecticut National Bank. The church had the balance of the purchase price in its treasury. The new location promised opportunity for growth and outreach to the community. Classrooms were constructed in the basement of the building at a cost of $3,100.

With a new building, a new location, and a renewed desire to grow and evangelize, the Bridgeport church entered the decade of the 60's. The congregation was spending several thousand dollars annually in mission work as well as supporting its own evangelists, and Vacation Bible School was an annual event.

Local brothers continued to share the work of preaching every Lord's Day morning and evening with Evangelists Benham, Bolin, Scott.

In the early sixties, there was much discussion about appointing elders. Bible study on the topic ensued and some men were suggested but never did these efforts evolve into appointments.

At this time in the congregation's history these surnames appear in most records of the Business Meetings of the church: Bailey, Brainard, Brewer, Bullock, Cole, Curtis, Elizeus, Jones, Kensler, Lichac, MacNeil, Metz, Murphy, Perkins, Sturrock, Watt, Weed, Wheeler and Wright.

The congregation had grown into the 70's with an attendance of nearly 100. The congregation had done much work in the community. The outreach included using the basement of the building to give a place for the area youth to get together and socialize. Also, the ladies had done much to provide hand-made toys and puppets to children who were in the hospital. Then, nearly 100 years after the congregation's inception, tragedy struck. On the evening of January 14, 1972, fire destroyed the church building. The official cause of the blaze was listed as arson. Many local church groups reached out to help the brethren in Bridgeport by offering the use of their meeting places. The fire and loss of the building would place the brethren into a rented facility, the Odd Fellows Hall in Stratford, until 1978. The church received several thousand dollars from the sale of the Maplewood lot, and from the insurance on the building. Financially, things looked good, but without a building and no full-time leader, the congregation diminished numerically. Then in 1973, the brethren contacted a man in Melrose, Massachusetts. Bill Hance was asked if he would be interested in moving to Bridgeport to help the now struggling congregation. At first, Bill declined the offer, but, after a few hours, called back to say he would be interested.

In February 1974, Bill and Mary Frances Hance moved to Connecticut and Bill became the first "located" minister. The church purchased a property at 90 Williams Road, Trumbull, and a house where Bill and Mary Frances would live. The purchase price was $42,900.

Being a excellent role model and a good leader, Bill was able to restore growth and to give direction to the congregation. Bill's abilities brought many unto obedience to the Lord. In 1976, the congregation had about 60 attending and asked the Town of Trumbull for a variance in order to use the basement of the house on Williams Road on Sunday and Wednesday evenings for meetings. The request was overwhelmingly denied. However, "all things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called accordingly to His purpose" because days later, the property the present building occupies came up for sale. The property has 1.05 acres with a split-level house on it. The Trustees for the church submitted a sealed bid to the State (as it was stated-owned property) in April for $50,250 which was eventually accepted in November when the transaction took place.

The church was on its way to Trumbull after being orphaned from its own meeting place for nearly 5 years. The Williams Road residence would be sold, the house on 54 Valley Road (renamed Drew Circle) and plans would begin to construct a church building on the southern end of the lot.

The 80's entered with Bro. Bill entering retirement within a few years. So, in 1981, the congregation invited and employed Bro. John Cooper who, with his wife Holly and their two children Deborah and Stephen came to work with the older, experienced preacher, Bill Hance. John, who came from a family whose father and brother were also preachers had been the preacher for a congregation in Guam. Bill, though not an Elder had the qualities that served the congregation in that capacity, and John was instrumental in bringing new ideas that would result in Bible School attendance like was never seen in the history of this congregation. Holly Copper, who was expecting their third child when they moved to Trumbull, gave birth to a son, David that same year.

Gospel meetings, youth rallies, and a solid educational program for the church resulted in growth and harmony. Vacation Bible School was a yearly event and often attracted over 100 children, These ministries resulted in many from diverse backgrounds being added to the Lord's church. The wonderful combination of John's youth and Bill's experience caused sufficient growth to require plans for an addition to the building in 1984. The addition would increase the auditorium to accommodate 225 and provide seven new classrooms and a large multi-windowed office. The parking lot was also enlarged. On April 13, 1984, the congregation changed its legal name to Church of Christ, Trumbull, Inc.

In 1985 Bro. Bill and Sis. Mary Frances Hance left Connecticut, and moved to Oklahoma City, Ok. They would be greatly missed but the congregation had been developed to the point that under a new generation of leaders, it would continue to grow. Our beloved Bro. Bill Hance passed away Saturday morning, July 24, 1993 in Fort Worth Texas. Mary Frances continues to reside in Texas.

During John Copper's tenure as preacher and spiritual leader, the church in Trumbull would reach a regular attendance of 140. Years later, John would become very involved in mission work in Russia (formerly the Soviet Union). The Trumbull church supported John and others on many trips to Russia to preach to the people hungry for the Gospel of Christ. These trips resulted in many baptisms and the formation of regular meetings of Russian believers. John and his family would continue to mature and grow the congregation and after 12 years of service in Trumbull moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in September 1993. As their predecessors, the Hances were missed, so too the Copper Family. "Paul planted, Appolos watered, but God gives the increase." Just as had been the truth in Corinth nineteen centuries earlier, so now in Trumbull.

The congregation would seek out a brother to work with them. In February, 1994, Brother Mark Gage and his wife, Donna, would come to labor with the Trumbull church. The Gages had a son, Jeffery born to them in the Fall of 1995. Their tenure would be brief, but because of Mark's training in counseling, many were strengthened and encouraged. the Gage Family left Trumbull in October, 1996 and moved to Tennessee.

In October 1996, the church in Trumbull was 100 years beyond the building of its first meeting house on William and Stillman Streets in Bridgeport with no located preacher. A committee of men would poll the congregation, determine its goals and direction and seek out a leader who would help them grow and mature into the 21st Century. The brethern invited Gary Babcock to consider the work here in November of 1996. Gary, with his wife Suzanne, arrived in Trumbull on April 12, 1997. Together they would continue the work with the remnant of the Bridgeport church and all the new brothers and sisters who have been brought to Jesus since it has been Trumbull.

To God be the Glory!!


SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS CONGREGATION


* The congregation served the fruit of the vine of the Lord's supper in two chalices from 1874 - 1930's

* "Oh Happy day" was the hymn sung after each baptism.

* The church went from congregational to men's, to congregational, to men's to congregational, and back to men's business meetings during its first 120 years.

* The congregation had an eldership from 1880 - 1939

* The hymn writer, Fanny Crosby is buried in the grave exactly in front of Bro. Elder Sylvester Pike in Mountain Grove Cemetery.

* This congregation is the longest continuing congregation in New England second only to Unity, Maine (1859)

* Sister Nettie Wheeler (Doris Brewer's mother) was in charge of sending flowers to ill members, Doris servers in that capacity today.

* The church had picnics and parties at Beardsly park very often.

* The church provided room, board, and clothing for an aged brother for nearly 10 years.

* A new furnace with an automatic coal stoker was installed in March 1928.

* Before the church could sell their building on Stillman and Williams Streets, they had to remove the clause "No Mechanical instruments of music shall be brought into this meeting house."

* All minutes prior to 1980's were carefully and accurately written by hand.

* Bill Hance and Frank Farr (preacher from Rochester, N.H.) drove to Texas to purchase church pews for the building in Trumbull. They drove a rental truck home and stored the pews in the Hances garage until the building was completed.
 

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