Historian's Page   

    While researching the church history for documentation in the 1920’s and 30’s, I came upon the 1932 Church Manual.  The manual, for those of you who may not know, is a published pamphlet that first provides a brief history of the church, and depending upon the time period, provides the Creed and Confession of Faith, Covenant, Baptismal Covenant, and Standing Rules. It also provided a list of pastors and deacons and the membership list updated since the last manual.  While working with the manual, I could not help but notice the quality of workmanship and professional presentation of the document.  The high quality of paper used and overall appearance of the document confirmed the obvious pride taken in preparing and providing it.  This, in itself ,is not extraordinary, however, the times were.

 Rev. Harold Lyon Arnold (Pastor 1928-1933) was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, July 22, 1888.  He graduated from the Bangor Theological Seminary and was ordained in Franklin, Connecticut, in 1926.  However, it was not until May 1, 1928, after being the fourth candidate heard that spring, that he was called to become the 19^th pastor in the 208 year history of the church.

After only five months as pastor, in October 1929 the economic prosperity of the 1920’s came to an abrupt end with the crash of the stock market, and the for the next nine years the United States would be mired in the deepest economic depression in its history.  By 1933 unemployment had soared to over 25 percent, which in 1929 was only 3.2 percent.  The industrial production of the country had declined by 50 percent and investments had fallen 98 percent.

During these great depression years, the church felt heavily the results of the economic conditions of the country.  In the curtailment of dividends from the invested funds, the church income was depleted.  For a time, closing the church was considered but not carried out.  Finally with no funds to support the salary of Rev. Arnold, he was asked to preach for $8.00 per Sunday.

After recognizing the facts of Pachaug life from 1929 to 1938, I was fully expecting to see the church records go silent for a decade or two as they have at times before and after this period.  This would prove to be far from the truth.  The depression years were undoubtedly poor ones for this church, but not idle ones.

In 1929 all needed repairs were made to the parsonage and a furnace was installed.  In 1930 electric lights were installed in the church and chapel and the old chandelier was remodeled for electricity.  The same year hardwood floors were laid in the sanctuary, and the new church Manual compiled by Rev. Arnold was updated and published in 1932 as a memorial to the late deacon, Samuel G. Norman, a great benefactor of the church. 

Due to the continuing inability to pay Rev. Arnold, he had found other work, and by the first of December 1933 he tendered his resignation.  (Mr. Arnold died in Seattle, WA, in 1959.)

It was just five months later that the Rev. E. O. Grisbrook of Wallingford, Connecticut, accepted the call, knowing full well the limitations of this pastorate.  He began his work here May 1, 1934.  Mr. Grisbrook was born in London, England, in 1866; educated at McGill University in Canada, and the Hartford Theological Seminary, ordained in Ontario, Canada, in 1893, entering the U.S. fellowship in 1894.  He served several New England churches, coming to Griswold from Deep River.  His other activities included watchmaker; jeweler, 1885-1889; Pres. Congregational Assn. Of Conn.1919-1924; curator of an Historic House in Wallingford 1932-1934.  He was married to Alberta Hull, Gowansville, Quebec, Canada, in 1895.  They had one daughter, Hilda (Ferris).

The parsonage had been electrified, a bathroom installed and other work done prior to his arrival here.  In October 1934 nearly 30 men of the church and community beautified the church grounds by planting shrubbery and maple trees.  This was undertaken at Mr. Grisbrook’s suggestion and with help from Prof. Wilkinson of Storr’s College (now known as the University of Connecticut).  In 1935 the chapel was re-shingled and interior redecorated.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 17th and 18th, 1935, the church held a celebration of the Tercentenary of the State of Connecticut hosting over 1,200 people the first day.  The address of the day was by the Hon. Hiram Bingham, a former U.S. Senator.  There were eight outdoor pageants, showing historical events in pantomime.  On Sunday a colonial church service was held with a large congregation present, many dressed in old-time costume.  A drum called the people to worship; two tithing men were on the platform.  A large choir sang the hymns and the anthem “Jerusalem.”  The Rev. C. H. Peck, former pastor, preached the sermon.  Noon lunch was enjoyed under the ancient oaks, according to old time custom.  The Rev. George Clark of Preston City, representing the mother church gave the afternoon address, and there were brief addresses of greetings from local churches.  Mr. Grisbrook’s closing thought was “There shall be one fold and one shepherd, and no denominational divisions.  If progress is to be made, all differences must be laid aside”.

The Centennial of the church building was observed September 9, 1936, in connection with the Six Church Conference.  Dr. Potter of Hartford gave the address of the morning, which was along historical lines.  In the afternoon, Miss Margery Brewster read an historical paper which she had prepared.  There were remarks by Rev. Clark of Preston City and the Rev. G. F. Good enough of Jewett City.  A silk flag was presented to the church during an impressive ceremony given by the Sedgwick Women’s Relief Corps. of Norwich.  By August of 1937 a new ceiling of material called NU-WOOD was installed in the sanctuary, covering the old stained plaster.

The depression would linger on another year.  However the proof of the history given here again and again sustains my belief that the proud processionals of power and arrogance fade away.  But the church remains, for the dear continuities of life are imperishable. The headlines of history have their day and cease to be, the fellowships of faith, of prayer, praise and worship are of the enduring.

Larry Beam, Church Historian

P.S.  As farmers in Oklahoma during the depression, my own family and their

church were making history.  It is referred to today as “The Dust Bowl”.

You are invited to attend!  Sunday Worship is at 11:00 a.m.
Communion is served the first Sunday of each month. 

(Open to all)