“It was on September 29, 1819, that people interested in the starting of the Sandwich Island mission gathered in the Goshen Congregational church to witness the ordination of Hiram Bingham and Asa Thurston.”
“In 1809 two native boys, Obookiah and Hopu, had come from the Sandwich Islands to study in this country. It was during a visit at the mission school in Cornwall, where these boys were studying, that Mr. Bingham and Mr. Thurston became interested in this work and began to think these people who were really ‘in the dark places of the earth.’ They graduated from Andover Theological Seminary in the spring of 1819, and in October of that year they sailed away to foreign lands.”
“The day of the Ordination was lovely, as Dr. A. C. Thompson says, ‘Never did the sun look down more brilliantly on our ample woodlands and our little lakes.’ Many strangers came to witness the inspiring scene, and the homes of all the old families of Goshen were hospitably thrown open to receive these guests.”
September 28, 1869, 50th Anniversary of the Ordination
“‘Of the Sandwich Islands’ mission, Goshen (CT) may not improperly be said to be the birthplace. Before the death of Obookiah, Dr. Harvey was one of those who became instrumental in giving form to the idea and purpose.”
“The Executive Committee of the agency, having in charge the Cornwall school, requested him to prepare a petition to the American Board, that they would send out a mission to the islands in question. Such a petition having been written accordingly, and signed by the committee, was duly presented.”
“In process of time the undertaking was resolved upon, and the Prudential Committee of the ABCFM, having appointed two young men as missionaries, requested the North Consociation of Litchfield County to perform the service of their ordination. …:
“‘Providence smiled noticeably in all circumstances of the ordination. The day was singularly clear, and the air unusually exhilarating. Never did the sun look down more brilliantly on our ample woodlands and our little lakes. The very brooks seemed to leap and foam in special excitement, Mohawk and Ivy Mountains, retouched with autumnal splendors, rose more majestic than ever. The hills clapped their hands.”
“A larger assembly than had ever congregated here thronged the old meeting-house. There were many outside who could find no accommodation within. Nearly all the Foreign Mission School were present; as also several students from the Andover Seminary, who afterwards became missionaries.”
“‘Strangers, too, from a distance were here, the honored and the excellent. There was Governor Treadwell, president of the American Board, firm and dignified. There was Doct. Samuel Worcester, the first Corresponding Secretary of the Board. Far-seeing, of sound judgment, and sound theological views, he was accounted one of the giants.”
“There was Jeremiah Evarts, treasurer of the American Board, and afterwards secretary; sagacious, statesmanly, earnest, Pauline in person and with the pen. The Prudential Committee of the Board also came on from Boston — quite a different journey then from what it is now.’”
“‘The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Heman Humphrey, who had been a theological pupil of Mr. Hooker in this place, and was afterwards President of Amherst College, from the words: ‘And there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.’ (Joshua xiii: 1.) It was quite in advance of the general spirit and sentiment of the times.’” (Hibbard, History of Goshen)
Humphrey “was also an early and an enthusiastic supporter of Christian Missions. He enjoyed the honor of preaching the sermon at the ordination of the first missionaries of the ABCFM to the Sandwich Islands—Rev. Hiram Bingham and Rev. Asa Thurston. … He was identified with almost every prominent organization in his day for the spread of the Gospel.” (Neill)
“‘Rev. Mr. Perry gave the charge in a manner peculiarly impressive, holding out the large pulpit Bible, and enjoining upon the young missionaries faithfully to follow the instructions of that book. Rev. Dr. Porter of Farmington gave the right hand of fellowship. That saintly man, Jeremiah Hallock, of Canton, offered the consecrating prayer. Father Mills led in the opening devotional exercise, and Dr. Worcester in the closing.’”
“‘Of the pieces sung on that occasion one was ‘Jesus shall Reign,’ one that will not become obsolete or distasteful till the predictions of Psalm seventy-second are fulfilled. But the tide of rising interest culminated at the close of the service. Without previous intimation the two consecrated young men stepped into the broad aisle, and with clear, strong, ringing voices — Thurston, tenor; Bingham, base; sung Melton Mowbray (‘Head of the Church Triumphant’).’”
“‘The effect was electrical. Those young missionaries were looked upon as martyrs. Some pictured them as finding their graves in the bottom of the ocean; some as meeting with death at the hands of savages; some as the welcomed heralds of glad tidings to isles waiting for God’s law, and for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Enthusiasm rose to the highest pitch. There are junctures when nothing but the voice of sacred song can either lift the soul to heights unattained before, or give utterance to its exalted emotions.’”
“‘Such a moment was that. The whole occasion is spoken of, by those now living who were present, as one of thrilling interest. For this region, at least, it was altogether novel. The children of some who were there have caught enthusiasm as they have seen the countenances of fathers and mothers almost transfigured with lofty feeling, while rehearsing that scene and noteworthy occurrences at the Sandwich Islands.’”
“‘The ordination of those first missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, with its antecedents and results, furnished in no inconsiderable measure the staple of conversation among religious circles throughout the county, but more especially here. Hearts and hands before closed were then opened. It was a temporary Christian normal school, an effective missionary institute. Goshen was that week one Bethel.’”
“‘The sentiments and feelings of the community were toned up to a level they had never reached before. It helped to make and keep this the banner town in missionary interest. In proportion to its number of inhabitants and valuation, more was at that time contributed here to the cause, and had been for ten years, than in any other town of the county, and perhaps of the country.’” (Hibbard, History of Goshen) (Asa Thurston had died on the field of his mission in 1868, and Hiram Bingham died a little over a month after the 50th anniversary celebration.)
“Within two weeks after the ordination in Goshen, the missionary company assembled in Boston, to receive their instructions and embark. There, in the vestry of Park Street Church, under the counsels of the officers of the Board, Dr. S. Worcester, Dr. J. Morse, J. Evarts, Esq., and others, the little pioneer band was, on the 15th of Oct., 1819, organized into a Church for transplantation. The members renewed their covenant, and publicly subscribed with their hands unto the Lord, and united in a joyful song.’ (O Happy Day That Fixed My Choice)”
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Wonderful. Wonderful…loved the mention of the mighty men and hymns sung. I knew ordinations were a big deal in those days. BTW Do you have a contact for anyone or Twigg-Smith who may oversee the Laniakea property here in Kailua Kona? Would greatly appreciate.