April 15, 2022
Wapping Community Church |
When we talk about historical buildings in town, we tend to focus on Old Main Street, and overlook the rich history scattered throughout the other areas of South Windsor. This Musing from Main looks at the Wapping section of town, and specifically the Wapping Community Church, which would have been the early colonial residents, central social organization. |
|
|
The Settlement of Wapping
"Bissell Farms"
|
|
|
| Originally called Bissell Farms, there were houses in this area, approximately 3 miles east of the Connecticut River, by 1700. At some point early in its history, Bissell Farms became the settlement of Wapping, named after a district in London, and by the 1760s residents were petitioning the colonial legislature to allow them to establish a parish. Finally, after several denials, in 1765, Wapping community members were allowed "winter privileges." |
|
|
“Winter privileges” allowed residents the right to employ a minister through the winter months. "Their petition stated there were two hundred souls and thirty-two families. Prior to obtaining these privileges, they had to travel 4 ½ miles to the Main Street Church, 'through the wilderness.'" Dr. Matthew Rockwell, a practiced physician became their first minister. (Wapping, pg.5) |
Pictured right Bicentennial Quilt Square #8, image of Wapping Community Church by Mrs. Gail Woodard, Friends of WML Online Exhibit |
| |
|
Black and white photograph of the carriage shed that used to stand behind Wapping Community Church so that congregants could shelter their horses during services. ca.1915-1935 Object ID number 2016.45.13 |
| Home to Many Different Services The bones of the current Wapping Community Church, date from around 1800 when it was built as a joint meeting house for Congregationalists and Methodists, although they held separate services. Much later, in the 1960's South Windsor's Jewish residents formed Congregation Beth Hillel, and held services for 4 years in the church, before building their first temple in 1964 on Foster Street Extension. |
| Baptist Church, Main St. Upper part of steeple removed by Albert and Ward Stiles to take out bell which was then put in the Wapping Community church. ca.1880-1930 Object ID number1998.14.353 |
|
|
Photo postcard of the Old Wapping Cemetery behind Wapping Community Church, before the gravestones were rearranged in the 1930s by members of the WPA. The caption on the card reads, "Cemetery, over 150 years old, Wapping, Conn. 44". ca. 1915-1925 Object ID number 2016.45.11 |
| The old Wapping Cemetery located behind the church contains graves dating from before the Revolutionary War. Molley Mohawk, a 28 years old Indigenous woman, was the first person to be buried in the Wapping Cemetery in 1766. |
|
|
Postcard of Wapping Community Church. Image is a reproduction of an original watercolor painting by South Windsor Artist Frank MacDonald. (1915-2008) |
During the second half of the 20th century, the center of town shifted from Main Street to the Wapping area, specifically the five corners area, where Wapping Community Church is still located.
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Wapping Community Church you can search our online database and make an appointment with our archivist, Leith Johnson, to view any of the documents or images that are not already online. If you would like to learn more about the present day Wapping Community Church and their activities please visit their website. |
Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested. |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
