Eliphalet Adams
1708-1753

    He is the last minister settled by the town.  Called "the father of all the Indian Missionary work done in his neighborhood."  Pastor of the Uncas family, and was responsible for the opening of the Indian schools at Lyme among the Niantics (or "Nehantics"), and at Groton among the Pequots, for he could speak their language.

    Twice appointed to preach the election sermon before the Connecticut Legislature, 1710 and 1733.  Under Mr. Adams, "a happy revival in 1721, the period of deepest darkness in New England."  The third daughter church organized in the North Parish, now Montville, 1722.

    Mr. Adams was offered the presidency of Yale College in 1724, but declined at the request of the town(!).  Was a trustee of Yale from 1720-1740.

    St. James' Episcopal Church founded in 1725.  First Ecclesiastical Society of New London formed January 23rd, 1726-7, to transact the business of the church, rather than the Town Meeting.  With the advent of other denominations (Baptist Church in Waterford, 1726), the Town ceases to be the (Congregational) Parish.

    The church preserves an even keel during the emotional excesses of the Great Awakening, at its height from 1741-1743.  82 members are added to the church in 1741.  Samson Occum converted, influential apostle to the Indians.  Defection of the Separates (New Lights) and the establishment of The Shepherd's Tent (Truman St. near Blinman), New London's only "theological seminary."  The Burning of the Books (at the head of Hallam st.) takes place on March 6, 1743.  George Whitefield preaches in New London in 1745 and again in 1763.

    On September 3rd, 1742, the church by vote adopts its official name: The First Church of Christ in New London.  The church is repaired and enlarged, and a new bell (the 3rd) is hung in the renovated belfry in 1746.  Mr. Adams is active in Connecticut pioneer home missionary movement to Rhode Island.  Timothy Green a notable New London printer, publishes ten sermons of Mr. Adams - still extant.

    In the interim between Mr. Adams and Mr. Byles, services are conducted by deacons, neighboring ministers, and the Rev. William Adams, eldest son of the late pastor.