Edward Woolsey Bacon
1877-1886

    1878 - June - Weekly envelope offering system introduced.

    1879 - Deacon Ata Otis' legacy of funds eventually totaling $1,500,000.00 left to the A.B.C.F.M.; in part used to establish missions in Japan, China, Africa and Mexico; one important project being the founding of the Angola Mission in Portuguese West Africa in 1880.

    1879, May 18 - The Blackhall St. Mission School opened under auspices of this church, under leadership of John G. Crump and John C. Nichols; from 1887 to 1898, C. W. Chapin was superintendent.  Sunday School and preaching services held.  Mission closed in 1908.  Also, a free Parish Library made possible; available with opening of the Parish House.

    1880 - Church Improvement Society begun; organized as Mizpah Circle in 1894, and in 1907 took again its original name.  Original purpose to aid in building and furnishing the Parish House.  The Parish House is begun this year; pending completion, the lecture room of First Baptist Church used for 13 months - 1880-81.

Interesting note!

Much of the money needed for the new Parish House was raised by the women in the church.

    1881 - Parish House completed at a cost of over $15,000.00.  Occupied in September.  Site given by Leonard C. Learned; it housed the new Parish Library.

    1883 - Baptismal font placed in church in memory of Emily Chew by her husband, Horace Coit.

    1885 - The Rev. Edward K. Rawson, U.S.N., minister for six months during illness of Mr. Bacon.  Membership this year, 259.  Contributions for General Beneficence at home and abroad, $4,254.89; Gifts for Use in this Parish and City, $2,747.83.  Total aggregate ordinary contributions for the year, $7,002.72.

    1886 - The Young Ladies' Missionary Society organized.

    This year also marks the end of Mr. Bacon's ministry, for he resigns due to ill health.  An editorial in The New London Day, August 23rd, 1886, wrote: "His fine scholarship, his fearlessness, his kindness and consideration for the poor and unfortunate have endeared him to the hearts of New London people of all creeds and classes."