School History

 

 

Reverend John Smalley
(1734-1820)

A Founding Father of New Britain, Reverend Smalley served as Pastor of First Church of Christ for 50 years (1758-1809).

Smalley, was born in Columbia, CT on June 4, 1734. His father, an humble English weaver, who came to this country in early life, died while John was in college, and the latter decided to give up his studies, and assist in the support of the family left dependent, but he was advised to proceed with his studies being assisted by Dr. Wheelock, with whom he prepared for college, and by others. He graduated at Yale College in 1756, with Dr. Chandler Robbins and Dr. Simeon Strong, and immediately entered upon the study of theology with Rev. Joseph Bellamy, D.D., of Bethlehem. The next year he was licensed by the Litchfield South Association. In the autumn he came to New Britain, and preached for a few Sundays as “a probationer.” He was ordained and installed over the church April 19, 1758, the day the church was first organized. He married, April 24, 1764, Sarah Garnsey, of Bethlehem.

He soon won the confidence of the people, and also took a prominent position in Hartford South Association, of which he became a member. Though naturally of a cold nature and severe disposition, his relations with the church and society were cordial, and his opinions, particularly on theological matters, had much weight.