Timothy Cutler
Encyclopedia
Timothy Cutler was an American Episcopal clergyman and rector
of Yale College
.
, a descendant of Robert Cutler who settled there prior to October 28, 1636. His father was Major John Cutler, an anchor
smith, and his mother, Martha Wiswall. Both his father and grandfather opposed the government formed after the overthrow of Edmund Andros
, an early colonial governor
in North America, and head of the short-lived Dominion of New England
in 1689. Although severely penalized, they refused to subscribe to the government until it had received royal sanction. His ancestors' tendency to conform to the established order suggests a reason for Timothy's subsequent conversion to the Church of England
.
, and on January 11, 1709/10, having come from Massachusetts to Connecticut
with the recommendation of being "one of the best preachers both colonies afforded", he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church
in Stratford
.
On March 21, 1710/11, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Samuel Andrew
of Milford, Connecticut
, then acting rector of Yale College. Cutler served his parish acceptably until March 1718/19 when, conditions at Yale College calling imperatively for a resident rector, he undertook that office at the request of the trustees, his appointment being formally approved in September. Although his father-in-law was doubtless instrumental in securing his appointment, Cutler was in general well-fitted for the position, being "an excellent Linguist
", a "good Logician, Geographer, and Rhetoric
ian", while "in the Philosophy
& Metaphysics
& Ethics of his Day or juvenile Education he was great. . . . He was of an high, lofty, & despotic mien. He made a grand figure as the Head of a College".
The new rectorship opened auspiciously and an era of prosperity seemed at hand when, on September 13, 1722, the rector, with Tutor Daniel Browne and several Congregational clergymen, met with the trustees, declared themselves doubtful of the validity of their ordination, and asked advice with regard to entering the Church of England. Upon request they made a written statement of their position, and the meeting was adjourned for a month. In the meantime Governor Saltonstall arranged a public debate on the matter, held October 16, as a result of which, on the following day, at a special meeting of the trustees, it was voted to "excuse the Rev. Mr. Cutler from all further services as Rector of Yale College", and it was provided that all future rectors and tutors should declare to the trustees their assent to the Saybrook Confession of Faith, and give satisfaction as to their opposition to "Arminian and prelatical corruptions."
Contemporary evidence indicates that Cutler was never wholeheartedly a Dissenter, that he had been converted to Episcopalianism
when at Stratford by John Checkley, and that in spite of this fact had accepted the rectorship of a Congregational college, publicly declaring what he had privately believed only when a desirable place in the Established Church was assured him.
, where he was ordained by the Bishop of Norwich
in March 1723, and received the degree of D.D. from both Oxford University and Cambridge University, Cutler became rector of the newly formed Christ Church
, Boston
. Here he remained until his death, one of the leading Episcopal clergymen of New England
, full of polemic spirit, venerated for his learning, but too haughty in manner to be popular. He founded the church at Dedham
and took care of Christ Church, Braintree
. He was a high Tory
, intolerant of Dissenters, and a militant defender of the rights of his fellow believers. With Rev. Samuel Myles of King's Chapel he laid claim to a seat on the Board of Overseers of Harvard, as a minister of the Episcopal Church in Boston, maintaining that he was a "teaching elder" as required by the college charter. Both the Overseers and General Court decided against him. He never ceased to urge the appointment of a bishop
for the American colonies. With the exception of four sermons, two preached before the Connecticut General Assembly
, May 9, 1717, and Oct. 18, 1719, he left no published works.
His daughter, Elizabeth Hilton Cutler, was married to Roger Sherman
's father William on July 15, 1714, by Rev. Simon Bradstreet; and Cutler then married Roger's mother Mehitabel (Sweetman) Wellington on September 13, 1715 in Watertown, Massachusetts Bay Colony
; their marriage was performed by Jonas Bond, a Justice of the Peace.
on August 17.
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
of Yale College
Yale College
Yale College was the official name of Yale University from 1718 to 1887. The name now refers to the undergraduate part of the university. Each undergraduate student is assigned to one of 12 residential colleges.-Residential colleges:...
.
Family background
Cutler was born in Charlestown, MassachusettsCharlestown, Massachusetts
Charlestown is a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States, and is located on a peninsula north of downtown Boston. Charlestown was originally a separate town and the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; it became a city in 1847 and was annexed by Boston on January 5, 1874...
, a descendant of Robert Cutler who settled there prior to October 28, 1636. His father was Major John Cutler, an anchor
Anchor
An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, that is used to connect a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the vessel from drifting due to wind or current. The word derives from Latin ancora, which itself comes from the Greek ἄγκυρα .Anchors can either be temporary or permanent...
smith, and his mother, Martha Wiswall. Both his father and grandfather opposed the government formed after the overthrow of Edmund Andros
Edmund Andros
Sir Edmund Andros was an English colonial administrator in North America. Andros was known most notably for his governorship of the Dominion of New England during most of its three-year existence. He also governed at various times the provinces of New York, East and West Jersey, Virginia, and...
, an early colonial governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
in North America, and head of the short-lived Dominion of New England
Dominion of New England
The Dominion of New England in America was an administrative union of English colonies in the New England region of North America. The dominion was ultimately a failure because the area it encompassed was too large for a single governor to manage...
in 1689. Although severely penalized, they refused to subscribe to the government until it had received royal sanction. His ancestors' tendency to conform to the established order suggests a reason for Timothy's subsequent conversion to the Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
.
Early life
When seventeen years old, Cutler graduated from Harvard CollegeHarvard College
Harvard College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of two schools within Harvard University granting undergraduate degrees...
, and on January 11, 1709/10, having come from Massachusetts to Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
with the recommendation of being "one of the best preachers both colonies afforded", he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church
Congregational church
Congregational churches are Protestant Christian churches practicing Congregationalist church governance, in which each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs....
in Stratford
Stratford, Connecticut
Stratford is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, located on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River. It was founded by Puritans in 1639....
.
On March 21, 1710/11, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Samuel Andrew
Samuel Andrew
Samuel Andrew was an American Congregational clergyman and educator. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He served as the rector of Yale University between 1707 and 1719.-Notes:...
of Milford, Connecticut
Milford, Connecticut
Milford is a coastal city in southwestern New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located between Bridgeport and New Haven. The population was 52,759 at the 2010 census...
, then acting rector of Yale College. Cutler served his parish acceptably until March 1718/19 when, conditions at Yale College calling imperatively for a resident rector, he undertook that office at the request of the trustees, his appointment being formally approved in September. Although his father-in-law was doubtless instrumental in securing his appointment, Cutler was in general well-fitted for the position, being "an excellent Linguist
Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. Linguistics can be broadly broken into three categories or subfields of study: language form, language meaning, and language in context....
", a "good Logician, Geographer, and Rhetoric
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of discourse, an art that aims to improve the facility of speakers or writers who attempt to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. As a subject of formal study and a productive civic practice, rhetoric has played a central role in the Western...
ian", while "in the Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
& Metaphysics
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world, although the term is not easily defined. Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms:...
& Ethics of his Day or juvenile Education he was great. . . . He was of an high, lofty, & despotic mien. He made a grand figure as the Head of a College".
The new rectorship opened auspiciously and an era of prosperity seemed at hand when, on September 13, 1722, the rector, with Tutor Daniel Browne and several Congregational clergymen, met with the trustees, declared themselves doubtful of the validity of their ordination, and asked advice with regard to entering the Church of England. Upon request they made a written statement of their position, and the meeting was adjourned for a month. In the meantime Governor Saltonstall arranged a public debate on the matter, held October 16, as a result of which, on the following day, at a special meeting of the trustees, it was voted to "excuse the Rev. Mr. Cutler from all further services as Rector of Yale College", and it was provided that all future rectors and tutors should declare to the trustees their assent to the Saybrook Confession of Faith, and give satisfaction as to their opposition to "Arminian and prelatical corruptions."
Contemporary evidence indicates that Cutler was never wholeheartedly a Dissenter, that he had been converted to Episcopalianism
Anglicanism
Anglicanism is a tradition within Christianity comprising churches with historical connections to the Church of England or similar beliefs, worship and church structures. The word Anglican originates in ecclesia anglicana, a medieval Latin phrase dating to at least 1246 that means the English...
when at Stratford by John Checkley, and that in spite of this fact had accepted the rectorship of a Congregational college, publicly declaring what he had privately believed only when a desirable place in the Established Church was assured him.
Later life
After a visit to LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, where he was ordained by the Bishop of Norwich
Bishop of Norwich
The Bishop of Norwich is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Norwich in the Province of Canterbury.The diocese covers most of the County of Norfolk and part of Suffolk. The see is in the City of Norwich where the seat is located at the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided...
in March 1723, and received the degree of D.D. from both Oxford University and Cambridge University, Cutler became rector of the newly formed Christ Church
Old North Church
Old North Church , at 193 Salem Street, in the North End of Boston, is the location from which the famous "One if by land, and two if by sea" signal is said to have been sent...
, Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
. Here he remained until his death, one of the leading Episcopal clergymen of New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, full of polemic spirit, venerated for his learning, but too haughty in manner to be popular. He founded the church at Dedham
Dedham, Massachusetts
Dedham is a town in and the county seat of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 24,729 at the 2010 census. It is located on Boston's southwest border. On the northwest it is bordered by Needham, on the southwest by Westwood and on the southeast by...
and took care of Christ Church, Braintree
Braintree, Massachusetts
The Town of Braintree is a suburban city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Although officially known as a town, Braintree adopted a municipal charter, effective 2008, with a mayor-council form of government and is considered a city under Massachusetts law. The population was 35,744...
. He was a high Tory
Tory
Toryism is a traditionalist and conservative political philosophy which grew out of the Cavalier faction in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It is a prominent ideology in the politics of the United Kingdom, but also features in parts of The Commonwealth, particularly in Canada...
, intolerant of Dissenters, and a militant defender of the rights of his fellow believers. With Rev. Samuel Myles of King's Chapel he laid claim to a seat on the Board of Overseers of Harvard, as a minister of the Episcopal Church in Boston, maintaining that he was a "teaching elder" as required by the college charter. Both the Overseers and General Court decided against him. He never ceased to urge the appointment of a bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
for the American colonies. With the exception of four sermons, two preached before the Connecticut General Assembly
Connecticut General Assembly
The Connecticut General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is a bicameral body composed of the 151-member House of Representatives and the 36-member Senate. It meets in the state capital, Hartford. There are no term limits for either chamber.During...
, May 9, 1717, and Oct. 18, 1719, he left no published works.
His daughter, Elizabeth Hilton Cutler, was married to Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman was an early American lawyer and politician, as well as a founding father. He served as the first mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, and served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, and was also a representative and senator in the new republic...
's father William on July 15, 1714, by Rev. Simon Bradstreet; and Cutler then married Roger's mother Mehitabel (Sweetman) Wellington on September 13, 1715 in Watertown, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was an English settlement on the east coast of North America in the 17th century, in New England, situated around the present-day cities of Salem and Boston. The territory administered by the colony included much of present-day central New England, including portions...
; their marriage was performed by Jonas Bond, a Justice of the Peace.
Veneration
Cutler is honored together with Samuel Johnson and Thomas Bradbury Chandler with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA)Calendar of saints (Episcopal Church in the United States of America)
The veneration of saints in the Episcopal Church is a continuation of an ancient tradition from the early Church which honors important people of the Christian faith. The usage of the term "saint" is similar to Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Those in the Anglo-Catholic tradition may...
on August 17.
Further reading
- William S. Perry, Historical Collections Relating to the American Colonial Church (1870) and John Nichols, Illustrations of the Lit. History of the Eighteenth Century (1822) contain Cutler letters
- Henry W. Foote, Annals of King's Chapel (1882–96) is rich in references
- Nahum S. Cutler, A Cutler Memorial and Geneal. History (1889)
- Richard Frothingham, History of Charlestown, Mass., no. 5 (1847)
- Edwin Oviatt, The Beginnings of Yale (1916)
- Samuel Orcutt, History of the Old Town of Stratford and the City of Bridgeport, Conn. (1886)
- Justin Winsor, Memorial History of Boston, vol. II (1881)
- E. E. Beardsley, History of the Episc. Church in Connecticut (1866)
- William S. Perry, History of the American Episc. Church (1885)
- William B. Sprague, Annals of the American Pulpit, vol. V (1859)
- Henry Burroughs, An Historical Account of Christ Church, Boston (1874)
- Asa Eaton, Historical Account of Christ Church, Boston (1824)