The next pastor to supply the spiritual needs of our church was Rev. David Ogden.  Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Oct. 6, 1792, Rev. Ogden moved with his parents first to Stratford and then to New Haven, in 1809.  His early religious training was due largely to his mother’s own earnest and sincere Christian beliefs, which she imparted on her son.  There was always a strong bond of affection between Jerusha Rockwell Ogden and her son.  At the age of 16, David Ogden united with the Center Church of New Haven.

Being a very studious youth, David Ogden completed his preparatory studies at the Hopkins Grammar School and then entered Yale College in 1810, graduating with honors in 1814.  He spent three years at the Andover Theological Seminary in preparation for the ministry.

Mr. Ogden preached before several congregations with enthusiastic response; however, he declined invitations from many of these churches before he accepted the invitation of the Southington Society.  When he did accept the call of this church, it was agreed he would receive "the sum of six hundred dollars, annually, so long as he continued to perform the duties of a Gospel minister toward the people of this Society ~ provided this not be construed to mean any mere suspension of duties occurring from temporary illness, or other like excuse."

The terms of Rev. Ogden’s salary determined, the next order of business was establishing of the Ordination Council.  This being done, the Council and prospective candidate met at the home of Mr. Levi Hart October 30,1821.  At this meeting, David Ogden enlarged on his exercises with regard to "experimental religion," which had met with a great deal of enthusiasm on the part of the local parishioners, when he had been guest preacher in their pulpit.  At this meeting he also gave his views on the doctrines of the Gospel.  Meeting the satisfaction of the Council as to his qualifications, Mr. Ogden was unanimously granted the rights of ordination.  The ordination took place the following morning at ten o’clock.

So began the spiritual life of the newly ordained minister.  Rev. Ogden was an affectionate and sympathetic pastor, who gained the love of many of his followers, not the least of whom were the children who found him both interested in their affairs and also a most interesting person to be with.

As was stated earlier, Rev. Ogden believed quite strongly in "experimental religion’" and under his leadership frequent and powerful revivals of religion were held.  An example of the fruits of one of these revivals can be seen in the uniting of 74 persons with the church at one time.  During the ministry of Rev. Ogden, 467 people were received into the church and 398 of these on Confession of Faith.  This was a most impressive number and Rev. Ogden enjoyed the most prosperous pastorate of any in the state for 15 years.

Being a very open, honest and frank person, the remarks made, often without a great deal of thought, by Rev. Ogden were at times construed by those few who were not content with the pastor.  Rev. Ogden, being a sensitive person, would often grieve about the remarks and the criticism lodged against him.  He was a man who had come from a large city and was quite unfamiliar with uncongeniality, which had often occurred, in country life.  Rev. Ogden later said, had he understood "the insignificance of the opposition," he would not have asked for a dismissal.

An example of his remarks, which caused no little controversy, concerned the revival of the Baptist Church under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Atkins in 1827.  Many were the remarks attributed to Rev. Ogden, and although he did truly have feelings over the whole affair, when he came to know Rev. Atkins, it was common knowledge at the time that no one was a stauncher supporter of the revival and of Rev. Atkins, than was Rev. Ogden.  Still rumors persisted, much to the grief of Rev. Ogden.  This inability of many to take the chance remarks of Rev. Ogden lightly, coupled with his difficulty in getting the congregation to live up to its part of the contract concerning his yearly salary, were the main reasons Rev. Ogden sought dismissal of his duties from the church in August of 1836.

When the letter written by Rev. Ogden was read to the congregation, they immediately saw the error of their ways and most earnestly sought to have their beloved pastor remain with them.  Several directives were sent to Rev. Ogden with substantial increases in his salary promised; however, Rev. Ogden had made up his mind to leave, and each new proposal was given and refused, it was then decided, with deep regret, to comply with the wishes of Rev. Ogden to establish a Council and act on the matter of his dismissal.

Hearing the two sides of the issue and realizing full well, the church had done all in its power, unfortunately too late, to continue the relationship between themselves and their beloved pastor of 15 years and listening to the side of Rev. Ogden who often had found himself the subject of controversy among some of his church people, and the embarrassing situation concerning his salary and his inability to support his family properly on his meager wage, the Council all agreed the only course open was to grant Rev. Ogden’s dismissal.

Rev. Ogden then answered a call to Whitesboro, N.Y., where, at this pastorate, he was most successful in quieting and uniting his congregation, which was divided and highly agitated about the slavery question.  He had not had the same success in bringing the large numbers of new people into his flock, but he was highly respected and deeply loved.

After leaving the church in Whitesboro, Rev. Ogden accepted a call to a church in Marlboro, Massachusetts.  He served there for a short while and then retired to New Haven, Connecticut.  There he met with many others in similar circumstances, and when called to serve the church in Colebrook, Connecticut, he refused.  He preferred to spend his days in New Haven with friends writing, studying, and occasionally supplying empty pulpits when it was necessary.

Rev. Ogden lived out his final years in these familiar, friendly surroundings, and his death came after just four days of illness.

During the pastorate of Rev. Ogden, our church had many significant changes.  After about four years in this pastorate, it was realized that something must be done with the old church.  When the whole matter had been carefully studied, there came a recommendation to build a new church, as it would cost so much to properly repair the old church.  With the usual amount of argument and criticism of the idea that can be generated by Congregationalists, it was decided to go ahead with plans for the new church.  Land was purchased opposite the old meeting house, and, deciding to build a church similar to the newly build church of Cheshire, in December of 1828, the cornerstone of the new church was laid with appropriate services by Rev. Ogden.

On June 16 of 1830, the new meeting house was completed and dedicated by rev. Ogden.

The first Missionary Society of record was started in 1824, and the Sunday School was formed in 1830.

Rev. Ogden married Sarah Judson of Stratford in 1824.  The couple had four children, two of whom died at early ages here in Southington.  David J. Ogden, son of Rev. and Mrs. Ogden became an ordained minister; however, he was unable to take a pastorate because of delicate health.