In December of 1872, Rev. Timlow first preached to the congregation here in Southington and was asked to supply the empty pulpit.  He was installed in the church in February of 1873.  Born in Amity, New York, Rev. Timlow had served four pastorates before coming to Southington.  He had been the editor of the Christian Intelligencer just before coming to Southington.  Mr. Timlow married Miss Martha Bigelow of Boston.  Eight children came of this union, all born before Mr. Timlow came to Southington.  One child, the only son, died, while the family lived here.

During Rev. Timlow’s pastorate, it is said there was a large increase in church attendance, due largely to Rev. Timlow’s fine speaking ability.  Other changes to be noted during his pastorate were the revisions in the By-Laws of the church and also the adoption of new hymn books, which were said to be far superior to any previously used.

Our church had many horse sheds on the eastern side of the building and also hitching posts along the side of Academy Hills.  These were removed during Mr. Timlow’s pastorate to make way for an addition, a building which had to be removed to make way for the new town hall.  The building had belonged to the Sons of Temperance and had been located just beyond the northern borders of our present parking lot.

During Rev. Timlow’s pastorate, he accomplished a feat which we, of later generations, can be very grateful.  Rev. Timlow wrote a history of this society and also of our town, which is the only record we have of Southington’s earliest days.  Much of the material you find on these pages would not be possible, were it not for Rev. Timlow, who gave us this valuable and basically accurate tie with our own past.  Rev. Timlow called himself a pioneer in the field, and for this pioneering, we can be most grateful.  The 150th Anniversary of our church was celebrated during Mr. Timlow’s pastorate, and a very detailed account of this event is to be found at the beginning of "Sketches of Southington," by Rev. Timlow.

It is sadly noted, in the letter of resignation from Rev. Timlow, that the support and loyalty which he displayed was not also the way of most of the flock.  He resigned, a very disillusioned and disappointed man, who predicted much difficulty for the congregation, if left to themselves without drastic changes in their actions.  His was a most touching and revealing letter of resignation.  The letter was not merely a heated, emotional missive written on the spur of the moment, for he had also written a letter of resignation one year before.  This letter was now submitted thoughtfully and prayerfully. Rev. Timlow stayed one more year, hoping to heal long standing disputes, and also hoped for a change in his apathetic congregation.  When it was obvious this change was not occurring on Deceber 29 of 1875, Rev. Timlow submitted his resignation to the church.

He remained in Southington for three years and was dismissed to become rector of an Episcopal Church in Westville. He died on February 9, 1892.