Lebanon in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

The Pastor's Library

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, May 29, 2018

1. The Pastor's Library Marker

Inscription.

The Pastor's Library. . In the 19th century, ministers often identified a room in their parsonage as a study. This space was used to research and write sermons, meet with church members and tutor young men studying to enter college or seminary. As a free-standing building, Lebanon's Pastor's Library may be unique., In 1864 Governor William Alfred Buckingham donated $1000 to Lebanon's First Congregational Church for building and outfitting a minister's library., During the 1860s several other donors added to the fund and donated books for the ministers to use. On January 10, 1869, the Church voted to erect on the parsonage grounds a "suitable building to be used as a pastor's library." Governor Buckingham's interest and generosity continued as he donated walnut bookcases. In 1870 the Ladies Benevolent Society presented a carpet, stove with pipe, oilcloth and walnut study table, lounge and four arm chairs to furnish the new study. The Governor's daughter, Mrs. Eliza B. Aikens, donated a portrait of her father by A.E Emmons of Norwich., As the Church planned for the future use of its properties in the 21st century, the membership offered Buckingham's ministers library to the Lebanon Historical Society. This action was undertaken to assure the long term preservation of this unusual but significant structure. The Pastor's Library has been restored to its 1870 appearance and preserved for Lebanon residents and visitors to view and enjoy., (sidebar) , William A Buckingham. Politicain , Political Party: Whig then Republican , Offices: , . Mayor, Norwich Connecticut: 1849, 1850, 1856, 1857 , . Governor of Connecticut: 1858-1866 , . United States Senator: 1869-1875, When the President called on the Northern governors to assist him in prosecuting the war, Buckingham became Connecticut's leading catalyst for this purpose, handling Federal correspondence and overseeing the State's procurement of men and materials. Buckingham spoke at meetings and rallies around the State and answered letters from troops in the field.

In the 19th century, ministers often identified a room in their parsonage as a study. This space was used to research and write sermons, meet with church members and tutor young men studying to enter college or seminary. As a free-standing building, Lebanon's Pastor's Library may be unique.

In 1864 Governor William Alfred Buckingham donated $1000 to Lebanon's First Congregational Church for building and outfitting a minister's library.

During the 1860s several other donors added to the fund and donated books for the ministers to use. On January 10, 1869, the Church voted to erect on the parsonage grounds a "suitable building to be used as a pastor's library." Governor Buckingham's interest and generosity continued as he donated walnut bookcases. In 1870 the Ladies Benevolent Society presented a carpet, stove with pipe, oilcloth and walnut study table, lounge and four arm chairs to furnish the new study. The Governor's daughter, Mrs. Eliza B. Aikens, donated a portrait of her father by A.E Emmons of Norwich.

As the Church planned for the future use of its properties in the 21st century, the membership offered Buckingham's

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ministers library to the Lebanon Historical Society. This action was undertaken to assure the long term preservation of this unusual but significant structure. The Pastor's Library has been restored to its 1870 appearance and preserved for Lebanon residents and visitors to view and enjoy.

(sidebar)
William A Buckingham. Politicain
Political Party: Whig then Republican
Offices:
• Mayor, Norwich Connecticut: 1849, 1850, 1856, 1857
• Governor of Connecticut: 1858-1866
• United States Senator: 1869-1875

When the President called on the Northern governors to assist him in prosecuting the war, Buckingham became Connecticut's leading catalyst for this purpose, handling Federal correspondence and overseeing the State's procurement of men and materials. Buckingham spoke at meetings and rallies around the State and answered letters from troops in the field.

Erected by Lebanon Historical Society with support of Fortin Family Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 10, 1869.

Location. 41° 38.29′ N, 72° 12.766′ W.

The Pastor's Library and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, May 29, 2018

2. The Pastor's Library and Marker

Marker is in Lebanon in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It can be reached from Trumbull Highway (Connecticut Route 87) 0.1 miles north of Exeter Road ( Route 207), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 856 Trumbull Hwy, Lebanon CT 06249, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London, in the Quiet Corner,

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Smoke House (here, next to this marker); French Army Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of "The French Oven" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The War Office (about 500 feet away); Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

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(about 800 feet away); Lebanon World War I – World War II Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Liberty Hill Church Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named War Office (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lebanon.

Also see . . .
1. Lebanon Historical Society Museum & Visitors Center. (Submitted on April 28, 2026.)
2. Pastor’s Library. (Submitted on April 28, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2026, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 19, 2026, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 22, 2026, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.