Progressive Christian Soldiers.
A Hartford community leader, the Reverend Elias Beadle mentored a generation of lower and middle class boys and girls (including his very politically-active son) in an after-school program at Hartford’s Pearl Street Presbyterian Church. Rev. Beadle succeeded in teaching the kids leadership skills, organizational management, and inspiring the youngsters to live as “good Christian soldiers” – but Beadle’s flock soon outgrew him. Beginning with the election of ‘56, when Beadle’s son was attacked by pro-slavery Democrats during a political rally parade, Connecticut and the rest of the North’s obsession with politics grew overwhelming. Yet Rev. Beadle remained cautious, moderate, unwilling to match his son’s activism. Although his students liked him personally, his Church community demanded leadership which reflected their increasing stridency. Beadle was replaced with an abolitionist deacon just in time for the first days of election year 1860.