Abbreviations for the records of the Congregational Church

This page is from the records of the Congregational Congregation in Madison CT. These abbreviation and their sentiments were widely used among the Congregationalist. D: dismissed by letter. This indicated that the member had moved to a new city. This letter gained them entry into the new Congregation where membership was earned not granted. W: watch and care withdrawn. This was an ominous pronouncement in a community where life revolved around the church.