The Witness Stones Project – Thomas Sobuck

The Witness Stones Project, a program of Historic New England, seeks to recognize and remember enslaved people who helped build our communities. St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex has placed two Witness Stones in honor of people enslaved by members of our congregation.

On October 11, 2026, at 11:45 a.m., the St. John’s Speaker Series will tell the story of Thomas Sobuck, a young man from the Nehantic tribe who was indentured to a founding member of the First Episcopal Society of Saybrook as the church was then known since Essex was not incorporated until the mid-1800s. Records reveal that Sobuck’s wages from his work aboard the Brig Ann were directed to Charles Williams, a founder of this congregation. This vessel was owned by another member of this congregation, Noah Scovell.

The public is invited to learn more, to hear Thomas Sobuck’s story, and attend the placing a Witness Stone in his honor in the St. John’s Meditation Garden. Members of the Nehantic community will be present to tell their story and to give thanks for the life of their ancestor.

St. John’s is located on Main Street in Essex at the corner of Cross Street, directly across from the Essex Town Park.

For information, contact the church at 860-767-8095 or admin@stjohnsessex.org.