USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Rockford > Golden anniversary exercises, historical record and manual of the Second Congregational church, Rockford, Illinois. November 7, 1849. November 7, 1899 > Part 16
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Your church and congregation has had a blessed history. May its - future be even more blessed, and the true glory which Christ the Lord can give to it, shine out more and more as the years come and go.
My warmest congratulations are extended to your pastor and all of the happy members of his flock.
God bless abundantly the Second Congregational Church of Rockford, and make it ever a City of Refuge for His redeemed ones.
Cordially and fraternally yours,
SAMUEL LEE CONDE.
161
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
NEW YORK, November 2nd, 1899.
THE REV. WESLEY HASKELL, Rockford, Ill.
My Dear Brother: As the church of Christ to which you are called . to minister comes to its half century anniversary I feel impelled to send to you and your people a word of heartfelt greeting. It was the church of my parents from almost the beginning of its history, and always meant much to our family. My own recollections are very vivid of the days when we wor- shipped in the old church building, which was neither " high " nor " broad," but rather long in proportion to its width. But good work was done there, work which lay at the foundation of all that has since been so well done. The Rev. Lansing Porter preached excellent sermons to attentive congre- gations, and the afternoon bible class taught by the Rev. Mr. Willis drew together many of the most intelligent people of Rockford to hear his clear and evangelical explanations of John's Gospel.
Dr. Porter's successor did faithful and fruitful labor. The zealous and wide reaching work of my esteemed seminary friend and neighbor during our first pastorates in New Hampshire, so full of courage, initiative and devo- tion to every good cause, both local and general, left a lasting impression on church and city. Dr. Barrows I did not know so well, but knew him only to honor and esteem. The noble new church edifice is an enduring monument to him, while his influence over the souls in his charge was far more valuable and lasting in its results. His works in Rockford do follow him beyond the shadowed portal of the immortal life.
For you, my dear brother, and for the people committed to your pas- toral care by the head of the church my earnest prayer ascends that the coming years may prove the richest and most fruitful period in the spiritual history of the congregation. There yet remains much land and much peo- ple to be possessed, in city and region, for the Lord. May His abundant blessing be with you and your fellow workers in your common labor for the Master.
If there should be an opportunity during the anniversary services for the greetings of former members of the church, will you kindly add mine to the many that will doubtless be received.
Sincerely and fraternally,
JOHN H. EDWARDS.
NOTE. - Prof. W. Douglas Mackenzie delivered his address on Congrega- tionalism without manuscript, and on that account the printing committee were unable to put it into the book.
Hist. Rec. 21.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY FOR THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS.
PREPARED BY DEACON RUSSELL J. HAZELETT IN CONNECTION WITH THE " HISTORICAL SKETCH."
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUP'T.
TRUSTEES.
1849-50
Lansing Porter
Alonzo Gorham Rial K. Town
Benj. A. Rose Samuel J. Russell
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
1850-51
Lansing Porter
Alonzo Gorhanı Rial K. Town
Benj. A. Rose Silas G. Tyler
Joseph Blount
Joseph Blount
T. D. Robertson
.
Society Records prior to 1855 not preserved.
1851-52
Lansing Porter
Rial K. Town Jas. H. Rodgers
Benj. A. Rose Silas G. Tyler
John S. Coleman
Jolın S. Coleman
T. D. Robertson
1852-53
Lansing Porter
Jas. H. Rodgers Rial K. Town
Silas G. Tyler John Edwards
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
Jas. H. Rodgers
1853-54
Without a Pastor
Rial K. Town Jas. H. Rodgers
Silas G. Tyler John Edwards
Ralph Emerson
Ralph Emerson
Jas. H. Rodgers
1854-55
Joseph Emerson
Jas. H. Rogers Rial K. Town
Silas G. Tyler Joseph Blount
Ralph Emerson
Ralph Emerson
J. G. Manlove
Society Records for 1855 show the elec- tion of G. A. San- ford. No record as to holdovers.
1855-56
Joseph Emerson
Rial K. Town W. A. Dickerman
Silas G. Tyler Joseph Blount
Ralph Emerson
Ralph Emerson
Dexter G. Clark
G. A. Sanford, T. D. Robertson. No rec- ord as to holdover.
1856-57
Joseph Emerson
W. A. Dickerman Dexter G. Clark
David Lewis Edward Vaughn
Evans Blake
Evans Blake
Dexter G. Clark
G. A. Sanford T. D. Robertson J. G. Manlove
1857-58
Joseplı Emerson
Dexter G. Clark Silas G. Tyler
J. G. Manlove J. S. Coleman
Evans Blake
Evans Blake
Dexter G. Clark
T. D. Robertson J. G. Manlove W. A. Dickerman
1858-59
(1) Joseph Emerson
Silas G. Tyler W. A. Dickernian (2) Rial K. Town
J. S. Coleman Joseph Blount
(3) E. P. Hodges (4) Spencer Rising
(3) E. P. Hodges (4) Spencer Rising.
Dexter G. Clark
J. G. Manlove W. A. Dickerman |(5) Dexter G. Clark.
(1) Resignation accepted Aug 23, 1859.
Number of deacons increased to three.
(3) Resigned in July, 1859.
(5) Resigned after one year's service.
(4) Elected to fill vacancy.
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LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONOREOTIONAL CHURCH. (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUP'T.
TRUSTEES.
1859-60
J. E. Walton
W. A. Dickerman Rial K. Town Benj. Blakeman
Henry Plant H. W. Taylor
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
Dexter G. Clark
(4) J. G. Manlove W. A. Dickerman G. A. Sanford
1860-61
J. E. Walton
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Rial K. Town
Henry Plant Joseph Blount
Win. A. Knowlton
T. D. Robertson
Dexter G. Clark
J. G. Manlove G. A. Sanford (5) H. N. Spalding
1861-62
J. E. Walton
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Rial K. Town
Henry Plant Joseplı Blount
Win. A. Knowlton
T. D. Robertson
(6) Henry Plant (4) H. W. Taylor
G. A. Sanford (7)T. D. Robertson U. M Warner
1862-63
(8)J. E. Walton
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Rial K. Town
J. B. Agard J. G. Manlove
Wm. A. Knowlton
T. D. Robertson
H. W. Taylor
G. A. Sanford (9) U. M. Warner (10) Benj. Blakeman
1863-64
Without Paster In- til Nov. 29, 1864. M. P. Kinney
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
J. B. Agard J. G. Manlove
Spencer Rising
Spencer Rising
T. D. Robertson
G. A. Sanford Benj. Blakeman (11) 11. W. Taylor
1864-65
M. P. Kinney
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
J. B. Agard J. G. Manlove
Spencer Rising
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
G. A. Sanford Benj. Blakeman Ralph Emerson
1865-66
M. P. Kinney
W. A Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
(12) Allen Gibson J. G. Manlove W. A. Knowlton J. B. Agard
Spencer Rising
T. D. Robertson
T. D. Robertson
G. A. Sanford Benj. Blakeman Ralph Emerson
(13)
1867
M. P. Kinney
V. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeilan Silas G. Tyler
AAllen Gibson J. G. Manlove W. A. Knowlton J. B. Agard
J. E. Humphrey
(14) Spencer Rising (4) W. A. Talcott
T. D. Robertson
G A. Sanford Ralph Emerson J. B. Agard
(1) Elected to fill vacancy.
(5) Resigned after one year's service.
(6) Resigned in May 1862.
(7) Elected to succeed H. N. Spaulding, but resigned after one year's service.
(S) Resigned December, 1863.
(9) Resigned after two year's service.
(10) Elected to succeed T. D. Robertson.
(11) Elected to succeed U. M. Warner.
(12) Number of Prudential Conimittee in- creased to four.
(13) Aunnal church meeting changed to first Wednesday in January.
(14) Resigned May 22, 1867.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUPT.
TRUSTEES.
1868
M. P. Kinney
W A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
Allen Gibson J. G. Manlove W. A. Knowlton J. B. Agard
J. E. Humphrey
T. D. Robertson
Luther P. Fitch
G. A. Sandford J. B. Agard Ralph Emerson
1869
M. P. Kinney
W. A. Dickerinan Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
Allen Gibson J.G Manlove WV. A. Knowlton J. B. Agard
J. E. Hunphrey
T. D). Robertson
WV. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford J. B. Agard Ralph Emerson
1870
(15) M. P. Kinney
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
J. G. Manlove H. W. Taylor H. Kingsbury L. S. Jacoby
(16) Rev. Alb. Payne! (4) \V. A. Dickerman
T. D. Robertson
W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford Ralph Emerson Evans Blake
1871
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman Silas G. Tyler
Jas. G. Manlove J. B. Agard L. D. Upson H. Kinsbury
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford Evans Blake Ralph Emerson
1872
Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakenian Silas G. Tyler
Church records from 1871 to 1884 des- troyed by fire. No record made up of members of tlie Prudential Com.
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford Evans Blake Ralph Eurerson
1874
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
J. B. Agard
G. A. Sanford Evans Blake John P. Manny
L. D. Upson
W. A. Dickerman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
Evans Blake
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny Evans Blake
1876
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman L. D. Upson
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
(17) F. P. Woodbury| (4) W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny TE. L. Woodruff
(4) Elected to fill vacancy.
(15) Resigned and dismissed with council Sept. 14, 1870.
(16) Resigned October 1870.
(17) Resigned in February, 1876.
G. A. Sanford Evans Blake Ralph Emerson
W. A. Dickerman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
WV. A. Talcott
1873
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman L. D. Upson
1875
Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman L. D. Upson
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LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUPT.
TRUSTEES.
1877
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman L. D. Upson
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1878
Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
W. A. Talcott
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1879
Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
Win. A. Knowlton
G. A. Sanford Jolin P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1880
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
Wm. A. Knowlton
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1881
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman J. B. Agard
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
A. E. Cutler (18)
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1882
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakman J. B. Agard
C. L. Robinson
T. D. Robertson
A. E. Cutler
G. A. Sanford. Jolin P. Many ES. L. Woodruff
1883
Frank P. Woodbury
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman J. B. Agard
R. C. Rowland
T. D. Robertson
A. E. Cutler
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1884
W. A. Dickerman ·Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman
.A. E. Cutler
J. G. Manlove Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Henry Knowles
R. C. Rowland
T. D. Robertson
A. E. Cutler
G. A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
1885
W. A. Dickerman Frank P. Woodbury Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler
!J. G. Manlove |Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. E. A. Agard
R. C. Rowland
T. D. Robertson
M. A. Beal
G A. Sanford John P. Manny E. L. Woodruff
.
WV. A. Dickerman
L. D. Upson
W. A. Dickerman
J. B. Agard
J. B. Agard
(18) Time of annual election changed to last Sabbath in December.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUPT.
TRUSTEES.
1886
(19) W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler Frank P. Woodbury (21) S. J. Caswell (22) P. R. Wood (23) J. F. Agard (24) H. N. Baker
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont R. C. Rowland Mrs. A. E. Agard
T. D. Robertson
M. A. Beal
(20) G. A. Sanford E. L. Woodruff John Barnes (21) J. F. Agard (22) J. P. Manny (23) J. H. King.
1887
Frank P. Woodbury A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell H. N. Baker P. R. Wood
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. A. E. Agard
R. C. Rowland
T. D. Robertson
J. F. Agard
E. L. Woodruff John Barnes J. H. King (5) George M. Blake J. P. Manny (9) J. F. Agard
W. A. Dickernian Benj. Blakeman
1888
(25) F. P. Woodbury!A. E. Cutler (26) W. M. Barrows S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. L. Watson
R. C. Rowland
T. D. Robertson
P. R. Wood
John Barnes J. H. King John P. Manny (5).E. L. Woodruff Win. Dobson Lyon P. Ross
1889
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. L. Watson
Walter B. Taylor
T. D. Robertson
P. R. Wood
Jonh Barnes J. H. King John P. Manny Win. Dobson Henry Knowles (27) Lyon P. Ross
1890
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. BJakeman A. E Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R Wood H. N. Baker
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. L. Watson
Walter B. Taylor
T. D. Robertson
M. S. Parmelee
John Barnes J. H. King John P. Manny Henry Knowles Wm. Dobson A. D. Early.
(5) Resigned after one year's service.
(15) Began pastorate Oct. Ist, 1888.
(19) Number of deacons increased to six.
(20) Number of trustees increased to six.
(21) Chosen by lot for three years.
(22) Chosen by lot for two years.
(23) Chosen by lot for one year.
(24) Elected to succeed J. F. Agard who resigned Feb. 10.
(25) Resigned April 1st, 1888.
(26) Began pastorate Oct. Ist, 1888.
(27) Died during year.
.
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUPT.
TRUSTEES.
1891
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Diekerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood II. N. Baker
H. W. Taylor Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Walter B. Taylor Mrs. H. F. Colton
T. D. Robertson
M. S. Parmele
Jolin Barnes J. H. King Joli P. Manny Win. Dobson A. D. Early (5) Frank C. King
1892
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker !(28) P. R. Walker M. S. Parmele
Mrs. J. G. Pierpont Mrs. H. F. Colton Mrs. C. G. Sanford
Walter B. Taylor
T. D. Robertson .
M. S. Parmele
Jolin Barnes J. 11. King Jolin P. Manny Wm. Dobson A. D. Early J. B. Whitehead
1893
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S J. Casweli P. R. Wood H. N. Baker P. R. Walker M. S. Parmele
Mrs. H. F. Colton Mrs. C. G. Sanford Walter B. Taylor Mrs. Emily C. Earle
(29) T. D. Robertson (4) Allan R. Rea
M. S. Parmele
Joli Barnes Wm. Dobson John P. Manny A. D. Early J. B. Whitehead (30) W. C. Taft
1894
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker P. R. Walker M. S. Parmele
Mrs. C. G. Sanford Mrs. Emily C. Earle Walter B. Taylor Mrs. H. F. Colton
Allan R. Rea
M. S. Parmele
Jolın Barnes Wm. Dobson A. D. Early J. B. Whitehead W. C. Taft M. B. St. John
(4) Elected to fill vacancy
(.) Resigned after one year's service.
(28) Number of deacons increased to eight.
(29)
Resigned March 1893.
(30) Chosen in place of W. A. Talcott who was elected but refused to serve.
.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. (CONTINUED.)
YEAR.
PASTOR.
DEACONS.
PRUDENTIAL COM.
CLERK.
TREASURER.
S. S. SUPT.
TRUSTEES.
1895
Walter M. Barrows|S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker P. R. Walker M. S. Parmele
(31) Mrs. E. C. Earle Mrs. H. F. Colton (4) M. C. Townsend Walter B. Taylor (31) Mrs.G.A. Sanf'd (4) Mrs. M. Ticknor
Allen R. Rea
M. S. Parmele
Wm. Dobson J. B. Whitehead W. C. Taft M. B. St. John H. N. Starr A. H. Frost.
1896
Walter M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker P. R. Walker (32) M. S. Parmele
Mrs. H. F. Colton Mrs.M.E.G Ticknor Walter B. Taylor MissM.C.Townsend
T. D. Robertson
M. S. Parmiele
J. B. Whitehead H. N. Starr M. B. St. John A. H. Frost Wm Dobson W. C. Taft
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler
Mrs. H. F. Colton (33) Mrs. M. Ticknor Walter B. Taylor MissM.C.Townsend
T. D. Robertson
S. J. Caswell
J. B. Whitehead Win. Dobson H. N. Starr A. H. Frost W. C. Taft. Henry Marslı.
1898
(34) W. M. Barrows
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood (35) H. N. Baker P. R. Walker R. J. Hazlett
Mrs. H. F. Colton Mrs. M. J. Thomas (37) Mary A. Baker
Walter B. Taylor
John Barnes
S. J. Caswell.
Wm. Dobson J. B. Whitehead W. C. Taft (36) Henry Marsh W. W. Bennett W. A. Stapleton
1899
(38) W. C. Haskell
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood P. R. Walker R. J. Hazlett F. W. Waterman
Mrs. H. F. Colton Mrs. Julia P. Warren | Walter B. Taylor Mrs. E. M. Starr
John Barnes
B. D. Parker.
J. B. Whitehead Wm. Dobson W. A. Stapleton E. M. St. John W. W. Bennett A. W. Banks.
(4) Elected to fill vacancy.
(33) Resigned June 1897.
(31) Resigned March 1895.
(34) Resigned April 1898.
(32)
Resigned October 1896.
(35) Resigned February 1898.
(36) (37)
Resigned October 1898. Resigned January 1899.
(38) Began pastorate Feb. 20tl1, 1899,
-
1897
Walter M. Barrows S. J. Caswell P. R. Wood H. N. Baker P. R. Walker R. J. Hazlett
1
-
1
.
W. A. Dickerman Benj. Blakeman A. E. Cutler
MANUAL
OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
CONGREGATIONAL PRINCIPLES.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION.
1. Any company of people leading Christian lives and believing them- selves to be, and publicly professing themselves to be Christians, associated by voluntary compact on gospel principles, for Christian work and worship, is a true Church of Christ. Such a church, as a rule, should include only those who can conveniently worship and labor together for.the good of each other and for spreading Christianity throughout the world.
EQUAL MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS.
II. Every member of such a church has equal essential rights, pow- ers and privileges with every other ; and the membership together, by ma- jority vote, have the right and duty of choosing all necessary officers, of admitting, dismissing, and disciplining their own members, and of transact- ing all other appropriate business of a Christian Church.
- INDEPENDENT CHURCH GOVERNMENT.
III. Every such church is independent of any outward jurisdiction and control-whether from Popes, Bishops, Assemblies, Synods, Presby- teries, Conferences, Associations, or Councils, being answerable directly and only to Christ, its head ; and every such church is on a level of inher- ent genuineness, dignity and authority with every other church on earth.
FRATERNAL CHURCH FELLOWSHIP.
IV. A fraternal fellowship should be maintained among these inde- pendent churches ; and when insoluble difficulties arise, or specially import- ant matters claim decision, it is proper that the advice of other churches be sought and given in council.
Hist. Rec. 22.
169
170
HISTORICAL RECORD AND MANUAL
GENUINE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.
V. We hold that a life of obedience to God is the best evidence of Christian discipleship, and that it is the duty, as well as the right and priv- ilege of all those who truly love, accept and desire to spread the teachings of Christ and to promote and follow the principles for which he lived and died, to join publicly the communion and fellowship of some Church of Christ, whose statement of faith they can, without reserve, pledge them- selves, and all they have to carry out. While we think that none but those who desire to follow Christ and who lead Christian lives should be admitted to church membership, we also think that perfect agreement in the details of doctrine should not be required and that no true Christian should be excluded.
CHRISTIAN UNION.
VI. It is a distinctive trait of our Congregational system that it exalts that which is more, above that which is less important, and, by the simplic- ity of its organization, facilitates, in communities where the population is limited, the union of all true believers in one Christian church.
UNSECTARIANISM.
VII. Insisting upon no denominational peculiarities as the condition of fellowship, we rejoice that we can hold fellowship with all who acknowl- edge Christ and act efficiently in the work of restoring unity to the divided church, and of bringing back harmony and peace among all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
OPEN CHRISTIAN COMMUNION.
VIII. Thus recognizing the unity of the church of Christ in all the world, and knowing that we are but one branch of Christ's people, while adhering to our peculiar faith and order, we extend to all believers the hand of Christian fellowship upon the basis of these fundamental truths in which all Christians should agree.
171
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
CONFESSION OF FAITH AND COVENANT AND FORM FOR RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
-
[As their names are read, those uniting with the Church on confession of their faith will present themselves before the minister, who shall say :| DEARLY BELOVED :-
" It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." -- Luke iv. 4.
" The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."-John vi. 63.
" If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."-John viii. 31.
" Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."- Mark xiii. 31.
" Blessed are they that liear the word of God and keep it." -Luke xi. 28.
" For God so loved the world."-John iii. 16.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
This Church holds as the foundation of its faith that which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures concerning God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It believes that the duties God requires of man are more clearly set forth in the divine teachings of Jesus Christ than they can be by any other form of words. As members of this church we therefore accept these truths as our Confession of Faith, and believe that the best evidence of Christian discipleship is a life conformed to these teachings and to the divine example set by the life and death of Jesus Christ.
COVENANT WITH THE CHURCH.
You who have presented yourselves before God and these gathered members of His Church on earth, holding that the sinless life and the in- structions of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in whom you im- plicitly trust, are the divinely given rules for the conduct of the life that now is, and for preparation for the life to come, do each of you declare your concurrence in the foregoing Confession of Faith, and promise that you will endeavor to live a Christian life in conformity with such belief and to do all in your power to persuade others to do likewise.
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HISTORICAL RECORD AND MANUAL
To this great life purpose you consecrate yourselves and all that you have, trusting implicitly to His spirit to enable you to fulfill this high and holy vocation to the end.
Do you each thus covenant ?
Response. I do.
[Then shall baptism be administered to those who have not been baptized.]
[Those uniting with the Church by letter will now present themselves and the minister shall say to all joining :]
You promise to be loyal to this Church, to honor its services, to seek its peace, purity and power, and covenant that you will strive to walk with your fellow members in all the ordinances of the Lord.
Response. I do.
[The members of the Church present will now rise and the minister shall say :]
We welcome you into our fellowship. We promise to walk with you in Christian love. God grant that, loving and being loved, serving and be- ing served, blessing and being blessed, we may be prepared, while we dwell together on earth, for the perfect communion of the saints in heaven.
[The minister shall then, in behalf of the Church, give the right hand of fellowship to each of those uniting with it.]
" Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlast- ing covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
CHURCH RULES.
ARTICLE I.
NAME.
This Church shall be called the Second Congregational Church of Rockford, Illinois.
ARTICLE 11.
MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. Qualification .- The membership of this church consists of such persons as confess Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord and who have been accepted by vote of the church, and having been baptized enter into its covenant and are formally received into its fellowship.
SECTION 2. Admission of Members .- Application for church mem- bership, either by letter or profession, must be made to the Prudential Com- mittee, (or such members thereof as it may designate) in person or by let- ter, at their appointed open sessions, notice of which will be publicly given; those approved shall become members by vote of the church and upon giv- ing a public assent to the Confession of Faith and Covenant.
SECTION 3. Reception. - The reception of members shall be ordinar- ily upon some Lord's Day when the Lord's Supper is administered.
SECTION 4. Rights of Members .- Such members as are in full and regular standing and have attained the age of eighteen years, may vote in the transactions of the church.
SECTION 5. Dismission of Members .- It is expected that members, on removing, will ask for letters of dismission and recommendation to other churches ; or if circumstances render this undesirable, absent members should be in correspondence with our church officers at least annually.
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