USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > Brief history of the Christian Church, in Newburyport : organized May 7, 1849 > Part 1
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M. L.
REYNOLDGUJISTORICAL GENEALOGY ELECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01067 9212
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A
BRIEF HISTORY
Che Christian Church,
IN NEWBURYPORT.
ORGANIZED MAY 7, 1549.
NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICA.O
"UPON THIS ROCK I BUILD MIY CHURCH; AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. [ Scripture.
NEWBURYPORT : NASON, BRAGDON & CO., PRINTERS. 1849.
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/briefhistoryofch00newb
1851510
AUTHORITY FOR PUBLICATION.
At a regularly appointed Church Meeting, held in the Court street Vestry, the following vote was passed :
Voted, That Bros. Eleazer R. Walker and Jacob B. Johnson, together with the Pastor, be a Committee to prepare an I poiblish a brief History of the Riso and Progress of this Church, with a roll of the members to the present time, and such other matters of interest as they in their judgment may deem ex- pedient.
JACOB B. JOHNSON, Clerk.
Newburyport, May 3, 1619.
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ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH.
The commencement of the Christian Church, in Newburyport, was at Belleville, Newbury, in the year 1838. Elder Daniel P. Pike, then Pastor of the Christian Church at Salisbury-point, commenced holding evening meetings, at Newbury, which were continued weekly, until January 6, 1840, when an evening meet- ing was held at the dwelling house of Mr Benjamin G. Parker, Middle street, Newburyport. The blessing of God crowned the efforts both at Newbury and Newburyport. Several were convert- ed and united with the Church at Salisbury-point. These meet- ings continued to increase in interest and numbers, until the dwelling house would not accommodate the people. A room was obtained on Brown's Square, and leased to Mr Parker by Mr Charles Butler. In April 1840, this room was dedicated to the worship of God. A sermon for the occasion was preached from Malachi 3 : 10, "I will open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Deep conviction pervaded the congregation, and lasting impressions were made that evening. In this room the seats were free, and our meetings conducted with permission for lay members, brethren and sisters, to take part in our devotional exercises. This arrangement soon filled the place to its utmost capacity.
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Rumor soon became rife, and curiosity awakened. False re- ports were made, and sectarian opposition commeneed. Our views of Christ and Christian doctrine were falsely stated, and the character of our meetings grossly misrepresented. Slurring arti- cles were published against us, and a strong antipathy awakened. But notwithstanding this, God was with us, and several conver- sions took place. The fruit of that beginning is apparent to this day.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The success of our operations being so apparent, it was thought best to commence a Christian Church after the order of the New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Accordingly ten per-ons met at the residence of brother Ben- jamin G. Parker, and after prayer and solemn dedication to God, covenanted to take the Holy Scriptures, especially the last will and testament of Jesus Christ, as our rule of faith and practice. We were then regularly and seripturally acknowledged, by Elder Daniel P. Pie. a professed Minister of Jesus Christ, and a reg- ularly ordained preacher of the Rockingham Christian Confer- ence, May 7, 1510, as a properly constituted church.
REGULATIONS ADOPTED AT THE ORGANIZATION.
COVENANT PLEDGE. We, the undersigned, believing that human creeds are areless, that names, not found in the Scriptures to designate the followers of Christ, are unnecessary appendages, productive of evil, calculated to destroy the oneness of the spirit, and to paralize simultaneousefforts for the building of Zion,and be-
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come the first step to separation among happy converts, do there- fore agree to take the Scriptures as our discipline, our rule of faith and practice, and that we will, with brotherly love and Christ- like forbearance, consider all who have received the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, members of the same family. And now we solemnly pledge ourselves to watch over each other in the fear of God, and to love as brethren.
Our distinguishing appellation shall be " Church of God," " Church of Christ," and in plurality of members will be call- e'l simply CHRISTIANS, as were the disciples first at Antioch, le- ing a fullihnent of prophecy. Acts 11 : 26 ; Isaiah 05 : 15 and 62 : 2; Rev. 2: 17 and 3 : 12.
PRUDENTIAL REGULATIONG.
1. That the sufferings and death of our Divine Redeemer le commemorated the first Sabbath in every month.
2. That a church conference. preparatory for communion, be held Thursday evening preceding the first Sabbath of every month.
3. That no person be reesived into the church without relating a Christian experience, and giving satisfactory evidence of experi- mental piety.
4. That each member when received shall publicly receive the right hand of fellowship.
5. That the improvement of the lay members, brethren and sisters be allowed and encouraged in all our meetings of religious worship.
6. That we dispense with instrumental music in public worship. [This regulation was re-considered October 1ch, 15th, and permission granted for the use of an organ to assist the choir. ]
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At the organization of the church, Elder Daniel P. Pike re- ceived and accepted an invitation to become our Pastor. Public meetings on the Sabbath were commenced, and a Sabbath school immediately organized. We enjoyed the labors of Elder John W. Tilton from May until November, when our Pastor moved into town. The labors of brother Tilton were blessed, and souls were brought to Christ through his instrumentality.
CHURCH GOVERNMENT.
Nov. 20, 1840, we adopted a presbytery form of government, consisting of the Pastor, three ruling Elders, three deacons, six deaconesses, and a church clerk. This arrangement continued until November 4th, 1841, when it was thought best to adopt the congregational form of government ; the officers consisting of he Pastor, three deacons, a discipline committee of three, a collector and treasurer, and a church clerk. This government is simple in its operations, and perfectly satisfactory. In 1840 this church applied for membership in the Rockingham C. Conference, and was received, which relation she now sustains.
MORAL REFORMS.
All our members are required to abstain from the use of intoxi- cating liquor as a beverage, and to labor to advance the principles of temperance. Unfermented wine is used at the commemoration of the Lord's supper.
April 1, 1841. The following resolution was unanimously adopted, viz : Whereas slavery, especially American slavery, is one of those God-dishonoring, soul-damning sins of the present age,
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which should be uncompromisingly rebuked by the church of Christ. Therefore, resolved, That whoever has knowingly and voluntarily any connection in sustaining slavery is unworthy a name with God's people, and should be considered as related to him that was " a liar from the beginning."
Secondly, That whereas slavery sanctions the following crimes, essential to its existence, viz : concubinage, manstealing, robbery and murder; therefore resolved, that as a church of Christ, we cannot sustain pro-slavery ministers, or bid them God speed, much less commemorate the sufferings and death of our Savior with those who are guilty of these horrrid crimes.
It is our professed character to practically demonstrate the teachings of Christ, as taught in his sermon on the Mount.
SENTIMENTS OF THIS CHURCH.
The doctrine embraced by this church, is that generally dissem- inated by the Christian Connection.
1. We believe the Holy Scriptures were given to the prophets and apostles by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and are as true as though God had spoken them by an audible voice from heaven.
2. We believe that these inspired writings teach the " Unity of God,"-by which we mean there is but one Infinite, Supreme Being,-the divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Fy which we mean that Christ is not a created being, and that he existed before the creation of the world, " having glory with the Father before the world was."
We also believe that the Scriptures teach us to regard this Divine Character as Mediator, Savior, Redeemer, Prophet, Priest, King, and final Judge; that He reigns above all heav- ens, and that God has given him all power in heaven and on
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earth ; that he saves all who sol mit to him, and will at the last day bring forth his enemies to judgment and slay them before him.
We also believe that insp rion tosches the existence and neces- sity of God's Holy Spirit : what it rested upon Christ without measure, and now heheth car indiripies; that without this there is no evidence of godliness in the soul.
Again : we believe in the necessity of regeneration, and that it is the work of God by which post sins are pardoned. the soul cleansed from pollation, the whole mind renewed, the disposition to sin against God destroye.l. the love of God infused into the soul. producing a change not only in cho moral character, but in the affie- tions of the soul. We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that repentance toward ( od and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ are the conditions of salvation .- That Christ died for our sins : that his Peedspeaketh better things than the blood of Abel: that no human blood could atone, or cleanse sinners from all sin.
We believe in the freeness and fulness of the Gospel : that whosoever will may come and partake of the waters of life freely. We wish to be identified as believing in the free, full. and inger- tial grace of Gol. We believe in a God-called and inspired ministry ; in the institutions of Bogiem and the Lord's Supper : in revivals of religion, not revive's produced by animal magnetism, but by the sober truths of God's word and Spirit ; in the second personal coming of Christ, called his - glorious appearing in the resurrection of the dead both just and unjust." and in a future judgment, when God by Jess Chest will judge the world in righteousness, giving endless felicity to the good, and Lenishment to the wicked, where the worm, dieth not and the fire is not quenched.
To this brief summary of doctrine we cordially assent, ever wishing it understood that it is not our business to bind a brother's
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conscience. The language of Christ is our test of fellowship, " whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven. the same is my brother, and sister, an l mother."
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, 1849.
PASTOR. ELDER DANIEL P. PIKE. DEACONS. ELEAZER R. WALKER,
THOMAS MERRILL, LUTHER MERRILL.'
COMMITTEE OF DISCIPLINE. ELEAZER R. WALKER, ANDREW RAYMOND, JACOB B. JOHNSON. COLLECTOR AND TREASURER. LUTHER MERRILL.
CLERK. JACOB B. JOHNSON.
CHURCH MEMBERS' RULES, ADOPTED 1940.
1. Members are to be received by a unanimous vote in full church meeting.
2. All members must acknowledge the New Testament as their creed, and give satisfactory evidence of regeneration.
3. Each member must, when practicable, le punctual in at- tending the Church Conference before communion.
4. When members leave town for several weeks, it shall !
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their duty to return their card of admission to the Clerk, who shall record their date of leaving upon the absent list. On their return they shall call and receive their card as before.
5. Members wishing to change their connection shall first re- turn their card, and request a dismission through the Clerk who will notify the church of the same.
6. Members wishing their connection to cease with the church shall notify the committee of discipline, stating their reasons by letter, when the committee, after suitable labor, if they think ex- pedient, shall lay the letter before the church.
7. When members wish to change their place of worship, they shall return their card and give notice of their withdrawal to the Clerk, who shall record the date of the notice, and notify the Church.
8. Each n.eniber shall, according to his or her ability, aid in defraying the financial expenses of our religious operations.
9. It shall be the duty of this church to aid in the moral and religious education of the young, by sustaining the Sabbath School Association connected with this Church, and the first Christian Union Society of Newburyport and Newbury.
1 0. Each member must. when practicable, commemorate the sufferings and death of Christ at the regular administrations.
11. It is expected of each member that he or she will be con- stant and punctual in attendance upon the means of grace.
12. It shall be the duty of the Church to co-operate in main- taining New Testament discipline, and to aid in the enforcement of Christian obligation, as laid down by the GREAT HEAD OF THE
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Members who have died since the Organization.
Catherine Jackman . . 1841 Francis Daverson 1846
Paul 1841| Moses Read . 1×47
Olive Littlefield
1842 Robert MetQuillen
1447
Elmira Kimball 1844 Nath'l Talbot.
1848
Zillah White
1846: Mary J. Lord .
1848
John Leach
1846|
Members Dismissed, to join cther Churches.
David Reed . 1841| William Page 1843
Jonathan Martin
1841 M. Tuttle, .
1844
A. W. Martin.
1841| L. Tuttle . .
1:44
Sarah R. Whitten
1841, Elizabeth Wellington
1×41
Mary C. Johnson
1841| Charles Porter
1845
Emaline Nudd . 1841
Joseph Carr .
1845
Rebecca Carr,
1:45
Emily Quary .
1841| Mahala Mace
1845
Henry Flanders
1842! Fanny Porter .
Jane P. Moody
1842 Sarah Leight n
1845
Sarah Colby
1842| Hannah Hinkley
1:46
Sarah J. Moody .
1842
Charles E. Hinkley
1617
Charlotte Bachelder
1842 Joseph White.
1847
Mary Briggs .
1842 Sarah Comeford
1×48
Ruth Flanders.
1842
Mary Edgely
1948
James W. Russell .
1813| Mary Hale .
1848
Members Absent, Males.
B. G. Parker . . . Hallowell, Me' Eben Page . . . . . . W. AAmesbury George B. Lord . . Boston, Mass. Moses Stevens. . . . California D. D. Tilton . . . Hallowell, Me N. P. Woodman. Raymond. N II
Seth Hinkley . . Hampton Falls Charles B. Morgan . . Salem. Ms
Jna. Leighton . California Edward Edzely . .. · Salem, Ms
Enoch Chase Noah Jackman,
Allen Small ..... Newbury, Ms Edward Nelson
Moses Pearsons . Greenland, N.II
James Snow . . . Stratham, N. II Charles Lunt. . . . . Newbury. Ms
J. M. Davis . . Portsmouth. N. H Tristram Pike . E. Bradford, Ms Joseph Bailey . W. Newbury, Ms
Isaiah York
1×45
M. Stevens . . 1841|
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Members Absent, Females.
HI. S. Parker . . . Hallowell, Me, Mary Ash . . . . . . . Rowley, Ms R. Russell. . . . Foxborough. M. C. Bartlett . West Newbury Ms Ruth Eaton . . . . Seal rook. N. IT! A. Read . . . . . . Bradford. Ms
M. J. Dow . . . . Seabrook. N.H. Mary Yeaton . Merideth, N. HI N. D. Lane . Salisbury Point. M. Abba Morse . . . Newton. N. II R. Kenniston . . . Stratham. N. H Olive Goodrich .
O. M. George . Southampton. P. Whittemore
F. Parsons
M. Goodwin . . Newbury, Ms E. Turner
Pauline Todd
Charlotte White . . Lowell. Ms E. Edgily. .. . Milton, N. H.
J. Slack . Lowell. Ms Ann Scribner . . . . Rowley, Mis Elizabeth Tilton . Hallowell. Me
S. Sprague
Eliza Marsh . . . . Newbury. M. Mary L. Lamprey . Hampton, Elizabeth Falch . Seabrook, Ms Lydia Lewis
M. Someby . Boston. Ms| Sarah Lunt . . . . Newbury, Ms ..
1. Blaisdell . . Southampton' Ann Clark
C. Medbury
Boston. BIS HI. Small .
..
A. R. Dean Boston. MIs Mary York
Elijah Jones
Frosont Members, Males,
Thomas Merrill.
John L. Lord,
Benjamin Coffin,
Benjamin Dutton,
N. D. Tilton. .
Moses Short,
D. R. Hinkley,
Luther Merrill,
Joseph Putnam.
James W. Laws.
Eleazer R. Walker,
Eben Haves,
Joseph Chase,
Elder Elijah Staw,
Albert Russell.
E. G. Nason,
Andrew Raymond,
Wade Ilsley,
Samuel Todd .
Alexander A. Lawson,
William B. Jelunison.
G. W. Ward.
Joseph Stevens,
Thomas Choate,
Silas Green, .
D. A. Smith. John Langly.
L. Kimball, .
Jacob B. Johnson,
II. Haines, ..
Joseph Lunt. William Turpine.
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II. Richardson
Mary Ann Varney
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Present Members, Females.
Mary Hall. .
Abigail Haskell,
Mary Coffin,
Mr .. Currier. .
Ann Currier,
Elizabeth: Merci !!.
Saralı Plummer,
Judith Bartlett.
Eliza Ann Brown,
Hannah J. Talbo:
Mary Ann Smith,
Mrs. Whitten,
Abby Pike,
Mrs Laws. . .
Eliza Was . i
Joanna Devoraux.
Martha Lewis
Mary Ann Carter.
Mary Honest, .
Lydia Ann Brown,
Patience Putnam,
Sophia P. Pike. .
Patience Davis.
Mary A. Carter, .
M. E. Chandier,
Catherine Smith,
Ann Manson,
Mary Sally,
Mary Russell,
Adeline Blackstone.
Mary Smith,
Sally Bailer. .
Tabitha Pettegrew
Martha W. Tilton,
Mary Ann Hays,
Mary Leighton,
Jane M. Chase,
They Felt. .
Eliza Hall. .
Belinda Dill.
Sarah E. Hinkley
R. Edgely ..
Alvira Mitchel!,
Mary A. Foss,
Sally Kate.
Rhoda Foss. .
Susan E. Blake,
Lydia Haines, .
Sarah Merrill,
Mrs Choate ..
Mary J. Randall,
Elizabeth MeQuillen.
Caroline Bailey,
Ann Floyd,
Nancy Pike, .
Ann Wyman,
Mrs. McQuillen.
Lucy Haines.
Temperance Mitchell,
Esther Haines.
Martha Dutton
Judith Langly,
Unice Dorman,
Mrs Haines. . .
Mary Talbot,
Miss Hines. .
Sarah Eaton,
Mary J. Tils.
Lurava Gaskill,
Rachael Gaskill,
Sarah Sargent,
88
RECAPITULATION.
Members who have died .. 11.
Members dismissed to join other churches, 32.
Absent members, ( Males. 21 : 60.
Females, 39 ;S
( Males, 32 : 107. Resident members ¿ Females, 75 : )
Members excluded during 9 years,
32.
.51.
Members suspended "
Members now in full fellowship,
167.
Total, during nine years, . 299.
1 2446236
MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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