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MANUAL OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
Brimfield, Mass.
1899.
Articles of faith,
COVENANT,
STANDING RULES,
AND
CATALOGUE,
OF THE
CHURCH IN BRIMFIELD.
PRINTED BY FISK & GOFF, PALMER. 1860.
Articles of faith,
COVENANT,
STANDING RULES,
AND
CATALOGUE,
OF THE
CHURCH IN
BRIMFIELD.
PRINTED BY FISK & GOFF, PALMER. 1860.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/manualoffirstcon00unse 2
THE FOLLOWING CREED, COVENANT AND RULES, Were adopted by the Church Sept. 1, 1860. The Catalogue con- tains the names of only those who were then members, or have since united with the Church.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
I. We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and moral Governor of the universe; a being of infinite power, knowledge, wisdom, justice, goodness and truth ; the self-existent, independent and immutable fountain of good.
II. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for instruc- tion in righteousness ; and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice.
III. We believe that the mode of divine existence is such as lays a foundation for a three-fold distinction in the God-head,-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that these three are one in essence, and equal in power and glory.
IV. We believe that God has made all things for him- self; that known unto Him are all His works from the beginning; and that he governs all things according to the counsel of His own will.
5. We believe that the divine law, and the principles and administration of the divine government are perfect- ly holy, just and good ; and that all rational beings are bound to approve them.
4
VI. We believe that God at first created man in his own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness; and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine com- mand in eating the forbidden fruit.
VII. We believe that in consequence of the apostacy, the heart of man in his natural state, is destitute of holi- ness and in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character and government of God, and that all men, pre- vious to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins.
VII. We believe that Christ the son of God has made atonement for sin ; that he is the only Redeemer of sin- ners ; and that all who are saved will be altogether in- debted to the grace of God, for their salvation.
IX. We believe that all men are alike indisposed to ac- cept the offers of mercy made in the Gospel, and there- fore, none of our race would repent, believe and be saved, without the special influences of the Holy spirit, in sub- duing their wills and renewing their hearts, according to God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.
X. We believe that those who cordially embrace Christ, will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XI. We believe that watchfulness over the life, holy meditation, a conscientious attention upon public, family and secret worship, together with the steady practice of righteousness, truth, sincerity and charity, and of sobri- ety, chastity and temperance are the indispensable duties of every christian.
XII. We believe that there will be a general resurrec- tion of the bodies, both of the just and of the unjust.
XIII. We believe that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body ; and that at the day of judgment the state of all will be unalterably fixed ; and that the punishment of the wicked, and the happiness of the righteous will be end- less.
5
XIV. We believe that Christ has a visible church in the world into which none but real believers in the sight of God, and none but visible believers in the sight of man, have right of admission.
XV. We believe that the sacraments of the New Tes- tament are baptism and the Lord's Supper; that believ- ers in regular church standing only can consistently par- take of the Lord's Supper, and that visible believers only, and their households can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of baptism.
COVENANT.
1. You do now in the presence of God and man, enter into Covenant with Jehovah, consecrating yourselves to Him, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to fear, love and obey Him forever.
2. Relying on the gracious assistance of the Spirit, and taking the Scriptures as the rule of your life, you prom- ise to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the gospel, as becomes the followers of the Lord Jesus.
3. You promise to attend conscientiously to all the du- ties of religion both of public and private nature ; wheth- er of the closet, the family or the sanctuary.
4. You promise to forsake all such company or amuse- ments, or practices as are inconsistent with the require- ments and spirit of the gospel, and to live soberly, right- eously and godly in this evil world.
2
6
5. You cordially unite yourself to this church of Christ, promising to exercise towards its members or re- ceive from them a kind and faithful watch, according to the directions of our Lord in the 18th chapter of Mat- thew, in order that your christian character may be per- fected and your usefulness in the cause of the Redeemer promoted.
6. You promise to do what may be in your power to promote the purity, peace and prosperity of this church, and to give of your substance as the Lord prospers you, for the extension of His kingdom in the world.
We, on our part receive you into our communion and promise to watch over you with christian affection, ever regarding you as members of the body of Christ, who is head over all things to the church. We do this, praying that both you and we may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in this Covenant, and to glorify God with the ho- liness that becomes His house forever. AMEN.
STANDING RULES.
SECTION I. ADMISSION TO THE CHURCH.
ART. 1. Persons wishing to unite with this Church by profes - sion of their faith, shall be examined by the Church Committee, respecting their knowledge of the doctrines and duties of religion and their personal piety.
ART. 2. Persons admitted to this church by profession or letter must assent to its confession of faith and covenant, and be pro- pounded at least two weeks before they are received.
SECTION II. CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
ART. 1. In efforts to promote the order and purity of the church, the rules laid down in Mat. 18: 15-17, shall be faithfully observed.
ART. 2. The absence of resident members from our commun- ion for one year without sufficient reasons apparent or assigned, and of non-resident members for two years without such reasons, shall constitute a cause for bringing the question of their stand - ing before the church, which question shall then be decided upon its own merits.
SECTION III. MEETINGS.
ART. 1. The Church shall hold an annual meeting on the first Thursday in January, at which time the Rules shall be read, and a report of the numbers and condition of the church presented by the Pastor or the Clerk of the Church.
ART. 2. There shall be a meeting for the transaction of any business at the close of every Preparatory Lecture.
SECTION IV. LORD'S SUPPER.
ART. 1. This ordinance preceded by a Preparatory Lecture, shall be observed on the first Sabbath in January, March, May, July, September and November.
SECTION V. DISMISSION.
ART. 1. Requests for dismission may be acted on at the public service of any Sabbath, provided such requests have been read in public two weeks previous.
SECTION VI. CHANGES.
ART. 1. These rules may be altered at any annual meeting of the church.
CATALOGUE.
1 .- Received by letter from another church. p .- Received on profession of Faith. c c .- Connection ceased by vote of the church.
Date of Admission. Names. History.
1810. p. Elijah Tarbell.
1814. p. Lucy, wife of Jacob Bishop.
1817. р. Catherine, wife of Ezra Perry.
1819. p. Jonathan Brown.
181, 29, 1844
p. Cheney Solander.
p. Mary, wife of C. Solander
Died 1880
c. c. 1860.
66
p. Joshua Upham.
66
p. Lyman Upham.
p· Malina H., wife of Royal P. Wales.
66
p. Ruth, wife of Orsamus Janes.
p. Elkanah Spring.
Died 1860.
p. Lemuel Lumbard.
Died 1860.
p. Emily, wife of James Brown.
X. 1876 2a92
p· Lucy, wife of Nathan Prouty.
€€
p. Sophronia, wife of A. Wheeler.
p. Velina, wife of Wm. Tucker.
c. c. 1859.
p. Benjamin Sherman.
p. Mary, wife of Albon Janes.
p. Orson Sherman.
p. Emma, wife of Oliver Blair. Died 1860.
p. Betsey, wife of Linus Homer.
1823.
1. Ruth, wife of Benj. Sherman.
1824.
1. Elizabeth, wife of Lyman Upham.
1826. p. Eudosia Janes.
66 Harriet Janes.
66
p· Harvey Lumbard.
p· Celynda, wife of Jonathan Emerson ..
p· Mary, wife of P. W. Paige. Died 1860.
p. Lucy Hubbard Fairbanks.
p. Ruth, wife of P. Moon.
p. Eli Barrows. und Dec 28. 1881
66
p. Orlando Griggs.
p· Anne, wife of J. Upham.
7.06. 3. 15/2
p·
9
Date of Admission.
Names. History.
1826.
p. Martha, wife of Hezekiah Ferry.
1827. 1. Tryphena, wife of Nelson Works.
1829. 1. Mehitable Sumner.
1. Marcia, wife of Wm. Nichols.
1831. p.
Abner Hitchcock.
p. Annes, wife of Henry J. Brown.
66
p. Orril F. Griggs.
p.
Alvin Janes.
Fred 1872
p·
p. Persis, wife of Porter Pepper.
66
Cyril R. Brown, Deacon.
p. Mary, wife of C. R. Brown.
p. Lydia, wife of Albigene Griggs.
p. Lydia, wife of Harvey Fenton.
p.
Wm. J. Sherman.
р. Joanna, wife of Wm. J. Sherman.
p. Solomon Homer, Deacon.
1832.
Lydia L., wife of John Wyles.
1833.
р.
p. Prudence, wife of Barnard Dean.
p.
Flavilla, wife of Julius Ward.
66
1. Patty, wife of Marcus Hitchcock."
1834. 1. Luthera, wife of Lemuel Allen.
1 Lucretia, wife of Eli Barrows.
1. Sophia, wife of Sullivan Alexander.
1. Sybil, wife of Christopher Ward.
1835. p. 1. Augustus Wheeler.
1. Martha, wife of Alfred Hitchcock. Laod 127.
1838. p.
Mary Ann Homer.
1. Lucina, wife of Solomon Homer.
1.
Paul W. Paige, Deacon.
1. Samuel A. Hitchcock.
66
p. Phebe C., wife of J. W. Browning.
1839.
p. Eliza Ann, wife of H. G. Whitney. Dis. Westminster, 1860.
1. Eliza, wife of Emory Pierce.
1. Lucinda, wife of George Puffer.
1840. p. Phila, wife of Oliver Ferry.
p· Rebecca, wife of Ichabod Bliss.
1841.
1. Dauphin Brown, Deacon.
1. Abby, wife of Dauphin Brown.
1842. p. Newton S. Hubbard.
p. Susan, wife of Timothy Bliss.
181
Hezekiah Ferry.
1836.
Thirza, wife of Ebenezer Knight.
p. p. Sophia, wife of John Sherman.
Mary, wife of Alvin Janes. dred feb. 2-1887
10
Date of Admission.
Nane, History.
1842.
p. Sarah Upham.
66
p. Laura, wife of P. F. Spalding.
1. Sarepta, wife of Harvey Janes.
1843. p. Lydia, wife of Samuel Hubbard.
66
1. Mary, wife of Aaron Lyman.
66
1. Sarah, wife of N. S. Hubbard.
I. Eunice Knight.
Sred Jan 4 1875
1. Lucinda, wife of Walter Haynes.
p. Sarah, wife of John Prouty.
66
p. Sarah Bliss.
66
p. Calvin L. Upham.
1844.
1. Lucinda, wife of David Lawrence.
1845. p. Catherine Brown.
1846. 1. Horace Nichols.
1. Sarah, wife of James Blair.
1847. 1. Jairus Walker.
66
1. Lucy, wife of Jairus Walker.
66
1. Lucinda, wife of Abner Hitchcock.
1849. 1. Azubah, wife of Aaron Johuson,
1. Hannah, wife of Wilson Homer.
1850. 1. C. R. Warren, wife of J. M. Warren.
1. Jason Morse, Pastor.
66
1. Ednah, wife of Wm. II. H. Lyman.
Bredd 1871
X
1851.
1. Catherine, wife of Orson Sherman.
p. Ruth C. Sherman.
p· Minerva B. Walker.
p. Charles M. Barrows.
1852. p. Sarah S. Brown.
1. Elias L. Snow.
1. Lovan, wife of E. L. Snow.
p. George B. Hitchcock. c. c. 1860.
p. George W. Paige.
p. Mary L. Paige.
Dred Reb 3. 1899
1853. p. Elijah Allen.
66
p· Elisha C. Marsh.
p· James T. Brown.
66
1. Catherine, wife of J. T. Brown.
p. Wilson Homer.
66
p. Emory Livermore.
6
p. Almira, wife of Alfred Converse. p. Lucy, wife of Henry F. Brown.
66
1. Betsey Drury.
66
1. Mary Drury.
1. Perlinsa, wife of Elias Smith.
11
Date of Admission. 1853. р. Martha H. (Bliss) Janes. Dis. Saginaw, Mich., 1860.
1853.
p· Emily J. Brown.
p· Fidelia L. Alexander.
р. Frances M. Howard.
p. Hannah, wife of George Wight.
p. Mary, wife of David Moulton. Died 1860.
р.
Harriet, wife of C. A. Marsh.
р. Sarah, wife of Sumner Allen.
p·
Albert S. Prouty.
p. George H. LeDoyt.
p. David W. Janes.
p. Chloe, wife of Eliot Alexander.
p. Mary Tarbell.
1. Sophia Parsons, wife of J. Morse.
1855. 1.
Salina, wife of Edwin Allen.
p. Alured Homer.
p. Ruth, wife of A. Homer.
1. Marionette, wife of Dea. S. Homer. .
1856. p. Mary L. Brown.
1. Roswell Lumbard.
1. Sarah, wife of R. Lumbard.
1. Mary Ann, wife of E. Livermore.
1857. 1. Janette, wife of David W. Janes.
1. Aaron Bliss.
66
1. Almeda, wife of A. Bliss.
1. Martha A. Bliss.
1. Marion Bliss.
1. Samuel C. Kelley.
Dis. Greenfield, 1860.
1. Harvey Smith.
1. Annis H., wife of Harvey Smith.
1. Nathan M. Goodale.
1. Lucy H., wife of N. Goodale.
p. Jane E. Hitchcock.
"
1. Sarah, wife of L. Fenton.
р. Harriet, wife of Dr. G. C. Chamberlin.
p. Delia Ann Browning.
p. Ellen A. Lawrence.
1858. 1. Abbie, wife of Calvin Upham.
1. Susan, wife of G. A. Brown.
4€
p. Julia, wife of J. W. Morgan.
p. Louisa H. Upham.
p. Laura A. Hitchcock.
p. Mary T. Knight.
66
1854.
Name. History.
1. Mary, wife of Dr. J. Witter.
12
Date of Admission.
Name.
History.
1858.
p. Jane E. Spring.
p. Lucy Ann Sherman.
60
p. Mary Myers.
Dis. Montreal, 1860.
p. Edward Hitchcock.
p. Lucy .M Ward.
¥
p. Sarah E. (Sessions) Tyler. Dis. Spencer, 1860.
1. Delia A. Parker.
1. Edward L. Tower.
Dis. Chicopee, 1860.
1. Jane, wife of Cheney Newton.
p. Catherine, wife of Laurens Upham.
р. Lydia A., wife of Lorenzo Ferry.
p. Harriet M. Bliss.
p. Mary W. Hubbard.
p. Julia H. Griggs.
p. Damaris A Newton.
Laurence
66
p. Harriet N. Lawrence.
66
p. James S. Blair.
p. George M. Hitchcock.
p.
Charles H. Walker.
1860. p. Anna Pickett, wife of Wm. H. Wyles.
Josephine Emerson.
p. Helen Emerson.
1. Mary A., wife of Alden Goodale.
1. Hannah Durfee.
and 1873
1859.
MANUAL
OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, IN
BRIMFIELD, MASS.
Containing its Articles of Faith, Covenant, Standing Rules, List of Members, Officers, and a Short Sketch of its History, from the organization of the Church in 1721 to January, 1899.
Prepared by vote of the Church, as recorded upon the records of the Church, Pages 322 and 323.
PAST OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
* PASTORS.
1724-1734. 1736-1776. 1775-1796. 1798-1803. I 808-18II. 1814-1834. 1835-1837. 1837-1841. 1842-1846. 1847-1849. 1849-1861. I862-1870. 1870-1873. 1874-1878. 1879-1881. 1882-1884. 1884-1888. 1 889-1891. 1891-1893. 1893-
Richard Treat.
James Bridgham, died Sept. 17, 1776, aged 69.
Nehemiah Williams, died Nov. 26, 1796, aged 48. Clark Brown, died Jan. 12, 1817, aged 45. Warren Fay.
Joseph Vaill.
Joseph Fuller.
Joseph Vaill, died Feb. 22, 1869, aged 79.
George C. Patridge.
B. E. Hale.
Jason Morse, died Oct 14, 1861, aged 40. Charles M. Hyde.
M. B. Boardman.
Webster K. Peirce, died March 18, 1897.
Doane R. Atkins. Samuel V. McDuffie.
Joseph Kyte.
M. L. Richardson.
Wilbur Rand. + Robert J. Kyle.
* Others supplied for short periods. Mr. Fuller previous to 1724; Merrick, Sampson, Stoddard and Rice, 1734-1736; Wesson, Rockwood and Skinner, 1803-1808; George F. Chapin during Mr. Boardman's absence in 1872; Smith Norton, six months, 1879. t Now Pastor.
6
MANUAL OF THE
DEACONS.
I724.
*David Morgan.
1832. 1835.
*Jacob Bishop. *Abner Hitchcock.
*Henry Burt.
*Luke Blashfield.
1838.
*Cyril R. Brown.
*John Stebbins.
1844.
*Dauphin Brown. *Paul W. Paige.
*John Sherman.
1853.
I77I.
*Joseph Hitchcock.
*Solomon Homer.
I775.
*Joseph Hitchcock, Jr. *Joseph Hoar.
1867.
*Newton S. Hubbard. James S. Blair.
I776.
*Issacher Brown.
1884.
*William H. Sherman. David W. Janes.
I794.
*Samuel Sessions.
1888. Miner H. Corbin. Melvin Booth.
1816.
*Solomon Hoar.
1892. Edward B. Brown.
1818.
*Samuel Tarbell. *Samuel Brown.
1897. · George H. Streeter. Arthur B. Brown.
1829.
*Charles Barrows.
* Deceased.
I793.
*Ebenezer Fairbanks.
I 800.
*Jonathan Morgan.
PRESENT OFFICERS.
PASTOR. 2.cc. 6. 1894. Rev. Robert J. Kyle, installed Oet. Ist, 1893.
DEACONS.
*James S. Blair,
1867 George H. Streeter, 1897
Miner H. Corbin,
1888
Arthur B. Brown, 1897
Edward B. Brown,
1892
* Non-resident.
STANDING COMMITTEE. Pastor and Deacons.
CHURCH CLERK.
Edward B. Brown.
CHURCH TREASURER. Miner H. Corbin.
AUDITOR. James Reed Brown.
Miner H. Corbin,
PARISH COMMITTEE. Edward B. Brown.
Arthur B. Brown.
PARISH TREASURER. Miner H. Corbin.
AUDITOR. James Reed Brown. SUPERINTENDENT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL. George H. Streeter. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT. Edward B. Brown.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER. Miner B. Booth.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
Articles of faith to which persons who apply for membership are expected to subscribe.
I. We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and moral Governor of the universe; a being of infinite power, knowledge, wisdom, justice, goodness and truth ; the self-existant, independent and immutable fountain of good.
II. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for instruction in righteousness ; and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice.
III. We believe that the mode of divine existence is such as lays a foundation for a three-fold distinction in the God- head - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that these three are one in essence and equal in power and glory.
IV. We believe that God has made all things for himself ; that known unto Him are all His works from the beginning ; and that He governs all things according to the council of His own will.
V. We believe that the divine law and the principals and administrations of the divine government are perfectly holy, just and good; and that all rational beings are bound to approve them.
VI. We believe that God at first created man in His own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness; and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine command in eating the forbidden fruit.
VII. We believe that in consequence of the apostacy the heart of man in his natural state is destitutue of holiness, and in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character and government of God, and that all men, previous to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins.
9
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
VIII. We believe that Christ, the Son of God, has made atonement for sin ; that He is the only Redeemer of sinners ; and that all who are saved will be altogether indebted to the grace of God for their salvation.
IX. We believe that all men are alike indisposed to accept the offers of mercy made in the Gospel, and therefore, none of our race would repent, believe and be saved, without the special influences of the Holy Spirit in subduing their wills and renewing their hearts, according to God's eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.
X. We believe that those who cordially embrace Christ will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XI. We believe that watchfulness over the life, holy medi- tation, a conscientious attention upon public, family and secret worship, together with the steady practice of righteousness, truth, sincerity and charity, and of sobriety, chastity and temperance, are the indispensable duties of every Christian.
XII. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies, both of the just and of the unjust.
XIII. We believe that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body ; and that at the day of judgment the state of all will be unalterably fixed ; and that the punishment of the wicked and the happiness of the righteous will be endless.
XIV. We believe that Christ has a visible church in the world into which none but real believers in the sight of God, and none but visible believers in the sight of man, have a right of admission.
XV. We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's Supper ; that believers in regular church standing only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper, and that visible believers only, and their households, can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of baptism.
FORM OF ADMISSION TO THE CHURCH.
BELOVED FRIENDS : - In uniting with this Church you avow an agreement with its belief of the Christian doctrines as recorded in its Manual, and you enter into an especial cov- enant with Christ and its members.
You are now baptized (those of you who have not been in infancy), to signify how God, according to His mercy, saved
IO
MANUAL OF THE
you through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
You will now enter with us into our Covenant.
COVENANT.
I. You do now, in the presence of God and man, enter into Covenant with Jehovah, consecrating yourselves to Him, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to fear, love and obey Him forever.
II. Relying on the gracious assistance of the Spirit, and taking the Scriptures as the rule of your life, you promise to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Gospel, as becomes the followers of the Lord Jesus.
III. You promise to attend conscientiously to all the duties of religion, both of public or private nature, whether of the closet, the family, or the sanctuary.
IV. You promise to forsake all such company, or amuse- ments, or practices as are inconsistent with the requirements and spirit of the Gospel, and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this evil world.
V. You cordially unite yourself to this Church of Christ, promising to exercise towards its members, or receive from them, a kind and faithful watch, according to the directions of our Lord in the 18th chapter of Matthew, in order that your Christian character may be perfected and your usefulness in the cause of the Redeemer promoted.
VI. You promise to do what may be in your power to promote the purity, peace and prosperity of this Church, and to give of your substance as the Lord prospers you, for the extension of His kingdom in the world.
VII. (Church arise.) We, therefore, on our part, receive you into our communion, and promise to watch over you with Christian affection, ever regarding you as members of the body of Christ, who is head over all things to the church. We do this, praying that both you and we may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in this Covenant, and to glorify God with the holiness that becomes His house forever. Amen.
DO YOU THUS COVENANT?
STANDING RULES. Adopted January, 1899.
SECTION I. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
ARTICLE I. The officers of this Church shall be a Clerk, Treasurer, and Auditor, who shall be chosen at each annual meeting ; also four Deacons, who shall be chosen one each year for a term of four years*, and a Standing Committee of five, consisting of the four Deacons and the Pastor, or stated supply. All officers shall be chosen by ballot.
ART. II. Any vacancies may be filled at any regular church meeting, notice having been given of the same at least two weeks previously. It is desirable and is recommended that every male member of the Church over twenty-one years of age should be a member of the Parish.
SECTION 2. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.
ART. I. Applications for Church membership, either by letter or upon profession, may be made to the Standing Com- mittee, who shall constitute the examining committee ; but all members of the Church are entitled to participate in the examination.
ART. II. Names of applicants who shall have been exam- ined respecting their knowledge of the doctrines and duties of religion and their personal piety, and applicants by letter, upon recommendation of the Standing Committee, shall be read at the public service on the Sabbath at least two weeks previous to action being taken upon them by the Church.
ART. III. The foregoing conditions having been complied with, the Church shall take action on the names thus presented at the public service on the Sabbath, or at any business meet- ing, and the persons so accepted become members upon giving public assent to the Covenant, articles of faith, and rules of the Church.
*Since 1888, Deacons have been chosen for a term of four years; previous to that they were chosen for life.
I 2
MANUAL OF THE
SECTION 3. DISMISSION.
ART. I. Letters of dismission and recommendation mav be granted by vote of the Church at any meeting regularly called, provided the written request has been read at a public service two weeks previous.
ART. II. Persons in good and regular standing with us who wish to leave this Church for one of another denomination with whom we do not interchange letters of dismission and recommendation, may receive certificates of unimpeachable Christian character, and when evidence is received of their having been admitted to other membership our watch and care over them shall cease.
SECTION 4. CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
ART. I. In an effort to promote the order and purity of the Church, the rules laid down in Matt. 18 : 15-17 shall be faithfully observed.
ART. II. The absence of resident members from our com- munion for one year without sufficient reasons apparent or assigned, and of non-resident members for two years without such reasons, shall constitute a cause for bringing the question of their standing before the Church, which question shall then be decided upon its own merits.
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