USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Williamstown > Manual of the First Congregational Church, Williamstown, Mass. ; revised Jan. 1, 1879 > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 W673w 1853310
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01102 7106
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D:
. MANUAL
OF THE
first congregational -
Church,
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICA : )
WILLIAMSTOWN, ALISS.
.... .. .. .
REVISED JANUARY 1. 1819.
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The foundation of God staudeth sure, having this seal: The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Tim. ii. 19 .- Thy vows are upon me, O God. Ps. Ivi. 12.
PITTSFIELD. MASS. CHICKERING & AXTELL, STEAM PRINTERS 1879.
1853310
HISTORY.
HE settlement of Williamstown-then called " West Hoos- ick"-was commenced in 1753. It was incorporated in 1765, and in the same year the proprietors invited the Rev.
e WHITMAN WELCH "to the work of the ministry in this town." A church was soon formed and placed under his pasto- ral care. But the records of its formation have not been pre- served, and nothing is now known of the names and number of its members, until the time of the settlement of its second Pastor, fourteen years later.
Mr. Welsh was a native of Milford. Conn., graduated at Yale College in 1762, "was a man of intelligence and activity, atten- tive to the duties of his office. and serions and earnest in their performance."* He was ordained the latter part of the year 1765, and was pastor of the church for about twelve years. In the winter of 1776, he went with the American army to Canada, as chaplain of a regiment to which a party belonged, commanded by Lieut. Z. Sabin, of this town. and died of the small-pox, in March of that year, near Quebec.
The second pastor of this Church was the Rev. SETH SWIFT, a native of Kent, Conn., and a graduate of Yale College in 1774. He was ordained May 26, 1779, three years after the death of Mr. Welsh. At this time the church consisted of 61 members: and 273 were added during his ministry of nearly 28 years. Mr. Swift was "warm and open in his temper, evangelical in his reli- gious views, serious in the general tone of his intercourse with his people, zealous in the labors of the ministry, decided in his opinions, and prudent and energetic in his measures."+ He died after a short illness, Feb. 15. 1:07. The following entry on the records of the church testifies their affection and esteem for their pastor. "At about 9 o'clock, A. M., the Rev. Seth Swift, our much esteemed, dearly beloved. and very faithful and laborious
"History of the County of Berkshire. p. ,09.
tIbid, p. 410.
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pastor, died. in the midst of great usefulness, while God was pouring out his Spirit here, and giving him many seals of his ministry."
After the death of Mr. Swift, the church remained without a pastor more than six years, and were supplied by the President of the College-Rev. Dr. Fitch-and others. During this time 103 were admitted to the church, including 36 who were the fruits of a revival, which was in progress at the time of Mr. Swift's death.
The Rev. WALTER KING was installed as pastor of this church July 6, 1813, and, after a ministry of a little more than two years, died of an apoplectic attack, which came upon him in the pulpit, Dec. 1, 1815, at the age of 37 years. He was a native of Wilbraham, Mass., and a graduate of Yale College in 1782. Be- fore his settlement in this place he had been twenty-four years pastor of the second church in Norwich, Conn., where his repu- tation was good. In a short obituary notice, understood to be from the pen of the late Rev. Dr. Hyde of Lee, he is honored as a "sound divine, a solemn and searching preacher, and emi- nently a man of prayer."* During his ministry here, the admis- sions to the church were 21. and 12 more were admitted before the ordination of his successor.
The Rev. RALPH WELLS GRIDLEY was ordained and installed as pastor of this Church Oct. 9, 1816. He was a son of the late Rev. Elijah Gridley, of Granby, in this State, and graduated at Yale College in 1814. Having commenced his ministry here in the freshness of his youth, he was a faithful and laborious pas- tor of this people for seventeen and a half years, when he was dismissed at his own request, April 27, 1834, and removed, with his family, to Illinois, as a missionary of the American Home Missionary Society. It was principally with the hope of greater usefulness in the West, that he sought a release from his pastoral relation here. His labors, however, in that field, though much blessed, were of short continuance. He died at Ottawa, Ill., February 2, 1840, greatly lamented by the churches and people, to whom he ministered.
Mr. Gridley was a man of quick perceptions, a warm heart, ardent piety, and great activity. He was self-sacrificing and earnest in his labors, ready at every call of duty, and the cause of religion appears to have been greatly advanced by his minis-
*Panoplist for March, 1816.
---- --
4 ...
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try. During his continuance here, many revivals were enjoyed, and 609 members were added to the Church, 534 of whom were received by profession .* The records of the Church, consenting to his dismission, contain an expression of " their most affection- ate regard for their pastor, and a deep sense of the spiritual blessings enjoyed by the church under his ministry.
The Rev. JOSEPH ALDEN was ordained and installed as pastor of this Church, July 3, 1834. His health was soon found to be insufficient for the labors of his charge, and as early as March, 1835, he asked a dissolution of his pastoral relation. The Church, after some delay, consented to his request, but the pastoral rela- tion was not actually dissolved until Feb. 10, 1836, by the Coun- cil convened to ordain his successor.
Mr. Alden-now Rev. Dr. Alden-was a graduate of Union College in 1828, and of the Princeton Theological Seminary in 1832. His ministry as the pastor of this church, though brief, was useful and acceptable. During its continuance, there were six admissions to the church.
Rev. ALBERT SMITH, a graduate of Middlebury College in 1832, and of the Andover Theological Seminary in 1835, was ordained and installed as pastor of this Church Feb. 11, 1836. He continued in this charge a little more than two years. when, having received a call to a Professorship in Marshall College, Pennsylvania, he was dismissed, at his own request, May 6, 1838. During his brief ministry here, t the admissions to the Church were 24.
After the dismission of MIr. Smith, the Church remained a year and eight months destitute of a pastor, and were supplied by the President and Professors of the College and others, during which time 10 members were admitted to the Church by letter. ;
The Rev. AMOS SAVAGE was installed pastor of this Church, Jan. 22, 1840. Mr. Savage was a graduate of Middlebury Col- lege in 1822, and of the Princeton Theological Seminary in
*The average of admissions by profession, during Mr. Gridley's ministry, is thus seen to have been about 30 each year. which is a larger average than have been received during the ministry of any other pastor. It should be remarked, however, that until the close of the pastorate of Mr. Gridley, the Faculty of the College, and those Students who professed religion, were in general members of this Church. In June, 1834, a separate church was formed in College under the pastoral care of the President.
tThe Second Congregational Church of Williamstown, was formed during this pastorate, from members dismissed from the First, Aug. 20. 1536.
#The twelve months from Aug. 22, 38, to Aug. 18, '39, were filled by Prof. Albert Hopkins as acting pastor.
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1825 : was first settled as pastor of a Church in his native place, Granville, N. Y., afterwards spent a year as a missionary in Tal- lahassee, Florida, and was several years pastor of the Bleeker- street Presbyterian Church. Utica. N. Y., from which he was called to this Church. He continued here three years, until Jan. 30, 1843, when, at his own request, he was released from the further charge of this Church, to accept of an agency for the American Tract Society, and his dismission was subsequently consummated by a mutual council. During his ministry here, 106 were added to the Church, $3 of them by profession and 23 by letter.
The Church was then without a pastor one year and ten months, and was supplied by different preachers, during which time there were & additions by profession and 2 by letter.
The Rev. ABSALOM PETERS. D. D., was installed pastor of this Church, November 20. 1844. Dr. Peters was a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1-16. During his ministry 99 were ad- ded to the Church ; 72 by profession and 27 by letter. He was dismissed in October, 1853. to act as agent for Williams College.
The Rev. HENRY R. HOISINGTON was then chosen as acting pastor, which part he faithfully filled from November, 1853, to March, 1856 During his ministry 67 were added to the Church ; 48 by profession, and 19 by letter. He was an active servant.
The Rev. ADDISON BALLARD, a graduate of Williams College, was installed pastor, September 14, 1857. He was an elegant writer and speaker, refined in manners, and won the hearts of his people. His health failed, and he resigned his pastorate. He was dismissed, with great regret, in December, 1864. Du- ring his ministry 107 were added to the Church ; 80 by profes- sion, and 27 by letter.
Prof. ALBERT HOPKINS then supplied the pulpit till October, 1865, during which time one by profession and one by letter were added to the Church
The Rev. MASON NOBLE, D. D., was then invited to become acting pastor till November. 1566. He was zealous and faithful in his Master's service, and during his ministry 59 were added to the Church : 45 by profession, and 14 by letter.
From Nov. 1, 1866, to April 1. 1867, the pulpit was supplied by Prof. JOHN BASCOM. There were 4 additions to the Church by letter.
After an interim of seven months, which was filled by Rev.
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CALVIN DURFEE, Rev. EDWARD GRIFFIN. Rev. MASON NOBLE, and others, during which time 6 were received to the Church by letter and 3 by profession. Rev. E. P. WELLS officiated as acting pastor for one year. Nov. 1. 1867. to Oct. 28, 1868. 11 were re- ceived to the Church by profession, and 2 by letter.
Ths Church was again without a pastor for some months. Rev. DANIEL S. RODMAN preached for a few Sabbaths, and was called to the pastorate. but declined the call June 13, 1869.
The new House of Worship was dedicated to the service of God, September 12. 1869. Sermon by Rev. MASON NOBLE. D. D.
The Church and Society having incurred "a very burdensome and almost hopeless debt," by the erection of their new House of Worship," Prof. ALBERT HOPKINS kindly offered to supply the pulpit without salary for an indefinite period. His offer was accepted, and under his self-denying and judicious labors, not only was the debt entirely assumed by individuals, but the inter- ests of the Church and Society in general were greatly advanced. He retired from his labors May 24, 1872. During his ministry 7 were received by letter. and 5 by profession.
Rev. A. C. SEWALL commenced his labors Dec. 15, 1872, and was installed pastor of the Church Feb. 26. 1573. During his ministry thus far, there have been added to the Church, by let- ter 42, by profession 76.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP.
ELIGIOUS worship was conducted ten or twelve years in a school-house standing on the corner lot. north-east of the late house of worship. The first proposal to build a house for public worship, was in Jan. 1766, and the first meeting- house, 40 feet by 30, was built by the "proprietors." in 1768. It stood near the site of the late edifice, and was occupied as a house of worship until 1798. Other portions of the town, it ap- pears, were not satisfied with this location, and a vote was ob- tained in town-meeting in Jan. 1777, to build a meeting-house "near the center of the town." The subject was much discussed,
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for the accommodation of both ends of the town. In 1779 it was voted that the south part should have their portion of the meeting there, until there should be a meeting-house in the centre : and a "stake" was set for a meeting-house by a com- mittee, and the site approved by vote of the town, July 1:81. east of the county road, a quarter of a mile north of the dwelling house of the late Gordon Bulkeley. on the top of "Stone hill." But after much fruitless endeavor, it was found impracticable for the town so to agree upon this, or any other location, as to unite in building a single house for the accommodation of both ends of the town. and the effort was abandoned.
In Sept. 1796, a vote of the town was obtained to allow a meeting-house to be built by the proprietors, the old one to be removed and used as a town-house. The house was soon erected, and began to be occupied for worship in 1798. It was 76 feet by 55, and cost about $6,000. It was destroyed by fire on the afternoon of January 21, 1866. (Sabbath. )
The new building, dedicated to the worship of God September 12, 1869, is a brick structure trimmed with freestone. The main building is 89 feet long. The floor of the audience room is 68 feet long, and 55 feet wide. with spacious galleries on three sides, and an organ gallery on the fourth. Length of room on level with galleries. is 89 feet. Height of room from the floor to the arch of the ceiling is nearly 40 feet.
The Lecture room in rear of, and connected with the main building by an entrance hall. is heptagonal in form: in length 37 feet, and width 48 feet. There are two towers; one on the south-east, and the other on the south-west angle of the main building. The largest, surmounted with spire, is in height 1233 feet : the smaller. with spire. 92 feet. It was erected at a total cost of about $40,000.
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PASTORS.
From Nov. 1765, Rev. WHITMAN WELCH,
To Winter, 1776.
66
1776, Interim,
" May 26, 1779.
66 May, 1779. Rev. SETH SWIFT,
" Feb. 15, 1807.
Feb. 1807, Interim. preach'g by Col'ge, " July 6, 1813.
July, 1813, Rev. WALTER KING, " Dec. 1. 1815.
Dec. 1815, Interim.
" Oct. 9, 1816.
Oct. 1816, Rev. RALPH W. GRIDLEY,
" April 27, 1834.
April, 1834, Interim,
" July 3, 1834.
July, 1834, Rev. JOSEPH ALDEN. D. D. " Feb. 10, 1836.
66 Feb. 1836, Rev. ALBERT SMITH, " May 6, 1838.
May, 1838, Interim,
" Aug. 22, 1838.
Aug. 1838, Prof. ALBERT HOPKINS,*
" Aug. 19, 1839. " Jan. 22, 1840.
Jan. 1840, Rev. AMOS SAVAGE,
" Jan. 30, 1843.
Jan. 1843, Interim,
" Nov. 20, 1844.
Nov. 1844, Rev. A. PETERS. D. D.,
" Nov. 1853.
Nov. 1853, Rev. H. R. HOISINGTON,*
" March, 1856.
Mar. 1856, Interim,
" Sept. 1857.
Sept. 1857, Rev. A. BALLARD, D. D.
" Dec. 31, 1864.
Jan. 1865, Int. Rev. Prof. A. HOPKINS*
" Oct. 1865.
Oct.
1865, Int. Rev. M. NOBLE. D.D*
" Nov.
1866.
66 Nov. 1866, Interim.
Nov. 1867.
Nov. 1867, Interim. Rev. E. P. WELLS* " Nov.
1868.
Nov. 1868, Interim.
" Sept. 1869.
Sept. 1869, Rev. Prof. A. HOPKINS, *
May, 1872.
May, 1872, Interim.
" Dec. 15, 1872.
Dec. 1872, Rev. A. C. SEWALL.
*Acting Pastor.
DEACONS .**
*JAMES MEACHAM, previous to 1779.
*NATHAN WHEELER, previous to 1779.
*EBENEZER STRATTON, 1780. *BENJAMIN SKINNER, 1780.
*LEVI SMEDLEY. 1792.
*ZADOC FORD, 1794.
*DEODATUS NOBLE, 1805.
*ANDREW BEERS, 1812.
*CHENEY TAFT, 1814. JAMES SMEDLEY, 1822.
ASAHEL FOOTE, 1826.
*EBENEZER EMMONS, 1827.
HENRY L. SABIN, 1828.
*WILLIAM DICKINSON, 1829.
** The year against each name indicates not the year of election as Dea- con, but of reception to membership in the Church.
Aug. 1839, Interim,
Doctrinal Basis and Polity.
The Polity of the Church has been, from its foundation, Congregational.
" The original Confession of Faith and Covenant of this Church," says Mr. Gridley in the " Report of Committee on Revision of the Confession and Covenant," dated " Jan. 2. 1826," " were long and full. Their great length soon led to the use of abridgements of them. At some times, it is believed, abridged forms have been used that were made by the sole discretion of the pastor, without the formal sanction of the Church. At other times, the Church, or at least the other officers of it, have. it is said, been consulted on this subject. But down to the time of the settlement of the present pastor,* there is no record that the Church had adopted or authorized the use of any other than the long original confession before mentioned.
" The form that has been used by the present pastor* is also an abridgement of the same original one, but was adopted by a vote of the Church at their annual meeting nine years since. But having been prepared in the above- mentioned manner, that is, by abridgement of one, two or three times as long, it was almost of necessity less proper and correct in its form than it might otherwise have been.
" The Committee have, therefore. deemed it advisable, in the exercise of the discretionary power given them, to put the Confession and the Covenant into a new form. It has been their intention, however, to preserve the entire substance of the old. The Confession herewith presented, it is believed, contains the same doctrines which have ever been the faith and profession of this Church, and the Com-
"Mr. Gridley.
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mittee believe that none who approve those doctrines will find here any religious sentiment they will disapprove, or anything omitted of what the Church has considered funda- mentally important."
Following are the Articles of Faith as then reported and adopted by the Church, and which have since been publicly read on the admission of members :
ARTICLE I.
WE, as a Church, believe that Jehovah, the true and eter- nal God, who made, supports, and governs the world, is possessed of every perfection both natural and moral, and that he exists in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who possess the same nature, and are equal in every divine perfection.
Thou, even thou, art Lord alone ; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts ; the earth and all things that are therein, the sea and all that is therein ; and thou pre- servest them all, and the host of heaven worshipeth thee. Neh. ix. 6. God is love. 1 John iv. 8. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matt. v. 48. And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping merey for thousands, forgiving in- iquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty ; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7.
By His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds : who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. And let all the angels of God worship him. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne. O God, is forever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Heb. i. 2. 3, 6, 8.
But Peter said. Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. Acts v. 3, 4. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. 2 Cor. xiii, 14. See also Coloss. i. 14 to 19. Rev. v. 8 to 13. 1 John v. 7, 8, 20.
ARTICLE II.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
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tament were written by holy men, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and are the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right- eousness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly fur- nished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. For the proph- ecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. i. 19 to 21. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto mny path. Ps. cxix. 105.
ARTICLE III.
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 counsel of his own will.
Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev. iv. 11. Him, being delivered by the deter- minate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts ii. 23. For to do. whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Acts iv. 28. Eph. i. 11. The counsel of the Lord stand- eth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Ps .. xxxiii. 11.
ARTICLE IV.
We believe that men are immortal and accountable ; that the law of God is perfect, and his government just and good ; and that all rational persons are under obligation to love and obey Hin.
Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Rom. xiv. 12. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, accord- ing to that he hath done whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. v. 10.
ARTICLE V.
We believe that in consequence of the apostasy of Adam, sin and misery have been introduced into the world, and that all men, unless renewed by the Holy Spirit, are destitute of holiness, and under the curse of the divine law
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have
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sinned. Rom. v. 12. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. Marvel not, that I said unto thee. Ye must be born again. John iii. 6, 7. For to be carnally minded is death ; but to be spiritu- ally minded is life and peace : because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither in- deed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom. viii. 6 to 8.
ARTICLE VI.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ assumed the nature of man, and, by his obedience and death, made atonement for the sins of the world, and procured for those who be- lieve in him, eternal life.
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels: but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Heb. ii. 16. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. John i. 14. And he is propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John ii. 2. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. Rev. v. 9.
ARTICLE VII.
We believe that whosoever will, may accept of the offers of mercy freely made in the Gospel ; but that no one will do this, except he be drawn by the Father.
Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. Ye will not come to me that ye might have life. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. John v. 40; vi. 44.
ARTICLE VIII.
We believe that those who are finally saved, will owe their salvation to the mere sovereign mercy of God, in Christ Jesus, through repentance and faith in him, and not to any works of righteousness which they have done.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace. Eph i. 5. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord. because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 2 Thess. ii. 13. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the
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washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Tit. iii. 5.
ARTICLE IX.
We believe that a conscientious discharge of the various duties, which we owe to God, to our fellow men, and to our- selves, as enjoined in the Gospel, is not only constantly binding on every Christian, but affords to himself and to the world the only decisive evidence of his interest in the Re- deemer.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Jolin xv. 14. And why call ye me. Lord. Lord, and do not the things which I say ? Luke vi. 46. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this : To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James i. 27.
ARTCLE X.
We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lord's Supper ;- that Baptism is to be ad- ministered to believers and their households, and the Lord's Supper to be received by all his disciples.
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Math. xxviii. 19. And he was baptized. he and all his, straight- way. Acts xvi. 33. And I baptized also the household of Ste- phanas. 1 Cor. i. 16. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them. saying, This is my body, which is given for you : this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying. This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke xxii. 19, 20.
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