USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Pittsfield, Mass., church and other records from manuscripts copied by Rollin Hillyer Cooke, Vol. I > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 P67 c v.1 1764-1817 1985152
IVI. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01723 4870
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/pittsfieldmassch1176cook
437
6762-13
PITTSFIELD, MASS.
CHURCH AND OTHER RECORDS FROM MANUSCRIPTS COPIED BY ROLLIN HILLYER COOKE
V.1 VOL. I
1885152
974.42 X79.1 82267
Recal Feb 22-1978
General Index to this book made by R.H.Cooke
Admissions 2-19
104 -- 107
Dismissions 19-21
44 -- 48 -- 89-90
Deaths 21-31 100 -- 104
Bapt isms 32-37 51-52 -- 96-99 -- 321 - 290-295
Marriages 38-42
48-51 -- 91-96 -- 504 - 379-388
Miscellaneous
42-44
54-89 -- 107-197
1
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH , PITTSFIELD.
P.1- At an Ecclesiastical Council convened by letters missive from a committee of christian professors & others of Union Parish in Pittsfield on the first day of August 1809 ,at the house of Doct. Daniel James, were present the following Pastors & Delegates from churches, viz;
Rev. Daniel Collins Lanesborough-Mr. Andrew Squire Delegate Rev. Theodore Hinsdale of Hinsdale Rev. Enoch Hale, West Hampton-Dea . Samuel Edwards , Del Rev. Samuel Whitman , Goshen-Dea . Oliver Taylor Del. Rev. Jacob Catlin, New Marlborough, North-Mr . Elijah Sheldon Del Rev. Jonathan Nash , Middlefield -Col. David Mack , Del. Rev. Alvan Hyde , Lee- Dea. Oliver West Del.
Rev. Jonathan L. Pomeroy, Worth ington-Hon Ezra Starkweather Esq Rev . Samuel Shepard, Lenox-Dea . Nathan Isbell , Del.
Rev. Ebenezer Jennings, Dalton-Mr. Jacob Chamber lain, Del.
Rev. Daniel Collins was chosen Moderator & Rev.Samuel Shepard Scribe Rev.Alvan Hyde was also chosen Assistant Scribe
The Council then repaired to the Chamber over the Academy & opened their meeting with prayer by the Moderator.
The Committee of Union Parish laid before the Council the act of incorporation by the General Court , & other Papers . which were supposed to be necessary in attending to the - business upon which they were convened.
The Council having carefully & as they trust in the fear of God & a sincere desire to promote the real interest of Religion in the Town, attended to the statements made to them; having also deliberately & patiently heard a discussion of the several questions proposed to them in relation to the circumstances of said Parish passed the following votes unanimously .
Voted, lst. That the Council find by documents laid before them that Union Parish in Pittsfield is legally incorporated by the General Court & that we as Ministers & churches do recognize it as such.
It having been represented to the Council that a number of members of the Church in Pittsfield belong to Union Parish; that several Persons also who are members of neighboring Churches,
P.2- have moved into said Parish; that others have hope of a personal interest in Christ have never publicly professed religion, but are desirous
2
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
of it; it having also been represented that certain persons belonging to Union Parish, have been laid under censure by the church in Pittsfield, as appears by a vote passed to that effect Feb.7,1809 ; it having been further made to appear that suitable exertions to obtain a mutual Council have failed.
This Council, having deliberately considered all these statements with their attendant circumstances.
Voted 2ndly. That in their opinion it is expedient & con- sistent with gospel rule, that a Church be organized in Union Parish
Voted 3rdly. That as the General Court have incorporated a number of the members of the Church of which Rev. Mr. Allen is Pastor , with Union Parish, it is expedient in view of the exist- ing circumstances of the Church & Town, that they be considered as proper membership in the new Church.
Voted, 4 thly. That that the censure passed Feb. 7th , 1809 , as already noticed on certain brethren of the Church in Pittsfield, notwithstanding we admit there were some irregularities in their proceedings is not a sufficient bar to their reception with others into a Church as regular brethren of the family of Christ.
Voted 5 thly. That " a member of Ministers" be appointed in conformity to a written request of the Committee of Union Parish, to proceed to organize, in due time, a Church in said Parish.
Voted 6thly. That the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale , Rev. Daniel Collins, Rev. Alvan Hyde, Rev. Samuel Shepard, & Rev. Jacob Catlin, be appointed for that purpose .
The Council have been deeply impressed with the magnitude of the difficulties which have arisen in this Town, in view of which they have given their best advice, having a solemn regard as they think to the general interest of the Redeemer's Kingdom. They now heartily recommend to all concerned in these matters, the exercise of the christian spirit ; commending them to the care and keeping, and guidance of Almighty God.
Daniel Collins, Moderator Samuel Shepard, Scribe.
P.3 - A true copy from the original.
Attest Samuel Shepard, Scribe
Lenox , August 3rd , 1809 .
The foregoing is a true copy from the files of Union Parish Church.
3
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
Attest
Charles Goodrich Junr. Chh. Clerk.
Doings of a Committee of Council in Union Parish, Pittsfield
At an Ecclesiastical Council convened by letters missive from Union Parish, Pittsfield , on the 1st day of August, 1809, it was voted by said Council that a Church be organized in Union Parish. It was voted that Rev. Theodore Hinsdale , of Hinsdale, Rev. Daniel Collins, of Lanesborough, Rev. Jacob Catlin, of New Marlborough, Rev . Alvan Hyde, of Lee & Rev. Samuel Shepard of Lenox, be a committee for the purpose of organizing a church in said Parish. On the 22nd day of August, 1809, the above mentioned Committee met at Pittsfield by agreement & proceeded to the business of their appointment.
At eleven o'clock of sd day the Committee repaired to the Town House in Pittsfield, where a sermon well adapted to the occasion of their meeting was delivered to a very attentive audience by Rev. Alvan Hyde of Lee, Rev. Jacob Catlin assisted in Prayer. At the close of the public religious services on this occasion, Rev . Mr. Hinsdale gave notice that after a recess of one hour & a half, the Committee would meet the Candidates for admission into the new Church in the Chamber over the Academy .
In conformity to this arrangement the Committee attended at the above mentioned time & place,& signified their approbation of the Confession of Faith & form of Covenant to be adopted by the Church in Union Parish.
The following persons then presented themselves as Candidates for membership in the Church, proposed to be organized, viz;
Charles Goodrich, Nathaniel Fairfield, Zebediah Stiles, Timothy Cadwell, Timothy Haskell, Joseph Fairfield , Nathaniel Tremain, Woodbridge Little, Daniel Chapman, Jonathan Weston , Richard Barnard, Charles Goodrich Jr. Isaac Tremain, John Chandler Williams , Benjamin Newel, Elisha Ely ,
P.4- Hannah Goodrich , Abigail Barnard, Hepzibah Whitney, Sally White, Mary Newel, Deliver ance Blankenship, Olive Tremain , Huldah Colt, Sarah Colt, Roxana Allis, Lovina Case, Mary Strong, Amelia Goodrich, Eleanor Newel , Martha Gold , Hart Pomer oy , Fanny Hinsdale, Mehitabel Kitteridge , Abigail Root, Sarah Peck, Elizabeth Fairfield , Widow Mary Strong, Elizabeth Pepoon, Mercy Merrick & Lucy James.
After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hinsdale & a careful examination of the Candidates as to the ir views of Gospel Truth & experi- mental Religion
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
& their reasons of their hope in Christ , the committee voted unanimously that they approve of all the abovementioned persons as Candidates for membership in the new Church.
Voted also to repair to the Town Hall & make the doings of the Committee publicly known.
Having assembled at the Town House according to adjournment, the Committee directed the names of the Candidates to be publicly read- The Confession of Faith was also read, to which the Can- didates gave their public assent .
A prayer was then made by Rev. Mr .Collins & the Ordinance of Baptism administered by him to Benjamin Newel & Roxana Allis. All the above mentioned persons then entered into solemn covenant with God & each other, in the presence of many wit - nesses and, after a prayer by Rev.Mr. Shepard, were declared by the Chairman of the Committee to be a regularly organized gospel Church, and in fellowship with the other Congregational Churches in this Vicinity; and, as such, a blessing was pronounced upon them in Apostolic form.
Attest Samuel Shepard Scribe.
Lenox August 24,1809.
The foregoing is a true copy from the Files of Union. Parish Church.
Attest Charles Goodrich Junr. Chh. Clerk -
P.5- Confession of Faith adopted by the Church of Union Parish, Pittsfield. I believe there is one God, who is the only living & true God , who exists of himself without beginning or end, infinitely perfect and glorious ; that he is independent & all sufficient & that all things else depend on him as their Creator, Preserver & sovereign Disposer.
That this one God subsists in a mysterious & incomprehensible manner in three Persons , distinguished in holy Scripture, by Father, Son & Holy Ghost , that these three persons are one God, & equal in all divine Perfections & Glories.
That God has made a particular Revelation to mankind in the Holy Bible, which is a perfect, sufficient , & unerring Rule , given by inspiration from God,& is the only Rule to be relied upon in matters of Religion.
That God exercises a moral government over his rational
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH , PITTSFIELD.
creatures in giving law to them, & in finally judging & rewarding & punishing them, according to his holy Law.
That this Law is an eternal, most perfect & unalterable Rule of Righteousness, requiring perfect, persevering obedience, upon pain of eternal Damnation.
That God at first made man perfectly holy & happy,& appointed Adam the first parent of mankind , to be the head & Representative of all his natural Posterity: so that they should be happy in his obedience if he persevered in perfect holiness, or fall with him into a state of sin, guilt & utter ruin, if he should trans- gress God's hon Law.
That our first parents sinned,& in consequence of this, accord- ing to God's holy & wise constitution, all mankind, their natural posterity , are born in a state of Depravity, in which they all invariably sin, & thereby become guilty, & justly deserving of God's wrath & curse forever .
That God has of his mere sovereign free Grace, found out & en- tered upon a method to save man from the state of guilt & ruin in which he naturally is, so as at the same time, to maintain the honor of his Law & Government by a Mediator.
That this Mediator is the second Person in the adorable Trinity, the eternal Son of God , who by taking human nature into a personal union with himself became truly man & has in our nature suffered the curse of the Law,& has yielded a perfect & most glorious P.6- obedience to it in man's stead.
That having made expiation for sin & brought in everlasting Righteousness by his obedience & death, he arose from the dead, ascended into the Heavens,& is seated on the right hand of God , to reign as King of Heaven & Earth, till all things shall be put under his feet,& is able to save all who come to God by him.
That all who cordially believe & truly trust in him, & accept of him as he is offered in the Gospel, shall be pardoned & re- ceived to favor , however guilty & unworthy in themselves, pure ly & only on account of his merit & worthiness, being imputed to them who are united to him by a living faith.
That they who once believe in Christ ,are certainly entitled to everlasting life,& shall assuredly persevere in faith & holiness unto the end, this being promised in the covenant of Grace, to
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
them who lay hold of it.
That man is so far sunk in sin & darkness, being wholly corrupted, an enemy to God & the Gospel, that he will not of him- self repent & believe in Jesus Christ, whatever external means are used with him, but must be brought to this, by the powerful in- fluence of the Spirit of God, by which a new heart is given, or a principle of true holiness is implanted.
That no sinner by anything he does, lays God under any obliga- tions to grant him his regenerating grace, but God when he grants this , always bestows it , as a free unpromised sovereign gift, as having mercy on whom he will have mercy, & leaving whom he will to blindness & hardness.
That though believers are by Christ delivered from the curse of God's Law, yet their obligations to a perfect conformity to its precepts, are not in the least removed; they therefore will not be sinless unless they are brought to a perfect conformity to God's Law which none attain to in this Life, but are sinfully defective, in all their holy exercises & actions.
That as all the promises of the Gospel are made to truly, holy exercises,& to hone but such, none can have any evidence of their interest in Christ , but by a consciousness of their own holy ex- ercises, & by coming to certain knowledge of this, as they may, they can obtain an assurance of their own salvation .
P.7- That Christ has a true Church in the world which he will maintain & build up, until it shall be brought to its most glorious and perfect state.
That among his institutions for his Church, he had appointed Bap- tism & the Lord's Supper , to be given to,& received by all who cordially believe in him & make profession of their faith, & that the infant children of such are proper subjects of Baptism.
That at the last day, Christ will raise the Dead, & judge the World, and doom the wicked to everlast ing destruction & receive the Redeemed to the happiness & glory of his eternal kingdom.
The Covenant
As I look upon myself to be under great & indispensable obligations to confess God before men,& to unite to his visible Church on Earth, I do now publicly , seriously & solemnly
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
acknowledge my obligations to be the Lord's,& do(so far as I know know my own heart. ) cheerfully devote myself to God thro' Jesus Christ. I do renounce all the ways of sin, & give myself up to God , choosing him for my Lawgiver & Portion; sensible of my own blindness guilt & infinite unworthiness & corruption, I choose Christ for my Teacher & rely on his merit & worthiness for par- don & acceptance with God; & receive the Holy Spirit as my sanc - tifier, heartily embracing the way of Salvation as revealed in the Cospel.
I take God's holy word to be my only Rule of faith and prac- tice, & solemnly engage by the help of his grace, to conform to it, in all the ways of holy living; & I promise & engage to maintain & constantly to attend upon all the institutions & ordinances of the Gospel, as Baptism & the Lord's Supper, public worship, and the strict observance of God's Holy Sabbath.
And I promise to maintain family & secret religion,& faith- fully to instruct, direct, & govern my children & all that shall be under my care. I also covenant with this Church, to walk with them in a Church state, ( in all mutual helpfulness, watching over & admonishing one mother,& faithfully & impartially to exercise the instituted discipline of Christ 's house, ) according to the rules of God's Holy Word,& meekly to submit to the same , taking constant care to walk orderly in all things, so as to give occa- P.8- sion of offence to none .
And I now publicly espouse & engage in the cause of Christ in this Town, promising to be faithful in the same, & to endeavor to promote it in all proper ways, especially seeking to recommend our holy Religion, by my strict & constant practice of Justice, Goodness Temper ance, Sobriety & Godliness.
All this I do in an humble dependame on Jesus Christ, praying that he would enable me to be faithful in his covenant , strength- ening me to every good work, to do his will working in me that which is well pleasing to him, to whom be Glory, power & ever , Amen The foregoing is a true copy from the Files.
Charles Goodrich Jr. Chh.Clerk
Church Meeting
1809
Aug.22 The Church of Union Parish met at the Town-house, the meeting being regularly warned, & passed the following vote unanimously.
8
RECORDS OF UNION PAR ISH , PITTSFIELD.
1809 Ist. That Woodbridge Little Esq. be Moderator.
2nd. That Charles Goodrich Junr. be Clerk.
3rd . Voted, to choose a Committee of three to join with a Committee of the Congregation to give Mr. Thomas Fun- der son Junr. a call to settle with us in the Gospel Ministry.
: 4th. That Woodbridge Little, Charles Goodrich Junr. & John Chandler Williams constitute this committee.
5th. Voted, that Daniel Chapman be first Deacon in this church.
6th. That Charles Goodrich Junr. - be second Deacon.
7th. To adjourn this meeting for three weeks from this day to meet at 4 o' clock P.M.
1809 Sept .12 Met according to adjournment ,& then voted
8th. That Charles Goodrich Junr. be Church Clerk till another be chosen in his stead.
9th. That the Deacon of this Church, for the time being, be a committee to converse with & examine candidates for admission into the church in all cases.
10th. That the Deacons & Capt. Nathaniel Tremain be a commit - tee.
P.9-
to take proper steps of Discipline with open, & public offenders in this church, if any such there be.
11th. That Woodbridge Little , John C. Williams & Joseph Fair - field be a committee to determine, semi annually, the proportion which each member of the church shall pay towards the support of the Communion Table, & that the same. be paid every half year at the Lecture prepar- atory for the Sacrament .
The above minutes of the proceedings are correct. A true copy from the Files. Charles Goodrich,
Chh. Clerk. Members admitted & Children baptized
1809
Sept. 9 The following persons were admitted into the Church by the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale, viz; Thankful Fairfield -Rachel Wright-Hannah Clark Mer ab Maynard - Hannah Ely - Deborah Wilson The following children were baptized by him, viz; Sylvester Gardner, Allen Ross & John Franklin children of Aron Newel. William Swan, Theodore & Charles, children of Theodore Hinsdale , Junr.
9
RECORDS OF UNION PAR ISH, PITTSFIELD.
1809 Baptisms Olive Hart, Lemuel, Elizabeth, Parthenia Little,& Eunice children of Lemuel Pomeroy . Merab Clapp, child of Eli Maynard. Lucy, child of Benjamin Newel. Philip, child of Daniel James.
Church Meeting.
1809
Oct.6 At a church meeting on Friday- Voted, in the absence of the clerk, that John C. Williams be clerk for this time. Voted, that Woodbridge Little Esq. be Moderator of this Church meeting.
The committee appointed by the church in concert with the committee of the Parish, to agree and con- tract with Mr. Thomas Punderson Junľto settle with us in the Gospel Ministry, report in writing, which is read, accepted,& ordered to be recorded.
Report of the Committee.
The commitee on the part of the Church, do not report that they, in concert with the committee of the parish, have agreed & contracted with Mr. Thomas Punder son, Junr to become & be ordained, as the Gospel Minister of sd church & Parish, & it is agreed by him & the commit- tee , that Thursday, the 26th of Oct, current , be the day for his ordination to that office, & we recommend it to the church to appoint a committee to unite with the com- mittee of the Parish, in making proter provisions & ar- rangements for the same,& also to do & perform such other duties & service as may be proper on the part of the church, respecting the same.
Oct.6,1809 Woodbridge Little John C.Williams Charles Goodrich, Junr.
And therefore , Voted, that the churches of Christ in Lanesborough, Len ox, Lee, New Marlborough, two churches in New Haven, Conn., with the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale , be sent to, inviting them to aid us in Council, by their Pastors & Delegates, in ordaining Mr.Punder son.
Voted that Deacon Chapman , Dea. Good rich & Wood bridge Litt le & John C.Williams Esqrs. be a committee to send letters missive to the sd churches accordingly & also that said committee be authorized to send to any other churches if they deem it expedient.
P.10 -
-
10
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD
1809
Voted, that the same persons be a committee, to unite with the Parish Committee, in making the proper pro- visions & arrangements for the Ordination.
Voted, that there be a day of Fasting & Prayer in this Parish, in the week preceeding the ordination, & that the Deacons of the Church be requested to procure one or more persons to preach with us on sd day. Voted that John C.Williams be requested to write a letter to the selectmen of this Town requesting the use of the met- ing house for the ordination.
Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest J.C.Williams, Clk.Pro Tem The foregoing are true copies from the Files. Attest C.Goodrich, Jr.chh.clerk Call of Mr. Punder son
The under signed committee appointed by the Church & congregation of Union Parish, in the Town of Pittsfield, do hereby signify to Mr. Thomas Punderson Jr. that it is the unanimous desire of sd Parish, that he should be- come their Gospel Minister ,& take upon himself the Pas- toral charge of said Parish; & as an inducement for him so to do , the sd Committee, being thereunto authorized, by sd Parish, do hereby offer to contract with sd Thomas Punder son Jr. to pay him, annually , the sum of Eight Hun- dred Dollars, so long as he shall continue to be the Minister of sd Parish.
Pittsfield
Aug.23,A.D.1809 Woodbridge Little 1 Charles Goodrich Jr.) Committee on John C. "illiams ) part of the Church But ler Goodrich) Committee on John . Hulbert ) the part of the Parish.
To Woodbridge Little, Charles Goodrich Jr. & John C. Williams, Committee on the part of the Church, & Butler Goodrich & Jno. W. Hulbert committee on the part of the Congregation of Union Parish, in the Town of Pittsfield. Gentlemen,
Your communications to me signifying that it is the unanimous wish of your church & Society , that I should become your Gospel Minister, have been attend ed to, as I trust , with that care & deliber ation, which the nature of the case demanded. I now manifest my wil- lingness to comply with your
P.11-
11
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
wishes. The harmony & unanimity which have prevailed, the en- couragement you have given me , together with the prospect of being in some degree useful, at least, in that part of the vine- yard of our Lord & Saviour , are the reasons which have brought me to this result .
You must be sensible that my situation among you, will be in some respects, both difficult & trying. I shall need your friend- ly assis tance , your counsel , & your prayers.
May the great Head of the Church so order events, that his Kingdom may be built up, & that his Glory may be manifested in the midst of you. With much respect, I am, Gentlemen, your Servant New Haven , Sept. 18,1809. for Jesus' sake- Thomas Punderson , Junr.
The above are true copies from the Files.
Att-C.Goodrich Jr.chh.clerk
P.12- Ordination Council.
At an Ecclesiastical Council convened by Letters missive from the church in Union Parish , Pittsfield, on the 25th day of Oct. 1809 , at the house of Capt . Daniel Pepoon, were present the fol- lowing Pastors & Delegates from churches, viz;
Pastors
Delegates
Rev.Daniel Collins
Gideon Wheeler Esq.
Do David Terry
-- Theodore Hinsdale
Jacob Catlin
-- Alvan Hyde
-- Moses Stewart
-- Sam'l Merwin
-- Sam'l Shepard
Gor dan Dorrance
Ebenr Jennings
Deac. Ebenezer Hotchkin
Deac. Seth Sheldon
Josiah Yale Esq.
Dyer White Esq.
Deac .Abel Burritt
Mr . Edmund Dewey
Deac. John Brown
Deac. Ashley Williams
Rev. Daniel Collins was chosen Moderator & Rev. Samuel Shepard , Scribe.
The Council was opened with prayer by the Moderator .
Committees from the Church & Society in Union Parish , who were appointed for the purpose, then laid before the Council the necessary Papers relative the call of Mr. Thomas Punderson Jr.,
-
12
RECORDS OF UNION PAR ISH, PITTSFIELD .
to settle with them in the work of the Gospel Ministry, and his answer to said Call.
The Council having duly attended to the documents submit - ted to their consideration, proceeded to an examination of Mr. Punderson as to his qualifications for the work of the Gospel Ministry.
After what they considered to be a suitable enquiry into his views of the Christian system, his experimental acquaintance with Religion & his aptness to teach, the Council unanimously voted their approbation.
Voted also, unanimously to proceed to consecrate Mr. Punder son to the work of the Gospel Ministry at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning .
Voted also that the several parts of the Ordination services P.13 -be assigned as follows viz;
Rev. Samuel Merwin to make the introductory Prayer . Rev. Moses Stewart to preach the Ser mon.
Rev. Theodore Hinsdale to make the consecrating Prayer . Rev.Daniel Collins to give the Charge
Rev . Alvan Hyde to give the right hand of fellowship & Rev. David Perry to make the concluding Prayer .
Voted to adjourn till tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. Oct. 26 Thursday The Council met at 8 o'clock, opened the meeting with prayer & having appointed Rev. Messrs. Collins, Stewart, Perry & Hyde, to impose hands during the consecrating . prayer , proceeded to the place of worship at the hour appointed for ordination, and in the presence of a numerous & solemn as- sembly , consecrated Mr.Punderson to the work of the Gospel Min- istry in Union Parish, Pittsfield.
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