USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Church manual : the confession of faith and covenant of the First Congregational Church in (North) Weymouth, Mass., founded 1623 > Part 3
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able right, when not forfeited by abuse, " to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; " the proprieties and refinements of social life ; the comforts and enjoyments of the home circle, that sacred retreat from the noise and conflicts of the world, where none may intrude with impunity ; the pleasures which flow from the culture of the mind and the heart, and from the inter-communion of congenial spirits in rational pursuits or recreations, works of duty and works of love; if there be any virtue, if any praise in these things, it has been by the favor of Israel's God that we have enjoyed them. It becomes us to-day, and here at our public altar, to call the name of this memorial " Ebenezer ! saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." In all which we have done, or suffered, or enjoyed, the strength which the God of Israel giveth his people has been our help, and to him belongs the praise.
The occasion may justify a more particular reference to some things of interest to the pastor and the people, as belonging to the record of the last twenty-five years .*
There have been changes in this parish and the
*NOTE. A brief record of the church and parish and former ministers was printed in 1847, under the superintendence of the present pastor, in the "Church Manual;" and a sermon, preached January 5, 1851, was printed by request of the people, which was mostly a review of what had occurred in the church and parish through the preceding half century. This statement, it is presumed, will be a sufficient explanation for now limiting this review within the period of the present ministry. See Historical Sketeh, page 85.
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OLD NORTH CHURCH, WEYMOUTH, MASS.
church, which will be noticed in their place. Before speaking of these, we will glance at a few other changes in externals, which indicate the progress of improvement. The East village more resembles a city in miniature than what it was twenty-five years ago. The iron works and other manufactures have contribu- ted to its rapid growth. The North village has grown into a populous and thriving community. In these two villages, both of which were included in our parish when I was settled, and where was only a small Metho- dist church, are now seen pointing towards heaven three church steeples, witnessing to the church going habits of the people. The same legitimate inference is had from the standing testimony of eleven meeting houses in a population little short of eight thousand. The thriving progress of our manufactures, increasing the wealth of the people, may have justified the multiplying of places of worship, though few of them are always filled to repletion.
Though we have not shared equally with some other sections of the town in the increase of population, we have shared in some of its benefits. We have at our own door the convenience of railroad conveyance, instead of the slow coach of former years. We are relieved from the annoyance of secular meetings in our church, by the necessity of a more central and larger house to accommodate the growing population. We share with the whole town in the improvement of our public schools, for which your pastor labored with
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others through years of service on the school committee, that we might have, what has been now obtained in a graduated system, the primary, the intermediate and high schools, giving to our children all the advantages requisite to preparing for honorable position in society or in active business, or to being fitted for the Univer- sity. The rising generation will best prove their wisdom and appreciation of benefits, by a right im- provement of privileges for which they are indebted, under God, to those who have preceded them.
Though, as already intimated, the tide of population has flowed mostly in other directions, with the spring- ing up of new villages, where land could be more readily had in exchange for gold or its equivalent, yet we have indirectly shared in the benefits of the general increase of population and manufactures; and have seen some twenty-five or thirty new dwellings added to our village. In the place of "the old school-house," which, for reasons not necessary to be stated here, is daguerrotyped on the minds of some present, who were boys and girls thirty or forty years ago, we now have in front of the church a comely edifice, equally an honor to the citizens and an ornament to the village. Instead of " the Hall," not the most seemly in its day, though made pleasant to some and tolerable to others by sacred associations, we now have a convenient and attractive place for social worship. Where we bury our dead, the living have had a care of its grounds, and in the spirit of the age, have begun to make it
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OLD NORTH CHURCH, WEYMOUTH, MASS.
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inviting to those who love to visit the resting place of a friend, where they may commune with God in the still hour of twilight, and linger there till only the stars and the God who made them can witness the falling tears upon a newly made grave.
But I must pass on to other matters which, it is supposed, will be of interest to the people of my charge. For the sake of brevity, and not to exhaust your patience, some of them will be clustered and expressed in few words.
The pastor has preached written sermons to his own people about two thousand times. He has preached to other congregations six hundred and twenty-nine times, making in all, two thousand six hundred and twenty-nine times, that he has been permitted to stand "between the dead and the living," with a written message from God; and to which may be added occa- sional, though not frequent, preaching without written notes. He has attended not less than three thousand meetings for prayer and conference, or personal reli- gious conversation, in addition to public services. He has joined in marriage three hundred and eighty-eight persons, thereby instituting one hundred and ninety- four new families, according to the ordinance of God; and to all these, or so many as are yet living, many being now present, he would extend anew his first congratulations.
There have been two hundred and ninety-three deaths of persons, directly or indirectly connected with
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the society, at whose funeral services, except in few cases of his absence from home, the pastor has been called to officiate. Following the promptings of my own heart, I should here pause awhile, and go with you in thought to the homes, once or more times made desolate by the angel of death. But this we cannot do now beyond a brief moment. In the long line of procession, as it passes slowly from year to year, we notice two, who were office-bearers in the church, steadfast in the faith and for the truth, called to a higher service at a ripe age; and two others who had been often honored with public trusts, and several who had earned promotion and titles, all pillars in the parish ; one who had been a missionary in the foreign field, and afterwards a pastor at home, until impaired health was followed by a joyfully welcomed passport to that land, where "the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; " with some others, whose early life had given promise of future honor and usefulness. We notice some, whose bridal robes were soon exchanged for the habiliments of the grave; and others, in the midst of their days, severed from the companions of their youth, or at a later period, when the glow of con- jugal love had ripened into the maturity of renewed strength. We notice the dear children, not a few, cut off in the bud or blossom; the new born infant, that only touched the earth in its passage to the skies; the little ones, who had been "like olive plants round about your table," and those too, who had come to be
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the hope and stay of declining age. We notice some among the many, called by the Master, who had just reached the prime; two of these now reposing with their slain comrades beneath the turf, where they nobly fought and fell with honor in their country's cause; others, who had only passed or were crossing the meridian; and yet others, who came to the grave in a full age, "like as a shock of corn cometh in, in its season." Thus, in the long and solemn procession which has been moving from your homes to yonder cemetery the last twenty-five years, is included a great company, compared with which, our average congre- · gation in this house of God, does not exceed the number we have borne to the house of the dead.
Beyond this brief memorial, I may not here and now multiply words, which might stir anew the fountains of grief. Quiet will be the sleep of the grave, until he who is " the resurrection and the life," shall awake and clothe his saints with the white robes, with palms in their hands and crowns on their heads. Believing that God doeth all things well, we may leave in his care the loved ones he has taken from us, and bow with peace- ful submission to his holy will.
In resuming our narrative, it may be proper to remark, in passing to other topics, that the fifty semi annual meetings of the conference of associated churches, and the one hundred quarterly meetings of the clerical association have been attended, when convenience and other duties would permit-the claims of duty at
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home always having the precedence over calls from any and every other quarter. The relations between your pastor and his brethren in the ministry have been kindly fraternal. With them he has taken sweet coun- sel, and has been strengthened and encouraged by this mutual confidence and sympathy. That a like mutual and undisturbed fellowship has existed generally be- tween this church and sister churches, is indicated by the record that we have received and accepted forty- five invitations to ecclesiastical councils, most of them from churches within the limits of our own conference.
The cause of missions at home and abroad, and other worthy objects of charity, have had our sympathy and prayers, and pecuniary aid. " The Ladies' Benev- olent Circle," from time to time, has supplied the wants of the destitute, made glad hearts in the families of home and foreign missionaries, ministered to the con- fort of seamen, and more recently to the comfort of our noble army in the field, or the wounded and sick in hospitals. I have no means of estimating the amount of contributions from this source, or from private ben- cfactions when it was preferred " not to let the left hand know what the right hand doeth." Nor can I state the amount of contributions from the Sabbath School, including all its weekly collections. What is known. including public contributions and legacies to benevolent objects, makes an aggregate of about thirty- three thousand dollars for the twenty-five years, or more than thirteen hundred dollars as the yearly average.
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OLD NORTH CHURCH, WEYMOUTH, MASS.
This will seem large or small in proportion as we estimate our ability and the importance of the objects which it has been our privilege to aid by pecuniary contributions. " There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth ; " a truth not to be questioned by those who believe every word of God.
This church at the time of my installation consisted of one hundred and sixty-eight members. More than half this number had been received as the fruit of a general revival in 1827-28. There has been but one other so general outpouring of God's spirit, which occurred in the spring of 1842, when the whole people seemed to be moved by the power from on high. We remember with grateful interest that first Sabbath in July, 1842, when as a part of the fruit of the revival of that year, the church welcomed into its communion fifty-eight hopeful converts to Christ. There have been other seasons of special religious interest, but none so extensive as that, in the present ministry. There have been one hundred and thirty-seven ad- missions to the church, making the whole number of membership in these years three hundred and five. If this number seems small for so many years, it might be increased in our charity by the hope we have had of some others, who passed from earth before making a public profession of faith in Christ. Then, also, we must have in mind that two new churches of our order have been organized within our parish bounds, owing to the increase of population at the
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two extremities of the parish; the one in 1843, and the other in 1852. The first, by reason of its local convenience, has drawn from our society numerous young families, from which it would have been reason- able to expect an increase of our church, if they had continued with us. That church numbers one hundred and thirty members, and connected with it is a flour- ishing society. It is pleasant to add, that the most friendly relations exist between them and us. We rejoiced with them, your pastor offering the prayer of consecration, when they received the gift of a young pastor, two years ago, who has already become estab- lished in the confidence and love of his brethren in · the ministry, as well as of his own people. We con- tinue to rejoice in their mutual harmony and pros- perity. The blessing of the God of Abraham evermore abide upon them- giving them a happy and lasting union.
The colony that went from us, in 1852, drew largely from our church and society. When, after several par- ish meetings with reference to enlarging our house of worship, and several friendly interviews with the pastor by individuals, it was deemed wise and necessary for their better accommodation, that the north section of the parish should be formed into a new society, it was with no small sacrifice of feeling, that we parted with fifty-one of our members, most of whom had come into the church under the present ministry. If proof were needed that they left us in the spirit of kindness, we
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have it in the letter addressed to the church for dismis- sion, in these words: " In making this request, we feel constrained to add, that we do it with the kindest feel- ings toward the church and the pastor, from whom we are to be separated, but with whom we hope to be united in cordial friendship and in the fellowship of the Gospel."
In the spirit of those kind assurances, your pastor was invited to offer the prayer at the laying of the corner stone for their new house of worship, and to express the fellowship of the churches, when they were constituted a church, and to give the charge to him who was called to be their first minister. In the perform- ance of these and other services was indicated the reciprocal interest of this church and society in the new church and society. The same kindness of feeling was expressed by the vote of this church, April 3d, 1852, " That the treasurer be directed to give the Pil- grim church, from funds in his charge, one hundred dollars to purchase a communion service." And well I know, that it gives to this church and its pastor great pleasure to be assured of the present prosperity of the colony, which was once a part of us and ever has been dear to our hearts. We have given them our counsel and prayers and sympathies in their years of trial ; we rejoice to congratulate them here to-day, that they have passed through a fiery furnace unharmed, not even " the smell of fire remaining on them; " and that they are this day a prosperous and happy people;
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blessed with a second pastor worthy of their confi- dence, whom his brethren in the ministry have known these many years, to respect and to love. The God of Israel continue to strengthen him and his people, and make them happy in a lasting union, and incline them to a loving fellowship with the parent church, never to be disturbed by the lapse of time or any of its events.
When it is remembered that the increase of families in our immediate locality has been much less than the draft on us to constitute the new societies, we shall not be surprised that our ordinary Sabbath congre- gation has diminished in numbers. The church and Sabbath School have been similarly affected by the same cause. The comparison between the present and the past might be more just, if we should include the statistics of the three churches and Sabbath Schools, now occupying the field in which, twenty-five years ago, was only one society of our denomination. Thus the inference would be obvious, that our loss in numbers has not been a dead loss to the cause of religion in the community, but rather, we may hope, an increase of the greatest good to the greatest number. We have reason to be grateful for a congregation which, when the sun shines, is by no means below the average in town and vicinity.
The numerous personal favors, bestowed on the pas- tor and his family, cannot be passed unnoticed, with- out injustice to our own feelings. They were highly
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appreciated at the times of being received, and have not afterwards been forgotten. They all come up before us to-day with the memories of the past. For these many tokens of your generous regard and affec- tion, and for your sympathy and kindness when the pastor and his family have been visited by sickness and affliction, we have had good reason to be grateful, and to be encouraged in ministering to your social and spiritual welfare. In view of the many proofs of your attachment to the pastor and his family, it would be unkind to call it in question, even in the hidden thought. We are happy in being all before you to-day, save one whose spirit we trust "is in the better land; " and happy in the opportunity to give this public expression of our cherished gratitude.
And to this may be added, that your pastor's con- tinuance here through a quarter of a century must be chiefly attributed, under God, to your kindness and wisdom and stability of character. This will be suffi- cient to explain the reason of his coming to the twenty- fifth anniversary of his settlement, when only one of the thirty churches represented in our district associa- tion has an acting pastor who has been settled twenty- five years; when, also, only twenty-four of the four hundred and ninety-four churches of our order in the State have pastors who have been with them a quarter of a century. Whatever virtue or praise is implied by this statement belongs, in a way not to contravene the text, chiefly to you, my beloved people, whose charity
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has been, that which thinketh no evil, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, hopeth all things, and never faileth.
Before closing this record, the place and the occa- sion suggest the inquiry, "Your fathers; where are they ?" With few exceptions, not here to-day, or elsewhere among the living. They have vacated their seats, one after another, in the house of God, burdened with the infirmities of age, or having passed to their reward. We have missed them in other days, and miss them anew to-day. The good are always missed ; but especially when their wisdom is needed in times of darkness and perplexity. The nation's conflict with rebellion, whether soon or late brought to a successful issue, will increase the weight of responsibility devolved on the present and rising generation. There may be those here, how many none can tell, who will be called from the peaceful pursuits of life to join our brothers and sons in the tented field, or to fill the ranks deci- mated by our slain. In either case, it will be to main- tain the right, and hold inviolate the institutions which were purchased, at the price of blood, and are now passing through another crimson baptism. We may hope that " the battle of the warrior, with confused noise and garments rolled in blood," will not sweep over these hills and valleys of your clustered homes. But the effects of the distant conflict will be felt here and everywhere within our public domain. The house of God and the institutions of religion will be especially
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needed to renew your strength and fortitude, that you may act well and nobly for your country, as well as to prepare you for the everlasting rest from cares and conflicts. The strength of Israel's God being made your trust, you may be of good courage, come what will in multiplied responsibility.
With a view to excite within you a generous emula- tion to perpetuate this ancient church and parish, I might speak of its being one of the oldest in New Eng- land-the date of its beginning running back to 1623, when these now cultivated fields and gardens were a wilderness. I might refer to its being the parent church of four daughters and one grand-daughter, showing that this has been a fruitful vine. I might tell you of several pastors who stood high in church and state, as well as in the respect and affection of their people; one of whom gave his country a daughter to be the wife of its second President, who, with her husband, was honored in the high places of our own land and in foreign courts. I might speak of a " beloved phy- sician," whose name is yet a household word among the descendants of those to whom he ministered in kindness and with skill, and also distinguished by his services in the affairs of the church and state.
I might refer to the successful carcer of a young man who went from one of your cottages with a pur- pose to make his fortune in the world, now and for many years ranked with the wealthiest bankers in England. And to these might be added other familiar
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names, with which are associated the rewards of indus. try and enterprise, in competency and wealth and this world's honor. But, as being of more account than all earthly distinctions, I desire most of all to remind you of the great company of praying men and women, once living members of this ancient church, whose prayers, in the progress of two hundred and forty years, have been exchanged for the high praises of the God in the upper sanctuary. Verily, it shall be said of our Zion, " This and that man was born in her, and the Highest himself shall establish her."
Encouraged and animated by this assurance, and the record of past years, may you, who succeed the fathers in responsibilities from time to time, finish your 'course with honor equal to theirs, and with them be in everlasting remembrance. And especially may you be ready always to hear the Master's summons, and to receive the gracious but no less glorious plaudit, " Well done, enter into the joy of your Lord."
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PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESSES.
1862813
PROCEEDINGS
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QUARTER-CENTURY CELEBRATION.
JANUARY 26, 1863.
A T the opening of the new year, a committee was appointed from the First Church and Parish in Weymouth, Mass., to make arrangements for com- memorating the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the settle- ment of their Pastor, Rev. Joshua Emery. The date occurring on Sunday, January 25th, it was decided to celebrate the afternoon of the Sabbath, by appropriate religious exercises, and the evening of Monday follow- ing by a social gathering. The pastor was formally requested to preach a sermon on the anniversary day, suited to the occasion, and invitations were extended to former members of the church and others, to be present.
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At the hour appointed for public services, on the Sabbath, the house was filled to overflowing. The two colonies which had gone from the parish within the period of the present ministry, were numerously repre- sented, their pastors, Rev. S. L. Rockwood, of the Pilgrim Church, and Rev. J. P. Lane, of the Congre- gational Church at East Weymouth, being present, and aiding in the devotional services.
During the previous weck the audience room and chapel had been tastefully decorated with evergreen, and vases of beautiful flowers were placed about the pulpit. Over the arch was inscribed in letters wrought of evergreen,
"Our Qustor, from 1838 to 1863."
Wreathed tablets, bearing the names of former ministers in the early history of the church, were placed at each side, and in the centre, framed in gilt,
" first Church in aalenmouth. Organized January, 1638."
The choir and side galleries, like the arch, were fully adorned with closely woven wreaths and festoons of vines gracefully arranged, a motto in the centre, and fir trees with branches of the brilliant holly were disposed above and below, with pleasing effect. Great credit is due to the committee to whom this laborious undertaking was assigned, and to others of the congre- gation who lent valuable aid to its accomplishment.
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MONDAY EVENING.
The house was again filled and brilliantly lighted at the social festival. The stars and stripes were added to the other decorations, arranged above the chandelier. The choir was largely increased, as on the Sabbath, by the presence of former members, and the choir services added much to the enjoyment of the occasion. It will be noticed that two of the original hymns were written by a member of our own congre- gation, and the music of one, composed by our chor- ister. Mr. Geo. H. French presided at the organ.
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