USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Contributions to the ecclesiastical history of Essex County, Mass., 1865 > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
315
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
147 were received into the church. Nothing of marked and especial in- terest appears to have interrupted the course and harmony of the society. At one period, in 1788, the morals of the community could not have been at a very high state, if we may judge from the fact that the church felt called upon to declare, by a series of articles, that profanity was inconsistent with upright Christian conduct ; that indulgence in strong drink, to the injury of the person, was discreditable to a professor of religion, that absence from communion without sufficient cause, speaking reproachfully of religious characters, the neglect of family prayer, and the habit of card-playing, met their disapprobation.
In September of the next year, Rev. Gardiner B. Perry was or- dained. Born at Norton in 1783, graduated at Union College in 1804, he died at Groveland December, 1859, aged seventy-six, after a ministry of forty-five years. During the last nine years of his life, he was too infirm for the labors of his position, and colleagues were settled with him. From 1814 to 1840, there were one hundred and ninety-one per- sons received into the church. From that time to 1854, the records of the church are silent as to its growth, and, in fact, as to its history in any particular, until 1851. Dr. Perry was distinguished for his interest in the moral causes of the day, especially at the commencement of their dis- cussion and agitation. His people were thoroughly indoctrinated upon the subjects of temperance and anti-slavery. In 1831, the church was visited with a revival, and eighty persons made profession of their faith in Christ. No especial troubles vexed the church during Mr. Perry's active ministry. Old errors in doctrine, however, continued to exert their silent and pernicious influence. The Arminian seed sown in the earlier days of the parish continued to bear fruit, and propagate itself. The doctrinal integrity of many of the church members became impaired. Litigations between brethren had produced alienation and division. The young had grown up in exposure to a corrupting atmosphere, so that, in 1851, they were unanimous and eager in settling, as a colleague with Dr. Perry, one whom they felt to be unsound in the faith, and whose subse- quent course verified the worst fears and the most unfavorable suspicions, - David A. Wasson, after a protracted examination. The brief state- ment of his belief presented to the council was in accordance with our evangelical standards. Yet, not long after his settlement, contradictory statements were made in direct opposition to the fundamental doctrines of revealed religion. Before the expiration of a year, his true attitude of hostility to evangelical Christianity was apparent to the most charita- ble and lenient judgments. In October, 1852, a council was called, prin- cipally composed of those who had ordained him. They arrived at this conclusion, - that all fellowship between him and our evangelical
316
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
churches should cease. After the dissolution of this pastoral relation, the church was weakened in numbers by the departure of some of its members who were in sympathy with him. Their hostility to the church could not but have a depressing and disheartening effect. The division of the society, which also followed, added much to their burden, and sub- tracted from their courage.
In September, 1853, Mr. D. W. Pickard was ordained as colleague with Dr. Perry, - a man of lovely Christian character, of a mild, affec- tionate, and sensitive nature. On his entrance upon the pastoral duties, the church rallied around him with their prayers, their manifest sympa- thies, and steady encouragement. By the division, God had brought them to feel their own weakness. In repentance and humiliation, with a renewed consecration to his cause, they sought him. Their benevolence was stimulated, their fidelity increased ; and, as a legitimate result, the Spirit of Grace descended, and more than twenty for the first time pub- licly professed to be the followers of Christ. The awakened interest continued for a number of months. The necessary discipline of the members who had voluntarily left the communion occupied the attention of the church, to the diminution of direct interest in the spiritual welfare of sinners, and in the true prosperity of Christ's kingdom. In 1855, disagreements between brethren of the church broke out, of such a na- ture that the church could not arrange and settle them. Still wider grew the disaffections, and weaker the spirit of cooperative energy. Worn out by labor, care, and their intestine divisions, Rev. Mr. Pickard was obliged to ask a dismission in the winter of 1857, having already been absent from the pulpit for more than six months, in the vain hope of re- "covery. He lingered, in uncertainty in regard to his final restoration to health, until February, 1860, when God took him to the kingdom of per- fect peace. He died, as he had lived, esteemed by all who knew him, - a " beloved disciple."
In March, 1857, Thomas Doggett, the present pastor, was settled. The same divisions have continued in the church and in the town, but the healing hand of time has begun to work its visible effects ; and it is hoped that, by the blessing of God, the church may at length be in health and prosperous. It has not been unvisited by Divine influences. Some additions have been made to its number. There has been a mani- fest change in many of the opponents of religion ; and it is confidently expected that, before the lapse of many years, the church will have out- grown its weaknesses, and become united, vigorous, and strong.
317
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
CENTRE CHURCH, HAVERHILL.
BY REV. B. F. HOSFORD.
This church was organized Aug. 28, 1833, and consisted then of eighty-eight members. Its pastors have been, -
Rev. Joseph Whittlesey, installed Aug. 28, 1833; dismissed April 18, 1838.
Rev. Edward A. Lawrence, ordained and installed May 4, 1839 ; dis- missed June 12, 1844.
Rev. Benjamin F. Hosford, ordained and installed May 21, 1845.
Its Confession of Faith and Covenant are as follows :
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ARTICLE 1. You believe there is but one God, the Creator, Pre- server, and Governor of the universe, - a Being infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, mercy, and truth.
ART. 2. You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ment are the word of God, and are a perfect rule of faith and practice.
ART. 3. You believe that God is revealed in the Scriptures as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three, equal in every Divine attribute, are one God.
ART. 4. You believe that man was originally holy ; that he fell fron that happy state by sinning against God ; and that all men, except so far as they are renewed by the Spirit of God, are destitute of holiness, in a state of alienation from their Maker, and of insubjection to his gov- ernment.
ART. 5. You believe that the Son of God, by his sufferings and death, has made an atonement for the sins of the world ; and that, upon condi- tion of repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, par- don and eternal life are sincerely offered to all.
ART. 6. You believe that mankind do, of their own accord, wickedly refuse compliance with these conditions of pardon ; and, therefore, that the blessings of the gospel would be offered to this ungrateful world in vain, were it not for the interposition of the Holy Spirit.
ART. 7. You believe that the influence of the Spirit is bestowed, not as the reward of merit, but as the free gift of God ; and yet is ordinarily so connected with the use of means by the sinner, as to create entire ob- ligation and ample encouragement to attend upon them, and to render all hopes of conversion in the neglect of them eminently presumptuous.
ART. 8. You believe there will be a resurrection of the dead ; that all will stand before the judgment-seat of Christ ; that the wicked will
318
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
go into punishment, and the righteous into life, both of which will be without end.
ART. 9. Moreover, you believe that in this world the Lord Jesus Christ has a visible church, the terms of admission to which are a public profession of faith in Christ, sustained by credible evidence ; that Bap- tism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed in the church to the end of the world ; that none but members of the visible church, in regular standing, have a right to partake of the Lord's Supper, and that they and their households are the proper and only subjects for the ordinance of Baptism.
Thus you do, each of you, profess to believe.
[ Baptism is here administered.]
COVENANT.
You will now publicly enter into covenant with God, and with this church.
In the presence of God and this assembly, you do now solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God, the supreme object of your affection, and your portion forever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Re- deemer and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Com- forter, and Guide. You cheerfully devote yourselves to God in the everlasting covenant of his grace, consecrating all your powers and fac- ulties to his service and glory ; and you promise that, through the assist- ance of his Spirit, you will cleave to him as your chief good ; that you will give diligent attendance to his word and ordinances ; that you will seek the honor and interest of his kingdom ; and that henceforth, deny- ing all ungodliness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, right- eously, and godly in the world.
You do also now cordially join yourselves to this church, engaging to submit to the discipline of Christ in his house, and the regular adminis- tration of it in this church ; to strive earnestly for its peace, its edifica- tion, and its purity ; to aid in maintaining the worship of God; and to walk with its members in charity, faithfulness, circumspection, meekness, and sobriety.
. Thus you do, each of you, profess and engage.
We, then, the members of this church [here the members of the church rise ], affectionately receive you to our communion. We welcome you to this fellowship with us in the blessings of the gospel ; and, on our part, we engage to watch over you, and seek your edification, so long as you continue among us. And, should you have occasion to leave us for some other place of abode, it will be your duty to seek, and ours to grant, a
-
319
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
recommendation to another church ; for hereafter you can never with- draw from the watch and communion of the saints without a breach of covenant.
And now, beloved in the Lord, let it never be forgotten that you have come under solemn obligations. Wherever you go, these vows will go with you. They will follow you to the bar of God; they will abide upon you forever.
May the Lord guide and preserve you until death, and at last receive both you and us to that blessed world where our love and joy shall be forever perfect ! Amen.
This church has been strengthened by three decided revivals. The first immediately preceded its distinct organization, but without which it could hardly have been organized. It made the older members more positively Christian, and added greatly to their number. The second occurred in 1840, and brought about forty into the church. The third was in 1858, and resulted in the addition of about sixty.
Soon after the formation of the North Church in 1859, to which this church contributed one hundred members, it received forty from the dis- banded Winter Street Church. These, with other additions by profession and letter, bring its present membership up to its number fifteen years ago. Haverhill is now largely a manufacturing town. While this in- troduces many influences unfavorable to piety, the thrift it creates brings in many Christians by immigration ; so that the total result is about the average of growth in the churches of Christ.
As this church is less an offshoot from the original church in town than a continuation of it, it is proper to carry back its history in some other particulars. The first church, established in 1645, continued sub- stantially Orthodox until 1833, when the majority of voters in the par- ish deciding to have " more liberal preaching," the Orthodox part of the church, who held their religious belief to be of more value than popu- larity or silver, withdrew, and were constituted a church by themselves. The unity of the followers of Christ in this movement is shown by the fact that all the male members, with two exceptions, joined in it. It was not, therefore, a factious secession, but rather the original spiritual body coming out from the parish with which the civil law had too closely identified it. The church was not born out of due time, but still born of much tribulation, and with something of the martyr spirit in it. Ris- ing from amid prevailing heresies, it has always held religious doctrines to be important. The history of the church from which it came out has taught it to be careful for right foundations, and then for steadfastness upon them. It is not often that, in an enterprising community where the
320
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
popular watchword is " Progress," a church holds so firmly, and with so much satisfaction, to the old truths in the old form of sound words. Its present wish and intent is to transmit these doctrines, with the forms, tastes, and elements of character which naturally grow out of them, to the next generation, according to the grace which the great Head of the church shall give unto it.
CHURCH IN EAST HAVERHILL.
BY REV. A. BURNHAM.
This church was organized Nov. 28. 1744. It has had five pastors : Rev. Benjamin Parker, ordained Nov. 28, 1744; dismissed -, 1777.
Rev. Isaac Thompkins, ordained March 1, 1797 ; died Nov. 21, 1826. Rev. James R. Cushing, installed June 10, 1835; dismissed July, 1844.
Rev. Wales Lewis, installed July 18, 1849 ; dismissed May 12, 1857. Rev. Abraham Burnham, ordained Sept. 30, 1857.
The following is the " form of the church covenant read and consented to by the communicants " of this church on the day of Mr. Parker's or- dination, Nov. 28, 1741 :
" We whose names are hereunto subscribed (although unworthy of a name in this place), apprehending ourselves to be called of God to en- body into a distinct Christian society for the furtherance of our faith and charity, and our better attendance on the worship of God according to the rules of the gospel, - being firmly persuaded of the truth, excellency, and Divine authority of the revelation contained in the Holy Scriptures, which we take for our only rule of faith, worship, discipline, and man- ners, promising that we will faithfully study and adhere to the same as a sure guide in the true method of serving God so, in this imperfect state, that we may come to enjoy him forever ; that we may be more sensible of our obligation hereto, and for our furtherance herein, - do now, in a very humble, solemn manner, give up ourselves, with our offspring, unto the Lord, the living and true God, through his Son Jesus Christ, whom he has appointed Lord over all things to the church, avouching him this day to be our God, and binding ourselves to him in an everlasting cove- nant to love his name, and to be his servants ; adoring his infinite con- descension and grace, that he will take us to be his people, and has promised his Holy Spirit to dwell with us and in us, for our direction, assistance, comfort, and support, in this world of temptation and sorrow,
321
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
that, so doing our duty and walking to please him, we may at last inherit that eternal life which he has brought to light to us by the gospel.
We likewise give up ourselves to one another in the Lord, engaging, with Divine aid, as a church of Christ, to do all our things with charity and unto edification ; submitting ourselves to the watch and guidance of such as he shall be pleased from time to time to set over us, in the pastoral relation, to teach us the good word of the Lord, and show us the way to salvation ; watching likewise over one another with a spirit of meekness and love, not hating our brother in our heart, but in any wise reproving him, and doing our endeavors, every one in his place, to keep the church pure, looking diligently lest, any root of bitterness springing up, thereby many should be defiled.
" And we promise to admit to our communion sneh as shall design to join themselves with us, if, in a judgment of charity, they can be thought to be qualified therefor ; not imposing any other terms of participation in Christian ordinances than those which our Saviour and his apostles have preseribed, - viz., a visible Christian profession, together with a blameless and well-ordered life. And, likewise, that we will walk with all regular and due communion with other churches of our Lord Jesus, maintaining charity and an hearty good-will to all those that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and praying always for the peace of Jerusalem, since they prosper that love her. And, in a word, that we will seek to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, in all lowliness and meekness and long-suffering, forgiving one another, and forbearing one another, and aiming to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, by a holy, unblamable, sober, just, and righteous conversation ; and, whereinsoever we shall fall short of our duty, that we will renew our repentance, and betake ourselves to God for pardoning mercy through the blood of the Redeemer.
" And now, that we may keep this covenant inviolate, being humbly sensible of our own imperfection and weakness, we heartily implore that the grace of Christ may be sufficient for us, and that he, being the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, would vouchsafe to lead us in the paths of truth and righteousness and charity, and at last receive us to his heav- enly kingdom."
This covenant continued in use till Jan. 11, 1797. The church had then become reduced in numbers, and the records were lost ; and, conse- quently, it was reorganized, and a new covenant adopted, which was essentially the same as the first. April 3, 1797, a Confession of Faith was also adopted. In 1855, the Confession of Faith and Covenant,were revised and printed, but not materially changed. Sept. 27, 1831, a vote
41
322
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
was passed to adopt " a new Confession of Faith and Church Covenant." but none is found on the records.
This church originally consisted of thirty-three members, - sixteen males and seventeen females. During the first thirty years of its exist- enee, seventy-six members were added to it by profession. The largest number received by profession any one year during this period was thir- teen. These were admitted in 1755.
The number of members now connected with this church is thirty- three, which was the original number.
NORTH CHURCH IN HAVERHILL.
Organized March 30. 1859. Has had but one pastor, - Rev. Ray- mond H. Seeley. installed Aug. 8. 1860.
CONFESSION OF
FAITH.
ARTICLE 1. You believe there is one only living and true God, the Creator, Preserver. and Governor of the universe, - a Being self-exist- ent and unchangeable. infinite in power, holiness, wisdom, justice, good- ness, mercy, and truth.
ART. 2. You believe that the Seriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments were given by inspiration of God ; that they contain a harmonious and complete system of divine truth, and are a perfect rule of faith and practice.
ART. 3. You believe that God is revealed in the Scriptures as the Father, Son. and Holy Ghost. and that these three are one God, and in all divine attributes equal.
ART. 4. You believe that man was originally created pure and up- right ; that he fell from that state by sinning against God ; and that all men. except so far as they are renewed by the Spirit of God, are desti- tute of holiness, in a state of alienation from their Maker, and of insub- jection to his government.
ART. 5. You believe that the Son of God, by his sufferings and death, has made an atonement for the sins of the world ; and that pardon and eternal life are sincerely offered to all, upon condition of repentance to- wards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ART. 6. You believe that mankind do. of their own accord, refuse compliance with these conditions of pardon, and that the blessings of the gospel would be offered to them in vain, were it not for the interposition of the Holy Spirit.
ART. 7. You believe that the influence of the Spirit is bestowed. not
323
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
as the reward of merit, but as the free gift of God, and yet that it is the immediate duty of every sinner to exercise repentance towards God. and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ART. 8. You believe there will be a resurrection of the dead, and that all will stand before the judgment-seat of Christ ; that the wicked will go into punishment, and the righteous into life, both of which will be with- out end.
ART. 9. You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has established a church in the world ; that its special ordinances are Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; and that all who have been baptized, and received into fellowship with the church, are entitled to the sacrament of the Supper ; and that the children of believing, covenanted parents, are to be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.
COVENANT.
In the presence of God and this assembly, you now do solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God, the Supreme object of your affection, and your portion forever. You cor- dially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Redeemer and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide. You cheerfully devote yourself (or selves) to God, in the everlasting covenant of his grace, consecrating all your powers and faculties to his service and glory. And you promise that, through the assistance of his Spirit, you will cleave to him as your chief good ; that you will give dil- igent attendance to his word and ordinances ; that you will seek the honor and interest of his kingdom ; and that henceforth, denying all un- godliness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, righteously, and godly in the world.
You do now also cordially join yourselves to this church as a true church of Christ, engaging to submit to its discipline, as prescribed in the Divine Word ; to strive earnestly for its peace, its edification, and its purity ; to labor with it. as God shall give you ability, for the building up of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world : and to exercise towards its members a spirit of meekness, forgiveness, and Christian love.
Trusting in the grace of God, do you thus covenant and promise ? [Each answers, "I do."]
We, then, the members of this church [the church here rise], receive you affectionately to our communion, promising you our prayers, our Christian sympathy, and our love ; engaging, on our part, to walk with you in all becoming watchfulness, kindness, and fidelity ; and to promote, to the extent of our power, your growth in grace, your usefulness, and your happiness, so long as you shall remain with us.
324
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
And now, beloved, remember that the vows of the Lord are upon you : they can never be thrown off ; they will follow you through life to the bar of God, and to the retributions of the world to come.
And may the great Head of the church at last present both you and us, in company with all his saints, faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy !
And to the only wise God be the praise, now and forever. Amen.
March 1, 1859, a religious society of the Congregational-Orthodox denomination was duly organized for the purpose of maintaining public worship, under the name of the "North Congregational Society."
March 19, 1859, a meeting was held to take the preliminary measures for the formation of a new church, to be connected with the aforesaid society. This step was taken from a sense of duty to God and the great Head of the church. - believing that the interests of religion demanded, and the cause of Christ would be promoted by, another church organiza- tion in this town.
After much deliberation and prayer, it was voted unanimously that an ecclesiastical council be called on Wednesday, 30th inst., to advise and assist in the constitution of a new church, if, in their judgment, it should be deemed expedient. In accordance with this vote, letters missive were forwarded to twelve churches, who met by their pastors and delegates on the day appointed. The council
Voted, That, in view of all the present circumstances, it is expedient that the request of the brethren be granted, and that a new church be organized, under the name of the "North Congregational Church in Haverhill."
Voted, That the Articles of Faith and Covenant be deemed satisfac- tory.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.