USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Genealogical history of the town of Reading, Mass., including the present towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with chronological and historical sketches, from 1639 to 1874 > Part 24
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A private house was opened in the vicinity of the school-house, belonging to a member of the parish of the standing order, who was soon counselled not to open his doors for these people, lest mis- chief should grow out of it. He, however, replied, "The house is mine, and paid for ; and if they want to have meetings there, they are welcome."
Finding there was a probability that the Baptists would get a footing in the place, the next step was to buy out the leading man among them, hoping he would thereby be induced to leave the place. For the ac- complishment of this object, a very liberal offer was made, but the stubborn Baptist would not sell. Another course was subsequently taken, but the Baptists would not budge an inch. The Baptist children attended the Sabbath school of the order, that being the only Sunday school, and recited, as was the custom in those days, to the minister, from the Assembly's Catechism. A revival of religion occurred about this time. Among the rest, one of the Baptist's children indulged a hope. Soon a tract on Sprinkling was put into her hands. As an off- set for this act of kindness, she, without the knowledge of her father, found "Pengilly on Baptism," and gave it to the friend who had mani- fested so much interest for her. This little act produced a wonderful effect upon the minds of many, so much so that the validity of infant baptism was questioned among those who had received it themselves, or had had it administered to their children ; while some, at least, who retained their standing in the church, became fully satisfied that there was no warrant in the Scriptures for infant baptism. So wide-spread was this heresy, that several brethren in the ministry were requested to visit the place and preach in defence of the practices of the church, particularly infant baptism.
The result of spreading Pengilly's silent pages before the people, was an examination of the Scriptures on the subject of Believers' bap- tism, the renunciation of former baptism by affusion, and the baptism of some who were then members of the standing order, causing them
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to sever their connection with them and unite with the Paptis's. Others, who indulged hopes at the time, because of their family relations, did not feel free to unite with the Baptists, and had refrained from making a public profession of religion.
In July, 1832, a meeting was held at the house of Br. Amos Evans, for the purpose of consulting upon the expediency of forming a Bap- tist church. Br. Evans was called to preside. After spending a season in prayer, the subject was discussed in a fraternal manner. At an adjourned meeting, Bros. Evans and Hunnewell were appointed a committee to obtain a room for the purpose of holding Baptist meet- ings. The proprietors of the Unitarian house having learned of the difficulty under which the Baptists labored, offered to them the use of their hall for lectures on Sabbath and other evenings. This offer was gratefully accepted ; for the use of which they paid $20. At a meeting held August 14th, it was agreed to unite in forming a Baptist Church in Reading, and a council for the purpose of recognizing them as a regular Baptist Church, was called from the following churches, to convene on the second Wednesday in September, at ten o'clock, A. M. : First Bap- tist Church, in Salem ; Third Church, in Boston ; Churches in Malden, South Reading, Woburn, and North Reading.
The council convened at the house of Br. Amos Evans, where, after prayer and mature deliberation, it was unanimously agreed to recognize the following named persons as a regular Baptist Church, to wit : Amos Evans, Eben Eaton, Timothy Temple, Seth Hunnewell, Abner Ban- croft, Warren Richardson, Mary Weston, Cynthia Weston, Sarah P. Brown, Hannah Berry, Elmira Symonds, Beulah Richardson, Mary Pratt, Sally Pratt, Olivia Evans, Jonathan Pratt. Total, 16.
The public service of recognition was held in the Unitarian meeting- house. Sermon by the Rev. Daniel Sharp, of Boston. The church united with the Boston Association the same month.
Sept. 23, Mary Colburn and Caroline Wiley were unanimously re- ceived for baptism, and were baptized by the Rev. Joshua Bradley, of Ohio, in South Reading Pond, because there was much water there.
In May, 1833, an effort was made to raise funds for the purpose of building a house of worship, - but receiving no encouragement from abroad, the subject was deferred to another year.
In 1834, the prejudice of the people so far subsided that the Church obtained permission to hold meetings in the West School-house, and succeeded in securing the services of. Br. Bohan P. Byram to preach on the Lord's day. His labors were greatly blessed, to the encourage- ment of God's people and the awakening of sinners. The subject
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of building was again agitated, but in consequence of a prostration of business, it was again postponed. A year of peculiar trial to this little band followed, but through faith they still persevered.
In July, 1835, Miss M. D. Symonds was baptized by Rev. I. Sawyer, greatly to the encouragement of the church. Another young lady had offered herself for baptism, and was accepted, when, having prepared herself for the ordinance, and while on the way to the water, she was overtaken by her father, who charged the good deacon, as he was carrying her in his carriage, with stealing away his child,- a charge the deacon did by no means relish, as he abhors man-stealing even among Afric's sons. The daughter returned home without being baptized, as the brethren advised, but a few years afterwards united with the Baptist church, in Boston.
The names of brethren in the ministry - Train, Nelson, Ropes, and others-are held in grateful remembrance for sermons preached and words of encouragement spoken to the little company, who were strug- gling and trying to surmount the waves of opposition that rolled against them. Many, it is true, had an itching desire to hear what these strange men would say, but fear kept a portion of them away, while a few would venture in and listen to the strange Baptist preachers.
In 1836 it was voted to build a house of worship, at an expense not exceeding $2,500. Brothers E. Eaton, A. Bancroft, S. Hunnewell, A. Evans, and T. Temple were appointed a building committee, and very obedient were they to their instructions, -the contract amounting to twenty-four hundred ninety-nine dollars and twenty-one cents.
The meeting-house was dedicated in October of the same year. The following was the order of services : Introductory prayer, by Rev. William Heath ; sermon, by Rev. Baron Stow, of Boston ; prayer of dedication, by Rev. Isaac Sawyer, of South Reading. In the same month a Sabbath school was organized, numbering fifty children, be- sides teachers, and a library of one hundred volumes was provided for the use of the school.
March 17, 1837, Br. Jonathan Pratt died, aged 67 years, having pre- viously buried his wife and daughter, who were members of this church. On the day of his death he sent for the officers of the church and gave them a note of ninety-eight dollars, for money he had advanced for the meeting-house, over and above the shares he had previously taken in said house, to be appropriated for the use of the church ; thus evincing to the last the interest he had felt for their welfare. He lived a life of piety, and had hope in his death.
In April, 1837, this infant church had the pleasure of sending one
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of its number - Mrs. J. C. Pratt, formerly Miss Evans-as a missionary among the aborigines of our country, where she and her husband still reside.
In the following June, Rev. Henry Smith was ordained as the first pastor of the church. An interesting work of grace was enjoyed during the ministry of Mr. Smith. Fourteen were added by baptism. Mr. Smith resigned his office as pastor May 4, 1838. In September, 1841, Br. Thomas M. Symonds was licensed to preach the Gospel.
During 1841, Rev. O. Cunningham supplied the pulpit.
In 1842, Rev. I. Woodbury entered upon the pastoral duties of the church. Eleven were added by baptism, and a number by letter, during his ministry.
In 1843, Rev. John Upton supplied the pulpit. Four were baptized this year.
In 1845, Rev. J. G. Townsend became pastor. Five were added by baptism during his pastorate.
In 1848, Rev. John Cookson was publicly recognized as pastor. During the pastorate of Mr. Cookson, the meeting-house was enlarged by the addition of sixteen pews. Eighteen were baptized, and several received by letter during his pastorate, which he closed in 1852.
In 1851, Br. Thomas M. Symonds was publicly set apart, by the laying on of hands, for the solemn work of preaching Christ, as a mis- sionary at the West. This was the second missionary this church has been privileged to send to the West.
For two years the church was destitute of a pastor. Two were added by baptism.
In 1854, the church called the Rev. E. K. Fuller to the pastoral office. He entered upon his duties the first of April, since which time twelve have been added by baptism, and a number by letter. There have been connected with this church, since its organization, one hundred and sixty-three persons. Some, we believe, are now in heaven, adoring the grace that constrained them to come to the Saviour ; others are connected with churches in other parts of the world, and some, we fear, have made shipwreck of the faith. The present number is seventy-seven.
The Sabbath school numbers 118, with a library of near 600 volumes.
During the last year we have raised the meeting-house, and completed two very convenient vestries, at an expense of rising $1,200, for which we are happy to say no debt lingers, to make us regret that we under- took the work. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us, and our hope is still in the God of Israel.
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In closing this hasty sketch, we are happy to say that much of that prejudice which formerly existed against the Baptists in this town has passed away ; so much so, that "material aid" has been voluntarily contributed to the Baptist cause by individuals connected with all the other societies in the town, for which we feel grateful, and would thank God and take courage, saying, "In the time of trouble Thou heardst us from Heaven, and according to Thy manifold mercies hath pros- pered and brought us on our way. Therefore we will still trust in Thee."
The officers of the church in 1857 were Rev. Edward K. Fuller, pastor ; Amos Evans and Eben Eaton, deacons ; E. Eaton, treasurer, and Newton Symonds, clerk.
The pastorate of Rev. E. K. Fuller closed in April, 1858. Rev. A. M. Higgins commenced his labors in May, 1858, and resigned the pastorate in March, 1859. Three were added by baptism during his ministry. In May, 1859, Rev. William R. Davy accepted the pas- torate of the church, and labored with success until compelled by ill- health to resign in February, 1863. The church had preaching by supplies until July, 1865, when Rev. H. P. Guilford became pastor ; the church received large accessions during his ministry, which closed in , April, 1867.
In June, 1867, Rev. T. W. Crawley was publicly recognized pastor of the church, which relation continued until April, 1869.
In January, 1870, Rev. Luther D. Hill, the present incumbent, was publicly recognized pastor.
Our present number, 116.
The officers of the church are: Rev. Luther D. Hill, pastor ; Amos Evans, J. R. Morton, Robert C. Totten, deacons ; Charles C. Man- ning, treasurer, and Newton Symonds, clerk.]
THE SECOND ADVENT SOCIETY, OF WAKEFIELD,
Was organized in 1844. Place of worship, the hall in the Bank Building, and are without a settled pastor.
THE ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH (ROMAN CATHOLIC), OF WAKEFIELD, Was organized in 1856. Their meeting-house is on or near Albion Street. Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick, pastor.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF WAKEFIELD.
In the month of January,. 1865, arrangements were made for holding Methodist Episcopal services on each Sabbath evening in the Town
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Hall, in South Reading. These services were commenced and contin- ued until the following spring by the gratuitous, labors of several Methodist preachers residing in Boston and vicinity.
In April, 1865, in accordance with the wishes of a number of the citizens of the town, a petition was sent to the New England Confer- ence, then holding its session in Cambridge, for a preacher, and the call was responded to by sending Rev. Thomas C. Potter.
About this time the vestry of the Universalist church was secured as a place of worship, and services were held on each Sabbath afternoon and evening.
At a Quarterly Conference, held June 4, 1865, called by Rev. Aaron D. Sargent, Presiding Elder, of Lynn District, a church was organized, embracing a membership of twenty-six persons.
Mr. Potter labored with great acceptability as pastor of this church for a year and three or four months, when he was compelled to resign the pastorate on account of failing health.
He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Gray, who labored as a supply until April, 1867, when Rev. Daniel Atkins succeeded to the pastorate, by appointment of the New England Annual Conference.
In June, 1869, the members of this church, in reviewing the first four years of their history, were enabled to say, with devout thanks to the Great Head of the Church, that their labors had not been in vain in the Lord, as the number of members reported in full was forty-seven, and the number on probation nineteen, and their prospects for the future highly encouraging.
The society purchased the Albion Hall Building, a large structure, centrally situated, of capacity sufficient to afford a commodious hall in the second story, for worship, a store in the front part of the lower story, with other convenient rooms for a tenement.
Mrs. Lucy P. Jennings, recently deceased, bequeathed to the Society some $2,100, which will give it very timely aid.
Rev. M. B. Chapman, a young man of fine abilities, was appointed to the charge in 1870. Under his labors the congregation was largely increased, and an interesting revival was enjoyed.
At the close of the second year, Mr. Chapman was removed, at his own request, to another field of labor, very much to the regret of his numerous friends.
In 1872, the present pastor, Rev. C. L. McCurdy, was appointed as the successor of Mr. Chapman. It soon became apparent to Mr. McCurdy that the hall owned by the society was altogether too small to accommodate the people who enjoy that form of worship practised by
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the Methodists. It was therefore determined, after much deliberation and earnest prayer to God for his blessing, to erect a suitable house of worship for the better accommodation of those who may wish to wait upon our ministry. After a sermon by the pastor upon the subject, a subscription was raised sufficient, with the property held by the trustees, to authorize them to proceed in its erection. At a regular meeting of the trustees it was voted unanimously that the following persons con- stitute the building committee, viz. : Jacob T. Cooper, Thomas Green, Joseph S. Johnson, James Westgate, and C. L. McCurdy.
The following persons constitute the Board of Trustees : Rev. L. D. Bragg, of Lynn ; Hon. Liverus Hull, of Charlestown ; Cyrus Wakefield, Esq., John A. Tyler, John Howlett, Dimon Emmons, Matthew Boothby, Jacob T. Cooper, and Joseph S. Johnson. The church is now being built, and is in quite a state of forwardness. The main building is about 50 feet by 75, and will contain seating capacity for nearly 600 adults. The design is by J. B. Samuels, of Boston, an architect favorably known in connection with. many churches in the State. The architectural treatment is a rendering of the Swiss timber construction adapted to the fourteenth century, Gothic outline. The roof is in two pitches, giving the external effect, of nave and side aisles, while the outline of the side is picturesquely broken up by the extension of the side windows above the wall plate. On one corner of the front is a graceful spire, 130 feet in height, and surmounted by a vane and gilt ball. The roof and spire are covered with alternate bands of eastern and green slates. The interior finish is of ash and black walnut. The organ and choir are located in the chancel, in front of which are the pulpit and altar enclosure, and at the opposite end, over the ample and commodious front vestibule, a small gallery communicat- ing with both the audience-room and basement floor. The basement is divided into a large vestry, small vestry, and smaller rooms for other purposes, not the least important being a kitchen. The building is under contract to the firm of Mead, Mason & Co., and will probably be ready for occupancy during the season of 1874.
CONSTITUTION, OR ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE PARISH OF EMMANUEL CHURCH, WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
Whereas : The undersigned have associated themselves together for the purpose of worshipping Almighty God, according to the faith and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, and have for that purpose formed a parish at Wakefield, in
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the County of Middlesex ; they therefore declare the following to be the objects, conditions, and articles of their said association, namely : -
First. The name of this association shall be "THE PARISH OF EMMANUEL CHURCH, WAKEFIELD."
Second. This parish acknowledges itself to be a member of, and to belong to, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and in the Diocese of Massachusetts. As such, it accedes to, recognizes, and adopts the constitution, canons, doctrine, discipline, and worship of said Church, and acknowledges the authority of the same accordingly.
Third. Any person of the age of eighteen years who has subscribed or acceded to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Parish, and who has aided in maintaining public worship therein, for a period of twelve months, immediately preceding any meeting, either by regular attend- ance thereon, or by pecuniary aid in hiring a sitting or otherwise, shall be considered a member of the Parish, and entitled to vote in all its affairs, while he continues such member.
Fourth. The Rector of this Parish shall be elected by the members thereof, unless the By-Laws otherwise provide ; but no person shall be eligible to that office, unless he shall have had Episcopal ordination, and unless he be in full standing with the Protestant Episcopal Church aforesaid, and recognized as such by the Bishop of this Diocese, or in case of a vacancy, by the Standing Committee of the Diocese.
Fifth. All the property of this Parish shall be taken and held, sub- ject to the control and disposition of the Vestry of the same, but shall not be sold or conveyed without the vote of the Parish.
Sixth. This constitution may be amended as follows : Any proposed amendment shall be submitted to a meeting of the Vestry, and upon its recommendation, shall be submitted to a meeting of the Parish, and, if approved by the same, shall be deemed and taken to be a part of this constitution.
BY-LAWS.
SECTION I. The annual meeting shall be held on Monday, in Easter week, in the church, chapel, place of worship, or such place as the Wardens may appoint ; at which meeting, or at any adjournment there- of, any business may be transacted without any previous notice thereof. Notice of this meeting shall be posted seven days prior thereto on the church door, and given from the chancel on the Sunday previous, by the clergyman officiating. All meetings shall be opened with prayer.
SECT. 2. Special meetings shall be called by the Rector, Wardens, or by three members of the Vestry, whenever they deem it advisable,
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or whenever so requested in writing, either by the Rector or any five members of the Parish ; but at special meetings no business shall be transacted unless specified in the notice calling the same. Such meet- ings shall be notified by the Clerk, and by publication from the chancel, eight days at least before the same is held.
SECT. 3. At all meetings of the Parish, the Rector, if present, or in his absence, one of the Wardens shall preside ; in their absence, a temporary presiding officer shall be chosen by the members present.
SECT. 4. At a meeting of the Parish, five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but any less number may adjourn such meeting.
SECT. 5. At the annual meeting, or at any adjournment thereof, there shall be chosen two Wardens, who shall also act as Assessors, a Treasurer and Collector, a Clerk, and such number of Vestrymen, not exceeding twelve, as may be determined by the members present ; all of whom shall constitute the Vestry. Such election to be in all cases by ballot, and the person having the highest number of ballots shall be elected. The officers so elected to serve until the next annual meet- ing, and until others are elected in their stead. Any vacancies may be filled by the Vestry. Delegates to the Diocesan Convention shall be chosen at the annual meeting, by ballot, or as the members present may determine.
SECT. 6. The Wardens and Vestrymen shall have the management and. oversight of all the temporal affairs of the Parish, and shall, in connection with the Rector, make necessary preparations for public worship, and for the music at the same. They shall meet as often as once in every three months, and whenever requested by the Rector or Wardens or by three Vestrymen. At each meeting the record of the previous meeting shall be read and approved, or amended. The Rector shall be notified of the meetings of the Vestry, and if present shall preside, and be entitled, in common with each member of the Vestry, to one vote.
SECT. 7. The Clerk shall keep a true record of all the proceedings of the Parish, and also of doings of the Wardens and Vestry, in suit- able books for that purpose. At any Parish meeting any member may call for the reading of the records of the Vestry meeting for the preced- ing year.
SECT. 8. The Treasurer shall keep a true account of all moneys received and paid out by him, and present a full account thereof and of the financial condition of the Parish, at each annual meeting, and such account shall be audited and approved by the Wardens and Vestry- men, or a committee thereof.
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SECT. 9. These By-Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed, at any regular meeting of the Parish, by a majority of the legal members present ; provided, notice thereof is set forth in the notice calling the ยท meeting.
MOSES P. PARKER, Parish Clerk.
Rev. SAMUEL R. SLACK, Rector. E. J. WALTON, Treas,
To the Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts assembled in Christ Church, Springfield, Wednesday, May 10, A. D. 1871.
The undersigned, Wardens and Vestrymen of the Parish of Em- manuel Church, in the Town of Wakefield, and County of Middlesex, in accordance with Article IV of the Constitution of the Church in this Diocese, hereby certify that the foregoing Articles of Association or Constitution, and the accompanying By-Laws, were adopted by the said Parish of Emmanuel Church, on Easter Monday, April 10, A. D. 1871, having been reported to the Parish by a committee appointed at the previous Easter meeting, A. D. 1870.
The undersigned further certify that the said Parish has "been duly organized for the space of one year," and "during that time have held regular public services," and that they accede to the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
And the undersigned respectfully ask to be admitted into union with the Diocese of Massachusetts.
SAMUEL T. PARKER, Senzor Warden. JOHN A. SYMONDS, Junior Warden.
JOHN MCKAY, JOHN C. AVERY,
JOHN R. MANSFIELD, M. D., -
GEORGE E. HOWARD,
CYRUS WAKEFIELD,
G. M. TOMPSON,
Vestrymen.
WM. J. BRIDGER,
G. E. TIBBETTS,
J. HENNIGAR, ROBERT WORRALL,
DANIEL G. WALTON,
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4
IN CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE, May II, A. D. 1871.
"The Committee on New Parishes presented an additional report, recommending the admission of Emmanuel Church, Wakefield, into union with the Convention.
Resolved, That Emmanuel Church, Wakefield, be admitted into union with this Convention.
The Secretary called over the names of the Delegates from the above-mentioned Parish, as follows : -
SAMUEL T. PARKER,
EMMANUEL CHURCH, WAKEFIELD. JOHN R. MANSFIELD, M.D. JOHN A. SYMONDS."
Services, according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church, have been occasionally held in South Reading (now Wakefield) during a period of about twenty-five years. The Rev. William T. Smithett, then rector of Christ Church, Boston, resided here some twenty years since, and occasionally officiated. The late Rev. Frederick S. Wiley, rector of Christ Church, New York, a native of the town, son of our honored and venerable fellow-citizen, B. B. Wiley, Esq., and himself, at the time of his early and lamented death, already distinguished for his intellectual endowments, as well as for the beauty of his Christian char- acter, was accustomed to officiate when he returned to his early home. Other clergymen, from time to time, held services according to the usages of this venerable church, the successor of the Church of England in these States. They were generally observed in the building which has given place to the new and elegant Town Hall. In 1869, several of the clergy of the Eastern Convocation of the Episcopal Church of Massachusetts commenced regular services here, occupying the lecture- room of the Universalist Church, and the enterprise became a mission of that association. At Easter, 1870, the Rev. Samuel R. Slack, for- merly rector of St. Thomas Church, Newark, Del., and of Fredericks- ville Parish, Virginia, accepted an appointment to the mission, and the congregation, at the same time, organized itself into a parish, and in 187I was admitted into union with the Diocese of Massachusetts. Services were held in the old Town Hall until the winter of 1870, when the new hall belonging to Mr. D. G. Walton was permanently engaged for divine worship. This place has sometimes been found too small for the accommodation of the congregation, and it is believed, if the congregation, with their friends elsewhere, should undertake the erec- tion of a more commodious edifice, for ecclesiastical purposes solely, the numbers and strength of this parish would be greatly augmented.
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