USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Historical collections: containing I. The Reformation in France; the rise, progress and destruction of the Huguenot Church. Vol I > Part 42
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fully with the second Baptist church there ; many were added to the church and society, and during his ministry they were enabled to erect a new house of worship. After this, he en- gaged for a time in the service of the American Baptist Publication Society, and then removed to California, where, when last heard from, he was pastor of the Baptist church in Sacramento City.
The membership of the church for a time continued to de- cline; at the close of this last pastorate it was reduced to 102.
This church now invited the Rev. George W. Dorrance, of Sturbridge, to supply the pulpit on the first Sabbath in April following, with a view to a settlement. After preaching three Sabbaths he received a call to become their pastor, and gave his acceptance on the 24th of same month.
He labored here faithfully two years, and was dismissed at his request.
During his ministry there was a continued decrease in the members of the church ; two were added by baptism, and six- teen by letter, but the removals and deaths reduced the mem- bership to ninety.
Mr. Dorrance had served several years as chaplain in the United States navy. On the 19th of November, 1853, Dea- con Willard Howland died, aged seventy-five years. He had been an esteemed member of the church thirty-three years, and in the early part of this time held the office of deacon eleven years.
This church was now supplied with transient preaching for about a year, when Mr. J. L. A. Fish, of Newton Theological In- stitute, received a call, March 30, 1856, which he accepted, and began at once to supply the pulpit. He was ordained, July 2 following, with the order of service as here given : Reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. S. C. Kendall, of the Congregational church of Webster; prayer, by Rev. M. Mathewson, of Thompson, Connecticut; sermon, by Rev. J. G. Warren, of
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Boston ; ordaining prayer, by Rev. J. B. Boomer, of Worces- ter ; charge, by Rev. S. S. Parker, of Southbridge ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. D. F. Faunce, of Worcester ; address to the church and society, by Rev. Charles Willett, of Put- nam, Connecticut ; closing prayer, by Rev. J. E. Wood, of the Methodist church, Webster.
On the 6th of December, 1856, Mr. Prince Bracket, hav- ing returned to Webster after an absence of several years at Sturbridge, was again elected deacon. And on the 5th of April, 1860, Deacon Solomon Robinson, having served the church as its treasurer, and for thirty years as clerk, resigned both of these offices. He, however, consented to continue in the position of treasurer; while the office of clerk was filled by Mr. Richard E. Noah.
Mr. Fish resigned the pastorate here the last Sabbath in June, 1863, much to the regret of this church. His labors continued through a period of seven years and three months; during this time there were added to the church, by baptism, 38; by letter, 30; and, aside from all losses, the number of members had increased to 127.
In the autumn of 1863 Mr. Fish was called to the charge of the Baptist church in East Tisbury.
This church now gave a call to Rev. Charles W. Reding ; he entered upon his service here on the 1st of October, 1863, and still continued his labors with success when last heard from.
This writer is indebted for the greater part of the foregoing sketch of the history of this church and society, to an historical discourse delivered by the pastor, Rev. Charles W. Reding, October 30, 1864, it being the fiftieth anniversary of its organization.
For many years this was the only church organization in this vicinity, and what is now the town of Webster.
The order of services on this occasion were as follows:
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1864.
First, an opening prayer and a brief address of welcome to the brethren and sisters from abroad, by the pastor. This was followed by remarks from the Rev. Tubal Wakefield, one of the only two persons living who belonged to the original organization, and remarks by several of the older brethren, who related facts and incidents connected with different periods of the church. To the senior officer, Deacon Robinson, they were greatly indebted for much interest given to these services. These parties spoke from full hearts of the merciful dealings of God with this people during the past half century. Special mention was made of the frequent and powerful revivals in this society. All seemed to feel that it was pleasant and profit- able to recall to mind these past favors of Divine grace.
The services were continued through Saturday evening pre- paratory for the exercises on the Sabbath following. At this meeting were read letters from the following brethren, once pastors of this church : Rev. L. G. Leonard, D. D., Leba- non, Ohio; Rev. Lyman Jewett, Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Rev. J. L. A. Fish, Holmes' Hole, Massachusetts; also, from Rev. N. B. Cook, Greenville, who was once a member, and from Rev. Hervey Fitts, who has always manifested a deep interest in this church and society.
SABBATH EVENING, OCTOBER 30, 1864.
Rev. Tubal Wakefield led in the devotional services ; after which, the historical discourse was preached by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Reding, to a crowded congregation. The delivery occupied one hour and a quarter, and was heard by the audience with great satisfaction to its close.
The hymns on this occasion were those sung at the ordina- tion of the first pastor, viz., 720 and 1146 of the Psalmist, and hymn 92, book 1, of Watts', in the tunes of the former period -the style of singing fifty years ago-making the whole service of great interest to all present, and long to be remembered.
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WEBSTER.
This religious denomination was first established here in the year 1823, in September, when the Rev. Elias Marble was their first preacher ; he continued his labors with this people two years. His successors have been as follows :
Rev. John W. Hardy, for 1825.
John W. Chase, 1826.
66 Heman Perry, 4 1827.
George Southerland,
1828.
66 Isaac Bonny, 66
1829.
66 John Lovejoy, 66 1830.
O. Robbins, 66
1831. .
Peter Sabin, “ 1832. .
66 Isaac Jenison, 66
1833.
Ira M. Bidwell,
1834.
66 Jonathan Cady, 1835.
66 Isaac Stoddard,
66
1836-'37.
06 Joseph A. Merrill,
66 1838-'39.
Isaac Sanbourn,
1840.
66 Abraham D. Merrill, 66
1841-'42.
Leonard B. Griffin,
1843-'44.
66 Mark Staple,
66 1845-146.
66 Charles S. McRedding, “ 1847-'48.
Joseph W. Lewis, 66
66
1851-'52.
66 Union Ward,
66
1853-'54.
66 Samuel Tupper, $6
1855-'56.
66 Jeremiah S. Haniford,
1857-'58.
Abraham S. Dobbs,
1859.
66 Pliney Wood, 66
1859.
$6 Joseph C. Cormack, 66
1862.
.6 Cyrus L. Eastman, 66 1863-'64.
66 James W. Murray, 1865.
66 Edward .S. Best,
1866-'67.
Abraham O. Hamilton, “ 1868-'70.
Their first meeting-house was erected in 1828, and dedica- ted in June, 1829. Their second, built in 1833, and dedicated, January 14, 1834; and their third house was erected in 1866, and dedicated, September 12, 1867.
1849-'50.
66 D. E. Chapin,
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This church, it is believed, has been prosperous, and has secured, as parishioners, its full share of the population of this town ; but the particulars as to church members and general success have not been received.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WEBSTER.
The first service of this church and society was held in the evening, in the town-hall, at East Webster, July 18, 1869; it being the eighth Sunday after Trinity.
Service by the Rev. William Henry Brooks, D. D., rector of Grace church, Oxford.
Rev. Dr. Brooks continued to officiate in Webster, one service on each Sabbath, until the 1st of October following.
Under an invitation given him, September 27, 1869, he devoted his whole time to the ministry of this church from October 1st to April 1, 1870, and held two services on each Sabbathı.
This church, not having any meeting-house of their own, held their services in such places, up to January 3, 1871, as could be conveniently obtained. These services have been held as follows: Their second service was held in Webster hall, depot village, in the evening of July 25, 1869; third service in the Methodist church, depot village, August 15, 1869; and on the 22d and 29th, same month, service was held in the Congregational church, depot village. From that time to Saturday, January 22, 1870, services were held in the town-hall, until that building was destroyed by fire.
A parish was formed here, January 3, 1870, with the name of the " Church of the Reconciliation."
January 23, 1870, service was held in the Webster hall, and on the 30th service was held in the Good Templar's hall, depot village, and continued to be held there until April 10, 1870, the Sunday before Easter, when service was held in the Congregational chapel, depot village, and was continued
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there until the church edifice of the society was occupied for public worship.
CHURCH EDIFICE.
Monday, July 18, 1870, it being the first anniversary of the first service in the parish, the corner-stone of the Church of the Reconciliation, Webster, was laid, in the absence of the bishop of the diocese, by the rector, Rev. William Henry Brooks, D. D. The form of prayer used on that occasion was the one set forth for use in the diocese by the present bishop, copies of which, in very neat pamphlet form, were distributed among the audience. The book had on the third page a list of the officers of the parish.
A procession composed of the Sunday school, parishioners, citizens, visitors, choirs of the parish, and clergy, marched from the house of Samuel Slater, Esq., the junior warden, to the place where the church was to be erected ; in the pro- cession were borne the national flag, and a beautiful banner of white, on the front of which were suitable devices, and in gold letters the name, "Reconciliation;" and on the reverse was the date, in blue, shaded with vermilion, "July 18, A. D., 1869." Above the canvas fly, which was spread over the corner-stone to protect the clergy, choirs, and many others from the burning sun, was the name of the parish, and the date of its first service in ivy-leaf letters, with white roses in Gothic style, mounted on a white ground.
The 122d Psalm, " Lactatus Sum," was repeated alternately, the rector one verse, and the clergy and people another. The exhortation, collects, and Lord's prayer were said by the ven- erable Rev. E. M. T. Wells, D. D., of St. Stephen's house, Boston.
A lesson, Ezra III, 1-11, strikingly applicable, was read by Rev. Wm. R. Huntington, of All Saints, Worcester.
The following deposits put in a lead box were inserted in
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the granite corner-stone ; the list of articles being publicly read by the rector,
"Holy Bible; Book of Common Prayer; Churchman's Year Book for 1870; Journal of the 79th Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts ; Manuscript Historical Sketch of the Parish prepared by the Rector; Office used at the Laying of the Corner-Stone; List of the Officers of the Parish; Blank Form of the Music in the Service of the Parish ; Christian Witness and Church Advocate, for April 14, May 17, and May 26, 1870; Churchman, April 2, 1870; Church Journal, June 8, 1870; Webster Times, June 18, 1870; Report of Town Officers of Webster, for 1869-'70; Re port of School Committee of Webster, for 1869-'70; Worcester Daily Spy, July 16, 1870; Boston Morning Journal, July 16, 1870; Specimens of Fractional Currency."
The corner-stone having been lowered (by the contractor and builder, Mr. Benjamin Watkins, of Webster), into its proper place, the rector, striking the stone three times with a mason's hammer (a blow at the pronouncing of the name of each person in the Holy and Undivided Trinity), said :
" In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. I lay the corner-stone of an edifice to be here reared by the name of 'The Church of the Reconciliation,' and to be devoted to the service of Almighty God, agreeably to the principles of the Protestant Episcopal church, in the United States of America, in the doctrines, ministry, liturgy, rights, and usages."
The prayer,
" Blessed be Thy name, O Lord, thatit hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to commence the erection of a building in which Thy Holy Name is to be worshipped, and the message of reconciliation is to be proclaimed, and the means of grace are to be administered," etc.,
was said by the Rev. Thomas L. Randolph, of St. John's, Wilkinsonville.
The address, which was able and appropriate, was delivered by the Rev. Wm. N. Ackley, rector elect of Trinity, of New- town, Connecticut.
The 470th hymn,
"O Lord of hosts, whose glory fills," etc.,
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was announced by the Rev. Samuel N. Spear, in charge of the new church enterprise in Fiskedale, and was sung to the tune of " Eisenach."
The services were concluded by the Rev. James W. Clark, of St. Philip's, Putnam, Connecticut, who read the appointed collects, and pronounced the blessing of peace.
Then followed the most impressive episode in the events of the day. The alms-basins having been placed on the corner- stone by the rector, the parishioners came forward and de- posited in them their free-will offerings, in sealed envelopes, to the church building fund, ranging from ten cents upwards, making in the aggregate the noble sum of four thousand six hundred and nineteen dollars and ten cents.
The singing by the choirs of the declaration of David, " All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee," after the gifts offered so willingly had been received, was as beautiful in melody as the words are instruc- tive in their teaching.
So impressive were the services, that although the heat was intense, the interest of the large assembly continued unabated to the last.
The choirs, in addition to what has been described, sung very finely, " Jerusalem, the Golden," to the tune of "S. Sal- vatori;" the anthem, " Laudate Nomen;" and the Alleluiatic sequence, " The Strain Upraise of Joy and Praise."
After the conclusion of the ceremonies, the reverend clergy, invited guests, and parishioners, by invitation, pro- ceeded to the mansion of James H. Howe, Esq., senior warden, where they were hospitably entertained with an elegant collation.
The lot on which the church was erected was purchased for the parish, and generously presented to it by William S. Slater, Esq.
The building committee consisted of the rector, the senior
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warden, and the donor of the lot; the architects being Messrs. R. & R. Upjohn.
The church is constructed of wood, in the Gothic style, with triplet windows in the chancel and over the entrance porch ; and in the transepts to have sittings for 300 persons, with provisions for easy enlargement, when desired. The height of the spire is fifty-two feet.
The interior is to be finished with chestnut; its extreme length is seventy-seven feet; and width, forty-four feet six inches.
By contract, this church edifice was to be finished, ready for occupancy, November 1, 1870. It was dedicated, January 3, 1871. The ceremonies were under the charge of the Right Rev. Bishop Martin Eastburn.
The Rev. William Henry Brooks was called by the church- wardens and vestrymen to the rectorship, March 19, 1870, and gave his acceptance on the 26th following. Rev. Dr. Brooks was a graduate of the Theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church of Virginia, July 15, 1852 ; was ordained deacon, by Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., in Christ church, Alexandria, Virginia, July 16, 1852, and ordained priest by the Right Rev. Alfred Lee, D. D., in St. Thomas' church, Newark, Delaware, January 13, 1855. He came from the Episcopal church of Oxford to take charge of this church.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church and society was organized, June 13, 1838. Previous to this time the members of this congregation worshiped with the Baptists.
The withdrawing and forming this separate body, was a serious draft upon both the society and church of that denomi- nation ; also upon their Sabbath school, which required several years to replace.
But both societies now are well sustained, and exhibit evidence, in all respects, of prosperity.
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REMARKS.
Of the inhabitants within the territory now Webster, before the appearance of Mr. Slater in this field of his successful en- terprise, the most influential in the west part, bordering on, and in the vicinity of the French river, were a numerous family by the name of Wakefield, descendants of Joseph Wakefield, one of the early settlers of the town of Dudley. His son, Solomon, was a Baptist preacher, and one of the pioneers of that denomination, particularly in this eastern part, now a part of Webster. And later, at the organization of the Baptist church here in 1814, it will be noticed that several of his descendants were prominent members. They controlled the principal part of the water-power upon said river. Solomon Wakefield, had deceased, at the time of Mr. Howard's first purchase here (in behalf of Samuel Slater) of his descend- ants-William, David, and Joel Wakefield, and Gibbs Dodge, who were the principal parties interested in this water-power at this time.
But above them on this river, had been incorporated in the year 1812, (the same year that Mr. Slater began his operations in the east part), a manufacturing company before referred to, styled "The Village Cotton, Wool, and Linen Manu - facturing Company," which name was changed in the year 1814, to the style of "The Village Factory Company," as related in the historical sketch of Dudley. Besides the foregoing, Luther and Stephen Bartlet, were men of prominence in this vicinity ; while at the east village the most enterprising men were Elijah Pratt, Asa and Samuel Robinson, John and Alanson Bates, and several by the name of Kingsbury, all being men of considerable character and standing, maintaining good moral, social, and religious society. But, after the year 1812, the Village Factory Company introduced a considerable increase of population along the French river, by the influence of Dr.
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Benedict, Dana A. and William Braman, and Jason Waters, although in 1824, at the time of their sale to Slater and Howard, their business in manufacturing had proved unsuc- cessful, which led to the transfer of the estate to the parties as before related.
WOODSTOCK ACADEMY-ADDITIONAL HISTORY.
The first academy in Windham county was organized at Plainfield, in the year 1770. This institution gave a stimulus to the people of Woodstock to found one among themselves, to be equal, if not superior in all its parts.
This spirit formed a crisis in the year 1800, when several prominent and noted men of the place determined to under- take the duty of procuring the necessary funds for the erection of a suitable building for the school. Among these persons most conspicuous were Rev. Eliphalet Lyman, late the pastor of the Congregational church here, for forty-five years ; Colonel Samuel McClellan, who served as an officer in both the last French war and that of the Revolution; James and John McClellan, sons of the latter, and the late General David Holmes.
A subscription paper was drafted, when Rev. Mr. Lyman headed the list by a subscription of one hundred dollars, with the understanding that thirty-two others should contribute as much, or such an amount should be subscribed ; the sum re- quired being subscribed, a building committee was appointed, and, during the year 1801, what is now the old academy structure was erected. The original proprietors were Col. Samuel McClellan and his two sons, James and John; Eli- phalet Lyman, William Bowen, Parker Comings, Nehemiah Child, Ebenezer Smith, William Potter, Hezekiah Bugbee, Benjamin Lyon, Ebenezer Skinner, and Amos Paine.
Rev. Mr. Lyman officiated in laying the corner-stone. The date of this service has not been seen, but the dedication
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service was performed in the Congregational church, on the 4th of February, 1802.
Addresses were made by John McClellan, Esq., and by Rev. Eliphalet Lyman. The following is a part of the address by Mr. McClellan:
" The event of establishing a seminary of literature in this place, equal if not superior to any other which has hitherto been erected, must create sensations of pleasure to those who feel interested in the welfare of mankind; and as we have met on this occasion to dedicate the building appropriated for that purpose, it may be pleasing, and perhaps useful, to spend a few moments in contemplating the advantages of an early education.
"The educacion of children and youth is one of the highest and most important duties of mankind."
In closing, he said :
" We wish to promote, as much as our means will afford, a useful education among the rising generation, and to bring all necessary cduca- tion home to our doors. We are happy to meet and felicitate one another that our unanimity and exertions have produced so much, and that a school is now established.
" And while we dedicate the building, and publish to the world our design, we doubt not but that kind friends will fully co-operate with us in our good intentions.
" And we reflect with pleasure, that many may receive the benefit of an enlightened education here, and thereby become useful and respect- able in their generation."
Mr. Lyman remarked that
" Virtue and morality were indispensable to a good education; that children should be taught to live 'a respectable and useful life; and that it should be the ambition of all present to be called the patrons of science, general knowledge, virtue, and that which tends to the support of the most valuable interests of the community."
Then, turning to the principal of the institution, he said :
"I do, therefore, on this occasion, in the name of the trustees, and with the approbation of the proprietors, commit to you, Mr. Williams. the key of the academy, and the office of preceptor."
36
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The exercises closed with prayer, by Mr. Lyman, the pastor.
The academy was open the 5th inst. following.
TEACHERS.
The names of persons who have been teachers in the old academy are as follows :
Thomas Williams, the first teacher, is now, 1873, living at Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 94; was a graduate of Yale college in the year 1800, and is now the oldest living graduate of that institution. He was preceptor only three months.
At the termination of this session a charter was secured from the General Assembly of the State, by the efforts of John McClellan, Esq., as has been related in the historical sketch of Woodstock; this addition being there omitted for want of the facts since obtained.
Hezekiah Frost, the second teacher, began on May 4, 1802, and continued to May 4, 1803. He was a graduate of Yale in 1802, and received for the year a salary of $400. He married Esther Clark, one of his scholars, and settled as a lawyer in Sawyer, Maine, where he died in 1827.
Jason Park, then a young man, was assistant teacher, but was afterwards known as Rev. Jason Park, the much-respected pastor of the Congregational church and society at South- bridge, for a period of sixteen years.
Rev. Aaron Dutton, of Gilford, also a graduate of Yale, was the third preceptor. His sons and grandsons have been distinguished men ; one is a prominent lawyer in Cincinnati; another has been judge and governor of this State; another a minister in Ashford ; and still another a great revivalist preacher. His wife was assistant teacher.
Seth Norton, of Framingham, a graduate of Yale of 1804,
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was the fifth preceptor. He afterwards became professor of languages in Hamilton college, and died in 1818.
Phineas Lyman Tracy, a graduate of Yale, in 1806, was the preceptor, for the years 1806 and 1807; at this time Deacon Jedediah Morse, the grandfather of Professor S. F. B. Morse, wrote Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, with reference to the academy, saying: "The school has generally been under the instruction of a preceptor recommended by the president of Yale col- lege, and has as yet received no grants, but the proprietors have discharged all obligations above receipts.
The next teacher of whom anything is known was Rhinaldo Burleigh, who taught from 1810 to 1813. He was born in Ashford, and at the age of five had one of his arms cut off in a cider-mill. He fitted for college and graduated in 1803. He was a good teacher, and the school flourished under his charge. The exhibitions of this period were exciting events, and nu- merously attended ; the teachers and scholars forming in line marched to the church; after several declamations, and per- haps orations, plays were enacted by many students, male and female taking parts. George McClellan, afterwards the cele- brated surgeon of Philadelphia, father of General George B. McClellan, maintained conspicuous parts at this time.
In 1810 the town voted to give their bonds, amounting to $1,206.65, to the proprietors of the academy, the interest to be used for continuing the schools, and admitting any of the youth of the town to six weeks' tuition annually. These bonds, some five years afterwards, were canceled and returned to the town.
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