USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Historical discourse at Worcester, in the Old south meeting house, September 22, 1863; the hundredth anniversary of its erectiion > Part 5
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It is a remarkable fact that the Second Parish, incorporated in 1787, has had but two pastors, the Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. and the present incumbent of the pulpit. And it is difficult to say which we most admire, the devotion of these distinguished clergy- men to their people, or the constancy and liberality of their people in sustaining them. The name of Dr. Bancroft has gone into the civil and ecclesiastical history of the country. His successor still
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lives and labors, enjoying the respect of us all. You will cordi- ally respond to the sentiment,
5. The Second Church and Parish.
Distinguished for their able and peaceful pastorates. May they long continue to rejoice in the light of their city set on a HILL.
The Rev. Alonzo Hill, D. D., the minister of the second Congre- gational and first Unitarian parish, responded to this sentiment.
In answer to the note inviting his presence on the occasion, the Dr. said, I am glad you are to commemorate the building of your Meeting House, one hundred years ago. It will be our commemo- ration as well as yours; for the ancestors of my parishioners were then of your parish, and took a part in the erection of your edifice. We are your child, though somewhat stubborn and wayward you may have deemed us.
I thank you for your courtesy, and shall take pleasure in uniting in the services and festivities of the occasion.
In the course of some interesting remarks, Dr. Hill said, that though they felt an interest in the material of the Old South, they felt a much greater one in the respect and good will of its proprietors. And in the larger charity of the age, he hoped that we might all be united in an earnest and common faith, which shall sustain us in the impending trials of the country.
The Chair next alluded to the Central Church as the second child of the Old South. The names of Waldo, Salisbury and McFarland, are signalized as the munificent benefactors of this church. Its ministry commenced with the Rev. Loammi I. Hoadley, succeeded by the Rev. John S. C. Abbot, the well known author, now engaged in writing an elaborate history of our great rebellion. To him succeeded that ripe scholar and most amiable man, the Rev. David Peabody, afterwards professor of rhetoric in Dartmouth College; equally loved in life, and lamented in his early death. Of the present incumbent of the pulpit of this church there is no occasion to speak. His character may be read in the affection and respect with which he is regarded not only by his own religious communion, but by all his fellow citizens with whom he has so long resided. He will not fail to notice a sentiment dic- tated by sincere respect for his church, its ministers and founders.
6. The Central Church and Parish.
Honored in its carly and munificent benefactors, and in a pious and learned ministry.
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To this sentiment the Rev. Seth Sweetser, D. D., the present minister of the Parish, responded in a manner very appropriate and effective.
The Chair then remarked, that though we cannot justly claim our neighbors of the first Baptist Society, as our children, for according to the distinguished historian of that society, the honor of its paternity pertained more properly to the late venerable James Wilson, an emigrant from England ; yet we recognize them as amongst our best friends, and offer the following sentiment :-
7. The First Baptist Society.
The success of their first half century is the earnest of a glori- ous Centennial.
The Rev. Lemuel Moss, the minister of this society, responded, alluding' to their recent semi-centennial celebration of the gather- ing of their church, its existence thus embracing just half the years since the erection of the Old South. He gracefully complimented their senior sister church, and expressed his best wishes for her continued prosperity.
The President next alluded to the obligation of the committee of arrangements, for the aid afforded them in preparing for this occa- casion, by the American Antiquarian Society, incorporated in 1812. And in return, he would give as a Sentiment,
8. The American Antiquarian Society.
Though in its origin much the junior of the Old South, it faith- fully preserves the record of things old as well as new.
The Hon. Stephen Salisbury, the munificent President of that Society, eloquently responded to the sentiment, reverently alluding to the age of the exterior of the venerable Old South, while the interior was graced with the beauty and spirit of youth. Mr. Salisbury also alluded, in appropriate terms, to the valuable so- ciety referred to in the sentiment, over which he had the honor to preside, and closed with an expression of great satisfaction in listening to the discourse this morning delivered in our ancient Church.
Samuel F. Haven, Esq., the learned Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, was also present, and in his answer to the note of invitation, expressed great interest in the objects of the occasion.
On the 9th of December, 1862, the first Baptist Church com-
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memorated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization, by an inter- esting historical discourse, which was published. In allusion to that fact, a member of the committee offers the following senti- ment :
9. The Historian of the First Baptist Church :
By his recent semi-Centennial Discourse. he has made a valuable contribution to church history.
The Hon. Isaac Davis responded. expressing his great interest in the occasion ; and by his remarks, demonstrated not only the truth of the sentiment offered, but, by his long and official connection with the affairs of the city, his entire familiarity with the mate- rial history of all its churches and other public buildings.
The President then remarked, that it was understood that the members of the Old South should remain quiet, and give prece- dence to our invited guests. But the company may think that it is quite time for them to hear from our young pastor.
We ought, perhaps, to premise, that we have taken him not only from the schools, at home and abroad, but also from what we deem no disparagement, a former Chaplaincy in the army of volun- teers. For while we did not seek a minister to " preach polities," we should be sorry, especially in the present state of the coantry, to have one who could not very heartily pray patriotism. Under such impressions the following sentiment is offered.
10. Our Pastor :
The last, best draft from New Haven ministers. He has been unanimously accepted ; claiming no exemption from duty to his people, his God and his country.
The Rev. Edward A. Walker, the minister of the First Parish, said that it was the first time he had ever addressed a Massachu- setts audience on such an occasion. That the recital of our local history for the century past, possessed great interest for him; while the great and beneficent events in the history of our country for the same period, embracing the birth of our republic and an en- largement of its liberties, gave promise of a coming century, more glorious, if we do our duty, than that which is past.
As to army life, while it had its incidental disadvantages and dangers, it served to awaken energy and develop character, and to make men more tolerant of each other.
The Chair then adverted to the fact, that after the incorpora-
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tion of the County of Worcester in 1731, the Old South monopo- lized nearly all the offices of the Probate Court. The first Judge of that court was John Chandler of Woodstock, Conn., then regard- ed as within the state of Massachusetts. Ile was succeeded in the Probate office by his son and his grandson of the same name, residents of Worcester, and the great benefactors of the Old South. To them succeeded the first Governor Lincoln of the same Parish, but subsequently one of the founders of the Second Parish.
In allusion to these facts, the Chair gave as a sentiment,
11. The Probate Office of Worcester County :
Though it has got out of the line of the Old South, it has not departed from the line of duty.
The Hon. Henry Chapin of the Church of the Unity, and Judge of the Court of Probate and Insolvency, responded with his usual tact and eloquence on festive occasions, and amongst many other good things, paid a befitting tribute of commendation to puritan persistence and patriotism.
The presence of the Rev. Rush R. Shippen, minister of the Church of the Unity, had been invited, but the committee were disappointed by his absence on account of severe indisposition.
As the third child of the Old South, the Chair then gave as a sentiment,
12. The Union Society :
May it prove the union of all who profess and call themselves christians, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
The Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, the minister of the Union Society, responded very appropriately, stating that at the formation of his society in 1835, about three-fifths of its members were drawn from the Old South, and two-fifths from the Central Society, He con- cluded with a tribute of affection and respect for the Old South, with an earnest aspiration that it might long remain the exponent of their common piety and faith.
The President then said, that those of us who had been brought up in the schools, would recollect with what pleasure we had read in the enphonious original, of " the voice of one crying in the will derness." In these latter days we have no St. John preaching in the wilderness ; but true as it is strange, we have an eloquent one preaching in this city. To prove this, we need only call upon the Rev. T. E. St. John, the minister of the Universalist Church.
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Mr. St. John answered the call with alacrity and much elo. quence. Amongst other things he said that he regarded it as his duty to deal with the present. That in the manhood of the times, he saw the fruit of the religion of our fathers, and that the spirit of New England still lingers around the old places. That it is our duty to push forward the New England spirit of aggression against all bad things ; and he saw in the struggle of the war, freedom and religion contending with caste and tyranny. IIc closed, expressing his happiness that the puritan Old South church led off so well in the recognition of the brotherhood of all working in the cause of God.
Sentiments respectfully referring to the second and third Bap- tist Societies were proposed, inviting responses from the Rev. David Weston, the minister of the former, and the Rev. Joseph Banvard, the minister of the latter society. But the lateness of the hour and the absence of Mr. Banvard, deprived the company of the pleasure they would otherwise have enjoyed in hearing from those gentlemen.
The committee of invitations received from Mr. Banvard the fol- lowing note :
Gentlemen :-
Boston, Sept. 21, 1863.
I exceedingly regret that the funeral of one of my family, will prevent me from participating in your pleasant services.
May the Lord preserve you another century, and bless you more than a hun- dred fold.
I refer you to the Rev. Dr. Pattison, if any report is desired from the third Baptist Church.
Affectionately Yours, JOSEPH BANVARD.
The Rev. Robert E. Pattison, D. D., Principal of the Oread Insti- tute, having retired from the table, in lieu of his remarks, has kindly allowed us to avail ourselves of his testimony as to the hon- orable and christian reconcilement that took place between the venerable James Wilson, the father of the first Baptist Church, and the Rev. Dr. Austin of the Old South. Dr. Pattison was the son-in-law of Dea. Wilson, and his testimony is equally creditable to his own christian feelings, and to the memory of two good and prominent men, who, from a temporary estrangement on earth, have now both gone to enjoy perpetual harmony in Heaven.
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Speaking of an interview had between Dr. Austin and Dea. Wilson, Dr. Pattison says that " previous to this interview, and as they understood each other better, there had been springing up not only between the two godly men, but between their families, a kindly feeling which at a later period ripened into respect and affection. Amongst the families who most honored Dr. Austin as a public man and pastor, were those who became the sincere per- sonal friends of Dea. Wilson and his family. So much is due to truth and goodness." .
After complimentary sentiments to the ladies and the choir, the company rose, and all joined in the air consecrated to social enjoyment, Auld Lang Syne, and then adjourned to re-assemble in Mechanics Hall, at 73 o'clock in the evening
Our friends from abroad, and members of other parishes in the city were cordially invited to attend the free social re-union, to be held at that time and place.
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RE-UNION AT MECHANICS HALL.
Mechanics ITall was well filled at an early hour in the evening, and the exercises were much enlivened by the presence and per- formances of the Worcester Cornet Band.
In front of the platform was a cabinet of ancient relics and curiosities, illuminated from the chandelabra of Mrs. Maccarty, and pertaining to the history of the Old South Church, which attracted much attention.
Amongst these was the small octavo Bible left by the Rev. Mr. Maccarty, in which texts preached from by him are carefully marked and very numerous. This Bible was published at Edin- burg in 1736, with Rouse's version of the Psalms subjoined, it being the version of the Psalms allowed by the Kirk of Scotland in 1645.
Mrs. Maccarty's wedding apron and silver snuff box.
Watch left by Rev. Mr. Maccarty.
Pictures of 1694, from Cornelius Stowell, one of the earliest settlers in Worcester.
Calico and handkerchief printing blocks, used by his son, Peter Stowell, said to have been of the timber of the old meeting house that stood on the same spot where the present Old South stands.
A book, entitled " The Certain Blessedness of all those whose sins are forgiven," (1721,) from Dea. Nathan Perry, grandfather of the present Dea. Samuel Perry, with the cane left by that worthy patriarch, &c., &c.
The President introduced the exercises of the evening with the remark, that it was expected that the Salem Street Church, the youngest of the Congregational order in the city, should pay their respects to the Old South, if not as distinctively their
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mother, at least as their eldest sister ; and he called upon the Rev. Merrill Richardson, their minister, to answer for them.
Mr. Richardson responded with characteristic eloquence.
He excepted to the designation of churches as the "young- est" and "eldest," and to the allusion to the men of 1763 as ancient and venerable, and those of the present time as young. He thought Adam the youngest man of his race, because he had the least knowledge and experience in life. Those who had lived since were older, because they had the advantage of his thoughts and experiences. In this sense, each age was older than the preceding, and his church was the most venerable of any of those that had been alluded to. He concluded, speaking of the law of progress in mankind, and urging the responsibility resting upon us, to hand down to posterity all the light we may have elicited, with added lights derived from those who have gone before us.
The Chair then read the following sentiment, alluding to the Rev. John Nelson, D. D., the senior minister of the First Parish in Leicester, settled there in 1812.
13. The First Parish in Leicester :
We gave tkem one of the most able and honored clergymen in the Commonwealth ;- they have paid the debt by the constancy and respect with which they have sustained him.
In lieu of a personal response, the committee of invitations received the following interesting letter from Dr. Nelson :
To CALEB DANA, ESQ .. AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE :-
It is hard, very hard for me to deny myself the pleasure of taking a part in, or even being present at your Centennial celebration on the 22d of September. It is still harder to resist the kind solicitations of friends to be, at least, present.
But I assure you gentlemen, that with a knowledge of my infirmities I feel I must decline venturing at all on an occasion which I know would to me be dangerously exciting.
I am glad the inability I have to plead is of the physical and not the moral kind which the good minister of my youth, the Rev. Dr. Austin taught me was the kind to which criminality was attached.
My presence, if with you, I am aware could do little more than furnish a somewhat rare antiquity for the occasion. I could tell you of little else than of . the vivid impression I received of your venerable church edifice at the age of twelve years, when I first saw what seemed to me a massive structure, with its
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porch on main street; its tall steeple and the bird which I believe is still perched on the top.
I could tell you also of what I saw within-first of all, under the stairs, a pair of stocks, formidable looking instruments, indicating that I had gotten into a place of some danger. I remember seeing Richard Knight seize the bell rope, and with his hands fast upon it, swing himself off from the first turn in the ban- isters in order to give it a vigorous motion.
I remember the high pulpit and the sounding board over it which I often feared would fall upon the minister's head ;- and then the large square Pew at the front of the pulpit, occasionally one or two aged men in it, that they might get a little nearer the high elevation from which the word was sounded out -also the pews, generally with the seats on hinges to be raised when the people rose for prayer, for the people then did stand up before the Lord. I remember too, and who that heard it does not remember ? the unearthly clattering made by the fall of the seats when the people sat down or heard the last Amen.
Nor do I forget the choir, lead by Lawson Harrington, nor the bass-viol nor the violin played by Samuel or Elisha Flagg, nor the good old tunes as Corona- tion, Russia, Majesty, Ocean, with their Fugues, in which the several parts came round in grand style by a sort of masterly military evolution.
Certainly, I do not forget the venerated minister, Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D .; tall, muscular, with a countenance solemn and somewhat austere-whose preaching was -highly doctrinal, able, earnest and often eloquent, and whose prayers were remarkable for their fervency.
To the church and society worshipping in your ancient edifice I feel myself bound by ties of no ordinary strength. My connections with the church as a member goes back more than sixty years. There I worshipped in my youth. There my family have worshipped and what remain still worship. There my venerated father performed the duties of a church officer. The pulpit I have often occupied and always been most intimate and cordial with the successive ministers and people.
Although absent in the body, my whole spirit is with you on this joyful occa- sion. Your noble church edifice is daguerreotyped on my memory and heart. I love it as it is and where it is. Worcester would cease to be Worcester with- out it. May it remain for other centennial celebrations, and for generations to come, be filled with devout worshippers.
Very truly yours. JOHN NELSON.
Caleb Dana, Samuel A. Porter, James Estabrook, Waterman A. Fisher, Richard Ball.
Leicester, September 19, 1863.
In expectation of the presence of both, Dr. Nelson and the IIon. Emory Washburn of Cambridge, the following sentiment was prepared but not announced. Mr. Washburn was a native of
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Leicester ;- removed to Worcester and became a distinguished lawyer here, and in 1864 was Governor of the Commonwealth. He is now one of the Professors in the Law School of Harvard University.
14. A fair exchange :
Worcester gave to Leicester one of the best ministers; and Leicester gave Worcester one of the best lawyers, in the Com- monwealth.
The committee received a note from ex-Governor Washburn : accepting their invitation, and expressing great regret that a mis- take as to the day of the occasion, had deprived him of the pleas- ure of attending.
The Chair then alluded to a Rev. and learned gentlemen of Worcester, from whom the committee had derived great aid in collecting historical materials for the occasion, and intimated that still further drafts for his services would probably have been made, were it not for his impaired eye-sight. The following sen- timent was offered :
15. The health of the Rev. George Allen:
Distinguished for his antiquarian learning ; for his kind offices to the Old South Church, and for his valuable recollections and knowledge of its history.
The Rev, Mr. Allen responded to this sentiment with rare tact and interest. IIe controverted the antiquarian views of the Rev. Mr. Richardson, and held with the late learned and excellent Judge Wilde, that much of the modern light was nothing but a reflection from ancient luminaries. His recollections of the Old South Church and all that pertained to it, were remarkable for their vividness and accuracy. His testimony as to the talents and character of the Rev. Dr. Austen, was in entire agreement with that of ex-Governor Lincoln.
The next sentiment was to
16. The memory of Rev. Aretius B. Hull:
Amongst the most grateful and cherished memories of the Old South Church and Parish.
The Rev. Joseph D. Hull of Hartford, son of the Rev. Aretius B. Hull, responded very appropriately to this sentiment, noticing particularly his carly recollections of his honored father. (Sce post, note 14.)
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The President then gave as a sentiment,
17. The memory of the Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty.
Worthy of being Fostered by all ; especially by his distinguished posterity.
The company were gratified by the presence of two of the great granddaughters of Mr. Maccarty, Mrs. Alfred D. Foster, and Mrs. Henry K. Newcomb; and the committee received from the Hon. Dwight Foster, the Attorney General of the Com- monwealth, and great-great grandson of Mr. Maccarty, the fol- lowing letter :
Worcester, 21st Sept. 1863. Messrs. CALEB DANA, &c., &c., Committee of the First Parish,
GENTLEMEN : I thank you very sincerely for remembering me among your invited guests to the Centennial Celebration to-morrow, and regret that imperative professional engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of being present upon an occasion of so much interest to all who love the history and traditions of our city.
I cannot forget that I owe the honor of this invitation to the fact that I am one of the descendants of a clergyman who was for thirty-seven years pastor of the church in Worcester, the memory of whose ministry is still cherished. The venerable minister, who had baptised the children, married the young people and buried the dead for more than a generation, came at length to have an authority and sustain a sacred relation of which comparatively few ex- amples now remain. I trust it will not be regarded out of place for me to express the hope that the gentleman whom you have recently chosen with such cordial unanimity, and who comes to his parochial charge in the freshness and vigor of early manhood may continue -as did my sainted ancestor-in acceptable and fruitful ministration over your church and society as long as his life is spared to labor in his Master's service.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your friend and servant,
DWIGHT FOSTER.
The Committee also received the following letter from the Rev. Robinson P. Dunn, Professor of Rhetoric in Brown University, pleasantly indicating his relationship to the family of the Rev. Mr. Maccarty.
Providence, Sept. 18th, 1863.
Messrs. C. DANA. S. A. PORTER, J. ESTABROOK, W. A. FISHER, and R. BALL, Committee on Invitations.
GENTLEMEN : I thank you for your invitation to myself and wife to attend the Centennial Celebration of the First Church and Parish of Worcester. Mrs. Dunn, who is now in W., will do herself the pleasure to be present. I shall be detained by my duties in Providence. I regret this very much, as in addition to the satisfaction I should have in joining in your services and fes-
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tivities, I should welcome any opportunity of uniting with you in a tribute of respect to the memory of that former pastor of the church, with whose family my marriage gives me the honor of a connection.
Hoping that the coming anniversary, gathering up into itself the memories and results of a century, may give to your church and society an impulse which shall not have been spent when your successors shall celebrate the Bi- Centennial,
I am, gentlemen, yours respectfully,
R. P. DUNN.
The Chair then read a sentiment complimentary to the two sur- viving ex-ministers, the Rev. Rodney A. Miller, and the Rev. Hor- ace James.
18. The Ex-Ministers of the Old South Church.
We respectfully salute him who is a resident in our midst ; and gratefully remember him who is absent in the service of his country.
The Rev. Mr. Miller was absent on a visit to his native place, Troy, N. Y., and upon his return home, he expressed much regret at the circumstance that prevented his presence at our centennial anniversary.
The Rev. Mr. James being absent with his regiment at New- bern, N. C., sent to the committee on invitations, the following interesting letter :
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