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 6
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Newbern, N. C., Sept. 18, 1863.
DEAR BRETHREN :
I have often said to my friends that if I lived to spend the year 1863 in the " Old South." I would try to gather together all the survivors of that aneient church, with their friends, and hold in that venerable edifice a commemorative festival.
In the providence of God. my pastorate ceased near the beginning of the year, and my cherished purpose failed of being realized.
Not so the plan. It has fallen into abler hands, and will, I doubt not, be carried out on the 22d inst. with appropriate rites and observances. Of this the names of the eom nittee appended to the circular of invitation are a suffi- cient guarantee.
As a member of the First Church in Woreester, and for nearly ten years its pastor, I feel the liveliest interest in all its affairs. The memories of my min- istry in it are fresh and fragrant. I am like an unweaned child, and turn towards the dear old church as my mother still. I pray for its peace. I seek its prosperity. I am jealous of its reputation, and grateful for its shelter as my ecclesiastical home.
At least until the closing days of this eventful national struggle, and the for-
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mation, on my part, of some new pastoral connection, I ask a place, with my dear wife, upon your annual catalogue, an occasional remembrance in your prayers, and a home in your hearts.
That I cannot be at the " Centennial" is a keen disappointment to me.
The profound historic research which will characterize the address of my learned brother who is your chosen organ on the occasion, I shall not wholly miss ; for the press will preserve, and the mail transmit to me the Centennial Address.
But the solemn grandeur of the proposed reunion, the tender memories it will revive, the heart-throbs, the hand-graspings, the loving words which will be spoken, the sparkling wit and rallying repartee which may be expected to give point and pith and pathos to the services and festivities of the occasion- all these I must forego. I should enjoy them intensely, but at the present time my duty lies another way.
At this distance from my native home, banished from books, shut out from libraries, and acting almost wholly in the practical, living world, it will be im- possible for me to add one item to the historic wealth of your Centennary.
It will however be an addition to the valuable material out of which the hon- orable record of the Old South Parish is to be compiled, that it furnished one pastor who patriotically stood by the country in the trying days of the Ameri- can Revolution, and another who was among the first to take the field when the liberties of the people were again betrayed and imperiled. It will always give eclat to the fine old house of worship, that now touches upon three centuries of time, that the immortal Declaration of Independence was first promulgated to the citizens of the town of Worcester from the top of one of its antique por- ches ; and we hope that it may be considered in future years an honor no less distinguished, that this church gave to the country in her hour of need, a Pas- tor, a Superintendent of the Sabbath School, and a score or two of brave men to stand in the ranks where the leaden hail fell thickest, and the thunder of war was loud.
I believe that the ministry of the First Church has always been a patriotic ministry, and the congregation a loyal and patriotic people.
Young Curtis and Estey, members of the 25th Regiment, now sleeping in death, once belonged to your Sabbath School, and were attentive hearers of the word from your pulpit. They are among the valuable sacrifices you have made to maintain the integrity and glory of our land.
They fell too soon for affection, but not too early for renown. Their names, with others who may be associated with them before the end shall come, might well be inscribed upon a Marble Tablet in the dear old edifice, to be transferred to its successor when itself shall crumble before all devouring time.
Of my ten years administration of the pastorate among you, it is fit that oth- ers should speak rather than myself. I only claim for my ministry that it was exercised in honesty, earnestness, and freedom. Its fruits were more than I deserved, fewer than I hoped for.
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On the whole I look back upon those ten years, more shaded with personal sorrow than any equal period of my life, with feelings of devout and grateful thanksgiving ; as one chastened and not killed ; as sorrowful yet always rejoic- ing ; as poor yet making many rich ; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
May the tenderness of that affection with which, from first to last, you have regarded me and mine, make happy the life and labors of my beloved succes- sor, and be in the history of the church, like ,
"Another morn Risen on midnoon,"
bringing it nearer and even nearer to the glory of God and the Lamb.
I have left the " Old South" to help make a new South. The providence of God has plainly pointed out to me this service, and laid it, unchosen and un- sought, upon my shoulders. Nor will I shrink from the undertaking.
I believe in it, as the most important duty of the hour. Amid humble labors, under reproach and scorn, the indifference of some and the opposition of not a few, I am charged with the work of laying anew the foundations of society in regions where it had wholly fallen to pieces. Be it my effort to build up the social structure not " as it was," but as it should be ; not on the old principle of an aristocracy which is essentially hostile to a republic, tends to rebellion and revolution, and can never be propitiated, but must either o'er master the government or be destroyed .- but on the principle of personal freedom com- pensated labor and natural rights, secured to all by constitutional and local law. Class power and Individual power are now in deadly conflict. Oligar- chy has its clutch upon the throat of Democracy.
The keenest blade with which our government can defend itself is the Presi- dent's proclamation of freedom ; the only banner under which it can success- fully fight is the flag of our Union. The contest is not doubtful, unless public integrity, patience and faith shall fail.
If you, dear friends ; if this great American people are true, the liberties of this Republic are secure, and every thing is safe. But if the People faller or the President recants, then all is lost.
I ask pardon for the length of my communication. I could willingly say more, but not easily less. May the fine old structure under the shadow of which you are met to celebrate the feast of ingathering at the end of a hundred years, witness on the 22d. a rarer assembly and be the scene of a holier convo- cation than it ever summoned before.
May the children throng around that hallowed altar with an eager interest to learn the story of its ancient renown from the lips of the venerable men that yet survive to bless and guide their youth. Let christians kneel upon its pave- ment with a fresh devotion, while they thank God for the beauty, stability and glorious order of his holy sanctuary. Let them walk about our favored Zion, and go round about her. Let them tell the towers thereof. Let them mark
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well her bulwarks, and consider her palaces ; that they may tell it to the gene- rations following. For this God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even unto death.
And as you sit in your heavenly places, and are rapt in angelic song, or glow with the ardors of devotion, turn we pray you, a look of tenderness towards your brethren in the camp, your companions on the battle-field, your children on the sea, your spiritual offspring in the ends of the earth. And, with the combined benedictions of a century whispering from every beam and timber of the honorable place wherein you stand, make proclamation to all your absent kindred in Christ, saying in God's name, We bless you out of the house of the Lord .;
With truest love and fidelity, I remain, Dear Brethren and friends, devotedly yours.
HORACE JAMES.
To Caleb Dana, Samuel A. Porter, James Estabrook, W. A. Fisher and Richard Ball, Committee on Invitations.
The Chair then alluded to the Rev. William Barrows of Read- ing, Mass, as a young clergyman, formerly connected with the Old South, and much respected and cherished in Worcester.
Mr. Barrows denied the impeachment of being young, but felt honored by his connection with the Old South church thirty years ago, in one of the best speeches of the evening ; giving his recol- lections of Worcester, he demonstrated that he must have a remarkable memory, if a very young man.
The Rev. W. R. Huntington, the young Rector of All Saints Church, being absent on foreign travel, and the Rev. Samuel S. Spear, of Boston, his worthy substitute, having retired from the Hall, the following sentiment, alluding to a distinguished member of that communion, was handed to the chair by one of his respect- ed colleagues.
19. All Saints Church :
The fathers of the Old South were not able, like the Jews, to offer one hundred bullocks at the dedication of their temple; but All Saints is able to offer one, on this occasion, worth more than all of them.
The sacrifice not forthcoming, the following letter from the Hon. Alexander II. Bullock to the Chair, was offered as a substi- tute :
MY DEAR SIR : I had expected to be present at your festivities to-day, in commemoration of the years and honors of the Old South, but an unexpected engagement which I cannot control, requires me to be absent.
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I pray you to assure your brethren parishioners of the respectful and cor- dial sympathy which, if present. it would be my pleasure to express in my own behalf and for the society with which I am connected. I have lived too long in this town to be indifferent to the annals and traditions of your vener- able and consecrated parish, associated as it is with all that is pure in morals, or inspiring in patriotism, or elevating in social life. As a citizen of Worces- ter I claim to share in the benefits and renown which her historic names have conferred upon this community, and it is my misfortune not to be able in per- son to make known more fully my respect for all that has been done by the Old South to endear her to every inhabitant. Permit me to say that I rejoice with you in the new lease of life and prosperity which the ancient parish now takes under the pastorate of him who has recently been called to minister at her altar. May her light be perpetual !
I am, sir, faithfully yours,
ALEX. H. BULLOCK. Hon. IRA M. BARTON, Prest., &c., &c.
A letter was also received by the Committee from the Rev. . Rufus A. Putnam, of Pembroke, N. H., stating that a little over half a century ago, he was a resident of Worcester, and "heard the prayers and teachings of the venerable Dr. Austin." He expressed great interest in the Celebration, to which he was in- vited, and invoked the blessings of God upon the church and peo- ple for many centuries to come. But the feeble state of his health would forbid his presence on the interesting occasion.
The Chair respectfully alluded to the Methodist Churches, which though comparatively of recent origin, were among the most numerous and useful in the city. Their presence having been invited through their clergymen, the following sentiment was given, alluding to their oldest church and the nearest neighbor to the Old South.
20. The Park Street Church : Like "Siloa's brook, that flowed Fast by the oracle ot God."
May the flow of its healing waters be perennial.
The pleasure of a response to this sentiment from the Rev. Dan- iel E. Chapin, the minister of the Park Street Church, was proba- bly prevented by the lateness of the hour.
In the course of the evening, Mr. George Hobbs, 2d., an intelli- gent young gentleman of the parish, read a poem, concluding with the following pleasant apostrophe to the Old South Church.
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A century now gone ! How chang'd The scene where once the quiet hamlet lay, And thou, with regal right, then reign'd Supreme. But time, art, progress, sped the day That triumphed in a City's birth : And now her mantling structures tow'r High o'er the scene, and scarce of worth Save thee, stands vestige of primeval hour.
Long in thy pristine glory stand ; Thy clock true vigil keep ; thy bell long peal For worship pure, and through the land Still louder, longer, sound our country's weal. Peace be within thy walls ; and 'round Thee blessings still ; let Sabbath's first sweet rays
Long kiss thy spire, and gospel sound Speed on thee, brighter, halcyon days.
The company were gratified at the presence of the Rev. David Perry of Brookfield, Vt., the Rev. Clarendon Waite of Rutland, respected sons of the Old South ; the Rev. J. D. E. Jones, the Super- intendent of the City Schools, and the Rev. Samuel Souther, the former City Missionary; and in closing the interesting exercises of the occasion, the sole regret was, that the lateness of the hour, ten o'clock, deprived the company of the pleasure of hearing from many of the invited guests.
The Band played the air of " Sweet Home," and the company slowly retired, feeling and saying that they had enjoyed a good and profitable season.
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The late William Lincoln Esq., in his History of Worcester, published in 1836, gave a full and faithful account of the First Parish and its meeting house, and Charles Hersey, Esq., has recently published a new edition of that valuable work, with a supplement. The work has been extensively circulated in this community, and the Committee, therefore, appointed for the pur- pose, have confined their attention mainly to such additional facts, as have fallen within their reach.
1. The Model of our Old South .- We are under renewed obliga- tions to the Rev. George Allen, of Worcester, for a reference to the History of the Old South Church in Boston, by the Rev. Benjamin B. Wisner, D. D., the former. pastor, published in 1830. That church was first occupied for public worship, April 26, O. S. 1730. And it appears from a plan of the interior of it, accom- panying the historical notes of Dr. Wisner, that the Old South of Boston was almost an exact model of the Old South of Wor- cester, erected thirty-three years afterwards. This fact may detract from the credit of the Worcester architects for originality, but certainly not for good taste, for both churches were amongst the most comely and convenient of their day.
2. Original Owners of the Pews .- Before the attention of the Publishing Committee was called to the plan annexed to the work of Dr. Wisner, they had thought of publishing a copy of the ancient plan of the interior of our church referred to by the President in his introductory remarks; but they are dissuaded from doing so, by a consideration of the inconvenience of pub-
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lishing the requisite folio sheet to accompany a book, especially in the pamphlet form. And they content themselves, and hope to satisfy the public, by giving a handsome frontispiece, exhibiting a northwest view of the exterior of their church, and the following list of the original proprietors of the sixty-one pews on the floor. It is proposed by the Committee of Arrangements, to suspend their plan referred to, upon the walls of the Chapel, so that by a reference to it, the location of the pew of any original proprio- tor, may be readily seen.
Names of the Original Pewholders in the First Church in Worcester.
John Chandler, Esq., 18 -
Thomas Stearns, 44
Joseph Blair, 59
Jacob Hemingway, 17
Isaac Gleason, 2-4
John Mower, 36
Daniel and Abel Hey- wood, 19
Josiah Brewer, Esq.,
Thomas Parker, 37
Francis Harrington,
16
Jolin Boyden, 43
| Ezekiel How,
27
Elisha and Robert Smith, 20
Joseph Clark, Jr., 9
assignee of Asa Flagg,
7
Robert Barber,
21
Daniel Borden 42
Samuel Hunt, assignee
Daniel Ward, 14
James Goodwin, 53 of Thomas Cowden, 28
Tyrus Rice, 13 Thomas Rice, 38
John Mahan, 6
Daniel McFarland, 49
Matthew Gray, 56
Timothy Paine, Esq., 33 1 Nathaniel Adams,
James Putnam, Esq., 45
John Chaddick, 39
James McFarland, 48
Benjamin Flagg,
55 John Chandler, Esq., 32
Gershom and Comfort Riee,
46
William McFarland, 54
41
James Brown, 3
Jacob Chamberlin,
22
Josiah Pierce,
46
Jacob Holines, 30
Joshua Whitney
12 James Nichols,
8
Thomas Wheeler,
Elisha Smith, Jr.,
23 Robert Gray, Jr.,
61
Israel Jenison,
29
Nathaniel Moore,
11
Ebenezer Lovell,
34
John Chandler, Esq., Town's pew,
50
Asa Moore,
35
3. Location and materials of the House .- After much delay, the definite location of the " new Meeting House" was fixed by the following action of the town.
" At a Town meeting held at the meeting House in Worcester after due warning on ye 18th May, 1763."
" Upon the fifth article in the warrant relative to the alteration of the Place for the New Meeting House the Question being put if the Town would give or- der for setting Sd House on ye Gravelly Knole between Mr. Putnams and the Burying Place and it passed in the negative. Thereupon
Voted-that the Comittee for Building the New Meeting House, as soon as may be pull Down the Old Meeting House and save what stuff they can, and
ยท
5
John Curtis,
51 Jonathan and David Fisk,
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David Bancroft,
40 Gardner Chandler, Esq.,2 Samuel Mower, 31
Jonathan Stone,
47
Samuel Curtis,
| John Chandler, Esq.,
Samuel Miller, 25
Luke Brown, 53
Josiah Harrington, 15
Nathan Perry, 10
Isaac Moore, 58
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that the New Meeting House be sett on ye spot where the old one stands, as may be convenient, and that the new House Front ye Country Road. Former votes of the Town in March, 1762, Notwithstanding." .
" Voted, That the sd Comittee Hire a suitable Number of men to Raise the New meeting House in the cheapest manner they can, and that there be no Public Entertainment."
[A copy of the record, Attest, SAMUEL SMITH, City Clerk.]
Though the building Committee were prudently instructed to save what stuff they could from the Old Meeting House erected in 1719, it is not probable that much of it was wrought into the new House. It is a reliable tradition that the principal part of the timbers for the new House was taken from the woods extending south, southeast from Washington Square, in the direction of Union Hill. It is said, however, that some was obtained from Tatnuck and other quarters.
The timbers of the House are very large and substantial. This fact accounts for the remarkable state of preservation in which we now find it. Whoever sees the exposed timbers of the attic, will cease to wonder that the town directed the committee to em- ploy picked men for the raising, and they will also be prepared to credit the tradition, that it became necessary to invite men from Boston, with their appropriate mechanical tackle, to aid in the work.
It appears that the old House was demolished without much ceremony. Soon after the erection of the new House, the records of the town show that the remaining materials of the old House were sold at auction, and it is not known that a fragment of them now exists, except the printing blocks of Peter Stowell, before referred to.
So intent were the men of Worcester in their enterprise for get- ting up a new Meeting House, that they appear to have lost no time in the manifestation of regret at the loss of the old one, which had been consecrated by their devotions for more than forty years. Not so with the fathers of the Old South in Boston. Fri- day, the 28th of February, O. S., 1728-9, they observed as a day of fasting and prayer, on the occasion of taking down their old Meeting House, erected in 1669, and erecting a new, and the pres- ent House, on the same ground. Their senior pastor, the " good Dr, Sewall," informs us in his journal, that " the day was observ'd
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as a day of prayr, by the South Chh. and congregn., to humble ymselves before ye Ld. and ask his presence in ye difficult and momentous affair in wch ry are engag'd. A. M., Mr. Foxeroft be- gan with prayr. P. M., Mr. Coleman. A. M., Mr. Prince, [his col- league] preaci'd from Sam. 3. 41. I preach'd P. M. from Ps. 127. 1. I hope we had ye tokens of G's gracious presence with us. Yo congregation generally attended, and many others with ym. I hope G. enabled me, in public and private, to look earnestly to him ys day. O L'd. hear, forge' and doe as the matter may require."
4. First Occupancy of our Church .- The President cautiously said in his introductory remarks that it did not appear that our Old South was ever formally dedicated; implying a doubt wheth- er there could have been such a variance from modern usage, when almost every public structure is dedicated, whether sacred or profane. But Dr. Wisner asserts that the Boston Old South " was not dedicated in the manner now practiced, but was first oc. cupied on the Sabbath April 26,-corresponding to May 7, N. S. 1730." So that the omission of a formal dedication of our Old South in 1703 appears to be sanctioned by the usage of the age in which it was erected.
The similarity of manner in which religious services were first held in the old South of Boston, and the Old South of Worcester, is worth noticing. Dr. Wisner says that on the day of the first occupancy of the Boston Old Sonth, " Mr. Sewall preached in the morning from Haggai, 3 : 9. " The glory of this latter House shall be greater than the glory of the former, saith the Lord of hosts ; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts." In the afternoon, Mr. Prince preached from Psalm 5 : 7. ' As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy ; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.'"
The Rev. Mr. Maccarty on the first occupancy of his Old South, preached from 1. Chronicles, 29 : 16, 17. " O Lord, our God, all this store that we have prepared to build theo an house for thine holy name, cometh of thine band, and it is all thine own."
"I know, also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart, I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thec."
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5. Addition to the Material History of the Church .- It was the design of the President in his introductory remarks, to give a succinct material history of the Old South. Upon recurrence to them, but little, essential to such a history appears to have been omitted. But for the sake of completeness, the Committee add from Lincoln's history the facts, that the present bell of the Church was cast by Revere & Sons of Boston, in 1802. It weighs 1975 pounds, and bears the inscription,
" The living to the church I call, And to the grave I summon all."
May its first delightful service be long continued ! It has been relieved from its last solemn service, ever since the year 1856, under the mayoralty of the Hon. Isaac Davis.
The clock in the bell tower was made by Abel Stowell in 1800.
The blinds were put upon the the windows of the Church, at the time the alterations were made in 1828.
6. Decorations of the Church on the Anniversary -In addition to those alluded to by the President, were a fine painting of the Rev. Mr. James, with miniature likenesses of all the other minis- ters of the parish, since the days of the Rev. Dr. Austin. It was a matter of much regret that none of Dr. Austin could be found. We find in the fact, proof of modern improvement of taste, in preserving those works of art, to aid in the recollection of absent or deceased friends. The likenesses referred to were suspended in front of the galleries upon each side of the pulpit.
Suspended from the drapery in the rear of the pulpit, was an oblong floral design, with an evergreen ground, festooned at the lower edge. In the centre, wrought with the white blossoms of the life everlasting, were the conspicuous figures 1763. At the front corners of the pulpit, were placed two bouquets. These works of art were the productions of a young gentleman of the congregation.
7. Music on the Occasion .- The order and style of the music on the occasion, was the conception of Edward Hamilton, Esq., the former talented Director of the Old South choir. It was a dramatic history of Church Psalmody ; and without any previ- ous concert upon the subject, very aptly illustrated the remarks of Dr. Bacon.
The practice of singing " in the usual way," by lining off to the congregation, by the deacon, prevailed in Worcester till 1779.
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But we are informed by Dr. Wisner in his history of the Old South in Boston, that the change in singing there, from the usual to the rulable way, took place in 1768, five years before the erection of our church. It appears, therefore, that the reform was about twenty years in travelling from Boston to Worcester; no more than what we should expect in the tardy locomotion of things spiritual as well as material at that period.
It is worthy of notice, that the change took place at the Old South in Boston, on the Sabbath on which Dr. Sewell delivered a' funeral discourse, on the occasion of the death of his venerable colleague, Dr. Prince, who died December 22d, 1758. On that occasion " the Revisal of the Psalms," by Dr. Prince was first introduced in public worship. Dr. Wisner states in a note to his history, at page 31, " that it appeared from the records, that the practice of reading and singing line by line had been continued till this time; in commencing the use of the Revisal, it was, by a vote of the Church, discontinued."
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