USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > Historical discourse commemorative of the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Belleville Congregational Church, Newburyport, Mass., delivered on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1858 by D.T. Fiske > Part 2
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of Rev. Mr. Miltimore. The call was accepted, and Mr. March was installed March 1, 1832. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. Dr. Dana. The ven- erable senior pastor continued to preach occasionally as long as his increasing infirmities permitted, and at length, March 23, 1836, he fell asleep in the midst of a loved and loving people.
At the decease of Mr. Miltimore, Mr. March became sole pastor, and continued such until the Great Head of the church called him also away to a higher service, Sep- tember 26, 1846.
At a meeting of the society, May 5, 1847, it was voted, in concurrence with the previous action of the church, to extend a call to the present pastor ; who hav- ing accepted the same, was ordained August 18, of the same year ; the ordination sermon was preached by the late Prof. B. B. Edwards, of Andover. By the incorpo- tion of West Newbury as a separate town, in 1819, the name of the parish was again changed, and it was thence- forth called " the Second Parish in Newbury," until in 1852, when, being annexed to Newburyport, it chose to be denominated " The Belleville Congregational Society in Newburyport," which name was legalized by a special act of the legislature in 1853.
During the entire period of its revived existence since 1808, this society has been united and prosperous, having known little of those inward strifes and dissensions which have too often disgraced and enfeebled similar bodies. Of those connected with it as active members before the change in 1808, there are no survivors; and of those whose names are appended to the petition for the first
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meeting in 1808, none remain with us, and but here and there one of those who took any active part in its affairs fifty years ago. But it becomes us who have entered into their labors, to hold in grateful remembrance those who in this part of the town reestablished the gospel ministry, and the public worship of God.
II. THE PROPRIETORS OF THE HOUSE.
The parish, as such, built and owned the first house. as was, I believe, the universal custom in the early history of the country. But in time, it came to pass that a body of proprietors, distinct from the parish or society, in many instances erected and were the sole legal owners of the house of worship. This practice was once quite preva- lent, but is fast disappearing. Seldom in this vicinity is a church-edifice thus built in our day ; and in not a few cases where there was formerly a distinct body of propri- etors, it has transferred its property to the society and disbanded. Experience has proved that this third body rather complicates, than simplifies the matter, and is not needed to further the great ends which the church and society have in view. The present tendency manifestly is to return to the'earlier and better custom of having the meeting-house owned by the society, and so entirely at its disposal.
But with us there is an incorporated body of proprie- tors, distinct alike from the parish and the church, though to a considerable extent composed of members of both. By this body the present house was built and is owned, as was its predecessor, on the same site.
The first meeting was held January 8, 1807, when an
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organization having been effected, it was unanimously voted to build a house of worship in this vicinity. A building committee was chosen at the same time, who having subsequently submitted a plan which was approved, proceeded to the erection of the house forthwith. It was raised in the early part of July ; and at a meeting, June 22, a committee was chosen " to wait on a minister to attend the raising," according to the custom then preva- lent, to have some appropriate religious service on such occasions.
The house was dedicated November 24, 1807; Rev. James Miltimore preaching the dedicatory sermon .* The proprietors took measures to obtain an act of incorpora- tion at the next session of the general court, and such an act was passed March 4, 1808, but was somewhat modi- fied by an additional act the next year.
The first house, after standing less than nine years, was struck by lightning April 1, 1816, and entirely consumed, only the cushions, books, and lower windows being saved. Little could be done to arrest the flames, as most of the men were absent at the time attending the annual town meeting in what is now West Newbury.
Though sadly disappointed and somewhat discouraged by this event, the proprietors soon rallied, and in one month took active measures to build a new house. It is doubtful, however, whether they would have had the courage to begin, or the ability to carry through the en- terprise so speedily, had not one of their number become responsible for at least one quarter of all the funds needed,
Appendix, C.
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and had not a sympathizing public sent in generous con- tributions to aid them. The vote to build was qualified with this condition, viz : " Provided Josiah Little, Es- quire, will interest himself to the amount of $2000 in said house." Mr. Little, however, did not find it neces- sary actually to interest himself in the house to the full amount named, owing to the liberal donations from abroad, which amounted to nearly $3000.
The new house was dedicated November 7, 1816, and is the one in which we are now assembled. In dimen- sions and general style of architecture, it is like the one that was burnt, though said to be in many respects infe- rior to that. It was built a little too early to embody the very great improvements which about that time began to be introduced into church architecture. It has been kept in good repair, and some slight changes have been made in it; still it is believed that the day is not far distant when it will be manifest to all, that we cannot do for our children what our fathers did for us, and promote the highest religious welfare of this community, without ef- fecting some important improvement in our house of wor- ship.
There are certain accessories to the church-edifice which though not procured and owned by the proprietors may be mentioned in this connection.
The bell placed upon the house in 1838, was the gift of Mrs. Sarah Little to the society. That bell was exchanged in 1852, for the larger one now in use, the expense of exchange being met by the Hon. Josiah Little.
The organ, purchased by individuals, was introduced
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in 1841, and used the first time, in religious services, on Thanksgiving day, November 25.
The chapel was built in 1848, chiefly through the ex- ertions of the ladies. It was afterwards conveyed by deed to the society .*
The parsonage was built in 1849, by the liberality of a few individuals, and is held in trust for the use of the pastor of this church and people. 1
A good understanding has always existed between the proprietors and the church and society, and probably fewer of the evils resulting from the existence of this third body, have been experienced here, thus far, than in most places where the experiment has been tried.
III. THE CHURCH.
The old church on " the plains " seems to have become extinct ; but precisely when, and in what manner, cannot probably be determined. Its records are nearly all de- stroyed, and no list of its members is known to be in existence. Who the members were who survived its dis- solution and what became of them, I am unable to say, except in a single instance soon to be mentioned.
And there is not a little obscurity hanging over the origin of this church, as well as over the last days of its predecessor. No record was made, or none is to be found, of the preliminary meetings, nor of the meeting at which it was formed. On the first leaf of the church book of records is the following entry in the handwriting of Rev. Mr. Miltimore. " In the months of March and April,
* Appendix, D.
¡ Appendix, E.
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in the year of our Lord 1808, a number of individuals belonging to the Fourth Parish in Newbury, met once and again for the purpose of collecting and organizing a church of our Lord Jesus Christ. After repeated and solemn consideration, conference, and prayer, they formed themselves into a Christian church, by explicitly renewing the dedication of themselves to God in the engagements of a church state, by expressly covenanting with one another for an obedience to the Lord in the ordinances of . the gospel, and deliberately subscribing with their hands to the terms of a covenant in which they agreed to unite." *
In view of this statement certain questions arise. 1st. What is the precise date of the formation of this church ? The statement says, " in the months of March and April ; " but it must have been ou, or prior to, the 2d of April, for on that day there was a meeting of the church, acting in its organized capacity, doing business, and even extending a call to its first pastor. I find no means of fixing the date of its organization, more definitely than this. It was either the latter part of March, or the first or second day of April. 2d. How was the church organized ? The above statement says certain persons " formed them- selves into a Christian church." But how ? With or without the aid of an ecclesiastical council ? There is no trace of a council called for the purpose, anywhere to be found ; and it seems almost certain that there was none, and that the church was strictly self-organized. 3d. Why was this course pursued ? According to Congregational
* Appendix, F.
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principles those persons were undoubtedly competent to form themselves into a church, but Congregational usage would hardly justify them in doing so under the circum- stances. Did they then have at all the idea that they were reviving an old church rather than forming a new one ? and was this the reason for not calling a council ? There is no evidence that this was the case. Such a course might have been adopted had they so chosen. Of their number there was one surviving member of the old church,-Mrs. Abigail Little ; and she was the only member of that church then residing within the limits of the parish. She might, therefore, have called herself the Fourth Church in Newbury, and as such, might have re- ceived the other eight persons on profession of their faith, none of them having previously been professors of relig- ion. This I say, might have been done without violence to the theory of Congregationalism ; and in that case, this church, like the society, would have been nearly a hun- dred years old. But there is no evidence that this was done, or was at the time thought possible. Every allu- sion to the transaction implies that it was the organiza- tion of an entirely new church.
Regarding that point then as well established, we have the singular fact that here is a church organized without the aid of a council, contrary to the almost universal cus- tom of that day, and that too when only one of the organ- izing members had ever before belonged to any church.
Leaving now the origin, I turn to the subsequent his- tory of this church. And it will be most convenient to divide that history into three periods, corresponding to the ministry of its three pastors.
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The first period, from the installation of Mr. Miltimore, to the ordination of Mr. March, embraces twenty-three years and eight months. The little church when organ- ized, at once entered upon its appropriate work. Perfect harmony characterized all its early movements. Minor differences were merged in an enlarged spirit of charity. No discordant note was heard within it, or, if heard then, not the faintest echo of it has reached our ears. The divine favor rested upon it. Additions were from time to time made, both by letter and profession. In a mem- orandum made by Mr. Miltimore, he says, that from the time of his installation " down to the completion of the third year, I do not recollect that so much as one month passed without being called to visit anxious inquirers." But from that time for some years, there appears to have been no special religious awakening among the people. And he adds, " For a long time, ah ! how long, have I been required to labor almost in vain ? While my bowels were yearning, from year to year, over the beloved people of my charge, I learned in part, what the poet means, who said-
'Who can describe the thrilling pain That faithful pastors feel, When called long to preach in vain To hearts as hard as steel.'"
But there came at length a happy change, and he could write, "Now I bless God who has taught me to enter into the meaning of the same poet when he asks,
" Who can describe the pleasure felt When hearts of steel begin to melt.'
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Early in the autumn of 1827, the interesting fact was announced to me that certain persons in different parts of the parish were seriously impressed, and anxiously awake to the concerns of their souls and of vast eter- nity. But though the subjects of religious excitement were unconnected and distant from each other, the im- pressions on several individuals were wellnigh simulta- neous ; a fact this, authorizing the conclusion that the impressions thus realized must have resulted from the agency of the Spirit of God, the adorable Author of all good in human souls. It is certain the excitements can- not be ascribed to human sympathy ; for they occurred amid solitary musings, when no two individuals were together. From that commencement the Lord has still been doing his own work in his own way. The progress has been gentle, gradual, and silent; but I hope, I trust, I indeed, believe, not the less efficacious, sure, and cer- tain. To have knowledge of the case of a little band of precious souls, who, it is believed, were under deep con- victions, and heartfelt solicitude, was as life from the dead. O how did my heart leap for joy, when I saw some of my dear people opening their eyes to the light, and their ears and their hearts to the truths of God."
As the first gathered fruit of this revival, seven young men, the next February, were received to the church. Several others were subsequently received, and a new impulse was then given to the cause of religion, which was never wholly lost.
In a little more than three years, another and yet more copious outpouring of the Spirit was granted to cheer the heart of the aged pastor. The years 1831 and 1832
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are memorable for the revival of religion which extended to most of the churches in New England. This church shared largely in the blessings of that revival. There were quite a number of cases of conversion during the summer of 1831. The interest continuing, a " pro- tracted " or " four days' meeting " was held in this house in the month of November. From the private journal of a member of the church, I am permitted to make the following extracts :-
" November 19. The results of the extraordinary means of grace which have been used in this place the four days past, closing last evening, I trust will be most glorious. About one hundred remained for inquiry after the last evening service. How many of them belong to this society, we cannot now tell. as many came in from parishes around us. It was truly delightful to see among them very many of our middle aged and young men, some of whom had not only been indifferent, but opposed to the religious awakening. The exercises of this week have been peculiarly solemn and interesting. This church has appeared to feel its responsibility, and many of its members have truly wrestled with God for his blessing on these meetings. The prayer meetings between the ringings of the bell, morning, noon, and evening, have been interesting and profitable. We believe God has, in answer to prayer, granted his abundant blessing on these solemnities."
During the year 1831, thirty-six were added to the church, all by profession. It was the year in which Mr. March, before his ordination, labored here as an assistant of Mr. Miltimore. In his letter accepting the call of the
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church, he thus alludes to the revival of this year : " The deeply interesting scenes and events which during the last year have characterized my connection with you, have served to attach me to your society and to your interests with bonds of no ordinary endearment. When I look back upon the delightful changes which I have been per- mitted to witness in neighborhoods, in families, and in individuals, since I first came among you,-when I reflect how often I have been called to point the trembling, anx- ious, and convicted sinner to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world, and to listen to the joyful declaration of those who have told me that they had found the Saviour precious to their souls,-when I consider how many have been induced to give themselves away to the Lord, and to his church, in the bonds of an everlasting covenant,-when I recollect the deep and thrilling interest with which our numerous meetings for public and private worship have been attended, and thus have been constrained to feel and acknowledge that surely the Lord has been in this place,-I seem furnished with so many powerful and affecting motives for consenting to form with you a more intimate and sacred relation, than that which has hitherto existed between us."
The whole number of admissions to the church during the active ministry of Mr. Miltimore, was 110, exclusive of the original members.
A few miscellaneous facts belonging to this period may here be mentioned. For nearly three years after its for- mation, the church had no deacons. Mr. Josiah Little officiated in the distribution of the elements at communion. January 17, 1811, Mr. John Balch and Mr. Moses Little
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were chosen deacons. Dea. Little retained the office till his decease in 1857. Dea. Balch resigned May 2, 1831, and on the 8th of the same month Mr. Josiah L. Atkin- son and Mr. Benjamin Davis were elected deacons of the church.
The Lord's Supper has, from the beginning, been ob- served monthly by this church. For one year it was observed on the first Sabbath in each month ; when the time was changed to the last Sabbath, and so remains.
The early mode of admitting persons to the church was not precisely the same as now. It was left optional with candidates to present an oral or written relation of their religious experience, but neither was required, nor commonly presented. The pastor had private interviews with those who signified to him their wish to unite with the church, and in case he was satisfied, they were pro- pounded. When he wished, he had " full liberty and right to call in one or more of the brethren to consult and advise with him." The whole responsibility of ex- amining and propounding candidates was thus with the pastor. The vote of the church upon the admission of those who had been propounded " a convenient time," was taken in the public assembly on the Sabbath.
The old " half-way covenant " scheme was retained by Mr. Miltimore throughout his ministry ; but was dropped by his successor, so far as appears, without any action of the church. The Sabbath School was established in con- nection with this church in 1817.
A weekly lecture was early established by the first pastor. Prayer and conference meetings were generally held at private houses. One prayer meeting, still sus-
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tained, and almost coeval with the church, deserves spe- cial mention. I refer to the female prayer meeting held every Friday afternoon. It was established in 1808, and for fifty years a few devout women, mothers in Israel, have, without interruption, met from week to week, to implore the divine blessing upon this church and people. Who can estimate our indebtedness to this persevering band of praying sisters ? One of the original members of it still survives, and until quite recently, has been able to join the loved circle and lead in their devotions .*
For a brief sketch of the life and character of the first pastor of this church, I am indebted to the manuscript sermon, preached at his funeral, by his colleague and successor. Rev. James Miltimore was born in London- derry, N. H., January 4, 1755. At the age of sixteen, he connected himself with the Presbyterian church in his native town ; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1774 ; studied theology with his pastor, Rev. Mr. McGregor ; was settled at Stratham, N. H., in 1786, where he con- tinued till about the time of his settlement over this church. " As a minister he was faithful and laborious. He seemed to feel that all his time and all his talents should be devoted to the great work in which he was engaged. It might literally be said that he was 'instant in season and out of season.' It is believed that few men have performed a greater amount of ministerial labor." " As a preacher he enjoyed, for a considerable portion of his life, a high degree of popularity. His appearance in the pulpit was dignified and solemn, and
* Mrs. Ann Harris, now in her 98th year.
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his manner remarkably impressive. He spoke as one
whose heart was deeply penetrated with the truths which
he uttered. Few men have probably excelled him in those external qualifications which are calculated to rivet attention and command respect." " As a man he was remarkable for the mildness of his disposition, and for
· all those amiable traits of character which are calculated to conciliate affection. No man perhaps ever entered sympathy and love. The delicacy of his sentiments and like that of his divine Master, seemed to be made of more deeply into the feelings of others. His heart, feelings manifested itself in his outward demeanor. His grace of the man who wishes merely to attract applause ; the heart. His social qualities were of a superior order.
politeness was something more than the mere external it was the unstudied, spontaneous, genuine politeness of He had a high relish for the pleasures of friendship." " But it is as a Christian that his character shines with its brightest and most attractive lustre. In the highest sense of the expression, he was a good man. His piety was not loud and ostentatious. It rather resembled the deep broad river which flows calmly and silently along, than the noisy but shallow brook. No object seemed to be nearer his heart than the advancement of the Redeem- er's kingdom and the salvation of immortal souls. It was delightful to observe during the last few years of his life, how his piety seemed to outlive the powers of his mind and to triumph over the decay of nature. When he could scarcely recognize the members of his own family, he could think and speak of Jesus." Of the truthfulness of this portraiture there are yet many liv-
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ing witnesses. Verily, " the memory of the just is blessed."
The ministry of the second pastor of this church, Rev. John C. March, reckoning from the date of his ordina- tion to that of his death, covered a period of nearly four- teen and a half years. As already stated a powerful revival of religion was enjoyed in connection with his .. labors the year previous to his ordination. This revival extended into the following year ; during which there were fifty-five admissions to the church. And the minis- try thus richly crowned with the divine favor, at its com- mencement, was an eminently successful one throughout.
In the spring of 1834, another season of refreshing was enjoyed. After there had been for some time indi- cations of increasing religious interest, another " protracted meeting " was held in this house, commencing on the first Tuesday in June and continuing through the week, and resulted in the hopeful conversion of a considerable num- ber of persons, and in the greatly increased activity and exemplariness of professing Christians.
Again in the spring of 1842, there was a very exten- sive revival of religious interest among this people. Meetings were held fifty evenings in succession. A few extracts from the private journal already referred to, will indicate the character and progress of the work. " Feb- ruary 6. The services to-day have been solemn and im- pressive. The whole congregation seemed to listen with the deepest attention. I felt that the spirit of the Most High was moving in the hearts of the people,-sixteen young persons at the inquiry meeting." "February 14. An inquiry meeting ; more than forty present." " Feb-
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ruary 25. A day of fasting and prayer. The church renewed their covenant vows by standing in the presence of the congregation while the covenant was read by our dear pastor." " March 5. This is a week long to be remembered. Twenty-five (it is hoped) of this dear peo- ple have been born into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Our meetings have been crowded and inquirers numer- ous." " March 12. Meetings have been held every even- ing this week. I should think one hundred and fifty had remained as inquirers, from the age of ten years to that of threescore and ten." "March 19. A general inquiry meeting this evening, nearly one hundred present."
As the immediate fruits of this revival, about thirty were gathered into the church that year, which for some reason, was an unusually small proportion of the whole number of hopeful converts. It is quite probable that the unhealthy excitement attending the rise of what was called " Millerism," had an unfavorable influence on the revival of '42, and to some extent vitiated its results. The whole number of admissions to the church under Mr. March was one hundred and fifty-five.
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