USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > West Brookfield > Historical discourse : delivered at West Brookfield, Mass., Nov. 27, 1828, on the day of the annual Thanksgiving > Part 7
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You sincerely and cordially give up yourself to that GOD whose name alone is JEHOVAHI ; taking GOD the Father to be your GOD and Father, COD the Son to be your only Sav- jour and Redeemer, GOD the Holy Ghost to be your Sanctifier and Comforter.
You submit yourself to Christ, and accept him as the Pro- phet, Priest, and King of your soul, the Great Head of the Church, and the only Mediator of the covenant of grace ; pro- mising that by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, you will keep the covenant of the LORD inviolably ; that you will cleave to the LORD Jesus Christ by faith and Gospel obedience ;- and will endeavor to reform your life as to all known sin, whether open or secret ;- will live in the conscientious discharge of all duty toward GOD and man ;- walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD blamelessly ;- that you will endeavor that the inward temper of your mind be conformed to GOD's will and word ;- and that you will follow the excellent exam- ple which Christ has set you for the rule of your life.
You also give up yourself to this Church in the LORD; and freely covenant and bind yourself to walk as a regular member of Christ's church ; to obey them that have rule over you in the LORD-to read GOD's word, and to live in the practice of social and secret prayer, and in diligent attendance on the word
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preached, and ordinances administered : relying on the grace and all-sufficiency of Christ, which are sufficient for you-You promise to walk according to what you now know, or shall know to be your duty.
Do you sincerely and cordially consent to the covenant now proposed ?
We then receive you as a sincere disciple of Christ, and a member of the same church with ourselves, promising, so long as GOD shall continue you among us, to watch over you with meekness and brotherly love; and may the Lord add to the numbers and graces of his church, and finally bring us all to join the general Assembly, and Church of the First-born, whose names are written in heaven. Amen.
Reverend Thomas Cheney was graduated at Harvard College, 1711. Hle is described as an acceptable preacher, and as sus- taining the character of a good man, and faithful pastor. He died December 11th, 1747, aged 57. During his ministry the Reverend George Whitfield passed through the town. Ma- ny of the people were desirous of hearing him; but Mr. Che- ney was exceedingly reluctant. He had heard the calum- nies, which were circulated against this man of God, and feared, that the tendency of his visit would be to produce irreg- ularity. At length, however, he consented 'that the meeting house should be opened. By this time so many people were collected, that the house would not contain them and the meet- ing was held in a field northwest of the house now owned by Mr. Baxter Barnes. The rock on which Mr. Whitfield is sup- posed to have stood during his sermon, is often pointed out with pleasure. His labors were instrumental of exciting the attention and of inducing some of his hearers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. A revival ensued, of which Mr. Cheney was an active promoter. Many were added to the church. Of these none now remain. The last subject of this work of Grace died in 1819, aged 100 years and 7 months.
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V 2.
Reverend Elisha Harding was graduated at Harvard College in 1745. The sermon at his ordination was preached by the Reverend Nathan Bucknam, pastor of the church in Medway, from Coll. iv. 17. It was printed. Mr. Harding is represented as " a man of singular probity and solid learning ;" as one, who ' from a child had known the Holy Scriptures,' and made them much the matter of his study. His public ministrations are de- scribed " as serious and calculated to edify and benefit his hearers." The difficulties respecting the location of the meet- ing house were the occasion of his dismission. It is believed, that he was not again settled in the ministry.
VS.
Reverend Joseph Parsons was the son of Reverend Joseph Parsons of Bradford (Mass.) and was graduated at Harvard Col- lege with the class of 1752. He was distinguished for the vi- vacity of his descriptions, the accuracy of his reasoning, and the persuasiveness of his exhortations. In health he was a " promo- ter of peace, and an example of the christian virtues." His con- stitution, never strong, began at length to yield to the influence of slow and painful disease. Ile lingered nearly three years af- ter he became unable to discharge his ministerial duties, and was a " pattern of patience and resignation." Ile died " strong in faith and full of hope," January 17th, 1771, aged 37.
V 4.
Reverend Ephraim Ward, was born at Newtown, in 1741, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1763. The minis- try of Mr. Ward was long and peaceful. His characteristic mildness of disposition, and urbanity of deportment secured the affection of all with whom he had intercourse: "As a
8*
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preacher he was evangelical, plain and practical. He held a very respectable standing among his brethren in the ministry and in the neighboring churches. His apparent sincerity and piety, the sound sentiments, and practical tendency of his dis- courses rendered them acceptable and edifying"* His example is remembered almost with veneration. He died at the advanc- ed age of 77.1
Rev. Eliakim Phelps was born at Belchertown, March 20, 1790, and was graduated at Union College in 1814. Mr. Phelps continued in the ministry till 1826, when he received an invi- tation to become the principal of the Female Classical Semina- ry in this place. He accepted the invitation, asked a dismis- sion from his people and preached his farewell sermon on the 18th of June. His pastoral relation, however, was not dissolv- ed till the 25th of October, 18226.
Rev. Joseph I. Foot was born at Watertown, Conn. Novem- ber 17th, 1796, was graduated at Union College in 1821, and during the next three years was a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover. At his ordination, Rev. Heman Ium- phrey, D. D. President of Amherst College, preached the ser- mon from 1 Cor. iii. 6. Mr. Foot was dismissed from his pas- toral charge at West Brookfield, May 1, 1832. In 1833 he was called to take charge of the church and congregation of Salina, N. Y. where he labored two years. In 1835 he accept- ed a call from the church in Courland in the same state, and continued to labor there till 1837. In 1839, he accepted an invitation from the church in Noxville, East Tennessee, to be- come their pastor. Two months afterwards, he was chosen President of Washington College, in the same state. In the March following, he received from the College the degree of D. D. On Monday, the 20th of April, 1840, as he was riding to Washington College to be inaugurated president, his horse
* Rev. Mr. Stone's Sermon at the interment of Rev. Mr. Ward.
t Newtown in this article should have been Newton.
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took fright as he was descending a hill, and he was violently thrown against a rock ; by which occurrence, three of his ribs were broken, and his lungs pierced by the splinters. He lin- gered in great distress for 22 hours. On the next day, at 4 o'clock, P. M., the day before his expected inauguration, he expired in the 44th year of his age.
Rev. Francis Horton was installed pastor over the church and congregation of West Brookfield, Aug. 15, 1832. Dis- missed, Sept. 15, 1841.
Rev. Moses Chace was installed January 12, 1842.
W.
The SECOND CHURCH was formed May 28th, 1752.
Rev. Eli Forbes D. D. was born at Westborough in 1726, and was gradnated at Harvard College, in 1751. " In 1762, he went as a missionary to the Oneidas, amongst whom he esta- blished a church and instituted a school. On his return he brought four Indian youths, whom after educating, he sent back to instruct their nation.
W 2.
Rev. Joseph Appleton, was graduated at Brown University in 1772. In his intercourse with his people he is represented as kind and affectionate ; and in his public ministrations seri- ous and ardent. He died July 25th, 1795.
W 3.
Rev. Thomas Snell was born at Cummington, Nov. 21, 1774, was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1795, and receiv- ed a Doctorate of Divinity from Amherst College, in 1828.
X.
The THIRD CHURCH was formed April 15, 1756:
Rev. Nathan Fiske, D, D, was born at Weston, April 6,
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1733, and was graduated at Harvard College, 1754. He was a highly respectable scholar, and an able divine. In theological views "he was in favor of the pure doctrines of Calvanism, but called no man master. He took the sacred oracles for his guide :- and for investigating and understanding their mean- ing, he ranked high among critics."* He was no less distin- guished as a philanthropist and a patriot, than as a christian minister. November 24th, 1799, he preached from Prov. iv. IS. " But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." At night he re- tired apparently in good health, and in his sleep, his spirit de- parted to its eternal home. Dr. Fiske's published works are, An Historical Sermon, 1775. A Sermon on the Public Fast, April 1776. Sermon on the death of Mr. Joshua Spooner, 1778. Sermon on the death of Ilon. Jedediah Foster, 1799. An Oration on the capture of Lord Cornwallis, October, 1781. A Sermon at the funeral of Mr. Josiah Hobbs, April, 1784. A volume of Sermons, 1794. A Dudleian Lecture, 1796. 'Two volumes of Essays originally published in various papers by Dr. Fiske were collected and republished after his death, and styled, the Moral Monitor.
Mr. Isaac Averill was next invited to become pastor of this church. His ordination was appointed October 1st, 1800, but he died suddenly on the 20th of September.
X 2.
Rev. Micah Stone was born at Reading September 22, 1770, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1790. He was chosen Tutor in 1794, and continued in that office till 1795. The sermont at his ordination was preached by his father, the Rev. Eliab Stone, pastor of the North Church in
* See Rev. Mr. Ward's Sermon at the funeral of Dr. Fiske.
Dr. Fiske built and occupied the house now owned and occupied by Rev. Mr. Stone.
t It was printed. The text is Phil. ii. v.
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Reading. In 1827 his civil contract with the parish was dis- solved by mutual consent. He remained pastor of the church by terms of special agreement, and on the 24th of August, 1827, a new society was formed, denominated " The Evangel- ical Society in South Brookfield." With this society the Church united by vote, November 5th, 1827.
Rev. Richard Woodruff was born in West Hartford, was graduated at U. C., and finished his Theological course at N, H. He was ordained colleague pastor, Feb. 5, 1834 : dismiss- ed at his request, September 12, 1838.
Rev. Washington A. Nichols was born in Buckland, April 4, 1808; was graduated at A. C. 1834 ; finished his Theologi- cal course at Andover September, 1838, and was ordained col- league pastor, Sept. 12, 1838, and dismissed at his request through ill health, January 11, 1843.
Rev. Lyman Whiting was born in North Brookfield, April 28, 1817; finished his Theological course at Andover, Sep- tember, 1842; and was ordained colleague pastor, January 11, 1843.
Y.
Rev. George R. Noyes, was born at Newburyport, March 6th, 1798, was graduated Harvard University in 1818, and was appointed Tutor in 1825, and continued in office till 1827. Mr. Noyes discontinued his services by mutual consent with the Society on the last Sabbath in September, 1834.
Rev. Seth Alden their present minister commenced his stat- ed labors among them, October 18, 1835.
Z.
BAPTIST SOCIETY.
As early as the year 1748, the Baptists held meetings in the eastern part of the town, and during forty years lectures were oc- casionally delivered by travelling ministers. In 1783, Mr. Jere-
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miah Haskell was employed as a preacher, and continued his services a few years. In 1795 a commodious meeting house was erected, and afterwards well finished. The Society was in. corporated in 1800, and employed Mr. Nathaniel Price as their preacher. He was succeeded by Reverend Laban Thurber, who was ordained in 1801, and closed his ministry in 1805. From 1805 to 1815, the pulpit was supplied but a small part of the time. The number of members of Baptist Churches in the vicinity was only four. In 1815 the society employed Mr. John Chase then a licentiate, as a stated supply. A revival soon began. The subjects of it united with the Baptist Church in Sturbridge. In the year 1818 the number of members of Bap- tist churches residing in the vicinity was 37. These were con- stituted a distinct church and on the 10th of June, the Reverend John Chase, was ordained their pastor. " The following winter a revival began, and many were hopefully converted, and after- wards admitted to the church."*
A Universalist Society was incorporated in 1812. A meeting house was built in 1820. The dimensions of the house are, length 43 feet, breadth 40 feet. Reverend John Bisbee, jun. was ordained in November, 1820, and received an invitation to be- come minister of a society in Hartford, Conn. in 1825, which he accepted.
METHODIST SOCIETIES.
A Methodist Society was formed in the South Parish in 1826, and a meeting house erected the next year. The dimensions of the house are, length 45 feet, breadth 30 feet.
* Rev. John Chase died July 28, 1833. Rev. Benjamin B. Manning or- dained Jan. Ist 1834; dismissed 1835. Rev. Winthrop Morse commenced his labors with the Society as Pastor in Nov. 1835; finished them 1839. Rev. J. H. Rickett, began his ministry June 1839; closed Oct. 1840, Rev. Job B. Boomer, the present pastor, commenced his ministry June 1841.
The Meeting House erected in 1795, has been disposed of, and a neat and commodious one was built in the centre of their village, 52 ft. by 42; and dedicated, March 1840. Cost $3500.
*
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In the year 1798, the Methodists began to hold meetings in the north western part of the First Parish. About two years af- terwards a church was formed, and in 1823, a meeting house was erected. It is near to the line between Brookfield and Ware, and in the vicinity of a part of New Braintree and Hardwick.
A. A.
Mr. Whitfield passed through this town, and spent the night on his journey to visit Mr. Edwards of Northampton, in October 1740, and preached as mentioned by Mr. Foot.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
There have been two newspapers printed in this town. The Moral and Political Telegraph : Or Brookfield Advertiser. By THOMAS AND WALDO, 1794. The Political Repository and Farmers' Journal, By E. MERRIAM AND Co., 1798. This paper was published but a few years. The printing of Books, how- ever, has ever since been extensively carried on.
The Worcester and Brookfield Iron Foundry was incorporat- ed in June, 1826.
PROFESSIONAL GENTLEMEN.
Lawyers.
Peletiah Hitchcock, H. U. 1875.
Elisha Hammond. Y. C. 1802. Admitted to the Bar at Worcester, 1806.
Jesse Bliss. D. C. 180S. Admitted to the Bar at Worcester, 1811.
Arad Gilbert. Y. C. 1826:
Physicians:
Seth Field
Lawson Mirick William Curtis.
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Justices of the Peace in Brookfield, 1843,
Seth Field
Edwin B. Taintor
Jesse Bliss
Francis Howe
Elisha Hammond
Otis Hayden
Ebenezer Merriam
Arad Gilbert:
Alanson Hamilton
The BROOKFIELD ASSOCIATION of Ministers was formed at the Rev. Dr. Forbes' in North Brookfield, June 22d, 1757. It was composed of 16 members.
The AUXILIARY FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY of the Brookfield Association was formed at Brookfield in 1824.
The SABBATH SCHOOL UNION, of Brookfield, and the vicinity, was formed at Brookfield, June 18, 1828, and was composed of the Sabbath Schools in Barre, Brimfield, Brook- field, North Brookfield, New Braintree, Hardwick, Holland, Oakham, Palmer, Spencer, Southbridge, Wales, Ware and Warren.
The SABBATH SCHOOL in the first Society, was first opened in 1817, by a few individuals, during the interval of di- vine service on the Sabbath. The next year it was attended by 70 scholars. In the spring of 1819, the number increased to 180. From that time to the present, it has been in success- ful operation.
IrPPAcknowledgments of obligation are due to the Rev. Micah Stone, of Brookfield, and the Hon. Oliver Fiske, of Worcester, for their assistance in various notes; and also to Joseph Willard, Esq., author of the history of Lan- caster, for a valuable communication offacts connected with the war of 1675.
END.
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