USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > West Brookfield > Historical discourse delivered at West Brookfield, Mass., on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Church in Brookfield, October 16, 1867 > Part 8
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This Committee subsequently met, and by vote requested Rey S.
115
Dunham to prepare an Appendix for the press, and authorized him to take the general superintendence of the publication.
LETTER FROM GOVERNOR BULLOCK.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, BOSTON, October 14, 1867.
My Dear Sir :- I am disappointed in failing to make my engagements such as to permit me to visit you on Wednesday. The One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of your church is of it- self a most interesting event even in a Commonwealth which we are accustomed to call ancient. Added to this is the equal interest attached to the old town of Brookfield which was for so many years scarcely second in political importance iu the County of Worcester.
The town and the church in their historical relations cannot casily be separated; and it becomes to me a source of unfeigned regret that I cannot unite with you in commemorating the striking reminiscences which upon the present occasion will be awakened.
I am, my Dear Sir, with great respect and esteem, Most truly, your obedient servant, ALEX. H. BULLOCK.
THE REV. SAMUEL DUNHAM.
LETTER FROM REV. AUSTIN PHELPS, D. D., PROFESSOR IN THE THEO- LOGICAL SEMINARY AT ANDOVER.
ANDOVER, Mass., September 18, 1807.
REV. S. DUNHAM : Dcar Brother :- I am sorry that I cannot attend the Celebration at West Brookfield, but the state of my health puts it out of my power. My father, I think, will be there, and would doubt- less be ready to fill any gap, should such a thing occur,-which is not probable. Your chief concern probably will be to stop the talkers.
I would, with great pleasure, be present, and speak just five minutes, watch in hand,-if my health would permit me to go.
Very truly yours, AUSTIN PHELPS.
LETTER FROM REV. CALEB SPRAGUE HENRY, D. D., OF NEWBURGH, NEW YORK.
NEWBURGH, N. Y., October, 14, 1967.
My Dear Sir :- Your kind invitation to the Celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of the Congre- gational Church in West Brookfield reached me in due season, but got mislaid until to-day I found it. I had meantime forgotten the day fixed for the festival; and now I perceive it is so near at hand that I am
116
afraid this will not reach you before the day. I am the more sorry because events have occurred which will render it impossible for me to be present. It would give me great, very great pleasure to be there on the occasion. It is the church of my early childhood. The venerable image of Father Ward is one of the liveliest recollections of my childish days,-his white wig. his benignant face. his exquisite courtesy.
It was in that old white building on the north side of " the plain " that I first went to the Holy Communion. Of that church my vener- able father was for many years a member. In the burial ground lies the body of my mother, and I suppose, of many more whom I once knew. All these and many other associations with West Brookfield, would make it very pleasant for me to visit the place. I am sorry I cannot do so now. I live in the hope of doing so yet at some future day. Very truly and respectfully yours, C. S. HENRY. S. D. LIVERMORE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. JOSEPH VAILL, D. D., OF PALMER. PALMER, September 20, 1567. DEAR BROTHER DUNHAM :- You allude to the anticipated Anniver- sary. It would give me great pleasure to be present, and I shall make an effort to do so. A special adjourned meeting of the Corporation of Amherst College is to take place about that time. If it does not occur on that week, I know of no obstacle to prevent my attendance.
I am truly and faternally yours, JOSEPH VAILL.
NOTE I.
The following petition is takeu from the Appendix to Mr. Foot's His- torical Discourse on Brookfield, as being peculiarly appropriate to be preserved in connection with a history of the church :
The petition of the inhabitants of Brookfield to the Honored Gen- eral Court assembled at Boston. November 1695, humbly showeth :
First. That we seem to be called of God to continue our habitation in this place ; we are low in the world, and it would be a breaking thing to our estates to remove to any other plantation. And the land here is very capable of entertaining a considerable body of people ; though inhabitants have been slow to come to us by reason of the war, yet the land is very encouraging, capable to afford a comfortable subsist- ence to many families.
Scal, That it i an intolerable burden to continue as we have done. without the preaching of the word. God doth require not only family wor lip, but his publi worship. It is the ordinance of God that, on
117
the Sabbath day, there should be an holy convocation ; and that his word be preached by those who are able and faithful; and our necessities put us upon it earnestly to desire it; both we and our children need the instructions, rebukes and encouragements of the word; the dark- ness and deadness of our own hearts, together with the many snares that are in the world, are an experimental conviction to us that we need all those helps and advantages that God hath sanctified for our good.
Third, That we are not able at present to maintain the worship of God; we are but twelve families, and are not of estate sufficient to give suitable encouragement to a minister ; we are willing to do to the outside of our ability ; but though as much as can be expected from us, it will not amount to such a sum as a minister may reasonably require for his labor.
Fourth, That if this Honored Court would please to pity us, and grant us some help for a few years, for the maintenance of a godly, able min- ister, besides the advantage that it may be to these few families that are here, it would be a means of bringing many other inhabitants to us. whereby we shall be so far assisted that we may of ourselves be able to uphold the worship of God, and not be burdensome to others.
Under these considerations we humbly beg, that this Honored Court would exercise compassion to us, and assign some relief to us out of the public treasury, which we shall look upon, not only as a testimony of your zeal for the worship of God, but also of your tender compas- sion to the souls of those whom God hath made you fathers of: and your petitioners shall pray, &c.
Read November 23, 1698.
In answer to the above petition,-
Ordered that there be twenty pounds paid out of the public Treasury of this Province, towards the support of an orthodox minister for one year to commence from the time of the settlement of such minister amongst them.
Sent up to the Honorable the Lieutenant Governor and Council for Concurrence. NATHANIEL BYFIELD, Speaker.
SIGNED.
Samuel O. Owen, Thomas Barnes, Hervey Gilbert.
Stephen Gennings, Jno. Woolcott. James Pettee.
Samuel Davie, William Barnes, Thomas Parsons.
Thomas Rich, Abyan Bartlett, Daniel Price.
Jon. Clary, Joseph Marks, John Pettee.
Read in Council, November 21, 1698, and voted a concurrence with the Representatives.
ISAIAH ADDINGTON, Secretary
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NOTE II.
TERMS OF SETTLEMENT AS PROPOSED TO MR. WARD, AND HIS ANSWER OF ACCEPTANCE.
.
At a legal meeting of the first precinct in the town of Brookfield on Monday the 20th day of August, 1771, the parish passed a vote of con- currence with the church in the choice of Mr. Ephraim Ward of Newton for the minister of the church and congregation in this place. And then. " Voted, That upon the said Mr. Ward becoming the ordained minister of this Church and Congregation, there be given, granted and paid to him the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds lawful money of this Prov- ince as a settlement, to enable him to settle in this place as a minister,- the one half to be paid to him at the end of one year from the day of his ordination, and the other half in two years from said day.
Voted, That upon condition the said Mr. Ward shall become the or- dained minister of this Church and Congregration, and upon condition the said Mr. Ward shall not claim any right or interest arising from the ministerial land now sold, that there be given, granted and paid to the said Mr. Ward, the sum of sixty pounds as a salary for the first year, and the like sum for the second year, at the end of each year : and the sum of sixty-six pounds, thirteen shillings and jour pence for the third year ; and the last mentioned sum every year afterwards, during his carrying on the work of the Gospel ministry in this precinct,-the said salary to commence at the day of his acceptance of this grant and closing with the terms thereof. the money to be computed at the rate of six shillings and eight pence per ounce silver ; but to be paid in the then current money of this Province.
Voted, That in case the said Mr. Ward shall, for one year together during his ministry, be rendered unable to perform the publick duty of his office personally, he shall be allowed the one-half of the above- granted salary, and no more, during his continuance in the relation of a minister to this people, unless he shall be restored to health, and per- form said duty.
Voted, That there be given, granted and delivered to said Mr. Ward at his dwelling-house annually in said precinct thirty cords of fire-wood during his continuance in the ministry here, to commence when he shall begin house keeping, the said wood to be right fort in length.
Voted, That the foregoing grants and this contract is upon the ex- press condition the saul Mr. Ward shall make no claim to any ministerial land in this town, of the moones arising by the sale thereof . but the same hall be and remain with the people to enable them to pay the salary before granted."
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Mr. Ward signified his acceptance of the above terms, September 13th, in the following words :-
" To Jedidiah Foster Esq., Moderator of a meeting in the first precinct in Brookfield, to be communicated.
Gentlemen :- After the most mature, deliberate consideration (the time would admit) of the general invitation you have given me to settle among you, and take upon me the pastoral care of the Church and Congre- gation in this precinct, considering the encouragement you gave as a set- tlement, and the sum you offer as a salary, although not agreeable to my expectations, and attended with some peculiar restrictions, yet for the sake of the peace of the society, and hoping for the continuance of your friendship and affection, I accept of your proposals, and do hereby signify my closing with the terms thereof. Praying that, by the divine aid and assistance, I may faithfully discharge the important trust when committed to me; wishing that grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied in this place; and that we may long be mutual blessings and comforts to each other in this life, and finally meet and rejoice together in endless happiness,
I remain, Gentlemen, your sincere friend and humble servant,
Brookfield, first precinct, September 13, 1771." EPHRAIM WARD.
NOTE III. THE ORIGINAL AND PRESENT COVENANT OF THE CHURCH.
You do now in the presence of the great and holy GOD, the elect Angels, and this assembly of witnesses, enter into a solemn and per- petual covenant, never to be forgotton, never to be broken.
You sincerely and cordially give up yourself to that GOD whose name alone is JEHOVAH; taking GOD the Father to be your GOD and Father, GOD the son to be your only Saviour and Redeemer, GOD the Holy Ghost to be your Sanctifier and Comforter.
You submit yourself to Christ, and accept him as the Prophet, Priest. and King of your soul, the Great Head of the Church, and the only Media- tor of the covenant of grace; promising 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 example which Christ has set you for the rule of your life.
You also give up yourself to this Church in the Lord; and freely
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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 preached. and ordinances adminis- tered : and relying on the grace and all-sufficiency of Christ. which are suthicient 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 nou 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 con- tinue 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.
NOTE IV.
The number of members of which the church was composed when Mr. Ward's ministry commenced. in 1771, is not ascertained. We gather from the Catalogue about ninety names. But as the record of admis- sions begins only fourteen years earlier. (in 1755), many names are un- doubtedly lost.
The following TABLE, carefully compiled by Mr. Cordley (former pastor) from the Catalogue prepared by himself, and continued by the present pastor. indicates the annual increase or decrease in the member- ship of the Church during each pastorate for the last half century, be- ginning with the year 1816.
Mr. Phelps was settled October 23. 1816.
Your.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
1.10
October 23,
236
1517
January 1.
1
236
1518
January 1,
11
234
January
1,
1-20
January 1,
11
340
1421
January
11
10)
339
1-21
January 1.
13
312
January 1,
1
1 .:
303
1-24
October 25.
3
Mr. Phelps was chamissed October 25, 1526.
£
339
January 1,
January
8.3
January
12
121
Mr. Foot was settled October 25, 1826.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
1827
January 1,
1
1
200
1828
January 1,
S4
13
361
1829
January 1,
13
8
1830
January 1,
7
9
801
1831
January 1,
11
10
359
1832
January 1,
5
19
345
1832
May
1,
1
4
342
Mr. Foot was dismissed May 1, 1832.
Mr. Horton was settled August 15, 1832.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Meinbers.
1832
August 15,
308
1833
January 1,
10
12
1834
January 1,
11
24
023
1835
January 1,
S
21
010
1836
January 1,
99
28
381
1837
January 1,
6
12
375
1838
January 1,
11
19
007
1839
January 1,
2
18
351
1840
January 1,
29
21
359
1841
January 1,
3
14
345
1841
September 15,
11
14
315
Mr. Horton was dismissed September 15, 1841.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
1842
January 1,
1
6
340
1842
January 12,
340
Mr. Chase was settled January 12, 1812.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
18-43
January 1,
13
22
0:1
1843
October 27,
2
15
Mr. Chase was dismissed October 27, 1843.
Year.
Mouth.
Additions.
Removals
. mire
1844
January 1. December 19.
11
15.14
16
122
Mr. Parker was settled December 19, 1514.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Rem sals.
Members.
1-45
January 1,
1
1
302
1:46
January 1,
15
14
203
1 - 17
January
12
10
January 1.
10
1-13
January 1,
13
1550
January
1,
-
10
1551
April
Mr. Parker was dismissed April 7, 1551.
Year.
Month.
Alltions.
Rem wals
Members.
1-52
January 1.
12
1852
November 17,
11
264
Mr. Byington was settled November 17. 1552.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
159
January 1,
1
23
1-51
JJanuary 1,
10
1855
January
19
12
273
1556
January 1,
1-
13
5
16
240
October 2.
Mr. Byington was dismissed October 25, 15.5.
Your.
Menters.
1850
January 1.
>
200
5
Mr. Cordley was settled June 25, 1550.
١٠٠٨٢٠
Month
January 1.
15
January 1.
11
11
:
1
16
1-51
January 1.
1557
January 1.
January 1,
Romerva
123
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removal -.
Members.
1863
January 1,
2
1
235
1864
January 1,
0
6
1864
October 4,
1
191
Mr. Dunham was settled October 4, 1864.
Year.
Month.
Additions.
Removals.
Members.
1865
January 1,
27
0
215
1866
January 1,
20
7
231
1867
January 1,
10
10
231
1867
December 1,
78
9
300
The lithographie likeness of Rev. Mr. Ward accompanying this pamphlet, has been kindly furnished at considerable expense by his grandson, George L. Ward, Esq., of Cambridge.
* Of these twenty-four were stricken from the roll. having been absent many years without taking letters of dismission and recommendation to other churches.
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