USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Historical discourse delivered on the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Dudley-street Baptist church, Boston (formerly Roxbury), Mass., March 9, 1871 > Part 3
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Rev. Baron Stow, D.D., died in Boston, Dec. 27, 1869.
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work ; but the most of those who at that time were received into the church, we are happy to believe, have been as "burning and shining lights." During Mr. Caldicott's pas- torate, two new churches were organized by members dis- missed from this, - the Jamaica Plain Church, in the sum- mer of 1842, and the Tremont Baptist Church, Roxbury, in the fall of 1845. In the latter instance forty-eight effi- cient and valued brethren and sisters were set apart for this purpose .*
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Dr. Caldicott was pastor of the church about eight years ; and during that time he won a large place in the affections of the people, and his memory is still cherished by many among us as "a large-hearted man, a generous and sympa- thizing friend, and a devoted minister." Having no family, he could make his home with his people more than pastors commonly are able to do, coming in suddenly at meal-time, sitting with them at their tables, making himself " at home," and, by his agreeable conversation, winning the hearts of old and young. In April, 1848, he resigned his charge as pas- tor to labor in the interests of ministerial education, having been appointed financial agent of the Northern Baptist Education Society. The resignation was accepted by the
* This church continued its existence and work with varying success through a period of twenty-one years. In the fall of 1866, it seemed best to the mem- bers to disband, an offer having been received from Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, D. D., pastor of the Warren-Avenue Baptist Church, Boston, for the property. It was disposed of to him on condition that it should be held in the hands of Baptists, and made the centre of active mission operations. It was subse- quently purchased by members of the Shawmut-Avenue Baptist Church, under whose supervision the mission work has been so far successful, that a church was organized in the summer of 1870, and now occupies the house of wor- ship. It is called the Ruggles-Street Baptist Church ; and its pastor is Rev. R. G. Seymour.
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church, which gave him a formal but cheerful testimonial of his character and faithful services as a Christian minis- ter. Dr. Caldicott was subsequently pastor in Charlestown, at the Baldwin-place Church in Boston, and, for a short, time, at Williamsburg, N.Y. In 1860, he accepted a call from the Bond-Street Baptist Church, Toronto, Ont., which he served until his death. He died suddenly, July 9, 1869, his death being occasioned by the rupture of the aorta, a large blood-vessel leading from the heart. He was buried by an afflicted people, amid many signs of sincere and widespread grief in the city. The following lines are part of a hymn that was affectionately dedicated to his memory by a member of his Sunday school : -
He rests, brave soldier of the Lord ; His warfare's o'er :
His Saviour bade him sheathe the sword ; And on the shore Of Heaven's bright land he swells the strain That echoes o'er the lovely plain. Ah ! sudden death was sudden gain Forevermore.
Yet we shall often miss his dear, Familiar face ; And year fast rolling after year Will ne'er erase The memory of each cherished word We in our darkest hours have heard, That oft our souls refreshed and stirred With Christian grace.
The dead in Christ are but at rest From care and pain ;
And God, who knows his children best, Will make it plain.
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That when our life's last sands are run, That when our life's last battle's won, That when our life's last day is done, Death will be gain .*
After Dr. Caldicott's resignation, the church was not long to be destitute of pastoral care. In June, Rev. Thomas D. Anderson, recently pastor of the First Baptist Church in Salem, Mass. (where he had been compelled to resign by reason of failing health), was invited to supply the pulpit for a few months. With improved health, he accepted, Aug. 20, 1848, the unanimous call of the people to be- come their pastor. Preferring to omit all public services of recognition, he immediately entered upon his pastoral labors, which, by the blessing of the Most High, were continued through more than thirteen years, and resulted in great and lasting good to both church and society. It would be little agreeable to my immediate predecessor in the pastoral office (whom we are all happy to welcome home to-day, and with- out whose presence this anniversary would be so sadly incomplete), if I should say all that might be truthfully said with reference to his ministry in this city. Neither is it necessary. The past is too recent, and the abundant fruits of his labors are all about us. We see them in the large number of Christian soldiers among us, whom God permitted him, and you with him (for a pastor unaided is no better than a captain alone on a battle-field), to lead into his service ; we see them in our beautiful sanctuary ; we
Taken from Memorial of Rev. T. F. Caldicott, D.D. This church, having learned of the death of Dr. Caldicott, adopted at the communion sea- son, Aug. 1, 1869, appropriate resolutions, which were presented by the pas- tor. See Appendix C.
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see them on every hand. The church, at his coming, en- tered upon a new era of prosperity and growth. Soon the converting power of God's Spirit was granted, and the year 1849 shows large additions to the church, by baptism. Other delightful years followed ; but none were more pre- cious to pastor and people than the years 1857 and 1858, in which about ninety, of all ages, were hopefully converted, and welcomed to the visible fold of Christ. But there was not a year among them all that did not bring its fresh trib- ute of praise to the peace-giving mercy of our divine Redeemer.
It became evident, very soon, that a new and more spacious sanctuary was demanded to meet the wants of the growing congregation. Early in 1852 it was deter- mined to dispose of the old house of worship, -in which, for more than thirty years, God's people had assembled for Christian worship, and every pew and every spot in which, from pulpit to porch, was endeared by some sacred associa- tion, - and to erect a new one in its place. On Sunday, the IIth of April, farewell services were held in the old house. Rev. Mr. Leverett preached in the morning, Rev. Mr. Caldi- cott in the afternoon, and the pastor in the evening. The two ordinances of the Christian Church were administered ; and, at the close of the solemn day, the congregation went forth from a place where God had so often revealed himself in power and grace, in which some of them had worshipped from childhood, and the influence of which had entered so largely into their truest life and deepest experiences.
The building was purchased by the Methodist society, and was immediately removed to the corner of Warren and Cliff Streets, where it stood for many years, inviting to its
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holy joys another Christian congregation, still echoing with the same gospel, and the same hymns of praise, and becom- ing the spiritual birthplace of many who shall be saved .* Though once preserved from the flames, it was destined to share the fate of the sanctuary after which it was patterned, and " was destroyed by fire early in the morning," Sunday, March 29, 1868 .;
The corner-stone of this house was laid June 30, 1852, at seven o'clock in the morning, with appropriate religious services. Deacon Samuel Walker, chairman of the society, and at that time mayor of Roxbury, presided on the oc- casion .; While this people were without a Sabbath home, they accepted the generous offer of the First Religious Society (Rev. Dr. Putnam's), of their house for public worship, and enjoyed the hospitality of the Eliot Con- gregational Church (Rev. A. C. Thompson, D.D., pastor) for the Sunday school and evening meetings.# The lec- ture-room of this house was opened for public worship on the seventh day of November of that year ; § but the house was not dedicated until Wednesday, July 27, 1853. The pastor preached the sermon of dedication from the
* The vestry, which was disposed of at the same time, now stands in Dana Place, in the rear of our church, and is used as a dwelling-house.
t See Appendix D. t See Appendix E.
# On entering our new meeting-house, the deacons of the Eliot Church, Alvah Kittredge and Henry Hill, presented to the church a large and elegant Bible for the pulpit, in remembrance of the Christian intercourse that had been enjoyed by the two churches, and the pleasant seasons of united prayer and religious conference.
§ The first discourse preached was upon the death of Daniel Webster. It was known that this discourse was instrumental in the conversion of one per- son. This fact was regarded as an evident token of God's approval, and as a prophecy of the future success of the word preached within these walls.
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text, " I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts" (Hagg. ii. 7) ; and other pastors assisted in the ser- vices .* And we can appeal with confidence to many who delight to be within these walls to-day, to give testimony, if, on occasions many times repeated, the glory of the Lord has not risen upon you here, and made this place beautiful to your eyes. This house of God already has a manifold and precious history to a multitude that are now living, and to not a few who are worshipping in the "temple not made with hands."
Rev. Dr. Anderson, after a long and successful ministry, was led to feel that it was his duty to accept the urgent call of the First Baptist Church in New York City. He re- signed the charge of this church, which was devotedly attached to him, and to which he was no less devotedly attached (and with which, if he will only confess it, I know he sometimes hoped to spend all his days), on the 28th of December, 1861. The church, with deep and unfeigned sorrow at the sundering of ties that were so tender and sacred, was constrained to accept his resignation, and sub- mit to what it could not avert. He was followed to New York by the earnest prayers of this people, and the kind wishes of a large circle of friends. It may be, that the work which God has permitted him to do in New York, has, to his own mind, fully justified the step which he took ; but I am not certain that his brethren here are fully persuaded
* Rev. Heman Lincoln of Jamaica Plain offered the invocation. Selec- tions of Scripture were read by Rev. A. P. Mason of Chelsea. Prayers were offered by Rev. Julius S. Shailer, pastor of the Tremont Baptist Church, Rox- bury, and Rev. J. G. Oncken of Hamburg, Germany. Rev. Dr. Caldicott, then of Charlestown, pronounced the benediction.
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even yet of its necessity or wisdom. But, if God had not removed him from the pastorate of this church, I do not see how his successor could have had among you the happy home that he has had during the past eight years. I sup- pose he, too, must submit to what he had no power in bring- ing about, and was not able to avert. Thomas Tusser it was who wrote, -
" Except wind stands as never it stood, It is an ill wind turns none to good."
But in thinking of the past, which now is beginning to be so remote to me, I am more disposed to say in Cowper's familiar lines, -
" God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform."
My acquaintance with this church (except by favorable ' report) began on the last Sunday of November, 1862, when I preached, and, I now suppose, was looked upon as a "can- didate," although, in my innocence, I did not dream of it, my engagement at Newton Theological Institution being such as not to permit my immediate settlement. Having preached for you about two months, I accepted your unexpected call in February, 1863, and undertook the duties of pastor the first Sunday in April. This relation was publicly recognized on the evening of the second Sunday (April 12) .* Another
* As I had been ordained at Portland, Me., Aug. 28, 1862, the services were simply a public recognition of my entrance upon the duties of the pastoral office. They were as follows : Reading of Scriptures by Rev Charles W. Redding ; Prayer by Rev. William C. Child ; Sermon by Rev. William Hague, D.D., - text, 2 Tim. iii. 7 ; Prayer of Recognition by Rev. O. S. Stearns of Newton Centre ; Hand of Fellowship by Rev. B. F. Bronson, pas- tor of Tremont Baptist Church, Roxbury ; Charge to the Pastor by Rev.
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hand than mine must review the history of these eight pleasant years, and record whatever is worthy of record. I need only say that God seemed immediately to grant unto us the seal of his approbation in the conversion of many connected with the congregation and Sunday school; and all along he has given to us repeated occasion to
" Praise and bless redeeming love."
The past year has been to us one of the best years of the eight, in respect both to spiritual and temporal prosperity. During it, we welcomed the largest number to the church of Christ, and introduced extensive changes and improvements in our house of worship .*
Again we have been called upon to dismiss a new band of brethren and sisters, greatly esteemed and beloved, to form the Dearborn-Street Baptist Church of this city, now under the pastoral care of Rev. Edward W. Pride .; Our prayers go with them, though we can hardly believe, as yet, that they are not still of us. When their semi-centennial anniversary shall come, may those who shall be permitted to celebrate it, be able to look back upon years, by the bless- ing of God, filled up with faithful labor, with continued use- fulness, and with abundant increase !
The prosperity of this church has been, in no little
George W. Bosworth, D.D., of Portland, Me. ; and Charge to the Church by Rev. Thomas D. Anderson, D.D., of New York.
* See description of the present house of worship in Appendix E.
f Our church has assisted in the formation of other Baptist churches in the vicinity, by contributing of its members ; especially of the Stoughton-Street Church, formerly North Dorchester. But those churches mentioned are the only ones which have received from this church the majority of their members.
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measure, increased by the faithful labors and laborers of the Sunday school. From year to year it has brought forward the fruits of its prayer and effort, and presented them as offerings to the church, which it has served with great fidelity. The first superintendent, Jacob Frieze, has been followed successively and successfully by such ear- nest servants of the Master as Deacon Caleb Parker, jun. (who for many years labored diligently to promote the interests of this society), John . H. Purkitt, Nathaniel Adams, Thomas P. Smith, and Joshua Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln is a son of Mr. Ensign Lincoln, the founder of this church ; and has been the devoted and efficient superintendent of our Sunday school since November, 1848, having been, it would seem, called of God to enter into the labors of his sainted father, and carry forward the work which he began so well. The superintendents have always been supported by an excellent corps of male and female teachers, from infant department to Bible class ; some of whom have been con- nected with the school for many years, and whose patience, fidelity, and success, yes, whose very names, are worthy to be recorded in this history, as their toils have helped to make it what it is, and have given to it no little of its glory. Rev. Dr. Anderson, during his connection with this church, was permitted to baptize not less than two hundred mem- bers of the Sunday school. The other pastors have been equally ready to acknowledge its invaluable help and its inestimable importance.
The prosperity of the society in material things has been due to the spirit of generous self-denial and wise foresight of all those who have had the management of its affairs. Special mention should be made of those who have served
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as treasurer and collector. The first treasurer, John Heath, a Congregationalist, was succeeded by Deacon Kendall Brooks, who, though treasurer but a short time, filled the arduous position of collector for thirty years. Then came Amos Blood and Deacon Samuel Walker, who held the office of treasurer for the long period of twenty years, and whose wise counsel, judicious management of the funds, and untiring watchfulness over the interests of this society, made his services, so freely rendered, above all price. For the last fourteen years, Deacon William A. Bowdlear has performed the duties of treasurer most acceptably to you ; and his interest in your prosperity has been surpassed by that of no one of his predecessors.
In drawing this history to a close, let me say, what must be evident to you all, that the growth of this church has been steady and uniform, and that its entire course has given evidence of the goodness and unceasing watchcare of God. We may well believe that it has had no little influ- ence in the community ; that it has done not a little to make known the revealed character and truth of God, and to pre- pare men to live rightly in this world, and to dwell in heaven when they die. This church, as I have become acquainted with it, has not been an impulsive church, has seldom done any thing rashly, has not been easily excited, but, on the contrary, has been stable, trustworthy, not act- ing from feeling, but moved by principle and truth. It has been somewhat conservative in matters about which it was not sure, but terribly radical when it knew it was right. It has been always suspicious of innovations, and yet con- demned nothing simply because it was new. It has de- pended upon the old ways, the appointed means, the regular
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methods. Once, in the early part of Dr. Caldicott's min- istry, it invited Elder Jacob Knapp to come here and labor. He preached, however, but one day : with that his labors here began and ended. It has depended upon its pastors, whom it has been slow in calling, and reluctant in dismiss- ing ; upon the brethren and the sisters, who have always been prominent, and have done their full share, in all its Chris- tian activities. Occasionally, in times of special need, it has invited and received the assistance of neighboring pastors. It has believed in four things, -in the grace of God as manifested in the power of his Spirit and truth, in patient toil, in generous giving, and in humble prayer. As a church, its spirit has been, in a commendable degree, pro- gressive and missionary. The Tremont Baptist Church was the fruit of this spirit .* The prayer-meeting and Sunday school at the Poor House were continued for many years. The youthful Dearborn-Street Church grew out of a mission enterprise, begun as far back as 1857, by that hum- ble and devoted, but now sainted brother Gustavus F. De Lesdernier, and prosecuted through varied experiences, until the beautiful chapel was erected, in 1867, for the Sunday school, and for the preaching of the gospel .; While not neglecting the opportunities for usefulness that were so near at hand, this church has always acknowledged the claims, and cheerfully contributed to the support, of the great Christian and benevolent enterprises of the age.
* A Sunday school was first begun near Tremont Street. Then a chapel was built, largely through the liberality of Brother Abraham G. Parker. The chapel was dedicated Aug. 13, 1843. The sermon was preached by the pas- tor, Rev. T. F. Caldicott, from the text, Rev. xxii. 9. Rev. G. W. Bosworth of Medford, Rev. J. W. Olmstead of Chelsea, Rev. HI. A. Graves of Boston, and Rev. Mr. Miner of Dorchester, assisted in the services.
t See Appendix F.
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Many who have been useful and honored members of this church are now laboring in other fields with equal fidelity and success. Some of them we are most happy to welcome to the joys and recollections of this hour. Some who have been converted here, God has honored as Christian teachers and pastors of churches, and is to-day crowning their lives with eminent usefulness .* Those who are now members of the church are not all with us on this day. One is toil- ing on heathen soil,; and another is engaged in the needful work of educating for the freedmen of the South a ministry of their own race. ¿
But how many, what a multitude, who have lived and labored here, have already been taken to their rest and reward ! This was the scene of their earthly toils. To this church of Christ, so dear to us who live, they gave, while living, their prayers, their strength, their tears, and their tenderest affections. We can never forget such names as Deacon John B. Jones, a trustee of Newton Theological Institution, and treasurer of the Northern Baptist Education Society, that honorable merchant and consistent Christian ; Deacon Samuel Walker, that Christian gentleman, who bore with such meekness and grace the honors conferred upon him by his fellow-citizens, and his brethren in the church ; Nathaniel Adams, that humble, pure - minded,
* See Appendix G.
t Rev. Isaac D. Colburn, who united with this church, by letter, June, 1863, when under appointment of the American Baptist Missionary Union. He was ordained by the church, Wednesday evening, July 29, 1863, and soon sailed for Tavoy, Burmah.
# Rev. G. M. P. King, who united with this church by letter, November, 1866, and is now principal of the Wayland Theological Seminary, Washing- ton, D.C., by appointment of the American Baptist Home Mission Society.
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peace-loving disciple of Jesus of whom it could be said, " Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God ;" Stephen Faunce,* of whose gentle and win- ning spirit we have all felt the influence, and who loved this church as he loved his own life. But why need I enumerate the long list of brethren and sisters in Christ, his redeemed ones, who walked with us a little while here below in such sacred and sweet fellowship, and who are now waiting for us a little while in the Saviour's presence ? Are not their names all written in living letters on your hearts, and, better still, are they not all written in the Lamb's Book of Life ?
We are painfully aware that we have presented to you only a meagre outline of the history of this Christian church. You will need to fill it up with a record, which no pen can write, of the prayers, the hopes, and the self-denials, the patience under suffering, and the triumphs of faith, which each one of these fifty years has contained. The past is now gone. Let us gather up its lessons, and turn our faces to the future, which demands our attention, that we may meet its responsibilities and do its work. Let us be grate- ful that God has come with us to our festival ; for it finds us in the midst of inquiring souls and rejoicing converts. And let us never forget that it is not in increased numbers, an enlarged sanctuary, and multiplied resources, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."
* At the decease of each one of these honored and loved brethren, appro- priate resolutions were adopted, and are found in the records of the church and society.
·
EVENING SERVICES.
AT six, P.M., there was provided in the spacious lecture- room an abundant collation, of which more than six hundred persons partook, being served by the young people of the church. An hour and a half was spent in renewing old acquaintances, and in delightful conversation. At half-past seven o'clock, the company was called to order, and the services were commenced by singing, -
" When all thy mercies, O my God."
Prayer was offered by Rev. Edward W. Pride. The pastor gave to all a hearty welcome to the joys and recollections of the day, and then conducted the services in the order of sentiment and response : -
Our ex-pastors now living, -blessed by God in their min- istry of twenty-eight years to this church, their names are dear to us, their reward is on high.
A letter from Rev. William Leverett was read, filled with pleasant allusions to other days, and expressions of abiding attachment to the church, and a continued adherence to its faith. Deeply regretting his inability to be present, he sent his kindest wishes for a joyous celebration and a prosperous future.
Beza Tucker, - though a Congregationalist in sentiment, the early and generous-hearted friend of this society.
Rev. A. C. Thompson, D.D., pastor of the Eliot Congregational Church, was invited to respond, but was unable to be present on account of sickness. A fraternal letter from him was subsequently received.
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Ensign Lincoln, - the beloved founder of this church, to whom this church is indebted for its existence more than to any other human agency.
Responded to by his youngest son, Prof. Heman Lincoln, D.D., of New- ton Theological Institution. A letter was read from Rev. C. A. Thomas, D.D., of Brandon, Vt., containing a pleasant account of his acquaintance with Mr. Lincoln, in connection with his early labors in this place.
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