USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Templeton > Historical discourse in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of the First Congregational Church in Templeton, Massachusetts : with an appendix, embracing a survey of the municipal affairs of the town > Part 6
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NOTE C. - PAGE 10.
MINE HILL.
The idea of the existence of mines in this township seems to have rested upon the peculiarities of Mine Hill, near the Hubbardston line. The hill and its neighborhood abound in sulphuret of iron. Whitney's History of Worcester
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County, published in 1793, states that this hill was granted to Capt. Andrew Robinson, of Gloucester, some time before the original grant of the township. I have made search, in the records at the State House, to find the time and con- ditions of this grant to Capt. Robinson, but without success. Some record, however, may exist.
It will be noticed, that, in the grant by the General Court of the title to this township, mention is made of allowing three hundred acres extra, in the dimensions of the sur- veyed plot, in consideration of reserving the Mine Farm from the grant. That tract was finally sold by vote of the proprietors in 1787. The land being contained within their boundaries, it might have been considered that the ancient grant prior to theirs had lapsed in their favor. It would seem, however, that the legal title must have been either in the representatives of Capt. Robinson, or in the Commonwealth. According to Whitney's History, a com- pany of gentlemen from Boston and elsewhere undertook, previous to the first settling of the town, to carry on mining on that hill. He says, " They dug several rods into the hill in quest of a silver mine; but whether it answered their expectations or not, was not divulged." We may safely presume it did not ; though Mr. Whitney seems to suppose the work would have been carried further, had it not been for the breaking out of the French and Indian War, and that rich mines might, not improbably, really exist there. The knowledge of the existence of such an excavation was for a long time lost. The cave was discovered in 1824. It extends fifty-seven feet and a half, dug into the solid rock.
NOTE D. - PAGE 27.
The following extract from Rev. Mr. BUCKMINSTER'S Ser- mon at the ordination of Mr. Sparhawk (pp. 11, 12) may serve as a specimen, and to justify the commendation given
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in the discourse. They are noble sentiments, and as fitting now as they were a century ago : -
Ministers should, by rights, have no little insight into the original languages (those in which the Scriptures were written), that they may drink at the fountain where the waters are purest, no foot having defiled them ; that they may see with their own eyes, and not take every thing upon trust from others, be led away by the error of the wicked, and stand exposed to crafty men who lie in wait to deceive; but that they may be capable, if need be, to con- tend earnestly for the faith, and to confute gainsayers. They should be, in some measure, acquainted with the liberal arts and sciences, which serve to open and enlarge the mind, and are all handmaids to divinity. But religion itself should be their principal study. The religion of the Bible should be that, which, above all things, they are not ignorant of. They should be, Apollos-like, men mighty in the Scriptures, and accordingly, more than others, addict themselves to the means and methods of information; get wisdom, and, with all their gettings, get understanding. They should give attendance to reading, no less than exhortation and doctrine (the one will render them capable of the other) ; neglect not the gift that is in them, which was given by prophecy, whether with or without the laying on the hands of the presbytery ; meditate upon these things, give themselves wholly to them, that their profit- ing may appear unto all, or, in all things. Truth should be the object of their pursuit, - sacred truth. What is truth ? should be the question they would ever decide. They should therefore lay aside, as much as may be, prepossession and prejudice ; lay their minds open to conviction ; not be carried away with an affectation . of novelty and singularity, any more than shackled with authority and venerable antiquity. They should dare to embrace and adhere to unpopular truth, as well as to renounce popular error.
NOTE E. - PAGE 28.
CHANGE OF PRICES.
In comparing the standard of prices at the present time with the standard as it was cighty or a hundred years ago, there are many particulars to be considered, some of which have varied in a very different ratio from others.
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But the following items, among others, will tend to justify the statement in the Discourse respecting the comparative value of money in 1761 and now. In the interval between Mr. Pond's dismission and Mr. Sparhawk's ordination, - i.e., from 1759 to 1761, - the price for boarding the mini- ster and his horse was eight shillings a week ; now it would be considerably more than three times as much. In 1755, the common price of beef was between two and three cents a pound ; poultry, the same ; rye was about two shillings and eightpence a bushel ; butter, nine cents a pound, or less ; labor, in the summer season, at farm-work, two shillings a day. In 1762, and for some years afterwards, the price for a man and a yoke of oxen in June, at highway-work, was seventy-five cents a day, without board. In 1755, the price for a man and a yoke of oxen was but four shillings a day : horses were kept for nine cents a day. Horse-hire, at various times between 1760 and 1795, was no more than from two to three cents a mile. School-teachers, for the first fifteen years after the incorporation of the town, had less than one- quarter of what is now usual. The board of the male teachers was then seventy-eight cents a week ; of females, forty-six cents. The gradual increase of teachers' wages is . an important index of the advancing standard of prices as to the expenses of professional men. It appears, that, in this town, the wages of teachers rather more than doubled in the forty years between 1765 and 1805 ; and, since 1805, the compensation of teachers has fully doubled again, so as to be upwards of four times as much at the present time as it was in 1770. It may be noted, as a corresponding circumstance, that, in the forty years between 1767 and 1807, the price of a day's work for a man and a pair of oxen a little more than doubled, and that the price now is also about double what it was in 1807; so that, in the ninety years, the price for such work has increased about fourfold. As late as 1788 and 1791, the repairs on the meeting-house cost only four shillings a day for carpenter-work (boarding themselves) ; and fifty cents a day for painters, with five shillings a week
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for their board. In 1799, mason-work was one dollar a day, without board.
The rise that has taken place in the standard of prices was by no means dependent merely on the town's being newly settled : it is a part of a general and inevitable movement, in which the whole civilized world shares. The advance has been somewhat more rapid in this country than in Europe. For example, Macaulay estimates, that, in a period of a hundred and fifty years, the compensation of mercan- tile clerks in England has increased threefold; and the wages of agricultural laborers and of mechanics, between two and three fold. This advance in the standard of prices is something which must inevitably go on, both in this coun- try and in Europe, in the century to come. Nor is it to be lamented. It is a change, which, in the long run, operates in favor of the prosperity and thrift of the laboring portion of the community, as compared with capitalists; and every thing which increases the comparative comfort of the families of laboring men, and their means of education, has a direct tendency to promote good morals, and is for the advantage of society in all respects.
NOTE F. - PAGES 32, 37.
RESULT OF COUNCIL.
The following is a copy of the result of the Ecclesiastical Council called by Mr. Sparhawk and the church : ---
TEMPLETON, June 7, 1780.
At an Ecclesiastical Council convened in the First Precinct in Templeton, agreeably to letters-missive from the church in said precinct : Present the following pastors and messengers of the churches ; viz. : -
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Pastors.
Messengers or Delegates.
Rev. Daniel Emerson . Mr. Moses Thurston.
Rev. Zabdiel Adams
. Lieut. Caleb Taylor.
Rev. Josiah Dana . Jolm Mason, Esq., and Capt. Ezra Jones.
Rev. Joseph Brown . Dea. Moses Hale and Dr. Israel Whiton.
Rev. Joseph Lyman
Capt. Elisha Allis.
The Rev. Mr. Emerson was chosen Moderator; and the Rev. Joseph Brown, Scribe. The Council was' opened by prayer to God for light and influence ; then proceeded to enter upon the busi- ness for which we are called; and, the better to accomplish the good design of their appointment, chose a Committee of Council to treat with the dissenting brethren of the church, and sundry other inhabitants of the precinct who were dissatisfied with the calling of said Council. The Committee attended the business of their appointment, and made report, that they were unable to persuade the persons to whom they were sent to enter upon a friendly con- ference with the Council. Being unsuccessful in this expedient, the Council proceeded to a public hearing in the meeting-house, where we opened with prayer by the Moderator; then heard the various votes and papers which the pastor and church had to lay before us. Without entering into a minute description of these votes and papers, we shall give our opinion upon the matters referred to for our consideration in the rule of submission. We first took up the third article of said rule, in which our judgment is desired upon sundry votes and proceedings of the church, &c. We are per- suaded that the determination of this church, in refusing communion with Mr. Walley's church in Bolton, was agreeable to gospel order, and was therefore no just ground of uneasiness and dissatisfaction to the dissenting brethren ; and that Rev. Mr. Sparhawk's conduct in entering his dissent against certain votes of the church, and, in particular, his non-concurring the vote of communion with Mr. Walley's church, formerly passed, and which he could not in con- science carry into execution, being a matter of privilege in the pastor, was no just foundation of discontentment in the minds of the brethren. Also that the pastor's refusal to call a church-meet- ing, in conformity to the request of Jonas Wilder and others, dated April 5, 1777, should not be viewed as just matter of uneasiness by the signers of that application, for the reasons given by the Rev. Mr. Sparhawk.
In respect of the church's proceedings with Mr. Abijah Kendall, we are of opinion that they had just right to suspend him from act- ing with them, for the reasons specified in their votes.
We are sorry to find that imputations have been cast upon the pas- tor, of unfriendliness to the rights and privileges of his country. We think that there is sufficient evidence of his attachment to the civil interests of these States, and that he merits the confidence of his people, as a friend to the laws and liberties of this Commonwealth.
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As our sentiments are requested respecting the precinct-meeting held May 22, 1780, we cannot, in fidelity, omit to suggest, that matters of ecclesiastical controversy are to be brought before eccle- siastical bodies only ; and that any attempts to bring the religious conduct of Christians, and the powers and privileges of the church, before a civil jurisdiction, are highly dangerous, and unwarrant- able; and therefore the pastor and church, in refusing to attend that precinct-meeting, considered as held for the abovesaid purposes, conducted in a manner justifiable and commendable; and that the conduct of those two church-members who endeavored to bring him upon trial before that meeting was highly offensive in the sight of God.
In reference to the pastor's desire of advice under his difficulties respecting his support, and as to his dismission from his ministerial office, we find, from the word of God, that ministers have a clear and scriptural right to a decent and honorable support from the people whom they serve. Mr. Sparhawk, we think, has not been thus supported for several years ; but, notwithstanding the troubles and embarrassments he has labored under, we cannot but recom- mend to him further trial and patience, to see if the people will not comply with their interest and duty in affording him a competent maintenance. But, should he be unable to obtain a redress of his sufferings, we cannot advise him to continue much longer in such a state of oppression ; but, according to the gospel, to shake off the dust of his feet as a testimony against those who refuse to fulfil the solemn obligations they are under by their own covenant, as well as by the word of God. And, should he be under the necessity of seeking a dismission, we advise him, after such forbearance as his Christian prudence and discretion shall dictate, to call in, with the consent of the church, a council of three sister churches to assist and advise in the separation.
As to the conduct of the dissenting brethren in disagreeing with the church in their votes, we advise the church not to entertain any uneasiness with their brethren for a difference of sentiment in the matters which have been controverted for several years among them.
Thus, brethren, we have attended to the matters which you have thought fit to lay before us. We are anxiously distressed to find that such wide breaches have been made upon you ; that the Spirit of holiness and peace has so far withdrawn his blessed influences from you, and left you to such unhappy jealousies and animosities. We humbly supplicate the Father of all mercies to pour out his blessed influences into your hearts, and to point out to you the path of duty and peace. ' We wish the pastor, while he goes before you, to show himself a pattern of gentleness and condescension ; con- forming himself in all matters (as far as will comport with a good conscience towards God) to the views and desires of his beloved flock ; using his authority as pastor with tenderness, not to the
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distraction, but for the edification, of the body of Christ in this place.
The people we would exhort to receive their pastor in love; to submit themselves to him in the Lord, and to account him worthy of double honor ; to make his life comfortable, by affording a suita- ble support ; and give none occasion of uneasiness to him who naturally cares for their good, and watches for their souls as one who must give an account.
We deplore what we forbode as the unhappy consequences of a separation and dissolution of the pastoral relation of this wise and good shepherd to this flock of our Lord's fold, which he has pur- chased with his own blood. May our ears soon be saluted with the happy tidings that your contentions are healed ; that the God of truth and love hath returned to dwell among you ; that his Spirit, in abundant measure, hath been showered down upon the pastor and people of this precinct ; and that the hearts of all are turned to each other as the heart of one man ! That such may be the blessed consequence of our painful and anxious labors, is our devout sup- plication to Almighty God for you ; unto whom, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified, we now commend you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
By order and in the name of the Council,
DANIEL EMERSON, Moderator.
NOTE G. - PAGE 56.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The following is an account of all the other Societies, beside the First Parish, which have maintained public wor- ship in this town, arranged in order of the dates of their formation : -
The Baptist Church in this town was organized Aug. 22, 1782, at which time twenty-one members entered into cove- nant. It has had ten settled pastors. Rev. John Sellon, of English birth, was the first, and ordained Nov. 19, 1783.
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He continued but a year and a half. Rev. Joel Butler be- came pastor in 1787, and remained four years. For eight or nine years after his dismission, the pulpit was supplied only upon temporary engagements, but with no settled minister ; yet, during six years of this time, sixty-seven members were received to the church by baptism. Rev. Elisha Andrews became its pastor in the year 1800; was dismissed March 17, 1813, but re-installed in the spring of 1827, and finally dismissed in 1832, - making eighteen years, in all, of his ministry. During the interval of Mr. Andrews's absence, there were two pastors settled ; but they continued not more than a year or two each: viz., Rev. George Phippen, set- tled March, 1821; and Rev. J. Parsons, settled December, 1824. The same year of Rev. Mr. Andrews's final dismis- sion, Rev. Winthrop Morse was installed, September, 1832; and he was pastor about two years. Rev. Isaiah C. Car- penter was ordained Feb. 8, 1837, and resigned in 1843. Rev. John Woodbury was settled January, 1844; Rev. Sandford Leach, April, 1848; and Rev. A. V. Dimock, who is the pastor at the present time, was settled April 1, 1851. The first meeting-house of the Baptist Society was erected, in 1798 and 1799, at what is called the Baptist Common. The dedication-sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Bald- win, of Boston, in the autumn of 1799. In 1840 the meeting-house was removed to its present location in Bald- winville Village, and was opened and re-dedicated Feb. 3, 1841.
The Trinitarian Congregational Church in Templeton was organized April 11, 1832, and was constituted with twenty-four members. Since its organization, two hundred and forty-seven members have been added, including those by letter as well as by profession. A hundred and fifty-two have been dismissed, removed, or died. The meeting-house was built in 1833. The church has had two pastors. Rev. Lemuel P. Bates was installed Jan. 16, 1833, and was dis- missed April 19, 1837. Rev. Lewis Sabin was installed Sept. 21, 1837, and is the pastor at the present time.
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A Universalist Society was organized in 1842, and held its meetings in the old Town House. Not long after, Rev. Gerard Bushnell, who had been the preacher almost from the first, became stated pastor of the society, though without a formal installation ; and he supplied, for the most part, while the meetings continued. No meeting-house was ever erected ; but the society has held its worship in the present Town Hall, meeting on alternate Sundays, or at other stated intervals. At present, the society has no preaching.
In 1843, Rev. Willard Smith was appointed by the Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to supply as preacher in Templeton, in connection with South Royals- ton. A " class," included in the charge of preachers at Hubbardston, had been maintained for about three years previously. A church was formed, of twenty-four members, in 1843. The whole number of its members, beside those received only on probation, has been sixty-eight. A meet- ing-house, since disposed of, was erected in 1844. Rey. Mr. Smith was succeeded by Rev. John T. Pettee, who was appointed for Templeton, August, 1844. Rev. Simon Put- nam was the minister from 1845 to 1847. In June, 1847, Rev. T. G. Brown was appointed ; one or two other societies being also connected with Templeton under his charge. Preaching in the meeting-house of the society was discon- tinued from 1848. Meetings have been held a part of the time, since, in the East Village ; but no preacher has been appointed by the Conference to make stated supply, except Rev. J. L. Estey, in 1852, in connection with South Royalston.
Congregations for public worship, under the ministry of preachers of the Second-Advent persuasion, had been held for some time previous to 1851, chiefly in the East Village. March 8, of that year, the Advent Church was organized, having twenty-one members at the time, with the Rev. C. R. Griggs, pastor. He resides in another town, but con- tinues to be the minister. The meetings for public worship have been held, for the most part, on alternate Sundays.
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Public worship, according to the forms of the Roman- Catholic Church, has been conducted occasionally, within the last eight or ten years, but not at stated intervals, in private houses in the Factory Village in this town ; chiefly by Rev. Mr. Gibson, a priest of that order, who was of English birth. In 1853, under his auspices, and by means of liberal contributions on the part of those attending upon his ministrations, an edifice, costing about $2,000, was erected for their use ; and it was " consecrated " in 1854. It is called St. Martin's Chapel. Since that time, religious services have been conducted in it one Sunday in every four. Rev. Mr. Gibson officiated there about two years, residing in Fitchburg; but, having returned to his native country, Rev. Mr. Turpin, of Fitchburg, has since offi- ciated.
NAMES OF PROPRIETORS OF THE TOWNSHIP IN 1735.
The following is a list of the proprietors who originally drew the forty-acre lots, or " house-lots " as they were called, in the first division of lands made at the proprietors' meeting at Concord, Jan. 24, 1735 (old style). It happened, at the time of drawing, that No. 107 was not used. Nos. 71, 72, being " mine-lots," - that is, falling on Mine Hill, - were reserved ; and so duplicates were drawn for Nos. 94, 95, and 96, and these were distinguished as 94 east, 94 west, 95 east, &c. : -
No. of Lot.
1. Hezekiah Hapgood. No. of Lot.
2. Benjamin Hatterton.
3. Jonathan Farnsworth.
4. Thomas Baldwin.
5. John Overing, Esq.
6. Nathaniel Trask.
7. Samuel Hartwell.
8. Ephraim Brown.
9. Simon Davis.
10. William Wheeler.
11. Daniel Gates.
12. Benjamin Thompson.
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No. of Lot.
13. Thomas Baldwin.
14. Samuel Miles.
61.
. Benjamin Smith.
15. Simon Stone.
62. Henry Baldwin.
63. Thomas Tarbell.
64. Samuel Sargeant.
18. George Farrar.
65.
Jacob Wright.
19. Benjamin Temple.
66. Henry Eames.
20. John Priest.
67. Col. Benjamin Prescott.
68. James Houghton.
69. Ebenezer Wheeler.
70. Daniel Woodward.
73. John Longley.
74. Benjamin Shedd.
75. Thomas Amsden.
27. Joseph Horsley.
28. Joshua Richardson.
29. William Shattuck.
30. John Wyman.
31. Edward Willson.
32. Joseph Wood.
33. Col. Benjamin Prescott.
34. Zachariah Lawrence.
35. Zachariah Flagg.
36. For support of schools.
37. Col. Benjamin Prescott.
38. Samuel Stone.
39. Jonathan Buttrick.
40. Samuel Warner.
41. Daniel Gates.
42. Eleazar Bateman.
43. John Adams.
44. James Patterson.
45. Jacob Houghton.
46. For the first minister.
- 47. Jonathan Simonds.
48. Moses Burdue.
49. Samuel Chandler.
50. John Eames.
51. Thankful Reed.
52. Samuel Chandler.
53. Joseph Fassett.
54. Jonathan Lawrence.
55. John Whitcomb, Esq.
56. Timothy Spaulding.
57. John Swan.
58. Benjamin Gary.
59. John Cummings.
No. of
21. Ephraim Twitchell.
22. Robert Robbins.
23. Nathan Brooks.
24. Samuel Shelden.
25. John Wheeler.
26. John Wood.
76. Simon Davis.
77. Nathaniel Kendall.
78. Robert Cummings.
79. Thomas Ball.
80. John Bulkley.
81. Jonathan Farr.
82. David Whitney.
83. David Stone.
8-1. Moses Whitney.
85. Jacob Wright.
86. Samuel Hunt.
87. Thomas Amsden.
88. Zachariah Symmes.
89. Jonathan Wyman.
90. Caleb Sawyer.
91. Josiah Hobbs.
92. For support of ministry.
93. John Overing, Esq.
94 E. Joseph Wheat.
94 w. Eleazar Flagg.
95 E. John Muzzey.
95 w. Ebenezer Parker.
96 E. Joseph Wheelock.
96 w. Samuel Willson.
97. Edward Phelps. 98. Benjamin Whitney.
99. James Jones.
100. David Roberts.
101. Col. Prescott.
102. John Barrett.
103. John Cutter.
104. Elnathan Jones.
105. Isaac Learnard.
16. Timothy Townsend.
17. Jonathan Whitcomb.
Lot. 60. Jonathan Bowers.
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No. of Lot.
106. John Needham.
108. Thomas Hapgood.
109. Thomas Hapgood.
110. Henry Bartlett.
111. Daniel Billings.
112. Samuel Hincher.
113. Edward Winn.
114. Gershom Flagg.
115. Ebenezer Fisk.
No. of Lot.
116. James Simonds.
117. Abraham Taylor.
118. Daniel Adams.
119. John Provender.
120. David Wheeler.
121. Benjamin Wyman.
122. Daniel White.
123. Elisha Tattingham.
Very few of these original owners actually settled here in person.
ORIGINAL DIVISION OF LANDS IN THE TOWNSHIP.
The first step towards dividing the territory among the proprietors was taken at a meeting held in Concord, Oct. 30, 1734, when it was-
Voted that the township be laid out in part as soon as may be. Voted that there be laid out a hundred and twenty-three forty-acre lots of the best of the upland. Chose a Committee of five to lay out the lots as above mentioned. Voted that the lots be made as equal as may be, and in as regular a form and as compact as the land will allow of. Voted that said Committee order ways, and where the meeting-house and the three public lots shall be, and to order land for a burying-place and for a training-place, and for other public use, according to their best discretion.
Agreeably to the foregoing vote, Samuel Chandler, of Concord, the proprietors' clerk, with others of the Commit- tee, proceeded to lay out the hundred and twenty-three forty-acre lots, or " house-lots " as they were called, -one for each owner of the township, and the three public lots. They employed surveyors, and spent about thirty days in the work. They bought " a kittle " at the proprietors' expense. They paid Nathaniel Wilder and John Wilder for " bringing
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