USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Topsfield > Historical manual of the Congregational Church of Topsfield, Massachusetts, 1663-1907 > Part 4
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The accompanying illustration, used by the courtesy of the Current Literature Publishing Co., is from Joy Wheeler
44
THE INVESTED FUNDS
Dow's "American Renaissance," in which it is miscalled "The Witch House at Topsfield, Mass.," and is considered an interesting example of 17th century architecture in Amer- ica.
Like the character of him whose name it bears, the old house stands in enduring strength upon its knoll. Though unlike its more youthful neighbors, it makes with them a harmonious picture ; and it will not seem out of place in the fair prospect of Topsfield Common so long as we cherish and revere the greatness and worth of the moral giants of those early days.
THE INVESTED FUNDS OF THE CHURCH. List of Donors, with conditions of gift.
EUNICE ESTY, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated August 4, 1849; probated January 6, 1852.
Item Seven .- "I give and bequeath to deacons Jolin Wright and Joel R. Peabody, and to their successors in the office of deacons in the Calvanistic orthodox church in Tops- field, in trust, the sum of fifty dollars, and my will is that the said deacons for the time being shall keep said sum of fifty dollars at interest upon the best terms they can obtain, always taking sufficient security for the same; and I appropriate the interest which shall from time to time accrue upon said sum of fifty dollars to be paid to needy members of said church or to be appropriated to any other object which a majority of the male members of said church shall from time to time judge most expedient." Essex County Probate Rec- ords, Book 416, Page 141. For complete probate proceed- ings, see case No. 38, 607.
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45
OF THE CHURCH.
HANNAH PERKINS, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated April 25, 1851; allowed November 20, 1855, and appeal taken to Supreme Judicial Court, which appeal was dismissed for want of prosecution at the April term, 1856.
Item Two .- "To the deacons of the Congregational Church in Topsfield, for the time being, I do will, give and bequeath the sum of one hundred dollars, to be held by them and their successors in said office, in special trust, perpetually and for- ever, the interest of which is to be appropriated, annually, from time to time, towards the support of an orthodox con- gregational minister for said church and parish." Essex County Probate Records, Book 418, Page 290. For com- plete probate proceedings, see case No. 49,795.
DEBORAH PEABODY, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated June 1, 1832 ; probated April 5, 1842.
Item Seven .- "I give and bequeath to deacon Samuel C. Todd and deacon Joel R. Peabody, and to their successors in the office of deacons of the Calvanistic orthodox church in Topsfield, in trust, the sum of two hundred dollars, to be paid to said deacons in six months after my decease. And my will is, that said deacons for the time being shall keep said sum of two hundred dollars at interest upon the best terms they can obtain, always taking sufficient security for the same. And I appropriate the interest, which shall from time to time accrue upon said sum of two hundred dollars, to be given to needy members of said church, or to be ex- pended to the promotion of any other object, which a major- ity of the male members of said church shall from time to time judge most expedient." Essex County Probate Rec- ords, Book 411, Page 253. For complete probate proceed- ings, see case No. 49,427.
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THE INVESTED FUNDS
LYDIA SMITH, BOXFORD.
Will dated February 21, 1856; probated September 7, 1858.
Item Six .- "After the decease of my said sister Mary Cross (who had a life estate in the residue under item three ) I do then will, give and bequeath to the acting deacons of the Congregational Church, in Topsfield, of which I am now a member, and to their successors, in said office, in special trust, the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars-to be by them, safely invested-the income of which, is to be annually and perpetually, appropriated as follows-the interest of one hundred dollars, towards the support, or annual salary, of a Congregational minister of said church and parish-the interest of two hundred fifty dollars-to be by them person- ally given and distributed, to poor widows and indigent fe- males, who are members of said church or parish. The said deacons, to make, and always to keep, a fair plain record, in bocks for that special purpose-both, of the amount annual- ly received, from said trust, and of the disbursements there- of-and annually report the same, before a regular meeting of said church or parish." Essex County Probate Records, Book 419, Page 389. For complete probate proceedings, see case No. 53,621.
ANNA PERKINS, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated December 7, 1850; probated April 1, 1851.
Item Ten .- "To the deacons of the "Congregational church" in Topsfield, for the time being, I do will, give and bequeath one hundred and fifty dollars, to be held by them and their successors in said office, in special trust perpetual- ly and forever, the interest or income of which is to be annu- ally and forever appropriated by them to the relief and bene- fit of the needy, poor and indigent members of said church." Essex County Probate Records, Book 415, Page 634. For complete probate proceedings see case No. 49.739.
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OF THE CHURCH.
HITTY DODGE, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated November 5, 1851 ; probated May 20, 1856.
Item Two .- "To the deacons of the "Congregational church" in Topsfield for the time being I do will, give and bequeath to them and to their successors in said office, the sum of fifty dollars, which is to be safely invested and to be held in special trust perpetually and forever, the income or interest of which is to be annually apportioned and appropri- ated by them for the benefit of the poor and indigent mem- bers of said church." Essex County Probate Records, Book 418, Page 435. For complete probate proceedings, see case No. 37,595.
LUCY HERRICK, TOPSFIELD.
Will dated January 15, 1896; probated ( with two codicils ) January 2, 1899.
Item Twenty-one .- "To the Congregational Parish of Topsfield, five hundred dollars to purchase an organ "when needed," and the interest up to the time of purchase to be applied to current organ expenses." Essex County Probate Records, Book 540, Page 19. For complete probate pro- ceedings, sec case No. 83,551.
SARAH STICKNEY EDWARDS, HAVERHILL.
.
Will dated January 27, 1900; probated May 6, 1907.
Item Six .- "I give and bequeath to the Congregational Church in Topsfield in said County of Essex, the sum of Five hundred dollars to be used for such purposes as it may think proper; meaning by the Congregational Church the body of communicants known by that name." Essex County Probate Records, Book 625, Page 79. For complete probate proceedings, see case No. 100,755.
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48
MINISTERS.
MINISTERS.
NAME.
BEGAN SERVICE.
SERVICE CLOSED.
DEATII OCCURRED.
Thomas Gilbert, Nov. 4, 1663.
1671.
Oct. 26, 1673, Charlestown, Mass.
Jeremiah Hobart, Oct. 2, 1672.
Sept. 21, 1680. Nov. 6, 1715, Haddam, Conn.
Joseph Capen, June 11, 1684. At death. June 30, 1725, Topsfield, Mass.
John Emerson, Nov. 27, 1728.
At death. July 11, 1774, Topsfield, Mass.
Daniel Breck, Nov. 17, 1779.
May 26, 1788. Aug. 12, 1845, Hartland, Vt.
Asahel Huntington, Nov. 12, 1789. At death. April 22, 1813, Topsfield, Mass.
Rodney G. Dennis, Oct. 4, 1820.
May 6, 1829. Sept. 29, 1865, Southboro, Mass.
James F. McEwen, May 5, 1830. May 5, 1840. April 14, 1850, W. Brattleboro, Vt.
Anson McLoud, Dec. 8, 1841. Oct. 1, 1869. Feb'y. 21, 1883. Topsfield, Mass.
Edward P. Tenney, Dec. 1, 1869. James H. Fitts, June 22, 1871.
Sept. 10, 1870.
March 22, 1880. Nov. 22, 1900, Newfields, N. H.
Franklin P. Tompkins, Aug. 7, 1881. March 4, 1883. Feb'y. 13, 1897, Carnegie, Pa. --
Lyndon S. Crawford, Sept. 27, 1883. Chas. W. Luck, June 29, 1887. Sept. 10, 1890.
Oct. 18, 1886.
Albert E. Bradstreet, Sept. 1, 1891. Sept. 1, 1894.
Francis A. Poole, April 12, 1895.
Aug. 29, 1899.
Herbert J. Wyckoff, April 12, 1900. Jan. 21, 1903.
Wm. G. Poor, Sept. 1, 1903.
DEACONS.
49
-
DEACONS.
ELECTED.
NAME. DIED.
a
Isaac Cummings,
1677.
a
b 1676,
Thomas Perkins,
1678. May 7, 1686.
May 24, 1686,
May 24, 1686,
Sept. 21, 1701,
Sept. 21, 1701,
Sarg't. Thomas Dorman, Ensign Samuel Howlett, John Howlett,
Sept. 7, 1735.
April, 15, 1716,
Lieut. Daniel Redington,
Sept. 27, 1732. July 24, 1749.
Dec. 2, 1735,
Lieut. Ivory Hovey,
Jan'y 21, 1759.
Octo. 6, 1749,
George Bixby,
May 4, 1783.
Octo. 6, 1749,
Daniel Gould,
Dec. 11, 1766. June 28, 1778.
March 30, 1767,
John Gould,
Aug. 25. 1778,
Major Joseph Gould,
June 9, 1803.
Aug. 25, 1778,
Stephen Foster,
July 13, 1791.
June 26, 1781,
Solomon Dodge,
Jan'y 16, 1812.
Aug. 5, 1797,
John Gould, Jr.
Jan'y II, 1820.
June 10, 1799,
Daniel Bixby,
Jan'y 5, 1825.
Nov. 18, 1818,
Samuel C. Todd,
Dec. 29, 1858.
Sept. 17, 1828,
Joel R. Peabody,
July 24, 1861.
Nov. 5, 1848, John Wright,
July 29, 1861.
Aug. 25, 1861,
Augustine S. Peabody,
Mar. 3, 1884.
Feb'y. 21, 1866,
Daniel Willey,
Apr. 3, 1889.
Mar. 28, 1884,
Charles J. Peabody,
March 28, 1884,
Edwin S. Clifford,
a. According to best information.
b. Referred to as Deacon in contemporary documents ; record of elec- tion missing.
1
Thomas Howlett,
Isaac Cummings, 1721. Nehemiah Abbot, March, 1707. I711. Mar. 1I, 1720.
b 1723,
Sept. 19, 1729,
Jacob Peabody,
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CHURCH CLERKS.
CHURCH CLERKS. Previous to 1683, records missing.
1683-1724, Rev. Joseph Capen.
1728-1774, Rev. John Emerson.
1789-1813, Rev. Asahel Huntington.
1820-1829,
Rev. Rodney Gove Dennis.
1830-1841, Rev. James F. McEwen.
1841-1869,
Rev. Anson McLoud.
1 869-1870, Rev. Edward P. Tenney.
1871-1879,
Rev. James H. Fitts.
1879-1884,
Dea. Augustine S. Peabody.
1884-1894,
Mr. E. Perkins Averill.
1894-1900, Miss Annie F. Ferguson.
1900-1902,
Miss Ada J. Todd.
1902- .
Mr. J. Porter Gould.
MEMBERSHIP.
Resident Members.
DATE OF ADMIS'N.
NAME
HUSBAND'S NAME.
1883. Averill, E. Perkins,
1883. Averill, Mrs. Susan J.
1868. Bailey, Mrs. Sarah J. x.
1876. Balch, Miss Anna B.
C. Fred Jordan. .
1898. Balch, Franklin,
1892. Bradstreet, Mrs. Mabel W.
Horace D. Bradstreet.
1864. Bradstreet, Miss Sarah R.
1868. Clifford, Edwin S.
1883. Cummings, Miss Martha S.
Norman Mcl.cod.
1883. Dodge, Albert M.
1886, Dodge, Miss Florence M.
1883. Dodge, Mrs. H. Melissa,
1854. Dodge, John Holroyd,
E. Perkins Averill. John Bailey.
Albert M. Dodge. . C. Frederick Dodge.
x Widow.
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MEMBERSHIP.
DATE OF ADMIS'N.
NAME.
1883. Dodge, Miss Laura E.
1896. Dodge, Miss Violetta R.
1871. Dow, Mrs. Ada B.
1883. Dow, George P.
1864. Dwinell, Mrs. Ruth A.
1897. Edwards, Benjamin P.
1897. Edwards, Mrs. Mary Eva,
1907. Elliott, Mrs. Abbie L. x
1885.
Ferguson, Miss Annie F.
1875.
Ferguson, Edward E.
1883. Ferguson, Mrs. Mary A.
1883. Ferguson, Miss Martha G.
1897. Foster, Edwin K.
1907. Gleason, Miss Annie P.
1907. Gleason, Mrs. Charlotte A.
1907. Gleason, Mrs. Florence M.
1907. Gleason ( Rev.) George L.
1907. Gleason, Leroy W.
1854. Gould, Miss Esther M.
1858. Gould, J. Porter
1870. Gould, Mrs. Mary Ann. x.
John Gould.
1868. Gould, Miss Mary E.
1883. Gould, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth,
Melvin W. Gould.
1883. Gould, Melvin W.
1875. Homan, William H.
1883. Jordan, C. Fred,
1898. Jordan, Miss Helen P.
1898. Kirk, Mrs. Beatrice M. x.
1897. Kneeland, Mrs. Rosa G.
Thomas J. Kneeland.
1858.
Lake, Mrs. R. Eveline,
John B. Lake.
1858. Lake, John B.
1897. Leach, Charles H.
1893. Leach, Mrs. Mary A.
Charles H. Leach.
1897. Merrill, Eben Sumner,
1897. Merrill, Mrs. Theresa Augusta, Eben S. Merrill.
1883. Moore, Miss Sarah Elizabeth,
1883. Pace, Albert William,
1875. Peabody, Mrs. Annie R.
Charles J. Peabody.
x Widow.
HUSBAND'S NAME.
Clarence L. Dame.
George P. Dow.
Willard A. Dwinell.
Benj. P. Edwards. J. Albert Elliott.
Edward E. Ferguson.
Rev. Geo. L. Gleason. Leroy W. Gleason.
George H. Kirk.
MEMBERSHIP.
52 DATE OF ADMIS'N. NAME.
1864. Peabody, Charles J.
1892. Peabody, Miss Elizabeth D.
1897. Peabody, Miss Grace G.
1883. Peabody, Miss Lucy Abby,
1872. Peabody, Mrs. Lydia A. x.
1883. Perkins, Miss Eliza J.
1868. Perkins, Miss C. Ellen,
1897.
Perkins, Miss Ellen M.
1897. Perkins, Mrs. Emma F. x.
1889. Perkins, Harris E.
1897. Perkins, Lyman A.
1858. Perkins, Miss Mary J.
1853. Perkins, Mrs. Mary L. x.
1872. Perkins, Mrs. Mary S. x.
1887. Perkins, Mrs. Nellie A.
1868. Perkins, Mrs. Susan Irene, x.
1864. Pike, Miss Adeliza M. x.
1867. Pingree, Miss Caroline P.
1886. Pingree, Miss Eliza A. x.
1898. Poole, Mrs. Dora T. x.
1903. Poor, Mrs. Harriet T.
1903. Poor, ( Rev.) William G.
1892. Pray, Mrs. Caroline E. x.
1893. Smith, Miss Abbie A.
1893. Smith, Miss Alice R.
1888. Smith, Miss Annie L.
1867. Smith, Mrs. Harriet B.
1888. Smith, Miss Mary Adeline,
1895. Todd, Miss Ada J.
1863. Todd, Miss Mehitable,
1901. Welch, Leone Parker,
1883. Wildes, Alathea Orietta,
1883. Wildes, Engene Lamont,
1897. Wildes, Mrs. Eunice R.
1897. Wildes, William H.
1889. Winslow, Mrs. Elizabeth G. x Charles Winslow.
x Widow.
HUSBAND'S NAME.
Alden P. Peabody. John J. Watson.
Albert W. Pace. Justin W. Perkins.
John Holroyd Dodge
Caleb K. Perkins.
David G. Perkins.
Lewis A. Chapman.
Elbridge F. Perkins.
John Fiske. Benjamin J. Balch.
Daniel Willey.
Orlando B. Poole.
Rev. Wm. G. Poor.
Ruel Benton Pray.
Augustus W. Smith. Leone P. Welch.
Eugene L. Wildes.
William H. Wildes.
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MEMBERSHIP. 53
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS.
DATE OF ADMIS'N.
NAME
HUSBAND'S NAME.
1897. Adams, Edwin S.
1877. Billings, Augustus T.
1887. Bradford, Mrs. Minnie F.
Frank Bradford.
1896. Clarke, Miss Mary Ella,
Frye, Miss Lizzie,
1897. 1907. Gleason, Miss Alice, Gould, Sidney C. 1897. 1898. Jordan, Miss Alice B.
1897. Killam, Mrs. Addie J. x.
1895. Morgan, Mrs. Ellen F. x.
1895. Perkins, Sallie Mabelle,
1897. Pierce, Edward Nelson,
1863. Rea, Miss E. A. Adelaid.
1897. Stewart, William James.
1897. Towne, Mrs. Abbie W.
1897. Towne, Miss Eva L.
1897. Towne, George Warren.
1895. Towne, Miss Mary E.
George C. Donaldson. Geo. Edwin Killam. Isaac A. Morgan. Edgar Fayette Powers.
George W. Towne. Sidney C. Gould.
1905. Trowbridge, Mrs. H. Frances x Charles I. Trowbridge.
x. Widow.
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54
CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCHI.
THE CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
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CONFESSION OF FAITII.
The following Confession of Faith is the first found upon the church records and is recorded under date of 1792.
1. You believe there is one God, who is eternal, immu- table, omnipotent, omniscient, infinitely holy and good, whose existence is a Trinity in Unity; or there are three distinct persons in the God-head-the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost.
2. That God made all things by the word of his power from eternity, decreed all things, and extends his providence over the whole creation, ruling & disposing all things for his creatures for his own glory.
3. That God created man in his own image, in knowledge, and righteousness and holiness & consequently in a state of innocence & happiness : but in a state of trial, under a cove- nant of works.
4. That man continued not in that estate; but our first parents sinned, and in consequence of it all, both Jews & Gentiles are under sin.
5. That God hath not left mankind to perish in that state of sin & misery; but hath elected some to everlasting life.
6. That the Scriptures of the Old & New Testament are the infallible word of God ;- containing all instruction neces- sary to salvation.
7. That the Lord Jesus Christ, who is revealed in the Scriptures as both God and man,-that he hath offered him- self a sacrifice for sin ;- and that He is the only Redeemer of . God's elect.
:
55
CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
8. That the Spirit of God must convince us of sin, and change our wills, before we exercise that faith, which unites our souls to Christ, and makes us partakers of the benefits of his death & resurrection.
9. That God requires of us, as necessary duties, though not as meritorious conditions of salvation, faith, repentance, and obedience.
10. That those, who are born again of the Spirit of God; or are brought to the exercises of evangelical faith & repent- ance, will be preserved from final apostacy, and will infalli- bly be saved.
II. That there will be a resurrection of our bodies, and that our souls will be reunited to them in such a manner as that we shall be capable of endless happiness or misery ;- that Jesus Christ will appear & judge the world in righteous- ness, the form of which judgment will be-The wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.
THE COVENANT, 1792-1894.
The first covenant of the church, under date of May 12, 1792, remained substantially unchanged until 1894, when it was shortened and made the conclusion of the confession. The following is the covenant of 1792 :
You do now in the presence of God & this assembly, sol- emnly take the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son & Holy Ghost, to be your God and do give yourself to be His, promising to make His holy word the only rule of your faith & practice. You devote yourself to God, humbly depending upon His grace, in Christ the mediator for righteousness & strength, that you may be pardoned & accepted with God. You do also subject yourself to the government of the church in this place and to its regular administration in this place promis- ing in brotherly love to seek its peace and welfare so long as God shall continue you here, and you will not withdraw from it without just cause and first acquainting the church with your design and obtaining its consent.
56 CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
[ADOPTED SEPT. 29, 1820.]
I. You believe that there is one God, who is eternal, im- mutable, omnipotent, omniscient, infinitely holy and good, whose existence is a Trinity in Unity ;- or, that there are three distinct persons in the Godhead.
2. That God made all things by the word of his power; extends his providence over the whole creation; and orders all creatures & events in infinite benevolence, & according to his sovereign will.
3. That God created man in his own image, in knowledge, & righteousness, and holiness, and, consequently, in a state of innocence & happiness; but in a state of trial, under a covenant of works.
4. That man continues not in that state; but that our first parents sinned, and in consequence of it, all, both Jews & Gentiles, are under sin.
5. That God has not left mankind to perish in that state of sin & misery, without the possibility of escape; but has, through the sufferings & death of Christ, opened a way, by which they may be made partakers of eternal life.
6. That the Scriptures of the Old & New Testaments are the infallible word of God,-containing all instruction neces- sary to salvation .-
7. That the Lord Jesus Christ, who is revealed in the Scriptures, is both God and man,-that he hath offered him- self a sacrifie for sin,-that there is salvation in no other, "there being no other name under heaven, given among men, whereby any can be saved."
8. That the Spirit of God must convince us of sin, and change our wills, before we exercise that faith, which unites our souls to Christ, and makes us partakers of the benefits of his death & resurrection.
-
57
CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
9. That God requires of us as necessary duties, though not as meritorious conditions of salvation, faith, repentance, & obedience.
10. That those who are born again of the Spirit of God ; or are brought to the exercises of evangelical faith and re- pentance, will be preserved from final apostacy, & will infal- libly be saved; not however without a holy life. This is implied in the saint's perseverance, & cannot be separated therefrom, without obliterating that doctrine at the same time.
II. That there will be a resurrection of our bodies and that our souls will be reunited to them in such a manner, as that we shall be capable of endless happiness or misery, --- that Jesus Christ will appear and judge the world in right- eousness the form of which judgment will be-"The wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."
These things you believe?
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
[ADOPTED MARCH 27, 1859.]
I. You believe that there is one living and true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, a being infinite in wis- dom, power, truth, goodness, and holiness.
2. You believe that the counsels of God, according to which he made and governs all things, are from eternity, and are infinitely wise and benevolent.
3. You believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are given by inspiration of God, and are the infallible rule of faith and practice.
4. You believe that our first parents, being created holy, sinned against God, and that in consequence of their sin all
58
CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
their posterity become sinners, and are under condemna- tion.
5. You believe that by nature we are destitute of holiness and inclined to sin; so that, unless we are renewed in the spirit and temper of our minds, we cannot enter into the king- dom of heaven.
6. You believe that Jesus Christ, the second person in the trinity, took upon himself our nature, and by his sufferings in our stead made an atonement for us, so that God can be just, and justify every one who believes in Jesus.
7. You believe that all who are renewed by the Holy Spirit, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
8. You believe that the best evidence of saving faith is a prayerful, holy life, devoted to the active service of Christ, and abounding in all the fruits of the Spirit.
9. You believe that the sacraments of the Christian Church are two ; namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
10. You believe in the resurrection of the dead, and in the day of judgment, when Christ shall pronounce sentence upon all that have lived, according to which the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal.
These things you believe?
[If the candidates have not been baptised, the ordinance of baptism is here administered.]
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
[ADOPTED DEC. 28, 1894.]
In the presence of God and this assembly, you do now sol- emnly avow your belief that God is, and that He is the re- warder of those who diligently seek Him.
i
59
CREEDS AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH.
You believe that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish but have everlasting life.
You accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, believing that He came to earth not to be ministered unto, but to min- ister and to give His life a ransom for many, and that every one born from above is a child of God and fit for his service.
You believe that duty to God and man is summed up in our Lord's two Commandments, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Yet notwithstanding our earnest efforts to fulfill these commands, you believe we often fail. But when conscious of wrong do- ing, we turn from it, we find that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
You believe in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Sanctifier, and Guide.
You acknowledge that the Holy Scriptures were given by inspiration of God and are profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may become perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
You believe that the future life is enriched by whatever of knowledge and righteousness is gained in this life, and that our Saviour has gone before to prepare a place for those who love Him.
While thus stating your belief, you also hold with us, that to differently constituted men and women God is revealed in different ways, and you rejoice in the word of Christ that "no man who doeth good in my name, can lightly speak evil of me."
You believe heartily that the Great Shepherd has other sheep not of this fold, and look forward with joyful anticipa- tion to that day when he shall bring them also, and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd.
You do covenant with this Church that you will walk in its order and submit to its discipline; that you will seek its peace and welfare, and that you will treat its members with tenderness and fidelity befitting the disciples of Christ and brethren of the same household. Do you thus severally promise and believe?
60
CHURCH OFFICERS, 1907.
CHURCH OFFICERS OF 1907.
MINISTER .- Rev. Wm. G. Poor.
DEACONS .- Edwin Spofford Clifford, Charles Joel Peabody.
CLERK .- J. Porter Gould.
TREASURER .- Benjamin P. Edwards.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPT .- Franklin Balch; Supt. of Pri- mary Dept., Miss Annie F. Ferguson.
SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE .- John H. Dodge, Albert M. Dodge, Rev. George L. Gleason.
PLEDGE SYSTEM COMMITTEE .- John H. Dodge, Leone P. Welch.
CHURCH COMMITTEE .- Mrs. Wm. G. Poor, Franklin Balch, Mrs. Albert M. Dodge, E. Perkins Averill.
DEBT, MISSION AND EXPENSE FUND COMMITTEE .- Ben- jamin P. Edwards, William H. Wildes, Eben S. Merrill.
MUSIC COMMITTEE .- Charles H. Leach, Eben S. Merrill, Leone P. Welch, Lyman A. Perkins, J. Porter Gould.
1
Order of Services AT THE
Dedication of the Organ OF THE
Congregational Church Topsfield MDass
March 27 1907
8 o'clock P M
ORGAN PRELUDE. Scherzo Pastorale, Wareing
Mr. LYMAN ALMY PERKINS.
PRESENTATION OF THE ORGAN,
Mr. ALBERT A. CONANT, for the Ladies' Society, to Deacon CHARLES J. PEABODY, for the Parish.
TE DEUM IN B MINOR, Dudley Buck
Quartet, Mrs. KIMBALL, Mrs. PARKER, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. MERRILL, and Chorus.
RESPONSIVE READING.
Rev. GEORGE L. GLEASON, and Congregation.
MINISTER : O come, let us sing to Jehovah,
PEOPLE : LET US SHOUT TO OUR ROCK OF SALVATION.
Let us come with thanksgiving before Him,
WITH PSALMS LET US SHOUT TO HIS PRAISE. Sing for joy in Jehovah, ye righteous, IT IS COMELY FOR THE UPRIGHT TO PRAISE HIM With the harp give ye thanks to Jehovah,
SOUND THE LUTE OF TEN STRINGS TO HIS PRAISE.
Sing a new song to His Name, PLAY WITH SKILL AND JOYFULLY SHOUT :
For the word of Jehovah is upright, AND FAITHFUL IS ALL HE HAS DONE.
It is good to give thanks to Jehovah,
TO THY NAME TO MAKE MELODY, O THOU MOST HIGH:
In the morning to show forth Thy kindness.
AND THY FAITHFULLNESS TELL IN THE NIGHT With the lute of ten strings and the lyre,
WITH THE MURMURING SOUND OF THE HARPS O sing a new song to Jehovah, For marvellous things hath he done,
HIS OWN RIGHT HAND AND HIS HOLY ARM THE VICTORY GAINED.
Jehovah made known his salvation,
HIS JUSTICE REVEALED IN THE SIGHT OF THE NATIONS :
Shout aloud to Jehovah, all the earth :
BREAK FORTH INTO SONG AND MAKE MELODY : With the harp to Jehovah make melody,
WITH THE HARP AND THE LOUD-SOUNDING ORGAN.
With trumpets and cornet
SHOUT ALOUD TO JEHOVAH THE KING.
The sea, let it roar and the fullness thereof, THE WORLD AND THOSE DWELLING THEREIN.
Let the streams clap their hands,
ALL AT ONCE LET THE MOUNTAINS SHOUT FORTH
Before Jehovah, for He comes to judge the earth ; TO THE WORLD HE AWARDS RIGHT, AND TO NATIONS JUST JUDGMENT.
(From Psalms 95, 33, 92, 98. Dr. De Witt's Translation.)
HYMN,
Tune "Lyons"
Chorus and Congregation.
O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and His love. Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
Oh tell of His might, O sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space ; His chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form, And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light. It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend !
CONTRALTO SOLO. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (Isaiah) Patten Mrs. PARKER.
a. Meditation, St. Clair -
b. March of the Magi,' Dubois
c. Prayer and Cradle Song, - Guilmant
(*The sustained high note is intended by the composer to represent the star which guided the wise men.)
Mr. PERKINS.
TENOR SOLO. How long wilt thou forget me ? (Triumph of David.) Buck
Mr. MITCHELL.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION.
Rev. Wm. G. POOR.
ANTHEM. "Hark, hark my Soul," Shelley
Mrs. PARKER, Miss WHITTIER, and Chorus.
DEDICATION, BY CHURCH AND CONGREGATION.
MINISTER : To the glory of God, our Father, by whose favor this organ was obtained; To the honor of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Lord and Savior ; To the praise of the Holy Spirit, source of life and inspirer of sacred song : CONGREGATION : WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN. To call the reverent to praise, and to lead the thoughtful to prayer; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN.
To accompany the grateful heart in sacred melody, an'd to enrich the worship of this congregation ; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN. To breathe forth the music of the gospel, and to echo the many- toned invitation of the divine Love ; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN.
HYMN,
Tune "Lyons"
Chorus and Congregation.
O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and His love. Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
Oh tell of His might, O sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space ; His chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form, And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light. It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, And sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend !
CONTRALTO SOLO. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (Isaiah) Patten Mrs. PARKER.
a. Meditation, St. Clair -
b. March of the Magi,* Dubois
c. Prayer and Cradle Song, Guilmant
(*The sustained high note is intended by the composer to represent the star which guided the wise men.)
Mr. PERKINS.'
TENOR SOLO. How long wilt thou forget me ? (Triumph of David.) Buck
Mr. MITCHELL.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION.
Rev. Wm. G. POOR.
ANTHEM. "Hark, hark my Soul," Shelley
Mrs. PARKER, Miss WHITTIER, and Chorus.
DEDICATION, BY CHURCH AND CONGREGATION.
MINISTER : To the glory of God, our Father, by whose favor this organ was obtained; To the honor of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Lord and Savior; To the praise of the Holy Spirit, source of life and inspirer of sacred song : CONGREGATION : WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN. To call the reverent to praise, and to lead the thoughtful to prayer; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN.
To accompany the grateful heart in sacred melody, and to enrich the worship of this congregation ; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN. To breathe forth the music of the gospel, and to echo the many- toned invitation of the divine Love ; WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN.
To help us into the harmony and rhythm of the Creator's unnum- bered chorus, and to arouse all that is within us to bless His Holy Name.
WE DEDICATE THIS ORGAN.
As a tribute of gratitude and love, a freewill offering of thanksgiv- ing and praise, from those who have tasted the cup of Thy salva- tion, and experienced the riches of Thy grace :
WE, THE PEOPLE OF THIS CHURCH AND CONGREGA- TION, NOW CONSECRATING OURSELVES ANEW, DED- ICATE THIS ORGAN IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST. AMEN. CHOIR AND CONGREGATION.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost : as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
MOTETT. Gallia. -
Gounod
Miss WHITTIER, and Chorus.
Hymn by the Congregation.
Tune, "Coronation."
All hail the power of Jesus' name ! Let angels prostrate fall ;
Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe On this terrestrial ball , To him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall ; We'll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of. all.
POSTLUDE. Marche Triomphale.
Dubois
Mr. PERKINS.
SPECIFICATION.
Organ Bullt by George S. HulchIngs, of Boston.
Two Manuals, compass CC to 04, 61 notes. Pedals, compass CCC to F, 30 notes.
GREAT ORGAN .-- Open Diapason; Viola di Gamba; Melodia; Dulciana; Flute d'Amour; Octave; Twelfth; Fifteenth; Clarinet, 61 pipes each.
SWELL ORGAN .- Lioblich Gedeckt, Treble, 49 pipes; Lieblich Gedeckt, Bass, 12 pipes; Open Diapason (lowest 12 wood, stopped); Stopped Diapason; Viola; Eoline; Quintadena; Flute Harmonique; Violina; Flautina; Oboc, G1 pipes.
PEDAL ORGAN .- Bourdon, large scale; Gedeckt; Violoncello, 30 pipes each. COUPLERS .- Swell to Great; Great to Pedal; Swell to Pedal; Swell at 8 ves.
MECHANICAL ACCESSORIES .- Swell Tremulo; Pedal Check; Bellows Signal; Treat's l'a- tent Wind Indicator; Hydraulic Engine Starter; Automatic Engine Regulator.
PEDAL MOVEMENTS .- Full Organ; Great Forte; Great Mezzo, double acting; Great Piano, double acting; Swell Forte; Swell Piano, double acting; Pedal Forte; Pedal Piano, double act- ing; Great to Pedal, reversible; Swell Tremulo, reversible; Balanced Swell Pedal.
SUMMARY .- Great Organ, 9 stops, 549 pipes; Swell Organ, 10 stops, 610 pipes; Pedal Or- gan, 3 stops, 90 pipes; Speaking Stops, 22; Couplers, 4; Mechanical Accessories, 6; Pedal Move- ments, 11; Total, 43; Total number of Pipes, 1249.
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