USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Marlborough > Historical sketch of the First Congregational Church in Marlborough, Mass., with the exercises at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Rev. Sylvester F. Bucklin's ordination, as Pastor of said church > Part 6
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6. I proceed to give some account of the dealings of God with this people after my dis- mission. For several months, they were in a divided and unsettled state. Mr. Charles For- bush, received an invitation from the Church, and a minority of the Society, to become their Pastor, May 27th, 1833. In this invitation a minority of the Church and majority of the Society, did not concur. The friends of Mr. Forbush, being unwilling to relinquish him, withdrew from the Parish; assumed the name
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of The First Evangelical Congregational Society in Marlboro'; and commenced separate wor- ship, being excluded by law from the Meeting House. Mr. Forbush was ordained Aug. 21, 1833.
In March 1833, a Committee of the First Parish applied to me to supply their pulpit for one year. This I consented to do, with the hope that after mature deliberation, a reunion of the Church and Societies would take place. In this, I was not disappointed; for in less than a year a proposition was made by mem- bers of the first Parish for a re-union. On March 12th, 1834, a Council met at the request of the two Societies, to consider the expediency of dismissing their present Pastor, Rev. C. Forbush. The result of this Council was his dismission on the 26th of the same month, having remained here only seven months.
March 19, 1834, another Council was con- vened at the request of the two Societies, together with the members of the Churches worshipping with each, to give advice and to adjust the difficulties existing between them. The result of this Council was an amicable adjustment of all difficulties, and the presenta- tion of a petition to the Legislature to incor-
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porate the two Societies into one,-to be called the Union Society. The request of the peti- tioners was granted. Another Council was soon after called to give advice and to recommend terms of union between the two Churches. This was eminently successful in re-uniting them in the bonds of peace and fellowship. It is believed that nothing has since occurred to render the name Union Church and Society inappropriate.
In Oct. 1834, the Church invited the Rev. Joseph Fuller to become their Pastor; but he returned a negative answer.
In the Spring of 1836, the Society voted to take down the large Meeting House and erect a new one on the same site, of more suitable dimensions. This House was dedicated Sept. 15, 1836. In the same year, Mr John N. Goodhue received an invitation to become Pas- tor of this Church and Society, and was ordained as such, May 4, 1837. He was re- moved by death after a ministry of three and a half years. His removal was a heavy bereave- ment. Mr. Goodhue was a man of great prom- ise. He possessed a rare combination of those traits of character, which were calculated to render him a useful and successful minister of
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Christ. He was much endeared to his people, and will long be affectionately and gratefully remembered by them.
In 1840, Mr. Joseph A. Saxton was invited to settle in this place, but declined. The same year, Mr. George E. Day received a call from this Church and Society and was ordained December 2. After a pastorate of seven years, he was invi- ted to the Edwards Church in Northampton, and was dismissed December 23, 1847.
Rev. David L. Ogden accepted an invitation to become the Pastor of this people. He was installed April 26, 1848, and dismissed July 23, 1850. There were causes which operated to render his ministry unhappy to himself and his people. He was settled upon the injudi- cious plan of "six months notice." After his dismission, the pulpit was supplied from August 1, 1850 to April 1853 by Rev. Geo. Den- ham. In 1852, the Society voted to paint their Meeting House, and make all necessary repairs. This they did at an expense of more than one thousand dollars. When completed and ready for use, the House with its Organ, Clock, Bell and Books, was consumed by fire. This occurred early in the evening of November 10, 1852, and whether accidental or occasioned by
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the torch of the incendiary, is unknown. There was only a small insurance on the House. This loss was viewed as a great calamity by some, and with despondency, but the Society soon resolved that the House of the Lord should be rebuilt. " They had a mind to work ;" and the commodious House in which we are now assembled, was erected the next year, at an expense exceeding ten thousand dol- lars. The excellent bell which notifies us of the hour of worship, was presented to the Soci- ety by the late Dea. David Goodale. The clock which adorns the gallery of the orches- tra, was presented by a member of this Church, Nicholson B. Proctor, Esq., this being the sec- ond gift of the kind from the same benevolent individual. The clock in the Vestry was giv- en by Dea. Wm. Stetson. Both organs which have discoursed sweet music to us, were pro- cured by subscriptions from the ladies and gen- tlemen in the Society.
On the 30th of May 1853, Mr. Levi A. Field received an invitation to become the Pastor of this Church and Society. He gave an affirma- tive answer, and his Ordination and the Dedi- cation of the Church took place, August 31, 1853.
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Thus it appears that Rev. Mr. Field is my fifth successor in the ministry in this place. Two of these have long since finished their labors on earth and entered upon the rewards of the just. . This people have been under the discipline of Divine Providence, and joy and sorrow have followed each other in quick succession. They have passed through many trying scenes ; their fondest hopes have been blasted ; their brightest prospects, cut off ; yet they can truly say that light has arisen out of darkness, good out of apparent evil, and that events which seemed adverse, have been so overruled by Divine Providence as to promote their highest good.
7. Many improvements have been made dur- ing the period now under review. When I came to this town fifty years ago, most of the houses were unpainted, floors uncarpeted, and rooms but dimly lighted. Now we seldom see a house unpainted, or an uncarpeted floor, and in some of our dwellings, the darkness of night is turned into day by the brilliant gas-light. The huge fire-place and settee within it which would accommodate one-half of the family, have given place to the neat grate, stove, fur- nace, or steam apparatus. Great improvements
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have been made in roads, carriages, and modes of transportation. The first rail-road in this country was built less than fifty years since. Now these roads are common everywhere, and we have more than enough in this place. There have been improvements made in our burial grounds. A pleasing change has taken place within a few years, but there is still room for a much greater change in this place.
The facilities enjoyed by the youth of both sexes for the acquisition of knowledge, have greatly increased. The systems of education in our common schools and higher seminaries have changed. Female Seminaries have been established within the last twenty-five years. Colleges have greatly increased within fifty years. At the commencement of this century there were but twenty-five, now there are more than one hundred and twenty-five Colleges and Universities. We have now more than forty Theological Institutions, twelve Law-Schools, and about forty Medical Schools.
There have been numerous scientific discov- eries and inventions during the last half cen- tury ; such as steam power, railway, and tele- graph. We have various labor-saving machines in almost all kinds of business. These are of
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great importance to the manufacturer, and agri- culturist, as one man can perform the labor of twenty or fifty men.
Some of our customs and habits have im- proved. Formerly, intoxicating liquors were freely used by all classes in the community. They were deemed necessary and indispensable for the laboring classes. They were used on joyous and on solemn occasions, at all social gatherings ; and it was considered a breach of hospitality not to present them to our friends. This practice has long since ceased in all good society, and we wonder that it ever prevailed. It is thought by many, that our progress has been retrograde in reference to family instruc- tion and government ; to obedience and respect to parents and superiors. The change is lamen- table, and should lead parents seriously to inquire into the cause of this departure from the example of our fathers. The Sabbath is not as strictly observed as it formerly was, and many now make it a holiday.
8. I will next mention some of the changes which have taken place among us during the last fifty years. "One generation passeth away and another generation cometh." Instability is written upon all terrestrial objects. Man is
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not an exception. Every member of the Coun- cil at my Ordination has long since passed away. Few only who witnessed the services of that occasion, are among the living. Most of those who were active in my settlement are numbered with the dead. Only six heads of families, then married, are now living among us. Instead of the fathers are the children, and children's children.
The Church has not been exempt from the ravages of time. Its former officers, venerable for age and for piety, are gone ; and but one who was a member* of the Church when I became its Pastor, remains to testify to the faithfulness of her covenant God and Savior. Many who have since united with the Church have died.
Death has recently invaded our ranks, and called away an honored officer of this Church. Dea. David Goodale was the first person who proposed this celebration. He had important facts to communicate, unknown to others, and had his life been spared, he would have added greatly to the interest of the occasion. But God required his service in another part of his kingdom. We bless God that he was spared
*Mrs. Sarah Stowe.
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so long to his family, and to this Church and Society, and that he was permitted to do so much for its establishment and prosperity.
The members of " The Marlboro' Associa- tion," with which I was connected, with one exception,* have ceased from their labors. Many who succeeded them have been removed by death, or have gone to other fields of labor.
It is believed that no Orthodox Congrega- tional minister in this County, has been settled in one place fifty years, who now has the sole charge of a people. There are in the State, eight or nine Congregational clergymen, who were settled fifty years since, who still hold the Pastoral office, though in most cases they have colleagues, and are released from service. The number in New England who have remained half a century in one place, and are still in active service, is small. If we look among men of other professions-among statesmen who have been most distinguished for their useful- ness, we shall see that great changes have taken place. Men may be exalted in station, in honor, and trust, but death invades their ranks and lays them low in the dust. " I have said ye are gods, but ye shall die like men."
*Rev. John B. Wight, of Wayland.
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9. The condition of our country and some important events which have taken place within the last fifty years, demand a passing notice. Our country during this period has been unpar- alleled in its increase of wealth and numbers ; in its progress in the arts and sciences ; and in efforts to improve the condition of the race. Many benevolent societies have com- menced their operations during the present cen- tury. Successful efforts have been made to carry civil, intellectual, and christian culture, into Asia, Africa, and the Islands of the sea. Much has been done to remove social and moral evils, and to purify the fountains from whence they sprang. Many philanthropists have arisen, whose lives and labors have been devoted to human welfare. They have been stars in the moral firmament, and have shed their radiance far and wide. Their names and their deeds will long be remembered, and transmitted as a rich legacy to posterity.
Widely different has been the condition of Europe, during the last fifty years. While we have enjoyed almost uninterrupted peace and prosperity, the old world has been engaged in war and blood-shed. Nations have risen and fallen ; empires have been lost and won ; kings
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and emperors have been dethroned ; conquest has followed conquest; and blood has flowed freely as water, to gratify the ambitious pur- poses of men. But these revolutions we believe have given an impulse to the cause of liberty ;- have led men to understand more perfectly their rights and their duties. It is only through suffering, that nations as well as individuals, are prepared for the acquisition, appreciation, and enjoyment of the greatest blessings. But
there are two events which remain to be men- tioned, which distinguished the year 1858. First, the Atlantic Telegraph. This is the greatest enterprise of the age, and promises the happiest results, whether viewed in a commer- cial, political, or religious aspect. Only a few of the benefits of this achievement can at pres- ent be conceived. God will reveal them to us in due time. The other event to which I refer, is the extensive Revival of Religion, which has pervaded our land. This has been most em- phatically a year of the right hand of The Most High-one of surpassing interest to the Church and to the world. God has revealed his love and power in glorious manifestation as never before known. With no special means em- ployed; without exciting influences to awaken
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feeling ; the word of God has gone forth in the silent majesty of truth, conquering and to con- quer. Its trophies have been multipli d all over the land, from every class, condition. and character. The Spirit of God has wrought these wonders of mercy and grace. To Him be all the praise.
In reviewing the past, I feel that I have great reason for gratitude to God, that my life has been prolonged; for the health I have enjoyed, and for other distinguishing favors. I feel grateful that I have been permitted to preach the gospel of Christ, and as I humbly trust, not wholly without effect. Although I lament my many deficiencies, I rejoice that I have not labored in vain. I review with pleas- ure the system of doctrines and duties which I preached, and believe them the same which were taught by Christ and his apostles. They are the only doctrines which God has promised to bless to the saving benefit of man. They
have been increasingly precious to me since the commencement of my ministry, and were I permitted to commence again, I should endeavor to preach substantially the same truths, and enforce them by the same motives. I rejoice that the gospel is still preached in its purity
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and in great faithfulness in this place. So may it ever continue to be, and become " the power of God unto salvation" to multitudes yet unborn.
It has been said (and with some truth I fear) that dismissed ministers make the most trou- blesome parishioners. It is with satisfaction that I can appeal to each of my successors now living, to prove that there are exceptions to this remark.
The intercourse between them and myself, and between our families, has always been most cordial and friendly, and I have endeavored to co-operate with them in advancing the cause of Christ.
I would gratefully acknowledge the kindness and respect shown by this people to myself and family; their sympathy in seasons of sorrow: it has been a balm for our wounds, and a cor- dial for our tears. It has greatly endeared them and our home to us, and my heart's desire and prayer to God is, that they may be rewarded an hundred fold, and inherit everlasting life.
This Church and people have great occasion for gratitude to God. You have not been led by a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night ; but the hand of Providence is conspicuous in every period of your history, especially during the last half century. In that time you have expe-
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rienced numerous changes : some joyful, others sorrowful : you have been tried with prosperity, and with adversity; but all these trials have been overruled for your good. God has been your Leader and Guide. He has led you in the right way. You have been greatly blessed in enjoying the uninterrupted ministration of the gospel for so many years. You and your children, have had opportunity to avail your- selves of its inestimable blessings.
Few persons have been so highly favored : few have enjoyed so much external prosperity. This has never been greater than it is at the present time. Remember then all the way in which the Lord has led you, and let this remem- brance lead you to the exercise of love, grati- tude, and obedience.
To conclude, Brethren and Friends, I con- gratulate you on your present prosperous con- dition ; on being blessed with an efficient min- istry ; with the constant preaching of the gospel, and with other means of spiritual cul- ture; with the success which has attended them, accompanied by the influences of the Holy Spirit. The contrast between your pres- ent and former condition, is to me, most strik- ing. You have not only increased in numbers, but as I believe, in spirituality. You are more
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deeply rooted and grounded in the truth. and possess more as I trust of the requisite qualifi- cations for the Heavenly Inheritance. See to it, that you do not forget the Author of all your blessings ; that you suitably appreciate and wisely improve the price put into your hands, for getting wisdom.
The years roll on; and with us, they soon pass away. How few of those who worshipped with us fifty years ago now survive, and how few now present will live to see the close of this century. Soon, risen and succeeding genera- tions will tread upon our ashes, as we have trod- den upon the ruins of departed years. Soon shall we all pass away like a dream and be for- gotten : soon Eternity will be present with all its realities.
What then is our wisdom ? To hearken to the voice of God; to "fear Him and keep His commandments." If we receive instruction from Him and obey Him, we shall obtain the great object of life ; a part in the resurrection of the just ; a part which will survive the rav- ages of Time and Death, and the wreck of worlds ; and which will secure for us a dwell- ing place "in the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
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APPENDIX.
It will be proper in this connection, to give a brief sketch of the circumstances which led to this celebration, and also of the order of exercises on that day. Early in the year 1858, the following Paper was presented to Rev. Mr. Bucklin, signed by forty four of the leading members of this Society.
" REV. S. F. BUCKLIN :
Dear Sir,-The second day of November next, will complete half a century, since you were ordained as pas- tor of this church and people. Though a number of years have elapsed since you retired from the active duties of the ministry, still you have from time to time discharged the functions of the sacred office; and occasionally you have filled the place of a pastor and teacher among us- administering the sacred ordinances, and mingling with us in scenes of joy and sorrow. We are unwilling that an anniversary of so much interest to us and to you, should pass over, without some proper notice of the event, and without giving us occasion to manifest to you our personal regard. We, therefore, the undersigned, in accordance with what we believe to be the unanimous wish of this Church and Society, invite you to meet us on that day, and give us some reminiscences of the last fifty years, and receive from us some token of affectionate interest and esteem."
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Mr. Bucklin having signified his willingness to comply with their request, a committee was chosen, consisting of Dea. David Goodale, Dea. William Stetson, Stephen Morse, Esq., Mr. Dwight Witt, and Mr. William Wilson, to make arrangements for celebrating the day. As the annual State election occurred on the second day of the month, the exercises of this occasion were deferred to the third day of November, when a large audience assembled from this and the adjoining towns, completely filling every part of the church. The order of exercises on the occa- sion was as follows :
Voluntary on the Organ. Singing,-Anthem for Easter. " The Lord is risen indeed. Hallelujah." Invocation and Reading of the Scriptures, By Rev. W. A. Houghton. Singing,-121st Psalm 3d pt (Church . Psal. ) Tune, Lenor. 'To God I lift mine eyes." Prayer,-By Rev. J C. Webster. Singing,-575 Hymn-Tune, Confidence. " Thou, Lord, through every changing Scene." Sermon,-By Rev. S. F. Bucklin. Prayer,-By Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D. Singing,-685 Hymn-Tune Old Hundred. " Eternal God ! I bless Thy name." (The whole Congregation united in singing this Hymn.) Benediction,-By Rev. Dr. Allen.
At the close of the religious services, the congregation resumed their seats to witness the following ceremony. The table in front of the pulpit had been tastefully orna- mented with flowers, and in the center of it stood a beau- tiful Silver Pitcher, bearing the following inscription :
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To REV. SYLVESTER F. BUCKLIN, Ordained as Pastor of the First Church and Society in Marlborough, Nov. 2d, 1808, Presented by his Friends and Former Parishioners, as a token of their respect and affection, Nov. 2d, 1858.
The Pitcher was presented to Mr. Bucklin, at the re- quest of the Committee of Arrangements, by the pastor of the Church, and in doing it, he addressed him as follows :
REVEREND AND RESPECTED SIR :
Before we separate on this occasion, your friends and former parishioners wish to present you with some substantial token of their regard. The hours of this day will soon be gone. The friends who have gathered here to meet you will return to their homes, and this season will live only in the memories of those who have shared its festivities. But we wish to leave behind us some more enduring memorial of the scenes of this hour ; something that shall outlast the present, and out- live the generation of your early companions who are so rapidly passing away ; something that shall remain when you are gone, and be eloquent to those who come after you of the respect and affection which greet you here to-day.
It is the wish of the Committee of Arrangements, that I should present to you this testimonial ; and also that I should express in their behalf the sentiments which this community feel towards you, and which prompt them to this act. And you well know, Sir, why this duty devolves
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on me, and not on another. You well know that I occupy a place which another was expected to fill, who, alas, is with us no longer. It is the only shadow which darkens the gladness of this occasion, that he should be absent who had so long anticipated and labored for it; who had known you well for half a century ; and who was prepared to speak of your upright and consistent course, and your claims to our affectionate regard. It was almost the only earthly enterprise which he had planned but was not per- mitted to complete ; the thought of it haunted him by day and by night, in health and in sickness; and it is strange indeed, that he should come so near to this occa- sion which he had so long desired to see, and yet die with- out the sight. But of the sentiments, or remembrances, or congratulations which he wished to express, we know noth- ing ; he has died and made no sign ; and all those treas- ured memories must be reserved for the companionship of the skies.
It is a pleasant fact that the mind so readily loses the unpleasant features of the period through which it has passed. The dark scenes fade from the memory and the bright ones only remain. Those which were full of dis- couragement and perplexity, will brighten with the lapse of time, and finally appear serene and peaceful amid the gathering mists of years. And it is our wish to recall only such scenes as you would love to remember ; to bury eve- rything which might seem unpleasant or unfriendly ; to bridge over every chasm which may have been created ; and to link back this day, to the second day of November of half a century ago. There are some things, Sir, which we cannot change. We cannot bring back the friends of your youth. We cannot remove the impress which years have
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left upon your frame We cannot efface the inscriptions which time has written upon your forehead. We cannot change the silver light of those grey hairs which are whitening into a crown of glory. But we can gather around you with words of cordial welcome which will make your heart feel young again, and which will bring back into your thoughts the pleasant memories of buried years.
We extend to you, Sir, our kindest and warmest wel- come. We congratulate you on the signs of affectionate regard, which are manifest around you. We bless God that he has spared your life to see this day Only a few live to the close of half a century of ministerial service ; and fewer still, after having retired for a quarter of a cen- tury from the active duties of the ministry, are met with so many tokens of affection as meet you on this occasion. We all know how liable a minister, in leaving his profes- sion, is, to sink in the estimation of the community at large. But your course, I rejoice to say, has been such as to command the respect of all classes. You have always been a peace-maker ; you have ever sought to promote the best interests of this church and people; you have always been a pastor to these families whenever they needed your assistance; you have shared their joys, sympathized in their sorrows, and in times of sore bereavement, your heart ·has gone down with them into the graves of their dead. And your successors in the ministry have always found in you a firm friend and an active assistant, and some of us have found you a father in counsel and in kindness; but never have we had reason to feel that you sought to injure our influence or counteract our usefulness.
We bless God therefore, not only for the fruits of your
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active ministry, but also for the christian example of your retired ministry. I know whereof I affirm in these state- ments, and I rejoice to bear this testimony which is just and true. This case deserves to be held in honorable and lasting remembrance, as one instance, where a retired min- ister has not only retained, but has increased and deep- ened the respect and affection of his people. Your course, Sir, has been a living witness for the cause of Christ and will not soon be forgotten. And we rejoice that we are permitted this day to give you the pleasing evidence that we appreciate the nobleness and consistency of your life.
And not you Sir, only, do we welcome on this occasion of rejoicing. You come not here alone. We rejoice that she too is spared to see this day-the companion of almost half a century,-the sharer of your joys, your trials, and your hopes,-she, who has borne by your side the heat and burden of the day, and whose presence as wife and mother has cheered your home so long. We welcome you both to this season of social gladness and festivity. The fathers and the mothers; the grey haired sires and the little chil- dren; the young men and maidens, rise up to greet you and to welcome you here.
You will see here only a few of those faces which you looked upon fifty years ago. Instead of the fathers. are the children. Here and there is one whose silver locks remind us of three-score years and ten, and perhaps four- score years : but almost the whole generation has passed away, and now they sleep by the sepulchres of their fath- ers. Those, who then presi.lcd over these households and welcomed you to their firesides, have lett their names and their places to those on whom you set the seal of the Cov-
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enant in their infant years. You have stood by the dying beds of these fathers and mothers ; your prayers and words of consolation have strengthened their faith and hope; you have followed them down into the valley of death, and have caught the last farewell from those now sainted lips. No, Sir, these families do not remain the same unbroken groups as yo fo ind them; and it is for your sym- pathy in their trials, for the kindness with which you stayed the trembling steps of aged parents as they went down to the grave, that the children now rise up and bless you.
And your own beloved family circle has not been passed over. The darkness of the shadow of death has rested upon your houscholl, and left there the traces of loss and sorrow. As I recall that catalogue of names so familiar to your ear, and so deeply engraven on your memory, I find that they are not all here ; no, not all. As you gather that group around you to-day, to give them a father's bene- diction ; you will find some vacant seats, some silent voices, some haunting remembrances of vanished forms, which come no more to greet you. No, Sir, you are not all here ; you never can be all here again ; you must hence- forth remain a broken band, a divided family, until you all rest side by side with yonder generations of sleeping dust.
But time is passing, and I may not linger. This testi- monial, which we desire to present you, we hope will be acceptable of itself. and still more acceptable from the feelings which go with it. It has not been obtained by a few liberal contributions, but by the individual gifts of a large number. I speak not therefore for the few, but for the many ; the whole community feels an interest in it ; it is the united and unanimous expression of this whole people, of the manner in which they respect and cherish
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you. It is full of their warmest wishes and earnest prayers for your future welfare, and the fondest hopes that your life may be continued yet long among us in the beau- ty and freshness of a green old age. And finally, when the silver cord shall be loosed and the golden bowl shall be broken; when the pitcher shall be broken at the foun- tain, and the wheel be broken at the cistern,-may it come upon you so gently, that you shall go down to your rest like a shock of corn fully ripe in its scason, and ripe too for the rewards and the glories of eternal life beyond.
In the name then of these your friends and former parishioners, I now present you this testimonial of their sincere and affectionate regard. Receive it, Sir, I entreat you, as a freewill offering of our hearts-as only a feeble expression of the respect we so deeply feel. Let it always be present at your family gatherings ; let it ever adorn your festive board ; let it gladden all the scenes of your future rejoicing ; and let it go down to your children, and to your children's children, as a token of the respect and affection which we cherish for their father.
Mr. Bucklin, in receiving the Pitcher, made the follow- ing response :
Permit me, Dear Sir, through you, to express to my friends my obligations for this unexpected testimonial of their friendship and respect. They need not be told that this day is one of deep and tender interest to me ; that it brings fresh to my recollection events that have transpired since my residence among them-various scenes of joy and sor- row in which we have mutually participated-when we have rejoiced with those who rejoice, and wept with those who wept. And, Sir, it is peculiarly gratifying to me to
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know, that some of my carly friends still remember me, and are disposed to cast the mantle of charity over my many imperfections, and to speak words of affection and kindness concerning me; and that later friends have aris- en, taking the places of those who have passed away, who are disposed to manifest the same friendly feelings.
Nothing earthly gives such a charm to life, such a solace and support under trials, as to know that we enjoy the affection and confi lence of those among whom we dwell. During the years of my ministry, I enjoyed the respect and esteem of an affectionate people. But alas ! most of them have been called away. And now, after a quarter of a century had elapsed since my pastoral relation to this people had been dissolved, and I had mingled with them in the common transactions of life, that those who remain, in connection with a new generation that have grown up, should unite to make me this freewill offering, you may well suppose is truly gratifying. It is gratifying to know, that this is not the act of an individual, nor of a few special friends,-but that it is the act of earlier and later friends, of those within and those without this So- ciety.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I most cordially thank you for this testimonial of respect. I would assure you that I appreciate it for its intrinsic worth ; but especially as a token of affectionate and grateful remembrance. Of this, then, it shall ever be a memento to myself and to my wife, to my children and to my children's children. And now my friends, may we all fill up life with duty and fidelity in our several stations, that we may all be so unspeakably happy as to be gathered to our Father in peace, and with the joyful hope of a blessed immortality.
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I wish also to acknowledge on this occasion the recep- tion of another testimonial of kind remembrance. This beautiful Cane which I hold in my hand, has been pre- sented to me by Mr. John B. Clark and Brothers of Wor- cester, as a token of their personal regard. This gift I esteem very highly, because it comes from the descendents of pious ancestors who were members of my Church ; who were bright examples of piety, and whom I always regarded as my personal friends. The name of Clark will long continue to be a cherished name in this community. And I shall not soon forget, that your sainted Mother on her dying bed gave me a testimonial of her personal regard, by constituting me a life member of one of our most im- portant benevolent Societies.
Gentlemen, please accept my cordial thanks for this most appropriate gift-a staff for me to lean upon in my old age. Permit me to express a desire that you may walk in the footsteps of honored and pious ancestors; that the graces and virtues which adorned their characters may be copied into your own ; and that you may become followers of those who through faith and patience, have gone to inherit the promises.
At the close of these exercises, the congregation were all invited to repair to the vestries of the church, and partake of a collation. . This was provided by the younger mem- bers of the Society, who manifested both their taste and liberality in the arrangement and supply of the tables. The social interview which followed was a delightful fea- ture of the occasion. Opportunity was given for the renewal of friendships, which had been partially suspended by the separation of many years. And it was interesting
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to witness the greetings exchanged between former com- panions after years of absence ; between the revered Pastor and his many friends who had assembled from this and neighboring towns to meet and rejoice with him. Every person seemed to enter into the spirit of the occasion ; and every countenance, from the oldest to the youngest, was beaming with gladness. This part of the exercises was interspersed with excellent singing, and with interest- ing addresses, by Rev. Dr. Allen, Rev. Mr. Webster, Rev. Mr. Houghton, and also by Rev. Messrs. Alger, Day, and Wakefield-pastors of the different churches in this town. After several hours spent in this manner, the large assembly gradually dispersed, and thus closed the celebration of this Fiftieth Anniversary. And it is not too much to say, that this church has not for many years, if ever, witnessed a more interesting occasion. The event reflects honor alike on the respected former Pastor, and on the people who so freely and generously offered to him these tokens of their regard.
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APR 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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