USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hanover > History and records of the First Congregational church, Hanover, Mass., 1727-1865, and inscriptions from the headstones and tombs in the cemetery at Centre Hanover, Mass., 1727-1894. Being volume I of the church and cemetery records of Hanover, Mass > Part 13
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1802. May 2d Dismist & recommended wife of Elisha CURTIS, Junr to ye chh. in New Salem in New Hampshire
1825. March 4 Voted that Ezekiel TURNER, Benjamin BASS and Sarah CLARK be suspended from the fellowship and commun- ion of this church for the space of three months.
November 16 Voted that Brother Ezekiel TURNER and Sister Sarah CLARKE be excommunicated from the fellowship and communion of this Church.
A request was communicated to the Church from Sister Mary TOLMAN requesting to be dismissed from this Chh. and recom- mended to the Chh. in Boston under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Jenks.
Voted to grant the request.
1826. April 3 Mary PERRY wife of Joshua : removed to the Chh. in ......
1828. August I Nancy CUSHING of Situate dismissed and recom- mended to the Rev. Mr. Jewett's church Situate
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ORIGINAL RECORDS.
1829. August 7 Mrs. Meletiah CHADWICK (relict of Revd) letter to the chh. of New Bedford care of Rev. Mr. Holmes.
December 26 Grace F. SMITH was commended in usual form to the church in Edgartown, M. Vineyard.
1830. March 14 Mrs. Elizabeth RAMSDEL of Weston dismissed to the church in that place
November 5 Voted that the Widow Polly MANN be excommunicated from this church
1834. January [last Friday of] Voted that Jane MERIAM be cut off from the Church in going to the Baptists without consulting with the Chh. and neglecting to give the church satisfaction until she manifest true repentance and return with sincere confession of her violations of covenant.
January [last Friday of] At a regular meeting on 1833 the case of Joshua DWELLEY was considered whereupon it appeared that he had embraced the heresy of Universalism and refused to listen to the admonitions or regard the labor of the brethren with him.
Voted that he be cut off from the watch & fellowship of the Chh.
October ** Roxana NYE dismissed to a Presbyterian chh. in Cin- cinnati, O.
1836. August 7 By vote of the church Elizabeth TORREY and Bashua DAWS recommended to the watch and fellowship of the church of Christ in North Yarmouth, Me.
1838. June 15 Mrs. Lydia F. P. BAKER: by letter of recommenda- tion to 3rd Cong. Church in Abington
1841. June 4 Voted to give Brother Joshua PERRY a hearing in relation to his case, he having had a controversy with the Church in relation to certain points of doctrine and practice growing mostly out (of) his doctrinal views and the church after a series of meetings without satisfying him, having voted to postpone indefinitely the whole affair whereupon he withdrew from the Parish and from meetings & fellowship of the church for some months. He having expressed a desire to appear before the church, the church voted as above.
June 11 Church held a meeting to hear bro. Joshua PERRY who again brought before them his old controversy with some additional views.
170
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
July 2 Church conference. Mr. PERRY continued his remarks.
July 30 Church meeting. Mr. PERRY again labored on his points of doctrine and practice.
September 3 Church meeting. Mr. PERRY appeared again on the same subject : adjourned to meet on the 17th inst.
September 17 Church met. Bro. PERRY again before the Church.
Voted that Deacons Barstow & Cook & bro. E. Bass be a commit- tee to look after any persons who have neglected to support gospel institutions & to attend public worship and any other cases that require discipline.
December 31 Church met. The comee on cases of discipline reported in part that they had labored with Bro. Joshua PERRY who in their opinion had embraced heretical opinions in relation to the agency of God and the doctrine of Regeneration & Sanc- tification by the efficient agency of the Holy Ghost & the doct- rine of the atonement and who had also neglected gospel ordinances & fellowship with this church.
Voted that Mr. Perry be cited to appear before the chh. to answer to the above charges on Jan. 29, 1842.
1842. January 29 At a regular meeting of the Church bro.
Joshua Perry appeared and after some discussion the report of the committee was recommitted with instruction to obtain in writing from Mr. Perry a precise statement of the dif- ference between him and the church in relation to the doctrines on which he is charged with heresy.
March 4 At a regular meeting the church received the re- port of the com'ee on Mr. Perry's case. The report did not contain a precise statement of the difference of belief but only an asseveration in general terms that he had never to his knowl- edge denied the doctrines as held by the church. The church after considering the subject at some length
Voted that in view of the favorable indications of revival to suspend the farther consideration of Mr. Perry's case for three months.
June 3 At a regular meeting the chh. resumed the considera- tion of Mr. J. Perry's case. He was questioned in relation
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ORIGINAL RECORDS.
to his belief of the work of the Holy Spirit. He affirmed that conversion was affected only by moral power which he de- fined to be the truth and the character of God combined and because the spirit has revealed the truth he may therefore be said to renew sinners. He was requested to state also why he had forsaken the ministrations of the word in this place and neglected to support gospel institutions. He affirmed that the church had no right to require him to come to the Lord's Sup- per. He affirmed also that he had lost his confidence in the Pas- tor. After considerable discussion it was
Voted to adjourn to Tuesday the 7th inst.
June 7 The church met according to adjournment. The case of Mr. Joshua Perry came again under consideration after prayer by the Pastor. The church, after a protracted discussion and consideration of the whole subject,
Voted to appoint brethren Dea. Cook, John C. Wilder and Elisha Bass, a committee to consider and report what action the church should take in relation to it.
The Committee reported as follows : "Whereas brother Joshua Perry has embraced sentiments essentially different from the confession of faith adopted by this church ; and whereas he has absented himself from the communion of the church and refuses to submit to the regular discipline of the church in con- fessing his faults, and making Christian satisfaction for them as he has covenanted to do." Therefore : Resolved that brother Joshua Perry be no longer considered a member of this church un- less he confess his errors and faults and return to its commun- ion within three months.
The report upon motion was adopted as the final action of the chh. 5 to 2 and one member not voting.
After prayer by Dea. Cook the meeting was dissolved.
July I At a regular church meeting the Comm'ee on Disci- pline entered a complaint against bro. William CHURCH for hav- ing for nearly two years forsaken the public worship of God and refusing to support the gospel with this church. The committee stated that they had labored with bro. Church without getting satisfaction and that he persisted in maintaining his position con- trary to his covenant obligations :
172
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
Voted that bro. Wm. Church be cited to appear and answer to the charge brought against him.
July 29 Church met according to adjournment. Bro. Wm. Church's case was taken up for consideration. He refused to appear to answer to the citation but sent a communication in which he shifted the issue between him and the church : where- upon bro. Isaac Cook was appointed a committee to wait upon him and explain to him the views of the church in relation to his communication and endeavor to induce him to appear. Bro. Cook reported that he had labored in vain. After considerable discussion the church adjourned, after requesting the pastor to seek an interview with him.
September 2 The church met. Bro. Church remained con- tumacious. The Pastor reported that he had in company with Dea. J. Cook sought an interview with him but found him unchanged in his purposes and unable to give any reasonable satisfaction. After much discussion it was
Moved and carried that at the end of three months bro. William Church be considered no longer a member in fellowship with this church unless he shall within that time manifest repentance for his faults and make suitable confessions.
December 30 Voted that Bro. Rufus Bates be cited to appear be- fore the church and justify (if he can) his general course for two or three years past.
1843. February 3 At a regular meeting of the church the case of bro. Rufus BATES was considered in relation to the fol- lowing charges :
Ist. Withholding support from the gospel ministry in the church.
2nd. Neglecting to attend on the preaching of the gospel and "other meetings of the church."
Bro. Bates had been cited to appear and give satisfaction. He did not appear. After much discussion of his case the church
Voted that Rufus Bates be and hereby is excluded from the commun- ion and fellowship and privilege of this church. Dea. Cook was re- quested to inform him of the doings of the church.
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173
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
March 3 The church met for prep. lecture & conference. The Committee of Discipline, Reported that they had com- menced labor with bro. Albert STETSON "for neglect of the gos- pel & its institutions in this church." They had taken the first and second step but they had not gained their brother therefore they " told it to the church."
Whereupon voted that Bro. Albert Stetson be cited to appear be- fore the church to answer for himself. Bro. Monro was requested to notify him.
March 31 At a regular meeting of the church the case of bro. Albert Stetson was considered. He was not present but a communication from him was rec'd and after much discussion & consideration of its reasons it was unanimously
Voted That the church are not satisfied the reasons assigned are a sufficient justification for an entire disregard on his part of all cove- nant obligations, i.e. in the church and that his case be deferred to the next meeting.
May 5 At a regular meeting of the church the case of bro. Albert Stetson was again considered. As he did not appear he was viewed as contumacious but in regard to the desires of some of the brethren it was
Voted that his case be deferred to the next conference.
June 2 The church met in regular church meeting. The case of bro. Albert Stetson was again under consideration. The Pastor read a second communication from him and after consid- ering it it was
Voted to send bro. Chamberlin to request his attendance & hear the church who reported that Bro. Stetson still refused to appear be- fore the church.
Whereupon after still further discussion and deliberation it was
Voted nem. con. "Whereas, bro. Albert Stetson has neglected the gospel and its institutions in this church and refuses to confess his fault and make Christian satisfaction, therefore, resolved that his con- nection with this church be and hereby is dissolved."
N.B. Bro. Bass was requested to communicate this vote to him.
174
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
1845. June 9 Sister Ann S. HATCH was dismissed to unite with Rev. Dr. D. Tappan's Church in North Marshfield, prior to this date.
1847. December 31 Voted that Bro. Benjamin MONRO at his own request be dismissed and recommended to the church in Scituate.
1854. March 10 William Copeland
Sarah Sylvester
Ebenr B. Howland
Julia A. Turner
James Turner
Huldah F. Sampson
Alfred C. Garratt
Martha A. Sylvester
Isaac M. Wilder
Lucinda Copeland
Robt Sylvester, 2nd
Ruth Wilder
James T. Tolman
Geo. W. Eells
Lucy Copeland
Wm. T. Lapham
Marcy B. Fells Leml Freeman
Priscilla Eells
Robert Sylvester
Charles F. Bowman Diana Freeman
Daniel E. Damon
Lucinda Wilder
Mary Tolman
Mary Bates
Rhoda Ford
Jane Copeland
Abby W. Stockbridge Abby E. Barstow &
Sophia A. Holmes Christiana Clark : were dismissed to be organized into a Trinitarian Cong. Church at The " Four Corners" and when so organized they will be considered no longer as members of this church.
1855. June 15 Voted to grant Mrs. Laura J. D. KING, daughter of Rev. Mr. Duncan a letter of dismission and recommenda- tion to the Congregational Church in North Aams at her own re- quest. The letter was forwarded by the care of her father.
December 16 The following is the copy of a letter of dismis- sion and recommendation of Mr. Benj. WATERMAN to the first Cong'l chh. in Scituate :
HANOVER, Feby 19, 1855.
The First Congregational Church in Hanover
To The First Cong'l Chh. in Scituate.
REV. AND BELOVED:
Bro. Benjamin Waterman a member of this church in regular standing, having requested a letter of dismission
ORIGINAL RECORDS. 175
and recommendation to you, the church have voted the same. When received by you his particular relation with us will be considered at an end.
ISAAC COOK, Dea.
Attest J. FREEMAN, Pastor.
December 17 The following is a note from the Rev. Mr. Wight, Pastor of the Cong'l chh. in Scituate :
"Bro. Benjamin Waterman of your church bro't a letter of dismis- sion from yr. ch. and recommendation to ours (last July). He handed the letter to me but has not been present at our church meet- ings & so it has not been acted upon. As he has removed back to H. to reside, I have supposed it proper to return the letter having found it agreeable to him.
A true copy : Attest J. FREEMAN, Pastor.
1858. April 11 Voted at the request of Bro. Benjamin S. Water- man to give him a letter of dismission and recommendation to the Congregational Church in Centre Abington.
July 2 The case of brother came up. Agreeable to the wish expressed by the chh. Bro. stated some things as he understood them. He said that he had done nothing wrong and read a paper signed by those who had accused him of tres- pass against them, in the presence of Perez Simmons, esqr. ex- culpating him of all blame, but as there are many conflicting reports the brethren thought it might be well to look into the matter further and consequently appointed a committee for this 1 purpose consisting of Dea. Isaac Cook, bros. Elisha Bass and Samuel S. Church.
July 27 Chh. met in conference. The committee chosen at the previous meeting July 2, were called to report on Bro. * case and they did so. After a free discussion and expression of feeling the following votes were passed :
Voted That we accept the report of our committee.
Voted That there is not sufficient evidence, to our minds, to sus- tain the charges brought against brother * *
Dea. Cook expressed the wish that if the committee were retained, to be excused from serving on the committee as the chh. did not perceive the necessity of a committee any further.
1
176
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
Voted That the committee be excused from further service.
The responsibility now seems to devolve upon each member to do what he can in the case; if he can get any more light on the subject or any valid evidence of bro : * * * being guilty to com- municate the same to the chh.
August 2 Chh met for business agreeable to notice given on the Sabbath Aug. Ist. Bro. * * * case was further attended to. Bro. Bass moved that we reconsider the vote passed at the last meeting to wit :
That there is not sufficient evidence to our minds to sustain the charges brought against bro. * Seconded by bro. Thayer.
After some discussion bro. Bass withdrew his motion for the purpose of adding an amendment :
Moved that whereas in the vote passed at the last meeting viz: there is not sufficient evidence to our minds to sustain the charges brought against brother * * * it was not designed to acquit bro. * * * and mistaken impressions have been received from it in some instances, we do hereby reconsider that vote : seconded by bro. Thayer, unani- mous vote.
Moved by bro. Chamberlin that a committee of three be chosen to attend to the further prosecution of the business before the church.
Voted that Bro. * be suspended from the communion of this chh. for one year, unless within that time he can give satisfaction to the chh.
At the end of one year, if not settled before, the case is to be called up for final action. This is the understanding of the chh. as expressed in their remarks though no formal vote was taken upon it specifically.
Voted. That the pastor communicate to bro: * * * the vote of his suspension from the communion of this chh. for one year &c.
[This communication was made to Bro : * the evening of the same day.
Attest. J. FREEMAN, Pastor :
1859. August 2 The doings of the Church on the case of brother * at the last meeting on it one year ago, were read. Very few members were present so that it was not ,
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ORIGINAL RECORDS.
deemed advisable to take any important and decisive action on the case at that time. The committee were desired to visit brother * * and confer with him on the whole matter before another meeting should be called.
Voted to adjourn to meet one week from next Saturday, 13th inst. at 3 o'clock P. M.
August 13. Church met for business according to adjourn- ment. Only three members of the church were present. A portion of scripture was read and prayer was offered by the pastor. The record of the meeting on the 2nd. inst. was read. Bro. Chamberlin stated that the committee (a part of them) had waited on brother since the last meeting. No action
was taken on bro: case because so few were present. Adjourned to meet on Monday next, 15th inst. at 3 o'clock P.M.
August 15. Church met according to adjournment a portion of Scripture was read and prayer offered by the Pastor. The record of the previous meeting was read : communications were made by the committee on Bro. * * * case. There were four brethren present. After expressing their views of the case they signified their readiness to proceed to take decisive action upon it. It was moved by Dea. J. Cook :
That whereas the charges brought against * * * a member of this church, have, in the minds of the church, been sustained, and he has failed to give satisfaction to the church by confession and repentance, he is hereby cut off from the communion and fellowship of the church.
The motion was seconded by Bro : Bass. The vote was unani- mous.
Voted that the Pastor communicate this vote to Mr.
Prayer was then offered by the Pastor: Adjourned without date.
1860. October 28 At the request of Mrs. Elizabeth T. HOUSE as she expects to remove her residence to Duxbury where she formerly lived
Voted that she have a letter of dismission and recommendation to the church in Marshfield of which Rev. Mr. Alden is pastor.
178
ORIGINAL RECORDS.
1861. January 6. A letter was read by the pastor from Mrs.
Lucia A. DEAN formerly Miss Duncan, daughter of for- mer pastor, asking dismission from this chh. to the chh. in East Taunton and recommendation to the same. Church voted to grant it.
August 6. Bro. Benj. WATERMAN was not received to the chh. in Abington: probably he did not attend to his letter as he ought and he has now applied for a letter to the Cong'l ch. in Scituate to which he formerly belonged. I now forward to Dea. Marshall Litchfield bro. Waterman's letter returned to this chh. Dec. 1855.
August 18. Bro. Benjamin WATERMAN returned to me through Dea. Cook his letter to the Chh. in Abington.
1865. April 13 A letter was read by the pastor from Bro.
John SYLVESTER & wife of Waverly asking dismission & recommendation to the First Cong'l chh. in Waverly & the chh. voted the same
November 5 After communion of the Lord's Supper the chh. stopped by request and the following letter was presented
FREETOWN, Oct. 31, '65
To the First Cong'l chh. in Hanover,
REV. & BELOVED.
Being desirous of uniting with the Cong. Chh. in Freetown (Assonet) we hereby request letters of dismission from you and of recommendation to said church.
Yours in the bonds of the Gospel.
A. G. DUNCAN for ALMIRA ESTES. A. G. DUNCAN.
The Church voted to grant the above requests.
December 10. The request of George CHAMBERLIN for letter of dismission and recommendation to the Cong'l Church in Mil- ford was presented and granted by unanimous vote.
CHAPTER VII.
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DEATHS ENTERED ON THE RECORDS OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1728-1867.
DEATHS After I (BENJA. BASS) came to town.
1727-28. July 24
Captain Joseph BARSTOW.
Josiah PALMER, senr.
Rebekah, the wife of Joseph PERRY.
Bradbury, the daughter of Abner DWELLY.
December 17 Mercy, the wife of Benja. BARSTOW. Mary, the wife of Meletiah DILLINGHAM.
1728-29. January 20 A child of Jabez JOSSLYN. February 12 Mercy, daughter to the widow HEFFORD of Pembrook. March 11 The child of Mr. Elijah CUSHING.
May I Luke son of Richard BUKER. May 2 Edmund BUKER : son-in-law to Samuel Witherly. June 28 Jonathan PRATT. July 9 An infant child of Matthew EASTICE. September 3 Ezekiel VINALL a child of about 6 months of age. September 21 Rebecca, wife of Joshua STAPLES. December 3 BUKER : a child. 1
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180
'ORIGINAL RECORDS.
1729-30. January 31 Susanna BARSTOW : widow : mother to Sam- uel Barstow.
June 14 Cæsar : a child : one of Deacon STOCKBRIDGE's slaves.
June 20 Mary, wife of Mr. Benjamin CURTIS, Senior.
September A child of Matthew EASTICE
October 11 Mary, the wife of Richard BUKER.
October 24 Samuel BARSTOW : the first chh. member that died in ye town.
October 30 Henery JOSSELYN : the oldest man in town for years to- gether.
October 31 Samuel PARRIS.
1730-31. February 18 Samuel, son of Samuel & Rebecca STAPLES.
February 25 Hanna, daughter of Samuel & Rebecca STAPLES.
March 27 A child of William & Honour TORY.
April 7 Charles STOCKBRIDGE.
June 15 . child of John and Juel DILINGHAM.
July 14 Bathshua, wife of Ezekiel TURNER.
July 27 Desire, daughter of Ezekiel and Tabitha VINAL.
A mulatto child of Jabez UTTER'S.
December 19 .... · daughter of James HATCH, Jr.
1731-32. January 31 Phobe, the wife of Meletiah DILINGHAM. February 10 David CAIN.
February 22 .. . daughter of Jonathan & Margaret PETER.
March 10 Rebecca, daughter of Josiah & . .... CURTIS.
April 8 Eunice Low.
April 22 A child of Matthew & EASTICE.
May 11 Thomas KENNEDY.
June 9 Mephibosheth DILINGHAM, son of Melatiah Dilingham. September 1 Abner DWELLY.
September 7 Joseph son of Benjamin & Martha MAN.
October 17 Margaret, wife of Deacon STOCKBRIDGE.
November 2 The widow Mary BRYANT : of a great age.
1732-33. January 16 James BARSTOW.
March 15 ... · daughter of Caleb & ...... BARKER.
March 27 Susanna, daughter of Thomas & Elizabeth WILKS.
April 19 .. · daughter of Joseph & Patience CORNISH.
April 25 A negro child of Joseph RAMSDALE.
May 7 David SYLVESTER.
June 6 Mehetable wife of Theophilus WITHEREL.
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ORIGINAL RECORDS.
July 18 Elizabeth wife of Thomas ELMORE.
September 19 Ezekiel VINAL.
October 15 Mary, wife of John STODDARD.
1733-34. January 10 John STODDARD : husband of ye woman last. recorded.
January 26 ... son of William & Hannah FORD.
March I Thankful, daughter of Benjamin & Martha MANN.
July 14 Jabez JOSSELYN.
August 3 Gideon STUDLEY.
December 12 Eli STETSON.
1734-35. March 13 Isaac, son of Isaac & Deborah LAMBERT. 1735-36. January 18 Deacon STOCKBRIDGE'S negro man Cuffy.
February I ... .. daughter of Joshua and Lydia STUDLEY.
March 4 A negro child belonging to Elijah CUSHING, esqr.
April. ...... RICCARDS of Pembroke.
May 26 Olive, daughter of Timothy & Sarah BAILY.
June 20 Josiah PALMER.
August 12. Elizabeth, daughter of William & Elizabeth GUILFORD.
1736-37. January A child of Samuel and Rebecca WITHERELL. February 15 John TAYLOR.
March 4 William CURTIS.
March 8 Japhet the son of Honour TOREY and servant of Mr. Rec- ompense TIFFANY : drowned.
March 10 Nathaniel TOREY, Junior.
May 29 The Widow NORTHY.
July 19 Hannah, daughter of Thomas & Faith ROSE. August 5 Gideon, son of John & Elizabeth STUDLEY.
September 2 Hannah North, daughter of Samuel & Hannah EELLS.
October 26 Sarah, daughter of Gideon & . . . . . . RAMSDALE.
December 5 Deborah, daughter of Joseph & Patience CORNISH. December 20 A child of John LOVE.
1737-38. January 21 Thomas, son of Clement and Agatha BATES February A negro of Mr. DILLY.
February 10 Lawrence CANE.
April 7 A son of Ruth SYLVESTER.
April 14 John FORD.
May 13 Sarah BARSTOW.
September 22 ...... a child of William & Hannah FORD. October 6 Nathaniel, son of Benjamin & Lillis STETSON.
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ORIGINAL RECORDS.
October 7 Mary, daughter of Nathan & Lydia BOURN.
1738-39. January 30 Hannah HOUSE.
February 13 Hannah STODDARD.
February A negro of Matthew EASTICE'S.
March 10 James, son of Robert and Margaret YOUNG : by scalding. March 28 Mercy WADSWORTH.
June 1 Margaret, daughter of Samuel & Margaret BARSTOW.
June 7 Lydia, relict of Nathan BOURN, who died at Sandwich about a fortnight before.
June 25 Experience, daughter of Joseph & Mary CURTIS. July 13 Naomi TURNER, widow.
August 4 Thankful OTIS.
August 12 daughter of William & Martha CURTISS.
September 22 ... son of Joshua and Mary STAPLES.
October 30 Sarah, an Indian woman.
November 19 Thomas, son of Seth and Elizabeth STETSON.
1739-40. March 21 Grace, daughter of Benjamin & Lillis STET- SON.
April 6. Joseph, son of Joseph & Mary RAMSDALE.
April 16 ...... son of Benjamin & Sarah BARSTOW.
April 22 Bachelor WING.
May 6. Lydia, daughter of Joshua & Lydia STUDLEY.
May 7 Deborah, daughter of Samuel & Deborah HOUSE.
May 8. Stephen, son of Joseph and Mary CURTIS.
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