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 4
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REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
of the pastor, that (in the language of Scripture) "there was a great calm." He could be severe if occasion required, yet his severity was tempered by a gentle dignity through it all, which conciliated as well as reproved.
The separation of the First Congregational Church and society was, in fact, a source of much grief to him, and while he had feelings of utmost kindness for the promoters of the measure, many of whom were his warm personal friends, yet it had great influence in saddening his declining years, and to the very last he could not speak of the event without emotion and regret. He re- joiced in the Godly succession of ministers over the old church, particularly in the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Allen. While he displayed much interest in the new Second Parish, yet his thoughts and affections seemed to centre in and revert to the ancient First Church, the home of his early love and care; and his remains now rest beside those of the wife of his youth in the old churchyard, near the beautiful new church edifice erected on the site of the venerable structure consumed by fire, in which old sanctuary they unitedly labored, mid joy and trial, smiles and tears for so many years, in the Master's work, until they "fell on sleep."
The ladies of the congregation erected a plain but beautiful tablet to the memory of his wife greatly beloved by them, at her grave, and his children placed a similar one at their father's grave, with this inscription on the same (as he directed shortly before his decease) "Simply to Thy Cross I Cling" ; and there in "God's Acre," with a great company of his parishioners and fellow-townsmen, whose funeral obsequies he performed, his body rests, near the beautiful burial lot of his beloved brother in another communion, Rev. Samuel Cutler, awaiting with him and them the resurrection dawn.
The church though considerably enfeebled, yet rallied, and at a regular meeting held Jan. 13th, 1855, in the meeting-house, presided over by Deacon Cook, invited REV. JOSEPH FREE- MAN, to become their pastor and teacher. Accordingly, Mr. Freeman came in answer to the call on the 21st of February,
REV. ABEL G. DUNCAN.
35
THIRD MEETING HOUSE.
and preached on the 25th the first sermon as pastor elect. On Sunday, March 11th, the Lord's Supper was administered, four- teen members of the church being present, and three from sister churches. "It was a good season." April 5th was observed as a day of public fasting, humiliation and prayer. A sermon was preached in the forenoon, and a social meeting was held in the afternoon. At the close of the service a meeting of the church and parish was called, and Elisha Bass, Josiah Chamber- lain and Deacon Cook were chosen a committee to call an ecclesiastical council for the purpose of installing Rev. Mr. Freeman as pastor of the church and society. Pursuant to let- ters missive from the First Congregational Church in Hanover, an ecclesiastical council convened in the meeting-house on Wednesday, April 18th, 1855, for the purpose of examining, and if judged expedient, of installing Rev. Joseph Freeman as pas- tor. The council was organized by the choice of Rev. Samuel L. Rockwood as moderator, and Rev. F. A. Fiske as scribe. The pastors and delegates present from the churches invited were as follows :
Hanson, Hingham,
Rev. Samuel L. Rockwood. Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Brother S. G. Bayley, Delegate.
Abington, Third Church, Rev. H. D. Walker.
Deacon P. Winslow, Delegate.
Hanover, Second Church, Rev. William Chapman. Brother George Eells, Delegate.
Frankfort, Me., First Congregational Church,
. Rev. S. H. Hayes.
Marshfield, Trinitarian Congregational Church, Rev. F. A. Fiske. Brother C. W. Macomber, Delegate.
A ministerial brother being present was invited to take part in the deliberations. The council were satisfied with the papers
36
REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
and examination, and Rev. Mr. Freeman was installed at 2 P. M. in the meeting-house, with the following public services :
I. Reading of Minutes by the Scribe.
2. Reading the Scriptures and Prayer by Rev. Charles Mor- gridge.
3, Sermon by Rev. S. H. Hayes.
4. Installing Prayer by the Scribe.
5. Charge to the Pastor by Rev. E. Porter Dyer.
6. Right Hand of Fellowship and Address to the People by Rev. H. D. Walker.
7. Concluding Prayer by Rev. E. P. Dyer.
8. Benediction by the Pastor.
Inasmuch as this was the last installation of a pastor over this church, it may be interesting to read the letter of invitation to be pastor, and the reply from Mr. Freeman.
HANOVER, Jan. 15, 1855.
Rev. Joseph Freeman,
Dear Sir: I am directed to communicate to you the follow- ing votes of the First Congregational Church and Society in this place. At a regular meeting of the church holden at their meeting-house on Saturday, the 13th inst., Voted, that we invite the Rev. Joseph Freeman to become the pastor and teacher of this church. At a regular meeting of the Society on the same day and place, Voted, that we unite with the church in extending an invitation to the Rev. Joseph Freeman to settle with us in the Gospel ministry. Voted, that we pay him six hundred dollars annually. The above votes were unanimous. I hope that you will accept our call, and come among us as soon as practicable. For the present we have engaged half of a large house near the meeting-house for you, until you can be better accommodated. Please answer as soon as possible.
ISAAC COOK.
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REV. MR. FREEMAN'S LETTER.
PROSPECT, ME., Feb. 6th, 1855.
Deaeon Joseph Cook, in behalf of the First Congregational Church and Society in Hanover, Mass .:
Dear Sir, -Your favor of the 15th ult., was duly received. A decided affirmative answer has been delayed until the present time, because it could not be properly given before I should know the results of an ecclesiastical council. The council con- vened to-day, and my pastoral relation with this people is now dissolved. I am happy to say that the short acquaintance I had with your brethren and friends gave me much pleasure, and I left feeling a cordial interest in them and their spiritual welfare. Your request has been made a subject of much thought and prayer to God for his blessing and guidance, for I desire to do what will be pleasing in his sight, and go only where He would have me. Without Him I can do nothing. Under a deep sense of my own weakness and want of conformity to Christ, I feel myself to be unfit for the responsible and holy office of one of His embassadors. But relying upon His grace and merciful presence, and trusting that I shall ever have the cordial co- operation and prayers of all who love His name, I have concluded to accept your call to the pastoral office. With respect to the compensation I accept your proposal, asking that you will grant me four or five Sabbaths annually for a vacation. I am pleased that you have provided accommodations for my family, and trust that we shall be happy in the enjoyment of them ; but you will permit me to express the wish that a parish house may be built as early in the summer as practicable. If nothing in the Provi- dence of God prevents me, I shall leave with my family, for Massachusetts next week; but may not supply your pulpit before the first Sabbath in March, subject, however, to your wishes. I shall then be ready for my installation at an early day as may seem desirable. Wishing you grace, mercy and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, I remain, in Christian affection, Yours,
JOSEPH FREEMAN.
38
REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
Mr. Freeman was born in Orrington, Me., the last day of December, 1814. His ancestors came from England and set- tled at Eastham, in this state. His parents were professed Christians. At the age of 19 he made a public profession of religion, and united with the Congregational Church in Orrington. His mind was then directed to the Gospel min- istry, and he came to consecrate himself and his life to that work. He was licensed to preach the Gospel, and was gradu- ated at Bangor Theological Seminary in 1842. He went imme- diately on a previous engagement to the Congregational Church in Strong, Maine, where he was ordained pastor in 1844; here he labored three years. He was then installed over the Con- gregational Church in Sandy Point (Stockton), Me., and re- mained nine years. From that place he came to Hanover, where he lived and labored until July 26th, 1869, when he was dismissed by a mutual council. When he was installed pastor there were 14 male members and 43 female, making a total of 57. With his ministry he began to record the times when the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered and the num- ber of members present. June 15th, Rev. Mr. Duncan was present at the regular church meeting. It was voted to grant Mrs. Laura J. D. King, his daughter, a letter of dismission and recommendation to the Congregational Church in North Adams. October 14th, at the close of public worship, a meeting of the church was called by the pastor to decide whether they would join the Pilgrim Conference. The church voted to present their request at the next meeting of that body for admission, and Brother Ebenezer Thayer was chosen delegate to attend that week the conference held at South Marshfield. The re- quest was presented by the pastor, and the church was received into the conference. An event occurred September 18th, when the pastor and his family moved in and occupied a new parson- age or parish house, which had been built for his occupancy. This house was not built by the parish society, but by individual members. At the beginning of the year following, we find the
39
THIRD MEETING HOUSE.
new pastor somewhat depressed on account of the low state of religion. Thus we find the record January 4th, 1856:
"Church met in conference at the house of Widow Stetson. Only 4 individuals were present. Prospects appeared rather gloomy."
In February the church did not meet in conference owing to the inclemency of the weather, and in March there was a good meeting and the Spirit of the Lord was present, and their hearts were encouraged. Yet it is added : " Religion is low, and wicked- ness abounds; but it affords no reason why God will not hear the prayer of faith and reveal His gracious power unto salva- tion." In connection with the Lord's Supper which was ad- ministered at noon, March 9th, he says: "It was a good season to our souls, but it does not seem to be the most appropriate time to observe this ordinance at noon. There is too much noise." In May there was present at the Communion the larg- est number of communicants during the year past, and the pastor's heart was encouraged. After public service on the Sabbath, October 19th, the church appointed Deacon Cook, Brother E. Bass and Brother S. S. Church delegates to the Pil- grim Conference which was to meet October 23d, with this church. The Pilgrim Conference met with this church Tuesday and Wednesday, October 23d and 24th. The meetings were very interesting, and it was, hoped that permanent good would result. Rev. Mr. Bullard, of Boston, addressed the conference upon the subject of Sabbath Schools. Rev. Dr. J. Clark, of Boston, spoke on the subject of Home Missions. Rev. Mr. Babcock, of South Plymouth, preached the opening sermon. Rev. Mr. Brainerd, of Halifax, preached in the evening. Rev. Mr. Fiske, of North Marshfield, preached the closing sermon. Rev. Messrs. Rockwood and Babcock officiated at the Lord's table. For several months the church failed to meet in confer- ence owing to storms, bad travelling and sickness. At the church meeting held March 4th, 1857, twenty-three were pres- ent. It was a very interesting meeting. Every one felt deeply, and there was much melting of heart and weeping before God.
40
REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
The Holy Spirit was with them. The pastor closes with this desire of his heart: "Oh, may He work gloriously." March IIth twenty were present.
" There was much deep interest in the revival of the church and the salvation of souls manifested, much subdued feeling. The Holy Spirit seems to be moving the hearts of his people to call upon the Lord for his salvation to be revealed among this people. April 23d, meeting of the church and others interested in the subject of relig- ion ; twenty-two were present. Very good meeting. The Spirit of the Lord is with us. There have been a few conversions." May Ist, preparatory lecture. Good meeting, twenty-two present. The church generally seem much engaged in the cause of Christ. May 2d, administered the Lord's Supper. Large number of communi- cants present. Very solemn and interesting occasion. The Lord is reviving His work."
After public service Sabbath, May 17th, Deacon Cook and Brother Samuel Church were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference at Carver, the 19th inst. The heart of the pastor was encouraged so that he breaks forth into praise to God, for His mercy and goodness. August 30th, Sabbath, after third service, Deacon Isaac Cook was chosen delegate in the absence of the pastor, who was away for six weeks on his vaca- tion, to attend a council in Abington Centre for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Abbe as pastor over the Centre Congregational Church. On September 13th, 1857, the meeting-house was re- opened after undergoing extensive repairs. A new sofa was put in the pulpit. A rich marble top communion table was presented to the church and society, and chairs also by James Stetson, Esq. A dedicatory service was held by the pastor. The pastor says :
" In His kind Providence God has smiled upon us during the time of making these repairs and improvements, and prospered the work of our hands. In this may we discern evidence of His pleasure in it. It was a work prompted neither by pride, nor by emulation. It was a work that was needed to be done. Reverence for the sanctu- ary, honor to God, comfort of worshippers asked for it. Cheerfully and kindly has it been done, and well done. May the richest bless- ings of the Father of lights, to whom it is all devoted, rest upon the people and upon their children and they receive double in mercies for all their labor."
41
THIRD MEETING HOUSE.
October 11th, after public service in the afternoon, Deacon Cook, Brothers S. S. Church and Ebenezer Thayer were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference to be held at Han- son, the 20th inst. Nov. Ist was a very interesting day. Thirty persons partook of the Sacrament, three were admitted to the church, one being baptized, and also five small children were presented for the ordinance of baptism. The heart of the pastor in common with the hearts of ministers throughout the country and Great Britain was greatly encouraged and cheered by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the general interest prevalent in the meetings. Revivals abounded and this parish was in a somewhat revived state. February 14th, after public services, Brother Samuel S. Church was chosen delegate with the pastor to attend a council in Hanson, in reference to dismissing their pastor, Rev. Mr. Rockwood. April 4th, after public service, Brother S. S. Church was chosen to attend as delegate with the pastor a council in South Weymouth, for the purpose of install- ing Rev. S. H. Hayes pastor over the Union Congregational Church. May 19th, the Pilgrim Conference met at Plympton, and Deacon Cook and Brother Samuel S. Church were the dele- gates chosen to attend. About this time there was a case of church discipline. A great many years had passed since the church had found it necessary to exclude any of its members, but now, after investigating the case by a committee, it was thought best to suspend one of their members for a year, and at the end of that time he was excommunicated. August 15th, the people were pleased to hear again their former pastor, Rev. Abel G. Duncan, who was with them and preached twice, besides attending the funeral of Miss Sybil Hatch. September 26th, after public service, Brother S. S. Church and Deacon Cook were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference. October 2Ist, Thursday, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer. There was a meeting in the meeting-house attended by twenty-five persons. It is described as a very good meeting. This was recommended to the churches by the Pilgrim Confer-
42
REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
ence, in the hope that it might be the "beginning of better days." In March, 1859, we find again the complaint of the pastor as to the low state of religion. At the close of public services Sabbath, June 12th, a letter missive was read from the Second Congregational Church, in this town, and Deacon Cook was chosen delegate with the pastor to attend a council for the purpose of installing Rev. Mr. Aiken as pastor. In the spring of 1860, the pastor was afflicted with a short illness, and on March 4th, the Lord's Supper was administered by REV. MR. HOWLAND, of Abington. The Pilgrim Conference was held in South Plymouth, and Deacon Cook and Brother S. S. Church were chosen delegates. In recording the communion season of July 3d, the pastor speaks of it as a good season, and also states the fact that three young persons had recently been converted. July 16th, the pastor records the death of Widow Celia Judd. He says :
"She was received to this church August 5th, 1827, by Rev. Ethan Smith, pastor. She walked with the church till within a few years. She has been allured away and become interested in Spiritualism. Because of her feeble old age and broken state of mind, the church bore with her with long suffering and charity. She ever said to her pastor and others that she did not give up her faith in the Bible, nor her hope in Christ, nor her love to the church. Her accounts are with God and sealed. It is our hope that her error and inconsistency may have been forgiven, and that it may be well with her."
At the preparatory lecture September 13th, 1860, there was a good attendance of the sisters of the church, but none of the brothers were present. In the spring of 1861, Deacon Cook, and Brothers S. S. Church and Francis Chamberlain were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference, and also in the fall, Brother M. Stoddard being chosen instead of Brother Chamber- lain. The regular church meetings were held and attended as in previous years. The church and society having contributed five dollars for books and tracts for the soldiers in the army, received the following note of acknowledgement :
43
DESTRUCTION OF THE THIRD MEETING HOUSE.
CAMP BARNES, HALL'S HILL, VA., Oct. 4th, 1861.
To the First Congregational Church, Hanover, Mass .:
In behalf of Company G, 18th Regiment, I wish to tender to you our sincere thanks for the books and tracts received through Colonel Barnes for this company, and which I intend to distribute next Sab- bath. Hoping they may do the good which you intended,
I am, your obedient servant, WM. B. WHITE,
Captain Company G, 18th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers.
In the following spring, April 15 and 16, 1862, the Pilgrim Conference met with this church, and Deacon Cook, Brother S. S. Church and Brother Francis Chamberlain were chosen delegates as usual. We have no record of the proceedings. In the fall, the conference met at Halifax, and Deacon Cook, with Brothers S. S. Church and E. Thayer were chosen delegates. In November a letter missive was received from individuals in Chiltonville, and Brother S. S. Church was chosen to attend as delegate with the pastor a council for the purpose of organizing into a Congregational Church. Deacon Cook went instead of Brother Church. November 25th, Brother Church was chosen delegate to attend a council in Plympton, with the pastor, for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Stevens. At the beginning of the year 1863, January 18th, the meeting-house was burned. The fire was discovered less than an hour after the congregation had gone. It is supposed that the fire in some way or other was communicated from one of the stoves. The most valuable part of the furniture was saved. The next Sabbath, meeting was held in the parsonage, and REV. MR. WALKER, of East Abington (now Rockland), preached on exchange. The follow- ing Sabbaths, meetings were held in the house of Widow Sam- uel Stetson, where the people met for public worship in 1726. July 5th was a memorable day. Four young persons were re-
44
FOURTH MEETING HOUSE.
ceived, one of them being the son of the pastor. The pastor and his wife also united with the church by letter from the Congregational Church, Stockton, Maine. At the communion September 6, there was a full attendance. The pastor says :
" Good season. Foretaste of the sweet communion of the church in Glory."
October 11th, after public services, Deacon Cook and Brother S. S. Church were chosen delegates to the conference to meet in Plymouth. The following Sabbath a letter missive was read from the Fifth Church in Chiltonville, and Deacon Cook was chosen delegate with the pastor to attend a council for the pur- pose of ordaining Mr. Alexander Fuller, Jr., over the church. . After the fire, the society began to plan for rebuilding, and November 22d the congregation worshipped for the first time in the vestry of the new church, -the present building, - being the fourth building of the kind on the same site. November 26th was observed by the church as Thanksgiving Day. A . good number assembled to bring offerings of praise before the Lord and present them for His great goodness and mercy. It was a good meeting. Sermon was on the text, I. Chron. 16, 36:
" Blessed be the Lord God of Israel forever and ever. And all the people said Amen, and praised the Lord."
The day was clear, mild and pleasant. APRIL 27TH, 1864, THE NEW CHURCH WAS DEDICATED to the worship of Almighty God. The order of exercises was as follows: 1. Anthem by the choir. 2. Invocation by Rev. B. Southworth, of Hanson. 3. Reading of Hymn by Rev. S. H. Hayes, of South Wey- mouth, 132d Psalm, beginning with 4th verse. 4. Reading of Scriptures, Psalms 95, 96 and 100, by Rev. Samuel Cutler, Rec- tor of St. Andrew's Church, Hanover. 5. Prayer by Rev. James Aiken, Hanover. 6. Reading 141, Select Hymn, by Rev. Mr. Edwards, of South Abington. Singing. 7. Sermon by pastor. Text, Psalm 96, 8th and 9th verses. 8. Conse-
45
THE NEW CHURCH.
crating Prayer by Rev. Mr. Walker. 9. Anthem. 10. Bene- diction by pastor. The pastor records :
"The weather on the whole was favorable and the house was filled. We record our gratitude to God for His great goodness, and for a new sanctuary in which we may worship Him, and enjoy as a people the communion and fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the following June, however, we find the record :
"Preparatory lecture. Few present. Religion low. People are busy in worldly affairs."
After public services, July 17th, a letter missive was read from the church in Carver, and Deacon Cook was chosen dele. gate with the pastor to attend a council for the purpose of ordaining a pastor. In the fall, the Pilgrim Conference met with the Fifth Church, Chiltonville, and Brother S. S. Church was chosen to attend as delegate. In the year 1865 Fast Day was observed by this church. April 13th, Deacon Cook and Brother Church were appointed delegates to the conference to meet at Kingston, the 19th inst., and to represent the church in respect to a national council to be held in Boston on the 14th of June, and to vote for the sending of messengers from the conference to that council. In the fall, Brothers Church and Chamberlain were chosen delegates to the Pilgrim Conference at South Plymouth. October 12th, 1865, the parish met with a severe loss in the death of Melzar Hatch. He was a constant attendant on public worship in all kinds of weather. Though he was not a professor of religion, he had great reverence for religion and religious ordinances. It grieved him to see them neglected habitually by men, or to witness the desecration of the Holy Sabbath. He was a man of public spirit, and his influence and work may be seen in many things. He was a strong friend and patriot during the great national conflict, ready and willing to aid, to provide liberal things for the sol- diers, for the suffering, without distinction of color or national- ity. He did much in aiding improvements in the cemetery.
46
FOURTH MEETING HOUSE.
His funeral was attended by a large gathering of people. After the communion November 5th, 1865, the church granted letters of dismission to Rev. Mr. Duncan and Almira Estes, who wished to unite with the Congregational Church in Free- town (Assonet). At the beginning of the year 1866, the church was called upon to sustain a great loss in the death of Deacon Isaac Cook, who died February 2d, peaceful and happy. The pastor enters the following record concerning him:
" He had been declining a long time. He had been a member of the church 39 years ; deacon, 37 years ; superintendent, 30 years. He was a good man and faithful. He loved the cause of Christ. He could say, 'I love Thy kingdom, Lord.' He loved the church. Her interests were dear to him. He remembered them as he drew near to death. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, well-informed and discriminating mind, clear and sound in his theological views, able to speak unto the edification of the brethren and sisters in the church, and of men of the world. He was ever ready and willing to do all he could for the support of the Gospel ordinances, and the comfort and support of the church and its prosperity. He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him."
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