USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Ashburnham > History of Ashburnham, Massachusetts : from the grant of Dorchester Canada to the present time 1734-1886 with a genealogical register of Ashburnham families > Part 19
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We therefore admonish you for breach of covenant and earnestly entreat you to consider seriously of what you have done and of the bad and dangerous consequences of such disorderly behavior and
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to give the church you have justly offended christian satisfaction without which we cannot at any time admit you to any privilege among us if you should desire it. And we judge also that the church to which you have joined are disorderly and ought to be admonished. We pray the great Shepherd would lead and guide you by his spirit, make you fully sensible of your evil conduct and dispose you to make that satisfaction which we must suppose your conscience upon mature deliberation will readily dictate.
We subscribe ourselves your offended brethren, yet ready to be reconciled upon reasonable and christian terms.
The defection of a few from the church to the Methodists occurred at a later period and under the warmth of a more charitable and tolerant spirit. The following letter truthfully reflects the pacific policy which pervades the records at this period.
April 4, 1796. - Whereas our brother Stephen Randall, Jr., has requested that he may be dismissed from this to the Episcopal Methodist Church because he finds he is better edified than to continue with us and is not fully satisfied with the custom of dis- ciplining members, we would say, we wish not to deprive him of any good which he thinks he may gain for his soul, we are free and willing that every one should have liberty of conscience. Also a letter of dismission would introduce him into the Methodist Church, from the principle of christian charity and communion we should readily grant it, certifying that his moral character is good. We desire and pray that he may adorn the doctrine of Jesus Christ with those of his denomination, though we would not be understood as fully approving all their doctrines and discipline.
In other cases of discipline, with limited knowledge of the facts and surroundings, it would be folly to inquire if the church had been severe or if the offenders had sinned. Only one case evincing the breadth and tenderness of brotherhood will be cited. This report of a committee delegated to visit
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one of the most prominent citizens of the town is in the language of Mr. Cushing who was one of the committee and is dated January 1, 1818.
We waited upon him soon after our appointment and after say- ing everything we could on the one hand to dissuade him from the excessive use of spirit, and on the other to encourage him to a reformation, at length he told us that he had come to a resolution to refrain entirely for one month. At the end of which we might visit him again and if we found he had broken over the resolution we might do with him as we thought best. Accordingly at the end of the month we all visited him again and he declared he had not taken a drop of spirit, and upon being asked what his purpose was for the future he told that it was his determination to per- severe, so that we were relieved from the disagreeable work of leaving the letter of admonition with him, and we rejoiced together at the pleasing and happy prospect of a reformation. He seemed to have uncomfortable apprehensions that he should not be able to remove the offence he had given the church. But we answered him that the offence would cease immediately upon his reformation, that the church would rejoice, that his family and connections would rejoice, yea and the angels in Heaven would rejoice.
It is within the memory of many of the aged among us, that Mr. Cushing maintained an advanced position on the question of temperance and that in the pulpit, more fre- quently than many of his contemporaries, he boldly preached the error and evils of intemperance. If his views on this subject were presented with a characteristic rigor of opinion, they were attended in his daily walk among his people with that spirit of forgiveness and brotherly love and tenderness which pervades the report we have cited.
The church in Ashburnham was among the first to abandon the custom of administering the rites of baptism to the children of parents who were not members of the church.
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This custom of very early origin prevailed in many of the New England churches until a comparatively recent period. The parents who thus desired to present their offspring for baptism were required to "own the covenant," or in other words, io publicly express a general belief in the creed of the church. They were not required to profess, and it is reasonably certain they did not always possess, the moral qualification of membership and they were only expected to express an intellectual assent to the general truths of the church covenant. The persons who had only owned the covenant were not admitted to communion nor were they amenable to church discipline, but being admitted to the privilege of presenting their children for baptism on an equality with those in full communion they were frequently styled "half way members." This practice continued throughout the ministry of Mr. Winchester, but it never fully met the approval of Mr. Cushing. With an habitual conservatism in regard to measures, and mindful of the vigi- lant tendency of his people to oppose any abridgment of their privileges or accepted customs, he presented the follow- ing proposition which was adopted without evidence of opposition :
We the church of Christ in Ashburnham, being desirous of pro- moting practical religion in this place, taking into consideration the general practice in the churches of persons owning the cove- nant, and having reason to fear that such are left to run too much at large without being watched over and not seeing the consistency of their solemnly owning the covenant and then not paying regard thereto as is the case too much with respect to some it appearing too evident that the main design of some is for the sake of enjoying the ordinance of baptism only : We have come into the following vote :
That we will not for the future admit any to the privilege of baptism except members in full. And that we might not be
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thought too severe - if there should be any (which we hope will not be the case), who are so full of doubt and fear, that they dare not approach to the table, but yet are desirous of enjoying the privilege of baptism and putting themselves under the care and watch of the church, we shall not insist upon their participation under such a situation of their mind, nor proceed to censure them if they do not immediately partake of the ordinance.
Inasmuch as there are several that are in covenant that are not members in full, this vote is not to be considered as cutting them off from a privilege granted to them heretofore. However we will consider them as under the inspection of the church, and we engage that we will watch over them as though they were mem- bers in full.
This action occurred April 7, 1773. There were some precedents for it at this date, but it was twenty or more years in advance of very many churches situated nearer the schools of theology and the centres of infinence.
Notwithstanding the disintegrating influences which were felt at times not only in this town but throughout New England, the membership of the church slowly increased in numbers throughout the ministry of Mr. Cushing. The loss occasioned by death, by removals from the town and by a transfer of relations was more than compensated by an increase in population and the fruit of several seasons of unusual religions interest. The registers of the church in the handwriting of Mr. Cushing represent that, at the time of his death, there were about one hundred and thirty resident members. In one small volume the statistics of more than fifty years are carefully entered. The summary includes the names of three hundred and thirty-one persons admitted to the fellowship of the church ; the baptism of nine hundred and sixty-three children and twenty-four adults and the record of three hundred and twelve marriages.
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Rev. John Cushing, D. D., was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, August 22, 1744. A descendant of the Cushing family of Hingham he inherited the strong and vigorous traits of character which have distinguished many generations. He was a son of Rev. Job and Mary (Pren- tice) Cushing. His father was the first minister of Shrews- bury where he died August 6, 1760. His mother was the daughter of Rev. John and Mary (Gardner) Prentice of Lancaster and an honored name in the annals of that town. She died at the age of ninety years May 24, 1798.
Mr. Cushing entered Harvard University where he main- tained an honorable standing and was graduated 1764, exactly fifty years after his father had received a diploma from the same institution. At the age of twenty-four years he was ordained and settled over the church in this town, November 2. 1768, and died April 27, 1823. From his alma mater he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 1822.
The most fitting tribute to the memory of Mr. Cushing is found in his works. For many years he was the only minister in the town. He stood in the midst of an increas- ing parish scattered over a large township, yet his influence pervaded every portion of it. He was faithful in every service. Two sermons were regularly prepared for the Sabbath, frequent discourses were written for week-day lectures and his ministrations to the sick and the bereaved were prompt and unfailing. He was constant in his attend- ance upon the schools and in all social relations with his parish. At every fireside the serenity of his countenance, the wisdom of his speech and the purity of his life and example were continually deepening the impression and enforeing the influences of his public ministrations. He gladly welcomed all the moral and benevolent enterprises
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of his time. The cause of temperance and the early mission- ary organizations received from him a warm and efficient support.
In stature, Mr. Cushing was tall and portly ; in bearing dignified and erect. He moved with precision and with the incisive mark of strength and vigor. As the infirmity of age grew upon him, his step was slower but never faltering ; his form became slightly bowed but lost none of its original dignity and commanding presence. ITis mild blue eye and the serenity of his countenance were undimmed even when his whitened and flowing locks were counting the increasing furrows of age in his face.
As a preacher he adhered to the fundamental doctrines of his creed and supported them with frequent quotation from the Scriptures. The plan of his discourse was Incid and his methods of reasoning direct and logical. If he was tenacious in the use of set terms and forms of speech he invariably applied them with aptness and precision. He did not rely on the abundance of words or the exhibition of emotion, but upon the weight and sequence of the central truths which formed the theme of his discourse. Ilis voice was clear, strong and pleasing. He read his sermons closely and without gesture. In delivery he was moderate, earnest and impressive. At home and abroad he was justly regarded as an able, instructive preacher. The ability of Mr. Cushing in an intellectual sense was conspicuous. Measured by men of acknowledged power and ability he was not deficient. He held a foremost rank among illustrious compeers in his profession and was an equal in mind and character of Rev- erends Payson of Rindge, Farrar and Hall of New Ipswich, Waters of Ashby, Rice of Westminster and Pillsbury of Winchendon.
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As a counsellor he was prudent and judicial. Possessing a thorough knowledge of ecclesiastical law and skilled in the usages of the church, his advice was frequently sought in the settlement of contention in other churches. In such service his counsels were invaluable. If his associates were exacting and harsh in their conclusions, his judgments were always tempered with merey and his decisions fragrant with forgiveness and reconciliation. In the midst of every form of contention, his goal was peace and seldom was he moved from his accustomed paths by the passions of contending men. In ecclesiastical councils of a more pacific character his services were frequently solicited and cheerfully ren- dered and for many years a council was seldom convened in a circle of many miles to which he was not invited.
In his daily life Mr. Cushing was laborious. His dis- courses were carefully written, his parochial visits were regularly made and the schools were familiar with his presence. With these uninterrupted ministrations and the care of his farm he found time in some way for reading and music. He was regarded by his associates in the ministry as a man of liberal knowledge and varied acquirements.
He was preeminently a minister of the olden time. His parish was his field of labor and no one was neglected. His charge was his constant thought and duty, and while he watched for the fruit of his labor, he toiled on with unfail- ing hope and courage. Even in the decline of life and under the weight of nearly eighty years his service was acceptable and his parish united in their love and respect for their venerable teacher. It seems that their affection for him increased as he paled and grew feeble in their service. And when death came and stilled the pulsations of his warm and generous heart, his people paid a fitting tribute in the lines of sorrow engraved on every countenance. From that
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hour the voice of tradition began to assert that his genius was solid ; his understanding clear; his judgment strong ; his memory faithful; his emotions cool and restrained yet his sympathies tender and his affections warm; that his resolution and perseverance were unusual, that he was faithful to every trust and that his heart was so honest, his friendship so sincere and his tongue under such control, that his smile was a benediction and his speech a sermon.
Mr. Cushing married September 28, 1769, Sarah Park- man, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer and Hannah ( Breck) Park- man of Westboro, who surviving her husband died in this town March 12, 1825. The record of the family is con- tinued in the genealogical registers.
After these many years the church and the parish were without a minister. There were several families in town that had removed hither soon after the settlement of Mr. Cushing, but very few were living who witnessed his ordi- nation. The only grown persons living in this town in 1768 who remained here and survived Mr. Cushing were Enos Jones, Rebecca (Foster) Ward, widow of Caleb Ward, Judith ( Foster) Brooks, widow of Dr. Peter Brooks.
The following June the town chose William J. Lawrence, Thomas Hobart, Reuben Townsend, Jr., Joseph Jewett and Benjamin Barrett to supply the pulpit. At a meeting early in October the committee reported that " they had hired Mr. George Perkins to preach four Sabbaths." Three
weeks later the town voted to hear Mr. Perkins four addi- tional Sabbaths and on the first day of December instructed the committee to employ Mr. Perkins until further orders from the town. December 24, eight months after the death of Mr. Cushing, the church extended a unanimous call, in which the town concurred in a vote of sixty-eight to seven- teen. The town instructed the committee formerly chosen
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to notify the candidate and the church joined Deacon Hunt, Dr. Lowe and Doddridge Cushing. The letter of accept- ance is subjoined :
ASHBURNHAM, Jany. 24, 1824.
To the Congregational Church and Society in Ashburnham :
Christian Brethren and Friends -
Having been presented by your committee with the votes of this church and congregation giving me a call to settle with you as your Gospel minister and having, as I trust, attentively and prayerfully sought to know my duty in a case of such vast importance in its consequences, both to you and to myself, I have come to a determination to accept of the invitation contained in your votes, subject to the conditions specified therein. I am also ready to unite with the church and society in such measures as may be necessary to carry your votes and this answer into effect. As there may be occasions which will render it necessary for me to leave this place for a longer period than one week at a time, I think it reasonable to claim the privilege of being absent two Sabbaths in each year, without abatement of compensation, - this being the least number usually granted. The church and society will also expect me to make such exchanges as are customary among neighboring ministers.
Feeling. as I do, my unworthiness of so important a trust and my utter insufficiency in my own strength, to lead & life of use- fulness amongst you, I cannot close without making the further request that I may at all times have your fervent prayers to God that He would make me a zealous, faithful and successful minister of the New Testament to the souls of this people.
GEORGE PERKINS.
Mr. Perkins was ordained February 25, 1824. The council comprised the Reverends Baseom and Putnam of Ashby, Putuam of Fitchburg, Mann of Westminster, Well- ington of Templeton, Estabrook of Athol, Sabin of Fitz- william and Deacon George Coffin of Winchendon.
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The ministry of Mr. Perkins was successful and unusually acceptable to the church and congregation. Entering the ministry without pursuing a prescribed course of study he had not acquired the conventional manners of the schools, yet in him were combined dignity with affability and unusual plainness of speech with equal kindness. In the pulpit he was often colloquial, sometimes cloquent and always instructive. A few lines from a letter written by Sarah Jewett in December, 1823, will be accepted as authority in regard to his characteristics. "Mr. Perkins is our candidate. I am certain you will like him much, as you like unassuming manners. He is an uncommonly interesting man. His manner in the pulpit is easy and natural; his composition chaste ; and his remarks original, and we seldom witness such urbanity of manner." It is the united testimony of all who remember him that he was a devoted minister and a kind, sympathizing friend. By his ready sympathy and his exemplary walk and conversation he secured the affections and respect of his people. In his public ministrations he was discreet and faithful. At a season of controversial discussion, which was rending many churches, his flock was united and by avoiding doctrinal preaching he persuaded his people to drown dissension in forgetfulness. The ministry of Mr. Perkins in this place was interrupted by the feebleness of the aged parents of his wife who sought his care and assistance. Obtaining a dismissal from his charge he returned to Connecticut.
A mutual council was convened July 3, 1832, and after formally assenting to the desire of Mr. Perkins to be released from his charge the record proceeds :
The council are happy to state that in the dissolution of the pastoral relations of the Rev. George Perkins to this church and people the most mutual good feeling has prevailed and we wish to
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state explicitly that the reasons assigned for a dissolution of this relation are such as do not show any dissatisfaction of the church and people towards their pastor nor any dissatisfaction on his part towards them.
Rev. George Perkins, son of Dr. Elisha and Sarah (Douglas) Perkins, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, October 19, 1783. He pursued a preparatory course of study at the Academy in his native town and was graduated at Yale College 1803. After reading law in the office of IIon. Charles Marsh of Woodstock, Vermont, he soon became a prominent lawyer in Norwich, Connecticut. In the continued practice of his profession he earned an excel- lent reputation as a safe and prudent counsellor and an able advocate. Such was his integrity and conscientious adher- ence to his idea of right, he was familiarly styled by his brethren in the profession and often by the public as " Honest George." In 1821, and soon after the death of his first wife, closing his office in Norwich and with little remark concerning his intentions, he sought the home of his brother, Rev. J. Douglas Perkins, in Coatesville, Pennsyl- vania, and under his tuition he pursued the study of theology a year or more. Entering the ministry at the age of forty years and after preaching a few Sabbaths in Ashby, his first continued pastoral labor was in this town. After his dis- missal from this church he was installed in 1832 over the church in Jewett City, Connecticut, where he remained six years.
Of his ministry in that place, Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, his successor, has written, "He preached eloquently seven days in the week by the power of a holy life." Later he was occupied some time in the settlement of the estate of Dr. John Turner, the father of his wife, and residing in
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Norwich he supplied in the vicinity from time to time until death came to abide with him September 15, 1852.
Mr. Perkins, after a brief interval, was succeeded by Rev. George Goodyear. He was the last minister who preached in the meeting-house on the hill and the first who ministered in the new house in the village. He was installed October 10, 1832, and dismissed at his request November 16, 1841. This was a pastorate of pleasant and enduring memories and a season of temporal and spiritual prosperity. The new meeting-house was built soon after the labors of Mr. Good- year began. The congregation was large and many names were enrolled on the registers of the church ; one hundred and ten members being received in a single year, of whom seventy-seven were admitted the first Sabbath in July, 1834. During this memorable season the pastor was assisted by Horatio Foot, the evangelist. Many who read his name will recall his earnest words and impassioned manner as they wonder if his appeal to the emotions was as enduring as the address of abler men to the intellect.
In the discharge of ministerial duty, Mr. Goodyear was faithful and in all his relations with his fellow-men he was kind and sympathizing. No one approached him as a friend without feeling an answering kindness or in sorrow without being comforted. His sermons were the expression of an earnest purpose and a sincere desire to improve his hearers, and when he came down from the pulpit mingling with his people his religion, his gentleness, his affability did not forsake him. In an eminent degree he secured the love of his people and the respect of the community.
Rev. I. Sumner Lincoln, now living at an advanced age in Wilton, New Hampshire, has paid an appreciative tribute to his friend and neighbor.
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My acquaintance with Mr. Goodyear commenced in 1821 when he entered Yale College, of which I became a member in 1818. After completing his academical and theological studies at Yale, and while preaching in pursuit of a place of settlement, he visited my settled home in Gardner and preached for me on Sunday a good sermon. Ashburnham was then destitute of a pastor. On Monday morning I carried him there and introduced and recom- mended him to the parish committee. From that time he became their minister and my good neighbor for nine years. During that time he made full proof of his gospel ministry both as a good preacher and pastor. He sustained a good reputation as a man and a minister and made many most worthy friends. After he left that place and I left Gardner we were widely separated for some years, but for the last fifteen years we have been happy neighbors again, he in Temple and myself in Wilton, where our friendly intercourse was renewed and continued to the time of his recent departure to his celestial home. Full of Christian faith, virtue and hope he has passed into the personal presence of his Lord and Savior.
Rev. George Goodyear, son of Simeon and Hannah (Beadsly) Goodyear, was born in Hamden, Connecticut, December 9, 1801. The Goodyears of Connecticut have been distinguished in many walks of life. Charles Good- year, the patentee and manufacturer of rubber wares, was a first cousin of the fourth minister of Ashburnham. Mr. Goodyear prepared for college under the tuition of Rev. Edward Hooker, D. D., and at Bacon Academy in Col- chester. He was gradnated at Yale College 1824 and at the Theological Seminary in New Haven 1827. Ordained with- out charge July 22, 1828. Previous to his installation in this town he preached as stated supply at Gaines, New York, and at East Windsor, Connecticut. Upon his removal from this town after supplying nearly two years at Renerville, New York, he was installed over churches in Truro, 1846-9,
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South Royalston, 1849-54 and Temple, New Hampshire, 1854-65. Mr. Goodyear was a member of the New Hampshire Legislature 1865 and 1866. His last dismissal was at his earnest desire and on account of bis failing health. He died in Temple, where he had continued to reside, November 18, 1884.
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