History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 147

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 147

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Mr. Clark returned on the 1st of June to fulfill an engagement of four weeks more. On the 26th of June, 1852, having preached here seven Sundays, the parish "voted unanimously to invite the Rev. George F. Clark to settle with said society as their teacher and pastor." He accepted the call, and was installed Aug. 11, 1852, and remained until Aug. 3, 1861.

In addition to his duties as pastor he found time to indulge in other literary pursuits, and in 1859 he wrote an elaborate " History of Norton," which is an invaluable contribution to the historic literature of New England. He was also town clerk of Norton from 1858 to 1861.

Rev. George Faber Clark was the twelfth child and eighth son of Jonas and Mary (Twitchel) Clark, of Dublin, N. H., and was born Feb. 24, 1817. He was the grandson of William and Sarah (Locke) Clark, of Townsend, Mass., great-grandson of William and Eunice (Taylor) Clark, of Townsend, and the great- great-grandson of Samuel Clark (whose wife was Re- becca Nichols ?), who settled at Concord, Mass., about the year 1680, and who was probably born in London, and came to America with his father about 1660, when a small boy.

The mother of Rev. G. F. Clark was the daughter of Abel Twitchel, of Dublin, N. H., who was the son of Joseph and Deborah (Fairbanks) Twitchel, of Sherborn, Mass., grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth (Holbrook) Twitchel, of Sherborn, great-grandson of Joseph and Lydia Twitchel, of Sherborn, great- great-grandson of Benjamin and Mary Twitchel, of Sherborn and Lancaster, and great-great-great-grand- son of Joseph Twitchel, who probably came from Dor- setshire, England, about 1633, and settled at Dorches-

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6 6 12

Ephraim Lane

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12 John King.

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Thomas Braman.

8. 6

George Leonard

Jonathan Leonard.

1 10 Daniel Parker.

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ter, Mass., and was admitted to the freeman's oath May 14, 1634.

Jonas Clark, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a clothier by trade, and built the first clothier's shop or fulling-mill in Dublin, N. H.

In the excellent and somewhat celebrated common schools of that town Rev. Mr. Clark was educated till his fifteenth year. He subsequently entered Phillips Exeter Academy, and later the Theological Depart- ment of Harvard, from which he graduated in 1846.

The following have preached here since Mr. Clark : Rev. Daniel S. C. M. Potter, of West Bridgewater, from May 11, 1863, and closed July 1, 1869; Rev. Isaac Kelso, of Dighton, from Oct. 23, 1869, to winter of 1870; Rev. John B. Willard, of Still River, from March 28, 1870, to fall of 1871; Rev. J. E. Bruce, of Marion, fall, 1871, to March, 1872; candidates from March, 1872, to 1873; Rev. S. C. Beach, of Charles- town, pastor from March, 1873, to Jan. 1, 1876 ; Rev. J. M. Trask, of New Salem, preached from January to March, 1876; Rev. L. W. Manning, of Dighton, from September, 1876, to July 1, 1880; Rev. W. H. Reeby, of Dighton, from March, 1881, present pas- tor.

The first church edifice was erected in 1710, and was occupied until 1753, when the second house of worship was erected, and dedicated January 3d of the same year.

The rate bill for building the first house contains the following names : George Leonard, Samuell Brint- nell, Samuell Hodges, John Cob, John Smith, Sel- vanis Cambell, Nathaniell Fisher, Andrew Grovier, Ephreim Grovier, Thomas Grovier, Nathaniell Hodges, John Hodges, Thomas Stevens, Eliezer Edy, Ebenezer Edy, Benjamin Newland, Robert Tucker, Nicholas White, John Andrews, John Skiner, John Hall, Joseph Brigs, Richard Brigs, Eliezer Fisher, Israell Fisher, Benjamin Williams, John Wetharell, William Wetharell, John Austin, Nicholas Smith, John Brigs, Jr., John Caswell, Benjamin Caswell, John Newland, Seth Dorman, Jeremiah Wetherell, Joseph Eliot, William Hodges, Mathew White, Ephreim Sheldon, Isaac Shapard, William Wetharell, Jr., John Brigs, Sr., Daniel Braman, John Lane, Peter Aldrich, Nathaniell Hervey.

The following was voted concerning the second meeting-house :

Nov. 28, 1753, the parish " Voted that the standing Comitte Shall take care of the meating-house, and keep it lokt; and also that theire be no chares seet in the alleys of sd. meating-house when the new seats are made Below."

Dec. 11, 1780, it was " Voted to Sell so much of the floor in the meet- ing-house as to make Six pews Back of the men's and women's Body of Seats, and a roe of pews in the Back of the front galery."

March 15, 1784, it was " Voted that one-third part of the front Galery be devoted for the wimen to set in, and be divided off."

Jan. 5, 1789, " Voted to sell the Ground for pews on the back-side of side-galarys, except about six or seven feet at the back-corner for ne- groes; and also the Ground where the negroes' Seats now are."

This house was occupied until Jan. 9, 1836, when the present church edifice was dedicated. The move-

ment for the erection of the new church commenced in March, 1834, and September 27th same year it was

" Moved and Voted, that this Parish build a new Meeting-house by the sale of the Pews and individual donation, & set it on the ground gratuitously offered by Mrs. Peddy Bowen, according to her direction, near the front of this house; and said honse shall be for the use of the Congregational Incorporated society of which the Rev. Pitt Clarke is the present Minister, or his successor in office. 28 for, 6 against."

Mrs. Bowen gave the land and all the timber for the house, on condition that it should be cut and carried from her land according to her particular directions. The present house has been several times repaired.

DEACONS .- The deacons of the church have been as follows: Nicholas White, John Briggs, John Briggs (2d), Joseph Hodges, John Andrews, Benjamin Hodges, Benjamin Copeland, Samuel Dean, Benja- min Pearson, Seth Smith, Asa Copeland, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane, Stillman Smith, Almond Tucker, A. D. Hunt.

The Trinitarian Congregational Church.1-This church, comprising twenty-two members, eleven of whom withdrew from the original church in this place, was organized and orderly recognized by an ecclesias- tical council April 3, 1832.

Their first and subsequent meetings for prayer and conference were held in the east front room of the dwelling and present residence of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, and their Sabbath assemblies in a hall that stood near the spot where now is the store of Maynard Newcomb. For a time these services were conducted by clergymen from abroad, including members of the "Taunton and Vicinity Association," who each gave a Sabbath service, and others, and previous to the or- ganization of the church by Dr. Lyman Beecher, of Boston, Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Braintree, and Rev. John West, of Taunton.

As the weeks passed by they were much encour- aged. Considerable accessions were made to their number, and the Sabbath congregation steadily in- creased. They decided at once to secure as soon as possible a gospel minister who should live among them, and to build a meeting-house.

The means to build were obtained by the self-sacri- ficing contributions of all of them, by the aid to some extent of friends from abroad, and especially by the generous and large gifts of the Hon. Laban Wheaton, and of his son, the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to whom and their families this church has ever been under obligations of gratitude for their liberal and oft-re- peated benefactions. The building lot, one of the finest locations in the village, was given, and a neat and comely meeting-house erected. This house was dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1834, Dr. R. S. Storrs, of Braintree, preaching the sermon from the text, " Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the

1 By Rev. J. P. Lane.

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

shadow of a great rock in a weary land." (Isaiah xxxii. 1 and 2.) The prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton.

That year the Wheaton Seminary was founded, and its interests have been from the first closely re- Jated and identified with this church and congrega- tion. Two years later, in 1836, it became necessary to enlarge the meeting-house, and this was done by extending its length about one-third.

This house, for the time in which it was built, was finished and furnished in a manner satisfactory to a cultivated taste, and as befitted the house of God. In the basement there was a large vestry for the Sabbath-school, and for prayer and conference meet- ings, and other rooms conveniently arranged for various social uses and occasions. Various improve- ments on the edifice itself and in its furnishings were made from time to time. A belfry and spire, after the fashion of the time, surmounting the roof at the west end, were built, and a fine-toned bell of a net weight of twelve hundred pounds, cast to order at the foundry of Holbrook & Son, East Medway, was sup- plied. Carpets, pew cushions, new and improved facilities for heating and other furnishings were ob- tained as they were needed or desired for greater comfort or convenience. In 1851, by donation or purchase, all the pews which were previously owned by individuals became the property of the church, to be held free to all or annually rented for the support of church services. An excellent organ from the manufactory of Simmons & Co., Boston, was obtained the same year and given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. Ten sheds for the protection of horses and carriages were also erected the same year and given to the church by the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to be annually rented as the pews.

In 1878 a neat and attractive chapel, formerly the gymnasium of Wheaton Seminary, was finished, ad- joining the church edifice, and on the day of its ded- ication, the 18th of September, was given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. The sermon on this occasion was by Rev. H. K. Craig, of Falmouth, a former minister of the church, and the dedicatory prayer was by Rev. W. N. T. Dean, the acting min- ister.

On the 4th of March, 1882, in a communication to the church, they were tenderly informed that it was in the heart of her who had so often bestowed liberal gifts for their benefit to make some changes and im- provements in the church and chapel edifices, and she asked permission to carry out the benevolent de- sire of her heart, with the counsel and advice of those whom she might choose. This request so modestly made comprehended much. Few knew the largeness of its meaning. It was of course gratefully and unan- imously granted.

After consultation and consideration, a plan and specifications, drawn by Stephen C. Earle, architect, of Worcester, Mass., were adopted. Contracts were made,

and the work completed. The renovated chapel was reopened and dedicated by special services on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 1882; sermon by the pastor from the text, " At the gate which is called Beautiful." (Acts iii. 1-10.) The church was completed ready for occupancy and was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1882, the other congregations in town, with their pas- tors, uniting in the service, and the pastor preaching from the text, " This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis xxviii. 17.) Previous to the sermon the property was pre- sented to the church in the following communica- tion :

" To the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Norton :

" DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,-Having obtained your permission last March for making such changes as I should see fit in our church and chapel, and at a later time including the organ in this permit, after unlooked for delay, I am now permitted, through the divine blessing, to return to you the property remodeled, all of which I trust you will find sufficiently improved to compensate for the inconveniences to which you have been subjected.

"These improvements with furnishings complete-together with out- side repairs in sheds and grounds, policies of insurance, and a deed of land sufficient for your wants-I give to you in the name of your dea- cons, Jesse H. Blandin and David R. Winter, and their successors in office, for your use and benefit forever.

" In furnishing a tower clock (though given to you) I have had a special desire to gratify the citizens of Nerton.

"In the early progress of the work the architect asked if I should have a memorial window. I replied, ' No, for all I am doing is memo- rial work.'

" Yet I do not claim this as a Memorial Church, for should I, there are timbers left in the church edifice and foundation-stones that might appropriately claim a loving remembrance for many others who helped build this house who long since passed away.

"When the lower clock strikes out its clear, sweet strokes for the hours, I am pleasantly reminded that they fall on the bell presented by my lameuted Mother Wheaton some forty six years ago.

"In this gift I wish most devoutly to join you in offering it to the Lord, praying that through it He may be greatly honored.

" Yours, in Christian love, " ELIZA B. WHEATON.

" NORTON, Dec. 16, 1882."

The day was one of the pleasantest; the audience was large, filling the house completely, and the ser- vices, in which all the ministers of the town partici- pated, were impressive and satisfactory.

The church had been lengthened about ten feet at each end, and with its new tower and spire and its new roof is virtually a new building, the interior above the basement being entirely new. The chapel had been but slightly changed in itself, but was moved to a new location, so that its length, which was parallel with that of the church, is now at right angles to it, and an additional building had been made connecting the two. The principal entrances of the church are at the west end, two steps up from the ground, with a large step of cut granite at each entrance. Inside the vestibule easy flights of stairs, with a landing midway, lead to the main floor, which maintains its old position about five or six feet above the ground. In the vestibule there is also a flight of steps opposite each entrance leading to the basement, which, with the exception of new windows and gen- eral repairs, remains as it was, being devoted to the

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heating apparatus, etc., and rooms for social use on occasion. A stairway in the tower leads from the vestibule to the gallery over it, and other stairs lead on up to the clock-room and bell-deck. The old bell does service in the new tower, and in addition to its former duties now notes each passing hour in connec- tion with the four-dial Howard clock. The vestibule occupies the addition at the front end, and that at the east end is devoted to the platform. By means of these additions the entire floor as it was is given to the auditorium. At the north end of the platform is the organ, practically a new instrument, having been en- tirely rebuilt by E. L. Holbrook, of East Medway. It has a front of wood pipes on the side towards the congregation, and metal ones richly decorated with gold on the side towards the platform. On this side is placed the key-board, and directly adjacent the choir. At the south end of the platform the pastor's room ocenpies a space similar in dimensions and architectural treatment to that taken by the organ. The old slightly-arched ceiling has been superseded by the full semicircular new one. This carries the finished space up into the roof so as to expose the timber-work, which consists of three trusses, each of a tie-beam, which makes the diameter of the ceiling curve, and three other beams on radii of that eurve. These trusses are finished with California red-wood, of which also are the pews and finish of the church generally, though cherry has been used for the pulpit, ministers' seats, and communion-table, the top of the latter being of St. Alban's red marble. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass in colors, and that above the platform is a specially rich design. The walls and ceilings throughout both the church and chapel are decorated in oil by Philip A. Butler, artist, of Boston. The decoration is rich in color, though the treatment is very simple and in excellent taste. The pews are fitted up with patent elastic cushions, covered with dark maroon damask, and made by Osterman & Son, of New York. The upholstery of the pulpit and ministers' seats has plush covering of a similar color, The building is heated by Magee furnaces in the basement, and is brilliantly lighted with gas, as is also the chapel, by means of a Walworth gas-ma- chine. The gas-fixtures are of dark bronze, and were made by Hollings & Co., of Boston.

The chapel, always a pleasant room, is made more so by its new position, and particularly by the color given to the walls and ceiling. Between the church and chapel a new section is built, which contains a parlor or infant class-room, fifteen by twenty feet, con- meeting by wide doors with the chapel ; a small vesti- bule on the east connects with the chapel and parlor, and a larger porch or vestibule with a western entrance. The latter also serves as a library-room, and is fur- nished with a handsome roller front book-case made by Smith & Co., Boston. From this room is an en- trance to the church and pastor's room, and a flight of stairs leads directly to the kitchen in the basement.

New carpets, new hymn-books, etc., and a new silver- plated communion service of a rich design complete the equipment.

The contractors and builders were Mead, Mason & Co., Boston, Mr. G. W. Myers, foreman. The work was under the care and general supervision of the architect, Mr. S. C. Earle, of Worcester, but back of it all the loving heart, patient spirit, painstaking and wise judgment of Mrs. Wheaton, who with a marvel- ous strength and devotion regarded and carried every detail of her generous undertaking. And all employed in the work were animated by a pride to do their best, and by an oft-expressed appreciation of the self-deny- ing spirit and noble beneficence of the Christian woman who was providing for the people she loved this costly benefit.

The following is a list of the several ministers and pastors of this church, with the dates of their terms of service :

Rev. Spencer F. Beard, 1832-35; Rev. Cyrus W. Allen, installed July 8, 1835, dismissed March 1, 1842; Rev. Homer Barrows, 1842-45; Rev. William Barrows, ordained Sept. 4, 1845, dismissed June 4, 1850 ; Rev. Franklin Holmes, ordained Sept. 15, 1852, dismissed Dec. 20, 1859; Rev. Samuel Beane, in- stalled Sept. 26, 1860, died May 8, 1865; Rev. Henry C. Fay, 1865-68; Rev. H. K. Craig, 1869-71; Rev. T. Atkinson, 1872-75; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 1876-81; Rev. James P. Lane, installed Jan. 10, 1882.

The original members were Nathan Perry, Leavit Bates, Hannah Bates, Lysander Makepeace, Sarah Makepeace, John Patten, Nancy Patten, Phebe Pat- ten, Lydia Shepard, Elizabeth Briggs, Rhoda Lo- thrope, Jesse Blandin, Laban M. Wheaton, Eliza B. Wheaton, Josiah King, Clarissa King, Mason Stone, Abigail M. Stone, Harriet Patten, Polly Goodwin, Allen Tucker, Emma Field.

The Baptist Church .- The old Baptist Church, the first in this town, was organized in 1761. The fol- lowing are extracts from the early records :

" March ye 5, 1761 .- Elder William Carpenter was baptised by im- mersion by Elder Backus, and at the same time Patience Cook was bap- tised by immersion."

" March ye 18, 1761 .- At a church meeting held in Norton after solemn prayer to God, [and] after some discourse on many points, the church by vote adjourned ye sd meeting till March ye 24."

" March ye 24, 1761 .- Ye Church met, and after opening ye meeting by sołemn prayer to God,-

" First, ye Church voted the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Baptist Constitution. Then a number signed sd Covenant, viz., William Carpenter, John Finney, Peter Soulard, Gershom Cambell, Daniel Niles, Eben Jones, Jabez Briggs, Abigail Austin, Sarah Cambell, Patience Cook, Mary Jones, Mary Phillips.

" 2nd, The Church made fresh choice of William Carpenter to be the elder of this Church.

"3, The Church voted that the first of April should be the day for to set apart our Pastor to the work of the ministry in the Baptist Consti- tution, and to send to the Baptist Churches in Middleborough (viz.) Elder Backus and Elder Ilinds."

" April ye 1, 1761 .- Mr. William Carpenter was set apart to the work of the ministry and Church, [and] settled in the gospel order in the Bap- tist Constitution, by Elders Backus and Ilinds, Elders of the Baptist Churches in Middleboro', with their assistance from sd churches, by fasting and prayer and the laying-on of hands, giving his charge and

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the right hand of fellowship. [The same day] Benajah Smith, Mary Finney, Mary Poick (?), and Tabitha Briggs, signed the covenant."

This church was really the continuation of the dis- senting church, or rather those who left the First Church during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Avery.

The old church was dissolved Oct. 13, 1835, and on the same day the present church was organized, and the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Henry C. Coombs, Nathan Chapman, Samuel J. Carr, John Holbrook, John C. Bowen, William Read, H. C. Coombs,1 S. A. Collins,1 John J. Bronson, F. H. Mil- ler, Seth Ewer, Nathan Chapman, Washington L. Coburn, William A. A. Millerd, John Blaine, Isaac Smith, George Carpenter, J. H. Tilton, Charles F. Nicholson, William S. Walker.

Wesleyan Methodist Church .- This church was organized May 3, 1850, with the following members : Rev. S. P. Snow, Maria J. Snow, Joseph Snow, Nancy Snow, David Cummings, Roxellana R. Cummings, Albert S. Tucker, Abigail Tucker, Jonathan J. Stanley, Polly Jones. The first pastor was Rev. S. P. Snow. Their house was dedicated May 8, 1854, with appropriate services, by Rev. J. W. Horton, of Taunton; Rev. William H. Brewster, of Lowell ; Rev. G. Clark, of Attleborough ; and Rev. S. P. Snow, the pastor. Rev. Mr. Snow continued his labors as pastor until April, 1854, when Lewis P. Atwood, a licentiate, was engaged to labor with them one year. In April, 1855, Rev. John A. Gibson commenced his labors among them. He remained till April, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. James Dixon, who re- mained from 1858-61; Rev. George Wallace, 1861 -64 ; Rev. R. H. Cobb, 1864-65 ; Rev. Lowell Parker, 1865-66; Rev. George W. Wallace, 1866-67 ; Rev. Guardiner Clark, 1867, six months ; Rev. John Braley, 1867, six months; Rev. Lowell Parker, from 1868-69; Rev. John Blanchard, Rev. Reuben Cook; between 1869 and 1875 not steady preaching; Rev. Thomas Brown, 1875-76 ; Rev. A. R. Bradley, 1876-78 ; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 1878-80; Rev. Byron Williams, 1880 -81; Rev. J. P. Lane, 1881-83.

Methodist Episcopal Church.2-About the year 1874, Rev. E. D. Hall, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in East Attleborough, began hold- ing meetings in the part of Norton around Lane's Station. These meetings were held in private houses, in the depot building, and in the first jewelry-shop, since destroyed by fire. A Sunday-school was organ- ized, and Brother Freeman Robbins, of Attleborough, acted as superintendent. The interest continued and increased. Rev. Mr. Gowan, successor to Mr. Hall, continued the work, and at length it was decided to build a house for the worship of God. This was con- sidered a great undertaking, but was finally accom- plished by the energy and self-sacrificing spirit of the people. It would be unfair to the smaller contribu- tors to give the names of the larger ones, for many

gave just as cheerfully from their small means as others did from their larger ones. Perhaps from the divine point of view they are equal. It is pleasant to find on the old subscription papers evidence that the giving was not circumscribed by denominational lines. The builder of the chapel was Mr. John Har- vey. Work was begun in November, 1875, and the house was dedicated to the worship of God in Febru- ary, 1876. The building is small and plain but neat, and dedicated free from debt. Several ministers were present. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Willett. A collection was taken by Rev. E. D. Hall. At first those in this neighborhood who became mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were recorded on the books of the Attleborough Church. At the session of the Providence (now New England South- ern) Conference in 1876, R. T. Stevenson, a student in the theological school of Boston University, was appointed to supply the work at Lane's Station.

On June 10, 1876, a separate church organization was effected. On July 23, 1876, Rev. George W. Brewster, presiding elder of the district, held the first Quarterly Conference of the new church. Since then it has been a regular appointment of the Con- ference, though a small one. The small size of the church has rendered it unable to always secure the services of a resident pastor, and hence there have been more frequent changes of the pastoral relation than would have been produced by the system of Methodism alone. Most of the preachers have been students in the theological school at Boston. The following have held the relation of preacher in charge: R. T. Stevenson, Francis M. Kirgan, W. D. Gray, W. N. Groome. At the Conference session of 1881, M. F. Colburn, a graduate of the theological school and member of the Conference, was appointed as resident pastor. His health failing after a few months he retired, and George H. Trever, of the theological school, completed the year. At the Con- ference session of 1882, Frank S. Townsend, then a student in Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., was appointed as resident pastor, and continued his labors through the year.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 147

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1818

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818