History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 165

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 165

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shall bear its proportion of insurance, to be paid by its purchaser, one-third of purchase money to be paid on delivery of deed, and one-third in thirty days, and one-third, or balance, in sixty days there- after. The records show there were eighteen sold and sixteen leased out of the forty-two to sell or lease.

Of those who were numbered among the stock- holders that purchased one or more pews six have died, three have moved away and sold their pews. Of those who leased pews, six have died, six have left town, and four remain.

It was also voted at the meeting held Friday even- ing, December 7th, that the superintendent of the Sunday-school at Washington Hall transfer said school to this vestry.

Adjourned to Saturday evening, December 15th.

Voted to have the records revised and written up in consequence of the sudden death of our respected and lamented friend, Stephen Howland, a former clerk of this association. Adjourned to Tuesday evening, Dec. 18, 1855. Meeting held, B. B. Sisson in the chair. Clerk read the records of the last meet- ing. Voted that the committee appointed at the last meeting on revising the records be empowered to take such action as shall be necessary to organize the stockholders into a legal corporate body. Voted that the sum of two thousand dollars be assessed on the stockholders for the purpose of paying the out- standing debts against the house and preparing the lot; that the same be assessed and collected and paid into the treasury on or before the 15th day of January, 1856. Voted to adjourn to meet at Washington Hall, Dec. 26, 1855, at 6.30 P. M. Meeting held according to adjournment. The committee to organize the stock- holders as a corporate body report they are engaged in the business, and will report as soon as sufficient progress shall have been made to enable them to do so. Voted to adopt the book of records now present and in the hands of the clerk as the book in which to re- cord the doings of the stockholders, and this vote be entered at the commencement of the records.

Voted that all meetings in the future be called by posting up notices in two public places three days at least before the time for holding said meetings. Voted that in the death or absence of the clerk the meeting shall be called by the treasurer.

Voted that the building committee be authorized to draw on the treasurer for such sums as may be necessary to discharge the debts against said house and lot. Voted to meet at Washington Hall on the evening of December 26th, at six and a half o'clock.

Dec. 26, 1855. Meeting called to order by the clerk ; chairman being absent, J. L. A. chosen pro tem. The chairman of committee appointed to revise and ex- amine the records as left by Mr. Howland, the former clerk, made their report, which was accepted. Voted to adjourn without day.

N. W. WINCHESTER, Clerk.

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

The next meeting was called by the clerk to meet in the vestry of the church, Monday evening, 20th, at eight o'clock ; first, to choose a moderator ; second, to hear the report of the committee on the organiza- tion of the proprietors ; third, to hear the report of the building committee. C. A. Church, chairman of the building committee, read the report :

" The Cont report they had Erected a Meeting-lionse for the public Worship of God in the Village, Having from time to time made partial report as all were aware in the Work. Having as they believe Com- pleted the Work assigned or Confided to them, they are Now prepared to make a final report and settlement of the business assigned them. They presented to the Meeting the Accompanying bills of Expendi- tures and the receipts in the hand of Treasurer to show what became of their Money. It being so arranged as to show in detail the amount ex- pended in the Various departments, deeming it the most business like and probably the most satisfactory to the stockholders who have a right to know, where & for what purpose their money has been expended. The Cont thought it desirable that all debts against the House should be paid with as much promptitude as possible. And they think they may Assert with Safety that rarely has a house of the Kind been erected where the debts against it have been more promptly paid. They also re- turn their thanks to the Stockholders for their liberality and promptness in furnishing them with the means for doing so. The Comt would also say in conclusion they have endeavored to discharge the duties Assigned them to the best of their ability and that all will agree they are attended with no little trouble and anxiety and responsibility, and that better and more competent persons from among our numbers, could have been chosen, we do not doubt ; but as we are of your own choosing the re- sponsibility you have to assume. We charge Nothing for our Services and if they are worthless, you pay Nothing for them. If they have been of any Value whatever it may be, You are welcome to them. And we hope that he who governs all things will own and bless the Edifice that we all have contributed to erect; And make it instrumental in pro- moting his honor and Glory. We respectfully submit this report and accompanying Account and ask to be discharged from further Service. " Signed

" C. A. CHURCH, " J. L. ANTHONY, " DAN. II. WAITE, " Committee."

The bills of each person employed in preparing the lot for the foundation, stone-work, plans, carpenter's bill, masons, painters, furnace, upholstery, chairs, table, sofa, Bibles for vestry and auditorium, insurance for five years, dedication expenses, etc., amounted to $5092.50. The above account and report was accepted and ordered to be recorded.

The following report was presented on organizing the stockholders into a legal body of proprietors as a corporate body :

"The undersigned a Comt appointed to present some plan the said organization of the Stockholders as a Corporate body, report that they have examined the subject and consulted Council in the case, and they recommend the Stockholders to organize under the 43d chapter of the Revised Statutes.

(Signed) " ISAAC HOWLAND, "P. W. PECKHAM, " C. A. CHURCH, " Committee.

" WESTPORT, July 28, 1856."

Then follows a copy of a deed given by James B. Congdon and wife to owners of pews of the lot of which the house stands, said lot having previously been conveyed to him by the heirs of Mr. Howland, who were now stockholders in common. Said deed conveys to each stockholder the amount of his share, also naming each heir of Mr. Howland, the share of

each belonging to their father, who was the largest shareholder (and his heirs being five).

Then follows the petition to George H. Gifford, justice of the peace, representing that they with others are the proprietors and holders in common of certain real estate situated in Westport; that they are de- sirous of forming themselves into a corporation ac- cording to the statutes in such cases made and pro- vided. Wherefore they request that you, the said justice, issue your warrant calling a meeting of said proprietors to be held for the purpose of organizing themselves as a corporation under the provision of the law in such cases provided; and to choose all necessary officers, and to determine the manner of calling all future meetings, and make arrangements for the sale or transfer of their property, and trans- act other business that may be necessary and proper.

Dated July 28, 1856. Signed by C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, and seven others.

George H. Gifford, the justice, issued his warrant to the said holders in common, directing them to call a meeting of said proprietors to be held in the vestry of the new meeting-house at the Head of the River, in Westport, on Monday, the 25th day of August, in the year 1856, at seven and a half o'clock P.M., for the purposes aforesaid, by posting up a no- tice containing the substance of this warrant, signed by you, the said C. A. Church, in one or more public places in said Westport, fourteen days at least before said meeting, and also by publishing the same in a newspaper printed in said county of Bristol. Given under the hand and seal of said George H. Gifford, justice of the peace. Then follows the certificate of C. A. Church that he had complied with the order of the warrant. The meeting was held according to the warrant, J. L. Anthony, chosen moderator; N. W. Winchester, chosen clerk, and sworn by the mod- erator; P. W. Peckham, chosen treasurer; Isaac Howland, collector ; C. A. Church, assessor ; J. L. A. I. Howland, J. T. Thompson, chosen a committee to sell or lease unsold pews, and make the necessary conveyances, and to have the general care of the house and lot.

Voted that the pews now sold or leased by the stockholders be approved by this meeting.

Voted that this corporation shall be known by the name of the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church. It was also voted that the clerk shall call all future meetings of the corporation by posting up one notice at the church and at one or more public places in the village seven days at least before the holding of the meeting, and in case of death or absence of clerk, meeting shall be called by treasurer.

Voted tltat the clerk shall call a meeting at any time on application of three or more of the proprie- tors in writing, stating the object of said meeting, and at all other times when he shall deem it expedient. Voted that five shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of this association. Voted

691

WESTPORT.

that each share shall be entitled to one vote, and that no person be entitled to more than ten votes. Voted to reconsider the vote for treasurer, and that the col- lector, Isaac Howland, be the treasurer. Voted that the committee on sale of pews be directed to erect a suitable fence around the lot as soon as may be, in compliance with the stipulations in the deed of said lot. Voted to adjourn without day. The next meet- ing of interest was held Friday, March 6, 1857, at which the treasurer presented his report for the past year, showing there had been received into the treas- ury the sum of $189.49 from taxes, leases, and rents for the incidental expenses, and he had sundry bills to the amount of $186.56, leaving a balance in the treasury of $2.93. It was proposed and voted that an individual account be opened in the records with the proprietors, and that each proprietor be furnished with a statement of his account. Voted to adjourn without day. N. W. Winchester, clerk.

The next meeting was held by the proprietors on the 5th day of March, 1859, at three o'clock, P.M., under a call by the proprietors to the clerk. When the necessary officers and committees were chosen for the year. There was presented to the meeting from a committee of the Union Sewing Circle a statement that from means obtained from the fair held by them. in December last, and from the aid of kind friends in and out of our village, they have been enabled to raise a sum sufficient to warrant them in contracting for a bell for the tower of the church and a clock for the vestry, and therefore ask of the corporation their acceptance of the same, and permission for them to place the bell and clock in their appropriate places in the church. Signed, Westport, March 5, 1859. Mary A. Church, Lucilla S. Borden.

Voted that the proprietors of this church accept with gratitude and pleasure the above kind donation of a bell and clock from the ladies of the Westport Union Sewing Society, and earnestly hope, with the blessings of God, that the donation made and the edifice which may contain them be ever used to pro- mote His glory and the moral and religious welfare of this community ; and that a committee consisting of Capt. Charles Little and Isaac Howland be ap- pointed to accept said donation, and render any aid necessary in placing the bell and clock in their ap- propriate places.

Voted that a copy of this vote be given to the com- mittee of the sewing society. The meeting was then adjourned to March 11, 1859, at three o'clock P.M.

is a balance due draw out the amount of said balance in pews and dispose of them as they shall deem best; and those of the stockholders who have purchased pews, the value of which exceeds their amount of stock, that they pay up their balance. This will close up with but little delay the whole matter of the stock- holders and the proprietorship, and the business can be transferred or merged into the society. This is very desirable, and your committee earnestly hope it may be accomplished. They are authorized to state that those stockholders to whom there is a balance due are ready to take out those balances in pews on reasonable and just conditions, and hope those in- debted will manifest an equal promptness in settling their balances. The next consideration, what in jus- tice should be done with those pews drawn out by the stockholding creditors, in regard to taxation for inci- dental expenses, when not used or wanted by them. Having purchased pews sufficient for themselves and families, the stockholders propose to surrender them, or such of them as they do not wish to retain, to the use of the proprietors for one year, for them to be leased at auction or otherwise, and the amount re- ceived be applied towards the payment of the inci- dental expenses of supporting public worship in the house, reserving the right of selling only should op- portunity offer.

This certainly is a fair and liberal offer, and will have the effect to reduce materially the expenses on the single pew-owners of the stockholders. There are many, your committee think, in the community who are desirous of purchasing or leasing pews who : cannot afford to pay the present valuation prices or lease at the present rates ; what the committee desire is a price within their reach. The stockholder own- ing pews can sell at any price he feels disposed to, and those surrendered to the proprietors can be leased at rates sufficiently low to bring them within the means of all who desire to rent. Free seats will be furnished to all unable to purchase, and that the rea- sonable wishes of all can be supplied. The great ob- ject should be to throw open as widely as possible the doors of the sanctuary of public worship, that the poor as well as the rich should equally partake of its blessings and privileges. Your committee feel it their duty, whether acting the part of committee or stock- holder, to do all they can to accomplish so desirable an end, and would therefore recommend the adoption of the following votes :

The first, second, and part of third article in the At the meeting held March 11, 1859, the committee vote recommended is to cover the ground in the re- appointed at the previous meeting reported that they | port presented with the following items of additions, had given the subject much thonght, as regards the ; the reservation for a pew for the use of the minis-

rights and duties of all the stockholders and the gen- ter's family : That the money received from pews leased be appropriated towards the incidental ex- pense, and the balance shall be taxed on the pews remaining in the hands of stockholders, owned and retained by them, according to the established valna- eral interest of this community in which the church is located. They are of an opinion, as there is not much probability of selling the pews on hand at their present valuation and paying the indebtedness to the stockholders, that those stockholders to whom there i tion of said pews; and that no lease shall interfere

692

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

with right of any stockholder to sell his pew and give immediate possession, the lessee only paying for the time occupied, and that said pew sold or the owner thereof shall be liable to the same taxation as the pews owned and used by the stockholders or others. The vote also recommends that the committee on sale and lease of pews shall give public notice that they will lease pews at public auction on some day (they shall name) as soon as practicable for the term of one year as many pews (after making the above reserva- tion) as the community shall, by offers made, evince a desire to lease. The residue, if any, may be leased thereafter (if opportunity offers) on such terms and conditions as the committee shall judge best for the interest of all parties ; and that all pews, when not occupied by the lessee or owner, may be occupied by others, under the direction of the committee on sale and leasing of pews.

Voted to adopt the report of the committee.

Voted that the three votes recommended by the committee as recorded be adopted. A committee of three was then appointed to sell and lease the pews, as follows: C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, and Isaac Howland, and that the said committee be authorized to make necessary conveyance to the stockholders and others of those pews already purchased or drawn out by them, also of those the stockholders may hereafter draw ont ; also lease such pews as may besurrendered to the use of the proprietors, agreeable to the vote adopted in the report of said committee as above recorded, and that a stockholder be permitted to exchange his · pew if said committee deem it best ; also arrange for the settlement of any balance due to the stockholders on pews drawn out, on such terms as they shall deem for the interest of parties. A request from the pro- prietors to the clerk to call a meeting to be held in the vestry of the church on Monday, April 11th, at seven o'clock P.M., the third article was to ascertain if the proprietors will sell or convey the house and lot to the Pacific Union Society and close up the affairs of the corporation, and to appoint a committee with authority to make the necessary conveyance to accomplish that object, and to repeal any former vote of the proprietors that may be inconsistent with the above.

Meeting held; being stormy and but few present, and it being desirous to have a full representation of the proprietors, voted to adjourn to Tuesday, April 12th, at three P.M.

April 12, 1859. The proprietors met by adjournment, a full representation present. The committee on sale and lease of pews presented their report, which was accepted and adopted :

"The undersigned appointed a Comt at a Meeting of the proprietors held on the Ilth day of March, 1859, for the purpose of Conveying to individual proprietors such Pews as they shall see fit to draw out to- wards the bal due them of stock in the Corporation, and to settle and close up its affairs in Order that the control and management of the House of Worship should be transferred to the Pacific Union Society. Report that they might proceed legally & Lawfully in the matter have

taken legal advice, and that it is recommended that the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church shall convey said Church & Lot by deed to the Pacific Union Society, and that said Society shall make the division deeds of Pews to its members. And as the members of said Society are also proprietors in the Church & Owners of the larger portion of the same; and are desirous of drawing out their bal. due them in Pews, the division of Pews will be so arranged by the Society as to meet the views of those proprietors as well as if done by the Corporation. This course will give to the Society the same control of the House as is now pos- sessed by the proprietors which was one of the Objects necessary to be attained in referring the subject to your committee.

" Your Comt concur in the above recommendation, and regard it as the proper course to pursue to bring about the wishes and intentions of the proprietors. But doubt whether you have conferred on them the power and Authority to make said conveyance, and would ask that you would confer upon them or others such necessary powers & Authority that the Object desired may be accomplished.

(Signed) "C. A. CHURCH, "J. A. ANTHONY, "ISAAC IlOWLAND, " Committee."

It was voted that C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, Isaac Howland be a committee with authority and power to sell and convey to the Pacific Union Society in Westport the house of public worship and lot be- longing to the proprietors known as the Pacific Union Church, and to make all necessary conveyance of the same and to close up as soon as may be the affairs of the corporation.

Voted that any vote heretofore passed by us in any way inconsistent with the preceding vote is hereby repealed. There were seventy-five votes cast in the affirmative and none in the negative. Voted to ad- journ to April 19, 1859.

April 19th. A meeting held ; nothing of importance acted on. Voted to adjourn to April 26th.

April 26th. A meeting held; no important busi- ness done, and adjourned to meet at the house of P. W. Peckham, May 6, 1859, at 7.30 P.M.

May 6, 1859. Meeting held and the committee re- ported they had leased of the unsold pews, according to the instructions given them, at auction and other- wise, twenty pews for the sum of fifty-six dollars and twenty-five cents. That they have also assigned pew No. 16 for the use of the minister's family, and seats for persons unable to hire, and five pews not leased, but the committee are of the opinion that every pew on hand will be leased or assigned to those wishing to attend public worship in the church. Though the pews have been leased for a comparatively small amount for the coming year, yet your committee are of the opinion that great spiritual blessings will follow the course which the proprietors have been pleased to pursue to enable all who desire to attend public worship in this house to procure a seat for what they please to give. And they doubt not that as the interest increases from a regular attendance upon the public worship of God, that in a pecuniary point of view we may with hope look forward for the blessing of Almighty God to attend the efforts and sacrifices made by the proprietors of this house for the moral and religious welfare of this place. Signed, in behalf of the committee, by J. L. Anthony.

693

WESTPORT.

The committee chosen at a previous meeting re- ported that they had sold and conveyed said house and lot by the following deed, a copy of which is hereto annexed. And in order to close up the affairs of the corporation the undersigned committee have made an agreement intended to accomplish that result, with a committee duly authorized by the Pa- cific Union Society to purchase said house and lot, and to adjust and settle all matters in relation to said purchase. Said deed and agreement we present with this report and ask that they be ratified and entered in the book of records of the proprietors. Then fol- lows the deed and agreement on the part of the two committees as recorded in the proprietors' records.

Then said deed and agreement was ratified and ap- proved, and the clerk directed to enter them in the records of the proprietors. Voted to adjourn without day.

A meeting called according to notice, to be held on Friday evening, 3d month 9, 1866, was adjourned to April 3, 1866. Meeting held April 3, 1866, by ad- journment, and it appearing from the records that there has been a final distribution of the common property belonging to the proprietors. and that there are no debts owing from the proprietors and none due them, and that the business of the corporation is closed up, therefore voted that the book of records be deposited with the clerk of the Pacific Union Society, said society having been the sole purchasers of all the property formerly belonging to the proprietors.

Voted to adjourn sine die.

Attest : N. W. WINCHESTER, Clerk.

On the 9th of May, 1858, a notice was read from the pulpit by Rev. Isaac Dunham stating that it was thought necessary to have an organized church con- nected with this house of worship, and that all who were willing to unite in the formation of a church to meet in the vestry of the church building the next after- noon, May 10, 1858, at 3.30 o'clock, to consider upon the subject, and to take steps for its completion.

The meeting was held, moderator chosen, as also a secretary. There were seventeen persons present. Remarks were made by J. L. Anthony setting forth the necessity of an organized church, and the desires of a number to connect themselves with it. By per- mission of the meeting the secretary read articles of faith, covenant, and standing rules of a Congrega- tional Church which, if satisfactory, would recom- mend for adoption, if thought best to have a Congrega- tional Church. As there were persons in the meeting that thought a church of the Christian or Methodist denomination would be preferable, it was concluded to take a vote and have the majority to decide the question. The vote stood : for the Christian, three ; for Methodist, two; for a Congregational, nine; and three not voting either way. It was voted to call a council for the organization of a church three weeks from that day. Meeting then adjourned sine die.

On the 26th of May, 1858, letters missive were sent

to the following-named churches to send pastors and delegates to meet on Monday, May 31, 1858, at ten o'clock, A.M., to advise and aid in forming a church on Congregational principles, and publicly to recog- nize the same, if in the judgment of the council it should be thought expedient so to do. Signed, J. L. Anthony, D. H. Kay.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 165

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