History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 20

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 20

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Thus ended the controversy between the church and the society, but the bitterness of feeling engen- dered and the unchristian spirit aroused ceased not to be manifested until the chief actors had passed away.

The church so increased that a larger house of wor- ship was soon demanded for the accommodation of the people. In 1817 measures were taken for the erection of a new house on the corner of Purchase Street and a new street not then named, now Elm. The frame was raised May 7, 1817. The house was built by Deacon Barker, "and the proprietors met the expenses of the enterprise by a payment of money, labor, and materials." It was forty-eight feet by sixty, exclusive of a portico seven feet deep, supported by four large pillars, and surmounted by a handsome steeple. It was finished June, 1818. On Tuesday, the 23d day of that month, it was consecrated to Al- mighty God with "services extremely appropriate and interesting, and affording much gratification to a very numerous audience." Rev. John Codman, of Dorchester, preached a sermon from Exodus xx. 24: " In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."

The Sunday-school, organized in 1819, was the out- growth of Rev. Mr. Holmes' class in the catechism. Probably as early as 1811 he began his work as cate- chist, instructing the children of his church in biblical history and the doctrines of the " Assembly's Shorter Catechism."

In 1826 the meeting-house was enlarged. It was cut in two, the west end moved back, and fifteen feet inserted. At the same time the old meeting-house, then used for school purposes, was moved from Second Street to a site on Elm Street, just west of the meet- ing-house. A few years later it was raised one story ; the lower part was fitted up for a vestry, and the upper part for a school-room. After John F. Emer- son had taught there several years he purchased the | house, removed it to William Street, and remodeled it

NEW BEDFORD.

into a dwelling-house, which, with its additions, is now occupied by Charles R. Sherman.

By an act of the General Court, approved by the Governor Jan. 27, 1827, Roger Haskell, William W. Kempton, Henry P. Willis, David Briggs, Ebenezer Hathaway, Frederick Read, Ivory H. Bartlett, Joshua Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joseph Bourne, and their associates and successors, were incorporated into a society by the name of the North Congrega- tional Church. At the first meeting, June Sth, Wil- liam W. Kempton was elected clerk ; Joshua Barker, 'Cornelius S. Burgess, and Haydon Coggeshall, trus- tees ; and David Briggs, treasurer and collector.

The distinctive title "Third," given in 1807, was not needed after the incorporation of Fairhaven in 1812, and it is probable that after 1817 the epithet "North" was applied by way of distinction, as the meeting-house was north of the old meeting-house, on the site of Liberty Hall.

In 1830 it was evident that a wider field. of useful- ness was opening for the church. The population of the town was increasing, the pews were all occupied, and a meeting-house seemed to be needed in the south part of the village. " The indications of Divine Provi- dence say to us emphatically, 'Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords,' " are the words of those in- terested in a new place of worship. In 1831 the south meeting-house was built, and on the 15th of Novem- ber sixty members were dismissed to be organized into a church. Thus the Trinitarian Church had its origin.

On the 11th of March, 1836, the corporation voted to erect a new house of worship. Work was begun in April, the old house moved so as to front the north, and the foundation of a granite structure of larger dimensions laid. An address was delivered by Rev. Thomas Robbins, of Mattapoisett, at the laying of the corner-stone, Friday afternoon, May 13th. The house was built according to a plan furnished by Mr. Bond, architect, of Boston, under the superintendence of Messrs. Taber, West, Sawyer, and Underwood, mas- ter-masons, and Obadiah B. Burgess, carpenter. It is of the Gothic order of architecture, with square tower and battlements, and is sixty-eight feet front by ninety in depth. The interior was finished with great sim- plicity, without gallery, except for organ and choir. The total cost, including lot, was about twenty-eight thousand dollars. It was dedicated Thursday, Dec. 22, 1836. An audience of nearly fifteen hundred people listened to a highly interesting sermon by Rev. Dr. Hawes, of Hartford, Conn. The house was first occupied Jan. 1, 1837. The wooden building in the rear, subsequently occupied as a stable by James Thomas, was destroyed by fire about twenty-five years ago.

Rev. Mr. Holmes, having been invited to become the general agent of the American Bible Society, re- quested the church to grant him a leave of absence for five years, provided an associate pastor be settled.

The church granted his request Feb. 21, 1839. At the expiration of four years he returned, but found the church desirous of severing the relation existing be- tween them. Accordingly, he was dismissed by a council March 15, 1843.

During his ministry more than five hundred were received into the church. There were several seasons when the Spirit of the Lord descended with power, two of which were followed by large ingatherings into the church. (In 1831 sixty-six united with the church, and in 1834 ninety-two, of whom thirty-four were received May 4th.) He was instrumental in re- viving the old church at the "Head of the River" and in building a meeting-house there.

After his dismission he was pastor of the Pacific Church nearly six years. His last pastoral work was done at his native place, South Plymouth, where he preached six years. Five weeks after he laid the harness off, his summons to depart came from his Master. He died in this city, at the residence of Ivory H. Bartlett, Nov. 27, 1866, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, and was buried from the church where he had preached so many years.

As a man, Rev. Mr. Holmes was active, untiring, enterprising, commanding in appearance, capable of administration, impatient at interference, of indomit- able energy, "which the bitterest opposition only in- tensified ;" as a preacher, "of acute perception, tena- cious of his theological faith, perspicuous in style, earnest and forcible in delivery, effective without the grace of eloquence ;" as a pastor, always on the alert for strangers, that he might bring them into his con- gregation, " thorough, kind, affectionate, sympathiz- ing." His influence was felt not only in New Bedford, but also in the Congregational Churches throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

While Rev. Mr. Holmes was absent, Rev. Thomas M. Smith, of Catskill, N. Y., was associate pastor. He was installed July 24, 1839, Rev. Leonard Woods, D.D., of the Theological Seminary, Andover, preach- ing the sermon. After three years' service he was dismissed, Aug. 31, 1842, on account of troubles which arose a few months previous. An extensive revival prevailed, but he objected to some extraordi- nary means adopted for its promotion. The council called to dismiss him " laid the trouble at the door of excitement growing out of evangelists' introducing desire for extraordinary measures, female speakers, etc., which he opposed, but did consent to a protracted meeting, and one was held under an evangelist, but trouble grew in the church." Hasty, inconsiderate, not understanding the principles and modes of action in case of grievance, the church was manifestly in error in the course pursued. With bitterness of sorrow at a later period its members viewed their action, and of it heartily repented. One hundred and four were added to the church during his min- istry, thirty-six of whom were received May 1, 1842.

Rev. Mr. Smith was subsequently Professor of The-

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

ology at Kenyon College. He died Sept. 6, 1864. He was a pastor " of amiable disposition, of wise and discreet deportment, of sterling talents, and of well- proportioned ministerial character."

The agitation of the slavery question in 1843 was a source of disturbance, which finally resulted in the excommunication of one of the deacons and another prominent member. The need of moral reform was not seen and felt. Conservatism characterized the majority, who were not ready to follow the advance- guard, because the enormity of the sin of slavery was not comprehended. A resolution and a vote of that period show the attitude of the church upon that question, which has since shaken the foundation of our government and drenched the land " in fraternal blood," --

" Resolved, That all action upon or discussion of these subjects (State rights, national policy, and slavery), as a church, or in meetings ap- pointed by the church, be indefinitely postponed."

" Voted, That the church do not think it expedient to pass any reso- Intions on the subject of slavery."

Mr. Robert S. Hitchcock having accepted an invi- tation to assume the pastoral charge of the church, was ordained July 19, 1843. His father, Rev. C. Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, preached the sermon.

The question whether the pastor-elect should unite with the church arose during the session of the coun- cil, but was indefinitely postponed. Against this the Rev. Dr. Codman, of Dorchester, and ten others en- tered their protest: "That in their opinion it is proper that, according to Congregational principles, the candidate for ordination should become a member of the church over which he is to be ordained."

It was during his pastorate that twenty members, feeling aggrieved at the action of the church in rela- tion to the dismission of Rev. Messrs. Smith and Holmes, requested to be dismissed to form a church. The request was not granted, but a " Union Church," so called, was formed in Fairhaven. In the midst of the serious troubles that threatened the church a mutual council was called, and the difficulties peace- fully adjusted. Nineteen were dismissed Oct. 8, 1844, who with others were organized into the Pacific Con- gregational Church.

On account of the precarious state of his health, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock tendered his resignation, and was dismissed Dec. 9, 1845. The council bore testi- mony to his ability, zeal, and faithfulness, and ex- pressed their high appreciation of his talents, acquire- ments, and piety. He has been for several years at the head of the Hollidaysburg Female Seminary, Pennsylvania.

Nearly two years elapsed before another pastor was settled. On the 15th of September, 1847, Mr. Aza- riah Eldridge, from the Divinity School, Yale College, was ordained. His brother, Rev. Joseph Eldridge, of Norfolk, Conn., preached the sermon. In the winter of 1850-51 the interior of the meeting-house was remodeled under the supervision of Mr. G. J. F.

Bryant, architect, of Boston. Side galleries and new pews were put in, and the internal appearance greatly improved, though at a reduction of pews from one hundred and fifty-four to one hundred and eight on the floor of the audience-room. The expense of alteration was about six thousand dollars. The re- dedication took place March 13; 1851, when Rev. Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of Boston, delivered a sermon of great power.

In 1852 the pastor was invited to take charge of the Clinton Street Church, Philadelphia. Notwithstand- ing the urgency of the call and the earnest words of Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, who appeared in behalf of the Philadelphia Church, the council convened Jan. 6, 1853, did not feel " prepared to assume the respon- sibility of dissolving the peaceful and prosperous re- lation existing between church and pastor."

Three years later, however, the impaired condition of his bodily health and the plans of study abroad which he had fondly cherished induced him to re- sign. He was dismissed April 22, 1856. During his ministry ninety-one were added to the church. He was a faithful and efficient minister, winning the con- fidence of his people, by whom his removal was deeply regretted.

After he left he visited Europe, traveling and study- ing. On his return he was settled over a church in Detroit, Mich. During a second visit to Europe he was for a time chaplain of the American Protestant Chapel at Paris. He now resides at Yarmouth.

His successor, Rev. Henry W. Parker, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was installed Aug. 8, 1856. The sermon was by Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Union Theological Seminary, New York.

The stone chapel adjoining the meeting-house on the southi was built in 1857, at a cost of about three thousand five hundred dollars. During the winter of 1857-58 an extensive and powerful revival occurred. It began to develop in a union prayer-meeting es- tablished through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Parker, and as a result there were added to his church in one day, May 2d,-memorable in the history of the church,-seventy-seven persons on professon of their faith. There were one hundred and fifty-nine ac- cessions during his seven years' pastorate. This in- crease of membership rendered his duties more arduous, but he discharged them with fidelity, though with health impaired. He was dismissed July 27, 1863. He is now Professor of Natural History at Grinnell College, Iowa.

The call of the next pastor, Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., is sadly suggestive, not of strife and division and spiritual decline in the church, but of that fearful national conflict which well-nigh dismembered the Union. Chaplain Quint accepted his call by letter dated "Camp of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, Tullahoma, Tenn., April 20, 1864."

In that letter he says, " It is a greater sacrifice for me

NEW BEDFORD.

to leave these men and such scenes which they must pass through than it was to leave a beloved home and a dear church at our country's call. I cannot, indeed, leave until my term of service ends; and if then the regiment should be engaged in active service, I must reserve the right to remain with it a reasonable period."

A suggestion of the letter was at once acted upon and the treasurer raised by subscription nine thou- sand dollars, thus promptly canceling the debt of the church and corporation.

Rev. Dr. Quint was installed July 21, 1864. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. A. L. Stone, D.D., of Boston. His ministry continued eleven years, terminating June 10, 1875, though his membership still continues. His ministry was popular, and the church received one hundred and forty-five members.

From 1855 to 1861 he was a member of the Mas- sachusetts Board of Education ; has devoted much time to local history and genealogy, has been a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, is a member of the New England Historic-Genealog- ical Society, and a corresponding member of the New Hampshire and New York Historical Societies ; has published two volumes pertaining to the Rebel- lion, has been chaplain-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, has held high official appointments in his denomination, and has made Congregational polity and ecclesiastical law subjects of special study. In 1866 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater, Dartmouth College. He resides at Dover, N. H., and has recently represented that city in the Legislature.

The present pastor, Rev. Albert H. Heath, was installed Oct. 19, 1876. The sermon was by Rev. A. J. F. Behrend-, D.D., of Providence, R. I. In 1878 the galleries were fitted with square pews and furnished with chairs, and a new organ was placed in the church at a cost of about seven thousand dol- lars. In 1881 a new pulpit was built. The church has flourished under his ministrations, and up to 1883 had received two hundred and fifty-five mem- bers, ninety-five of whom were admitted from the Pacific Church after it disbanded in 1878. The pres- ent membership is four hundred and ninety-five.

In 1857 the semi-centennial of the church, and in 1882 the seventy-fifth anniversary, were celebrated with interesting and appropriate exercises. A series of historical sermons, growing out of the latter, is nearly completed.

Rev. Mr. Heath is a graduate of Bates College, 1867. Ile was formerly a Free-Will Baptist, but while preaching at the Roger Williams Church, Providence, embraced the doctrinal views of the Trinitarian Congregationalists.

The following ministers, other than pastors, have been connected with the church or Sunday-school : Freeman P. Howland, 1818, ordained in Hanson Oct.

25, 1826; Augustus B. Reed, 1825 ; Thomas Bailey, 1827 ; Clark Cornish, 1829; William H. Sanford, 1831 ; Henry W. Lee, 1835, Episcopalian, and at one time Bishop of lowa ; Pardon G. Seabury, 1836, pastor at the " Head of the River," 1830-33; William H. Stur- tevant, 1840, Tiverton Four Corners, R. I. ; Andrew Mackie, Episcopalian, dean of Northern Indiana at the time of his death in Laporte in 1878 ; John Cot- ton Smith, son of Rev. Thomas M., Bowdoin College, 1847, Episcopalian, Doctor of Divinity, a strong and effective preacher, a fluent and eloquent orator, an author of reputation, died Jan. 9, 1882: James F. Sisson, 1851, Methodist ; James R. Bourne, 1854, pas- tor in Sharon, Conn .; William H. Dowden, pastor at North Easton ; John C. Staples, 1857, pastor at South Deerfield ; Ellis Mendell, 1870, pastor in Norwood ; Rufus B. Tobey, 1870, recently pastor in Harwich ; Daniel C. Burt, 1872, pastor at the "Head of the River," 1833-57, now clerk of the church ; Henry M. Dexter, D.D., 1873, editor of the Congregationalist ; William C. Stiles, 1880, pastor of the East Congrega- tional Church, Brooklyn, N. Y.

DEACONS .- Joshua Barker, May 11, 1809, to Nov. 15, 1831 ; dismissed.

Cornelius S. Burgess, May 11, 1809; removed, and died in Middleborough Nov. 23, 1859.

William W. Kempton, Nov. 26, 1831, to May 4, 1834; died.

William Little, Nov. 26, 1831, to June 25, 1868; died.

John F. Emerson, Nov. 26, 1831, to Feb. 2, 1846 ; excommunicated.

Andrew Mackie, June 3, 1834, to May 2, 1871; died.

Sidney Underwood, June 3, 1834, to March 31, 1842; dismissed.

Thomas Nickerson, June 3, 1834; declined.

Henry P. Willis, June 3, 1834; declined.

David Briggs, June 29, 1834, to Sept. 5, 1841 ; died.

John Bryant, June 29, 1834, to June 2, 1879 ; died.

Tristram R. Dennison, Dec. 24, 1851, to July 14, 1858; resigned (city missionary since 1853).

Edward S. Cannon, July 21, 1858.

Zachariah Sturtevant, May 3, 1867.

John Hastings, May 3, 1867.

Edward Haskell, May 3, 1867, to Dec. 11, 1882; died.

Thatcher C. Hatch, Jan. 5, 1872.

William F. Butler, Jan. 16, 1880.

The Trinitarian Church.1-Fifty-one years have passed since a band of earnest Christian workers withdrew from the mother-church, the North Congre- gational, and formed the nucleus of this organization.

The reasons for the withdrawal of this church from the North Congregational cannot be better stated than by the following letter, dated Nov. 17, 1830 :

" It must be perfectly apparent to every observer of the North Con- gregational Church and Society, and the rapidly increasing population

1 By Miss Emma J. Ashley.

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

of this town, that the time has fully come when another house of wor- ship should be erected and another congregation collected. Our present place of worship is all occupied, and more pews would be taken if they were to be had. Under these circumstances we cannot be more favora- bly situated for such an effort than we now are. It is also morally cer- tain if we do not open another place of worship some other persons will, and we have much reason to fear it would be such as differ widely from what we believe to be the faith of the gospel. The indications of Divine Providence say to us emphatically, 'Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords.'

" If we are deaf to the voice of that God who has done so much for us there is reason to apprehend that we shall not only neglect an oppor- tunity to do good, but we shall give others an opportunity to do that which will do us much evil, and especially the cause of evangelical truth. We are sensible that the work before us will call for sacrifices, but we have been taught in years that have gone ' that there is that scat- tereth and yet increaseth.'"

Nov. 15, 1831, an Ecclesiastical Council met at the North Congregational Church for the purpose of or- ganizing a new society.

The council consisted of eight clergymen, among whom were Revs. Oliver Cobb, Pardon G. Seabury, and Thomas Robbins.

Fifty-nine persons entered their names as members of the new church. They are as follows :

John C. Almy. Sylvia Almy.

Hannah Gibbs.

Lonisa F. Gibbs.

Phineas Burgess.

Joshua E. Gage.

Betsey Burgess.

Julian A. Gage.

Simeon Bailey.

Nancy B. Hawes.

Ellen J. Bailey.

Nathaniel Hathaway.

Eliza Billings. William Bain.

Nancy Howland.

Joshua Barker.

Alfred Kendrick.

Aurelia Barker.

Abigail Kendrick.

Clarissa Barker.

Abbie H. Kendrick.

Pensa Barker.

Henry C. Hendrick.

Eugenia Barker.

Almira Keith.

David Briggs.

Phoebe Mckenzie.

Anna Briggs.

Nancy Mckenzie.

Hannah Chaddock.

Richard A. Palmer.

James Carver.

Avis Palmer.

Eliza Carver.

Frederick Read.

Susan Carver.

Sarah Read.

Charles Coggeshall.

Thomas Remington.

Avis Coggeshall.

Charles P. Sherman.

Henrietta Cole.

Benj. Thompson, Jr.

Benjamin Clark.

Eliza Tobey.

Ann J. Clark.

Caroline Tobey.

Adeline Crowell.

Mary Taylor.

Hope Doane.

Harriet Taber.

Sarah P. Dunbar.

Marsena Washburn.

Elizabeth Freeman.

Samuel Whitby.

Robert Gibbs.

Avis Whitby.

Ann B. Gibbs.

To these Rev. Mr. Robbins presented the confession of faith and covenant. They were then addressed by Rev. Mr. Cobb. Deacon Daniel Perry presented the right hand of fellowship, after which the Lord's Sup- per was administered.

Of these fifty-nine original members but five are now (1881) known to be living,-Mrs. Avis R. Pahner,

now residing in New York City ; Mr. Phineas Bur- gess, the architect and builder of this edifice, now a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Mrs. Eliza (Tobey) Evans, now living in Assonet ; Mrs. Caroline (Tobey) Sanford, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Ellen J. Bailey, who resides in this city. and is still an esteemed mem- ber of this church. We remember with gratitude her years of faithful service. Long may she be spared as a golden link binding the old and new to- gether.

Soon after the organization four deacons were elected. Their names were Joshua Barker, Frederick Read, Charles Coggeshall, and Simeon Bailey.

For several months, while a new church edifice was being erected, the meetings of the society were held at the houses of its members, principally those of Charles Coggeshall and Joshua Barker. The first meeting was held Nov. 17, 1831, at the house of Dea- con Charles Coggeshall.

The church building was completed and dedicated May 16, 1832. The first pastor was Rev. James Aus- tin Roberts. He supplied the pulpit from May 26 until Nov. 14, 1832, when he was installed. His sal- ary was fixed at twelve hundred dollars per annum. Mr. Roberts was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, Eng- land, May 2, 1795. April 5, 1843, he asked, and was granted, a leave of absence for one year to visit Eng- land. During his absence, Rev. Mr. Dyer, of Fulton- ville, N. Y., supplied the pulpit. In July, 1844, Mr. Roberts wrote from London asking his dismission. It was granted, but with many expressions of regret from the society to which he had endeared himself by his consistent life and faithful pastorate. He after- wards returned to America, and lived and died in Berkley, Mass.

Feb. 10, 1844, while the pastor was in England, the edifice was seriously injured by fire. The first church to throw open its doors was the Unitarian. Their kind offer was accepted, and it was decided to discontinue the Sunday-school and hold the Sabbath afternoon service in the Unitarian Church. William Street Baptist Church also generously offered their house of worship. Subsequently the North Congre- gational Society, having granted a leave of absence to their pastor, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, invited the Trini- tarian Society to unite with them, and requested that Rev. Mr. Dyer supply the pulpit during the absence of their pastor. This arrangement was finally con- summated.

During the fall of 1844 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. J. H. Towne, of Boston, who declined to become a settled pastor.

Jan. 6, 1845. "By request the church and congregation remained after services in the afternoon to ascertain their wishes in regard to the church giving Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me., an invitation to become pastor of their church. The question having been put aud a request made that all who were in favor of the church giving said in- vitation should rise, it appeared that all had risen, and that there was but one mind both in the church and congregation in favor of said in- vitation."

Lucy Hathaway.

NEW BEDFORD.

A call was immediately (Jan. 6, 1845) extended to Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me. His salary was fixed "at twelve hundred dollars the first year, fourteen hundred dollars the second, and sixteen hundred dollars the third year, and that the latter- named sum be the salary after that time." It was also voted to allow him an annual vacation of six weeks. March 4th a meeting of the male members of the church was called to make arrangements for the ordination of Mr. Prentiss, who had accepted the call so unanimously extended to him. The installation took place April 9th. He remained pastor of the church until Sept. 30, 1850. The years of his pas- torate were those of great prosperity to the society. Fifty-five new members were added, and the utmost harmony prevailed between pastor and people.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 20

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