USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 15
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
This council convened at the house of the pastor, March 27, 1833, Rev. R. S. Storrs moderator, Rev. Calvin Hitchcock scribe. Afterward adjourned to Col. Edward Southworth's hall, where a communication was read, presented from the church and society, in which it was de- clared that it was with great reluctance they consented to his dismis- sion, and as an expression for the pastor's ill health, " Voted that he be requested to accept of a liberal donation."
The council, after mature deliberation, voted " that in view of all the circumstances of the case before them they are constrained, with much reluctance, to express their concurrence with the parties in reference to the dismission of Rev. Daniel Huntington, and do consider his pastoral and ministerial Relation as regularly dissolved according to Ecclesi- astical order," and state that,-
155
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The providence of God, that has so elearly indieated this result, is deeply mysteri- ous. When we refleet on the uninterrupted harmony of feeling, and the entire eor- diality of the intereourse and co-operation of the pastor and the floek for more than twenty years, and add to this the faet of a constantly strengthening attachment, down to the present time, and also the remembrance of the usual amount of blessing with which the relation now dissolved has been attended, we are constrained to pause in silent wonder, and then exelaim, "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight." In pronouneing the relation dissolved, we feel we are but declaring the will of Heaven; and most deeply do we sympathize with Each of the parties in this mutual trial. To the dearly beloved brother, with whom we have so long walked to the house of God in company, and so often taken sweet eouneil, we give a parting hand, with emotions that cannot be uttered. We know him,-we love him ; we shall never forget him nor his toils, nor his sorrows, nor his joys, nor his paternal sym- pathies, nor his rich sueeess in the cause of the Redeemer; and most affectionately do we commend him as a faithful brother, and able minister of the new testament, a strenuous defender of the faith onee delivered to the Saints, and an indefatigable laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. Our prayers will go up to God without eeas- ing, that he may be fully restored to the services of the Sanctuary, and become the Spiritual father and guide of other hundreds in some other portions of our Zion; and that he may long live, and everywhere enjoy the same hallowed confidence, and full esteem of his brethren, which have been inspired by his uniform course of conduet, in the sphere of action from which he now departs in obedience to the call of Heaven. The brethren of the church and the members of this society will accept the assurance of strong sympathy and unimpaired affection on the part of this council. There is no root of bitterness that has sprung up in an evil hour; it is no diminution of your love; it is no spirit of envy or covetousness that has brought you into your present state of trial. The hand of the Almighty affliets you; and will you not say, shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil? We know, beloved breth- ren, that hearts are ready to break, and that your sorrow most of all, lest you should see the face of your beloved pastor no more. But while we cannot ehide your tears, nor wonder that you are ready to inquire, Why, Lord ? we are bound to say to you, fear not. The same God who gave vou the treasure in which you have so long re- joieed still lives, and listens to the sighs and prayers of his people; go to him, and he will sustain and direct and bless you still. The friends of your pastor will be your friends ; his brethren will be your brethren ; his God will be your God. Live in Love, cherish unity of spirit, and preserve it ever in the bonds of peace. As your sorrows are mutual, so shall be your consolations. As your day is, your strength shall be. And hereafter, when the Son of man shall appear in the clouds of heaven, may you, with your beloved and faithful pastor, and your children of many generations, stand before him, and hear from his lips the blessing, " Well done, good and faithful servant; enter ye into the joy of your Lord."
RICHARD S. STORRS, Moderator. CALVIN HITCHCOCK, Scribe.
A true copy :
HEMAN PACKARD, Clerk.
156
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Rev. Mr. Huntington was afterwards settled for several years over the South Congregational Church and Society at Campello.
Rev. Daniel Huntington removed to New London, Conn., and engaged in teaching a private school of young ladies, preaching only occasionally, where he remained till called to settle at Campello, Mass., January 1, 1840.
MINISTRY OF REV. WILLIAM THOMPSON .- Again, after the lapse of twenty-one years, is this society called upon to fill a vacancy in their pulpit, caused by the dismission of Rev. D. Huntington. March 19, 1833, " Voted to choose a committee of five to supply with preaching," and Darius Littlefield, Heman Packard, Capt. Jeremiah Beals, Lieut. Ephraim Cole, and Deacon Sylvanus French were chosen said com- mittee.
June 13, 1833. At a meeting of the parish, held this day, " Voted to give Rev. William Thompson a call to settle with them as their pas- tor." Mr. Thompson, however, wishing for time to consider the matter, gave his decision July 24, accepting the invitation of the society, and they "voted to have the ordination September 18, 1883." After- wards changed to the 17th.
Accordingly, an ecclesiastical council was held at the house of Silas Packard, esq., September 17, at nine o'clock A. M., for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Thompson, which consisted of the following :
Rev. Joel H. Lindsey, of Park Street Church, Boston; Zachariah Gurney, delegate.
Rev. Calvin Hitcheock, D. D., West Randolph; Ezekiel French, delegate.
Rev. David Brigham, East Randolph ; Ezra Thayer, delegate.
Rev. Baalis Sanford, Union Church, East and West Bridgewater ; Samuel Rider, delegate.
Rev. Ebenezer Gay, Trinitarian Church, Bridgewater; Isaac Fobes, delegate.
Rev. Luther Sheldon, Easton ; Giles Randall, delegate.
Rev. John Codman, Dorchester ; Deacon Charles Howe, delegate.
Rev. Daniel Huntington, New London, Conn .. their former pastor.
The council proceeded to examine the papers as laid before them, and receiving testimonials of Mr. Thompson's church standing and
157
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.
theological studies, with his approbation to preach the gospel, and examining him as to his views and acquaintance with experimental religion, and becoming fully satisfied with them, it was " voted unani- mously to proceed to ordain him."
The following was the order of exercises :
I, voluntary, by the choir; 2, anthem; 3, introductory prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; 4, hymn, " There is a stream, whose gentle flow;" 5, sermon, by Rev. Joel H. Lindsey, of Park Street Church, Boston, text, 2 Cor. ii. 16, " And who is sufficient for these things ?" 6, ordaining prayer, by Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, D. D., of Randolph ; 7, hymn, tune " Old Hundred " :
Great Lord of angels, we adore The grace that builds thy courts below ; And through ten thousand suns of light, Stops to regard what mortals do.
Amidst the wastes of time and death, Successive pastors thou dost raise, Thy charge to keep, thy house to guide, And form a people for thy praise.
At length, dismissed from feeble clay, Thy servants join th' angelic band ; With them, through distant worlds they fly ; With them before thy presence stand.
Oh, glorious hopel oh, blest employ ! Sweet lenitive of grief and care! When shall we reach those radiant courts, And all their joy and honor share ?
Yet while these labors we pursue, Thus distant from thy heavenly throne, Give us a zeal and love like theirs, And half their heaven shall here be known.
8, charge to pastor, by Rev. Daniel Huntington ; 9, right hand of fel- lowship, by Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater; 10, address to the church and society, by Rev. Daniel Huntington; II, anthem, " Let us, with the joyful mind;" 12, concluding prayer, by Rev. David Brigham, of East Randolph; 13, doxology, " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; " 14, benediction, by the pastor.
158
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
The day was unusually pleasant, and the exercises very interesting and satisfactory to all present.
Mr. Thompson continued with this people but a short time, owing to a pressing call from a new theological seminary at East Windsor, Conn., which he received in September, 1834, and which, after one refusal and another urgent call, he was led to accept, and where he became a "Professor of Biblical Literature," at East Windsor, Conn. The council called for advice in relation to the request of Rev. Mr. Thompson for dismission, convened at the house of Silas Packard, esq., September 4, 1835, and consisted of the following persons :
Those chosen by the pastor were,-
Rev. John Codman, D. D., of Dorchester; Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., of Newburyport, Mass .; Rev. George W. Blagden, D. D., of Salem Street Church, Boston; Rev. Elisha Fisk, of Wrentham, Mass .; Rev. Lyman Matthews, of Braintree.
Those appointed by the church and society were,-
Rev. Warren Fay, D. D., of Charlestown, Mass .; Rev. S. Gile, of Milton ; Rev. Jacob Ide, Medway, Mass .; Rev. Sylvester Holmes, of New Bedford, Mass. ; Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton, Mass.
The claims of the seminary were strongly urged by Rev. Dr. Tyler, president of the institution, in behalf of the trustees, and the claims of the society and church were represented by Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, D. D., of Randolph, in a very able manner. The council, after con- siderable discussion and deliberation, "voted that the relation between Rev. William Thompson and the Church be dissolved." The society held a meeting September 5, 1834, and " voted to accept of the report of the Council," which is as follows :
The removal of settled pastors from their charges endangers in a high degree the best interests of the churches, and is not to be encouraged except where circumstances seem clearly and imperiously to demand it. Such circumstances in the present interesting state of the world, when so much is doing for the cause of Christ, must be expected to occur. And when they do, are to be met with a spirit of expanded benevolence, both by churches and their pastors. Especially should this be the case when the Theological Seminaries of our land call upon us for those who, by talent, experience, acquisitions, and, more than all, by practical piety, are needed to instruct those who are to be under shepherds of the flocks of the Redeemer. In yielding up their pastors to such claims, when clearly and affectionately presented, the churches emphatically give, and have given, to them again in full measure, pressed down and running over.
159
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.
When other pastors sent forth by the instrumentality of him who was once their own, becoming willing and efficient workmen in many parts of the Lord's vineyard, such is the call now made upon this beloved church by one of these institutions, and the council would affectionately suggest that in considering this call it is important that the church should contemplate the relations to the vital interests of the whole of Zion sustained by such seminaries, and reflect also upon the fact that as they are dependent in a great measure on such institutions for faithful workmen, who shall go forth and reap the harvest of the world now white for their entrance, it becomes them to cherish toward them no common interest, but to be ready to sustain them by their most earnest endeavors. Especially should this be the case when it is remembered that the instruct- ors in these seminaries, since they are to teach those who are to be future pastors, should be previously taught themselves in the field of practical labor, and must therefore generally come from our churches. Impressed with such sentiments, this council do advise this church to acquiesce in the late decision of their beloved pastor, and resign him to what he believes to be the call of the great Head of the church.
Some of the council desire it to be stated that they have come to this decision with- out deciding on the merits of the Theological Institute of Connecticut, but solely on the ground of Mr. Thompson's strong conviction of duty, and would express their opinion that but for such a conviction now publicly and clearly expressed, he might still be more useful in this present sphere of labor. The council recommend that the adoption of this result should be understood by the church and society as dissolving the connection between them and their beloved pastor; and in announcing this result they wish to ex- press their strong sympathy in the self-denial the contemplated separation must cost them, and to assure them of their fervent prayers in their behalf. To this people it may be difficult to resign a pastor to whom their attachment is so strong, and in whom con- fidence is so entire. This trial seems to be aggravated by dissolving this happy relation so soon after it had been formed. All this the council most deeply feel, yet we confide in God to sustain us and guide you in this day of your affliction. And here our con- fidence in your future course and prospects is greatly strengthened by a recollection of your unanimity in the changes through which you have passed, while we commend you to the great head of the church, we fervently pray that you may remain of one mind, and soon be perfectly united in another pastor, who shall guide you and your children to that rest where the pain of separation shall be known no more.
JOHN CODMAN, Moderator. ERASTUS MALTBY, Scribe.
A true copy of the original result.
ERASTUS MALTBY, Scribe.
MINISTRY OF REV. PAUL COUCH .- At a meeting of the society held July 20, 1835, it was " voted to unite with the Church in giving Rev. Paul Couch a Call to settle with us in the ministry, not one dis- senting vote." Also, " Voted that we offer the Rev. Mr. Couch an an- nual Salary of Seven Hundred and fifty dollars, and also a Gift of One Hundred and fifty dollars."
160
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
August 9. "Chose a committee of five to confer withi Mr. Couch and agree upon a council. Capt. Jeremiah Beals, Eliphalet Kingman, esq., Jesse Perkins, esq., Nahum Perkins and Deacon Sylvanus French were selected for that purpose, who agreed upon the following persons :
Rev. Ebenezer Gay, Trinitarian Church, Bridgewater; Cornelius Holmes, delegate.
Rev. Baalis Sanford, Union Church, East and West Bridgewater ; Deacon John Soule, delegate.
Rev. James W. Ward, First Church in Abington ; Richard Vining, delegate.
Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, West Randolph; Ezekiel French, delegate.
Rev. David Brigham, East Randolph ; Thaddeus French, delegate.
Rev. Erastus Maltby, Trinitarian, Taunton ; George B. Atwood, dele- gate.
Rev. John Codman, Second Congregational Church, Dorchester ; Deacon Charles Howe, delegate.
Rev. David Sanford, Dorchester.
Rev. Samuel Gile, D.D., Milton.
Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D., Braintree.
Rev. Daniel Huntington, New London, Conn.
Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., First Church, Easton; Caleb Pratt, del- egate.
Wednesday, October 7, 1835, being the day agreed upon for his in- stallation, Col. Nathan Jones, Capt. Jeremiah Beals, and Jesse Perkins were chosen a committee to make arrangements for that day.
The following was the order of exercises :
I, voluntary, by the choir ; 2, anthem, by Haydn,-" Wake the Song of Jubilee ;" 3, introductory prayer, by Rev. Erastus Maltby ; 4, origi- nal hymn, by their former pastor, Rev. D. Huntington :
Herald of our Saviour God, Welcome, welcome, in his name! Sound his wondrous grace abroad ; All his boundless love proclaim.
Sinners renewed-lost-defiled, Shall the joyful news receive :
Cleansed, restored, and reconciled, Bless his holy name, and live.
To each bruised and bleeding heart, Gilead's healing balm apply ; Hope to trembling souls impart ; Wipe the tear from sorrow's eye.
Through Emanuel's favored land, Sound the trump of Jubilee !
Bid the prison-doors expand ; Hail the ransomed captives free ;
161
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
5, sermon, by Rev. John Codman, D.D .; 6, consecrating payer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D .; 7, original hymn, by Rev. D. Huntington :
Ascended Saviour, thee we praise, For all thy truth and kindness shown, Accept the honors that we raise,
And smile upon us from thy throne.
Yea, from that glorious throne come down ;
Here with thy church vouchsafe to stay, And let thy constant presence crown The joys of this auspicious day !
Still let our faith expect and prove Th' exhaustless bounty of thy hand;
And while we taste the richest love, Our hearts with gratitude expand.
A double portion of thy grace On this thy messenger bestow ; And 'neath the shining of thy face, Let his with heavenly lustre glow.
Grant him these num'rous souls to bear, As trophies of his faithful love,-
Seals of his high commission here,- Gems in his crown of joy above.
Then to thy great and holy name,
Pastor and floek, through endless days,
Thy truth and mercy shall proclaim, In rapt'rous songs of grateful praise.
8, charge to the pastor, by Rev. Samuel Gile, of Milton ; 9, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Baalis Sanford; 10, address to the church and society, by Rev. Calvin Hitchcock; II, anthem, by Mozart,-" Halle- lujah, Amen ;"1 12, concluding prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay; 13, benediction, by Rev. Paul Couch.
Rev. Mr. Couch continued to preach the gospel to this people in all its simplicity, and with marked ability, freedom and candor,-such as had its desired effect upon the community in which he moved,-till May 8, 1859, when he asked to be relieved from his pastoral labors, which request was granted July 1, 1859, and the estimation in which he was held by his people may be seen in the following resolutions, which were passed by the church at a meeting held on that day :
Resolved, That while in view of the circumstances set forth by our pastor in his communication as the reasons which, in his opinion, render it expedient that he go away, and which have induced him to request his release from his pastoral charge over this church and society and people, we have at a previous meeting, reluctantly recorded our assent to his request. And we esteem it a duty which we owe to ourselves, and to him, to say that in taking this step we defer to his judgment, and consult his express wishes, and are not led to it by any disaffection on our part.
We still appreciate those traits in his character which, manifested among us, won for him our affection and regard, and we will cheerfully bear testimony, unitedly, to
1 The music on that occasion was conducted by Thomas J. Gurney, and was of the highest order, and the other exercises were highly gratifying to a large and attentive audience.
21
162
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
that high mental culture, that maturity of judgment, that sincerity, earnestness and fearlessness, in declaring from the pulpit the counsels of God; that ready sympathy with the afflicted and sorrowful among his people, and that love and known consistency of his daily life with his office as minister of Christ, which have constrained us always to estecm with respect and reverence his teachings, and to submit with love and confi- dence to his guidance; and when in the prospect of a specdy separation all these things are vividly brought to mind concerning our beloved pastor, it is not without painful misgivings that we consent to the sundering of those ties which, for the period of twenty-four years, bound him to this church and people.
Resolved, If such separation takes place, we tender our pastor assurances of our wishes and our prayers for his welfare, wherever he may be called to labor, and express the hope that his labors here may prove to him as he goes, and to us wlio remain, not only a present memory, but, by the grace of God, a means and a pledge of a happy reunion of church and pastor in a better world.
With a view to the dismission of Mr. Couch, an ecclesiastical coun- cil was called for the purpose of hearing and acting upon the request of their pastor for a dissolution of his connection with the church and society, which meeting was held July 19, 1859. The council was as follows :
Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; Elisha French, delegate. Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D., of Braintree; Levi W. Hobart, delegate.
Rev. Charles W. Wood, of Campello ; Josiah W. Kingman, delegate. Rev. Ezekiel Russell, D.D., of East Randolph ; John Adams, delegate.
After hearing the statement of the pastor requesting his dismission, and the statements of the church and society, who very reluctantly yielded their assent, the council voted :
That in view of all the circumstances, the strong convictions and preference of the pastor, and the assent, though reluctant, of the church and society, it is expedient that the ministerial and pastoral relation of the Rev. Paul Couch to the First Church and Society in North Bridgewater be dissolved, the dissolution to take effect, or the rela- tion to terminate, the first day of August, 1859.
In coming to this result the council cannot withhold the expression of their deep regret that a connection that has so long existed, been so auspicious to both pastor and people, scaled by effusions of the Eternal Spirit, cemented by mutual affection and esteem, and so productive of permanent good to the cause of truth and the honor of Christ in the world, should be thus sundered. Deeming themselves incompetent to judge of the validity of all the reasons for the course pursued, and trusting much to the sound discretion and judgment of the parties themselves, this council still, in view of all the circumstances, seem constrained to acquiesce in what seems to be the lead- ings of Providenee. This council deeply regret the separation from one whose urban- ity, large experience, and Christian kindness and wisdom have ever done so much to
163
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
enlighten and cheer ministerial intercourse in all its connections. They therefore com- mend the Rev. Paul Couch to the churches of Christ, as one rich in ministerial expe- rience, able, gifted, faithful, and beloved, with no blemish on either his Christian or min- isterial reputation. This council also commend this dear church for the sacrifice they have made for the cause of truth, and the prosperity of the kingdom of Christ in this place. They commend them for the affection and kindness they have shown to their pastor, their deference to his wishes, their provision for his wants. They would urge them also to a settlement of the gospel ministry among themselves as soon as circum- stances will allow it, and to a perseverance in the cause hitherto pursued.
They, finally, deeply sympathize with them in their separation from a pastor that has been so long and so justly respected and beloved, and commend them in their dis- appointment to the care of the Shepherd of Israel.
RICHARD S. STORRS, Moderator. EZEKIEL RUSSELL, Scribe.
A true copy of the doings of the council.
E. RUSSELL, Scribe.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER, July 19, 1859.
Rev. Mr. Couch preached his farewell discourse July 31, 1859.
On Monday evening following a large number of the society and friends came together in the vestibule of the church for the purpose of presenting him and his family tokens of their regard to them. A gold watch and one hundred dollars in money were presented to Mr. Couch, a silver goblet and a set of spoons to Mrs. Couch, and a splendid guitar to their daughter, Miss Harriet E. Couch, who had sung in their choir for many years.
From North Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Couch removed to North Cam- bridge, Mass., where he received an invitation to preach. Here also the people had taken possession of the house he was to occupy by stocking it with a year's supply of provisions.
Rev. Paul Couch was born in Newburyport, June 21, 1803 ; attend- ed the public schools of his native town till the age of sixteen years, attending one year a private academy; entered the Freshman class in Dartmouth College, N. H., 1820; graduated in 1823; studied three years in the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass .; commenced preaching in the fall of 1826; first ordained at West Newbury, Mass., in March, 1827; married Miss Harriet Tyler, of Griswold, Conn., May 28, 1827; settled at Bethlehem, Conn., in 1829 ; left there in 1834, and was installed in North Bridgewater in October, 1835, and dismissed at his own request, after a service of twenty-four years, in 1859. Since
164
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
that time he has preached at North Cambridge, Mass., and other places.
In 1863 Mr. Couch removed to Stonington, Conn., where he preached till the weight of years admonished him that he must yield to the wishes of his family, that it was not prudent to longer remain in active service. He accordingly tendered his resignation to the church and society, where he had labored for twenty-four years so pleasantly and successfully, on the 18th day of January. 1887, at the age of eighty-four years, having been preaching for more than sixty years.
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.