USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 19
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Wishing you grace, mercy and peace from the great Head of the Church, I subscribe myself, Your affectionate pastor,
J. DWIGHT.
A true copy attest.
JASON KEITH, Clerk.
January 6, 1839, at a church meeting held this day, it was voted that we accept the recommendation of the council, in dismissing the Rev. J. Dwight from his connection with this church as pastor thereof.
JASON CLARK, Clerk.
Rev. John Dwight was the son of Francis and Maria (Blanchard) Dwight, born in Shirley, Mass., January 2, 1810. Being of a studious
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habit, he early resolved to avail himself of the benefits of a collegiate course of education, that he might at some time enter upon the duties of some learned profession. He was fitted for college at the academy in Woburn, Mass., and taught school two terms in that town, and was graduated at Amherst College in 1835. He immediately entered upon a course of theological study with that eminent scholar and preacher, Rev. Jacob Ide, D.D., at West Medwav, and received a license to preach from the Mendon association January 1837.
He received a call from the South Church of North Bridgewater, now the city of Brockton, where he was ordained April 12, 1837. He was thus at an early age placed in spiritual charge of a large parish with all the pastoral duties to learn, and required to make weekly preparation for the pulpit instruction of a people not easily satisfied with common- place performances, and soon found himself unequal to the task ; and after two years' hard labor he asked and received his dismission, in March, 1839. A change, with a rest of two years from active labor, and he was fitted for entering anew upon the ministry, which he did at South Plymouth, Mass., where he was installed, July 18, 1841.
In this field of usefulness he remained for nearly five years, with very gratifying results. But even here his health became so impaired that he was obliged to close his public labors and retire to private life. He was dismissed in March, 1846. He removed to West Medway where he remained for five years, recuperating his exhausted condition, at the end of which time he became installed pastor of the church in North Wrentham, Mass., June 23, 1853, where he labored with varied success, till his dismission at his own request April 1, 1856. He re- mained at this last place for a few years, and then removed to Cambridge, Mass., where he died February 5, 1869, of paralysis of the brain. His remains were buried in West Medway, Mass., where he studied his profession, where he married his wife, and where were associated some of the most cheering remembrances of his life.
Mr. Dwight, married Sarah Ann daughter of Benjamin and Sally (Jarves) Hastings, of West Medway, Mass., April 14, 1837. She was born in Boston, October 29, 1815. Their children were :
I. Sarah Harris, born at Campello, September 30, 1838, married William Bradford Davis, of Acton, Mass., December 7, 1865.
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2. Annie Eliza, born at Medway, July 22, 1840; married Lewis Francis Dupee of North Wrentham, Mass., July 22, 1865, who died April 10, 1870. A teacher in the schools at Beverly, Mass., where he was superintendent. She taught drawing in New York, in 1874.
3. Mary Elizabeth, born at South Plymouth, June 16, 1842; married Jason Eugene Wilson, of Medway, August 20, 1865.
4. John Francis, born at South Plymouth, August 20, 1844; a graduate of Harvard, 1869; married Nancy L. Woodruff, of Rahway, N. J. He is the principal and proprietor of " Rahway Institute."
5. Celia Adelaide, born at Medway, September 9, 1846; married Joseph Barker Thomas, of Weymouth, Mass., December 24, 1870.
6. Allen Seabury, born at Medway, October 7, 1848.
Mr. Dwight labored with his people until January 2, 1839, when a council was called, as follows :
Agreeable to letters missive from the South church in North Bridge- water (Campello), an ecclesiastical council was held at the house of Josiah W. Kingman, esq, on Wednesday, the second day of January, 1839, for the purpose of considering the request of Mr. Dwight for a dissolution of the pastoral relations between the church and people. The churches composing this council were as follows :
. Church of Stoughton : Rev. Calvin Park, pastor ; Deacon Fisher Gay, delegate.
Church of Easton: Rev. Luther Sheldon, pastor ; Deacon Harrison Mitchell, delegate.
Church of West Randolph : Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, pastor ; Horatio B. Alden, delegate.
Church of Bridgewater : Rev. Ebenezer Gay, pastor; Deacon Mor- ton Eddy, delegate.
Union Church of East and West Bridgewater : Rev. Baalis Sanford, pastor ; John Richards, delegate.
Church of East Randolph : Rev. Dennis Powers, pastor; Abner Derby, delegate.
First Church of Abington : Rev. J. W. Ward, pastor; Zibeon Pack- ard, delegate.
First Church of North Bridgewater : Eliphalet Kingman, delegate.
Rev. Dr. Park was chosen moderator; Rev. J. W. Ward, scribe.
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The council, after mature deliberation, voted,
Unanimously, That under the existing circumstances they deem it expedient that the pastoral relation between Mr. John Dwight and the South Church in North Bridgewater be dissolved.
Voted, unaaimously. that this council give the Rev. John Dwight a full and cordial recommendation to the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ as a pious, able, and devoted embassador of our Lord and Saviour.
Voted, That the council deeply regret the practice frequent at the present day of the dissolution of the pastoral relations on trivial grounds as exceedingly injurious to the interests of the pastor and church, and the cause of Zion, and do, therefore, record their decided and unanimous disapprobation of the practice.
The council tender to the Rev. John Dwight their cordial sympathies, now vacating this portion of his Master's vineyard, and pray that he may soon be stationed on some part of the walls of Zion, and where he may meet with distinguished success, employ his time and talents in advancing the best interests of the church of God.
They would also tender their cordial sympathies to this Church and Society, now left as sheep without a shepherd, and devoutly pray that the great Head of the church may continue to prosper and bless them and soon send them an under-shepherd, who may break to them the bread of life.
CALVIN PARK, Moderator. J. W. WARD, Scribe.
A true Copy.
Attest : JASON KEITH, Clerk.
MINISTRY OF REV. DANIEL HUNTINGTON .- Various preachers were heard from that time until November, when, at a meeting of the society, held November 19, 1839, it was "voted to unite with the church in giving Rev. Daniel Huntington, of New London, Conn., a call to be- come their pastor. Josiah W. Kingman, Charles Keith, and Deacon Sylvanus French were chosen a committee to confer with Rev. Mr. Huntington, and offer him six hundred dollars salary, which offer being accepted, a council, consisting of Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton; Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, of Randolph; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; Rev. Baalis Sandford. of East Bridgewater; Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater, was called for the purpose of installing him as their pastor, January 1, 1840. He continued to preach to this people till May. 1851, when Mr. Huntington, thinking the time had come for him to relinquish his labors, " that some one might fill his place whose influence might the more effectually call fourth its resources, and more equalize the pecuniary liabilities," asked that a council be called
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to consider the question of his dismission, which was granted. A meet- ing of the church and society was held, and a strong opposition to his dismission being manifested, the council unanimously declared them- selves " happy to find, in the light of all the documents before them, and the verbal assurances given them by the pastor on the one hand, and the committee of the church and society on the other, that there is no sufficient ground for such action as is indicated, by the letter missive, in the existing circumstances of the parties concerned ; " and Mr. Hunt- ington finally withdrew his resignation, and continued to supply the pulpit as before until the regular yearly meeting, April 18, 1853, when he was requested to resign his position. He therefore tendered his resignation to the church at a meeting held May 2, 1853, and asked for a council to be convened for the purpose of his dismission. The follow- ing persons composed the council, viz. :
First Church in Braintree ; Richard S Storrs, D.D., pastor; Jonathan Wild, M.D., delegate.
Union Church of Weymouth and Braintree; Rev. Jonas Perkins, pastor.
Trinity Church of Bridgewater; Rev. David Brigham, pastor ; Oliver Allen, delegate.
Union Church of East and West Bridgewater; Rev. Baalis Sanford, pastor ; Deacon Nathan Whitman, delegate.
First Church of Abington ; Rev. James W. Ward, pastor ; Joshua Whitcomb, delegate.
The council was organized by the choice of Rev. Dr. Richard S. Storrs as moderator, and Rev. James W. Ward as scribe.
This council met at nine o'clock A. M., May 11, 1853, when the rela- tion between pastor and people was dissolved. After due deliberation the council came to the following result :
Doubtless sufficient reasons may exist for the dissolution of the pastoral relation, independently of Providential calls to stations of increased responsibility, and of the summons to give account of one's stewardship at the tribunal of God. The failure of health, the loss of intellectual vigor or moral character on the part of the pastor; the unfriendliness of influential individuals, the exhausted resources of church and congre- gation, or the long and total suspension of divine influences, may indicate the expediency, not to say the necessity, of terminating the connection between the pastor and his flock. Even in cases like these, it is more than probable that, had patience its perfect work,
26
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
and were a more humble reliance on God maintained, the plea of expediency or neces- sity would be nullified by the onward progress of time. But in the case before the council to-day, neither failure of health, loss of intellectual vigor nor moral character,- neither individual unfriendliness, exhausted resources, nor want of success in the min- istry, is or can be urged as the ground either of the tender or acceptance of the pastor's resignation ; his health never was better; his character, in wliatever aspect viewed, has never stood higlier, nor has he an acknowledged enemy within the church or outside of it, and the congregation has been growing in wealth ever since he came to it, while the church has doubled its numbers ; he loves his people warmly, and with one consent they profess to reciprocate his love. Such is the testimony, both of those who wish the pastoral relation dissolved, and those who deprecate the means; and yet, at their mutual request, this council is assembled to " advise and assist " in the question of his dismission.
After previous advice, kindly given and received two years ago, but now overlooked, and without any important change in the circumstances of the parties, nothing remains to the council but, agreeably to the earnest request of the pastor and the corresponding action of the church without the assignment of any satisfactory reasons on the part of the church, to declare the pastoral relation hitherto subsisting between Rev. D. Hunt- ington and the South Church in North Bridgewater to be dissolved by their mutual agreement. While making this declaration, the council feel bound, by regard to the honor of the ministry and the sacredness of truth, to affirm of the pastor, in accordance with the statements made to them, that for no fault of his own is this dissolution accomplished. That having been long tried and well known to all the pastors and churches of the region round about, as a man of unblemished character, a Christian of deep experience, a minister of uncommon talent, fidelity, and affectionateness, and a model of meekness, self-denial, and devotedness to the interests of Zion, he possesses our entire confidence and warmest love; and he is hereby most cordially and unreserv- edly commended to the fraternal regards of all ministers and churches among whom his future lot shall be cast, as well as to the safe conduct of " Him who dwelt in the bush," and led his people of old into the promised land.
And most cordially do the council sympathize with those especially afflicted by the bereaving event of this day. Most deeply do they lament existing trials, whether real or imaginary ; and most affectionately advise to a more patient waiting on God in the future, and a firmer reliance on his almighty arm in support of the ministry of his appointment. And if he shall give you another pastor hereafter, as we fervently hope and pray, may he be equally a man of God's own heart as the man you lose to-day, and a man whose instructions shall be as pure, whose life shall be as exemplary, whose spirit shall be as affectionate, whose fidelity shall be as clear to all men, and whose success shall be far more abundant in eradicating the love of money, which is the root of all evil, in winning souls to Christ and filling heaven with hallelujahs to the Lamb that was slain ; and for this, may your faith and love grow exceedingly, and your labors abound more and more, till you shall be called to join the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven.
A True Copy.
R. S. STORRS, Moderator.
J. W. WARD, Scribe.
Attest : JAMES W. WARD.
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SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
REV. DANIEL HUNTINGTON was the son of Gen. Jedediah, born August 4, 1743, and Ann (Moore) Huntington, and grandson of Gen. Jabez, born August 7, 1719, and Elizabeth (Backus) Huntington, of Norwich, Conn. Both father and grandfather were in the Revolution- ary army, and were distinguished as soldiers.
Mr. Huntington was also brother of Rev. Joshua Huntington, pastor of the Old South Church, Boston. He was born at Norwich, Conn., October 17, 1788; graduated at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., in 1807 ; studied theology ; and was first ordained at North Bridgewater, October 28. 1812, where he remained as pastor of the First Congrega- tional Church until prostrating disease compelled him to retire from that field of labor, greatly to his own grief and that of a devoted church and society, in March, 1833, being dismissed by council March 27, 1833. In May following he removed his family to New London. After a brief respite from pastoral labors, he gained sufficient strength to gratify his fine literary taste in the instruction of successive classes of young ladies in the higher branches of an educational course while a resident of New London, the city of his birth and death. In this em- ployment, combined with occasional preaching as returning health per- mitted, seven years passed away usefully and pleasantly. At the end of this period his heart yearned for a return to the labors of his love ; and receiving an earnest call from a portion of his original church and congregation to take charge of them in the Lord, he cheerfully consented to the arrangement, and was received not only by them, but by the original church, and all the churches and pastors who had known his going out and coming in in former years with open arms. His installa- tion took place January 1, 1840, where he continued to labor for thirteen years as a gospel preacher, winning souls to Christ, and making glad the hearts of all by his tender love and faithfulness. At the end of that time he tendered his resignation, May 2, 1853, which was ac- cepted, and he was permitted to retire to the home of his youth, and pass the evening of his days amid the scenes of his earliest aspirations. From that day, for about six years, till the time of his departure, he con- tinued to preach the gospel " in and out of season " as " the open door was set before him," all the while setting his house in order. At the moment when his Master called him he was diligent in business,
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fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, preaching his last sermon to the mission church at Mohegan, just four weeks before the messenger of death met him.
The physical sufferings of his last days were very great, owing to the complicated diseases which, with fierce strength, assailed his deli- cate frame, but his patience and faith failed not,-no complaining or murmuring word fell from his lips,-his mind was clear and unclouded to the last. To the affectionate daughter who was trying to arrange the pillows for his aching head he said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh," and to another, who asked if he would not lie down, he answered, " Lay me down in Jesus' arms : 'other refuge have I none.'" To a brother according to the flesh, who said to him, " I hope you can say, with the apostle, 'I know in whom I have believed,' " he replied, after a moment's pause, "I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day." Thus closed a life eminently devoted in its progress to the happiness of his family and friends, to the honor of his Redeemer, and the salvation of men, in peace, and the joyful hope of a glorious immortality. Mr. Huntington was a man of refined sensibilities, generous sympathies, unfeigned humility, and extreme modesty (that imposed a restraint on the putting forth of his native genius), of pleasant aspect, voice, and manner, of genial humor, and gifted with good judgment. He sought to make home agreeable to children and guests; as a man and companion, affable, courteous, and true; a zealous defender of the faith, a clear, logical, earnest minister of the New Testament. As a pastor he had few equals, being eminently kind, sympathizing, prudent, and studious. As a husband, father, brother, son, he was affectionate and faithful, and greatly beloved in his domestic and social relations,-distinguished above most others in consolation to the afflicted and bereaved. His preaching was such as might convince any one of his sincerity and belief in those truths which he professed to believe. He sought not for ab- struse matters, hard to be understood, neither did he aim at beauty of style nor pomp of display, either in language or person, but was simple, earnest, scriptural, practical. Many must have felt, upon learning of his death, that they had lost a friend. All who knew him well acknowledge that a good man has gone. Thus has ended the life of
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one who, when he first entered the ministry, declared his intention to continue in that profession, God permitting, to his death, which took place at New London, Conn , May 21, 1858.
" Rest here, blest saint, till from his throne The morning break and pierce the shade."
Rev. Daniel Huntington married first Mary Hallam, daughter of Captain Gurdon Saltonstall, July 12, 1812. Children :
Mary Hallam, born June 20, 1813 ; died February 20, 1820.
Anna Moore, born December 28, 1814; married Alfred Hebard of Windham, Conn., April 20, 1841 ; a graduate of Yale College in 1832 ; now resides at Carondolet, Missouri. Children :
Augustus Huntington, born June 21, 1842.
Mary Saltonstall, born June 3, 1847.
Hannah Sage, born August 26, 1816; married Franklin Chappell, a merchant of New London, November 10, 1841. Children :
Frank Huntington. born February 4, 1843.
William Saltonstall, born April 15, 1847.
Alfred Hebard, born May 12, 1849.
Mr. Chappell died February 19, 1848.
Mary Hallam, the mother, died May 25, 1822. He then married Alma, daughter of Benjamin French, of Boston, October 28, 1823.
Charles French (son of Rev. Daniel 1), born December 1, 1824; married Abby M. Burrill, of Portland, Me., June 30, 1846, who has one daughter, Alma. The wife is not living. The father and daughter formerly resided at Brookline, Mass.
William Saltonstall (son of Rev. Daniel 1), born September 25, 1828 ; married Lucy Otis, daughter of Valentine Erkskine, of South Abing- ton, Mass., May 24, 1854. Children :
Daniel Hebard, born March 4, 1855 ; died October, 1855.
Adelaide Hebard, born February 15, 1856; died July 7, 1865.
Mary Alma, born July 21, 1860.
William Hunter, born January 7, 1862.
William S. Huntington was one of those who entered the United States service in the Rebellion of 1861, having enlisted September 14, 1861, mustered out September 24, 1864, with an honorable discharge.
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Mary Hallam. born September 25, 1828; died November 21, 1831.
Mary Alma, born September 13, 1834; now resident of New Lon- don.
Alma Louisa, born December 23, 1830; died December 21, 1844.
The mother died June 3, 1837. He then married Sarah Sayr Rainey of New London, Conn., November 1, 1841.
The father died May 21, 1858.
Publications of Rev. Daniel Huntington .- Sermon at the Funeral of Alpheus Packard, delivered in the North Meeting House in Bridge- water, May 12, 1812.
Discourse delivered in the North Meeting-House in Bridgewater, now Brockton, December 22, 1820. Being the Second Centennial An- niversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims of Plymouth. Published by Ezra Lincoln, Boston.
Sermon on the Occasion of the Death of Rev. R. S. Storrs's Wife, April 9, 1818
Discourse delivered before the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, May 26, 1824.
A Memoir of Mary Hallam Huntington, his Daughter. Published by the American Sunday. School Union, Philadelphia.
A full Account of the Great Revival in 1816 was published by him in the Boston Recorder of June 10, 1818.
Address before the Pilgrim Society at Plymouth, Mass.
Discourse delivered in the South Church in Campello, October 31, 1852, it being the Fortieth Anniversary of his Ordination.
A Poem on the Pleasures and Advantages of True Religion, deliv- ered before the United Brothers' Society in Brown University on their Anniversary, August 31, 1819.
MINISTRY OF REV. DAVID TEMPLE PACKARD .- Rev. David Tem- ple Packard, a native of the town, and who had just completed his theological course of study, was the first minister settled in the new house. He was invited to supply them during the building of the new church by a vote passed April 18, 1854. This he continued to do in Salisbury Hall till the new vestry was finished, when services were held there on the Sabbath, and May 22, 1854, the society "voted to give Rev. David Temple Packard a call to settle with them in the min-
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istry, and offer him 800 Dollars as his Salary." This call he accepted, and he was ordained as their pastor Thursday, September 21, 1854.
The churches represented in the council were as follows, viz :
First Church of Braintree : Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., pastor ; Elias Hayward, delegate.
Evangelical Congregational Church of Easton: Rev. Luther Shel- don, pastor ; Deacon N. T. Mitchell, delegate.
Union Church of Weymouth and Braintree : Rev. Jonas Perkins, pastor; Deacon E. H. Richards, delegate.
Trinitarian Congregational Church, Bridgewater: Martin Went- worth, delegate.
First Congregational Church of North Bridgewater: Rev. Paul Couch, pastor ; David Packard, delegate.
Congregational Church of Hanson : Rev. S. L. Rockwood, pastor ; Deacon G. F. Stetson, delegate.
First Church of Falmouth : John Butler, delegate.
Porter Evangelical Church of North Bridgewater : Deacon Simeon Packard, delegate.
Union Church of East and West Bridgewater: Deacon Charles Churchill, delegate.
Fourth Church of Abington: Rev. Isaac C. White, pastor ; Elbridge G. Ford, delegate.
First Church of Yarmouth : Rev. Abel K. Packard, pastor; Oliver Mathews, delegate.
Mystic Church of Medford : Rev. Jacob M. Manning, pastor ; J. W. Washburn, delegate.
Central Church of Middleboro': Rev. W. C. Dickinson, pastor ; Abiel Wood, delegate.
The following clergymen were also present by invitation, viz .:
Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater.
Rev. Charles Livingston, of Plympton.
Rev. Mr. Gurney, of St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Rev. Mr. White, of Orleans.
Rev. Josiah L. Armes, of Mason, N. H.
The council organized by the choice of Rev. Dr. Richard S. Storrs, D D., moderator, and Rev. W. C. Dickinson as scribe. The services on that occasion were as follows :
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1, reading of the Scriptures and invocation, by Rev. Abel K. Packard, Yarmouth, Mass .; 2, introductory prayer, by Rev. S. L. Rockwood, of Hanson ; 3, sermon, by Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; 4, ordaining prayer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; 5, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Jacob M. Manning, of Medford, Mass .; 6, charge to the pastor, by Rev. Paul Couch, of the First Church in Brockton ; 7, address to the people, by Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., of Easton ; 8, concluding prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; 9, bene- diction, by the pastor.
The following hymn was sung on that occasion :
We bid thee welcome in the name Of Jesus, our exalted Head ; Come as a servant : so he came, And we receive thee in his stead.
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