History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 89

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1538

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 89

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REV. JOHN TREADWELL was the successor of Mr. Henchman. "And during his pastorate," remarks Mr. Barton, "two events occurred which brought in a state of things disastrous to the church in common with others, viz .: the Half Way-Covenant and the Revolutionary War." He was ordained on the 2d of March, 1763, and remained nineteen years; hence it will be perceived that he was here during the most stirring period in American history. The Provincial Congress, in June, 1775, recommended the carrying of arms to meeting on Sundays and other days when worship was held, by the men who lived within twenty miles of the sea-coast; and so we find Mr. Treadwell appearing in the pulpit with a loaded musket, cartridge-box and sermon. He was born in Ipswich September 20, 1738, and graduated at Har- vard in 1758. His pastorate here ended in 1782. He then returned to Ipswich, his native place, and after- ward removed to Salem; was a Representative and Senator in the General Court, and a judge of the Common Pleas Court. His patriotism was conspicu-

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ous, his manners genial, and he loved to indulge in pleasantry, sometimes even out of season. His witty sayings often gained currency, and many of them are not yet forgotten.

REV. OBADIAH PARSONS, the successor of Mr. Treadwell, was installed February 4, 1784, "in peace, harmony and concord," as Mr. Sparhawk, of Lynn- field, says iu an almanac memorandum. He remained eight years and then returned to Gloucester, his native place, where he died in December, 1801. He had two wives and nine children. His settlement here does not seem to have promoted the prosperity of the church, and there were some scandals that hastened his removal, though he seems to have maintained a good social standing.

It was during the pastorate of Mr. Parsons that the parsonage at the corner of South Common and Com- mercial Streets was erected. And, as an appropriate illustration of some of the habits and customs of the time, it may be pertinent to relate an incident con- nected with the enterprise. The story is that a num- ber of the parishioners of small means were surpris- ingly liberal in the amounts they subscribed in furtherance of the good object, though it was under- stood that their donations would be received in the form of labor upon the premises, at a fixed price per day. The contributors were highly applauded for their generosity and the building committee praised for their liberality in arranging with a neigh- boring retailer for a supply of "refreshments," as they might be called for, while the work proceeded. Cheerily and rapidly the work went on. And then- when the building was completed and the accounts brought together-the contracting parties were aston- ished to find that the retailer's score, for liquid refresh- ments alone, exceeded in amount all that class of subscriptions.

REV. THOMAS CUSHING THATCHER was installed next after Mr. Parsons. He was a son of Rev. Peter Thatcher, of Brattle Street Church, Boston; was born in 1771; graduated at Harvard in 1790, and settled here in 1794, remaining till 1813. He attained a good old age and died in Cambridge September 24, 1849. He was affable in his social relations, but inclined to asperity in his controversial writings. He preached the funeral discourse over the bodies of the drowned men from the Scottish brig "Peggy," which was wrecked near the southern end of Long Beach December 9, 1795. The service was held in the meeting-house, the eight recovered bodies being present. There were twelve on board the brig, only one of whom escaped, and he, during the mournful service, stood in the centre aisle. Mr. Thatcher's text was, "And I only am escaped alone to tell thee," Job, ch. i., v. 19. On the 13th of January, 1800, he pronounced the eulogy on Washington. He also delivered the funeral sermon over the bodies of Miles Shorey and his wife, who were instantly killed by lightning on Sunday, the 10th of July, 1803, in the

house which still stands on Boston Street, opposite Cottage. He was a descendant from that Mr. Thatcher who, with his wife, were the only survivors of the terrible shipwreck, in August, 1635, of the bark of Mr. Allerton, which was cast away off Cape Ann and twenty-one persons drowned, including Rev. Mr. Avery, his wife and six children. The island on which Mr. Thatcher and his wife were safely cast is still called Thatcher's Island.

REV. ISAAC HURD, the tenth minister, was ordained September 15, 1813, and remained about three years. He graduated at Harvard in 1806, From Lynn he removed to Exeter, N. H., where he was installed over the Second Church of that place in September, 1817. There he remained till his death. At the closing period of Mr. Hurd's ministry the condition of the church was very low ; so much so, indeed, that the question of disbanding began to be agitated. But better things were in store. This was the time when the " liberal " element was beginning to actively work in the old churches, aud Mr. Hurd was inclining to- wards the new views. It is almost wonderful that the church did not at that time recede from the old paths, as so many of the other New England churches did. And it probably would have gone over had Mr. Hurd possessed the firmness and attractive power possessed by some others of the seceding clergy.

REV. OTIS ROCKWOOD, who succeeded Mr. Hurd, was firm in the faith, firm in his denominational at- tachments, and firm in his determination to prevent, if possible, any straying from the old paths. He was sound rather than brilliant, and to his earnestuess is much of his success to be attributed.

The successors of Mr. Rockwood, down to the pres- ent time, have been strong in the faith and zealous in their labors, men of ability and learning, and some of them distinguished above the common rank. So well are their characteristics known to this genera- tion that an attempt at portrayal in detail would be needless here, did the limits allow. Their names and the dates of their settlement have already been given. It may not appear invidious, however, to re- mark that Rev. Parsons Cooke, who was settled in 1836 and died on 1864, was perhaps the most notable since the time of Mr. Shepard. He was especially strong as a controversialist, and seemed to take a grim delight in opportunities to attack the Unitarian, Universalist and Methodist denominations. Persons of his characteristics always make a mark, and have tenacious adherents and determined opponents. It is difficult, therefore, to form an entirely satisfactory opinion from contemporaneous estimates, and future results must indicate the amount of good achieved. Mr. Cooke published two or three works which re- ceived some attention at the time they appeared, the most interesting of which, at least to Lynn people, being that entitled " A Century of Puritanism and a Century of its Opposites." It related

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to the history of ecclesiastical affairs here, and took quite an unfavorable view of some of his predecessors in the pastorate and those of their com- munion. Its sometimes poorly authenticated state- ments, as to the unworthiness of those under notice, opened the way for the future liberal-minded histo- rian to rank him as one disposed to magnify the fail- ings, rather than the goodness, of others.

Besides the foregoing list of regular pastors the church has, of late years, had the services of two or three acting pastors, whose names follow, -- REV. GEORGE E. ALLEN, who supplied in 1863-64 ; REV. JOSEPH COOK, 1870-71 ; Rev. J. R. DANFORTH, 1872. Mr. Cook afterwards became quite famous as a lec- turer, delivering several series in Boston and other large American cities. He likewise visited Europe and other parts of the world, attracting much atten- tion. He still (1887) continues to exercise his gifts in his chosen field. While here, he delivered a series of Sunday evening lectures in Music Hall, which cre- ated considerable sensation on account of the pun- geney of his style, and, as many thought, indiscreet and unnecessary assertions and denunciations.

Thursday, the 8th of June, 1882, the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the First Church of Lynn was observed by fitting ceremonies at the house of worship, on South Common Street. The day was pleasant and the attendance good. The forenoon exercises consisted of addresses, prayers, Scripture reading and appropriate music. The his- torical address was given by the pastor, Rev. Walter Barton ; and a poem, from which quotations have al- ready been given, was read by the author, J. Warren Newhall. At noon an abundant repast for visitors was spread in the lecture-room. The afternoon ser- vices were all of an impressive character. It was an occasion of much interest,-something more than a mere society or denominational ohservance, being well calculated to enlist the sympathies and stir the feelings of all, especially natives of the town.

The history of the First Church of Lynn has here been dwelt upon more at large, perhaps, than our limits justify ; but, in an important sense, it embodies a history of the place. In its communion were the fathers of the town, and, all along, many of the chief men have held it to be their spiritual home. Its infin- encein early days was potent for good, and in its list of pastors appear some names of more than ordinary lustre.

Having spoken thus at large of the First Church and its ministry, brevity will be necessary in speak- ing of the other religious societies, of which there are now thirty. Before enumerating them, however, a word should be said of the first churches of Lynn- field and Saugus, which were the Second and Third of Lynn.

The Second Parish Church of Lynn was formed in 1720, the year in which Rev. Mr. Shepard died, and became the First Church of Lynnfield. The eccen-

trie but learned Nathaniel Sparhawk was the first minister. In the sketch of Lynnfield this parish will be further spoken of. In the mutations of New Eng- land theology it hecame a Universalist Society.

The Third Parish Church of Lynn was gathered in 1732, and became the First Church of Saugus. It was over this parish that the Rev. Joseph Roby was set- tled for the long period of fifty-one years. He was learned and pious, and withal ardently patriotic, being chosen one of the Committee of Safety at the opening of the Revolution. This society, like that of Lynnfield, finally adopted the Universalist faith.

TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL .- Of the Trini- tarian Congregational-or, as they are popularly called, the Orthodox-Societies, there are now four, namely,-the First Church, that already spoken of, and whose present place of worship is a fine brick edifice on South Common Street, built in 1872; the Central Congregational, founded in 1850, and whose present house of worship is also a fine brick edifice, on Silsbee Street, built in 1868; the Chestnut Street Congregational, commenced in 1857 as a Congrega- tional Methodist, and becoming distinctly Calvin- istie in 1860, their house of worship being a frame structure on Chestnut Street, built in 1857 ; the North Congregational, founded in 1869, and worshipping in their neat wooden church on Laighton Street, built in 1870.

UNITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL .- The Second Con- gregational Society of Lynn is Uuitarian in sentiment. It was founded in 1823 and has a peculiar history, exemplifying some of the changes to which so many religions bodies were subjected at about the time of its institution. As has been seen, Mr. Rockwood, of the First Church, was a strong Calvinist. He was settled in 1818. At that time the leaven of " liberal Christianity," as it was called, and which subse- quently developed into broad Unitarianism, had begun actively to work. And it was chiefly from those who dropped off from the old society, having imbibed the more " liberal views," that this was formed. Among the early members were several of the most influential people of the town, and it has always comprised some of the wealthiest. Their house of worship, which is the first and still the only one of the order in Lynn, was dedicated on the 30th of April, 1823, and is on South Common Street. It is a wooden struetnre, and does not compare favorably with most of the present Lynn houses of worship. It may be mentioned, as an interesting fact, that it was in a sermon preached in Boston, at the installation of Rev. Mr. Shackford, who was the sixth pastor of this society, that the dis- tinguished Theodore Parker first publicly and clearly enunciated his peculiar doctrinal views. Another interesting fact, mentioned by Mr. Johnson in his "Sketches of Lynn," is, that the venerable Dr. Pierce, of Brookline, who was here at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Pierpont, the fifth minister, on that occa- sion remarked that that " was the ninety-fourth ordi-

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nation that he had attended, and that it was the first one where intoxicating drinks were not used, and the first ordination dinner at which ladies were present."

FRIENDS, OR QUAKERS .- A Society of Friends com- menced worship here as early as 1677. The rigid laws against the Quakers, which for many years de- formed the statute-books of Massachusetts, and the story of their rigorous enforcement, are too well known to need recounting. But it should be borne in mind that the so-called Quakers of those days were very different from the quiet, orderly and hon- est people of after-years who have horne the name. They were a turbulent set, defying the government and outraging, certainly in some instances, the decen- cies of social life. The society here has ever em- braced some of the best people, and, with the excep- tion of one or two rather unaccountable outbreaks, has pursued the even tenor of its way. They worship in a plain wooden structure, on Silsbee Street, built in 1816.

METHODIST .- To that early pioneer of Method- ism, Jesse Lee, is to be attributed the formation of the first society of the denomination in Lynn. Rev. Mr. Daniels, in his "History of Methodism," speaking of the travels and untoward experiences of Lee in New England, says,-" In Lynn a more hospitable recep- tion was accorded to him, and there he formed his first society in Massachusetts, February 20, 1791, consisting of eight members. On the 27th of the same month it had increased to twenty-nine mem- bers, and in May following more than seventy per- sons took certificates of their attendance on his min- istry-a measure rendered necessary by the laws of the State, in order to secure them from taxation for the support of the clergy of the 'standing order.'" August 3, 1792, was held at Lynn the first Methodist Conference in New England. "There were eight persons present besides Bishop Asbury," says Daniels, "among whom was Jesse Lee, who was now exulting in having gained a permanent foothold in this un- promising region."

The First Methodist Society of Lynn, thus formed, has maintained a prominent standing not only in Lynn, but in the denomination at large, and has sent forth several thrifty ecclesiastical offspring. Their present house of worship is a conspicuous brick ed- ifice on the northeasterly side of City Hall Square, built in 1879. St. Paul's Methodist Society was formed in 1811. Their present house of worship is a wooden structure on Union Street, built in 1861. The pre- ceding house was totally destroyed hy fire on Sunday evening, November 20, 1859. Some five hundred persons, many of whom were children, as a Sunday- school concert was in progress, were in the building, but all safely escaped. The South Street Methodist So- ciety was formed in 1830. Their house of worship is a neat wooden structure on Sonth Street, built in 1830. The Maple Street Methodist Society, Glenmere Village, was founded in 1850. Their house of wor-

ship is an attractive structure of wood on Maple Street, built in 1872. The Boston Street Methodist So- ciety was founded iu 1853. Their house of worship is a wooden structure on Boston Street, built in 1853. The African Methodist Society was organized in 1856, and their modest house of worship, on Mailey Street, erected the next year. Trinity Methodist Society, near Tower Hill, was founded in 1873, and their present tasty edifice of wood built soon after. Recently a so- ciety has been organized in Wyoma Village.

BAPTIST .- The First Baptist Society was founded in 1816. A great deal has been said of the persecutions to which the early Baptists were subjected, and much of the rigorous conduct towards them was inex- cusable. Yet it may be said of them, as was said of the early Quakers-they were not characterized by peacefulness, humility and the high sense of Chris- tian duty which characterizes those of the name at this day. Their interference with State affairs no doubt created more opposition than their purely re- ligious doctrines. It is prohable that most students of New England history would concede that the ban- ishment of Roger Williams even was brought abont more from political than religious considerations. This, however, is not the place for discussing such questions. When the church here in Lynn was formed, the persecutions had long ceased. The house of worship of the First Baptist Society is a fine ed- ifice of wood on North Common Street, erected in 1867. The Washington Street Baptist Society was founded in 1854. Their house of worship, at the cor- ner of Essex and Washington Streets, is one of the finest in town, is of hrick and stone, and was built in 1874. The High Street Free- Will Baptist Society was organized in 1871. Their house of worship is of wood, and stands in a commanding position on High Street. The East Baptist Society was organized in 1874, and have their house of worship on Union Street. The Union Baptist Society, founded in 1880, have their place of worship on Oxford Street, and is a society of colored people. The North Baptist Society have their place of worship in Wyoma Village.

CHRISTIAN .- The Christian Society was organized in 1835. Their house of worship is a wooden struc- ture on Silshee Street, built in 1840. This church has always maintained a most respectable denomina- tional standing.

UNIVERSALIST .-- The first meeting held in Lynn for the preaching of the doctrines of this denomina- tion was in the Academy Hall in 1811. The First Universalist Society, however, was not formed till 1833; it was then organized in the Town Hall, and has had a steady and substantial growth till, at the present time, it is one of the largest religious bodies in Lynn, embracing many of the prominent people. The present house of worship, on Nahant Street, is built of stone and brick, and is one of the finest in the city. The Second Universalist Society was organ- ized in 1837. Their house of worship is a wooden

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structure on South Common Street, corner of Com- mercial, the same that was originally occupied by the First Church, and afterwards by a small society of another denomination. Some of the material of the edifice was first used in the famous Old Tunnel.

SECOND ADVENT .-- The Second Advent Society have a house of worship on Liberty Street, opposite Cam- bridge. The society, though not large, is composed of carnest believers.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL .- The Episcopal Church was of slow growth in Lynn, though it is no doubt true that there were individual churchmen here at an early period. Richard Sadler, who came in 1635, and located at the present junction of Walnut and Hol- yoke Streets, it is reasonable to suppose, was a dc- voted churchman, as he took priest's orders after his return to England. His name is perpetuated in the lofty porphyry cliff that rises near the point just named, and which was granted to him by the town in 1638 ; and that he was a man of integrity, intelligence and prudence is apparent from the importance of the public offices he was constantly called to fill; and there were no doubt here and there other church- men who may have veiled their sentiments, so great were the prejudices against them. From all that ap- pears, the first service held here was on the evening of Sunday, October 18, 1818. At that time Rev. Thomas Carlisle, of St. Peter's Church, Salem, preached in the First Parish Meeting House, known as the Old Tunnel, the same in which the celebrated Whitefield had heen denied the privilege of holding a service. But things had changed. The rigid fet- ters of the old faith were loosening, and it was act- ually by invitation of some of the influential mem- bers of the parish that Mr. Carlisle came. Yet, as events proved, these good men had but poorly in- formed themselves as to the church offices and re- quirements, for they were chiefly the very men who soon after formed the Unitarian Society. However, a sort of church was instituted, which existed, but did not flourish, for a year or two, and then became extinct. It was not till 1834 that another attempt was made to establish a church here. An organiza- tion was effected, and for a time they were so pros- perous as to erect a modest house of worship, which was consecrated in 1837, but failure ensued ; and it was not till 1844 that permanent church worship be- came established. It was then, in 1844, that St. Stephen's was formed. For some years it was weak and without much influence, but finally became prosperous, and is now one of the most substantial in the diocese. The house of worship, on South Common Street, is a beautiful struc- ture of brick and stone, more costly than any other church building in the county, and is endeared to the parish, especially, as the gift of the late Hon Enoch Redington Mudge. It was consecrated on Wednesday, November 2, 1881, and cost two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The interior is impres-

sive for its richness and freedom from all garish dis- play, some of the decorations being very costly. A chime of ten bells has recently been placed in the tower, and first rang out their sonorous notes on the morning of Easter day, 1886. Among the tunes played on that occasion were "Jesus, Lover of my Soul," " The Morning Light is Breaking." This is the first chime ever in Lynn ; is pronounced by ex- perts to be superior in tone and unison, and was pro- cured by members of the parish in grateful memory of Mr. Mudge, the donor of the edifice. The weight of the largest bell is three thousand and thirty pounds, and the cost of the whole was five thousand two hun- dred and fifty dollars. The chime was welcomed with much satisfaction by the people generally, and two of our local poets, in pleasant strains, celebrated the acquisition. Three of the eight impressive stan- zas by J. Warren Newhall are here given :

" In the Sabbath morn's hush with melodious accord, They shall join in an anthem of praise to our Lord ; And their soul-soothing vespers, at eve's hour of rest, Shall be wafted like notes from the Isles of the Blest.

" They shall ring at the bridal, where love's vows are breathed By the binshing young maiden with orange-blooms wreathed ; Or chime the low dirge as the grief-bidden tear Of affection bedeweth the cherished one's bier.

" At fair jocund morning, or peace-hallowed night, We eball list to their music with grateful delight, As they blend ia a chorus exultant and strong, Or soothing and sweet as a lullaby song."

And in the poem of twelve stanzas, by our fellow- townsman, Joseph W. Nye, are these felicitous lines :

" 'Tis meet they first our joy should ring Upon the glorious Easter Day, While we responsive gladly sing The risen Christ and own Hie eway.

" O bells I ye fitly grace the tower That one of liberal soul did raise, Who gave this fane-a sacred dower- To which all hearts yield ready praise.

" O city loved ! with grateful heart Receive this gift so kindly free ; To thy fair name it will impart- A charm that we have longed to see.11

The Church of the Incarnation was formed in 1886, chiefly by members who withdrew from St. Stephen's. 'They at present worship in their beautiful stone chapel near the corner of Broad and Estes Streets. There is every reason to hope and believe that this parish will soon be exercising an extensive and benign influence.

ROMAN CATHOLIC-St. Mary's Parish .- The first Roman Catholic service held in Lynn seems to have been in 1835, a private house accommodating all the attendants. In 1848 the numbers had so in- creased that they purchased a frame building on South Common Street, near Elm. This building had rather a singular history. It was first a Methodist house of worship, and stood on land purchased of the Congregational Society. In 1815 it was bought by the newly-formed First Baptist Society, and occupied

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by them for a number of years. Next it became a district school-house ; then, in 1848, it was purchased hy the Catholics and fitted up for their services ; and finally, on the night of the 28th of May, 1859, was destroyed by an incendiary fire. The first min- ister was Father Charles Smith, who died in January, 1851, and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Strain, who yet, 1887, remains in charge, having served for the longest term of any of the present Lynu ministers.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 89

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1538

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1538