USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Framingham > History of Framingham, Massachusetts, including the Plantation, from 1640 to the present time, with an appendix, containing a notice of Sudbury and its first proprietors > Part 14
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t The churches invited were those of the Rev. Messrs. Stone, of South- borough, Harrington, of Lancaster, Prentice, of Holliston, Badger of Na- tick, Buckminster, of Rutland, Bridge of East Sudbury, Brown, of Sher- burne, Fitch, of Holliston, and Big- low, of Sudbury. The "day was
rainy," and Messrs. Buckminster, Stone, Bridge, Fitch and Biglow, were the only clergymen present, the first named being moderator of the council. The discourse was preached by Mr. Bridge, from 2 Cor. v. 20. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, &c." It is noticed that Mr. Par- sons deceased before the ordination. The church voted to " make no ex- traordinary provision for a promiscu- ous multitude, as has been customary on such occasions ; thinking the prac- tice repugnant to the rules of the Gospel, and tends to such vain sport- ing, as is utterly inconsistent with the solemnities of the day."
# The singing schools were gener- ally kept at the hall of the Academy. The same hall was also used, during the intermission of public worship, as a place of retirement and refreshment, for such as did not return to their homes. Apartments in private houses were in some cases hired, for the same object, by select companies, where a comfortable fire was provid- ed, in cold weather. " Noon houses," as they were termed, were quite in- dispensable, before modern invention had discovered the important art of warming churches.
123
THIRD MINISTER. - MR. KELLOGG.
the discharge of his ministry in this populous town until the year 1825, at which time, by reason of " the infirmities, the usual at- tendants of old age," he requested the church to settle a col- league to assist him in his labors. Nov. 14, the same year, the town voted, to " concur with the church in procuring assistance for the Rev. Dr. Kellogg, in his ministerial labors ; " and chose Josiah Adams, Abner Wheeler, and Dea. Luther Haven, a com- mittee " to supply the desk the ensuing winter, should he be un- able to supply himself."
April 3, 1826. Luther Belknap and others addressed a peti- tion to Abraham Harrington, Esq., of Hopkinton, praying for the organization of the First Parish, according to law. A warrant was accordingly issued for a meeting, to be held April 24; at which the parish was duly organized. From that period ceased all connection between the parish and the civil authority of the town.
The connection of Dr. Kellogg with the First Parish continued for the space of almost fifty years ; and was terminated, by his retirement, about September, 1830.
The Rev. DAVID KELLOGG was born in Amherst, Mass., in the year 1755 ; and was son of Daniel Kellogg, born in Old Hadley, who married Esther, only daughter of Ephraim Smith, of South Hadley. His grandfather was Nathaniel Kellogg, an extensive land proprietor and surveyor in Old Hadley. He early com- menced his studies preparatory for college, which he pursued, principally under the tuition of the Rev. David Parsons, first minister in Amherst. He received his first degree at Dartmouth College, 1775; immediately after which, he engaged in the study of divinity, under the direction of his venerated pastor. After completing his preparatory studies in theology, he preached at Concord and at Framingham. His labors in this town, (where he perhaps succeeded the Rev. Ezra Ripley, afterwards of Concord),* commenced April 5, 1778, and were continued, to the satisfaction of the town, until Dec. 7, when he received a nearly unanimous
* Tradition reports, that the con- trast in appearance and manners, be tween the two candidates, caused them to be variously regarded, by the aged and the young. The bearing of Mr. Ripley, while young, was grave
almost to austerity ; while that of Mr. Kellogg was easy, affable and free. The measured and stately step of the former, in ascending the pulpit stairs, was thought more evangelical than the quick and graceful gait of the latter.
124
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
invitation from the church and parish to become their pastor. To this invitation a negative answer was returned the succeeding April. The troubles and distresses of the war interposed una- voidable hinderances to the immediate re-establishment of the min- istry, under circumstances mutually satisfactory to the candidate and the town. Mr. Kellogg continued, however, to supply the pulpit until July 3, 1780, when the invitation was repeated ; and the proposals of the town proving satisfactory, his ordination took place Jan. 10, 1781.
The ministry of Mr. Kellogg was peaceful and harmonious. Possessed of respectable talents, united with a character marked by energy, decision, and self-reliance, his manners ripening into mingled dignity and ease, his voice full and commanding, he maintained, through the remarkable vicissitudes of opinion and sentiment which agitated the period of his ministry, - extending through half a century, -a character of unquestioned sinceri- ty, consistency, and uprightness, which commanded respect and confidence. As a preacher, his manner was energetic, his style and diction correct, somewhat formal, yet forcible. He inclined, in discussion, to be logical and argumentative, and courted not the flow and embellishment of a more popular oratory. His de- votional services were particularly felicitous and impressive. In his theological opinions, he could not, with strictness, be appropri- ated by any religious party, although, towards the close of his life, he expressed his sympathy and preference for the society of those who adhered to the Calvinistic system. As a Congregation- alist of the old school, he was settled in the Christian ministry ; and to the principles, usages, and habits of thought of the times contemporaneous with his settlement, he adhered to the last. To the writer of this sketch, he onee freely expressed his disapproba- tion of the innovations which had crept into the Congregational polity, and avowed his fixed predilection for the ancient order of the New England churches. In the admission of members to the church, without the form of public investigation into the religious experience and belief of the candidate, and in the rejection of all formularies of opinion, as conditions of Christian fellowship, he continued, to the close of his ministry, a faithful adherent to the deliberate and confirmed convictions of his early years. Though many may regard with surprise and regret, that he shared so little
125
THIRD MINISTER. - MR. KELLOGG.
in the stirring changes of opinion, the strife of controversy, or the novelties of speculation, which have distinguished the last thirty years, it is to be remembered, that he was already an old man, of matured habits, constitutionally moderate, a lover of peace, and of a will not easily swayed by the changing breezes of popular opinion. On the whole, it may be said of him, that he was a true, upright, and wise man, a worthy representative of genuine Congregationalism, in the palmy days of its union and strength. As a proof of the estimation in which he was generally held, he received from the college at which he was educated, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.
After a protracted ministry of almost half a century, Dr. Kellogg voluntarily retired from his pastoral office, about the month of September, 1830 ; after which, he continued for many years to reside upon his estate, in the enjoyment of a vigorous and " green old age." Many will recall with pleasure, his vener- able form, slightly bowed, his tall and robust figure, his fresh yet placid countenance, his dignified and courteous manners, as he moved among us, almost sole survivor of the generation who had welcomed him to the sacred office, as their Christian pastor and guide. Within a year before his decease, occurred an inci- dent expressive of the honorable estimation in which he was held by the inhabitants of the town. May, 1843, members of all the religious societies united in a tea-party, at the town hall, at which he was invited to meet them. His appearance was greeted with a warm welcome ; and he improved the occasion to enforce senti- ments of mutual toleration and Christian harmony, worthy of durable remembrance.
Dr. Kellogg was seized, but a few days before his death, with the illness which terminated his earthly stay .* He passed away gradually, and with little suffering; and on the 13th of August, 1843, slept with his fathers, at the advanced age of 87 years. The funeral service was performed in the first church, where he
* It is worthy of notice, as illustrat- ing the vigor of his constitution, that on Wednesday, he was able to walk to the house of the author of this his- tory, to sit for his portrait. The fol- 11*
lowing day he was too ill to walk. On Friday and Saturday, he was able to sit to the artist for a few minutes at his own house, and on Sunday he deceased.
126
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
had so long ministered to his people, and in which the inhabitants generally united in demonstrations of respect for his memory .*
The only publications by Dr. Kellogg, are as follows, viz : -
1. The Nature, Obligation and Importance of Christian Com- passion ; illustrated by a Sermon preached before the Middlesex Lodge, &c., in Framingham, June 24, 1796. Boston : Printed by Tho. Fleet, Jun., Cornhill. 1796.
2. An Address on Presenting the Right Hand of Fellowship, at the Ordination of Rev. Mr. Dickinson, of Holliston.
The successors in the pastoral office, of the Rev. Dr. Kellogg, are as follows, viz : - Rev. Artemas B. Muzzey, (Harvard Col- lege, 1824), ordained June 10, 1830, retired May 18, 1833. Rev. George Chapman, (Harvard College, 1828), ordained Nov. 6, 1833, deceased Junc 2, 1834. ; Rev. William Barry, (Brown University, 1822), installed Dec. 16, 1835, retired Dec. 16, 1845. Rev. John N. Bellows, ordained April 15, 1846.
Deacons of the First Church.
Chosen.
Chosen. June, 1763. Daniel Stone.
Oct. 1701. David Rice.
Joshua Hemingway. April, 1771. William Brown.
Mar. 1717. Moses Haven.
April, 1782. Gideon Haven.
June, 1726. John Adams.
April, 1794. Tho. Buckminster.
Peter Balch. Matthias Bent, Jr.
Moses Learned.
Aug. 1751. Jonathan Morse.
April, 1817. Luther Haven. John Temple.
* The funeral sermon was delivered by the Rev. David Brigham, Pastor of the Hollis Evangelical church, in which Dr. Kellogg, with his family, worshipped. The other services were performed by Mr. Barry of the first church, and the Rev. Mr. Haven, Sen. of llopkinton. Dr. Kellogg preached but once in the first church after his retirement. It took place about the year 1838.
t Mr. Chapman's ministry was very brief. Few have entered the
sacred office under circumstances more encouraging and auspicious. His early death disappointed the san- guine hopes of an extensive circle of friends, to whom he was ardently at- tached, as well as the just expecta- tions of his people, who fully appre- ciated his intelligence, sincerity, and devotion. He died of a pulmonary disease, having administered the communion, for the last time, Jan. 5- 1834.
127
BAPTISMS, ETC.
BAPTISMS, ETC., IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
Of the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Swift, our recorded informa- tion is confined to the interval between Jan. 1716-7, and July 1728.
Fem. Total.
During this period, there were baptized,
Males. 198
182
380
During Mr. Bridge's ministry, from 1746 to 1775, -
. 440
413
853
During the interval from 1775 to 1781,
52
68
120
During Mr. Kellogg's ministry, from 1781 to 1829, -
- 366
442
808
1056
1105
2161
Admitted Members of the Church.
During Mr. Swift's ministry, from Jan. 1717
to July 1728,
34
82
116
During Mr. Swift's ministry, (for the same period), by letter,
8
5
13
During Mr. Bridge's ministry, from 1746 to 1775, -
81
102
183
During the Interval, from 1775 to 1781,
11
14
25
During Dr. Kellogg's ministry, from 1781 to 1829,
-
69
175
244
During Mr. Kellogg's ministry, (for the same period), by letter, -
- 12
34
46
215
412
627*
-
-
-
* No regular record of marriages appears on the church books, until the commencement of Dr. Kellogg's ministry. The, difficulty of deter- mining with precision the number of cases of adult baptism, has led to the omission of any estimate of the same. As the period of eleven and one half years in Mr. Swift's ministry, of which we possess Records, occurred
about midway between his ordination and decease, an approximate estimate of the whole number of baptisms per - formed by him may be arrived at, which would amount to about 1454 ; of which, (supposing the same pro- portion in the sexes), 757 would be males, and 697 females. The aggre- gate number of baptisms therefore, (including adults), from 1701 to 1829,
128
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN FRAMINGHAM.
The first recorded notice of the origin of this Society, is con- tained in the town Records, March 7, 1763; when an article was presented in the Town Warrant, "to see if the town will abate the ministerial rates to a number of persons of this town, who pre- tend (profess) to be of the persuasion of the Anabaptists, and have sent in their names to the selectmen." The following year, March 12, the town voted, " that the minister's rate, for 1763, of Jos. Byxbe, James, Elkanah, Elkanah, Jr., Squier, James, Jr., and Isaac Haven, James Mellen, Simon Pratt, Eben. Singletary, and Eben. Bullard, be abated."#
The above society, which probably originated from the dissolu- tion of the second Congregational church, continued for many years under the care of various ministers of the Baptist persua- sion, of whom the chief was Edward Clark, who preached in this town for the space of about 10 years .;
Jan. 30, 1811. The Rev. Charles Train, a graduate of H. College in 1805, was ordained Pastor of this church, and June
may be estimated at 3235 ; of which 1615 are males and 1620 females. During the ministry of Dr. Kellogg, but two adults were baptized between 1781 and 1815. Between 1815 and 1829, the number was 27.
* Similar votes were afterwards re- corded in 1772 and 1776. In 1783, a committee was chosen to prevent a law-suit for recovery by the Dissent- ers of their ministerial tax, and an agreement was made, based on their paying half their tax.
t From the best information we possess, it is probable that Mr. Jo- SEPH BYXBE was the first preacher. His successors were NATHANIEL GREEN, who lived and died at Leices- ter, where he was the founder of a. Baptist Church ; SIMEON SNOW, who lived at Upton, preached in Framing- ham and Weston, two or three years; afterwards became a Congregational minister at Thomaston Me., where he died at an advanced age ; NOAH ALDEN, of Bellingham, who baptized here in 1773, and preached occasion- ally; - LAMPSON, of whose minis- try we have no particulars ; ELISIIA RICH, (a gunsmith by trade), who re-
sided here for a time, preached after- wards at Chelmsford, and subsequent- ly moved to the West; and EDWARD CLARK, who came to Framing- ham about 1780, and remained until 1790, when he removed to Medfield. After the lapse of several years, he returned to Framingham, and died on a visit at Mansfield, about 1810 ; his remains were brought to this town for interment.
The Society obtained the meeting house built by Mr. Reed's church, which had been used as a granary, and removed it to what is now called the Silk Farm, from whence it was subsequently moved further S. The present Railroad track crosses its site. The society previously worshipped in what was then called the Dean (now Park) house; of which two large chambers were united to form a spacious hall. The attendance be- tween 70 and 80 years since, averaged about 50 persons, from this and neigh- boring towns. The Society was des- tined to a successful enlargement, under the ministry of others at a lat- er period.
129
BAPTIST AND METHODIST CHURCHES.
22, 1812, the society obtained an Act of Incorporation by the name of the First Baptist Society. Under the judicious and earnest care of their new Pastor, the society increased in numbers. A new impulse was given to its prosperity, at a later period, by the erection of a new meeting house, near the centre of the town. It was dedicated, with appropriate services, Jan. 1, 1827. Mr. Train's ministry terminated Sept. 1839; since which period, he has remained in the town, enjoying the esteem and consideration due to a long course of useful service to the public, and a respect- ful sympathy in his protracted bodily sufferings .*
Mr. Train was succeeded by the Rev. Enoch Hutchinson, in- stalled Aug. 21, 1840, retired Jan. 8, 1841; the Rev. James Johnston, who commenced (without installation) June 27, 1841, retired Sept. 1, 1845; the Rev. Jonathan Aldrich, (B. Un. 1826), who commenced (without installation) Sept. 27, 1846.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Framingham was instituted in 1788, by the labors of the Rev. John Hill, from Virginia ; at
* Mr. Train first preached to this church, Dec., 1807, at which time the society had become almost extinct. About twenty families professed the sentiments of the Baptist denomina- tion, and five persons only had been baptized. At the ordination of Mr. Train, the Rev. James Reed, of At- tleborough, prayed ; the sermon was preached by the Rev. Joseph Grafton, of Newton ; the charge was given by the Rev. William Collier, of Charles- town, and the Right Hand of Fellow- ship, by the Rev. William Gammell, of Medfield ; the concluding prayer was made by the Rev. Aaron Leland, of Vt. Of the ordaining council, ev- ery member has deceased. In 1811, this society took the name of the Baptist Church of Weston and Fra- mingham ; Mr. Train officiating at both places, alternately, until the con- nection was dissolved, Nov. 1826; at which time the church in Framing- ham consisted of 100 members. Be- tween Sept. 1815 and Sept. 1816, 53 persons were baptized by Mr. Train, and the religious interest extended
into the first parish. Mr. Train's sal- ary was at first about $200 per year ; from 1823, it was $300; and so con- tinued until 1829, when it was raised to $400; and four years after, to $500. . Until the year 1822, he re- ceived pupils into his family, some of whom were prepared by him for col- lege. Mr. Train rendered very valu- able service to the town, as a Super- intendent of the public schools, for more than thirty years. In March, 1833, he met with a fall, by which his life was endangered, and from the effects of which he has since experi- enced severe bodily suffering. Nov., 1843, the inhabitants of the town united in a social assembly, at the Town Hall, as a testimony of their respect and affectionate regard for the late pastor of the First Baptist Church. Mr Train had previously received decisive marks of the confidence of this community, in his election, for several consecutive years, as a Rep- resentative or Senator in the Gener- al Court.
130
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
which time, it consisted of seven members .* They first assem- bled for religious worship in a private house, belonging to Mr. Benjamin Stone, in the N. part of the town ; his widow survives, and occupies the same house. For several years, this society was visited by various preachers, among whom were Jesse Lee, Bishop Asbury, Ezekiel Cooper, George Pickering, and other " pioneers of Methodism in New England." Without a regular ministry, they maintained, with few interruptions, their weekly meetings, until 1822; when an interesting revival increased their number to thirty. At this period, the church was incorporated with the Needham circuit, and became one of the places of regular appoint- ment for preaching. In 1833, the society commenced the erec- tion of a house of worship, near the house of Mr. Benj. Stone, which was finished in Sept. 1834. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Abel Stevens, of Boston, then only 19 years of age .; The society was legally organized the same year. In 1844, for the better accommodation of the inhabitants at Saxon- ville, the house was removed to a central part of the village, and an addition was made to its dimensions. A neat and convenient parsonage has since been built, which is in the occupation of their present Pastor.
The preachers who have successively ministered to this society, since the erection of their house of worship, are as follows, viz. : C. Vergin, Peter Sabin, N. B. Spaulding, Paul Townsend, Tho. Tucker, L. P. Frost, Geo. Pickering, Willard Smith, N. S. Spaulding, and Chester Field, the present Pastor.}
THE SAXONVILLE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY was incorporated, Feb. 23, 1827 ; and their meeting house, constructed on an elevated site, and within a beautiful grove, was dedicated Sept., 1827. A church was organized, May 26, 1833. The successive Pastors of this society, are as follows, viz. : Rev. Corbin Kidder, (Amherst
* They were, Isaac Stone, Benja- min Stone, and Jonathan Hill, with their wives, and Matthew Stone.
t An incident connected with the age of the preacher, is remembered with much interest. The Rev. Dr. Kellogg was present at the service. When, at its close, the youthful speaker descended from the pulpit,
the venerable patriarch rose from his seat at the altar, and laying his hand upon the young man's head, said, with much feeling and impressive- ness, " Let no man despise thy youth !" # To the attentions of Mr. Field, the reader is indebted for the partic- lars of the above sketch.
131
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, ETC.
College, 1828), ordained, July 30, 1834, retired, Oct. 25, 1837 ; Rev. Isaac Hosford (D. Coll. 1826), ordained Feb. 14, 1838, retired, March 10, 1847 ; Rev. B. G. Northrop, ordained, March 10, 1847.
A society of UNIVERSALISTS was formed Nov. 1829, and erected a place of worship, which was dedicated with appropriate services, Sept. 1832. This society have employed ministers with- out the forms of regular settlement. The names of those whose term of service has extended to the period of one year or more, are as follows, viz. : Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood, who preached eight years ; Rev. Isaac Brown, one year ; Rev. Joseph O. Skin- ner, four years ; Rev. Horace P .. Stevens, two years ; and the Rev. David J. Mandell, the present minister, one year.
· The " HOLLIS EVANGELICAL SOCIETY " was formed Jan. 20, 1830, and their place of worship was dedicated, Sept. 15th, of the same year. The Pastors of this society, in the order of suc- cession, are, the Rev. George Trask, (Bowd. College), ordained, Sept. 15, 1830, retired April 6, 1836 ; the Rev. David Brig- ham, (Union College), installed, Dec. 29, 1836, retired, May 9, 1844; the Rev. Increase N. Tarbox, (Y. College, 1839), · ordained, Nov. 20, 1844.
A CATHOLIC Church has been erected in the vicinity of the Carpet Factory, at Saxonville, and was opened for public worship, Sept. 14, 1845.
BURYING GROUNDS, MORTALITY, ETC.
The old burying ground, which surrounded the first meeting house, has been in use since the incorporation of the town. Grave stones (in some instances of a rude character, the names graven probably by the hands of surviving realatives), were very early placed, and are interesting memorials of the ancient Fathers of the town .* A new burying ground, for the use of the inhabitants
* March 22, 1708-9. Samuel Bar- ton was appointed grave Digger, with
authority to receive 3s. a grave for grown persons. In 1741, three grave
132
HEALTH AND LONGEVITY.
of the S. part of the town, was set apart by the town, about the year 1827. A movement has been recently made towards the establishment of a Rural Cemetery, which, it is hoped, will be successfully accomplished.
HEALTH AND LONGEVITY.
But few towns have been more remarkable for the general health of their inhabitants, and the absence of prevalent and fatal epidemics, than this. At no period in its history, has the mor- tality been particularly alarming ; and deaths among the young, are comparatively rare .* The simple habits of an agricultural population, united with the general purity of the atmosphere, have undoubtedly contributed to prolong life beyond its ordinary dura- tion, to an extent perhaps uncommon.
diggers were chosen by the town, and five to make coffins. In May 1735, the Pastor and Deacons were desired to move the congregation to contrib- ute for a burying cloth. May 17, 1762, the thanks of the town were voted to Capt. John Butler, for his present of a burying cloth. March 3, 1794, a committee was chosen " to purchase a burying cloth, and also a convenient carriage to carry a corpse." May, 1799, the town granted $20 to build a house to deposit the car- riage in. In 1803, a committee was chosen " to provide a decent hearse." In 1805, " voted to have the burying ground fenced with a good four-foot wall, and to have two gates on the road." Granted $300. (The expense of a hearse-house was probably includ- ed in the grant). The same year, a question of title to the burying ground land arising, between the town and Dea. Tho. Buckminster, the same was settled by a quit-claim deed from the latter, of about five acres 20 rods of land, including the graves, and a note of $50 from him ; the town giv- ing, in return, a quitclaim of the re- mainder of the land in dispute. 1809, authority was given to individuals, to build tombs. 1811, posts were or- dered for the burying ground. 1813, Jona. Maynard was authorized " to take the grass from the burying
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