USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Gardner > History of Gardner, Massachusetts : from its earliest settlement to 1860 > Part 9
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Immediately after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Lincoln, the church adopted the following cove nant, instead of the one of 1786.
"You acknowledge the Bible to be a true and faithful re- cord of the will of God respecting mankind. You receive
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it as the only rule of your religious faith and practice. In religion you call no man Master; for one is your Master, even Christ. You believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. To us Christians, you believe, as the Apostle Paul says, that there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things and we in him. In the presence of the heart- searching God and this religious assembly, you solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God, your Creator, your Redeemer, and your Sanctifier. Repenting of all your past sins, you promise in future, constantly to endeavor, by the aid of God, to render your life conformable to his re- quirements. You promise, by becoming a member of the visible church of Christ in this place, to submit to the gospel discipline, rules and regulations, as established and prac- ticed in the same." (Amen.)
"Thus you acknowledge and promise."
"We, then, as members of the Church of Christ, welcome you to our fellowship and communion, at the table of our common Lord, whose body was broken, and whose blood was shed for the remission of sin. We promise, expecting the same from you towards us, to exercise over you the watchfulness of Christian love. May the peace of God make us perfect to do his will, that we may walk together as brethren ; preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace ; making us to abound in every good word and work ; at last possessing a character adorned with every Christian virtue, may we all be so happy as to meet in the mansions of heaven, and unite our voices with an innumerable multi- tude, in the song of blessing and honor, glory and power to him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever, and ever." Amen.
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Mr. Lincoln continued to be the minister of the Congregational Church for six succeeding years ; when, what was then called exclusive measures were adopted by the ministers of this association ; the more liberal part taking one side and calling themselves Unitarians, while the more Calvinistic, taking the opposite side, were known by the name of Orthodox. The liberals being in the majority, retained the meet- ing-house ; Mr. Lincoln taking the Orthodox side, with a part of the church, left and formed a new society, called the Evangelical Congrega- tional Society of Gardner. The separation of the church took place in the autumn of 1830. In December following, Rev. Jonathan Farr was ordained over the Congregational Church, and was dismissed, at his request, in July 1833.
Rev. Curtis Cutler accepted an invitation to become their pastor, and was ordained Oct. 30th, 1833 ; his pastorate was about five years. Mr. Cutler was dismissed at his own request, though granted with reluctance by his people.
The pulpit was then supplied for a time by Rev. G. W. Stacy, who labored with much suc- cess in the cause of his Master.
Rev. W. H. Fish was their next supply, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Banister. From
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which time it has been considered an Orthodox church.
Rev. J. C. Paine came to Gardner in 1847, and preached his first sermon on the last Sabbath in September. He received a unanimous call to settle, which he accepted, and was installed Jan. 12th, 1848.
The society had recently remodeled their meeting-house at a cost of about five thousand dollars. The church and society were then small, but soon began to increase, and have kept steadily on to the present time, (Feb., 1859,) so that now there is no spare pew to be rented. About one hundred have been added to the church, and it now numbers one hundred and twenty.
Having in 1824 adopted, and, for about thirty years, held the same creed of the 2d church, in Feb., 1857, the church voted to change their creed, and they adopted another, which is as follows :
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1st. You believe there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him ..
2d. You believe the Bible is of divine inspiration, and should be received as the supreme rule of faith and practice.
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3d. You believe that God has appointed all things, and works all things according to his counsel, so that all who believe on him may be saved, and he himself glorified.
4th. You believe that man was at first created upright, but by his own voluntary act he sinned, in consequence of which all are involved in sin, become voluntary sinners, and are without holiness.
5th. You believe that in consequence of sin man needs a change of heart, (which is effected through the influence of the Spirit,) in order that he may be fitted for the service of God and for heaven.
6th. You believe that faith, love, and repentance are the terms on which man can receive forgiveness, and by the grace of God be saved.
7th. You believe that the Christian graces will produce in man good works, which may be received as evidences of faith, but not as the ground of justification.
8th. You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, by his suf- ferings and death, has made ample atonement for all man- kind, so that all who will comply with the terms of the gos- pel may receive eternal life.
9th. You believe that there is to be a resurrection of the dead, that God will call all to an account, and that each will receive sentence. "The wicked shall go away into ever- lasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."
10th. You believe the Sabbath to be a divine institution, and that all are therefore under obligations to "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."
11th. You believe that the Lord's Supper and Baptism are ordinances of the Christian church, and should be ob- served by all the members of the church ; and that the sub- jects of Baptism are believers and their households.
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FORM OF COVENANT.
You do now, in the presence of the heart-searching God, and this religious assembly, avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God, your Creator, your Redeemer and your Sanctifier.
You promise, by the assistance of his grace, to live in conformity to his requirements ; and that by uniting with the church of Christ in this place, to submit to the gospel discipline, rules and regulations, as established and practiced in the same.
I do now, in the name of the Great Head of the Church, pronounce you to be his, and entitled to all the blessings and privileges of his church. And we, the members of this church, cordially receive you into our communion ; and we covenant to watch over you, and to promote your spiritual edification with all fidelity and tenderness, treating you in truth and love as belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
May the grace of God make you and us perfect to do his will, that we may walk together in love, preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace ; making us to abound in every good word and work; and at last, being found pos- sessed of a character, adorned with every Christian virtue, may we all be so happy as to meet in the mansions of heaven, and unite our hearts and voices, with an innumer- able multitude, in the song of blessing and honor, glory and power, to him who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Amen.
EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
On the second of August, 1830, the seceding members of the first parish met and organized
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under the name the of Evangelical Congregational Society of Gardner. On the 11th of the same month Rev. S. Lincoln was installed as pastor of the church and society. By much trial and great sacrifice, the new organization built a meeting-house at a cost of about two thousand dollars, which was dedicated June 16th, 1831 ;* and continued to be their house of worship until they removed to their present house, which was built in 1856, at an expense of about nine thou- sand dollars.
This church, while it was under the care of Mr. Lincoln, was actively engaged in the moral reforms of the day ; it was especially so in rela- tion to anti-slavery and temperance. It was here that the Worcester County North Anti- Slavery Society was formed.
During the ministration of Mr. Lincoln, as also of his successor, Mr. Stone, this church had quite too much anti-slavery spirit to be very popular with most of the neighboring Orthodox churches.
One hundred and twenty persons united with the church by profession under Mr. Lincoln's ministry of eleven and one-half years. In com-
*S. V. S. Wilder, Esq., gave the Society $100 towards building their meet- ing-house; also, a Communion Service and Bible.
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pliance with his request, he was dismissed Feb. 23d, 1842.
A call having been extended and accepted by Rev. William B. Stone, the same council that dismissed Mr. Lincoln, proceeded to ordain and install him.
Mr. Stone's pastorate was eight years ; during that time there were seventy-six additions to the church ; he left this people in September, 1850, in consequence of ill health.
Rev. D. C. Frost preached as a supply one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Grosvenor, who only remained a few months.
The church then secured the services of Rev. A. Stowell, who continued their pastor five years. Thirty-six were added to the church during that time.
Dec. 7th, 1857, Rev. J. W. Healy was installed as pastor of this church, and was dismissed, at his own request, July 11th, 1859; during his ministry there were thirty-five additions to the church by profession, and twenty-six by letter.
Rev. Samuel J. Austin was installed pastor of the church Dec. 8th, 1859. The church now numbers two hundred and eight.
The following covenant was adopted in 1847, during the period of Mr. Stone's labors.
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ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1st. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God. That they are profitable for doctrine, for correction, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness, and that they are the only effi- cient rule of Christian faith and practice.
2d. . We believe that God is a being of infinite perfec- tions, both natural and moral, governing all things accord- ing to his own will, and existing consequently with his unity in three persons, Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost.
3d. We believe in the free agency, moral obligations, and accountability of man. That in consequence of the first transgression, he became destitute of holiness and prone to evil, and obnoxious to the righteous justice of God.
4th. We believe that Christ by his sufferings and death made atonement for sin. That it is abundantly sufficient for the whole world. And that those who reject his gospel perish in unbelief, entirely from their own fault.
5th. We believe in the necessity of a change of heart, whereby its natural aversion to holiness gives place to the grace and love of God in Christ. And that the change is wrought by the influence of the Holy Spirit.
6th. We believe that the only meritorious ground of the sinner's justification and pardon is the atoning sacrifice and righteousness of Christ. That while justification is through faith alone, it is through that living faith which unfailing and perseveringly abounds in good works, and all the fruits of the Spirit. And that salvation is entirely by grace.
7th. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. That all mankind must appear be- fore the judgment seat of Christ to be awarded according to their works. The wicked to go away into everlasting punish- ment, and the righteous into life eternal.
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8th. We believe that the ordinances of the New Testa- ment are baptism and the Lord's Supper.
FORM OF COVENANT.
You do now, in the presence of the heart-searching God, and this religious assembly, voluntarily avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God, and the supreme object of your affections. You acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Saviour, and the Holy Ghost as your sanctifier. Re- penting of all your past sins, you promise in future con- stantly, by the aid of God, to render your life conformable to his requirements. That you will observe the Sabbath and attend to the ordinances of the Gospel. That you will endeavor to advance the cause of temperance, moral purity. anti-slavery and peace. And that henceforth, denying all ungodliness and every worldly lust; you will live soberly and righteously and godly in the world. You promise, by becoming a member of the visible church in this place, to submit to the gospel discipline, rules and regulations, as established and practiced in the same.
Thus you covenant and promise. (Then the church rise.) We then, as members of the church of Christ, welcome you to our fellowship and communion at the table of our common Lord, whose body was broken, and whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. We promise, expecting the same from you towards us, to exercise over you the watchfulness of Christian love. May the grace of God make us perfect to do his will. That we may walk together as brethen, pre- serving the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, making us to abound in every good word and work.
At last, preserving a character, adorned with every Chris- tian virtue, may we all be so happy as to meet in the man-
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sions of Heaven, and unite our voices with an innumerable multitude, in the song of blessing and honor, glory and praise to Him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Amen.
HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH,'
As taken from the minutes of the Sixteenth Anniversary of the Wachusett Baptist Association held in Templeton, September 8th and 9th, 1858 .- By LEWIS H. BRADFORD.]
The first movement of the South Gardner Baptist Church was in the year 1830, when twenty-three brethren and sisters of the Baptist Church in Templeton, who resided in Gardner, represented by letter to the church that "they thought their number and circumstances such that it would be for their advantage, and the general interest of the cause of Christ, to be or- ganized into a distinct church"-and on the fifteenth of November, in the same year, an Ec- clesiastical Council was convened at the house of Sullivan Jackson, in South Gardner, for the purpose of organizing and recognizing the church.
The council was composed of delegates from the churches in Templeton, Westminster, Prince- ton, and West Boylston. The venerable pastor of the Templeton church, Rev. Elisha Andrews,
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was chosen Moderator, and the Rev. Abiel Fisher, now a member, but then pastor of the West Boylston church, was chosen Scribe.
The Moderator,-" Father Andrews,"-" ex- hibited the state of the brethren requesting the council, and the peculiar views of the Templeton church in relation thereto."
The question, "Shall a church be constituted at South Gardner ?" was argued at great length, some doubting as to the expediency, but on the whole, it was finally voted in the affirmative, and the council proceeded to recognize the church by a public meeting in the south-west district school-house. Brother Fisher preached ; Bro. Appleton Morse, pastor of the church in Prince- ton, gave the hand of fellowship, and "Father Andrews," the charge.
At the same time Bro. Sullivan Jackson was ordained as deacon of the church,-and among its early friends, no name is more fragrant than the name of this beloved brother ; his house and his heart were always open to its demands.
The first regular pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Glover, who was settled in the spring of 1831; he labored with them until the year 1834, and during his connection with the church, nineteen individuals were baptized ; and
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the meeting-house was erected, the funds having mainly been contributed by Sullivan Jackson, George Scott, and Walter Greenwood.
The second pastor was Rev. Winthrop Morse, who continued his labors but a few months in the year 1834, yet retained his connection with the church as a member until June 20th, 1847.
Rev. Joshua Millett was his successor until 1835, and afterwards, in the same year, Rev. John Holbrook, who remained but three months. No baptisms are recorded while the three last named individuals served the church.
In 1837, Bro. John Clapp was ordained as pastor, and that year fourteen persons were bap- tized. Previous to Bro. Clapp's connection with the church no regular choir singing had been enjoyed; he being a good singer, and no one leading off after the hymns were read, he would officiate as singer and preacher. Soon after he came amongst them he opened a singing school for the benefit of the choir.
The next year, Bro. Andrew Pollard, now the pastor of the Taunton Green Baptist Church, commenced preaching to them, and was ordained as pastor May 1st, 1839. During his pastorate twenty-one individuals were baptized.
In June, 1840, Bro. William H. Dalrymple
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was settled as pastor, and remained until Octo- ber, 1842 ; seven persons were baptized under his ministry. He was succeeded by Rev. Erastus Andrews and Rev. W. B. Jones, who supplied them with preaching until Oct., 1843. Neither one of the last named permanently resided in the town, and no baptisms are reported.
April 21st, 1844, Rev. Josiah H. Tilton, now the pastor of the Holden Baptist Church, was chosen pastor ; five individuals were baptized while he was with them. His labors closed in 1847, and Rev. Benjamin H. Cliffts' services were secured until the spring of 1849, and that year Rev., Amasa Brown, now Agent of the American and Foreign Bible Society, was chosen pastor ; during his pastorate of five years, nine- teen individuals were baptized.
He was succeeded in the fall of 1854, by the present pastor, Rev. Richard K. Ashley, and nineteen individuals have put on Christ by bap- tism under his ministry.
All the above named Pastors and Ministers it is believed have labored to preach the gospel with plainness and simplicity, and the church have enjoyed several very pleasant seasons of the outpourings of God's Holy Spirit.
At the decease of Sister Mary Wright Severy
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Bradford, the Church and Society began to receive the benefit of a legacy of four thousand dollars, left by her former husband, Abijah Moore Severy, the income of which is only to be used for the support of the gospel and sacred music in connection with the church and society.
All but two or three of the original members have died, or are infirm and unfit for active duty, and we trust are patiently awaiting the sum- mons to go home.
In conclusion, as we look over the record of this church, while sad reverses have sometimes beclouded its history, the eye of faith can see the hand of Divine Providence that has interposed in her behalf, and though assailed by the winds of adversity, her march is onward and upward, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The church now numbers one hundred members.
A Summary Declaration of the Faith and Practice of the Baptist Church in South Gardner.
STANDING RESOLUTIONS AND VOTES OF THE CHURCH.
Resolved, That it is the duty of the pastor, clerk, or one of the deacons, to visit, or write to any member of this church, who shall neglect to attend the church conference, or forward to the church some communication, once in three months.
Resolved, That this church recommend to its members,
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who may remove to the vicinity of another church of the same denomination, to unite with that church without delay.
Voted, That the Covenant be read at each monthly church Conference.
Voted, That the Articles of Faith and Covenant shall be read to each candidate for church membership, and his assent had before baptism.
SUMMARY DECLARATION.
Believing it to be the duty of Christians to make a public declaration of their christian belief for the honor of Christ and the good of his cause on earth, we, therefore, deem it suitable to make the following
DECLARATION :
ARTICLE I. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, and our only rule of Faith and Practice. 2 Tim. 3 : 16. 2 Peter 1 : 21. Heb. 1: 1,2. John 5: 39.
ARTICLE II. We believe there is but one only living and true God, and that he has made himself known to his people by the several names of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, who are equal in nature, power, and glory. Duet. 6 : 4. Eph. 4 : 6. 1 John 5: 7. 2 Cor. 13: 14. John 5: 23. John 1: 1, 14. John 13: 26. Matt. 12: 31, 32.
ARTICLE III. We believe that man was created in the image of God, holy, innocent, and happy ; but, that he fell from that state, and lost all communion with God, by vio- lating a known command of his Maker, and that we are all so affected by his apostacy, and that by nature we are wholly inclined to evil, and hence have become servants of
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sin, and subjects of eternal punishment. Gen. 1 : 27. Rom. 5: 12, 19. Gen. 6: 5. Ps. 14: 1, 3.
ARTICLE IV. We believe that the only way of salvation from this state of guilt and condemnation, is through the righteousness and atonement of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who, as the Savior of his people, confers upon all those who repent and believe in him, all blessings, temporal, spiritual, and eternal; and that it is the duty of all men to repent and believe. Luke 19: 10. John 3: 16. Rom. 3: 24, 25. Rom. 8: 32. Acts 17: 30.
ARTICLE V. We believe that all who are ever brought to repentance and faith in the Gospel, were chosen in Christ unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and be- lief of the truth ; that repentance is produced by the effica- cious grace of God; and that it is the duty of every be- liever to strive for sanctification. Eph. 1 : 4, 5. 2 Thess. 2: 13. 1 Pet. 1: 2. Philip. 2: 13. 2 Tim. 1: 9. James 1: 18. 1 Thess. 4: 3. 5: 23.
ARTICLE VI. We believe that all who are renewed by the Holy Ghost, are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. John 10: 28, 29. Philip. 1: 6. 1 Pet. 1: 5.
ARTICLE VII. We believe that the first day of the week, called the Lord's Day, ought to be kept holy as the Christian Sabbath. Exodus 20: 8. Rev. 1: 10. Acts 20: 7.
ARTICLE VIII. We believe that the only proper sub- jects of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are believers ; that Baptism is properly administered only by emersion, and is, by scriptural example, a prerequisite to admission to the Lord's Table. Mark 16: 16. Acts 8: 36-39. John 3 : 23. Rom. 6: 3, 4, Col. 2: 12. 1 Pet. 3: 21.
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ARTICLE IX. We believe that there will be a resurrec- tion of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust ; and that we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, to receive according to the deeds done in the body; and that the sentence then passed will be eternal. John 5: 28, 29. Acts 24: 15. Mark 12: 26, 27. 2 Cor. 5: 10. Matt. 25: 46.
COVENANT.
Having been brought, as we trust, to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we do now, relying on his gracious aid, solemnly enter into covenant with each other in the follow- ing manner.
We will strive to walk together in brotherly love, while at the same time we will endeavor to watch over one another, and kindly and affectionately admonish each other as occasion may require : we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for worship, especially at the covenant meetings and communion seasons of the church, unless providentially prevented : we will not neglect the great duty of secret prayer, both for ourselves and others : as parents, we will maintain the worship of God in our families, and endeavor to bring up our children, and those under our care, in the ways of true piety : we will carefully abstain from all foolish talking, and from giving currency to any slanderous reports concerning brethren or sisters, as well as from all unnecessary worldly conversation on the Sab- bath : as the faithful stewards of the Lord, we will aid, ac- cording to our ability, in sustaining the gospel in its purity, both at home and abroad : with tenderness and sympathy we will endeavor to bear each other's burdens and sorrows ; and finally, we will diligently study the word of God, that
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we may know and do our whole duty, and be followers of God as dear children.
To all which we give our assent, in the presence of God, angels, and men.
The following list shows the succession of Deacons of the Churches. The dates prefixed indicate the time of their election to office.
First Congregational Church.
1791, November 24,
DAVID FOSTER.
1791,
24, JONAS RICHARDSON.
1815, September 21,
NOAH FAIRBANKS.
1815, 66 21,
LEWIS GLAZIER.
1815, 66 21, JONATHAN BANCROFT.
1830, 66 21, ELISHA JACKSON.
1830,
66
21, SMYRNA W. BANCROFT.
1856, 66
5, HORACE WHITNEY.
Evangelical Congregational Church.
NOAH FAIRBANKS. LEWIS GLAZIER.
JONATHAN BANCROFT.
1839, June
8,
SAMUEL H. CLARK.
1839, “ 8, JOSEPH D. SAWIN.
Baptist Church.
1830, November 15,
SULLIVAN JACKSON. ASA PERLEY. BENJAMIN STONE. MARCIUS A. GATES.
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At this period we bring our brief and imper- fect sketch to a close. We have followed along the course of this history, sometimes smooth and sometimes troubled, for a period of about seventy- five years ; which, with all its scenes and events, is now among the things that were; of which " the memory fondly delights to recall."
Such recollections of the past have a good moral influence on the generations present and to come. We learn in some degree, to appre- ciate the hardships of those who were the pion- eers of society and who first made the sound of the axe to be heard in the forest. We are better prepared to estimate the advantages we enjoy, and the responsibility that attends the posses- sion of such advantages.
We are also connected, in an important sense, with those who have lived in ages past, and others who are yet to come, exerting an influ- ence from generation to generation that will continue to flow on to the end of time.
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