History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 180

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 180

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Later church records help to furnish the following statistics : Whole number admitted into the church, 466 ; present number of members, 58; whole number of baptisms, 1177.

In the description of the ancient burial-place in the Introduction, the fund left to the church by Miss Ruth Wilson was mentioned. The interest of this sum for years paid one-half of the church expenses. Of her it may be truly said, "She being dead, yet speaketh."

In the Introduction to this history reference was made to the old meeting-house, built in 1732, two years after the Old South in Boston. In 1799 this ancient house of worship was still preserved iu its original form. After forty years' exposure to the wind and storms it was painted, and the diamond panes in the windows were exchanged for the square form of glass; but it had neither steeple nor bell. When the meeting-house was built there were no pews, but the floor was occupied with long seats. The men sat on one side of the broad aisle and the

1 Records of Second Church in Woburn, vol. i. p. 1.

2 Church Records, vol. i. tly lenf.

3 Church Records, vol. i. p. G8.

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women on the other. In those days it was necessary, according to the old custom, to "seat the meeting- house." In 1735, by a vote of the parish, the first pew lots were sold and pews built upon them, and these continued, from time to time, to replace the ancient seats, until, in 1814, the last seats were exchanged for pews. In 1824 the meeting-house suffered from the injuries done by a severe storm. The front door was blown down, and the inside of the house was considerably damaged. These injuries were repaired and by the pious care of the people ; the meeting-house was kept in good condition and in its original form until 1846. At this time it was thoroughly repaired and remodeled.

Ten feet were added to its length, the porch was built and also the steeple with its bell. The inside was entirely changed and greatly improved. On the last Sunday in which the people worshiped in the parish meeting-house, before leaving it to the hands of the repairing workmen, Rev. Samuel Sewall preached a sermon from the text, "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations ; ask thy father and he will shew thee; thy elders and they will tell thee." Deut. 32: 7. This sermon is still remembered as "The Farewell to the old Meet- ing-House."

Its closing sentences are given here, as affording a picture of the ancient house of God and showing also the simple and genuine eloquence of the preacher :

" For myself then and for you, in your name, I will now bid Farewell to this House of Prayer.

" Farewell, ye pews, in which we and our fathers and our fathers' fathers have sought our God and listened to the instructions of his Word.

"Farewell, ye galleries, and especially thou, in which the sweet singers of our Israel, the skillful in holy song, in our days and in those which have gone by, have declared the high praises of our God, have sung the songs of Zion.

"Farewell, thou Deacons' Seat, in which the former deacons of this Church of God, now deceased, a Reed and a Walker, a Johnson and a Reed, a Winn and a Blanchard, a Simonds and a Cutler, were ac- customed successively to sit; where its former pas- tors have stood, one after another, and blessed the memorials of the Saviour's death, and dedicated to his service with bapti-mal water the infant offspring of their people.

"Farewell, thou Sounding-Board; under whose shade many a venerable minister of religion in former days has stood, dispensing the Word of Life, think- ing he was much indebted to thee for his power to be heard, but whose services the notions of modern times have led men to dispease with.

"Farewell, thou Pulpit, in which my predecessors and Ionce used to stand in performing the holy offices to which we were called. Thanks for all the enjoyment and comfort I have taken and for any good I may have done in thee : and if I or any other

preacher that has occupied thee has ever abused or slighted thy accommodation, may God forgive!

"Fareweil, thou House of God, in thy present form ; a long, a final farewell. But, blessed be God ! we hope to meet in thee again, with thy walls re- built and with new and better accommodations for the sacred services for which thou art designed than thou hast ever afforded. The prospect of that day we will cherish with thankfulness; we will hail its arrival with pious joy. Amen." 1

It does not appear that the meeting-house was dedicated at the time of its erection, but, in 1846, when it was re-opened to the public, after the re- pairs, it was consecrated, with appropriate cere- monies, to the worship of God.

In the loft of this remodeled meeting-house could still be seen the timbers of the original frame, un- touched with decay, and, as the old sexton of the parish used to remark, "so hard that no worm could eat them."

These remain to this day in the heart of the build- ing, and stoutly resisted the carpenter's chisel in 1888.

The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the church and settlement of the first minister was celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 8, 1885. The church was decorated with rare plants, flowers and evergreens. Noticeable among the deco- rations was a board taken from the meeting-house in 1846, bearing in ancient lettering this inscription :

Built-1732. Repaired-1793.

This was sold with other lumber to Mr. William Locke, of Lexington, who had the charge of re- modeling the meeting-house in 1846. By his gener- osity it was restored to its original place. A large audience attended and the old meeting-house was once more filled with worshipers as in the olden days, when tradition says that all the seats were occupied, on ordinary occasions, and the teller of the tale, then a boy in the parish, was obliged to sit on the gallery-stairs.

The exercises opened with the singing of "O.d Hundred " by the congregation. Prayer was offered by Rev. Leander Thompson, of North Woburn. A hymn written for the occasion by Rev. Charles C. Sewall, of Medfield, was sung by the congregation, to York Tune as sung by our forefathers.

An excellent historical sermon was delivered by Rev. Charles Anderson, the pastor of the church.

His text was from Joshua 13 : 1 :- " Thou art old and stricken in years and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." This sermon gave an interesting review of the past and pointed lessons of inspiration and admonition for the future.

At the conclusion of the sermon the hymn at the heading of this chapter was sung. The sacrament of

1 Manuscript sermon of Rev. Samuel Sewall.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

the Lord's Supper was then administered by the pas- tur, assisted by Rev. Leander Thompson.

The ancient silver cups used in this service were presented to the church as follows: two by Dea. George Reed, in 1718 and 1734; one by Roland Cot- ton, 1741; one by Roland Cotton and Nathaniel Saltonstall, no date; one by Silvanus Wood, 1808; one by Rev. John Marrett, 1813; one by Timothy Winn, 1814.

On Monday evening the citizens of the town held a banquet and reception in the Town Hall. Promi- nent among the decorations was the sword of Rev. John Marrett. At the post-prandial exercises, ad- dresses were given by Rev. Charles Anderson, Rev. Daniel March, D.D., Samuel Sewall, Esq., Rev. E. G. Porter and William Winn, Esq.

At this time considerable enthusiasm was aroused, among the people of the town and those from abroad who were interested in the place as their former home, or the home of their forefathers, in regard to repairing the meeting-house, which had begun to plainly show the marks of time and age.

Through the efforts of Rev. Charles Anderson the funds for this purpose were raised, generous help being given by friends from abroad. The work of re- pairing and remodeling was begun and completed in 1888. The steepie was removed and a new tower and porch built on the south side of the meeting- house. The interior was entirely changed and, in- stead of the one room with hall and gallery, now con- tains an auditorium for public worship, a vestry for the Sunday-school and above the vestry a parlor and kitchen, all handsomely decorated and furnished. The windows in the anditorium were given by Mrs. S. D. Warren, of Boston, as a memorial to her father, Rev. Dorus Clark, D.D., once acting pastor of this church, and to his wife, " who loved and served this people."

Before the remodeling of the meeting-house was completed Rev. Charles Anderson had resigned his pastoral charge and Rev. Charles H. Washburn was acting as pastor of the church. Interesting services of re-dedication were held at the meeting-house De- cember 20, 1888. The sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel March, D.D., of Woburn. The Sunday- school has been for many years an important factor in the life of the church.

Rev. John Marrett faithfully performed the duty of catechising the children, as recorded in his diary. This was continued by his successor, Rev. Samuel Sewall, for a time. Mr. Sewall then formed Bible classes for the young men and women of the parish, who met at the house of the minister, to be instructed in the Scripture. The Sunday-school was organized May 4, 1827. At their first meeting Dr. Ezra Rip- ley, of Concord, addressed the school. A library was given by Messrs. J. B. and Nathan Blanchard.

The present superintendent of the school is Mr. Thomas I. Reed, chosen in 1871. It has been a

peaceful and prosperous school, productive of great good to the young people of the town.

The Ladies' Benevolent Society, connected with the church, has always acted a prominent and useful part in charitable work among the poor and in con- tributing to the funds of the church. This society celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization by a reception and reunion of members, May 22, 1890. The president, Mrs. Mary B. Reed, has held her office for thirty-six years.

The ministers of the church in Woburn Precinct previous to 1799 were Rev. Supply Clap, ordained November 8, 1735, died January 8, 1748, and Rev. Thomas Jones, ordained January 2, 1751, died March 13, 1774.

An account of these ministers will be found in the Ecclesiastical History of Woburn.

The pastor of the church in 1799 was Rev. John Marrett, a direct descendant of the fifth generation from Henry Dunster, first president of Harvard Col- lege. He was born in Cambridge September 21, 1747, and graduated from Harvard College in 1763. He married, December 16, 1779, Martha Jones, daughter of Rev. Thomas Jones.

He was ordained December 21, 1774, and continued his ministry in Burlington until his death, February 18, 1813. The time between these dates includes a period of loving, faithful and earnest service as pas- tor, neighbor and friend, which left a mark on his contemporaries and influenced generations then un- born. Mr. Marrett was a fine representative of the old-fashioned clergyman-a class which has ceased to exist, even in our rural villages.

Among his manuscripts are copies of short addresses to his people which show that his ideas were in ad- vance of the time in which he lived. In regard to admitting persons into the ordinances of the church, he says :

" I would n't [not] have ye Door so large or wide as to admit unsuitable persons nor so streight or narrow as to exclude ye well disposed." In the same address he recommends that when persons have any confes- sion to make to the church it shall be before the church alone and not before the congregation.

In his time the reading of the Scripture was not usually a part of public worship, but when a large Bible was presented to the church lie signified his in- tention of reading in it, " while ye season was mode- rate." The last words bring manifold suggestions of the days when our fathers worshiped in unwarmed, comfortless, meeting-houses, without the modern con- veniences we now think necessary to our spiritual well-being.1

Like nearly all country clergymen of a century ago, Mr. Marrett was also a proprietor of land and a prac- tical farmer. Tradition hath it that he often worked in his own fields.

1 " Ma'ch 5, 1790. Began to read yo S. S. in Publick."-Diary. "S. S." meaning the " Sacred Scriptures."

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BURLINGTON.

Mr. Marrett kept a diary, still in the possession of his descendants, to which frequent reference has been made in this history. Besides notes of the weather, descriptions of journeys, memoranda of parish work and farming, it contains accounts of noted public events, such as the Boston massacre, the Boston tea party and the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. Several times, he writes, that he went to meeting " on rackets," or snow-shoes. Mr. Marrett's successor as minister of Burlington was Rev. Samnel Sewall, still remembered and revered as "Father Sewall." He was descended from Henry Sewall, of Newbury, the first of the name in this country, and son of Henry Sewall, the mayor of Coventry, England. Among his ancestors were Samuel Sewall, chief justice of the Province of Massachusetts Bay from 1718 to 1728, celebrated as one of the presiding judges at the witch- craft trials in Salem, 1692, and his son, Rev. Joseph Sewall, a noted minister of the Old South Church in Boston. Samuel Sewall was the son of Chief Justice Samuel Sewall and Abigail (Devereux) Sewall, and was born at Marblehead June 1, 1785. There is a family tradition that he was consecrated in infancy by his mother to the Christian ministry. Certainly, his parents seem to have directed his education with that end in view. Wise and thoughtful beyond his years, as his early writings show, he readily took a hold up- on "things uuseeu," and begau in youth to lay the foundations of that character whose symmetrical completion was an inspiration to all who knew him in his ripe old age. Having fitted for college in the academy at Marblehead, he entered Harvard Univer- sity in 1800, when only fifteen years old, and gradu- ated with honor in 1804. Having already decided upon his profession, he at once began the study of theology at Cambridge, filling, at the same time, a minor position in the college government.

After the completion of his professional studies he took orders in the Episcopal Church, of which his parents were members; but, after officiating in this church for a short time, in Cambridge and elsewhere, he became dissatisfied with some articles of its creed and decided to enter the ministry of the Congregational Church. He was ordained at Burlington April 13, 1814, where he preached as a candidate, after the death of Mr. Marrett. He married, January 1, 1818, Martha Marrett, daughter of Rev. John Marrett, and took up his abode in the house formerly owned and occupied by his predecessors, Mr. Jones and Mr. Marrett, the grandfather and father of his wife. This dwelling was especially dear to him on account of its associations with the past.

As a pastor, Mr. Sewall was greatly beloved by his people. His name is still spoken with loving mem- ory at the firesides of the parish. His sermons, still in existence, are marked by their earnest purpose and vigor of thought. After twenty-eight years of faithful ministry, Mr. Sewall gave up his pastoral charge, but did not relinquish his interest in the wel-

fare of his townspeople or his zeal in the cause of his Master. He continued to preach, from time to time, as long as he lived. He was the first minister of the church in North Woburn, where he preached for some time, and during his ministry the first meet- ing-house iu that place was built. A memorial win- dow in the new meeting-house, given by the church in Burlington, commemorates his faithful labors in that parish.

Mr. Sewall was a man of public spirit, and ever active in all movements for the good of the town. He filled the offices of town clerk and School Commit- tee with acceptance for a term of years. It is a well- known fact that men of strong intellect usually cher- ish a favorite avocation or study apart from their business or professional cares, which they pursue with avidity in leisure hours. This chosen study with Mr. Sewall was historical and genealogical re- search. Certain circumstances of his life favored this choice. Descended from a family rich iu tra- ditions and memorials of the past, he was connected by marriage with another family also famous for the preservation of these valuable heirlooms.

As an antiquarian Mr. Sewall became widely dis- tinguished. His contributions to historical litera- ture have always been highly valued, and those who knew him best can testify to the care and faithfulness of his researches. His last and greatest work was the "History of Woburn." This was printed while its author lay on his death-bed. For himself, he said he wished to live only a few hours longer, that he might see the completion of this work, the result of years of study and toil ; but this could not be. Mr. Sew- all's last sermon was preached at Carlisle, Mass., Au- gust 11, 1867. The last public service in which he participated was the ordination of Mr. Alfred S. Hudson, at Burlington, December 19, 1867, where he made the ordaining prayer. Rev. Samuel Sewall died February 18, 1868. His funeral, attended by hundreds of his friends and former parishioners, was held at the Burlington meeting-house, February 21, 1868, and his remains were laid at rest beside his wife-who died several years before-in the new cemetery at Burlington.

It is impossible for us in the limits of this sketch to do justice to the historian, the author and the preacher, Samuel Sewall. Worldly distinction he never sought, and fame he never courted. He was indeed one of those whom the poet Lowell de- scribes :

"The bravely dumb that did their deed And scorned te blot it with a name, Men of the plain, heroic breed That loved Heaven's silence more than fame."

After the resignation of Mr. Sewall the church remained without a settled minister until 18449, when Rev. Harrison G. Park was called by a unan- imous vote to the office of pastor. He was in- stalled November 15, 1849, and continued in his office until May 10, 1852, when he was dismissed at

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

his own request. Mr. Park died several years ago. The next settled minister was Rev. Alfred S. Hudson, who was ordained December 19, 1867, and resigned his office June 9, 1873.

He is now minister of the Congregational Church in Ayer, Mass., and has achieved a worthy reputa- tion as the author of the "History of Sudbury," his native town.

In 1873 the churches in North Woburn and Bur- lington agreed to unite in the choice of a minister, and, September 2, 1874, Rev. Charles Anderson was ordained and settled over the two parishes.

Mr. Anderson's ministry extended over a period of fourteen years. Possessing remarkable power as a preacher, he might easily have filled a more note- worthy position, but he preferred to remain among the people of his first choice. His self-denying de- votion was richly rewarded, and his ministry was marked with signal success.

In 1887 he received a call to a professorship in Robert College, Constantinople, Turkey. As he had been a teacher in that institution in his youth, and was thoroughly acquainted with the work, he felt that this was a summons of duty, and, greatly to the regret of his people, he accepted. He was dis- missed July 2, 1888, and in September sailed with his family for Constantinople.

Rev. Charles H. Washburn is the present acting pastor of the church.

Among the ministers who have, at different times, preached in Burlington, although not settled, were Rev. Nathaniel Richardson, Rev. Dorus Clarke, D.D., and Rev. Eli Moody.

EXTRACTS FROM REV. JOHN MARRETT'S INTER- LEAVED ALMANACS FOR 1775, AND 1776, NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED.

January 1, 1775. Preached at Woburn; went from Deacon Rced's to meeting on snow-shoes.

3. Rode to Cambridge; lodged at College.

4. Rode to Boston and returned to Cambridge; lodged at College. Patty B-r-d-n married to Mr. Osgood, of Andover.

5. Returned to Lexington. 6. At Lexington.

7. Rode to Woburn ; lodged at Deacon Reed's.

8. Preached at Woburn. 9. At Woburn.

10. At Woburn. Spent evening at Deacon Reed's. Sons much company.

11. P.M. Rode to Lexington.

12. At Lexington. Sent my goods to Woburn.

13. Moved to Woburn. Board at Madam Jones's, for 40s. per week, and keep my horse myself.

[15.] Sunday. Preached at home. A full meeting.

18. Spent the evening at Reuben Kimball's. Much company.

21. P.M. Rode to Billerica. Sunday. Preached at Billerica on exchange.

23. Rode to Woburn. Lodged at Lieut. Johnson's. Visited a number of families in West Quarter.

24. Dined at Deacon Reed's. Rode home.

25. Dined at Deacon Johnson's with much com- pany.

27. At home. Mr. Thaxter dined here.

28. Last night, between 9 and 10 o'clock, had to visit a sick woman, Mrs. Twiss. Sunday. Preached at home.

30. P.M. Visited a number of families on Billerica Road. Evening, Mr. Coggin spent with me.

31. Hay brought me by Messrs. Trask and Dodge. Evening. Deacon Reed's sons and wife visited [me].

February 1, 1775. Attend Mr. Sherman's Lecture and preached.

2. Preached a lecture for Mr. Cumings.

5. Sunday. Preached at home. A full meeting.

7. Deacon Reed and Sergt. Joseph Johnson visited me.

8. Rode to Lexington. 9. Lodged at my brother's last night. Attend lecture at Lexington; a lecture on the times. I began with prayer. Mr. Cushing preached from Psalm 22: "He is governor among the nations." Mr. Clark concluded with prayer.

10. Spent last evening at John Wood's. Much company. Lodged at Deacon Reed's,

12. Sunday. P.M. Very snowy. Thin meeting.

13. Rode to Wilmington and return.

15. Chilly, uncomfortable. Rode to Boston and returned to Cambridge. Lodged with Mr. Gannett at College. 16. Returned home.

19. Sunday. Preached at Wilmington on exchange.

21. Mr. Clark, of Lexington, visited here.

27. Visited several families towards Lexington side-seven houses.

28. Married a couple. . Visited three houses.

March 6, 1775. Prayed at March meeting. Rode to Lexington. 7. Lodged last night at Brother's. Spent day at Lexington. Attend training there. At night rode home.

12. Sunday. Preached at Lexington in exchange.

13. Parish meeting. A committee came to know if I would accept some certain sum of money in lieu of my wood, and after some discourse I told them that I would accept of £8 annually in lieu thereof, which they cheerfully and thankfully received.

14. Attend the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Johnson, wid- ow of the late Deacon Johnson.

16. Annual fast. Preached at home, P.M. A very full meeting.

20. Rode to Cambridge. Dined at College. Re- turned home.

21. Training. Viewed arms.

25. Towards night rode to Woburn Old Parish.

[26.] Sunday. Lodged last night at Mrs, Burbeen's, and preached at Woburn Old Parish on exchange. Mr. Prentiss preached for me, and Mr. Sherman for Mr. Prentiss, and I for Mr. Sherman. Returned home.

27. At home. Bottled cider; 11 dozen and 1 bot- tle, and visited Messrs. Trask, Abijah Smith and An - drews.

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29. My Lecture. Mr. Cumings preached from John 20 : 29. A good sermon. Mr. Edward Brooks and wife, of Medford, here.

30. Preached lecture at Billerica and returned.

April 2, 1775. Sunday. The first sacrament I have had since ordination. Lengthened the intermission during summer season two hours.

3. Visited Henry Reed, James Twist, Stearns, Gleason and McIntire.

4. Rode to Wilmington and Reading. P.M., Heard Mr. Stone [of Reading] preach a sermon to the minute-men. Returned to Wilmington ; lodged at Mr. Morrill's.

5. Returned home before dinner.

6. Rode to Lexington ; attend lecture. Mr. Cooke, of Menotomy, preached. Mr. Cushing and Mr. Wood- ward there.

8. People moving out of Boston on account of the troops.

9. Sunday. Mr. Marston came up from Boston to get a place here for his wife and children.

10. Rode to Stow. Dined at Concord. Lodged at Madam Gardner's. 11. Rode from Stow to North- boro'. 12. At Northboro'; at Mrs. Martin's. 13. Re- turn from Northboro' to Lexington. 17. Visited Thomas Locke, Newman and Welsh.

18. Attend funeral of child at Abel Wyman's.

20. P.M. Attend funeral of Mr. Baldwin, in Wo- burn town, who died of a fever; and afterwards rode to Lexington and saw the mischief the Regulars did, and returned home.

21. Rode to Concord. The country coming in fast to our help. Returned home.

22. At home. All quiet here. Our forces gathered at Cambridge and towns about Boston. The Regu- lars removed from Charlestown to Boston the day be- fore yesterday. 1

[23.] Sunday. Preached at home. Soldiers travel- ing down and returning; brought their arms with them to meeting, with warlike accoutrements. A dark day. In the forenoon service, just as service was ended, Doctor Blodget came in for the people to go with their teams to bring provisions from Marble- head out of the way of the men of war. Consider> able number at meeting.

24. At home. A dull time. Packing up my most valuable effects to be ready to move on any sudden occasion.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 180

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034