USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > History of Newton, Massachusetts : town and city, from its earliest settlement to the present time, 1630-1880 > Part 66
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The church remained without a pastor till June 11, 1856, when Rev. Joshua Wyman Wellman was installed pastor. Mr. Well- man graduated at Dartmouth College 1846, and was a classmate of his predecessor, Mr. Cutler, in the Theological Seminary, An- dover. He was ordained in Derry, N. H., June 18, 1851, where he was pastor five years, and removed from that place to Newton.
During the winter and spring of 1859, the enlarging of the church edifice began to be discussed. In view of the growth of the community, the lack of adequate church accommodations in the village, and the rapid increase of the congregation, the Society voted to dispose of their house of worship, and erect a new and. larger one on the same spot. Accordingly, the old house was sold and removed a short distance northerly, and changed into a com- modious public hall, and afterwards burned. The new and ele- gant house, which was erected on the original site,* was com-
* The lot of land on which the first edifice was built was a gift from John H. Rich- ardson, Esq., of Watertown. In 1860, when the new church was erected, the lot was- enlarged by the purchase of about 18,000 square feet additional.
687
ELIOT CHURCH.
menced about the first of January, 1860, and the corner-stone laid with appropriate ceremonies, on the annual State Fast Day, April 5, 1860. The house, having been completed, was dedicated the next State Fast Day, April 4, 1861. The clock on the tower cost not far from four hundred dollars, and was paid for by the sub- scriptions of citizens of Newton Corner. The church bell was also obtained by private subscriptions in the village. The cost of the new edifice was $42,500. At the dedication, the introductory ser- vices were performed by Rev. Henry J. Patrick, West Newton, and Rev. Stephen R. Dennen, Watertown. Sermon by Rev. J. W. Wellman, from Rev. V : 9, " And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof ; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Dedica- tory prayer by Rev. Daniel L. Furber, Newton Centre.
The pastorate of Mr. Wellman included the exciting period of the civil war. Presiding over a church and congregation eminently patriotic in spirit, he had abundant opportunity to show how much a Christian minister could do, at such a time, to encourage the de- sponding, to comfort the bereaved, and to help forward the cause of justice and human liberty. So far as can be ascertained, the number of men from the Eliot church and Society, who enlisted in the war, was twenty-seven.
Mr. Wellman resigned his office as pastor September 27, 1873, and removed to a similar service in the town of Malden.
The fourth pastor of the church was the Rev. S. M. Freeland, formerly pastor of the Woodward Avenue Congregational church, Detroit, Mich. Mr. Freeland was installed May 11, 1875. At the public service, the sermon was by Rev. W. M. Barbour, D.D., of Bangor Theological Seminary ; prayer of installation by Rev. John DeWitt, of the Central church, Boston ; charge to the pastor by Rev. D. L. Furber, Newton Centre ; hand of fellowship by Rev. H. J. Patrick, West Newton ; charge to the people by Rev. E. B. Webb, Shawmut church, Boston.
In March, 1876, the church passed the following vote : "Those (deacons) to be chosen after this date shall be elected for a term not exceeding six years ; and deacons thus elected shall be ineligi- ble, for one year after the expiration of their term of office." The last two of the following list of deacons are accordingly elected for five and six years respectively.
-
688
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
DEACONS
Otis Trowbridge,
chosen Feb. 12, 1847, deceased Jan. 20, 1862.
Ebenezer Woodward,
Feb. 12, 1847
Sept. 14, 1860
R. V. C. Emerson, John Warner,
Sept. 14, 1860
Joseph N. Bacon,
April 25, 1862
W. Otis Trowbridge,
66 April 21, 1876
Charles E. Eddy, jr.,
April 28, 1876
PASTORS.
ORDAINED OR INSTALLED.
DISMISSED.
William S. Leavitt,
o. Dec. 3, 1875
Dis. Nov. 8, 1853
Lyman Cutler,
i. Oct. 25, 1854
Died April 28, 1855
Joshua Wyman Wellman,
i. June 11, 1856
Dis. Sept. 27, 1873
S. M. Freeland,
i. May 11, 1875
Dis. Sept. 17, 1878
Wolcott Calkins,
i. Feb. 5, 1880
Number uniting in the organization of the church, Admitted while Mr. Leavitt was pastor,
37
115
Between the pastorates of Mr. Leavitt and Mr. Cutler,
6
During the pastorate of Mr. Cutler,
12
Between the pastorates of Mr. Cutler and Mr. Wellman, During the pastorate of Mr. Wellman,
563
Between the pastorates of Mr. Wellman and Mr. Freeland,
18
During the pastorate of Mr. Freeland, -
111
Total, 866
CHANNING CHURCH (UNITARIAN).
The Channing church, Newton Corner, was commenced by a few persons, of the Unitarian faith, who first held meetings in Union Hall, and were supplied with preaching by the late Rev. Convers Francis, D. D., Professor in the Cambridge Divinity School. The Society was formed September 2, 1851. The Sabbath School was established in April, 1852. The late Dr. Henry Bigelow was the efficient and beloved Superintendent. The Lord's Supper was ad- ministered for the first time January 2, 1853, by Rev. Joseph C. Smith. The following evening, Rev. Joseph C. Smith, Calvin Bailey and Samuel G. Simpkins were appointed a committee " to prepare a form of union, expressive of common faith and fellow- ship."
January 10, the committee presented a Declaration of Faith and union, and on the third of February, the following Declaration and Covenant were adopted :
4
1 ...
CHANNING CHURCH - UNITARIAN.
689
CHANNING CHURCH.
We whose names are subscribed, recognizing the value and importance of united thought and action in the study and practice of Christian truth, and also of sympathy and communion in the formation of the Christian character and the work of the Christian life,- do therefore unite together in the fol- lowing declaration of our faith and purpose :
" Our faith is in Jesus, as the Christ, the Son of God.
" And we hereby form ourselves into a church of his disciples, that we may co-operate together in the study and practice of Christianity.
" And we furthermore unite in the following covenant with each other, as an expression of this faith and fellowship, and as a form to be used in the reception of those who wish to unite with us as a church."
COVENANT.
" My friend and brother,-You present yourself here, wishing to profess your faith in Jesus, as the Christ, the Son of God, and to unite with this Christian church. I ask therefore-
" Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?
" And is it your heart's desire and present wish to become a faithful disci- ple of our Lord and Saviour?
" We then receive you gladly into our number. We welcome you to the communion of Christian hearts. We earnestly desire to sympathize with you, and will endeavor to watch over and support you in the trials of life and the work of duty. And we engage to unite with you in the diligent use of Christian ordinances, and to yield obedience to all truth which shall be made known to us as our duty,-the Lord assisting us by his Spirit and grace. And, may God, our Father, grant that this union, formed on earth, may be continued in heaven, and fit us for the fellowship of the saints in light. Amen."
Any persons, wishing to unite with this church, shall signify their desire to the Pastor, and all the members shall be ready at all times to act as the medium of such communications. And they shall become members by publicly adopting the church covenant.
Calvin Bailey,
Matilda A. Bigelow, Darwin E. Jewett, Caroline M. Jewett, Anne C. Mower,
Margaret A. Smith,
Catharine Bailey,
Samuel G. Simpkins,
Susan I. Bailey,
Frederic W. Capen,
Hartley Lord,
Lucretia W. Allen,
Sarah E. Lord, Andrew Cole,
Sarah C. Thomas, Harriet Nickerson,
Lois Pierce, Abraham Hews,
Catharine H. Coffin,
Olivia M. Norris,
Jane R. Thompson,
Elizabeth Cole,
Gilman Brackett, Henry Bigelow,
Marion S. Lord, Joseph C. Smith,
Harriet Wiswall.
Rev. Joseph C. Smith was the first minister of the Society. He was engaged, year after year, for four years, though he was never installed as pastor. Mr. Smith was born in Waltham, July 18, 1819,
44
690
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
graduated at Bowdoin College in 1838, studied theology two years at the Institution in Andover, commenced preaching in the spring of 1842, and was ordained an evangelist at Portland, Me., Octo- ber 11, 1842. He was installed pastor at Groton, Mass., July 12, 1843, where he labored eight years, leaving Groton in August, 1851. After seven months of travel, he visited Newton, and preached to the recently gathered Society, until he was compelled by declining health to retire from public duty.
February 24, 1856, he preached at the closing service in the Union Hall, from the text, "It is good for us to be here." Feb- ruary 28, four days later, he preached at the dedication of the edifice which had been erected for the Society at the expense of twelve gentlemen, who were members of it. His text was, "But I say unto you, in this place is one greater than the temple." Mr. Smith's last sermon was preached January 25, 1857, from the text, "Where is thy flock which was given thee,- thy beautiful flock?" This sermon was the only one he printed. He was already the victim of consumption. Hoping to obtain benefit from a sea voyage, he sailed for the Sandwich Islands February 4, 1857, and died at Honolulu, December 29, 1857. His remains were brought. back to Newton, and buried, with those of his wife and children, in the new cemetery, July 24, 1858.
He had an affectionate nature, a bright mind, with well supplied stores of information, a cordial disposition and playful wit. He manifested no preference for the culture of any specialty, but seemed to have read almost every thing. His preaching was prac- tical, and always acceptable.
A sermon on his life and character was preached March 28, 1858, by Rev. Henry A. Miles, and afterwards printed.
Rev. Edward James Young, the second pastor, was ordained June 18, 1857. Mr. Young was grandson of Alexander Young, Esq., many years the publisher of the New England Palladium, a semi-weekly journal in Boston, and son of the late Rev. Alexan- der Young, pastor of the New South church in Boston. A " State- ment of Christian Faith," prepared by Mr. Young, was adopted March 5, 1859, and printed, as a summary of the belief of the church. The following note is prefixed :
This " Statement of Faith" is printed in accordance with a vote of the Channing church, but with no desire to impose it upon others, or to make it a condition of admission to the church.
691
NEWTON BAPTIST CHURCH.
May 30, 1860, the meeting-house was struck by lightning. The fluid, passing into the ground, did but slight injury to the building.
During the war of the Rebellion sixteen of this Society entered the army, four of whom died in consequence of the wounds they received.
In the summer of 1867, the church edifice was cut in two, and the rear end moved back. By this enlargement, the number of pews was increased to ninety-six. Worship was first held in the church, after the enlargement, October 20, 1867. May 4, 1868, there were one hundred and eleven communicants, about one-third of the congregation.
March 15, 1869, Mr. Young resigned his pastorate, after twelve years' service, to become Professor in Harvard University. His farewell discourse, preached March 21, was printed. Text, Acts XX : 32.
May 4, 1870, Rev. Eli Fay was installed pastor. He resigned his office the first Sabbath in March, 1873. He was afterwards pastor in Taunton, and thence went to England, and took charge of a church there.
Rev. George Washington Hosmer, D. D., was installed pastor November 14, 1873, being within two weeks of threescore and ten years of age. He graduated at Harvard University, 1826, was ordained in Northfield, June 10, 1830, installed at Buffalo, N. Y., October 16, 1836, and inaugurated President of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, in June, 1867. Dr. Hosmer resigned in 1879, and was succeeded by Rev. Francis B. Hornbrooke.
PASTORS.
DEACONS.
Joseph C. Smith,
Edward J. Young, Eli Fay,
George W. Hosmer,
Francis B. Hornbrooke.
Calvin Bailey,
Andrew Cole, Henry Claflin,
William D. Coolidge,
Samuel G. Simpkins.
NEWTON BAPTIST CHURCH.
Public worship was first held by several Baptist church members in Middlesex Hall, Centre Street, April 10, 1859. This was the beginning of the fourth Baptist church in Newton. The first ser- mon was by Rev. W. L. Brown, of Watertown, in the morning. Rev. Mr. Horton, who was killed at New Orleans (see p. 573), preached in the afternoon.
692
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
April 1, 1860, the meetings were removed into Union Hall. At a meeting of persons in favor of establishing a Baptist church and Society in this part of Newton, held April 10, 1860, the following votes were passed :
VOTED, that we, members of various Baptist churches residing in Newton Corner, feel that, in the providence of God, the time has now arrived for us to go forward and form ourselves into a Baptist church.
VOTED, that a committee of five be appointed to prepare, and report at a future meeting, a Declaration of Articles of Faith and Practice.
The Articles of Faith and Covenant customary in Baptist churches were reported and adopted at subsequent meetings, held by adjournment, and on the 7th of June, 1860, the following pre- amble and resolution passed unanimously :
Whereas, through the blessing of God, we have been enabled to maintain public worship during the past year, with the prospect of additional encour- agement for the year to come,- and whereas a sufficient number of brethren and sisters, with the distinct knowledge and approval of the churches to which they belong, have obtained letters of dismission for the purpose of entering into a new church relation in this place,- therefore,
Resolved, that we now form ourselves into a distinct body, to be known as the "Newton Corner Baptist Church."
The original members of the church were as follows :
Rev. Gilbert Robbins,
Mrs. Helen M. Kimball,
Abralıam Kimball,
Mrs. Olivia W. Hyde.
William D. Thayer,
Mrs. Mary H. Watson,
Henry H. Kimball,
Mrs. Sarah D. Slocomb,
Horatio N. Hyde,
Mrs. Sarah F. Porter, Mrs. Caroline E. Sweetser.
George H. Quincy,
Mrs. Mehitable H. Rugg,
Miss Anna W. Watson,
James S. Watson, Charles A. Ellis, William Slocomb, John F. Smallwood.
Mrs. Martha Fiske, Mrs. E. H. Harris,
Mrs. L. L. Robbins,
Mrs. Mehitable F. Stimpson,
Mrs. Eliza Kimball, Mrs. Ruth G. Thayer,
Miss Elizabeth Bridges, Mrs. Adeline Tibbetts.
The public exercises connected with the recognition of the church were held July 12, 1860. Rev. O. S. Stearns, D. D., preached the sermon, Rev. A. S. Train, D. D., offered prayer, and Rev. R. H. Neale, D. D., gave the fellowship of the churches. June 30, 1860, Rev. Gilbert Robbins, who had preached several
693
NEWTON BAPTIST CHURCH.
Sabbaths previously, was invited to the pastorate. He resigned late in the year 1861. Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D., the second pastor, commenced his services April 20, 1862, and remained in office till October 1, 1863. Rev. J. Tucker became pastor Janu- ary 2, 1866, and resigned October 1, 1870. The last pastor was Rev. Thomas S. Samson, who entered on the duties of his office May 1, 1873, and resigned May 1, 1880.
A beautiful communion service was given to the church by two of the members, Messrs. Quincy and Harwood, in April, 1865.
The following summary was entered on the Records April 14, 1874, giving a view of the statistics of the church to that date.
Received by baptism, 78; by letter, 157; by experience, 5 ; total, 240. Members April 14, 1874, 146. The largest number added in any one year (1874) was 29. . .. Members January 1, 1879, 162.
The church edifice at the corner of Washington and Hovey Streets was dedicated March 29, 1864. When, in 1862 or 1863, the workmen were excavating for the foundation, the remains of five Indians and several ancient copper coins were found, about two feet below the surface, which indicated that the spot might have been used anciently for an Indian burying ground. The lower jaw of one of the Indians was found in perfect preservation, with the full number of teeth, the enamel being nearly intact.
The late J. W. Bailey, Esq., communicates the facts concerning the Indian and other relics, as follows :
The ground where the remains were found, for about six feet in length and one foot in width and depth, was of a black, loamy color, while around the same, it was a yellow, sandy soil. The jawbone referred to was a curiosity in itself, containing a full number of teeth and double all round, the front as well as the back ones. I took it to two or three dentists, who never saw the like, and pronounced it wonderful. This was the lower jaw, and I had it sawed in two parts, and put it into the box under the corner-stone of the church. The coins were given away to the boys, as the Irishmen who dug the cellar and found them did not know their value. Two of them I traced to a boy, and offered him ten cents for them, which he readily accepted ;- one, I think, was of the date of 1720 or 1729,-the period of George I., of Eng- land. The tail appeared like a 9, and was indistinct. Of the other, I could not distinguish the date, it being very much corroded. There were also one or two arrow heads, which I was unable to get hold of, notwithstanding much inquiry among the men and boys. The jawbone and coins will be found in the box in after years, by another generation, under the corner-stone of the Baptist church.
694
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
On the opposite corner of Hovey Street, in friendly proximity, stood the first edifice of Grace (Episcopal) church, a wooden structure.
The land on which the Baptist church is erected (13,500 square feet) was purchased for $1,620. The church edifice cost $8,700.
PASTORS.
ACCESSION.
RESIGNED.
DEACONS.
Gilbert Robbins, Jeremiah Chaplin, D. D. J. Tucker, Jr., Thomas S. Samson,
June 30, 1860
1861
April 20, 1862
Oct. 1, 1863
Oct. 31, 1865
Oct. 1, 1870
Horatio N. Hyde, Abraham Kimball, S. C. Howes,
May 1, 1873
May 1, 1880
Eben Jones, James H. Earle.
GRACE CHURCH, NEWTON.
The first services of the Episcopal church in the part of the town then known as Newton Corner were held in the old Union Hall, May 20, 1855. The Parish was organized in the parlor of Mr. Stephen Perry, whose house stood, and still stands, on the corner of Galen and Williams Streets, just across the limits of Newton, in Watertown. Mrs. Perry died in January, 1878. The officiating clergyman was Rev. T. F. Fales, of Waltham. During the following summer, the services were continued on Sundays by the Rev. Mr. Fales and other clergymen, and on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1855, an Episcopal Parish was formally organized. The following were the first Parish officers :
WARDENS.
George Linder,
Edward P. Bancroft.
CLERK. William S. Perry.
1.
VESTRY-MEN.
Stephen Perry,
Thomas Smallwood,
Nicholas Johnson,
George A. Hicks, Isaac G. Braman, James Gourlie.
James E. Butts,
The first call to a clergyman to become rector of the new Parish was extended to the Rev. T. F. Fales, but he declined it. The office was then offered to Rev. John Singleton Copley Greene, M. D.
The history of Mr. Greene is an interesting one. He was the son of the late Gardiner Greene, of Boston, graduated at Harvard
A CLAUS ON
PHOTO ELECTRO CO BOSTON.
GRACE CHURCH, NEWTON.
695
GRACE CHURCII.
University in 1828, and proceeded at once to the study of medi- cine, receiving the degree of M. D. in 1831. He inherited wealth, and for several years lived an aimless life. By the death of his first wife, his mind was directed to the subject of personal religion, and he formed the resolution to be at last of some use in the world. He became a zealous Christian, driving into Boston every Sabbath from the Governor Gore mansion in Waltham, which he owned and occupied, that he might take part as a teacher in a Sunday School. When the Episcopal church in Waltham was organized, he became its most generous benefactor. He aided in building the church edifice, bought a rectory and gave it to the Parish, and by personal effort as well as by the liberal use of his property, he did all in his power to advance the cause of religion.
In course of time, he married again. But affliction again over- took him, and his second wife was called away by death. This second great sorrow, however, was the means of leading him to consecrate himself to the work of the ministry. With great energy, he undertook the study of theology in Andover, Mass., and received ordination at the hands of Bishop Eastburn in 1855. He began his rectorship in Newton in January, 1856, and his liberality was shown here, even more conspicuously than it had been in con- nection with the Episcopal Parish in Waltham. He aided in the purchase of land on the corner of Washington and Hovey Streets, opposite the Baptist church, for the Parish buildings, gave liber- ally towards the erection of the chapel, and built the school-house and rectory at his own expense.
The corner-stone of the chapel was laid on Friday afternoon, May 28, 1858, by Bishop Eastburn, who delivered an address on the occasion. On the silver plate, placed under the corner-stone, was this inscription :
TO GOD, THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST, WE CONSECRATE THIS EDIFICE - TO THE INCREASE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH AND CHARITY.
IN THE YEAR OF SALVATION 1858.
The church was Gothic in style, and designed to accommodate an audience of 225. The cost was about $4,000.
At the commencement, the number of persons attending the Episcopal service was small ; but many additions were made, chiefly from among English people residing at the North Village. Mr. Greene continued in charge of the Parish nearly nine years,
696
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
resigning in 1864, and removing to Longwood. His health failed rapidly, and he never resumed parish work. He officiated occa- sionally at different churches, but the pastorate of Grace church, Newton, was his first and only one. He is remembered very gratefully by the many whom he influenced for good, and by the many poor whom his benefactions relieved. He is said to have. been a man of very rigid principles, and seemed intensely eager to make amends in his latter days for his early misspent years. He used often to say that he wanted to serve God, as vigorously as he had once served his own pleasures.
The second rector of the Parish was Rev. P. H. Steenstra, who began his ministry in November, 1864, and remained in office till July 1, 1869, when he resigned, and became Professor in the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge.
The third rector was Rev. Henry Mayer, who entered upon his work in August, 1870. During his rectorship, the project of erect- ing a new church edifice was very earnestly considered. The parish had grown in numbers and in means, and the chapel on Washington Street was over-crowded. A temporary expedient for seating more people had been devised, by building a gallery across the rear end of the chapel. But it was soon evident that a larger structure was needed by the rapidly increasing congrega- tion. Many came from other places, who had been connected with Episcopal churches, and brought with them life and energy to the parish in Newton.
The first intention was to place the new church on the lot at the corner of Washington and Hovey Streets ; but afterwards a new and better location was sought. The large strip of ground between Vernon and Church Streets, containing 134,000 feet was. purchased. Eldredge Street was not then cut through; but the street was at once laid out, and the ground to the east of it, graded. The southeastern corner was designated as the place for the church, chapel and rectory. The northeastern part was sold, to a point within one hundred feet of the new church. Plans for the church were drawn by Mr. A. R. Esty, architect, and the corner-stone was laid September 4, 1872,- the same which had been laid originally under the chapel in Washington Street.
Rev. Mr. Mayer resigned his rectorship in March, 1872, and was succeeded by the fourth rector, Rev. Joseph S. Jenckes, jr., in July, 1872. Mr. Jenckes remained in office till September 2,
697
GRACE CHURCH.
1874, when he resigned, and became rector of the Cathedral church in Davenport, Iowa. Rev. William Stevens Perry, a member of this church and a graduate of Harvard University in the class of 1854, became Bishop of the Episcopal church of Iowa, and also a resident of Davenport.
Work upon the new church was pushed forward as rapidly as was consistent with the solidity and elaborateness of the structure. The cost of the building, including the land, was about $105,000. Worship continued to be held in the chapel till August, 1873. The new church was first used on Advent Sunday, December, 1873, parts of it being unfinished, which have since been completed. The old wooden structure, having stood unused for a time, was sold, and removed to Watertown.
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