History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 150

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 150

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" Voted to build a seat in the pulpit for the benefit of Mr. Payson, if it is desired." The minister was then old and becoming infirm. Mr. Payson lived to see the colonies fully committed to an armed conflict with Great Britain. In the meeting-house were held the important meetings of that war-time. Here was first read and administered, without doubt, the oath

of allegiance, a strong, patriotic expression. Here the people ratified the fourteen articles of the " Associa- tion of the Grand American Congress." Here they elected their representatives, voted money and pro- visions for the support of the army, and talked elo- quently of their wrongs.

How strange to find the first meeting-house and first pastor drawing to their decay together! Mr. Payson died Jan. 22, 1778, and in 1781 the meeting- house was condemned, the town voting to build a new one on the same spot.

The new building was raised in 1783. In June of that year it was voted to appoint a committee "to get ministers to pray with us at the raising." Adam Blackman was the head carpenter. The building was sixty feet long and forty feet wide. When it was finished no one knows; for, as in the first case, meeting-house bills came up, the regular subject of discussion in town-meeting, for several years. All the material of the old building that could be so used was worked into the new. This building was fur- nished with a belfry, in which was placed, in 1791, a bell. The entrance was through two porches, one on the west side, the other on the east.

With the new meeting-house came a new minister, Rev. George Morey, who was pastor forty-six years. He was called by the town March 10, 1783, and ordained November 19th of the same year. During his pastorate Mr. Morey admitted to the church one hundred and fifty two persons. He died July 26, 1829. His pastorate was not marked by any great event or change, so far as his own charge was con- cerned. He lived, as Mr. Payson, to see his country- men engaged in war with Great Britain, and realized how profoundly a small community like his own could be moved, for Walpole was loyal always.

After his death, according to his directions, all his manuscripts were destroyed. We are not able, there- fore, to determine the quality of his preaching or-his literary ability ; but it is said he used certain mys- terious signs and abbreviations that would have made the task of deciphering his writings to-day hopeless.

His Calvinism was of a mild type. Indeed, the theology of Walpole had never been very harsh. It was doubtless owing to the influence of his preaching that, with the advent of his successor, the great majority of his people espoused the Unitarian side in the controversy over the doctrine of the Trinity. He has left one impressive monument in the row of noble elms planted by his hands near the site of the old homestead, on the Medfield road.

Several amusing stories are still told of " Parson" Morey. As he was busy out of doors one day, one

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of his church members came up and said, " Parson Morey, my mind is greatly troubled over this matter of original sin ; can you tell me something to relieve me ?" And the parson said, " You better go home and think of your own sins, for you have enough of them to think about."

Just before the time for starting for meeting on a Sunday the horse was brought to the door, and the parson, standing at the window, watched to see the bell swing in the belfry on the hill, and before the sound actually reached his ears he had started for the door. The horse had become so accustomed to his promptness, and had so associated it with the sound of the meeting-house bell, that one morning, when the parson was delayed, he trotted decorously off to meeting, and took his place in the familiar shed near the meeting-house.

Once Mr. Morey preached an eloquent and power- ful sermon against card-playing. Next Sabbath, in adjusting the pulpit-cushion, he dislodged a pack of cards, which fell upon the heads and into the laps of the venerable deacons, who sat just beneath. Imagine the astonishment of the preacher, the stupefaction of the deacons, the horror of the older ones in the con- gregation, the mirth of the younger !

On the 15th of November, 1826, Mr. John P. B. Storer was ordained and installed junior pastor of the church and society in Walpole. For several years it had been evident to the people that their old pastor had become too infirm for the duties of his position, though he would not admit it, but endeavored, hero- ically, to meet his people's wants.

The resolutions passed in a meeting of the town are highly creditable to the people, and recognize fully the ability and fidelity of their pastor, and express their great gratitude for his long service. The sum of one thousand dollars was voted Mr. Morey, and it was decided that he should keep the title of pastor as long as he lived.

There was a notable gathering at the ordination of Mr. Storer. We find the following names in the list of those attending the council : Drs. Nichols, of Port- land; Porter, of Roxbury; Harris, of Dorchester ; Richmond, of Dorchester; Pierce, of Brookline ; Lowell, of Boston; Saunders, of Medfield; Edes, of Providence ; Rev. Messrs. Ware, Pierpont ; Gannett, of Boston ; and Dewey, of New Bedford. Mr. Storer was understood to be a Unitarian, and the presence of certain ministers at his ordination would, of itself, indicate it. But several members of the church in Walpole, still holding firmly to the doctrine of the Trinity, and considering it their duty to still profess it, finding little sympathy among the other

members of the church, addressed a letter to the Con- gregational Church in Walpole, praying that they might be dismissed from membership in order to form a second church.

A meeting of the church was immediately held, but the subject was referred to the next regular meet- ing, that all the members might be present and the matter be fully voted upon.

Before action could be taken by the church the petitioning members organized what is now known as the Second Church, or Orthodox Congregational Church. At the regular meeting of the old church, action on the petition was indefinitely postponed. The original members of the Second Church, therefore, were always members of the First. During the min- istry of Mr. Storer church and society prospered greatly, one hundred and twenty-one members being received into the church. Being of a social nature, well educated, and, as a preacher, magnetic, Mr. Storer became very popular. His removal to Syra- cuse, N. Y., to take charge of an important church there, in 1839, was considered a calamity. Some of the fine trees on Common Street attest the interest he felt in the town which he had made his home. His short ministry was, however, a ministry of power, and he is still remembered with respect and affection.

Under date June 18, 1837, Mr. Storer makes his last record : " Voted, That the church accept the in- vitation to join with the Second Parish in Roxbury in the ordination of Mr. Theodore Parker as their Pastor."

Before Mr. Storer left Walpole it was determined to move the meeting-house to a new site. The porches and all projecting portions that would inter- fere with its march were cut away, and it was lifted from its foundations and swung around, rear end first, being guided by a pole stuck in the ground midway the old and new sites.

In its second place it has rested to this day, not outwardly the same, for a spire has been run up, a new front built, and a vestry put underneath.

With the rededication of this meeting-house, which they called a new one, there was the installation of a new minister. Rev. John M. Merrick received a call from the church and society August, 1839. Decem- ber 11th of that year was memorable, it being the date of his installation and of the rededication. The meeting-house was crowded. The sermon was by Rev. George Ripley, of Boston. Mr. Merrick was pastor twenty-six years, resigning his charge in 1865. He died in Charlestown, N. H., March 20, 1871, pastor of the Unitarian church and society. The re- corder says of his sufferings in his last days, " He

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bore all with patience and a Christlike resignation." During his ministry in Walpole forty members were admitted to the church. His son, Prof. John M. Merrick, connected with the College of Pharmacy in Boston, rapidly rising to eminence as a scientist and writer on various subjects, died suddenly in Walpole in 1879. Mr. Merrick presided at the council called to examine his successor, Rev. W. B. Smith, and at the installation made the address to the people.

Mr. Smith was installed Oct. 5, 1865, Dr. Hedge, of Brookline, preaching the sermon. During his ministry all things prospered, and he gained the affection and confidence of his people. During his absence in Europe, in 1874, considerable change was made in the interior of the meeting-house. The gal- leries were removed, the pulpit was lowered, and a recess made at the rear of the pulpit. Prof. Edward J. Young, of Cambridge, preached the sermon at the

The history of the Orthodox Congregational Church of Walpole, Mass., covers less than sixty years. It was organized at the house of Mrs. Catharine Allen, Nov. 13, 1826, the following ministers and dele- gates composing the council : Rev. Ebenezer Burgess and Nathaniel Guild, of Dedham; Rev. Warren Pierce and Deacon Ebenezer Forrest, of Foxborough ; reopening. When all were looking for the return of | Rev. Moses Thatcher and Artemas Woodward, of the pastor from Europe, his letter resigning his pas- North Wrentham ; Rev. Jonathan Curtis and Philip Curtis, of Sharon. torate came, taking the people by surprise, and bring- ing sorrow to very many. From the disease from which he was then suffering, and which occasioned his resignation, Mr. Smith has not recovered. He removed to Grafton, where he now lives. During his ministry of eight years Mr. Smith admitted to church membership thirty-nine persons. Pending | edge, for the better maintaining of gospel ordinances the selection of a successor to Mr. Smith, Professor Young, of Cambridge, preached for the society.

March 22, 1877, Rev. F. P. Hamblett was in- stalled pastor, Rev. J. F. Lovering preaching the sermon. During his ministry of five years four per- | sons were admitted to church membership. Mr. Hamblett was greatly liked as a preacher. Impul- sive and enthusiastic, he did not spare himself, but being burdened by sickness, he found himself unable to perform all the duties or meet all the demands of his position, and in 1882 he resigned, removing to his old home in New Hampshire, where he hoped to recover his lost health, and where he still lives. He left many interested friends in Walpole.

In November, 1882, Rev. J. H. Weeks, the pres- ent pastor, preached for the first time in Walpole. He took charge of the pulpit January, 1883, but did not begin the actual work of the pastorate until April of that year. The society is now in good condition, and hopeful as to the future, having in its member- ship and congregation leading citizens of the town, the representatives of the original families who settled the town. A movement towards the erection of a chapel for Sunday-school uses has been started. The church and society have several funds at their dis- posal, left them by will. The church membership |

has been increased this last year, and a new interest in that direction has already manifested itself.

Orthodox Congregational Church.1-No one can write the history of a church. A church is a living soul, not a machine. It has an inner life whose record is alone in heaven. We can measure the length and the breadth and the depth and the power of a river, but a church,-its full history, its influence, its power, only eternity will reveal. We may tell some inci- dents connected with its growth, we may outline a sketch of its external life, and this is all.

Rev. Ebenezer Burgess was chosen moderator, and | Rev. Jonathan Curtis, scribe of the council. Twenty- nine persons appeared before the council stating that | they desired to be formed into a church of Christ for their own edification and improvement in divine knowl- and public worship among themselves, as well as for the general promotion of vital religion and the ex- tension of the Redeemer's kingdom. After long and careful examination the council voted unanimously to organize the petitioners into a church according to their request. The following twenty-nine persons then assented to and signed the " Confession of Faith" and entered into " Covenant" with God and with each other, and thus became the original members of the Orthodox Congregational Church of Walpole : Henry Plimpton, Aaron Guild, Joshua Allen, Jonathan Wild, Rhoda Bird, Keziah Thompson, Lucy Nason, Phebe Robbins, Nabby Robbins, Keziah Kingsbury, Susanna Plimpton, Mercy Billings, Anna Ellis, Lucy Morse, Cynthia Guild, Priscilla Lewis, Catharine Everett, Sarah Smith, Catharine Allen, Mary Nason, Jerusha Clapp, Miriam Smith, Susanna Lewis, Milley Baker, Joanna Hill, Patty Bowker, Unity Allen, John P. Allen, Susanna Smith.

The church thus formed worshiped for about a year in the upper part of the building still standing on the corner of Main and East Streets, and adjoin- ing the site of the present house of worship. Until they were prepared to call a pastor, they were minis-

1 By Rev. Francis J. Marsh.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

tered unto by pastors in and around Boston, among whom were Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher and Rev. Dr. Green, of Boston. Of the original members only one is now living, but the descendants of many of them are still represented in the church and society.

The society which is connected with the church -- called the Orthodox Congregational Society -- dates back to Oct. 4, 1826, with an original membership of seventy-four persons. Henry Plimpton, John Black- burn, Oliver Lincoln, Levi Clap, Nathan Ware were the first committee of the society ; and John Black- burn, Henry Plimpton, Everett Stetson the trustees of the society. The first clerk was George P. Ellis, who held the office but one year, and was succeeded by John Morse, who served nearly nine years. Dur- ing its history this society has had but four clerks; 1 the present incumbent, Samuel Allen, having served thirty-five years.

The first treasurer of the society was Josiah Hill, who held the office thirteen years. He was succeeded by Asa Hartshorn, who served twenty years; while ; the present treasurer, the third the society has had, Metzgar W. Allen, has held the office fifteen years.

At once, upon the organization of the church and society, steps were taken looking to the erection of a meeting-house ; and by the earnest labors and many sacrifices of the members, and by the good provi- dence of God in increasing their means and their membership and blessing their endeavors, a house of

lowing year, 1827, was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. It was a happy day for the little company of disciples. Many were the thanksgivings to God, and many were the prayers that God would bless His people in their new relations, and would

After two years of brief supplies of the pulpit, ever manifest His special presence in this sanctuary. Rev. Joseph W. Healey, of Andover, Mass., was The sermon was preached by Rev. John Codman, ' called to the pastorate and installed Sept. 14, 1859. D.D., of Dorchester.

The total expense of the building, without the vestry or galleries, which were added several years afterward, was less than three thousand dollars.

On the 25th of April, 1867, after having been thoroughly remodeled at an expense of seventeen thousand dollars, the house was rededicated to the | G. Thurber, of Monroe, Mich. His collegiate course worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Rev. Edward G. Thurber, the pastor, preaching the sermon.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Asahel Bigelow, of Boyleston, Mass., a graduate of Harvard College and Andover Seminary. He was installed March 12, 1828, and dismissed Jan. 1, 1849. The council of installation was a large one, consisting of thirty-seven members, and included Rev. Lyman Beecher, D.D., and Rev. John Codman, D.D.

The number belonging to the church at the begin- ning of Mr. Bigelow's ministry was forty-eight. During his pastorate of twenty-one years, which was the longest that the church has ever had, one hun- dred and sixty were added to the membership. Mr. Bigelow was pre-eminently a Bible preacher, and so plain and clear were his teachings that even the chil- dren could understand. He was a man of deep piety and earnest prayer. A diligent student, he was much in his study, " searching daily the Scriptures whether those things were so." After a long and faithful service here he removed to Hancock, N. H., where he labored twenty years more, and then passed to his reward at the age of eighty years.

The second pastor of the church was Rev. George H. Newhall, of Athol, Mass. He graduated at Am- herst College in 1845, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1850, and was installed Sept. 10, 1850. A young man, coming to his first pastorate, he brought all the freshness and ardor of youth, and by his earnest Christian life, his genial spirit, and love of men for their sake, he soon became greatly beloved. But his ministry was cut short by his early death. Aug. 24, 1853, he died, at the age of twenty-seven, and was buried here in the midst of his people. Though for less than three years he ministered, yet his influence still abides with the church, and his memory is precious.

He was succeeded by Rev. Edwin H. Nevin, of worship was completed, and in September of the fol- : Cleveland, Ohio, who was installed Nov. 15, 1854.

Within three years he was called to the pastorate of Plymouth Church, Chelsea, Mass., and April 7, 1857, was dismissed by council to accept this call. He is at present residing in Philadelphia, Pa.

In the summer of 1862, Mr. Healey, being invited to minister in the Hanover Street Congregational Church, of Milwaukee, Wis., was dismissed by coun- 1 cil from this church. Thirty-nine were added to the church during his ministry.

The fifth pastor of the church was Rev. Edward was taken at the University of Michigan, and his theological at Union and Andover Seminaries. This was Mr. Thurber's first pastorate. Here he was or- dained to the ministry of the gospel Oct. 29, 1862. After serving a year he was installed as pastor Oct. 14, 1863. During Mr. Thurber's ministry of nearly eight years-the second longest the church has had -the meeting-house was thoroughly remodeled and rededicated.

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Eighty-eight were added to the membership in the ' the anniversary of each being observed annually, No- eight years, and of these nearly one-half, forty, were vember 13th. Among the first superintendents we find the names of Deacon Everett Stetson, Daniel Allen, Jr., Jeremiah Allen, and Willard Lewis. Mr. Myron H. Piper is the present superintendent, and added in one year. During Mr. Thurber's pastorate, also, the first complete manual of the church was published. May 3, 1870, he was dismissed, and en- tered at once upon the pastorate of the Park Presby- , the membership of the school is two hundred and terian Church, Syracuse, N. Y., where he still remains. fifty.

Very soon after this Rev. Heman R. Timlow, of East Cambridge, Mass., was called, and Sept. 28, 1870, was installed. Dismissed by council July 26, | 1872, to enter upon editorial work, he resided for some time at Montclair, N. J. Since, however, he has resumed pastoral labor, and is minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Burnt Hills, N. Y.

He was succeeded by Rev. Bela N. Seymour, who supplied the pulpit about one year and then was called to the Congregational Church of New Ipswich, N. H. He is now settled in Connecticut.

Rev. Henry L. Kendall, of Barrington, R. I., a grad- uate of Brown University and Andover Theological Seminary, became the eighth pastor of the church. He was ordained Jan. 27, 1875. Early in 1876 an urgent call came to him from the First Congrega- tional Church of Charlestown, Mass., which he ac- cepted. Mr. Kendall was a man of unusual talents as a minister of the gospel. A clear thinker, an earnest preacher, and of a nature that attracted men to himself, he was " thoroughly furnished" for his work. But at the early age of thirty-four he was called to his reward.

Sept. 27, 1876, Rev. Calvin G. Hill, of Hamilton, Mass., was installed as the ninth pastor of the church. Mr. Hill graduated at Amherst College and Bangor Theological Seminary. His pastorate-being the third longest the church has had-continued until Aug. 1, 1881, when he was dismissed by council, and soon after became pastor of the First Congregational Church of Milton, Mass. The tenth and present pastor, Rev. Francis J. Marsh, of Leominster, Mass., graduating at Amherst College and Andover Theo- logical Seminary, began his ministry here Jan. 15, | 1882.

By this review it will be seen that the church has had a pastor over them for forty-nine out of the fifty- eight years since its organization. The average term of the ministry of these pastors has been five years nearly ; but this average is large because of the length of the first pastorate, that of Rev. Mr. Bigelow, which was twenty-one years. During all its history the church has had four hundred and seventy-four mem- bers, and its present membership is one hundred and eighty-one.

Its Sunday-school has been coexistent with itself,

The church has also several missionary societies connected with it, and thus in various ways is reach- ing out its hand to do the work of the Master.

Congregational Church, East Walpole.1-April 28, 1877, a meeting was called at the house of Mrs. Selany Smith for prayer, and to consult about ob- serving the Lord's Supper, and it was voted by the | Christian people that Rev. C. B. Smith be requested to present at an adjourned meeting a statement of belief and covenant for the purpose of a permanent organization.

May 5th, the brothers and sisters met at the same place, and after kind discussion it was voted to organ- ize by adopting the statements recorded as the sub- stance of our religious faith and covenant, and Brother William Rhodes and Mr. Joseph Cheney to provide the elements used at the Lord's table, and to serve as deacons of the church ; also voted to observe the sacraments once in two months from the first Sun- day in May, 1877.

May 6th, eighteen persons united in observing the Lord's Supper, one being baptized.

July 1, 1877, the sacraments were again observed, Mrs. Ellen N. Brown being baptized, and was added to the church. Services were held in Bird's Hall, its free use being given by the Hon. F. W. Bird. Meet- ings had been held in Bird's Hall occasionally before this for some two or three years by different preachers and laymen from out of town, but nothing permanent.

About this time Rev. C. B. Smith came among us, and has still remained.

Everything went on quietly in a union way until September 3d, when at a regular meeting of the church it was voted to choose a committee for the purpose of considering the propriety of calling a council to rec- ognize the church and recommend it to the fellow- ship of other churches, if thought advisable to do so, and to determine the time of inviting such churches to meet in council as they should think advisable.

The pastor, Deacon William Rhodes, and Brothers S. G. Fuller and J. A. Brown were chosen said committee.

Oct. 18, 1880, in response to letters missive, an ecclesiastical council assembled in Bird's Hall, in

] Contributed by John A. Brown.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

East Walpole, to consider the purpose of recognizing the church as an orthodox Congregational Church. Council organized by choosing Rev. C. G. Hill as moderator, and Rev. Weston, scribe.

The following churches were represented : Nor- wood, Walpole Centre, Sharon, Dedham, and Revere. Council voted to recognize and recommend us to the fellowship of orthodox Congregational Churches.

The public services were held at 7 P.M. Reading of the Scriptures by F. O. Winslow, of Norwood. Prayer on consecration by Rev. C. G. Hill. Right hand of fellowship by Rev. Ellis Mendell. Address to church by J. P. Bixby, of Revere.

Dec. 6, 1880, the Lord's Supper was observed, and after it Mr. J. A. Brown was chosen clerk.

April 20, 1881, the church was admitted to full membership in the Massachusetts Suffolk South Con- ference, which held their meeting at Boston High- lands, Deacon Rhodes and the pastor being present in behalf of the church.

June 6, 1882, at a meeting held at Deacon Wil- liam Rhodes', it was voted to erect a church building, and the following trustees were chosen : Deacon Wil- liam Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Fuller, and Simon Gould, who was chosen treasurer of the com- mittee. Mrs. Susan Thompson and Mrs. Elizabeth Fuller were chosen to solicit money for same.

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History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 150

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1534