History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 85

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

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unqualified testimony to his usefulness in the minis- try, and his manly, Christian conduct everywhere. In their loss of a pastor, they had the best comfort possible to them, in the fact that the friend would re- main with them,-their neighbor still and fellow- worker. Eighty-four years old, Mr. Ballou is still a valued member of the parish, interested as ever in its work, and comforted by its faith. In 1854, Rev. J. W. Dennis was called to the pastorate. Brother Al- bert Johnson was chosen deacon, and it was voted to celebrate communion the first Sunday in each month. In 1855, Mr. Dennis seems to have been kept from his pulpit by sickness. A record in the parish book is something of an index to the feeling which existed toward him at the time. An article was in the war- rant " to see if the parish will authorize their treas- urer to pay Rev. J. W. Dennis his salary for the quar- ter ending June 30th. Voted ' yes' unanimously." In 1856 movement was first made for an organ. On the committee appointed over this business were Jesse Holmes, James Hill, Jr., Alanson Belcher, James Atherton, Luther Leach, James Swan, Albert Dickerman, S. W. Hayden, and Wm. S. Belcher. The organ was not procured until the next year, and the final report of the committee, rejoicing in the liberality of the parish and exulting chiefly in the fact " that now the organ speaks for itself," was not made until 1858. Steadily gaining, spiritually and mate- rially, nothing of particular note took place until 1863, when Mr. Dennis, on account of sickness, handed in his resignation. Though willing to grant all neces- sary time for the treatment of his troubles, the parish

Among names prominent through all the history of was not willing to accept his resignation. They did i the society, and still connected with it, are Atherton,

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Monk, and Talbot. The first clerk of church and parish was a Talbot. The present clerk of the parish, who has held the office with one short break since 1845, is Jabez Talbot, of the same family. Very early other names appear, among which are Capen, Southworth, Gay, Bird, Drake, Swan, Johnson, Wales, Belcher, Holmes, Crane, and Paul. These names have given the parish its prosperity. It surely shall not want prosperity while they remain.

The records of the parish are the main source of this sketch. These records have been remarkably well kept by the following list of clerks: George Tal- bot, succeeded in 1746 by Capt. Preserved Capen ; succeeded in 1758 by David Capen ; succeeded in 1769 by Benjamin Bird; succeeded in 1770 by Robert Capen ; succeeded in 1771 by David Capen ; succeeded in 1790 by Andrew Capen ; succeeded in 1793 by Peter Adams; succeeded in 1797 by Seth Morton ; succeeded in 1800 by Abram Capen ; suc- ceeded in 1805 by Jedediah Atherton ; succeeded the same year by Seth Morton; succeeded in 1807 by George Monk ; succeeded in 1808 by Richard Talbot; succeeded in 1810 by Jonathan Battles ; succeeded in 1812 by Solomon Talbot ; succeeded in 1814 by John Toy; succeeded in 1816 by Elijah Atherton ; succeeded in 1818 by Abner Drake ; suc- ceeded in 1821 by Jeremiah Capen; succeeded in 1822 by Israel Guild ; succeeded in 1823 by Elijah Atherton ; succeeded in 1826 by James Swan ; suc- ceeded in 1830 by Ahira Porter; succeeded in 1831 by Enos Talbot; succeeded in 1845 by Jabez Talbot, Jr .; succeeded in 1867 by F. B. Upham ; succeeded in 1871 by Luther Leach ; succeeded in 1875 by Jabez Talbot, Jr.

Congregational Church.1-The present church organization is the result of a division in the old church, which occurred in 1822. At this time a majority of the society and a minority of the church became interested in Unitarian and Universalist doc- trines. The majority of the church holding to the orthodox faith withdrew, and thus left the property in the possession of the other party. We find the early records filled with the account of this separation and the controversies that grew out of it. This, however, is now only a matter of historical interest to either society, and they exist side by side with the utmost good feeling.

The following is a list of pastors of the old church before the separation in 1822 :

Rev. Thomas Jones, of Dorchester, was called to the pastorate Sept. 1, 1744. His stay could not have

been over one year, and it does not appear that he was ever installed.

Rev. Jedediah Adams was called to the pastorate Sept. 6, 1745, and installed Jan. 31, 1746.

Rev. Edward Richmond was called to the pastorate May 28, 1792, installed Dec. 5, 1792, and was dis- missed, at his request, Jan. 5, 1817.

Rev. Ebenezer Gay was called to the pastorate Sept. 21, 1817, installed Jan. 7, 1818, continued in office until the separation, in 1822, when he was regu- larly dismissed, and then ministered to the orthodox party for some time.

There were seventy-eight members of the church in 1821, one year before the separation, twenty-seven males and fifty-one females.

Nathan Drake and Samuel Tolman were deacons of the church, and remained with the orthodox party after the separation.

The church met July 1, 1822, and appointed a day of " fasting, humiliation, and prayer" on account of the difficulties of their situation. It was also voted at this time to call a council to advise in regard to the dismission of the pastor and the settlement of the diffi- culties which threatened such evil to the church. At the close of the public religious services of this day of fasting, a meeting of the church was called at the house of the pastor, at which the following motion, brought forward by Deacon Drake and laid upon the table at a former meeting, was passed, seven voting in the affirmative and two in the negative :

" In consequence of the exertions which have been made of late, by certain persons in this place, to de- prive us of the enjoyment of gospel privileges and the dispensation of those doctrines which are according to our belief and profession, in separating from us our present pastor ; and this with the proposed design to substitute in the room thereof a more liberal and loose kind of preaching ! Be it voted by this church that it is expedient for us to associate and form our- selves into a religious society, with certain other per- sons in this place who may be disposed to unite with us for the purpose of maintaining the gospel accord- ing to the principles and practices of our forefathers, who came to this country for the sake of establishing a church founded upon Christ and Him crucified ; and of maintaining and defending the doctrine of grace, and that we henceforth hold public worship in such places as Providence may from time to time direct." A council was called which approved the action of the church, while regretting that difficulties had arisen rendering the division necessary. We find at this time that Dr. " Watts' Psalm and Hymns" were reintroduced.

1 By Rev. C. L. Rotch.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

The church first met for worship at the house of Mr. Daniel Hayward, now Mr. Swan's store. " There in an upper room the church held their first communion after the separation, and there their be- loved pastor preached to them his farewell sermon from Acts xx. 25." After a few months they met for worship in " a commodious hall" in the store belong- ing to Mr. William Holbrook. Here they continued until their new church was built and dedicated June 1, 1825. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, the church never having been in a condition to settle a new pastor. The church re- cord their gratitude to the neighboring ministers and churches, and also to the Domestic Missionary Society for financial aid. They were blessed with the labors of a number of devoted ministers. Among these was Mr. Job Cushman, during whose labors the church was blessed with " a small revival, but however small, a greater one than was ever known in the town be- fore."

Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., was invited to supply the pulpit in May, 1825, and in October of the same year was called to the pastorate, which invitation he ac- cepted. A council was called for his installation, and convened Dec. 13, 1826. This was an exceedingly large and able council, consisting of eighteen churches. In this installation Rev. John Ferguson, of East At- tleboro', made the introductory prayer ; Rev. Dr. Em- mond, of Franklin, preached the sermon ; Rev. Rich- ard S. Storrs, of Braintree, made the installing prayer ; Rev. Elisha Fish, of Wrentham, gave the charge to the pastor ; Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, of Dedham, gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. William Cogs- well made the address to the people.

The weekly prayer-meeting, to be held in different parts of the society, was instituted by vote of the church March 25,. 1827. On May 13th of the same year the Sabbath-school was opened and Mr. Samuel Tolman chosen as the first superintendent. He hav- ing declined to serve, the pastor was elected Oct. 15, | 1829. The church adopted the articles of faith and covenant of the church of Dedham instead of that under which they were originally organized.

The church voted, Nov. 20, 1831, to hold a pro- tracted meeting. Those meetings were well attended, and resulted in great good. Thirty persons seem to have united with the church as the result of those meetings. The church took the following action on temperance July 19, 1832 : " As the friends of God are at the present time making great efforts to pre- vent the use of distilled liquors, and believing the use of them as a drink is a sin against God and essentially hurtful to the best interests of man, both temporal | Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton.

and spiritual, we do as a church hereby solemnly re- solve that we will abstain wholly from the use of them, except as a medicine ; that we will not provide them either for company, or for those who may be engaged in our employment, and that we will make exertions to suppress both the use and the traffic of them throughout the community."

Dr. Park resigned the pastoral office May 24, 1840, but at the request of the church he continued with them until his successor was chosen.

At a council held Nov. 4, 1840, Dr. Park was dis- missed, and Rev. Henry Eddy, who had been called by the church, was installed. Seven churches united in this council. In the installing services, Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater, made the introductory prayer. Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree, preached the sermon. Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, made the installing prayer. Rev. Eb- enezer Burgess, D.D., of Dedham, gave the charge to the pastor. Rev. Edward Cleveland, of Stoneham, gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. D. A. Grosvener made a concluding prayer. Friday, Jan. 1, 1841, was observed as a day of fasting, on account of the low state of religion. These days of fasting were often appointed by the church.

Some difficulty having arisen in regard to Rev. Henry Eddy's dismission, he requested the church to unite with him in calling a mutual council. These matters were afterwards satisfactorily adjusted, and he was regularly dismissed by a council held Aug. 13, 1844.

At a meeting of the church held June 11, 1846, Rev. Wm. W. Cornwell was called to minister to them as acting pastor, and he seems to have served the church for at least one year.

The Monthly Foreign Missionary Concert was insti- tuted June 11, 1846.

The church met Sept. 26, 1850, and voted unani- mously to call the Rev. Albert Perry, of New Ipswich, to become their pastor.

The council called for the installation of the Rev. Albert Perry, consisting of eleven churches, met Jan. 8, 1851.

The following persons participated : Invocation and reading of the Scriptures by Rev. L. R. Phillips, of Sharon ; introductory prayer by Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater ; sermon by Professor Edwards A. Park, D.D., of Andover Theological Seminary ; charge to the pastor by Rev. Samuel Lee, of New Ips- wich ; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Horace James Wrentham ; charge to the people by Rev. D. Hunt- ington, of North Bridgewater. Concluding prayer by

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STOUGHTON.

The new church was dedicated Wednesday, June 28, 1852, a large number being present. The fol- lowing were the principal participants in the services: Invocation and reading of Scriptures by Rev. L. R. Phillips, of Sharon, Mass .; introductory prayer by Rev. S. R. Eastman, Berkley, Mass .; sermon by Rev. Albert Perry, pastor, text 1 Thess. v. 21; dedicatory prayer by Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., of Easton ; closing prayer by Rev. D. Huntington, of North Bridgewater.

The church, fifty-eight by seventy-five feet, will seat five hundred people, and cost about twelve thou- sand dollars.

At a meeting of the church, held on fast day, April 8, 1852, it was voted to hold the annual meet- ings on such day as the pastor might designate. Their custom had been heretofore to hold such meetings on the day of public fast.

By a motion and discussion in a meeting held Oct. 12, 1854, it seems that the church was then using unfermented wine at the communion.

On account of failing health the Rev. Albert Perry resigned his pastorate June 21, 1856. The church, with much regret, felt compelled to accept his resig- nation. The following is found among the resolu- tions passed at the time :

" Resolved, That an acquaintance of five years has added to our respect for his superior intellectual en- dowments, a strong love for the peculiar sympathy, kindness, and Christian charity of his heart, and that as it is our earnest wish, so it shall be our fervent prayer, that a gracious Providence may yet restore him to health, and spare him for much useful service to the church."

At a meeting of the church, held Feb. 17, 1856, Rev. Thomas Wilson was called to the pastorate of the church. He having accepted the invitation of the church, a council was called which should act in the dismission of Rev. Albert Perry and in the in- stallation of his successor. The council, which met March 13, 1856, represented eleven churches.

The installation services were as follows: Invoca- tion and Scriptural reading, Rev. Lyman White, of Easton ; sermon by Rev. Leonard Swain ; installing prayer by Rev. L. R. Phillips, of Sharon; charge to the pastor by Rev. Amos Blanchard, D.D., of Lowell ; right hand of fellowship by Rev. James H. Means, of Dorchester ; address to the people by Rev. Charles L. Mills, of North Bridgewater ; concluding prayer by Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater.

At the annual meeting of the church, held April 10, 1856, the " prudential committee of the church" was first instituted. It was also voted that all mem-

bers received from other churches shall publicly as- sent to the covenant of this church. The "penny contribution" in the Sabbath-school was inaugurated at the annual meeting April 16, 1857. By vote of the annual meeting, April 15, 1858, the time of such meeting was fixed at the close of the preparatory lecture before the January communion.

A communication was received from the Methodist Episcopal Church at Stoughton, at the annual meet- ing in 1866, returning thanks for providing them with a place of worship for some months while they were "houseless," and praying that the blessing of God might rest upon both societies in their individ- ual labors and common sympathies and interests.

The week of prayer was first observed by the church in 1868 by vote of the annual meeting. By vote of the church, at a meeting held after communion ser- vice, March 7, 1869, it was voted to introduce "Songs of the Sanctuary" instead of the " Church Psalmody," that congregational singing might be cultivated thereby. By a vote of the church, May 26, 1870, the use of the church was granted to the Universal- ist society while they were remodeling their house.

It was voted by the church that fellowship meet- ing be held at the the close of preparatory lectures as recommended by the Norfolk Conference of churches, Nov. 13, 1870. The church received a communica- tion from the Universalist society, returning thanks for the use of the church during the previous six months. This letter was most kindly written.

At the annual meeting held Dec. 30, 1870, it was voted that the officers of the church be chosen by ballot. At a meeting held after the communion, Jan. 1, 1871, it was voted to substitute, on trial for six months, a " Bible Service," instead of the afternoon preaching,-yeas 23, nays 6. At this time the pas- tor was chosen superintendent of the Sabbath-school upon the resignation of A. H. Drake. The church voted April 30, 1871, to observe the communion at the close of the morning service. It was voted May 5, 1872, to continue permanently the " Bible Service." By vote of the annual meeting, Jan. 9, 1873, the pastor was authorized to issue a pastoral letter to each member of the church as recommended by the several conferences.

Feb. 15, 1874, the church voted Monday, the 16th inst., as a day of fasting and prayer for the pres- ence of the Holy Spirit in His converting and sanc- tifying power. A petition was also drawn up, and signed by all persons present, requesting Rev. A. B. Earle to come and hold a series of meetings in union with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

July 3, 1874, the church voted that the pastor and

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

deacons take what measures they may think advisable towards obtaining unfermented "fruit of the vine" for use at the communion. Oct. 31, 1875, Rev. Thomas Wilson resigned his pastoral relation over the church, to take effect March 13, 1876, the completion of the twentieth year of his ministry to the church.

Nov. 11, 1875, the church invited the B. B. M. C. Association to hold a series of meetings in connec- tion with the church.

On Feb. 11, 1876, the church accepted the resig- nation of their pastor. We find this among the reso- lutions passed at the time : " Resolved, That we rec- ognize in him a faithful disciple of the Master whose gospel he has so long preached among us ; a man zealous in the discharge of the duties of his sacred office, firm in his convictions of right, quick and constant in his sympathies with those who suffer in body or in mind; a safe counselor and a true friend, an open and decided enemy of wickedness in places high as well as low ; and while preaching in all purity the doctrine of salvation through repent- ance and faith in God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, exemplifying the power and excellence of that faith in his own daily walk and godly conversations before men."

A council met by call of the church March 7, 1876, and in a regular manner approved of the action of the church in accepting the resignation of their pastor and most cordially recommended him to the churches.

The church received, June 1, 1876, the revision of their committee on revision of constitution, ar- ticles of faith, etc .; this report was finally com- pleted and accepted June 22d of the same year. It was voted at a meeting of the church, held June 22, 1876, to call Mr. John Herbert, of Peacham, Vt., to become their minister,-this was unanimous.

At a meeting of the church, Feb. 14, 1877, it was voted to receive members from other churches upon vote of the church.

At a meeting held March 14, 1877, a new creed and covenant, reported from a committee previously appointed, were adopted, and with slight alterations have been used by the church since.

At the annual meeting, 1878, committees were chosen for the following purposes : Visiting the sick, on charity, and on spiritual condition of the people. At a meeting held soon after this a committee on singing was appointed. They reported a diversity of opinion. It was finally voted to have congregational singing, led by a choir of young people. A com- mittee on calling was raised at a meeting held March 27,1878.

At a meeting held Jan. 9, 1879, L. M. Flint was made a committee to invite the B. B. M. C. Associa- tion to labor with the church, and Deacon Clapp a committee to invite the Methodist Episcopal Church to unite in this work.

The pastor resigned on account of trouble with his throat. At a council called to advise in regard to Rev. Z. Herbert's dismission, the action of the church was approved, and the following resolution was passed : " We find Brother Herbert to be a wise counselor, a faithful and efficient pastor, and a sincere and earnest Christian."

At a meeting of the church held Dec. 18, 1879, it was unanimously voted to extend a call to Rev. D. O. Clark, who had supplied the pulpit for three months.

: This call was not accepted, but Rev. D. O. Clark con- tinued to act as pastor for two years longer. At a meeting held Jan. 8, 1880, the deacons and pruden- tial committee were instructed to meet with the pastor the first Monday of each month, to attend to any busi- ness which may come before them.

At the annual meeting, 1881, it was voted to in- crease the number of deacons to three, and that they should be so elected that one should retire each year. The church renewed their call to Rev. D. O. Clark to become their pastor ; but he was still unwilling to accept. Jan. 19, 1882, the church, by unanimous vote, extended a call to Rev. P. B. Wing to become their pastor.

At a meeting of the church held April 27, 1882, it was voted to call Rev. C. L. Rotch, of New Sharon, Me., to become their pastor. This call was accepted, and he has continued in office since, being installed by council the following October.

The following is a list of deacons, and when elected, so far as appears on the records: Nathan Drake, Sam- uel Tolman, in office at the time of separation, 1822 ; Ebenezer Drake, Dec. 25, 1832 ; Fisher Gay, Jan. 4, 1833 ; Benjamin Clapp, Feb. 1, 1854 ; Ezekiel Dick- erman, Sept. 1, 1865 ; Nathaniel Gay, 1873; Samuel Clapp, 1878 ; E. M. Norton, Jan. 19, 1881; Nathaniel Gay, Jan. 19, 1882, re-election ; Samuel Clapp, Jan. 19, 1883, re-election.

The Sunday-school superintendents, so far as they appear on the records, and time of election, have been as follows : Deacon Samuel Tolman, 1827; Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., 1827; Mr. Edwards A. Park, 1828; Mr. Stilman Drake, 1829 ; Mr. Joseph Gates, 1829 ; Mr. Fisher Gay, 1830 ; Mr. Francis Sumner, 1832; Mr. D. Hayward ; Deacon Ebenezer Drake, 1839; Dr. Cyrus S. Mann, 1852; Mr. S. Gardner Pettee, 1861 ; Mr. Albert H. Drake, 1870; Rev. Thomas Wilson, 1872; Mr. Levi M. Flint, 1876;

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Rev. John Herbert, 1877; Mr. L. M. Flint, 1878; Mr. E. M. Norton, 1880; Mr. L. M. Flint, 1880 ; Rev. D. O. Clark, 1881 ; Deacon E. M. Norton, 1882.

Methodist Episcopal Church.1-Methodism in Stoughton dates back to 1810. Occasional services were held about that time by Rev. John Tinkham, a local preacher, resident in Easton. Mr. Tinkham made frequent visits to the sick in this vicinity, and his labors in this direction were so appreciated that he was invited to hold regular preaching services at the house of Mr. Hezekiah Gay.

The first Methodist class was formed Jan. 30, 1812, by Rev. Artemas Stebbins, preacher in charge of the Mansfield and Easton Circuit. The class con- sisted of five members, viz. : Atherton Belcher, James Smith, Rebecca Gay, Deborah Leonard, and William Smith. With the organization of this class, Stough- ton (Factory Village) was added to the list of appoint- ments on the Mansfield and Easton Circuit. In 1818 the membership had increased to forty, and a church building was erected at Factory Village (now West Stoughton) at a cost of about seven hundred dollars.

In 1827 another class was formed at North Stough- ton. In 1834, Stoughton became a station by itself, but was united to North Stoughton in the list of ap- pointments, and one preacher supplied both places. The preaching services at North Stoughton were usually held at the house of Mr. Elijah Gill.

In 1835 it was decided to build a new church at the centre of the town. Some of the North Stoughton society did not concur, and the result was the erection of a new church building in each place. The church at the centre cost about two thousand two hundred dollars, and was dedicated Sept. 16, 1835. The North Stoughton society failed to receive a preacher from Conference the following year, and became a Protes- tant Methodist Church.

In 1866 the present church-edifice was erected. It is finely located on one of the principal streets, and is every way suited to the uses of the society. A parsonage is also owned by the church, subject to a small annuity during the lifetime of the donor, and otherwise both church and parsonage are free from debt.

There is also a Roman Catholic Church in Stough- ton, a Methodist Church at North Stoughton, and a Baptist Church at East Stoughton, but we have been unable to secure any information concerning them.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

STOUGHTON-(Continued).

The Press-The Stoughton Sentinel-Masonic-Rising Star Lodge, F. and A. M .- Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter- Stoughton Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F .- The Boot and Shoe Interest-Civil History-Representatives and Town Clerks from 1731 to 1884-Military Record-Number of Men Furn- ished-Amount of Money Expended for War Purposes.

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History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 85

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