USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > North Bridgewater > History of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to the present time, with family registers > Part 6
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the house to the worship and service of the Lord. The music was not only appropriate, but well performed. After the exercises were over, a collation was partaken of in the hall below by nearly all who had been present, including many from the neighboring societies, and a very pleasant season of social interview closed the exercises of the day.
Description of the New Church Temple.
This church is situated on a spacious lot of ground, bor- dered with trees of considerable size, fronting the west. The dimensions of the main building are seventy-nine by fifty-six feet. It is built in the Italian style, with a plain, square tower at the west (front) end, eighty-eight feet in height and twenty-two feet square, projecting ten and a half feet forward from the main building. The entrance in front is by a wide double door into the vestibule, from which there is an ascent by eleven easy steps into side entries, or lobbies, from which one enters the body of the church. This measures sixty-one by forty-five feet, and contains one · hundred and two pews, all on the main floor, there being no side galleries. They are arranged in semi-circular order, without doors, cushioned, and covered with crimson damask. The floor is handsomely carpeted, and walls and ceiling ele- gantly painted in fresco. On the east side is a projection of four feet deep by thirty-two wide, a space for the Taber- nacle, a repository for the word in the centre, and for a small private room each side of it. The tabernacle consists of an ark of fine cabinet work, overhung with crimson cur- tains. Over it is the inscription, in large letters, " Behold the Tabernacle of God is with man." To the right of it, but standing out in front, on the edge of the platform, is the pulpit, which is of octagonal form and, like the tabernacle, of black walnut. The communion-table stands at the left side. The organ-loft is within the body of the tower, oppo-
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
site the pulpit, having in front a small gallery for the sing- ers, elevated about eight feet above the pew-floor. There is a basement of brick, affording space for a hall under the whole main building, to which there is an entrance from the vestibule within, and also by doors from without, at the northwest and southwest corners. The superstructure is of wood, colored in imitation of freestone. The house is provided with a good-toned organ, of suitable size and ca- pacity, manufactured by George Stevens, Esq .*
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church was composed of members who belonged to the First Congregational Church, in the Centre Village, under the pastoral care of Rev. Paul Couch. The people in the southerly portion of the town having become quite numerous, and the inconvenience of attending constantly upon public worship at such a distance (one and a half miles) was such that a new and more convenient means was thought of. Hence, after much consultation and many meetings, thirty-four persons petitioned to a Justice of the Peace to call a meeting for the purpose of organizing them into a new society. The following persons were the orig- inal members: -
Ziba Keith, Benjamin Keith, Azor Packard, Thomas Pack- ard, Charles Keith, Jason Keith, Vinal Lyon, Isaac K. French, Cary Howard, Oliver Jackson, Nahum Hayward, Pardon Keith, Jonathan Snell, Abijah Holmes, Calvin Hatch, John W. Snell, Albert Hunt, Sylvanus French, Davis Kingman, Charles Williams, John Millett, Stafford Drake, Robert Pack- ard, Jr., Aaron B. Drake, Stephen D. Soule, Ephraim Jack- son, Abijah Thayer, Josiah Dunbar, Freeman Holmes, Fear-
* Martin Wales, Esq., of Stoughton, presented the society with two thousand dollars toward paying the expense of building the new house. Chandler Sprague, Lyman Clark, and George W. Bryant were building committee ; Jason Perkins, contractor.
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Campello). Erected 1854.
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ing W. Bent, Jonas Keith, Bela Keith, Josiah W. Kingman, Zina Hayward. Agreeable to the petition above referred to, Hon. Jesse Perkins, Esq., issued a warrant calling a meeting, to be held at the house of Bela Keith, Esq., De- cember 3, 1836, at one o'clock, P. M .; when the following officers were chosen : Josiah W. Kingman, moderator ; Jason Keith, clerk; Charles Keith, treasurer; Azor Packard, Ziba Keith, Charles Keith, parish committee.
The first step taken toward crecting a house of worship was to obtain a spot of land upon which to build. For this purpose, Isaac Keith gave the society the lot now owned and occupied by them, on the corner of South and Main streets, Campello, on condition that they pay him the inter- est on the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars, Annually, until the decease of Mr. Keith and wife, then to become the property of the society.
The first house of worship was built by subscription, and cost $4,307.37, of which sum three thousand dollars only was subscribed. The house was built under the direction of Bela Keith, Esq., as master-builder, in 1836, who paid the balance ($1,307.37) over the subscription. The frame was raised July 4th, 1836, was a plain, substantial building, sixty feet in length, forty-three feet in width, and twenty-one feet posts, with a spire eighty-five feet in height, and a bell weighing 1032 pounds, manufactured by George Holbrook, of East Medway, Mass. The house had sixty pews,* besides the choir gallery. The basement was used as a vestry for evening meetings. The society having been duly organ- ized, and a house of worship erected, it was thought best to form a new church among themselves. For this purpose the following persons made application to be dismissed from the First Church, with suitable testimonials, to be formed into
* The pulpit was manufactured by Josiah W. Kingman, who also made the pew- arms and trimmings.
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
another church, and to use a similar creed as the one which they leave : Sylvanus French, Mercy E. Keith, Abigail Keith, Olive Jackson, Martha Keith, Charles Keith, Mehitable Keith, Ziba Keith, Polly Keith, Mary Keith, Sylvia Howard, Hul- dah Howard, Keziah Hayward, Charles Williams, Zilpha Hatch, Josiah W. Kingman, Joanna Packard, Robert Pack- ard, Sarah Packard, Mary Packard, Josiah Dunbar, Sybil Dunbar, Anna Dunbar. This request was granted. A coun- cil was next called, for the purpose of organization, which met at the house of Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., on Tuesday, January 3d, 1837, at which time and place it took the name of the " South Congregational Church," in North Bridgewa- ter. The following Articles of Faith and Covenant were adopted by them at that time :
CONFESSION OF FAITH AND COVENANT OF THE SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORTH BRIDGEWATER, MASS.
WE solemnly profess our unfeigned belief of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as given by divine inspiration ; our acceptance of all the doctrines contained in them, and our submission to the whole will of God, therein revealed. Particularly, we profess to believe that the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, is the one living and true God ; that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, essentially equal with the Father, and the only Saviour of men; that the Holy Ghost is also God, and that he is the only Sanctifier of those who believe in Christ to the salvation of their souls.
We believe that, in consequence of the fall of man from his primitive state of innocence, all the human race, while unregenerate, arc destitute of holiness ; and therefore that a renovation of heart, during the present life, through sanctification of the Spirit of God, is necessary to fit mankind for union and communion with the visible Church of Christ on earth, and for admittance into the kingdom of heaven.
We believe, that in order to effect our deliverance from the bondage of corruption, and from the curse of the law, under which we all have fallen by transgression, the Eternal Word, who in the beginning was with God, and was God, was made flesh, and dwelt among men on earth ; uniting with his divinity the whole human nature (yet without sin) in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. That this mysterious and adorable personage, having magnified and honored the divine law by his doctrine and example, at length died on the cross, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God ;
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and that it is through the efficacy of his propitiatory sacrifice alone, his peo- ple obtain the divine favor and blessing.
We believe that, having thus laid down his life, he took it again, being declared the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead; and that he is now at the right hand of the Father, a prince and a Saviour, be- stowing repentance and remission of sins, through the agency of the Holy Spirit attending the ministry of his word, on those whom the Father hath given him, in the everlasting covenant of redemption, as a seed to serve him.
We believe, that whosoever will may come and partake the blessings of this great salvation, as they are freely and sincerely offered in the Gospel ; yet that none of our apostate race are, of themselves, disposed to forsake sin, and devote themselves to God, in heart and life ; so that it rests with - him, in the exercise of his sovereign wisdom and goodness, to have merey on whom he will have merey ; making his Gospel effectual to their conviction and conversion, by the attendant energy of his Holy Spirit.
We believe that none who are thus made partakers of the heavenly call- ing shall be finally deprived of the grace which was given them in Christ Jesus before the world began ; but that they shall all be kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ shall appear again at the last day, to judge the quick and dead ; that he will then receive to mansions of eter- nal rest all who have truly believed and obeyed his Gospel; and sentence to everlasting destruction from his presence, and from the glory of his power, all who have died, or who shall then be found living in impenitence and unbelief.
COVENANT.
Humbly hoping that these truths have come, not only to our understand- ing, but to our hearts, "in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance ; " and that we have been enabled to receive them with that faith which purifies the heart, and works by love, and in the exercise of that re- pentance which is unto life, We do now solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah to be our God ; Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be our Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit to be our Sanctifier.
Depending on divine grace for spiritual strength and comfort, we take the word of God as our only rule of faith and practice ; avowing it to be our supreme desire and solemn determination to seek his glory, and his favor, in obedience to all his holy will. Accordingly, we engage to unite in main- taining and attending on the ministry of his word and ordinances, as he shall give us ability and opportunity, to be thercby edified in our holy faith. We submit ourselves, individually, to the brotherly watch and discipline of the community which we hereby form, and mutually engage to watch over, to exhort, to assist, comfort, and admonish each other in brotherly love, as our relation and circumstances may require.
The next thing to be done, after the formation of a church, was to find a man to preach to them. After hearing many
8
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
candidates, at a meeting held January 9th, 1837, the Church and Society " voted to give Rev. Thomas Kidder a call to settle with them in the ministry, and to give him a salary of Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars per year." This call was not accepted. The next person that received a call was Rev. John Dwight, of Medway, Mass., to whom the Society offered Six Hundred Dollars as a yearly salary. This was accepted ; and Josiah W. Kingman, Ziba Keith, Dea. Jacob Fuller, and Bela Keith were chosen a committee to make arrangements for his installation. The day being fixed for the ordination, a Council, consisting of the following persons, was called, to meet April 12, 1837, namely : Rev. Jacob Ide, of Medway, Mass .; Rev. Mr. Bennett, of Woburn; Rev. Paul Couch, of N. Bridgewater ; Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton; Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater ; Rev. James W. Ward, of Abington; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, of Randolph; Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater ; Rev. Dr. Park, of Stoughton; and Rev. John Dwight# was duly ordained as their pastor.
Mr. Dwight labored with this people until March, 1839, when he was dismissed. Various preachers were heard from that time until November, when, at a meeting of the society, held November 19, 1839, it was “ voted to unite with the church in giving Rev. Daniel Huntington, of New London, Conn., a call to become their pastor.
Josiah W. Kingman, Charles Keith and Dea. Sylvanus French were chosen a committee to confer with Rev. Mr.
* Rev. John Dwight was born in Shirley, Mass., Jan. 2d, 1810; fitted for college at Woburn Academy; taught school in Woburn two terms; graduated at Amherst College in 1835; studied theology with Rev. Jacob Ide, D. D., of West Medway, Mass .; licensed to preach by the Mendon Association in the early part of 1837 ; received a call to settle over the South Church in Campello, Mass., in 1837; was ordained April 12, 1837; dismissed in March, 1839; installed over the " Second Church " in Plymouth, Mass., July 18, 1841; dismissed in March, 1846 ; installed pastor of the church in North Wrentham, Mass., June 23, 1853; dismissed April 1, 1856. He married Sarah Ann Hastings, of Boston, April 14, 1837, and has six children, all of whom reside at North Wrentham, Mass.
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Huntington, and offer him six hundred dollars salary ; which offer being accepted, a council, consisting of Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D. D., of Braintree; Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton ; Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, of Randolph; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater; Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater, was called for the purpose of install- ing him as their pastor, January 1, 1840. He continued to preach to this people till May, 1851, when Mr. Huntington, thinking the time had come for him to relinquish his la- bors, " that some one might fill his place whose influence might the more effectually call forth its resources, and more equallize the pecuniary liabilities," asked that a council be called to consider the question of his dismission, which was granted. A meeting of the church and society was held, and a strong opposition to his dismission being mani- fested, the council unanimously declared themselves " happy to find, in the light of all the documents before them, and the verbal assurances given them by the pastor on the one hand, and the committee of the church and society on the other, that there is no sufficient ground for such action as is indicated, by the letter missive, in the existing circum- stances of the parties concerned ;" and Mr. Huntington finally withdrew his resignation, and continued to supply the pulpit as before until the regular yearly meeting, April 18, 1853, when he was requested to resign his position. He therefore tendered his resignation to the church, at a meet- ing held May 2d, 1853, and asked for a council to be con- vened for the purpose of his dismission. The following persons composed the council : Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D. D., of Braintree; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree; Rev. James W. Ward, of Abington; Rev. David Brigham, of Bridgewater; Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater, who met May 11, 1853, when the relation between pastor
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
and people was dissolved. The council, after due delibera- tion, came to the following result :-
Doubtless sufficient reasons may exist for the dissolution of the pastoral relation, independently of Providential calls to stations of increased responsi- bility, and of the summons to give account of one's stewardship at the tribu- nal of God. The failure of health ; the loss of intellectual vigor, or moral character on the part of the pastor; the unfriendliness of influential individ- uals ; the exhausted resources of church and congregation, or the long and total suspension of divine influences, may indicate the expediency, not to say the necessity, of terminating the connection between the pastor and his flock. Even in cases like these, it is more than probable that, had patience its perfect work, and were a more humble reliance on God maintained, the plea of expediency or necessity would be nullified by the onward progress of time. But in the case before the council to-day, neither failure of health, loss of intellectual vigor nor moral character, - neither individual nnfriend- liness, exhausted resources, nor want of success in the ministry, is or can be urged as the ground either of the tender or acceptance of the pastor's resig- nation ; his health never was better; his character, in whatever aspect viewed, has never stood higher, nor has he an acknowledged enemy within the church or outside of it; and the congregation has been growing in wealth ever since he came to it, while the church has doubled its numbers ; he loves his people warmly, and with one consent they profess to reciprocate his love. Such is the testimony both of those who wish the pastoral re- lation dissolved, and those who deprecate the means ; and yet, at their mu- tual request, this council is assembled to " advise and assist " in the question of his dismission.
After previous advice, kindly given and received two years ago, but now overlooked, and without any important change in the circumstances of the parties, nothing remains to the council but, agreeably to the earnest request of the pastor and the corresponding action of the church, without the assignment of any satisfactory reasons on the part of the church, to de- clare the pastoral relation hitherto subsisting between Rev. D. Huntington and the South Church in North Bridgewater to be dissolved by their mutual agreement. While making this declaration, the council feel bound, by re- gard to the honor of the ministry and the sacredness of truth, to affirm of the pastor, in accordance with the statements made to them, that for no fault of his own is this dissolution accomplished. That having been long tried and well known to all the pastors and churches of the region round about, as a man of unblemished character, a Christian of deep experience, a minister of uncommon talent, fidelity, and affectionateness, and a model of meekness, self-denial and devotedness to the interests of Zion, he pos- sesses our entire confidence and warmest love ; and he is hereby, most cor- dially and unreservedly commended to the fraternal regards of all ministers and churches among whom his future lot shall be cast, as well as to the safo conduct of " Him who dwelt in the bush," and led his people of old into the promised land.
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And most cordially do the council sympathize with those specially afflict- ed by the bereaving event of this day. Most deeply do they lament existing trials, whether real or imaginary ; and most affectionately advise to a more patient waiting on God in the future, and a firmer reliance on his almighty arm in the support of the ministry of his appointment. And if he shall give you another pastor hereafter, as we fervently hope and pray, may he be equally a man of God's own heart as the man you lose to-day, and a man whose instructions shall be as pure, whose life shall be as exemplary, whose spirit shall be as affectionate, whose fidelity shall be as clear to all men, and whose success shall be far more abundant in eradieating the love of money, which is the root of all evil, in winning souls to Christ and filling Heaven with hallelujahs to the Lamb that was slain ; and for this, may your faith and love grow exceedingly, and your labors abound more and more. till you shall be called to join the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven.
A True Copy.
R. S. STORRS, Moderator. J. W. WARD, Scribe.
Attest : JAMES W. WARD.
On the twenty-third day of May, 1853, the people of this part of the town were visited by one of the most disastrous fires that ever occurred in the county, destroying several buildings, among which was their house of worship. Now there must be something done, - no pastor, no house in which to hold their meetings. The people of that place, however, did not long remain thus. A meeting of the par- ish was called June 1st, to see what should be done. At this meeting, a committee of five were chosen to proceed at once in the erection of a house; namely, Bela Keith, Martin L. Keith, Cary Howard, Aaron B. Drake, Vinal Lyon, with Josiah W. Kingman and Dr. Horatio Bryant as advising committee. This committee set themselves immediately to work, the result of which was the erection of the present edifice, which is of wood, painted in imitation of freestone, eighty-four feet long, fifty-six feet wide, with posts forty feet high, and a spire one hundred and eighty-five feet high. *
* The spire of the church, as first erected, was blown down in the great snow- storm of January, 1857. The present spire is one hundred and thirty-five feet high. Rebuilt by W. R. Penniman, of South Braintree.
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
On entering the building, we find on the first floor one large vestry, one small vestry, and a large, carpeted, well-fur- nished room for the use of the "Ladies' Benevolent Society." Ascending from the main entrance, on either side, a very easy flight of steps, we find ourselves in a vestibule, from which we ascend to the choir-gallery, or enter the auditory. The interior aspect of this house is fine. The spacious floor, well-arranged slips, neatly carpeted and upholstered, the chaste and elegant pulpit, * and finely frescoed walls, give the place an air of pleasantness, quite in contrast with the churches of earlier days.
The original outlay in the construction of this house was sixteen thousand dollars. It is built in the Romanesque style of architecture, from plans drawn by Messrs. Towle & Foster, of Boston. The builder was Mr. William Drake, of Stoughton. The bell was cast at the foundry of Mr. George Holbrook, of East Medway, Mass., and weighs thirty-two hundred pounds. A marble-faced clock was pre- sented to the society by Henry K. Keith, in 1854, which was placed in front of the choir-gallery. B. F. Hayward, F. H. Shiverick, and Samuel French were a committee appointed to make arrangements for the ordination and dedication, which took place September 21, 1854, with appropriate ex- ercises.
Rev. D. Temple Packard,t a native of the town, and who
* The pulpit was made by Henry R. Haven, is of rosewood, and polished in the highest style.
t Rev. D. Temple Packard was born in North Bridgewater, Mass., Aug. 24, 1824; received a common school education in his native town ; fitted for college under the tutorship of Rev. Paul Couch, at the Adelphian Academy, No. Bridge- water, and Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass .; graduated at Amherst College, August, 1850 ; taught high school at East Braintree, Mass., one year ; entered Bangor Theological Seminary, Oct. 1851, and graduated Aug. 30, 1854. After re- ceiving two other calls, he accepted the call of the South Church in North Bridge- water, where he was ordained Sept. 21, 1854; dismissed Oct. 1, 1856; from thence he remove to the West, preaching at Rock Island, Ill., and Davenport, Iowa; re- turned to Massachusetts in 1558, and in June of that year, commenced preaching for the " First Congregational Society in Somerville, Mass .; " installed as pastor of that church and society, Sept. 21, 1860, where he continues to reside.
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had just completed his theological course of study, was the first minister settled in the new house. He was invited to supply them during the building of the new church, by vote passed April 18, 1854. This he continued to do in “ Salis- bury Hall," till the new vestry was finished, when services were held there on the Sabbath, and May 22, 1854, the society " voted to give Rev. D. Temple Packard a call to settle with them in the ministry, and offer him 800 Dollars as his Salary," which call he accepted, and he was or- dained as their pastor Thursday, September 21st, 1854. The services on that occasion were as follows : -
1. Reading of the Scriptures and Invocation, by Rev. Abel K. Packard, of Yarmouth, Mass .; 2. Introductory Prayer, by Rev. S. L. Rockwood, of Hanson; 3. Sermon, by Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D. D., of Braintree ; 4. Ordaining Prayer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; 5. Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. J. M. Manning, of Medford, Mass .; 6. Charge to the Pastor, by Rev. Paul Couch, of the First Church in North Bridgewater; 7. Address to the People, by Rev. Luther Sheldon, D. D., of Easton; 8. Con- cluding Prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; 9. Benediction, by the Pastor.
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