History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 120

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 120

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The bell that belonged on the old church, when sold, was transferred to the new house above de- seribed in June, 1854. The following legend was upon the same :

" I to the church the living call,

And to the graveyard summon all."

This bell, after having done many years of faithful service, gave out but a short time after it was re- moved ; for we find, Sept. 5, 1855, a new bell was purchased of Messrs. Henry N. Hooper & Co., of Boston, weighing two thousand and thirty-five pounds.

CHAPTER V.

Ministry of Rev. John Porter-Rev. Asa Meech-Rev. Daniel Huntington-Rev. William Thompson-Rev. Paul Couch- Rev. Nathaniel B. Blanchard-Rev. Edward L. Clark-Rev. Henry A. Stevens-Rev. Elbridge P. McElroy-Rev. Henry L. Kelsey-Rev. George E. Martin.

First Congregational Church .- In nearly all the early New England towns the history of the church is a history of the town, and among the first things sought after was the establishment of the

gospel ministry among them. The prayer of the petitioners having been granted so far as to set them off into a separate parish, the next thing was to sce whom they could get to preach to them. For this purpose a meeting was held Oct. 8, 1739, " to see if the precinct would vote to have preaching three months this winter season." It being voted in the affirmative, David Packard, John Kingman, and Abiel Paekard were chosen a committee "to Geat a minis- ter to preach to us three months this winter seson." And the committee were also requested " to apply to Mr. Porter, Mr. Howard, or Ephrim Keith," to supply the pulpit for three months.

Monday, March 24, 1740, " it was put to vote to see whether the precinct would vote to have Mr. Porter preach to them three months." "Voted in affirmative." "Samuel Kingman, David Packard, and Timothy Keith were chosen a committee to go to Mr. Porter to see whether he would suply the pulpet for the three months." What the result of their interview was with him does not appear on reeord. We judge, however, that an invitation to settle as a permanent preacher was more agreeable, as a meeting was called soon after, on the 21st of April, by the same committee, " to see if the sd precinct can agree to give Mr. John Porter a Call to be an or- dained minister of the gospel for sd preeinct ; also to see what Grattess the precinct will agree to give said Mr. Porter, for Incouragement for to Settell among us; also what we ean agree to pay unto Mr. Porter as a yearly salary."

MINISTRY OF REV. JOHN PORTER .- At this meeting it was " voted to Give Mr. John Porter a Call to be their minister ;" also, " voted to Give him two hundred pounds as a Grattess for Ineuragement to settell among us, and give him one Hundred and ten pounds per year, as a yearly salary, During the time he shall be our minister."

The committee appointed " to discorse with Mr. Porter upon the above-mentioned premises" were Samuel Kingman, David Packard, Timothy Keith, Daniel Howard, and Samuel West.

Aug. 4, 1740, " voted one Hundred pounds addi- tional money as Grattess, making Three Hundred pounds, besides an addition of five pounds per year for four years, and then ten pounds per year for five years, and then to stand at one Hundred and Eighty pounds per year ; to be paid in yearly, in any passable money, at the Reat of silver at Twenty-Eight Shillings per ounce; and so his salary to Rise and fall, as the price of silver Doth, During the time that he shall be our minister."

Aug. 25, 1740, " voted to chuse Samuel King-

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

man, David Packard, and James Packard a commit- tee to Give Mr. Porter a Call in behalf of the pre- cinct ;" also voted that the 1Sth of September should be kept as a day of fasting and prayer, before the ordaining of Mr. John Porter.

The call, as presented to Mr. Porter, is as follows, together with his acceptance of the same:

" MR. PORTER,-Since it hath pleased God to favor us with your labors amongst us for several months past, it has been to our general acceptance ; and we have unanimously agreed to give you a call to take the pastoral charge of us, and hope that the same God who has made your lahors so satisfactory to us will incline your heart to accept, convincing you that it is a call from him as well as us; and, withall, we promise to make It our prayer to the Great God for you that he should furnish you with all ministerial gifts and graces for the work of the ministry and edifying of the body of Christ among us, and that we will ever honor and obey you when you shall be- come ours in the Lord. These are therefore to certify you that at a meeting legally warned the precinct did, by a full and clear vote, give you a call to the ministry among us; and for your further encouragement did vote 300 Pounds for a settlement ; and for the pursuaut year, one hundred and ten pounds for your salary, and then to advance five pounds pr. year, four years, and then ten pounds pr. year, five years, and then to stand yearly at one hundred and Eighty pounds per year, to be paid in yearly, in any passable money, at the rate of silver at 28 shillings pr. ounce ; and so your salary to rise and fall, as the price of silver doth, during the time you shall be our inin- ister.

" Dated at Bridgewater, " SAMUEL KINGMAN,

" North Precinct,

" DAVID KEITH,

" Aug. the 25th, 1740.

"JAMES PACKARD,

" Precinct Committee to give Mr. Porter a call In behalf of the precinct."

" Answer,

"To be communicated to the North Precinct in Bridgewater, given the 25th of Aug., 1740.

"BRETHREN AND FRIENDS,-Inasmuch as it has pleased the Sovereign God, who has all hearts in his hand, and can turn them as the rivers of water are turned, so to incline and Unite you of this Place as to give me an invitation to settle among you in the work of the gospel ministry, though unworthy, yet, Apprehending it to be the call of Christ, whose I am, and whom I ought to serve, I accept your call, and I trust I do it with due and becoming reverence aud cheerfulness.

" Brethren and Friends: Further I desire to express all due gratitude to you for your love and respect shown me in the various instances of it, and I pray to God to continue it; and you yet to manifest it in every regard, and as the gospel re- quires aud acknowledge that those that preach the gospel, should live of the gospel, so I shall expect an handsome and honorable maintenance from you so long as I shall sojourn among you as your pastor. But, above all, I shall expect and request you to be constant, earnest, and incessant at the throne of grace for me, that God would give me grace to serve him cheerfully and faith- fully in the great and difficult work I am now about to engage in, that so I may fiuish my course with joy, and, in the day of Christ's appearing and kingdom, may have many of you of my charge as a seal of my ministry, that so theu together we may receive a crown of glory which shall never fade away.

" I subscribe myself yours to serve in the Lord, " JOHN PORTER."

Agreeable to the above call and acceptance, the Rev. Mr. Porter was ordained as pastor of the Fourth Church in Bridgewater, Oct. 15, 1740.1

The following is the covenant which the church adopted as the basis of their union :

" We, whose names are underwritten, the most of whom have been members of the first church of Christ in Bridgewater, hav- ing now, as we couceive, a call from God to embody a distinct church by ourselves, according to gospel order, and as our par- ticular circumstances require, do, upon this solemn occasion, think it our duty, and therefore agree, to renew the covenant which our fathers made, both with God and with one another, under a humbling sense of our violations of past covenant engagements, adding hearty prayers that our past sins may be forgiven, and that we may have the help of the Holy Spirit to enable us to keep that covenant with God, wherein we solemnly engage, as follows : Ist. That we will take the Lord Jehovah to be our God, by a free choice of him, and firm dependence on him, and satisfaction in him, as our chief good, renouncing all other interest whatever. 2d. That we will cleave to the Holy Scriptures as our only rule of faith and obedience. 3d. That we will acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ in his threefold office, as our Prophet, Priest, and King, particularly in his kingly government ; that all his laws and ordinances may be upheld by us in the purity and power of them; that an able and faithful ministry be encouraged and continued among us ; that in all the administrations of the house of God, we will have a due regard to the power of office belonging to the min- istry, and the privileges belonging to the brethren as to judg- ment and consent. That we will endeavor faitlifully to observe the rules of purity, in respect to the visible qualifications of those we admit to communion with us, that the table of the Lord be not polluted,-that they be such as have a competent understanding of the mysteries of Godliness, and of a well- ordered conversation, and who, upon examination, hold forth repentance from dead works, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We will conscientiously observe the rules of discipline which Christ hath prescribed, that the temple of God be not defiled ; will see that church censure be faithfully dispensed to such as are full communicants, and to the children of the covenant. The adult in church relation (though not yet admitted to full communion), walking orderly, and waiting upon God to pre- pare them for the full enjoyment of him in all his ordinances, shall (at their desire) have the initiating seal of baptism ad- ministered to their children, and they themselves shall be en- couraged and excited to follow the Lord in all the ways of his appointment, and when they offer themselves to join with the church, shall be examined respecting their proficiency, under the means, and hold forth such evidences of the grace of God as may be required to make their communion comfortable. 4th. We will walk in Love one toward another, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace, that there be no schism or rent in the body of Christ. 5th. In all difficult cases we will apply to neighboring ministers and churches of Christ for counsel. 6th. We will walk with God in our houses with a perfect heart, duly attending on family worship and government in the faithful discharge of relative duties, en- deavoring that true religion may be propagated to posterity, that our God may be our children's God after us. 7th. We will bear our testimony against the growing sins of the times and of this place, and it shall be our endeavor that the work of re- formation in all parts of it be carried on among us. 8th. As

1 David Packard provided for the ordination, for which he had £29 108.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

we have opportunity, we will seek tho good of one another, and so the good of all men, both with rospect to spirituals and tem- porals. 9th. It shall be our endeavor to stand complete in all the will of God, to cleavo to the Lord and one another through all adversity. All this we do sincerely and solomnly engago in tho sight of God, men, and angels, in a humble dependence of faith upon the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, for our accept- ance with God, and on the power of his spirit and grace to work all our works in us and for us ; and, finally, to perfect all that concerns us to the praise of his glory. Adopted Sept. 18th, 1740.

" 1. Timothy Keith.

14. Nathaniel Hammond.

2. David Packard.

15. Hannah Keith.

3. James Packard.

16. Hannah Packard.

4. Zacheus Packard. 17. Jemima Packard.

5. Samnel West.

18. Mercy Packard.

6. Abiel Packard.

19. Lydia Packard.

7. John Kingman.

20. Sarah Packard.

21. Rebecca Kingman.

9. Seth Packard.

22. Jane Warren.

10. Caleb Phillips.

23. Mercy Packard.

11. Isaac Fuller.

24. Hannah Phillips.

12. Zachariah Carey.

25. Sarah Fuller."

13. John Johnson.

Rev. Mr. Porter was a man of very respectable talent, distinguished for his prudence, fidelity, exem- plary life, and holy conversation. The great doc- trines of the gospel were prominent in all his preach- ing ; and a crucified Redeemer was a theme on which he delighted to dwell with peculiar carnestness, in- terest, and satisfaction. He continued to preach to this society for sixty years, when, feeling weary with many years of service in the vineyard of the Lord, and fecling the infirmities of age creeping upon him, he called for aid to assist him in his ministerial labors. To this claim the church and society readily assented, as appears by the following vote: April 21, 1800, " Voted, To chnse a committee of seven to look up sum suitable Person or Persons to assist Rev. Mr. Porter." Capt. Jesse Perkins, Deacon David Edson, Daniel Cary, Moses Cary, Daniel Howard, Esq., Deacon Eliphalet Packard, Lieut. Caleb Howard were chosen as said committee. This committee found a man in the person of Asa Mcech, who preached to them as a candidate until, at a meeting held Aug. 18, 1800, " Voted, that thursday the twenty-Eighth day of August be held as a day of Fasting and prayer for directions in settling a col- league with Mr. Porter, and also to apply to Mr. W. Reed, and Mr. Gurney to preach on that occasion."

Also, " Voted that the parish committee request Mr. Mecchi to supply the pulpit further."

The publication of Rev. John Porter is " Evan- gelical Plan ; or, an Attempt to form Right Notions in the Minds of the Common People, and to Estab- lish them in the Minds of the People." Republislied by Dr. E. Alden, of Randolph.

Rev. John Porter was the son of Samuel and Mary Porter, of Abington, Mass .; born in 1716; graduated at Harvard College in 1736; commenced preaching as a candidate for the Fourth Church in Bridgewater (now the First Church of Brockton) in December, 1739. Soon after the incorporation of the North Parish he received a call to settle with them as pastor Aug. 25, 1740, which call he accepted, and was ordained Oct. 15, 1740. Mr. Porter entered upon the duties of his office with all the advantages which a faithful church and affectionate society could afford. Their hearts were deservedly united in him, and seldom has any minister of the gospel bcen en- abled to exert a more general and salntary influence over the people of his charge. His qualifications, both natural and acquired, were peculiarly respectable. He was taught not only of men, but of God. Much of what was estimable in his Christian and ministerial character he gratefully ascribed to the labors of that justly celebrated and eminently useful servant of Christ, the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, under whose min- istry of the word he received the most deep and salu- tary impressions a little before his entrance upon the duties of the sacred office. With that great and good man he formed an intimate acquaintance, invited him to his pulpit, and, with his beloved flock, enjoyed the benefit of his evangelical instructions. This circum- stance undoubtedly contributed to increase that zealous spirit of reformation by which the Rev. Mr. Porter's long and faithful ministry was so happily charac- terized. He clearly exhibited and ably defended the great doctrines of the gospel, and, though not fond of controversy, wielded the sword of the Spirit with uncommon skill, vigor, and success against all the assailants of evangelical trnth. His labors among his people in the sanctuary and from house to house were greatly blessed. Mr. Porter continued to labor with this people uutil Sept. 1, 1800, when, finding the in- firmities of age creeping upon him, and a frame worn out in the service of his Master, he asked for assist- ance in his labors. His son-in-law, Rev. Thomas Crafts, and Rev. Asa Meech, then a candidate for thic ministry, from Connecticut, came to his help, and Mr. Meech received a call to become a colleague pastor with him, which call he accepted, and was ordained Oct. 15, 1800.

Rev. Mr. Porter continued to perform pastoral labor, preaching, occasionally, till his deccasc. The last sermon he preached was from John ix. 4: " I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work." This sermon is often spoken of as having been pccu- liarly and prophetically appropriate, and most tenderly

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

575

affecting to those who were listening to the last mes- sage of truth and love from the lips of one whou very many regarded as a spiritual father, and all as an affectionate and faithful friend. He departed this life March 12, 1802, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, and in the sixty-second year of his minis- try. His sickness was of three weeks' duration, which commenced about one week after the delivery of the above-named discourse. His wife, with whom he had so long aud so happily lived for more than one-half a century, died about four months previous to his death. This circumstance seemed to render his death more welcome to him than otherwise. She Was a woman of very exemplary habits, and a de- voted mother in Israel. His funeral was attended by Rev. Zedekiah Sanger. D.D., of Bridgewater, Mass. His remains lie buried in the graveyard near the resi- dence of the late William Tribou, at Campello. On the gravestone may be found the following inscrip- tion : " They that be wise shall shine as the bright- ness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever." To the virtues of Rev. Mr. Porter's private life, and the use- fulness of his ministerial qualifications and labors, the affection and respect with which he was viewed by his family and acquaintances, the love and veneration of the large and respectable religious society with which he so long lived in harmony and labored with success, the manner in which his services were accepted in other societies where he occasionally preached, and the lasting reputation he maintained in the church, are the most unequivocal and honorable testimonies. To the influence of this good man, more than any other thing, is the community indebted for the love of order, industry, economy, enterprise, and religious character of many of the descendants of that society. His influence had very much to do with formation of the character of the early inhabitants of the town of North Bridgewater, now Brockton.

MINISTRY OF REV. ASA MEECH .- Sept. 1, 1800, " Voted to give Rev. Asa Meech a call." Also, " Voted to choose a committee of seven to Report a plan for the settlement of Mr. Meech, which con- sisted of the following persons: Capt. Jesse Perkins, Matthew Kingman, Deacon E. Packard, Capt. Abel Kingman, Capt. William French, Ichabod Howard, Lieut. Caleb Howard," who subsequently reported a plan as follows, namely : "That he be our minister until two-thirds of the legal voters of the parish are dissatisfied with him, and then to be dismissed by giving him a year's notice. Also he having the same privilege to leave the people when he thinks proper, he giving them a year's notice." Also, "that the

Said parish pay him four Hundred Dollars for the first five years ; and after the expiration of the five first years, Three Hundred and thirty four dollars a year, so long as he continues our minister." The above Report was accepted, and it was " Voted the above committee present Mr. A. Meech with the call of the parish to the work of the ministry," which is as follows :

" To Mr. Asa Meech, Candidate for the Sacred ministry, now residing in this place.

"SIR,-Whereas our aged and beloved pastor has requested the settlement of an assistant with him in the work of the Sacred Ministry. And as we are very desirous of a continu- ance of the regular Administration of Gospel ordinances among us-And having experience of your good abilities as a Gospel Preacher and such good evidence of your good moral character as gives us great satisfaction, Therefore we, the members of the fourth church and congregation of the Christian Society in Bridgewater, do hereby invite you, with a Solemn call, to Settle with us as a colleague pastor with the Rev. John Porter. That you may be more particularly informed of the doings of the Parish in this, a committee, consisting of the following-named gentlemen, viz. : Captain Jesse Perkins, Matthew Kingman, Lieut. Caleb Howard, Dea. E. Packard, Capt. Abel Kingman, Capt. Wm. French, Ichabod Iloward, will wait on you with the vote of the parish respecting the encouragement they offer you, as an inducement to Settle with us in the Sacred Ministry, and give you such other information as you may desire. Your answer is requested as soon as may be consistent with a full de- liberation on so solemn and such an important subject.

" DANIEL CARY, Parish Clerk.

"The North Church in Bridgewater met this day [Sept. 29, 1800], and proceeded to hear the answer of Rev. Asa Meech.

" BRIDGEWATER, Sept. 23, 1800.

" To the fourth church and congregation of the Christian Society in Bridgewater.

" Whereas you have given me an invitation and Solemn call to settle with you in the Gospel Ministry as a Colleague Pastor with the Rev. John Porter, Having looked to God by prayer for his most gracious direction, and having consulted my friends and fathers in the ministry, And after mature deliberation on the Subject, I trust and hope that a door is opened in divine providence for my usefulness in this place. This is therefore to manifest iny acceptauce of your call, and my willingness to be employed in performing the important office and duties of the Christian ministry among you so long as God shall open the way by harmonizing our minds, and give me grace, wisdom, and strength. And while I commit all to the great head of the Church may Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to us abun- dantly from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

" ASA MEECH."

Sept. 29, 1800, " Voted that the ordination of Rev. Asa Mcech be on the fifteenth day of October next."

At this meeting a committee of three were chosen to make provision for the council, namely, Capt. Jesse Perkins, Daniel Cary, and Capt. Howard Cary, who were provided for by Mr. Daniel Cary, at an expense of $165.58.

Mr. Meech was ordained as a colleague pastor with

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Mr. Porter, Oct. 15, 1800, and continued to preach till the death of Mr. Porter, which took place March 12, 1802, in the eighty-seventh year of his age and sixty-second of his ministry. He continued his labors after the death of Mr. Porter until, early in 1811, he was requested to resign, and was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council for that purpose. His farewell sermon was preached Dec. 1, 1811.

His ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Lem- uel Tyler, A.M., pastor of the First Church in Preston, Mass., from text, Titus i. 9: " Holding fast the faith- ful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to con- vince the gainsayers," which was a very able dis- course upon the necessity of gospel ministrations, the qualifications of ministers, or what gospel ministers should do to promote, and must do to secure, peace and promote good order in the church ; also on the doctrine of election, justification, and revelation, and the divinity of the Holy Ghost. He then goes on, giving a short exhortation to the pastor, and then to the people. Both of the above sermons were printed and circulated.

Rev. Asa Meech was son of Thomas Meech, born in Boston, April 20, 1775. He was not a college- educated man, but in 1807 received an honorary degree from Brown University. He was approved as a candidate for the ministry by the New London County Association, in May, 1799, was ordained at North Bridgewater, Oct. 15, 1800, and dismissed in 1811; from thence he removed to Canterbury, Conn., and was installed Oct. 28, 1812, where he remained till the spring of 1822, preaching his farewell ser- mon May 5th. Here his ministry was not only use- ful in increasing the number of the church, but by establishing its faith and order. Towards the close of his pastorate, however, a feeling of personal oppo- sition arose which rendered his removal expedient. He emigrated to Canada, where he purchased a farm near Hull, and employed himself thenceforth in its cultivation, preaching at times, as opportunity was offered. He died Feb. 22, 1849, at the age seventy- four. He had published three sermons, one of which was that on leaving Canterbury.

He married (first) Mary De Witt, of Norwich, April 29, 1802 ; (second) Maria De Witt, November, 1809 ; (third) Margaret Dockstader, Nov. 7, 1822, and had by the three wives twenty-one children, many of whom now reside in Canada.

Publications of Rev. Asa Meech :

Ordination Sermon, delivered by Rev. Lemuel Tyler, A.M., Oct. 15, 1800. Colleague pastor with Rev. John Porter.

Oration by Rev. Asa Meech, delivered in North Bridgewater, July 4, 1805, in commemoration of the Anniversary of American Independence.

Valedictory Sermon. By Rev. Asa Meech, A.M., Dec. 1, 1811. Preached at the North Church, in Bridgewater.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 120

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1706

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706