History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 122

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 122

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The following was the order of exercises :

1, voluntary, by the choir ; 2, anthem, by Haydn,- " Wake the Song of Jubilee ;" 3, introductory prayer, by Rev. Erastus Maltby ; 4, original hymn, by their former pastor, Rev. D. Huntington :

" Horald of eur Savionr God, Welcome, woleome, in his name !

Sound his wondrous grace abroad ; All his boundless love proelaim.

581

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

** Sinners renewed-lost-defiled, Shall the joyful news receive :

Cleansed, restored, and reconciled, Bless his holy name. and live.

"To each hruised and bleeding heart, Gilead's healing balm apply ;

Hope to trembling souls impart ; Wipe the tear from sorrow's eye.

" Throngh Emanuel's favored land, Sonnd the trump of Jubilee !

Bid the prison-doors expand ; Hail the ransomed captives free ;"

5, sermon, by Rev. John Codman, D.D .; 6, conse- crating prayer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D .; 7, original hymn, by Rev. D. Huntington :

" Ascended Savionr, thee we praise, For all thy truth and kindness shown,

Accept the honors that we raise, And smile upon us from thy throne.

"Yea, from that glorions throne come down ; Here with thy church vouchsafe to stay, And let thy constant presence crown The joys of this anspicious day !

"Still let onr faith expect and prove Th' exhanstless honnty of thy hand ; And while we taste thy richest love, Our heart with gratitude expand.

" A donble portion of thy grace On this thy messenger hestow ;

And 'neath the shining of thy face, Let his with heavenly lustre glow.

"Grant him these num'rous souls to hear, As trophies of his faithful love,-

Seals of his high commission here,- Gems in his crown of joy ahove.

"Then to thy great and holy name, Pastor and flock, through endless days,

Thy truth and mercy shall proclaim, In rapt'rons songs of grateful praise."

8, charge to the pastor, by Rev. Samuel Gile, of Milton ; 9, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Baalis Sanford; 10, address to the church and society, by Rev. Calvin Hitchcock ; 11, anthem, by Mozart,- " Hallelujah, Amen ;"1 12, concluding prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay; 13, benediction, by Rev. Paul Couch.

Rev. Mr. Couch continued to preach the gospel to this people in all its simplicity, and with marked ability, freedom, and candor,-such as had its desired effect upon the community in which he moved,-till May 8, 1859, when he asked to be relieved from his pastoral labors, which request was granted July 1, 1859, and the estimation in which he was held by his

people may be seen in the following resolutions, which were passed by the church at a meeting held on that day :

" Resolved, That while in view of the circumstances set forth hy our pastor in his communication as the reasons which, in his opinion, render it expedient that he go away, and which have induced him to request his release from his pastoral charge over this church and society and people, we have at a previous meeting, reluctantly recorded our assent to his request. And we esteem it a duty which we owe to ourselves, and to him, to say that in taking this step we defer to his judgment, and con- sult his express wishes, and are not led to it by any disaffection on our part.

" We still appreciate those traits in his character which, mani- fested among us, won for him our affection and regard, and we will cheerfully bear testimony, unitedly, to that high mental culture, that maturity of judgment, that sincerity, earnestness, and fearlessness, in declaring from the pulpit the counsels of God; that ready sympathy with the afflicted and sorrowful among his people, and that love and known consistency of his daily life with his office as minister of Christ, which have con- strained us always to estcem with respect and reverence his teachings, and to submit with love and confidence to his guid- ance; and when in the prospect of a speedy separation all these things are vividly brought to mind concerning our beloved pas- tor, it is not without painful misgivings that we consent to the sundering of those ties which, for the period of twenty-four years, hound him to this church and people.

" Resolved, If such separation takes place, we tender our pastor assurances of our wishes and our prayers for his welfare, wherever he may be called to labor, and express the hope that his labors here may prove to him as he goes, and to us who remain, not only a present memory, but, by the grace of God, a means and a pledge of a happy reunion of church and pastor in a better world."

With a view to the dismission of Mr. Couch, an ecclesiastical council was called for the purpose of hearing and acting upon the request of their pastor for a dissolution of his connection with the church and society, which meeting was held July 19, 1859. The council was as follows :

Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; Elisha French, delegate.

Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D., of Braintree; Levi W. Hobart; delegate.

Rev. Charles W. Wood, of Campello ; Josiah W. Kingman, delegate.

Rev. Ezekich Russell, D.D., of East Randolph ; John Adams, delegate.

After hearing the statement of the pastor request- ing his dismission, and the statements of the church and society, who very reluctantly yielded their assent, the council voted :

"That in view of all the circumstances, the strong convic- tions and preference of the pastor, and the assent, though re- luctant, of the church and society, it is expedient that the ministerial and pastoral relation of the Rev. Paul Couch to the First Church and Society in North Bridgewater be dissolved, the dissolution to take effect, or the relation to terminate, the first day of August, 1859.

1 The music on that occasion was conducted by Thomas J. Gurney, and was of the highest order, and the other exercises were highly gratifying to a large and attentive andience.

582

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

"In coming to this result the council cannot withhold the expression of their decp regret that a connection that has so long existed, been so auspicious to both pastor and people, sealed by effusions of the Eternal Spirit, cemented by mutual affection and ostcom, and so productive of permanent good to tho cause of truth and the honor of Christ in the world, should be thus sundered. Decming themselves incompetent to judge of tho validity of all the reasons for the course pursued, and trusting much to the sound discretion and judgment of the parties themselves, this council still, in view of all the circum- stances, seem constrained to acquiesce in what seems to be the leadings of Providence. This council deeply regret the separa- tion from one whose urbanity, large experience, and Christian kindness and wisdom have ever done so much to enlighten and cheer ministerial intercourse in all its connections. They therefore commend the Rev. Paul Couch to the churches of Christ, as one rich in ministerial experience, able, gifted, faith- ful, and beloved, with no blemish on either his Christian or ministerial reputation. This council also commend this dear church for the sacrifice they have made for the canse of truth, and the prosperity of the kingdom of Christ in this place. They commend them for the affection and kindness they have shown to their pastor, their deference to his wishes, their pro- vision for his wants. They would urge them also to a settle- ment of the gospel ministry among themselves as soon as cir- cumstances will allow it, and to a perseverance in the cause hitherto pursued.

" They, finally, decply sympathize with them in their separa- tion from a pastor that has been so long and so justly respected and beloved, and commend them in their disappointment to the care of the Shepherd of Israel.

" RICHARD S. STORRS, Moderator. " EZEKIEL RUSSELL, Scribe.

" A true copy of the doings of the council.

" E. RUSSELL, Scribe.

" NORTH BRIDGEWATER, July 19, 1859."

Rev. Mr. Couch preached his farewell discourse July 31, 1859.

On Monday evening following a large number of the society and friends came together in the vesti- bule of the church for the purpose of presenting him and his family tokens of their regard to them. A gold watch and one hundred dollars in money were presented to Mr. Couch, a silver goblet and a set of spoons to Mrs. Couch, and a splendid guitar to their daughter, Miss Harriet E. Couch, who had sung in their choir for many years.

From North Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Couch re- moved to North Cambridge, Mass., where he received an invitation to preach. Here also the people had taken possession of the house he was to occupy by stocking it well with a year's supply of provisions.

Rev. Paul Couch was born in Newburyport, June 21, 1803; attended the publie schools of his native town till the age of sixteen years, attending one year in a private academy ; entered the Fresh- man class in Dartmouth College, N. H., 1820; grad- uated in 1823; studied three years in the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass. ; commenced preaching in the fall of 1826; first ordained at West Newbury,

Mass., in March, 1827 ; married Miss Harriette Tyler, of Griswold, Conn., May 28, 1827 ; settled at Bethlehem, Coun., in 1829 ; left there in 1834, and was installed in North Bridgewater in October, 1835, and dismissed at his own request, after a service of twenty- four years, in 1859. Since that time he has been preaching in North Cambridge oue year, and in vari- ous places, and now, in 1865, has been preaching at Stonington, Conn., for upwards of a year. They have had seven children, five of whom are now living, -- the oldest son living in Brooklyn, N. Y .; second son is in Vietoria, Vancouver's Island; third is in the Eighteenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers ; fourth was a graduate of Harvard College in 1864; his daughter is married, and resides in Jewett City, Conn.

Publications of Rev. Paul Couch :

Two sermons, preached Dee. 23, 1849. Published by Damrell & Moore, Boston, 1849.

Temperance sermons on different occasions.

Sermon preached at the funeral of Rev. Daniel Thomas, former pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Abington, on Friday, Jan. 8, 1847. Pub- lished by T. R. Marvin, 1847.

Sermon preached in the First Congregational Church of Stonington, Conn., Aug. 6, 1863, on na- tional thanksgiving.

MINISTRY OF REV. NATHANIEL B. BLANCHARD. -Immediately after the dismission of Rev. Mr. Couch, an invitation was given to Rev. N. B. Blanch- ard, a native of Abington, Mass., who had been preaching for three years at Plymouth, to supply their pulpit for one year, commeneing the first Sab- bath in August, 1859. After this term had expired they had become so attached to him as a preacher, and finding him to be a man of ability, he received a eall June 12, 1861, to settle with them as their pastor ; which eall he accepted Aug. 4, 1861, and was installed Sept. 18, 1861. The eouneil consisted of Rev. T. Stowe, of New Bedford ; Rev. Henry B. Hooker, D.D., of Boston ; Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D., of Braintree ; Rev. H. D. Walker, of Abington ; Rev. Charles L. Mills, of the Porter Church in North Bridgewater; and Rev. Stephen G. Dodd, of East Randolph ; Rev. James P. Terry, of South Wey- mouth.

After the business meeting and examination of the papers of the pastor-elect, the council proceeded to the services of installation, commencing at one and a half o'clock P.M., with the following order of exer- eises : 1, voluntary ; 2, reading of the Scriptures and prayer, by Rev. Mr. Stowe; 3, hymn; 4, ser- mon, by Rev. Dr. Hooker, D.D .; 5, installing prayer,

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583

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

by Rev. Jonas Perkins. D.D .; 6. anthem ; 7. charge to the pastor. by Rev. H. D. Walker; S, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Charles L. Mills ; 9, charge to the people, by Rev. S. G. Dodd ; 10, prayer, by R. J. P. Terry ; 11, hymn ; 12. benediction by the pastor.

The sermon on this occasion is said to have been an able and interesting exposition of the relations of the gospel of Christ to the human conscience, and the other services were of an interesting nature. Mr. Blanchard continued his labors of love to this people until the month of August. 1862. when, his health failing. he relinquished his labors for a season to travel. that he might recover. He was on his way to Plymouth, N. H .. stopping at Concord, N. H., became worse. and there died. Aug. 7, 1862. His remains were brought to his church, where funeral services were attended by Rev. H. D. Walker, of East Abing- ton. August 9th ; and afterwards his body was taken to Edgartown for burial.

At a meeting of the church, held soon after the funeral. the following resolutions were passed, ex- pressive of their feelings at his decease :

.. WHEREAS. Almighty God. by his inscrutable Providence, has removed from us our beloved pastor, Rev. Nathaniel B. Blanchard. by death, -

" Kesolred. That we are deeply sensible of the great loss we have sn-tained by being deprived of bis instructive, faithful, earnest, and zealone mini-trations : that we received him as a man after God's own heart : that we loved him as our pastor and onr friend ; and we would honor his memory as that of one endeared to us by the most holy associations.

" Resolved, That in all the civil and social relations, while he sustained the dignity of his profession and sacred office, Mr. B .. by the grace and nrbanity of hi- demeanor, won the respect and affectionate regard of all the members of the community in which be movedl.

" Resolved, That we heartily sympathize with his family in this the sad hour of their bereavement.

" Reso/red, That the foregoing resolutions be published in the North Bridgewater Gazette, and also that a copy of the same be sent to the widow of the deceased.

" HENRY HOWARD, Clerk."

Rev. Nathaniel Bailey Blanchard was born in Ab- ington, Mass., July 16. 1827. In 1848 he became a member of the Congregational Church in East Ab- ington; in 1:53 graduated at Amherst College ; in 1855 he completed his theological course at Bangor, Me .; July 15. 1856, he was ordained to the Christian ministry of Edgartown, Mass. While at this place he was married. He became a pastor of the Pilgrim Church in Plymouth, Mass .. where he remained three years. On Sept. 18, 1861, he was installed as pastor of the First Congregational Church in North Bridge- water. While preaching at that place his health failed him, and he became unable to perform the ser-

vices incumbent upon a pastor. He started on a journey for his health, and, on his way to Plymouth, N. H., stopping at Concord, grew worse, and died Aug, 7, 1862, aged thirty-five years. He was a man universally loved and respected wherever he went, and from his youth was a thoughtful boy, with high aims and noble purposes, faithful in all the minor duties, aud true in all the social and fraternal rela- tions. He made the most of his opportunities, enter- ing with a heart full of zeal and love upon his work, -his joy of preaching Christ. Sincerity, kindness, and the constraining love of Christ shone forth in all his walk.

MINISTRY OF REV. EDWARD L. CLARK .- After the decease of Rev. Mr. Blanchard, the pulpit was supplied by various ministers, among whom was Mr. Clark. At a meeting of the First Congregational Church, held April 11, 1863, it was unanimously voted to give Mr. Edward L. Clark a call to become their pastor; which call he accepted, and was installed Sept. 22, 1863.

The following churches were invited to the installa- tion of Rev. Mr. Clark, viz. :

Porter Evangelical Church, Brockton : Rev. Sam- ucl H. Lee, pastor ; David Howard, delegate.

South Congregational Church, Campello : Rev. Charles W. Wood, pastor; George Sawyer, delegate.

Trinitarian Church of Bridgewater : Rev. E. Douglas, pastor.

Union Church of East Bridgewater: Rev. N. H. Broughton, pastor ; Galen R. Richards, delegate.

First Church of Stoughton : Ebenczer Drake, dele- gate.

First Church of Randolph : Ebenczer Alden, M.D., delegate.

Second Church of Randolph : Rev. S. G. Dodd, pastor ; Deacon T. W. Whiting, delegate.

Winthrop Church of Holbrook : Rev. Ezekiel Russell, pastor; Dcacon Moses French, delegate.

First Church of Abington : Rev. Frederick R. Abbe, pastor ; Deacon John A. King, delegate.

Second Church of Abington : William P. Cottrell, delegate.

Third Church of Abington : Rev. Horace D. Walker, pastor; Levi Reed, delegate.

Second Church of Weymouth : Rev. J. P. Terry, pastor ; William Dyer, delegate.

Union Church of Weymouth : Rev. S. H. Hayes, pastor; Benjamin Ells, delegate.

South Church of Braintree : Rev. L. R. Eastman, pastor ; Paul Wild, delegatc.

First Church of Braintree : Deacon Elias Hayward, delegate.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Harvard Congregational Church of Brookline : Rev. J. Lewis Diman, pastor; Deaeon John N. Turner, delegate.

First Congregational Church of Somerville : Rev. David Temple Packard, pastor ; Deacon Jesse Lovett, delegate.

Park Street Church of Boston : Rev. Andrew L. Stone, pastor ; Martin L. Keith, delegate.

Second Church of Dorchester : Rev. James H. Means, pastor ; Stephen Wales, delegate.

The following ministers were present by special invitation :

Rev. Paul Couch, of Jewett City, Conn.

Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., of Easton, Mass.

Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater, Mass.

Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree, Mass.

Rev. David Brigham, of Fall River, Mass.

After a careful examination of the papers that had passed between Mr. Clark and the church and so- eiety, and finding them satisfactory, the eouneil pro- ceeded to examine the candidate, closely interro- gating him in regard to his religious experience, and becoming fully satisfied, "voted to proceed to the services of installation," which were in the following order ;

1, introductory prayer, by Rev. Charles W. Wood, of Campello ; 2, reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Ebenezer Douglas, Bridgewater; 3, singing 518tlı hymn of the Psalmist ; 4, sermon, Rev. A. L. Stone, of Park Street Church, Boston ; 5, anthem, by the choir ; 6, installing prayer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, D.D., of Braintree ; 7, charge to the pastor, by Rev. J. Lewis Diman, of Brookline, Mass. ; 8, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Samuel H. Lee, of the Porter Church ; 9, address to the people, by Rev. Paul Couch, of Jewett City, Conn. (their former pastor) ; 10, coneluding prayer, by Rev. D. Temple Packard, of Somerville, Mass .; 11, singing 117th Psalm ; 12, benediction, by the pastor.

Rev. Edward L. Clark was born in Nashua, N. H., Feb. 3, 1838 ; fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass .; graduated at Brown University, Providenee, R. I., 1858; spent one year traveling through Egypt, Palestine, and other ancient places in the Holy Land; studied theology at Andover Theological Seminary; graduated 1862; was or- dained as chaplain of the Twelfth Regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteers, with whom he remained one year ; afterwards settled as pastor of the First Con- gregational Church in North Bridgewater, Sept. 22, 1863.

Mr. Clark continued to preach to this people with faithfulness and fidelity for nearly three years, when

his impaired health eaused him to send to the church and society the following letter of resignation ;

" NORTH BRIDGEWATER, June 17, 1866. " To the First Congregational Church.

" DEAR BRETHREN,-Believing that the providence of God has indicated by my health that the tinio has como for me to resign the care of the society, I desire you to unite with me in calling a council during the first week in July to advise in this matter.

" With the most fervent prayer for your continued prosperity, I remain your affectionate pastor,

"EDWARD L. CLARK."

The council called to dismiss the Rev. Edward L. Clark were as follows :

South Congregational Church of Campello : Rev. Charles W. Wood, pastor; Josiah W. Kingman, dele- gate.

Porter Evangelical Church of Broekton : Rev. J. V. Hilton, pastor; Abel W. Kingman, M.D., dele- gate.

Third Church of Abington : Rev. Horace D. Walker, pastor ; Zenas Holbrook, delegate.

First Church of Randolph : Rev. J. C. Larrabee, pastor ; Ebenezer Alden, M.D., delegate.

First Church of Abington : John Newton Noyes, delegate.

Second Church of Abington : Rev. H. L. Edwards, pastor ; Dean Spencer Vining, delegate.

Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree, Mass.

After a careful examination of the position of pastor and people, the council came to the following resolu- tion :

" While the Council deem it advisable that the connection which has so happily subsisted between the parties who called us should he dissolved, they come to this conclusion with sen- timents of deep regret. It appears that the services of the Pastor, both in the pulpit and in every other department of Pastoral duty, have been increasingly satisfying to the people of his charge from the beginning, and that to many of them he has become cspecially heloved by reason of the success with which, during the latter part of his ministry, the Holy Spirit has attended his preaching. The council recommend him to the fellowship of the churches, and tender him their devout wishes that his health may be restored, and that he may be per- mitted for many years to labor successfully in the Lord's Vine- yard. Also sympathizing with this heloved church and people, tho council commend them to the Divine Shepherd that ho pre- sorve their unity and peace, and in due time give thom a Pastor after his own heart.

"JONAS PERKINS, Moderator. " II. L. EDWARDS, Scribe.

" NORTH BRIDGEWATER, July 2, 1866."

The church was now without a pastor, and the Rev. James Wilson Ward, Jr., was engaged to supply the pulpit for one year, from Dee. 9, 1866, at a salary of fourteen hundred dollars per year. Mr. Ward preached to this people during the term above named, and became mueh endeared to them, and on the 6th

T d: t

585

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

of December, 1867, it was voted by the parish to extend a call to him to become their pastor, which was declined.

On the 5th of December the following resolutions were placed on record as a token of the regard in which he was held by them as a preacher, viz. :

" Resolred, That Rev. James W. Ward, Jr., who has filled the office of pastor to this church for the past year, has shown himself a man of superior ability, ardent piety, and unquestion- able Christian character, and worthy of the unlimited confi- dence and regard of this church, and we sincerely regret and deplore the necessity of a separation."

Various preachers were heard during the year, and on the 3d of January, 1868. the society extended a call to Rev. Edson Rogers, who had supplied the pulpit for four Sabbaths, to become their pastor. This call was declined, and after hearing other candi- dates the church and society united in giving a call to Rev. Henry A. Stevens.

MINISTRY OF REV. HENRY A. STEVENS .- Mr. Stevens was called to settle with them as their pastor, with a salary of two thousand dollars, which was ac- cepted. May 14. 1868, and Deacon John W. King- man, Jonas R. Perkins, Esq., and John T. Burke were chosen a committee on the part of the church, and Edward Southworth, Jr., Deacon Joel T. Pack- ard. and Samuel Mclaughlin were chosen on the part of the society, to make arrangements for a council.

A mutual council was held June 24, 1868, the following churches having been invited to participate in the installation services on that occasion, viz. :

Old South Church of Boston: Rev. J. M. Man- ning, D.D .. pastor ; F. D. Allen, delegate.

First Trinitarian Congregational Church of Med- ford : Rev. J. T. McCollom, pastor; Deacon Samuel Train, delegate.

Old South Church of Reading, Mass. : Ambrose Kingman, delegate.

Central Square Church of Bridgewater, Mass. : Rev. Horace D. Walker, pastor; Deacon George W. Holmes, delegate.

Union Church of East and West Bridgewater : Daniel Reed, delegate.

South Congregational Church of Campello: Rev. Charles W. Wood, pastor; Adelbert F. Keith, dele- gate.

Porter Evangelical Church of Brockton : Deacon Simeon Packard, delegate.

Waquoit Congregational Church of Falmouth, Mass. : Rev. David Brigham, acting pastor.

Winthrop Church of Holbrook, Mass .: Rev. Eze- kiel Russell, pastor ; E. E. Holbrook, delegate.

First Church of Randolph, Mass .: Rev. J. C. Larrabee, pastor ; Ebenezer Alden, M.D., delegate.

Also present by invitation :

Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree.

Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater.

Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater.

The usual proceedings of councils in the examina- tion of the candidate, the call, etc., having been con- cluded, they were deemed highly satisfactory, and the following programme for the services of installation was made, viz. :

1, reading of Scriptures and prayer, Rev. J. C. Larrabee ; 2, sermon, Rev. J. M. Manning, D.D .; 3, installing prayer, Rev. David Brigham ; 4, charge to the pastor, Rev. Horace D. Walker; 5, right hand of fellowship, Rev. Charles W. Wood; 6, ad- dress to the people, Rev. J. T. McCollom ; 7, con- cluding prayer, Rev. Jonas Perkins; 8, benediction by the pastor.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 122

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