History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 225

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

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signed in 1883, and was followed by the present pas- tor of the society, the Rev. A. Cross.

The Evangelical Congregational Church, Hingham Centre.1-In the month of August, 1847, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, upon the invitation of the Norfolk Conference of Churches, visited Hing- ham, aud inquired into the practicability of establish- ing Evangelical Congregational preaching in this ancient town.

He found that religious services had been held in the old town hall, by Rev. Mr. Loring, and reported that one hundred and thirteen dollars could be raised for the support of preaching, provided there was a prospect of a permanency in the enterprise.

In September, 1847, Mr. Dyer, made an engage- ment to preach in the old town hall one year, the Norfolk Conference contributing to his support.

In October a Sunday-school was formed ; and Dec. 21, 1847, a church of eleven members was organized. Asa H. Holden was chosen deacon. During the fol- lowing year the present church edifice was built, and Mr. Dyer, in September, the close of his engagement, was invited to settle as pastor of the church and society.

This invitation was accepted, and Rev. E. Porter Dyer was installed first pastor of the Evangelical Congregational Church Jan. 4, 1849; at which time, also, the present house of worship was dedicated.

The pastoral relations of Mr. Dyer closed in Sep- tember, 1863, after a faithful service of sixteen years. September, 1858, Caleb S. Hunt was elected deacon, which position he held until his death, Oct. 17, 1876.

February, 1877, Samuel G. Bailey and Jacob O. Sanborn were elected deacons.

Rev. Henry W. Parker supplicd the pulpit a year or more, commencing March, 1864.

Rev. Henry W. Jones was installed pastor May, 1866, and was dismissed by a council June 7, 1871.

Rev. Austin S. Garver was ordained and installed pastor Oct. 31, 1872, and closed his labors with this church July, 1875.

In September, 1875, Rev. Edward C. Hood, by invitation of the church and society, became acting pastor. With the beginning of the year 1878, the weekly offering system was introduced, which proved very successful, and has been continued until the present time (July, 1884). Through the efforts of Mr. Hood the church edifice was repaired, an organ was placed in the audience-room, and a piano was procured for the vestry. He acted as the pastor of the church seven years, and in September, 1882, re-

1 By Jacob O. Sanborn.

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HISTORY OF HINGHAM.

signed to take charge of the Congregational Church, West Medford, Mass.

The church was without a pastor until July 11, 1883, when Rev. Edward E. Robinson was ordained and installed as its pastor.

Mr. Robinson is a graduate of Union Theologieal Seminary, New York City, and this is his first settle- ment. The church is unusually prosperous, and a goodly number are uniting with it by profession. Although for thirty years it has been aided by the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, it is now self-sustaining, and the parish is free from debt.

The church edifice is in good repair, and the mem- bers of both church and parish are well united in Christian work.

Church of St. John the Evangelist.1-The his- tory of the establishment of the Episcopal Church in Hingham extends back over many years. Away back in 1824, Daniel Bassett, Esq., a very zealous churchman. fitted up a suitable hall to use for the services of the Episcopal Church. These services were well attended for a while, but there were so few who had any real interest that finally they were dis- continued. About the year 1840 the Rev. Mr. Cut- I ter, of Hanover, and the Rev. Mr. Robinson, of Quincy, united to make another attempt to hold ser- vices in the same hall. They were assisted by clergy- men stopping in the vicinity during the summer. The Rev. Mr. Snow, a missionary, officiated a part of the time, but was giving his attention to Plymouth also, and concluded that that was a more promising place for establishing the church. The efforts at Hingham were therefore abandoned. The families of Mr. Daniel Bassett and of Mr. Atherton Tilden, now residing in Dedham, were the only ones identi- fied with the church at that time.

As early as 1843 services were again held in a hall owned by Daniel Bassett and loaned and fitted up for the purpose. The seats were numbered like pews, and a special lot of prayer-books were procured, bound in sheep-skin and stamped on the outside in gilt letters, "Episcopal Church, Hingham." Several of these old prayer-books still remain in use. The in- terest in the services was not strong or widespread enough, and they were finally discontinued.

The interest again revived in 1869, and a new at- tempt was made to maintain the services of the church in Hingham. On the first Sunday after Trinity, May 30th of that year, the Rev. Thomas W. Street, rector of Trinity Church, Weymouth, held an evening ser- vice in Loring Hall. About one hundred persons

attended, and the services were held through that sum- mer.

In the fall, however, they were discontinued, though occasionally held during the two succeeding summers. During the following years most of the church people were regular attendants at Christ Church, Quincy, or at Trinity Church, Weymouth, each church being about six miles distant.

There were earnest and devoted souls who, firmly convinced of the power and divine appointment of the church and its perfect adaptation to the real religious needs of all people, would not despair, and in 1879, on the fourth Sunday after Trinity, July 6th, services were held by the Rev. Julius H. Ward, of Boston, in Southworth's Hall. These services were continued every Sunday during the summer, and at least twice monthly during the winter, the Rev. T. A. Snively, then rector of Christ Church, Quincy, and the Rev. George S. Bennett, rector of All Saints Church, Dor- chester, having charge. In November of the same year a Sunday-school was started. During the sum- mer of 1881 the congregation was in charge of the Rev. P. C. Webber, and during the succeeding winter in charge of Mr. Sherrard Billings as lay reader, then a candidate for holy orders, and a student at the Cambridge Theological School.

On the 1st of July, 1881, a lot of land on Main Street, at the head of Water Street, was purchased for a thousand dollars, and a fund started for the erection of a church.

At Easter, 1882, the congregation organized as a mission, with the choice of Dr. Charles H. Alden, warden ; Mr. T. E. Harlow, treasurer; and Mr. H. C. Lahee, clerk. The Rev. Charles L. Wells was placed in charge of the mission July 1, 1882.

Services were continued in the hall, but as its ac- coinmodations were limited and its inconveniences many, special exertions were made to increase the amount of the building fund so as to justify procced- ing to build. By the efforts of the Woman's Guild a sale was held during the summer of 1882, which netted about four hundred dollars. This, together with amounts subscribed by members of the congre- gation and by generous churchmen in Boston, enabled the officers to begin the work, and the ground was broken in November of that same year. Mr. E. A. P. Newcomb, a noted architect of Boston and a de- voted churchman, very kindly gave the plans and much of his time and personal supervision. The work progressed during the winter and spring, and an exceedingly pretty church was finished and consecrated June 5, 1883, by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin H. Pad- dock, Bishop of Massachusetts.

1 By Rev. Charles L. Wells.

mlé 1

1076

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

About thirty clergymen assisted in the services, and many friends among the laity from Boston and elsewhere were present.

The church is of wood, about sixty fect long by twenty-four wide, and will seat one hundred and fifty persons. It is built in the colonial style, and the in- terior is richly painted in peacock blue and Pompeian red. The high wainscotting and ash pews are stained with a rich old oak color, while the chancel-rail and furniture is of solid oak. The windows are stained glass, amber shading into peacock bluc.

It is already the recipient of many beautiful and valuable gifts: the chancel-window, in memory of George and Mary Parkman; the large window in the west end, in memory of Mary Woodward Long, wife of the Hon. John D. Long. The chancel fur- niture and a beautiful font, also of oak, have been given by various friends. A fine church-organ was presented by St. Paul's Church, Stockbridge. The chalice and paten, of silver and gold, beautifully en- graved and inscribed, were sent in a brass-mounted oak box, from the church in Hingham, England, as a sign and seal of devoted Christian brotherhood. A lectern and bishop's chair, very massive and elab- orately carved, were in use for many years in the old church in Hingham, England, dating back to the middle of the fourteenth century (1350 A.D.), have been presented, with very pleasant words of cordial and intimate church relationship, to the church in Hingham, New England.

All the church property has been deedcd over to the trustees of donations, who hold it in trust for the use of the Episcopal Church forever.

The church is free, and a cordial invitation is ex- tended to all to unite in the services. In the winter the congregations are not so large, but in the summer there are regular attendants from the summer visitors at Nantasket and Cohasset, as well as at Hingham, among whom are many of our most prominent and devoted churchmen.

Universalist Society.1-This religious body was organized at a meeting of several members of the First Universalist Society of Scituate, Mass. (now known as West Scituate, a part of the town of South Scituate), at the house of Capt. Charles W. Cushing, in Hingham, on Saturday evening, Nov. 1, 1823.

The object in meeting with the Scituate society was because of the mutual sympathy existing between the believers of the same faith in both towns, and an earnest desire to strengthen the cause by the forma- tion of an additional society.

In the articles of agreement occurs the following statement : " We, whose names are hereunto sub- scribed, being sensible of the unchangeable and uni- versal love of God to mankind, exhibited in the Rc- deemer, and in humble thankfulness to Him for disposing our hearts to unite together in the bonds of Christian love and fellowship, think it our duty, as tending to the good order of society in general, and the improvement and cdification of cach other in par- ticular, to form ourselves into a Church of Christ, which, we conceive, consists of a number of believers united together in the confession of the faith of the gospel."

The corner-stone of the church edifice used by this society was laid May 18, 1829, when prayer was offered by Rev. Sebastian Streeter, and the house of worship dedicated on the 19th of September, 1829, on which occasion the sermon was delivered by Rev. Hosea Ballou.

Among those who have been pastors of the society were Rev. T. J. Greenwood (deceased), Rev. J. P. Atkinson, Rev. A. A. Folsom (deceased), Rev. J. F. Dyer, Rev. S. A. Davis, Rev. J. H. Farnsworth, Rev. J. W. Talbot, Rev. M. M. Preston (deceased), Rev. A. Case (deceased), Rev. J. D. Cargill, Rev. E. Partridge (deceased), Rev. J. E. Davenport, Rev. Phebe A. Hanaford, and Rev. D. P. Livermore.

The society at the present time has no pastor.

Soon after the formation of the society, and for many years following, the church ordinances were ad- niinistered at stated times to all of its members who felt it a privilege to join in the observance of the Lord's Supper. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Cargill, in 1856, a church was formed distinct from the society, but composed chiefly, if not entirely, of its members, at which time the Winchester Confession of Faith was adopted. The following persons are its officers : Deacons, Samuel W. Marsh, George Hersey ; Clerk, Franklin Hersey; Treasurer, George Hersey.

The Sunday-school connected with the society has usually been in a flourishing condition. Its average membership was for a long series of years upwards of one hundred and twenty-five, and it is still doing active work.

Three ordinations have taken place in this church, viz., Rev. J. P. Atkinson, Rev. John Nichols, and Rev. P. A. Hanaford.

It is worthy of notice that, while Hingham, Mass., is celebrated for having within its borders the oldest church edifice in the United States now worshipcd in, it will henceforth be known as the town in which was ordained and installed the first woman minister in Massachusetts.

1 By Edmund Hersey (2d).

1077

HISTORY OF HINGHAM.

Methodist Episcopal Church.1-This station was formerly a part of Scituate Station. A class of about a dozen members was formed in the year 1818, by Rev. Edward T. Taylor (of Bethel famc), and there was occasional preaching at Brother Robert Gould's house.

The first Methodist meeting-house was dedicated July 3, 1828, funds for building being given by Rev. Stephen Puffer, a local preacher residing in the town. The dedicatory sermon was delivered by Rev. John Newland Maffit. The first stationed minister was Rev. Samuel Heath. Since that time forty-four preachers have been stationed at Hingham, prominent among them Stephen Puffer, Ralph W. Allen, David Wise, James Mudge, George W. Bates, Amos Binney, Levi Daggett. A. H. Newton, Daniel Webb, Robert Clark, William H. Starr, George E. Fuller, Merritt P. Al- derman, James H. Nutting, Joseph O. Thompson, Angelo Carroll.

The first meeting-house lot and building was trans- ferred in July, 1828, to a board of trustees. In De- cember, 1845, alterations were made, as the society had grown in numbers and influence.

In May, 1867, while the church was under the charge of Rev. George E. Fuller, the building was moved back some thirty feet. raised sufficiently to add vestries, three in number. A new front, with steeple, was added, giving the building an entirely different appearance. The vestries were finished in December, 1867. dedicated on the 17th, the audience-room com- pleted and dedicated the following spring. Nearly four thousand dollars expense was reported by build- ing committee, all but nine hundred and forty-six dollars of which was paid by selling pews, lectures, etc. Brother Alderman reduced the debt very ma- terially, if, possibly, not canceling it during his stay.

In 1882 another change was made. It was found, upon examining the spiles on which the back part of the building rested, they were in an unsafe condition, and as a piece of land on the opposite side of the street could be obtained for four hundred dollars, the trustees removed without further delay, the moving, etc., not to exceed one thousand dollars. The building was accordingly removed, without any difficulty, to the corner of Thaxter, facing South Street.

In 1883 the widow of Rev. Stephen Puffer wrote to the trustees, saying she had for a long time wished to have a parsonage in Hingham, offering seven hun- dred dollars towards the building. At once the land back of the church, facing Thaxter Street, was pre- pared, a cellar dug, and building commenced.

Mrs. Puffer being pleased with the promptness of the work, gave three hundred dollars more to complete it, as her gift to the Hingham Church. Through extra exertions of the brethren and sisters, it was comfortably furnished by the 3d of July, when Rev. Arthur Thompson, the present pastor, brought his young bride and took possession. During the lapse of years, since the first class was formed, there have been many changes. Very many have gone home rejoicing.

Others are scattered over the earth ; some of them are holding responsible positions ; their kindly letters, coming now and then to the " dear, old church," prove that seeds sown early and watered by prayers and tears of those now growing old and feeble, are bringing forth an abundant harvest for the Master. A singular fact concerning the church and congrega- tion is that nine ladies have married Methodist ministers, several of whom are now living, co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

The present membership is about seventy.

First Baptist Church.2-In the year 1818 a few Baptists in Hingham, Mass., gathered for their first prayer-meeting, which was held in the house of one of their number, Mr. Nathaniel T. Davis.

Mr. Asa Wilbur, of Boston, was present, and often afterwards visited the little flock, and aided them with his counsels, his money, and his prayers. In the same year the first sermon was delivered in Hingham by a Baptist, Mr. Ensign Lincoln. These Baptist people also organized this year the first Sabbath- school in the town, and during the summer the at- tendance upon it increased to ninety.

In the year 1820, Mr. Joshua Beal, Miss Polly Barnes, and Miss Nancy Studley were baptized by Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, and the scene made a very deep impression upon the multitude which gathered at the water-side. Many of those present had never seen a person buried with Christ by bap- tism, and some who were afterwards converted dated their first serious convictions from this hour.

In August, 1823, a hall, with unplastered walls and seats of boards, was engaged at "the harbor," and in this services were held for nearly a year. Here souls were won to God, but the success of such a feeble band aroused opposition. Their assemblies were disturbed by the firing of guns, and by other noises near the hall, and a determined but futile attempt was made to suppress their meetings by pro- cess of law. Once, while quietly worshiping, they were locked in their hall, and no officer of law inter-

2 By Rev. H. M. Dean.

1 By Mise M. B. Cazneau.

.14

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

ferred to prevent the deed, or to punish the offenders. Bnt persecution wrought its usual results, and the little band grew in numbers and in influence. A building was purchased in a more quiet part of the town, and an upper room fitted for worship. The antipathy to Baptists was, however, so strong that it was not thought wise to make known the purpose for which the building was to be used, nor that it was to be conveyed to Baptists. A gentleman of another denomination consented to receive the deed in his own name, and afterwards transfer the property to the real purchasers.

On the 9th of March, 1828, twenty persons, all but two being women, were publicly recognized as a branch of the Second Baptist Church of Boston, of which Rev. J. D. Knowles was then pastor. Mr. Harvey Ball was ordained as an evangelist September 21st of the same year, and served this branch church in Hingham for two years. He advised and encouraged them to build a house of worship. A day of special prayer for divine guidance was set apart, and soon afterwards they purchased the lot on which their house now stands, and erected the building in which they still worship. It cost three thousand three hun- dred dollars, and was dedicated Dec. 3, 1828, amid much rejoicing, Dr. Sharp, of Boston, preaching the sermon.

Mr. Timothy R. Cressey, a student at Newton Theological Institution, often supplied the pulpit after Mr. Ball's resignation, and, on the 5th of May, 1831, he was ordained, and the church recognized as an in- dependent body, with fifty-one members. The pas- torate of Mr. Cressey continued three years and a half, during which a vestry was built in the base- ment, and twenty-eight persons were received into the church.

After being two years without a pastor, Mr. Water- man Burlingame, also a Newton student, was or- dained, and began his labors Sept. 27, 1836. He remained until Aug. 5, 1840, baptizing seventeen and receiving three by letter.

The church was again pastorless for two years, when, on the 28th of September, 1842, Rev. Sereno Howe, who had been previously ordained as an evan- gelist, was installed as pastor. His term of service was nearly seven years, and he received seventy-five persons into the fellowship of the church. In 1845 those elms were planted in front of the church, which, with the hedge, now make the grounds the most attractive in the town.

During the summer of 1851 the house was raised, repaired, and a new pulpit and furniture added. The vestry also was much enlarged, and a eom-

inittee-room built in the rear. In the antumn of that year Mr. Jonathan Pilson was called from the institution at Newton, and was ordained on the 5th of November. His was a long and prosperous pas- torate, ending Sept. 24, 1876. He received into the church one hundred and fifty-six, of whom he bap- tized one hundred and twenty-five.

In April, 1877, the church extended a eall to Rev. A. S. McLean, of Charlestown, and he was installed June 28th. He served the church, however, but a little more than one year, resigning July 7, 1878. The house of worship was repaired during his pas- torate, and there were some accessions.

In December, 1876, Rev. H. M. Dean, of Dayton, Ohio, began the diseharge of pastoral duties, and has continued to the present time (June, 1884). The progress of the church during this period, though not rapid, has been healthy ; and while there never was greater reason for thanksgiving for past blessings, there has probably never been a more hopeful outlook for the future than there is to-day.

The first deaeons were chosen in 1835, and six brethren have since served in that capacity. Th . honored names are Nichols Litchfield, Issachar Ful- ler, Joshua Thayer, Joseph Ripley, Levi Hersey, and Walton V. Mead, Deaeons Ripley and Mead still serving. Among the bequests which the church has received, that of Deacon Joshua Thayer, who be- queathed a commodious parsonage and grounds, de- serves especial mention.

The church has from the first sought and relied upon the aid of the spirit of God. A church library was founded in 1830, and the pastors, with the ex- eeption of Rev. Mr. McLean, have been graduates of Newton Theological Institution, but the church has depended not on learning, nor eloquence, but upon the power of God. It has unswervingly adhered to evangelieal truth, and to-day, as in the earlier years of the eentnry, is earnestly eontending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

There is also in this town a Methodist Episcopal Church, ealled Church of Zion, and also a Roman Catholic Church.

The Third Congregational Church was incor- porated Feb. 13, 1807. The following is the record : " An act to incorporate a number of Inhabitants of the North Parish of the Town of Hingham, in the county of Plymouth, into a religious Society by the name of the Third Congregational Society in Hing- ham. Dated February 13th, 1807. Approved by the Governor, Caleb Strong."

The first meeting for choosing parish officers was held Mareh 16, 1807, in pursuance of warrant

ist

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HISTORY OF HINGHAM.

issued by Samuel Norton, Esq., father of the late Professor Norton, of Cambridge.

May 10, 1807. Parish meeting held. Gen. Ben- jamin Lincoln, moderator, to see if the society concur with the church in calling Mr. Henry Colemau to settle as their gospel minister. Mr. Coleman's con- nection with the society was dissolved March, 1820.

Dec. 14, 1820. Rev. Charles Brooks, of Medford, was invited to become pastor of the society. Mr. Brooks resigned Jan. 1, 1839.

1840. Feb. 3. Rev. Oliver Stearns was invited to become the pastor of the society ; he remained with the society till Oct. 1, 1856, he having been invited to the presidency of Meadville Theological School.

1859, Oct. 4. Rev. Daniel Bowen was invited to become minister of the society.

1863. March. Rev. Mr. Bowen resigned as min- ister of the society.

1864, Feb. 29. Rev. Joshua Young was invited to become minister of the society.

1868, December. Rev. Mr. Young resigned as minister of the society.

1869, December. Rev. John Snyder was invited to become minister of the society.

1872, December. Rev. Mr. Snyder resigned as minister of the society.

1873, March. Rev. William G. Todd was invited to become minister of the society.

1875, December. Rev. Mr. Todd resigned as minister of the society.

1876, March. Rev. Dr. Henry A. Miles was in- vited to become the pastor of the society.

1883. Rev. Dr. Miles asked to be relieved of the charge of the society as minister (but now remains as pastor emeritus).

In January, 1884, Rev. A. T. Bowser was invited to become pastor of the church, and is the present incumbent.

CHAPTER V.

Old Colony Lodge. F. and A. M .- Hingham Mutual Fire In- surance Company-Hingham Institution for Savings-The Agricultural and Horticultural Society-Representatives from 1636 to 1894-The Press-Educational-The Derby Academy -The Hingham Public Library.

Old Colony Lodge, F. and A. M .- This is one of the oldest Masonic bodies in the commonwealth. It was chartered Dec. 10, 1792, and was originally lo- cated at Hanover. The charter members were as follows : John Young, James Lewis, David Jacobs, Jr., Adams Bailey, Charles Turner, Jr., William Curtis, Jr., George Little.

Their charter was signed by the following grand officers : John Cutler, G. M .; Joshiah Bartlett, S. G. W .; Munroe Mackey, J. G. W. ; Thomas Far- rington, G. S.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 225

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