USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Raynham > History of Raynham, Mass. : from the first settlement to the present time > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
The disposition made of its venerable pulpit will be seen from the following interesting letter by Dr. Fobes, written in choice ecclesiastical English, recently discovered by Mr. Eliot Sandford, of New York, among the forgotten records of Dr. Hopkins's church at Newport, Rhode Island. The gift of a pulpit, from Raynham to Newport, is unique. It can scarcely have been very elaborate in structure. The entire cost of the church from which it was taken reached but fourteen hundred dollars, and a pulpit built upon the same scale of expenditure probably was not of rosewood or mahogany. It had been seasoned, however, in the glow of sound doctrines, and suf- fered no declension in the occupancy of Dr. Hopkins.
The record is prefaced as follows, in Dr. Hopkins's hand :----
"In August, 1782, this church rceived a decent pulpit, sent as a present from the church in Raynham, which came to us by water, without any charge, accompanied by the following letter, viz. : " --
" RAYNHAM, July 28, 1782.
" The Church of Christ in Raynham, to the First Congregational Church in Newport, sendeth greeting :-
" Whereas, our beloved brother, Mr. Samuel Vinson, having informed us of your afflicted state, and of the many losses you have in the time past sustained by the reason of the British
16
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
troops among you, and, in particular, the destruction of the pulpit belonging to your house of worship :
"Holy and Beloved :- We lament your calamity, and de- sire as your brothers and companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, cordially to sympathize with you in your affliction. In testimony of this, we present you with another pulpit, only desiring that you would accept it as a little token of affection and communion with you. It was, we would inform you, the joint property of Colonel Shaw, Mr. Josiah Dean and Captain John King, and his brother, Captain Philip King, all of this town, of whom the two first are brethren in the church. Upon a representation of your circumstances, they all fully relinquished their rights, and left it in the hands and at the disposal of the church. We most gladly received it for your sakes, and to cast it into your treasury as two mites of a poor woman, most ardently wishing that it may be always filled with a pious and successful min- ister of the gospel, and that the word of life may, through the blessing of heaven, prove what the blood of ancient martyrs did, the seed of the church from generation to generation. Asking your prayers to God for us, we conclude, praying that blessings of every needed kind may descend from the great head of the church upon you and your children, and your respected pastor and all of the dear people of his most import- ant charge. We subscribe ourselves, the brethren, in the faith and fellowship of God.
PEREZ FOBES, Pastor."
After the present house was erected, in 1832, there was doubt as to the best disposition to be made of the old church.
This house stood near the angle of the common, leaving an abundance of room, and a better site for the new church nearer the centre of the lot. When completed, the old bell was transferred to the belfry of the new house, and the parish voted to disestablish the old church by pulling it down, when some legal impediments were urged on behalf of the town, which in former years had acquired a right to hold its meet- ings there, in consideration of having once appropriated
17
FATE OF THE OLD MEETING HOUSE.
money for repairs made upon the house. Up to that time, town meetings had been holden in the church, and doubtless many remember the litter of ballots sometimes seen in the aisles and before the pulpit, remaining unremoved over Sunday. The town had no other place to assemble. It was not proba- ble the parish would consent to have the new house used for municipal purposes, and the continuance of the old edifice upon the common would be inconvenient and unsightly. Some of the conservatives were fearful of consequences, and threats of a suit for damages for removal of the bell had already been made.
The tower stood at the west end, fronting upon one of the streets that bounded the common, and was attached to the church by one of its sides only. Its dimensions on the ground were probably about twenty feet square, and tall enough to over-top the apex of the main building in a very command- ing manner. One night this tower was severed from the church and overturned. By a summary process, some of the young men (who might even now be designated) took it upon themselves to cut the knot which their elders thought it difficult to untie. In the morning, the tower lay upon the ground, extending across the street, interrupting travel, the spire projecting into the orchard of Mr. Amos Hall, complete with vane and lightning rod. What the con- tiguous dwellers thought of the crash in the night it is impos- sible to say, but daylight revealed the dismembered church and the prostrate tower, to the no small surprise of many lookers-on. Subsequently no serious objection was made to the removal of the building. Its relics were distributed about, and some of them could have been seen until recently
A curious chimney head, made to revolve with the changes of the wind for the better delivery of smoke, was placed upon the chimney of the pastor's study, and there did good service to the draught. Subsequently it was transferred to the chimney of one of the deacons. The only blinds on the church were placed inside upon the window behind the pulpit. They were comparatively modern, and, being in good condi- 3
18
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
tion, were rehung upon the parsonage. The gilded vane was preserved for a number of years in the parsonage carriage- house. The old horse-block, a flat stone in one piece, at least ten feet square, placed upon pillars at a convenient height for mounting, when saddles and pillions were the mode of con- veyance, stood near the door of the ancient church. A mem- ber of the parish (Mr. Briareas Hathaway) bought this stone, and, with considerable labor, carried it nearly a mile and made it the floor of a house for some of his domestic animals.
1823.
The fourth pastor of this church was Rev. Enoch Sanford, of Berkley, who graduated at Brown University, in the class of 1820, and was subsequently tutor in that institution two years. He studied Theology with Calvin Park, D. D., Pro- fessor of Moral Philosophy in the college, and was admitted to orders in the ministry, by the Old Colony Association at Berkley, in 1822. He had preached a year in Seekonk, while an officer in the college, was evangelical, but not high Calvin- istic, and conservative in his sentiments. As there were in Raynham a number verging towards Unitarianism, it was thought he would not be unacceptable to the different parties, and, after preaching here four months, was ordained October 2d, 1823. The vote calling him was unanimous, and the sal- ary five hundred dollars, with the use of the parsonage and glebe. At his ordination a great assembly collected, filling the house below and above. The ordaining council was com- posed of
Rev. Pitt Clark, -
-
Norton.
Rev. Calvin Park, D. D., -
Providence.
Rev. Abraham Gushee,
- Dighton.
Rev. Luther Hamilton, Taunton.
Rev. R. M. Hodges,
- Bridgewater.
Rev. Philip Colby, - Middleborough.
Rev. Thomas Andros, -
Berkley.
-
19
FORMATION OF A SECOND SOCIETY.
Rev. Thomas Andros preached the ordination sermon, and Mr. Gushee offered the ordaining prayer; Mr. Hamilton gave the right hand of fellowship; Mr. Clark the charge, and Mr. Colby the concluding prayer. The council and visitors were entertained by Peyton Randolph Leonard, at the King Philip mansion, near the forge,-the famous old house built about 1670. The council walked in procession to the church, led by Rev. Mr. Andros, the moderator, in his canonical robe. The music at the ordination was by the Beethoven Society, composed of select singers from several towns, under the leadership of Colonel Adoniram Crane, of Berkley.
For several years Mr. Sanford maintained pulpit exchanges with the neighboring clergy indiscriminately ; but when the distinction between Orthodoxy and Unitarianism became more accurately defined, he deemed it inconsistent with his duty to continue exchanges with ministers of the latter denomination. This refusal raised opposition from a portion of the church and society, which presently took a definite form and expression. While Mr. Sanford was absent at the anniversaries in Boston, the dissatisfied members prepared a remonstrance, requesting him not to discontinue such ex- changes, stating therein that his settlement was on the expec- tation that ministerial intercourse should be maintained alike with liberal and orthodox clergymen irrespectively.
On his return another memorial was presented, desiring him to regulate the matter of exchanges according to his own judg- ment and discretion,-declaring that his settlement was not on the expectation that he should exchange with Unitarians. This paper was signed by about two-thirds of the voting mem- bers of the church and society. Prior to this time the line of separation had never been so clearly drawn. There were Ar- ticles of Faith adopted and formerly used by the church, in admitting members. This creed and covenant was similar to that of other evangelical churches, but had been lost or sup- pressed during Mr. Hull's ministry.
These discords resulted in the formation of an Unitarian Society, in 1828, comprising twenty - five of the church
20
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
and a portion of the society. The new organzaition, styled the Second Congregational Society, included some of the most respected and influential families in the town. They first worshipped in Captain Reuben Hall's public hall, and at length built a church a little north of the first chuch, on land presented by Ellis Hall, Esq., and engaged Rev. Simeon Doggett, of Men- don, for their minister, who continued to preach while the or- ganization was maintained.
The new society received few accessions, and, at the end of a dozen years, services were discontinued, and a portion of the congregation and their pastor attended public worship at the old church.
Before the separation was accomplished, various circum- stances occurred, tending to a division. Some wished to in- troduce the Unitarian Hymn book. The leader of the choir, Mr. Otis Washburn, conferred with Mr. Sanford upon the ex- pediency of the change, who advised to leave the decision to the church. New books were, however, distributed among the choir without further consultation. On the following Sunday, when the hymn was announced from Watts as usual, the choir remained silent. In the afternoon, Mr. Wheeler Wilbur vol- unteered to lead the tune, and the choir followed in the accus- tomed hymn. Soon after, at a meeting of the church and society, a majority determined to make no change in the hymn book.
Subsequently, difficulties arose concerning the funds of the first society, the trustees of which were Horatio Leonard, Maj. John Gilmore and others, who were all among the seceders. They refused to pay over the income of the investment. Suit was brought, and the case conducted by Z. Eddy, of Middle- borough, carried before the Supreme Court, where the decision was in favor of the first society, on the ground that the funds were originally given to it; and those who withdrew from the society could not lawfully carry any portion of the funds with them. The income then was about $200,-formerly it had been more. Not long after, Captain Edward Leonard left to the so- ciety, by his will, a legacy of $1,000 and land worth $800. He
21
THE PRESENT HOUSE OF WORSHIP.
also gave $1,000 to the Unitarian society, in behalf of his brother Samuel, who intended to make the bequest had he executed a will.
After a service of nearly twenty-five years, Mr. Sanford re- signed, in 1847. Notwithstanding the Unitarian withdrawal, during that period the church increased and prospered, receiv- ing, during his ministry, one hundred and twenty-five new members, augmenting its numbers from eighty to one hundred and forty-nine. Largely through his influence the society re- ceived several thousand dollars in donations and legacies. The Sabbath school was instituted in 1823, and Dea. E. B. Deane became the first superintendent. Amicable relations were maintained with the venerable pastor of the new society, and no dissonance ever arose. In the superintendence of the public schools, where Mr. Sanford was active for thirty years, and in sustaining the various public interests of the community, the two pastors acted cordially together.
In 1824, Mr. Sanford was married to Miss Caroline White, of Weymouth. They lived, for more than twenty years, in the parsonage house, and there five children were born. Be- fore the era of railroads, when all travelling was by horses and much of it by private conveyance, the parsonage was a centre of hospitality for clergymen and friends passing that way. Here Mr. Sanford resided until he built a new house, an eighth of a mile distant, where he continues to live. Of his children, two are successful physicians, one a lawyer and one a manu- facturer.
THE NEW CHURCH,
now standing, was commenced in 1832. T The corner-stone was laid in May, with religious services, and the house soon com- pleted. The church contains sixty-eight pews, and cost about $5,000. It was dedicated in March, 1834, in the presence of a large audience, and the pews were subsequently sold for a thousand dollars more than the cost of the house. The church was built by contract, by Mr. Peterson, of Duxbury, under the superintendence of Mr. Amos Hall, for which he received
22
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
$50. Mr. Hall died at an advanced age, in 1869. He was a man of integrity, conservative in sentiment, and much relied upon for counsel and advice.
When originally built the house contained two elevated pews in the rear of the singers' gallery, designed for persons of color. These lofty seats were constructed contrary to the advice of the pastor, and were removed in 1866, when the church was repaired and renovated.
In the vestibule of the house, where the stove once stood before a furnace for warming was introduced, there formerly hung a glass case, interesting to the connubially inclined, in which the publication of the bans of intended marriages was made, in accordance with the ancient law. For many years the instrumental accompaniment of the choir consisted of Dea. Elijah Gushee's viol and the double bass viol played by Mr. Sumner Knapp. When an organ was introduced, in subse- quent years, Mr. Ruel Hall and (after his decease) Mr. Ed- ward King played the instrument. For twenty-five years, Mr. Sumner Knapp has been leader of the choir, in which many excellent musicians have been members.
The disposition of the old house, which was permitted to stand until the completion of the new one, has been related on a previous page. After its destruction the town had no place to assemble until the present hall was built. One town meet- ing was warned upon the site of the demolished church, and convened there on a cold day in November. After the meet- ing was organized in the open air, Maj. E. B. Deane invited the assembly to adjourn to a comfortably warmed building in the vicinity. The suit which the town brought against the parish for damages, in taking down the church, in which it was alleged the town had acquired an interest, was decided ad- versely to the plaintiffs. It appeared that the parish had acted legally in appraising the pews and tendering payment to each owner.
REV. ROBERT CARVER,
a graduate of Andover Theological Seminary, was settled in 1847. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. Erastus
23
THE SEVENTH PASTOR.
Maltby, of Taunton, of which town Mr. Carver was a native. As a preacher he was earnest and plain. He adapted himself successfully to the wants and requirements of the common apprehension, and diligently illustrated and enforced the truth. As a pastor, he was noted for amiability, sincerity and a per- severing application to duty. In 1853, he was elected repre- sentative to the legislature, and, soon after, resigned his pas- toral charge to remove to Norton. Subsequently, he preached in South Franklin. At the commencement of the Rebellion he became chaplain of the 7th Massachusetts regiment, and was present at the seven days' battle before Richmond, under Gen. McClellan, from the suffering and exposure of which his health became impaired beyond permanent recovery. Rev. Mr. Maltby preached his funeral sermon, and he lies in the North Cemetery at Taunton.
The next clergyman, Rev. John Haskell, devoted his abili- ties assiduously to the ministerial work. Installed January 15th, 1859, he remained about five years.
The Rev. W. J. Breed, who succeeded Mr. Haskell, was a native of Taunton and a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1831. He had been settled in Providence and Nantucket before coming to Raynham. He was a man of popular talents, well educated in classical and sacred literature, and of tenacious memory. When young he had travelled in Europe. His presence and address were agreeable and commanding; his eye clear, and his physiognomy intellectual. His voice filled the house without effort, and his utterance was fluent.
His sermons were usually written, and the notes closely fol- lowed except at the conclusion, when he was capable of speak- ing extemporaneously with animation and force. His pulpit prayers were sometimes long, but pertinent and fervent, and prompted by an elevated spirit of devotion. His scriptural views were evangelical and comprehensive, and his preaching more practical than doctrinal. His style was logical, and he
24
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
was capable of writing in a lucid, compressed manner, adapted to every understanding.
He married Mary, daughter of Jesse Smith, of Taunton, and his domestic relations were extremely happy. After leaving Raynham, he made his home at the house of Rev. T. T. Rich- mond, of Taunton. There, at his brother-in-law's, he died of heart disease, April, 1869, aged fifty-nine years. His wife, two sons and two daughters survive.
Rev. F. A. Fisk succeeded, and was inducted to the settle- ment by public services, at which Rev. Dr. Blake, of Taunton, preached ; Rev. Mr. Maltby gave the charge, and Rev. Mr. Edwards, of North Middleborough, offered the installing prayer. After officiating one year, Mr. Fisk resigned in order to join the Episcopal church.
DEACONS.
1731. John Staples and Samuel Leonard.
1797. Abiel Williams and Oliver Washburn.
1741. Jonathan Shaw. 1819. Lloyd Shaw.
1750. Jonathan Hall and Edmund Williams.
1824. Horatio Leonard.
1828. Eliab B. Deane and
1761. Elijah Leonard and Israel Washburn.
Elijah Gushee.
1850. Samuel Jones.
1780. Jonathan Shaw.
THE BAPTISTS.
Dr. Fobes stated, in 1793, that there were one thousand in- habitants in Raynham, one-sixth of whom were Baptists. When there was no distinction between town and parish, all the inhabitants were required, by law, to pay the assessments laid for ministerial support. In 1783, the town voted not to compel those who professed to be Baptist to pay the clerical tax for the support of a minister whose preaching they could not conscientiously attend, alleging that " to compel them to
25
REV. SIMEON DOGGETT.
pay it would endanger that peace and harmony which should subsist in a town society."
The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and a house of worship built a few years after. Rev. Ebenezer Briggs be- came the first pastor, and, under his ministrations, the Church largely increased. He formerly lived on the shores of Long Pond, in Middleborough, where, upon his own farm, he main- tained a generous hospitality. His preaching was earnest, faithful and effective, and his correct life reflected the sincer- ity of his heart.
Rev. Ephraim Ward, of Middleborough, a graduate of Brown University, succeeded Mr. Briggs and preached accept- ably three years, when he resigned and removed to Illinois. In 1846, Rev. Silas Hall became minister, and has since been followed by a number of preachers who remained but a short term each.
The Deacons of this Church are Godfrey Robinson, Esq., and Capt. William King. The chief benefactor and patron of the Society was Mr. Asa King, whose life is included in the published "Genealogy of the King Family."
REV. SIMEON DOGGETT,
pastor of the Unitarian Church, came from Mendon to Rayn- ham soon after the formation of the church, in 1828, and died in 1852. He was the first preceptor of Bristol Academy, a scholarly man of dignified habits, and highly respected for his worth. He married a daughter of Dr. Fobes, and lived at the Centre, in the house now occupied by E. B. Dean. His will, on record at the probate office, commences thus : "Impressed with the words of the prophet Isaiah, who said to Hezekiah, 'Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live.'" His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Charles Brigham, of Taunton. Of his family, one son is a clergyman ; another son died soon after entering the bar, and a third, Perez, is in the practice of medicine at Wareham. His daughter, Abbie, mar- ried Mr. William R. Dean, of Boston.
4
26
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
THE SPIRIT OF "SEVENTY-SIX."
During the Revolution the quota of men for the war was large and readily filled. On the first call for soldiers, Ser- geant George King rode through the town with drum and fife, calling at every house with the proclamation, "Rally ! the British are shooting our Massachusetts men ! Rally, and drive them out of the country!"
Minute men, with three days' provisions packed, were in readiness at call. Benjamin King was one of the committee of safety for this section of country. Dr. Fobes describes the political spirit as active and prompt. He states that the mili- tia companies were well disciplined and equipped.
In 1786, there were unlawful attempts to prevent the sitting of the courts; and when it was rumored a mob would be gath- ered to obstruct the session at Taunton, the two Raynham companies volunteered to guard the court house. They marched to Taunton and occupied the court room, laying on their arms all night. The next day reinforcements arrived from Plymouth, which, with the Raynham companies, under command of Gen. Cobb, maintained order and protected the session of the court.
In 1810, there were two companies of uniformed militia in the town. The south company was commanded by Capt. Barzillai King, and the north company by Capt. Simeon Wil- bur. Their uniform was caps plumed with horse hair, and coats faced with red.
In the war of the Rebellion this town was prompt in fur- nishing men at the call of the government. Twelve of the flower of its youth fell in battle or died in hospital, and $25,000 were raised for bounties and gratuities.
ORIGINAL FAMILIES.
Among the first settlers were the Leonards. They and their descendants were intelligent and enterprising, and, by their influence, instrumental in promoting the best interests of
27
COLLEGE GRADUATES.
the town. The Washburne families were equally intelligent and respected. Israel Washburne, the third of that name, removed to Maine. He had three sons who became members of Congress from three different States,-one of them was Gov- ernor of Maine, and another, Elihu B. Washburne, was United States Secretary of State, and now is Minister to France. The King families have held a high standing. The first of that name was John King, who settled here in 1680, near the river.
The Shaw families are to be remembered for their adherence to religion and justice. The Deans have ranked high. One of them was formerly a member of Congress. The Halls, Gushees, Williamses, Gilmores, Andrews, Hathaways, Whites, Tracys and Knapps have honorably promoted the best interests of the town.
EDUCATION.
The first settlers were intelligent and virtuous, and having made great sacrifices in coming to the wilderness, determined to give their children opportunities for instruction. Until after the Revolution the schoolmaster instructed the children in reading, writing, arithmetic and morals, for £10 a year. His school was occasionally removed from one section of the town to another, for the convenience of his pupils. Some of the intel- ligent boys studied surveying, and all recited weekly from the Assembly's Catechism.
Many school teachers, male and female, have originated in this town and some of them have attained superiority in the profession.
Of those who have received college degrees, there are the following :-
Zephaniah Leonard, (Yale,) 1785, colonel, and high sheriff, Bristol county.
Joshua Leonard, (Brown,) 1788, pastor, Pompey, N. Y.
John Hathaway, (Brown,) 1793, pastor in Maine.
Zephaniah Leonard, (Brown,) 1793, physician in Virginia. William Augustus Leonard, (Brown,) 1793, merchant. Jahaziah Shaw, (Brown,) 1792, lawyer, Maine.
28
HISTORY OF RAYNHAM, MASS.
Mason Shaw, (Brown,) 1795, lawyer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.