USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Ware > History of Ware, Massachusetts > Part 9
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After the dismission 1 of the Rev. Benjamin Judd the church was without a pastor for five years.
It was a period of reconstruction after the Revolutionary War, a time of hardship and of extreme poverty. For two years the church was at a standstill, not a single official meeting being recorded for that period in the parish records.
That does not mean, however, that there was no preaching. In March, 1788, it was voted to supply the pulpit, and a com- mittee of three was appointed to "make applycation to the Association, or any other Gentlemen they think proper." William Page, who had entertained the last Council, was appointed to board the ministers for the year ensuing.
In the following year it was voted "that the Ministerial Committee apply to Mr. Chroysby to supply the pulpit for the present."
At a meeting in May, 1789, it was voted "to sell the Pue Ground to the Highest Bidor," money being needed for repairs on the meeting-house. The sale seems to have been anything but a solemn affair, for the vendue was adjourned to Ebenezer Nye's tavern where the interspersion of further
1 The expenses of the Council that dismissed Mr. Judd, which were met by the town, were as follows:
" 212 meals at 7d per meal. 68 lodgings at 2d each. 4d for keeping a horse 24 hours. - 76 horses.
Four gallons of new rum at 3s per gallon.
Two gallons of old rum at 5s per gallon."
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adjournments of from five to fifteen minutes each were re- sorted to to lubricate the sales. A good sum appears to have been realized, the purchasers not paying cash being required to give security.
Soon after this, application was made to a Mr. Alesworth to fill the pulpit, which he did for a time, to be followed by Mr. Briggs.
In September, 1789, a church meeting was held, at which two deacons were chosen, and the right of veto, given first to Grindall Rawson, and later confirmed to Ezra Thayer, was withdrawn from future pastors.
It has caused considerable surprise that such a power should ever have been placed in the hands of the pastor of the church. "This,1 it is said, was voted for several rea- sons, none of which are given; and to our minds it is more than questionable whether any good reasons could have been assigned, for the vote was a direct violation of the first principles of Congregationalism, giving the pastor the power of a veto, and so violating the integrity of a body, which, after the primitive pattern is competent to all eccle- siastical action." Mr. Coburn fails to apprehend the very excellent reason that the vote was passed; namely, that the ordaining councils, with little confidence in the spiritual discernment of our early church members, dictated the action to them.
In 1790 several church meetings were held. The church "went into a general examination of themselves, and a re- newal of their covenant."
Nothing could give a better picture of the social and religious condition of the time than the following brief votes:
That inconstancy in family prayer be a matter of dis- cipline. That excess in drinking strong liquors be a mat- ter of discipline. That all vain, and profane words, such as I Swair, - I Vow, -Cuss you or me, - faith, - Damn you or me, - and all other words of the same nature, - and every other Sin that the Word of God forbideth shall be matters of Discipline in this Church. i
1 Coburn's Address, 1851.
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PARISH LIFE AND GROWTH
Early in 1792 a serious move was made toward obtaining a settled pastor. Following a vote of the church this letter was sent to three neighboring ministers:
Ware, Feb. 14, 1792.
Reverend Sir: -
The Church of God in this place, have this day voted to set apart Thursday 23rd instant as a day of fasting, humili- ation, and prayer to seek of the Lord a right way in order to resettle a Gospel Minister. Voted also to invite Messrs Ward, Holt and Crosby to come and assist them with their Labours of Love. These are therefore to request your kind attendance.1
William Page, Moderator.
On this day of special observances the church "Unani- mously voted to give Mr. Reuben Moss an invitation to settle in this place as a Gospel Minister." At the March meeting, which followed soon after, the town unanimously voted to concur with the church, and a committee was ap- pointed to draw up proposals. A grant of £150 for settle- ment was made, and Mr. Moss's salary was fixed at £80 a year.
The proceedings are laid before us in a series of interesting documents.2
To the Church and other Inhabitants in Ware. Brethren and Friends,
I have taken your Call, to settle with you as a Gospel minister, into serious, deliberate and prayerful Considera- tion. Influenced by Solomon's Assertion, In the multi- tude of Counsellors there is safety, I have also asked the opinion of my Honoured Parents and of many Reverend Fathers in the Ministry. On the whole, reviewing the singu- lar Providence of God, in opening a door for me to preach the gospel among you, the Unanimity of your hearts in Electing me for your pastor, Your generous Proposals for my tem- poral support and the joint Encouragement of all to whom I have made application for advice to go forward, I am in-
1 Rev. Ephraim Ward of Brookfield, Rev. Thomas Holt of Hardwick and Rev. Joshua Crosby of Greenwich.
2 Reuben Moss, a native of Cheshire, Connecticut, graduated at Yale College in 1787, and studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Benj. Trumbull of New Haven. - Hyde.
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clined to think that the Voice of the People is the voice of God, saying, this is the way, walk in it; however, contempla- ting the Magnitude and extent of a good work, how many fiery darts may be hurled at an Officer in the Church Mili- tant, and the Solemn account all who watch for souls must give at the last great day, I am ready to adopt the language of the apostle, who is sufficient for these things. But the Captain of our Salvation hath said, Lo I am with you always. Animated by this Great and precious promise, I Cheerfully comply with your joint invitation. Let me be Interested always in your effectual fervent prayers, and con- stantly supported by your pious Examples, and I think I shall be cordially willing to spend and be spent for you.
I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would satisfy you early with his mercies, do you good and make you Glad according to the days wherein he hath afflicted you, and the years wherein you have seen Evil. Now the God of hope pour his spirit upon you, and his blessing upon your offspring and fill you all, both old and young with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghost. Permit me to subscribe myself your servant for Jesus' Sake.
Reuben Moss.
N. B. As Ware is so far from my kindred according to the flesh, from the public Seats of Literature. &c., I may have occasion to be absent three or four Sabbaths Yearly.
P. S. It is written If any man provide not for his own, but especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an Infidel. You will expect therefore that I pay suitable attention to the things which are seen. I shall consider it an act of kindness if the town will give their obligation to Mr. Thomas Marsh for forty- five pounds as soon as he procures and delivers me a War- rantee Deed of the seventeen acres of land called his wife's thirds. If it be your pleasure that the year in your computa- tion of time respecting my annual Salary commence the first day of April, when I last returned to you from Pelham, I have no objections. - Once more I beg leave to rely on your punctuality. Punctuality will be best for you, for in general sufficient unto a year are the burdens thereof. Punctuality I apprehend will be of great service to me. I suppose I shall be willing to enter into a family state, as
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soon as I can procure Decent Buildings without being much involved, and I have but little to depend on to defray the expense of Building, besides my annual income and the kind donation of a generous people. Punctuality, therefore, and any assistance which has been or may be proposed, will be received with gratitude by him who is cheerfully devoted to the service of God our Saviour among you. Finally, Brethren, be perfect, be of good Comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you. Happy is that People that is in such a case, yea happy is that People whose God is the Lord. Ware, May 18, 1792."
The Church of God in Ware to the Church of God in Keene - Greeting.
Through the good hand of our God we have unanimously given Mr. Reuben Moss, Candidate, a call to settle with us as a Gospel minister, and take the Pastoral charge and over- sight of the Church and Congregation; and the town have also unanimously concurred in the Call. God hath also inclined his heart to accept the invitation. The 25th day of June is appointed for his ordination. This, therefore, is to request you to come by Pastor and delegate and unite with the Pastors and delegates of other churches in setting him apart for the work, to which we trust the Holy Spirit has called him. The Churches to whom application will be made are Cheshire, North Haven, Palmer, Ist. in Brook- field, New Braintree, Hardwicke, and the two at Green- wich. The Council will convene at the house of Deacon William Paige Wednesday 20th of June 11 A.M. Wishing you Grace, Mercy and Peace may be multiplied unto you abundantly, we subscribe ourselves your Brethren in the Faith and Patience of our Common Lord.
Daniel Gould William Paige Committee in behalf of the Church David Brown
Ware, May 31, 1792.
Rev. Aaron Hall to be communicated.
Upon the assembling of the council the Rev. Moses Bald- win of Palmer was chosen moderator, and Daniel Foster of New Braintree scribe. Benjamin Trumbull of New Haven opened with prayer; the charge to the candidate was de-
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livered by Ephraim Ward of Brookfield; the right hand of fellowship was assigned to John Foot of Cheshire. Aaron Hall of Keene and Joseph Blodget of Greenwich took parts in the services, and Benjamin Trumbull preached the sermon.1
Amiable relations between pastor and people were at once established. Mr. Moss's appreciation of the generous provision made for him appears from the following:
REUBEN MOSS TO THE WHOLE TOWN,
Greeting.
As it is customary in this Commonwealth for every family to make an Entertainment, I am sensible that the expenses of Ordination have been pretty considerable. And you have been at some Cost and pains in sending to call my distant friends. Desirous therefore of sharing with you in the Ex- penses of Ordination and of exhibiting a public solid testi- mony of my grateful sense of your kindness in sending so far to my old friends, I request you to accept five pounds. If you comply with this request, the Assessors may be directed to make a rate bill for this year's Salary, which will amount to only seventy-five pounds.
The Moderator of the Town Meeting of Ware, to be com- municated.
Ware, June 26, 1792.
In answer to this, the town voted "to accept of Mr. Moss's gratis."
The installation of Reuben Moss marks an epoch in the life of Ware, - both parish and town. During his ministry of nearly seventeen years, he was a power in religious and
1 The text was 1 Tim. iii, 1. "This is a true saying if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good thing." Toward the end the preacher speaking with great gentleness and tact says: "I wish now with tenderness and freedom to ad- dress the Church and people of God in this town. Men, Brethren and Fathers; Great is the joy which we feel in the happy prospects of this day. We both rejoice with you, and give thanks to God, that after your broken circumstances, you have been enabled with such harmony, to resettle the gospel ministry among you. In the pleasing prospect that God is about to give you a pastor after his own heart ' who will feed you with knowledge and understanding,' and that you will have peace and be edified . . . with what seriousness and constancy should you attend his min- istry, pray and strive to promote the great ends of it with respect to yourselves and your children. . . . Spend not your precious sabbaths at home in sloth and drowsiness. . . . Take heed how you hear, . . . live in peace that the God of love and peace may be with you."
-
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educational matters; a true type of the traditional parson of the old days who was The Person of the community.
Within a year of his settlement the church revised the articles of faith and church covenant, adding five articles of agreement, the whole being ratified "after repeated examination and much deliberation, after solemn fasting, and united prayers, asking ' Wisdom of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.'"
One of the articles 1 was a virtual repeal of the Half- Way Covenant adopted many years earlier.
Church discipline was established on the strictest possible basis. At a church meeting Feb. 19, 1793, it was "voted that the church are of the opinion all those faults which by any means become public, ought to be confessed before the congregation." This meant a double confession, first before "the Church," that is, the church members sitting in coun- cil, and then before the entire congregation. The latter was a humiliation scarcely endurable, and it is not surprising that the demand for it more often met a point-blank refusal than a compliance.
When we consider the character of the faults that were most likely to be notorious, we may well wonder what the effect of so public a confession would be upon a mixed assemblage.
It is reported that education and morals improved very much during Mr. Moss's ministry. The man himself was characterized 2 as "of ardent piety, of refined feelings, and somewhat distinguished as a biblical scholar. As a preacher he was plain and practical and enforced his instructions by a blameless example. Many will long remember him as the faithful and affectionate friend of the young. In his labors for this class of the community he was indefatigable. He was remarkably particular and felicitous in attention to the district schools. Though at the time of his settlement the schools were in a very low and disordered state, they soon became much improved through his attention and influ- ence. By his effort in this department of his labors, he
1 The entire document is of interest to the student of New England Theology, but it is too long to be quoted in a general history.
2 Mr. Reed's "Discourse."
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was instrumental in preparing a large number of young men to engage in the instruction of schools in this town and vicinity. By this means he greatly raised the tone of moral feeling and the standard of education among his people. Twice in his ministry he was afflicted with severe turns of derangement. He died, deeply lamented, on the 17th of February, 1809, in the fiftieth year of his age. 'The memory of the just is blessed.' "
The epitaph of Mr. Moss at the old cemetery at the Centre is as follows:
In memory of the Rev. Reuben Moss of Ware who died Feb'y 17, 1809 in the 50th year of his age & in the 17th year of his ministry.
Here lies the messenger of truth. His theme divine, his office sacred, his credentials clear. By him the violated law spake out its thunders & by him, in strains as sweet as Angels use, the Gospel whispered peace. In doctrine un- corrupt; in language plain, & plain in manner. Much im- press'd himself, as conscious of his awful charge, & anxious mainly, that the flock he fed might feel it too.1
It must not be supposed that the sojourn in Ware of this saintly man was altogether untroubled. It looks, in fact, a little as if his mental derangement may have been caused or aggravated by his trials. Some serious difficulty was being experienced at the end of 1802, when, as appears from the records, his mind gave way.2 At that time a committee was chosen "to wait upon the Brookfield Association at their next session for their advice relative to the situation of the Rev. Mr. Moss," and meanwhile preaching was hired for three or four Sundays. In the following March a committee of twenty-one members was appointed to confer with Mr. Moss relative to some demands made by him, there being a question as to whether agreements with him had been faith- fully carried out. Then in May another committee was appointed "to settle with the Rev. Reuben Moss." Things
1 From Cowper's "Task."
2 Mr. Moss was adjudged "a non-compos person," and his estate inventoried Aug. 9, 1802. George Breakenridge was appointed guardian. On March 10, 1803, the selectmen certify that Rev. Mr. Moss is restored to sanity. During his de- rangement, which was a form of melancholia, he was treated with a harshness that would not be tolerated today, being shackled about the ankle, and chained.
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HISTORY OF WARE
THE MEETING-HOUSE AT THE CENTRE
This building, erected in 1800, replaced the earlier structure which had served the Parish since 1750.
divine lus
Miner. SEoch Im-
erto . dakulty was being poury from the
THE RICH HOUSE
Built about 1792 by George, youngest son of Capt. William Brakenridge. This was one of the first two-story homes built in town. It contained a hall in which singing school was held. The house is still occupied by the direct descendants of the family.
The
Mr.
-
--
-
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PARISH LIFE AND GROWTH
went badly that summer, and at the end of September, at a special meeting, it was "Voted that the Rev. Reuben Moss be dismissed from the pastoral care over the Church and people in this town, and to serve him with a copy of said vote." But no action appears to have been taken by the church in the matter,1 and in May, 1803, the situation was again before the town, at which time it was voted that Mr. Moss be continued as minister of the parish.
Soon after the installation of Mr. Moss the need of a new meeting-house, to replace the building that had answered the parish requirements almost fifty years, began to press upon the town. The old question as to location was again raised, and various committees were appointed to consider the matter. Surveys were made, meeting after meeting was held; but it was impossible to agree upon a new site. The matter dragged, and the town was forced to repair the old meeting-house for the time being. After years of fruitless delay the obvious decision was reached, to set the new build- ing upon the town land close to the old meeting-house. The building was to be financed by a sale of pews as located on the plan which was drawn, submitted to the town, and accepted.
In September, 1798, it was "Voted to allow the pound to be taken and used in preparing the foundations." The contract for the building was awarded in December of the same year as follows:
These Presents witnesseth to the agreement made be- tween the Committee appointed by the Town of Ware to build a Meeting House in said Town on the one part and Ezekiel Baxter of Spencer in the County of Worcester on the other part viz The said Ezekiel Baxter hereby promises and ingages for himself his heirs Executors administrator and assigns To Build a Meeting House in said Town of Ware (at the place that is agreed by said Town of Ware to set the Meeting House) and to do the same in the fol- lowing manner that is to do the whole of the work part to a House that is fifty seven feet long and forty four feet wide and is about Twenty eight feet post with a porch at each end of said House that is twelve by thirteen feet bigness
1 The church records show a gap from June, 1800 to June, 1809.
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HISTORY OF WARE
and of suitable height Said House and porches to be well and completely Timbered Studded and Braced and the whole of the framing work and finishing work outside and inside and plaistering above the underpining to be done in the best approved manner in the Judgment of such workmen that are competent to do the part of a Meeting House the outside of said House to be finished by the fifteenth day of October next and the residue of said work of every descrip- tion to be done by the fifteenth day of October which shall be in the year Eighteen hundred, and the said Committee on there part in behalf of said Town of Ware do hereby promise and ingage that they will seasonably provide at the spot where said House is to be built the whole of the Material of every description of whatsoever name or Nature that will be needed for said House and such that shall be suitable for the same and for doing the work as above ex- press'd to give or cause to be given to him the said Ezekiel Baxter the sum of Eleven hundred Dollars one half of said sum to be paid by the fifteenth day of October next to be paid in some drover or buchers note that can be well recommended payable in sixty days with Interest and the other half to be paid by the fifteenth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred in the like note of hand with interest and to procure for the accommodation of him the said Ezekiel Baxter the use of house room while he is doing the work to said House and to carry one thousand feet of white pine boards that is suitable for window sashes to his house at Spencer and to bring a load of provisions from his house to Ware and also to fetch the sashes and other work that shall be made out of said boards to the place where it shall be wanted and if it shall so happen that said outside of said is finish'd before the fifteenth day of October next in that case said committee ingages to pay the interest for said sum of the first payment from the time of finishing said outside untill the same is paid and upon condition that there is a failure in either party then the Damage to made good to the satisfaction of the Injured party.
In witness whereof the parties have interchangeably Sub- scribed there hands this fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety eight
N. B. it is understood by the parties that the committee is to be at the cost of raising said House Excepting said
....
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PARISH LIFE AND GROWTH
Ezekiel Baxter time in which he is to assist in raising the Same in the foregoing Bargain
Ezekiel Baxter Daniel Gould Simeon Cummings Isaac Pepper James Brakenridge George Brakenridge Thomas Patrick
Committee
The "raising " was arranged for June, 1799. It was in this year that Isaac Pepper and some others petitioned the town for permission to place a cupola upon the new building. A subscription was raised, the frame put up and fastened to the house, and the town then informed that it was at liberty to finish it or not as it chose. This was called "A right Pepper trick," an expression that remained current for two generations. In July, 1800, the town voted a sum suffi- cient to finish the cupola. At the same time there was much dissatisfaction over the "pillows" in the meeting-house, the location of which had to be changed several times. As the new building approached completion it was voted to sell the old meeting-house, to be removed within ten days of the occupation of the new one, the pews being reserved to their several owners.
The work on the cupola in 1799 seems not to have been satisfactory, and in 1801 a committee was appointed
to see that the deck of the Cupola is corked and made tite so as to prevent the water from penetrating through and also to finish glaizeing sª Cupola and other panes of glass which are broken in the meeting house and fasten the upper case- ments of the windows so as to prevent them from makeing an Interruption in time of publick worship.
Voted that the front door of the meeting house be bolted as soon as the Speaker hath entered.
In 1807 a number of citizens proposed to give the town a bell, whereupon it was "voted that there may be a bell placed upon the deck of the cupola in this town, upon some conditions." The conditions were that "the bell be pur-
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chased and hung upon said deck free from any cost or ex- pense upon said town either by tax or otherwise." This was to prevent a repetition of the "Pepper trick." The proposed subscribers did not meet the conditions, and no bell was hung until 1826.
A little more than a year after the death of Mr. Moss, the Rev. Samuel Ware was invited to settle as minister, town and church concurring in the call. There was much discus- sion over terms of settlement, which, however, were finally adjusted as follows:
Voted to give Mr. Samuel Ware five hundred Dollars Settlement on condition he should be an ordained Minister in the town of Ware fifteen years, and if he should not be continued fifteen years, in that proportion for the time he shall continue to be our Minister and the residue to be re- funded again to the town, Said five hundred Dollars to be paid at the time of ordination.
Voted to give Mr. Samuel Ware three hundred & eighty Dollars Salary per year so long as he shall continue to be an ordained Minister in the town of Ware, he to have and receive the annual premium of twenty Dollars which is annually due from said town of Ware, to the Minister; making in the whole four hundred Dollars annually.
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