USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Westminster > History of Westminster, Massachusetts (first named Narragansett no. 2) from the date of the original grant of the township to the present time, 1728-1893, with a biographic-genealogical register of its principal families > Part 42
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" Approved. JOHN BROOKS, Gov.
" Feb. 7, 1820."
Pursuant to the provisions of this enactment, a meeting of the newly incorporated body was called by Hayman Wheeler, Esq., on the 25th of the following April, when Merari Spauld- ing was elected clerk and treasurer, and Hayman Wheeler, Cyrus Winship, and Asa W. Rand were chosen assessors for the year ensuing. The assessors were constituted a committee for the supply of preaching and seventy dollars were appropri- ated to pay for the same and defray other expenses.
Action had previously been taken with reference to the erec- tion of a house of worship, and the work of preparation there- for was already going on. To obtain the requisite funds for the undertaking, the pews were mostly sold in advance, on con- dition that half the purchase money was to be paid when the building was enclosed and the balance when it was ready for occupancy. The house was completed the following year, and was dedicated with appropriate services on the 3d of July, Rev. Edward Turner of Charlestown preaching from the words " All nations whom thou has made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord ; and shall glorify thy name." - Psalms 86: 9. It was a well-proportioned, neat, two-story structure, with frontal projection and steeple, and had seating accommodations for some four or five hundred persons. It stood at the rear of the North Common, a mile and a half from the Center, most of the fami- lies worshiping in it residing in that part of the town and in contiguous neighborhoods in other towns. Its position was commanding and its outlook pleasant in all directions, though there were but few dwellings in its immediate vicinity.
Religious services had undoubtedly been held in private resi- dences before and during the erection of the meetinghouse, conducted by clergymen temporarily engaged from abroad for that purpose, but as soon as a place of public worship was pro- vided, the desirableness and importance of having a permanent and regular supply of the pulpit was recognized and steps were taken to secure that end. Hence on the 29th of January, 1822, after voting and granting "one hundred and sixty dollars to hire preaching the present year," the society instructed the committee having the matter in charge "to apply to Bro. Levi Briggs to supply the pulpit." Mr. Briggs responded favorably to the application and, his services proving acceptable, he was after a few months induced to assume the duties of a settled minister, his installation taking place Sept. 3, 1822, the sermon
347
PASTORATE OF REV. CHARLES HUDSON.
on the occasion being delivered by Rev. Paul Dean of Boston. A few weeks before, June 15th, a church was formally estab- lished, the first deacons of which were Merari Spaulding and Joel Baker.
The pastorate of Mr. Briggs was brief, continuing less than two years, and without noteworthy incident.
The second pastor of the Universalist Church and society was Rev. Charles Hudson, who, after the usual preliminaries, as- sumed the duties of the office in April, 1824. Of strong and vigorous intellect and thoroughly devoted to the faith that was then everywhere spoken against, he entered upon and prose- cuted his work with earnestness and zeal. In a few years he built up a large, strong society, among whose members and constituency were found some of the most trustworthy, sub- stantial, and influential people of the town-men of principle and honor, women of thoughtful, reverent spirit, exemplary and respected in all the walks of life.
To meet and bear testimony against one of the popular ex- cesses of the time, the growing tendency to needless expendi- ture and display on funeral occasions and matters relating thereto, the society, in a spirit worthy of emulation at the present day, at its annual meeting, March, 1830, voted
"1. To dispense with giving ardent spirits to all unnecessary attendants.
"2. To dispense with inviting pall-bearers back to the house of the deceased for refreshments.
"3. To dispense with wearing any more badges of mourning than a black ribbon on the arm, or a weed on the hat of the male, and a black ribbon around the bonnet or cap of the female."
As time went on and the influence of Mr. Hudson increased, resulting in a greater extension of Universalist views among the inhabitants of the southerly and easterly parts of the town, it became apparent that the location of the house of worship was not favorable to the best interests of the society. Accord- ingly, early in the year 1833 a movement was inaugurated look- ing to its removal to a more central situation, in which the great body of those at that time interested could be better accommodated. Upon bringing the matter before the society at the annual meeting in April, it was voted "that the Society give their consent that the meeting-house be moved to the Town Strect or to some suitable place near the street, provided it is done free of expense to the Society and put in as good repair as it is now in, and that the rights of pew-holders shall not be infringed upon."
Pursuant to this action the building was transferred during the summer following to the position which it now occupies, at an expense of about twelve hundred dollars, and services were resumed in it in the autumn of the same year. Externally the structure is essentially the same as when first erected,
348
HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER, MASS.
although important changes and renovations have been made inside at several different dates, as necessity and convenience have seemed to justify or require.
At the outset and for some years it was the policy of the society to make an engagement with the minister annually, but in the month of December, 1835, this plan was changed and Mr. Hudson was engaged for five years at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars a year, each year to have fifty Sab- baths' preaching, the term of service to begin with the following April and to end with April, 1841.
In the autumn previous to the expiration of this period, Mr. Hudson, who had for some years been interested in politi- cal affairs, and who had been called by his fellow-citizens of the town and county to serve in both houses of the State Legisla- ture, was elected to a seat in the National House of Represen- tatives, rendering it impossible for him to continue much longer in the work of the Christian ministry, and his pastorate came to an end accordingly. Passing thus from the religious to the political arena, in which he rendered distinguished service, Mr. Hudson never returned to the pulpit again. Later in life, after leaving Westminster in 1849 and taking up his residence in Lexington, he entered into the fellowship of the Unitarian denomination, of which he was a respected, active, and influen- tial member till his death, which occurred May 4, 1881, at the age of 85.
As a part of the religious history of his time, it is proper to remark that Mr. Hudson belonged to what was called the Restorationist branch of the Universalist denomination, holding and defending the doctrine of future punishment in opposition to the theory, then largely prevailing, that sin and all its conse- quences are confined to the present state of being. In the conflict which arose between the champions of these two schools of thought, he vindicated himself and his views before his own people and the community at large with marked ability, both in public addresses and by the printed page. The position of Mr. Hudson upon the subject in controversy is justified by the fact that the Universalists of to-day, with rare exceptions, accept and maintain, substantially, the theories for which he "both labored and suffered reproach."
As the time drew near when he was to enter upon his duties at the national capital, it became necessary to make provision for filling the vacancy in the pulpit to be occasioned thereby, and the society voted "to hire the Rev. Paul Dean for a few Sab- baths." As a result of this vote, Mr. Dean proved so accepta- ble in all respects to the people that he became their acting, resident pastor for about three years, rendering excellent ser- vice and imparting new vigor to the different departments of the work under his charge.
Mr. Dean at this time was a man somewhat past middle life;
349
REV. MESSRS. DEAN, TURNER, AND LINCOLN.
tall, erect, dignified, with a cheerful countenance, of pleasing address and gentlemanly manners. He came from Boston, where he had been settled for about twenty-five years, his min- istry there beginning in 1813 as colleague of the celebrated John Murray, the reputed founder of Universalism in this coun- try, and where he had acquired wide-spread fame as one of the first pulpit orators of his day and generation. His gifts in this particular had by no means left him when he entered upon his pastorate here, though advancing years and somewhat infirm health had impaired in a measure the richness of his voice, the elegance of his diction, the persuasive power of his utterance, the magnetic charm of his personal presence. He attracted large audiences and won the respect and confidence of the public during his brief stay in town, which terminated in 1844.
It was under his ministry that the first Christmas celebra- tion ever held in Westminster took place, in the year 1842. It was an interesting and memorable occasion. The house was profusely decorated. Appropriate scripture passages were dis- played upon the walls, a large choir rendered inspiring, com- memorative anthems, and the pastor, animated with the spirit. of reverence and love for him whose birth into the world was an event deemed worthy of remembrance and honor, preached one of his most ornate and classic sermons with unusual elo- quence and power. Few who were present at the time will ever forget the attractiveness of the house, or the fervor, grandeur, impressiveness which characterized the service. Its very novelty gave the occasion charm and sanctified power.
The successor of Mr. Dean was Rev. Edward Turner, one of the earliest champions in this state of the doctrine of God's impartial and all-conquering grace, having grown old in the ministry of universal reconciliation and the final blessedness of all men. Of gentle spirit, yet earnest and faithful, he preached, not more by his power of speech and regular pulpit efforts than by his daily, constant life, the "glad tidings of great joy." His presence was a benediction, and his influence was salutary and helpful to all who were permitted to come under it. He taught emphatically
.
"The Gospel of the Golden Rule, The New Commandment given to men: Thinking the deed and not the creed Would help us in our utmost need."
On the 3d of March, 1846, a vote of the society was passed, instructing the committee on pulpit supply to employ for the en- suing year the Rev. Varnum Lincoln, who had been preaching for several months to the almost universal satisfaction. This was accordingly done, and he entered at once upon the duties to which he was invited, performing them with conscientious fidelity and consecrated zeal. He held the pastorate about three
350
HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER, MASS.
years, serving not only his own church and congregation as a good minister of the universal grace of God, but the town and community in various ways, especially as a champion of the temperance cause and as a member of the school committee -a position for which his scholarly tastes, love of children, and other excellent qualities eminently fitted him.
After an interregnum of some two years, during which the desk was supplied by Rev. Lyman Maynard and other casual preachers, Rev. Quincy Whitney became the resident minister of the parish and church. He had many personal friends in town, having been born in the south part of Ashburnham, and having spent several terms at the Academy some years before, which gave him a prestige enjoyed by none of his predecessors. When he entered upon his labors here he was in the prime of life, and took up the work he found to do with a full heart, carrying it forward with energy and persevering zeal. Of scholarly attainments and good address, with more than average oratorical power and skill, he awakened fresh interest in the church and its officers, renewing the prosperity of former days. Under his administration somewhat extensive improvements were made in the house of worship, and considerable increase of attendance was secured. Strongly denominational in his convictions and tastes, his preaching was designed and calcu- lated to reach and influence his hearers for good, chiefly through the proclamation and exaltation of the doctrines and ideas dis- tinctively characteristic of the Universalist communion.
The successor of Mr. Whitney was Rev. D. C. O'Daniels, who entered upon his labors early in 1854, and continued them for two years with varying degrees of efficiency and success. His inconstant health was a source of anxiety to himself and his friends, and of course a hindrance to him in whatever he sought to accomplish; both in his preparation for his pulpit efforts and in every department of parish and church activity. Moreover, his extremely radical views upon many of the great questions of religious inquiry, which were in striking contrast to those of his predecessor, awakened some opposition among his people, and tended to disintegrate rather than combine and unitize the forces and material with which he had to do. Never- theless, the sincerity of Mr. O'Daniels' purpose, the originality of his thought, the earnestness of his manner, and withal the sweetness, tenderness, and devoutness of his spirit and the genuineness of his character, enabled him to win his way to many hearts, and gave him a power of influence over the souls of men, not easily estimated, but none the less real, salutary, and abiding. Out of him virtue went to quicken, to save, and to bless.
Since the closing of Mr. O'Daniels' pastorate this church and society has experienced varied fortunes, only the more marked features of which can be indicated. The general decline which
351
LATER UNIVERSALIST CLERGYMEN.
has taken place in all the hill towns of New England during that period has had much to do in the way of hindering its prosperity, while the vicissitudes of business life have had their elevating or depressing effect upon its career.
It seems to have fallen into a state of suspended animation for three or four years subsequent to the time indicated. There was, so far as learned, no regular supply of the pulpit, and only occasional religious services were held until about 1859, when Rev. Jacob Baker, a state missionary of the Universalist de- nomination, undertook the task of reviving its slumbering ener- gies, and of setting in motion once more the multiform activ- ities so long dormant and unemployed. Such a complete re- newal of life was effected, and such courage and faith on the part of the people prevailed, that in 1866 Mr. E. W. Whit- ney, a young man fresh from his studies, was duly called, or- dained, and installed in the long vacant pastorate, taking up his abode in town, and becoming a settled minister in the midst of those he had engaged to serve. Mr. Whitney had rare gifts in some respects, and labored diligently and with gratifying suc- cess. But his ministry continued for only a year, when he left for other fields of Christian usefulness.
The next pastor was Rev. George Procter, who, though quiet and unassuming in his spirit and manner, was yet a faithful, devoted servant of his people and of the Master in whom he believed. His labors were well calculated to promote the higher interests of the church, and to advance in the world that Kingdom of God which is "righteousness and peace and joy."
The successor of Mr. Procter was Rev. S. L. Beal, who was ordained to the work of the ministry and installed as pastor in the autumn of 1870. Much interest was awakened by Mr. Beal's labors, and a good degree of prosperity attended his administration of church affairs. He was an earnest worker both in the pulpit and outside, took an active part in causes of philanthrophy and reform, and was ready to help whatever seemed calculated to improve human conditions or enhance the public order and welfare.
With the retirement of Mr. Beal came a decline of interest and activity in the society, ultimating in an almost entire sus- pension for a time of its functions and forces. Relief from this state of inaction and consequent discouragement was, however, obtained through the instrumentality of Rev. Royal T. Sawyer, minister of a sister church in Gardner, who was quite willing, for such compensation as could be readily paid, to conduct pub- lic religious services on Sunday afternoons, and assume a semi- pastoral relation to the people in other respects. A satisfactory arrangement of that nature was made in the fall of 1875, which continued till he gave up his Gardner position two years later.
Subsequent to that date there was again an interregnum of pastoral relations and duties, occasional meetings only being
352
HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER, MASS.
held, when the minister at Gardner or some itinerant or other- wise unemployed clergymen could be present, but upon the accession of Rev. James Taylor to the charge of the church and society in Gardner in 1884, an arrangement similar to that previously existing was entered into with him, much to the satisfaction and profit of all those connected therewith. The like measure was adopted when Rev. H. W. Smith succeeded Mr. Taylor, and is still in force under Rev. Mr. Felt, the pres- ent Gardner pastor. Under it a fair degree of prosperity seems to be enjoyed. The essential interests of the church are provided for, its usual activities are in operation, and the faith of Christian Universalism is duly honored and promoted.
It is proper to note specially the fact of which there are sev- eral intimations in what has gone before, that a Sabbath school was organized soon after the society itself was estab- lished, and duly equipped for its own appropriate work. It has continued with occasional interruptions to the present day. In its own quiet way, with little outward demonstration, sometimes under great discouragements, it has gone on through all these years, teaching its lessons of God's impartial and all-conquering love and grace, of Christ's exalted mission as the Savior of all men, and of the final universal holiness and bliss, and training the children and youth attending it in the principles and spirit of virtue and godliness to all the excellences and graces of the Christian life. It has been an important department of the service rendered by this church and society to the cause of a liberal, rational faith, of good morals, of true piety in the com- munity and world.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY AND CHURCH.
It has been stated in a preceeding chapter that an interest in the principles and methods of the Baptist denomination arose in town as early as the year 1784, when Josiah Wheeler and John Martin had their regular ministerial tax abated by the assessors, on the ground of such interest and of the pecuniary support given by them to a religious body with which they were in sympathy in that respect. Also that twelve years later the town voted to exempt them from the same tax, on condition that they presented to the town clerk a paper signed by an accred- ited teacher of the views professedly held by them, certifying to their attendance upon his ministry with corresponding contribu- tions to the maintenance of the same. Mention has further- more been made of the fact that in 1816 Jedediah Cooper furnished the clerk a similar certificate in regard to himself. Following him were twenty-four others, who, during the next five years, were certified to as members in good standing of a Baptist society. Their names are as follows: Solomon Laws, Samuel Martin, Samuel Cooper, Flint McIntire, Abijah Lewis, Marcus Cutter, John Goodale, John Hadley, Jonathan Smith,
-
W. P. ALLEN, GARDNER, MASS.
BAPTIST CHURCH,
353
FORMATION OF THE BAPTIST SOCIETY AND CHURCH.
Jonas Smith, Josiah Wheeler, Lewis Wheeler, Hayman Wheeler, Jonas Winship, Aaron Bolton, Benjamin Lynde, Silas Ward, Jonas Holden, Caleb Wilder, Jacob Sawyer, Levi Sawyer, Daniel Foskett, Asahel R. Seaver, Simon Foskett. Of this number the last three had united with the society in Princeton, which was organized in 1817; the others with the society of Ashby and Fitchburg, the date of whose founding is not known. The latter belonged for the most part in the extreme north part of the town. Few if any of these identified themselves with the Baptist society which was permanently established in town at a later day, while the large majority of them, when the "voluntary system " was adopted, gave up their connection with the society of Ashby and Fitchburg, and either joined one of the two other bodies organized under that system, or dropped out of all religious affiliations of whatsoever faith or name. The three persons mentioned as having united with the Prince- ton society became active and lifelong members of the West- minster movement, a detailed historical sketch of which prepared by the present pastor, Rev. Lyman Partridge, and approved by the church is, in a somewhat condensed form, herewith presented.
Material for a full and correct history of the Baptist society and church in Westminster is abundant, the records having been kept with thoughtful precision from the beginning, and carefully preserved. In the early part of the present century the Rev. Elisha Andrews, pastor of the Baptist church in Tem- pleton, a man of strong intellect and the author of several works upon theological subjects, one of whose grandsons was Governor and also Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Con- necticut, while another is now president of Brown University, held religious services occasionally at the houses of persons of the Baptist faith in the easterly part of the town, at which much interest was awakened, resulting in a goodly number of conver- sions. The first person baptized by him in town was Daniel Foskett, who was followed soon after by Nathaniel Tottingham, and these two men, together with John Estabrook, a member of the old church, established the first prayer meeting ever held in the place, in the year 1806.
In 1817 a Baptist society was formed in Princeton, antecedent to the organization of a church in 1822, a considerable number of the members of each of which resided in Westminster. The pastor, Rev. Elias Johnson, frequently preached in the school- house of the former District No. 7, and his labors were blessed in the salvation of souls to such an extent that on the 19th of March, 1827, a society was instituted here, and three years later a church, composed of thirty persons, fourteen brethren and six- teen sisters, dismissed from the Princeton membership for that purpose. At the public recognition of the new church, held in the schoolhouse just named, Rev. Elisha Andrews was mod-
23
354
HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER, MASS.
crator and Rev. Asaph Merriam, a native of the town, was clerk of the council, the sermon being preached by Rev. Abial Fisher of West Boylston. At the first meeting of the members, held April 6, 1830, Joel Merriam was elected deacon and John Foskett clerk, a position held by him for fifty-three years and finally terminated by his death. The Lord's Supper was first admin- istered April 18th and the ordinance of baptism June 13th, the Rev. Asaph Merriam officiating on both occasions. During the same year a meetinghouse was built at the foot of the pond, near the site of the first house erected in the place. It was a brick structure having a seating capacity of more than three hundred. The sale of the pews, added to the contributions of material and labor made by the members and their friends, enabled the young church to dedicate its house of worship free of debt. This event took place October 19th, at which time Appleton Morse was ordained and installed pastor of the two churches of Westminster and Princeton, Rev. Ira Chase of Newton Theological Institution delivering the sermon. The efforts of Mr. Morse, though not of long continuace, were, by God's favor, crowned with success, ten being received to church membership by baptism during his pastorate of seven months, which was divided between the two churches of which he had charge. May 8, 1831, he resigned his care of the Westminster church that he might devote himself exclusively to the one in Princeton and its branches in Fitchburg and Leominster.
Mr. Morse studied at Brown University and graduated at Newton in 1830. He was a man of rare consecration and fidelity, devoting himself earnestly to his pulpit work and making his pastoral calls occasions of religious counsel and prayer that he might win souls to Christ. His public ministry was crowned with a succession of revivals. It is an interesting fact that his last sermon was preached here in the desk where eight years before he had been ordained. He died in 1838 while pastor at Fitchburg, and was buried there in Laurel Hill cemetery.
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