USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > History of old Braintree and Quincy : with a sketch of Randolph and Holbrook > Part 28
USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > History of old Braintree and Quincy : with a sketch of Randolph and Holbrook > Part 28
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increased their members, and are in a prosperous condition. The greatest harmony and christian fellowship prevails among them.
There is a small chapel on Elm street, North Braintree, for- merly occupied by the Baptists, which has been given up for the want of proper support.
In 1877, the Catholics of Braintree organized a society, and now hold services in Holbrook's Hall, in South Braintree, and are a branch of the Quincy Diocese. They have also selected and purchased a picee of land on Taylor street, for the purpose of erceting a church.
RANDOLPH CHURCHES.
A little band of settlers gradually gathered on the banks of the little Cochato, who found it quite inconvenient to travel to the Middle or South Precinct, as it was then called, to attend religious worship; as it had been, for the inhabitants of the South Precinct to go to the North to attend their Sabbath-day meetings. This annoyance caused the inhabitants of this part of Braintree to petition for a council of churches to consider and deliberate upon the expedieney of establishing a society at Cochato, by setting them off as a distinct and separate parish. On the convening of the council, the whole question of separa- tion came before them, and after a candid and considerate delib- eration, the council granted them permission to form a church in the south part of the town. This parish was organized on the 28th of May, 1731, which made the third, or New South Precinct of Braintree. The town of Randolph, (which was named after that noted member of Congress from Virginia, the Hon. Pey- ton Randolph,) was not incorporated until 1793, or sixty-two years after the society was formed.
The first church was built in 1728. Several clergymen were invited to preach as candidates before one was settled. The first clergyman called was the Rev. Elisaus Eaton, who was installed
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June 2d, 1731. Mr. Eaton continued as their pastor upwards of nineteen years, when he relinquished his charge, June 7th, 1750, being succeeded by the Rev. Moses Taft. That saintly divine was consecrated to his christian duties, Aug. 26th, 1752. He continued to minister to their spiritual wants to an advanced age, when Jonathan Strong, D. D., was made colleague pastor with him, on the 28th of Jan., 1789, about three years before Mr. Taft's death, which occurred Nov. 11th, 1791. Dr. Strong, that able and eminent divine, continued to act as their beloved pas- tor for twenty-five years, or until 1814, when he died, respected by all. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thaddeus Pomeroy, who was installed Nov. 22d, 1815, and remained their clergyman until April 26th, 1820, when he relinquished his christian duties. Mr. Pomeroy was followed by the Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, who was ordained as the fifth pastor of this church Feb. 28th, 1821, and continued for thirty years to ably administer to their spir- itual wants, being relieved from his pastorate June 9th, 1851. Dr. Hitchcock was succeeded by the Rev. C. M. Cordley, who was installed the 3d of March, 1852, where he continued to preach till dismissed by advice of council, Oct. 14th, 1858. Mr. Cordley was succeeded by the Rev. Henry E. Dwight, who was ordained Dec. 29th, 1859, and dismissed April 1st, 1862. Fol- lowing Mr. Dwight, the Rev. John C. Labaree was installed Dec. 14th, 1865, and still continues as their pastor. The membership of the church is now about one hundred and sixty-six.
North Baptist Church - now the First Baptist Church of Randolph. About the year 1819, a few friends of the Baptist persuasion, who had been connected with the East Stoughton Church, held occasional prayer and preaching meetings at pri- vate houses, and so successful were their christian teachings in the conversion of souls, and the accession of friends from other societies to their number, that they concluded to establish a church. In accordance with these views, they called a meeting at Mr. Shadrach Thayer's house, Sept. 21st, to consider the pro- priety of establishing a distinct Baptist society in Randolph. After a prayerful consultation, they agreed to form a church, and selected several of the brethren as a committee to prepare
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a covenant and articles of faith. At a subsequent meeting, the covenant and articles of faith were submitted to them. After a careful consideration, they were accepted, to which thirty breth- ren and sisters subscribed, and at the completion of the building of the meeting-house, in November, there were forty-seven members on the roll.1
This little flock invited the Rev. Warren Bird to become their first pastor, who accepted, and was installed in April, 1820, "at a salary of one hundred pounds lawful money." Owing to ill- health, Mr. Bird's labors were of short duration, he being obliged to resign his charge in May, 1821. Mr. Bird subsequently em- braced the doctrine of Swedenborg. He was born in Marsh- field, Mass., Oct. 25th, 1791, and died at Foxboro' in 1863. A few months after the resignation of Mr. Bird, or in September, 1821, the Rev. S. C. Dillaway was selected to supply the pulpit for one year. He was succeeded by the Rev. Benj. Putnam, who had for some time been supplying the sacred desk, and received a call to become their pastor. After accepting the Mr. Putnam's pros- position, he was ordained July 2d, 1823. perous labors terminated with this parish April 1st, 1829. This worthy divine was born Sept. 1st, 1788, in Bakerstown, Maine, and commenced preaching at the early age of eighteen years. For one year the Rev. Amos Lefavour supplied the church, after which the Rev. Joseph M. Driver was installed Nov. 16th, 1830. He remained until October, 1832, when he was dismissed to assume another pastorate. Mr. Driver was followed by the
1. The following is a list of members upon the roll at the completion of the meeting-house :- Daniel Alden, Seth Alden, Hosea Alden, William Alden, Harmony Alden, Thankful Alden, Phebe Beals, Hepsibah Howard, Polly Lines, Aaron Littlefield, Micah Littlefield, Meribah Littlefield, John Madan, Jolın Madan, Jr., Abigail Madan, Benjamin Mann, Seth Mann, Hannah Mann, Louisa Mann, Polly Mann, Mary D. Reed, Avis Smith, Zeba Smith, Joshua Spear, Joshua Spear, Jr., Otis Spear, Zeba Spear, Hannah Spear, Nancy Spear, Polly Spear, Sarah Spear, Jonathan Stetson, Charlotte Stetson, Joshua Thayer, Shadrach Thayer, Zaccheus Thayer, Thomas W. Tolman, Sarah Tolman, Betsy Tucker, Jonathan Wales, Jonathan Wales, Jr., Caleb White, Calvin White, Livingston White, Micah White, Nathan White, Saralı White.
The first clerk of the church was Thomas W. Tolman. His son, Gilbert A. Tolman, was afterwards clerk for about twenty years. Seth Alden and Zeba Spear were their deacons, and Dr. Jonathan Wales acted as treasurer.
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Rev. J. M. Coley, who, after having supplied the church for several months, was installed June 11th, 1833, and after a short , pastorate, relinquished his charge in February, 1836. The sixth minister that was called to preach to them, was the Rev. Conant Sawyer, who was ordained in April, 1836, and during his short term of service the vestry of the church was constructed. The subscription commenced in the dying chamber of that noble, generous and worthy pillar of the church, Mr. Thomas W. Tol- man, who then gave $200 in aid of that building. Mr. Sawyer's pastorate closed in 1838. He was born in Monkton, Vermont, May 23d, 1805, and was about thirty-one years of age when he began his labor of love with the parish. Mr. Sawyer was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Otis Converse, who was installed April 1st, 1838, under whose ministrations large accessions were made to the membership of the church, but ill health compelled him to resign his pastorate. His successor was the Rev. Charles H. Peabody, who was settled over this society in December, 1840. During the great revival under his labors, he baptized seventy- three persons in the months of January, February and March. His labors seem to have impaired his health; as, while this good work was going on, he was called by his Master, April 21st, 1842, from these arduous services to attend to the higher duties of singing eternal Hosanna around the altar of his God. Mr. Pea- body was born at Amherst, New Hampshire, now Mount Ver- non, June 12th, 1799, and was forty-three years of age at the time of his regretted and much-lamented death; after whom, the Rev. Henry Clark was settled over this church, in 1842, and relinquished his charge in December, 1846.
Mr. Clark was succeeded by the Rev. R. W. E. Brown, of Portland, Maine, who was ordained June 22d, 1848, and in less than a year, resigned. A few months after, the Rev. Thomas Driver, who had been supplying the pulpit, was settled over this parish. He resigned his pastoral charge April 1st, 1852. The church then extended an invitation to the Rev. Benjamin Wheeler to become their pastor, who accepted, and in May of the same year, began his labors, which were terminated Dec. 2d, 1858. His resignation was much regretted.
Mr. Wheeler was followed by the Rev. William F. Stubbert,
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who entered upon his duties April 1st, 1859, where he officiated with great acceptability until he resigned, Oct. 7th, 1865. Mr. Stubbert was succeeded by the Rev. Willett Vary in April, 1866, whose pastorate was of but eleven months' duration. In June, 1868, John Pryor, D. D., was engaged as stated supply, for six months. At the expiration of his term, he was re- engaged to April 1st, 1869, but continued his labors until June 1st, of the same year. In October, the Rev. James E. Wilson received a call as a good shepherd for this christian flock, and was ordained in December, 1869. He was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph C. Foster, who commenced his pastorate Jan. 1st, 1873, and still ably ministers to their spiritual wants. Previous to being settled at Randolph, he had been the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Beverly sixteen years. The number of communicants added to the church since the present pastor was ordained, is sixty-three, and the whole number of members of the church at the present time is two hundred and sixty-one.
The longest pastorate in the history of the parish was six years and six months. The clergyman that served this length of time was the Rev. Benjamin Wheeler.
The North Baptist, or as it is now called, the First Baptist Church of Randolph, built their first meeting-house on the pres- ent site in 1819, at a cost of $5,000, and it was dedicated Nov. 3d, of the same year. Among the largest subscribers was Dr. Wales, who gave $500. Its dimensions were 45 by 50 feet. The land upon which it was constructed, was generously bequeathed to them by Mr. Zeba Spear, a worthy member of the church at its first organization. The church was enlarged and otherwise improved in 1843, at an expense equal to its first cost. In 1872, the question of remodeling the old parsonage, (which was pur- chased of Deacon Daniel Alden in 1824, and had stood for fifty years,) was agitated, and fully agreed to by the members of the society. Immediate action was taken for this purpose, and it was so modernized that it literally was made a new structure at a cost of $2500. Shortly after, the members of the parish con- cluded that the old church ought to be renovated, and being liberally supplied with sufficient means, they began to recon- struct it, from the foundation, using such portion of the old
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building as they thought necessary. The old church was ex- tended at both ends, making the whole length of the present edifice ninety-four feet by fifty-seven in width, and virtually a new structure was built on the most improved system of architecture. A graceful spire of one hundred and sixty feet adorns this fine and beautiful meeting-house, and in the belfry a new bell of eighteen hundred pounds weight was placed, pitched in the key of F. A new town clock was also added for the con- venience of the neighborhood. This was all accomplished at a cost of $30,000, which has all been paid, leaving the society out of debt or embarrassment. This edifice is a conspicuous orna- ment to the pleasant town of Randolph. This society celebrated their semi-centennial anniversary Nov. 7th, 1869, with becoming and appropriate services. The fiftieth anniversary of the organ- ization of the parish falling on Wednesday, the 3d day of Nov., 1869, they decided to celebrate that event with suitable cere- monies on the following Sabbath, Nov. 7th. Two of the former pastors took a part on this occasion. The old folks who had belonged to the old choir enlivened the occasion with their quaint hymns and psahns, accompanied by the antiquated instrumental choir music of the " olden times"-the base viol, violin, flute and horn. The church was finely decorated, and appropriately selected texts and mottoes were surrounded with evergreens.
The Methodist Chapel is located on the pleasant eminence called Tower Hill, and is now in a flourishing condition under the judicious ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Colman. This society is within the jurisdiction of the New England Conference, and can worship in this chapel as long as they comply with thie con- ditions of the proprietor; which is, that they shall hold regular services here on the Sabbath.
The St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized Dec. 1st, 1848. Father Rodden, soon after a society was formed, had erected the pleasant and commodious meeting-house for the public worship of God. The first parish priest was the Rev. Mr. Rodden. The present pastor is the Rev. Thos. O'Brien. The number of members of the church, including Holbrook, is 1800.
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HOLBROOK CHURCHES.
This town was formerly East Randolph, but was incorporated as a distinct town, Feb. 29th, 1872. Mr. Elisha N. Holbrook, (a wealthy inhabitant of the town,) informed its citizens that if they would procure an act of the Legislature to change the name of the town from East Randolph to Holbrook, he would make them a public bequest, by giving them sufficient means to erect a com- modious town hall; also a fund to establish a public library, which they agreed to do. The citizens of the town petitioned the General Court for this purpose, and after considerable man- agement, they succeeded in getting an act passed by the Legis- lature changing the name from East Randolph to Holbrook.
The first society was established Dec. 15th, 1818, by a large number of Mr. Pomeroy's church, in West Randolph, seceding and forming themselves into a distinct parish, which was incor- porated as the East Parish of Randolph. The Rev. David Brigham was their first pastor, who was installed on the 21st of Dec. 1819, and continued his labors of love for seventeen years, being dismissed Nov. 22d, 1836. Mr. Brigham was succeeded by the Rev. Dennis Powers, who was ordained Dec. 5th, 1838, and received his discharge April 15th, 1841. Mr. Powers was followed by the Rev. William A. Peabody, who was settled over this church March 2d, 1843, and relinquished his charge Oct. 2d, 1849, having been appointed professor at Amherst College. This vacancy was filled by the eminent divine, Rev. Ezekiel Russell, who was ordained May 8th, 1850, and resigned his pastorate Jan. 1st, 1856. This society was merged into the Winthrop Church, Dec. 30th, 1856, and Dr. Russell was called to settle over them as their pastor, and was ordained Feb. 3d, 1857. Their meeting-house, as well as the fine town hall of Holbrook, was consumed by fire, on Christmas morning in 1877, a great and severe loss to this young village.
In the south village of Holbrook, called Brookville, is located the Baptist Church, which was organized May 30th, 1868, and at the time of writing these sketches of the churches in Hol- brook, this society was without a settled clergyman.
SOCIETIES IN GENERAL.
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MASONRY.
This ancient fraternity claims its existence back to the build- ing of King Solomon's Temple. " But on the plains of Shinar man again rebelled, and as a punishment of his rebellion, at the lofty tower of Babel, language was confounded, and Masonry lost. The philosophers and sages, however, still retained, or discovered by the dim light of nature, some traces of these great doctrines of Masonry, the unity of God, and the immortality of the soul. But these doctrines they dare not teach in public, for history records what would have been the fate of such temerity when it informs us that Socrates paid the forfeit of his life, for his boldness in proclaiming these truths to the Athenian youths."
" They therefore taught in secret what they were afraid to inculcate in public, and established for this purpose the ancient mysteries, those truly masonic institutions, which by a series of solemn and imposing ceremonies, prepared the mind of the initiated for the reception of those unpopular dogmas, while by the caution exercised in the selection of candidates, and the obligations of secrecy imposed upon them, the teachers were secured from all danger of popular bigotry and fanaticism. Their members went through a secret ceremony of initiation, by which they became entitled to a full participation in the esoteric knowledge of the order, and were in possession of certain modes of recognition known only to themselves."
Although there has been some change in the ritual and symbols from the first ancient mysteries, still they approximate in a great measure to the original craft. The degrees have been varied in number and character, from the original, and are com- paratively of modern date. The following ancient degrees
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contain all the legitimate and noble elements of Masonry :- Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. What can be more enobling, both to the spiritual and humane charac- ter, than the great principles of religion and morality, inculcated and imparted by the imposing ceremony to the Apprentice on taking his first degree, when the lesson "of humility and con- tempt of earthly grandeur is impressed upon his mind by symbolic ceremonies, too important in their character ever to be forgotten."
"The beauty and holiness of charity depictured in emblematic modes are stronger and more lasting than mere language can ex- press."
Although he is an Entered Apprentice, and allowed to sit in the lodge of his degree, he cannot speak or vote in the proceed- ings.
The Fellow Craft, on entering, is instructed in the enlarge- ment of the mind and truths of the science, now clothed in the white garment of innocence, he advances by the porch of the temple to the middle chamber, where he is taught the method of discriminating between a friend or foe; he is directed to the wonders of nature and art, and the differences between operative and speculative Masonry are unfolded, until by instruction and contemplation, he is led to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of the creation, and is inspired with the most exalted ideas of the perfection of his Divine Creator.
Master Mason is the third degree of all the rites. In this, which is the perfection of symbolic or ancient craft Masonry, the purest truths are unveiled. "None but he who has visited the Holy of holies, and travelled the road of peril can have any con- ception of the mysteries unfolded in this degree; its solemn observances diffuse a sacred awe, and inculcate most impressively the lessons of religious truths. From the sublimity of the truth developed in it, and from the solemn nature of the ceremonies, it has received the appellation of the 'Sublime Degree.' From this degree alone can the officers of the lodge be chosen."
The first Supreme Council of the 33d degree, was established in Charleston, South Carolina, by John Mitchell and others, May 31st, 1801, and on the 5th of August, 1813, a similar
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council was legally authorized in the city of New York, by the proper authorities. "This, and the council at Charleston, are the only recognized councils which exists, or can exist, accord- ing to the secret constitution of the United States. The seat of this council has, within a few years, been removed to Boston."
The Rural Lodge of Quincy, grew out of a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons formed in Randolph,1 the 8th of June, 1801, and of Masonry, 5801.2
1. The Randolph Lodge was temporarily organized on the evening of the day the members received their charter. The following gentlemen were chosen officers: W. M., William P. Whiting ; S. W., Jonathan Wales, Jr .; J. W., Thomas French, Jr .; S. D., Joshua Niles. At this meeting a committee was chosen to purchase jewels and other necessary articles for the lodge.
2. The following was the charter of Rural Lodge of Randolph :- "Know ye, therefore, that we, the Grand Lodge aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence and fidelity of our beloved brethren above named, have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint them-the said William P. Whiting, Thomas B. Wales, Jonathan Wales, Jr., Thomas French, Jr., Joshua Niles, Elihu Bates, Isaac Walker, Eleazer Beals, Ephraim Wales, John Turner, Theopilus Wentworth, Isachar Snell and Wil- liam French-a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title and designation of the Rural Lodge, hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors, full power and authority to convene as Masons within the town of Randolph, in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth aforesaid, to re- ceive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts and raise Master Masons, upon the payment of such moderate compensation for the same, as may be deter- mined by the said lodge. Also, to make choice of a master, wardens and other office bearers, annually or otherwise, as they shall see cause; to receive and col- lect funds for the relief of poor and distressed brethren, their widows or chil- dren, and in general to transact all matters relating to Masonry, which may to them appear to be for the good of the craft, according to the ancient usages and customs of Masons.
"And we do hereby require the said constituted brethren to attend the Grand Lodge at their quarterly communications and other meetings, by their master and wardens, or by proxies regularly appointed; also, to keep a fair and regular record of all their proceedings, and to lay them before the Grand Lodge when required.
" And we do enjoin upon our brethren of the said lodge, that they be punct- ual in the quarterly payment of such sums as may be assessed for the support of the Grand Lodge; that they behave themselves respectfully and obediently to their superiors in office, and in all other respects conduct themselves as good Masons.
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The next meeting was held June 23d, and the lodge com- pleted its permanent organization. A short time after this, a controversy arose among the members with regard to the erection of a hall. After considerable consultation, it was decided to construct one. Owing to some feeling in this association, on account of building the hall, a majority of the members withdrew in January, 1802. This action decreased the lodge to the small number of seven or eight. During the year of 1803, some four new members joined. Just as they began to have new life imparted to them, they again became embarrassed by the unma- sonic actions of the master, and Jannary 31st, 1803, they found that it had become necessary to expel him ; his removal appeared to impart more vigor and life to the institution. A meeting was held April 4th, 1803, and a new code of by-laws was accepted. The members, who the year previous had withdrawn, rejoined, having become satisfied that the lodge would now act in harmony, and made an election of new officers, viz :- W. M., Jonathan Wales, Jr .; S. W., Thomas French, Jr. ; J. W., Wil- liam French ; Treasurer, Jacob Niles; Secretary, Simeon Alden. They continued in office until the next April, when a new choice of officers was made in Quincy. In November, 1803, the senti- ments of the lodge appear to have been in favor of an organiza- tion in Quincy, as a committee was chosen, who presented a petition to the Rural Lodge of Randolph, to approve of a charter from them to establish a lodge in this town.
This communication was referred to the next meeting ; antici- pating a favorable decision, all necessary arrangements were made to remove the charter to Quincy, and on the 28th of
"And we do hereby declare the precedence of the said lodge, in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere, to commence from the eighth day of June, Anno Lucis, 5801.
" In testimony whereof, We the Grand Master and Grand Wardens, by virtue of the power and authority to us committed, have hereunto set our hands, and caused the seal of the Grand Lodge to be affixed at Boston, this eighth day of June, Anno Domini, 1801, and of Masonry, 5801.
"JOHN BOYLE, Senior Grand Warden.
"JOHN SOLEY, Junior Grand Warden.
"By order of the Grand Lodge,
"JOHN PROCTOR, Grand Secretary."
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