History of the Central Congregational Church, Middleborough, Massachusetts 1847-1947, Part 3

Author: Witbeck, Mertie E
Publication date: 1947
Publisher: Middleborough, Mass., Central Congregational Church
Number of Pages: 116


USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > History of the Central Congregational Church, Middleborough, Massachusetts 1847-1947 > Part 3


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).


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Mr. and Mrs. Garfield brought with them a fine New England back- ground and the best educational equipment for their life work that they knew how to acquire. Mrs. Garfield was a companion during many of the years Mr. Garfield was acquiring his education and continued to be his helpmeet and companion throughout their life work.


Mr. Garfield retired from the Central Congregational Church and from active ministry May 15, 1936, ending the longest term of service of any pastor in the history of the church.


On Sunday morning, May 19, 1935 a baptismal font was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Lizzie E. B. Tillson. This was presented to the church by David W. Burgess, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and accepted for the church by Wilson G. Harlow. A statement for the Com- mittee for Purchasing the Font was made by Mrs. Ernest S. Pratt. Rev- erend Newell C. Maynard accepted an invitation to return and preach the sermon.'


The church suffered a disastrous fire on Sunday, December 2, 1923. At two fifteen o'clock in the morning the church was discovered to be afire, the fire centering in the lower rear portion of the building. Furnish-


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ings of the parlor were completely destroyed, the main room of the vestry damaged and the entire building smoked and stained to a degree to re- quire complete redecorating. The damage was estimated from $13,000 to $15,000, wholly covered by insurance.


Invitations were received from many of the churches to unite with them until repairs could be made and it was decided to accept that of the Central Methodist Church. Services in the church were omitted one Sunday, and at the invitation of the Methodist Church, the Co-Workers held their Christmas sale and entertainment there on the Wednesday following the fire.


At the time repairs were made to the church, new linoleum was laid on the floor of the auditorium and the rostrum enlarged, a row of pews removed to make room. Rolling partitions were installed in the vestry and the kitchen remodelled.


On November 19, 1924, a re-dedication service was held. Special music was offered under the direction of Mr. Wirt B. Phillips, greetings were brought from local churches and a sermon preached by Reverend John E. LeBosquet of the First Congregational Church of Fall River. A prayer of dedication was offered by Reverend John P. Garfield.


While repairs caused by the fire were being made it seemed an auspicious time to install the new organ for which for many years the church and the Co-Workers had been collecting a fund. On April 20, 1924 a special meeting was called to discuss the matter. In a report by the President of the Co-Workers, Mrs. L. Ardelle Wood, it was pointed out that since May, 1902, the Co-Workers had been making yearly bank deposits to build up a fund for a new organ. In 1905 Mrs. Julia Copeland left in her will a sum of money to be used toward a church organ. The Co-Workers proposed, if the church would appropriate its organ fund together with any proceeds from the sale of the old organ and any fire insurance received on the organ, to contribute their own organ fund and agree to assume responsibility for raising such additional money as might be required.


The new organ, made by Hook and Hastings of Kendall Green, Massachusetts, cost about $8,100. The entire front of the old organ was retained and incorporated into the new organ. The old organ, installed in 1876, was played for the last time at an Easter pageant on April 12, 1925. Miss Annie Keith, organist, played a postlude of her own composi- tion. The new organ was dedicated on Good Friday evening, May 22,


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1925, with an organ recital by Alton Bancroft Paull of Fairhaven, Massachusetts.


The church had another narrow escape from fire damage on April 23, 1930, when a slight fire was discovered on the roof, but was prevented from spreading by prompt discovery by the sexton, Mr. Arthur H. Denham.


Reverend David J. Julius came to the church at a time when again the world was about to be embroiled in another war. He began his pas- torate October 18, 1936, leaving the Congregational Church at Middle- field, Massachusetts to come to Middleborough. The world was plunged into war soon after Mr. Julius took up his duties and he and Mrs. Julius helped fortify the church against the departure of more than one hundred young people into the armed forces. Despite the hardships attendant upon war years, Mr. Julius' achievements included putting the church property into excellent physical condition, increasing the number and size of subscriptions and achieving the largest membership in the life of the church. He maintained an active youth program and guided the young people of the church into spiritual maturity. Before his departure, July 31, 1945, to become Associate Pastor of the Plymouth Congrega- tional Church of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. Julius had laid the found- ations for the celebration of the church's one hundredth anniversary and had readied the church for a voyage into its second century.


Reverend Ralph B. Edwards, sixteenth pastor of the church, com- menced his pastorate on February 3, 1946. Mr. Edward's previous pas- torate had been at the Atlantic Memorial Church of Quincy, Massachu- setts. His ministry at the Central Congregational Church has been marked by an increased attendance at church services and by many new activities in the social and spiritual life of the church. A "Couples Club" has recently been organized with Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Drake as the first Presidents, an organization which promises to take a permanent and prominent place among the organizations of the church. Both the pastor and his wife have constructive and far-seeing plans for the future of the church, and the members consider themselves particularly blessed in having the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards as the church enters its second century.


A history of the church could not be concluded without mention of some of the loyal workers in the church. The organists have played an important part in the services of worship. There is no complete record of early organists, but the name of William H. Robinson is mentioned in


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1887 and that of Miss Miranda A. Overhiser in the later 1800's. Miss Annie Keith became organist at the turn of the century and continued to preside at the organ and direct the choir until 1933. Mr. Raymond Leach was organist and choirmaster from 1933 to 1942, when Miss Leonice Thompson took over these duties. The Music Committee was particularly fortunate to secure the services of George R. Austin in 1944 who continues to fill the position of chorister and organist to the great satisfaction of all.


Little is known of the early sextons of the church. In 1889 W. H. Marshall served in this office, and the first sexton after the church was rebuilt in 1892 was Alvin P. Vaughan. He continued as sexton until 1903, when he was succeeded by the following: Henry K. Ellis, William H. Goodwin, Mervin C. Hamilton, Stillman H. Willis, Charles H. Goodwin, Arthur H. Denham, and in 1941 to the present writing, Christie B. Crowell.


Some who deserve special mention in the early days of the church are Philander Washburn, who gave the land for the church, a faithful worker for the church from the day of its beginning, although he did not become a member until some thirty years later; Calvin D. Kingman, long a deacon of the church and who, each Sunday for many years, furnished and arranged flowers from his own greenhouse for Sunday morning worship.


Mr. George Henry Shaw's name will ever be identified with the history of the church. Mr. Shaw was an adviser of every minister from the beginning of the church until his death in 1922. He was most gen- erous financially, always wishing the best for the church. A fine evange- list himself, he many times filled the pulpit of some church so that minister might come to preach at the Central Congregational Church. Mr. Shaw was instrumental in founding Grove Chapel in Lakeville and often preached there himself. On May 10, 1910, a special Communion Service was held commemorating the fact that sixty years ago that day Reverend George Washburn and George Henry Shaw were received into the membership of the church.


George Washburn, son of Philander Washburn, was one of the most distinguished members sent out into the world from the Central Congre- gational Church. Mr. Washburn joined the church May 5, 1850. On July 9, 1863, he sent a communication to the church stating that he expected to go in about four weeks on his second visit to Turkey as a missionary; that when he went the first time he was not ordained and that it would be desirable that he should be. He requested the church to unite with


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him in calling a Council to carry this into effect. An Ecclesiastical Council was held in the church on July 29, 1863 at which time Mr. Washburn was ordained.


Mr. Washburn remained in Turkey many years, becoming President of Robert College. Whenever he returned to America, he was a frequent visitor at the church, and at one Sunday evening service when he was present a collection was taken to purchase a flag for Robert College. Mr. Washburn remained a member of the church until August 23, 1878, when at his request his membership was transferred to the Amherst College Church, Amherst, Massachusetts.


Reverend Rufus Kendrick Harlow was for many years pastor of the Congregational Church of Medway, Massachusetts. He became a member of the Central Congregational Church May 5, 1850 and on October 15, 1868 was ordained in the church at a ceremony at which two other ministers were also ordained, Reverend W. T. Ober and Rev- erend I. Wilson Ward. Mr. Harlow was present and took part in the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the church in 1897.


Lathrop Grant, a son of a former minister, Reverend Henry M. Grant, entered the ministry and later returned to preach in this church.


Of a later generation, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard O. Tillson served the church long and well. Mr. Tillson, who died November 23, 1941, had filled many offices in the church, serving as clerk at the time of his death. In resolutions passed at the annual meeting following his death, the church expressed its appreciation and esteem in these words: " .... In the death of Leonard O. Tillson the church has lost a faithful officer, an untiring worker, a wise counsellor whose genuine Christian character was so reflected in his daily life as not only to furnish an example worthy of emulation on the part of all who knew him but actually to promote the cause of the church itself because of the universal recognition of his sincerity in the practice of its principles."


Mrs. Lizzie E. B. Tillson was in charge of the Primary Department of the Sunday School for many years, and it is particularly fitting that a baptismal font was presented the church in her memory. Mrs. Tillson is enshrined in the hearts of countless women who once were members of her Sunshine Missionary Girls. Mrs. Tillson's death occurred on Decem- ber 29, 1930.


Mr. Henry W. Sears was one who served his church in many capaci- ties over a long period of years. He joined the church May 6, 1883 and ten years later was chosen deacon, serving repeatedly in this office during


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the forty-five years he was a member. For thirty years, from 1892 to 1928, he served as clerk of the church and his records are a model of ac- curacy and fullness of detail. He was known throughout the State as a representative of the Central Congregational Church, so often did he serve as delegate at councils and conferences; he was head usher; Presi- dent of the Men's Class; Chairman of the Building Committee when the church was rebuilt and of the committee who revised the by-laws and articles of faith. His love for the church was revealed in his careful per- formance of every duty. Mr. Sears died May 19, 1928.


At the time this history is written, Mrs. Martha Pickens Sears, wife of Henry W. Sears, is the oldest surviving member of this church in terms of years of membership, having been baptized in the church by Reverend Israel W. Putnam December 1, 1860 and uniting with the church July 6, 1873. Mrs. Sears is a faithful attendant at all church services and has been an active member of the Co-Workers since its organization.


Mrs. Faustina (Mrs. James F.) Roberts is the member having at- tained the greatest age, celebrating her ninety-seventh birthday Feb- ruary 22, 1947. She became a member of this church April 19, 1874.


Honorable mention should be given to those who continue to serve the church after many years of devotion to duty. Miss Carlena Luippold has given unsparingly of her time and efforts to the Sunday School. She has served in many capacities, in all departments of the school, and in the past twenty-five years has repeatedly filled the office of Superinten- dent. Theodore N. Wood has served as Moderator at Annual Meetings continuously since April 1, 1919. Albert A. Thomas in this centennial year of 1947, is observing his fortieth year as Treasurer of the church.


To the late Arthur H. Denham and Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Vaughan go much credit for information about the early days of the church, and to Mrs. Ernest S. Pratt for her invaluable assistance in gathering historical material and aid in preparation of this history.


What of the future of the Central Congregational Church? The first one hundred years are ended. May what has been accomplished in the past be repeated and enlarged in the coming years. In the words of Rev- erend Richard G. Woodbridge in his Anniversary Sermon on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of this church:


"A church is not made strong by its history, its creed, its organiza- tions, its members, its wealth, nor its form of worship; a church is made strong by the work it does."


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1904574


FIRST ORGANIZERS OF CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY FEBRUARY 16, 1847


We the undersigned agree to be and become members of a Religious Society in the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth by the name of the Central Congregational Society in Middleborough to worship in the Central Village in that Town.


Horatio G. Wood


Jacob B. Shaw


John Perkins


Nathan Cobb


Ebenezer Pickens


William Rounds


Philander Washburn


E. W. Drake


Nathan King


Jabez Sherman


Branch Harlow


Ebenezer Gammons


Nathan Perkins, Jr.


James W. Warren


George Pickens, Jr.


George King


James M. Pickens


Joseph Clark


Andrew J. Pickens


Apollos G. Alden


Isaac Lucas


Dexter Phillips


Sidney Eaton


Jacob S. Sparrow


George H. Doane


Lewis T. Warren


Malachi Burrell


William H. Wood


Cornelius S. Burgess


William S. Peirce


Hercules Thomas


Ephraim Fuller


Adoniram J. Cushman


Isaac Bump


Elijah Burgess


Henry Arnold


Edmond W. Dean


Andrew Gardner


James Warren


Joshua Sherman


Jesse Holmes James D. Wilder


John Shaw, Jr. Amos Thomas


Lothrop Shurtleff


Edmund Haskins


Henry D. Bassett


Joseph Sampson, Jr.


Nathan B. Dunbar


William A. King


Noah C. Perkins


George Shaw


John McLoud


Allen Shaw


Eben T. Soule


George W. Wilbur


Ralph Copeland, Jr.


Henry Denham


James H. Harlow


George Back


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Galen Haskins Foster A. Harlow Joshua C. Jenney G. H. Shaw


Horatio Barrows


Richard Tiner


Rufus K. Harlow


Jonathan H. Peckham


George L. Soule


Joseph C. Baker


John C. Vaughan


Benjamin Richmond


Sidney Tucker


Frederick O. Burgess


Sylvanus Morse


Elam C. Knight


Joshua Whitmarsh


Joseph Sampson


James H. Babbitt


Freeman Shaw


William Shiverick


Otis L. Tinkham


Charles M. Rogers


Eleazer Richmond


Edward H. Sparrow


Cephas Bumpus


Alden Miller


Daniel Lucas


Sylvester Clapp


William B. Wood


James A. Burgess


Samuel Williams


Harrison Haskins


Martin P. Standish


John Sidwell


J. B. Tillson


Jacob Atwood


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Warren F. Tinkham


James H. Weston Edward Sparrow


Bradford G. Harlow N. M. Tribou, Jr. Adna (?) Clark


Charles E. Leonard Abiel Wood


J. W. King Stillman Pratt Isaac Clark


PEW OWNERS PEWS PURCHASED AT AUCTION ON DAY OF DEDICATION CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AUGUST 16, 1849


Pew No.


Appraisal


Choice


1


$15.00


.00


Purchaser Nathan King


2


20.00


3


30.00


4


40.00


.00


Cornelius B. Wood


5


50.00


.50


Branch Harlow


6


60.00


.00


Cornelius B. Wood


7


65.00


1.00


Andrew J. Pickens


8


75.00


1.00


Ebenezer Pickens


9


85.00


1.00


James W. Warren


10


95.00


10.00


George H. Doane


11


110.00


12.50


Jacob B. Shaw


12


120.00


15.00


Branch Harlow


13


125.00


.00


Silvanus W. Reed


14


135.00


.00


Zacheus Eddy


15


130.00


.00


Philander Washburn


16


125.00


2.00


James M. Pickens


17


105.00


.50


Branch Harlow


18


95.00


19


120.00


.00


Branch Harlow


20


120.00


.50


John Perkins


21


95.00


.00


John Perkins


22


Reserved-free pew Reserved-free pew


23


24


15.00


1.00


Philander Washburn


25


20.00


1.00


Philander Washburn


26


30.00


1.00


Philander Washburn


27


40.00


1.00


Philander Washburn


28


50.00


5.00


Philander Washburn


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Pew No.


Appraisal


Choice


29


60.00


2.00


30


65.00


.00


31


75.00


.00


32


85.00


1.00


33


95.00


5.50


34


110.00


1.50


35


120.00


30.00


36


125.00


21.00


37


135.00


9.00


Philander Washburn


38


130.00


1.50


James M. Pickens


39


125.00


6.00


Ebenezer Pickens


40


105.00


.50


Philander Washburn


Joseph Sampson, Jr.


42


120.00


43


120.00


44


95.00


.00


45


Reserved-free pew Reserved-free pew


46


47


20.00


.50


48


20.00


.00


49


30.00


.00


50


30.00


.00


Ebenezer Pickens


51


45.00


1.00


Noah C. Perkins


52


45.00


.00


Horatio G. Wood


53


65.00


1.00


James M. Pickens


54


65.00


.00


55


90.00


.50


56


90.00


.50


John Perkins


57


102.00


.00


58


102.00


1.00


59


123.00


10.00


James M. Pickens


60


123.00


10.00


Andrew J. Pickens


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Purchaser


Andrew J. Pickens James Cole, Jr.


J. H. Shaw


James M. Pickens


Israel W. Thompson


Joseph Sampson, Jr.


Philander Washburn


James M. Pickens


41


95.00


.00


Silvanus Hinckley


Branch Harlow James M. Pickens


Joseph Sampson, Jr. Ebenezer Pickens


Joseph Sampson, Jr. William C. Leonard


Pew No.


Appraisal


Choice


Purchaser


61


140.00


6.00


James M. Pickens


62


140.00


6.00


Joseph Sampson, Jr. Sidney Eaton


63


150.00


5.50


64


150.00


8.00


Andrew J. Pickens


65


160.00


6.50


Eleaser Richmond


66


160.00


6.50


Noah C. Perkins


67


183.00


40.50


Branch Harlow


68


183.00


40.00


William H. Wood


69


193.00


47.50


James H. Harlow


70


193.00


47.50


William A. King


71


203.00


47.00


Nathan King


72


203.00


30.00


Andrew J. Pickens


73


203.00


47.50


Mrs. Allen Shaw


74


203.00


41.00


Philander Washburn


75


203.00


47.50


Lucy Bourne


76


203.00


40.00


Branch Harlow


77


193.00


48.00


James M. Pickens


78


193.00


45.00


Ebenezer Pickens


79


164.00


31.00


Horatio G. Wood


80


Reserved


FORM OF DEED FOR PURCHASE OF PEWS


The proprietors of the Central Congregational Church Meeting House in Middleborough in consideration of Dollars paid by


hereby sell and convey to said


said


Pew No. in said Meeting House. To have and to hold to and to his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the undersigned, a committee duly authorized have hereunto set the seal of said proprietors this day of one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.


Proprietors of the Central Congregational Meeting House in Middleborough


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PLAN OF PEWS


95


120


120


95


Reserved


18


19


20


21


22


23


17 105


164


79


16


125


193


77


15


130


203


75


14


135


203 73


74


203


135


37


13


125


203 71


72


203


125


36


12 120


193 69


70


193


120


35


68


183


110


34


10


95


160 65


66


160


95


33


64


150


85


32


62


140


75 31


60


123


65


30


58


102


60 29


56


90


50 28


54


65


40


27


52


45


30


26


50


30


20


25


48


20


15


24


( 40)


Reserved


95


120


120


95


46


45


¥


43


42


41


80


Reserved


105


40


78


193


125


39


76


203


130


38


11


110


183 67


9 85


150


63


8 75


140


61


7 65


123


59


6 60


102


57


5 50


90


55


4 40


65 53


3


30


45 51


2


20


30 49


1 15


20


47


PULPIT


PASTORS OF THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH


ISAIAH C. THACHER


Installed August 16, 1849


Dismissed November 23, 1852


WILLIAM C. DICKINSON


Installed April 12, 1854


Dismissed February 4, 1856


ISAIAH C. THACHER


Installed April 16, 1856


Dismissed April 2, 1860


HARVEY M. STONE


Installed April 18, 1861


Dismissed March 31, 1863


Installed July 11, 1866


Dismissed January 11, 1870


Installed September 20, 1871


Dismissed May 10, 1876


HENRY M. GRANT


Installed September 25, 1879


Dismissed May 15, 1888


JOHN B. LAWRENCE


Installed March 26, 1889


Dismissed March 13, 1893


Commenced June 4, 1893


Installed November 9, 1893


Dismissed December 31, 1901


SAMUEL M. CATHCART


Commenced September 21, 1902 Dismissed January 31, 1907


Installed November 11, 1902


NORMAN MCKINNON


Commenced October 25, 1907 Ended January 31, 1914


NEWELL C. MAYNARD


Commenced May 29, 1915


Ended December 31, 1917


JOSEPH B. KETTLE


Commenced April 1, 1918 JOHN P. GARFIELD


Installed June 5, 1923


Commenced October 18, 1936 Dismissed July 31, 1945


Installed April 21, 1937


RALPH B. EDWARDS 1 Commenced February 3, 1946


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Ended March 1, 1921


Commenced September 11, 1921 Dismissed May 15, 1936 DAVID J. JULIUS


RICHARD G. WOODBRIDGE


STEPHEN G. DODD


ELLIS R. DRAKE


BIOGRAPHIES OF PASTORS


REV. ISAIAH C. THACHER 1849-1852 1856-1860


Rev. Isaiah C. Thacher was born at South Dartmouth, Massachusetts July 2, 1815. As a boy he planned to go to sea but was converted at a revival meeting and dedicated his life to the ministry. He prepared for college at Monson and Wilbraham Academies in Massachusetts and Kingston Academy in Rhode Island. In 1837 he entered Union College, Schenectady, New York and was graduated in 1841. The same year he entered Yale Theological Seminary, graduating in 1844, and at once be- gan his active ministry.


Mr. Thacher's first pastorate was at Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Here he was ordained and installed on Christmas Day, 1844. In January, 1845 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Hyde who died before Mr. Thacher began his ministry in Middleborough. Mr. Thacher began his pastorate at Middleborough in 1849, a joint ceremony installing him as pastor and dedicating the new church edifice taking place on August 15, 1849.


There was a great spiritual awakening during Mr. Thacher's pastor- ate and the church grew, as, inspired by Mr. Thacher's ministry, many joined the church. While in Middleborough, Mr. Thacher married Miss Mary C. Hyde, a sister of his first wife, who was the mother of four of his five children.


Leaving the Middleborough church November 23, 1852, Mr. Thacher went to South Dennis, Massachusetts. After preaching there four years, he was recalled to Middleborough and began his second pastorate here on April 16, 1856. Mr. Thacher was a great evangelist and again there was a steady growth in membership.


Because of the declining health of Mrs. Thacher and the doctor's advice that they live by the sea, Mr. Thacher ended his pastorate in Middleborough on April 2, 1860 and removed to Gloucester. Here he be- came pastor of the Congregational Church. His wife died in that city in


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1865 and a year later Mr. Thacher married Miss Lydia W. Proctor of Peabody.


Mr. Thacher was installed as pastor of the First Congregational church of Wareham, Massachusetts October 27, 1870. While there he became almost totally blind. He prepared his sermons with the aid of his wife and daughters, and had to be led in and out of the pulpit, but none of the vigor of his sermons was lost. After a time his eyesight improved somewhat and in 1877 Mr. Thacher went to Lakeville, Massachusetts where he continued to serve until failing health forced him to resign in 1880.


Mr. Thacher and his family removed to Peabody, his wife's former home and here he passed away on March 16, 1880.


REV. WILLIAM C. DICKINSON 1854-1856


Very little is known of the ministers immediately following Rev. Isaiah C. Thacher. Rev. William C. Dickinson was installed on April 12, 1854 and concluded his pastorate February 4, 1856. His ministry occupied the period between the first and second pastorates of Rev. Thacher. One who knew Mr. Dickinson said, "He was a man of quiet and simple manners, scholarly in his habits and possessor of a large share of the Christian graces."


(Hon J. C. Sullivan at 50th Anniversary Banquet)


REV. HARVEY M. STONE 1861-1863


Rev. Harvey M. Stone began his pastorate in Middleborough April 18, 1861 and severed his connection with the church March 31, 1863. Mr. Stone was described as " a man of imposing presence, dignified in his manner, affable and genial in his intercourse with the people, although lacking in that energy and aggressiveness which characterized his im- mediate predecessor. Still he was a man who had large influence over the people by the calmness and consistency of his Christian life."


(Hon. J. C. Sullivan at 50th Anniversary Banquet)


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REV. STEPHEN G. DODD 1866-1870 1


Rev. Stephen G. Dodd was installed July 11, 1866 and concluded his services with the church January 11, 1870. Of him it was said, "he was a man who was a profound thinker, a man of vast resources, a man of broad scholarship, a man with wonderful powers in reserve, who, when aroused, was almost a veritable son of thunder. It seems as though he was far superior to any of his predecessors in the mental grasp on those great truths which underlie all the preaching which he usually presented to us. He was a man of wonderful power and resources."


(Hon. J. C. Sullivan at 50th Anniversary Banquet )


REV. ELLIS R. DRAKE 1871-1876


Rev. Ellis R. Drake came to us from Wayland, Massachusetts, and resigned to go to the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Northfield, Massachusetts. He was installed September 20, 1871 and left to go to Northfield on May 10, 1876. Those who knew Mr. Drake remembered him as "a man who came in obedience, like Saint Paul, to a heavenly vision. It seemed he was a man who came among us determined to know nothing else among men but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. He was a man of great spiritual power, a man who devoted himself exclusively to the spiritual development of this church."




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