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