USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Roxbury > History of the First Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, 1630-1904 > Part 12
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building and also the same number in the galleries. Some of the pews were square, and the seats so made as to fold up when the people stood up at prayer, at the close of which they would come down with a clatter, fun for the boys, who thus responded to the amen.
In front, the place of honor, were two body pews (so called) assigned to strangers and the poor of the parish.
The women's gallery was partitioned from the men's in a parellel line with the front gallery fore seat. The hinder- most seat in the front gallery was made into a pew and purchased by the following young men under the same regulations with the Proprietors of the other pews :- James Pierpont, John Richardson, Junr, John Gore Jr., Paul Gore, Edwd. Preston, Eb. Pierpont, Jun", Sam1 May, Daniel Williams, Saml. Williams, Junr., Edwd Ruggles Junr, Jon Curtis, Daniel Seaver, Sam! Weld, Benj. Sumner, Benj. Curtis, Sam1 Gridley Junr., and the charge of building said Pew was the Purchase Price.
March 20, 1744/5, Deacon Samuel Gridley was chosen to have care of the meeting house.
The precinct allowed Joseph Weld, son of Edmond Weld, sum consideration for Ringing the School bell on Sabbath Days for the Benefit of the precinct the year past and pro- posed the said Joseph go about from Place to place and collect as persons may be disposed to give.
In Aug., 1749, the precinct chose a committee consisting of Capt. Eleaz. Williams, Capt. Joseph Williams and Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont to wait on their Rev. aged Pastor and to desire him to lay before the church the desire of the precinct to have a suitable orthodox minister called and settled as a colleague with Mr. Walter. In the following March the Church made choice of Mr. Oliver Peabody, who had been settled over the little missionary church in Natick, as a
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Colleague minister with their Revd. aged Pastor, but the congregation did not at once concur as they first desired to hear him for the space of six weeks. In the following May the congregation concurred by a majority of votes (vizt. fortey Two Votes for Mr. Peabody and Twenty Three blanks), and a committee consisting of Dea. Edw. Ruggles, Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont and Capt. Eleazr Williams represent- ing the church, and Capt. Ralph Holbrook and Ensign Eben- ezer Cheney representing the congregation were chosen to wait upon Mr. Oliver Peabody to acquaint him of their choice.
Mr. Peabody accepted the call, and a committee of five consisting of Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont, Col. Joseph Heath, Col. Joshua Lamb and the two Deacons were chosen to consult with Mr. Peabody upon a time for his Ordination.
As a settlement for Mr. Peabody ££1200 old tenor was granted by the precinct and £80 as a yearly sallery and 15 cords of wood during the life of our Rev. aged Pastor and such further sum as ye parrish shall think convenient after his Decease so long as said Mr. Peabody shall continue our minister.
Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter died Sept. 17, 1750, and on the 19th a committee consisting of Capt. Eleazr Williams, Capt. John Richardson, Capt. Ebenezer Dorr, Capt. Sam1 Stevens and Deacon Edwd Ruggles were chosen to have the oversight of the funeral for our late Rev. aged Pastor, Mr. Nehemiah Walter (Deacon Sam] Gridley was especially obliged to attend on other business). In Oct. it was voted to raise £230 9s. old tenor "to Defrey the charge of the funerall of our late Rev. aged pastor Mr. Nehemiah Walter Deceased."
On Oct. 8, 1750, a committee consisting of Lt. Sam'l Heath, Mr. Increase Sumner, Lt. Ebenezer Newell, Lt. Eben-
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ezer Cheney, Mr. Benj. May was chosen to have charge of the ordination of Mr. Peabody, who was ordained Nov. 7, 1750, the cost of which was £132 9s. 7d. old Tenor.
In 1751 the precinct voted money for the support of Madam Walter giving her £500 and quarterly contribution voted last March for Mr. Walter and £650 also. They also voted to change the Lecture Day from Tuesdays to Fridays before our Sacrament. In March, 1752, the precinct voted 8 cords of wood for Madam Walter and 12 cords for Rev. Mr. Oliver Peabody. During this year Coll. Joseph Heath presented a Church Bible to the precinct.
Rev. Mr. Oliver Peabody died May 29, 1752, and the cost of the funeral expenses was £81 1s. old Tenor. June 22, 1752, a committee was chosen to supply the pulpit.
Ebenezer Pierpont, Deacon Edward Ruggles and Mr. Joseph Warren were chosen a committee to wait upon Madam Dudley Respecting a Donation or legacy given to this Precinct by the Hon. Paul Dudley, Esq., Late of Roxbury and if it may be receive the same for the use of the Precinct.
At a meeting of the Precinct held Feb. 28, 1753, Deacon Edward Ruggles presided as moderator and it was probably his last official connection with this church as he removed to Cambridge soon after.
At this meeting the congregation unanimously concurred with the church in the choice of Mr. Amos Adams as Pastor, and a committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Adams. As a settlement it was voted to give him £1200 old Tenor, being £400 for each year for three years and £90 as a sallery with 20 cords of wood and the loose money put into the box be annually granted so soon as he shall settle with us and have a family. Mr. Adams accepted the call as follows:
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H. COLLEGE MARCH YE 27, 1753.
TO THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST AND INHABITANTS OF THE FIRST PARISH IN ROXBURY
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: For as much as it has pleased God who orders the bounds of every ones habitation in the Cource of his providence to Bring me among you and after Humble Supplication to Heaven, for Guidance & Direction in the choice of a minister; You have Been Inclined to Give me an Invitation to take the Pastoral Charge and over Sight of you in the Lord (of the honour and Respect you Have Done me therein I am not Insensi- ble) I have made these matters, the Subject of my Serious Consideration, with an Eye to the fountain of wisdom for Direction I have Also consulted those who we Trust are hearty Friends to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and Considering the Happy unanimity at Present Subsisting among you, I can Chearfully and by these lines do Signify my acceptance of your Invitation to settle among you in the work of the Gospel ministry upon the Terms Proposed-
and Since God is thus Bringing us into so near a relation may it be the foundation of much peace and Happiness to both you and me - Cease not my Dear friends to Beseech the Head of the Church to Give me that portion of his spirit and Grace to assist and Strengthen me that I may Speak as becomes Sound Doctrine and Conduct my Selfe in the whole of my ministry; with that wisdom and Prudence that fidellity and meakness which becomes a minister of the Gospell. That I may save my own Soul and the Souls of those Committed to my Charge. Pray preserve the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace. Live in peace; and the God of Love & Peace shall be with you; and may be all Be Brought in Due Time to Rejoyce together in the Kingdom of Glory to Eternity and be mutual Possessors of that King- dom which is Incorruptable, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
I am Your Servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
AMOS ADAMS.
In March, 1753, the precinct voted to build a spire on the steeple of the meeting house the cost being £68 15s. 23d. -£515 14s. 1d. old tenor. On the Lord's day, Sept. 2, 1753, the congregation in the Old South Church, Boston, was stayed and a Letter read from the 1st Church in Roxbury desiring their Assistance in Council at the Ordination of Mr. Amos Adams. Granted. Messengers, Our Brethren that are or have been of the (Governor's) Council, the Deacons
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and Messrs. Edward Broomfield and Isaac Walker. Mr. Adams was ordained Sept. 12, 1753. Oct. 14, 1753, the Church was stayed & the question was put whether the custom of asking for Publick Testimony for such as are admitted to communion shall be henceforth disused in this church & it passed in the affirmative. Nov. 30, 1753, Two Deacons were chosen, Deacon Stephen Williams (formerly Deacon of the 2d Ch. in this town) and Brother Ebenezer Craft in the room of Deacon Ruggles removed to Cambridge.
In 1754 a committee consisting of the three Deacons with Capt. Sam'l Stevens, Capt. Eleazer Williams, and Sam'l Heath were chosen to obtain subscriptions towards purchas- ing a Bell for the meeting house. On Oct. 3, 1754, it was "Proposed wheather it be the Desire of this precinct that there may be no fire brought into this meeting by stoves and passed in the affirmative.
In 1755 the old bell was sent to England to be recast as per following letter of instructions:
Sr. We herewith Deliver to your care the remains of our old Bell "amt To Two hundred & Eighty weight (or thereabouts) Neet which we Desire you would Take due care to ship for Great Brittain by the first opportunity in order to its Being Cast with the needfull addition into a new Bell of Be- tween five & six hundred weight. The size we apprehend suitable for our steeple; and wish it may return with speed for our use. When we will Endever You shall receive the Just Ballance that may be due with our Grate- full acknowledgements for all favours. Desiring You would use Your Dycrefsion respecting Insurence as well as Dispatch; which is all ncedfull from Sr Your Humble Servants; In The name and Behalf of the First Prect or Parish in Roxbury
JO WILLIAMS NOAH PERRIN Prect Comtte To Mr. Thos Gunter - merchant.
Roxbury Sept. Ye 1, 1755
In 1756 the precinct voted to have the Deck on the Top of the steeple sufficiently leded and also to have a frame to hang the new Bell upon.
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In March, 1758, Mr. William Blaney was directed to remove the chairs that stand By the front Doer and Encumber the passageway.
At the precinct or parish meeting held March 27, 1759, it was proposed "wheather the precinct In Consideration of the Extreordinary price of provision at this present day and in answer to the memorial of our sd Rev. Pastor respecting the Difficulty of Supporting his family, will make him any con- sideration Voted the sum of Ten pounds money be granted."
The addition of Ten pounds was made each year until 1762 when he wrote to the precinct as follows:
ROXBURY, MARCH 29 1762
MY BRETIIREN: I may not omit this Opportunity of thanking you for the punctual Payment of my Salary, as also for the additional Ten Pounds which I have received: I likewise heartily thank those of you who have afforded me private Benefactions; these I receive as the kind Testimonials of your Affection, and they have been a considerable assistance to me in the support of my Family.
I have understood that it hath been Intimated by some, that I am growing rich, and laying up money for my Family; Justice therefore to myself and compassion for my Family require me to set that matter in a true Light.
I have now recd. from you Nine years salary. I do not know how it was possible for me or my family to live with greater care & Frugality, both as to clothing & provisions, than we have lived, consistent with that Decency, which I know you would have your minister preserve. I have neither right Title claim or Interest in any real Estate in the World, besides the Half Acre on which my little Barn and unfinished, unadorned House do stand, I have neither clock in my house, nor Watch in my Pocket, nor a Horse to ride on; neither have I any way the means of purchasing one, nor have I cash to the value of £3. L. M. and on the Balance of Accounts, I can assure you, I do owe £250. O. Tenor more than I have due me in the World. . . . I cannot think it unreasonable to propose that my salary be fully made good according to the expences of a Family; I am sure if you were able to give Me £90 p. annum When I settled you are able to afford me at least the full Value of that now, - and Would it not be hard in so antient and able a Parish as this to be obliged to live in a pinching mamer, and not- withstanding be unable to lay up anything for my Family - forgive the Thot; I am perswaded you are unwilling this should ever be the Case -
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The affecting Providence of God in taking away in so awful a Manner my Firstborn & dear Son (I remember the wormwood and the Gall) I desire may teach me not to be too greatly distressed for my Family; child- ren are Tender plants easily cut down; but is it possible for a faithful Hus- band & Tender Father to consider a prudent Wife and his dear children liable, whenever their head is taken away, to be scattered in the World without any provision for feeding and clothing them, as is now the real con- dition of Mine ?
Am I unworthy ? let me ask your compassion to my wife and children, who I am sure have never forfeited your regards.
I am deeply sensible I have done nothing to Claim your favours. If my poor Imperfect services meet with any degree of acceptance from any of you it is as much as I could expect - If I have done anything acceptable to my Master I adore the Grace that will accept & reward an unprofitable servt.
If my Ministrations have been of Spiritual profit to any amongst us, (give the glory to God) I account that my labour hath not been in vain in the Lord.
I am your unworthy servt in the Gospel
AMOS ADAMS.
At the above meeting held March 27, 1759 it was Proposed, " Wheather they would come into any method to Build a pew or pews in the hindermost Seat in the mens Gallery at or near the South Easterly corner of the meeting house in said Prec't and Pass in the affirmative and voted that the Prect Committee be and hereby are Impowered (on a Suteable num- ber of Young men applycation for Liberty to build a pew or pews at the place or places afforesaid). To agree with and Grant them Liberty to build the afforesaid pew or pews and to hold and Ocupey the same as there property on Such Terms as the pews in our late new meeting house were held. Wee who are hereafter mentioned Do agree to Compleet the said seat in a hansom manner with your consent that we have and enjoy the same acording to the Vote of the Prect." The above was signed by Jonathan Hall, Caleb Howard, Aaron Davis, H. Howell Williams, Moses Dorr, John Bowen Jun., Joseph
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Williams Junr., Francis Dana, Lemuel May, Ebenezr Dorr Tertius, Stephen Williams, John Davis Williams and they were approved by the Prect Committee.
At the same time and for the same purpose another peti- tion was presented signed by Richard Leathbridg, James Orr, Jona Hall. In 1762 as the bell purchased in 1755 was no longer fit for use they voted to have a new bell as near the pattern of ye Rev. Mr. Boyles bell as may be and the next year they purchased it weighing 6. 3. 26 and its entire cost including freight on the old bell metal was £22 0s. 1d. Abel Rudhall of Gloucester, England, made it. A grateful acknowledgment was made by the Precinct to Mr. William Jones Marchant in Bristol who generously gave the Pre- cinct all his trouble and Commissions in this affair and to the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq., who had given the precinct a quantity of Bell mettle towards the charge of the aforesaid new bell (being about one hundred weight of mettle) and to Isaac Winslow, Esq., for his assistance in serving the pre- cinct by writing to his friend Mr. Jones afforesaid, respect- ing the procuring said new bell. They voted to have the same hung on the top of the Tower where the Late new Bell was hung, and that the precinct Committee be Desired to Imploye sum faithfull workmen to do all that may be thought needful to Brace and Strengthen the Steeple in the best manner they are able to do and that the sum of Twenty pounds be granted and raised in the usual manner as soon as may be to Defrey the charges thereof and other necessary charges in the precinct ye year ensuing.
In 1763 the three seats to the right of the clock in the center of the gallery (lately occupied by them) were appro- priated for "such persons as are and may be inclined to sit together for the purpose of singing on Lords Days and other times of Divine Service" and that they have Liberty to
1
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make such alterations for their own convenience as may be thought needful so as not to marr or hurt the house.
In 1764 there were three stones one at each door of the porch on the South side of the meeting house. In this year the precinct voted £90 salary for our Rev. Pastor Mr. Adams and the further sum of £10 as a gift in consideration of the price of provisions and £16 for his firewood. Also £30 for sweeping and Taking care of the meeting house and to Defrey other charges in the precinct the year ensuing. At the annual meeting in March the Petition was presented of Daniel Bugbe, John Bowing, Jonathan Davis and Aaron Davis " Humbly Shewing that wheirias it is Generally thought that the foure hind seats in the body of our meeting house might be very well spaired and no waise Discommode it; but be ornamentall to have foure Pews built in theire Roome - we theirefore Desire that you woold take it into your Consideration and if in your great wisdome you thinck fit: you woold Grant Liberty to your Petitioners to Erect foure Pews for the use of theire famileys in those seats in so doing you will oblidge youre Petetioners; and they as in Duty bound shall ever pray."
At a meeting held in May, 1764, it was Voted "that Mess. Aaron Davis, Capt. John Williams and Mr. Nath! Felton be a committee to regulate and seat the Several seats in ye meeting house By Desireing so many Elderly persons to come down out of the Gallery as to fill up the Body Seats Below." Then enquiray was made respecting the pews occupd by Mess. Thomas Bell and Jno. Pierpont & others and Mr. Bell being present was questioned concerning his occuping the late Capt. Jarvis Pew and answered That as Mrs. Jarvis had not Disposed of her estate in the Town he thought himself Intitled to set in the Pew on such Terms as she and he might agree and had accordingly set in the
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said Pew with his family. A committee was immediately chosen to enquire into the Disposition of the Pews sup- posed to be disposed of contrary to the votes of the Parish and to make report at the anniversary meeting in March next ensuing, at which meeting the committee reported that Lt. William Cheeney had made an offer of the Prect or there comtte of the pew now occupd by Mr. John Pierpont.
Sept. 20, 1768. This church and Congregation in con- junction with other churches unanimously agreed to keep this day as a day of fasting and prayer in the present threatening state of public affairs.
At a meeting held in March, 1772, a petition was pre- sented signed by Thomas Williams, Ebenezer Dorr, Aaron Davis Jr., Sam'l Sumner, Thadeus Partridge, Will™ Bosson, Caleb Hayward, Sam'l Sumner Jr., Edwd Sumner, John Woods, James Mears, Benja Curtis, Stephen Williams, which showed that it was their earnest desire to have a good Clock to the Meeting House and for that purpose humbly prayed that the precinct would set of and make four new pews from of the Body seats two on each side so as to include the ally on the side of the Body seats in said pues and that these pues when finished may be Disposed of in such way and Manner as the Committee or inhabitants of said precinct shall think Best, that the money which the said pues shall be so sold for may be applied towards the Purchasing the said clock for an Ornament for the said Meeting House. That the attendance at the services was increasing is shown by the fact that a meeting was called in February, 1774, to consider a proposal to enlarge the Meeting House. The proposal was for an addition of about 30 feet in length at the Easterly End of said House, said addition to be made without weakening or injuring the house or in any manner spoiling its proportion; and the whole cost or expense of
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such an alteration or addition being on a moderate computa- tion £333 6s 8d. which a sufficient number of subscribers appear to pay. The Petitioners named below will take and receive the new pews or seats subject to the following regu- lations :
(1) That there be 24 new pews on the floor equal in bigness to those in the present house.
(2) That the additional room in the Gallery be offered to the Precinct with the seats or pews Built compleet and finished if they shall choose it at the sum of £57 10s. or otherwise that there be 10 pews built in the Gallery to be Disposed of by the Petitioners under Due regulations so as to raise the said sum.
(3) That moving the Pulpit, seats, pews and porches &c be done with- out any expense to the Precinct.
(4) That those persons who have seats removed shall have liberty to take the same situation in the new house from the Pulpit.
(5) That the timber windows and all the stuff that may be taken out of the easterly end of the present house be allowed to help make the addition.
(6) If there be more subscribers than can be accomodated then those to be admitted first who stand highest on the Precinct role of Valuation for their own estates.
(7) That the pews pay the whole expense of the addition and alteration (in case Ten are built in the Gallery) otherwise to pay all the expense (ex- cept only £57 10s.). To be paid by the Precinct if they shall choose to retain the Galleries for seats or to their own use.
(8) If there should not be a sufficient number of subscribers appear at first those pews that are not taken up shall be the Property of the subscribers to be disposed of under the Direction of the Parish Committee.
(9) That if any Person or Persons should at any time hereafter Incline to Dispose of his or there Pew or Pews they shall be under the same regu- lations of those in the Present house and make the first offer to the Precinct or their Committee by the space of one month before such Disposal.
(10) That one half the money for the addition be paid by the subscribers, within one week after the Building be raised and the remainder when the Precinct Committee shall judge the work is completed.
(11) That if any of the subscribers shall be in arrears for their pew three months after the house is finished: it shall be in the power of the sub- scribers to sell the same with the approbation of the Parish Committee.
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(12) In case the work be not completed without Troubling the sub- scribers on or before the last day of Oct., A.D., 1774, then those persons who have subscribed may be at Liberty to make the agreement void.
(13) The 24 pews added on the lower floor to be all of a price: Numbered and Drawn by a lottery by such persons as shall appear and subscribe for them agreeable to the before mentioned conditions and Regulations.
(14) In case the Precinct should not Incline to keep the Room in ye Galleries to themselves; Neither in seats nor pews at the sum of fifty seven pounds ten shillings lawfull money above mentioned. Then the same shall belong to the said Twenty four persons to be made into pews and Disposed of for their advantage under the regulations afforesaid.
(15) As it is always intended and so to be understood that the said Twenty four persons to whom the said pews on the floor shall be assigned are to be answerable for all the cost and charge of said addition to the House (except as before excepted)
Moses Davis
Aaron Davis
Stephen Williams
James Mears
William Bowman
Susanna Davis
Caleb Hayward
Thos. Wyman
John Greaton, Jr.
John Bowen
Nehemiah Munroe Nath} Eaton
Aaron Blaney
Jonathan Patten
Ebenezer Cheney
Joseph Smith
John Slack
Jonathan Parker
Sam'l Whittemore
Jeremiah Parker, Jr.
and by the Parish vote
James White Richard Lethbridge
Jos. Williams for William Dudley Aaron Davis
Adam Pattie
Stephen Williams
for Ebenezer Davis
Ralph Smith
Ebenezer Wales
Nath. Ruggles Abijah Sever.
The precinct took the gallery room and made it into seats All the above votes passed.
May 12, 1774, a petition was signed by Stephen Williams 2nd, Moses Davis, Wm Bowman, Caleb Hayward, Stephen Williams, Adam Pattie, Thad. Partridge, and addressed to the Committee of the first Precinct or Parish which humbly
Samuel Langley
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requested them to notify and call a meeting of all the free- holders and inhabitants of said Precinct Quallifd to vote in Precinct affairs To assemble at the meeting house in said Precinct on friday the Twentieth day of May instant at five of the clock in ye afternoon then and there to know whether they will give Liberty to open the said meeting house in or near the middle so as to build ye proposed new addition of thirty feet in the middle of the said house.
March 29, 1775, it was Voted that Messrs Thomas Clarke, Samuel Croxford, John Porker, Ezekiel Jones, Benja Stevens, Jacob Whittemore, Jabez Parter, John Smith, Ebenezer Smith, John Hopkins and Mathew Davis be and hereby are allowed to have and hold the new Pew at the Westerly End of the front Gallery built in the place of the hind seat on their paying to the prect or their committee thirteen shillings & four pence each for their seat in the said pew and being obliged to give the first offer thereof to the Precinct for the same sum in case they shall incline to Dispose thereof at any time hereafter by the space of one month next before they shall sell the same.
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