USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. II > Part 26
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
conformably to the sentiments of the brethren communicated on the present occasion ; and to present the same for further consideration on the Friday evening following, to which time the meeting adjourned. JOSEPH ECKLEY.
Friday Evening 26 January 1787.
The Brethren of the Church met according to adjournment.
When Prayer had been offered, the following form of Covenant for those who offer their children in Baptism, was exhibited by the Com- mittee chosen at the last meeting ; and after serious deliberation, was accepted by Vote as the form to be used in the Society -
You do now in the presence of God, before his holy angels and this assembly, solemnly profess to give up yourself to God the Father as to your Chief good -to the Son of God, as to your medi- ator, head and lord, relying upon him as the prophet, priest and king of your salvation, - to the holy Spirit of God as your sanctifier, guide and comforter, to be a temple for him to dwell in.
"You also profess your belief of the holy Scriptures of the Old and new Testaments as a revelation from God which contains the words of eternal life, and is the only perfect rule of faith and practice.
"You also engage to bring up the children which God may give you in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and that by the help of the Spirit you will adorn this your profession by a holy life and con- versation.
"This you engage.
" We therefore of this Church affectionately profess our pious regard towards you, and our readiness to encourage and assist you in the religious duty you have now engaged to perform : We will, in a Chris- tian manner, watch for your spiritual good, and afford you that counsel and advice, which your circumstances being known to us, may require."
Voted, that each person proposing to take this Covenant, after con- versation with the Pastor, shall be publickly propounded at least a week before it is given ; so that if any objection arises to the moral character, there may, in the meantime, be an opportunity to make it.
Voted, that persons of moral lives and conversation, who have owned baptismal Covenants in other religious Societies, and may apply for the baptism of their children in this Society, may be admitted to the privilege, under the same rules and obligations with the other members, without the form of publickly giving to them the Covenant again. JOSEPH ECKLEY.
No one had owned the covenant at the Old South since 1774. In 1788, it was owned by two persons ; in 1789, by one ; and from 1788 to 1818, both years inclusive, by sixty-one, averaging about two a year. Since 1818, or near the close of Mr. Hunt- ington's ministry, there have been no admissions under this
236
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
form, although the action of January 26, 1787, has never been rescinded. Speaking of this action, Dr. Wisner said, in the fourth of his Historical Discourses :-
These are the latest proceedings on the subject, and, of course, present the basis of the arrangement as now existing, and on which alone persons can be received within its provisions, if any should desire it.
Dr. Chauncy died on the 10th of February, 1787, aged eighty- two. He had been in the ministry of the First Church nearly sixty years. " He was really a great and good man," writes one who was decidedly opposed to him in doctrine, "a man of pro- found learning and great integrity, of sound judgment and quick apprehension, of unaffected piety and most extensive be- nevolence. His own errors did not appear to do him any harm, but rather increased his love to God and man."1 A writer in one of the papers which announced his death said : "Such was his love of the truth whenever he discovered it, and such the honest independence of mind which he possessed to a great degree, that he frequently advanced sentiments which did not comport with generally received opinions; he was therefore subjected to those temporary inconveniences which always attend on such as cannot fall in with all the common opinions. He placed the firmest confidence on the grace of the Gospel, and entertained the highest expectations from the mediatorial undertaking of Jesus Christ." 2
Lords Day 25 March 1787.
A letter was read after the Service of the afternoon, from the Church in Long Lane, desiring the presence and assistance of this Church at the Instalment of the Reverend Jeremy Belknap to the Pastoral Charge of the said Church on the 4 of April next.
The Pastor and Deacons, Mr. Jeremiah Belknap, Mr. Samuel Whit- well and Colonel Josiah Waters, were appointed to attend on the occasion.
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
The church in Long Lane (Federal Street) was established by Scotch Presbyterians in 1728. Its minister, until his death in 1773, was the Rev. John Moorhead. Friendly relations had always subsisted between him and the Congregational pastors of Boston.3 Indeed, there was a fraternal feeling between Con-
1 Ellis's Hist. of the First Church, p. June 7, 1730, says: "Mr. Sewall and Mr. Thatcher preach in Long Lane for 2 Mass. Gazette, February 13, 1787. Mr. Moorehead in his absence from town." The Rev. Robert Annan was
195.
3 Benj. Walker in his diary, Sunday,
.
237
THE REV. JEREMY BELKNAP.
gregationalists and Presbyterians in Massachusetts from the outset, the former saying to the latter that " they might exer- cise their Presbyterial government at their liberty, walking peaceably towards us, as we trusted we should do towards them." Dr. Clark says that it was by a "peaceful yet firm and con- sistent adherence to their own principles, and not by the arts of proselytism, that the Congregational churches of Massachusetts so generally drew the Presbyterians who came among them to their views of church-government." 1
Jeremiah, or Jeremy Belknap, as he is usually called, was the eldest child of Joseph and Sarah (Byles) Belknap.2 He was born June 4 (baptized June 10), 1744, and graduated at Harvard College in 1762. He became a member of the Old South Church in 1764, of which his ancestor, Joseph, was one of the founders, in 1669, and which his great-grandfather, Joseph, joined in 1688, his grandfather, Jeremiah, in 171I, his grand- uncle, Joseph, in 1712, his father, Joseph, in 1735, and his uncle, Jeremiah, in 1741. He was the first of his family to graduate at Harvard College. After graduation he taught school for a time, and on the 18th of February, 1767, he was ordained pastor of the church in Dover, New Hampshire, as colleague with the Rev. Mr. Cushing.3
We have the following newspaper account of the ordination at Dover : -
The Candidate having exhibited a Summary of his Knowledge of the Gospel, and proper Satisfaction being given to a Council of Twenty Churches, as to his Qualifications for the Work of the Ministry, and Motives in Entring upon it ; The Ordination was unanimously voted.4
minister for a short time, after the Revo- lution, as successor to Mr. Moorhead.
1 Historical Sketch, pp. 164, 165.
2 Dr. Sprague says of Mr. Belknap's parents : " His father's occupation was that of a leather dresser and dealer in furs and skins. Both parents were mem- bers of the Old South Church, were per- sons of most exemplary Christian char- acter, and lived to a good old age, to enjoy, for many years, the devoted filial attentions of the subject of this sketch."
3 Mr. Belknap married Ruth, daugh- ter of Samuel Eliot, bookseller, and niece of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Eliot. His salary, when he was settled at Dover, was £100 ($333.33) per annum, with
£150 to provide a house for himself. . Small as it was, this salary could not be collected ; and " he was often obliged to labor in the field to keep his family from want." His salary, when he came to Boston, was fixed at £2.8. o. a week, or about $416 per annum, with a stipula- tion for an increase, if the society should increase. To eke out his income, he received at his house a few young men to instruct in higher branches than were then taught in the public schools. Belknap Papers, Part I. Prefatory Note, pp. vii., viii.
4 [Post Boy and Advertiser, February 27, 1767, and Boston Gazette, March 2, 1767.]
1
238
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Haven, from I Tim. iv. 15. Mr. Cushing gave the charge, and Mr. Pike the right hand of fellowship.
Mr. Belknap's ministry at Dover was an arduous and self- denying one; and while he and his family suffered at times almost for the necessaries of life, they hungered even more for educational advantages and for the society of congenial friends. It is not strange, therefore, that Mr. Belknap was led to accept the call of the Long Lane congregation, which, small as it was, - "thirty families, and, excepting three or four, not opulent,"- and unable to give a large salary, would pay promptly whatever amount was agreed upon, and would add to the stipend as cir- cumstances should permit. The call, too, opened an opportunity to return to Boston, to his own home and that of his wife, and to intercourse with cultivated and appreciative friends. The Rev. Samuel Macclintock, of Greenland, New Hampshire, preached the installation sermon ; prayer was offered by Mr. Eckley, Dr. Lathrop, and Mr. Eliot ; Mr. Jackson, of Brookline, gave the charge, and Mr. Thacher, of Brattle Street, the right hand of fellowship.
April 17. 1787.
At a meeting of the Old South Church and Congregation, Voted, That a Committee of Nine persons, vizt. five of the Church and four of the Congregation, be chosen to take care of all necessary Repairs of the meeting House and Ministerial House -to have the direction and ordering of the affairs relative to the Pews and Seats in the meet- ing House and all temporal matters of said Society for the year ensu- ing. The following persons were chosen by written Vote, Vizt. Ziph. Thayer, John Sweetser Esq. Capt. Neh. Somes, Samuel Whitwell, Samuel Salisbury, William Scollay, Andrew Oliver,1 John Deming and Col. Josiah Waters. JONA. MASON Moderator.
1 [The name of Andrew Oliver occurs in several connections, both in the bap- tismal and church records. We quote from the records and from other sources :
1731. Andrew, son of Andrew (after- ward secretary and lieutenant-governor) and Mary (Fitch) Oliver, baptized De- cember 19.
1746. Andrew, son of Peter (after- ward chief-justice) and Mary (Clarke) Oliver, baptized September 21. (Harv. Coll. 1765, died 1772.)
These were grandsons of Daniel Oliver. The first of the two married Mary Lynde.
1748. Andrew, son of Andrew and Susanna (Boyer) Oliver (Olivier), bap- tized June 5.
The father, in this case, was a son of Anthoine and Mary Olivier, who were Huguenots ; his wife was a daughter of James Boyer, and a granddaughter of Daniel Johonnot, also Huguenots. An- drew Oliver and Susanna Boyer were married by Dr. Sewall, July 9, 1747.
1750. "Andrew Oliver, formerly ad- mitted to the First Church here in full communion is dismissed to the South Church in Boston." - Felt's Ipswich.
239
A FIRE AT THE SOUTH END.
Lords Day 22 April 1787.
The Brethren of the Society were desired to stay after the service in the Afternoon.
Voted, That a Subscription be immediately opened for the distressed and needy sufferers by the Great Fire on Friday Evening last, at the South End of the Town.
Voted, That the monies subscribed be payed to the Deacons to be by them delivered into the hands of such persons as may be appointed by the Subscribers throughout the Town to distribute it among the Sufferers.
Voted, That Col. Josiah Waters, Capt. Somes and Mr. Samuel Salis- bury be a committee to wait upon those of the Society who are now absent with the Subscription paper.
Voted, That the Committee of the Society chosen on Tuesday last be impowered to wait on the Deacons of the Church in Hollis Street at the South End of the Town, and offer them this Church to worship in togeather with the Old South Society- their own having been de- stroyed by the late terrible Fire.
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
Remarks - before the members of the Society left the Church 800 Dolls. were subscribed. It was a rainy afternoon and the Congrega- tion by this means had been less than usual. By the close of the next day the whole Subscription in the Old South Society amounted to upwards of sixteen Hundred Dollars which was immediately paid to the Deacons for the purpose afore said.
The Deacons and members of the Hollis Street Society accepted the Offer of the use of the Old South Church and the greater part of them statedly met for worship together with the Old South Society on Lords Days. The Revd. Mr. White [Wight] pastor of the Hollis Street Church generally officiated one part of the day on Communion Sabbaths. Being at this time in an ill state of health he removed and lived with his family in the Country.
Dr. Belknap describes this fire in a letter to his friend Mr. Hazard, then postmaster-general. It began in a malt house, near the dock, just south of Beach Street, and had there been
1752. Andrew Oliver joined the of the death of Mr. Andrew Oliver church, by letter from the First Church, jeweller." - Ezekiel Price's diary. Ipswich, March 15.
1772. Andrew Oliver, Jr., married Abigail, daughter of William Boardman. Abigail Oliver joined the church August 14, 1774.
1773. Andrew Oliver advertises in the papers, at the New Auction Rooms, south side of the Town House.
1776. "Feb. 17 Heard at Watertown
1786. Andrew Oliver became a mem- ber of the artillery company.
1796. Andrew Oliver, 35 Cornhill. Boston Directory.
The Olivers whose names appear in the records of the Old South after the Revolution were connected with the Essex County family of the name, or with the Oliviers.]
240
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
no wind it would have ended there. But a dry northeaster had prevailed for two days, and the flakes of fire were carried across the dock to some barns and outhouses adjoining the main street ; "and, so rapid and irresistible was its progress that be- tween six and nine in the evening it destroyed between seventy and eighty dwelling-houses, with Mr. Wight's meeting-house, and other smaller buildings in a S. W. direction, as far as there was anything to be burned ; and, had the town extended ten, fifteen, or twenty miles in that direction, and wooden houses in the way, dry as they then were, the fire would have been equally extensive. No lives were lost, though much substance, but I have the pleasure to assure you that a very curious and valuable orrery constructing by Mr. Pope, watchmaker, was carefully and happily saved. Dr. Byles's house was in imminent danger : his hoards of books, instruments, papers, prints etc. etc. were dis- lodged in an hour from a fifty years' quietness to an helter- skelter heap in an adjoining pasture. He removed for the night to a neighbour's house, and returned the next day." The loss of property in round numbers was £20,000.1
The Hollis Street congregation began at once to rebuild. In his sermon at the installation of Mr. Holley in 1809, Dr. Eckley said : "On this day I recollect the time, though more than twenty years have now elapsed, when many of you formed a part of the congregation, and worshipped with the people to whom I yet enjoy the privilege and honour statedly to officiate. On the first floor which was laid on the supporters of this goodly fabrick - the arched heaven for our only canopy, I took the lead in your devotions, and we offered our united prayers to the Almighty Builder of the temple above, for his favour in the erection, and his presence at the future religious services of this his temple below." 2
During the year 1787 there was a revival of the missionary spirit in the churches of Massachusetts. The Propagation So- ciety, incorporated by the English Parliament in 1649, stopped
1 Belknap Papers, Part I. pp. 470-472. An act was passed November 21, 1788, granting a Lottery for the purpose of purchasing the orrery made by Mr. Pope, for the use of Harvard College. The managers were Samuel Eliot, Henry Hill, and Aaron Dexter. - Ind. Chron- icle, November 28, 1788.
2 It was dedicated August 31, 1788,
and stood until 1810, when it was re- moved to give place to the third meeting- house ; this was dedicated in 1811, and was occupied by the society until 1885. The congregation then removed to the corner of Newbury and Exeter streets, and, in 1887, was joined by the South Congregational Society, the Rev. Edward Everett Hale, pastor.
24I
A NEW MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
its remittances to New England soon after the War of the Rev- olution began, and notified the treasurer in Boston, Mr. Isaac Smith, that no more bills drawn by him would be honored "until the restoration of peace, order and good government." The " good government " referred to in this notification meant good government under the British crown ; for, after the achievement of American independence, the Society, in 1786, transferred its operations to New Brunswick.
The Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowl- edge was willing to continue its cooperation with the New Eng- land churches in evangelistic labors among the Indians ; and, on the withdrawal of the English society, sent a new commis- sion to a number of gentlemen in Boston and its vicinity, au- thorizing them to act in its behalf, and promising the needed pecuniary aid. " Ashamed that more solicitude for this object should be discovered by foreigners than by themselves, these gentlemen revived the former plan [that of 1762], and asso- ciated for the purpose of forming a society similar to that in Scotland. They petitioned the General Assembly for a charter, which was granted them, with the adequate powers, at the close of the same year, 1787." 1
1 Brief Account, by the Rev. Peter Thacher, 1798.
See also, ante, vol. ii. pp. 67, 68. The new society was chartered November 19, 1787, in response to the following petition :-
" To the Honourable the Senate, and House of Representatives of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts.
" Humbly shew Moses Gill, Oliver Wendell, Francis Dana, Increase Sum- ner, Richard Cranch, William Hyslop, Jonathan Mason and Ebenezer Storer, Esquires, Joseph Willard D. D. Edward Wigglesworth D. D. Samuel Williams LL. D. Phillips Payson, Levi Frisbie, Timothy Hilliard, Peter Thatcher, John Eliot, Joseph Eckley, John Clarke, Nathaniel Emmons, Ebenezer Wight, and Eliphalet Porter, Ministers of the Gospel,
" That they have been impowered by the Society in Scotland for propagating Christian knowledge to distribute their charitable donations from time to time made for the benevolent purpose of
propagating the gospel among the In- dians in North America.
" That they feel themselves deeply in- terested in prosecuting so good a design ; and cannot but regret that so much should be done by foreigners, and so lit- tle by their own countrymen in spreading the gospel of our salvation among the natives of this land. They are also per- suaded that if a number of gentlemen should be vested with corporate powers to receive and dispose of the donations and bequests of pious and charitable persons, much might be done in accom- plishing this design.
"They should not have needed now to make this application to the Honourable Court, had it not been for the jealousy of the government of Great Britain. For, in the year 1762, an act passed the General Court confirming a corporation for this purpose, but it was disallowed by the King in Council.
" They therefore, request your Honours that they may be permitted to bring in a Bill incorporating a number of Gentle-
1
S
242
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Lieutenant-Governor Cushing died February 28, 1788, in his sixty-third year. He was a prominent figure in the province and in the commonwealth, from early manhood to his death. He held for many years the speakership of the House of Rep- resentatives ; he was for two terms a member of the Continen- tal Congress, and, afterward, councillor, judge of the court of common pleas, judge of probate, and, from 1780 until his death, lieutenant-governor. The governor, John Hancock, directed that he should be buried with every demonstration of respect. The funeral took place March 3. The bearers were James Sullivan, Thomas Dawes ; James Warren, John Scollay ; James Bowdoin, Samuel Adams. The legislature, which was in session, partici- pated in the exercises, together with the governor, the council, the judges of the Supreme Court in their scarlet robes, the president and fellows of Harvard College,1 and other digni- taries. The independent cadets, the artillery company, the Bos- ton regiment, and other troops marched in the procession ; three volleys were fired over the grave, and minute-guns were dis- charged at Castle William.
Mr. Cushing had for a third of a century been a member of the Old South Church. Of his religious character, an obituary notice, written perhaps by Mr. Eckley, said :-
Plied as he was with publick energies, he forgot not the more pri- vate duties of life. He was from early youth a professor of religion, and a serious and devout attendant upon its offices, in publick and pri- vate. The principles and motives of the gospel lay with great weight upon his mind ; they had an evident influence upon his conduct in life ; they dispersed from before him the terrours of death, and enabled him to look forward, with calmness and composure, to a state of glory and felicity beyond the grave.2
Fast Day 17th April 1788.
The Brethren of the Society were desired to stay after the public Service of the afternoon. The accounts of the Committee for the last year, relating to the singing Choir &c. were accepted. It was then Voted to proceed to the choice of a Committee of nine for the ensuing year ; and on counting the written votes it appeared that the same members of the Church and Congregation were elected as on the year before.
Jos : ECKLEY.
men for the purpose of propagating the gospel among the Indians of North America, and extending Christian knowl- edge therein."
1 Mr. Cushing was a fellow of Harvard College at the time of his death. He graduated in 1744.
2 [Mass. Centinel, March 1, 1788.]
243
HOLLIS STREET CHURCH.
Lords Day morning 20 July 1788.
After the Congregation was dismissed a Letter was read to the Church by the Pastor from one of the members, acknowl- edging a transgression of the Seventh Commandment (occasioning the birth of a child at a time too early after marriage) expressive of contrition and sorrow, the desire of forgiveness, and restoration to the privileges of the Church.
The question was put, whether the Letter be satisfactory. It was voted in the affirmative. The Pastor then declared the said member to be restored to the fellowship of the Church, with the right of par- taking at the Communion as on preceding occasions.
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
Sabbath Day 27th July 1788.
The Brethren were desired to stay after the Blessing was given. The following letter signed by the Deacons of the Hollis Street So- ciety and directed to " The Church and proprietors of the Old South Meeting House " was communicated.
BOSTON July 23 1788.
Honored and Beloved
Having thro' divine goodness completed our House for public Wor- ship, where we expect to meet on the last Lords Day in this month, we now take our affectionate leave of you, who were amongst the first of our kind friends that compassionated our distressed situation when our former house was destroyed, and not only kindly invited us to worship with you but generously accommodated us with seats in your House.
We desire you to accept our most grateful thanks for that early no- tice you was pleased to take of our afflicted circumstances, and for the tender regard and brotherly love you have constantly manifested towards us. We desire also to express our grateful acknowledgments to your Revd Pastor for his kind and constant attention in visiting the sick and attending the funerals of our Society during the absence of our Revd Pastor. Be assured, Beloved Brethren, that we shall ever retain a most grateful sense of your kind offices of love, and that it is our earnest prayer that you may constantly enjoy the divine favour and blessing, and be increased with increases of God.
We request an Interest in your Prayers to God for us, and are Breth- ren in the Faith and Fellowship of the Gospel of Christ,
In the name and by the order of the Church and Society under the pastoral care of the Revd Mr. Wight,
CALEB DAVIS. THOMAS BAYLEY. WM. BROWN.
1
f
t
e
S
244
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Sabbath Day I March 1789
After the Service of the Day, a letter was read from the Church in Hollis Street, lately under the Pastoral care of the Rev : Mr. Wight, inviting the Old South Church, by its Pastor and other delegates, to assist at the installation of the Rev : Samuel West, on Thursday the 12 instant. The Deacons, Mr. John Scollay and Mr. Samuel Whit- well were chosen to attend, with the Pastor, on the occasion.
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
Mr. West was a son of the Rev. Thomas West, who preached on Martha's Vineyard, and afterward at Rochester. He gradu- ated at Harvard College in 1761. The Hon. Thomas Hubbard,1 who was then commissary of the province, was his friend, and obtained a chaplaincy for him at Fort Pownal, on the Penobscot ; he remained for a short time at this post, and then returned to Cambridge to complete his studies in divinity. He was ordained at Needham in 1764, but suffered greatly because his salary, small as it was, was not paid to him. He preached at Federal Street, and at Dr. Gordon's church on Jamaica Plain, when those pulpits were vacant, and might have been settled, probably, in either of them. He preached his own installation sermon at Hollis Street, from 2 Cor. iv. I : "Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." Mr. Belknap gave the charge, and Mr. Eckley the right hand of fellowship, together with an address to the people, in which he said : -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.