USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. II > Part 49
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Monday, January 29th 1821.
The Brethren of the church met at the vestry according to notifica- tion given in the usual way.
His Honor William Phillips, Senior Deacon, was chosen Moderator ; and Deacon J. Salisbury Scribe.
Prayer in behalf of the meeting was made by Mr. Wisner.
Mr. Wisner having declared his assent, in general, to the confession of faith and the Platform of church government agreed upon by the venerable assembly of Elders and Messengers at their several sessions in Cambridge A. D. 1648, and in Boston A. D. 1680 ; - and having also exhibited his dismission and recommendation from the Presbytery of Albany (State of New York) assembled at Amsterdam, January 10 1821, signed by Arthur J. Stanbury, Stated Clerk ; - It was Voted, That Mr. Wisner be admitted a member of this church. It was then Voted, that, Deo volente, Wednesday the 21st Day of February next ensuing, be the day for the ordination of Mr. Wisner as pastor of this church.
Mr. Wisner having nominated the following, for members of the council to be convened on this occasion, It was Voted, That they be
1 Dr. Osgood preached Leonard Woods's ordination sermon in 1798. The Rev. Convers Francis wrote of him to Dr. Sprague : "With the Unitarian theology, I do not think he had any sympathy, though the largest part of those with whom he loved best to asso- ciate were of that way of thinking. I re- member, when I was in College [1811- 1815], he preached once at Dr. Holmes', and in the course of his sermon, having quoted some strong passage of Scripture on the subject of Christ's Divinity, he turned round (as we thought on purpose, although it might have been accidental) towards the place where the President and some Professors were sitting, and
said with energetic emphasis - What will our Socinian brethren say to this? We students used to talk of it as a bold, good hit, though perhaps not quite fair. The truth is, Dr. Osgood always seemed to me one who could not be classed under the named and regular category of any sect. His repugnance to making creeds the condition of the Christian name and character was far greater than his attachment to any creed on his own part ; and this seemed to me to express his chief peculiarity as to theological position. His strenuous advocacy of ecclesiastical freedom, you know better than I can tell you." - Sprague's Annals, vol. ii. p. 84.
461
INVITATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS.
invited to attend, Viz. Rev. Dr. Nott, President of Union College ; the Revd Professors Alexander and Miller, of Princeton, New Jersey ; the Second Presbyterian Church in Albany under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Chester ; the First Congregational Church in West Spring- field under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Sprague.
The church went into committee of the whole on the subject of the remaining nominations, and reported as follows, which report was unanimously accepted, Viz. That we invite to be of the Council: The Revd Professors of the Theological Institution at Andover, and the church under their care, together with all those pastors of churches, who have in conjunction with the said professors, aided in supplying our pulpit, since the lamented decease of our late Pastor, the Revd Mr. Huntington ; and in addition thereto, the West Church in Boston, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Lowell.
The following is supposed to be a list of the Churches intended in this Vote, Viz.
Mr. D. Huntington, Codman, Storrs, Gile, Dwight, Fay, Holmes, Osgood, Edwards, Oliphant of Beverly, Cornelius, Worcester, Emer- son of Salem, Emerson of Reading, Walker, Green of Reading; Rock- wood and Jenks.
Voted, That the Deacons be a committee to prepare and send the letters missive, to convene this council.
Voted, That the following persons be a committee to lay before the council, when convened, the proceedings of the church in relation to the election and call of Mr. Wisner ; and, also, for regulating, order- ing and providing such further measures, as may be judged expedient on this occasion, Viz.
The Deacons, Brothers Whitman, Homes, Coverly, Child, Walley, Cutler and Vose.
Voted, That the scribe communicate to the standing committee the votes passed at this meeting ; requesting, that they may be laid before the Church and congregation for their concurrence.
Voted, That the committee of arrangements be instructed, that it is the special desire of this church, that affectionate and respectful invita- tions to attend on this interesting occasion, and to Dine with the council &c, be given unto the Reverend President and Professors of Harvard College, also, to the members of the Boston association of Ministers, and to the regular Clergy of all other denominations, be- longing to Boston.
The meeting was then dissolved.
At a meeting of the Old South Church and Congregation being proprietors of Pews, held according to notification in the usual form, from the Desk, on this 5th day of February A. D. 1821, - The Hon. William Phillips was Chosen moderator.
462
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
The proceedings of the Church, relative to the ordination of Mr. Benjamin B. Wisner, as the Pastor of said Church, as done at their meeting January 29. 1821, was then read and duly considered. Whereupon it was
Voted, That the Brethren of the Church and Congregation being Proprietors of Pews, concur in the doings of the Church aforesaid, relative to the Ordination of said Mr. Benjamin B. Wisner, and on their part appoint Brothers Francis Welch, Samuel Davis, John Hous- ton, Isaac Mclellan and Andrew G. Winslow, a Committee to be joined with the Committee of the Church, appointed as aforesaid, to make suitable provision for the Council, chosen, as aforesaid, to ordain said Mr. Wisner, as Pastor and Minister of said Church and Congre- gation, and to assist in the solemnities on that occasion before the Council, and direct and superintend all arrangements relative thereto. . A Communication was received from the Standing Committee, which is as follows, Viz.
At a meeting of the Committee on the Ist day of February 1821, it was
Voted, That this Committee recommend to the Society, at their next meeting, that they present to the Revd. Mr. Jenks, One hundred dollars as a remuneration in some measure, for his pious and religious services, to individual families of this society, and to the society at large, since the Death of their late lamented Pastor. It was also,
Voted, to recommend to the Society to chuse a Committee for one year, whose duty it shall be to procure assistance for our Pastor Elect, in the public duties of the sanctuary, whenever in their opinion it may be necessary.
The above Votes and recommendations being read and considered, they were unanimously adopted, and the Deacons with Brothers Welch and Davis were chosen for one year, a Committee to procure assist- ance for our Pastor elect, agreeable to the last Vote. It was then Voted that this meeting was dissolved, which was done accordingly.
Attest DAVID W. CHILD Clk.
After the meeting of the Church and Congregation on the 5th of February, the Committee of the Congregation joined the Committee of the Church, and chose Deacon William Phillips Chairman, and D. W. Child Secretary.
It was then Voted, That Deacon William Phillips, Benjamin Whit- man, William Homes, S. H. Walley, Francis Welch and John Hous- ton be a Committee to introduce Mr. Wisner to the Council, and read the proceedings of the Church and Congregation.
Voted, That Deacon J. Salisbury, Francis Welch and Benjamin Whitman be a Committee to make provision for the entertainment of the Council and invited guests.
463
CAREFUL PREPARATION.
Voted, That D. W. Child, Samuel Davis and Andrew G. Winslow be a Committee to provide music for the occasion, and refreshment for the Singing Choir and Musicians.
Voted, That Pliny Cutler, Thomas Vose, Samuel Davis, Francis Welch, Andrew G. Winslow, and John Houston, be a Committee to arrange the sitting in the Meeting House on Ordination day.
The meeting was then adjourned to meet at the Vestry on Monday the 19th Inst. at 10 O clock A. M.
At a meeting of the aforesaid Committee agreeable to adjournment, on Monday the 19th February 1821, the sub-Committees reported as follows, Viz.
Deacon Phillips, as chairman of the Committee to Introduce Mr. Wisner to the Council &c. reported that they would attend to that business.
The Committee to make provision for the Council &c. reported that they had made ample provision for the entertainment of the Council and invited guests, at the Marlboro' Hotel, by an agreement with Mr. Seymore.1
The Committee to provide music for the occasion, reported that they had attended to the subject, and had selected suitable music and performers, and refreshment for the Choir.
The Committee to arrange the sittings in the Meeting House on the 21st inst, reported as follows, Viz. The broad aisle Pews are reserved for the Council, invited guests, and the Committee of Ar- rangements. The eight front body Pews, with the Wall Pews from the east door to the Pulpit, together with those Pews similarly situated on the west side of the House, are reserved for the females of the Church and Congregation. The east gallery Pews are reserved for the male members of the Church and Congregation. The remaining
1 [In the Col. Centinel, June 10, 1820, the following announcement is made of the opening of this hotel : -
" McNeil Seymour who kept the Ho- tel in Troy, New York, for the last ten years, respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has taken the new and extensive establishment in Marlboro' Street, Boston, called the Marlboro' Hotel. Its accommodations are second to none in the State. Its local situation fits it for the reception of ladies and of men of business, and it has an advantage over the late Exchange Coffee House [burnt in 1818], as it com- prises stables. Travellers in their own carriages may here have their horses put up under their own eye. . . . A few gen- tlemen may have rooms, take meals at
pleasure, and be charged only for such as they take; and the citizens are in- formed that an Ordinary provided with every luxury the market affords, and with the best attendance, will be opened Monday, and ready daily for the recep- tion of guests at half past two."
The expenses of the ordination, as afterward reported to the Church and Congregation, were :
Board &c of invited guests and ministers . 37.02
Wine, including what was
sent to Mrs. Wisner and Mrs. Huntington 123.16
Ordination dinner . 233.69
Spirits $24.10. Music $45. 69.10
$462.97]
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464
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
seats are appropriated to the use of strangers. They have engaged five constables and eight young men as marshals, to keep order.
The foregoing was unanimously accepted.
Voted, That the Chairman be requested to inform the President of the Council that a renewal of the question in choice of Mr. Wisner, as their Pastor and Minister, be dispensed with. [It had been the custom for the church and congregation publicly and in the presence of the council, to renew their choice of the pastor-elect by show of hands.]
Voted, That this Committee adjourn now to meet at .Marlboro' Hotel on Wednesday next at a quarter before 9 O Clock A. M.
Attest DAVID W. CHILD Secy. to the Committee.
N. B. The Committee of Arrangements afterwards agreed to join their Brethren in the gallery, with the exception of two to conduct the Council when they retired.
Minutes of the Committee of the Church respecting the arrange- ments of the parts, of performance, at the Ordination of Mr. Wisner, which were afterwards approved of by the Church and Congregation, at their Parish Meeting.
The wishes of the Church and Congregation were, that the Revd. President Nott, at the request of Mr. Wisner, should preach his Ordi- nation Sermon, and that the introductory Prayer should be by the Revd. S. E. Dwight. The Ordaining Prayer by the Revd. Professor Stuart, Charge to the Pastor-elect by the Revd. Doctor Osgood, the Fel- lowship of the Churches by the Rev. C. Lowell, Address to the Church and Congregation by the Rev. W. Jenks, Concluding Prayer by the Rev. John Codman.
Attest D. W. CHILD Sec'y to the Committee.1
1 [The following letter, written on the day of the ordination, appeared in the Centinel, February 24. The editor says : "Our correspondent is too respec- table not to command notice."
". . . It is a fact of public notoriety, that there has always been an opposition to his settlement. A minority, who, we trust and believe, have acted from a sense of duty, and have been urged to the course they have pursued, not merely in reference to their own feelings, but with regard to the harmony of the So- ciety to which they belong, and which has, till now, been happily united. It ought to be remarked, that after the de- mise of their late beloved and highly re- spected Pastor in September 1819, no person was ever invited to preach as a candidate (though an anxious expression
was manifested by many of the Society) till Mr. W. of whose history and min- isterial qualifications but little was, or could be known; and then the congre- gation, strange as it may appear, were called upon to settle him, before many of them knew he was a candidate on trial ! If a variety of candidates had offered, been heard, and the opinions of hearers had been as various, there might have been some apology for proceeding with some precipitancy in calling a man (after hearing him five Sabbaths) when a majority could be found to invite him to a settlement. But we do not call in question the right of a majority to gov- ern. No axiom is more generally true, -it is only how far the principle should be relaxed in matters of Christian con- duct, from Christian motives, as a matter
465
THE ORDINATION COUNCIL.
Wednesday Feby. 21st 1821.
The Council met agreeable to request at the Marlborough Hotel. The throne of grace was addressed by the Rev. Doctor Osgood, senior member and presiding officer.
of expediency, not of right. Neither would we indulge in crimination ; for although we might adduce many singular facts, yet we forbear, for it cannot be attended with any practical good, and might produce a state of feeling, repug- nant to the occasion and the object we have in view. We hope they will be able to review the course they have pur- sued, with a thorough conviction that they have violated no rule of Christian charity, nor pressed their opponents in a case of the deepest interest, any further than the mild precepts of the Gospel would justify. There are, indeed, honor- able exceptions in the Church, among the oldest and most venerated members, who, had they known the state of feel- ing, and the ground of opposition, would have ensured a more conciliatory course than was adopted. Of such we would remark, that our observations on this subject are not intended to implicate them in the remotest degree.
" Mr. W. has chosen to accept a pas- toral relation in view of all the circum- stances connected with the case, and assumes the responsibility which, in our opinion, many men of high and liberal minds would have chosen to decline ; more especially, if they had previous and unanimous invitations, as he had, and for one of which his particular friends declared, he had on some accounts expressed a decided predilection ! He enters however upon his ministerial functions, with a full knowledge of all the facts and grounds of opposition, which have been faithfully, frankly and respectfully communicated by the minor- ity. It would have been gratifying, if he had condescended to have conferred with them, in the acknowledgment, at least, of their two last communications, as well as have written of the minority to others who have given his letters a marvellous degree of publicity ! . . .
" The right of the minority to appear before the ordaining council, is willingly
relinquished. For if the members of the Church who voted for Mr. W. could not meet to select them, and make ar- rangements for his induction into office, with Christian fellowship and unanimity, it surely becomes others of moreimperfect natures to stop, and reflect that theirs is the ground of opposition - that their feelings too may get the better of dis- creet and sober judgment, and that in advocating and enforcing their own views, they may degrade the subject they would wish to exalt; and carry to the occasion feelings and tempers unsuited to its dignity and unbecoming its solemnity. It is however proper that those who are to advise and act in reference to such a high trust, as setting apart a spiritual watchman on the 'walls of Zion,' should know the reasons and arguments that govern a part of the Society in opposing so endearing a relation to be consum- mated in the person elect.
" It reflects great credit on the Society that they have already unanimously made provision for relieving Mr. W. in the labours of his vocation, when he may wish, by which arrangement he will have more time to devote to his profession so peculiarly needful and important for one established in the Christian ministry, and this expression of liberality has been generously adopted by all our churches, at least in the settlement of all recent pas- tors and is justly commendable. - The distinguished courtesy and Christian lib- erality, manifested by the Church at the approaching festival, in their invitation to the Reverend President and Profes- sors of Harvard University, the minis- ters and officers of all the churches in town, without distinction, to attend the services and dine with the Council, is truly gratifying, and so unlike that spirit of bigotry and intolerance which we have witnessed in some of her commu- nion, that we hail it as a harbinger of a better temper, and we hope a precursor of the adoption of a more catholic spirit
466
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
The Revd. Mr. Fay was chosen scribe, and the Council being thus organized, the Society's Committee of Arrangements were then called upon to exhibit the Votes and doings of the Old South Church and Congregation, touching the choice and election of Mr. B. B. Wisner. Whereupon the Chairman, Deacon William Phillips informed the Moderator that Benjamin Whitman, Esqr, one of the Commit- tee, would read the Votes and doings of said Church EHT and Congregation, which MARI (not being objected to) was accordingly read, as also the aforenamed min- utes of the Committee of the Church to whom the subject was referred by the Church, and unanimously approved of by the Church and Congregation at a subsequent meeting, respecting the Rev'd Gentlemen who they wished should officiate in the induction of Mr. Wisner into the sacred office of Pastor and Minister.
Mr. Wisner was then introduced to the Moderator and Council for further examination. Mr. Wisner then at the request of the Council,
and exercise of Christian charity: we hope that such feelings will continue to be cherished, and not suffered to decline and die away with the occasion that gave them birth. They will revive what every benevolent mind may wish to see return among us, ' the days of old, the years of ancient time,' when our spiritual fathers and guides took sweet counsel together, and went to the house of God in compa- ny. To those who are the special friends of Mr. W. and are happy in their choice, we wish the occasion may minister to their satisfaction and complacency, and that their highest expectations under his ministry may be more than realized.
" To those who this day are 'helpers of others joys,' we wish the pleasure and Christian fellowship, inspired by the oc- casion, may long remain - be often re- newed, and more firmly cemented.
" And, while from a sense of propriety, and a weightier sense of duty, we decline to ' take part and lot in the services,' we trust we are neither insensible to its in- teresting character, nor cherish feelings
unfavorable to the best sentiments they inspire. We have only to hope that the Pastor elect will learn wisdom by all his experience; and that those who have been opposed to his settlement, may hereafter have just occasion to accord to him their confidence, forasmuch as his ministrations, so long as they continue, may be in the exercise of the true spirit of the Gospel - that he may possess much of its amiable tenderness, its needed humility, meekness and candour -that he may exercise a zeal always 6 according to knowledge,' and tempered with kindness, and exert himself, not with the narrow feelings of party, nor with sectarian views; and that while the ' Priest's lips keep knowledge,' he may impart it to others, in the enlarged, be- nevolent, affectionate and independent spirit of one who ' calls no man master,' and yet embraces all his fellow-christians in the fellowship of Christian philan- thropy, who bear its image and live its precepts.
ONE OF THE MINORITY."]
467
THE ORDINATION.
read his confession of faith which appeared to be universally accept- able. It was then requested that he should express his experience, views &c. which he did in a concise and satisfactory manner ; after which the Council wished to be by themselves, and the Committee, Candidate, and all who did not belong to the Council withdrew.
The discussions in the Council after the Doors were closed was not communicated, but the result was, That owing to the absence of the Revd. Doctor Nott, who was to have preached the Ordination Sermon, the Revd. Professor Woods was chosen in his stead.1 The Revd. Doctor Holmes was selected to make the Ordaining Prayer, which was expected to have been done by the Revd. Professor Stuart, who was providentially absent. And the Committee learnt that the Coun- cil were so averse to the fellowship of the Churches being given by the Revd. C. Lowell of this Town, who was present and prepared, that that Gentleman was induced to decline taking any part in the services of the day, and the Revd. Mr. Huntington was appointed by the Council to give the right hand of fellowship. The address to the Church and Congregation, assigned for the Rev. William Jenks, owing to the late hour in the day, was dispensed with.
The Council and invited guests then proceeded to the Meeting House, where the solemn services of ordaining Mr. Wisner were per- formed, and the Rev'd B. B. Wisner pronounced the benediction.
Attest D. W. CHILD, Sec'y to the Committee.2
1 [As Dr. Woods had not expected to preach, he delivered a sermon which he had preached before, - at the ordina- tion of the Rev. Alonzo Phillips, at Princeton, June 7, and of the Rev. Sam- uel Green, at Reading, September 20. The subject was : Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, the Grand Theme of the Chris- tian Preacher. He added the following paragraph for the occasion : -
" This church rests on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. The Christians to whom you are called to minister, love the doctrine of the cross. It is their refuge and joy. They have built their hopes for eternity on Christ's atoning blood, and received of his fulness. We trust they love him so sincerely and ardently, that they are willing to endure all things for his sake. Both in prosperity, and in adversity, they have been near our hearts. . And in the happiness they this day experience, thou- sands participate. God grant that you
may ever come to them in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. God grant, you may have the joy of seeing parents and children pressing to the cross. And may he, who stooped down from his throne to die for men, and who has all power in heaven and earth, graciously dwell in this place. Here may the doc- trine of Christ crucified never be forgot- ten. Here may his grace abound, his church flourish, and his infinite glory shine forth, while the sun and the moon endure. Amen."]
2 [The following statements are copied from the Columbian Centinel : -
" We have been requested to correct a statement made in the papers, of pro- ceedings in the late ordination of the Rev. Mr. Wisner; and to say, that the ordaining Council did not, by any act, refuse to confirm the assignment by the Society of the Rev. Mr. Lowell, to give the right hand of fellowship; and fur- ther, that had any vote been taken, the assignment would have been confirmed.
468
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
With all the precautions taken by the brethren of the Old South, in their arrangements for the ordination, in the interest of harmony among themselves and of peace and good-will in
We are instructed further to state, that in the discussion of the arrangements for the services in the Council, when they came to that part which provided for the proffer of the Fellowship of the Churches, the arrangements respecting the Rev. Mr. Lowell did excite some remarks ; but the Rev'd gentleman immediately arose, expressed his regret that any topic should delay the proceeding of the Council, and declined being considered a candidate for the duty assigned to him by the Society ; and soon after left the Council. The Council then appointed the Rev. Mr. Huntington." - Centinel, February 28, 1821.
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