USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. II > Part 9
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By Adjournment, Feb. 13. 1764. 10 a.cl. A. M.
Voted, I. That Thomas Hubbard Esq. pay unto Messrs David Jeffries and Samuel Sewall, Deacons of the South Church the sum of £513. 14. 4 being the stock belonging to said Church and Congrega- tion : As also 72. 14. 4, the Ballance in his Hand as by account ex- hibited and allowed by said Church.
2. That this Day fortnight, 10 cl. A. M. be appointed as a Church- Meeting for the choice of another Deacon ; and that Notice be given to the Brethren next Sabbath.
3. That the Deacons and Mr. Sam. Bass be desir'd to assist our Reverend Pastor in preparing matters, relating to our Brethren, John Barber and Homes Simpson, for the cognizance of the Church.
JOSEPH SEWALL.
Mr. Barber's name does not appear on the list of members ; Mr. Simpson became a member in 1741, and the baptism of the children of Holmes and Lucretia Simpson is recorded.
At a meeting of the Brethren of the South Church in Boston, Feb 27 1764.
After Pray'r to God (as usual), the Brethren proceeded to the choice of another Deacon.
1 Mr. Hubbard gave the College £100. at this time, and £300. at his death. At the time of the fire, he was the largest contributor except John Hancock. Other contributors in the Old South were, Thomas Cushing, Thomas Dawes, Ben- jamin Dolbeare, Thomas Fayerweather,
Moses Gill, Henderson Inches, Joseph Jackson, Jonathan Mason, Andrew Oli- ver, Andrew Oliver, Jr., James Otis, Sam- uel Pemberton, William Phillips, John Scollay, Samuel Sewall, Samuel Welles, William Whitwell. Dr. Sewall gave " many books valued at {20 sterling."
75
WILLIAM PHILLIPS.
It appear'd upon counting the Votes that William Phillips Esq. was chosen to said Office.
The Pastor and Deacons with the Hon. Samuel Welles Esq. were chosen as a Committee to acquaint Mr. Phillips with the choice made, and to desire his Acceptance of it. JOSEPH SEWALL.
Mr. Phillips was the youngest of the three sons - all dis- tinguished men - of the Rev. Samuel Phillips, for sixty years minister of the South Church, Andover. At the age of fifteen he came to Boston, and entered the store of Edward Bromfield. At the end of his apprenticeship, he became Mr. Bromfield's partner, and in 1744 married his daughter Abigail. He was now one of the leading merchants of the town ; in the same year in which he was chosen deacon he moved into the house in Beacon Street, which had been built and occupied by his father-in-law. He and his son of the same name were a tower of strength at the Old South for nearly three quarters of a century.1
Mr. Whitefield arrived in Boston from the South, in the month of February.2 He was warmly welcomed by many, but the prevalence of small-pox in the town interfered with his ser- vices. Later in the season, although much out of health, he preached to large congregations, the farewell occasion being at the Old South on the 5th of June. He left for New York a day or two later.
Mr. John Symmes, who had been a member of the church committee, died of fever, after a short illness, on the 27th of February, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was lieu- tenant-colonel of the regiment of militia of the town, and com- manded the artillery company in 1755 and 1761. The newspaper which announced his death said of him : " He was a gentleman of a very courteous and affable disposition, industrious in his business, honest in his dealings with mankind, and pious towards God."
1 For a sketch of the life of William Phillips and of his son William, see N. E. Hist. and Gen. Register, for April, 1885.
For a cut of the Bromfield-Phillips mansion, see ante, vol. i. p. 550.
2 At a town meeting held in Faneuil Hall, February 20, 1764, the Hon. Thomas Hubbard was chosen moderator and the Rev. Dr. Sewall offered prayer. The following vote was unanimously adopted : "That the Thanks of this Town be and
hereby are given the Revd. Mr. George Whitefield for his Charitable care and pains in collecting a considerable Sum of Money in Great Britain for the distressed sufferers by the Great Fire in Boston Anno Domini 1760-and that James Otis Esq. John Rowe Esq. William Phil- lips Esq, John Steel Esq. Royal Tyler Esq. be and hereby are appointed a Com- mittee to wait on Mr. Whitefield and inform him of this vote; and that he be presented with a copy thereof."
76
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Mr. John Simpson died in the summer, on a voyage from Fayal to Philadelphia. His love for the church is commemorated by a beautiful piece of sacramental silver, bearing this inscrip- tion : The Gift of Mr. John Simpson of Boston Merchant to the South Church in said Town Who died at Sea July 12 1764 on his Return to his Native Land.1
At a Meeting of the South church and congregation in Boston by adjournment, Septr. 17 1764.
After Prayer to God, Voted, That one be chosen as an Assistant to our Pastor for three months to preach one part of every Lord's Day, and that I. 6. 8. be allow'd him for his service pr. Sabbath : And that 13/4 be further allow'd him for his Board provided he shall reside in this Town.
And if the Person chosen shall at any time during the said term, have an Invitation elsewhere, or should on any other occasion be call'd from his service among us, He shall not be held to stay out the term ; but shall be at liberty to quit said service upon giving season- able notice.
Upon counting the written votes it appear'd that Mr. Joseph Dana junr. was chosen. JOSEPH SEWALL.
Mr. Joseph Dana was born at Pomfret, Connecticut, in 1742, and graduated at Yale College in 1760. Dr. Sprague, in his Annals, says that he supplied the Old South pulpit for six . months 2 with much acceptance, and that he would have re- ceived an invitation to a permanent settlement, but his voice was thought to be scarcely adequate to fill so large a building. He was subsequently called to Ipswich, and was ordained there November 7, 1765. He lived to preach a sermon on the sixtieth anniversary of his settlement, and died November 16, 1827.3
Novr. 18. 1764. Lord's Day.
The Brethren of the Church and Congregation stay'd, and Voted, That there be a collection for charitable and pious uses on the Anni- versary Thanksgiving Novr. 29. Instant : And that the Rest of the Congregation be notified the next Lord's Day, and be desired to assist in said collection. J. SEWALL.
25. Congregation were notified.
1 August 27, 1767. John, son of Joshua Winslow, married Mary, daughter of John Simpson merchant, late of this town. - Boston Gazette.
2 This is probably a mistake as to the time. Mr. Emerson was chosen to assist the pastor three months later.
3 The Rev. Joseph Dana received the degree of D. D. from Harvard College in 1801. He had two sons in the min- istry, both distinguished men, the Rev. Dr. Daniel Dana, of Newburyport, and the Rev. Samuel Dana, of Marble- head.
77
THE REV. WILLIAM EMERSON.
Thanksgiving Nov 29. 1764.
Collected. Appropriated
To the Charitable and pious Fund . £17. 5.0
Revd Mr. Brett
13. 2. 6
Revd Mr. Campbell
6. 10. 0
To Several of the Society
II. 5. 0
48. 2. 6
At large
312. 5. 2
Decr 2. added .
13. IO. O
325. 15. 2
Sum total
373. 17. 8
Lord's Day Decr 9 -64 The Brethren stay'd.
Voted, that the unappropriated Part of the last Collection be dis- pos'd of to Charitable and pious uses by the Pastor and Deacons ac- cording to their best Discretion.
J. SEWALL.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the South Church and Congrega- tion in Boston Decr. 24. 1764.
After Prayer to God, Voted
That one be chosen as an Assistant to our Pastor for two Months, to preach one Part of every Lords Day ; And that I. 6. 8. be allow'd him pr. Sabbath for his service : And that 13. 4 be further allow'd him for his board provided he shall reside in this Town :
And if the Person chosen shall during the said term, have an Invi- tation elsewhere, or shall on any other occasion be call'd from his service among us, he shall not be held to stay out the term ; but shall be at liberty to quit said service upon giving seasonable notice.
Upon counting the written Votes, it appear'd that Mr. William Emerson was chosen. JOSEPH SEWALL.
Mr. Emerson was a son of the Rev. Joseph Emerson, of Malden ; his mother was a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Moody, of York. He was born in 1743, and graduated at Harvard College in 1761. He was settled as minister of the First Church, Concord, January 1, 1766. In 1776 he went, with the consent of his people, to Ticonderoga, to serve as a chaplain in the American army, but his health broke down, and he died at Rutland, Vermont, on his way home, October 20, 1776, in the thirty-fourth year of his age.1
1 In 1826 a monument was erected to his memory in Concord, at the expense of the town. His son, the Rev. William Emerson, was minister of the First
Church, Boston, from 1799 to 1811; and his grandson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, of the Second Church, Boston, from 1829 to 1832.
78
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the South Church and Congrega- tion, March 18. 1765.
Voted, that the Deacons be a Committee to supply the Pulpit one part of the Lord's Day, for the next four or six Sabbaths.
2. That there be a Committee chosen to consider what Repairs may be necessary to preserve the steeple, or any other Part of the Meeting-House.
That the Hon John Osborne, Andrew Oliver, Thomas Hubbard Esqrs. the Deacons and Thomas Cushing Esq. be of this Committee, and make report to the Brethren so soon as may be. J. SEWALL.
April 28. 1765. The Brethren of the Church and Congregation stayed, and Voted, That the Deacons further supply the Pulpit not exceeding six Sabbaths. J. SEWALL.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church and Congregation, July 15. 1765.
Upon reading the report of the Committee for repairing the Meet- ing-House,
Voted, That the report now read be accepted ; And that the Dea- cons be impower'd to carry it into execution so soon as conveniently may be ; saving that the Clapboarding mention'd be defer'd to further consideration.
Voted, that the Hon John Osborne be desir'd to Pay to the Deacons such moneys as are in his Hand from the Pews, or rent of the Min- isterial House.
Voted, by written votes, that Mr. Bowen be desir'd by the Deacons to preach one part of the Lord's Day for six Sabbaths.
J. SEWALL.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church and Congregation Octr. 14 1765.
After Prayer to God (as usual)
Voted unanimously (by Hand)
That Messrs. Penuel Bowen, Josiah Dana and Saml. Blair, be de- sir'd to Preach to this Society one part of the Lord's Day, each one for Six Weeks successively.
Voted, that there be allow'd to said Persons I. 6. 8 L. M. pr. Sab- bath, for their service.
Voted, that the Deacons of the Church be a Committee to Acquaint the Persons above nam'd with these Votes, and to desire their Com- pliance therewith.
Voted, that there be a Committee chosen to examine the Deacons accounts ; And that the Honble Andrew Oliver, Thomas Hubbard and Joshua Winslow Esqrs be of this Committee.
JOSEPH SEWALL.
79
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR.
Mr. Bowen's father was a business man in Boston. The son graduated at Harvard College in 1762; he was settled at the New South Church, Summer Street, April 31, 1766, as col- league with the venerable Mr. Checkley, and, a few years later, went to South Carolina, and entered the Episcopal ministry.1 Mr. Dana graduated at Cambridge in 1763, and in 1767 was or- dained minister of Rutland District (Barre). He died there in 1801. Mr. Blair, upon whom the choice of the church finally rested, was a son of the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fogg's Manor, Pennsylvania, and a cousin of the late Mr. Cumming. He was born in 1741 ; graduated at Princeton in 1760; and in 1764 was ordained by the Presbytery of Newcastle. Dr. Wisner says of him : " He was a man of fine talents and extensive acquire- ments ; greatly distinguished as a sermonizer, particularly as a master of the touching and pathetic. His voice, it is said, was feeble and tremulous, yet his delivery was uncommonly im- pressive."
Novr. 10. 1765. The Brethren of the church stayed, and Voted, that the Deacons, the Hon John Osborne and Mr. Samuel Bass be a Committee to assist our Reverend Pastor in examining the case of Thomas Negro, of our communion, servant to Mr. Jonathan Mason ; who is accused of scandalous sins.
Novr 17. The Committee reported that they find him guilty of the sins of which he has been accus'd ; but no satisfactory signs of true penitence :
Upon which the Brethren Voted that he be admonish'd and sus- pended.
Accordingly at a church Meeting Novr. 24. 1765, said Thomas was Admonish'd and Suspended from the Communion of this Church for several Scandalous Offences.
J. SEWALL.
Novr. 24. 65. The Brethren of the church and congregation stay'd, and Voted, That there be a Collection for charitable and pious uses on the Anniversary Thanksgiving, Decr. 5. next : And that the rest of the Congregation be notified the next Lord's Day, and be desir'd to assist in said Collection.
J. SEWALL.
1 After divine service, Lord's Day, May 10, 1772, Mr. Bowen read a letter to his people, resigning his pastoral charge and asking a dismission, “giving as a reason for this request, the great discouragement he was under on account of his ill state of health, which he ap- prehended was occasioned and would be confirmed by a sedentary and studious
life." The people were "surprized at this unexpected determination of their pastor, whom they had always esteemed and loved ; " but, after consultation with him, and " serious consideration and cool debate, they unanimously, though with reluctance," dismissed him accord- ing to his request. - Boston Gazette, May 18, 1772.
80
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Thanksgiving, Decr 5. 1765.
Collected (O. T.) Appropriated.
To Revd. Mr. Campbell £8. o. o
Mr. Brett
13. IO. O
To Persons of the Society . 8. IO. 6
To charitable and pious Fund
15. O. O
At large 342. 4. 04
Added Decr 8.
3. 7. 6
Total . 390. 12. 04
Decr 15. appropriated to A. Adams,
in addition to the above, 3. 7. 6
393. 19. 6
Decr. 15. The Brethren stayed.
Voted, that the unappropriated Part of the last Collection, be dis- pos'd of to charitable and pious uses by the Pastor and Deacons according to their best Discretion. J. SEWALL.
The year now closing had been an exciting one politically, and the struggle for self-government, which was to develop into a war for independence, had fairly begun. The people of the province and the town were dividing into two strongly opposed parties, and the internal peace of the churches was, of neces- sity, more or less disturbed. We have no knowledge of any special manifestation of the spirit of division at the Old South ; but several of its mem- bers belonged to the celebrated Caucus Club, of which James Otis, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Pemberton, and Samuel Adams were the leading spirits, while the conservative or loyal party was represented in the congre- gation by men equally decided in their opinions. The Stamp And Olives Act received the royal assent in the month of March; the news reached Boston in April, and excited mingled alarm and indignation throughout the province, as well as in the other col- onies. Mr. Secretary Oliver was appointed a commissioner for
8I
ANDREW OLIVER.
the sale of the odious stamps ; and so intense was the feeling against him that in August a crowd of indignant people hung him in effigy from the old elm known as the Liberty Tree, attacked his house on Fort Hill, broke his windows, and made a bonfire before his door, in which they burnt the effigy and the frame of a building which he was raising for a stamp office. A few days later, the mansion of his brother-in-law, Lieutenant- Governor Hutchinson, was sacked. These acts of violence were frowned upon by the wisest and best men on the patriotic side, who could not always control the masses of the people.1 Before the close of the year, a report obtained circulation that Mr. Oliver was seeking a confirmation as stamp commissioner, and he was called upon to make a statement, which he did on the 17th of December, declaring in the most explicit and unre- served manner, that he had never taken any measures to act in the office, and that he would never by himself, or by any one under him, do anything for the enforcement of the Stamp Act in America, which, he said, "is so grievous to the people." This, however, was not satisfactory; and he was required to appear under the Liberty Tree, there to renounce the commis- sionership in form, which he did, in the presence of several thousand people.2 All this, of course, caused intense suffering to himself and his family. So far as we can judge, he continued to hold the confidence and regard of his Christian brethren, and we shall presently see him and Mr. Otis serving together on a committee to ask Mr. Blair's acceptance of a call to the colleague pastorate.
Mr. Samuel Bass, "for many years a noted tanner," died January 9, 1766. He had long been a useful member of the church. He lived in Water Street, on a part of the site now occupied by the post-office. His son, Samuel Bass, and his daughter, Christian Armstong, were members ; and, in 1829, his grandson, Samuel Turell Armstrong, was chosen a deacon.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church and Congregation, April 28. 1766.
Voted that it is the desire of this Society that a Colleague-Pastor may be settled with the Rev. Dr Sewall.
This vote was unanimous.
Voted that this Meeting be adjourn'd to next Monday, II a clock
1 Samuel Adams wrote of these pro- 2 Mem. Hist. of Boston, vol. iii. p. 15. Another member of the Old South, Wil- liam Story, resigned his place in the registry office at this time.
ceedings as "high-handed outrages," in a letter to Richard Jackson, colonial agent in London.
82
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
A. M : And that Mr. Blair be desir'd by the Deacons to continue preaching with us.
The Brethren of the Church then stayed, and Voted, That they would meet, God willing, for the choice of a Pastor to be Colleague with the Revd. Dr Sewall next Monday 9 a clock A. M.
JOSEPH SEWALL.
At a Meeting of the South Church, May 5. 1766, 9 o'clock A. M. After prayer to God, as usual
Voted, That the Church will now come to the choice of a Colleague pastor with the Rev. Dr Sewall.
Accordingly the Church proceeded to a choice by written Votes, and upon counting the Votes, it appeared, that the Revd. Mr. Samuel Blair was chosen by a unanimous vote.
To which vote I consent, JOSEPH SEWALL, Pastor.
Voted That the Revd. Dr. Sewall, Pastor, The Honble John Osborne Esqr. The Honble. Andrew Oliver Esqr, the Deacons, and Thomas Cushing Esqr. be a Committee to wait on Mr. Blair and acquaint Him with the choice the Church has made. JOSEPH SEWALL.
At a meeting of the South Church and Congregation May 5. 1766, II O'Clock A. M.
The Vote of the Church being laid before the Congregation, the Question was put, Whether they concurred in the Vote of the Church in their choice of the Revd. Mr. Samuel Blair for a colleague pastor with the Revd Dr. Sewall.
It past in the affirmative unanimously.
Then Voted, That the Revd. Mr. Samuel Blair be allowed, in case he shall accept of this call, Two pounds thirteen shillings and four pence pr week as a Salary, Wood for His Study, and the Rent of the parsonage House occupied by the Honble John Osborne Esqr. at the Rate he now gives ; all which shall commence from this Day : And that when Mr. Blair shall see fit to settle in a Family by Himself, he be allowed the like quantity of wood, which is allowed to the other pastor, and that provision be then made for a suitable House for Him to dwell in.
Voted That Joshua Winslow Esq. the Honble James Otis Esqr Mr. John Greenleaf, Samuel Fitch Esqr. Mr. Samuel Deming and Byfield Lyde Esq. be a Committee, with the Committee of the Church to acquaint Mr. Blair with the above Votes.
Voted That Mr. Blair be desired by the Committee to continue preaching with us. JOSEPH SEWALL.
At the above meeting of the Church, The Committee, appointed to examine the Deacons Accounts, at a Meeting of the Church and Con-
83
MARY IRELAND'S LEGACY.
gregation Octo. 14th. 1765, laid their Account of the Church Stock before the Church, and reported thereon as follows
"Jany. I. 1766 We have examined the above Account and find it to be the true State of the Church Stock in the Deacons Hands, at this time, being Eight hundred seventy four pounds fourteen shillings and three pence, L. money, which will appear p Account on File.
ANDREW OLIVER THOMAS HUBBARD JOSHUA WINSLOW."
The Question was put to the Church and they accepted the said Report and Account also.
The pastor and Deacons laid before the Church the Distribution of Mrs. Ireland's Legacy for one year, being eight pounds L. M. agre- able to the Tenor of Her will as p Account thereof on File.
JOSEPH SEWALL.1
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the South Church and Congrega- tion May 5th 1766, 11 a Clock A. M.
The Committee appointed to examine the Deacons Accounts, at a meeting of the Church and Congregation, Octor. 14: 1765, laid their Accounts to the Ist January 1766, before the Society, and reported thereon as follows
"Jany. I : 1766. We have examined the above accounts, find the same right cast, well vouch'd, and that the Balance now in the Dea- cons Hands is One hundred pounds three shillings and four pence three farthings as above.
ANDREW OLIVER THOMAS HUBBARD JOSHUA WINSLOW," JOSEPH SEWALL.
which was read and accepted
At the same meeting, upon a motion made by Mr. Secretary Oliver and seconded,
Voted That Ten pounds, lawful Money be given to the Revd Mr. Walley, in consideration of His past Services and readiness to help us, upon all occasions.
JOSEPH SEWALL.2
1 [Mary Ireland, by her will, proved October 17, 1763, bequeathed £133. 6. 8, lawful money, for the benefit of the poor of the Old South Church. She gave a sacramental cup to the church, which is still in use.]
2 [The Rev. John Walley was dis- missed from his church at Ipswich at his own request, February 22, 1764. He was afterward (1773) settled at Bolton,
and died in Roxbury, March 2, 1784. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Appleton. They had no children.
For an account of the controversy be- tween his predecessor at Bolton, the Rev. Thomas Goss, and the church there, see the Boston Gazette, September 6, 1773, and some pamphlets printed at the time.]
84
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church and Congregation by adjournment, Aug. 11. 1766.
Voted, that the Deacons be desir'd to take care that what is further needed towards repairing the Meeting House, be done so soon as conveniently may be. J. SEWALL.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the South Church Octor 28th. 1766.
The Rev. Mr. Blair was sent for and exhibited His Testimonials and Dismission from the Presbytery of New Castle in Pensylvania, and His Confession of Faith agreeable to that of the Elders and Messengers of the Churches conven'd May 12th. 1680, and declared that he would make no alteration in our Church Discipline.
Voted That the Day of His Instalment be, God willing, on the 26th of Novr next.
Voted That the Church will not proceed to take any steps toward a publick Entertainment on said Day.
Voted That these Churches be sent to : viz : the Old Church, the North Church, the Church in Brattle Street, the New South Church, the Rev. Mr. Pemberton's, the New North, Rev Mr. Mather's, and Dr Byles's churches in this Town and desir'd to assist by their Elders and Messengers at said Instalment.
Voted That the Elders and Messengers be desired to meet at the pastor's House by two a'clock P. M.
Voted That our Revd pastor be desired to give the Charge.
Voted That the Brethren of the Church sit together in the Front Gallery and that such of our Brethren as constantly sit down with us at the Lord's Table be desired to sit with them.
It will be seen that the church passed upon the clerical as well as Christian standing of its pastor-elect, when it admitted him to its membership.
On his way to Boston, after his acceptance of the call, Mr. Blair was shipwrecked in the night, losing his wardrobe and manuscripts, and escaping narrowly with his life. His exposure on this occasion injured his health, and the loss of his sermons, which he had written with great care, depressed his spirits.1
Novr. 16. 1766. The Brethren stay'd and Voted that there be a Collection for Charitable and pious uses on the Anniversary Thanks- giving, Novr. 27. Instant : And that the Rest of the Congregation be notified the next Lords' Day, and be desired to assist in said collec- tion.
J. SEWALL.
Novr : 23d : The Rest of the Brethren of the Congregation were notified accordingly.
1 Sprague's Annals, vol. iii. pp. 268, 269.
85
MR. BLAIR'S INSTALLATION.
For some reason unexplained, Mr. Blair's installation took place one week earlier than the date fixed by the church, the 26th of November. In the Boston Gazette of Monday, Novem- ber 24, we find the following : -
Wednesday last [19th] the Rev. Mr. Blair was installed to the Pas- toral Care of the Old South Church in this Town as Colleague with the Rev. Dr. Sewall. The Rev. Mr. Pemberton began the Solemnity with Prayer, then the Rev. Mr. Blair preach'd an excellent Discourse, and well adapted to the Occasion, from Rom. xi. 13. after which the Rev. Dr. Sewall gave the Charge, the Rev. Mr. Mather the Right Hand of Fellowship, and the Rev. Dr. Chauncy made the conclud- ing Prayer : The whole was conducted with such Decency and Pro- priety, as afforded universal Satisfaction to a large and crowded Au- ditory, who assembled on this Occasion.
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