USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Leicester > History of the Second Congregational church and society in Leicester, Massachusetts > Part 5
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Friday, 6. At one o'clock the Stage was on its way out of town. It passed down Beacon Street, and I saw Sarah sitting at a parlour window. Mr. Samuel Hubbard was a passenger, and Waldo Lincoln of Worcester. Fine day for the ride; arrived in Worcester at Seven. I had under my charge a woman going to the Lunatic Asylum; her mind in a terribly weak and shattered State. She went willingly to the Asylum, and I feel sure there could be no better place for her. After placing her safely under Dr. Woodward's care, I procured a conveyance and went immediately to Leicester.
Returned to Capt. Southgate's, and took up my quarters there. The meeting-house has got on but slowly. A very pleasant bell, (930 lbs. weight) has been put up since I went away.
Sunday, 8. Preached at Leicester. Fine day ; large audience.
Saturday, 14. I have spent the week in reading, writing &c. Wednesday I dined at Mr. Flint's, and in the evening he and I had a long talk about house-lots. Mr. Clapp has
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had a very sick week ;- yesterday he was more comfortable, and really better.
Great interest is felt for him, and a great sympathy with his family.
Sincere prayers, I am sure, have been offered for him; and many.
Last evening I went to Worcester to hear an Anti-Slavery address from Rev. Sam'l J. May. He did not come-too bad!
Rev. Mr. Russell, of West Boylston, took his place.
I took tea at the Rev. Mr. Hill's, and found his wife a charming little woman.
I have nearly forgotten to mention that on Tuesday even- ing, June 10th, I took part in the solemnization of a wedding. A young couple belonging to the Unitarian Society wished me to marry them, but as that was impracticable, they invited me to be present and make the prayer, while Mr. Flint should officiate, which was accordingly done, and Warren McFarland and Jerusha E. White were made man and wife.
This afternoon - Saturday-I went to Northboro' to exchange pulpits with Rev. Mr. Allen. I met him in Worcester, and stopped to tea with him at Dr. Bancroft's. Northboro' is sixteen miles from Leicester.
Sunday, 15. This was a beautiful day. I preached both parts of it; the audience quite large. Mrs. Allen is a daugh- ter of Dr. Ware. Henry Emmons, who was at the Theolog. School a while, is studying with Mr. A. He was "appro- bated" a few weeks since by the Worcester Association. Returned to Leicester in the evening.
Sunday, 22. Preached at Leicester. Pleasant day.
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Evening, at Mr. Waldo Flint's, and Mr. Clapp's. Mr. Clapp getting on finely.
Monday, 23. I accompanied Mrs. Clapp to Worcester in her carriage. She had insisted upon taking me to Worcester when I should go to meet my father and the rest. I left her at the house of a friend at the upper end of the street, and walked toward the Temperance House. As I approached, I saw a carryall drive to the door, and was able to recognize those in it : Father, Mother, Sarah and Abby.
(The Boston family party drove to Leicester, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp.) On my walk homeward met Mr. Waldo Flint who handed me a letter; a com- munication containing the unanimous vote of the Second Congregational Society that I should be invited to become their pastor, and offering a salary of $600 per annum. This was signed by the Committee, Waldo Flint, Isaac Southgate, Joshua Clapp.
June, 1834.
£
Tuesday, 24. * * Took a walk with Father. We dined at Mr. Clapp's, and after dinner we, ladies and all, strolled leisurely ; went into the meeting-house, etc. In the evening met a very pleasant company invited by Mrs. Clapp.
Wednesday, 25. Breakfasted at Mr. Clapp's. After the newspapers were read, and the beauties of the early morning enjoyed upon the piazza, we sallied forth for a ride. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp with father and mother in the carriage ; Sarah Hubbard, Sarah Russell and I on horseback. We, the riders, went only to Mulberry Grove, and returned. The others drove on to Mr. Silas Earle's. We dined at Capt. Southgate's ; a very handsome dinner. Mr. Philip
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Scarborough of Brooklyn, Conn., called on me this afternoon. Took tea, and passed the evening at Mr. Waldo Flint's, very agreeably indeed.
Thursday, 26. They (the Boston guests) made a number of calls, dined at Mr. Clapp's, and immediately set forth, just as a heavy but refreshing shower had cleared. It was their intent to pass the night at Hopkinton Springs, twenty miles distant. Their visit was at a most favorable time ; weather mild and delightful. Every attention was paid them ; hospitality ruled unfettered and bountiful, and their impressions of the town and the society, as I could desire, were pleasant and favorable.
Friday, 27. If they go from Hopkinton to Boston to-day ; as without doubt they will, they could not desire more favor- able weather.
Saturday, 28. This day the four columns of the meeting- house were erected; and the pulpit was carried into the house. I took the stage for Southboro, and arrived at } past 4 P. M. Brother Sweet was ordained here in September last; resides at Dr. Burnett's, where of course I made a stop. As it rained, Sweet determined not to start till the next morning. He was obliged to rise very early, and ar- rived at Leicester about twenty minutes before service. Still more singularly he drove back to Southboro that night, having ridden forty-four miles and preached two long ser- mons. I preached at Southboro to small audiences.
CHAPTER IV.
DIARY OF THE REV. SAMUEL MAY.
EXCERPTS FROM. PART II.
1834. Monday, June 30. This evening Mr. Clapp, Mr. Flint, Capt. Southgate and I met to consult upon arrange- ments for the Ordination and Dedication. No time can yet be fixed, but it will probably be early in August.
The Dedication will be on the evening preceding the Ordination: A council of not more than twelve clergymen, with their Delegates, will be invited. A full discussion of various matters was had.
Tuesday, July 1. Went to a Quaker meeting; heard speeches and a prayer from two North Carolina Quakers, Mr. and Mrs. Clark.
In the evening called at Dr. Flint's and Mr. Warren McFarland's. Just after I returned Albert Locke rang the door bell. He is a delegate from Ashby to the Temperance Convention now in session in Worcester. He passed the evening and night with me.
Wednesday, 2. After breakfast we started for Worcester, he in his chaise, I in a light gig. I went into the Convention and saw numerous acquaintances. Rev. E. T. Taylor, George Phillips, George Bigelow, Class of '29-and Mixter, formerly of the Class. Bartol and Parkman from the Divinity School, Rev. Robert Waterston and others from Boston.
Horace Mann is President of the Convention, George
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Bigelow, one of the Secretaries. I was obliged to go on to Northboro' to attend a meeting of the Worcester Association of Clergymen; and found it pleasant though I arrived late. Consulted with Dr. Bancroft, concerning the gathering of a Church. Returned to Worcester, after hearing a sermon from Dr. Nathaniel Thayer, of Lancaster, Isaiah 32, 17. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace. "
It rained incessantly while I was driving to Worcester. In the evening (at Leicester) we had a very interesting meeting, the first, of Sunday School Teachers.
Present: Mrs. Clapp, Mrs. Southgate, Miss L. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Flint, Miss Draper, Miss Sarah Hubbard,- not as a teacher, Mrs. Jos. Sargent, Mr. Knight, Mr. Whiting, Mr. Drury, Mr. John Sargent, and Harrison Sargent. A Committee was appointed to draw up Rules for the School, and the Teachers' Meetings.
Friday, 4. Passed very quietly, chiefly in preparation for the formation of a Church. In the afternoon Rev. Bernard Whitman arrived in town, and sent word he would like to see me. I called at the tavern. He has been severely ill, was very weak, and though himself firmly expecting recovery, his friends are very anxious for the result. He is going on to Belchertown, to pass some time with a brother there.
Saturday, 5. Was principally occupied in preparation of a sermon on the subject of Joining the Church.
Sunday, 6. In the morning preached the discourse above mentioned. Spent a short time at Mr. Flint's in the even- ing. Mr. Hubbard, of Charlestown, N. H. was there. He arrived in town from Washington, D. C. on the fourth inst., with his wife and youngest son.
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Monday, 7. All of this day and Tuesday were occupied in making visits. These are days of very anxious interest to me, as well as of great and pleasant exertion.
Wednesday, July 9, 1834. At 8} A. M. The Rev. Dr. Bancroft came up to Leicester at our request, and assisted in the formation of our Church. He made some appropriate remarks upon the nature of the qualifications requisite for those who desire to become Church members. The Church Covenant, and the signatures of the ten persons who had come forward to unite themselves as a Christian Church were then read, and after prayer, the fellowship of other Churches was extended to us by Dr. Bancroft.
The signatures were as follows :
Mr. Waldo Flint,
Mr. Dwight Bisco,
Mr. John Whittemore,
Mr. Henry E. Warren,
Mr. Lyman Waite,
Mrs. Harriet Flint,
Mrs. Maria Southgate,
Mrs. Olive Knight,
Miss Laura Webb, Miss Elizabeth Jackson.
I left town in the early afternoon, and reached Boston quite late in the evening. The weather intensely hot.
Sunday, 13. Heard James Freeman Clarke; and in the afternoon, Mr. Hague, Baptist, at Dr. Sharp's. I wanted to hear the Doctor.
Wednesday, 16, was the day of visitation of Theological School in Cambridge. I was present. Class of six only ; Briggs, Edes, Eliot, Hall, Holland, Woodward.
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In the evening attended meeting of Philanthropic Society, and heard some of the best, and most valuable remarks made by Mr. Walker and Furness, that I ever listened to.
Thursday, 17. In the evening a party at my father's house.
Nantucket, Sunday, 27. Charles Barnard preached here in the morning, and moi même at the afternoon service. We visited at Mr. Charles Bunker's and Mr. Richard Mitchell's. * *
* The remainder of this week, and the sub- sequent one, were busily occupied by me in preparing for my ordination at Leicester, which is fixed for the 13th of August; and in making visits to friends in Boston, Cam- bridge, Medford, Roxbury and Brookline.
August, 1834. Sunday, 3. Made an address to the children of the Hollis Street Sunday School, and in the afternoon preached for Mr. Ripley.
Sunday, 10. Heard Rev. Mr. Upham of Salem, and Doctor Lyman Beecher, who has lately come from Ohio to solicit aid to build up Lane Seminary, of which he is President.
Monday, 11. At three and one-half o'clock this after- noon, Mother, Sarah Russell, my sister Mary, brother Fred and myself took seats in one of the cars of the Boston & Worcester Railroad, at Boston, and were at Needham, thir- teen miles distant, in fifty minutes. Yet this was called slow travelling. We here took stage and reached Worcester a little before nine o'clock in the evening.
The twelfth of August was the day appointed for the dedication of the meeting-house, and the Diary records that
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the above named family party arrived in Leicester early in the morning of that day, having spent the preceding night at the hotel in Worcester.
Mrs. Mary, May, Boardman, of Milton, widow of W. L. P. Boardman, Esq., is the only surviving member of the noteworthy company who gathered at Leicester, upwards of seventy-three years ago, to witness, or assist at the ordina- tion of her brother. Though but a child ten years of age at the time, she vividly recalls many attending circumstances, and favored the author with charming reminiscences ; espe- cially of the ride upon the steam cars so recently introduced, and the transfer to the familiar four-horse coach at Needham.
In the afternoon of this day, a coach arrived from Boston, bringing Samuel May, Esq., father of the pastor elect, and his son Edward; Miss Louise Davenport, Misses Harriet and Louisa Russell ; Rev. Mr. Greenwood, of King's Chapel ; Rev. James Walker, subsequently President of Harvard College ; Rev. Dr. Lowell, father of the Hon. James Russell Lowell, our well loved poet, and Rev. James Freeman Clark, a classmate of Rev. Mr. May, to be known later as a famous Doctor of Divinity, author of The Ten Great Reli- gions, and beloved minister of The Church of the Disciples in Boston for many years. Hon. Nathaniel P. Russell and Fran- cis Bacon, Esq., drove from Boston in a chaise, as did also the Rev. Charles Barnard with Miss Adeline Russell, his fiancée.
The Rev. George R. Noyes, subsequently, and for many years Professor of Hebrew at Cambridge, with Rev. Peter Osgood of Sterling, arrived in the afternoon.
On the following morning, and in due time for the Ordi- nation, came Col. and Mrs. Joseph May, and John May, .
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Esq., of Boston, with Rev. Samuel J. May, son of Col. Joseph May, pastor of the Church in Brooklyn, Connecticut.
It was while visiting her brother in Brooklyn that Miss Abba May, the youngest child of Col. Joseph May, met Amos Bronson Alcott, her future husband. Her brother officiated at their wedding in King's Chapel, Boston, May 13, 1830. Their daughter, the well known author of Little Women, and a host of other publications, Miss Louisa, May, Alcott, was born in 1832.
An account of the quiet ceremonies attending the Dedication and Ordination, appear in due course in a succeeding chapter, and the Diary is here resumed on the Sunday following.
1834. August, Sunday, 17. Preached for the first time in the new meeting-house. The audience was very respect- able in numbers, and very decidedly so in character. I occupied both parts of the day with a discourse upon the duties of a people to their minister, from 2 Cor. iv. 5. It was pleasant to get into this house ; so neat and commodi- ous. All its influences appeared good. As our society grows older may these good influences of the place increase. May sacred associations gather around it which shall stir the heart, and kindle the devotion of the worshippers.
May God be worshipped with such purity of heart, and Christ's doctrine be preached and heard with such sincere devotedness of soul in this earthly house that we shall more and more delight to frequent its holy courts, until we may be admitted, through the mercy of God, to his heavenly temple.
Monday, 18. Passed the evening at Miss Laura Flint's
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in company with her two brothers and their wives, and Mr. and Mrs. Clapp and Mrs. Henry B. Stone, of Boston.
Tuesday, 19. Went up to Brookfield to attend the meeting of the Worcester West Association of Ministers. The meeting was not large, but it was pleasant. Rev. Mr. Bascom of Ashby preached the sermon. Mr. Thompson of Barre, Mr. Goldsbury of Hardwick, Mr. Cutler of Gardner, (my classmate) and Mr. Russell of West Boylston, with Mr. Noyes, of course, at whose house we met, were present. Mr. Wilson of Petersham arrived just before the Association separated.
I drove to Leicester with Mr. Russell in his chaise.
Wednesday, 20. Very cold and wet. Mrs. Southgate had a little company this evening for Mr. and Mrs. Edmands of Boston.
A furnace of coals was placed in the parlour to keep us comfortable.
Tuesday, 21. Was called to the tavern this morning to see 1 Mr. Palfrey, who with his two little girls arrived in town last night. They walked about the town with me, visiting various places and buildings for about two hours, and then departed. This evening I concluded the bargain with Mr. Loring of this town for his estate. It consists of about 9 acres. * * The purchase is thought a very good one by the gentlemen here.
Sunday, 24. To-day I again took up the subject of a people's duties to their minister which I had intended to
1 Rev. Dr. John G. Palfrey, a connection by marriage of Mrs. Samuel May, Jr.
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4,
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finish in a single sermon, but found that I had written enough for two. The text, 1 Thess. III. 8.
Monday, 25. In the afternoon, went to Worcester with Miss Laura Webb. We visited on business the Lunatic Asylum. I called on Dr. Bancroft. He informed me that I have been by vote admitted a member of the Worcester Association of Ministers. I mean to record in my Diary the names of the clergymen who belong to this Association when I know them correctly. Made a pleasant visit, and quite a long one to Mrs. Knight.
Tuesday, 26. This evening I made a call at Miss Hen- shaw's. Her sister, Mrs. Andrew Ward of Boston is visiting her. A very agreeable woman.
Thursday, 28. The newspapers announce to-day the degree of D. D. to have been conferred yesterday at Cam- bridge upon the Rev. Francis Parkman, and Professors Henry Ware, Jr. and John G. Palfrey: the degree of L. L. D. upon Gov. Davis and Prof. Greenleaf. The Sunday School Teachers met and adopted the regulations proposed by the Committee.
Friday, 29. I have provided myself with a " Parish Register" and shall not record here, usually, parochial visits.
Sunday, 31. Preached to-day upon the two Christian Ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. September, 1834.
Thursday, 4. Took tea by invitation at Mr. Billings Swan's. Met Mr. and Mrs. Whiting and Mr. Bisco. Mrs. Swan has an infant boy, born the day after the Ordination, and its parents have given it the name of Samuel May. It is a very hearty, clever looking child certainly.
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Friday, 5. This afternoon went in and heard Mr. Nelson's preparatory lecture. Nothing remarkable, but good. Mr. Nelson has not called upon me since ordination, but is very polite and conversible when we meet.
Sunday, 7. This morning the ordinance of Baptism was administered by me for the first time, and for the first time in our new House, to the five adults herein named, as the Church records will show.
Maria Southgate, wife of Isaac Southgate, Esq.
Laura Webb, daut. of Peter Webb, Esq. of Windham, Conn. and Sister of Mrs. Isaac Southgate.
Olive Knight, wife of Hiram Knight, Esq.
Dwight Bisco.
Lyman Waite.
The Lord's Supper was also administered for the first time in that place, and for the first time by me. Several members of the other Churches united with us in our Commemoration.
Tuesday, 9. Officiated to-day for the first time at a wed- ding -i-e. the first time I have actually married a couple. The couple on the present occasion was Mr. George B. Conklin and Miss Susan N. Johnson.
Wednesday, 10. This evening took tea, by invitation, with Col. and Mrs. Jos. D. Sargent.
Thursday, 11. Went to-day to Worcester; called on Rev. Mr. Hill, and attended to some matters of business.
Sunday, 21. My father, who came last night to Worcester arrived in town this morning to make me a short visit. He went, of course, to meeting with us all day, and expressed himself much gratified.
Monday, 22. My father and I talked over various plans
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for my house. Afterward Mr. Fitch came in, and my father made the final and definite arrangements with him to take the whole job of building the house. * Fitch is very glad to undertake the work, as it leaves him free to do his best.
Father made a few calls while here, and took a walk with me. This evening I drove with him to Worcester, in order that he may go on by Rail Road line early in the morning.
Tuesday, 23. Capt. Southgate returned in good health and spirits.
Sunday, 28. Exchanged with Rev. Mr. Goldsbury at Hardwick.
Monday, 29. Before six o'clock this morning, Miss Laura Flint, Miss Laura Webb and I were on our way to Worcester.
We took the Rail Road Coach at Seven o'clock ; reached the Rail Road in Framingham at } past ten, and Boston at just 12 M. Very speedy travelling. I found them all well.
Passed a most delightful week in Boston.
1834, October.
Friday, 3. In company with Miss Laura Flint, I took the Rail Road Cars in Boston at 2 o'clock, reached Worcester at seven, and most opportunely, found immediately a way of getting up to Leicester. Mr. Henry Denny invited me to accompany him in his wagon. A chaise had been sent for Miss Flint. *
Saturday, 25. At one o'clock P. M. the weather being cold for this time of the year, I started for Fitchburg to exchange with Mr. Lincoln, and met him about half way.
In Sterling I stopped and made Mr. Osgood a short call.
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Reached Fitchburg before seven. Mrs. Lincoln a very pleasant woman, and very sensible :- Native place Hingham.
Sunday, 26. Was the most disagreeable day of the whole Autumn. It was chilly and wet, and early in the morning a heavy snow fell, which in the forenoon changed to sleet ; and from sleet to rain.
Very few at meeting. There was no fire in the morning, and it was bitterly cold. The good folks bestirred them- selves in the intermission and put up the stove. At the evening service we were comfortable.
Monday, 27. Mr. Lincoln arrived home to breakfast. He rode last night from Leicester to Sterling, having a funeral to attend here this day at noon. After breakfast I rode over to Ashby, eight miles, and made my old chum, Albert Locke a visit, and dined with him; after which I started for Leicester.
Tuesday, 28. Capt. and Mrs. Southgate started for Bos- ton. Among other things, I read this week Mr. Everett's Eulogy on Lafayette, delivered in Faneuil Hall. * * * I look upon Lafayette as one of the most wonderful men who have lived; as one of the brightest ornaments of his race ; as a model for patriots ; as a teacher of moral excel- lence to his own age and to posterity. The eulogy itself is a fine Biography.
Thursday, 30. Attended this afternoon at the Friends' Meeting-House, the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Hadwen, daugh- ter of the late Pliny Earle, Esq. There were two Quaker ladies present who addressed the meeting. Mrs. Hadwen established, previous to her marriage, the Mulberry Grove School, November, 1834.
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Sunday, 2. This evening is appointed for the ordination of Charles F. Barnard and Frederick T. Gray as ministers of the poor in Boston.
Friday, 7. We held this evening our last Teacher's Meeting for the year. I heard from Mrs. Clapp of the death of the Rev. Mr. Whitman, of Waltham. He has been declining for several months, and for a long time it has been known that his recovery was hopeless. He is a great loss to the community ; a loss irreparable, perhaps, to his own society.
Saturday, 8. At nine o'clock this morning I started for Brooklyn, Conn., to exchange. Little Sarah Webb accom- panied me. She was returning to Windham. We reached Brooklyn at five P. M. It is thirty-five miles from Leicester to Brooklyn. We met Mr. Sam'l J. May just on the northern boundary of Connecticut. Preached three times on Sunday. Dr. Whitcomb called to see me, and I saw and spoke to in the course of my visit the most of my old ac- quaintances in the town.
Monday, 10. At sunrise I was off ; meaning to get back to Leicester in season to vote. I did so, stopping in Dudley half an hour; and spent more than another half hour in conversation with Mr. May when we met; reaching Leices- ter at half past two.
I gave my vote for John Davis as Governor of the Com- monwealth. Sam'l T. Armstrong, Lieut. Governor; and I voted for the six Whig Senators from Worcester County, among whom is Waldo Flint. I voted for Levi Lincoln as Representative to Congress. Also voted for Silas Earle as
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one of the Representatives of this town in the State Legisla- ture, the coming session.1
Tuesday, 11. Very disagreeable day. After an early breakfast, Mr. Lyman Waite and I set off for Athol, thirty- three miles distant, to attend the ordination of my old friend Linus H. Shaw. As far as Hubbardston I had been before ; beyond that it was new ground to me. Templeton proved to be more of a place than I had expected. We got to Athol about 3 o'clock, and found ourselves the very first on the ground. The members of the Council assembled fast, and it proved to be a full one. I saw Shaw in the afternoon, who looked well, and made me think of Divinity Hall.
The Council met after tea ; chose the Rev. Mr. Thompson, of Barre, Moderator; Rev. Mr. J. K. Waite, of Fitzwilliam, N.H., Scribe. Nothing unusual occurred. Mr. Shaw had all the necessary certificates, and thus prevented much trouble on this score. I passed the night at his house ; a new and very pretty one which his society have built for him. For nearly an hour, I should think, we occupied ourselves most delight- fully in singing over the tunes which have become doubly dear to us, as those which were favorites in the choir of the Divinity Hall, and to all who frequented its modest Chapel.
Wednesday, 12. As I stood in the Hotel door, about an hour before the time appointed for the Ordination Service, a small one-horse wagon came briskly up, of which however I took no particular notice. From a hasty glance at the ve- hicle and a still hastier one at its occupants, I supposed that
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