USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > History of the churches and ministers, and of Franklin association, in Franklin County, Mass., and an appendix respecting the county > Part 12
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its appearance but a short time before the age of infidelity, and seemed to think that the latter was aided in its progress by the former. After mentioning these things with great apparent interest, a flash of joy beamed in his countenance, as he spake of the final triumph of religion and vital piety. Our conversation gradually changed from one subject to an- other. He was familiar with the early politicians of our country. He spake of the elder Adams, of Hamilton, and the great Jefferson, on whom he passed some severe criti- cisms. At length I asked his views of the Millenium. His answer awakened my deepest interest. He thought the pe- riod was approaching, and believed it would be gradual. The revivals of religion, which were taking place through- out the length and breadth of the land, were the mere pre- cursors of some great moral revolution. In confirmation of this, he referred to the prophecies, and spake particularly of the calculations made upon the mystical periods in the book of Daniel. He had lived, when revivals were almost un- known to the people of New England ; and in two instances where they commenced in his church, they were not under- stood, and discouraged. In speaking of the evident changes in religious feelings and societies as evidence of the approach of this long expected period, he remarked with emotion, ' There is something important at our door; and I appre- hend that the day of the battle of God Almighty is at hand. Some great events are almost bursting upon us. Fire thrown from the altar into the world, will produce commotion. The political appearances of Europe and Asia at this time indi- cate mighty conflicts and revolution.'
" The hours of evening passed with interest, until the clock struck nine, when he observed that the time for retire- ment had come. He arose and went to the book-case, and took down a large family Bible, and read the third chapter of the first book of Samuel, which gave the account of Sam- uel's call to the office of a prophet. This was the chapter in regular order for family devotion. I was invited to attend
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the service at the altar. This done, we retired with the most interesting and pleasing feelings for our nightly repose. Little did any of us think that this aged minister's end was so near at hand ; or that the measure of his days was full. How uncertain is life ! It was even so; his last hour was expiring. I arose the next morning and found him com- muning with the "Holy Book divine." The services of the morning were unusually solemn-just as they should be in the chamber of death. He read the chapter in order ; and assisted by his grand-daughter, a girl of about twelve years of age, who stood by his chair and rested her arm around his neck, sung one of Watts' beautiful hymns ; after which, he offered his last audible prayer. He retired to his room to prepare for church, and while there fell to the floor ; I as- sisted to raise and place him on the bed. But his labors were closed. He was gathered, as fruit fully ripe, into the garner of the Lord. There fell one of Zion's polished pillars."
On his gravestone in Bruce, Macomb County, Michigan, is the following epitaph :- "Living the faith of our Lord Je- sus Christ, he preached the gospel faithfully for half a centu- ry, according to the doctrine, order, and discipline of Christ and his apostles, as practised by his pious Puritan New Eng- land ancestors, and fell asleep, Dec. 20, 1840, aged 78 years." Beside his remains rest those of his beloved com- panion, with whom he had lived more than half a century in remarkable conjugal felicity. Mr. Taylor's ministry in Deerfield was about nineteen years and a half.
Mr. Taylor was the last Orthodox pastor settled over the first church in Deerfield. A council was called, Aug. 11, 1807, to settle Rev. Samuel Willard as pastor of the church ; but they declined to do it on account of his sentiments. Another council, entertaining Unitarian sentiments, was called from a distance, Sept. 23, 1807, by whom he was settled. A written controversy relative to this transaction, and the settlement of Rev. G. S. Olds in Greenfield, was car-
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ried on in the community, in which five pamphlets were published, and by the perusal of which, a more full under- standing of the case may be obtained.
Of the three pastors settled over this church while it re- mained Orthodox, one was dismissed ; all are dead ; and the average length of their ministry in Deerfield was about thir- ty-six years.
In 1807, Rev. Samuel P. Williams was invited to settle as pastor, but declined. A notice of the Unitarian pastors of this church may be found in the account of the Unitarians in Deerfield.
SECOND CHURCH. The present Orthodox Congregational church in Deerfield, as distinguished from South Deerfield, was organized June 2, 1835, with 18 members. Meeting- house : The first and present house of worship, belonging to this church and people, was built in 1838. Previous to this time, they had worshipped in the central school-house. Re- vivals : Some more than usual religious interest was enjoyed in this community in the years 1837 and 1839. Nine were added to the church in 1837, and seventeen in 1839. Char- itable aid: This church began to receive charitable aid in supporting the gospel in 1836, and has received $2,350. The amount contributed to objects of benevolence in 1853, was $57 65. The number in the Sabbath School in 1852, was 120. The number of members in the church in 1853, was 85. For a short period after its organization, this church was supplied with preaching by the neighboring ministers ; and then by Revs. Messrs. Lucius Field, Gordon Dorrance, Barber, and Russell ; Rev. Pomroy Belden then preached as a stated supply from 1837 to 1842. This church has had two pastors settled over it; and in the eighteen years of its existence has had a settled ministry about ten years.
PASTORS. 1. REV. HENRY SEYMOUR was settled as pastor of this church, March 1, 1843, and was dismissed, March 14, 1849. He was born in Hadley, Oct. 20, 1816; grad- uated at Amherst in 1838; finished the theological course 18
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at the Union Theological Seminary, New York, in 1842. He was installed as pastor in East Hawley, Oct. 3, 1849, and the sermon was by Rev. T. Packard, Jr .. Mr. Seymour still preaches in Hawley. His ministry in Deerfield was about six years.
2. REV. ALFRED E. IVES was installed as pastor of this church, Sept. 5, 1849, and the sermon was by Rev. S. G. Buckingham of Springfield. Mr. Ives was born in New Haven, Ct., Dec. 12, 1809; graduated at Yale in 1837 ; studied theology at New Haven ; was ordained as pastor in Colebrook, Ct., Sept. 25, 1838, and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Bacon ; and was dismissed from Colebrook, May 2, 1848. Mr. Ives is still pastor in Deerfield, and in the fifth year of his ministry there.
Of the two pastors of this church, one was dismissed ; both are living ; and the average length of their ministry in Deerfield was about five years.
FIRST CHURCH IN SOUTH DEERFIELD. This part of the town began to be settled about 1750, and the inhabitants of it most generally attended public worship in the ancient village in this ancient town, until the settlement of Rev. Dr. Willard in 1807. Those members of the first church in Deerfield, who resided in South Deerfield, not being satisfied with the sentiments of their pastor, requested a dismission from the church ; their request being denied, they asked the church to unite with them in calling a mutual council to act . in the case by giving advice to the parties; this request likewise being denied, thirty-five of the members called an ex parte council, Dec. 23, 1807, for advice. The council advised the aggrieved members to consider themselves as being no longer connected with that church, and also as being at liberty to unite with such evangelical churches as they might choose. In accordance with this advice, they continued to worship with various churches in the vicinity for several years, until they procured preaching for them- selves. The first Congregational church in South Deerfield was organized, June 30, 1818, with eighty members. The
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first Meeting-house of this church and people was built in 1821, and was rebuilt and removed about half a mile south of its original location in 1848, and is the house of worship now used by this church and society. The account of revivals in this church cannot be given so fully as is desira- ble, on account of the loss of some portion of the records. A revival was enjoyed in 1826 ; also in 1828, and eighteen were added to the church ; likewise in 1838, and fifty-eight were added to the church. This church called councils to settle difficulties in December, 1836; in June, 1843; and in January, 1846. In the thirty-five years since the organiza- tion of this church, it has had a settled ministry about twenty-six years, and has been destitute of the same about nine years. The amount contributed to the cause of chris- tian benevolence in 1853 was $248 10. The number in the Sabbath School in 1852 was 100. The church in 1853 numbered 86. In 1848, Rev. George Lyman was invited to settle as pastor of the church, but declined. Somewhere between 1780 and 1787, the first religious society in Deer- field allowed the people in South Deerfield to have $132 of the ministerial fund to procure preaching for themselves ; and the Rev. Dr. Dwight, who was afterwards President of Yale College, supplied them six months. In 1818, South Deerfield received $1700 as their portion of the ministerial fund. Previous to the settlement of a pastor in South Deerfield, Rev. Rufus Pomeroy preached as a stated supply. At other times this church has been supplied by Rev. Dr. Samuel M. Worcester, Revs. Messrs. Packards of Shelburne, Rev. William Thayer, and Rev. George Lyman. This church has had five pastors.
PASTORS. 1 .* REV. BENJAMIN RICE was installed pastor of this church, Feb. 10, 1819, and Rev. Edwards Whipple of Charlton preached on the occasion ; and he was dismissed, Jan. 31, 1827. Mr. Rice was born in Sturbridge, May 9, 1784; graduated at Brown University in 1808; finished his theological course at Andover in 1811; preached for a time
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in Sturbridge, and as missionary in Maine ; was ordained as pastor in Skaneateles, N. Y., July 7, 1813, and Rev. Hezekiah Woodruff preached the sermon; and he was dismissed from there in August, 1817; after his dismission from South Deerfield, he was installed as pastor in New Gloucester, Me., Oct, 1, 1828, and Rev. Thaddeus Pomroy preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there, Aug. 26, 1835 ; was installed as pastor in Buxton, Me., Dec. 9, 1835, and Rev. Dr. W. T. Dwight preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there, Oct. 12, 1842; preached as a stated supply in Winchendon from November, 1843, till January, 1846. Mr. Rice's first wife was Miss Harriet Barrett of Sharon, Ct .; his second, Miss Almira Whipple of Charlton ; and his third, Miss Lucy Whitney of Win- chendon, who survives him, and by whom he had his only children, three in number, who are living. Mr. Rice died in Winchendon, July 12, 1847, aged 63. An obituary of him was published in the Boston Recorder soon after his death. Rev. Lewis Sabin of Templeton preached his funeral sermon, from which the following is an extract :- " The ministry which he thus ended was one of more than ordinary usefulness. About one hundred and thirty were added to the churches under his pastoral charge, and more than this number have been hopefully converted under his preaching. These results must be regarded as signal and extraordinary seals of his ministry, when viewed in con- nexion with the limited size of the congregations where most of his labors were performed. * * * His natural tem- perament was mild. * * * By the grace of God he had great command over his feelings. * * He was careful not to speak ill of others. Enemies he felt that he always had ; but he appeared to love them; he prayed for them ; he showed no disposition to retaliate. His views of truth were highly evangelical. He loved the great doctrines of grace ; and he everywhere held forth these doctrines of the Bible- the entire depravity of the human heart since the fall-the
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purposes of God-election in Christ-regeneration by the Holy Spirit-and justification by faith through the atone- ment of a Divine Redeemer. Hence the converts under his ministry became staid and steadfast christians, as he had the pleasure of learning after years of trial had put their princi- ples to the test. They were indoctrinated. Rooted and grounded in those truths, which give Christ the throne, they were able to stand. Numbers of them have been highly useful in the church, and some of them in the gospel minis- try. He was remarkable for his high regard for the Bible. A minister once said to one of his parishioners, 'Your min- ister is a bible man.' He bowed submissively to the very word of scripture. He labored most of all to bring his people to read the scriptures. In each of the places where he held the pastoral charge, he held a weekly bible class, which in two of the places was very large and eminently blessed. In Deerfield nearly every member of his flour- ishing bible class was hopefully converted before his dismis- sal. He admired the Westminster Catechism as an excellent compend of scripture truth, and taught it regularly to his children on Sabbath eve. He was faithful in his discipline of the church, and in two instances it was difficult cases of discipline that caused his dismission. No man was more conscientious in everything than he was. He wished to make the word of God his guide in ministerial and christian duty ; in business transactions ; in relative duties ; and in the care of his property. He felt a deep interest in the missionary and benevolent enterprises of the day, and con- tributed systematically a certain proportion of his income for their promotion. He believed in a perpetuity of the Abrahamic covenant, and deeply felt the obligation and importance of infant baptism. He devoted his own children to God in baptism. He felt strong desires for their conver- sion. He had strong confidence in the covenant, but he often feared the covenant might be broken through his unfaithfulness to them, and that they, though children of
.
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the kingdom, might be cast out. His course is now finished. His setting sun was overcast with clouds. His mind was thought to be somewhat impaired during the last two years of his life, owing to the state of his health; but for the last few months both mind and body were unstrung. In his last lucid season, being asked if he felt prepared for death, he answered, 'Yes, I have a hope, which is an anchor to my soul.'"' On his tombstone is inscribed the following :- " For thirty-six years he toiled, a faithful soldier in the cause of Christ, and has now gone to his reward in that world, ' where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.'" His ministry in South Deerfield was about eight years.
2. REV. TERTIUS S. CLARKE Was ordained as pastor in South Deerfield, Oct. 3, 1827, and Rev. Dorus Clark, his brother, preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there, April 1, 1833. Mr. Clarke was born in Westhampton, Dec. 17, 1799, and lived there mostly till sixteen years of age ; graduated at Yale in 1824; studied theology at Au- burn; after his dismission from South Deerfield, was in- stalled pastor in Haddam, Ct., May 10, 1835, and Rev. Dr. Van Arsdale preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there in April, 1837 ; was installed pastor in Stock- bridge, June 16, 1837, and Rev. Dr. Hawes of Hartford, Ct., preached the sermon; and he was dismissed from there, April 20, 1850 ; was installed pastor in Penn Yan, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1850, and Rev. Dr. Todd preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there near the beginning of 1853, and was installed pastor in Franklin, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1853, and the sermon was by Rev. Samuel J. White. Mr. Clarke's ministry in South Deerfield was about five years and a half.
3. REV. WILLIAM M. RICHARDS was ordained pastor, Nov. 25, 1835, and Rev. Mr. Perkins of East Amherst preached the sermon; and he was dismissed, Sept. 6, 1843. Mr. Richards was born in Hartford, Ct., July 11, 1805; at two and a half years of age he removed to South Deerfield ; in 1809 he removed to Gill, where he lived twelve years, and
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then lived in South Deerfield ; he graduated at Williams in 1832; studied theology at Auburn ; after his dismission from South Deerfield, preached at Norwich, N. Y., in 1844 and 1845; in 1846 preached in Oxford, N. Y .; from 1847 to 1850, he preached in Hamilton, N. Y .; then preached two years in Morrisville, N. Y. ; and in October, 1852, removed to Waukegan, Ill., where he still preaches as a stated supply. His ministry in South Deerfield was nearly eight years.
Between the pastorates of Mr. Richards and his successor, among the preachers who supplied, were Rev. Gideon Dana and Rev. William Thayer, both of whom buried their wives while supplying there.
4. REV. ABRAHAM JACKSON Was installed as pastor, Oct. 22, 1845, and Professor Aaron Warner of Amherst College preached the sermon ; and he was dismissed from there, June 7, 1847. Mr. Jackson was born in Carver, July 28, 1793; pursued classical and theological studies at Bangor, but never graduated at any college ; ordained as pastor in Machias, Me., Oct. 3, 1821, and Rev. John Smith, Professor in Bangor Seminary, preached the sermon ; was dismissed from there in the spring of 1834; installed pastor in Kings- ton, Nov. 12, 1834, and Rev. Thomas Boutelle preached the sermon ; installed pastor in Walpole, N. H., Jan. 10, 1838, and Rev. Mr. Merrill of Acworth, N. H., preached the sermon ; remained pastor in Walpole seven years; after his dismission from South Deerfield, he supplied a year or two at East Ma- chias, Me. ; and has lived since then in Walpole, N. H., and supplied the church in Quechee, Vt., till September, 1852. Not far from this last named period, he became a Unitarian in doctrine, according to his own statement, and has been of late supplying the Unitarian church in Windsor, Vt., though he resides in Walpole, N. H. His ministry in South Deer- field was about one year and a half.
Between the pastorates of Mr. Jackson and his successor, the church was supplied with preaching a part of the time by Mr. Lucius M. Boltwood, and Rev. George Lyman.
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5. REV. MOSES K. CROSS was installed pastor, Sept. 4, 1850, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. H. B. Smith, then of Amherst College. Mr. Cross was born in Danvers, Sept. 24, 1812; graduated at Amherst in 1838; studied theology at Andover; was ordained at Palmer, as pastor, Feb. 2, 1842, and the sermon was by Rev. M. P. Braman ; and he was dismissed from there, March 7, 1849. Mr. Cross is still pastor at South Deerfield, in the fourth year of his ministry there.
Of the five pastors of this church, four have been dis- missed ; four are now living ; one became a Unitarian ; and the average length of their pastorates in South Deerfield is about five and a half years.
THE SECOND CHURCH IN SOUTH DEERFIELD, called the Monument Church, was organized Jan. 25, 1848, with seven members. Its first and present Meeting-house was built in 1848. Revivals have been enjoyed in 1850 and 1851; as the fruits of the first, twelve were added to the church ; the second was confined to laborers in the shops chiefly, who were not permanent residents in the place. The amount of contributions to the cause of christian benevolence in 1853, was $239 44. The number in the Sabbath School in 1852, was 100. In 1853 the church numbered 77.
Previous to the settlement of its first pastor, this church was supplied by Rev. Josiah Tyler, now a missionary in South Africa. In the six years since the organization of this church, it has had a settled pastor about five years. This church has had but one pastor.
PASTOR. REV. DAVID A. STRONG was ordained pastor, March 21, 1849, and Rev. Charles Bentley preached the ser- mon. Mr. Strong was born in Haddam, Ct., May 6, 1820; graduated at Williams in 1845; studied theology at East Windsor Hill; and is still pastor in South Deerfield, in the fifth year of his ministry there.
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CONGREGATIONAL PREACHERS WHO ORIGINATED FROM DEERFIELD.
1. Rev. Hiram P. Arms was born in Windsor, Ct., in 1799, and at an early age removed to Deerfield, where his an- cestors, for five generations, had lived, and where he lived for some years. He graduated at Yale in 1824; studied theology at New Haven ; was licensed in 1827 ; engaged in teaching for three years ; ordained as pastor in Hebron, Ct., June 30, 1830, and Rev. Joel H. Lindsley, D. D., preached the sermon ; installed at Wolcottville, Ct., Feb. 6, 1833, and Rev. Royal E. Tyler preached the sermon ; remained four years at Wolcotville ; installed as pastor of the first church in Norwich, Ct., Aug. 4, 1836, and Rev. Dr. Hickok, then of Litchfield, Ct., preached the sermon ; in this church a revival was enjoyed in 1846, by which about one hundred were added to their number. Mr. Arms is still pastor at Nor- wich, Ct.
2. Rev. Selah R. Arms was born in Deerfield, Feb. 21, 1789, where he lived seven years, and then removed to Wil- mington, Vt. He graduated at Williams in 1818 ; studied theology at Andover ; supplied for three years in Cavendish, Grafton, and Windham, Vt. ; settled as pastor of the churches in Grafton and Windham, Vt., Jan. 5, 1825, and Rev. Dr. Charles Walker preached the sermon; in 1832, dismissed from the church in Grafton; in 1835, dismissed from the church in Windham; supplied in Livingstonville, N. Y .; again became pastor of the church in Windham, Vt., and continued there from 1836 till 1849 ; since which time he has resided chiefly in Springfield, Vt., engaged in agriculture, and preach- ing occasionally.
3 .* Rev. Joel Bordwell was born in Deerfield, Oct. 24, 1732 ; admitted to the church in that place, Aug. 26, 1756; graduated at Yale in 1756 ; studied theology with Professor Daggett of Yale College ; ordained as pastor in Kent, Ct., Oct. 28, 1758, and continued in the pastoral office in that 19
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place a little over fifty-three years, and until his death. He married a sister of Rev. Rufus Wells of Whately, and two of his children are still living in Kent, Ct. An intelli- gent correspondent writes from that place concerning Mr. Bordwell : " He was a faithful and beloved pastor; distin- guished as a scholar, and particularly as a linguist ; and pre- pared many young men for college, and frequently had theological students in his family. The aged members of his church speak of him with great affection, and considered him fully equal in talents and learning to any minister then living in the county. As nearly as I can ascertain from the church records, there were two hundred and seventy-five added during his ministry." The Rev. Maltby Gelston, his son-in-law, of Sherman, Ct., says of him : " In his ministry he was blessed with revivals of religion that greatly elevated the church and increased the congregation. He was associ- ated with a class of ministers who were revival men, who were also harmonious in sentiment and in efforts to do good. In all their aspirations and preaching they loved to walk in the path of Edwards and Bellamy. As a man, he was open- hearted, and, by his frankness, kindness, and plain dealing, he gained an ascendency over his people, and improved it for much good. As a preacher, he was of a ready mind. On an unexpected emergency he would rise before an assem- bly and break directly into his subject, and proceed with light, affection, and force, and enlist the feelings and at- tention of the assembly." He died in Kent, Ct., Dec. 6, 1811, aged 79.
4 .* Mr. Zenas Clapp was born in Deerfield, Jan. 30, 1796 ; studied at Williams College, but graduated at Dart- mouth in 1821 ; studied theology at Auburn ; taught acade- mies in Ashfield, Amherst, Deerfield, Chittenango, N. Y., and Ovid, N. Y. ; was a tutor in Amherst College from 1823 to 1824; was on a farm in Salina, N. Y., for a short time ; after being licensed, preached only a few times, and was compelled, from ill-health, to relinquish preaching and teach-
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ing ; in 1836 removed to the milder climate of St. Augustine, Florida, and there died of pulmonary complaints, Jan. 29, 1837, and lacked one day of being 41 years old. He was a beneficiary of the Hampshire Education Society, and in his will bequeathed the most of his property to this Society. But, through mismanagement, it is believed that the Society has realized but little from his bequest. He is supposed to have accumulated considerable property. In 1822 he mar- ried Miss Pamela Clary, who survived him, married again, and has recently deceased. Mr. Clapp was unable to endure public speaking, and was never ordained, but was chiefly employed in teaching.
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