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 24
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The Greenfield Gazette, of December 25, 1794, contains the following notice of him : "In whom was exemplified the tender and fervent husband, the kind and indulgent father to a respected family, the faithful, godly minister of exemplary life and conversation. His loss is deeply lamented by his family, church, and community. His remains were interred on the Tuesday following, [his death,] when a pa- thetic and well adapted discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Lyman of Hatfield, from 1 Tim. iv. 7, 8. A numerous assembly expressed a sense of their loss by their sympathetic tears, while performing the last office of respect to the de- ceased."
The following is extracted from Dr. Lyman's published
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funeral sermon : " Mr. Hubbard was descended from respect- able parents, who were most of all distinguished for a blame- less, holy, and christian life. It was their wise care to give their son a pious education. The grace of God cooperated with their endeavors, and their hearts were made glad with his early improvements in virtue and religion. The happy consequences of their discreet care were experienced by their son, and have extended themselves in copious benefits to this people, and to the church of God all around us. Such extensive benefits derived from the faithfulness of parents in educating their children should be an effectual incentive to all to teach their offspring the good knowledge and fear of the Lord. Mr. Hubbard, having obtained the honors and advantages of a public liberal education, devoted himself to the cause of Christ in the evangelical ministry. In early life he was called to settle with this people ; he accepted their invitation, and took charge of their souls. He lived in the consciences and affections of his people, and preached to them the gospel of the grace of God with much acceptance. He in general possessed their cordial love and esteem. In- deed a momentary estrangement between him and this people took place in the time of our public trials. But that estrange- ment was not natural ; it could not last ; upon the mediation of their common friends it soon vanished. He and they returned to the love of their espousals. For many suc- ceeding years he has served this people with increasing affection on their part, and growing comfort on his. I need not tell you how firmly he was in sentiment attached to the doctrines of grace, those peculiar and leading doctrines of the gospel. As he sincerely believed them, so, with strict uniformity, with pious contention and pathetic zeal, he preached them to his people. He loved his people ; he loved his work ; he loved his Master. By the uncorruptness and purity of his life, he exemplified the doctrines which he taught. He labored after that ministerial greatness and dig- nity which consist in sound doctrine and holy living ; a
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greatness which is not buried in the grave, but goes along with us into heaven. That he might be truly great, he labored to be good. After a long and painful ministry, in the latter years of which he patiently encountered heavy bodily infirmities, he has obtained, in his closing moments, the hopes and consolations which flow from conscious fidelity in his Master's work. Having, as we trust, been faithful unto death, he is now partaking of eternal life." The fol- lowing epitaph is inscribed on his gravestone :-
" A man he was to all his people dear, And passing rich with eighty pounds a year ; Remote from towns he held his godly race, Nor ever changed or wished to change his place. In duty faithful, prompt at every call, He watched, and wept, and prayed for all; He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, Allured to brighter worlds and led the way."
3 .* REV. SAMUEL C. ALLEN Was settled as the third pastor of this church, Nov. 25, 1795, and Rev. Allen Pratt of West- moreland, N. H., preached the sermon on the occasion. After a ministry of about two years Mr. Allen was dismissed, Jan. 30, 1798; relinquished the ministry and became a law- yer. He was born in Bernardston, Jan. 5, 1772; graduated at Dartmouth in 1794; practised law in Greenfield and Northfield ; held various civil offices ; was a representative in Congress twelve years ; and died in Northfield, Feb. 8, 1842, aged 70. The American Almanac, for 1843, says of him : " Mr. Allen was a man of active habits and a vigorous intellect, and his opinions had great weight in the part of the country to which he belonged."
At the time of Mr. Allen's ministry in Northfield, the Con- gregational denomination had not been divided into Ortho- dox and Unitarians, and he was then considered Orthodox, though he afterwards became a Unitarian. A correspondent, who formerly resided in Northfield, says of Mr. Allen : " During his ministry in Northfield he was regarded as Cal-
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vinistic, and had the confidence of the church and people, and gave satisfaction as a preacher." He likewise united with the Orthodox Ministerial Association, Nov. 1, 1798. Mr. Allen's remains were buried in Bernardston, over which an appropriate monument is soon to be erected.
Of the three pastors of this church previous to its becoming Unitarian, one was dismissed ; all are dead; and the aver- age length of their ministry in Northfield was about twenty- five years.
SECOND CHURCH. The second Congregational church, and the only Orthodox Congregational church now in North- field, was organized, Nov. 30, 1825, with thirty members, the most of whom withdrew from the Unitarian church. This people for several years occupied a school-house as their place of worship. Their first Meeting-house was built in 1829 ; and it was remodeled in 1849. Several revivals have been enjoyed by this people. One in 1835, and seven were added to the church ; one in 1841, and fifteen added. This church began to receive missionary aid to support the gospel in 1828, and has received $1,915. The amount con- tributed by this people to benevolent objects in 1853 was $2 60. The number in the Sabbath School in 1852 was 60. The church in 1853 numbered 61. In the twenty- eight years since the organization of this church it has had settled pastors about sixteen years, and has been destitute of a settled ministry about twelve years. This church has had five pastors.
PASTORS. 1. REV. ELI MOODY was settled as the first pas- tor of this church, Nov. 22, 1826, and Rev. Dr. Woodbridge of Hadley preached the sermon ; and, after a ministry of about four years, was dismissed, Dec. 24, 1830. Mr. Moody was born in Granby, April 12, 1789 ; finished a six years' course of study in preparing for the ministry with Rev. Mr. Perkins of East Amherst in 1818 ; never graduated at any college ; was settled as pastor at Weybridge, Vt., Aug. 12, 1818, and Rev. Mr. Perkins of East Amherst preached the
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sermon ; and was dismissed from there, Dec. 9, 1823 ; preached at South Hadley Falls in 1824 and 1825 ; after his removal from Northfield was installed pastor in West Granby, Dec. 29, 1830, and dismissed from there, Oct. 5, 1836 ; was installed in East Granby, Oct. 5, 1836, and was dismissed from there, April 29, 1840 ; for several years was prevented by ill health from preaching ; in 1847 he removed to Montague, and has since then preached more or less ; in 1852 began to supply in Burlington, and now resides in that place. Mr. Moody was a representative in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1840, 1841, 1843, and 1844. He married a grand-daughter of Rev. Judah Nash, the first pastor in Mon- tague.
2. REV. BANCROFT FOWLER was installed as the second pastor of this church, April 21, 1831, and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Thomas Snell of North Brookfield, and, after a ministry of about five years, was dismissed, July 20, 1836. Mr. Fowler was born in Pittsfield, Sept. 12, 1775 ; gradua- ted at Yale in 1796 ; studied law two years and a half at Northampton ; was a tutor at Williams College from 1799 to 1801; and then a tutor in Yale College till 1804; was settled as a pastor at Windsor, Vt., May 22, 1805, and Rev. Dr. Burton of Thetford, Vt., preached the sermon ; dismissed from there in 1819 ; was a professor of Sacred Literature in Bangor Seminary from 1819 to 1825 ; then resided in Pitts- field ; in 1828 took charge of the Female Seminary at West Brookfield, and resided there till 1831 ; after leaving North- field took charge of the Academy at Bernardston, and was installed as pastor there, Dec. 21, 1836, and the sermon was by Rev. Mr. Hatch of Warwick ; was dismissed from there, Dec. 31, 1838 ; settled as pastor in Greenfield, N. H., Nov. 20, 1839, and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Robinson of Stoddard, N. H .; was dismissed from there, April 22, 1845; and for several years past has resided in Stockbridge. Mr. Fowler buried his first wife at Bernardston, and his second wife at Greenfield, N. H.
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3. REV. HORATIO J. LOMBARD was installed as the third pastor of this church, July 20, 1836, and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Walker, then of Brattleboro', Vt. ; and after a min- istry of about four years was dismissed, Oct. 21, 1840. Mr. Lombard was born in Stockbridge, May 8, 1792 ; graduated at Williams in 1815; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Os- good of Springfield ; ordained as pastor in Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1818, and Rev. B. B. Stockton preached the sermon ; was dismissed from there in July,
1827 ; settled as pastor in Manlius, N. Y., Nov. 12, 1828, and dismissed in 1830 ; installed pastor at Feeding Hills, in West Springfield, Jan. S, 1834, and dismissed from there in 1836 ; since leaving Northfield has been in Springfield, and is now chaplain of the house of correction there.
4. REV. NATHANIEL RICHARDSON Was settled as the fourth pastor of this church, Oct. 21, 1840, and Rev. R. M. Chip- man, then of Athol, preached the sermon ; and, after a ministry of about two years, was dismissed, Nov. 20, 1842. Mr. Richardson was born in Rockport, Dec. 3, 1806 ; grad- uated at Amherst in 1836 ; studied theology at New Haven ; ordained at Terrysville, a parish in Plymouth, Ct., Aug. 8, 1838, and was dismissed from there in about two years ; since leaving Northfield has preached as stated supply about four years in Burlington ; has also been a stated supply in Berkley, and is now preaching in East Taunton.
5. REV. LUTHER FARNHAM Was settled as the fifth pastor of this church, Nov. 20, 1844, and Rev. Mr. Gerould, then of Hinsdale, N. H., preached the sermon ; and, after a min- istry of about five months, was dismissed, April 9, 1845. Mr. Farnham was born in Concord, N. H., in 1816; gradu- ated at Dartmouth in 1837; finished the theological course at Andover in 1841; after leaving Northfield was employed some time in connection with the Puritan Recorder ; was a stated supply for a time at Marshfield ; and has resided since then chiefly in Boston.
After the dismission of Mr. Farnham, Rev. Willard Jones,
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a returned missionary, preached as stated supply till 1850 ; then Rev. Eli Moody supplied about a year ; since then the church has been supplied by Rev. Daniel C. Frost, Rev. Junius L. Hatch, Mr. George E. Bruce, and Rev. Peter H. Shaw. Mr. Shaw is now supplying this church. Of the five pastors of this church, all were dismissed, all are living ; and the average length of their ministry in Northfield was about three years.
CONGREGATIONAL PREACHERS ORIGINATING FROM NORTHFIELD.
1 .* Rev. Caleb Alexander was born in Northfield, July 22, 1755 ; graduated at Yale in 1777; studied theology with Rev. Ephraim Judson of Taunton ; was ordained as pastor at New Marlboro', Feb. 28, 1781; dismissed from there, June 28, 1782; installed as pastor at Mendon, April 12, 1786 ; in 1801 was appointed by the Mass. Missionary Society to visit the churches and Indians in Western New York, and on his return was dismissed from Mendon, Dec. 7, 1802 ; about 1803 removed to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and took charge of a new academy in the place, which became a flourishing institution under his guidance and instruction ; in 1812 removed to Onondaga, N. Y., and took charge of an academy there ; while instructor in these academies often preached in the neighboring places, and aided in organizing many churches ; expended much time and made great exertions for the establishment of the Auburn Theological Seminary. He published an Essay on the Deity of Jesus Christ, and with Strictures on Emlyn an English writer, in 1791; a translation of Virgil ; Latin, Greek and English Grammars, and several occasional ser- mons. He died at Onondaga, N. Y., April 12, 1828, aged 72. Rev. Washington Thacher preached his funeral ser- mon, an extract from which was published in the Western Recorder at Utica, N. Y., of April 29, 1828.
The following is an extract from an obituary account of him, published in the Onondaga Register for April 16, 1828 :
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" Rev. Mr. Alexander graduated at New Haven College fifty-one years since ; and after obtaining a theological edu- cation, and being for a few years pastor of a church, he chose for his future life the equally laborious employment of a teacher. For this employment he was admirably fitted. Being himself an excellent scholar he excelled in this de- partment of usefulness, and may be considered as the founder of several important literary institutions. Many of the distinguished men in each of the professions in this State have been brought up under his instructions. His literary labors, considering the nature of his official duties, have been astonishing. As the correspondent of scientific and religious periodicals, and as the author of several sys- tems of education, translations and essays on various sub- jects, he has long been well known to the world. But this is not all. As a steward of the mysteries of the gospel, he was a scribe well instructed. Clear and distinguishing in his views of divine truth, he manifested to all that, amid his complicated labors, the Bible had never been neglected ; and we have seldom seen a man so familiar with its doctrines, and so capable of making the scripture the interpreter of itself. The last years of his life, after having retired from its active duties, were devoted to the Bible ; and the treas- ures of divine knowledge he had gathered from it were truly wonderful." The following epitaph is inscribed on his gravestone : " His industry and zeal in the cause of litera- ture and religion were untiring and benevolent." "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Mr. Alexander married Miss Lucina Strong, daughter of Rev. Thomas Strong, his predecessor at New Marlboro'. She died at Onondaga, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1847, aged 91. By her he had seven children. His daughter, Laura, was mar- ried to Rev. Dr. D. C. Lansing of Brooklyn, N. Y., and is deceased. Blake's History of Mendon Association gives an account of Mr. Alexander, from which some of the fore- going facts are obtained. The American Quarterly Register
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calls him " a man of talents and a good classical scholar." His English Grammar was formerly used to a considerable extent in the primary schools in New England. His son, William H. Alexander, is now living in Syracuse, N. Y.
2 .* Rev. Joseph R. Field was born in Sullivan, N. H., about 1795; in childhood he removed to Northfield ; learned the trade of a blacksmith; resided for a time in Keene, N. H., and united with the church in that place ; afterwards made Northfield his home; graduated at Dartmouth in 1822; was ordained as an Evangelist at Parishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1827, and Rev. Mr. Hoyt of Potsdam, N. Y., preached the sermon ; preached some at Meriden, N. H., Dummerston, Vt., Northfield, Winchester, N. H., Milton, N. Y., Norfolk, N. Y., Peterboro', N. H., and Montague. Mr. Field was never a settled pastor. He died in Northfield, Aug 9, 1828, aged 33. The following epitaph is on his gravestone : "Unassuming in manners ; in morals irreproachable ; as a scholar successful ; mighty in the scriptures ; with argument invincible he maintained and de- fended the great doctrines of the Reformation." He was a cousin of Rev. Lucius Field of Northfield ; and has a brother, Rev. Elijah H. Field, who is a Methodist minister in Ohio.
3 .* Rev. Lucius Field was born in Northfield, Aug. 21, 1796 ; graduated at Williams in 1821; was a tutor in Am- herst College in 1822; finished the theological course at Andover in 1825; was settled as pastor at Tyringham, March 27, 1833, and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Hyde of Lee. After leaving Tyringham he supplied in various places, and received calls to settle from Bennington, Vt., Colebrook, Ct., and Ashby. He was licensed by the Andover Association, July 5, 1825 ; and was ordained as an Evange- list by the Sullivan Association, N. H., Jan. 18, 1832. Mr. Field was never married. He died in Northfield, June 1, 1839, aged 42. The following epitaph is inscribed on his gravestone : " In doctrine evangelical ; chaste and original
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in style ; sincere and devotional ; fervent in spirit ; he loved and magnified his office."
4. Rev. Thomas P. Field was born in Northfield, Jan. 12, 1814; removed from there when about three years old ; ten years of his early life were spent in North Carolina ; and then lived again in Northfield; he afterwards resided in Boston ; graduated at Amherst in 1834; was a tutor in that college from 1837 to 1839; finished the theological course at Andover in 1840; was licensed by the Andover Associa- tion ; was ordained as pastor of the second Congregational church in Danvers, in October, 1840, and Rev. Dr. Bela B. Edwards preached the sermon ; was dismissed from there in October, 1850; was installed as pastor of the second Pres- byterian church in Troy, N. Y., in November, 1850, where he still remains; Rev. Dr. George B. Cheever preached his installation sermon. He has a brother, Rev. Justin Field, Jr., who is a minister in the Episcopal church. Mr. Field was appointed in 1853 to the professorship of rhetoric and oratory in Amherst College.
5. Rev. Frederic Janes was born in Northfield, May 6, 1808, and having been settled as a pastor in Bernardston, a further notice of him. may be found in the account given of the pastors of the second Congregational church in that place.
Of the five Congregational ministers who originated from Northfield, four were graduates; all were ordained; four were pastors of churches ; one was somewhat distinguished as a teacher and an author ; two are now living.
OTHER DENOMINATIONS.
BAPTISTS. "A branch of the Baptist church of Leverett and Montague," says the Historical Discourse of the Rev. Mr. Andrews, delivered at North Leverett, Aug. 18, 1847, " was constituted at Northfield Farms in 1829. This branch was disbanded and the names returned to the original church in 1846."
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EPISCOPALIANS. Rev. Justin Field, Jr., an Episcopal min- ister, originated from Northfield.
METHODISTS. The Methodist church in Northfield was organized in 1810, and seceded from the Episcopal Metho- dist denomination in 1844. Among the preachers, who have supplied this church, are the following, viz. : Revs. Hum- phrey Harris, Salmon Hull, Elias P. Stevens, Otis Wilder, Zadoc King, George Green, Hezekiah B. Collar, Simon E .. Fisk, Leonard Frost. Since the secession in 1844 no preachers have been regularly sent to this church. Revs. H. B. Collar and H. Smith supplied them in 1853. The following Methodist preachers have originated from North- field, viz. : Revs. J. D. Bridge, H. M. Bridge, P. W. Bridge, H. B. Collar and Elijah H. Field.
UNITARIANS. The present Unitarian church in Northfield was originally Orthodox, and became Unitarian about half a century ago. The following Unitarian pastors have been settled over it, viz. : Rev. Thomas Mason was ordained Nov. 6, 1799, and was dismissed Feb. 28, 1830, and died in North- field, Jan. 3, 1851, aged 82. Rev. George W. Hosmer was ordained June 9, 1830, and was dismissed in 1836. Rev. Oliver C. Everett was settled as pastor March 8, 1837, and remained about twelve years. Rev. William C. Tenney, the present pastor, was settled as pastor, Sept. 9, 1849. About 1828 a disaffected party withdrew from the Unitarian church, and formed a second Unitarian church of fifty-six members. When Mr. Mason was dismissed in 1830, they returned and united with the first Unitarian church. Rev. Samuel Presbury was ordained the pastor of the second Unitarian church, Feb. 27, 1828, and was dismissed Sept. 21, 1829.
SUMMARY of preachers originating from Northfield : Congre- gationalists, 5. Episcopalians, 1. Methodists, 5. Total, 11.
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ORANGE.
This town was formerly included in Warwick, and was called South Warwick, till its incorporation, Oct. 15, 1783. Its population, in 1850, was 1,700. Seven churches have been organized in Orange, and two Universalist societies. Four of the churches were Orthodox Congregational churches at their formation; one of them became Unitarian within half a century past. One is a Baptist church, and two are Meth- odist churches.
ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONALISTS.
FIRST CHURCH. The first Congregational church in Or- ange was organized in the fall of 1782, consisting of eighteen male and thirteen female members. The organization took place in what was then South Warwick, but which has since been incorporated as the town of Orange. The original members were persons dismissed from the churches in War- wick, Royalston, and Athol, for this purpose. The follow- ing ministers were on the council for the formation of this church, viz. : Revs. Edward Goddard from Swanzey, N. H .; Joseph Lee from Royalston, and Samuel Reed from War- wick. This church was Orthodox till within a half century past. The following is from the covenant adopted by the church at its formation, viz. :- " We give ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; and avouch him, this day, to be our God and Saviour and Leader, and receive him as our portion forever. We give ourselves to the blessed Jesus, who is the Lord Jehovah, and adhere to him as the only leader of his people in the covenant of grace." The first Meeting-house built by this people was dedicated March 31, 1782, and was remodeled in 1832. This church had but one pastor before it became Unitarian, and his ministry continued about eight years; and in the forty years from the formation of this church till the settle-
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ment of its first Unitarian pastor in 1822, it was destitute of a settled ministry about thirty-two years.
PASTOR. * REV. EMERSON FOSTER was installed as the first pastor of this church, Dec. 12, 1782, and after a minis- try of about eight years, was dismissed in 1790. The exact date of his dismission is not known. As the parish records contain a vote passed by the parish, May 13, 1790, to concur ,with the church in calling a council to dismiss Mr. Foster, his dismission took place, probably, soon afterwards. At his installation seven churches were represented in the coun- cil by seven pastors and twelve delegates. No sermon was preached. The charge to the pastor was given by the pas- tor's father, Rev. Isaac Foster of West Stafford, Ct. Various charges were brought against Mr. Foster before the council that dismissed him. Tradition says, that these charges re- lated to heresy, intemperance, and light, vain conduct. The council, however, did not depose him from the ministry. Mr. Foster was a son of Rev. Isaac Foster of West Stafford, Ct., and was born in that place, probably about 1747 ; grad- uated at Dartmouth in 1773; was settled as a pastor in Kil- lingly, (now North Killingly,) Ct., Jan. 22, 1778, and the sermon and charge to the pastor were delivered by his father. and were published. "An unhappy state of things existed before and after his ordination, so that his continuance here in the ministry was short, being about one year and six months. He was dismissed, July 27, 1779." He preached for a time in New London, Ct., and was there when the place was burnt by the British, Sept. 6, 1781; in the fore part of 1782, he was preaching in Orange. "On leaving Or- ange in 1790, he had an invitation to preach at Barnstable. and was on his way there, when he was taken sick, and did not preach for a year. He afterwards preached at Claren- don, Vt., and at Pomfret, Vt., but probably was not installed at either place. Not far from the year 1800, he went to Orient, L. I., (then known as 'Oyster Ponds,') where he continued as pastor for about five years, when his health
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failed, and relinquishing his charge, he came to Brooklyn, N. Y., and resided with his daughter, his wife having died sud- denly at Orient, a little previous. After five or six years he regained his health in some little measure and preached for about a year on the east side of Long Island. But his health again failed, and he returned to Brooklyn, and died there after a lingering illness, in the year 1814. There was no sermon preached at his funeral. An address was made at the house by some minister not now recollected, and an address at the grave by his brother, John Foster, who had relinquished the ministry, and was engaged in a school in New York City. No obituary was published, and no stone placed at the grave. The burying-ground where he lies, is adjoining the Sands Street Methodist Church, and the present church edifice covers the grave." The foregoing quoted account was given by Mrs. Margaret Moore, a daughter of Mr. Foster, at her residence in Brooklyn, N. Y., in September, 1853.
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