USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Goshen > History of the town of Goshen, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement in 1761 to 1881, with family sketches > Part 4
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From the earliest settlements in this state it was a pre-requisite of the incorporation of a town that it should have a church already or- ganized, or about to be. For a long period, none but church mem- bers could hold office in town or state. Naturally enough church membership became very popular with two classes, those who wished to be thought respectable and those who wanted office. Very effi- cient men outside of the church were often wanted to serve in impor- tant positions, who were not available under this disability. So the "half-way covenant" was invented, by which men of correct morals could so far become church members as to avoid the disabilities of
* Received from first church in Chesterfield. t Wife of William White.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
non-membership. Akin to this was the parish system-well intended and in some respects desirable. But these devices for qualifying men for office and filling the churches, proved a ruinous policy for what . were known as the Orthodox churches. Moral men did not always prove to be in the strictest sense religious men. They did not relish some of the doctrines held by the church and proclaimed from the pulpit. So there came to be a demand for more liberal preaching and preachers. The moral element of the churches-the half-way covenanters -- found themselves, in many cases, the majority of the church and parish, and the "liberal" preachers were put in the place of the less liberal. The new pastors preached easy doctrines, church membership became more easy than ever, morality was substituted for religion, and so in many cases the Orthodox Congregational churches naturally drifted over into Unitarian Congregational churches, taking with them the church building and property.
But this church appears to have kept due watch and care over its members. One sister confesses to having told wrong stories, and heartily asks the forgiveness of the church ; on a subsequent com- plaint for absolute lying, she is excommunicated. One brother com- plains of the discipline of the church in receiving a verbal complaint against himself " without proof." The church takes the place of the alleged offender and acknowledges its error. Another brother makes amends for having ordered another member to withdraw from com- munion ; another for breach of covenant, absence from the meetings, and denying in particular the doctrine of Free Sovereign Election, is admonished .* Occasionally one is excommunicated, and, that the offender might fully realize the full force of this act of the church, one of the articles of discipline required the members to forbear to associate, or familiarize with him any further than the necessity of natural, civil, domestical relations, or humanity required, that he might be ashamed; agreeably to 2 Thess. 3: 14, 15. Notwithstand-
* What the church at that time understood by "denying the doctrines of Free Sovereign Election," we are not informed. It may mean. however, that the church did not under- stand the doctrine as the offender understood it. From what is known of the offending brother, it is safe to infer that his views were more nearly in sympathy with the church of the present, than of his own the. Like some of the old English martyrs, he may have been one who had the fortune, or misfortune, to live in advance of his time, and therefore not in sympathy with his contemporaries. The man who bases his theology on his own careful and prayerful study of the bible is usually in advance of the creeds of his church and times.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
ing this seeming strictness of discipline there were lines of charity running through its action. A vote was passed, embodying the apos tolic idea " if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness " in the following terms :
Voted that aggrieved members who have taken the first steps in discipline with- out success, lay their case before the committee that " transacts the pruden- tials of the church, who are to use their endeavors for the reconciliation of the con- tending parties. If unsuccessful they are to prepare and present the case to the church.
The matter of singing seems to have been, as it sometimes has in later years, an element of occasional discord, which probably caused . the passage of the following votes:
Voted that the church ought to govern in the worship of God.
Voted the church shall govern.
Voted that we disapprove of the present mode of singing.
Voted to choose a committee to make a collection of tunes to be sung in the time of public worship.
It was finally decided to sing on the Sabbath in the forenoon and the first time in the afternoon only, by reading line by line. Hymn book's were scarce, and made this necessary, which was called " dea- coning off the hymns."
But singing matters, always sensitive and often uncertain, generally have their own way in the end, and within a year a vote was passed allowing the singing to be performed without reading as often as the choristers see fit. Up to this time the men seem to have had the church meetings all to themselves, but now a vote was passed break- ing up the exclusiveness, by declaring that "the sisters of the church have a right to attend all the church meetings."
For seven years no pastor was settled, though calls had been ex- tended to Elisha Hutchinson; Jeremiah Hallock of this town, who settled in West Simsbury, (Canton) Conn .; Mase Shepard, father of Prof. C. U. Shepard of Amherst college; Abraham Fowler, who ac- cepted, but finally withdrew, though a council was to meet for his settlement April 2, 1783.
In 1787 two deacons were chosen-Oliver Taylor and Artemas Stone. . Rev. Samuel Whitman of Ashby was called to the pastorate and was installed January 10, 1788. The leading parts of the instal- lation services were as follows :-
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Rev. Timothy Allen of Chesterfield, the moderator of the council, preached the sermon; Rev. Aaron Bascom of Chester, the scribe, led in prayer; Rev. Joseph Strong of Williamsburgh, gave the charge; Rev. James Briggs of Cummington, offered the closing prayer.
The church sometimes exhibited its militant character in matters that at the present day are more often passed over in silent regret. The young people would have their parties and would sometimes dance. One of the church members kept a hotel, and perhaps allow- ed these parties the use of his hall, which may account for a vote passed in 1796-that "professors of religion are under obligation to disallow and disapprove of frolicking and dancing in their houses, and should prevent their children and others under their care going abroad for the purpose of frolicking and dancing." On one occasion, a prominent member of the church, thought it his duty to enter his protest in person against one of these parties having a ball at the ho- tel. He was politely received by one of the leaders, who, understand- ing the purpose of the visit, said, "Deacon, if you wish to dance a figure with us I will introduce you to a partner, but if you come in to make trouble you will go out a mighty sight quicker than you came in." The good man took the hint and did not wait to dance, or to be helped out.
The landlord had a human, as well as religious side, and like edi- tors of the present day did not hold himself responsible for all the communications of his patrons. Complaint was entered against him for allowing dancing at his house, and kept before the church for ten years, when it was dismissed and he was restored to fellowship.
In the year 1800 the church passed a vote that seemed more leni- ent than the general sentiment of that day allowed in regard to the doctrines. The vote was " that no confession of faith be read to persons in order for admission to the church," but assent was required to a covenant then adopted for future use. The church interested itself early in the cause of missions, and in 1802 chose Dea. Taylor as delegate to a convention in Northampton to ratify a constitution for a missionary society. The church adopted " the plan of the Berkshire Association for the family covenant and catechising of children." The features of this plan are not explained, but may have been that which was carried out by the pastor in his weekly visits to the schools, when the pupils were required to answer
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
the questions in the Westminster catechism. It was considered quite an accomplishment to be able to answer every question. Mr. Reuben Smith, an Amherst boy, in later years a member of this church, committed the catechism to memory when ten years of age. In his 88th year he repeated it to his pastor, Rev. T. H. Rood, with- out an error. The Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, on learn- ing the fact, sent him an elegant volume of its publications .*
The pastorate of Mr. Whitman, though the pastors of his day were understood to be settled for life, was brought to a close in 1818, after a long and unpleasant controversy. One of the chief reasons said to have been urged for his dismission, was that he had made some departure from the orthodox standards of faith. But possibly feel- ing had as much to do with the matter as principle had. He was a studious man, and the, author of several theological volumes. Ab- sorbed in matters of thought, he was reserved in manner, and possi- bly had imbibed to some extent the old time notion that a minister was something more than a man ; for the poet once said : "Ministers and monarchs are awful names." One of the boys of his day, now residing in another part of the State, gives the following recollec- tions of him. Pastors who ignore the boys may profit by the lesson they furnish.
" Mr. Whitman was not social with young people. My father once sent me with a nice quarter of veal as a present to him. On learn- ing my errand he said: 'Well lay it down on that table'-and that was all. I never carried another. A boy went to visit one of his boys, and Mr. Whitman asked, 'Boy, what did you come after ?' 'Nothing sir,' was the reply. . Well, take nothing and go home.' 'I have nothing to put it in, sir,' from the boy, ended the colloquy, and perhaps also the boy's respect for the pastor.
" Many thought him erroneous in doctrine, but I now think he did not explain his views clearly, and therefore was not understood. The council which met to investigate matters in relation to his dismission ' was composed of nine ministers and their delegates. The council was in session three days. It was in the years before the temperance reform had made much progress, and the society had to pay for 120
* One boy who occasionally attended the rehearsals had a less tenacious memory. Being asked by Mr. Whitman, "Who was the first man?" replied, "Well, I don't remember exactly. It was rather late when I got here, but I guess it was Adam, or Eve, or Methusa- Ieh."
¥
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
mugs of sling used by the council during their session. In these times explanation may be needed to learn what a mug of sling was : a half pint of spirit with water, well sweetened with loaf sugar. Yet I believe the council were good pious men, but without the light that shines upon us."
His work-the best test of his ministry-appears to have been approved of his Master, and nearly one hundred and twenty were added to the church during his pastorate. He died suddenly Decem- ber 18, 1826, aged 75 years. He was a graduate of Harvard College, 1775. His wife, Grace Cheever, was a relative of the renowned . Ezekiel Cheever, for 70 years a teacher in Boston and New Haven. Mr. Whitman resided where Mr. Emmons Putney now lives. His son Ephraim was a printer, and worked his press in his father's house. He published some of his father's works here, and a few pamph- lets for other parties. His press afterward went to Poultney, Vt, and was used in iprnting a newspaper there.
Rev. Joel Wright, second pastor of the church, graduate of Dart- mouth College, 1809, was installed September 26, 1821, and remained here seven years. The house of J. H. Godfrey was built as a parson- age for him. An affecting incident attended his removal to this town. The parents brought with them the remains of a deceased child for burial in the cemetery here.
The pastorate of Mr. Wright was not marked by any specially stirring incidents. He labored faithfully for the best interests of his people, by whom he was much beloved.
Mr. Wright was previously installed in Leverett, Mass., December 9, 1812 ; dismissed January 26, 1820.
Rev. Henry B. Holmes from Stratford, England, third pastor, was installed September 25, 1830. He was active in doing good, an elo- quent speaker, and greatly endeared to his people. 75 were added to the church during his short stay here. He was dismissed January, 1833. The church numbered January 7, 1831, 69 members-21 male, 48 female ; January 1, 1832, 98 members-29 male, 69 female.
Rev. Stephen Mason, graduate of Williams College, 1812, fourth pastor of the church, was installed June 22, 1836, dismissed April 10, 1837. He removed to Marshall, Mich., where he died November 8, 1870.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Rev. John C. Thompson, of Heath, fifth pastor, graduate of Am- herst College, 1829, was installed October 4, 1837. The installation services were conducted as follows : Introductory prayer by the scribe, Rev. Wm. Lusk of Williamsburgh ; installing prayer by the moderator, Rev. Moses Miller of Heath ; sermon by Rev. Horatio Bardwell of Oxford ; charge to the pastor by Rev. M. G. Wheeler of Conway; right hand of fellowship, Rev. Israel G. Rose of Chester- field ; address to the people by Rev. Mr. Mitchell of Northampton ; concluding prayer by Rev. M. E. White of Southampton.
In 1841 Mr. Thompson was compelled by failing health to give up active labor, for a time, and was dismissed in 1842, greatly to the sorrow of his people, by whom he was highly respected. He was a model pastor, a peace-maker, a man of devoted piety, zealous in every good work, a faithful preacher. The result of his labors was more manifest in the healthy growth and general prosperity of the church during his pastorate than in large accessions by revivals.
Rev. Royal Reed, sixth pastor, was installed October 19, 1842, dismissed June 15, 1847. He was a man of ability, sociable, and faithful in his calling. 42 were added to the church under his min- istry.
Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, who had supplied the pulpit for a time after the dismission of Mr. Whitman, again supplied till the failure of his health in 1849. His death occurred in Northford, Coun., the same year. He was a good man, an earnest preacher, and much respected.
Rev. Robert Crossett from Alstead, N. H., came soon after and remained till 1853, but was not installed here. He was an active laborer in christian work, a faithful minister, a ready speaker and a good man. He died in Cincinnati.
Rev. Thomas Hancock Rood, the seventh settled pastor of the church, was born in London, Eng., March 5, 1823, and commenced preaching at the early age of twenty with great promise of usefulness. Soon after, he came to this country, and resided for a short time at Albany, N. Y. There he lost by a fire a fine library which he brought from England. About the year 1848 he preached two years at Jamaica, Vt., as his first stated ministry in this country. Having
1
6
Albertype-Forbes Co., Boston
REV. THOMAS H. ROOD.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
married a second wife* in that place, he removed to Sheboygan, Wis., where he preached about the same length of time. His health fail- ing, he came east for a more favorable climate, and settled in Goshen, Mass., May, 1853, but was not installed until Jan. 31, 1855. Rev. J. H. Bisbee, of Worthington, preached the installation sermon ; the right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. W. H. Gilbert of Ashfield ; charge to the people by Rev. George Adams of Conway; charge to the pastor by Rev. Jared O. Knapp of Hatfield. He was dismissed in 1861, having had a longer pastorate than any of his predecessors except Rev. Mr. Whitman. He removed to Southwick, Mass., where he was pastor of the Congregational church three years and a half, and was there married to Mrs. M. C. F. Vining.
Closing his labors there he removed to Westfield, in 1865, for the purpose of educating his children. For the last five years of his life he was engaged most of the time in supplying in various places vacant churches, which uniformly highly esteemed his labors. He was an accurate scholar, a rapid writer, social, correct in doctrine, upright in life, firm and courteous.
His death occurred at Westfield, September 29, 1870, from typhoid fever, after an illness of only a few days. His wife and two dangh- ters survive him. His remains were brought to Goshen and interred by the side of his second wife, and among a people whom he remem- bered with affection, and who loved him tenderly while living, and revere his memory being dead.
Rev. J. C. Thompson again supplied for a year, and was chosen by a unanimous vote to represent the district in the Legislature of 1862. He removed to Belvidere, Illinois, where he now resides.
Rev. Sidney Holman succeeded Mr. Thompson, and preached here for about four years, then four in Windsor, and nearly four in Wethersfield, Vt., when, his health failing, he preached his last ser- mon May 31, IS74. . He returned to his daughter's home in Goshen, and there closed his life December 31, 1874. He was born in Roy- alston, Mass., January 5, 1800 ; graduated at Williams College, 1830 ; studied theology at Auburn Seminary ; settled first in Saugus, afterward in Killingly, Conn., Webster and Millbury, Mass., preach- ing and teaching in the latter town for several years. His first wife,
* Miss Jennie E. Kellogg.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Myra Fisher of Templeton, the mother of his five children, died here, and he married, second, L. Emeline Griswold, who survives him. He afterwards removed to Holyoke and taught school for seven years, preaching also as he had opportunity. Mr. Holman was a faithful servant of his Master, and won the respect and good will of his peo- ple and pupils wherever he labored. He was a strong advocate of temperance, and started a total abstinence pledge in college. Dr. Griffin, the president, said, " Holman, you are too fast, for I drink a little wine ;" but afterwards he said, " Holman, you was right and I was wrong."
While in college he was classmate and room mate with Hon. J. M. Howard, U. S. Senator from Michigan. Howard was not a profes- sor of religion, but he much respected the quality of that which Hol- man possessed, and would turn the key of their room before retiring,. and say, "Chum, read the good book and say the good word before we turn in."
Rev. H. M. Rogers came in February, 1867, and supplied till the summer of 1868. A man of good talents, and much energy and decision of character. He has been pastor of the church in Holden since 1877.
Rev. Townsend Walker commenced his labors here September, 1868 ; a native of Great Barrington, a graduate of Williams College ;. settled first at Baldwinsville, N. Y., remaining nine years. His health was delicate for several years, and in March, 1873, he pro- posed to close his labors here, but such was the affection of his peo- ple that they continued his salary till his decease, July 31, 1873. In reply to a brother who asked how he felt in view of his approaching change, he replied, " Why, just as I expected, and I want to disabuse your mind, and that of the brethren whom I often hear praying to be prepared for death, of the idea that you have anything to do with it. Your business is to be prepared for life and its obligations, and you need have no fear of death." He was buried in Goshen.
Rev. Mr. Juchau succeeded Mr. Walker, and remained two years. He was an Englishman by birth.
Rev. D. B. Lord commenced his labors in December, 1876, and continued here about three years, when he removed to Blandford.
·
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
The earnest and faithful labors of Mr. Lord resulted in a large acces- sion to the church and the quickening of its christian graces.
Rev. Edward Clarke and others supplied till October, ISSo, when J. E. M. Wright, of Needham, accepted a call to the pastorate, and commenced his labors. He was installed December 8, ISSo.
Deacons.
*Oliver Taylor
served 1787 to 1826
*Artemas Stone
1787
1790
*Thomas Brown
..
1790
ISOJ
Justin Parsons
.6
ISOI ISIO
Cyril Carpenter
18cg
IS19
Jonathan Lyman
I822
1837
Eben'r W. Town
IS33
IS38
Asahel Billings
1837
1846
Marcus Linsley
1839
*Benjamin White
1845
IS73
*Francis Lyman.
IS45
1851
Theron L. Barrus
1858
now in office.
Henry H. Tilton
1861
1865
*Elijah Billings
1872
1879
George Dresser
ISSO
now in office.
IS34
Stephen Parsons
66
Artemas Stone died September 16, 1790, aged 43 years. The epi- taph upon his gravestone states that about seven months before his death, he with great fortitude of mind. endured the amputation of both his legs. Justin Parsons became a minister of the gospel and removed to Whiting, Vt. Asahel Billings, dismissed in 1846 to South Hadley Falls, returned in 1850, was re-elected, but did not formally accept, though he continued to officiate till his death, December 4, 1866, at the age of So years. One of his pastors recorded against his name, " As good a deacon as ever lived." Car- penter and Town removed to Enfield, Stephen Parsons to Buckland, Marcus Linsley to Southwick. Jonathan Lyman was "dismissed " 1818, re-chosen 1822, removed to Northampton 1834. H. H. Tilton removed to Williamsburgh. T. L. Barrus resided in Cummington, 1864 to 1867.
Died in office.
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Revival Seasons.
The church was early favored with revivals of religion, and seems to have been organized soon after such a season. The summer of 1779 is said to have been "remarkable for the display of the power and mercy of God, in bringing lost men from the bondage of sin into the liberty of the gospel." Jeremiah Hallock, (afterwards Rev.) was one of the first fruits of this revival. In his Autobiography and Life, published in 1830, it appears that the first religious meeting of young people ever held in the town, was in June or July of that year. Not many weeks after this, he wrote, "I was called to do military duty; on the release of the company for a little refreshment-without any plan or intention of mine,-I found myself in a barn, near the place of pa- rade, surrounded by my fellow-youth and others, and exhorting them on the things of religion. One of my friends was then awakened, who afterwards obtained hope. About this time the awakening, which had been secretly advancing, began to break forth, and by the first of January, 1780, it was spread considerably over the town. And though the season was cold and the snow very deep, (for this has since been distinguished by the name of "The Hard Winter") yet the meetings were frequent, full and solemn. As we had no min - ister, and I was the first of the apparent converts, the lead of the meetings often devolved upon me; and my dear mates looked to me for instruction, showed me great respect, and put confidence in what I said. I lived this winter with Mr .- [Ebenezer Putney]. As we were dressing flax, February 9th, in a back room, the flax took fire, and burnt so quickly and furiously-the wind being high-that in a few minutes the flames pervaded the whole house, which was consum- ed, with nearly all its contents. It gave me an impressive sense of the end of the world, and the inexpressible consternation of poor thoughtless sinners, who think as little of that dreadful hour as the old world thought of the flood, or as we thought of this fire till it came. During March and April I attended meetings most of the evenings. * * I trust the Lord was gracious with us and bless- ed my poor exhortations to his children and to some thoughtless sin- ners."
Mr. Hallock united with this church on the eighth of March, 1781. About 20 others were probably received at this time or soon after. In 1798 more than forty were added; in 1808, forty-seven; in
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HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
1819, twelve; in 1831, a season of remarkable revivals throughout the country, this church became more active. The Confession of Faith and Covenant were printed; it was voted to lay aside the requirement of a written relation of experience from candidates for membership; the church met "to consult for the prosperity of Zion, and after many confessions on the part of the members, they resolved to be in their closets every morning at 6 o'clock to pray for a revival of religion." The revival came, and during the year thirty-two persons were re- ceived into the church.
One of the subjects of this revival-J. Milton Smith -- gives the fol- lowing account of it :-
"Before there was any apparent interest, Mr. Holmes preached a very affecting discourse from Jeremiah, 13:17-"But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride, &c.," and from the text you may infer his subject. In the spring, a four days meeting was appointed, which was attended by neighboring ministers. Mr. Kimball of Plainfield, preached from the words, "Treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath;" and Mr. Holmes preached a very impressive sermon upon the long suffering patience of God. Rev. Mr. Boardman, then of Connecticut, (a man who saw deep into the human heart) was very successful in driving sinners from their refuge of lies. There were also inquiry meetings while the church was en- gaged in prayer in another apartment. Another means of promoting the revival that was perhaps as efficient as any, was the work of a visiting committee through the different districts for personal conver- sation with each individual."
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