USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 2
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"The immediate and lasting effects of the Revolu- tionary war upon the interests of this town, deserve a few passing remarks. The un-wise policy of England was first felt along our sea-coast. (1) Numberous fam- ilies hitherto obtaining their livelihood from the seas, were driven to other pursuits. For this cause, not less
+ James Otis.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
than ten families removed from Harwich and vicinity (upon the Cape) to Holden. Such were the Rogers, settling two miles south. (2) All lands belonging to persons supporting the cause of the mother country, were confiscated. Many hundreds of acres within this township were transferred to the State. The history of one tract, containing about six hundred acres, de- serves notice. This tract of woodland belonged to Wil- liam Brattle, Esq., of Cambridge. Under an Act of the Legislature, passed 1781, it was sold to pay State debts. Monsieur Pierre Matthieu Andre, captain of the ship Jonathan, belonging to Jean Francis Billou of Marseilles, in the South of France, purchased this tract of land, for £1, 124, or about $6 per acre.
The ship Jonathan having been condemned as un- seaworthy, was sold and a part of the avails was in- vested in the purchase of this land. For many years it was under the care of Ebenezer Estabrook, senior, and subsequently under the care of his son. Sufficient wood was from time to time cut off to pay the taxes. After much negotiation, it was sold in the year 1826, for $11 per acre. The proceeds were transmitted to the heirs of the original owner in France, a sufficient amount having been deducted to defray expenses attending the sale. The origin of the name French land, will have been apparent. (3) The war of the Revolution had scarcely been brought to a happy termination, before internal disorders threatened to overthrow the general government. The insurrection, known in history as the Shays' Rebellion, stands prominent upon the annals of our country. The spirit of disaffection very sensibly disturbed the order and decorum, which almost uni- formly has characterized our town. I would now re-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
frain from an illusion to this subject if our town records, and the voice of tradition were silent. His- torical truth, however, often duly checks and properly tempers the glow of admiration which we sometimes feel when contemplating the patriotic exertions of our fathers. The financial interests of our country were most deplorable, immediately subsequent to the war. Money was scarce. The currency was in disorder. Public and private debts were great, and in some parts of the country the load was well nigh insupportable.t To remedy a state of things so undesirable, some of our citizens resorted to the most unjustifiable measures. Their wrath broke forth upon the Courts of Justice. Capt. Wheeler of Hubbardston, the first week of Sep- tember, 1786, heading a band of armed men, took pos- session of the Court House in Worcester. The standard of revolt being raised, drew some of our townsmen from the duties of quiet and peaceable citizens. The Court adjourned until December following. The in- surgents flushed with their partial success, returned home to foment greater commotions.
Other portions of the State caught the spirit of dis- content. As the time approached for session of the Court of Common Pleas, in December, the insurgents, (or Regulators) as they styled themselves headed by Daniel Shays,¿ were gathering their forces in the vicinity of Worcester. The court, in the meantime, opened at the Sun Tavern, (United States Hotel) and adjourned until January 23rd, without transacting farther business. December 6th, Shays entered Worces- ter mounted upon a white horse. About 800 troops
t See Lincoln's History of Worcester, Page 115.
# See Lincoln's History of Worcester, Pages 369-371.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
formed his army. To compose this force numberous soldiers went from Holden.
These incidents took place on Thursday. The next day was spent in consultation. A terrible storm of snow occurred Saturday. Gloom and despondency pervaded the bosoms of Shays' soldiers. Such as went from Holden, returned through the drifting snow to spend the Sabbath with their families. Shays conducted the remnant of his forces to Springfield, to interrupt the Court of Common Pleas, about to commence its session at that place.
The Governor of Massachusetts called upon the Militia of Boston and vicinity, to march under the command of Gen. Lincoln, and to force the insurgents to surrender. Success crowned the efforts of the con- stituted authorities. Peace was again restored to the country. I have freely spoken of the part taken by some of the citizens of Holden, because I became ac- quainted with many of the particulars from the lips of a Regulator. In perfect good humor, he gave me a list of such Regulators, as went from Holden, not forgetting to enroll himself.
Resolutions disapproving the measures deemed jus- tifiable by some of the inhabitants of Holden, were passed by a highly respectable body of men in town. Their names I feel myself honored to read .- John Child, Richard Flagg, Samuel Heywood, Amos Hey- wood, Reuben Paddock, James Davis, Isaiah Brown, Thomas Knowles, John Abbott, Paul Goodale, Samuel Chickering, John Dods, George Webb, Jonas Hub- bard, John Holden, Israel Davis, Jr., Edmund Hall, Asa Greenwood, James Dods, Joseph Hubbard, Joseph Hubbard, Jr., Tilly Hubbard, Samuel Hubbard, El-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
nathan Davis, Sam. Heywood, Jr., Samuel Damon, Benjamin Flagg, Lemuel Abbott, Aaron Newell, Abel Howe.
The document to which they were appended is sup- posed to have been drafted by the Rev. Mr. Avery. These gentlemen caused their protest, with some ac- companying documents to be published in the Worces- ter Magazine for the third week of January, 1787."t
"If this was a proper occasion, many palliating con- siderations might be suggested, which would go far to remove the charge of treason from persons attempting, by military force, to arrest the legal Court Sessions at Worcester and other places."
DEATH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
The death of George Washington occurred at Mount Vernon, December 14, 1799, and Congress recom- mended and set apart February 22, 1800, as the day when the nation unitedly might render becoming pub- lic testimonials of their sorrow and grief for the illus- trious DEAD.
"The citizens of Holden observed the day by en- gaging in appropriate exercises. The military parade was conducted by Capt. George Webb. A long pro- cession passed between files of soldiers, whose inclin- ing heads rested upon their "arms reversed." An eulogy was pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Avery. The singing is reported to have been excellent, and was conducted by Mr. Joseph Estabrook.
Damon History, Pages 81-91.
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The following lines, set to appropriate music, were sung :-
"From Vernon's Mount, behold the Hero rise, Resplendent forms attend him through the skies; The shades of War-worn Vet'rans round him throng, And lead enrapt their honored Chief along. A laurel wreath th' immortal Warren bears; An arch triumphal Mercer's hand prepares; Young Lawrence 'erst th' avenging bolt of war With port majestic guides the glittering car; Montgomery's God-like form directs the way, And Greene unfolds the gates of endless day, While angels trumpet-tongued proclaim through air, Due honors for the first of men, prepare."
Chapter III
Churches
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The first vote recorded upon the town books was "to have ye gospel preached in said town."
In December 1736, James Thompson and sixteen other persons obtained a vote from the proprietors to erect a house for public worship :
"50 feet long; 40 feet wide; and 22 between the joynts."
At the same meeting it was also voted that the meet- ing house should be erected "about 60 rods southward from the place where four roads meet." Capt. Benja- min Flagg, Lieut. Simon Davis, and Lieut. Joseph Hubbard were appointed a committee to select the proper spot.
"The first meeting house occupied the site where now stands the house of Col. Damon. It was never painted. The windows were small, and set with diamond glass in leaden sashes; nine in front and five in each end. There were a number of noon houses near, for the ac- commodation of persons living at a distance."
On July 19, 1742, the town voted unanimously to invite the Rev. Joseph Davis to become pastor of the church in Holden.
He was born July 16, 1720, in Concord, from which town his father, Lieutenant Simon Davis came, to be one of the first settlers here. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1740, and ordained in Holden, De- cember 22, 1742. He married Catherine Jones, a na-
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tive of Weston, who died in 1815, at the age of ninety- seven.
At his ordination pastors and delegates were present from Lancaster, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Rutland, and a church was organized that day consisting of fourteen male members, nine coming by letter from other churches and five upon profession.
From the church in Rutland came Simon Davis, Joseph Davis, Cyprian Stevens, Samuel Hubbard, David Brown, and John Fletcher, from Reading, Wil- liam Nickols, from Worcester, John Bigelo, from Wes- ton, Jabez Harrington, and "the following were re- ceived at the gathering of the church : Samuel Pierce, Jotham Bigelow, Samuel Heywood, Joseph Hubbard and Amos Heywood."
In a sermon preached January 2, 1793, fifty years since his introduction to the work of the gospel minis- try, Mr. Davis states : "There was a remarkable sickness about seven years after my settlement. Twenty-two persons died. And about six years after, the year af- ter the great earthquake, a raging distemper carried off about forty-five persons and children."
The 20th of August, 1761, was observed as a day of feasting and prayer by reason of a severe drought.
In January, 1773 Mr. Davis was dismissed at his own request.
For nearly two years the church remained without a pastor.
"December 21st, 1774, Mr. Joseph Avery, having received a call from the church and town, was ordain- ed to the work of the gospel ministry.
"He was born October 14, 1751, son of Deacon Wil- liam Avery of South Parish, Dedham. At sixteen, he
TOWN MEETING GROUP
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
entered Harvard University, graduating in 1771 with much honor.
"In December 1777, he married Miss Allen, of Wor- cester.
"During his long, faithful pastorate of fifty years, which ended in 1822, he was given the title of peace- maker. He continued living among the people he loved until his death on March 5, 1824.
"Among interesting and valuable documents pre- served by Dr. Damon is 'An Oration, delivered by Jo- seph Avery.'
"This is at once the only printed production of this venerated pastor and the only record of such early celebrations of Independence Day in this town. The customary toasts, eighteen in number, were subjoined 'by desire.' Some of them interestingly illustrate the sentiment of the times, as for example, 'The United States-May their union be complete; and may they never want wise and good men to guide their public affairs.'
" 'The American Navy'-May its flag become re- spected by all nations,' and the one volunteer toast, 'The Fair Sex-May they ever meet with that attention, friendship, and fidelity, to which their eminent rank, and high importance in life so justly entitle them'."
Rev. Mr. Avery was among the first in town to ride in a chaise.
In 1787 the question arose whether or not the town should repair the old meeting house, or build a new one. The latter course was deemed advisable and in 1789 the present house was erected in nearly the centre of the acre of land which was deeded to the town in that year by the Hon. John Hancock, "for a public
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
common, and the accommodation of a public meeting house."
In 1816, the sum of twenty-five dollars was voted "to purchase an Instrument or Instruments to assist the Vocal Musick in this Town."
In 1819, Sunday Schools were established, at first, one in each district of the town. After a year's trial of this arrangement, the work was concentrated at the church.
In 1820, stoves were introduced. The meeting house was rebuilt during the years 1827-8, and it was moved to its present site, a belfry added and a bell purchased at an estimated cost of $550, and for many years this was rung at twelve o'clock, noon, and at nine in the evening.
It was long customary to vote an annual appropria- tion for a singing school to be under the care of the Congregational Church.
The third pastor, Horatio Bardwell, D. D., was born in Belchertown, November 3, 1778. He entered An- dover Theological Seminary in 1811. June 21, 1815, he was ordained as a missionary of the American Board. The same year he married Miss Rachel For- bush, of Andover. They sailed for Bombay, remain- ing six years. His health being impaired by the cli- mate, he returned to New England and on October 22, 1823, was settled as colleague pastor in Holden.
In 1841 he received the honorary degree of Master or Arts from Dartmouth College and in 1857 the de- gree of Doctor of Divinity from Amherst College.
During his pastorate the church and town experi- enced powerful revivals of religion. At his own re-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
quest he was dismissed from his pastorate in Holden on October 24, 1833.
After 1822, business relating to the church was trans- acted only at special meetings, to which were sum- moned "all the inhabitants of said Town qualified to act on the following articles," and during this period, "the participation of the town in matters ecclesiastical forever ceased."
1131899
The fourth pastor of the church, William Pomeroy Paine, was born in Ashfield, August 1, 1802. He was graduated from Amherst College in 1827 and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1832, receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater in 1856. He was ordained October 24, 1833, and on June 11, 1834, he married Sarah Mack, of Plain- field, who worked earnestly by his side for the church and for every worthy cause. She died October 3, 1868.
Dr. Paine served as pastor for forty-two years, and on Friday, October 24, 1873, townspeople and many former residents of Holden gathered to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of his coming.
The principal event of the day was the "Historical Address" given by Dr. Paine, himself, in which he re- viewed the years of his pastorate, showing the progress made by church, and town during that period, and using as his text, Deut. 8:2 Thou shalt remember the way in which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years. At the evening session nearly one hundred members of the Baptist and Congregational choirs and a "large number of singers, of former days, took their places in the Singers' Seats."
After an anthem many "Sentiments" were given by the Toastmaster, Ethan Davis.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Among them were the following :
The Congregational Church of Holden: The home of good and true children.
Rev. Cyrus M. Perry, of Southwick, responded.
The gentleman who first brought our pastor to our homes. Then a stage driver, afterwards a member of Congress, now crowned with still higher honors as president of the Boston, Barre & Gardner Railroad : Hon. Ginery Twichell.
Mr. Twichell was unable to be present.
Woman : Though strangely ignored in the formation of this church, yet in every stage of its progress cheer- fully and vigorously ready for every good word and work.
Response by Chas. W. Gleason, of Natick.
Holden, formerly Worcester North, when she be- comes a great city like Worcester, may she have as good a Mayor.
Response by Mayor Jillson of Worcester.
At the close of this happy occasion an original hymn by Rev. Elnathan Davis was sung.
Dr. Paine resigned as active pastor in 1875, but served as pastor emeritus until his death on November 28, 1876.
The Church continued its growth under a number of pastorates of shorter duration. These are as follows : William A. Lamb, 1875-1876.
Henry C. Fay, 1880-1882.
Frederic A. Balcom, 1884-1886.
Wilbur Rand, 1887-1888.
Melvin J. Allen, 1888-1890.
During Mr. Allen's pastorate a new pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1300.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
June 1, 1892, Rev. Thomas Earle Babb began his pastorate which lasted for twenty years.
Mr. Babb was born August 21, 1840, in Orange, New Jersey, but spent his boyhood in New York City, preparing for College at New York University Gram- mar School. He matriculated at Amherst College, and while there taught school in Hubbardston one term, traveling there by stage coach from Worcester. He received a B.A. degree from Amherst in 1865, at- taining Phi Beta Kappa honors. After two years at Bangor Seminary he went to Andover Theological Seminary, graduating in 1868, and that same year Am- herst granted him the degree of Master of Arts.
He was ordained at Eastport, Maine, in 1869, and held pastorates in Oxford, Victor, N. Y., West Brook- field, and Chelsea before coming to Holden.
He was married in 1869 to Ellen Augusta Cook of Laconia, N. H. Of their children, Agnes Babb Knowlton, Louise Babb Rich, Dr. Emily A. Babb, Thomas Earle, Jr., and Gertrude Babb Wright, Agnes, wife of Frank J. Knowlton, resides in Holden.
From the time of his coming to Holden, his life and that of his family were absorbed in working for the up- building of the church and community. He taught large groups of adults in Sunday School, and joined earnestly in the work with the young people, and, with his ever keen interest and help "Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way."
During his pastorate, (in 1908) the new parsonage was built on the northwest corner of Phillips Road and Highland Street.
He rendered the town valuable service in his long term of forty-six years as trustee of Damon Memorial.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
For many years he wrote many beautiful poems and hymns, which added enjoyment to many an occasion.
Although his resignation was given in 1912, he continued to "serve" in many ways. He was made Pastor Emeritus in 1921.
On June 5, 1940, Andover-Newton Theological School conferred upon him the honorary degree of Bachelor of Sacred Theology.
He died July 18, 1940, only a little more than a month before his one hundredth birthday, August 21, 1940.
October 8, 1912, Rev. George E. Cary was ordained, and installed in the church, and his fruitful pastorate of seven years ended Sept. 22, 1919. From October 1919 to April 1922 Rev. Edward Evans served. In 1920 the parsonage was moved to the southwest corner of Highland Street and Phillips Road.
April 9, 1922, Rev. Charles O. Eames began his nine year pastorate, which was a period of spiritual and material growth and encouragement.
In 1927, an addition was made on the rear of the church, the interior was entirely refinished, and other improvements were made.
Rev. Mr. Eames closed his pastorate Jan. 25, 1931, and Rev. P. Virgil Harris served from Feb. 1, 1931, until Dec. 31, 1935.
Sept. 1, 1936, Robert Lee Dutton was called and was ordained in the church Dec. 9, 1936.
BAPTIST CHURCH
The Baptist denomination had representatives in Holden nearly twenty-five years before the organiza-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
tion of the Church December 31, 1807. Rev. Elisha Andrews, pastor of the Baptist Church in Templeton, preached here from time to time, and members were regarded as a branch of the Baptist Church in that town. The records of the Society commence June 4, 1804, when Ephraim Mirrick was chosen Moderator, John Hubbard, Clerk, and Asa Howe, Collector.
"On Dec. 31, 1807, at an Ecclesiastical Council, holden at the dwelling house of Brother Abraham Gates,-a moderator and clerk were chosen and after solemn prayer, by the moderator, proceeded to busi- ness. After mature deliberation and careful examina- tion the council voted unanimously to constitute into a distinct church the following Brothers and Sisters, viz. -Aaron Perry, Ephraim Mirrick, Hezekiah Walker, Abraham Gates, John Hubbard, Solomon Parminter, Asa Howe, Silas Walker, Charles Brooks, Eli Hub- bard, Benjamin Hubbard, Jotham Howe, Thomas Howe, Samuel Abbott, John Walker, Paul Colburn, Thomas Marshall, Daniel Shepard, Pelatiah Allen, John Brown, William Everett, Polly Sargent, Lydia Parminter, Lydia Hubbard, Mehitabel Colburn, Han- nah Howe, Sally Howe, Polly Walker, Lydia Par- minter, Jr., Polly Hubbard, Elinor Howe, Polly Henry, Lucretia Howe, Nancy Brooks, Polly Buck, Patty Caldwell, Sarah Pratt, Sarah Mason, Rachel Walker, Dorothy Howe, Tabitha Perry, Thankful Mason, Lucy Walker, Eunice Metcalf, Judith Gates, Persis Walker, and Nabby Shepard."
During these early years it appears that when Rev. Mr. Andrews was not present, the brethren cooperated in supplying the pulpit. Rev. Thomas Marshall and Rev. John Walker served frequently.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Rev. Thomas Marshall was born in Holden, in 1785. His father was a saddler and harness maker, whose shop stood near the corner of the common.
He was ordained Sept. 15, 1813, and for some years preached part time in Holden and in West Boylston.
Before 1820, there was no church building, services being held in homes in various parts of the town. In 1810 worship was conducted for a time in the shed chamber of Thomas Marshall, which stood near the northwest corner of the common.
In 1819, the lot next north of Damon Memorial was acquired and a building erected at once. This was dedicated in 1820, and used until the building of the present edifice.
"At a meeting of the church held December 31, 1817, it was voted that (we) request Elder Walker to take the pastoral charge of this church by being installed on the first Wednesday in February, 1818."
Rev. John Walker was born May 20, 1789, on his father's farm in the extreme northern part of Holden. He was licensed to preach Aug. 20, 1813, and married Eunice Metcalf, Nov. 29, 1813. He became pastor Feb. 20, 1818.
The church was greatly prospered under his pas- torate which continued until April, 1831. "Sunday School work began, as is practically certain, as early as the Spring of 1820.
"The earliest record bears date of 1833, when a 'Sab- bath School Association' was formed of those 'desirous to come into a more systematic course of operations in the management of the Sabbath School.'"
Rev. Appleton Belnap served as pastor from June 13, 1832, to October 27, 1833.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
A year later, September 25, 1834, Rev. George Waters was ordained pastor and continued thus until March 31, 1838, during which period many new mem- bers were received and the present house of worship was erected and dedicated on December 24, 1835.
June 23, 1838, Rev. Samuel Everett became pastor, serving until April 4, 1839.
On August 12, 1840, Rev. Andrew Pollard, a native of Harvard, became pastor and guided the church wisely until his resignation on April 1, 1843.
Rev. Woodman H. Watson was ordained here June 21, 1843, and remained until April 16, 1847.
Rev. Josiah H. Tilton became pastor November 17, 1848, serving until 1852. During his pastorate a large revival was experienced, and in 1848 the parsonage was erected at a cost of more than $1,100.
In 1853 Rev. Andrew Dunn came for one year and from 1854 to 1856 Rev. Timothy C. Tingley was pas- tor. In 1857 Mr. Tilton became pastor for the second time, remaining for two years.
July 23, 1859, Rev. Lester Williams, Jr., was called to the church and served during the troublous days preceding the Civil War. His pasorate ended in 1864 and Rev. John S. Haradon served from 1865 to 1868. Rev. George W. Kinney came in 1869 and remained pastor until 1871.
Following Mr. Kinney came Rev. John Rounds, in 1872. During his pastorate of two years, many changes were made in the interior of the church.
The steps were removed from the front of the build- ing, inside staircases were arranged, the galleries were removed, and a vestry was provided.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN
January 11, 1875, Mr. John W. Howe of Worcester, a native of Holden, presented the church a clock which was placed in the tower, and a year later a bell was purchased at the cost of $650.
Pastorates which followed were: Rev. John K. Chase, 1874-1879; Rev. Isaac S. Hamblen, 1880-1886; Rev. David F. Estes, 1886-1891.
In 1890 Dea. William Howe presented to the church a vocalion organ, and in 1891 the interior of the church was entirely renovated at a cost of $2,500.
In April 1892, Rev. Benjamin H. Lane became pas- tor, remaining for two years. In 1893 Mr. William C. Metcalf resigned the office of church clerk held by him for thirty-five years. Rev. Joseph Walther served as pastor from January 1895 to March 1902, and Rev. Alfred E. Alton from September 1902 to January 1906.
Mr. Alton was born in Troy, New York, July 19, 1874, and received his early education in the Troy High School and Troy Academy. He was graduated from Princeton University in 1898 and from Colgate Theological Seminary in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity.
That year he became pastor of the Holden Baptist Church, remaining until 1906. April 3, 1906, he mar- ried Blanche Lousie Warren, daughter of Henry W. and Dora Howe Warren. They had two children, Jean and Henry Warren Alton.
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