USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Lancaster > History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879 > Part 37
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It is probable that he received approbation to preach in the year 1791, and he immediately began to attract attention as one well qualified to fill an important position as a minister of the gospel. He was heard with favor by two churches in Boston, and efforts were made to settle him in the pastoral office. Appealing to the reason of his hearers, possessing a large share of common sense, " never offending the most fas- tidious taste, possessed of a voice of rich, deep and varied tones, and a manner peculiarly impressive," it was a matter of course that he would win favor, and acquire reputation.
His first year of settled ministerial life, 1792-3, was at Wilkesbarre, Pa., where he resided nearly a year in the fam- ily of Col. Timothy Pickering, a Massachusetts man, who had removed to the Keystone state, and was secretary of war. Coming to the east in the spring of 1793, he was heard
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
anew by the people of Lancaster, then in search of a colleague for Mr. Harrington, and he seems to have made a deep im- pression, and to have won that place in the hearts of his hearers, which secured him an invitation to settle, in prefer- ence to several able and afterwards distinguished men. With such an origin, such training, and such a character, he began his ministry with the most favorable prospects. A long, re- spected and useful pastorate was the natural sequence of such an auspicious beginning.
An impressive incident on the day of ordination, long had a hallowing influence, and is fondly cherished by tradition. The aged minister was too feeble to be in the sanctuary, and while his youthful colleague was being inducted into the sa- cred office, he was confined to his house and his bed. But though his enfeebled frame was at home, his thoughts were in the house of God. It was a beautiful day, just in the sea- son when, in this valley, all nature is richest and loveliest with the lingering glories of summer, and the ripened fruits of autumn. The public services being finished, the youthful pastor and his friends were passing from the meeting-house by the home of his venerable colleague, who lived between the house of Mr. Nathaniel Thayer, and the road, under the spreading elms, when Mr. Harrington rose from his bed, and was carried to the gate in front of his dwelling. Standing thus, upheld by friendly aid, with eyes dim by reason of age and with tears, his white locks streaming in the breeze, he placed his hand on the head of his young brother, and with his own benediction, invoked upon him the blessing of God. Having done this graceful and gracious act, he said : "I now die in peace. I can now go and bear witness to my brother, [Mr. Prentice, ] from whom I received this people, that I leave them united, prosperous and happy."
There had been a great change in the public mind, silently affected, on religious questions, between the death of Mr. Har- rington's predecessor, and the settlement of his colleague. He was settled as a strictly Orthodox believer, and there is
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CHANGE OF OPINIONS.
no public avowal of a radical change in his doctrinal views, though it was known, that in his advanced years, some points were not presented so distinctly as in the earlier days of his ministry. It is supposed, that consciously or unconsciously, he had drifted into a variety of what goes by the name of Arianism. But there was no break between him and the most high-toned Calvinist in ministerial intercourse.
On the other hand, in the words of Dr. Hill, "Mr. Thayer was from the first a Liberal Christian." He was in full sym- pathy with the movement led by Dr. Kirkland, Mr. Buck- minster and Dr. Channing ; and though there was no visible split in the denomination for twenty years after his settlement, yet there was a gradual drawing together of those who held to the ancient faith, on the one hand, and of those who fol- lowed the new departure on the other, into hostile ranks. When the separation was completed, nearly every Congrega- tional church in the valley of the Nashua, on both branches and the main river, from Leominster to West Boylston, and from Berlin to Pepperell, was found on the Liberal or Unita- rian side, and Dr. Thayer was their most conspicuous leader. His theological views will be stated hereafter; it is sufficient to state here, that, avoiding the extreme length to which some have gone, he continued till the close of his life, a conserva- tive Unitarian. But when the reaction came on, towards the end of his ministry, he ever bore himself towards the friends of the new movement, with the kindness and urbanity of a Christian gentleman.
At the first meeting of the church after the ordination of Mr. Thayer, it was voted to have the Lord's Supper once in two months, beginning with the first Sabbath in December.
At the same meeting, Brothers Ebenezer Allen, Joshua Fletcher, William Phelps, Moses Sawyer, Cyrus Fairbank, Jonathan Whitney, Ephraim Carter, Timothy Whiting, jr., and John Whiting, were " chosen to assist the Pastor in de- vising a method for the introduction of members into the church."
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
The committee reported, December 16, when the following " method " was adopted.
" 1. Any person desirous of being a member of the church, shall signify his wish to the pastor, who shall propound him to the church in presence of the congregation, three weeks previous to his making a profession of religion ; or if it shall be deemed expedient by the pastor, two weeks only. The profession shall be the following.
" In the presence of God and of this assembly, you declare your faith in the only living and true God.
" You believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he was sancti- fied of the Father, and sent into the world, that he might re- deem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
" You believe in that gospel which was ratified by the death and resurection of Jesus Christ, and solemnly promise to make it the only rule of your faith and practice.
" You do now yield yourself to God, through Jesus Christ, penitently confessing to Him all your sins, and intreating the assistance of his Holy Spirit, that you may be enabled accep- tably to perform your whole duty.
" To this you consent.
" I do then, in the name of Jesus Christ, declare you a mem- ber of the same body with ourselves. In behalf of this branch of the church, I promise that being united by the ties of one Lord, and one common faith, we will live with you in Chris- tian love, that we will watch over you for your good ; and this with a spirit of meekness, love and tenderness ; that we will counsel and assist you whenever there shall be occasion ; that we will be faithful to our Master, and faithful to each other, waiting in joyful hope of an eternal and happy intercourse in the heavenly world.
" 2. Provided persons, at the time of making the above pro- fession, shall object against partaking of the sacrament, they shall at any future period be admitted, after standing pro- pounded to the church for one week.
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MODE OF CENSURE.
" 3. That this church will commune with persons in regular standing of all Protestant churches."
This was the new " Method," or Covenant, which may be compared with that which was renewed at the settlement of Mr. Prentice. It was recommended by the whole commit- tee, and for aught that appears, was unanimously adopted by the church.
It was made a rule, at the same time, that persons making a profession, need not make a public confession of a certain scandalous sin. And also " that the names of persons record- ed for having been guilty of any sin be erased."
The following action is quoted, as revealing a custom more prevalent in former times than now, though there are cases which are believed to warrant it at the present day. "July 20, 1794, voted that Brothers Josiah Ballard, James Carter and Joshua Fletcher attend, with the Pastor, at the house of Joseph Osgood, (being sick,) and receive him to the commun- ion of the church."
September 30, 1797. The following rule was adopted as a " suitable mode of censuring a guilty member of the church."
" That when a brother or sister is chargeable with any mis- demeanor, liable to censure, it shall be the duty of such per- son to repair to such place as the Pastor shall appoint, where, in presence of a committee of the church, he shall admonish the faulty member, that by serious reproof, he or she may be induced to walk conformably to the rules of the gospel, and be restored to the communion of the church." Brothers Joshua Fletcher, Benjamin Houghton, Thomas Gates, John Whiting, Joseph Wales, Ephraim Carter and Moses Sawyer were chosen a committee to aid the Pastor on such occasions.
At a meeting held on Fast Day, April 7, 1802, the church voted " unanimously to accept the following as a substitute for Article Second, and that this should regulate the admission to the Lord's Supper of those who have owned the Christian covenant .- Provided persons, when they make a profession of religion, had scruples of conscience against partaking of
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
the sacrament, or any who make the above profession, have similar difficulties which shall hereafter be removed, having signified their desire to the Pastor, they may attend on this ordinance."
The Society adopted Belknap's Collection of Psalms and Hymns for use in public worship, instead of the old book of Tate and Brady, with one dissenting vote.
Br. Joel Wilder was chosen deacon, on the third of Octo- ber, 1806.
The following communication from Dea. John Whiting, who had received a military commission in the army of the Uni- ted States, was read to the church, October 23, 1808. "To the church of Christ in Lancaster : Brethren ; At an early stage of life I was elected an officer in this church, the duties of which I have endeavored to discharge with fidelity. The recollection of the harmony so constantly prevalent among the brethren, will cheer me through the vale of life. Engaged in a military profession, and called to go forth from among you, I cannot be found at my post as in times past. There- fore I ask leave to resign the office of Deacon. Under the divine protection of the Great Head of the church, I antici- pate the period when I shall again participate in those holy rites with my Christian brethren. Wherever I may be des- tined the remainder of my days, my prayer shall be for the peace and prosperity of the church of Christ in Lancaster."
Dea. Whiting held the rank of brigadier-general in the Massachusetts militia, and had received the commission of colonel under the United States. In view of his letter of resignation, the church voted :
" That for the reasons assigned in the above communication, the resignation of Dea. John Whiting be accepted." Also voted unanimously that the " church of Christ in Lancaster cor- dially approve the circumspection and fidelity of their brother, John Whiting, in sustaining the office of Deacon. They re- gret the necessity for his resignation, and wish him the divine protection and blessing, and the comforts of religion on the future scenes and pursuits of his life."
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467
GIFT OF CHURCH FURNITURE.
Under the head of "Deaths," at the date of September 3, 1810, are these words. "Col. John Whiting, 51, apoplexy, at city of Washington."
August 31, 1809, the deacons reported that it was expedi- ent to exchange the church furniture, and that the probable expense would be two hundred dollars. Deacons Wales, Lane, Wilder and Wyman, with Brs. Jeremiah Ballard and Jacob Fisher were chosen a committee to collect subscriptions, who reported, September 28, that the requisite sum could be collected. Brothers Joseph Hiller and Jacob Fisher were directed to sell the present furniture with the "exception of a silver cup, and to procure a sett of plated furniture for the Lord's table, and a baptismal bason." Thanks were voted to a " Friend who had presented a silver spoon."
A similar vote was adopted, April 8, 1810, to present the sincere thanks of the church to " Mr. William Cleveland for the baptismal bason he has given them. They ask as a fa- vor that he will allow them to place his name under the pres- ent inscription." Mr. Cleveland could not consent that his name should be engraved on the bason. The church also grate- fully acknowledged the kindness of Major Joseph Hiller in providing a frame for the accommodation of the bason; and of Mrs. Dorcas Cleveland in furnishing a cloth and napkins for the communion table.
Many churches have had applications like the following, but their action has not been uniform. "The Pastor, April 21, informed the brethren that Bro. Edward Fuller had applied to the Baptist church in Harvard for admission to their commun- ion, and that by their direction, he requested of us a dismis- sion and recommendation." Having considered the matter, the church voted that we " have no desire to lay restraint upon the conscience of a fellow Christian, but as a dismission under present circumstances would be a virtual exclusion from the Christian brotherhood, and as a recommendation from us would not secure for our brother in the church to which he has applied, the privileges he has here enjoyed, we do not
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
consider it expedient or a duty to give him a dismission or recommendation ; but should the Baptist church in Harvard see fit to take our brother E. Fuller to their communion, we shall be ready, upon being regularly notified of this, to with- draw our watch over him."
In May, 1811, Mr. Fuller's wife made a similar request, and in the absence of the Pastor, Dea. Wales proposed to grant her a regular dismission and recommendation ; but the church voted, " as the application is similar to that of her hus- band, that the same principle be adopted in this case."
The cost of eight new silver cups was $130.14, and the re- pairing of the old vessels cost $2.00.
In 1812, September 12, the subject of collecting money for church uses was considered, the object being to avoid frequent collections. The result is given in the following regulation : " That the contribution for each year be made after the public exercise on the annual Fast."
Under date of July 9, 1816, it is recorded that the Pastor and Deacons assisted in laying the corner stone of the new meeting-house ; and a similar entry relates to the dedication of the sanctuary. The particulars of both these services have been already given.
Mrs. Catharine Prescott, wife of the Hon. William Pres- cott, of Boston, [son of the famous colonel, and father of the celebrated historian, ] sent a Silver Cup to the church, with the following letter to the Pastor, dated January 1, 1817. " My Dear Sir : Will you permit me, through you, to offer the Silver cup which accompanies this, to your church as a trifling memorial of the respect and affection I bear it, and to congratulate you on the erection of so noble a temple for the worship of Him, who, I trust, will long continue to bless you and your people in the society of each other." The present was gratefully received, and the Pastor was requested to ex- press their thanks in a " suitable mode " to Mrs. Prescott, for this " valuable memorial of her respect and affection."
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THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.
A gift which has precious associations is doubly valuable. June 20, 1824, the Pastor informed the brethren, that their brother, Joseph Wales, in conformity to the bequest of his late wife, had procured for them a Silver Cup, made of a Porrin- ger which descended to her as a relative, from the late Rev. John Prentice, former Pastor of this church. The gift was " accepted with gratitude " and by vote, "added to the fur- niture for the communion table."
In November a request came from Catharine Eaton to be dismissed and recommended to the Calvinistic church in Leo- minster. The church having been informed that their certi- ficate would not secure for her admission into that body, voted the following certificate. "This certifies that Catharine Eaton is a member of regular standing in the church of Christ in Lancaster."
At a meeting held April 6, 1826, a plan was adopted by which baptised persons, but not communicants, could have their children baptised. It was in these words : "That any parent or guardian who have been baptised, and who, in the judgment of charity, are conscientious in requesting that the ordinance of baptism may be administered to their children, shall, upon making a regular application to the Pastor, with- out any other ceremony or profession, be indulged with this privilege."
Dea. Wyman died on the thirtieth of December, of con- sumption, aged sixty-one years. Mr. Tarbell Bancroft was chosen to fill the vacancy, on the ensuing Fast day, April 5,1827.
Votes passed in 1830 and following years, indicate a change of opinion which was going forward in the community. For example, Dea. Horatio Carter, January 12, 1830, resigned the office of deacon " because he had embraced the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church." In February, 1832, it was voted, "in compliance with the request of David Osgood, that he be furnished by the Pastor with a certificate of his regular standing as a member of the church of Christ in
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
Lancaster." At the same time, Rev. Asa Packard, Ruth Marsh Packard and Sophia Stearns received similar certificates. The Hillside church, in Bolton, was formed about this time, and the persons above named were interested in that enterprise.
December 15, 1833, it was moved to exchange Belknap's Psalm Book for Greenwood's Collection of Psalms and Hymns. The new book came into use on the fifth of January follow- ing. In the course of the year, three more members of the church received certificates as heretofore.
Dea. Jonas Lane, March 25, 1838, communicated his de- sire, on account of " bodily infirmities and age," to resign his office as an " officiating deacon of the church." The resigna- tion was accepted, with the assurance of the brethren, that they entertained " a respectful and grateful sense of his long, exemplary and faithful service in the office of deacon." They fervently prayed that he might have " divine support and con- solation under the infirmities of age, and the present and fi- nal reward of a faithful servant of Christ."
The last action of the church, previous to the decease of Dr. Thayer, was taken at a meeting held April 19, 1840, in reference to the mode of admitting members to the commun- ion. The following rule was adopted. "Candidates for ad- mission to the church shall be propounded as usual. Having stood propounded one or two weeks, the Covenant shall be read to them after the congregation is dismissed, before the celebration of the Lord's Supper, and they shall be admitted to the communion of the church."
During the pastorate of Dr. Thayer, three hundred and eighty-eight were admitted to the church, about one-fourth of whom were males. The number of baptisms, nearly all of children or youth, was one thousand and seventeen. The very last communion which he attended, June 7, 1840, just before he started on the journey from which he never re- turned, three persons were received into the church, and eight received the rite of baptism. It was to him an occa- sion of peculiar enjoyment.
471
DEACONS OF THE FIRST CHURCH.
The Records show how many Ecclesiastical Councils the church was invited to attend during the long pastorate which we have been reviewing. The whole number was about eighty, or an average of two a year. Unless sickness or dis- tance prevented, he was sure to attend. The Councils al- most invariably were called to settle ministers ; rarely if ever to compose difficulties.
During his term of service the following persons were cho- sen deacons. 1794, July 31, Joseph Wales was chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dea. Josiah Bal- lard, who laid down the office on account of bodily infirmities.
In 1801, November 2, Jonas Lane was chosen to supply the vacancy made by the decease of Dea. Cyrus Fairbank.
1802, December 1, Joseph White was elected in place of Dea. Benjamin Houghton. He was reluctant, but finally con- sented.
October 3, 1806, Joel Wilder was chosen.
Benjamin Wyman was elected, July 23, 1809.
Josiah Bridge was elected in consequence of the resigna- tion of Dea. Wales, in 1817. Dea. Bridge removed from the town in 1824, and on the first of April, Horatio Carter was chosen to supply his place.
Dea. Wyman died, December 30, 1826, and on the first of April following Tarbell Bancroft was chosen his successor.
April 18, 1830, James G. Carter succeeded Horatio Car- ter, who had become a disciple of Swedenborg.
Peter Osgood was elected in 1835; and Silas Sawyer in 1838. The latter expressed his thanks, but declined the office.
Samuel H. White came into the office in 1839, thus retain- ing it in the family through every generation for more than a hundred and fifty years.
The above is an outline of the history of the First church during the forty-seven years of Dr. Thayer's labors. His personal history is bound up with it, to a great extent ; yet his work and influence were felt in other spheres. Probably few New England ministers ever had greater influence over
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
town affairs. Without holding any political or municipal of- fice, aside from his connection with the schools, and without seeking to intermeddle with the duties of other men, it is yet certain, from the testimony of those who lived in his time, that he was consulted in regard to every measure of impor- tance which came before the town ; and by officers in relation to the matters with which they were charged. The extent of his influence. has been playfully, yet truthfully stated, in the oft-repeated remark, that " the selectmen did not mend a piece of road without first consulting Dr. Thayer."
From the first he had the principal care of all the schools in the town, from the Shirley to the Boylston line, and the evidence is abundant, that he exercised a faithful supervision over the whole eleven or twelve districts into which the town was then divided, and the Latin grammar school besides. It was his duty to examine all the teachers, though some- times aided by others. While the schools were in session, his afternoons were very much devoted to their welfare. Fre- quent visits, kindly suggestions to teachers, and instructive, but pleasant remarks to the children, consumed much time, but carried a wholesome influence to every child, and youth, and family in all the extended town. Indeed, it might be said that his benignant presence filled the schools.
But he was a minister more than an educator, or a towns- man, and he was laborious and faithful in performing the duties of his high and sacred office. By birth, by training, and by aptitude of mind and disposition, he was formed for the pul- pit, and for the pastoral office. He was a student and a think- er, and therefore brought forth things new and old. He was laborious, and in his old age, after his congregation had al- most entirely changed, he preferred to prepare new sermons, and would not, unless necessary, repeat an old discourse. His pulpit labors were held in high esteem by his own people, and by other congregations far and near. In prayer he was de- vout, earnest, humble, grateful. He entered into the wants and feelings of his parishioners with true and heartfelt sym-
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DR. THAYER A PEACEMAKER.
pathy. His discourses were scriptural according to his under- standing of the Bible, and were replete with sense and thought. Rarely rising to eloquence, he avoided commonplace, and held the attention of his hearers. As a pastor he was inde- fatigable. If any were sick, or in affliction, his sympathy was prompt and sincere. No matter how distant the family might live, if they were in trouble, their minister was with them, in rain or shine. His pleasant countenance and cheery voice brought solace and encouragement. He earned the blessing pronounced by the Prince of Peace upon the peace- maker, for it was a peculiar feature of his ministry, to pre- serve good neighborhood and brotherly kindness ; and when differences or quarrels arose, none knew better how to re- move and heal them. This is a field in which few can inter- meddle without more embroiling the fray ; but Dr. Thayer had the tact, the fairness, the kindliness and the authority which gave him success.
He was a man of consummate prudence. During his min- istry, there were fierce political disputes. He and a major- ity of his charge, belonged to the school of Washington and Adams ; but there were friends of Jefferson and Gerry, in his congregation and church, and even in the ranks of his deacons. He opposed and preached against the war of 1812. In his later ministry, there were strong divisions of senti- ment and feeling in relation to temperance, to masonry and to slavery. His own course was clear and decided ; and yet he main- tained his hold upon his people. so that there was no thought of change. In building the new meeting-house, a trouble- some debt was incurred, and many "signed off " from the parish, but the position of the minister was unshaken. At length new societies were formed, on either side, and drew re- spectable congregations ; yet he ministered to a large, wealthy and intelligent people, till a serene old age ; yet he was no tem- porizer, concealing his opinions, and trimming to catch the popular breeze. He knew how to maintain his opinions, and at the same time, keep his place. In this he was aided by the
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