USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Middlefield > History of the town of Middlefield, Massachusetts > Part 22
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out to me as a duty thus publicly to manifest my compliance with your invitation. ''
Having entered into his agreement not lightly nor inadvisedly with no rose-colored visions of the future, he stood by it, from youth to age, for forty years. The ordination and installation, to which nine churches were invited, occupied two days, begin- ning with October 30, 1792. Mr. Nash used the 200 pounds given him as a settlement, to buy a ninety-one acre farm which cost him 445 pounds and left him in debt for many years. He evidently kept sheep, for among the many earmarks recorded in 1795 we read that his earmark was "a Square Crop on the right Ear and a slit in the end of the left Ear." His house stood east of the highway running north from the Center, about a quarter of a mile from the church.1
Of Mr. Nash it has been said; "As a preacher he was direct, plain and practical." Though not remarkably brilliant, he was yet a man of considerable natural ability with an education good for that day. But living on a small salary, with a large family to support, he had, unfortunately, no means for the continued intellectual improvement which clergymen have at the present day. Books were expensive, and hence his furniture for the mind was very limited. After his death, his whole library was appraised at thirty dollars.
He was a man of remarkably pure character. In theology he was sound and truly evangelical. He felt that he was set for the defense of the gospel. In disposition he was remarkably mild and gentle, careful not to wound the feelings of others without cause. Though grave in manner, he had a vein of humor in the presence of associates. At his funeral, Rev. Mr. Jennings of Dalton offered prayer. In his quaint language he said, "Thou knowest, O Lord, that thy departed servant had naturally more of the milk of human kindness than the rest of us."
At the time of his settlement railroads were, of course, un- known and stagecoaches and other carriages were rare in these mountain towns. Hence when he took a wife, he brought the young bride home on horseback. A company of his parishoners, male and female, also on horseback formed a procession, and meeting the happy couple between Middlefield and Chester,
1 The site is now (1924) occupied by the house of James Cody.
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opened to right and left in true military style to let them pass through.
Only two new members were added to the roll of sixteen charter members before the ordination of Mr. Nash. During 1792 the pastor received six upon profession and one by letter, while the following year six more joined by profession and fourteen by letter. For several years the growth was not at a more rapid rate. In 1802, however, there seems to have been a revival of interest for no fewer than twenty-six joined on profession. Again in 1820 there was a large ingathering of twenty-nine more, and seven years later thirteen. In 1831, when his work was nearly over, Pastor Nash received no fewer than forty-six members, all upon profession. This was at the time which Deacon Ingham called "the great revival of 1831," which he believed sprang from the temperance reform which went be- fore it.
Some of the members in those days seem to have been received to all the privileges of the church, and some to only a part. One who was admitted to "full communion," to "full communion and fellowship with this church," or "to full standing in the church," seems to have had complete membership. Others seem to have taken the Half-Way Covenant." Such may have been those admitted "to occasional communion," or to "the watch care and discipline of the church and to enjoy the privi- lege of baptism." In 1832 a request for such a privilege "while he might continue here" was made by a certain Joshua Walker, and granted by the church.
In watch care and discipline the church was vigilant. The records show harassing cases of members tried for their offenses, such as personal quarrels, dishonesty, lack of integrity and sometimes intoxication or immoral conduct. At other times the defendants were arraigned for neglecting to hear the church and breaking covenant. Excommunication was enforced upon recal- citrant members. One typical case of discipline may be cited. A member of the church wrote a letter to the society asking that her connection with the church be dissolved. Instead of obtain- ing her request she was made the object of an investigation. She failed to appear before a church meeting to which she was called. It was found that she would not confess, reform or "walk with
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the Church." Accordingly, "the church, having found" that she "had co-operated with her husband for years in selling in- toxicating liquors on Sundays and weekdays, and that, though the first and second steps had been taken, she was inpenitent," excommunicated her. Since the middle of the century, excom- munication has been generally abandoned, and churches have left their members largely to their own consciences, limiting their watch care to acts of brotherliness, and quietly dropping from the church list those who no longer recognize its jurisdiction.
In those days it seems to have been the custom to appoint ministers year after year upon school committees, "during life or good behavior." April 6, 1807, the town appointed David Mack, Jr., William Ingham and William Church, Jr., a com- mittee "to assist the Reverend Jonathan Nash in examining school instructors respecting their qualifications for teaching school." Clearly Mr. Nash was the chief of this committee. Later notices give him the same prominence. In 1826 and 1827 Mr. Nash and Mr. Isaac Child, the Baptist minister, were both included in the school committee.
A sermon preached by Mr. Nash in July, 1812, is of interest. It is approximately 15,000 words in length, and must have re- quired nearly two hours for its delivery. The date of this ser- mon is shortly after the beginning of the War of 1812, which it will be remembered, was bitterly opposed in New England. The preacher asserted the common belief that offensive war is wrong but defensive war is right. Whether the war with Great Britain was righteous, he admitted he did not know. Evils for which he thought the country was being punished were Sabbath breaking, extravagance, luxuries, uncleanness, profane and obscene lan- guage, and the misuse of ardent spirits.
There were times of discouragement during this long pastorate and it was probably at one of these that in 1831, a little more than a year before his dismissal, Mr. Nash subscribed, though he could ill afford it, one half of his annual salary for the support of preaching. It is pleasant to read in the society records that they voted to cancel this subscription. In 1832 when the church was looking forward to securing Rev. Samuel Parker to succeed Mr. Nash, who was then over seventy, the pastor wrote as follows :
"You inquire on what terms I shall consent to take a dismission at the time the Rev. Samuel Parker shall be installed, provided that the con-
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templated event should take place. There are several things worthy of con- sideration in an event so interesting to me; my advanced age in life; my temporal circumstances and the temporal and religious state of the society at present should be considered. But few ministers who have become con- nected with a people, have continued with them as long as I have been continued here. On the last day of October, 1792, I was ordained, almost forty years ago, and have been spared to enter upon the seventy-second year of my age. The terms of support offered me were two hundred pounds settlement in neat cattle, £100 the first year and £100 the second year; and sixty pounds salary the first year and to rise five pounds a year till it rose to seventy-five pounds and that to remain permanent.
"The sum given as a settlement was generous considering the state of the people at that early age of the town. The settlement I disposed of toward purchasing this house and farm which I now hold, for which I was to give five pounds per Acre, there being about ninety-one acres. The settlement not paying half of the price of the farm, some years elapsed before I could clear myself of debt for the farm, and there was but little done to the inside of the house. Soon after settlement the price of labor and all articles of support took a rise and the small Salary, with what the farm produced, was found insufficient to support an increasing and more expensive family and the other necesasry expenses, so that I found myself unable to make such convenient buildings and procure such other accom- modating articles as would have been desirable and useful.
"For several successive years with what income I received and what prudence and strict economy, could hardly bring the year about; and have not the belief that I could, had not a number of Parishioners, feeling for my straitened circumstances, liberally contributed to my relief; for which I still feel grateful for their liberality, and for all the presents I received through their respect and kindness. Without more assistance that nominal sum of two hundred and fifty dollars afforded it has appeared to me that I should have been compelled to have sought other ways of support. I think it will not be said or thought by any acquainted with my situation and management that I have needlessly wasted what I have received from this people or that my family have lived in idleness or have not been industrious, for I know not but that they have labored as faithfully according to their ability as other families, which was right that they should.
"Respecting my present circumstances, I am not deeply in debt, and paying interest for not more than 40 or 50 Dolls. and am owing some- thing more, how much I cannot say. My sons who have labored for me, before and after they were of age have a claim on me for compensation, so that what property I hold I cannot realize wholly for my own support. I have been thus particular that the Society may know my real cir- cumstances, and would add that my property of late has become liable to taxation.
"Would now turn to the situation of the society and I see it much diminished in numbers. It has become small, the causes why and how
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it is thus diminished are not at this time to be investigated. It may have arisen from my delinquency and unfaithfulness, or from a com- bination of causes, not at first discovered, but so it is, and has come about under the righteous government of God, and what is unseen now will be seen hereafter. Had a dissolution of my connection with this people taken place twenty years ago it might perhaps have been better for the society. Circumstances would have been materially different had that taken place. I am not insensible that the support of a successor in the office and work of a minister here will require much addtional expense, and am pleased to sce the unity manifested and the purpose expressed of not doing without the stated ministry, and hope that greater blessings than they have received are yet in store for them. The unity and friendly feelings and cordiality which have subsisted between this people and myself have produced an attachment in my feelings which cannot be easily erased, and had not my own advanced age and consequent inability, together with the advantage it would probably be to the society and the cause of religion, seemed to call for another Minister here, I should not so cheerfully have consented to the measures which have been adopted. But under the existing circumstances my Judgment approves of the measure.
"From a long acquaintance with this people and the experience I have had of their marked kindness affection respect and friendly feeling, I indulge the belief, that they do not wish or desire to see me or my family by the proposed dismission, to which I consent, be thrown into such straitened circumstances, as to render the remaining journey of my life (which cannot be long) a state of absolute dependence and want. It is expected that the contract of the people for my salary will be at an end when I am dismissed, and if anything more should be thought expedient and right to do for me or not it is not proper for me to say what or how much if anything; but refer this matter to the Society, trusting that they are disposed to do as they would be done by in change of circumstances.
"Respectfully yours,
"February 8, 1832.
JONA. NASII."
These words from a man who was old, poor and in debt, must have reached many a tender heart, and it is encouraging to know that in December, 1832, a few months after his dismission, the sum of $124 was subscribed for Mr. Nash, "as a tribute of re- spect." The dismission took place July 11, 1832, and on the same day Rev. Samuel Parker was installed as his successor. Sylvester Nash's book on The Thomas Nash Family says of Mr. Nash :
" The connection with the church and society proved a happy one and for a number of years the people continued together under one Shepherd, seeking the law at his mouth, and when in the course of events a portion of the people withdrew to other denominations and organized separate
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congregations, still he possessed his soul in patience, and steadily and faithfully pursued the work of his high and holy vocation."'
Mr. Nash lived through the short pastorate of Samuel Parker and at the ordination of the third pastor, Rev. John H. Bisbee, gave the Charge to the Candidate. A year before his death he was appointed Standing Moderator of the church. An entry in the record of August 31, 1834, reads thus :
"Rev. Jonathan Nash, aged 74 years. He was the first settled Pastor of this church- he was ordained October 31, 1792 dismissed from his pastoral relation July 11th, 1832 on account of advanced age. The evening before his death he retired to his bed in usual health expecting to preach the next day (in the absence of the pastor). But God otherwise determined and he awoke in eternity."
Rev. Samuel Parker, Mr. Nash's successor, installed July 11, 1832, was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts, in 1779, and was therefore fifty years old when he came to Middlefield. He was graduated from Williams College in 1806 and from Andover Seminary in 1810. He went to Middlefield with misgivings, partly on account of fears lest the climate might prove too harsh for Mrs. Parker, who was subject to inflammation of the lungs, and partly through modesty about himself. He once wrote, "I have some fears that you will be disappointed in me, should I settle with you. May the Lord direct us in the path of duty."
He was engaged at a salary of $450, a sum which must have looked very large to Mr. Nash who had lived on $250 a year. His moving expenses were paid, and the records lead us to sup- pose that wagons went to Albany to meet his goods as they came from Ithaca.
Mr. Parker was perhaps the equal of Mr. Nash in intellectual ability and soundness of faith but widely different in disposi- tion, manners and habits. He was more bold in spirit, rough in exterior and austere in appearance. He remained less than a year, and asked to receive dismission in May, 1833. He had much of the independence of the pioneer and it was while living at the Oliver Blush Tavern that he resolved to go on a mission to the Indians of Oregon. In 1834 he persuaded Marcus Whit- man to share his plan. His sterner traits of character fitted him admirably for the perilous journey across the Rocky Mountains, with Indian guides, to explore that vast western region in behalf
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of the missionary work with the aborigines. They opened a sta- tion at which Mr. Parker remained from 1835 to 1837, while Whitman returned to the East to get reinforcements. About ten years later, Whitman's heroic work at the hazard of his life, had made it sure that the Stars and Stripes were to wave over Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Few people know that a minis- ter in Middlefield had so important a part in the Oregon expedi- tion. Mr. Parker lived to the age of eighty-seven, and died in Ithaca, 1866. His son, Henry W. Parker, was the founder of Central Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York.
The third pastor, Rev. John H. Bisbee, was called January 23, 1834, and was ordained and installed February 20, by a coun- cil which lasted two days. He came from Chesterfield, where he was born, in 1805. He was graduated from Union College in 1831 and studied theology at the seminary at Auburn, New York. His salary was set at $375 a year. When Mr. Bisbee preached his first sermon in Middlefield, which happened to be the Preparatory Lecture, he began on the hour appointed with only three people in the room, though others continued to come in until the close of the hour. After one evidence of his prompt- ness, business men said they could now attend a service on a week day, for they knew just how long they would be kept from business. At one time during his five years pastorate, a severe epidemic of scarlet fever prevailed and public funerals were frequent. Mr. Bisbee, daily visiting afflicted families and con- ducting funerals, contracted the disease himself.
In 1838 Mr. Bisbee resigned and a council was held December 3, which voted unanimously, "after mature deliberations," that the pastorate should be dissolved, stating that "The Council deeply sympathizes with the Church and Society in their present destitution, and hope that they will speedily be blessed with an- other Pastor who shall break to them the bread of life." Mr. Bisbee was called to the church in Worthington, his home church, where he was pastor for twenty-eight years. After having sev- eral other charges he died in Westfield in 1892. At the ordina- tion of his successor at Middlefield, Mr. Bisbee was chosen to ex- press the fellowship of the churches. He preached the sermon at the installation of Rev. Moody Harrington in 1854, and at the age of seventy-eight made an address upon the Clergy of Middle- field at the Centennial exercises in 1883.
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On March 5, 1839, the church called Rev. Royal Reed to be its pastor, but he declined, saying that though Middlefield was more attractive, Cummington, to which he had decided to go, was a more needy parish.
The next pastor, Rev. Edward Clark, remained thirteen years. He was called in May, 1839, at a salary of $400 a year, to which the generous Deacon Mack added $60 a year. He was installed and ordained June 19, 1839. Mr. Clark was a graduate of Wil- liams College of the class of 1837. These were stirring times when the population of the town was more than doubled by the addition of 1000 souls in the families of Irish laborers employed in building the Western Railroad.
The parsonage which Mr. Clark occupied was located on what is still known as the "Parsonage Lot," where the Mack Monu- ment now stands. This six-acre tract, with the house of David Mack, Jr., valued at $2,500, was given by the two Macks, father and son, to the society, in 1833, shortly after the dismission of Mr. Parker. In 1843 it is described as being a two-story house, thirty-one by forty-two feet, with six fireplaces, but fortunately also, three stoves. Tradition says it was the finest "square house" in town. Attached was an ell almost as large, connected by a passageway with the barn. Opposite, across the road stood another barn.
On March 10, 1846, the society voted to build a new meeting- house, "provided the funds necessary can be raised." In the end the old structure, which had served since 1791 was turned around so that the end instead of the side of the building faced the street, and with considerable alteration and redecoration and the addition of a small belfry became a fairly modern church building.
Mr. Clark was twelve years a member of the School Board in Middlefield. He was dismissed August 10, 1852, at his own re- quest. Soon afterward we find that he was living in the town of Washington, for when he was a member of the council called to install Mr. Harrington, his home was there. At that council he gave the Charge to the Pastor. In 1883 he delivered an address at the Middlefield Centennial on "Education in Middlefield." He was highly esteemed, and was always warmly welcomed. whenever he visited Middlefield.
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-1846-1900 INTERIOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
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On June 27, 1854, Rev. Moody Harrington was installed. He had studied theology at Auburn, New York, side by side with the Reverend Titus Coan, that veteran missionary to the Sand- wich Islands. No man in the institution ranked higher in Chris- tian spirit and attainments in the estimation of his associates than Mr. Harrington. Though somewhat eccentric in manner, he was a power for good and was loved by all who knew his worth. His piety was deep-toned, earnest and uniform, his character unblemished.
A note made in 1855 states that the gifts of the church in that year, with only fifty-one members, were $23.15 to the American Bible Society and $23.18 to the American Tract Society. April 9, 1857, Mr. Harrington resigned, as he said, "for the simple reason, my unavoidable expenses for living comfortably exceed by a considerable sum the annual salary." Though he had no fault to find, he said, "I do it as an unavoidable consequence of the extraordinary prices which the market levies upon the staple articles of living and has so done for the whole three years I have been with you." The annual meeting of the society was held on the same day that the resignation was presented, and there were some hopes that the salary might be increased; but this proved to be impossible and a council was called to dismiss the pastor April 28. So bad was the weather on that day that the dismissal did not take place until May 12. Strange to say, after that, Mr. Harrington remained for over a year, with highly encouraging additions to the church, closing his work certainly not earlier than August 8, 1858. On March 5 thirty-four per- sons were proposed for membership. During 1858 no fewer than forty-nine persons were added to the membership on profession and six by letter. For a church which three years before had numbered only fifty-one, this was an immense increase in strength.
August 30, 1858, Rev. Lewis Bridgeman,2 a graduate of Ober- lin College, was called to the pastorate, at a salary of $525. He was not installed until May 11, 1859. He has been described as a warm-hearted, earnest and energetic preacher and yet one whose zeal sometimes gained the mastery over his better judg- ment. Sharing the Oberlin sentiment, he was an ardent abolition-
2 See My Children's Ancestors by R. T. Cross. (1913)
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ist and preached anti-slavery continually. Though his convictions were not at the time shared by many of his congregation, yet on December 8, 1859, six days after the death of John Brown, reso- lutions were unanimously passed by the church, the sentiments of which are indicated by the following extracts :
"Whereas we believe that the declaration of our Revolutionary Fathers is true, viz ;- "That all men are created equal" and that "they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness:" which is equally applicable to the colored race as to the white ;
"And whereas the law of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ require that 'whatever' we 'would that men should do to us' we should do 'even so to them' and that the injunction of the Apostle is, 'Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them'-
" And whereas we believe no enactment can be law or of any binding force, which contravenes the law of God, or violates the principles of justice :- therefore
"Resolved 1st, That American Slavery . . can have no legal existance whatever.
"2. That all enactments assuming . . . to authorize . . . slavery are . . . null and void.
"3. That it is the natural right of those who are held in slavery to assert and maintain their liberty regardless of consequences, and that it is their duty to do so as soon as there is a reasonable prospect of success.
"4. That whenever bloodshed or loss of life . . . result from holding . persons in slavery, the guilt is properly and only chargeable to the slave holders and those who aid, justify or countenance the unrighteous system.
"5. That the Fugitive Slave Act is unconstitutional.
"6. That we believe that peaceful means for the overthrow of slavery are not yet wholly exhausted. : . .
"7. That while we deeply regret the events at Harper's Ferry and attempt of John Brown and his companions to liberate slaves in Virginia by forcible means ... we believe, nevertheless, that they (especially the Icader) were actuated by no other than humane and Christian principles. . . .
"'S. That John Brown and his companions, in our estimation, were guilty of only an indiscretion. .
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