History of the town of Oxford, Massachusetts with genealogies and notes on persons and estates, Part 10

Author: Daniels, George Fisher, 1820-1897
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Oxford : Pub. by the author with the cooperation of the town
Number of Pages: 916

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oxford > History of the town of Oxford, Massachusetts with genealogies and notes on persons and estates > Part 10

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Dea. Stone died 30 Sept., 1882. The amount of the above bequest was $9,449.

Mrs. DeWitt Legacy. Mrs. Mary M. DeWitt, widow of Col. Alexander DeWitt, died 6 April, 1887. In a codicil to her will, dated 22 Feb., 1879, she made the town of Oxford and the Congre- gational Church of Oxford equally, residuary legatees, uncondi- tionally. Of this legacy the Church received, May, 1890, $14,000, with a balance in the hands of the executor.

Universalist Society. No religious organization other than the "standing order" existed in the town prior to 1785. Baptist Churches had been established in Sutton and Charlton, and a few Oxford families worshipped with them, and after the enactment of the Exemption law, in 1757, were free from ministerial taxation here, on the certificate of the officers of those bodies that they were there sup- porters of worship. The current of religious affairs seems to have run quietly until near the Revolution. In Jan., 1777, Jeremiah Learned, Samuel Davis, Jr., Marvin Moore, and Collins Moore petitioned the town to be exempted from the payment of the minis- terial tax of 1776, which by a unanimous vote was refused. The fol- lowing document, without date, is in the town archives. On it we find no recorded action. Most of its subscribers became active mem- bers of the Universalist Society.

"To the Selectmen of Oxford.

" We the Subscribers, Being Inhabitants of Said Town and the Denomina- tion of Christians which are Friends, are Desirous of Common Justice With our Neighbors, Desire and Request you to Insert an article in your warrant for March meeting to see if the town will Vote to Leave us and all of Different Persuasions from your way of Worship and Do Not attend at your meeting out of the minister's Rates, as we Cannot in Conscience Pay them, it Being Contrary to God's word.

" Signed,

Jeremiah Learned. Elijah Davis. Joseph Davis, Jr. Samuel Davis, Jr. Simon Town. John Mayo."

Marvin Moore. Larned Davis.

The beginnings of Universalism in Oxford, according to tradition, are attributable to Isaac Davis, M.D., of Somers, Conn., who it is

UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

1775-85

said made frequent visits to Oxford and in conversation made con- verts to his belief.1

Another pioneer was Caleb Rich, a native of Sutton, previously a Baptist, who removed to Warwick and was a soldier from that town at Cambridge, in 1775, and while on a furlough visited his friends and relatives here and very earnestly pressed his then new theologi- cal opinions, making converts. The chief agent however in establish- ing the denomination appears to have been ADAMS STREETER, who was first a Baptist at Charlton and later at Douglas, changed his belief about 1777, and for several years prior to 1785 had preached not only here but in other towns in the vicinity, and was at the latter date a resident of Oxford.2

Society formed. The records of the Universalist Society under date 27 April, 1785, open with the declaration that a number of pro- fessors of the protestant religion in Oxford and adjacent towns had for a number of years assembled for public worship and attended the instructions of Rev. Adams Streeter, and supported him by their con- tributions, and being assembled at the school-house on Oxford Plain, in order to form themselves into a body corporate and to follow such measures as are provided for that purpose by the constitution of the State-chose Dr. Daniel Fisk, Moderator,-and voted to denominate themselves, " The second Religious Society in Oxford, and the third Independent Religious Society in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts called Universalists." Samuel Davis, Jr., Collins Moore, and Jonathan Davis of Oxford, Ebenezer Davis of Charlton, Ebenezer Rich of Sutton, and Israel Stone of Ward, were chosen a Select Com- mittee with power to give certificates to members "in case there should be a vacancy of a Public Teacher." It was voted to adopt a " Charter of Compact " as received from the first Independent Christian Society in Gloucester which provided for an Annual Meeting for the choice of officers, whose duties it prescribed ; declared that funds should be raised by voluntary subscription to pay all expenses, to repair the "public edifice," and for the "relief of the poor distressed brethren,"-and closed thus :

" Whereas the privilege of choosing and professing our own religion is ines- timable and in order to maintain that privilege unimpaired, in case any person associating with us should suffer persecution from undue exercise of power, we do agree and resolve to afford all legal means of extricating him from difficulty and of enjoying the freedom held forth by the constitution."

A declaration follows, that the subscribers belong to the second Religious Society in Oxford - called Universalists." A subscription for the support of Rev. Adams Streeter as "Teacher of Piety, Re- ligion and Morality " is appended.

Members. The signers of the compact were :

Jeremiah Learned, Abijah Harris, Collins Moore, Benj. Hovey, Marvin Moore, Samuel Davis, Jr., Jacob Kingsbury, Joshua Barnard, Samuel

1 He was a practicing physician and died, aged 62, 1777. 2 See Streeter, Geneal. Department. 11

HISTORY OF OXFORD.

1786-1802

Kingsbury, Joseph Davis, Craft Davis, Benj. Davis, Jr., John Bounds, Isaac Moffitt, Caleb Smith, Josiah Kingsbury, John White, James Gleason, James Gleason, Jr., Levi Wight, Jonathan Corbin, Jacob Shumway, Jr., Asa Larned, Andrew Walker, Jacob Streeter, William Moore, Daniel Fisk, Abiel Atwood, Thomas Clark, Daniel Phillips, Ezra Conant, Joseph Rockwood, Larned Davis, James Streeter, Elijah Davis, David D. Town, Jeremiah Davis, John Mayo, Hovey Davis, Jonathan Shattuck, Ebenezer Redding, John Pratt, Jonathan Davis, Solomon Harwood, Elihu Moffitt, Benj. Learned, Aaron Parker. Jr., William Foster, Nathan Thurston, Abijah Davis, Solomon Cook, Thomas Wolcott, Abraham Fitts, Walter Fitts, James Phillips, Timothy Sparhawk, Thomas Davis, Ezekiel Davis, Edward Grow, David Mellen,- making 60 from Oxford and South Gore, 11 [not here named] were of Ward, -3 of Woodstock,-18 of Sutton,-4 of Dudley,-31 of Charlton,-2 of Hol- land,-and 1 of Sturbridge, a total of 130.

Mr. Streeter continued his labors as pastor. On 24 May, 1786, circular letters were voted to the sister Societies in Norwich and Portsmouth, and Choristers were chosen, viz. : Abijah Harris, Samuel Davis, Jr., and Jonathan Davis. On 16 Aug., of the same year, Adams Streeter, Ebenezer Rich of Sutton and Israel Stone of Ward were chosen delegates to the Annual Association to meet in Boston the Sept. following. Mr. Streeter was not privileged to attend this meet- ing as he died on the third day of the month in which it was held. After Mr. Streeter's decease the Society had no stated minister until 1788. On 20 April, an invitation was given to REV. ELKANAH INGALLS of Grafton to supply the pulpit for the ensuing year, which was accepted.1 The next stated preacher was REV. THOMAS BARNES, who came in the Spring of 1789. He had been a Baptist but became a disciple of Caleb Rich and a co-laborer with him at Richmond, N. H., adjoining Warwick. He, it is said, in a large measure filled the place of Mr. Streeter. Under his preaching preparatory work was done toward building the Meeting-house, and the frame thereof had been raised and the exterior finished before his removal in the early part of 1793. At the annual meeting for that year the committee were instructed to hire "Public Teachers" for the first Sunday in each month.2 The next regular preacher was MICHAEL COFFIN from the State of New York. He attended the Convention in 1793, and on 24 March, 1794, it was voted to invite him to preach one-half the time for the ensuing year. He continued until the early part of 1797, as appears, when he left town under somewhat discreditable circumstances.3

Mr. Ballou. We do not learn that the Society had a regular sup- ply after Mr. Coffin until 1800, when it was voted to employ REV. HOSEA BALLOU for the ensuing year. In 1801, the vote was renewed, and in 1802, it was "voted, to engage him for the year, the first Sunday

1 Mr. Ingalls was from Rehoboth, and settled Oct., 1784, as pastor of the Baptist Church in Grafton. Three years later he declared himself a Universalist. After leaving Oxford he returned to Rehoboth and died there.

2 Mr. Barnes went from this town to Wood-

stock, Conn., and thence in 1798 or 1799 to Poland, Me., where, after laboring in that region until 1816, he died 3 Oct. of that year.

3 Rev. Thomas Whittemore said of him, "he was a man of talents, but his sun set in a cloud." [Life of Ballou.]

UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

1808-11

in each month as usual," and Rev. Edward Turner for six Sundays.1 For about three years therefore the Oxford Society sat under the preaching of one of the ablest of the ministers of the denomination.2

Eighteen years of the Society's existence passed, and many changes had taken place. Other similar bodies had been formed in neighbor- ing places, and instead of a large "Select Committee " from six or eight towns formerly chosen, the directors from 1804 to 1807, were of Oxford and Charlton only. In 1808, they were from Oxford and Ward and for that year the subscriptions were for the support of Rev. Edward Turner. There was no stated minister between 1803, when Mr. Ballou left, and 1811. Each year however there was a subscription to pay expenses, and for most of this time preaching was kept up at intervals, as the financial reports testify.

Convention. One of the first measures adopted by the Oxford Society was to call a Convention of all the bodies of like faith in the country, which was held 14 Sept., 1785. Rev. Elhanan Win- chester was president, and Dr. Daniel Fisk, clerk.3

Ballou's Ordination. This Annual Session was held again here in 1791, and the celebrated John Murray was present. In 1794, again the Convention-which became a permanent institution in the denomi- nation-assembled in the newly finished Meeting-house, and Winches- ter who had just returned from a long sojourn in England was a member. Hosea Ballou then 23 years of age was also present, and met Winchester for the first time. An interesting incident of this meeting was the impromptu ordination of Ballou who had then been preaching for three years. Rev. Thomas Whittemore describing this occurrence says :

"At one of the public services of the Convention Winchester preached. In the pulpit with him sat Ballou and Joab Young. As Winchester drew near the close of his sermon he began to have a clear reference to an ordination, especially to the 'Delivery of the Scriptures' to the candidate. He took up the Bible and pressing it against the breast of the young man said, 'Brother Ballou I press to your heart the written Jehovah!' The effect on the Congre- gation was sudden and powerful. After holding the sacred volume in this manner for a moment he said to Young in an imperative but affectionate tone, ' Brother Young, Charge him!' which the Elder proceeded to do."

Ballou was ignorant of Winchester's intentions until he began his remarks peculiar to the service.

The subscription for 1811 was for REV. JOHN NICHOLS of Wood- stock, a liberal Baptist. He preached at least once a month for

1 Turner was an itinerant, residing at Stur- bridge, a man of ability and culture.

2 Hosea Ballou was born in Richmond, N. H., in 1771; spent his early life in itinerating; chiefly resided at Hardwick, now Dana, until 1803, when he removed to Barnard, Vt. He went thence in 1809, to Portsmouth, N. H., and in 1815 to Salem, and thence in 1817 to Boston, where he died 7 June, 1852, aged 81.

3 Elhanan Winchester was born 1751, at New-

ton, Mass., preached at 21, and was called the father of the Baptist Church in that place. He was of an unsettled and roving disposition, travelled largely, and made deep impressions Wherever he preached. He settled over a Bap- tist Church at Philadelphia and while there be- came a Universalist. His character was unques- tioned and his piety universally admitted. [His. of Newton.]

HISTORY OF OXFORD.

1813-35

about two years. On 22 Dec., 1813, it was voted to " engage REV. RICHARD CARRIQUE another year," indicating that he had supplied for 1813 and continued the next year.1 REV. JACOB WOOD was the next minister, and resided in town, continuing several years. From about 1817 to 1824 no records appear. At the latter date officers were elected as follows : John Mayo, Moderator ; Larned Davis, Clerk ; Richard Olney, Treasurer ; Stephen Barton, Charles J. Stratford, Davie B. Kingsbury, Assessors ; John Mayo, Cyrus Lamb, Nathaniel Davis, Ebenezer Rich and John Field, Committee. In 1824 a vote was passed to raise money by subscription to support preaching, and in April, 1826, $200 was voted, to be raised by taxa- tion for the same purpose, and 114 persons and firms were on the tax list. In 1827 and 1828 the subscription plan was adopted again, the latter year the sum of $275 being voted. Until now there was no regular stated preacher, but occasional services were held.

Mr. Maynard. On 18 Feb., 1828, it was voted to hire REV. LYMAN MAYNARD one-half the time for a year. On 24 Dec., 1828, under his ministry a Church of 16 members was formed, denomi- nating itself the Second Christian Church, Oxford, on a broad basis of belief ; the points distinguishing the Universalists proper from the Restorationists not being alluded to in the creed. In 1833 the Church numbered 22.2 On 23 Jan., 1832, it was voted to termi- nate the Society's contract with Mr. Maynard at the end of six months, and at the same meeting voted to confer with REV. SETH CHANDLER, or some other "believer in the Restoration of all things" to supply the pulpit at the end of that time, which vote was amended so as to read "some Unitarian," instead of Rev. Seth Chandler. On 2 Feb., 1833, the Church again voted "that this Church be hereafter known as the SECOND CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Oxford, it having been previously called the Universalist Church." On 29 Oct., 1832, a call to MR. CHANDLER was voted to preach 32 Sabbaths in a year at a salary proportioned at $325 per annum. The Church, 11 Dec., con- curred, and he was installed 29 May, 1833 ; sermon by Rev. Samuel J. May of Brooklyn, Conn. On the last Sunday in May, 1834, his labors closed, he having asked a dismission.3 On 28 March, 1835, it was voted that the Meeting-house be opened for one year to any denomination at any time when the Society do not occupy it.

Mr. Paine. By invitation of several members of the Society Rev. Benjamin Paine began his labors, and for about two years preached in the Meeting-house, laying the foundations of the Metho- dist Church in Oxford. During this time an effort, which came near being successful, was made to buy up the pews and transfer the house

1 He at this time resided at Charlton and was for a time a preacher at Podunk parish. He died at an advanced age at Providence, R. I.

2 In Aug., 1831, Mr. Maynard, with others, at a convention in Mendon, formally withdrew from

the Universalists, declaring themselves "Uni- versal Restorationists."

3 He was later minister at Shirley, where he died 1889.

UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

1837-72

to that denomination. On 7 June, 1837, it was voted that the house should be closed at the end of six months if the Methodists refused to pay the rent agreed on, viz. : "15 dollars for three fourths of the time for six months, or in that proportion." In March, 1839, it was voted to employ REV. GILMAN NOYES as preacher for one Sabbath in each month, and in 1840 the vote was renewed.1 In March, 1841, it was voted to hire REV. ALVAN ABBOTT, the minister at West Sutton, one-half the time for a year; 1842, voted that he be hired for six months, and more if money is raised, and in 1843 the same for half the time if funds are sufficient.

The next stated minister was REV. ALFRED BARNES, who came in the spring of 1844 and continued for about two years, the house of worship having been remodelled during his ministry. The records at this period are very defective. In March, 1847, $197 had been paid for preaching to REV. ROTHEUS M. BYRAM of Kennebunkport, Me., who continued about two years.2 In the spring of 1849, REV. JACOB BAKER of Dudley became stated supply, continuing three years, and was succeeded in April, 1852, by REV. ALBERT TYLER, now of Oxford, who resigned his office in Jan., 1854, but con- tinued to preach until April. REV. HARRISON CLOSSON from Chicopee succeeded Mr. Tyler in the spring of 1854, and continued until Dec., 1855, when he resigned. On 5 March, 1856, the Society voted to hire as a supply REV. O. H. TILLOTSON of Worcester, who officiated during the spring and summer of 1856 and 1857, closing 1 Oct., 1857. On 10 April, 1856, the constitution of the Society was revised on the basis of the doctrine of Universal Salvation. In March, 1858, REV. GEORGE PROCTOR began his labors, continuing until 30 Dec., 1860. So far as appears there was no regular preach- ing in 1861. In 1862 REV. ZEPHANIAH BAKER of Dudley was stated supply, continuing about two years, when the Society voted to have a young minister to be settled in town. Upon this vote REV. THEODORE L. DEAN of Shrewsbury came in 1864. REV. FRANKLIN C. FLINT of Shrewsbury preached for a time in 1865, and the same year REV. GEORGE J. SANGER (pastor at Webster ; later settled at Essex, Mass.) became stated supply, continuing a year or more. On 4 March, 1868, the committee reported they had engaged REV. J. E. DAVEN- PORT for the year at a salary of $900. He remained about two years and removed to Chicopee.3 On 8 March, 1871, the Society authorized its committee to hire REV. WILLIAM W. WILSON, who supplied until 30 Sept., 1872.4 Rev. Albert Tyler next supplied from the early

1 Gilman Noyes was a farmer at Brimfield, 1843, and died there 1863.

2 He later returned to Maine, and died there about 1885.

3 He died about 1884 at Providence.

4 William W. Wilson was born 1819 at Stod- dard, N. H., began stated preaching at Laconia in 1843, and after about two years removed to Centre Harbor, and thence in 1847 to West Hav- erhill, Mass. In 1851 he removed to Dover, Me.,

continuing to 1856, when he removed to South- bridge where he was pastor eight years, leaving in 1864 and returning to West Haverhill. In 1867 he began preaching as pastor at Chatham, Mass., but the climate not agreeing with him removed, 1869, to Shirley, Mass. In Oct., 1870, he came to Oxford as supply, continuing until Sept., 1872, when his health failing he retired, and died 19 June, 1874.

HISTORY OF OXFORD.

1873-47

part of 1873 to March, 1874, since which time there has been no resident minister. Preaching was continued by Rev. John H. Moore and Rev. Julius F. Simmons, pastors of the Webster Church, up to 1884. Later, meetings were irregular, until the spring of 1887, when they were resumed, and conducted first for a few weeks by Rev. Lucius Holmes of Charlton, and aftewards by Rev. E. W. Preble, the Webster pastor, who in 1890 continues to officiate.

Baptist Church and Society. A new Meeting-house having been erected at North Oxford, a Religious Society was formed 5 April, 1837, with the following members :

Jennison Barton, Amasa Eddy, William Copp, Smith Bruce, David Hall, Elbridge G. Warren, Robert Fitts, Waterman G. Warren, Maverick Jennison, Ebenezer Newton, Amos P. Newton, David Stone, David Holman, William Dalrymple, James Boomer, Martin Boomer, Ebenezer Cook, Warren Bruce, Fenner S. Hopkins, Daniel Jennison, Flavel Leach, Andrew J. Copp, Jonathan Flagg, Samuel Warren, William Boomer. [25.]

On 1 May a meeting of brethren recently dismissed from the Bap- tist Church in Auburn, chose as deacons of the new Church Jennison Barton and William Copp, and voted to call a council "to consider their case and if cause appears, to extend to them the hand of fellow- ship." This council met on 10 May, the day of the dedication of the house, and recognized the applicants as a Church, Rev. Harvey Fitts giving the right hand of fellowship. Thus became established the First Baptist Church at North Oxford, with a membership of 36, a majority of whom were from the Auburn Church.

Mr. Lyon. The first pastor was REV. ABIJAH S. LYON of Stur- bridge, ordained 13 March, 1838. He was a man of good ability ; graduated at Brown University in 1837. Soon after his settlement a revival began, resulting in an addition to the Church of nearly 40 members. On 6 March, 1847, he resigned.1 On 7 Aug., 1841, Samuel Jennison and Martin Boomer were chosen deacons. On 6 May, 1843, the following was voted as the sentiments of the Church on the slavery question :

" Whereas the silence of the Church of the North on the subject of Slavery is construed by the church of the South into an argument in favor of that institution -- Resolved that we regard Slavery as a very great evil, and a sin, and as a most palpable violation of the inalienable rights of man, and as diametrically opposed to the spirit and precepts of the Gospel, -' Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them.'-' Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'"

On 3 Oct., 1843, Luther Stone was ordained an Evangelist. On 6 April, 1844, Dea. Jennison Barton having removed, Lot W. Bruce was chosen deacon. On 5 June, 1847, REV. SOLOMON GALE of West Greenwich, N. Y., was chosen pastor. He remained until April, 1848, when he removed to Pomfret, Conn. On 4 Sept., 1847, Moses K.

1 He was later settled at Chatham and Natick, Mass., and Newport, Minn., where he died 13 Sept., 1871.

BAPTIST SOCIETY.

1847-83

Shepardson was chosen deacon in place of Mr. Bruce, deceased. The next pastor was REV. I. N. HOBART, who began about Jan., 1849. His was a pastorate of vigor and influence. He was dismissed 25 April, 1852, and removed to Bristol, R. I .; later he was State missionary in Illinois, where he died 23 Aug., 1887. Under his ministry, in 1850, the Church voted that " no person who uses ardent spirits as a beverage shall hereafter be admitted to membership with this church." In the spring of 1852 REV. JOSEPH HODGES, JR., from East Brookfield, became pastor, acting until 3 March, 1855. Later that year REV. JOHN E. WOOD of North Tewksbury came, con- tinuing until May, 1856, after which time REV. H. A. JOY was stated supply for six months. In March, 1857, REV. C. M. HERRING from Dexter, Me., was engaged as supply. His services were highly appreciated. In 1859 he returned to Maine, where he has since labored successfully. In Dec., 1859, REV. HOLMES CHIPMAN from Machias, Me., became pastor. His service closed in the spring of 1861, when he removed to Vermont, where he died. The number of Church members as reported under his ministry was 121.

REV. JOSEPH SMITH, born at East Hampstead, N. H., succeeded Mr. Chipman. He was a man of ability but of infirm health, and was not settled. He began his labors in 1861, and continued suc- cessfully until 26 April, 1866, when he died suddenly, aged 58. Early in 1864 he was aided for several weeks by Rev. J. D. Potter of Westboro', and many members were added to the Church as the fruits of a revival. On 28 Aug., 1867, REV. WILLIAM H. SHEDD Was ordained pastor ; sermon by Prof. Anderson, D.D., of Newton. He was an earnest man, and many conversions took place during his ministry, the Church membership increasing to 193. He resigned March, 1870, and removed to Waltham, and died 7 March, 1873, at Watertown. On 31 March, 1868, Sherman Warren, and 3 April, 1869, William Newton and Warren Smith were chosen deacons.

On 11 Sept., 1870, a call was given to REV. JAMES W. LATHROP of Beverly, who began his labors 1 Nov. His ministry of nearly three years was highly beneficial. On 1 Sept., 1873, he removed to Raynham ; returned to North Oxford and was received to the Church 4 Nov., 1876. His present residence is at Oxford centre.

REV. OLIVER AYER from Groton, the next pastor, was settled in April, 1874, and closed his labors April, 1880. He was a good preacher, a faithful pastor, and an esteemed citizen. He remained at North Oxford until 1885, when he removed to Providence. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Potter was again invited to North Oxford, and a revival followed. On 1 May, 1880, REV. H. H. BEAMAN from West Bridgewater began his labors. His term of service was short. His wife died 15 June, 1881, from the shock of which he never recovered, but died suddenly the tenth of August following. In July, 1882, REV. WILLIAM H. FISH was voted a call, and con- tinued until 1 June, 1883, when he resigned. On 27 Aug. a call was

HISTORY OF OXFORD.

1829-41

voted to REV. W. H. EVANS from Littleton, who came and con- tinued to 1 Oct., 1885, after which date there was no settled pastor until Nov., 1889, when REV. CHARLES R. BAILEY, the present in- cumbent, began his labors.

Methodist Episcopal Church. So far as known the first preaching in town by a Methodist minister was in 1829, in which year Rev. Ira M. Bidwell, as he himself stated, held meetings a few times in the south part of the town. He also says others preached the same year in the north part. The first service held on the Plain was in 1830, at the house of Abijah Davis, Esq., by John Lovejoy, who was the successor of Bidwell on Thompson circuit, and who came at the solicitation of William Hurd, who may be called the original man of the faith in Oxford. Thereafter occasional meetings were held in school-houses and dwellings, and as early as 1835 it is said Joel Knight and Joseph S. Ellis of Dudley had each preached in the South Meeting-house. In Feb. or March, 1835, at the invitation of Hiram Moffitt, Mr. Bidwell, then of Webster, came again to Oxford and preached twice at least, first at the school-house near the south end of the Plain, and next in the South Meeting-house. Several influential members of the Universalist Society favored the movement, and the house was freely opened as has been stated.1 Mr. Harwood joined heartily with Moffitt in efforts to carry on the work, and a considera- ble sum was raised by subscription to pay expenses. Mr. Bidwell represented their case before the Conference of 1835, which for want of a proper man to send made no provision for them. On his way home from Conference Mr. Bidwell fell in with Rev. Benjamin Paine, then of Saundersville, and on stating the case to him Mr. Paine consented to come and look over the field. He found a condi- tion of things which interested him and immediately began his labors on his own responsibility. His doings were approved by the Presid- ing Elder who appointed him as preacher, thus giving him the stand- ing of "stated supply." In July he removed to town, and on 15 Sept. established a "Class" of 20 members. This was the founding of this branch of the Church in its initiatory stage. Mr. Paine re- mained two years preaching in the South house, which was hired three-fourths of the time, and the other portion of the time at the school-room of Richard Stone. The enterprise flourished, and the effort to buy up the pews in the meeting-house failing it was decided to build a chapel, which was done in 1841. Rev. Thomas Tucker succeeded Mr. Paine, and thereafter the society gradually enlarged and was prosperous.

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History of the town of Oxford, Massachusetts with genealogies and notes on persons and estates, Part 10

Author: Daniels, George Fisher, 1820-1897 Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Oxford : Pub. by the author with the cooperation of the town Number of Pages: 916

Author: Daniels, George Fisher, 1820-1897
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Oxford : Pub. by the author with the cooperation of the town
Number of Pages: 916