USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > History of the town of Princeton in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1759-1915, Volume I > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
Third Edifice. It was during this pastorate in 1838 that a new church edifice was erected at the head of the com- mon, about 200 feet east of the present library building and in 1892 removed to its present location in accordance with the agreement with E. A. Goodnow. This house was built and owned by John Brooks, Rufus Davis and others. Services were held in it for the first time March 6,
1 In June, 1811, the General Court of Mass. passed a law providing that a member of any church producing to his town clerk a certificate of member- ship shall be exempted from taxation for the maintenance of another church. This is known as the "Religious Freedom Act."
In 1833 Mass. adopted an amendment (Art. XI) to the constitution separating church and state, permitting all churches to choose their own pas- tors, to raise money for worship, etc., and freeing their members from the sup- port of other churches; and placing all churches on an equality before the law.
1
111
-
PUDI ' LIBRAN
PRINCETON CENTRE FROM THE WACHUSETT HOUSE
I71
Ecclesiastical History
1838. (In March 1839 the Parish voted to relinquish to the town all their right in the old meeting-house.) After diligent search in Records and public prints no mention has been found of the formal dedication of this house. The Revere bell was removed from the old building and placed in the belfry of the present house. A few years later an elegant chandelier, the gift of John Lane Boylston, Esq., was placed in the audience room where it still remains. Tradition asserts that it came from the Maverick Church, East Boston. The church was moved to its present location in 1884. A new organ was placed in the church in 1910.
Succeeding Ministers to 1915. Rev. Willard M. Hard- ing, ordained May 20, 1840; dismissed Aug. 28, 1844.
Rev. Alfred Goldsmith, installed July 15, 1845; dis- missed June 7, 1849.
Rev. Henry Wickes, ordained June 16, 1852; dismissed Aug. 28, 1855.
Rev. William T. Briggs, installed Feb. 13, 1856; dis- missed Oct. 19, 1863.
Rev. John S. Zelie, died in 1866.
Rev. Geo. M. Howe, installed 1874.
Rev. Archibald L. Love, installed Apr. 24, 1884; dis- missed July 5, 1887.
Rev. Chas. A. White, commenced April 29, 1888.
Rev. Chas. E. Reeves, installed 1906.
The Baptists. There is abundant evidence of the existence in the town of persons of Baptist sentiments long before any organization was attempted. Some of those whose names appear as the first settlers are known to have been Baptists. At a town meeting in 1770 it was voted that " Aaron Perry be left out of the ministerial rates " on account of being a Baptist, and an article was inserted in the warrant for the town meeting to be held May 27, 1776, " to see if the town will abate all, or any, of the ministerial rates of those persons that are of the Baptist persuasion." It is pleasant to know that this was done.
The earliest record, however, of the " Baptist Society "
172
History of Princeton
in this town bears date April 9, 1817, when a Constitution was adopted with the following preamble:
" We, the subscribers, members of the Baptist Church in Holden, and others professing ourselves friendly to their cause, so far as it relates to publick worship, viewing it to be our privilege as well as duty to help support the Gospel ministry agreeably to said church, do hereby enter into a Society, by the name of the Baptist Society in Princeton, and do promise, covenant and engage to and with each other, that we will conform to and be governed by the following articles," etc.
Subscribers
Joshua Everett
Stephen Keyes
Ephraim Mirick
Asahel R. Sever
Wm. Everett
Jonas Keyes
David Foskett
Lucy Richardson
Israel Everett
Isaac Simonds
Gamaliel Beaman
John Sawin
Wm. How
Silas Barnes
Samuel Everett
Isaac Williams
Jonathan Baily
Daniel Foskett Jr.
Josiah Richardson
Joseph Griffin
Nathan Perry
Timothy Fessenden
Asa Howard
Wm. Stearns Benja. Stuart
Elisha Perry
Stephen Mirick Jr.
Joshua S. Everett
Eliphaz Copeland
Solomon Rolph
Joshua Everett Jr.
Ephraim Eveleth
John Mirick
James Foster
John Mirick Jr.
Simon Hardy
Jonah Rice
Asa Rice
Simon Fosket
Leonard Mason
Joel Meriam
Widow Lois Simonds
John Miller
Asaph Fosket
Paul Sawin
Zenas Jewett
Adam Chapman
Asa Lyon of Hubbardston
Josiah Howard
Ralph Rice Stuart
173
Ecclesiastical IIistory
Jno. Dodd
Abram Everett
Charles Smith
David Guild
Ephraim Mundon
Benja. Munjoy
Wm. Stilman Everett
Chandler Smith
Willard Allen of Hubbards-
ton
Officers Chosen
William Everett was chosen Moderator
Stephen Mirick, Clerk
William Everett
Stephen Mirick
Prudential Com.
John Mirick Jr. -
Gamaliel Beaman
William Howe
Ephraim Mirick Jr. Eliphaz Copeland
Subsequently served on this Committee.
Simon Fosket
Josiah Howard
Isaac Simonds
Joseph Griffin
Widow Lois Simonds
Abram Everett
Joel Meriam
Jnº. Dodd
John Sawin Asaph Fosket
Timothy Fessenden
John Miller
Charles Smith
Silas Barnes
Wm. Stearns
Zenas Jewett
Benja. Munjoy
Paul Sawin
Ephraim Mundon
Isaac Williams
Benjª. Stuart
Asa Lyon of Hubbardston
Adam Chapman
Daniel Foskett, Jr.
Joshua S. Everett
Ralph Rice Stuart
Chandler Smith
Wm. Stilman Everett
Willard Allen of Hubbardston
The Baptist Church. The earliest records of the Baptist Church in Princeton are very incomplete. From various sources we learn that the Baptist residents of this town were members of the church in Templeton, but afterwards transferred their membership to the church in Holden.
David Guild
Ephrm. Mirick Jr. Silas Mason
174
History of Princeton
Subsequently, they with other members who resided in Leominster were constituted a branch of the Holden Church. Persons of this persuasion living in Fitchburg were also for a time a branch of the Princeton Church. But finally the Leominster and Fitchburg brethren became distinct churches, and the Princeton members were or- ganized as a distinct church July 31, 1822, with twenty- eight members.
The first church record existing bears date July 12, 1828. A pastor is mentioned Aug. 17, 1828. Notice was given Oct. 12 that the new meeting house erected by the Baptist Society would be finished Oct. 29, and it was voted to dedicate it on that day. Rev. Jonathan Going of Wor- cester was chosen to preach on that occasion with Rev. Elisha Andrews as substitute. The building was on a lot containing 73 square rods, the gift of Mr. John Mirick. It was on the lower Westminster road, north of Mr. Harlow Skinner's. The house was of brick, its dimensions being 42 by 34 feet; it had two porches, and contained a gallery. Its cost was $2000. A Bible, the gift of John Lane Boylston of Boston, was presented to the church, March 13, 1828, through Rev. Samuel Clarke of the Congregational Church who accompanied it with words expressive of kindly fellowship.
Rev. Elisha Andrews of Templeton supplied the church at intervals for several years as did also Rev. John Walker of Holden during which latter time a revival added twenty members to the church in Holden. Rev. Mr. Andrews was born in Middleton, Ct., Sept. 29, 1768, ordained at Fairfax, Vt., in 1793, and settled at Templeton in 1800 where he remained 13 or 14 years. He afterwards settled in Hinsdale, N. H. He died at Hinsdale, Feb. 3, 1840.
Rev. Elias Johnson was also a supply for the church, preaching both at Westminster and Princeton.
In March, 1830 about thirty of the members obtained a dismission to form a separate church in Westminster. At a later date the Princeton and Westminster churches
175
Ecclesiastical History
called the Rev. Appleton Morse to become their pastor. He was born in 1805, was a student at Brown University in 1824-5, at Newton Theological Institution in 1827-30 and was ordained at Westminster Oct. 1830. But in the spring of 1831 he withdrew from the pastorate at West- minster and confined his labors to the Princeton church with success until April, 1832, when he terminated his labors there, and soon after settled at Fitchburg, where he died, Oct. 24, 1838.
The Princeton church, August 18 and 19, 1830 enter- tained the Worcester Baptist Association when the Con- gregational church kindly furnished its house of worship for the meeting, for which courtesy the Association re- turned thanks, Rev. Mr. Clarke responding in a fraternal manner. It is somewhat amusing to read that the Parish voted to " provide crackers of bread instead of wheat loaves " for the occasion.
Rev. Nehemiah G. Lovell was ordained pastor of the church July 10, 1834 and held the position till Nov. II, 1836, when at his own request he was dismissed to become pastor at Amherst, N. H. He was born in Rowley in 1806, was a graduate of Brown University in 1833, and spent a short time at Newton Theological Institution. Follow- ing his pastorate at Amherst, he was pastor at Bellingham and No. Attleboro. He died at Valley Falls, R. I., Nov. 15, 1851. In 1837 Rev. Mason Ball became pastor and so continued till 1840. Mr. Ball was born in West Boylston, Sept. 20, 1798. He was ordained in Amherst in 1833, where he remained as pastor till 1836. He had a second pastorate in Amherst after leaving Princeton. He died at Amherst Nov. 16, 1873. It was during his pastorate at Princeton that a new church building was erected in the centre of the town.
The next pastor was Rev. Orlando Cunningham, who was ordained Nov. 23, 1841. He remained as pastor till Jan'y, 1844, when he was dismissed at his own request.
He was born at Saxton's River, Vt., Jan. 31, 1815. After leaving Princeton he was settled in Sterling, Middlefield
176
History of Princeton
and Lebanon, Conn. In the last pastorate he remained ten years and had marked success. He then supplied the church in Rutland, Vt., for two or three years, where he died March 16, 1888.
The church suffered for some years from the anti- Sabbatarian views of some of its members, and also from anti-slavery agitation, temperance discussion and Miller- ism. From these causes and the loss of members it became too weak to support a pastor and no regular preaching services were held after November, 1851. The house of worship was sold in 1860, and soon after was converted into a hotel, called The Prospect House, but now known as Princeton Inn.
Methodist Church. This church though never large, maintained a position of influence in the town. It was formed by those who differed from the other church in their views of doctrine and church polity, but included many persons of prominence, and was served by a long series of able pastors. Though for many reasons it declined in numbers, it exerted a healthful religious influence in the community.
During the first of the year 1838, George Lewis of the Baptist Church and Silas Fay of the Congregational Church, requested dismission from these churches, and joined the M. E. Church in Worcester. Rev. James Porter, D.D. of the Worcester M. E. Church, preached in March, 1838, in the old Town House to a large company, who wished to learn more of the "Methodist doctorine and usages" and as they wished preaching on Sunday, Rev. Benj. Paine of Oxford preached from the 3d Sunday in April, 1838, to the Ist of June following.
There was great interest aroused, which extended to Hubbardston and Rutland; many were added to the Con- gregational Church in Princeton. In June, 1839, the M. E. Church numbered in all 138 communicants. Many of this number were former members of Rev. Mr. Phillips church. Mr. Paine was then stationed regularly in Princeton.
The increase in membership encouraged the building of
177
Ecclesiastical History
a church edifice which was dedicated Feb. 13, 1840. It was located west of the center near Mr. Grime's residence. It cost $4500.00 without the bell, which was purchased by subscription, for $500.00. Jonas Brooks1 gave $200.00.
Early in 1840 the M. E. Church began its legal existence. No services have been held by this church since the burn- ing of their house of worship and many of the members have identified themselves with the Congregational Church. The records of this church were placed in the care of the Methodist Historical Society in Boston.2 The church edi- fice was burned June 14, 1892.
METHODIST MINISTERS ASSIGNED BY THE CONFERENCE SINCE 1839
1839 Benjamin Paine
1850-51 Jeremiah L. Hanaford
40 Stephen Cushing
52-53 Simon Putnam
41 William R. Stone
54-55 Increase B. Bigelow
42 Porter R. Sawyer 56 John Cadwell
43 Joseph W. Lewis
57-58 Abram S. Dobbs
44 Joseph W. Lewis
59-60 John Goodwin
45 Kinsman Atkinson
61-62 Porter M. Vinton
46 Howard C. Dunham
63-64 Charles T. Johnson
47 Albert. A. Cook
65
S. R. Bailey
48 Albert A. Cook
66
49 Henry M. Bridge
67 Franklin Fisk
1 Two Samuel Brooks of Princeton: CAPT. SAMUEL son of Enoch Brooks who lived next house beyond the Fuller place born 1779 Married Nabby Beaman. She left $600.00 to the M. E. Church.
Samuel Brooks Who married a Miss Hubbard of Holden. He left money to the Baptist Church in Holden, " In memory of his wife, Lucy (Hubbard) Brooks."
The Methodist Church in Princeton, had $1000.00 given by the widow of Jonas Brooks Esq. Lydia (m.n.) Temple.
2 Lightning struck the Methodist Church Tuesday evening, June 14, 1892, setting the steeple on fire and igniting and exploding a can of kerosene oil in the basement.
The fire in the basement was soon extinguished, but the fire in the steeple could not be reached and soon all hope of saving the church was given up. The house was cleared of all furnishings, and through the hard work of the citizens all buildings in the vicinity of the church were saved. There was no insurance.
The unfortunate people were invited by the Congregationalists to worship with them or to use their house for services of their own.
(Spy, Friday, June 17, 1892.)
178
History of Princeton
METHODIST MINISTERS ASSIGNED BY THE CONFERENCE SINCE 1839 (continued)
1868 John W. Cole
1884-85 Charles Nicklin
69-70 Nathaniel F. Stevens
86 F. A. Everett
71 Nathan D. George
87-88 William Silverthorne
72-73 John Noon
89 W. H. Atkinson
75-77 John H. Emerson
90
78-80 Edwin C. Ferguson
81-82 Frederic B. Graves
9I Osman W. Adams
The Universalists. As one of the results of the religious dissension in the town, some who favored liberal preaching formed a Universalist Society, April 29, 1833 with 32 members. The officers were as follows:
Committee, Col. John W. Watson, Col. John Whitney, and Samuel Randall; Col. Whitney being Clerk and Col. Watson treasurer. Col. Watson was frequently a delegate to the denominational Associations and prominent in their councils.
The Society for several years maintained occasional preaching, but finally ceased to exist.
CHAPTER VIII
TOWN GOVERNMENT
First Town Meeting. The differences and the dis- cussions between the fractions of the East Wing and the Farms perhaps tended to develop the leaders of the future town. As soon as the Act of Incorporation was passed, it became manifest that just then some good work must be done by the very best men. Few of them had had experience.
The warrant for the first meeting must have been issued by Capt. Wm. Richardson of Lancaster, as directed by the General Court. This meeting was held Dec. 24, 1759 at the Inn of Abijah Moore and according to Mr. Russell's statement in his History, officers were elected to serve till March, succeeding, and a few other items were attended to - the full statement by Russell is as follows:
Lost Records. At the time his History was written there must have been some persons then living who were present at the first meetings and could verify his statements. There may have been and probably was another meeting in 1760. We give in full the record of the meeting held March, 1761, with the warrant calling for the same, the first recorded in our town books. Unfortunately we have no copy of the warrant or of the Acts of the earlier meetings. Two or more pages of the first record book including the record of several meetings have been lost. The first record (according to Hanaford) that we have of a meeting is given below. This shows that the voters attended to matters which seemed at that time of first importance, such as the building of a meeting-house, raising money by taxation, building roads, making provision for a pound, providing for salaries of officers, etc.
A list of voters appears with other papers relating to a town meeting held in March, 1761, at which meeting it was
179
180
History of Princeton
alleged that the Moderator, Dr. Harvey, resorted to some unwarranted and illegal measures. (The Doctor was chosen Moderator, District Clerk, Chairman of the Select- men and of the Assessors, and Agent to the General Court.)
A protest was entered upon the records of the town and subsequently a petition reciting the grievances was sent to the General Court, asking that the proceedings be declared null and void. The Court, however, decided in Dr. Harvey's favor, confirming the proceedings.
Attached to the petition referred to are the following names:
Non Voters
Voters
Gideon Fisher
Isaac Wheeler
Thos. Mason
Joseph Rugg
Joseph Eveleth
Eliphalet How
Isaac Wheeler Jr.
Ephraim Allen
Robert Cowdin
Oliver Davis
Sadey Mason
James Thomson
Timothy Keyes
Wm. Muzzy
Joseph Gibbs
The protest on town records is signed by 8 which are checked here. Feb., '63, Harvey as Agent granted £II.
One must judge from the records that Dr. Harvey was the leading man of the town; and very soon the troubles occasioned by his actions necessitated an appeal from a large number of voters, which appeal was carried to the General Court, where however the Dr.'s acts were sustained and the meeting approved as legal. All this sort of busi- ness was new to the residents and the immediate needs of the new town were scarcely comprehended. But we should give credit to all the officers, who served in the early years, as doing their best to advance the interests of the new town.
Subsequent Town Meetings have been called for 150 years under warrants identical in form with this of 1761. There have been recorded the warrants and actions thereon
181
Town Government
of meetings. Apparently the only difference in the busi- ness of the meetings has been the discontinuance of certain offices such as Hogreeve, Tithingman, etc., which as in the early days seemed necessary.
The First District Meeting was held Dec. 24, 1759 at Mr. Moore's Tavern where all meetings continued to be held until the Meeting House was so far completed as to be used in 1763.
The records of these meetings until 1761 are lost from the record books. Dr. Zachariah Harvey was the first District and Town Clerk and was evidently then the most influential citizen.
The petition for incorporation was in his handwriting and in 1761 he was not only Clerk but Moderator, Chair- man of Selectmen, Assessors and Agent to the General Court. The proceedings of the meeting, however, at which he attained his plurality of offices were contested: a protest declaring them illegal " by reason of the meeting not being purged from such persons or voters as are unqualified by law to vote " was filed.
Warrant for Meeting, Mar. 16, 1761
Worcester, S. S. To Samuel Hastings one of the con- stables of the Destrict of Princetown, Greeting. You are hereby required to warn and give notice to all the free- holders and other Inhabitants of said Princetown qualified to vote in Town affairs to meete and assemble at the house of Leiut. Abijah Moore, Inholder, in said Princetown on Monday the sixteenth day of March next ensuing the date hereof at nine of the clock in the forenoon and then and there to act on the following Articles, viz:
I To Choose a Moderator for the Government of said meeting.
II To Choose all other Town officers agreeable to law for the year ensuing and also an Agent to Repre- sent said deestrict at the General Court.
182
History of Princeton
III To see if the Destrict will build a pound and act anything relative thereto.
IV To see if the Destrict will Raise a sum of money to be assessed on the poles and personal estate of the Destrict for the necessary use of the Destrict for the present year.
V To see if the Destrict will vote to build a Meeting house, to wit, the house for the publick Worship of God in some other place than that where it is already voted to be built on, and vote anything relative thereunto that the Destrict shall think proper, or otherwise to vote where the said meeting house shall be built.
VI To see if the Destrict will vote to build a meeting house as soon as can be conveniently and choose a Committee for the same and make report unto the Destrict upon what terms they can get it built and when or act anything as the Destrict shall think proper.
VII To see if the Destrict will vote what the wages of the Assessors shall be for the future or act anything thereon as the Destrict may think proper.
VIII To except of such Rodes as there shall be returns made off or aney part of them as the Destrict shall think proper.
IX To see if the Destrict will vote to Let Swine Run at Large.
hereof fail not and make Due Return hereof to some one of the Selectmen before said meeting date at princetown the sixteenth day of february Anno Domi 1761 and in the first year of his Majesty's Reign per order of the Select- men.
Zachariah Harvey Destrict Clerk.
Worcester S. S., March ye 16th, 1761 in obedience to this Warrent I have warned and notified all the persons within mentioned to meete at time and place for the purposes within mentioned.
pr Samuel Hastings Constable.
Town Government
183
The above said meeting being met and convened at the time and place above mentioned the following votes were passed, viz:
Zechariah Harvey Choose moderator of Said Meeting. Zechariah Harvey Choosen Destrict Clark.
Zechariah Harvey
Joseph Gibbs
Selectmen
Leiut. Abijah Moore
Timothy Mossman
- -
Zechariah Harvey Abijah Moore
Assessors
Peter Goodnow
-
Peter Goodnow
Destrict Treasurer
Caleb Myrick
}
Constables
Samuel Nicols
Tythingmen
Joseph Rugg
Paul Mathews
Stephen Brigham
Silas Whiteny
Surveyors of highways
Till Littlejohn
Gedion Fisher
Timothy Keyes
Not sworn Clark of the Market
Robert Keyes
-
Amos Spring
-
Field Drivers
Amos Powers (2) Samuel Hastings
-
Hogg Reav
Robert Cowdon
Dear Reav
Edward Wilson
Able Ray Stephen Brigham
Survey of boards and shingles Sealer of Lathes
Samuel Hastings
Fence Viewers
James Myrick Oliver D
Sadey Mason
184
History of Princeton
Peter Goodnow Timothy Mossman
Wardens
Zachariah Harvey Choosen Agent to Represent the Des- trict at the General Court.
This may certify that all the above mentioned officers (except Timothy Keyes) was duly sworn as the Law directs Respecting the taking of the paper curranses of other Governments and the Respective oathes belonging to each of their offices.
Test Zechariah Harvey Moderator.
Voted. Coll John Whitcomb of Bolton, Deacon Samuel Perce of Holden and Deacon Joseph Miller of Westminister be a committee to measure the said Destrict of Princetown and find the center thereof and affix or order the place for building the meeting house on, to wit, The house for the publick worship of God - and if the center be not suitable ground to build said house on, then on the nearest place to the center that is suitable according to the best judgment of said Committee, and they are Desired to make return thereof at the adjournment of this meeting, and it is also voted that Mr. Thomas Harmon of Rutland and Deacon Jonathan Livermore of Westboro be surveyors for the purposes above said and that all the said Committee and Surveyors be under oath for the trust Committed to them above said. Also voted that the vote for building the said meeting house within two rods of the most southerly corner of Mr. John Mirick's Land be and hereby is Rescinded and Discontinued.
Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Munday the third day of May at nine o'clock in the forenoon at the home of Leiut. Abijah Moore Inholder in Said Destrict.
Zechariah Harvey Moderator.
The above adjournment of the above said meeting being on Munday the third of May, which third day of May was Sabbath day and was a mistake in the adjournment and they meet on Munday the fourth day of May and voted
185
Town Government
to adjourn this meeting to Munday the 29th day of June next ensuing at 9 of the clock in the forenoon at the house of Leiut. Abijah Moore Inholder in said Princetown.
Zechariah Harvey Moderator.
The Disent hereafter mentioned was entered at the afore- said meeting on the 16th of March 1761.
We the subscribers, Inhabitants and freeholders of Princetown Destrict judging the annual meeting in Prince- town Destrict on the 16th of March 1761 to be Illegal by Reason of the Meeting not being purged from such persons or voters as are unqualified by Law for voting, we do there- fore hereby enter our Desent against said meeting appearing. to us as unlawful.
Princetown Destrict March ye 16th. 1761.
Capt. Eliphlet How James Thompson Oliver Davis -
Isaac Wheler Ephriam Allen Sadey Mason William Muzzy Gideon Fisher
The aforesaid meeting on the Said 29 of June, 1761, met at said time and place and passes the following votes viz:
Voted. That Caleb Mirick's barn yard be a pound for the present year and that said Mirick be pound keeper.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.