USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Sutton > History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts, from 1704 to 1876, including Grafton until 1735, Millbury until 1813 and parts of Northbridge, Upton and Auburn > Part 36
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Amen.
Sutton, July 3, 1760.
NATHANIEL APPLETON, Moderator.
Samuel Danforth, John Winthrop, Samuel Grant,
Thomas Prentice,
Samuel Cooke,
Andrew Elliot,
Richard Carey,
Thomas Hall,
Samuel Whittemore,
Samuel Dexter.
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Mr. Wellman, in explanation of some things in relation to the council above and its results, records as follows :
"N. B. By means of party councils which gave different results, one of which obtained by the opposite party advised to the dismission of the pastor, and upon the vote of a num- ber of brethren, consisting of those that had been censured by the church, and a number of others whom they collected, the moderator of said council declared the pastor dismissed from his pastoral relations to the church and people of the second parish in Sutton, which occasioned a dispute among the people, some thinking that he was validly dismissed, and others that he was not. He was then opposed in going into the pulpit to preach on the sabbath, and there was consider- able disturbance, whereupon application was made, as I take it, to Edmund Trowbridge, Esq., who as I suppose was then King's attorney, and he recommended a council and the form of a letter missive which was the means of the two questions being put to the council as mentioned in the result above."
The parties acquiesced in the result, and Mr. Wellman was dismissed July 22, 1760.
During the interregnum from the dismission of Mr. Well- man to the settlement of another pastor, a period of more than four years, there was a very happy adjustment and set- tlement of the long controversy with the first church. This controversy had arisen from the dissatisfaction of the church with the part the second church had taken in the ex-parte council called by a brother and his wife, who were under censure of the first church. During this period of more than four years, two persons were called in succession to the pastorate-Mr. Joshua Paine, who afterwards settled in Framingham, and Mr. Ezra Weld. Both these gentlemen declined the invitation.
At a meeting of the second church in Sutton, of which the following is a record, Mr. Ebenezer Chaplin was chosen pastor.
. " September 12, 1764. The church of Christ in the sec- ond parish in Sutton being met at the meeting-house in said ยท parish pursuant to a vote of said church past on Wednesday,
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the third day of August 1764, viz., to come to a choice of a candidate to settle with us in the work of the ministry, and being met at time and place came to the following votes :
" 1. Made choice of the Rev. David Hall to serve as mod- erator of said meeting.
"2. They made choice of Mr. Ebenezer Chaplin for their pastor, there being twenty-seven votes for him, and not one in the negative, and all that were present in the church I think voted except three, and two out of these three declared they had nothing against Mr. Chaplin."
Mr. Chaplin accepted the invitation, and the following is a record of his ordination :
Sutton second parish, November 14, 1764.
A council of seven churches being invited by the second Church of Christ in Sutton to come and assist in the ordination of their pastor, Mr. Ebenezer Chaplin : five were present. Windham second parish and Mansfield churches by their delegates, Sutton first parish, Uxbridge, Southboro', and Mendon second parish with their pastors, forming into an ecclesiastical council. Chose Rev. David Hall of Sutton moderator, and Mr. Amariah Frost of said Mendon scribe. After prayer to the Great Head of the church for direction and assist- ance. Five persons in the parish presenting with a paper containing objec- tions against said ordination detailed the same. But finding those objections of no great weight and as chiefly disowned by most of the signers of said paper, voted to proceed by a great majority.
Accordingly the Rev. Mr. Hall preached and gave the charge: Rev. Mr. Webb gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. Mr. Frost made the first and last prayer.
As attest,
AMARIAH FROST, Scribe.
Previous to Mr. Chaplin's ordination, some articles of agreement were drawn up by which the government of the church was to be administered, and were mutually agreed to by the church and the pastor elect. They are as follows :
For steps of civil order in prosecuting the commands of Christ in church government, or discipline, made and concluded by, and between Ebenezer Chaplin, elect pastor of the second church in Sutton, and said church, the 19 day of October 1764, which articles are to take place and be in full force on the said Chaplin being settled in the ministerial work in and over said church.
Article 1. We agree to take the Cambridge platform as our rule -as to such steps-so far as it is reducible to practice with such exceptions, expla- nations and additions as are hereafter agreed and expressed.
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EXCEPTIONS.
Article 1. We agree that we will not insist on what is said in the Platform of Ruling or Teaching Elders distinct from the Pastor or Minister.
Article 2. We agree that whatever has been or might be understood in said Platform as giving the negative to the minister; or the power to null the vote of the brethren be rejected.
EXPLANATIONS.
Article 1. We agree that the term Elder or Elders used in the Platform shall be taken and used in that sense as though it were expressed Pastor or Minister; and that all that Rule, place or office therein belonging to them, or predicated of them, shall be and belong to the minister, except as it is excepted in the 2nd Article of exceptions or may be further ascertained and explained by agreement.
Article 2. Whereas there are in the 3d section of the 10 Chap. these words, "Nor may they oppose or contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders without sufficient or weighty cause," which we think leaves room for endless dispute and cavil. We therefore agree that it be explained as followeth, viz. : That whenever anything shall so labor between the minister and any brother, the matter shall be determined by a vote of the Brethren.
ADDITIONS.
Article 1. We agree that when it shall so happen that anything labors between the Pastor and Brethren wherein he can't in conscience agree with them; it shall be in the power and at the discretion of the Pastor to suspend the matter from coming to a final issue for the space of two months for farther light, in which time there shall be a Council called in if either side desire it. After which term of time it shall pass into a valid vote as the Brethren shall then agree to vote, and if the Minister is still uneasy and can't in con- science agree to what is concluded, he may redress himself by being dismissed from his people.
Article 2. We agree that if any difficulty or uneasiness whatever shall at any time arise between the Pastor and Brethren, or against him, which arises to that degree that a major part of the Brethren shall desire him to resign his relations to them, and signify such desire to him by subscription, the pastor in such case shall have one year to see if the matter can be recon- ciled -except in case of moral scandal or Heresy evidently proved - in which time there shall be a Council called in if either side desire it, and if at the end of said term the difficulty remains and a major part of them shall appear to sign a desire of his resigning his Relation to them, together with a vote of the Parish, such desire by subscription and vote being presented to him within one month after the end of said term, his Relation shall thereupon be dissolved, and it is hereby agreed and declared in such case to be dissolved to all Intents and Purposes. Nevertheless we think it would be proper in such case to call in a Council as is usual to dismiss a minister, and it is hereby agreed so to do, and said Council may be called in by either side if the other refuses to join, and shall be witnesses of the dissolution of said Relation.
Proviso. Provided nevertheless that if such difficulty or uneasiness arises in part or in whole from any Bodily weakness or infirmity in the minister whereby he is rendered more or less unable to fill up the place of his relation,
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the Parish still making him some allowance or consideration as he and they can agree, or as shall be adjudged just and reasonable by indifferent men mutually chosen for that purpose, or appointed by one side only, if the other refuses to join.
In witness whereof and evidence of our agreement as aforesaid the said Chaplain hereunto sets his hand; and the Church copy of the vote for accept- ance of it is annexed.
EBENEZER CHAPLAIN, Elect Pastor.
Oct. the 20th, 1764.
At a legal meeting of the Brethren of the second Church in Sutton held at the Meeting House in the second Precinct of said Town on Friday the 19th day of October 1764, they having chose a Moderator, the Committee laid before the church the Articles of Agreement which were drawn up by them and Mr. Ebenezer Chaplain the Elect Pastor of the Church, and upon mature consideration of the same the church passed the following vote (viz.): To accept of the Articles of Agreement consented to and drawn up by the Com- mittee and our Elect Pastor, viz .: Ebenezer Chaplain relating to church gov- ernment or Discipline. A true copy, attest,
ROBERT GODDARD, Scribe. DANIEL GREENWOOD, Moderator.
There seems to have been some dissatisfaction with this departure from the platform from the first, and it is probable that this was the ground of protest against Mr. Chaplain's ordination.
In November 1767 the church voted to take the Cam- bridge platform in full as a rule of church discipline. At the same meeting two ruling elders were chosen : Deacon Abel Chase, and Deacon Daniel Greenwood.
At a meeting held February 4, 1768, " It was proposed that, if it would not be a grievous to any of the Brethren, a Hymn out of Dr. Watts should be sung at the communion and if it would be a grievous to any they were desired to speak. After three or four hymns being read that were pertinent for that purpose no objections appeared, but sev- eral spoke agreeable."
The difficulties in regard to the agreement in relation to church government did not vanish with the adoption of the Cambridge platform in full, but continued for some time. An ex-parte council was called by the aggrieved portion, who pronounced them the true second church in Sutton, inasmuch as they had adhered to the original constitution and covenant. But they were advised, if no redress could
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be obtained, as they were few in numbers, to connect them- selves with other churches in the neighborhood, to which the council recommended them. Mr. Chaplin's ministry, which continued for twenty-eight years, was passed amid much controversy. This culminated at last in calling a council, which met December 20, 1791.
On the twenty-second of March, 1792, the church were assembled in church meeting by the authority of the ruling elders, Amos Singletary and Daniel Greenwood, upon peti- tion of the brethren, and formally voted the dismission of Mr. Chaplin, and ordered the door of the meeting-house to be shut against him, which was done accordingly.
This action of the parish was confirmed by the supreme court sitting at Worcester, to which Mr. Chaplin had appealed in a suit to recover his salary.
No season of general religious interest was enjoyed by the church during Mr. Chaplin's ministry of twenty-eight years. During this period one hundred and eight persons were received to membership. There are no means of knowing from the records what proportion of this number were received on profession of their faith.
The next pastor of the church was Mr. Joseph Goffe. He was ordained pastor of the church and minister of the north parish in Sutton by an ecclesiastical council, Sept. 10, 1794. Records of the church, 1792 to 1827, having been kept in a book of pamphlet form are lost, and the materials for a history of the church for the remaining period of its continuing to be the second church in Sutton are therefore wanting. Some general statements therefore concerning this period must suffice.
The church and parish under Mr. Goffe became united and prosperous. The pastor in his intercourse with the former pastor, Rev. Mr. Chaplin, was " wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove." He treated the ex-pastor with great deference and kindness, and the old wounds were largely healed. In a conversation with the writer of this history, and near the close of Mr. Goffe's life, he stated that when he was settled in the ministry he was convinced that God never designed him to be an orator. Neither his
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person, voice, or character of mind fitted him to become such, and hence he made up his mind to win his way by giving instruction.
The results of his ministry show the wisdom of his deter- mination. He built up a strong church ; strong in number and in influence. Many of the members were men of mark for their knowledge of God and divine things, showing that they had been apt scholars under the wise teaching of their pastor.
In the years 1800 and 1810 there were powerful revivals of religion, which brought large numbers into the church ; and so on to the close of Mr. Goffe's ministry, once in five years there were refreshing showers of divine grace.
During his pastorate of thirty-six years there were seven seasons of revival, which brought three hundred persons into the church. In the year 1813 the north parish was erected into a town and called Millbury, from which time the second church in Sutton has been the first church in Millbury, and its history merges in the history of that town.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH .*
The first Baptist Church in this town was organized Sep- tember 16th, 1735. It was the fourth oldest church of the denomination in Massachusetts. Backus, the Baptist histo- rian, says, in regard to the founding of this first Baptist church at Sutton, that a Mr. James Bound, a sensible Bap- tist, who had immigrated from England, and located in Salem village, and had with others become imbued with Baptist principles, removed and began a Baptist society in Sutton.
* Chiefly from a history by Rev. C. P. Myers, published in the Minutes of the Worcester Baptist Association, 1875.
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In 1737, two years after the organization of the church, Benjamin Marsh and Thomas Green were ordained its joint pastors. Marsh came to Sutton from Danvers, and Green from Malden. The same year in which these two men were ordained, a branch went off from this Sutton church and
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BAPTIST CHURCH, WEST SUTTON.
became a Baptist church in Leicester, of which Elder Green became pastor. Elder Marsh remained pastor of the church in Sutton until his death.
During all the forty years of his pastorate the church in Sutton seems to have been full of life and vigor.
In the year 1771 the Warren Baptist Association met with this church. It reported that year forty-five members, and was for that time a strong and important church. Elder Marsh died in the year 1775. The church was soon after
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dropped from the Warren Association. The reason given was " because rent with dissension." It now disbanded and became extinct.
From 1775 to 1785 were years of great trial and affliction to the country. The revolutionary war raged. The town of Sutton, and the churches in it, felt the influences of the war.
Rev. David Hall, D. D., pastor of the First Congrega- tional church in the town at that time, wrote :
" The gates of Zion tremble. New England never saw such a day as this. Gloom, troubles, distresses and trials are on every side. We are in fear, in jeopardy, in war; a war pregnant with the fate of thousands - on the event of which much depends-the rights and liberties of America."
This war and its hardships had, no doubt, something to do with the struggles of this church at that time. The health- ful, evangelical element, however, of the original church seems to have been preserved, and in 1785 another Baptist church was organized, which continues its existence till this day. Ebenezer Lamson was chosen pastor of this new organization.
In 1788 the churches at Charlton and Leicester sent dele- gates to sit in council with this church. Brother Lamson was regularly ordained pastor.
The same year Moses Putnam and Samuel Waters were chosen the first deacons of the church.
We find the following laid down as the office work of the deacons :
1. To provide for the communion table. 2. The minis- ter's table. 3. To take care of the poor. 4. To see that the church faithfully performs its duty as pointed out in the word of God.
It appears that there was an open communion Baptist church in the south-east part of Sutton with which this church inter-communed in 1793, for about six months, when it passed the following vote :
" Whereas open communion seems inconsistent to the major part of our members, therefore voted to rescind all previous action in regard to this matter."
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In 1794 the pastor, the Rev. E. Lamson, made known to the church that he believed in open communion and univer- sal salvation. The church met and voted to consider his ordination and pastorship a nullity, and that he be deposed from the church and pulpit. This is the only instance of this church ever having excluded a pastor or clergyman from its membership. Elder William Batchellor was now for a time pastor.
In 1799 delegates from Sturbridge, Charlton, Leicester, Northbridge, Wrentham and Sutton, and free communion church, Sutton, met in council and ordained Samuel Waters pastor over this church.
Elder Waters was, in many respects, a remarkable man ; noted for his vigor, integrity and determination. In 1829 he passed away.
The minutes of the association of that year say : " We sorrowfully regret the death of our venerable father, Rev. Samuel Waters of Sutton, and especially pray that God may raise up others to fill his place."
In 1825 Elder Waters, at his own request, retired from the pastorate, and a young man by the name of Moses Har- rington, a licentiate of the Weston and Framingham church, received a call to the pastorate of this church on a salary of $200 a year. The following churches sent delegates to his ordination : Weston and Framingham, Worcester, Grafton, Warren, Charlton, Southbridge, Thompson, Douglas and Sutton. Mr. Harrington held the pastorate for about three years.
This church for a long time belonged to the Warren association, but in 1802 was dismissed to join the Stur- bridge association. In 1819 this was one of the churches constituting the Worcester association. From 1819 to 1829 the membership reported each year was between ninety and one hundred-the largest during any decade.
August 19 and 20, 1829, the Worcester association met with this church. It reported external prosperity, and as having nearly completed a convenient house of worship at West Sutton, more eligibly situated than the old one.
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The autumn of the next year this new edifice was dedica- ted. The congregation from that time is said to have more than doubled.
In 1831 Rev. John Walker was installed pastor, and nine- teen were baptized.
In 1835 the church reports Perley Howard superintendent of the Sunday-school. Ten teachers, one hundred pupils and one hundred volumes in the library.
In 1836 Rev. John Walker resigned, and brother L. B. Cole, a licentiate from the Newton theological institution, supplied the pulpit for the most part of the year.
In 1837 Rev. Charles H. Peabody settled as pastor, and twenty-one were added.
In 1840 Rev. Otis Converse became pastor. The mem- bership was seventy-nine.
In 1842 Rev. Samuel Richards was pastor, and twenty-one were added. The church is described as having renewed its youth.
In 1843 Rev. George Deland was pastor.
In 1846 Rev. Job B. Boomer was installed pastor.
In 1849 Rev. G. W. Benton became incumbent. That ycar nine were baptized, and an old debt was discharged and the meeting-house was painted.
In 1850 Rev. J. Thayer took the pastorate, and twenty- one were added.
In 1852 Rev. L. O. Lovell succeeded the former pastor, and the Worcester Baptist association met October 6th and 7th of that year at West Sutton. The association was cor- dially welcomed to the church and homes of the people.
Rev. Dr. Stearns, now Hebrew professor at Newton, was moderator, and preacher of the doctrinal sermon. During the pastorate of Rev. L. O. Lovell the church prospered. The membership was eighty-two.
In 1856 the pastor resigned. The church was now until 1860 without a settled pastor. It depended on supplies, and kept up its prayer meetings as best it could. During one of these years (1857) it contributed $101.20 for benevolent purposes. We find the following remarkable entry in the- records of 1859 :
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" We think it our duty to investigate for the whereabouts and what about of our members. We suffer from the want of a pastor. We now feel that if God should direct a man of faith, and patience and self-denial to us, we would try and support him."
Rev. O. Crane preached a part of 1859 as supply. But he sickened and died in the midst of his labors. The church records "its high esteem for his efficient, faithful and self- denying labor."
During the winter months of 1860 the house was closed. In May 1860, Rev. J. D. Donovan was settled as pastor.
In 1861 the record says much credit is due the sisters for repairs on our house of worship. That year two sons of the pastor, one a member of the church, and a number of other young men from this village, took up arms in defense of their country. The church says, " we feel our trust is in God, for ourselves and for our country."
The church was closed from August 1861, until April 1862. Rev. David Avery then served as pastor one year.
In 1863 Rev. C. L. Baker was pastor. The membership was sixty-five that year, the same as is reported in 1875. The church says, "The Sabbath services are well attended, but our weekly meetings have been sustained with some difficulty."
In 1864 the church says in its letter to the association, " The past year has been to us one of changeful and afflictive experience. Five of our number have been removed by death. Among them we sorrowfully record the name of our beloved pastor, Rev. C. L. Baker."
In 1864 Rev. J. Barber was chosen pastor, in whom the church say : " We are united, and whose labors we pray the Lord to bless."
In 1865 the Rev. G. Stone became pastor. In 1866 the church say : "A small legacy has been left us from the estate of our late sister Kidder, which we have invested as a permanent fund."
In 1867 the church reports no pastor, and as having had preaching only part of the time. The membership was soon reduced to fifty-three. Rev. N. Medbury supplied the
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pulpit for a time, under favorable auspices. During his systematic and earnest labors the congregations increased and the church was revived.
In 1868 the church write: "There are counteracting influences, such as Sabbath-breaking, intemperance and other kindred evils, which make it hard to sustain our visi- bility as a church. There is money and material enough to build up a strong church, if it could be sanctified to religious purposes. Yet amid all our short-comings, we trust there are some faithful ones among us who remember Zion."
In 1869 Rev. A. E. Battelle settled as pastor. The church's letter to the association that year says : "In Bro. Battelle all seem united, and we hope God will bless us."
In 1870 Deacon S. Sibley was appointed clerk, and still remains in that office.
In 1870 Rev. A. E. Battelle baptized twelve. The mem- bership was sixty.
In 1871 the church raised for all purposes, $802.50.
Rev. J. H. Tilton supplied the pulpit a portion of the year.
The first part of 1872 the church was supplied under the direction of "Father Fitz." Among those who came was the Rev. E. J. Stevens, who was settled as pastor, and remained one year and six months. During his ministry the church and society were aroused and quickened-much gospel seed was sown. Three were added to the member- ship.
In 1873 Rev. C. F. Myers was called to the pastorate. During two years labor thirteen were added. The church having had no regularly appointed deacons, three brothers were chosen to the office. The meeting-house was newly carpeted and substantial horse-sheds erected.
In 1876 Mr. Myers was succeeded by Rev. E. J. Stevens, who still remains the pastor.
The following are the names of those who have been and are deacons : Moses Putnam, Samuel King, Solomon Marble, John Titus, Stephen Putnam, Samuel Waters, Samuel Rich, Sylvanus Dana, R. K. Merriam, P. King, R. Lamb, S. Sibley.
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Large numbers have from time to time gone from this church and joined others. This church has had in all, from its organization, about six hundred members, twenty-five pastors and twelve deacons.
Who can tell, or even imagine, the influence this church has exerted on the community at large during all these one hundred and forty years of its history. With all its imper- fections it has accomplished a vast work for Jesus and truth and humanity. The church is still trusting in a covenant keeping God, and is buoyant with expectant hope of long and continued usefulness in the future.
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