USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Winchendon > History of the town of Winchendon (Worcester County, Mass.) from the grant of Ipswich Canada, in 1735, to the present time > Part 14
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" Expense of opposing the road, $60.
The Presentment cost, 30.
Expense of the Council, 44.98. Edward Bangs, Esq., 34."
1800, May 28. The town adopted the following mode to be ob- served in future in laying out town roads and private ways, viz : " that when a new way is to be laid out, the course and distance shall be as- certained, unless the whole of said way is laid out on the side of a lot or lots." This was at the opening of the new century, and as in the course of a year or two, the town had all the old roads which were con- sidered necessary, straightened, we have come to a natural point of division to our subject. Our travels over the roads of Winchendon, on paper, will be resumed in due time. Meanwhile other parts of the history will be brought forward to this period.
145
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
CHAPTER XI. - THE TOWN AS A PARISH.
" Hor. Ia it a custom?
Ham. Ay, marry, is't;
But to my mind, though I am native here,
And to the manner born,-it is a custom
More honored in the breach, than the observance." HAMLET.
PRELIMINARY.
In former times the towns of this Commonwealth were legal parish- es, and the churches were generally in connection with them. Both had a distinct existence ; but in some respects acted in unison. The church was a purely religious body, made up of voluntary adherents, and had the whole matter of determining the principles on which it was founded, its by-laws, and methods of discipline, in its own power. It received, dismissed, disciplined and excommunicated members without being subject to external control. It chose its own officers, whether Pas- tors, Deacons, Clerks or Committees, and was amenable to no authori- ty save that of Christ, the Head of the Church, though seeking frater- nal sympathy and advice through the agency of Ecclesiastical Councils. But for the purpose of raising funds to build houses of worship, support the ministry, and pay other charges, parishes were formed. As said above, by the laws and usages of this State, the towns acted as parish- es in connection with the Congregational churches. In accordance with this fact, the town of Winchendon was a parish, and continued to act in that capacity down to about the year 1825, when the union between it and the Congregational church was dissolved. Out of this relation it comes that quite a portion of the town history pertains to religious af- fairs, such as church-building and sustaining the ministry. The eccle- siastical history of the town will be given hereafter in the history of each
10
- .
146
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
church within its bounds ; but the history of Winchendon as a parish will receive distinct treatment in this chapter.
As preliminary and strictly in order, it will be proper to relate what- ever was done by the Proprietors for the establishment of public wor- ship in the place. The early settlers, as well as the Proprietors, were men who understood the value of religious institutions. Some of them -how many is not certainly known-were members of the Church of Christ.
At a Proprietors' meeting held on the 27th of October, 1737, it was voted " that five acres be reserved out of the Lott No. 1, in the South Division, for building a meeting-house ; also for a burying yard, and a training-field." In February, 1737-8, it was voted that " four acres be cleared in the meeting-house lot, in the most convenient place for erecting a meeting-house, and to be sowed with herd's-grass ;" and a committee of four was chosen to agree when to clear, in order for the location of a meeting-house." About 1752, the frame of a small meet- ing-house was raised, not far from the hearse house. This was never finished. On July 3d, 1753, Thomas Wilder and Abijah Smith were chosen a committee to prepare stuff in order to build a meeting-house next spring. This was not carried out, for on the 24th of October, " the first frame erected for a meeting-house was granted to Col. Berry, to enable him to build a suitable and convenient room to meet in on the Sabbath days for public worship." On the 31st of October " one dol- lar was assessed on each and every right, to pay for preaching the win- ter coming." Messrs. John Brown and Thomas Jewett were desired to provide a suitable person to preach for them.
In 1759 there were about thirty men in the place, some of whom had families, and it is on record, that a Rev. Mr. Harvey was with them as a preacher. On the 31st of October the land laid out for a meeting- house lot, &c., was accepted. In 1761, September 22, it was voted " to raise two dollars on each original right to pay for preaching." The committee were ordered to " provide a preacher half the Sabbaths ;" and it was voted " to build a meeting-house 30x45, 20 feet posts." The next year the people concluded that it was best to select a new spot for the meeting-house lot, and training-field, leaving the old spot for a bury- ing ground. It was then determined to place the new meeting-house on the present central Common. This was erected forthwith, and though
.
147
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
never painted or finished, was made fit to be occupied as a place of worship .*
SECTION 1 .- MR. STIMPSON'S MINISTRY.
It was voted to settle a minister. This implies that a Church had been, or was about to be formed. Mr. Daniel Stimpson was invited to settle, and was offered " the minister's right, and sixty pounds of money, and sixty pounds salary." On the 17th of November it was
" Voted that instead of giving ye said Daniel Stimpson sixty pounds salary yearly so long as he shall carry on the ministry, to give him sixty pounds sal- ary yearly so long as he shall continue our minister."
This was intended to secure his support in sickness and old age, even if he might not be able " to carry on the ministry."
Mr. Stimpson was ordained on the 15th of December, 1762, by a Council called by the Proprietors. The Church was formed at the time of the meeting of the Council, and probably gave Mr. Stimpson a reg- ular "call." What particulars there are relating to this transaction, will be given in the history of the Church. The committee who acted for the Proprietors were Bartholomew Parsons, Richard Day and Samuel Titus. t
* It may interest some readers to see the record of the meetings of the Pro- prietors in regard to this subject. Benjamin Goodridge, Abijah Smith, and Philip Goodridge were chosen a committee to let out the meeting-house. They were empowered to see " that the said meeting-house be hewed, framed and raised, the outside boarded, shingled, and clapboarded, window sashes and glass put up, door heads and doors be made, the lower floor be laid, and the frame be underpinned with convenient stones." This action was taken on the 22d of September, 1761.
A legal meeting of the Proprietors was held at the house of Richard Day, June 30, 1762, at which Benjamin Goodridge, Richard Day and Bartholomew Parsons, were chosen a committee to " view and stake out a meeting-house plat." This committee made the following report : "Laid out five acres of land for a meeting-house, training field and burying yard, on the northwest corner of the lot No. 1, in the south division, beginning at the northwest cor- ner bound, running south 48 rods, on line of said lot, then easterly 16 1-2 rods, then running northerly a parallel line with the west line 48 rods, and then to the place where we began." The Proprietors approved the report, and voted to have the house placed on lot No. 1, instead of lot No. 30, which had been selected for that purpose. The committee were then directed " to build said meeting-house, to raise the house on the plat where they judge most con- venient."
+The proceedings of the Proprietors in regard to this important subject, were as follows, as stated in their Book of Records. " At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Canada, assembled and met at the house of Mr. Richard Day, innholder at Ipswich Canada, June 30, 1762,
148
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
The town was incorporated in 1764, and soon assumed the duties of a parish, but it is recorded under date of June 24th, 1767, that the Proprietors " voted to pay Rev. Mr. Daniel Stimpson the sum of thirty- seven pounds, five shillings and eight pence." It was manifestly just that the Proprietors, being large landholders, should unite with the town in supporting the ministry.
In 1765, September 4, there was a sale of pew ground.
Mr. Stimpson died of a violent, putrid fever, on the 20th of July, 1768, after a ministry of less than six years. The town met the same day and voted " to bear the charges that may arise at the funeral of our deceased pastor ;" and " that the Bearers be desired to preach one Sabbath day" each. The funeral of Mr. Stimpson was on the 22d, the second day after his decease, and was hastened on account of the intense heat, and the putrescent nature of his disease. The town paid the charges, and it may gratify a reasonable curiosity to read the bill, which was as follows :
" To diners for the Bearers, 3s. ; to providing for three £0, 3, 0, 0. Ministers two nights and one day, 9s. ; to providing food, 0, 9, 0, 0. Three do. one night, and one day, 6s., 0, 6, 0, 0. To diging the grave, 4s. ; to three pair of Gloves, 7s., 2, 2, 0, 11, 2, 2. To Brandy, 3s., 7d., 1q .; to brown sugar, 6s. ; to Loaf Sugar, 1s., 6d., 0, 11, 1, 1.
To two Quarts of Rum, 1s., 9, 0, 1, 9, 0.
Voted, That the Proprietors will settle a minister provided the inhabitants can find a man that will settle with them.
Voted, That the Proprietors will give to Mr. Daniel Stimpson the Minis- ter's Right [of land] granted by the Court, and £60 of money as a settlement, provided he will settle and perform the office of a gospel minister in the town- ship; and also to give him £60 salary, so long as he shall carry on the work of the ministry in said township."
Nov. 17, " It was put to vote to see if the Proprietors would make any al- teration in their former [action] respecting Mr. Daniel Stimpson's salary.
Voted, That instead of giving the said Daniel Stimpson sixty pounds salary so long as he shall carry on the ministry-to give him sixty pounds yearly so long as he shall continue our minister in said township.
Voted, That Mr. Daniel Stimpson be ordained the 15th day of December next, and that the church in Weston, the church in Harvard, the church in Lunenburg, and the church in Dorchester Canada, be sent to, to assist in his ordination.
Voted, That Bartholomew Parsons, Richard Day and Samuel Titus, be a commitcee to send letters missive to the above-named churches to assist in the ordination of Mr. Daniel Stimpson, in the name of the Proprietors.
Voted, To allow Richard Day £4 in order to enable him to entertain the Council, and Mr. Stimpson's relations, at his ordination."
.
149
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
To several articles from Dr. Taylor's, procured by Mr. Rich-
ard Pearson, amounting to
2, 17, 11, 1.
To making a Cofin,
0, 6, 0, 0.
Total, 5, 06, 0,0."
On the 28th of August it was voted " to hire preaching," and then more definitely, " to provide preaching twelve Sabbaths with what may be given to us."
SECTION 2 .- MR. BROWN'S MINISTRY.
On the 20th of the following November it was voted " to have preach- ing this winter," and also to hear Mr. Joseph Brown " four Sabbaths more." It is probable that he remained here through the winter, for on the 2d day of January, 1769, the town " made choice of Mr. Joseph Brown by a unanimous vote to settle with us in the ministry." They then
Voted and granted fifty-three pounds, six shillings and eight pence for an encouragement for him to settle with us in the ministry, to be paid as follow- eth, viz : Sixty-six pounds, thirteen shilling and four pence to be paid at the end of six months from his ordination, and the remaining part to be paid at the end of twelve months from the first payment ; agreeable to the vote of the church.
Voted to concur with the vote of the Church to give Mr Joseph Brown fif- ty-three pounds, six shillings and eight pence, as salary annually for the space of five years, and at the expiration of the abovesaid term of five years, to give Mr. Joseph Brown sixty pounds annually, until the town of Winchendon in- creaseth to the No. of one hundred families, and then sixty-six pound, thir- teen shilling, and four pence annually so long as he shall continue to be our minister."
Besides this offer, the Proprietors had granted, after Mr. Stimpson's death, two additional lots of land to aid in the settlement of another min- ister. In addition, on the 6th of March, 1769, liberty was granted for Mr. Joseph Brown " to be absent two Sabbaths in a year annually." At the same time it was voted " to seat the Meeting-house agreeable to the estates both real and personal, having some reference to age."
The former of these last two votes proves that the custom of giving ministers two or more Sabbaths yearly, is not of recent origin, as many suppose. The last vote reminds us of an age that has forever passed away. The custom of " seating" the meeting-house was a relic of the times when people made much of rank and distinction. It was brought from the old country and lingered here nearly two hundred years after
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150
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
the settlement of Boston. In former times the students in College were not arranged alphabetically, but their names were printed according to the rank in life of their fathers. In " seating" the meeting-houses in towns where there were people of different classes, regard was had to their relative position. Governors were in the first rank, as a matter of course. Then came the Lieut. Governor, Counsellors, Senators, Rep- resentatives, military officers of high rank, Clergymen, Esquires, Gen- tlemen, Yeomen, &c. In a place like Winchendon, such a mode of grading was scarcely possible, and therefore the people took the less in- vidious plan of seating " by estates both real and personal, having some reference to age." In a congregation of farmers it was known who had the largest property, but it would be intolerable to have one set above another on account of supposed superior worth. Not personal quali- ities, but the accident of property, was therefore wisely selected as the title to a " higher seat in the synagogue." But this was not all. The people of those times respected gray hairs, and therefore " some refer- ence to age" was observed.
On the 20th of March, the town voted to have the ordination on the 24th of the ensuing May, and granted £3, 16, to enable Mr. Silas Whit- ney to entertain the Council for Mr. Brown's ordination. The ordina- tion took place accordingly, and the new minister was happily settled, among a united people, and with a comfortable provision for his sup- port. "Numerous accessions" says Dr. Whiton, " of settlers in the three or four preceding years had increased the number of families, it is estimated, to nearly sixty, and the population to about three hundred and fifty, a number which, accustomed as was that generation to a con- stant and universal attendance on public worship, would furnish a con- gregation by no means inconsiderable. For many years Mr. Brown's connection with the people was harmonious and acceptable to both parties."
SECTION 3 .- FIRST MEETING HOUSE.
In 1771 a proposition to widen the alleys in the meeting-house, and to paint the pulpit was negatived. The Minister being now settled, and the people being united in one mode of worship, there is nothing left for history in this line, for several years. A few words may be devoted to the first meeting-house. As stated already, a frame was erected near the burying-yard, but it was never enclosed and fitted for use. The
151
HISTORY OP WINCHENDOS.
first house of worship was put up on the present Common, near the south- east corner, just north of the road that passes between the site and the house of Mr. Benjamin Wilder. This house was 30 by 45 feet, and the posts were twenty feet high. The house was never painted outside nor inside ; not even the pulpit ; neither was it ceiled or plastered. Clapboards and shingles kept out the cold in winter to such a degree that the people, with foot-stoves, could continue to live through the morn- ing service. They then adjourned to the tavern, on the southeast cor- ner of the Common, across the road, or to private houses. where a good fire, some hot drink, and a luncheon, fortified them for the rigors of the afternoon meeting. The floor was covered with benches where the wor- shippers sat as they were " seated" by a committee annually chosen for that purpose. There is no picture of the Meeting-house in existence ; probably never was ; but from the recollections of aged people the sketch below has been made by Mr. ROBERT HILL, and they agree that it gives
a tolerably correct notion of the external appearance of the first sanctu- ary ever used in Winehendon, for the worship of Almighty God. In 1775, at the March meeting, £60 was raised for the Minister. according to the agreement when he was settled. Three years later. measures were taken to make up for him the depreciation of paper. Thus on the 23d of January, 1778, a committee of fire, ris : Dea.
2
152
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Moses Hale, Jacob Hale, John Boynton, Abel Wilder and James Cool- edge,-was chosen " to draw subscription papers, and see what the peo- ple will give to Mr. Brown in consideration of the high prices on the necessaries of life." It would seem that the subscription failed, since at an adjourned meeting, when the report of the committee was made, a vote was passed " to make some compensation to Mr. Brown by way of a tax." The town granted £50. The next year the town voted " to pay Mr. Brown, £53, 6, 8, in produce of the farm, labor, &c., at the prices they generally bore in the year 1774 ; Rye at 4s. per bushel, and labor in hay-time at 2s., 8, per day ; or so much money as will purchase so much produce and labor." This was going back to the original salary nearly, but when we consider the "hard times," it was a liberal arrangement.
In 1783, February 10, the town took action on an article in the war- rant " to see if the town will vote to exempt those persons from paying taxes to the settled minister in the town who attend Baptist or Friends' meeting." The article was passed over ; but at the March meeting, the question came up again, when it was voted to submit the matter to the judgment of the assessors. One of these petitioners was Mr. Jer- emiah Stuart. This town was always firm in its adherence to the prin- ciples of civil and religious freedom.
SECTION 4 .- THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE.
. 1790, March 1. Will the town build a new meeting-house ? Nay. But a new house must be had, and so the town voted, on the 10th of September, " to build a new meeting-house in this town." They chose a committee of five " to propose ways and means for said house," viz : Abel Wilder, Esq., Dea. Moses Hale, Mr. Thomas Graton, Benjamin Hall, Esq., and Dea. Samuel Prentice. The committee were to report to the town at an adjourned meeting. This meeting was held October 4, when the report was probably presented. At all events, the town took definite action on the subject ; and as the enterprise was the oc- casion of much feeling and excitement for several years, and further- more as the enlarged church-accommodation furnished by the new house was a source of vast intellectual, moral, social and religious benefit to the inhabitants, the proceedings in relation to its erection will be given
153
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
at considerable length. At the meeting on the 4th of October, the following votes were passed :
" Voted, to set the new meeting-house on the meeting-bouse Common.
Voted, That said house be 60 feet in length, 50 feet in width, 27 feet posts, and a porch at each end of the house 10 feet on the house, 14 feet deep.
Voted 54 pews on the lower floor, and 24 in the galleries, and 3 seats on each side below, and 3 in the galleries.
Voted, That there be 20 windows, 40 squares in each window, below, and 21, 35 squares in each, in the galleries ; the pulpit and gable end windows excepted.
Voted, That the pews be sold at public vendue to the inhabitants. to pro- cure materials and workmen for building the house : That the purchasers of pews give security for the same to the acceptance of the committee.
Voted, That the materials be divided into small lots, and let out to those persons who will procure the same the cheapest.
Voted, That the frame be raised in the fore part of the season in the year 1792. +
Voted, That the materials for building be delivered at such time and piace. as the committee for building the meeting-house shall direct.
Voted, To choose a committee to see to the building of said house.
Voted, The committee to consist of three persons.
Voted, and chose Abel Wilder, Esq., Mr. Thomas Graton and Benjamin Hall, Esq., for the above committee."
Another meeting was held, November 1, when farther action was taken as given below.
" Voted To reserve one pew in said bouse for a ministerial pew.
Voted, Pew west of the pulpit, next to it, for a ministerial pew.
Voted, To choose a committee of three persons to pitch apon a spot to set the new meeting-house upon.
Voter and ebose Mr. James Steel, Dea. Moses Hale, and Doct. Zica Hali for the above committee.
Voted, To set the south side of the new meeting-house 30 feet north of the north side of the old meeting-house.
Voted, To accept of the plan of said house that the committee bas drafted and laid before the town.
Voted, and accepted the conditions of the sale of the pews the committee has proposed."
The sale of the pews as they were arranged in the draft or rian then took place, and it cannot fail to be interesting to all the children and
154
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
descendants of the purchasers to read the record of the sale. It is in these words :
" 1790, Nov. 1. At a vendue held for the sale of the pews in the meet- ing-house voted to be built at a meeting held September 10, 1790, at the meeting-house in Winchendon aforesaid, the pews were sold as follows, viz :
No. 1, struck off to Capt. Daniel Hubbard,
for forty dollars.
2, Abner Curtice,
" seventy-one
3,
.€ Dea. Moses Hale,
" forty-one
4,
thirty-nine
5,
8.
Lieut. Jacob B. Woodbury,
" thirty-seven =
9,
Samuel Crosby, Esq.,
forty
10,
Bemsly Lord,
" thirty-nine
11,
David Stoddard,
forty
12,
Jacob Hale,
" thirty-six
13,
Samuel Crosby, Esq.,
" thirty-nine
14,
Benjamin Brown,
" forty 1
15,
Capt. Joseph Wilder
16,
James Hall,
17,
Samuel Brown,
Amos Hale,
" thirty-nine
19,
James Stoddard,
" forty
20
€6
Lieut. David Poor,
" 21,
Roger Bigelow,
" thirty-eight
" 22
" Abel Jones,
" thirty-six
23
John Goodhue,
" thirty-seven
24,
Jesse Ellis,
" thirty-eight
" 25,
Paul Raymond, Jr.,
" forty
26,
Eliphalet Goodridge,
" thirty-nine
27
David Smith and
" 28,
James McElwain,
" forty-one ..
..
" 29,
Joseph Sweetzer,
" 30,
Assigned by the town for a Ministerial pew.
" 31, Struck off to William Whitney,
for sixty-two
dollars.
" 32,
Joseph Sweetzer,
" forty-one
" 33,
Dea. Moses Hale,
" forty-seven
34,
Rev. Mr. Brown,
" forty-five
35,
Thomas Graton,
" thirty-eight
" 36,
Francis Goodhue and
Francis Goodhue, Jr.,
" thirty-seven
" 37,
Ensign Adonijah Bixby, and Amos Heywood,
" thirty-five
# 38,
James Payson,
" forty
" 39,
Dea. Samuel Prentice and
·
Samuel Prentice, Jr.,
.6
" 40,
Jeremiah Lord,
" thirty-nine
16 6,
.. Benjamin Hall, Esq., Dr. Ziba Hall,
u forty
" forty
7,
Dea. Levi Moor,
thirty eight
..
18,
Thomas Greenwood,
155
HISTORY OF WISCHENDOS.
No. 41, struck off to Lieut. John Burr,
for thirty-nine
dollars.
46 42,
Bill Hancock.
chiny-eight
.6 43
Daniel Goodridge,
" forty-two
44,
Dr. Israel Whiton,
". forty-nice
6: 45,
Lieut. Joseph Boynton,
46.
Abel Wilder,
47,
Desire Toiman,
forty
48.
Abner Curtice. Jr.,
thirty-six
49,
Benjamin Hall, Esq.,
Isaae Noyes,
.. thirty-eight
..
6 52
Daniel Goodridge.
66 53,
Capt. Paul Boynton,
..
16 54,
Amos Merriam,
..
forty
..
THE GALLERY PEWE.
No. 1.
Dea. Moses Hale,
twenty-four ..
..
Abel Wilder. Jr ..
seventeen
. .
3.
. €
Samuel P. Goodridge,
" giraen
.
4,
George Comn.
fifteen
..
..
5.
Lemuel Heywood,
..
6,
Thomas Graton and
Francis Goodbue. Jr.,
"' fourteen
..
7,
..
..
zweive
..
Dea. Moses Hale,
..
thirteen
. .
10,
Thomas Wyman.
16 fifteen
..
11,
Ziba Hail and Thomas Wilder,
·· ifteen
..
.6 13.
Joseph Sweeczer,
Dea. Moses Haie,
inteen
16.
John Burr.
fourteen
17.
Dea. Moses Hale,
seventeen
..
. .
18,
Josian Bruce.
thirteen
19,
Jedediah Tutele,
..
fourteen ..
.. 20,
Daniel Day.
thirteen
..
21,
Joseph Sweetzer, .. ..
" foarteen
22,
Twenty-one
23,
Jeremiah Stuart, Jr.,
thirteen
24,
Benjamin Hall, Esq ..
nineteen
ABEL WILDER. 1 THOMAS GRATOS. - Commitlen. BENJAMIN HALL, )
Voted to establish and confirm the pews mentioned in the foregoing report. to the purchasers whose names are thereunto annexed, and to their beirs and assigns forever."
S.
9.
Abel Brown.
Dea. Moses Hale,
..
sixteen
..
14
..
15,
Levi Diroll.
..
..
50
. .
51,
Josiah Bruce.
..
..
..
12,
Samuel Crosby. Esq ..
156
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
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