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 16
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" Whereas doubts have arisen in the minds of many persons respecting the
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HISTORY . OF WINCHENDON.
intentions of the town in voting not to hire the Rev. Joseph Brown as their minister after the 18th day of March next, and that the town will concur with the church in calling in an ecclesiastical council for his dismission from the church and people in this place, therefore voted that it is the sense of this town, that an ecclesiastical council is the proper authority to order into and depose a minister from his office, and that the town, by voting to concur with the church in calling a council, intended a recognition of ecelesiastical order and regu- larity."
The town then voted that in case a ministerial council could be ob- tained on reasonable terms, for Mr. Brown's dismission, that the town would concur with the aggrieved brethren of the church in calling a council of neighboring churches for the same purpose. They then chose five persons, viz : the Selectmen for the time being, a committee " to transact and negotiate with the church, or the aggrieved brethren of the church, as the case may be in all necessary matters relative to said council."
At a preceding meeting, held on the 6th of May, the town took ac- tion as follows, according to the Records.
"The following was voted at a legal town meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Winchendon. as reasons for giving it as their opinion that the Rev. Mr. Brown's usefulness is at an end in this place, viz : Whereas the Rev. Mr. Brown, in an address to the town on the fourteenth day of March, expressed a desire that the town would give some reasons for their opinion that his use- fulness as a preacher of the gospel was at an end in this place, they offer the following, viz : 1st, That by his unexemplary and indiscreet behavior both in Iris conduet and conversation, he has created distrust, and destroyed that confi- dence which is so essential for a preacher of the gospel to retain in order to give efficacy to his ministerial labos, and so necessary for a people to have in one whom they are to consider as their spiritual guide, a messenger of truth, and a director in the important matters of religion. 2dly, His indulging himself in the injurious and unchristian practice of slandering, and his evident disre- gard for the truth, tending to derogate from the dignity of his saered office, and consequently, to lessen that reverential respect due to religion, especially in the tender minds of the rising generation. 3dly, That he does not practise those things which make for peace, but on the contrary, by practising fraud and deception, keeps up disturbances in the church, especially in his official conduct in the late case of Samuel Crosby, Esq., all of which operate to the injury and disturbance of the town, consequently are deemed sufficient rea- sons to justify them in giving their opinion that his usefulness as a teacher of
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
piety, religion and morality is at an end in this place ; and the town are ready, if required, to substantiate the foregoing reasons, by adverting to particulars, and making proof thereof. Voted that the committee should furnish Mr. Brown with a copy of the foregoing."
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL.
According to the proposals in the proceedings of the town, cited above, a council was held in September. No copy of the result of this body is to be found in the Records, or in the papers in the custody of the town clerk. If the Church Records ever contained a copy, it was carried away or destroyed by Mr. Brown. The following is taken word for word, from a copy of the result, in the handwriting of Dr. Payson, of Rindge, N. H. It was kindly furnished by the Hon. Ar- temas Hale, of Bridgewater, a native of Winchendon, and son of Dea. Moses Hale. It was found among his venerable father's papers, and is here given at length. As the Council was called at the instance of the town, and by its concurrence with the church, it finds its appro- priate place in this connection. The original has been deposited with the town clerk for preservation.
" At an Ecclesiastical Council convened at Winchendon, pursuant to let- ters missive from the Pastor and church in said town, on Tuesday, September 3d, 1799, to judge of the expediency or inexpediency of the Rev. Mr. Brown's dismission from the pastoral office in this place, and also to attend to certain difficulties existing in the church; were present from the churches in East Sudbury, Billerica, Rindge, Athol and Weston, the following Pastors and Delegates, viz :
Reverend Messrs.
Delegates.
Josiah Bridge, Henry Cummings, Seth Payson,
Dea. Samuel Griffin, Robert Cutting. Capt. John Kidder. Dea. Francis Powers,
Joseph Estabrook,
Col. William Gardner. Capt. John Oliver, Mr. John Fairbanks.
Samuel Kendall,
Mr. Nathan Hagar, Mr. Elisha Stratton.
At the desire of the parties, forged into a Council by choosing the Rev. Mr. Bridge, moderator, and Rev. Mr. Payson. scribe. Adjourned to the meet- ing-house, and having addressed the throne of grace, at the request of the par-
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
ties, voted unanimously that the Rev. Mr. Brown, with his adherents, and those of the church and town in opposition, be heard by such agent or agents as they shall choose to employ, they being under the direction and control of the Council. After various and unexpected objections and delays, arising from an unhappy dispute between the parties, relative to the latitude in which they had agreed to submit matters to the Council, each party consented to refer the question to their judgment, who thereupon proceeded to take up their grievances upon the largest scale, apprehending that to be most consonant to the spirit of the letters missive.
After repeated adjournments from day to day, until Saturday noon, the Council attended to all the statements and evidences made and exhibited to them by the parties, and then adjourned until Monday morning; then met according to adjournment, and came to the following result, viz :
1st. As to the first article, we would observe with deep regret and sorrow, we are constrained by a due regard to truth and justice, to say, after the full exercise of Christian candor, and making all allowances for human frailty, that the Rev. Mr. Brown has in several instances, discovered great want of prudence, manifested great precipitancy, and spoken unadvisedly with his lips.
2d. With respect to the second article of charge, as it included circum- stances which would require a lengthy discussion, and might create difficulties in a neighboring church, the parties, by recommendation of Council, agreed to pass by consideration of this article.
3d. Under the third article, it appears to this Council, that the Rev. Mr. Brown was secretly active to bring forward a civil prosecution against Samuel Crosby, Esq., in a matter wherein we have no reason to believe said Crosby to be guilty as reports had represented; of which conduct we cannot but ex- press our high disapprobation. With respect to the other particular under this head, it appears to this Council that they were either taken up in the former result, or were not so clearly supported as to justify a censure.
4ly. As to the fourth general charge, we esteem it much too high, and freely say, that in our opinion, it is not supported. So far as the particulars under it were considered and resulted upon by a former Council, we find no occasion to depart from their decision. As to some other particulars, we find it hard to reconcile Mr. Brown's recollections one with another, but do not find ourselves warranted from the evidence exhibited to us, to fix on him a censure. We are convinced that in most, if not all the particulars, Mr. Brown's declarations might be reconciled with a regard to truth, without implicating any of the witnesses.
5ly. In respect to the former grant of the fifth general charge relative to a vote of amnesty in the church, we refer to the result of the former Council.
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
In relation to the acceptance of said result, it appears to this Council, that Mr. Brown, at the first church meeting after the sitting of the Council, in- stead of representing the result as absurd and ridiculous, as stated in the charge, did manifest a readiness to accept it. Afterwards, when the aggrieved hesitated, desired time to consider, and requested Mr. Brown to discuss and explain it, he appears to have expressed himself in such a manner as tended greatly to irritate the feelings, and excite the resentment of the aggrieved, and accompanied those irritating expressions with a countenance and gesture which served to embitter his enemies. and alienate some of his friends; which, though not a rejection of the result, we consider as not savoring of that pa- cific and humble temper it recommends to the parties.
6ly. In relation to the last general charge, we find it to be a fact, judging by the vote of the town, that the majority are alienated from Mr. Brown, although it does not appear to us that it is owing to the cause assigned in this article of charge>
The above charges are the general reasons alleged by the aggrieved breth- ren, and that part of the town which has connected itself with them. why the pastoral relation of the Rev. Joseph Brown to this people should be dissolved. To these reasons, a majority of the church, who still adhere to Mr. Brown, have opposed a number of weighty reasons. We have attended to them with care. and a disposition to admit their proper influence in determining our minds; but we think they will not justify our resulting that Mr. Brown sball bold his office among this people, or any part of them, unless reconciliation should be effected.
In attending to the unhappy controversy in this place, we have had painful evidences of a strong bias in human nature to err on the uncharitable side, and to censure failings with unchristian severity, especially when the passions are irritated with real or supposed injuries. That we may not fall under the imputation of such a bias, we have made all candid and charitable allowances for human frailties and infirmities, in forming a result for the parties in this town; and have not magnified imprudences on either side into great crimes, nor made any one a great offender for every unadvised word which has escaped him in the warmth of controversy, or under the impressions of designed or apprehended provocations. Had such allowances been made by the contend- ing parties, in this town, in the management of these disputes, we are persua- ded that this controversy would never have arisen to its present height. nor have plunged them into their present embarrassments. Could the parties be persuaded to consent, it would afford this Council great pleasure and satis- faction, if a general amnesty, founded on acts of mutual forgiveness and ob- livion might terminate their present difficulties, and restore peace among them.
170
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
This we would earnestly recommend to the parties, as .the best way to heal their difficulties, and free their minds from unfriendly animosities towards each other. But if an accommodation cannot take place on this ground, within one month, we judge it advisable, under the existing circumstances, that Mr. Brown's pastoral relation to this church and people be dissolved. And . whereas, we are expressly desired, in the letters missive, on the supposition, in our judgment, that his dismission is expedient, to direct and assist as to the mode of effecting it, our advice is, that previously to its taking place, it be submitted to a reference, what compensation of a pecuniary nature he shall have for relinquishing his contract, unless he and his people can come into an agreement between themselves respecting the matter. If either party re- fuse thus to submit their pecuniary concerns, on the supposition they cannot agree between themselves; or if either party neglect actually to make choice of referees, and notify such choice to the other party, for more than three months, it ought, in our opinion, to be considered as a departure from the spirit and design of this result. This advice to refer pecuniary considerations, implies what we do not scruple to declare, that though Mr. Brown has been chargeable with some imprudences and unjustifiable conduct, especially in the late days of trial and temptation, yet he has not, in our opinion, forfeited his ministerial character. We can, therefore, in case of his dismission from this church, sincerely recommend him to any other who may wish to employ him as a minister. We add that we feel disposed to embrace Mr. Brown's opponents, as well as himself, in the arms of christian candor, and to put as favorable a construction as possible, upon any improprieties in words or actions, which may be justly imputed to them; but impressed with the idea that an accusa- tion for evil report against an Elder is not to be received but at the mouth of two or three witnesses, we recommend it to them seriously to consider whether they have not, in some instances, suffered themselves to be too much exas- perated by the report of a single witness, contrary to the express directions of the Gospel. It is recommended that this result be accepted by all parties, and by each considered as christian satisfaction from the other in every in- stance wherein offence has been given.
·
In respect to the complaint of Goodrich and Smith against the church in this place, that they for very insufficient reasons, dismissed a petition for inquiring into the conduct of Samuel Crosby, Esq., respecting certain depositions taken by said Crosby, in a case pending between Brown and Godfrey or Corey, it is our opinion that the church in that instance, was not reprehensible, but had full right, according to their discretion, to dismiss said petition in manner and form as alleged.
In respect to the proceedings of the church against Abel Wilder, upon the
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDOS.
complaint of Samuel Crosby, Esq., it is our opinion, notwithstanding the no- toriety of the fault charged against said Wilder, that the first and second steps should have been taken before the complaint could have been regularly broug's: into the church, and that the church ought not to have admitted i: in opposi- tion to the plea that the previous steps bad not been taken. Although the fault is represented as notorious, we conceive that the satisfaction might bare been equally notorious, if given upon private application, or in consequence of either the first or second steps. These, in our opinion, ought to have been taken. We therefore advise the church to rescind their vote of suspension passed against said Wilder, and dismiss the complaint brought against him. We also reccommend i: to said Crosby and Wilder to accept this ressis as a final result of the dispute between them.
Having thus resulted on the several general articles brought before na. and advised the parties, we now most earnestly lesire and entreat them to procced with moderation and candor in everything yet to be transacted by chem, re- membering that soft words turn away wrath, and that mutual condescension and forbearance are necessary to the restoration of peace and harmony in this place. Hoping that our patient hearing and attending to all matters of dis- pute, will have a suitable influence on the temper and conduct of this per ple. we commend all persons and parties to God, and the word of bis grace. ear- nestly praying that he would bless them with that peace which passeth chi an- derstanding, and bring them again to know how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Voted unanimously.
A true copy, Attest,
SETE PAYSON, Scribe."
Such was the Result of Council, a model for candor, impartiality and precision. It reached the only possible solution of the dificulties chon existing, in the dismission of Mr. Brown, while it maintained his min- isterial character, and his right to a pecuniary consideration in cons :- quence of yielding his claim on the corn for salary in the future. The aim was probably, to effect his dismission, and to damage bis reputation to such a degree, that his claim for compensation would be invalli. Is this last regard, the minister gained a substantial victory in che Con- cil. But the contest was not ended. The matter of compensation. as- cording to the advice of the Council, was submitted to referees : covi there the point was to get clear of all damages, or reduce żem so a minimum. To find the sequel, we must refer again to the town Rec- ords. On the 30th of September, 1799, a town meeting was held.
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
which " heard the Result of the Ecclesiastical meeting read." This meeting was adjourned to October 11, when after hearing the Result again, and maturely considering the same, it was voted, " to comply with the advice given in said Result, in referring pecuniary concerns to referees mutually chosen between the Rev. Mr. Brown on the one part, and the town, or their committec, on the other part, in case they cannot agree between themselves respecting the matter." The Select- men were directed " to negotiate and transact all necessary matters with Mr. Brown respecting a reference, and settling pecuniary matters." The committee attended to their duties without delay, and at the same meeting made a report to the town in writing as follows :
" Pursuant to our being appointed a committee to negotiate matters with the Rev. Joseph Brown, we attended the service, and made an attempt to set- tle pecuniary matters, but did not succeed. We then attempted to choose referees, and each party nominated three persons. The committee nominated Daniel Biglo [Bigelow] Esq., of Petersham, Esq. Hale, of Brookfield, and Esq. Heywood, of Worcester. Then Mr. Brown nominated Major Bridge, of Lexington, Col. Wright, of Westford, and Esq Wales, of Dorchester. Mr. Brown offered to let the committee choose cither of them for a chairman. Then the committee proposed to take the matter under consideration, and withdrew."
SAMUEL CROSBY, EZRA HIDE, DESIRE TOLMAN, BENJAMIN HUBBARD.
Another meeting was held on the 29th of November, when the Se- lectmen as a committee were empowered " to enter into arbitration bonds in behalf of the town, and submit matters relating to Mr. Brown, to ar- bitrators or referees." A committee-the Selectmen-to wait on Rev. Joseph Brown, " to see if he will take a dismission in form from the town as their minister." A committee was chosen to supply the pul- pit after the 10th of December ; viz : Doct. Israel Whiton, Dea. Sam- uel Prentice and Samuel Crosby. On the 1st of December it was vo- ted that the same committee be authorized " in behalf of the town, to sign a rule of submission which was drawn up by Daniel Biglow, Esq., and was read in town meeting previous to the passing said vote. Also, voted that said committee acknowledge said vote before a Justice of the Peace, agreeable to an Act of the General Court, in which said rule is prescribed ; and then the meeting was adjourned for one hour for the
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HISTORY OF WITCHESDON.
purpose of signing and acknowledging said rule, which was done ac- cordingly ; and at the end of the hour, the town met again according to adjournment, and after being informed that pecuniary concerns were submitted to referees, viz: to Zacchens Wright, of Westford, Josiah Goddard, of Athol, and John Bridge, Esqrs. ; then the town passed the following vote, viz: " Whereas the town have complied with the con- ditions of Mr. Brown's dismission on their part, they consider his dis- mission as now effected, and that they do not consider themselves as holden to pay him any more salary from this time, and request him to desist from preaching, for the future, in this town."
In regard to this reference, Dr. Whiton remarks: " that there was a great deal of excitement. The town attempted to show that Mr. Brown had had so much to do in creating the difficulty as not to be entitled to pecuniary damages ; numerous witnesses were called in support of charg- es against him ; crowds were collected to hear the trial in the meeting- house. The town employed as their advocate, Hon. Leri Lincoln. 30on afterwards Attorney General of the United States ; Mr. Brown had Hon. Timothy Bigelow, of Groton ; both advocates of the first eminence. The Referees-one of them however diesenting-gave Mr. Brown al- most one thousand dollars, and costs; an award with which the town, however reluctant, was obliged to comply."
The town, as we have seen. thought its obligation to pay Mr. Brown's salary ceased after the first of December. They had agreed to abide by the decision of the referees, and had given bonds to that effect, and therefore now claimed the pulpit as under their control. It would seem however, that the other party had not arrived at the same concinsion. A town meeting was held on the 30th of December, when it was vored " to shut up and fasten the meeting-house." The committee chosen to do this business, were Col. Boynton, Capt. Graton, Col. Woodbury, Lieut. Adams, Lieut. Raymond, Mr. Phinehas Whitney, and Mr. Geo. Coffin. This committee were instructed not to admit " any other person into the pulpit on the Sabbath. excepting the preacher. or preachers employed by order of the town, or their committee." The marks of this committee's work are still to be seen in the old window sashes of the meeting-house now in one of the shops of Mr. Baxter D. Whitney. What was the necessity for this action, is not definitely known ; but it is quite possible that Mr. Brown thought the town had not complied with the conditions of the reference until he had received
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
his dues. However that may be, it is pretty certain that Mr. Brown could not force his way to the pulpit through such a cordon of military officers as were set to guard the entrances to the sanctuary. A few items more from the records, will close the narrative of this unhappy controversy. On the 20th of January, 1800, the town voted a " sum of money to pay the cost of the late reference, and allowed Flavel Crosby's charge for two journeys to Worcester, and, including cash paid Judge Lincoln and Mr. Bangs, $250."
Take also in this connection, the following significant move. One article in the warrant for the annual meeting, March 3, 1800, was " to sce what instructions the town will give the assessors respecting abating the rates of those persons who are of the denomination of Baptists or Methodists, respecting all charges on account of our late Minister in town." This matter was left with the Assessors.
On the 7th of May, the town granted "the sum of eight hundred eighty-six dollars and eighty-eight cents, for the purpose of discharging the demand that Rev. Joseph Brown has against the the town;" and on the 28th, a vote was passed, granting " to witnesses at the referees, and summoning them, $26,78." At the same meeting, the question was raised in respect to " petitioning the General Court to grant a new hearing in the action, 'Joseph Brown, clerk, against the inhabitants of the town of Winchendon.'" The motion was passed over. How- ever reluctant to pay, the town did not think it best to prolong the con- test. Their delay however laid them open to an action in law, which led to the following vote in town meeting, November 3, 1800. "Vo- ted that the money be collected immediately for the purpose of repay- ing the money that was borrowed to discharge the execution, " Brown against the Inhabitants of Winchendon." After all these details, it is pleasant to read the following words, from one whose boyhood was fa- miliar with the whole transaction. Dr. Whiton says: " Soon afterwards these agitations, which had made Winchendon like a boiling caldron, began to subside. Mr. Brown, a year or two after his dismission, re- moved from town, supplied for a few years the desk at Guilford, Ver- mont, and died at Windsor, at the house of a son-in-law, in 1810."
THE TOWN-PARISH SINCE 1800.
Perhaps it may be as well to finish up the history of the town as a parish, before laying the subject aside. It continued to act in that
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HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
capacity throughout the ministry of Mr. Pilsberry * and a few years into that of his successor, Mr. Clark, when its functions in that line terminated.
On the 2d of February, 1801, the town voted to " take some meas- ures respecting agreeing with Mr. Levi Pillsbury as to the time of his settling among us as a publick teacher of piety, morality and religion." In the next place, under another article, it was voted to make choice of Mr. Levi Pillsbury as their " publick teacher of piety, morality and religion." They voted to offer him $400 as salary annually, and every year, including rents of ministerial lands, as long as said town and said Mr. Pillsbury shall agree. A committee was chosen to attend to the business, viz : Dr. Israel Whiton, Amos Heywood, Lt. Paul Raymond, Col. Jacob B. Woodbury and Col. Paul Boynton.
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