USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Watertown > Memorial history of the First Baptist Church : Watertown, Massachusetts. 1830-1930. > Part 2
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
[23]
A Memorial History of the
Then John Tucker offered his house as a place of meeting and built a platform in his parlor for the Sun- day Evening Service.
Finally a larger room, over the Mill Creek, at the head of Mt. Auburn Street, was secured and there was fostered the primal faith and zeal that have character- ized Watertown Baptists during one hundred years of activity. The Norsemen, Captain John Smith and Prince Charles came, tarried awhile, and then van- ished, leaving only tablets written by Historical Socie- ties in later years. The little group of Baptist adven- turers discovered possibilities in childhood, conquered all antagonistic forces arrayed against their program, and left as a legacy to America a church of the living God.
Under date of July 6, 1930, the first minutes of that church are recorded. Watertown, July 6, 1830, "A number of brethren and sisters met at the house of Jesse Wheeler, according to a previous appointment, to take into consideration the expediency of forming a Baptist church in this place.
Ministering brethren, Joseph Grafton, of Newton Centre; Bela Jacobs, of Cambridge; Peter Chase, of Williston, Vt., and Deacon Brown, of Cambridge, were present and the following action was taken:
1. Chose Rev. Joseph Grafton Moderator.
2. The meeting was then opened with prayer, by the Moderator, after which the particular object of the meeting was stated.
3. The visiting brethren then expressed their views respecting the manner of proceeding to form a church.
[24]
-
THE MARSHALL STUDIO
REV. CHARLES LYON SEASHOLES Pastor Since 1923
Watertown Baptist Church
4. After hearing the brethren and sisters present ex- press their minds in relation to associating in the order of a gospel church, the visiting brethren gave it as their opinion that it is expedient to have a church formed in Watertown and recommended that we fix on a day for the business and that notice be accordingly given to the brethren and sisters in this vicinity to meet and form themselves into a church by adopting a Declaration of Faith and a Covenant as the required form of sound words, and by appointing a clerk. The meeting was then dissolved.
July 12, 1830, a number of brethren and christian friends met for prayer and consultation on the subject of forming a church as had been recommended at the meeting on the sixth instant, and voted that all the mem- bers of Baptist Churches who are now living in this vicinity be invited to meet on Lord's day, the eighteenth instant and, immediately after public worship proceed to the formation of a church.
Lord's Day, July 18, 1830. After hearing an ad- dress from Exodus 32:26, "Who is on the Lord's side let him come unto me," the brethren proceeded to the business as had been proposed.
1. Rev. Peter Chase stated the necessary steps to be taken.
2. Prof. Ira Chase then gave out a hymn to be sung and engaged in prayer.
3. Rev. Joseph Grafton was appointed Moderator of the meeting.
4. Read the Declaration of our views of christian doctrine and Church Covenant which had been pre- pared.
[25]
A Memorial History of the
5. Called on the brethren and sisters present to say if they were ready to enter into covenant as a church in gospel order. About forty answered in the affirma- tive.
6. It was moved that the Articles of Faith embraced in the Declaration be adopted, which was done by a unanimous vote, all the members rising.
7. The brethren then appointed James Bishop Clerk of the Church.
The church being thus formed, Father Grafton then very affectionately addressed them, mentioned his oc- casional labors with the people of Watertown for more than forty years and his anxiety to see what he had this day witnessed. He expressed an ardent desire that when the tongue which then addressed them should be silent in death, their tongues might be heard to speak the praises of God. He then closed the exercises by prayer, commending us to God and the word of His grace. Two verses of the Union hymn being sung the assembly was dismissed."
If ever a man was sent from God that man was Rev. Joseph Grafton. After forty-eight years of indefatig- able labors as minister of the First Baptist Church at Newton Centre he distributed by his last will property appraised as follows: Real Estate, $1,500; Personal Estate, $388.12; Library, $76. But he left in various communities a score of Baptist churches he had helped to form.
On the green turf, in an ancient burial ground near the center of Newton, side by side, stand two monu- ments. They mark the resting place of two aged minis-
[26]
Watertown Baptist Church
ters who toiled as brothers and friends for a half cen- tury.
Beneath one lies the Rev. Dr. Homer, pastor of the Congregational Church, Newton Centre; under the other sleeps Father Grafton. This cemetery was for- merly passed weekly, by the early Baptists of Water- town, in attendance upon divine worship; it is now visited reverently by all Baptists.
The expense of the monument over Father Grafton's grave was met principally by subscription, not exceed- ing one dollar each, from a multitude whose lives he had blessed. On the east face of the monument is this inscription :
A Memorial of Unsurpassed Ministerial Fidelity, Hallowed Affections, and Holy Perseverance, Erected by Many Friends
[27]
CHAPTER III The Early Prophets
I N the realm of the christian religion a prophet is a forth-teller. The prophets of Israel were called and empowered to speak for God. They were sent to special groups, at divers times, not as cunning forecasters of future events, but as faithful interpreters of the will of God for individual and national life.
The Ministers who have served the First Baptist Church in Watertown have thus conceived and obeyed their commission. They are grouped into Early Prophets and Later Prophets to heighten interest in their achievements and to mark off distinct stages of progress in the story of One Hundred Years.
The opening year of prophetic leadership, 1830-1831, may well be remembered for its record of first things.
THE LIST IS OF HISTORIC INTEREST
The First Minister. July 26, 1830, the church and society voted to invite Rev. Peter Chase of Williston, Vt., brother of Prof. Ira Chase of Newton Theologi- cal Seminary, to become their first pastor and the in- vitation was duly accepted.
The First Board of Deacons. Josiah Stone, John Coolidge and Jesse Wheeler, a rare trio, were the first to serve the church in this honorable capacity. They wrote history in character that abides.
The First Sexton. Elijah Pratt was appointed sex- ton at the organization of the church and served with rare fidelity for a period of forty-nine years. He
[28]
Watertown Baptist Church
counted it an honor to be doorkeeper in the House of the Lord.
The First Council. August 8, 1830, the church voted : "To call a council to meet on the nineteenth in- stant for the purpose of publicly recognizing the church as properly constituted and in fellowship with the Boston Association, for inducting into the pastoral office their Pastor Elect, and to join with them in dedi- cating to Almighty God their new Meeting House."
The First Celebration. August 19, 1830, the church was recognized in due form, the Pastor installed and the House of Worship dedicated, - a high day in Watertown Baptist history.
The First Covenant Meeting. September 3, 1830, the church gathered in their home and voted to ob- serve the Lord's Supper on the first Sabbath of each month and that a church meeting be held statedly on the Thursday preceeding the first Sabbath in each month.
The First Candidate Committee. Thursday, Sep- tember 3, 1830, voted : "That brethren Josiah Stone and Joshua Coolidge be a committee, with our Pastor, to hear the christian experience of such as may wish to unite with the church by baptism, and to invite them if found proper subjects, to come before the church." No better associates could have been selected for this vital task.
The First Group for Baptism. September 30, 1830, Sibil Horn, Mary Ann Rice, Mary Sprague, Mrs. Dorcas Vila, Abigail Baron, Abigail Wheeler and Jesse Wheeler were accepted by the church and on
[29]
A Memorial History of the
October 2 Susan Baron was added to the above group.
The First Baptism. "Lord's Day, October 3, 1830, the church and a large assembly of people repaired to the riverside where prayer, in the apostles' day, was 'wont to be made,' but now for the first time in Water- town on such an occasion," and eight persons were bap- tized.
The place was at the town landing at the foot of Riverside Street, when the tide was full and this, with a few exceptions, remained the place of baptism until the second church was built in 1858. The alternate place of baptism was at the bend of the river, off Pleas- ant Street. Immediately on coming out of the water the candidates were received into carriages and con- veyed to their homes.
These baptismal seasons were witnessed by large as- semblies of people, on both sides of the river, who gave most respectful attention.
The First Hand of Fellowship. Lord's Day, Octo- ber 3, 1830, Adeline May, Harriet Parker, and Mariah Hobbs, with the eight who had been baptized were given the Hand of Fellowship and took their seats at the Lord's Table.
The First Letter of Dismission. Lord's Day, Octo- ber 19, 1830, a letter of commendation was granted to Abijah Stone to join any other Baptist church where God in His providence might lead him.
The First Resignation. Thursday evening, Decem- ber 2, 1830, James Bishop requested the church to excuse him from serving as clerk. No reason for laying down the office is given, but the request has a
[30]
Watertown Baptist Church
decidedly modern tone. 1830 and 1930 face common religious requests.
The First Pastoral Extra. December 2, 1830, the church voted that their Pastor serve as Clerk and Pastor Chase joined the noble army of christian leaders who are rated available for all emergency tasks.
THE FIRST ROLL OF MEMBERS
Charter Members
1. Adams, Eliza
24. Newton, Charlotte
2. Bishop, James
25. Olney, Lucinda
3. Bishop, Ruth 26. Phelps, Amelia
4. Brigham, Eunice
27. Pratt, Elijah
5. Baxter, Mary L.
28. Pratt, Mrs. Lucy
7. Chase, Rev. Peter
29. Loud, Mary
9. Cram, Patience
31. Stone, Nathaniel
11. Chenery, Sibael
33. Stone, Abijah Sen.
12. Coolidge, John
34. Stone, Abigail
13. Coolidge, Mrs. Mary S.
35. Stone, Josiah
14. Coolidge, Jemima
36. Stone, Abijah, Jr.
37. Stone, Nancy
16. Daniels, Sarah
38. Stone, Esther
17. Hunting, Sarah
39. Stone, Matilda
18. Hodgkins, Samuel
40. Pratt, Abigail
19. Johnson, Phineas A.
20. Johnson, Abigail C.
21. Learned, Hannah
22. McGruder, Elizar
23. Neal, Oritha
41. Sawyer, Catharine
42. Tucker, Martha
43. Tucker, Eliza
44. Tainter, Elizabeth
45. Wheeler, Emeline
[31]
8. Chase, Martha
30. Richards, Nancy
10. Corey, Mary
32. Stone, Jerusha
15. Coolidge, Lucy
A Memorial History of the
First Converts from Pedo-Baptist Churches. March 13, 1831, Mrs. Fuller and Mr. Osgood Hutchinson were immersed on confession of their faith in Christ. The record states : "The day was pleasant, the assembly large and the season delightfully solemn."
First Recognition of Christian Stewardship. "April 1, 1831, took into consideration the benevolent opera- tions of the day for evangelizing the world and passed the following resolutions :
I. "That in view of the manifold and distinguish- ing goodness of God toward us, and of the circum- stances in which we live, it is our duty as a church to consider ourselves and society, bound by the most sacred and endearing obligations to our Lord who has redeemed us by his blood, to patronize whatever may tend evidently to promote the interests of His King- dom, and may upon mature deliberation, seem to re- quire our united efforts.
II. "That this church be and the same is hereby formed into a Religious Auxiliary Charitable Society to patronize all those objects of christian benevolence which upon mature and prayerful deliberation we shall deem to be our duty.
III. "That as a matter of course our Pastor be President of Society; that our clerk keep the records; that our Treasurer take charge of the monies or other articles collected ; and that these officers, together with the other officers of the church, be entrusted with carry- ing into effect this system.
IV. "That we respectfully and affectionately in- vite those of the congregation who may be disposed to
[32]
Watertown Baptist Church
cooperate with us and assure them of our gratitude for any help which they may be pleased to afford.
V. "That we assist to the extent of our means the Middlesex and Norfolk County Baptist Missionary Society and the Massachusetts Missionary Society and that to the annual meeting of the former we send a delegate." -
In addition a Female Missionary Society was formed embracing all or most of the female members of the church. From that early period the church has been a constant and generous supporter of all religious ac- tivities at home and abroad.
First Pastoral Resignation. May 13, 1831, Pastor Chase informed the church that "He considered it his duty to leave this place at the expiration of the passing year and requesting the church to allow him to retire sooner if duty seemed to dictate thus." It was voted to grant his request.
Pastor Chase remained but one year and it was a full year of achievement and blessing.
Twenty-three were received into membership; a Meeting House was dedicated; the church was form- ally recognized ; a Pastor was installed ; the church was organized for work, and Christian Stewardship was made a vital part of its program.
The next fourteen months were a pilotless period in the history of the church, but our Baptist fathers, ver- satile and victorious, kept the ship of Zion on an even keel and made a profitable voyage.
During this period the pulpit was supplied by repre- sentatives from Newton Theological Seminary, the
[33]
A Memorial History of the
services of Rev. Harvey Ball being especially accept- able.
Seven were baptized during these months of waiting and three young men decided to enter the ministry and sought the approval of the church. The church voted to commend James Bishop and Lemuel Hodgkins. The former graduated from Newton in the Class of 1835 but was never ordained.
After hearing Abijah Stone attempt twice to improve his gifts, aided at the second trial by two pro- fessors from Newton, it was voted, almost unanimous- ly :- "That he was deficient in the important essentials indispensibly necessary to engage in so important and responsible a calling."
REV. NICHOLAS MEDBURY
September 14, 1832, Rev. Nicholas Medbury, of the Central Baptist Church, Middleboro, Mass., was called in succession and entered upon the longest pas- torate of the first half century of organized Baptist work in Watertown.
One action of the church during its early history is worthy of a place in this volume and it occurred during Pastor Medbury's leadership.
Tuesday, February 16, 1841, at a regular business meeting of the church the following resolutions were freely discussed, slightly amended and finally adopted.
I. Resolved that the system of slavery as it exists in this nation, and even in the church, which makes merchandise of human beings, which deprives its vic- tims of the Word of Life and Salvation, sunders the
[34]
ELIZABETH BRADBURY (Mrs. C. L. Seasholes)
:
Watertown Baptist Church
marriage relation which God has made sacred, and tramples in the dust the golden rule of our Saviour which He has made the basis of all our intercourse, is a sin of awful magnitude, and like all other sins ought to be immediately abandoned. 1925512
II. Resolved that we deem it our duty, as a branch of the Church of Christ, to bear a decided, unequivo- cal testimony against this system of iniquity, that the guilty may be admonished and that we may escape being made partakers of the sins of others.
III. Resolved that we cannot receive to our fellow- ship as a Christian, or a Christian minister, a slave holder, or an apologist for slavery. It was also voted that a copy of the resolutions be sent to the Editors of the Christian Watchman and Christian Reflector for publication.
Tuesday, October 18. The Third Resolution was re- scinded and this substitute adopted :- " Resolved that we cannot admit as members of our body, nor invite to our Communion those who hold their fellow men in bondage."
In 1840 the church licensed Calvin French "To im- prove his gifts as a preacher." Later Mr. French's views seem to have changed, so the church on a proper report on the case adopted the following :
"Whereas our Brother Calvin French did receive from this church an instrument signifying our appro- bation of his improving his gifts, wherever Providence might cast his lot, and whereas we have since learned with regret that Brother French has imbibed and to some extent disseminated doctrines contrary to the gen-
[35]
A Memorial History of the
eral belief of this church, therefore: Resolved that though we feel the utmost kindness toward Brother French and have no wish to trammel his conscience, or in any degree to interfere with his private belief, yet we cannot continue to hold ourselves responsible for the propagation of his sentiments, and that Brother French be requested to give up to the church the instru- ment above referred to."
Brother French, unlike some men of more modern ideas as to propriety, saw the reasonableness of this re- quest and, after having had the privilege of fully ex- pounding his views at a special meeting of the church, surrendered the "instrument".
The outstanding feature of Pastor Medbury's min- istry was the great revival conducted by Evangelist Miller. Mr. Miller was a farmer-preacher, apparent- ly of sincerity and of a kindly disposition, who made up for his early disadvantages as best he could, and who had been licensed, but not ordained, by a Baptist church.
Mr. Miller emphasized the Second Coming of Christ as one of the most important truths in the Scriptures. "Almost incredible was the effect which his preaching and prophecy had on vast numbers of people, as were also the preparations that were made by many of his followers to be ready to meet the Lord when he should appear." So effective were his mes- sages that Watertown was shaken as a reed in the wind. More Bibles were bought and read by the citizens than ever before. Scores upon scores were received into church membership and the building was not large enough to hold the congregations.
[36]
Watertown Baptist Church
By the energetic efforts of George Lawton, one of the members, and others of the church, the old, white Meeting-House was enlarged by cutting it in twain, moving back the rear half and filling in between.
Some of the reactions to this revival were fanciful in the extreme and wrought considerable harm.
The annual minutes of the Boston North Baptist Association, held in 1897, in the First Baptist Church, Cambridge, contains an Historical Sketch of the First Baptist Church, Watertown. From it we quote the following paragraph :- "The latter part of Pastor Med- bury's pastorate was rendered unhappy and great in- jury was done the church by Millerism."
The Letter of Tremont Temple for the associational year of 1842-43 stated, according to the report of the association "a few have been added to our number, but the year has not been so prolific in showers of mercy, as in winds of doctrine. We have been under the neces- sity of excluding several of our number, not for believ- ing that Christ is coming in 1843, but because a belief in that doctrine was made not only a test of Christian- ity by its advocates, but a rallying point around which all faiths and creeds were mixing in a communion em- bracing the most destructive heresies."
Rev. and Mrs. Medbury with their pleasing manner, great ability, and rare devotion served the church for eleven years and his resignation was accepted reluct- antly August 15, 1843. During this period 308 new members were given the Hand of Fellowship. Jan- uary 5, 1844, Letters of Dismission were granted to Rev. and Mrs. Medbury to unite with the Baptist Church in Newburyport.
[37]
A Memorial History of the
REV. EDWARD D. VERY
From a brief history of the church, published in 1892, we quote the following :- "The Rev. Edward D. Very was called to the pastorate in December, 1843, and continued in office until January, 1845, having re- ceived ten persons into the church." These are the brief data of a brief pastorate. In all the manuscripts available to the historian the third prophet appears and departs with the same brevity.
The church records furnish some interesting hints for pastoral speed in 1844.
His call to the pastoral office apparently lacked spontaneity and unanimity. There were evidences that the church and society did not always dwell together in unity. Strict church discipline was voted and prac- tised with monthly regularity during this period, a de- pressing church program.
Pastor Very followed a beloved church leader the length and results of whose ministry form the outstand- ing feature of the first half century of church life.
He inherited considerable dissension in the church caused by the entrance of false doctrine, one of the re- actions from the notable revival conducted by Evange- list Miller.
Even with these problems Pastor Very could have weathered all opposition if the old motto :- "Silence is Golden" had been the key note of his practical theol- ogy.
It requires infinite tact and patience, to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, at any time; doubly true of all times.
[38]
Watertown Baptist Church
Historic facts are susceptible of dry repetition. Care has been taken to avoid the temptation to run all the prophets of one hundred years in a uniform mould. Therefore we venture to add this summary to a brief record :- He was a human prophet, of a human church, in its human reactions.
REV. CHARLES K. COLVER
In December 1845, Charles K. Colver, a Newton student, Class of 1843, was set apart to the gospel min- istry and became the fourth minister to serve in the white Meeting-House.
His father, then pastor of Tremont Temple, preached the Ordination Sermon. Among the distin- guished Baptist ministers who shared in the exercises we note the names of Rollin H. Neale, Henry J. Rip- ley, Joseph W. Parker and Samuel F. Smith, all men who made notable Baptist history. The Baptist En- cyclopædia 1881, has this to say about the preacher of the sermon "Dr. Colver's ministry in Boston was a remarkable one, unique in the history of the Boston pulpit, and scarcely equaled any where in this country at any time for boldness, energy, the mastery of form- idable difficulties, and its hold upon popular interest. In the higher results of spiritual effectiveness it was no less notable." Visitors from far and near flocked to his preaching as to one of the great attractions of the most fascinating city in America.
When Charles K. Colver, the son, was called to be- come pastor of the Watertown church it had a mem- bership of over two hundred, which made it one of the larger Baptist churches of the state. He remained
[39]
A Memorial History of the
with the church five years and fourteen were added to the membership.
Rev. John Hunt, in 1923, was the oldest living grad- uate of both Brown University and Newton. He was a class mate of Mr. Colver at both institutions and knew him intimately. In 1920 he wrote this description of his friend : "Mr. Colver had a sound and vigorous constitution. He inherited a good mind and body, which fitted him for long and useful work, and to stand better than many. He always appeared of about the same mood and state. He had much cheerfulness. He was not depressed in his intercourse with others. He was good company in society. He dressed neatly and decently, always. There was nothing flighty, or change- able, or unbecoming about him. As a scholar he was above the average. Throughout his whole course he was an earnest Christian worker, consistent and even in his work, words and acts. He expressed himself freely on all proper occasions, no matter whom he might hit. He cared not whether his words made him popular or unpopular. He was a copy of his father in body and mind. They were one in work, in views, and in doctrine. They both took strong ground on the anti- slavery side."
A good will episode occurred during Pastor Colver's term of service that is worthy of record.
Tuesday, June 16, 1846. "A request was presented by Deacon Joshua Coolidge that we give one of the Communion Tankards, belonging to the church, to the new Baptist church in Newburyport, Mass., * provided they are recognized by the council which had been called."
[40]
...
TCHEN FURNISHINGS.
BARGAIN STORE. KAUMK
SULLIVAN DRUG STORE.
HARDWA."
BOSTON LA CUAL CO. QUICK FIRE CHARCOAL PUT UP IN PAPER BAGS FOR FAMILY USE
-
-
SULLIVAN DRUG STORE The first Sunday School was organized bere 1827.
Watertown Baptist Church
July 21, 1846, Deacon Coolidge reported that the Tankard, with five cups and two plates had been for- warded to Newburyport. In this tangible way the church followed the example of her Master, "Who went about doing good".
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.