USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > Memorial of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester, Mass. August, 1892 > Part 7
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We think, to-day, that great has been the change from New England Puritanism, and we are all prone to deplore some marks of change which seem to indicate degeneration, a falling away from the stern and lofty standards of our fathers. Do we love truth as they loved it? Would we sacrifice for it as they sacrificed for it? Do we abhor shams and wrongs as they abhorred them, and would we fight them as valiantly as they fought them? Sometimes we think not. The outward marks of our religion and devotion are certainly somewhat lacking. Our churches are not crowded as they used to be, nor in proportion to our increased resources are they so well supported by our contributions as they were. The New England Sabbath is not wholly departed, but a good deal of its strictness has vanished, while there is a rapidly increas-
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ing patronage for the Sunday excursion or for the overwhelming non- sense of the Sunday papers or for any of the helps to laziness and thoughtlessness.
And yet there are encouraging considerations which show that the influence of Puritanism has not wholly departed. There was consecra- tion, patriotism, true religion, enough manifested in this land a genera- tion ago to reassure us, and convince us that in the crisis, the hour of supreme trial, there is Puritan virtue and heroism left yet.
Notwithstanding all we hear about the lack of interest in the church and in religion, no novels, short stories, essays, and newspaper editorials are read with such avidity, and win for their writers and publishers such a good financial return, as those which deal with either the fundamental doctrines of religion, or the work of applied Chris- tianity. Both these discussions of religious doctrine and religious life are perused with the utmost eagerness. Is it not because the children of the Puritan are very shy of the ex parte claims of the churches, but really desirous to get at the truth, and that they want to know how men really think, and want to think the right thoughts, and do the right things themselves?
There is somewhat yet of the stability and earnestness of our Puritan forefathers. Let us thank God, and take courage !
THE FIRST CHURCH, ROCKPORT (FIFTH PARISH).
At the First Church, Rockport (Congregational), the day was full of historical significance. Flowers and music, a crowded church, and a powerful sermon by the Rev. Israel Ainsworth, made the day memo- rable. From the historical discourse we are permitted to print the following brief extract : -
From 1697 to 1840 the inhabitants of what is now the town of Rockport were citizens of Gloucester, their religious, social, and politi- cal life was identified with that community. For many years the population of this part of Cape Ann was very small, making it neces- sary for our Puritan fathers and mothers to worship with the First Church at Gloucester. They went over the bridle paths, some on horseback, some on foot, but we may be sure that most of those who were able were constant at meeting. In the year 1737, a petition was presented to the First Parish for assistance to support preaching ; with the increase in the number of settlers and their children the distance between them and the meeting-house became a very serious matter.
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They erected a school-house, in 1725, " to keep a good school in for the godly instruction of children, and teaching of them to read and write good English." The First Parish refused their request for a remission of a part of their parish rates, but the General Court ordered the granting of the request in 1740, so that they could sustain preaching.
Rev. Moses Parsons was employed during the winter ; and several others whose names have not been preserved, contributed to the spiritual cultivation of what was soon to be the Fifth Parish in Glouces- ter. The people of " Sandy Bay " had been without a place of worship, except their log school-house; but in 1753, owing no doubt to the presence of Mr. Ebenezer Cleveland among them, they began to hope and plan for a meeting-house and a settled ministry.
The act for the incorporation of the "Fifth " or "Sandy Bay " Parish of the town of Gloucester was approved by the Governor, Jan. 1, 1754. The new meeting house was erected about this time, on what is now known as Mount Pleasant Square and stood there for more than fifty years. It was about thirty-six feet square, two stories high, fronting towards the South with an entrance porch, and like all the early Puritan places of worship in New England, without a steeple. It contained eighteen pews and three long seats in a space each side of the middle aisle, near the pulpit. In the porch was the stairway lead- ing to the gallery, where the singers faced the minister, and led the people in the singing of Watts' Psalms and Hymns after the deacon who sat under the pulpit had lined them off.
The church was organized Feb. 13, 1755, with ten members who had been dismissed from the First Church for the purpose of per- fecting the organization of the new church. The first ordination in the new parish took place in December, 1755, when Rev. Ebenezer Cleveland became the first pastor and teacher. His salary was fixed at sixty pounds a year, which was four times the amount of their town tax for the same year. Mr. Cleveland was born in Canterbury, Conn., Jan. 5, 1725, and was a graduate of Yale College. He was away from the parish at intervals during the years 1758-68, performing the duties of chaplain in the army, in connection with the French and Indian wars. In 1775, after twenty years of pastoral service, he obtained the consent of his church to become chaplain in the Revolutionary army. When he returned home, the parish was so desolated by the ravages of war, - some having fallen in battle, others having died on board of prison ships, or perished at sea (most of the male members had taken some part in the struggle for independence, either on land or on the
FIRST CHURCH, Rockport (Congregational), Fifth Parish, erected 1804. Israel Ainsworth, Pastor, 1892.
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sea), - that it was impossible for the depleted church to render their beloved pastor an adequate support. So in June, 1780, with deep regret, they consented to his resignation, with the understanding that arrangements would be made for his dismission when he should ask for it. He was formally dismissed in 1784.
The succeeding twenty years record only occasional preaching services. The lack of pastoral oversight and care for so many years, produced its effect in the spiritual demoralization of the parish. But the return of the old pastor, in 1798, from his labors in New Hamp- shire, to reside once more in his old home, quickened the religious interest, and led to the consideration of the necessity of erecting a new meeting-house, which is the one at present occupied by the society. The work was begnn in 1803, and completed in 1804. The service of dedication took place in October. The new building cost nine thousand dollars. Before the second pastor began his work, the Rev. Mr. Cleveland preached in the new place of worship, as did also the Rev. Elisha Williams, a Baptist minister from Beverly. Rev. Mr. Cleveland died July 4, 1805, and his remains were interred in the Old Parish burying ground. To the end he trusted "in the same God who had protected him when the bullets were flying about his head, and he rested on the doctrine of free grace his hope of immortal glory."
The old pastor had gone and the old meeting-house was taken down and sold at auction. The people now turned to the new meet- ing-house and looked forward to the induction of a new minister. Mr. David Jewett was their choice, and he was ordained Oct. 30, 1805. He was born in Hollis, N. H., July 16, 1773, graduated from Dart- mouth College in 1801. There were but thirteen of the eighty-six members who had united with the church since its organization left when he began his labors here, - two males and eleven females. But gracious seasons of revival soon brought joy and strength to the feeble church. Jan. 1, 1827, the membership was sixty-seven, and during that year fifty more were admitted on confession of faith, while in the next year the accessions were eighty-nine, making a total for two years of one hundred and thirty-nine.
The church, which at the beginning of this pastorate numbered only thirteen, was at the time of the dissolution of the pastoral relation two hundred and fifteen. A growing interest in the children of the church is apparent from the fact that they were catechised and instructed in the Word of God from the very commencement of Mr. Jewett's min- istry. The Sunday school was organized May 23, 1818, with about one
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hundred and fifty members. Owing to failing health, Mr. Jewett was compelled to resign in 1836, and was dismissed by council May 4 of that year. " He had sought the best good of all around him, and made the doing of good the great business for which he lived. His home was the bosom of hospitality and friendship, of peace and love. As a preacher he was bold and energetic. His statements of divine truth were full, clear, and impressive. In the early part of his ministry he acquired the habit of extemporaneous preaching. This habit he main- tained through his ministry, though occasionally using written sermons. It was evident that his strength as a preacher lay in his extemporaneous. deliverances, in which he could arouse as well as instruct, and impress and move as well as convince. It was remarked by many, in the latter part of his ministry, with what animation and energy, with what life and spirit, he addressed a religious assembly, exhibiting in old age, and under many bodily infirmities, all the fire of youth."
It was well said by the Gloucester Telegraph and News : "During his ministry he saw all of the older societies of Gloucester depart from the faith handed down from the Puritans, either carried away by the tide of Universalism that swept over the Cape, or by the later or more general flow of Unitarianism, which extended through this and neighboring States. Yet, nothing daunted, he steered his own bark in safety through the storm, and gathered from the wrecks around him enough to reorganize and reconstruct. And it is to his perseverance and devotedness that Gloucester now owes, under Providence, her three, and Rockport two, Orthodox churches." And, we may add, at the present time, Gloucester, her four, and Rockport, her three, Orthodox Congregational churches, containing the largest organized Protestant force on Cape Ann. Mr. Jewett died in Waltham, July 14, 1841, in the home of his son-in-law. It was the desire of the whole parish that his remains should be brought to Rockport, and this desire was met when, on July 13, 1856, the interment was made in the old burying-ground. A fine monument of Rockport granite marks the
spot. The successor of the Rev. David Jewett was the Rev. Wakefield Gale, who was born in Pembroke, N. H., Jan. 18, 1797; graduated from Dartmouth College in 1822, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1825. His first pastorate was in Eastport, Me., where he remained ten years, when he received a call to become pastor of this church. He accepted the call, and was installed May 4, 1836.
An historical sketch of the Essex South Conference contains the following : "The name of the Rev. Wakefield Gale, of Rockport, brings singular suggestions of heavenly breezes, refreshing the souls of
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men. During the year 1837, fifty-two were received, and the church numbered two hundred and eighty-four. Jan. 1, 1840, the record of faithful toil was evident again. Fifty-seven had been received, and that wonderful church, which numbered only sixty-seven, in 1827, attained a total of three hundred and thirty-four, a five-fold increase in membership in thirteen years." The meeting-house, the erection of which was completed in 1804, was altered and improved, inside and out, at an expense of eight thousand dollars, in 1839. Re-opening services were held in it, Jan. 1, 1840, when an appropriate sermon was preached by the pastor. The church reported the largest membership in its history, Jan. 1, 1844, three hundred and eighty-nine. Mr. Gale resigned his pastorate early in 1863, and he was dismissed by council, Feb. 10, 1864. His ministry made an impression upon the life of Rockport that can never be effaced. The spirituality of the man may, in a measure, be judged by the many beautiful revival scenes which the church enjoyed under his leadership. After leaving Rockport, he resided in Easthampton, acting as pastor in West Granville, from 1867 to 1870. He died Oct. 3, 1881. His remains were interred in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Rev. William H. Dunning was the next pastor. He was born in Mobile, Ala., Nov. 12, 1836. Graduated from Harvard University in 1858, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1863. He was ordained pastor of this church, Feb. 10, 1864. His health was imper- fect from the first and the cares of so large a parish were too great a burden for him, with his declining strength. After a pastorate of three and a half years, he was compelled to resign, and was dismissed by Council, Sept. 6, 1867. But, though short, his ministry was an earnest and successful one, resulting in the addition to the church of fifty new members. He died suddenly at Faribault, Minn., Sept. 10, 1868, in the place to which he had gone with the hope of recovering his lost health.
Rev. James W. Cooper was ordained the fifth pastor of this church, Sept. 10, 1868. He was born in New Haven, Conn., Oct. 2, 1842, graduated from Yale College in the class of 1865, and from Andover Theological Seminary, in 1868. Mr. Cooper's pastorate was of short duration, but during his term of service the church was very prosperous, the membership was over three hundred and the Sunday school at one time numbered four hundred and sixteen, with an average attendance of three hundred. Sixty-three united with the church. On account of the health of his family, after a ministry here of twenty-six months, he resigned his office, and was dismissed by Council, June 6,
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1871. Dr. Cooper is the only ex-pastor of this church now living ; he has been in charge of the South Congregational Church, New Britain, Conn., since 1878.
The Rev. Charles C. McIntire became the next pastor by instal- lation Dec. 28, 1871. He was born in Feeding Hills, Agawam, Mass., May 14, 1830, graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1861, and was ordained September 17 of the same year at Greene, N. Y. He came here from a pastorate in Pontiac, Mich. During a period of nearly eight years he endeared himself to the community, notwith- standing the fact that he was here during the most trying years in the history of the parish. The number received into the church while he was in service here was fifty-seven. The work of enlarging and remod- elling the church and chapel buildings, which was begun just before Mr. McIntire came, was completed during his ministry, and cost twenty-eight thousand dollars. The expense resulting from these alterations, owing to depression in business and financial failures, greatly embarrassed the church society. He resigned his pastorate July, 1879, but was not regularly dismissed by council until Sept. 3, 1880. He died at Pittsford, Vt., May 19, 1890.
Rev. Rowland B. Howard was installed as his successor, Sept. 3, 1880. He was born in Leeds, Me., Oct. 17, 1834, graduated from Bowdoin College in 1856, and from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1860. He was ordained at Farmington, Me., Oct. 11, 1860. During his pastorate here, the financial condition of the church society was put on a substantial basis, and the historic meeting-house was saved to the church through his wise and laborious efforts. There was also a deepening of the spiritual life of the church, and thirty-six members were added. Being called to the secretaryship of the American Peace Society, Mr. Howard resigned his pastorate June 1, 1884, and was dismissed Feb. 13, 1885. He died in Rome, Italy, Jan. 25, 1892.
The Rev. Albert F. Norcross was installed by council on the date of Mr. Howard's dismissal. He was born in Rindge, N. H., April 11, 1853, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1878, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1881. He was ordained at Shirley, Mass., Aug. 31, 1881, from whence he was called to Rockport. Mr. Norcross was a most devoted and faithful pastor. While not very robust in health, he never spared himself. He loved his work, and was greatly beloved while he was engaged in it. During his labors in Rockport, seventy were added to the church, forty-two of them on one occasion. He resigned his office to accept a call to the Congregational Church in Sherburne, N. Y., February, 1891, and preached his last pastoral
RIVERDALE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, erected 1838. George O. Crosby, Pastor, 1892.
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sermon here the first Sunday in March, when he welcomed into the church the fruits of a recent revival. He died while pastor in Sher- burne, Nov. 28, 1893.
Rev. Israel Ainsworth, the present pastor, was installed April 30, 1891, by the same council which dismissed Mr. Norcross. He was called from the Second Congregational Church in Peabody During this pastorate the parsonage has come fully into the possession of the society, the last shares which had divided the ownership having been purchased. Many needed improvements have also been made in the church property, the introduction of electric lights into the church and chapel buildings being among them. But no debts have been con- tracted ; every improvement has been provided for beforehand. The church came into possession of five thousand dollars Jan. 30, 1895, this sum having been bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth Jewett, daughter of the Rev. David Jewett, the interest of which is to be used for the benefit of the poor connected with the church and congregation. There has been a good degree of spiritual growth and prosperity, resulting in aggressive work and the admission of quite a number of new members into church fellowship. The Sunday school is in a more prosperous condition than for a decade past, and the two Christian Endeavor Societies are doing good work "for Christ and the church." This church has been for nearly one hundred and forty-five years a potent influence for good, not only in Rockport and the adjoining city, but throughout the country, where many of its former members may be found.
During the past few years of business depression, this church has suffered with the other churches of this town, by the departure of a number of adherents to other places, and especially by the absence of young people who have been obliged to leave for larger business centres. But the old church has a future as well as a past. Full of faith in the God of the fathers, with a clear vision of what ought to be done, it sees new opportunities for usefulness as it approaches changed conditions which will result from a revival of business interests; and under the guidance of the spirit of Christ will not be unprepared for the new ethical and spiritual revival for which all devout Christians hope and pray.
Tuesday Evening, August 23.
REUNION, ABSENT SONS AND DAUGHTERS, CITY HALL.
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REUNION.
T "HE formal exercises in connection with the anniversary began on Tuesday evening with the reunion of the absent sons and daughters at City Hall. Especial efforts had been made by the Invita- tion Committee to reach these absent sons and daughters, and over three thousand invitations had been sent, urging them to return for this celebration. Hundreds, an unusually large number, did return, and to them the anniversary days were full of intense pleasure. On the occasion of the reunion City Hall was crowded, most of those present being former residents at home again.
On the platform were seated Mayor Andrews ; George H. Procter, chairman of the committee on literary exercises ; D. O. Marshall, sec- retary ; Francis Procter, secretary executive committee; City Treas- urer Edward Dolliver, ex-Mayor Rogers, City Clerk Somes, Alderman Harvey C. Smith, Acting President of the Council Percy W. Wheeler, Major John S. Calef, and many others.
The hall was elaborately and beautifully decorated for the occa- sion. The front of the platform was a mass of flowers, evergreen, and tropical plants. Below were folds of bunting, in the centre being, in letters of gold on background of black, the word " Welcome." Over- head were streamers of bunting, and the same material radiated from two central points on the ceiling to various points of the walls. The walls were decorated with Japanese panel screens as well as festoons of flags. The balcony railing was hidden by white lace, and underneath were flags and festoons, tastily arranged.
The evening's ceremonies were opened by a selection, overture to " Fra Diavolo," by the Lynn Brass Band. The second number was an overture for violin and piano by Prof. J. Jay Watson and Miss Annie A. Watson, of New York, both children of Gloucester. . Professor Watson performed on a violin which was presented to him by Ole Bull and which was made in 1616 by the famous Amati Brothers of Cremona.
His Honor Mayor ANDREWS then welcomed those present with the following well chosen words : -
Ladies and Gentlemen, Sons and Daughters of old Cape Ann, - I am pleased to-night to stand before this audience, composed as it is largely of Gloucester's home-coming sons and daughters. Of course, many of you are
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strangers to me, coming as you have from distants parts of the States to visit the home of your childhood. Certainly we feel pleased, as citizens of Gloucester, to bid you welcome.
When we look over this vast audience, and consider that there are in this hall to-night about fifteen hundred people, and then compare this with the invitations sent out to the absent sons and daughters of the Cape, num- bering thirty-four hundred, remembering that this large audience numbers only about one half as many as the absent sons and daughters we have enrolled and invited to be present this evening, we cannot fail to be impressed.
This is the opening incident of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester. Looking backward two and a half centuries, we recall the many struggles, incident to the new settlement on these shores. Certainly in none were they more marked than here on the rugged coast of Cape Ann, in consequence of the industry which Gloucester has always had to resort to for a livelihood for her hardy population. So, with reverent memory, we recall to-night the many absent sons who have given up their lives, that we might at this time celebrate this event, and making it possible for us, in this year 1892, to enjoy the privileges we do in this good old town.
For certainly, there is no town that I know of anywhere in the State, which one can look upon with more pleasure, or where there is more to please the eye of the stranger, than this rugged old town which we regard with so much affection.
We have here on Cape Ann, as everyone knows who is familiar with the surroundings, attractions which few cities can present. We have the sea- coast, with its refreshing breezes ; we have the inland, studded with natural attractions, which make our picturesque old town attractive, and attract here many summer visitors from all parts of our broad land, and we all feel pleased to have them come here and mingle with the sons and daughters of our native city.
To-night, as we gather to celebrate our two hundred and fiftieth anni- versary, an honor to which very few cities in the Commonwealth have attained, we feel proud of all achievements of our fathers, and all that they have wrested from the sea, to make our homes comfortable, and to build up such a contented and peaceful community.
And as I welcome its sons and daughters to-night, I feel a regret that there are not more of you present with us on this happy occasion. As in their distant homes they take up the papers and read over the program, as they will, they cannot fail to wish that they were present in body, as they undoubtedly are in spirit, wishing that they might take part in the exercises of the week.
But as from force of circumstances, or through being so far away, they are unable to join with us in this celebration, we ought to do everything in our power to give them all the information possible pertaining to the event, and the committee will endeavor, through the papers or otherwise, to convey to them such information, so that they can enjoy the narrative, thinking if
Oldest School-house, Beacon Street, erected 1794 (now Historical Society Building).
High School, erected 1888. City Hall, erected 1869-70.
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