USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > Origin and annals of "The Old south," First Presbyterian church and parish, in Newburyport, Mass., 1746-1896 > Part 8
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Last Saturday night, in less than one hour, by actual count, seven hundred and fifty-four visits were made to twelve saloons
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of this city by men whose average age could not have exceeded thirty years. But I rejoice that where fourteen doors are open to drag men down there is at least one building, that of the Young Men's Christian Association, with open doors and warmth and cheer and welcome. to help men up.
I know that you will rejoice with me in the fact that today five thousand Young Men's Christian Associations are belting this round world ; that in five thousand towns and cities, are to be found these Christian Associations; that even in Jerusalem, and over against the way called Straight, where Saul of Tarsus went down to Damascus, you will find a Young Men's Christian As- sociation. It is a representative of these wide reaching and in- fluential organizations who gives you warm and hearty greeting.
I believe in the Church of Christ on earth. I believe in the great Presbyterian wing of Christ's army. Were not these be- liefs mine. I should not have the privilege of thus extending greeting.
Long may the Old South church endure, until every church and every Young Men's Christian Association and every organization which seeks to raise the fallen and extend the cup of cold water to the thirsty, shall join in one magnificent company, under the leadership of Him who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. And now, "forgetting those things which are behind ;"-is that it ? I think not under the circumstances, but rather, rejoicing in and profiting by the "Things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," let us "Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
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POETICAL OFFERINGS.
Several poems, sent as tributes of affection for the Old South Church, were read by Mrs. David Foss. Space can be given here for only the poem by Mrs. Haskell, that had been expressly requested for the occasion by the unanimous vote of the General Com- mittee. Others by Rev. W. R. Cochrane, D. D., Mr. Edward D. Pritchard, and Delevan Knight Carter. Esq., will be found in the Appendix to this volume.
"HOLY MEMORIES CLUSTER."
An Anniversary Poem by Mrs. Elizabeth Kimball Haskell, of Baker, Oregon.
Holy memories cluster round thee, Ancient church in sea-girt town : Generations past have crowned thee With a fadeless, pure renown.
Ministering at thine altar, Fearless men of God have stood ;
Men who would not shrink, or falter To have sealed their faith with blood.
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Fires of Sinai here have kindled, Bolts of wrath been hurled at sin, Vain ambitions paled and dwindled .As the perfect light shone in.
Sweet as rills in desert places, Sounded forth the gospel call, Pardon, peace and countless graces Offered full and free to all.
Oh, the prayers like incense lifted Through the opened gates of Heaven !
Clouds of doubt and anguish rifted, Souls new-born and sins forgiven.
Like a vision now appear,
Forms that long since passed away ;
Voices sweet, melodious, clear, With the invisible choir today.
Here in holy convocation, Maid and matron, sire and son,
Sat the reverent congregation, Worshipping the Triune One.
Hearts that thrilled have ceased to beat, Burning lips are cold and dumb ; Yet are heard the pilgrims' feet, As they to this Mecca come.
Still pursue thy sacred mission, Grand old church, our love and pride ! Call the sinner to contrition, Preach a Saviour crucified.
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Let thy heavenward-pointing spire Lift the thought of men above;
Raise the flagging purpose higher, Fill the atmosphere with love.
As of old the Master goeth Through his church with eyes like flame ;
He thy patient labor knoweth, All thou doest in His name.
Thus the heavenly message runneth, "Tis the Spirit makes it known,
Unto him that overcometh, Will I grant to share my throne.
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LETTERS OF CONGRATULATION.
Numerous messages of salutation and congratula- tion were received from all parts of the country, East, West, North and South. The originals will be bound up in a special volume and placed with our archives. All of them were publicly read by the Pastor; by Mr. William Binley, the clerk of the church; or by Mr. William E. Chase, the chairman of the Committee on Invitation. Some of these have been abridged and others are printed in full, while others again can only be gratefully mentioned; but all were prized and will be treasured.
FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF BOSTON.
At a special meeting of the Presbytery of Boston, held March 30, 1896, it was unanimously voted, by a rising vote, to author- ize Rev. Luther H. Angier, D. D., and Rev. Peter M. MacDon- ald. D. D., "to convey to the beloved First Church of New- buryport, which is one of the oldest in our Presbytery, as well as one of the best and most highly honored, our heartfelt con- gratulations on her growth, prosperity, and perseverance amid
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a century and a half of arduous labors and tempestuous trials, for the sake of the truth as it is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that century after century may be added to your career, till the Lord shall come to make up His jewels."
The above committee did their duty, and the above resolution was publicly read before the congregation assembled.
FROM THE OLDEST CHURCH IN AMERICA.
The following is an abridgment of a greeting read in full from Christ Church at Hempstead, Long Island, which merits the honor of being the oldest church of our denomination in America.
Dear Brethren :
It is with pleasure that the members of this historic church, through their Pastor and elders, congratulate you upon the be- nign Providence of God that has vouchsafed to you such an era of glorious achievements. Our churches have a common origin in the Puritanism of Old and New England, and rejoice in an- cestors who gave its ecclesiastical and civil development to our Western continent. They built for eternity, as well as for time. Your anniversary celebration lets the present generation see the beginnings of life in this country, as the sun lifts the fog, show- ing objects in their true proportion and setting. Your venerable church was founded and kept alive regardless of indifferent friend or outspoken foe.
We join with you in lauding those Puritans who were Cal- vinistie in doctrine and Presbyterian in polity. The founder of our own church was a typical Presbyterian Puritan, Rev. Richard Denton, a pastor in Halifax, England, from 1623 to 1630, when he was driven away by the animosity of the Crown. Ile was in New England till 1644, when he and his flock were
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again driven out and found a permanent home in Hempstead. Our church and your church are connected with the beginnings of American civilization, in touch with the process that made the Declaration of Independence and the United States Con- stitution possible. May the struggles, trials, successes and vic- tories of the past be an inspiration to you for the days to come. so that, under the blessing of God, both pastor and people may advance the good work begun by the fathers, and bring glory and honor to the cause of the Master and the name of our be- loved Presbyterian Church.
FRANK MELVILLE KERR. Pastor, And all the Elders.
FROM THE "OLD FIRST " OF NEW YORK.
The "Old First" Presbyterian Church in the city of New York sends greeting to the " Old South " Presbyterian Church in Newburyport, Massachusetts, upon the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its organization :
Beloved Servants of Christ :
We congratulate you upon that kindly Providence which has privileged you to uphold the principles of our common faith and order upon an altar-spot hallowed by the consecrating in- fluences of a century and a half of worship. We rejoice in your joy with a kinsfolk gladness. A bond of kindred exper- ience unites us. Like you, we have learned the worth of a legacy of storied memories, and have felt the thrilling inspira- tions which are enkindled by a venerable spiritual ancestry.
From out your home circle, one and another has entered into the fellowship of our household, enriching us with benedictions of Christian force and grace which you had cultured.
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Moreover, the life of that man of God, George Whitefield, above whose sacred dust, with untiring vigil you keep ever burning the flame of a reverential memory, rivets your Church and ours in a singular intimacy.
A mighty revival issuing from the ministry of Whitefield was the spring of our prosperity. He smote the frowning rocks which challenged the advance of our infant church, and healing streams gushed forth, which to this day yield perennial refresh- ing. A heart subduing appeal from the lips of Whitefield, led a lad up Calvary, who in the after time ministered to our Church in its longest pastorate, and made the name of John Rodgers an heirloom of American Presbyterianism.
It is with an heart warm and with unfeigned earnestness, therefore, that we invoke in your behalf the favor of the God of the Covenant.
May the Shepherd of Israel, who has guided you over so long and shining a pathway of service, lead you on into a future of ever widening influence in maintaining the honor of His name, and in the bringing of His great grace to the help of this needy world.
HOWARD DUFFIELD, Pastor of the " Old First " Church. EUGENE McJIMSEY, Clerk of Session.
FROM THE FOURTH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
The Fourth Presbyterian Church of New York City, forty years the junior of the " Old South," sends loving greeting and sincere congratulation upon the auspicious celebration at hand. You have made grand history, and we are sure you purpose to keep on making it ; for there is nothing like the perseverance of the saints. May you one and all be richly blessed in Him who is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
In behalf of the Session,
JOSEPH D. KERR, Pastor.
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FROM THE FIRST CHURCH OF KANSAS CITY.
Dearly Beloved in the Lord :
The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Kansas City, Mo., moderated by the Pastor, in behalf of the congregation, sends Christian greetings. We congratulate you upon the oc- casion of your one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the exist- ence of your organization. May the blessing of the Great Head of the Church continue to rest upon you and prosper one of the " Mother " Presbyterian churches in America. The Lord bless thee and keep thee ; the Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee ; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.
Signed by order of Session, P. S. BROWN, Senior Elder.
FROM THIE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
The following greeting is doubly significant, first, as being unique of its kind among the local churches : and, secondly, because it is, so far as known, the only official recognition ever given by this " Mother Church" that the truant daughter was worthy of re- gard. For both these reasons the salutation is acceptable and welcome.
The First Religious Society of Newburyport sends its cordial greetings to the First Presbyterian Church on this, the one hun- dred and fiftieth anniversary of its organization. Being, in part at least, an offshoot of this Church, we congratulate our eldest daughter on the good work accomplished in the past, and trust that in aiding to build up the Kingdom of God upon earth in
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the future, her success may be still more marked. Your history is one of which you may well feel proud, interwoven as it is with that of the Town, the State and the Nation, in all the great movements for the advancement of mankind for the past century and a half.
May that love of God which animates Christianity unite us all in working for that .. Peace on earth and good will to men, " emphasized as it is at this Easter season, until there is established upon this earth a veritable brotherhood of all mankind.
For and in behalf of the Society,
H. B. LITTLE, - Committee.
H. E. LUNT, A. W. GREENLEAF.
NEWBURYPORT, Mass., April 6th, 1896.
FROM THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The Historical Society of Old Newbury would tender its con- gratulations to the First Presbyterian Society of Newburyport, (the "Old South Church") upon the very successful celebration of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, and would express the confident trust that
" It's work of tongue and pen, It's love of God and men."
will in coming time be still more worthy the respect and honor of the community than it has been in the past.
In behalf of the Society, EMILY A. GETCHELL, Secretary.
FROM REV. BREVARD D. SINCLAIR.
The following greeting, dated at Charlotte, N. C., April 3rd, 1896, and addressed to the Committee on
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Invitation, is from the pen of one of the three living pastors who have served this Church, and it is ac- cordingly printed in full:
Dear Brethren :
Your invitation to be present on the occasion of the one hun- dred and fiftieth anniversary of the completed organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Newburyport, Mass., has just been received, having been forwarded to me from my home in Placerville, Cal. The fact of my absence from my home will account for this tardy response to your invitation to be present with you on that occasion. I regret exceedingly my inability to be with you and the dear people of my former church and parish on that memorable anniversary. Nothing but circumstances over which I have no control prevents my participation in the love-feast which I sincerely pray God will be indulged in then by the descendants and successors of the elect and heroic found- ers of the Old South Church.
For the past few days I have been in attendance in this vicinity upon the centennial anniversary of the Concord Presbytery in the synod of North Carolina. The meetings were held in a Presbyterian church which completed its organization in 1736. Although not immediately founded by George Whitefield, still the influence of his masterful heart and revival fervor greatly affected it from its birth. As I sat in this assembly, and heard the addresses, the biographies, and the sketches of these pastors and churches of blessed memory in my native state and county (all of whom were greatly influenced, quickened, nurtured and sustained by the great Whitefield) my heart consciously returned to the church of Federal street, beneath whose pulpit repose his sacred bones, and in whose walls I was permitted to break with von one and all the bread of life and preach to you the same Gospel which Whitefield thundered from Newburyport to Georgia. As one by one the biographies of ministers of this
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region in the colonial days were read, it thrilled my heart to hear it said of many of them that they had been brought out of dark- ness into light, comforted in their affliction and inspired with holy zeal by the man who, under God, was the spiritual father of the Old South Church.
The old theological controversy which was waged in New England between the " New Side" under Whitefield and the "Old Side" on the part of the silurian ecclesiasticism of the eighteenth century I found was also carried on here in the churches of my native land, and reminded me of that separation from the First Congregational Parish of Newbury, Mass., which caused Jonathan Parsons to be its first pastor and honored me by making me the twelfth.
Nothing would so rejoice my heart as to be present with you, my beloved brethren, the Pastor, the people of the church, the parish, your children, the venerable Dr. Vermilye (who shares with me the honor of being surviving pastor) and the friends, neighbors and kindred, who will with you mingle the congrat- ulations and the thanksgivings of the past with the hopes of the future.
God has vouchsafed to you a noble history, a precious heri- tage and an immortal name. The Gospel which George White- field. Jonathan Parsons and the pastors of the Old South have preached, and its people have loved and believed for one hun- dred and fifty years, is the Gospel which Paul preached, Augus- tine defended, Luther reformed and Whitefield revived.
" The honors of a name 'tis just to guard ; They are a trust but lent us, which we take, And should in reverence to the donor's fame, With care transmit them down to other hands."
I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that while you are as liberal as the love of God, you may be as conservative as Ilis word, and that you and your children and your children's children may as faithfully enshrine in the century
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to come the faith of Whitefield as you have securely safeguarded in the past the mortal relics of the great preacher.
I would affectionately urge you also to the catholicity of George Whitefield, whose heart embraced two continents and upon whom came daily the care of the churches from Georgia to New England. As I pen these words, I am writing on the spot where, when the Presbyterian people of Mecklenburg County, N. C., received the news that the British " had inhu- manly shed the blood of American patriots at Lexington," they is- sued the first Declaration of American Independence, in response to that Christian and fraternal sentiment, which animated the founders of our beloved Presbyterian church in America, and fitted its members to march to Bunker Hill at the drum-beat of Christian patriotism and muster at King's Mountain, Cowpens and Yorktown. And it was George Whitefield who brought the power of the Holy Ghost to bear upon the life of the great Rev. Alexander Craighead of this place, by which he moulded the character of the Presbyterian patriots of the colony in North Carolina, who issued the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
Of Craighead it was said that " he laid the egg that set the hen, that hatched the cock, that crowed on the morn of May the 20th, 1775."
Surrounded by these historic reminiscences you can per- ceive that I am keenly in touch and sympathy with your trans- actions of April the 7th, 1896. For nearly five years your pas- tor, having been welcomed in your homes, mingling my tears with yours in the hour of sorrow and bereavement, rejoicing with you as you rejoiced, baptising your children and burying your dead, I shall ever cherish for you all the fondest affection.
There will be at your anniversary vacant chairs; there will will not be heard the sound of voices which I loved once to hear. Some of your number have put off this mortal that they might put on immortality. These reflections awaken in me mingled emotions of joy and sorrow, and make me content
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to be deprived of the pleasure of meeting with you all as I recall the pain I would feel by reason of the absent faces and hushed voices of your beloved dead.
In conclusion let me congratulate you upon the completion of the hundred and fifty years of your church history, and let me urge you in the words of Dryden :
" Do then as your progenitors have done, And by your virtues prove yourself their son."
Will you read for me as my message to you from the Word of God, Philippians IV, from the seventh to the ninth verse. With fondest, faithful regard.
Affectionately yours in Christ Jesus, BREVARD D. SINCLAIR.
FROM BISHOP CLARK.
To the Pastor and Members of the First Presbyterian Church :
I have promised, whenever I had the strength given me, to write a few words of congratulation on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Federal Street Church. More than eighty years have passed since I sat on the little cricket in my father's pew and listened to the tones of good Dr. Dana's voice as he addressed his people from the pulpit.
The church edifice in those days had a very different appearance from the structure which now accommodates the congregation. I wish that it could be reproduced for a day or two during the present commemorative services. Every feature of the old building is distinct in my memory-the lofty roof. the white- washed walls-the projecting beams-the uncurtained windows -the uncarpeted aisles, (crossing and re-crossing each other, ) -the pews unpainted, excepting a few occupied by the richer
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people,-umique chandelier (the like of which was never seen in any other building, ) the wonderful pulpit surmounted by the formidable sounding board .- the square pew below, where the aged men sat and dozed during the sermon, the narrow enclosure, in front, for the accommodation of the Deacons :- (good Deacon Moody, I can see him so distinctly with his placid and reverend face and closed eves-and Deacon Beck with the huge trumpet in his ear)-the semi-circular Communion table which hung on its hinges excepting during the administration of the Sacrament -there is to my mind a special charm in the recollection of this venerable building.
I have only a faint remembrance of Dr. Dana's ministry, but I well recollect how my mother wept on the day when he preached his farewell sermon. He was a man of rare accomplishments- a holy man, whose presence inspired one with awe.
Dr. Dana's successor, the Rev. Samuel P. Williams, was a very remarkable preacher and, young as I was, his sermons made a strong impression upon my mind.
I can never forget one of his impressive discourses entitled "Funeral Sermons to the Living." He never faltered in the ut- terance of his convictions, and I remember one of the striking sentences, in which his sermons abounded: "None but Al- mighty God can create a soul, but any fool can destroy one." He died early, although he seemed to me an old man, and the occasion of his funeral, with the sable drapery of the pulpit- the solemn music of "The Dead March, in Saul," the great sermon by the Rev. Dr. Withington, the array of Clergy and the crowded congregation left an impression upon me which can never be effaced.
According to the custom of the day, all the ministers in the town took their turn in giving a Sunday service after his death, the salary continuing in the meantime for the benefit of the widow.
Dr. Andrews of the Pleasant Street church came first, as the oldest minister, and next Dr. Morss of St. Paul's appeared in
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full costume, gown, cassock and bands, after the style of the day, and read a portion of the Episcopal service before the ser- mon. It may not be known to all that the folio pulpit Bible in the Federal Street Church which I presume is still in use, con- tains the Church of England Book of Common Prayer.
Mr. Williams was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Proudfit and the church was remodeled, to suit our modern notions of utility and convenience. At the period of which I write, the congre- gation was very large, comprising a great number of the most respectable people of the town, whom I can recall today with very great distinctness-but they have all passed away and their voices are silent now.
There were many saintly disciples worshiping in the old Church who now rest in Paradise.
God grant that those who now occupy their places may follow their good example-trusting to the mercy and love of the same Saviour upon whom they relied alone for their Salvation.
If I had the strength I would be glad to continue these remi- nisences at greater length, and with my sincere congratulations to the Pastor and people of this ancient parish,
I remain very affectionately yours, THOMAS M. CLARK.
PROVIDENCE, R. I., February 7th, 1896.
FROM REV. GEORGE H. CLARK, D. D.
To the Committee on Invitation :
The memories of my boyhood in the Old Presbyterian Church are of the sweetest kind, and of late years sitting in my study, under a picture of our Newburyport home, I have often miused for the half hour, on the dear old town and the dear old church and the dear ones who are gone.
What pictures are before me now ! I can see ( seventy years ago) Mr. Williams solemnly moving down Federal street for the
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morning service, but cannot recall his sermons, which, however, when a man, I read with more than common interest.
Mr. Proudfit seemed as one of our family. Of him and of his father (of Salem, N. Y.) I have most agreeable recollections. The aged father when visiting in our house on Green street made me learn the Psalm, " The Lord is my Shepherd."
Mr. Stearns was a kind, good and able man, but he intimated from the pulpit too often that his life would probably be a short one; that is the only thing which I remember of his preaching. The fact that he lived to an old age probably kept his dismal announcement before me. The old church building altered in IS29 1 distinctly remember. Our pew in it was the left hand back one at the Federal street entrance, and we could see from that point all that was going on. Mr. Fitz who sat in front. an old gentleman, was, for some forgotten reason, my constant study. Our Sexton I looked on with awe, and in the winter time with great interest. I can see him now marching one-third of the way up the "broad aisle" puffing his breath into the air in order to ascertain if the heat was sufficient. It was not. His breath was usually seen, and cold feet had to be kept cold until they could be got back to a wood fire on the hearth at home.
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