USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Pittsfield, Mass., church and other records from manuscripts copied by Rollin Hillyer Cooke, Vol. I > Part 2
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Daniel Collins Moderator
Attest Samuel Shepard, Scribe. The above is accurately transcribed from the Copy on File. Attest - Charles Goodrich Jr. Clerk.
Pittsfield Dec.20th, 1809 Church Meeting. P.14 -
1810
Jan.3 At a church meeting regularly warned & holden at the Town House, the following votes were passed. Ist. That the pastor be the clerk of the church. 2nd . That the pastor of the church unite with the com- mittee already chosen to examine persons for ad- mission into the church.
3rd. That professing Christians from churches with which we are in fellowship, be permitted to commune with us, one year & no
13
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
longer, without special permission unless they unite with the church .
4th. That no person shall be admitted to this church unless he shall have been propounded to the church two weeks at least & to the church in presence of the congrega- ti on one week.
5th. That no confession of any offender of this church be read publickly before it shall have been approved of by the church. Attest Thos . Punder son , Jr. Pastor.
Admission of Members.
1810
Feb.4 Lord's Day. The following persons were admitted in- to the church. Eli Maynard Jeremy Warriner Mrs . Goodman Jerusha Cadwell Rhoda Fowler Rhod a Fowler was baptized.
Mr.Warriner was recommend from the first church in Springfield & Mrs. Goodman from the church in South Hadley. Test . Thos Punder son Pastor.
1810
April 1 Lord's Day-Mrs . Rhoda Fowler, wife of Stephen Fowler, & Sally Fowler wife of Wella Fowler were admitted into the church. Test . Thos Punder son , Pastor
Aug.3 Lord's Day-Elizabeth Fowl was admitted into our church from the recommendated of the church in Lan - caster.
P.15 -
Church Meeting
1810
Aug.24 At a church meeting regularly warned and held at the town House, the following communication was made to the Church of Union Parish in Pittsfield. The subscriber , a member of the church, long desirous of a regular dismission from it, asks leave to state the reasons that have weight on his mind; he trusts he acts from no motives but such as God approves, for he feels no ill will towards any person. The sub- scriber has been active in establishing & support- ing Union Parish Church, but has for a number of months been convinced that his zeal has not been ac- cording to the Gospel of Christ; he believes that he had no sufficient cause for leaving the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Allen, and is persuaded in his con- science that political and unchristian motives and not religious ones governed him in the part that he has acted; he does not wish to judge of the hearts of others but judging from his own heart and con- duct, and from the manner in which Union Church orig- inated and
14
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
was formed, he is convinced in his own mind, that the church did not spring from the gospel spirit and was not formed according to gospel rules, and will not promote religion in this town; having this conviction that abides with him ( tho he long strug- gled against it ) and wishing to bring peace to his own con- science and discharge his duty to God he begs a regular dismis - sion and recommendation to such church as God in his providence may lead him to join; he thinks this form of dismission will be most agreeable to the church to give, as some of its members were received on a similar one .
August 2nd , 1810. Eli Maynard
After much was said as to the impropriety of granting the a- bove request, it was Voted that the consideration of the subject be postponed indefinitely.
Thos Punderson, Pastor.
P.16- At the same church meeting (Aug.24) it was voted that Woodbridge Little, Joseph Fairfield & John C. Williams be a committee to set- tle with the provider of the table .
Test . Thos Punder son, Pastor .
1810
Dec.2 Were admitted to the church-Capt . Daniel Olds , recom- mended from the church in Peru(?) ,Mrs. Chloe Weston, recommended from the church in Worthington & Mrs. Sally West recommended from the church in Windsor .'
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
1811
Jan.13 Mrs. Deborah Wilson was dismissed from this church and recommended to the church in Hartland, Conn .
Test -Thos . Punder son, Pastor
Church Meeting
1811
Feb.27 At a church meeting regularly warned and held at the Town house .
The case of Mrs. Mary Manard, who had requested a dis - mission from us, and also as it appeared owing to undue influence before a dismission was obtained, was first taken into consideration. After considerable con- versation on the subject it was Voted that the consid- eration of the case be postponed,& that Deacon Chapman be requested to converse with her, and become more par- ticularly acquainted with her views and feelings in leaving us
15
RECORDS OF UNION JAR ISH, PITTSFIELD.
At this meeting the following complaint was read and considered "To the Church of Christ in Union Parish, Pittsfield Charles Goodrich Junr. a member of the same against Eli Maynard another P.17-member complains and says
1st. That the said Maynard in violation of the most solemn obliga- tions has for some time pust absented & continues to absent himself from the public worship of God & communion of the Lord's supper with us.
2nd . That the said Maynard has accused several of the brethren of the grossest wickedness, which wickedness if it existed at all existed before his union with them & of which he then had the same evidence as he now pretends to have, but which he cannot prove, and of which their own consciences acquit them. This accusation is contained in a letter directed to them & signed by him, dated Aug. 2,1810, & has been repeated to them person- ally and to others.
3rd . In said letter he requests a recommendation & dismission from this church & yet declares in substance that we are not a church."
The said Goodrich having dealt with said Maynard according to the XVI11 Chapter of Matthew without effect, he justifying him- self in the conduct herein complained of , tells it to the church praying for a hearing & judgment thereon.
Feb.16, 1811 .. Chas Goodrich Jun
It appeared in evidence that the said Maynard had been regu- larly warned to attend at the above mentioned time & place; to answer to the above charges before the church, & that he had said he should not attend. It appeared in evidence likewise that the said Goodrich had taken the regular gospel steps to reclaim the sa id Maynard, -first going alone & then taking with him the others-Mr. Benjamin Newel & Richard Bar nard, and that they were unable to gain Christian satisfaction.
The Church then went into the consideration of the charges which were brought against the said Maynard, by the said Good - rich. They were considered separately . The Church voted that they were of opinion that the charges against sd Maynard were proved, & that the sd Maynard is guilty.
1 P.18- Voted, therefore that Eli Maynard ought to be excommunicated for his offences & that he be excommunicated on the first Mon- day in
16
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
May following , unless he shall make christian satisfaction to this church previous to that time ,& that the Pastor & dea- cons be a committee to inform Mr.Maynard of the doings of the church towards him & to endeavor to reclaim him in the name of the church.
Voted that the meeting be dissolved.
Test Thomas Punder son, Pastor
Church Meeting
1811
April 3 At a church meeting regularly warned and held in the Town house. After reconsidering the vote passed Feb. 16, 1811, with respect to Mr. Maynard it was voted that the matter be deferred till the first Wednesday in October ensuing .
The reason of this vote was a desire that if the thing can be done consistently with gospel rules, Mr.Maynard be dismissed from us in some milder way, than by excommunication. The business was post- pored for advice and enquiry.
Attest T.Punder son , Pastor
Dismission of Mrs. Maynard, the wife of Eli Maynard The church then went into the consideration of the case of Mrs. Maynard-she had left us and joined the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Allen to which she formerly belonged. Before she left us she applied for a dismission, but the appli- cation was not laid before the church, several of the brethren, it appeared had had conversation with her and were fully convinced that she would not have left us till she had received a dismission, if at all, had not undue influence been used. It was well known by the church thet her situation was very peculiar, and this being conceded (?) that she wished to do the thing that is right, they thought it most advisable, all things considered, that she should be dismissed. It was therefore Voted, that Mary Maynard be dismissed from our particular watch and care.
Attest T. Punderson, Pastor
At this same meeting the church were informed that the Hon. Oliver Wendel of Boston, had made them a present of a Baptismal
P.19-
17
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
basin. The thanks of this Church were unanimously voted to the Donor and the pastor was directed to make known to him the same. Test Thomas Punderson, Pastor 1811 April 11, Sabbath. Benjamin Brown and Susa his wife, after having been regularly propounded were admitted as members of this church.
Thomas Punderson, Pastor . August 4, Sabbath. Ely Trowbridge & his wife were admitted members of this church. They came recommended from the church of the United Society, New Haven, Conn.
Thos . Punderson , Pastor .
1811 Oct. 6 At a meeting of the Brethren of the church, the case of Mr. Maynard was-again taken into considera- tion, the time specified in a former vote having transpired .After due deliberation the brethren came to the following Vote
Voted that this church withdraw the ir watch and care from Mr. Maynard & that they no longer con- sider him as one of their number.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
P.20-
1811 Dec.1 Sabbath. Reuben Haskel & his wife, & the wife of Richard Campbell were admitted to this church, likewise Lucretia , the wife of Deacon Daniel Chap- man who recommended from the church in Durham, Conn. See file .
Attest Thos . Punder son, Pastor.
1811
Dec.23 Woodbridge Little Esq. presented the church with two silver plated flagons, and with four tumblers, for their use on communion seasons.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor .
1812
Jan.31. The Church being imformed of the donation of Wood- bridge Little Esq. Voted that the thanks of this Church be given him & that this be communicated to him in writing by the Rev. Mr. Punderson,& that the vote be placed on record.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor
1812Feb.2 Ambrose Collins and his wife & the widow Lucinda Little were admitted as members of this church, like wise Hepsibah, the wife of Doct. Ephraim Derwin, who came recommended from the church in Lanesborough, & Rachel the wife of Josiah Bissell Esq. who came recommended from the first church in Windsor, Conn. Attest Thos. Punderson, Pastor.
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
1812 March 22. The church voted that Miss Nancy Hinsdale be permitted to commune with us so long as she continues in town in her present capacity. Attest Thos Punderson, Pastor .
April 3. Alanson was admitted as a member of this church. Attest Thos Punder son, Pastor.
April 12. Roxana Allis (Mrs.Leonard) was dismissed from this church & recommended to the first Congrega- tional Church of Gorham & Augusta, N.Y. Test. T.Punder son, Pastor.
P.21- May 10. Capt. Daniel Olds being about to leave this place for New Connecticut was recommended to the fellow ship of the churches,& should he unite with any church, he will be considered as regularly dis- missed from this. By vote of the church. Attest Thos Punder son, Pastor
Aug .
2 Josi ah Bissell, Robert Spencer, Mrs. Lydia Goodrich, Dolly Shumenway, Mehetibel Haskell, Julia Peck & Sarah Bissell were admitted as members of this church. Attest Thomas Punderson: Rule of the Church
Nov . 26 The church voted that confessions for scandalous offences shall be made publicly on the Sabbath. Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
Dec.
6 Mrs. Mabel Wilson was admitted as a member of this church Attest Thomas Punderson Pastor
1813 Jan. 3 The confession of Isaac Tremain. The following confession was accepted by the church & was made publicly before the congrega- tion. When any one who professes religion has evidently departed from the example & precepts of his Lord & Master & that whether against warn ing & reproof or from the impulse of the moment the direct way to restore his own peace & to re- move reproach from the cause of Religion is free- ly to confess his fault. With this view I do con- fess that some time in the month of July last I became angry with King Strong Junr of this town, that I took hold of him & threw him on the ground & used language which ( though I am not conscious it was profane) was so unlike his who when
P.22-
19
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
he was reviled reviled not again, when he suffered he threat - ened not , that I have occasion to lament the same & to seek par- don from God, & the forgiveness of my Christian brethren, which I now do in the presence of this assembly .
Isaac Tremain.
A true copy from the original . Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor.
1813 Jan.17 Confession of Jonathan Weston.
The following confession was accepted by the church & publicly made before the congregation.
When any one who has publicly declared his attach - ment to Religion,& professed subjection to the laws of God, has been guilty of openly wounding Religion & breaking those laws, by the commission of any sin, which is by the serious part of community called scandalous, it becomes him deeply to humble himself before God, that he may obtain his merciful forgive- ness. It is also incumbent on him to ask the for- giveness of his Christian brethren by manifest ing his repentance & if he truly love the cause, he is willing that the reproach should be taken from it, by extending the knowledge of his repentance to all who have heard of his sin.
In view of these truths I do with shame & sorrow con- fess that I have at divers times since my union with this church fallen into the sin of intemper ance, and after having been admonished & reproved by my breth- ren, I have lately again & again in a disgraceful man- ner fallen into the same sin to the dishonour of Re- ligion & to the wounding of my own soul. I have earnestly sought & I hope have obtained God's for- giveness. I now ask the forgiveness of the members of this church & their earnest prayers that God would strengthen me against this and all other sins. I would also use this occasion to acknowledge the kind- ness of any of the congregation who have reproved me for my sins.
Jonathan Weston A true coy from the original. Test Thomas Funder son , Pastor .
1813
Feb.7 Mrs. Esther Bement was admitted as a member of this church.
Test Thomas Punderson, Pastor .
P.23-
20
RECORDS OF UNION PAR ISH, PITTSFIELD.
1813 April 4 Mrs. Elizabeth Cluff was baptized & admitted as a member of this church.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
Oct 3 Mrs. Mary Hubbell who came recommended from the church in New Lebanon, was received as a member of our church. Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
1814
May
4 Mrs. Betsey Punder son, who came recommended from the church in Catskill, was received as a member of this church.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
June 5 Major Archippus Morgan & his wife Pamela, who came recommended from the north church in West Spring- field were received as members of this church.
Attest Thos . Funder son, Pastor
P.24-
Aug 21 Mrs. Elizabeth Pepoon was at request dismissed from her relation to this church to the church in Hud - son under the care of the Rev. Mr. Chester.
Attest T. Punderson
Aug 21 Mr. Eli Trowbridge & his wife at their request were dismissed from their relation to this church & rec- omended to the church in the United Society, New Haven, Conn.
Attest Thomas Punderson Pastor Mrs. Lucy James was at her request dismissed from this church & recommended to the church in Albany under the care of the Rev. Doctor Neal Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor
1815 Feb 5 Mrs. Anna Porter who came recommended from the church in Dalton was admitted a member of this church. Sonvin(?) a woman of colour who had been regularly propounded was likewise received into the church, she being unable to attend on public worship, was re- ceived by a committee of the church appointed for the purpose. The committee were Deacon Chapman , De a- con Goodrich, Esq. Bissell , Mr. Newel & Mr. Collins
May 7
Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor Elisha Ely & his wife Hannah having removed from us were at their request recommended to the enjoy- ment of Christian privileges,& had liberty given to unite with any Gospel Church, after which they are to become considered as no longer belonging to us.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor
21
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
1815
P.25- June 11. Mr. Timothy Haskel & Mehitabel Haskel were at their request dismissed from their relation to this church & recommended to the church in Lenox Attest Thomas Pund er son, Pastor.
1816 Jan 14. Miss Caroline Doan and Sarah Gold were admitted as members of this church.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor .
April 7 Amos Barnes & his wife Lydia and Mrs. Mary Canter were admitted as members of this church.Mr. Barnes came recommended from the church of Christ in Litchfield,Ct.
Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor.
June
2 Solomon Warriner & his wife who came recommended from the church in Springfield were admitted as members of this church.
Attest Thomas Punder son , Pastor.
July 28 Hepsibah Derwin, a member of this church, received a letter of recommendation to the church of Christ where her lot may be cast and when received as a member of any regular church, she is to be con- sidered as dismissed from us.
Attest Thomas Punder son, Pastor.
Aug
4 Matthew Allen, who came recommended from the church of Christ in Williamsburgh & Elizabeth Ford also came recommended from the church of Christ in the United Society, New Haven, Conn. were admitted as members of this Church.
P.26-1816 Nov . 18
Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor. Church Meeting.
At a church meeting regularly warned and held at the house of Mr. Thomas Punderson, most of the brethren of the church being present, a letter from John C. Williams to the Rev. Mr. Punderson, containing a com- munication from the Rev.W" Allen to the church and society under his care, and the doings of the church the reon , was read, (for which see files No 11) The Rev .Mr. Punderson then laid before the church, a com- munication of which the following is a copy .
To the Church of Christ in Union Parish, Pittsfield. The subscriber being apprized that much is said at the present time with regard to a union be - tween the two churches and societies in this place, & having learnt what has been done by
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RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
the other church and its Pastor in reference to this object feels it incumbent on him, in this way to express his desire that it may be clearly and distinctly understood by all par - ties concerned, that he wishes not to be considered as any barrier towards the accomplishment of the proposed union, could the two churches and societies become cordially united into one, it is his deliberate opinion that it would be great- ly for the interests of Religion and for the prosperity of the town, and he shall heartily aprove of any attempts that shall be made to accomplish so desirable an object.
He feels indeed that in leaving a people with whom he has ever lived in such perfect harmony, to whom he has so long broken the bread of life, a people who have so warm a place in his affections from whom he has received so many tokens of friendship & esteem, and from whom he can have no worldly inducement to be separated, he will have to make no small sac- P.27 -rifice of feeling if not of interest. Still this sacrifice he is ready to make should it be thought that the interests of Religion and the good of this people require it.
Thomas Punderson
It was then Voted. That we are sincerely disposed to make an effort to combine harmoniously the two Congregational churches & parishes into one .
Voted That a Committee be appointed to confer with any committee which may be duly appointed by the church of the first parish in this town on the subject of Union, and that Mr. Williams , Deacon Chapman and Capt . Tremain . be of the com- mittee.
A true record of doings.
Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor.
Admission of Members.
1816
Dec.l Mr.John Colt and his wife Elizabeth who came rec- ommended from the church in Patterson, N.J. and Clarissa Blanchard who came recommended from the church in Chatham, N. Y. and Polly Saxton, Mercy Partridge , Maria Partridge, and Pamela An Ward (de novo) were admitted as members of this church.
Attest Thomas Punderson, Pastor.
23
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
Church Meeting
Dec. 2 At a meeting of the Church.
The committee which was appointed at a meeting of the Church on the 18th ult. to confer with a com- mittee appointed by the church of the first parish on the subject of a Union between the two churches made their report , whereupon it was
Voted that in accordance with the spirit of this report Deacon Goodrich, Nathaniel Tremain & Deacon Chapman be a committee to converse with all the members of this Church, and to enquire of them whether they have any objection against any of the members of the church in the first Parish in this town, so that they should be unwilling to have the two churches united into one, if it should be thought advisable by the brethren of this church, and make report at a future meeting .
Voted that further consideration of the report be postponed.
At this meeting the following confession of Eli Maynard for his misconduct in leaving this church, was read viz;
To the Church in Union Parish, Pittsfield .
I the subscriber do seriously declare that I did not judge the members of Union Church to have been actuated by the same motives, as I confessed I had been led by, that is by "political and un- christian ones", and that in the letter which I wrote them I did not mean to accuse them of it. And I also confess that in leaving them in the manner I did, I did wrong,& for it I ask the divine for - giveness, & theirs and that of all who have been offended thereby.
Nov . 18, 1816 Eli Maynard - 1.
Whereupon it was Voted that we forgive him his of - fence, tho we consider "him no more under our spec- ial watch and care.
A vote of the thanks at this meeting was unani- mously passed to the widow Mary Strong for the four silver Goblets which she had presented this church for the use of the sacramental table, and it was directed that this vote should be placed on record. Mr. Punderson was requested to express the thanks of this church to Mrs. Strong
Voted to adjourn sine dis.
A true copy of doing s
Attest T. Punderson, Pastor
P.29 -
P.28- 1816
24
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
1816 Dec.23 Church Meeting
P.30-
At a meeting of the Church, the Committee which was appointed at the last meeting of this Church (Dec 2) to converse with all the members of this church, &c made the following report which was read & accepted. The committee of Union Parish Church who were ap- pointed to converse with the members of sd church on the subject of the Union of this with the church of the first Parish hereby report to the Church that theyhave attended to that service, and find that altho. there is universally expressed a strong reluctance to the dismissal of our beloved Pastor yet they will consent to the union of said churches on such terms as the Brethren of sd Union Church shall think prop- er. Daniel Chapman ) Committee of the Church
Dec.23,1816 Charles Goodrich ) Nathaniel Tremain)
At this meeting the following vote was passed Voted, that this church do fellowship the church in the first par ish in this town.
A true record of doings. Attest T. Punder son, Pastor.
1817
Church Meeting
Jan.8 At a meeting of the church the following confes- sion was read.
We the subscribers, members of Union Parish Church confess that in absenting from public wor- ship and the Lord's Supper we have done wrong , and ask the foregiveness of the said church & all we have offended thereby, and promise to return to our duty in these respects.
Jan . 2,1817 .
Reu ben Haskell Lavina Haskell
Whereupon it was Voted, that this church do forgive them their offence and that upon their return to duty, they shall consider all cause of complaint against them removed.
The following confession was then read.
The subscriber a member of the church of Christ in Union Parish, having contrary to covenant en- gagement s absented herself from their communion & worship acknowledges that in so doing she has done wrong and asks the foregiveness of the church
P.31-
25
RECORDS OF UNION PARISH, PITTSFIELD.
and of all who have been offended thereby.
Pittsfield Jan . 7,1817 Vina Case
Whereupon, Voted, that we forgive her her offences & that know- ing her situation and feeling disposed to heal the divisions which have existed between the churches in this town.we do consent, upon her request , that she be considered as no longer belonging to our number, but that she be considered as a member of the Church to which she formerly, that church having consent- ed thereto.
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