USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Pittsfield, Mass., church and other records from manuscripts copied by Rollin Hillyer Cooke, Vol. I > Part 6
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Voted Ist by the Church , Nemine contradicente, that the Conduct of Mr.Elnathan Phelps & Oliver Burt in Disorder - ly absenting from our Communion is blameable so as to deserve Censure.
Voted 2nd. Nemine contradicente that they be waited upon for their Repentance for the space of six weeks and in case they do not within that Term of Time make suitable Reflections upon themselves nothing appearing now as a reason for the contrary that they be proceeded with by the Pastor agreeable to the Rules of God's Word in cen - suring them.
Mar
6 At a Meeting of the Church.
Voted, that we will wait upon Mr. Phelps & Burt who are now censure for their Repentance so much longer as we shall judge suitable & proper-Mr.Burt made satisfaction & Mr. Phelps joyned the Communion.
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309
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
1772
of the Separatists.
Whereas I have propounded for full Communion with the Church of Christ in Pitisfield & there has been a Report spread generally abroad here that I have been guilty of Adultery whereby it is necessary that I should clear up my Character & show such an Imputation to be groundless in order to their admission of me for the Honor of God & Credit of Religion,& no Person has lodged a Complaint in writing with the Pastor against me agreeable to a Vote of the Church in order to their more regular hearing & Judging of such matters-
P.41-
This Certifies that I desire & consent that my Cause should be heard & determined by this Church in like manner as if a Complaint had been exhibited against me May 28,1772 Witness my hand ,Mehetable Goof
A true Copy Attest Thomas Allen
At a Meeting of the Church regularly called to hear & Judge of the Report, spread abroed of Mrs. Goofs lascivious Carriage she having been propounded for full Communion.
Voted, Nemine contradicente That the Evidence exhibited a - gainst Mrs. Goof resrecting her lascivious unchast Carriage in the month of March 1769 with John Morse is sufficient to debar her at present from our Communion till satisfaction be made.
May 28,1772 Attest Thomas Allen
1773 Feb
21 Lemuel Phelps made his Confession for the Sin of of living in Contention with his wife, & charging her with being guilty of the Sin unto Death. Accepted-Thomas Allen
Nov 23 At a meeting of the Church regularly called to hear & Judge of the Charge of falshood brought by Mrs. Joanna Morse against Mr. Bordman & his wife relative to a certain Sabbath which they fixed on when they said Mr .Morse took up Mrs. Goof be- hind him at their house on his way to Meeting. Voted, Nemine contradicente (tho' four stood Newters being undetermined in their Opinion) that this Charge of falshood against Mr.Bordman & his wife is not supported.
P.42- 1775 Feb 1 Mr.Paul Drew exhibited the following Complaint against Capt Charles Goodrich That whereas Capt . Charles Goodrich has broken his Contract with me as to the farm I live on & en- deavoured to oppress & distress me & has greatly injured me in my Estate by his unjust Dealing with me & hereby broken the Christian Rule & I have taken the steps of the Gospel with him to bring him to a sense of his Offence, but he utterly refuses to make me satisfaction & now stand ready to prove my Charge against him-this is to desire this · Church & hear & Juge of the matter between us. Paul Drew.
310
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH , PITTSFIELD.
1775
At a meeting called to hear Mr. Drew's Complaint against Capt. Coodrich Feb.1,1775
Voted Ist That Mr. Drew's Complaint against Capt . Goodrich of Breach of Contract is not supported.
Voted, 2nd That whereas they have mutually chosen Mr. Ste- phen Crowfoot , Capt . Israel Dickinson, Mr. Joseph Fairfield & Mr. Joshua Robbins, or either three of them to settle
what Capt . Goodrich shall give Mr. Drew for his Labour on sd Farm & also to settle their Book accounts-now in case Capt Goodrich shall abide by the Verdict of those Gentle- men it is our Opinion that he is Clear of Mr. Drew's charge of Injustice.
1778 Jan 25 Voted, Nemine contradicente, That all those persons who have absented from our Christian Communion are here by requested to deliver in writing to the pastor of this Church the Reason or Reasons of their Conduct herein in order that they may be , be laid before the Church.
Mar 29 Voted, Nem.con. That there be a meeting of this Church on Thursday next at 3 o'clock P.M. at the Meeting house for a free Conference in order to a settlement of all Difficulties in the Church, any vote to the contrary notwithstanding.
P.43-
Apr 2 Met according to the above Vote & a general Declaration being read, The following Votes were come into: Voted, That we accept of this Declaration & do look upon it as affoarding a sufficient foundation for Reconcilia- tion, peace, Christian Union & fellowship together, for the future in all Gospel ordinances
Voted, that any person belonging to this Church not present acceding to the same is also accepted by us as being in good standing Attest Thomas Allen , Scribe. This Meeting was then adjourned to Thursday April 9th, 2 o'clock.
9 Met agreeable to proposal
Apr A Declaration referred to above & recorded underneath was read & after much candid Conversation of the subject Voted. That it be signed by all those who approve of it. Voted. That any person not acceeding to the Declaration signed by us the Subscribers before the Sacrament Day after next shall not enjoy any of the Benefits of said Declaration.
Voted. That it is the Sense of this Church that the female Members of it are to be considered as acceeding to our Doings unless they object against them in a way they think proper.
Voted that in case any Absent Members shall sign the sd Declaration within the aforesaid Term of Time, that it shall be read the Lord's Day ensuing, before the Congrega- tion as having their Names to it.
Voted, that this Declaration signed by us be read before the Congregation the next Lord's Day- this Vote preceeded the one that is next above it.
Voted That all the Members of the Church rise up when the aforesaid
311
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
Declaration shall be read on Lord's Day next, as a token of their assent to it.
The aforesaid Declaration is as follows.
Whereas the important Revolutions which have taken place in the se P.44-United States have been instrumental of introducing some Diffi- culties into the Church of Christ in this place, whereby our for- mer Harmony,& Christian Fellowship have been obstructed for a long time; & there has been wanting amongst us a Spirit of Candor & Christian Charity , of brotherly Watchfulness over one another, & that Circumspection, prudence & Discretion which have been nec- essary at so critical & trying a season; and whereas some attempts heretofore have been made for the settlement of said Difficulties which rather increased them than afforded any probable Hope of Relief, and it now appears to us that a point of Union and Benev- olence is growing amongst us,& we indulge raised Hopes of being, if not altogether of one Mind , yet of one Heart again; & think it our Incumbent Duty, considering the circumstances of this Church, & the peculiar Tempations & Tryals of the present Day, that we should not revert to those Things which have been matter of mu- tual Grievance amongst us, lest the Design of obtaining a general Union should be frustrated, but endeavor by general Declarations, professions & Covenant Engagements to lay a good foundation for future Concord & Christian fellowship together.
It is therefore proposed for the effecting the aforesaid purposes that this Church should the next Sacrament Day solemnly & publickly renew their Covenant Engagements to be the'ir Lord's & to walk together as Christian Brethren in all the Ordinances & Commandments of the Lord blameless- And that we should now as a Church, including all the Individuals of it who are present make the following Declaration to each other mutually , viz;
We do acknowledge that in these Days of peculiar Tempation we have occasion as a Church & as Individuals to reflect on our Behaviour towards God & towards one another with Grief & Sorrow; In particular that we have been so unhumbled under the awful P.45-Frowns of Heaven upon us in the sore Calamities of the present Day, & that we have done so little for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom in these Days of general Declension amongst us; That Family Religion and Government & serious Godliness have been much on the Decline; That brotherly Affection & Christian Watch- fulness over one another have been much neglected amongst us; & we sincerely lament that God by his gracious presence has in a great Measure departed from us. We have too much Reason to think in these Days of Tribulation, such as have never before been in America, that we the Members of this Church have indulged much of a selfish Spirit ,& that we have indulged ourselves in a spirit of unbecoming Jealousy,& in evil speaking;
312
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
if not in Wrath, Enmity & Bitterness.
We think it our Duty therefore this Day mutually to confess our faults to one another, that wherein we have respectively transgressed the Laws of God in word or Behaviour & have given occasion of offence to anyone, we do with all humility & sincerity ask the divine forgiveness & the forgiveness of all who have had reason to be offended.
And we do further declare each one for ourselves, that in con- sideration of the foregoing, we do cordially forgive each other in all Things wherein we have had Just occasion to be offended & do now receive each other into Christian Communion & Fellowship- And we do now mutually promise, of divine Grace assisting us, that we will for the future walk in all the Commandments & ordi- nances of the Lord blameless.
In particular, we renewedly engage to exercise Christian Charity towards each other, & that watchfulness over one another which is so becoming Christian Brethren; & that we will not suffer sin upon our Brother , nor walk. in Wrath, Hatred, nor Enmity towards him; but in all proper ways of meekness & Benevolence that we will seek his Good. And in case we shall in Word or Deed offend one another for the future, it shall be our practice for the offended Brother in meekness & Brotherly Love to take the earliest oppor- tunity for a private Conference with said offending Brother in order to gain him to a sense of his fault & Duty; nor will break off from Christian Communion & Fellowship together except in a way agreeable to Cambridge Platform of Church Government -Chap 13, Sect 4 & Chap 14th, Sect 8 & 9
Finally we do hereby solemnly and seriously renew our Cove- P.45-nant Engagements to be the Lord's & do devote ourselves anew to his service and Glory, & the Grace of God enabling us thereto, we do promise to amend our Lives. To Study the Things which shall make for peace & strictly watch over ourselves, & with all brother- ly Love & Charity over each other,& to maintain to the utmost of our power good order & Discipline in this Church, & in all things to order our Conversation as becomes the Gospel of our Dear Re- deemer. And may the God of Love & peace be with us, & accept of us this Day in our Attempts for his Glory,& the Restoration of Peace, Union & Christian Fellowship in this Church, for Christ's Sake , Amen. Signed by the following Members of the Church. 8. Erastus Sacke tt 15. Jacob Ensign 9. Charles Miller 16. James D.Colt
1. Thomas Allen pastor 2.William Williams 3. James Easton 10. Zebediah Stiles 17. Joshua Robbins
4. Charles Goodrich
11 . Stephen Crow foot 18. Perez Marsh
5.Matthew Barber
12 Eli Root 19. Woodbridge Little
6. Josiah Wright
13 William Barber 20. Joseph Fairfield
7. Joseph Keeler
14 Ebenezer White 21. Daniel Bordman
313
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
22.Joseph Allen 23. Nathaniel Fairfield 24. Abijah Henman 25. Matthew Wright 26. Daniel Hubbard
27. William Ford 28.Oliver Burt 29 .Solomon Lathrop
1781 Apr. 22 Col. Easton's Letter to the pastor was read wherein he quested to be suspended from our Communion till be shall have opportunity to clear himself of certain report s gone abroad, much to the prejudice of his character. Voted, that his Request be granted by this Church.
1781
·
Sep 16 Voted by the Church that there be a Church Meeting next Tuesday 2 o'clock P.M. to attend to all matters regularly brought before them.
Church met according to proposal and attended to matters be tween Capt. Goodrich & Col. Easton. Matters were found to be not properly brought before the Church. Meeting adjourn- ed for three weeks. Col. Easton being absent it was ad- journed again to be held the 20th day of November - Met according to adjournment & received a Complaint from Col. East on against Capt. Goodrich & a Declaration or Com- plaint exhibited by Deacon Wright against Col. Easton. Matters of Complaint were largely attended to & the De- fences of the persons complained of were heard , where upon the Church came to the following Votes.
P.46-
In regard to the Complaint exhibited by Col. Easton against Capt. Goodrich, principally relating to his spread- ing false & scandalous Reports concerning him to the great injury of his Reputation.
Voted, That it does not appear to the Church that Capt. Goodrich did maliciously & with wicked Intent endeavour to injure Col. Easton's Character by spreading false and scandalous Reports concerning him & that we do not view him as guilty of a censurable fault in that matter. In regard to the Declar ation or Complaint exhibited by Deacon Wright against Col. Easton relating to those scan- dalous Reports gone abroad to the pre judice of Col. Eas- ton's Reputation.
Voted. N.con. That this Meeting be adjourned the third Wednesday in January next to meet at the Meeting house then to attend to the matters contained in @ id Complaint or Declaration & that the pastor of this Church be re- quested to write to Rev. Messrs West , Collens & Munson de- siring their presence at said Meetings to affoard us their Counsel & Advice in order to our coming to a Just Conclusion in that Matter , Col. Easton assenting to the same. For several Reasons the aforesaid meeting appoint- ed by the Church to be held the 3rd Wednesday of January was adjourned to Wednesday the 13th day of February, to be held at the Meeting house at 10 o'clock in the morn- ing at which time & place, the aforesaid Gentlemen are
.
314
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
requested to attend for the purposes aforesaid 1782
Feb 10 A Complaint by Joseph Fairfield against Mr. Daniel Foot for indulging unchristian passion & Conduct at the house of Mr. Herrick of this place on the month of December or January last was read whereupon the Church voted to at- tend to the same on Wednesday next if there shall be Time.
Feb
13 Council & Church met. The adivce of Rev. Messrs. West , Collins & Munson was asked by this Church relative to a Complaint exhibited to this Church by Mr. Joseph Fairfield against Mr. Daniel Foot for unchristian passion. They of- fered it as their opinion that Mr. Foot was guilty of un- christian passion in the case referred to in said Com- plaint, & that it is his Duty to make public Confession for said offence before the Congregation. Feb.13 ,1782 Stephen West
P.48-
A true copy. Test Thomas Allen It was recommended by said Council to the Church to ad journ the consideration of Col. Easton's matters to some future Time in order that more light may be obtained & a just Judgment made in that affair. The Church accord- ingly adjourned this Meeting to the first Tuesday in April next, then to attend to the matter immediately after the public Lecture expected on that Day,& that the afore- mentioned Ministers be requested to attend. Feb . 13,1782 Test Thomas Allen .
1782 Aug
22 At a meeting of the Church duly warned to attend to the above Complaint against Mr. Foot for unchristian passion after a further hearing of the matter voted that it is the opinion of this Church that said Complaint is support- ed. Voted, that this Meeting of the Church be adjourned to a fortnight from this day at 2 o'clock afternoon. Test Thomas Allen
Met according to Adjournment & voted the Charge as above supported, or affirmed the former Vote.
Mr. Foot then made an Acknowledgment of his Offence be- fore the Church only & asked their forgiveness. It was then enquired whether the Church accepted of his Confes- sion not being made before the Congregation-seven members voted to accept of said Confession & seven voted not to accept of it consequently he was considered as clear.
P.49-1783 July At a Meeting of the Church duly warned, It was put by yeas & nays-Whether a Christian brother who has fallen into Sin & been guilty of gross Immorality, shall be holden to make public Confession for the same before the Congregation & brethren in the Church
·
315
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH , PITTSFIELD .
Yeas Mr.Sylvia Clark Baker Colt
Nays Crowfoot
Matthew Barber
Rufus Allen
Joseph Fairfield
Nat.
Fairfield
James Hubbard
Matthew Wright Good rich
The Church did not finally come to vote on the question above. 1784 Aug
14 At a meeting of the Church duly warned held at the Meet- ing house. The church made choice of Mr. Matthew Barber & Mr. Joseph Clarke to the office of a Deacon. They at the same time made choice of Mr.Jared Ingersoll for the ir Chorister & in his Absence Mr. Jonathan Taylor & the ab- sence of those Mr. John Partridge.
Aug 20 At a meeting of the Church duly warned held at the Meeting house, to attend to a Complaint formerly exhibited against Col. Easton by Deacon Wright-The matter was attended to by by the Church & it was voted that the following Question should be put by yeas & Nays, viz; Whether there has been sufficient evidence adduced against Col. Easton to prove him guilty of Criminal Conversation with Mrs. Dexter , of Boston. Yeas Nays
1. Mr. Oliver Burt
. 2. Joseph Fairfield
3. Enoch Harskins
3 Josiah Wright
Y 4. Joseph Farr
4 Amos Delano
5.Josiah Goodrich
5 William Williams
6 Joseph Clark
7 Eli Root
8 Matthew Barber
9 Stephen Crowfoot 10 Woodbridge Little
The Yeas then requested a Council which was granted by the Church.
The persons appointed for Council were Rev. Mr. West , of Stockbridge , Mr. Collens of Lane sborough, & Mr . Munson of Leonix & their Delegates,
Deacon Josiah Wright & Esq. Eli Root were elected a commit- tee by the Church to wait on Mr.Solomon Demming & his Daughter Abigail & endeavour to satisfy their minds as to Certain Difficulties that are in their minds, in the Daughter as to infant Baptism & in the father as to the order of this Church &c
The present Meeting was then adjourned to ye last Wednes- day in Sept{ next at 10 o'clock, A.M. to meet at the meet- ing house to come to ye final Decision of the Matter re- specting Col. Easton, & the aforesaid Council is requested to assist us with their advice & council in
P.50-
6. Charles Goodrich
7. Erastus Sacket
8. Eben£ White
9. Aaron Baker
1.Mr.Abijah Henman
2 Joshua Robbins
Robbins Farr
316
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
coming to a Just Decision of the Affair.
Test Thos Allen.
1784
Sept 30 Met according to Adjournment & having received the Opinion of the Council in their written Result , the Church came to the following Vote to the Question put which was whether the Church have had sufficient Evidence to convict Col. Easton of Criminal Conver sa- tion with Mrs. Hannah Dexter, of Boston, it was voted in the affirmative.
Voted, that the Church allow Col. Easton four months time to seek for new Evidence in his vindication & that Deacon Wright, Esq. Little & Esq. Root , be a committee to receive fresh Evidence & if they Judge it worthy of Notice that Col. Easton have further opportunity to ex- onerate himself.
Nov 29 At a Meeting of the Church duly warmed to attend to a charge of fraud brought against Mr. Matthew Wright by Capt. Rufus Allen in packing some flour. Voted that the Charge is supported.
Said Matthew Wright refusing to give satisfaction was excommunicated by the Pastor & Church-
P.51-1785 Nov 30 At a Meeting of the Church. Voted to reconsider the vote passed by this Church whereby Col. Easton was laid under censure by our ac- ceeding to the doings of the Council respecting him- Voted that the Charges brought against Col. Easton to this Church of Criminal Conversation with Mrs. Hannah Dexter of Boston is not supported by sufficient Evi- dence-15 against three
1786 Aug 20 A Complaint was exhibited to this Church against Mr. Daniel Hubbard & Oswald Williams for violating the ir Covenant Engagements to walk with us in a Church State by neglecting the Ordinances of the Gospel when a time was fixed on for hearing the same at which time the matter was attended to by the Church & they were found guilty by the unanimous opinion of this Church .
Oct 27 Voted that the aforesaid persons be publicly admonished of their fault & be ordered to attend for that purpose they did not attend & the admonition was not read
Nov 19 Voted by the Church that in case they should not pre- viously give the Church satisfaction that the Admoni- tion be delivered publicly on the 17th of Dec. next & that Deacon Clark be requested to order them to attend at that time
1789 May 29 At a meeting of the Church, a Complaint having been heretofore exhibited against Mr. Enoch Harskins for breaking his Covenant Engagements to walk together with us in Church State by absent ing from public wor- ship & the holy Supper & he being proved guilty, voted that said Mr.Harskins be waited on eight weeks by this church & in case he does not within that term of time acknowledge his
....
317
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
fault that we then proceed to censure him.
At the same time a Complaint being Exhibited by said Mr. Haskins against Eli Root Esq. for unnecessarily binding him over to the Supreme Court & for taking unjust fees in his office & complaint by the same person against Mr. White for his unfriendly conduct in procuring his indictment, voted that those complaints were not supported-
Also voted that the admission of the wife of Charles Bassitt be postponed & that Mr.White & Mr. Zadock Hubbard be a committee to look into the objections made against her admission.
P.52- 1790 Apr 7 At a Meeting of the Church ·
Voted, that all public offences cognizable by the Church ought to be publicly retracted before the Church & Con- gregation when any person is convicted of the same.
1793 June 27 At a Meeting of the Church held to attend to a Complaint of John Ellis against Mrs. Anna Torry for insinuating be- fore Mr. Ezekiel Merrill & his wife that said Mr. John El- lis the Complainant is an intemperate per son.
2 For charging Mr. Daniel Merrill or some of his family with picking her Gease.
3 For misrepresenting the Truth or falsifying it , respect- ing the manner of her Son West's being layed out, Voted by the Church that the two first Articles in the Complaint are supported, Voted that the 3rd Article of said Complaint is not supported to the satisfaction of this Church.
The following confession was then voted satisfactory when made in a proper manner -
Whereas I, Anna Torry, have been charged before this Church by Mr. John Ellis, both of us being Members of said Church with insinuating before Mr. Ezekiel Merrill & his wife that said Mr. Ellis, the complainant , is an intemper ate person & 2nd with char ging Mr. Daniel Merrill or some of his family with picking my Gease, & said charges have been supported by Evidence to the satisfaction of the Church, I do hereby acknowledge myself guilty of said charges, therefore I do hereby submit to the Judgment of the Church & hereby ask God's forgiveness & the forgive- ness of all my offended Brethren & promise for the future of God's Grace assisting me to be watchful over my whole conversation & sincerely wish it may be for the future unblameable & without offence & in particular I engage to walk in love towards Mr. Ellis, the Complaint & towards all my Christian Brethren. Assented to Mrs. Anna Torrey accepted by the Church.
1794 Apr 25 At a meeting of the Church. The Question was put seri- atim whether this Church adheres to the several votes passed Jan.16,1766, & recorded in the Church Records & all except two manifested such adherance
318
RECORDS OF FIRST CHURCH, PITTSFIELD.
The Question was put whether we will chuse a Committee to Joyn with the Deacons of this Church & request them to consider it as their duty agreeable to the Duties of this Church that they attend to the order & regularity of the Church & when they are become acquainted with the irregularity of any particular Mem- ber his neglect of duty or Sins of Commission that they have the the first hearing of such matters of Scandal & settle them if P. 53-they can, if not to bring them to the Church Committee chosen with the Deacons were Mr.Samuel West, Mr. John Ellis, Capt . James D. Colt , Mr. James Brattle.
A Committee was also chosen to liquidate the amount with Deacon Barber for the support of the Communion Table & report to the Church so that if there should be any surplusage Money it may be appropriated to the poor of the Church & furniture for the Communion Table .
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