USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Pittsfield, Mass., church and other records from manuscripts copied by Rollin Hillyer Cooke, Vol. II > Part 14
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P. 272
5th. The letter of Dodge addressed to Mr. Baldwin, dated Aug. 19, 1851, in which he takes it for granted that the note is genuine, and then makes attempts. to explain it away that shock the common sense, if they be not blasphemy; the whole leaving not the shadow of a doubt upon the mind, that the note is genuine, authentic and a true copy, and
Whereas, when the Church charged Nathaniel S. Dodge with this same scandalous course of conduct, and of violating the seventh Commandment and put him under the discipline of the church he has written a full, free and humble confession of this sin, and says "I have no justifica- tion to make, no palliation to plead, no excuse to offer" a confession so full that it precludes the possibility of a doubt of guilt or the enormity of it.
Whereas this church has notified the said Martha N. Bald- win again and again of these charges, and she has made to the church a confession, which she has been informed is not satisfactory, inasmuch as it neither allows this note, nor recognizes the fact of her having violated her marriage vows, and
Whereas the said Martha N. Baldwin unqualified denies having written said note, and
Whereas, Moses H. Baldwin testifies that is a copy of the note given him by the one who found it, that he read it to her, that she took it and examined it, and confessed to him in full, that it was hers, and
Whereas, the said Martha N. Baldwin has been duly noti- fied and cited to appear before this church at this time and place and prove herself innocent of these charges by rebutting this evidence, and
Whereas, she not only refuses to do so, but utterly de- nies the moral competency of this church to try her case, or to do justice and
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
Whereas; this church, in the whole of the trying case, have endeavored to show a spirit of forbearance and patience, even to the extent that the accused has re- proved them so doing, that they have passed this a scene of deep humiliation and mortification, but after the most careful investigation they have come to the unanimous conclusion, that the charges made by our Brethren Davis, Laflin and Burnap, are fully sustained, and that the only thing which the accused has brought to rebut the evidence, is her own naked assertions, therefore
Voted, that Mrs. Martha N. Baldwin has so far destroyed all evidence of Christian character that she ought to be, and hereby us, excommunicated from this church of Christ.
P. 274
Voted, that the clerk procure all the letters and evidence pertaining to the case of Mrs. Martha N. Bald- win and Nathaniel S. Dodge, and place the same upon the files of the Church.
Voted that the church in its full capacity be made acquainted with the doings of the church in the case of Mrs. Martha N. Baldwin and Nathaniel S. Dodge. Voted, that the clerk be requested to transmit by letter, to Mrs. Martha N. Baldwin the action of this church in her case, also the same in the case of Nathaniel S. Dodge.
Voted, the meeting be now dissolved .
A true copy.
Attest W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church 1855
Jan. 8. At a meeting of the first Congregational Church in Pittsfield, Rev. Dr. Todd in the chair.
A communication was laid before the church from Mrs. Martha N. Baldwin dated Dec. 20, 1854, in which she protests against the irregularity of the proceedings of this church in her case and against the injustice of their decision and also request a mutual council.
After due deliberation the church
P. 275
Voted unanimously, that this church independent and ac- countable only to the Great Head of the Church, not hav- ing a shadow of evidence, except the reiterated asser- tion of Mrs. Baldwin that the action of this church was otherwise than just and in all the circumstances of the case as it should have been sees no reason for comply- ing with her request, and unequivocally deolines open- ing the case again.
A true copy. Attest W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church
,
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
1854
Nov. 27. Monday. At a meeting of the first Congre- gational Church of Pittsfield. Rev. Dr. Todd in the chair.
James Warriner was chosen Clerk Pro tem.
Walter Laflin Esq. offered the following Preamble & resolutions, which were adopted.
Whereas Daniel Merriman late a member of this church, deceased, did in his last will & testament direct his executors to pay over to a committee to be chosen by the church in connection with their Pastor the sum of two hundred dollars to be expended under their direction for the suppression of vice and especially of Sabbath breaking in this town, therefore
P. 276
Resolved that Walter Laflin, Joel S. Page and Henry H. Childs, together with the Rev. John Todd D. D. Pastor of this church, be a committee to receive the donation and expend the same for the purpose named in our late la- mented brother's will.
Voted that the meeting be adjourned.
Attest - James Warriner, Clerk pro tem. 1855
May 20. At the annual meeting of the first Congrega- tional Church held at the lecture room. Rev. Dr. Todd in the chair. The clerk being out of town, F. W.
Pease was chosen clerk pro tem. The report of the Treasurer, Dea. Phe. Allen, was read, accepted and placed on file.
The church then elected by ballot Dea. Phe. Allen, Treasurer and W. M. Root clerk for the year ensuing. Voted that a letter of dismission be given at their re- quest, to Richard White and Miss Harriet Clark, members of this church.
P. 277
Voted unanimously that we feel grieved that our Brother Allen Booth refuses to give heed to our admonitions and efforts to reclaim and to bring him back to the ways of God and the table of Christ from both of which he has so long absented himself that we feel that he has greatly dishonored our Saviour by so doing; that we feel that we have waited upon him and labored with him till there seems to be little hope; yet, we will still wait for his return to us by contrition before God, and confessing of his sins before men, till the preparatory lecture preceding the next communion, but that, if he does not, by that time give evidence of penitence by meeting us in the way of confessing his past delinquencies, he will then be, and is by this
ד
RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II 187
vote excluded from this church.
Voted that Messrs. Davis, Pease & Goodrich be a com- mittee to see Mosly Stevens, Wm. I. Bell and any others who seem to be erring Brethren. Voted to adjourn to meet at the close of the preparato- ry lecture in September.
A true copy. W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church. 1855
P. 278 Aug. 31. At a meeting of the first Congregational Church. Dea. G. C. Burnap was called to the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting having been read Notice not having been given to Mr. Allen Booth of the doings of this church at the last meeting it was Voted that his case be continued until the next prepara- tory lecture preceding the next communion season, and that the clerk be requested to inform Mr. Booth of the action of the church in his case.
Mr. Levi Goodrich appointed at the last meeting on a committee to confer with Mr. Mosly W. Stevens & Wm. I. Ball declined acting on said committee. On motion W. B. Cooley was appointed to fill his place. Voted to adjourn to meet at the lecture room at the close of the next preparatory lecture preceding our next communion.
A true copy.
W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church 1855
P. 279 Nov. 2. At a regular meeting of the first Congrega- tional church, held at the lecture room, the Pastor being absent, Mr. Levi Goodrich was called to the chair.
Mr. Allen Booth, one of the case of the church dis- cipline having been duly notified of the action taken at the last meeting, requesting him to appear before the church in answer to sundry charges made against him, did not appear in answer to the charges, nor in way of confession, therefore he is by virtue of an act unanimously passed by the church May 20, 1855, excluded from this church.
Voted that the committee appointed at a previous meet- ing to confer with Mowley ./. Stevens and W. I. Bell, be requested to attend to their duties, and report at the meeting to be held at this place at the close of the
.
RECORD'S OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II 188
preparatory lecture, preceding our next communion season. A true copy.
W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church. 1856
P. 280 Feb. 27. At a regular adjourned meeting of the 1st Congregational Church held at the lecture room, Rev. Dr. Todd in the chair. The committee previously ap- pointed to confer with Mosley W. Stevens reported that they had duly notified Mr. Stevens of the action taken at the last meeting requesting him to appear before the Church in answer to certain charges made against him .. Mr. Stevens not having met the committee of the Church in the way of explanation or confession the fol- lowing vote was unanimously passed, to wit. - if Mos- ly W. Stevens shall fail to appear before the church in answer to certain charges made against him, either in the way of explanation or confession before the meeting of the next preparatory lecture he is by this vote excluded from this church.
A true copy.
W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church 1856
P. 281 June 18. At the annual meeting of the 1st Cong'l Church held at the lecture room, the meeting was opened with prayer by the Pastor. On motion the minutes of the last annual meeting were read by the clerk. The report of the Treasurer was then called for, read, accepted, and placed on file.
The Church elected by ballot Dea. Phe. Allen Treasurer, and W. M. Root clerk for the ensuing year. Voted unanimously that a letter of dismission and re- commendation be given to Mrs. Abie Pomeroy for her own request.
A true copy ..
W. M. Root, Clerk of the Church. 1857
P. 282. June 10. Annual Meeting.
At the annual meeting of the first Congregational Church in Pittsfield, held, in accordance with due notice given, at their lecture room, on Wednesday, June 10, 1857 at 4 o'clock P.M.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Pastor.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by the clerk and were approved.
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
The meeting elected by ballot, Robert W. Adam to be clerk and Phineas Allen to be Treasurer for the ensu- ing year.
The report of the Treasurer was read, accepted and ordered to be placed on file.
The clerk was instructed to enter upon the records of the meeting a summary of the Treasurer's report, and in accordance with such instructions the following summary is here recorded -
The Treasurer charges himself with - Cash on hand at settlement June 17, 1856
$11.83 Amt of collections at communion during the year now ending, as per report on file 137.09
148.92
And credited himself with Ant. of disbursements made during the year past, up to June 3, 1857, as per report 95.
Showing a balance in his hands to be carried to new a/c of $53.92
Voted that the sum of thirty dollars 330. be appropri- ated from the money in the hands of the Treasurer to pay the arrears of rent which were due from Mr. Pixley, now deceased, on the house formerly hired by him of Gov. Briggs.
The Pastor then laid before the meeting a communication which he had received from Mrs. Martha N. Baldwin, which was dated at New Haven, May 1st, 1857, and directed to the church, and of which the following is a true copy.
P. 283 "New Haven, May 1st, 1857"
"To the First Church in Pittsfield,
After two years of patient waiting I again appeal to you for a reconsideration of the vote by which you denied me a council. Without any statement of reasons, I trust that in the altered circumstances of my case, you will see the unreasonableness of my request. I hope too, that in reconsidering you may find that my confession was ample in covering my offence.
70 College St.
Yours in Christ, Martha N. Baldwin
After due deliberation on the above it was Voted, that no circumstances have come to the knowledge of this church, nor have any reasons been presented,
J
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
which should induce the church to change their opin- ion expressed in the vote of Jan. 8, 1855, and there- fore the church declines opening the case again.
Voted, that this meeting be dissolved.
A true record. Attest Robert W. Adam, Clerk 1858
P. 284 April 30. Special Meeting.
At a meeting of the church held Apl. 30, 1858, the following communication was received.
To the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield.
Dear Brethren,
I wish to make a statement of facts and then seek for your advice and sympathy.
In the year 1841, I lost my wife by death. In the year 1842, I was married, as I supposed to Mrs. Cynthia
Holmes. Mrs. Holmes' husband had left her and gone to parts unknown over five years previous to this. the time of my second marriage we had evidence, es we supposed, that the said Holmes was married again and had a family. I knew in these circumstances that Mrs. Holmes could claim and undoubtedly obtain a divorce
At
from Holmes. Before the marriage I went and consulted a prominent member of this church whether under these circumstances it would be necessary to get a Bill of Divorcement and I was distinctly advised that it would not .. Being a poor man, it may be that the expenses (about $40.) weighed somewhat with me.
In these circumstances, in good faith and with honest intentions I was, as I thought, legally, married to Mrs. Holmes. We have lived to gether as husband and wife for the last sixteen years. But this winter past, Mr. Holmes suddenly appeared and came to Pitts- field, showing that he had never been married, and that the man concerning whom we were certified was another man bearing the same name, On his thus claim- ing his wife, with deep regret, but as a matter of duty, and with sincere respect on both sides, Mrs. Holmes and myself ceased to live together as husband and wife, and she returned to said Holmes, the. only man to whom as it appears, she was ever legally married, In these circumstances, Brethren, I come to you and
P. 285 acknowledge that I erred and did wrong in not insisting
RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. I
191
1858
upon it that Mrs. H. should have been entirely at liberty before God and man of contracting a second marriage, but as in this I followed the advice to one in whom I had confidence, I did not intend to do wrong. So far as I have done wrong, or erred, or brought dis- honor on the cause of Christ, I wish to confess it, and ask the pardon of this church; and I desire to humble myself before God and man, and most earnestly ask the prayers of my Brethren that in this trial and mortification I may so demean myself as a Christian should do.
John M. Barnard
Pittsfield April 30, 1858
After due consideration of the foregoing communication it was unanimously Voted, that the church are grati- fied with the frankness and christian spirit manifest- ed by their brother Barnard and while the church feel that he erred and did wrong in marrying a woman whose husband he has reason to suppose to be living without her first having obtained a divorce, yet the church are satisfied that he did not intend to do wrong, and they sympathize with him and hold him on his confession as worthy of christian confidence and christian stand - ing.
A true record.
Attest J. Todd, Pastor !
Attest Robert W. Adam Clerk 1858
P. 286 June 2. Annual Meeting.
At the annual meeting of the first Congregational Church Pittsfield held at the lecture room, Wednesday after- noon June 2nd, 1858, the Pastor was present and presided.
The Pastor opened the meeting with prayer.
The clerk being out of town, Dea. F. W. Pease was ap- pointed Clerk pro tem.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read an ap- proved .
The report of the Treasurer was read, accepted and ordered to be placed on file.
Deacon Phineas Allen was elected Treasurer and Robert W. Adam Clerk of the Church, respectively by ballot.
Adjourned without day.
Robert V. Adam, Clerk.
-
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
1860
P. 287 May 23. Annual Meeting.
At the annual meeting of the First Congregational Church, in Pittsfield, held in accordance with due notice previ- ously given, at the Lecture Room, Wednesday, May 23rd, 1860, at 3 o'clock, P.M., present and presiding the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Todd, who opened the meeting with pray- er . The minutes of the last meeting, June 2, 1858, were read and approved. The report of the Treasurer as made up from his account and vouchers was read by Samuel Allen and accepted, to be placed on file. Robert W. Adam was elected Clerk, and Samuel Allen, Treasurer, respectively by ballot.
Voted that the officers of the church be requested to engage some person, living near the residence of Mrs. Severance to see that she does not suffer for fuel or food in the inclement season of the year or at any other time.
Voted that the officers of the church with the Treasur- er be a prudential committee.
Voted that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to nominate a committee of overture.
The chair appointed as such nominating committee, Messrs. Walter Laflin, O. S. Root, M. D. and Benjamin Chickering, which committee after consultation, reported as a com- mittee of overtures - Dr. O. S. Root, Mr. Levi Goodrich & Dr. O. E. Brewster, which report was accepted and adopted .
Mr. Levi Goodrich declining to serve on such committee, his resignation was accepted, and Mr. Walter Laflin was nominated and appointed in his stead. -
On motion of Mr. Walter Laflin it was
P. 288
Voted, that whereas in the history of this Church as appears by our records, no minute has been made of the death of her officers, and whereas we deem such notice as due worth and faithfulness and an incentive to the living, therefore,
Resolved, that in the death of Deacon Samuel Colt of this generation, and of Deacon Phinehas Allen lately deceased, we have occasion to acknowledge with gratitude the goodness of God in giving us the lives and the in- fluence of such men. In the recent death of our senior Deacon, the Church are grateful for his long and faith- ful services as an officer of this church and would pray that his consistent Christian character may be an
RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II 193
influence that may abide with us and lead us to prayer and renewed zeal.
Voted that the foregoing vote be entered on the Records of the Church and a copy be sent by the clerk to the respective families of the deceased.
Voted, that when this meeting adjourn it adjourn to meet immediately after the next preparatory lecture, and that at such adjourned meeting the church proceed to the election of two Deacons.
The subject of monthly church prayer meetings was in- troduced by Dr. Childs and after discussion was laid on the table. Adjourned .
Robert W. Adam, Clerk. 1860
July 27 . At an adjourned meeting of the Ist Congrega- tional Church, Pittsfield, held at their Lecture Room immediately after the preparatory lecture, the Pastor, Dr. Todd, in the chair, the clerk being absent, O. E. Brewster was chosen Clerk pro tem.
Rev. Dr. Todd opened the meeting with prayer. On motion of W. P. Warriner,
Voted the case an informal ballot for two persons to fill the office of Deacons.
P. 289
The result of the informal ballot being announced,
Voted to proceed to the choice of two Deacons. Otis R. Barker and Henry Chickering receiving a majori- ty of the votes were declared elected.
On motion of H. H. Childs
Voted, to take from the table a resolution in reference to monthly church prayer meetings.
After discussing the resolution at considerable length, Voted, To reconsider the previous vote.
Voted, to dissolve this meeting.
1862
P. 290 May 28. Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield (in accordance with notice previously given) at the Lecture Room, Wednesday, May 28, 1862, at 3 o'clock, P. M., the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Todd was present & presided & opened the meeting with prayer .
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
1862
The clerk being absent Clark F. Hall was appointed clerk pro tem.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved .
The report of the Treasurer, Mr. Samuel Allen, was received and accepted & ordered to be placed on file, and in accordance with instructions given by voice of the meeting the following summary is recorded.
The Treasurer charges himself with Cash on hand at settlement May 23, 1860 $60.63 Amount of collections at the communions for 2 years 253.89
$314.52
and credited himself with the Amount of disbursements for 2 years ending May 21, 1862 288.45
leaving a balance to be carried to new 26.07
acct of
Samuel Allen was elected Treasurer, and Clark F. Hall clerk, for the ensuing year.
Voted that the officers of the Church, with the Treasurer be a Prudential Committee.
P. 291 Voted that a committee of three be appointed as a com- mittee of overtures and Walter Laflin, James Warriner, & W/m. B. Cooley were nominated and approved by the meeting and the members of the church are requested to inform said committee of any members who need disciplin- ing.
Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Clark F. Hall, Clerk.
1863
Oct. 30. Special Meeting
At a business meeting of the first Congregational Church in Pittsfield was held in the lecture room, after the preparatory lecture. The Pastor in the Chair. In the absence of the Clerk, Benjamin Chickering was chosen clerk pro tem. It was voted that the sum of four dol- lars ($4) for each communion season be appropriated, and paid to the person taking care of the communion service and furnishing the Bread, as compensation for the same. Voted, that Henry Chickering, Geo, N. Dalton & Jabez L. Peck be a committee to procure a suitable box or chest in which to keep the communion service, and to be paid from the funds of the church.
RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II 195
P. 292 A letter having been read from Jabez L. Peck declining the office of Deacon to which he had been chosen, Messrs. Dea. H. H. Childs, Charles E. Abbott & Dea. Otis R. Barker were appointed a committee to confer with Mr. Peck & to induce him to withdraw his letter.
Voted, that the Treasurer of the Church be requested, to make a Report of his account & of the amount of funds in his hands.
Voted that the Pastor of the Church or any two of the Deacons of the Church be authorized to appropriate at their discretion, and at any time any funds that may be in the hands of the Treasurer for the relief or support of any members of the church.
True minutes of the meeting.
Attest Benj. Chickering, Clerk pro tem. 1864
P. 293 April 18. At a special meeting of the first Church in Pittsfield was held at their lecture room this P.M. at 73 o'clock in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Rov. Thomas Allen the first minister settled over this church, Rev. John Todd the pastor, stated that there must be a vital living principle in any organization that could sustain itself and continually advance in strength and usefulness for so long a time, and that the church still adhered to the same articles of faith and doctrine as then, believing as then in the intimate connection between the church schools and academies &s of a vital importance. Prayer was offered by the
Pastor. Dr. H. H. Childs was called upon and gave a short but interesting history of the Rev. Thomas Allen of his family and of the organization of and condition of the church during his ministry. Only one of the original members are now known to be living: Madam Colt, widow of the late James D. Colt, now in 93rd year.
Hon. Thomas Allen then gave a brief history of his Grand Parent during the Revolutionary war and of the part he took in the battles and struggles for his country's liberty and independence . He also read ex- tracts from many of his writings, both religious and political, also his letter of acceptance of the cell to become the pastor and teacher of his Church.
Hon. Thomas Allen, Jas. D. Colt, and Robert W. Adam
RECORDS OF FIRST CONG. CHURCH, PITTSFIELD VOL. II
196
were appointed a committee to draft a set of resolutions to be presented at an adjourned meeting.
The following lines were then read by Phiners Allen, written by Rev. Wm. Allen of Northampton for the occasion.
THE CENTEINARY JUBILEE
On the settlement of Rev. Thomas Allen as the first minister of Pontoosuc (Pittsfield) , April 18, 1764
No marble momument we raise To our first Pastor's name and praise He wished no pile of polished stone Naught but our souls to Jesus won.
Pontoosuc from her early youth Had earnest Teacher of God's trath For transfer of her sons to Heaven To God be all the glory given
The warriors of fame, how doth he gain By blood of thousands brothers slain Brave soldier of the Cross was he For whom we hold this Jubilee
Our preachers topics all in one Th' atoning blood of God's own Son The cross; the cross; Christ's cross of love Shall be thus shout in Heaven above.
The meeting was then adjourned to one week from tonight April 25th, 1864, at 73 o'clock.
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