USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Pittsfield, Mass., church and other records from manuscripts copied by Rollin Hillyer Cooke, Vol. II > Part 8
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1823
to attend further to the case of Lyman Bar ker .
Attest - Ileman Humphrey , Pastor.
June 18 At a church meeting
A letter was read from Luther Washburn Esq. requesting a dismis - sion from this church for his wife Mary Washburn that she may unite with the Baptist Church in Lanesborough.
Voted that Deacon Bissell & Osborn be a committee to report with Mrs. Washburn & if she still urges the request to report what ul- terior measure in the case oucht to be taken by the Church. Attest H. Humphrey , Pastor.
Aug. 27 . At a Church meeting held at the Lecture room, the Rev . I.Ir. Humphrey laid before the meeting a commuication addressed to the Congregational Church & Society in Pittsfield (which is on file in Town Clerk's office) . The subject matter of said communica- tion was to see if the church will unite with sd . Humphrey in cal - ling a mutual Council of Ministers & Delegates to take into con- sideration the call which the sd Humphrey has recently received from the Charitable Collegiate Institution in Amherst , & upon a full hear ing of the case to decide whether or not it is in their impar- tial and Christian judgment a call in Providence for the said P.154-Humphrey to leave his present Ministerial charge & to accept of the call as aforesaid . After the reading of said communication Mr. Humphrey made some remarks on the subject & retired from meet- ing
Voted that Jonathan Allen be Moderator of this meeting . After a full & free dissuasion of the subject matter of sd com- munication it appeared advisable that no vote should be taken on the question until the society had acted thereon.
Voted that this meeting be adjourmed to the 3rd day of Sept. next, then to meet at this place at three of the clock P.M. Sept. 3 Met agreeable to adjournme nt
Voted, that whereas, the Society has, since the adjournment of this meeting had said communication before them & deliberated thereon & voted not to unite with [Ir. Humphrey in calling a mutual council, it is inexpedient for the Church to act any further thereon. Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Attest Calvin Martin, Scribe.
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG . CHURCH, PITTSFIELD . VOL . 11.
1823 Sep t 18 At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture room the following communication was received from Mr. Humphrey .
"To the Congregational Church & Society in Pittsfield- "Gentle men ,
"Since my last communication on the subkect "of my removal, nothing has occured to alter the result of my enquiries & reflections, in regard to the path of duty. I still think that the call from the Institu- tion in Amherst is one which I ought to comply with, provided I can obtain your consent for a dismission from my present ministerical charge. This is therefore to request that you will through your respective com- mittees unite with me in calling a council of Pastors & Delegates to dissolve the connection now subsisting be - tween us according to the usages of our churches in simi- lar cases. Wishing you the divine guidance & blessing, I an, Gentlemen , your affectionate Pastor,
H. Humphrey
Voted to unite with Mr . Humphrey in calling a council agreeable to his request,& that a committee be chosen for that purpose
Voted That Deacon Josiah Bissell & Joseph Merrick be that committee. Attest Calvin Martin, Scribe .
P.155-Sep 23 An Ecclesiastical Council convened this day at the house of the Rev. Heman Humphrey , D. D. in consequence of letters rec'd from the church & people of his charge in connection with himself to carry into effect if they should think proper the agreement entered into between him and the church & people in relation to his dismis- sion from his present charge to preside over the Col- legiate charity Institution in Amherst.
Present the following Pastors & Delegates. -
The Rev . Samuel Shepard & Dea. C.Mattoon from the ch.in Lenox Rev. Ebenezer Jennings & Dea. Ashley Williams from "Dalton Rev. Edwin W. Dwight & Levi Crittenton = "Rich - mond.
Dr. Shepard was chosen Moderator & E.W. Dwight , Scribe. The business of the council was opened by prayer by the Moderator .
The council then rec'd the document relating to the case of Mr. Humphrey and his different communications to the church & people in relation to them, together with the statement of the respective committees of the church and Town, and their record in regard to the do- ings of each in the case before them.
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The Council were happy in the consideration of the mutual affec- tions & confidence manifested by the Pastor & the Church & people, and are happy to express their an probation of the deliberate & cautious manner in which Mr. Humphrey has endeavoured to escertain the inclinations of Providence; & to impute to him none but the most conscientious motives, in coming to the result which he has been led to form- The attachment of the Church & people to their Pastor & the degree of unanimity with which they have consented, in the issue to comply with his wishes, notwithstanding this at- tachment merits decided commendation. It is with painful feelings that the Council have contemplated the dissolution of a conver - sion which has subsisted so happily as that in the case before them. But in view of all the circumstances of the present case, they have been led unanimously to the following result-That it is expedient that the connexion subsisting between the Rev. Mr. Humphrey and the church & people be dissolved; and it is there by now hereby dissolved.
The Council cordially recommend Mr. Humphrey to the churches , wher- ever he may be called to labor as a faithful & beloved brother in the Gospel ministry; and supplicate for him the grace of Cod to prepare him for the important duties of the Station to which he is called. And nov Brethren we sympathize with you in your des - P.156-titute situation; and could it have been otherwise, we should have rejoiced with you.
But such seems to be the indications of Providence, and we bow with you in submission. We look back to times which were peri- lous & trying to you as a Church & people , when you were rent & broken & destitute of a Minister; but God has remembered you & given you Pastors to lead you, and break to you the bread of life. Remember with gratitude his past mercies & especially the signal blessings you have rec'd under the ministry of your recent Pas- tor , and we humbly trust God will not forsake you .
We beseech you to feel that you are under the guidance of the great head of the church, and let your prayers go up to him ,as ours shall for you, that you may be speedily supplied with a faithful Pastor, who shall guide you into all truth.
And while in your destitute condition we entreat you, that you
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endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, & the God of love & peace shall be with you.
Passed as the doings of the Council.
Attest
Samuel Shepard , Moderator . Attest E.W.Dwight, Scribe A true copy -Attest -Calvin llar tin, Scri be .
1824
Mar.23. At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture room. Dea. Daniel Crofoot was chosen , Moderator.
Voted, that we give the Rev. Rufus W. Bailey a call to settle with us in the work of the Gospel Ministry.
Voted that Dea. Josiah Bissell, Deacon Vivus Osborn & Joseph Merrick Esq. be a committee to carry into effect the proposed settlement of the Rev . Mr. bailey .
Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest Calvin Mer tain, Scribe .
A Communciation from the Commit tee to Mr . Bailey.
Rev. & Dear Sir,
We have the satisfaction of informing you that at a meeting of the church in Pittsfield March 3,1824 the church by a unami- mous vote gave you an invitation to settle over them as their gos- pel minister (A copy of their doings is enclosed) It is with ad- ditional satisfaction we can to you that the meeting was full & that the vote was not unanimous but that there was a great degree of harmony & unanimity and no dissenting voice or vote. Should this union take place, an event to be desired by us, & by the friends of religion, we hope it may prove in the wisdom of Provi- dence a blessing to yourself & us, so that when death shall dis- solve the union & God shall call upon to account , how you have preached & us how we have heard, it may be said of us both, "well done good & faithful servant , enter ye into the joy of your Lord." Pittsfield, March 15,1824 . Josiah Bissell) Vivus Osborn ) Committee of Joseph Merrick) the Church.
A true copy. At test - Calvin Martin, Scri be .
Rev.Mr. Bailey's letter to the Church.
Pittsfield , March 15,1824.
To the Congregational church of Christ in Pittsfield.
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Brethren,
A vote expressing your wishes that I should receive Installation as your Pastor has been communicated to one by your committee, & also a vote of the Parish expressing the same wish & proposing means for my surport. After an endeavor to examine the subject in all its importance and relations the general in- dications of Providence have appeared to my mind sufficiently clear; and in the hope that the unanimity which now appears among you may be preserved & our mutual edification in the gospel pro - moted, I signify my acceptance of your call, & our prepared to unite with you in calling a council of Installation. If we have proceeded with a proper sense of our dependance on God, I can an- ticipate those blessings in the connection which shall cause us to rejoice in it , both here & hereafter. That we may sit together at the feet of Jesus & learn of him, that our mutual prayers may not be hindered, and the great interests of niety promoted in & around us, it is important that this transaction be entered upon with prayer , on no principles of mere worldly policy, & no undue reliance on human might . Wishing you grave mercy & peace, I re- main yours in the faith & fellowship of the gospel.
R.V. Bailey .
Dea Josiah Bissell ) Vivus Osborn 1 Committee Joseph Merrick Esq. ) of the Church . A true copy . Attest C. Martin, Scrohe.
P.158- Installation of Mr.Bailey Pittsfield April 14,1824.
Ap1. 14 . An Ecclesiastical Council was this day convened in con- sequence of letters missive from the Congregational Church & Society in this place for the purpose of considering the expedi- ency of installing the Rev. Rufus W. Bailey as pastor of this chirch & minister of this people.
Present- Dr.Alvan Hyde & Dea. Josiah Spencer from the ch.in Lee Dr. Samuel Shepard & Hon.Wm. Walker
11 Lenox Dea.Jacob Chamberlin =
11 Dalton
Rev . Jon'n Lee , Brother Bavil Seymour" = !! Otis Rev . Ralph W. Gridley 11 Williams town.
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Rev. Noah Sheldon, Dea. Wolcott Hubbell from the ch. in Lanesborough Rev. Edwin W.Dwight, Br. Linus Hall 11 = Richmond Rev. Absalom Peters, Br Jams Hicks = 11 11 Bennington = The Council was organized by choosing Dr. Ilyde, Moderator, and the Rev. Noah Sheldon, Scribe. The council was opened with prayer by the Moderator. Committees of the Congregational Church & So- cie ty in this place appeared before the council & exhibited docu- ments relating to the transactions of this church & society in giving Mr. Bailey a call to settle with them in the work of the gospel ministry; whereby it appeared that they have acted with great unanimity & cordiality in choos ing Mr. Bailey for their Pas - tor & in providing for his support; the council having al so he ard Mr. Bailey's acceptance of the call to the ministerial charge of this church & people, and having been officially informed of his regular dismission from the people of his charge in Norwich , Ver - mont and of his recommendation to the churches generally proceeded to examine him with regard to his doctrinal views of Theology & his experimental acquaintance with religion & unanimously expres- sed their approbation & voted to attend to his installation to- morrow at half pust ten o'clock, & that the public exercises be performed as follows, viz;
Introductory prayer be the Rev. Mr. Dwight.
Sermon by Rev . Mr. Peters,
Installation prayer by Dr. Shepard.
charge by Dr . Hyde.
Right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Gridley.
Concluding prayer by Rev.Mr. Lee
Voted to ad journ till tomorrow morning at eight o'clock
April 15. Thrusday. Met according to adjournment & voted to ob- serve a season of prayer one hour previous to the public exercises of the day,
Book not paged beyond 158
P.159-and that others who may be disposed be permitted to attend with the Council. At half past ten o'clock the Council repaired to the house of God', where in the presence of a numerous audience the Rev. Rufus W. Bailey was regularly installed as the pastor of this church & to him under Cod was committed the spiritual interest of this people , Voted that the above be accepted as a correct & faith- ful record of the doings of this Ecclesiastical Council.
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RECORDS OF FIRST CONG . CHURCH , PITTSFIELD . VOL. 11.
1824 Attest
Noah Sheldon, Scribe. Alv an Hyd e, Moderator
May 6
A true copy . Attest , Calvin Martin, Scribe . At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture Room.
Voted, that Dea. Bissell & Joseph Merrick be a committee to converse with Benjamin Brown & his wife on the sub- ject of their difficulties and unchristian conduct & report to the church at some future meeting.
Voted, that Dr. Dorrance & Jos . Merrick be a committee to deal with brother Lyman Barker ,who has been guilty of negligence in not attending chirch ordinances & report thereon at next meeting ยท
Voted, that Dea. Daniel Chapman be a committee to con- ver se with Peter Adams & his wife on the subject of the ir absenting themselves from Public Worshin &, church ordinances & report thereon at a future meeting Voted, that Deacon Crowfoot , Osborn & Bissell be a com- mittee to converse with Calvin Kendall on the subject of his offence being intemper ance . report at the next meeting.
Voted, that the Pastor , Joseph Fairfield , Vivus Osborn, & Calvin Martin be a committee to cause the church covenant, & confession of Faith, together with the names of all the rersons that have been and are mem- bers of our Church published in a pamphlet, and draw on the Treasurer of the Church to defray the expense. Voted that the Pastor & Scribe be a committee to por - cure the old Church records to be rebound, and also procure a new book for the use of the church if they think it expedient .
Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest Calvin Martin, Scribe . P.160-June 22. At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture room, the following Report was read and accepted `The Committee appointed on the 6th of May last to con- ver se with Ben jamin Brown & his wife Report
That after a faithful inquiry find the difficulties which have subsisted between them ( as they stated to us ) amicably settled. And furthermore we find that Mrs. Brown has absented her self from the communion table for some time, without sufficient cause as ap- pears to us, that we exhor ted her and endeavored to convince her of her error and wrong doings (but we are sorry to say ) without effect. We are of opinion that
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it is necessary & the duty of this church to take further steps with her & try to convince her of her unchristian like conduct & persuade her to return to her duty.
Signed J. Bissell Jos. Merrick, Committee.
Voted, that the above commit tee & Dea. V. Osborn be a committee to attend to the case of Mrs. Brown as mentioned in the above report and report thereon.
The following Report was also read and accepted.
The Committee appointed by the church the 6th of May last to en- quire into the case of Brother Kendall, is discharging their duty find evidence to satisfy them that is several instances of late, he has been guilty of disguising himself by an immoderate use of spirituous liquor , thus dishonoring his profession and bringing reproach uron our holy religion; and not being able to bring him to a proper sense of his sin, & from the circumstance of his hav- ing in two instances before made confession of the sin of intem- per ance, we therefore recommend that Brother Kendall be excluded the privileges of the communion table & be laid under censure upon trail for the term of six months, all of which is submitted under a sense of that duty we owe to Christ the great Head of the Church.
Signed-Josiah Bis sell, Daniel Crowfoot & Vivus Osborn-Committee. Voted that the scrite of the church fur nish Brother Kendall with a copy of the report in his case , and the acceptance of the same by the church. Voted to dissolve this meeting. Attest C.Martin , Scribe
Vote-A copy was furnished Kendall agreeable to the above vote Attest -C . Martin, Scribe .
P.161-Sept .15 At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture room. Voted, that the Pastor & Scribe of this Church be a committee to embody the standing rules of the church & add any others they might deem necessary and report to the church at their next meet- ing. Voted to dis solve this meeting .
Attest -Cal vin Martin , Scribe .
Nov. 9 At a church meeting held this day at the meeting house. The committee previously appointed to converse with Mr. Seth Montague , produced the following certificate by him procured. "This may certify that Seth Montague is a member of the
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Methodist Episcopal Church in the west part of Pittsfield . Pittsfield Sept . 19, 1824. Sylvester Butler
A committee appointed to converse with Mrs. Washburn presented the following certificate to the church.
"This may certify that Mary I.Washburn, wife of Luther Washburn, Esq. was regularly uni ted with the Baptist Church in Lanesborough, July 14, 1823, and still remains a member of said Church. Lanes- borough, Sept . 30, 1824 .
Wm. H. Tyler, Church Clerk
Therefore the Church voted to withdraw their particular care & watch from Mr. Montague and Mrs. Washburn & it is hereby accordingly withdrawn.
Voted that James Brown & Dea. Josiah Bissell be a committee to inquire into the reports, which are abroad unfavourable to the moral & christian character of Mrs. Eliza Prentis, a member of this church, and as soon as may be convenient , make report thereon to this church .
The committee appointed by the church on the 15th Sept. last to embody & revise the standing rules of the church, & add any others they might deem necessary, make the following
Article 1
Report . Admission.
All persons wishing to make profession of Religion & to unite with this Church shall be examined with reference to the ir Chris- tian experience & doctrinal views. For this purpose the Pastor & Deacons shall be constituted a standing committee.
P.162-Such examinations, if requested shall be before the Church & at all times the members of the church shall have liberty to attend . Article 2 nd .
After such examination any person who may be a proved shall be pro pounded at least two Sabbaths before admission.
Article 3
No person shall be received into the church but by a vote of the church, which vote shall be taken on the day of the Lecture or at some time previous to the co munion, but the confession of faith and covenant, shall be publicly read & assented to on the Sabbath
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Article 4th .
All persons who may come recommended to this church by letter, shall be examined by the Pastor, or at his request by the assist- ance of a committee, before they are admitted they shall give their assent to the confession of Faith & covenant of this church and they shall be propounded at least two Sabbaths previous to ad - mission.
Article 5th.
Members of sister churches in good standing who reside among us may be admitted to occasional communion for the space of 1 year & no longer , unless they give satisfactory reasons to the church why the indulgence should be prolonged.
Lord's Supper .
Article Ist
The Sacrament of the Lord's Sunper shall be attended on the first Sabbath of each alternate month, commencing with January.
Article 2nd
A preparatory Lecture or prayer meeting shall be attended on fri- day or some day of the week preceding the administration of the Lord's Supper . Article 3rd
A contribution for the support of the table and other purposes shall be had as of ten as the Sacrament of the supper shall be ad- ministered .
Transaction of Business
Article Ist
A committee of Overtures consisting of three persons shall be annually appointed , whose due it shall be at each meeting, to minute down such articles of business as they or any of the members have to propose that the church may see what is before then, & that everything may be done in an order ly manner.
P.163-
Article 2nd
All committees appointed by the church shall on request be fur- nished with a copy & preamble of the vote, containing the subject matter submitted to them for their consideration.
Article 3rd.
The reports of the committees shall be made to the church in unit- ing.
Article 4th.
All applications made to the church shall be presented in writing setting forth distinctly the subject intended to be submitted for consideration and signed by the per son making the request or by
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some other person in his or her behalf.
Article 5th .
No subject shall be open for discussion before the church until the motion presenting it shall have been seconded.
Discipline
Article Ist.
We consider church discipline to consist in the faithful applica- tion of the rule prescribed by the Savior in Matthew 18 Chap 15, 16 & 17 verses.
Article 2nd.
If an offender cannot be presented unto conviction, it is not the duty of an aggrieved brother to pursue the steps prescribed in the gospel farther than a private labor .
Article 3rd.
In cases of reputed public offences, with which the church may become acquainted, the following order shall be pur sued. A commit- tee of investigation shall be appointed to inquire into the facts in the case & prepare the subject for the final disposal of the church . If the public reports prove groundless, the report of the committee to that effect, shall be for the release of the th church from further duties in the case, and for the support of the accused members, but if the committee find the reports to be found- ed in fact, they shall prepare the subject by the confession of the offender , or by the necessary steps (Matt 18-15, 16 &: 17 ) which shall bring him before the chirch for trial. In such case it shall be the duty of the Scribe to furnish the accused with a copy of the report of the committee against him, as soon as may be, and also give the accused notice of the time and place when they will attend to the examination of the subject.
P.164-
Article 4th.
In this case the committee thus reporting shall be the prosecutors and no one shall be admitted before the Church as counsel or a- sistant, who is not a member in regular standing in some church of Christ.
Article 5th.
After conviction the offender shall be admonished by the Pastor & suitable time shall be afforded for the accused to reflect delib- erately on his case & receive the kind & Christian
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1824
exhortation of his brethren.
Article 6th.
After conviction an offender may be restored on repentance not however , until that penitence has been expressed to the church in a written confession to be placed on the files of the church ard at their disposal.
Article 7th.
If a member , convicted of any offence in the Judgment of the church, be dissatisfied with that decision, he may have a mutual council in which the church will agree with him to call a suit able num- ber of Pastors & delegates from sister churches, to sit & hear & Judge in the cases, the Judgment of such a council is to be con- sidered final and all parties shall be solemnly bound to abide the deci sion.
The above report being read the church then voted to take up the report by articles. After a full and free discussion of the sever al articles contained in the report the church.
Voted - To adopt all the articles contained in the report, except the 6th & 7th articles under the head of Discipline . To postpone the further consideration of the said 6th & 7th arti- cles to some future meeting of the church.
Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest Calvin Martin , Scribe .
1824
Dec.21. At a church meeting held this day at the Lecture Room, the committee of Over ture laid before the church the case of B.Cal- vin Kendall ( see report of committee on his case June 22, 1824 . ) Br.Kendall appeared & expressed deep peniteme for his offence in a verbal confession, which accepted, and thereupon . Voted, that Br. C. Kendall be considered as restored to the fellow- ship & communion of this church.
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
1825
Attest C. Martin, Scribe.
P.165-May 18 At a church meeting regularly warned & held this day at the Lecture Room, it was voted that Brothers Nathan Merriam & Vivus Osborn be added to Mr. Merrick on the committee for examin- ing into the truth of certain of fences alledged against Br. Ly- man Barker & report to the church.
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