USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Records of the Church of Christ in Williamsburg[h], Massachusetts [1804-1839]; beginning at 20th June, 1804 > Part 6
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DOINGS OF THE CHURCH
November 8 1835
Sarah Clark was received to this Church by letter from Portland -- And Also Sophronia Nash by a letter from Waterberry Wenternbury Cont
November 22d 1835
Sarah Wife of Almond Warner was received to this Church by letter from Plainfield
[p.107]
November 29 1835
At A meeting of the Church of the first Congregational Society in Williamsburgh
Dea Joseph Bodman Chosen Moderator
Voted that there he A meeting of the Church to morrow Monday the 30th of this month at one Oclock P M with a view to give Rev Willian Lusk an invitation to become their Pastor
Voted that Rev. John Todd be invited to attend and preside as Moderator
November 30th 1835
the Church met according to the above vote
Rev John Todd Moderator
Voted unanimous to invite Rev William Lusk to become their paster
Voted that there be a Committee of three members chosen to Communicate the proceeding of this meeting to the meeting
of the Society and should the Society concur to communicate the Same to Rev William Lusk and to act in concert with the Committee of the Society should circumstances render it necessary in calling a Council and in making: the
[p.108] the necessary arangements to establish and carry into effect Such relation
Voted the Committee Consist of Deacons Joseph Bodman Silvan-
us Hubbard and Gershum Rogers
Voted to adjourn the Meeting
Silvanus Hubbard Clerk
Rev Mľ Lusk accepted the call; & was installed by a council, as aforesaid, on wednesday the 20th of January, 1836
1836
March 1836
A letter was read to the church, requesting a Pastor & delegate to sit in council, at the Installation of Rev. Mr Ferguson in Whalely -- Whereupon, voted, that Deac. Gershom Rodgers, be the delegate; their request being complied with. [p.109]
April 3 1836
Were received to the church this day, the following persons, who had been examined & purpounded therefor, viz.
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DOINGS OF THE CHURCH
Mrs. Amarella James
Miss Semantha Hyde
Mrs. Paulina Janes Miss Sarah Graves Miss Eunice Graves Miss Emily Nash Hiram Hill
Frastus Graves Sarah Tylston
The report of members in this ch. for the close of the year 1835 makes the Nº then, 170.
[p.110]
June 5 1836 Were received to the church this day the following persons who had been previously examined & purpounded by order of the church, viz, Mrs. Sarah Wells Mrs. Abigail Nash Dr. Thomas Meekins Mrs. Hannah Meekins . Mrs. Betsy Warner Mrs. Polly Munson Mrs. Sophia Bodman Mrs. Cerintha James
Miss Sarah B. Holmes
[p. ]]] ]
June 12, 1336 A letter was read to the church, from the church of cst in Goshen, requesting a Pastor & delegate from this church to sit in council, with a view to the Installation of Rev. Mr. Mason -- Whereupon, voted, that the church comply with their request; & that Deac. Joseph Bodman be the delegate.
[p.112]
August 7, 1836
Voted this day to receive Mr Dole & wife to membership on a letter from the church of cst in Hawley.
Voted, to grant the request of Mrs. Paulina Janes, "to be dismissed, to unite with any sister church in New York" (city) .
October 1836
Voted to comply with the request of the Edwards church (Northampton) to furnish a pastor & delegate in council, relative to a dissolution of the pastoral relation with Rev. Mr. Todd. Dr. Meekins was chosen delegate -- who went. [p.113]
December 1836
Voted to comply with the request of the Edwards church (North- ampton) to furnish a pastor &delegate, in council relative to the installment of Rev. Mr. 'Mitchell. Brother Oliver Nash was chosen delegate -- who went.
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April 2, 1837
Voted to comply with a request from the church in Goshen, to furnish a pastor & delegate in council, relative to the dismission of Rev. Stephen Mason, Brother Captain Pomrey [p. 114] was chosen delegate -- who went.
April 29, 1937
Voted to comply with a request from the church of cst in Westhampton, to furnish a pastor & delegate in council rel- ative to the dismission of Rev. Mr. Chapin. Brother Leonard Strong was chosen delegate -- who went.
Reported for the year ending Jan.1, 1837, 181 members; nº of members in Bible class 60, & in the Sabbath School 250. 50 males & 131 females in the church.
[p.115 ]
May 21, 1837
Mr. Elisha Tylston & Sarah his wife, were received to membership in this church by a letter from the church in Greenfield & vote to that effect.
June 25, 1837:"
Voted to comply with a request from the church of cst in Westhampton, for a Pastor & delegate to sit in Council, with a view to the installation of Rev. Mr. Drury. Brother wm [p.116] Pomrey was chosen delegate; who went.
July 3 Voted, that the request of Sarah B. Holmes (now Mrs. Bayless) to be dismissed from this church, for to join the 3d Pres- byterian church in Rochester, N.Y. be granted.
July 7, 1837 Church Meeting
The following Complaint was laid before the church. "Whereas, it appears that Brother Thaddeus & his wife, have for some time past habitually, neglected to meet with this church on the Sabbath, & especially at the communion seasoneven passing by the very place of meeting; this certifies, that we being grieved by the course they have taken, & having in the way of discipline, labored with them kindly & fully, but without restoring them, are pained to say that we must, & (as in duty bound) do hereby tell it to the church. "
signed
Sylvanus Hubbard w"" Pomrey
The report of the Committee, in regard to the course pursued with Mr. Bartlett & wife, was heard & accepted. As Mr. Bartlett & his wife did not appear in compliance with the citations sent them; & as no excuse for their absence was given by any one; & furthermore, as it was impossible, that the
[p. 118] church as laid down in the 18th of Mat. should be heard by
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word of mouth, seeing they were absent from this meeting; voted, that the ch. express their mind to Mr. Bartlett & wife in the form of a written Confession which they are requested to sign; to do the same within ten days from the above date; &, if it is not done then, that they be, & hereby are at the end of that time, excommunicated from this church.
[p.121]
Confession (to be signed)
A copy of wh., was lodged respectively with Mr. & Mrs. Bartlett, to wit,
"This is to certify, that having left the communion of the church, of wh. I am a member; neglecting its meetings on the sabbath, & especially the communion season, even passing by the place where the church assembles; & having therby, as I now feel, brot. dishonor on the cause of God, as well as my own walk & conversation, This is to shew, that I am sorry for the course I have taken; that I ask forgiveness of all my Brethren & sisters, & especially of God for the sin referred to; & I solemnly promise & engage, with divine aid, to walk hereafter with the
[p.122 ]church in a tender & christian manner, & do what I can to wipe away this reproach."
The above Confession was prepared by a Committee of the church appointed for that purpose; & by another Committee was early conveyed to Mr. & Mrs. Bartlett respectively for the purpose above named.
They being requested, whether they signed the confession or not, to return the same to myself, at the expiration of 10 days; I hereby certify, that each copy of the confession was duly returned, & neither the name of Mr. nor Mrs. Bartlett was appended thereunto. In com-
[p.123] pliance therefore with the vote of the church, however pain- ful the information, it is our duty to say on this occasion, that they were accordingly, & are either of them, at this time excommunicated from this church.
Signed wm Lusk Pastor
Read
August 4, 1837 - at the Preparatory Lecture.
[ August 4, 1837] Church meeting.
Voted, that a collection be taken up at each communion for the purpose of aiding the poor of the church; & that the Deacons, be a committee to dispense it & advise with the poor. Also, that the Deacons have leave to sell sundry articles [P.124] of old communion plate, with a view of buying a new tankard.
Oct. 26, 1837
Agreeably to notice, & on the ground of a complaint preferred vs. Dr. Thomas Meekins, the church this day, the way being prepared, entered on his trial.
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The complaint is as follows :- For having erred, Ist, In not acting the part of a christian friend, by witholding proper advice from Miss Susan L. Joy, whom he was wont to advise on other subjects, &
[p.125] who had been led to place implicit confidence in him. 2. In indulging unkind suspicions vs. Miss Joy, without tak- ing due measures to ascertain whether they were well or ill founded.
3. In exerting himself apparently by means of reports, (whose correctness he never ascertained) to cast a withering influence on the character of one, for whom meanwhile he professed a very kind regard.
5th. In that of actually insulting a confiding female of good character & a professor of religion, without any [p. 126] justifiable cause.
The above addressed to the church; & signed by Deac. Gershom Rodgers, & Spencer Root of the Committee.
The following was added before trial, by mutual consent of parties ---
6th In composing and publishing sundry letters containing defamatory matter; & also in uttering & speaking to sundry people certain defamatory words, tending to the injury of the good name & reputation of Miss Susan L. Joy. Signed, as above
[p.127]
The trial on the ground of the above complaint was closed October 28, 1837; Thereupon it was voted by the church, that Dr. Meekins is (in their wiew) guilty of the offences charged against him in the above complaint; the vote, being taken on each of them in order. Elisha Tileston Clerk Protim
November 15th 1837 Fast-day.
A confession, comporting with the above complaint, was read by Dr. Meekins before the church & accepted. For the same, [p.128] See files of the church.
February 4th 1838
The following persons were received this day to the church, on the ground of an examination, & being previously pur-
pounded. Those marked # were also baptised :
Luther Bodman # Clarissa Bodman
# Moses W. Beales
Walker Rice #Lucretia Rice (Miss)
# Esther Claghorn # Lydia Lyman # Shelden Warner
# Milo Chilson Sophronia Warner
# Roby J Thayr
Wilbur Nichols
Gross Williams
# Louisa Williams
[p.129]
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# Hiram Holmes Polly Williams Ithamar Taylor Sarah Miller Nathaniel F. Miller Jenette Edgarton Martha E. Claghorn
William Sternes Elisha Rice
Ebenezer Miller Asaph L. Wait Samuel D. Graves Job Warner Rizpah Graves
Mary Ann Adgarton
Edward L. Clark
Henry Taylor
Hannah H Miller
Lucretia Taylor
Charles Wait
Henry L. Tylston Russel Hill
William B. Janes
Israel A. Graves
Jane E. Tylston
Caroline Fairfield
Benjamin Claghorn John W. Miller
Pliny Kingsley
Mary E. Hitchcock
Charles B. Johnson
Sabra H. Clapp
Cordelia A. Miller
Lucinda Hubbard
Cynthia M. Pomrey
Lucretia Hopkins
Marianne R. Dole
Lucretia Rice (Mrs.)
Fanny Hopkins
Delia L. Kingsley
Benjamin M. Ludden
Augustus Cole
Solomon Bodman
Nancy Bodman
Sarah W. Warner
Minot Thayr Cynthia Thayr
John R. Miller
Lawrence Miller (a German)
Martha Miller
Sylvanus Hubbard
Maria Hubbard Alma Eliza Wells - # Catherine P. Smith
[p.130]
[p.13]]
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[p.132]
# Betsy Anne Warner Nancy E. Smith // Elizabeth B. Bodman Elam Bodman Jerusha Bodman Augustus Graves Stephen W. Meekins Elisha Nash
In all 76.
Calvin Clark & wife, Justin Clark & wife, & Laura Clark, ware received to this church by letter, from the first Congregat- ional church in Northampton.
March 18, 1838
Israel Graves, & Fanny B. his wife, were received to this church by letter from the first congregational church in Northampton.
[p.133] Report of the church for the year ending Jan Ist 1838 viz, 175 members 49 male & 126 female; 250 in Sabbath-school; & 100 Bible class.
June 3d 1838 The following persons were this day received to the church having been duly examined, propounded &c, those marked # being also baptized Lydia P. Graves Mareanne Jones Mary Thayr Cordelia B. Hyde
June 17, 1838
Voted, that Lawrence Miller have a letter of dismission from this church, & recommendation
[p. 134] to join the Congregational church in Chesterfield.
Voted, that George W. Fisk be received to the church on the ground of a letter of dismission & recommendation from the church of cst in Holden.
July 13, 1838
At a Church Meeting, regularly warned, & holden as above, the following Inquiries were laid before the church by the Committee for their consideration & decision, viz Ist Shall a member of the church, who signs off from the society, thereby releasing himself from a pledge to support the gospel, & who does it with-
[p.135] out first laying his reasons before the Committee, as to the propriety of that step, be considered by the church, & particularly by the Committee thereof, as presenting a case that calls for any discipline of the church? Awnsered Affirmatively, by a Unanimous vote. 2d Shall the principle, or rule, implied in the decision of the above case, be considered as applicable to members
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of the church, who may refuse hereafter to connect them- selves with the society?
Awnsered affirmatively by a Unanimous vote.
[p.136] Voted, That no member of a sister-church, residing in the bounds of this parish, have leave leave to come to the communion in this church, for a longer term than a year from this date, unless they unite with us meantime in the usual form, or else satisfy the church in case of their not doing it.
Voted, That the pastor request those parents, who have not presented their children for baptism, to bring them forward as early as practicable.
[p.137] Voted that the following pledge on the subject of temperance be approved of by the church, to wet,
We the Undersigned do hereby agree to abstain, from both the use & sale of ardent spirits as a beverage ; that we will not give it to others for that purpose; but that we will exert our influence to suppress such a use of it, both in the church & throughout the community.
Voted that a Committee be appointed to circulate this pledge in the church;
[p.138] presenting it to each member, & obtaining their voluntary subscription to it, as far as practicable; & that the same Committee consist of the following persons, one being assigned to each Destrict. They are in their respective districts, to wet,
Hiram Hill - North Village Dist. Frastus Bodman - South Village Dist. Deac. Rodgers - Hyde ... Dist. Spencer Root - Hayden Dist.
Silas Warner - Mountain Dist.
Elisha Nash - Nash Dist.
Simeon Bartlett - North East Dist.
Joseph E. Thayr - North Dist. Sylvanus Hubbard, fun - Hill Dist.
Vøted furthermore, That no one, who may refuse to adopt the above pledge, shall hereafter [p.139] be received to membership in this church.
V. Papers read at said meeting.
August 5, 1838
Voted, that Alfred Lyman & wife be received to this church on the ground of a letter of dismission & recommendation from the church of Christ in East Hampton.
October 7, 1838
Voted, that Betsy, (wife of W. Otis Kingsley, ) be received to this church, on the ground of a letter of dismission & recommendation from the church of cst in Whately.
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October 21, 1838
Voted that Sarah Clarke have a letter of dismission & recommendation from this church to join the Edwards ch. (Northampton) .
[p.140]
September 7, 1838
The church met pursuant to public notice. Rev. Mr. Perkins of East Amherst was chosen Moderator. A paper lodged with the Committee by brother Stephen Hopkins, purporting to be his reasons for signing off from the society, was then read before the ch. V files of the Church. That paper was pronouned by the moderator foreign from the main point, & should not have been read before the church. If he had aught against the pastor, he should pursue a course dictated by the usage & discipline of the church. This was agreed to by the church. Voted to adjourn.
[p.14]] Nov. 9, 1838
A meeting of the church was convened pursuant to public notice. Rev. Mr. Rose was chosen moderator of the meeting. Voted to hear the report of the Committee in the case of brother Stephen Hopkins. A report was accordingly made by a part of the Committee. Voted not to accept the reasons of Mr. Hopkins for signing off from the society. Voted that the acknowledgement of the error of Brother Stephen Hopkins for „signing off from the society, be accepted by the church; which vote was unanimous. Notice was given at this meeting by Rev. Mr. Lusk, of his intention to bring a case of discipline pending between himself & Deac.
[p.142] Rodgers before the church. Voted to adjourn.
Nov. 23, 1838
A meeting of the church was held pursuant to public notice. The object, according to the warrant, was to enlarge the committee of the church; & to elect one person to the office of Deacon. Opened with prayer.
Voted that the Deacons of the church, (together with the Pastor, ) be a part, & standing portion of the Committee. Voted, that the election contemplated be by ballot.
BrotherWilliam Pomrey was chosen to the office of Deacon.
Six other brethren were added to the standing portion of the Committee; & in the following order, viz, Luther Bodman, Hiram Hill, Joseph T.
[p.143] Thayr, Spencer Root, Jason Miller, & Waldo Cleaveland.
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Voted that the first 3 of the six brethren just named go out of office at the end of the first year; & the 3 last go out of office at the end of the second year; an election being held to supply their places accordingly, & the same persons being eligible as heretofore whosoever may be appoint- ed to fill their place.
Voted to adjourn sine die.
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Nov. 26, 1838 (Maria - written above Betsey, both in pencil)
Voted that Mrs. Betsey Thayr be received to this church, on the ground of a letter of dismission from the church [p. 144] of Christ in Westhampton.
Dec. 2, 1838
Mrs. Alletia Abell & Elisha Nash Jun. were received to the church, having been duly purpounded.
Dec. 24, 1838
Voted that Samuel Wells be received to this church on a letter of dismission & recommendation from the Church of cst in Hatfield.
[p.145 and p.146 cut out] [p.147]
December 24, 1839
A meeting of the church was held pursuant to notice, & with a view to the trial of Deac. Gershom Rodgers; against whom certain Complaints signed by 40 names, had been adopted by the Committee of the Church, as the Cases of investigation.
The complaints are as follows V. Files of the Church.
Rev. Nathan Perkins of East Amherst was chosen moderator; & Joseph T. Thayr, Clerk. The meeting was opened with. prayr. A record of the Deal,
[p.148] or laborof the Committee with with Deac. Rodgers with a view to the settlement of the case, by the usual preparatory steps, was then read by-Rev. Mr. Lusk; & approved by Deac. Hubbard, Deac. Bodman, wm Pomrey, & Spencer Root of the church Committee, who were present.
The question whether minors have a right to vote in the case pending, was decided by the chair in the negative. Recess till 6 o clock P.M.
Met accordingly. The question whether certain, who have signed a complaint against Rev. Mr. Lusk have a
[p.149]right to vote in this case, was decided by the chair in the negative.
The question, whether those who entered a complaint to the Committee of the ch. (with a view to its adoption by them, as the basis of an investigation) have a right to vote in this case was decided in the affirmative by the Chair.
Voted, that the objection of Deac. Rodgers, that the requis- ite preparatory steps of discipline in his case have not been taken,
[p.150] be not sustained.
Voted to adjourn to meet in this place tomorrow at one Oclock P.M.
December 25th Met accordingly. Voted, that the church unite with Deac. Rodgers in calling a
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mutual council to investigate & issue the case now pending, provided that no legal council, in distinction from clerical, be employed by either side.
The Committee to nominate for a Council reported the names of [p. 15]] Rev. Mr. Perkins of Amherst, Rev. Mr. Bisbee of Worthington, Rev. Mr. White of Southampton, Rev. Mr. Condit of South Hadley, Rev. Mr. Tyler of South Hadley, -- with their Delegates, for that purpose :-- which nomination was con- firmed, & said persons compose the council.
A Committee was appointed to issue the letters missive, & make the preparatory arrangement.
The meeting was dissolved.
Jos. T. Thayer Clerk pro, tem.
[p.152] Jan. 8th 1839
Pursuant to the act of the church at their last meeting, An Ecclesiastical Council ( as aforesaid) were convened in the place with a view to the trial of Deac. Gershom Rodgers. Having organized, they proceeded to his trial on the general charge of Disorderly conduct, under 3 specifications. In the highest sense of the word they do not deem him guilty; but still as not without blame, with respect to what is implied in the first &
[p.153] second specification; on which ground, they say, he "ought to have made acknowledgements" to his brethren; that he had acted without christian discretion in publickly condemning his brethren -- that he had treated the minister & Bible class with disrespect &c. For their own record of the whole matter, see the Minutes & results of Council on the Files of the church.
[p.154]
February 17, 1839 Worcester Longly of the church in Hawley, was received by Letter to this church.
Tryphena Starks (widow), wm Starks & Mary his wife, & Martha Sherman, were dismissed from this church, to join the church in North Adams.
February 28, 1839
A meeting of the church was held pursuant to notice. Rev. A. C. Hubbard was chosen Moderator, & Joseph T. Thayr [p.155] temporary clerk. The meeting was opened with prayr.
The Committee of the church made a report of their doings on the complaint of Brother Stephen Hopkins against Rev. w. Lusk; wh. was accepted & adopted, as in order & satisfact- ory . For the report & Complaint, V Files of the church.
A statement was made in writing by a minority of the Commit- tee for dissenting from the above report; of which statement they were requested by the church to
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[p.156]
put in the possession of the moderator an attested copy
Rev. Mr. Lusk also made a report on the complaint brought against him by Stephen Hopkins; a copy of which was requested by the Church. V. Files of the church.
Rev. Mr. Lusk preferred a Request for Dismission from this people, on the ground of the want of a parsonage, or proper house to live in. V. Files of the church.
Recess till 7oclock.
Met accordingly.
[p.157] Certain Documents were read before the church by Rev. Mr. Lusk, lodged with him by certain members of the Society, & having a bearing on the Pastoral relation &c; And a report from the Committee of the church was made thereon, as to the sanction they were said to receive from ministers in this association, having investigated that point to their satisfaction. V. Files of the Church.
voted that a Committee of 3 be appointed to take [p.158] into consideration the request preferred by Rev. Mr. Lusk for a Dismission. Also, that wm Pomrey, Jason Miller, & Sylvanus Hubbard be that Committee; & that they report thereon to the church as early as practicable.
Voted, that thursday of next week be observed by this church, as a day of fasting, humiliation & prayr.
Voted, the meeting be dissolved.
Signed, Jos. T. Thayer Clerk protem. [p.159] March 18, 1839
A meeting of the Church was held pursuant to public notice.
Jason Miller was chosen Moderator, & Joseph T Thayr tempor- ary Clerk. The meeting was opened with prayr. The subject of the meeting was stated to be, an inquiry by the church into the truth of the report, that one or more papers were carriedabout the parish by the agency of church members, to induce people to sign off from the Society;
[p.160]
An inquiry was made of those present; & the following persons called on the give information, viz, Luther Bodman, Austin Kingsley, Waldo Cleaveland, Deac. Rodgers, Moses Beales, Walker Rice, Silas Warner, The amount of their testimony was that such a paper was in circulation, &c. V. Files of the Church for a specimen of the testimony.
Voted that none but church members be admitted hereafter to meetings of the church.
Moved by Dr. Meekins & seconded, That it is inexpedient that
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Deac. Rodgers should serve the church in the capacity of a Deacon, until the grievances existing against himself in the church are removed.
[p.16]]
Adjourned to tuesday of next week at one Oclock P.M. with a view to act on the above motion, if the way be prepared for it.
Jos. T. Thayer Clerk protem.
March 26, 1839
The church met pursuant to public notice. Jason Miller was Moderator. John E. Cathcart, was chosen Clerk pro. tem. The meeting was opened with prayr. The object of the meet- ing was stated to be, to act on the motion of Dr. Meekins relative to Deac. Rodgers. After some discussion upon it, a substitute for that motion was accepted, & finally passed. [p.162] It. is as follows: "That the church disapprove of the courses recently pursued by Deac. Gershom Rodgers, relative to the subject of signing off from the society, the contin- uance of the pastoral relation, & his general conduct since the late Ecclesiastical council was convened inthis place".
Voted that the following be inserted in the report of the Committee (adopted by the church Feb 28th, ) in an early stage of it, & with a view of making it more explicit, viz, "And whereas the above reply to that Complaint by the Commit- tee of the church,
[p.163] was made on the ground of Clerical advice, wh. has since been retracted as at variance with the "design of that instrument; & the case is said to be one in wh. the church becomes a party with their pastor in taking up a course of discipline"&c.
Voted that Luther Bodman & John E. Cathcart be a Committee to request of Stephen Hopkins the original Complaint preferred by him & others against Rev. W. Lusk; & also, to obtain of Deac. Rodgers, a copy (attested) of the paper read by him before the church
[p.164] at their meeting on the 28th of Feb. last.
The minutes of the church, as contained in this book, of what was done at the above meeting of the 28th of February were read for the approval of the church. No exception was made to the record.
Voted, that this meeting dissolved.
Signed
John E. Cathcart
Clerk Protem. [p.165] April 5, 1839
The church met pursuant to public notice for the prepara- tory Lecture.
A request was laid before the church by Deac. Rodgers, requesting an explanation of the vote passed concerning him the last church meeting; & desiring to know whether it was
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a bar to communion with, & serving the church.
Whereupon voted -- "That in the view of this church, no explanation of the motion referred to by Deac. Rodgers, is required by the circumstances of the case."
The Moderator, on being asked his view of it, said he did not suppose the design of the motion concerning Deac. Rodgers, was to debar him from communion with, & serving the church; that it was not an "Ecclesiastical censure founded on charges"; but expressive merely of the "opinion or moral sense of the church" in regard to his conduct.
Luther Bodman(on behalf of the Committee, to request of Stephen Hopkins the original complaint preferred by himself & others against the Pastor) reported -- That Mr. Hopkins refused to give it up, alledging that there was an "evil [ p. 167] design. in it" They reported, that they had obtained a copy of the paper read by Deac. Rodgers, as aforesaid.
The Committee appointed to consider the request of the Rev. Mr. Lusk, relative to a discontinuance of the pastoral relation, grounded chiefly on the want of a Parsonage, reported. For the Request, & their report thereon, V. Files of the Church.
The report of the Aforesaid Committee was accepted & adopted. [p.168]
April 7, 1839 ( Sabbath)
David Pitt was received to this church, on a letter from the church in Sunderland.
Voted, that Mrs. Coleman have a letter of Dismission & recommendation from this church, to unite with the Church of Christ in Easthampton.
May 1839
Voted that Hannah Allen, ( formerly H. Miller) have a letter to unite with the church in Hadley
Mrs. Mandana Nash (wife of Almeron) was received to the church, by vote of the Committee, being herself [p 169] dangerously ill.
On the first sabbath in April 1838, the following persons, (having been duly propounded,) were received to the church the record being of course out of its place; viz, Marianne Nash Lucretia Skiff Almon Warner William H. Clapp Ann Eliza Stone Cushman Thayr Foster Thayr Susan Ludden
[p.166]
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DOINGS OF THE CHURCH
Joseph T. Thayr & Orella Thayr his wife Wilbur Nichols William Nash & Sophronia Nash his wife
Austin Wait Quartus Dickinson
Luan Cleaveland
Osborne Cleaveland
Ellbridge G. Browne &
Anne Browne his wife
Edward L. Clark
Frastus Bodman & Marianne Bodman his wife
Lyman Bodman Rhoda Nash
Stephen Hopkins Jun.
John W. Miller
Sylvia Miller
Hannah Miller
Ellbridge Kingsley &
Elisabeth Kingsley his wife
Nancy Warner (since Fisk)
Luthera E. Warner
Almira Kingsley
Edwin Rice Mary Rice Franklin Crosby
Fidelia K. Root No. 37
Edwin Edgarton Mrs. Lovina Warner Mrs. Betsey Starks [ The last three names added at end of list with a blue pencil.]
[p.17]] Report of the church for the year ending Jan. Ist, 1839, viz, 296 members, males 106, & females 190. Also 250 in the Sabbath school, & 100 in the Bible class.
[p.170]
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