USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hanover > The Church and Cemetery Records of Hanover, Mass. > Part 4
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REV. ABEL G. DUNCAN.
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given that measure of prosperity which appeared to be the promise of better days for this church and society. But a change has come over us, and the condition of things seems to indicate that another should come in my stead and reap that whereon he has bestowed no labor. PERMANENCY in the Pastoral Office seems to give way to the love of novelty and change, and the churches are in the course of experi- ment which, in the opinion of the General Association, will result most unfavorably to their interests. I have considered it my duty heretofore, to make sacrifices of feeling and of interest for the retard- ing of such a result. But wishing no longer to stand up for a prin- ciple so rapidly lost sight of in the excitements and changes of the day ; feeling it to be no longer a duty in view of the circumstances of your present condition ; realizing that my motives and sacrifices for the principle have not been. and still are not, appreciated by this people ; and being willing, while I commit my way to the Lord, to bide my time, I most freely yield to the desire of a change, having in common with the most devoted friends of this beloved church an earnest desire for its perpetuity, peace and prosperity. I, therefore, do now resign into the hands of the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, from whom I received it by solemn installation, and into your hands, the pastorate of this church, the resignation to take effect on and after the first day of May next ; and I respectfully request you to unite with me in calling a mutual council to advise relative to the matter. While I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your multiplied favors, for which I pray that God may richly reward you, I ought in justice to say that my stipulated compensation has always been inadequate to meet iny necessary expenses, more especially for the last few years, since the manifest lessened value of money, while my own means for making up your lack of remuneration have been sensibly diminished. The necessary result has been, not- withstanding all my struggles to avoid it, that I am unable fully to meet the claims on me, which are justly due. I prefer no claims, but do appeal to the generosity and magnanimity of those to whom I have ministered ; not because I so much desire a gift, but I desire that fruit may abound to their account. Although you have suffered a great diminution of your members, strength and influence, yet I trust that you will be united and will speedily secure a sound and godly ministry, and that you will humbly and prayerfully in faith and active, zealous effort, wait on the Lord for his blessing. May the light of this ancient Zion never be quenched, but shine with the pure radiance of truth and holiness from generation to generation. And suffer me to ask your continued prayers for one who has rejoiced in your joys, and sorrowed in your sorrows, and who has above all things desired and labored for your salvation, and the salvation of your children. Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,
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A. G. DUNCAN, Pastor."
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This resignation was accepted by the church, and it was voted that the council to be called be the same that shall meet at the "Four Corners," April 12th, 1854, to organize the Congrega- tional Church there contemplated. Deacon Cook and Josiah Chamberlain were chosen to unite with the pastor in calling the said council and in representing the church before it ; and Dea- con Cook was chosen to attend with the pastor the council to be convened at the "Four Corners," to assist in the organiza- tion of the brethren who have been dismissed, and others who may unite with them into a Congregational Church, to worship in the new house recently erected in the village. Accordingly the council met at the house of Dr. Garratt, Hanover Four Corners, now the residence of James T. Tolman, and organized by the choice of Rev. James W. Ward as moderator, and Rev. Isaac C. White scribe. The churches invited were represented as follows:
Church in Abington Centre, Rev. J. W. Ward. Joshua Whitmarsh, Delegate.
Hingham, Rev. E. P. Dyer, Pastor.
Isaac N. Damon, Delegate.
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Hanson, Rev. S. L. Rockwood, Pastor. Deacon I. F. Stetson, Delegate.
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East Abington, Rev. H. D. Walker, Pastor.
Deacon Delegate.
Scituate, Rev. Daniel Wight, Pastor. Deacon J. Cudworth, Delegate. North Abington, Rev. J. C. White.
The council, after fully considering the papers and the facts, voted to dissolve the pastoral relation, and recommending that those who had enjoyed his ministrations should raise at least two hundred dollars as a mark of their continued affection and regard, and their desire to do justice to one who had labored long and faithfully in the Gospel ministry. They cordially recommended Mr. Duncan to the churches of Christ as a Brother beloved, a sound, faithful preacher of the Gospel, as one who
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REV. ABEL G. DUNCAN.
had long sustained the relation of a discreet and affectionate pastor. They also expressed their deep sympathy for the en- feebled church, and somewhat disheartened by the diminution of members. We find that during his ministry in this place, Mr. Duncan baptized 117 persons, infants and adults, besides receiving a large number into the church. After closing his ministry in this place, he resided and was acting pastor in the Congregational Church in Assonet for eleven years, and after living in Scotland, a part of Bridgewater, for about five and one- half years, acting pastor there, he came back to Hanover in 1873, to spend the few remaining days of his pilgrimage, having reached the age of more than three score years and ten. Here, with health enfeebled in his house on King Street, he resided for about ten months with constantly failing prospects of recov- ery, much of the time upon a bed of sickness, until April 23d, 1874, when he quietly passed away. As he had lived a Christian life, so he died a Christian death, exclaiming shortly before he breathed his last, in the full triumph of a Christian hope: "Oh, precious, precious Saviour! Wonderful, wonderful Saviour! His name shall be called wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." The Rev. Mr. Allen, a successor, in his historical account, says: "Mr. Duncan held the pen of a ready writer. Not only did he prepare his written sermons with great care and facility, but he wrote not a little for the press in fugitive and occasional pieces. I know, how- ever, of only four works which were issued in his own name. The first is an address which he delivered in Boston, in 1838, before the Physiological Society, of the city, and was published there. The second is a sermon which he preached in 1853, at the funeral of Mrs. Mary Anna (Perkins) Wight, the wife of Rev. Daniel Wight, of Cohasset. The third is a religious tract which was published by the Boston American Tract Society, on the subject of Baptism, for the manuscript of which they offered a premium (I think) of fifty dollars, and which they appraised to him. The fourth is a little book, called the "Pastor's Man- ual," a very good and useful work, and often of great conven-
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ience in the performance of pastoral duties. Besides these he prepared several volumes of his own sermons in manuscript for the press, which were not published on account of the risk in expense which he would have to assume, and in the same way a volume of religious meditation in prose and poetry by himself, was prepared for publication, but for the same reason failed to come before the public." Mr. Duncan was a man of much more than ordinary talent and perseverance. After he was fifty years of age he began the study of the Hebrew language. The children of Mr. Duncan were Laura J., who married Nahum D. King, of North Adams, and died October 22d, 1859, aged 30 years. Lucia A., who married Henry S. Dean, of Taunton, and died April 3, 1881, aged 48 years; and William Paley, of Cambridge, a lawyer by profession, in practice in Boston, who studied at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, and at Amherst College, and married Abbie F. Crane, daughter of Capt. John Crane, of Freetown, and has two sons, John F. and Payson Williston, a daughter, Laura Mabel, born October 30, 1865, died March 31, 1867.
Reference has been made to the literary ability of Rev. Mr. Duncan. He was, indeed, a man of rare scholarship as a linguist, having an intimate knowledge of ancient and several modern languages, reading each tongue with facility, and in belles-lettres was equally gifted. He was a skilled logician and a wise coun- sellor in denominational church polity, and his advice was frequently sought by the several churches and ministerial asso- .ciations in Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol Counties. His modest and friendly demeanor at all times commended him even to those who opposed him in opinion. One incident is remembered concerning him in this connection. A man called at his house one evening during his pastorate at Hanover, and assailed him with violent language about a certain matter of opinion only. Mr. Duncan heard him silently to the end, and then with singular dignity and kindness, replied only in these words : "Rebuke not an elder." Suffice it to say, the excited caller was so much impressed by the manner and simple words
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REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
of the pastor, that (in the language of Scripture) "there was a great calm.". He could be severe if occasion required, yet his severity was tempered by a gentle dignity through it all, which conciliated as well as reproved.
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The separation of the First Congregational Church and society was, in fact, a source of much grief to him, and while he had feelings of utmost kindness for the promoters of the measure, many of whom were his warm personal friends, yet it had great influence in saddening his declining years, and to the very last he could not speak of the event without emotion and regret. He re- joiced in the Godly succession of ministers over the old church, particularly in the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Allen. While he displayed much interest in the new Second Parish, yet his thoughts and affections seemed to centre in and revert to the ancient First Church, the home of his early love and care; and his remains now rest beside those of the wife of his youth in the old churchyard, near the beautiful new church edifice erected on the site of the venerable structure consumed by fire, in which old sanctuary they unitedly labored, mid joy and trial, smiles and tears for so many years, in the Master's work, until they "fell on sleep."
The ladies of the congregation erected a plain but beautiful tablet to the memory of his wife greatly beloved by them, at her grave, and his children placed a similar one at their father's. grave, with this inscription on the same (as he directed shortly before his decease) "Simply to Thy Cross I Cling"; and there in "God's Acre," with a great company of his parishioners and fellow-townsmen, whose funeral obsequies he performed, his body rests, near the beautiful burial lot of his beloved brother in another communion, Rev. Samuel Cutler, awaiting with him and them the resurrection dawn.
The church though considerably enfeebled, yet rallied, and at a regular meeting held Jan. 13th, 1855, in the meeting-house, presided over by Deacon Cook, invited REV. JOSEPH FREE- MAN, to become their pastor and teacher. Accordingly, Mr. Freeman came in answer to the call on the 21st of February,
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THIRD MEETING HOUSE.
and preached on the 25th the first sermon as pastor elect. On Sunday, March 11th, the Lord's Supper was administered, four- teen members of the church being present, and three from sister churches. "It was a good season." April 5th was observed as a day of public fasting, humiliation and prayer. A sermon was preached in the forenoon, and a social meeting was held in the afternoon. At the close of the service a meeting of the church and parish was called, and Elisha Bass, Josiah Chamber- lain and Deacon Cook were chosen a committee to call an ecclesiastical council for the purpose of installing Rev. Mr. Freeman as pastor of the church and society. Pursuant to let- ters missive from the First Congregational Church in Hanover, an ecclesiastical council convened in the meeting-house on Wednesday, April 18th, 1855, for the purpose of examining, and if judged expedient, of installing Rev. Joseph Freeman as pas- tor. The council was organized by the choice of Rev. Samuel L. Rockwood as moderator, and Rev. F. A. Fiske as scribe. The pastors and delegates present from the churches invited were as follows:
Hanson, Hingham, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Brother S. G. Bayley, Delegate.
Abington, Third Church, Rev. H. D. Walker. Deacon P. Winslow, Delegate.
Hanover, Second Church, Rev. William Chapman. Brother George Eells, Delegate.
Frankfort, Me., First Congregational Church, Rev. S. H. Hayes.
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Marshfield, Trinitarian Congregational Church, Rev. F. A. Fiske. Brother C. W. Macomber, Delegate.
A ministerial brother being present was invited to take part in the deliberations. The council were satisfied with the papers
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Rev. Samuel L. Rockwood.
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REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
and examination, and Rev. Mr. Freeman was installed at 2 P. M. in the meeting-house, with the following public services :
I. Reading of Minutes by the Scribe.
2. Reading the Scriptures and Prayer by Rev. Charles Mor- gridge.
3. Sermon by Rev. S. H. Hayes.
4 Installing Prayer by the Scribe.
5. Charge to the Pastor by Rev. E. Porter Dyer.
6. Right Hand of Fellowship and Address to the People by Rev. H. D. Walker.
7. Concluding Prayer by Rev. E. P. Dyer.
8. Benediction by the Pastor.
Inasmuch as this was the last installation of a pastor over this church, it may be interesting to read the letter of invitation to be pastor, and the reply from Mr. Freeman.
HANOVER, Jan. 15, 1855.
Rev. Joseph Freeman,
Dear Sir: I am directed to communicate to you the follow- ing votes of the First Congregational Church and Society in this place. At a regular meeting of the church holden at their meeting-house on Saturday, the 13th inst., Voted, that we invite the Rev. Joseph Freeman to become the pastor and teacher of this church. At a regular meeting of the Society on the same day and place, Voted, that we unite with the church in extending an invitation to the Rev. Joseph Freeman to settle with us in the Gospel ministry. Voted, that we pay him six hundred dollars annually. The above votes were unanimous. I hope that you will accept our call, and come among us as soon as practicable. For the present we have engaged half of a large house near the meeting-house for you, until you can be better accommodated. Please answer as soon as possible.
ISAAC COOK.
REV. MR. FREEMAN'S LETTER. 37
PROSPECT, ME., Feb. 6th, 1855. Deacon Joseph Cook, in behalf of the First Congregational Church and Society in Hanover, Mass .:
Dear Sir, - Your favor of the 15th ult., was duly received. A decided affirmative answer has been delayed until the present time, because it could not be properly given before I should know the results of an ecclesiastical council. The council con- vened to-day, and my pastoral relation with this people is now dissolved. I am happy to say that the short acquaintance I had with your brethren and friends gave me much pleasure, and I left feeling a cordial interest in them and their spiritual welfare. Your request has been made a subject of much thought and prayer to God for his blessing and guidance, for I desire to do what will be pleasing in his sight, and go only where He would have mc. Without Him I can do nothing. Under a deep sense of my own weakness and want of conformity to Christ, I feel myself to be unfit for the responsible and holy office of one of His embassadors. But relying upon His grace and merciful presence, and trusting that I shall ever have the cordial co- operation and prayers of all who love His name, I have concluded to accept your call to the pastoral office. With respect to the compensation I accept your proposal, asking that you will grant me four or five Sabbaths annually for a vacation. I am pleased that you have provided accommodations for my family, and trust that we shall be happy in the enjoyment of them ; but you will permit me to express the wish that a parish house may be built as early in the summer as practicable. If nothing in the Provi- dence of God prevents me, I shall leave with my family for Massachusetts next week, but may not supply your pulpit before the first Sabbath in March, subject, however, to your wishes. I shall then be ready for my installation at an early day as may seem desirable. Wishing you grace, mercy and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, I remain, in Christian affection, Yours,
JOSEPH FREEMAN.
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REV. JOSEPH FREEMAN.
Mr. Freeman was born in Orrington, Me., the last day of December, 1814 His ancestors came from England and set- tled at Eastham, in this state. His parents were professed Christians. At the age of 19 he made a public profession of religion, and united with the Congregational Church in Orrington. His mind was then directed to the Gospel min- istry, and he came to consecrate himself and his life to that work. He was licensed to preach the Gospel, and was gradu- ated at Bangor Theological Seminary in 1842. He went imme- diately on a previous engagement to the Congregational Church in Strong, Maine, where he was ordained pastor in 1844; here he labored three years. He was then installed over the Con- gregational Church in Sandy Point (Stockton), Me., and re- mained nine years. From that place he came to Hanover, where he lived and labored until July 26th, 1869, when he was dismissed by a mutual council. When he was installed pastor there were 14 male members and 43 female, making a total of 57. With his ministry he began to record the times when the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered and the num- ber of members present. June 15th, Rev. Mr. Duncan was present at the regular church meeting. It was voted to grant Mrs. Laura J. D. King, his daughter, a letter of dismission and recommendation to the Congregational Church in North Adams. October 14th, at the close of public worship, a meeting of the church was called by the pastor to decide whether they would join the Pilgrim Conference. The church voted to present their request at the next meeting of that body for admission, and Brother Ebenezer Thayer was chosen delegate to attend that week the conference held at South Marshfield. The re- quest was presented by the pastor, and the church was received into the conference. An event occurred September 18th, when the pastor and his family moved in and occupied a new parson- age or parish house, which had been built for his occupancy. This house was not built by the parish society, but by individual members. At the beginning of the year following, we find the
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new pastor somewhat depressed on account of the low state of religion. Thus we find the record January 4th, 1856:
"Church met in conference at the house of Widow Stetson. Only 4 individuals were present. Prospects appeared rather gloomy."
In February the church did not meet in conference owing to the inclemency of the weather, and in March there was a good meeting and the Spirit of the Lord was present, and their hearts were encouraged. Yet it is added : "Religion is low, and wicked- ness abounds; but it affords no reason why God will not hear the prayer of faith and reveal His gracious power unto salva- tion." In connection with the Lord's Supper which was ad- ministered at noon, March 9th, he says: "It was a good season to our souls, but it does not seem to be the most appropriate time to observe this ordinance at noon. There is too much noise." In May there was present at the Communion the larg- est number of communicants during the year past, and the pastor's heart was encouraged. After public service on the Sabbath, October 19th, the church appointed Deacon Cook, Brother E. Bass and Brother S. S. Church delegates to the Pil- grim Conference which was to meet October 23d, with this church. The Pilgrim Conference met with this church Tuesday and Wednesday, October 23d and 24th. The meetings were very interesting, and it was hoped that permanent good would result. Rev. Mr. Bullard, of Boston, addressed the conference upon the subject of Sabbath Schools. Rev. Dr. J. Clark, of Boston, spoke on the subject of Home Missions. Rev. Mr. Babcock, of South Plymouth, preached the opening sermon. Rev. Mr. Brainerd, of Halifax, preached in the evening. Rev. Mr. Fiske, of North Marshfield, preached the closing sermon. Rev. Messrs. Rockwood and Babcock officiated at the Lord's table. For several months the church failed to meet in confer- ence owing to storms, bad travelling and sickness. At the church meeting held March 4th, 1857, twenty-three were pres- ent. It was a very interesting meeting. Every one felt deeply, and there was much melting of heart and weeping before God.
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The Holy Spirit was with them. The pastor closes with this desire of his heart: "Oh, may He work gloriously." March 1Ith twenty were present.
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" There was much deep interest in the revival of the church and the salvation of souls manifested, much subdued feeling. The Holy Spirit seems to be moving the hearts of his people to call upon the Lord for his salvation to be revealed among this people. April 23d, meeting of the church and others interested in the subject of relig- ion ; twenty-two were present. Very good meeting. The Spirit of the Lord is with us. There have been a few conversions." May Ist, preparatory lecture. Good meeting, twenty-two present. The church generally seem much engaged in the cause of Christ. May 2d. administered the Lord's Supper. Large nun.ber of communi- cants present. Very solemn and interesting occasion. The Lord is reviving His work."
After public service Sabbath, May 17th, Deacon Cook and Brother Samuel Church were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference at Carver, the 19th inst. The heart of the · pastor was encouraged so that he breaks forth into praise to 'God, for His mercy and goodness. August 30th, Sabbath, after third service, Deacon Isaac Cook was chosen delegate in the absence of the pastor, who was away for six weeks on his vaca- tion, to attend a council in Abington Centre for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Abbe as pastor over the Centre Congregational Church. On September 13th, 1857, the meeting-house was re- opened after undergoing extensive repairs. A new sofa was put in the pulpit. A rich marble top communion table was presented to the church and society, and chairs also by James Stetson, Esq. A dedicatory service was held by the pastor. The pastor says:
" In His kind Providence God has smiled upon us during the time of making these repairs and improvements, and prospered the work of our hands. In this may we discern evidence of His pleasure in it. It was a work prompted neither by pride, nor by emulation. It was a work that was needed to be done. Reverence for the sanctu- ary, honor to God, comfort of worshippers asked for it. Cheerfully and kindly has it been done, and well done. May the richest bless- ings of the Father of lights, to whom it is all devoted, rest upon the people and upon their children and they receive double in mercies for all their labor."
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October 11th, after public service in the afternoon, Deacon Cook, Brothers S. S. Church and Ebenezer Thayer were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference to be held at Han- son, the 20th inst. Nov. Ist was a very interesting day. Thirty persons partook of the Sacrament, three were admitted to the church, one being baptized, and also five small children were presented for the ordinance of baptism. The heart of the pastor in common with the hearts of ministers throughout the country and Great Britain was greatly encouraged and cheered by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the general interest prevalent in the meetings. Revivals abounded and this parish was in a somewhat revived state. February 14th, after public services, Brother Samuel S. Church was chosen delegate with the pastor to attend a council in Hanson, in reference to dismissing their pastor, Rev. Mr. Rockwood. April 4th, after public service, Brother S. S. Church was chosen to attend as delegate with the pastor a council in South Weymouth, for the purpose of install- ing Rev. S. H. Hayes pastor over the Union Congregational : Church. May 19th, the Pilgrim Conference met at Plympton, and Deacon Cook and Brother Samuel S. Church were the dele- gates chosen to attend. About this time there was a case of church discipline. A great many years had passed since the church had found it necessary to exclude any of its members, but now, after investigating the case by a committee, it was thought best to suspend one of their members for a year, and at the end of that time he was excommunicated. August 15th, the people were pleased to hear again their former pastor, Rev. Abel G. Duncan, who was with them and preached twice, besides attending the funeral of Miss Sybil Hatch. September 26th, after public service, Brother S. S. Church and Deacon Cook were chosen delegates to attend the Pilgrim Conference. October 21st, Thursday, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer. There was a meeting in the meeting-house attended by twenty-five persons. It is described as a very good meeting. This was recommended to the churches by the Pilgrim Confer-
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