USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > The history of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1841 > Part 7
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
their folly and impolicy ; and what is more than all the rest, the frowns of Heaven, as the guilty cause of blood- shed and miseries, without any thing to justify their hos- tilities ; so that they might soon expect to lie at the mer- y of those, whose resentments would be whetted against them, by the most cruel injuries and insults. As these insurrections therefore, are so totally wrong, impolitick, ind of such pernicious tendency, we esteem ourselves as bound in duty, to use our influence to suppress, and pre- veut them if possible ;- and as yet, we hope that the most tragical events to which they tend, may be pre- ented. As to the request from a body of men under erins, communicated to this town, waving any observa- gons on what is contained therein, we regard it as im- politick, and unreasonable to grant it-and apprehend a ompliance therewith, would be dishonourary and preju- wcial to the town; at the same time declare, that we Have full confidence, that if the insurgents will now lay down their arms, and throw themselves on the clemency government, they will experience this to the utmost stem of what humanity shall dictate, or the safety and honour of the State will admit of, even now when they vand chargeable with having insulted clemency itself .- but as to the small number that have joined that body from this town, we declare our sincere sorrow for them, haritably believe they were drawn into it, by the insti- „ution of designing men, and for the want of knowing the tendency of such measures, and that they have not me destruction of government in contemplation-that in oneert with others, they have practically levelled a Throw at the very foundation of it; and if they will now sure the town of a conviction of their errour, and their fixed resolution to renounce such measures, it will not miy afford us the sincerest pleasure, but induce us, if
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
desired, to use our friendly influence, that they may ex- perience the clemeney of government, and share in com- mon with us, the blessings and protection of good gov- ernment. We close with expressing our fervent wishes, that every unnecessary burden may be prevented, and every necessary one speedily lightened ; that benevolence friendship, and union, may pervade this and every State in the union ; that peace and tranquility may be restored where interrupted-good government supported, and jus- tice executed in them-that the smiles of propitious Heaven may attend them, and the latest posterity may rejoice in a fair inheritance, transmitted to them through succeeding generations.
John Child, Israel Davis, jun. Edmund Hall,
Richard Flagg, Samuel Heywood, Isa Greenwood,
Amos Heywood, Reuben Paddock,
James Dods,
Joseph Hubbard,
James Dacis,
Joseph Hubbard, jun.
Isaiah Brown,
Tilly Hubbard,
Thomas Knowles,
Samuel Hubbard,
John Abbott,
Elnathan Davis,
Paul Goodale, Samuel Chickering, John Dods,
Sam. Heywood, jun. Sianuel Damon,
Benjamin Flegg,
George Webb, Jonas Hubbard, John Holden,
Lemuel Abbott, Aaron Newell,
Abel Howe.
APPENDIX.
MUNICIPAL, OFFICERS-CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-PASTORS AND DEACONS, CONG. CHURCH -- BAPTIST CHURCH-PAS- TORS, BAP. CHURCH-GENTLEMEN'S AND LADIES' MISSION- ARY SOCIETY-JUDAH WRIGHT-SOCIETY FOR DETECTING 'THEIVES --- TOPOGRAPHY-JUSTICES-LAWYER -- COLLEGE GRADUATES-MISSIONARIES -- POST MASTERS-PHYSICIANS -- MASONRY-MILITARY AFFAIRS-SCHOOLS-POPULATION - VALUATIONS-MANUFACTURES-THINGS IN GENERAL.
MUNICIPAL OFFICERS. . . . 1711-18 11.
TOWN CLERKS.
Cyprian Stevens, 1711-46.
Samuel Ileywood,
17.17-51.
Samuel Peirce,
1752, 51-57.
Joseph Greenwood, 1753.
Israel Davis,
1758-71, 78-S1.
John Childs, jr.,
1775-82.
David Fiske,
1753-86. SS, 89.
Noah Haven,
1787.
John Dodd,
1790-1801.
William Dodd,
1802.
Paul Davis,
1803-20.
Paul Davis, jr.,
1821-41.
SELECTMEN.
Simon Davis,
1741-43.
£
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
John Biglo,
17 11-16, 48-51, 55, 56, 61.
Cyprian Stevens,
1741, 41-46.
Samuel Thompson,
1742, 51.
Samuel Peirce,
1743, 46, 48-52, 56-58.
Samuel Hey wood, 1744, 48-51, 59, 60, 61, 66. 17.15.
David Brown,
Samuel Hubbard,
17 17, 53-55, 57, 62, 61.
Jonathan Lovell,
1747, 52, 59, 60. 17.47.
Richard Flagg,
1752-58, 60, 63, 79, 80.
Israel Davis,
1753-55, 58-60, 63-71.
Joseph Hubbard,
1753 -- 55, 61, 62, 61-67, 72, 73.
Joseph Greenwood,
1753. 61.
James Boyd,
1756-58. i
Amos Heywood,
1756, 57, 62, 63, 80.
John Child,
1758, 62-67, 70-76.
Benjamin Howard, 1759.
Bezaleel Fiske,
1759, 60.
Jonathan Rice,
1761, 67-71, 74-76.
David Fiske,
1761, 62, 69-71, 77, 78, 83.
Jonathan Wheeler, 1763, 72.
Isaac Smith, 1765.
Benjamin Mead,
1765-71, 73-75, 79.
Paul Raymond, 1768, 69, 73-77.
Ignatius Goulding, 1768.
Andrew Smith, 1772.
James Davis, 1772-79, 84.
Moses Smith, 1776-78, 80.
John Child, jr. 1777.
Jason Gleason,
1778, 79, 88.
John Perry,
1778-81.
Samuel Thompson, 1780, 82, 83.
Elisha Hubbard, 1781-83, 86, S7.
Noah Haven,
1781, 83.
William Nichols,
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
Francis Wilson, 1781, 87.
John Child,
1782, 83.
William Nichols, 1782.
Josiah Stratton,
1782, SS-91.
Ebenezer Estabrook, 1781-86, SS, 90, 91, 91, 98-1803. Henry Taft, 1781, 89-91.
Israel Davis, jr.
1784-87.
Elisha Myrick,
1781, 85.
Nathan Harrington,
1785.
Isaac Chenery,
1785, 86, 88, 89.
John Dodd,
1786, 94-97.
Samuel Hubbard,
1787, 92-95, 98-1801.
Isaiah Brown,
1787.
John Davis, 1789, 90-97.
David Smith, 1789 -- 97. i
George Webb,
1792, 93.
Samuel Damon,
1792-97.
William Drury, 1795-97, 1801, 05.
Peter Hubbard,
1798-1800.
Lemuel Abbott,
1798-1806.
Elnathan Davis,
1798, 1802-04.
James Dodd,
1799, 1800.
Joseph Daniels, 1801, 03.
Tilla Chaffin,
150.1-08.
Asa Wheeler,
1801-09.
Ethan Davis,
1805-17.
Heman Richardson,
1806-11.
Samuel Heywood,
1807-11.
Asa Greenwood,
1809-18.
Lemuel Davis,
1810-14.
John Chaffin,
1S12-16.
Abner Perry, 1812-15, 20-26.
Silas Flagg,
1815, 17-26.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
Paul Davis, jr. 1816-19.
Samuel Damon,
1816 -- 21, 27-31. 36.
James Bailey, 1818, 19.
Daniel Knowlton, 1819, 20.
John Davis, 1S20, 21.
James Estabrook, 1821-21.
William Metcalf,
1822-26, 30.
Samuel Foster,
1822 -- 25.
William Flagg,
1525-28.
Thomas I. Davis,
1826, 31-31, 40, 41.
Thomas Howe,
1527-29, 31, 32, 31, 35
Samuel W. Hubbard,
IS27-29.
Farnum White, 1522-31.
Charles Chaplin,
IS29-35, 11.
George Flagg.
1530-33. 10, 41
Tilla Chaffin, jr.
ÍS31, 33.
John Lovell, 1532, 31.
John F. Smith, 1832.
Demms Davis, 1-33.
Barney Howe,
7533, 37.
Sullman Estabrook,
1531-36.
Jolm Al. Goodale, 1835, 36.
boel Walker,
1836, 37.
Paul Davis,
1537, 3S.
Willis Smith. 1837-39
Jacob Howard. 1837.
Samuel D. Greenwood, 1837-40.
Jonathan Chaffin, 1837-39.
John Jepherson, 1838.
Lyman Bryant,
1839, 40.
James Winch, 1839, 40,
James S. Moore, 1841.
John Richardson,
18 11.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
ASSESSORS.
Samuel Clark, 1741.
Samuel Pierce,
1741, 43, 46, 48-52, 56-58
Samuel Heywood, 1741, 41, 48-51, 59.
Simon Davis, 1742.
John Biglo, 1742, 41-16, 48 -- 51. 55, 50
Samuel Thompson,
1742, 51.
William Nichols, 1843, 47.
Cyprian Stevens,
1743-16.
David Brown, 17.15.
Samuel Hubbard, 17 47, 53-55.
Jonathan Lovell, 17.17, 52.
Richard Flagg,
1752-58, 60, 61-61.
Israel Davis,
1753 -- 55, 59, 60, 63.
Joseph Hubbard.
1753-55.
Joseph Greenwood.
1753, 61, 62, 65, 66.
James Boyd,
1756, 58.
Amos Hey wood, 1756, 57, 61, 62, 61 -- 67, 69-71, SU.
Bezaleel Fiske,
1759, 60.
Isaac Bellows,
1762, 61, 68.
Jonathan Wheeler, 1763.
Benjamin Mead,
1763, 68.
John Child, jr.
1766-69, 75-77. 82.
David Fiske, 1767, 69-71, 77, 78, 83-85. 87. 88.
Jonathan Rice, 1770, 71.
James Davis, 1772-76, 79, S2, 84, 1806.
Ignatius Goulding, 1772, 73.
Andrew Smith, 1772-74. Elisha Hubbard, 1771 -- 78, 81 -- 83, 86, 87, 89, 90, 1801 -- 5
Isaac Chenery, 1778.
Noah Haven, 1779, 81, 83, 84, 91, 92,
Francis Wilson, 1779.
Ebenezer Estabrook, 9
1780.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
Paul Goodell,
1780, SI, ST,
Isaiah Brown,
1785, 86.
John Dodd,
1785,-1800.
Paul Davis,
178S-1800.
Elijah Rice, jr. 1788.
John Davis,
1789.
George Webb,
1753.
William Drury,
1791-1805, 07-17: 23, 36
James Dodd, 1801 -- 1803.
David Smith,
1501. 05.
Jonathan Flagg
1806 -- 10.
Asa Circenwood,
1806 --- 17.
Lemuel Davis,
1s11-11.
Ebenezer Estabrook,
1815, 22-25,-27.
Paul Davis, jr.
1818, 22-33, 35-11.
Sammel Damon,
1-18, 22-21, 35, 36,
Ethan Davis,
IS19-21.
ibner Perry,
1819-21.
Silas Flagg,
1825-33.
William Metealt,
1828, 29.
Dermis Davis.
1:30-33.
William Flagg,
1831.
Sich White,
1531.
Willis Smith, 1831-36,
Thomas J. Davis,
1837, 40,
David Boyden, 1537, 35.
Ira Broad,
1535, 41.
Joel Walker,
1839, 40,
John Richardson,
1539.
Samuel D. Greenwood,
18.11.
TOWN TREASURERS.
Willian Nichols, 1741, 43, 45.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
John Biglo, 1712, 50.
Samuel Thompson, 17.11.
Samuel Heywood,
1746 -- 49.
Israel Davis,
1751, 56-58.
Joseph Hubbard,
1152-35.
Jonathan Lovell,
1759.
Bezaleel Fiske,
1760, 61.
Samuel Hubbard,
1762-72.
Nathan Harrington,
1773-53.
James Davis, 1781-91.
felisha Hubbard,
1792-1803.
Elnathan Davis,
IS0 1.
Ethan Davis
1805, 06, 08-20.
Samuel Damon,
1527 -- 39.
Paul Davis,
1810, 41.
DELEGATES TO PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
" Jan'y. 3, 1775-Jolm Child chosen delegate to a Provin- cial Congress, to be held at Cambridge, the 1st day of Feb'y. next."
" May 20, 1775-John Child chosen to Represent the Town in the Provincial Congress, to be held at Water Town the 31st instant."
" July 5, 1775-John Child chosen to Represent the Town in the Great and General Court, at Water Town the 19th instant."
"Oct. 3d, 1776-James Davis chosen to the Great and General Court at Water Town, Oct. 9, 1776."
" May 19, 1777-James Davis chosen to the Great and General Court at Boston, May 2Sth."
" August 2d, 1777 -- Richard Flagg chosen to sit in Con- vention at Cambridge, to form a CONSTITUTION."
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
REPRESENTATIVES SINCE 1780.
John Child, jr.
1780, 82, 83, 90.
Rev. Joseph Davis, 1781.
Israel Davis, jr.
1786.
Josiah Stratton, 1787.
John Dodd,
1792, 93, 95, 96, 98, 1800, 01.
William Drury,
1802, 05-13, 20.
Elnathan Davis,
1803, 01.
Ebenezer Estabrook
1814-16, 19.
Ethan Davis,
1817, 21, 26.
Samuel Damon,
1823, 24, 31-33.
Silas Flagg,
IS28, 29, 35, 38, 39.
Asa Broad,
1830, 31.
Charles Chaffin,
1832-31.
Paul Davis,
1831-36.
John Chaffin,
1831.
Willis Smith,
1837.
Tilla Chaflin,
1838, 39.
John Richardson,
1840.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This was the only religious society in town for nearly seventy years. 'The earlier settlers were orthodox con- gregationalists, so far as their religious tenets can be as- certained from ancient records or tradition.
Organization of the first chh. and settlement of first minister-Sce Address, page 23, 33, and notes, p. 71.
The " Halfway Covenant" system existed from the foundation of the church, until 1809. This was an ar- rangement by which such parents as were not in com- munion with the church might enjoy the privilege of
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
having their children baptized, "by owning the cove- nant."
COVENANT.
W'e whose names are hereunto subscribed, inhabitants of Holden, appre- hending ourselves called by God, into the church-state of the gospel,
Do first of all confess ourselves unworthy to be so highly favored of the Lord, and admire his free and rich grace which calls us hereunto ; and thet: with humble reliance and entire dependance on the assistance of his grace and Holy Spirit therein promised for them; that, in a sense of their own ili- ability to do any good thing, do humbly wait upon him for ALL; we du thankfully lay hold on his covenant, and solemnly enter into covenant witl. God and one another according to God.
We declare our serious belief of the christian religion as contained in the sacred scriptures, acknowledging them to contain the whole revealed will of God concerning our Faith and Practice, heartily resolving to confort. our lives to the rules of that holy religion as long as we live.
We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the only true and living God, and avouch him this day to be our God, and our portion forever.
We give up ourselves to the blessed Jesus, who is the Lord Jehovah, and adhere to him as the Head of his People in the covenant of God, and rely upon Him as our Prophet, our Priest and our King, to bring us unto eternal blessedne-s.
We acknowledge our everlasting and indispensable obligation to glorify God, in all the duties of a Godly, sober, and righteous life; and particularly in the duties of a church-state, and a body of people associated for an obe- dience to him in all the ordinances of the gospel, and we thereupon depend upon his gracious assistance for our faithful discharge of the duties incum- beut upon us.
We engage, with dependence on his promised grace and spirit, to walk to- gether as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Faith and order of the gos- pel, so far as we shall have the same revealed unto us, conscientiously atten- ding the worship of God, in praying to him, singing his praises, giving reve- reut attention to his word, read and preached according to his institutions, the Sacraments of the New Testament, the discipline of his Kingdom, and all his holy institutions, in connexion one with another, and watchfully avoid- ing all sinful stumbling-blocks and contentions, as becomes the Lord's peo- ple in covenant with him.
At the same time, we do also present our offspring with us unto the Lord,
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
purposing with his help, to do our part in the method of a religious educa . tion, that they may be the Lord's.
And all this we do, flying to the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant for pardon of our many errors, and praying that the glorious Lord Jesus, who is the great shepherd, would prepare and strengthen us for every good work, to do his will, working in us that which shall be well pleasing to him, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
During the period that this system prevailed, 119 per- sons owned the covenant. December 1S, 1809, the follow- ing vote was passed, "That the method of owning the covenant as practiced in this church, should be laid aside, none hereafter to enjoy the privilege of Baptism for their children, when neither of the parents are in full commu- nion ; with this exception, that those who have already owned the covenant should not be cut off from the priv- Hoge they have possessed heretofore."
From near this period, a more cautious and rigid sys- tem was adopted respecting the admission of persons into the church.
No articles of Faith had hitherto been adopted. Janu- ary 4th, 1811, it was voted to have a confession of Faith, and unanimously to accept of one drawn up by the Pas- tor, [Rev. Mr. Avery. ] But strange as its may appear. it was not recorded, and no trace of it can now be found.
The year 1809 was distinguished for the first general revival of religion. The work extended its influence to both societies. Tradition reports that it commenced among the Baptists living in the southwest part of the town. About 70 persons, by profession united with the Cong. Church. The next general revival occurred 1817, when more than 80 united with the church.
The Rev. Horatio Bardwell was installed as the junior Pastor of the church, Oct. 22, 1823.
The following minutes are copied from the records of
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
a church-meeting held Jan. 3d, 1821 :- " As no copy of the articles of Faith which this church have received can be found-Voted that the Pastor be requested to pre- pare such articles as he shall judge expedient; also, that he revise the form of church covenant, and present a copy of each at the next church-meeting, for the consid- ation of the church, and for their adoption should they approve."
June of the same year, "at a full meeting of the church both female and male, the ten articles of Faith, and the form of covenant were harmoniously adopted-
Articles of Faith and Form of Covenant adopted by the Congregational Church in Holden, June, 1821. ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. WE believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and moral Governor of the universe; a Being of infinite power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and truth; the self-existent and immutable fountain of goodness.
2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for correc- tion, for reproof, and for instruction in righteousness; and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice.
3. We believe that the scriptures teach that the mode of divine exis- rence is such, as lays a foundation for the threefold distinction, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one in essence, and equal in power and glory.
4. We believe that God at first created man in a state of moral rectitude; that he voluntarily disobeyed the law of his Maker, and thereby fell into a state of sin and death; and that, in consequence of this first apostacy, the hearts of all men are by nature entirely destitute of holiness; and so far as they are capable of moral action, they are in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character, and government of God.
5. We believe that Jesus Christ, by his obedience, sufferings and death, made atonement for sin; that he is the only Redeemer of sinners; and that all those who are saved will be wholly indebted to the grace and mercy of God, for their salvation,
6. We believe that although the invitation of the gospel is such, that
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely, yet the wickedness of the human heart is such, that no man will come to Christ, except the Father draw him.
7. We believe that those who embrace Chirist by a living faith, will never finally perish ; but in fulfilment of God's eternal purpose of grace, by which they were chosen in Christ, before the foundation of the world, He will ena- Dle them to persevere to the end.
S. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies both of the just and of the unjust; that all must appear before the judgment- seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body; and that at this day of judgment, the state . of all will be unalterably fixed; and that the happiness of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be endless.
9. We believe that Christ has a visible Church in the world, into which, none in the sight of God but real believers, and none in the sight of man but visible, have a right of admission.
10. We believe that the Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and Lord's Supper; and that visible believers only have a right of admission to the Lord's Supper ; and that they and their households are the only proper snl jects to whom baptism is to be admini-tered.
---
COVENANT.
You do now, in the presence of God and man, avouch the Lord Jehovah. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God-the object of your supreme love, and your portion forever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Savior, and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Comforter and Guide. You humbly and cheerfully devote yourself to God, in the covenant of grace. You consecrate yourself and all you possess to his ser- vice and glory ; and, through the help of divine grace, you promise that you will deny all ungodliness and every worldly lust-that you will live soberly, righteously and godly, even unto death.
You do now cordially join yourself to this Church of Christ, engaging 10 submit to its discipline, and to attend on its worship and ordinances, accor- ding to the rules of the gospel ; and that you will walk with its members in Christian love, watchfulness and purity. Thus you covenant, promise, and engage.
WE do now, as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, receive you into our communion, and promise to watch over you with Christian tenderness and affection, ever treating you in love, as a member of the body of Christ.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
This we do, imploring of the great Shepherd of Israel, that both we and you may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in his covenant, and glorify him with that holiness of life which becomes his house forever .- AMEN.
In 1825, an unusual attention was paid to religion, and about 30 joined the church.
The autumn of 1829, and beginning of 1830, was mark- ed by a most extensive and powerful work of grace. Both societies shared its blessed influence. About 150 united with the Cong. Church.
In 1831, there was a revival bringing about 20 into the church. The Spring of 1831, some families in the north part of the town, and the adjoining part of Prince- ton, were unusually awakened to the subject of religion. During the autumn of 1835, there was uncommon reli- gious interest, as the results of which, about twenty uni- ted with the church. In the Spring of 183S, about twenty expressed a hope of having experienced a saving change, most of whom have since united with the church. The winter of 1840-41, was greatly distinguished for a spirit of engagedness on the part of professors, and of anxious inquiry among persons not members of the church. Thirty have already united with the church, and it is believed many more will feel it to be their duty and privilege to enter into solemn covenant with God.
The present number belonging to the church is about four hundred and thirty, nearly two-thirds of whom have been received within twelve years. There is but a single member of the church now living whose mem- bership commenced last century. This individual is Mrs. Mary Avery, the wife of the second pastor of this church. Her connection commenced in 1776.
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
PASTORS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.
Rov. JOSEPH DAVIS. (See _Address. )
The following inscription is copied from his grave-stone: This monument is erected in memory of the Revd JOSEPHI DAVIS, who was born at Concord July 16 1720, ordained first Pastor of the Church in Holden Decr 22d 1742, where he labored many years in the work of Gospel Ministry. Ile was the man of science and a zealous, pungent Preacher. The affec- tionate husband. The tender parent. The kind neighbor, and the cordial friend. Died March 4th 1779." A strong and animated faith in the truth of the gospel was the great solace and anchor of his soul.
Rev. JOSEPH AVERY. (Sce Address.) The following inscription is copied from his grave-stone:
SACRED to the memory of the Revd JOSEPH AVERY, who was born at Dedham A. D. 1751. GRADUATED at Harvard University 1771. ORDAINED Pastor of the Church of Christ in Holden Deer 1774. With sweetness of disposition and ministerial faithfulness he united an uncommon share of prudence and wisdom. After near fifty years of laborious service as a minister of the gospel in this place, he rested from his labors March 5, 1824, Aged 72 years. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
REV. HORATIO BARDWELL. He was born at Belcher- town, Nov. 3, 1788. A. M. Dart. Coll. 1814. Andover Theo. Sem. 1814. Missionary in India under the Amer-
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HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
ican Board six years. Installed as Junior Pastor of this church Oct. 22, 1823. Dismissed, Spring, 1833. present Pastor of the Congregational Church in Oxford.
REV. WILLIAM P. PAINE. He was born at Ashfield, Aug. 1, 1802. Entered Am. Coll. 1823. A. B. 1827 and A. M. IS30. Tutor at Amherst College one year, 1830. Grad- uated at Andover Theo. Sem. 1532. Settled in Holden Oct. 21, 1833.
Married to Miss Sarah Mack, of Plainfield, Mass., June 9, 1831.
DEACONS.
William Nichols, chosen January 13, 17 43.
Samuel Pierce, 6: 6. i 66
Joseph Hubbard, 66 August 6, 1755.
· David Fisk, 66 March 31, 1762.
Noah Haven, 3 April 2, 1753.
: Israel Davis, 66 July 31, 1793.
Elisha Hubbard,
Peter Rice, 66
June 1, 1810.
": Seth Clapp, :6
. Joshua Fairbanks, " April 3, ISIS.
: Isaac Fisk,
Silas Flagg, 66
John Lovell,
September 30, 1525, 6: 62
Silas M. Hubbard, "
March 1, 1839.
: Deceased.
£
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
The records of the Baptist church and Society do not bear an earlier date, than the present century. Tradi- tion reports that Mr. John Perry, living upon the farm known as the Perry farm, was the first person of this denomination belonging to the town. The records of the town partially confirm the voice of tradition. An arti- ele was inserted in the warrant for the town meeting, to be held May 5th, 17SS, " To see if the town will answer the petition of Mr. John Perry and others of the Baptis belonging to said Holden." The vote of the town in reference to this article reads as follows: " Voted not to allow the petition of Mr. John Perry and others of the Baptis belonging to Holden." From other records upon the town books it appears, that this petition related to the abatement of taxes, to be raised for the support of the ESTABLISHED CHURCH.
The records of the Society commence Monday, June 1, 1801. Ephraim Mirrick was chosen Moderator. John Hubbard, Clerk. Asa Howe, Collector. And Ephraim Mirrick associate deacon, when no deacon was present from Templeton. The Rev. Elisha Andrews, Pastor of the Baptist Church in Templeton, preached in town for some years before a church was organized. Baptist church members here were regarded as a branch church of the Bapt. ch. in Templeton.
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