USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medway > The history of Medway, Mass., 1713-1885 > Part 16
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was built. The successful carrying out of these improvements was largely due to the taste and tact of the Rev. Mr. Segur.
By the sale of the pews, at the time the church was built, a fund of three thousand dollars was provided for the future use of the parish.
Levi Adams, Esq., a member of this church, who died in 1842, left in his will twelve hundred dollars for the purchase of a parsonage. With that sum and its accumulated interest the present parsonage was secured. He also left three hundred dollars for the supply of the communion-table.
Mrs. Charlotte Slocum bequeathed five hundred dollars, the income of which was to be expended in books for the Sunday School Library.
THE OFFICIAL REGISTER OF THE SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST.
THE PASTORS.
Rev. DAVID THURSTON, ordained June 23, 1752 ; resigned Feb. 22, 1769.
Rev. DAVID SANFORD, ordained April 14, 1773 ; died April 7, 1810. Rev. JACOB IDE, ordained November 2, 1814 ; died January 5, 1880. Rev. STEPHEN KNOWLTON, ordained Nov. 2, 1865 ; resigned Nov.20, 1872. Rev. S. W. SEGUR, ordained May 7, 1873 ; died Sept. 24, 1875.
Rev. JAMES M. BELL, ordained Sept. 26, 1876 ; resigned July 1, 1885.
THE RULING ELDERS.
NATHANIEL WHITING, elected May 7, 1753. JOHN POND, elected May 7, 1753.
THE DEACONS.
NATHANIEL CUTLER, elected May 25, 1752.
JOSEPH HOLBROOK, elected May 25, 1752.
JONATHAN METCALF, elected July 2, 1752.
SAMUEL FISHER, elected May 7, 1753.
JAMES MORSE, elected -.
MOSES HILL, elected -.
JONATHAN METCALF, elected -; resigned September 1, 1831.
NATHANIEL CUTLER, elected -; resigned September 1, 1831. DANIEL WILEY, elected September 15, 1831.
DANIEL NOURSE, elected October 13, 1831.
IRA WIGHT, elected August 28, 1845. ANSON DANIELS, elected May 10, 1860. EDMUND SHUMWAY, elected May 10. 1860. AUSTIN METCALF, elected 1867. ELIAS T. FISHER, elected 1877- STEPHEN ADAMS, elected 1878.
The total recorded membership is one thousand and fifty-five ; and the present membership, in 1885, is one hundred and sixty-nine.
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THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
1832 - 1885.
THE FIRST BAPTIST residents of Medway, so far as is now known, were Eleazar Adams and Jonathan Partridge. On April 10, 1754, Mr. Adams was taken from his home and committed a close prisoner in jail be- cause he had refused to pay the ministerial rates imposed by the standing order. He is described as " an ancient man, a substantial freeholder of Medway, a constant attender, and for several years past at the Baptist meet- ing in Bellingham." He probably resided on or near Summer Street. Mr. Partridge was a son of Deacon John Partridge, of the First Church of Christ in Medway. He was born in 1693. For some years, he had charge of the singing in the church to which his father belonged.
Some years later, two residents of the town, Abagail Partridge, wife of Timothy Partridge, and John Albee, were baptized at Bellingham. Still later, some became members at Medfield. But it was not until 1819, that a Baptist society was formed. Its organization was due to the unwillingness of some to be taxed for the support of preaching in which they did not believe, and to dissatisfaction in regard to the location of the meeting-house of the Second Church of Christ, erected in 1813.
The names of the constituent members were Simeon Partridge, Thad- deus Lovering, Moses Pond, Elihu Partridge, Ezra Richardson, Aaron Wright, Nathan Twiss, Barzilla Pond, Isaac Hixon, Asa Hixon, John Smith, Oliver Ellis, Simeon Holbrook, Samuel Clark, Samuel B. Blake, Newell Lovering, Moses Kimball, Moses H. Wight, Benjamin Ward, David Johnson. Among these were some of the wealthiest and most influential men of the town, but none of them was a member of a Baptist Church. There were only two Baptist professors in the town, two ladies, mother and daughter, both named Eda Richardson, members of the Baptist Church in Medfield. Others joined the society soon after its organization. Among them was Abner Morse, Esq., one of the most prominent citizens of the town, and of the parish from which he withdrew. Sixty-five times in twenty years he served as moderator of the town and of the parish. For many years he was one of the board of selectinen. He was a ready public speaker, and possessed a good knowledge of law. As a military man and a magistrate, he was greatly honored. He at once became a leader in the new society. He drew up its legal papers, and served as its clerk. His death in 1820 was then regarded as a great loss by his associates. Religious meet- ings were held by the society in the school-house in District No. 5. The first sermon was preached by the Rev. Charles Train, of Framingham. For the next two years Mr. Train and the Rev. William Gammell, of Med- field, encouraged the interest by their counsel and frequent presence. It was during these two years that Mr. Amasa Sanderson, a student of Mr. Train, spent considerable time here. In connection with these labors a goodly number became Christians, thirteen of whom were baptized into the Med- field Church. During this revival, and for more than thirty years after- wards, there was intense opposition to the Baptists.
The growing congregation found the school-house too small for its meet- ings. Accordingly, January 20, 1820, a call was issued for the members of
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the society to meet for consultation in regard to the erection of a house of worship. During the next few months meetings were frequently held to plan concerning the raising of money and the location of the house. Efforts were made to buy the land where the old Congregational Church had stood, and where most of the members of the society had attended meeting, but failing in this, the present site, nearly opposite, was chosen. Work on the house was commenced October, 1821: Early in the summer of 1822, there was a lack of funds. This was not caused by any lack of financial ability of the members of the society, but by their unwillingness to contribute for the erection of a house to be used exclusively, or even largely, by Baptists, for only one of the society had become a member of a Baptist Church. Ac- cordingly, July 29, 1822, the society voted " to grant and give to all of what- ever Christian denomination, that have subscribed, or shall hereafter sub- scribe and become proprietors of the meeting-house now erected on land purchased of Barzilla Pond, equal rights and privileges with ourselves in proportion to the property that they and we shall own, and be in possession of in said house." Again, on January 19, 1823, a confirmation of this vote was asked and granted. After this vote money was easily raised, and the house was finished. Among the largest contributions were those of Thad- deus Lovering, Moses Pond, Simeon Partridge, and Elihu Partridge.
The first sermon in the house was preached by Mr. Sanderson, whom the Baptists had hoped would become their pastor. But in this they were disappointed. Mr. Sanderson was ordained in 1823, in Littleton, Mass. He died in 1877 in Nashua, N. H. The vote, just mentioned, gave the con- trol of the house to those not Baptists. The public services of dedication, on May 30, 1823, were conducted by Universalist preachers. For the next seven years people of this denomination occupied the house, not a Baptist preaching in it during all that time. Among their preachers were Hosea Ballou, Thomas Whittemore, Adin Ballou, and Lyman Maynard. The famous Matthew Hale Smith, when only seventeen years old, here preached his first sermon. Some of the society were Restorationists. Charles Hud- son, afterwards a member of Congress, preached their doctrines. He had then, although a young man, become somewhat distinguished both as a preacher and an author.
In 1830 the Universalists, on account of a lack of interest, ceased to hold meetings, and the Baptists at once took possession of the house. Many of the Universalists attended the Baptist meetings. Among this number were Thaddeus Lovering, the wealthiest man in West Medway, who regularly contributed for the support of public worship until his death in 1850. From 1830. to 1833, the Rev. Moses Curtis, of Medfield, preached here once a month, and on other Sabbaths the pulpit was supplied chiefly by students from Newton Theological Institution. During the winter of 1831-32, a re- vival was enjoyed under the labors of the Rev. William Bentley, the Rev. Thomas Driver, and Mr. Ensign Lincoln. Thirteen were baptized. It now seemed that the number of Baptists in Medway was sufficient to warrant the formation of a church. Accordingly, November 15, 1832, a council was convened ; the Rev. Charles Train, of Framingham, was chosen moderator, and the Rev. Moses Curtis, of Medfield, scribe. Recognition services were held the same day. Mr. Train preached the sermon, and Mr. Curtis gave
T
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the hand of fellowship. The church numbered thirty-three members. The first pastor, the Rev. William Bowen, was publicly recognized August 21, 1833. He was a good speaker, and an excellent preacher. The congrega- tions upon the Sabbath were large, comprising some of the best citizens of the town. The Holy Spirit set the seal of his approval to the work. There were conversions and baptisms. But this season of prosperity did not con- tinue. The pastor was an Englishman. He could not adapt himself to the people like one "to the manner born." On the other hand, most of the church were young people, with but little experience in the management of church business. Troubles soon arose. A council was convened for their settlement. The pastorate, so auspiciously commenced, terminated in less than three months. But little is now known here concerning the history of Mr. Bowen's life. It is impossible to ascertain either the time of his birth, or of his death. He was a student at the school of the Rev. William Williams, at West Wrentham, of which place his wife was a native. Before coming here he labored at Northboro. It is thought that he afterwards preached at Mansfield, Conn., and at Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Although during its first year the church received eighteen by baptism and eight by letter, yet during its second and third years it was in a divided state, and the congrega- tion became small, but at the end of this period a brighter season dawned. Mr. Aaron Haynes, of Middletown, Vt., called December 20, 1835, was ordained pastor April 19, 1836. The Rev. Charles Train was moderator, and the Rev. J. T. Massey, clerk. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Driver. Mr. Haynes was a bold and faithful preacher of the Gospel. He did not shun to declare " all the counsel of God." If his expressions in the pulpit were sometimes rough, lacking finish, it was because he thought more of saving his hearers than he did of winning their admiration. During his pastorate of four years, twenty-six were added to the church by baptism, and twenty by letter. After leaving here he was pastor in Vermont, in Southboro, Sutton, and South Braintree, in this state. In Southboro, he baptized, in three years, about one hundred and fifty converts. For years he engaged in secular business, during a portion of which time, it is said, that his interest in spiritual work waned. He manufactured the famous balsam bearing his name. During the last of his life he labored as a colporteur in Pennsylvania. He died in ISSo. For more than three years after his de- parture the church did not feel able to support a pastor. The pulpit was supplied six months by the Rev. William Brown. The Rev. John Hol- brook, the Rev. Charles Train, and others, preached here. During this time another revival was enjoyed, and fourteen were baptized. In 1843, the members of the church became seriously divided on account of a difference of opinion concerning the second coming of Christ. Some had embraced the views of William Miller, which were opposed by others. December 3, of this year, the Rev. David Curtis was called to the pastorate. The divis- ion continued increasing until it seemed that the church must soon become extinct. A council was convened for the settlement of the difficulties. Mr. Curtis resigned his office September 6, 1845. While here he baptized three converts. He was born in East Stoughton, February, 17S2. At the age of eighteen he became a Christian. He graduated at Brown University in 1808. He was pastor of seven churches, and the leader in forming as many
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more. Among the churches that he served as pastor were those in South Abington and West Harwich, in this state, and Coventry and Woonsocket, R. I. He is described as being "angular in character, and somewhat erratic," yet as "possessing a critical and logical mind." He loved his work, and earnestly desired to promote the progress of Christ's kingdom. Hence, rather than remain idle he would enter any field, however uninviting, and accept any compensation, however small. It was because of this self-sacri- ficing devotion to Christ's cause that Governor Briggs, in an address before the Massachusetts Baptist Convention in 1859, paid him a warm tribute of praise, and commended his example to the young ministers as worthy of im- itation. In 1865 he visited each of the seven churches of which he had formerly been pastor, and bade the people farewell. He was at West Med- way the first Sunday in December, and although he was then nearly eighty- four years old he preached twice, administered the Lord's Supper, and pre- sided at the prayer-meeting in the evening.
He died September 12, 1869, at the home of his birth, and in connection with the church with which he first united, nearly seventy years before.
In the autumn of 1845 the Rev. Abner Mason was engaged to supply the pulpit " for the present." He found much to discourage him, so that he regarded his work as at the best but an experiment. The continued existence of the church seemed most precarious. But he quietly began his labors, visiting from house to house, and holding meetings during the week in different neighborhoods. Gradually the members of the church became not only humble, but completely broken down. They confessed their sins to God, and to each other. Dissensions ceased. Then the Holy Spirit wrought in power upon the hearts of the impenitent, and converts rapidly multiplied, of whom twenty-nine were baptized. Mr. Mason, on account of ill health, ceased to act as pastor, April 1, 1849. He was born in Med- field, in 1807. While residing in Lowell, in 1837, he became a Christian, and united with the Worthen Street Baptist Church. He studied at the Theological Institution, New Hampton, N. H., and, in 1843, became pastor of the Baptist Church, in Dunbarton, N. H. After closing his labors here, he became pastoral supply of the Baptist Church in Pocasset for one year and a half. He was employed for a short time in the cause of Sabbath Schools in Illinois. He died at his home here, December 11, 1864, soon after he had accepted an appointment from the Freedmen's Aid Society, to labor in Vicksburg. The funeral services were held at the church, the sermon being preached by his successor, the Rev. Mr. Messinger, from Psalms xxxvii., 37. To him was given, more than to most ministers of the Gospel, the power to win the hearts of the people. He could unite them not only in loving himself, but also in loving each other ; while he was eminently kind and conciliatory, he was as eminently loyal to Christ and his truth. " To great gentleness of spirit he joined marked decision of character." His voice and his countenance indicated that he had a deeply sympathetic nature. He had a "passion for souls." The Rev. Edward Chase Messinger, April 1, 1489, was invited to supply the pulpit "for the present." He had preached for Mr. Mason since the second Sunday in December. Removing here, he bought the house that he occupied until his death. In 1850, the church began to consider different plans for securing a house of worship.
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For twenty years they had enjoyed the free and unmolested use of the house dedicated in 1823, although but two of the proprietors had ever become Baptists. By gift and purchase, the property was obtained of the proprietors and their heirs. The old house was sold and removed, and the house now used by the church was dedicated May 27, 1852. The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. W. Parker, of Cambridgeport. The cost of the building was $2,800, of which Deacon J. S. Smith paid $500.
During Mr. Messinger's pastorate the congregations were good, and there were years when at the prayer-meetings, Sunday evenings, the vestry was thronged. Two revivals of religion were enjoyed-one in 1855, the other in 1858. The last time that Mr. Messinger preached at home, was the second Sunday in September, 1865. He exchanged, at West Dedham, the next Sunday. It was the last time that he ever preached. In November, he was present at one Sabbath service and offered prayer. His people never heard his voice in public again. He died peacefully and triumphantly, March 24, 1866. The sermon at his funeral was preached by the Rev. Isaac Smith, of Foxboro, one of his most intimate friends for thirty-three years. The closing prayer was offered by the Rev. Jacob Ide, D. D., then pastor of the Congregational Church. Mr. Messinger baptized fifty-nine, and received forty-three by letter. He was born in Holliston, March 8, 1802. He was a lineal descendant of the Rev. Henry M. Messinger, pastor of the Congre- gational Church in Wrentham, from 1719 to 1750. In 1827, he became a Christian during a revival, and, in company with other young converts, united with the Congregational Church in his native town. Afterwards, as he prayerfully studied the Scriptures, he believed that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that while he had repented and believed on Christ, he had not been baptized. He could not live in the neglect of known duty. There was then no Baptist Church in Holliston, so he was baptized at Bellingham, and united with the church there. For some time he studied under the direction of the Rev. Calvin Newton, of Bellingham. He was pastor of the Third Baptist Church, Middleboro, 1833-'37; South Abington, 1837-'45 ; East Brookfield, 1845-'47. He resigned this pastorate on account of ill health.
His sermons were sometimes entirely extemporaneous, and seldom fully written or greatly elaborated. He had good powers of analysis. He was an impressive speaker, and he possessed a warm and consecrated heart, so that his pulpit utterances were earnest and sometimes eloquent. He was a superior reader. He greatly excelled in public prayer. In the sick-room his ministrations were greatly prized. In the conducting of funerals, he had few equals and no superiors in this region. He was wise in the manage- ment of his secular affairs, and possessed qualities that would have probably rendered him successful in business. Blessed with an economical wife, who aided him in every department of his work, his house was better furnished, and he had more of the comforts of life than were enjoyed by most of his brethren in the ministry who received double the salary that was paid him. Unknown to most, he contributed to objects of benevolence, and sometimes more largely than his small salary seemed to warrant.
It is an interesting fact that Mr. Messenger's first sermon upon the Sab- bath was preached at West Medway, and though fifty-two years have passed,
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there are some still living who distinctly remember the services of that day. They little thought that the young man who was preaching his first sermon, would, eighteen years afterwards, become their pastor.
From January until May, 1866, the Rev. John J. Bronson was pastoral supply. He labored earnestly, and his labors were crowned with the Divine approval. He baptized twenty-one converts. Eight more were baptized after his departure.
December 1, 1866, the Rev. Samuel Brooks became pastor. Needed im- provements were soon made upon the meeting-house. The organ now used was bought by Deacon J. S. Smith and William Everett, who gave the church the use of it. The cost of the organ was $700, of which Deacon J. S. Smith paid $600. In 1869 the parsonage was erected.
The thorough and critical scholarship of Mr. Brooks enabled him to ren- der most efficient service to the public schools of the town, while by his gentlemanly manners and excellent spirit he quietly won the confidence and respect of all about him. He closed his labors here December 1, 1869, in order to accept a professorship at Kalamazoo College, Michigan. Dr. Brooks still occupies this place. He was born in Roxbury, now Boston. He was graduated at Brown University in 1852, where he was instructor in Greek, 1854-'55 ; graduated at Newton Theological Institution, in 1857 ; was pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Beverly, 1857-'60; instructor in He- brew, Newton Theological Institution, 1860-'61. In 1862 he became pas- tor at South Framingham, where he remained until 1864, when he was compelled to resign on account of ill health.
The Rev. Seth Jones Axtell, December 1, 1870, commenced his pastor- ate. Further improvements were made upon the church edifice. Mr. Ax- tell was a leader in the formation of the Framingham Association, and the Framingham Ministers' Conference. He was also an active member of the school committee. He was an able and scholarly preacher. Several of his sermons and addresses were printed. He closed his pastorate April 1, 1878. Vid. BIOGRAPHIES.
The Rev. John Ezra Burr became pastor June 1, 1878. The following winter there was a pleasant work of grace. In 1879, a debt of $1,398 on the parsonage was paid. Of this Deacon Wales Kimball gave $478, and Deacon J. S. Smith, $470. During the week of prayer, January, 1882, a revival commenced, and continued for some months. Thirty converts were bap- tized, whose ages ranged from twelve to seventy-two years. During the sum- mer of 1882, the house of worship was remodeled at an expense of $3.250.
November 15, 1882, was an important day in the history of the church. In the morning the house was re-dedicated. The sermon was preached by the Rev. S. J. Axtell. The prayer of re-dedication was offered by the Rev. F. L. Batcheler. At this service a paper was read announcing the gift of the organ to the church by its owners, Deacon J. S. Smith and William Everett. The semi-centennial services were held in the afternoon. The history of the church was given by the pastor, Mr. Burr, and a biographical sketch of its pastors was presented by the Rev. Lyman Partridge. Seven of the constituent members were present, viz., Deacon J. S. Smith and wife, Deacon Wales Kimball and wife, Alexander Grant and wife, and Mrs. Mary Smith Sears. Reunion services were held in the evening, presided over by
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the Rev. S. W. Marston, D. D. The day was pleasant, and the attendance
was large.
During the month of March, 1883, the health of Mr. Burr began to fail. He preached for the last time on the first Sunday in April following. On the first Sunday in September he assisted in administering the Lord's Sup- per. The next Tuesday he started with his family for the home of his childhood, in Western Virginia, and when within about a hundred miles of his destination, he died on the railroad train, September 6, 1883, in Deer Park, Maryland.
During his pastorate, seventy-eight were added to the church, forty-nine by baptism.
The Rev. Mr. Burr had clear views of Gospel truth. His heart was in his work. He lived for his people. He had the gift of leadership. He was constantly devising plans for developing and increasing the efficiency and strength of his church, and for saving souls. It was largely through his efforts that the debts were paid, and the house was remodeled. He excelled in the prayer-meeting in seasons of special religions interest, in his ability to bring the awakened sinner to an immediate decision to accept Christ. A genial, faithful, conscientious man, he won the esteem and affection of his people. They will never forget his pleasant smile, and cordial grasp of the hand. The Rev. Mr. Burr was a native of Virginia.
He was in the Union army from the spring of 1863 to the close of the war in 1865. During the latter portion of the time he was in General Custer's division of Sheridan's Cavalry. He was wounded in battle. He was graduated from Brown University in 1871, and from Newton Theologi- cal Institution in 1874. He was pastor of the Main Street Baptist Church, Fisherville, N. H., 1874-'78. Vid. GENEALOGIES.
The Rev. Mr. Burr was succeeded by the Rev. B. R. Dow, of Fulton, N. Y., where he had served in the ministry one year. Mr. Dow was a gradu- ate of Madison University, and of Hamilton Theological Seminary, New York. A few months after settlement, he married, June 4, 1883, Florence Horton, of Fulton, N. Y.
Frederick L. Bacheler, Adoniram J. Walker, Sylvester W. Marston, and Lyman Partridge, members of this church, have been licensed to preach the Gospel. In 1849, Anna Grant, daughter of Alexander Grant, became the wife of the Rev. Abner Mason ; the same year, Mary Kimball, daughter of Deacon Wales Kimball, was married to the Rev. Harvey Goodell, then under appointment as a missionary to Canton, China. She died suddenly, May 10, three days before the time arranged for their departure.
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