USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The history of Pittsfield (Berkshire County), Massachusetts, from the year 1800 to the year 1876 > Part 13
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part of March, most of the aggrieved party-" except a few church-members " - withdrew from Mr. Allen's ministry and attended the new place of worship.
Some of the seceders went so far as to profess great devotion to Episcopacy ; and, for a time, it seemed not improbable that a parish of that order would be formed. But the scruples of "the few church-members" proved invincible ; and all, or nearly all, of the disaffected, in calmer moments, finding their Congrega- tional sentiments and principles more deeply rooted than in their angry haste they had perceived, finally held fast to the faith and discipline of their fathers.
They nevertheless did not return to the congregation of Mr. Allen, but, the alienation becoming more and more complete, soon after the date of the letters last quoted, which seemed to close all hope of reconciliation, measures were commenced for the incorporation of a new parish; and in the winter of 1808-9, John Chandler Williams managing the application before the legislature, Woodbridge Little and one hundred and eight others were incorporated as the UNION CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF PITTSFIELD.
In the act of incorporation as drafted, clauses were inserted giving to the new parish a joint interest with the old in the meeting-house and other property of the original organization ; and also releasing the members who transferred their connection from the payment of taxes which had been assessed but not col- lected. These provisions passed the house of representatives unchallenged, but they did not escape the keen eye of Dr. Tim- othy Childs, an ardent democrat and zealous parishioner of Mr. Allen, who happened that year to be one of the senators from Berkshire; and he opposed them as an invasion of the vested rights of the old parish and a violation of uniform precedent. It might have been said with truth, that there was no precedent strictly applicable to the case, inasmuch as, whatever it may have been in form, the act was not a mere permission for a colony to offshoot itself from an overgrown parent organization, but rather the separation of co-equal parts, which were entitled in equity to an equal partition of the property to whose accumulation they had jointly contributed, and which, from no exclusive fault of the seceders, they could no longer enjoy peaceably in common. The legislature, that year was, however, strongly democratic and was
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not likely to take this view of the case. Indeed, the objectionable . elauses were not strongly urged, and they were stricken from the bill, having had no other effect than to increase the irritation of the old parish.
The new parish was thus left to its own pecuniary resources, "which were indeed ample, as it contained a very large proportion of the wealthy men of the town, whose liberality was stimulated to its utmost by what they deemed the injustice and overbearing conduet of their opponents. They had also the lively sympathy of their political friends in Boston, although it is not stated that they received any considerable sum in money from any of them, except Hon. Oliver Wendell, who was a summer resident of Pittsfield and a zealous member of the new parish.1
One difficulty still perplexed the seceders. The legislature was competent to create a new parish, and to form it of members previously connected with another; for the parish was a merely human institution. But the church-each independent, Con- gregational church-was subject, and subject only, to the laws established by its Divine Founder, as interpreted by itself, and to by-laws made in conformity to the same sacred guide. No human authority outside itself, could release its members from the covenant obligations into which they had entered with God and with each other; obligations the most awful which man can take upon himself.
By the Congregational theory, the independence of the church organization was, and is, absolute. But practically it is very much modified by the moral influences which the great body of the denomination exercises over each of its members; and, for the preservation of Christian comity and a decorous uniformity, as well as that each may have the benefit of the wisdom of all, the churches have submitted generally to mutual oversight and advice; which, however, were only exercised, at the request of the parties immediately interested, and through councils selected by them, or made up of clerical and lay delegates sent by churches invited by them to do so. But to what extent the. parties having submitted questions to a mutual council are bound. to abide by its decision is still a matter of controversy. Had the
1There is still among the plate of the First Congregational parish a baptis- mal basin of silver presented to Union Parish by Judge. Wendell, whichi was. used until the introduction of a stone font.
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. disputes in the Pittsfield church been submitted to a mutual council, it was evidently, however, the opinion of both parties that its advice, whether authoritative or not, would have had deeisive weight.1
Such a council the dissatisfied members of Mr. Allen's church earnestly endeavored to obtain, while he as resolutely refused to join in calling it, and as moderator of church-meetings declined to put motions looking to such a measure, or reflecting upon his own official conduct. His defense of this course was that the means of redress and reconciliation preseribed by the gospel had not been exhausted. He had also, it seems, an objection to the system of councils in the abstract. "There was," says his son, "on the part of the seceding, an eager desire of calling in an ecclesiastical body; but Mr. Allen, who never was very fond of an extraneous collection of ministers and delegates in the affairs of an independent church, was entirely opposed to such a meas- ure. He had a perfeet right to prevent it, took proper steps to prevent it, and was successful. As to a dissolution of the meeting that he might not be compelled to put the motion, he did dissolve it." A reason, not mentioned, why one party desired and the other opposed the ealling of the council, doubtless was that the class from which the clerical portion of it would necessarily have been taken, was almost unanimously of federal politics, and, how- ever earnestly they might endeavor to divest themselves of prej- udice, would have hardly been able to do so thoroughly.
The somewhat arbitrary exercise of authority, which Mr. Allen considered necessary for the defense of his pastoral rights was successful in maintaining them, and in defeating the project for a mutual council. There still remained, however, to the dissatis- fied, a recourse provided by the custom of the New England churches, by which, although they could not reach Mr. Allen and his adherents, they could procure in regard to their own conduct, the advice of pious and judicious representatives of the neigh-
1There are also permanent organizations connected with the Congregational order-such for instance as the Berkshire Association of Congregational ministers, - which are occasionally appealed to for advice, although they strongly disclaim any ecclesiastical authority over the churches. They can, however, undoubtedly discipline members who have voluntarily submitted themselves to their jurisdiction ; and would certainly denounce as an impos- ture any church in their vicinity, which, calling itself by their name, was scan- dalously loose in doctrine or discipline.
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boring churches, and the recommendation of such a course as would secure the recognition of a new church formed under it.
It was in their power to call an ex parte council and thus, should its fraternal approval justify them in dissolving their con- nections with the church to which they had formerly belonged and forming a new one, their own conscientious scruples would be relieved, and they would ward off the odium of proceeding with rash self-confidence under the incitement of personal or polit- cal feeling.
On the first of August, 1809, an ecclesiastical council was therefore convened "by letters missive from a committee of Christian professors and others ;" the following pastors and dele- gates being present :
Lanesboro, Rev. Daniel Collins, Andrew Squire.
Hinsdale, Rev. Theodore Hinsdale [not a settled minister although ordained and held in high esteem].
West Hampton, Rev. Enoch Hale, Deacon Samuel Edwards.
Goshen, Rev. Samuel Whitman, Deacon Oliver Taylor.
New Marlboro North, Rev. Jacob Catlin, Elijah Sheldon.
Middlefield, Rev. Jonathan Nash, Col. David Mack.
Lee, Rev. Alvin Hyde, Deacon Oliver West.
Washington, Rev. Jonathan L. Pomeroy, Hon. Ezra Starkweather. Lenox, Rev. Samnel Shepard, Deacon Nathaniel Isbell.
Dalton, Rev. Ebenezer Jennings, Jacob Chamberlain.
A large majority of the council, if not all its members, were federalists, and some of them were very vehement in their politi- cal feelings. During the war of 1812, Doctor Catlin preached a "peace" sermon on a fourth of July. Mr. Collins had at the opening of the revolution rebuked Mr. Allen for meddling with affairs of state, and been censured for it by a Pittsfield town- meeting.1
Still Rev. William Allen declared that "no objection could be. made to any of the ministers on account of their political senti -. ments." He impeached the fairness of the council on the ground that those who called it had carefully selected those whose. opinions on the questions at issue had already been plainly indi- cated; so that they knew precisely what advice they were to receive : that it was a packed jury. But whatever extraneous influences may be supposed to have biased the judgment of the
1Vol. I, page 198.
16
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clerical portion of the council, they were certainly men who left behind them pure and honored memories, while of some of their number, it may be truly said, that " their praise is still in all the . churches."
This body met on the 1st of August, at the house of Dr. Daniel James, who was the federal physician of the town, as Drs. Tim- othy and Henry Childs were the democratic. Rev. Mr. Collins was chosen moderator, Rev. Mr. Shepard, scribe, and Rev. Mr. Hyde, assistant scribe. The committee of Union parish pro- duced their charter, and the council took the following action, which we give in full from its minutes :
The council having carefully, and as they trust in the fear of God, and with a sincere desire to promote the real interests of religion in the town, attended to the statements made to them; having also deliber- ately and impartially heard a discussion of the several questions pro- posed to them in relation to the circumstances of said parish, passed the following votes unanimously :
Voted, 1st. That the council find by documents laid before them that Union parish in Pittsfield is legally incorporated by the general court, and that we as ministers and churches, do recognize it as such.
It having been represented to the council that a number of members of the church in Pittsfield belong to Union parish; that several persons also who are members of neighboring churches have moved into said parish; that others who have hope of a present interest in Christ have never publicly professed religion, but are desirous of doing it; it also having been represented that certain persons have been laid under cen- sure by the church in Pittsfield, as appears by a vote passed to that effect, February 7; it having further been made to appear that suitable exertions to obtain a mutual council have failed .- THIS COUNCIL hav- ing deliberately considered all these statements with their attendant circumstances,-
Voted, 2d, That, in their opinion, it is expedient and consistent with gospel rule that a church be organized in Union parish.
Voted, 3d, That as the general court have incorporated a number of the members of the church of which Rev. Mr. Allen is pastor, with Union parish, it is expedient in view of the existing circumstances of the church and town, that they be considered as proper candidates for membership in the new church.
Voted, 4th, That the censure passed February 7, 1809, as already noticed, on certain brethren of the church in Pittsfield, notwithstanding we admit there were some irregularities in their proceedings, is not a sufficient bar to their reception with others into a church, as regular brethren of the family of Christ.
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Voted, 5th, That "a number of ministers" be appointed in con- formity with a written request of the committee of Union parish to pro- ceed, in due time, to organize a church in said parish.
Voted, 6th, That the Rev. Theodore Hinsdale, Rev. Daniel Collins, Rev. Alvan Hyde, Rev. Samuel Shepard and Rev. Jacob Catlin [the Berkshire members of the council] be appointed for that purpose.
The council have been deeply impressed with the magnitude of the difficulties which have arisen in this town, in view of which they have given their best advice, having a solemn regard, as they think, to the general interest of the Redeemer's kingdom. They now heartily recommend to all concerned in these matters the exercise of the Chris- tian spirit; commending them to the care and keeping and guidance of Almighty God.
On the 22d of August, the committee, named by the council, met for the organization of the new church. The selectmen- Joshua Danforth, Robert Green and Oliver Robbins-having refused the use of the meeting-house, service was held in the town-house, Rev. Mr. Hyde preaching the sermon. In the after- noon the committee met the candidates for admission to the church at the hall over the academy, when the following persons presented themselves : Charles Goodrich, Nathaniel Fairfield, Zebediah Stiles, Timothy Caldwell, Timothy Haskell, Joseph Fairfield, Nathaniel Tremaine, Woodbridge Little, Daniel Chap- man, Jonathan Weston, Richard Barnard, Charles Goodrich, Jr., Isaac Tremaine, John Chandler Williams, Benjamin Newell, Elisha Ely. Males, 16.
Hannah Goodrich, Abigail Barnard, Hepzibah Whitney, Sally White, Mary Newell, Deliverance Blankenship, Olive Tremaine, Huldah Colt, Sarah Colt, Roxana Allis, Lovina -Case, Mary Strong, Amelia Goodrich, Eleanor Newell, Martha Gold, Hart Pomeroy, Fanny Hinsdale, Mehitable Kitteridge, Abigail Root, Sarah Peck, Elizabeth Fairfield (widow), Mary Strong, Elizabeth Pepoon, Mercy Merrick, Lucy James. Females, 25; total, 41.
The council having already decided that the censure of the First church, under which most of the candidates lay, was no bar to their uniting in a new one, it only remained to carefully exam ine them in their views of gospel truth and experimental religion, and the reason of their hope in Christ. All the candi- dates passed their ordeal to the unanimous satisfaction of the com- mittee, after which they proceeded to the town-house "to make their doings publicly known." Here, the congregation having
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re-assembled, the names of the candidates were read, and they gave their public assent to the Confession of Faith. Rev. Mr. Collins administered the rite of baptism to Benjamin Newell and Roxana Allis, and the candidates having in the presence of many witnesses entered into a solemn covenant with God and each other, were "declared to be a regularly-organized church of Christ, and in fellowship with the other Congregational churches of this vicinity."
The division of the church and parish of Pittsfield was thus recognized and sanctioned by the higher ecclesiastical, as well as the legislative powers.
On the 21st of August, Rev. Thomas Allen addressed a long letter of remonstrance to the committee, denouncing the proceed- ings of the ex parte council and the institution of the new church, which was to take place on the following day. Among the objections which he made was that such bodies, before pro- ceeding to act, usually recommended a mutual council, to which he and his church had for some time been willing to agree, although at the meeting of the Association at Stockbridge in February, he did not deem it expedient, or likely to result in a reconciliation ; things not then being ripe for that measure; and in this opinion he reminds the committee that they agreed with him.
Before the meeting of the council there had indeed been an effort made in July to avert the consummation of the separation ; but the correspondence upon the subject between Hon. John Chandler Williams and Hon. Ezekiel Bacon, in behalf of their respective parishes, showed no great desire to that end on the part of the seceders, on any terms except the unconditional sub- mission of the other party. It seems that the family and friends of Mr. Allen, convinced that his strength was no longer adequate to his parochial duties and to the struggle in which he was engaged,-and indeed that death would be the penalty of persist- ence,-urged him to retire, and that he assented. The members of Union parish, learning something of this, appointed Messrs. Little, Daniel Chapman, Charles Goodrich, Jr., and Capt. Tre- maine, a committee to meet such as the old parish might choose " to promote an event in which the happiness and interest of the town were so much involved-a happy union, etc."
To a letter from Mr. Little, informing him of this action, Mr.
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Bacon replied that Messrs. Danforth, Griswold, Hubbard and Crofoot had, with himself, been appointed to receive such written communication as the committee of Union parish might see fit to make, "being at no time indisposed to a union of the two par- ishes, on fair and honorable terms." In rejoinder, Mr. Williams intimated that there was a misunderstanding as to the purport of his first letter, and that the resignation of Mr. Allen was a con- dition precedent to any negotiation. Mr. Bacon explained that his committee were well apprised that Mr. Allen's retirement would be made one of the first conditions of the proposed union ; but that they had expected that the proposal of this would be " accompanied by such other propositions as the members of Union parish would be willing to comply with in case a union could be effected on that basis." Some of that parish, and even some members of its committee, he added, had individually expressed a willingness to contribute an equal share of any sum which it might be necessary to raise for procuring a settlement for Rev. Mr. Allen. The proposition thus suggested was emphatically rejected. Assailing Mr. Allen with some pretty strong phrases, Mr. Williams declared that there were not many of his associates who " were willing to deprive their own families of their property to build up the family of a man who was not an object of charity, being, they thought, the richest clergyman in the county." In closing, Mr. Williams said: "Were the estate of Mr. Allen so small and embarrassed that it would not afford him a very decent fund for the support of his very excellent lady, his amiable daughter and his other children, the case would be very different ; ยท but we all know that he holds a very valuable estate, and, com- pared with the families of the first settlers of the town, who were here when he came, there is not one, happy and prosperous as they are, which is in so eligible a situation as his own."
Mr. Williams expressed a wish that the correspondence should close with this letter, but Mr. Little, apprehensive that he had stated his case so strongly that an erroneous impression would be left, on the 15th of August, wrote to Mr. Bacon, explaining that it was not intended by the committee "to convey the idea of an absolute refusal on their part to contribute to a compensation to Mr. Allen, if any was necessary or proper, although, all things considered, they thought him entitled to but little, if any." He regretted the ceremony and jealousy which had marked the cor-
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respondence, and had never favored a negotiation in writing. He believed that a mere nominal union could not be desirable for either party, and thought that if they could not cordially agree in their feelings and sentiments regarding the settlement of a gospel minister, it would be better for them to remain as they were.
Some explanation is perhaps necessary of the " censure " which was visited by the First church upon its seceding mem- bers, but was not considered a bar to their admission to the new organization. It is thus recorded :
" At a meeting of the Church of Christ in Pittsfield, duly notified, held February 7, 1809, voted unanimously: That the members of this church, who signed a paper of separation from this church near two years ago and have withdrawn from our communion, and those who have of late joined with said separation by signing a petition to the general court for a poll parish, and with whom the gospel-steps to reclaim them have been taken in vain, are disorderly walkers, have violated their covenant vows to walk with us in a church-state and are suspended from communion with us, until they give us gospel-satisfac- tion."
The notice of the meeting by which this vote was passed was given on a stormy Sunday, and it was held on a stormy Tuesday. It was attended by only seven persons,-one of whom, a minor son of Mr. Allen, did not vote,-although the deacons had agreed to notify members in different parts of the town. Those who were placed under censure charged the six voters with unchristian presumption, as well as violation of the rules of the gospel in pronouncing judgment upon them without a hearing and without notice of proceedings pending against them for an offense which, if it existed at all, had done so for nearly two years. The offense had, however, been recently revived and aggravated by the peti- tion cited, and, small as was the number present at the church- meeting, subsequent proceedings showed that they fairly repre- sented the democratic members-about one-half-of the church. Still this, and other acts on both sides, more nearly resembled the anathemas hurled upon each other by rival ecclesiastical authorities in older ages, than the mild and wholesome discipline of New England churches.
This view doubtless had weight in determining the council to admit the branded members to Christian fellowship, and recognize
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them as proper constituents of a new church, although they also based their decision upon the frivolous and technical nature of the reasons alleged, in test-cases, for refusing letters dismissory : such as the objection that the church of Union parish, at the the time of the application, was only in posse, not in esse.
At whatever door the sin of dividing the church and parish of Pittsfield may be rightfully laid-and it does not appear that it could exclusively be laid at any-it would be unjust not to admit that Messrs. Shepard and Hyde, and their colleagues in the coun- cil, exercised their delicate functions, on the whole, for the best good of all, as little biased by prejudice and passion, as it was possible for them to be, under the circumstances.
The mad dissensions and evil passions which had been aroused had already long passed the stage when benefit could be hoped from the methods of treatment prescribed in less violent cases. A stringent application of discipline and church by-laws could only irritate and inflame. Time, and the calming events which time is sure to bring, were needful before any direct measures of heal- ing could be effective. In the meanwhile whatever prevented the contact of those who could not meet in harmony, was a blessing and a balm, which helped to hasten the day when reconciliation and re-union should be possible. Until that day should arrive, it was in the very spirit of that religious liberty which is the proudest boast of Congregationalism-due to the seceders, that they should not be excluded from the fellowship of the churches, which confessed the same faith and walked in the same disci- pline, because they desired to worship God in a frame of mind and heart befitting His holy temple, undisturbed by political irri- tation. To have denied them this would have been unpardonable ecclesiastical tyranny.
But it was not to be expected that the matter would present itself in this light to those engaged in the struggle of that day, and blinded by the dust of its turmoil. The portion of the church which remained with Mr. Allen was, on the contrary, much dis- turbed by the proceedings of the council of August. They may fairly be supposed to have felt as a church of more recent days would have done, had a portion of its members-disturbed by sermons in favor of political anti-slavery, political temperance, or whatever else in the opinion of the pastor, was entitled to legisla- tion on behalf of moral right-had unceremoniously withdrawn
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from its communion, formed a new ecclesiastical organization, and been cordially received into fellowship by the neighboring churches. Indeed, they felt this more keenly than it would have been felt in later times, as the democrats seem not yet to have learned that the liberalism which, under their teachings, had begun to characterize the government of the state, was also making its way in that of the church.
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