USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Woburn > The history of Woburn, Middlesex County, Mass. from the grant of its territory to Charlestown, in 1640, to the year 1680 > Part 46
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Church in South Reading, Rev. Charles R. Bliss, pastor ; Bro. J. G. Aborn, delegate.
Rev. Mr. Wheeler still (November 20, 1866) continues pastor of the church in North Woburn, where his services are highly acceptable to the church and society. He was born in Charlotte, Vermont ; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., and at Andover Theological Seminary ; settled at Abington Centre,
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Conway, Williamsburgh, and South Dartmouth, previously to his installation at North Woburn.
The number of members in the North Woburn church, July 12, 1866, was fifty-nine.18
BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
Notice was taken, it will be remembered, in Chapter V., of this history, of certain citizens of Woburn, some of them men of distinction in the town, who withdrew from the worship of the congregational society, embraced and practised the peculiarities of the Baptist denomination, and were prosecuted therefor, in 1671, before the civil courts. But their meetings for distinctive worship soon ceased. Most of them rejoined their congrega- tional brethren; some of them became officers in the old Con- gregational Church and Society in Woburn; and in the next generation, all visible tokens of their former separation ceased to exist.
The present highly respectable Baptist Church in Woburn originated in the disaffection towards Rev. Mr. Sargeant, which sprang up in his society soon after his ordination in 1785. Before the close of the year, 1786, several members of the Con- gregational Parish, dissatisfied with Mr. Sargeant's preaching, had begun to frequent the meetings of the Baptists in West Cambridge, (then the northwest parish in Cambridge.) where a small Baptist Church had been organized in 1781, and was then under the pastoral care of Rev. Thomas Green. In 1790, the number of those who had thus withdrawn from Mr. Sargeant's society amounted to twenty-two; 19 and as the assessors of Woburn still persisted in taxing them for the support of the congregational worship, Rev. Mr. Green commenced a lawsuit, in 1790, for the recovery of their parish taxes. In this suit, he was successful: and thenceforth, the assessors of Woburn were directed, October 17, 1791, "to omit taxing those persons
In The above account of North Woburn Church has been derived partly from minutes of my own, taken at the time, and partly from statements of Dea. Josiah Linscott, kindly fur- ulshed me from hila own recollection, and from the Records of the Church.
19 Report of Committee of First Parish, at adjourned meeting, January 28, 1700.
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reputed to belong to Mr. Thomas Green's society, whose names were returned to the parish committee, except Benj. Fowle, Ephraim Tottingham, and such others, as the assessors think best to tax or not, according to their own discretion." 20
In the mean while, several who had withdrawn from the public worship in Woburn to attend meeting in West Cambridge, had joined the Baptist Church in that place; and at their request, an arrangement was made in 1790, with Rev. Mr. Green, its pastor, to preach once a month in Woburn. Not long after, it was agreed that he should preach half the time in Woburn ; the name of the church was altered from "the Baptist Church in Cambridge " to the "Cambridge and Woburn Baptist Church." 21 And so much more rapidly did the branch of this church in Wo- burn gain in numbers and strength, than the mother church in Cambridge, that " Cambridge" was, in a few years, dropped from its title, and it was thenceforth styled and known, as the " Wo- burn Baptist Church." 21
The first meetings of this church in Woburn were held in a house belonging to Capt. John Edgell. This was a large unfin- ished building erected on the spot, where a new house of Mr. Henry Flagg now stands. "The whole of the second floor was in one unfinished room, (with a great chimney stack running up in the middle,) and furnished with plain benches. It was acces- sible by a narrow stairway in the rear of the house,; and would seat perhaps a hundred people. To this spot, the fathers and mothers of this church resorted each Sabbath day," when they held meeting in Woburn; " and climbing those stairs, filled the rude benches with perhaps threescore lowly worshippers."21
In 1793, much to the regret of his people, Rev. Thomas Green removed his residence to another place. He was succeeded by Elder Simon Snow, who remained but about a year. In the early part of 1794, Elder Peak was called to preach half the time in Woburn and in Newtown, N. H., alternately. He is described as " a tall, slim man, dignified in appearance, and of considerable intellectual power. His influence was felt at once
20 Record of First Parish. The reason of the distinction here made is unknown.
21 First sermon of Rev. Mr. Kennard.
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upon the church; the congregation grew, till the room where they met seemed too small to accommodate them ; and the church resolved to arise and build a house unto the Lord. This was in the spring of 1794. This was a brave resolution, for so feeble a band. Yet the favor of God was manifested, as it always is, when his people attempt great things for him. No sooner had the building been begun, than the Spirit of God was poured out upon the church, through the labors of Elder Peak; and while the temple of wood was being crected, the Holy Ghost was building up the spiritual temple of lively stones. The work of revival embraced both the Woburn church, and that in South Reading; the church in Woburn was greatly refreshed ; and as a result, thirty-five persons were baptized and added amidst much rejoicing." 21
The meeting-house, which the Baptist Society commenced building in the spring of 1794, was ready for occupation in July of that year.22 It was erected on the spot very near the dwelling-house of the late Col. William Winn; " The frame of it is still standing, though very much altered in appearance, at the corner of Main and Church streets, and has been for many years used as a manufacturing establishment. When the church first met there, it was a plain frame building without finish or ornament. It was about forty fect square, and consisted of one floor only, (the walls and ceiling being left for several years much in the style of a barn,) furnished with rude benches." But uninviting as the appearance was which it presented, both within and without, yet here Elder Peak, Drs. Baldwin, Stillman and others, in visiting the weak churches, would stop and preach."
Meetings of the church still continued to be held in West Cam- bridge and Woburn, alternately, till 1797; but very soon after, the church voted to hold the services altogether in Woburn, it being most convenient for a majority of the members.23
After worshipping in the house just described some five or six years, the brethren resolved to improve it: " which they did by ceiling and plastering it, and putting in pews, which were square
22 " 1794. July 20. Baptists met at now meeting house first time." - Diary of Samuel Thompson, Esq. 23 Rev. Mr. Kennard's first sermon.
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and panelled, with the seats made to turn up in prayer time ; there were two blocks of these, making in all thirty-five pews, and an aisle running up the middle, and another round the walls. They also put up a gallery, which was reached from a porch in the west end, where also was the main entrance. The pulpit was very high, with a sounding-board over it, as was the fashion in those days; and was reached by two short flights of stairs. In front of the pulpit was the Deacon's Seat, where these elders in the church sat facing the congregation, and apparently support- ing the minister, and overlooking the flock." 23
The church continued to worship in this meeting-house " from 1795 till 1825 [1794 till 1828 ?] or about thirty years." During this period, they were served in the pastoral office by Elder Peak, who left in the latter part of 1795.24
" He was followed by Rev. Elias Smith; ' a man of singular traits of character.' He remained two years, and then withdrew from the church and the denomination, to enter upon a some- what erratic course, so far as theological opinions and church relations are concerned." 24
Rev. Mr. Smith was followed by Elder E. Nelson, who was pastor from 1802 till 1804; and was succeeded by Elder Isaiah Stone, and he in 1809 by Elder S. Wydown.
" In the year 1804, the Rev. Thomas Paul, a colored preacher, visited the church, and supplied it for a number of months. He was a man of more than ordinary genius and originality of mind, independence of spirit, joined to deep humility before God. His preaching was attended by the demonstration of the Spirit and with power. A precious revival appeared in the church; and as a result, thirty-nine souls were brought to Christ, and baptized into the fellowship of the church."
" In 1811, Rev. Thomas Waterman took the pastoral charge. He was a man small of stature, like Paul, but with a manly intellect. He had been educated in an English College, and was eminent among a race of ministers, who had most of them but very limited literary culture, for the extent of his attain-
23 Rev. Mr. Kennard's first sermon.
24 Rev. Mr. Kennard's second sermon.
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ments. . . . In addition to his pastoral work, he . . . . kept a school of a superior character, and was much respected in the community, as a gentleman of refinement, and an able Christian minister. He died suddenly, probably in a fit of apoplexy, after having served the church to great acceptance about three years. His remains lie in our cemetery, where a neat shaft, erected through the exertions of a prominent member of this society, still living, commemorates in modest terms his virtues. His companion, who long outlived him, and who is well remembered for her womanly and Christian character, has lately been laid by his sleeping dust.
" In 1817, Rev. Herbert Marshall was ordained pastor. He was a man of respectable, not of shining abilities as a preacher ; but distinguished for his simple-hearted faith, his fervor and industry in his work, and especially by his power in prayer. In answer to his fervent prayers, the Spirit descended with wonder- ful power upon the church and congregation, and a remarka- bly deep and permanent work of grace was wrought in the church. It seemed to reach every member, and is still remem- bered and often referred to, as the great revival of 1817. Seventy persons were baptized in one year; and among them some of the most valuable members the church has ever had."
" Rev. George Phippen became pastor in 1818; and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Adoniram Judson, father of the Missionary, a venerable and highly esteemed servant of God: who was fol- lowed, 1823, by Rev. James N. Seaman. During these pastor- ates, the church seemed under a cloud, and experienced some trials. Very few were added to the church; and the member- ship on the whole diminished.
" With the settlement of Rev. Samuel Malory, in 1826, the cloud seemed to break, and the sunshine of prosperity cheered the church. An extensive revival of religion was sent from on high, and seventy were received into the church by baptism, of whom the same may be said as of those received during the revival of 1817. In the increase of the church (which now numbered over two hundred) and of the congregation, the meeting-house began to be too small for them: and they must
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either enlarge, or build a new house. From an account of the movement contained in the 'Old Book of the Treasurer's Ac- counts,' we learn, that Mrs. Rebecca Tottingham, who owned the land adjacent to that on which the church stood, and which it was necessary to purchase, if the house was enlarged, was asked by a committee to sell it to the church for that purpose : but that she, after due deliberation, (as the old Record goes) gave a lot of land sufficient to enlarge the house, build sheds, and a parsonage house, for the love, affection and esteem she had for the Baptist Church and Society in this place. Let it be spoken of for a memorial of her.
" Upon subsequent consideration however, it was thought best to procure a lot in the centre of the town, and build a new house." . . Accordingly, "a lot was procured; aud upon it was a bakery, which was removed to make way for a place where the Bread of Life might be held forth for the hungry. It was begun in May 1827; was planned and superintended by Brother Samuel Abbot, and finished and dedicated in the spring of 1828. The original dimensions were fifty-eight by sixty feet, with a porch of six feet in front. Its whole cost, including the land, was about $8,000. It has since been en- larged. The Record at the time appropriately says, 'We have abundant reason to bless God for all our efforts to build an House of Worship; and if we will but view the hand of Prov- idence, we shall see that all and every move has been over- ruled for the best under the guidance of Heaven. To God be all the glory !'
"From 1829 to 1833, Rev. B. C. Wade was pastor; and from 1833 to 1835, Rev. T. B. Ripley, Rev. N. Hooper followed from 1837 to 1840. During his time, there was quite a division in the church. Forty-five of the members withdrew. While some of these were such as had caused much dissension, others were brother and sisters beloved and honored. Some of them still survive, and still possess the confidence and esteem of those who know them best. It is believed that in the case of most if not all of the survivors of those sad days, the feelings that were then kindled have long ago died away."
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" Mr. Hooper was succeeded by Rev. S. B. Randall, from 1844 to 1847, when Rev. J. C. Stockbridge became pastor. During his ministry, a gracious work of conversion was enjoyed, and about forty added in one year to the church. His ministry and that of Brother Ricker and Brother Bronson being within the memory of you all, I need not dwell upon them. You know better than I, my hearers, their faithfulness, their ability and their success. During Brother Ricker's time, this house was en- larged and improved; and during Brother Bronson's, the debt incurred was paid off.
" The church has been blessed in its deacons : Thaddeus Davis, Daniel Brooks, Josiah Converse, Jacob Richardson, Jesse Converse, John Fowle, Samuel Tidd, all of whom have gone to their rest. The deaths of Brothers Richardson and Tidd were a peculiarly heavy blow. They fell suddenly and in their prime ; cut down in the midst of most important services they were ren- dering the church. She was plunged in deepest sorrow; their loss seemed irreparable. But their death was blessed to the spiritual good of the church: and in regard to them, and the other names mentioned, as well as those who have succeeded them, we may say, how much does the church owe of gratitude to God for giving them !
" The total number added to those connected with the church since its organization is about nine hundred. Of these about six hundred and fifty have been received by baptism. Surely God hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.
" During all these years, the doctrines of the church have re- mained unaltered. There may have been, indeed, during the carly part of her history, a large development of what are called the high Calvinistic doctrines, in regard to Sovereignty, Election, etc., etc. These have not been withdrawn in their essence; but there has been a development also of other doctrines, which sup- plement and limit those, so as to present a symmetrical system." 25
To the above account of the Baptist Church in Woburn, taken almost entirely from two historical discourses concerning it
25 Rev. Mr. Kennard's second sermon.
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preached by Rev. Mr. Kennard, the immediate predecessor of its present pastor, Rev. Mr. Townley, may be added the following brief notices of several of the more recent ministers of this church and people, kindly furnished by Rev. Dr. Stockbridge and Mr. John D. Tidd.
Rev. J. C. Stockbridge was born, June 8, 1818, at Yarmouth, Maine; received his academic education at the academy in his native town; was graduated from Brown University, 1838; studied theology at the Institution in Newton, where he was graduated in 1844; and was installed as pastor of the Baptist Church in Woburn, January 27, 1848. This relation he sus- tained, " the happy pastor" of a people beloved by him, till Octo- ber 1852, when he was dismissed from Woburn, that he might assume the pastoral charge of the First Baptist Church in Providence, R. I. to which he had been invited, during the ab- sence of its minister, Rev. Dr. Granger, who had been appointed as one of a deputation from the Missionary Union, to visit the Baptist missionary stations in Burmah.
At the close of the year, he was called to the pastoral office of the Charles Street Church, Boston, over which he was installed October 23, 1853. In this position, he remained nearly eight years ; and during this time, viz : at commencement, in 1859, he received from Harvard University the honorary degree of D. D.
His health beginning to fail him, that he might preserve that invaluable blessing, as well as fulfil a long cherished purpose, he gave up all ministerial labor early in 1865, and embarked for Europe. Landing in Sicily, he went thence to Greece, and made a visit of much interest at Athens. Returning to Sicily, he commenced travelling extensively in Italy and Switzerland, and over some portions of France and Germany; and in passing along in these several countries, he remained some time at Rome and Paris, and visited Naples, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Milan, and Geneva. Sailing down the Rhine, he came to Cologne. He then went to Holland, spent a few days at Amsterdam, visited the Hague and Rotterdam, and crossing the sea from Holland he came to England, where he spent several weeks, making tours in various directions through the country ; took a
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short trip to Scotland, and then coming back to Liverpool, he embarked in the steamer for New York, where he arrived in safety, after an absence abroad of about eight months.
Soon after his return to this country, he took charge of the Free Street Church, Portland, where he remained till recently ; when the situation of Principal of a literary institution in Pro- vidence being offered him, he accepted it, and his present resi- dence is in that city.
Rev. Joseph Ricker was installed February 14, 1853; dis- missed April 1, 1858, and afterwards appointed chaplain of the State Prison in Charlestown. He then became pastor of the Baptist Church in Milford, Mass .; and is now settled in Augusta, Me.
Rev. B. F. Bronson entered upon his pastoral labors in this church, June 1, 1858, without any public services of installa- tion ; was dismissed April 27, 1862, and settled in Roxbury, receiving an appointment, in connection with his pastorate in Roxbury, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Baptist State Con- vention. He is now settled at Southbridge, Mass.
Rev. J. Spencer Kennard was installed October 31, 1862; dismissed December 15, 1865; took charge of the Calvary Church, Albany, N. Y .; and is now settled in Philadelphia, Pa., succeeding his honored father, who was removed by death from a pastorate over the same church of more than twenty-five years.
The present pastor of this church, and immediate successor of Mr. Kennard, is Rev. H. C. Townley, who was installed July 17, 1866.
In connection with his labors, there has been enjoyed by his people an interesting season of revival. Since his settlement, thirty-three persons have been baptized by him and added to the church. And although for two or three months past there has been no observable special interest, yet, during this inter- val, a measure of interest has been kept up, which is at present on the increase; and the members of this church " are confi- dently expecting to be permitted soon to witness displays of divine power in the conversion of the impenitent."
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INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH.
The church in Woburn, thus denominated, originated in a secession from the First Baptist Church. On the 22d day of June, 1838, Leonard Fowle, Jesse Convers, George Flagg, John Edgell, with thirty other members of the Baptist Church, thirty- four in all,26 requested letters of dismission from that church. Their request was granted to cach petitioner severally, in letters after the following form :
" To all whom it may concern; This may certify, that A. B. is a member in good standing in the Baptist Church in Woburn, Mass .; and as such is hereby dismissed at his (or her) request, and recommended to any church of the same faith and order. Done at a regular meeting of the church :
" Woburn, June 22d, 1838. A. A. NEWHALL, Clerk."
The reasons assigned by these brethren and sisters for re- questing dismission from the church to which they had hitherto belonged were :
1. First, "The admitting into the pulpit of others than the professed ministers of the gospel, and the discussion of other subjects than the gospel, from the pulpit, against the expressed wish of the injured brothers and sisters."
2. Secondly and principally, " the seeming letting down of the doctrines of grace, as found in the Word of God, and embodied in the Church Covenant."
Having made repeated efforts for an adjustment of the diffi- culties above suggested, without success, " they felt it a duty to go out, however trying, not knowing whither they went."
These withdrawing brethren and sisters from the First Baptist Church do not appear to have formed themselves into a separate church by any new organization, but to have considered them- selves as already such by mutual consent, and united by the bonds of the covenant into which they had formerly entered.
By the courtesy of the First Baptist Church, they were allowed the use of their old meeting-house, then unoccupied, at a mere
26 Forty-five, according to Rev. Mr. Kennard's second sermon ..
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nominal rent, till the chapel they now assemble in, was erected for them by a member of their own body, Mrs. Sarah Convers.
Since their establishment as an Independent Church, they have been favored successively with the pastoral services of Elders Hartwell Osburn and Lemuel Cox, Jr., who labored among them more than fourteen years, " much to their edification and comfort." Since the year 1861, they have been without a stated minister, but do not forsake the assembling of themselves together; but meet semi-monthly, "and enjoy a good degree of harmony, al- though by frequent removals and deaths, their number is now much reduced; being at this date (May 7, 1866) but about thirty." 27
FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
About 1828, a number of Christians of the Universalist per- suasion formed themselves into a society, and erected a meeting- house, which was dedicated December 23, 1829, and was im- proved by them as their house of worship several years. For their first minister, they had Rev. Otis A. Skinner. His suc- cessors in office (the dates of whose respective settlements have not been preserved on record) were Rev. Messrs. Daniel D. Smith, A. L. Balch, John Gregory and J. C. Waldo. 28 But this society at length ceased to have preaching, and after retain- ing possession of their meeting-house for some time, they eventu- ally sold it to the town, and it is now occupied, with various alterations, as the Town Hall.
SECOND UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
A Second Universalist Society was formed, and a constitution adopted by it, early in 1841. At a meeting held in the meeting- house of the First Universalist Society, April 5, 1841, and con- tinued by adjournment to April 19th, this Second Society was organized by the choice of Joshua V. Peirce as Clerk, John Johnson, Jr., Moderator, Messrs. John Johnson, Jr., John Knight, 2d, and William Winn, Jr., as Standing Committee, Joshua V. Peirce, as Treasurer, and Timothy Winn, as Collector.
27 Letter of May 7, 1866, from a member of the Independent Church.
28 John Johnson, Esq., communication from.
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At a meeting, June 27, 1844, it was voted that they would hold their meetings in the Town Hall, with the consent of the " Unitarian Society" to release it to them a part of the time.
At a meeting held in the Town Hall, April 4th, 1845, one article of the warrant was, " To see what measures they would take to build a meeting-house the ensuing season," and a com- mittee of three was then chosen to ascertain " how many pews could be sold in a new house, and to report at the adjournment of that meeting." The meeting-house which the society thus appears to have contemplated building in the spring of 1845 was built and finished before winter that year, and from certain minutes seems to have been dedicated November 21st. It is the same house as that afterwards occupied by the Unitarian Society, and more recently by the Methodists.
May 18, 1845, the society accepted the proposal of Rev. W. B. Randolph to come and preach for them for what money they could raise for his support, and voted him their thanks for his offer.29 But at a meeting, March 16, 1846, they voted not to hire Mr. Randolph another year, and instructed their treas- urer, April 14th, " to hire money sufficient to pay him what was due to him to that date."
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