USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Wakefield Congregational church; a commemorative sketch. 1644-1877 > Part 5
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Summoned to the ministry of Christ, it was their duty to guard the higher and more precious interests of men. They counselled the living, and buried the dead. They spoke in God's name on behalf of virtue, honor. intelligence and piety.
As the advocates of education. none labored more earnestly and wisely than they. As the friends of sobriety and order,
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none wielded greater moral power than they. As the pro- moters of right feeling and sound principles in society, the influence of none surpassed theirs. Their honored position, the truths which they declared, and the worth of their per- sonal characters, made their continued labors a source of pos- itive power in the defence of righteousness, and the promotion of real prosperity. True to the spirit of their office, they proclaimed Christ to men, and with his aid evoked in many hearts high resolves, pure desires, and divine affections. They made full proof of their ministry ; and, though dead. they yet speak to us, and commend anew the truth which through two centuries has filled these homes with light.
CONCERNING THE GATHERING.
It would have been unpatriotic to allow the centennial year to pass without due recognition. The method of giving it fit honor, though for a time in doubt, was satisfactorily set- tled. As the pastor who served the church in 1776, hastened with not a few of his flock to the Concord battle ; and as the present meeting-house-still comely, massive and sound in all its timbers-is the very structure in which supplies for the army of Washington were stored,-it was deemed quite proper that the church should draw the plan of the observ- ance. The only objection was that she was too old. This. however, was over-ruled, on the ground that, though she had been at work more than a century and a quarter before the Revolution, and had never rested since, her spirit was as young as ever. The plan which she ventured to suggest, included two hundred and thirty-two years, rather than one hundred, and was executed nearly in the following manner :
On the evening of Wednesday, June 21st, 1876, a large company assembled at the church. Invited guests from other towns and churches, and representatives of old families, were present in goodly numbers. Many of the ladies and gentle- men wore antique costumes, and a great variety of relics of past days and usages were displayed. After an hour spent in social intercourse, the company was called to order by E. W. Eaton, Esq., who introduced the president of the occasion-S. K. Hamilton, Esq. After extending a cordial welcome to the assembled guests, he invited them to repair to the tastefully adorned vestries. Under the direction of Mr. A. A. Currier, ample tables for four hundred guests had been spread, and every seat was filled. The enthusiastic singing of America, and a fervent prayer, opened the exer-
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cises. The abundant repast having been finished, and the audience having listened to excellent singing. the President spoke as follows :
ADDRESS OF MR. HAMILTON.
I count it higu honor to-night, to welcome this presence to its ances- tral home ; to welcome these representatives of those pious and sturdy men who planted this church in the wilderness, and defended it with their blood,-these representatives who have assembled on the old spot to revive the memories of the centuries gone by; to recount the more than heroic deeds of the fathers, and perchance to draw inspiration from their history. From whatever quarter you come, or however related to the old church or to the fathers, whether by lineal or lateral ties, or only by right of representation-I bid you a cordial welcome- thrice welcome.
This year the nation celebrates its hundredth birthday by an exposi- tion, it is only trite to say, the like whereof the world has never seen. The whole country-from the farthest north to the Gulf, from the At- Jantie slope to the Golden Gate-gives of its vast resources to the National Jubilation. The choicest products of her agriculture, her mechanics, her arts, her sciences and her literature, have been culled to show her progress, and establish her place. The old world-even the farthest East-has sent from her workshop its best handiwork; from her loom its finest fabric ; and from her easel its most artistic touch, to grace the occasion-and even the sea has given of its glories to add splendor to the scene.
It is, too, a harvest year in rebellious incidents and revolutionary memories, when the nation and individuals are greedily garnering up whatever relates to national or individual history of "the times that tried men's souls."
It is well for this church, which had arrived at a patriarchal age when the nation was born. and which took an active part in the great struggle which gave it place among the nations, to gather up its tradi- tions, bring forth its relies, and recite what it can of the local events which have transpired during the two hundred and thirty-two years which it has lived-and to keep fresh in our hearts the memories of those men who planted here the seeds of the civil and religious liberty which we now enjoy; who endured trial and danger, privation and suffering, that they and those who came after them might enjoy what the monarchs of the old world denied-a right to worship God accord- ing to the dictates of their own consciences.
We, of this day and generation, surrounded by all the blessings which their labor purchased, can have but faint conception of their cost. We cannot realize the deprivation and suffering incident to founding a col-
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ony and a nation in a land whose only inhabitants are wild beasts and wilder savages-whose every buch and rock is a lurking place for the foe. Nor can we realize the deep conviction or the patriotic devo- tion which could sustain a long and successful revolution for the sake of a principle-but we can recall the stirring events of those times, and revive the motives which prompted them : and we can detect the vital principles of both their civil and religious polity-love of God, liberty of conscience, just and equal laws made by all the people, for the gen- eral good -- an enunciation of civil, political and religious doctrine see- ond only to that written by the finger of God on tablets of stone. By assembling, and recalling their deeds and motives, we can the better en- joy those inestimable blessings which flow from their labors, and the better transmit them to those who come after ns. In these times, when the nation, as well as individuals, lives upon the high pressure system, when progress is the only watchword, we are in danger of drifting away from our anchorage ground. In our great haste for wealth and place, we are in danger of losing sight of the great truths which lie at the basis of our success. We have seen it in business, and, alas, we have seen it in politics, where, next to his own family, a man ought to be pure ; we have seen it in law, and I fear we may see it in religion, unless we take anew our bearings, and anchor our belief on the Puri- tan Rock.
I see here before me descendants of the oldest families, of the men who felled the first trees in the unbroken forest; who laid the corner stone of this church, and signed the first compact; descendants, also, of those God fearing men "who took their lives in their hands, and perilled their all in the sacred cause of freedom." On you I call to- night for the tradition of your families, for the legends which have descended from generation to generation, for whatever you may know of church or individual history. Tell it to us in speech or song, in prose or verse, as the heart may prompt.
I will now introduce to you a gentleman descended from one of our oldest families, who, to the antiquarian love that he inherits, adds the qualities of wisdom and wit; and who, as Toastmaster, will exercise his skill in calling forth the speeches which some of you are competent to deliver, and all of you are waiting to hear-
C. W. EATON. ESQ.
In the applause which followed the address. Mr. Eaton arose, and after a few words expressive of his pleasure in the occasion, proceeded in the discharge of his duty, to read
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THE FIRST SENTIMENT :
The Church of the First Parish -Consecrated by Time, may it more re- joice in a consecration from on high. During the centuries it has stood a citadel for the right :- may it remain while time shall last. a tower strong in truth, and Heaven's beacon for the wandering and the lost. It has been divinely guided and instructed, through a succession of able and de- voted Christi in ministers, from Rev. Henry Green, in 1645, to Rev. Charles R. Bliss, in IS76.
THE RESPONSE OF MR. BLISS.
I shall beg your forbearance if I find it impossible to express what the occasion demands of me. Most cordially do I welcome you, and most heartily do I thank you for your presence. The honors of the evening belong not to the pastor, but to the church. One of the first institutions ever planted by civilized man on this spot, it has had a history of growth and usefulness which may well eveite the deepest pleasure and the live- liest gratitude. For seventy-five years it was the only religious beacon from Charlestown to the Merrimac, and into many a settler's lowly cabin, and into many a weary heart, did it shed the light of faith and hope. Sending forth its colonies one by one, it upheld them, and wrought, through their hands, while it wielded a more concentrated influence in its own narrowed sphere.
Its first eight pastors, covering with their faithful service two full cen- turies, left a record of their work where time cannot efface it. Nourish- ing this church in its infancy, and guiding its energies in later years, they helped to make it an ally of good order, and a promoter of right- cousness, whose influence this community feels in every nerve. The spirit of independence-shared by your fathers, as records prove, to the full measure of patriotic devotion-found in this church one source of its inspiration. The love of education-the just pride of our community -exists in its strength because this church and parish charged them- selves with the duty of providing public instruction for the children. Respect for law-"the second nature of New Englanders," and as vigorous here as in any community beneath the sun-derives a portion of its vitality from the Calvinistic views of divine law which this pulpit proclaimed. A church, historic like this-having grown with the insti- tutions around it, and uttered its voice on all important questions, and exerted the influence of its doctrines, principles and spirit, from age to age, through a thousand channels-wields, and must wield. a power not to be traced or measured by finite minds.
Let me congratulate you that so many churches exist where once this held up alone the banner of Christ. We rejoice in their number, strength and prosperity. Conld the faithful men and women who planted in the wilderness the seed from which these erect and beautiful growths have
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sprung, look upon them now, their astonishment would baffle the power of expression. Like a bright vision of Hebrew prophecy would this hour of festivity gleam on their sight. It is their honor, that the work given them was thoroughly done: and well may we perpetuate their memories. To this glad task let me again welcome you. We greet with joy the daughters of this honored mother; the neighbors who live on terms of unfeigned amity with her, and the numerous guests before us, who manifest by their presence kind thoughts of her. May the God of the Fathers protect the children, and may our work bear to our successors the evidence of christian wisdom, zeal and fidelity.
The Banian tree, with its numerous trunks and perpetual life, is regarded by the Hindoos as an emblem of Deity. An ancient christian church, vi- tal with spiritual life, is often like that wide-spreading tree. Its extend- ing branches falling to the ground, taking root and rising again as new trunks, not only support the parent stock and increase its beauty, but cov- er wide spaces with the refreshing shade of religious truth. The earliest branch of TILIs Banian tree fell northward, touching the soil in 1713, and sending its roots firmly down in 1720. We shall ask our brethren of North Reading to tell us how large that trunk has become, and how se- curely it stands ; or, to express our feelings more accurately, we will ask the eldest daughter to report her prosperity.
The Rev. J. W. Kingsbury, pastor at North Reading, re- sponded :
MR. CHAIRMAN: I am glad that the church I have the pleasure to represent had so good a mother-so much, you know, depends on good early training. I am glad, too, that when our church went away she de- parted not as the Prodigal Son, to waste her substance in riotous living in a far country, but as a prudent and well-beloved elder daughter, with the parental blessing resting upon her, went to her humble home in what was then a part of the same town, there to imitate the virtues and piety of the good mother.
With heartfelt gratitude the elder daughter recalls how, in all her his- tory and in all her trials, this mother church has followed her with un- ceasing interest and sympathy, and through one channel or another is helping her to bear the burden and heat of the day; and at every fami- ly gathering, or festive occasion, has for her a welcome and a place. By reference to what we may call the Family Record, I find that when the elder daughter began life and housekeeping-for, strange as it may seem, she began them together-our venerable mother was 75 years old. I learn, too, that when a half century had passed, and consequent- ly when our mother was much older than Abraham's wife, she was
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blessed with another daughter. But this younger danghter must have grown old fast, or she would not have been called "Old South." How- ever, she was vigorous enough in her SOth year to give birth to a child named "Bethesda."
While the Family Record and the fact of grandmotherhood afford con- vincing proof of the venerable age of the mother church, vet her 232 years rest lightly upon her, and we joyfully perceive that her eye is not dim, nor her natural force abated.
We gladly yield to her the palm for experience and wisdom, for vigor and activity ; and feel that it is no disparagement to any of her offspring, to apply to her Milton's description of Eve, and declare her the "fairest of her daughters." With these other daughters, in whose larger success the elder rejoices, we are glad here this evening to rise up and call our mother blessed. For her we invoke the blessing invoked upon Rebekah by her kindred-"Be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them." Good mother, long may you live, and long remain your present "Bliss."
The second branch of this Banian fell slightly toward the northeast, and also became fast as a new trunk in 1720. Our Lynnfield brethren are re- quested to report the girth and strength and beauty of it; or to inform us what fortunes the second daughter has met.
Rev. D. B. Scott, pastor of the church at Lynnfield, re- sponded.
MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: The church in Lynnfield has not forgotten her mother. It is said that the metropolitan question in Boston is, "How much do you know"-in New York, "How much money have you got"-in Philadelphia, "Who are your ancestors." Like the Philadelphians, the church in Lynnfield talks about her ances- tors. She has been in perils by false teachers; and been compelled to choose between submission to hands that would take the crown of di- vinity from the Redeemer's head, or go out. She remained true "to the faith once delivered to the saints," and the members "went out, not knowing whither they went." Now they have a house of worship, a membership of 75, and a zeal for God that is "according to knowledge."
The churches of Stoneham and Wilmington had been duly invited, and sentiments in their honor were offered; but be- ing, perhaps, enlisted in other centennial projects, their repre- sentatives were not present.
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Nothing is more comely than the relations existing between a mother of ripe age, courtly in manner and kindly in spirit, and a daughter grown to mature womanhood, also a mother. and equally imbued with generous feeling. Having long been companions, they are rather sisters than moth- er and daughter. Mutual affection and confidence remove every vestige of occasional disagreement, and they pursue the even tenor of their way loving and beloved. Such relations sometimes exist between churches. This church and the Old South Church in Reading, for more than one hundred years have walked together and leaned upon each other. If this church claims the honors of motherhood. it is but to emphasize the pride with which she points to her daughter.
The representatives of the Old South church, now without a pastor, were Dea. Edgar Damon-a lineal descendant of Dea. John Damon, one of the first deacons of this church,- and Dea. T. T. Briggs. The first named gentleman re- sponded :
. MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : We thank you most hear- tily, in behalf of the Old South Church in Reading, for your kind invita- tion to this bountiful collation, and these most interesting exercises. The Daughter with glad heart comes to greet her revered Mother, who, with kindly hospitality, welcomes us to the old homestead, and the fes- tivities of this hour.
As we sit here and look upon this family party, our hearts are warmed as the events of the past are brought to our minds. The permanent good this church has accomplished may be seen in these added churches, their usefulness, and untold influences for good.
This ancient structure, how well it stands ; its foundations how firm- laid deep and broad upon the solid Rock. Every post erect and strong, every brace sustaining its part ; no decay is here; it has stood the trial of centuries, showing,
"How well our God secures the fold, Where his own flock have been."
Mr. President, the Old South Church, 106 years old, is still full of vigor and courage, and comes to this maternal board with something of pride and real joy, as she looks upon her own daughters settled by her side-the Baptist, Bethesda, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, cach doing faithful service for Christ. And now, sir, thanking you for a place in these commemorative exercises, I close with this sentiment: May the Mother Church, "tried and true." "still bring forth fruit in her old age."
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It is a sentiment of Scripture that "children's children are the crown of the old." Churches may sometimes look proudly upon their grand- daughters, and say, "Ye are our crown." This pleasure is permitted to us this evening; and we challenge any other ecclesiastical matron to point to a brighter crown than the Bethesda church.
Sumner Weston, Esq. responded, expressing congratula- tions and warm feelings of regard on the part of the large church he represented.
Unity in variety is a universal law. We both recognize and rejoice in it, and we count it a cause for special thanksgiving that Christian breth- ren, while disagreeing upon some points, may yet stand together upon the platform of fundamental truth. Like almost every ancient church, this one has witnessed the departure of members for opinion's sake. While regretting the absence of those brethren, we yet respect their fidelity to their convictions. We welcome them upon this commemorative occasion with the cordiality of brethren. We rejoice in their prosperity, and bid them God-speed in their work. We look for a response, to our guests from the Baptist church.
The Baptist church was represented by Rev. R. M. Nott. Brethren A. G. Sweetser, Edward Mansfield and A. N. Sweetser. The gentleman first named responded :
The response to this sentiment would most appropriately come from the pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Keyser, or from our venerable broth- er, Rev. Jonas Evans, who, if present, might not merely, as one of its oldest and most beloved members, represent our church, but would also undoubtedly be welcome as one connected intimately with a number of the oldest families in the town, and one whose memory is a storehouse filled with interesting recollections of the religious history of the place. But the absence from town of the former, and the ill health of the lat- ter, have caused the duty of replying to this courteous and fraternal sentiment to be committed to one less qualified. Yet I possess one peeu- liar qualification, in that, while a real and complete Baptist, I am also linked-I suppose by an inseparable bond-with the Congregationalists. The water of consecration, the "seal of the covenant," was duly placed upon my brow in infancy by the hands of my father, at that time a Con- gregational pastor, and I was of course, by that ceremony, made a member of a Congregational church, in that sense in which the "child- ren of the church" are members. As I have never been notified of my dismission, or excommunication, undoubtedly I am still a member. I hope I shall receive due watch-care.
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But it is worthy of being remembered on this occasion, that Baptist churches are, in reference to one of the things that most affect church character, themselves members of the family of Congregational churches. Our form of church government is substantially the same with yours. Our polity is not the Prelatie, nor the Presbyterian, but the Congregational. Besides, we had, to a considerable extent, a com- mon origin with you. As regards our English development, we were, like your denomination, a part of the Puritan stock which arose to con- tend against the corruption and tyranny of the ecclesiastical establish- ment in England. In this country our independent development at first struggled against an obstacle in the theocratic institutions which the noble, but of course not properly enlightened, forefathers of New Eng- land thought it their right and duty to establish : and in the fact that, in respect to some of our denominational principles, we were found to be even protestants against the Protestants. But we are now seen to be only standing side by side with you, in relation to two most fundamen- tal matters: first, as to the defence of what has come to be universally recognized in America as the true Protestant theory of the proper relations of civil government to religion and the rights of conscience- a theory which, established as it seems to be, American Protestants generally may yet be called upon to maintain strenuously against a dan- gerous assaulting force ; and, secondly, what is better, in relation to the support and the universal propagation of a true, evangelical Chris- tianity.
The Baptist church in Wakefield congratulates this church on its age, its growth in the past, and the prosperity it now enjoys ; and desires the continuance of warm fraternal relations on the basis of mutual Chris- tian confidence and love.
The charity of the Gospel is a beautiful mantle, and as broad as it is beautiful. When the Universalist churches were formed in New England they asked for a larger charity among christians; and if they arraigned existing churches as having too little, they did but emphasize a truth which men are prone to neglect. We are glad to have with us the newly-settled pastor of the Universalist church, from whose lips the Gospel, as under- stood by himself and his brethren, is receiving a vigorous and faithful exhibition.
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Response by Rev. Quincy Whitney :
He congratulated the Pastor and Parish on the occasion which had called the company together ; and thought it something to stimulate and encourage any church, that it had such a history behind it, and embod- icd in its present condition so much sweet christian fraternity. Hc re-
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joiced that the day had dawned when all the churches regarded "the charity of the gospel" as "a broad and beantiful mantle." and that they could now recognize in it more than formerly, some common ground of Christian Union. He saw in it the more hopeful day for the world: and instead of tearing each other in pieces, by theological weapons, they would all take the "sword of the spirit" and march hand and shoulder to victory. There was some common ground on which they could all stand, notwithstanding their theoretical differences, and that is the spirit of charity and toleration, and the vital principles of what makes the real Christian. Ile illustrated this point and the position of the different sects, by saying they might all be represented by taking some vials and filling them with water, and coloring each differently. One color should represent one sect, another a different sect, &e., through the catalogue. The coloring in each was the theological view which each put upon the Bible-while the basis of all these different compounds is water. Each church has something of the "water of life, " and should not think more of its shade of theological differences, than of the water itself.
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