USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Washington > Washington, Mass., Records > Part 10
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Rev. Mr. Knight, Moderator of the Church. Voted that Br John Milliken deliver both.
Voted that the sentence of excommunication be made pub- lic on the last sabbath in Oct. current unless the offending Brother repent & returns.
No symptoms of repentance appearing the sentence was accordingly made public.
On some loose papers found since the above was trans- cri be d the following relating to the foregoing case is re cor ded being the beginning of the present process
Washington Sept 15, 1827
At a meeting of the Congregational Church in Washington, regularly warned and held at the meeting house in said town on this
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day the Meeting being opened by prayer
A complaint was presented by Deac. Alvah Eames against William Spear May. The Church voted to receive the com- plaint. The Church chose Deac. Pitt to deliver a copy of the complaint to Br May and to cite him to appear at a church meeting to be holden at the meetinghouse on friday the 28 th Instant at 2 o'clock P.M. Voted that Deac. Eames accompany Deac. Pitt on the foregoing Mission - the meet- ing was adjourned to friday the 28th Instant.
September 28 th 1827. Agreeably to ad jo urnme nt the Church met. Voted that the Brother complained of be again cited to appear at the meeting house on friday the 5th of Oct. next to attend to his trial at 2 o'clock P.M. Voted that Br Schuyler Put nam present the citation to the Br complained of & that Br John Millikan accompany him.
The meeting adjourned to friday the 5th of October at 2 o'clock P.M. (For the regular proofs in this case turn to 43rd page )
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At a meeting of the church holden in Washington April 29, 1804 the charge of intemperance being presented against Br Absalom Deming he made a statement of the circumstan- ces attending it on which the Church voted to continue to him the privileges of the church. At the same time a similar charge being presented against Brother Reuben Bolles he made a confession before the church and they voted to continue to him also the privileges to which his church membership entitles him
On motion of Cept. Deming Voted that it be publicly mentioned that the charges presented against him abd Brother Bolles are settled to the satisfaction of the Church which was done
Attest John A Hempsted, Pastor
May 25, 1823 Brother Eurota Thorp made voluntary confes- sion of the sin of Adultery, but no vote was taken at the time, the subject was left for prayerful consideration See confession on file. The privileges of the Church were afterward by a vote extended to him.
WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church
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P.47 Blank
P.48 to 64 inclusive are blank (R.H.C. )
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Church Meetings
July 16, 1783 At a Church Meeting Chose Jesse Ladd Sen'r and Jabez Cornish to be Deacons and they accep ted.
Sept 1788 May 31, 1792
Deacon Ladd resigned his Deaconship The Church voted to send a Delegate to the Presbytery at the Session in June next. Chose Deac. Cornish he not accepting chose Jesse Ladd
May 1791 In consequence of a letter missive from the Church of Christ in Sheffield to this Church for assistance to Install the Rev. Mr. Judson, the Church complied and chose Deac Cornish Delegate.
Oct. 1792
In consequence of letters Missive from the Church in Middlefield for assistance to ordain Mr. Jonathan Nash the church com- plied and chose Jesse Ladd Delegate.
Sept. 23, 1799 At an adjourned chh meeting chose Mr.Jasper Brewster Deacon - at the same time chose Thomas Martin Deacon
Church Meetings Recorded by Rev. John A. Hempsted.
At a Church Meeting holden at Washington on the 2nd of June, 1822, Voted to accept the alterations in the Confession of Faith & Covenant .
Confession of Faith
You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are given by inspiration of God and that they are a sufficient & only rule of faith and practice. That according to these Scriptures there is only living and true God - Subsisting in a trinity of persons - The Father- the Son and the holy Ghost- that God created all things- that he preserves and governs all his creatures and over rules all their actions to his glory, and that it is the duty of all intelligent creatures to love him supremely and to worship him in spirit and in truth : That God created man upright- that our First Parents freely sinned and fell, and that all their descendants in a state of Nature are destitute of holi- ness and love to God, dead in trespasses and sins and exposed to the righteous penalty of God's holy law. That God did not leave all mankind to perish in their sins,
In his infinite wisdom and mercy from Eternity
A DAA out in h1
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devised a plan of Salvation this ' a redeemer Jesus Christ who is both God and man
That the Redeemer by his obedience sufferings and death in our nature made atonement for sin, and purchased eternal Salvation for all that believe in him and that he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven where he ever liveth to make intercession for his people.
That without the special agency of the Holy Glost who is very God, applying the redemption purchased by Christ by renewing the heart, and producing repentance toward God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and holy love toward God and man with corresponding good works: No one can inherit eternal life And that those who are thus regenerated will be kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto eternal Salvation. That there will be a resurrection of the dead and a general judgment when the righteous will be admitted to everlasting happiness: and the wicked sentenced to misery without end : This you profess.
Covenant.
Thus professing and believing you do now in the presence of God and this assembly, solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to be your God and portion, the object of your supreme love and delight; to this God do now as you hope with sincerity dedicate yourself (and your children ) humbly confessing and repenting of your sins and promising that by the strength of divine grace, you will endeavor to walk in all the command ments and ordinan - ces of the Lord: You do bind yourself by Covenant to walk with us in Christian fellowship, to watch over us in the Lord, to seek our peace and edification, and to submit to the discipline of Christ in this Church.
P.67 This Confession of Faith & covenant being read the Church voted unanimously that it be adopted and publicly read to all who shall hereafter be added to the Church.
Attest John A Hempsted Pastor
At a meeting of the Church on the 29th day of June, 1823, voted that Brother Alvah Lames be deacon.
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Brother Eames wished for time to consider upon it, which was granted.
At a church meeting holden July 1, 1825, the following re- quest was presented by the pastor with his reasons for making it.
It is well known that I have long doubted whether it be my duty to continue any longer my relation to this Church and people which I now sustain - this doubt has been increased since the last town meeting on the subject. Whereas then only 4 voted for my salary for the ensuing year I fear if I remain here I shall disaffect the minds of and burthen so much with debt that they can scarcely sus-
tain it and on that account I fear that my usefulness is
at an end with this people - therefore I request that the Church agree with me in calling a Council to advise what is my duty under my present Circumstances and if they think it expedient to dissolve the Connection.
This request being presented before them they voted unani - mously not to grant it.
At a Meeting of the Church holden Feb. 20, 1826 The meeting being of such a nature as to require the ab- sence of the Pastor, Deacon Alvah Eames was chosen Moderator. Deac. Eames stated to the Church the proceedings of the town at a town meeting holden Feb. 6 representing that the town could no longer raise money for the support of the minister and expressing a wish that the Connection be dis- solved, that they had chosen a Committee to effect the above purpose. The church voted to unite with the town and chose Deacs. Henry Pitt, Alvah Eames and Br Ezra sibley to
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unite with this town commit tee. On the same day the Joint committee made choice of the following Churches to form a mutual council to meet at the house of Wm. G. Ballantine on the 7th day of March next at 10 A.M. Viz Churches, Middlefield, Becket, Hinsdale, Dalton.
At an Ecclesiastical council holden at the house of Wm. G. Ballantine Esq. on the 7th of March 1826 by letters missive from the Church on one part and Rev. John A Hempsted on the (other,
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Were present
Rev. Jonathan Nash from the Chh in Middlefield
Br Erastus Inghem delegate
kev. Joseph L. Mills Chh in Becket
Dea. dnos Knightley dele gate
Rev. Ebenezer Jennings Chh in Dalton
Br Varnum Holden Delegate
Lev. william A. Hawley Chh in Hinsdale
Dea. Isaac Basset Dele ga te
Rev. J. Nash was chosen Moderator - Rev. Wm. A. Hawley Scribe & the Rev. J. L. Mills assistant scribe
The Council was opened with prayer by the Moderator. A Joint Communication from the church and congre- gational society by their Committees was laid before the Council, with the votes of the Church and Town uniting in the Request that the Pastoral Connection of the Rev. John A. Hempsted with the Church and Society might be dissolved u on the ground that they were unable to fulfill the Contract for his support. From Mr. Hempsted was received a communication assenting to the same proposal.
After deliberate and prayerful of the Circumstances of the church and Society, the Council deeply regret the necessity of dissolving the pastoral connection of the Rev. Mr. Hempsted with the said church and Society, they voted unanimously that it is expedient that said connection be dissolved and it is hereby dissolved.
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In this connection we are happy to say that no charges were brought against the Christian and Ministerial character of Mr. Hempsted, and he is now in regular standing in the gospel Ministry.
In coming to this decision the Council deeply feel for the destitute condition of the Church and Society and deeply sympathize with them in the Case, earnestly and prayerfully would they commend them to the great Shepherd of Israel, the glorious and all wise defender & preserver of the Church hoping that he will keep them as in the hollow of his hand.
Mr. Hempsted and the committee of the town ( submitted
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to the Council whether he should refund any part and if any what part of the settlement which he had rec'd. It being acknowledged that $251.75 by their joint communi - cation on this subject, the Council would say, that if Mr. Hempsted had continued, say for 20 years, the prob- able prospective continuance of a minister among a people, the proportion of the $500. the original stipu- lated settlement would be for each year but $25, and altho the dismission results from the inability of the people to sustain their pecuniary contract, yet we think Mr. Hempsted might deduct in equity from even what he has received, and our Judgment is that he should deduct from what is due him from the Society fifty one dollars & 75/100
The above passed unanimously as result of Council. Jonathan Nash, Moderator.
William A. Hawley, Scribe
Joseph L. Mills, Assistant Scribe. .
The above is a true copy from the Original.
Attest William A. Hawley, Scribe.
P.70
At a Church Meeting holden on the 2nd of Oct. 1826 Chose Rev. Mr. Hempsted Moderator & opened by prayer. The following votes were passed unanimously Viz: That we give the Rev. Caleb Knight a call to unite with us in the work of the ministry.
Voted that Br Schuyler Put nam & Deac. Alvah Eames be a committee to confer with Mr. Knight upon the subject Also to pay the proceedings before the town John A Hempsted Moderator
At this meeting 2 letters were rec'd one from the Church in Wmstown & one from the Church in Lee, the first recommending Schuyler Putnam to this church, the last recommending Sarah Putnam to this church Voted to accept both.
Voted to adjourn this meeting to the 11th of October at 1 o'clock P.M.
Attest Schuyler Putnam Scribe.
Oct. 11, 1826. At a church meeting holden by adjourn- ment, the following votes were passed.
1 Chose Bro. Caleb Knight Moderator
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Chose Br Schuyler Putnam Scribe
A request from Mr. George Nickerson to recommend him to the church in Hinsdale being made, voted to grant his re quest
Voted to adjourn this meeting to the 16th Oct at 2 0' clock P.M.
Attest Schuyler Putnam Scri be
Oct.16, 1826, Met agreeably to adjournment, the Church assembled and chose the Rev. Jonathan Nash Moderator to stand as such until we have a settled minister.
Voted that this church feeling it to be their duty, and being desirous of having a minister settled this Church and Society do now give the Rev. Caleb Knight an invita- tion to settle with us and become our minister
Voted. that Br Schuyler Putnam and Deacon Alvah Eames be a Committee to lay this vote before the town and re- que st
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their Concurrence & also ask of the town that they will make provision for his support.
Voted that there be a Committee appointed to act as a joint committee with one which may be appointed by the town, together with the Rev. Caleb Knight in the choice of a Council provided the Rev. Mr. Knight shall give us an affirmative answer to the proposals which may be made to him by the Church and town. and also that this committee act as committee to make arrangements & provi- sion for the council and any other provision which may be necessary to be made in the instalment of Mr. Knight. Voted Deac. Henry Pitt, Deac. Alvah Eames and Schuyler Futnam be this committee.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Jonathan Nash, Moderator.
A true copy of the original minutes
Atte st Schuyler Put nam Scribe The joint Committee having made proposals to the Rev.Mr. Knight rec'd the following answer
To the Church am Congregation in Washington
Brethren & friends, having received from you through your joint committee a call to settle in the gospel Ministry, I have taken the subject into serious considera- tion and have endeavored to lay it before God, praying ( that he would direct
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me into duty. The dark cloud that hung over your prospects tho not wholly dissipated has seemed to break away before you so far as I can learn from your committee and others you have been happily united in your wishes and endeavors, and God thus far has appeared to smile upon your measures. The sum you have offered as a salary tho probably as much as you can feel safe to engage at present you all undoubtedly feel is too low to afford me a comfortable support, but you
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were encouraged to hope for aid from the Domestic Missionary Society to supply the deficiency till you may be aboe to do it yourselves. The Committee of Domestic Missions are will- ing and desirous to afford you that aid, but they are dependant upon the liberality of the religious public to furnish the means. Reviewing the various steps of divine Providence inclining you to seek for my labors as a minister of Christ, leading me to you and favoring your designs I seem to hear a voice saying this is the way, walk ye in it. I do therefore Confiding in your friendship and punctuality and trusting in the Lord - accept of your invitation to set- tle with you in the ministry of the gospel of Christ - let us not forget to pray much for each other - may the Holy Spirit lead us and the blessing of the Lord rest upon us.
Washington, Oct. 21, 1826. Caleb Knight.
An Ecclesiastical Council convened in Washington at the house of the waº Wells on the 12th day of December 1826, were present the following Churches by their Pastors and Delegates.
From the Church in Lee - Rev. Alvan Hyde D.D. Deacon Nathan Bassett Delegate.
Len ox - Rev. Sam'l. Shepard D.D. Br. Nathan Barrett Delegate Chesterfield-Rev. Isaiah Waters
Dalton - Deacon Jacob Chamberlain De le gate Becket - Rev. Joseph L. Mills Dea. Gains Carter Delegate
West Stafford-Rev. Joseph Knight Br. Calvin Knight Del
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church
Hinsdale - Rev. Wm. Hawley Deac. Isaac Bassett Del. Pittsfield- Br. Henry C. Brown Del .
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Rev. Dr. Hyde was chosen Moderator and Rev. Wm. Hawley, Scribe. The Moderator opened the Council by prayer.
Paper from the Church and Society were laid before the Council showing the call of the church to Rev. Caleb Knight to settle with them in the gospel Ministry. Concurrence of the Society in this call and provision for his support & also Mr. Knight's answer to the call in the affirmative and a certificate of his regular standing in the Fresbytery of Albany. On reading said Parers the Council voted unanimously to proceed to the examination of Mr. Knight.
After a careful examination of Mr. Knight with regard to his acquaintance with experimental religion and the doctrines of divine truth, voted unanimously that the council approve his qualifications for the ministry. Also voted unanimously that they will proceed to the installation of Mr. Knight to the pastoral office over the church and Society in Washington tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock. The several parts of the public service were assigned in the following order -
Hev. Mr. Nash offer the introductory prayer Rev. Joseph Knight preach the se non Rev. Dr. Shepard offer the installing prayer hev. Dr. Hyde deliver the charge to the Pastor Rev. Mr. Mills present the right hand of fellowship kev. Mr. Waters offer the concluding prayer
Voted to spend a season in special prayer with reference to the solemnities of the occasion tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock
Voted to adjourn to half past 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Wednesday morning met according to adjournment & at the appointed hour spent a season in special prayer. Adjourned until after the public services
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Agreeably to appointment the Council repaired to the meeting house & in the appropriate performance of the several services solemnly installed the Rev. Caleb Knight to the Pastoral Office over the of christ and the Congregational Society in Washington.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
The Council was closed with prayer by the Rev. Joseph Knight.
Signed Alvan Hyde Moderator William A. Hawley Scribe
A true copy of the original record Attest William A. Hawley Scribe
A true copy of the original copy
Attest Schuyler Putnam
Scribe of the Church Attest Absalom Deming Asst. Scribe.
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At a Church meeting holden at the house of the Rev. Caleb Knight on the 9th of April 1827 the following votes were passed.
chose Absalom Deming Scribe pro tem Voted to procure a suitable book at the cost of the
Church to keen the church records in
Appointed Br Schuyler Putnam with the assistance of the Rev. Caleb Knight to revise and transcribe the Church records.
Appointed ur Absolom Deming as an assistant in making the above transcript.
Copies from the original minutes Schuyler Putnam Scribe
At a Church meeting holden on the 29th day of June 1827 voted that a committee of three be appointed whose duty it shall be to examine candidates for admission to the Church, to see that the discipline of the church be faithfully exercised and to superintend the affairs of the church generally, that Deac Henry Pratt, Leac Alvah Eames and Br Schuyler Putnam be the above committee.
Voted that candidates be propounded at least 2 weeks be- fore they are received unless in some special cases.
Voted that those who bring letters be examined as to their doctrinal views & c & the letter read two weeks before any vote be taken. 4th Voted that if any objec- tion be made to the admission of any candidate it shall be made before the day on which he is exrected to be re- cei ved.
Voted that where any request a letter of recommendation and dismission it be made known 2 weeks before any vote be taken in any ordinary cases.
Voted that the Lord's sunper be administered on the last
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Sabbath of every second month through the year to com- mence with the last Sabbath in August next. The meeting was closed by prayer
Schuyler Putnam Scribe
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Aug.27, 1827. Voted to receive Oliver chapel as a member of this church having been recommended by letter from the Church in Stockbridge.
Voted to receive the following persons on the profession of their faith they having been propounded the usual time, Viz:
Sally Deming - Lyman White - Thomas White - Eurota Thorp - Dorcas Thorp - bolly T. Tweddell - Amanda chapel -
Lucy D. Chapel - Achsah Codding - Lucinda Pease - Anna Brown - Harriet Holmes - Cynthia M. Pitt - Amos Bab cock - cephas E. Deming - Aurilla Barnes - Jonathan Chapel Jr.
S. Putnam, Scribe
Nov. 4, 1827. Voted to receive Mary Noble - S. Pease - Elizabeth Chapel - Mary Porter and Wright Barns as members of this church on the profession of their faith. Voted to grant a letter of dismission and recommendation to Widow M. Gray.
Dec. 23, 1827. Voted to receive Deborah Streeter into full communion with this church on the profession of her faith.
S. Putnam, Scribe
March 28, 1828. Meribah Gray recommended by letter to the church in Falmouth. Also Priscilla Case recommended to the church in Falmouth
Aug. 29, 1828, Lyman White & Hannah his wife recommended to the church in Worthington.
Sept. 12, 1828 At a Church meeting, Rev. Caleb Knight, Moderator, Voted that Bro Absalom Deming be Scribe for the church.
2. Voted that church conferences be holden once a month. 3. Voted that Dea. Henry Pitt and Deac. Alvah Eames be a committee to investigate the case of Br. Thorp.
4. Voted that the thanks of the church be presented to the Domestic Missionary Society for their liberality to this people .
Attest - Absalom Deming, Scribe.
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P.77 April 3, 1829, At a Church Meeting Voted to choose a committee of 2 persons to make a state - ment of the situation and strength of the Chh & Society to the M. M. Society and make application for further aid.
Voted that Capt. A. Deming & Deac A. Eames be this committee.
A. Deming Scribe
From record on file Dec.26, 1828. At the close of the preparatory season the committee reported on the case of Bro. Thorp but as he was not present the business was deferred till Tuesday next & it was agreed to meet at 11 o'clock for prayer and to attend to business which might be presented.
Sabbath Dec. 28, 1828. Voted a letter of recommendation for Br S. Putnam & wife to the church in Adams.
Jan.1, 1829. After prayers, the case of Br. Thorp was called up his wife being he was not present. voted to postpone the matter to the call of the Moderator. At the same time voted to take up a contribution at the close of every communion season for the provision of the table. 3. Voted that Deac. A. Eames be treasurer for the Church, keep the accts and report the state of the funds as often as called upon. Closed with prayer
Extracts from Rev. Caleb Knight's minutes, as Moderator
A. Deming Scribe.
Jan. Agreeably to appointment the Chh convened for prayer and to attend to important business - Present Rev. Caleb Knight, Moderator - three Brethren and five sisters. Moderator opened the meeting by prayer and reading the 51st Psalm. After considerable time spent in prayer the case of Br Thorp was called up but as the Committee were absent it was deferred. A communication from Rev. wm.
Hawley read and deferred. Voted to adjourn till the 13th Feb. next at 1 o'clock. Closed with prayer.
Caleb Knight, Moderator
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Aug. 28, 1829. After the preparatory lecture, during the prayer meeting, brother Absalom Deming voluntarily and feelingly confessed that he had wandered from the
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path of duty in many ways, particularly that on a cer- tain occasion last fall he made too free a use of ardent spirits to the wounding of the cause of Christ and grief of fellow disciples. He asked the forgiven- ess of the brethren. On motion of Deac. Eames seconded by Brother Bills, voted unanimously to forgive brother Deming & still receive him as a brother.
Feb. 26, 1830 The case of George Nickerson was called up. In view of his neglect of the church and of giving any satisfaction to the matter of grievance as presented in a letter from Rev. wm. A. Hawley; and also in view of the manner of his leaving this part of the county & his treatment of creditors, voted unani- mously to suspend him from the communion & fellowship of the church till he give evidence of repentance and that his suspension be read before the congregation at the next communion.
Feb. 28. A letter from the first congregational church in Granby, Mass. was read & brother Absalom Deming chosen delegate.
March 9. Ill lealth of Pastor & storm prevented the fulfillment of the above appointments
June 27. Elizabeth Barnum made a public confession of the sin of fornication, which was accepted & she restored.
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Oct. 17, 1830. A letter missive from the mountain as- sociation agreeable to request of A. b.C.F.M. and of Mr. Reuben Tinker was communicated to the church to meet in council at Chester on the 2nd of Nov. next to assist in the ordination of Wm. Tinker as a missionary destined to the Sandwich Islands.
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