USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Washington > Washington, Mass., Records > Part 12
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There were present from the church in -
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Peru- Rev. Joseph Knight, Pastor, Bro Harvey Stowell, Delegate Middlefield- Rev. Edward Clarke, Pastor , Bro. Amasa Graves, Delegate Dalton- Rev. O.M. Sears, Pastor, Dea Alpheus Brown, Delegate P.99
Rev. Joseph Knight was chosen Moderator & Rev. Edward Clark, Scribe Prayer was offered by the Moderator. Rev. Mr. Norwood presented a document showing that for reasons satisfactory to himself, he had applied for a dismission, and the committee of the Church & Society also stated their reasons why they had complied with his request in calling a council.
After due hearing of the parties concerned it was voted unani - mously that the Pastoral relation heretofore existing between Rev. Francis Norwood & the Congregational Church & Society in this place is hereby dissolved.
voted, that this council have the most unreserved confidence in the Rev. Francis Norwood & cordially recommend him to the Churches as an able, faithful & laborious minister of Jesus Christ, & as such entitled to their respect & patronage.
Voted that this Council extend to the Church their earnest sympathies in view of their bereaved condition & would advise them to take immediate measures to procure the settlement of another Pastor to break to them the bread of life.
Joseph Knight, Moderator Edward Clarke, Scribe
A true copy from the original
Attest Francis Norwood
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Jan.5, 1853 At a meeting of the Cong'l Church in Washington, voted unanimously to give Bro. Eber L. Clark a call to settle with us in the work of the Cospel ministry.
Voted also & chose a committee to unite with a committee of the Society to call a council for the Installation & that Deac Alson Bill, Brothers Millin Watkins & Elbridge G. Tinker be the committee
Feb.1, 1853. By letters missive from the Congregational Church & Society in Washington an Ecclesiastical Council was convened for the purpose of installing the Rev. Eber L. Clarke over sd Church & Society.
Present from the First Cong. Church in Pittsfield
Rev. John Todd Pastor - Bro. H.H. Childs Delegate
Hinsdale Rev. Perkins H. Clarke, Pastor
1
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Becket- Rev.Mr.Whilman Pastor, Bro.Chester Wadsworth Delegate N. Becket-Rev. Mr.Norton Pastor, Bro.Harvey Phelps
The Council was organized at the meeting house in Washington by the choice of Rev. J. Todd Moderator & Rev. Mr. Norton, Scribe. Council was opened with prayer by the Moderator. Rev. Mr. Norton was chosen Scribe.
P.101
The Council having been called by the church in Richmond as well as the Church in Washington, a committee from the former church appeared before the Council, and presented Mr. Clark's request for a dismission from the Church in Richmond, and the vote of the Church and Society granting his request, where- unon the council dissolved the connexion between Mr. Clark and said church and Society, and proceeded to examine him in reference to his becoming the pastor of the church in Washington. Being satisfied with his examination the Council voted to proceed to his installation the next day at 11 delock A.M. and that the parts of the service be performed in the following order -
Rev. Mr. Norton to offer the introductory prayer, Rev. Dr. Todd to preach the sermon, and to offer the installing prayer, Rev. Mr. Whitman to give the charge, Rev. Perkins H. Clark to give the right hand of fellowship, Rev. Mr. Norton to offer the concluding prayer.
The several parts were performed as assigned, and at the time appointed.
P.102
Dec. 31, 1854. The Church voted to give William A. Lloyd a letter of dismission from this church and of recommendation to the church in Williams College.
Nov. 11, 1855. By vote of the Church Parthena & Pauline D. Lloyd were dismissed from this church and recommended to the church in Sycamore Illinois.
March 16, 1856. Mary W. Hay (?) was dismissed from this church and recommended to the Cong. Church in South Hadley, Mass.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
March 29, 1856 Mary Ann clark, wife of Nathan Clark & Deborah Streeter, were dismissed from this church and recom- mended to the church in Suffield, Conn.
July 31, 1857( ?) Church voted to receive Mrs. Lucy A. Chapel, she having presented a letter from Peru.
July 31, 1857( ? ) 2nd Communion- One June 5 at City- First Oct 2 Third communion at City
Mrs. Aurelia Tyler received on profession by vote-Baptized.
Dec. 18, 1857 ( ? ) Fourth communion at Street M. House Deferred
two weeks. Received on profession Miss Mary Jane Messenger Miss Hannah Jane Morgan Baptized Henry Ira Higgins - Baptized
Feb. 5, 1860. Fifth Com. at City - Baptized Wmn. Beach
Ap1 8, 1860. Sixth Com. at Street- Baptized our son Henry A.
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May 27, 1860. Communion at City. Received to Church Elihu Johnson on profession His wife Mary Johnson by letter from Baptise chh
No Becket
July 15 Communion at Street Received to the Church by vote
James M. Chapel Prof. Bap.
Amos Chapel
Maria G. Chapel
Charles Hathaway
Mary Ann Hathaway
=
in infancy
Sarah T. Hathaway
Solomon J. wing
in infancy
Lucy Wing
11 Aforetime
Justin Morgan by letter from W.Springfield Prof. Bap. in infancy
Han nah B. Morgan
M. M . Long ley M. R. Longley
Letter from Peru, Bap. in infancy
=
=
Sept 16 A.E.Hart
Prof.
Communion at City
Church voted a letter to Noah Benson & Tamma his wife to Cong. Church, Hinsdale.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Nov. 4, 1860 Communion at Street. Jan. 6, 1861 Communion at City. March 10, " tt = Street.
By vote S. Warren Brooker ) on profession & were bap. Charlotte L.Beach) Alan son B. Pomeroy )
May 10 Voted that the Pastor appoint a committee of three to draft a response to the resolutions lately passed by the Brethren of C.E. Chh. S.J. Wing, A. E. Hart & Jas . M. Chapel were appointed.
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May 12 Communion at City. July 12, 1861
= Street P.L. at Street July 14 Aug 30, = P.L. at City 16 present Com. of May 10 re- ported Report accepted & waits further action
Sep 1, 1861, Communion at City. Rec'd by vote from Cong. Church No. Becket Mrs. Fanny Abbott.
Nov.1, 1861 At meeting for Prep. Lecture the Chh. all voted that the following letter written in response to a series of resolutions adopted May 1, 1861, by M. E. Church, be adopted & forwarded to said Church when the male members have affixed their names to the same. - See file.
Nov. 3, 1861. Communion at Street. Mrs. sarah Brooker re - ceived by vote of the church on letter from Cong. Church No. Becket.
Jan, 4, 1862. Communion at City. Rec'd by vote Milo Spring from M.E. Ch Hinsdale
March 9. Communion at Street
May 11 Sacrament at City
Feb. 5. Church met at Bro. J. Morgan's according to notice. Had a season of prayer. Voted to proceed to the election of beacons, by balloting for two brethren on one slip. As only 5 out of 11 voters were present voted to adjourn one week & to request Brethren if cannot be present to send in their votes.
Feb.12 After season of prayer, the adjourned church meeting was opened & ballotting continued, Some brethren still being absent it was voted to adjourn for another week & that the pastor make effort to secure the attendance of the absentees, or their ballot in a sealed envelope, & that at the next meet- P.105
ing the votes be counted by the Pastor & Bro. J. Morgan and ( announced.
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WASHIIGTOI, MADS. - Church.
reb. 12, 1862. After season of prayer, the Church was called to order by the pastor, the box opened a vote found as follows : -
Eleven ballots cast, two names on each slip.
For kev. Chas. Ilathaway eight
" S.J. Wing eight 11 " J. W. Chapel six
Brother Wind said must decline serving. Brother Hathaway not present.
Feb. 23, sabbath. In accordance with notice from the pastor the church met at his study during the interim of worship. vote for beacons again announced. The Church voted that the pastor publicly announce the result of the ballotting & that the matter be left onen for further action, if need require, at the Preparatory Lecture to be holden Friday March 7, 1862, At which time no action was taken. Bro. H. said he must decline serving.
Vote announced in congregation.
M. M. Longley, Pastor.
April 7. After an int resting time of conference & Prayer the following vote was unanimously passed, - "That we are cheerful & happy to be enrolled into classes with all christians, if anything can thus be done to promote Union & advance the cause of Christ in this township"
Voted that the Pastor be requested to prepare a brief expres- sing a settled purpose to serve God, to live in Christian fellowship, to exercise Christian watch & care over each other & see if all who love the Lord Jesus christ will not unite in such class & agree to meet once a month & oftener if God in his Providence may permit,
P.106
for free conference & prayer.
April 9, 1862. Voted, That we reaffirm the vote of the Church electing Brethren Hathaway & Wing as Deacons & earnestly hore they will no longer excuse themselves, but will consent to serve us in this office. Brother Hathaway still declined.
Brother Wing urged the church to choose another in his place & spoke of his unfitness for the office as compared to others. But finally said he would no longer absolutely re- fuse to accede to the wish of the church, Beseeching the prayers of all he would go forward though unworthy.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
July 13, 1862. Brother S. J. Wing was consecrated to the office of Deacon by prayer & laying on of hands by the Pastor , an address or charge preceding.
Aug. 31. A letter was read from the Church in West Cummington asking the Cong. Church in Washington to be present by Pastor & Delegate in council at W.C. Tuesday Sept. 2nd at 10 A.M. to advise in reference to the ordination of Mr. Henry Mattson if thought best to ordain him. Church voted to attend.
Chose Brethren C. Hathaway, A. Abbott, S. Dibble- the
latter tuo as alternates Lept.2 Bro. b. Dibble & the
Pastor attended the council. Mr. Mattson was ordained.
Sept. 15. Lord's Supper at City.
Nov. 2. Lor's Supper at Street. Brethren L. Crosier, Ensign Simmons, C. V. Abbott & M. Spring present for last time before leaving us to join army. Apoke- Dea. Wing
responded. Solemn & affecting.
P.107
Jan. 4, 1863. Lord's Supper at City.
Members received by vote- Three Met to examine Dec 26.
Mrs. Harriet J. Higgins - Letter No . Be cket Mis Mary Elizabeth Lyman- Prof. Bap. = Mary L. Higgins =
The se expressed a strong wish that the union of the churches remain. So have all before them.
March 14. At a Church meeting held at Town House ( the Union Society being in session at the same place during the afternoon ) the following votes were passed
Ist. That this Church will unite with the M. E. Church in calling a council to be composed of M.E. & Cong'l. churches to advise with us upon the following points & others which they may judge our need require.
Ist. Does it seem that the glory of God, the high- est usefulness of Christians & the salvation of men would be best promoted by God's people working together as one band of Brothers, in Washington?
2nd. How shall we do this?
2nd. That we are ready to unite with our M. E. Brethren (as heretofore signified) in one church, if it seems best, on a purely Independent & Evangelical basis; or ( what appears to us better to meet the
204
WASHINGTON, MASS. - church.
wants of the Township & which we shall urge before the council) to adopt for this church the same Independent & Evangelical basis which they shall adopt for a valley church, with provision for classes like the M.E. Church, & for the reception of serious persons who may wish to be under the care of this church that they may receive special instruction, till such time as giving good evi- dence of being born again, they may be recommended to be come members.
P.108
Each of these Churches shall have provision for perma- nent cooperation by employing one minister & holding meetings together, one half the time at each House of Worship until it shall seem God's will for us to do otherwise & we shall in kindness agree thereto by vote of each church.
3rd. That a committee of three be chosen to communicate this action the M.E.Church & to send letters missive for said Council & to do anything in the matter which they deem the interests of Christ's Kingdom & the church demand.
Committee- Dea. S.J.Wing, A.L. Hart, J. M. Chapel. 4th. That the Pastor be added to this Com
5th. To send the following letter to the M. E. Church. Washington, March 14, 1863
To the M. E. Church, Washington, Mass
Dear Brethren,
We have walked together in love for four years not knowing any difference in each other on account of denominational names. The time has come to decide, will we thus continue to walk. It seems to us & the same has of ten been expressed by you, that all who under- stand our circumstances, must advise us to continue to walk & work together permanently. When in actual con- ference we have always come to this conclusion.
P.109 We are ready to do anything calculated to make this union pernament; that is anything which can reasonably be asked. We therefore invite you to unite with us in calling a council to be composed of M.E. & Congregational Churches, to look fully into our circumstances & advise us as to what they may think may be the will of our Common Master, even Christ. Yours in christian affection
Letter signed by the c mmittee - S.J.Wir - A. E. Hart - J. M. Chapel
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Voted, that the above committee be empowered to call a Council to advise this Church what course to take, if the co operation with our Methodist Brethren ceases.
Voted, that this committee present our case to the Mass. Home Missionary Society & ask aid in supporting the Gospel .
M.M. Longley; Pastor.
March 22 Lord's Supper at Street. Church voted Mrs. Sarah T. ( Hathaway ) Fuller a letter to cong. Church Suffield, Ct.
M.M.Longley
March 25 Council met at City, thirteen present- 10 repre - sentatives of cong. Churches & 3 from M.E. Churches. Voted unanimously that the Union be continued with the understanding that no Methodist preacher would be sent. ( See their minutes ) M.M.Longley, Pastor (Note. A printed account of Council is pasted in book. )
R.H.C. 1 (
May 10. Lor's Super at City. No members received.
P.110
May 19, 1863. The Pastor read a letter from the Cong. uhh in Middlefield requesting this Church to be present in council with sister churches June 19 to inquire into the propriety of dissolving the Pastoral relation of Rev. Lewis Bridgman &c &c
Church voted Bro. J.M.Chapel Delegate & Dea.S.I.Wing alternate.
The Pastor & Bro. Chapel attended at the time specified & the vote of the council was to dissolve pastoral rela- tions, provided the church pay said Rev. L. Bridgeman the sum of three hundred dollars &c
M. M. Longley, Pastor.
June 26 Lord's Supper at Street None received June 26 The Church voted unanimously that Bro J.M. Chapel be requested to act as Deacon, at least in distributing the elements of the Supper.
Sep 13 Lord's Supper at City
Prayer & business meeting at Parsonage.
Voted that the Pastor appoint a committee to report a basis with view to admission of all true christians & union of the two churches
Deac.s. l.Wing, Brother C.Hathaway & J. M. Chapel appointed.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
On motion of Bro. Chapel Bro. Blake was added.
Adjourned to next Friday the 30th inst at Church at 2 P.M. Oct. 30, Church met. Had Prayer & Conference & lecture
Lord's Supper Street Nov 2nd
In request of Dea. Wing the Pastor read a confession &
P.111
Covenant. After much conversation from members of both Churches, voted to adjourn two weeks at this place at 2 P.M. Nov 13 Meeting a failure. Only three out. Ad- journed to Nov 20.
Nov.20. A full meeting of the church.
Unanimously adopted the following paper.
This Church being about to adopt a new confession of faith put on record the following:
Ist, We make this change not to omit or deny any truths set forth heretofore, but solely that we may require nothing to which any Christian can reasonably object & by opening this church to all Christians, promote the unity and good of this people .
2nd, We would live out the prayer of Christ for his child- ren "that they may all be one", by permanent union with our Methodist brethren & others & are ready & determined to adopt any union form of confession or worship which shall not omit or deny the fundamental truths of the Scriptures.
3rd, The Scriptures alone are authority, they are an infal- litle guide, even for church order & discipline; & we understand them to teach that "a church is a congregation of faithful men in which the pure word of God is preached & the sacraments administered", the brethren voluntarily covenanting to maintain the same
P.112
and to walk & work together.
ie also understand them to teach that each church should be open to all true christian persons who give proof of piety in their lives and that Christ designs all the affairs of each church should be directed by its members amenable only to Himself & in his fear as they will answer to Him, & on them is the responsibility of possessing so much knowledge, of having such a spirit & doing such deeds that the church shall truly represent Christ; and give the right idea of Christianity & supply a preached Gospel to all within her reach.
4th, That we earnestly & prayerfully ask our Christian
( brethren
WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church
207
to help us that we do nothing contrary to the spirit and Providence which has so powerfully led us for nearly five years, but all for the Glory of God: & that all Christians in this Township may live as if members of one body even Christ's & heirs of the same heaven.
Voted that the M.E. Church be requested to appoint a committee of three to confer on a basis, hoping to find one agreeable to the members of both churches
Agreed at city on joint meeting at Congregational Church Tues eve. Nov 24th
Nov. 24. Rained very hard. Bro Wm Beach only came to meeting according to agreement.
Appointment given of joint meeting of brethren at
Congregational House, Fri eve Dec. 4.
Dec. 2. Under this date male members signed a paper in favor of resolving Cong'l. Church into the Union Church proposed.
P.113
Lec. 4. The following brethren met by mutual agreement, public notice having been given, at Cong. Church in Washington
Amos Abbott George Abbott M.M. Blake N.T. ( ? ) Barnum L.W. Brooker William Beach
Jas. 14. Chapel
Charles Crosier
Lewis Crosier
Seymour Dibble A. E. Hart Charles Hathaway Erastus Smith A. B. Pomeroy
Afterwards the following persons, members of the M. E. Church, signed a paper dated Dec. 5, endorsing what had been done
( See file )
Horace Spring Edmund Johnson
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
William Partridge
All the mame members of the Congregational Church signed a paper proposing to resolve the Cong'l Church into the New Organization (Vide file)
The Pastor called the meeting to order.
Read part of the 4th Chap. of Ephesians, & Bros L. Crosier & Charles Hathaway at his request led in prayer.
The object of the meeting was stated, in substance, to be, to see if members of the two churches could agree upon a basis by which they could remain together to become one church .
P.114
If this did not seem best & possible the Congregational Church proposed to go forward in the work hitherto begun & adopt such a basis as might be expected to be acceptable to real Christians that they might open the doors of that Church to all who give evidence of being truly such. Having thus stated the design of the meeting in accordance with the unanimous wish of the brethren, the undersigned continued to preside & became responsible for the minutes of the meeting.
Brether S. Crosier, William Beach and Seymour Dibble were announced as a committee chosen by members of the M.E. Church at a meeting held at Mr. Elihu Johnson's Sat.noon Nov 23, 1863 to confer with the committee of the Congre- gational Church upon a confession & rules which should be acceptable to both churches.
Free conversation was had & much deep feeling & readiness to sacrifice manifested & all expressed tho'ts that the duty of continued union was plain.
Much was said about the place of meeting & it was fully understood that for the present the meeting should be as in the nast four years, but that a covenant was a solemn matter, and should be most sacredly kept, let meetings & all else be as they may; that the majority should rule & all should & would try to do right with a spirit of sacrifice for each other & the good of the Township.
Voted unanimously the following
"The members of the M.E. & Congregational Churches present here tonight, having for nearly five years past walked in union with each other & believing this is pleasing in Christ & the best
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
way to support the Gospel, are ready to come into one Church on a Union plan, with full liberty for sisters to speak & pray in social meetings; and whatever may be God's will in the future, we now judge best to hold our meetings half the time in the valley, as we intend to hold ourselves kindly & firmly to do whatever may seem right in this & in all things, so that with God's bless- ing we may be truly a Christian Church.
Unanimously voted the following Principles as the basis of our organization.
Principles of Organization.
Ist. Each congregation of Christians organized into a society for the worship of God, Father, Son & Holy Ghost, covenanting to walk together & live for the promotion of the kingdom of Christ, is a church
2nd. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head & Supreme Lawgiver of his church; & He has vested in each individual church all powers needful for its maintainance, government & discipline subordinate to His own authority.
3rd. The New Testament reveals the proper mode of church government & discipline
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4th. All true Christians who evince they are such by a cordial & practical reception of the fundamental truths of the Bible are entitled to a place in the church of Christ & the Scriptural bond of union in the churches is the love of God in the heart.
Adopted unanimously the following confession & cove - nant: and in substance the rules that follow: (Vide Confession &c )
voted unanimously that the new organization be called "The Union Church of Washington".
After a long conversation it was unanimously agreed that it would be satisfactory to all, if the following course should be taken .
The Congregational Church vote in view of what has been done this evening, to transfer their church to this new basis & name, & having done this, the names of the members of both churches who wished to join the new church being read, they unitedly assented to the confession, covenant & Rules yet to be perfected, & thus, covenanting anew together the Union Church of washington
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - church.
be constituted with such other services as may be deemed appropriate .
Chose the following brethren to perfect the rules and to take such measures for consumma ting this matter as they think best, &at as early as possible. Amos Abbott, Lewis Crosier, J.M. Chapel, S. I. Wing, to which the Pastor was added.
Rev. M. M. Longley.
P.117 It was unanimously agreed that a council of various denominations should be called & that the above brethren be a committee for that purpose.
M.M.Longley, Moderator & Clerk of the above meeting.
Dec.8. Notice having been given at the city on the Sabbath the Cong'l Church held a meeting at the Parsonage.
The pastor read a paper from Berkshire North Assiciation, adopted by them, when he communicated the intentions of brethren here to the Association, at the request of both parties This paper had already been made known to the Methodist brethren
Tre church voted unanimously, that this church cordially respond to what has been done by the brethren of the two churches in joint session, & we do hereby resolve this church into the proposed organization to be called "The Union Church of washington".
Voted that the action of North Berkshire Association be put on record together with the minutes of the joint meeting of Dec. 4. ( vide above )
M. M. Longley, Pastor.
"Williamstown Dec. 7, 1863
Voted unanimously, That we anprove of the proposed union of the churches in Washington, and advice the brethren to go forward & consummate the union by calling a council to express the fellowship of the churches & recognize the new organization as a Church of Christ"
A true copy. Kingsley Twining Scribe.
P.118
Records of the Union church of Washington.
The Council referred to in minutes of Dec 4 being this day, Dec 23, 1863, in session at the meeting house in the centre (of
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
the Township, for the purpose of sanctioning the organiza- tion of the "Union Church of Washington" & the Confession of Faith & Covenant having been accepted by the council ( see page 130) & the names of those wishing to become mem- bers of said organization having been read, the council took a recess to give the Church about to le constituted an opportunity to elect a Pastor.
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