USA > Maine > Hancock County > Deer Isle > An exact transcription of the first church records of the First "Congo" Church of Deer Island : baptisms, 1785-1853, marriages, 1785-1818, as I find them at this date, March 1906, with annotations, corrections, explanations and additions > Part 2
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.. . In the name of the Church Peter Powers Pastor
:
November 25th 1790
1 The Church received the following Complaint
To the Church of Christ in the Town of Deer Isle.
Whereas I am much aggrieved by reason of Mrs. Scots reporting a scandalous
and false Report about my Daughter Betty Hardy. Saying that she had been
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guilty of the henious Sin of Theft before that she came into this Place to Live. and as the Said Mrs. Scot is a Member of this Church here. I Peter Hardy. of being impresed with Concern for the Character of my Said Daughter, Do desise the Brethren of the Said, Church to examine into the Matter and see that Christian Satisfaction is made, and your Petitiones as in Duty bound Shall ever pray for the Peace and welfare of the Said Church and Congregation here.
Complaint of me - Peter Hardy
The Church voted to receive the above Complaint and chose Deacon Thomas Stinson, ( Messrs) Ezekiel Marshall, James Jordan, Thomas Thompson, Caleb Haskell and Nathan: Haskell a Committee, if possible to, settle the Matter with the Parties, and make Return to the Church at or before the next Sacramental Fast. .. ..... The Committee having previously notified Mr. Hardy and Mrs. Scot, attended their Business at the Meeting House. April eleventh 1791.
: : Mr. Hardy produced.no Proof
The Committee the following.
Whereas Peter Hardy has complained to the Church of Mrs. Scot's reporting a false Report of his Daughter Betty Hardy's being guilty of the heinous Sin of Theft before She came to this place to live, and being impresed with Concern for her Character, has requested the Brethren of this Church to examine into the Matter .. r
We the Subscribers having understood that Mr. Hardy depends upon our Testimony to support his Complaint. We do hereby declare what we know respecting the Burden of the Complaint. ..
. .... I Jeremiah Eaton had a Hog the last Summer mortally wounded by some uncommon blow with an edge Tool in the Side. I went to Mr. Hardy's House and amongst other Conversation said I supposed Betty Hardy had wounded my Hog ------ upon which Mrs. Hardy fell berating me in a very unchristian and unkind Manner. The language she used is not my present design to repeat. When I came Home, Krs. Scot was at my
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House. I repeated to my wife the abuse Mrs. Hardy gave me upon which Mrs. Scot's Reply was in these words. Why did you not tell him you never had to sell a yoke of Steers to pay for your Daughters Stealing before you came here? That we do declare to be all the words Mrs. Scot said upon the Subject.
> ... . 'In Testimony whereof , we hereunto set our Hands Deer Islø April 8th 1791 Jeremiah Eaton
Abigail Eaton. N
1, .,+ The Committee written Return
Agreable to a vote of the Church Nov. 25th. 1790 upon the Complaint of Wr. Peter Hardy against. Mrs. Scot. Upon Examination la's. Scot denied the accusation There not being any Proof against Mrs. Scot, Mr. Hardy desires that the Matter may be hung up for further Evidence. Mr. Hardy further desires the Matter may be brought before the Body of the Church.
Deer Isle April 11th : 1791
Ezekiel Marshall
James Jordan Caleb Haskell
Nathan Haskell
April 28th 1791 At the Fast before Sacrament.
The Church received the Report of the Committee of their doing respecting Mr. Peter' Hardy's Complaint against Mrs. Eunice Scot. Upon-Enquiry they said, "That Mr. Hardy did not prove his Complaint. "That Wrs. Scot acknowledged more than the above. "Depositions, and confessed her Fault, and said "She was sorry for what she had said. That they "told Mr. Hardy. It was ther Judgment that Mrs. "Scot offered him suitable Satisfaction, and that the aught to make up and settle the Matter, but
"that he refused" Whereupon the Church voted, they would not heer any further,
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and accepted Mrs. Scot. ..... Test: Peter Powers Pastor
At a Meeting of the Churchlat the Meeting House immediately after the Lecture Monday Morning August 13th 1792.
1. Mr. Peter Hardy being asked the Reason of his absenting himself from public Worship, except a few Times, ever since the Month of November 1790. Answered. 277)
1. Because he looked upon himself injured by the Committee of the Church
1 in not adjourning their Meeting to Mr. Mark Haskell's to hear his 'Evidences there. " ... ">'2.' By the Church in not notifying him to attend when they accepted the Report of the Committee.
3. Because the Pastor acquiesced in the Judgment of the Committee.
""""After much labouring with Mr. Hardy and finding him obstinate, the Church passed the following notes.
:1. That they were not satisfied with Mr. Hardy's Reason.
"12. "That Mr. Hardy be suspended from Covenant Previlidge's in special ordinances.4.
L "Mr. Hardy was accordingly suspended and admnished. .. Test. Poter Powers Pastor
. ruaC'At' the same Meeting Moses Staples a Member in full Communion in the Church being called, was informed J'of sundry Reports publicly spread unfavorable to his moral Character particularly that he had been guilty of Lascivious Carnage, of Breach of Sabbath, and Intemperance in the use of spiritous Liquor. .... To the first, Mr. Staple boldly owned he had practiced Sleeping with Women in his Cabin.
To the second, that in two Instances he had purchased Provisions on the Sabbath.
He denied the third. After discourcing with him and being willing to exhibit christian Patience and Forbearance, gave him till the next Sacramental
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Fast, then to appear again and give satisfaction. -
&il. 'At the next Sacramental Fast Thursday October 25th 1792, immediately after divine (service. " Mr. Moses Staples did not appear. The Church voted to suspend and exclude him from Sealing Ordinances, untill he should satisfy them of his Repentance and Amendment.i.(. ....
Day : Jan. 8th 1793
: Www. At a meeting at the Church' at the House of the pastor. " Voted to choose .. Elders for the purpose as formerly. ---- Voted to Choose Thomas Stinson, Caleb Haskell,' Nathan Haskell,' Ezekiel Marshall, 'George Freeso, James Jordan, Joshua Haskell, Thomas. Thomson to Serve as Elders the year Ensueing. : ? ! 1/92 Voted that Caleb Haskell. Should assist the pastor in keeping the Church Record. ".
Voted that Mr. Ezekiel Marshall, George Freese, James Jordan and Nathan Haskell Should wait on Brother Theopholis Eaton to Enquire of him the Reason of his Conduct against the Church - August 9, 1792. At the House of the
Pastor a Meeting of the Pastor and Elders was held, to Consult what was requisite to be done respecting Mrs. Eunice Scot and Mrs. Abigail Eaton, members of the -
1 1 :
. L.
Church, as Mrs. Eaton had deposed under Oath before Joseph Tyler Justice of the
Peace, and again before Gabriel Johonot Justice of the Peace, very differently - -193
from her Depositon to the Church. It plainly appeared that there was a manifest : contradiction in the Depositions. And as there was not opportunity for a Trial
2 .. before the Church, till after Sacrament they were both suspended from the Communion the next Sabbath, and until there be opportunity for further Trial. Monday Sept. 10, 1792.
houde,
The Pastor and Elders of the Church. viz Deacons Caleb and Nathan Haskell, Mr. Ezekiel Marshall, Ur. James Jordan, Mr. George Frees, Ur. John Frees, Nr. 1. Thomas Small and Mr. Thomas Tompson met at Wr. Jeremiah Eaton's House, and had : Mrs. Scot and Mrs. Eaton together. Mrs. Eaton was asked how she could reconcile
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the afore said Contradiction? She answered what she gave into the Church was all that Mrs. Scot said, the first time; and what she had sworn to before the Magistrate was whut she said the Second time, "Hrs. Scot said #she had no knowledge of any other time that she ever said any thing, but that she had given in her written Deposition to the Church lers. Eaton said "she did that Day she laid sick on her Bed, after the Difficulty she met with in her Family." Mrs. Scot replied, "She had no Remembrance of anythingsaid or done in the House that Day till in the evening." Mrs. Eaton was told that both times she then spoke of were six months before her Deposition was given in to the Church. She was therefor referred to the Church at their next meeting, October 25th 1792 at the Meeting House. Mrs. Eaton did not appear; Suspension was then takun off from Mrs. Scot, and continued upon Mrs. Eaton.
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October 17th 1793 At a meeting of the Church. Mrs. Abigail Eaton appeared, plead Ignorance, and said she was sorry for what she had said. The Church accepted her.
Appointed a Meeting of the Church to be held November next at two of clock afternoon, and orderd Mr. John Hutchinson to be cited to appear at said Meeting on Information, as by Citation. 1 . Deer Isle October 17th 1793
To Mr. John Hutchinson a member of the Church in this Town: Whereas you have been notified to attend upon a Meeting of the Elders and did not appear these are to cite you in the name of Christ to appear before theChurch Durch on Monday November 4th 1793 at two o'clock in the afternoon, at the meeting house, to answer to a Complaint against you"of Intemperance and'unchristian like Behaviour at the raising of Mr. Eaton's Gristmill ... By vote of the Church Peter Powers Pastor
November 4th 1793
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The church met at the meeting House according to appointment. Mr. Hutchinson appeared, and was obstinate yet ommed the fact, after labouring with him to no effect the Church proceeded to the following vote.
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That Mr. John Hutchinson be suspended from the Communion of the Church in sealing ordinances for the present, and have opportunity to manifest his repentance by his future Life and Conversation, and until he manifest the same to the Church. Passed unanimously. - Peter Powers Pastor
Proceeded to the Case of Mrs. Scot of whom it was reported by Mrs. Abigail Eaton, that she had frequently reported that Mr. Peter Hardy had been obliged to sell a yoke of Steers to pay for his Daughter. Betty, Stealing before he came to live at Deer Island, sundry evidences were enquired of who said they had not heard any Mames called. The Church adjourned to the Second or third Thursday of next April as the Pastor or Church should find most convenient.
May 12, 1794. Made a final settlement between irs. 'Scot and Mrs. Abigail Eaton to the Satisfaction of the parties and of the Church.
The Church had Sundry times heard of brother Nathan Johnsons being guilty 2 of intemperance. at the House of Mr. Joshua Emerson and abiding there two or three days. Night and day in loose company and being called before the Church it appeared to be true from his own Confession.
Voted that brother Nathan Johnson be publickly admonished and that upon' his accepting it, and giving public christion Satisfaction to receive him to Charity.
September 25th 1794:
At & Conference Meeting of the Church ut the Meeting House. 1 : .
Voted that the first admonition be given to Mr. Nathan Johnson next Sabbath.
Voted that if Wr. James Sanders shall not appear before or at the fast next 1 .. Thursday and give Satisfaction for his past Conduct that he be put by from . 2.00 Communion.
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. Voted that this Churchill not receive any members to Communion from other Churches but Such Churches as we know to be sound in the faith, without Examination. , June 10th 1795. At a Church Meeting at the Meeting house.
Voted; that this Church hold its members bound to attend publick Worship in Ordinary Cases when there is no preaching.
Voted; That this Church do not Allow its members to go to Law one with Another until their Case is laid Before the Church and their Cese brought to Final Judge- .
. ment in the Church. . ..
3.1
Voted; That this Church assist in gathering a Church at penobscott and that the Revd. Mr. Powers assist. Chose Mr. Joshua Haskell and Nathan Haskell Dele- - gates.
Voted; That This Church Send a Citation by Mr. Freas to Hezekiah Lane to Appear before the Church this Day four weeks at 2 o'clock.
Voted; That we will attend the Fasts and Lectures Appointed by the Church Except when hindered by Divine Providence.
At & Conference Meeting of the Church Thomas Thomson made Complaint Against Mr. Marshall's" Conduct in taking off Some wood that he Informed him he had an Interest in and was in Dispute, it was on Saturday before the Sacrament. ..
The Church Voted that they were Dissatisfied and that he be put by from Communion untill he give Satisfaction. !
July 8th 1795
011. 7
Voted to attend a Church meeting this Day three weeks at 2 o'clock /p M to settle the Difficulty with Brother Marshall. & to look into the Case of' Brother Carman Absenting from Sacrament and what further may be done with brother Jonson.
July 29th 1795
At a Church meeting this day Mr. Marshall did not attend. The Church Choses Mr. Joshua Haskell to go with Mr. Thomson to See Mr. Marshall and Labour
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with hiin for a Reconciliation.
1.3. April 7th 1736, at a Church Meeting Mr. Joshua Haskell made his Report to the Church of Mr. Marshalls Case that he Could not bring the matter to a . Reconciliation Mr. Marshall present the Church labourd with him but to no purpose. : 4.
CAL& November 8th 1797 .. . :ul. At & Meeting of the Church the Church Voted that Brother Thomson is Clear of the Charge of Falshood by Mr. Marshall.
und At the Church Fast August 6th 1800
Voted that Deacon Stinson Be Moderator until we have a Pastor Elected or 1 another chosen. (Here is revealed the death of Rev. Peter Powers.)
Voted the Church attend a Meeting 4 weeks from this Sabbath day April 26 - 1801
. the Church Voted to attend a Church meeting at the Meeting house on Thursday . 6 - following to enquire into Some Reports about Mr. Joh-on a Candidate Spread by Some of the members of the Church.
August 19th 1799 a Citation was Sent to Brother Josiah Closson Desiring him to appear before the church on Thursday 29 Inst. to answer to a Complaint of his Being Intoxicated with Strong drink on the 20 day of June last.
Brother Closson appeared and after Some Conversation with him he went off Abruptly the Church then proceeded to pass the following Vote Viz that Josiah Closson be Suspended from Sealing Ordinances untill he appear and give Satisfaction to the church for his Conduct.
1 At a meeting of the Church November 16, 1801.
at the dwelling house of Mr. Prescott Powers
the Church proceeded to make choice of a Committee to assist in the
Settlement of Some difficulty between Brother Thomas Thomson and Brother Ignatius
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Haskell, also Between Brother Ignatius Haskoll and Brother James Eaton; Chose Brothers fezekiah Lane, "George Froos and Nathan Haskell, the Church appointed Monday 23rd Instant at 10 0' Clock . A. M. at the House of Brother Ignatius Haskell the time and place of their attendance.
The Church" made choice of Mr. Carr Therlo to load in singing in the Con-". gregation on the Sabbath'and other: Occatious"and in his Absence Mr. 'Edward. Small and Seward Haskell, Jr. to Superintend. CH . The Church then Voted that a Veil Should be drawn over all' the Failings and difficultys that have arisen in time past in the Church on Account of Ir. Jonson and that the Same Should be hid with a Mantle of Charity on Both Sides,
Dean Thomas Stinson Moderator """" February 11th 1802 At the Church Conference in the Schoolhouse the Committee Chosen to Settle the difference between Brother Thomas Thomson and Brother Ignatius Haskell' Reported that they could not bring the parties to a Settlement, it was then Voted by the Church that there was no known difficultys in the church but what they conceived it that the church had power to Settle.
Votedi that Brother Ignatius Haskell is clear of Fraud or Oppression in the case of Brother Thomson."
Voted that Brother Thomas Thomson treated the Church with Contempt, After being admonished and desired to Retract what he had Said he remaining obstinate the 'i'church gave him one woek for Consideration and Appointed a Meeting at tho Seme place on Thursday 18th Instant and desired him to attend.
.
Caleb Haskell Moderator
March 9th 1802
At a Church fast appointed for that purpose the Church Voted unanimously that it is their mind to Invite Mr. Randal who' has been preaching with us to . take the Oversight of the Church and to be our under Shepherd in the lord.
Voted to invite the town to unite with the church in giving Mr. Randal a
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a Call to be our under Shepherd.
Voted that Deacons Caleb and Joshua Haskell be a Committee to wait on the Selectmen to desire them to warn a Meeting of the town for the above purpose. :. | March 13, 1802
, A Citation was sent by Order of the church to Thomas Thomson to attend the church Conference on Thursday 18th Instant at 1 O'clock P.M. the Church attended Mr. Thomson did not Appear after Nature and Solemn Deliberation the Church pro- ceeded to pass the following Vote Viz that Nr. Thomas Thomson be Excommunicated from the Church for Contempt of the Authority of Christ in the Church.
March 13th 1802
: : A Citation was sent by Order of the Church to Josiah Closson to attend the Church conference on Thursday 18th Instant at 1 O'clock P. M. the church attended Mr. Closson did not appear, after Mature and Solemn Doliberation, the church proceeded. to, pass the following Vote Viz that Josiah Closson be Excommunicated . from the Church for Contempt of the Authority of Christ in the Church. - March. 13th, 1802
A Citation was Sent by Order of the church to Thomas Buckmaster to attend the church conference on Thursday 18th Instant to answer for Neglect of duty in not attending publick worship and Ordinances, he did not appear, after mature deliberation the Church proceeded to pass the following Vote Viz that Thomas Buckmaster be Excommunicated from the Church for Breach of Covenant and contempt of the Authority of Christ in the Church.
J. j. Voted, to chuse five Elders in the Church.
Chose Brothers Nathan Haskell, Oliver Lane, Calob Haskell Joshua Haskell and James Eaton.
Voted that the Church atended a meeting on Monday 29th March Instant 1 O'clock and Ordered a Citation to Be Sent to Brother John Closson.
Dean Thomas Stinson Moderator
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Citation'h Clo mon 1 0
To Mr. John Closson a member of the Church in Deer Isle. Sir whereas many of the Brethren of the church Being dissatisfied with your conduct and are Sensible that you are frequently disguised with Spiritous Liquors they yesterday appointed .... a meeting of the church on Monday 29 Istant 1 O'clock at the meeting house and Order you to bo cited to appear. Your are hereby desired to Appear at the time .. 1
and place Caløb Haskell by order of the Church. Deer Isle March 19th 1802 Nolls At a meeting of the Church March 29, 1802
Brother John Closson appeared and acknowledged that he had been guilty of
the heinous Sin of Intemperance in Spiritous Liquors after admonishing and ad- .1.
vising him pased the following vote
Viz; that Brother John Closson Make a publick Confession of his Sin and Be ...
restored again.
Sabbath' 4th April 1802
Mr. John Closson appeared and Made publick Confession the Church then Voted to Restore him .. 1 :
1 .... At a meeting of the Church May 10th 1802
Voted 1
1. that it is the minds of the church to follow the Rules of Disciplina laid down by christ in the 18 chapter of Matthew 15" 16" 17" Verses. Voted
2. 7 that we understand the Above passage as Expounded by the Apostle paul in' 1 Corrinthians 5 "" 11 Viz to keep no Company with the Excommunicated person So much as to Eat at a common table with him.
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3. to observe the rules laid down in 2nd Thsselonians 3:14 that if any - brother refuse to Observe the Rule laid down in the 6 Verse in not complying . 1
with the rules of the church to vote that Brother and keep no Company with him. The above Votes were unaatous
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Josiah Closson came before the Church and gave Christian Satisfaction the Church Restored him again - and likewise Thomas Buckmaster.
Revd. Daniel' Merrill Moderator
At a Meeting of the Church Sept. 22nd 1803.
"Voted that Sarah Rayner and Elizabeth Stockbridge Should be Excommunicated and Cast out of the Church Being Guilty of the Henious Sin of Fornication.
Voted that Lydia Stockbridge Be Excommunicated and Cast out of the Church Being Guilty of the Henious Sin of theft.
Adjourned the Meeting to Thursday 20th October next, the Church met according to adjournment.
, Voted that the church Give the Revd. Wr. Joseph Brown a call to Settle with us in the Ministry chose the Deacons to make out a Call.
Voted. to Recall the 2nd and 3rd votes past at the meeting of May 10th 1802. :05 March 29th 1804
At the Church Conference the Church Voted take up the complaint of Brother $ George Freeze against Sister Phebe Tyler, Also the Complaint of Brother Oliver Lane against Sister Kary Babbage Alias Colby.
Voted that the Attend a Meeting on Thursday the 12th day of April next at ...
the Schoolhouse N.W. harbour.
. .. 12th Being Rainy adjourned to thursday.
19th Met accordingly Sister Tyler present who appeared to be Sensible She had gone aside of duty the Church accepted her.
Sister Polley Colbey Present acknowledged She had gone aside appeared penitent the Church Accepted her.
1.
July 30, 1804 At a meeting of the Church they Voted to cast Hannah Lufkin out of the Church for the henious Sin of Fornication.
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Sept. 20 Voted at Fast- meeting to receive Sarah Brown into Church unto
whom the Confession was read ..
B. P.
.:: 23 Bror. Barber appeared before the Church to answer for his dancing; he expressed his Sorrow for having offended the Church, but not for having danced. Leber Voted 1. That they were not satisfied with his sorrow. ing Wolrd. 2. . That' they were dissatisfied with his have danced. Mor Tux. 4. 3. That he have further time to consider his offence.
Brown Patr
30 The pastor and two Deacons having visited Bro Barber and set before him the unbecoming conduct of Dancing he finally acknowledged it. This day he came before the Church and acknowledged it.
Voted That Bror. Barber be continued in the fellowship of the Church.
1805
April 4 .. Voted by the Church that Bror. Buckmaster be admonished by the 1. church for non attendance at public ordinances. brothers Jos. Colbey, Sr., Oliver Lane and Jos. Whitmore to communicate the admonition .. .... .; Voted by the church that Bro. John Closson be cut off from the Communion of the Church for intemperance ... Evidences Brothers Jos. Colby Sr., James Eaton, and Elijah Donham.
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Voted by the Church that Bro. Josiah Closson be cut off from the Communion of the church for intemperance. Evidences Brothers Nathan Haskell, Jos. Whitmore and Ignatius Haskell .- Brothers Prescott Powers: Dea: Josh Haskell and Nathan them Haskell, to declare to their excision.
April 18. Voted by the Church that Lydia Smith be suspended from the Lord's i Table for the Sin of Fornication. Nominated to communicate the same Bror. James . . Jourden.
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Voted that James Saunders, Moses Staple and Nathl Bray be excommunicated from the Church. Noses Staple for breach of Sabbath and impurity, the other two for intemperance. Nominated to communicate the same Bro's Jos. Eaton and Dig Carman.
1506 War. 13. Voted that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper be on the first Sabbath of April, June, Aug., Octob. and December.
Voted that Molly Morey wife of Elias Morey be excommunicated from the church for repeated intemperance and a spirit of railing. . :
. Voted that Buckmaster be excommunicated from the Church for absenting himself from the house of God witht cause .; -.
. 1806. May 30 Voted to receive on Fast Day Mrs. Mary Foster, Abigail Angel and Sally Sellers into the Church. 1.
1806 Oct. 3 At & Church Meeting Voted That Bro. D. Carman have two months for consideration of his conduct.
1: >That Bro. John Billings be desired to come forwd. and answer for his conduct. That Sister Lydia Smith be cut off from Church Communion for manifesting no repentance for her sin.
That Bro. Joseph Cole be cut off from communion for open disregard of all religion.
That Bro. John Foster have two months for consideration of his conduct.
Dec. 3 At a Church Meeting Voted that Bro. D. Carman be retained in the .. ... charity and fellowship of the Church.
1807 Mar. 12 At a Church Meeting Voted that Elizabeth Small be excommunicated - for Fornication.
: .: Sept. 10 At a Church Weetg Voted that Jos Colby, Senr, and Wife, Edmund Sylvester and Wife, Benj Lane be requested to return to their duty in the public assemblies.
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10 Voted that Brethn John Billings & John Foster be requested to attend our next Church Meeting.
1808 Aug. Voted that Joseph Brown Pastor and Deacon Caleb Haskell and Joshua C : .: Haskell as delegates be sent to assist in gathering and constituting a church at Vinalhaven.
.. .. 1809. Apr. 20 At a Church meeting previously warned Bro. Elijh Donham assisted by Dea Caleb. Haskell brot the offense of Bro. Joseph Colby, Senr, before the Church for accusing the Minister of not preaching the Gospel. he acknowledged : (1810). his . offence but did not show repentance - Votod the Church is not satisfied - and he was therefore Suspended.
>.nuVar. 29 Voted that Bror Joseph Colby, Senr, having exhibited repentance be restored to full Communion ..
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