USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Poultney > A history of the town of Poultney, Vermont, from its settlement to the year 1875, with family and biographical sketches and incidents > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
Our fathers were few in number; sixteen male and eighteen female members constituted this church fifty years since, to-day. They are all gone. We, their successors and representatives, are more in numbers, richer in means and facilities for doing good. Oh ! that we had more of their vigorous and stalwart piety; of their child-like simplicity and holy zeal, we should improve them all to the glory of the Lord. He would approve of us, and those who come after us would rejoice in us, as we do in the departed worthies into whose labors we have entered. And should they, at the end of another fifty years, look back as we have done, remembering the works of the Lord, they would say, instead of the fathers, God raised up their children. Blessed will it be for us, and happy for them, should this day be a marked point, the beginning of a new era, the commence- ment of days never to be forgotten on earth or in heaven; and this year a year of the right hand of the Most High.
There are scattered over this land many who look hither as to their spiritual birth-place; many in heaven were born and nourished here. Let us follow them, who through faith and patience, inherit the promises. They are witnesses of our con- duct, in the race and in the conflict; shall we be sharers with
117
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
them in the victory and triumph, through the blood of the Lamb. In looking over the past, we have much cause for devout thank- fulness, as we trace the dealings of God with us as a church. Through all the way, the good hand of the Lord has been upon us. We may mourn over our own unfaithfulness, and lament that se much division and coldness have marked some periods of our history, but it should be a matter of sincere gratitude that God has not removed our candle-stick out of its place, that we have been kept from fatal and desolating error, and that this day so many are permitted to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this church.
During the few years succeeding the expiration of the half century in the history of the church, nothing occurred that, perhaps, would now be' worthy of note. March 5, 1859, Dr. Goadby presented to the church a letter of resignation, which was accepted, and on the 24th of the same month, he preached his farewell sermon. Immediately following this, the desk was supplied very acceptably, for a few weeks, by Thomas Cull, then a Hamilton student. September 13th, the same year, church voted to give Rev. William L. Palmer a call to the pas- torate. This call was accepted, and he entered upon, and con- tinued his labors until August 5, 1865, when, at his own request, he was dismissed. November 12, of the same year, Dr. Goadby commenced preaching as a supply. April 6, 1867, I.e was in- vited, by a vote of the church, to accept the pastorate, which he did, and continued his labors with the church until prostrated by a severe sickness in August, 1872, and his pastorate closed with the year.
We come now to a period in the history of this church which is neither pleasant to write or contemplate. We refer to a difficulty which arose in the church, and which resulted in a division. We would, if we could, pass it over unnoticed, but, as faithful historians, we feel it our duty to give the leading facts.
Prior to the building of the Rutland & Washington Railroad, running through the west village, which was completed early in the year 1852, the east village, from the early settlement of the
118
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
town, had been regarded as the business center of the town (as it was, in fact, geographically). All the churches, for the first half century of the town's history, were located here. Town and freemen's meetings were holden here, and this was the place for all public gatherings-as military trainings, fourth of July celebrations, etc. But after the railroad was built, a change was soon perceptible. The west village increased in population and business importance, while the east village was gradually declining in its enterprise. After a time a resolution was intro- duced in town meeting to hold freemen's and town meetings alternately in the east and west villages. The resolution was dismissed, which increased the zeal of the west siders, and they went for a resolution at subsequent town meetings, to have all meetings of the town held in the west village. This was per- sisted in until the spring of 1868, when the vote was carried for the change, and the town meetings have since been held in the west village. This matter was agitated some years before the change was effected, coming up at nearly every annual town meeting in the town, and created a kind of political division, known as the " east and west village parties." That this parti- zan feeling should be indulged in by the members of the Baptist Church, living, as they did, in both sections of the town, is quite natural; and in consideration of the growth of the west village, and the decline of the east village, the subject of holding their meetings a part of the time in the west part of the town, was frequently discussed in private conversation by those who shared most largely in the responsibilities of sustaining the in- terest of the church, as they beheld, with deep solicitnde, its general decline-its congregations diminishing in their numbers, its annual subscriptions to its funds falling off, ete.
At a public meeting, holden at the usual place (east village), January 6, 1866, a proposition was made to hold Sabbath services half of the time at the west village (J. Jay Joslin having offered the use of his hall, free of charge) for one year as an experiment, to see if they could not secure larger worshipping. assemblies, and a more generous subscription to meet their ex-
119 .
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
penses, without thinking of a division of the church. A vote was taken, and declared by the moderator " carried."
This is the first matter of record which in any way indicates a difficulty, and we understand it to be true that the differences commenced upon the question whether the church should hold religious services on the Sabbath in the west village a part of the time, or, in other words, whether they should be holden alternately in the two villages, or continued in the east village as they had been. It was claimed by some that the vote taken January 6th was incorrectly declared by the moderator, and as there was considerable feeling manifesting itself, not only by the members of the church, but by outsiders in the east village, who seemed very anxious to retain all the meetings there, it was agreed to refer the whole matter to Rev. C. A. Thomas, of Brandon; Rev. Leonard Howard, of Rutland, and Hon. David E. Nicholson, of Wallingford, who, upon hearing the statements of persons claiming to have voted, who were overlooked by the moderator, decided that the vote was incorrectly declared, but advised the church to agree to hold their meetings alternately in the two villages. This meeting was held in March, 1866, and we find a record of May 6th, the same year, " It was agreed, none objecting, to hold afternoon services in the west village," and accordingly the meetings were so held; but few, however, from the east part of the town attending those afternoon ser- vices, and did not generally appear to acquiesce in the arrange- ment. But the meetings (afternoon services) were continued without interruption in the west village, at Joslin Hall, with encouraging prospects. In the meantime there seemed to be no abatement in the feeling that had been awakened, but rather an increase in its malignity.
At a church meeting, held April 27th, 1867, we find by the records that a vote was carried to divide the church property equally between the two sections, and accordingly a committee was appointed by each party to superintend the division. At a meeting of said committee, the east side reported they were not ready to make the division, and at an adjourned meeting of said committee, the west side were informed that they (the cast
120
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
side) should make no division of the property; that they were the church, and consequently owned the property; that the west side were seceders, and had no claim whatever. Very soon thereafter, Dr. Goadby was notified by a committee from the east side that his services were no longer needed with them, which put an end to union meetings, and from this time (May, 1867) the west siders maintained regular Sabbath services, Dr. Goadby preaching in the west, and Warren Mason in the east village. Then followed an official correspondence between the two sections, in which various propositions were made from each section to the other, with the view to bring about a settle- ment of differences; but all efforts towards the restoration of union and harmony failed. In August, 1868, a suit was brought by the east section in the name of the Baptist Society of Poultney, against J. Joslin (the old treasurer), to recover certain funds supposed to be in his hands belonging to said society.
At the annual meeting of the Vermont and Shaftsbury Asso- ciation, holden the same month at Manchester, delegates ap- peared from each section, with their letters, each claiming to represent the "Poultney Baptist Church," which brought the question before that body. The Association "voted to refer the letters and the claims of the delegates to a committee," and Revs. D. Beecher, of Pawlet; P. S. Jones, of Fairhaven, and Wm. S. Apsey, were appointed as such committee, who reported:
Your Committee, with the unanimous consent of the dele- gates from both sections of the church in Poultney, report the following: First, We recommend, on the ground of the nearly equal division of the church, and because of the vote to divide the church, that the Association receive the letters and dele- gates of both sections, as independent, regular Baptist Churches. Second. We also recommend that each of these churches select one legal gentleman, outside the denomination, and outside of the town of Poultney, who has not been consulted, to whom they shall refer the question of title to property and records, pending between them; and that each party furnish to these gentlemen the records of the church, and such other evidences as they may require; and also that they (the churches) abide by the finding of the arbiters so chosen.
The eastern section, on more mature deliberation, declined to carry out the recommendation of the Association, and the sub-
121
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
ject again came up before the Association in 1869, which met in Bennington. A committee of three was appointed to con- sider the matter and report. Said committee reported as follows:
"Your Committee, to whom was referred the consideration of the difficulty still existing between the two sections of the Poultney church, in presenting their report, earnestly entreat ยท that the two sections, or parties, pursue the course recommended by the Association last year, and accepted by the delegates. As the present committee find that the course recommended has not been observed, so as to result in the settlement of the case, the committee would urge the parties to act upon the advice given last year, or mutually adopt some plan of their own, and come to some amicable settlement of their differences, and not con- continue a law suit, impairing their Christian usefulness, and re- sulting in dishonor to the cause of Christ. " Report adopted.
In August, 1870, the Association held its annual meeting in Wallingford-the Poultney difficulty still unsettled-and a third time came before the Association. A committee was again appointed, and reported that if either section refused to comply with the recommendation of the former committee, that section would be dropped from the minutes of the Association. Re- port adopted.
More than three years, before this last action of the Associa- tion, the Baptist Church had been practically divided, and the two divisions had been recognized by the Association as two Baptist Churches. The Association, as will be seen, insisted upon the settlement of the matter which was then in litigation, which involved the question as to which section was entitled to the use and control of certain funds. Sometime subsequent to August, 1870, a submission was made and executed by all parties interested, which referred the matters in dispute to Harmon Canfield and O. F. Thompson, for arbitrament and final award. A hearing was had before those arbitrators, at East Poultney, August 15th and 16th, 1871, who made the following award:
AWARD .- Whereas, disputes and differences have arisen be- tween the members of Baptist Society of Poultney, Vt., a re- ligious society, organized pursuant to the laws of Vermont; for the settlement of which matters of difference, the undersigned, Harmon Canfield and Oscar F. Thompson, were duly chosen
16
122
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
arbitrators by W. H. Crittendon, Benjamin Giddings and J. R. Dewey, committee of one part, and by Joseph Joslin, A. C. Broughton and W. W. Hibbard, committee of the other part, and by the said Joseph Joslin, individually, by an agreement of submission, executed by the said respective persons and com- mittees, bearing date the 26th day of September, A. D. 1870, as by reference thereto will fully appear; and we, the said arbitrators, having heard the proofs and allegations of the parties, respectively, and duly deliberated thereon, do hereby award, determine and adjudge that the election of officers, held by the members of said society on the 4th day of January, 1868, at which Joseph Joslin was elected Moderator; J. Jay Joslin, Clerk; A. C. Broughton, W. W. Hibbard and C. P. Ward, Committe, and Joseph Joslin Collector and Treasurer, was a legal election, and that said last named officers, or those elected to succeed them, and now in office, to wit, W. W. Hibbard, Moderator; J. Jay Joslin, Clerk; A. C. Broughton, J. Joslin and A. Adams, as Committee, and J. Joslin as Treasurer, are the legal officers of said society, and, as such, are entitled to the custody, possession and use of the church records, and of the real and personal property belonging to said society, subject to the provision of the Constitution of said society and to the laws applicable to such cases, and in trust to and for the use and purposes of said Baptist society of Poultney. The fees and expenses of the arbitrators are fixed at $83.05; the first named committee we award, shall pay H. Canfield $43.04 thereof, and the second named committee shall pay O. F. Thompson $40.00 thereof. Witness our hands this 20th day of September, A. D. 1871.
H. CANFIELD, O. F. THOMPSON, Arbitrators.
As before appears, the Association, in 1868, recognized "both sections as independent, regular Baptist Churches." They have since been recognized as such by the Association; cach has held its meetings and religious services; each has now a pastor, and it only remains to give the history of each since the separation.
A letter to the Vermont and Shaftsbury Baptist Association, which held its annual meeting at Poultney, August 27th, 1873,
123
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
will give a portion of the history of the western section, now known and recognized as the Baptist Church of Poultney.
" Dear Brethren :- We welcome you to the affections of our hearts, and the hospitalities of our homes; hoping the gathering will be both interesting and profitable to all present, and pro- motive of the best interests of the churches here represented, and the cause of Christ generally. The year past has not been one of ordinary occurrance with us, but incidents and circum- stances of deep interest have transpired. Dr. Goadby, our former pastor for many years, was prostrated with severe sick- ness the week before the last session of the Association, which disqualified him for labor till near the close of the year. For several Sabbaths, in the meantime, our desk was ably, and, we think, profitably, supplied by Rev. A C. Kendrick, of Roches- ter, N. Y., Rev. Dr. J. R. Kendrick, late of New York, Rev. Rev. Thomas Cull, of Stillwater, N. Y., and others. About the middle of November last, Albert T. Dunn, a Hamilton student, came to labor with us, and his first appearance gave evidence that he was engaged in the Master's service. Our social meet- ings became deeply interesting, and many were inquiring the way to Zion, and our hearts rejoiced in their salvation. Deccm- ber 28, 1872, Dr. Goadby tendered his resignation, which was accepted January 4, 1873. During a temporary absence of Bro. Dunn, another Hamilton student, James A. Pierce, our present pastor, supplied his place, and, on the 15th of February, was called to the pastorate by an unanimous vote of the church; he accepted the invitation, and was ordained July 29th, and we are happy to introduce him to this body of Christians, hoping the connection may be pleasant and profitable.
During the revival, which occurred during the year, over 60 were added to our number, for which we "thanked God, and took courage." Our changes for the year are as follows: Added by baptism, 49; by letter, 10; by experience, 6-making 65. Died during the year, 2; dismission, 2-increase, 61. Number reported last year, 74; present number, 135. Besides contributing to various charitable objects, we have paid to the Baptist State Convention $60; to the missionary union, $50."
124
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
The following, taken from the church records, gives the time and the exercises in the dedication of the new Baptist Church in Poultney :
" Wednesday, January 24, 1872, 2 o'clock P. M .- Our new church building was this day dedicated to the Lord, and conse- crated to His worship and service. The house was filled, many extra seats being brought in. The service was opened by a voluntary on the organ, played by Miss Miller, from Pontiac, Michigan. Rev. Luman Kinney, of Ira, read Psalms cxx. Rev. H. C. Farrar, of the Methodist Church, read the first hymn, ' It was a joyful sound to hear,' etc. Rev. E. Mills, of Rutland, read selected Scriptures. Rev. D. Beecher, of Pawlet, offered prayer. Rev. Thomas Cull, of Stillwater, N. Y., read the second hymn, and preached the dedication sermon from Matthew XXVI: 8, ' To what purpose is this waste.' After the sermon, the financial report of the building committee was read by Mr. Martin D. Cole, who has had the general oversight of the work. This report slowed an indebtedness for building and furnishing the house of $890. In a short time this was generously fur- nished by subscriptions and donations. This being accomplished (the indebtedness cancelled as provided for) the building was dedicated to God and His service in solemn prayer by the pastor. Rev. C. A. Thomas, of Brandon, read the hymn, and Rev. Thomas Cull pronounced the benediction."
The Record continues: " An evening service was held at 7 o'clock; Rev. E. Mills, of Rutland, preached, and was assisted by Rev. C. A. Thomas and Rev. Thomas Cull. Benediction by the pastor. So passed this dedication day. Joslin Hall had been our worshipping place, steadily, since May 5th, 1867; and, before that time, partially, from January 14, 1866. We met first to consider and act in relation to building a place of wor- ship, February 1, 1871, and have now the house finished above, and one small room, which will serve for our ordinary prayer and covenant meetings."
The following were the exercises at the ordination of Rev. James A. Pierce, copied from the Church Record:
" The Council for the examination and ordination of our pastor,
125
HISTORY OF POULTNEY.
James A. Pierce, met in response to an invitation of the church, and organized by appointing Rev. C. A. Thomas, of Brandon, Moderator, and Z. Jones, of Hubbardton, Clerk. Churches represented by. delegates were Brandon, Fairhaven, East Poult- ney, Ira, Hubbardton, Pittsford, Westhaven, Shaftsbury and Rutland. The organization was followed by singing and prayer, after which the candidate related his Christian experience, call to the ministry, and belief of Christian doctrine. After a free inquiry by the Council, relating to his case and belief of Chris- tian doctrine, it declared itself satisfied by unanimous vote, and voted to proceed to ordination at 2 o'clock p. M. Services were commenced at the hour appointed, by voluntary from the choir; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Z. Jones; opening prayer by Rev. A. B. Palmitier; reading of the hymn by Rev. A. T. Dunn; sermon by Rev. George Fisher; ordaining prayer by Rev. R. D. Pierce; charge to the candidate by Rev. J. R. Kendrick, D. D .; hand of fellowship by Rev. D. Spencer; charge to the church by Rev. C. A. Thomas; concluding prayer by Rev. J. Adams. A voluntary by the choir, and bendiction by the pastor, closed the interesting and impressive exercises."
Mr. Pierce still remains the pastor of this church.
East Poultney Baptist Church.
After the vote at the annual meeting, in January, 1866, to hold services alternately in the east and west villages, Dr. Goadby preached in both places for about a year, when he die- continued preaching at the east village. The separation now seemed practically effected-the east village portion of the members holding meetings on the Sabbath at the church in that. village. May 1, 1867, or about that time, the Rev. Warren Mason, of North Granville, was engaged by what we may now call the East Village Baptist Church. He supplied the desk very acceptably for about seven months. Rev. Thomas Tobin, of Middletown, succeeded Mr. Mason as a supply, commencing December 8, 1867. By a vote of the church, taken April 11, 1868, Mr. Tobin was called to become the pastor, which call was accepted, and he immediately entcred upon his work.
-
126
HISTORY OF POULTNEY,
During his pastorate (nearly three years), the church was, in a measure, successful. Occasional covenant meetings were held, and several were received into the church, both by letter and baptism. February 4, 1871, Mr. Tobin closed his labors.
For the two years following the dismissal of Mr. Tobin, this church.was without a pastor. It held meetings on the Sabbath, and occasionally the desk was supplied, but more frequently & sermon was read and the devotional exercises led by members.
February 19, 1873, Rev. W. L. Palmer, of Middletown, and Rev. J. J. Noe, then pastor of the M. E. Church in Poultney, began a series of meetings at the Baptist Church in East Poult- ney. These meetings were held every evening. Much interest was manifested, and many seemed to be brought under the Spirit's influence. During the latter part of this series of meetings, A. T. Dunn, a theological student from Madison Uni- versity, aided pastors Palmer and Noe. At or about the time of the close of these meetings, the church, at a covenant meet- ing held .. March. 29, 1873, by a unanimous vote invited Mr. Dunn "to become the pastor of the East Poultney Baptist Church." This call was accepted, and he entered upon his duties April 6, 1873.
On a bright Sabbath afternoon, June 1, 1873, nineteen per- sons were baptised; and on the same day twenty-four new members were added to the church.
At a regular meeting held July 5, 1873, the church voted to call their pastor elect to ordination; a vote was also taken to issue a call to all the churches in the association to send dele- gates to sit in council, July 30, 1873, for this purpose.
This call was responded to by the following churches: Shafts- bury, Rutland, Pittsford, Hydeville, Fairhaven, Westhaven, Poultney, Hubbardton.
. The council met pursuant to the call, and was called to order by J. R. Dewey, church clerk. Rev. C. A. Thomas, of Bran- don, was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Jas. A. Peirce, pastor of the Poultney church, and ordained the day before, was chosen clerk.
The candidate for ordinatiou was then presented to the Coun-
127
HISTORY OF POULTNEY
cil by Deacon Dewey, and after relating his Christian experi- ence, and undergoing such examination as the Council consid- ered their duty to give, the Council expressed themselves satis- fied, and voted to proceed with the ordination.
The following was the order of exercises:
Voluntary by the choir; reading of the Scriptures, Rev. R. D. Pierce, Poultney ; opening prayer, Rev. Z. Jones, Hubbard- ton; reading of hymn, S. H. Archibald, Madison University ; sermon, Rev. W. L. Palmer, Middletown; ordaining prayer, Rev. D. Spencer, Fairhaven; charge to candidate, Rev. C. G. Gunn, New Jersey; hand of Fellowship, Rev. Jas. A. Pierce, Poultney; charge to the church, Rev. J. R. Kendrick, New York City; voluntary by the choir; benediction by the pastor.
Mr. Dunn closed his labors as pastor about the 1st of April, 1874, and removed to West Haven, Vt., and is now pastor of the Baptist church in that place.
Rev. David Beecher removed to East Poultney from Pawlet the 1st of June, 1874. Hle commenced his labors as pastor of the East Poultney church about the middle of May, prior to his removal, and still remains the pastor of this church. He had previously for some years been pastor of the Pawlet church. He is a faithful laborer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.