USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Pittsford > History of the town of Pittsford, Vt., with biographical sketches and family records > Part 48
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1st. Agreed that no member be admitted without recom- mendation from the church to which they belonged.
2d. The proposal for installing Elder Rich was postponed three weeks from the 24th of this month.
3d. Agreed that Elders Cornwell, Skeels and Eastman, together with their associates from their several churches, be requested to attend the above mentioned meeting.
March 10th, A. D. 1785, Penuel Stevens, Israel Lake, Daniel Stevens, William Mosher, Luther Cooley, Mary Stevens, E- Stevens, Deborah Stevens, Hepzibah Cooley and Mary Cooley were baptized and received into fellowship.
March 16, 1785 .- Met at the house of Moses Olmstead,
630
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
and after laboring upon the circumstances of the above adjourn- ment, voted to adjourn till next day.
March 17th .- Being again met, a consultation respecting the installment of Elder Rich, terminated in favor of his instal- lation.
Elder Skeels preached a sermon on the occasion; Elder Eastman prayed at the laying on of hands : Elder Skeels gave him the charge, and Caleb Hendee gave him the right hand of fellowship, and delivered to him the Bible for his guide and rule of practice in behalf of the church."
Elisha Rich, who was thus settled pastor of the Baptist Church in this town, was the son of Elisha Rich, who was born in Oxford, Mass., married Mary Davis, and located in Sutton, where he had the following children, viz .: Thomas, Elisha, Nathaniel, Charles, Mary, Jacob, Elizabeth, Caleb, Ebenezer, Hannah, Sarah, Judith and Joseph. Elisha, the second son, was born in Sutton, April 7, 1740, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to a gunsmith, a trade which he learned and practised some years. He was pious from his youth, and at a very early age commenced preaching the Baptist doctrine. He married Phebe, " daughter of Nathaniel Batchelder and Experience, his wife," of Brimfield, Mass., and located in Royalston, of which town he was one of the early settlers ; and the proprietors thereof gave him, in 1771, the title to " settlers' lot, containing two hundred acres, he having settled two families thereon, and in all respects done and performed the duty of two on said lot."* From Royalston he removed to Framingham, where he preached a short time, and then went to Chelmsford and preached two years, and was there ordained October 4, 1774. About the year 1777, he removed to Saltash (now Plymouth), Vt., where he resided about one year, and then moved to Clarendon, where he resided five years. He
* Royalston Records.
631
ECCLESIASTICAL.
removed to Pittsford in the spring of 1783, as stated elsewhere, and was one of the most influential men in organizing the Baptist Church.
After his settlement here as pastor of the church, on the 17th of March, 1785, it was generally supposed by his friends that he would be entitled to the share of land which had been reserved, in the charter of the township, for the first settled minister. But it was soon found that a counter claim to this "ministerial lot" was pressed by the friends of Rev. Eleazer Harwood, in his behalf. Mr. Harwood had been a resident of the town longer than Mr. Rich.' He had been regularly licensed to preach, and had conducted the meetings, and really been the minister of the Congregational Church some months before Mr. Rich was installed as pastor of the Baptist Church. We believe it was admitted that the installation of Mr. Rich took place before the ordination and installation of Mr. Har- wood, but whether the priority consisted of a few days, or a few hours only, we shall probably never know .* This minis- terial right continued to be a bone of contention between the two societies until December, 1786, when the ministers them- selves took the matter into their own hands, and divided the property between them, thus honorably settling the controversy; and we believe that candid men of both parties were satisfied with the result.
The first and second division lots of the ministerial right had already been pitched ; the former lay east of Aaron Par- sons' home lot, and is included in the farm now owned by Azro Dickerman ; the latter lay south of Nehemiah Hopkins' mill lot, and forms the greater part of the farm now owned by Samuel H. Kellogg. Mr. Harwood quit-claimed his interest in the former to Mr. Rich, who, in turn, quit-claimed his interest
* We have made diligent efforts to ascertain the date of the ordination and installation of Mr. Harwood, but without success. There can be little doubt, how- ever, that the two ministers were settled about the same time.
632
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
in the latter to Mr. Harwood, both deeds being dated the 29th of December.
Elder Rich, as he was called, was evidently a faithful laborer in his Master's vineyard, and exercised a watchful care over the flock committed to his charge. During his ministry nearly one hundred persons were added to the church, a large proportion of whom were subjects of the early religious revivals. The articles of faith and covenant first adopted by the church were lost soon after its organization; and in the reception of new members there appears to have been some negligence in procuring assent to the articles. This afterwards led to some confusion and difficulty, and it was found necessary to reorganize the church. New articles of faith and a covenant were accordingly prepared, and adopted December 25, 1802.
The following is the list of church members living at the time the new confession and covenant were adopted, together with the time when they became members :
Names.
Time when united.
Elisha Rich,
December, 2, 1784.
Joseph Rowley,
January 3, 1785.
Abel Wright,
February 21, "
Isaac Matson,
June 5, 66
Jabish Olmstead,
66 66
Stephen Jenner,
August, 66
Elijah Adams,
66
Thomas Hammond,
66 66
John Mott,
July 2, 1792.
Isaac Osborn,
August, 1799.
Timothy Jenner,
April, 1800.
Calvin Conant,
November 9, "
Elisha Rich, Jr.,
September 19, 1802. 66
Nathan D. Wright,
Nathan Jenner,
66
66
James Hickok,
66
66
66
Darius Squires,
66
66 66
Israel Ellsworth,
66
Ezekiel Barnes,
66
66
Ebenezer Hunter,
October 17, 66
66
633
ECCLESIASTICAL.
Names.
Time when united.
Almond Millard,
October 17, 1802.
Simeon Ives,
William Carr,
66
66
James Matson,
October 31,
66
Thomas Spencer,
Elijah Adams, Jr.,
66 66
Asa Mead,
December 12,
Esther Rowley,
December 2, 1784.
Rebecca Cooley,
March 2, 1785.
Lydia Rich,
Olive Rich,
June 5,
66
Phebe Rich,
December 2,
66
Anne Osborn,
May,
1800.
Mary Axtil,
June,
Ruth Jenner,
November 9, 66
-
Esther Conant,
September 19, 1802.
Esther Fassett,
Martha Keeler,
Lydia Gilbert,
66
66
66
Pegga Rich,
66
66
Hannah Hammond,
October
20,
66
Susannah Clifford,
Wealthen Spencer,
66
66
66
Lydia Adams,
Lucinda Hickok,
November 7, 66
66
Lucy Hendee,
November 20,
66
Mary Wright,
Mary Spencer,
December 12,
66
Polly Ward,
66
Philena Ives,
66
66
Mary Rich,
66
66
Ruth Rich,
66
66
66
66
66
66
66
Sally Oakes,
66
Mary Carr,
66
Elder Rich continued his pastoral labors here till the 23d day of April, 1803, when the church "voted to dismiss him from his pastoral charge, by agreement with the Elder and the church." Soon after the termination of his pastorate here, he removed to Pennsylvania, and located near Sugar River, a
.
66
Mary Ives,
Hezekiah Carr,
634
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
branch of the Susquehanna, where he and his wife soon after died .*
After the dismission of Elder Rich, the condition of the church became very unpleasant. Dissensions crept in among the members to such an extent that they found it difficult to agree upon any measures calculated to build up the church, and advance the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom. It was thought best, therefore, at a meeting held on the second day of July, 1803, to solicit advice from the Baptist Churches of Clarendon, Wallingford, Middletown, Hubbardton, Whiting and Brandon. On the 12th of July, the pastors of these churches, with delegates, assembled at William Spencer's barn, in Pittsford, and there met the Pittsford church in conference. Here the Pittsford church expressed a desire to have their brethren from sister churches sit as a council, and give their opinion respecting certain questions which would be laid before them. Whereupon the council organized by choosing Rev. Harvey Green, Moderator, and Rev. Sylvanus Haynes, Scribe. The following is the record of what was brought before this council :
" 1st. It was a question in the minds of some of the church, and upon this they desired the minds of the council, whether they are a visible church of Jesus Christ in Gospel order.
"2d. Having trials in the body relative to their leaving the meeting house ; t they inquire whether they have regularly left the meeting house, and ought to continue as they are.
"3d. In what way ought a minister to be supported ?
"4th. What measures ought to be taken to regulate the lim- provement of gifts ?
* Hendee's M. S.
t The meeting house had been built by members of the Baptist and Congre- gational Churches, with other individuals, and the two churches had occupied it on alternate Sabbaths, but for some reason the Baptist Church had withdrawn from it.
635
ECCLESIASTICAL.
" 5th. In the absence of the moderator, who is to open the meetings of the church, the deacon or clerk ?"
The following is the report of the council :
"1st Question. We are of opinion that the church has had, and still continues to maintain her existence as a church of Christ, but we are sorry to add that we have discovered a few things wherein we view them to be reprehensible. 1st. For declining to fix any stated times for their communions. 2d. With regard to their omitting public worship a number of Lord's days successively, we think them, as a body, blame- worthy. 3d. We think they were too negligent in looking up delinquent members. 4th. With regard to the church keeping no records for fifteen years, we think they were very impru- dent, and materially endangered the very being of the church. 5th. With regard to loss of articles and covenant for ten years, etc., we judge that articles and covenant are truly necessary for a church, and ought to be safely preserved by him with whom they are intrusted by the church ; and that the church, or those with whom they were intrusted, were too neglectful in suffer- ing them to be gone so long, without making inquiry after them, or substituting others in their stead.
" 2d Question. In relation to leaving the meeting house, we are of opinion that the church were irregular, considering their covenant obligations with the other society. [See Town Records.]
As it respects your return to the meeting house, we have to say, that we view it very difficult for neighboring societies to advise you respecting your own economy in this affair ; but as you desire our opinion, we will render it, which is as follows:
"That, every attendant circumstance considered, we are rather of the opinion that the church had better return to the meeting house, upon the footing they were before they parted; provided the church can freely enjoy the use of the house one- half of the time, as the Congregational Society generously
636
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
offer ; and provided, also, that on their half of the time, they may freely worship God according to their own consciences, articles and covenant. But, after all, if there should be any who should feel as though they could not join with their brethren in going to the meeting house, we think the church ought not to discipline them merely for not going; though, by the way, we feel peculiarly affected and concerned for Elder Rich, who is now far advanced in the decline of life, and who has so long labored in the Gospel, and borne the burden and heat of the day ; and we are truly sorry, and feel diffident (being mostly younger men) in rendering a judgement which we fear will not be cordial to his feelings ; but after all we could see no other way from the light we have gained.
" 3d Question. In relation to ministerial support, we have to say that it should be done by equality in the church, agreeable to your own articles and the express word of God in 2d Cor., VIII .; 12, 13 and 14.
"4th Question. In relation to the regulation of gifts, we answer according to your own articles, and agreeable to the plain word of God, which says: " Let one speak and the other judge," and "Be ye all subject one to another."
"5th Question. We think in ordinary cases, where a church has a minister, he is, of course, their leader ; but in the absence of the pastor, it is most proper for the clerk to open the meet- ing by calling for a nomination for a moderator; and if the clerk be absent, this work devolves on the deacon. But if they have no pastor, we think it most safe for the church to choose a moderator to stand during the pleasure of the church."
The church accepted the report of the council as a settle- ment of the several questions submitted for consideration, and there is reason to believe that greater harmony afterwards prevailed.
During a part of the fall of 1803, and the following winter, the church was supplied with preaching by an Elder Rathburn.
637
ECCLESIASTICAL.
At a meeting, December 10th, the church "voted that Elisha Rich, Jr., let Elder Rathburn have two barrels of cider, for which the church shall become accountable ;" and January 14th, the church " voted to choose a committee of two to make an equality of the two barrels of cider which the church voted that Elisha Rich, Jr., should let Elder Rathburn have, upon the brethren of the church."
It appears that the church held meetings for public worship quite regularly, though not always supplied with preaching, and accessions to its members were made from time to time. On the 22d of June, 1805, the " church voted to request Brother Andrews to preach for them one half of the time the ensuing year, for which it was agreed to pay him seventy dollars. Brother Andrews answered that he was satisfied with the offer, and would preach as long as should be thought best on both sides."
How long Elder Andrews labored with the church is not now known, but probably not long, as we find the following ministers supplying at different times in the years 1806 and 1807, viz .: Elders Haynes, Dana, Hurlbut, Green and Ware.
On the 23d of January, 1808, the church " voted to request Elder William Harrington to come and improve his ministerial gifts in this place."
Also " voted to give Elder Harrington one hundred dollars for his services the ensuing year." Elder Harrington complied with this request, and entered at once upon his ministerial labors in this town, though we can find no evidence that he was ever installed as pastor of the church.
Of Elder Harrington's personal history we know but little. He had been preaching for the Baptist Church of Clarendon, and on coming to Pittsford he purchased the real estate which had formerly belonged to Elder Elisha Rich, and built the house which is now the residence of Azro Dickerman. He was acting pastor of the church here about nine years, and during
638
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
the earlier part of this period his labors appear to have been attended with good success. Many were added to the church, and among these were some of the most active and influential men of the town. But during the latter part of his ministry, there was a want of harmony among the members of the church, and the discordant elements embarrassed all his efforts to promote its growth in numbers and holiness.
On the 1st of May, 1817, he asked to be discharged from his pastoral care, and his request was granted by a vote of the church. In August following, however, an arrangement was made by which he agreed to preach for the church one half of the time for one year. His labors here terminated with the fulfillment of this engagement, and in a little more than a year afterwards he removed to Hartland. N. Y., where he died.
In September, 1819, there were upon the church roll the names of ninety-three persons then living, and of whom the clerk had knowledge. Soon afterwards the church became so weakened by deaths, removals and the withdrawal of support, that it was found difficult to sustain preaching, and on the 25th day of October, 1824, it disbanded.
The present Baptist Church was organized in 1841, and the following is from the record :
" PITTSFORD, July 14, 1841.
" A few persons of the Baptist denomination met at the Town Room to take into consideration the formation of a new Baptist Church in Pittsford.
" 1st. Chose C. A. Thomas, Moderator, and Roswell Wood- cock, Secretary.
"2d. Prayer was offered by the Moderator.
" 3d. After some deliberation on the subject of organizing a new church, it was unanimously voted that, in our opinion, it would be well to have a new Baptist Church constituted in the town of Pittsford.
" 4th. A discussion of some interest was had on various
639
ECCLESIASTICAL.
subjects preparatory to the constituting of a new church, after which, voted to adjourn, to meet on Monday, the 19th instant, at 2 o'clock P. M."
" PITTSFORD, July 19, 1841.
" Met at the Town Room in Pittsford, according to adjourn- ment.
" 1st. Prayer was offered by Brother Nahum Mills.
" 2d. The members of the Baptist Churches present voted that if a new church be organized in Pittsford, it be a church with the same restrictions as the other churches in the Vermont Association.
"3d. Those desirous of being embodied in a new church presented their certificates, as follows :
From the Brandon church-Samuel Hendee, John Rock- wood, Roswell Woodcock, Ezra Spencer and Polly Spencer.
From the Rutland church-Samuel Dutton, Celia Dutton, James R. Smith, Emeline Smith, Edward Hendee, Mary Ann Hendee and Nahum Mills.
"4th. Received by a relation of their Christian experience, Mrs. Lucretia Pond and Miss Louisa A. Kelley.
" 5th. Voted to accept the articles and covenant of the Bran- don Baptist Church, with a slight alteration of the first clause of the ninth article.
" After the dedication of the meeting house, agreeably to the invitation of those desirous of being embodied in a new church, ministers and laymen repaired to the Town Room. The council was organized by the appointment of John Ide, Moderator, and C. A. Thomas, Clerk.
" The following persons entered their names as members of the council :
Brandon-C. A. Thomas, John Conant.
Orwell-John Ide and O. S. Murray.
Whiting-V. Church and -- Baker.
Hubbardton-B. Allen and Amos Churchill.
640
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
Hinesburgh-W. G. Johnson.
Rutland-Samuel C. Richards and John Smith.
Poultney-V. R. Hotchkiss and H. Gorham. Middletown-R. Myers and D. Spofford, Jr. Hardwick-A. Angier.
Bridport-A. Harvey.
"The council having examined the credentials of fourteen individuals, wishing to be formed into a new church, and also their articles of faith and covenant, voted to adjourn to the meeting house, and publicly recognize them as a church of Christ.
" The services were as follows :
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Allen.
Sermon by Rev. Mr. Johnson.
Reading of Covenant by Rev. Mr. Thomas.
Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. Ide. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Myers.
" At a meeting, October 4, 1841, the church elected Samuel Hendee and Ezra Spencer, Deacons."
Elder Charles Berry was employed as a preacher, and he commenced his labors here on the 7th of November. He had been connected with the Baptist Church in Massena, N. Y., but it would appear from the records that before coming to Pitts- ford, he had been preaching in Salisbury, Vt. During his ministry here of one year only, more than twenty united with the church, some by letter of recommendation and others by profession.
Elder Berry was succeeded by Elder Levi Smith, who was acting pastor of the church three years. On coming to this church, he brought a letter of recommendation from the Pas- sumpsic church, where he had probably been employed as a preacher. We should judge by the records that he was an active Christian laborer, and gave very general satisfaction to his parishioners. During his ministry here several severe cases
641
ECCLESIASTICAL.
of church discipline had to be encountered, and it would not be strange if his influence was somewhat weakened by these complications.
Elder Washington Kingsley was the next acting pastor, and the church had the benefit of his labors from March 6, 1847, to February 3, 1849. He was followed by an Elder Constan- tine, who supplied the pulpit from March to November, 1849. Elder H. B. Wright, from Bennington, was next employed to supply the pulpit, and his labors extended from December 1, 1849, to January 4, 1851. His salary was $300 per annum.
Elder Volney Church, from Whiting, commenced preaching here April 1, 1851, and continued his ministry with the church till February 5, 1853. His salary was $200, with house rent and firewood, besides some donations. From April 2, 1853, to April 1, 1854, the church was supplied with preach- ing by Elder Nichols. We then find the following entry :
" After Elder Nichols left, the church held religious meet- ings on Sundays for a while; most of the members became discouraged, and left for other meetings. In September a letter was received from Elder Kingsley, manifesting an interest for the Pittsford church, and this encouraged the minds of some, and it resulted, finally, in his coming to Pittsford. The labors of Elder Kingsley, as pastor of the Baptist Church, commenced on Sunday, the 22d day of October, 1854, under very dis- couraging circumstances."
Elder Kingsley's second pastorate here was continued to August 29, 1858, and during this time the church increased in numbers and in strength.
Elder I. H. Wood was the next acting pastor. He began his ministerial labors here March 27, 1859, and continued them till April 1, 1865. He is the son of Edmund Wood, and was born in Coleraine, Franklin county, Mass., April 9, 1809 ;
42
642
HISTORY OF PITTSFORD.
married Julia A. Franklin, August 5, 1847, and located in Coleraine. Before coming to Pittsford, he had been preaching for the Baptist Church in Weston, Vt. During his pastorate in Pittsford, eleven members were added to the church, nearly all on profession.
The present pastor, Elder Isaiah Cady Carpenter, com- menced his labors with the church July 7, 1865. " The church agreed to give him $250, use of parsonage and firewood. The annual pastor's donation, and aid from the convention not to be reckoned in the above $250."
Elder Carpenter's grandfather, Jonathan Carpenter, was born in Seekonk, Mass., and married Rebecca Howard, of Ash- ford, Conn., where they located and resided some years.
Their children were Elisha, Jonathan and Rebecca. Jona- than, the second son, married Elizabeth Bartlett, of Attleboro, Mass., and located in Ashford, where both died. Their children were Samuel H., Jonathan, Elizabeth, Ephraim, Lucretia, Cady and Isaiah C.
The youngest son, the subject of this notice, was born in Ashford, and was educated at the " Connecticut Literary and Scientific Institute." He was first settled as pastor of the Baptist Church in Templeton, Mass., where he labored seven years. He was then employed in the interest of the Massa- chusetts Home Missionary Society three years. He subse- quently preached in Thompson, Conn., three years; in Mont- ville three years ; in Russell, Mass., two years; in Londonderry, Vt., two years ; in Newfane five years, and in Salem, N. Y., three years. From the latter town he came to Pittsford. He is an earnest Christian and a faithful pastor, and his labors here have been attended with more than ordinary success. During his pastorate of a little more than six years, sixty-five have been added to the church.
643
ECCLESIASTICAL.
From the time the church was organized, in 1784, to the time it disbanded, in 1824, there were added to it
By Profession,. 191
Received by Letter,
79
Total,. 270
From the time the present church was organized, in 1841, there have been added to it
By Profession,.
120
Received by Letter,
76
Total, 196
DEACONS.
There were no regularly appointed deacons of the Baptist Church till September 30, 1786, when Caleb Hendee,* Abel Stevenst and Colburn Preston were elected to this office. The other deacons have been :
Samuel Hendee and Ezra Spencer, elected October 16, 1841.
Roswell Woodcock and James R. Smith,# elected February 11, 1843.
Samuel Hendee and Roswell Woodcock are the present acting deacons.
In the year 1788, an effort was made by some individuals living in that part of Pittsford known as Whipple Hollow, together with persons living in that vicinity, in the north part of Rutland, to form a religious society, and they petitioned the Legislature for an act of incorporation. The prayer of the petitioners was not granted, but they formed an association and took the name of "Orange Parish." They held religious meet- ings, and occasionally had preaching by ministers living in the vicinity. About the year 1790, they employed Rev. Abraham Carpenter, from Plainfield, N. H., as their preacher. We have
* Died October 2, 1823. + Removed to Canada about 1796. ¿ Died March 11, 1867.
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