[b–c108]     [d] Index109 to this Volume of Records, viz

1. Records of the Votes110 & Transactions111 of the Chh Page 1112

2. Of Baptisms113 P. 101114

3. Of Deaths115 in the 1^st Chh & Society 140116

4. Church Members admitted117 — in continuation 155118

5. Chh members now living,119 i e, in Jan^y 1^st 1799120 153121

6. Record of Marriages,122 solemnized by C. Robbins— continⁿ123 170 254124

7. Dismissions 194125

For notice of a set of Desk Bibles, present by Doct. Francis Le Baron — See last page.126

[1] 1799 Plym^o Church Records

Jan^ry 27^th Lords day Evening, Notify^d the Chh to meet at the Pastor’s house next Tuesday, at their usual Semi-annual Meeting agreable to the Vote of the Chh — Page in the II^d Book of the Records of this Chh,130 on the Subject of Discipline.

At the same time, read a Letter missive, from the 1^st Church in Rochester, to this Chh, desiring their Assistance, by their Pastor & Delegates, in the ordination of Mr Oliver Cobb, to the pastoral care over that Chh & people. The Chh Voted to comply, & chose Deacons William Crombie Deacon Ephraim Spooner, & John Cobb, as Delegates, to represent the Chh on that Occasion.

Jan^y 29^th The Chh met, according to the above notification, and, after opening the meeting with Prayer, discoursed on several Subjects, conformable to the original Design of these Meetings — on discipline. It appearing that several of the members, had, of late, walked unbecoming their christian Character & Profession — & that, in such instances as are known to the world, & become matter of com̄on Report, the131 Chh thought it their Duty to make more particular Inquiry into them— And accordingly, Voted that Deacons Crombie & Spooner be a Committee to go & enquire into the Report of our Sister Bethiah Howard’s Intemperance in the use of Strong Drink, & violent, passionate Speeches & behavior.

The same Com̄ittee to go to our Sister Sarah Morton, (formerly Boies) & know the Grounds of the Reports of her scandalous Intemperance, for some time past — & also concerning her contemptuous treatment of the Chh, in Coming132 to the Sacrament, but a few days after she was seen in a Posture of Drunkeness and had been desired by a Com̄ittee of the Chh not to come untill she had manifested her Repentance & given Satisfaction.

At this Meeting, the Chh also Voted, that Deacon Bishop & Br^o Solomon Churchill, be a Committee to go & talk with our Brethren John Carver & Lemuel Bradford, respecting their playing at Cards, in a public place, before several, who were not of the Chh, (& who express^d their surprize at such Conduct in Members of the Church).

Also, the same Com̄ittee, to go & discourse with Br^o David Lothrop, who is too commonly reported to intemperate, & has drank strong drink to Excess, evinc^d by its Effects.

These Com̄ittees to make Report to y^e Chh at y^e adjourn^d Meet^g Febr 12^th inst. To w^c time the Meet^g was adjourn^d — Then closed with Pray^r — Perfect Unanimity. [2] 1799 Chh Records

Feb^r 6^th This day, agreably to the foremention’d Letter Missive, The Pastor & Delagates of this Chh met, with seven other Neighbouring Pastors & their Delegates, & proceeded, regularly to ordain & seperate M^r Oliver Cobb to the Ministerial Office over the first Chh & Congregation in Rochester. — Rev^d Mess^rs Everitt began with Prayer — Andros preach^d the Sermon, from Acts 20. 24 “Neither count I my life dear to me” — &c Howland made the ordaining Prayer— Robbins, gave the Charge— LeBaron, the Right hand of fellowship, & Barker made the concluding Prayer. Every thing conducted with the greatest Harmony & Unanimity.

Notify^d the Chh of this proceeding, the Sabb^th after, Feb^r 10^th

Tuesday. Feb^r 12^th The Chh met at the Pastor’s house, agreably to Adjournment — The Committees, each, made Report of their Commission. Viz, That, with Respect to our Sister Bethiah Howard, She denies the Charge of Intemperance, wholly. But acknowledges rash, passionate Language, which she is too much addicted to, confesses her Sin in this regard, & desires to be humbled for it & asks forgiveness of God & her Brethren.

With respect to M^rs Morton (once Boies,) They discours^d with her also, & Report that she, likewise deny’d y^e Charge of Intemperance, & persists in it. As to the charge of casting Contempt on y^e Chh, (as mention’d above) it appear^d, that it seem^d to arise, not from obstinacy, but rather from ignorance of her Duty in that Case.

The other Com̄ittee also report, That, with respect to our Brother John Carver, He confess^d his Crime, as charg’d against him — was now convinc^d it was wrong, sinful & dishonouring to God & his Profession — appeard penitent, beg’d forgivness of God & the Chh, & promiss^d by divine Aid, to walk more Cautiously, & circumspectly for the future, & hoped he should give no Occasion of Grief to his Brethren, or bring any further Reproach on Religion by his Misconduct. [3] 1799 Chh Records

And with respect to our Brother Lemuel Bradford, the Committee report, that having conversed with him, he acknowledged the Fact charged against him — that he did not, at the time of it, reflect so much upon it or think it so great an Evil — that he was drawn in to it — & was ignorant of the explicit Vote of this Chh against playing Cards, (having lived out of town for some years) but, that had he known what he now does, he sho^d not have comply^d — he own’d he did it, thrô the Temptation of Satan, & his own wicked heart, & is sorry.

With respect to the last — viz, the Case of our brother David Lothrop, he appeared exceedingly penitent & humble acknowledged his Sin, & with Tears confessed & desired to be humble before God & Man, for the Wound bro’t hereby on Religion — aks^d forgivness of God & his Brethren, & hop’d, thrô divine Assistance, he should hereafter, walk humbly and circumspectly, & give no further occasion of Stumbling, to any.

Whereupon, the Chh, upon further deliberation & Conversation on each Case, Seperately — Came to the following Votes.

Voted — viz, That this Chh is not satisfied with the Report, respecting our Sister Howard, as to her Denial of y^e Chh of Intemperance, & her positive declaration of innocency herein, as there have been so many Circumstances, in time past, which give too much reason to believe she is guilty. — And that she be desired to withdraw herself from special Ordinances, untill she shall upon Reflection, give further proof, & more satisfactory Evidence of her Innocence, or entire Reformation.

Voted, That this Chh are also dissatisfied with the Report respecting our Sister Morton — for the same reason as the above, viz her positive Denial of Intemperance, when there has been such evidence of her having been guilty — & therefore that she be desired to withdraw herself from Com̄union, till she give shall, by her fruits, & acknowledgment, give Satisfaction. — That, as to other Charge against her, of Contempt &c. the Church overlook & forgive it, on the ground before mention^d viz Ignorance [4] 1799 Feb^r Chh Records

Next, With respect to our Brother John Carver, the Chh Voted, that, as he freely acknowledges, & appears to be humble for his Sin, he is forgiven, & restored again to Christian Charity.

Also Voted that for the same reason, this Church forgive & restore to their christian Charity, our brother Lem^l Bradford.

Also — Voted, (our Brother David Lothrop being present at this meeting, & confirming all that the Com̄ittee reported) That the Chh freely forgive, & recieve him to Christian Charity.

Finally, Voted that the same Com̄ittees who discours^d with these persons, go & inform them of the doings of the Church at this Meeting — & give to each, such solemn, faithful, tender & christian Counsel & Admonition, as their respective Cases appear to call for. The Chh, in all these transactions was perfectly unanimous, & I hope acted in the fear of God, & we pray God to follow all, with his gracious Benediction.

Concluded with Prayer, & adjourn^d without day.133

At134 a Meeting of the first Church of Christ in Plymouth Duly notify^d assembled and held at the Meeing house on Monday y^e 4^th day of Novemb^r Anno. Domini 1799 for the purpose of takeing into Consideration the Matter of Calling . . . . . .135 a Minister to Settle with them After Chooseing a Moderator and Addressing the Throne of Grace in Prayer The Church voted as follows Viz.

1^st That they would then come to the Choice of a Minister to be136 ordained among them according to the Generall Useage in this Place 23 Votes for it and 15 against it

2^dly They made Choice of M^r James Kendal for their Minister their being twenty three votes for him. Including the Moderat^r and fifteen were not for him

3^dly made Choice of Ephraim Spooner, Deacⁿ William Crombie and Rossiter Cotton Esq^r a Committe to lay these Votes before the Precinct for their Concurrance, and before M^r Kendal for his Consideration & Acceptance

Attest Ephraim Spooner Moderator

The above votes was lay^d before the Precinct the day aboves^d when the Precinct Concurr^d with the Church Viz^t 253 votes in the affirmative and 15 in the Negative [5]

On the 28^th day of November 1799 — being the day appointed by the Liev^t Governor & Counsell for the Annual Thanksgiving — M^r James Kendall our Pastor Elect, communicated the following answer to the Call given him by this Church on the 4^th day of Novemb^r instant

At a Meeting of the first Church of Christ in Plymouth (being duly notified) Ephraim Spooner was Chosen Moderator. The Throne of Grace was then addressed by Prayer by Deacⁿ William Crombie, — The Church then proceeded & voted to send to the following Churches &c to Ordain M^r James Kendall (the Gentleman Abovenamed) as our Pastor Viz^t.

• The Second Church of Christ in Andover
• The first Church in Cambrige
• The Church in Beadford147
• The Rev^d President Willard &
• The Rev^d Doter Tappan
• The Church in Sterling
• The Church in Dorchister
• The 3^rd Church in Newberry [8]
• The Church in Brattle Street Boston of Which the Rev^d Doct^r Peter Thacher is Pastor
• The Church in Kingston
• The Church in Bridgewater
• The Church in Carver
• The 1^st Church in Marshfeild
• The 2^nd Church in Plymouth
• The Church in Rochester
• The 1^st Church in Middleborô

Then Voted and Chose George Watson Esq^r Deacⁿ William Crombie Ephraim Spooner & Rossiter Cotton Esq^r a Committe to lay the proceedings of the Church before the Precinct — and to write Letters Missive to the Abovemention^d Churches for the purposes Aboves^d148

The149 following is a copy of the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Council convened for the purpose of ordaining the pastor elect:

The Rev. Jonathan French preached the ordination Sermon,154 from the words recorded in the 16 chap. of St. Matt. 18 verse — “Upon this Rock I will build my chh, & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [8c–8d155] [9] 1800 Church Records Continued

March 2^d Lord’s day evening. — Stayed the Chh. after the blessing, & communicated the desire of Elizabeth Finney to give up herself to God in Covenant, & be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism. Being confined with wasting sickness, & supposed to be upon the bed of death, she felt it to be her duty, & had previously manifested her earnest desire, to comply with this command of the Savior. She had already given great satisfaction, as to the state of her mind, her knowledge of the way of Salvation by Jesus Christ, & the sincerity of her motives in receiving the ordinance. After reading her relation & communicating her situation, it was —

Voted, That, considering the circumstances of E. Finney, & the former usage of this Chh, in similar cases,* she be gratifyed in her request; & that the Covenant be propounded, & the ordinance administered to her by the Pastor, at the house of her Mother, the widow, Hannah Holbrook.

The covenant was propounded accordingly, the day following; &, after cordial, solemn assent, the ordinance was administered in presence of two of the Deacons of the Chh. Crombie & Spooner & others. — May this, & similar157 instances, be blessed as means of awakening others to serious reflection while in health, & to a conscientious discharge of then duty in order to a preparation for death. [10] 1800 Continued

March 6. At a lecture preparatory to the Communion, Stayed the Chh. after the blessing, & communicated the request of brother John Bishop to be dismissed from his office, as deacon, in this Chh. Also the request of the brethren, who dissented at the late ordination, to meet the Chh. this evening, at brother dea. Spooner’s for the purpose of mutual conference, in order to remove any supposed existing grievance, that they might join their brethren at the approaching Communion in harmony & love. After reading these requests it was agreed to adjourn to the Place & Time proposed.

Met accordingly in the evening at the house of brother Dea. Spooner. After opening the meeting by prayer, some conversation was introduced respecting the proceeding of the Chh. at the election of the present Pastor. But finding that every thing had been conducted with order & propriety concerning the mode of proceeding, & that no real cause of grievance existed, the dissenting members appeared satisfied, & no vote was passed. Dea. Bishop was prevailed with to withdraw his request. The conference was conducted with meekness & charity; & the christian temper & spirit, that were exhibited through the evening, seemed to fulfill the promise of the Great Head of y^e Chh. that “When two or three are met together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

After concluding by prayer the meeting was dissolved, & the Chh. unitedly partook of the Ordinance. [11] Continued

1801 March 1. Lord’s day, after service — Read a letter from the Rev. Mr French of Andover to this Chh. containing the dismission of Sarah Kendall the wife of the present Pastor from her special relation to his Chh & recommending her to the holy fellowship & Communion of the first Chh in Plymouth., as a member158 in full Communion with his Chh, & whose life & conversation had adorned159 her Christian profession. The Chh. then

Voted — That,160 from the above recommendation, she be received into their fellowship & Communion.

July 2^d Stayed the chh after Lecture, & informed them that the pastor had received from the Executors of the late Col. Watson’s Will a Tankard, wh he ordered to be given as a Legacy to the first Chh in Plymouth. Upon which the following vote was passed, & order’d to be recorded, & a copy communicated to the Executors.

Whereas our late brother, George Watson Esq^r to evince the sincerity of his attachment to the religion of Jesus, & to testify his respect for its institutions & ordinances, ordered, in his last Will, a Silver Tankard to be given as a Legacy to the first chh in Plymouth;

In consideration of their regard for the memory of the deceased, & as an expression of their gratitude for the Gift,

Voted, — That the chh accept this Plate as a memorial of the virtuous Donor, whose benevolent & pious example is worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance.

[12] 1801 Continued

Aug^t 16^th Stayed the Chh. after service & communicated a letter, received from the religious Society in Dresden, requesting their assistance in the ordination of Mr Freeman Parker on the 2^d Sept. Voted.— That this Chh. comply161 with their request; and that brother Doct. R. Cotton be the delegate to accompany the minister.

The Pastor accordingly attended, when Mr Freeman Parker was solemnly ordained over the s^d religious Society at Dresden. On wh. occasion the Rev. Mr. Fletcher of Kennebunk made the first prayer — Rev. Mr Shaw of Barnstable preached a Sermon, adapted to the occasion — Rev. Mr Winship of Woolwich made the ordaining prayer & gave the Charge — Rev. Mr Bradford of Wiscasset gave the right Hand — & the pastor of this Chh. made the concluding prayer.

Sept. 13^th Lord’s day after service, communicated to the chh the following request:

Accordingly notifyed the chh of a meeting to be held at my house on thursday, 17^th Sep^t beginning at 3 o clock, P. M.

Sep^t 17^th Met agreeably to the above notification at the time & place appointed. The Meeting was opened by prayer. After wh. the following request was presented by brother Bishop to the Moderator to be communicated.

After considerable discussion on the subject respecting the proper mode of proceeding, the meeting was adjourn^d to thursday, the 24. Sep^t instant.

Sep^t 24^th The Chh. met agreeable to adjournment at the house of the Pastor; when the petitioners explained their meaning in the clause respecting the dismission of members from one chh to the other hereafter, with a recommendation. They said they had nothing further in view by inserting the above clause, than that the removal of relations from one chh to the other in future be regulated according to the usual practice of this, & other congregational churches in N. England. They also relinquished their pretended claims to the chh. furniture, being convinced, that, as it was given to the first Chh. the present members were not exclusively entitled to it, &, therefore, had no right to the disposal of it. They asked only for the privilege of using it a certain time, till163 it was convenient [14164] for them to furnish their own table.

Agreeable to a vote of the Chh. the names of the petitioners were produced; & were annexed to their petition in the following manner:

[15] 1801

The above request being read together with the names annexed thereto, it was then

Voted, That the petitioners be dismissed from their special relation to the first Chh. of Christ in Plymouth, in order to be set off into a distinct Chh. by the name of the 3^d Chh. of Christ in Ply. agreeable to their request. Which passed in the affirmative unanimously.

The Chh. also voted, that they have the privilege of using the furniture at165 their Communion for two years. — The meeting was closed as usual with prayer & dissolved in harmony.

May the great Head of the Chh. smile upon these transactions, that166 they may contribute to the more rapid advancement of his kingdom among us!167 [16] Continued

Oct. 4. Read a letter missive from the Chh. in Tisbury to the 1^st Chh. in Plymouth, requesting their presence & assistance at the ordination of the Rev. Mr Hatch: but in consequence of the sickness in this town did not attend.

Nov. 8^th Read a letter from the Chh. of Christ in North Hampton (N. H.) to this Chh. requesting their assistance at the ordination of Mr Jonathan French Jur on the 18^th instant.

Voted—that the Chh comply with this request; & that Cap^t John Paty, represent the chh. Attended accordingly. When Mr French was solemnly ordained over s^d Chh & Society. On wh occasion the Rev. Mr Holt of Epping made the introductory prayer, Rev. Mr French of Andover preached the Sermon, Rev. Doct. Tappan, made the ordaining prayer, the Rev. Mr Buckminster gave168 the Charge, Rev. Mr Stearns of Bedford gave the right hand, & the pastor of this Chh made the concluding prayer.

Nov. 29^th Read a letter from the Chh in Plympton to this Chh. requesting their assistance at the installation169 of the Rev. John Briggs over s^d Chh & Society. Voted to comply with this request, & chose brother Dea. Spooner, & brother Ichabud Morton Jur to Represent the Chh. Attended agreeable to the above request on the 2^d of Dec. when the Rev. Mr B. was solemnly inaugurated to the pastoral office of s^d Society. On wh occasion, Rev. Mr Barker of Middlebury made the introductory prayer, Rev. Mr Westun of Fairhaven preach the Sermon, from 33^d170 of Deut. 8. verse. Rev. Mr Howland of Carver gave the charge, Rev. Mr Willis of Kingston the right hand, & the minister of this Chh. made the concluding prayer. [17] 1802 Continued

Oct. 14^th This day, agreeable171 to previous appointment, was religiously observed as a day of special, solemn Fasting, humiliation & prayer — in consequence of a distressing sickness & very great mortality, wch for six weeks has prevailed in this place, chiefly among the children.

Oct. 17^th Stayed the Chh; & communicated to them the following letter from the Hon^ble Judge Davis.

The Chh. gratefully accepted the above proposition, and Voted, That the Pastor be authorized to loan the the 1^st Vol. of Chh. Records to the Hon^ble John Davis agreeable to his request for the purpose mentioned in the above communication.

Voted, Also, that the Pastor, Dea. Spooner, & brother Ichabud Morton Jun be a Committee to join a Committee from the precinct to carry the proposed plan into execution.173

1803. March 6. Read a letter from the first Chh. of Christ in Dedham to this Chh, requesting their attendance & assistance at the ordination of Mr Joshua Bates, on the 16^th instant. Voted to comply with this request, & that brothers Dea. Spooner & Doct. Thacher be the delegates to represent the Chh. — Attended accordingly at the time & place appointed. When the Rev. Mr Bates was solemnly ordained over said Chh & Society. On wh occasion the Rev. Mr Bradford of Roxbury made the introductory prayer. Rev. Mr Flint of Cohasset preached a sermon. Rev. Mr Mellen made the ordaining prayer. Rev. Mr Prentiss of medfield gave [19] the Charge. Rev. Mr. Chickering gave the right hand & the Rev. Doct Tappan closed with prayer.

1804 March 18. Stayed the chh. after service, & informed them, that the time had expired for wh. the furniture was loaned to the 3^d Chh. Authorized the deacons, to notify the said Chh. of the same; & voted to adjourn the meeting to the174 second monday in April.

April 9. Met agreeably to adjournment at the parsonage house. After opening the meeting, the deacons informed the chh, that the 3d chh, had concluded for the future to provide themselves with furniture for the use of the communion table.

The chh. then proceeded to take into consideration the case of Rebecca Stephenson, who several years before had been suspended from special ordinances on account of lascivious & criminal behavior. The chh, after due deliberation, finding that “she was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,”

Voted, That, in consequence of her notoriously abandoned conduct, for the sake of the honor of religion & the purity & safety of the chh, at the expiration of three months if no appearance of reformation should take place,175 she be excommunicated from this chh. Also

Voted, That Dea. Spooner & brother Ichabud Morton Jr communicate this Vote to176 s^d Stephenson.

The case of Bethiah Howard, who also had been under suspension for several years, was postponed for further inquiry. This meeting was adjourned to the 2^d monday in july.

June 28. Stayed the chh. after Lecture & communicated the request of brother Richard Cooper & wife to be dismissed from the first & recommended to the 3^d chh. who were dismissed & recommended accordingly.

July 12 Met agreeable to adjournment. After the meeting was opened took up the case of Rebecca Stephenson but some of the brethren being absent,177 it was agreed to pospone the consideration of it. The case of Bethiah Howard was also posponed, for further evidence, [20] & brother Lem^l Drew appointed to make the inquiry. Then

Proceeded to the consideration of the request of brother John Kempton to be dismissed from this chh, & recommended to the 3^d chh. This request appearing to have been the result of misrepresentation & false178 information on a mind greatly impaired & debilitated by the infirmities of old age, &, therefore,179 not180 an act of his own, the chh. conceived it to be expedient previous to giving him a dismission to choose a committee to wait on him, & inquire into the real grounds of the application. It was then

Voted — That Dea. Crombie & dea. Spooner with our brother Ichabud Morton be this committee. The meeting was then adjourned to181 the 23^d of July, at 4 oclock. P.M.

July 15. Stayed the chh, after meeting, & were informed by the above committee, that they had waited on our aged brother, Mr. Kempton, in complyance with the vote of the chh. But finding his mind very182 weak & feeble & incapable of reasoning, still, however, appearing desirous to have his relation removed, they thought proper to use183 no arguments, & to ask him but few questions. He observed, that, althô he had been misinformed respecting some matters relative to the proceedings of the chh, which had given him uneasiness; yet having been corrected, he had nothing now in particular against either the minister or the chh. but thot nevertheless that his happiness would be promoted by having his relation removed — The chh, then, notwithstanding the singularity of the case — notwithstanding his connexion with this chh, for upwards of 60 years — notwithstanding his having voted for the present establishment & uniformly expressed his satisfaction while able to attend on the public services — notwithstanding by reason of the infirmities of old age he has been unable to attend public worship any where for nearly two years, [21] & will never probably be able to attend again; — notwithstanding all this, the chh, judged it expedient to comply with his request; & accordingly, Voted that he be dismissed from his special relation to the first chh, & recommended to the third.

July 23^d Met agreeably to a previous adjournment, and, after opening the meeting by prayer, proceeded184 to the consideration of the case of Rebecca Stevenson. On making particular inquiry into her conduct & behavior of late it appeared that there were at least some symtoms of penitence & amendment. The chh, willing to encourage the least appearance of reformation, & thinking that further forbearance185 might be a mean of stimulating her to a change of conduct, Voted that they would still postpone her excommunication until the next semiannual meeting, which will be the first tuesday in August. Brother Lem^l Drew & D^r Cotton were appointed a committee to give her this information.

As to the case of Bethiah Howard, on inquiry it was found, that her behavior of late was more examplary, & that there was reason at least to hope that her future good conduct would prove that she was intirely reformed.

Oct. 2. Semiannual meeting; — stayed the chh after comun̄ lecture. Took up the subject of R. Stevenson but several of the brethren being absent, Voted to adjourn the meeting to monday the 15^th of Oc^t 3 O’clock at my house.

Oct. 15. Met agreeably to adjournment, but few of the brethren being present, Voted to adjourn again, to monday the 22^d instant.

Oct. 22 Met agreeably to adjournment, & after taking into consideration the character & conduct of Rebecca Stephenson, & finding no evidence of her reformation, voted to continue her suspension from special ordinances until the next semiannual meeting. [22] Continued

Read to the chh. the following request.

Plymouth Oct. 12. 1804

After reading a letter of recommendation from the Rev. Mr Wheeler, pastor of the Episcopal chh in Scituate, Voted unanimously that Joanna Winslow & Mary Warren be admitted to occasional communion with this chh. agreeably to their request.

Concluded, as we began, with prayer, & dissolved the meeting. [23]

1804 Dec. 30 — Lord’s Day. Communicated to the Chh. a letter from the Chh. of Christ in Dennis, requesting the attendance & assistance of Pastor & Delegates at the ordination of Mr Caleb Holmes. Voted to comply with the request of the chh in Dennis;186 & that brother Lem^l Drew, Doct Thacher, & Benj^a Whiting be delegates to Represent the chh.

Jan. 2. 1805 Attended at Dennis agreeably to the above request, when the Rev. Mr Holmes was solemnly ordained to the work of the ministry in that Place. On wh. occasion the Rev. Mr Burr of Sandwich made the Introductory prayer; Pastor of this Chh. preached a Sermon187 from Phil. 2. 29.; Rev. Mr Whitman of Welfleet made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr Shaw of Barnstable gave the charge; Rev Mr Waterman of Barnstable gave the right Hand; Rev. Mr Lincoln of Falmouth made the concluding prayer.

March 24. Stayed the Chh. after Meeting, & communicated the request of Wid. Ruth Luce to be dismissed from this chh, & recommended to the 3^d chh. The chh. Voted to comply with her request.

May. 2. After Lecture, semiannual church meeting. Conversed on several subjects relative to the object of this meeting. But without passing any votes dissolved the meeting.

July 28. Stayed the chh. after divine Service, & communicated to them the request of E. Stevens to be dismissed from this church & recommended to the third. But on account of some misunderstanding between her & her brother Dr Thacher Voted, That the Pastor, Dea Crombie & Dr Cotton be a Committee to wait on her, & endeavor effect a reconciliation [24] 1805 Continued

Aug^t 25. Stayed the chh, after divine service & inform them, that their committee appointed to wait on Sister Stevens had done it, & had effected the object for wh they were appointed. And agreeable to her request,

Voted, That she be dismissed from her special relation to this chh, & recommended to the third.

1807 Jan. 11. Stayed the Chh. & communicated the request of Eliz^beth Torrey to remove her relation from this to the 3^d Chh. in Plymouth. And

Voted, That she be dismissed from her special relation to this Chh, & recommended to the 3. Chh.

Aug^t 2. Stayed the chh, & communicated to them an application of Cap^t Jesse Churchill to have his relation with the chh renewed. Adjourned the consideration of the subject to the 3^rd Sept. after communion lecture.

Sep^t 3^rd After divine Service took up the subject of Capt J. Churchill’s application, & chuse a committee of five to confer with him: Viz. Dea. Spooner, Dea. Crombie, Capt. John Paty, Dr Thacher, & brother Ichabud Morton Jun. Adjourned the meeting to the 6th of October.

Sep^t 27. Read a letter from the chh of Christ in Carver to this Chh, requesting their assistance188 attendance at the ordination of Mr John Shaw on the seventh of October.

Voted to comply with this request, & that brother Benj^a Whiting be the delegate to represent the chh. [25] 1807

Oct. 7. Agreeably to the preceeding votes, attended in council at Carver, when the Rev. John Shaw was solemnly ordained over s^d chh & Society. — On wh occasion the Rev. Mr Strong of Randolph made the introductory prayer: Rev. Mr. Niles of Abbington preach[ed] the Sermon; Rev. Mr Everette of Wareham189 made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr. Barker of Middleborough gave the charge; Rev. Mr Judson of Plymouth expressed the fellowship of the chhs; & the pastor of this chh made the concluding prayer.

Oct. 6. Stayed the chh, after quarterly lecture, & heard the report of the committee relative to the request of Cap^t J. Churchill. But on account of a small number being present, adjourned the consideration of the subject until the first Wednesday in Dec.

Oct. 18 Read a letter missive from the West Chh of Christ in Barnstable to this Chh, requesting their assistance at the ordination of Mr Enoch Pratt on the 28^th of Oct.

Voted, To comply with this request; & that brother Dr. Thacher, & brother Dr Rocessiter Cotton, be the delegate to represent the Chh.

Oct. 28. Agreeably to the preceeding vote, attended in council at Mr Bursley’s, Barnstable, when the Rev. Enoch Pratt was solemnly ordained over said Chh & Society. On wh. occasion the Rev. Mr Gurney of Middleborough made the introductory prayer; Rev. Mr Harris of Dorchester preached the sermon; Rev. Dr Sanger of Bridgewater made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Dr Forbes of [26] Raynham delivered the Charge; Rev. Mr Burr of Sandwich expressed the fellowship of the Chhs; & the pastor of this chh. made the concluding prayer.

Dec. 9. 1807 Agreeably to a notification on the Sabbath (the pastor being indisposed the first wednesday) the Chh. met at the house of the pastor; when, after opening the meeting by prayer, the consideration of Cap^t Jesse Churchill’s application & the report of the Chhs Committee were taken up; — after much conversation on the subject, in wh. the brethren generally were of opinion that there was in some respects190 external reformation in Mr Churchill, & expressed their readiness to receive him whenever he should give evidence of a proper temper of mind; yet,

Voted, Unanimously, that they deem it inconsistent & inexpedient to admit him to christian fellowship in any other way, than those persons are admitted, who have had no previous connection with the Chh. viz, by a relation expressive of humility & penetence for past error & sin as well, as sincere desire for admission to the Chh.

Voted, That our Sister Lucy Holmes, the wife of Rev. Caleb Holmes, be dismissed, agreeably to her request, from her special relation to this Chh. & recommended to the Chh of Christ in Dennis.

Voted, That the pastor & Deacons be a Committee to exchange a Tankard bequeathed by the Wid. Desire Mathews to this Chh, & another piece of old plate belonging to the Chh, for such vessel or vessels as they shall think proper for the use of the Communion table.

Voted, That Dea. Crombie provide a table cloth [27] for the use of the Chh, & at their expense. After prayer, dissolved the meeting.

1811 Jan. 20. Lord’s day— Stayed the Chh. after service, & communicated to the brethren the request of Thomas Witherell to be dismissed from his special relation to this chh, & recommended to the 3^d Chh. — As the subject required deliberation, & there not being time to take it up & consider & act upon it, it was Voted, To adjourn the meeting until Wednesday the 23. instant, to meet at the house of the Pastor.

Jan. 23. Meeting of the Chh, agreeable to adjournment. After opening the meeting by prayer, entered upon the consideration of brother Witherell’s request. After a lengthy discussion, conducted with great tenderness & candour, the brethren were of opinion, that the applicant’s past irregularity had been such, as not to justify their giving him a recommendation in the common form. It was therefore Voted unanimously that the following clause, or qualification, be inserted, viz; “And, altho we regret that we are not able to say that his walk has been wholly conformable to his christian profession; Yet such is our hope of his amendment, that he is at this time in full communion & in regular standing with us. As such we commend him to your ch, charity & watchfulness” &c. With this variation from the common form his dismission was Voted unanimously.

Voted, That our brother Ichabud Morton Jur be [28] requested to have an interview with Lemuel Bradford Jur. who it appears was several years since admitted as a member of this chh., &, altho for some time an inhabitant of another part of the State, yet is now a resident in Plym^o; but has not come up to the ordinances. The object of the interview is to inquire into the reasons of this neglect of duty.

Voted, That our brother Benj^a Whiting be requested to converse with our sister Polly Morton, who for some time has not communed with this chh, & learn the reasons of this irregular walk.

Voted. — That there be a semiannual Meeting of this Chh, for the purpose of inquiring into the state of the Chh, &, particularly, learning the necessities, & relieving the wants of those poor members, who are needy & indigent. And that this meeting be on the first tuesday in Jan^y, & on the first tuesday in July; unless circumstances should be such as to render it necessary to have it on some other day. Closed the meeting by prayer, & dissolved.

June 30. Sabbath Day. After divine Service, stayed the Chh. & communicated to the brethren the proceedings of the Pastor relative to Hannah Burbank; wife Nehemiah who, considering herself in her last sickness & nigh unto death, expressed an earnest desire to own the covenant, to receive the elements, & give up her children in baptism; & who, having given satisfaction to the Pastor & some other members of the chh, of her sincerity & faith, & it being apprehended that her life would not continue until a meeting of the chh, could be called, was gratifyed in her desire. The chh, considering her peculiar circumstances approved of the proceedings & voted [29] to receive her as a member in full communion, she being yet living.

Voted, That semiannual meeting of the chh, be on the second tuesday in July instead of the first, on account of the meeting of the Association.

July 9^th Met agreeable to adjournment; & after opening the meeting, received the report of brother Whiting relative to our sister Polly Morton; but the chh not being satisfyed with the reason wh she gave for absenting herself from communion, Voted that Dea. Spooner be added to this committee, & further to converse with her.

Brother Ichabud Morton not being present, no report was received relative to Lemuel Bradford Jur. After conversing on several subjects relative to the interest of religion in the chh, dissolved the meeting.

Aug^t 4. Stayed the Chh. after divine service, & communicated the request of Martha Clarke, who being dangerously sick, requested to own the Covenant, & be admitted as a member in full communion with this chh. Voted unanimously to comply with her request.

Sep^t 8. Ld’s day, after divine Service, communicated to the Chh. a letter missive from the President & Corporation of Har. Col. requesting their assistance at the ordination of191 Mr Phinehas Fish192 as a missionary over the Indians on the Marshpee Plantation. Voted to comply with the request, contained in this letter, & chose Deaⁿ Spooner, & brother E. S. Goodwin delegates. Accordingly [30] on the 18^th Sept met in council at Marshpee, when Mr Fish was solemnly inducted into the pastoral office in that place. On wh. occasion, Rev. Mr Waterman of Barnstable made the introductory prayer, Rev. Doc^t Kirkland, President of Har. Col. preached a sermon from these words, Thy kingdom come. Rev. Mr Thaxter of Edgarton made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr Simpkins of Brewster gave the charge; the pastor of this Chh gave the right hand; Rev. Mr Pratt of Barnstable, west parish, made the concluding prayer.

Jan. 6. 1812. A Semiannual meeting of the Chh. was held agreeably to notice given the preceeding sabbath. Agreeably to the request of some of the members, it was proposed for the consideration of the Chh.193 to omit the administration of the ordinance in the winter, & to have the communion more frequently in the milder seasons. But some of the members preferring the present arrangement, it was concluded to remain in usual practice of the chh.

Brother Ichabud Morton, agreeable to the request of the Chh, reported that he had an interview Lemuel Bradford Jun on the subject of his not coming up to the ordinance; & that his apology was, that he was afraid that he had been too hasty in making a profession, & was unfit to commune at the table. But that soon after this interview, he left the town, to reside in Portland.

Voted to adjourn this meeting to first tuesday in Feb. for the purpose of making choice of a Deacon in the room of Dea. Bishop resigned some years since; now rendered more necessary by the indisposition & confinement of Dea. Crombie. [31]

1812 Feb. 4. The Chh. met agreeable to adjournment at the house of the Pastor. After opening the meeting by prayer to God for his direction & blessing, Voted, unanimously, that they would now proceed to make choice of a Deaⁿ to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Deaⁿ Bishop. On collecting & counting the Votes, it appeared that brother Lem^l Drew was chosen almost by a unanimous Vote. There being only one vote for brother Rosserter Cotton, & one for brother Nath^l Russell. May a divine blessing accompany this solemn transaction, wh, was conducted with great harmony & unanimity by the chh. The meeting was dissolved & concluded with a prayer.

July 7. A semiannual meeting of the chh. was held, agreeable to notice given the preceeding sabbath. At the request of Lydia Barrow, formerly Ellis, the chh, voted to dismiss her from her special relation to the this chh, & recommend her to the chh of Christ in Middleboro, of wh, Mr Crafts is minister. After conversing on some other subjects relating to the interest of the chh. the meeting was dissolved.

Dec. 20. Stayed the chh, after divine service, & communicated the request of W^m Clarke, who had been propounded on the same day, to be admitted into the Chh, & baptized in his own house, on account of his extreme deafness.

Voted, That his request be complyed with, & that the tuesday following be the day for this service. [32]

1813194 Jan. 5. — Being quarterly Lecture, the Chh, met after service to attend their Stated Semiannual meeting; but, the afternoon being far spent, concluded to adjourn to the following tuesday at half past two o’clock P. M.

Jan^y 12. Met agreeable to adjournment, & after opening the meeting by prayer, proceeded to the business of the meeting. It appeared that our Sister Polly Clark, formerly Morton, continued to absent herself from the worship & communion of this chh, contrary to her covenant engagement without having satisfyed the Chh for her conduct — therefore,

Voted, That brothers Deacon Spooner & Lemuel Simmonds be a committee to have an interview with her, & to learn the reasons for her continuing to absent herself, & to report to the pastor.

As a contribution for the poor members of the chh, was one object of the meeting, between 23 & 24 dollars in money & other articles were contributed for this purpose.

Closed the meeting by prayer.

March. 7. Lord’s day, after divine Service, communicated at letter from the first Parish & Chh. in Sandwich to this Chh, requesting their attendance & assistance at the ordination of Mr Ezra S. Goodwin on195 the seventeenth instant to the work of the gospel ministry in that place.

Voted. That the Chh, comply with this request; & that brother Nath^l Russell be the Delegate, to represent the Chh. [33] 1813

March 20. Reverend Ezra S. Goodwin was ordained over the first Parish & Chh, in Sandwich, on the 17^th instant; on wh, occasion the Rev. Mr Gurney made the introductory prayer; the Rev. W^m Shaw preached from 1 Tim. 4.16: the Pastor this Chh, made the consecrating prayer; the Rev. Dr Sanger gave the Charge; the Rev. Mr. Fish expressed the fellowship of the chhs. the Rev. Mr Simpkins made the concluding prayer.

1814 Jan. 3. Notified the Society of the quarterly lecture & of the semi meeting of the chh. immediately after.

Jan. 5. Attended lecture in the School house on account of the severity of the weather. But few of the brethren being present, the chh. meeting was postponed to a future day.

Jan. 30. Lords day. Notified the chh, that there would be a meeting of the brethren on monday following at 3 o’clock at the house of the Pastor.

Jan. 31. Met agreeably to notification. The meeting was opened by. prayer. Communicated to the Chh, a letter from the Hon^ble Judge Davis relative to the N. England’s Memorial; in which he states, that, from various avocations & engagements, he had been unable to complete his intentions [34] of preparing for196 the press & printing a new edition of the Memorial as he had proposed to the chh. some years since, (see page 17197) That Mr A very had lately conversed with him respecting reprinting the Memorial, & that they had concluded the work should be published under his direction. That an extract from the first Vol. of Chh. records should be attached to the N. E.s Memorial as an appendix making over 100 pages. That he had stipulated with Mr. Avery that the First Chh. in Plymouth should have the benefit of the copy right, if they chose to have any participation in this edition; expressing “a wish that the proceeds, whatever they may be, be put to interest — the Income to be applied by the officers of the Chh, for the relief of the poor of the Chh.”

After some conversation on the expediency of accepting this proposal, Voted, — That Deaⁿ Spooner, Gen. Goodwin, Capt Russell & Dr Thacher with the Pastor be a Committee to make such an arrangement relative to the copyright with Mr Avery as should be most for the interest of the chh.

Dea. Spooner & brother Simmonds, who had been appointed at a former meeting as a committee to call on our sister Polly Clarke, & inquire into the cause [35] of her absenting herself from the communion & worship of this Chh, & Society, after having been repeatedly reproved for her misconduct in this respect, reported, that they had performed the duty assigned them — that the offender appeared to be convinced of her irregular198 conduct in withdrawing from the communion in the manner she had done, altho’ she tho’t she could worship to more edification elsewhere; & manifested a disposition to make suitable satisfaction to the chh, & said she would take an opportunity & call on the Pastor for this purpose. It appearing that she had not called on the Pastor agreeable to her engagement, therefore, Voted, that the Pastor call upon our Sister Polly Clarke, & inform her that unless she made seasonable & satisfactory199 concessions to the chh, for her disorderly walk, the chh, would be under the necessity of taking some decisive step with respect to her.

Feb. 2. The committee appointed to make an arrangement with Mr Avery relative to the N.E.s Memorial met Mr A. at the house of the Pastor; &, after conversation had with him, agreed to convey to him the copy right of the New Edition of the Memorial with the extract from the Church records on the following conditions, viz. That he should give to the chh. sixty volumes of s^d Memorial neatly [36] bound & lettered, for the first edition provided that not more than 2000 copies be printed; and at the rate of 5 pr cnt. For200 all he should publish over 2000 copies of this edition.201

Feb. 8. It is understood that this conveyance of the copy right by the Committee of the Chh, to Mr Avery is limitted exclusively to the first edition of this new & improved N. England’s Memorial. And as security to Mr Avery the Committee in behalf of the Chh, agree that they will not dispose of, so as to cause to be printed, a second edition so long as s^d Avery shall have 200 copies remaining unsold.

1815. April 30. Sunday after service, notified the Chh, that there would be a meeting of the brethren on the thursday following, immediately after Com. Lecture.

May 4^th Met by appointment at the house of the pastor, & read to the brethren a communication from Jesse Churchill expressive of humility & penitence, & of a desire to be restored to a regular standing in the Chh, & received into christian fellowship & communion. After considering this communication, (wh, may be found among the papers belonging to the chh) & being satisfied from his life & conversation of its sincerity, the Chh,

Voted, unanimously, that agreeably to his request, our brother, Jesse Churchill, be restored202 to a regular standing in the Chh, & received again into our christian fellowship & communion. [37]

1815 June. 25. Stayed the Chh. after divine service, & communicated to the brethren a letter from the Chh. & Society, thro’ their Committee, of the East Parish in Barnstable, requesting their assistance & advice by their pastor & delegate in council, on the 28^th instant, on account of a difficulty subsisting between s^d chh, & Society, & their pastor, the Rev. Jotham Waterman.

Voted to comply with the request contained in the letter missive, & that our brethren, Gen. Goodwin, be the delegate to represent the Chh.

June 28, 29. The council, mutually chosen, met conformably to letters missive, consisting of Rev. Mr Damon of Truro, Rev. Mr Bentley of Salem, Rev. Mr Briggs of Chatham, Rev. Mr Frothingham of Saugus, Rev. Mr Davis of Wellfleet, &203 The Pastor of this Chh with their delegates. Mr Richardson of Hingham was not present. After investigating the grounds of complaint, the chief of wh, was intemperance on the part of Mr Waterman, & the consequent imprudences & irregularities resulting from this habit, & finding the charges supported by creditable witnesses, the council Voted unanimously to recommend an intire dissolution of the pastoral relation between Mr Waterman & his Chh, & Society; & also that Mr Waterman cease from the exercise of his ministerial functions.

Oct. 30. Communicated to the Chh, a letter missive from the East Chh, & Society in Barnstable requesting their assistance at the ordination of Mr Oliver Hayward, their pastor elect, on the 8^th of Nov next Voted to comply with this request, & chose Dr Thacher & W. P. Ripley as delegates. [38]

1815, Nov. 8. Council convened at the East Parish in Barnstable agreeably to letters missive, on which occasion the Rev. Oliver Hayward was solemnly consecrated & ordained as a minister of the gospel over the Chh, & Society in that place. The Introductory prayer was made by the Rev. Mr Davis of Wellfleet; the sermon204 was preached by the pastor of this Chh. from 1. Kings 22.14; Consecrating prayer by Rev. Doct. Allyne of Duxboro’; Charge by Rev. Dr Shaw of Marshfield; Fellowship of the Chhs. was expressed by Rev. Mr Pratt of the West Parish in Barnstable; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Fish of Marshpee.

1816 June 18. Agreeably to notice the preceeding sabbath, the brethren of the Chh, met at the house of the pastor. Opened the meeting by prayer for divine direction & blessing. A proposition was then made to the Chh. to know whether at this time they would come to the choice of a Deacon to supply the place made vacant by the death of Deaⁿ Crombie. After deliberation it was voted to postpone to a future205 meeting filling this vacancy in order by inquiry & consultation it may be done with the greatest possible harmony & unanimity.

The subject of brother Benj^a Whiting’s irregularity & intemperance was then taken up. And it appeared that several brethren of the chh, had repeatedly conversed with him on this painful subject, [39] and had endeavoured to impress on his mind the injury he was doing himself & his family, the wound he was giving to religion, the dishonor he was bringing upon his profession, & the grief he had206 occasioned his brethren. And urged the necessity & importance of a speedy reformation. It appeared also that the pastor had written him to the same effect; but that no evidence had been given of such reformation, but the contrary. It was, therefore,

Voted, that a Committee of two of the brethren be appointed to visit him, & further to remonstrate with him, on the subject of his intemperance, & urge every possible motive to effect his reformation. And that Brother W^m P. Ripley & brother I. Morton be of this committee.

After some further conversation on other subjects relating to the interest of the Chh, Voted to dissolve the Meeting.

1817 Jan. 26. Communicated to the Chh, a letter missive from the Fust Chh, & Society in Marshfield, requesting their assistance by their Pastor & Deligates at the ordination of Mr Martin Parris.

Voted to comply with this request; & that Gen. Goodwin & Capt. N. Russell be the Delegates to represent the Chh.

29. Attended the ordination conformably to the vote of the Chh, when the Rev. M. Parris [40] was solemnly inducted into the Pastoral Office. On wh, occasion the Rev. Mr Thomas of Scituate made the Introductory Prayer; Rev. Mr Willis of Kingston preached the Sermon; the Pastor of this Chh. made the consecrating Prayer; Rev. Dr Allyn of Duxboro’207 delivered the Charge; Rev. Mr Leonard of Marshfield expressed the fellowship of the Chhs. and the Rev. Mr Richmond of Halafax made the concluding Prayer.

1818 Jan. 25. Stayed the chh, after divine service, and communicated208 to them the request of Sarah Bartlett, the wife of Freeman B. to be dismissed from her special relation to this chh, & recommended to the third Chh, in Plymouth. But not feeling satisfied with her reasons for this request, & not entirely with her conduct, in absenting herself from communion, when able to attend worship in another society in town, it was Voted, to postpone the consideration of her request until the first tuesday in209 February, to wh, time the meeting was adjourned.

Feb. 3. Met agreeable to adjournment; after opening the meeting by prayer for divine guidance & direction; the request of S. Bartlett was again deliberated upon; And it was deemed expedient to choose a committee to wait upon her, & ascertain the precise grounds of her request. Accordingly it was voted, That the Pastor, Deaⁿ Drew, & brother W^m P. Ripley be of this committee. The meeting was then dissolved, being concluded with prayer. [41]

March 5. — The Chh, met agreeably to notice given the preceeding sabbath. After opening the meeting by prayer, the Committee appointed for the purpose informed the Chh, that they had an interview with Sarah Bartlett; & that there appeared to be a general dissatisfaction in her mind both towards the Pastor & Chh; but that this dissatisfaction in their opinion was occasioned more by the interference of others connected with her own infirmities (being very deaf) than any true & reasonable grounds. But that there appeared to be no hope of doing away these prejudices so as to satisfy her with remaining in connection with this Chh. There being some peculiarities in the case, & it being deemed improper & irregular to give her a dismission & recommendation under existing circumstances — & not having made up their minds with respect to the proper course210 to be taken — it was voted to adjourn the meeting until monday next, March the 9^th, with a view in the first place of making choice of a Deaⁿ to fill the place made vacant by the death of Deaⁿ Crombie.

March 9^th The brethren met agreeably to adjournment. After opening the meeting & addressing the throne of grace for divine guidance & direction, it was voted that the Chh at this time make a choice of a Deaⁿ to fill the office made vacant by the death of Deaⁿ Crombie. On collecting & counting the votes it appeared that brother William P. Ripley was unanimously chosen. May a divine blessing follow this solemn transaction, conducted with so much unanimity and harmony by the brethren. [42]

The case of Mrs Bartlett was then taken up. After due & mature deliberation, it was Voted unanimously as the first proper step to be taken in this case, that she be requested to make a written acknowledgement to the Chh, for her irregular and improper conduct in absenting herself not211 only from public worship, but from the Lord’s table, at a time when she was able to attend public worship at another Society in town equally distant, & before she had applyed for a dismission & recommendation.212

In order to avoid perplexity & embarrassment on any future application of this kind, & to prevent being pressed for a hasty decision by any particular regulation of any other Chh. it was voted to adopt the following as a rule of proceeding. That on application being made for a dismission from this Chh, with a view to join some other Chh, that the Church will grant a dismission only, unless the distance of removal be so great as to render it necessary and proper that a recommendation be added for the purpose of giving information respecting the character of the applicant. [It was understood that this rule was not to apply to the case of Mrs Bartlett.]213

Sally Kendall, the wife of the Pastor of this Chh, being dismissed from the Chh, in Templeton & recommended to our christian fellowship & communion, it was unanimously Voted that she be admitted as a member in regular standing & in full Communion with this Chh. The meeting was then dissolved, being closed with prayer. [43]

March. 15. At a meeting of the Chh, immediately after divine service — informed the brethren that Sarah Bartlett declined acknowledging any irregularity or impropriety of conduct in absenting herself from the Communion as stated at a former meeting, because she did not feel conscious of any; and requested, if the Chh, could not consistently give her a recommendation, that they would grant her a dismission without it. The brethren, tho’ satisfied that her conduct in this respect was irregular & improper, were nevertheless willing to comply with her request as far as they could consistently, choosing rather to dismiss her, than to detain her contrary to her desire. Accordingly it was

Voted, that Sarah Bartlett, the Wife of Freeman Bartlett, at her particular request, be dismissed from her special relation to this Chh. with a view to connect herself with the third Chh. in Ply.

Nov. 29. Stayed the chh, after divine service, & communicated to the brethren a letter from Mary Clark, expressive of her sense of the irregularity & impropriety of her conduct in absenting from their Communion & worship without a regular application for her dismission from the chh. & asking the brethren to forgive her & consider in regular standing, as her conduct in this particular resulted from want of consideration rather than an intention to give offence or violated her covenant. The Chh, Voted, in consideration of this214 acknowledgment [44] to forgive her, & consider in regular standing. This acknowledgment was accompanied by a request to be dismissed from her special relation to this chh, with a view to join the Chh, in Eel River. But the consideration of this request was postponed to a future meeting of the Chh.

Dec. 6.215 Stayed the Chh after service with a view to take up the subject of Mary Clark’s request.

In consideration of the circumstances of Eel River being the place of her expected residence & the convenience of her worshipping with the Society now organized & established there, it was

Voted unanimously that our Sister Mary Clark, now a member in regular standing with us, be dismissed at her particular request from her special relation to this Chh, with a view to join the 4^th Chh of Christ in Plymouth.

1821 May 21. At a special meeting of the brethren of the Chh, at the house of the Pastor, communicated a letter from the Hon^ble Judge Davis, suggesting for the consideration of the Chh, the expediency of transferring the Copy right of the New England’s Memorial, of which they had become the rightful owners by a gratuitous proposal of the Judge, to the Pilgrim Society as having peculiar relations to a work of this kind [45] and affording more extensive patronage; intimating, at the same time, that the transfer be made on such terms as to secure to the Chh, the same profit for every future edition, wh, they are now to receive216 for the first edition by the arrangement with Mr Avery. (See page 35217) After being made acquainted with the reasons & motives for vesting the copy right in the Pilgrim Society, & ascertaining the Judge’s wishes respecting it;

Voted, unanimously, that this Chh, relinquish their claim to the copy right of the New England’s Memorial, & transfer the same to the Trustees of the Pilgrim Society; if they choose to accept it on terms similar to those agreed upon between Mr Avery & a committee of the Chh, for the edition now printing & soon to be published.

Voted, also, that brothers, Dr Thacher & N. Russell with the Pastor, the surviving members of the Committee who made the arrangement with Mr Avery, be a Committee for making the necessary arrangements with the Trustees of the Pilgrim Society.

It was likewise Voted that the thanks of the Chh, be presented to the Hon^ble Judge Davis for the interest he has taken in the first Chh, & the liberal donation he has made & provided for the benefit of the poor of the Chh. [46]

1821. Aug^t.12.218 After divine Service communicated a letter missive from the Chh in Wareham requesting our assistance at the ordination of Mr Hemenway on the 29^th instant over the Chh, & Society in that place. Voted to comply with their request, & chose Brother Simeon Dyke, delegate.

29. The Council met at the house of Mr219 Everett, agreeable to assignment: But in consequence of the extraordinary & unprecedented proceedings of the Council, relative to Rev. Mr Goodwin of Sandwich & his Chh, in voting that he was not the Pastor of a regular Chh, & of course had no220 right to assist in Council — The Pastor of this Chh, having protested against this proceeding as unjust & oppressive as respected Mr Goodwin, & as a violation of the rights of the Chh, & Society in Wareham, who had invited him, & by their letter missive, given him a right to a seat in council,221 decline officiating as Scribe of the Council, or taking any part in the transactions of the day. The Candidate was, however, ordained.

Sept. 2. Sabbath, after divine service, communicated a letter from the Chh, & Society in the South Parish in Bridgwater, requesting the assistance of this Chh. on the 12^th instant at the ordination of Mr Richard M. Hodges their pastor elect.

Voted to comply with this request, & chose brother Dr N. Hayward, delegate. [47]

1821 Sept. 9. Sabbath after divine Service communicated a letter from the religious Society in the East Parish in Bridgewater, requesting the assistance of this Chh, on the 19^th inst. at the ordination of Mr Benjamin Fessenden.

Voted, to comply with the request, & chose brother John B. Thomas delegate.

Sept. 12.222 Attended the ordination at South Bridgwater, agreeably to the Vote of the Chh. when the Rev. Mr Hodges was solemnly inducted into the Pastoral office. On wh. occasion the Rev. Mr Sanger of Dover made the introductory prayer; Rev. Mr Lowell of Boston preached the sermon: Rev. Dr Harris of Dorchester made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Dr. Prince of Salem gave the charge; Rev. Mr Briggs of Lexington expressed the Fellowship of the Chhs; & the Rev. Mr Palfrey of Boston made the concluding prayer.

Sept. 19. Attended the ordination at the East of Bridgwater, when the Rev. Mr Fessenden was solemnly inducted into the pastoral office. On wh. occasion Rev. Mr Allen of Pembroke made the introductory prayer; Rev. Mr Ware of Boston preached the Sermon; Rev. Mr Clark of Norton made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Dr Ware, Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, gave the charge; the Pastor of this chh, expressed the Fellowship of the chhs; & the Rev. Mr Barstow of223 Hanson made the concluding prayer.

Nov. 18. Sabbath after divine Service communicated a letter from the Chh in Monument Ponds, requested the assistance of the Pastor & a delegate to assist at the ordination of Mr Bushnell their Pastor elect on the 21^st instant. Voted to comply with this request, & that Dea. W. P. Ripley be the Deligate to represent the Chh. [48]

Nov. 21. The Council met agreeable to appointment, on wh, occasion, the Mr Bushnell224 was solemnly consecrated to the work of the ministry in that place. Rev. Mr Torrey of Plymouth made the first prayer, & preached the sermon; the pastor of this Chh, made the consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr Cobb of Rochester225 gave the charge; Rev. Mr Hunn of Sandwich gave the Right Hand; Rev. Mr Holmes of N. Bedford, tho’ not of the Council, was requested to make the concluding prayer.

1822. Jan^y 11. Received the following Note from Dr. Z. Bartlett inclosing two votes of the Trustees of the Pilgrim Society relative to the transfer of the Copy right of the New England’s Memorial from the first Church to that Society. (See page 44.45226)

Jan^y 14. The committee of the Chh, met at Dr Bartlett’s agreeable to his proposal, & agreed on the mode of transferring the Copy right of N. England’s Memorial, of wh, the following is a copy.

March 24. Sabbath, after public service — Notified the brethren of the Chh. that there would be meeting of the brethren on tuesday evening following at the house of the Pastor, principally for the purpose of choosing a Deaⁿ to fill the vacancy occasioned by the234 the death of Deaⁿ Spooner.

March 26.235 Met agreeable to the above notice. The meeting was opened by prayer. [51] The brethren concluded that they would come to the choice of a Deacon this evening. After considerable delay, occasioned by a disaffected brother’s introducing a subject of controversy — relative to the doctrine of the Trinity; the brethren proceeded to bring in their votes for a Deacon. On counting them, it appeared that brother Rosseter Cotton was unanimously chosen to fill that office. And he consented to accept the appointment. An236 application had been made by two or three members to be dismissed from their relation to this Chh, with a view to join the third Chh. in Plymouth. But the evening being spent it was, voted to adjourn the meeting three weeks, to tuesday evening, the 16^th of April.

April. 16. Met agreeable to adjournment. After opening the meeting by prayer; the request of the wid. Phebe Cotton & Priscilla Sampson, wife of Capt John Sampson was taken under consideration. And after due237 deliberation it was

Voted, that our Sisters, Phebe Cotton & Priscilla Sampson, members of this Chh, & in regular standing, at then particular request be dismissed from their special relation to us, with a view238 & intention of connecting themselves with the third Chh, of Christ in Plymouth.

The brethren also consented, that our brother Ichabud Morton, who had requested a dismission, should be included in this Vote, provided that he had made a selection of the Chh, with wh, he wished to be connected.

The meeting was then dissolved. [52]

1823 May 4. Stayed the Church after divine Service & communicated a letter from the Pastor & Church of the first congregational Society in New Bedford, requesting the advice239 & assistance of this Church by the Pastor & delegate to unite in Council relative to the dissolution of the connexion between the Rev. Mr Whitaker & the Chh, & Society of wh he is pastor.

Voted to comply with this request on the contingency that the Pastor should not be prevented240 from attending on account of sickness in the parish.

July. 6. Notified the brethren of the Chh, after divine service, of a meeting of the241 Chh, on wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock at the house of the Pastor.

July. 9. Met accordingly. Stated to the brethren, that the principle object for wh, the meeting was called was to consider the expediency of altering the terms or conditions of becoming members of the Chh, & enjoying Christian privileges; & in order to render them more conformable to the242 requirements of the gospel, more agreeable to Apostolic practice, & more in accordance with the usuage of this ancient Chh, for 175 years. It appeared that in the year 1795 a departure from the ancient usuage of the Chh, was introduced, by adopting a written creed or confession * wh, was thought

[53] to be a condition of admition to christian ordinances not warranted by Ch, or his Apostles, & not promotive of the increase & prosperity of the Chh. That it was243 in fact a departure from the practice of this Chh from the time of our forefathers, & from the first principle244 of protestanism — wh, is a sufficiency of the holy scriptures for all the purposes of faith & practice. Instead, therefore, of continuing to make a publick acknowledgement of this creed a condition of enjoying ch-fellowship & communion in future it was Voted, unanimously, to return to the former practice of this Chh, in this respect, & adopt the Covenant * made use of by the Chh, previous to the year 1795. The following is the original.

It was also, voted that written relations as they are called, should no longer be required as a term of admition to Christian ordinances; but that it should be optional with the applicant to communicate his request in writing, or verbally through the Pastor.

With respect to Mercy W. Bramhall, who from religious scruples, had withdrawn herself from our Communion for some time, & even from worshipping with us, without applying for any dismission from the Chh, it was

Voted, that whereas Mercy W. Bramhall has with drawn herself from our Communion & fellowship [55] We as a chh. withdraw our special care & watchfulness over her.

This meeting was closed as it was begun with prayer.

Dec. 6. After divine service, communicated to the Chh, a letter from the First Congregational Chh, & Society in New Bedford, requesting the assistance of Pastor & Delegates from this Chh. at the ordination of251 Mr Orville Dewey, on the 17^th instant.

Voted, to comply with the request contained in the above letter missive, & chose Deaⁿ Cotton & Capt. N. Russell delegates to represent the Chh.

Dec. 17. The council covened agreeably to letters missive when Mr O. Dewey was solemnly consecrated to the Pastoral office over s^d Chh, & Society. On this occasion the Introductory prayer was made by Rev^d Mr Goodwin of Sandwich; the Sermon preached by Rev^d Mr Tuckerman of Chelsea; the Consecrating prayer was offered by Rev^d Mr Ripley of Waltham; the Charge was delivered by the Pastor of this Chh; the Right Hand of Fellowship by the Rev^d Mr May of Brooklyn, in Connecticut: & the concluding prayer by Rev^d Mr Swift of Nantucket.

1824 Sept. 26. After divine service communicated a letter missive from the East Chh. in Barnstable to this Chh, requesting our Assistance by Pastor & delegates at Ordination of Mr Henry Hersey on the 6^th of Oct. Voted. To comply with request & chose Dr J. Thacher and Dea. W^m P. Ripley delegates.

Oct. 6. The council convened agreeably to letters missive when Mr H. Hersey was solemnly consecrated to the Pastoral office over s^d Chh, & Society. Introductory Prayer by Rev. Mr Brooks of Hingham; Sermon by Rev. Mr Palfrey of Brattle Street Chh, Boston; [56] Consecrating in prayer by the Pastor of this Chh.; Charge by Rev. Dr Lowell of West Chh. Boston; right Hand by Rev. Mr Gannett of Federal Street Chh, Boston; Address to the Chh, & Society by Rev. Mr Goodwin of Sandwich; Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr Swift of Nantucket.

1825 Jan^y 30. Communicated to the chh, a letter missive from the Chh, in Barton Square, Salem, requesting our advice & assistance in council at the Installation252 of Rev. Henry Colman over the religious Society in that place.

Voted to comply with this request, & chose253 brother Nath^l Russell as a delegate.

Also notified the brethren of a chh, meeting at the house of the Pastor on tuesday following.

Fev.254 1. The brethren met accordingly. The meeting was opened by prayer. Then took into consideration the request of Nancy Brewster and Lucy Nicolson to be dismissed from their relation to this Chh. The brethren, having respect to the rights of conscience, & disposed to treat with tenderness those whom they considered under the influence of error, prepossession, & prejudice, Voted to comply with their request. After due deliberation, and considering that the applicants for255 some time had voluntarily absented themselves from our christian fellowship & communion, the brethren directed that the following should be the form of the certificate to be delivered to them.

The Chh, also Voted, that the ancient Communion [57] furniture belonging to this Chh, the place258 of which has been supplyed259 by the purchase of new furniture,260 be presented to the 4^th Chh, for their acceptance & use, and that the Pastor & Deaⁿ Ripley communicate this Vote.

The meeting was then closed with prayer.

1826 Jan^y 8. Lord’s Day, after service communicated a letter missive from the 2^d Chh. in Plymouth, requesting the assistance of this Chh. with their Pastor & deligate at the ordination of Mr Joshua Barrett over s^d Chh, & Society on the 11^th instant.

Voted to comply with their request & chose261 Dean W^m P. Ripley as deligate.

Jan. 11. The council meet at the time & place appointed, when the Pastor elect was solemnly consecrated to the work of the christian ministry, & ordained over the 2^d Chh, & Society in Plymouth. On wh, occasion, the Rev^d Mr Fish of Marshpee made the introductory prayer; Rev. Mr Pratt of Barstable preached the sermon; the Pastor of this Chh, made the Ordaining prayer; the Rev. Mr Dexter of Plymton delivered the Charge; the Rev. Mr Whitmore expressed the Fellowship of the Chhs.; the Rev. Mr Fish addressed the People of the Society; and Rev. Mr Pratt made the concluding Prayer.

June 4. Lord’s day, after service, communicated a letter missive from the first Congregational Chh, & Society in Duxbury,262 inviting the aid of this Chh, by their Pastor & Deligate at the ordination of Mr Benj^a Kent as Colleague Pastor with Dr Allyn over said Chh & Society on the 7^th inst. Voted to comply with their request, & chose Dr N. Hayward as Deligate.

June 7. The council convened at the time & place appointed, when the Pastor elect was solemnly consecrated to the work [58] of the Christian ministry, & ordained over the first Congregational Chh, & Society in Duxbury as Colleague Pastor with Rev. Dr Allyn.

Oct. 8. Sabbath after service, communicated a letter missive from the first Congregational Chh, & Society in East Bridgewater, requesting the aid of this Chh, by their Pastor & Deligate, at the ordination of Mr John D. Williams over said Chh & Soc. on the 18^th instant.

Voted. To comply with this request; — And that brother Nath^l Russell be the Deligate to represent the Chh.

Oct. 18. Council convened at the time & place appointed, when the Pastor elect was Solemnly consecrated to the work of the christian ministry in that place. The introductory prayer & reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Dr Lowell; Sermon by Rev. Dr Porter; Consecrating prayer by Rev. Dr. Willard; Charge by the Pastor of this Church; Fellowship of the Churches by Rev. Mr Hodges; Address to the people by Rev. Mr Clark; concluding prayer by Rev.263 Dr Reed.

Oct. 22. Sabbath after Service communicated a264 Letter missive from the Church & Society in Hanson, requesting the aid of this Chh, by their Pastor & Delegate on the 25 inst. at the ordination of Mr Freeman P Howland over265 said Chh, & Society.

Voted — To comply with this request;— and that Deaⁿ R. Cotton be the Delegate to represent the Chh.

Oct. 25. The Council convened at the time & place appointed the Pastor elect was solemnly consecrated to the work of the ch, minister & ordained over the Chh, & Society in that place. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Eaton of Middleboro’, Sermon by Rev. Sylvester Holmes of N. Bedford; Consecrating prayer by the Pastor of this Chh; Charge by Rev. Mr Willis; Right hand by Rev. Mr Huntington; Address by Rev. Mr Hitchlock; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Thomas of Abbington. [59]

1827.266 Dec. 21 Communicated a letter missive from the Chh, and Society in Littleton267 requesting the aid of this Chh, by their Pastor & deligate at the ordination of Mr W^m H. White268 over said Chh, & Society on the 2 Jan^y next.

Voted — To comply with their request, & chose brother Nath^l Russell as deligate.

1828 Jan^y 2. The Council269 convened at the time & place appointed, and the Pastor elect was solemnly consecrated to the work of the christian ministry, and ordained over the chh, & Society in that town. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Blanchard of Harvard; Sermon by Rev. Dr Thayer of Lancaster; Ordaining prayer by the Pastor of this Chh; Charge by Rev. Dr Lowell of Boston; Right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Stetson of Medford; Address to the people by Rev. Mr Allen of Bolton; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Robinson of Groton.

1828. June 8. Lord’s day, after service, communicated a letter missive from the 2^d Congregational unitarian Society in N. York, requesting the aid of this Chh, by their Pastor and deligate at the Ordination of Mr W^m Parsons Lunt over said Society on the 19^th instant. Voted to comply with this request, & brother Joseph Bartlett was appointed deligate.270

The council convened at the time & place appointed when the Pastor elect was solemnly Consecrated to the work of the Christian ministry, and271 ordained over said Chh, & Society.

Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Pierpont of Boston: Sermon by Rev. Mr Greenwood [60] of Boston: Consecrating prayer by the Pastor of this Chh; Charge by Rev. Mr Frothingham of Boston: Right hand & address to the Society by Rev. Mr Ware of N. York: Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Parkman of Boston.

Nov. 16. — Lord’s day, after service, communicated a Letter Missive from the 1^st Congregational Chh, & Society in East Bridge water, requesting the assistance of this Chh, by their Pastor and Deligate at the Ordination of Mr Eliphalet P. Crafts over said Chh, & Society on the 19^th inst. Voted to comply with this request; and that272 Dea. W^m P. Ripley be the Deligate to represent the chh.

The council convened at the time & place appointed, when the Pastor elect was solemnly consecrated to the work of the christian ministry, and ordained over said chh, and Society. — On which occasion the Introductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures was performed by Rev. Mr Brooks of Hingham; Sermon by Rev. Mr Barrett of Boston, from 2 Cor. 6. 1; Consecrating Prayer by Rev. Dr Porter of Roxbury; Charge by Rev. Mr Clark of Norton; Right hand by Rev. Mr Gouldsbury of North Bridgewater; Address to the people by Rev. Mr Huntoon of Canton; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Kent of Duxbury.

1829. Jan^y 4 — Stayed the Chh, after public Service, & communicated a letter missive from the first Congregational Society in Kingston inviting this Chh, with their Pastor & delegate to assist in the Ordination of Mr Jonathan Cole on the 21^st instant. Voted to comply with this request & chose brother Nathaniel Russell as a Delegate.

Also: Voted, unanimously to dispense with the [61] customary form of taken273 a vote, when a person is admitted to the Chh, who had stood propounded the usual time & no objections made to their being received into ch, Fellowship and communion.

Jan^y 21. The Council convened at 9 o’clock A M at the house of Rev. Mr Willis; and, after attending to the proceedings of the Society relative to the Senior Pastor, & also to their invitation given to the Pastor elect & his answer and being satisfied, from the credentials exhibited274 with the character & qualifications of the Candidate, Voted that they were ready, and did proceed to ordination. On which occasion, the Introductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures was performed by Rev. Mr Robinson of Groton; Sermon by Rev. Mr Brazer of Salem, from Rom. 12. 11. “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Prayer of Ordination by the Pastor of this Chh; Charge by Rev. Mr Willis, senior Pastor; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Farley of Providence; — Address to the people by the Rev. Mr Gannett of Boston; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Hodges of Bridgewater.

1830. Feb.275 7. Communicated a Letter missive from the Congregational Chh, & Society in Concord, Mass; inviting this Chh, by their276 Pastor and deligate to assist in the ordination of Mr Hersey Bradford Goodwin on the 17^th instant, as colleague Pastor with the Rev. Dr. Ripley. Voted, to comply with this request, and that brother Nath^l Russell Jun be the deligate.

Feb. 17. The council convened at the time [62] and place appointed;—and having examined & approved of the proceedings of the Society relative to the invitation given to the Pastor elect, and being satisfied also with the testimonials presented in favour of his character and qualifications for the christian ministry; — the council Voted277 to proceed to ordination. On which occasion the Rev. Mr Francis of Watertown made the Introductory prayer, — Rev. Mr Cole of Kingston, read the Scriptures; — the Pastor of this Church preached the Sermon, from Gal. 1. 11. 12.278 Rev. Mr Ripley of Waltham made the ordaining prayer; Rev. Mr Field of Weston gave the charge; — Rev. Mr Emerson of Boston expressed the Fellowship of the Chhs; — Rev. Mr White of Dedham delivered the Address to the people; Rev. Mr Whitman of Billerica made the concluding prayer.

May 2.279 Communicated a letter missive from the first congregational chh, & society for Sherburne, inviting this chh, by their Pastor and deligate to assist in the ordination of Mr Samuel Clarke, as associate Pastor with the Rev. Mr. Townsend, who from ill health is unable to preach, on the 20^th of May instant.

Voted — to comply with this request. Brother Ichabud Morton was appointed deligate.

May. 20. The council convened at the time and place appointed. And having attended to the proceedings of the chh, & Society relative to the invitation given to the pastor elect; [63] and also to the testimonials in favour of his character and qualifications for the christian ministry — Voted, that they were satisfied, & were ready to proceed to ordination. Introductory prayer was offered by Rev^d Mr Ripley of Waltham; Rev. Mr Thompson of Elliotville, Natick, read selections from the Scriptures; the Pastor of this Chh, preached the sermon, from Acts 3. 26; Rev. Mr Richie280 of Needham made the ordaining prayer; Rev. Dr Pierce of Brookline gave the Charge; Rev. Mr Sanger of Dover expressed the Fellowship of the Churches. Rev. Mr White of Dedham made the concluding prayer.

May 30. Communicated a letter missive from the first Congregational Chh, and Society in Northfield — inviting this Chh, by their Pastor and Delegate to assist in the Ordination of Mr Geo. W. Hosmer as Pastor of s^d Ch, & Society on the 9^th of June. Voted to comply with the request.

June, 9^th The council met at the time and place appointed; and having attended to the proceedings of the Society relative to the invitation given to the Pastor elect — and also to the testimonials in favour of his character & qualifications for the christian ministry — Voted that they were satisfied with the same, & were ready to proceed to ordination. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Cole of Kingston; Reading scriptures by Rev. Mr Whitwell of Walpole, N.H. — Sermon by Rev. Mr Walker of Charlestown; — Consecrating Prayer by the Pastor of this Chh; — Charge by Dr Ripley of Concord; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Goodwin of Concord; — Address to the people by Rev. Mr Ripley of Boston; — Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Ripley of Waltham. [64] Records continued.

1830. Oct. 31. After publick service, communicated a letter missive from the First Congregational Chh. and Society in Medfield, requesting this Chh, by their Pastor and Delegate to meet an Ecclesiastical Council, and assist in the Ordination of Mr James Augustus Kendall, their Pastor elect, on the 10^th of November. Voted, to comply with the request, and Dr N. Hayward was appointed Delegate.

Nov. 10. The Council met at the time and place appointed; Dr Ripley was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Mr Storer Scribe. — and having attended to the proceedings of the Chh, and Society relative to the invitation given to the Pastor elect, and also to the testimonials in favour of his character and qualifications for the christian ministry; — Voted, That they were satisfied with the same, and were ready to proceed to Ordination. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Allen of Northborough; — Reading selections from the scriptures by Rev. Mr Hosmer of Northfield; Sermon281 by the Pastor of this Chh, the father of the Candidate Philip. 4.17.; Ordaining prayer by Dr Ripley of Concord; Charge by Rev Mr Clark of Norton; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Wells of Kennebunk, Maine; Address [65] to the people by Rev. Mr Ripley of Boston; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Clarke of Sherburne.

Nov. 28. Communicated a letter Missive, after publick service, from the First Congregational Chh, and Society in Athol, inviting this Chh, by their Pastor and a Delegate, to join an Ecclesiastical Council, and assist in the Ordination of Mr Josiah Moore, their Pastor elect, on the eight of December. Voted, To accept the invitation: — But on account of the distance and the lateness of the season, though altogether satisfied with the candidate and the proceedings of the Society, the Pastor was excused, at his request, from attending on the occasion.

1831. April. 10. Being the sabbath — the last religious service was performed in the Old Meeting House, by the Pastor: It282 having been decided by a Vote of the Parish, that it was expedient to take it down, and to rebuild. The House had stood 87 years. The text on the occasion was from the prophet Haggai, 2. Chap, and 3^d verse: “Who is left among you, that saw this House in her first glory? And how do you see it now?” The Communion was on the same day. The occasion, from the associations and the tender recollections, that it brought to view, was solemn and interesting. — The monday following, the workmen began to take down the House. [66] Records Continued.

June 2^d — The foundations of the New Church being completed, and preparation for raising the frame of the Building being made — a prayer was offered up, by the Pastor of the Chh, to Almighty God for his assistance, protection and blessing upon this “good work of our hands.”

Dec. 14. The New Church being completed without the slightest accident to the workmen — It was solemnly Dedicated to the worship and service of Almighty God. The following clergimen took part in the services on this interesting occasion. The Rev. Benj^a Kent of Duxbury made the Introductory prayer. Rev. Jonathan Cole of Kingston read selections from the Scriptures. Rev. Ezra S. Goodwin of Sandwich offered the prayer of Dedication. The Pastor of the Church preached the Sermon: Text, Ezra, 6. 16. “And the children of Israel, the priests and Levites — kept the Dedication of this House of God with joy.” — Rev. Charles Brooks of Hingham made the concluding prayer. Benediction by the Pastor.

The sale of the pews was in the afternoon of the day of Dedication. They were all sold, except such as were reserved for the aged & free pews, for a sum sufficient to cover the expense of the New Chh, to pay the pew-holders in the Old house, at the apprized value — and leave a balance of about $25,00. [67] 1831

On the 22^d of Nov. a remarkable circumstance occurred, worthy of being recorded, as an instance of the interposition of Providence in the preservation of lives and property. During a severe tempest, that passed over this region in the morning the New Church was struck by lightning. One of the pinnacles on the North side of the tower received the fluid — the lightning running down to the belldeck room, crossed in a diagonal direction to the South west, till it came in contact with one of the columns — and then passed down the inside of the column to the ground. The pinnacle was destroyed, and the plastering283 forced from the column — and the granite pillar, upon which it rested, was removed. No other damage284 was sustained by the tower; and the body of the building was not injured at all. Although several persons were within the tower at the time, and two in the bell-deck room — yet no one suffered the slightest injury.

May. 13. After public service, communicated a letter from the first Congregational Unitarian Society in Brattleboro’, Vermont — requesting this Chh, by their Pastor and delegate to assist at the Ordination of Mr Addison285 Brown, their Pastor elect, on the 14. June. Voted, to comply with the above request.

June 14. The council Met at the time and place appointed. Rev. Abiel Abbot of Peterboro’ was chosen Moderator — [68] Rev. Josiah Moore of Athol was chosen Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Society, relative to the invitation given to their Pastor elect — and also to his286 testimonials & qualifications for the christian ministry,

Voted that they were satisfied with the same, and were ready to proceed to ordination. The following was the order of exercises on the occasion. Introductory prayer by Mr Rogers of Bernardston; Reading of the Scriptures by Mr Crosby of Charlestown, N.H. — Sermon by Mr Hill of Worcester — Consecrating prayer by the Pastor of this Chh — Charge by Mr Abbot of Peterboro’, N.H. — Fellowship of the Churches by Mr Hosmer of Northfield—Address to the Society by Mr Goodwin of Concord, Mass:—Concluding prayer by Harding of New Salem, Mass: —Benediction by Mr Brown.

1832. Jan^y. Brother Ichabud Morton was chosen Deacon of the Chh.

March. 24. 1833. After publick service, communicated a letter missive from the first congregational Chh, and Society in Taunton, requesting this Chh, by their Pastor and Deligate to assist in the Installation of the reverend Andrew Bigelow, their Pastor elect on the 10^th of April next. Voted to comply with the above request Brother Nath^l Russell Jun. was appointed deligate.

April 10. The Council met at the time and place appointed. Rev. Dr Richmond of Dorchester was chosen Moderator;—Rev. Mr Hall of Providence Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Society [69] relative to the invitation given to their Pastor elect &c Voted that they were satisfied with the same, and were ready to proceed to Installation.

The following was the order of exercises on the occasion. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Stetson of Medford; reading of the scriptures by Rev. Mr Crafts of E. Bridgewater; Sermon by Rev. Mr Brazer of Salem; Prayer of Installation by the Pastor of this Chh; Charge by Rev. Mr Clark of Norton; Fellowship of the Churches by Rev. Mr Hall of Providence; Address to the Society by Rev. Mr. Pierpont of Boston; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Farley of Providence; Benediction by Rev. Mr. Bigelow.

April. 21. After public service, communicated a letter missive from the First Congregational Chh, and Society in Sandwich, requesting the assistance of this Chh, by their Pastor & Deligate, at the Installation of Rev. John M. Merrick, their Pastor elect, on the 1^st of May next. Voted to comply with the above request.

May. 1^st The council convened at the time and place appointed — and was organized by the choice of the Pastor of this Chh. as Moderator, and the rev. Mr Hersey of Barnstable as Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Society relative to their invitation, & the answer of the Pastor elect — and also to the testimonials exhibited in favour of his ministerial character & qualifications Voted, That they were satisfied with the same [70] And were ready to proceed to Installation.

The following was the order of exercises on the Occasion. Introductory prayer & reading selections from the scriptures by Rev. Mr Hersey: — Sermon by Rev. E. S. Gannett, Boston; — prayer of Installation by rev. Mr Swift of Nantucket; Charge by the Moderator; Right hand of fellowship & address to the people by Rev. Mr Sewall of Danverse:— Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Cole of Kingston; — Benediction by the Pastor.

Nov. 3. After public service, communicated a letter missive from the first Congregational Society in Bridgewater, requested the assistance of this Chh, by their Pastor and deligate at the Ordination of Mr Theophilus P. Doggett their pastor elect, on the 13^th inst. Voted. To comply with the above request. Dr Hayward was appointed delegate.

Nov. 13. The Council convened at the time and place appointed — and was organized by choosing the rev: Pitt Clark of Norton, Moderator — and Rev. Mr Edes of Canton Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Society relative to their invitation, & the answer of the Pastor elect, and also to the testimonials exhibited relative to his ministerial character & qualifications — Voted, that they were satisfied with the same, & were ready to proceed to ordination.

The following was287 the order of exercises [71] on the occasion. Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Hodges — Sermon by Rev. Mr Doggett of Raynham, father of the pastor elect — Consecrating prayer by Rev. Dr Lowell of Boston — Charge by Rev. Mr Parkman of Boston — Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Crafts of E. Bridgewater — Address to the Society by Rev. Mr Bigelow of Taunton — Concluding prayer by the pastor of this Chh. Benediction by the Pastor.

Nov. 24. After public service, communicated a letter missive from the 2^d Chh, and Society in Boston requesting the assistance of this Chh, by its Pastor & Deligate, at the Ordination of Mr Chandler Robbins, their Pastor elect, on the 4^th of Dec. next. Voted — To concomply with the request — and Brother B. Hedge was chosen Deligate.

Dec. 4. The Council convened at the time and place appointed — and organized by choosing Dr Packard of Chelmsford, Moderator and Rev. Mr Young of Boston Scribe. Being satisfied with the proceedings of the Society relative to their invitation, &288 the answer of the Pastor elect — and also with the testimonials exhibited in favour of his ministerial character & qualifications — Voted. They were ready to proceed to Ordination.

The following was the order of exercises, on the occasion. Introductory prayer & reading the scriptures by Rev. Mr Pierpont of Boston. [72] Sermon by Professor Henry Ware Jun — Consecrating prayer by the Moderator — Charge by the Pastor of this Church — Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Parkman of Boston — Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Putnam of289 Roxbury.

1834. Feb. 8^th At a regular meeting of the Church, the case of our brother Benj^a Whiting, came under consideration. It having appeared, that, by an acknowled habit of intemperance, he had deprived himself of a regular standing in the Church, and it further having appeared, on satisfactory testimony, that he had reformed, & become exemplary in his christian walk — the following Vote was passed by the brethren — & the Pastor was authorized to furnish him with the subjoined Certificate of his regular standing in the Church.

The following Certificate was authorized by the brethren to be given to brother Whiting.

May, 4^th Communicated a letter of291 the Congregational Church & Society in Duxbury, requesting the presence & assistance of this Chh, by the Pastor & deligate at the installation of Rev. Josiah Moore on the 14^th inst. Voted to comply with the request, & Dea. W^m P. Ripley was appointed the deligate.

The council met at the time & place appointed — and having satisfied themselves of the regularity of the proceedings of the Society [74] Voted, unanimously, that they were ready to proceed to Installation.

The usual services were performed by the following clergimen. Reading the scriptures by Rev. Mr Goodwin of Concord: — First Prayer by Mr Sewall of Scituate: Sermon by Mr Young of Boston: — Prayer of Instalation by the Pastor of this Chh: Charge by Dr Lowell of Boston: Right Hand of Fellowship by Mr Cole of Kingston: Address to the people by Mr Ripley of Waltham: Concluding Prayer by Mr Allen of Pembroke.

Aug^t 3^d Communicated a letter from the First Congregational Society in West Bridgewater, requesting the assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Deligate at the Ordination of Mr Richard Stone, their pastor elect, on the 20^th instant. Voted to comply with then request and Capt. Nath^l Russell was appointed deligate.

The council met at the time & place appointed — And being satisfied with the regularity of the proceedings of the Society — and also with the character & qualifications of the candidate, Voted, unanimously, that they were ready to proceed to Ordination. The services were assigned as follows: Reading the Scriptures, by Rev. Mr Allen of Pembroke; Introductory prayer by Rev. Adin Ballou of Mendon; Sermon by Rev. Jason Whitman of Boston; Consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr Clark of Norton: Charge by the Pastor of this Church; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Bigelow of Taunton; Address [75] to the people by Rev. Mr Doggett of Bridgewater; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Crafts of E. Bridgewater. [76]

1835. May 10. Communicated a letter from the First Congregational Chh. & Society in New Bedford, requesting the assistance of this Chh, by its Pastor & Deligate at the Ordination of Mr Angier,292 their Pastor293 elect, on the 20^th instant. Voted, to comply with the above request, & brother Nath^l Russell was appointed deligated.

June 20. The Council met at the time & place appointed and the preliminary proceedings, Voted, unanimously, that they were ready to proceed to Ordination. The following was the order of the services. Reading the Scriptures after the Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Edes of Nantucket. Sermon by Rev. O. Dewy. Ordaining prayer by Mr Hall of Providence. Charge, by Rev. Mr Greenwood, Boston. Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Mr Robbins of Boston. Address to the people by Rev. Mr Stetson of Medford. Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr Farley of Providence. Benediction, by Mr Angier.

1836. May. 24. Communicated a letter from the First Congregational Chh, & Society in Quincy, requesting the aid of this Chh, by its Pastor & Deligate at the Instalation of Rev. W^m P. Lunt, as Colleague Pastor, with Rev. Mr Whitney, on the 3^d of June next. Voted to comply with the above request.

June 3^d The Council met at the time & place appointed. The following clergimen performed the public services. Introductory Prayer & Reading the Scriptures by Rev. Mr Whitney of Roxbury. Sermon by Rev. Mr Frothingham of Boston. Consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr Whitney, Senior Pastor. Charge by Rev. Dr Parkman, of Boston. [77] Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Cunningham of Dorchester. Address to the people by Rev. Mr Gannett of Boston. Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Farley of Providence.

Oct. 16. Communicated a letter missive from the 2^d Congregational Chh, & Society in Scituate, requested the aid of this Chh, by Pastor & Deligate at the Installation of Rev. Sam^l J. May as their Pastor on the 26^th instant.

Voted — To comply with the above294 request — and brother Nath^l Russell Jun was appointed deligate. The Council convened at the time & place appointed. The following Clergimen took part in the public services. Introductory prayer & Reading Scriptures by Rev. Mr Angier of New Bedford. Sermon by Rev. Mr Francis of Watertown. Prayer of Installation by Rev. Mr Moore of Duxbury. Charge by the Pastor of this Church. Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Sewall of East Scituate. Address to the people by Rev. Mr Hall of Dorchester. Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr Phipps of Cohassett. [78]

June 15, 1837. The brethren of the Chh, agreeable to notice, met at the house of the Pastor: the meeting was opened by prayer. After conversing upon the interests of the Chh, and the best means of promoting its increase and prosperity295 — it was voted, unanimously, to adopt the following Profession & Declaration as the form & condition, in future, of admission to the Chh, and of partaking of the ordinances of the gospel

It is to be optional with the applicant to manifest his or her assent to this profession299 either in public, or to the Pastor in private; — and, by so doing the person is to be recorded & declared to be a member in full Communion with the Chh. This form, being so much in harmony with “the Simplicity that is in Christ” — and so conformable to the primitive practice [79] of the Chh, — it is hoped and believed will tend to remove from the minds of300 sincere and devout persons every reasonable objection against joining the Chh, and availing themselves of the satisfaction and benefit of enjoying the christian Ordinances. May this harmonious proceeding of the brethren301 be followed by the favour and blessing of302 the great Head of the Chh, — and result in the growth & prosperity of our spiritual Zion.

Sept. 17. — Communicated a letter Missive from the Congregational Chh, & Society in East Barnstable, requesting303 the aid of this Chh by Pastor & Deligate at the Ordination of Mr. Geo. W. Woodward as their Minister, on the 27^th inst. Voted to comply with the above request & brother Andrew L. Russell was appointed Delegate.

The Council convened at the time & place appointed. The following Clergimen took part in the public services. Introductory prayer & reading the Scriptures by Rev. Mr Stearns of Dennis. Sermon by Dr Francis of Watertown. Prayer of Consecration by the Pastor of this Chh. Charge by Dr Francis. Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Briggs of Fall River. Address to the people by Rev. Mr Merrick of Sandwich. Concluding prayer by Mr Sears — Candidate. [80]

1838. — Jan^y The following is a record of the proceedings of the First Parish & Church in Plymouth, relative to the Invitation and settlement of Rev. Geo. Ware Briggs as Associate minister with their present Pastor.

Rev. Mr Briggs’ answer to the Invitation of the First Congregational Chh, & Society in Plymouth.

The Churches invited to compose the Council for the Installation of the Rev. George Ware Briggs as Associate Minister with the Rev. Dr Kendall over the First Congregational Church and Society in Plymouth to be convened on Wednesday the third day of January, 1838 — are

The above Churches were generously represented by their Pastors and Delegates — and convened and were organized into an Ecclesiastical Council in the Court House, Jan^y 3^d 1838 — by choosing Rev. Morrel Allen, Moderator — and Rev. Chas. Brooks, Scribe. The meeting of the Council was opened by prayer by the Moderator. The record and documents containing the proceedings of the Church and Parish, relative to the invitation given to Rev. Geo. W. Briggs to settle with them as Associate Minister, were then read, together with his answer and acceptance; — and also Mr Briggs’ communication to the Society in Fall River, with which he had been connected — and their reply to the same. — After attending to these proceedings— and finding them to have been in order, and marked with309 entire harmony, unanimity, and christian feeling, by the parties; — the Council Voted — unanimously, that they were satisfied with the same — and were ready to proceed to the Installation of Mr Briggs. [87]

The following arrangement for the exercises in the Meeting House was made and approved by the Council; — and the services were thus assigned & performed; —

1838.310 May. 6. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Chh, & Society in New Bedford, requesting the presence & aid of this Chh, by its Pastors & Delegates at the Installation of Rev. Ephraim Peabody and Ordination of Mr John H. Morrison on thursday, the 24^th inst.

May, 24. The Council met agreeable to Notice; — and, having attended to the preliminary business— Voted — Unanimously — to proceed to the Installation & Ordination of the Pastors elect. The following Gentlemen took part in the public services: — Introductory prayer and reading the scriptures by Rev. W^m P. Lunt of Quincy. Sermon by Rev. O. Dewey of N.Y. Prayer of Consecration by Rev. Dr Parkman of Boston. Charge by Rev. Abiel Abbot of Peterboro’, N.H. — Right Hand of Fellowship to Mr Peabody by Rev. Geo. Putnam of Roxbury — and to Mr Morrison by Rev. Mr Bartol of Boston. Address311 to the people by Rev. Mr Hall of Providence. Concluding prayer by Rev. G. W. Briggs of Plymouth. Benediction by Rev. E. Peabody of N.B.

Oct. 21. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Chh, & Society in Southboro’, requesting the presence & assistance of this Chh, by its Pastors and delegates, at the Ordination of [89] Mr. William H. Lord on the 31^st instant. Voted — to comply with this request.

Oct. 31. — Met at the time & place appointed. Having organized the council, and attended to the preliminary business — & expressed their satisfaction with the proceedings of the Society and the character & qualifications of the Pastor elect for the gospel ministry, Voted — Unanimously, that they were ready to proceed to his Ordination.

The following Clergimen took part in the exercises: — Introductory prayer and Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Mr Barry of Framingham;— Sermon by Rev. A.312 P. Peabody of Portsmouth, N.H; — Ordaining prayer by the Senior Pastor of this Chh; — Charge by Rev. Mr Clarke of Sherburne; — Right-Hand of Fellowship by the Junior Pastor of this Chh; — Address to the people by Rev. Mr Allen of Northboro’;— Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr Morse of Marlboro’. [90]

1841. Feb. 19^th The brethren of the Church — Met at the house of the senior Pastor. A letter was read from brother I. Morton, requesting to be excused from officiating any longer as Deacon of the Church. It was Voted to accept his resignation.

It was then proposed to chose a substitute to fill his place in the Office of Deacon of the Chh. After some consultation — it was Voted to postpone the meeting indefinitely — for the purpose of selecting and agreeing on some suitable person among the brethren, who might be willing to accept the office, if chosen.

1842. Jan. 30. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Society in Pembroke, requesting the presence and assistance of this Chh, by its Pastors and delegate at the Instalation of Rev. Joshua Chandler, on the 9^th of Feb^y. Voted to comply with this request — and chose brother Jacob. H. Loud as Deligate.

Feb. 9^th Met at the time and place appointed. the Council was organized by choosing the Senior Pastor of this Chh, Moderator — [91] and Rev. Geo. W. Briggs, Junior Pastor Scribe. Having attended to the preliminary business — and expressed their satisfaction with the proceedings of the Chh, & Society, and also with the qualifications of the Pastor elect for the christian Ministry — the Council Voted — unanimously that they were ready to proceed to his Installation.

The following Clergimen took part in the exercises: — Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr Sweet of Kingston. Reading selections from the Scriptures, by Rev. Geo. Leonard, of N. Marshfield. Sermon by Rev. S. Barrett of Boston. Prayer of Instalation by Rev. Mr Richardson of Hingham. Charge by the Senior Pastor of this Chh. Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr Moore of Duxbury. Address to the people by Rev. M. Allen former Pastor. Concluding prayer, by Rev. Geo. W. Briggs. Benediction by Rev. J. Chandler.

Oct. 23. Communicated a letter Missive from the First Congregational Society in Cohasset, requesting the assistance of this Chh, by its Pastors & delegate at the Ordination of Mr Joseph Osgood on the 26^th inst. Voted — to comply with this request.

The council met at the time & place [92] appointed, — and was organized to choosing Rev. E. Q. Sewall Moderator &

Having attended to the proceedings of the Chh, & Society, relative to the Invitation of Mr Osgood — & expressed their satisfaction with the same — & also with the qualifications of the Pastor elect for the christian ministry — the Council Voted — Unanimously that they were ready to proceed to Ordination.

The following clergimen took part in the exercises. Introductory prayer and selections from the scriptures by Rev. G. W. Briggs. — Sermon by F. T. Gray. Prayer of Ordination by Rev. Josiah Moore. Charge by the Moderator. Right hand of Fellowship by Rev. Fred^k D. Huntingdon. Address to the Society by Rev. C. Robbins. Concluding prayer by Rev. O. Stearns. Benediction by the Pastor.

Oct. 23. — On the evening after the sabbath the brethren met at the house of the Senior Pastor — when a letter from brother Ichabud Morton was read, requesting that his connexion with this Chh, might be dissolved. It was Voted that his request be complyed with. It was also Voted — That the thanks of the members of the Chh be given to br Morton for his acceptable services during his connexion with the Chh — especially, in the Office of Deacon. [93]

1843. Feb. 12. Communicated a Letter Missive from the Congregational Society in South Scituate — requesting the assistance of this Chh. by its Pastors & delegates at the Ordination of Mr William O Mosely on the 15^th inst. Voted to comply with this request. The Council met at the time & place appointed; — and was organized by chosing Rev. Morril Allen of Pembroke Moderator. — Having attended to the proceedings of the Chh & Society, relative to the invitation given to Mr Mosely to settle with with them as their Pastor — and also to his qualifications for the christian Ministry — the Council Voted — Unanimously, that they were satisfied with the same, and were ready to proceed to his Ordination.

The usual services were performed by the following clergimen. Introductory Prayer by Rev. W^m P. Tilden of Norton: — Reading selections from the Scriptures by Rev. J. Osgood of Cohasset: — Sermon by Rev. Thos. B. Fox of Newbury Port:— Ordaining Prayer by the Senior Pastor of this Church; — Charge by Rev. E. Q. Sewall of N. Scituate: — Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. R. C. Waterston, Boston: — Address to the people by Sam^l J. May of Lexington:— Concluding Prayer by Rev. Geo. Leonard of N. Marshfield: Benediction by the Pastor. [94]

1843. April 16. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Society in Kingston, requesting the assistance of this Chh by its Pastors & deligate at the Ordination of Mr Augustus R. Pope on the 19^th inst. Voted to comply with the above request; — and brother Nath^l Russell Jun was appointed deligate.

Apr. 19. The Council met at the time & place appointed — as was organized by choosing the Senior Pastor of this Chh. Moderator of the Council — and Rev. Mr Osgood of Cohasset Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Chh, and Society relative to the invitation given to Mr Pope to settle with them as their Pastor; — and also to his qualifications for the christian Ministry — Voted — Unanimously that they were satisfied with the same — and were ready to proceed to his Ordination.

The usual services were assigned as follows:— Introductory Prayer313 By Rev. Geo. W. Briggs of Ply: — Reading selections from the Scriptures by Rev. Josep Osgood of Cohasset: Sermon by Rev. Mr Bartol of Boston: — Consecrating Prayer by the Senior Pastor of this Chh: — Charge by Rev. W^m P. Lunt of Quincy: — [95] Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. W^m O. Mosely of South Scituate; — Address to the people by Rev. Chandler Robbins of Boston: — Concluding Prayer by Rev. Josiah Moore of Duxbury. — Benediction by the Pastor.

1844 July 14. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Cong. Chh. & Society in East Bridgewater, requesting the assistance of this Chh. by its Pastors & Deligate at the Instalation of Rev. Nath^l Whitman over said Society on 17^th inst. Voted to comply with the above request.

July 17. The Council met at the time and place appointed —: and was organized by choosing Rev. M. Allen of Pembroke Moderator, and Rev. Mr Mossely of Scituate Scribe. Having attended to the proceedings of the Society relative to the invitation given to Mr Whitman to settle with them as their Pastor — and also to his qualification for the ch. Ministry; — Voted — That they were satisfied with the same — and were ready to proceed to his instalation.

The following was the arrangement for the public services. Introductory Prayer by Rev. Geo. W. Briggs Jur Pastor of this Chh.— Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. A. R. Pope of Kingston: — Sermon by Rev. Dr Flint of Salem: — Prayer of Instalation314 by the Senior Pastor of this Chh. — Charge315 by Rev. Mr Richardson of Hingham: — Right Hand by Rev. R. Sanger of Dover: Address by Rev. J. Whitman of Portland: Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr Sewall of Scituate. [96]

1845. May316 3. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Chh. & Society in Bridgewater to this Chh, requesting the presence & assistance of the Pastors & a Delegate of this Chh, at the Installation of Rev. Claudius Bradford over s^d Chh. & Society on the 7^th inst. Voted to comply with the above request.

Met at the time & place appointed.317 The Senior Pastor of this Chh, was chosen Moderator of the Council: — and Rev. Mr Bridgham of Taunton Scribe.

The following was the Order of exercises. Introductory Prayer by the Moderator. Selections from the Scriptures read by the Scribe. Sermon by Rev. Ephraim Peabody of N. Bedford. Prayer of Installation by Rev. Nath^l Whitman of East Bridgewater. Charge by Rev. Sam^l Barret of Boston. Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Josiah Moore of Duxbury. Address to the Society by Rev. William O Moseley of S. Scituate. Concluding Prayer by Rev. Ralph Sanger of Dover. Benediction by the Pastor.

Nov. 15. Communicated a Letter Missive from the First Congregational Chh. & Society in Sterling to this Chh & Society requesting the presence & assistance of their Pastors & delegate at the ordination of Mr Thos. Prentise Allen over s^d Chh, & Society on the 18^th inst. Voted to comply with the above request.

Met at the time & place appointed. The council was organized by choosing the Senior Pastor of this Chh. Moderator — and Rev. Mr Hale318 of Worcester Scribe. The following was the order of Exercises:— Introductory Prayer by Rev. Mr Winkley of Boston. Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. [97] Rev. H. Withington of Leominster:— Sermon by Rev. Geo. Putnam, D.D. of Roxbury: — Consecrating Prayer by Rev. Calvin Lincoln of Fitchburg: Charge by Rev. Joseph Allen of Northbury: — Right Hand of Fellowship by J. H. Allen of Jamaica Plain: Address to the people by Rev. Alonzo Hill of Worcester. — Concluding prayer by the Senior Pastor of this Chh. Benediction by the newly consecrated Pastor.

1850. July. This summer the Chh. of the First Parish — has been greatly improved by substituting a New Pulpit for the old one — and painting the inside entirely with Fresco paint — giving to the whole a soft and beautiful appearance, Also —

A new and beautiful Communion Table of Marble has been introduced in place of the former one of wood — and presented by Mrs. Priscilla Cotton an aged Lady of over 90 yrs — and more than 46 yrs. a worthy member of the Chh.

1852. Dec. 31. — At the close of the present Year— The connexion between this Chh. and Parish and their Junior Pastor the Rev. Geo. Ware Briggs — at his particular request — was dissolved — after a continuance of 15 Years of great unanimity and satisfaction on the part of the Society — and of unbroken harmony between the Junior and Senior Pastor. — The following is the correspondence between Mr Briggs and the Comittee of the First Parish relative to a dissolution of the connection. [98]

[99] Chh. Records continued

1853. March, 4^th At an adjourned meeting of the brethren of the Chh. at the house of the Pastor — in consequence of some misunderstanding of the Notice given of the meeting — and few of the brethren present — it was deemed expedient further to adjourn the meeting until the evening of the 13^th inst. for the purpose of filling the vacancies in the office of Deacon of the Chh. — occasioned by death or otherwise; Notice to be given of the meeting — with a request for the attendance of all the members of the Chh. — from the pulpit — on the sabbath previous to the Meeting — being the 13^th inst.

March 13^th Met agreeable to the above Notice at the House of the Pastor; and after opening the Meeting as usual by prayer — proceeded to make arrangements for filling the vacancies in the office of Deacon. The names of the following brethren were proposed by a Committee, appointed for the purpose as suitable persons for this office Viz. Mr W^m S. Russell and Mr. Thomas Russell. These brethren321 were unanimously chosen to fill the vacancy.

Mr W^m S. Russell — Mary H. Russell — and Lydia M. Kendall — were appointed a Committee to make arrangements in connexion with the Parish for laying a foundation for a Parish Library.

[For the answer of the Committee &c — See Page 280.]327

[101] 1799 Account of Baptisms

1800329

1801

[102] 1801 Record of Baptisms

1802

1803

[103] Record of Baptisms

1803

1804

1805

1806

[104]341 Record of Baptisms

1806

1807

1808

1809

[106] 1809 Record of Baptisms Continued

1810

1811

1813

[108] 1813 Record of Baptisms continued

1814

1815

1816

1817

1818

[110] 1818 Record of Baptisms Continued

[111] 1818 Continued

1819

1820

1821

[112]359 Record of Baptisms Con.

1822

1823

1824

1826

1827

1828

[113] Continued

1828

1829

1830

1831

1832

[114] Record of Baptisms

1833

1835

1836

1837

[115] Continued

1838

1840

1841

1842

1843

1844

[116] 1844 Record of Baptisms

1845

1846

1847

1848

1849

[117] 1849 Continued

1850

1851

1852

[118] 1852 Record of Baptisms

1853

[119] Continued

1853

1854

P.S. This Sabbath closed Mr Myrick’s connexion as associate Pastor—with this380 Parish.

[120] 1854 Record of Baptisms

1855

[121] Continued

1855

1856

[122] Record of Baptisms

1857

[123] Continued

1858

1859

[124–139394] [140] Record of Deaths continued from V. 2^d395

1799

1800

[141]

Lord’s day June 30^th 1799, died, after a long and distressing illness, The Rev^d Chandler Robbins D D. The justly & highly esteemed & greatly beloved Pastor of this Church; to the great and inexpressible loss of his bereaved flock, and his other numerous acquaintance. — After having faithfully and indefatigably laboured in this part of the Lords vineyard, nearly forty years, it pleased his Divine Master to release him from his service here, & call him home to receive a gracious reward.

May this awful frown of Providence upon this church be sanctified to their spiritual good, & may the great shepherd of Israel provide for this people a Pastor after his own heart!410

[142] Record of deaths Continued411

1800

Seventy one deaths this year (viz. 1800,) in this Society. 12 had past the age of 70 years. 24 other adults of different ages. & 35 children.

1801415

[143] Continued

1801

total, 67

[144] Record of deaths Continued

1802

Under 5 years of age

Between 5 & 21423

Under 5 years old

Between 21 & 70425

under 5 years old

70 & upwards429

Under 5 years old

[145] 1803 Continued

Under 5 years of age

Between 5 & 21436

Under 5 years

Between 21 & 70438

70 & upwards441

Between 21 & 70

[146] Record of Deaths

1804