Boston July 1689                    Laus Deo

      a memorandum of Some honest & Well Disposed persons that

      Contributed their assistance for & towards erecting a Church

      for God’s worship in Boston, according to the Constitution of ye

      Church of England as by Law Established:

      The summs following were first collected.

Note their was Some other Charge in Painting the Window frames by Tho^s Chiles

Which he demanded Nothing for.

Maj^r Haywood undertook with Carpenters & the accompt was ballanced

W^th him, When Cap^t Ravenscroft & Foxcroft were Church Wardens.

Note that on the 18^th of April 1689  preceding the date there began a most

Impious & desestable rebellion against the Kings Majesties Government, the

Gov:^r & and all just men to the same were brought into restraint.

M^r John Mills a Barbados Gentleman gave a p^r of Plate, A Cup.

in the year 94 an agreement was made with John Cunabel of Boston to Join

to build pews by the Last of July the Same Year for which he’s to have

                                                       85.0

A Second agreement was made with the said Cunnable to Make

a floor 5 sumers189 & (cross) Joice190 for 32.10 he having the Old Sleepers191 &

timber under the floor & time Given him untill November Next.

it must not Be forgot that S^r Rob^t Robbinson192 Gave a blew Silk damask

Cusheon & Cloth Pulpit Cover.

M^r Thomas Gold & W^m Weaver gave a brass Standard for an hour Glass.

Memorand^e Cap^t Tho^s Jew gave 600 ps 8/8 Current money of this Province

W^y made w^y over weight Cutt of One hundred & eighty three Pounds

& ordered by him to be imployed for the servise of the Church as

Francis Foxcroft thought Meet & lyes in my hands.

June 3^d Given about 18 months past.                         Fra:ⁿ Foxcroft

Jan^ry 95/6 Governour Nicholson sent F. Foxcroft a bill for Sterl^g 15^lb & Ordered the Disposal thus 5 to the Minister 5 to the poor at xmas 5 to buy bibles

w^th Common prayers & Singing Psalmes for the poorer Sort of the Church

Nicholas Beare who deceased at Maddagasker gave fifty Pounds

Six pounds whereof was p^d to the person that p^d it as a Gratuity.

June. 96..     & made recd in the Church          attd per Fra. Foxcroft.

Right Honourable and Right Reverend.

Father in God.204

   May it please your Lordship In our last in October 96

We aquainted your Lordship, That We had rec^d the effect of our

former addresses by the appearance of our Minister M^r Sam. Miles amongst us.

And since we have experienced the continuation of y^r Lord^ps favours in

Sending M^r Dansy, & Since M^r White, Who both Dec^d before they Arrived to Officiate. Now by the providence of God being destitute of an assistant to M^r Miles we further entreat your Lord^ps kindness in sending another proper for us (a single man will suit best) And that your Lord^ps (according to your wonted great

bounty & Goodness to us w^ch we have in continual remembrance w^th all thankfulness) would be pleased to persist in using your intrest for the continuance of hisMaj:^ts bounty for his Maintenance: for we are very unwilling to venture

the being of our church in these parts So far advanced to the glory of God

and the benefitt of Man kind upon the Life or  humour of one person.

We gave M^r Miles on his arrival £140 in consideration of the extraordi:

:nary Expense he had been at in England & Soon after augmented his Salary,

for one yeare in Consideration of his Marrying the Widow Dansey & Going

to house keeping from 40 / to £3 a week And are and Shall be ready to

proceed as far as is or may be in our power for the ends Aforesaid.

So committing your Lord:^p to the Divine protection We Crave

leave to remain

     Your most Obedient Sonns = In the name &

by the appointment of the congregation of his

   Maj:^ts Chappel at Boston  in New England.

2 May 1698  by J Phillips.

Mr Stephen Wisendunk.

S^r after our hearty Commendations We pray you to peruse seal & Deliver the inclosed

& Give us your assistance to Get this thing effected and Withall to Discourse his

Lord^p That his Maj:^ts Bounty of 100 per annum w^ch hath been recd by M^r Miles &

M^r Dansey206 & M^r White.207 the last Minister Sent with my Lord Bellomont208

who Dyed at Barbadoes in his passage, hath been disposed of by the receivers at

their pleasure. Hereafter if his Lord^p please to Cause it to be p^d to You, you will

Transmitt it to us which we pray you to do in proper goods. and we will pay 40/

a week to the Minister his Lord^p Shall Send also Shall keep a fair record of itt in our Church books w^ch hath been hitherto Omitted (tho Not by our fault) for Such

benefitts ought to be had in everlasting remberance. If you can procure us a Coppy

of the warrants by Vertue of which y^e Said £100 per annum is Paid out of our Gracious Kings privy Purse. We promise our Selves your dillegent Compliance which will bew kindly Accepted by The Congregation of the Church of England

in Boston.

1698

To his Excellency Rich^d, Earl of

Bellomont Cap.^t Generall & Governour in Cheif of His Maj:^ts

      Provinces of the Massachusetts Bay

          New York & New Hampshire.

The humble address of the congregation of the Church of England

Settled at Boston in the Boston Province of the Massachusetts

                      Bay

May it please your Excellency.

               As the Inhabitants of these his Majesties

Provinces in General are highly Sensible as well of his Maj^ts favour

in appointing your Exc^ys  (Every Way So Noble & Worthy a Person) to be

their Cap^t General & Governour in Chief: as of Your Exc:^ys great Condesention

in undertaking that Station that You might promote the Welfare

& Prosperity of his Maj:^ts Subjects in these remote territories.

So this congregation in particular do with hearty Thankfullness &

Grattitude acknowledge his Majesties Grace in choosing a Governour

for us whose Religion & Piety Shine forth with an Emminency, no wayes

Inferiour, to those Sublime Endowments which possess your Excellency’s noble

and generous Soul.

And we are thereby encouraged to hope (as we do Earnestly pray)

That as well by Your Excell:^ys countenance & patronage as by the example

of Your Great Piety, this Congregation may flourish & increase both

in number & Vertue to the Glory of almighty God.

With our most earnest supplications to the throne of Grace for Your

excellency’s health & felicity, and that (as soon as the affairs of his Maj:^ts

Service will admit) we may be made happy by Your Exc^ys Presence amongst

us. We Subscribe with all Dutifull Submission

                  Your Excellencies

Most humble & Most Obedient Servants

     Samuel Myles Presbyter.

Boston 2 May 1698 In the name and by the appointment of the

Above said Congregation.

Sent to M^r Graham209

a New York.

1698

Right Hono[able and] Right Reverend.

Father in God [Henry] Lord

Bishop of Lon [don ]210

               May it please your Lord:^sp In Our last address

to your Lord^p  — May211 Last, We gave your Lord^p an Acount of

the Death of M ^r White [and prayed that Y^r Lord^ps favour in sending another

in his stead to [be Assistant to Mr Samuel Myles] and in still Improving Your

Interests for the continuance of his Majesties] bounty for his maintenance.

We being unwilling [to venture the Well being of our Church So far

advanced in these parts [in one person] The aforesaid bounty We pray

Your Lord.^p to permit M:^r Stephen Wisenduck to receive, who will be

Carefull in conveying it to us, And we promise to Pay the said assistant

40/ Shillings Weekly.

Since we have rec^d expirence of Your Lord:^ps Care & Kindness in

sending us a Library, which we have rec^d in Good Condition, & having

this opertunity of a worthy Gent:ⁿ Collo^el Andrew Hamilton,212 late Governour

of the Jersy’s, may not omit to render Y:^r Lord^p our most hearty thanks: & Shall see

them Improved to the true Intents for the present have Lodged them

in M^r Miles’s Study, for the use of him, the assistant when he comes,

& his or their Successors, and take care that no abuse or imbecilment

be made of them.

So committing y:^r Lord:^p to the Divine protection, We crave leave to remain

Your Lord^ps Most obedient Sons

25 July 1698               In the Name of the Congregation of his Maj^ts

    Chappel at Boston in N: England.

Coll^o Andrew Hamilton. Hon:^ble S:^r

We entreat the favour of Your Honour to present to his Lord:^p the Bishop

of London the enclosed address and to Improve Your own Intrest in

Promoting Whatsoever may fall in Your way, for the benefitt of the

Church of England in these remote parts.

We shall be alwaies thankfull & in the meantime not wanting in

our praiers for your Honours safe arrivall & prosperity, subscribing our Selves

 Your Hon^rs

Most humble Servants

25 July 1698                              In the names as above.

Right Honourable & Right Reverend

Father in God, Henry,

Lord Bishop of London.

  May it please your Lord.^p In our last Address

to Your Lord^p of 2^d May, [and 25 July last] which we have reason

to beleive are safely Come to Your Lord^ps [hands, We besought your Lordships continuance of your favour in sending us an Assistant to Mr Samuel Miles, for should any sickness or distemper should happen to him we should run advneture of being dispersed, which would overhtrow in an instant, what we have been this ten years endeavouring, The firm Establishment of a Church of England Congregation in this place.]

  We further entreat [your Lordship not in the] least to admit of M^r Miles’s

removall, or he is well liked by all of Us. A Good liver & painful preacher,

and as we have formerly hinted . We hope Your Lord^p is well Satisfyed

with our Provision for him.

If your Lord^p would be pleased to Procure a part of the fides propagandi

money to be transmitted to us. We question Not but to Improve it to

as Good or better advantages than hitherto the others have done. for

the french our neighbours at the Eastward are very Sedulous in Proseliting

Indians that Way. & never as any thing as yet done by those to Whom the

Money is here remitted in these Parts.

  It will much add to our present Satisfaction to receive the favour

of a line from Your Lord Ship Assuring Your Lord^p We are very zealous in

Promoting of our increase and are [intending]  finding it needfull to Enlarge our Chappel

  We Conclude with our prayers for your Lord.^ps Prosperity & Crave leave

To Subscribe our Selfs.

                Your Lordps

                     Most Obedient Sons.

In the Name of the Congregation of the Kings

[illegible] 1 November 1698           Chappel at Boston N: England

M^r Stephen Wisendunck.

                S^r We received Yours of 24 July in due time &

do heartily thank you for your Care. Shall expect in due time the effect

allowing your Self What you have advanced to M^r White.

  We are bold again to trouble you With the Enclosed because we would

be sure in the affairs of our Church.

The books You Mention are Well Lodged & Due care Shall be taken of

them for the Intent they Were Given of Which we have hinted to his Lord:^p

in our last we Sent per M^r Andrew Hamilton We rest Satisfied in your prudent

Management of our affairs [ … ]

As ever

Sent by

the Mast

Ship from

Piscataqua [Portsmouth, N.H.]

Sent with his Excellency the Earle of Bellomont towards laying

All lodged for the present in Mr Miles’s now Dwelling House the foundation of a Library for the use of the Church of England Clergy in Boston.

                              Anno Domini 1698.

All lodged for the present in Mr Miles’s now Dwelling House

Placed in 12 boxes made Suitable to Contain them213

M^r Stephen Wissendunk writes from London 19 October 1698

That he had recd from My Lord of London £78 odd Money

for accompt of the church. whereof we are wardens & hath

Sent in Goods the Value of £86..11..8.. for the Suply of his

Majesties Chaplin M^r Bridge214 to whom we have obliged

our selves to Pay 40 a Week.

The Said Goods Delivered into M^r Francis Foxcrofts hands

to sell & to be accomptable unto the Church .. 16 March 1698/9

The acc^t of Cash for the Sale of the above written Good given in by

Cap^t Francis Foxcroft amounts to £126..2..8

1698/9   Right Hon.^ble & Right Reverend

      Father in God.

            May it Please your Lord:^p

               We have gladly recd the efferts of

our formers by the appearance of M^r Christopher Bridge among

us which favour of Your Lord:^p we acknowledge w^th all thank

fulness & Doubt not but he will be to Sattisfaction. We Shall

constantly pay him 40/ a Week which we began the 5^th instant the

first Day of his arrival also we continue unto M^r Miles his £3 a week

besides his Perquisites, & Shall not be wanting in our Due respect to

both of them. We have recd the Goods from M^r Wisendunck & pray

the continuance of Your Lord^ps Favour. We Shall Alwaies Endeavour

to Approve our Selves.

Your Lordships Most Obedient Sons

Of the Kings Chappel in Boston New England.

20 March 1698/9 by Jn^o Alden.

M^r Ste: Wisendunk.

S:^r Since our last in 9:^ber We have yours of the 19.8^ber per foy

with the for accompt of our Church for which we returne

you hearty thanks & pray the Continuance of Your favours

in receiving from time to time His Maj:^ts Bounty of My Lord

of London, & Sending it in Such Commodities as you judge may

turne best to Accompt, by reason of Foys long passage, these

now sent to me to but Small acc^t but that Can’t be helped.

M^r Bridge we hope will do very well. we Shall Pay him

Constantly 40 Shillings a week w^ch we began the 5^th

Instant the first Day of his arrival & Continue unto M^r

Myles his £3 Weekly.

With our respects to remain

Boston 20 March 1698/9     Your obliged friends of

                                        Above

                         At the Kings Chappel in Boston

                         Monday the 9^th of October 1699.

                                    Present.

                      M^r Christopher Bridge Minister.

                          William Hobby  Warden.

It being proposed in behalfe of M^r Bridge that he should

be allowed for the time by him expended in London & on his

passage hither in order to his Comming over to be assistant to M^r

Miles he having been engaged in that Service for the space

of Six Months before his arrival here at which time his allowance

of forty shillings a week began. Agreed by

That the said m:^r Bridge in Consideration above s^d be paid

£25 & that the wardens accordingly pay the Same unto him

out of the proceeds of the Goods rec^d from England for the

Use of the Church.

           At a Meeting of the Vestry at the Exchange Tavern216 kept by

           David Johnstone217 Tuesday  March y^e 24: 1701

Agreed

 That M^r Bridge have the 100£ per ann: Sterling

 that is allowed by the King he running all riques

 Beginning the s^d annuity at Easter Next.

Ordered

 That M^r Foxcroft bring in his accompt

July 24^th 1701 By a vestry met at M^r Jn^o Watkens

                  Present.

 Ordered That Clarke Hill shall wash ye Church once in

month during the Summer; Sweep it twice in every weeke, &

brush the Dust of the Seats Shelves & tops of the Pews, Shall go

and appease the Boys & Negroes & any disorderly Persons; to

Provide a Seat for Strangers according as they appear; to ring

the bell, Open the Doors & Windows & Shut them as formerly

& take Care of the books & etc

                             Boston Dec.^r 1703

                      Att a Meeting of the Vestry.

Present      his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq.^r Gov.^r

           his honour Tho^s Povey Esq^r Lieu^t Gov.^r220

           M^r Samuel Miles Miniter.

           M^r Christopher Bridge Minister.

           Then ordered That the Church wardens for the time being

within ten Days after Ester day reckon with M^r Miles & At

his discretion Call a Vestry & Give Us Notice of W^t is Wanting of

£3 a week which we Promise for our Selves & the Auditory

Shall be made up within ten days after.

          Then Ordered that the repairs of the Church from time

to time be at the discretion of the ministers & Church wardens

Saveing in any Great Article.

                     Boston N: Eng:d Augt 22 1705

Whereas through misunderstandings, there as been Sundry

differences risen between the Rev^d M^r Sam:^ll Miles & the

Rev^d M^r Christopher Bridge, & has been of very ill consequences,

tending to the Disolution of the Congregation of the

Church of Engl:^d in these remote parts. to Prevent which,

very Great & earnest endeavours have been used, By His

excellency the Governour, The Honourable Lieu^t Governour, the

Church Wardens, & Vestry for accomodating & Reconciling all

Matters & affaires, to which they have Solemnly & hapily

Consented Viz:^t

   1     That they mutually promise not to take part with (or in the

least contrive or abett) any Persons in doing, saying or reporting

any thing that Shall tend to the Damage of either, of either,

or give any adherence to any such reports, or by any ways,

endeavour to Alienate the affections & esteem of the People

from each Other.

   2     That they shall as much as lies in their power promote the

Peace & Wellfare of the Church & at all times use their

utmost endeavour to secure & advance the just Interest

and Sattisfaction of each other.

   3     That they shall not undertake to officiate in any other

place then the Church where the Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Miles is

Constituted Minister, & the Rev^d M^r Chris: Bridge assistant,

with out the full Concurrence & approbation of each other

& to their equall advantage & benefitt.

   4     That the Rev^d M^r Christopher Bridge shall never

pretend to or take any perquisites by Marriages, or

any otherwise belonging to the Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Myles as

Minister of the Church & appropriated to him by the

Bishop’s especial order.

   5     That if for the future any Offence Shall unhappily rise

between them, the Party Agrieved shall truly & freely

discover & Discourse the other, & if the ofence be of Such

nature that they cannot overcome & compose the differences

them selves that then they Shall represent it to the

Gov^r of this Province for the time Being, & the Church wardens

& such other persons as M^r Miles & M^r Bridge shall mutually

agree upon & then if not Composed before to be represented to

the Ordinary of the Place at the Liberty of them both.

   6     That the Rev^d M^r Samuel Miles as Minister of this Church

& the Reverend M^r Christopher Bridge, assistant Shall

never with out the concurrence of each other (much

less in opposition) at any time or on any acc^t give order to

warne any Vestry or give any Countenance of approbation

to it without knowledge & Consent of each other.

   7     That what allowance the Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Miles ought

to have for performing the whole work dureing the absense

of the Rev^d M^r Christopher Bridge, be referred to his Exc^ly

the Gov:^r  the Lieu^t Gov^r Church wardens & Vestry of Said Church

   8     I Samuel Miles in Testimony of My full & hearty reconcili:

ation unto or with the Rev^d M^r Christopher Bridge my

assistant do concur with the Prayers & Desires from this

Church to my Lord Bishop of London for the Continuance

of Said M^r Bridge as Formerly.

     At a Vestry held the 17^th of August 1705 at the House

of M^r Nicholas Roberts.

                                  Present  Vizt

1705 By an adjournment of the Vestry from Thursday y^e16^th

 of August to Saterday y^e 18^th & from thence to Sunday

     after Evening service being the 19^th Instant.

                          Present  Viz.^t

               His excellency Joseph Dudley Esq.^r

                    The Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Miles.

               The Rev^d M^r Chris^r Bridge.

Voted     that the Church wardens do draw up Such heads as

           relates to a Settlement & agreement between the Rev^d M^r

           Sam^ll Miles & the Reverend M^r Christopher Bridge.

           And that a letter be writ to the Lord Bishop of London

           relating thereto & Signed by them in behalf of the Vestry &

           Congregation of the Church of England.

May it please Your Lord:^p

Whereas we have been Informed that Some of Our

former proceedings have been by Ill Minded Men rendred

Clandestine. we can not omit noting to Your Lord^p that it

is Now and alwaies has been composed of Men of the Best

reputation, & from whom the Church receives both counte:

nance & Support.

Boston August 24: 1705

May It please your Lord.^p

                      At a meeting of the Vestry on

thursday the 16 Instant Coll^o Francis Foxcroft communicated

a letter to us which Your Lord^p was pleased to Send him, Which

to our great Surprise & Astonishment imported Your Lordships

displeasure with M^r Bridge with his removal from us & p^t

of the sallary from this Church which we presume is Occasioned

by sundry misinformations  to your Lord:^p of his Carriage.

After some discourse we adjourn’d to sunday evening being the 19^th Instant

Where in the Church were his excellency our Governour the Lieu.^t Govern^r

M^r Miles & M^r Bridge where after some debate it was voted that we the

Church wardens for the present year Should draw up some heads relateing

to the thourough good understanding peace & Sattisfaction of them both

& upon their agreeing & Signing the Articles Votes that we should

enclose them to Your Lord^p giving an acc^t of the state of the Church

as it now stands relating to this affair

     1     the first we have done and when presented to them they very willing:

:ly & Chearfully signed it to the great Comfort & sattisfaction of us

all. & now we are bound in duty to represent M^r Chris Bridge

to Your Lord:^p as his carriage has been to us ever since his first arrival

that it has not been proud Lofty & Haughty but of a Courteous

agreeable deportment to us all as becomes his profession & the Gospel

and so very acceptable to us.

     2     On the 20^th of Dec:^r 1703 at a vestry Present the Gov:^r , Lieu^t Gov^r

the two ministers & many of the chief of the Church some few that

were absent having had timely notice in the Conclusion thought

proper for the interest & Advantage of the Church that M^r Bridge

should go to England in order to obtain subscriptions for the enlarging

our Church & w^t other advantages your Lord^p should be pleased to favour

us with. Our Gov:^r was the last consenting to it but Comply’d with

it seeing the Gentlemen of the Church so desirous of it & being

ready at all times to Gratifie us in any thing that Can be thought

to tend to the promotion & Growth of the Church here.

     3     We perceive your Lord^p is highly displeased with M^r Bridge his

intercepting & breaking open a letter which if true would would very

justly deserve your resentments which we need not paraphrase upon

since nothing can be said more than the enclosed affidavitt which

Clears him of that aspersion the Vestry having thoroughly examined

& Acquainted themselves them Selves with all the original causes and reasons

of the differences between our Ministers find them them to proceed from

Jllosices Lying reports & Misrepresentations & those so trivial & frivolous

that since seriously considered is not nor ever was worth while

to mention & much more to trouble your Lord^p who ever it is that

has been so busie has done neither service to God Hon^r to himselfe

or studied the peace and tranquillity of the Church in these remote Parts.

We are very sencible and have great reason as in duty bound

to expresse all possible gratitude for your Lord^ps great Care

of us in promoting of the Church here & presume to conclude

that the removall of M^r Bridge was intended for the benefitt

& advancement of the Church Your Lord^p then Seeing him

guilty of Such crimes & misdemeanours as would be justly thought

Calumny & Reflection here to continue him among us.

Since we have sufficiently Cleared up to your Lord^p that its quite

otherwise than has been represented we make bold humbly to begg

the Continuance of M^r Bridge & his Salary’s Stay with us especialy since

there is so good an accomodation between him & M^r Miles & will be

for the promotion and establishment of us which otherwise might

have proved  of fatal Consequence by the Disolution of the Church

here there being [wait for and would] greatly rejoyce at our halting  & destruction.

Finding the evil misrepresentations of Matters to your Lord^p if

not proved to the contrary would be of fatal consequence to

the Church by the removal of either of our Church ministers

which are in all respects worthy of our esteem whether in

Regard of their doctrine Life or Conversation which is as becomes

the Gospel therefore we humbly pray to your Lord^p not to adhere

to any private insinuations that May be made assuring your

Lord:^p that from time to time a true state & Condition of the

Church Shall be laid before you from the Church wardens

by order of the Vestry

We are truly & deeply sencible of Your Lordships especial

protection & Care hitherto towards us which embolden us in

this plaine & free manner to offer our prayers and informations

hopeing Your Lord^p will accept of it as a Performance of our

Duty haveing with all Sincerity set forth the truth of Matters

We are with all Submission

Boston Feb 2: 1705

May it Please your grace,

                    We are humbly bold to address your

Grace being the Ministers Church wardens and Communicants

of the Church of England in Boston N: England to Acknowledge

your fatherly Care of us at all times. And to pray the Continuance

there of being the only settled Church in this province to Assure your

Grace that we shall Continue stedfast in our profession & Obedience

as we ought, And it is our Duty to Informe Your Grace we have

been always assisted & encouraged by Coll:^ll Dudley our present Gov:^r

who by his constant attendance and good example has ever since he has

been in the government: put us forward & having been Informed of

Your Grace’s favour to him in her Maj:^ts Appointment of him

to this Government we pray that your Grace would please to be

Assured from us that nothing will tend more to the Sattisfac:

:tion and Increase of the profession of the Church of England

1705

As well as trade and other benefitts  to all her Maj^ts Good

Subjects here residing than his Continuance in the Government

which we humbly pray your grace will please also on our behalf

to represent to her Majesty as need be.

                    And we shall ever pray for your Graces

long Continuance in the Government & Servise of the Church,

                          We are Your Graces

                          Most Humble

                              Most Dutifull

                               & Most Obedient

                                    Servants

We have a avoided troubling your

Grace with a number of names these

being the Chiefe of the Church

To the Most Rev:^d Father in God His Grace Thomas

Lord Arch Bishop of Canterbury & one of her Maj^ts

Most Hon:^ble Privy Councel.

                          Boston N: Engd Feb: 4 1705/6

May it please your Lord.^p

               The Constant experience we have

of your Lordships fatherly care over us encourageth us freely to

address Your Lord: ^p being sensible of Your Great regard & esteem

for his excellency our Gov.^r

 Therefore we are humbly bold to informe your Lord^p that he had

been very successfull in his Government for the security of the

Country from Indians to the observations of all her Maj:^ts Good Subjects

the Enemie having being often Defeated & the frontiers preserved

More than in any former trouble.

 That notwithstanding the taxes have been & are very

burthernsome to support & carry on the war we are engaged in

against the french & Indians  who in conjunction have done us

much mischeife Yet through the noted prudence and good Conduct

of his excellencie the Enemy have not only been repulsed but are now

Constrained to Abandon their own Countries & Places of retreat unto

some hundreds of Miles Distance from these parts the Administration

of the Government & the expence of the revenue is & has been such

as gives a gen^ll Sattisfaction & makes us easie & thankfull to God:

for her Majesties wisdome and goodness to Us in appointing Such

an one over us who by his long experience in Government &

knowledge of the Country in particular renders him as we humbly

conceive the Most proper person to promote & Maintain the Hon:^r

& Interest of the Crown here every thing proceeding well except

the Gov:^rs own Salary which is by no means sufficient notwith-

standing her Maj^ts repeated Commands in the Matter.

That his constant attendance & care for the peace of the Church

and Support & Honour thereof is apparent to all men as  well as his

Example of Justice & Vertue upon all which acount we are hum:

:bly Bold to informe your Lord Ship that his continuance in the Govern^t

will be most acceptable to all her Maj:^ts Good Subjects. Merchants &

planters that have their dependance on the Government of Eng:^d

as well as the Church here & there fore humbly pray Your Lord.^ps

favourable acceptance & Representation of this our address as

need be for Coll^ll Dudleys Continuance in the Government which

we are well assured will be for Her Majesties Hon.^r the peace &

Sattisfaction of this Province & Most particularly of our Selves

& the Congregation of the Church of England under Your

Lord^ps Care & Patronage here. We are

                                    My Lord with all submis:

                                        :sion Your Lordships

                                             Most Humble

                                             Most Dutifull

                                         & Most Obedient

                                                  Servants

We have avoyded troubling your Lordship

with a number of Names these being the Cheife of the Church.

To the Right Rev.^d  Father in God Henry Lord Bishop of

London & one of Her Majesties Most hon:^ble Privy Councel

At a meeting of the Vestry at the house of the Rev^d M^r Samuel Miles

in boston on fryday the first Day of April 1709.

          The Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Miles Minister.

 Present .

          Mr Thomas Newton  Church warden.

Upon the reading at the vestry this day, my Lord Bishop of London’s Instructions

to M^r Harris231, Assistant to M^r Myles. Ordered that the Same be entred Verbatim

as follows viz^t

           Having Appointed M^r Harris to go Over Assistant to the minister

at Boston for His better Sattisfaction, I have thought fit to declare, that he is not to

go under the Absolute Command of M^r Myles; Yet is he to pay a respect to him

in All Reasonable things, And take an Equal Share with him in Supplying the

Church, But not to Meddle W^th any thing that relates to perquisites whether

for Marrianges, Burials, or Christenings, & to be contented with what is Allotted

him from hence & by All means to Avoid the Insinuation of Any that Shall

Attempt to make Matters uneasy betwixt him & M^r Myles whom I do likewise

require to receive this his Assistant, with All fair & Good Usage: & that they

Both Conspire into so good an Understanding that Nothing May Creep

in to Make a breach Between them & that they Do agree to relate all Story’s

that shall be whispered to to them, Publickly in the Next Vestry. that such little

make Bates232 may be discouraged and made ashamed of Such base behaviour &

therefore I desire likewise that this paper may be read in a full Vestry, that

they May be wittnesses of your Sincere conformity to W^t is Appointed. I do

also Declare, that M.^r Harris Shall have the full Allowance of the Appointed

Bounty, By Midsummer next month at furthest as not yet being

fully Informed to what degree & upon w^t Grounds M^r Bridge hath committed

that Insolent Riot upon y^e Church of Rhode Island w^ch so soon as I am

Ascertained of I intend the full allowance shall comence from that time

    Given Under my Hand this Twenty Eighth day of May 1708

                                              H: London

                Boston New England August 27^th 1712

At a meeting of the Vestry At the House of M^r Johns at the Royall

Exchange this Evening.  Present

   1     It was Agreed that that the Pulpit be Removed to the Next pillar

at the East being Near the Center of the Church.

   2      That the Pews be built in one  forme with out Bannisters.

                                             August y^e 28 1712

At a Meeting at the Church all the above named Gentlemen Present.

Edward Lyde Esq^r, M^r John Oulton & Mr Thos Bannister,236 proposed

that the Gentlemen of the Vestry Should Build the Pews & they would

Each of them Advance fifty Pound, Towards Building them.

To be paid them As the pews were disposed of, w^ch was agreed upon.

And Thanks Returned, the Said Gentlemen upon which Workmen

Were Imediately Sent for, & Treated with, about it, but not agreeing,

The Gentlemen of the Vestry, pray’d Coll:^ll Dyer, that he would be

pleased to Agree with any Workman, he Should think fit to Build

The Same.

                                           October the 24^th 1712

At a Meeting of the Vestry at the House of M^r Johns at y^e Roy^ll Exchange

This Evening.

It was then Agreed that places Should be Apointed for Every Gentleman

of the Church that Wanted; to build their pews & that they Should

Build them at their Own Charge, the above Order being Made Void

                                             October 25 1712

The Vestry Met this morning at the Church & Numbered the pews

and appointed every Person his place as per List.

                              Boston New England December 20 1712

At a Meeting at the church all the Gentle Men here present of the Vestry.

Agreed that Solomon Clackston Should Make a flatt Plaine in Order for

Laveling & Plastring the said. Solomon Clackston To have Thirty Pounds for

His Labour. Agreed on by Coll Dyer.

Att A Meeting of the Vestry & Congregation of the Church of Eng^ld

at the Queens Chappel in Boston in New England on wednesday

                                        The 15^th of April 1713

               Continued this Present Year

M^r John Giles Clark            M^r Rod: Judd240    Sexton      James Berry241

Chosen to Look after the boys & is to have 26/ per yeare for the Same

Voted     that there shall be 20 Vestry besides the Govern^r & Lieut Govern^r

           Church Wardens Ministers & Whereas Judd had 5 pence per Week he

           Shall have 6^d The Last Bell to Ring at 10 of the Clock in the Morning the

           Whole Year and 3 a Clock from the 10^th of March to the 10^th of

           September      and at 2

           The Other Months, the Bread & Wine & at the Communion to be paid

           out of the Contribution Mony. The Psalms of Tate & Brady to Be Sung in

           the Church

           Every Sunday the Commandments are to read at the Communion Table.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of the Church of England at the Queen’s

Chapple in Boston In New England the 15^th of June 1713.  Present

It was Agreed that the Church wardens Should agree with

Some Workment for the lathing & Plastering of the Church

                    And finishing the Same

At a meeting of the church this 3^rd day of August 1713

Referring to the Orgains Given them By Thomas Brattle Esq^r242

Dec^d Voted that the Orgains be Accepted by the Church & that

M^r Miles answer M^r Will^m Brattles243 Letter Concerning the Same.

 Present  At a Vestry Met at Boston Wednesday y^e 12^th of Aug^t 1713

Voted     y^t the pillars, Cappitalls, & Cornishes of the Church be painted Wainscott

           colour before the Scaffold be taking down. Voted that Unless Do.^r Lake

           imedi:

          :ately pay to the church Wardens the Sum of 5^ll towards y^e repairs of the

           Church y^t they dispose of the Pew he Sits in to Such Persons as they Shall

           See convenient

           And also any other person or persons that Shall Refuse to pay theirs

           Paying him & them the Mony that was disbursted for that Use.

                           At a Vestry held at boston Feb^ry 2^nd 1713   Present

Voted     that the church wardens write to Collo^ll Rednap & Desire him

           to Go to M:^r Edward Enstone Who lives Next Door to M^r Master’s on

           Tower Hills & Discourse him as to his Inclination & Abillity to Come

           Over & be

           Organist here We being Willing to Allow him 30^ll  per annum, this Money

          Which w^th Other Advantages as Dancing, Musick &c We Doubt Not but

           it will be Sufficient Encoragement.

                              Boston New England Feb 2^d 1713

Coll.^ll Redknap

S^r We are Desired by the Gentlemen of the Vestry to Intreat your

Favour in Going to M^r Edward Enston Who lives Next Door to

M^r Masters’s on Tower hill Who we are Informed has an

Inclination of Coming into these Parts If he Could Meet with

Any Encouragement; If You Will Enquire into his Abillity

As an Orgainist Suitable for us the Church is Willing to

Allow him 30^ll per Annum this Money W.^ch With Dancing,

Musick, &c, We doubt Not but that it will Sufficient

Encouragement. You know the Necessity of Our time of Which

Grows Away Apace, & If he Cannot Undertake it, We Must

Desire you to Enqu^r further for a Person fitting & forward

One Over by the first Oppertunity.

                              We Wish you All Prosperity & are

                                S^r Your Very Humble Serv^ts

                                        Charles Hobby.

                                        John Jekyll.

At a Vestry held at the Church In Boston March 2^d 1713

                                  Presant.

Voted     that the Organ be forth with put up. Voted that the two Long

            Pews fronting y^e Pulpit Be Made into Two Quare Pews One for Coll^ll

            Taylor the Other for M^r Jekyll & that the two Pews behind them

            be Made Into One for the Use of Masters of Vessells. & that the Pew

            behind be for Eight Old Men & Shall be there Placed.

            And that a Shell be Put over the South Door.

            Ordered that M^r Baker245 be Clarke in the Room of M^r Gyles.

M^r Gyles to be Paid 10^ll Pound per ann. & M^r Baker All Other Proffits.

At a meeting of the Vestry of her Majesties Chappell in Boston New Eng. Decr. 8 1713

To the Honble Society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts

The Representation and Request of the Ministers and Church Wardens of the Church of England in Boston

At a Vestry held at Boston Decr. 10th 1713

     It is requested that the Revd Mr Harrison & Coll Jno Redknap do Take care to Deliver the Packett directed to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospell in Foreign Parts & take a Receipt for the same.

And also to enquire for how Mr Henry Newman came to the knowledge of a Former Packett of which he gives an Acct. to Mr Saml Myles by his Letter of the 26th of Septr 1713. And that a Copy of said Letter as far as it relates to the Church be delivered to the Rd Mr Harrison & Coll Redknapp

And it is further requested of Coll Redknap that he will Inform the Bishop of London of our Prest Circumstances & recommend us to his Lordships Favour and that he will give us an Acct of his Proceedings therein

Further Proceedings at the next Vestry Entred in the other Side of the Book.

At a Meeting of the Vestry & Congregation of the church of England

At the Queens Chapple In Boston New England On Easter Monday March 29

 Voted that                          1714.

At a Meeting of the Vestry at the Queens Chapple In Boston

                                    August 18 1714

                         Present John Jekyll Church Warden.

Voted     that thanks be given to the Gentlemen of the Brittish Society

           for their present of a clock & That M^r Jekyll Aquaint y^m of It.

          That a Shell be Put Over the South Door.

          And that M^r Price248 be paid Seven p^ds 10 Shillings for one Qu^rs Sallary

           Due at Midsummer 1714 & 7^ll 10 Shillings more for w^t work he has done

           About y^e Organ.

Gentlemen

                                             London April: 27^th 1714

 The Papers M^r Harrison & My Self were Intrusted w^th to the Society

were faithfully delivered. Those Gentle Men be well perswaded of the

necesity of having Bishops sent to America are resolv’d to joyn thine Address

to those Of New York New England & Rhode Island to her Majesty y^t She

Would be Pleased to Appoint Some propper person for that Worke

So Soon as possible I Did speak to Several of the Members of the Society

Particularly to My Lord of London & Clarendon that they Would

Be Pleased to Consider of Our Nothern parts before Jamaicai

or Barbados there being Greater Necesity for having One Amongst us where

Whigs & fanaticks Swarme than in those Parts.

I have not talked w^th M^r Newman249 as yet M^r Harrison being in the

Country, I wait his returne. M^r Miller’s250 Affair has been read before

the Society who are perswaded of the Great Advantage of an Early

Education in the principles of the Church has Upon Peoples future

lives & Manners So that I Do Not Doubt but there will be a Considera:

:tion had to M^r Millers Desire & an Encouragement for the Instruction

a Certain Number of Children in the Principles of the Church.

I design to Move y^e Society for some Books Not Only for y^e School

but Prayer Books for y^e Church.

I have been Several times with M^r Enstone the Orgainist who

Appears to Me a Good Man, I have told him the Circumstances of y^e church

And the Nature of the Country, as well As I Could & have Agreed w^th him

for 30^ll a Yeare New England money & have Promised him Ten Pounds Sterling

for his & Wife’s passage over. I could Not Prevail with him upon other terms

I reckon About y^e End of July he will be Able to Saile from hence, In the

Mean time he is to Aquaint himself with the Maner how to keep an Organ in repair

In case of any Accident.

M^r Harrisons Agent has Recd one yeare & an halfe of his Sallary I hope

it will be particularly payd for the future, Which he will have Over in

y^e next Ship as Likewise part of M^r Newmans Debt.

I need not tell you the Noise Coll^ll Hunters,251 procecution of the Church

at New Yorke Made there but Can Assure You it Made More Here

Her Ma^ty being Informed of the Same Imediately Ordered All Procecution

to Be Stopt A Coppy of Which I Send You Inclosed,

      W^t I have to Add is to Assure you y^t I am w^th all Respects.

                               Gentlemen Your most

                               Obedient Servant

                               J Redknap

To S^r Charles Hobby Kn.^t

& Jn^o Jekyll Esq.^r

Gentlemen. Being of Opinion that the Churches Interest In these Parts

of the world, may be much promoted by sesonable & Proper Applications at home

I think it Necessary to aquaint you that I am Willing to Undertake a Winters

Voyage in this Service & in Order to Obtain your Concurrence, I beg leave to

Lay before You the following particulars: It is Well Known that many

Places In this Province would have readily Embraced the Doctrine of our Church

had they been In due time provided with Ministers: But for want of

Such a Supply they have fallen of from us. The Inhabitant of Newbery

and Marble head are now the Only Considerable body of People (Accepting

the Members of this Church) Who Express an affection for our Excellent Consti:

:tution The Importance of both these Places is Very Visible the One being

Seated In the center of the Country the Other being a Town of y^e most Univer:

:sal Concern & Beneficial Trade; It is there fore of the Last Consequence that

Faithfull & Able Missionaries be Sent to them Before their Patience be tird

Out with Delays as have been the Case of Many Others: & Since Letters &

Addresses to the Honb^le Society for propogating the Gospel in Foreign Parts

Verry Often proves Ineffectuall by reason of the Multiplicity of Business

which Occurs to them. It may be necessary for me to Wait Upon the Society

in Person & Urge this Affair With the Strongest Motives & represent it

in the Clarest Light. Another thing that requires My Presence in

England, is the heavy Tax laid upon My Sallary w^ch I have reason

to Beleive May Be Taken Of By My Own Sollicitations, & Cannot

Possibly Hope to Succeed Any Other Way. The Necessary Charges

Of My family are so Excessive that I can ill bear So large A Deduction

Out of the Royall Bounty. Tho The adjusting of this Particular

will be Not Only for My Own Private Benefitt but for the

Publick honour of the Church Which Depends In A Great Measure

upon the Handsome & Liberall Maintenance assigned to It’s

Ministers. His Excellency Gen^ll Nicholson has already honoured

Me With His Approbbation, & Indeed he Deserves the Praise of this

Design Since he was pleased first to propose it to Me, There Is Nothing

Wanting but Your Consent to Put it in Practice Which I Don’t

Doubt your zeal for the prosperrity of the church, Will Incline

You to Grant & the Experience of Your Kind Ness to me inboldens

Me to Ask this favour of You Viz^t that You Would be pleased

to Allow the Rev^d M^r Myles Twenty Shillings per Week Extrordinary

During My Absence, that My Sallary May be Kept Intire for my

Self & family w^ch Will be No More than is Needfull to Defray My

Charges. I Conclude W^th Assuring You that I Shall Upon all

Occasions Study to Serve the Church In General & You in particular

And So Approve My Self Your faith full friend & Most Humble

                                                       Servant.

                                                   Henry Harris

At a meeting at the Vestry at the Exchange Tavern Nov:^r 16. 1714

Present his Excellency Gen:^ll Nicholson, the Reverend M^r Myles & Harris.

                    The Hon:^ble Coll^o William Tayler.

Voted     By the Vestry (with M^r Myles’s Aprobation) that M^r Harris May Go

           home, he proposing to return by Midsummer Next: & that M^r Myles be

           Allowed 20:^s. More per week During M^r Harris’s Absence.

                                                    Boston Nov^r 18: 1714

The Rev^d M:^r Henry Harris has now resided Among us about Six Years

Officiating as one of the Ministers of his Maj:^sts Chappel in all which

Time We have Observed him faithfull in the Discharge his Duty & regular

& Innofensive in his life & Conversation by Which he has gained y^e Esteem

& Love of the Whole Church &c, because he is Now A Going to expose himself

to the Difficulty’s of a winter’s passage to Great Brittain for y^e Service

of the Church in Generall; in these Parts & of His Majesties Chappel

in particular We think Our Selves Oblidged as friends & Christians to

Give him this Publick Testimonial That He may be the better

Enabled to Effect a Work so Good & Beneficial.

May It Plea/se Your Lord.^p252                         Boston Nov:^r 18. 1714

                           The affairs of the Church of England in these

parts requireing a just & faithfull Representation; We have joined

Our endeavours w^th those of his Excellencey Francis Nicholson Esq:^r to

prevail with  y^e Rev^d M:^r Henry Harris (as the Most proper person) to

Undertake a Voyage to London, humbly To lay before your Lord:^p

the State of these remote parts of your Diocess; He has Lived Six

Year Among us, in W^ch time an Innofensive life & Conversation

have Made him Successfull & beloved. And as he is Going With

the first Opertunity, We presume to reccommend him to

Your Lord.^p as Such, And As we have no reason to doubt, Your

Paternal Concern for us,  We beg Yo^r Lord.^p Will be plased

to favour him With propper Seasons for representing Our

case to your Lord.^p & to Give him a Speedy Dismission that he

May return to his charge among us Humbly Begging Yo^r Lord.^ps

Blessing & a series of Your favour We are

                              Your Lord Ships Most Dutifull Sons & Most

                               Obedient Humble Servants

                                   Sam:^ll Myles Minister

To The Kings Most excellent Majesty.253

The humble address of the Ministers Vestry Gentlemen & others of Yo:^r Ma:^ts Chappel in Boston in New England.

May it please Your Ma:^ty

                         Wee your majesties most dutifull & Loyall subjects in

this place of the Church of England as by law Established humbly Approach y^r Ma:^ty With y^e most Sincere & hearty Joy for your peacefull Accession to the Crown, Yours By Superiour Right & Merit, A blessing So great as Mitigates Our Sorrows for the Demise of Your Royal Predecessor of happy Memory, who was always to us A Gracious & Bountifull Sovereign.

 It’s our misfortune to be removed to So Great a Distance from y^r Maj.^ts Royal Person whose Comfortable Influency’s fall with Directer rays upon your More happy Subjects In Great brittain. It behoves us therefore to be Constant in Our Sollicitations as we doubt Not to Approve our Selves in our Obedience Loyalty & Zeal for your Servise. The Distance may make Us Late in Our addresses yet None of your Maj:^ts Subjects Shall apear More Early & Dilligent with their lives  &

fortunes in Defence of Your Sacred person & Government.

 Extend therefore most gratious Sovereign Your Princely care towards us

that Whilst the hearts of those subjects, Who more immediately Share y^e

Blessing of Your  Auspicious reign, Ore flow with Joy we may

Participate in your royall favours.

 That your Maj:^ty may Long wear the Imperiall crown of yo:^r Great

Ancestors, and the Glory of your reign encrease with the Numbers of Your

Days, & Every Day Accompanied with an Influence of All that Can

Make A Monarch great & happy is the hearty Prayer of Your Maj:^ts

Most Dutifull & Most Loyal Subjects.

Signed by the Members of the Church at Boston, Newberry & Marblehead.

May it Please your Lord.^p

                     We could not omit so fair an opertunity by Our Most

Patron: Gen:^ll Nicholson of Paying our Duty to Your Lord^sp and Intreat

Your further paternal Care of us. for since the Rev^d M^r Henry Harris is Gone

to Sollicit our affairs & to Lay the State of the Churches In these parts

Before Your Lord:^sp We are Apprehensive his Stay May be retarded

Or his Inclination Lead Him to Stay In England Some time.

 The burthen lying Very heavy upon the Rev^d M.^r Myles During his Absence

and our addition of 20^ll a week chargeable, We Most Humbly Entreat Yo:^r Lord:^p to Order M^r Harris over us as soon as possible or Some Worthy Gentleman to Supply that Vacancy. We are the More Sollicitous in Case M^r Myles Should be

Sick we should be under an Insuferable inconveniency for want of a

Minister amongst us And we should be left as Sheep with out a

Shepherd, all which we lay before your Lord:^p as Becomes May it

Please your Lord:^p

                                   Your most Dutifull sons &

                                     Humble Servants

At a meeting of the Vestry & Congregation of the church of

England at the Queens Chapple in Boston On Easter monday April 18: 1715

Voted that.

          M^r James Baker chosen Clerk for the year Ensuing. he behaving

                      himself as he Ought to Do.

                     M^r Roger Judd Sexton.

Rev:^d S^r                               Boston June 15th 1715

                Having rec’d the knowledge of your good will to Serve the

Church of this Town, by Cap^t Wibourne’s Information: We take the freedom,

In Behalf of the Whole Congregation, to beg y:^r Friendship, In Endeavouring

to Obtain, from y^e Gentlemen of Your Island, their Charritable assistance of

Our Small Number, belonging to the Church afores.^d Who have been at

a Great Expence in Enlarging the Same w:^ch is Not Yet finished for Want

of a Sufficient Stock to Go On.

Whatever You Gather for this Service, We Pray You will Pay to Cap:^t

Wibourne, who hath Promised to Lay out the Same to the Best

Advantage for y^e S^d use, Your Charity & friend Ship herein Shall

for ever be acknowledged by

Gentlemen,                               Somerset house June 17^th 1715

 I take this first Opertunity of Sending M^r Harris back to You

In compliance with: your request to me on that behalf. Tho’ he could have

wished to have stay’d Longer, In Order to Settle his own affairs

his Pension from y^e Crown not yet being Established anew, and his acc.^ts

remaining Still unpaid: I shall take care however that he be no Loser.

It is with Great Satisfaction I hear M^r Harris has given So good Content

During his Ministry Among You, & of y^e Harmony there is between You,

As nothing can Contribute More to the Service of the Church, So I hartily

Recommend y^e Continuance of it to you & am Gentlemen

                                        Your Most Assured friend

                                                    Jo L

May it please your Grace.                         Boston Jan^ry 9^th 1715

 We the Church wardens of his maj:^ts Chappel in Boston humbly Presume

most gratefully to acknowledge Y^r Lord^ps letter & favour by the return of the Rev:^d

M^r Harris, & in a more especial manner for those Generous expressions tending

to his Establishment among us, & y^e payment of his acc.^t the poverty & Meanness

of the Condition of our Church & well as his own pressing Sircumstances Constrain us to be Instant to Procure Y^r Lord:^ps Good Endeavour to procure his Comfortable Settlement. W^ch together With Your Lord^ps Blessing & Prayers, We in behalf  -of the Church ardently Desire being w^th the Greatest reverence

 Your Graces Most humble & Obed:^t Serv:^ts

                                              John Oulton

                                              John Vallentine

At a meeting of the Vestry & congregation of the Church of England

at the Kings Chappel in Boston N: England on Easter Monday

                               April  22 1717.

Voted     That the Rev^d M^r Sam^ll Miles have £3.10 per week In Consideration

          of the Value of Our bills of Credit Being Lowerd

                    His Excellency the Governour

                The Honourable W^m Tailer Esq.^r

At a Vestry held at his Maj^ts Chappel in Boston the 10^th Day of July. 1717.

  Present .

Upon reading An Agreement of the Neighbourwood of School Street

relating to the Paving the Same it was then & their Agreed that the Present

Church Wardens Should Agree with Sutable Persons to Pave the Churches

Proportion in s:^d Street and to Pay for the Same out of the Church Stock

       If they Cannot obtain Subscriptions of the Same.

                                                  D: E: M:

  At A meeting of They Vestry & Congregation of the Church of Engl.^d

at the Kings Chappel In Boston N: England. On Easter Monday

                           April the 14:^th 1718:

  Voted that

                      His excellencey y^e Gov:^r

Voted     that M^r Mills & M^r Franklin have liberty to Build a

           Tomb under the East End of the Church.

At a meeting of the Vestry & Congregation of the Church of Engl:^d

at his Maj:^ts Chappel in Boston in New Engl:^d On Easter Monday March

30^th 1719 for y^e Choice of Church Officers: It was then & there Voted Thatt

the meeting be adjourn’d to friday the 4 of April for that the Congrega:

tion were not Duly notified. On which Day The Vestry & Congregation

Met & Proceded to a Choice.

                                        Voted that.

M^r Kenton & M^r Hayes Continued

Att a meeting of the Vestry & Congregation of the Church of Eng.^d

at Boston in New England on easter Monday the 18 April 1720

Voted     that Mess.^rs George Craddock & H Franklyn be Church wardens

           for the Year Insueing

The Organist M^r Enstone. Kenton Clark & Hayes Sexton Continued

That M^rs Cowell be provided with a pew.

Those that have the possession of Pews & Don’t pay Contribution

to have them taken away & sold to others that Will: notice being

first publickly given the Church wardens being Empowerd to

dispose of them.

Those pews that are not disposed of or p^d for by them that

has them in Possesion to be Sold by the Church wardens.

That D Rutley Be appointed to keep good order amongst

the Boys & that for his trouble he be allowed 12^d per Sunday.

Left to the Church wardens to have the Church kept in repair.

That a minute be made per Desire of M^r Jn^o Checkley that the

reason of his being left out of the Vestry was for his refuseing

taking the Oaths.

Att a meeting of the vestry & congregation of the Church of

England at Boston in N: England on Easter monday y^e

10 April 1721

Voted     His Excellecy being present.

           That Mess:^rs Jn^o Cutler & H Franklyn be Church wardens for y^e

                                        Year Ensueing.

The Organist Mr Enstone Continued

The Clark Continued And to be allowed 7/ per Week.

The Sexton Continued & to be allowed 7/ per week.

That the Rev^d M^r Samuel Miles be allowed & paid him out

of the Church Stock 12£ for paving before his house.

That Mess^rs Jn^o Oulton Jn^o Barnes & Gyles Dyer do

Inspect & Overlooke y^e books & Acc^ts of the Church & make

a report There of At the next Church Meeting

Att a meeting at Easter

Voted     The Committte continued & M^r Edward Mills added to them to give

           a returne by next Whitsunday.

That the Rev^d M^r Samuel Miles have £30 paid him out of the

Church Stock in full of All Demands for his past Charges

& Service in London at 10£ a year for 3 Years.

That the Rev^d M^r Henry Harris Have 10/ a week for the

following Year out of the Church Stock.

That Mess^rs Tho^s Selby, Anthony Blount & North Ingham

& Thomas Philips271 are chose a Committy to make enquiry

W^t Pews are unpaid for

                               April 1 1723

Att a meeting of the congregation with the Vestry

Voted     That the Rev^d M^r Samuel Miles be paid weekly Ten

           Shillings out of the Church Stock more than his former

           Sallary Which Makes Four Pounds per Week.

Att a meeting of the Church & Vestry at Easter April 15 1723

                     Voted that

The Organist M^r Enstone Continued.

The Clarke Continued to be allowed 20   per annum.

The Sexton Continued & to be allowed as formerly.

Voted     that Rob^t Auchmuty Esq^r at the Relinquishing of his Pew in the

           Gallery, Together with John Overing Esq^r273 they Paying £20

           to the Church to have the Pew Commonly known by the

           name of S^r Charles Hobbyes.

           That M^r Tho^s Amery274 & William Coffine,275 upon their paying

           £10 Each, for the pew in the Gallery Formerly Mr Auchmutys

           shall enjoy the Same.

           That M^r James Smith paying £20 for the Inlargement of his

           pew & Five pounds four shillings for his Arrears of Contribution

           Shall Enjoy the Said pew as it now is.

           That M^r John Powell276 paying £10 for one half of the Pew called

           M^rs Wibournes Pew, Shall enjoy the Same.

           That M^r James Gordon277 paying 15 £ for the pew formerly M^r Tunlys

           shall enjoyed the Same.

           That the widow Boucher paying 40/ for the pew formerly M^r

           Rous’s Shall enjoy the Same.

           That the widow English paying £10 Shall have the pew that

           M^r Hays Family did Sit in giveing liberty to M^r Brock & his Son

           to sitt there.

           That every Person that has any property in a pew shall Pay 52/

           per annum yearly or else forfeit the Same. And if any person through

           misfortunes Shall be unable to pay the Same by making application

           to the Church wardens & Vestry Shall be By them Relieved as also

           all those who have not paid for their Pews & their Arrears in Con:

           :tribution are desired in this month to pay the same to the Church

           wardens on penalty of forfeiting their Pews which Shall then

           be at the disposall of the Said Church wardens & Vestry.

           That Mess^rs Jn^o Barnes George Craddock & Joshua Wroe278 be

           Auditors of the last years acc.^ts

           Nov^r 8 Voted by the Church wardens and Vestry that M^r Edw^d Enston  deliver

           the key of the Organs to Mess^rs Price & Gifford that they May practise on

           the Organ in order to quallify one of them to be Organist, as Shall be best

           Approved of by y^e Said Church Wardens & Vestry.

           Also Voted that M^r Hays the Sexton have an augmentation of 2/ per Week

           till next Easter.

           Jan^ry 10 Voted by the Church wardens & Vestry that M^r Baker serve as

           sexton to the Church in the room of Tho^s Hayes dec^d untill easter

           next Provided he Continue sober & of a good behavour untill that time.

                                 April 6, 1724

Att a meeting of the Church at Easter for the ensueing Year

The Vestry and that they Shall be all Communicants in the Church.

Francis Brindley Esq^r to continue Church warden till

June ensueing.

Voted     that Mess^rs George Craddock & Joshua Wroe be

           Auditors of last Years Account.

Voted     By a vote of the congregation that M^r Nathaniel Gifford

           be organist for the Year ensuing and that he play a Voluntary

           before the first Lesson and attend the Church upon all holy Days

           also the Clark to be Continued.

          that      James Baker the Sexton be Continued upon his good

           behavour.

                                 April 16.

At a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Vardys285 y^e Exchange Tavern.

Nothing done only the examination of the pews as to title, & those to be

Disposed off, allso Contribution as by the particular list.

                                 Aprill 23: 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Vardys y^e Exchange Taverne

Voted     that the Church Wardens for the time being have liberty to putt

           out at interest what Money Shall be in their Hands belonging to

           the Church at good Personall Security not exceeding One Hundred pounds

           to one person.

           Also That the Two Church wardens M^r Jekyll M^r Accmuty M^r Reed

           and Doct^r Gibbins, or the major part are desired to Assist the Rev^d

           M^r Miles in drawing up proper Answers to the Lord of Londons287 Queries

           also A Letter of thanks. The same Committee draw up a letter of

           thanks to his Excellency Gen^ll Nicholson & send him a Coppy of the

           Answers to his Lord^ps Queries.

           And to Draw up a dutifull and Loyall addresse to the King,

           The Reverend M^r Henry Harris was Sent for to the Vestry but

           sending word he was indisposed

           Voted that Cap^t Sterling be Desired to wait on M^r Harris to meet the

           Vestry the next Thursday at 4 o Clock at this House.

           N: 4 The Contribution To be paid by M^r Lambert288 Next Easter

           £5.4  or Sooner for him self  & Mr John Oulton.

                                April 30: 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Verdys the Exchange Tavern.

 Present  the Reverend M^r Sam^ll Myles.

Voted     that Capt Corny have leave to Continue in his Pew

            paying Contribution.

            Also that those Gentlemen who are already gone to the North Church

            Shall have a consideration for their Pews one half of the first Cost.

            Also that those Gentlemen who Shall for the future go to the North

            Church Shall have no Consideration at all for their Pews.

            Also that M^r Tho^s Selby have a right to three Quarters of the N:^o 20

            of the North Isle Relinquishing his Own pew N^o 22 in the Same Isle

            and when the Widow Britton is provided otherwise to her Satisfaction

            then M^r  Selby is to Pay to the Church £3.15 & have a right to

            the whole Pew.

Also that M^r Thomas Phillips have the Pew N:^o 22 formerly

            M^r Selbys paying ten Pounds to the Church & that he has liberty

            to Give Up his pew N:^o 34 on the North Side to M^r Luke Verdy  the

            mony  rec’d.

            Also That M^r Vallentines Pew be disposed of.

            Also That M^r John Tubee Shall have the pew N.^o 37 on the

            North Side formerly in the Possession of Mess.^rs Monk289 & Warner

            Paying ten Pound is the Mony Rec:^d

            Also that M^rs Bath be spoken to & if She pays the Arrears from

            the Death of her Husband & Security to pay the Contribution for the

            time to Come then Her Title to be Confirmed if not to be disposed

            of to M^rs Britton & Bucher. Answer Nothing to do with the pew

            the title given to her Son at Present Abroad & when

            returnes She is to informe him of the Above Vote.

            M^rs Rows has a Title to one half of the Pew.

            M^r John Arbuthnot290 title to one half of his pew.

                               May 7th 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Verdys Ex^ch Tavern.

Present  the Reverend  M^r Sam^ll Miles.

 Pearson pew N:^o 33 North Side.

Voted     that Fletcher Whitehead  & Elisa Cox & husband have a title to

           two thirds of Said Pew & that they pay Each of them Six pence per Week

           quarterly.

           Also that Phillips the founder & his Wife being Entituled to the

           other third of the Said Pew he promising to Pay 12^d  per week.

           Also that the Widow Sympson be Intituled to half the Pew N:^o 42

           She paying Six pence per week Quarterly.

           Rec’d M^r Henry Franklyns promise to pay his Mothers Contribution

           quarterly

           M^rs Davis at y^e Bare to pay her Contribution Quarterly

           M^r John Briggs to Pay after the Same Manner.

           Half of M^r Joseph Bissetts pew to be disposed of N^o 42 Disposed

           And order to the Sexton that he Cite both the Ministers and the whole

                 Vestry to meet at the Above house upon Special

                                   Affaires on the 11: Instant.

                               May 21: 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Vardys Ex^ch Tavern

Present       The Reverend M^r Samuel Miles.

The four Corner Pews in the Gallerys were built by leave of the

former Church wardens by the following Persons.

The titles Good the Contributions duly paid hitherto.

Voted     that Major Paul Mascareen and his family with Coll^ll Taylers

           leave sitt in that Pew and that an other Person come there Untill a

           Suitable pew be vacant agreeable to the Major & his Lady & that they

           havy the preferrence of the Same before anyone whatsoever.

           Also that James Sterling be Entituled to the Pew formerly M^r Blunts

           payying  £20 & the Contribution mony rec^d

           Also that M^r Lock the Butcher pay the Contribution Quarterly

           May 22 Coll^ll Tayler has given leave to Major Mascareene to Sit in his Pew

                                June 4 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Vardys Exchange Taverne

  Present  the Reverend M^r Sam^ll Miles.

Voted     that M^r William Randle be Sent to the Reverend M^r  Henry

           Harris to Desire the Letter he promised to give the 30^th of last April

           and answerd he had no timely notice & that he would have Nothng to

           Say to us.

Voted     that the Minister & Church Wardens of the Kings Chapple

           make a faithfull & just representation to My Lord of London

           of the Rev^d M^r Henry Harris’s Conduct for the last two Years

Also that Each Vestryman & Church Warden Shall pay the

Expence of the Meetings out of their own private purses.

The Whole Expence of the Vestry at the Tavern

                                          £4.4.3

                                      June 15^th

List of Those who pay their Contribution Quarterly.

                               Dec^r 1 1724

Att a meeting of the Vestry at Luke Verdys exc^ha Tavern

           Present       the Reverend M^r Sam^ll Miles

Voted     that the following Certificate & Declaration in

           Favour of Doct^r Timothy Cutler be entered.

 We the subscribers members of his Majesties Chappel in Boston

do certifie all persons Whom it doth or may Concern that the

Reverend Doctor Timothy Cutler hath to the best of our

Knowledge Ever since his declaring for the Church of England

to this Instant behaved himself after a becomeing & Innofensive

manner to all orders & Degrees of Men in this Place more Especialy

towards the Reverend M^r Henry Harris & Neglected no means proper

for a Clergyman & a Christian or a Gentleman to use for

gaining the Said M^r Harris’s good will & to Live peacebly with

him In Testi Mony Where of We have herein to Set our hands

This first Day of Dec^r in the Year of Our Lord 1724

The above certificate Read at the Vestry the Reverend M^r

Henry Harris being present & aproved of the same Likewise

Gave his opinion that the Said certificate be registred in the

Church Books.

                                       March 29 1725

Att a meeting of the Vestry for the ensueing Year

Voted     that Mess^rs Craddock Lewis & Wroe be auditors to

           the last Years Account.

           M^r Nathaniel Gifford to Continue Organist and Shall

           have for Sallary forty Pounds for this Year.

           & the Contribution Shall be gathered by going round w^th boxes

           Also the Clark Continued and that he have for Sallary for

           the ensuing Year twenty two Pounds.

           Also that James Baker the Sexton be Continued & is to

           have for Sallary 8/ for the Ensueing Year.

           That M^r Gilbert Warner shall have the other half of

           the Pew of M^r Arbuthnots he paying £10.

           Also that Estes Hatch shall have the pew of Cap^t Cornys pew

           he relinquishing of his own & pay for the same £10.

           Also that  Cap^t W^m Browne Shall have the pew that was

           Coll^ll Hatches he paying fifteen Pounds.

           Also that D^r John Cutler Shall have the Pew he now sits in

           being Coll^ll Foxcrofts pew he paying fifteen Pounds.

           March 30 Also that M^r John Read Shall have the pew formerly M^r

           Gibbs’s he paying ten Pounds to the Church & five Pounds

           to his Widow.

           Also that M^r Peter Stelling Shall have half of the pew

           of Carter & Peake he paying five Pounds.

           Also upon M^r Robinson refusing to pay fifty two Shillings for the

           last Year to the Church wardens his pew Shall be disposed to

           Cap^t Robert Butler & Cap^t Francis Wells.

           Also that M^r Sam^ll Cooper & M^r Andrew Halliburton shall

           have the pew of Cap^t Averys they paying ten Pounds.

           Also that all Pews that are disposed, and to be disposed of, to any person

           what Soever those persons shall pay the Value to the Church

           wardens in a month at furthest after the disposal otherwise

           the Church wardens Shall dispose of the Same to those persons

           that will pay for the Same.

           Also that the Alteration of the pews of the South Side be at

           the Charge of the Church & that Mess^rs George Craddock Job

           Lewis, & John Cox Shall have such pew as Shall be Vacant by

           Said Alteration they paying ten Pounds Each & relinquishing

           their Pews in the Gallery.

           Also that the Church wardens wait upon the Honourable

           Will^m Tayler Esq^r & Desire him to Sit in the Governours pew.