First Church, July 18, 1837.

A Communication was received from G. F. Thayer soliciting the Proprietors of this Church a deed of release of all claims on account of past breaches of the conditions in the deed which he received of the Deacons of this Church dated January 4,1 1829, and a confirmation to said Thayer of the Estate conveyed to him by that deed upon certain conditions.

After considerable debate, the application of Mr. Thayer, with the accompanying papers were committed to Messrs. Sprague, Hayden and Francis to consider and report.

The Committee appointed on the 19th day of April last, to consider the expediency of increasing the annual salary of the Pastor, were at their own request, excused from making a formal report at this time.

The Standing Committee were authorized to appoint a Sexton, from time to time, and to fix his Salary.

The Committee appointed at a former meeting on the subject of affording aid to the objects of the Boston Fraternity of Churches, made the following Report, which was accepted and Messrs. Wales, Gibbens and Francis were appointed a Committee to carry it into effect.

Boston, July 18, 1837.

The Committee to whom was referred a Communication from the Executive Committee of the Boston Fraternity of Churches, with instructions to consider and report, have attended to that service, [116] and respectfully submit what follows to the Proprietors of First Church.

Your Committee agree entirely with all that the communication contains respecting the value of the ministry to the poor in this City, and in expressing such a sentiment, they are but repeating what has been said before in the report of a Committee of this Church, a copy of which may be seen in its records. They believe, now, as was acknowledged then, that such a ministry has done good, And that a continuance of it promises many benefits, to our Community. At the same time, they see no reason to regret or alter the course that was then adopted by the First Church, declining, for reasons alledged, to be one of the branches of the association, that was at that time formed. Your Committee find, at the close of the report just referred to, a recommendation, that, since the establishment of the ministry at large, is worthy to be sustained, and since the manner in which subscriptions have been hitherto obtained for such an object has been always imperfect, and has of late become inconvenient, a Committee of three be appointed to devise and adopt means for gathering and transmitting annually a contribution to its funds. They learn, that, owing principally to the lamented death of one of that Committee, no corresponding measures were adopted. They would now therefore, bring the subject anew, as an important one to the consideration of the Church, urging the immediate fulfilment of the intention which it has already expressed.

In order to carry that intention into effect, two methods offer themselves, one, that of an annual contribution in the Church, the other, that of an annual subscription, among its members. The first is liable to the objections, that its application is too indiscriminate, that it is uncertain in its operation, and that it is almost sure to give small results.

They therefore recommend the adoption of the following Votes

That an annual subscription be immediately set on foot among the members of this Society.

That a Committee of three be appointed with full power to adopt a plan of subscription, and proceed to collect names in order that at a fixed time in each year, the fruits of this charitable endeavour may be handed over to The Boston Fraternity of Churches.

[117] That this time be the monday following the Commencement at Harvard University. That the Treasurer of this Society be the Organ, for collecting from year, to year, and transmitting the sums that may be subscribed.

That a Copy of this Report and of the Votes may be adopted, be sent without delay to the Executive Committee of the Boston Fraternity of Churches, by the Clerk of the First Church Society.

In behalf of the Committee,

N. L. Frothingham.

Adjourned. Daniel L. Gibbens Clerk.

Boston, July 23, 1837.

The Standing Committee met pursuant to notification, and Daniel Messinger Esquire was appointed Chairman for the ensuing year. The Committee appointed at the last meeting to wait on the Rev. Pastor and solicit a copy of his Sermon for publication, Reported that they had attended to that duty, And regret to say that Gentleman declines, furnishing a copy of the Sermon, and expresses his most lively satisfaction for the favor with which it was received.

Francis Dillaway was reappointed Sexton and his Salary fixed at One hundred dollars per annum.

Colonel Messinger, Major Phillips and the Rev. Dr. Frothingham were appointed a Committee to superintend the Organ Loft.

Messrs. Babcock, Barker, Morse and Doggett were appointed a Committee on Repairs.

Voted that this Committee be authorized to lease the house now occupied by Dr. Bigelow, for five years at an annual rent of $700.00 and taxes.

Messrs. Gibbens and Babcock with the Treasurer were appointed a Committee to report what in their opinion is a fair valuation of the Several Pews belonging to the Society, remaining unsold.

D. L. Gibbens Clerk.

[118] Boston, September 24, 1837. The Standing Committee met after the morning service.

The Committee on Repairs Reported that a New Pump is required on the premises occupied by J. Parker.

Whereupon it was Voted That the said Committee cause a New Pump to be procured, if in their judgement it shall be found necessary.

Messrs. Hayden and Appleton were appointed a Committee to ascertain on what terms a loan may be made to enable the Treasurer to pay certain Notes which will soon become due, and also such other Notes as are drawing six per cent interest.

The following Report was read and accepted. Viz.

The Committee who were instructed to ascertain what Pews remain unsold, and to report at what prices it would be expedient to offer them for sale, Have attended to that duty, and respectfully Report That they have carefully examined the location of every Pew belonging to the society, and recommend that the Treasurer be authorized to dispose of the following Pews for the sums set against their numbers respectively and that the Treasurer be directed to add to the taxes of such as may be let after the expiration of the present year a rent equal to the interest on the sums at which they are now appraised.

* These with a number of Pews not enumerated, to be used by Strangers until otherwise appropriated.

[119] Your Committee further recommend that the Treasurer be authorized to execute a Deed of Pew No 85 to David Francis Esq. whenever he shall relinquish his right in the Pew now to be transferred to Mr. Barker, And that the Treasurer be also authorized to execute a deed of Pew No 86 to Mr. Geo. Barker on his relinquishing his rights in the Pew No 87 formerly owned by him and recently removed by direction of the Proprietors.

Respectfully Submitted,

Boston, August 1, 1837.

Adjourned. Daniel L. Gibbens Clerk.

Boston, April 29, 1838.

The Standing Committee met after the Evening service, and Voted, unanimously, That the Clerk and D. Messinger Esq. be a Committee to wait on the Reverend Doctor Frothingham, and request a copy of the very interesting Sermon delivered by him this morning for the Press. Present Messrs. Phillips, Messinger, Gibbens, Babcock, Barker, and Morse, and The Treasurer.

Daniel L. Gibbens Clerk.

The above Committee waited on the Rev. Pastor in discharge of the duty assigned them, And that Gentleman declined furnishing a Copy of the Sermon for the Press.

[120] Boston, July 15, 1838.

The Proprietors of the First Church held a Meeting at the conclusion of the morning Service, agreeably to an invitation from the Desk.

It was stated to the Meeting by the Reverend Doctor Frothingham, that the Brattle Street Church was to be closed after the services of this day, in order for Repairs. Whereupon it was

Voted That the Reverend Pastor be requested to transmit to the Society worshipping in Brattle Street, the request of this Society, that its members accept of seats in this Church during the time their House shall be under repair, and that the Standing Committe be authorized and directed to attend to the Seating and accommodation of such as may accept this invitation.

Daniel L. Gibbens Clerk.

The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held at their Meeting House in Chauncy Place, on Tuesday, July 17, 1838.

Prayers were offered by the Rev. Doctor Frothingham. Daniel Messinger was appointed Moderator. The Records of the doings of the Society and of the Standing Committee were read by the Clerk.

Messrs. Thomas, Cutter and Rich were appointed a Committee to collect, assort and count the votes for Officers for the ensuing year.

Daniel L. Gibbens having declined being a candidate for the office of Clerk, the votes were collected, and it appeared that Thomas Sherwin was unanimously elected to that office.

The Committee of Finance made the following Report, which was accepted.

The Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church, on the subject of Finance, ask permission to submit the following as their Annual Report:

The Committee have carefully examined the Treasurer’s Account of his receipts and disbursements, during the year ending on the thirtieth day of June last, and find the same correctly cast and competently vouched.

The moneys received by the Treasurer, within the period before specified, have been derived from the following sources, viz.

[121] For Rents:

The disbursements made by the Treasurer, have been for the following purposes, viz.

On reviewing this statement of the condition of our financial affairs, the Committee think they have good reason to congratulate the Proprietors on the position in which they stand, in this respect.

We have, during the past year, in addition to our ordinary expenses, laid out in repairing our buildings, (the principal part of which was for the very judicious alterations in the entries and stairways of the Church,) the sum of

The Committee have great pleasure in informing the Proprietors, that all the arrearages of back Pew Taxes have been fully collected and that, on the thirtieth ultimo, no pecuniary debt whatever was known to be due to the Church. All demands against the Church, of any considerable amount, except the debt above referred to, which may be denominated its funded debt, have been paid and discharged; and the Committee cannot help believing, that the prosperous state of its finances, furnishes a good omen of the success of our Church in its other and more important affairs.

All which is respectfully submitted.

Benjamin B. Appleton was unanimously reelected Treasurer.

Mr. Barker stated to the meeting, that Messrs. Francis and Morse had requested him to say, they severally declined a reelection as members of the Standing Committee. Mr. Gibbens also declined being a candidate. Whereupon, Messrs. [123] Cutter, Barker and Wales were appointed a Committee to select a list of Candidates, who reported the following list, and, the votes being collected, it appeared that the following named gentlemen were elected, viz.

• Daniel Messinger
• S. H. Babcock
• William G. Brooks
• James Phillips
• Geo. Barker
• B. B. Appleton
• William Hayden Junior
• Noah Doggett
• John Hooper

Messrs. William Hayden Junior, S. H. Rich and J. E. Thayer were elected a Committee of Finance.

The Committee having in charge the subscription, in aid of the Ministry at large, made the following Report, viz.

The Committee appointed at the last Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church, to solicit subscriptions in aid of the Ministry at large in this city, have attended to that duty, and ask leave to report, that a general call was made on the Members of the Parish, which was received with general approbation. The result has been a subscription of $310.00 of which $295.00 have been collected. A compensation has been paid for collecting $45. say, $2.25 leaving a balance of $292.75, with the Treasurer, which amount he has paid over to the Treasurer of the Fraternity of Churches.

Respectfully submitted

per order

Boston, February 19, 1838.

Tho. B. Wales.

Voted That the Report be accepted, and that David Francis, Seth Thomas, and T. B. Wales Junior be a committee to receive further subscriptions, and pay the same over to the Treasurer.

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton, fix his salary and prescribe his duties.

The Committee to whom the communication of G. F. Thayer was referred, Reported the following votes, which were adopted; viz.

Voted that the Treasurer be authorized to execute to Gideon F. Thayer Esq. a deed re[124]leasing to him all claims for any past breaches of the conditions in the deed from the Deacons of this Society to said Thayer, dated January 4, 1829; and confirming the same estate to him and his heirs, subject to the same conditions as are contained in said deed from the Deacons of this Society.

Voted That the Treasurer give to said Thayer a license in writing, permitting the building, erected upon the land conveyed to said Thayer, by the Deacons of this Society, by deed dated Jan. 4, 1829, to be used for the delivery of lectures and the meetings of peaceable Societies, until such license shall be revoked by the further order of this Society.

On motion of W. Hayden Esq. the following vote was unanimously adopted, viz.

Voted That the Salary of the Pastor of this Church, be at the rate of two thousand dollars per annum, to be paid him quarterly, from the first of July instant, in addition to his house-rent and fuel.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Daniel L. Gibbens Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held July 22, 1838.

Col. Daniel Messinger was appointed Chairman for the current year.

A communication from the Rev. Dr. Frothingham was read, and it was Voted That the Proprietors be requested to meet on the next Lord’s day, and that the said letter be then communicated to the Society.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday afternoon next, then to meet in the vestry at 5 o’clock.

(The above record was made from Mr. Gibbens’ minutes.)

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Standing Committee met July 25, 1838, pursuant to adjournment. The oath of office was administered to the Clerk by D. L. Gibbens Esq. Francis Dillaway was reappointed Sexton, with a Salary of one hundred dollars per annum.

[125] Messrs. Babcock, Appleton and Doggett were appointed a Committee on Repairs.

Messrs. Messinger, Barker, and Hooper were appointed a Committee to superintend the Organ Loft.

Voted That Rev. Dr. Frothingham be invited to serve, ex officio, as one of the above Committee on the Organ Loft.

Voted That the thanks of this Committee be tendered to Mr. Appleton, for the very faithful manner in which he has performed the duties of Treasurer.

Voted That the thanks of this Committee be given to Mr. Gibbens, for his faithful and valuable services for many years, as a member of this Committee.

Voted That the Committee on Repairs confer with the Matron of the Female Orphan Asylum, in regard to the pews occupied by the children of that institution.

Voted That the same Committee be authorized to paint the Society’s block of houses in Summer st.

Adjourned to 29. inst. after morning service.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

July 29, 1838.

The Proprietors met by request of the Standing Committee, and Col. Messinger was called to the chair. A Communication from Rev. Dr. Frothingham was read and it was Voted that it be put on record. The following is a copy of that Communication: viz.

Hon. Daniel Messinger.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

September 5, 1838.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was holden to consider the expediency of procuring a new organ. Present Messrs. Messinger, Barker, Babcock, Doggett, Brooks, Hooper and Appleton.

Mr. Appleton was requested to act as clerk pro. tem.

[127] Voted That at the present time it is inexpedient to put up a new organ at the expense of the Society.

The above record was made from notes taken by Mr. Appleton.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

Boston, September 16, 1838.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was holden, all the members being present.

A communication relative to the Sunday school, kept in the vestry of the church, from Messrs. Patterson and Deane, was laid before the board; and it was Voted that the subject be referred to a Committee.

Rev. Mr. Frothingham, Messrs. Hayden and Brooks were appointed to constitute that Committee.

Adjourned to the wednesday following at 4 o’clock P.M.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

Boston, September 19, 1838.

The Standing Committee met this day agreeably to adjournment. The following Report was laid before the Board: viz.

Boston, October 14, 1838.

At a meeting of the Proprietors, holden pursuant to notice from the desk, it was Voted That a Committee of seven be raised to consider the expediency of repairing or exchanging the organ of this society, and report at an adjourned meeting.

The following gentlemen were appointed to constitute the Committee, viz. Messrs. Bancroft, Thomas, Babcock, J. E. Thayer, Rich, Stevenson and Abbott; To whom were added, Mr. Chadwick and Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

October 28, 1838.

The Proprietors of the First Church met pursuant to notice from the pulpit and notifications deposited in the pews.

Col. D. Messinger was appointed Moderator and D. L. Gibbens Clerk pro tem.

The Committee appointed at a previous [129] meeting to consider the subject, reported in favor of procuring a New Organ. The Report was accepted, and Messrs. D. Messinger, S. Thomas, B. B. Appleton, P. S. Shelton and C. Sprague were appointed a Committee to procure a new organ.

Voted That the Subscription Paper be submitted to the same Committee, with instructions to obtain subscriptions to the full amount which shall be necessary for the purchase of the new organ or for the exchange, if possible.

Voted That Rev. Dr. Frothingham be added to the Committee.

Voted That the Committee be authorized to fill all vacancies which may occur in their body.

Adjourned.

Attested by D. L. Gibbens Clerk P. Tem.

The above record is from notes taken by Mr. Gibbens.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

July 16, 1839.

The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held at their Meeting house in Chauncy Place. Prayers were offered by the Rev. Pastor, and T. B. Wales Esq. was chosen Moderator. The Records of the proceedings of the last year were then read by the Clerk. Messrs. Cutter and Rich were appointed to collect, assort and count the votes for Officers for the ensuing year.

Thomas Sherwin was chosen Clerk, and was duly qualified by taking the oath of office, administered by D. L. Gibbens Esq.

The Committee of Finance made the following Report, which was accepted: viz.

The Standing Committee appointed by the Proprietors of the First Church, on the subject of Finance, respectfully ask leave to submit their Annual Report on the pecuniary affairs of the Church.

The Committee have attended to the examination of the Treasurer’s Account of his receipts and payments in behalf of the Proprietors, and find the same accurately cast and sufficiently vouched.

The Income of the Church, for the year ending on the thirtieth day of June last, has been realized from the following sources; viz.

[130] For rent of the two Houses, numbered 39 and 41

Various expenditures have been made during the year, for the following purposes, viz.

All which is respectfully submitted to the Proprietors.

B. B. Appleton was unanimously elected Treasurer.

Messrs. Josiah Bradlee, D. Messinger and Col. Thomas were appointed a Committee to nominate the Standing Committee.

The following gentlemen were nominated and chosen to constitute the Standing Committee, viz.

• Messrs. J. S. Foster
• William Hayden Jr.
• N. Doggett
• J. Phillips
• S. H. Babcock
• B. B. Appleton
• D. L. Gibbens
• Geo. Barker
• John Hooper

Voted that the thanks of the Proprietors of the First Church be presented to Col. D. Messinger, for his long, faithful and very valuable services, as a member of the Standing Committee of this Church.

Messrs. Hayden, Rich and J. E. Thayer were chosen to constitute the Committee of Finance.

Voted that the Standing Committee be empowered to appoint a Sexton and fix his salary.

The Committee for the purpose of procuring a New Organ, reported that it is at present inexpedient to take any measures for carrying into effect that vote of the Society, by which they were appointed. This Report was read and accepted.

[132] On motion of Col. Messinger it was Voted that, in future, three of the Standing Committee go out of office each year, and, that, if not so many as three decline reelection, the three eldest in office be omitted by the Proprietors, in making the choice.

Col. Thomas made a verbal report in behalf of the Committee appointed to procure subscriptions in aid of the ministry at large, stating that about $2503 had been obtained and paid over to the Treasurer of the Fraternity of Churches.

Voted that the same Committee, consisting of Messrs. Francis, Thomas and T. B. Wales Jr. be a committee, for the same purpose, the ensuing year.

Rev. Dr. Frothingham, on the part of the Committee appointed to reorganize the Sunday School, offered a verbal report, in which he stated, that the School had been reorganized under favorable auspices, and already contained on its list the names of about 50 children.

On motion of Mr. Gibbens, Voted unanimously, that pew No. 2 be transferred, by deed from the Treasurer, to Rev. Dr. Frothingham, in order to make him a member of this Corporation.

Voted that the meeting be dissolved.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

Boston, July 20, 1839.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held in the vestry.

D. L. Gibbens was elected Chairman for the current year.

A communication was read from Dea. Foster declining to serve as one of the Standing Committee.

Messrs. Babcock, Doggett and Appleton were chosen a Committee on Repairs.

The following gentlemen, viz. Messrs. Gibbens, Barker and Hooper, were chosen a Committee on the Organ Loft. Rev. Dr. Frothingham was also appointed, ex officio, on this Committee.

A communication was read from the Sexton, Mr. Dillaway, in which he asked for an increase of salary.

Voted that the salary of the Sexton be $125.00 per annum; and Mr. Dillaway was elected to that office.

[133] Voted that the Committee on Repairs instruct the Sexton with regard to his duties.

Voted that the Committee on Repairs have full power to relet, for a term of years, the dwelling house occupied by Mr. Parker.

Voted that Mr. Babcock be a Committee to adjust and authorize to be paid a demand of Mr. Zeuner’s for services.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

November 2, 1839.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was holden this day, at 4 o’clock P. M. Present of the Committee Messrs. Gibbens, Doggett, Barker and Hooper; also, Rev. Dr. Frothingham and the Clerk.

A circular, addressed to the Pastor by N. F. Cunningham and Company, soliciting a contribution from the Congregation, in aid of the Mobile sufferers, was communicated to the board.

Voted That in consequence of the unprecedented mode in which this application is made, no further measures be taken upon the subject.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

November 10, 1839.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee held after morning service, a circular relative to contributing to the relief of the Mobile sufferers, was laid before the Board, and it was Voted that a collection be taken in this society, for the above purpose, on the following Sunday.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Collection, taken November 17th in conformity with the preceding vote, amounted, according to Dea. Foster’s report, to $173.74.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held after morning service, March 22, 1840.

The Committee on the Organ Loft made a partial report and asked for instructions from the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee were unanimous in the opin[134]ion, that the services of Miss Woodward should be retained, and that the Committee on Music should act, in other respects, as they might deem expedient.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the First Church, March 29, 1840.

It was Voted that, in the opinion of this Committee, it is inexpedient to open the Church on the afternoon of the approaching Fast day.

Voted that Messrs. Gibbens and Babcock be a Committee to communicate the above Vote to the Rev. Pastor, and, if he concur in the decision, to request him to give notice accordingly from the desk this afternoon.

The Rev. Dr. Frothingham, after reading the proclamation of the Executive, gave notice, that the morning service would be commenced at the usual hour on Thursday next, and that the afternoon service would be omitted on that day.

Notes from which the above record was made, were transmitted to the Clerk by the Chairman of the Standing Committee.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee, May 24, 1840, after morning service.

Voted that the Committee on Repairs be authorized to let the vacant room in the vestry for the use of a primary School, if they think it expedient.

Voted that the same Committee make enquiries with regard to the expense of a wooden fence, also of a brick wall, between the grounds of the Society and those of G. F. Thayer Esq.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held, June 7, 1840.

The Chairman stated that P. C. Brooks Esq. had presented to the Mayor and Aldermen a petition to relay the common sewer in Summer st.

Whereupon, Messrs. W. Hayden Jr. and D. L. Gibbens were appointed to appear before the Major and Aldermen to attend to the interests of the Society.

[135] The Committee on the partition fence, between the grounds of Mr. Thayer and those of the society, reported progress, and had leave to proceed in their enquiries.

The same Committee reported that it is inexpedient to let the vestry for the use of a primary school.

Adjourned.

Made from the notes of the Chairman.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

June 28, 1840.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee a circular addressed to Rev. Dr. Frothingham and soliciting aid to the Theological School at Cambridge, was laid before the Board.

Whereupon, it was Voted that the subject be brought before the Proprietors at their next annual meeting.

From notes of the Chairman.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held July 21, 1840.

Prayers having been offered by the Pastor, D. L. Gibbens Esq. was chosen Moderator and the records of the proceedings of the Proprietors and of the Standing Committee, for the last year, were read by the Clerk.

Messrs. Bradlee and Bigelow were chosen a Committee to collect, assort and count the votes for Officers for the ensuing year.

Thomas Sherwin was elected Clerk, and took the oath of office, administered by W. Hayden Esq.

It was moved by the Clerk that the vote, passed at the last Annual Meeting, relative to the election of the Standing Committee, be rescinded. Passed in the negative.

The following letter from Dr. Frothingham was then read by the Clerk.

Thomas Sherwin Esq.

The Committee of Finance made the following report, which was accepted.

“The Standing Committee, who have in their charge the financial affairs of the First Church, ask leave to submit to the Proprietors the following, as their annual Report:

The Committee find that the Income of the Church, for the past year, which ended on the thirtieth ultimo, has been derived from the following sources, viz.

The following Expenditures have been made, within the year, viz.

No change has taken place in the amount of the Debt of the Church, within the last year. It stands, as it did at the commencement of the year, at ten thousand dollars. As the rate of interest paid on this Debt is six per cent, and as it is possible the money may be, hereafter, obtained at a more favorable rate, this Committee would suggest the expediency of authorizing the Committee of Finance, now to be appointed, to effect such a change, if it should be found practicable.

The Committee further report that they have carefully examined the accounts of the Treasurer, and find them rightly cast, and competently vouched.

Respectfully submitted to the Proprietors.

First Church, July 21, 1840.

[138] B. B. Appleton was unanimously elected Treasurer.

Messrs. D. L. Gibbens, W. Hayden, George Barker, B. B. Appleton, John Hooper, S. L. Abbott, Thomas Sherwin, F. H. Bradlee and T. B. Wales Jr. were chosen to constitute the Standing Committee.

Messrs. W. Hayden, J. E. Thayer, and S. H. Rich were elected Committee on Finance.

A circular relative to the Theological School at Cambridge was then read by the Moderator.

It was moved by Mr. Cutter that the subject be laid on the table, which motion was afterwards withdrawn; and Messrs. Wales, Bradlee and Appleton were appointed a Committee to collect subscriptions in aid of said School.

On motion of Mr. Bradlee it was Voted that the Pastor have permission to be absent from his charge, six or eight weeks, during this summer; and, that the Standing Committee communicate to him this permission.

On motion of Mr. Wales, it was Voted That the Standing Committee take charge of the subscription for the Fraternity of Churches, and appoint a Committee of three from their Board, or from the Proprietors, to carry the subject into effect.

Voted that the Standing Committee cause the Church to be thoroughly examined by competent persons, and such repairs to be made as may be deemed expedient.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held July 22, 1840.

D. L. Gibbens was chosen Chairman of the Board.

Messrs. B. B. Appleton, G. Barker and T. B. Wales Jr. were chosen the Committee on Repairs.

D. L. Gibbens, S. L. Abbott and J. Hooper were chosen the Committee on Music.

Francis Dillaway was chosen Sexton, and his salary for the ensuing year was fixed at $100.

D. L. Gibbens and Thomas Sherwin were constituted [139] a Committee to wait on the Pastor and communicate to him the vote of the Proprietors giving his permission of absence.

Voted that the Committee on Repairs cause the Church to be carefully examined by competent persons, in order to ascertain what repairs are needed.

Voted that Mr. J. Preston and Mr. Washburn be employed to make the examination.

Voted that T. B. Wales Jr., Rev. Mr. Hamilton, and J. West be a Committee to receive subscriptions, in aid of the Fraternity of Churches.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held July 26, 1840.

A Report, accompanied with a plan, both prepared by Messrs. Preston and Washburn, and relating to the condition of the meeting-house, was laid before the Board.

It was also stated that Messrs. Wales and Bradlee had declined to accept their appointment as members of the Standing Committee.

The Board then voted that the above Report be laid before the Proprietors, and that a meeting of the same, for this purpose and for filling the vacancies in the Standing Committee, be called, on the first Monday of the ensuing August, at 6 o’clock P.M.

Adjourned.

Communicated to the Clerk by the Chairman of the Standing Committee.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Proprietors was held August 3, 1840.

D. L. Gibbens Esq. was chosen Moderator and Messrs. Cutter and Wales were appointed to collect and count the votes, and Messrs. S. H. Babcock and J. West were elected members of the Standing Committee to fill the vacancies in that Board.

The Chairman then read a letter from the Rev. Pastor, in which he declines availing himself of the permission to be absent from his charge, which was offered to him by vote of the Proprietors at their Annual meeting.

Voted that the letter be put on file.

[140] A report on the condition of the meeting house drawn up by Messrs. Preston and Washburn was read to the meeting.

Whereupon, it was moved by Mr. Cutter, that the subject of repairs be referred to the Standing Committee, with full powers.

An amendment was offered by Mr. Bancroft, viz. that said Committee shall not involve the Society in debt—which amendment was not sustained.

The original motion was then carried, with the condition, that no general repairs shall, at present, be made on the interior of the Church.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held August 8, 1840.

Mr. Babcock was chosen to supply the vacancy in the Committee on Repairs.

Voted that Messrs. Preston, Washburn, Hammond and Shaw be requested to make another examination of the roof of the Church and make a report on its condition.

Voted that the Committee on Repairs cause an estimate to be made of the probable expense of painting the exterior of the Church.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

August 30, 1840.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee a report on the condition of the meeting house, by Messrs. Shaw, Remick and Hammond, was communicated to the Board, and it was Voted that the report be approved of by the Committee.

A report was made by the Committee on Repairs, that a wooden fence, between the Society’s grounds and those of Mr. Thayer, had been completed.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held October 10, 1840.

It was Voted that the Committee on Repairs cause the glazing in the pulpit window to be replaced with ground glass, if, after having consulted the Rev. Pastor, they shall think such a change expedient.

Voted that Treasurer be authorized to consult [141] legal counsel relative to the deed, which he was empowered to execute to G. F. Thayer Esq. by vote of the Proprietors, at their Annual Meeting in 1838.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held July 20, 1841.

Dea. Foster was elected Moderator; after which the Records of the last year were read by the Clerk.

Messrs. Cutter and Huntington were chosen a Committee to collect and count the votes.

Thomas Sherwin was chosen Clerk, and took the usual oath, administered by William Hayden Esq.

The Committee of Finance then made the following Report, which was accepted, viz.

The Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church, on the subject of Finance, respectfully ask leave to submit their annual Report.

The Committee have examined the accounts of the Treasurer, and find them correctly cast, and properly vouched.

The payments of the Treasurer, for account of the Proprietors, within the year which ended on the thirtieth day of June last, were for the following purposes, viz.

Within the same year, the Treasurer has received, for account of the Proprietors, the following sums of money, viz.

This excess, it will be obvious at once to the Proprietors, has been caused, entirely, by the extraordinary repairs, which it was found necessary to make upon the Church. It is believed that these repairs have been made with a due regard to economy, and those who know the state of the budding before they were made, will hardly entertain a doubt of the propriety of this expenditure.

At the commencement of the last financial year, the debt of $10,000.00 bore interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum. Since that time, eight thousand of that ten thousand, and the two thousand borrowed on the new loan, have been placed at the rate of 5½ per cent. per annum. So that the Proprietors now owe a debt of $10,000.00—bearing interest at 5½ per cent. and $2,000.—bearing interest at 6 per cent. per annum.

All which is respectfully submitted to the Proprietors.

First Church, July 20, 1841.

Voted that the Report of the Committee of Finance be accepted.

B. B. Appleton was chosen Treasurer.

Voted that the Resolve passed at the Annual meeting of 1839, requiring three of the Standing Committee go out of office each year, be rescinded.

A vote of Thanks to the Standing Committee of the last year was passed. Messrs. Hayden, Barker and Sherwin declined being candidates for re-election on the Standing Committee.

The following gentlemen were then elected a Standing Committee for the ensuing year, viz.

[144]

The following Resolve was submitted by J. E. Thayer and passed, viz.

Voted That a Committee of five be chosen, to take into consideration the expediency of raising the taxes on the Pews in the First Church, and also to alter the valuation of the pews in said Church, and to report at a meeting of the Proprietors of said Church, to be called by giving notice to said Proprietors of the object of said meeting.

The following gentlemen were chosen to constitute this Committee, viz. Messrs. S. H. Babcock, Dea. Foster, J. E. Thayer, H. Cutter, J. T. Stevenson.

Voted that the Standing Committee take charge of the Subscription in aid of the Fraternity of Churches.

Voted on motion of Mr. Wales, that Rev. Dr. Frothingham, Geo. Bancroft and Charles Sprague be a Committee to consider the expediency of adopting a new collection of Psalms and Hymns, and report to the Proprietors of the Church.

Voted that the Standing Committee appoint a Sexton, and fix his Salary.

Adjourned. T. Sherwin Clerk.

[145] A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Church, July 31, 1841.

D. L. Gibbens was elected Chairman of the Committee for the current year.

Messrs. Appleton, Babcock and West were chosen a Committee on Repairs.

Messrs. Gibbens, Abbot and Hooper were chosen a Committee on Music. Francis Dillaway was chosen Sexton, and his Salary was fixed at $100 for all services in the capacity of Sexton.

Voted that the Committee on Repairs instruct the Sexton relative to his duties.

Messrs. J. E. Thayer, Rich, and T. B. Wales Jr, were chosen a Committee to receive subscriptions in aid of the Fraternity of Churches.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held September 23, to consider a request from Messrs. S. F. Holbrook and W. B. Spooner for the use of the Church for a Temperance Lecture.

And it was Voted that as there are no fixtures for the purpose of lighting, and the house is insured with the understanding that no evening meetings be held in it, the Committee must, though reluctantly, decline granting the request.

If, however, the applicants should want the use of the house for an afternoon, it would be most cheerfully granted.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held November 14, 1841.

Reports from the Committee on raising the taxes on the pews, and the Committee on a new collection of Psalms and Hymns, were communicated; and it was Voted that a meeting of the Proprietors be called on November 24, at 3 o clock P.M., for the purpose of receiving and considering these reports.

[146] Voted that printed notifications be issued stating the objects of the meeting, and requesting punctual attendance.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee, held November 21, 1841, it was suggested that an additional singer was wanted.

And it was Voted that the subject be left to the discretion of the Committee on Music.

Voted that the Treasurer and Clerk cause plans of the Church to be drawn, in which the proprietors of the several pews shall be designated.

Voted that Messrs. Gibbens and Babcock be a Committee to confer with the City Authorities, relative to an assessment laid upon the Society for repairs in the common sewer.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

A meeting of the Proprietors was held, on November 24, 1841.

Dea. J. Foster was chosen Moderator.

A Report of the Committee appointed at the Annual meeting to consider the expediency of introducing a new collection of Psalms and Hymns, was read and accepted.

A motion was made to reconsider, but was negatived.

Voted that the Standing Committee ascertain on what conditions a supply of the Christian Psalter, the collection recommended in the Report, can be obtained.

A Report of the Committee to consider the expediency of making a new valuation of the Pews, and of raising the taxes on the pews, was read.

It was moved that the subject be indefinitely postponed. Passed in the negative.

Voted that the Report be recomitted to the same Committee, with instructions to make a new valuation of the pews, according to their respective values and report.

Voted That the 1st Article of the By-laws be so far altered, that the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors shall hereafter be held on the Third Tuesday of April each year.

Adjourned.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

[147] A meeting of the Standing Committee was held November 28, 1841.

The Chairman stated the terms upon which a supply of the Christian Psalter could be obtained.

The Chairman and Mr. Hooper were appointed a Committee to inquire into the expense of copies on extra paper and in extra binding, also to ascertain when the Society could be furnished with copies.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Standing Committee met in the Church December 25, 1841.

Papers relating to repairs and lease of the house occupied by Mr. Blake were read, and the Committee on Repairs were instructed to propose a lease to Mr. Blake in the common form; giving him permission to remove his Furnace and Water-closet, he leaving the premises in good order; also giving him the privilege of occupying the premises three or five years, as he may elect, only he is to give three months notice of his intention to leave. But the Committee will give him no obligation.

The Committee directed that six Hymn Books should be furnished for the Minister’s Pew.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

The Standing Committee met January 16, 1842.

Voted that the Christian Psalter be introduced in the services of the Church, on the second Sunday of February 1842; and that the Clerk post up a notice of the same.

Voted that the book binder be directed to have in readiness fifty copies in each of the two best kinds of binding.

The subject of subscription in aid of the Associated Churches was brought up, and it was Voted that no further measures, at present, be taken with regard to this matter.

Thomas Sherwin Clerk.

[148] The Annual meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held on Tuesday the 19th day of April 1842—agreeably to the alteration of the by-laws, adopted at a meeting held the 24th day of November, 1841.

Prayers having been offered by the Reverend Pastor of the Church, the meeting made choice of Deacon James H. Foster for Moderator.

It having been announced by Mr. Gibbens that he was authorized by Mr. Sherwin to decline reelection, the meeting made choice, by ballot, of John Prescott Bigelow for their Clerk for the year ensuing. The oath of office was then administered to the Clerk, by Mr. Gibbens, after which the records, for the preceding year, were read.

Upon balloting for a Standing Committee, it appeared that the following persons were chosen, viz.

• Daniel L. Gibbens
• John Hooper
• John P. Bigelow
• Samuel H. Babcock
• Samuel L. Abbott
• John Eliot Thayer
• Benjamin B. Appleton
• Joseph West
• Samuel H. Rich

Upon balloting for a Treasurer and Collector, it appeared that Benjamin B. Appleton was chosen, and the oath of office was administered to him by the Clerk.

Upon balloting for a Committee of Finance, it appeared that Thomas B. Wales, John Eliot Thayer and John Hooper were chosen.

Previously to balloting for a Treasurer, the Committee on Finance, for the past year, presented the following report, which was read and accepted, viz.

The Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church on the examination of the Treasurer’s accounts and on the State of the finances of the Society, beg leave to report: that they have examined the Treas[149]urer’s accounts, and have found them duly entered, correctly cast, and properly vouched. The receipts since the last annual meeting, being for three quarters, here follow, viz.

The total amount received from the various sources is found to have been thirty nine hundred and eighty one dollars and 86/100.

The expenditures for the same time have been as follows, viz.

The total amount of expenditures, being forty-five hundred, and fifty nine dollars and 26/100, shews an excess of expenditures over the receipts, for three quarters, of five hundred and seventy seven dollars and 40/100, say $577.40, to which add the balance due the Treasurer on the last account $305.03, makes a balance due him of $878.73.

From the above statement it will appear that the income of the Society does not equal the expenditures, and the debt continues to increase and now amounts to $12,878.73.

All which is respectfully submitted by

[150] On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was voted that the Treasurer be authorized to charge the Society with interest upon such amounts as he may have expended, as shall hereafter expend, in behalf of the Society, beyond the receipts on account of the same in his possession at the time of such expenditures.

Mr. Gibbens presented the following report, viz.

The Standing Committee, who were charged with the superintendance of the subscription in aid of the ministry at large, ask leave to report that “at the request of the Reverend Pastor, Mr. Thomas B. Wales, junior undertook the service of soliciting subscriptions from members of the First Church, in support of the ministry at large in this City, in January last, and that he has collected and paid over to Mr. Thomas Tarbell, Treasurer of the Boston fraternity of churches, three hundred and twenty two dollars in aid of that object.” The committee further report, that the same gentleman collected from members of the First Church, and paid over to the Treasurer of the Fraternity the sum of one hundred and nineteen dollars on the sixth day of April of the last year.

For the Committee,

Daniel L. Gibbens Chairman.

Boston, April 19, 1842.

The above report was accepted, and it was thereupon voted that the Standing Committee be charged with the duty of soliciting similar contributions from members of the Society for the year ensuing.

It was voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton, and fix his salary.

The following communication from the Pastor was presented and read, viz.

This communication having been duly considered by the proprietors, it was voted, unanimously, that in consideration of the proposed relinquishment, the sum of six-hundred dollars per annum be allowed to the Pastor from and after the first day of July now next ensuing, in addition to his regular salary; and making, therewith, the sum of twenty-six hundred ($2600.) dollars, per annum, as the compensation for his services.

The Standing Committee were directed to communicate this vote to the Reverend Pastor.

The following report was read viz.

To the proprietors of the First Church

Your Committee to whom was referred the subject of placing a valuation on the pews in said Church, have attended to that service and ask leave to report, by offering a plan of the same, shewing the gross amount of $41,108, which at 6 percent gives about $2500 per annum, all of which is respectfully submitted in behalf of the Committee by

Samuel H. Babcock Chairman.

[152] The foregoing report and plan having been considered, it was voted that the same be recommitted to the Committee who made the report, with instructions to report an assessment to be laid upon the pews, in proportion to their relative values, the assessment to be sufficient to raise the sum of $3000 per annum and that they report at an adjourned meeting, to be held on Tuesday the 3d day of May, at 4o’clock, P.M. It was also voted that the rate of the assessment which the Committee shall propose to be laid upon the pews under this vote shall be printed, and a copy thereof shall be placed in the pew of each proprietor on Sunday the 1st day of May.

Adjourned to Tuesday, May 3, 4 P.M.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Church, April 23, 1842. Present all the members of the Committee.

Daniel L. Gibbens was chosen Chairman of the Committee, for the current parochial year.

Messrs. Appleton, Babcock and West were appointed sub-committee on repairs.

Messrs. Gibbens, Abbott, and Hooper were appointed sub-committee on Music.

Francis Dillaway was chosen Sexton, and his salary was fixed at $100; in full for all services in that capacity.

Messrs. John E. Thayer, S. H. Rich and Josiah P. Bradlee were chosen a committee to receive subscriptions in aid of the “fraternity of churches.”

Messrs. Thayer and Bigelow were requested to draft a letter to the Pastor communicating the vote of the proprietors in reference to compensation for relinquishing the parochial residence.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[153] A meeting of the Proprietors was held in the Church agreeably to adjournment on Tuesday May 3, 1842.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee communicated a copy of letter which the Committe had addressed to the Reverend Pastor, and the reply, which they had received, thereto. These documents were read to the meeting, and it was voted that they should be entered upon the records in full. They are as follow, viz.

[155] The meeting having considered the letter of the Pastor, it was Voted that the decision of the proprietors in reference to this subject, adopted on the 19th of April, be so far reconsidered as to fix the amount of compensation for the relinquishment of the parish residence at five hundred dollars per annum, and in accordance with this modification of the said previous decision, it was Voted that from and after the first day of the month of July, A.D. 1842, the amount of the compensation of the present Pastor (including the said $500) shall be twenty five hundred dollars per annum, payable quarter-yearly.

On motion of Mr. Joseph S. Buckingham, it was voted to reconsider the vote of the last meeting whereby the report and plan submitted by Mr. S. H. Babcock (for a committee) were recommitted, with certain instructions; and the question recurring upon said report and plan it was voted not to adopt the same.

On motion of Mr. Henry Cutter it was voted that [blank] be a committee to prepare and report to the society such a scheme of finance as will relieve the society from debt, and that the said committee enquire into the expediency of selling the whole or part of the real estate of the society, other than the church and the land immediately attached thereto. The Standing Committee having been directed to retire and select five names to fill the blank in the preceding vote, reported the names of Messrs. Thomas B. Wales, Ebenezer Chadwick, John T. Stevenson, Samuel Henshaw and Jonathan Preston and it was voted that these gentlemen do constitute the Committee.

Mr. James H. Paine (proxy for Elizabeth Paine and the heirs of Mary Clap) presented the following preamble and vote viz. Whereas by an Act of the Legislature passed in March, 1829, the proprietors of pews in the First Church were declared to be possessed and seized of all lands tenements and estates previously possessed and enjoyed by the proprietors of said Church or by the Deacons, or any other officers of the same; and whereas the said Proprietors have reason to believe that there are funds embraced in the provisions of said Act, of the amount, investment, in-[156]come and appropriation of which they are not sufficiently informed: therefore Voted that [blank] be a Committee to investigate this subject and report to the Proprietors a statement of the original amount of every donation or bequest to the Deacons, or any other officer of the Church or Society, the present amount of value of such donations or bequests, the manner in which they are invested, and such other suggestions as the Committee may think conducive to the security, increase, and usefulness of the several funds.

The foregoing preamble and vote were adopted and passed by the Proprietors, and it was further voted that the same gentlemen who have previously been appointed to prepare a scheme of finance do constitute the Committee.

Adjourned, sine die.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the residence of Mr. Gibbens, on the evening of May 11, 1842. Present Messrs. Gibbens, Babcock, Appleton, Hooper, Abbott, West, and Bigelow.

The chairman communicated a letter from Mr. Thomas B. Wales, in behalf of the special committee appointed at the recent meeting of the proprietors, asking the opinion of the Standing Committee upon the points contained in the following extracts from the letter, viz. “the present value of the four houses belonging to the Society; the amount of gross rent of the houses; the estimated amount of repairs which may be required this coming year, and for the year 1843”; “what amount may be proper to be expended on the exterior and interior of the Church for the year 1842, and for the year 1843; and whether any diminution may be expected in the expenditure for music or in any other department for 1842, or 1843”; “also whether the Standing Committee have any knowledge of the amount of the Church fund, from whom it came, or in whose charge it is now”?

To these enquiries the Standing Committee instructed the Clerk to return the following answers, viz.

We estimate the present value of the four houses on Summer Street to be $50,000. The annual aggregate [157] rent of three of the houses is $2150. The tenants pay the taxes on these houses and make the interior repairs, if any are required, at their own expense. We have reason to believe that the 4th house (parsonage) can be let on a long lease for as much as $700 per annum, without being put into repair by the Society. Unless it shall be decided to repair the parsonage house before leasing, we do not think that any expence need be incurred on account of repairs for any of the houses this year or next. We do not think that any repairs of consequence are absolutely required for the exterior or interior of the Church this year or next. We are however of opinion that if we were in sufficient funds, it would be highly desirable to lay out as much as $3000, forthwith, in repairing the building, inside and outside. We do not think that any essential reduction can be made, properly, in the expenditures for music, or in any other department during this year or the next. In reference to the question concerning the Church funds, we beg leave to say that we believe there are such funds in the hands of Deacon J. H. Foster, and respectfully refer the special committee to that gentleman, for more precise information on the subject, not doubting that he will readily exhibit a clear and satisfactory statement concerning the same.

Voted that the sub-committee on music be authorized to procure an examination of the organ by competent persons, and that they report what expense will be necessary for repairing the same.

Voted that the sub-committee on repairs enquire and report upon the expense of warming the Church by means of a furnace, and the expediency of doing so.

Voted that Messrs. Gibbens and Abbott enquire and report concerning the present state of repair of the Society’s tomb in the Chapel burying ground. (Vide Report on page 165.)4

The Clerk informed the Committee that he had communicated to the Pastor the vote passed at last meeting of the Proprietors, whereby they acquiesced in his wish that the commutation for his relinquishment of the parish residence should be fixed at a less sum than that which they had proposed.

Adjourned.

J. P. B., Clerk.

[158] The following is a copy of the letter of the Clerk to the Pastor communicating the vote of the Proprietors in reference to commutation and salary passed at the meeting held on May 3, 1842.

To Rev. Nathaniel Langdon Frothingham D.D.

The report concerning the finances, etc. (commencing on the next page) was printed before the meeting was held, and copies thereof were distributed in all the pews on Sunday morning, the 5th of June, together with the official notification of the meeting. The votes and schedule of taxes, reported by the Committee, were also printed with the report, and are on file.

[159] A meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Meeting-House on Tuesday, June 7, 1842.

Notices of the meeting, specifying the objects thereof, were placed in all the pews, on both the preceding Sundays, and notice of the time of holding the meeting was also given from the pulpit on both of those days.

Mr. Joseph T. Buckingham was chosen Moderator.

Mr. Thomas B. Wales, from a Committee, submitted the following report, viz.

The Committee, chosen on the 3d instant by the Proprietors of the First Church to prepare and report to the Society such scheme of Finance as will relieve the Society from debt; and to enquire into the expediency of selling the whole or a part of the Real Estate belonging to said Society, other than the Church, and land attached thereto, have attended that duty, and ask leave to report that they caused notes to be addressed to the Standing Committee and Treasurer, requesting information on the several subjects under their charge, and have the pleasure to acknowledge ready and valuable information from those officers.

Your Committee find, by examining the documents furnished, that the average annual expenditure, for the last three years, has amounted to over $5500; and the average income for the same time amounted to only $4400, leaving an annual deficit of about $1100. The debt has been increased in 14 years over $7700, which averages over $550 per annum. In pursuing the same management, as heretofore, your Committee can perceive no reason why the Society should not in future increase it’s debt at a rate exceeding $1000 per annum, and of course diminish the property to that amount annually. Your Committee estimate the expenditure for three years to come, including $500 annually for reimbursement of the debt, at a sum not less than $6100; the income for the same time not exceeding $5200, bearing an annual deficiency of $900, which, allowing for common contingencies, would require the highest rate of taxes proposed by your last committee on that subject. Therefore your Committee do not recommend the continuance of the present system, any further. Having abandoned the present system of finance, your Committee have considered it expedient to examine another mode of managing the affairs of the Society, namely, [160] that of selling the four dwelling-houses, paying the debts of the Society, repairing the Church, increasing the taxes moderately, and investing the balance in funds. To carry this system into operation, it is assumed by the Committee that the houses will sell for $48,000. Deducting $13000, the debts due, the balance will be $35000. Required for repairs $3000. Remaining for investment $32000. Your Committee further assume, that the sum to be invested will give for interest $1700; rent of school rooms and cellars $500; pew taxes including the proposed increase, in all $4600. The expenditure is estimated as follows—minister’s salary $2500; music $900; sexton $100; public taxes

$80; repairs $300; insurance $60; incidental charges, printing, collecting, fuel, etc. $260=total $4200. Leaving a surplus for a contingent fund of $400, annually.

There cannot be a doubt of it’s being bad policy for any corporation, especially a church, resorting to a permanent loan, when the income of that church nearly equals the minister’s salary. Besides the inconvenience of managing real estate by committees, it is sufficient for a Standing Committe of any Society to be charged with the management of the Church and Parish affairs. Another important reason for a change of system occurs to the Committee, namely, the result of all estimates, producing less income and greater expenditure, than are generally expected.

It would indeed be a great pleasure to your Committee to see the debts discharged and the real estate of the Society retained, but when they perceive the Society are un-willing to be taxed in a sum sufficient to pay $500 of the debts annually, they would deem it disrespectful to the Society to propose the payment of the whole debt by taxation. Therefore to relieve the Society from embarassment, save the property from total loss, and place the finances in an independent state, with an almost certain tendency to increase the contingent fund for the future use of the Society, your Committee beg leave to recommend the following annexed votes for the adoption of the Society.

All which is respectfully submitted by

Thomas B. Wales

Ebenezer Chadwick

J. Thomas Stevenson

Jonathan Preston

Samuel Henshaw.

Boston, May 27, 1842.

The report was accompanied by several votes, and a schedule of taxes, which the committee recommended for the adoption of the Society. The meeting voted to substitute a different schedule from that recommended by the Committee, and chose a committee to fill a blank left in the last [161] vote reported by the Committee. In all other respects the Meeting accepted the report and votes submitted by the Committee, the necessary verbal alterations excepted. The question upon the several votes was taken upon each vote separately.

The following are the votes and schedule of taxes as adopted by the Proprietors, viz.

1. 1. Voted that the Treasurer of the Society be authorized and directed to assess a tax on the pews of the proprietors for the ensuing year, and annually until otherwise ordered, according to the annexed schedule, and collect the same for the use of the Society.
2. 2. Voted that the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church be authorized and instructed to sell and dispose of the four houses belonging to said proprietors, in such way and manner as in their opinion may best subserve the interest of the Society.
3. 3. Voted that the Standing Committee be directed to apply so much of the money, first received from the above sales, to the payment of the debts due from the Society, as will effect that object.
4. 4. Voted that the Standing Committee be instructed to cause the Church to be repaired in such manner and to such extent, as in their judgment may be necessary for the permanent and proper convenience, protection, and respectability of the Church and Proprietors.
5. 5. Voted that, when the sales of the houses shall be completed the Standing Committee be instructed to report the same to the Society, with their opinion of the best mode of investing the balance of the proceeds.
6. 6. Voted that the Standing Committee be directed to invest any surplus funds which may from time to time come into the hands of the Treasurer or Committee, in such manner as they may deem safe and advantageous to the Society, for a contingent fund, for the use of the Society, and subject to the control of the Proprietors.
7. 7. Voted that whenever the income of the Society fails to equal the the expenditure the Standing Committee be directed to cause the Treasurer to increase the rate of taxation, according to the proportions in the annexed schedule, to meet said deficiency.
8. 8. Voted that Daniel Messenger, Daniel L. Gibbens and Benjamin B. Appleton be a Committee to convey said real estate, when sold, and that they be authorized and empowered to sign a deed or deeds of the same, in behalf of the Proprietors of the First Church, when requested so to do by the Standing Committee, and to affix the seal of the Corporation thereto.

[162] Schedule of quarterly taxes, to be assessed upon the pews. Adopted by the Proprietors, June 7, 1842, under the provisions of the first of the preceding votes, viz.

Pews 1, 28, 57, 58, 87, and 114 have been removed. No. 43 is the minister’s pew, 27 and 88 lumber pews, 89 Strangers’ pew. Nos. 128 to 141, inclusive, are in the Eastern gallery, not taxed.

[163] On motion of Mr. Ebenezer Chadwick, it was Voted that the proportions, in the preceding schedule, be considered as indicating the relative value of the pews, for the purposes of taxation.

Mr. Thomas B. Wales presented the following report, viz.

The Committee to whom, on the 3d ultimo, was referred the vote concerning funds derived from donations and bequests, have attended to the duty, and ask leave to report a copy of a letter addressed to Deacon James H. Foster, requesting information on the Subject, and his reply … Which are respectfully submitted by order of the Committee.

Boston, June 7, 1842. Tho. B. Wales Chairman.

The preceding report and letters having been read and some verbal statements, concerning the funds in question, having been made by Mr. Wales and Deacon Foster, it was voted that the further consideration of the subject be laid upon the table.

Adjourned, sine die.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the residence of the Chairman, on Thursday evening, June 9, 1842. Present, Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Hooper, Mr. West, and Mr. Bigelow.

After authorizing the Chairman to procure a ground plan of the houses and lands belonging to the Society, and adopting some measures having reference to the contemplated sale of the dwelling-houses, the Committee adjourned to meet at the Church on Monday the 13th of June at 5 o’clock, where and when the Committee met accordingly—Present the same members as above with the addition of Mr. Babcock and Mr. Abbott. After fixing a value upon the several houses, Mr. Gibbens and Mr. Appleton were appointed a sub-committee to advertise and contract to sell them at the prices fixed.

Adjourned.

J.P.B. Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held in the Church after divine service in the morning of Sunday, June 19, 1842. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Abbott, Mr. West, Mr. Bigelow.

The Minister, also being present, communicated a letter from a person belonging to Bremen, requesting that a contribution may be taken in the Church on the next Sunday for the benefit of the sufferers by the recent great conflagration of Hamburgh in Europe.

Voted that it is inexpedient to comply with the request.

Adjourned.

J.P.B. Clerk.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Church, Monday morning, July 4, 1842. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Thayer, Mr. West and Mr. Bigelow.

Mr. Gibbens and Mr. Appleton reported that, thus far, they had not been able to find purchasers for the houses at the prices fixed. Mr. Thayer was then authorized to offer No. 43, to certain individuals at a certain fixed price. (No. 43, is the late parsonage house.)

The Treasurer was authorized to procure a duplicate key for the door of the Church.

The Chairman communicated a letter from Mr. Babcock resigning his place as member of the Standing Committee.

Adjourned.

J.P.B. Clerk.

[165] A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Church, Tuesday afternoon, July 12, 1842. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Abbott, Mr. West, Mr. Thayer, Mr. Rich, Mr. Bigelow.

Mr. Thayer reported that he had not been able to obtain a purchaser for House, No. 43, at the price fixed.

It appearing that there are about two hundred copies, in sheets, of the Christian Psalter remaining on the hands of the Society, out of five hundred which were printed on account thereof, and that about $100. (balance) is due for printing the same, the Treasurer was directed to pay the amount so due, and Mr. Hooper was authorized to cause fifty copies of the Psalter to be bound for the purpose of supplying such members of the Society, as may desire to purchase.

Messrs. Gibbens and Abbott (see record of May 11) made a verbal report concerning the Society’s tomb in the Chapel Burial Ground. They had experience some difficulty in finding it’s location. It’s entrance was found to be about [blank] feet from the front wall of the Ground, and about [blank] feet from the wall of the Savings’ Bank. The only monument, which could have been intended to indicate it’s location, is a rude grave stone, some 8 or 10 feet from it’s mouth. The tomb was found to be in the most perfect condition, containing the remains of a number of the former pastors of the Church and three or four children. The coffin containing the remains of the Rev. William Emerson was [166] identified by an inscription upon one of it’s plates. Mr. Emerson is supposed to have been the last individual interred in the tomb (viz. in 1811); his successor (Mr. Abbott) having been buried at Andover. The Committee recommended the erection of a suitable monument, with inscriptions, etc., over the tomb. The consideration of this proposition was postponed.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The Standing Committee were notified to meet at the Church August 1, 1842. (Monday) Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Abbot, Mr. Hooper and Mr. Bigelow. Not a quorum.

Mr. Gibbens stated that the sub-committee had not as yet been able to sell any of the houses at the prices fixed, whereupon the sub-committee were requested to advertise them again, and in additional papers, and to employ a broker to dispose of them, if they saw fit.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The Standing Committee met the Church on Tuesday, September 20, in the afternoon. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Abbot, Mr. West, Mr. Thayer and Mr. Bigelow.

The Chairman communicated a request in behalf of the Sunday Schools, of all the Churches in the City, that the first bells of this as well, as of the other Churches, shall be rung at an hour and a quarter previous to the second bells, instead of one hour as at present. Agreed to, on condition that the bells of all the other Churches be rung in like manner, in regard to time.

Voted that the Clerk do notify a meeting of the Proprietors to be holden in the Church on Monday the 26th instant, at 4 P.M., to consider and decide upon the expediency of warming the building by means of furnaces.

Mr. Gibbens states that the sub-committee had not as yet been able to obtain purchasers of any of the houses, at satisfactory prices.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[167] A meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held on the afternoon of Monday the 26th of September, in the Church—agreeably to notices left in the pews on the day previous.

Joseph T. Buckingham was chosen Moderator. The Chairman of the S.C. having stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of deciding upon the expediency of warming the building by means of furnaces, the question upon that subject was put, whereupon it was voted, by a large majority, that it is inexpedient, at the present, so to do.

Mr. J. T. Stevenson moved that the Standing Committee be requested to cause the interior of the Church to be painted and repaired the present autumn. Negatived.

Adjourned.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

The Standing Committee met in the Church after the morning service, Sunday, October 9, 1842. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Abbot, Mr. West, Mr. Bigelow.

The Chairman communicated a circular from certain individuals, in behalf of the Massachusetts Bible Society, requesting aid to enable them to furnish bibles, with raised letters, for the Blind; also a letter from the Unitarian Society in Sharon asking aid for the construction of a new meetinghouse. These documents were read and ordered to lie on the table.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The Standing Committee met in the house recently occupied by the Pastor on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, 1842. Present Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Appleton, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Abbot, Mr. West, Mr. Bigelow.

The Chairman stated that the sub-Committee had been offered $13000 for the house in which the Committee were now assembled, specifying certain terms of payment. The sub Committee were authorized to accept the offer—the sale to be with certain restrictions heretofore agreed upon by the Committee.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[168] A meeting of the Standing Committee was notified for Wednesday the 19th of October, at the house recently occupied by the Pastor. Present Messrs. Gibbens, Abbot and Hooper—adjourned to same place, next day Thursday, when were present Messrs. Gibbens, Appleton, Hooper, Abbot and West.

Voted that the sub committee on the sale of the Houses (Messrs. Gibbens and Appleton) be authorized to sell as follows, viz. the house No. 37 Summer St. at $11500; No. 39 at $11750; No. 41 at $13000. A contract for the sale of No. 43. was already made agreeably to vote of the last meeting of the committee (see last page). The Committee at the meeting of June 9, had severally valued the houses as follows viz. No. 37—$12,000.—No. 39—$13,000. No. 41—$14000 No. 43—$15000. This valuation was however reconsidered on June 13, and the asking prices fixed for the several houses at $14000, $15000, $16000, and $17000 in the order of the several numbers. The sub committee had not received any offers at these prices, nor indeed at those of June 9th.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Pursuant to a notice from the desk by the Rev. Pastor a meeting of the Congregation was held after the morning service on Sunday, December 18, 1842 to consider and act upon a communication from a committee appointed by a meeting of Unitarians, of which Rev. S. K. Lothrop was the Chairman, soliciting aid for domestic missionary purposes. The Rev. Pastor was appointed Moderator.

On motion of Mr. J. T. Stevenson, voted unanimously, that it is inexpedient to take any steps as a Society in view of the Communication in question, but as individuals we will appoint a Committee to collect such sums as may be subscribed in furtherance of the objects embraced in that communication.

Messrs. Stevenson and Gibbens were appointed the Committee under this vote and the meeting was dissolved.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[169] The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Church on Tuesday, April 18, 1843 in the afternoon Daniel Messenger in the Chair, the meeting being opened with prayer by the Rev. Pastor.

The records of the preceding year were read, by the Clerk.

Mr. Gibbens in behalf of the Standing Committee submitted the following report viz.

The Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church ask leave to report: that agreeably to a vote of the Society passed on the 7th day of June last, instructing them “to sell and dispose of the four houses belonging to the Proprietors in such way and manner as in their opinion may best subserve the interests of the Society,” they caused the same to be advertised a number of weeks in several of the public papers, and made personal exertions to accomplish the proposed object, and they also employed Mr. Cutter a member of the Society, as a real estate broker to aid them in the matter. But owing to the unusual pressure of the times, the extreme reluctance of Capitalists and others to engage in any new enterprise and the additional circumstance of a very large quantity of valuable land in the vicinity being thrown into the market at the same time, they were unable to negotiate a sale on such terms as would be satisfactory to themselves or to the Society. A great obstacle to the sale of the three western houses was the circumstance of their being leased for two or more years to the present occupants,—applicants generally desiring to have immediate possession. The Committee however feel less regret at their failure to dispose of these houses as they are now yielding a satisfactory income and as the time for which they are now leased is wearing away, they have no doubt a sale may be effected in the course of the ensuing summer or more favorable terms than any which have been offered.

The Committee further report that after several months had elapsed and every effort to dispose of the parsonage had failed they made a thorough examination of the building and found that in order to let it to a respectable private family it would require extensive repairs involving an outlay of more than a thousand [170] dollars, an expenditure which the state of the treasury did not seem to justify. They therefore reluctantly permitted it to remain vacant until October when they disposed of that estate to Mr. John Redman for the sum of thirteen thousand dollars upon condition that he shall enjoy the same right in Chauncy-place as was granted to Mr. G. F. Thayer for the lot purchased by him of the proprietors, and also a right of way in the passage in the rear of the estate to the width of six feet. And it is provided that no building fence or other obstruction to light or air shall ever be erected by him or his successors within twenty feet of the back line of the estate of a greater height than the shed now standing thereon. Nor shall any vault be placed within fifteen feet of the said line and no building shall ever be erected on the back line except such as may be wanted for the use of the dwelling-house.

One thousand dollars of the purchase money was paid on the delivery of the deed, and that sum was immediately applied to the extinguishment of so much of the debt of the Society. Two thousand more are to be paid within two years, and that sum with the interest semiannually, at six per cent, is secured by a mortgage with such conditions as will render the Society secure from loss in any event. The residue, or ten thousand dollars, is to be paid in ten years, with interest semiannually, and is secured by a mortgage in the usual form, with the policy made payable to the Society in case of loss by fire. By this state—it will be perceived that the Society is now receiving for this whole demand an annual income of six per cent while for a considerable portion of their liabilities they are paying a less rate of interest: and the Committee are informed that an advantageous exchange may be made at any time when the proprietors shall so direct by which the whole debt of the Society may be paid and a small balance remain in the Treasury. But the Committee forbear to enlarge upon this subject, which belongs more properly to the Committee who have the financial concerns of the Society in charge.

The Committee further report that they have omitted to make any considerable repairs in the Church during the past year, because they understood the prevailing sentiment in the Society to be adverse to the expenditure of a large sum for that purpose unless the Committee should succeed in disposing of the greater part of the real estate.

For the Committee

D. L. Gibbens, Chairman.

Chauncy Place, April 18, 1843.

This Report was accepted.

[171] The Committee of the First Church charged with the examination of the Treasurer’s accounts and the finances of the Society beg leave to report that they have examined the Treasurer’s accounts, have found them correctly cast and the payments properly vouched, and have certified the same on his book.

The receipts since the last annual meeting have been as follows viz.

The expenditures for the past year have been as follows, viz.

The above payments exhibit an excess of expenditure over receipts of $420.49—to which add balance due the Treasurer last year of $878.73 and we find the balance due him on the 1st instant to be $1299.22. This balance with the Society’s notes severally for $8000, $2000, and $1000 makes the indebtedness of the Society amount to $12,299.22.

One thousand dollars have been received from the sale of the house during the last year and a like sum has been paid to Mr. Brooks: And so far we find the expenditures exceed the income of the Society—however there remain about three hundred dollars of taxes uncollected and interest accumulated on note and mortgage which exceed the deficiency. So that the balance of taxes and notes and mortgage may be presumed to equal the debts due from the Society.

The Committee beg leave to recommend the following votes: viz.

First, that the Standing Committee be directed to examine and adjust the account [172] of interest due the Treasurer and order the same to be paid. Second, that the Standing Committee be directed to cause the interior of the Church to be repaired at an expense not exceeding five thousand dollars. Third, that the Standing Committee continue their exertions to make sale of the remaining houses.

Respectfully submitted

This report was accepted and the votes adopted, after being amended to read as above.

Messrs. T. B. Wales jr., J. T. Dingley and [blank] Prince were appointed a Committee to collect and declare the votes for officers for the year ensuing, and the following was the result, viz.

The oath of office was administered to the Clerk by Mr. Gibbens, a Justice of the Peace, and to the Treasurer by the Clerk.

Voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton, and fix his salary.

Voted that the Treasurer be directed to make sale of any pews belonging to proprietors, upon [173] which the taxes shall not have been within one year previous to such sale—reasonable notice first being given to the owners of such pews.

The following document was presented by Mr. Gibbens and it was ordered to be entered upon the records, viz.

At a meeting of the worshippers in this Church held in the early part of the last winter the undersigned were appointed a Committee to collect subscriptions for domestic missionary and other religious purposes, and although it was not intended to be an act of the Society in it’s corporate capacity, yet this Committee think there is a propriety in entering the result of their endeavor upon the Records, and ask leave to report that they have attended to the duty assigned them and have collected the sum of two hundred and seventy seven dollars which they have paid over to Stephen Fairbanks, Esq. the Chairman of the soliciting committee appointed by the Executive Board for domestic missionary and other purposes.

Respectfully submitted by

Adjourned, sine die.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

April 24, 1843. A meeting of the Standing Committee was held in the Church in the afternoon. Present all but Mr. Thayer.

Daniel L. Gibbens was chosen Chairman, for the ensuing year.

Francis Dillaway was reappointed sexton and his salary fixed at $100.

Mr. Bradlee and Mr. Hooper were appointed a Committee to audit and adjust the interest account of the Treasurer, agreeably to a vote passed at the annual meeting.

Messrs. Stevenson and Hooper were appointed [174] a Committee to receive subscriptions in aid of the Fraternity of Churches.

Messrs. Henshaw and Thayer were appointed a Committee to make sale of the remaining dwelling-houses.

Messrs. Gibbens, Hooper and Bigelow were appointed a Committee to superintend the organ and choir.

Messrs. Appleton, Stevenson and Thayer were appointed a Committee upon repairs etc. of dwellinghouses.

Messrs. Henshaw, Preston, Hooper, Bradlee and Stevenson were appointed a Committee to report a plan of repairing the Church, agreeably to a vote passed at the Annual Meeting.

A communication from the wardens of King’s Chapel in behalf of the Society there worshipping, addressed to the Rev. Dr. Frothingham requesting him to officiate in their pulpit (their Pastor, Dr. Greenwood, being out of health) and our Society to worship with theirs during the contemplated repairs of our Church, was read and thereupon it was voted that in the opinion of the Standing Committee it is advisable to accept the proffered invitation, and that the subject should be laid before the Congregation after the morning service on the next Sunday, for their decision.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Sunday, April 30, 1843.

Agreeably to request of the Standing Committee the Congregation remained in Church after the morning worship was concluded—the Rev. Pastor presiding. The Clerk of the Proprietors read the communication (referred to above) from the Wardens of King’s Chapel—whereupon it was voted unanimously that the Congregation do accept the invitation and that the Minister be requested to return an answer accordingly, the acceptance to take effect on and Meet the second Sunday in June.

Meeting dissolved.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

By direction of the Standing Committee the invitation and answer are entered on the records viz.

Letter from the Wardens of King’s Chapel to the Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

Reply of the Rev. Dr. Frothingham:

[176] Wednesday, May 17, 1843. The Standing Committee met in the Exchange Hotel at 11 A.M. Present all but Mr. Hooper.

The sub Committee, upon repairs of the Church, submitted a plan and estimates prepared by Isaiah Rogers, and after consideration thereof, it was voted unanimously that the plan at an expense not exceeding $10,000 be recommended to the consideration of the proprietors, at their meeting which is to be held on the 18th instant.

Voted that the use of the Church be granted to the Historical Society for their meeting on the 25th instant (the address to be by John Quincy Adams).

Voted that the use of the Church be granted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company for the first Monday in June.

The sub Committee on Music (Choir) were authorized to allow Miss Stone, the female singer, at the rate of $250 per annum if they should see fit, (the present rate being $220).

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Thursday, May 18, 1843.

A Special Meeting of the Proprietors was held in the Church, in the afternoon, agreeably to printed notices placed in the pews on the preceding Sunday, “to decide upon a plan for repairing and altering the building” viz. the Meeting-house.

Present thirty eight proprietors and many proxies. Mr. Rogers, the architect, was also present, and explained the plans he had drawn in pursuance of the directions of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Joseph T. Buckingham was chosen Moderator.

After the subject had been fully discussed the following votes proposed by Mr. William Hayden and seconded by Mr. Charles Sprague were unanimously adopted, viz.

Voted that the plans for altering the Church, proposed by Mr. Rogers be and the same are hereby adopted, with the exception of the substitution of a new pulpit for the present one: That the Standing Committee of the Proprietors be authorized and appointed to carry the same into effect, and to make the necessary contracts and agreements: That a sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars, be and the same hereby [177] is appropriated to carry this project into execution: That the Standing Committee be authorized if they deem it expedient to carry the plans into complete operation to remove the present pulpit and to erect a new one in it’s stead; and to discontinue the upper and lower windows.

Meeting dissolved.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

Monday, May 22, 1843. The Standing Committee met in the forenoon in the Merchants’ Exchange Hotel, all present.

After some discussion upon the plans, they adjourned to Tuesday, May 23, 1843, P.M. in the same place, all present.

The Treasurer was directed to notify the tenants, keeping schools in the basement of the Church, of the intended repairs; in order that the schools should be dismissed or removed until there should be no danger of injury to the children from the falling of materials, etc.

Messrs. Henshaw, Preston, Hooper, Bradlee and Stevenson were appointed a sub-committee to make contract and to carry into effect the plans of repairing and altering the Church, with the following provisos viz. the pillars supporting the galleries not to be removed, the pews to be painted so as to resemble maple, a recess, or niche, to be formed in, or through, the wall behind the pulpit so as to admit of moving it back, the pulpit not to be essentially altered, all the upper windows to be closed up, the lower windows not to be closed up, without further decision of the Standing Committee, the outside of the Church to be re-painted, furnaces to be erected for warming the building.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The Society commenced worshipping with the Society of King’s Chapel on Sunday June 11, 1843 the repairs and alterations of the Church having been commenced during the preceding week. They continued to worship at King’s Chapel untill Sunday, the 26th of November, when they returned to Chauncy Place. (See page 175.)

[178] Friday, July 7, 1843. A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the Merchant’s Exchange, all present excepting Messrs. Hooper and Stevenson.

The building Committee were authorized to sell the organ whenever they shall have obtained $2000 by subscription for a new one, and to appropriate the whole proceeds of organ and subscription to the purchase of a new one.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Wednesday, July 28, 1843. The Standing Committee met at the Church. Present all excepting Mr. Bigelow.

Voted that the architect, Mr. Rogers, who has charge of the alterations of the Church, be directed to remove the lower windows of the Church, and fill up their spaces with bricks and mortar, also to lengthen the windows in the school rooms under the Church, also to furnish a new marble tablet to be placed over the front door with proper inscriptions.

The Treasurer was authorized to borrow $5000 towards paying the expenses of the alterations at such times as the sub-committee may want the money.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Wednesday, August 2, 1843. The Standing Committee met at the Church. Present all but Mr. Gibbens. Mr. Stevenson chosen Chairman pro-tem.

The Committee on the alterations were authorized to heighten all the School rooms by removing a part of the ceiling.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[179] Saturday, October 5, 1843. The Standing Committee met at the Church. Present all but Mr. Thayer and Mr. Bigelow.

Communication from the German Lutheran Church of Boston soliciting pecuniary assistance for the erection of their edifice—read and laid on the table.

A note from the Rev. Dr. Lowell enclosing a vote of thanks for the use of the Church by the Massachusetts Historical Society on the 25th of May—read and ordered on file.

Mr. Gibbens was requested to confer with residents in Rowe Street and relative to putting up an iron-fence at the head of Chauncy Place, a conference having been solicited.

The Committee on alterations of the Church reported that their labors were nearly completed and that the building would soon be ready for it’s furniture—whereupon Messrs. Gibbens, Hooper and Appleton were authorized to procure new carpets and all necessary furniture for the Church.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Monday, October 21, 1843. The Standing Committee met at the Church. All present but Messrs. Stevenson and Preston.

Mr. Appleton was authorized to settle in full with Deacon Foster for one of his pews, removed in consequence of the alterations.

Mr. Bigelow and Mr. Bradlee were authorized to arrange concerning the accommodation of the female orphans again in the Church when the repairs shall be completed.

A communication having been received and read from William Parker and others resident in Rowe Street and vicinity requesting that an iron fence may be put up at the head of Chauncy Place and offering to contribute in “a small degree” towards the same, it was voted that it is inexpedient for the Society to incurr any expense for the purpose, but that the memorialists be authorized to put the fence at their own expense, with two openings through it, one at each end.

Voted that The pews in the galleries belonging to the Society be lined. Mr. Hooper was authorized to exchange his present pew for No. 2. (the first on the left of the Minister.)

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[180] The Society returned to their place of Worship on Sunday November 26th, the alterations having been nearly completed. The Society had worshipped from the second Sunday of June (inclusive) with that of King’s Chapel, agreeably to invitation (see page 175). The old organ had in the mean time been replaced by a new one, for which the maker (Appleton) had received $2000 raised by subscription and the old one (valued at $1500). The old organ was built in England, and cost about $3000 and was first used in the Church June 30, 1816. (See page 21.)

Thursday, December 7, 1843. The Standing Committee met in the Church. All present but Mr. Stevenson.

Voted that all the pews in the Gallery belonging to the Society be valued at $125 each—the two on the broad aisle at $200 each, and the two on the North side aisle (body pews) at $175 each, at that the Treasurer sell them at auction on the 26th instant—sale to be in the House—at 11 A.M.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

Tuesday, December 26, 1843. The Standing Committee met in the Church. Present Messrs. Gibbens, Hooper, Appleton, Bradlee and Bigelow.

Mr. Hooper was requested to provide from time to time the stationery which may be necessary for the use of the Society on the Standing Committee.

The Treasurer was requested to provide four keys to the door of the Church, one for the Pastor, one for the Chairman, one for the Treasurer, and one for the Sexton.

The pew occupied by Miss Frothingham to be sold to Mr. T. B. Wales for $125. (in the north Gallery), and the Sunday School Rooms to be properly fitted up.

Mr. Bigelow, from a Committee, reported that the female orphans were well accommodated with seats at the Rev. Mr. Young’s7 and that it was agreeable to the feelings and convenience of all parties that they should remain there.

A correspondence between the pastor and the Wardens of King’s Chapel was communicated and ordered to be recorded (see next page).

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[181] Saturday, February 24, 1844. The Standing Committee met in the Church. Present all the Committee.

Mr. Thomas Dwight authorized to change his pew for one of the front Gallery, pews next the organ.

It was moved that measures be taken to remove the pigeons from the tower and exclude them, on account of the great and inconvenient accumulation of dirt—referred to next meeting.

Mr. Henshaw authorized to purchase some border glasses for the roof (extra).

Mr. G. B. Blake authorized to give up the lease of his house at the present quarter, leaving all his additions and improvements, or may lease (under) to a respectable private family.

The Committee on the Alterations of the Church authorized to make openings in the walls for the purpose of letting in more light under the galleries.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The following is the correspondence between the Pastor of the First Church and the Wardens of King’s Chapel (referred to at the bottom of the last page).

Letter from Dr. Frothingham to the Wardens and Vestry of King’s Chapel.

Letter from the Wardens of King’s Chapel to Dr. Frothingham.

Wednesday, April 10, 1844. The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office, all present excepting Messrs. Thayer and Preston.

Mr. Henshaw in behalf of the sub-Committee on the alterations of the Church submitted the following reports, viz.

The sub-committee appointed by the Standing Committee of the First Church [183] on the 23d of May last to carry into effect the plan for altering the Church having finished their labors, report that in conformity to instructions from the Standing Committee they made a contract with Isaiah Rogers to repair the Church according to a plan approved by the Committee, at a cost not to exceed ten thousand dollars, which sum has been paid to Mr. Rogers. The original plan did not contemplate the alterations of the pews, or the painting of the interior of the Church in Fresco, both of which the Committee authorized at an expense of $400 41/100, when it was supposed the entire cost would not reach $10,000. The Committee deem it but justice to Mr. Rogers to state, that he has done the work to their satisfaction, although not with as much promptness as they expected, and that he has voluntarily incurred large outlays, not contemplated in the plan, in order to give permanency to the work. Mr. Rogers has submitted the bills, which are herewith, for the repairs, by which it appears that the entire cost under his contract amounts to $10,910 63/100, an estimate of the value of the old materials amounting to $232 22/100, leaving a loss to him, without any pay for his services, of 678 41/100 which sum your committee hope the Standing Committee will recommend the Society to reimburse to Mr. Rogers.

Per order of the Sub Committee,

Boston, April 6, 1844. Samuel Henshaw Chairman.

This report having been considered, it was voted that the same be accepted by the Standing Committee, and that a recommendation concerning the allowance to Mr. Rogers be made to the Proprietors accordingly—Mr. Gibbens dissenting from accepting the report and the recommendation, and desiring that his dissent should be entered on the records.

Mr. Gibbens reported, verbally, that the expenses for new furniture, including gallery curtains, carpeting, pew linings (for pews belonging to Church), etc., amounted to about $816 which he would specify in detail in the annual report, which report he was requested to draw up in behalf of the Standing Committee. Mr. Gibbens also stated that the sexton had a bill of about $300 against the Society for carpentry, and other extra work done in this and preceding years, the consideration of which was for the present postponed.

Adj.

J. P. B. Clerk.

[184] The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Church on Tuesday the 16th day of April A.D. 1844 in the afternoon, Joseph T. Buckingham in the Chair.

Prayers having been offered by the Rev. Pastor, the records of the last Annual Meeting were read by the Clerk.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee not being present and being prevented by severe illness from preparing a written report of the doings of that Committee for the last year, the Clerk made a verbal report in his behalf. He stated the Standing Committee in fulfillment of the instructions of the proprietors (on the 18th of May last) had carried into effect the plans for repairing and altering the Church, with such variations and modifications as seemed expedient and desirable for the more perfect accomplishment of the intentions of the proprietors, that the whole cost of the alterations and repairs (deducting the value of the removed materials) have amounted $10,678 41/100; that the cost of newly carpeting the house together with new lining, curtains, pulpit and communion furniture etc. amounted to $816.97; that the Committee had procured a new organ, for which they had given $2000 and the old organ (valued at $1500); that the Committee had sold another of the houses belonging to the Society being No 39 on Summer Street of which Mr. A. C. Hersey was the purchaser for the sum of $11,750; and that as the cost of repairing and altering the Church exceeded by 678 41/100 the sum appropriated by the proprietors and the contract of Mr. Rogers the architect, yet as the Committee were satisfied that that amount had actually been expended (see report on preceding page) they recommend that said sum be allowed to Mr. Rogers by the Society in addition to the $10,000 allowed to him by his contract. The cost of repairing and altering the school rooms etc. under the Church is not included in the above but is contained in the Treasurer’s statement (see next page).

The preceding report of the Standing Committee, as made by the Clerk, was accepted without debate, or division.

Mr. Wales submitted the following report, viz.

The undersigned, a committee of the First Church charged with the examination of the Treasurer’s accounts for the past year, have attended that duty, and beg leave to report, that they have found the columns of his book correctly added, and the account of expenditures correctly cast and properly vouched, and a balance $1514 51/100, remaining in his hands at the disposal of the Society. The committee herewith annex the Treasurer’s statement of items, composing the receipts and expenditures of the Society for the past year. Respectfully submitted,

[185] The report of the committee was accepted.

The following is the statement of the Treasurer (Mr. B. B. Appleton) referred to in the preceding report, viz.

The Treasurer of the First Church submits a general view of the finances by means of the following report.

The Treasurer has made payments as follows.

John P. Bigelow gave notice that he must decline being a candidate for Clerk or Member of the Standing Committee for the ensuing year, and tendered his respectful thanks to the Society for the confidence which they had reposed in him.

Messrs. Samuel Frothingham, jr. and S. L. Abbot were appointed a committee to collect and declare the votes for the officers and committees for the ensuing year, it having been first voted that the Standing Committee for the year shall consist of seven members.

The following was declared and accepted as the result of the several ballots: viz.

It was voted, that the thanks of the Society be tendered to Benjamin B. Appleton, and John P. Bigelow for their faithful discharge of their respective duties as Treasurer and Clerk.

It was voted that the thanks of the Society be tendered to the Standing Committee for the past year for their services.

It was voted that the Standing Committee be authorized and directed to instruct the Treasurer to pay to Mr. Isaiah Rogers such amount as they shall deem just and proper in consequence of of loss sustained by him under his contract for repairing and altering the Church.

It was voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to equalize the taxes upon such pews as have been deprived of one or more seats in consequence of the late alterations in the Church.

It was voted that the Standing Committee be requested to employ a collector to call upon the members of the Society for such contributions as they may be pleased to make to the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches.

It was voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton and fix his compensation.

The oath of office was administered to the Clerk elect by Mr. Bigelow and to the Treasurer elect by Mr. C. C. Paine.

Adjourned, sine die,

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

[187] April 19, 1844. The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office—present Messrs. Henshaw, Bradlee, Hooper and Stevenson.

Mr. Samuel Henshaw was unanimously chosen Chairman of the Standing Committee.

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw, Bradlee and Hooper be Committee on Repairs for the current year.

Voted That Messrs. Hooper and Frothingham be Committee on Music for the current year.

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw, Thayer and West be a Committee to make settlement of account of Mr. Isaiah Rogers in accordance with vote of the Proprietors.

Voted That Mr. Appleton be requested to complete the deeds of pews bearing date April 1st and deliver the same to their respective owners.

Voted That Messrs. Thayer and Stevenson be Committee to settle the accounts of the late Treasurer.

Voted That the Chairman of the Committee be authorized to settle with J. H. Foster Esq. in regard to removal of his pew No. 26 (old number).

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw and West be a Committee upon the appointment and duties of a Sexton.

Adjourned.

J. Thomas Stevenson Clerk.

May 20, 1844.

The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office. The following application for the use of the Church and the following Remonstrance against the same were submitted.

The Remonstrance of sundry Proprietors are ordered to be put on file and it was Voted That the Clerk be directed to inform the Committee of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, that the objections which have been made to the desired use of the Church, by a large number of the Proprietors, render it the duty of this Committee to suggest to the applicants the hope that they will find it convenient to secure some other place for their services, but that, if such place cannot be obtained without serious inconvenience to the Company, the Committee will, notwithstanding the Remonstrance referred to, appropriate the Church as requested.

Voted That the Committee appointed at the last meeting to define the duties of Sexton be authorized to appoint that officer for the current year and to fix his salary.

Adjourned.

J. Thomas Stevenson Clerk.

[189] December 26, 1844. The Standing Committee met at the house of the Chairman. Present, Messrs. Henshaw, Bradlee, Thayer, Frothingham, Hooper, and Stevenson.

The following communication from the managers of the Boston Female Asylum was ordered to be entered upon the records.

Voted That the Bill of Mr. Dillaway, referred to on Page 183 of these records, be referred to Messrs. Bradlee and Hooper for adjustment, with authority to settle the same.

Voted That the Treasurer be directed to pay the Bill of Mr. Brigaldi (two hundred dollars) for extra painting, and the Bill of Mr. Sherman (two hundred 41/100 dollars) for altering pews.

Voted That the Treasurer be authorized to settle with the Proprietor of Pew No 35 for the unpaid taxes thereon, on the best terms in his power.

Communication Female Asylum.

At a meeting of the Managers of the Boston Female Asylum held on Tuesday, September 24, 1844.

Voted That remembering at this annual meeting the circumstances which have, during the past year, withdrawn their orphan family from attendance at the Chauncy Place Church, the members of this Board feel that they have a long standing debt of gratitude to acknowledge to the Society worshipping in that place, for the liberal accommodation, first generously offered, and which was for Twenty four years accorded to them. For this and [190] for the unceasing kindness of the Minister of the First Church, his ready and most acceptable services on all the many occasions, for which they have been needed, the Managers of the Asylum feel that they can very inadequately express those thanks which, in behalf of the Society and the Orphans protected by it, they would most cordially offer.

By Order

(signed) Abby L. Wales Secretary.

Adjourned.

J. Thomas Stevenson Clerk.

The Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Church on Tuesday the 15th of April A.D. 1845, in the afternoon, Joseph T. Buckingham in the Chair.

The meeting was opened with prayer by the Reverend Pastor of the Society after which John P. Bigelow was chosen Clerk pro. tem. (Mr. Stevenson being absent) and read the records of the last year.

The Committee on Finance submitted their annual report which was accepted and it was ordered that two hundred copies thereof and of their report for the preceding year be printed for the use of the Proprietors. (Report recorded below.)

Mr. Henshaw from the Standing Committee submitted a report which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed for the use of the Proprietors (See page 192 for Report).

The meeting proceeded to the Choice of Officers for the ensuing Church year and made choice as follows viz.

Mr. Stevenson, having declined reelection as Clerk, and Mr. S. Bradlee as a Member of the Standing Committee, the thanks of the meeting were voted, unanimously, for the services of those gentlemen in those capacities for the past year.

The Standing Committee were authorized to appoint a sexton and fix his compensation for the year ensuing.

On motion of Mr. Henshaw it was voted that the authority heretofore given to the collector to allow five per cent discount on taxes paid in advance be rescinded, and that the taxes be collected semiannually on the 1st of April and October.

Voted that the Clerk be directed to tender to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company the use of the Church for the customary religious services at their approaching anniversary. (This was accordingly done, and the offer accepted.)

Adjourned sine die.

John Prescott Bigelow Clerk.

(The following is referred to on the last page.)

The Committee of finance report: that they have examined the Treasurer’s accounts and find them correctly cast and properly vouched. The receipts into the Treasury since the last annual report have been as follows—Cash received from Executors of the late Treasurer $1736 88/100, rents of two houses $1450 do. school rooms $495, do. cellar, $100 taxes on pews 1268 98/100, rent of pews $172 77/100, interest more than paid $50—total receipts $5273 63/100; payments, salary of Pastor $2500, do. sexton $105, Music $847 25/100 taxes more than received $18, Insurance, fuel and other incidental expenses $222 29/100, repairs on Church and school rooms (made in the previous year) including carpets $1150 50/100, hymn books $14 41/100 for bills long outstanding $151 18/100—total payments $5008 92/100—leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $264 92/100 = $5273 63/100. It appears from the Treasurer’s Books that the Society owes notes to the amount of $10,000 payable January 1st 1846 with interest at 5½ per cent,—to meet which the Treasurer holds a note, secured by mortgage against John Redman for a like sum payable in 8 years with interest at 6 per cent. The Society also owes $400 41/100 for fresco painting and altering pews when the Church was undergoing repairs, and Mr. Dillaway claims about $300 for work done some years previous to the last. The Committee understand that all expenses incurred during the last year have been paid and charged in the Treasurer’s accounts. The property of the Society after appropriating the note referred to above to pay the one due consists of two dwelling houses valued at $25,000, three pews on the lower floor and 22 in the gallery all which (except 6 pews in the gallery and two for strangers) are leased, producing (the pews) $172 77/100 per annum.

Respectfully submitted by

April 15, 1846. Joshua Crane for the Committee.

For report of Standing Committee see next page.

[192] Monday, April 21, 1845. The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office.

Messrs. Henshaw Hooper and West were appointed a subcommittee upon the repairs etc. of the Real Estate.

Messrs. Hooper Bigelow and Frothingham were appointed a subcommittee on the Choir and Music.

Voted that the Treasurer be directed to sell the pews whereon the taxes have not been paid within the last twelve months—unless payment of the same shall be duly made, on or before the 1st day of July next.

Adjourned.

J. P. B. Clerk.

The following is the Report of the Standing Committee referred to on page 190, viz.

The Standing Committee of the First Church being desirous of exhibiting to the Society the true state of it’s pecuniary affairs, and the expediency of a moderate increase of taxes on pews so that a small amount may annually be reserved for a contingent fund to meet extraordinary expenses without further encroachment upon the capital of the Society—have examined the receipts and expenditures for the fourteen years preceding the renovation of their place of worship in 1843 and ask leave to report as follows viz. During that period the receipts were:

The disbursements during that period were:

By which it appears that the disbursements during said period have exceed the regular income of the Society by the sum of $10717.30, the excess averaging $765.51 per annum.

The Committee learns from the records that in 1807 the Society owed $11,500 (contracted in erecting their Church and dwelling [193] houses) and that this debt was gradually increased until in 1829 when it amounted to $13,639. Since that period the Society has received:

The whole of which sum has been expended (or is appropriated) for the liquidation of the debt owed in 1829 and the expenses beyond the income, since incurred. This result indicates the expediency of increasing the taxes on pews to an amount which will cover the ordinary charges of each year, and leave an annual balance to meet extraordinary expenditures which are sure to become necessary every few years. The taxes now assessed upon the pews were fixed previous to the late extensive repairs. They operate in a slight degree unequally and there is no authority to assess the new pews in the Gallery. The taxes now assessed amount to only $180 54/100 annually more than they did when the Church was first built. The debts of the Society being now liquidated (or provided for) the Committee are anxious to preserve it’s remaining property and for this purpose recommend a revision and an increase of the taxes on pews, so as to produce a sum which in connection with the income of said property be sufficient to the current expenses and to provide the annual sum of [blank] dollars to form a contingent fund to defray extraordinary expenses. They also recommend the sale of the dwelling houses at or before the expiration of the leases thereof as may be deemed expedient.

Per order

April 15, 1845. Samuel Henshaw Chairman.

[194] [Blank page]

[195] The Annual meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Church on Tuesday the 21st day of April A.D. 1846, Daniel L. Gibbens, Esq., in the chair.

Prayers having been offered by the Reverend Pastor, the records of the last annual meeting were read by the clerk.

The Committee of Finance submitted the following statement of the condition of the Treasury, which was read and accepted, viz.

Boston, March 31, 1846.

Errors Excepted.

(Signed) John Hooper Treasurer.

The Finance Committee charged with the examination of the accounts of the Treasurer have attended to their duty and find the accounts of the Treasurer for the past year correct and properly vouched.

Christopher C. Chadwick.

(Signed) J. P. Bradlee.

Boston, April 20, 1846.

Mr. Bigelow gave notice that he should decline being a candidate for the office of clerk or member of the standing committee for the year ensuing.

The meeting proceeded to the choice of officers for the ensuing year, and the following was the result of the several ballotings.

The standing committee of the Proprietors of the First Church report that agreeably to a vote of the Society passed the 7th June 1842 instructing the standing committee to dispose of the houses belonging to the Proprietors, they have sold, subject however to the Approval of the Society, house No. 41 Summer Street now occupied by Mr. Blake, to Dr. Charles G. Putnam for the sum of $ 15,000 to be conveyed under the same conditions and restrictions as regards buildings that may be hereafter erected by the purchaser or future owners, as were contained in the deeds given to the buyers of the houses already sold by the Society. The report of the Committee on Finance and the Treasurer’s account will show the receipts and disbursements for account of the Society during the last year. Your Committee understand that there are no outstanding claims against the Society for expenses incurred the last year; but that the balance now in the hands of the Treasurer will be required to meet the claims against the Society alluded to in the last annual report of your Committee.

Agreeably to a vote of the Proprietors, the Standing Committee has recently caused the reports of the Committee on Finance for the years 1844 and 1845, and of the Standing Committee for 1845, to be printed and distributed. In the last named report your Committee ventured to recommend a revision and increase of Taxes on Pews so as to produce a sum, which, with the income on the property of the Society would be sufficient to pay the current expenses and provide, annually, a sum sufficient to defray extraordinary expenses. Your Committee recommend a small increase of Taxes under the impression that every member of the Society would gladly pay his fair proportion of expenses and thereby prevent any farther encroachments upon the permanent fund and they cannot but hope that the Proprietors will authorize an increase of about 10 percent (or $200) on the present Taxes, which is deemed sufficient for the object in view.

per order

Boston, April 21, 1846. Samuel Henshaw Chairman

Standing Committtee.

[197] Voted that the thanks of the proprietors be tendered to the Hon. John P. Bigelow for the faithful manner in which he has discharged the duties of Clerk and member of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Bigelow briefly responded to the vote.

Whereas the Standing Committee having reported a sale of house No. 41 Summer Street, now occupied by Mr. G. B. Blake, to Dr. Charles G. Putnam for the sum of $15,000 dollars, subject to the approval of the Society.

Voted that said sale be confirmed and that Messrs. Thomas B. Wales and Daniel L. Gibbens be authorized to convey said premises, in behalf of the proprietors of the First Church to the purchaser, under the same restrictions and conditions as regards buildings to be erected and rights of way, as were inserted in the deeds conveying the estates sold to Mr. Redman and Mr. Hersey and to affix the seal of the Corporation.

Voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to loan to Doctor Putnam, on the estate sold to him, any amount of money and on such terms and conditions as they may deem safe and that they be directed to invest any balance growing out of the sale of said estate in such securities as they may deem expedient.

Voted that the Standing Committee, or their successors be authorized and requested to sell the estate No. 37 Summer Street, whenever they may deem it for the interest of the Society and that the Committee appointed to convey the estate sold to Doctor Putnam be authorized to convey said estate under the direction of Standing Committee, whenever requested.

Voted on motion of Mr. Wales: that the Standing Committee be instructed to furnish the Proprietors at the next meeting with a new tariff of taxes so as to increase the amount of taxes by the sum of $200 annually.

The vote of thanks to the Clerk, and the subsequent items are copied, from the minutes of Mr. J. Thomas Stevenson, who officiated as Clerk pro tem. during the latter part of the meeting.

Attest.

John P. Bigelow Clerk.

[198] Boston, April 28, 1846. The Standing Committee met in the Church. Samuel Henshaw Esq. was chosen Chairman.

Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper were chosen the Committee on Repairs.

Messrs. West, Hooper and Henshaw were chosen the Committee on Music.

Messrs. Hooper and West were chosen the Committee to procure a Sexton.

Messrs. Henshaw and Thayer were chosen a Committee to invest the proceeds of the sale of the houses belonging to the Society.

The Clerk was requested to notify the Sexton to remove the pigeons from the belfrey.

Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper were appointed a Committee to make a new valuation of the pews and present a new tariff of taxes upon them.

Adjourned

Charles Brooks Clerk.

April 13, 1847. The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office.

Mr. Henshaw presented a statement of the financial concerns of the Society, and the new tariff of taxes on the pews—whereupon it was voted That the Chairman present the new tariff of taxes on the pews which has been prepared.

The required oath was administered to the Clerk by J. Thomas Stevenson Esq.

Adjourned. C. Brooks Clerk.

[199] The annual meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held in the Church April 13, 1847. The meeting was organised by the choice of Col. D. L. Gibbens as Moderator.

After prayers by the Rev. Pastor, the records of the last year’s meeting were read.

The Standing Committee presented the following Report.

The Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church report, that they have sold since the last annual meeting, House No 37 Summer St. to Mrs. Davis for the sum of $14,000—which has been conveyed to her by the Committee appointed for that purpose.

Agreeably to a vote of the Society the Standing Committee has made a new tariff of taxes, which is submitted to the proprietors for their consideration. In performing this duty the Committee has not added a regular percentage to the taxes heretofore levied, because it seemed to them, that since the alteration of the Church the taxes have operated somewhat unequally. The result of the proposed Tariff is, that the Proprietors are assessed only $155.08, annually, more than they have been; which additional sum the Committee deem sufficient, if the receipts for rents of the Rooms and Cellar under the Church continue to be as large as they have been, and the interest on the permanent fund be not lessened.

By reference to the Treasurer’s account, which has been examined and approved by the Committee on Finance, it will be seen that his receipts the past year for rents, interests and taxes on pews amount to $4466.71, which, with the ballance in his hands ($631.19) at the last annual meeting has all been disbursed (except $58.87) in liquidating the current expenses of the past year, amounting to $4083.66 and in paying $955.37 for debts previously incurred.

The Committee take great satisfaction in stating that there are no outstanding Bills against the Society, and that the only claims against it are a Note to Dea. Foster for 2000 dollars, and one of 8,000 to Mr. James Parker, both on interest at 5½ percent; while the Society holds notes on interest at 6 percent payable semi-annually [200] and secured by mortgages against the late Mr. Redman for

leaving a permanent fund (after paying all claims) of $29,000.

Per Order,

Samuel Henshaw Chairman of the Standing Committee.

Boston, April 13, 1847.

The above report was accepted.

The abstract of the Treasurer’s account not having been presented the following report of the Auditors was unanimously accepted.

Boston, April 13, 1847.

The Committee charged with the examination of the Treasurer’s Accounts have attended to that duty and found them properly vouched and correctly cast.

Voted To proceed to the choice of officers for the ensuing year and the following were the results. For

Hon. J. P. Bigelow offered the following order, which was unanimously adopted.

Ordered That the Standing Committee be authorized to take such measures as they may see fit in regard to opening a new passage-way from Chauncy Place to Bedford Place, with full power in the premises.

T. B. Wales Esq. offered the following resolution; which was adopted:

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint a person to collect subscriptions from those members of the Society, who may be disposed to contribute in aid of the Fraternity of Churches, and place the same in the hands of the Treasurer, who will deliver the amount, so collected, to the Treasurer of said Fraternity.

T. B. Wales Esq. offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint three members of the Society, who shall have the entire management of the Musical Department. But it will be understood that the Standing Committee are to controul the expenditure of money for that purpose, not exceeding One thousand dollars.

[202] The Standing Committee who were instructed, at the last meeting, to furnish a new tariff of taxes on the pews, attended to that duty, and through two of their number, Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper, submitted the following—as Tax for quarter.

[203] The new Tariff, as proposed by the Committee was approved and adopted by a unanimous vote.

Adjourned.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

Boston, April 16, 1847. The Standing Committee met at Mr. Henshaw’s Office, for organization and business. Samuel Henshaw was chosen Chairman.

The following Committees were raised and votes passed.

Voted that Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper be the Committee on Repairs.

Voted That the appointment of a Committee on Music from the Society at large, be referred to Mr. West, with full powers.

Voted That Messrs. Hooper and West be the Committee to procure a Sexton.

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper be the Committee, with full powers, to open a foot-path from Chauncy Place to Bedford Place, by the removal of the brick wall to the width of the side-walk, on the land belonging to the Society.

Adjourned.

Attest—Charles Brooks Clerk.

[204] It having been suggested that the various subscriptions, for the purchase of the New Organ, in 1843 should be recorded, they are accordingly subjoined, with the words of the compact prefixed.

“We, the undersigned, worshippers at the Chauncy Place Church, being aware how much a new Organ is needed by the Society, agree to contribute the sum set against our names respectively towards the purchase of such new instrument as the Committee may select.

Boston, June 12, 1843.

True copy from the original subscription-papers.

Attest—Charles Brooks Clerk.

[205] At a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the First Parish, at Mr. Henshaw’s Office, May 22, 1847.

It was Voted That to accept the verbal report made by Mr. West, on the subject of Music. Whereupon it was

Voted That Messrs. Thomas Gray, William J. Loring and J. T. W. Sargent be a Committee on Music to execute the purposes of the vote, on that subject, passed at the last annual meeting of the society.

It having been desired by the city government that all persons interested should show cause why the brick wall running across Chauncy Place should not be removed and the street made a public highway, the Executive Committee of the First Church Voted That Messrs. Stevenson and Thayer be a Committee with full powers to do all that is necessary to prevent the removal of said wall.

Meeting dissolved.

C. Brooks Clerk.

[206] The annual meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church” was held in the Church on Tuesday 4 O’clock P.M. April 11, 1848. The meeting was organized by the choice of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham as Moderator.

Prayers were offered by the Rev. Pastor, and then the Proprietors listened to the Report of the Standing Committee which was as follows:

The pecuniary affairs of the First Church have undergone so little change, and its incidental, current expenses have been so trivial during the last year, that its Standing Committee would not deem it essential, but for a requirement of the By-Laws of the Society, to make any report upon their doings, during that period, but, would simply refer to the accounts of the Treasurer, herewith submitted.

By reference to the Treasurer’s account it will be seen, that the balance in his hands as per his last account was that he has since received for

That he has disbursed for current annual expenses

During the year the Treasurer has received also the amount due from John Redman’s estate, say, $10,000, and has paid the note due to James Parker for $8000, leaving the only debt due from the Society, the note for $2,000 payable to Deacon Foster, which the Treasurer offered and wished to pay from the amount received from the estate of Mr. Redman, and thus liquidate [207] every debt against the Society; but as Deacon Foster was unwilling to receive the money, the Treasurer has given his note payable on demand, with interest, with the hope that he might soon be able to pay the debt.

The permanent fund of the Society now consists of a note of Doct.

from which should be deducted the note due to Deacon Foster 2,000

leaving the permanent fund at $29,000.

All which is respectfully submitted

per order.

Samuel Henshaw

Chairman of Standing Com.

Boston, April 11, 1848.

Voted To accept the report of the Standing Committee.

Voted To proceed to the choice of Officers—and the following gentlemen were unanimously chosen.

Voted That when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet in this place, one fortnight from this day, at 4 O’clock P.M, to hear the report of the Treasurer of the Committee on Finance and to fill any vacancies in the officers of the Corporation; and also to attend to any other business which may properly come before it.

[208] Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint three members of the Society, who shall have the entire management of the Musical Department. But it will be understood that the Standing Committee are to controul the expenditure of money for that purpose, not exceeding One thousand dollars.

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint a person to collect subscriptions from those members of the Society, who may be disposed to contribute in aid of the Fraternity of Churches, and place the same in the hands of the Treasurer, who shall deliver the amount, so collected, to the Treasurer of said Fraternity.

Voted That Samuel Henshaw be a Committee, to give notice to the City of Boston and the Inhabitants thereof, under the common seal of this Corporation, to bar the said city and inhabitants thereof from acquiring any easement in the land of this Corporation, called “Chauncy Place,” by means of the Water-Pipes lately laid down by the “Water Commissioners” in the said land. And also, to give notice, under our common seal, to bar the said City and Inhabitants thereof, from acquiring any right of way, or other easement, in and over the said land, for foot-passengers or others, on either side of the said land, in consequence of a passage-way having been opened on either side thereof, leading into Bedford Place.

Voted To adjourn.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

An adjourned meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held this day, April 25, 1848. David Francis Esq. was chosen Moderator—Mr. Buckingham being absent.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee having stated, that since the meeting of the Proprietors on April 11th inst, there had been some changes in the funds of the Corporation, he wished, in the name of the Committee to offer another report, which would embrace all the facts as now existing. His report was as follows:

[209] The second Report of the Standing Committee, viz.

By reference to the Treasurer’s account it will be seen, that the balance in

During the year the Treasurer has received also, the amount due from J. Redman’s estate $10,000.00 and has paid the notes due James Parker for $8,000 and Deacon Foster for $2,000, thereby paying every debt due from the Society.

The permanent fund of the Society now consists of a note of

The Standing Committee cannot omit expressing their great satisfaction in being able to state, that the Society is now entirely free from debt—with a permanent fund of $29,000, and a small fund in the hands of the Treasurer available for any extra expense and they cannot omit testifying to the efficient and faithful services of the Treasurer in accomplishing so desirable a result.

For the Committee.

Samuel Henshaw Chairman.

April 25, 1848.

Voted That the report of the Standing Committee, now presented, be accepted and put on record.

The Treasurer’s report was then presented and the report of the auditors, that they found it correctly cast and properly vouched. These reports were accepted and ordered to be put on file.

[210] Voted To proceed to the choice of Treasurer and John Hooper was unanimously chosen.

Voted to proceed to the choice of the Committee on Finance and George W. Wales, Christopher C. Chadwick, and Edward F. Weld were unanimously chosen.

Meeting dissolved.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

Boston April 25, 1848.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the First Church, held at Mr. Henshaw’s office, June 23, 1848.

Voted To proceed to the organization of the Board; and Samuel Henshaw was chosen President.

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper be the Committee on Repairs.

Voted That Doct. Gray, William J. Loring and J. T. W. Sargent be a Committee to procure and regulate the Music, on the same conditions as last year.

Voted That Messrs. Hooper and West be a Committee to procure a Sexton.

Voted That Messrs. Henshaw and Hooper be a Committee to procure a better ventilation of the Meeting House.

Voted That the Treasurer be requested and authorised to convert the Bonds of the Connecticut River Railroad Company, held by the Society, into stock of said Corporation.

Meeting dissolved, Charles Brooks Clerk.

[211] At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the First Church, held in Mr. S. Henshaw’s office, March 19, 1849—the whole Committee being present, the Chairman read the following letter from the Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

[212] After the reading of the letter the following votes were unanimously passed:

Voted That the Chairman and Clerk be requested to inform the Rev. Dr. Frothingham, that his communication of the 15th inst. has been submitted to this Board, and that such portions of it as refer to the appointment of a Colleague shall, agreeably to his request, be communicated to the Proprietors at their first meeting, which will be on the 10th of April next.

Voted That the Chairman and Clerk be requested to express to the Rev. Dr. Frothingham the regret of the members of this Committee at the suggestion, that the state of his health may make it necessary for him to go abroad; but, to assure him that the Committee would regret still more that he should delay his departure beyond the requirements of his own health and convenience; and that the Committee will be ready to make such arrangements for the supply of the pulpit as shall be agreeble to him and in accordance with his suggestions.

Meeting dissolved.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

“The Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” held their meeting according to notice, in the Church, April 10, 1849, at 4 O’clock P.M. The meeting was organized by the choice of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham as Moderator.

After prayers by the Rev. Pastor, the Report of the Standing Committee was submitted—which is as follows:

“In obedience to the By-Laws of the Society, the Standing Committee are required to report upon the disbursements and financial condition of the Society. Said Committee would therefore report that the Treasurer’s accounts shew that he has received, the past year,

to which, if the balance in Treasury 628.61 at the commencement of the year be added—leaves in Treasury $1268.16

There is now due for taxes on Pews—$291.00—which, if collected, with the cash on hand makes the available means of the Society, independent of the permanent fund, $1559.16 from which should be deducted the cost of the Furnace, recently erected (say $300.)

The Salary heretofore paid to the Sexton is not sufficient to pay a competent person for the time required to perform the duties; and the Committee recommend that a larger sum be appropriated for this purpose to enable the Society to procure a person who will perform the duties more satisfactorily than they have been.

(signed)

Per order of the Standing Committee

Boston April 10, 1849. Samuel Henshaw Chairman.

The Treasurer’s Report, being in substance like that of the Standing Committee, above recorded, was accepted; having been approved by the Committee on Finance, who offered the following report.

Boston April 10, 1849.

The Finance Committee of the First Church for examining the accounts of the Treasurer, have attended to that duty and find his books accurately cast and properly vouched.

For the Committee

(signed) Edward F. Weld.

George W. Wales.

Voted To proceed to the choice of Officers and Charles Brooks was chosen Clerk.

Messrs. Samuel Henshaw, John Hooper, John E. Thayer, Joseph West, J. Thomas Stevenson, S. Frothingham Jr. and Charles Brooks were chosen as the Standing Committee.

[214] John Hooper was chosen Treasurer.

George W. Wales, Christopher C. Chadwick and Edward F. Weld were chosen Finance Committee.

All the above officers were elected unanimous votes.

The Moderator then read to the Society the Letter sent by Rev. Dr. Frothingham to the Standing Committee, which is recorded in this book, page 211.

After many expressions of respect and affection towards the Rev. Pastor, and some debate on the best modes of procedure in the case, it was Voted To refer the whole subject to a select Committee, with directions to report a reply to Rev. Mr. Frothingham’s letter; and to report, also, what course is deemed most expedient in reference to the requests he makes in said letter.

The Moderator was requested to name a Committee of five—He accordingly nominated Messrs. William Hayden, Daniel L. Gibbins, J. Thomas Stevenson, James Foster and Charles Brooks and they were chosen.

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint some person to collect money for the “Fraternity of Churches,” according to the vote of last year on this subject, v. p. 208.

Voted To adjourn—to meet in the same place on Tuesday next, 3½ O’clock P.M.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

April 16, 1849.

[215] At a regular meeting of the Standing Committee held at Mr. S. Henshaw’s Office—all the members being present—it was,

Voted To proceed to the organization of the Board, whereupon the following officers and Committees were unanimously chosen.

Voted That the thanks of the Committee be given to the surviving members of the Committee who have superintended the musical department during the past year.

Voted That the Rev. Dr. Walker,9 of Cambridge, be requested to supply the pulpit of the First Church during the absence of the Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

Meeting dissolved.

Attest—C. Brooks Clerk.

The adjourned meeting was held April 17, J. T. Buckingham in the chair when it was,

Voted That all the unfinished business of the meeting, adjourned as per record, be referred to the annual meeting of the Corporation to be held this day, agreeable to the By-Laws.

Meeting dissolved.

(Attest) Charles Brooks Clerk.

[216] The annual meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston,” was held in the Church April 17, 1849, at 3½ O’clock P. M. The meeting was organized by the choice of Joseph T. Buckingham as Moderator.

The annual meetings of the last three years having been warned and held on the second instead of the third Tuesdays of April, therefore

Voted That all the proceedings of these meetings, and also all the proceedings of the Standing Committee, growing out of them, be and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed; anything in the By-Laws of this Corporation to the contrary notwithstanding.

Voted To hear the report of the Special Committee chosen to consider and reply to Rev. Dr. Frothingham’s letter of the 15 ultimo.

Mr. Hayden submitted the following Report:

The Letter above referred to was read. The following is a copy.

[219] After the reading of the above Report and Letter, Voted That the Report be accepted and that the same Committee be requested to sign the letter for the Proprietors and send it immediately to the Pastor.

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton and to fix his salary.

Meeting dissolved.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

April 17, 1849.

December 10, 1849.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee was held at Mr. S. Henshaw’s Office. All the members present. A note was received from the Rev. Dr. Frothingham stating that he should resign his office as Pastor, on account of continued ill health and would soon communicate a letter to that effect. After mature deliberation it seemed to be the unanimous opinion of the Committee, that we should devise means for securing a successor to Dr. Frothingham; whereupon it was

Voted unanimously, that a meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church be legally called to be held in the meeting-house, in Chauncy Place December 20th inst. at 3 O’clock P.M. for the purpose of acting on the resignation of the Rev. Pastor; and to take steps for the appointment of his successor.

Meeting dissolved.

Boston December 10, 1849. C. Brooks Clerk.

December 20, 1849.

[220] At a regular meeting of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” held in their Meeting-House, in Chauncy Place, according to notice.

Daniel L. Gibbins was chosen Moderator. Prayer having been offered by the Rev. Dr. Frothingham, the Chairman of the Standing Committee read to the meeting the following letter

After remarks on the above letter, it was Voted That the resignation of Rev. Dr. Frothingham be accepted, according to the conditions expressed in his letter.

Voted That a Committee of three be chosen to report, at an adjourned meeting, a reply to the letter of resignation; and Messrs. J. Thomas Stevenson, Joseph T. Buckingham and William Hayden were chosen. All business thus relating to our Rev. Pastor, having been most amicably arranged, the Proprietors were called to act on the subject mentioned in the official notification; namely, the choice of a Successor. The Chairman of the Standing Committee having explained the action of the Committee in the case, a long and friendly debate ensued.

Mr. Weld offered the following—That the Standing Committee be authorized to supply the pulpit with suitable candidates for the office about to be vacated, upon such terms and for such time as they may think proper, until otherwise directed.”—This was laid on the table.

Voted That when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet in this place on Monday next, at 3 O’clock P.M.

Voted That the subject of filling the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Rev. Dr. Frothingham be postponed until the next meeting, and then be made the special subject for consideration.

Voted That this meeting adjourn to Monday next at 3. O’clock P. M. in this place.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

[222] The Proprietors of the First Church met in the Meetinghouse, in Chauncy Place, on Monday, December 24 according to the vote of adjournment—3 O’clock P.M. Daniel L. Gibbins in the chair.

After remarks, by the Chairman, the following vote was proposed:

That this meeting do now adjourn to meet in this place on the 15th of March next. This was decided in the negative. After which was Voted That we now proceed to vote by ballot for a Minister of the First Church, to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

Voted That a Committee of three be appointed by the Chair to collect, count and sort the votes, and also to examine the Proxies. Whereupon, William Hayden, J. Preston and E. F. Weld were chosen.

After the ballot the Chairman declared the result as follows:

Whole number of votes sixty two—necessary to a choice thirty two—Rev. Andrew P. Peabody of Portsmouth N. H. has thirty six—Rev. Chandler Robbins eleven—Dr. James Walker five—Dr. Walker five—Dr. Frothingham two—Dr. Putnam one—Rev. Mr. Lunt one—Rev. Mr. Peabody one. Whereupon the Moderator declared that the Rev. Andrew P. Peabody is chosen the Pastor of the First Church in Boston.

Voted That a Committee of three be appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Peabody to inform him of his election. And Charles Brooks, C. C. Paine and William Hayden were chosen.

Voted That the annual salary of Three thousand dollars be paid to Rev. Mr. Peabody, in case of his acceptance.

Voted To adjourn to Monday January 7, 1850—to meet in this place at 3 O’clock. P.M.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

Boston December 24, 1849.

[223] The Proprietors of the First Church met, according to adjournment, on Monday January 7, 1850. Daniel L. Gibbins in the chair.

The Committee, to whom was referred the letter of the Rev. Dr. Frothingham resigning his Pastoral Office, submitted their report, offering the following as a reply to said letter:

For The Rev. N. L. Frothingham D.D.—”

After the reading of the above answer it was

Voted unanimously, to accept the report; and that the same Committee be requested to sign it for the Proprietors and transmit it to Dr. Frothingham.

The above duties having been performed, accompanied with expressions of attachment and respect towards the retiring Pastor, the Proprietors called for the report of their Committee, appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Peabody and communicate to him their choice of him as Pastor of the First Church.

The Committee presented their report. After it had been discussed and amended, it was accepted by a unanimous vote. It is as follows:

After a discussion of the report, a member of the Corporation asked leave to read a private letter from Dr. Frothingham—which leave was granted.

Voted That when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet in this place on Monday January 21, 1850, at 3 O’clock P.M.

Mr. Jonathan Preston introduced an order relating to the opening of the windows under the gallery, which windows have been closed—whereupon it was,

Voted that a Committee of three be chosen to report at the next meeting upon the subject as proposed by Mr. Preston, and, Messrs. Preston, Dingley and Hayward were chosen.

Voted to adjourn.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

[226] The Proprietors of the First Church met, according to adjournment, in the usual place, on Monday, January 21, 1850, Daniel L. Gibbens in the chair.

The Report of the Committee, appointed to communicate to the Rev. Andrew P. Peabody his election as Pastor of the First Church, was called for and read. The duties assigned to the Committee had been performed, and Mr. Peabody had taken the proposition under consideration, but, had not yet returned an answer. The Committee therefore reported, in part, and asked further time.

The Report was accepted by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Ralph Huntington offered the following:

“That in the contract of settlement with Rev. Mr. Peabody it be mutually understood that after the expiration of 12 months from the date thereof it shall be at the option of either party to dissolve the same by giving six months notice of said intention.”

Without debate this was immediately laid on the table.

Mr. Preston offered the Report of the Committee appointed on the subject of Windows: as follows:

Voted unanimously, to accept the above report and that the same Committee, who offered it, be authorized to make the alterations and repairs accordingly.

Voted To adjourn to Monday, February 18, 1850, unless sooner called together by order of the Committee, appointed to confer with Rev. Mr. Peabody.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

The Proprietors of the First Church met according to a notice authorized by order of the Committee appointed to confer with the Rev. Mr. Peabody, in their meeting-house, February 4, 1850. Daniel L. Gibbins, in the chair.

After reading the records of the last meeting, the report of the Committee, appointed to convey to the Rev. A. P. Peabody the vote of the Proprietors, electing him as Pastor of the First Church, was called for—Whereupon, the Chairman of that Committee offered the following Report.

This report was accepted unanimously; and ordered to be placed on file.10

Voted That the thanks of the Proprietors of the First Church be given to the Rev. Dr. Walker for his very acceptable services to this Parish during our Pastor’s absence in Europe.

Voted That the Clerk be requested to transmit a copy of this vote to Rev. Dr. Walker.

The Clerk here repeated the wish, which he expressed at the last meeting, of resigning his office on account of some weakness of his eyes—Not yielding [229] to the request of some friends, that he would remain in office, his resignation was accepted.

Voted To proceed to the choice of a Clerk—and Joseph H. Buckingham was unanimously chosen.

Mr. Huntington offered the following:

“Ordered—That Messrs. [blank] be a special Committee for the purpose of inviting one or more Clergymen to preach before the congregation of this Church to enable the Proprietors to unite in the selection of a Pastor with all practicable unanimity—It being understood that all the matters connected with the terms of settlement be reserved for the future action of said Proprietors.”

This, after some debate, was laid upon the table—and the following substituted for it, and passed.

“Voted That the Standing Committee be empowered and requested to supply the Pulpit, whenever it shall be vacant by the absence of Rev. Dr. Frothingham, and until further order.”

Meeting dissolved.

Charles Brooks Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Suffolk s.s. Before me, on this the fourth day of February A.D. 1850, personally appeared Joseph H. Buckingham and made oath that he would truly record all votes passed at any regular meeting of the Corporation of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, and of the Standing Committee of the same, during the time he should remain in the office of Clerk thereof.

Daniel L. Gibbens, Justice of the Peace.

[230] Meeting of the Standing Committee, Friday, February 22, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston” having been duly notified, was held at the office of Samuel Henshaw, in State Street, at nine o’clock this morning.

Present—Messrs. Henshaw, Stevenson, Frothingham, West, and Thayer. On motion of Mr. Stevenson, it was

Resolved—That the Chairman and Mr. Brooks be authorized to make an arrangement with Rev. Dr. Walker, to supply the pulpit after the 15th of March next, until further notice; and that they be authorised to contract with Dr. Walker at the same rate for each Sunday, as is paid to Dr. Frothingham. It was

Voted That Mr. Stevenson be requested to Communicate the action of this meeting to Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

The meeting was then Dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Tuesday, March 12, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified, was held at the office of Samuel Henshaw, in State Street, at nine o’clock this morning.

Present—Messrs. Brooks, Frothingham, West, and Stevenson.

In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. Brooks was elected Chairman pro tempore.

Mr. Brooks, from the Committee on that subject, reported verbally, that an arrangement has been made with the Rev. Dr. Walker to supply the pulpit until after the next annual meeting of the incorporation.

On motion of Mr. Stevenson, it was

Voted That the Chairman pro tem. notify the Rev. Dr. Frothingham that the Standing Committee would be happy to have him continue to occupy the [231] Pastor’s Pew.

On motion of Mr. Brooks, the following letter was addressed to Rev. Dr. Frothingham, and signed by every member of the Standing Committee:

Mr. Brooks charged himself with the duty of delivering the letter and attending to the business involved by it.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday, April 15, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified, was held at the office of Samuel Henshaw, in State Street, at nine o’clock this morning.

Present—The whole Board.

The Chairman submitted a draft of his annual report, to be made to the Corporation, at the Annual Meeting, tomorrow, which was approved of. On motion of Mr. Thayer, it was

Voted that Mr. Brooks be instructed to make an arrangement with Rev. Dr. Walker, to preach next Sunday.

The meeting was dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[232] Annual Meeting. Tuesday, April 16, 1850.

The proprietors of the “First Church in Boston” held their annual meeting in the Church, in Chauncy Place, at three o’clock this afternoon. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Standing Committee, Mr. S. Henshaw, and organised by the choice of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham as Moderator.

The Clerk being absent Edward F. Weld was chosen Clerk pro-tem. and was duly sworn. The Moderator read the record of the proceedings of the Standing Committee, since the last meeting of the Proprietors.

In conformity to the By Laws of the Corporation, the Chairman of the Standing Committee present the Annual Report, which was as follows:

This report was accepted.

Mr. Jonathan Preston, presented the report of the Committee appointed January twenty first, to make certain alterations and repairs, which was as follows:

Voted That said report be accepted, and that the Treasurer be authorised to pay the expense incurred.

Mr. John Hooper, presented the Auditor’s report, which was as follows.

“Boston April 15, 1850. The subscriber, of the Auditing Committee of the Chauncy Place Church, having examined the Treasurer’s account with said Church find the same correct, and the disbursements properly vouched.

Edward F. Weld.”

[234] On motion of Thomas B. Wales, Esq. it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint a person to collect subscriptions from those members of the Society who may be disposed to contribute in aid of the Fraternity of Churches, and place the same in the hands of the Treasurer of Said Fraternity.

Voted To proceed to the choice of officers.

Joseph H. Buckingham, was chosen Clerk, and David Francis, was chosen Treasurer, for the ensuing year.

On motion of Mr. Henry Cutter, Messrs. J. Thomas Stevenson and John Hooper, were appointed a Committee to report a list of Candidates for Standing Committee for the ensuing year. The following list was reported by Mr. Stevenson, and elected by ballot, as the Standing Committee:

David Francis, James T. Hayward, Thomas B. Wales Jr., Otis Rich, Christopher C. Chadwick, J. T. W. Sargent, and Ezra Lincoln.

On motion of Rev. Charles Brooks, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to have the walls and fences cleaned, and a notice “Stick no bills here,” placed thereon.

Voted That the thanks of the Society be presented to the Standing Committee, and also to the Treasurer, for the faithful manner in which they have performed their duties.

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorised to appoint a Sexton, and affix a salary for said officer.

Rev. Charles Brooks moved

That the Standing Committee be requested to supply the desk, the compensation to be paid for said service not to exceed twenty five dollars per Sunday.

A division of the question being demanded, the first part, authorising the Standing Committee to supply the desk, was adopted; but the second part, relating to the compensation to be paid, was rejected.

[235] Messrs. George W. Wales, John T. Dingley, and Edward F. Weld, were elected a Committee of Finance.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Attest,

Edward F. Weld Clerk, Pro Tem.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Thursday April 18, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified by the Clerk, at the request of Mr. David Francis, was held this morning, at nine o’clock, at the office of Mr. Ezra Lincoln, No 4 Court Street.

Present: Messrs. Lincoln, Francis, Hayward, Wales, and Rich.

The meeting was called to order by the Clerk, and, on motion of Mr. Francis, Ezra Lincoln was chosen chairman of the Standing Committee for the year ensuing.

The members present signified their acceptance of the office conferred upon them by the proprietors, at the annual meeting on Tuesday last, the 16th instant.

The Clerk announced and read a letter from Mr. J. T. W. Sargent declining to be a member of the Standing Committee.

On motion of the Chairman,

Voted That the Clerk be directed to call a special meeting of the Proprietors, to be held at the Church in Chauncy Place, on Tuesday next, April twenty third, at half past three o’clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of filling any vacancies that may exist in the board of the Standing Committee, and for the transaction of any other business that may then come before them.

The Chairman nominated Messrs. Wales and Hayward, as the Committee to select and appoint a Sexton; and those gentlemen were elected, accordingly.

The Chairman nominated Messrs. Lincoln, Rich, and Hayward, as the Committee on Music; and these gentlemen [236] were elected, accordingly.

It was Voted That when this meeting be adjourned, it be adjourned to meet at the Church in Chauncy Place, immediately after the dissolution of the special meeting of the Proprietors, on Tuesday next, April twenty third. Adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Tuesday, April 23, 1850.

A special meeting of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston” having been legally named by the Clerk, was held at the Church in Chauncy Place, this day, at half past three o’clock in the afternoon.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Lincoln, chairman of the Standing Committee, who stated that it was called for the purpose of filling a vacancy in the Standing Committee, occasioned by Mr. J. T. W. Sargent, who was elected at the Annual Meeting held on Tuesday last, declining to accept the office to which he was chosen.

Daniel L. Gibbens Esq. was chosen Moderator.

The clerk being absent, Joseph L. Henshaw was chosen Clerk pro tempore.

After the proceedings of the last meeting had been read, on motion of Joseph P. Bradlee, it was

Voted to proceed to ballot for a member to fill the vacancy in the Standing Committee.

Mr. Bradlee was appointed a Committee to collect, sort and count the votes, and he subsequently reported that the

Dr. Samuel L. Abbot having the largest number, and a majority of all the votes was accordingly declared duly elected.

On motion of Mr. Bradlee, the meeting was then dissolved.

Attest,

J. L. Henshaw Clerk Pro tem.

[237] Meeting of the Standing Committee. Tuesday, April 23, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston” was held, according to adjournment, at the Church in Chauncy Place, this day, immediately after the meeting of the Proprietors was dissolved.

Present: Messrs. Lincoln, Wales, Rich, Hayward, and Abbot.

The Clerk being absent S. L. Abbot was chosen Clerk pro tempore.

On motion of Mr. Wales, Messrs. Lincoln, Wales, and Abbot were chosen a Committee to supply the pulpit from Sunday to Sunday until some permanent arrangement shall be made.

Voted That the Chairman wait upon Mr. David Reed11 and make an arrangement, if possible, with him, for the accommodation on the Sabbath day at his house of such Clergymen as may be invited to preach at the First Church.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest

S. L. Abbot Clerk pro tem.

Meeting of the Standing Committee.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston” was held, after being duly notified by the Clerk, at the Office of Ezra Lincoln Esq. No 4 Court Street, this morning at nine o’clock.

Mr. Hayward, from the Committee on employing a sexton, reported that the Committee had engaged Mr. Dilloway, the Sexton of last Year, and had agreed to pay him at the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars a year.

This report was accepted and the doings of the Committee confirmed.

The Chairman nominated as the Committee on repairs, Messrs. Wales, and Francis, and this appointment was confirmed.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[238] Meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday August 5, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified by the Clerk, was held at nine o’clock this morning, at the office of Ezra Lincoln, No 4 Court Street.

Present—Messrs. Lincoln, Francis, Hayward and Wales.

The Chairman presented several applications which had been made to him by candidates for the office of Sexton, that office having been suddenly made vacant by the death of Mr. Dilloway.12 They were referred to the Committee on the subject of Sexton.

Meeting dissolved.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday September 9, 1850.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified by the Clerk, was held at nine o’clock this morning, at the office of Ezra Lincoln, No 4 Court Street. Present—Messrs. Lincoln, Wales, Hayward, and Rich.

The Chairman presented a letter from Mrs. Abby L. Wales, Secretary of the “Boston Female Asylum” asking for the use of the Church for the Fiftieth Celebration of the Anniversary of the Asylum, which is to take place on Friday, the twentieth instant.

On motion of Mr. Hayward, it was unanimously Voted That the request be granted. And the Clerk was directed to give Mrs. Wales notice to that effect.

Mr. Hayward, from the Committee on employing a Sexton, reported verbally that the Committee had engaged Mr. Dodd, partner of the late Mr. Dilloway to serve as Sexton, on trial for a short time.

Meeting dissolved.

Attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[239] Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Sunday February 16, 1851.

A special meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston,” having been legally notified by the Clerk, was held at the meeting House in Chauncy Place, immediately after the Afternoon Service, on Sunday the sixteenth day of February 1851. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Lincoln, Chairman of the Standing Committee, and Daniel L. Gibbens Esq. was chosen Moderator. The Chairman of the Standing Committee explained that the object of calling the meeting was to obtain an expression of the views of the Proprietors, on the subject of the choice of a Pastor.

After some conversation, without any other vote being taken, the meeting, on motion of Deacon James H. Foster, was dissolved.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday April 14, 1851.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” having been duly notified by the Clerk, was held at the office of Ezra Lincoln, the Chairman, No 4 Court Street, at nine o’clock this morning.

Present, Messrs. Lincoln, Wales, Rich, Hayward, Abbot, and Francis.

The Chairman presented a draft of his annual Report of the condition of the Corporation, which was adopted and directed to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors which is to be held tomorrow, the sixteenth instant.

After some informal consultation, the meeting was dissolved.

Attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[240] Annual Meeting. Tuesday April 15, 1851.

The Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” held their annual meeting in the Church in Chauncy Place, at half past three o’clock this afternoon.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Lincoln, Chairman of the Standing Committee, and Daniel L. Gibbens Esquire was chosen Moderator. On motion of Mr. Ralph Huntington, the Clerk was directed to read all the records of all the meetings of the Corporation and of the Standing Committee which had been held during the past year and they were read accordingly.

The Annual Report, was then read by the Chairman of the Standing Committee, and on motion of Mr. Ralph Huntington it was accepted, ordered to be placed on file and to be copied on to the records: It was in the words following, to wit:

Mr. Weld, for the Committee on Finance, presented the following Annual Report.

N.B. There is a difference in amount of receipts between this account and the Treasurer’s Book, of Twenty three dollars ($23.00) occasioned by an over credit of said amount.

On motion of Mr. Huntington, the above report was accepted and ordered to be placed on file, and copied on to the records.

On motion of Mr. Thomas B. Wales, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint a person to collect subscriptions from members of the Society in aid of the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches and to pay over the amount of the same to the Treasurer of that Association.

Messrs. E. F. Weld and S. L. Abbot, were appointed a Committee to collect, sort and Count the votes for officers of the Corporation for the ensuing year, and they reported as the result of the separate ballotings, the election of

On motion of Mr. J. T. Stevenson, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorized to appoint a Sexton, and establish the amount to be paid for his services.

On motion of Mr. Ralph Huntington, it was

Voted That the Committee of Finance, in their [243] next Annual Report state the actual market value of the property belonging to the Corporation.

On motion of Mr. Stevenson, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorised to employ the Sexton or any other person to collect the taxes on the pews and to pay such sum for the service as in their judgment they may think proper.

On motion of Mr. Henry Cutter, the meeting was dissolved.

Attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

day of April, A.D. 1851, personally appeared Joseph H. Buckingham and made oath that he would truly record all votes passed at any and every meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, and of the Standing Committee of said Corporation, during the time he remains in the office of Clerk thereof.

William Rogers, Justice of the Peace.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston April 28, 1851.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston” held this day, at the office of Ezra Lincoln Esquire No 4 Court Street, there were present:

Messrs. Ezra Lincoln, James T. Hayward, Thomas B. Wales, Jr., David Francis, Otis Rich, and Samuel L. Abbot, who severally signified their acceptance of the offices to which they were elected by the Corporation, at the Annual Meeting, held on the 15th inst.

On motion of Mr. Francis, Ezra Lincoln was elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.

The Chairman nominated Messrs. Wales [244] and Hayward as the Committee to select and appoint a Sexton.

The Chairman also nominated, Messrs. Lincoln, Abbot and Hayward as the Committee on Music and the Chairman also nominated, Messrs. Wales and Rich as the Committee on Repairs, and these nominations were unanimously confirmed.

The Chairman communicated a letter dated 21st inst, from Col. Isaac H. Wright, Commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, asking that “the use of the Chauncy Place Meeting House may be granted to that Corps for the celebration of the Religious Services incident to the two hundred and fourteenth Anniversary, which will occur on Monday June 2d, this year, and said request was, on motion of Mr. Wales, unanimously granted.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston December 5, 1851.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the “First Church in Boston,” held this day at the office of Ezra Lincoln Esq. No 4 Court Street, in this city, there were present, Messrs. Lincoln, Abbott, Wales, Francis, Dupee, and Hayward.

On motion of Mr. Francis, it was

Voted That a meeting of the Proprietors be notified to be held on Sunday the fourteenth day of December instant, at the Church in Chauncy place, immediately after the Religious Services in the forenoon, to consider whether any, and if any what measures shall be [245] taken with respect to the Election of a Pastor, and That the Clerk be directed to notify such meeting, in the usual manner forthwith.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston December 15, 1851.

A special meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” having been legally warned and notified by the Clerk, was held at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place, in this city, yesterday forenoon, the fourteenth inst, at a quarter before twelve o’clock.

On motion of David Francis, Esq. the meeting was organised, by the choice of Hon. Edward Everett as Moderator.

On motion of John E. Thayer Esq. it was

Voted That Messrs. J.T. Buckingham, J.T. Hayward, William Hayden, J.T. Stevenson and C.C. Paine be appointed a Committee to take into consideration the whole subject of the selection and choice of a Pastor, and to report upon the same at an adjourned meeting to be called specially for that purpose.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[246] Adjourned Special meeting of the Proprietors. Boston December 29, 1851.

A meeting of “The Proprietors of the First Church in Boston,” being an adjournment of the Special Meeting notified to be held and which was held on the fourteenth day of December instant, having been directed by the Committee appointed at said meeting, was legally notified by the Clerk of the Corporation, to be held yesterday at the meeting house in Chauncy Place in this city, immediately after the Religious Services of the forenoon.

Accordingly, at five minutes before twelve o’clock M. the meeting was held and was called to order by Hon. Edward Everett Moderator.

The Committee which was appointed to take into consideration the whole subject of the selection and election of a Pastor, and to report upon the same at an adjourned meeting to be specially called for that purpose, made, through their chairman, Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham a verbal Report, “That the Committee was unanimously of the opinion that the interests of the Society required early action for the settlement of a clergyman; and that after such inquiries, as were proper to be made, the Committee were of opinion that Mr. Hale of Worcester would be very acceptable to the members of the Parish; and that they recommend to the meeting to take the necessary steps to ascertain whether Mr. Hale would be induced to settle over us.”

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That the meeting proceed to an informal ballot, to ascertain by written votes the preference of the Proprietors then present, as to who should be invited to take the Pastoral charge of the Society.

A Ballot was then had, the Clerk collecting the votes, and the result was that the whole number of votes was twenty nine, including one blank. Of these [247] the Rev. Edward Everett Hale, of Worcester had twenty one.

Mr. Huntington, moved to have a second informal ballot on the next Sunday, but subsequently modified his motion so as to have a second informal ballot at the present time, and this motion was agreed to.

The Clerk again collected the ballots and the result was that thirty two votes were cast, and of these, the Rev. Mr. Hale had twenty nine. No person cast more than one vote, although several Proprietors own more than one pew and several gentlemen present held more than one proxy.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was then

Voted That when this meeting adjourn, it be adjourned to meet at this same place, on the afternoon of Thursday next, January 1, 1852, at three oclock, for the purpose of balloting for a Pastor to be settled over this Church, and That the Clerk be directed to issue a notice tomorrow, to each individual proprietor in this Corporation, stating the time, and place, and object of the said adjourned meeting.

On motion of Mr. T. B. Wales, the meeting was then Adjourned.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston January 1, 1852.

A meeting of the “Proprietors of The First Church in Boston” was held by adjournment at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place in this City, at three o’clock this afternoon.

The meeting was called to order by Hon. Edward Everett, Moderator, who read the notification for the same which had been issued by the Clerk on the twenty ninth of December A.D. 1851, in pursuance of a vote passed by the Proprietors on the preceding [248] day.

The records of the last two preceding meetings were read by the Clerk.

On motion of Hon. J.T. Buckingham it was

Voted That the poll be opened, and that the Proprietors proceed to ballot, by themselves or by proxies, for a Pastor.

Messrs. John E. Thayer, Ezra Lincoln and William Hayden were appointed a Committee to collect, sort and count the votes.

The Clerk then called the names of the Proprietors, from a list furnished for that purpose by the Treasurer, and the ballots were received by the Committee.

Mr. Thayer, from the Committee subsequently, reported, that the Whole number of votes was forty nine, of which Reverend Edward Everett Hale of Worcester had forty eight. Mr. Hale was accordingly declared Elected.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That a Committee of five, be appointed by the Moderator to communicate the result of this election to Mr. Hale, and to ask his acceptance of the office.

On motion of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham it was

Voted That the last named Committee be increased by the addition of the Moderator of this meeting, who shall be the Chairman thereof.

The Committee was then appointed and consists of the following gentlemen: Hon. Edward Everett, Chairman, William Hayden, Joseph T. Buckingham, John E. Thayer, Ezra Lincoln, James T. Hayward.

On motion of Charles C. Paine Esq. it was

Voted That the last named Committee be instructed to offer to Mr. Hale, a salary of Twenty five hundred Dollars a year, in case he accepts the office of Pastor.

On motion of T. B. Wales Esq., the meeting was dissolved. Attest,

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[249] Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston January 26, 1852.

By order of the Chairman of the Standing Committee, notice was yesterday issued by the Clerk, copies of which were posted in the porch of the Meeting House, and read from the pulpit by the officiating clergyman, calling a meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” to be held on Sunday the twenty fifth instant, at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place, immediately after the close of the forenoon services.

According to this notice, the proprietors met at twelve o’clock M. yesterday, and Reverend N. L. Frothingham was chosen Moderator.

Hon. Edward Everett, Chairman of the Committee chosen at the Special meeting which was held on the first instant, to communicate to Reverend Edward E. Hale of Worcester, his election to the office of Pastor, Reported that the Committee had corresponded with that gentleman, and submitted a copy of the letter and the original of his letter in reply.

On motion of Mr. Lincoln, the report of the Committee was accepted and the Clerk was instructed to record the correspondence and place the letters on file.

On motion of Deacon James H. Foster, it was then

Voted That the whole subject of selecting and electing a Pastor for this Church, be referred to the Standing Committee.

On motion of Mr. Thayer the meeting was then dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday March 22, 1852.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the “Proprietors of the first Church in Boston,” held this day at the office of Ezra Lincoln Esq. No 4 Court Street, Boston, present Messrs. Francis, Hayward, Abbott, Rich, Lincoln and Dupee.

It was Voted That Mr. Abbott be a special sub-committee to proceed to Northampton and ascertain by personal intercourse with Reverend Rufus Ellis whether any arrangement can be made with that gentleman in reference to a permanent settlement as Pastor of the First Church [252] provided he should receive an invitation from the Proprietors.

It was also Voted That the proceedings of the Standing Committee at this meeting be considered as of a nature not to be made public.

The meeting was then adjourned to meet at the same place on Saturday next, the 27th inst at nine o’clock A.M.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Meeting of the Standing Committee. Saturday March 27, 1852.

No quorum being present, no business is transacted at this meeting.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special meeting of the Standing Committee. Monday April 19, 1852.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” was held this day at the office of the Chairman No 4 Court Street in Boston.

Present, Messrs. Lincoln, Francis, Wales and Hayward.

The Chairman presented a draft of the annual report of the Standing Committee which being read was adopted, and ordered to be presented at the Annual meeting of the Corporation which is to be held tomorrow.

Meeting Dissolved, attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Annual Meeting. Tuesday April 20, 1852.

The Annual meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston,” having been legally notified by the Clerk, was held, according to the provisions of the Bye laws, on this the third Tuesday in April, at the meeting house in Chauncey Place, at half past three o’clock in the afternoon.

Having been called to order by Mr. Lincoln, chairman of the Standing Committee, the meeting was organized by the election of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham as Moderator.

The reading of the records was dispensed [253] with.

The Annual Report of the Standing Committee was then read by Mr. Lincoln, the Chairman, accepted, ordered to be recorded and placed on file. It was as follows:

The Committee are not aware of any outstanding bills against the Society.

All of which is respectfully submitted. For the Committee

Ezra Lincoln Chairman.

[254] Mr. Hayden, from the Committee on Finance, submitted the following Report.

By a vote passed at the last annual meeting, the Committee of Finance were directed to state, in this Annual Report, the actual market value of the property belonging to the Corporation, and the following statement is submitted, in compliance with that vote.

Besides the above property, the Proprietors own their Church, and the land under and adjoining the same—and thirty three Pews in the Church—the value of which the Committee have not thought it necessary to estimate.

Respectfully submitted

April 20th 1852.

On motion of Mr. T. B. Wales, this report was accepted and ordered to be placed on file.

Mr. Hayden, from the same Committee, also submitted the following Report,

On motion of Mr. Ralph Huntington this Report was accepted and ordered to be placed on file.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers for the Ensuing Year, and a Committee having been appointed to collect, sort, and count the votes it appeared that [255] Joseph H. Buckingham was chosen Clerk. The usual oath of office was then administered to the Clerk by the Moderator.

The following named gentlemen were then chosen and declared elected as the Standing Committee: Edward Everett, Nathaniel L. Frothingham, Samuel L. Abbott, Horace Dupee, David Francis, Otis Rich, J. T. W. Sargent.

The following named gentlemen were then chosen and declared elected as the Committee of Finance: J. T. Dingley, George W. Wales, James T. Hayward.

The Committee to collect the votes reported that David Francis was unanimously chosen, and he was thereupon declared elected Treasurer of the Corporation.

On motion of Mr. T. B. Wales, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to appoint a person to collect subscriptions from members of this Society in aid of the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches and to pay over the amount of the same to the Treasurer of that Association.

On motion of Mr. David Francis, it was

Voted That the Treasurer be authorised to pay, out of the funds in his hands, the sum of Twenty Dollars to the managers of the last Unitarian Festival given in this City, in aid of the Expenses thereof.

On motion of Mr. Ralph Huntington, after some discussion and an amendment of his original proposition, it was

Voted That the Treasurer be instructed, to make a permanent investment of Two thousand dollars of the funds at present in his hands, under advice and with consent of the Standing Committee.

On motion of Mr. T. B. Wales Jr. it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorised to appoint a Sexton and establish his salary for the ensuing year.

A motion was made by Mr. T. B. Wales, to [256] authorise the Standing Committee to make all necessary repairs on the outside of the Church, and it was subsequently withdrawn. The same motion was renewed by Mr. Ezra Lincoln, and after some discussion, on motion of Mr. Edward F. Weld, it was indefinitely postponed.

The meeting was then dissolved.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Saturday April 24, 1852.

A meeting of the newly elected Standing Committee of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” having been notified by the Clerk, was held at his office, No 24 Railroad Exchange, in Court Square, in Boston, at ten o’clock this day. There were present, Messrs. Everett, Frothingham, Francis, and Sargent, who severally signified their acceptance of the offices to which they had been elected.

Hon. Edward Everett was elected Chairman of the Standing Committee for the year.

Messrs. Francis and Sargent, were nominated and confirmed as the Committee to appoint and direct all matters in relation to Sexton.

Messrs. Frothingham, Abbott and Sargent were nominated and Confirmed as the Committee on Music.

Messrs. Rich and Dupee were appointed, on nomination of the Chairman, as the Committee on Repairs.

On motion of Mr. Francis, it was

Voted That Thomas B. Wales Esq. be requested by the Treasurer to collect, as he has in former years, such subscriptions as may be possible for the benefit of the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches.

The subject of Supplying the Pulpit was referred to Messrs. Everett and Frothingham.

[257] On motion of Mr. Francis, the Committee on Repairs was authorised to make a settlement with Mr. Atkinson, a tenant of one of the School Rooms under the meeting house, with full power.

On motion of Mr. Everett it was

Voted That Regular meetings of the Standing Committee be held, in future and until further order, at four o’clock on the afternoons of the last Saturday in each month, at his residence in Summer Street.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of Standing Committee. May 29, 1852.

Present Messrs. Everett, Francis, Rich and Abbot.

Dr. Abbot was chosen Secretary pro tem.

A note was read from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company requesting permission to use the Meeting House of the Society on the occasion of their next anniversary, the 1st Monday of June. Voted that the request be acceded to on condition that the Organist and Choir of the Society be employed on that occasion.

Mr. Francis stated that he had had an application from the Organist to purchase a pew in the gallery of the Church. Voted that Mr. Francis have full power to effect such a sale.

Mr. Francis stated that he had let the room under the Church formerly occupied by Mr. Atkinson, to Mr. French.

On motion of Mr. Francis voted That iron fences be erected to enclose the empty space on each side of the Church tower at the expense of $243.

The Meeting was adjourned.

Attest S. L. Abbot, Secretary pro tem.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Saturday June 26, 1852.

An adjourned meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the house of the Chairman, at four o’clock P.M. this day. Present Messrs. Everett, Francis, Frothingham, Abbott, and Sargent.

On motion of Mr. Francis, the subject of making suitable repairs on the Organ, was referred to the Committee on Music, with full powers.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, Mr. Francis was requested to ascertain what alterations are required in the Furnaces, and the probable expense that will be necessary to improve the heating [258] apparatus for the church.

Mr. Francis, from the Committee on that subject reported that Mr. Dodd had been engaged as Sexton for the present Year at the same salary as for last year. Adjourned.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Owing to the absence from the City, of several members of the Standing Committee, and in consequence of the illness of others, no quorum could be conveniently obtained for the proposed regular meetings on the last Saturdays of July, August and September.

And there being no business calling for any special action of the Committee, no meeting was held during those months.

Special Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston Thursday October 7, 1852.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston was held at twelve o’clock noon this day at the residence of Mr. Frothingham in Summer Street. Present, all the members of the Board except Mr. Everett.

Owing to the absence of the Chairman the meeting was called to order by the Clerk and Rev. Mr. Frothingham was elected Chairman pro tem. It was Voted unanimously that a Special Meeting of the Corporation be notified by the Clerk, to be held immediately after the close of the Afternoon Service, on Sunday next, October 10th inst.

Voted That the Clerk be instructed to issue notice to Each Proprietor, and send the same to his residence where it can be done; and to have copies of the notice distributed in the Pews of the Church on Sunday forenoon.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special Meeting of the Corporation. Boston Sunday October 10, 1852.

A special meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” having been legally notified by the Clerk, according to the directions of the Standing Committee, was held at [259] the Meeting House in Chauncey Place, this afternoon immediately after the services of the day were closed.

Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham was chosen Moderator.

Hon. Edward Everett, Chairman of the Standing Committee, made a verbal report of the proceedings of that board as to the selection of Ministers to supply the pulpit up to the present time, and recommended as the unanimous voice of the Committee, that the Proprietors invite Mr. Francis Tiffany to become permanent Pastor of the Society.

Reverend Mr. Frothingham, Reverend Charles Brooks, William Hayden Esq. and the Moderator also addressed the meeting.

Mr. Everett moved that the Standing Committee be requested to invite, forthwith, Mr. Francis Tiffany14 to become Pastor of the First Church in Boston.

On motion of Ralph Huntington Esq. it was

Voted That the question on this motion be taken by Ballot, the Clerk Calling the list of Proprietors and each one answering Yea or Nay as his or her name is called.

The Clerk then called the list of Proprietors in the order in which the Pews are numbered, beginning with number one, And it appeared that Sixty Pews were represented by proprietors, either in person or by proxy, no one individual by the By laws, being allowed to cast more than three votes, and all these votes were in the affirmative. So it was declared that the Proprietors had unanimously

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested, forthwith, to invite Mr. Francis Tiffany to become Pastor of the First Church in Boston.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham it was then

Voted That when this meeting Adjourn, it be adjourned to meet again at such time as the Standing Committee shall direct.

The meeting was then adjourned.

attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[260] The stated meeting of the Standing Committee at Mr. Everett’s house on the last Saturday (the 29th) of October was merely informal and no quorum being present was not called to order.

Special Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston November 3, 1852.

A Special Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, having been notified by the Clerk, was held at the house of Rev. Dr. Frothingham in Summer Street at twelve o’clock noon this day.

Present, Messrs. Frothingham, Rich, Francis, Dupee, Sargent.

The Chairman being absent, Mr. Rich was chosen Chairman pro tem. Mr. Frothingham stated that the object of the meeting was to hear the letter received by the Chairman from Mr. Tiffany, declining to accept of the office of Pastor, and also to consult upon some further measures as to the settlement of a Pastor.

The letter was read and laid on the table.

Mr. Frothingham explained certain views entertained upon this subject by him, which were considered and fully agreed to by every member of the Committee who was present. Mr. Frothingham also stated that he was instructed by Mr. Everett to say that he also coincided in opinion with the majority.

On motion of Mr. Sargent it was voted that when this meeting adjourn, it be adjourned to meet again at the same place at twelve o’clock, noon, on Saturday next, November sixth.

On motion of Mr. Sargent, it was also Voted that in the mean time Mr. Frothingham be requested to take such measures as in his judgment he may deem Expedient to further the views of the Committee, as they had been unanimously Expressed, with power, and to report at the adjourned meeting.

The meeting was then Adjourned.

attest, J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[261] Adjourned Special Meeting of Standing Committee. Boston November 6, 1852.

The Committee met at 12 oClock noon this day according to adjournment, at Mr. Frothinghams in Summer Street.

Present all the members except Mr. Everett.

Mr. Rich, as Chairman pro tem., called the meeting to order, and Mr. Frothingham made a verbal report of his proceedings since the third instant, and requested further time, which was granted.

After a full expression of the views of each member present, on the subject of settling a Pastor, it was

Voted That when this meeting adjourn, it be adjourned to meet again whenever called together by the Clerk under the direction of Mr. Frothingham.

Adjourned.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of Standing Committee. Boston November 11, 1852.

The Committee, having been notified by the Clerk according to the directions given by the last recorded vote on the 6th inst. met at the house of Mr. Frothingham at 12 oClock noon this day.

Present all the members except Mr. Everett.

Mr. Rich, Chairman pro-tem called the meeting to order, and Mr. Frothingham made a further verbal Report, communicating the fact that he had received a letter from Reverend Thomas Starr King in which that gentleman asked some information respecting the vacant pews and the number of pews for sale or to let in Chauncy Place Meeting House;—also that there was now but little doubt that Mr. King would settle as Pastor of the First Church, if his own people could be accomodated with seats and pews on reasonable terms, and the Proprietors of the First Church should give him a unanimous call.15

The Treasurer submitted a plan and schedule of the pews in the meeting house with the taxes assessed marked against each, with the names of the present owners.

The Committee proceeded to affix to the Pews owned by the Corporation the sums at [262] which they may be sold. It was then

Voted That Mr. Frothingham be instructed to communicate to Mr. King that the Proprietors own certain pews (as per schedule) which will be sold to members of the Hollis Street Society at the valuation affixed to them, or will be let for the taxes heretofore assessed with the addition of eight per cent on the amount of valuation.

The Clerk was directed to prepare a list of the pews so offered for sale or to let, to be communicated with the above vote.

It was voted That when this meeting adjourn it be adjourned to meet again whenever called together by the Clerk under direction of Mr. Frothingham.

Voted That the Committee on Repairs ascertain the expense of providing Gas Lights for the pulpit and Organ.

Adjourned,

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston November 16, 1852.

The Committee having been notified according to the vote of the 6th inst. met at the House of Mr. Frothingham this day at twelve o’clock noon.

Present Messrs. Rich, Frothingham, Dupee, Sargent, Abbott.

Mr. Rich, Chairman pro tem, in the Chair.

Mr. Rich from the Committee on Repairs made a verbal report on the subject of supplying Gas to light the Pulpit and Organ, and on motion of Mr. Frothingham it was

Voted That the Committee on Repairs be instructed to procure Gas fixtures and make all the necessary arrangements for lighting the Pulpit and Organ with Gas.

Mr. Frothingham communicated the contents of the note which he had received from the Reverend Mr. King, and after considerable consultation it was

Voted That it is Expedient for the Committee to ascertain, by personal application, so far as practicable the views of each individual proprietor of the Pews in the Meeting House on the question of giving an invitation to Reverend Thomas Starr King to become Pastor of the Society.

After making arrangements by which each member present agreed to call [263] personally on certain Proprietors, the meeting adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston November 20, 1852.

The Committee having been notified in the usual manner, met at Mr. Frothingham’s house this afternoon at half past three oclock, Mr. Rich, Chairman pro tem in the Chair.

The different members made report verbally of the result of their personal application to the Proprietors on the subject of settling a Pastor, from which it appeared that nearly every proprietor had been called upon and that so far as could be ascertained nearly all the Proprietors cordially approved of giving Mr. King a call if it should be thought proper, in consideration of the circumstances.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, the Clerk was directed to notify an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors to be held tomorrow at the Meeting House immediately after the afternoon service, by placing notifications in the pews, in the morning.

It was Voted that Mr. Frothingham be requested to communicate, at that meeting, in the name of this Committee, the reason for calling the Proprietors together, and the views of the Committee.

The letter of Mr. Tiffany declining the invitation of the Proprietors to become the Pastor of the First Church, was taken from the table and committed to Mr. Frothingham for him to communicate to the Proprietors at the meeting tomorrow afternoon. Adjourned.

Attest. J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of the Corporation. Boston, November 21, 1852.

The Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, having been notified by notices signed by the Clerk, placed in Each Pew in the Meeting House, and by a notice read from the pulpit, met at an adjourned meeting at the Meeting House in Chauncey Place, this afternoon, immediately after [264] the afternoon service, Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham, Moderator, in the Chair.

The records of the Meeting held on the 10th of October last, were read by the Clerk.

Rev. Mr. Frothingham, in behalf of the Standing Committee, reported that Mr. Tiffany had declined accepting the invitation from the Proprietors to become their Pastor, and read his letter to that effect.

On Motion of Deacon Foster, it was

Ordered That the letter of the Committee to Mr. Tiffany, communicating the invitation, and his answer thereto, be copied into the records of the Corporation and placed on file.

Mr. Frothingham, in behalf of the Standing Committee made a verbal report of the doings of the Committee since the 10th of October last and offered the following:

Voted That the Proprietors of the First Church are ready and desirous to invite the Reverend Thomas Starr King to be their Pastor, as soon as they are assured that such a step would meet with the harmonious concurrence of the Society in Hollis Street.

Deacon Foster, moved that the further consideration of this subject be postponed, and referred to an adjourned meeting to be held on Wednesday the first day of December next.

Ralph Huntington Esq. seconded this motion.

The motion for postponement was negatived.

The Vote proposed by Mr. Frothingham was then adopted.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, it was Voted that when this meeting adjourn, it be adjourned to meet again at this place at such time as the Standing Committee may appoint. Adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

No copy of the letter from the Committee to Mr. Tiffany was furnished.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston Saturday, November 27, 1852.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held this afternoon at the house of Mr. Frothingham, in Summer Street. Present, Messrs. Frothingham, Rich, Dupee, Sargent and Abbott.

Mr. Rich, Chairman pro tem, in the Chair.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, it was

Voted That the offer (as per vote of the 11th inst. [266]) to sell or let the pews belonging to the Corporation, to members of the Hollis Street Society, was predicated upon the acceptance by Mr. King of the office of Pastor, and that the time within which the said offer may be accepted, is hereby limited to Sixty Days from the date of his acceptance.

Mr. Rich, from the Committee on Repairs, reported verbally, in relation to the introduction of Gas, to the Pulpit and Organ, that every thing was ready for the fixtures for burners, but that the proper ornaments cannot be had except at Philadelphia. Also, that the Gas Pipe has been introduced into the East Gallery of sufficient size to be carried round and to light the whole church with Gas if it should be needed at some future day.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, the Committee was instructed to carry out their plans as proposed.

A communication from an Organ Builder, respecting repairs which are necessary to be made upon the Organ, was read and referred to the Committee on Music, with full power to have such repairs made as, in their judgment may be expedient.

Adjourned.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

No meeting of the Standing Committee was held on the last Saturday in December, in consequence of its being Christmas Day, several members being absent, and there being no business requiring attention.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston Saturday, January 29, 1853.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held this afternoon, at the house of Mr. Frothingham, in Summer Street. Present, Messrs. Abbott, Dupee, Sargent and Frothingham.

Mr. Abbott, was elected Chairman pro tem.

Mr. Frothingham communicated a letter from Rev. Thomas Starr King, stating that the Hollis Street Society had sold a number of pews in their meeting house, and offered to raise his salary, so that he should stay there and not come to the First Church.

Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Music, reported [267] verbally as to repairs needed to be made on the Organ, and that a person had been engaged to do the work.

Mr. Frothingham communicated verbally a request from Miss Whitney, a tenant of one of the School rooms under the meeting house, for a reduction of rent, and the subject was referred to Messrs. Rich and Abbott, to consider and report to the Standing Committee.

Adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of Standing Committee. Boston Friday, February 18, 1853.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee was called at the request of Mr. Frothingham, to be held at his house this afternoon at half past three o’clock.

Present, only Messrs. Sargent and Frothingham. In consequence of their being no quorum, the meeting was adjourned to tomorrow afternoon at four o’clock.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of Standing Committee. Boston Saturday, February 19, 1853.

An adjourned meeting of the Standing Committee was held at Mr. Frothingham’s house in Summer Street, this afternoon, at four o’clock.

Present, Messrs. Abbott, Dupee, Sargent, and Frothingham.

Mr. Sargent, was elected Chairman pro tem.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham it was

Voted That a meeting of the Proprietors be called for tomorrow afternoon, to be held at the meeting house, immediately after the afternoon service, and that the Clerk be instructed to notify the same, by a notice to be read from the pulpit by the officiating clergyman, forenoon and afternoon. Also Voted That the Committee recommend to the Proprietors, at the said meeting, that the Rev. Rufus Ellis of Northampton be invited to become Pastor of the First Church.

On motion of Mr. Dupee, Voted that the Clerk be instructed to consult Mr. Rich, on the subject, and obtain his concurrence in the above arrangement, in order that the action of the Committee may be unanimous,—Mr. Everett being absent from the city, and Mr. Francis being unable to act in consequence of severe illness. Also that if Mr. Rich is opposed to this action the [268] Clerk is instructed not to call the meeting, but to consider the preceding votes null and void. Adjourned.

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Adjourned Special Meeting of the Corporation. Boston Sunday, February 20, 1853.

An adjourned Special meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, having been notified from the Pulpit according to the directions of the Standing Committee, was held this afternoon at the Meeting House in Chauncey Place, and it was called to order by the Clerk.

In consequence of the absence of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham, the Moderator, Hon. Charles Francis Adams, was elected Moderator pro tem.

Mr. Rich, from the Standing Committee, reported, that the Committee had reason to think that the Rev. Rufus Ellis, of Northampton, would be acceptable to the Proprietors, as Pastor of the Society; and that although they did not know that he would accept an invitation to that effect, they had strong hopes, from circumstances which had been communicated to them, that he might be induced to do so.

Mr. Frothingham, from the same Committee stated that the Committee was not prepared to offer any vote on the subject, but they were satisfied with the fitness of Mr. Ellis for the office and were unanimous in recommending him to the Proprietors.

William Hayden Esq. proposed the following.

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to communicate with the Reverend Rufus Ellis of Northampton, with full power to invite him, if they see fit, to become Pastor of this Society.

This motion, being seconded by T. B. Wales Esq. was submitted to the meeting and passed unanimously.

On motion of John E. Thayer Esq. it was

Voted That the Standing Committee be requested to communicate with the Hollis Street Society and send Greeting to them our cordial congratulations upon the settlement of the difficulties in their society, and their prospects of prosperity for the future.

On motion of Mr. Rich it was

Voted That when this meeting adjourn it be adjourned to meet again when the [269] Standing Committee shall have further communication to make on the subject of a Pastor. Adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston February 21, 1853.

A meeting of the Standing Committee was held at Mr. Frothingham’s house, in Summer St. this day at twelve o’clock noon. Present,—Messrs. Sargent, Abbott, Dupee and Frothingham. Mr. Sargent was chosen Chairman pro tem.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, it was Voted That a letter be addressed by to-day’s mail to Reverend Mr. Ellis, at Northampton, stating the action of the Corporation at yesterday’s meeting, and asking him to become Pastor of the First Church.

On motion of Mr. Abbott, it was Voted that Reverend Mr. Frothingham be a committee to write and forward said letter.

Mr. Frothingham submitted a draft of a letter to be addressed to the Hollis Street Society, in accordance with the vote of the Corporation, at yesterday’s meeting, which was approved, and it was Voted That the same be signed by every member of the Committee, and sent as directed.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham, the Committee on that subject, had full power to make such arrangements as they shall see fit, with regard to the Rent of the school Room occupied by Miss Whitney.

Adjourned, Attest

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston February 27, 1853.

A meeting was held, of the Standing Committee, this afternoon at half past four o’clock, at Mr. Frothingham’s house in Summer Street.

Present—Messrs. Rich, Abbott, Sargent, Dupee and Frothingham.

Mr. Rich in the chair. Mr. Frothingham reported that he had notified Rev. Mr. Ellis of the vote of the Committee, requesting him to become Pastor; and communicated a letter of enquiry which he had received from Mr. Ellis. [270] Mr. Rich prepared a letter in reply which was adopted, and having been signed by every member of the Committee present, was directed to be forwarded to Mr. Ellis by the first mail.

Mr. Frothingham, presented the letter of Greeting which had been prepared, to be sent to the Hollis Street Society, signed by Messrs. Everett and Francis, the absent members. The letter was then signed by all the other members of the Committee, and countersigned by the Clerk, and left with Mr. Frothingham to be forwarded to its destination.

Mr. Abbott, from the Committee on that subject, reported that he had, in accordance with the power vested in the Committee at the last meeting, agreed with Miss Whitney that the rent of the School room occupied by her, under the Church, shall be at the rate of One hundred and twenty five dollars a year, from and after January the first 1853, and his report was approved.

Adjourned, attest.

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston, March 12, 1853.

The Meeting was held at Mr. Frothingham’s house at 12 o’Clock, M. Present, Messrs. Rich, Abbott, Sargent, Dupee and Frothingham.

Mr. Rich was the Chairman, and Mr. Frothingham was appointed clerk of the meeting. Mr. F. read a Letter from Rev. Rufus Ellis, of Northampton, announcing his acceptance of the Invitation of the First Church to become their pastor. Whereupon it was unanimously agreed, that notifications should be placed in the pews on the next day, Lord’s Day, calling a General Meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church on the day following, Monday, March 14th at 4 o’Clock, P.M. This notice was also to be read from the pulpit on the morrow. Arrangements were made for carrying the proposed object into effect, and the meeting was then Adjourned. attest

N. L. Frothingham, Clerk pro tem.

Adjourned Special meeting of the Proprietors. Boston March 14, 1853.

An adjourned special meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston, was held at the meeting house in Chauncey Place this day at 4 o’clock P.M.

Hon. Joseph H. Buckingham, [271] the moderator, in the Chair.

In consequence of the absence of the Clerk, Edward R. Hall was chosen Clerk pro tem, and duly sworn.

Mr. Frothingham, from the Standing Committee, reported that the Rev. Rufus Ellis accepted the office of pastor, and communicated the letter of the Committee to him and his answer, which were read and ordered to be recorded and place on file.

Rev. Dr. Frothingham.

It was then Voted That the Pastor’s salary be fixed at Three thousand dollars per annum.

Voted As the wish of the Proprietors of the First Church, that the installation of the Rev. Mr. Ellis should be solemnized at as early a day as may suit his convenience; and that the Standing Committee be requested to make arrangements to that effect, and report at the annual meeting in April.

Voted That the Standing Committee be authorized to signify to Mr. Ellis the willingness of the Parish, that he should reside in Northampton until Sept. 1st.

Voted That the Standing Committee and Treasurer be authorized to make such disposition, in regard to prepayment of salary as they may deem expedient.

Voted That the meeting be adjourned.

Edward R. Hall Clerk pro tem.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston March 26, 1853.

At a meeting of the Committee of Chauncey Place. Church held at Rev. Dr. Frothingham’s house Saturday March 26th 1853—4 P.M. A communication was submitted by the Chairman Mr. Rich from Mr. Boyd, with regard to the storage of merchandise in Chauncey Place cellar, from which it was stated, certain thefts had been made of Ale, to the amount of $86.67—Eight six—67/100 Dollars.

The whole subject was referred to a Committee of two, Mr. Rich and Mr. Sargent, with full power to act in the matter.

The Committee agreeably to the power given to them by the action of the last meeting of The Proprietors

Voted That Dr. Frothingham be a Committee of one to make all the Clerical arrangements, with regard to the approaching Ordination of Rev. Rufus Ellis of Northampton.

[273] Voted That Mr. Sargent, and Dr. Abbott, be a Committee, to consider the expediency of an Entertainment, and if any, what its character, and to report upon the subject at a future meeting; and at their earliest convenience.

Voted That Deacon Foster, be invited to be associated with Rev. Dr. Frothingham, with regard to the approaching Ordination of Rev. Rufus Ellis.

J. T. W. S.16 Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston April 16, 1853.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Chauncey place church held at Rev. Dr. Frothingham’s at 4 p.m.

The Chairman Mr. Rich submitted a Report which was adopted and it was

Voted To present the same at the Proprietors meeting.

Voted That the Report of the Committee with regard to the Entertainment, be accepted and submitted to the Proprietors at the Annual Meeting.

J. T. W. S. Clerk.

Annual Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston April 19, 1853.

The annual meeting of the Proprietors of the First Church was held at the Church in Chauncey Place this day at 4 Oclock P.M., according to Notification.

In the absence of the Clerk the meeting was called to order by Mr. Otis Rich. Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham was called to the chair, and Edward F. Weld chosen clerk pro tem, and duly sworn. Mr. Rich, Chairman pro tem, of the Standing Committee presented the Annual Report, which upon being read, was accepted and ordered to be recorded and placed on file. Mr. Rich likewise presented the Report of the receipts and disbursements of the late Treasurer—he having deceased while in office. Viz.

This Report was accepted and ordered to be placed on file. The Report of the Finance Committee was received—accepted and ordered to be placed [274] on file. The meeting then proceeded to the choice of Officers. Mr. George W. Wales was appointed a committee to receive, sort and count the votes for Clerk and he reported the election of Joseph H. Buckingham. Messrs. Wales and Abbott were appointed a committee to receive the votes for Standing Committee for the ensuing year and they reported the choice of Messrs. Edward Everett, Samuel L. Abbott, William Hayden, J. T. W. Sargent, Otis Rich, N. L. Frothingham and Horace Dupee.

The next business was the choice of Treasurer; the same committee were requested to receive the votes and they reported the choice of Edward F. Weld for that office. Messrs. George W. Wales, John T. Dingley and Nathaniel B. Doggett were chosen Finance Committee.

The Standing Committee were requested to appoint some suitable person to collect subscription to be paid to the Treasurer of the “American Unitarian Association.”

Voted To pay Twenty (20) Dollars towards the expense of the Unitarian Festival.

Voted That the Standing Committee appoint a Sexton and fix the amount of compensation to be paid for said service.

Upon motion of Mr. Ebenezer Chadwick the Chairman and Clerk pro tem, were appointed a committee to see that the records be attended to and that the Reports of the back meetings, not recorded be duly placed upon record.

Messrs. Sargent and Abbott a sub-committee of the Standing Committee to whom had been referred the expediency of an entertainment to the Rev. Clergy and Delegates, also to the Gentlemen Proprietors and Pew Holders upon the occasion of the Installation of the Rev. Rufus Ellis of Northampton “reported for the consideration of the Proprietors, a recommendation that such Entertainment should be provided, and those gentlemen were instructed to provide the same and it was

Voted unanimously That the Treasurer be authorized to pay the expense. No other business being before the meeing upon motion of John Chadwick the meeting was dissolved.

attest Edward F. Weld Clerk pro tem.

[275] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk S.S.

[276] It will be seen that the Society has added to its invested fund, during the past year, the sum of $2000 in City Script, and has beside available funds to the amount of over $2000.

The Standing Committee, in concluding their Report; would take the opportunity to congratulate the Society upon the favorable condition of their finances and the prospects of future prosperity of the Society.

By order of the Standing Committee.

Otis Rich Chairman pro tem.

Organization of the Standing Committee. Boston April 27, 1853.

The gentlemen elected as Standing Committee of the First Church in Boston, at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation on the 19th inst. met at the house of Hon. Edward Everett, in Summer Street, this evening.

Present, the whole board except Mr. Sargent. At half past 7 oClock the Clerk called the meeting to order, and on motion of Mr. Rich, Hon. Edward Everett was chosen Chairman, of the Committee.

Mr. Abbott, from the Committee appointed by the Proprietors to provide an entertainment for the Delegates etc. on the occasion of the coming Installation of Mr. Ellis, made a verbal report, that Mr. Smith had been engaged to provide a dinner at Chapman Hall in School Street, and his Report was accepted.

On motion of Mr. Frothingham it was

Voted That the Members of the Society and pewholders, be requested to meet on Wednesday morning next, in the basement of the Meeting house, at half past ten o’clock.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That Messrs. Sargent and Abbott be a Committee of this board to make such further arrangements as may be necessary for the occasion, and that the Committee cause printed programme of the arrangements for Wednesday next, to be distributed in all the pews of the meeting house on Sunday next.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted that the Broad Aisle pews be [277] reserved, on Wednesday next, for the Ordaining Council and the Proprietors and members of the Society.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That the Committee of Arrangements be requested to invite a sufficient number of gentlemen to act as Marshals, on the occasion.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That the Committee on Music have full power to make such arrangements as they think expedient in relation to a dinner or other entertainment for the Organist and Choir.

The Chairman announced the appointment of the following sub-Committees, and it was confirmed by the board,

• On the Sexton Messrs. Hayden and Sargent.
• On Music Messrs. Frothingham, Abbott and Sargent.
• On Repairs Messrs. Rich and Dupee.

On motion of Mr. Rich it was

Voted That the Clerk be directed to place upon the Records a copy of the Letter Missive sent to the Hollis Street Society on the 27th February last. On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That Messrs. Hayden and Rich be a Committee to receive the money and other property of the Corporation from the legal representatives of the late Treasurer, and place them in the hands of the Treasurer elected at the Annual Meeting on the 19th inst.

On motion of Mr. Hayden it was

Voted That when this meeting adjourn it be adjourned to meet again in the basement of the Meeting house, on Wednesday next at 10 oClock A.M.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee will hold regular monthly meetings on the last Saturday of every month at four o’Clock P.M. at the house of Mr. Everett, until further order, and without further notification. Adjourned.

attest J. H. Buckingham

Clerk of the Corporation.

[278] (Copy.)

(Countersigned) Committee.

J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

[279] Installation of the Reverend Rufus Ellis. Boston May 4, 1853.

Agreeably to previous arrangements the Standing Committee met at the old vestry in the basement of the meeting house in Chauncy Place at ten o’clock A.M. this day.

At half past ten o’clock the Proprietors and Pew holders assembled at the same place, and the meeting was organized by the choice of Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham, as Chairman.

On motion of Mr. Frederick H. Bradlee, it was

Voted That a committee of five be elected to proced to the house of Dr. Frothingham, where the Rev. Council, Delegates from other Churches, and the Reverend Mr. Ellis, were assembled and to escort them to the Meeting House. Messrs. Edward Everett, William Hayden, Ebenezer Chadwick, Joseph T. Buckingham and Josiah Bradlee were elected as members of that committee and they proceeded to fulfill their duties.

The Committee having returned with their guests, were met at the door by the Proprietors and Pewholders, and the whole body entered the house and occupied the pews in the broad aisle, the rest of the house being open to the public. The services then commenced and were conducted according to the following:

Sermon, by Reverend George Ellis: Text, 1st Timothy 1st Chapter, 15th verse.

After the Services at the Meeting House were concluded, at three o’Clock P.M. the Proprietors, and Pewholders, with the Rev. Clergy and Delegates from other churches, met at Chapman Hall, and partook of a dinner provided in compliance with the vote of the Proprietors at the last Annual meeting, Hon. Edward Everett presiding.

Meeting of the Standing Committee, Boston May 4, 1853.

The Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston” met at Chapman Hall, this afternoon, at half past five o’clock.

Present—All the Committee.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That the Chairman be requested to present the thanks of the Society to Messrs. George E. Ellis, E. S. Gannett, F. D. Huntington and Chandler Robbins and request of them copies of their several discourses delivered this day, for publication.

Mr. Sargent communicated a request from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, for the use of the Meeting House for their anniversary Celebration, on the first Monday of June next, and on his motion, it was

Voted That the same be granted.

The Meeting was then dissolved.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston May 16, 1853.

A meeting of the Standing Committee, was held at Mr. Everett’s house in Summer Street, this afternoon at four o’Clock.

Present, Messrs. Everett, Hayden, Rich, Dupee and Abbott.

[282] On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That Messrs. Rich and Hayden, be a committee, to consult with the Treasurer, and with full power to let or sell the Pews belonging to the Corporation.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, it was

Voted That Mr. William F. Weld, the Treasurer, be appointed and requested to act as agent to receive and collect subscriptions from worshippers at the First Church, in aid of the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches.

Mr. Hayden, from the Committee on that subject, Reported verbally, that the papers belonging to the Treasury, which were in the hands of the late David Francis Esq. had been delivered to his successor, and that the balance of his account in favor of the Corporation, amounting to nearly two thousand Dollars, had been promptly paid over to the new treasurer and had been by him placed in the Boylston Bank.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That the Chairman and Mr. Frothingham be a committee to consider the propriety of asking the Rev. Mr. Ellis, the Pastor, for a copy of his two sermons preached on Sunday the 8th inst. and publishing them in the same pamphlet, with the discourses delivered at the Installation, with full power in the premises.

The meeting then adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Saturday May 28, 1853.

This being the last Saturday in the month, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston” was to be held, according to a vote passed at the meeting of the Committee on the 27th April last.

Present The Chairman and Clerk.

There being no quorum, Adjourned.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston June 25, 1853.

The regular monthly meeting of the Standing Committee of the “First Church in Boston” was held this day, at nine o’clock A.M. at the house of Mr. Everett in Summer Street.

Present, Messrs. Everett, Hayden, Dupee and Rich.

Mr. Everett, from the Committee on that subject, reported that it had been considered by [283] the Committee inexpedient to ask Reverend Mr. Ellis for a copy of his two first sermons as Pastor, for publication, and therefore the discourses delivered at the Installation had been published by the Committee in a pamphlet by themselves.

Mr. Rich, from the Committee on Repairs reported verbally in respect to the outside of the Church and asked for further time—Which was granted.

On motion of Mr. Hayden the Committee on Repairs was instructed to open a communication between the Pulpit and the Vestry, and to fit up the Vestry in a proper manner for use.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That Mr. Hayden be added to the Committee on Repairs.

On motion of Mr. Rich, it was

Voted That the Standing Committee in the name of the Proprietors confirm the invitation which it is understood has been given by the Pastor, to the Worshippers at the Stone Chapel, to unite with this Society during the time their church may be closed.

The meeting then adjourned.

attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston July 13, 1853.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee of the “first Church in Boston” was held at the office of the Clerk, in Railroad Exchange, Court Square, on Wednesday June 13, 1853 at 9 o’clock A.M.

The Chairman being absent, Mr. Rich was elected Chairman Pro tem. Mr. Rich, from the Committee on Repairs made a verbal report, as to the cost of covering the outside of the Church with mastic etc., and moved that the Standing Committee recommend to the Proprietors to authorise them to repair the tower and gutters of the Church and cover the brick work with mastic, and new paint the tower and such portions of the outside wood work as may be found necessary.

This motion was agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Abbott, it was

Voted That the Clerk be instructed to call a special meeting of the Proprietors, to be held at the Church in Chauncy Place, on [284] Monday next at half past three o’clock P.M. and that, in addition to the usual notices placed in the pews on Sunday next, he be instructed to send special notices to those stockholders living in the city, through the Post Office or otherwise, at his discretion.

The Clerk communicated a letter from Mr. Everett, the Chairman, stating that he wishes to resign his place on the Standing Committee, and on motion of Mr. Abbott it was

Voted that the Clerk be instructed to insert, in the notices for the Special Meeting of the Corporation Proprietors, a notice that the object of said meeting is to consider the subject of Repairs to be recommended, to fill vacancies that may occur in the Standing Committee and transact such other business as may be proposed.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston July 18, 1853.

A Special Meeting of the “Proprietors of the First Church in Boston” was held at the Church in Chauncy Place, having been legally notified, at three o’clock P.M. on Monday July 18th 1853.

The meeting was called to order by the Clerk and Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham was chosen Moderator.

Mr. Rich, Chairman pro tem. of the Standing Committee, made a verbal report of the proceedings of that body and of its recommendation to have the outside of the Church covered with mastic.

On motion of Josiah Bradlee Esq. it was

Voted That the whole subject of repairing the outside of the Church be indefinitely postponed.

Hon. Edward Everett was at his own request excused from further service as a member of the Standing Committee.

On motion of Mr. Huntington the meeting proceeded to fill the vacancy in the Standing Committee, and on a ballot being taken Edward F. Weld Esq. [285] was unanimously elected.

The meeting then dissolved.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston Friday, July 29, 1853.

A meeting of the Standing committee was held this morning at the office of the Clerk in Court Square, Boston, at nine o’clock.

Present, Messrs. Rich, Abbott, Dupee, Hayden.

On motion of Mr. Rich, William Hayden Esq. was chosen Chairman of the Board for the rest of the year.

Mr. Abbott presented a letter from George Gardner, proposing to purchase of the corporation a right of passage way through land of the Corporation, to Chauncy Place, which was read and referred to Messrs. Abbott and Rich.

Mr. Rich presented a letter from the Treasurer respecting Finances, which was read and laid on the table.

Mr. Hayden presented a letter from Mr. Boyd, tenant who occupies the cellar, which was read and referred to the Chairman of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Rich presented a letter from the Pastor respecting improvements contemplated in preparing a vestry, which was read and referred to the Committee on Repairs. Adjourned.

Attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Meeting of the Standing Committee. Boston Thursday August 25, 1853.

A meeting of the Standing Committee of the First Church in Boston, was held this day at twelve o’clock M. at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place. Present, Messrs. Hayden, Rich, Abbott and Dupee.

Mr. Abbott, from the Sub-Committee on Mr. Gardner’s letter, made a verbal report that Mr. Gardner proposed to purchase the right of way for the transportation of goods etc. through the yard on the south side of the meeting house, and offered to pay therefor One third of the value of the land.

On motion of Mr. Rich it was

[286] Voted That Mr. Abbott be requested to ask Mr. Gardner to make any proposition he had, in writing, in order that it may be submitted to a meeting of the Corporation, the Standing Committee not feeling authorised to take final action on a matter of so much importance, and that Mr. Gardner be requested [to] forward such proposition to the Clerk of the Corporation.

On motion of Mr. Abbott, it was

Voted That the Clerk be instructed to call a special meeting of the Proprietors at as early a day as convenient after the reception of any such written communication from Mr. Gardner, said meeting to be held at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place.

Adjourned, attest J. H. Buckingham Clerk.

Special Meeting of the Proprietors. Boston August 30, 1853.

In compliance with a notification issued by the Clerk in legal form, in accordance with the vote of the Standing Committee, a Special Meeting of the Corporation was held at the Meeting House in Chauncy Place, this afternoon, at half past three o’clock.

Hon. Joseph T. Buckingham was elected Moderator.

The records of the meetings of the Standing Committee held since the last meeting of the Corporation, were read by the Clerk.

Mr. Hayden, Chairman of the Standing Committee, presented a letter received by the Clerk:

“Boston August 27th 1853. To the Proprietors of the First Church Chauncy Place. Being now about to make improvements upon my estate that runs behind your Church, and considering that some arrangement might be made for our mutual interest in regard to our respective rights, I would bring the subject before you. It is of importance to me now to settle any questions affecting my estate, as my plans must shortly be decided upon. Allow me, therefore to request that a Committee be appointed on your part to treat with me in regard to the same. Very Respectfully

George Gardner.”

Deacon James H. Foster, moved that the whole subject be indefinitely postponed, and [287] at the request of one of the Proprietors afterwards withdrew his motion.

On motion of Mr. Ezra Lincoln, it was

Voted That the Proprietors of the First Church in Boston deem it inexpedient to part with any of the land belonging to them, and adjoining their Church edifice, or with any rights pertaining to the same.