/o./-^.^./. LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. Di^ision...'t5..A. / /^ ^ Section. L Z MANUAL csl^ 1% i mtntmm'^ BRISTOL, li. I., /\>^ ^^^ Oct 1.4 1Q9T 16S7— 1872. CONTAINING FORMS, PRINCIPLES AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE CHURCH ; THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF CONGREGATIONALISM AS HELD AND PRACTICED BY THE CHURCHES OF OUR ORDER FROM THE DAYS OF THE PIL- GRIMS TO THE PRESENT TIME ; ALSO, A History of the Church, with Biographical Notes of THE Early 3Iembers and Successive Pastors, FROM THE First Settlement of the Town in icso to the close OF THE YEAR 1872 ; and A CATALOGLK OF TUE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. COMPILED BY J. I'. LANE, PASTOK. PROVIDENCE : rBOriDENCE PRESS COJIPANT, PRINTERS 1873. GENERAL INDEX FORMS, PRINCIPLES AXD RULES. PAGE. I.— Reception OF Membeks, - - - 13 II. — Baptism of Children, _ _ i8 III. — Letter of Dismission, and Return Certifi- cate, - - - . - 19 IV. — Articles of Faith and the Covenant. Adopted 1833, March 7, - - 20 Y. — Declaration of Faith. National Council, Boston, Mass., 1865, - - - 25 VI. — Principles of Congregationalism, - 29 I.-Officers, - - - 29 II. -Powers and Duties of Officers. - 29 Ill.-Power of the Church, - - 30 1. The Power of Electing its own Ofticers, - - 30 2. Admitting or Exchiding its own Members, - - - 31 3. Forming its own Creed, - 31 4. Details of Worship, and Modes of Procedure, - - 31 5. Independence, - - 31 IV.-Ecclesiastical Bodies, - - 34 V. -Ecclesiastical Councils, - 35 ]V. VI.-Conditions,of Membersliip, - 26 VII, -Intercourse with other Denominations, 37 VII.— Rules for Business Meetings, - 38 Vni— By-Laws. Adopted 1869, May 14, - 42 I.-Officers, - - - 42 ] I. -Annual Meeting, - - 42 Ill.-Special Meetings, - - 43 IV. -Ordinary Business, - - 43 V. -Decision by Majority Vote, etc., 43 VI. -Quorum, - - - 43 VII. -Admission and Dismission of Members, 43 VIII.-The Lord's Supper, - - 44 HISTORY. I.— The Foundations Laid. 1620-1691, - 47 Preliminary survey of the ground, - 48 Settlement of the town oi Bristol, - 50 Eftbrts to settle a Gospel Ministry, - 54 Erection of a House of Worship, - 65 Organization of the Church, - - 68 Biographical notes of the Early Members, 72 John Walley, - - - 72 Nathaniel Byfield, - - 74 Mrs. Deborah Byfield, - - 82 Mrs. Sarah Byfield, - - 82 Benjamin Church, - - 84 John Cary% - - 90 Nathaniel Reynolds, - - 91 Hugh Woodbury, - - 91 V. PAGE. WILLIA3I ThKOOP, - - 91 Nathaniel Boswokth, - 92 Samuel Lee, D. D., Founder and First Pastor, - - - 93 Tlie Ministry Lands, - - - 107 II. The Building Going Fokwakd. 1691-1718, 109 Efforts to obtiiin a Pastor, - - 109 John Sparhawk, Second Pastor, - 110 III.— Storm AND Pekil. 1718-1740, - 112 The McSparran diflSculties, - - 112 Day of Prayer and Choice of Pastor, - 115 Xatlianiel Cotton, Third Pastor, - - 116 Barnabas TayJor, Fourth Pastor, - 119 IV.— Peace and Prospekity. 1740-1775, 120 John Burt, Fifth Pastor, - - 120 v.— Halting of the Work. 1775-1785, 124 Scattered witliout a Sliepherd. - - 124 VI.— The Work Renewed. 1785-1812, - 132 The Catiiolic Society organized, - - 132 Erection of the Second House of Worship, 133 Henry Wight, D. D., Sixth Pastor, - 134 VIL— The Period of Revivals. 1812-1830, 138 The Revival of 1812, - - - 138 Joel Mann, Seventh Pastor, - 141 The Sabbath School begun, - - 142 The Revival of 1820, - - 143 Erection of " the Hall," - - 145 Isaac Lewis, D. D., Eighth Pas*^or, - 147 The Revival of 1830. - - - 152 VI VIII.— The Building Still Going Fo'.iward. 1830-1872, - - - 154 John Starkweather, Ninth Pastor, - 154 Thos. Shepcrd, B. D., Tenth Pastor, - 154 Erection of the Third House of Worship, 156 Cyrus P. Osborne, Eleventh Pastor, - 160 Payment of the Debt, - - 161 Erection of " the Memorial Chapel," - 162 James P. Lane, Twelfth Pastor, - 166 Funds and Charitable Contributions, - 167 Sacramental Furniture, ' - 169 CATALOGUE OF THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. Officers, ----- 175 Members, - - - _ 176 Officers and Members. 1872. Officers, - - - - 221 Members, - - - - - 222 l^lanua! of the Jjii-st Church, Sr.isiol, %. %. FORMS, PRINCIPLES AND RULES. /.ci till Uu7i as such, promising to sub- 24 mit to the rules of government and discipline which it has adopted, and to strive earnestly for its peace, edification, and purit}^ and to walk with its members in love, faithfulness, circumspection, meekness and sobriety, as long as j^ou live, unless your relation to it be regularly dissolved. Thus 3^ou solemnl}^ covenant and promise. We, therefore, the members of this church, [7ie?'e the members of the church nse,] affectionally receive you to our communion, and, in the name of Christ, declare 3'ou entitled to all church privileges, and promise to watch over 3^ou with Christian affection and faithfulness, according to our covenant and rules of discipline. And now, beloved in the Lord, let it be impressed on 3'our minds, that 3'ou have volun- tarily and unalterabty committed 3^ ourselves, and that thenceforth 3'ou will be regarded as the servants of God. Hereafter, the e3'es of the world will be upon 3^ou, and as 3'OU demean 3^ourselves, so religion will be honored or dishonored ; if 3'OU walk worthily of 3^our profession 3^ou will be a credit and a comfort to us ; but if it be otherwise, it wall be an occasion of grief and reproach. But, beloved, we are persua- ded better things of 3'ou, and things which accom- pan3^ salvation, though w^e thus speak. May the Lord guide and preserve 3^ou till death, and at last receive 3^ou and us to that blessed world where our love and joy shall be forever perfect. Amen. 25 V. DECLARATION OF FAITH. National Council. Boston^ Mass,, 1865. Upon the suggestion of the Triennial Convention of the Chicago Theological Seminary, and by the call of a Conference of Committees of the General Association of the several States, a National Council of the Con- gregational Churches was held in Boston, June 14- 23, 1865. There were present five hundred and eighteen delegates, sixteen of whom were from for- eign countries. At this Council, discussion and ac- tion were had on the following topics : Evangeliza- tion in the West and South ; Church-Building ; Edu- cation for the Ministry ; Parochial Evangelism ; Statement of Polity ; and Classification of Benevo- lent Organizations. On the next to the last day of its session, the Council met on Burial Hill, Plj-mouth, on the spot where the first Meeting-House of the Pilgiims stood, and there adopted the following DECLARATION OF FAITH. Standing by the rock where the Pilgrims set foot upon these shores, upon the spot where they worship- ped God, and among the graves of the early genera- tions, we, Elders and Messenojers of the Cono-reo-a- tional Churches of the United States, in National Council assembled^-^like them acknowledscins: no rule 26 of faith but the Word of God — do now declare our ad- herence to the faith and order of the Apostolic and Primitive Churches held by our fathers, and substan- tially embodied in the confessions and platforms which our Synods of 1648 and 1680 set forth or re-afHrmed. We declare that the experience of the nearly two and a half centuries which have elapsed since the me- morable day when our sires founded here a Christian commonwealth, with all the development of new forms of error since their times, has onl}^ deepened our confidence in the faith and polit}^ of those fathers. We bless God for the inheritance of those doctrines . We invoke the help of the Divine Redeemer, that, through the presence of the promised Comforter, he will enable us to transmit them in purity to our chil- dren. In the times that are before us as a nation, times at once of duty and of danger, we rest all our hope in the gospel of the Son of God. It was the grand peculiarity of our Puritan fathers, that they held this gospel, not merely as the ground of their personal salvation, but as declaring the worth of man by the incarnation and sacrifice of the Son of God ; and therefore applied its principles to elevate society, to regulate education, to civilize humanity^ to purify law, to reform the Church and the State, to assert and defend liberty ; in short, to mould and redeem, by its all-transforming energy, every thing that belongs to man in his individual and social re- lations. It was the faith of our fathers that gave us this free land in which we dwell. It is by this faith only 27 that we can transmit to our children a free and happ3', because a Christian, commonwealth. We hold it to be a distinctive excellence of our Congregational sj'stem, that it exalts that which is more above that which is less important ; and, by the simplicit}' of its organization, facilitates, in commu- nities where the population is limited, the union of all true believers in one Christian Church ; and that the division of such communities into several weak and jealous societies, holding the same common faith, is a sm against the unity of the bodj^ of Christ, and at once the shame and scandal of Christendom. We rejoice, that, through the influence of our free sj'stem of Apostolic order, we can hold fellowship with all who acknowledge Christ, and act efficiently in the work of restoring unitj^ to the divided Church, and of bringing back harmom^ and peace among all *' who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." Thus recognizing the unitj- of the Church of Christ in all the world, and knowing that we are but one branch of Christ's people, while adhering to our pe- culiar faith and order, we extend to all believers the hand of Christian fellowship, upon the basis of those great fundamental truths in which all Christians should agree. With them we confess our faith in God ; in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, who is exalted to be our Redeemer and King ; and in the Holy Comforter, who is present in the Church to re- generate and sanctify the soul. With the whole Church we confess the common sinfulness and ruin of our race, and acknowledge that it is only through the work accomplished by the 28 life and expiatory death of Clirist, that T)elieYers in him are justified before God, receive the remission of sins, and, through the presence and grace of the Holy Comforter, are delivered from the power of sin and perfected in holiness. We believe also in an organized and visible Church, in the ministry of the Word, in the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, in the resurrection of the body, and in the final judgment, the issues of which are eternal life and everlasting punishment. We receive these truths on the testimony of God, given through prophets and apostles, and in the life, the miracles, the death, the resurrection of his Son, our Divine Redeemer, — a testimony preserved for the church in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments, which were composed by holy men as they were moved by the II0I3' Ghost. Affirming now our belief that those who thus hold '' One Faith, one Lord, one Baptism," together con- stitute the one Catholic Church, the several house- holds of which, though called by different names, are the one body of Christ ; and that these members of his body are sacredly bound to keep " The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," we declare that we will co-operate with all who hold these truths. With these we will carry the gospel into every part of the land, and with them we will go into all the world, and " Preach the gospel to every creature." May He to whom " all power is given in heaven and earth" ful- fil the promise which is all our hope : " Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." To Bin; be praise in the Church forever. Amen. 29 VI. PRINCIPLES OF CONGREGATIONALISM.* I. Officers. — Congregational Churches have two perpetual and regularl^'-elected classes of officers. These are Bishops (usually st3ded Pastors) and Dea- cons. Frequently, however, Committees are ap- pointed, either annually or occasionaly, for such pur- poses of mere business as the exigencies of the case may require. The number of Deacons appointed by each Church may be two or more, two being the smallest number used. The primitive Churches founded by the Apostles had these same officers, and no others. Those called "Elders" were the same as " Bishops." Compare Acts XX. 17, 28 ; I Pet. v. 1-5 ; Tit. i. 5-7. II. Powers and Duties of Officers. — Congre- gational Churches intrust no ecclesiastical power to their officers. In all businessmeetingsof the Church, the Bishop or Pastor is ex-officio moderator. This constitutes the only distinction or power he possesses above any other brother in the Church. Thus Neander remarks, in his " Church History," vol. 1., p. 189:— *From " The Congi-egational Manual," by J. E. Roy, D. D., Cong. Pub. Soc, Boston. 30 " As regards the relation in which these Presbyters (El- ders or Pastors) stood to the communities, they were not designed to exercise absolute authority, but to act as pre- siding officers and guides of an ecclesiastical republic; to conduct all things with the co-operation of the communi- ties, as their ministers, and not as their masters." The duties of Deacons in our Cono-reo-ational Churches are quite limited. The}' assist in adminis- tering the Lord's Supper, bj distributing the ele- ments to the communicants ; to conduct the religious meetings in the absence of the pastor or other minis- ter, and to attend to the wants of the poor. III. Power of the Church. — It is a fundamental principle of Congregationalism, that all ecclesiastical 2wwer resides in the Churchy or the associated bod}' of the brethren, and not in the officers of the Church, nor in the ecclesiastical bodies distinct from or above the Church. The power exercised b}^ the Church is purely ecclesiastical^ without touching in the slightest degree the temporal or civil rights of its members, or of any other person. The principal powers exercised by the Church ma}' be classified as follows : — 1. The power of electing its own officers. — The Bishop (or Pastor) and Deacons are elected by a majority of the Church. In exercising this power, it is considered obligatory on the members to exer- cise mutual forbearance in case of any difference of opinion ; that a majorit}' should give great weight to the opposing wishes of a minorit}' ; and that a mi- norit}" should be willing to surrender their own predi- lections in deference to a majority. Thus ma}^ har- mony be secured. 31 2. The poioer of admitting or exchiding its own members. — Persons are admitted to the Church by a A'ote of the brethren ; miworth}^ members are also ex- cluded b}^ the same power. 3. The power of forming its own Creed. — Congre- gational Churches have no denominational Creed ; that is, no Creed received as authoritative by all the Pastors and Churches, or imposed on them by any ecclesiastical authority. It is true that they all re- ceive, unhesitatingly, the fundamental or evangelical doctrines. Still, each Church constructs its own Creed, and alters it whenever inclined. It is worthy of notice, as showing the unity of the teaching of the Spirit, and the safety of trusting the local Churches, that although hundreds, and perhaps thou- sands, of Creeds have been constructed by our Churches, and the phraseology used is endlessly va- ried, yet there is the most wonderful harmony and even identity of doctrine among them all, on the es- sential truths of religion. 4. The power of regulating the details of its own worship and modes of procedure in executing the pirevious poicers. — The mode in which public wor- ship shall be performed, the seasons for communion, the mode of receiving or disciplining its own mem- bers ; special seasons of fasting and religious wor- ship, are all i^egulated by vote of the Church. 5. The poicer of independency. — That is, each Church has these powers, in and of itself, which it may exercise without responsibility to anj- ecclesias- tical authority above itself. Its votes on all these 32 points are decisive and final. No ecclesiastical power can impose on an}' Church a religious teacher or other officer, or admit or exclude members, or form their creed, or regulate their modes of proceeding. Each Church has the exclusive right of managing its o^n concerns. At the same time, Congregational Churches live in close fraternal union, are associated together in bodies, and often ask and receive advice and help from each other ; but all this is the result of mutual confidence and affection, not of any superior power. These principles, also, are in accordance with the scriptural model ; for it is certain that no text can be produced in which God assigns power over the Churches to an}^ individual or set of individuals. It is to be taken for granted, therefore, that no such power exists. The New Testament speaks of no or- ganization above the local church. It alwa^^s uses the word " Church" to mean either the general com- pany of the redeemed, or the congregation of pro- fessed believers in a particular place. The word never occurs in the sense of an external, centralized organization, embracing and ruling a multitude of congregations. Congregationalism is true republicanism. Each Congregational Church and Society elects its own officers, owns its own house and property, judges of the qualifications of its own members, allows to each brother an equal vote, and has no superior, lord, or overseer. Congregational Churches, then, are truly apostolic and primitive, in assigning all ecclesiasti- cal power to the Church, and not to the officers of the Church. 33 It is worthy of remark, also, that tlie priiicii)les on which Congregational Churches are organized, being thus purely republican, are in entire harmon}- with the principles of our civil government, and had much to do with its origin. The people of the United States are, under God, the source of civil power ; appoint their own magistrates and rulers, who are usually elected for a brief term of office, so that every few 3^ears fresh power may be derived from the people, and thus, in effect, construct their own laws. If the in- terests and relations of the State were as few and simple as those of the Church, independent town or city organizations would be all that civil governments would need ; and even now a large part of public business is left to their sole management. To the influence of this feature of Congregationalism, his- tory gives the most gratif3ing testimonv. Even Hume declares, " that to this sect [Puritans] the English owe the whole freedom of their Constitution." Lord Brougham says of them, " A bod}^ of men may be held in everlasting remembrance for the unshaken fortitude with which at all times the}' have main- tained their attachment to civil liberty ; men to whose ancestors England will ever acknowledge a boundless debt of gi'atitude as long as freedom is prized among us." In our own countr}' the ecclesiasti- cal principles and practices of the Puritan settlers of New England are known to have shaped their politi- cal institutions, and these in time moulded our na- tional Constitution. De Tocqueville traces our whole form of government back to the New England town- meeting, which was the mere cop}' of the Church 34 meeting. Thomas Jefferson, who had so much to do with the forming of our institutions, attended occa- sionally the meetings of a Church near his residence that was conducted on Congregational principles, and remarked, that he had been much interested in that form of government ; that it was the only form of pure democracy in the world ; and that he thought it would be the best plan of government for the American colonies. (See " Encj^clopsedia of Relig- ious Knowledge," article, " Congregationalists.") IV. Ecclesiastical Bodies. Although the Scrip- tures give to no men, or set of men, power over the Churches, yet they allow them to associate to- gether for practical religious purposes, which may seem desirable, but which do not conflict with their independence. Associations are composed of Pastors or of Pas- tors and delegates. They meet for pr:iyer and mu- tual counsel ; they examine and approbate those who may wish to enter the ministry ; and they make useful suggestions to the Churches. The General Association or Conference of each State is usually composed of Delegates from the smaller Associations or Conferences but in Rhode Island embraces all the Pastors and a delegate from each Church. This body meets annually ; hears re- ports on the state of religion ; and offers advice to the Churches on matters connected with the concerns of benevolence, sound doctrine, and religious duty. But it is to be particularly noted, that these bodies possess no ecclesiastical power .^ like the superior ju- 35 dicatories or higher bodies of the Romish Church, and of some Protestant denominfitions. They are simpl}^ advisory. The Churches, if they choose, may manage their own concerns, without reference to them. Still, so much confidence is reposed b}^ the Churches in the character, education, and piet}' of their brethren, that great weight is voluntarily and cheerfull}' given to their opinions, and great assist- ance is derived from their counsels. V. Ecclesiastical Councils. — When matters of peculiar importance or difficulty come before a Church, it avails itself of the advice of other Churches. Thus, when a pastor is to be installed, the Church sends to a number of the neighboring Churches an invitation, called a "letter missive," to be present at a certain time, hy their pastor and delegate, to form an Ecclesiastical Council, to examine the proposed Pastor, and to act in behalf of the Church in the ex- ercises of installation, if they see no valid objection. And so, when a pastor is dismissed, the Church calls a council to advise and act for it in the emergency, and to give the minister a parting letter of recom- mendation. If a member who has been disciplined thinks that injustice has been done, and particularl}- if the vote of the Church was divided, it is usual to call a mu- tual council, chosen half b}' each party, to revise the case, and to give their opinion or advice to the Church. In this advice both parties generally con- cur, though the Church is not compelled to follow it when adverse to its own judgment. If the Chmxh 36 should not concur in the result, a copy of the opinion of the council would be a sufficient letter of recom- mendation for the aggrieved person with which to unite with another Church. If the Church refuse to unite with the complainant in calling a mutual coun- cil, he may summon an ex parte council of such Churches as he may please ; and if that council jus- tify him, he may use their results as a letter of recom- mendation in applying to another Church. No council is duly organized except a majoritj^ of churches invited are present by representation, nor can act on any matter not mentioned in. the letter missive, nor remain in existence after adjournment at the close of that business ; neither has it power to add to or diminish its number, directly or indirectly. There is a manifest impropriety in inviting others even to sit as corresponding members. A board of arbitrators have nothing to do with corresponding members. The idea is absurd. VI. Conditions of Admission to the Church. — Credible evidence of piety is a necessary pre-requisite to communion and Church membership. It is b}^ no means maintained, that entire assurance of salvation should be required, or perfect agreement in the details of doctrine. But as the Church was designed to em- brace only true Christians, it follows, of course, that credible evidence of being a Christian, including be- lief of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, should be the condition of membership. The term Congregational was applied to our Churches from the fact, that all ecclesiastical power 37 resides in the congregated body, or members of the Church, that is, in the congregation or brotherhood and 7iot in the officers. This distinguishes us from some other denominations, who give over the powers of the Church to the officers of the Church. VII. Intercourse with other Denominations. — Congregationalism, desiring to be free from sec- tarianism, insists upon no denominational peculiari- ties as the condition of fellowship. This principle is carried out in our intercourse with other denomina- tions. At their seasons of communion, Cono:reo:a- tional Churches invite those present who are mem- bers, in regular standing, of a7iy Evangelical Church, and who are honoring their profession by a godl}^ life, to sit down with them at the Table of the Lord. If an}' of their members wish to unite with Churches of other evangelical denominations, letters are given to such Churches ; or if aiw come from other Evan- gelical denominations, and there be no evidence against their Christian character, they are received as from sister Churches. Though preferring, on Scripture grounds as they think, the organization and principles of their own Churches, Congregation- alists still recognize with fraternal fellowship, as true Churches of Christ, " all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." B}^ this course they think that the}' act in accordance with those injunctions to charit}', unity and peace, which are so numerous in the apostolic writings. 4 38 VII. RULES FOR BUSINESS MEETINGS.* When the appomted thne for the meeting arrives, the Pastor, as Moderator, shall call the Church to or- der. If there is no Pastor, or if he be absent, then the senior Deacon, or some older member, will call to order, and call for the choice of a Moderator. On taking- the chair, and opening the meeting with prayer, the Moderator, if the Clerk of the Church is not present, will call for the appointment of a clerk pro tern. If the meeting be adjourned to another day, the same officers preside again, for an adjournment is but a continuance of the same meeting. All the decisions of the presiding officers are sub- ject to revision by the Church. Everj^ motion must be made in writing, if required by any member ; and, when seconded, must be read by the Moderator, and submitted to the considera- tion of the Church. Until this motion is disposed of, all subsequent propositions must be made by way of amendment to it. An amendment ma}" go to the exclusion, addition, or substitution of words or sen- tences ; indeed, a motion to amend b}' striking out all the words after the word resolved^ and substitut- *From "The Congi-egational Manual/' by J. E. Roy, D. D., Cong. Pub. Soc, Boston. 39 ing an entireW new proposition upon the same sub ject is in order. Until some vote has been taken on a resolution or an amendment to it, it may be with- drawn by the mover. There are certain motions which are termed '^ privi- leged," which may be made at any time ; such are the motions to postpone indefinitely, to refer to committee, to lay on the table, (which means to lay aside for the present,) to postpone to a future time fixed, and to adjourn. All these motions may be de- bated except the last. When a member is speak- ing, no motion can be made but with his consent. When any motion is before the Chm-ch, every mem- ber has a right to express his views concerning it ; and, while doing so, the Moderator is bound to con- fine him in his remarks to the point under considera- tion, and also to protect him against all interrup- tion, except to call him to order if he violate the rules of courtesy or of debate ; but, after the matter of order is adjusted, he has a right to go on to the end of his remarks. The proposition last made is always the proposi- tion under consideration, and the first to be voted on ; so that when several amendments or proposi- tions are before the meeting, the order in which they are to be voted upon is \isually the reverse of the order in which they were made. If several sums are proposed, the largest is the first put to vote ; if several times, the longest; and as to the numbers generally, the largest. When a motion is put to vote, it should be fii'st 40 clearl}^ stated from the Chair, so that there may be no possible mismiderstanding about it. Then the Moderator sa3"s, " As many as are in favor of this resolution will please to say A3^e," or " lift up their hands," or " rise," as the custom of the Church may be ; then, " As man}^ as are against this resolution," or " as are of a different opinion, will please to say No," or " lift up their hands," or " rise." Then the Moderator declares the result by saying, ''It? is a vote," or " It is not a vote." If an}^ member thinks the Moderator in error, or that an accurate count would change the result, he has a right to demand it immediately ; in which case the question must be put again, and the vote carefully counted. After the question is put to vote, there can be no debate, and no new proposition made until the vote is finished. After the vote is taken, any member who voted in the majority may, during the same meeting, move a reconsideration ; which motion opens the subject again for debate ; and, if the vote to reconsider is adopted, the whole matter stands just as it did before the reconsidered vote was taken. Questions of order are to be decided by the Mod- erator ; but, if any member thinks the decision incorrect, he can appeal to the meeting ; and the decision on that appeal will be final. When the report of a committee is presented, it will, of course, be put on file. A vote to accept and adopt is an expression of concurrence with the views of the committee. 41 "When a member has a motion to make, or wishes to speak on a pending motion, he must rise and address himself respectfully to the Moderator. A member who has a motion to make ma}' preface it with such remarks as explain his design ; but, with this exception, speaking is out of order, unless some definite proposition has been submitted, and is under consideration. 42 VIII. BY-LAWS. Adopted 1869, 3fay 14. I. Officers. The officers of this Church shall be a Pastor, Dea- cons, a Clerk, a Treasurer, and a Superintendent of the Sabbath School, the latter to be nominated by the teachers of the Sabbath School for confirmation at the annual meeting of the Church. These officers, together with such other members as shall be annually chosen by the Church, shall constitute the Standing Committee. This Committee shall be charged with the examination of all applicants for admission to the Church, with the care of all funds entrusted to the Church (unless otherwise provided in the terms of bequest) and with such other duties as accord with Congregational usage. All officers, excepting Pastor and Deacons, shall be chosen annually^ but the Pastor ma}^ actjis Clerk by vote of the Church. The election of all officers shall be by ballot, excepting that by unanimous consent of the memJoers present, the^^ maj^ be chosen by nomination and hand vote. II. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Church for choosing officers, reading the records of the year, hearing 43 reports of the Treasurer, Superintendent of the Sab- bath School, etc., shall be held on the third day of Ma}^, or, when this day falls on Sunda}', on the Mouda}' following. III. Special Meetings. The Standing Committee ma}^, at their discretion call special meetings of the Church by a notice from the pulpit, and, at the written request of two mem- bers, shall do so. IV. Ordinary Business. Ordinary business, such as voting upon letters missive, dismissing members by letter, and the like, may be done at any regular meeting of the Church for worship or devotion, but all special or important business, if not done at the annual meeting shall require at least two days notice from the pulpit. V. Decision by Majority Vote, etc. All questions which come before the Church shall, after deliberate discussion, be decided by the majority of all members over eighteen years of age present and voting ; provided, that no change shall be made in the Articles of Faith, the Covenant, or the By- Laws, except by a two-thirds vote, notice of the proposed alteration having been read to the Church at least thi'ee weeks previously. VI. Quorum. Fifteen members qualified to vote shall constitute a quorum, but a less number may adjourn. VII. Admission and Dismission of Members. The names of all candidates for membership shall 44 be presented to the Church at least one Sabbath before the question is taken on their admission. Members of this Church removing from this place shall apply for dismission within one 3^ear after their removal or render the Church sufficient reason for longer delay ; and it shall be the duty of the Clerk to report at the annual meeting the names of all such absent members, with such information respecting them as the spirit of this rule may require. "Members of other Churches who ma}^ wish to com- mune with this Church more than one year, are expected to remove their connection to us, unless they give satisfactory reason for not doing so, to the Pastor or Deacons. VIII. The Lord's Supper. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be administered on the first Sabbath of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Piinual 4 the JJiiist Churdt, Bristol, % |. HISTORY. Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stonc—Epn. II. 20. PIISTOKY. I. THE FOUNDATIONS LAID,— 1620-1091. PRELIMINARY SURVET OF THE GROrXD. "When the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, in 1620, Massasoit, at the head of the powerful tribe of Wamjxinoags or PoTxCinokets was the principal Sachem of the territory between Narragansett and Massachusetts Baj's, having his chief seat at Soicams or Sowamset, now Warren, R. I. He earl}' manifested a friendl}^ spirit toward the English, and, in the spring of 1621, made a treaty of peace with Goyernor Caryer, which was main- tained without serious difficult}' until his death in 1661. He was succeeded b}' his eldest son, Alexander. A rumor soon after obtained credence that Alexan- der was not disposed to follow in the good wa}' ol his father, but was plotting with the Narragansetts against the English. He was promptl}' summoned to the court at Pl3'mouth, where he stoutlj' main- tained that the rumor was false. Having pledged fidelit}- he was suffered to depart in peace, and not long after died. 48 Philip, the youngest son of Massasoit, succeeded his brother Alexander, having his chief seat at Mount Hope^ a beautiful elevation on the east side of the peninsula, now included within the limits of Bristol, R. I. Among his first acts, he renewed the ancient treat}^ of his father w^ith the Colonists, and five years passed awa}^ before aii}^ suspicion of treachery was entertained, when there was a vague charge that he was willing to plot with the French or Dutch against the English. This he denounced as a calumny. After nearly four ^^ears more, another rumor of treacher}' awakened solicitude at both Pl^-mouth and Boston. Upon investigation, proofs of bad faith were discovered, but conference with the authorities issued in renewed engagements of fealt3\ Three years later, Sassamon, a " prating Indian," informed the Governor of Ph^mouth, that Philip was trying to excite other Sachems to war against the English. On hearing of this, Philip protested that it was not so, but the government did not believe him. A few days after, Sassamon was missing, and it was soon dis- covered that he was murdered at the instigation of Philip. Concealment of his treacheiy being no longer possible, Philip openly engaged in war, and, having enlisted the cooperation of other tribes, lighted the flame in various parts of the country which burned so deeply that it proved to be the most terrific of all those early conflicts with the Indians into which the Colonists were drawn. The first English blood was shed on or about the twenty-fourth of June, 1675, and peace was secured under the well- 49 directed energy of the Hon. Benjamin Church, in command of the Colonial forces, b}' the death of Philip, who was killed near Mount Hope the twelfth of August, 1676, and by the surprise and capture, a few days later, of Annawon, Philip's chief warrior. The territory over which Philip had presided came into the possession of Pl3'mouth Colony by right of conquest. When the war thus brought to a close broke out in 1675, Plymouth had been settled fifty-four 3'ears, and the entire population of New England, excluding Indians, was about eighty thousand. In what is now the State of Maine, there were thirteen towns and plan- tations, and one organized Congregational Church. In New Hampshire, four towns and three churches. Vermont had not been settled. Massachusetts had sixty-four towns and fift^'-seven churches. Connecti- cut had twent^^-three towns and twenty-one churches ; and Rhode Island had six towns, viz. : Providence, Newport, Portsmouth, Warwick, Westerly and New Shoreham, but no organized Congregational Church. The various tribes of Indians had been greatl}' reduced in numbers b}^ wars among themselves and with the Colonists and bj^ the inroads of disease, and in all did not exceed eleven thousand, of whom about four thousand were " Prating Indians," who had been won to some comprehension and practice of Christianity. " Along a line of rugged coast, from the Penobscot to the Hudson, were scattered settlements of Englishmen at un- equal distances from each other, — closely grouped together 5 50 about midway of that line, farther apart at the extremi- ties. Ahuost all of them were reached by tide water. A very few were planted in detached spots in the interior ; the most distant of these being about a hundred miles from the sea, whether measured from the east or from the south. In the three associated Colonies there was great similarity in the ordinary occupations and pursuits. The adults of both sexes worked hard ; the children went to school. The greater part of tiie men got a living by farm labor, provid- ing bread and meat, milk, butter and cheese for their own tables, and raising stock to sell in the West Indies for money with which to buy foreign commodities. But they were not all farmers. A portion were lumberers plying the axe through the winter in the thick pine forests, and, at the return of Spring, floating down their rafts to a sure and profitable market. Another portion were fishermen, familiar with the haunts of the cod, the mackerel and the whale, and with all perils of the sea. In the princii^al towns, various classes of artisans pursued a lucrative trade. The country furnished some staples for an advantageous foreign commerce; and especially in Boston not a lew merchants had grown rich." — Dr. Palfrey's Hist. N. E.y m. 132, 134. SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN OF BRISTOL. The treaties of the Indian Chiefs Massasoit, Alexander and Philip, with the Pl3'mouth Colon^^, secured to them their rights to the land, unless parted with by honorable purchase, but recognized the juris- diction of the Colony under the English Crown over the entire territoiy. In 1669, the Plymouth Court granted one hundred acres within the present limits of Bristol, to Mr. John Gorham, " if it can be pur- chased of the Indians ;" and the remainder to the 51 town of Swanze}^, " for the promoting of a way of trade in this CoUonie." On the first of Jul}', 1672, Mr. Constant Southworth, Mr. James Brown, and Mr. John Gorham were appointed by the Court " to purchase a certain p'cell of land of the Indians granted b}' the Court to the said John Gorum lying att Pappasquash Neck."* After the close of Philip's war on the thirteenth of Juh', 1677, the Court *' rattified, established and confirmed the aforesaid one hundred acres of land to John Gorum's heirs and successors forever." This land was north of the town Cemeter}', between the Neck road and the Ba}', and remained in the Gorham name and famil}* for several generations down to a quite recent date. In 1680, The Plj-mouth Colony granted to John Walle}', Nathaniel Oliver, Nathaniel Byfield, and * Pappasquash, Poppasquash, Pappoosqtiaics, Pappasqtia. This name, so vaiionsly spelled, has, according to Dr. Trumbull, two plausible derivations; one, from papasqu, meaning "double" or " opposite to," applicable to the southern end of Bristol, divided by the harbor; the other, from. paupocksu, meaning "partridge." applicable to this place as having been a good hunting ground for partridges. Another derivation is fiom Pappooseand Squaws, from the fact that in the early Indian wars the Poka?iokcls sent their children and wives to this Neck as a place of safety. This last derivation seems to be now generally accepted, al- though it is mere speculation, there being no historical data to estalilish it. The name was at first used to desig- nate all of the western part of what is now Bristol, includ- ing both the beautiful peninsula to Avhich it is now applied and the land north, Jis far as the Warren river. 52 Stephen Burton, four merchants of Boston, for £1100, all that portion of territory not previously sold, which is now included in the town of Bristol. The whole of Plymouth Colony was then settled, except this territor}^, which was the last spot left uncovered in the western march of Engiish population. Mr. Oliver sold his share of this purchase to Nathan Ha}^- man, another merchant of Boston. These gentlemen obtained from the Colony special privileges, and made liberal provisions for the settle- ment of the town. Among the former were exemp- tion from all Colony taxes for the term of seven years ; the privilege of sending Deputies at once, as other towns, according to the number of free- men ; a Commissioner's Court to try and deter- mine all actions and causes under ten pounds, with liberty to appeal to the Court of Plymouth ; also, when sixty families were settled, a new County should be organized, and this town should be the County or Shire town. Among the latter were the laying out of broad and regular streets, with building lots of convenient size on them ; the donation of lands for the support of the Ministr}^ and Schools ; the reservation of a large and beautiful Common in the central part of the town ; and the donation of six hundred acres for the Common improvement of the settlers, and designated as '' The Commonage." The proprietors retained for themselves, each, one- eighth part of the original purchase, and, with the above donations, put the balance into the market for sale at reasonable prices. The liberal inducements offered soon drew a number of families here, chiefly 53 from Boston, where the proprietors resided, and from Plymouth Colom'. The proprietors, themselves, also settled here with their families, and closeh' iden- tified themselves with all the interests of the town. On the first of September, 1G81, the people assembled togrether and asrreed " the name of this town shall be Bristol."* *The following names appear on the Town Records, as being admitted Inhabitants at this date : John Walley, Nathan Hayman, Nathaniel Byfield, Ste- phen Burton, Proprietors ; and Captain Benjamin Church, Doctor Isaac Waldron, Nathaniel AVilliams, Nathaniel Reynolds, John Wilkins, William Ingi*aliam, Nathaniel Paine, Christopher Saunders, Timothy Clarke, John Saf- fin, Solomon Curtis, John Finney, Jabez Gorham, Hugh Woodbury, John Rogers, Jabez Howland, Jonathan Davenport, Richard Smith, Joseph Baxter, William Brown, John Corps, Joseph Ford, John Cary, Edmund Ranger, Benjamin Ingell, George Waldron, Thomas Walker, Thomas Dagget, Thomas Lewis, Jolin Pope, John Martin, David Cary, Increase Robinson, William Hedge, Daniel Landon, Widow Elizabeth Southard, Anthony Fry, John Smith, William Hoar, Robert Dutch, James Burrel, Na- thaniel Bosworth, Benjamin Jones, Eliashib Adams, Zechvariah Curtis, John Gladding, Joseph Jacob, Robert Taft, Peter Pampelion, Samuel Woodbury, Samuel Gal- lup, James Burrows, Uzal Ward well, Benjamin Bosworth, Edward Bosworth, Samuel Penfield, George Moiye, Jona- than Finney, Nicholas Mead, Jeremiah Osborn, John Bayley, Joseph Sandy, Jeremiah Finney, Henry Hamton, John Thurston, Richard Hammon, William Brenton, Watching Athercon, John Wilson, William Throop, ISIaj. Robert Thompson, Thomas Bletsoe, Samuel Cobbett, John Birge, Richard White. 54 EFFORTS TO SETTLE A GOSPEL MINISTRY. The Proprietors of Bristol and their associates were fullj^ imbued with the spirit of the Puritan and Pilgrim Commonwealths, and took earl}^ measures to secure an able Gospel Ministr3\ During the first year of the settlement they obtained the services of the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge,* who removed *Mr. Woodbridge was a son of the Rev. John Wood- bridge, who was the first pastor of the first Church at Andover, Mass., and a grandson of theRLV. John Wood- bridge, who was a distinguished dissenting minister of Stanton, Wiltshire, England. His mother was a daughter of the Hon. Thomas Dud- ley, married in 1641. His grandmother was a daughter of the Rev. Robert Parker, who, by his writings, isM^ell known to have been a strong friend and advocate of non- conformil3^ The father, born about the year 1613, was sent to Oxford to be educated, but refusing to take the oath of confoi-mity, he was obliged to leave the University, and pursued his studies privately. In 1634 he came to this country with his uncle, the Rev. Thomas Parker. In 1641 ho married and settled at Andover. Upon the invitation of liis friends in England, he returned there in 1647. In 1662, being ejected by the Bartholemew Act, he again came to this country and became an assistant to ]\Ir. Parker. Subse- quently he was a magistrate of the Colony. He lived to see three of his sons, JoJm, Benjamin and Timothy, in the Ministry, and four of his grandsons preparing for it. He died 1695, March 17, in the eighty-second year of his age. "Tlie piety," says his biographer, "which he imbibed in his childhood increased with his years. He possessed a wonderful command of his passions, and afflictions and 55 here with his famil}- and continued his labors about six 3'ears. At the first, beyond tlie provision of a '' house to live in " and wood suflicient for his family's use for one 3'ear, there was no fixed salar}-, but va- rious amounts were rated at different times, probably according to the supposed need of his famih' and the ability of the town. A house, owned b}^ Nathaniel B3'field, and situated on B^'field street, near the present residence of Hon. I. F. Williams, was hired by the town for Mr. Woodridge's residence, and the lower south room of the same for Sabbath services and other meetings, for which Mr. Bj-field received £10 rent per year. November 29, 1684, it was voted " that Mr.Wood- bridge's salar}' for this year be made up to Eight}' pounds as Money, — and for the next 3'ear to be made up Ninety pounds as Money, — and for the 3'ear 1686 to be made up as a Hundred pounds as Mone}', and the sum for each year to be 3'early made^ up, dis- counting of each 3^ear so much as shall be contributed b3' strangers ; and the Hundred jjer annum to con- tinue till the time that, b3' agreement of the Court of Pl3'mouth, the Town is to pay towards the Colon}' charge, and then to come to such further settlement losses did not shake his pence. Just before his death he refused a glass of wine which was offered him, saying, I am going where I shall have better." Mr. Woodbridge was ordained over " tlie Presbjlerian party " in Windsor, Conn., 1670, March 18, and after g. Ministry of about ten years came to Bristol. 56 with Mr. Woodbridge as may be according to the abib'ty of the Town, whether it be more or less. And for the raising of tlie snm j^earty, for Mr. Woodbridge, it is to be by contribution, if what they contribute be not less than their proportion accord- ing to such rules as are hereafter set down, and such as contribute short, or not at all, to be Rated b}^ the Selectmen, and gathered b}^ the Constable each3'ear." This vote met with considerable opposition in the town, and the ninth of December following was re- scinded, and the following proposal of Mr. Wood- bridge was adopted, viz. : "I do propose that from the twenty-fifth day of April next, and so onward during my continuance, I will take up with a free and weekl}^ contribution. Provided, if it doth not amount to sixt}' pounds per annum, the Town forth- with to make it up, and if ever it come to above an Hundred per annum, the overplus to be at their disposal." The labors of Mr. Woodbridge were not sufficiently acceptable to some of the leading citizens to favor his settlement, although no opposition was made to emplo3'ing his services temporarih'. This state of things was unfortunate, both for Mr. Woodbridge, who desired a permanent settlement, and for the town, which needed a settled Minister and a regu- larly organized Church. At length the subject was brought before the Town at a meeting, 1686, Ma}' 17, when it was propounded whether any persons were against the settling of Mr. Woodbridge. Eleven persons voted against his settlement, and between twenty and thirty voted in his favor. 57 About this time the following letter was addressed " to the Kever'd Mr. James Allen, JNIr. Increase Mather, and Mr. Samuel Willard in Boston.* "BwSTOL, the 11th May, 1686. Gentle:men : — There is a few lines subscribed by my- selfe & some others thai I suppose you will have the peru- sal of, & though there is not oppertunity fully to lay things before you, yet I know^ not but without coming to perticulers you may see reason not to encourage Mr. Woodbridge staying with us. I am satisfied that he is not like to have a quiet & peaceable settlement; nay, those that are estimated by him to be his gi-eatest friends & most desire his settling, yet own they doe not see any probability of it. You may hear somewhat of our motions by Mr. Byficld, but there is more to be said that probable he will mind, but if put upon proofs by Mr. Woodbridges not own- ing or denying wee must desire time not exspecting this Avould be the manner or the season of issueing but rather an oppertunity of advising. That I may a little give you the state of some things with us please consider That here in this town 14 [or 15] men that have been members of other churches, Mr. Woodbridge instead of getting more Interest in these hath brought it to that now but 3 that I can perceive can act for his settling. Among them that are the Proprietors soe called being about 18 in number, though they are not willing to vote him out of town, yet I cannot perceive as things are cir- cumstanced that there is^ above 5 or 6 that act for liis settling. Take the Town as a Town & I know not whether it will not be good to see who they be & how many that are for recalling & further encourageing him, both whichlper- ^Mass. Hist. Coll., VIII., 4th Series, 651. 58 ceive he exspects. For Mr. Woodbridges first call which he hath built upon ever since was when we were not a Town & were not a Third so many concerned as now are. Our designe in the paper we have some of us subscribed & sent, is not to give an account of how many in the Town are dissatisfyed, but that you may see that many of them who are principally exspected to act in Church matters are not satisfyed & though there be but 7 of the 14 I mention above have subscribed, yet I can make out what I there write to be true. It is exspected that there should be a Town meeting, though those Mr. Woodbridge reckoned when he went away should promote it have been cold in it since, but they have rec'd a note from Mr. Woodbridge that surely will put them that are desirous of his returning to be upon action & it will be with lesse offence for them that are for him to appear then for others that are not satisfyed to act against him. It hath been a great wrong for Mr. Wood- bridg he hath all ways reckoned his Interest greater than it is. Some there are that are sincerely for him no doubt; but if he will make it his own act to leave us I doubt not but matters with us would quickly be quieted, more than the charge of making Mr. AVoodbridg satisfaction for what he hath laid out; if he demand, it will render the thing grievous to some. But if wee part I am for doing all things wee are capable of that can rationally be required of us. For my own perticuler I can truly say I never have managed any perticuler controversie with him. I endeav- ored his settlement & promoted his Interest & boare with many discouragements as long as I thought I ought or could doe.with a good conscience. It was all ways my un- happiness, that whatever I managed, really designing his benefit, other constructions were made of it by him ; but that I easyly gott over & thought he sliould act for himself, or they for him that he thought could doe it more to his satisfiiction. I have slited or took little notice of many afii'onts I have mett with, but some word he hath said of 59 late that I have heard him speake, some own others & that I believe 1 can make out the rest, that I must needs say I take not well from him. Hoav f^irr of late he hath been guilty in spreading a false report of me in matters that have been much to my damidg & discredit, might be made out if need were. That he should charge me with haveing de- signs as deep as the bottomless pitt; That he should charge mee not only that my designs tended to it, but that my de- sign was to ruin this .town, whereas on the contrary it sufliciently appears I have rather adventured the undoing of myselfe for the good of the Town ; That he should charge me that because I was sometimes ready to justifye my sincerity in all our late motions respecting him, & that I had peace in my conscience, lett others charge me how they would, That he believed I had some secret inward guilt lay on mee that made me speake soe much of my peace in these matters ; & then at a Tov/n Meeting, where there was a peaceable issue in ade of some affairs of the Town which it is said he is troubled at, that he should say he questioned whether I had anything to do to vote there. These & other such charges & reflections I never deserved from him, or had he reason for, but these are things that I have not had account of or heard but a little while & therefore not in the least to be reckoned as any part of the gi-ound of my fonner unsatisfyedness with him. To goe about to give an account of the occasions & reasons of my dissatisfaction & by what degrees it came to that heighth th'it now it is, would be a larger taske than I can now goe about ; but if what Mr. Byfield hath to offer be no gi'ound I doubt not but I shall be able to say that & more when there is oppertunity. These lines are writt in haste. Be pleased to put a can- did construction thereon. I thanke God I ]iope I can truely say I would be found doeing of that which is my duty, could easyly passe by personal injuiys. It is not the matter of maintenance or anylhingof any such nature, but an assured & I think well grounded confidence that his 60 settling here is not like to be with love & peace & any com- petent satisfaction to those that are principally aimed at for cari'ying on church affairs. If he come again there is no hopes of settling church affairs that I foresee; if it be, it will be in some strange and unusual way, & if there be not a settlement of these matters according to the practice of other Churches what sober men that are among us that can will endeavor to remove from us, & we expect no so- ber men to come to us & our place indeed will be outdone. I have mett with several losses & disappointments of late & unexpected dealings from some men, but I reckon this not among the least of my troubles. I hope God will doe me good by all. I should earnestly desire & gladly accept a few lines from you to advise me in anything you thinke necessary. Shall not add but my service & hearty respects to each of you, desiring your prayers for mee, that I may be kept in this hour of temptation & that I may be directed in my duty & found doeing those things that may be for the glory of God and the best good of this place. Your friend & servant, John W alley." The following is a copy of the document referred to b}^ Mr. Walle}' and addressed to the same per- sons, at the same date or a little before.* [This letter, with the exception of the signatures of the other persons whose names are attached, is in the hand-writing of Mr. Walley.] " Whereas God who setteth the bounds of the habita- tions of the children of men ; hath in his sovereign wis- dome disposed soe many of us to this place as he hath, wee *Mass. Hist. Coll., YIII., 4th series, 695. 61 do desire to be found doeing those things in our several places & capacities that may be for the glory of His name, the promoting the Interest & Kingdome of Jesus Christ & to be laying of such foundations as might be for the good of ourselves & our Children after us & as it is our duty soe it hath been our earnest desire that we might enjoy not onely the preaching of the word, but other the ordinances of Jesus Christ & although from time to time wee have been in the use of means in order thereunto (yet to our griefe) we find things more & more unlikely for obtaining the same & our motions therein have been hindered, as wee thinke by him who should have most encouraged the same. The Rev'd Mr. Woodbridge, in his paper he left with the Town speaks of his return, if it might be with peace, incouragement and joynt concurrence, neither- of Avhich wee thinke he will procure & when we have been discoursing about gathering a church in this place he hath not been willing to promote the same in any way, without he could see some certainty of his being settled & called to office therein. And wee the subscribers, having had oj)- pertunity to take notice of Mr. Woobdridge his methods & designs among us, have reason to think his settlement here will not be for the glory of God, his good, nor ours; he having had many oppertunities wherein to have had a com- petent comfortable & quiet settlement among us & he never having embraced the same & being he would not be per- suaded to fall in therewith, makes us ready to think that his worke will be rather in some other place than here & that he is not the man that God intends to doe us good by. And if he should be voated in as a minister by a major part of the Town (which we question) or imposed upon us by others we must beare it and desire we may as becomes Christians ; but to be active for his settlement & especially to havg any hand in calling him to office amongst us wee must be excused in. It is our gi-iefe that things fall out soe among us. Wee are troubled for him as well as for om'selves, & doe solemnly declare it is not out of any 6 62 prejudice to his person or any perticiilar interest or contro- versie of our own, but the keeping of a good conscience in the discharg of our duty wee owe to God, to the Town, to ourselves & one to another; & anything wee can doe for him, that wee may & ought to doe, wee would not be want- ing in, & wee do believe that if he would make it his own act to leave us, it would be the readyest way to settle us, & we trust God will provide for us. To give the reasons of our discouragements wee have not now time lor, but if any necessity lyes upon it wee think wee should have time, & if the decision of matters is to be by a Council wee thinke it ought to be upon the place, & then will be best opportu- nity to understand the state of things Avith us. In the meane time your counsel & advice to us & prayers for us is earnestly desired by your servants to our power. John Carey, Hugh Woodbury, Nathaniel Reynells, Nathaniel Boswokth, John Walley, Nathaniel Byfield. A few weeks later another letter respecting this subject was addressed " To the Reverend Mr. In- crease Mather, Teacher of the Second Church of Christ in Boston. To be communicated to the Church."* The following is a copy of this letter : " Honored, Reverend & Beloved in our Lord Jesus, — It is, we doubt not, by the Churches and faitlifull in Christ sadly observed, that there are verie uncomforta- ble disagreements among us in this Place, which have an Evill & perilous tendency. ♦Mass. Hist. Coll., VIII., 654. 63 And (with griefe wee speake it) of such a Nature they are, and such an influence they have that our peace is much impaired, the worke of Christ Obstructed, our quiet settlement in a way of Church Order and Gospell fellow- ship for the present wholly hindered and the name of God much dishonored. And although some of us (of God's abundant Grace, and not for any wortli in us) have sometimes t;isted the Good of Communion with God in His ordinances, which, if our hearts deceive us not, leaves such an impression upon our spirits that we would be willing to Deny ourselves to the uttermost; Rather than become Guiltye of not doing what God Requires of us, to our severall abillityes & in our severall capacityes for the enjoyment thereof, and the settling of a Gospel Church and IMinistrie here in a way of peace and order : yet soe it hath pleased God to denye His Presence and Blessing with our endeavours for some years past, tliat our essays hitherto have bin successles, and our condition at this time is very deplorable. We do therefore Earnestly Request yourselves in our present difficultie to aftoard us your helpe by your Elders and Messengers upon the third Wednesday of July next, that being here at that time Assembled they may fully hear & Consider our Case, and give us the Counsell & Advice in the Lord, who, we hope will open our hearts to Receive it; in order where- unto we intreate your prayers, that we may see, & be hum- bled for our sins, which have been a provocation to God & that the Lord will Graciously be reconciled to hs & accept us in the Lord Jesus, in whom we are Your Assured friends to serve you, John AYalley, Natiial. Byfield, Xatiianiel Reynells, Xatiiaxiel Boswokth, John Gary, Hugh Woodbury. Bristoll, June 28th, 1686. For ourselves & in the behalfe of simdi-y others." 64 We have found no record of the Council thus called. It seems highl}- probable that it resulted in the withdrawal of Mr. Woodbridge b}' his own act, and the restoration of peace.* *Hfe was not long after settled in Kittery, Me. In 1691 he resided in Portsmouth, N. H. In 1698 he was living in Charlestown, Mass., and was employed by the town of Medford to preach for six months, provision being made for conveyance from his home to Medford every Satur- day, and return every Monday. His preaching was so generalJy acceptable that movements were made to give him a call, but matters were not hastened, and, at length, difficulties arose which prevented his settlement. He was, however, anxious to settle, and persisted in acting as the town's minister, contrary to the advice of a Council of Clergymen and Elders from Boston ; and, in spite of votes of the town in 1704, " that what they had done about Mr. W.'s settlement be null and void," and in 1705, "that they would not proceed to settle Mr. W. as their minister." With a few earnest friends he attempted to gather a church " contrary to the advice of the Elders in the neighborhood, without advice or respect of the inhabitants of the town, and without the countenance and concurrence of the neighboring churches." This highly irregular attempt was met by an earnest protest from the town. Appeals were then made to the " General Sessions of Peace," at Charles- town, and to " Gov. Dudley and his Council," both of which were decided adversely to the claims and course of Mr. W. Finally, the case was referred to a Council of Churches who censured both parties, and advised the quiet withdrawal of Mr. W. The advice was not followed, how- ever, and Mr. W. continued to preach until his death, 1710, January 15, after a residence of nearly ten years, aged sixty-five years ; and on the same day, with commendable 65 ERECTION OF A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. The first public religious serAice in Bristol was in the dwelling house of Deacon Nathaniel Bos- worth, a building still standing, occupied as the residence of J. DeW. Perry, Esq. Afterwards Sabbath services were held in Colonel Byfield's house, B3'field street, to which reference has pre- viousl}^ been made. These arrangements were tem- porary, to continue onh' until such time as the inhabitants could build a House of Worship. In the " Grand Articles " of agreement between the Proprietors and those to whom the}^ made grants of land and other privileges, it was stipulated among other things, " that every one shall and will, accord- ing to his estate, pay his proportion of the charge for the erecting and building of the Meeting House and Minister's House and accommodations there- unto, when and at such time as those that have the major part proprietary in said land shall nominate and appoint." October 24th, 1683, at a Town meeting, two hun- dred and fifty pounds were ordered to be raised, to defray' the expense of building a Meeting House ; and John Walley, Nathaniel Byfield, Benjamin Church, John Cary and John Rogers were ap- promptitude and just liberality, the town voted ten pounds to deft-ay the expenses of his funeral, — an act which proves that they would not let the sun go down upon their ammosity .—Brooks' Hist, of Medford, 203-208. 66 pointed a committee to superintend its erection. Measures were promptly taken to carry out this vote. A plan of house was soon adopted, and the work commenced. Citizens who could be well emplo3'ed on the building were so emplo3'ed and the value of their labor allowed on their taxes. The timbers were cut from the Common, near by, and with united zeal and courage the work progressed until a spacious and well constructed Sanctuary stood before them to the jo}^ of their hearts, a monument of their self- denying interest in the Cause of the Redeemer. This House was erected on the spot where now stands the State Court House. We find no record of its exact dimensions, but tradition describes it as " spacious ; square in its form like the Apocal3'ptic Cit}^ ; clap- boarded inside and out ; having double galleries one above the other ; with a cap-roof, surmounted in the centre with a cupola and bell, from which a rope was suspended directly beneath, by which ' Goody Corps,' the sexton's widow, used to ring the people to church for three pounds per year, as her lamented husband had done ere he died ;" over the preacher's head, a dormer window, and on all sides double rows of windows for the ingress of light ; and the floor, divided into square pews with oaken doors, " through the rounds of which the children used to peep at each other when the people rose for pra3'er and praise. " These pews were constructed from time to time b3^ the citizens as the3" were able, b3^ leave of the town, and several 3'ears elapsed before the floor was all covered. 67 Considering the pecuniar}' circumstances of the people, this effort was a remarkable instance of self- sacrifice and consecration to the higher interests of religion. They were few in number, feeble in re- sources, and had scarcel}- sheltered their families in their humble dwellings, when the}' gave their best enero-ies to buildino- a habitation of God. At a sac- rifice of toil and money, of which we in our com- parative abundance can have little conception, they secured for themselves this Religious Home, and with glad songs of praise dedicated it to the worship ot Almight}' God. "We ma}' smile at the severe sim- plicity of style, devoid of architectural beauty ; unprotected in winter by warming apparatus, and in summer offering literally to the swallow a place to build her nest and lay her young upon its unceiled arches ; its family pews square and roomy ; and its high pulpit, surmounted with pendent sounding board, seeming ready to fall ancj. crush the man of God beneath its weight, as he discoursed of the awful wrath of God towards impenitent sinners ; yet we cherish the most tender and hallowed associations clustering around this first Sanctuary of the fathers in the wilderness. This quaint building, laboriously erected by the pioneers of our civilization, and dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, was the only Sanctuary in town for nearly forty years, and the home of the first church for a round century. Here our pious ances- try sat and listened to messages of Divine Truth and salvation, raised their hearts in prayer and praise to 68 God, and received nourishment of spiritual life. Here were they trained for the kingdom of glory, and to-day their notes of praise respond to angelic harps around the throne of God in heaven. Although of the people who once lived on earth and worship- ped here not one remains, and of the people now living not one ever saw this House of God, we cher- ish tender thoughts of the past, and preserve with veneration the door of the pastor's pew, the only remaining relic of the Sanctuary where our fathers "worshipped God for one hundred years. ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. Not long after the retirement of Mr. Woodbridge, the Rev. Samuel Lee, D. D., an English dissenting Clerg3"man, celebrated among his contemporaries as a man of profound learning and ardent piet}^, arrived in Boston, and was cordiall}' received by his Breth- ren and the Churches. Great interest had been awakened for the cause of Christ in Bristol, which seemed to suffer from the divisions that had sprung up under the Ministry of Mr. Woodbridge. Friends in Boston felt that it was of the highest importance that a man of commanding abilities and establisl\ed reputation for soundness in the faith and wisdom should at once occupy this field, around whom the people might rally in union, and under whose direc- tion a Church of Christ might be founded. At their suggestion he visited Bristol, and at once the hearts of the people went out to him as being sent of God, and the conviction became almost universal that he 69 was the man for whose coming the}' had prayed,' suffered and waited. Measures were prompt!}- taken to secure his set- tlement. The Town Records, 1686, November 23, give the following account of his enthusiastic recep- tion b}' the people, who went from the Town Meeting in a bod}' to enforce their call by the magnetism of their presence. " Then voted and agreed by a full vote and unanimous consent, to c:dl the Rev. Samuel Lee to the work of the ministiy in this town, which was accordingly done by the whole that were present at the Town Meeting, waiting on him at Mr. Byfield's, where one appointed manifested their invitation to him and he took it into consideration." Sixty pounds per year was voted by the town for his salary, and fifty pounds towards building him a house.* The lands for the Ministry set apart by the Proprietors in the settlement of the town were also voted him. This call he accepted, and began his labors 1687, April 10. *As speedily as practicable, a spacious mansion, built in the old English style and, it is said, by fai the most elegant dwelling in town, was erected on the east side of Thames street, which was then the shore of the harbor. This house was afterwards owned by Jeremiah Fixney, descended by inheritance to his son, Josiaii Finney, and was the birthplace of all his children. In it was born the wife of the late William DeWolf, Esq., who, with her sister Martha, occupied in their early days the sacred study chamber where the man of God studied, wi'ote and prayed 70 The third day of May following was observed as a day of fasting and prayer, in the midst of which sacred season the Church was organized in due form by the mutual consent of eight fathers of the town. The following is a copy of the record of these events taken from the earliest records of the Church, in the almost illegible hand of Deacon John Care^^, whose name heads the page. "In the year 1687, it pleased God to bringe that rever- end Mr. Lee to Bristol, and [it was (?; ] on visit to se the plac[e] and preach to the peopell. Ther was a joynt voat of the town for his taking charg heer to preach the gos- pel], and in order of settlinge the plac[e] in gospell order; which after some short spac[ej came with his wife and family to settel heer." " The 10th of April he begins with us, in order there- unto '87. ****** "May the third was the cliurch gathered by the mutual consent and agreement of thos[e] persons mentioned. Major John Walley, Captain Natfianiel Byfield, Captain Benjamin Chukch, Nathaniel Reynolds, John Carey, Hugh Woodbuky, Goodman Throup, Nathaniel Bosworth whom they elected Deacon." for his beloved people. The two eldest of Mr. DeWolf s children were also born here. For many years this house was known as " The Old Bay State," we know not why, unless it may be because it was so redolent with the associationsof Puritan ideas, which are the glory of Massa- chusetts. The only relic of it now remaining is a pane i)f glass inscribed with the name Martha Finney, in the possession of a descendant of the family. The 8th of May '87 was the first sacrament in Bristol : Con.-0-4-3 the Contribution-0-11-2. 71 IMajor Walley's dangliter Elizabeth that day baptized, Nathaniel Reynolds his sone Benjamin baptized.— The two first in that Cliurch." Thus was the First Church gathered in Bristol, the first of the Congregational order within the present limits of Khode Island.* At the organization, and for man}' years afterwards, the Church was known as " The Church of Christ ix Bristol." After the incorporation of the Catholic Congregational Society in 1784, the Church was, b}^ common consent, called " The Catholic Congregational Church." By this name it was known until, in order to hold and protect Charitable funds entrusted to its care, it was incorporated by act of the General Assembl}^ in 1869, under the title " The First Congregational Church in Bristol." This is our present name and appro- priate designation, though we be no less a simple " Church of Christ" than when we began, and are no less "Catholic" in our fellowship with all who love our Lord in sincerit}^, and strive to do his will. Our Church life began in pra^-er to God, who gra- ciousl}' directed those sturd}' pioneers as the}' bowed *The Church at East Providence is older, but its mem- bers are from both East Providence and Seekonk, Mass., and it has always been identified in Conference relations with the Massachusetts Churches. The Church in Bar- rington has also been claimed as being organized at an earlier date, but it is stated in BicknelPs History, p. 180, *' that no distinct Church with a thorough Congregational polity was established until after the year 1711, and prior to 1718." 72 before Him. Firml}^, therefore, were the foundations of our spiritual edifice laid, and though the storms of earth have beaten against it, all these years it has stood, because it was founded upon a rock. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE EARLY MEMBERS. The constituent members of the Church were all men of excellent character and leading influence in the town, and some of them were also prominent actors in Colonial affairs, and held stations of honor which gave them a national reputation. John Walley, the first on the list of members, one of the four original proprietors of the town, was highly respected and honored with various oflfices which he discharged with marked abilit}^ and fidelity. In all eflbrts for the civil, social, moral and religious welfare of the community he was among the fore- most of the citizens, and favored the most liberal provisions for these ends. He loved the Church of Christ with singular devotion, and it was a great grief to him that the organization of the Church in Bristol was so long dela^^ed. He was ever the warm friend and hearty supporter of the Gospel Ministry, and, while he conscientiousl}^ opposed the settlement of Mr. Woodbridge, and, perhaps more than any other man, was instrumental in his removal, he yet rejoiced in all the good he accomplished, and was among the readiest to give him liberal pecuniary support as long as he remained. Nor were the public services of Mr. Walley con- fined to Bristol. He was well known throughout 73 New England, and especiall}' in Boston, where he had lived and engaged successfully and honorablj^ in mercantile pursuits, his valuable public labors were in frequent calL He was, for a season, Judge of the Superior Court, and a member of the Governor's Council. In 1690 he had command of the land forces in the expedition of Sir William Phipps, against Canada, of which he published a journal which is preserved in Hutchinson's histoiy. Although this expedition was unsuccessful, it involved much heroic self-sacrifice and reflected honor both upon the men and their commanding officer. Mr. Walley was a son of the Rev, Thomas Wallet, of London, who was at one time Rector of St. Maiy's White Chapel, and said to be a man of great esteem ; who was one of the eight ministers who came from London in the " Society," Captain Pierce, arriving in Boston, 1663, May 24, and who died on Sunday, 1678, March 24, aged sixty-one years. He came before his father and settled in Boston, whence he removed to BristoL His residence in this town was in the rear of State street, and his dwelling, substantiallj' built after the style of those early times, is still standing and known as " the Walley house." His famil}^ con- sisted of wife and three children, two daughters and a son born here. His daughter Sarah married Charles Chauncy, of Boston, and was the mother of a son of the same name, who became " one of the most distinguished 7 74 divines on our side of the ocean," the junior Pastor of the Old South Church, referred to in the follow- ing notices of Mr. Byfield and family. On the second of March, 1692, he was left a sorrowful widower by the decease of his loving and dutiful wife, the sharer of his jo3's and burdens, who departed in the triumphs of Christian faith. In the latter part of his life he returned to Boston, where he died in calmness and humble reliance upon the Great Redeemer for mercy, 1712, January 11th, in the sixty-ninth 3'ear of his age. " The high trusts imposed by his country," says his Bio- grapher, " were discharged with ability and fidelity. To his wisdom as a Counsellor and his impartiality as a Judge, he added an uncommon sweetness and candor of spirit and the various virtues of the Christian. His faith was justi- fied by his integrity, his works of pietj"^ and charity." Nathaniel Byfield was the son of the Rev. Richard Byfield, " the laborious faithful pastor of Long Ditton in Surrey, England, who was one of the oldest of the ejected ministers in that county ; who afterwards retired to Montlack, where he usuall}' preached twice every Lord's day in his own family, and did so the very Lord's day before his death, in 1664, aged sixty-seven 3'ears ;" who is described as " a man of great piety, zeal and exemplary holiness of conversation ;" who was one of the distinguished "Westminster Assembl}^, that prepared that admirable compendium of Orthodox Faith, known as " the Shorter Catechism." His mother was a sister of Bishop Juxon, a noted family in England. He was 75 the youngest of twent3'-one children, and one of the sixteen that sometimes attended their pious parents to the place of public worship. He was born in 1653 ; arrived at Boston in 16 74, and conceiving a love to this country resolved to settle here. Accordinglj^, he married the following jear Miss Deborah Clarke, and commenced business as a merchant in Boston. In this he was eminently" successful, accumulating considerable propert}', and, at the close of Philip's war, invested a portion of his wealth in the purchase of this township. Here he became an earl}' settler, casting in his lot with the pioneers of the wildeniess, sharing with them the toils and hardships of laying the foundations of a new and well regulated commu- nit}'. He continued a citizen of this town fort}'- four 3-ears, and his influence was gi'eat in all civil and ecclesiastical affairs. His residence was on the beautiful peninsula known as Pappoosquaws Point, west of the town, and his farm embraced nearly all of the peninsula.* Here was his famil}^ tomb, prepared by himself, located on the estate of the late William D'Wolf, Esq., whose remains are traced to this day, in which were buried members of his famil}^ who deceased during his residence in *It has been generally supposed that his dwelling house stood on the spot where De.icon William Manchester now resides, but recent investigations lead to the belief tliat the venerable mansion now occupied by the heirs of the late Mrs. Sarah Herreshoff, was built originally by Colonel Byfield and occupied as his residence. 76 Bristol. Within the recollection of persons now liv- ing, the name of " Priscilla " and a part of " By- riELD," were distinctly traced upon the head-stone He was also a large real estate owner in the com- pact part of the town. He had five children born here by his wife Deborah, three of whom died young. The other two lived to be married^ the youngest to the Hon. Lieutenant Governor Tayi>or, of Massa- chusetts, who soon after died without issue ; the other to Edward Lyde, Esq., by whom she had five children, three of whom grew up and left de- scendants. Mr. Byfield was thrifty in his habits, catholic in spirit, and generous in his benefactions, giving away systematically and cheerfully a portion of his income, amounting often to several hundred pounds j^earl}^. One instance of his charities mentioned as worthy of special remembrance for the good it accomplished, was the publishing and gi-atuitously distributing an edition of ten thousand copies of the Assembl3''s: Shorter Catechism. He was always a faithful and eflicient friend of Education and Religion, and a lib- eral supporter of the Gospel Ministry. To his wis- dom, foresight and liberality are we chiefl}' indebted for our broad and regular streets, our large and beau- ful Common, and especially the scliool lands which Were chiefly his own generous gift to the town^ the income from which have been a material help to the cause of education here and a perpetual public charity. Two cups of our Communion Service of solid silver are inscribed as " the gift of Nathaniel Byfield, 77 1G93." Maii}^ other tokens of his interest in and liberal aid of the Church and Ministry here are held in remembrance with us to this da}-. Nor was his large generosit}^ confined to the limits of Bristol. His eminent abilities, natural and ac- quired, fitted him for a high position in afl'airs of State, and he cheerfulk gave his services to the various offices, both civil and military, to which he was called by the suffrages of his fellow citizens as well as by royal appointment. Few have passed through a greater variety of scenes in public life. " In the field he quickly arrived to one of the high est places of power. In the State he w^as honored wifh many betrustments ; was in commission for the Peace and Judge of Probate ; was several times chosen Speaker in the Honorable House of Repre- sentatives ; sat chief thirtj'-eight years in the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Common Pleas for the county of Bristol, as afterwards he did two years for the county of Suffolk ; was one of His Majesty's Council for the province of Massachusetts Bay, a great number of years ; and had the honor of receiving five several commissions for Judge of the Vice Admiralty from three crowned heads ; from King Willliam, in 1697; from Queen Anne, in the years 1702, 1703 and 1709, and from King George the Second in 1728." Being well informed for the exercise of authorit}', his verj^ looks inspirino- re- spect, loving order and possessed of a fine elocution, sincerely devoted to the interests of the communit}-, he discharged all these trusts to popular acceptance. 78 His name throughout New EngLind was a household word ; and one of the towns of Massachusetts, although he had no special connection with its his- tor}^, honored itself and paid him the homage of its respect by taking his name which it holds to the present da^^ The wisdom and justice of Mr. By field's acts as a Civil Judge, are apparent from the remarkable fact that in no case were his decisions ever reversed on appeal to higher powers. It is still more interesting to note his freedom from those superstitious preju- dices which blinded even some of the best men of his time, and which led to the cruel proceedings in the matter of " the Salem Witchcraft" that are a dark blot on the page of history. Those proceedings he had the courage to oppose and condemn ; and had his counsels been followed, no innocent person would have suffered death as a witch. He did not escape the common lot of public men to suffer unjust aspersion and severe criticisms from political rivals in his own time, and from the detrac- tions of prejudiced or ill-informed historians who came after him ; but well authenticated facts give him a highl}^ honorable name. Nathaniel Byfield surely made his mark, and the footprints of his influence will be traced to the end of time. With all his grand and noble works of life, he had a steady and unshaken faith in the truths of the Gospel, and died in the lively hope of the glorious Redeemer. In 1724, on account of his advanced age, he returned with his family to Boston, 79 where he closed his long and useful life 1733, June 6th, in the eightieth 3'ear of his age. The sermon preached at his funeral b^' his pastor in Boston, Rev. Charles Chauncy, D. D., and afterwards published, was from the text John 1 : 42 : Jesus saiv Nathaniel coining to hini and saith of him, behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile; A very clear and forci- ble presentation of the beaut}' and worth of " a guileless character ;" at the close of which it is applied to Mr. B3iield in these words, viz. : " I have no need to insert here, not doubting your thofs were upon our Nathaniel while I was representing the character in the text ; the application was so easie and ob- vious ; and I would hope unexceptionably : having care- fully avoided saying any tiling but what I thot in justice belonged to him." An extract from the " Weekly- News Letter," of June 14, 1733, appended to the published discourse, mentions, with other facts that are embodied in the foregoing sketch, the following ; " On the 6th of this instant, between the hours of 1 and 2 in the morning, died at his house here, after about a month's languishment, the Honoukable Nathaniel Byfield, Esq., in the 80th year of his age: Having long been a great ornament both of our Church and State. * * " For his character, justice to his memoiy requires it should be said — He was greatly valued and honored by tht>se acquainted with him, for his superior genius and abilities; his great natural courage, Vigor and Activity; his plain, unaffected, cheerful j^nd instructive way of (;on- versation; his catholic spirit; his real Integi'ity, and un- questionable faithfulness and Honesty; his zeal against 80 sin, and to maintain public peace and good order ; his first regard to the worship of God, and constant and devout and exemplary attendance on it both in Public and private, and in one word his love to the Ministry, the Churches ixnd Civil and Religious interests of this people: All which being united in the same person and in an eminent degree, as it rendered his life an extensive blessing, so his Death just matter for lamentation. lie lived with the wife of his youth till 1717, upwards of forty years; and the following year married Mrs. Sarah Leverett, youngest daughter to the Honorable Gov- EUNOR Leverett, with whom he lived till 1730 : when he was again left a sorrowful widower. He died with great inward peace and serenity of soul: and was honorably inteiTed last Monday — a funeral prayer being first made by the elder Pastor of the Old Church to whose Communion he belonged. He has left his grimdson Byfield Lyde, Esq. ; (son-in-law to his excellency Governor Belcher) Heir to the bulk of his Estate." The last will of Mr. Byfield, dated 1732, Decem- ber 6th, shows that he had large real estate in Boston, including mansion house, coach house, stable, cow house and two gardens joining ; also, rope walk, ware house, wharf and flats ; also, other tenement houses, stores, etc., and lands covering a large por- tion of Fort Hill, and various sites from Beacon street west and north to Cambridge street, now among the most valuable in the cit}^ ; also large es- tate in several New England towns, together with extensive tracts of land of several thousand acres in Maine and Vermont. His Christian character is manifest in the provisions of this Will, both the rever- ent expression of faith towards God, and bequests of 81 charit}'. together with an equitable division of property among his heirs after tlie full paj'ment of all debts and other bequests. It was his principle and practice to give largely' in life to religious and charitable objects, and he expected the heirs of his estate to follow his example in this respect ; accord- ingl}' there were no large charitable bequests made in this Will, jet as a token of personal affection and respect for their office, he bequeathed gifts to " all and every " Minister of Chi'ist, of every denomina- tion, in Boston, to the President and professors in Cambridge, and additional bequests to his " dear pastors," FoxcROFT and Chauncy, of the Old South Church. His servants were remembered with Chris- tian affection and counsel, and freedom^ with ample provisions to secure the enjoyment of the same, was given to a favorite servant to take effect six months after his decease. Mr. Bj^field was buried in the " Granarj^ Burial Ground," near Park street Church. The tombstone has inscribed the Byfield Coat of Arms, with the name Lyde cut on the shield. The stone which marked Mr. B3'field's grave has long since disap- peared, and is supposed either to be destroj'ed or, in the changes made in the tomb, to be concealed from view. The following epitaph, the production of Rev. Mather Byles, was inscribed : "Byfield beneath in peaceful slumber lies; Byfield the good, the active and the wise; His manly frame contained an equal mind ; Faithful to God, and generous to mankind ; 82 High in his country's Honors long he stood, Succored distress and gave the hungi-y food; Injustice steady, in devotion warm, A loyal subject, and Patriot firm ; Through every age his dauntless soul was tried : Great while he lived, but greater when he died." Mrs. Deborah Byfield, the wife of his 3'outh and companion for about forty years, was the daugh- ter of Captain Thomas Clarke, of Boston. She united with the Church in Bristol, soon after its organi- zation, and tradition sa3"s, was one of the most valua- ble and useful of the female members, a fit associate and help-meet of her worthy husband. We regret that there are no records or materials from which a more extended notice can be given. As her decease occurred in 1717, several 3'ears before his return to Boston, it is supposed that she was buried here in the Family Tomb on his farm ; but as her death is not recorded in the town books, it is possible that she died and was buried among her family friends in Boston. Mrs. Sarah Byfield, the beloved consort of his riper years, who died in Boston, 1730, December 21, was buried in the Burial Ground where his remains were afterwards placed by her side. The Weekly News Letter, No. 1405, of date December 29, 1730, gives the following notice of the funeral : *' Yesterday were buried here the Remains of that truly honorable and devout Gentlewoman Mrs. Sarah Byfield amidst the affectionate Respects and lamentations of a numerous concourse . Before carrying out the Corpse a 83 Funeral prayer was made by one of the Pastors of the Old Church to whose communion she belonged : which tho' a custom in the country towns is a singular instance in this place, but it's wished may prove a leading example to the general practice of so christian and decent a custom. The Pall was held up by the Hon. the late Lieut. Gov. DuMMEK with other gentlemen of his Majesty's Council. Among the mourning Relatives went his excellency Governor Belcher, and his Honour Lieut. Gov. Tailer, followed by a long train of persons of public dis- tinction and private character; paying their last offices to the Dead, and uniting their sincere condolence with the living," Od the Sabbath following her decease and burial, her pastor, the Rev. Charles Chauncy, D. D., preached a discourse from the text, James 4 : 14, on *' Man's life considered under the similitude of a vapor," from which we make the following extracts : *' She had naturally a weak and tender Body, but a strong and noble soul ; w hich being cultivated and en- riched by a good education and great industry rendered her truly amiable and desirable, and fitted her to be a blessing in the station Providence had assigned her. " Her temper was lively and cheerful, yet far from light and vain : being well ballast by a singular discretion. In her most pleasant hours, she was never unfit to enter upon a serious subject, and always treated it with a becoming gravity and reverancc . " She had a good taste in conversation and was exceed- ingly well tuined for it, having a ready wit, a sprightly genius, an easy smooth way of expressing herself: and bemg able without stiffness or ostentation to be both en- tertaining and profitable. " She was an honour to her sex, in her exemplary De- portment under all the various characters and relations of 84 life : As a neighbor kind and pitiful : As a friend, true and hearty : As a wife tender and dufiful, engaging in her car- riage : reverent and respectful : As mistress in a family, discreet in her management, neat and cleanly, tho^tful of all under her care, indulgent and compassionate to her ser- vants, especially concerned about their souls, and frequent in teaching them the good knowledge of the Lord ; in her treatment of strangers, hospitable ; courteous, pleasant, observing and edifying to those that came to visit her. " But her chief excellency and whatmosc recommended to all that knew her was her undissembled piety. She had an habitual prevailing awe and reverence of God upon her heart, which early discovered itself and all along through the course of her life, not only in an utter abhor- rence of everything that savored of irreverance but in a due treatment of those things wherein the Divine honor is nearly concerned. She loved the House and sanctified the day of God and gave her constant, devout attendance on the public worship and all Gospel ordinances; paid a sin- gular regard to the Holy Scriptures ; v-alued the Ministers of Religion ; and had an universal regard to all good men. But above all Christ was the object of her love her faith, her hope. Him she embraced as the alone Redeemer of souls ; Him she trusted with the great affair of her eternal salvation ; him she loved with her whole heart ; Him she made it her care to please in all things ; His image she was adorned with, and the graces of His Spirit she lived in the daily exercise of ; And we charitably believe she is gone to be with Christ, which is best of all."* Benjamin Church, the third on the list of origi- *For these memoranda of Mrs. Byfield, also items given in sketches of Mr. Byfield, we are indebted to a volume of Sermons in " the Prince Library," Boston, containing the two funeral discourses of Dr. Chauncy. 85 nal members, is a prominent name in the earl}' Colonial histor}'. He was a son of Richard Church, who came to Massachusetts in the fleet with Gov. AVinthrop ; a carpenter b}' trade ; lived at Wessagusset (We}'- mouth,) and Pl^-month, where he was admitted a freeman in 1633 ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Warren, in 1636 ; was often a member of the " Grand Enquest," and frequently- chosen as a Referee ; served as Sergeant in the Pequot war ; helped build the first Meeting House in Ph'mouth about 1637; was in Charlestown in 1653; but finally settled in Hingham, where he made his will 1668, December 25th, and died two da3's after at Dedham, leaving nine children. He was born at Plj-mouth, in 1639, and was bred to his father's trade. 1667, December 26th, he mar- ried Alice Southworth, grand-daughter of the dis- tinguished wife of Gov. Bradford, second daughter of Constant and Elizabeth (Collier) Southworth, of Duxbuiy, born in 1646. Their earl}- married life was passed in Duxbury, though he temporaril}' re- sided in various parts of the Colon}- in the pur- suit of his vocation. Less than six months after his father's death, 1669, June 1st, he received from the Court a grant of " land att Taunton River," which AVilliam Pabodie had taken np and then surrendered, " for full satis- faction for all the right his father Richard Church, deceased, hath to land in this Collonie.'' He was for many years in the almost constant employ of the 8 S6 Colon}^, on juries for the trial of both civil and crimi- nal cases, and was the Constable of Duxbur3\ In 1674, influenced b}^ the representations of Cap- tain John Almy, of Rhode Island, whose acquaint- ance he had made during a session of the Court at Pl3"mouth, he visited the territory known then b}' the Indian names Focasset and Soffkonate, now Little Compton, R. I., was pleased with it, made a pur- chase, settled a farm, and soon erected two build- ings upon it. This farm was in the north-west part of the town, near the east passage of Narragansett Bay. He was the first Englishman that settled here, " gained a good acquaintance with the Natives, got much into their favour, and was in a little time in great esteem among them." During the following spring, while he was dili- gently emplo3'ed on his farm, and hoping that his good success would be inviting unto other good men to become his neighbors, the rumor of a war between the English and Natives gave check to his peaceful projects. Being informed b}^ Weetamoe and some of her chief men of the inimical intentions of Philip, the Sachem of Mount Hope, and receiving fuller intelligence of the same at a Great Dance given by Awaslioniks Squaw Sachem of the " Sogkonate " Indians, to which she had invited him, he immediately set out for Plymouth to apprise the Authorities there and take counsel with them respecting meas- ures to be taken in the emergency. From this time until the close of Philip's war, he was emplo^-ed in the service of the Colony. Distinguished for re- 87 markable physical vigor and activit}', exposed from childhood to the perils of Indians, and understanding thoroughly their mode of warfare, he rendered most valuable services as a militar}" leader, and to him more than to an}- other man belongs the honor of bringing to a victorious close that bloodiest and most terrific of the Indian wars, known as King Philip's war. Late in life he dictated to his son, Thomas Church, Esq., a narrative of this war and of later expeditions, which was published, passed through several editions, and is still the standard history- of those times. He was at the head of the party b}' which King Philip was slain in the swamp at the foot of Mount Hope, and by his skill and bravery a few days after, Annowan, the last of Philip's great war chiefs, was taken captive. His surprise and capture of this warrior has been described as "an act of heroic boldness which has no parallel in modern times." His numerous and perilous adventures with the sav- ages in the region of Narragansett Ba}- and Cape Cod, read like a volume of romance. His success in these encounters inspired such confidence, that he was subsequently- charged with the command of five different expeditions against the Indians in Maine, with the rank of Major and afterwards of Colonel. In consequence of his long and bloody conflict with the savage Indians, he has been unjustly- repre- sented as of a hard-hearted and cruel disposition. But he had a merciless and treacherous foe to con- tend with, and there remained no alternative but to meet them on their own ground and by their own 88 acts of warfare, or suffer them to carry desolation and death in their most horrid forms through the scattered and feeble settlements of the white men. The historian of Fall River sa3's, " In raising up such a man as Benjamin Church for the defense of the Colonists, and in preserving his life amid the imminent perils to which he was subjected, the finger of Divine Providence was most signally manifested." Before the impartial historian this veteran of Indian warfare stands " as a man of integrity and piety, a benefactor to his country, and a friend to his race/' He was no less devout as a Christian than he was brave as a warrior. " I was ever sensible," he sa3's, " of my own littleness and unfitness to be employed in such great services, but calling to mind that God is strong I endeavored to put all my confidence in Him, and b}^ His almighty power was carried through every difficult action, and my desire is that His name may have all the praise." " I desire praj^ers that I may be enabled well to accomplish my spiritual war- fare and that I may be more than conqueror through Jesus Christ's loving me." In his home especially he was the devout and consistent Christian. He regu- larly maintained family worship, wherein he read, and often expounded the scriptures to his household. In the observance of the Sabbath and in attending the worship and ordinances of God in the Sanctuary he was exemplar3^ After the close of Philip's war he removed to this town and cast in his lot with the first settlers. He purchased largely of the original proprietors and 89 held for man}- ^-ears much landed estate. He built the house known as the " Old Talbee House," still standing, near the corner of Thames and Constitu- tion streets. He was frequentl}- elected to offices of trust and served the town with marked fidelity and wisdom. He was public spirited and contributed with great liberalit}' for the support of institutions of Religion and Education. He was several times chosen Deputy to represent the town at PKraouth, and in 1696 was representative at Boston. He had seven children, five sons and two daughters — several of whom were born in Bristol, and have descend- ants still living among us. From Bristol he moved to Fall River and subse- quently to Little Compton, where he spent his last da3's on his farm. As years advanced he became uncomfortabl}' corpulent in person. Being severely wounded b}^ a fall from his horse, he sank under it and died. He was buried with military honors in the cemetery on the Common, where the visitor to- da}^ ma}^ stand over his ashes and read how highl}' he was revered in the significant inscription upon his tomb stone. " Here lieth interred the bod}' of the Honorable Colonel Benjamin Church, Esq., who de- parted this life Jan. 17, 1717-18, in the 78th 3'ear of his age." High in esteem among the great he stood. His wisdom made him lovely, great and good. Though he be said to die he still survives Tlirough future time his memory shall live." 90 John Gary, fifth on the list of members, emigra- ted from Bridgewater, Mass., to Bristol, among the earliest settlers, jind established himself as a Brewer, residing on what is known as Malt house lane, deriv- ing its name doubtless from his business. He was the eldest son of John Gary and Elizabeth God- frey, who came to Pl^^mouth Golon}^ in 1630. He had ten brothers and sisters. His father was a man of superior education and had great influence in the colony and as an officer of the Ghurch, and, tradition sa3'S, "he taught the first Latin school in the colony, and was ver^^ pious and public spirited." On coming to Bristol, Mr. Gary at once took a prominent position in civil and ecclesiastical aff'airs, and was frequently elected to offices of trust. Soon after the organization of the Ghurch he was chosen Deacon as an associate with Deacon Bosworth, which office he held to the day of his death. His family consisted of his wife Abigail, and eleven children, seven of whom were born previous to coming to Bristol, and four of them here. Most of these grew up from childhood in the covenant rela- tion of baptism, and were worthy and exemplary members of the Ghurch. Two of the sons were Deacons and the husband of one of the daughters, Samuel Howl and. He died and was buried in the ancient bur3'ing ground on the Gommon. An up- right stone was erected to his memory bearing the following inscription : " Remember death. Here lies ye dust of Deacon John Gary, a shining pattern of piety whose spirit returned to 91 God that gave it July 14tli, 1721, in ye 76th year of his age. " A man of prayer, so willing to do good, His higliest worth, who of us understood; Fear Ciod, love Christ, help souls their work to mend, So like this saint fit for bliss without end." Respecting the other constituent members we have onl}' the briefest memoranda. Nathaniel Rey- nolds was the son of Robert Reynolds, of Water- town, Mass., in 1635, perhaps, born in England. He was b^^ trade a shoemaker as was also his father. He lived a while in Boston, where he was admitted freeman in 1665, was a member of the Artillery com- pany' and commanded a compam^ in King Philip's war under Colonel Church. He removed to Bris- tol among the fii'st settlers and was an active and useful citizen, and an exemplary Christian. He died in the faith of the Redeemer at an advanced age, 1708, July 20. Hugh Woodbury was the son of William Wood- bury, born in Salem, Mass., 1650, June 30. His wife was Mary, daughter of Thomas Dixey, and they had several children, but the name in this town has long been extinct. He was among the first who settled here and appears to have been a worthy citi- zen, respected and honored both in civil and eccle- siastical relations. He died 1702, April 17th, in the fifty-second year of his age. William Throop, called " Goodman Throop " in the record, came from Barnstable in 1680, and was a son of William Throop, who came from Leyden in 92 1640. Tradition says he was a very pious and godly man and highly respected, as were also his children, two of whom became Deacons in the Church and filled that office for many years. He died 1704, December 4th. Nathaniel Bosworth was a son of Deacon Ben- jamin BoswoRTH and Rebecca Stevens his wife, born in Hingham, Mass., in 1651. He first settled in Rehoboth, and removed to Bristol in 1680. His mother was killed by the Indians in the early part of King Philip's war. His family were numerous and many were their descendants. He was a cooper by trade and a fisherman, and tradition sa3^s he worked hand in hand with his associate. Deacon Gary, not only in the interests of their business, but in pro- moting the welfare of Zion which was their chief joy. He was chosen Deacon at the organization of the Church and continued in the office until his death, 1690, August 31st, in the vigor of early man- hood. Such were the men, earnest, devoted, godly and highly esteemed, who gave the weight of their char- acter and influence to the foundations of our beloved Zion. We wonder not that such men in the Divine Providence drew around them and left behind them many others of kindred spirit. Every decade of our historj^ has furnished those whose names are worthy of special commendation for their faith, their integrity, their shining example of Christian character. But not the men alone were thus wdrthy. Though 93 at the organization of the Church the fathers of the town onl}' united, the mothers in Israel soon after joined them. In their humbler spheres the}' were equall}' faithful, and then, as in our later historj- and as in the almost universal history of Christ's Church in earth has been true of godh' women, they contri- buted the largest share of christian graces to the Church life, and by far the brightest light, in its dail}' shining before the world. SAMUEL LEE, D. D., FOUNDER AND FIRST PASTOR. HIS LIFE, MINISTRY, AND PUBLISHED WORKS. Mr. Lee was a son of Mr. Samuel Lee, a wealthy and highly respected citizen of London, and was born in the 3'ear 1625. He early in life manifested a fondness for books, which his parents were pleased to gratify, sending him to the celebrated " St. Paul's School" to pursue his studies preparator}' for college. Such was his proficienc}' here that in 1G40, at the early age of fifteen 3'ears, he entered the L^niversity of Oxford, where he took and maintained high rank as a scholar, and in 1G48, received the degree of Master of Arts. He was soon after settled in a Fellowship in Wadham College, and, having been a highl}' successful lecturer in Great St. Helen's Church in London, he was, in 1656, appointed Proc- tor of the Universit}'. These offices were well sus- tained, and gained for him the reputation among his contemporaries of being a man of very superior learning and moral worth. 94 At the time of the famous " Bartholomew Act " which deprived nearly two thousand clerg^^men of their parishes and pecuniar}^ support, because of their dissent from some of the prescribed forms and cere- monies of the Established Church, his sj'mpathies were heartily with the Dissenters, although he had himself no preferment to lose. After the death of the minister of a Non-Conformist Church in Hol- burn, London, which took place in 1667, he was associated in the pastorate of that Church with the celebrated Rev. Theophilus Gale. In September, 1679, we find him settled at Bignal near Bicester, in Oxfordshire, and he was afterwards, for several 3'ears, the Minister of an Independent Church, at Newington Green, near Bishopgate, in London. After these 3'ears of distinguished service in the Ministr}' of Non-Conforming Churches, he was urged by Bishop Wilkins to accept a living in the Estab- lished Church, and was strongly advised thereto by many of his friends. But his dissent from the cere- monies and usages of that Church was conscientious and hearty, and while he was liberal to concede to others their rights of conscience, he could not com- promise with his own conscience for the sake of any of the flattering advantages offered to the gratifying of a lofty ambition. This persistence in identifying himself with the weaker Non-Conformist party offended those who desired to avail themselves of his great talents and learning, and who felt that they had as it were a preemptive right to all distinguished personages in the Realm. For this offense he suf- 95 feredmuch annoyance and pcttj' persecutions at their hands. But the Non-Conformist part}', grateful for his hibors in their cause and for the strength of his name, rallied around him as a leader, and gave him the enthusiasm of their admiration. At length, being apprehensive of a still further invasion of the rights of conscience, he resolved to migrate to New England, where he could, untram- meled, exercise the Gospel Ministr}- in accordance with his own sense of dut}'. This resolution was not made without a struggle, for he ardentl}' loved his native land, was strongl}' attached to his numer- ous friends there, and having inherited from his father large real estate, his departure from England would involve much pecuniar^' loss. But, in spite of all that opposed, his resolution was made, and, with the clearest conviction that he was following the ouidino; hand of Providence, he sailed with his famil}' and landed in Boston in the summer of the year 1686. Of his reception in this countr}' and his happy settlement in Bristol, an account has alread}' been given. On the accession of William to the throne of England, a change was inaugurated which promised greater tolerance and freedom to Dissenters. The heart of Mr. Lee 3'earned for his native land and the friends of former days, there to enjoy what a few years before had been denied him. Accordingly, to the regret of all who knew him, not only here but throughout New England, he decided to return. After an affectionate parting from his flock in Bristol, 96 he embarked with his family on board the " Dolphin" at Boston. After a boisterous voj^age, nearing the coast of Ireland the}' fell in with a French Priva- teer, were captured and carried prisoners into the port of St. Maloes, in France. After some deten- tion, his family were allowed to proceed to London, but he was still held as a prisoner. Depression of spirits, solitude and the rigors of winter induced the prison fever which soon terminated his valuable life in December, 1691, aged sixty-four years. Being denounced as a heretic, his body was interred with- out the walls of the city.* Mysterious are the ways of Providence. Many of the Lord's chosen are called from the earth in the way of suffering Mart3'rdom ; his Church are left to mourn the loss of these precious ones of their num- ber. But, doubtless, heaven opens to these saints, with joys all the brighter because of their earthly tribulations, and in the triumphs of their faith, those left behind learn important lessons of trust in the darkest hours, and are animated to press forward in the march to final victor3\ The Ministry of Mr. Lee in Bristol was verj- brief, though remarkably fruitful in good results. The Church received additions constantl}', and there had been enrolled in its fellowship fort3'-eight persons. The}^ continued harmonious in all their church re- lations, and were spiritually profited by the minis- *Sprague's Annals. Allen's Biog. Diet. Dr. Shepard's Hist. Disc. etc. 97 tr}' of their beloved pastor. His was a Catholic spirit. His learning was united with charity and the poor were often relieved by his bounty. His toils, says tradition, out of the pulpit in visiting the sick and afflicted and administering the consolations of the Gospel, were continuous and faithful ; and his preaching was sound, able and eloquent. The fol- lowing passage from one of his sermons, preserved in the recollection of one of his people, has been handed down to the present day : *' Every breath we draw should go forth warm with anthens; the blood's circulation should nm around in liongs, and every pulse beat upon the strings of David's harp. The wholesome herb should cure our murmurs, and all the creatures of earth, air and water, should by us render a tribute of praise to God." Mr. Lee kept up an acquaintance with other pas- tors, and by frequent interchange of views, strength- ened them in their work and was himself strengthened in his work. The following extracts from published letters, show how fraternal and cordial was this ministerial intercourse.* The Rev. Joshua Moody, then associate pastor of the first Church in Boston, in a letter to Increase Mather, then on a visit to England, in 1688, says : *' Mr. Lee is in Town (tho' going out to-morrow,) Wee spent the 2d instant in your study & had his compy part of the day with us where wee had (blessed be God) a good *Mass. Hist. Coll., VHL, 4th series, 355, 540, 542. 9 98 day of Prayer for you and hope in God's good time to have in the same place a day of Praise with you." The following extracts from letters of Mr. Lee to Mr. Mather, show not only cordial friendship but his interest for the spiritual welfare of the whole region round about as well as for his own parish : "Aug. 25, '87 Mount Hope. Deare Mr. Mather. * * * i am compassed with va- rious humors in neighboring towns & Islands, but blissed be God the fogs fly, I have had a long disceptation I cant call a disputation with a stout Anabaptist. But blessed bo his holy name they give ground. I am invited to the Island & hope next week to see it, with the Lord's leave & try what work may enter. I want strength of body. I am in a Frontire. You had need incourage us with amunition & auxiliaries from Heaven & to begin to think of some learned, holy, discreel man, that might undertake at New- port. But no more at present. My hearty love to your good son, to my ancient loving friend Mr. Allyn & to my Beloved Brethren Mr. Moody & Mr. Willard, intreating your prayers for strength every way, with hearty respects to my deare sister of whose Turkeys I have so often lasted. Yours aflectionately in the Lord. S. L." " 8, 14, 87, Mount Hope. Deare Mr. Mather,— Methinks its very comfortable to see your hand & had I Dove's wings I would soone see your face with divine permission & a supply, which you can more easily have there. My good ffriend Mr. Morton [Rev. Chas. Morton] has been here. I thank him, but he runs up & down here from place to place & suddenly runs back. That truly I am much troubled at. Once he left me among the bears at Cambridge & now among the spirituall bears in Rhode Island, but all in Love. Yet I 99 shall hope when you come, you will give mc some more of your company. Theres no discoursing under a bit of waxe ; but meeting at Heaven's gate with the same petitions, through our gracious Redeemer. I found great respect from the Islanders, as Paul speaks, no little kindness in Malta. One desired mc to speak for a young scholar or student to live in his house & teach his children \ a man of some quality : but I think will give onel}^ dyet at present. If any good ffriends would help for about 10 lbs. a y. for clothes : we might begin some work there I hope. I have preaclit once there to a few with kind resentmt. & I took occasion by the Judges going in there & would fain have p'suaded Mr. Morton ; since the P'sident told him he would provide for his place : but his love to his wife & some other things were his Apology I'intend to give him some account in time God willing. My hearty love to your good son & acquaint him he is in debt a letter to me. To your kind wife & to all our Brethren in the Ministry & in the Lord my wife and drs. present their hearty resp., especially Anne & so does your truly Lov. Br. & Serv't. in the Ld. S. L." The following to Mr. Mather, on the eve of his departure on a visit to England, is especially- affec- tionate and kind : " Febr. 15, 8 7-8. Deare Good Mr. Mather. Your hearty letter I rec'd as heartily & embraced it ulrisq ulnis & in inio sulce pectoris. I am glad & soiTy of your motion to England nostri haec farratjolibelU. I doe earnestly desire to sit up one night with you. 3 things hinder as yet. A supply of my place which if you or our f'ds would engage Mr. IMetcalf or Mr. Parry to come for 2 or 3 sabbaths I should endoavor to come to you toward the end of next month by the will of God. Another is I expect some things from England in 100 May & that will double my trouble to come then too. Another is the difficulty of travell to me. But if I get a supply by that time with your loving help & some of our fifds when they come up to you, since my house is as farr from being put in equipage now as in Octob. last ; onely hopes begin to spring. There be many things uncommitta- ble to a languid scale, which I remitt, if the Lord p'mitt, to enjoymt. I am shutt off into an Angle from your com- pany ; but not from a conversation with you above the circle of human affairs. In haste, longing my letter should quickly see you, subscribe deliberately Your psvering ffd &throu. Grace Br., S. L." He published several works, among which was a dissertation on " The Ancient and Successive State of the Jews, with Scriptural evidences of their fu- ture conversion and establishment in their own land." This was in 1679, and was as able and ingenious a work in advocacy of that theory, which is now held by but few, as was ever published. In 1810, more than thirty years afterwards, Dr. Buchanan, in a ser- mon before " the Jewish Institution," a benevolent society in England, says, — " It is possible before the end of the present year the four gospels will be pub- lished and copies sent to the Jews in the east, as the first fruits of the ' Jewish Institution.' It is very remarkable that this should be the very year which was calculated long ago by a learned man, as that in which ' the times of happiness to Israel ' should begin. -In the year 1677, Mr. Samuel Lee, a scholar of enlarged views, who had studied the prophetical writings with great attention, published a small vol- ume entitled " Israel Redux " or the Restoration of 101 Israel. He calculates the event from the prophecies of Daniel, and commences the great period of 1260 years from A. D. 476, which brings it to 1736. He then adds : 'After the great conflicts with the papal powers in the west will begin the stirs and commotions about the Jews and Israel in the East. If then to 1739 we add 30 more they reach to 1766 ; but the times of perplexity are deter- mined by Daniel to last 45 years longer. If then we con- join those 45 years more to 1766 it produces one thousand eight hundred andeleven— 1811— for those times of happi- ness to Israel.' " His other published works were " The Jo}^ of Faith," in 1689 ; a sermon preached before the Court of Bristol, entitled " The great dsij of Judgment," in 1691. "The triumph of Merc}^," much read in New England, an edition of which was printed in 1718 ; and " Contemplations on Mortality," respect- ing which Dr. Allen says, " they display great learn- ins: and o-enius :" Besides these, there were other sermons and smaller works, in all some ten or twelve volumes. He devoted great attention at one period to the study of Astrology, but afterwards testified his dis- approbation of it, by burning his collection of books relating to the subject, a hundred volumes. As a specimen of his style and exuberance of thought, we give the following extract from his "Triumph of Mercy," p. 27 & foil. "The Rainbow of the Heavens knows not more rare and delightful colours than the rainbow of the Covenant, 102 under which our Saviour hath placed his Throne. The beauty of a picture shines in variety : which sets such a delicious and pleasant lustre upon prospects and land- scapes, where hills and dales, woods and plains, rivers and seas, castles and cities, and the carcases of ancient ruins and hanging rocks are curiously drawn by the Pencil of nature. ****** God seldom delivers in the same methods. There was never the same face of Heaven from the Creation to this day. The aspects, clouds, and weather do always vary, as the shells on the seashore, and the pebble stones none ex- actly alike. We have new songs fa- every moment had we hearts to tune them. When God's wisdom takes one mercy away, his beneficent bounty sends another. When some setting stars dip their flaming rays in tlie Western Ocean, new ones glitter in the east. Never did the same water bubble from the same fountain : but as God is the inexhaustible spring of new and amiable mercies : So we find he adorns the out-rooms of the world, and the cham- bers of the Tabernacle of his Church with the Tapestry- hangings of the curious needle-work of his Providence. Such Wisdom dwells with Prudence and finds out the knowledge of witty inventions. All the curiosities of Art and the cunning devices of Artificers are from God : the swarthy Plowman derives his seasons and management of his lands, tillage and culture from Heaven : the women that sit at the wheel, turn it about by the direction of God for the ornaments of the Tabernacle : The weaver, the embroiderer and the ingenious lapidary learnt all in the school which is above the stars ; the most admirable of all inventions have dropt into tlie fancy from the Celestial intelligence. For what the vain unthinking world calls casualty is a graft upon the minds of men cut from the trees of Paradise. ***** And shall we not think that infinite wisdom cannot always present new and ravishing wonders of mercies 103 upon the stage from him who is unconceivable in Counsel and as admirable in working? When we study in this Library we still find new lines and new editions; we sail upon new coasts and see new stars as in the Southern hemisphere, and enjoy a new set of Creatures, and smell at many leagues distant fragrant odoriferous scents ; as of Cinnamon from the mountains of Ceylon in India; of Rosemary from Spain ; Cedar from Lebanon, that p in the sixt3--eighth 3'ear of his age, lamented as a public loss in all the Churches in the country. Ke was a son of the Rev. Roland Cotton, of Sandwich, Mass., born in 1698, graduated at Har- vard College in 1717, and was therefore onl}' twenty- three 3'ears of age when he assumed the Pastoral OflSce in Bristol. His father was a grandson of the Rev. John Cotton, above mentioned, and one of several Congregational Ministers whom this family produced, all of whom were eminent for their piet}^ and usefulness. His 3'ounger brother, Josi ah, gradu- ated at Harvard in 1722, and was ordained Pastor of the Beneficient Church in Providence, 1728, Octo- ber 23d, which office he held for several 3'ears, and was afterwards settled at Woburn, Mass., and Sandown, N. H., and died 1780, Ma}- 27, aged sevent3'-eight 3'ears. Not long after his settlement he married the widow of Mr. William Sanford, of Newport, and lived, it is supposed, in the house on State street, which had b^en previousl}^ occupied b3' Mr. Spar- hawk, and, after his decease, by his widow. His Ministiy was continued under the embarrass- ments which grew out of the McSparran difficulties ^ until his strength failed, and he sank to an early grave 1729, Jul}^ 3d, in the thirt3'-first 3'ear of his age. But, though troubled and brief, his Ministry 118 was fruitful in good results. Man}' were added to the Church on Profession of Faith, others " owned the Covenant," and over a hundred children and adults were baptized. The House of Worship was also thoroughly- repaired and improved, and the cour- age and hope of the church failed not. The Rev. Mr. Burt says of him, " he was a man of singular prudence, of admirable patience, and for the cause of Truth and Righteousness he was as bold as a lion, and his name continued fresh in the memories and exceeding dear and precious to his people." He made his grave with his beloved flock, and a Memorial stone was erected with the following in- scription : Here lies the remains of The rev. MR. NATHANIEL COTTON, M. A., and Pastor of ye Church in this Town. Born at Sandwich, June ye 16, 1698, 2d son of ye late Rev. Mk. Roland Cotton, and his wife Eliz., only daughter of ye Hon. Nathaniel Sallonstall, Esq., of Haverhill. Took his degrees at H. College 1717 and 1720. Ordained here Aug. 30, 1721. Married ye relect of Mk. William Sanford, of Newport, By whom he had 4 sons and 4 daughters. Died here July 3d, 1729, Greatly Valued and Lamented. 119 BARNABAS TAYLOR. FOURTH PASTOR. Shortl}' after the decease of Mr. Cotton, the Church and Town, with a remarkable degree of unanimit}', united in calling the Rev. Barnabas -Tay- lor, voting him two hundred pounds for settle- ment, and a 3'early salary of one hundred and forty pounds, together with the use or income of the Ministry lands and the Strangers' Contribution. The call was accepted and he was duly installed the fourth Pastor, 1729, December 25th. There are no Church records during his Ministry and we have no means of knowing anv fruits of his labors. Mr. Burt says, " he was much admired at first;" but for some cause respecting which the record is silent he failed to give satisfaction, and, by the advice of an Ecclesiastical Council, was dismissed 1740, June 3d. 11 120 IV. PEACE AND PROSPERITY.— 1740-1775. JOHN BURT. FIFTH PASTOR. Very soon after the dismission of Mr. Taj'^lor, the Rev. John Burt was introduced to the Church, and began to preach in July, 1740, as a candidate for settle- ment. On the 1 7th of November following, he was unanimously chosen to the Pastoral office. On the 5th of Januar}', 1741, the Town voted unanimousl}^ to con- cur in the Church's choice, and for his support proposed a j^early salarj^ of two hundred and lift}' pounds in silver money, at twent3-eight shillings per ounce or its equivalent in paper currenc}', the Strangers' Contribution, and the improvement of the Parson- age house and Ministry lands. The call was accepted, and on the 13th of May, 1741, he was duly ordained and installed the fifth Pastor by a Council consisting of the Elders and Messengers of Churches in Boston, Newport, Little Compton, Dighton, Rehoboth, Attle- borough and Providence. The sermon on the occa- sion was preached by himself, from 2d Cor. v. 20. The charge to the Pastor was given by the Rev. Mr. Webb, of Boston, who was the Pastor of his child- hood and the Instructor of his riper years. The right hand of fellowship was given by the Rev. Mr. Turner, of Rehoboth. And the pra3^er was offered by the Rev. Mr. Fisher, of Dighton, the Moderator of the Council. 121 Mr. Burt was a native of Boston ; born 1716, gi-aduated at Harvard College, 173G,at twenty years of age. After gradnartion he pursued his studies for the Ministry under the direction of his Pastor. lie remained in the Pastorate to the day of his death, 1775, October 7th, in the thirt3'-fifth year of his Ministry and the fifty-ninth year of his age. His house was on Hope street, near the present mansion of Mrs. Scott Greene. During the attack of the British on the town, 1777, May 25th, this was the first house which was fired and destroj'ed. On taking charge of the Church he gathered what information he could respecting its histor}' and pre- sent condition, and prefaced an account to a book of records which he faithfully kept during his entire ministry, and for neatness of copy and fullness they are much in advance of any kept by his predeces- sors. At the beginning of his Ministry seventj'-seven names appear on his record as being at that time members in full communion. Additions were con- tinually made, and, at his death, sixtj'-five members had been received to full communion, one hundred and eighteen others had " owned Covenant," and five hundred and twent3'-six children and adults had been baptized. His Ministr}' was eminenth^ successful. A faith- ful, bold and earnest preacher, and a judicious coun- sellor and friend, he won the respect of all classes, and enjoyed, in a marked degree, the confidence and affection of his people. This period was emphati- cally one of peace and prosperity. The bitterness 122 of the McSparran controversey had greatly abated ; measures for the support of the Gospel were adopted which were generally satisfactory, and a stead}^ devotion to the cause of Christ produced its fruits of joy and harmon}^ In 1746, by Commissioners, the Town of Bristol, with four other towns, was set off from Massachusetts and annexed to Rhode Island. As by the funda- mental law of this State, the support of religious institutions could only be b}^ voluntary contribution, the Church could no longer look to the town for sup- port as formerl}^, but must rely upon its own special friends and helpers. But, previous to this, an arrangement w^as made with the town, whereby those who chose to have their Ministry taxes go towards the support of the Ministr}^ of another order could do so by properly signifjdng their wish to the town authorities. On the 7th of October, 1775, there passed away from earth this Pastor beloved. Tenderl}" was his body laid awa}" to rest in the cemetery on the Com- mon, where sleep the mortal remains of Sparhawk and Cotton, and as a tribute to his memory a tablet witt the following inscription was erected by his mourning people : 123 S:icr(?d to the IMemory of the REV. JOHN BURT, A. M., l)()rn in Boston, educated at Harvard University; Ordained pastor of the Congi-egalional Church in Bristol, May 13, A. D. 1741. He died aged 59 on the 7th of Oct. 1775, in the evening of the ever memorable Bombardment of this Town by a British Squadron. He was the noble advocate of Civil Liberty and relic/ioiis Fi-eedom, and a faithful Pastor to f lis Flock. His Parishioners from a sincere respect for his many virtues, and a just veneration of his excellent character have erected this Monument to his Memory. 124 HALTING OF THE WORK.— 1775-1785. THE FLOCK SCATTERED « WITHOUT A SHEPHERD. In 1775, Bristol was a flourishing commercial town witli a population which numbered about twelve hundred and fifty. On the breaking out of the Revo- lutionary war, the town took prompt measures to perform its part in the memorable conflict, and its history during this period is one of thrilling interest. " Some time during the summer, a British squadron arrived in Newport, and lay there until the 7th of October, on the morning of which day an express arrived here with the news that the squadron was getting under weigh at Newport, with the intention of sailing to Bristol. This news caused much alarm and confusion throughout the town. The day of the occurrence was unusually pleasant. About three o'clock in the afternoon, the squadron, consisting of three ships of war, named the Rose, the Gaspee, and the Eskew, with a bomb brig and a schooner, was seen standing up the bay in full sail, with a gen- tle breeze to the south. Shortly after sunset they were anchored in our harbor, making a displa}^ such as never was seen here before or since. Wallace, in the Rose, took the lead, run up and anchored within a cable's length of Market wharf. The Gaspee next came up and anchored about a cable's length to the 125 south. The other attempting to go farther south grounded on the middle ground. The schooner ran up and anchored opposite the bridge. At eight o'clock a ro3'al salute was fired from the flag ship. Short!}' after the salute a barge left the flag ship, and was pulled in to the wharf where a large number of the citizens were congregated. The commanding officer having stepped upon the wharf, communicated the fact that Captain James Wallace, commander of the squadron, had sent him with a demand for forty sheep and a pair of oxen ; and if the}' were refused he should fire upon the town. The Town Council were immediatel}- called together, and the demand of the British was daid before them. After some discussion upon the subject the Council decided that the demand was unreasonable, and that the}' would not comply with it. 'Is this your final answer?' asked the commander. ' Yes, yes,' shouted many unfaltering voices in reply. The officer immediately jumped into the barge and pulled towards the shij). In a short time after the barge returned, the report of a cannon, fired from the flag ship, was heard. The other ships then commenced firing upon the town, and the flashes of the cannon, the whistling of the balls through the air, the bursting of bombs, was a scene terrible in the extreme. The bomb brig threw carcasses (machines made of iron hoops and filled with all manner of combustibles) to set fire to the town. They were thrown up nearly perpendicular, with a tremendous tail to them, and when they fell to the ground they blazed up several yards high." 126 "■ Horror and dismay were depicted on ever^' conn- tenauce, women and children crying and screaming were seen running through the streets in every direc- tion to seek some place of safet}\ Many of them were removed to the farms and remote parts of the town while the balls were whistling over their heads as they went. The firing continued for about an hour when a citizen standing upon a point of land which made off some distance in the harbor, suc- ceeded in hailing the commander of the squadron, and the firing was suspended. An epidemic was raging in town, which had proved fatal in many cases, and at this time three persons la}^ dead in their dwellings, while the remains of Governor Bradford's wife had been buried but the day before. Letters were sent on board stating these facts and promising to comply with the demand if the}' would stop firing. One account says : ' While preparations were being made to send the sheep on board. Captain Martin, of Seekonk, arrived with a compau}' of men and pro- tested they should not be sent. Bringing his field pieces upon a small eminence that commanded the ba}^, he commenced firing upon the enemy's shipping. Opposed thus unexpectedly and placed now at a dis- advantage to renew the contest, the ships of Wallace made their wa}' back to Newport.' But from the town records it appears that the town paid for sheep furnished by citizens and delivered to Captain Wal- lace ; and an account written by an eye witness sa^'s, ' In the morning we returned to our dwellings, and on coming up Main stree we saw the British squadron 127 standing ont of the harbor bound to Newport.' If Wallace was defeated and driven out by Martin, it could not have been until the next morning." "It is wonderful that there was no person killed. There were many hair breadth escapes from death. A little lad three and one-half years old, accompan}- ing his mother in flight, a cannon ball struck the limb of a tree on their left hand which, severed from the trunk, fell directl}^ at their side. As Governor Bradford, who in the name of the town refused com- pliance with the demand for sheep and cattle, was returning to his house through his garden, as he was climbing the fence, the board on which his hand rested was knocked from his grasp b}' a cannon ball. A man went to a well to get water to put out one of the "carcasses" which fell near his house, and he had scarcel}' left the well when a cannon ball struck the curb which was shattered to pieces." " The onl}' person who died during this attack was the Rev. John Burt, who was afterwards found dead l3ing on his face on a hill of corn. A nine pound shot was dug from the earth at a short distance from him, and in an exact range of him and the ship, but no marks of its effects w^ere found upon his bod}-. An inquest was held before Daniel Bradford, Esq., coroner, and the verdict of the Jur}- was, that ' he, being for sometime past sick and languid, was sur- prised b}' a cannonading upon the town of Bristol, on the evening before his heath, abdicated his house, attended b}^ nobody, either got lost and bewildered, or was seized by some sudden fit and so came to his death.' " 128 The day following was Sunday, and a day of sol- emn sadness to the people who gathered in the Sanctuary and learned that the voice of their beloved Pastor was hushed in death. A great gloom settled over the community, and many hearts bowed to God in tearful pra} er. The thoughts of the people were now chiefly given up to the war. But the few families who were not driven abroad made great efforts to keep the pulpit supplied during most of this gloom}^ period. The following ministers officiated, viz. : the Rev. Messrs. Amasa Leonard, George Morey, Huntingdon Por- ter, Joseph Davis, Allen Olcott, Eliphalit Porter, Thomas Roby, Samuel Shuttlesworth, Henry Channing, Asa Piper, and Jude Damon. On the 25th of May, 1777, the town received the severest blow of the war. In the morning ^'- about five hundred British and Hessian troops, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, started from Newport in a ship of war. Before daylight they anchored about half a mile south of Peck's rocks, on the west side of Pappoosquaw. The}" immed- iately landed and marched tllrough Warren to the Kickamuit river. A number of boats belonging to the State had been collected here. The British heaped these boats together and burnt them. They then marched back to Warren where they took a number of prisoners and burned the Baptist Church, a powder magazine, and a number of dwelling houses. They delayed here but a short time, as the}^ feared an attack from the American militia. They then 129 marched dowu the main road to Bristol, plundering houses and taking the men prisoners. The inhabi- tants of Bristol were filled with consternation, as on account of the special enmit}- of tlfe British to this town they had ever}' reason to expect the most severe treatment. At this time a regiment of militia, com- manded b}^ Colonel Gary, and a company- of artiller}', Captain Pearce, were stationed in the town. The militia were quartered in different dwelling houses on Hope street, and the artillery in a house on the corner of Hope and Burton streets. Word was brought to the commander of the troops that a large force of British were coming down the main road. Their numbers were probabl}' much exaggerated. As he had but about three hundred and fift}' men he deemed it advisable not to engage with the British, and accordingl}' marched his men out of town to the back road. The artiller}^ company' marched up Bur- ton street to Wood street and there halted." " Meanwhile the British entered the town. The}' continued to make all the men prisoners, but re- frained from injuring the houses until the}' reached the large dwelling house where the Rev. Mr. Burt had lived, which they burnt to the gi'ound. The work of destruction thus commenced soon became general. The houses in which the troops had been quartered were all burnt. On the east side of Hope street all the houses were burnt, from Mr. Burts' to Byfield street except the Oxx house. On the west side all to the Episcopal Chmxh, which was also burnt. The square below the Church was then a 130 meadow, unoccupied with buildings. Eighteen dwellings and a number of other buildings were de- stroyed, and between thirty and forty men were taken prisoners. "- " As soon as the British landed, an express was sent to General Sullivan in Providence, intelligence reaching him about eight o'clock in the morning. By his direction. Colonel Barton, with a few horsemen, started for Bristol. The regiment which had marched to the back road returned down Mount lane, and passing down High street marched in pursuit of the British who were then crossing Walker's bridge. As soon as the enemy made their appearance the artil- lery commenced firing upon them, and pursued them to the Feny, firing all the time. By the blood in the road it was supposed that a considerable number of the British were killed or wounded. A large num- ber of militia now poured into the town, but they were too late to be of an}^ service. The ship which brought the British from Newport, after having sent a boat on shore and taken captive Captain Westcott and nine American privates who were on Pappoo- squaw got under weigh, and sailed to the Ferry for the purpose of taking off the British, which was suc- cessfully accomplished." " This attack of the British left the town in a wretched condition. Nearly every house on the principal street was reduced to ashes. It is probable that if the British had not been closely pursued they would have burnt the entire town. In addition to the loss of their houses, the inhabitants were obliged 131 to endure povert}- and want, as provisions were scarce and prices consequently high. A large num- ber of soldiers were constantly quartered among them, and they were obliged to submit to all the inconveniences of a garrisoned town. They were kept in a state of continued alarm, and their slum- bers were broken nearl}^ ever3' night. The fences were all torn down for fuel, and the land for nearly two miles out of town laid waste. Many of the in habitants left their homes taking their personal effects with them." Under these tr3ing circumstances, continued through the period of the war, it could hardly be otherwise that Zion should languish, and the work of building her walls halt and almost cease. But though cast down she was not destroj^ed. Her life, though feeble, still breathed, and in due time a brighter da}' dawned. The foreo'oiuor account is chieflv condensed from *' Annals of Bristol," a series of papers published in " The Bristol Phenix, " in 1845. 12 132 YI. THE WORK RESUMED.— 1785-1812. THE CATHOLIC SOCIETY ORGANIZED. At the close of the war, as soon as the town began to rally from its long prostration, the friends of the Congregational Church took measures to resume with new vigor the work of building up Zion. Some of the leading members of the Congregation at a meeting, 1783, March 31st, opened a scheme for a fund, "the annual interest of which to be appro- priated for the support of an Orthodox Congrega- tional Minister." At a meeting, 1784, September 6th, it was voted to petition the General Assembly for an Act of Incorporation. The Charter of the " Catholic Congregational Society, of Bristol, R. I.," was granted by the Gen- eral Assembly of the State, 1784, October 4th, " for the purpose of raising a fund bN' free and voluntary subscriptions, contributions, legacies and donations, for the support of public worship in the Congrega- tional Society in the town of Bristol, of which the Rev. John Burt was the late Pastor." By the terms of the Charter the Society were re- stricted to the raising of mone^^s for the purposes named onh^, " by free and voluntary subscription, contribution, legacy or donation." And if ever there shall be a less number than nine members, then 133 " all money's, bonds, mortgages, deeds, notes, obliga- tions, books and papers of eveiy kind, together with all the estate, both real and personal, whatsoever at that time belonging to the said Catholic Society, shall be given up to and the sole propert}^ thereof be vested in the Congregational Society aforesaid, for whose use and benefit the said Catholic Society- is instituted." This Societ}^ have continued to act in cooperation with the Church to the present day. The " Ministr}- Lands," originally entrusted to the town, naturally and properly fell to the care of the Catholic Society, and all the arrangements for the support of the Gos- pel Ministr}^ and for meeting the current expenses of the Church are under its direction. ERECTION OF THE SECOND HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Soon after the organization of the Catholic Societj^, measures were taken for the erection of a new^ house of worship. The site chosen was at the corner of Hope and Bradford streets. The house was raised, 1784, June 12th, and was finished and dedicated to Almighty God, 1785, January 5th, the day of the ordination of the Rev. Henry Wight. The house was of the st^ie of architecture common at that period, with square pews, high pulpit. Deacon's seat in front, and sounding board overhead. At a later period it was thoroughly renovated in the interior by substituting for the square pews the modern style of slips, and neatly covering the walls with " hard finish." It served the congregation until the erection 134 of the present house in 1856, when it was given to the town, who removed it to its present site, on the north side of Bradford street, and having thoronglil}^ remodeled the interior, with but little change in the exterior, have since used it for Town purposes. HENRY WIGHT, D. D. SIXTH PASTOR. The Rev. Henry Wight, born iiiMedfield, Mass., in 1753, graduated at Harvard College in 1782, began to preach here 1784, March 14th, and being unanimousl}' chosen to the Pastoral office with the hearty concurrence of the newly formed Catholic Society, he was ordained 1785, January 5th, in con- nection with the interesting services of dedicating the new house of worship. The sermon on this occasion was by the Rev. Thomas Prentiss, Pastor of the Church in Medfield, Mass., in which Mr. Wight was baptized in infanc}' and had passed his earl}^ 3^ears, from the text 2 Corinthians, vi. 3, 4. The ordaining praj^er and charge to the Pastor were by the Rev. Solomon Townsend, of Barrington, and the Right-hand of Fellowship by the Rev. Robert RoGERSON, of Rehoboth, Mass. Very soon after the installation of Mr. Wight, the list of Churcli members was revised, and was found to contain thirt3'-six names of persons then living, of whom seven were males and twent^^-nine were females. On the 21st of March, 1785, the custom of " owning Covenant" w^hich had previousl}^ prevailed was abolished by the following votes : 135 "Voted, that the half-way Covenant is not consistent with the spirit of the Gospel, and a liindrance to vital piety. " Voted, that hereafter this Church will have but one Covenant for admission of members to the'r body." Dr. Wight continued in the sole pastorate of the Church until 1815, November 13th, when the Rev. Joel Mann was ordained as Colleague Pastor. On the 11th of November, 1828, at his own request, he was dismissed by an Ecclesiastical Council, but con- tinued to reside among his people to the da}' of his death, in August, 1837, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His residence was at the corner of High and Bradford streets, the house now occupied b}- "^Villiam H. Spooner, Esq. His family consisted of several sons and daughters, who grew up in the Christian faith, and adorned the stations of life which they were called to fill. The eldest, John B. Wight, was ordained Pastor of the Congi-egational Church in East Sudburj^ Mass., 1815, Januarj- 25th. The sermon on the occasion, which was published with the other parts of the services by the Church, was from Matthew xxviii. 20, by the Rev. Joseph McKean, LL. D., Professor in Harvard College. The Charge to the Pastor was by his father. From 1793 to 1833, Dr. Wight was a member of the Board of Fellows of Brown University-, and in 1811 received from thence the degree of Doctor in Divinit3\ His ministry, continuing for nearly half a century, longer than that of any other pastor, was character- 136 ized by Catholicity in intercourse with other denomi- nations, and an amiability of spirit and fidelity to his convictions of right, which won respect and con- fidence. He took an active interest in the political questions of the day, and did not hesitate to intro- duce topics of this nature in his pulpit ministrations, which offended some whose views differed from his and led to their withdrawal from the Society. He was singularl}^ faithful in recording all the votes of the Church, and even the informal proceedings of Conferences and Committee meetings. He also kept for many years quite a full record of current events in the town, particularly of marriages and deaths, and this book has alread}- proved to be of invaluable worth in proving titles to property and to the boun- ties and pay of soldiers and others who died in the Governmental service. During the sole pastorate of Dr. Wight, there were two hundred and twent^'-eight additions to the Church membership, and a large number of children and adults were baptized. His memor}^ is precious to the aged few who yet survive to recall his labors in the days of his strength. The marks of his influence are indelibly traced in the character of the communitj^ ; and in the great day of account we doubt not it will be said of this man, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the jo}" of thy Lord." His mortal remains rest in the Juniper Hill Ceme- tery, and over his grave is erected a memorial stone with the following inscription : 137 "The Grave of REV. HEXRY WIGHT, D. D., Born in MedfieJd, Mass., May 26, 1752. Graduated at Harvard College, 1782: Settled over the Cong. Church in this place Jan. 5, 1785, Deceased Aug. 12, 1837, in the 86th year of his age, and the 53d of his ministi-y. Faithful and kind in the duties of his sacred office. Affectionate and tender in the relations of domestic life, his memory is precious to his surviving kindred and people. With long life was he satisfied and his end was peace. Remember Hie words which I spake, unto you while I was yet present with you.'*'' 138 VII. THE PERIOD OF REVIVALS.— 1812-1830. THE REVIVAL OF 1812. Revivals of Religion of remarkable depth and power were enjoj^ed by man}^ of the Churches of New England during the earl}- part of the present cen- tury. The first signal awakening of this description in this town began to be developed in the summer of 1812, and was promoted through the united efforts of all the Churches among whom there prevailed a delightful harmon3\ The Rev. Isaac Lewis, D. D., of New York, as he was journeying with his wife for her health, tarried for a night in Bristol. Learning of the interesting state of the public mind on the subject of personal religion, he was induced to remain a few da3^s to participate in the good work. It was arranged that he should preach on a week day in the Congrega- tional house, and notice of the service was circulated as far as practicable. As the hour of meeting ap- proached the people en masse turned from their shops, their farms and their homes, and flocked to the Sanctuar3\ An air of solemnity and earnestness pervaded the crowded assembl}'. Even those who came from curiosity, or from an impulse which they could hardl}^ define, as they crossed the threshold of 139 the House of God, were deeph' impressed with the thought that it was au hour of supreme importance to them. The preacher felt the inspiration of the occasion, and preached from the text " Remember now th}' Creator in the daj'S of th}* 3'outh," Eccles. xii. 1. The vast audience were deepl}' moved. Man}' were convicted of sin and a number then and there resolved to be at peace with God. From this time the Revival progi'essed in depth and power, and the labors of Dr. Lewis, in coopera- tion with the pastors, were greatly blessed. Many were converted. Persons who had grown old in sin, broken hearted turned unto the Lord and received pardon. Men and women encompassed by the cares of this world and eager I3" pursuing its riches were arrested to care for their never-dying souls and to obtain the enduring riches of heaven. Young men and maidens in the vigor of their strength laid their all upon the altar of God and entered upon the Christian service. For man}' months the whole interest of the people was absorbed in this mighty work of the Spirit, and the incidents connected with it remained the subject of delightful and thankful record while an}- of the generation lived who had been made partakers of it. The influence of this Revival extended to other towns and Churches, and in many places its impres- sions were indellible. At one time, a part}- of 3'oung men from west of the Bay came in a boat for the express purpose of having a "rollicking time," and to disturb the meetings. The Spirit of God met 140 them here and some of the number were converted, returned home to carry the good influence with them, and became eminent!}' devoted Christians. All the Churches in Bristol shared in this glorious Revival. The venerable Dr. Griswold, Rector of St. Michael's Espiscopal Church, was also Bishop of the Diocese which then embraced all the New Eng- land States. Entering cordially into the work, his influence was felt not onl}^ in his own Church, which, under his Ministry and the holy influence that per- vaded the town, glowed with large results of the Divine Blessing, but throughout the Diocese giving new character and life to many of the Churches. Around him as a leader and example gathered the evangelical elements of the body, and from his Minis- try and Episcopate, the distinguishing sentiments of the Evangelical party received their organized shape and tone. Dr. Wight, the pastor of this Church, being ad- vanced in life, from the infirmities of age, could do but little beside the routine work of his calling. Under these circumstances Dr. Lewis was employed as an assistant for a period of six months, and invited to settle as Colleague Pastor. This he de- clined, but during his temporary engagement insti- tuted a class for Doctrinal instruction, embracing over a hundred persons, chiefly converts of the Revival in our congregation. The class met weekly and recited lessons from the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. These were accompanied by familiar but elaborate lectures on the doctrines of the Bible Ul By this means Christians were rooted and grounded in the faith, and an Evangelical tone teas given to the Church ichich has ever since characterized it. The fruits of this gracious Revival Mere remarka- bly permanent and abiding. The Sabbath services Tvere crowded with attendants. The congregations were serious, earnest, and engaged in worship. The people listened to the faithful preaching of the Gospel with unbroken interest. The meetings for private worship and instruction in the week were well attended. A religious spirit was the ver}^ atmos- phere of the place, and the people were united, ready and earnest in every good work. This was the immediate fruit and influence of the great revival of 1812. To the few surviving subjects of it, the recollection to this da}^ is most precious. Their countenances are animated with jo}', and their lips are tremulous with grateful emotion, as they speak of the gracious scenes of this remarkable awakening sixty 3xars ago. JOEL MANN. SEVENTH PASTOK. The great revival of 1812 and its results, prepared the wa}' for the settlement of the Rev. Joel Mann, the Seventh Pastor, 1815, November loth, as a Colleague with Dr. Wight. He was a native of Oxford, N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1812. He remained in the Pastoral office until 1826, September 14th, when^ at his request, he was dismissed by Ecclesiastical Council, and was after- wards settled in Kingston, Greenwich, Conn., and Salem, Mass. 142 His Ministry was eminently successful, and was particularly distinguished for the institution of the Sabbath School, the great revival of 1820, and the erection of " the Hall," accounts of which are given farther on. He is still living in a remarkabl}^ vigor- ous old age in Brooklyn, N. Y., and is cordially received by his friends and former parishioners on his annual visits to the town. His residence here was on Bradford street, a few rods east from the present Parsonage, in a house recently owned and occupied by Messadore T. Bennett, Esq., which was destroyed by fire on the 4th of July, 1870. THE SABBATH SCHOOL BEGUN. The Sabbath school was first instituted in the town of Bristol in the spring of 1815. Miss Susan Wyatt, associating with herself three others, viz. : Miss Mary A. Bourne, Miss Abby Monroe, and Miss Wait}^ Sanford, opened a school on Sunday afternoons at five o'clock in the school room of her father, Mr. Stutely Wyatt, on High street. This school continued in successful operation until the approach of winter when it was discontinued. The following 3'ear^ 1816, Miss Mary T. Borden (afterwards Mrs. Nathaniel Gladding,) opened a school in the south-west basement room of the house on Hope street, now owned and occupied by James E. French, Esq., where she also kept a da}^ school for many years. Here for several years Miss Bor- den, assisted by members of the Church, gave Sab- 143 bath iDstruction to the young. From a small beginning the school grew in interest and importance until in 1820, June 26th, the Church, b}^ a formal vote, took the school under its own charge, appointed a com- mittee to conduct its affairs, and chose teachers for the several classes. From this time to the present the school has been under the fostering care of the Church, and is re- garded not as a separate institution but as a field of labor for which the Church is responsible. The Superintendent, nominated by the teachers, is elected by the Church at the annual meeting, and to the Church he makes an annual report of its condition. Previous to 1865, the school was held successively in private rooms and in the various "Halls" that had been provided for conference meetings, etc. But the growth of the school made it necessary to secure a larger place for its sessions, and in the autumn of that year the school was transferred to the House of Worship and was soon doubled in num bers. Here its sessions were regularly held until the completion of the " Memorial Chapel" in 1870, in whose beautiful and convenient rooms it has at last found a Home. A library of about six hundred volumes is con- nected with the school, arranged in three departr ments, Youths', Intermediate, and Adult, to which additions are annuall}- made. THE REVIVAL OF 1820. During the Winter and Spring of 1819-20, another 13 144 season of extraordinary refreshing from on higli was enjoyed. Previous to its manifestation there was nothing special to awaken expectations of it, save that in the weekly meetings of conference and prayer and the Sabbath services an earnest evangelical spirit prevailed, the habit of family- pra^'er was generally maintained, and songs of praise were heard in the evening hour from many an habitation. Re- specting the progress of this Revival the pastor, the Rev. Joel Mann, writes as follows : " The meetings became more frequent, and as room in a private house was not sufiicient to accommodate the people, they were transferred to the second story of a cabi- net-maker's shop. Here was disphiyed the power and grace of God, from day to day, in a signal manner. It was the place in which many submitted to the Lord, and found joy and peace in believing. " This room became so filled as to be uncomfortable, and another, over a carriage house, was prepared and seated at considerable expense. "This proving too strait, meetings were held in the church, and at length the large room m the Court House was obtained, which was occupied and filled from evening to evening for many weeks, until needed for a session of the court. Here cases of conscience were tried and de- cided. Here the Omniscient Judge presided, and trembling sinners were arraigned and made to feel and acknowledge their guilt. Here long-standing controversies were settled between Him and them. Here violators of divine law were convicied, owned the justice of their iiondemnation, submitted to the disposal of the Judge, and obtained par- doning mercy. The pleadings of God's people were heard, and the blessings for which they sued were granted. The voices of converts proclaimed the riches of divine grace, 145 the wonders of redeeming love, and songs of praise burst forth on every side. The Lord Jesus lield His court there, presented an indictment to the conscience of many a sin- ner, made him plead guilty, and then discharged him with full and free forgiveness. The scenes enacted there made a new swell of joy in heaven, and brought glory and praise to the divine head of the Church." As in the Revival of 1812, so in this the work was shared by all the Chujches in town, and a delightful spirit of Catholic union prevailed. Bishop Gris- wold, the Rector of St. Michael's Church, had, under his charge, several students for the Ministr3-, among whom was the venerable Stephen H. T^'ng, Sr.,D. D., of New York city. Being suddenly prostrated by sickness, the responsibility of guiding inquirers, holding conference and prayer meetings, etc., de- volved largely upon these students who, under the blessing of the Spirit in this remarkable work, received an impulse and a tone of piet^' which, in subsequent years, distinguished them as Evangelical preachers and earnest winners of souls. The name of Dr. Tyng especialh' is familiar to all, and the thrilling watchword, " Stand up for Jesus," uttered by his son in a dying hour, furnished the inspiration of one of the sweetest songs of Zion, sung in ever}^ land and language where the storj^ of the Cross is told. ERECTION OF *' THE HALL." Conference meetings and lectures were first held in private houses and in the Pastor's study or par- 146 lor ; but at length the time arrived when a room in a private house no longer answered the wants of the people and resort was had successively to several halls. The first hall used for this purpose was owned by Joseph Brown, Esq., and stood near the present site of the Methodist Church on State street. It was in the second story, and was also used as a school room by Mr. Wj^att Manchester until his decease. The lower stor}^ was used for storing lumber. This was known as the " Blue Hall, " until it was sold, re- moved to '^ the Neck," and made over into a dwell- ing house. On leaving the " Blue Hall," a small hall in the second story of another building on State street was rented for a short time, but it proving too strait for the wants of the people it was abandoned, and the Court house on the Common was obtained for use, excepting when needed for Court business. This arrangement not proving satisfactor}^, meas- ures were taken in the spring of 1821 to erect a Conference Hall. This was completed earl}" in the winter of 1821-2, at a cost of about seven hundred and twenty dollars, under the supervision of Benja- min Wyatt, Benjamin Norris, and Giles Luther, as a Building Committee. It was located near the Parsonage, on the north side of Bradford street. It was a plain structure, measuring fort}' by thirty fee% with ten feet walls and an arched ceiling. It was furnished with plain wooden seats, but originally the seats on either side of the desk were considerably 147 higher than the rest, and were occupied by the elder and more prominent members of the Chnrch. One of the builders wished to have it called " Puritan Hall," and cut those words with considerable care on what he designed for the corner stone, but another with iconoclastic tendencies broke the stone in pieces with a maul, so the edifice was ever spoken of as simply '^ The Hall." This Hall served the congregation for more than fort\' years, and was the scene of man}- seasons of spiritual refreshing. The farewell meeting held in it, 1870, February- 20th, was one of peculiar interest. The room was filled to overflowing. The time was occupied with grateful reminiscences connected with the Hall, and with praise and praj-er. After two hours thus occupied, all who had been converted in this Hall or b}' impressions received in it were re- quested to rise, and about one-third of the entire assembly responded. It was a most afl^ecting testi- mony to the goodness of God experienced within those hallowed walls. ISAAC LEWIS, D. D. EIGHTH PASTOR. After the dismission of Mr. Mann, the hearts of the people turned to the Rev. Isaac Lewis, D. D., whose labors in the Revival of 1812 were so signally blessed, by which he was greatl}' endeared to them. With heart}' unanimit}' he was called to the Pastoral office and installed 1828, November 12th. He re sided on Hope street, in the house now owned and occupied by the heirs of the late Major Jacob Bab- 148 bitt. He remained in office until a failnre of voice compelled him to retire, much to the regret of his people, 1831, September 28. After his dismis- sion he resided in the family of his daughter in New York. Dr. Lewis, and a brother Zechariah, were twin sons of the Rev. Isaac Lewis, D. D., Sr., born in Wilton, Conn., 1773, January 1st, and were botji graduated at Yale College in 1794. The father was a son of a worthy and respectable farmer in Huntington, Conn., born in 1746, and graduated at Yale College in 1765. His conversion was during his junior 3'ear in college under the fol- lowing remarkable circumstances : At that time the w^hole college was poisoned through the villainy of certain French neutrals. These fellows had taken mortal offence at the conduct of a few wild students, and, though ever}" reasonable effort at reconciliation was made the}' refused to be reconciled, meditating the most deadl}' revenge. To accomplish their pur- pose the}^ contrived to visit the kitchen at which the food of the students was prepared, and infused a large quantity of arsenic into one of the dishes that was to be placed before them. A deadly sickness came over all who had eaten of the dish, but by an immediate resort to medical aid most of them were cured, a few were so much affected that the}' died shortly after. Very soon after this the evangelist Whitefield visited New Haven, and preached in the College Chapel, and made use of this event as a solemn admonition. A profound impression was 149 made upon the whole college, and man}- of the stu- dents were hopefulh' converted, among them the subject of this notice. After graduation he pursued theological studies under the direction of the Rev. Samuel Buell, of East Hampton, L. I., and of his pastor the Rev. Mr. Mills, of Huntington. Receiv- ing calls to settle at Newport, R. I., and Wilton, Conn., he accepted the latter, and was ordained 1768, October 26th, and was married the same 3-ear to Hannah, eldest daughter of Matthew Beale, of New Preston, Conn., a lady every way suited to the sta- tion to which her marriage introduced her. Durino- the Revolutionary struggle he espoused his country's cause with great zeal, served seven months as chap- lain to one of the Connecticut regiments, and after the State troops were disbanded was appointed chap- lain in the Continental army, but his people beino- unwilling to spare him again he declined the appoint- ment. A few years subsequent to this he labored arduously for a season in a missionar}- tour to the destitute fields in the vicinity of Doi'set, Vt. Durino- his residence in Wilton, he was invited to take charge of a congregation in South Carolina, but de- clined it, chiefly on the ground of his -^ strong dis- approbation of the system of slavery." Becomino- satisfied that the prevailing practice of " the half- way Covenant" was wrong, he took a stand against it, occasioning dissatisfaction among his people and finally leading to his dismission in June, 1786, after a Ministry of nearly eighteen years. On the da}- of his dismission he was invited to preach at Green- 150 wich, Conn., and was soon after called to the Pas- torate which he accepted, and was installed 1786, October 18th. After a highly successful ministry, by which he was greatly endeared to his people, he was dismissed, at his own urgent request, on account of the infirmities of age, 1818, December 1st, but he continued to dwell among his people, and to labor for their welfare as his strength would allow until his decease, 1840, August 27th, at the advanced age of nearly ninety-five years. In 1792 he received from his alma mater the degree of Doctor in Divinity. In 1816 he was chosen a member of the corporation of Yale College. He had a prominent agency in man}^ of the benevolent movements of the day, and was connected with most of the prominent societies then existing for the extension of the Gospel and the promotion of the great interests of humanity. Dr* Lewis and his wife were the parents of nine chil- dren, six sons and three daughters. Of the five sons who lived to maturity, three were educated at Yale College, two entered the Ministr}', and three were lawjxTS. Their mother died 1829, April 13th. Zechariah, one of the twin brothers, studied theolog}" at Philadelphia, Pa., and was, at the same time, a private tutor in the family of General Wash- ington. In 1746 he was licensed to preach, but accepted the oflSce of tutor in Yale College, where he continued until a failure of health compelled him to resign in the summer of 1799. Not recovering health suflScient to enter upon the Ministry, he became edi- tor of " the Commercial Advertiser " and " New 151 York Spectator," and remained in this employment till about the year 1820. He was subsequently cor- responding secretar}' of the " New York Religious Tract Society," and of the " United Foreign Mission Societ}' ;" and commenced and for several years edited the " American Missionar}' Register." He died at his residence in Brooklyn, N. Y., 1840, November 14th, in the sixty-eighth 3'ear of his age. Dr. Lewis, our Pastor, pursued his theological studies at New Haven, under both Presidents Stiles and Dwight. He was ordained 1798, May 30th, and in 1800 was installed over the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, N. Y., from whence he was called, in 1806, to the Presbyterian Church in Goshen, N. Y., and from there came to Bristol in 1812. After his brief but fruitful labors here, he officiated as stated supply in the Churches of New Rochelle and West Farms, N. Y., until he was called to succeed his venerable father at Greenwich, Conn., being in- stalled on the day of his father's dismission, 1818, December 1st. After a remarkably successful Minis- tr}^ of a few 3'ears he resigned his charge, and was soon after settled as the eighth Pastor in the line of succession over this ancient Church. In 1844 he was honored with the degree of Doctor in Divinity by Delaware College. In 1827 he preached the Election Sermon at New Haven, Conn. Several sermons and public addresses were published, includ- ing the Ordination sermon of Rev. Joshua Knight, at Sherburne, Mass., 1804, two or three occasional ser- mons preached at Bristol, and an address before the Fairfield County Bible Society in 1844. 152 A man of excellent talents, of elevated Christian character, of fine expressive countenance, of urbane and gentlemanly manners, and of richly endowed and well furnished mind, he commanded the respect of all. As a preacher he was sound in doctrine, able and eloquent in appeal. As a Pastor he was faithful, and won the hearts of all who received his kind and Christian ministrations. He died at New York, 1854, September 23d, in the eighty second year of his age. His Ministry in Bristol, though brief, was dis- tinguished b}' another of those seasons of great spiritual refreshing which characterized this period, resulting in large accessions to the membership of the Church. THE REVIVAL OF 1830. Though from advancing j^ears the natural force of Dr. Lewis had in a degree abated, the recollection of his past services secured for him a warm w^elcome to the hearts of the people who were ready to co- operate with him in every good word and work. The thoroughly evangelical character of his preaching, his fidelity in pastoral labors, the sweet influence of his christian example, the kindly and prayerful co- operation of the Church prepared the way for a third general Revival in 1830, of a similar character and extent to the two which had preceded it. Re- specting this great work of grace, we make no special record of incidents or details, but it is grate- fully remembered b}- the surviving subjects of it as 153 a precious season of interest throughout all the Churches, and aliecting nearl}- ever}' family in the town. The converts, numbered by hundreds, were of all ages and several of them were far advanced in life, who, having passed through the previous sea- sons of refreshing without submitting themselves to God, felt that this was a last call to them, and un- less the}' now yielded to the Divine claims their day of grace was over. Thus has God blessed this Church and town with repeated and remarkable Pentecostal seasons, and his blessing has rested upon the community at all times. Surely He is faithful that hath promised, and His mercies are from everlastins; to everlasting. With what gratitude should we acknowledge his goodness, with what penitence should we acknow- ledge our sins before Him, with what earnest faith should we consecrate ourselves and all that we pos- sess to His service. 154 VIII. THE BUILDING STILL GOING FORWARD. 1830-1872. JOHN STARKWEATHER. NINTH PASTOR. The ninth Pastor in the succession was the Rev. John Starkweather, a native of Worthington, Mass. ; a graduate of Yale College, 1825, and of Andover Theological Seminary. The call, voted on the 21st of November, 1831, was unanimons, and with cordial harmon}- he was duly installed on the 14th of December following. For a time this unani- mit}^ of feeling continued, but at length there arose considerable dissatisfaction and want of confidence which was expressed in a written communication to the Pastor, signed 1)}' twent3'-one male members. On the 29th of December, 1834, the matter was mu- tually referred to an Ecclesiastical Council, who advised the dissolution of the Pastoral relation, which advice was accepted. During his brief Ministrj^ twenty-two were added to the Church, and the Manual which has been in use to the present time was prepared and published. THOMAS SHEPARD, D. D. TENTH PASTOR. Soon after the dismission of Mr. Starkweather, efforts were made to secure the services of the Rev. Thomas Shepard, late of Ashfield, Mass., and by a 155 unanimous vote of the Chnrch and Societ}- he was called to the Pastoral office. 1835, April 1st. Ac- cepting the call he was dul}- installed on the 30th of April following. Dk. Shepakd was a native of Norton, Mass., born 1792, May 7th; graduated at Brown Univer- sit}' 1813, and at Andover Theological Seminary 1816 ; was emplo^'ed until 1819 as a missionar}' and teacher in the State of Georgia ; and on the 16th of June, of that 3'ear, was ordained as Colleague Pastor with the venerable Xehemiah Porter over the Church, in Ashfield, Mass. After a successful ministr}' of about fourteen 3'ears, during which two hundred and seventy- four were admitted to his Church ; he was dismissed 1833, May 8th. After his dismission from Ashfield, he was emplo3'ed as an agent for the American Bible Societ}' about two 3'ears, from which service he was called to the Pastorate here. In 1853 he received from Brown Universit}' the Degree of Doctor in Divinity. In 1846 he was elected a corporate mem- ber of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. A Parsonage was earl}- in his Ministrj^ erected on Bradford street, which he has occupied with his famil}' ever since. A few yeaYs ago Mrs. Sarah W. Shepard, the sharer of his jo3's and burdens, was called to her home above. A devoted wife and mother, a faithful friend to all, and especiall}^ kind to the poor, a decided Christian in all the walks of life, her memor}' is cherished gratefully b}'^ the people among whom she passed her useful life. 14 156 On the 7th of May, 1865, he resigned the active duties and responsibilities of the Pastoral office, and asked that a successor mio;ht be chosen. His resis- nation was accepted, with the understanding that he would continue to live among his own people until called up higher, and the use of the Parsonage was tendered him during the remainder of his life. He still lives among us as the retired Pastor universally respected and beloved. During his Ministry several seasons of unusual religious interest transpired. In 1837, 1838, 1842, 1846, 1852 and 1858, the Holy Spirit's power was manifested in the quickening of God's children and the conversion of many souls. These seasons are gratefully remembered b}^ all who were participants in them. ERECTION OF THE THIRD HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Early in 1855, the subject of erecting a new House of Worship was agitated, and, after some delibera- tion, it was decided to proceed to build. The fol- lowing gentlemen w^ere chosen a Building Commit- tee, under whose supervision the work was success- fully accomplished : William B. Spooner, Messadore T. Bennett, Josiah Gladding, Stephen T. Church, and Nathan Bardin. The House is located on the corner of Bradford and High streets, fronting on the latter. It has three entrances in front and a rear entrance at the south-east corner leading to the librar}- and pulpit, and also leading to the chapel recently built. It has 157 a tower on the north-west corner eighteen feet square with buttresses extending upward about eighty feet, surmounted with belfre}' and turrets. The full di- mensions of the house are as follows : Length, one hundred and one feet ; width, sixt3'-seven feet ; walls, twenty-eight feet high in the clear, and thirt3'-nine feet from the floor to the apex of nave of the main arch. The style of architecture is gothic. The trimmings and buttresses are of pure granite ; the filling up is of a stone somewhat different in qualit}'-, presenting a pleasing varietj' in figure and color. The roof is covered with slate and tin. The interior is finished with groin arched ceiling with eight pend- ants or corbels for springing the arches, and from which depend the chandeliers. The pews, number- ing one hundred and fourteen on the main floor, are circular, trimmed with black walnut, and neath' up- holstered. The pulpit, communion table and chairs are of black walnut, harmonising well with the gen- eral style of the house. The recess back of the pulpit is richly frescoed as are also the arches in the ceiling of the roof. The organ, made by Messrs. Hook, of Boston, is finished to correspond with the interior of the Church. The case is gothic, thirty- four feet high and fourteen feet wide. It has thirt}-- two registers or stops, and is of superior tone and capacit}'. The orchestra is dropped within a few feet of the main floor, and harmonizes in style with the pulpit at the opposite end. The entire floor of the Church is richly carpeted, and the whole interior is lighted with gas. The architect was Seth H. 158 Ingalls, and the master builder was William Ingalls, both of New Bedford, Mass. The House stood complete and ready for dedica- tion in November, 1856. On the 23d, farewell ser- vices of an interesting character including an histori- cal discourse by the Pastor, founded on Psalm xlviii. 12-13, were held in the old House, and on the 25th the new House was dedicated to Almighty God with appropriate services including discourse by the Pastor, founded on Psalm Ixxvii. 13. These were oc- casions of special interest to the congi'egation who requested copies of the discourses for publication, which request was complied with. The following extracts from these discourses will show the anima- ting spirit of Pastor and people : '* In taking leave of these venerable walls within which our fathers have sat and listened to the messages of salva- tion for seventy-two years, where venerable men of God, some of whom have ceased from earth and gone to tlieir final reward, have been trained for the kingdom of glory, where the praises of God have been sung by lips which are now responding to angelic harps around the throne, many affecting thoughts crowd themselves upon our minds. This has been the birth-place of souls. Here, blind eyes have been opened to behold the light of truth, as it shines in the face of Jesus. Here deaf ears have been unstopped to listen with rapture to the messages of mercy tlirough atoning blood. Here multitudes have set out in the christian race, for the prize of an unfading crown. Oh! how hallowed to memory is such a place. But it has done its work, and in the revolutions of time it is meet that it should give place to another, and a more com- modious and more attractive house of worship. And while 150 the very dust of this sanctuary will ever remain precious in our eyes, may our united prayers ascend to God, that the glory of the latter house may exceed the glory of the former. The materials of its walls are imperishable. Long, long will it resist the corroding tooth of time. Cen- turies will not impair those granite foundations, scores of generations will worship in its courts, and thousands of the sanctified pass up to the purer devotions of heaven." '• What is this new and stately edifice, this pulpit, these pews, yonder orchestra, these frescoed arches? What but one common passage way to the grave, thej'udgment seat, the retributions of eternity. If they all could speak to us, would not their united voice be "Prepare to meet thy God.^" Oh if these buttresses and turrets and pillars and arches and gildings had a tongue to speak for Him, to whose service they are this day dedicated, they would say to you in tones unearthly, ' let not the novelty of these imposing scenes divert your minds one moment from the great question. What must I do to be saved?' Consecra- ted stone or wood or mortar wrought into the highest state ot architectural symmetry and beauty cannot save you. Yonder organ with its deep and silvery tones, this pulpit with the highest eloquence that shall ever grace it, cannot, of themselves, work out your salvation. Except ye repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, — except ye give your heart to God and live to His glory, ye must live and die without hope. No external privileges can super- cede the necessity of the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." " See that you refuse not Him that speaketh to you to- day through these scenes and services. Bring no strange fire to offer on this altar. Come up hither with the sacri- fice of an humble and contrite heart. Listen to the Word as those who must give account. Pray with a fervent spirit. Make melody in your hearts unto the Lord. In a word, worship God in spirit and in truth. And after a few 160 more Sabbalh suns shall have arisen and set, you will have offered your last prayer, have sung your last hymn of praise, joined in your last communion service, your seat be occupied by another, and your spirit, if purified in the blood of the Lamb, will pass away to the Sanctuary above, Where the assembly ne'er breaks up And the babbath ne'er shall end." CYRUS P. OSBORNE. — ELEVENTH PASTOR. After the retirement of Dr. Shepard, several per- sons were heard as candidates for settlement until the 11th of September, 1865, when the Church voted unanimously to call the Rev. Cyrus P. Osborne, in which action the Societ}^ also concurred, and on the 2d of November following, he was duly ordained and Installed as the Eleventh Pastor in the succession. Mr. Osborne was born in East Boston, Mass., graduated at Harvard College, 1859, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1862. He continued in the Pastoral office until 1870, June 6th, when, at his own request, he was dismissed, that he might avail him- self of a favorable opportunity to visit Europe and the Holy Land. His ministry, though brief, was fruitful in good results. An interesting revival of religion was en- J03^ed in 1866-67, during which season a large number of 3'oung persons professed conversion, and over a hundred united with the Church on profession of faith. 161 PAYMENT OF THE DEBT. One leading object in the organization of the Catholic Societ}' was to secure a permanent fund for the support of the Ministry. With much self-denial a fund was started which promised to be of ver}'' material aid by a prospective increase from year to year. But the event did not justifj- the hopes thus entertained. Eighteen 3'ears later the fund seems to have shrank somewhat, for in the settlement with Dr. Wight a note of one thousand dollars was given by the Societ}'. This beginning of debt was a bad precedent too easil}^ followed in subsequent 3'ears, until it rolled up in round numbers to six thousand dollars. On the 2 2d of March, 1864, a member of the Society, who has since rested from his earthly labors, liberally offered *' to pay one-half the debt himself if the Societ}^ would raise b}- subscription a like sum." This offer set the people to thinking, but did not arouse them sufficiently to secure the de- sired end until the fall of 1867, when, at a meeting in " the Hall," on the evening ' of September 17, about forty members of the congregation being present, the ball was set in motion b}' a liberal sub- scription, a committee was appointed to canvass the parish, and in a few weeks the requisite amount was secured. Great was the rejoicing over this result, and a meeting of the people for thanksgiving and praise was appointed, which was attended by large numbers and is spoken of as " the Jubilee meet- ing:." 162 ERECTION OF THE MEMORIAL CHAPEL. The year following the payment of the Society^s debt, the subject of erecting a Chapel was agitated, " the Hall " being thought by many to be too small for the present and prospective need of the Church. The Sabbath School began to make weekly offerings as the nucleus of a fund for this purpose, and plans were discussed of securing a general contribution throughout the congregation, but before arrange- ments were completed, two sisters who had often made the Church their debtor by their nnstinted benefactions, desiring to honor their sainted parents and at the same time make provision for the wants of the Church, whose spiritnal welfare was dear to them, assumed the entire responsibility of building and fur- nishing a " Memorial Chapel." Arrangements were soon completed, and the work was begun under the supervision of Messadore T. Bennett, William B. Spooner, William H. Church, Stephen T. Church, Mar- tin Bennett, and James E. French, as a building committee. The architect was Seth Ingalls, Esq., of New Bedford, Mass. The corner stone was laid with appropriate services at eleven o'clock, Tues- day, July 6th, 1869, and in the following Februar}^ the Chapel stood complete and furnished for oc- cupancy. The Chapel adjoins the Church edifice, with which it harmonizes in material and style. The walls are of rubble stone ; the door, windows and buttresses of dressed granite. The side walls are thirteen feet, find the main gabl^ thirty-four fetjt high. The ceil- 1G3 ing is finished to the height of twent3'-nine feet. A vestibule ten feet by eleven feet joins the Chapel to the Church. A north -sving extends across the end of the vestibule and in the rear of the Church twent}'- six feet b}' twent3--two feet two inches. A south wing projects from the opposite side fifteen feet b}^ twenty-one feet eight inches. The main audience room, with which the wings are connected b}' sliding doors with ground glass panels, is thirty-three feet b}'' Mtj feet. These are all inside measurements. The floors are of southern pine laid in mortar. The walls are ceiled up thirt}- inches from the floor with south- ern pine, having a base and chair moulding of black walnut. The ceiling overhead is finished with trans- verse arches and pendants or corbels for springing the arches to which are attached the gas fixtures. The walls above the chair moulding and the ceiling overhead are neatl}' tinted with a light color that harmonizes well with the general style of the interior. The western or front gable has a large gothic win- dow of stained glass, and a similar window of ground glass is in the north gable. The other windows are all of ground glass. The main audience room is furnished with black walnut seats in cast iron frames with reversible backs, a neat black walnut desk made In' William O. and Charles Manchester, and gothic chairs of the same material for the platform, a small black walnut table front of the desk, and a Mason & Hamlin organ, valued at three hundred dollars, presented by the Sabbath School. The aisles and the space front 164 of the seats and around the platform are covered with neat and durable matting, and the platform with a tasteful carpet. The north room is furnished with settees with reversible backs, and a movable desk and chairs, and the entire floor is neatl}* carpeted. The south room is carpeted similar to the north room, and is furnished with an extension table and movable chairs. By opening the sliding doors the three rooms are thrown into one, every part of which is in range with the desk of the large room. Upon the inner wall of the large room is a plain marble tablet, inscribed as follows : THIS CHAPEL Dedicated to the service of God, the Father, Son, AND Holy Ghost, Was Erected in 1869, in Memory of WILLIAM AND CHARLOTTE DEWOLF, Deceased 1829. By their Daughters Charlotte DeWolf and Maria DeVYolf Rogers. *' We have thought of thy loving kindness 0 Oocl in the midst of thy templet The Chapel was dedicated 1870, February 24th, with impressive services, including a dedicatory ad- dress by the pastor, Mr. Osborne, and dedicatory pra3"er by Dr. Shepard. The address closed as follows : *' Thus, my hearers, does this occasion suggest to us im- portant duties, too apt to be neglected. Does it not also 165 call for gi-atoful acknowledgments ; first to God, whose providence has furnished us this gift ; next to the human instruments of His benefMction. " It is pleasant to commend. To praise tlie patience and wise council of the building committee, the skill of tlie architect and builder, the fidelity of the workmen in their several parts, the zeal of one who has shown the deepest interest in the difficult work of furnishing the several apartments were a gi-ateful office and not embar- rassing. But worthily to praise the bountiful devotion which has built these walls and given this edifice, with all its comely furnishings, a free-will offering to the Lord,— for this I have no fitting words. I cannot give voice to the grateful sentiments that pervade this assembly. Nor would I if I could. For this would only wound the ten- der sensibilities of natures as modest as they are munifi- cent. " We will only rejoice that their eyes have been per- mitted to behold their completed offering, and to be witnesses of our joy in its completion; and pray they may be spared to see it become according to their fervent wish, 'the birthplace of souls,' and resolve never to forget tiieir frequently expressed desire, that this sanctuary may be hallowed to the service of the Master. " There is an element in this offering too sacred for our touch. ' In Memoriam ' is graved upon its Avails, point- ing our thoughts heavenward. ' Oh, it is sweet to thiuk of those that are departed, While numbered prayers ^ink to silence tender-hearted; "While tears that leave no pain, are tranquilly distilling, And the dead live again, in hearts that love is filling.' " Some will make the dead live again in flowers upon their grave, watered with tears that have their fountains in the heart. Some will keep their name alive by tons of rock heaped over them, — marble from Italy or granite from the hills, carved into elegant but idle forms. Butfiir 166 more beautiful is that affection which turns the memory of the dead into a benediction of the living. It was a loving thought of the sainted dead that reared this little temple. It was a happy thought that combined in a single act such honor to tiie memory of parents long departed, and such devotion to a Redeemer's cause. If the redeemed in heaven can witness earthly scenes, those revered parents must rejoice, as piety and filial love now lay this offering at ImmanueFs feet." JAMES P. LANE. TWELFTH PASTOR. On the first Sabbath in November, 1870, the present Pastor began to preach as a candidate for settlement. Receiving a unanimous call from the Church and Society, he accepted the same, and on the 11th of January, 1871, was dul}" installed in oflfice. The sermon on this occasion was by the Rev. Jacob M. Manning, D. D., of Boston, Mass. The installing prayer was by the Rev. John L. Taylor, D. D., of Andover, Mass. Mr. Lane was a native of Candia, N. H. ; son of the late Isaiah Lane, M. D., who deceased at Meri- den, N. H., in 1855. He graduated at Amherst College, 1857, pursued Theological studies at And- over, and was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in East Weymouth, Mass., 1861, January 10th. After a ministry of nearl}- five years, during which about one hundred were admitted to the Church, he was called to the pastorate of the Free Church in Andover, and was installed 1866, April 4th. From Andover he removed to Bristol. 167 CHARITABLE FUNDS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. A bequest of five hundred dollars, made by Mrs. Ann Coggeshall, widow of William Coggeshall, and deposited in '^ tlie Bristol Institution for Savings," is held in trust by tlie treasurer for the benefit " of needv widows who are communicants and members of the Church," and the annual interest is distribu- ted to those who are entitled to receive it on or about the first of January in each year. This fund became first available in 1855. In 1867, November 6th, Mrs. Mary T. B. Glad- ding, (the founder of the Sabbath School in 1816,) deceased, aged eight3'-two years. After other be- quests, she gave to the Church the rest of her property, amounting to about five hundred dollars, to be forever held in trust for '' the use and benefit of aged and indigent females, communicants of the Church." This fund is deposited in " the Bristol Institution for Savings," and the annual interest is distributed according to the terms of the bequest hy the pastor at his discretion. The late B. W. Greene, Esq., of Hartford, Conn., made a bequest of property, valued at about two thousand dollars, " to the poor of the Church congre- gation in Bristol, R. I., the proceeds or income to be distributed annually by the Deacons of the Church." The AVill containing this bequest was set aside by the Probate Court, but the heirs generoush' under- took to cany out the intentions of the testator in an agreement to pay over the amount " to the Congre- 15 168 gational Church in Bristol, R. I., in trust that the income shall be annually spent for the poor of said Church at their discretion." This fund, amounting to about two thousand two hundred dollars, is de- posited in '' the Mechanic's Savings Bank, Provi- dence," and in " the Providence Institution for Sav- ings," the bank books being in the hands of the Church Treasurer. Collections for the poor are taken at each commun- ion season, and distributed by the Deacons at their discretion ; also, an annual collection for the same object at the time of the State and National Thanks- giving. With these liberal provisions for the poor — sup- plemented b3' other private benefactions, — the Church is also mindful of the calls for religious and charita- ble work abroad. The causes of Home and Foreign Missions, Christian Education, Bible dissemination, etc., receive annual attention, and contributions amounting in the aggregate to several hundreds of dollars are made. A " Ladies Missionar}' Societ}^," connected with the Church, contribute, besides do- nations in mone}', articles of clothing, etc., auxiliary to both the Home Missionary and Foreign Mission- ary^ Boards of our denomination. A " Sewing School" has been sustained by several of the ladies of our congregation, and much good accomplished in teaching poor children this useful art, and providing needed garments which are given them. There are other local charities in the support of 1(J9 which this Clmrcli unites, with the other religious societies in town, as follows : A " Home for destitute Children," under the care of a matron and the supervision of a board of lad}" managers, selected from the various religious socie- ties in town. The current expenses of this noble charit}^ are met chief!}' b}' the voluntary- contributions of the citizens annuall}'. The house and garden for the Home were the gift of the late Robert Rogers, Esq., of our congregation. A thousand dollars, also, from the same estate, has been placed at interest for the benefit of this institution. A '' Ladies Charitable Societ}'," embracing mem- bers from all the Churches, has existed for many 3"ears, and through this agenc}' great good is accom- plished in ministering to the wants of the worth}' poor. A " Young Men's Christian Association " main- tain a public reading room and library, accessible to all under certain regulations. The current expenses are met by the dues of members and A-oluntary contributions. A " Bible Committee," auxiliary to the American Bible Society, keep a depository of Bibles and Tes- taments which are sold at cost, or given to the desti- tute who are unable to buy. SACRAMENTAL FURNITURE. A massive Baptismal Font of white sand stone, beautifully wrought, was presented to the Church by 170 Kev. Prof. J. Lewis Diman, of Providence, and stands near the pulpit in the House of Worship. The Communion service is of solid silver, and includes two cups inscribed " as the gift of Nathaniel Byfield, 1693;" one cup "the gift of Rev. John Sparhawk, 1718;" three cups "to the Bristol Non- Conformist Church, March 29, 1723," the donor of wiiich is not known ; two cups " the gift of Hon. Nathaniel Blagrove, 1745;" and two flagons, pre- sented August, 1855, by Miss Charlotte DeWolf, and Mrs. Maria DeWolf Roo;ers. IRmiuat of the Jjtrst Chitrdi, Bmtol, i. |. CATALOSnE OF THE OFFICERS AND MESIBKRS. WJiat are the names of the men that make this buildinsf 9— EzRX, v. 4. NOTE. The following Catalogue has been prepared from the best sources of information at hand, and great pains have been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible; but, owing to the defective character of the earlier church records, there are doubtless some errors. Names of excommunicated members are omitted, except they have been restored to fellowship ; also, in the sup- plementary list of present members, the names of mem- bers who have been absent a long time, respecting whom we have no definite knowledge, and names of those who are not in active fellowship with some Christian Church. But all these omitted names are in the registry of the Church, and are neither cut off from any privileges to which they are entitled, nor relieved of any obligations that rest upon them. OFFICERS Pastors. IiistJillr-d. Samnel l.oo, D. D. . . .1687, May 3. John SparliaM'k, IG95, June 12, Nathaniel Cotton 17'21, Au^-. 30. Barnabas Taylor 1729, Dec. 24. John Burt 1741, May 13. Plenry Wight, D. D.. .1785, Jan. 5. Joel Mann 1815, Xov. 15. Isaac Lewis, D. D.. . .1628, Nov. 12. John Starkweather.. .1831. Dec. 14. Thos. Shepard, D. D.1835, April 30. Cyrus P. Osborne 1865, Xov. 2. James P. Lane 1871, Jan. 11. Deacons. Elected. Nathaniel Bosworth. .1687, j\Iay 3. 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CO o '^ O CO CO 00 0^ Oi O) ^ o oj in — Cl I-H — H in o in 00 X Ci Tt" (75 — ' -H <^ CO c: 00 o 233 c/) ,"-::. ^ w c/: X *o 5 ^^ »3 i. .i ^ 1^ u. > b >; ' CC — ' •5x >-» '^^ '^-f > o <-- ^ c; J^ ^i=; w c~ r^ O CO ^ <^ i^ o t^ o c^ ci :w : o cq fcp -5 ?£ -' 3? ??' ?r w ?-'<-' «- r-' J « i ^ 2 2 £ 5c X .X X 3c X X -i 5 S S to fao 'TT " ^ >^ ^ «. a; r^^ i) *■ c n 2! ^5 is; ^3 "i^ 22 Zt ^ ^^ ^ "^ ♦^ f^ t-T "^ ii !■-( = a >H ^4 J3 DATE DUE ^•»-«wsa^ '»mm0fi^^ DEMCO 38-297 *Jf