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GBl^^ALQGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01148 5684
THE
CENTENNIAL SEBMON;
PREACHED BEFORE THE
BENKFICENT CONGREG ATIONAL CHURCH AND
SOCIETY, IN PROVIDENCE, R I.
MARCH 19, A. P., 1843.
BY REV. MARK TUCKER, D. D.
TOGETHER WITH THE
ARTICLES OF FAITH, COVENANT, &c. ; AND A LIST
OF MEMBERS OF SAID CHURCH.
PROVIDENCE:
KNOWLES & VOSE, PRINTERS.
18 45.
.S5£C)2i
SERMON.
1. Samuel, 7 : 12.— " Then Samuel took a stone, and set it be-
tween Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer,
saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
The prophet Samuel was a son of prayer. He
was also a spiritual prince, who, like Israel, had
power with God and with men, and prevailed. We
have a remarkable instance of this in the context.
Through the pride and wickedness of Hophni and
Phineas, the priests, the people fell into idolatry and
sins of the grossest character. This provoked the
displeasure of the Almighty, and brought down
divine judgments upon them. God delivered them
into the hand of the Philistines. The ark, the
symbol of his gracious presence and the pledge of
his protection, Avas carried into a strange land.
The Philistines, however, were soon constrained
to return it ; but it remained in obscurity in Israel.
While it was neglected, vital religion declined, and
the Philistines maintained their superiority. In the
mean time Samuel arose, and set his heart upon ef-
fecting a reformation. He doubtless labored in pri-
vate, and went from house to house through the
tribes of Israel, setting before them their sins, re-
minding them of their violated obligations, their
neglected duties. His labors were not in vain, for
we are told that all the house of Israel lamented
after the Lord. That is the first step towards a re-
formation. While a people neglect the means of
grace, are devoted to idols, and at the same time
remain indifferent and stupid, there is little hope in
their case.
Previous to the ministry of Samuel, they had
been contented with their altars without the ark, —
so easily can formal professors of religion rest satis-
fied with a round of external performances, without
any sensible tokens of the divine presence and ap-
probation. But at length, through the preaching of
the prophet, accompanied with the efficacy of the
divine Spirit, a disposition to repent and reform
spread through all Israel, and they began again to
serve the Lord. A^id Samuel spake unto all the
house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the
Lord luith all your hearts, then put aivay the
strange gods from among you, and prepare your
hearts unto the Lord, and serve him ojily : and he
will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim
and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only ; and he
wrought out for them a great and signal deliver-
ance.
Dr. Lightfoot thinks this was as extraordinary a
time for the manifestation of divine power in revi-
ving rehgion, as any on record — that the wonderful
work on the day of Pentecost only was parallel to
it. An old divine very justly remarks, that '• it
was better with Israel when they wanted the ark
and were lamenting after it, than when they had
the ark and were prying into it, and priding them-
selves in it. Better see a people longing in the
scarcity of the means, than loathing in the abun-
dance of them."
A7id Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh,
and I will pray for you unto the Lord. They as-
sembled, fasted and prayed : they confessed they
had sinned against the Lord. While they were as-
sembled together for prayer, the Philistines came
out against them : And Samuel cried unto the Lord
for Israel, and the Lord Jieard him: And as Sam-
uel was offering up the hurnt-offering, the PJiilis-
tines drew near to battle against Israel: but the
Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day
upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and
they were smitten before Israel.
It was on this memorable occasion that Samuel
took a stone, and set it bettceen Mizpeh and Shen,
and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying. Hith-
erto hath the Lord helped ns.
The literal signification of Eben-ezer is a stone
of help. Samuel himself erected it, so that if the
hearts of the people should become estranged from
God, or loose the impression made by that interpo-
sition of Providence, the pillar would remind them
of their obligation, and revive a remembrance of
past favors ; or in case of their backsliding, it would
remain a standing witness against them for their
ingratitude.
We have assembled on this interesting occasion
to erect a memorial, and as we review the dealings
of divine providence with us, we may, with equal
truth, write this inscription upon it. Hitherto hath
the Lord helped us.
It is now a century since this Church was form-
ed ; it is believed few churches have passed through
so many conflicts, lived through so many changes,
experienced so many mercies, or had so iew pastors
as. this, while it has never, for a day, been without
an ordained minister, since the gospel was regularly
established among them. It had but two ministers
in ninety years — furnishing an instance on the one
hand, of bodily vigor, intellectual power and ardent
piety on the part of the ministers, and on the other,
of stability, forbearance and christian feelino- on
the part of the people, rarely equalled in New-Eng-
land.
As a church, looking back upon the long line of
our history, during which period some local churches
formed at the same time have become extinct, and
others abandoning the fundamental doctrines of the
gospel, have ceased to be acknowledged as christian
churches, we may adopt the language of the Apos-
tie, and say — Havhig obtained help of God, we re-
main till the present time.
This Church, as a separate organization, cair.o
into existence at one of the most interesting periods
of the religious history of New-England — the pe-
riod of " the Great Awakening," when the slum-
ber of ages was broken up, when the Spirit of God
clothed with verdure the waste places of Zion,
when the good seed of the word sowed by men of
other days, and which had long been " buried in
the dust" of formality and unbelief, was quickened
into life, when an influence as pervading and genial
as that of Spring in repairing the desolations of win-
ter and giving a new and lovely aspect to the face
of nature, was felt in the church, both in the old
and the new world. That was a stirring period,
and the revival of that day was a wonderful work.
It gave both existence to this church, and "color
and cast" to its character. As " God is in history,"
a full and correct account of its origin could not be
given, without referring to the state of religion in
the churches at that time, together with the means
and instrumentalities employed to revive it.
The character of the early settlers of New-Eng-
land is well known. God " sifted three kidgdoms
to plant" this virgin soil with a right seed. And
never has the world seen such a harvest of piety,
benevolence, learning and morality. But the ten-
dency of every thing human is to deterioration.
While the order of the churches they planted re-
8
mained, while the colleges they established contin-
ued to send out learned men, the spirit of piety de-
clined. They retained the form of godliness with-
out its power. Many churches had a name to live,
and were dead. Not a few of the public teachers
of religion were unconverted men ; they ceased to
preach the truth in a clear, full and discriminating
manner ; some became Arminians, encouraged a self-
ish religion, and connived at a lax practice. The
consequence was, that for more than half a century
previous to " the great awakening," which com-
menced in 1734, the glory of the Lord, as seen in
the converting influences of the Spirit, was in a
great measure withheld from the ministrations of
the sanctuary.
Arminianism has ever had the same disastrous in-
fluence on the spirituality of the church, that Po-
pery has exerted on the prosperity of England.* .
The same doctrines Avhich stirred the church from I
her very depths, and brought about the Reforma- |
tion of the 16th Century, Avere blessed in producing \
a second revolution in the 18th. '<
A Congregational Church was established in this I
city in the year 1728, of which the Rev. Josiah ^
Cotton was the first minister. Seven years before.
eflforts were made to erect a house of worship and \
establish the institutions of the gospel, but without
success. The eftort, though it failed, was creditable
to the people, who were few in number and poor in
* See Croly on the Apocalypse — Preface.
this world's goods. In 1723, a meeting house
(which yet stands and is known as the Town House)
was erected, and the Rev. Samuel Moody, celebra-
ted for his piety, and known from the high recom-
mendations of Whitefield, as a venerable and holy
man, preached for the friends of Congregational
order in their new house. He was then the pastor
of a chm-ch of Christ in York, Me. He was invi-
ted to settle in this town, but his people refused to
part with him, and he declined the invitation.
For many of the dates and facts in this discourse,
I am indebted to an interesting '• Report," present-
ed to this Church at an annual meeting, in Novem-
ber, 1832, drawn up with great care and fidelity by
Deacon Wm. C. Snow, the Clerk.
The church, under Mr. Cotton, like many other
churches in New-England, became formal and luke-
warm. For several years, few additions were made
to it. In December, 1734, '-'the Spirit of God," to
use the words of President Edwards, " began ex-
traordinarily to set in and wonderfully to work
among" the people of Northampton, Mass.; "and
there were very suddenly, one after another, five or
six persons, who were to all appearance, savingly
converted, and some of them wrought upon in a
very remarkable manner."
The report of the state of things at Northampton,
spread into other towns, throughout the colonies,
and from the state of deadness in the churches, pro-
duced various results. Some were roused by it, be-
10
<Tan to huiDble themselves and call upon God ; oth-
ers " seemed not to know what to make of it,"
many ridiculed it, " and some compared what we
called -conversion, to certain distempers." About
the same time, there was an awakening in New-
Jersey, princijxilly in connection with the labors of
William and Gilbert Tennent.
In 1741, Gilbert Tennent came into New-Eng-
land, and preached with great power and success.
His preaching in Boston was numerously attended.
It was, we believe, in the course of that year he
came to this Town. As he was the instrument in
the hand of God, of the conversion of Mr. Snow,
the first pastor of this church, and his visit to this
place led to the establishment of this church, it may
be proper to give a brief account of the character
and preaching of one who exerted so great an influ-
ence upon the destiny of so many here.
This we are able to do in the language of the
Rev. Thomas Prince, junior pastor of the Old South
Church, Boston, at that time ; a most unexceptiona-
ble witness. He says: "He (Mr. T.) did not at
first come up to my expectation, but afterwards ex-
ceeded it. In private converse with him, I found
him to be a man of considerable parts and learning;
free, gentle, contlescending ; and, from his own va-
rious experience, reading the most noted writers on
experimental divinity, as well as the Scriptures, and
conversing with many who had been awakened by
his ministry in New- Jersey, where he then lived, he
11
seemed to have as deep an acquaintance with the
experimental part of religion, as any I have con-
versed with ; and his preaching was as searching
and rousing as ever I heard."
" He seemed to have no regard to please the eyes
of his hearers with agreeable gestures, nor their
ears with delivery, nor their fancy with language ;
but to aim directly at their hearts and consciences,
to lay open their ruinous delusions, show them their
numerouSj secret, hypocritical shifts in religion, and
drive them out of every deceitful refuge wherein
they made themselves easy, with the form of godli-
ness without the power. And many who were
pleased in a good conceit of themselves before, now
found, to their great distress, they were only self-
deceived hypocrites. And though while the dis-
covery was making, some at firsit raged, as they
have owned to me and others, yet in the progress of
the discovery, many were forced to submit ; and
then the power of God so broke and humbled them
that they wanted a further and even a thorough dis-
covery ; they went to hear him, that the secret cor-
ruptions and delusions of their hearts might be more
discovered ; and the more searching the sermon,
the more acceptable it was to their anxious minds."
" From the terrible and deep convictions he had
passed through in his own soul, he seemed to have
such a lively view of the divine majesty, the spir-
ituality, purity, extensiveness and strictness of his
law ; with his glorious holiness, and displeasure at
12
sin, his justice, truth and power in punishing the
damned, that the very terrors of God seemed to
rise in his mind afresh, when he displayed and bran-
dished them in the eyes of unreconciled sinners.
And though some could not bear the representation,
and avoided his preaching ; yet the arrows of con-
viction, by his ministry, seemed so deeply to pierce
the hearts of others, and even some of the most
stubborn sinners, as to make them fall down at the
feet of Christ, and yield a lowly submission to
him."
Mr. Prince says, hundreds were awakened under
Mr. Tennent's searching preaching.
When Mr. Tennent came to this town, Mr. Jo-
seph Snow, Jr., afterwards the pastor of this church,
was a member of Mr, Cotton's church ; he had
been a member three years. His father also was a
member. Mr. Snow often related in public the cir-
cumstances of his conversion. The text of Mr.
Tennent's sermon which was blessed to Mr. Snow,
was Gal. 2 : 16. Knowing that a man is not jus-
tified bij the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we
might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not
by the works of the law, for by the loorks of the
laio shall no flesh be justified.
Mr. Snow was an exemplary young man ; he re-
lied upon his morality, and had supposed that his
own righteousness was a sufficient ground of hope.
The sermon swept away all his hope, laid bare his
13
head, convinced him of sin, and left him under the
condemnation of the law. For a long time, he felt
himself to be under the wrath and curse of God.
Others were similarly wrought upon. The preach-
ing of Mr. Tennent awakened opposition on the
part of the self-righteous and the irreligious. The
result was, that after a long season of trial and con-
flict, in which there doubtless mingled much infir-
mity and bitterness on both sides, nearly one half of
the church withdrew from Mr. Cotton's ministry.
In the view of these members, as we gatlier from
charges tabled against him, found on the original
records of the church then formed, his preaching
was deficient in spirit and doctrine, savoring too
much of Arminianism. They accused him of
preaching salvation by works, which they termed
"damnable doctrine." On the records of Mr. Cot-
ton's church it is written, " On the 7th of March,
1743, about half the church, with many of the con-
gregation, withdrew, and " set up a separate meet-
ing, where they attended the exhortation of a lay
brother, who had been brought up in the business of
house carpentry." The record further states, that
they were entertained on the Lord's day with loud
vociferous declarations of the downfall of Babylon,
and the necessity of coming out and being sepa-
rate, and not touching the unclean. Such like ex-
hortations were liberally held out and freely ; for
hirelings, in their esteem, were the bane of the
church."
3
14
I give this extract to show the spirit of those who
remained, and tlic manner in which they spoke of
their brethren. The records of the "separate"
church contain nothing to warrant such assertions.
Mr. Snow does not apjjear to have been forward in
his exhortations. Tiie meetings were conducted
by the brethren ; and the testimony on all hands is,
that they were a pious, praying band. They were
greatly persecuted, their meetings were disturbed,
evil minded persons even sewed their clothes to-
gether, and annoyed tliem in every way. They
were called '-'new lights." They did not hesitate
to acknowledge they had received new light ; and
when they remembered how long they had slum-
bered in unbelief, with a name to live when they
were dead, they could never sufficiently express
their gratitude to God for awaking them out of
sleep and bringing them into his marvellous light.
It was my happiness, when first settled in the
ministry, to be connected with a "new light"
church, which in 1752 was organized in Canaan,
Conn., and soon after migrated in a body with their
pastor, to Stillwater, New- York, a place subsequent-
ly celebrated in the war of the Revolution ; it was
a church distinguished for soundness of doctrine
and correctness of practice. At one time, it con-
tained seventy-five direct descendants of their first,
excellent and venerable pastor.
That there were extravagancies and improprieties
in those who were converted under the preaching of
15
Whitefield, Tennent, Wheelock, and others who
travelled extensively in Ne u'-- En gland, cannot be
doubted : nor can there be a doubt that a great and
good work of grace was effected by the instrumen-
tality of these men. So general was the interest
awakened throughout the length and breadth of the
land, that near one hundred ministers, from various
parts of New-England, met in Boston, on two dif-
ferent occasions, to consult in relation to the work.
They published to the world their views and opin-
ions in the form of " A Testimony and Advice," in
which they expressed the fullest conviction of the
greatness and genuineness of the Avork, while they
counselled the churches to avoid all bitterness and
recrimination, which might end in divisions. They
also insisted strongly upon the observance of order
in the churches. This instrument was signed by
Mr. Cotton, as well as others, as " Pastor of a
chm'ch in Providence," with this addition — " to the
general scope and tendency." Where irregularities
prevailed, doubts would be entertained. Some pas-
tors and chm-ches opposed the work and wrote
against it. Among these was Dr. Chauncy, of Bos-
ton, who afterwards showed what manner of spirit
he was of, by writing a book in favor of " Univer-
sal Salvation," which was ably and triumphantly
answered by the younger President Edwards. Dr.
Chauncy's conduct was like that of a commander
of a garrison, who meditates treason ; if he cannot
betray the citadel, he will flee and spike the cannon.
16
The conduct of divine Providence, in relation to
those churches which opposed the work, was mark-
ed ad jxiculiar ; they were never blessed till the
last of that generation died.
It may be said with truth, that the doctrine of
justification by faith, the doctrine which Luther
preached, and which shook the papal throne, and
revolutionized half of Europe — which Whitfield
and Wesley preached in England with such surpri-
sing effect, was the foundation of this church. The
original members believed in it fully ; it was incor-
porated in their religious experience ; and they in-
sisted that all who were received into their com-
munion, should give a reason of the hope that was
in them with meekness and fear.
The number of those who separated from Mr.
Cotton, was twenty-five — ten males and fifteen fe-
males — the whole chiuch being but a handful. The
\ first entrance upon their records, (which for many
I years were kept by Mr. Joseph Snow, Sen. ) con-
I tains a full account of their labor with Mr. Cotton,
i together with a vote of his exclusion from the min-
< istry. Several attempts were made to call a coun-
I cil, but to no purpose. Mr. Cotton continued to
5 exercise his ministry and administer the ordinances.
1 On the 6th of March. 1745, the record states, a le-
I gal church meeting was held, when it was thought
\ proper and expedient, in view of the division of
\ the church, "that the members of this church
should renew their covenant solemnly before God ;"
17
" and passed a vote that every member should be
examined concerning their knowledge and experi-
ence of the work of grace and of their faith ; and
those who give such an account thereof as that, in
the judgment of charity, they are accounted true
believers, shall be admitted to sign the covenant
and have a right to partake, and bring their children,
under their care, to baptism."
They '' voted that they would take the word of
God, and the Congregational Platform, drawn up by
the united churches in the Colonies of New-Eng-
land, met at Cambridge, in the year of our Lord
1648, to be their rule of discipline, explaining only
a paragraph or two, which are disputed by some :
as in Platform, chap. 10, sec. 2 : We think the
power of an officer in the church, being derived
from the church, is subordinate to the church ; and
that all determinations in the church are to be made
by a vote ; and that every male member of the
church, being present at a church meeting orderly
called where they belong, have an equal right to
vote, whether officer or not officer ; and that the
major part of the voters then present, being agreed,
determines the matter. And as to the power of the
Magistrates, mentioned in the eleventh and seven-
teenth chapters, we are willing to submit to them
in the Lord ; but yet notwithstanding we cannot
think God sends any to lord it over the consciences
of his children."
18
At that meeting, Joseph Snow, Jr. was " appro-
ved of this churchy and desired to preach."
On the 3d day of February, the " churcli being
legally notified, met in order to choose church offi-
cers, and to do what they should think proper in
I order to a regular settlement. The meeting being
opened by prayer, they proceeded as follows : — first,.
\ they unanimously ratified and confirmed their choice
i of Deacon Joseph Snow, made the 14th day of Oc-
j tober, 1 743, to be their ruling elder ; and 2d, they
I now made choice of Benjamin Gary, to be one of
\ their deacons. On the 10th of February, Barzillai
Richmond was chosen to be another of their dea-
s cons. Meetings for humiliation and prayer were
\ held for divine direction in the choice of a minister.
I Four meetings were held for that purpose, when on
" the 20th of October, 1746, they made choice of
1 Joseph Snow, Jr., to be their minister; after three
I months, he was not ready to give them an answer,
I notwithstanding the repeated fastings and prayer
made by him and the church, that his duty might
! be made plain to him." They "^appointed the 23d
{ of January, 1747, to be kept as a fast. They met
together and spent the day in supplication and
prayer, that his duty might be made plain to him ;
and in the close of the day he gave them his an-
{ swer, and accepted of their call," to take that
charge upon him ; desiring their prayers for him
i that he may be found faithful. Then they rejoiced,
( sang and praised God and prayed. After consulta-
19
tion, they appointed his ordination to be on the 12th
of February, 1747, and agreed to send to five
churches in Connecticut, viz : Canterbury, Plain-
field, Mansfield, Norwich and Stonington."
Some interesting facts are related as to the way
in which Mr. Snow was convinced it was his duty
to accept the call of this church. His piety, strict
conscience, humility and prayerfulness, appear in
the history of this affair. And a long and faithful
ministry prove that he was an eminent christian, a
man of God, a good minister of the New Testament.
His ordination took place at the time appointed. I
find no mention in the records of the erection of a
house of worship.
It appears, as stated in the "Annual Report," re-
ferred to, that the members connected with Mr.
Snow, soon took measures to erect a place of wor-
ship ; and in their religious ardor, their pastor, with
some of his principal members, repaired to the for-
est and cut the timber, and with their own hands
erected the house which formerly occupied the spot
whereon this edifice now stands." The house was
built in 1748 or 1750. The original dimensions
were 36 by 40 feet. It was twice enlarged before it
was removed.
We may gather something of the character and
feelings of this church from a letter sent, about this
time, to a new church in Bridgewater, Mass. It is
dated "Providence, May 8th, 1749."
The Congregational Church of Christ, in Prov-
20
idence, to the beloved brethren in Bridgewater, who
sent to us witliout distinction, as a church of Christ,
whom we suppose to be gathered out of some other
church or churches in Bridgewater. We, having
taken your letter into serious consideration, with
considerable clearness of mind, oneness of heart, in
answer to your request, have sent our pastor, Jo-
sejih Snow, and one of our Deacons, Barzillai Rich-
mond, by whom we send our opinion. In order to
have fellowship with you in your proceedings,
please inform those our brethren as folio weth : first,
whether you withdrew from the churches to which
you did belong, according to the rule of the gos-
pel ; secondly, whether you are fitly framed to-
gether and built up a spiritual house upon the foun-
dation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone ; thirdly,
whether you have seen the gospel rule pointing out
your brother, Samuel Hyde, to be your pastor,
and have seen him stand visibly clothed with
the qualifications of a Bishop, and your other offi-
cers respectively ; and if your steps thus far have
been upon the divine rule, then proceed to examine
the person you have elected, as to his closing with
Christ by a true and living faith ; secondly, as to
his principles ; 3dly, as to his practice ; 4thly, as to
his mission," meaning his call to the ministry;
'* Sthly, as to his qualifications ; and upon the whole,
if it appear that the person chosen, and the people
are respectively qualified, divinely instructed in,
21
and well grounded upon, the Holy Scriptures, the
only rule of faith and practice ; — then verily we
may join in fellowship with them, to proceed as the
Lord shall direct. But we forbid and condemn all
proceedings contrary to this blessed rule of the gos-
pel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These our sentiments,
with our tender love and hearty desire for your wel-
fare, and asking a remembrance in your prayers,
we subscribe oiu'selves your brethren in the Lord.
JOSEPH SNOW, Jr.,
In behalf of the Church."
Such a document speaks well for the church.
We discover no symptoms of extravagance or dis-
order. We may say of all who abide by such rules,
peace he on them.
Their views of christian walk and conversation,
we may ascertain from an article in their covenant.
" We do solemnly promise, by the help of God's
Holy Spirit, mutually to watch over one another in
brotherly love and tenderness, by reproofs and ad-
monitions, as Christ hath enjoined us, according to
our several places. We will oppose all sin in our-
selves and others, as far as in us lies, all carnal
mii'th or recreation, chambering and wantonness,
idleness, sensuality, and all other sins forbidden in
the holy scriptures, renouncing the world, the flesh
and the devil, and all appearance of evil for Christ's
sake."
The records furnish abundant evidence that the
church walked together in love ; they were strict
22
ill the observance of discipline ; proof, this, of their
fidelity alike to Christ and each other. If any ab-
stained from the communion, they were called to
account. Idleness and gossiping were discounte-
nanced in an express manner.
The gifts of the members were to be improved
by the approbation, and for the edification of the
church. The influence of this rule has been felt
through the whole history of this church. It has
been distinguished for the number of individuals,
who, without a liberal education, have excelled in
exhortation. Their conference meetings, from the
beginning, have been characterized by freedom and
earnestness, spirit and appropriateness. The bless-
ing of God has ever rested upon them ; a large por-
tion of the thousand members which have joined
on confession, have referred to these meetings as
the place where they were either awakened or con-
verted. Like the Church of Corinth, they all
came together for mutual edification. Scenes often
took place which are thus described by an Apostle :
But if all prophesy, preach, or exhort, when met
together, and there come in one that believeth not,
or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is jitdg-
edof all: And thus are the secrets of his heart
made manifest : and so, falling down on his face,
he will worship God, and report that God is in you \
of a truth.
In December, 1768, and January, 1769, some im-
portant regulations were adopted, which are so
23
chai-acteristic, that the history of this church could
not be considered full, were they to be omitted. At
a quarterly meeting, " inquiry was made into the
state of the Church Treasury — upon which it was
considered whether it was not our duty to come
into some better regulation about our temporal af-
fairs ; and after much conversation upon the point,
and searching the scriptures for light, believing that
our circumstances as a church, on temporal accounts,
were in some respects like the case of the church
recorded, Acts 6 : 12, it was agreed, that it was pro-
per to look out seven men of honest report and of
wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business ;
accordingly we chose seven, including our deacons,
viz : Barzillai Richmond, Benjamin Gushing, Nich-
olas Cooke, Dea. Stephen Rawson, Dea. John Field,
Bernard Eddy, Samuel French : which seven
brethren are to inspect into, and advise with, and
assist to regulate the temporal affairs of any mem-
ber or members of the church, whose conduct (ac-
cording to the divine rule) appears to them irregu-
lar, with the consent of the church, (1,) to see that
each member is employed in some lawful calling,
either for their own or for their family's support ;
and that none are idle in their callings, Eph. 4 : 28,
hut rathe?' let him labor', working ivith his hands ;
that he may have to give to him that needeth ; Prov.
19 : 15, an idle soul shall suffer hunger ; 1 Thess.
4:11, study to he quiet and to do your oto?i busi-
ness, and to ivork with your own hands as we com-
24
mandcd you. (2.) To see that the head of each
family belonging to the church, properly regulates
and provides for his own house, 1 Tim. 5:8. 1
Tim. 2 : 9. In like manner also, that women
' adorn themselves with modest apparel. (3.) To
regulate the manner of the church collections, either
by subscription or otherwise ; and proportion such
sums as the church shall think proper to appoint for
the support of the Elder for the year, and to see
that each member do his part of said sum proportion-
ed, according to what he hath. 1 Cor. 9 : 13, 14.
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy
things live of the things of the temple, and they
which wait at the altar are pa7'takers with the altar ;
eve7i so hath the Lord ordained that they which
preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. 2 Cor.
8 : 13, 14. For Im,ean not that other men be eased
and you burdened, but by an equality. (4.) And
to have the care of all other collections that the
church shall think necessary to order, either for the
poor or any other objects ; as also of all donations ;
and see that all such moneys or other things, are
properly appropriated to the uses they were intend-
ed ; and that a record be kept of what each mem-
ber contributes, that it may appear that each doth
his proportion of all necessary expenses. 1 Cor.
16 : 2. Let every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath "prospered him. Acts 4 : 35. And dis-
tribution was made unto every man according as
he had need. (5.) And that you render an ac-
25
count to the church of your proceedings in receiv-
ing in, and distributing out, of the church bounty,
at least once a year or oftener, at some quarterly
meeting as you think proper. 1 Cor. 8 : 21. Pro-
viding for honest things, not only in the sight of
the Lord, hut also in the sight of men.^'
This committee of seven iTien, with like powers
and responsibilities, continues to this day ; nor could
the appointment fail to exert a salutary influence
upon the church.
In February, 1799, " The church considered it
the duty of each male member to give in a proper
and honest account of their worldly circumstances ;
unto the above said seven brethren, that they may
be the better capacitated to regulate the proportion
of each one in defraying the necessary charges of
the church.
It appears from the early history of the Puritan
churches established in New-England, it was their
custom to appoint Ruling Elders, to assist the stated
Pastor in his work ; so that many churches, though \
smaller and weaker than churches of this day, had, 1
in fact, the labors of two public teachers ; so highly
did they value religious privileges. All large
churches would reap more than double benefit by
such a regulation.
On the 29th of April, 1773, '' At a church meet-
ing, the Pastor proposed, that considering his often
infirmities, whether it was not the duty of the
church to choose a Ruling Elder, to assist the Pas-
3
26
tor 111 watching over the members, and keeping
order in the church ; and to lead in public worship
in the Pastor's absence ; and in other affairs as cir-
cumstances may require. When after a proper con-
sideration, the church unanimously chose brother
Barzillai Richmond, a Ruling Elder, to assist as
above, which he accepted."
In 1786, the enemy came in like a flood, in the
shape of carnal mirth and recreation, heresy and
fatal error ; but the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a
standard against him. The church bore decided
testimony against heresy and all disorderly walk,
and cut off the delinquent members.
The amiable and catholic spirit which this church
has ever manifested towards other evangelical
Christians, is beautifully illustrated by the following
incident :
" At a church meeting, Aug. 17, 1787, our bro-
ther Joseph Grafton, having requested a dismission
from our church, the same was taken under delib-
erate consideration. Resolved, that as we have
recommended him as a preacher of the gospel for
more than two years past, and his labours to this
day appear to be well accepted among the brethren,
and we trust for the good of others ; and as he
thinks it is his duty to give himself wholly to the
work ; that if a door should be opened in divine
Providence for his settlement in any one place, or
if he should choose to be sent out to preach the
gospel at large, either of which we give him liber-
27
ty ; but as his mind at present seems to be strait-
ened in respect to his holding visible communion
with churches in the Congregational order, and he
desires to be dismissed from us unto some other
church, which thing (all things considered) we
comply with ; and though at present he appears not
so cordial to commune with all the churches which
we believe our blessed Lord appears visibly to com-
mune with, yet we feel charity and tenderness to-
wards our brother, and excepting this one point as
above, we fully recommend him to all the churches
in general, or to any church in particular that he
may join with, and so consider him as a proper
member of that church when he hath joined with
them, unto whom we now dismiss him."
With little from without to distract them, they
walked together in harmony ; and when any thing
occurred to disturb them, they evinced a spirit of
conciliation and forbearance. I find the following
record, dated Jan. 24th, 1788 :
" At a church meeting agreed as followeth —
' whereas, there hath been uneasiness in the church ^
about the manner of our singing upon the Sabbatl? ; I
having collected the minds of the brethren, we i
unanimously condescend to each other, and agree >
that our singers be subject to the church.' " |
Five or six resolutions were then passed with a \
view to improve that important part of the services I
of the sanctuary.
During the long struggle and stirring scenes of
28
the American Revolution, they kept up the public
institutions of tlie gospel. Under date of Sept.
30th, 1791, I find the following characteristic rec-
ord :
" At a church meeting it was considered that our
I brother Henry Bacon, under his infirmities, could
i not perform his office as Deacon, he desired the
{ church to choose one in his room ; upon which the
I church, after some time of consideration, Resolved
as followetli, that whereas, we find in the character
of Deacons, 1 Tim. 3d chap., that they must be
first proved, we therefore now appoint our brother
Joseph Fuller, as a candidate to act and do in this
church as a Deacon ; and if found blameless, to be
put into that office in proper time."
My object thus far, in tracing the history of this
church has been, to give a connected view of the
causes which have made it 2vhat it is. It has stood
in the midst of a world of darkness, a pyramid of
light ; in the midst of a crooked and perverse gene-
ration, a faithful witness to the truth.
The men who laid the foundation and shared the
early fortunes of this church, adhering to it in its
small beginning, in its struggles and conflicts, its
progress and enlargement, and left it at their death
a flourishing branch of the household of faith, de-
serve to be had in everlasting remembrance. The
names of Richmond, Gushing, Cooke, Rawson,
Field, Eddy, French and Fuller should be cherish-
ed and held in veneration by the friends of Zion.
29
The stream of time, as it rolls over them, wiU only
make them more venerable.
Those suns are set, O when shall other such arise ?"'
One name among the hallowed list deserves par-
ticular notice — that of the excellent pastor, who for
near sixty years went in and out before them in so
blameless a manner, breaking unto them the bread
of life. Elder Snow was no common man. He \
was in early life distinguished for the pureness of ]
his morals and the energy of his character. He ^
had strong points. After his conversion, to which \
we have already referred, he devoted himself to the I
service of God with a steadiness which never wa- |
vered, a zeal which never tired, a conscientiousness ;
which impressed the world with awe. His very >
appearance attracted attention and commanded re- <
spect. He was a self-made man, never having re- i
ceived a liberal education. He followed for some >
years a mechanical pursuit, but his active mind ac- i
cumulated stores of sound theological knowledge. \
He was neat in his person, methodical in his habits, ■
untiring in his labors. |
His doctrines were drawn from the Bible, which >
he studied on his knees ; they were a part of his <
wonderful christian experience. His preaching was i
of the stamp of Tennent's, his spiritual guide. The j
character which Mr. Prince gave of Tennent, Avith \
slight modifications, would apply to Mr. Snow. \
Though not a legal preacher, yet he preached the
law in its broad demands and hia;h sanctions, that \
w
30
the sin of the heart might be ferreted out, that every
imiDerfection of the life miglit be detected, that the
honest reproof and faithful application, thou art the
man, might be responded to by the accusing con-
science, and the condemned sinner sue for mercy.
His voice and action in the pulpit showed him to
be in earnest in his Master's cause. He lived to an
advanced age, and died in the triumphs of faith,
showing his " ruling passion strong in death."
His memorial is in heaven, but he left on earth
monuments of faithfiilfulness which remained to
this day. Some seals of his ministry yet continue
among the saints below, who have stood firm amidst
defections and changes, waiting for their release
from a body of sin. His eulogy was pronounced
by his venerable friend and fellow laborer in the
gospel. Dr. Gano, of the first Baptist Church in this
•city, who was much attached to him.
We give a few extracts from that excellent ser-
mon which exhibited in a striking manner " the
dying prospects of the faithful gospel minister."
" If uniform piety, unshaken faith in the divine
government, a persevering attachment to the reli-
gion of Jesus Christ, an ardent love to the souls
of men, an exemplary life of godliness, and a
sweet, serene composure in prospect of the ap-
proaching dissolution of the body, give evidence of
being approved of God, we may justly conclude
our friend and father in the gospel is now mingling
his songs of praise among the spirits of the just
31
made perfect, enjoying the reward promised to the
faithful laborer."
" Early in life, his heart was captivated by the
grace of the gospel, and for almost lifty-eight years
he labored in the field of the gospel ministry.
Many and severe were the trials he was called to
experience in the faithful discharge of his ministe-
rial duties ; but he constantly maintained the good
fight of faith. He was truly a warm, zealous ad-
vocate and defender of the truths of divine revela-
tion. As he believed, so he spake. The doctrine
of divine sovereignty — the moral depravity and guilt
of the human heart, as naturally averse to, and des-
titute of any spiritual good — the necessity of the
almighty and efficacious influence of the Holy
Spirit to renovate the unregenerate heart — the cer-
tainty of the saints being kept by the power of
God, through faith unto salvation — the necessity of
holiness of life in believers, as evidential of their
love to God, and the means by which they were |
made meet for glory — were the leading truths of
his preaching. In fine, he was the plain bible
preacher, who earnestly sought to win souls to Je-
sus Christ, that they might be saved, and his bless-
ed Master glorified."'
" As through life he fought the good fight of
faith, so in death he manifested an adherence to
the same precious faith, and was willing to be gone,
that he might be with Jesus. In conversation, not
long before his decease, speaking of his willingness
32
to die when it should please God to call him, he
said, ' I know if I stay here, it will only be to get
deeper in debt to sovereign grace.' It was the free,
unmerited grace of God in Christ upon which he
was willing to trust his immortal all. You, who
sat under his ministry, know how he nourished and
cherished — how he warned, exhorted and entreated j
you with fraternal care and anxiety. The pros- \
perity of Zion was his chief joy. A departure \
from the faith and life of a christian, in the profes-
sors of religion, filled his heart Avith pain and \
grief." \
Such, as we learn from a most unquestioned \
source, was the first minister of this church ; and ]
even we, at this day, have occasion to bless God for \
the faith and patience of such a servant of Christ, \
whose labors, so long continued, were not, to the \
last, in vain in the liOrd. \
The stability of a church depends upon the doc- >
trines it contains in its creed, and the bodying forth \
of those doctrines in the experience and life of its \
members. We have seen that this church was ■;
founded in prayer, was built upon the doctrines of
Christ and the Apostles, the reformers and puritan •
fathers, that its first pastor and early members were \
men of deep personal piety, of great simplicity of \
character and high moral courage. They adhered \
strictly to the gospel rule in the usages of the \
church and the exercise of discipline. They walk- \
ed together in great harmony for nearly fifty years, \
33
keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace.
The infirmities of the aged pastor admonished
him that his time of departure was at hand. He
fell into a common mistake of aged ministers, that
of continuing his ministrations after his intellectual
and bodily powers had failed. One evil consequence
resulting to the church, was the neglect of disci-
pline. Its affairs were left at loose ends.
The Charter, by which this society became a
body corporate, by the name of the Beneficent
Congregational Society, was obtained in 1785 ; it
was preceded by the following declaration :
" To all Christian people who shall see these pres-
ents, Be it known, That we whose names are here-
under written, members of the Congregational So-
ciety on the west side of the river in said Provi-
dence, of which the Rev. Joseph Snow is the pres-
ent Pastor, taking into serious consideration the
great importance of a due administration of the gos-
pel and its ordinances, both to ourselves and to pos-
terity, as also considering the necessty of provision
being made for the decent support of our said Pas-
tor, and succeeding Pastors in said Society, do most
solemnly and cheerfully engage, that we will enter
into a society or body corporate, by the name of the
Beneficent Congregational Society, in order to raise
a certain fund by voluntary subscriptions, contribu-
tions, &c., of ourselves and such other persons as
may hereafter join us ; the interest of which fund
34
may become in due time sufficient for the purpose
aforesaid, and other charitable uses, and that we
will petition the General Assembly of this State for
a charter of incorporation for that purpose, conscious
of the rectitude of our intentions, and beseeching
the great Head of the Church, that he would be
pleased to smile on and prosper these our benevo-
lent intentions, that this institution may become
useful to ourselves, a lasting blessing to posterity,
and to the honor of our glorious Redeemer.
Signed by
SAMUEL BUTLER,
HENRY BACON,
NATPL4NIEL JACOBS,
JONATHAN JENKINS,
JOSEPH MARTIN,
THOMAS JONES,
(Original subsbribers. )
In 17S9, Mr. Snow then being seventy-four years
of age, requested a colleague, but the church did
not comply with the request ; he renewed his re-
quest the following year, and they acceded to it.
Several persons preached as candidates, none of
whom were acceptable.
In 1791, Rev. James Wilson, who subsequently
became pastor of this church, came to this town.
His visit was providential, as he left Ireland with a
view to go to Baltimore, in Maryland, where his
relatives resided. His preaching, being a stranger
and a foreigner, excited attention. The impression
soon became general that he was the man to become
^;?^
35
a colleague with the aged pastor. Having left the
Wesleyan connexion, he considered himself an In-
dependent. He was not a member of any ecclesi-
astical body.
'•' We have now arrived at a period in the history
of this church," to use the words of the Report,
"which to our fathers was of the most trying na-
ture ; this heretofore happy and prosperous church
was now about to be severed in twain."
The causes of the separation are to be regretted,
while He who causeth the wrath of man to praise
him, overruled it for good. Another church was
formed of the same order, which has " stood for the
defence of the truth."
It is a singular coincidence, that each of the Re-
cords of the two chiu"ches commences with a de-
tailed account of the trial and suspension of their
minister. By a sort of retribution, Mr. Snow, who
in early life assisted in cutting off Mr. Cotton from
the communion, was himself excluded by a part of
the church who had so long adhered to him. Dif-
ference in religious sentiment was the avowed
cause of his opposition to Mr. Wilson. After hav-
ing preached for fifty years the discriminating doc-
trines of the gospel, he felt unwilling to leave his
church under the instruction of one who did not
harmonize with him in doctrinal views.
I find the following record, which contains the
first intimation in the history of the church of a
change in religious sentiment. It is dated Sept.
36
19, 1792. More than a year after Mr. Wilson be-
gan to preach to them.
" At a church meeting it was considered, where-
as, some of our members appeared not so weh sat-
isfied with some words in the third article of our
confession of faith ; though it was not in our power
to alter any words without the consent of all the
members ; but when all the members present at the
meeting and those that were absent, being consulted,
the matter was determined by these two questions :
(1.) Whether you approve of the alteration proposed
to be made in the third article of our Confession of
Faith, namely, ' that we believe that God hath
foreseen and permitted sin ; and hath declared the
end from the beginning, saying, my counsel shall
stand, and I will do all my pleasure.' (2.) Are you
determined to abide by our confession of faith and
covenant, and from this day, by divine assistance,
renewedly engage to attend unto and live according
to our solemn covenant engagements? Answered
in the affirmative."
The disastrous effects of the division grew out of
the wrong feeling indulged. If brethren cannot
walk together in love, and cannot exercise conde-
scension in the same spiritual family, they should
separate, and like Paul and Barnabas, labor in differ-
ent fields. The whole vineyard is the Lord's, and
we may labor any where. To oppose one another,
to pull down one church to strengthen another, is
alike unwise and unchristian. For years the
37
churches formed by the separation in 1793, kept
aloof from each other, greatly to the injury of the
cause of Christ, and to their own prejudice. They
are now in harmony, and the members may learn a
salutary lesson by the review. We have no desire
to recur to those days of bitterness and strife. The
chief actors, saved by grace, are now, we trust,
among the just made perfect.
After Mr. Snow and part of his people had with-
drawn, a convention was held and steps were taken
to organize the church anew. Great harmony pre-
vailed ; a spirit of forbearance was manifested on
the part of the majority who remained. Their
minister had left them, still they acknowledged
themselves under his care.
The record states, " that at a meeting of the
Congregational Church, held on the west side of
the salt river in Providence, under the pastoral care
of the Rev. Joseph Snow, duly warned, and held
at the house of our brother Joseph Fuller, on the
25th of April, 1793, Joseph Martin, Moderator, it
was resolvedy first, That the members present are
the true, proper, and legal church described in the
above words.
Second, That this church has heretofore been
greatly negligent and remiss in the exercise of the
powers of government and discipline, that exclu-
sively belong to this church, as a congregational
church, and that in consequence of such neglect,
great disorders have taken place in the church, to
38
the great hindrance of the prosperity of this
\ church.
I Third, That in order to restore peace and good
I order in the church, and for the promotion of the
\ honor of God, and the cause of true religion. We
i will innnediately resume such government and dis-
i cipline ; and that in order to carry into effect the
I above resolutions, wc do hereby direct our beloved
\ brethren of the church committee, to immediately
j wait on our Pastor, and request him to notify a meet-
i ing of the church, to be held at the house of Jo-
\ seph Fuller, on the 25th of this instant, April, at
i four o'clock, P. M., and in case he refuses to notify
one, that our brethren of the committee cause a
J meeting to be notified at the next public meeting.
\ Fourth, That at said meeting, before any other
business is done, we will choose a Moderator for
I the time being, to conduct the business of the meet-
j ing, and will also choose a clerk to keep the future
i records of the church.
Fifth, That the present committee, to wit. : our
beloved brothers, Nathaniel Jacobs, John Field, Jo-
seph Martin, Jonathan Jenkins, Joseph Fuller, and
Thomas Jones, be and are hereby continued in office
until others are appointed in their stead ; and that a
majority of said committee be, and they are hereby
invested with the authority of the church, to call
church meetings, and to prepare matters to be acted
on at said meetings."
The present constitution of the church was
39
adopted at the same meeting — a document which
contains important principles, worthy the high
character, sound sense and established piety of the \
venerable men who framed and adopted it. [See \
Constitution, p. 53.]
The Articles of Faith and Covenant, were adopt- I
ed on the 19th of July, 1793, to which, within a
few days, thirty-two members added their names, 1
twenty-one males and eleven females ; but two of
whom now remain.
Those names, few indeed, transferred we trust to \
the book of life, should be preserved and be had in I
grateful remembrance. They were good men, full
of the spirit of grace and love, who re-organized
this church. The venerable Nathaniel Jacobs stood \
at their head. He was admitted to the church in \
1745, and continued a member until his death, in i
1807, a period of sixty-two years. As he ascended
to heaven, some of his brethren caught his falling
mantle, and exhibited the same heavenly spirit. \
Among those names are found John Field, Joseph
Martin, Joseph Fuller, Benjamin Hoppin, Samuel ;
Proud, Thomas Jones, John Perrin, Stephen Ward- I
well, and others — names which this church will i
cherish ; they are embalmed in our grateful recol- \
lection. They left the impress of their spirit and
character upon the usages and regulations of the
church. At first they were called to struggle with
many difficulties, and if they did not pass through
fiery trials, yet they were greatly perplexed, but the
40
Lord was with tliem ; they maintained their integ-
rity, and adhered firmly to their excellent minister,
who, on the 11th of September, 1793, received a
miaiiimous call to settle over them in the Lord.
The Rev. James Wilson was ordained as Colleague
Pastor* with Mr. Snow, on the 16th of Oct., 1793.
Six churches were represented in the ordaining
council. The Rev. Zedekiah Sanger preached the
sermon, which was published.
The great Head of the Church was pleased to
add his approbation to the preaching of Mr. Wilson,
'and many were joined to the Lord. Through evil
and through good report he went forward, upheld by
the countenance and prayers of his brethren in the
church, and the presence of his divine Master.
With characteristic energy and zeal, Mr. Wilson
engaged for several years in teaching the public
school ; though it may be doubted whether his
people did not suffer loss by his waste of strength,
and distraction of mind consequent upon such ex-
hausting labors, whatever they might have gained
on the score of pecuniary consideration.
September 11th, 1795, James Hammond and Wil-
liam Jones were chosen members of the standing
committee, to fill vacancies occasioned by the death
i of Deacon Field and Joseph Martin ; at that meet-
j *" Upon the advice of the Council, the church ro-considered
i their proceedings with respect to Elder Snow, and revoked the
] votes of censure which they had before passed in relation to his
> conduct, still considering him their minister."
41
ingalso, Stephen Wardwell was elected, to fill the
place of Nathaniel Jacobs, who was unable to attend
regularly, on account of age and infirmity.
Influenced by a laudable public spirit, the society
about this time erected a parsonage house, which
the venerable pastor occupied during the period of
44 years, in which time his family passed through
many changes, and experienced unparalleled trials ;
but their covenant God never forsook them.
From 1799 to 1804, the church was in a lan-
guishing state, iniquity abounded, the love of many
waxed cold, many relapsed into sin and error. How
much this state of things might have been owing
to the confinement of the pastor to a school, cannot
be known ; but the Lord gave his people grace to
be faithful ; the exercise of discipline prepared the
way for his coming to his temple. Some who once
enjoyed the confidence of their brethren, and held
a high place in the church, were cut off". As in
the days of the Apostles, when Annanias and Sa-
phira were struck dead, fear came upon many —
some were led to humiliation and prayer. On the
following year the Holy Spirit was poured out upon
the congregation and town in a wonderful manner.
So great a work had never been witnessed here be-
fore. By reason of the repeated visitation of the
Spirit, we may say, the church, after its reorganiza-
tion in 1793, excelled the former church in glory.
In the course of three months, viz., April, May and
June, of that year, sixty-six persons were added to
42
this church, and during the year, near one hundred
i and fifty. The blessed effects of that season of
\ refreshing, are felt to this day ; a new impulse was
I given to Zion, her cords were extended and her
I stakes strengthened : some of the most useful mem-
j bers now in the church were the7i added to it. A
I mistake was made, which churches even now have
I not learned to correct, that of receiving members
\ without sufficient time to examine their hope. In
consequence of which some fell away. About this
time, the Saturday evening prayer meeting was
commenced, which has been kept up to this day,
giving an opportunity to the younger members of
the church to improve their gifts. The presence of
the Spirit has often been witnessed in these social
meetings.
As the church and society increased, they found
the meeting house in which they and their fathers
had worshipped for more than sixty years, (and
which from the time of its erection to the year
1795, was the only house for public worship on the
west side of the river — in which the first College
commencement was ever held in this town, attend-
ed by Gov. Wanton, of Newport, the Colonial Gov-
ernor, dressed in the costume of that day) — too
strait for them ; the society therefore on the 17th of
October, 1808, took measures for the erection of
another in its place. This Avas an important step.
The house was completed at the close of the year
1809, and dedicated January 1st, 1810. It reflects
43
great credit on the friends of the enterprise, and
stands a monument of the liberality and public
spirit of the people. It is one of the most commo-
dious and tasteful houses of worship in New-Eng-
land.
The church was blessed with another season of
refreshing in the year 1812, which added to its
strength as well as numbers. The Holy Spirit's
influences seem not to have been entirely with-
drawn from the ministrations of the gospel during
several successive years.
In 1816, a difficulty arose in the church in con-
sequence of the introduction of instrumental music
into public worship, which disturbed its harmony,
checked the progress of the work which had com-
menced, and ended in the withdrawal of some of
the most worthy members. We have no arithmetic
by which to compute the evils of such contentions
in the household of faith. The hands of Christ's
ministers are weakened, the hearts of the righteous
are made sad, while the enemies of Zion rejoice. ;
Though the face of the daughter of Zion was $
for a season covered with a cloud, yet in answer to i
prayer offered by many in secret places, the Lord
graciously interposed, the mourning ways of Zion j
began to be crowded with worshippers, and many
were heard inquiring what they mnst do to be saved.
Early in the year 1819, many of the youth were
gathered into the fold of Christ : the work was si-
lent, but powerful. In the year 1820, a year so
44
distinguished for revivals of religion throughout the
wliolc land, God appeared in his glory to build up
this cluirch. Great numbers of the youth were ar-
rested, convictions were pungent, the stout-hearted
trembled, while the saints were greatly quickened.
The work was general in all the evangelical
churches in the town. Much sympathy was awa-
kened, and at times perhaps there was too much ani-
mal feeling. If there was any thing to regret, it
was that there was not more discrimination in the
examination and admission of members. It was
however a glorious work ; it elevated the tone of
religious feeling, and raised the standard of practi-
cal holiness. Its influence was most kind and salu-
tary ; it bound the church together in bonds of love,
which no subsequent changes have dissolved. The
sweet songs of Zion which then flowed from so
many lips are yet sung with interest. Many of the
converts have died in faith, and some are among the
most active and efficient members of the church.
In consequence of the increase of the church, it
was deemed advisable to add to the number of its
officers ; accordingly at a meeting duly appointed,
on the 17th of May, 1820, they elected Stephen
Wardwell and William C. Snow, to the office of
Deacon. In 1820. the Sabbath School connected
with this church was organized.
After a gathering, there comes a sifting time ; as
many of those admitted in that revival were young,
when temptations were spread for their feet, they
45
returned to the world, and not a few were excluded.
Though such a result was to have been expected,
yet it was matter of deep regret. They who put
their hand to the plough and look back, are not fit
for the kingdom of heaven.
During the next ten years, very few additions
were made to the church. It is painful to refer to
the causes which operated to awaken prejudice in
the public mind against revivals of religion. There
was harmony in the church, though few came to
her solemn feasts. During a part of the years 1831
and 1832, there were more additions than there had
been for the eight preceding years. Special efforts
were made during these years to promote the work
of God ; nor were they made in vain. A new and
peculiar interest was awakened in behalf of the be-
nevolent institutions of the age. The church
adopted the following resolutions :
Resolved, That as a church, we do highly ap-
prove of such institutions as are connected with the
diffusion of the Holy Scriptures, unadulterated by
the doctrines of men, by the means of Bible, Tract,
Sabbath School, Missionary, and other kindred as-
sociations, and that we will endeavor to give them
our hearty co-operation and aid, according as the
Lord has communicated unto us pecuniary or moral
ability."
From the date of those resolutions in 1831, the
spirituality of the church increased ; identifying
her interests with the spread of the gospel and the
46
extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, her sympa-
thies went abroad, her views were enlarged, a holier
influence was felt in her solemn assemblies ; as a
natural consequence, those who were added to her
communion possessed more of the Spirit of Christ.
From that time the proportion of defections from
the faith has sensibly diminished. Spiritual pros-
perity is connected with benevolent action. Pray
for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that
love thee.
In reviewing the long and eventful ministry of
Mr. Wilson, who for forty-seven years stood liere as
a watchman on the walls of Zion, it is necessary to
take into consideration the weak and distracted state
of the church when he was ordained in 1793, the
men who were contemporary with him in the min-
istry in other churches, and the vigorous and flour-
ishing condition of the Society when he was called
to his reward.
He took the oversight of this people when they
were feeble and few in numbers, in consequence of
the separation of a large minority, who for several
years could not feel cordial to him or his people.
Notwithstanding these embarrassments, he gave
himself to the work of the ministry with singular
devotedness. It is believed there is not an instance
in New-England, where a pastor has been so little
absent from his people, has preached to them so uni-
formly on the Sabbath, and stood by them in all
changes so steadily, as Mr. Wilson. He had vigor-
47
ous h, alth, a ready mind, a retentive memory, won-
derfui power of extemporaneous preaching, so that
he could give more time to pastoral duties than al-
most any other man. The result was, uncommon
attachment on the part of his people, regular attend-
ance on his ministrations, great regard for his opin-
ions. His preaching was evangelical. If his ven-
erable predecessor preached the law, and searched
the conscience, he preached the gospel and healed
the -vv.unded spirit. He was eminently successful
m winning souls to Christ. His own christian expe-
rience led him to dwell upon the promises ; his de-
light was to exhibit the Savior in the fullness of his
grace m the tenderness of his compassion, in the
power of his love— as a friend that sticketh closer
than a brother. In the meridian of his life he often
preaciied with great effect; he had a fine full-toned
voice, a benevolent countenance, a warm heart • so
that he was at times truly eloquent. He erred with
his predecessor, in continuing to preach after the
failure of his powers ; the respect and kindness of
his people led them to bear with his infirmities,
while the young for a season lost their interest iri '
his preaching. For some years, therefore, they i
were .xposed to the zeal of other ministers, who j
led oti many of his flock.
When he was ordained, Elder Gano, pastor of the I
Fu'st Baptist Church, and Dr. Hitchcock, pastor of
the Fust Congregational Church, were in full vigor. |
He sustained himself by their side, secured their con- I
48
fideiicc, and had their full fellowship. They were
able men, and left a deep and lasting impression
U])on this community. Dr. Hitchcock was much at-
tached to him, and left him at his death some valua-
ble books from his library.
The successor of Dr. Hitchcock was a different
man ; his end proved him unlike in all respects. As
he gradually avowed erroneous sentiments, Mr. Wil-
son ceased to hold fellowship with him. Attempts
have been made to induce the belief that Mr. Wil-
son was unsound in the faith, and that many of his
church had fallen into error. There was a time
when his mental and physical powers began to fail j
and some designing persons took advantage of his
frankness and feebleness, to unsettle his mind in re-
lation to some of the great doctrines of the gospel.
If in early life he had disciplined his mind by wri-
ting his sermons and studying systematically the
plan of truth revealed in the Bible, he would not
have been exposed to such temptations. But his
people promptly met these disclosures, and he as
readily reviewed his course, retraced his steps, and
settled down upon the foundation of the articles
and covenant of the church. He was more sinned
against than sinning. The constitution of the
chiuch is of that broad and liberal character, it is to
be expected there will be some diversity of views
in the members, while the articles of faith and cov-
enant are so exj)licit and orthodox, that one must be
guilty of perjury to assent to them publicly, as all do
49
who join the communion, if he be essentially erro- [
neous. With a view however to guard the church I
more effectually against the intrusion of unworthy \
members, they adopted seven questions, which are I
to be submitted to every candidate, on profession or '>
by letter, before he can be received. These ques- \
tions bear upon the radical errors of the present day, \
and the distinguishing duties of christian life. More 't
recently other rules have been adopted, which em- >
body more fully the consistency and self-denial of I
the gospel. \
Mr. Wilson, in the latter part of his life, had great \
religious enjoyment. He often recm-red to the days i
of his youth, the time of his espousals to Christ ; \
his heart was tender ; the conflicts of life passed |
from his mind, and, like the patriarch, he waited for \
his change to come. My intercourse with him for I
more than two years, was pleasant and profitable, l
When he was seventy-five years of age, he con- I
sented to have a colleague. The manner in which |
provision was made for his support in the decline
of life, was equally gratifying to him and creditable j
to the people. Never did an aged pastor go down I
to the grave more securely entrenched in the aftec- I
tions of his church, while to the last he gave them \
his prayers and his blessing. j
In 1835, the Rev. Cyrus Mason was invited to :;
settle among them, as colleague paster with Mr. \
Wilson. He had been for several years pastor of ^
the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church, New- York ; \
50
he came in the fullness of the blessing of the gos-
pel ; his preaching was highly acceptable ; the con-
I gregation increased, his prospects of usefulness were
J bright; but ill health soon compelled him to resign
j his charge. He remained however long enough to
I leave an impression on the people ; his active mind
( and fine taste led him to project extensive repairs in
this house of worship, the accomplishment of which
reflect equal honor on him and the congregation.
On his removal from this church, he was elected
\ jjrofessor in the University of New- York, which
( olfice he continues to fill. He was graduated at
Union College, Schenectady, and recently received
j from Brown University the honorary degree of
I Doctor of Divinity.
Doctor Mason was installed associate pastor, Oct.
7th, 1835, and dismissed by a council, September
19th, 1836.
Yom* present pastor came here in February, 1837,
and was installed colleague pastor in June follow-
ing. He has ever considered it a matter of thank-
fulness that he possessed the entire confidence and
shared the affection of his venerable father in the
ministry, who died September 14th, 1839."
So that I am the third sole pastor of this people
in one hundred years. Should the mantle of my
predecessors fall upon me, and should my connec-
tion with this church continue, but few of those
I present could hope to see a successor. If it be in-
( structive to review the past, it is solemn to antici-
51
pate the future. We have reached an interesting
period in our history as a church. We are gathered
here to set up our memorial ; we may truly say.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. We repeat with
veneration the names of the men who, in the name
of their God, set up their banners here ; who avow-
ed their attachment to the doctrines of the gospel ;
and while others seem to boast that they '' never
had a multitude of religious services, or periodical
religious excitements, or any imposition of creeds
or severity of discipline," or '-any one feature,
speculative or practical, resembling the stern char-
acter of orthodox churches," we rejoice in their
firm purpose, invincible perseverence, which led to
the establishment of a church which has never been
without a teaching priest, stated ordinances, or the
divine approbation. Oar doctrines and discipline
may be called '■' stern" — they are not ours, but His
who said, if any man loill he tny disciple, let him
deny himself take up his cross and follow me. If
it be the sternness of truth, of righteousness, v/e
will bear the reproach.
Entering, as we now do, upon a new century, it
behooves us to consecrate ourselves anew to the ser-
vice of that God who in faithfulness led our fathers
through all the trials of their way, and who will
never forsake their children, if they remain steadfast
in the doctrines of Christ. This is a religious act
we have come to-night to perform. Let each one
for himself devote all he possesses to the God of
62
his salvation. We have received a rich inheritance
from our fait'icrs, in the prayers they offered, the
principles they adopted, the system of truth they
embraced, the rules and regulations they observed :
these we are to transmit to posterity. It will de-
pend upon the course we pursue, the character we
maintain, the consistency we preserve, whether we
secure the respect and gratitude of those who come
after us. With all the advantage of the light of
past experience, the study of history, the page of
divine Providence, can we be so recreant to our
high trust, so unmindful of our obligations, so false
to our covenant vows, as to desert this standard,
forsake our principles, or abandon our ground ? No.
Around these altars where our fathers worshipped,
standing on the spot where holy men sang and
prayed, we pledge ourselves to rally under the stan-
dard of evangelical truth, and by divine grace, will
maintain the integrity of our creed, and perform the
conditions of our covenant.
Lord God of our fathers, This day, do we, with
the utmost solemnity, surrender ourselves to thee.
We renounce all former lords that have had domin-
ion over us ; and we consecrate to thee all that we
are, and all that we have, — the faculties of our
mind, the members of our body, our worldly pos-
sessions, our time, and influence over others : to be
used entirely for thy glory, and resolutely employed
in obedience to thy commands, as long as thou con-
tinuest us in life.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
BENEFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
PROVIDENCE, R. I
Adopted April 25, A. D. 1793.
Article 1. The great end and design of our
Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in estab-
lishing his Church on earth, appears to be the glory
of God, and the common benefit of fallen, lost and
sinful men, of all descriptions, tongues and lan-
guages, and that there is no superiority of one mem-
ber above another, either officer or private member,
in respect of rights ; but all are equal. \
Art. 2. This Church is a Congregational |
Church, and is independent in its government and ;
discipline, and acknowledges no head or superior j
but Christ alone ; and that all powers of govern- j
ment, in all cases originate, and are derived from the J
Church collectively, so that any powers of office I
exercised in the Church, must be by the appoint- <,
ment of the Church, and revocable at pleasure. j
Art. 3. The Church has a right and is compe- I
tent in and of itself to choose and appoint its own ;
Minister, Pastor or Elders, Deacons, and all other ]
officers that they deem necessary and according '/
to the Scriptures, in order to its due organization
and for the benefit of the body ; and has also a ;
54
\
right to make null and void such appointments at
their plcasiu-e, whenever they judge it necessary for
the good of said body, so far it respects themselves.
Art. 4, That all Questions that can possibly
come before the Church, or in any wise affect the
Church, must be acted on in a meeting of the
Church, duly warned, in such manner as the Church
shall direct ; and after being sufficiently debated,
shall be determined by a majority of voices of the
male members present, (excepting altering the Con-
stitution, Articles of Faith and Church Covenant.)
It shall be the duty of the majority to labor to gain
the minority ; but if they do not succeed, it is the
duty of the minority to submit, that decency, order
and harmony be preserved in the Church.
Art. 5. As on the one hand we reject all
worldly power and establishments, and think them
detrimental to the advancement of Christ's spirit-
ual kingdom, so on the other, we hold it an indis-
pensable duty to seek to promote the prosperity of
the civil government under which we live, and to
obey its laws, so long as no laws are enacted to
bind our consciences.
Art. 6. This Church professes what is com-
monly called open Communion, and their Table, at
the celebration of the supper of our blessed Re-
deemer, is open to any person or persons who are
orderly and regular Christians, arid whose Christian
experience the Church, or those whom they may
appoint to hear the same, are satified with.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
Article 1. We believe in one only living and
true God, Infinite, Eternal and Unchangeable in all
His attributes.
Art. 2. Of the Holy Trinity we believe there
are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and that these
three are one.
Art. 3. We believe that God hath foreseen and
permitted whatsoever comes to pass, and is the Au-
thor of all Good, and will punish all Sin.
Art. 4. We believe God created our first Par-
ents Righteous and Holy, and entered into a Cove-
nant of Life with them, on condition of perfect obe-
dience : but they being left to the freedom of their
own will, ate of the forbidden fruit, by which they
lost the Divine Image, defiled their whole nature,
brought themselves and all their posteriy under the
wrath and curse of God.
Art. 5. We believe that God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
Art. 6. We believe the only Redeemer of God's
elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God and
56
man in two distinct natures and one person forever,
who gave himself a ransom for all, and executes his
threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King, to-
wards every true believer.
Art. 7. We believe the Holy Spirit, by con-
vincing of sin, and working faith in the elect, or
true believers, unites them to Christ, the true ob- ;
ject of faith, so that all those who were foreknown, I
called, justified, will be eternally glorified. |
Art. 8. We believe that every true believer is i
justified by the righteousness of Christ, received I
by faith alone, who out of Divine Grace hath fully <
satisfied Divine Justice for every believer, and made <
them joint heirs with himself in such a vital union, \
that they feel the effects of Redeeming love in their
souls, which worketh in them true repentance. j
Art. 9, We believe the Holy Scriptures are the \
only (written) rule of faith and practice. \
Art. 10. And that the Moral Law is also a rule I
of life to every believer, and according to the words (
of our Lord, that as the tree is known by its fruit,
so is every true believer known by the fruits which j
he produceth.
Art. 1L We believe there are two special
signs of the covenant of grace, viz : Baptism and |
the Lord's Supper. ■
Art. 12. We believe in the Communion of all j
Saints, the Resurrection of the Body, and a Day of !
Judgment, and a future state of Rewards and Pun- \
ishments. \
COVENANT.
Art. 1. We do unfeignedly resign up ourselves
to the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
and avouch him this day to be our God, Father,
Savior, and Leader, our portion here and forever.
Art. 2. We receive the Lord Jesus Christ,
as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and will make it
our great care to hold fast the doctrines of the Gos-
pel as he hath taught us, viz : the doctrine of man's
impotency, that by nature we are all children of
wrath ; the doctrine of Justification only by Chrsit,
received by Faith alone ; the doctrines of Persever-
ance, Assurance, and all the doctrines of Grace con-
tained in the Holy Scriptures,
Art. 3. We will labor, by the assistance of the
Holy Ghost, to hold regular communion with the
whole regular mystical body of Christ.
Art. 4. We do solemnly promise, by the as-
sistance of the Holy Ghost, mutually to watch
over one another, in all brotherly offices of love and
tenderness, by reproofs and admonitions, as Christ
hath enjoined us, according to our several places.
Art. 5. We purpose by the assistance of the
Holy Spirit, to oppose all sin and error forbidden
in the Scriptures, both in ourselves and others.
58
Art. G. Wc will by God's assistance be careful
to bring up all under our care in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.
Art. 7. We will by God's assistance be careful
to read the Scriptures of the old and new Testa-
ment, which is the word of God, and take that to
be our standing Rule, by which we are to try our
spirits and regulate our lives and conversation, sub-
mitting ourselves to the order and discipline of this
Church in the Lord.
QUESTIONS
To he propounded to Candidates by the Committee.
Adopted August, 1832.
1. Do you believe in what is commonly called
the Doctrine of the Trinity, or that the Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost exist as the one true God ?
2. Have you any belief in what is commonly
termed Unitarian sentiments, or those that deny that
Jesus Christ is God ?
3. Have you any belief in the Doctrine of Uni-
versal Salvation, or restoration of all mankind, with-
out distinction of character in a future state ?
4. Do you agree totally to abstain from the use
of ardent spirits,* except for medicinal purposes ?
5. Do you feel it your duty, in obedience to the
Divine command, to observe the Sabbath day as
holy time, by abstaining from all unbecoming rec-
reations, journeyings, either by land or water, vain
visits, or pursuing ordinary business of any kind,
except in cases of necessity or acts of mercy ?
6. Do you believe it to be a duty, and will you
practise family Prayer, so long as you may remain
the head of a family, when health will permit ?
7. Do you believe it to be your duty to live in
the daily practice of secret Prayer, by retiring alone
for the special performance of this duty ?
* Amended May IS, 1S42 — Intoxicating liquors, substituted for
ardent spirits.
RESOLUTIONS.
Adopted November 30, 1838.
Resolved, That it is the duty of every member
of this Church, on removing from this city with the
view of taking up a new residence, to take with
them Letters of dismission and recommendation to
other Churches in fellowship with this, near the
place of their new residence ; and all members thus
removinar, and neglecting to take such Letters for
the term of one year after their removal, shall be
reported to the Church.
Resolved, That all members of other Churches,
who reside in this city and are in the habit of com-
muning with this Church, shall be required to bring
Letters of dismission and recommendation from the
Churches where they belong, within one year from
the commencement of their communing with this
Church.
[Adopted January, 1839.]
Resolved, That while the Religion we profess
admits of the greatest joy and rejoicing, and in no
wise denies to the Christian all that is profitable in
social intercourse, or shuts him out from a partici-
pation in all that can strictly be called " innocent "
in amusements ; still the joy of the Christian is
such as the world knows not, and cannot result
from those vain amusements which the world ap-
prove, and whicli give pleasure to the natural heart.
61
Nor is it consistent with the principles of the reli-
gion of Christ, for its professors to indulge in any
amusements or modes of spending time, which tend |
to levity or thoughtlessness on religious subjects.
Resolved, That it is the duty of this Church as j
a body, and of its members individually, to dis- i
courage and oppose, by all proper means, the inroads |
now making upon the good order and religious |
character of this community ; and to encourage, by \
all proper means, a determined opposition on the \
part of Christians, to every demoralizing amuse-
ment and unchristian pastime ; and 4hat one of the
means placed in the hands of the Church for this
purpose, is its right of discipline.
Resolved, That among the amusements of this
character, this Church recognize as such, the Thea-
tre, the Circus, Balls mid Dancing Parties—and
as they have ever been looked upon in this light by
this Church, since its re-organization, therefore any
indulgence in these must be considered as a breach
of covenant obligations on the part of the members
of this Church, and treated accordingly.
Resolved, That as the heart is deceitful, and pro-
fessing Christians are liable to be led away to in-
dulge in such dangerous amusements, therefore it is
their duty to make use of suitable means of grace
to prevent this ; to be constant in prayer, to main-
tain family devotion, to attend (when practicable)
the meetings established by the church, as well on
the evenings of the week as on the Sabbath— to
62
engage in Christian benevolent objects, and identi-
fy themselves with these efforts by personal appli-
cation and labor — and that this Church enjc ; • upon
all its members not to " forsake the asseml ting of
themselves together."
Resolved, That this Church disapproves "f any
of its members sending their children to dancing
; schools, as being contrary to that part of their cov-
enant obligations by which they have s^l^mnly
agreed that they "will be careful to brin: up all
under their care in the nurture and admoiaiion of
the Lord."
Resolved, That this Church considers th • prac-
tice of travelling by steam-boats, stages o; other
conveyances, on the Sabbath, for business or plea-
sure, or of visiting the Post-Office, to procure letters
on business on that day, as a breach of the fourth
commandment, which enjoins on all to " E ')mem-
ber the Sabbath day to keep it holy ;" and if any
of the members of this Church are found to be en-
gaged in travelling, &c. as aforesaid, that the/ shall
be dealt with as the rules of Christ's Church direct.
MINISTERS.
Rev. JOSEPH SNOW, from the original organi-
zation of the Church, in 1743, to the separa-
tion, in 1793. Term of ministry, 50 years.
Rev. JAMES WILSON, from the re-organization,
in 1793, to his death, Sept. 14, 1839. Term
of ministry, 46 years.
Rev. CYRUS MASON, from New- York, installed
as Colleague Pastor with Rev. James Wil-
son, 1835 ; resigned on account of ill health,
1836.
Rev. mark TUCKER, D. D., Installed June
21, 1837.
PAST DEACONS.
Elected.
i
Benjamin Cary,
Oct. 14, 1793,
Deceased. ^
Stephen Rawson,
unknown.
" >
Henry Bacon,
March 1, 1774,
a <
Joseph Fuller,
Sept. 30, 1791,
u <
John Field,
unknown.
(C >
James Snow,
April 25, 1791,
IC ]
James Hammond,
Aug. 19, 1799,
ii <
Walter Paine,
Aug. 11, 1808, ''''^'' tbe'c^r"' '""^ \
John Dunwell,
Oct. 21, 1816,
Deceased. \
64
Steph'n Wardwell, May 17, 1820, Deceased.
S. S. Wardwell, Feb. 19, 1840, resigned 1843,
and united with the 4th Cong. Church.
OFFICIATING DEACONS.
William C. Snow, elected May 17, 1820.
Warren S. Greene, " Dec. 6, 1836.
William J. King, " Feb. 19, 1840.
Jonathan B. Nichols, " Dec. 22,. 1843.
Clerk,
WILLIAM C. SNOW.
Treasurer,
BENJAMIN DYER,.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
;; This Committee is composed of the Pastor and
; the four Deacons for the time being, and three mem-
i bers, the latter of whom' are chosen triennially, one
I of them vacating annually. The same may be re-
] chosen, at thje option of the Church.
Present Memhers^
BENJAMIN DYER,
JONATHAN S. ANGELL,
EZRA BOURNE.
NAMES OF RESIDENT MEMBERS,
IN THE ORDER OF ADJVIISSION.
Those whose names are marked (") are communicants who
reside near the City, or are temporarily absent.
MALES
.
Names. Admitted. Remarks
Benjamin Eddy,
John Snow,
1793
1805
Calvin Dean,
u
Ephraim Haswell,
Anthony B. Arnold,
John H. Greene,
u
William Chace,
1807
Nicholas B. Gladding,
1815
Hercules Whitney,
Timothy Gladding,
181G
1819
Cyrus Potter,
((
William Russell,
a
Charles L. Bowler,
(I
William C. Snow,
a
Asa Bosworth,
u
Theodore Taylor,
Pardon Clarke,
Thomas Cory,
Caleb Arnold,
11
1830
James Barnes,
u
Joseph V. Snow,
u
Edward Snow,
u
Thomas Wilson.
u
6*
66
Names.
WillimTi J. King,
George T. Snow,
William Pabodie,
Thomas Eddy,
Edward 11. Young,
Josepli G. vShow,
Josiali Wardwell,
Job An gel 1,
Warren S. Greene,
John Wardwell,
Jonas Steere,
Francis Haswell,
Eaton W. Maxcy,
Charles Hodges,
Jonathan B. Nichols,
Lewis Bosworth,
Thomas J. Wardwell,
Joseph B. F. Fuller,
Jonathan S. Angell,
Jeremia-h Boss,
William H. Murray,
Benjamin Dyer,
Joseph Manton,
Watson D. Hatch,
Josiah F. Everett,
Richard Daglish,
James Murray,
Royal P. Gladding,
Carr Law ton,
Rev. Mark Tucker,
Samuel Reynolds,
William 11. Simmons^
John Giles,
Abiel Sampson,
Solomon Gilbert.
Admitted.
1820
Remarks.
1821
1822
1826
1827
1829
1830
li
1831
a
ii
1832
a
a
1835
1836
a
1837
1837
1
67
•
Remarks. ',
) Names. Admitted.
1 Henry A. Cory,
1S3S
\ Benjamin T. Albro,
1839
; George Drew,
1840
i Increase Sumner,
a
Benjamin B. Dyer,
ic
1 Benjamin White,
a
I Jacob Symonds,
a
Edward Field, '
a
i John W. Field,
a
;
; Ezra Bourne,
ic
Homer P. Hunt,
1841
Otis Wilmarth,
li
: Alex. J. Andrews
a
: George H. Nichols,
1842
William H. Taylor,
a
,
: George N. Gilniore,
a
: William W. Hoppin,
cc
I John B. Ames,
i'.
; William Woodward,
it
\ James Thompson,
Joseph McCullock,
a
: John Ash,
i(
I Joseph W. Fearing,
li
1 Alden Pabodie,
Ci
i William W. Arnold,
((
i Luther Ainsworth.
li
; Richard M. Snow,
11
; George Allen Snow,
11
1 Benjamin Hoppin,
11
'
1 William Montgomery,
11
1 Samuel W. Hubbard,
11
1 Benjamin M. Jackson,
11
Robert Hays,
11
George W, Crocker,
"
1 Elisha S. Evans,
i-
68
Names.
Charles Albert Snow,
LaFayctte Burr,
William W. Crandell,
Jonathan Leonard,
George AV. Arnold.
Charles Seagur,
Joseph Forkey,
John Toy,
James Manchester,
No Ji- Residents.
Joseph Wheelock,
Philo B. Cooke,
James W. Paine,
Samuel Gritman,
George S. Tapley,
George W. Murray,
Edward Fowler,
Albert G. Catlin,
Admitted
1842
1843
1844
u
1805
1832
1837
1839
1840
1842
1842
1844
Remarks.
I FEMALES. j
Members who change names
by marriage, or who remove from \
the City, should give early notice of it to the Pastor, or some '
Deacon of the Church.
Names. Admitted. Remarks. !
Zerviah C. Staples,
1793
wid'w of Sm'l Staples ;
Sarah Eddy,
u
wife of Benj. Eddy •
Lydia Brancli,
u
;
Mary Hoppin,
1795
wid'w of Benj. Hoppin :
Rhoda Taylor,
a
wid'w of Rob't Taylor ;
Mary Walker,
1801
wid'w of N. Walker :
Mary Jones,
u
widow of John Jones :
Freelove Simmons,
1804
wife of S. Simmons
Mary Bowers,
1805
widow of L. Bowers '
Mary Cory,
u
wife of Caleb Cory :
Sybil Dyer,
a
widow of Olney Dyer
Hannah Burr,
a
widow of James Burr ;
Susannah Perrin,
u
Hannah Snow,
iC
wife of Thos. Snow
Mary Erownell,
a
widow of I. Brownell '■
Phebe Greene,
11
wife of J. F. Greene '
Abagail Dean,
a
1
Wealthan Lindsey,
u
I
Ann Warner,
a
widow of H. Warner ;
Sarah Remington,
li
;
Elizabeth Gladding,
1806
wife of T. Gladding ;
Susannah Manton,
1808
widow of 0. Manton ;
Isabella Henry,
u
widow of Alex. Henry <
Freelove Dyer,
1810
<
Sarah Hammond,
u
wid'w of J. Hammond ;
Sarah Gladding,
a
)
: Anstis Elderkin,*
a
wid'w of E. Elderkin i
: Elizabeth Merriwether,
1812
wf of W. Merriwether |
70
Names.
Faimy Allen,
Elizabeth Farnum,
Betsey Hunt,
Ann M. Tillinghast,
Mary A. Field,
Sally S. Prentice,
Susannah Harrington,
Abby W. Potter,
Lydia Crapon,
Cerene Putter,
Sarah Field,
Mary Greene,*
Sarah T. Bosworth,
Abigail Cooley,
Mary Rhodes,
Martha Wiiitney,
Achsah Snow,
Francis Gramont,
Rebecca Y. Gladding,
Clarissa Gulliver,
Mary Ann Fillmore,
Betsey Bosworth,
Rebecca S. Russell,
Mary M. Wilson,
Sarah Cory,
Jane Pabodie,
Martha Billings,
Betsey Barton,
Narcissa Snow,
Sarah Mumford,
Almira Miller,
Frances Dyer,
Lydia Rhodes,
Abby Greene,
Nancy King,
Admitted.
Remarks.
1812 widow of Sam'l Allen
widow of D. Farnum
wife of Samuel Hunt
wife of J. Tillinghast
widow of S. Field
wife of John Prentice
wife of T. Harrington
wid' w of Philip Potter
widow of D. Crapon
widow of C. Potter 2d
wife of Benj. Field
fe of Jolin Greene,
Warwick.
wife of S. Bosworth
wife of F. Cooley
widow of F. Rhodes
wife of H. Whitney
wife of Sam'l Snow
wife of N.B. Gladding
wife of Jesse Fillmore
wife of Asa Bosworth
wife of Wm. Russell
widow of John Wilson
wife of Thos. Cory
wife of Wm. Pabodie
wife of Wm. Billings
wife of Wm. C. Snow
wife of Jas. Mumford
wife of John Miller
wife of Elisha Dyer
widow of T. Rhodes
wife of Wm.F. Greene
widow of Elijah King
1813
1814
1815
a
1816
[
71
\
\ Names. Admitted. Remarks. \
Sarah Child,
1817
wife of Griffin Child
Martha Frost,
a
widow of E. R. Frost
Elizabeth Jackson,
u
widow of S. Jackson |
1 Polly Jackson,
a
1
Abigail Philbrook,
1819
widow of T.Philbrook \
1 Hannah G. Bowler,
ii
Avife of C. L. Bowler
Amy H. Hoppin,*
a
widow of H. Hoppin
Mary M. Gray,
li
widow of Rob't Gray {
Anstis Randall,
a
Judith Paul,
li
i
Rebecca Taylor,
u
widow of G. Taylor I
Mary A. Potter,
u
wife of Cyrus P. tter |
Susan Aborn,
ii
widow of Edw. Aborn
1 Hannah Dyer,
a
wife of Charles Dyer
Abigail Fuller,
a
widow of Dr. J. Fuller \
1 Sarah Clarke,*
a
widow of Thos.Clarke
; Elizabeth Prentice,
a
widow of T. Prt' itice
< Eliza Battey,
a
widow of S. Batiey
1 Betsey Snow,
a
! Maria D. Henry,
a
widow of Wm. Kenry
; Persis Barton,
ii
; Abigail Williams,
a
widow of C. Williams
i Elizabeth Covil,
ii
J
; Mary Potter,
ii
widow of S. Potter <
; Hannah Crapon,
1820
widow of S. Craj-.on \
: Rachel Clarke,
ii
wife of Pardon < iarke |
: Lydia Davis,
a
wife of Robert Davis
i Rosannah Saxe,
ii
'■ Sophia Hall,
ii
'• Esther Burton,*
ii
1
: Hannah Martin,
ii
wife of J. H. M:irtin \
: Alice B. Snow,
ii
wife of G. T. Snow \
Sophia Taylor,
a
wife of T. Tayi'H- j
: Julia G. White,
a
wife of Benj. W liite I
Esther Covil,
a
1
72
Names-
Mary A. Greene,
Eliza Snow,
Dorcas Ward well,
Harriet Horton,
Sarah (j. Wardwell,
Louisa Manton,
Nancy Greene,
Ann W. Philbrook,
Lydia G. Wardwell,
Mcliscent P. Cory,
Mary Ainsworth,
Rebecca Read,
Ann Holden,
Naomi Pabodie,
Eliza Maxcy,
Mary B. Hidden,
Hannah B. Potter,
Abby Greene,
Mary K. Hoppin,*
Susan Moore,
Mary Ann Nichols,
Emily Coggeshall,
Julia Ann Hodges,
Martha Barstow,
Ann Gould,
Sarah 4nn Bosworth.
Eliza Mitchell,
Abby B. Martin,
Elizabeth Wardwell,
Ruth Fenner,
Mary Troscott,
Esther A.
Dorcas Arnold,
Frances E. Stead;
Anstis Manton,
Ingalls,
Admitted. Remarks.
1820 wife of W. S. Greene
wife of R. M. Snow
wife of John Ward well
wife of S. Horton
wf. of Josiah Ward well
widow of E. Manton
widow of H. A.Greene
wife of T.J. Wardwell
wife of Edward Cory
wife of L. Ainsworth
wife of David Read
wife of C. Holden 2d
wife of Alden Pabodie
wife of E. W. Maxcy
1821
1822
1826
1827
(.'
II
a
1828
widow of Wm. Potter
wife of Duty Greene
wid'wofG.W.Hoppin
widow of J. Moore
wife of J. B. Nichols
wife of C. Coggeshall
wife of Chas. Hodges
wife of Nath'l Barstow
wife of J. C. Gould
wife of L. Bosworth
wife of Edw. Mitchell
widow of J. S, Martin
)w ol Dcacnn Stephen
Wardwell.
wife of Daniel Fenner
wife of Wm. Trcscott
Avife of Wm. W.Arnold
wife of Thos. J. Stead
widow of S. Manton
73
Names.
Harriet Thomas,
Nancy L. Sumner,
Loraine Tyler,
Deborah K. Taft,
Ann Frances Manton,
Mary Knight,
Mary Spragiie,
Amey H. Angell,
Margaret Mercereaii,
Sarah S. Wood,
Ann Murray,
Charlotte C. Taber,
Mary Ann Stetson,
Sarah T. Munroe,
Frances H. Wheeler,
Mehitable Potter,
Martha M. Horton,
Elizabeth A. Aborn,
Hannah R. A'born,
Adela C. Padelford,
Phebe C. Crocker,
Frances G. Cutler,*
Abby P. Arnold,
Frances M. Aborii,
Anna HawkeSj*
Sarah Bradley,
Susan Ann Mumford,*
Zelinda Matteson,
Mary Ann Everett,
Rebecca M. Gladding,
Alice A. Field,
Eliza W. Taylor,
Mary O. Thomas,
Lydia Crandell,
Elizabeth Pitts,
Admitted.
Remarks.
1828 Avidow of B. Thomas
wife of L Sumner
1829 widow of S. Tyler
wife of Orray Taft
wife of Jos, Manton
wife of Knight
wife of T. Sprague
1830 wife of J. S. Angell
wife of Wm. H.Murray
wife of Wm. Taber
widow of D. Stetson
wid'w of W.C. Munroe
wife of G.W. Wheeler
wife of Phineas Potter
1831
1832
1833
wid. of E.N. Padelford
wife of G. W. Crocker
wifeofS.B. Cutler
wife of A. B. Arnold
widow
wife of C. S. Bradley
wife of H. A. Matteson
wife of J. F. Everett
wid. of G.W. Gladding
wife of Edward Field
wife of Lewis Thomas
wife of Wm. Crandell
74
Names.
Lucy S. Lawton,
Phelic Ann Babcock,
Elizabeth Taylor,
Martlia Wardwell,
Mary McComb,
Lydia R. Dawson,
Esther 1). Rathbone,
Sarah B. Murray,
Sarah C. Haynes,
Mary H. (jlladding,
Caroline W. Gladding,
Martha E. Billings,
Elizabeth B. Seymour.
Phebe Ann Millard,
Lydia C. King,
Frances A. Hoppin,
Eliza H. Blanchard,
Sarah Whipple,
Zerviah Arnold,
Maria Bourne,
Mary Brightman,
Rebecca F. Price,
Jane Ogden,
Susan Spooner,
Mary Bo wen,
Mary Ann Smith,
Mary E. Smith,
Abby W. Robinson,
Sarah Reynolds,
Melinda Bryant,
Clarissa Potter,
Susan P. Gladding,
Mary S. Bosworth,
Sarah T. Bosworth,
Sarah Aborn,
Admitted. Remarks.
1833|wife of Carr Lawton
widow (colored)
widow (colored)
" iwid'wof J. Wardwell,
1834 wife of S. McComb,
wid. of T. R. Dawson
wife of G.S. Rathbone
1835
1836
cc
1837
wife of P. H. Seymour
wife of Wm. J. King
wife of W. W. Hoppin
widow of J. Whipple
widow of S. Arnold
wife of Ezra Bourne
wid'w of T. Bowen
wife of A. Smith
wife of S. Reynolds
widow of L. Aborn
75
Names. Admitted. Remarks.
Sylvania Simmons,
1837
wf. of W. H. Simmons
Mary Tillinghast,
u
wid. of W. Tillinghast
Mary P. Arnold,
a
wife of G. W. Arnold
Betsey R. Remington,
a
wife of D. Remington
Phebe Andrews,
1838
widow of D. Andrews
Eliza T. Wayman,*
a
widow
Rhoda B. Curtis,
u
wife of T. Curtis
Anstis Snow,
a
widow of Benj. Snow
Maria G. Barker,
a
wife of Hiram Barker
Eliza Woods,
u
wife of A. Woods
Mary Arnold,
ic
wife of Geo. Arnold
Mary L. Mathewson,*
u
wid'w of J. Mathewson
Mary Ann McNeal,
u
Sarah Ann Aldrich,
u
wife of Rob't Aldrich
Mary AugnstaVan Orden
il
Nancy W. Lippitt,
ii
Mary Ann Briggs,
u
Dolly D. Cooper,
ii
Orphelia Fisher,
ii
wife of Doct. Fisher
Abigail At wood,
ii
widow of D. Atwood
Celia Knight Bixby,
1839
widow
Maria Giles,
u
wife of John Giles
Elizabeth K. Rice,
ii
wife of Dan'l Rice
Almira D. Gladding,
ii
Ruth A. Simmons,
ii
Susan B. Wyatt,
1840
Elizabeth Chapin,
a
widow of J. Chapin
Cinderilla Briggs,
Lydia Sheldon,
Martha Y. Tucker,
Roby P. Eddy,
Harriet S. Dyer,
Emeline Symonds,
Amanda L. Wilmarth,
Mary Eliza Kendall,
widow of A. Briggs
wife of T. Sheldon
wife of Thos. Eddy
wife of Benj. Dyer
wife of J. Symonds
Avife of Geo. Kendall
76
Names.
LydiaAniiY. Gladdin
Ann Brown,
Sarah T. Washburn,
Phebc Dean,
Jcrusha Field,
Jiydia Saunders,*
Mary W. Thurber,
Sarah F. Vaughn,
Sarah S. Vaughn,
Sarah E. Williams,*
Mary Fearing,
Loraine Carrington,
Sarah Barker,
Phebe J. SampsoUj
Almira W. Moore,
Lydia Ann Albro,
Elizabeth Marsh,
Agnes Toy,
Elizabeth Van Amring
Sarah Graham,
Elizabeth Graham,
Nancy Ash,
Mary Hunt,
Amelia Andrews,
Hetty Munroe,
Martha Ash,
Elizabeth Tucker,
Adeline E. Wheeler,
Mary Ann Simmons,
Elizabeth V. Murray,
Mary B. Taft,
Amelia Frances Potter
Amelia H. Snow,
Mary Brown,
Nancy Dalglish,
Admitted.
g, 1840
Remarks.
1841
1842
wid. of C.S.Washburn
widow of James Dean
wife of J. W. Field
wife of I. Saunders
wife of W. Vaughn
(colored)
wid. of E. Carrington
wife of Abiel Sampson
wife of Joseph Moore
wife of B. T. Albro
wife of John Marsh
wife of Henry Graham
wife of John Ash
wife of H. P. Hunt
wife of A. J. Andrews
wife of John Munroe
wife of Edw. A. Taft,
I wife of R. Dalglish.
77
Names.
Catharine Daley,
Nancy Simmons,
[•Eliza Tyler,
Harriet F. Ames,
Margaret Ash,
Caroline C. Simmons,
Mary Wheeler,
Adeline M. Young,
Almira J. Wardwell,
Zipporah B. Cory,
Emily C. Cory,
Eliza S. Hartshorn,
Mary C. Tillinghast,
Mary Ann Montgomery
Elizabeth Thompson,
Amanda M. Godfrey,
Susan F. Williams,
Frances Barnes,
Phebe P. Jackson,
Sarah Hayes,
Ann Eliza Gladding,
Sarah Ann Gilmore,
Elizabeth W. BrownelL
Mary Ann McMichael,
Nancy C. Peck,
Nancy McKeown,
Jane T. Washburn,
Lydia Saunders,
Abby L. Andrews,
Martha Leonard,
Mary Eliza Leonard,
Julia A. Leonard,
Harriet N. Leonard,
Charlotte P. Leonard,
Nancy Andrews,
Admitted. Remarks.
1842^
" (Widow of S. Simmons
wife of Edw.M. Tyler
wife of John B. Ames
1843
wife of H. A. Cory
wf. of W.Montgomery
wife of J. Thompson
wife of E. S. Williams
Avife of James Barnes
wife of B. M. Jackson
wife of Robert Hayes
wife of G. N. Gilmore
wid. of T. Brownell
widow
wf. of Jnoa. Leonard
widow of J. Andrews
78 1
1 Names. Admitted. Remarks. ^
: Hannah P. Hoppin,
1843
wife of Benj. Hoppin I
Eliza D. Tucker,
a
wf. of Re V.M.Tucker
: Sarah Soagur,
c
widow of .H Seagur
'■ Sarah Seagur,
a
; Mary Forkey,
1844
wife of Joseph Forkey |
i Caroline B. Hatch,
u
wife of W. D. Hatch
: Sarah Graham,
li
Sarah Evans,
u
wife of E. S. Evans
; Harriet L. Manchester,
ii
wife of J. Manchester
; Amelia Frances Dyer,
u
; Cornelia B. Crapon,
iC
1 Amey A. Waterman,
a.
Esther D. R. Dyer,
li
1 No7i- Residents.
<
1 Amelia Wheelock,
1810
wife of J. Wheelock j
Lucina Stone,
1818
wife of Henry Stone |
Mary Ann Thurber,
1829
\
j Amey Winsor,
1836
wife of Ab'm Winsor i
I Mary Elizabeth Paine,
1837
wife of James Paine ;
1 Diadama Fowler,
i
1842
wife of Edw. Fowler i
■
•
MEMBERS
DECEASED SINCE
MALES.
1793.
\
Admit
Decea-
Admil- Dccea- '
s
led.
sed.
ted. sed. ,
? Nathaniel Jacobs,
1793
1807
Rev. John Joice,
1808
1834
1 Daniel Branch,
ic
'1804
John Chace,
1810
1821
\ John Field,
u
{1794
Jeremiah Manton,
lilO
1843
I James Snow,
((
11812
Harvey Abbott,
1811
1820 1
1 Joseph Martin,
((
1794
Joseph Cheney,
1811
uDkn'n (
< Thomas Jones,
(C
1815
Oliver Kendall,
1812
1843 i
5 Ephraim Walker,
(t
1815
John R. Carpenter,
1816
1827
> Benjamin Hoppin,
((
1809
John Garrickson,
1817
1818 :
1 Samuel ProuJ,
((
1835
Rev. Robert Arnold,
1818
1828
1 Stephen Ward well,
((
1339
Thomas Clarke,
1819
18.37
\ Daniel Snow,
((
1836
George W. Gladding,
(1
1839
Nath'I Fuller,
(t
1843
Thomas Philbrook,
u
1841
Nath'l Walker,
(C
1824
Dr. Jacob Fuller,
(1
1839
\ Wilson Jacobs,
(C
u.ika'n
Jacob French,
1820
1821 ]
1 Joseph Field,
u
1826
Zachariah Eddy,
^^
unlLo'a 1
1 Joseph Potter,
(t
1331
Simeon Field,
(1
1834 !
< James Hammond,
((
1831
David Cady,
(1
1840 <
s Rev. James Wilson,
cc
1339
Edward Cory,
t(
1835 i
1 John Perrin,
1794
1842
Henry Wilson,
(1
1820
1 John Pitcher,
((
1820
Daniel Crapon,
(1
1838
< William Jones,
((
1822
Thomas J. Earle,
((
1826
1 William Bradford,
1796
1836; Daniel S. Lawrence,
((
1828
> John Hoppin,
1796
1799 1 James Burnet,
(<
1824
I John Field,
((
1811
George E. Simmons,
(C
1829
> Chauncy Cooley,
1800
1821
Darius Thurber,
((
1828
I John Dunwell,
1801
1835
Solomon Tyler,
(1
1828
1 Thomas Jones, Jr.
1802
1836
Edward D. Crapon,
((
1822
J Stephen W. Snow,
1805
1818
Robert Murray,
((
1830
i John Wallen,
((
1322
Joseph Bowen, Jr.
1821
1831
j Royal Paine,
(C
1816
Ebenezer N.Padelford
1822
1844
; Olney Dyer,
11
1840
Joseph S. Martin,
1822
1836
; Henry Hoppin,
(C
1835
Sheldon Battey,
1825
1842
1 Benjamin Talbot,
(C
1805
John J. Gladding,
1831
1841
> Wm. Hartshorn,
u
1810
Thomas Bowen,
1832
1844
; Joseph Rawson,
((
1835
Isaac Brownell,
1334
1841
; Thomas Rhodes,
(C
1834
Benj. Otis Gladding,
1837
1843
I Barnabas Steere,
1806
1810|
George L. Waters,
1840
1842
; John I. Smith,
1807
1830
Charles Patton,
1842
1843
80
FEMALES
Lucy Totter,
Abigail Potter,
Priscilla Fuller,
Sarah Field,
Anna Hoppin,
Ljdia Giddings,
Martha Burroughs,
Abigail Spencer,
Catiiarine Donnison,
Anna Ormsbee,
Esther Jones,
Rachel Snov,
INIary Eddy,
Lydia Brown,
RIary Wilson,
Lydia Field,
Ann Jones,
Elizabeth Jones,
Mary Williams,
Eunice Hammond,
Anna Williams,
Abigail Chace,
Susannah Anthony,
Lydia Turpin,
ftiargaret Leland,
Marcy Jacol)s,
Elizabeth Tiafton,
Ilhoda Albro,
Mary Farnum,
lloxanna Cooley,
Hannah Aborn,
Sarah Fenton,
Mary Walsh,
Rachel Anthony,
Jane Freeman,
Abigail Potter,
Roby Williams,
Mary Gladding,
Sarah Peck,
Rebecca Peck,
Nancy King,
Martha Field,
Betsey King,
Hannah Dyer,
Elsy Smilli,
\Am\\-
Dl'CtR-
Admit-
Dfcta-
Icil. sell.
ted, std.
1793
1819
Esther Dean
1805
1817
(«
1S28
Ann Mumford,
(C
1826
((
1815
Anstis Peck,
((
1811
((
1795
Sarah Adams,
u
1807
<(
1794
Rebecca Wood,
((
1807
(1
18-^6
Rebecca Morse,
<(
1812
K
1811
Marcy Haswell,
((
1825
(1
1822
Rebecca Potter,
a
1807
U
1803
Sarah Bosworth,
u
1827
U
1802
Sarah D. Thomas,
(1
1844
l(
1834
Sarah Manton,
(1
1808
11
1831
Sarah Dyer,
((
1S41
((
1826
Elizabeth Rawson,
i(
1843
It
1806
Rebecca Adams,
((
1807
(<
1832
Susan Willard,
1806
1814
(C
1811
Ann Peckham,
1806
1816
1794
1832
Lydia Paine,
1807
1816
((
1812
Elizabeth Beverly,
1808
1827
((
unkn'n
Sarah Field,
1808
1827
11
1803
Elizabeth Dunwell,
1809
1817
C(
unkn'n
Elizabeth Harris,
1810
1812
1795
1827
Elizabeth Jones,
((
1843
1795
1814
Lydia Drown,
((
1839
1796
1843
Mary Anstis Manton,
u
1833
1797
1804
Clarissa Richmond,
1811
1832
1797
1823
Ann Maria Lippitt,
11
1812
1798
1798
Mary Potter,
11
1818
Cl
unknn
Martha Eddy,
(1
1820
((
iinkn'a
Mary Pettis,
1812
unkn'n
(1
1838
Elizabeth Briggs,
11
1822
1801
unkn'n
Lydia S. Manchester,
11
1831
(I
1803
Betsey Barrett,
11
1831
(1
1810
Harriet Jones,
tc
1817
1802
1820
Betsey Snow,
11
1838
11
1829
Susannah Mumford,
11
1839
(1
1805
Sophia Barstow,
11
1817
1805
1810
Susannali Colvin,
II
1840
((
1811
Kcziah Greenwood,
11
1814
(C
1845
Betsey Young,
11
1822
(1
1824
Sarah Murray,
1813
1820
"
1806
Phcbe Clcmmons,
1813
1822
(1
ison
Nancy Lang,
1814
u.kn'n
((
182.-<
Ruth Jones,
1814
1825
l(
1815
Phebe Gulliver,
1815
1339
l(
1835
Betsey Young,
11
unku'n
81
Admit-
Decea-
ted- sed.
Hannah Hamilton,
1815
1335
Mary Ann Brown,
((
1336
Hannah Dabney,
((
1836
Sarah Carpenter,
1816
1833
Rhoda Nelson,
((
uiikii'n
Abigail Lawrence,
u
nnkn'o
Sarah Langley,
((
1827
Ann Child,
(C
1816
Lucinda Wetherby,
l(
1325
Sarah Franklin,
((
1827
Betsey Jones,
((
uukun
Elizabeth Burnett,
((
1822
Eliza Fenner,
1817
I8i8
Mary Fuller,
u
1825
Amey Letherby,
((
1842
Letitia Aldrich,
1819
1831
Eliza Arnold,
u
1840
Eleanor Clarke,
(C
1837
Abigail Lane,
((
1828
Mary Manton,
u
1632
Mary Wardwell,
((
1625
Sarah Westcott,
(1
1842
Mary Bates,
IC
1820
Sarah Price,
((
1830
Elizabeth McNeal,
•(
1821
Elizabeth Anthony,
((
1819
Eveline Sprague,
1820
1830
Sarah Martin,
(1
1838
Boxannah Cady,
(C
1821
Cyntha Pabodie,
((
1820
Amelia Snow,
((
1824
Abby Earle,
((
1831
Sylvania Watson,
u
1831
Betsy Valentine,
((
1825
Julia Aborn,
((
1S35
Hannah E. Taylor,
tc
1837
Ann Eliza Eddy,
u
1823
Emma Wheeler,
C(
1823
Mary Gladding, 1820
Parthenia Turpin,
Celia Tingley,
Nancy Waterman,
Waitstill Woodman,
Mary Eliza Rhodes,
Nancy Noble,
Harriet Hathaway,
Mary Ann Chapin,
Betsey Ingalls, 1821
Nancy Harding,
Amelia Dyer,
Mary Greene, 1822
Rebecca Fearing, 1822
Emily M. Earle, 1823
Lydia Black, 1825
Mary E. Angell, 1825
Abigail Northup, 1826
Ann Perrin, 1827
Lydia Adams, , 1828
Ann M. Lawrence, 1829
Eliza Jennings, 1829
Adeline Murray, 1830
Charlotte Hull, 1831
Marcy Murray, 1331
Sarah C. Cleaveland, 1831
Mary G. Holmes, 11832
Patience Hatch, 1832
Hannah Brown, 1833
Sarah Waterman, 1836
Harriet S. Tucker, 1837
Lydia Gilbert, 1838
Elizabeth Pierce, 1833
Jane Gladding, 1839
Harriet Adie Dyer, 1839
Catharine Waters, 1840
AbbyCahoone Marsh, 1841
Isabella Graham, 1844
1828
1833
1822
1821
1322
1322
1839
1822
1825
1839
1828
1840
1340
1837
1844
1829
1827
1843
1844
1837
1837
1832
1839
1841
1835
1835
1842
1843
1835
1844
1841
1840
1844
1840
1840
1842
1844
1844
82
ED.
WHOLE NUMBER DECEASl
Males, .....
76
166
Total, ....
242 1
1
NAMES OMITTED, viz:
\
; Members dismissed by Letters to other Churches, <
i or lost their connection with the Churchj by long j
absence, since the 19th of July, 1793 :—
\
1 Males, .....
53 \
1 Females, .....
152 1
Total, ....
205
Members lost their connection by
Discipline,
since 1793 :
i Males, .....
62
1 Females, .....
50 1
Total, ....
112
Whole number of members admitted,
>
since July, \
1793:
Males, .....
319 1
Females, .....
709
Total, ....
1028
83
MONTHLY COLLECTIONS AND OBJECTS.
January,
February,
March,
April,
May,
June,
July,
August,
September, Home Missions,
October, R. I. Sunday School Union,
November, Bible Society,
December,
Foreign Missions,
Tract Society,
American Education Society,
" Sunday School Union,
" Seamen's Friend Society,
Annual Meeting of the Church, 2d Wednesday
of November. Quarterly Meetings, 2d Wednes-
days of February, May and August.
SABBATH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Wm. C. Snow,
Anthony B. Arnold.
Warren S. Greene,
Wm. J. King,
John Wardwell,
Benjamin Dyer,
Wm. J. King, Superintendant.
Benjamin White, Secretary.
84
Committee of Direction for the Beneficent Li-
brary — the Standing Committee of the Church, and
Anthony B. Arnold.
Librarian,
ANTHONY B. ARNOLD.
SOCIETIES.
Beneficent Library, organized 1806
Beneficent Female Association, " 1816
Juvenile Female Association, " 1819
Brothers' Charitable Society, " 1820
Female Prayer Society, " 1820
Sunday School, " 1820
F-emale Samaritan Society, " 1823
Charitable Knitting Society, '' 1830
Maternal Association, " 1835
Young Ladies' Sewing Circle, " 1845
^._^ MAY 7 5
^(^^ N. MANCHESTER.
INDIANA
