HISTORY
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS
1630-1904
BY
WALTER ELIOT THWING
WITH AN INTRODUCTION
BY
iE iBkv. James De Normandie, D.D.
€'*
S BOSTON
^ A. BUTTERFIELD
7^59 BROMFIELD STREET
1908
P o
C
o r
Copyright, 1908,
BY
WALTER ELIOT Tm\'ING
Stanbopc Prza
p. H. CILSON COMPANY
BOSTON, U.S.A.
DEDICATED
To THE Memory of
Deacon SUPPLY CLAP THWING
PREFACE
Various records of the church and of the town, including
EHot's book, and the lives of the ministers and prominent
members, have been from time to time published, but there
has hitherto been no attempt to chronicle the history of the
First Church in Roxbury. My own deep interest in the
church with which my father was for so many years con-
nected, has led me to make a systematic study of its founda-
tion, the lives of the founders, and the chain of events leading
down to the present time.
In the arrangement of material each of the five meeting
houses erected on or near the site of the present one has been
given a chapter. The authorities will be found in the adjoin-
ing list. From these, extensive quotations have been made,
and as far as possible the records tell the story.
The early records of the town, school, and church are very
imperfect; in Eliot's petition to the General Court, June 29,
1669, for a renewal of the school charter, he says, " Our first
book and charter were burned in ye burning of John John-
son's house" (1645). But from 1652 the records are in a
tolerably good condition, although the events are not always
recorded in sequence. Rev. Amos Adams notes in reference
to the church records, "Inasmuch as some things worthy of
notice are not as I find mentioned in this Book and others
yt are, are mentioned in divers places scattered up and down,
I have thot proper here to insert ye following articles, follow-
ing ye Revd. Mr. Eliot and Danforth's annals of events."
PREFACE
The opening words are, " The First Church in Roxbury was
gathered July 1632." This is the only evidence on the
church records of the gathering of the church, and as no
copy of the covenant can be found, it was probably burned
in John Johnson's house.
For many years the inhabitants of West Roxbury, Jamaica
Plain, and Brookline (then called Muddy River) worshipped
in this church. In 1717 the town of Brookline organized an
independent church. In 1712 the Congregational Parish of
West Roxbury was set off from this church, and in 1770 the
First Congregational Society of Jamaica Plain was organized
from the West Roxbury Church. In 1821 the Dudley Street
Baptist Church was organized; in 1822, the Universalist ; in
1832, the St. James Episcopal; in 1834, the Eliot Congrega-
tional, and in 1846 the Second Unitarian Church, Mt.
Pleasant Congregational, now All Soul's. From this we see
that for nearly two hundred years this was the only church
within the limits of Roxbury proper.
It has been difficult to get details of the lives of many of
those prominent in the church, and many who were prominent
in the town and in public life are unnoticed, as there is no
mention of them in the church records. This is by no means
proof that they were not members. During the last century
a large number hired seats, and, attending the church regu-
larly, considered themselves members of the church, but as
it is well nigh impossible to learn the names of all of these,
they have been omitted, and I have limited myself throughout
to those mentioned in the records. In the brief biographies
of the early members the date of baptism has been given
whenever possible, as this shows that one or both parents
were church members. Prior to the year 1752 the year
began March 25, therefore the double date has been used for
the first three months of the year as at present computed.
PREFACE
I beg gratefully to acknowledge the aid rendered by many
friends and especially by those who have given valuable help
in offering letters relating to their immediate families. It is
to be regretted that it is not possible to print the whole or
parts of these letters, but as this is not a genealogical record,
I have been obliged to restrict myself to the mere facts of
birth, death, and marriage, the occupation of members as far
as can be ascertained, and to note any public offices they
may have held. I shall be grateful to receive any corrections
if dates or facts are found to be wrong.
My thanks are due to Mr. William C. Lane, Librarian of
Harvard University, for the photograph of the Corlet " Elegy, "
and to Messrs. Allen A. Brown and William H. Gerrish for
much information in regard to the choirs.
I am greatly indebted to our present pastor, the Rev. James
DeNormandie, D.D., for his introduction, and to my mother
and sister for their encouragement and help in preparing this
work.
Two hundred and seventy-seven years have passed since
a few men and women left home and friends for conscience
sake, faced the great perils of the wilderness and gathered a
Church in Roxbury. The seed then sown has borne won-
drous fruit. The creed has changed but the church sur-
vives. The spirit of the age and the change in the character
of the inhabitants of the locality have greatly influenced the
church membership, but under the able and earnest minis-
tration of our present Pastor the Church still flourishes. And
it is the prayer and devout wish of those of us who now
worship in the old Meeting House on the same site where our
forefathers gathered, that here we may continue to worship
for many years to come.
Walter Eliot Thwing.
March, 1908.
INTRODUCTION
Man has always had a strong affection for the places of
his worship. Of many nations these are their only traces
which remain. Everything else has passed away — theatres,
museums, libraries, art -galleries, forums, halls of traffic —
but we still make pilgrimages to the ruins of their altars
where they brought their oblations, and sought to escape the
frown, or gain the favor, of their divinities.
One cannot pause without emotion, upon a spot, where,
from a period reaching back to the settlement of a land, and
without any interruption, generations have gathered, in the
day of small things, amidst dangers and privations, and in
the day of rapid increase in wealth, power and prosperity —
to bring the story of their gratitude, penitence, and prayer to
the altar of God. However indifferent or neglectful persons
may have grown to the observance of religious forms in their
old homes, as soon as they come to a new land they set up
some place of worship, and confess that need of the
spiritual realities to which the whole history of man bears
witness.
The First Church in Roxbury traces an eventful history
to the settlement of the plantation. On the same spot,
without any break in its records, or any pause in its worship,
with a line of most distinguished ministers from the Apostle
Eliot, to the great preacher. Dr. Putnam, with a very large
number of its members eminent in every department of
civic, professional, and private life (as will appear in this
book), and with many events of historical significance
INTRODUCTION
occurring within its grounds, this church is rapidly approach-
ing the end of three centuries.
The writer of this church history has studied everything
relating to it, with careful, faithful, and unwearied labor, wide
research and diligent inquiry for several years, and as few
churches have had such an eventful history, none has had a
more devoted chronicler.
The word "church" is used sometimes for the house of
God as, " I am going to St. Paul's to-day, " sometimes for the
body of communicants, and very often for the whole service
of devotion as, " I am going to church this morning. " It is
on account of this varied use of the word that it is difficult
occasionally to fix the exact date of a church's beginning.
Some count from the building of the house, some from the
settlement of a minister, some from the gathering of a few
worshippers on a ship's deck, or under a spreading tree, or
in the room of a private house — this latter is the true idea
of the iKKXrjo-ia, the assembly.
The Apostle Eliot's records of the First Church begin thus,
"Mr. William Pinchon, he came in the first company, 1630.
He was one of the first foundation of the church at Rocks-
borough. " Then he goes on to name several families which
he says were of the first company in 1630, certainly enough
to have some kind of a gathering for the worship of God ; and
in days when worship was so dear to them after the persecu-
tions they had suffered in England, especially with all the
loneliness and privations, perils of the wilderness, and perils
of the Indians, and the rigor of wintry days, in some home
however humble they must have assembled and constituted
a true church. When weather permitted, and weather was
not a serious obstacle in those days to church going, they
went for awhile through the pathway in the forests over to
Dorchester, " until such time as God should give them oppor-
INTRODUCTION
tuiiity to be a church among themselves." "Mr. George
Alcock, he came w*'* the first company ano. 1630. When
the people of Rocksbrough joyned to the church at Dor-
chester, he was by the church chosen to be a Deakon esp'c to
regard the brethren at Rocksbrough : and after he adjoyned
himselfe to this church at Rocksbrough he was ordained a
Deakon of this church. " The early ministers of these
plantations, as the first settlements were called, regarded
themselves as self-constituted chroniclers of whatever took
place in their sparsely inhabited parishes. They were the
historians and journalists of the time. If a house was struck
by lightning, or a great storm came, or any portent in the
heavens, or some accident befell a scLtler, or an epidemic
appeared, or a brother or sister lapsed into heresy, or a ship
arrived or sailed, or if there w^as an exceptional season, as
once the Apostle writes, "not any snow fell this winter,"
if there was an abundant harvest or a threatened famine, the
minister makes a note of it in the parish book, and frequently
this is all the history of the times we have.
There was a special reason in the theology of that day for
the minister to make these records. According to the Puritan,
the Church was a company of Christians under the Govern-
ment of God. Each church was to mark the separation
of the faithful from the sinners; it consisted of the "visible
saints, " and even if the saintship was not always visible, its
object was to maintain a high standard of purity and holiness
among its members. Each church was a unit to determine
its own rules of faith and life. "The kingdom of God,"
said the Puritan Robert Browne, "was not to be begun by
whole parishes, but rather of the worthiest were they never
so few. " When the Independent divines put forth their
"Declaration," its preface says, "From the first, every, or at
least the generality of our churches, have been in a manner
INTRODUCTION
like so many ships (though holding forth the same general
colours) lancht singly and sailing apart and alone in the vast
ocean of these tumultuating times, and exposed to every
wind of Doctrine under no other conduct than the Word and
the Spirit, and their particular Elders, and principal Brethren,
without association among ourselves, or so much as holding
out common lights to others, whereby to know where we are. "
No church or union of churches had any right or power to
interfere with the faith or discipline of any other church, so
it had to be a jealous custodian of the conduct of its own
members. There was no disposition to gloss over the faults
of anyone, man or woman, who, having once taken hold of
the covenant, had fallen from grace ; so the minister was quite
ready to put down in black and white his spiritual judgment
of his flock. But with a keen watch for heresy or for sin, a
tender love and sympathy went with it. The atmosphere of
every home was known, and any lapsing brother or sister
was brought to the open confessional or banished the settle-
ment. On the Rockesbrough Hill fast by the first little
rough meeting-house stood the stocks and the pillory,
guardians of peace and terror to evil doers, where the
offender had to stand in full view of the elect, and where
every offence against the gospel was sure to be followed by
the penalty of the law. These records make strange reading
to-day, but after all the sins make a very small part of them.
The records of the Apostle Eliot are of surpassing interest,
because the man is the most interesting figure in the early
history of New England. There is such a flavor of humanity
and godliness about them because the man was so human, so
godly. What tender yearnings come out in a sentence like
this, about some who had humbled themselves by public
confession in the meeting house, "we have cause to hope
that the full proceedings of discipline," (no letting up of
INTRODUCTION
discipline) "will doe more good than theire sin hath done
harm."
The plan of the writer of this volume has not permitted
him to go beyond the affairs and statistics relating to the
church — but many matters of historical interest, and
especially events connected with the Revolution, cluster
around the site of the First Church.
Here Washington came to review the army, the right of
which was at Roxbury, its main post being on Meeting-House
Hill, Its first commander was General Thomas, whose
headquarters were in the parsonage, still standing on the
high, rocky bluff near the church, almost the last witness to
the scenes of those stormy days, and with a superb view over
the city. The lawn in front of the meeting house was the
grand parade ground of the army. Here the guards for the
advanced lines on the neck, for the main guard in Roxbury
Street, and for the other posts, and the fatigue parties em-
ployed on the fortifications were formed every morning, and
reviewed by General Thomas, who, with his spy-glass,
watched from the dormer windows of his house the move-
ments of the enemy at Charlestown. The Rhode Island
troops were said to be the best furnished ; while the Southern
riflemen, in white hunting shirts and Indian moccasins, were
among the most picturesque, and also the most feared. They
had been trained to think it disgraceful to shoot game any-
where but in the head; and at a review a company of them
fired, at a quick advance, their balls into objects of seven
inches diameter, at a distance of two hundred and fifty yards.
The British spoke of them as those " shirt-tail men, with their
cursed twisted guns, the most fatal widow and orphan
workers in the world. "
When the troops started on their march to Cambridge, and
went down Roxbury Street, the one road to Boston, and past
INTRODUCTION
the school-house of the famous grammar school, founded by
the Apostle Eliot after the type of the grammar schools of
England, the fires of patriotism could no longer be smothered
in the teacher, Robert Williams; he dismissed the boys, gave
the key of the school-house to a pupil to hand to the trustees,
fell in the march with the soldiers, and served throughout
the war with a marked distinction which is cherished by his
descendants.
Here Whitefield came in his great revival journey and
preached on the lawn in front of the church on Friday,
April 26, 1740, to an immense congregation coming from
every part of the country, and in every kind of vehicle, to the
number, it is said, of at least sixteen thousand. After his
services he dined with Judge Paul Dudley, the founder of the
Dudleian Lectureship at our neighboring University. White-
field was graciously welcomed by the clergy of Boston, with
the exception of Dr. Cutler, rector of Christ Church, who,
meeting him on the street, said to him, " I am sorry to see you
here," to whom Whitefield quietly replied, "So is the devil."
In the list of members of the church which stood on the site
of this present one, and which may be called the church of
the Revolutionary period, it is surprising to find how many
were officers cf the army.
Another matter which enters largely into the history of the
First Church is the great interest taken by the Apostle Eliot
and members of the congregation in education. In a
small manuscript roll covered with dark, time-stained vellum
and tied with a cord of skin is preserved one of the most
valuable documents in the early history of New England. It
contains the covenant for the establishment of "The Free
Schoole in Roxburie," afterwards known as "The Grammar
School in the Easterly part of the town of Roxbury," and
still later as the Roxbury Latin School. It is dated the last
INTRODUCTION
day of iVugust in the year of our Lord 1645. The book is
rich in signatures of EKot, Weld, the Dudleys, Seavers,
Williamses, Hemingways, Ruggleses, Mays, Dorrs, Sumners,
Heaths, and many who were prominent in the plantation of
Roxbury. The method and earnestness with which they
entered into the matter, and their determination to sustain
the school at whatever sacrifice is shoAvn by another paper
the next year wherein, "it is agreed by all those inhabitants
of Roxbury as have or shall subscribe their names or marks
to this book for themselves severally and for their respective
heirs and executors that not only their houses but their fields,
orchards, gardens, outhouses and homesteads, shall be and
hereby are bound and made liable to and for the several
sums and rents before and hereafter in this book mentioned
to be paid by every of them. "
I do not know where one can find earlier, more constant,
more generous, or more consecrated efforts in the interests of
education, and in the list of subscribers it is remarkable how
few made their "marks," for their pledges.
It is impossible to include in this volume these old-time
records of what was the heroic age of New England. They
are not such records as we write to-day, but at heart the
humanity of these worshippers was of the same type as our
owTi. Here is a long and faithful list of those who for genera-
tions have worshipped on the same spot, and thousands of
their descendants now scattered throughout this vast land
will find their names with a touch of grateful memory and
emotion. For two hundred and seventy-seven years this
church has been the abode of the highest and most helpful
ideals to which the human heart can be consecrated, and
the fire has not been suffered to die out upon the altar, nor
has the altar been removed. We are not like the Fathers by
wearing the Puritan dress, nor by subscribing to their doc-
INTRODUCTION
trines, but by sacrifices for a new land; by their interest in
education ; by their efforts to walk together as the truth might
be revealed to them; by a deeper faith in those few great
spiritual verities which ever have been, and ever must be, the
refuge, support, and inspiration of the human soul.
This church has had a noble past, but the real value of a
church is not in its past, but in its ability to minister to the
religious needs of to-day.
May many generations gather on this spot for their finest
apprehension of truth, and for their deepest assurances of
the living God.
James De Normandie.
45 Lambert Aventte, Roxbxjbt,
March, 1908.
CONTENTS
IFirst /Dbecttng "Ibouse
Page
List of Pastors and Officers 1
History of the Church 3
Life of Thomas Welde 15
Life of John Eliot 17
Life of Samuel Danforth 38
Lives op the Ruling Elders 42
Lives of the Deacons 43
Church Members 45
ScconD ffbccting Ibouse
List op Pastors and Officers 67
History of the Church 69
Life of Nehemiah Walter 84
Life op Thomas Walter 112
Lives of the Ruling Elders 116
Lives of the Deacons 118
Church Members 120
^birD jflReetlng Ibousc
List of Pastors and Officers 137
History of the Church 139
Church Members 142
ffouttb /iRccting Ibouse
List of Pastors and Officers 145
History of the Church 149
Life of Oliver Peabody 174
Life op Amos Adams 175
Life of Eliphalet Porter 178
Lives op the Deacons 185
Church Members 186
xvii
CONTENTS
jFtftb Meeting Ibouse
Page
List of Pastors and Officers 209
History of the Church 217
Life of George Putnam 240
Lives of the Deacons 245
History of the Communion Table 256
Church Members 259
Pew Owners 271
History of the Music 335
History of the Sunday School 353
History of the Horse Sheds 356
History of the Church Charities 358
Appendix — Presentation of John Eliot's Chair 372
Index 374
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Present Meeting House Frontispiece
Built in 1804, and showing Putnam Chapel, built in 1876. The
large building near the church on the left is Stoddard's New Brick
Building, where services were held in 1803.
The Corlet Elegy facing 87
Elegy on Elijah Corlet, the first schoolmaster of Cambridge, by
Nehemiah Walter, 1687. The original is in possession of Har-
vard University. Copied through the courtesy of Mr. William
C. Lane, Librarian.
Plan of the Third Meeting House, 1736 facing 139
The Parsonage facing 174
Built by Oliver Peabody in 1751 and occupied by him and his
successors. After the death of Dr. Porter by Charles K.
Dillaway.
Meeting House Hill in 1790 facing 169
Showing the Fourth Meeting House, the Parsonage on the right and
Horse Sheds near the church on the left. From an oil painting by
John Ritts Penniman, a painter living in Roxbury. Taken
from Francis S. Drake's History of Roxbmy, through the courtesy
of Mr. Edward W. McGlennen.
Plate facing 218
This Plate, supposed to have been placed under the corner stone
of the present Meeting House, was stolen in some mysterious
manner, and returned anonymously in 1813.
Plan of the Floor of the Present Meeting House, 1804.
This remains unchanged, with the exception of the removal of two
pews near the pulpit when the present pulpit was built, facing 271
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Plan of the Galleries of the Present Meeting Hotjse, 1804.
Showing the square pews and the singers' seats. A change was
made in 1835 facing 310
Plan of Galleries of the Present Meeting House. . . facing 317
Showing the long pews after the change in 1835. The only
change since then was made in 1888, when fom- small pews
attached to the organ were removed when the new organ was
built.
View of Eliot Square facing 356
Showing the Meeting House and the Horse Sheds, taken from
John W. Barber's Historical Collections of Massachusetts,
1844.
Interior of the Present Meeting House looking East, Taken
in 1857 ■ facing 232
Ini'erior of the Present Meeting House looking West, Taken
IN 1857 facing 234
Interior of the Present Meeting House looking East, Taken
IN 1900 238
Interior of the Present Meeting House looking West, Taken
IN 1900 facing 240
John Eliot's Chair facing 373
Presented by the First Parish in Dorchester to the First Church in
Roxbury, Sunday Evening, March 17, 1907.
AUTHORITIES.
Recordes of the First Church in Roxbury, including Eliot's Book.
Town Records of Roxbury.
Town and Church Records of Dorchester. •
Town and Church Records of Boston.
Town and Church Records of Brookline.
Massachusetts Archives.
Suffolk County Deeds.
Norfolk County Deeds.
History of New England, 1630-1649. John Winthrop.
Wonder Working Providence of Zion's Saviour, 1658. Capt. Edward
Johnson.
Plain Dealings or News from New England, 1642. Thomas Lechford.
A Briefe Description of New England, 1660. Samuel Maverick.
New England's Prospects, 1634. William Wood.
Magnelia Christi Americana, 1702. Cotton Mather.
Journal of a Voyage to New York and a Tour in Several American Colonies,
1679-80. Jasper Dankers.
Diary of Judge Samuel Sewall, 1673-1729.
History of New England, 1873. John Gorham Palfrey.
Memorials of the Pilgrim Fathers, John Eliot and His Friends of Nazing
and Waltham, 1882. William Winters.
Bibliography of the Algonquin Languages, 1891. James Constantine Pilling.
Massachusetts Historical Society, Collections and Proceedings.
New England Historic and Grenealogical Register.
Biographical Dictionary, 1809. John Eliot.
Biographical Dictionary, 1809 and 1857. William Allen.
Harvard Graduates, 1873-85. John Langdon Sibley.
Annals of the American Pulpit, 1857. William B. Sprague.
American Quarterly Register.
Life of Nehemiah Walter, 1755. Thomas Prince and Thomas Foxcraft.
Revolutionary Adventures of Ebenezer Fox, 1838.
Records of Deacon Joshua Felton, 1782-1816.
Newspapers of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.
Genealogies of Individual Families.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHURCH
IN ROXBURY
1632-1674
PASTORS
Rev. Mr. Thomas Welde
Rev. Mr, Samuel Danforth
TEACHER
Rev. Mr. John Eliot
RULING ELDERS
Mr. John Miller Mr. Isaac Heath
DEACONS
Mr. George Alcock
Mr. William Parke Mr. Philip Eliot
Mr. Giles Paison
SEXTONS
John Chandler chosen in 1659
William Cleaves chosen in 1669
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
John Eliot was called to be a Teacher to the Roxbury
people soon after the building of the first meeting house and
his life and labours, together with those of his Nazing asso-
ciates, occupy no small space in the evangelical annals of
New England.
In the words of Mr. Winters, who wrote from the English
point of view :
As a pioneer and reformer, Eliot stands prominent among the settlers
and founders of the New World, surrounded and supported by a galaxy of
Essex Nonconformists of the purest tj^e. It is well known that there is no
county in Old England that can claim precedence of Essex for honest and
intrepid men, especially those of the Reformation age, who, for the sake of
truth and liberty, endured the tortures of the rack and fagot; and others of a
later period feared not to exercise the right of conscience and private judg-
ment in things agreeable to their religious impressions, until overcome by
the heat of persecution, they were necessitated to cross the stormy Atlantic
in search of a home in the dreary wilds of the Far West.
The First Church in Roxbury, whose influence was to
become great and far-reaching, was the sixth to be gathered
by the emigrants to New England, being preceded by those
of Plymouth (1620), Salem (1629), Dorchester (1630),
Boston (1630), and Watertown (1630). A company of the
men who arrived in Winthrop's fleet in 1630, sat down in
Roxbury, and these, with others who came later m the same
year and in 1631, were the founders of our church.
Under the charge of Deacon George Alcock they first
joined themselves to the church in Dorchester, until such
3
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
time as God should give them opportunity to be a church
among themselves. In 1630 they were taxed for the main-
tenance of the ministers at Charlestown and Boston. The
beginning of a church was usually considered to date from
the signing of the covenant and the ordaining of the first
pastor, but, unfortunately, the covenant of our church
cannot be found, though we have the date of the ordination
of the first pastor. Rev. Amos Adams notes in the church
book that the church was gathered in 1632. On the other
hand the words under the clock in the gallery of the present
Meeting House built in 1804, and placed there by an
unknown hand, say, "This church was gathered in 1631,"
and Captain Johnson in "Wonder Working Providence"
heads the paragraph on Roxbury, "The Fift Church of
Christ gathered at Roxbury 1631." But Johnson did
not always agree with other authorities as to the date of
organization.
To have been without a church, both in the sense of
a gathering and a building, must have been very trying to
the settlers, and we may infer that while worshipping
in Dorchester, they constantly kept in mind their own
aspirations, and discussed among themselves their hopes and
plans.
Judging from the history of other churches of the time, in
all probability the covenant was signed when the first meeting
house was built and ready for occupancy, and the first
Pastor, Rev. Thomas Welde, ordained, in the month of July,
1632.
During that year another band of emigrants arrived and
these were the friends of John Eliot, coming chiefly from
Nazing and the adjoining parishes. Before leaving England,
Eliot had engaged with a select number of his pious and
Christian friends that if they should come into these parts
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
before he should be in a pastoral care of any other people,
he would give himself to them and be for their service. It
happened that these friends transplanted themselves hither
the year after he came, and chose their habitations in Roxbury,
and, it was no doubt through their influence with the church
which had already settled Mr. Welde as Pastor, that John
Eliot was called to be their Teacher, and he was ordained
Nov. 5, 1632.
We have no record of the appearance nor the size of the
first meeting house, but Captain Johnson in his "Wonder
Working Providence " tells us, in speaking of Roxbury:
Their streetes are large, and some fajTe houses, yet have they built their
House for Church assembly, destitute and imbeautified with other buildings.
The Church of Clirist here is increased to about 120 persons, their first
Teaching Elder called to office is IVIr. Eliot, a yong man, at his comming
thither of a cheerfull spirit, walking unblameable, of a godly conversation,
apt to teach, as by his indefatigable paines both with his own flock, and the
poore Indians doth appeare, whose language he learned purposely to helpe
them to the knowledge of God in Christ, frequently Preaching in their
Wigwams, and Catechizing their children.
The building w^as undoubtedly small and oblong and at
first without shingles or plaster, with a thatched roof, and
without gallery, pew or spire. Probably similar to Dedham
in dimensions, that being thirty-six feet long, twenty feet
wide and twelve feet high.
In other towns the inhabitants were called to meeting by
beat of drum, and no doubt this custom prevailed here.
The people sat on plain benches, men and women apart,
on their respective sides of the house, while the boys had a
place separate from both with a tything man to keep them in
order. Two services were held on Sunday, in the morning
and afternoon, with a short interval between. They con-
sisted of first a prayer by the Pastor, then the reading and
expounding of scripture by the Teacher, then the singing of a
6 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
psalm in a metrical version without instrumental accom-
paniment, which was dictated or lined by the Ruling Elder,
and a sermon of which the approved length was an hour,
measured by an hour glass which stood upon the pulpit.
The services concluded with a prayer and a blessing from
the teacher.
Cotton Mather describes the Officers of the Church as
follows :
The office of pastor and teacher appears to be distinct. The pastor's
special work is to attend to exortation and therein to admmister a word of
wisdom; the teacher is to attend to doctrine and therein to administer a
word of knowledge; and either of them to administer the seals of that cove-
nant unto the dispensation whereof they are alike called ; as also to execute
the censures being but a kind of application of the word the preaching of
which together with the application thereof they are alike charged withal.
Forasmuch as both pastors and teachers are given by Christ, for the per-
fecting of the saints, and edifying of his body, which saints and body of
Christ is his church, and therefore we account pastors and teachers to be
both of them church officers, and not the pastor for the chiu-ch and the
teacher only for the schools, tho' this we gladly acknowledge that schools
are both lawful, profitable and necessary for the training up of such in good
literature or learning as may afterwards be called forth into office of pastor
or teacher in the church.
Tiie ruling elder's office is distinct from the office of pastor and teacher.
The ruling elders are not so called to exclude the pastors and teachers from
ruUng, because ruling and governing is common to these with the other,
whereas attending to preach and teach the word is peculiar unto the
former.
The ruling elder's work is to join with the pastor and teacher in those acts
of spiritual rule which are distinct from the ministry of the word and sacra-
ments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth.
1. To open and shut the doors of God's house by the admission of
members approved by the church, by ordination of officers chosen by the
church and by excommmiication of notorious and obstinate offenders
renounced by the church, and by restoring of penitents forgiven by the
church.
2. To call the chiu"ch together when there is occasion and seasonably to
dismiss them again.
3. To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an
end with less trouble and more speedy dispatch.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
4. To moderate the Ccarriage of all matters in the chm-ch assembled, as
to propound matters to the chm^ch. To order the season of speech and
silence and to pronounce sentence according to the mind of Chi-ist with the
consent of the church.
5. To be guides and leaders to the chiu-ch in all matters whatsoever par-
taining to church administrations and actions.
6. To see that none in the church live inordinately, out of rank and place
without a calling or idlely in their calHng.
7. To prevent and heal such offences in Hfe or in doctrine as might corrupt
the church.
8. To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition.
9. And as they shall be sent for to visit and pray over their sick
brethren.
10. And at other times as opportunity shall serve thereimto.
The office of a deacon is instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus:
Sometimes they are called helps. The scriptures teUeth us how they
should be qualified. Grave, not double-tongvied, not given to much wine,
not given to filthy lucre. They must first be proved, and then use the
office of a deacon, being found blameless. The office and work of a deacon
is to receive the offerings of the church, gifts given to the chiu-ch and to
keep the treasury of the church and therewith to serve the tables, which
the chm-ch is to provide for: as the Lord's table, the table of the minis-
ters, and of such as are in necessity, to whom they are to distribute in
simplicity.
The office therefore being limited mito the care of the temporal good
things of the church, it extends not to the attendance upon and administra-
tion of the spiritual things thereof, as the word and sacraments and the
like.
The ordinance of the apostle and practice of the church, commends the
Lord's day as a fit time for the contributions of the saints.
At first ministers were provided for by voluntary con-
tributions, but soon other methods were employed and the
salary was raised by taxation or in other ways. In the
earliest times ministers were ordained by officers of the
church, but later other churches were asked to assist.
Children were baptised in the meeting house, generally
on the next Sunday after their birth. Ministers did not
officiate at marriages and no religious service took place at
the burial of the dead.
Persons were admitted to the church after owning the
8 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
covenant, but not always at once to full communion. And
often they were excommunicated for some offence and upon
repentance received again into the church. In those days
the discipline of the church was severe and even the min-
isters were not exempt.
Lechford in "Plain Dealings" tells us:
That the most persons at New England are not admitted of their chm-ch,
and therefore are not freemen, and when they come to be tried there, be it
for life or hmb name or estate, or whatsoever, they must be tried and judged
too by those of the church who are in a sort their adversaries.
A slight relaxation was admitted in a few years by which
non-members were empowered to serve as jurymen and to
vote at town meetings in laying down taxes and choosing
selectmen, but the severe policy was retained as a whole until
1665.
A lecture was regularly preached on some secular day of
every week. All the established periodical festivals, Christ-
mas, Easter, etc., were disregarded, but fast days and days
of public thanksgiving or humiliation were frequent and
religiously kept.
In 1634, it being found that the four lectures did spend
too much time, the ministers with the advice of the magis-
trates, and with the consent of their congregations did agree
to reduce them to two days. Mr. Warham at Dorchester
one 4tii day of the week, and Mr. Welde at Roxbury the
next 4^^ day.
In 1634 at a meeting of the Assistants it was then informed
us how Mr. Eliot, the teacher of the church of Roxbury, had
taken occasion in a sermon, to speak of the peace with the
Pekods, and to lay some blame upon the ministry for pro-
ceeding therein, without consent of the people, and for other
failings as he conceived, we took order that he should be
dealt with by Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Welde.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
After the conference with Mr. Ehot he was brought to
acknowledge his error.
Oct. 7, 1636 the General Court met here having adjourned
from Cambridge on account of the small-pox.
In regard to the followers of Ann Hutchinson in 1637,
Winthrop says, "the town of Roxbury is required to take
order for the safe custody of Mrs. Hutchinson" and it is
said that she was committed to the personal care of Joseph
Weld, the brother of the minister. The church at Roxbury
dealt with divers of their members (who had their hands to
the petition in regard to Mrs. Hutchinson) and spent many
days in public meetings to have them to see their sin, in
that, as in also in the corrupt opinions, which they held, but
could not prevail with them. So they proceeded to two or
three admonitions, and when all was in vain, they cast them
out of the church. In their dealings with them they took
some of them in plain lies, and other foul distempers.
All town business was transacted in the meeting house,
and all matters relating to the church were acted upon in
town meeting.
Maverick, in his description of New England, says, in
speaking of Roxbury, " by farming is their most subsistence. "
William Ward says, " The inhabitants being all very rich. "
The church prospered under the united labors of Mr.
Welde and Mr. Eliot, and they worked together in harmony
until Mr. Welde returned to England in 1641, and the church
was without a Pastor until Rev. Mr. Samuel Danforth was
ordained Sept. 24, 1650.
Sept. 1, 1644 Wee had a solemn and public fast throughout
ye jurisdiction.
The relation and interest of the members of this church to
the "Free Schoole in Roxburie," now more generally known
as the "Roxbury Latin School," can best be told by what
10 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
is found in the document of the earhest date in possession of
the Trustees and dated "last of August, 1645."
Whereas the Inhabitantes of Roxbury in consideration of their relligeous
care of posteritie, have taken into consideration how necessarie the education
of theire children in Literature will be to fitt them for public service, both
in Church and Commonwealthe, in succeding ages. They therefore unani-
mously have consented and agreed to erect a free schoole in the said Towne
of Roxburie, and to allow Twenty pounds per annum to the Schoolemaster,
to bee raised out of the Messuages and part of the Lands of the several!
donors (Inhabitantes of the said Towne) in severall proportions as hereafter
followeth under theire handes. And for the well ordering thereof they have
chosen and elected seven Feoffees who shall have power to putt in or remove
the Schoolemaster, etc.
The Feoffees were John Ehot, Joseph Weld, John Johnson,
John Roberts, Joshua Hewes, Isaac Morrell, Thomas
Lambe. Among the founders of this school were Rev.
Thomas Welde, our former Pastor, Rev. John Eliot, our
Teacher, Presiding Elder Heath, Deacon Parke, Deacon
Eliot, Deacon Paison and of the Founders of our church, John
Johnson, Thomas Lambe, William Dennison, Francis Smith,
John Leavens, also Mr. Thomas Dudley and Daniel Gookin.
Thomas Bell, a member of our church, gave his real estate
to the support of the School and in his will mentions that the
Minister and two head officers of the said Church at Roxbury
and their successors should hold his estate in trust only for
the maintenance of a schoolemaster and free schoole for the
teaching and instructing of poore mens children at Roxbury,
aforesaid forever, and to and for no other use, intent or
purpose whatsoever. And from that day to this the minister
and two senior Deacons of this church have always been
members of the Board of Trustees.
In 1646 the Meeting House was put in safe repaire.
March 17, 1649/50 a collection for ye poor distressed
church at Bahamah & yr was about 28 pounds gathered
in our little congregation.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE 11
In 1654 the town voted to build two galleries and that the
selectmen see to it, and in 1656 the ends were clapboarded,
Mr. Eliot and Mr. Danforth were each of them allowed
£60, per annum, paid generally in corn or otherwise to their
content, cleared in accounts ordinarily once in the year, they
both having estate in corn and cattle.
Certain propositions agreed upon and voted in ye church
ye 24 of 8mo 1658.
1. Infants, either of whose immediate perents are in church-covenant,
do confederate in their parents and therefore are members of ye church, and
ye church ought to take care that they be duly instructed in the grounds of
religion, and be trained up under ye tuition of ye ordinances.
2. The seed of ye church being thus trained up for Thrift, it is their duety '/^J^*
when grown to yeares of discretion to owne the covenant their made in their -•*> iw^
parents and (being orderly called thereunto) personally, publickly and
solemnely to avouch ye Lord in an ecclesiacticall way to be their God accord-
ing to the covenant of Grace, and to submit themselves to ye power and
government of Christ in his church.
3. Such of ye seed of ye church as imderstand ye grounds of religion, are
not scandelous and have solemnly owned ye covenant in their own persons rf l
wherein they give up themselves and their children unto ye Lord, their .,\i^j.
children ought to have baptism administered unto them.
4. Though ye persons forementioned owne ye covenant according to ye
premises, yet before they are admitted imto full communion, i.e. to ye Lords
Supper and to voting, they must so hold forth their faith and evantances
unto ye judgment of charity, by way of confession, as it may appear unto ye
church yt they are able to examine themselves and to discern ye Lords body
and to judge spiritually of spirituall things.
5. Such as being orderly called to owne ye covenant, if after church
admonition and other due means with patience used, they shall refuse ye
performance of this great duty or in case they shall notwithstanding like
meanes applied, any otherwise continue scandalous, they ought to be cut
off from ye church.
The vote passed in these words :
Upon many agitations of disquisitions amongst ourselves, upon much
advice and counsell and especially that of ye first Synod at Cambridge
(1647) and ye late councill at Boston (1657) and after more than ten years
time of consideration about these points in hand, we, ye church of Roxbury
12 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
are at last come up to this resolution that we judge in our consciences yt
those 5 propositions are agreeable to ye truth of God and rules, wch we now
are to walk by.
On the 30th January 1659/60 it was left to the selectmen
to repair the Meeting House and to do as they please for the
strength, warmth and beauty of said house, namely, that the
house is to be shingled and also two galleries built, with three
seats in a gallery, one at the one end of the house and the
other at the other end. Also the house to be plastered within
side with plaster and haire; also for the seting out of the house,
that some pinakle or other ornament be set upon each end of
the house; also the bell to be removed in some convenient
place for the benefit of the town, and the charge to be borne
by the several inhabitance by way of a rate. For which work
Lieut. John Remington is to have twenty-two pounds ; more,
if the worke deserveth more; lesse, if the work deserveth
lesse.
In 1659 John Chandler was to have 50 shillings a year for
ringing the bell and sweeping and 3 pounds if he would
"keep ye doore bowlted," and he continued to serve until
1669.
The 5 of ye (5) 1659. This day the Teaching and Ruling
Elders of our church, as messengers of ye church mett at
Roxbury, with ye messengers of other churches, for to heare
the Indeans make a relation of the work of God upon ther
souU; at wch time ther weer six made ther relation in the
Indian tongue & repeated by Mr. Eliat in Englesh witt-
nessed unto ye truth of his translation by Mr. Pearson of
Long Island and Goodman ffolgier of Martin's Vinyard ; &
Mr. Eliat's own son. (This is recorded in the Dorchester
church records as well as the following.)
The first of ye (11) 60 ther was also a fast kept at Roxbury
on ther lecture day.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE 13
At a Town Meeting Jan. 15, 1665/6 it is stated, "the same
day it being a complaint of several of the Inhabitance that
they wanted convenient Rome to sit in the Meeting House to
their edification by reason of the disturbance the boys make
in the Gallery, and the voat of the Towne is such they desire
the selectmen to advise with the elders about removing the
boys, or building some other Gallery, or making another
paier stayers or doing anything that may be the best Good
for the whole. "
8th. 9 m. 1665 a solemn thanksgiving.
22. 9 m. 1665 A solemn Fast in reference to ye sickness in
England.
In Jan. 1666/7, " it was voated for making more Rome in
the Meeting House, that there should be another seate added
to the men's Gallery, and it was left by the same voate to the
selectmen, together with the advice of the elders, to consider
of the making another paier stayers to the said gallery, or
doeing anything else that way as may conduce to the good
of the whole body for the end above expressed. "
April 6, 1666. All the churches in this jurisdiction kept
a solemn day of Fasting and Prayer.
John Alcocke in his will dated May 10, 1666, says, " I give
to ye church of X* in Roxbury £3 to buy them a good wine
boule."
1st mo 21. 1666/7. This day our church made a collection
for Mr. Wigglesworth <£4 17^.
8*-^ 2 mo 1667. Our church made a collection for the
relief of our brethren and countrymen who were reduced to
extremities at Cape Feare. The sum was about seven
pounds.
In 1669 William Cleaves was appointed sexton and served
until 1677.
1670 4 mo 20 day. A solemn conference of 6 churches.
14 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
viz: ye elders and messengers of ye First Church in Boston,
of Roxbury, of Dorchester, Weymouth, Cambridge and
Watertown, met at Braintree at ye request of ye church
there, for ye hearing and ye heahng of their divisions and
distractions, in reference to ye choice of Teaching Elders
amongst them.
On Dec. 16, 1672, the Selectmen made a church rate for
the payment of the Elders which amounted to £120.12.3 and
the surplus was left in the hands of the Deacons.
In this Meeting House the people worshipped for forty
years. Many of the first settlers were dead or had moved
away and their children were now heads of families.
The population of the town having increased to such an
extent that a larger house of worship was necessary and this
Meeting House being constantly in need of repairs, on Decem-
ber 10, 1672, there was a full tov^ne meeting in consultation
about repairing of the meeting-house and it was, " after much
debate with love and condescending one to another, con-
cluded by voate to build a nue meeting-house as near the
other as conveniently may be," provided it exceed not ten
rods from this spot where it now stands. A committee was
chosen to have charge of this important affair some time
during the following year and in 1674 this building was torn
down and a new meeting-house erected.
REV. MR. THOMAS WELDE 15
REV. MR. THOMAS WELDE
Thomas Welde was born in Terling, four miles west of
With am in Essex county, England. He was educated at
Trinity College, Cambridge, receiving the degree of A.B. in
1613, and A.M. in 1618 and then settled in the ministry in
his native place. Here he received into his family the Rev.
Thomas Shepard six months before the latter took his degree
at Cambridge, and later when the persecutions of Archbishop
Laud were driving many across the water, Welde and Shepard
consulted together whether it were best to let such a swine
root up God's plant in Essex and not give him some check.
But they both incurred the penalties of the laws against non-
conformists and followed their brethren to New England.
Welde arrived in Boston in the William and Francis, June
5, 1632, and after many importunings and days of humiliation
by those of Boston and Roxbury, to seek the Lord for Mr.
Welde, his disposing, and the advice of those at Plymouth
being taken, at length he resolved to sit doen with them at
Roxbury and was ordained Pastor of this church in July,
1632.
He took the oath of freeman Nov. 6, 1632.
Mr. Welde was valiant in the faith, a defender of the truth
and of the churches in this land both in the pulpit and with
his pen. His own honest convictions and principles led him
to take an active part in religious controversies. He was
very popular with the Magistrates and was often consulted
in political matters. He was one of the chief inquisitors at
the trial of Ann Hutchinson, who, after her conviction, was
banished and her followers disarmed.
In 1639 he assisted his colleague and Richard Mather in
making the New England version of the Psalms. In 1641
16 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
the colony thought fit to send a commission to England to
negotiate various matters, and their choice fell upon Mr.
Welde, Hugh Peters and William Hibbens. The Court so
moved the church of Roxbury for Mi*. Welde that after
some time of consideration they freely yielded. He went by
the way of Newfoundland, where he preached to the seamen
and thence took passage to England in a fishing vessel.
Mr. Hibbens returned home within a year, but Mr. Welde
and Mr. Peters prolonged their stay until they seem to have
suffered no little suspicion from the General Court. In
Oct., 1645, the Court adopted a vote "that Mr. Peters and
Mr. Welde, having been long absent, may understand the
Court's mind, that they desire their presence here and
speedy return. " But neither came. Mr. Welde was after-
wards settled over St. Mary's Church at Gateshead in the
bishoprick of Durham opposite Newcastle.
Mr. Welde was twice married (1) to Margaret (2) to
Judith. Rev. Samuel Danforth thus records his death in
the church book. " March 23 (60) Mr. Thomas Welde some-
time Pastor to this church dyed in London."
While in Roxbury he lived east of the town street not far
from the present corner of Washington and Dudley Streets.
In Eliot's letters to England we find him soliciting aid to
enable him to purchase Welde's library, from which it may
be inferred that he was well supplied with literary tools.
He published about 1644 "A short Story of the rise, reign
and ruin of the Antinomians, Familists and Libertines, that
infested the churches of New England." With three other
ministers he wrote "The Perfect Pharisee under Monkish
Holiness," against the Quakers. He was also the author of
"The Fallen Jew Detected," against a man who pretended
to be first a Jew and then an Anabaptist, and " A Vindication
of the New England Churches. "
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 17
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT
John Eliot, who has been known since his death as the
Apostle to the Indians, was a son of Bennett and Lettese
(Aggar) Eliot and was born in Widford, Hertfordshire,
England in 1604 & baptised Aug. 5, 1604 in the Parish
Church, Widford, in which his parents were married Oct.
30, 1598. In the old record book one reads in letters quite
distinct, "Anno Dm: 1604 John Elliott, the sonne of Bennett
Eliot was baptised the 5th 'day of August in the year of our
Lord God 1604. "
His parents early imparted to him religious instruction,
and it was not without effect. His father held lands in both
Hertfordshire and Essex from the profits of which the sum
of 8 pounds yearly was set apart by will, Nov. 5, 1621, for
the maintenance of John at college. On March 20, 1619,
Jolm Eliot was entered as a pensioner at Jesus College in
Cambridge where he was graduated in 1622 with the degree
of bachelor of arts.
After receiving his education he was for some time the
instructor of youth. Rev. Thomas Hooker, who afterwards
became the first minister of the church in Cambridge (then
called Newtown), New England and later the founder of the
church in Hartford, Conn., was at this time a silenced non-
conformist minister. He had established a grammar school
at Little Baddow in Essex. In this school Mr. Eliot was
employed as an assistant teacher. This connection with Mr.
Hooker proved a great blessing to young Eliot. His example
and instruction confirmed Eliot in the belief and practice of
Christianity. "Wlien I came to this blessed family," said
he, "I then saw as never before, the power of godliness in
its lively vigor and efficacy." He here resolved to devote
18 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
himself to the work of the Christian ministry. This he did
when there was nothing in prospect for a Puritan minister
but fines and imprisonments.
It was this that turned his thoughts towards this Western
wilderness. With a mind made up to endure the perils
of the wilderness he embarked on board the ship Lyon
reaching Boston November 3rd, 1631. The Company that
came with him consisted of sixty persons, among this number
were the wife and children of Governor Winthrop. Eliot
left behind him in England (as Mather quaintly describes
her) a virtuous young gentlewoman, Hanna (Anna) Mum-
ford (or Mountfort), whom he had pursued and proposed a
marriage unto; and she coming hither the year following,
that marriage was consummated September 4*1^, A.D. 1632
(the first record of a marriage in Roxbury).
Mrs. Eliot has not received that attention from her hus-
band's biographers of which she is worthy. From the
incidental references in Cotton Mather's memoir of the
Apostle a concise account of Mrs. Eliot may be gleaned. In
the church records, after giving a list of their children, he has
written her name in a line by itself, as a member of his church,
thus:
" Mris. Ann Eliot, the wife of Mr. John Eliot. "
That one wife which was given to him truly from the Lord,
he loved, prized, cherished, with a kindness that notably
represented the compassion which he (thereby) taught his
church to expect from the Lord Jesus Christ; and after he
had lived with her for more than half an hundred years, for
she died March 24, 1687 in the 84*'^ year of her age, he thus
speaks of her death. "lys year my ancient dearly beloved
wife dyed. I was sick to death, but the Lord was pleased to
delay me, and keepe in (i.e. retain) my service wch was but
poore and weak. " " How beautiful and touching is this
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 19
simple eulogy of the Apostle on his departed wife — a
tribute more eloquent to the heart, than ever any that soiled
the published page of ostentatious grief." The popular
aflFection for Mrs. Eliot's character and memory is beautifully
illustrated by the following incident. A considerable sum
of money had been contributed to redeem Mr. William
Bowen, a fellow townsman, from captivity among the Turks,
but news of his death arriving "about the time Good oald
Mrs. Eliot lay at the point of death," it was devoted to the
erection of a ministerial tomb, and resolved that Mrs. Eliot,
"for the great service she had done for the town," should be
honored with a burial there; " but," says the relator, "before
the Tomb was finished the good oald gentlewoman was
dead," and she was committed to its sacred care, "wherein
was never man yet laid. " There mingles with her dust that
of her descendants for many generations.
By her did God give him six worthy children, children of
a character which may forever stop the mouths of those anti-
christian blasphemers who have set a false brand of disaster
and infamy on the offspring of a married clergy. By the
prudent management of his wife, who looked well to the
ways of her household, Eliot was enabled to be generous to
his friends, and hospitable to strangers, and with a small
salary to educate four sons at Harvard College, of whom John
and Joseph, ministers of Newton and Guilford, were the best
preachers of that age, Samuel who died early in life and
Benjamin bom Jan. 29, 1646. This Benjamin was made
the son of his right hand, for the invitation of the good
people of Roxbury placed him in the same pulpit with his
father, where he was his assistant for many years but died
before his father.
His family was a little Bethel for the worship of God
constantly and exactly maintained in it; and unto the daily
20 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
prayers of the family, his manner was to prefix the reading
of the scripture; which being done, it was also his manner
to make his young people to chuse a certain passage in the
chapter and give him some observation of their own upon it.
By this method he did mightily sharpen and improve, as
well as try their understandings, and endeavor to make them
wise unto salvation. He was likewise very strict in the
education of his children, and more careful to mend any
error in their hearts and lives, than he could have been to
cure a blemish in their bodies. No exorbitancies or extrava-
gancies could find a room under his roof, nor was his house
any other than a school of piety; one might have there seen
a perpetual mixture of a Spartan and a Christian discipline.
Whatever decay there might be upon family religion among
us, as for our Eliot, we knew him, that he would command
his children, and his household after him, that they should
keep the way of the Lord.
What estate he became owner of was from the blessing of
God upon the husbandry and industry of some in his family,
rather than from any endeavours of his own. Once when
there stood several kine of his own before the door, his wife,
to try him, asked him "whose they were?" and she found
that he knew nothing of them. He could not endure to
plunge himself into secular designs and affairs, but accounted
Sacerdos in foro as worthy of castigation as Mercator in
Templo ; he thought that minister and market man were not
unisons, and that the earth was no place for Aarons holy
mitre to be laid upon. His apparel, says Mather, was with-
out any ornament except that of humility. Had you seen
him with his leathern girdle (for such a one he wore) about
his loins, you would almost have thought what Herod feared,
that John Baptist was come to life again.
In his manner of living he was very simple. The meat
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 21
upon which he Hved was a cibus simplex, an homely but an
wholesome diet. Rich varieties, costly viands and poignant
sauces, came not upon his table, and when he found them on
other men's he rarely tasted of them. One dish and a plain
one was his dinner; and when invited unto a feast a friend
has seen him sit magnifying of God, for the plenty which his
people in this wilderness were within a few years arisen to;
but not more than a bit or two of all the dainties taken into
his own mouth all the while. And for a supper, he had
learned of his loved and blessed patron, old Mr. Cotton,
either wholly to omit it, or to make a small sup or two the
utmost of it. The drink which he still used was very small ;
he cared not for wines or drams, and I believe he never once
in all his life knew what it was to feel so much as a noxious
fume in his head, from any of them; good clear water was
more precious, as well as more usual with him, than any of
those liquors with which men do so frequently spoil their own
healths, while perhaps they drink those of other men. When
at a stranger's house in the summer time, he has been enter-
tained with a glass, which they told him was of water and
wine, he has with a complaisant gravity replied unto this
purpose, "Wine, 'tis a noble generous liquor, and we
should be humbly thankful for it; but as I remember,
water was made before it." His house stood where the
People's Bank now stands, at the corner of Washington and
Dudley Streets.
We now turn to his public life. As before stated he
arrived in Boston Nov. 3, 1631, and soon joined himself unto
the Church at Boston ; 'twas church work that was his errand
hither. Mr. Wilson, the pastor of that church, was gone back
into England, that he might perfect the settlement of his
affairs; and in his absence young Mr. Eliot was he that
supplied his place. Upon the return of Mr. Wilson, that
22 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
church was intending to have made Mr. Eliot his colleague
and their teacher ; but it was diverted and a church being now
gathered at Roxbrough, now Roxbury, according to an
agreement with his Nazing friends, he was ordained unto
the teaching and ruling of that holy society Nov. 5, 1632, as
colleague to Rev. Mr. Welde, with the title of Teacher, Mr.
Welde being the Pastor of the Church. These two ministers
lived together in much harmony.
So it was in the orb of that church that we had him as a
star fixed for very near three score years. He that will write
of Eliot, must write of charity, or say nothing. His charity
was a star of the first magnitude in the bright constellation
of his virtues: and the rays of it were wonderfully various
and extensive. His liberality to pious uses whether publick
or private went much beyond the proportions of his little
estate in the world. Many hundreds of pounds did he freely
bestow upon the poor; and he would with a very forcible
importunity press his neighbors to join with him in such
beneficences. It was a marvellous alacrity with which he
embraced all opportunities of relieving any that were miser-
able; and the good people of Roxbury doubtless cannot
remember (but the righteous God will), how often and with
what ardors, with what arguments, he became a beggar to
them for collections in their assemblies, to support such
needy objects as had fallen under his observation. The
poor counted him their father, and repaired still unto him,
with a filial confidence in their necessities; and there were
more than seven or eight, or indeed than so many scores who
received their portions of his bounty. He did not put off
his charity, to be put in his last will; but he was his own
administrator. He made his own hands his executors, and
his own eyes his overseers.
In 1634 Mr. Eliot incurred the displeasure of the colonial
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 23
magistrates by a sermon in which he criticised their conduct
in making a treaty with the Pequot Indians without first
obtaining the consent of the people. For these injudicious
animadversions he was required to make a pubhc apology.
In 1637 both he and Mr. Welde opposed the wild notions of
Mrs. Hutchinson and were both witnesses against her at her
trial. In 1639 they were appointed with Rev. Richard
Mather, of Dorchester, to make a new version of the psalms,
which was printed in the following year. For tuneful poetry
it would not perhaps yield the palm even to that of Sternhold
and Hopkins, but it did not give perfect satisfaction. Mr.
Shepard, of Cambridge, thus addressed the translators :
Ye Roxbury poets, keep clear of the crime
Of missing to give us very good rhyme:
And you of Dorchester, yoiu* verses lengthen.
But with the text's own words you will them strengthen.
It was the first book printed in the English- American
colonies. The New England Psalms were afterwards
revised and improved by President Dunster, and they have
passed through twenty editions. In 1641 Mr. Welde returned
to England.
To his congregation Mr. Eliot was a preacher that made
it his care to give every one their meat in due season. It was
food and not froth which in his public sermons he enter-
tained the souls of his people with, he did not starve them
with empty and windy speculations. His way of preaching
was very plain; so that the very lambs might wade into his
discourses on those texts and themes wherein elephants
might swim; and herewithal, it was very powerful, his de-
livery was always very graceful and grateful. It yet more
endears unto us the memory of our Eliot, that he was not only
an evangelical minister, but also a true New England one;
24 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
he was a Protestant and a Puritan, and one very full of that
spirit which acted on the first planters of this country, in
their peaceable succession from the unwarrantable things
elsewhere imposed upon their consciences. He was a
modest, humble, but very reasonable non-conformist with
the ceremonies, which have been such unhappy apples of
strife in the Church of England. There were especially two
things which he was loth to see, and yet feared he saw, falling
in the churches of New England. One was a thorough
establishment of ruling elders in our churches, which he
thought sufficiently warranted by the apostle's mention of
elders that rule well, who yet labour not in word and doctrine.
He was very desirous to have prudent and gracious men set
over our churches, for the assistance of their pastors, in the
church acts that concern the admission and exclusion of
members, and the inspection of the conversation led by the
communicant, and the instruction of their several families,
and the visitation of the afflicted in their flock, over which
they should preside. Such helps in governments had he
himself been blessed withal; the last of which was the well-
deserving Elder Bowles; and of him, did this good man, in a
speech to a synod of all the churches in this colony, take
occasion to say, "There is my brother Bowles, the godly
elder of our church at Roxbury, God helps him to do great
things among us : " Had all our pastors been so well accom-
modated, it is possible there would be more encouragement
given to such an office as that of ruling elders.
His benevolent labors were not confined to his own people.
The natives of the country now possessed by the New Eng-
landers had been forlorn and wretched heathen ever since
their first herding here; and though we know not when or
how those Indians first became inhabitants of this mighty
continent, yet we may guess that probably the devil decoyed
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 25
those miserable savages hither in hopes that the gospel of
the Lord Jesus Christ would never come here to destroy
or disturb his absolute empire over them. There were, at
the time, when he began his missionary exertions, nearly
twenty tribes of Indians within the limits of the English
planters and were very similar in manners, language and
religion.
Mather continues, "I cannot find that anything besides
the Holy Spirit of God first moved him to the blessed work of
evangelizing these perishing Indians. It was the spirit of
our Lord Jesus Christ which enkindled in him a pitty for the
dark souls of these natives, whom the God of this world had
blinded through all the by-past ages. But when this chari-
table pitty had once began to flame, there was a concurrence
of many things to cast oyl into it. All the good men in the
country were glad of his engagement in such an undertaking
the ministers especially encouraged him, and those in the
neighborhood kindly supplyed his place, and performed his
work in part for him at Roxbury while he was abroad labour-
ing among them that were without. Hereunto he was
further awakened by those expressions in the royal charter,
in the assurance and protection whereof this wilderness was
first peopled : namely. To win and incite the natives of that
country to the knowledge and obedience of the only true
God and Saviour of mankind, and the christian faith, in our
royal intention, and the adventurers free profession is the
principal end of the plantation. " It was among the Massa-
chusetts Indians that Mr. Eliot began his missionary
labors.
The first step which he judged necessary now to be taken
by him, was to learn the Indian language, the Algonquin
dialect being the one spoken by the Indians of Massachusetts
Bay; for he saw them so stupid and senseless, that they would
26 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
never do so much as enquire after the rehgion of the strangers
now come into their country, much less would they so far
imitate us, as to leave off their beastly way of living, that they
might be partakers of any spiritual advantage by us, unless
we could first address them in a language of their own.
This Massachusetts tribe and its language have long been
extinct and there are few, if any, living who can translate it.
He began the study of their language probably about the
year 1643 or perhaps earlier. In a letter dated 2/12/1648
he wrote. "There is an Indian living with Mr. Richard
Calicott, of Dorchester, who was taken in the Pequott
Warres, though belonging to Long Island; this Indian is
ingenious; can read; and I taught him to write, which he
quickly learnt, though I know not what use he now maketh
of it. He was the first that I made use of to teach me words,
and to be my Interpreter. "
At the end of his Indian grammar (Cambridge 1666) Mr.
Eliot gives the following aceount of his method of learning the
language, " I have now finished what I shall do at present :
And in a word or two to satisfie the prudent Enquirer how I
found out these new wayes of Grammar, which no other
Learned Language (so farre as I know) useth; I thus inform
him: God first put into my heart a compassion over their
poor Souls, and a desire to teach them to know Christ, and to
bring them into his Kingdome. Then presently I found
out (by Gods wise providence) a pregnant witted young
man, who had been a Servant in an English house, who
pretty well understood our Language, better than he could
speak it, and well understood his own Language, and hath
a clear pronunciation: Him I made my Interpreter. By
his help I translated the Commandments, the Lords Prayer,
and many Texts of Scripture: also I compiled both Exhor-
tations and Prayers by his help. I diligently marked the
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 27
difference of their Grammar from ours: When I found the
way of them, I would pursue a Word, a Noun, a Verb,
through all variations I could think of. And thus I came at
it. We must not sit still, and look for Miracles; Up and
be doing, and the Lord will be with thee. Prayer and Pains,
through Faith in Christ Jesus, will do anything. "
There is a letter or two of our alphabet, which the Indians
never had in theirs; though there were enough of the dog in
their temper, there can scarce be found an R in their language ;
but if their alphabet be short, I am sure the words composed
of it be long enough to tire the patience of any scholar in the
world: For instance, if my reader will count how many
letters there are in this one word,
NUMMATCHEKODTANTAMOONGANUNNONASH
when he has done, for his reward I'll tell him, it signifies no
more in English than our lusts; and if I were to translate,
our loves, it must be nothing shorter than,
NOOWOMANTAMMOONKANUNONNASH.
Or to give my reader a longer word than either of these,
KUMMOGKODONATTOOLLUMMOOETITEAONGANNUNNONASH
is in English, our question.
In 1646 Mr. Eliot began to preach to the Indians in their
own tongue. About the middle of September he addressed
a company of the natives in the wigwam of Cutshamoquin,
the sachem of Neponset, within the limits of Dorchester.
His next attempt was made among the Indians of another
place, "those of Dorchester mill not regarding any such
thing." He first preached to an assembly of Indians at
Nonantum in the present city of Newton Oct. 28, 1646.
28 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
The following is the Inscription on the tablet erected near
the spot: —
WaBAN ShEPHARD GrOOKIN Heath
Here at Nonantmn Oct. 28, 1646 in Waban's Wigwam
Near this spot John Eliot began to preach the Gospel to
the Indians. Here he founded the first Christian com-
munity of Indians within the English Colonies.
Isaac Heath, aged 61 years, elder of the church at Rox-
bury, Eliot's friend and counsellor.
Thomas Shepard, aged 41 years, pastor of the Church in
Cambridge.
Daniel Gookin, aged 34 years, friend and companion of
Eliot in his work from beginning to end, historian and
guardian of the Indians.
After a serious prayer, he gave them a sermon which
continued about a quarter above an hour, and contained the
principal articles of the Christian religion, applying all to the
condition of the Indians present. Having done, he asked of
them whether they understood, and with a general reply they
answered, they understood all. He then began what was his
usual method afterwards in treating with them; that is, he
caused them to propound such questions as they pleased unto
himself; and he gave wise and good answers to them all.
One immediately inquired whether Jesus Christ could under-
stand prayers in the Indian Language ? Another asked how
all the world became full of people, if they were all once
drowned } A third question was, how there could be the
image of God since it was forbidden in the Commandment.
He preached to them a second time, Nov. 11, and some of
them wept while he was addressing them. An old man
asked, with tears in his eyes, whether it was not too late for
him to repent and turn unto God ? Among the other in-
quiries were these — how it came to pass that sea water was
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 29
salt and river water fresh; how the English came to differ so
much from the Indians in the knowledge of God and Jesus
Christ since they all at first had but one father; and why if
the water is larger than the earth, it does not overflow the
earth ? He was violently* opposed by the sachems, and
pawaws or priests, who were apprehensive of losing their
authority if a new religion was introduced. ^Vlien he was
alone with them in the wilderness, they threatened him with
every evil, if he did not desist from his labors ; but he was a
man not to be shaken in his purpose by the fear of danger.
He said to them, " I am about the work of the great God, and
my God is with me; so that I neither fear you, nor all the
sachems in the country. I will go on, — do you touch me,
if you dare. " With a body capable of enduring fatigue, and
a mind firm as the mountain oaks which surrounded his
path, he went from place to place, relying for protection upon
the great Head of the Church, and declaring the salvation of
the gospel to the children of darkness. His benevolent zeal
prompted him to encounter with cheerfulness the most
terrifying dangers, and to submit to the most incredible
hardships. He says in a letter, " I have not been dry, night
or day, from the third day of the week unto the sixth; but
so travelled, and at night pull off my boots and wring my
stockings, and on with them again, and so continue. But
God steps in and helps." May 26, 1647 the General Court
ordered that ^10 be given Mr. Eliott as a gratuitie from this
court in respect of his paynes in instructing the Indians in
the knowledge of God also on Oct. 27, 1648 (upon the
request of Mr. John Eliot, pastor to the church at Roxbury)
it was ordered that none in Boston should sell wine to the
Indians but W^ Phillipps, upon pinnaltie of 20^ to be heard
and determined by any magistrate in case of drunkeness.
Whereas Mr. Eliot undertook to procure to the country ten
so THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
shillings from an Indian for his being drunk, which Indian
since is dead, the Court therefore thinks meete to release Mr.
Eliot from his engagm*.
Martin Moore says Mr. Eliot found that he could not bring
the gospel to bear a steady and constant influence upon the
natives, unless they had settled homes and constant employ-
ment. They must abandon their roving and idle habits,
and become industrious. He despaired of Christianizing
them, except he could civilize them. He proposed to Waban
and his associates to settle a town and conform themselves
to the rules of civilized society. They readily agreed to this
proposal. They selected a site for their settlement in the
eastern part of Newton. The name of their town was
Nonantum. In their language it signified "rejoicing."
They were furnished with shovels, spades, crow-bars, etc.
They surrounded their fields with fences and ditches. They
called for tools faster than Mr. Eliot could procure them.
The women partook of the general spirit of improvement.
The spinning-wheel was introduced into their families, and
they were clothed with their own fabrics. They soon felt
the advantages of traffic. They manufactured many articles
and carried them abroad to sell. They also labored among
their English neighbors in times of hay-getting and harvest.
The style of their wigwams was also greatly improved. The
wigwams of the common people were equal to those formerly
erected for their chiefs.
Mr. Eliot had wished for a long time to establish a town,
modeled after a particular plan that he had in his own mind.
We should have supposed that he would have fixed on
Nonantum as the spot for his first town of " Praying Indians. "
Some considerable improvements had already been made
at this station. But he had certain insuperable objections
to making this the site of his model town. The territory was
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 31
too small. They were surrounded by English neighbors,
many of whom exerted a bad influence upon them. He
wished to remove them into the interior, so that they should
not have much connection with the white people, and that
there might be room to gather a large body of Indians into a
society. He wished to make a fair experiment of civilizing
the Indians. If he could be successful in forming one well
governed. Christianized town, he hoped to form many more
after the same model. The converts at Nonantum wished
very much to be organized on Mr. Eliot's plan. He went
out several times to explore the woods, to find a proper
location. He did not find a place that suited his wishes.
On returning from one of these exploring tours, he stopped
on the way, retired behind a rock and asked divine direction.
While he was gone out to hunt for a location, his Indians
at home were asking God to guide and direct him. Some of
the Indians that were in company with him mentioned a
place, the description of which pleased him. Upon a careful
survey, he fixed on that spot as the future location of his
town. This place he afterwards called Natick. Gookin
has very particularly described the mode of laying out the
town. The Lidians removed from Nonantum to Natick in
1651. The town Natick in the Indian language means a
place of hills. It consisted of three long streets; two on the
Boston side of the river, and one on the other. To each
house was attached a piece of ground. Most of the houses
were built after the Indian fashion. One large house was
erected in the English style, the lower apartment of which
was employed as a schoolroom in the week, and as a place
of worship on the Lord's day. Afterwards they partitioned
off a small bedroom for Mr. Eliot to sleep in, when he
visited them. They also erected a fort and enclosed it with
a stockade. Mr. Eliot encouraged them to build a foot
32 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
bridge over the river so as to connect the different parts of
the town. This was a great work for them; but it stood the
spring floods, while a bridge built by the English at Medfield
was carried away. This bridge was eighty feet long and nine
feet high in the middle. When they had finished it, Eliot
called them together and asked them if they wanted pay for
their labor. They replied, "no." It was built for their
own benefit and not for his. They built a meeting house,
fifty by twenty-five and twelve feet between the joists. This
was built almost exclusively by themselves. An English
carpenter helped them a day or two.
After the settlement of the town Mr. Eliot proceeded to
organize a civil government according to his own views. He
took as the basis of his government the advice which Jethro
gave to Moses, " Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the
people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating
covetousness ; and place such over them, to be rulers of
thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers
of tens." Exodus xviii, 21. In compliance with this
counsel, about one hundred of them held an assembly and
chose one ruler of the hundred, two rulers of fifty and ten
rulers of ten. After the rulers of ten were chosen, they
placed themselves in order, and every individual arranged
himself under the one whom he chose. After the establish-
ment of this town he continued to visit and preach to them
as often as circumstances would admit. At this distance of
time, it is not possible to ascertain definitely the progress
that they made in the arts of living, or in the knowledge and
practice of religion. There is sufficient evidence left behind
to show that Eliot was not an enthusiast as it respected their
religion. Although the appearance of some was very favor-
able, yet he continued for a long time to keep them in the
situation of catechumens. He proceeded very slowly in
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 33
gathering them into a church estate. He began to preach
to them in 1646, but did not organize them into a church
until 1660.
He made a missionary tour every fortnight, planted a
number of churches, and visited all the Indians in Massa-
chusetts and Plymouth colonies, pursuing his way as far as
Cape Cod in the East to the rocky hillsides of Brookfield in
the West. Mr. Eliot was one of the most useful preachers
in New England. No minister saw his exertions attended
with greater effects. He spoke from the abundance of his
heart, and his sermons, being free from that labored display
of learning, from the quibbles and quaint turns with which
most discourses were at that time infected, were acceptable
in all the churches. So much was he endeared to his own
people that they continued his salary after he had offered to
resign it, and when he was unable to preach; and the youth
were in the habit of visiting him, calling him their father and
friend. Such attentions chased away the gloom which
usually hangs over the head of the aged and cheered the
evening of his life. His moral and religious character was
as excellent as his ministerial qualifications were great. He
carried his good principles with him in every situation,
viewing all things in reference to God. He habitually
lifted up his heart for a blessing upon every person whom he
met and when he went into a family he would sometimes
call the youth to him that he might lay his hands upon them
and give them his benediction. Such was his charity, that
he gave to the poor Indians most of his salary of fifty pounds,
which he received annually from the society for propagating
the gospel.
So remarkable was he for his charities, that on one occasion
when the parish treasurer paid him the money due for his
salary, he tied the ends of a handkerchief, into which he put
34 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
it, in as many hard knots as he could, to prevent him from
giving away the money before he should reach home. The
good man immediately went to the house of a sick and neces-
sitous family and told them that God had sent them some
relief. Being welcomed by the sufferers with tears of grati-
tude, he began to untie the knots. After many fruitless
efforts, and impatient of the perplexity and delay, he gave
the handkerchief and all the money to the mother of the
family, saying, "Here, my dear, take it; I believe the Lord
designs it all for you. "
In his principles of church government he was attached
to the Congregational order. Yet he contended earnestly
for frequent synods or councils, as necessary for the preser-
vation of union, for the suppression of dangerous opinions
and heresies, for the correction of abuses, and the healing of
divisions. In one of his treatises he proposed four orders
of councils, the congregational, provincial, national and
ecumenical. He thought that every particular church
should have ruling elders to assist the minister in the duties
of government and instruction. In his admissions to the
church he required of the candidates some evidence that they
were truly Christians, renewed in their hearts by the Spirit
of God. He withstood the attempts which were made to
change the old practice of giving a relation of the work of
divine grace, which practice, in his view, honored the Saviour,
and produced an intimate union among his disciples. He
could not, in conscience, give the cup of the Lord to anyone
who did not give some evidence of being a sincere Christian.
With all his excellencies he had some singularities and
strange notions. He had a most deep-rooted prejudice
against wigs. He preached against the custom of wearing
them ; he prayed against it ; he attributed to it the evils which
overwhelmed the country. He thought, as Dr. Cotton
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 35
Mather, who himself wore a wig, informs us, "that for men
to wear their hair with a luxurious, delicate, feminine pro-
lixity, or to disfigure themselves with hair, which was none of
their own, but above all, for ministers of the gospel to ruffle
it in excesses of this kind," was an enormous sin. But
fashion would bear sway, notwithstanding his remonstrances,
and he finally ceased to complain, saying, " the lust is become
insuperable." His prejudice against tobacco was as strong
as his aversion to wigs ; but in contempt of all his admonitions
the hairless head would be adorned with curls of foreign
growth and the pipe would send up volumes of smoke. In
his old age, not long before his death, he used to say that he
was shortly going to heaven and would carry a deal of good
news with him ; he would carry tidings to the old founders of
New England, that our churches still remained and that their
number was continually increasing.
It was with joy that he received Mr. Walter as his col-
league in 1688. When he was bending under his infirmities
and could no longer visit the Indians, he persuaded a num-
ber of families to send their negro servants to him once a
week, that he might instruct them in the truths of G6d.
On the day of his death he was found teaching the alphabet
to an Indian child at his bedside. " Why not rest from your
labors now.^" said a friend. "Because," replied the vener-
able man, " I have prayed to God to render me useful in my
sphere and he has heard my prayer, for now that I can no
longer preach he leaves me still strength enough to teach this
poor child his alphabet. "
He died, May 20, 1690, saying that all his labors were poor
and small, and exliorting those who surrounded his bed to
pray. His last words were, "Welcome joy." There is no
portrait of him extant.
Mr. Eliot published several letters in a work entitled,
36 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
" The Glorious Progress of the Gospel among the Indians,
etc." 1649; Tears of Repentance, in conjunction with Mr.
Mayhew 1653; a Late and Further Manifestation of the
Progress of the Gospel amongst the Indians, etc., 1659; a
Brief Narrative of the Progress of the Gospel, etc., 1670.
A work of his entitled, "The Christian Commonwealth,
etc." was published in England about the year 1660, written
nine or ten years before. Wlien it was received in Massa-
chusetts, the Governor and Council, viewing it as full of
seditious principles against all established governments,
especially against the monarchy of their native country, re-
quired Mr. Eliot to make a recantation, which he accordingly
did, acknowledging, that government by kings, lords and
commons was not anti-Christian. The book was suppressed.
A copy is in Colonel Aspinwall's collection of books relating
to America. In 1661, he published his translation of the
New Testament into the Indian tongue; second edition,
1680, and in 1663, his immense work, the translation of the
whole Bible, in 4to. entitled, "Mamusse Wunneetupana-
tamwe Up-Biblum God naneeswe Nukkone Testament Kah
Wonk Wusku Testament. " A second edition was printed
in 1685, revised by Mr. Cotton, and both of them were
printed in Cambridge, Mass. The longest word is in
Mark 1 : 40,
WUTAPPESITTUKQUSSUNNOOHWEHTUNKQUOH,
" kneeling down to him. "
A PORTION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER TRANSLATED
INTO THE INDIAN LANGUAGE.
Our Father which art in heaven Nooshun Keesukqut Quttianata
Hallowed be thy name munach Koowesuonh Pergan-
Thy Kingdom come moonch Kukketarsootamoonch.
REV. MR. JOHN ELIOT 37
Mr. Eliot also published, " Jews in America," 1660, in-
tended to prove that the Indians were descendants of the
Jews; an Indian grammar, 1666; a new edition, with notes
by Du Ponceau and introduction by J. Pickering, 8 volumes,
1822; also in 2d (Mass.) Historical Collections, ninth volume;
The Logic Primer, for the use of the Indians, 1672; the
Psalms, translated into Indian meter, and a catechism,
annexed to the edition of the New Testament, in 1680; a
translation of The Practice of Piety, of Baxter's Call to the
Unconverted, and of several of Shepard's works ; the Har-
mony of the Gospels, in English, 4to., 1678; the Divine
Management of Gospel Churches by the Ordinance of Coun-
cils, designed for the reconciliation of the Presbyterians and
Congregationalists. Nine of his letters to Sir Robert Boyle
are in the 3d volume of the Historical Collections, and his
account of Indian churches in the ninth volume. His
" Christian Commonwealth," is in Historical Collections,
3d series, volume nine.
38 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
REV. MR. SAMUEL DANFORTH
Samuel Danforth, the second pastor of this church, was
the sixth child and second son of Nicholas and Elizabeth
Danforth, and was baptized 17th Oct., 1626, in Fram-
lingham, Suffolk County, England. His mother died in
1629, and in 1634 his father emigrated to New England, with
all his children, and settled in Cambridge. Cotton Mather
speaks of him as :
A gentleman of such estate and repute in the world, that it cost him a
considerable simi to escape the Knighthood which King Charles the First
imposed on all of so much per anniun, and of such figure and esteem in the
chiu-ch that he procured that famous lectiu-e at Framlingham, where he had
a fine manor, which was kept by many noted ministers. When the Laudian
fury scored them he came to New England.
He died in 1638 and committed young Samuel to the care
of Rev. Mr. Shepard, the minister in Cambridge who proved
a kind patron unto him. Samuel was graduated at Harvard
College in the class of 1643 and was made the second Fellow,
his class being the second class that was graduated from that
college. From his being early appointed one of the officers
of instruction, we may infer that his rank as a scholar was
high. He was also a member of the corporation, and, to the
extent of his means, a donor to the college. On May 10,
1648, he was admitted to the freedom of the colony. Rev.
Mr. Welde having returned to England the church at Rox-
bury invited Mr. Danforth to become a colleague to Mr. Eliot
whose evangelical employments abroad among the Indians
made a colleague at home very necessary. On May 12, 1650,
he was dismissed from the Cambridge church and recom-
mended and admitted to the First Church of Roxbury. He
was ordained pastor of this church Sept. 24, 1650.
REV. MR. SAMUEL DANFORTH 39
"On the lltii of the 9^^ mo. 1651," says the tovm record,
"there was voted a levy upon all the inhabitants for the
raysing of 50 pounds, towards the building or buying of an
house for Mr. Danforth, our pastor. " This was nine years
prior to his purchase of Capt. Joseph Weld's house in the
town street near that of John Eliot, in which he finally
resided. Here he continued until his decease, and no tempta-
tions arising, either from the incompetency of the salary
allowed him to support an hospitable family, or from the
provocation which unworthy men in the neighborhood some-
times tried him withal, could persuade him to accept of
motions, which were made unto him, to remove into more
comfortable settlements; but keeping his eye on the great
man's motto, prudens qui yatiens, he continued in his
Roxbury station for three years more than thrice seven
together.
Evidence of his uncomfortable proximity to the Grey-
hound Tavern is also seen in the fact that he exerted his
influence to have such persons only keep houses of public
entertainment as would "keep good order and manners in
them," and when from his study window he saw any town
dwellers trifling there, he would go over and chide them away.
Wliat with the venerable apostle Eliot on one side and the
godly Danforth upon the other, the tavern roisterers would
seem to have been under a pretty thorough surveillance.
In early life he devoted some time to scientific pursuits,
especially to astronomy. He published almanacs for several
years, some of which were considered valuable for the chrono-
logical tables they contained.
That part of the diary in the church records written by
him is filled with accounts of comets, earthquakes, prodigies,
and other phenomena of nature. He particularly mentions
the followmcr in the vear 1664.
40 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Nov. 17. About this time there appeared a Comet in ye Heavens the
first time I saw it wch was ye 5th of 10 m. It appeared a httle below
the Crows Bill in Hydra in ye Tropick of Capricorn or neer to it. on
ye 18th day it appeared in Canis Major 2 degrees below ye Tropick. On
ye 19th day I observed it to passe on ye upper star in ye Hares foot about
2 degrees & i above the tropick. It continued till Feb. 4.
He maintained that a comet is a heavenly body moving
according to defined laws, and that its appearance is por-
tentous.
The sermons, with which he fed his flock, were elaborate
and substantial; he was a notable text-man, and one who had
more than forty or fifty scriptures distinctly quoted in one
discourse; but he much recommended himself by keeping
close to his main text, and avoiding all remote excursions and
vagaries; and there was much notice taken of it, and though
he was a very judicious preacher, yet he was therewithal so
affectionate that he rarely, if ever, ended a sermon without
weeping. On the Lord's days in the forenoons he expounded
the books of the Old Testament; in the afternoons, he dis-
coursed on the body of divinity, and many occasional subjects,
and some chapters in the Epistle to the Romans, until the
year 1661, and then he began to handle the harmony of the
four Evangelists. He also preached a monthly lecture, and
on many private occasions, at meetings of Christians in
families of the faithful. But instead of ever venturing upon
any extemporaneous performances, it was his manner to
write his sermons twice over, and it was in a fair long hand
that he wrote them, he then committed every word to memory
and his memory was so tenacious that it was never known to
fail him. His utterance was free, clear and giving much in
a little time. As a pastor he was unwearied in his attentions
to his parishioners, visiting faithfully the sick and afflicted.
There is no theological publication of his, except we con-
sider his election sermon as such, which is a recognition of
REV. MR. SAMUEL DANFORTH 41
New England's errand into the wilderness. It was delivered
in 1670.
After his contraction, according to the Old usagre of New
England, unto Mary, the Virtuous Daughter of the Reverend
Mr. John and Elizabeth (Mansfield) Wilson, the first
minister of Boston, whereat Mr. Cotton preached the sermon,
he was married Nov. 5, 1651, and was blessed with twelve
children. Two of his sons became eminent divines in this
State. Rev. John Danforth was minister of Dorchester from
1682 to 1730, Rev. Samuel Danforth was minister of Taunton
from 1688 to 1727. Danforth died Nov. 19, 1674, after an
illness of only six days, contracting a fever while on a journey.
In the church record under the same date Eliot writes this
touching passage :
"Our Rev. pastor, Mr. Samuel Danforth, sweetly rested
from his labors. It pleased the Lord to brighten his passage
to glory. He greatly increased in the power of his ministry,
especially the last summer. He cordially joined with me in
maintaining the peace of the churches. We consulted
together about beautifying the house of God with ruling
elders, and to order the congregation into the primitive way
of collections." "My brother Danforth," said he, "made
the most glorious end that I ever saw. "
He was thus eulogized in verse:
Mighty in scripture, searching out the sense,
All the hard things of it unfolding thence;
He lived each truth, his faith, love, tenderness.
None can to th' life as did his life express.
Our minds with gospel his rich lecture fed,
Luke and his life at once are finished.
Oiu" new-built church now suffers, too, by this.
Larger its windows, but its Lights are less.
42 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
RLXIXG ELDERS
Mr. John Miller was educated at Gonville and Caius
College, Cambridge, where he took his A.B. m 1627, and in
the " Magnalia " is included bv Mather in his " first classics. "
He came to New England in 1634 with his wife Lydia and
son John. Freeman May 22, 1639. While in Roxburr he
was chosen to the office of a Ruling Elder of this church.
From 1639 to 1641 he was an assistant to the Rev. Ezekiel
Rogers at Rowley. He returned to Roxbury at various
intervals and probably preached when any temporary need
existed. He died, in Groton. June 12, 1663.
!Mb. Isaac Heath was bom in Xazing, England, in 1585,
and came to this country late in 1635. aged 50, in company
with his wife EKzabeth and daughter EUzabeth. He settled
in Roxbury and his homestead and farm of three acres were
near what is now the southwest comer of Washington and
^'emon Streets. Freeman May 25, 1636. He was by trade
a harness-maker and was one of the principal founders of the
Free Schoole. Deputy 1637-8. About 1637 he was chosen
by his townsmen to the office of a Ruling Elder of this
church, a special recognition of his prudence, wisdom and
godliness. This office placed him in intimate relation with
Eliot, who consulted him in all his plans and difficulties. He
assisted Eliot in his Indian labors, accompanying him in his
toilsome expeditions through the wilderness and expounded
the gospel to the natives. In the meeting house he occupied
an elevated seat between the deacons' seat and the pulpit and
continued in office through life. He died, in Roxbury, Jan.
21. 1660/1.
DEACONS 43
DEACONS
Mr. George Alcock came with the first company in 1630.
He left his only son in England. His wife, a sister of Rev.
Thomas Hooker, died soon after he came to this land.
^Vhen the people of Rocksbrough joyned to the church at
Dorchester, "until such time as God should give them
opportunity to be a church among themselves," he was by
the church chosen to be a Deakon, especially to regard the
brethren at Rocksborough. And after he had adjoyned
himself to this church at Rocksborough, he was ordained a
Deacon of this church in 1632. He made two voyages to
England upon just calling thereunto, wherein he had much
experience of God's preservation and blessing. He brought
over his son John and also a wife, by whom he had his second
son Samuel. He was a physician. Freeman, Oct. 19, 1630.
Deputy to the First General Court, May 14, 1634. He
lived in a good and godly sort, and died in the end of the 10*1^
month 1640, and left a good savor behind him, the poor of
the church much bewailing his loss.
Mr. William Parke (Parkes) was born in England in
1604 and came to this country February 1630/1 a single
man, and was one of the first in the church at Rocksbrough.
Freeman, May 18, 1631, and ordained a Deacon of this church
in 1632. He married Martha Holgrave of Salem and lived
on the North side of the road to Dorchester. He was a man
of influence and wealth, of pregnant understanding and
useful in his place. Deputy to the General Court for thirty-
three years, & often selectman. One of the original donors
of the " Free Schoole" and also a Trustee. He died May 10,
1683, aged 79 years.
44 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Mr. Philip Eliot, son of Bennett and Lettese (Aggar)
Eliot and brother of Rev. John Eliot, our Teacher, was bap-
tised April 25, 1602, in Nazing, England, and came to this
country in 1635 with his wife Elizabeth (Ferian) Eliot, whom
he had married in 1621 in Nazing. Freeman, May 25, 1636.
He was probably ordained a Deacon of this Church in 1640
in place of Deacon Alcock, who died that year. He was a
man of peace & very faithful, he was many years in the office
of a Deakon w^^ he discharged faithfully. In his latter years
he was very lively, usefull & active for God, & his cause.
The Lord gave him so much acceptanc in the hearts of the
people y* he dyed under many of the offices of trust y* are
usually put upon men of his rank, for, besides his office of a
Deakon, he was a Deputy to the Gen. Court, Comissioner
for the govnm* of the towne, one of the 5 men to order the
prudential affairs of the towne & chosen to be Feofee of the
Publike Schoole in Roxbury. One of the original donors of
the Free Schoole. He died 22/8/1657.
Mr. Giles Paison (Payson) baptised in Nazing May 14,
1609, was one of the Nazing emigrants and 26 years old when
he embarked for New England April 3, 1635 in the "Hope-
well" ; a single man when he came to Roxbury. He married
Elizabeth Do well, a maide servant. Freeman, April 18,
1637. One of the original donors of the Free Schoole and
also a Trustee. He held many town offices. He was elected
& called to ye office of a Deacon 14 (ll'».) 1671 & ye
Sabbath following, 21. 11. 1671 he was solemnly ordained, by
prayer and imposition of ye hands of ye Elders, Deacon of
this church. He died Jan. 28, 1688/9.
FOUNDERS 45
FOUNDERS
William Pinchon, came in the first company, 1630, as one of the Assistants
of the Company, and he was chosen to that office annually until he left
Roxbury, and again in later years. His wife died soon after he landed
and he married (2) Mrs. Frances Samford of Dorchester. When so
many removed to the Connecticut river he went vdth them and planted
at a place called Agawan, now Springfield. He was recommended to
the church at Winsor until such time as it should please God to provide
that they might enter into church estate among themselves.
George Alcock, see Deacons.
Thomas Lambe, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1630 with wife Ehzabeth.
m. (2) Dorothy Harbottle. Freeman May 18, 1631. An original donor
of the Free Schoole. Died March 28, 1646.
Elizabeth Lambe, wife of Thomas Lambe.
Thomas Rawlings, carpenter and planter, came in the first company 1630
with wife Mary. Freeman May 16, 1631. Removed to Weymouth.
Mary Rawlings, wife of Thomas Rawlings.
Robert Cole, came in the first company, 1630. Freeman Oct. 19, 1630,
with prefix of respect. Removed to Salem.
Mary Cole, wife of Robert Cole.
John Johnson, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1630 with wife Margery;
m. (2) Grace Fawer. Freeman May 18, 1631. Constable 1630. Select-
man. Surveyor general of the ammunition, which, while stored in his
house, caught fire, blew up tlie house and all was lost. It was at this
time that the records were destroyed. May 8, 1632, he and Robert Cole
were chosen from Roxbury to advise with the governor at the next
General Court. May 14, 1631, Deputy from Roxbury to the first General
Court of delegates. Artillery Company, 1638. An original donor to
the Free Schoole. Died Sept. 30, 1659.
Margery Johnson, wife of John Johnson.
Jehu Bur (Burr), carpenter, came to Roxbury in 1630. Freeman May 18,
1631. In 1633 appointed by the Court to see to the bridges between
Boston and Roxbury. Removed to Springfield with Pinchon.
GooDWTFE Bltr, wife of Jehu Bur.
William Chase, came in the first company, 1630, with wife Mary. Free-
man May 18, 1631. Removed to Scituate.
Mary Chase, wife of Wilham Chase.
46 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Richard Bugby, came to Roxbury in 1630 with wife Judith. Freemau
May 18, 1631. Died before 1641.
Judith Bugby, wife of Richard Bugby.
Gregorie Baxter, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1630. Freeman March
6, 1631/2; married Margaret Paddy. Removed to Braintree.
Francis Smith, cardmaker and farmer, came to Roxbury in 1630. Free-
man May 18, 1631. Served on the first inquiry held by a coroner, Sept.
28, 1630. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to Boston.
Grkfith Crofts (Crafts), farmer and carpenter, came to Roxbury in 1630
with wife Alice; m. (2) Ursula (Adams, Hosier, Streeter) Robinson, her
fourth husband; m. (3) Dorcas Ruggles. Freeman May 18, 1631.
Selectman. Deputy to the General Court, 1638, 1663, 1664. Lt. of
the Roxbury company. Artillery company, 1668. An original donor of
the Free Schoole. Held many positions of trust. Died Oct. 4, 1689.
Alice Crofts, wife of Griffith Crofts.
William Parke, see Deacons.
William Dennison, farmer, born at Bishops Stratford, Herts, England,
came to Roxbury in 1631 with wife Margaret (Chandler). Freeman
July 3, 1632. Constable, 1634. Deputy, 1635. Appraiser of Wills.
Disarmed as follower of Ann Hutchinson. An original donor of the
Free Schoole. Died Jan. 25, 1654.
Margret Dennison, wife of William Dennison. It pleased God to work
upon her heart & change it in her ancient years, after she came to this
land & joined to the church in the year 1632.
Samuel Wakealin, yeoman, came to Roxbury, Nov., 1631, with wife Eliza-
beth. Freeman Aug. 7, 1632. Removed to Cambridge.
Elizabeth Wakeman, wife of Samuel Wakeman.
Richard Lyman, bap. Oct. 30, 1580, in High Onger, Essex Co., England ;
came to Roxbury, Nov., 1631. Freeman June 11, 1633. Removed to
Springfield with Pinchon.
Sarah Lyman, wife of Richard Lyman.
Phillis Lyman, daughter of Richard Lyman, m. William Hills.
John Carmen, came to Roxbury iji 1631 with vdfe Florence. Was a
Patentee of Hamstead, Long Island, and removed there.
Florence Carmen, wife of John Carmen.
Thomas Goldthwaight, single man, came to Roxbury in 1631. Freeman
May 14, 1634. Removed to Salem in 1636.
Valentine Prentise, came to Roxbury in 1631 with wife Alice. Freeman
Aug. 7, 1633. Died in 1633.
Alice Prentise, wife of Valentine Prentise.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 47
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650.
Robert Gamlin, came to Roxbury in 1632. Freeman May 14, 1634.
Removed to Concord.
John Perry, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632. Freeman March 4, 1632/3.
Died Sept. 21, 1642.
John Leavens, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Elizabeth; m.
(2) Rachel Wright. Freeman March 4, 1633/4. An original donor of
the Free Schofcle. Died Nov. 15, 1647.
Richard Dxjmmer, born about 1599 in Bishopstoke, Hants, England, came
to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Mary. Freeman Nov. 6, 1632. Built
the first watermill in Roxbury in 1633. Removed to Newbury.
Mary Dummer, wife of Richard Dummer. She was a godly woman but
by the seduction of some of her acquaintances she led away into the
new opinions in Mrs. Hutchinson's time.
William Talmage, carpenter, and an early member of this church, came to
Roxbury with wife Elizabeth. Freeman March 14, 1634. Removed to
Lynn.
Elizabeth Talmage, wife of William Talmage.
Mr. Thomas Welde, our first Pastor.
Margaret Welde, wife of Mr. Thomas Welde.
Judith Welde, 2nd wife of IVIr. Thomas Welde.
John Watson, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632. Freeman Nov. 5, 1633.
m. Alice, widow of Valentine Prentise. An original donor of the Free
Schoole. Died Jan. 5, 1671/2.
Thomas Woodforde, a man servant, came to Roxbury in 1632. Freeman
March 4, 1634/5. Married Mary Blott. Removed to Hartford.
Margery Haaimond, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1632. Married
John Ruggles.
Mary Blott, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1632, m. Thomas
Woodforde.
Ann Shelly, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1632, married
Foxall, a godly brother of the church of Sittuate.
Rebeckah Short, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1632, married
(Walter) Palmer of Charlestowne church.
William Hills, a man servant, came to Roxbury in 1632. Married Phillis
Lyman. Freeman May 14, 1634. Removed to Hartford.
48 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
John Coggeshall, mercer, from county Essex, came to Roxbury in 1632
with wife Mary. Freeman Nov. 6, 1632. Removed to Boston, thence
to Rhode Island.
Mary Coggeshall, wife of John Coggeshall.
WiLLLUi Heath, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Mary. Free-
man March 4, 1632/3. Deputy May 14, 1634. Died May 29, 1652.
Mary Heath, wife of Wilham Heath.
William Cltitis, farmer, came to Roxbury from Nazing, England, in 1632
with wife Sarah (Ehot) Curtis. Freeman March 4, 1632/3. Died
Dec. 8, 1672, aged 80.
Sarah Curtis, wife of William Curtis.
Thomas Offitt, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Isabel. Freeman
March 4, 1633. Removed with Pmchon to Springfield.
Isabel Offitt, wife of Thomas OfBtt.
Isaac Morrill, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Sarah. Free-
man March 4, 1633. Selectman. Artillery Co., 1638. An original
donor of the Free Schooll. Died Dec. 20, 1661.
Sarah Morrill, wife of Isaac Morrill.
Daniel Brewer, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Joanna.
Freeman May 14, 1634. Died March 28, 1646.
Joanna Brewer, wife of Daniel Brewer.
Mr. John Eliot, our Teacher.
MB's. Ann Eliot, the wife of Mr. John Eliot.
Abraham Pratt, came to Roxbury from Charlestown in 1632 with wife
Johanna. Returned to Charlestown.
Johanna Pratt, wife of Abraham Pratt.
Mary Gamlin, a maide servant, dau. of Robert Gamlin sr, came with her
father. Died in 1633.
Robert Gamlin, Jr., came to Roxbury May 20, 1632, vdth wife Elizabeth,
widow of Thomas Mayo of County Kent, England, and her son John
Mayo. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died in 1663.
Elizabeth Gamlin, wife of Robert Gamlin, Jr.
Samuel Basse, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Ann. Freeman May 14.
1634. Removed to Braintree.
Ann Basse, wife of Samuel Basse.
John Tatman (Totman), farmer, came to Roxbury in 1632. Freeman
May 2, 1638. Had indulgence in 1639 from the General Court for living
more than half a mile from the church. Died Oct. 28, 1670.
, Wife of John Totman.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 49
Jasper Rawlings, came to Roxbury in 1632 with wife Jeane. Freeman
June 11, 1633. Removed to Wethersfield.
Jeane Rawlings, wife of Jasper Rawlings.
William Perkins, minister, b. Aug. 25, 1607. Came to Roxbury in 1632.
Freeman Sept. 3, 1634. m. Eliz. Woolton. Removed to Weymouth.
John Moody, came to Roxbury in 1633 with wife Sarah. Freeman Nov. 5,
1635. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to Hartford,
Conn.
Sarah Moody, wife of John Moody.
John Walker. Freeman May 14, 1634. Removed to Boston and then to
Rhode Island.
Walker, wife of John Walker.
Elizabeth Hinds, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1633, married
Alexander , of Boston.
Elizabeth Ballard, a maide servant, came to Roxbury in 1633, married
Robert Sever of this church.
John Porter, farmer. Freeman Nov. 5, 1633. Wife Margaret. Removed
to Hingham.
Margret Porter, wife of John Porter.
Nicholas Parker, yeoman, came to Roxbury in 1633 with wife Ann.
Freeman March 4, 1633/4. Removed to Boston.
Ann Parker, wife of Nicholas Parker.
Margret Huntington, widdow, came to Roxbury in 1633.
Philip Sherman, a single man, came to Roxbury in 1633. Freeman May 14,
1634. m. Sarah Odding. Disarmed as follower of Ann Hutchinson.
Removed to Rhode Island.
Thomas Pigge (Pidge), came with wife Mary. Freeman May 14, 1634.
Died Dec. 30, 1643.
Mary Pigge, wife of Thomas Pigge.
Samuel Finch, m. (1) Martha , (2) Judith . Freeman May 14,
1634. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died Jan. 27, 1673/4,
Martha Parke, wife of Deacon William Parke.
Thomas Wilson, miller, came to Roxbury in 1633 with wife Ann. Free-
man May 14, 1634. Removed to Exeter.
Ann Wilson, wife of Thomas Wilson.
Joshua Hewes, a single man, ironmonger, came to Roxbiu-y in 1633.
Freeman March 4, 1633/4. m. Mary Goldstone. Deputy. Artillery
Co. 1643. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to Rhode
Island and thence to Boston.
50 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Isaac Johnson, came to Roxbury in 1630 with his parents. Joined our
church in 1633. Freeman March 4, 1634/5. m. Ehza Porter. Artillery
Co. 1645. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Capt. Roxbury Co.
Deputy, 1671. Killed in the Narraganset fight, Dec. 19, 1675.
Elizabeth Johnson, wife of Isaac Johnson.
Ralph Hinningway (Hemingway), a man servant, came to Roxbiu-y in
1633. Freeman Sept. 3, 1634, m. EUza Hewes. Became one of the
largest land holders in Roxbury. Active in town affairs. An original
donor of the Free Schoole. Died June 1, 1677 or 8.
Sarah Odding, daughter-in-law to John Porter, married Philip Sherman.
Thomas Hills, a man servant. He came in the year 1633. He hved
among us in good esteem and Godly & dyed about the lit or 12t
month 1634 and left a good savor behind him, he was a very faithfull &
prudent servant & a good christian. He dyed in Mr. Eliot's family.
Thomas Hale, a single man. Freeman May 14, 1634. Removed to
Hartford. Afterwards returned and married Jane Lord, one of our
members, and returned to Conn.
Edward Riggs, came to Roxbiu-y in 1633 with wife Eliza. Freeman May
14, 1634. Died March 5, 1671. Fought in the Pequod War.
John Graves, came to Roxbury from Nazing in 1633 with a wife; married
(2) Judith . Freeman April 18, 1637. Died Nov. 4, 1644.
Eliot calls liim "godly brother of the church" and says of him and
Thomas Ruggles that "these two broke the knot first of the Nazing
Christians. I mean they first died of all those Christians that came
from that town in England."
Judith Graves, wife of John Graves.
John Stow, came to Roxbury in 1634 with wife Elizabeth. Freeman Sept.
3, 1634. Removed to Concord.
Elizabeth Stow, wife of John Stow.
John Compton, laborer. Wife Susanna. Freeman Sept. 3, 1634. Removed
to Boston.
Hues, a maide servant.
William Cornewell, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1634 with wife Joane.
Removed to Conn.
Joane Cornewell, wife of William Cornewell.
Abraham Newell, farmer, came to Roxbury from Ipswich, Eng., in 1634,
aged 50, with wife Frances. Freeman March 4, 1634/5. An original
donor of the Free Schoole. Died June 13, 1672.
Frances Npwell, wife of Abraham Newell.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 51
William Freeborne, came to Roxbury in 1634, aged 40, with wife Mary.
Freeman Sept. 3, 1634. Removed to Rhode Island.
Robert Potter, farmer, came to Roxbury in 1634 with wife Isabel.
Freeman Sept. 3, 1634. Removed to Rhode Island.
Isabel Potter, wife of Robert Potter.
Sarah Burrell, wife of (John) Burrell.
Richard Pepper, farmer, came to Roxbury from Ipswich, Eng., in 1634,
aged 27, with wife Mary. Freeman March 4, 1634/5. An original
donor of the Free Schoole.
Mary Pepper, wife of Richard Pepper.
Elizabeth Howard, a maide servant.
Robert Sever, came to Roxbury in 1634. Freeman April 18, 1637. m.
Ehzabeth Ballard. Selectman. An original donor of the Free Schoole.
Died May 13, 1683.
Phebe Disborowe, wife of Walter Disborowe.
Christopher Peake, a single man. Freeman March 4, 1635. m. Dorcas
French. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died May 22, 1666.
Mr. Thomas Jenner, came to Roxbury in 1634. Removed to Weymouth.
Mr. John Miller, see Ruling Elders.
Lidea Miller, wife of Mr. John Miller.
Richard Goaud, came to Roxbury in 1635, aged 17. m. Phebe Howes.
Died Sept. 29, 1683.
John Ruggles, shoemaker, bap. in Nazing, March 25, 1593, came to
Roxbury in 1635 with wife Barbara. He was a lively christian, knowne
to many of the church in old England where many of the church injoyed
society together. Freeman April 18, 1637. An original donor of the
Free Schoole. Deputy 1658, 1660, 1661. Died Oct. 6, 1663.
Barbara Ruggles, wife of John Ruggles.
Elizabeth Wise, a widdow.
Isaak Heath, see Ruling Elders.
John Astwood, husbandman from Stanstead Abbey, Co. Herts, Eng.,
came to Roxbury m 1635, aged 26, with wife Martha. Freeman March
3, 1635/6. Removed to Milford.
Martha Astwood, wife of John Astwood.
Philip Eliot, see Deacons.
Elizabeth Eliot, wife of Philip Eliot.
Giles Paison, see Deacons.
Edward Payson, a man servant, m. Ann Parke. Freeman May 13, 1640.
An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to Dorchester.
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Nicholas Baker, stopped in Roxbiiry only a short time. Removed to
Hingliam.
Joseph Welde, storekeeper, brother to our first pastor, came to Roxbury
in 1635 with wife Eliza, m. (2) Barbara Clap. Freeman March 3,
1635/6. Deputy, 1637. Capt. of Roxbury Militia. An original donor
of the Free Schoole. Buried Oct. 7, 1646.
Barbara Welde, wife of Joseph Welde.
Thomas Bell, came to Roxbury in 1635. Freeman May 25, 1636. He
and his wife had letters of Dismission granted and sent to England in
Sept. 1654. He died in England in 1672, and in his wUl left all his
property in Roxbury to the Free Schoole.
, Wife of Thomas Bell.
William Webb. Freeman May 25, 1636. Wife Rebecca. Removed to
Boston.
Rebecca Webb, wife of William Webb. She followed baking and tlirough
her covetuous mind she made light waight after many admonitions & for
a grosse ly in publik, flatly denying yt after she had weighed her dough,
she never nimed off bitts from each loaf, for all wh grosse sins she was
excommunicated. But afterward she was reconciled to ye Church &
lived christianly & dyed comfortably.
Adam Mott, tailor, with wife Sarah, came to Roxbury in 1635 from Cam-
bridge, Eng. Freeman May 25, 1636. Removed to Rhode Island.
Sarah Mott, wife of Adam Mott.
Mrs. Anna Vassaile, vdfe of William Vassaile.
Richard Carder. Freeman May 25, 1636. Removed early to Boston,
afterwards to Rhode Island.
Lawrence Whiitamore, husbandman, from Stanstead Abbey, Co. Herts,
Eng., came to Roxbury in 1635, aged 63, with wife Eliza. Freeman
April 18, 1637. Died in 1644. As he had no cliildren he gave his estate
to the Free Schoole.
Jasper Gun, aged 29, came to Roxbury in 1635 with wife Ann. Freeman
May 25, 1636. Removed to Hartford.
Thomas Birchard, aged 40, came to Roxbury in 1635 with wife Mary.
Freeman May 17, 1637. Removed to Hartford.
IMary Birchard, wife of Thomas Birchard.
John Cheney, shoemaker, came to Roxbury in 1635 with wife Martha.
Removed to Newbury.
jVIartha Cheney, wife of John Cheney.
Mary Norrice, a maide, dau. of Mr. Edward Norrice, Teacher to the
Church at Salem.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 53
Elizabeth Bowis.
Henry Bull, a man servant, aged 25, came to Roxbury in 1635. Freeman
May 17, 1637. Removed to Rhode Island.
James How, came to Roxbm-y with wife Elizabeth. Freeman May 17,
1637. Removed to Ipswich.
Elizabeth How, wife of James How.
Mr. John Gore, came to Roxbury in 1635 with wife Rhoda. Freeman
April 18, 1637. Art. Co. 1638. An original donor of the Free Schoole.
Died Jmie 2, 1657.
Rhoda Gore, wife of Mr. John Gore.
Mary Swaine, a maide servant.
Jane Lorde, a maide servant.
Elizabeth Dowell, a maide servant. Married Giles Paison.
Phillis Pepper, a maide servant.
Edwarb Porter, came to Roxbury in 1636 with wife Elizabeth. Freeman
May 17, 1637. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to
Boston.
Elizabeth Porter, wife of Edward Porter.
John Roberts, came to Roxbury in 1636 with wife Elizabeth. Freeman
May 22, 1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. "He was one
of the first fruits of Wales that came to New England called to Christ by
the ministry of yt Reverend and worthy instrument Mr. Wroth." Died
Nov. 27, 1651.
Elizabeth Roberts, wife of John Roberts.
George Kilborne, a man servant, bap. at Wood Ditton, Co. Cambridge,
Feb. 12, 1612, came to Roxbury in 1636 with wife Eliza. Freeman
May 13, 161'0. Removed to Rowley.
Robert Williams, cordwamer, bap. Dec. 11, 1608, in Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk Co., Eng., came to Roxbury in 1637 with wafe Elizabeth (Stal-
ham). Freeman May 10, 1643. Selectman. An original donor of the
Free Schoole. Died Sept. 1, 1693.
Elizabeth Williams, vdfe of Robert Williams.
Samuel Hagbourne, came to Roxbury in 1637 with wife Catharine. Free-
man May 2, 1638. A benefactor of the Free Schoole. Died Jan. 24,
1643.
Catharine Hagbourne, wife of Samuel Hagbourne.
Abraham Howe, came to Roxbury in 1637 with wife. Freeman May 2,
1638. Removed to Boston. Held office of fence viewer in Roxbury.
, Wife of Abraham Howe.
54 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Thomas Ruggles, came to Roxbury in 1637 with wife Mary (Curtis), from
Nazing. Freeman May 22, 1639. Died Nov. 16, 1644.
Mary Ruggles, wife of Thomas Ruggles. An original donor of the Free
Schoole.
Edward Bridge, came to Roxbury about 1637 with wife Mary. Freeman
May 22, 1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died Dec. 20,
1683, aged 82.
Mary Bridge, wife of Edward Bridge.
Thomas Mighill, came to Roxbury in 1637 with wife Ellen. Removed
to Rowley.
Ellen Mighill, wife of Thomas Mighill.
Christian Spisor, a maide servant.
Rachel Write, a maide servant. Married brother John Leavins.
Johanna Boyse, a maide.
Matthew Boyce. Freeman May 22, 1639. Removed to Rowley.
, Wife of Matthew Boyce.
George Holmes, came to Roxbury with wife Sarah. Freeman May 22,
1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died Dec. 18, 1665.
Sarah Holmes, wife of George Holmes.
Jane Stebbevs, wife of Martin Stebbins.
William Chandler, came to Roxbury about 1637 with wife Hannah.
Freeman May 13, 1640. He lived a very religious and Godly life among
us. He died Jan. 19, 1641/2 and left a sweet memory & savor behind
him.
Hannah Chandler, wife of William Chandler.
Walter Blackburn, came to Roxbury with wife Ehzabeth. Freeman
May 22, 1639. Returned to England in 1641.
Elizabeth Blackburn, wife of Walter Blackburn.
Richard Peacock, glazier, came to Roxbury with wife Jane. Freeman
May 22, 1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Dismissed to
ye church at Boston, 9. 5™, 1665.
Jane Peacock, wife of Richard Peacock.
M^'^ Sheafe, a vkiddow.
Arthur Geary, was in Roxbury with wife Frances in 1638. Freeman
March 14, 1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died Dec. 17,
1666, aged 67.
Frances Geary, wife of Arthur Geary.
M''^'^ Greene, a widdow.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 55
SiLENC RoBBiNSON, Wife of Thomas Robbinson.
Samuel Chapin, came to Roxbury in 1638 with wife Cicely. Freeman
June 2, 1641. Removed to Springfield in 1642.
Cicely Chapin, wife of Samuel Chapin.
James Astwood, came to Roxbury in May, 1638, with wife Sarah. Free-
man May 22, 1639. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Dismissed
to ye new church in Boston.
Sarah Astwood, wife of James Astwood.
Dorothy Harbittle, a maide servant, married Thomas Lamb.
Ann Wallis, a maide servant.
Thomas Reives, a man servant, came to Roxbury in 1638 and was servant
of John Gore untU 1644. m. Hannah Rowe. Freeman May, 1645.
Removed to Springfield.
John Weld, b. Oct. 28, 1623, in England, came to Roxbury in 1638, married
Margaret Bowen. Freeman May 22, 1650. Served in King Phillip's
War. Died Sept. 20, 1691.
Thomas Griggs, came to Roxbury in 1639 with wife Mary. Died May 23,
1646.
Mr. Thomas Dudley, second Governor of Massachusetts, was born in
Northampton, England, in 1576. At the age of fifty years, vdth others,
he undertook the settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and came
over with the charter as Deputy Governor in 1630, settling first at
Newtowne, then at Ipswich, and came to Roxbury about 1639. He was
Governor in 1634, 1640, 1645, 1650, and Deputy Governor or Assistant
the intervening years. In 1644 he was chosen Sergeant-Major-General,
the highest mihtary office in the colonies. As Governor of Massachu-
setts he signed the charter of Harvard College and was a directing mind
in its affairs. He was a Kberal patron of the Free Schoole in Roxbury.
He married (1) Dorothy , (2) Catherine Hackburn (Hagbourne).
He died in Roxbury, July 31, 1653.
M.^^^ Dorothy Dudley, wife of Mr. Thomas Dudley.
John Trumbell, came to Roxbury in 1639. Freeman May 13, 1640.
Removed to Rowley.
Gowen Anderson. Freeman May 13, 1640. An original donor of the
Free Schoole in Roxbury. Removed to Boston.
, Wife of Gowen Anderson.
Robert Pepper, a man servant, m. Eliza Johnson. Freeman May 10,
1643. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Given leave to brew
and sell penny beare and cakes and white bread. Died July 7, 1685,
"an old X'stian."
56 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Elizabeth Pepper, wife of Robert Pepper.
John Hall. Freeman May 13, 1640. Removed to Conn.
John Bowles, see Ruling Elders, Second Meeting House.
Dorothy Bowles, wife of John Bowles.
Thomas Bumstead, came to Roxbury July, 1640, with wife Susanna. Dis-
missed to Boston.
Susanna Bumstead, wife of Thomas Biunstead.
Margaret Cheney, wife of WUliam Cheney.
Allis , a raaide servant.
John Mays (May), came to Roxbury with wife Sarah about 1640. Free-
man June 2, 1641. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Died April
28, 1670, aged 80 years.
Sarah Mays, wife of John Mays.
Levfis Jones, came to Roxbury with vdfe Ann about 1640. An original
donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to Watertown.
Ann Jones, wife of Lewis Jones.
Richard Woody, came to Roxbury with wife Ann about 1640. Freeman
May 18, 1642. Died Dec. 7, 1658.
Ann Woddy, (Woody), wife of Richard Woody.
James Morgan, came to Roxbury in 1640, m. Margery Hill. Freeman
May 10, 1643. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed to
New London.
William Lewis, was in Roxbury with wife Amy (Weld), Dec, 1640. Free-
man May 18, 1642. An original donor of the Free Schoole. Removed
to Lancaster.
Amy LEwas, wife of William Lewis.
John Woody, m. Mary Coggin. Died May 23, 1650.
Thomas Gardner, was Uving in Brookline July, 1641. m. Lucy Smith.
Freeman May 6, 1646. Died July 15, 1689.
(Lucy) Gardner, wife of Thomas Gardner.
Edward Dennison, was in Roxbury before 1637, as he was disarmed that
year as follower of Ann Hutchinson, m. Elizabeth Weld. Freeman
May 10, 1648, with prefix of Respect. Selectman and chosen first town
clerk. Deputy 1652 and 1655. Died April 26, 1668.
Jane Stebbins, wife of Martin Stebbins.
WiDDOW Gardner, wife of (Thomas) Gardner, senior.
John Matthews, was in Roxbury with his wife July, 1641. Freeman
May 18, 1642.
, Wife of John Matthews.
MEMBERS BETWEEN 1631 AND 1650 57
Thomas Baker, miller, was in Roxbury with wife Elizabeth Oct. 1641.
Freeman 1649. " Jan. 30, 1683/4 Old blind godly father Baker buried."
Elizabeth Baker, wife of Thomas Baker.
Hugh Prichard, recommended from the chm-ch at Cape Ann, was in Rox-
bury with wife Eleanor Dec, 1641. Freeman May 18, 1642. Art. Co.
1643. Selectman. Deputy 1643, '44 and '49. An original donor of the
Free Schoole. Returned to England about 1650.
Eleanor Prichard, wife of Hugh Prichard.
Mart Scarborough, wife of John Scarborough.
Bridget Dennison, wife of George Dennison.
Mart Jordan, a maide servant.
Mart Turner, a maide servant.
Mart Gorton, wife of John Gorton.
Jonet Starkweather, wife of Robert Starkweather.
Grace Newell, daughter of Abraham Newell.
Sarah , maide servant of brother Park.
Edmund Sheffield, came to Roxbury in 1641. m. Mary Woody. Freeman
1644. Dismissed to church at Braintree.
Thomas Roberts, m. Eunice . Art. Co. 1644. Freeman 1645.
Removed to Boston.
Philip Torie (Torrey), from Combe St. Nicholas, Co. Somerset, Eng.
Freeman May 29, 1644. m. Mary, widow of John Scarborough, died
in 1686.
Richard Woodt, Jr., soapboiler. Freeman May 29, 1644. m. Frances
Dexter. Removed to Boston.
Joane Atkins, maide servant of Mr. Prichard, married one Smith. Dis-
missed to Maiden.
Hannah Roe, maide servant of Mr. Gore.
Elizabeth Williams, dau. of John Williams.
Robert Harris, first settled in Roxbury, afterwards removed to Muddy
River where he was living in 1643. m. Elizabeth Boughey. Freeman
May 22, 1650.
George Brand, baker, was in Roxbury July, 1643. m. Martha Heath.
Freeman May 22, 1650.
Samuel Williams, see Ruling Elders, Second Meeting House.
Edward White was in Roxbury with his wife in 1643. Freeman May
26, 1647. An original donor of the Free Schoole.
William Franklin, joined the church, Feb. 1643/4, and a month later
was excommimicated.
58 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
Heinry Farnham, joiner. Freeman May, 1645. Removed to Long Island,
New York.
John Stebbin, bisket baker, was in Roxbury April, 1644. m. Ann Munke.
Freeman May 26, 1647. Died Dec. 4, 1681.
Ann Stebbin, wife of John Stebbin.
Gerrahd Bourne, a member of Boston and livang at Muddy River, was
here received in 1643 by communion of churches.
Daniel, Gookin, was born in Ripple, Kent, in 1612, came with his father to
Virginia in 1621 and to Boston in 1644. He was recommended to this
church, and lived in Roxbury from 1645 to 1648 when he removed to
Cambridge. He was the life long and valued friend of John Eliot, and
his fellow worker among the Indians.
Ann Direton, a maide servant.
Elizabeth How, daughter of Abraham How.
Ann Brewer, daughter of Dan: Brewer.
Mary Paison, vdfe of Edward Paison.
Hannah Wilson, vnie of Nathaniel Wilson.
Euzabeth Clark, wife of James Clark.
John Stonhard, was in Roxbury with his wife Aug. 1645. An original
donor of the Free Schoole. Buried Aug. 15, 1649.
,Wife of John Stonhard.
Mary Wise, wife of Joseph Wise.
GooDwiFE Farrow, joined in 1647.
GooDwiFE Reade.
Mary Heath.
Martha Medcalf.
Elizabeth Davis, wife of William Davis.
John Turner, was in Roxbury Sept., 1647, removed soon, probably to
Medfield.
Thankfull Pearepoynt, wife of John Peirpoint.
Hannah Heath, daughter of William Heath.
March 1649 Mr^ Barker a Gentlewoman that came from Barbados hither
for the Gospells sake we found her not so well acquainted wth her own
heart & the wayes & workings of Gods spirit in converting a sinner
unto God, yet full of sweet affection, & we feared a little too confident,
we received her not wth out feares & jealousyes.
GrooDwiFE (Rebecca) Gardiner, wifc of Peter Gardiner.
GooDWCFE Lyon, wife of William Lyon.
GoODWiFE Patchln, a poor old woman.
CHURCH MEMBERS
CHURCH MEMBERS
May 12, 1650. —
Samuel Danforth, recommended and dismissed from Cambridge
Chm-ch and admitted here, our Pastor.
Mrs. Sarah Alcock, wife of Mr. John Alcock.
Ehzabeth Deiiison, wife of Edward Denison.
Susanna Polly, wife of Jolin Polly.
June 30, 1650. —
Mr. John Alcock, physician.
Hugh Thomas, gave his estate for the good of the Roxbury School.
Died May 6, 1683.
John Polly.
Oct. 20, 1650. Hugh Roberts.
Nov. 17, 1650. John Perepont. See Ruling Elders, Second Meeting
House.
June 15, 1651. Nicholas Williams.
Nov. 23, 1651. —
William Garee, farmer. See Deacons, Second Meeting Hoiise.
Isaac Heath.
March 23, 1651/2. Daniel Weld, recommended from Braintree church,
was town clerk in 1654 and took so much interest in the schoole, of
which he was master, that in 1659 the General Court rewarded him
with 200 acres of land. Died July 22, 1666, aged 81.
3 m. 23 d. 1652. Peleg Heath.
4 m. 6 d. 1652. —
Sister Peake.
Sister Devotion.
4 m. 20 d. 1652. —
Joseph Grigs, lived in Muddy River, died in 1715, aged 90.
Lydia Eliot, dau. of Deacon Eliot.
2 m. 3d. 1653. Abraham Newel, junior, a tailor.
4 m. 26 d. 1653. —
Susanna Heath, wife of Peleg Heath.
Hannah Garee, wife of William Garee.
Magdalen Bullard, a maide servant of Brother Williams, m. John
Parrich of Medfield.
John Ruggles, junior, farmer, b. in Nazing, Eng., in 1625, came to
Roxbury in 1635 with liis uncle John Ruggles. Freeman May 3,
1654. m, Abigail Crafts. Sergeant of the military company. Buried
Sept. 15, 1658.
60 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
11 m. 29 d. 1653.
Thomas Weld, son of Mr. Thomas Weld, sometime Pastor of this
church. Selectman. Deputy, 1676 & 7. Greatly esteemed.
Margaret Weld, wife of John Welde.
Theodea Williams, wife of Samuel WiUiams.
3 m. 14 d. 1654. Abraham How, weaver.
3 m. 3d. 1657. Goodman (Joseph) GriSin, fought in King Philip's war.
5 m. 19 d. 1657. —
JVIrs. Rebecca Burrows, who came from Virginia yt she might enjoy
God in his Ordiu. in N. E.
Elizabeth Clark, wife of Hugh Clark, being dismissed from Watertown
Chiu-ch.
10 m. 20 d. 1657. Mris Huntley, wife of John Himtley.
2 m. 11 d. 1658. John Hanchet.
7 m. 12 d. 1658. Edward Morris, removed to Woodstock.
8 m. 17 d. 1658. John Maioh.
9 m. 14 d. 1658. John Watson.
9 m. 21 d. 1658. Isaac Williams, removed to Newton.
11 m. 23 d. 1658. —
Mary Childe, wife of Benjamin Childe.
Mary Ruggles, wife of John Ruggles, Jr.,
Mary Heath, wife of Isaac Heath, Jr.
Mary Griggs, wife of John Griggs.
Martha Parkes, daughter of Deacon Parkes.
12 m. 13 d. 1658. Samuel Ruggles, farmer, m. (1) Hannah Fowle, (2)
Ann Bright; d. Aug. 15, 1692. Lieut, of militia, selectman and
Deputy.
3 m. 15 d. 1659. —
Samuel Mayes.
Sarah May, wife of John May.
3 m. 22 d. 1659. —
Bridget Davis, wife of Tobijah Davis.
Susanna Newell, wife of Abraham Newell, junior.
Grace Morris, wife of Edw. Morris.
Exercise Felton, a maid dismissed from Salem.
7 m. 11 d. 1659. Hugh Clarke, dismissed from Watertown.
12 m. 12 d. 1659. Elizabeth Bowen.
2 m. 29 d. 1660. —
Mrs. Mary Danforth, dismissed from Boston Church.
Mrs. Dorothie Welde, dismissed from Lynn.
Sarah May, an aged woman, dismissed from Dorchester.
Hannah Hopkins, dismissed from Dorchester.
CHURCH MEMBERS 61
3 m. 27 d. 1660. John Mayes, junior.
12 m. 3 d. 1660. Isaac Newell.
2 m. 7 d. 1661. —
Mary Griffin, wife of bro. Griffin.
Elizabeth Brewer, wife of Nathaniel Brewer.
7 m. 22 d. 1661. —
Hannah Ruggles, wife of Samuel Ruggles.
Anne Garee, wife of Nathl Garee.
Elizabeth Newell, wife of Isaac Newell.
Mary Watson, wife of John Watson, junior.
Sarah Peak, wife of Jonathan Peak.
Hanna Mayo, wife of John Mayo.
9 m. 24 d. 1661. —
Remember Palfrey, a maid servant, since wife of Peter Aspinwall.
Dorcas Watson, dau. of John Watson.
5 m. 6 d. 1662. —
Mrs. Sarah Eliot, wife of Mr. John Eliot, junior.
Eiizabeth Speare.
1 m. 22 d. 1662/3. —
John Bridge.
John More.
2 m. 5 d. 1663. —
Elizabeth Harris, wife of Robert Harris.
Rebecca Craft, wife of John Craft.
Martha Newell, wife of Jacob Newell.
Prudence Bridge, wife of John Bridge.
4 m. 7 d. 1663. —
Richard Meede.
Alice Davis, wife of WilHam Davis.
Hanna Brewer, wife of Daniel Brewer.
2 m. 24 d. 1664. Thomas Woodward, dismissed from Boston.
12 m. 4 d. 1664. Sarah Frissel, wife of James Frissell.
1 m. 5 d. 1664/5. —
William Cheany.
Robert Hawes.
2 m. 12 d. 1665. —
John Chandler, first sexton, removed to Woodstock in 1686.
Jacob Newell.
3 m. 28 d. 1665. —
Mary Tyler, wife of Job Tyler, dismissed to Mendham.
Sarah Chamberline, wife of Richard Chamberline.
Elizabeth Chandler, wife of John Chandler.
Sarah Foster, wife of Thomas Foster.
62 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
4 m. 18 d. 1665. Thomas Foster.
6 m. 20 d. 1665. —
Edward Bugbey, an old man.
Maria Pierrepoint, wife of Robert Pierrepont.
7 m. 24 d. 1665. John Prentice, son to om- sister Watson, brought by
his father Valentine to N. E. in 1631. Blacksmith, removed to New
London in 1652. Brought 6 of his children more than a hundred
miles to be baptised in this church.
9 m. 5 d. 1665. —
William Lyons, fought in King Philip's war.
Samuel Craft, b. Dec. 12, 1637, m. Elizabeth Seaver, d. 1693. Freeman
1671, farmer and carpenter, held offices in the town, of selectman,
tithing man and constable. Lieut, in military company.
9 m. 12 d. 1665. Benjamin Eliot, H. C. 1665, youngest son of Rev. John
Eliot.
5 m. Id. 1666. John Gorton, an old man. Given leave to brew and
sell penny beare and cakes and white bread.
5 m. 8 d. 1666. —
Mary Polly, wife of John Polly.
Desire-truth Acrees, wife of John Acrees
5 m. 22 d. 1666. Jacob Newell.
7 m. 23 d. 1666. —
More, wife of John More.
(Martha) Sharp, wife of John Sharp.
Elizabeth Buckmaster, wife of Joseph Buckmaster.
12 m. 1666. Timothy Stevens.
1 m. 24 d. 1666. —
Sarah Stevens, wife of Timothy Stevens.
Mary Marshcraft.
8 m. 20 d. 1667. Elizabeth Parker, wife of John Parker.
11 m. 26 d. 1667. Mary Boltstone.
11 m. 22 d. 1667-8. Elizabeth White, wife of John White, junior.
2 m. 5 d. 1668. Steven Williams, b. Nov. 8, 1640, m. Sarah Wise.
Farmer.
Sarah Williams, wife of Steven Williams.
4 m. 28 d. 1668. James Clark, lived at Muddy River.
9 m. 22 d. 1668. —
Moses Craft, gave £2 towards building the Second Meeting House.
Removed to Deerfield.
Rebecca Craft, wife of Moses Craft.
CHURCH MEMBERS 63
1 m. 21 d. 1668/9. Mary Johnson, wife of Nathaniel Johnson.
8 m. 30 d. 1669. Joanna Davies, grand child of Mr. Nicholas Parker.
6m. Id. 1669. —
Mary Hemingway, wife of John Hemingway.
Joanna Hemingway, wife of Joshua Hemingway.
8 m. 10 d. 1669. , wife of Thomas Andrews.
12 m. 13 d. 1669. —
Mr. Joseph Dudley, son of Governor Thomas and Dorothy
Dudley, born Sept. 23, 1647, bap. 26, 7 m. 1647. H. C. 1665.
Studied law. Admitted to this church to full communion Oct. 22,
1671. Freeman 1672. Deputy to the General Court, 1673 to 1675.
An Assistant 1676 to 1685. President of New England 1685 and
1686 by a commission from King James II. President of the Council
and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, 1687 to 1689. Chief Justice
of New York, 1691 and 1692. Deputy Governor of the Isle of Wight,
England, from 1694 to 1702. Member of the British Parliament,
and he finally closed his long official career as Governor of Massachu-
setts, 1702 to 1715. He promoted the interests of Harvard College
and was most influential in giving to its constitution a permanent
character. He was also a benefactor of the Free Schoole of Rox-
biu-y. He married Rebecca TjTig, and died in Roxbury, April 2,
1720.
Rebecca Dudley, wife of Mr. Joseph Dudley.
Mary Parker, daughter of Edmund Parker.
12 m. 20 d. 1669. Martha Clark, daughter of James Qark.
2 m. 3d. 1670. Mary Lamb, wife of Caleb Lamb.
5 m. 17 d. 1670. Hanna White, wife of Joseph White.
7 m. 4 d. 1670. —
Mary Swan, wife of Thomas Swan.
, dau. of sister Pitcher and wife of Bugbee, dismissed
from Dorchester.
8 m. 23 d. 1670. Patience Homes, wife of Nathaniel Homes.
10 m. 18 d. 1670. Decline Lamb, alias Smith.
11 m. 8 d. 1670. Deborah Tatman, wife of Jabez Tatman.
12 m. 19 d. 1670. —
Andrew Gardiner.
Sarah Gardiner, vdfe of Andrew Gardiner.
Sarah Cleaves, wife of William Cleaves.
2 m. 2d. 1671. Susanna Bennet, wife of John Bennet.
2 m. 23 d. 1671. John Holdbroke, dismissed from Dorchester. Tanner.
64 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE
2 m. 30 d. 1671. —
Elizabeth Whitney, daughter of Robert Harris.
Mary Davis, wite of John Da\'is.
Hanna Curtis, wife of Isaac Curtis.
Sarah, wife to Sabin, dismissed to Rehoboth.
3 m. 11 d. 1671. Tho. Lyons.
5 m. 23 d. 1671. —
Mary Evans, wife of John Evans.
Edward Porter, Ann, his wife, his son William Porter, his daughter,
Elizabeth Nash, Hanna Dinely, Mary Bennit & Deborah Porter
were all dismissed to the third Church in Boston.
8 m. 29 d. 1671. Mary Goard, wife of Richard Goard.
1 m. 24 d. 1671/2. —
John Lyons.
Abigail Lyons, wife of John Lyons.
John Pason, see Deacons, Second Meeting House.
Bathsheba Pason, wife of John Pason.
Rebecca Curtis, wife of John Curtis.
Mary Bacon, wife of Thomas Bacon.
Hanna Seaver, wife of Shubal Seaver.
Abigail Clark, wife of John Clark.
2 m. 20 d. 1673. —
William Davies (Davis), emigrant ancestor. Died Dec. 9, 1683. Born
in 1617 of an ancient Welsh fam. m. (1) Elizabeth ; m. (2)
Alice Thorpe; m. (3) Jane .
John Harris, lived in Muddy River.
Mary Harris, wife of John Harris.
Mary Denison.
Hanna Denison.
Sarah Denison.
Experience Pierpoint.
Mary Bowles.
2 m. 20 d. 1673. —
Abigail Heath.
Hamia Heath.
4 m. 8 d. 1673. —
Jane Davies, wife of William Davies.
Esther Woodward, wife of Thomas Woodward.
Mary Bacon, vsdfe of Thomas Bacon.
Mary Parkes, a maid.
9 m. 23 d. 1673. Samuel Davis, dismissed to North-Hampton.
CHURCH MEMBERS G5
10 m. 21 d. 1673. Samuel Lyons, dismissed to Rowley.
11m. 4 d. 1673. Nathaniel Brewer.
11m. 25 d. 1673. Thomas Bacon.
12 m. 8 d. 1673. —
Margaret Mason, daughter of sister Denison.
Sarah Da\'is, wife of Joseph Davis.
Sarah Pason, daughter of Deacon Pason.
1 m. 8 d. 1673/4. Richard Woody with his sons Samuel & Richard
& daughters Mary, Martha & Ehzabeth were dismissed to the
3d Church in Boston.
1 m. 29 d. 1674. Joseph White, of Brookline.
2 m. 5 d. 1674. —
Shubal Seaver.
Caleb Seaver.
2 m. 12 d. 1674, Mr. George Burrows, was a minister, H. C. 1670,
preaching in various places and finally became a victim to tne witch-
craft fanaticism in 1692.
2 m. 19 d. 1674. Susanna Bennett, dismissed to the hithermost Church
in Boston.
3 m. 3d. 1674. Joanna, wife to Rob* Harwood, dismissed to the third
Church in Boston.
3 m. 24 d. 1674. —
Nathaniel Seaver, farmer. Killed by the Indians at Sudbiu-y.
Sarah Seaver, wife of Nathaniel Seaver.
Sarah Seaver, wife of Caleb Seaver.
6 m. 30 d. 1674. —
John Winchester, sen., lived in Muddy River.
Hanna Winchester, wife of John Winchester, sen.
John Winchester, jun., lived in Muddy River.
Joanna Winchester, wife of John Winchester, jun.
John Druse, removed to Newton.
Mary Druse, wife of John Druse.
1674-1741
PASTORS
Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter
Rev. Mr. Thomas Walter
TEACHER
Rev. Mr. John Eliot
RULING ELDERS
John Bowles
John Peirpoynt Samuel Williams
John Bowles, Jr.
There is no mention of an Elder between 1660 and 1674, but the suppo-
sition is there was one or more.
DEACONS
William Parke Giles Paison
William Gary Samuel Scarborough John Paison, Sr.
John Mayo John May John Paison, Jr.
Edward Ruggles Samuel Gridley
PRECINCT CLERKS
Ebenezer Pierpont elected Oct. 3, 1733
John Sumner elected March 12, 1735/6
Joseph Williams. elected Feb. 20, 1738/9
67
68 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
PRECINCT TREASURERS
John Walley elected Oct. 3, 1733
Deacon Edward Ruggles elected March 12, 1735/6
Joseph Warren elected March 20, 1737/8
PRECINCT COMMITTEES
or, as expressed on the records, a Committee to Manage the Precinct Affairs.
Elected Oct. 3, 1733.
Edward Dorr
John Walley Capt. Joseph Ruggles
Elected March 20, 1733/4
John Walley
John Sumner Col. Joseph Heath
Elected March 12, 1735/6
Capt. Joseph Ruggles
Ebenezer Pierpont John Sumner
Elected March 16, 1736/7
John Sumner
Capt. Joseph Ruggles Eleazer Williams
Elected March 12, 1738/9
Capt. Joseph Ruggles
Eleazer Williams Col. Joseph Heath
Elected March 10, 1739/40
Col. Joseph Heath
Col. Joshua Lamb Joseph Williams
SEXTONS
William Cleaves chosen in 1669
Widow Cleaves chosen in 1677
Widow Stevens (alias Cleaves) chosen in 1678
Edmund Parker chosen in 1680
John Ruggles, secundus chosen in 1690
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
April 14, 1674, "the selectmen and the committee met at
Serfft. Rusffles's and there toke account of the number of
hands that were hired to help rare the nue meeting-house. "
To its construction the people of Muddy River (Brookline)
contributed <£104 5s. having no meeting house of their own
and worshipped here until the organization of their own
place of worship in 1717, one fifth part of the house being
allotted to them, they contributing in that proportion £Q 45.
towards the town's expenses. The list of contributors is as
follows: Thomas Gardner, ^10; John Wlaite, Jr., £10;
Peter Aspinwall, £7; John Sharpe, Jr., £5; Thomas Boistan,
£5 ; Richard WoKord, £1 lOs. ; Andrew Gardner, £5 ; Joseph
White, £3; Moises Crafts, £2; Clement Corban, £1 10s.;
John Evens, 155.; John Accers, £1 10s.; John Winchester,
£3; Robert Harrise, £4; John Harise, <£2; Benjamin Child,
£2; Denman Meriam, £1; John Clarke, £3; Edward Mills,
105.; James Clarke, £1 lOs.; Edward Devotion, £5; Henry
Stevens, £5; John Parker, £1 lOs.; Edward Kube, <£1 lOs.;
Goodwife Keebe, lOs.; Mrs. Mather & James Rementon,
£7; Thomas Woodward, 10s.; Goodman Winchester, £7;
Samuel Dunkim, £1 10s.
They had a Raising and the bill of expenses and provisions
was £20 15.5. lOd. There was also £9 5s. to hands for
etceras. Henry Stevens of Boston contributed £5 towards
building this meeting house because some of his family
worshipped here. The first meeting in the new house was
69
70 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
on November 15, 1674, only four days before the death of
Rev. Mr. Danforth, EUot's colleague. Concerning this event
Eliot writes, "we first met and worshipped God in our
new meeting house, but the I'd touched or thigh because
yesterday my bro Danforth fell sick. "
1674, 6 d., 10 m., is the first record of a sabbath school.
" This day we restored a primitive practice for ye training
up of our youth," and then reciting, " 1st, that the male
youth (in fitting season) stey, every sabbath, after morning
exercise, and the elders examine their remembrance in
every part of the catechism. 2d, that the female youth
should also meet in one place and their elders examine
their remembrance in the catechism, and whatever else may
convene. "
15 d. 10 m. 1674 a fast held at our church to humble
ourselves under the mighty & aAvful hand of God, and to
seek his favor and guidance of the church, for the healing of
wounds & beautifying God's house, in all things defective
or out of order. William Cleaves was the first sexton in
charge of this meeting house and served until King Philip's
war when he was killed in the Sudbury fight and his widow
took his place. She married Stevens within a year
and continued the duties until 1680 when she was succeeded
by Edmund Parker. She had been paid £3 for Ringing the
Bell and sweeping the Melting House.
In 1678 it was agreed that " Scollers not to keep Scoole in
the Meeting House without the consent of the town. "
In 1680 Edmund Parker as sexton was to have thirty
shillings of his three pound payd in money, from which it
may be understood that the rest of his pay was in another
form.
4 d. 7 m. 1681 sister Cleaves (alias Stevens) was publickly
admonished for unseasonable entertaining and corrupting
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 71
other folks servants & children and hath corrupted Mr.
Lambs neger.
In 1682 it was found necessary to enlarge the seating
capacity, which had been in charge of the Elders and Deacons
and Selectmen, by building a gallery, and a committee was
appointed consisting of John Weld senior, Leftenant Samuel
Ruggles and William Gery to joyne with the Selectmen in
viewing the work and agreing with some workmen to do it
as speedily as may be, provided that our brethren at Muddy
River have information of the met'ing about it, and have
liberty to send some person to joyne with the above said men
in consulting and carrying on the aforesaid work, if they
please. Also they were to consult as to the most convenient
passage unto the Bell in the inside of the met'ing house and
to provide for the same.
15 d. 4 m. 1684. On the admission into the church of
several women these did orally confess, etc., & also gave in
the substance of their confessions in writg, all which were
publickly read yt day, & yei wr received into the full com-
munion of the church by yt. gospel a act o renewing theere
explicit covenant.
19 d. 9 m. 1685. Towards the end of this year some
naughty person made and divulged a libel for which 3 were
censured by civil authority. The church take notice of Six,
who humbled themselves by publik confession & we have
cause to hope yt. the full proceeding of discipline will doe
more good yu theire sin hath done hurt.
Dec. 30, 1687, Edmund Parker was granted as usual for
ringing the bell, etc., half money £3, but in the following
January by reason of the failure of money the town altered
the quality of the mony part to countrey pay and added ten
shillings to it in the same species; for which (being three
pounds and ten shillings in Countrey pay) sd. Parker cove-
72 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
nanted to officiated the yeare following. In December of
the same year he was allowed thirty-two shillings and six
pence income for the same services.
July 8, 1688, the Church voted that out of two persons,
viz. : Mr. John Rogers and Mr. Nehemiah AYalter, they would
make their choice as God should direct for a standing help in
the Dispensation of the word of God and in order to office.
July 15 the Church elected by papers and the Voice of
God bv the Church was for Mr. Walter and Sept. 9 the Church
and congregation gave ]Mr. Nehemiah Walter a call to
accept of office.
In the Dorchester records we read that on the 7 of Oct.
1688 was read a letter \i; came from ye church at Rocksbery
desiering ye church to send ther Elders & messengers to ye
ordaining of Mr. Walters on ye 17 Instant the church ap-
pointed ye Elders & Deacon Capen & Deacon Preston for
jt. work.
Oct. 17, 1688 Rev. !Mr. Nehemiah Walter was ordained
Pastor by the imposition of hands and prayer.
Judge Samuel Sewall thus speaks of this event in his
Diary: "Ride in the Hackney Coach with Governor Brad-
street, his lady, Mrs. WiUard, Mrs. Mercy Bradstreet, Josiah
W'illard, to Roxbury to the Ordination of Nehemiah Walter.
IVIr. Eliot, Allen, Willard, Danforth of Dorchester laid on
hands. ISIr. Eliot ordained. IMr. AEen gave the Right Hand
of Fellowship. Mr. Walter gave the Blessing. Dined at
ISIr. Dudley's."
In 1689 the old bell being split and so rendered altogether
useless or unserviceable in that state, it was voted to procure
a new bell and Capt. Samuel Ruggles, !Mr. Joshua Lamb,
John Gore and Samuel Gore were chosen a committee to
act on this matter and to dispose of the old bell toward the
purchase thereof.
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 73
In 1690, as the congregation was becoming larger, and so
making it necessary to enlarge the accommodations, it was
granted to Joseph Weld Jun., Abiel Davis, Philip Searle,
Joseph Warren, Richard Davis, Thomas Aspinwall, John
Walworth and John Sharpe to have the backward seate in
the lower front Galery in the Meeting house and liberty to
make it according to their own minds, upon their own Cost
and charge (not doing any damage to any other Seate), and
to Enjoy the same to themselves and such as they shall see
good to take in with them. At the same time John Ruggles,
Secundus, for his services to the town in looking to the
meeting house, was allowed £1.
In 1692 it was agreed that three men should be annually
chosen for the seating of persons in the meeting house, one of
which three men should be of Muddy River and chosen by
the Inhabitants there, the other two to be Inhabitants of
Roxbury, and to be annually chosen on the first Monday in
]March in each year, but this plan was not successful and in
1694 the duty was left to the Church officers and Selectmen
of the Town until a better way could be found.
Hitherto the floor of the meeting house had been occupied
by seats only, but in 1693 the first mention of pews occurs,
when liberty was given to build pues around the meeting
house except where the boys do sit, upon the charge of those
who desire the same, to have consent of the committee, and
this only to be granted to meet persons, for them to enjoy and
they and their families to fill the pews or else the committee
to do it for them, the use of this grant being to save room
and not to lose it, but if any died the pews to return to the
to^Ti and no one had the right to sell.
The locality of the pews were as follows: Behind Mrs.
Denison's seat, and ranging with Mr. Walter's pew, was
Palsffrave Alcock's. The remainder of that comer was
74 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
cut up into two pews, one for Jas. Bailey and one for Capt.
Saunders, the one having the innermost to pass through the
other. Capt. Timo. Stevens built his next the door at the
South end on the right hand, and John Howard between
that and the stairs to the women's gallery. Eben Pierpont's
was on the right coming in at the front door, and Jos. Gard-
ner's between that and the men's gallery stairs. Opposite
those was Sam'l Ruggles. On the left of the North door
was Edward Dor's and between that and the stairs to the
men's gallery was Edward Weld's. John Gore's was by
the pulpit stairs.
March 1695/6 it was voted that the upper galleries be
lowered and any person might lower the upper gallery who
would do it at his own cost.
In 1699 £S allowed "by a close vote" to build a porch
and several young men were given liberty to raise the hind
seats in the North gallery at their own cost and charges, also
the hind seat in the front gallery.
In 1703 the charge of building the Governor's pue was to
be paid by the town and in the same year the turret was to
be repaired. It seems that the intention to build pews in
1693/4 was not carried out, and the proposition was again
brought up in 1705/6.
In March, 1707/8, two porches were to be built from the
£10 185, contributed for the redemption of certain captives
but not improved for that use. Muddy River was to be
consulted about it.
In 1706 a considerable number of people who lived in the
westerly part of Roxbury commonly called Jamaica End
found it inconvenient to attend worship in the First Church
and prayed the General Court to be made a separate pre-
cinct, to be freed from taxes for the old parish, and for aid
in building a meeting house. This was not granted.
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 75
On Feb. 7, 1711, they sent an humble address signed by
thirty-two men to the Roxbury Town Meeting, with a
sincere desire to give Christian satisfaction for any disorderly
steps in their late proceedings. Their petition was acceded
to so far as to constitute a new precinct. Eighteen members
of the First Church were set off to form the Second Church.
There does not seem to be any evidence in the church
records that anything was accomplished toward purchasing
a new bell since the subject was first acted upon in 1689,
until 1711 when the town took active measures and voted to
procure a new one and gave orders to Mr. William Clarke
concerning it, which are as follows:
RoxBUHY the 16th of December, 1711.
Mr. William Clarke you being bound for England in Her Majesties Ship
"Norwich" on board of which ship we have a cask of Bell mettle marked on
one head W. C. and on the other 3 c 2.11 hereby consigned to yoiu-self the
Receipt for which you allso have. We desire you'l please to dispose of as
follows :
On your arrival at Plimoth or Portsmouth if the "Norwich" proceed no
farther towards London we desire you to Land it at either of these ports
and if you can neither dispose of it there to good advantage nor have it new
Runn at the usual price please to order it to be carried by land and when it
arrives at London you'le please to procure a good sound Bell of 3 hundred
weight at least by the disposal of our mettal and advancing what is proper
on the different of Cast and uncast mettle or ha^ang our mettle new cast
which done you'le please to pay for the casting thereof for which
you have a Bill of Exchange of Ten pounds sterling on IMr. James
Duglas merchant of London out of which take any of the above charges
after which we desire you'le take the first safe opportunity either by any of
the Queens ships or other good merchant ship with convoy bound to this
place and ship it on board consigned to any of us allways taking care either
to enter it at the Custom house as a ship Bell or in cask as other wrought
mettal that it may be safe, and if after you have effected this matter we
remain anything in your debt we shall see to the punctual payment thereof.
We have nothing further to add, not doubting of your utmost care and good
management we wish you a good voyage and safe return and remain your
most humble and faithful servants. William Dudley
Samuel Ruggles
John Mayo.
76 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
In March, 1717, a committee, consisting of Mr. Edward
Dorr, Mr. Jacob Pepper, Capt. Stephen WilUams, Richard
Hall, Sen., and Mr. Robert Calef, was chosen to seat persons
in the meeting house and in order to meet the general desire
they were to have respect to the age and estate of all in their
seating of them.
Att a church meeting held the first day of March 1717/8
it was unanimously agreed and voted as follows :
1. That it was necessary to chuse some meet person for an assistant to
cm" reverend pastor.
2. It was agreed and voted to chuse such assistant att the present meeting.
Accordingly the votes being brought in and counted, every vote was for Mr.
Thomas Walter, son of the reverend pastor.
3. The said church chose and appointed the deacons a committee to
acquaint Mr. Walter herewith, and inform the inhabitants of the town in
their next meeting with the church's doings, in order for their future pro-
ceeding.
"May 13, 1718. The town (having had legal warning)
meet to chuse a representative, and to consider of a settle-
ment for Mr. Thomas Walter. Voted that there should be
sixty pounds raised for Mr. Walter, as encouragement to his
settling among us."
Rev. Mr. Thomas Walter was ordained Pastor, Oct. 19,
1718.
At a meeting held Aug. 7, 1727, it was voted :
(1) That for the future it shall suffice to have the relations of such as are
propounded for the communion read before the church only.
(2) Whereas there are or may be smidry persons among us Desirous of
Church fellowship who cannot be Persuaded to make a Public Rotation and
Really scruple the doing it off whose profession and Good conversation we
may have such Testimony as in a Judgement of Charity to think them well
qualified for the sacrament of the Lord Supper.
Resolved That if any Person who stands propounded to the communion
of this church whose Profession is according to Godliness and of a blameless
conversation that Really scruples the making Public Relation before the
church in order to admission and shall signify such their scruple to the Rev.
Pastor giving him at the same time such satisfaction as y* he may Recommend
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 77
them to our communion in that case this church will not Insist upon the
Public Rotations of such persons. But the Rev. Pastor may proceed to
take ye Vote of the Church for their admission upon their Renewing the
Covenant as usual.
In 1727/8 persons who have windows in their pues on the
lower floor shall maintain the glass belonging to them and
pews becoming vacant to be disposed of by the Society.
Paul Dudley, afterwards Chief Justice of Massachusetts,
was a benefactor to this church as was his father before him,
and Feb. 24, 1728/9, first showed his liberality by giving to
the Deacons to take care of, the sum of Fifty pounds in money
the Principal to be from time to time Let and kept out on
good security and that the yearly interest was to be applied
as follows, That at all times hereafter the Relict or widow of
the minister of the church shall be entitled to the sole benefit
of the yearly profits or Interest during her widdowhood and
in case there be no such widow to be bestowed on any one,
two or three (but no more) of the said church, that may stand
in need thereof, from time to time at the discretion of the
Deacons, taking his advice as long as he lived and after his
decease the advice of the minister of the 2*^ Church for
the time being. He wished so long as Mrs. Rebecca Walter,
the widow of the late Rev. Mr. Thomas Walter, remained his
widow that she should have twenty shillings per annum,
being a part of the Interest. In case Madam Walter, the
present pastor's wife, should survive her husband and her
daughter-in-law remain likewise a widow he wished the
mother to have two thirds and the daughter one third of the
yearly profits.
It seems that the congregation was at times disturbed by
noise the boys made, and in March, 1730, it was voted " That
all Boys under the age of 14 years shall be restrained from
going up into the Galleries in time of Public Worship. "
78 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
The boys' seats had some years before been granted to
members of the congregation to make them pews, but as
nothing had evidently been accomphshed, in 1732 Joseph
Heath and his brother Samuel asked to have the committee,
appointed for seating the Meeting house, directed to lay out
their Father's right to a pew in that place adjoining Mr.
Gore's Pew. At the same time Sarah Williams, Mary
Shed, Elizabeth Williams, Elizabeth Craft and Hannah
Ruggles were given permission to fit up the hind seat in the
Womens' Front gallery to sit in.
In 1732 another benefactor to this church appeared in
the person of Mrs. Dorothy Williams, wife of Samuel Williams,
and formerly the wife of William Denison, late of Roxbury,
gentleman, who in accordance with the will of her former
husband, as she had been the sole legatee, raised the sum of
Two hundred pounds by the sale of a piece of land in Rox-
bury which was part of the Real Estate of the said William
Denison and also, as was expressed in the will, with the
advice of Reverd Mr. Nehemiah Walter, and committed it
to and lodged in the hands of John Mayo, cordwainer, John
Payson and Edward Ruggles, yeomen. Deacons of the First
Church of Christ in Roxbury and their successors in office
to be by them or the major part of them let out upon good
security at their discretion (but not in sums under Twenty
pounds) and the annual income or yearly Interest to be
applied for and towards the support and maintenance of the
Reverd Mr. Nehemiah Walter, Pastor of the First Church,
and the Reverd Mr. Ebenezer Thayer, Pastor of the Second
Church in Roxbury, and their successors in the Pastoral
office of the said churches (according to the present con-
stitution of the churches in New England) in Proportion as
follows: Three-quarter parts of the annual interest or
income to be to and for the benefit of the Reverend Mr.
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 79
Nehemiah Walter for and during the term of his natural life
and from and after his death to and for the benefit of his
successors in the church and office aforesaid, the other
quarter part to be to and for the benefit of the Reverend
Mr, Ebenezer Thayer for and during the term of his natural
life and his successors in the office aforesaid in the Second
Church in Roxbury, The above gift was formerly accepted
by Deacon Jolin Payson and Deacon Edward Ruggles, Dec.
19, 1732.
The yearly expense for the support of the church was
somewhat different each year. In 1736 £100 was voted for
the pastor's rate, for the cost of procuring firewood for Mr.
Walter (which was cut on the common until the supply gave
out); ringing the bell and taking care of the meeting house
£22, for procuring help for Mr. Walter in the work of the
ministry £52, and .£13 for other expenses. A Committee
was appointed each year for many years to procure help for
our Rev. Pastor.
In 1734 the precinct at the West End of the to\^'^l levied a
tax on several persons and estates in this precinct, so a com-
mittee, appointed for that purpose, were instructed to assert
the line of this precinct and to take all due care to prevent
the said persons being oppressed by obtaining a settlement
of the line according to the bounds contained in the petition
the inhabitants of the West End were set off by in 1706.
This affair was finally adjusted the next year and the town
was divided by a line showing who should be considered
members of this church and who of the West End.
In March, 1736, the subject of building a new meeting
house was first taken up and its position considered as to
whether it should be built on the same spot as this one or
between it and the house of Mr. Samuel Gridley somewhat
north of this one. One of the spots suggested was between
80 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Mr. Gridley's Barn and the West corner of his Orchard as
near the fence as conveniently may be,
Hon^'*^ Paul Dudley, Coll. Heath, Coll. Lamb, Mr. Shed.
Capt. Ruggles, Mr. Eleazer Williams, Mr. Nathaniel Craft,
Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont, Mr. Ebenezer Newel, John Sumner,
Capt. Mayo, Mr. Isaac Curtis and Mr. Joseph Warren were
chosen a committee to lay before the Precinct at their next
meeting the Plan of a New Meeting House, also how and in
what manner the said Building shall be effected, particularly
the Dimentions of it, the Number of Pews to be in it with the
Charge of the whole Building as near as they can judge and
that they agree upon the Dimentions of the Pews and the
value of them, as well those to be Built on the Floor as those
to be Built in the Galleries, so as to reach in the whole the sum
of One Thousand Pounds, and that they agree upon some
just and equal method for the disposing of the pews.
The question was raised as to how the money to build a
new meeting house might be obtained, and a committee con-
sisting of Capt. Isaac Williams, Capt. Joseph Ruggles, Col.
Joshua Lamb, Col. Joseph Heath, Mr. Eleazer Williams
and Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont was chosen to present a sub-
scription for that purpose.
It was finally decided that the New Meeting House should
be built Northward of the Place where the Old Meeting
House stands not exceeding Four Rods, and that it was to
be 62 feet long, 42 feet wide, the Posts about 26 feet high, 38
pews on the floor, one tier of galleries and a Steeple at the
West end. Number of pews to be built in Galleries shall not
exceed 12 nor be under 8 at £10 each.
It was also decided that a Rate be made upon the Poles
and Estates of the Inhabitants of the Precinct to Raise Eight
Hundred Pounds and the subscriptions to be laid aside.
Then it was Proposed that no Pew or Pews be sold or
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 81
alienated by the persons that first have them, or their suc-
cessors, without first making the offer thereof to the Precinct
or the Committee, they Have or shall Chose for that Purpose
giving at least one Month's Notice thereof, and in case the
Precinct or their Committee will repay to such Person or
Persons the Money Paid for such Pew they shall Have it to
Dispose of to some other suitable Person as they shall see
Meet; but in case the Precinct or their Committee Refuse
the offer, then the owner or Proprietor of such Pew may
Dispose of it at Pleasure. That the First Offer of the Pews
be made to such Persons as are of Character and Substance,
and who in probability may be judged likely to Support in
good proportion the charge of the Ministry and Meeting
House in the Precinct; and in case of any competition or
Equality as to Persons or to Families, then Regard to be had
to such Persons or Families or their Descendants as were
among the Antient Worthy Families of this End of the Town
who were Remarkable for their Character and Support of
Religion among us. In case there should not appear a
sufficient number of Persons and Families Qualified as
afores*^ to take the Pews at such a Price as shall be set upon
them, then the offer to be made to Such Persons as will Pay
for them, Provided they are likewise persons of good Sub-
stance and likely to Contribute a good Proportion to the
charge of the Ministry in time to come and are of good
Reputation and Sober conversation. A Committee was
chosen to Dispose of the Pews in the Method above noted
and consisted of the Hon^'® Judge Dudley, Joseph Heath,
Esq., John Sumner, Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont, Maj. John
Bowles, Esq., Mr. Shubael Seaver, Mr, Eleazer Williams,
Mr. Samuel Williams, Mr. James Shed, Capt. Joseph Ruggles,
Capt. Samuel Stevens, Mr. John Ruggles, Mr. Ebenezer
Newell, Mr. William Cheany and Coll. Joshua Lamb.
82 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
It was also voted that TAvelve Hundred Pounds be Raised
by the Pews for the Building of the New Meeting House and
also that seven Persons be chosen to effect the Business of
Building, and they were to be Capt. Joseph Ruggles, Mr.
Ebenezer Pierpont, John Sumner, Coll. Joseph Heath, Esq.,
Capt. Edward Dorr, Mr. James Shed and Mr. Samuel Gore.
Capt. Dorr refused to serve and Mr. John Holbrook was
appointed to serve in his Room. Capt. John Richardson
was appointed on above committee in the Room of Mr.
John Sumner who moved out of town. The above com-
mittee was given Power to Agree with One Person or more
to Build it by the Great and not by Days Work. Also they
were not to exceed the space of Three Years until the whole
be Finished ; this was cut doAvn to two years from Feb. 1738/9.
In March 1738/9 another attempt was made to have it built
on the Northerly side of the Country Road near Deacon
Sam'l Gridley's orchard but it was frustrated. Deacon
John Payson (Jr.) was already set off to the West Precinct.
It had already been voted that Paul Dudley, Esq., have the
Liberty of Purchasing the two feet more or less overplus of the
Pews on the east side of the pulpit, he paying therefor in
proportion to his Pew, and that the two feet more or less on
the West side of the Pulpit shall be for the use of the Precinct.
As it had all along been concluded that the Wall pews should
have but six feet front each and it having been suggested
that as they are Described in the plan there will be Some
breakage in Some of the ranges of those pews which the
Community Desire to have the advantage of, it was therefor
voted that the proprietors in each range have liberty to
Divide the same between them, except what was already
granted to Judge Dudley, provided they should be obliged
to pay to the precinct Treasurer, for the use of the Com-
mittee for building, a further sum in proportion to the several
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 83
prizes already set on their pews in each range respectively.
And he that refuses so to oblige himself shall forfeit his part
of said breakage to the rest of the proprietors in the same
range. It was also decided that stairs going up into the
galleries be made in the steeple and one porch of the meeting
house, and that two pews be added on the floor in the corners
formerly projected for the stairs. The pews were all Drawn
except five in the galleries.
In April, 1740, the sum of £80 was voted to be raised to
provide for a Raising Entertainment.
It was also voted that as soon as the cells of the new meeting
house were framed that then the old house should be pulled
do\vn.
84 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER
Nehemiah Walter was the Son of worthy Parents, who
originally came from Lancafhire in England. He had his
Birth in Ireland fometime in December 1663. And there
was initiated in Grammar-Learning at one of their beft
Schools, where he diftinguifh'd himfelf by his Proficiency:
particularly in the Latin Tongue, which by that Time he
was 13 years old, he was fuch a Mafter of, as to be capable
of readily converfing in it, which he often had Opportunity
to do, with Popifh Scholars in his Neighbourhood, who had
learnt to fpeak it rather more fluently, by Rote; and in his
Difputes with them, he found it a fingular Advantage to
him, that he had such frequent Occafion to tax them of
falfe Grammar, and cou'd cite them to the Rule: which
ferv'd to put them to the Blufh or at leaft bring them to a
Paufe, and to give him Leafure to recollect his Thoughts.
Sometime in (or perhaps a little before) the Year 1680
when the Prevalence of Popery greatly threatned Ireland, his
Father Mr. Thomas Walter removed thence, and came over
to New England; bringing with him this his hopeful Son.
Here he was firft put to learn a Trade: but it was foon found,
his Genius lay quite another Way and inclined him wholly
to Letters.
His Book was his Delight. Accordingly, with a View to
perfect his School-Education, and prepare him for the
College, he was committed to the Care of the famous Mr.
Cheever, then Mafter of the Publick Grammar School in
Bofton; who, upon a fhort Examination and Experiment,
return'd him to his Father, with a great Encomium, pronoun-
cing him already ftock'd with Claffick Learning, and
abundantly furnifh'd to enter upon Academical Studies.
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 85
In the 17*^ Year of his Age, he was admitted into Harvard
College, A.D. 1680, when the very learned Mr. Oakes was
Prefident, and Mr. Daniel Grookin and Mr. Samuel Andrews,
Fellows: though the former of thefe soon removing, waf
fucceeded by Mr. Jolin Cotton, afterwards Minifter of
Hampton; who always mention'd Mr. Walter's Name with
peculiar Affection and Refpect, and wou'd frequently take
occafion to fpeak of his fingular Progrefs in Learning while
a Student at Cambridge, with much Applaufe.
Anno 1684, he commenc'd Batchelor of Arts; and Mafter
in 1687. In the Interim, Mr. Nelson, a noted Merchant in
Bofton, who had a great Intereft and Trade with the French
at Port Royal (now Annapolis) in Nova Scotia, made him
the Offer of a Voyage with him thither, in order to learn their
Language; which Invitation he gratefully accepted. And
the more fpeedily to effect his Defign, prefently on his Arrival
he retired from the Fort, that he might be out of all Englifh
Converfation, and fojourn'd for feveral Months in a private
Gentleman's Family at a Diftance, where he could hear
nothing fpoken but in the Language he was aiming to acquire.
It was a fober and (in the Romifh way) a religious Family:
the Heads of which he was wont to fpeak of with great
Gratitude for their handfom Treatment of him, and to
exprefs his charitable Hopes concerning them, as really
pious, upon the Obfervations he had made of them. — After
paffing a few Months there, he return'd very much a Mafter
of the Language ; in which he afterwards more fully perfected
himfelf by reading of French Authors, and by frequently
conferring with fome Proteftant Refugees of that Nation; a
fmall Affembly of whom fubfifted for many years (and till
very lately) at Bofton, to which in the Abfence of their
Paftor, he has fometimes preached, in their own Tongue, to
their Edification; though at the fame Time he declin'd
86 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
praying with them in it, perhaps from a modeft Sufpicion of
his own Sufficiency for doing this either extempore or me-
moriter, and not chufing to read a written Form, — But he
was certainly able to difcourfe very promptly in the French
Language, and good Judges have faid, with great Propriety.
His Knowledge of that Tongue he accounted a vaft Privilege,
which he frequently mentioned with Thankfulnefs to God;
particularly as it gave him the Opportunity of confulting
many valuable inftructive Books, that otherwife he muft
have been unacquainted with: and accordingly his well-
furnifh'd Library confifted, in great Part, of Proteftant
Authors in the French Language; among whom thofe famous
Divines, Meffieurs Claude and Placett were fingularly
valu'd by him.
Returned from his Travels, he purfued his Studies at
College, for feveral Years with clofe Application ; difcovering
a laudable Thirft after Increafe in all ufcful Literature, and
giving Proofs of his Induftry and Ingenuity, by his exemplary
Proficience in the liberal Arts and Sciences. — He had a
great Command of the Latin Tongue, became a Critick in
the Greek, and. had a good Infight into the Hebrew: attain'd
to a confiderable Acquaintance with Philofophical Inquiries;
and in fliort, poffefs'd a happy Fund both of human and
divine Learning. — He was indeed much of a Humanift ;
though Divinity rather was his Favourite Study. He bore
fo fuperior a Figure among the Scholars of his Day, that in
their Debates upon any Point, whether Philological, or
Theological, ftill He was appeal'd to, and his Opinion was
wont to be generally decifive. — It reflected a Luftre on his
Character, that the memorable Mr. Elijah Corlet, Mafter
of the Grammar School in Cambridge, ufed to exprefs a
diftinguifhing Value for him, by employing him to officiate
at Times in the Care of his School, when obliged to be abfent
T
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Tho' he /ajyiift, yet his abounding Wui
Does infinitely fuperfeJe thy L;jei.
Tell to theWorld ivlut Dowries Natu
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THE CORLET ELEGY.
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 87
himfelf; always efteeming his Place well fupply'd by Mr.
Walter, and fully confiding in his Skill, Prudence and Dili-
gence. And on Mr. Corlet's Death (Anno 1687 Aet. 77) Mr.
Walter, to exprefs his Gratitude and Honour to the Memory
of fo deferving a Perfon, publifh'd an Elegy done in blank
Englifh Verfe; beginning with a modeft Apology for its
appearing in that Form, and in that I>anguage. — Mr.
Stone, the late worthy and aged Paftor of Harwich, having
made his chief Progrefs in School Learning under that very
excellent Divine, the Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Hobart of New-
town, had his laft Preparation for the College by Mr. Walter;
whom he daily attended at his Chamber in Cambridge,
travelling thither on Foot every Morning, though above a
Mile from his Father's Houfe; and for whom he ever main-
tained a very high Efteem.
INIr. Walter early began to acquaint himfelf with Church
Hiftory; in which he grew to be very well verfed: particularly
in thofe Branches of it referring to the firft Ages of Chriftian-
ity, to the Romifh Apoftacy, and the Proteftant Reformation.
— He was well ftudy'd too in the Popifh Controverf ies ; in the
Lutheran, and in the Arminian Controverf ies ; alfo in the
Difciplinary Difputes among Proteftants ; — impartially
reading the Controverf ial Writings on all Sides, and weighing
their feveral Arguments with his beft Skill. Particularly he
took this Method to fettle his Judgment in the Epifcopal and
Prefbyterian Controverfies (or thofe between the Church
and Diffenters in England, and between Prefbyterians and
Congregationals) confulting the moft eminent Writers on
each Side of the Queftion : and after much Deliberation, he
fell in with the way of the Churches in New England as
thinking their Conftitution and Practice in general, with
refpect to Worfhip, Difcipline and Order, moft conformable
to Gofpel-Liftitution and primitive Practice, as well as to the
88 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Principles of the Reformation, refpecting the Rights of
Confcience and private Judgment, the Perfection and ObHga-
tion of the Scripture-Rule and the Supremacy of Chrift as
fole Head of the Church. Accordingly, he was firmly
attached to the Congregational way: but ftill preferved a
Candour for pious People of a different Perfuafion; and
indeed was fometimes ready to think, that certain Modalities
in Religion, wherein Proteftants vary from one another, had
an immoderate Strefs laid upon them.
With him the holy Scriptures were the Teft of Orthodoxy
and Meafure of Truth. He took the Word of Chrift for the
Guide of his Thoughts in Religion, and from thence form'd
his Sentiments upon the feveral Doctrines, which have been
the Subjects of fo many warm Controverfies in the Church
from Age to Age. — He had a Reverence for the Memory of
many of the primitive Fathers, and had a juft Value for their
Writings: but an equal Refpect for many of the Divines of
the Reformation, and in Truth to thefe he rather gave the
Preference in his Judgment, on fome Accounts. He had a
peculiar Efteem for the famous Calvin, among the firft
Reformers; and among the more modern Englifh Divines,
he had a diftinguifhing Value for the learned Dr. Owen, and
for the great Mr. Howe, whom he feem'd in fome Regards
to prefer above all: Though at the fame Time he ufed to
exprefs an Affection and Refpect for many others as Dr.
Bates, Mr. Charnock, Mr. Flavel, Mr. Richard Taylor, &c.
He very much approved the Affembly of Divines Confession
of Faith, and Catechisms; and in particular greatly priz'd
the Affembly's fhorter Catechifm. However, ftill he had
not fo learned Christ, as to take any Man or Sett of Men for
his Standard, and to fubject his Faith to any Scheme of
Divinity, or his Confcience to any Model of Religion, what-
ever, of meer human Contrivance. No; but Divine Revela-
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 89
tion, as it is contain'd in the facred Scriptures, was what he
repair'd to as the Fountain of Theological Truth, and made
that the only Rule of his Judgment, in Matters of Faith and
Worfhip; ever efteeming that a Rule fufficient, obliging, and
limiting, both as to Principles and Practices in Religion,
Guided by the Light of Scripture, he embraced thofe great
and important Doctrines of the Reformation; the fame tliat
are contain'd in the 39 Articles of the Church of England,
and the fame that have been commonly profefs'd and preach'd
in the Churches of New England. — Neverthelefs he care-
fully avoided all Extreams; and in particular, equally oppofed
Arminianifm on the one Hand, and Antinomianifm on the
other, always wifhing the Churches and Miniftry of New
England might be exempted from both : Yet he would fpeak
charitably of fome Divines, that leaned to either of the
Extreams, and always took Care to preferve a Distinction
between Perfons and Opinions; being very fparing in his
Cenfures upon the former while he readily bore his Teftimony
againft the latter.
With fuch a happy Temper and Furniture of Mind, with
a Judgment thus poiz'd and fixed, and with an eftablifh'd
Character of Piety, he at firft set out in the World as a Can-
didate for the Miniftry; his Pulpit Performances meeting
with uncommon Acceptance. — There feems to have been
a fpecial Interpofition of divine Providence, in his firft
Introduction into Roxbury Pulpit; which perhaps may be
worth relating. And it was thus, as the Fact lies in the
Memory of one of us, that heard the Account of it long fince.
— Mr. Walter had entertain'd Thoughts of travelling abroad;
it's fupposed, with a View partly to making further Improve-
ments in Knowledge; and had actually befpoke his Paffage
in a Ship for Ireland, or England. But it fo happen 'd in
Providence, that when the Veffel only waited for a Wind, he
90 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
on a Saturday Afternoon receiv'd a Meffage from Roxbury
defiring of him a Sermon on the Morrow. Accordingly, he
then went, and preach'd there (as it was faid) for the firft
Time; greatly to the Satisfaction, both of Minifter and
People. They had for a confiderable while been feeking a
Colleague for their aged Paftor, the famous and venerable
Mr. John Eliot (the fame who has ufually been celebrated
as the American Apoftle) and among feveral very worthy
Candidates, whom they had often heard, their Inclinations
were fo divided, as to retard their Proceedings. But upon
hearing Mr. Walter, they were inftantly very much united
in him, and haft'ned to invite him to conftant Preaching
among them, with a Profpect of Settlement in due Time;
which, it was faid, occafion'd the putting off his intended
Voyage. The good old Minifter was fo charm'd with this
young Gentleman's Preaching, that on the firft Day of hear-
ing him, he ftay'd the Church after Evening Service, and was
for putting it immediately to Vote, whether they would give
him a Call. But the Hon^ie Joseph Dudley, Esq. (after-
wards Governor) then prefent, notwithftanding he had
conceiv'd a high Opinion of Mr. Walter, yet appeared in
oppofition to fo fudden a Motion, and perfuaded Mr. Eliot
to defer it for a v/hile. — After a fhort Delay, he receiv'd an
unanimous Call; the Brethren of the Church making their
Choice on Lord's Day July 15. 1688 and the Inhabitants
of the To^vn, in publick Affembly, on Lord's Day, Sept. 9.
approving and confirming it. Mr. Walter upon the Call
given him, though it was then a dark and threatning
Seafon, in the Reign of K. James II, a profefs'd Papift,
and in the Adminiftration of Sir Edmund Andross,
Governor of New England, a Tool of the Court, and
grievoufly tyrannizing over the poor People here, yet had
the Courage to enter into the Miniftry, at fuch a critical
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 91
Juncture, and devote himfelf to the Service of Christ in
thefe Churches.
Oil Wednefday, October 17. 1688 (in the 25*^ Year of his
Age) he was pubHckly and folemnly ordained, with the
laying on of the Hands of the Prefbytery. Mr. Walter
himfelf (purfuant to the former Ufage among us) preached
the Sermon on that Occafion; which was from 2 Cor. iv. 7,
But we have this Treafure in earthen Veffels that the Excel-
lency of the Power may be of God, and not of us. — Mr.
Eliot (then in his 84th Year) prefided in his Ordination and
gave the Charge. And though a Diftinction was wont to be
made between the Characters of Paftor and Teacher when
two Minifters were together in the fame Church (one of them
being ordain'd under the former Name, and the other under
the latter) IVIr. Eliot notwithftanding faw fit to join both
Names or Characters in Mr. Walter's Ordination. And on
their Return from the Solemnity, he took Occafion pleafantly
to fay to Mr. Walter, — " Brother, I've ordain'd you a
Teaching Paftor: but don't be proud of it; for I always
ordain my Indians fo."
After this, Mr. Eliot did not long furvive : for on the 20*^
of May 1690, he died; having been Minifter of Roxbury from
Sept. 1632. and being worn out with Age, and with abundant
Labours, in the Service of Chrift and Souls, as well among
the Lidians as Englifh. But it was a great Satisfaction to
him, that he faw his People, before his Death, fo peaceably
and happily fettled under Mr. Walter's Miniftry. xAiid it is
well known, how for the Year or two they were together, Mr.
Walter ferved in the Gofpel with his venerable Colleague,
even as a Son with a Father, full of filial Duty and Affection;
and what a vaft Efteem and Parental Love that ancient
Gentleman had for his Young Colleague, how he honoured
him before his People, and almoft intirely devolv'd upon
92 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
him all publick Offices of the Miniftry, from a Senfe of his
fuperior Abilities. Mr. Eliot wou'd often make the Remark,
that well beaten Oil was required for the Service of the
Sanctuary; and to that, he ufed to compare Mr. Walter's
Sermons. He would therefore feldom preach; that fo he
might not hinder his People from the Benefit of his defirable
Colleague's Labours, and might himfelf enjoy the Privilege
of hearing him. This we find taken Notice of in the Memoirs
of Mr. Eliot's Life, written above fifty Years ago, by the late
very excellent Dr. Cotton Mather ; where we have the Pleafure
of feeing Mr. Walter thus characterifed : — "A Perfon young
in Years, but old in Discretion, Gravity and Experience; and
one, whom the Church of Roxbury hopes to find a Paftor
after God's oa^ti Heart." It follows, "Wlio being, by the
unanimous Vote and Choice of the Church there, become the
Paftor of Roxbury, immediately found the venerable Eliot
embracing and cherifhing of him, with the tender Affections
of a Father. The good old Man, like Aaron, as it were
difrobed himfelf, with an unfpeakable Satisfaction, when he
beheld his Garments fpread upon a Son fo dear to him.
After this, he for a Year or two before his Tranflation, cou'd
fcarce be perfuaded unto any publick Service; but humbly
pleaded, It would be a Wrong to the Souls of the People, for
him to do any Thing among them, when they were fupply'd
fo much to their Advantage, otherwife." — And it's faid the
good old Gentleman, when he preach'd at any Time in the
Morning would excuse the Meannefs and Brokennefs (as he
called it) of his Performance, but would conclude with
faying, "My dear Brother here will by'n'by mend all." —
Thus, Mr. Walter gave early Prefages of his future Emi-
nence; and he has all along, from Youth to advanced Age,
f hewed himself a Workman that needed not to be afhamed;
a burning and fhining Light, both in the Pulpit and out of it;
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 93
and through a long Life, abundantly anfwering the high
Expectations he had raifed in his younger Days. — He was
Owner of all the valuable Qualifications, intellectual and
moral, neceffary to conftitute an eminent Character, whether
as a Chriftian, or a Divine.
He certainly exhibited a bright Example of perfonal
Holinefs; which is of the firft Confideration, and the grand
Requifite in the Chriftian Profeffor, much more in the
Chriftian Minifter. He gave very convincing Evidences of
vital Experience in Religion, to a high Degree. He liv'd
the Chriftianity he preach'd; f hewing his Faith by his Works,
and having his Fruit unto Holinefs, in all its various Exercifes.
He was moft exemplary for Hatred of every Sin; and an
Inftance of the correcteft Morals appear'd ever devoted to
the Service and Honour of Chrift; exprefs'd a deep Concern
for the Advancement of his Kingdom and Intereft; mani-
fefted an ardent Love to God, and warm Benevolence to
Men; a great Mortification to the World, and Abftraction
from earthly Concerns; an habitual Equanimity, and Con-
tentment with his outward Condition; Refignation in Adver-
fity, and Moderation in Profperity; Freedom from Envy
at others rifing Reputation, or flourifhing Circumftances,
and from all undue Elation with the pecular Refpects
univerfally paid to himfelf ; was remarkable for his domeftick
Tendernefs, and Endearingnefs towards his People; for his
Humility and Modefty, which made him decline fome
publick Honours that were offer'd him, and very much to
avoid publick Appearances; was remarkable for an habitual,
conftant Serioufnefs, Solidity, Veracity and Uprightnefs;
was ftrictly temperate, exactly juft, and exceeding con-
fcientious in all his Ways; was moft apparently fpiritually
minded, and of a heavenly Converfation ; walking by Faith,
not by Sight; and adding to his Faith, Fortitude. For,
94 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
though he was low of Stature, and had a thin and feeble
Body, as well as a low and weak Voice; yet he poffefs'd a
great Soul, had a fingular animal Vivacity, with a good
Meafure of natural Firmnefs and Courage, which being
fanctify'd, were of Advantage to him, when call'd to appear
in the Caufe of God our Saviour. He had a Zeal of God,
and this according to Knowledge; being happily temper'd
with Meeknefs, Lenity, and Charity, govern'd by Prudence,
and recommended by a vifible Sincerity and Lowlinefs of
Heart. — He was of a moft ingenuous Spirit, abounding in
Candour; was a candid Difputant, a candid Hearer of
Sermons, a candid Interpreter of others Words and Actions;
exceeding diftant from all Cenforioufnefs and Detraction,
from all Bitternefs and Acrimony; yet was a faithful Friend,
and laiew not to give flattering Titles, nor ufed he flattering
Words, or airy Compliments. Very refpectful was he to his
Superiours, though fervilely obfequious to none; full of
Condefcenfion to his Inferiours; and in Honour preferring
his Equals. He was of a moft placid and pacifick Temper,
never embroil'd himfeK in Controverfy, kept out of all Con-
tention, and ever followed the Things that made for Peace.
— He was very averfe to entangling himfelf in the Affairs of
this Life; whatever Occafions there might fometimes be
for it, as having a numerous Family, and an Income fmall,
comparatively. However, being fuch a great Lover of
Learning, he gave three of his Sons a liberal Education, by
the Affiftance of generous Friends, and at the Expence of
fome Self-denial at home. — He was inclined to live as
retired, and to keep as much in his Study, as poffible, for
devotional, as well as literary Purpofes; and his Work was
almoft his only Recreation. The Confequence of this, his
Friends thought to be Gain to them on fome valuable
Accounts, yet a Lofs to them by the Infrequency of his
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 95
defirable Vifits. Though he was but feldom abroad, in
Company, and did not affect Al^undance of it at home, yet
was eafy of Accefs and receiv'd his Vifitors with much
Courtefy and AffabiHty. There was a vifible Sweetnefs,
under all his Referve; and in Converfation, where he might
ufe a Liberty without Danger of giving Offence, he was
modeftly free and facetious, pleafant, and entertaining;
always ingenious, always communicative and inf tractive;
but never loud and noify, nor over-talkative; never affuming,
nor overbearing, nor indecently interrupting, in any Debate
or Difcourfe: nay, rather flow to fpeak, as well as flow to
wrath, but fwift to hear, and readier to attend to others, than
to exert himfelf. Neither did he love Trifling and meer
Amufement; but was always grave, in the midft of Chearful-
nefs, and wou'd ever (if he might) be difcourfing on Topicks
that were ferious, or important and profitable; or otherwife
be filent. His Converfation turned much on the State of
Learning, and what pafs'd in the letter'd World, but more
efpecially on the State of Religion, in the prof effing World ;
or elfe on fome religious Subject, commonly fuch as he had
lately been reading on; and wou'd often cite remarkable
Paffages (efpecially from Authors in the French Language)
which we were not fo likely to have met with. Indeed, above
all, he lov'd to be talking of a glorious Christ, and the Grace
of God in Him, of his Truths and Ways; the Affairs of his
Kingdom here, and the Hope laid up for his People hereafter.
— He ever bore upon his Heart the Concerns of the Chriftian
Church, in general ; but efpecially thofe Parts of it in Great-
Britain, Ireland, France, and Germany; and was very
inquifitive about the State of Things in them. Nothing, of
that Nature, lay more on his Thoughts, or nearer his Heart,
than the Safety and Profperity of the Proteftant Intereft.
His Heart, like Eli's, trembled for this Ark of God; greatly
96 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
lamenting to hear of Degeneracy among Proteftants, at home
or abroad, whether in Principles or Manners; but equally
rejoicing in well attefted Informations of a Revival of pure
and practical Religion any where. — He thankfully admir'd
the Conduct of Providence in bringing about the Settlement
of the Crown of Great-Britain in the illuftrious Houfe of
Hanover; and fcarce ever made a Prayer, at leaft, in Publick,
but one of his moft fervent Requefts to God was for the
Security of the Proteftant Succeffion to the British Throne.
Simeon's Character was his, a juft Man and devout. He
gave himfelf to Prayer, as well as to the Miniftry of the Word.
He appeared to have habitually much of the Spirit of Grace
and Supplication, and to be much in the Practice of Ejacu-
latory Prayer. Befides his ftated Prayers in Private and in
Publick, and other occafional ones, particularly in his paftoral
Vifitations of the Sick, and at Funerals, Catechifings, &c.
he affociated with his People at their Family Meetings for
religious Exercifes, where he conftantly made one of the
Prayers, whoever preached, or read the Sermon. — And he
always appear'd eminently qualify'd both with the Gift and
the Grace of Prayer : nor is it eafy to fay, in which he feem'd
moft to excel. His Prayers were a continued Series of
raifed, but unaffected Devotion, filial Reverence and Con-
fidence towards God, Faith in the Mediator, Self-Abafement,
Zeal for the Caufe and Honour of Chrift, Love to his Church
and People, Afpirations after fpiritual Bleffings in heavenly
Places in Chrift Jesus. — For the Matter of his Prayers,
they were adjufted to thofe peculiar Doctrines of the Gofpel,
which he ever contended fo earneftly for. And indeed it
was a Maxim with him, that as thofe Practices muft be bad
which one can't pray over, fo thofe Principles may well be
fufpected, which cannot properly be turned into Prayer.
This, he thought, look'd with an unfavourable Afpect on the
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER
Arminian Scheme, in particular: the Friends of which are
wont to pray Calviniftically, how differently foever they may
preach, — And for the Manner of his Prayers, they were all
in a very natural Method ; appofite to the Occafion ; exprefs'd
in the eafieft and moft proper Language; fententious and
concife ; argumentative, and enliven'd with pertinent Scripture
Pleas; utter'd with a fubmifs Voice, and with a Mein the
ferious, humble, affectionate; in the whole never prolix.
There was this remarkable in his Prayers, that he frequently
called on the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, more directly
and explicitly than is ufual. Particularly it was his con-
ftant Practice in the Adminiftration of the Lord's Supper, to
addrefs one of the Prayers to the Son of God; adoring his
Divine Perfon ; giving him the Glory of his Divine Excellencies
manifefted in the Works of Creation and Providence, but
efpecially in the aftonifhing Work of Redemption; acknowl-
edging Him in his mediatorial Offices; celebrating his won-
drous Love, in his Humiliation and Sufferings for his People ;
prof effing Repentance for Sin, and Faith in the Blood of
Christ, as the only and perfect Atonement for Sin, and in his
prevalent Interceffion, as our Advocate with the Father;
prof effing to embrace the Promifes, as in him; renouncing
all Sin, as againft him; engaging to do all Duty, as unto him,
in his Name; expreffing a Dependence on him alone, for
Righteoufnefs and Strength; and a Hope in his Power and
Grace, as raifed from the Dead, and exalted to be Prince and
Saviour, Head of his univerfal Church of Men and Angels,
and Head over all Things to the Church, which was now
alfo commended to his fpecial Care. — Another Thing we
fhall take Notice of, is, that as he never practifed giving
Characters of deceafed Persons in Funeral Sermons, fo his
Prayers at the Houfe of Mourning were calculated to affist
the Devotion of the Living, rather than to honour the Name
98 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
of the Dead. So averfe was he to Flattery, that he ftudioufly
avoided all Appearances of it, and all Approaches to it. —
[For this Reafon, in part, he declined preaching on a certain
great and annual Occafion, when chosen to do it.] — Wlien
he catechifed the Children of his Flock, befides praying with
them, he was wont to give them a fhort and familiar Lecture
on fome Part of the Affembly's Catechifm: which Practice
he continu'd fo long as his Strength would well allow him.
As a Preacher, he was juftly admired by all that heard him,
and has been often recommended for a Pattern.
The Matter of his Preaching confifted of the great Things
of God's Law and Gofpel. He often entertained his Hearers
with affecting Meditations on the guilty, depraved, con-
denmed, undone Eftate of the Race of Adam by Nature, in
Confequence of the firft Apoftacy, and by means of their
increafed Wickednefs; and on thofe eternal Miferies here-
after, which they are every Moment expofed to. Whereby
he labour'd to awaken the Confciences of Sinners, to alarm
their Fears, and excite their Concern to obtain the Salvation
which is by Jesus Christ. — And then his moft beloved
Themes were the wondrous Counfels and Works of the
Divine Trinity, refpecting this great Salvation; the Divine
Father's Appointment and Miffion of his Son to purchafe it
for us, and of his Spirit to reveal and apply it to us. Thefe
were, either directly or reductively, the Subjects of his Preach-
ing, in general. — More particularly, his frequent Theme
was the admirable Perfon of Christ in his two diftinct
Natures, of God and Man; his glorious Office of Mediator,
in its various Views, Acts and Exercifes; his aftonifhing
Humiliation and Sufferings, Atonement for Sin, and Satis-
faction to Divine Juftice; his perfect active and paffive
Obedience, its infinite Value and Merit, and the everlafting
Righteoufnefs brought in thereby; his victorious Refurrec-
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 99
tion, his triumphant Afcenfion into Heaven, and his Exalta-
tion there to the Government of the whole Creation, and the
Mediatorial vital Headfhip of his People; his continual
Sympathy with them, and prevalent Interceffion for them,
as their merciful and faithful High-Prieft; and his final
Appearance, as the great Judge of Quick and Dead, when
he fhall be glorify'd in his Saints, and admired in all them
that believe. — Alfo the Divine Excellencies of the Holy
Spirit, the Neceffity of his Miffion and Agency, and eminently
of his fpecial and efficacious Grace, or faving Influence on
the Hearts of Men ; convincing them of their Sin and Mifery,
enlightning their Minds in the Knowledge of Chrift, renewing
their Wills, and both perfuading and enabling them to
receive Chrift, in all his Offices, and for all his Benefits; to
turn to God in and through Chrift, and chufe the glorious
God, in Chrift, as their fupreme Ruler, Portion and End; to
embrace the Promifes, to live by Faith and to look for the
Mercy of the Lord Jefus Chrift unto eternal Life. In Sum,
he preached Repentance towards God, and Faith towards
our Lord Jefus Chrift, teftifying the Gofpel of the Grace of
God, in its Requirements and its Encouragements, it's Pre-
cepts and Promifes; often taking occafion to fet forth the
many invaluable Privileges of Believers, both here and here-
after; and the infinite Wifdom, Holinef, Juftice, Truth, and
Grace of God, difplayed in the whole of their Salvation.
On fuch Subjects as thefe, Mr. Walter laid out very much
of his Miniftry. But at the fame Time, while he conftantly
affirmed thefe Things, it was to the End that they which have
believed in God, might be careful to maintain good Works.
Well knowing, that Men are fanctified through the Truth,
he preached the Truth, even as it is in Jesus. He was a
Preacher of Righteoufnefs, in the whole Scripture-Meaning
of this Character. He adapted his Preaching to the bleffed
100 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Defign of promoting Conviction, Converfion, and Sanctifica-
tion. His Sermons were full of Motives and Directions, to
this Purpofe. — But he always pointed out the true Caufes of
Salvation, the Grace of God, the Merits of Christ, and the
Power of the Holy Ghoft; and keeping thefe in View, he
much inculcated a diligent life of inftituted Means, under
Gofpel-Encouragements, ftriving to enter in at the ftrait
Gate, and to walk in the narrow Way which leadeth unto
Life. He often and earneftly preffed the Duties of the Chrif-
tian Life, and infifted on the Neceffity of our following uni-
verfal Holinefs, labouring after the higheft moral Improve-
ments attainable in this Life, and longing for the Perfection
of the upper World. — In fhort, he was a moft practical and
truly evangelical Preacher. For the Proof of this, we need
only appeal to his printed Works; which are thefe. (1)
Unfruitful Hearers detected and warned. (This was lately
re-printed.) (2) The Body of Sin anatomized. (3) A
Difcourfe on vain Thoughts. (4) The great Concern of
Man. (5) The Wonderfulnefs of Christ. (6) The Holinefs
of Heaven. (7) Faithfulnefs in the Miniftry; (A Sermon
preach'd to the Convention of Minifters.) And the following
Difcourfes, on the 55^^ Chapter of Ifaiah; with his laft Ser-
mon annexed. All which bear the vifible Signatures of his
Piety, Orthodoxy, Skill and Diligence in his Work. We
may look upon them as the true Tranfcript of his fettled
Sentiments and habitual Thoughts, as the Exemplification
of his ufual Frames, and as fo many Specimens of his common
Preaching, with regard to Subject, Spirit, Style, and Method.
It was very much his Manner, to felect particular Chapters
of the Bible, or large Portions of them, and to go over them
verfe by verfe, in his Sabbath-Sermons efpecially. He had a
happy Talent at illuftrating the Scripture, and frequently
with a few plain Words he would fet a difficult Text in an
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 101
advantageous and perhaps uncommon Light. His Method
of handhng a Subject appear'd always exceeding natural
and juft. With a Dignity of Sentiment, there was ever an
eafy Train of Tho't. The late Rev. Dr. Colman, who was
himfelf a valuable Preacher, ufed to fay cf him. When one is
hearing Mr. Walter, it feems as if any Man could preach
fo; and yet it's difficult preaching like him, and few can
equal him. So the late Rev. Mr. Pemberton, of the South
Church in Bofton, who in his Day fhone as a fuperior Light,
once faid of him (in Converfation with one of us) I know no
Man, that in his Preaching reconciles Pcrfpicuity with
Accuracy, like Mr. Walter. — He ufually difcourfed on his
Text by way of Doctrine and Ufe, according to the ancient
Cuftom of the New England Miniftry. He dealt not in
loofe Harangue, but laid out his Matter clearly, under diftinct
Heads, and number 'd thefe as he went along, for the Eafe
and Benefit of his Hearers; though for the fame Reafon, he
was careful not to multiply them to Excefs. He was felicitous,
in the compofition of his Difcourfes, to digeft Things into the
beft Order, for common Edification of the Auditory; and to
enforce every Point with the beft Authority, by citing pertinent
Scriptures. And when he had fufficiently led them into the
Underftanding of any Truth, then he apply'd it, to awaken
their Mind and Heart, to move and guide them to an anfwer-
able Experience and Practice. Here he often expatiated in
a Variety of fuitable, practical Reflections and Exhortations;
yet in the whole was commonly very brief and comprehenfive.
— And as to his Style, or Diction, it was, not only exceeding
clear and plain, but withal fo correct, that the Sermons he
deliver'd in the ftated courfe of his Miniftry (as were the
enfuing) would bear to fee the Light. His Periods and
Sentences concife, his Words emphatical and very expreffive,
and moft eafy to be underftood. He had few Redundancies,
102 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
and affected nothing of Luxuriancy or Pomp of Language.
He was like the wife Preacher, Solomon fpeaks of, who
fought to find out acceptable Words; and that which was
written, was upright, even Words of Truth; and thefe he fet
in Order. Becaufe the Preacher was wife, he ftill taught the
People Knowledge. And the Words of the Wife are as Goads,
and as Nails faftned by the Mafters of Affemblies, which
are given from one Shepherd. His Sermons were fcriptural,
and rational, always f peaking the Things that become found
Doctrine, couched in few and familiar Words, with a noble
Negligence of Style; and in the whole, calculated both to
enlighten the Mind, and affect the Confcience. Though
his Organs of Speech were naturally feeble, and his Utterance
very deliberate, with frequent Paufes ; yet his Afpect, Gefture,
Pronunciation, and whole Manner of Addrefs, were with
fuch a Decorum, becoming the Pulpit; fo habitually grave
and folemn, fo free from every aukward Air and difguftful
Tone, and from all sign of Indolence, Formality or Affecta-
tion; his Voice nothing effeminate, and fo well modulated,
his Words fo juftly accented, his Paufes fo judicioufly placed,
his Eye and Action under fo proper a Regulation, and fuch
a Degree of genuine Pathos difcover'd, accompany'd fre-
quently with Tears, as indicated his Difcourfes to be the
genuine Breathings of a warm Heart, tho' the Produce of a
clear and cool Head. — In the Beginning of his Miniftry
for about feven Years, he preach'd memoriter, or without
Notes, after the ufual Manner of that Day. But by a fevere
Fit of Sicknefs, which brought him very low, and of which he
recover'd only by flow Degrees, he found his Head fo
affected and his Memory weakened, that when reftor'd fo
far as to be able to preach, he neverthelefs thought it prudent,
not to commit his Sermons to Memory, and much lefs to
venture upon preaching extempore; fo he then took up the
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 103
Practice of ufing his Notes in the Pulpit, and never faw fit
to depart from it. And indeed he had a very happy Art in
ufing them, as though he ufed them not; commonly but
glancing on them (latterly with the Help of a Glafs in his
Hand) and then delivering his Matter, with his Eyes erect
and pointed to the liftning Audience. For his agreable
Elocution, and his excellent Compofition, added to the
Importance of his Subject, feldom fail'd to draw the Eye
and Ear of ferious Hearers, and engage their clofeft Attention ;
by Means whereof a deeper Silence reigned in the Affembly,
which gave Advantage to his low Voice, the more eafily to be
heard: and a great vifible Solemnity in the Audience increas'd
every one's Difpofition to attend with Wakefulnefs and
Reverence. — His Sermons appear excellently good in the
Reading; but it muft be confefs'd, they appear'd with a
peculiar Grace and Advantage from the Pulpit. Truly,
his Doctrine dropped as the Rain, and his Speech, diftilled
as the Dew. —
But to leave his Character, which we have only given
fome imperfect Sketches of — ■
About the Year 1717, as we fuppofe, from his long and
clofe Application to Study, and other Labours of his Charge
(in Conjunction perhaps with fome Incidents in Providence)
he contracted a vertiginous Diforder, and fell into fuch a
State of Debility, as obliged him for a confiderable Time to
fufpend the Exercife of his Miniftry, to intermit his Studies,
and throw afide Books ; — being feldom able to bear a
Moment's intenfe Thought, and fcarce capable of carrying
on Family-Duties or Clofet Devotions, without being quite
overcome; — though ftill never wholly taken off from con-
verfing with his Friends. On this melancholy Occafion,
(if we do not mifremember) his kind People kept a Day of
Fafting and Prayer; when many from the Vicinity, both
104 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Minifters and others, affembled with them, to help together
by Prayer to God, that he would prolong fo precious a Life,
and reftore to Health and publick Service. — The Prayer of
Faith receiv'd an Anfwer of Peace, in a Divine Bleffing on
the Means ufed for his Recovery. — A Minifter of Bofton
put into his hands Dr. Fuller on Exercife, and urg'd him to
ride. Upon which he took a Journey ; and by that and other
Means, he happily obtain'd fuch a Recruit of Spirit and
Strength, as enabled him to return to his beloved work.
For above 28 years he had been in the Paftoral Office with-
out a Co-partner; till October 19, 1718, when his very valu-
able Son, Mr. Thomas Walter, was ordained his Colleague,
to his prefent Help and Support; and in him he was ready to
promife himfelf much Comfort, through the whole Remainder
of his Days. For he was a moft ingenious young Gentleman,
an accomplifh'd Scholar, an orthodox Preacher, and began to
be a great Bleffing to the New-England Churches, in bravely
and learnedly defending their Scriptural Profeffion and Gof-
pel-Order ; as appears by his printed Works. But the fo vereign
God was pleas'd to take him away by Death on Jan. 10.
1724, 5. — by which his Father, his Family, his Congregation,
his Town, and the Land in general, fuftain'd a great Lofs.
And now again the whole Weight of the Paftoral Care
devolv'd on the Father alone. But his People in Confidera-
tion of Age advancing upon him, and in Hopes that by the
Goodnefs of God they might enjoy his Prefence and Labours
the longer, were at the Expence of affording him Affiftance
by young Candidates, every Sabbath, for one part of the Day:
and with the like Views, his Brethren and Sons in the Min-
iftry, particularly in the Neighbourhood, were always ready
to give him their Help, as there was Occafion.
In fhort, Mr. Walter feem'd to be as univerfally lov'd and
refpected as any Minifter of his Time in all New England.
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 105
In the Beginning of his Miniftry, his Fathers, the aged
Minifters (in particular, that venerable Man, his ancient
Colleague, as before obferv'd) very highly efteem'd and
lov'd him; his Brethren in the Miniftry continued, or rather
increafed, in their Regards for him; and in his Age, the Junior
Minifters always rofe up before him with Reverence, not only
honouring the Face of the old Man, but venerating him as a
Man of God, and honourable, for the fuperior Wifdom and
Holinefs fo confpicuoufly fhining in him. — And it may be
proper to note here, that his Excellency, the late Governor
Dudley, a Gentleman of fine Accomplifhments and a good
Judge of Worth, was his Parifhioner, and one of us has often
heard him exprefs the great Satisfaction he had in Mr.
Walter's Miniftry. Indeed he feldom heard him preach, or
adminifter a Sacrament, but it was obferv'd he wept : and to
the day of his Death, he honoured his Minifter with many
Honours. And the Governor's Son, who fucceeded him in
his Seat at Roxbury, the late Hon. Paul Dudley, Efq. who
was for many Years one of his Majefty's Council, and chief
Juftice of the Province, equal'd (if not exceeded) his excellent
Father in Love to Mr. 'Walter's Perfon and Miniftry: and
memorable are the Honours he did him, living and dead. —
And other Gentlemen of the greateft Diftinction among us,
in the Civil (as well as Ecclefiaftical) Character, delighted to
fhew their Refpects to Mr. Walter, by receiving his Vifits
and returning them, by fometimes attending his publick
Lectures, &c. — And truly it is to their own Honour they did
fo. — As for the Church and Congregation, over which the
Holy Ghoft had made, and continu'd him, fo wife and
faithful and affectionate an Overfeer, he was conftantly
belov'd and admired among them, from firft to laft. May
the Lord deal kindly with them, who have not left off to
fhew Kindnefs to the Living and to the Dead ! — And a rare
106 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Thing it is indeed, for a Minifter to live in fuch unintempted
Harmony and Endearment with his People, efpecially for fo
long a Tract of Time. — Yea his Praife was in all the
Churches, in Proportion as he was known to them by Face,
or by his printed Works, and by Report. Scarce any Man
ever pafs'd through the World with a more unexceptionable
Character or a more univerfal Reputation with all that knew
him: every one fpeaking of him with high Efteem, for his
Piety, his Judgment, and his Minifterial Accomplifhments
and Performances. In fhort, he has long fhone among us,
as a Chriftian and a Divine of the firft Figure in our Zion.
And in very advanced Age, his Wifdom ftill remained with
him; his mental Powers retaining their Vigour in an uncom-
mon Degree, and his Graces daily rifing towards Perfection. —
But alas, the beft and longeft Life muft have a Period.
On Decemb. 25. 1749. he was confined to his Houfe, by
bodily Indifpofitions, which gradually increafed upon him,
nd at length terminated in his Deceafe. It is remarkable,
the Circumftances, both natural and moral, of his final
Ilnefs and Dying, very much correfponded to the general
Habit and Tenor of his preceeding Life. For, although he
had nothing robuft in his Conftitution, but rather was of a
feeble Make, and although he led a very ftudious, fedentary
Life (which is much Wearinefs to the Flefh, and exhaufts
the Spirits) yet through the Divine Bleffing, by means of
his ftrict and fteady ^Temperance, his keeping to an exact
Regimen in almoft every Thing, and preferving an habitual
Tranquillity of Mind, he ufually enjoy'd a confiderable
Share of Health and Eafe; for many Years fcarce knowing,
by any Experience what Pain or Sickness meant. Even fo,
in the laft Stage of Life, and under the Approaches of Death,
he found himfelf ftill very graciouf ly dealt with in this Regard ;
being never exercifed with any fevere Dolour, or very dif-
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 107
treffing Malady, during the whole time of his long Confine-
ment and Decay. And, what was a greater Mercy, he ftill
enjoy'd much of his ufual Compofure of Thought, and
Sedatenefs of Temper, free from the Ruffles of Paffion, and
not overborne by difquieting Reflections, or difmaying
Apprehenf ions ; but with much Humblenefs of Mind lying
at the Foot of a holy wife, gracious, and fovereign God, he
was calmly submiffive to the Divine Will, and in Faith
refigned himfelf into the Hands of a dear Redeemer. — His
waking Hours, for the moft part (as it appear'd to his Atten-
dants and Friends about him) were continually employ'd in
filent, but fervent Devotion. — He liv'd and died in the
Belief of the holy Angels Miniftration to the Saints. A
Friend having obferved to him, that although the Miniftry
of Angels was not now fo fenfible as in ancient Times, yet
doubtlefs it was as real ; he reply'd, I am fully of that Mind
and believe that God now ufes the Ministry of Angels to the
Saints, in their Life and at their Death. Adding withal,
I am waiting the few remaining Days of my appointed Time.
Which (in his modeft and ever cautious way of fpeaking)
might import as much as if he had faid, more peremptorily
and boldly, in the Language of the memorable Mr. Newman
(of Rehoboth) on his Death bed, "Now Angels, do your
Office!" As to his Intereft in the Promifes, which are in
Christ Yea, and in him Amen, to the glory of God, he appear'd
to have a good Hope through Grace, without any diftreffing
Doubts, or the leaft Fear of Amazement. — To a Minifter,
converfing with him on his Death-bed, he had (among others)
fome fuch Sayings as thefe: If Hatred of Sin be a good
Evidence, I think I have That. — Christ is precious to them
which believe; but the Damned in Hell are perpetually
blafpheming and dif honouring Christ; and I can't bear the
Thought of doing This ! — To another Minifter, fpeaking
108 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
fomething for his Confolation not long before his Death, he
reply'd, I hope to find Mercy of the Lord in that Day! And
to a Chriftian Neighbour, he fpake more fully in the Lan-
guage of Affurance, repeating with Self-Application thofe
triumphant Expreffions of the Apoftle (2 Tim. 1. 12) I know
whom I have believed and am perfuaded, He is able to keep
that which I have committed to him againft that Day. —
Thus having lived by the Faith of the Son of God, he alfo
died in Faith, and fell afleep in Jesus; — fatiffy'd with long
life.
He expired on the l?*^** of Sept. 1750 when he wanted but
about 3 Months of being 87 Years old. The longeft liv'd
Minifter in all New England, we fuppofe, excepting a few
inftances; two formerly, Mr. Ward of Haverhill, and Mr.
Higginson of Salem; and two more lately, Mr. Cheever of
Chelfea, and Mr. Stone of Harwich. — And it feems worthy
of Remark, that the Continuation of Mr. Eliot's and Mr.
Walter's Miniftry, who (as already obferv'd) were for a
Seafon contemporary Paftors of the fame Church, extended
to almoft a Score of Years above one intire Century; the
former being Minifter of Roxbury Church near 58 and the
latter above 60 Years, fucceffively. An Inftance without a
Parallel in this Part of the World, and the like perhaps not
to be met with in all Hiftory! — Though it ought to be
noted, in the mean while Roxbury had two other Minifters;
viz. Mr. Samuel Danforth (Brother to the memorable Deputy
Governor Danforth) Colleague with Mr, Eliot, for about a
fifth Part of the Time, and died (if we miftake not) in the
49th Year of his Age, who has been fam'd for an excellent
Scholar, and a very judicious, methodical, pathetical, and
truly evangelical Preacher; and many Years afterwards,
Mr. Thomas Walter (before mention'd) Colleague with his
Father.
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 109
Alfo more lately another was chofen in Mr. Walter's Life-
time to be his Colleague, and was Succeffor to him; viz., Mr.
Oliver Peabody, an accomplifh'd and very ingenious Young
Gentleman: but he liv'd not many Months after his aged
Predeceffor's Deceafe. — And Mr. Adams fince has fucceeded
him; for whom we wifh, that he may attain to the Days of
the Years of the Life of his Fathers, who preceeded in his
Charge, and have their God to be with him, as he was with
them. — O how highly favour'd and diftinguifh'd has this
ancient Church of Roxbury been, in the Enjoyment of fuch
an excelling Difpenfation of the Word! Efpecially, under
the long protracted Miniftry of the late incomparable and
ever-memorable Mr. Walter ! — A rich Favour of Heaven to
his People, was the Gift and extended Life of fuch a Minifter;
whereby very eminently a Price was put into their Hands to
get Wifdom; for which they have Reafon to be exceeding
thankful, as well as have a great Account to give. And he
being dead, yet fpeaketh, — particularly by thefe following
and other his printed Difcourfes, putting them in Remem-
brance of the Gofpel, which he preached to them; which they
have received, and wherein (we truft) they ftand; by which
alfo they are faved, if they keep in Memory what he preached
unto them, unlefs they have believed in vain. — His printed
Works are abiding Remembrances to them of his Thoughts
in Religion, and of the Leffons of Wifdom he taught them,
as well as ftanding Atteftations to his Soundnefs in the
Faith, and to his Fidelity and Skill in Preaching. May they
ftill remember him who has fpoken to them the good Word
of God; and none of them be forgetful Hearers, or unfruitful
Readers, of his excellent Sermons.
To our Account of Mr. Walter we fhall only add, as ufual,
the following Particulars. He marry'd a Daughter (Sarah)
of the late venerable Dr. Licrease Mather (who was long a
110 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Minifter of the North Church in Bofton, Hving to the Age of
about 85) and had by her a numerous Offspring. His valu-
able Comfort with four of his Children furvived him, viz., two
Sons, and two Daughters; but the Younger Daughter fince
dead. — The Younger Son has for many Years been the
worthy Minifter of the fecond Parifh in Roxbury.
May the very aged and pious Widow, with the remaining
virtuous Offspring of the Deceafed Man of God receive
the full Anfwer of his fervent and believing Prayers, in
Showers of Bleffings upon them ! — May his Son in the
Ministry, and may his prefent Succeffor, and every other
Minister, as Elisha, take up this precious Mantle of Elijah,
and with a double Portion of that excellent Gofpel-Spirit,
which refted on him fo confpicuoufly and abundantly, go on
and profper in their heavenly and divine Employment!
May his Flock, and others through the Land, attentively hear
what the Spirit of Christ faith now to them, and to each
Church among us (Rev. iii, 8-11). Thou haft a little
Strength, and haft kept my Word, and haft not denied my
Name. — Behold I come quickly ! Hold faft that which
thou haft, that no Man take thy Crown.
Boston, March 21, 1755.
Thomas Prince,
Thomas Foxcroft.
The above life is taken from a book published in 1755
entitled Discourses on The Whole LV Chapter of Isaiah,
Preparatory to Communion at the Lord's Table, to which
is added, The Author's last Sermon, by that pious, judi-
cious, and learned Divine, the Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter,
Late Pastor of the First Church in Roxbury.
It is headed, "A Preface Containing fome Minutes of the
Rev. Author's Life and Character. "
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER 111
Since Books are ufually valu'd as well for the Author, as
the Contents, had the late venerable Mr. Walter's Name and
Worth been as univerfally known in the World, as he was
juftly reverenc'd and lov'd by all acquainted with his Perfon
and Character, the genuine Remains of fo excellent a Divine
might have been ventur'd abroad upon the meer Credit of
the Title Page. . . . The Materials of the Account here
given of him are collected, partly from what has been pub-
lifhed already, partly from Roxbury Church Records, partly
from our own perfonal Knowledge and Converfation with
Him, and partly from Informations receiv'd of his People.
112 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
REV. MR. THOIVIAS WALTER
The second son of the Rev. Nehemiah and Sarah (Mather)
Walter was born in Roxbury Dec. 13, 1696, and early gave
evidence of the most extraordinary genius. In his younger
days he was not a hard student, being of a convivial turn and
fond of society, but so retentive was his memory that he
easily made himself master of almost all the learning of his
uncle. Cotton Mather, by frequent conversation with him.
In this way he acquired more knowledge than many others
could have gained by a whole life's diligent study. He was
graduated at Harvard College in 1713 and five years after
received a call to become an assistant pastor to his father, our
reverend pastor.
He was ordained Oct. 19, 1718, and on the 25*^ Dec. of the
same year married Rebeckak, daughter of the Rev. Joseph
Belcher of Dedham, by whom he had a daughter Rebeckah
who died unmarried in 1780.
In 1719 he engaged in a public controversy with his intimate
friend and associate, John Checkley, a man who combined
great wit and humor with infinite learning.
This was a grief to his father and his uncle. Dr. Cotton
Mather. Checkley had sarcastically attacked the wholesome
doctrine of election and predestination, in a pamphlet entitled,
" Choice Dialogues between a Godly Minister and an Honest
Countryman, desecting the False Principles of a certain man
who calls himself a Presbyterian of the Church of England. "
This Mr. Walter answered in a 12 mo volume of 80 pages,
under the caption of "A Choice Dialogue between John
Faustus a conjurer, and Jack Tory his friend; occasioned by
some Choice Dialogues lately published concerning Pre-
destination and Election. By a Young Stripling. "
REV. MR. THOMAS WALTER 113
In 1721, Mr. Walter who excelled in the science of harmony,
being grieved beyond measure, and annoyed at the very
indifferent performances in the sanctuary, published a neat
12 mo volume, " The Grounds and Rules of Music Explained ;
or an Introduction to the Art of Singing by Note : Fitted to
the meanest capacity. " Recommended by several ministers.
Mr. Walter's other works which have come down to us
are, "A Sermon upon 2nd Samuel xxiii, 1. The sweet
psalmist of Irael, " which was delivered at the Boston Lecture,
1722, printed at the desire of the ministers, and dedicated to
Judge Dudley. This discourse has been pronounced "the
most beautiful composition among the sermons which have
been handed down to us from our fathers. " " The Scriptures
the only Rule of Faith and Practice, " dictated while languish-
ing upon his bed of suffering, overcome with pain and weak-
ness, and written down by a beloved friend, published in
1728, and two other occasional sermons.
Mr. Walter was one of the most distinguished scholars
and disputants of the day. "He had all of his father's
vivacity and richness of imagination with more vigor of
intellect." Rev. Dr. Chauncy, in a letter to Dr. Stiles, 1768,
writes: "Mr. Jeremiah Dummer, Mr. Jolm Bulkley, and
Mr. Thomas Walter of Roxbury, I reckon the first three
clergymen, for extent and strength of genius and powers,
New England has yet produced. I was acquainted with
the latter, and often had occasion to admire the superlative
excellence of his natural and acquired accomplishments.
His genius was universal, and yet surprisingly strong. He
seemed to have almost an intuitive knowledge of everything.
There was no subject but he was perfectly acquainted with ;
and such was the power he had over his thoughts and words,
that he could readily and without any pains, write or speak
just what he would." In his last illness he was for a time
114 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
anxious for the salvation of his soul. Cotton Mather, in
his funeral sermon, has given us a vivid account of his dying
hours. Prostrated by consumption, "he went over and over
again through the process of repentance," making just
reflections upon the youthful errors into which his good
temper had betrayed him; and greatly distressed with the
fear of his miscarrying at last; saying, ' O, it is a great thing
to die.' " At length his father came to his relief with vic-
torious and overwhelming remonstrance. "My dear son,
were our Saviour visibly here, as once in the days of his
humiliation, and you should prostrate yourself before Him
and beseech His compassion, and a heart to love him, can
you imagine he would reject you ? How strange then is this
unbelief, to be discouraged from that which carries infinite
encouragement with it. As if His power and goodness were
less, or our access to Him more difficult, now that He is
seated on the throne of His glory." His apprehensions
being thus removed, he said more composedly, "If I perish,
I will perish in the hands of my Saviour, and though he slay
me, yet will I trust in him." Thencefore his fears were
swallowed up in the hope of a blessed immortality. " I shall
be the most glorious instance of soverign grace in all heaven,"
he said. It was the Sabbath, Jan. 10, 1724/5, and he
expressed his hope that he should that day be in Paradise
His father, as the time drew near for the morning service,
said to him, "I am going to the house of God, which is the
gate of heaven, but you, I hope, are going to heaven itself; I
go to the table of the Lord, but you will drink of the fruit of
the vine new with Christ in the kingdom of his Father."
Then taking his leave, and not expecting ever to see his son
alive again, "My child, the Lord Jesus receive thy spirit;"
"and the Lord fit it for his reception," he replied. Mr.
Walter lingered until near the close of the afternoon when
REV. MR. THOMAS WALTER 115
he gently expired. "He was to me," says Cotton Mather,
"not iinhke what a sister's son was to Paul, and his death
makes a sorro^\-ful time for us. His rare accomplishments,
his acute penetration, his copious erudition, with his right
principles, render him an unknoAvn loss to our churches.
But that which makes him to be remembered with the more
honor among us is, that his heart was fixed in his purposes
and endeavors to employ all those bright abilities in the ser-
vice of Christ."
His remains were deposited in the same tomb wherein
years afterwards his father's body was placed. And the
following account, copied from the original, may not at this
day be uninteresting : —
Jan'y 12, 1724/5
An Acc't of the Funeral Charges of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Walter.
£ s d
To a cofl5n 2 10
" the pall 12
" opening the tomb 10
5 dozen and three pajTs of gloves, at 45s 12 00
" 6 rings 6 12
" a barrel of wine 9 01 6
" tolling the bell 01 6
a box to put the bones of old Mr. Eliot and others in . . . 06
" pipes and tobacco 03
three pajTes of women's mourning gloves, allowed to this
account by the town, att 36 shil 1 16
33 12
Josh. Lamb,
Caleb Stedman,
Samuel Stevens.
116 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
RULING ELDERS
Mr. John Bowles was an early inhabitant of Roxbury,
arriving here about 1640, m. (1) Dorothy , (2) EHzabeth
Heath, (3) Sarah . Freeman, 1640. Artillery Co.
1645; one of the founders of the "Free Schoole" of which he
was for many years a Feoffee and seems to have been active
and influential in the management of the public affairs of the
town. He was a leading member of the Massachusetts Cor-
poration for Colonizing New England, and in 1645 a deputy
to the General Court. The remonstrance of Roxbury to
the General Court, 28th of October, 1664, against the sur-
render of the Royal Charter, was signed first by the Apostle
Eliot, and next by JohnBowles. Li 1674, 4 mo. 6 d., he was
called to the office of Ruling Elder in this church which office
he held until his death, Sept. 21, 1680, being killed by a cart
wheel running over his body. He was always a warm and
faithful friend of the Apostle Eliot who wrote: "Prudent
and gracious men set over our churches for the assistance
of their pastors, such helps in government had he (Eliot)
been blessed withall ; the last of which was the well deserving
Elder Bowles." And, again, in a speech to a synod of all
the churches in this Colony (12 May, 1680) he said, " There
is my brother Bowles the godly Elder of our Church at Rox-
bury, God helps him to do great things among us." In the
will of Mr. Bowles we find the following bequest : " To the
Rev. John Eliot, twenty shillings in token of my love and
service due to him."
Mr, John Pierpont, bom in London, England, in 1619,
married Thankful Stow. Died in Roxbury, Dec. 7, 1682.
A malster by trade and he owned the first Fulling Mill in
RULING ELDERS 117
Roxbury. He was orderly nominated Ruling Elder 1674.
4 mo., 6 d., but not yet called, left to consideration. As no
further mention is made he must have served, as he is men-
tioned as a Ruling Elder and Selectman of the town and
Deputy to the General Court.
Mr. Samuel Williams, son of Robert and Elizabeth
(Stalliam) Williams, was bom about 1632 and was, like his
father, a cordwainer. Took the Freeman's oath March
1658. Married Theoda, daughter of Deacon William Parke.
He was nominated to be called a Ruling Elder of this church
Nov. 9, 1677. Died Sept. 28, 1698.
Mr. John Bowles, son of John and Elizabeth (Heath)
Bowles, was baptised June 27, 1653, in Roxbury. He was
graduated at Harvard College in 1671. Master of Arts in
1675. Married Sarah, daughter of John Eliot, Jr. Deputy
to the General Court 1689-90 and Speaker of the House.
July 15, 1688, he was called to officiate in the office of a
Ruling Elder until such time as God please to restore his
health and capitate him to the ministry. Died March 30,
1691.
118 THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
DEACONS
Mr. William Parke (see First Meeting House).
Mr. Giles Paison (see First Meeting House).
Mr. William Gary (Geary), son of Arthur and Frances
Gary, was born in England in 1629. Came to Roxbury with
his parents. Married Hannah Curtis. Freeman 1652.
Deputy 1675. Ordained Deacon before Jan. 1686/7. Died
Sept. 4, 1712.
Mr. Samuel Scarborough, son of John and Mary
(Smith) Scarborough, was baptised in Roxbury, January 1,
1645/6. Married Bethia . A cordwainer by trade.
Ordained Deacon before 1700. Died March 18, 1714/15.
Mr. John Paison (Payson), son of Edward and Mary
(EHot) Paison, baptised June 18, 1643 in Roxbury. Married
(1) Bathsheba Tileston; (2) Hannah . Ordained
Deacon before 1715. Died Nov. 15, 1719, in Roxbury.
Mr. John Mayo, son of John and Hannah (Graves)
Mayo, baptised Feb. 20, 1658/9, in Roxbury. Married Sarah
Burden. Ordained Deacon before 1711. Died Feb. 25,
1732/3.
Mr. John May, son of John and Sarah (Brewer-Bruce)
May, baptised May 24, 1663, in Roxbury. Freeman 1690.
Married Prudence Bridge. Selectman of Roxbury. Or-
dained Deacon before 1711. Died Feb. 24, 1730/1.
DEACONS 119
Mr. John Paison (Payson), son of John and Batlisheba
(Tileston) Paison, baptised Aug. 18, 1678; m. Elizabeth Child.
Ordained Deacon before 1732 and before March 1738/9 he
was set off to the Second Precinct where he was a Deacon.
Died Jan. 6, 1747/8.
Mr. Edward Ruggles, son of John and Martha (Devo-
tion) Ruggles, bom Oct. 2, 1691, in Roxbury; m. (1) Hannah
Crafts; (2) Abigail Williams. A farmer and a man of means.
Percinct Treasurer. Ordained Deacon before 1732. He was
a Deacon in 1748 when Nehemiah Walter, Clerk, Edward
Ruggles and Samuel Gridley, deacons of the First Church
in Roxbury, sold a piece of land being a gift to the church.
He removed to Cambridge between February and July,
1753. Died Sept. 16, 1765, in Cambridge.
Mr. Samuel Gridley, a cordwainer, came to Roxbury
from Pomfret, Conn., about 1727; m. (1) Abigail ;
(2) Mary George; (3) Abigail Baker. Ordained Deacon in
1736. For many years he was Town Clerk and Selectman of
Roxbury. June 3, 1763, he was chosen Moderator to keep
the meeting alive, as Col. Joseph Williams was obliged to be
absent to attend Court. Died March 4, 1776.
120
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
CHURCH MEMBERS
Nov. 15, 1674. —
Samuel Perry.
Elizabeth Holdridge.
Jan. 3, 1674/5. —
Samuel Scarbro.
Rebecca Scarbro, his wife.
Benjamin Tucker.
Ann Tucker, his wife.
Jan. 24, 1674/5. —
Mary Lambe, wife of Joshua
Lambe.
Sarah Onion, dau. of Robert
Onion.
Elizabeth Hawly.
Dorothy Hawly.
Jan. 31, 1674/5. —
John Ruggles, junior.
Martha Ruggles, his wife.
Elizabeth Crafts.
Joshua Seaver.
Hannah Devotion.
March 7, 1674/5. —
John Davis, junior.
Mary Davis, his wife.
Susanna, wife of Thomas Mory.
March 18, 1674/5. Sarah Cleaves.
March 28, 1675. —
John Newel.
Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Weld.
Mary, wife of Robert Baker.
Abigail Gardner.
Johanna Gardner.
Bethiah Wise.
Katherin Wise.
Sarah Pepper.
April 25, 1675. —
Mr. Thomas Weld.
Mr. John Bowles.
June 27, 1675. —
Elizabeth Onion.
Hannah Onion.
Abigail Clark.
Mercy Clark.
Abigail Griffin.
July 15, 1675. Experience Bugby,
wife of Joseph Bugby.
Sept. 12, 1675. John Bugby.
Nov. 28, 1675. Widow of Phillip
Curtis.
Feb. 13, 1675/6. Samuel Ruggles.
Feb. 20, 1675/6. Elizabeth, wife
of John White.
July 2, 1676. —
Rebecca, wife of Moses Crafts.
Sarah Mayes |
Abigail Mays \ maids.
Hannah PorterJ
July 23, 1676. Mrs. Mary Morie
of Milton, dau. of James Clark.
Sept. 10, 1676. —
Mrs. Lidea Elder, dau. of bro.
Hoknes.
Mary Pepper, widow of Joseph
Pepper.
Oct. 1, 1676. Mary Davis, wife of
John Davis.
Dec. 3, 1676. Elizabeth, wife of
Abiel Lambe.
Dec. 31, 1676. Elizabeth Lawrence,
a godly maide.
Feb. 11, 1676/7. —
Abigail, wife of William Lyon.
Johannah, dau. of Thorn. Gard-
ner.
Feb. 25, 1676/7. —
John Weld, junior.
CHURCH MEMBERS
121
sons of
Thomas Weld.
Ann Paison, dismissed to 1st
Church of Dorchester.
April 29, 1677. John White, senior,
of Muddy River.
May 6, 1677. —
Jonathan Winchester.
Mary Winchester, his wife.
July 29, 1677. —
Ehzabeth, wife of William Gary.
Abigail, wife of John Clark.
Samuel Weld
John Weld
Edmond Weld^
Aug. 19, 1677. —
Wilham Lyon, junior.
Hannah Winchester.
Sept. 30, 1677. John Clark.
Nov. 25, 1677. Uriah Clarke.
Jan. 27, 1677/8. —
Experience Peirpoynt.
Johanna, wife of Joshua Henning-
way.
Ruth, wife of John Grovnor.
March 17, 1677/8. —
Deborah, wife of Samuel Scar-
brow.
Mary, wife of John Hinningway.
March 24, 1678. Abraham How,
jr., farmer.
April 14, 1678. —
Sarah Gardner.
Ehzabeth Chandler.
May 5, 1678. John Scot.
July 7, 1678. Mr. Thomas
Boylston.
July 11, 1678. Andrew Gardner.
Oct. 13, 1678. —
Sarah, wife of Andrew Gardner.
Mary, wife of Joshua Seaver.
Priscilla, dau. of Robert Harris.
March 1, 1678/9. —
Joseph Lyon.
Widdow Stevens.
children of
Edward.
March 30, 1679. —
Timothy Stevens.
Jakob Newell.
Isaac Newell.
John Mayo.
April 13, 1679. John Chandler.
April 20, 1679. —
Jabesh Totman
Samuel Willias 1 children of
Ehzabeth WilhasJ Samuel.
April 27, 1679. Mr. Thomas Weld
junior.
May 11, 1679. —
Elizabeth Gary ]
Mehitabel Heath > maides.
Hannah Mayo J
June 1, 1679. —
Epraim Paison
Samuel Paison
Mary Paison
John Devotion.
Aug. 17, 1679. —
Margret Parker, dau. to Widdow
Cleaves.
Joseph Hawly, dismissed to the
chiu-ch at Northampton.
Nov. 2, 1679. —
Sarah Saben.
Mary Gardner.
Jan., 1679/80 —
Ehzabeth WilUams, dismissed to
the church at Rehoboth.
Mary Drew, dismissed to the
church at Cambridge village.
March 1, 1679/80. John White,
junior.
March 14, 1679/80. Josiab Win-
chester, farmer.
March 28, 1680. —
Dehverance Duncan.
Deborah Devotion.
April 4, 1680. Mr. John Bowles
122
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
May 2, 1680. Edward Paison, dis-
missed to Rowley.
July 18, 1680. —
Elizabeth Colton.
Sarah Eliot.
Mary Danforth.
Dorothy Weld, as widow of Samuel
Williams, owner of Pew No.
19, Third Meeting House.
Jan. 23, 1680/1. —
Thomas Woodward, junior.
Esther Woodward.
Hannah Woodward.
Sarah Devotion.
March 20, 1680/1. —
Joseph Weld.
Sarah Clark.
Elizabeth White.
Elizabeth Heath.
Hannah Cleaves.
March 27, 1681. —
Elizabeth Pike.
Mary, Widdow Winchester.
Elizabeth Gary.
April 24, 1681. —
Sarah, wife of Joseph Weld.
Hannah Weld.
Johannah Brewer.
Mehitable Mayse.
Hannah Brewer.
Elizabeth Morice.
Aug. 21, 1681. —
Mary Weld 1
Grace Morrice I
Elizabeth Bowen
Prudence Bridge^
Oct. 2, 1681. —
Abigail Heath.
Naomi Mays.
Oct. 23, 1681. —
Isaak Heath, junior, and his wife.
Nathaniel Wilson.
maides.
Jan. 15, 1681/2. Jakob Pigg.
Feb. 19, 1681/2. John Danforth,
dismissed from Roxbury to be
Pastor of Dorchester church.
June 4, 1682. Elizabeth Phillips.
Sept. 17, 1682. —
Mary, wife of Joseph Lyon.
Hannah, wife of Philip Searle.
Feb. 25, 1682/3.
Benjamin Dowse.
Jonathan Tory.
March 11, 1682/3. Joseph Wilson.
March 15, 1682/3. —
Martha Sharp.
Francis Prentice.
April 22, 1683. —
Narah Newel.
Elizabeth Newel.
Dec. 2, 1683. —
James Peirpont, son of John.
William Dennison, son of Edward.
Jan. 6, 1683/4. —
John Williams 1 two hopfull
William Williamsjyoung scholars.
Mary, wife of Joseph Gardner.
Feb. 17, 1683/4. —
Moses Draper.
Rebeccah Hubbard.
Feb. 24, 1683/4. —
Benjamin Tukker.
Thomas Lyon.
March 2, 1683/4. John Davis,
senior.
March 9, 1683/4. —
Benjamin Saben.
Steven Williams.
Samuel Scarbro.
March 23, 1684. —
John Grigs, senior.
Thomas Bishop.
CHURCH MEMBERS
123
John Peirpont
Joseph Griffin
Jonathan Davis
Nathaniel Brewer
Joseph Weld, junior
Joseph Peirpont
Benjamin Peirpont
Joseph Buckmaster
Mary Searl, wife of John Searl.
male youths.
Rebecca Ruggles
Margret Searl
Rebecca Newel
Leah Fisher
Mary Newel
Rebecca Mayo
dau. of John
Ruggles, jimior.
female youth.
March 30, 1684. —
Abraham Gorton
John Chandler
Eleazer Mays
Daniel Druer, junior
Phillip Searl, junior
Jakob Parker
March 30, 1684. —
Sarah Gary
Mary Davis
Sarah Brewer
Rebecca Polly
Mary Baker
Hannah Chandler
Samuel Williams, junior
Joseph Weld, senior.
John Whitney.
April 6, 1684. —
Richard Hall.
PVancis Youngman.
Elizabeth Crafts.
Hanna Crafts.
Ann Tucker.
Hannah Grigs.
Mary Swan.
Mary Lambe.
Sarah Bowles.
male youths.
female youths.
young persons.
Hannah Weld.
Sarah Williams.
April 13, 1684. —
John Mays,
Thomas Chany merchant,
Willia Chany
John Chany young persons.
Daniel Harris
Benjamui Child
Margret Weld
Sarah Stevens
Abigail Wise
Annah Goare
Abigail Davis
Faith Newel
Deborah Willia
Sarah Willias
Mary Willias
Sarah Homes
Anna Goare
April 20, 1684. —
Daniel Brewer, senior.
Samuel Ruggs, junior.
John Harris.
April 27, 1684. —
Nathaniel Homes.
John Davis.
Samuel Lyon.
May 4, 1684. —
Hannah Ruggles.
Patienc Homes.
Hannah White.
Abiel Lamb.
Joseph Bugby, senior.
John Crafts.
Nathaniel Sanger and his wife.
May 11, 1684. —
Joseph Bugby, junior.
Ebenezer Merice.
Timothy Stevens.
Ebenezer Willias.
Thomas Boylston, junior.
Thomas Gardner, junior.
124
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Abigal Davis.
Rebecca Bugby.
Elizabeth Child.
Mary Sanger.
Mary Boylston, junior.
Mary Duncan.
Melatiah Hawkins.
June 5, 1684. Hannah, w. of Joseph
Goad, dismissed from Dor-
chester.
June 15, 1684. —
Mary Boylston, senior.
Elizabeth Gore.
Mary Lyon.
Sarah Weld.
Mary Baker.
Hannah Chamberlain.
Mary Lambe.
June 22, 1684. —
Elizabeth Hall.
Mary Mashcraft.
John Leavens.
Abiel Davis.
John Simonson.
John Seaver.
John Stevens.
June 29, 1684. —
Caleb Lamb.
Joshua Lamb.
Richard Davis.
July 6, 1684. Uriah Clark.
July 20, 1684. —
John Clark.
Lidea Clark, his wife.
Mary Bukmaster.
Aug. 24, 1684. Isaak Curtis.
Sept. 7, 1684. Joseph Griffin.
Dec. 28, 1684. Hannah Wilson,
wife of Nathaniel.
March 5, 1684/5. —
Abigail Newall.
Sarah Burdon.
Jakob Chamberlin.
March 15, 1684/5. —
Thom. Baker.
Joseph Baker.
Thomas Ruggles.
Edward Bugby.
March 22, 1685. —
Thomas Mory.
Elizabeth Cotton.
Johannah Winchester.
April 5, 1685. —
Hannah, wife of John Devotion.
Meliitable Aspinal.
Elizabeth Aspinal.
Peter Aspinal.
Nathaniel Aspinal.
Samuel Aspinal.
Nathaniel Bruer.
May 10, 1685. —
William Heath.
Margret Bowin.
Sarah Bullard.
Margret Morrice.
Sarah Brakket.
Elizabeth Whitney.
Rachel Davis.
May 17, 1685. Matthew Brand.
June 7, 1685. —
John Marcy, son of the high
sheriff of Limerick, Ireland,
born about 1662, m. Sarah
Hadlock. In April, 1686, he
moved to Quatosett (Wood-
stock), Conn.
Hannah Newel.
Mary Crafts.
Elizabeth Crafts.
Susanna Pike.
June 14, 1685. —
Susanna Morey.
Sarah Frizal.
Mary Woodward.
Mary Burden.
Mehitabel Mayo.
CHURCH MEMBERS
125
July 12, 1685. —
Mary Murreene.
Rebecca Murreene.
Elizabeth Grigs.
Sarah Grigs.
Sept. 20, 1685. —
Phillip Mareen.
William Mareen.
Elizabeth Mareen.
Nov. 22, 1685. Josiah Winchester.
Nov. 29, 1685. Thorn. Hanshet.
March 7, 1685/6. Elizabeth, wife
of Andrew Watkins.
April 4, 1686. Sister Accor, dis-
missed to the Church at Dun-
stable.
May 30, 1686. —
Sarah, wife of Mr. John Gore.
Sarah, wife of Joseph GrifSn.
June 27, 1686. Sarah Peakok.
July 4, 1686. Abigal Bowin.
July 25, 1686. —
Mary Bowin.
Jane Da\'is.
Oct. 10, 1686. Sarah Hadlock.
Oct. 31, 1686. Isaak Howe.
Nov. 14, 1686. Nathaniel Gary.
Dec. 5, 1686, wife of Samuel
Paison.
Dec. 26, 1686. Mary Feilder.
Nov. 26, 1687. Mr. John Gore.
Jan. 1, 1687/8. —
Hannah Smith.
Prudence Wade.
Katherein Chikkerin.
Hannah Ellis.
Feb. 13, 1687/8. —
, wife of Thomas Cheany;
junior.
Elizabeth, wife of Caleb Phillips.
Feb. 19, 1687/8. Mr. Jonathan
Peirepoint.
May 13, 1688. —
Harmah Williams.
Elizabeth Williams, dau. of
Stephen.
Sarah Crafts, dau. of John Crafts.
Margret Pairpoynt.
June 10, 1688. John Baker.
Oct. 21, 1688. —
Martha Williams.
Patience Draper.
Martha Ramsey.
Joseph Kingsbury.
John Davis.
Mary Holebrook.
Nathaniel Holmes.
Ebenezer Holmes.
Samuel Knight.
Sarah Knight.
Thomas Aspinal.
Joseph Crafts.
Oct. 28, 1688. —
Elizabeth Morrice.
Sarah Mayo.
Mehittabel Mayo.
March 2, 1688/9. —
Caleb Sever.
, the wife of Moses Draper.
April, 1689. —
John Mayo.
, the wife of Jacob Pepper.
May 13, 1689. —
Mehittabel Heath.
Abigail Bowen.
June 30, 1689. —
Benjamin Griffin.
Sarah Davis.
Aug. 4, 1689. —
John Lyon.
Hannah Morrice.
Grace Child.
Elizabeth Child.
Nov. 24, 1689. Elizabeth Child,
junior.
126
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Feb. 25, 1689/90. Saxah Newel.
AprU 13, 1690. —
John Newel.
John Davis.
Pennel Bo wen.
Joanna Harris.
Mary Chamberlain.
Sarah Brewer.
May, 1690. —
John May.
Prudence May.
Ehzabeth Nuel.
Elizabeth Weld.
July, 1690. —
Mehittabel May.
Naomi May.
Aug., 1690. —
Hannah Heath.
Jonathan Curtis.
Sept.. 1690. —
Elizabeth Bracket!.
Sarah Davis.
Mary Mascraft.
Dec., 1690. Joshua Gardiner.
Feb., 1690/1. Mary Gardiner.
March, 1690/1. —
John Winchester.
Sarah Haws.
Mary Bridges.
May, 1691. Edward Morrice.
June, 1691. Robert Baker.
Oct. 1691. John White, H. C.
1685.
Feb. 1691/2. —
Joshua Hemmingway, moved to
Framingham.
Margarett Hemmingway, his wife.
Anna Goard.
March, 1691/2. Elizabeth Hall.
April, 1692. Timothy Stevens, H.
C. 1687.
May, 1692. —
Josiah Dwight, H. C. 1687.
Thomas Ruggles, H. C. 1690.
Grace Onion.
August, 1692. Daniel Brewer, H.
C. 1687.
April, 1693.
Samuel Weld.
Susanna Weld.
Elizabeth Mascraft.
May, 1693. —
Ebenezer Morrice.
John Johnson.
Hannah Mascraft.
Aug., 1693. Ruth Greerson.
Nov. 20, 1693. Hannah Ruggles.
Dec, 1693. Mary Winchester.
July, 1694. Katharine Mather.
Dec. 9, 1694. —
Christopher Peake.
William Davis.
John Simeson.
June 9, 1695. Mary Holland.
July 7, 1695. Matthew Davis.
Sept., 1695. —
Susanna Pike.
Sarah Crafts.
Experience Newel.
Dec, 1695. —
Tryphena Woodward.
Hannah Gary.
Jan., 1695/6. —
Joseph Green, H. C. 1695.
Abigail Williams.
Hannah Merryfield.
March, 1695/6. Patience Polly.
June, 1696. Susanna Sabin.
July, 1696. Prudence Swan.
Dec, 1696. —
Paul Dudley, son of Governor
Joseph and Rebecca (Tyng)
Dudley, was baptized Sept.
8, 1675, in Roxbury. He was
CHURCH MEMBERS
127
graduated from Harvard Col-
lege in 1690. Studied law some
time here, and then was sent to
London to complete his educa-
tion in the Temple. He returned
in 1702 when his father was
made Governor, as Attorney
Greneral of the Province. He
was a member of the Legisla-
ture, of the Executive Council,
and Speaker of the House. A
Justice of the Supreme Coml
from 1718 to 1745, and Chief
Justice from 1745 imtil his
death, Jan. 25, 1751. He mar-
ried Lucy Wainwright. He was
an ardent Naturalist, and one
of the few Americans who have
been honored by election to
membership of the Royal So-
ciety of London. He was a
benefactor of this church, of
the Roxbury Latin School, and
of Harvard College, and the
founder of the Dudleian Lecture
at Harvard College for the
erection of which he bequeathed
one hundred pounds. Chief
Justice Sewall says he was a
" thorough and accomplished
lawyer, and shone with great
lustre upon the bench, dis-
playing admirable talents,
quick apprehension, uncom-
mon strength of memory, and
extensive knowledge." Owner
of Pew No. 2, Third Meeting
House.
Mary Baker.
Feb. 7, 1696/7. John Druce.
Feb. 15, 1696/7. Elizabeth Sanders.
March, 1697. Faith Nuell.
May, 1697. —
Mehittabel Crafts.
Sarah Aspinall.
Mary Allen.
June, 1697. Lyddia Bishop.
Sept., 1697. Hannah Parker.
Oct., 1697. —
James Baily,dismissed from Salem.
James Baily, junior,
Nov. 13, 1698. —
Deborah Warren.
Elizabeth Tucker.
Priscilla Williams.
April, 1699. —
Joseph Buckminster.
Bathiah Scarborough.
Sarah Phipps.
May, 1699. Dorothy Denison.
Sept., 1699. Ebenezer Newell.
May, 1700. Sarah Henneway.
Oct., 1700. Mercy Kingsbury.
Nov. 10, 1700. Joseph Davis.
Nov. 17, 1700. —
Joseph Goddard & his wife.
Deborah Goddard.
Dec, 1700. Rebecca Johnston,
Jan., 1700/1. Bethiah Davis.
May, 1701. Charity Davis.
June, 1701. —
Sarah Butcher.
Mary Bacon.
Sept., 1701. John Ingram.
Dec, 1701. Isaac Morice.
March 1, 1701/2. —
Margaret White.
Allice Crafts.
EUzabeth Crafts.
Francis White.
May 19, 1702. Ichabod Davis.
Jan. 31, 1702/3. —
Sarah Baker.
Mary Johnson.
Feb. 21 , 1702/3. Elizabeth Holbrook.
128
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
March, 1703. —
Benjamin White, son of Joseph.
Nathaniel Crafts, a turner, miller,
farmer.
Patience Crafts, his wife.
Steven Johns.
Robert Loverain, cordwainer, m.
Alice Crafts.
Jime, 1703. —
Elizabeth Brown.
Martha Brown.
Mehittabel Brown.
Samuel Sewal.
Joshua Lamb.
Rebecca Sewal.
July, 1703. Susanna Willis.
Oct., 1703. Huldah Ruggles.
Feb., 1703/4. Dorothy Bacon.
March, 1703/4. Lucy Ruggles.
May, 1704. —
Theodah Williams.
Thomas Weld [pius juvenis pre-
mature objit in Christo urcitur
viginti annos natus], H. C. 1701.
June, 1704. —
Susanna Curtis.
Mehittabel Curtis.
Nov., 1704. Isaac Bowen, dismissed
from ye church at Framingham.
Jan., 1704/5. —
Joanna Stevens.
Lucy Gardiner.
Rebecca Boylston.
Francis White.
March, 1704/5. —
Peter Boylston and Anne, his wife.
Thomas Gardner, jim''., and Mary,
his wife.
Shubal Seaver, jun*"., and Abigail,
his wife.
Robert and Sarah Sharp.
April, 1705. —
Dorothy Weld.
Abigail Story.
June, 1705. Mary Bacon.
July, 1705. —
Mary Aspinall.
Mary Stevens.
Hannah Stevens.
Abigail Stevens.
Roger Stainer and his wife Susanna.
Feb., 1705/6. —
Mrs. Rebecca Sewall.
Mrs. Anne Dudley.
March, 1706. —
Jacob Bacon.
Benjamin Crafts, blacksmith.
Jarvis Pike.
May, 1706.
Caleb Stedman, owner of Pew No.
35, Third Meeting House.
Hannah Bowen, wife of Isaac
Bowen.
Abiel Bacon.
Sarah Bugbee.
Caleb Seaver and Hannah, his wife.
Noah Perrin and Patience, his wife.
Ehzabeth White.
Cornelius Youngman.
June, 1706. —
Amos Hill, negro.
Simon Grossan, negro.
July, 1706. —
Richard HaU.
Anne Baker.
Aug., 1706. —
William liczon.
Thankfull Lezon.
Mary Bugbee.
Joanna Bugbee.
Sept., 1706. Mary (Capen) Williams,
wife of Stephen Williams, junior.
Oct., 1706. Deborah Davis.
CHURCH MEMBERS
129
Dec., 1706. —
John Payson and his wife Eliza-
beth, see Deacons.
Samuel Lion.
Joanna Lion.
Feb., 1706/7. Samuel White.
May, 1707. Margaret Griggs.
June. 1707. —
Grace Williams, dau. of Stephen
Wilhams.
Caleb Gardiner.
July, 1707. —
Sarah Gardiner.
Elizabeth Wood.
Sept., 1707. Abigail Cole.
April, 1708. —
Park Williams.
Joseph Williams, removed to Con-
necticut.
April 18, 1708. —
Josiah Winchester and Sarah, his
wife.
Esther Alcock, baptised adult.
May 2, 1708. —
John Frost, baptised adult.
Lydia (Crafts) Bedouna, wife of
Thomas.
Abigail Williams.
July, 1708. Susanna Whitney.
Aug., 1708. Abigail Harris.
Oct., 1708. —
Mary Gardner, jun'.
Harmah Scott, baptised adult.
Feb. 20, 1708/9. —
Samuel Stevens, owner of Pew No.
11, Third Meeting House.
Hannah Gore.
March 20, 1708/9. Benjamm Eaton,
owner of Pew No. 10 in gallery,
Third Meeting House.
April 17, 1709. Deborah Weld.
May 29, 1709. —
Sarah Weld.
Patience Holmes.
June 12, 1709. Mr. Samuel Sewall.
June 26, 1709. Jeremiah Rogers,
baptised adult.
July 10, 1709. Timothy Ruggles,
H. C. 1707, taught in the Free
Schoole in 1708 & 1709, minis-
ter in Rochester, Mass.
Hannah Ruggles.
Patience Ruggles.
Aug. 7, 1709. —
John Bowles, H. C. 1702, taught
in the Free Schoole in 1703-5,
owner of Pew No. 25, Third
Meeting House.
Lyddia Bowles.
Oct., 1709. James Trusty, negro
man baptised.
March, 1710. Sarah Hartness.
Jime, 1710. Elisha Johnson.
July, 1710. —
Joseph Adams, baptised adult.
Mary Adams, baptised adult.
Sarah Adams, baptised adult.
Daniel Adams, baptised adult.
Oct. 1, 1710. Martha Ruggles.
Oct. 8, 1710. Dorothy Davis.
Nov. 5, 1710. —
Ebenezer Dorr.
Mary Dorr.
Thomas Graves.
Dec, 1710. —
Samuel Williams, junior, owner of
Pew No. 10, Ihird Meeting
House.
Anne Charter.
Feb. 19, 1710/11. —
Samuel Davis.
John Bailey.
Sarah Williams.
Feb., 1710/11. James Shed, farmer.
130
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
May, 1711. —
Eleazer Aspinwall.
Mary Tucker.
Mehittabel Howard.
June, 1711. Sarah Hartness.
July, 1711. Sarah Ruggles.
Oct., 1711. —
John Totraan.
Caleb Gardiner.
Abiel Gardiner.
Nov., 1711. —
Sarah Pierpont.
Esther Alcock.
Dec, 1711. Elizabeth Weld, wife of
Joseph Weld, jun"".
March, 1712.—
, Thankfull Holmes.
Sarah Holmes.
April, 1712, Lyddia Harris.
July, 1712, Jacob Chamberlain,
Aug. 3, 1712. Ebenezer Williams,
H. C. 1709, taught in the Free
Schoole 1709-12, removed to
Conn.
Nov., 1712. —
Enoch Farley.
Mary Holbrook.
Dec, 1712. —
James Grant.
Hannah Blake.
Dan, negro servant to Capt.
Ruggles.
March 15, 1712/3. Anne White,
wife of Samuel White.
April 27, 1713. Ichabod Woodward.
May, 1713. Abraham Woodward.
June, 1713. Roger Adams.
July, 1713. —
George Woodward.
Nath' Woodward.
Aug., 1713. —
Samuel Gardner.
Martha Gardner.
Sept., 1713. —
Peter Gardner.
Mary Gardner.
Simeon Buttler.
Hannah Buttler.
Rebecca Adams.
May 9. 1714. Robert Stanton,
H. C. 1712.
July, 1714. —
John Wilson.
Sarah Wilson.
John Woods.
Jemima Woods.
Richard Cooms.
Hepsibah Cooms.
James Goddard.
Mary Goddard.
Aug. 1, 1714. AUice Loverain.
Oct., 1714. —
Thomas Jones.
Ehzabeth Jones.
Dec, 1714. Abiel Chamberlain.
Feb., 1714/15. —
John Goddard, owner of Pew No .
27, Third Meeting House.
Elias Monk.
Dorothy Monk.
April 9, 1715. —
Edward Sumner, owner of Pew
No. 9, Third Meeting House.
Elizabeth Sumner.
Elizabeth Weld, Jun^.
June, 1715. —
Thomas Cobbett.
Benjamin Payson.
Mary Payson.
July, 1715. —
Thomas Gardner.
Joshua Seaver.
Oct., 1715. —
Joseph Ruggles.
Hezekiah Turner.
CHURCH MEMBERS
131
Nov., 1715. Martha Williams, dau*
of Isaac Williams.
Dec, 1715. Hamiah Turner.
Jan., 1715/16. —
Edward Clark.
Sarah Clark.
Amariah Winchester.
Sarah Winchester.
Feb., 1715/16. —
Joseph Stevens.
Margarett Chandler.
Ebenezer Seaver, owner of Pew
No. 38, Third Meeting House.
Margarett Seaver.
Peter Gardner.
Elizabeth Gardner.
May, 1716. —
John Winchester.
Samuel Healy.
Mary Williams.
Ichabod Griggs.
Isaac Leason.
Anne Leason.
Sept., 1716. —
Jacob Howe.
Elizabeth Bernard.
Feb., 1716/17. —
Sarah Gardner.
Huldah Lamb.
Sept. 21, 1717. Thomas Walter,
H. C. 1713, our Pastor.
Nov., 1717. —
Ebenezer Pierpont, owner of Pew
No. 33, Third Meeting House.
Taught in the Free Schoole
1716-18 and 1726-31.
John WiUiams.
June 22, 1718. Hannah Bowen.
Aug. 17, 1718. —
Josiah Holland.
Sarah Walter.
Hannah Walter.
Joseph Warren.
Sept., 1718. —
Stephen Williams, see Deacons,
Fourth Meeting House.
Abraham Howe.
Jacob Payson.
Dec., 1718. Joseph Holland.
April 5, 1719. —
Ebenezer May, owner of Pew
No. 32, Third Meeting House.
Benjamin West.
Elizabeth Holland.
Oct., 1719. —
Hannah Seaver.
Hannah Meers.
Elizabeth Holbrook.
Timothy Parker.
Mary Parker.
Titus Jones.
March, 1720. Hannah Norcross.
April, 1720. —
Joseph Mayo.
Elizabeth Mayo.
July 30, 1720. —
Abigail Greenwood.
Samuel Davenport.
Aug., 1720. —
Joseph Craft.
Susanna Craft.
Sept., 1720. Mary Stevens.
Nov., 1720. Margarett Tucker.
July, 1721. —
Anna Pepper.
Sarah Lathgood.
Elizabeth Scutts.
March, 1722. Abigail Cheney.
Aug. 19, 1722. Thomas Weld, Senior
Sophister H. C. 1723. Taught
in the Free Schoole 1723-26,
Dec. 9, 1722. —
Ehzabeth Shed.
Elizabeth Craft.
132
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
March 3, 1722/3. Abijah Weld,
Senior Sophister H. C. 1723.
March 17, 1722/3. Susanna Gore.
April 7, 1723. —
Joshua Lamb, owner of Pew No.
3, Third Meeting House.
Susanna Lamb.
April 21, 1723. Eebecca Davenport.
Aug., 1723. Eunice Ruggles.
Oct., 1723. Abigail Table.
Nov., 1723. —
Sarah Payson.
William Bosson, H. C. 1723. A
preacher, lived in Roxbury.
Chaplain of Castle William
many years. Died 1748. Owner
of Pew No. 5 in Gallery, Third
Meeting House.
Dec, 1723. Elizabeth Pierpont.
Jan., 1723/4. —
Katharine Meers.
John Craft.
Elizabeth Craft.
Feb., 1723/4. —
John Cheny, farmer.
Mary Cheny.
March, 1724. Sarah Davis.
March 29, 1724. Joseph Warren,
jr., son of Joseph and Deborah
(Williams) Warren, born Feb.
2, 1696/7 in Roxbury, m.
Mary Stevens. He was killed
by falling from a ladder as he
was gathering apples Oct. 23,
1775. He was an highly re-
spected farmer and an exemp-
lary christian. He was the
father of Dr. Joseph Warren,
the Patriot. Precinct Treasurer
from March 20, 1737/8 to Nov.
12, 1755. Owner of Pew No. 6,
Third Meeting House.
April, 1724. John Huit.
May, 1724. Eleazer Williams, m.
Sarah Tileston. He served as
Hogreave, Highway Surveyor,
Auditor, Selectman, Represent-
ative, Tax Collector. Owner of
Pew No. 21, Third Meeting
House.
Nov. 8, 1724. Elizabeth Bowen.
July, 1725. —
Daniel Williams.
Hannah W^illiams.
July 25, 1725. Abigail Bugbee.
Dec. 5, 1725. John Sumner, H. C.
1723.
Jan. 17, 1725/6. —
Samuel Crafts, farmer in Muddy
River and housewright.
Mehittabel Crafts, vfiie of Samuel.
Jan. 30, 1725/6. —
Edmund Weld.
Clemence Weld.
March 27, 1726. Dorothy Dorr.
April 24, 1726. Elizabeth Pierpont.
May 8, 1726. Hannah Mather.
Jan., 1726/7. Sarah Tileston.
June 3, 1727. —
Timothy Parker.
John Hely.
Hannah Hely.
July, 1727. —
Phillip Bacon.
Patience Bacon.
Sept. 3, 1727. —
Ebenezer Dorr, owner of Pew
No. 36, Third Meeting House.
Mary Dorr.
Sept. 10, 1727. Mehittabel Meers.
Oct., 1727. John Lovel.
Oct. 9, 1727. Mary Thompson.
Oct. 15, 1727. —
Isaac Curtis, owner of Pew No.
28, Third Meeting House.
Mehittabell Curtis.
CHURCH MEMBERS
133
Nov., 1727. Rebecca Smith.
Nov. 12, 1727. Elizabeth Crafts.
Dec. 10, 1727. Ebenezer Tucker.
Dec. 24, 1727. —
Ebenezer Gore.
Samuel Gore, owner of Pew No.
11 in gallery, Third Meeting
House.
Mary Gore.
Mary Mayo.
Jan. 7, 1727/8. — ""
Ebenezer Warren, owner of Pew
No. 37, Third Meeting House.
James Meers, owner of Pew No.
39, Third Meeting House.
Hannah Curtis.
Abigail May.
Waitstill Payson.
Jan. 14, 1727/8. —
Andrew Bordman.
Deborah Williams.
Sarah Bordman.
Jan. 21, 1727/8. —
Joanna West.
Mary Sever.
Susanna Warren.
Jan. 28, 1727/8. —
Mary Bowles.
EUzabeth Payne.
Feb. 4, 1727/8. —
Sarah Lathbridge.
Bethiah Rice.
Feb. 11, 1727/8. Mercy Eaton.
Feb. 18. 1727/8. —
Jonathan Craft, weaver.
Thankful Craft.
Rachel Davis.
Feb. 25, 1727/8. ~
Joanna Rugles.
Anna Bayley.
March 3, 1727/8. —
Anne Pierpont.
Joanna Stevens.
Susanna Stevens.
Elizabeth Payson.
Mary Harkness.
Martha Newel.
Mary Cheney.
Elizabeth Hoo]>er.
March 17, 1727/8. Paul Davis.
March 24, 1727/8. —
Mary Parker.
Sarah Williams.
March 31, 1728. —
John Prentice.
Elizabeth George.
Anne Wainwright.
April 14, 1728. —
Peleg Heath, H. C. 1724.
Elizabeth Hinks.
April 21, 1728. Sarah Craft.
May 19, 1728. —
Mary Gore.
Sarah Pierpont.
]\Iay 26, 1728. Jemimah Woods.
June 23, 1728. —
Mary Bosson.
Sarah Seaver.
July 21, 1728. Zipporah Towers.
July 28, 1728. —
Francis Richey.
Mary Richey.
Oct. 13, 1728. —
Mary Hall.
Mehittabel May.
Oct. 20, 1728. Elizabeth Tucker.
Nov. 10, 1728. —
Dorothy Williams.
Margaret Seaver.
Rebecca Macthaden.
Jan. 5, 1728/9. Experience Cabot.
Feb. 16, 1728/9. Nathaniel Newel,
H. C. 1727.
March 8, 1729/30. Samuel Curtis
from First Church in Boston.
April 12, 1730. Abigail Hewes.
134
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
June 21, 1730. —
John Searle.
Mary Searle.
Aug. 2, 1730. Abigail Green.
Sept. 13, 1730. Sarah Mayo.
Oct. 4, 1730. Ebenezer Cheney,
large landholder, owner of Pew
No. 8, Tliird Meeting House.
Dec. 12, 1730. Margaret Searle.
May 2, 1731. Joseph Woods.
July 26, 1731. Sarah Scott.
Aug. 15, 1731. —
Samuel Bayley.
Anna Bayley.
July 22, 1731.—
Ebenezer Davis, owner of Pew
No. 14, Third Meeting House.
Sarah Davis, wife of Ebenezer
Oct. 3, 1731. —
Thomas Seaver. "^
Ehzabeth Seaver.
Jan. 9, 1731/2. Rebecca Abbot.
April 2, 1732 Steven Choate.
April 30, 1732. —
John Ruggles, owner of Pew No.
15, Third Meeting House.
Elizabeth Ruggles.
May 14, 1732. Mary Stevens.
June 18, 1732. James Tucker.
Aug. 20, 1732. Anna Heath.
Dec. 3, 1732. Joseph Heath, dis-
missed from North Yannouth,
owner of Pew No. 22, Third
Meeting House.
Dec. 31, 1732. Nathaniel Walter,
H. C. 1729.
May 27, 1733. Barnabas Wilson.
July 1, 1733. —
Joseph Gardiner.
Mary Gardiner.
Aug. 13, 1733. —
Joseph Williams, son of Joseph
and WUliams, was born
April 10, 1708, in Roxbury.
He married (1) Martha Howell,
(2) Hannah Dudley. He died
May 26, 1798, in Roxbury. His
life was one of great activity,
devoted to the service of the
town and his fellow citizens. No
name occurs oftener in the
town records than his. For
many years Selectman. Fre-
quently moderator of town meet-
ings and active on committees.
A member of the General
Court. He won distinction in
the French and Indian Wars
and in the Revolution, whence
his title of Colonel. He was
perhaps one of the largest land-
holders in Roxbury, his estate
extending on both sides of Centre
St., from Cedar St. to Hog
Bridge. He was elected Pre-
cinct Clerk of the Church March
12, 1738/9, and served forty-
seven years. He was a member
of the Precinct Committee from
March 10, 1740/1 to 1788. He
was owner of Pew No. 13, Third
Meeting House.
Martha Williams, wife of Joseph.
Aug. 20, 1733. —
Col. Aaron Davis, son of Ebenezer
and Hannah (White) Davis, born
in Roxbury April 26, 1709, died
June 11, 1777, m. Mary Perrin
of Roxbury. Farmer in West
Roxbury. Owned land in Cum-
berland Co., Maine. He was
chosen to the various offices of
town government and was se-
lectman for many years. Repre-
sentative in the first Provincial
Congress convened at Concord
CHURCH MEMBERS
135
Oct. 5, 1774. Capt. of the 2nd
Company of Minute men raised
in the First Parish. Represent-
ative in the 2nd Provincial
Congress and also in the 3rd,
and instructed "That if the
Honorable Congress should for
the safety of the Colonies declare
them independent of the King-
dom of Great Britain they the
said inhabitants will solemnly
engage to support them in the
measure."
Mary Davis, wife of Aaron.
Aug. 26, 1733. —
Peter Seaver.
Hannah Seaver.
Oct. 11, 1733. —
Moses Davis.
Rebecca Davis.
Oct. 19, 1733. —
Thomas Cole.
Sarah Cole.
March 3, 1733/4. Abigail Table.
March 10, 1733/4. —
Daniel Bugbee.
Abigail Bugbee.
Nov. 10, 1734. —
Edward Bilbo.
Elizabeth Bilbo.
Richard Robertson.
Dec, 1734. Sarah Ames.
Dec. 16, 1734. John Bowles, jimior.
March 23, 1735. —
Thomas Baker.
Hannah Baker.
April 12, 1735. Timothy Stevens.
April 28, 1735. —
Shubael Seaver.
Mary Seaver, wife of Shubael.
Nov. 16, 1735. Robert Loveren.
Feb. 7. 1735/6. —
Benjamin Eaton.
Sarah Eaton.
May 2, 1736. —
Ebenezer Payson.
Sarah Payson.
May 9, 1736. —
Ebenezer Crafts, see Deacons,
Fourth Meeting House.
Susanna Crafts, wife of Ebenezer.
June 6, 1736. Samuel Griggs, owner
of Pew No. 40, Third Meeting
House.
July 4, 1736. —
Debora Warren.
Hannah Warren.
Nov. 17, 1736. —
Eleazer May.
Dorothy May.
Feb. 6, 1736/7. Caleb Richardson.
May 1, 1737. Mary Williams.
May 29, 1737. Ebenezer Dorr.
Sept., 1737. Hannah Goald.
Sept. 19, 1737. —
Noah Perrin, son of Noah and
Patience (Walker) Perrin, born
in Roxbury Jan. 18, 1708/9,
died there Apr. 4, 1788, m.
Margeret Heley. He was held
in high esteem by his fellow
townsmen, being repeatedly
chosen to fill important offices.
He was town treasurer for 29
years.
Mary Perrin.
Dec. 11, 1737. —
Increase Sumner.
Mary Sumner.
Jan. 8, 1737/8. Abigail Stevens.
Jan. 19, 1737/8. Abigail George.
April 16, 1738. Elizabeth Williams.
Aug. 13, 1738. Bethiah Parker.
Sept 17, 1738. —
Rebecca Davis.
Mary Woods.
136
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE
Oct. 23, 1738. John Holbrook,
owner of Pew No. 12, Third
Meeting House.
Jan. 6, 1738/9. —
Phillip Curtis, H. C. 1738.
Mary Ciuiis.
Feb. 25, 1738/9. Sarah Stevens.
Apr. 15, 1739. Susanna Crafts.
May 20, 1739. Joanna West.
May 27, 1739. —
Benjamin Draper.
Mary Draper.
June 24, 1739. Bethiah Scarborough.
Jan. 27, 1739/40. Rebecca Pendle,
baptised adult.
March 16, 1739/40. —
Hopestill Monk.
Sarah Manser, baptised adult.
March 30, 1740. —
Lydia Manser, baptised adult.
Susanna Manser, baptised adult.
May 11, 1740. —
Robert Pierpont, dismissed to Old
South Church, Boston, Jan. 6,
1771.
Hannah Pierpont.
Deborah Searle.
Sept. 7, 1740. —
Ambrose Searle.
Elizabeth Searle.
Oct.. 1740. Rebecca Choate.
May 3, 1741. Maria Walter.
May 17, 1741. Mary George.
July 19, 1741. —
Ralph Holbrook, owner of Pew
No. 4, Third Meeting Hou se.
John Sahnon.
Dorothy Holbrook.
July 27, 1741. Bethiah Ramsel,
baptised adult.
Aug. 14, 1741. Samuel Heath, owner
of Pew No. 20, Third Meeting
House.
Aug. 30, 1741. —
James Shed, owner of Pew No.
31, Third Meeting House.
Mary Shed.
1741-1744
PASTOR
Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter
DEACONS
Edward Ruggles Samuel Gridlet
PRECINCT CLERK
Joseph Williams, elected Feb. 20, 1738/9.
PRECINCT TREASURER
Joseph Warren, elected March 20, 1737/8.
PRECINCT COM^nTTEES
Elected March 24, 1741/2
Ebenezer Pierpont
Capt. Joseph Ruggles Joseph Williams
Elected March 21, 1742/3
Ebenezer Pierpont
Joseph Williams Lt. Samuel Williams
137
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THE THIHD MEETING HOUSE
The New Meeting House was raised June 25 & 26, 1740,
according to the Diary of Paul Dudley, and it was completed
during the summer of 1741, as, at the first meeting held in it
Aug. 31, 1741, Mr. Ebenezer Newell, Mr. Shubal Sever, Mr.
Daniel Bugbee, Capt. Joseph Ruggles and Mr. John Ruggles
were chosen a committee to seat the said meeting house, and
at the same meeting it was proposed that the westerly comer
of the meeting house be a place provided for the negroes to
set in so as not to intrude on the pews in the said West
Galleries.
The owners of the Pews in the New Meeting House were
to be as follows:
Cost
£ s. d.
Pew No. 1. The Ministry
2. Hon. Paul Dudley, Esq 49 3 4
3. Col. Joshua Lamb 49 3 4
4. Ralph Holbrook 28 5 5
5. Jonathan Seaver . . .; 28 5 5
6. Joseph Warren 30 7 7
7. John Williams 36 17 6
8. Ebenezer Cheaney 28 5 5
9. Edward Sumner 30 7 7
10. Lft. Samuel Williams 36 17 6
11. Capt. Samuel Stevens 36 17 6
12. Ensign John Holbrook 36 17 6
13. Joseph Williams 30 7 7
14. Ebenezer Davis 30 7 7
15. John Ruggles 28 5 5
16. Capt. John Richardson 24 11 8
17. Capt. Joseph Ruggles 24 11 8
18. Ebenezer Craft 28 55
139
140 THE THIRD MEETING HOUSE
cost.
£ s. d.
Pew No. 19. IVIrs. Dorothy Williams 24 11 8
20. Lt. Samuel Heath 36 17 6
21. Eleazer Williams 49 3 4
22. Col. Joseph Heath 49 3 4
23. Noah Perrin 22 2 6
24. Nathaniel WilHams 36 17 6
25. John Bowles 22 2 6
26. Stephen Williams, afterwards Richard Gardner . . 18 8 9
27. Capt. John Goddard 24 11 8
28. lit. Isaac Cm-tis 28 5 5
29. John WiHiams, Jr 19 13 4
30. Jonathan Williams 18 8 9
31. James Shead 30 7 7
32. Ensign Ebenezer May 22 2 6
33. Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont 19 13 4
34. Dea. Edward Ruggles 18 8 9
35. Lft. Caleb Steadman 30 7 7
36. Capt. Ebenezer Dorr 22 2 6
37. Ebenezer Warren 19 13 4
38. Ebenezer Seaver 19 13 4
39. James Mears 19 13 4
40. Samuel Griggs 19 13 4
And in the Gallery
Pew No. 1. Not drawn
2. Not drawn
3. Not drawn
4. Not drawn
5. Wilham Bosson 8 00
6. Not drawn
7. Jno. Woods 12
8. Dea. Samuel Gridley 12
9. Edward Dorr 12
10. Benjamin Eaton 12
11. Samuel Gore 12
12. Jeams Jervis 12
For as much as many of the people were of the opinion
that neither their giving Bond for the price of their pews nor
being put into present possession of them was such an ample
THE THIRD MEETING HOUSE 141
and good title as they ought to have, Therefore in considera-
tion of the power given the committee chosen in 1736 to dis-
pose of the Pews and to give a good title to them (subject to
the exceptions and restraints made and provided in by
another vote of the Precinct at the same meeting) and in con-
sideration also of the several sums of money for which they
had given their bonds, the remainder of this committee
consisting of Joseph Heath, Joshua Lamb, Samuel Stevens,
Shubal Seaver, Ebenezer Newell, Samuel Williams, James
Shead, Eleazer Williams, Ebenezer Pierpont, Joseph Rug-
gles, Jolm Ruggles did on Dec. 29, 1741, for themselves in
their said capacity and in the name and behalf of the Precinct
assign, deliver, convey, and confirm to each and every of
the said Persons the Respective pew now in his Possession
as the same is numbered and annexed to his name in the
written list of schedule to be to him his heirs and assigns
(except as above) to have and to hold, possess, occupy and
enjoy the same without any manner of lett or mollestation
forever.
The old meeting house not having been torn doAvn in Feb.,
1741/2, it was proposed to sell it, and during that year (1742)
it was sold for £100.
As this the Third Meeting House proved to be not quite
satisfactory in some respects, just what is not mentioned,
and as the carpenters Messrs. Dickson, Pierpont and Baker
had sustained some loss by building it, the .£100 which the
old meeting house brought was given to these carpenters.
Frequent attempts had been made to settle a colleague
minister but without avail and all the precinct would consent
to do was to procure help for Mr. Walter.
In 1743 the necessary expenses were as follows : — Rev.
Nehemiah Walter salary, £100; as a gift, £60; cutting and
carting fii'ewood for Mr. Walter, £30; Ringing bell and
142
THE THIRD MEETING HOUSE
sweeping, £10; for help for Mr. Walter, &c., £150; Treas-
urer's salary, £5.
On the Lord's day, Feb. 26, 1743/4, soon after Divine
service in the afternoon, a fire broke out in this Meeting
House by which this large and costly building was burnt to
the ground. It occurred as 'twas thought by a stove acci-
dentally upset with fire in it unperceived which was left in a
Pew after the assembly was dismissed.
The congregation worshipped in the Brick School House
until a new meeting house was built.
CHURCH MEINIBERS
Oct. 7, 1741. —
Abigail Dorr.
Sarah Dorr.
Jan. 24, 1742. Lucy Winthrop.
Jan. 31, 1742. Samuel Williams.
Feb. 14, 1742. —
Jeffrey, 1
Bristol, > negroes, baptised.
Guinea, ]
March 21, 1742. —
Ebenezer Eaton.
Susanna Woods.
April 18, 1742. —
Mary Draper.
Abigail Parker.
May 2, 1742. Joseph Curtis.
May 30, 1742. —
James Pierpont.
Samuel May.
Abigail Robinson.
June 13, 1742. Nathaniel Sumner,
H. C. 1739.
July 11, 1742. Robert Lee.
Aug. 15, 1742. Sarah Smnner.
Sept. 26, 1742. Samuel Sumner.
Oct. 2, 1742. Sarah Cole.
Nov. 1, 1742. —
Joanna Ruggles.
Elizabeth Ruggles.
Sarah Payson.
Nov. 14, 1742. —
Nathaniel Felton, constable.
Hannah Felton.
Jan. 16, 1743. John Giles, from
Old South Church, Boston.
Jan. 23, 1743. Pliillis, a negro, bap-
tised.
March 6, 1742/3. —
Sarah Williams.
Mary Williams.
May 15, 1743. Priscilla Gore.
June 26, 1743. Elizabeth Crafts.
July 10, 1743. Ebenezer Newel.
July 24, 1743. Benjamin Curtis.
Sept. 18, 1743. Susan Perrin.
CHURCH MEMBERS
143
ADMITTED IN BRICK SCHOOL HOUSE.
AprU 1, 1744. —
Abraham Woodward.
Sarah Woodward.
June 3, 1744. —
Thomas Grigs.
Margaret Grigs.
Jeremiah Parker.
Mary Parker.
Aug. 26, 1744. —
Jeremy Williams.
Catharine Williams.
Sept. 2. 1744. —
Samuel Clark.
Mary Clark.
Nov. 25, 1744. —
Jacob Reeves.
Abigail Reeves.
Jan. 13, 1745. Samuel Healey.
Jan. 27, 1745. Elizabeth Weld.
March 3, 1745. Edward Ruggles.
April 7, 1745. Martha Perrin.
May, 1745. Guinea, negro servant,
maid to Judge Dudley.
May 31, 1745. Edward Dorr.
July 28, 1745. Ebenezer Bodoono.
Sept. 15, 1745. Elizabeth Heath.
Oct. 27, 1745. Abigail Sumner.
Dec. 15, 1745. Ebenezer Gore.
May 27, 1746. William Bosson,
junior.
1744-1803
PASTORS
Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter
Rev. Mr. Oliver Peabody
Rev. Mr. Amos Adams
Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Porter
DEACONS
Edward Ruggles
Samuel Gridley
Stephen Williams
Ebenezer Craft
William Gridley
Samuel Sumner
David Weld
Nehemiah Munroe
Joshua Felton
PRECINCT CLERK
Joseph Williams, elected March 12, 1738/9
PARISH CLERKS
Title changed April 23, 1788
Thomas Clarke, elected April 23, 1788
Nathaniel Ruggles, elected April 29, 1793
145
146 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
PRECINCT TREASURERS
Joseph Warren, elected March 20, 1737/8
William Heath, elected Nov. 12, 1755
Deacon Samuel Gridley, elected June 4, 1762
Deacon William Gridley, elected March 29, 1774
Joseph Ruggles, elected April 14, 1783
PARISH TREASURER
Title changed April 23, 1788
Joseph Ruggles, elected April 23, 1788
PRECINCT COIVDVIITTEES
Elected March 21, 1743/4
Ebenezer Pierpont
Samuel Williams Joseph Williams
Elected March 20, 1748/9
Ebenezer Pierpont
Joseph Williams Ebenezer Newell
Elected March 21, 1749/50
John Richardson
Joseph Williams Noah Perrin, Jr.
Elected March 20, 1750/1
Joseph Williams
Noah Perrin, Jr. Ebenezer Newell
Elected March 30, 1757
Joseph Williams
Eleazer Williams Ebenezer Pierpont
Elected March 28, 1758
Joseph Williams
Benjamin Felton Ebenezer Newell
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 147
Elected March 27, 1759
Joseph Williams
Ebenezer Newell Nathaniel Felton
Elected March 30, 1768
Joseph Williams
Nathaniel Felton William Heath
Elected March 27, 1771
Joseph Williams
Nathaniel Felton Aaron Davis
Elected April 8, 1776
Joseph Williams
Nathaniel Ruggles Increase Sumner
Elected April 8, 1778
Joseph Williams
Increase Sumner William Bowman
Elected April 14, 1783
Col. Joseph Williams
Noah Perrin Capt. Joseph Williams
Elected April 12, 1784
Noah Perrin
Col. Joseph Williams Thomas Clarke
PARISH COMMITTEES
Title changed April 23, 1788
Elected April 23, 1788
Thomas Clarke
Joseph Ruggles Ralph Sivhth
Elected April 29, 1793
Joseph Ruggles
Deacon Nehemiah Munroe John Curtis
148
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Elected Nov. 11, 1793
Joseph Ruggles
Deacon Nehemiah Munroe Moses Davis Rice Curtis
Elected July 10, 1794
Joseph Ruggles
Deacon Nehemiah Munroe Nathaniel Ruggles
SEXTONS
Deacon Samuel Gridley
William Blaney
Aaron Blaney
Samuel Croxford
Stephen Mills
Thomas Nolen, Jr.
John Maxfield
Edmund Grindall Weld
elected March 20, 1744/5
served from 1761 to 1768
served from 1769 to 1774
served from 1775 to 1782
served from 1782 to 1784
served from 1784 to 1786
served from 1787 to 1792
served from 1793 to 1795
Edward Turner
served from Feb. 27, 1796 to 1804
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
The Third Meeting House was destroyed by fire Feb. 26*^,
1743/4, and a meeting of the precinct or parish was held
March 22, 1743/4, to see what was to be done. At this
meeting it was voted that Mr. John Walley with the two
Deacons (Edward Ruggles and Samuel Gridley) be a com-
mittee chosen to wait on our Reverend Pastor Mr. Nehemiah
Walter and under his wise Direction to proceed and apply
to such of the neighboring ministers as may be thought best
that they would lay before the several Congregations of
there Ryspective Charges the Difiicult Sircumstances of the
precinct under the late awfull Providence (by fii-e) in order
to obtain such help and Relief from them, as they shall in
there Goodness think fit to Grant us, and also that they
(our precinct) proceed with all Convenient speed to build a
new meeting house and that they would build said meeting
House on the Spot where our late New meeting House stood
and of the same Dimentions as our late meeting House and
have the Same Number of windows as was in our late meet-
ing house but the Glass be 7 by 9. In Case Good London
Crown can be procured of such Dementions. Also there
be the same Number of Pews on the floor and of the same
Dementions and the same Number of pews in the Gallerie
as in our late New Meeting house.
For building the New Meeting House there was raised:
£ s. d.
On the Pews in 1744 1500 00
Tax on the inhabitants in 1744 976 17 8
Tax on the inhabitants in 1745 494 19
2971 16 8
149
150 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
and by sundry gifts as follows:
£ s. d.
The Hon. Paul Dudley, Esq 120 9 10
William Bowdoin, Esq 20
Josiah Willard, Esq 600
Capt. Joshua Loring 5 00
Decon Stone of Newton . . ^ 2
The Town of Milton . . . . ' 17 4
The old Parrish at Dedham 12 7
3154 11 1
Sundry abatements to poor persons 83 11 8
3070 19 5
Cost of building the New Meeting House 2905 17 10
The Remains are 165 1 7
which were then in the hands of
£ s. d.
Mr. Constable Griggs 145 5
Mr. William Cheney 12
Mr Sam'l Gore 10 6 8
The aoove was submitted by the Committee chosen to
build the New Meeting House April 15, 1746.
The necessary aid having been received, the Fourth Meet-
ing House was completed in 1746 upon the same plan as its
predecessor, the meetings having been held meanwhile in
the brick school house.
Judge Paul Dudley provided a handsome porch. Col.
Joseph Heath gave a New Church Clock or Time Peace.
The main entrance of this house, in front of which was a
large flat circular stone, faced the south, and was in the cen-
tre of the building. The tower and belfry were as at present,
the gallery entrance being also there. In addition to the
belfry a spire and vane were erected. The pulpit was on
the northerly side. There were the same number of pews on
the floor and of the same Dementions as were in the previous
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 151
building and also the same number in the galleries. Some
of the pews were square, and the seats so made as to fold up
when the people stood up at prayer, at the close of which
they would come down with a clatter, fun for the boys, who
thus responded to the amen.
In front, the place of honor, were two body pews (so called)
assigned to strangers and the poor of the parish.
The women's gallery was partitioned from the men's in a
parellel line with the front gallery fore seat. The hinder-
most seat in the front gallery was made into a pew and
purchased by the following young men under the same
regulations with the Proprietors of the other pews: — James
Pierpont, John Richardson, Junr, John Gore Jr., Paul Gore,
Edw<i. Preston, Eb. Pierpont, Jun"", Sami May, Daniel
Williams, Saml. Williams, Jun^., Edw^^ Ruggles Jun^", Jo^
Curtis, Daniel Seaver, Sam^ Weld, Benj. Sunmer, Benj.
Curtis, Saml Gridley Jun""., and the charge of building said
Pew was the Purchase Price.
March 20, 1744/5, Deacon Samuel Gridley was chosen to
have care of the meeting house.
The precinct allowed Joseph Weld, son of Edmond Weld,
sum consideration for Ringing the School bell on Sabbath
Days for the Benefit of the precinct the year past and pro-
posed the said Joseph go about from Place to place and collect
as persons may be disposed to give.
In Aug., 1749, the precinct chose a conunittee consisting of
Capt. Eleaz. Williams, Capt. Joseph Williams and Mr.
Ebenezer Pierpont to wait on their Rev, aged Pastor and to
desire him to lay before the church the desire of the precinct
to have a suitable orthodox minister called and settled as a
colleague with Mr. Walter. In the following March the
Church made choice of Mr. Oliver Peabody, who had been
settled over the little missionary church in Natick, as a
152 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Colleague minister with their Rev^. aged Pastor, but the
congregation did not at once concur as they first desired to
hear him for the space of six weeks. In the following May
the congregation concurred by a majority of votes (vizt.
fortey Two Votes for Mr. Peabody and Twenty Three
blanks), and a committee consisting of Dea. Edw. Ruggles,
Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont and Capt. Eleaz^ Williams represent-
ing the church, and Capt. Ralph Holbrook and Ensign Eben-
ezer Cheney representing the congregation were chosen to
wait upon Mr. Oliver Peabody to acquaint him of their
choice.
Mr. Peabody accepted the call, and a committee of five
consisting of Mr. Ebenezer Pierpont, Col. Joseph Heath,
Col. Joshua Lamb and the two Deacons were chosen to
consult with Mr. Peabody upon a time for his Ordination.
As a settlement for Mr. Peabody £1200 old tenor was
granted by the precinct and £80 as a yearly sallery and 15
cords of wood during the life of our Rev. aged Pastor and
such further sum as ye parrish shall think convenient after
his Decease so long as said Mr. Peabody shall continue our
minister.
Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Walter died Sept. 17, 1750, and on
the IQtii a committee consisting of Capt. Eleazf Williams,
Capt. Jolm Richardson, Capt. Ebenezer Dorr, Capt. Sami
Stevens and Deacon Edw^ Ruggles were chosen to have the
oversight of the funeral for our late Rev. aged Pastor, Mr.
Nehemiah Walter (Deacon Sam^ Gridley was especially
obliged to attend on other business). In Oct. it was voted
to raise £230 9s. old tenor " to Defrey the charge of the
funerall of our late Rev. aged pastor Mr. Nehemiah Walter
Deceased."
On Oct. 8, 1750, a committee consisting of Lt. Sam'l
Heath, Mr. Increase Sumner, Lt. Ebenezer Newell, Lt. Eben-
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 153
ezer Cheney, Mr. Benj. May was chosen to have charge of
the ordination of Mr. Peabody, who was ordained Nov. 7,
1750, the cost of which was ^132 95. Id. old Tenor.
In 1751 the precinct voted money for the support of Madam
Walter giving her <£500 and quarterly contribution voted last
March for Mr. Walter and ^650 also. They also voted to
change the Lecture Day from Tuesdays to Fridays before
our Sacrament. In March, 1752, the precinct voted 8 cords
of wood for Madam Walter and 12 cords for Rev. Mr. Oliver
Peabody. During this year Coll. Joseph Heath presented
a Church Bible to the precinct.
Rev. Mr. Oliver Peabody died May 29, 1752, and the cost
of the funeral expenses was .£81 \s. old Tenor. June 22,
1752, a committee was chosen to supply the pulpit.
Ebenezer Pierpont, Deacon Edward Ruggles and Mr.
Joseph Warren were chosen a committee to wait upon Madam
Dudley Respecting a Donation or legacy given to this Precinct
by the Hon. Paul Dudley, Esq., Late of Roxbury and if it may
be receive the same for the use of the Precinct.
At a meeting of the Precinct held Feb. 28, 1753, Deacon
Edward Ruggles presided as moderator and it was probably
his last official connection with this church as he removed to
Cambridge soon after.
At this meeting the congregation unanimously concurred
with the church in the choice of Mr. Amos Adams as Pastor,
and a committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Adams.
As a settlement it was voted to give him £1200 old Tenor,
being <£400 for each year for three years and <£90 as a sallery
with 20 cords of wood and the loose money put into the box
be annually granted so soon as he shall settle with us and
have a family. Mr. Adams accepted the call as follows:
154 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
H. College March ye 27, 1753.
To the First Chukch of Christ and Inhabitants of the First Parish
IN RoXBtJRY
Christian Friends : For as much as it has pleased God who orders the
bounds of every ones habitation in the Cource of his providence to Bring
me among you and after Hiunble SuppUcation to Heaven, for Guidance &
Direction in the choice of a minister; You have Been Inclined to Give me
an Invitation to take the Pastoral Charge and over Sight of you in the Lord
(of the honour and Respect you Have Done me therein I am not Insensi-
ble) I have made these matters, the Subject of my Serious Consideration,
with an Eye to the fountain of wisdom for Direction I have Also consulted
those who we Trust are hearty Friends to the Kingdom of Jesus Clirist and
Considering the Happy unanimity at Present Subsisting among you, I can
Chearfully and by these lines do Signify my acceptance of yoiu- Invitation
to settle among you in the work of the Gospel ministry upon the Terms
Proposed —
and Since God is thus Bringing us into so near a relation may it be the
foundation of much peace and Happiness to both you and me — Cease not
my Dear friends to Beseech the Head of the Church to Give me that portion
of his spirit and Grace to assist and Strengthen me that I may Speak as
becomes Sound Doctrine and Conduct my Selfe in the whole of my ministry ;
with that wisdom and Prudence that fidellity and meakness which becomes
a minister of the Gospell. That I may save my own Soul and the Souls of
those Committed to my Charge. Pray preserve the unity of the Spirit in
the Bond of peace. Live in peace; and the God of Love & Peace shall be
with you ; and may be all Be Brought in Due Time to Rejoyce together in
the Kingdom of Glory to Eternity and be mutual Possessors of that King-
dom which is Incorruptable, uudefiled, and that fadeth not away.
I am Yoiu- Servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Amos Adams.
In March, 1753, the precinct voted to build a spire on the
steeple of the meeting house the cost being £68 15s. 2hd.
—£515 Us. Id. old tenor. On the Lord's day, Sept. 2, 1753,
the congregation in the Old South Church, Boston, was
stayed and a Letter read from the 1^* Church in Roxbury
desiring their Assistance in Council at the Ordination of Mr.
Amos Adams. Granted. Messengers, Our Brethren that
are or have been of the (Governor's) Council, the Deacons
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 155
and Messrs. Edward Broomfield and Isaac Walker. Mr.
Adams was ordained Sept. 12, 1753. Oct. 14, 1753, the
Church was stayed & the question was put whether the
custom of asking for PubHck Testimony for such as are
admitted to communion shall be henceforth disused in this
church & it passed in the affirmative. Nov. 30, 1753, Two
Deacons were chosen, Deacon Stephen Williams (formerly
Deacon of the 2d Ch. in this town) and Brother Ebenezer
Craft in the room of Deacon Ruggles removed to Cambridge.
In 1754 a committee consisting of the three Deacons with
Capt. Sam'l Stevens, Capt. Eleazer Williams, and Sam'l
Heath were chosen to obtain subscriptions towards purchas-
ing a Bell for the meeting house. On Oct. 3, 1754, it was
" Proposed wheather it be the Desire of this precinct that there
may be no fire brought into this meeting by stoves and passed
in the affirmative.
In 1755 the old bell was sent to England to be recast as per
following letter of instructions:
Sr. We herewith Deliver to your care the remains of our old Bell "am*
To Two himdred & Eighty weight (or thereabouts) Neet which we Desire
you would Take due care to ship for Great Brittain by the first opportunity
in order to its Being Cast with the needfull addition into a new Bell of Be-
tween five & six hundred weight. The size we apprehend suitable for our
steeple; and wish it may retm-n with speed for our use. When we will
Endever You shall receive the Just Ballance that may be due with our Grate-
full acknowledgements for all favours. Desiring You would use Your
Dycrefsion respecting Insurence as well as Dispatch; which is all needfull
from Sr Your Humble Servants ; In The name and Behalf of the First Prec*
or Parish in Roxbuiy
Jo Williams ) t, ^ /-. x^
-T T. r "rect Comtte
rJoAH Perrin )
Roxbm-y Sept. Ye 1, 1755
To Mr. Thos Gunter — merchant.
In 1756 the precinct voted to have the Deck on the Top
of the steeple sufficiently leded and also to have a frame to
hang the new Bell upon
156 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
In March, 1758, Mr. William Blaney was directed to remove
the chairs that stand By the front Doer and Encumber the
passageway.
At the precinct or parish meeting held March 27, 1759, it
was proposed " wheather the precinct In Consideration of the
Extreordinary price of provision at this present day and in
answer to the memorial of our s'^ Rev. Pastor respecting the
Difficulty of Supporting his family, will make him any con-
sideration Voted the sum of Ten pounds money be granted."
The addition of Ten pounds was made each year until
1762 when he wrote to the precinct as follows:
RoxBURY, March 29 1762
My Brethren: I may not omit this Opportunity of thanking you for
the punctual Payment of my Salary, as also for the additional Ten Pounds
which I have received: I likewise heartily thank those of you who have
afforded me private Benefactions; these I receive as the kind Testimonials
of your Affection, and they have been a considerable assistance to me in
the support of my Family.
I have understood that it hath been Intimated by some, that I am growing
rich, and laying up money for my Family; Justice therefore to myself and
compassion for my Family require me to set that matter in a true Light.
I have now reed, from you Nine years salary. I do not know how it was
possible for me or my family to live with greater care & Frugality, both as
to clothing & pro\nsions, than we have lived, consistent with that Decency,
which I know you would have your minister preserve. I have neither right
Title claim or Interest in any real Estate in the World, besides the Half
Acre on which my little Barn and unfinished, unadorned House do stand,
I have neither clock in my house, nor Watch in my Pocket, nor a Horse to
ride on; neither have I any way the means of purchasing one, nor have I
cash to the A'alue of £3. L. M. and on the Balance of Accounts, I can
assure you, I do owe £250. O. Tenor more than I have due me in the World.
... I cannot think it mireasonable to propose that my salary be fullj' made
good according to the expences of a Family; I am siu-e if you were able to
give Me £90 p. annum When I settled you are able to afford me at least
the full Value of that now, — and Would it not be hard in so antient and
able a Parish as this to be obliged to live in a pinching manner, and not-
withstanding be unable to lay up anything for my Family — forgive the
Thot; I am perswaded you are miwilling this should ever be the
Case —
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 157
The affecting Providence of God in taking away in so awful a Manner
my Firstborn & dear Son (I remember the wormwood and the Gall) I
desire may teach me not to be too greatly distressed for my Family ; child-
ren are Tender plants easily cut down; but is it possible for a faithful Hus-
band & Tender Father to consider a prudent Wife and his dear children
liable, whenever their head is taken away, to be scattered in the World
without any provision for feeding and clothing them, as is now the real con-
dition of Mine ?
Am I unworthy ? let me ask your compassion to my wife and children,
who I am sure have never forfeited your regards.
I am deeply sensible I have done nothing to Claim your favours. If
my poor Imperfect services meet with any degree of acceptance from any of
you it is as much as I could expect — If I have done anything acceptable
to my Master I adore the Grace that will accept & reward an miprofitable
servt.
If my Ministrations have been of Spiritual profit to any amongst us,
(give the glory to God) I account that my labour hath not been in vain in
the Lord.
I am your unworthy ser\i; in the Gospel
Amos Adams.
At the above meeting held March 27, 1759 it was Proposed,
" Wheather they would come into any method to Build a pew
or pews in the hindermost Seat in the mens Gallery at or
near the South Easterly corner of the meeting house in said
Prec't and Pass in the affirmative and voted that the Prect
Committee be and hereby are Impowered (on a Suteable num-
ber of Young men applycation for Liberty to build a pew or
pews at the place or places afforesaid). To agree with and
Grant them Liberty to build the afforesaid pew or pews and to
hold and Ocupey the same as there property on Such Terms
as the pews in our late new meeting house were held. Wee
who are hereafter mentioned Do agree to Complect the said
seat in a hansom manner with your consent that we have and
enjoy the same acording to the Vote of the Prect." The above
was signed by Jonathan Hall, Caleb Howard, Aaron Davis,
H. Howell Williams, Moses Dorr, John Bowen Jun""., Joseph
158 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Williams Jun""., Francis Dana, Lemuel May, Ebenez"" Dorr
Tertius, Stephen Williams, John Davis Williams and they
were approved by the Prect Committee.
At the same time and for the same purpose another peti-
tion was presented signed by Richard Leathbridg, James
Orr, Jon^ Hall. In 1762 as the bell purchased in 1755 was
no longer fit for use they voted to have a new bell as near
the pattern of y® Rev. Mr. Boyles bell as may be and the
next year they purchased it weighing 6. 3. 26 and its entire
cost including freight on the old bell metal was £22 Os. Id.
Abel Rudhall of Gloucester, England, made it. A grateful
acknowledgment was made by the Precinct to Mr. William
Jones Marchant in Bristol who generously gave the Pre-
cinct all his trouble and Commissions in this affair and to the
Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq., who had given the precinct a
quantity of Bell mettle towards the charge of the aforesaid
new bell (being about one hundred weight of mettle) and to
Isaac Winslow, Esq., for his assistance in serving the pre-
cinct by writing to his friend Mr. Jones afforesaid, respect-
ing the procuring said new bell. They voted to have the
same hung on the top of the Tower where the Late new Bell
was hung, and that the precinct Committee be Desired to
Imploye sum faithful] workmen to do all that may be thought
needful to Brace and Strengthen the Steeple in the best
manner they are able to do and that the sum of Twenty
pounds be granted and raised in the usual manner as soon as
may be to Defrey the charges thereof and other necessary
charges in the precinct ye year ensuing.
In 1763 the three seats to the right of the clock in the
center of the gallery (lately occupied by them) were appro-
priated for "such persons as are and may be inclined to sit
together for the purpose of singing on Lords Days and
other times of Divine Service" and that they have Liberty to
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 159
make such alterations for their own convenience as may be
thought needful so as not to marr or hurt the house.
In 1764 there were three stones one at each door of the
porch on the South side of the meeting house. In this year
the precinct voted .£90 salary for our Rev. Pastor Mr. Adams
and the further sum of £10 as a gift in consideration of the
price of provisions and £16 for his firewood. Also .£30 for
sweeping and Taking care of the meeting house and to
Defrey other charges in the precinct the year ensuing. At
the annual meeting in March the Petition was presented of
Daniel Bugbe, John Bowing, Jonathan Davis and Aaron
Davis " Humbly Shewing that wheirias it is Generally thought
that the foure hind seats in the body of our meeting house
might be very well spaired and no waise Discommode it;
but be omamentaU to have foure Pews built in theire Roome
— we theirefore Desire that you woold take it into your
Consideration and if in your great wisdome you thinck fit:
you woold Grant Liberty to your Petitioners to Erect foure
Pews for the use of theire famileys in those seats in so doing
you will oblidge youre Petetioners; and they as in Duty
bound shall ever pray."
At a meeting held in May, 1764, it was Voted " that Mess.
Aaron Da\ds, Capt. John Williams and Mr. NatW Felton
be a committee to regulate and seat the Several seats in ye
meeting house By Desireing so many Elderly persons to
come down out of the Gallery as to fill up the Body Seats
Below." Then enquiray was made respecting the pews
occupd by Mess. Thomas Bell and Jno. Pierpont & others
and Mr. Bell being present was questioned concerning his
occuping the late Capt, Jarvis^ Pew and answered That as
Mrs. Jarvis had not Disposed of her estate in the Town
he thought himself Intitled to set in the Pew on such Terms
as she and he might agree and had accordingly set in the
180 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
said Pew with his family. A committee was immediately
chosen to enquire into the Disposition of the Pews sup-
posed to be disposed of contrary to the votes of the Parish
and to make report at the anniversary meeting in March
next ensuing, at which meeting the committee reported
that Lt. WilHam Cheeney had made an offer of the Prec* or
there com^t^ of the pew now occup<^ by Mr, John Pierpont.
Sept. 20, 1768. This church and Congregation in con-
junction with other churches unanimously agreed to keep this
day as a day of fasting and prayer in the present threatening
state of public affairs.
At a meeting held in March, 1772, a petition was pre-
sented signed by Thomas Williams, Ebenezer Dorr, Aaron
Davis Jr., Sam'l Sumner, Thadeus Partridge, Will"^ Bosson,
Caleb Hay ward, Sam'l Sumner Jr., Edw^ Sumner, John
Woods, James Mears, Benj^ Curtis, Stephen Williams,
which showed that it was their earnest desire to have a good
Clock to the Meeting House and for that purpose humbly
prayed that the precinct would set of and make four new
pews from of the Body seats two on each side so as to include
the ally on the side of the Body seats in said pues and that
these pues when finished may be Disposed of in such way
and Manner as the Committee or inhabitants of said precinct
shall think Best, that the money which the said pues shall
be so sold for may be applied towards the Purchasing the
said clock for an Ornament for the said Meeting House.
That the attendance at the services was increasing is shown
by the fact that a meeting was called in February, 1774,
to consider a proposal to enlarge the Meeting House. The
proposal was for an addition of about 30 feet in length at
the Easterly End of said House, said addition to be made
without weakening or injuring the house or in any manner
spoiling its proportion; and the whole cost or expense of
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 161
such an alteration or addition being on a moderate computa-
tion £333 6s 8d. which a sufficient number of subscribers
appear to pay. The Petitioners named below will take and
receive the new pews or seats subject to the following regu-
lations :
(1) That there be 24 new pews on the floor equal in bigness to those in
the present house.
(2) That the additional room in the Gallery be offered to the Precinct
with the seats or pews Built compleet and finished if they shall choose it
at the sum of £57 IO5. or otherwise that there be 10 pews built in the Gallery
to be Disposed of by the Petitioners under Due regulations so as to raise the
said sum.
(3) That moving the Pulpit, seats, pews and porches &c be done with-
out any expense to the Precinct.
(4) That those persons who have seats removed shall have liberty to
take the same situation in the new house from the Pulpit.
(5) That the timber windows and all the stuff that may be taken out of
the easterly end of the present house be allowed to help make the addition.
(6) If there be more subscribers than can be accomodated then those to
be admitted first who stand highest on the Precinct role of Valuation for
their own estates.
(7) That the pews pay the whole expense of the addition and alteration
(in case Ten are built in the Gallery) otherwise to pay all the expense (ex-
cept only ,£57 10s.). To be paid by the Precinct if they shall choose to
retain the Galleries for seats or to their own use.
(8) If there should not be a sufficient niunber of subscribers appear at
first those pews that are not taken up shall be the Property of the subscribers
to be disposed of under the Direction of the Parish Committee.
(9) That if any Person or Persons should at any time hereafter Incline
to Dispose of his or there Pew or Pews they shall be under the same regu-
lations of those in the Present house and make the first offer to the Precinct
or their Committee by the space of one month before such Disposal.
(10) That one half the money for the addition be paid by the subscribers,
within one week after the Building be raised and the remainder when the
Precinct Committee shall judge the work is completed.
(11) That if any of the subscribers shall be in arrears for their pew three
months after the house is finished: it shall be in the power of the sub-
scribers to sell the same with the approbation of the Parish Committee.
162 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
(12) In case the work be not completed without Troubling the sub-
scribers on or before the last day of Oct., A.D., 1774, then those persons
who have subscribed may be at Liberty to make the agreement void.
(13) The 24 pews added on the lower floor to be all of a price: Numbered
and Drawn by a lottery by such persons as shall appear and subscribe for
them agreeable to the before mentioned conditions and Regulations.
(14) In case the Precinct should not Incline to keep the Room in ye
Galleries to themselves ; Neither in seats nor pews at the sum of fifty seven
pounds ten shillings lawful] money above mentioned. Then the same
shall belong to the said Twenty four persons to be made into pews and
Disposed of for their advantage under the regulations afforesaid.
(15) As it is always intended and so to be understood that the said Twenty
four persons to whom the said pews on the floor shall be assigned are to be
answerable for all the cost and charge of said addition to the House (except
as before excepted)
Moses Davis Aaron Davis
Stephen Williams James Mears
William Bowman Susanna Davis
Caleb Hayward Thos. Wyman
John Greaton, Jr. John Bowen
Nehemiah Munroe Aaron Blaney
Nath^ Eaton Samuel Langley
Jonathan Patten Ebenezer Cheney
Joseph Smith John Slack
Jonathan Parker Sam'l Whittemore
Jeremiah Parker, Jr. and by the Parish vote
James W'hite Jos. Williams for
Richard Lethbridge William Dudley
Adam Pattie Aaron Davis
Stephen Williams for Ebenezer Davis
Ralph Smith Nath. Ruggles
Ebenezer Wales Abijah Sever.
The precinct took the gallery room and made it into seats
All the above votes passed.
May 12, 1774, a petition was signed by Stephen Williams
2nd, Moses Davis, W°^ Bowman, Caleb Hayward, Stephen
Williams, Adam Pattie, Thad. Partridge, and addressed to
the Committee of the first Precinct or Parish which humbly
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 163
requested them to notify and call a meeting of all the free-
holders and inhabitants of said Precinct Quallif*^ to vote in
Precinct affairs To assemble at the meeting house in said
Precinct on friday the Twentieth day of May instant at
five of the clock in ye afternoon then and there to know
whether they will give Liberty to open the said meeting
house in or near the middle so as to build ye proposed
new addition of thirty feet in the middle of the said
house.
March 29, 1775, it was Voted that Messrs Thomas Clarke,
Samuel Croxford, John Porker, Ezekiel Jones, Benj*^ Stevens,
Jacob Whittemore, Jabez Parter, John Smith, Ebenezer
Smith, John Hopkins and Mathew Davis be and hereby are
allowed to have and hold the new Pew at the Westerly End
of the front Gallery built in the place of the hind seat on
their paying to the prect or their committee thirteen shillings
& four pence each for their seat in the said pew and being
obliged to give the first offer thereof to the Precinct for the
same sum in case they shall incline to Dispose thereof at
any time hereafter by the space of one month next before
they shall sell the same.
No public meetings were held in the meeting house be-
tween March 29, 1775, and April 8, 1776.
No religious meetings could be held here while the siege
of Boston lasted, and the building was used as a signal
station for the army. A constant and conspicuous target
for the British cannon, the meeting house was pierced through
in many places, one ball passing through the belfry. The
pews and the bell had been taken out by the parish com-
mittee, and the communion plate carried by Rev. Mr.
Adams to Medfield.
April 8, 1776, it was Voted the sum of Two hundred
pounds Like money be Granted and raised in usual manner
164 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
the year ensueing to Defrey the Charge of repareing the
meeting house and to make Good former Deficiences and
to Defrey the Charge of the funeral of our late Rev. pastor
Mr. Amos Adams Deceased and all other necessary Charges
in the Prect. ye year ensuing.
There are no entries in the records between April 8, 1776,
and March 24, 1777, on which latter date the precinct voted
to pay Mr. Croxford, the sexton, his bill for twelve shillings
for services at the funeral of Mr. Amos Adams.
The members of the parish were scattered, and until 1782
there was no settled minister.
In 1780 Mr. James How and others requested " for liberty
to Ring ye Bell at ye hour of one of ye Clock and Nine at
night in case a suteable number will subscribe to Defrey ye
charge thereof. Voted they may have Liberty to employ
the Sexton for the Purposes aiTores*^ and provided they will
Defrey ye Charges and Take Due care that ye meeting house
and Bell are not Damnified.
August 20, 1781 it was voted That our three Deacons be
added unto the Committee for supplying the Pulpit &c.
At a parish meeting held March 25, 1782, Doctor Jonathan
Davis and Robert Pierpont presented a petition in which
they begged leave to Represent that the Long seats in the
body of the meeting house were not generally filled, that
they apprehended four pews might be built on the back
seats without the least inconvenience to any person what-
ever and the committee reported that they found it expedi-
ent to build the four pews and to sell the same at vendue.
At a meeting held July 5, 1782, the church having voted
unanimously to call Mr. Eliphalet Porter, the congregation
voted 61 to 1 to call him, that one vote says "not Disposed
to concur" and a committee was appointed to wait on Mr.
Porter.
TH« FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 165
At a meeting held Aug. 30, 1782 it was announced that
four of the new pews were owTied by
No. 1. Nehemiah Munroe cost $10.5. —
No. 2. Increase Sumner " 235. —
No. 3. Mr. David Wait " 205. —
No. 4. John Read " 135. — $G80. —
At this same meeting the Precinct received the answer of
Mr. EHphalet Porter wherein he manifested his acceptance
of the call Given him to the Pastoral Care of this Church
and Conoregation which is as folio weth viz:
RoxBURY, Aug. ye 24th 1782.
Friends Bretheren & Fathers
The Invitation which you have been Pleased to Give me
to Settle with you in the Gospel ministry I have endeavoured to consider with
That Seriousness and attention which its importance requires, I have looked
to The fountain of wisdom for Direction, and have not failed to ask Councel
of those my friends, & fathers in the ministry whom I have had the oppor-
tunity of consulting — as the result of my Deliberations, and the advice which
I have Received, I Now accept your Invitation wth cherfulness, & Desire
to Return my unfeigned thanks for that Testimony, which you have Given
me of your affection & Esteem. Nothing could have had Greator influence
on my mind in tliis Determination, or have afforded me more pleasure on
the Present Ocation, than the union which you have manifested in your
choice, unless your unanimity had been perfect. I thank you for the support
which you have offered me, and have the fullest confidence in your Gen-
erossity shod the State of things be such as to Rejider it insufficient to
answer the Designe proposed. I am senceable that my undertakeing is
Great and arduous & I desire to make my Dependance on the Divine aid &
assistance may & at all times have that wisdom which is proffitable to Direct,
and obtain mercy of the lord to be found faitlifull, may my Services among
you be usefull and acceptable and may there never be Reason for the com-
plaint that I have laboured in vain. Permit me to assure you of that affec-
tion & attachment which I feel Towards you «fc to express my earnest desire
Ever to Enjoye a place in the Kind and Effectionate regards of you all and
in your Remembrance of me at the throne of Grace — may the Shepherd
166 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
of Iseral he that leadeth Joseph like a flock take you & me by the hand &
lead us on in the way of Duty & in the paths of Peace & love til we shall
Joyne the redeemed Company and Church of the first Born in heaven. I
am vfith sinsear affection & Regard your friend & Servt.
Eliphalet Porter.
The following letter was also sent to the Churches under
the Pastoral Care of
The Revd Mr. Porter of Bridgwater
The Revd Mr. Haven of Dedham
The Revd Dr. Cooper of Boston
The Rev<^ Mr. Jackson of Brockton
The Rev. Mr. Payson of Chelsea
The Rev. Mr. Abbot of Roxbury
The Rev. Mr. Elliott of Boston
The first Church of Christ in Roxbury to the first Church of Christ in Boston
under the Pastoral Care of the Revd. Docf Charles Chauncy and the
Revd John Clark sends Greeting —
It ha\'ing pleased God in his holy providence to lead the Church of Christ
in this place together with the Congregation to the Choice of Mr. Eliphalet
Porter to the Pastoral Office among us, and to incline him to accept of our
Call & invitation thereunto, We have thought fit to appoint Wednesday the
2d day of October next for his Solemn Separation to that important Office
according to the directions of the Gospel.
We earnestly request the presence & assistance of your Revd Pastors &
such Delegates as you shall think fit to send with them to unite with the
Revd Pastors & Messengers of several other Churches in such Acts &
Offices as the Solemnities of the Day may require.
We ask your Prayers to Almighty God for his blessing on our important
undertaking, and that the Gospel of the blessed Jesus may have its proper
Effect among us. We wish Grace, mercy & peace from God the Father and
our Lord Jesus Christ may be multiplied unto you and subscribe our Selves
yoiu- Brethren in the faith & fellowship of the Gospel.
W«. Gridley
Inc. Sumner
Jos. RuGGLES Committee of the
Ralph Smith Church &
David Wait Congregation
John J. Spooner
Thos. Clarke
Roxbury, Sept. 16, 1782.
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
167
The Council were desired to meet at the House of I. Sum-
ner Esq. at 10 o'clock A M. & from thence to proceed to
the Meeting House & begin the Solemnity there exactly at
two o'clock in the afternoon.
Mr. Porter was ordained Oct. 2, 1782, the Charge being
given by Rev. Dr. Cooper of Boston, and the Rev. Mr. Abbot
of the Second Parish in Roxbury presented the Right Hand
of Fellowship. The total cost of the ordination was £51.
Mr. Porter's salary was fixed at £240 lawfull money, £120 the
first year of his ministry with us, £120 the second year of his
ministry among us, and £120 granted annually as a sallery,
also 20 cords of wood for him after he shall have a family
annually.
The Names of the Male members of the First Church of
Christ in Roxbury when the Rev. Mr. Porter was ordained
were —
Doct. Thomas Williams
Mr. Moses Davis
Mr. Ebenezer Bugbee
Mr. Stephen Williams
Mr. Nathaniel Felton
Mr. Joshua Felton
Mr. John Curtis
Mr. Thaddeus Partrige
Dea. Samuel Sumner
Col. John Greaton
Mr. Charles Belknap
Mr. Edmund Weld
Mr. James Mears
IVIr. Aaron White
Mr. John Williams
Mr. John Williams, Jr.
Doct. Samuel Cheeney
Mr. John Brewer
Mr. Noah Perrin
Mr. Thomas Macarty
Dea. William Gridley
Mr. Nathaniel Patten
Mr. Samuel Bowen
Mr. Joseph Ruggles
Mr. Thomas Clark
Mr. Ralph Smith
Mr. John Pierpont
Mr. Robert Pierpont
Dea. Ebenezer Craft
Mr. Simeon Pratt
Mr. John Ward
Mr. Jona Craft
Gen. William Heath
Mr. Peleg Heath
Mr. Samuel Heath
Col. Joseph Williams
Mr. Thomas Dana
Mr. Joseph Smith
Mr. Daniel Monroe
Mr. Nehemiah Monroe
Mr. John Bowen
Mr. Joshua Bowen
168 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Capt. Joseph Williams Mr. Jona. Williams
IVIr. Jona Parker Mr. Corey
Mr. John Davis Williams Mr. Thomas Nolen
Mr. Samuel Wittemore, Jr. Mr. Nathaniel Sparhawk
Mr. Samuel Williams Hon. Increase Sumner
Capt. William Heath Mr. William Dudley
Whole number 54.
In 1787 a number of gentlemen living in the vicinity of the
meeting house presented the precinct with a clock which was
placed on the Bell tower.
At a meeting held Wednesday April 23, 1788 a letter from
Joseph Williams Esq. (who has been Parish Clerk for Forty
seven years past) being laid before the Parish wherein he
signified his resignation of the Office of Clerk and Assessor
on a motion made and seconded Voted unanimously that the
resignation of the said Joseph Williams Esquire be accepted,
and that the thanks of the Parish be, and hereby are given
to the said Joseph Williams Esquire for his long and faithful
services in the offices aforesaid.
At this meeting the titles of all the officers were changed
from Precinct to Parish.
At this meeting it was voted that the Committee provide
a suitable seat for the Sexton and direct him to hand the box
round the Meeting House on every Lords Day in the after-
noon after sermon is ended in order that the People may have
an opportunity of contributing towards the Parish tax as may
be convenient to them. And that all the loose monies that
may be contributed be for the Rev. Mr. Porter over and above
his Salery.
At a meeting held April 28, 1790, Deacon Joshua Felton,
Capt. Joseph Williams and Deacon Nehemiah Munroe were
appointed a Committee to repair forthwith to the Singers
Seats, view the same, and report what repairs in their opinion
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 169
are necessary to be made thereon ; who reported " that several
Doors are wanting, and that several parts thereof require
some repair," whereupon, Voted that the Parish Committee
cause such repairs to be made on said seats as they shall
think expedient. Whereas on the ^9^^ day of March 1775
the Parish Voted, that the Young men's seats scituate at the
South Westerly part of the Galery, fronting the Pulpit, should
be granted to Thomas Clarke, and others on the conditions in
the said vote mentioned; and Whereas, by reason of the com-
mencement of the War immediately after, the said conditions
were never complied with, whereby the said seat still remains
the property of the Parish. Therefore Voted, that the Parish
Committee be and hereby are directed to cause the said seat
to be put in decent repair, and to sell the same for the most
they will fetch for the benefit of the Parish. At this meeting
the sexton was desired to occupy the seat made for him on
the top of the Pulpit stairs. In 1792 setting up Stoves in the
Meeting House was refused.
Among the few sermons of this century which have been
handed down to the present day is one delivered in this Meet-
ing House Nov. 16, 1794, by Samuel Kendall, A.M., Pastor of
the Congregational Church in Weston entitled "Love an
essential Attribute of Deity."
May 1st 1795, the parish committee let thirteen seats in the
back pew in the Gallery to Mr. Samuel Langley at two
shillings each for one year.
May 9, 1796, Messrs Aaron Davis, Ralph Smith, John
Swift, Ebenezer Brewer and James Howe were appointed a
committee to ascertain the expense of a room, candles and
fewel necessary to accommodate the Singers for one year and
to open a subscription for the probable amount. At this
meeting it was voted that the rent already due for the Parish
pew below and the thirteen scats in the long pew in the Gallery
170 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
belonging to the Parish be appropriated towards said expenses
of the singers.
The Parish received at various times the following legacies :
From Joshua Lamb of <£13 6s. 8d. for the poor widdows
of the First Church, Roxbury.
From Lieut. Caleb Stedman of £4 for the poor of the
First Church, Roxbury.
From Ebenezer Warren of £6 13s. 4d. for poor widdows of
the First Church, Roxbury.
From an unknown hand of ,£13 6s. 8d. for the poor
widdows of the First Church, Roxbury.
From Judge Dudley of £7 12s. for the poor widdows of
the First Church, Roxbury.
Contributions in the First Parish in Roxbury for the
sufferers by Fire were
Apr. 20, 1787 70 dwelling houses in South part of Boston
£23 18s.
Mch. 9, 1788 home of Capt. Sam'l Langley of Warwick
£15 185.
Nov. 13, 1793 house of Nathan Shed £12.
July 30, 1794 45 houses South end Boston £70 7.'?.
May 22, 1796 house of David Ockington, Needham $48.58.
Jan. 30, 1797 furniture James Tolman of Dorchester $36.00.
Apr. 2, 1797 Eben. Fox of Roxbury part of Building $79.16.
Saturday Aug. 4, 1798 the New Bell was suspended in the
Balcony of the Meeting House the committee having pre-
viously bought it of Paul Revere, being one made at his bell
foundry. Bell weighed 862 lbs. cost $371.13 less old bell
$130.17 making net cost as $240.96.
May 27, 1799, Voted not to build a new meeting house.
July 4, 1800 at the Request of the inhabitants of the Town
of Roxbury an Oration was pronounced in this House in
commemoration of American Lidependence by Luther
Richardson.
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 171
In 1801 a committee was chosen to endeavour to revive the
singing in the congregation.
April 29, 1802, it was voted to take measures for building a
new meeting house. The Parish committee was directed to
procure a room and to furnish candles to accomodate the
Singers one night in a week to practise.
May 4, 1802, three different plans were exhibited and it
appeared to the committee that the Plan of the Newburyport
meeting house is the most elligible for Roxbury with a few
alterations and Messrs. William Blaney, John Sawen, and
Humphrey Bicknell were appointed a sub-committee to
draught a plan for our meeting house similar to Newburyport
meeting house with alterations, as expressed by the committee,
and report estimate of the cost with brick and the cost with
wood.
May 31, 1802, it was agreed that the amount to be assessed
on the pews in this meeting house should be $2160, being
$30.00 per pew on floor and $15.00 per pew in gallery, show-
ing that there were 68 pews on floor and 8 square pews in
gallery. In June the parish voted to build a new meeting
house of wood but with a long spire.
Aug. 5, 1802, the Committee chosen to build the new meet-
ing house were Mr. Ralph Smith, Joseph Ruggles, Esq.,
Capt. Joseph Williams, Mr. William Blaney & Nathaniel
Ruggles, Esq.
At a meeting held April 7, 1803, it was voted that the old
meeting house be put up at auction and voted that the
thanks of this parish be given to the middle parish in Rox-
bury for their kind offer to accomodate our congregation in
their meeting house during the time that ours is building
and that the parish committee be directed to express the
same to the Rev. Mr. Gray.
172 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
April 14, 1803, the parish committee reported that they
had procured Capt. Stoddards new brick building oposite
the meeting house, unfinished, for the congregation to meet
in, for devine service, until the 20 of October next for the
sum of one hundred & twenty dollars. They then adjourned
for one hour to give time for the sale of the old meeting
house. The conditions of sale were — The highest bidder to
be the purchaser. Any dispute arising between two or more
bidders the premises to be put up again. The building
to be taken away and the ground around the same to be
cleared by the first of May next. The purchaser to
carefully take down the Bell and frame thereof with the
two clocks & apparatus. The house to be sold as it
now stands, excepting the moveables, the bell & frame,
Clocks and apparatus. The underpinning stones & steps to
be left. The Building, as now mentioned, to be sold on a
credit of two years with satisfactory security on interest from
the first of May next.
The Honbie John Read Esq. was the highest bidder and
it was struck off to him for the sum of Six hundred dollars
$600. Then after the sale. Voted that the parish committee
have a plan taken of the pews & their situation in the old
meeting house before it be removed, and that they advertise
in the parish, for the pewholders in the old meeting house,
to exhibit their claims to pews and parts of pews, clearly
designated, to the parish committee before the first of Octo-
ber next in order that the compensation voted by the parish
may be awarded to the proper owners.
Two days after the Parish committee gave notice that
they have a plan of the situation of the pews in the old meeting
house, but this plan cannot be found.
April 17, 1803, was held the last Meeting of the Congrega-
tion in the old Meeting House for Public Worship and on
THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE 173
the next sabbath the 24th the first meeting in Capt. Stoddard's
New house for public worship.
The plan of rebuilding encountered opposition. Heath's
manuscript journal under date of April 18, 1803, says: "This
day the meeting house in the First Parish of this town was
begun to be pulled down. It was not half worn out, and
might have been repaired with a saving of $10,000 to the
parish. It has been sold for $600. Whether every genera-
tion grows wiser or not, it is evident they grow more fashion-
able and extravagant."
174 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
REV. MR. NEHEMIAH WALTER
Sketch of his Hfe under Second Meeting House.
REV. OLIVER PEABODY
OHver Peabody, son of Rev. Oliver and Hannah (Baxter)
Peabody of Natick, was born Jan. 15, 1725/6, and a graduate
of Harvard College in 1745. At a Precinct meeting held May
28, 1750, it was voted to call Mr. Peabody, who had been
settled over the little missionary church in Natick, as colleague
pastor with Rev. Mr. Walter by a vote of 42 yeas against 23
blanks. He was ordained Pastor Nov. 7, 1750, nearly two
months after the death of Mr. Walter. He was a preacher
of acknowledged ability, but his ministry and his life were
brief, as he died May 29, 1752, about a year and a half from
the time of his settlement. He was never married. He
built the house situated on the north side of Eliot Square,
standing well back from the road and commanding a fine
view of Boston in the rear, which has since been tenanted
by his successors Rev. Amos Adams and Rev. Dr. Porter
(Rev. George Putnam boarded there until his marriage)
and afterwards owned and occupied by Deacon Charles
Kjiapp Dillaway until his death. At the time of the siege of
Boston it was the headquarters of General Thomas.
REV. AMOS ADAMS 175
REV. AMOS ADAMS
Amos Adams, the eldest of eleven children of Henry and
Jemima (Morse) Adams, was born in Medfield, Mass., Sept.
1, 1728, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1752. He
married (1) Elizabeth Prentiss, Oct. 18, 1753, in Cambridge,
who died in Aug. 1769; (2) Mrs. Abigail Mears, Feb. 15, 1770,
in Roxbury, who died the next year; (3) Sarah, daughter of
Dr. Charles Chauncy of the First Church of Boston, July 16,
1771, in Boston.
He was ordained Pastor of this church Sept. 12, 1753.
He was a very popular preacher. His delivery is said to have
been animated and energetic, his voice musical and of great
power. He was praised in other churches as a very accom-
plished preacher, but many were disgusted with his plainness
of speech, the length of his discourses, and his very desultory
observations. All allowed him to discover some knowledge
of human nature, in the addresses he made to his hearers.
His preaching was calculated to prick the consciences of
sinners, though they wanted correct discrimination and
smoothness of period. His memory was tenacious and his
reading very extensive. He was an ardent patriot from the
first, earnestly co-operating in the efforts of the people to stop
importation from the mother country and to encourage
domestic manufactures. An instance of the spirit that per-
vaded all classes at that time is found in the fact that one
day in September, 1768, nearly sixty young women of Roxbury
met together at the minister's house and gave Mrs. Adams
the materials for and the spinning of about one hundred
score of linen yard. "Such an unusual and beautiful
appearance," says the chronicler, "drew a great number of
spectators from town and country, who expressed the highest
176 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
satisfaction at such an example of industry." He was scribe
of the convention of ministers at Watertown, which in May,
1775, recommended to the people to take up arms.
He spent his time and strength with pleasure in the service
of a grateful people, till by the distress of the times, they were
dispersed and he himself obliged to leave his habitation and
pulpit, from which time his labors were increased, but through
an affection to the people of his charge, he went through
them with cheerfulness, attending the small remainder of
his flock every Sunday, though his family was removed to
a distance among his friends. He not only visited his own
flock but the soldiers who were stationed among the people
of his parochial charge. He died Oct. 5, 1775, in Dorchester.
At the time he was seized with his last sickness, the result of
preaching in the open air to the soldiers, he was engaged as
chaplain to Col. David Brewer's Ninth Continental Regiment
of 900 men, who paid the funeral honors to his remains on
the Saturday following his death. The Boston Gazette in
the notice of his death says, " His family as well as his church
and people now driven into various parts of the country,
refuse to be comforted. "
His publications never appeared to satisfy the expectations
of those who heard them from the pulpit; they needed his
animated delivery. Among his published sermons are the
following: — On the Death of Madam Lucy Dudley, 1756;
Artillery Election, 1759; Thanksgiving for the Reduction of
Quebec, 1759; at the Ordination of S. Kingsbury, 1761, and
of John Wyeth, 1766; The Only Hope and Refuge of Sinners,
1767; Dudleian Lecture entitled Diocesan Episcopacy at
Harvard College, 1770; the manuscript of this last is now in
the library of the college; it bears testimony to the learning
of the writer. The discourses which gave him the most
reputation were two upon religious liberty, 1767, and two on
REV. AMOS ADAMS 177
the general fast, April 6, 1709, in which he gave "A Concise
Historical View of the Difficulties, Hardships and Perils
which Attended the Planting and Progressive Improvement
in New England, with a Particular Account of its Long and
Destructive Wars, Expensive Expeditions, etc. " These were
reprinted in England in 1770, not as sermons, but with the
title of a "Concise History of New England." The evan-
gelical sentiments are curtailed. We see little more than
the dry bones of a skeleton not well hung together. All his
printed discourses are bound in two volumes, 8vo, which he
presented to the College Library,
178 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
REV. ELIPHALET PORTER, D.D.
Eliphalet Porter, son of John and Mary (Huntington)
Porter, was born June 11, 1758, in Abington, now North
Bridgewater, Mass.
He was beneath the common stature, straight and well
proportioned. His hair, which was of chestnut color, was
little if any changed at his death. Neither he nor his father
ever used spectacles.
He entered Harvard College in 1773 and was graduated
in 1777, the youngest of three brothers in the same class.
He held a highly respectable rank as a scholar, and was
distinguished by the sobriety and correctness of his habits.
His theological studies he prosecuted under the direction of
his father.
The pulpit of the First Church of Roxbury had been
vacant since the death of the Rev. Amos Adams in 1775, and,
having heard various candidates, the precinct finally, in 1782,
extended a nearly unanimous call (61 to 1; that one vote says
"not Disposed to concur") to Mr. Porter, of which in due
time he signified his acceptance. He was ordained Pastor
of this church Oct. 2, 1782, the sermon being preached by
his venerable father, the charge delivered by Dr. Samuel
Cooper of Boston, and the Rev. Mr. Abbot of the second
parish in Roxbury presented the Right Hand of Fellowship.
His ordination created considerable opposition from some
of the first families of Roxbury. Dr. Williams joined the
Episcopal Church. He showed a decided opposition to Dr.
Porter till on arriving at the age of 70 he gave a dinner and
invited Dr. Porter for the first time to his house. Captain
Joseph Williams, another principal opposer, was converted
into a firm friend by a funeral sermon delivered by Dr. Porter
REV. ELIPHALET PORTER, D.D. 179
on the death of two sons of Captain WiHiams, and when the
Doctor shortly after went to see him, he greeted him most
cordially.
Although in the pulpit he exhibited few, if any, of the
characteristics of a popular preacher of the present day, few
modern preachers are listened to more attentively or regarded
with more reverence than he was. The effect he produced
was not that of excitement; he was not excitable himself,
and was therefore not likely to produce excitement in others.
There was a calmness and solemnity in his manner which
gave to his discourses a peculiar impressiveness. He was
never dogmatical or bigoted. He had clear and settled
opinions on the controverted points of theology, and was
always ready to sustain them; but he had no taste for con-
troversy, and therefore rarely preached on subjects which
occasioned it.
When religious disputes were started he had a remarkable
faculty of discerning points of difference, of allowing to each
controversialist his proper merit and of bringing the subject
to an amicable decision.
His devotional services were highly appropriate though
but little varied.
Of his pastoral character it was suited to the times in which
he lived. Frequent visits, for social intercourse merely, were
not expected; for these he had neither taste nor fitness; his
manners were grave and did not encourage familiarity, nor
had he that easy flow of language so essential to sustain a
conversation on the familiar topics of the day. But in the
chamber of the sick, or wherever there was affliction which
the sympathies of a pastor could alleviate, he was a constant
and welcome visitor. When he uttered anything it was
obvious that it was in words fitly spoken.
In October, 1801, he was married to Martha, daughter of
180 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Major Nathaniel Ruggles of Roxbury. She died without
issue in December 1814.
In 1807 he was honored with the degree of Doctor of
Divinity by Harvard College.
Rev. Charles Lowell writes of him as follows : —
" My recollections of Dr. Porter are of course very distinct.
He was the minister of my childhood at Roxbury. I attended
his catechising, which was held once a year. We recited the
Assembly's catechism. Dr. Porter was usually taciturn when
I knew him in Roxbury. I remember it was a subject of
great solicitude with my sisters, how they should entertain
him, when he made a visit at our house. When I knew him
as a brother minister, he bore his full part in conversation.
He was a man of good sense and good judgment, and, in
addition to this, he had a good deal of what is termed dry wit
or humor, though he looked so sedate, not to say grave; and
he had great shrewdness and adroitness in parrying a pleasant
thrust at him.
" He was on a visit to one of his parishioners one afternoon,
where there was a little party of young people. The lady of
the house told the Doctor, hesitatingly, that the young folks
would be glad to have a little dance with the aid of the piano-
forte, but were afraid to do it lest he should be offended.
'Oh, no,' said he, 'let them dance; only I hope they will
excuse me, as I have my boots on.' "
May 31, 1810, Dr. Porter preached the Annual Sermon at
the Convention of the Congregational Ministers of Massachu-
setts, and this perhaps may be considered the most prominent
event of his life. The controversy between the two parties,
known as the "orthodox " and the liberal, was really at that
time no new thing ; but, so far as the latter class at least were
concerned, it had rarely, if ever, been introduced into the
pulpit, especially on any great public occasion. . Dr. Porter,
REV. ELIPHALET PORTER, D.D. 181
on the occasion referred to, stepped aside from the course of
his predecessors, and, without making any very distinct state-
ment of his own views, brought out a bold and earnest defence
of some of the general principles for which the liberal party
were contending. The sermon produced great excitement
at the time, and it has been acknowledged, by those who
disliked as well as those who liked it, to be the ablest of
Dr. Porter's printed productions. It is important now, chiefly
as having marked a sort of epoch in the controversy and as
indicating the then existing state of theological opinion.
The subject of the Discourse was " The Simplicity that is
in Christ, and the Danger of its being corrupted."
Its general spirit and character may be sufficiently indicated
by the following extract : —
But it will be asked if the simple proposition which has been mentioned
(Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ) is all that we have to demand in the way
of Gospel belief. What are we to think of those articles of faith which have
been long received in the Church, and considered, perhaps generally, as
fundamentals, and essential to be believed? What are we to think, not of
those doctrines which have been exploded by Protestants, and which have
had, and now have, their turn of being viewed as essential, more extensively
than any others; but of those disputed articles of faith which have been
retained or taught and required in the Catechisms and Confessions of Protes-
tant and Reformed Churches, and in particular among ourselves ? Or, to
be more ex-plicit still, for I wish to be understood, what are we to think of
the doctrines of original sin and total depravity; of imputation of sin and
righteousness; of a trinity in unity; of the mere humanity, superangelical
nature or absolute Deity of Christ; of particular and general redemption;
of unconditional decrees of personal election and reprobation; of moral
inability, and the total passiveness of man in regeneration; of the special
and irresistible operation of the Holy Spirit ; of perseverance, or the impossi-
bility of the believer's total apostacy; and, to mention no more, the absolute
eternity of the torments to which the vricked will be sentenced at the last day.
My individual belief in respect to the truth or error of these points, can be
of but Uttle importance, and my subject no way requires that it should be
given. It rather becomes me to follow the example which has been some-
times set by learned judges on the bench, when difficult questions suggested
themselves, but whose decision the main subject before them did not require;
182 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
and prudently say, — Neque teneo, neque refello. But it is pertinent to
the object of this discourse, and consonant to my serious and deliberate
conviction, to observe that I cannot place my finger on any one article in the
list of doctrines just mentioned, the belief or the rejection of which I con-
sider as essential to the Claristian faith or character.
I believe that an innumerable company of Christians who never heard of
these articles, or who were divided in their opinions respecting them, have
fallen asleep in Jesus; and that innumerable of the same description are
following after.
Rev. Dr. A. C. Thompson in his Eliot Memorial says,
" The transition of this church from its Calvinistic attitude
to Liberalism appears to have taken place at the close of
the eighteenth century and the first years of the nineteenth.
This sermon was among the earlier public disclosures of
a change which had been quietly going on in this neighbor-
hood."
As a citizen, his influence was widely and beneficially
felt. A man so distinguished for great practical wisdom
as he was, could not escape frequently calls for his counsel
and assistance in the secular affairs of the to^wn. In the
support and management of institutions for objects of
charity, or for the promotion of education and religion, his
services and counsels were conspicuously useful and in con-
stant request. The various ofiices of trust, to which he was
called, w'ere fulfilled with a characteristic caution, prudence,
and fidelity, which obtained and justified unlimited confi-
dence.
He was a highly valued member of the Overseers of Har-
vard University, and in 1818 was elected a Fellow of the
University and until his death a member of the Corporation,
The period of his connection with this institution was one of
great difficulty, and he took his full share of the labors and
responsibilities incident to his official position. His affection
for the college was ardent and constant. The notice of his
REV. ELIPHALET PORTER, D.D. 183
death on the records of the Corporation manifests their
strong sense of " the great loss our Hterary and rehgious com-
munity have sustained by the death of this learned divine and
exemplary Christian, whose intelligence, fidelity and zeal
in support of the interests of literature, and especially of
those connected with the prosperity of Harvard University,
they have had uniform occasion to witness during the
many years he has been one of the members of this Board."
By his will he bequeathed one thousand dollars to the
Theological School of Harvard College.
He was Treasurer for many years of the Massachusetts
Congregational Charitable Society, whose funds are appro-
priated to the support of ministers' widows and orphans.
In this trust he gave great satisfaction. He was an original
trustee of the Massachusetts Bible Society founded in 1809.
He was among the founders of the Society for the Suppres-
sion of Intemperance. For many years he was moderator of
the Boston Association, by whom he was greatly valued for
judicious counsel. He continued his stated labors with-
out much interruption till he was past seventy, when it be-
came apparent to both himself and others that his strength
was inadequate to the full discharge of the duties of his
office. Accordingly it was agreed that he should have a
colleague; and Mr. George Putnam was called and settled,
with his hearty approbation. The relations which existed
between the Senior and Junior Pastors were mutually kind
and agreeable, and when the former died, the latter, in a
Funeral Discourse, rendered a warm and grateful tribute to
the memory of his venerated friend. During the three and
one-half years he had a colleague he preached but eleven
sermons.
The 7^^ of October, 1832, the Sabbath next succeeding
the completion of fifty years of his ministry, Dr. Porter
184 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
preached a sermon containing some historical sketches of his
parish, and particularly a review of his own ministerial
labors. Having referred to his Ordination he says : —
The solemn transactions of that day were adapted to excite
reflection, lead to resolutions, and make impressions on the
mind, which half a century ought not, and, as the speaker
trusts, has not, wholly effaced from his mind. But he
laments that they have not had a more constant, powerful
and salutary effect on his life and labors. He laments
that he has not better fulfilled the ministry he received of
the Lord, and better performed his vows. A sense of his
many neglects, and defects in duty, he can truly say, is the
greatest burden of his life; and he would this day humble
himself before God, and in the presence of the great con-
gregation, for his want of greater diligence and activity,
constancy, faithfulness, and zeal, in the discharge of the
work given him to do.
His death occurred on Saturday, December 7, 1833, and
his funeral was attended on the succeeding Wednesday, by
a large concourse. The sermon, by his surviving colleague,
was from Genesis xxv, 8, and was published. A list of his
publications includes: Thanksgiving Discourse of the
Peace, 1783; Discourse to the Roxbury Charitable Society,
1794; Fast Discourse, 1798; Sermon on the Death of Gov.
Sumner, 1799; Eulogy on Washington, 1800; Discourse
before the Humane Society, 1802; Sermon at the Ordina-
tion of Rev. Charles Lowell, Jan. 1, 1806; Before Society
for Propagating the Gospel, Nov. 5, 1807; Convention Ser-
mon, May 31, 1810; Artillery Election Sermon, June 1,
1812; Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. J. G. Palfrey,
June 17, 1818.
DEACONS 185
DEACONS
Mr. Edward Ruggles, see Second Meeting House.
Mr. Samuel Gridley, see Second Meeting House.
Mr. Stephen Williams, son of Capt. Stephen and Mary
(Capen) Williams, b. in Roxbury March 9, 1701/2, died there
in 1773; m. Sarah Payson. Ordained Deacon Dec. 23,
1753, and served until his death. He was owner of Pew
No. 26 in the Third Meeting House.
Mr. Ebenezer Craft, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth
(Weld) Craft, b. in Roxbury May 22, 1705; died there Sept.
1, 1791; m. Susanna White. A cordwainer by trade and
also extensively engaged in farming. He was a large
land owner in Roxbury and adjoining towns. Ordained
Deacon Dec. 23, 1753, and served until his death. He
was owner of Pew No. 18 in the Third Meeting House.
Mr. William Gridley, son of Samuel and
Gridley, b. in Roxbury in 1732; buried there Dec. 15, 1786;
m. Lydia . Ordained Deacon Apr. 4, 1773, and
served until his death.
Mr. Samuel Sumner, son of John and Susannah (Stevens)
Sumner, b. in Roxbury, Dec. 29, 1732; died there Oct. 11,
1813; m. (1) Susannah Boylston, (2) Elizabeth Bugbee.
He was active in town affairs and one of the Committee of
Correspondence in the Revolution. Ordained Deacon
May 14, 1779, and served until his death. He was owner
of Pew 91 in the Fifth Meeting House.
Mr. David Weld, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Tucker)
Weld, b. in 1734; d. in 1821; m. Sarah Davis. He held
various town offices. Representative. One of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence in the Revolution. Collector in
1785. Ordained Deacon Dec. 5, 1785, and served until his
death.
186 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Mb. Nehemiah Munroe, son of William and Sarah
(Mason) Munroe, b. in Roxbury, July 1, 1747; d. there
Aug. 2, 1828; m. Avis Hammond. Cabinet maker. Held
town offices. Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School. Mem-
ber of the Parish Committee. Ordained Deacon March 9,
1787, and served until his death. Owner of Pew No. 71,
Fifth Meeting House.
Mr. Joshua Felton, son of Nathaniel and Anna (Jacobs)
Felton, b. in Roxbury, March 21, 1743; died there Dec. 17,
1816; m. (1) Mary Wardell, (2) Mrs. Lois Pattee. Black-
smith. It is said he attended church every Sunday, except
one-half day, for 37 years. He kept a diary of every event
that transpired in Roxbury for many years. Member of the
Standing Committee of the Roxbury Charitable Society.
Ordained Deacon June 10, 1787, and served until his death.
Owner of Pew No. 60, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
CHURCH MEMBERS
According to the church records the Parish Committee
gave notice that they had a plan of the situation of the
pews in this meeting house, but this plan cannot be found.
Few transfers of pews can be found on the records, the
earliest being dated Nov. 25, 1788, and there are only three
instances where the exact situation of each pew is known.
Li 1802 there were 68 pews on the floor and eight square
pews in the galleries.
Feb. 1, 1746/7. John Williams.
May 24, 1747. Katharine WiUiams.
June 28, 1747. John Salmon.
Aug. 29, 1747. Jeane Linsdey.
Nov. 21, 1747. —
ISIary Manser.
Rebecca Bidford.
Jan. 3, 1747/8. Samuel Williams.
CHURCH MEMBERS 187
Jan. 17, 1747/8. Anne Tucker.
Mch. 20, 1747/8. Phillis, negro servant of Mr. Stedman.
Sept. 25, 1748. Lydia Gamut.
Oct. 22, 1748. —
Daniel Sever.
Abiel Sever.
Nov. 11, 1748. Joseph Bodoono.
Feb. 26, 1748/9. —
Thomas Cheney.
Deborah Cheney.
Nov. 5, 1749. Joseph Ruggles.
June 30, 1750. —
Samuel Weld.
Ebenezer Pierepont, Jr.
John Wilhams, Jr.
Oliver Peabody, Jr., our Pastor.
Feb. 24, 1750/1. John Richards.
Mch. 10, 1750/1. —
John Dean.
Edward King.
Apr. 28, 1751. —
Katharine Ruggles.
Mary Smith.
May 5, 1751. Edward Kelton.
July 21, 1751. Obadiah Coohdge.
Aug. 11, 1751. —
Dorothy Holbrook.
Ann Williams.
Oct. 6, 1751. Thomas Dana.
Jan. 19, 1751/2. Jonathan Sever.
Sept. 12, 1753. Amos Adams, our Pastor.
Sept. 23, 1753. —
Jeremiah Mosher.
Isabel Mosher, his wife.
Oct. 14, 1753. Edmund Weld.
Nov. 11, 1753. —
Abigail Reves.
Abigail Bosson.
Nov. 18, 1753. Joseph Howard.
Dec. 23, 1753. Deacon Stephen Williams, recomd.
Dec. 30, 1753. Sarah Weld.
Jan. 27, 1754. Isaac Gardiner of Brookline, H.C. 1747.
June 16, 1754. Mary ShortUef, wife of Henry.
188 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
July 14, 1754. Joseph Williams, Jr.
Sept. 29, 1754. John Hewet.
Oct. 6, 1754. Jonas Meriam, H.C 1753. Settled over Church in Newton.
Dec. 22, 1754. John Slack.
Feb. 16, 1755. —
Elizabeth Williams.
Anna Williams.
Apr. 20, 1755. —
Anne Pierpont.
Mary Pierpont.
June 8, 1755. Hannah Williams.
June 15, 1755. Jane Williams.
June 22, 1755. —
William Heath.
Prudence Heath.
June 29, 1755. Jeremiah Williams.
Sept. 7, 1755. —
Jeremiah Parker.
Martha Parker.
Dec. 21, 1755. Sarah Prince.
Dec. 28, 1755. Ann McClure.
Jan. 18, 1756. Eleanor Bosson, wife of John.
Feb. 22, 1756. —
Ebenezer Cheney.
Mary Seaver.
Susannah Seaver.
Mch. 21, 1756. —
Ebenezer May.
Sarah Duff.
EUzabeth Walker.
Apr. 17, 1756. —
Increase Sumner, b. June 9, 1713; d. Nov. 28, 1774; m. Sarah Sharp.
Farmer, selectman. Coroner for the County of Suffolk, Father of
Governor Increase Sumner.
Job Walker.
April 18, 1756. Fortime, a negro man belonging to Capt. Newell.
May 16, 1756. —
Margaret Swan.
Hannah Whitney.
Margaret Sewall.
Dinah, a negro woman belonging to Deacon Crafts.
June 13, 1756. —
Sarah Bishop, dismissed to Uxbridge.
CHURCH MEMBERS 189
Jonathan Hall, dismissed from Medford Church, and dismissed to
Church in Hadley in 1771.
Mercy Hall, dismissed from Medford Church.
July 11, 1756. Mary Seaver.
Aug. 1, 1756. —
John Searl.
Margret Searl.
Aug. 7, 1756. Abigail Parker.
Sept. 5, 1756. Sarah Prentice.
Sept. 12, 1756. —
William Gridley, see Deacons.
Lydia Gridley.
Keturah, a negro woman belonging to Thos. Seaver.
Oct. 31, 1756. —
Mary Grigs.
Sarah Doubt.
WUliam Heath, jun., b. Mch. 7, 1737; d. Jan. 24, 1814; m. Sarah Lock-
wood. Lived on his ancestral farm settled upon by William Heath
in 1632. Capt. and then Col. of the Suffolk Regiment. Commander
of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. in 1770. Member of the
General Assembly. Member of the Committee of Correspondence
and Safety, Member of the Provincial Congress 1774-5. On Dec.
8, 1774, he was commissioned provincial brigadier general and was
the only general officer on the field at the battle of Lexington, Apr.
19, 1775, and as such directed the pursuit of Earl Percy. Promoted
Major General, then Brigadier General and Major General of the
Continental Army. Member of the convention of Mass. that adopted
the Federal Constitution. State Senator. Probate Judge. Owner
of Pew No. 76, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 7, 1756. —
Samuel Woods.
Mercy Woods, wife of Samuel.
Dec. 12, 1756. Elizabeth Williams.
Feb. 6, 1757. Sarah Muncrief.
Mch. 20, 1757. James Orr.
April 10, 1757. —
Solomon Ayers.
Elizabeth Ayers, wife of Solomon.
April 17, 1757. —
John Dinsdill.
Abigail Dinsdill, wife of John.
190 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
May 1, 1757. —
Joseph Weld.
Mary Weld.
May 22, 1757. Mary Benjamin.
July 31, 1757. —
William Blaney.
Ebenezer Davis.
Sarah Davis,
Jan. 15, 1758. —
Moses Winchester.
Mary Winchester, vrife of Moses.
June 11, 1758. —
Elizabeth Stevens.
Hannah Stevens.
July 9, 1758. WilUam Kerpont.
Oct. 1. 1758. —
Mary Bass.
Sarah Gore.
Nov. 26, 1758. —
Samuel Sumner, Jr., see Deacons.
Susannah Sumner, wife of Samuel.
Dec. 3, 1758. John Mears.
Dec. 24, 1758. —
Joseph Williams.
Mary Williams.
Apr. 2, 1759. James Mears.
Oct. 28, 1759. Mary Chamberlayn.
Jan. 13, 1760. Sarah Heath.
Feb. 10, 1760. —
Joseph Worsley.
Benjamin Pierpont.
Feb. 17, 1760. —
Thomas Raymour.
Mary Raymour, wife of Thomas.
Ebenezer Dorr, member of Committee of Correspondence and Safety.
Anne Dorr.
James How.
Ebenezer Pierpont.
Aug. 3, 1760. Jane Foster.
Aug. 31, 1760. Isaac Curtiss.
Oct. 26, 1760. —
Anne Curtiss.
Thaddeus Partridge.
CHURCH MEMBERS 191
Apr. 12, 1761. Jane Partridge.
June 7, 1761. Thomas Williams.
June 21, 1761. Richard Fox.
July 5, 1761. —
Sarah Williams.
Rebecca Winslow.
Aug. 2, 1761. —
Joseph Payson.
Abigail Payson.
Sept. 13, 1761. Aaron Davis, b. Oct. 18, 1735; d. Oct. 12, 1773; m. Susannah
Craft. A merchant on Long Wharf, Boston, as well as in Roxbury
with his brother Moses Davis. Captain First Train of Artillery.
Member Precinct Committee March 27, 1771.
Oct. 4, 1761. William Thompson.
Dec. 13, 1761. Robert Williams.
Dec. 27, 1761. Enoch Hancock.
Jan. 17, 1762. —
Caleb Hayward, dismissed to Milton.
Susannah Davis, wife of Aaron.
Mch. 14, 1762. Richard Robinson.
May 29, 1762. Henry Payson.
June 6, 1762. William Patrick.
Sept. 26, 1762. Phillip Searle.
Oct. 3, 1762. Tobias, a negro man belonging to William Williams.
Oct. 17, 1762. —
Nicholas Seaver.
Mary Seaver.
Deborah Searle.
Ruth Searle.
Nov. 21, 1762. Ebenezer WiDiams, H. C. 1760. Taught in the Free
Schoole 1761-3. Dismissed from his Pastoral Relation to this
church Oct. 20, 1765, and recommended to Falmouth.
April 10, 1763. —
Daniel Bugbee jr.
Mary Bugbee.
June 26, 1763. Jonathan Parker, farmer, a member of the Boston Tea
Party, & one of those to Secret two cannon belonging to the British
Artillery taken from the gun-house on Boston Common.
Oct. 23, 1763. —
Thomas Dana.
Martha Dana.
Nov. 20, 1763. —
John Slack.
Elizabeth Slack.
192 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Jan. 15, 1764. Stephen Williams.
Feb. 12, 1764. Hannah Woodward.
April 8, 1764. —
Meliitable Shirley.
Theoda Williams, wife of Stephen.
Elizabeth Sumner.
May 6, 1764. —
Mary Parker.
Ann Mears.
John Bowen.
Mehitable Bowen.
Aug. 26, 1764. —
Daniel Bugbee.
Joseph Williams, b. June 23, 1738; d. Mch. 5, 1822; m. (1) Susannah
May, (2) Mercy Davis. Called Captain. Member Precinct Com-
mittee Apr. 14, 1783. Owner of Pew No. 26, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
Susannah W^illiams, wife of Joseph.
Oct. 7, 1764. Ishmael and Venus, negro servants of Joseph Ruggles.
Oct. 28, 1764. Sarah Fellows.
Nov. 18, 1764. —
Moses Dorr.
Eleanor Dorr.
Mch. 10, 1765. Deborah Bosson.
April 7, 1765. William Bugbee.
May 5, 1765. John Brewer.
May 26, 1765. Abijah Seaver.
June 9, 1765. Paul Gore.
Feb. 2, 1766. Daniel Tombes.
Mch. 23, 1766. James Cornish.
Apr. 13, 1766. James Bird.
July 20, 1766. Noah Davis, dismissed to Second Church in Roxbury.
July 27, 1766. —
Benjamin May.
Mary May.
Aug. 24, 1766. Elizabeth Davis.
Aug. 31, 1766. Andrew Floyd.
Oct, 19, 1766. Elizabeth Johnson.
Nov. 23, 1766. —
Joshua Felton, see Deacons.
Mary Thompson.
Dec. 21, 1766. Phillis, negro woman of Capt. John Williams.
Feb. 15, 1767. Eiiphalet Downer.
CHURCH MEMBERS 193
Apr. 5, 1767. —
Elizabeth Da\'is.
Abigail Davis.
Abigail Parker.
May 3, 1767. Brill Johnson.
May 10, 1767. Mary Doyle.
Aug. 30, 1767. Joseph Smith.
Sept. 13, 1767. Benjamin Baker.
Oct. 25, 1767. Joseph Muncrieflf.
Dec. 13, 1767. —
Sarah Gridley.
Martha Gridley.
Susaimah Gridley.
Feb. 7, 1768. Hannah Pierpont.
Feb. 28, 1768. James Gould.
March 27, 1768. Hannah How.
Aug. 2, 1768. —
Major Nathaniel Ruggles, son of Capt. Samuel and Martha (Wood-
bridge) Ruggles, b. in Roxbury abt. 1748; died there Jan. 14, 1780;
m. Martha Williams, known as "Aunt Major." They were the
parents of Mrs. Martha Porter, wife of Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D.
Major of the Suffolk Regiment in 1772. Filled many important
public stations. Especially attentive to the wants of the soldiers in
Roxbury. His house, cor. Eliot Square and Highland St., was the
Headquarters of the army officers diu-ing the siege of Boston. Owner
of Pew No. 18, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Martha Ruggles, wife of Major Nathaniel Ruggles.
Rebecca Ruggles.
Aug. 7, 1768. Mary Bosson.
Aug. 28, 1768. —
Francis Dana.
Robert Champney.
Sept. 18, 1768. Sarah Coolege.
Sept. 25, 1768. Samuel Heath.
Dec. 18, 1768. Richard Rowen.
Mch. 5, 1769. —
Peleg Heath.
Patience Heath.
Mch. 23, 1769. Martha Mills.
Apr. 2, 1769. John Bowen.
Apr. 30, 17^9. —
John Pierpont.
Nathaniel Eaton.
194 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
July 15, 1769. Hannah Tucker.
July 23, 1769.
Joseph Heath.
Martha Dana.
Aug. 20, 1769. —
Increase Sumner, b. Nov. 27, 1746; d. June 7, 1799; m. Elizabeth Hyslop.
H. C. 1767. Taught in the Free Schoole 1768-1770. Lawyer. Rep-
resentative. Senator for Suffolk County. Elected to Congress in
1782, but declined the position. Associate Justice of the Supreme
Judicial Court of Mass. Governor of the State of Massachusetts.
Samuel Cheney, H. C. 1767.
Lydia Coolidge.
Sept. 17, 1769. Mary Felton.
Oct. 8, 1769. —
Thomas Weld.
Abigail Dow.
Deborah Cheney.
Abigail Mears.
Catherine Parker.
John Davis Williams, b. Dec. 25, 1739; d. May 26, 1807; m. Hannah
Davis. Farmer. The farm he occupied was originally owned by
his emigrant ancestor, Robert Williams, and on it originated the
Williams Favorite apple. One of a committee of seven to petition
Lt. Gov. Hutchinson for removal of troops. Owner of Pew No. 4,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Hannah Williams, w. of John Davis Williams.
John Williams, b. May 27, 1744; d. June 19, 1809; m. Mary Sumner.
Merchant. Owner of Pew No. 39, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Mary Williams, wife of John.
Oct. 8, 1769. —
Priscilla Craft.
Sarah Craft.
John Graeton, son of John Graeton, the last landlord of the Greyhound
Tavern, and Catherine (Lenton) Graeton, bap. March 10, 1740/1 ;
d. Dec. 16, 1783 ; m. Sarah Humpreys. A prominent Son of Liberty.
Served in the battle of Lexington. Lieut, of the Governor's Guard.
Major, Lt. Col. & Col. of Col. Heath's regiment. Afterwards
commissioned Brigadier General.
Sarah Graeton, wife of John.
Nov. 12, 1769. —
Anne Williams.
Mary Smith.
Rebecca Champney.
Clarissa Kent.
CHURCH MEMBERS 195
Dec. 10, 1769. Mary Hayward.
Feb. 4, 1770. Lemuel May.
Mch. 4, 1770. —
Joshua Bowen.
Joshua Bradley.
Sarah Bradley.
Mary Gore.
Apr. 1, 1770. —
Nathaniel Felton, member of Committee of Correspondence and
Safety.
Mary Felton..
Apr. 29, 1770. Mary Shed.
Dec. 2, 1770. —
Moses Davis, b. Apr. 29, 1744 ; d. June 2, 1823 ; m. (1) Hannah Pierpont,
(2) Rebecca Sharp. Merchant. A partner of his brother Aaron
Davis. A soldier of the Revolution. Member of the Parish Com-
mittee Nov. 11, 1793. Owner of Pew No. 66, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
Hannah Williams.
Mary Newell.
Dec. 16, 1770. Samuel Gore.
Feb. 3, 1771. Abigail Newell.
Feb. 10, 1771. Ebenezer Wales.
Feb. 24, 1771. —
Benjamin Cotterel.
Mary Cotterel, w. of Benjamin.
Mch. 10, 1771. Anne Johnson.
Oct. 13, 1771. —
Jemima Winslow.
Sarah Williams.
Abigail Williams.
Nov. 10, 1771. Abigail Whitney.
Jan. 5, 1772. —
Samuel Langley.
Esther (Mayo) Langley, wife of Samuel.
Mch. 28, 1772. Lucy Sumner.
Apr. 12, 1772. Samuel Whittemore, jr.
Apr. 26, 1772. James White.
May 24, 1772. —
Margaret Seaver.
Samuel Bowen.
Mary Bowen.
Elizabeth Adams.
196 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
July 5, 1772. Aaron Blaney.
Aug. 16, 1772. —
Stephen Williams, b. Dec. 16, 1746; d. 1807; m. (1) Mary Langdon.
(2) Lois Cunningham. Town Clerk of Roxbury. Tin ware mer-
chant. His property was destroyed by the British during the Revolu-
tion and he became a farmer at Canterbury, now Forest Hills, later
resuming his old business. Owner of Pew No. 37, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Mary Williams, wife of Stephen.
Sept. 27, 1772. —
Samuel Croxfort.
JohnWard, b. Dec. 6, 1748; d. Apr. 29, 1828; m. (1) Martha Shed,
(2) Mrs. Elizabeth (Ruggles) Brewer. Farmer. Owner of Pew
No. 11, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Oct. 4, 1772. —
Nathaniel Scott, m. Sally . Manufacturer. Owner of Pew No.
63, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Stephen Jennings.
Mary Jennings.
Nov. 8, 1772. Mary Cheney.
Feb. 7, 1773. —
Noah Parker.
Eleanor Parker.
Feb. 28, 1773. —
Caleb Hayward.
Catherine Williams.
Mch. 21, 1773. Enoch Hyde.
Apr. 25, 1773. —
Job Bearce.
Abigail Parker.
Sarah Parker.
May 23, 1773. —
Thomas Clark.
Ebenezer Bugbee, b. Jan. 28, 1750/1 ; d. Jan. 12, 1834 ;m. Mary White.
Currier. Owner of Pew No. 49, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Aug. 22, 1773. Nathan Shed.
Nov. 7, 1773. —
Charles Belknap.
Mary Belknap.
Jan. 4, 1774. Rev. Jonathan Bowman, dismissed from Dorchester.
Jan. 30, 1774. —
Sarah Kelton.
Anna Pike.
CHURCH MEMBERS 197
Feb. 20, 1774. John Whitney.
Mch. 27, 1774. —
Joanna Williams.
Hannah Himt.
Apr. 17, 1774. Joseph Payson.
May 22, 1774. —
Levy Whitman.
Patty Howard, dismissed from Pomfret.
Oct. 9, 1774. —
Benjamin Stevens.
William Felton.
Emiice Felton.
Anna Pierpont.
Mary Pierpont.
James Ireland.
Nov. 6, 1774. —
Nathaniel Healy.
Joseph Ruggles, son of Capt. Joseph and Rebecca (Curtis) Ruggles, b.
Dec. 16, 1750; d. May 15, 1811 ; m. Joanna WiUiams. Lived where
the Norfolk House now stands. He and his brother Nathaniel kept
the store next to the Parsonage. Parish Treasurer. Member of
Parish Committee. Member of Roxbury Charitable Society. Owner
of Pew No. 94, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Sarah Ruggles.
Samuel Weld.
Dec. 4, 1774. —
""^ Samuel Heath.
— ^Mary Heath.
Dec. 25, 1774. Joseph Richardson.
Jan. 1, 1775. Elizabeth WiUiams.
Jan. 22, 1775. James Howe.
Feb. 12, 1775. Daniel Brown.
Mch. 5 1775. —
Ephraim Hyde.
Abigail Hyde.
Apr. 9, 1775. —
Adam Patty.
Louis Patty.
June 13, 1779. —
Thomas Dana.
Capt. Eben Gore.
198 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
July 11, 1779. Isaac Belknap.
Oct. 3. 1779. —
Capt. William Heath.
Abigail Heath, wife of William.
Jan 23, 1780. —
William Dorr.
James Orr.
July 16, 1780. Thomas Cheaney.
July 22, 1780. John Swift.
Feb. 18, 1781. Priscilla Fuller.
Jan. 6, 1782. Edward Turner, b. 1755 ; d. Dec. 25, 1838 ; m. Lucy Hyland.
Sexton of this meeting house. Constable. Sheriff of Norfolk
County. Part owner of Square Pew No. 9 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting
House.
Jan. 20, 1782. Katy Weld, widow.
Feb. 17, 1782. —
Joseph Gore, b. May 13, 1753 ; d. Feb. 5, 1824 ; m. Meriba Thayer.
Taught school in Roxbury. A soldier of the Revolution. Owner of
Square Pew No. 3 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
Benjamin West.
Dec. 22, 1782. Elizabeth Woods. *
Mch. 16, 1783. Daniel Learned.
Mch. 23, 1783. Samuel Hayward.
April 27, 1783. —
Lemuel Bradley.
, wife of Lemuel Bradley.
Cunningham.
June 8, 1783. —
Elijah Weld.
, wife of Elijah Weld.
Nov. 30, 1783.
Phineas Child.
, wife of Phineas Child.
Mch. 14, 1784. —
Jonathan Brintneal.
Polly Brintneal, wife of Jonathan.
Mch. 21, 1784. William Blaney, b. July 22, 1757; d. Jan. 25, 1824;
m. Catherine Mears. Wharfinger on Central Wharf. Architect of
the Fifth Meeting House. Owner of Pew No. 53, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
April 25, 1784. WUham WilUams, Jr.
May 9, 1784. Abigail Boven, wife of Joshua.
CHURCH MEMBERS 199
July 4, 1784. —
Robert Lovering.
, wife of Robert Lovering.
Sarah Sever, widow.
Aug. 29, 1784. Rebecca Bliss, wife of Elijah.
Nov. 7, 1784. Elijah Field.
Dec. 19, 1784. —
Thomas Mayo.
, wife of Thomas Mayo.
Elisha Mayo.
May 28, 1785. Martha Ruggles, afterwards wife of Rev. John Fairfield.
Oct. 9, 1785. George Ziegler, b. in 1759, in Germany; d. Jan. 29, 1819;
m. Mary Blaney. Landholder. Built the City Hotel in Roxbury.
Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School. Owner of Pew No. 7, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Oct. 30, 1785. Samuel Curtis.
Jan. 1, 1786. John Holbrook.
Jan. 15, 1786. —
Charles Dinsdel.
Ebenezer Scott.
Feb. 5, 1786. Solomon Hunter.
Mch. 12, 1786. Ebenezer Fox, b. Jan. 30, 1763; d. Dec. 14, 1843; un-
married. Cabin boy when about 12 years old. Afterwards appren-
ticed to a barber. In 1779 he entered the army and served two
months. Soon after entered the navj', serving to the end of the
Revolution. Then opened a barber shop in Roxbury, and after-
wards a crockery store. Postmaster in Roxbury in 1831. In 1838
wrote his " Adventures." Owner of Pew No. 12, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
Mch. 19, 1786. Caleb Aspinwall.
Apr. 22, 1786. John Dove.
Feb. 4, 1787. Edward Thomas.
Mch. 11, 1787. James Mears, Jr.
May 6, 1787. Joanna Goddard, widow.
May 20, 1787. Nathl Winship.
June 3, 1787. —
George Bacon.
Hephzibah Bacon, wife of George.
July 8, 1787. Thaddeus Bruse.
July 29 1787. Nathaniel Ruggles, son of Capt. Joseph and Rebecca
(Curtis) Ruggles, b. Nov. 11, 1761; d. Dec. 19, 1819; m. Sarah Fel-
lowes. H. C. 1781. Studied law with Judge Sumner, afterwards
Grovernor. Gave up law and became a merchant. He filled many
200 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
civil and military offices in the State. Representative in Congress.
Parish Clerk. Member Parish Committee. Owner of Pew No. 2,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Sept. 23, 1787. —
David Swift.
Jonathan Patten.
Oct. 27, 1787. Abigail Craft, widow.
Jan. 20. 1788. Samuel Quincy.
Feb. 24, 1788. Increase Davis.
Apr. 6, 1788. James Lewis, b. 1743; d. Dec, 1826; m. Hannah Seaver.
Farmer. Owner of Pew No. 4 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
July 27, 1788. Hannah Dana, widow.
Aug. 10, 1788. —
John Montgomery.
, wife of John Montgomery.
Nov. 16, 1788. —
Simon Willard, b. Apr. 3, 1754 ; d. Aug. 30, 1849 ; m. Mary Leeds A
famous clockmaker. A volunteer from Grafton on the Lexington
alarm. Received a patent from the Government for his improved
time piece. Appointed in 1791 to take care of the church clock, &
had charge of it for many years.
, wife of David Swift.
Dec. 14, 1788. —
Joseph Clarke.
, wife of Joseph Clarke.
Jan. 11, 1789. Thomas Adams, H. C. 1788.
Feb. 8, 1789. —
Nathaniel Brewer.
, wife of Nathaniel Brewer.
Apr. 5, 1789. Stephen Mansfield, b. 1762; d. Dec. 18, 1808; m. Nancy
Crosby. Cordwainer. Part owner of Pew No. 25, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Apr. 26, 1789. —
Elizab. Nolen, widow, dismissed from HolUs St. Church, Boston.
Grace Shed, wife of OUver.
May 24, 1789. Samuel Weld, b. June 18, 1755 ; d. June 8, 1826 ; m. Elizabeth
Williams. Farmer. Part owner of Pew No. 8, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
July 19, 1789. Patty Jackson.
July 26, 1789. Anna Williams, widow.
Oct. 4, 1789. Ebenezer Seaver, b. July 5, 1763; d. March 1, 1844; m.
Elizabeth Clap. H. C. 1784. Farmer. Selectman of Roxbury. Repre-
sentative. Moderator at town meetings. Parish Treasurer 1814-
CHURCH MEMBERS 201
1825. Member of Congress. Owner of Pew No. 54, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 1, 1789. Mary Ziegler, wife of Greorge.
Jan. 24, 1790. Thomas Wyman, Jr., b. Jan. 21, 1761; d. May 31, 1816;
m. Sarah White. Farmer. Soldier of the Revolution. Owner of
Pew No. 55, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Feb. 28, 1790. Jolm Bartlett, b. 1760 ; d. Nov. 26, 1844 ;m. Abigail Williams.
H.C. 1781. Only physician in Roxbury for many years. One of
the founders of the Roxbm-y Charitable Society, and of the Humane
Society of Mass. Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School. President
of the Bank of Norfolk. Treasurer of the Institution for Savings in
Roxbury. Fellow of the Mass. Medical Society. Owner of Pew
No. 31, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
April 4, 1790. —
Humphrey Bicknell, b. July 1, 1762; d. Dec. 31, 1849; m. Jemima
Jackson. Mason and contractor. Part owner of Pew No. 58, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
John Mears.
July 25, 1790. Thomas Read.
Sept. 19, 1790. William Emmerson. H. C. 1789. Schoohnaster.
Oct. 17, 1790. William Heath, Jr., b. Sept. 23, 1762; d. March 8, 1836;
m. Elizabeth Spooner. Farmer. Owner of Square Pew No. 25 in
Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 7, 1790. Asa Hunting, b. Aug. 24, 1759; d. March, 1834; m. Abigail
Blaney. Cabinet maker. Owner of Square Pew No. 32 in Gallery,
Fifth Meeting House.
Aug. 21, 1791. Rebecca Wait, widow.
Sept. 25, 1791. Jesse Doggett, b. Jan. 12, 1761 ; d. Aug. 10, 1813 ; m. Eliza-
beth Sumner. Tavern-keeper. Leather dresser. Train-band Cap
tain. Owner of Pew No. 52, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Oct. 16, 1791. Sarah Greaton, wife of R. H. Greaton.
Oct. 30, 1791. —
Ehjah Eastey.
, wife of Ehjah Eastey.
Jan. 15, 1792. Joel Gay.
Mch. 18, 1792. Richard Allen.
Apr. 29, 1792. John Paddleford.
June 24, 1792. Nathaniel Tileston.
Sept. 9, 1792. Joseph Muncrief.
Nov. 11, 1792. Isabel Dudley, wife of Elijah.
Jan. 13, 1793. —
Zacharias Shed.
Hannah Shed, wife of Zacharias.
202 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Feb. 3, 1793. Sarah Robbins.
Mch. 3, 1793. Zabdiel Adams, b. Dec. 9, 1767; d. Mch. 24, 1819; m. (1)
Rachel Lyon, (2) Mrs. Abby Pond Richardson. Hatter. Part
owner of Pew No. 60, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
May 26, 1793. —
Jona. Trull.
Mary Herring, widow.
Sept. 15, 1793. William Barnes, b. 1761 ; d. 1809 ; m. Jane Thompson.
Soldier of the Revolution. Lt. Col. Commandant of Mihtia. Owner
of Pew No. 56, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Oct., 1793. William Cummens, b. 1768; d. Apr. 20, 1834; m. Polly Mayo.
Clock maker. Owner of Pew No. 21, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting
House.
Nov. 10, 1793. —
John Swift.
, wife of John Swift.
April 6, 1794. —
John Clap, see Deacons, Fifth Meeting House.
Thomas Mayo, b. July 24, 1767 ; d. May 26, 1850 ; m. Mrs. Mary Gore.
Innkeeper. A founder of the Universahst Chiu-ch. Part owner of
Pew No. 13, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
May 11, 1794. Otis Gould, d. 1843 ;m. (1) Ruth White, (2) Mrs. Asenath
Bacon. Hatter. Held town offices. Part owner of Pew No. 51,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
May 25, 1794. Martha Mayhew, wife of Simeon.
June 1, 1794. Ephraim INiills.
June 8, 1794. Elizabeth Harris, widow.
June 22, 1794. —
Greo. Nolen.
Hannah Parker, wife of William.
Aug. 3, 1794. Olive Fessenden, wife of Henry.
Aug. 17, 1794. Luther Fuller.
Aug. 31, 1794. —
Joseph Ruggles, Jr.
Thomas Rumrill, b. Nov. 30, 1762; d. Nov. 10, 1849; m. (1) Abigail
Richardson, (2) JVIrs. Sally (Dudley) Fellowes. Baker. A soldier
of the Revolution. Part owner of Pew No. 69, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
Feb. 8, 1795. William Fisk.
Mch. 22, 1795. Eben. Fuller.
Apr. 26, 1795. —
Wyatt Herring.
CHURCH MEMBERS 203
Benjamin Seaver, b. Sept. 28, 1766; d. June 29, 1815 ; m. Debby Loud.
Auctioneer. Owner of Pew No. 77, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting
House.
Sept. 20, 1795. John W. Fellowes.
Jan. 3, 1796. —
Polly Freeman, wife of Philip, from ye Ch. at Brooklyne.
Simeon Pratt, fr. 1^* Church in Cambridge. Part owner of Pew No. 58,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Sarah Pratt, wife of Simeon.
Jan. 17, 1796. John Wyman.
Mch. 13, 1796. Ebenezer Brewer, m. (1) Mary Foster, (2) Elizabeth
White. Merchant. Representative. A founder of the Universalist
Church. Part owner of Pew No. 96, Lower Floor Fifth Meeting
House.
May 1, 1796. Rufus Foster.
May 22, 1796. —
Samuel Freeman.
Rebecca Freeman, wife of Samuel.
Aug. 28, 1796. —
Charles Joy, b. July 27, 1773; d. June 10. 1838; m. Dorcas Babb.
Cooper. A founder of the Universalist Church. Part owner of Pew
No. 50, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Lemuel Pierce, owTier of Pew No. 93, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Sept. 18. 1796. Stedman Williams, b. Mch. 16, 1773 ; d. Feb. 16, 1852 ;
m. Betsey Williams. Farmer. Member of the Society for apprehend-
ing horse thieves in 1819. Owner of Pew No. 105, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Oct. 2, 1796. John Davis.
Nov. 27, 1796. Samuel Fiske.
Jan. 8, 1797. —
Nathaniel Whiting Williams.
Mary W^illiams, wife of Nathaniel Whiting Williams.
Jan. 15, 1797. —
Samuel Blaney, b. Dec. 6, 1759; d. May 2, 1826; m. Anna Curtis.
Deputy Sheriff for Norfolk County. Owner of Pew No. 82, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Mary Shed.
Elizabeth Shed.
Feb. 26, 1797. Rebecca Lowell, wife of (Judge) John.
Apr. 23, 1797. —
Levi Pratt.
Sukey Clap, wife of John.
204 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
May 21, 1797. —
Benjamin Weld, b. 1767; d. Sept. 24, 1852; m. Elizabeth Heath.
Merchant. Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School. Part owner of
Pew No. 75, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Phinehas Withington, b. June 23, 1764; d. Jan. 1, 1829 ; m. Hannah
Leeds. At first kept an Inn in Jamaica Plain, afterwards another
Inn on Naushon Island during the War of 1812. Owner of Pew No.
95, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
June 18, 1797. —
Susannah Lowder.
Sally Williams.
June 25, 1797. Jacob Gould, b. Jan. 14, 1765; d. Sept. 25, 1811 ; m. Lucy
Ruggles. Farmer. Part owner of Pew No. 78, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
July 23, 1797. William Landers.
Aug. 13, 1797. Robert Pierpont.
Oct. 29, 1797. William Seaver, Jr.
Nov. 5, 1797. Sarah Pierpont, wife of Robert.
Jan. 21, 1798. William Robbms.
May 20, 1798. —
Mary Willard, wife of Aaron.
Joel Whiting, b. 1769 ; d. Oct. 4, 1845 ; m. Abigail Sumner Williams.
Merchant. Owner of Pew No. 20, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting
House.
Jime 17, 1798. Lemuel B. Davis.
July 29, 1798. William Davis, see Deacons, Fifth Meeting House.
Aug. 12, 1798. John Bryant Braid.
Aug. 26, 1798. Joel Seaverns, b. May 22, 1767; d. Feb. 12, 1827; m. (1)
Deborah Crosby, (2) Olive Draper Gay. Farmer. Part owner of
Pew No. 59, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Dec. 23, 1798. Matthew Gardner.
Mch 31, 1799. Nathan Watson.
May 5, 1799. Dan'l Haynes.
June 23, 1799. Joseph James, b. 1773; d. Nov. 18, 1838; m. Mary Rob-
inson. Carpenter. A founder of the Universalist Church. Owner
of Square Pew No. 6 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
Sept. 29, 1799. Nathaniel Seaver, b. Feb. 7, 1773; d. Oct. 27, 1827;
m. Hannah Loco. Merchant. Owner of Pew No. 74, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 24, 1799. Benj. Marshall, part owner of Pew No. 67, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
CHURCH MEMBERS 205
Jan. 19, 1800. Joseph Heath, b. Apr. 2, 1766 ; d. July 6, 1842 ; m. (1) Naomi
Vose, (2) Mrs. Hannah (Davis) Murdock. Farmer. Owner of
Square Pew No. 19 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
Feb. 2, 1800. Solomon Jones, m. Nabby Baker. Part owner of Pew No. 78,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Feb. 16, 1800. Isaac Shaw, b. 1772 ; d. May 31, 1817 ; m. (1) Nancy Brown
Bosson, (2) Polly Taylor. Truckman. Part owner of Square Pew
No. 15 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
May 4, 1800. —
Charles Davis, b. Mch. 29, 1772; d. Feb. 8, 1842 ;m. Harriet Fellowes.
He and his brother Aaron were Manufacturers and Exporters.
They formed a company which built the Roxbiu-y Canal. Parish
clerk. Member of Parish Committee. Trustee of the Roxbury
Latin School. Owner of Pew No. 102, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting
House.
James Henderson.
Sept 7, 1800. Mary Blaney, widow.
Nov. 30, 1800. Wilham McCarty, b. Sept. 30, 1773; d. Dec. 3, 1830; m.
Martha Nolen. Member of Parish Committee. Owner of Square
Pew No. 23 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting House.
Dec. 21, 1800. Charles James.
Jan. 18, 1801. Noah Perrin Williams.
Mch. 15, 1801. Elisha Forbes, b. June 2, 1773 ; d. Jan. 29, 1821 ; m. Nancy
Burrill. Provision dealer. Part owner of Pew No. 10, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Mch. 22, 1801. Patty Ruggles.
Mch. 29, 1801. Joseph Davis, b. May 26, 1779 ; d. May 8, 1814 ; m. Elsie
Donnell Fellowes. East Indian Merchant. Owner of Pew No. 103,
Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Apr. 5, 1801. Joseph Seaver, b. April 12, 1777 ; d. Aug. 17, 181 1 ; m. Abigail
Whitney. Provision dealer. Owner of Pew No. 34, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House. His son Joseph was the first boy and second
child baptised in the Fifth Meeting House.
June 21, 1801. Grant Learned.
Aug. 2, 1801. Seth Lawrence.
Aug. 16, 1801. Samuel Gore.
Aug. 23, 1801. John Seaver, b. Aug. 24, 1773; d. March 25, 1856; m.
Betsey Dudley. Sexton of the Fifth Meeting House from April 28,
1821, to Feb. 29, 1844. Owner of Pew No. 46, Lower Floor, Fifth
Meeting House.
Sept. 20, 1801. John Downer.
Oct. 18, 1801. Joseph Dudley, b. Oct. 16, 1780; d. Feb. 28, 1827; m.
Pedy W^hitney. Gave the site for a town house afterwards the City
206 THE FOURTH MEETING HOUSE
Hall. Member Parish Committee. Husbandman. Owner of Pew
No. 104, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Oct. 25, 1801. Sarah Davis, widow.
Nov. 15, 1801. —
Elisha Hathaway.
Samuel Williams.
Dec. 13, 1801. Edward Humphrey.
Jan. 3, 1802. Jesse Stetson, b. 1780 ; d. Aug. 16, 1847 ; m. Sally Dickerman.
OwTier of Square Pew No. 27 in GaUery, Fifth Meeting House.
Wheelwright.
Feb. 7 1802. Aaron Rumrill, b. 1770; d. July 10, 1811; m. Ann :— .
Baker. Part owner of Square Pew No. 15 in Gallery, Fifth Meeting
House.
Feb. 21, 1802. Charles Lowell, son of Judge John Lowell, b. Aug. 15,
1782; d. Jan. 20, 1861 ; m. Harriet Bracket Spence. H. C. 1800.
Ordained Pastor of the West Church in Boston, Jan. 1, 1806, and
officiated 55 years. Received the honorary degree of D.D. from
Harvard College in 1823. Secretary of Mass. Historical Society.
One of the founders of the Society of Northern Antiquarians of
Copenhagen, Denmark. Corresponding member of the Archeolo-
gical Society of Authors.
April 11, 1802. William Patten, b. Dec. 10, 1772; d. Aug. 13, 1861; m.
Sarah Williams. Leather merchant. Part owner of Pew No. 39.
I/>wpr Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
May 9, 1802. Joseph Crafts, b. 1775; d. March 28, 1842; m. (1) Ehza-
beth Mellish, (2) Eunice Dowse. Tanner.
July 4, 1802. John Bower.
July 18, 1802. Joseph Stratton.
Sept. 12, 1802. Aaron Child, b. Jan. 1, 1770; d. May 11, 1847; m. Polly
Hall. Housewright. Owner of Square Pew No. 37 in Gallery,
Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 14, 1802. Da\T[d Baker, b. Sept. 7, 1755; m. (1) Hannah Geegins,
(2) Amy Williams. Currier. Owner of Pew No. 19, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Nov. 28, 1802. Stephen Goddard.
Feb. 13, 1803. —
Aaron Pomeroy, buried Aug. 21, 1821 ; m. Abigail Burrell. Blacksmith.
Part owner of Pew No. 10, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Dudley Williams, b. Sept. 6, 1775; buried Sept. 25, 1811; m. Polly
Williams. Member of Roxbury City Guard. Alderman. A
proprietor of the Roxbury Athenaeum. Owner of Pew No. 14, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Feb. 20, 1803. Mary Mears, wife of James, Jr.
March 20, 1803. Adin Ajtcs.
CHURCH MEMBERS 207
Capt. Stoddard's New Brick Building
CHURCH MEMBERS
July 10, 1803. Jacob Allen, b. May 14, 1776; d. Jan. 31, 1860; m. Sibyl
Willett. Carpenter and builder. Owner of Pew No. 14, Lower Floor,
Fifth Meeting House.
Aug. 21, 1803. Ephraim Cutting.
Oct. 2, 1803. Jacob Skinner.
Nov. 27, 1803. —
William Hazlett, b. 1770; d. July 17, 1823; m. (1) Eliza Kingsbury,
(2) Sarah Walker. Innkeeper. Owner of Pew No. 65, Lower
Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
Eliza Hazlett, wife of WiUiam.
Dec. 25, 1803. Daniel Whitney.
Jan. 29, 1804. Joseph Ware. b. 1780; d. July 22, 1830; m. Nancy Smith.
Part owner of Pew No. 44, Lower Floor, Fifth Meeting House.
May 27, 1804. Jesse Joy.
©ij? iEtftlj li^fttng ^am^
PASTORS
Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D.
Rev. George Putnam, D.D.
Rev. Mr. John Graham Brooks
Rev. James De Normandie, D.D.
DEACONS
Samuel Sumner
Nehemiah Munroe
Joshua Felton
William Davis
Ebenezer Crafts
John Clap
Jonathan Avery Richards
RuFUs Wyman, M.D.
Benjamin Kent
Charles Knapp Dillaway
Supply Clap Thwing
John Hunt
Adams Ayer
Edward Belcher Reynolds
Joseph Warren Tucker
Jeremiah Plimpton
John Joseph May
Henry Dan Wilmarth
Robert Comfort Metcalf
William Francis Crafts
John Noble
Isaac Gover
Henry Clay Whitcomb
209
210 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
PARISH CLERK
Nathaniel Ruggles elected April 29, 1793
Ebenezer Brewer elected April 29, 1805
John Champney elected April 30, 1811
Charles Davis elected April 29, 1813
William Davis elected April 21, 1814
William Bosson elected April 27, 1815
Dr. Nathaniel Shepherd Prentiss elected April 21, 1817
Dr. Peter Gilman Robbins elected April 4, 1821
David Allen Simmons elected April 18, 1822
At a meeting held April 4, 1825, the above title was changed to Clerk of
the Society and the date of the Annual Meeting to Jan. 2, 1826.
CLERK OF THE SOCIETY
David Allen Simmons elected April 4, 1825
David Allen Simmons re-elected Jan. 2, 1826
Deacon William Davis elected Jan. 12, 1829
Joseph Warren Tucker elected Jan. 7, 1850
William Crosby elected Jan. 4, 1886
George Allen Dary elected Jan. 1, 1894
PARISH TREASURER
Joseph Ruggles elected Dec. 11, 1787
William Heath, Jr. elected April 29, 1805
Asa Whitney elected April 22, 1812
William Heath, Jr. elected April 29, 1813
Ebenezer Seaveb elected April 21, 1814
At a meeting held April 4, 1825, the above title was changed to
TREASURER OF THE SOCIETY
John Lemist elected April 4, 1825
John Lemist re-elected Jan. 2, 1826
Nathaniel Dorr elected Jan. 12, 1829
Thomas Simmons elected Jan. 4, 1830
John Champney elected Jan. 2, 1832
John Jones Clarke elected Jan. 5, 1835
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 211
Baman Stone elected Jan. 16, 1856
Charles Knapp Dillaway elected Jan. 27, 1862
Edward Belcher Reynolds elected Jan. 4, 1886
William Crosby elected Jan. 1, 1894
Alfred Monson Bullard elected Jan. 4, 1904
PARISH COIVIMITTEES
Elected July 10, 1794
Joseph Ruggles
Deacon Nehemiah Munroe Nathaniel Ruggles
Elected April 29, 1805
Ebenezer Brewer
Daniel Saunderson Joseph Heath
Elected May 6, 1805
Ebenezer Brewer
Major William Bosson William Heath, Jr
William Heath, Jr., desired to be excused from serving,
so Joseph Dudley was chosen and elected May 13, 1805.
Elected April 25, 1806
Ebenezer Brewer Major William Bosson
John Champney in place of
Benjamin Weld who declined office
Elected April 29, 1807
Ebenezer Brewer
Capt. Joseph Dudley Capt. Benjamin Weld
Elected April 30, 1810
Ebenezer Brewer
Col. Joseph Dudley John Champney
Elected April 22, 1812
Ebenezer Brewer
Isaac Davis John Champney
Elected April 29, 1813
. Capt. Jonathan Dorr
Major Benjamin Weld Charles Davis
212 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Elected April 21, 1814
Ebenezeb Brewer
Isaac Davis William Davis
Elected April 27, 1815
Isaac Davis
William Davis William Bosson
Elected April 16, 1816
John Clap
William Bosson Dr. Nathaniel Shepherd Prentiss
Elected April 13, 1818
John Clap
Deacon William Davis
Dr. Nathaniel Shepherd Prentiss
Elected April 4, 1821
Jonathan Dorr
John Champney William Blaney
Elected April 18, 1822
Benjamin Weld in place of Charles Davis who declined
John Lemist Samuel Guild
Elected April 25, 1823
Elijah Lewis
Stephen Child David Allen Simmons
Elected April 15, 1824
William McCarthy
Col. Jonathan A. Richards David Allen Simmons
STANDING COMMITTEES
Title changed April 4, 1825
Elected April 4, 1825
Charles Davis
Jonathan Dorr Isaac Davis
Above were re-elected Jan. 2, 1826
Elected Jan. 8, 1827
John Champney Samuel Jackson Gardner
Assistants Re-elected in 1828
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 213
Elected Jan. 4, 1830
John Lemist
Ebenezer Crafts David Dudley
Elected Jan. 3, 1831
John Lemist
Ebenezer Crafts Supply Clap Thwinq
Elected Jan. 2, 1832
John Lemist
Supply Clap Thwing David Dudley
Elected Jan. 23, 1833
John Lemist
Watson Gore Benjamin Franklin Copeland
Elected Jan. 6, 1834
Benjamin Franklin Copeland
Watson Gore Dr. Henry Bartlett
Elected Jan. 4, 1836
Richard Ward
Thomas Brewer Ephraim Harrington
Elected Jan. 2, 1837
Richard Ward
Ephraim Harrington Daniel Andrew Sigourney
Elected Jan. 7, 1839
Richard Ward
Ephraim Harrington Charles Knapp Dillaway
Elected Jan. 1, 1844
Richard Ward
Charles Knapp Dillaway Jonathan Pratt Robinson
Elected Jan. 5, 1853;
Richard Ward
Cushing Stetson James Guild
Elected Jan. 16, 1856
Thomas Simmons
Theodore Otis Aaron Davis Williams
214 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Elected Jan. 5, 1857
Charles Ejstapp Dillaway
Gushing Stetson Theodore Otis
Elected Jan. 3, 1859
Charles Knapp Dillaway
Gushing Stetson Edward Wyman
Elected Jan. 5, 1863
Edward Wyman
William James Reynolds William Channing Appleton
Elected Jan. 4, 1864
Edward Wyman
William James Reynolds George Lewis
Elected Jan. 1, 1866
George Lewis
Samuel Crocker Cobb Shubael Gorham Rogers
Elected Feb. 6, 1866
James Ritchie in place of Shubael Gorham Rogers
Elected Jan. 7, 1867 ♦
George Lewis
Samuel Crocker Cobb John Felt Osgood
Elected Jan. 1, 1872
Samuel Crocker Cobb
John Rogers Adams Ayer
Elected Jan. 6, 1873
Samuel Crocker Cobb
John Rogers James Thacher Hayward
Elected Jan. 4, 1875
William Crosby
John Rogers William Blanchard
Elected Jan. 7, 1878
David Miller Hodgdon
Augustus Parker Adams Ayer
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 215
Elected Jan. 6, 1879
David Miller Hodgdon
Henry A. S. D. Dudley Henry Ware Putnam
Elected Jan. 1, 1883 '
David Miller Hodgdon
Henry Ware Putnam Charles Milton Seaver
Elected Jan. 7, 1884
David Miller Hodgdon
Charles Milton Seaver Charles Andrews Grinnell
Elected Jan. 7, 1889
Dependence Sturtevant Waterman
Horace Bacon James Clarke Davis
Elected Jan. 4, 1892.
Dependence Sturtevant Waterman
James Clarke Davis Samuel Everett Tinkham
SEXTONS
Edward Turner served from Feb. 27, 1796, to April 28, 1812.
At a meeting held April 28, 1812, Edward Turner was
elected to attend funerals, &c., Mr. Hervey Woods to do
the other work of the sexton and Mr. Abraham Crawley to
wind up and take care of the clocks.
Hervey Woods served from April, 1813, to April, 1819.
Edward Turner served from April, 1819, to April, 1821.
John Seaver served from April 28, 1821, to Feb. 29, 1844.
William Seaver served three months to Jan. 28, 1825.
(John Seaver was probably absent.)
Horace Bacon served from March, 1844, to June 30, 1850.
Nathan Haynes served from July 1, 1850, to April 1, 1857.
Thomas Colligan served from April 1, 1857, to April 1, 1877.
216 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Charles S. Champney served from April 1, 1877, to March
14, 1897.
John Hall served from March 14, 1897, to June 20, 1897.
John B. Johnson served from June 21, 1897, to May 15, 1904.
William Slater served from May 15, 1904.
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
With the nineteenth century there came a change in the
creed of the old church. The earhest intimation of dissent
in Boston from the Calvinistic creed of the Congregational
church was in 1747 when Jonathan Mayhew was settled over
the West church in Boston. After the Revolution many
Unitarians, then called Arminians, filled the Congregational
pulpits in and around Boston, and by 1782 Unitarianism
was brought prominently to the front. In our church. Dr.
Porter's sermon before the Convention of ministers in Boston
may be called the turning point, and since his day we have
become a Unitarian church.
The committee, to whom was left the choice of plans for
a new Meeting House, had three placed before them from
which to choose, and that of the Newburyport Meeting
House appeared to them the most suitable for Roxbury.
The architect of that building is unknown, though tradition
says it was Timothy Palmer. With a few alterations this plan
was adopted and Mr. William Blaney appears to have been
the chief consulting architect. May 26, 1803, the Building
committee was directed to build stairs and make entrance to
the gallery at the East end in the most convenient mode
consistent with the present plan.
July 20, 1803, " the builders began to raise the frame and
finished raising it in four days without any evil occurance,"
and when completed the building proved highly satisfactory,
and was thought to be one of the most commodious and
217
218 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
beautiful of all the old Meeting Houses in New England-
The timbers were massive, the proportions good and the
acoustic properties perfect. The building measures 80 feet
by 70 feet on the outside with a seating capacity of about
one thousand.
Its great simplicity is its most striking feature. It has no
ornamentation, with the exception of the Memorial Tablets
recently put in, and is without stained glass windows. For
a century it has proved a Meeting House in the most devout
sense of the word. A place of worship and religious devotion,
with old associations of our immediate ancestors.
The corner stone at the west corner was laid with appro-
priate ceremonies and there was supposed to have been
deposited under this stone a circular silver plate with the
inscription : —
This
Building desig-
ned for the Publick
worship of God was fou
nded with harmony and
love by the first Parish
in
Roxbury May ^d 1803
Laus Deo.
Ten years later at a meeting of the Parish Committee,
May 10, 1813, Capt. Jonathan Dorr received from Mr.
Ebenezer Brewer this identical plate which he was requested
to place in the hands of William Heath, Jr., Treasurer.
This event took place soon after a discourse by Rev. Dr.
Porter from Acts xviii, 17, "Then all the Greeks took
Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him
before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of
those things." Upon the back of the plate when returned
there was found attached to it a piece of paper on which
was written
THE PLATE.
THE PLATE AS RETURNED WITH INSCRIPTION
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 219
This Tallant
which the sloth
full servant hid in
earth mite have been
sold for six shillings
and seven pence and
given to the poor
But Galleio cared
for none of these
thuigs.
May 7, 1804, the Parish voted to purchase only one clock
for the inside of the Meeting House until the pews are sold.
This clock was made by Simon Willard and is undoubtedly
the one still in the church.
May 10, 1804, shortly after 9 o'clock in the morning, Mr.
Lewis Hoyt, the auctioneer, proceeded to sell the pews which
continued through the day and the pews were all sold, except-
ing Pew No. 1 reserved for the Pastor and his family, and
Pews Nos. 85, 86, 87, 88 reserved for the future disposition
of the parish, realizing the sum of $7706. The surplus
arising from this sale, after all the just demands arising in
consequence of building said meeting house were paid and
deduction for a new clock, was paid to the several persons
who were assessed and did pay a Parish Tax in this Parish
for the last year in proportion to the said tax they severally
paid in said Parish the last year, being the year 1804.
This New Meeting House was dedicated to the service of
God on Thursday the 7*^ Day of June, a.d. 1804. Sermon
by Dr. Porter, the text being Ezra vi, 16, "And the children
of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the
children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house
of God with joy." The 10*1^ day of June, 1804, was
the first Sabbath on which there was preaching in the new
house.
By vote of the parish, Feb. 11, 1805, tovvin meetings in the
220 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Meeting House were interdicted, and as a result a town house
was built soon after.
In April, 1805, a committee reported to the Parish that
an act of incorporation similar to the one granted to the
first parish in the town of Groton, Feb. 21, 1804, with few
alterations and additions would be suitable for this Parish.
At the same time it was voted not to raise Mr. Porter's salary
to $1000, but allow him $800 and his wood.
In April, 1806, the new clock with one dial was set up in
the tower of the new meeting house by Mr. Simon Willard
who made it at a cost of $858.00.
Thomas Williams, Jr., presented an Elegant Folio Bible
to the Parish April 25, 1806, and on the same day the Parish
voted to have the bell rung at one o'clock noon and at nine
o'clock in the evening.
July 4, 1808, the citizens of the Town of Roxbury in Com-
memoration of the Anniversary of American Independence
celebrated the day by a procession which was formed at the
house of Mrs. Burrell at twelve o'clock under the direction
of Major Bosson, Marshall of the Day, and moved from
thence to the Rev. Dr. Porter's Meeting House under the
escort of Capt. Bicknell's company of Artillery. The exer-
cises in this House began with (1) a prayer by the Rev. Dr.
Porter; (2) Hymn to Freedom, Tune Old Hundred; (3)
Declaration of Independence read by Mr. Abraham Fox;
(4) Oration by Mr. N. Ruggles Smith ; (5) Ode for the Fourth
of July, 1808, Tune, Rise Columbia. This was the First
Public event in this house.
In April, 1810, it was voted that the time of intermission
of Divine service be lengthened the three summer months
only, to three hours; that is to say, the Second bell to begin
ringing one quarter of an hour before three, and in 1811 the
time was lengthened to between May 1 and Sept. 1.
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 221
In April, 1812, the Parish Committee agreed with Mr.
Edward Turner for him to attend fvmerals, &c., and with
Mr. Hervey Woods to have charge of the Meeting House,
to ring the bell at one o'clock every day, Sundays excepted,
and at 9 every night in the year, to see that no horses are
tied to any part of the Meeting House, and that no posts
are set on the hill without the consent of the Committee, for
which services he was to receive $84.00 per year. They also
agreed with Mr. Abraham Crawley to wind up, oil and keep
the two clocks for $7.00 per year.
Sept. 23, 1815, the meeting house was a little damaged by
a hurricane.
July 10, 1816, the surplus arising from the sale of Pews
with current Bank Bills remaining in the Treasury was
appropriated for the use of the Parish.
In April, 1817, the Parish declined to purchase one or
more stoves for the purpose of heating the meeting house.
June 6, 1817, the window over the middle door at the West
end of the meeting house was broken by some malicious
person or persons.
In Oct., 1817, a committee consisting of Mr. John Clap,
Mr. George Ziegler and Mr. Eleb Faxon was chosen to look
out a suitable piece of land for a Burying Ground, ascertain
the price of the same and report at the next meeting. They
made a verbal report at the next meeting in Dec. when a
committee, consisting of Mr. Eleb Faxon, Ebenezer Seaver
Esq., Mr. George Ziegler, Joseph Harrington Esq. and Mr.
John Clap, was chosen to purchase in behalf of the Parish a
suitable piece of ground. At the Annual Meeting held April
13, 1818, the committee reported that they had agreed to
purchase in behalf of the Parish a tract of land of Doctor
Samuel Bugbee (of Wrentham) situated nearly opposite the
Mansion of the late Doctor Davis and containing about an
222 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
acre and a half for the consideration of $1000.00. It was
also voted to dispose of the musical instruments belonging
to the parish which were not useful. Mr. Simon Willard
continued to have charge of the clocks in 1818.
The present bell purchased of Mr. J. W. Revere was cast
at the Foundry in Canton, Mass., and was raised to its present
position May 27, 1819. It weighed 1538 lbs. and cost
$692.10 less old bell sold for $215.50 leaving a balance of
$476.60 which was the cash payment. In 1820 the meeting
house was warmed by two stoves costing $258.16. At a
meeting of the Parish held Feb. 10, 1820, it was voted not to
oppose the prayer of William Hannaford and others for an
act of Incorporation as a Society of Universalists in the Town
of Roxbury.
During the night of May 26, 1820, some evil minded per-
sons entered the meeting house and tore away the cushions
from the pulpit and totally destroyed the valuable Parish
Bible and committed other depredations.
June 24*'^ of the same year the Holy Bible, which is now
(1908) in the Pulpit, was presented to the Parish accompanied
by the following note : —
Roxbury, June 24, 1820.
Gentiemen,
The Holy Bible that accompanies this Note is presented
to the first or Easterly Parish of this Town by their Huml Servt
SamI J. Gardner.
Messrs. John Clap 1
NathI S. Prentiss [ Committee of said Parish.
William Davis J
to which the following acceptance was made.
Roxbury, 26th June, 1820.
Saml J. Gardner Esq.
Dear Sir: We, the undersigned, the Committee of the First Parish in
Roxbury, for ourselves, and in behaK of said Parish, do hereby acknowledge
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 223
the Receipt of an elephant Church Bible, by you presented to the said Parish.
We beg you will be assured, Dear Sir, we duly appreciate yoiu: kindness in
bestowing so valuable a present. Be pleased to accept our most cordial
wishes, that you may long enjoy Health, Prosperity and Happiness. And
what can be more conducive to Happiness, than the pleasure derived from
the consciousness of having voluntarily performed a liberal and at the same
time a Good Act.
John Clap |
WM Davis [ Parish Committee.
N. S. PrentissJ
After Jan. 31, 1822, the records of sales of pews were kept
in a separate book having previously been included in the
general records of the parish. Mrs. Hannah Jackson and
Kendall Brooks left this church and became original members
of Dudley St. Baptist Church. Sunday evening March 31,
1822, there was a Concert in this Meeting House. March 21,
1825, the last meeting of the First Parish in Roxbury took
place, and April 4, 1825, the first meeting of the First
Religious Society in Roxbury took place in the Town House.
The Act of Licorporation is as follows : —
Commonfotaillj of ^assarl^ustlts.
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND EIGHT
HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE
An Act declaring and confirming to the Pew-holders the property in the
Congregational Meeting-House, in the First Parish in Roxbury, and
authorizing them to raise monies by taxing pews.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that all persons
who now are, or may hereafter become proprietors of the pews in the Con-
gregational Meeting-House in the First Parish in Roxbury, are hereby
declared to be a body poUtic and corporate by the name of the "First
Religious Society in Roxbury," with all the powers, privileges and
immunities usually granted to such societies : And said Corporation shall be,
and hereby are deemed in law to be, seized of the same Meeting-House and
the land under, adjoining and belonging to the same, and the privileges and
224 THE FIFTH MEETING. HOUSE
appurtenances thereto appertaining; reserving, however, to the several new
proprietors, their rights and interest in said pews respectively.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted. That said proprietors shall meet on the first
Monday of April next, and afterwards on the first Monday in January,
annually, at said Meeting House, or such other place as the Standing Com-
mittee shall appoint, and after choosing a Moderator, shall choose a Clerk,
who shall record all the votes and proceedings of said proprietors, and be
sworn to the faithful discharge of his duties ; they shall also choose a Treas-
urer, who shall give bonds for the discharge of the duties of his office, and
also a Standing Committee of three discreet persons to manage their affairs,
to continue in office one year, and until others are chosen : Provided however,
if from any cause, any of said officers are not chosen at said meeting in April
next, or at any annual meeting on the first Monday in January, said officers
may be elected at any other meeting duly notified for that purpose; and said
committee may notify any meeting by causing printed or written notifications
to be delivered to the proprietors, or left at their dwellings, three days at
least before such meetings, or by leaving the same in the pews of the pro-
prietors, should a day of pubUc worship intervene.
Sec. 3. Be it furtJier enacted. That said proprietors shall have power to
repair, alter, or rebuild their Meeting-House ; and shall have all the rights in
relation to the same and the support of public worship therein, which said
parish have hitherto had, and shall be bound by aU the contracts made by
said Parish.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted. That said Corporation may take, hold and
possess, by gift, devise, purchase or otherwise, real and personal estate, not
exceeding forty thousand dollars exclusive of their Meeting-House and its
appiuienances, as a ministerial fund, the interest only of which shall be
ex-pended annually in such manner as the Deacons of the church in said
society, and the Standing Committee for the time being may deem fit, or
the proprietors by their vote direct; and those only whose pews are taxed
shall be deemed legal voters ; and said corporation may make and establish
by-laws for the better ordering their affairs, provided the same are not
repugnant to the constitution or laws of this commonwealth.
Sec. 5. Be it further enacted. That all monies necessary for the support
of public worsliip in said Meeting-House and incidental charges, which may
be duly voted to be raised shall be assessed by the Standing Committee on
the Proprietors of the pews on the lower floor in said Meeting-House, accord-
ing to a scale of valuation agreed upon by a vote of said Parish passed on the
twenty-second day of November last, which is not to be changed for the
term of ten years from the first day of April next, but after that time may be
altered, and gallery pews may be included if deemed expedient, having
regard to the situation and value thereof; and the said committee shall make
out lists of such assessments, stating the number of each pew, the name of
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE [225
the owner, and the amount assessed thereon, and deliver the same to the
Treasm-er who shall collect such assessments, and pay the same out on
orders to be drawn by the Clerk, under the direction of the Standing Com-
mittee.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted. That said proprietors shall hold their pews
under their respective deeds, and the same shall hereafter be considered
personal estate, and whenever any transfer of any pew in said Meeting-
House shall be made, the old deed shall be given up and a new deed made
in the name of one person only, to be signed by the Treasurer and counter-
signed by the Clerk; and no conveyance shall be vaUd, imtil noted on the
records of the Corporation.
Sec. 7. Be it further enacted. That if any proprietor shall neglect to pay
his or her assessment, for the space of six months after such assessments
is laid and notified by posting at the door of said House, the Treasurer shall
advertise the pews of such delinquent for the space of three weeks, by post-
ing notices at said Meeting-House and two other public places in said town,
stating the time, place and cause of sale, and then if all the arrears are not
paid, he shall sell the same at auction to the highest bidder, and after deduct-
ing all sums due with costs of sale and charges of conveyance, shall pay over
the balance, if any, to the owner.
Sec. 8. Be it further enacted. That any person wishing to dispose of his
or her pew, shall first give notice thereof to the Standing Committee, stating
the name of the person to whom it is intended to sell, and offering the same
to said Corporation at cost, and if said Corporation shall not elect to pur-
chase and pay for such pew within thirty days from such notice, the same
may be sold to one person only, provided all dues thereon be first paid.
Sec. 9. Be it further enacted. That this act being accepted by a major
vote of said Parish, shall be binding on all parties concerned therein and the
present Treasurer or Standing Committee of said Parish, may call the j&rst
meeting imder this act, and shall continue in office until others are chosen.
In House of Representatives, Feb. 26, 1825.
This Bill having had three several readings, passed to be enacted.
WILLIAM C. JARVIS, Speaker.
In Senate, Feb. 26, 1825.
Tliis Bill having had two several readings, passed to be enacted.
NATHANIEL SILSBEE, President.
February 26, 1825.
Approved. MARCUS MORTON.
A true copy. Attest: Edward D. Bangs, Sec.
226 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
At a meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews of the First
ReHgious Society in Roxbury, held Jan, 15, 1855,
Voted, That the Standing Committee shall not be at liberty to expend for
any object more money than the Pew Proprietors shall raise and appro-
priate for any such object; and shall not expend, for any purpose, not
authorized by them, and shall not borrow any money for any piu-pose what-
ever, without a special vote, nor contract any debt in behalf of said Pew
Proprietors, without a special vote of said Proprietors authorizing it."
JOSEPH W. TUCKER, Clerk.
A true copy. Attest:
JOSEPH W. TUCKER, Clerk.
The First Annual Parish Meeting (under the Society's new
title) took place on Monday, Jan. 2, 1826, and thereafter the
Annual Meeting occurred on the first Monday in January
in each succeeding year.
At a meeting of the Society held May 10, 1830, the Vote
to call Mr. George Putnam as Colleague Pastor was passed
unanimously with the exception of one vote only. The per-
son who put in the negative vote called on the Moderator
after the Meeting stating that his negative was not on account
of any dislike to Mr. Putnam, but on account of his having a
wish to hear him preach a few more Sundays previous to his
being called as a Colleague Pastor, and he further stated that
he would wish to withdraw his negative, and that the choice
might be considered as unanimous. The Church Members
of this Society met at the House of their Rev. Pastor in the
evening after the Meeting of the Society and after an appro-
priate Prayer voted unanimously their approbation of the
doings of the Society in calling and inviting Mr. George
Putnam to become their Colleague Pastor. Mr. Putnam
replied to the above invitation as follows:
To THE First Christian Church and Society in Roxburt
Christian Brethren I have received through your Committee your
invitation to become Colleague with yoiu* present Pastor in the Christian
Rlinistry. The harmony of all your proceedings and the apparent cor-
diality of your invitation have been very satisfactory and gratifying. And
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 227
now having, as I believe, weighed the subject witli that serious dehberation
which its importance demands, I do cheerfully and without one dissenting
thought or feeling, accept your call and consent to become your minister as
soon as my professional studies shall be so far advanced, that I can obtain
the usual testimonials.
In so determining I have marked the intimations of Pro\adence, I have
listened for the injunctions of duty, I have consulted the desires of friends,
and asked the counsel of the wise, and all these concur with every inclination
of my own bosom in dictating the answer I have given you.
I am not insensible to the great and untried responsibilities wliich I am
taking upon myself, and I trust that the cheerfulness and hope with which I
come to you, are tempered with a just diffidence and humility. Cherishing
a deep desire and firm resolve to devote to your service, and spend in the
way of my duty, whatever strength Almighty God may graciously give, I
commit all else to his wise guidance and disposal — looldng for his blessing
and your kind indulgence.
(Signed) George Putnam.
Cambridge, May 21, 1830.
June 15, 1830, it was voted that the Standing Committee
have liberty to lower the Pulpit fourteen inches providing
on examination they find such alteration will not operate to
the injury of any Pews in the Gallery and that the expense be
defrayed by subscription and not by the Society.
Wednesday, the 7*^ day of July, 1830, was fixed on for the
day of Ordination and for the Council to meet at the Norfolk
House at 9 o'clock a.m.
Some of the parishioners, feeling disposed to encourage
the arrangements that were made for the Ordination of Mr.
George Putnam as Colleague Pastor, agreed to take one
ticket each at three dollars for the Dinner to be provided for
the council and others that may join on the occasion, they
were,
John Bartlett, D. A. Simmons, Nath^ Dorr, Charles Hick-
ling, Charles Davis, Thos. K. Jones, Caleb Fellowes, John
Lowell, Thos. Simmons, Dan'l A. Sigourney, Isaac Davis,
Jos. Harrington, Enoch Bartlett, William Phipps, William H.
Spear, Chas. Davis Jr., Horatio Davis, George Simmons,
228 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
William Fisk, Mr. Dyer, Eph"" Harrington, W" Dove,
Thomas Brewer, B. F. Copeland, G.L. Brewer, Eliab Brewer,
S. G. Robbins, Sherman Leland, Benj. Weld, S. C. Thwing,
Watson Gore, Asa Bugbee, Benj. Balch, John Hovey, S. H.
Hunneman, Jos. Callender, W™ Davis Jr., F. S. Eastman,
Jon^ Dorr.
H. A. S. Dearborn was absent on a journey, Joseph Hall
declined his ticket and Mr. Lithgow returned the ticket.
July 7, 1830. The order of services at the ordination
of Mr. Putnam was as follows: Introductory Prayer by
Dr. Gray of Roxbury. Selections from the Scriptures by
Mr. Austin of Brighton. Hymn. Sermon by Mr. Dewey of
New Bedford. Anthem. Ordaining Prayer by Mr. Osgood
of Sterling. Charge by Dr. Ware of Cambridge. Right
Hand of Fellowship by Mr. Newell of Cambridge. Original
Hymn. Address to the Society by Mr. Parkman of Boston.
Prayer by Mr. Capen of South Boston. Anthem. Benedic-
tion by Mr. Putnam.
Rev. Dr. Porter died Saturday night, Dec. 7, 1833. A
Committee was appointed to make suitable arrangements for
the funeral of the revered and lamented senior Pastor demon-
strating the affection and respect with which the Society
regarded his pure and exalted character and to offer such
evidence of regret and condolence to the Family of the
deceased as may justly represent the intensity of interest they
felt in the melancholy event. They were Deacon William
Davis, Deacon John Clap, John Lemist, B. F. Copeland,
Watson Gore; the Standing Committee, Dr. Jolin Bartlett,
Charles Davis, Joseph Harrington, Ebenezer Crafts, David
Dudley, Jon^ Dorr, Sherman Leland, Sam'l J. Gardner.
They wxre requested to meet at the Church directly after
the evening service. On the succeeding Wednesday his
funeral was attended by a large concourse in his meeting
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 229
house. The exercises began with a voluntary on the organ.
A hymn was then sung. Rev. Dr. Lowell, who in early life
was a parishioner of the deceased, read selected passages of
Scripture and offered a very appropriate prayer of 20 minutes.
Rev. George Putnam, colleague of Dr. Porter, delivered a
very judicious discourse of 40 minutes from Gen. xxv, 8,
"Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old
age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his
people." So just and discriminating was he in giving the
character of Dr. Porter, that they who best knew him and
were best qualified to judge remarked that they should not
desire the alteration, addition, or suppression of a single
word. The services were concluded with a prayer by Rev.
Dr. Pierce of Brookline and solemn music from the choir,
when a procession was formed to the place of interment by
a large number of parishioners and friends.
Two hot air stoves were placed in the meeting house in
1834. For the saving of fuel and to render the House more
comfortable during the winter months, those who usually
entered the Meeting House at the easterly end, namely,
P. G. Robbins, Elnathan Taber, William Bacon, Stephen
Child, Humphrey Bicknell, Charles Davis, John Lemist,
John Bartlett, Sami jj. Hunneman, Aaron Kingsbury, Aaron
D. Williams, William Dove, Charles Grant, W"^ Phipps,
Edw. Brinley, Aaron Willard, Charles Copeland, H. Cunning-
ham, D. A. Sigourney, Sam'l J. Gardner, Moses Whiting,
Nathi Snow, William Fisk, William Patten, consented in
November, 1834, to have the Doors at that end of the House
kept closed from the first Sunday of December in each year
to the first Sunday of March following.
Oct. 20, 1834, John Lowell, Joseph Harrington, S. C.
Thwing, Thomas Brewer, Thomas Simmons and the Stand-
ing Committee were appointed a committee to ascertain
230 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
whether there was any waste room in the Galleries which
could be used with profit to the Parish and to take into con-
sideration the expediency of making a general alteration in
the Gallery Pews. In 1835 a plan was agreed upon and the
alteration from square pews to long and narrow ones was
made, the Committee having charge of it being Thomas
Brewer, Joseph Harrington, Thomas Simmons and the
Standing Committee.
Putnam Street was built and the Parish lot fenced in in
1836. There was a stove put into the vestry in 1836, and
during the same year Samuel J. Gardner Esq., had the Bible
presented by him several years ago rebound and Rev.
Mr. Putnam presented Pulpit chairs.
For the first time a fixed salary of $2000 was given Mr.
Putnam in 1838. Jan. 4, 1841, it was voted that no Pew
proprietor should be permitted to vote by proxy and that
each pew should be entitled to one vote. At the same time
a committee was chosen to warm the church by a furnace.
In January, 1842, a committee was chosen to take into
consideration the recent invitation of the Church of the
Messiah in New York to our Minister to settle with them,
but fortunately for us Mr. Putnam declined.
In 1845 the Standing Committee was directed to adopt
such measures as they might deem expedient to keep the
carriages to the Westward of the circular walk at the West
end of the Church.
Wednesday, July 31, 1850. There were public services in
the church on the occasion of paying Funeral Honors to
Zackary Taylor, late President of the United States, by the
City of Roxbury, when the oration was delivered by Rev.
Thomas D. Anderson.
Deacon Thwing in a letter, written June 7, 1852, and
referring to the day before says : " It was Communion Sunday
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 231
and this service was the most touching and impressive I ever
attended. In the first place Two Brothers who are Twins
offered themselves for Baptism — this to me is always inter-
esting — when an adult offers himself at the Altar to show
his attachment and belief in his Saviour, Then one of them
held up his infant child, after which all partook of the Sacra-
ment. Before commencing the Services of the Communion,
Dr. Putnam stated with a few remarks delivei'ed with great
unction the desire of Doctor Robbins expressed on his death
bed to have his name enrolled on the records of the Church,
to show his belief in the strength and power of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ to comfort and support him during his pain-
ful illness and in his dying hours. Then eight or ten joined
the Church, six being young ladies and amongst them Dr.
Putnam's Daughter. I think I never attended the service
when the impressions made upon all was so solemn and so
great."
In January, 1855, a committee consisting of John J. Clarke,
David A. Simmons, William B. Kingsbury, Cushing Stetson
and Charles K. Dillaway were appointed to consider the
expediency of remodelling the interior of the Meeting House
and report at a future meeting. They reported the House
very much out of repair and proposed to change the pews
on the floor to long pews with four aisles, two by the walls
and two dividing the floor into three lines of pews. Reducing
the number of windows from 36 small ones to ten long ones.
Two of the doors of entrance and exit were kept closed for
the purpose of accommodating two stoves which occupied
the door-ways : Finally two reports were submitted and after
a long debate were accepted and placed on file and then the
meeting dissolved without further action.
In 1857, the Society voted to remodel the Meeting House
and even went so far as to consider building a stone Meeting
232 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
House. The services during July and August of this year
were held in the City Hall. The Baptist Society and the
Mount Pleasant Society offered our Society the use of their
churches during repairs. The pews were upholstered, the
jQoors carpeted and new iron posts substituted for the old
wooden ones which supported the galleries.
When this Meeting House was erected in 1804 it was
without the vestry and the "old red" painted pulpit was
entered by stairs from the floor at the side. Back of the
pulpit were three false windows covered by green blinds, one
of which made the door. (This pulpit was similar to that
in the Newburyport church, which has since been lowered
twice and has had stairs built on both sides.) Wlien the
vestry was added in 1857 the stairs were removed and
entrance was by a door from the new vestry in the rear. At
the same time this pulpit gave place to a small circular one
on top of a post with stairs each side, the vestry door, however,
remaining.
In August, four new clock dials were placed on the
steeple.
In 1857 William Patten sold his pew for $400, and gave
the proceeds to the Pastor and Deacons in Trust, the income
to be given to the deserving poor, except foreigners. In 1859
Mr. David A. Simmons left one thousand dollars to the
Society "which sum is to be safely invested and together
with the increase and income thereof is to be applied
for and towards the erection of a New Meeting House
upon the site of their present place of worship whenever
such new structure shall become necessary and for no other
purpose."
The Society contributed in 1861, $450 for the suffering in
Kansas, and in 1862, $855.58 for the poor and the soldiers,
and $994 for the Sanitary Commission. Aug. 31, 1862, after
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 233
the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Church was dismissed to
enable all to go home and work for the soldiers, as hospital
supplies, &c, were much needed. In 1863 a new clock was
put in the tower of the Meeting House.
The celebration of Washington's Birthday in 1864 included
services in this Meeting House. The exercises began by
the singing of the Battle Hymn by the Choir. Prayer was
then offered by Rev. John O. Means, and the Star Spangled
Banner was sung. The oration was then delivered by Rev.
George Putnam, D.D. Dr. Putnam gave a brief sketch of
Washington's career, " to bring him before us — to bring us
into this presence — to lift us up in thought and sympathy
toward the great light where he stands." The oration itself
is too long to print here, but the allusion to President Lincoln
must not be omitted as it was received with tremendous
applause.
"The nation's banner torn and soiled in battle but with every star and
stripe kept, whole and radiant in its fair expanse, shall be brought back to
the capitol; and it may well be that he the illustrious civic leader who first
flung it to the breeze in the nation's necessity, should be the man whose
hands shall be pri\ileged to fiu-l it again in peace, he who sits worthily in
the chair that once held Washington : he, so honest and pure in his great
function, so wise and prudent, so faithful and firm: God Almighty bless and
preserve Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States."
The exercises were closed by the singing of an original
hymn and a benediction.
The Society contributed $933 in 1864 for our suffering
fellow citizens in East Tennessee.
In 1865 the Society received a legacy from Mrs. Polly
Robbins.
A service in memory of President Abraham Lincoln was
held April 19, 1865, in this Meeting House by the City
Government of Roxbury, the order of exercises being as
follows :
234 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
I
Dirge, by the Band
"Rest, Spirit, Rest."
n
Selections from the Scriptures
By Rev. J. G. Bartholomew
III
Solo and Quartette . . . Mendelssohn
"O rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, and
He shall give thee thy heart's desires."
IV
Prayer
By Rev. Dr. Thompson
V
Hymn by the Choir
"Peace, Troubled Soul."
VI
Address
By Rev. Dr. George Putnam
VII
Selection
'Cast thy Burden on the Lord." Mendelssohn.
VIII
Benediction
The address has been pubhshed and was Hstened to in
perfect silence by a throng which occupied every seat and
settees placed in the aisles.
The church was heavily draped and extra props put in
to prevent the galleries from giving way under the crowd
which packed them.
In Oct., 1865, the meeting house was entered and about 15
yards of carpet on each of the aisles cut out and carried away.
In April, 1866, a skylight over the pulpit was constructed.
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THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 235
Concerning this improvement, James Sharp of Watertown
wrote as follows:
"I was today (Sunday, April 22, 1866) one of the few who had opportunity
to aotice the effect of the "New hght" just introduced at the Meeting House
of the First ReHgious Society in Roxbury. Not however without some
panes as it appears. And the first gleam which met my eye was the cause
of the following impromptu
From church we should not keep aloof,
Since by admission through the roof.
The Light of Heaven is clearly shed.
Direct upon the Reverend head. '
Light from above can here be sought
To illuminate each pious thought
And lustre new around us shine
Of truth and love and grace di\'ine."
During the same year the church spire was rebuilt and the
Society contributed $3400 for the sufferers by the fire in
Portland, and $730 for the Freedman's Aid Society.
In 1867 the porch of the church was enlarged, and in this
year the Society contributed $638.70 for the Poor of the
South and $3095 for a Free Chapel in the Easterly part of
Roxbury.
April 13, 1868, for the first time, the church was decorated
for the Easter services with flowers. Miss Anna Everett
and Miss Sarah Gore dressed the pulpit. The decoration
consisted of a cross at the back of the pulpit and a few wreaths
and Ivy plants around the base.
In the spring of 1871, Rev. Dr. Putnam asked for a leave
of absence until October which was granted him and the
Society supplied the pulpit during his absence.
In the fall of 1871 the Society contributed $1727.50 for the
sufferers by the Fire in Chicago.
In 1873 Rev. Dr. Putnam tendered his resignation as
Pastor, but he was persuaded to still keep his position and
was relieved of all responsibility.
236 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
In 1875 Mr. John Graham Brooks of Cambridge was
invited to become Associate Pastor. He accepted and was
ordained Oct. 10, 1875. The order of exercises were : —
Reading of the Scriptures and Ordaining Prayer by Rev. C. C.
Everett, D.D.; Ordaining Address by Rev. George Putnam,
D.D., who gave the Right Hand of Fellowship. Sermon by
the pastor elect, and Concluding Prayer by Rev. W™ Newell,
D.D., of Cambridge, who had extended the Right Hand of
Fellowship to Dr. Putnam at his ordination. Benediction
by Mr. Brooks.
In 1876 the building of a chapel was considered and soon
built. It was dedicated Saturday evening, Dec. 23, 1876.
In the order of exercises were selections sung by children
from the Sunday-school, Invocation by Rev. J. G. Brooks,
Anthem by the Choir, Prayer of Dedication by Rev. E. E.
Hale, Benediction by Rev. Dr. Putnam, besides some
addresses and more singing. It was called Putnam Chapel.
The Misses Fisher gave the beautiful window of stained
glass; Mrs. Franklin Greene, the clock; Mr. John J. May, the
busts of Dr. Channing, by Persies, and Dr. Putnam, by
Greenough; and Mr. Edward B. Reynolds, the Bible. The
cost of the chapel, built and furnished, was $10,527.82, entirely
paid for in 1880 through the generosity of the pew proprietors
in that year who then furnished the balance of $5,000.00.
In 1880 Rev. Mr. Brooks, our Pastor, made the following
report to the Parish : —
The objects of oiir Society — Christian worship and work — being com-
mon to all the congregation, it has seemed to the minister that an annual
statement of the condition of the parish, what has been accompHshed during
the year, what is doing and what should be done, would help us all to a
more intelligent interest in the welfare of the society.
It is in the hope of such better and wider understanding, that this report
is given. The number of families now connected with the Society is 301 ;
the number of calling places 316. It is the purpose of the minister to call
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 237
once each year upon all. Many special needs, however, such as sickness
and death, make much more calling necessary. During the last two years
an average of seventy-one calls per month was made. The Society is still
widely scattered. Eight families are in Brookline, fourteen in Jamaica
Plain, three in West Roxbury, one in Newton, one in Brighton, nine in
Dorchester, thirty in Boston. It is yet true, that the situation of so large a
number of families makes such \'isiting impossible, as the minister would
gladly make for the sake of that influence which comes from a closer personal
connection with the home life of his people. Mostly owing to tliis condition
of the Society, also, the minister often does not hear of sickness until to hear
it is an embarrassment; he therefore earnestly asks that he be informed of
such events as he would gladly know. The help which, in these days, the
minister can render in time of trouble is but little; yet no kinder service is
ever done to any minister than when such opportunity is confided to him.
Nor does anything so strengthen him in his work as admission to the deeper
life of those whose Sabbath worship he directs.
During the year five couples have been imited in marriage, three persons
were baptized, seven united with the church. The nimiber of deaths ten.
The chapel service, begun four years ago, continues during sixteen or
eighteen weeks, from November into March. The object has been more
especially instruction in the history of the Ethnic, the Jewish and Christian
religions.
Rev. Mr. Brooks resigned in the early spring of 1882 and
we had no settled Pastor until 1883, when Rev. James De
Normandie was called, and he was installed March 14, 1883.
The services included the Invocation by Rev. William H.
Lyon of Roxbury; Reading the Scriptures by Rev. C. Y.
De Normandie, Kingston; Sermon by Rev. James Freeman
Clarke, D.D., Boston: Ordaining Prayer, Rev. A. P. Peabody,
D.D., Cambridge; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Edward
H. Hall, Cambridge; Address to the People and Pastor by
Rev. Edward E. Hale, Boston; Benediction by the Pastor;
the whole interspersed with music.
In 1883, a new Bible was presented to the Society by the
young men of the Parish.
In 1887 a committee was appointed to ascertain the rights
of the First Religious Society in Roxbury to the burying
ground off Kearsarge Avenue.
238 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
The present pulpit was built in 1888, and it is similar to
that in the First Church in Lancaster, built by Bulfinch in
1816. At the same time the church was painted and refur-
nished and gas introduced.
The first mention of ushers was in 1889, when the following
men served: — William Wells Bosworth, B. P. Cheney Clapp,
Nathan S.Robinson, Channing Robinson, William S. Rumrill.
An attempt was made in 1891 to change the name of
the corporation to "First Church in Roxbury," but it was
defeated.
There is nothing so fitting in closing the account of this
Historical Church as a brief description of the services on
the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Dedication of this
House of Worship, which occurred June 7, 1904. Some of
the descendants of those who worshipped here in 1804 were
present on this anniversary.
The order of service was : — Organ Voluntary ; Anthem ;
Invocation, the congregation joining in the Responsive Ser-
vice; Anthem; Prayer by The Rev. Alexander McKenzie,
D.D., Minister of the First Church in Cambridge; Organ;
Hymn in which the congregation joined. Address by the
Rev. James De Normandie, D.D., minister of this church;
Anthem; Address by the Right Reverend William Lawrence,
Bishop of Massachusetts; Address by the Rev. Edward
Everett Hale, D.D., of the South Congregational Church,
Boston; Hymn in which the congregation joined; Bene-
diction.
There were no formal exercises of unveiling of the memo-
rial tablets now in position and seen for the first time, the
reference to the men thus honored, which Dr. De Normandie
gave in his address, sufficing for such a ceremony. The
tablets were those to John Eliot, Amos Adams, Eliphalet
Porter, George Putnam of the Pastors, and Thomas Dudley,
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE 239
Joseph Dudley, Paul Dudley, William Dudley, Charles K.
Dillaway, and John Felt Osgood of the laymen.
One of the Daily papers refers to this event as follows : —
The observance last night of the hundredth anniversary of
the dedication of the present house of worship at Eliot Square,
Roxbury, the old First Church of that quarter, was one of the
most interesting and inspiring events that has occurred for
a long time. The history and tradition of which it is now
the visible and venerable symbol, are more venerable still,
for as Dr. De Normandie said : " For 273 years there has been
no interruption of worship on this hilltop."
The church is practically coincident with the history of the
colony and stood from the beginning, not only for the strong
virtues of the Puritan pioneers, but for the added grace and
nobleness of Rev. John Eliot's sympathy for the natives,
which neither at that time nor to the present day has been
characteristic of Anglo-Saxon colonizations. The glory of
the spot is its association with the name and tireless devo-
tion of "John Eliot, apostle to the Indians." This alone is
enough to insure it a chapter in the annals of early American
history, whose glory can never fade.
This feature of its early record was feelingly and beauti-
fully dwelt upon in the noble prayer delivered by Rev. Dr.
McKenzie of Cambridge, and that and the addresses which
followed seemed admirably attuned to the spirit of the occa-
sion. All denominational differences were put aside and the
broader interests which the event suggested were merged in
common Christian fellowship among those who were equal
sharers in their reverence for their great heritage. The
church was crowded and the profound silence that reigned
throughout the exercises was an eloquent tribute to their
interest.
240 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
REV. GEORGE PUTNAM, D.D.
Son of Andrew and Jerusha (Clap) Putnam, was born in
Sterling, Mass., August 16, 1807. His early training was
in the academies of Leicester and Groton. He entered Har-
vard College in 1822, and graduated in 1826. He was plain,
simple, and unpretending, one of the youngest in the class,
and though thoroughly manly, in no other respect old for
his years, the soul of truth and honor, respected and liked by
all his classmates, dearly loved by many. He held a high
rank in his class, and undoubtedly might have had a higher
place if he had striven for it.
After graduating he spent one year as a teacher in Duxbury,
and then entered the Divinity School in Cambridge. Wliat
his success was there may be inferred from the fact that before
completing his required course of instruction, he received an
invitation to preach as a candidate for one of the oldest
societies in New England and that after officiating but three
Sundays he was called, by a very general vote, to become the
associate pastor there of the Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Porter. His
letter of acceptance is dated May 21, 1830. He was ordained
July 7, 1830. Rev. Orville Dewey, D.D., preached the
ordination sermon.
This church was then, as it was at the time of his death,
one of the largest and most influential congregations in this
neighborhood.
In its service Dr. Putnam at once attained the distinction
which he ever afterward held, as a thoughtful, interesting,
wise, and eloquent preacher.
A careful student, of very wide range of reading, he made
everything contribute to the interest of his sermons. The
subjects which he treated in the pulpit were of every variety.
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REV. GEORGE PUTNAM, D.D. 241
and before he had been long in the ministry cf this Church,
the most thoughtful men and women of this community took
every opportunity to hear him preach, whether they were or
were not members of the same religious communion.
The parish at the time of his ordination, and for some
years after, was essentially an agricultural one, a majority
of the members being substantial farmers. To this class the
new minister's style of preaching, so plain, direct, and impres-
sive, so full of illustrations of God's beneficence in nature,
was just what they needed. It made them appreciate their
calling in its religious as well as secular aspect, and it made
them respect each other.
In 1831 Dr. Putnam married Elizabeth Anne, daughter of
Rev. Dr. Henry Ware, Hollis Professor of Harvard College.
Miss Caroline Porter, Mrs. Richard Ward, and Mrs. B. F.
Copeland were the committee who furnished their home at
the time of the marriage.
No one who knew Mrs. Putnam can forget the beneficence
and beauty of her character. Where she was there was
sunshine ever. She had a ready sympathy for all in trouble,
and an open hand for their relief. She died March 24, 1866.
Gradually in the course of ten years the agricultural ele-
ment in our society disappeared. The increased volume of
land, and the estimates of the assessors, drove our farmers
to more profitable fields.
The pews they left were soon filled by the conmaercial
class, many of them from the highest mercantile houses in
Boston. Some of these, who had not been accustomed to
look for business talent and experience in clerical men, were
surprised to find that Dr. Putnam could give them wise
counsel in mercantile emergencies, when even the oldest
among them were in doubt.
No one had a higher estimate of mercantile honor than
242 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
he. No one despised more heartily any deviation from it.
Some of his sermons on this theme were of such singular
merit that he was requested to publish them, but this, like
many other such requests, he generally declined. He had a
singular disinclination to publish anything he wrote. His
common answer was that after he had preached a sermon at
home, and three or four times elsewhere by exchanges, it
reached more than would be likely to read a pamphlet.
There was another class in our Society, and not a small
one, the professional men, whom he delighted by the beauty
of his language and the brilliancy of his thoughts. One
trait he had always shown — an intuitive sagacity to seize
the master key to a subject, and so easily open all its parts.
He received the degree of S.T.D. from Bowdoin College
in 1845.
In 1845 he was offered the chair of the Hollis Professorship
at Cambridge, and the friends of the college urged him per-
sistently to accept it. The possibility of his leaving our
Society of course produced intense excitement. The letters
he received from petitioners and remonstrants would make
an interesting volume. The real question with him was,
"What is my duty in settling this trying question.^" Hap-
pily for our Society, and for him too, we think, he decided to
remain with us. The interests of the college were always
dear to him, and at a later period of his life he had abundant
opportunity of showing his appreciation of them. He was
from 1853 to 1877 a most efficient member of the corporation.
His services in that position were greater than the public
knows.
Dr. Putnam was interested largely in public affairs, outside
of his professional duties. He was a member of the con-
stitutional convention in 1853 ; one of the presidential electors
in 1864, and with Edward Everett, Ex-Governor Lincoln,
REV. GEORGE PUTNAM, D.D. 243
and John G. Whittier, voted for Abraham Lincoki. In 1869
he was elected a member of the Massachusetts legislature,
and served two years with great efficiency. The ability he
showed in the discussion of financial questions and kindred
subjects clearly indicated the practical character of his mind.
In educational affairs he manifested a deep interest. He
was chairman of the school committee of Roxbury, and for
many years President of the Board of Trustees of the Rox-
bury Latin School, President of the Trustees of the Fellowes
Athenaeum, Chairman of the Trustees of the Boston Young
Men's Christian Union, and one of the Trustees of the
Boston Public Library.
During his whole ministry the character of his preaching
was eminently practical, and some of his most effective
sermons were those addressed to young business men. Every
day topics, those that touched nearest the lives of his people,
he chose most frequently. For controversial sermons he had
no taste, or belief m their usefulness, and in this he resembled
his venerable predecessor, the Rev. Dr. Porter. To the
good sense and Christian spirit of both may be attributed
the harmony which has always subsisted among our Roxbury
ministers of all denominations.
In the spring of 1871, a long vacation having been granted
for health and recreation, he spent six months in Europe.
The acquaintances he formed there, and the interesting places
he visited, were ever after among his most pleasant memories.
On the 23rd of December, 1872, he attended a meeting of
the Corporation of Harvard College. The weather was
intensely cold. On his return home he was stricken by
paralysis. The Society took immediate measures to relieve
him from all anxiety in regard to pastoral duties and
expressed in many ways their sympathy for him in his
invalid state.
244 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
On the 6^^ of October, 1873, a letter was received from
him in which he resigned his pastoral office. The Society
unanimously passed a series of resolutions expressive of the
strong attachment of the people, their high appreciation of
his past services, and their unwillingness to accept his
resignation.
In view of the impaired health of Dr. Putnam, measures
were immediately taken for the election of an associate pastor.
The Society united in giving a call to Rev. John Graham
Brooks, which call was accepted.
During the succeeding year the senior pastor appeared
often in the pulpit, but rarely took part in the services beyond
the reading of a hymn. If he ventured upon a sermon his
people listened wath increased interest to the words which
fell from his lips, for they were conscious how soon that voice,
which had so charmed them by its utterances in the past,
might cease forever.
The last time he was heard in his pulpit he spoke with his
usual impressiveness, but it was painfully evident from the
feebleness of his voice that no progress had been made in the
recovery of his health. By the advice of his friends he did
not preach again, though occasionally taking some part in
the Sunday services.
He died at his home on Highland Street, April 11, 1878.
Rev. John Graham Brooks, a Divinity student of the
class of 1875, Harvard University, was ordained Pastor of
this church Oct. 10, 1875. His work in the church will be
found elsewhere, in the Parish report of 1880, the Sunday
School and the Young Men's Union. He resigned as Pastor
in 1882 to study Sociology in Europe, and has since been
distinguished as a Lecturer on Economics.
Rev. James De Normandie, D.D. our Present Pastor.
DEACONS 245
DEACONS
Samuel Sumner, see Fourth Meeting House.
Joshua Felton, see Fourth Meeting House.
Nehemiah Munroe, see Fourth Meeting House.
William Davis, son of Moses and Hannah (Pierpont)
Davis, was born Nov. 18, 1770, and died Feb. 4, 1850. He
married (1) Polly Smith and (2) her half sister Sally Smith,
both being daughters of Captain Ralph Smith, a prominent
resident of Roxbury. In early life he was engaged in the West
India goods business, which was not successful, and later
followed his natural inclination and was made Principal of
the Grammar School, now known as the Roxbury Latin
School, a position he held for many years. He was after-
wards a Trustee. He was ordained Deacon of this church
in 1819 and held the office until his death. He was Town
Clerk for many years and Parish Clerk for one year. His
home was situated on Lambert Ave., on the hill, and here he
cultivated a beautiful garden of flowers and various kinds of
fruit trees, being extremely fond of horticulture.
Ebenezer Crafts, son of Daniel and Abigail (Kent)
Crafts, was born Jan. 12, 1779, in Roxbury, and died there
Jan. 10, 1864. He married Sarah Heath, daughter of Major
John Jones and Sarah (Heath) Spooner. He cultivated the
farm inherited from his grandfather, Deacon Ebenezer Craft,
containing about fifty acres. He served in the state militia
as Brigade Quartermaster with the rank of Major and was
always known in after life as Major Ebenezer Crafts, rather
than Deacon Ebenezer Crafts. He was ordained Deacon
July 19, 1827, and was a friend and helper wherever help was
needed. He was for many years engaged in mercantile
pursuits, but in consequence of losses in the crisis of 1837
withdrew to the old farm, moving back into the house in
which he was bom.
246 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
John Clap, son of Noah and Ann (Clap) Clap, was born
in Dorchester, Sept. 11, 1764, and died Sept. 23, 1840, in
Roxbury. He married (1) Susanna Robinson; (2) Priscilla
Holden ; (3) Ann Hawes Pierce, who gave a communion cup
to the church in 1830. He served his time as a cabinet-maker
with Deacon Munro, and settled in Roxbury, carrying on his
business in a shop which stood on the main street of the
town. He was ordained Deacon July 19, 1827, and was a
truly honest man, affable and remarkably courteous to all.
His death was noticed in a funeral sermon by his Pastor,
Rev. George Putnam, D.D., who called him, "the last of the
Puritans," "one who embodied in himself all that was
respectable and lovely in the primitive worthies of New
England." "A plain, downright man, yet affable and cour-
teous, who never did a thing for show, had none of the restless
pride of life, and gave the world the spectacle of a calm,
cheerful, blameless, contented old age." He ever felt a deep
interest in all that concerned his church and his native town
of Dorchester.
Jonathan Avery Richards was born April 6, 1797, and
died April 19, 1845. He married Nancy D. Gore in 1820.
He was ordained Deacon, June 3, 1838, and resigned in 1841.
7 7 O
He was a book-keeper in Boston.
RuFUS Wyman, son of Zebediah and Eunice Wyman, was
bom July 16, 1778, and died June 22, 1842. He married
Anne Morrill of Boston. He fitted for college at Westford
Academy and entered Harvard in 1795 and was graduated
in 1799. For one year he taught in Worcester. In 1800 he
was entered as a student of medicine with Dr. Samuel Brown
of Boston, but owing to the illness of his instructor he finished
his course with Dr. John Jeffries. He stayed in Boston and
then moved to Cheknsford thinking a country life might be
of benefit to his health. In 1817 he was appointed first
DEACONS 247
Physician and Superintendent of the McLean Asylum for
the Insane at Charlestown, which position he resigned in
1834, soon after which he removed to Roxbury. He was
ordained Deacon of this church in 1840. Rev. Dr. George
Putnam, D.D., in a sermon preached after his death, said in
part, " I cannot now, I could not in his life time, gather any
words concerning him, but words of commendation and
respect. He was not one of those who are prized after death
only. His character was of that positive sort, so obviously
and constantly ruled by high principle that men noticed it
while he lived, as they only note those who are really above
the level of common excellence, who live not by exponents
but by principle, not to appearances but to fulfil righteousness
for righteousness' sake." He was appointed to various offices
of trust and was a member of American Academy of Arts
and Sciences and for two years was President of Massachu-
setts Medical Society.
Benjamin Kent, son of Samuel and Rhoda (Hill) Kent,
was born May 25,1794, in Somerville, and died Aug. 7, 1859,
in Roxbury. He married Eleanor Bradford. He was grad-
uated at Harvard College in 1820 and from the Divinity
School in 1824. Before his settlement he supplied the pulpit
for three months at Washington, D.C., at a period when the
journey there and back was performed mostly by stage. He
was ordained as Colleague Pastor to Dr. Allyn in Duxbury,
June 7, 1826. After a short but trying and very laborious
ministry, he resigned his office of Pastor, June 7, 1833. He
was chiefly instrumental in establishing a High School in
that town which was first under the charge of Rev. George
Putnam, who afterwards became our Pastor. R. W. Emer-
son in answer to an invitation to be the Phi Beta Kappa poet
thus speaks of him : " May I take the liberty to ask whether
Mr. Kent of Duxbury has ever been requested to write a
248 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
poem for the Society ? He was much the most successful
poet who appeared on the college stage for many years."
After leaving Duxbury he opened a young ladies' school in
Roxbury in connection with which he gave courses of lectures
on scientific subjects not confined to his pupils. He was
ordamed Deacon of this church in 1841 which oflice he held
until his death. He was a trustee of the Roxbury Latin
School and also for many years Librarian of the Roxbury
Athenseum. He was a great lover of antiquity. He ran-
sacked garrets, collected many autographs and literary docu-
ments of the Pilgrims, and made several discoveries of
interest.
Charles Knapp Dillaway, son of Samuel and Mary
(Knapp) Dillaway, was born Oct. 19, 1804, in Roxbury, and
died there May 2, 1889. He married Martha Ruggles
Porter, daughter of Rev. Huntington Porter and niece of
Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D. He entered Harvard College
in 1822 in the sophomore year and was graduated in 1825.
He received the degree of A.M. in 1829. After graduation
he was for a time assistant teacher in the Hancock School.
Li 1827 he became sub-master of the Boston Latin School,
and in 1831 he became master. Holding this position for
five years, he, in 1836, resigned on account of ill health. He
was through his life interested in educational matters and
for many years was regarded as a standard authority in the
classics. Some of his publications were, " Roman Antiquities
and Ancient Mythology," "The Classical Speaker," "Latin
Classics with English Notes," in 12 volumes, " Colloquies of
Erasmus," with glossary, beside many minor classical works
and fugitive writings. He wrote and published in 1860 "A
History of the Grammar School," or "The Free Schoole of
1645 in Roxburie." He was the author, also, of the valuable
chapter upon education in the Memorial History of
DEACONS 249
Boston. He was secretary of his college class, a trustee of
the Roxbury Latin School for 50 years, and the Secretary of
the Board of Trustees of the school for many years. He
was ordained Deacon of this church in 1842, which office he
held until his death; Member of the Standing Committee
1857 to 1863; Treasurer of this church from Jan. 27, 18G2,
until 1886; Superintendent of the Sunday School for 25
years. A member of the Board of Trustees of the Fellowes
Athenaeum and after the death of Dr. Putnam, its President.
Supply Clap Thwing, son of Samuel and Sarah (Homans)
Thwing, was born Oct. 27, 1798, in Boston, and died June 4,
1877, in Roxbury; married (1) Elsey Fellowes Davis; (2) Anne
Shapley Haven ; (3) Anna Haven. His name descended to
him from his ancestor Roger Clap of Dorchester, who, during
a famine in the town, had a son born on the day supplies
were received from England, and showed his gratitude by
naming this son Supply Clap. He (Supply Clap Thwing)
was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy, and early placed
in the counting room of James and Thomas H. Perkins,
where he received the necessary instruction to qualify him
for his future career. He began business on his own account
in 1826, and for fifty years was actively engaged in mercantile
pursuits, doing an extensive business with New Orleans and
the East Indies. He was also a part owner of vessels and
later in life was engaged in the coal trade. He removed to
Roxbury about 1824 and here he passed the remainder of
his life, and it was among his neighbors and fellow citizens
that his truly honorable character was seen to the best advan-
tage. In 1831 he joined this church and ever after took the
deepest interest in its affairs and was foremost in anything
pertaining to it. He had more intimate relations with Dr.
Putnam than anyone else in the parish and was frequently
consulted by him in important matters. He was a member
250 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
of the Standing Committee in 1831 and 1832 and ordained
Deacon June 29, 1851, which office he held until his death.
He was Treasurer of the Communion Table from March 24,
1858, until his death. Trustee of the Grammar School in
the Easterly Part of the Town of Roxbury, now known as
the Roxbury Latin School, being elected in place of Deacon
Kent, in 1859, and on Oct. 29, 1862, elected its Treasurer,
which office he held until his death. A trustee of the Rox-
bury Athenaeum, A Vice President and a Trustee of the
Institution for Savings in Roxbury and Vicinity. He was one
of the original trustees of the Fellowes Athenaeum and his
connection with it may best be told in the words of Mr.
William C. Collar at the Dedication Services, July 9, 1873.
" Mr. Fellowes not unnaturally thought of the city where he
had found a happy home for almost twenty years; and being
in his later life a great reader, he designed to found there an
institution which should be to many the means of that enjoy-
ment and culture which he had himself derived from the
best literature. But fortunately, before he was fully resolved,
he asked the advice of a friend with whom he had lived in
Roxbury in the most intimate relations. That friend sur-
vives him in a vigorous old age, and he is present with us
to-day. You all know him well, — the faithful steward of
his friend's legacy to you, your friend and neighbor, and
mine, the friend of everybody, — Supply Clap Thwing. He
said to Mr. Fellowes — I give his own words — 'My friend,
your mother was bom in Roxbury, and there, you say your-
self, you passed some of the happiest years of yourlife. We
want an Athenaeum, and you could not leave your property,
outside of your own family, to a better object.' Few words
but fit and effective. For the following year, on reading the
will of his friend, Mr. Thwing had the satisfaction of finding
that his appeal was successful. But I have omitted one
DEACONS 251
circumstance without which my account would be incomplete
and yet I know not if I have a right to disclose \^dlat was
told me, perhaps in confidence, months ago, and what I
dared not ask permission to make known, when I saw that
the public interests demanded that the whole truth should be
told. I say ' the public interest,' for it does concern the
public to know of every noble and unselfish act which makes
nobleness and unselfishness easier for all. And it is due to
Mr. Thwing, though I may offend him by this disclosure,
that you should know that the planting of this institution
among you is due not less to his disinterestedness than to his
timely and prudent counsel. You will already have sur-
mised something of what I had to tell you, namely, that a
large part of the sum which, together with the accumulated
interest, has been devoted to the establishment of this library,
was by Mr. Fellowes's first will bequeathed to Mr. Thwing;
and that it was at his urgent request, when this became known
to him, that his friend cancelled the legacy and increased by
so much his bequest to you. Thus happily what the splendid
generosity of the one conceived and begun, the rare unsel-
fishness of the other completed and crowned; and hence,
while we shall always hold him in grateful remembrance to
whom we owe this noble benefaction, we shall honor in our
hearts the not less noble self-sacrifice of him who refused
wealth proffered in the name of friendship that he might
bestow enduring riches on us, and on those who shall come
after us; or, still better, that he might put it in the power of
each and all of us to enrich ourselves."
John Hunt, son of Elisha and Lucy (Calef) Hunt, was
born June 26, 1799, in Boston, and died May 16, 1873, in
Medford. He married (1) Nabby Williams Esty; (2) Eliza-
beth Gardner Whitin ; (3) Sarah Jane Symmes. He was a
morocco dresser, having served an apprenticeship with Mr.
252 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Isaac Mead of Charlestown, Mass., afterwards having a
factory of his own there. About 1840 he removed to Roxbury
and had a factory which stood beside the old Eustis Street
Burying Ground, with a sale store in Boston. He was an
Alderman of Roxbury in 1852. Also a member of the
Mass. Charitable Mechanics Association. It was his custom
to have his family sit around him on Sunday evenings at home
and to read from the Bible and sing some of the old hymns.
He was very fond of singing. He was brought up in the
Old South Church, his father being a Deacon there. In his
younger days, when other boys were walking the streets, he
spent his time in his room improving his mind reading. In
that way he made up his mind, no doubt, to take up the Unita-
rian belief. He was a member of the Sagamore Club which
began meeting at each others houses in 1850 for simple
enjoyment and a clam chowder supper. Among its members
were Rev. George Putnam, D.D., Samuel Walker, Benj.
Kent, John J. Clarke, Edwin Lemist, Manlius Clark, Thomas
Adams, F. D. Huntington, Daniel Leach. He was ordained
Deacon of this Church June 29, 1851, and resigned May 11,
1856, on account of his removal to Southboro where he became
interested in farming. He attended church in Framingham
where he also was a Deacon. About 1866 he moved to
Medford.
Adams Ayer, son of John and Susannah (Emerson)
Ayer, was born June 18, 1823, in Haverhill, and died
March 22, 1882. Married Martha Augusta Hinkley. He
attended the district school and taught for a time in the
district schools. He was graduated from Harvard in 1848
and from the Divinity School in 1851. He held pastorates
in Chelsea, Mass., Newport, R. I., and in Charlestown, N. H.
He resigned this last pastorate to come to Boston to assist
Mr. Holmes Hinkley, his father-in-law, who was then presi-
DEACONS 253
dent of the Hinkley Locomotive Works. After the death
of Mr. Hinkley he was chosen to fill his place. He made
his home in Roxbury and was ordained Deacon of this church
July 1, 1877. He was a member of the Standing Committee
in 1872 and 1878. He was a member of the Christian
Register Association and established a scholarship at Har-
vard. Member of the Common Council of Boston in 1870
and 1871. He was a man of kind heart and generous hand.
Joseph Warren Tucker, son of Elijah and Rebecca
(Weatherly) Tucker, was born Dec. 1, 1800, in Dorchester,
and died April 21, 1885, in Roxbury, Married Mary Porter.
Until the age of 21 he worked upon his father's farm in
Roxbury, having no advantages for education, except such
as were afforded by the district schools of that period,
which were of an inferior grade. However, by special
studies after he had come of age, he prepared himself for
school teaching, and for some years taught district schools
in the winter. Then he began to serve as clerk in stores until
1827 when he went into the grocery business for himself. In
1827 he was chosen chorister in charge of the choir of this
church and even advanced money for its support. From
1837 to 1843 he represented the town of Roxbury in the
Legislature. He was also upon the board of assessors, over-
seers of the poor, and surveyors of highways. In 1840 he
was elected a selectman, serving until Roxbury was made
a city, in 1846, when he was elected city clerk, and held the
office during the whole period that Roxbury remained a
separate city. He was elected clerk of this Parish Jan. 7,
1850, and served until his death. He was a member of the
music committee in 1836 and from 1849 to 1865. He was
ordained Deacon of this Society Jan. 1, 1882, and held this
office until his death. He was a justice of the peace, notary
public, and held many other offices of trust.
254 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Jeremiah Plimpton, son of Ziba and Olive (Smith)
Plimpton, was bom May 10, 1810, in Sharon, and died Nov.
28, 1892. Married Sarah Davenport Bradlee. He was for
twenty-five years a school-teacher, and master of the Dudley
School for girls in Roxbury from 1839 to 1855, when, finding
his health somewhat impaired, he withdrew from the business
of teaching. From 1862 to 1868 he held the office of U. S.
Assistant Assessor for 3d Collection District of Mass. He
was ordained Deacon of this Society, June 7, 1885.
John Joseph May, son of Samuel and Mary (Goddard)
May, was born in Boston, Oct. 15, 1813, died there May 25,
1903. Married Caroline S. Danforth of Norton, Mass. He
was a graduate of the Boston High and Latin Schools. Mr.
May's eldest brother, Samuel, having been educated for the
ministry, his father decided that he should be educated for
commercial life. After serving his apprenticeship, he became
a partner in his father's firm, Samuel May and Company,
importers of hardware and metals, established in 1797. He
made his first trip to Europe in 1835 and several subsequent
trips, the last being in 1896. He also made several trips to
San Francisco, where his firm had a branch establishment.
He moved to Dorchester in 1845, where he bought a large
estate which he called "Mayfield," after the village in Sussex,
England. He was one of the earliest members, and in some
instances, a charter member, of the Museum of Fine Arts, The
Boston Athenaeum, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
the Bostonian Society, etc. He was one of the wealthiest and
most prominent landed proprietors in Dorchester. Though he
was offered many offices of trust, having often been urged to
become a member of Congress, he declined all such positions
with the single exception of a membership of the school board,
which at that time needed an active and intelligent worker.
He contributed largely to the town's improvements and
DEACONS 255
institutions, giving money with great liberality for the benefit
of the community. Although a merchant, he was l)y nature
and preference a student, especially of the domestic history
of New England, which was one of his great pleasures during
his maturer years. He was a very large buyer of books and
accumulated a library which became celebrated for its size
and extent. While a resident of Boston he was a member
of John Pierpont's Society. On moving to Dorchester he
joined this church, of which he was a member for nearly
sixty years, and ordained Deacon June 7, 1885. By virtue of
this office he became a Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School,
member of the music committee of this Society from 1849
to 1864. He left a record of fidelity to the interests of the city
of his birth, of the town of his adoption.
Henry Dan Wilmarth, son of Daniel and Sarah (Luke)
Wilmarth, was born Oct. 4, 1826, in Taunton, died May 4,
1896, in Roxbury. Married Matilda Reynolds. When only
fourteen years of age his father died and he was obliged to
leave home to seek his fortune. He came to Boston and
entered the employ of Kendal Whitwell &; Co., importers of
woolens, remaining with them through successive changes
of partnership, finally becoming a partner under the style of
Talbot, Wilmarth & Co. He was ordained Deacon June 7,
1885.
256 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
COMMUNION TABLE
The first mention, in the Deacon's Book, of anything
relating to the table was "At a Curch Meting Held at the
Revem'd Mr. Porter's Lodgings, April, 1789, Voted the
Deacons Sell Some of the Church plate two vessels that was
Worn out and purches With the Same a New tankard, the old
plate asayed that was sold twenty Nine ounces & Some
peny wait & sold for 9. 6. 4."
1789
May 27, the tankard Bought '^ twenty three owences
& thirnteen peeny ^* at Seven Shillings pr ownce . 8. 5. 6
May 1789. Cash Expended to purchase This Book
for the church 10.
Cash for a Small kegg for the use of
Carying the wine on Communion
Days 1. 8 8. 17. 2
Ballence Carr'd over 9. 2
(The following is in the handwriting of Deacon Supply
Clap Thwing.)
"part of This old plate sold was that from which the Apostle EUot had
administered the Communion."
"how short sighted !!!"
A Memorandum of the Plates, the Property of the First
Church of Christ in Roxbury, Taken on the 26 Day of Dec.
1803 is as follows:
One Tankard The Gift of Mr. John Holbrook to the first
Church of Christ in Roxbury 1735 makers name W Correl
on the side and Led.
One Tankard the Gift of Mrs. Susanna Lamb to the old
Church in Roxbury 1743, Mar^t on side SV
One Tankard The Gift of Mrs. Dor. Williams to the first
Church of Christ in Roxbury 1734 Mark on the side I Hurd.
One Tankard For the Use of the Communion in the First
COMMUNION TABLE 257
Church in Roxbury given by the Widow & Children of the
Gov Dudley 1722 June, Makr IC
One Tankard the gift of Mrs. Sarah Mayo to the first
Church of Christ in Roxbury, 1740 makers name ID
Supposed
belonged
to the church
1650
T
One Tankard Mar'^* on the Bottom ^„ maker IC.
FFCR
One Tankard Mar^* ^ . on the Bottom, IH on the hd.
lA
One Cup Marlf* MT side HP Bottom.
One Cup Mark* WG side Maker FD side.
W
One Cup majJ^* — — , Maker WC.
One Table Spoon no Mark.
In 1830 the following vote was passed:
^Vhereas on account of the Church Plate belonging to the
First Church in Roxbury, being very Ancient, much worn,
and the form of the vessels not convenient (being chiefly
Tankards), it was thought advisable to have it manufactured
into Cups with covers, providing the expense of the same
would not be an objection, and our Revd Pastor, Dr. Eliphalet
Porter, was authorised by the Church to effect the same, if he,
after ascertaining the expense, should think it advisable.
On enquiry it was found the old plate would furnish a suffi-
cient number of Cups with Covers, for the Communion
Table, and have an overplus of old silver sufficient to pay all
the expenses of the alteration. Mr. Jones of Boston was
employed by our Revd. Pastor to Manufacture the new
Vessels and as Five of the Old Tankards were Gifts from
Ancient Members of the First Church in Roxbury, to said
Church, Mr. Jones was directed to engrave the names of
said donors on the Cups made from said Five Tankards,
and the year in which they were given. Also To engrave on
them the year in which they were Renewed.
William Davis (Deacon).
258 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Inventory of Church plate, renewed : —
Two cups with covers, presented by The Widow &
Children of the late Governor Dudley .... 1722
Renewed 1830
Two Cups with covers presented by Mrs. Dorothy
Williams 1734
Renewed 1830
Two Cups with covers presented by Mr. John Hol-
brook 1735
Renewed 1830
One Cup with cover presented by Mrs. Sarah Mayo 1740
Renewed 1830
One Cup with cover presented by Mrs. Susanna
Lamb 1743
Renewed 1830
One Cup with cover presented by Mrs. Ann Clap,
wife of Deacon John Clap 1830
One Table Spoon Renewed 1830
One Plated Flaggon, purchased with overplus old silver,
which remained after paying Mr. Jones Bill for making the
above named cups and spoon.
The above first made use of September 5^^, 1830.
In addition to the above there was a Christening Bason
(Silver), presented by the late Mrs. Martha Porter, wife of
the late Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Porter.
The following articles were presented by Deacon John Clap
in 1630: — A new Mahogany Communion Table; Four
Plates for Bread (Plated ware). Two handsome covered
Baskets for Church Plate.
William Davis, Senior Deacon.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
259
January 24, 1833.
Cost of Communion table from May, 1789, to Jan., 1791,
£19 135. 4d. and in 1791, £11. From 1789 to 1838 the
yearly amount spent for wine and bread for the Communion
table was from $20 to $50, the balance of the contributions
being placed yearly in the Pastor's hands for the benefit of
the poor of the Church. The Treasurers of the Communion
table were : —
Deacon Nehemiah Munroe, from 1789 to Oct. 2, 1817,
except for a short time in 1816, when Deacon Joshua Felton
officiated in that capacity.
Deacon William Davis, from Oct. 2, 1817, to 1850.
Deacon Supply C. Thwing from March 24, 1858, to June
4, 1877.
Deacon Edward B. Reynolds from Aug. 5, 1877.
THE COMxMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
1804
July 22. John Champney.
Aug. 5. —
Mary Da\ds.
Sally Wilson, widow.
Aug. 26. Stephen Child.
Sept. 2. —
Elijah Lewis.
Jesse Joy.
Sept. 16. Ehsha Whitney, Jr.
Oct. 14. —
Jona. Hill.
Samuel Newell, a student in H.C
Nov. 25. Stephen Brigham.
1805
Feb. 17. Jona. Williams.
March 3. Jolm Curtis.
March 17. W^ Tileston.
April 14. Nathaniel Shepard Pren-
tiss and Abigail, his wife (fr.
Ye church in Marlborough).
May 12. —
Andrew Newman.
Jane Barns, wife of William.
May 19. Roswell Pomroy.
Aug. 11. Luther Richardson.
Sept. 1. Sam'l Henshaw Horton.
1806
Jan. 5. James Cawte.
Feb. 23. Simeon Keyes.
March 16. John Davis.
May 1 1 . Samuel Jackson Prescott,
A.M.
May 25. —
W™ Pratt and Mary, his wife.
Edw. Jewett Robbins.
260
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
June 15. Jonas Randall and Mary,
his wife.
Aug. 10. Sam'l Langley.
Aug. 31. Priscilla Clap, wife of
John.
Oct. 5. Abijah Merriam.
Oct. 19. Martha Sumner (at her
father's being sick).
Nov. 2. —
Edward Sumner.
Henry Payson Sumner and Maria,
children of Edward.
Dec. 7. Fanny Lewis, wife of Elijah.
1807
Jan. 18. —
Warren Marsh.
Hannah Lewis, wife of James.
Mary Smith, widow.
Feb. 8. Calvin Ware.
March 15. —
Theodore Kingsbury.
Joseph Thurston.
John Houghton and Nancy, his
wife.
May 31. Stephen Loud.
June 21. —
Chenery Clark.
Nath' Ellis.
Isaac Goddard.
Aug. 2. —
Ehzabeth Ward, wife of John.
Thomas Dudley.
Wn Wyman Jr.
Aug. 23. —
Thomas Curtis.
Amos Adams Mears.
Sept. 27. Lois WUhams, widow.
Oct. 25. —
James Lewis.
Samuel Swift.
Nov. 8. —
John Holbrook Hawse.
Nov. 8. —
Sam'l Silsby.
Nov. 15. Aaron Gay.
Nov. 22. Asa Whitney.
Dec. 20. W^ Caswell.
Dec. 27. Samuel Seaverns.
1808
Jan. 3. Samuel Guild.
Jan. 17. Seth Tucker.
Feb. 28. James Blake.
March 6. Ann Dorr.
April 10. —
Jonathan Freeman Cook.
Henry Pomroy.
John S. Wilhams and Nancy, his
wife.
June 26. Eben Craft.
July 3. Susan Sloan.
Sept. 18. Hervey Wood.
Sept. 25. —
Caleb Dickerman & Sally, his
wife.
Isaac Silsby.
Nov. 13. WilUam White.
1809
April 9. —
Eben Swift Pierce.
Simeon Stearns.
July 30. —
Barbara Fullerton.
Mary Baker Pratt.
Lois Eaton Knight.
Ehzabeth Wliitney, wife of Daniel.
Aug. 27. Polly Williams.
Oct. 22. —
Elizabeth Champney, widow.
Mehitabel Curtis.
1810
Feb. 11. Ehphalet Everett.
Feb. 18. Susanna Smith, wife of
Jeremiah P.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
261
April 8. —
George Ware.
Mary Ware.
April 29. —
Riifus Converse.
Aiitipas Newton.
June 3. Mary Bradley.
July 1. —
Isaac Curtis.
Charlotte Seaverns.
Nov. 11. —
William Seaver.
Martha Seaver, w. of William.
Dec. 9. William Langley.
1811
Feb. 3. Samuel Dudley.
March 10. —
Thomas Cheney and Sarah, his
wife.
Edward Severy and his wife.
April 7. John Stephens.
Nov. 24. Daniel Hammond and
SaUy, his wife.
1812
Jan. 12. —
William Cheney.
Abigail Seaver, widow.
April 5. Abigail Harris.
May 3. Amasa Smith & Martha
Ruggles, his wife.
May 31. —
Abigail Sumner.
Deborah W. Sumner.
Nancy Sumner.
1813
Feb. 21. James Adamis.
March 7. —
Elizabeth Weld, w. of Samuel.
Lucy Wilh'ams.
John Ward, Jr.
April 4. Joseph Harrington and
Rebecca, his wife.
June 13. David Burtt and Sally,
his wife.
July 25. John Mecuen and wife.
Aug. 22. —
Mary Shattuck.
Martha Shuttuck.
Aug. 29. Timothy Dexter Brown.
Nov. 14. Betsy Shepard, w. of
Charles of N. H.
1814
Feb. 27. James Blackman.
April 3. EUzabeth Bent.
June 26. Abigail S. Whiting, w.
of Joel.
July 24. Jabez Nason and EHzab
Ann, his wife.
Sept. 18. Lewis Morse and Mary,
his wife.
Sept. 25. John Erskine.
1815
Jan. 8. Sally Hammond, w. of
Daniel.
Feb. 5. —
Mary Adams, w. of James.
Abigail Bartlett, w. of Dr. B.
Aaron Davis and Theoda, his
wife.
Martha Williams.
March 5. —
Caroline Porter.
Huldah Stoddard, widow.
April 30. Hannah Pond, w. of John.
May 21. Louisa Burton, w. of
John.
May 28. Sarah Sanderson, w. of
Daniel.
June 2.5. Brooks Kendall and
Eunice, his wife.
262
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
July 30. Abner Willett.
Aug. 20. Debby Sea ver, widow.
Oct. 15. —
Sally Burditt.
Harriot Burditt.
Nov. 5. John Green.
1816
Jan. 7. —
William Davis and Sarah, his
wife.
Aaron Davis Williams and Nancy,
his wife.
April 7. Calvin Baker.
April 14. Calvin Warren.
May 26. Susanna Robinson
Clap, d. of Deacon John Clap.
Nov. 10. Samuel Sprague Wil-
liams and Lucy, his wife.
Dec. 1. —
Isaac Rand.
Nehemiah Da\as Williams.
1817
Feb. 2. Mary Ward, w. of John Jr.
June 8. Matthew Walker and
his wife.
June 22. Ebenezer Crafts and wife.
June 28. Joel Wheeler and his vdfe.
Sept. 14. John Lemist.
Nov. 9. —
Elizabeth Champney, widow.
Asa Whitney and Mary, his wife.
1818
April 19. Thomas W. Scott.
April 26. Sarah Wyman, wife.
June 7. Polly Smith Heath, wife.
June 21. —
Amy Baker, w. of David.
Sally Patten, w. of William.
July 5. Asa Wyman and wife.
Aug. 16.
Sept. 13.
Dorothy Davis, widow.
Ami Calder.
1819
Aug. 15. —
Harriet Blanchard, w. of William.
Susan Dorr, w. of Nathaniel.
Oct. 10. Mary Newell.
1820
May 21. Lydia WilUams.
1821
July 15. —
Richard Austin.
William Fiske and wife.
1822
Feb. 3. Isaac Davis.
March 24. —
Sarah Ann Clap.
Lucy Clap.
Oct. 6. —
Asa Bugbee.
Eleanor Kent.
Dec. 1. Elizabeth Patrick.
Dec. 15. —
Joshua B . Fowle and Eliz . , his wife .
Lemuel Bradlee.
Dec. 29. Ezra Morse and Rebecca,
his wife.
1823
June 15. Mary Phelps.
1824
March 14. Isaac Wyman and
Cath., his w.
April 18. Abigail Smith, widow.
May 16. —
Susannah and Sarah Davis.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
263
May 16. —
Charles Fox and Mary Louisa,
his wife.
Martha R. Porter.
Elizabeth Weld, w. of Benjamin.
1825
June 26. Timothy Gay and Mary
W., his wife.
July 17. Daniel A. Sigourney.
Aug. 7. Ann L. Fearing, wife.
Oct. 30. Lydia Wait.
1826
Aug. 6. —
Mary Sumner Patten.
Sally Patten.
Nov. 26. Samuel H. Hunneman
and Ehz., his wife.
1827
Jan. 7. Samuel Payson and Lydia,
his wife.
Sept. 2. Sylvia Patch.
1829
April 5. Edward W. Bradley and
Sarah, his wife.
1830
July 4. —
George Putnam (fr. University
Church, Cambridge).
Jemima Bicknell, w. of Humphrey
Hannah Robertson, widow.
Harriet Robertson, widow.
March 6. —
Susannah Maccarty.
April 3. Mary Pratt, widow.
May 1. —
Julia Hill, widow.
Charles Hickling.
Eliza Hickling.
Harriet Edes.
June 5. —
Mrs. Dearborn, w. of Gen. H.
A. S. Dearljorn.
Supply Clap Thwing transferred
from First Church, Boston with
Elsey, his wife.
Mrs. Sarah Thwing, widow, trans-
ferred from First Church, Bos-
ton.
July 3. —
Salome Davis, w. of Isaac.
William Whiting.
Nancy F. Whiting.
Elizabeth A. Putnam.
Date unknown.
Joseph R. Newell.
Date unknown.
Ann Levm.
1832
Date unknown. —
Mary Baker.
Stedman Williams.
1833
Dec. Martha R. Simmons, w.
of David A.
Date unknown. —
Nancy D. Simmons (Mrs. Fisher)
1831
March 6. —
Jonathan A. Richards.
Mrs. Richards.
Arma Blaney, widow.
Betsey Saunderson.
1834
Feb. —
Hannah D. Williams.
264
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Feb. —
Sept. —
Mary W. Williams.
Susan Weld.
March. —
Helen Louisa Perkins.
Charlotte E. Wliiting.
Rufus Wyman, transferred from
Roxanna C. Whiting.
Church at East Cambridge.
Benjamin Kent transferred from
Oct. Margaret Fenno.
church in Duxbury.
April. EUzabeth Hoknes,
bap.
1838
June. Polly H. Patten.
Jan. Isaac H. Carey.
July. John Parker.
Phebe P. Carey.
Sept. —
Sophia J. Snow.
Margaret D. Heath.
Ann M. HiU.
Sarah H. Shaw.
Sept. —
Dec. —
Heiu-y White Pickering.
Abijah Merriam.
Frances D. Pickering.
Mrs. A. Merriam.
Oct. Mrs. Julia F. Copeland.
Hannah Merriam.
Nov. Mrs. EUzabeth Francis, w.
Sarah H. Simmons.
of Eben T.
Dec. JuUa Leland.
1835
June. Sophia T. Townsend, bap.
1839
May. —
1836
Henry Lehman.
July.—
Sarah Fihnore.
Gardner L. Chandler
from
Anna, w. of W. I. Loring.
Lucretia C. Chandler
. Trinity
Sept. —
Mary Arm Chandler
Church,
Boston.
Nabby L. Durant, widow.
Rebekah Harrington, w. of Jos. H.
EUzabeth F. Chandler.
Nov. —
Sept. —
Sarah, w. of Jos. D. Gould.
Joseph H. Gardner.
Grace C. Fiske.
Charles K. Dillaway.
Mary Emma Dillaway.
1841
Feb.—
1837
Henry F. Harrington.
Jan. Susanna Smith.
Elizabeth D. Harrington.
July. Joseph Harrington
Jr.
EUzabeth Codman.
Aug. —
March. —
Rebecca C. Clarke.
Mary Fairbanks.
Frances C. Lemist.
Wm. Henry Fairbanks.
Sept. —
Richard Ward from West
Elizabeth Weld.
Lucy Ward Church, Boston.
Caroline Weld.
Mav. Margaret Bacon.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
265
June. —
Deborah Newman.
Mary Newman.
Margaret Newman.
Anna B. Newman.
Susan D. Newman.
Elizabeth O. Baldwin.
Caroline Prentiss.
1842
March —
Sarah Bartlett.
Susan B. Himt.
May —
Catherine G. Gore.
Jane J. Willard.
June —
Harriet Davis.
Sarah Da\'is Bradley.
July. Thomas Simmons.
Aug. —
Ann D. Bartlett.
Jane Bartlett.
Elizabeth R. Perkins
Allen Putnam.
Sept. —
James Sturgis.
Charles Blanchard.
Ann I. Blanchard.
Charles Briggs.
Elizabeth Briggs.
Oct. —
John Hunt.
Ehzabeth Hunt.
Frances G. Train.
EHza E. Hiclding.
Ephraim Harrington.
Maria Harrington.
Daniel Sigourney.
Nathaniel P. Lovering.
Mary L. Lovering.
Oct. —
Watson Gore Jr.
Jeremiah Pljnipton.
Sarah D. Plympton.
John J. Clarke.
Nahum Ward.
Susan Ward.
Ozias Field.
Jonathan P. Robinson.
Catherine L. Robinson.
Walter Farnsworth.
Elizabeth Farnsworth.
Moses Gragg 1 from
Rebekah Gragg J Milton.
Augustus Perrini from West
Harriet Perrin J Church, Boston.
Jonathan Chapman.
Lucinda Chapman.
1843
Feb. —
Ann Wyman.
Stephen Child.
Rebecca Child.
Geo. H. Grossman.
Hannah Grossman.
March. —
N. Proctor Smith.
Dorcas C. Smith.
Hannah Bardakin.
John S. Williams.
Ellen M. Williams.
April. —
Ann Matilda Brinley.
At Rea 1 from Salem
M. Rea J North Church.
Ifrom Charleston,
S. C. (Dr. Gil-
man's).
Greo. Norwood.
Norwood.
John Rogers.
266
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Rebekah A. Lowell
Anna C. Lowell
April. —
Sarah Ellen Rogers.
Hezekiah Blanchard
Blanchard
1 from
I King's
I Chapel,
J Boston.
Mary Howe, w. of Abraham.
F. Howe from Suffolk St. Church,
Boston.
May. Thomas P. Codman.
Sept. — 1 from
Charlotte Dorr I HolUsSt.
Charlotte P. Dorr Church,
Helen A. Dorr J Boston.
Oct, Mary E. Davis.
Nov. —
Hester Billings.
Benj. E. Cotting.
Catherine G. Cotting.
1844
Jan. —
Greorge W. Dodd.
Catherine H. Dodd.
Benjamin A. Gould.
Lucretia Gould.
Feb. Sarah Kent.
April. —
Frances Hunneman.
Mary Ehzabeth Dana.
May. Lucy Rand.
July. Nehemiah Davis WiUiams.
1845
March. —
Geo. B. Hyde.
Nathl. Mayhew \ , . ,
Nancy Mayhew/
April. Rebecca Tucker.
June. Mary H. French.
July. Catherine Downer, w. of
W™. Hancock.
Aug. Charles F. Bradford.
Oct. —
Clarence C. Cook.
from
Church
in Dor-
chester.
Sam Phipps
Mary A. K. Phipps
Dec. —
Edward C. Bates.
Mary C. Bates.
1846
Jan. Catherine L. Bowles.
April. —
Emily P., w. of Nath^. Dorr.
Sarah W. Taber.
June. —
Samuel Perkins.
Eliza D. Sumner, from Church in
Keene, N. H.
Oct. Mary D., w. of Henry Winsor.
1847
May. —
Sarah Jane, w. of John Hunt.
Elizabeth G. Briggs.
Aug. Anne H., w. of Supply
Clap Thwmg.
Oct. —
Sarah Robbins.
Mary C. Hunneman
Catherine SkiUing ^, ,
Nov. —
John A. Wiesse.
Jane L. Wiesse,
Samuel Dexter 1 from Church
Eliza Dexter j in Gloucester,
1848
Jan. —
David C. Perrin.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
267
Jan. —
Nath^. Francis Jr.
April. Emeline Perkins.
May. Eloisa Kent.
Sept. Martha S. Harrington.
Oct.
Henry Robinson I
Cecilia Robinson]
Ann D. Cooper.
coK.
1849
Feb. Ellen Derby Rogers.
Oct. —
William Bacon Jr.
Sophia B. Guild.
1850
June. —
Philip Diunaresq.
Margaretta Dumaresq.
Elizabeth H. Weld.
July. David Allen Simmons.
Oct. Mary Elizabeth Blanchard.
1851
March. —
Nathaniel Snow.
Salome H. Snow.
June. Eve Smith.
Oct. —
Miranda Bacon.
Ann H. Blaney.
Catherine P. Townsend.
1852
May. —
Lydia Champney.
Susannah R. Spear.
James H. Champney.
Peter G. Robbins.
June. —
Isabel Kent.
June. —
Mary Lemist Clarke.
Harriet Williams Fearing.
Charlotte Augusta Blanchard.
Augusta Woodbury Blanchard.
Elizabeth Wyman.
Margaret Curry Wyman.
Caroline Putnam.
Betsey Seaver,
Adehne Seaver.
Elizabeth Bacon.
WilUam Bacon.
Augustus Bacon.
Dec. —
Mary Prentiss.
Mary E. Baker.
Sarah D. Gore.
Hannah M. Dudley.
Mary Helen Bartlett.
Amelia T. Sweet.
1853
Jan. —
Charlotte P. Reynolds.
Edward B. Reynolds.
Thomas M. Prentiss.
Nancy W. Houghton.
Feb.—
Thomas Wiley.
Margaret Wiley.
Abby Payson.
May. —
Benjamin Williams.
Polly R. Eastman.
Harriet D. Johnson.
Abby H. Putnam.
Sarah P. Blake.
Behnda P. Simmons.
Louisa Simmons.
Nov. —
Charlotte Fellowes.
Susan R. Weld.
Catharine W. Gore.
268
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
1854
May. — Augustvis D. Berry.
Mary A. Berry.
Edward Wyman.
Sept. Mary W. Hollingsworth.
Oct. —
Aaron D. Williams Jr.
Susan F. Williams.
Emily D. Bacon.
William Ellery Copeland.
Nov. —
George Foster Williams.
Susan L. Williams.
Sarah A. W. Merry.
1855
Jan. Jeannette P. Watson.
March. Mary P. Howe.
May. —
Emma Rodman.
Emily I. Brown.
June. Mary Louisa King.
Nov. Ann Elizabeth Smith.
1856
Feb. Frances Ann Lemist.
Mar. Mary Louisa Huckins.
May. —
John Bmnstead.
John B. Fessenden.
EUzabeth F. Minns.
Oct. —
Sarah Cmnmins.
Mary Cummins.
Abby W. Dudley.
James Cunningham.
Elizabeth H. Cunningham.
Catherine H. Cunningham.
1857
Jan. Harriet Briggs.
April. Agnes L. Greene.
June. —
Jane W. T. Spaulding.
Jeimy Tileston Spaulding.
Oct.—
Olive E. Hayden.
EUzabeth B. Fisher.
Anna E. Putnam.
1858
Jan. 4. —
James Guild.
Martha Simmons.
Mary Emma Dillaway.
Mary V. Buffinton.
Mary Anne Jones.
Emily Greene.
Rebecca W. Pickering.
March. —
Cushing Stetson.
Sarah M. Simmons.
Isabella D. Harrington.
Ann M. HiU.
April. —
AdeUne D. Hooper.
Sarah Guild.
June. —
Edward C. R. Walker.
Harriet Walker.
Sept. —
Mary P. Nichols.
Sarah E. Nichols.
Dec. Catherine W. Fearing.
1859
Feb.—
Sarah B. Lewis.
EUzabeth Lewis.
Emeline B. Fuller.
April. EUen P. Perrin.
May. —
Dependence S. Waterman.
Georgiana Waterman.
COMMUNION TABLE MEMBERS
269
I860
Jan. James H. Barnes.
Feb. Judith Eleanor Motley.
May. —
Frances G. Fessenden.
Mary B. Fessenden.
1861
July. Sarah Nichols Messer.
Sept. Sybil Allen.
Oct. Daniel Simmons Fisher.
Nov. —
Caroline May.
Miriam P. Loring.
1862
Jan. —
Annie W. Davis.
Sarah E. Stearns.
Harriott T. Ward.
Sarah R. Robinson.
'»
1863
Jan. Anna Catherine Hancock.
April. Mary Beers.
Jmie. Julia Anni e Meston.
Nov. Thomas Motley Jr.
Dec —
Mary G. Fuller.
Prances G. Pickering.
1864
Feb.—
Bacon.
Laura Rogers.
Annie WiUiams.
March. —
Susan G. Rogers.
Susan S. Rogers.
Mary S. Thomas.
May. —
Eugene L. Buffinton.
Sarah WeUs.
May. Julia Messer.
July. —
Anna G. Gray.
Margaret C. Welch.
Minna Motley.
Nov. Caroline K. Wyman.
Dec. WiUiam S. Bond.
1865
Jan. —
Bessie Bromfield Rogers.
Frances Stetson Rogers.
Mary Prances Stetson.
Feb. —
Theoda H. Fearing.
Marie Louise Mandell.
March. —
Jane E. "VMiite.
Sarah D. H. Wliite.
Margaret U. Wliite.
Wm. Phipps.
EUzabeth V. Pliipps.
Lucy Stamford.
Geo. B. Palmer.
Maria D. Palmer.
April. Emily D. Crafts.
May. —
John C. Hunneman.
Charlotte S. Reynolds.
Ann P. Reynolds.
Florence L. Clarke.
Dec. —
Louise A. Crafts.
Sarah WeUs.
1866
March. —
EUzabeth F. Homer.
Augusta P. Homer.
May. —
Josephine M. Hicks.
Emma E. Hicks.
Henrietta G. Fuller.
270
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
June. Samuel P. Blake.
Sept. Harriet L. Otis.
Oct. Ellen Maria Barrett.
1867
March. —
Lucy E. Huckins.
Edith H. Clarke.
Harriet W. Ritchie.
Clara E. Ritchie.
Aug. Fannie L. Stevens.
1868
Jan. Grace Bradford.
July. Ehza Dorr Williams.
Nov.
Dec.
1869
Annie M. Hobbs.
Sarah E. Foster.
1870
Jan. —
Henry G. Pickering.
Edward H. Bradford.
Henry W. Putnam.
Elizabeth W. Bacon.
Sue Williams.
March. —
Sarah W. D. Lemist.
Fanny Gore Bradford.
May. —
Florence H. Thwing.
Annie H. Thwing.
June. Maria Davis.
Dec. Walter Eliot Thwing.
1871
Nov. CaroUne Weld Fuller.
1872
B. Louisa Champney.
Mary Ann Champney.
Sarah M. Champney.
Lydia H. Champney.
Dec. M. Louisa Reynolds.
1874
Jan. Abby S. Erving.
Oct. —
Horace G. Hutchinsi from
Juha H. Hutchins Church in
Harriet Hutchins Charles-
Enuna Hutchins J town.
CaroHne P. Hutchins
Bertha F. Williams
1875
June. Mary A. Wales.
Oct. Jane E. Lovermg.
1877
AprD. —
Hannah Caroline Leavitt.
Ellen Willusta Leavitt.
1878
Jan. Sarah Parker.
May. Sarah W. Daggett.
Nov. Josephine Wilson.
1879
March. —
Mrs. Mary A. Edson.
Joseph W. Tucker.
1880
Jan. Grace Livermore.
April. —
Katharine Hamilton Andrews.
Agnes Quincy Andrews.
Sarah Dearborn.
May. —
Mr. and IVIrs. Theodore Plympton
Rebecca Clarke.
Susan H. Pickering.
1881
Oct. Dr. E. T. Wilhams.
Nov. —
WiUiam S. Boardman.
Mary M. Boardman.
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
68676665
83
84
PULPIT
sDEACONSSEATS^
85
80
108
87
88
107 106 105
64
R^iRSONAGE
1
32
33
63
2
31
34
62
3
30
35
6 1
A
29
36
60
5
28
37
59
6
27
38
58
7
26
39
57
8
25
40
56
9
24
4 1
55
10
23
42
54
1 1
22
43
53
12
21
44
52
1 3
20
45
5 1
14
1 9
46
50
1 5
1 8
47
49
1 6
I 7
48
89
104
90
103
99
98
97
96
95
94
93
92
PLAN OF THE FLOOR OF THE PRESENT
MEETING HOUSE, 1804.
PEW OWNERS
271
1886
Jan. 3. —
Ida T. Weeks.
Frank M. Leavitt.
Carl Edson.
Matthew Binney.
Harry Hinckley.
Margery Dodd.
Robert Williams.
George Houston.
1888
March 19. Emily Daggett Crafts.
Dec. 2. Eleanor Parker.
1890
April 6. Virginia Fisher.
Oct. 5. William Safford Jones.
1893
Jan. 1. —
Mary Sibyl Collar,
Mildred Averill Collar.
Dec. 1.
1895
Elizabeth Bates Thacher
Parsonage Pew.
PEW OWNERS
Pew No. 1 Lower Floor
Pew No. 2, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $348.00. Hon Nathaniel Ruggles, see Fourth
Meeting House.
Oct. 13, 1834. Caroline Porter, niece of Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Porter, &
dau. of Rev. Huntington Porter.
Apr. 15, 1844. Charles Knapp Dillaway, see Deacons.
Pew No. 3, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $385.00. Mrs. Sarah Davis.
Oct. 15, 1828. Thomas Brewer, of Roxbury, b. July 8, 1781 ; d. June 4,
1859; m. Abigail Stone. Dry goods merchant. Member of the City
Council of Boston. Member of the Standing Committee, 1836.
Dec. 7, 1839. Gardner Brewer, b. May 1, 1806; d. Sept. 30, 1874; m.
Mary Weld. Wholesale commission merchant. President of several
manufacturing companies and director in others.
Feb. 14, 1848. Jonathan Chapman, b. Jan. 23, 1807; d. May 25, 1848;
m. Lucinda Dwight. H. C. 1825. Mayor of Boston, 1843.
July 8, 1854. Charles Bunker, b. Aug. 8, 1802; d. Aug. 21, 1881; m.
Judith Folger. Lawyer. U. S. Consul at Lahaina, Sandwich Islands.
Member of Roxbury Board of Aldermen.
272 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Nov. 19, 1862. John Henhy Eastbukn, b. April 1, 1805; d. July 1, 1873;
m. Susan Fosdick Simmons. Learned the printer's trade of Major
Benjamin Russell, proprietor of "Columbian Centinel." City Printer,
1827 to 1854; proprietor of "The Atlas," published in 1840.
Pew No. 4, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $415.00. John Davis Williams, see Fourth Meet-
ing House.
March 18, 1856. Aaron Davis Williams, b. July 3, 1787; d. Dec. 8,
1863; m. Nancy Bugbee. Farmer, first one to introduce French
pears and first to graft pears on to quince bushes. Charter member
and councillor Mass. Horticultural Society. Treas. Roxbury Charitable
Society. On committee applying for City Charter for Roxbury in 1845.
Trustee of Institution for Savings in Roxbury, etc.
March 13, 1868. Nancy Williams, w. of Aaron Davis WiUiams.
Nov. 27, 1868. Aaron Davis Williams, see Long Pew No. 45 in Gallery.
Pew No. 5, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $380.00. John Shirley Williams, b. May 3, 1772;
d. May, 1843; m. Nancy Hunt Fellowes. H. C, 1797. Lawyer. Clerk
of the Courts, also County Attorney.
May 26, 1814. Amos Adams Williams, see Square Pew No. 22, in Gallery.
July 18, 1823. John Lowell, see Pew No. 101, Lower Floor.
Aug. 11, 1823. Aaron Davis Weld, b. Dec. 21, 1779; d. June 26, 1835;
m. (1) Betsey Williams, (2) Susannah Morey, (3) Martha Williams.
Farmer.
March 3, 1831. David Allen Simmons, see Pew No. 33, Lower Floor.
Feb. 9, 1860. FranivLin Greene, b. April 22, 1807; d. Nov. 15, 1893;
m. Agnes Love Bradlee. President of the Prescott Insurance Co.
Jan. 4, 1889. Mrs. Mary Ann Morse.
Pew No. 6, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $380.00. Henry Howell Williams, b. March 9,
1767; d. in 1832; m. Sally Williams. A man of property.
April 6, 1821. Samuel Guild, see Pew No. 79, Lower Floor.
Jan. 18, 1844. Samuel Guild, Jr., b. July 16, 1809; d. Sept. 16, 1846;
m. Elizabeth Baker Davis Thayer. Leather merchant. Was for some
years a member of the choir of this church.
Dec. 17, 1849. James Guild, see Pew No. 53, Lower Floor.
Jan. 26, 1888. Caroline W. Guild, w. of James Guild.
PEW OWNERS 273
Pew No. 1, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $410.00. George Ziegleb, see Fourth Meeting
House.
Jan. 1, 1820. William Bacon, b. June 27, 1790; d. March 8, 1868; m.
Elizabeth Wyman. Merchant.
March 26, 1846. Augustus Bacon, b. April 21, 1815; d. April 8, 1896;
m. Elizabeth Moore Lothrop. Merchant.
Pew No. 8, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $370.00. Isaac Davis, b. July 31, 1769; d. March
17, 1856; m. (1) EHzabeth White, (2) Salome White. Farmer.
Member of Parish Committee, 1812, 1814, 1815 ; of Standing Commit-
tee, 1825, 1826, 1827. Selectman and Overseer of Roxbury, 1810,
1811. Treasurer of Roxbury, 1817 to 1845. Member of Legislature,
1819 to 1854. Trustee of the Roxbury Latin School.
May 10, 1804. Samuel Weld, see Foiu-th Meeting House.
Jan. 19, 1863. Nancy Weld, w. of Samuel Weld and dau. of Deacon
Sumner.
Pew No. 9, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $355.00. Sarah Dudley, w. of William Dudley.
Sept. 18, 1812. Samuel Dudley, b. Aug. 6, 1785; m. Susanna
Davenport Brewer. Farmer.
March 29, 1814. Samuel Guild, see Pew No. 79, Lower Floor.
March 21, 1864. Sarah Guild, w. of Samuel Guild.
Nov. 30, 1870. Henry Guild, b. Jan. 13, 1824; d. July 27, 1886; un-
married. Merchant. President of People's National Bank.
Nov. 10, 1890. Charles W. Chamberlin, living.
Oct. 27, 1896. William Torrey Barker, b. Feb. 14, 1851; d. Aug. 12,
1903; m. Susan Withers Warden. Paper manufacturer. President
of the American Paper Trade Association.
Pew No. 10, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $330.00. Elisha Forbes, one half pew, see Fourth
Meeting House.
May 10, 1804. Aaron Pomeroy, one half pew, see Fourth Meeting House.
April 26, 1816. Calvin Warren, b. 1785; d. May 3, 1819; m. Caroline
May 19, 1825. Caroline Warren, w. of Cahin Warren.
July 2, 1838. Isaac Parker Townsend, b. July 2, 1784; d. Nov. 3,
1846 ; m. Catherine Parker. Flour merchant.
274 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
March 17, 1856. Catherine Parker Townsend, w. of Isaac Parker
Townseud.
Oct. 9, 1868. William Amory, see Pew No. 61, in Gallery.
March 1, 1880. David Miller Hodgdon, see Long Pew No. 29, in
Gallery.
Pew No. 11, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $277.00. John Ward, see Fourth Meeting House,
April 19, 1830. Sarah Thwing, w. of Samuel Thwing and mother of
Deacon Thwing.
Dec. 3, 1833. Thomas Simmons, see Pew No. 17, Lower Floor.
Jan. 29, 1836. Nathaniel Phillips Lovering, b. Jan. 18, 1808; d.
Oct. 4, 1887; m. (1) Mary Lane Clap, (2) Jane Ehzabeth Hatch.
Held a position in the Boston Custom House. Partner of Benj. F.
Copeland. Treas. of the Conn, and Passmnpsic River R. R. Co.
Treas. of the Concord R. R.
May 17, 1837. Joseph Lovering, b. Sept. 19, 1758; d. June 13, 1848;
m. (1) Esther Martin, (2) Anne Phillips, (3) Mary Langdon (Bor-
land) Wales. Originally soap boiling and tallow chandlering, later
a careful and shrewd investor. Selectman. Member of first Board
of Aldermen, Boston. Representative. Treasurer Mass. Charitable
Mechanic Association. A. & H. Artillery Co., 1830.
Dec. 31, 1842. Nathaniel Phillips Lovering, same as above.
April 2, 1844. James Vila, see Pew No. 12, Lower Floor.
Aug. 6, 1874. Elizabeth R. Taylor, w. of Newton Taylor.
March 20, 1883. Robert Bruce Fairbairn, b. in Scotland, Nov. — 1847;
d. March 22, 1907; m. (1) Harriet Lavinia Sears, (2) Edith Alex-
ander. Cashier, President and a Director of the National Rockland
Bank. Director of the Forest Hills Cemetery Corporation. Director
of the Chadwick-Boston Lead Co.
Pew No. 12, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $260.00. Ebenezer Fox, see Fourth Meeting House.
March 31, 1840. James Vila, b. Feb. 7, 1789; d. May 23, 1871; m.
Ehzabeth D. Dexter. Wool merchant.
Jan. 2, 1843. Charles Stearns, Jr., b. Dec. 6, 1794; d. Oct. 24, 1879;
m. Hannah Clap Pierce. Farmer in Brookline. Selectman. Assessor.
Member of School Committee.
Sept. 9, 1844. Joseph Vila, b. 1791 ; d. July 20, 1870; m. Lydia Shepard
Staniford. Banker and commission merchant.
Dec. 6, 1847. William Phipps, see Pew No. 25, Lower Floor.
PEW OWNERS 275
July 7, 1860. Joseph Vila, Jr., b. May 29, 1834; d. Feb. 23, 1885; m.
Anna Fields McLellan. Banker.
May 25, 1870. A^iron Warner Spencer, b. Jan. 17, 1823; d. July 29,
1895; m. Josephine Vila. Banker. President Boston Stock Ex-
change.
Pew No. 13, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $260.00. Bartholomew White, b. Jan. 4, 1773;
d. April, 1857; m. Hannah . Victualler.
May 10, 1804. Thomas Mayo, see Fourth Meeting House.
April 23, 1823. John H. Hawes, see Pew No. 83, Lower Floor.
Nov. 15, 1832. Benjamin Hawes, b. April—, 1771; d Oct. 16, 1857;
m. Mary Pilsbury Shannon. Farmer.
March 11, 1850. Joseph Nickerson, b. March 3, 1804; d. Feb. 28, 1880;
m. Louisa Winslow. Merchant.
Pew No. 14, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $240.00. Dudley Willlvms, see Foiuih Meeting
House.
June 1, 1808. Jacob Allen. One half pew, see Fourth Meeting House.
April 19, 1810. Chenery Clark. One half pew. b. March 24, 1779; d.
April 27, 1848; m. Lucy Da\as.
April 30, 1824. Jacob Allen bought tliis pew of assignees of Chenery
Clark and sold it to Samuel Payson who sold it to Cal\tn Allen and
he sold it to
Feb. 20, 1860. William Henry Slocum, b. Jan. 1, 1818; d. Aug. 19,
1901 ; m. Sarah Ehzabeth Williams. Importer and dealer in furs.
Pew No. 15, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $190.00. George Howt;, of Roxbury,
Mary .
Jan. 31, 1820. Oliver Shed, b. March 14, 1794 ;.m. Nabby —
Merchant.
Dec. 11, 1823. Jonathan Dorr, see Pew No. 84, Lower Floor.
Dec. 29, 1832. Nathaniel Dorr, see Pew No. 97, Lower Floor.
Dec. 11, 1834. William Joseph Loring, b. 1795; buried March 2, 1841;
m. Anna Thorndike. H. C, 1813. INIerchant.
May 20, 1841. Anna Loring, w. of William Joseph Loring.
Feb. 10, 1880. Charles Milton Seaver, b. March 18, 1829; d. April 26,
1902; m. Helen Sophia (Rogers) Ball. A capitaUst.
276 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Pew No. 16, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $171.00. Stephen Childs, b. July 17, 1771; d.
June 16, 1863; m. Rebecca Williams. Kept a boot and shoe store in
Roxbiu-y.
May 10, 1804. Jonathan Williams, b. Sept. 3, 1775; d. Feb. 11, 1825;
m. Anne Tileston. Leather dresser, a founder of the Universalist
Chiu-ch, Member of Roxbm-y City Guard.
June 16, 1812. John Houghton, b. May 31, 1772; d. Sept. 27, 1828;
m. Nancy Williams. Tanner.
March 7, 1817. Jesse Jordan, b. Nov. 17, 1795; d. Aug. 25, 1870; m.
Ann Bond Mirick. At first a tanner then a Japan leather finisher, a
founder of the Universalist Church.
Aug. 18, 1823. William Heath Spooner, b. Aug. 5, 1798; d. Feb. 9,
1872; m. (1) Caroline Hartshorn, (2) Harriet Curtis, (3) Mrs. Rebecca
Moses. Hotel proprietor and manager.
June 19, 1834. Charles May Windship, b. April 16, 1809; d. July 19,
1865; m. Susan Barker. Harvard Medical School, 1829. Consulting
Physician of the City of Roxbury.
Oct. 22, 1869. Susan Windship, w. of Dr. Charles May Windship.
Oct. 24, 1870. William Frank Stetson, hving.
Oct. 26, 1874. William Coe Collar, living.
Pew No. 17, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $201.00. Samuel Langley, b. June 3, 1778; d.
Feb. 6, 1861 ; m. Emily Pierpont. Carpenter, housewright and archi-
tect of Roxbury. A fomider of the Universalist Church.
April 16, 1823. David Allen Simmons, see Pew No. 33, Lower Floor.
Jan. 1, 1830. Thomas Simmons, b. Oct. 8, 1791; d. March 16, 1866;
m. Sarah Homans Thwing. For 40 years a merchant on India Wharf,
Boston. Parish Treasurer, 1830-1832. Member Standing Com-
mittee in 1856.
May 10, 1845. John Joseph May, see Deacons.
Sept. 4, 1848. Lucla. Marston Watson, dan. of George Watson.
Pew No. 18, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $215.00. Mrs. Martha Ruggles, see Fourth
Meeting House.
Nov. 10, 1835. Charles Knapp Dillaway, see Deacons.
Dec, 21, 1843. Lltke Baldvvtn, see Pew No. 21, Lower Floor.
PEW OWNERS 277
Dec. 2, 1847. Charles Mayo Ellis, b. Dec. 23, 1818; d. Jan. 23, 1878;
m. (1) Harriet Lucretia Lewis, (2) Helen Thomas. H. C, 1839.
La^\'j^er. Author of "The History of Roxbury Town," 1847.
April 8, 1848. Charles Copeland, see Pew No. 33, Lower Floor.
April 15, 1857. Shubael Gorhaai Rogers, b. April 23, 1806; d. Nov. 13,
1876; m. Susan Gross Snow. Secretary of the Fireman's Ins. Co., 1831
to 1865, then President. Director of the Boston and Sandwich Glass
Co. Elected member Standing Committee in 1866 but declined the
office.
Jan. 22, 1877. Susan Gross Rogers, w. of Shubael Gorham Rogers.
Dec. 15, 1877. Susan Snow Rogers, dau. of Shubael Gorham Rogers.
Pew No. 19, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $240.00. David Baker, see Fourth Meeting House.
Feb. 4, 1805. Susanna Smith, w. of Ralph Smith.
Dec. 17, 1827. Miss Sarah Tappan.
Aug. 17, 1830. Edv^^ard W. Bradley, b. 1799; d. Feb. 1876; m. (1)
Elizabeth Weld Williams, (2) Sarah Davis.
Sept. 2, 1837. William Bacon, see Pew No. 7, Lower Floor.
May 24, 1842. Francis Caleb Loring, of Boston, b. Sept. 1809; d.
Aug. 19, 1874; m. Miriam Mason PerkiBS. H. C, 1828. Lawyer.
Nov. 16, 1857. Francis William Welch, b. Nov. 5, 1808; d. Nov. 28,
1899; m. Mary Anne Humphrey. Master mariner.
Nov. 8, 1878. Jane Merrill Hollingsworth, w. of Amor HoUings-
worth.
Oct. 29, 1885. Mark Hollingsworth, b. Feb. 9, 1854; d. March 16,
1905; m. Amelia Grigg Merrill. Member of the music committee,
1889 to 1896.
Pew No. 20, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $240.00. Joel Whiting, see Fourth Meeting House.
Dec. 13, 1849. William Whiting, see Pew No. 84, Lower Floor.
Jan. 15, 1861. William Gray Jr., see Pew No. 40, Lower Floor.
Dec. 1, 1887. Hiram Whittington, see Long Pew No. 19 in Gallery.
Pew No. 21, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $266.00. Joseph Curtis, b. Sept. 23, 1772; d.
Feb. 13, 1858; m. Bethia Parker. Farmer, and the first man to carry
vegetables to market in a team instead of in paniers on horseback.
278 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
May 10, 1804. Samuel Ward, b. Sept. 13, 1772; d. Jan. 5, 1830; m.
Joanna . Farmer.
May 8, 1806. William Langley, see Sciuare Pew No. 28 in Gallery.
Apr. 22, 1818. Samuel I^angley, see Pew No. 17, Lower Floor.
Apr. 16, 1823. William Cummens, see Fourth Meeting House.
June 13, 1831,. Luke Baldwin, b. June 5, 1797; d. Oct. 27, 1887; m. (1)
Elizabeth Anne Gushing, (2) Helen Sopliia Hill. Merchant.
Apr. 19, 1837. William Mack.
Jan. % 1841, Nelson Curtis, b. Dec, 1809; d. Sept. 16, 1882; m. Mary
S. Hyde. One of the largest contractors in Uoston. He built the
Boston Museum, Fitchburg K.R. Depot, &c. Alderman. Director of
the People's National Bank.
Oct. 3, 1842. Samuel Piiipps, of Dorchester, b. June, 1800; d. July 27,
1880; m. Maria Dennis Staniford. Dry goods importer.
Apr. 7, 1860. James Henry Barnes, b. in 1837; d. Nov. 30, 1861; m.
Mary Virginia Buffinton. Salesman with Tuttle Gaffield & G).
Glassware.
Sept. 23, 1863. Mary Virginia Barnes, w. of James Henry Barnes.
March 1, 1886. John Hurd IIutchins, living.
Tew No. 22, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $29.5.00. Elisiia Whitney. Jr., b. Feb. 4, 1780; d.
Feb. 12, 1823; m. Sally Heath. Merchant. A founder of the Uni-
versalist Church.
July 1, 1813. Samuel Langley, see Pew No. 17, Lower Floor.
Apr. 16, 1823. (^harles Durant, see Square Pew No. 8 in Gallery.
June 13, 1834. Charles Pieupont Blaney, b. Jan. 2, 1797; d. May 9,
1860. Unmarried. Booldceeper.
June 26, 1860. Nelson Curtis, see Pew No. 21, Lower Floor.
Jan. 23, 1885. Mamy S. Curtis, w. of Nelson Curtis.
Pew No. 23, Lower Floor
May 10, 1804. Cost $310.00. Aaron Davis, b. April 13, 1763; d. April,
1817; m. Theoda Williams. Partner of his uncle Moses Davis, after-
wards with his brother Charles. Manufacturers and Exporters.
Helped to build the Roxbury Canal.
Jan. 8, 1863. Harriet Sigourney, w. of D. A. Sigourney.
Oct. 17, 1863. Caroline B. Thaciier, w. of Thomas Thacher.
Jan. 1, 1881. William Gill Thacher, b. July 28, 1846; d. Sept. 23,
1883; m. Elizabeth Ames Bates. Grad. Chauncey Hall School. First
PEW OWNERS 279
a grocer, then had charge of a large property. Member of the Com-
mon Council. Director of the Howard Clock Co. and of the Rock-
land National Bank.
Pew No. 24, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $330.00. Ralph Smith, b. Oct. 25, 1770; d. Aug.
12, 1812; m. (1) Mary Wliittemore, (2) Sarah Ruggles, (3) Mrs. Susan-
nah Howe. Manufacturer of soap and candles. Member of a com-
pany commanded by Watson Gore at Nantasket in the War of 1812,
and attached to the commissary department until his death.
May 24, 1825. Joseph Harringi-on, b. June 27, 1781; d. Dec. 8, 1852;
m. Rebecca Smith. Yale College, 1803. Studied law with Fisher Ames.
He suggested the planting of trees around the church green. He held
Justice Courts every Saturday. After retiring from the bench he
received a position in the Boston Custom House and held it until his
death.
March 31, 1837. Samuel Shaw Lewis, b. June 19, 1799; d. June, 1869;
m. Hannah Brackett Lewis. Commission Merchant, afterward Agent
of the Cunard Steamship Co., in Boston.
March 17, 1842. Sarah Lewis, daughter of Thomas Lewis.
Jan. 5, 1843. Robert Gould Shaw, b. June 4, 1776; d. May 3, 1853;
m. Elizabeth Willard Parlonan. Merchant.
Oct. 31, 1856. Samuel Allds Way, see Pew No. 65, Lower Floor.
March 23, 1883. Samuel Little, b. Aug. 15, 1827; d. Dec. 21, 1906; m.
Elizabeth Malbon. President of Rockland National Bank. Alder-
man. Member Common Council. Treas. of Highland St. R'way Co.
Member of Legislature.
Pew No. 25, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $370.00. Reuben Stoddard, d. Oct. 1807; m.
Huldah . Mariner.
May 10, 1804. Stephen Mansfield, see Fourth Meeting House.
Jan. 29, 1810. Daniel Hammond, b. Dec. 13, 1785; d. Aug. 23, 1872; m.
Sally Stoddard. Merchant of the firm of Cutler & Hanmiond.
June 12, 1826. Huldah Stoddard, w. of Reuben Stoddard.
Sept. 7, 1826. Sally Hammond, w. of Daniel Hammond.
June 27, 1844. Wh^liam Phipps, b. Aug. 6, 1799; d. Feb. 16, 1873; m.
Elizabeth Vinton Staniford. Dry goods merchant.
Feb. 9, 1860. Henry Newton Farwell, b. Jan. 12, 1822; d. June 14,
1896 ; m. Clara Richardson. Commission merchant.
280 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
March 27, 1865. Horatio Harris, b. Feb. 12, 1821; d. Feb. 29, 1876; m.
Eunice Elizabeth Crehore. Commission merchant. Trustee of Joshua
Sears Estate. Director of Atlas Bank. One of the originators and a
director of the MetropoUtan Railroad. One of the proprietors of the
Adams, Oxnard and Continental Sugar Refineries. One of the
leading promoters of the "World's Peace Jubilee."
Nov. 3, 1876. Minnie Harris, daughter of Horatio Harris.
Oct. 25, 1880. William Goodwin Russell, see Pew No. 51 in Gallery.
Oct. 1884. John Felt Osgood, see Pew No. 96, Lower Floor.
Pew No. 26, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $380.00. Joseph Williams, see Fourth Meeting
House.
May 19, 1825. Nehemlah Davis Williams, b. Jidy 25, 1786; d. May 13,
1852; m. Sarah Heath. Tanner and farmer.
Dec. 18, 1852. Joseph Williams. Provision dealer.
Feb. 9, 1856. Anna R. Dwight, of Brookline.
Jan. 1, 1858. David Nevins, of Brighton, b. Dec. 12, 1809; d. March 19,
1881; m. Eliza S. CoflSn. Dry goods commission merchant and
manufacturer.
Dec. 21, 1882. Eliza S. Nevins, w. of David Nevins.
Pew No. 27, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $390.00. Rebecca Wait, w. of Jacob Wait.
May 22, 1806. Samuel Wait, see Pew No. 38, Lower Floor.
Aug. 10, 1826. LYDLi. Wait.
Dec. 10, 1827. Benjamin Franklin Copeland, b. Nov. 25, 1798; d. Dec.
22, 1863;m. Juha Fellowes Ruggles. Cormnission merchant. Repre-
sentative. Deputy Collector of the Port of Boston.
March 26, 1830. Ebenezer Francis, see Pew No. 36, Lower Floor.
Jan. 30, 1862. Elizabeth Brown Bowditch, w. of Nath' I. Bowditch.
Jan. 12, 1880. Henry Ware Putnam, living.
Pew No. 28, Louver Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $390.00. John Parker of Boston, b. Feb. 3, 1759;
d. April 21, 1828; m. Elizabeth Phillips. Merchant.
Sept. 7, 1840. John Parker, b. June 4, 1783; d. Dec. 29, 1844; m. Anna
Sargent. Merchant. Owner of Parker Hill.
Oct. 26, 1874. Samuel Crocker Cobb, see Pew No. 67, Lower Floor.
PEW OWNERS 281
May 8, 1888. Stephen Henry Williams, b. Nov. 3, 1807; d. July 15,
1894; m. Kathariue Morrill. Graduate of Koxbiu-y Latin School.
Clerk of Boardman and Pope on India Wharf in the East India Trade.
Sailed for them as Captain. Established at San Francisco and Hono-
lulu, the Commission House of S. H. Williams & Co. Representative
Member of Roxbury City Council.
Pew No. 29, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $410.00. Madam Elizabeth Sumner, w. of Governor
Increase Sumner.
Sept. 15, 1814. John Lemist, b. Aug. 25, 1785; d. Jan. 13, 1840; m. Mary
(Cordis) Haswell. Merchant. Owner of Auchmuty House. Parish
Treasurer, 1825. Treasurer of the Society, 1826 to 1829. Member
of Standing Committee, 1822 and 1830 to 1833. Trustee of the Rox-
bury Latin School.
March 12, 1840. Edward Brinley, see Pew No. 70, Lower Floor.
June 20, 1851. Thomas Howe, of Dorchester. Vinegar maker.
Oct. 19, 1860. Elijah Williams, of Boston, b. Aug. 1805; d. June 19,
1879; m. Mary Nye Bangs. Flour commission merchant. Trustee
of several estates. Owned numerous ships.
Pew No. 30, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $391.00. Margaret Magee, w. of James Magee.
Jan. 29, 1810. Jonathan Dorr, see Pew No. 84, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1830. Benjamin Franklin Copeland, see Pew No. 27, Lower
Floor.
June 10, 1837. Rev. George Putnam, Pastor of this Church.
Nov. 29, 1839. Isaac Parker Townsend, see Pew No. 10, Lower Floor.
March 4, 1843. William Gray, of Boston, b. Dec. 20, 1810; d. Feb. 12,
1892; m. Sarah Frances Loring. H. C. 1829. Lawyer. Overseer of
Harvard College. President Alumni Assn. Fellow Am. Acad.
Member of Mass. Hist. Society.
Pew No. 31, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $355.00. Doctor John Bari-lett, see Fourth Meeting
House.
Nov. 22, 1854. JuxiA Hill, w. of Thomas Hill of Roxbury.
Jan. 31, 1870. Adams Ayer, see Deacons.
282 THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
Pew No. 32, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $350.00. Thomas Williams, Jr., bap. June 3, 1764;
d. Sept. 20; 1823; m. (1) Elizabeth McCarthy, (2) Frances Jones.
Lawjer.
March 24, 1825. Samuel Jackson Gardner, b. July 9, 1788; d. July 14,
1864; m. Mary Bellowes Kingsley. H. C. 1807. Lawyer. Secretary
and Treasurer of the Roxbiu-y Latin School. In 1820 he presented
a Holy Bible to the Parish which is still in the pulpit. Member of the
Standing Committee m 1827, 1828, 1829. In 1838 moved to Newark,
New Jersey. Editor of the Newark Daily Advertiser.
Aug. 26, 1837. MAiiY Bellows Gardner, w. of Samuel Jackson Gardner.
June 13, 1839. Lydia Williams, of East Bridgewater, dau. of Dr. Thomas
WDliams, of Roxbmy.
July 9, 1844. Daniel Andrew Sigourney, see Pew No. 38, Lower Floor.
Feb. 15, 1859. Jeremlih Williams, b. April 9, 1805; d. Feb. 3, 1877; m.
Emmeline Eames Childs. Farmer. Selectman of West Roxbury.
March 1, 1878. Henry Ware Putnam, li\dng.
April 30, 1883. Anna Cabot Lowell, see Pew No. 35, Lower Floor.
Pew No. 33, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $300.00. Hon. Nathaniel Ruggles, see Pew No. 2,
Lower Floor.
Oct. 24, 1822. David Allen Simmons, b. Nov. 7, 1787; d. Nov. 20, 1859;
m. Martha Fairfield Ruggles. Lawyer. Parish Clerk 1822-1825.
Member Parish Committee 1823-1824. Clerk of the Society 1825-
1829. State Senator from Roxbm-y 1848-1849.
Oct. 13, 1834. Charles Copeland, b. Aug. 27, 1803; d. March 9, 1853;
m. Susan Rogers Sprague. Merchant.
May 18, 1837. Chahles Nichols, b. Jan. 26, 1794; d. Aug. 22, 1873; m.
Harriet Powers. Paying teller in the New England Bank.
June 16, 1845. Benjamin Franklin Copeland, see Pew No. 27, Lower
Floor.
May 24, 1860. Robert Chamblet Hooper, see Pew No. 92, Lower Floor.
Oct. 25, 1880. Mrs. Samuel D. Bradford.
Pew No. 34, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $312.00. Joseph Seaver, see Fourth Meeting
House.
Dec. 29, 1832. Watson Gore, b. March 18. 1793; d. June 13, 1872; m.
Catherine Gates Willard. Importer of linens. Member of Standing
Committee 1833-1834. Member of the New England Guards.
PEW OWNERS 283
Oct. 11, 1844. Catherine Gates Gore, w. of Watson Gore.
Aug. 20, 1847. Enoch Train, see Pew No. 51 in Gallery.
May 20, 1859. Aured Augustus Reed, b. Sept. 7, 1817; d. Oct. 1,
1878; m. Caroline Van Son. Lived in Java many years; afterwards
engaged in cotton manufacturing in this country.
April 2, 1866. Ebenezer Francis Parker, b. Dec. 13, 1823; d. Aug. 15,
1896; m. Elizabeth Clap Stone. Partner of Augustine Heard & Co.,
Merchants of Hong Kong, China.
Pew No. 35, Lower Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $340.00. Aaron White, b. April 8, 1741; d. Dec.
18, 1809; m. EHzabeth Cheney. Farmer.
May 19, 1825. William White, b. Oct. 9, 1779; d. Aug. 25, 1833; m.
Nancy Avery. Mason.
Dec. 20, 1833. David Dudley, see Pew No. 45, Lower Floor.
March 27, 1834. Daniel Andrew Sigoukney, see Pew No. 38, Lower
Floor.
July 1, 1837. Edwin Lemist, b. Oct. 14, 1806; d. Jan. 28, 1888; m.
Sarah Whitney Davis Dorr. Dry goods merchant.
May 15, 1838. James Russell. Bookkeeper in the Atlas Bank.
June 27, 1842. Rebecca Amory Lowell, dau. of John Lowell, taught in
the Sunday school about 40 years.
Jan. 21, 1874. Anna Cabot Lowell, dau. of John Lowell, taught in the
Sunday school about 50 years. Secretary of the Lincoln Freedman's
Aid Society.
Pew No. 36, Loioer Floor.
May 10, 1804. Cost $320.00. William Hyslop Sumner, b. July 4, 1780 ;
d. Oct. 24, 1861; m. Mary Ann (DeWolf) Perry. H. C. 1799. Law-
yer. Representative, 1808 to 1819. Organized in 1833 the East
Boston Co. One of the original members of the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society.
April 2, 1816. George Ziegler, see Pew No. 7. Lower Floor.
June 11, 1819. Ebenezer Francis, b. Oct. 15, 1775; d. Sept. 21, 1858;
m. Elizabeth Thorndike. Merchant and a large ship owner. Chair-
man of the Trustees
