Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 7: Sooth Congregational Society and Church, 1884

Chapter 7: Sooth Congregational Society and Church

Suutb CoDgregutional Society - First Meeting-House - Dedii;atioD of the Second Meetiug-House - MoJer.iturs of Society ^leetinga - Committee of the Society - Clerks - Treasurers - List of Society OIKcera for the year 188-4 - South Congrcgutiunal Church - Church Faith and Covenant - Ministry of Uuv. John Dwight - Ministry of Rev. Daniel Ilumington - Ministry of Itev. David Temple Pacl<ard - Mitiistry of Ilev. Cliarlea W. Wood - Ministry of Rev. Leverett S. Woodworth - Ministry of Rev. John T. Blades - Deacons of the South Congregational Church.

South Congregational Society. - This society was composed of members who belonged to the First Congregational Society, in the Centre Village, under the pastoral care of Rev. Paul Couch. The people in the southerly portion of the town having become quite numerous, and the inconvenience of attending constantly upon public worship at such a distance (one and a half miles) was such that a new and more convenient means was thought of. Hence, after much consultation and many meetings, thirty-four persons petitioned to a justice of the peace to call a meeting for the purpose of organizing them into a new society. The following persona were the original members :

First Meetings-House. - The first step taken toward erectlii;j: a Ijouse uf worship was to obtain a spot oflaud upon which to build. For this purpose, Isaac Keith irave the society the lot now owned and occupied by them, on the corner of South and Main Streets, Cauipello, on condition that they pay him the interest on the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, annually, until the decease of Mr. Keith and wife, then it was to become the property of the society.

The first house of worship was built by subscription, and cost §4307. 37, of which sum three thousand dollars only was subscribed. The house was built under the direction of Bela Keith, Esq., as master-builder, in 1S3G, who paid the balance (S1307.37) over the subscription. The frame was raised July 4, 1836, wa-s a plaio, substantial buildin;:, sixty feet in length, fortythree feet in width, and twenty-one feet posts, with a spire eighty-five feet in height, and a bell weighing one thousand and thirty-two pounds, manufactured by George Holbrook, of East Medway, Ma.ss. The house had sixty pews, besides the choir gallery. The basement was used as a vestry for evening meetings.

Dedication of the Second Meeting-House. - On the 23d day of May, 1853, the people of Campello were visited by one of the most disastrous fires that ever occurred in the county, destroying several buildings, among which was their house of worship. The time had come, something must be done, - no pastor, no house in which to liold their meetings. The people of that place, always enterprising, did not long remain thus. A meeting of the parish was called June 1st. At this meeting a committee of five were choseu to proceed at once in the erection of a house, namely, Bela Keith, Martin L. Keith, Gary Howard, Aaron B. Drake, Vinal Lyou, with Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., and Dr. Horatio Bryant as an advisory couiwittec. This committee set themselves immediately at work, the result of which was the erection of the present edifice, which is of wood, painted in imitation of freestone, eighty-four feet long, fifty six feet wide, with posts forty feet high, and a spire one hundred and eighty-five feet high.

The spire of the church, as first erected, was blown down in the great snow-storm of January, 1857. The present spire is one hundred and thirty-five feet

On entering the building, we find on the first floor oue large vestry, one small vestry, aud a large, carpeted, well-furnished room for the use of (he -' Ladies' Benevolent Society." Ascending Irom the main entrance, on either side, a very easy flight of steps, we find ourselves in a vestibule, from which we ascend to the choir-gallery or enter the auditory. The interior aspect of this house is fine. The spacious floor, well-arranged slips, neatly carpeted and upholstered, the chaste and elegant pulpit, manufactured by Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., was of rosewood, of an elegant design, and polished in the highest style, and the finely frescoed walls, gave the place an air of pleasantness quite in contrast with the churches of earlier days.

The original outlay in the constructiua of this house was sixteen thousand dollars. It is built iu the Romanesque style of architecture, from plans drawn by Messrs. Towle & Foster, of Boston. The builder was Jlr. William Drake, of Stoughton. The bell was cast at the foundry of Mr. George Holbrook, of East Medway, Mass., and weighs thirty-two hundred pounds. A murble-faced clock was ]jreseiited to the society by Henry K. Keith, in 1854, which was placed in front of the choir-gallery. Berijaiuiii Franklin Ilayward, Freeman Ilowland Shiveriek, and Samuel French were a committee appointed to make arrangements for the ordination and dedication, which took place on Thursday, Sejit. 21, 1854, with the following appropriate exercises :

Music; invocation and reading the Scriptures, by Rev. S. L. Ruekwood, of Hanson ; [irayer, by Rev. James W. Ward, of Abiiigtuu ; hymn, read by Rev. Isaac C. White, of Abiiigton.

" Hero, when thy people aeek thy faeo, And dying dinnory pray to live. Hoar, thou, in heaven, thy d\velling-])lacc, And when thou hcarest. Lord, forgivo.

*' Hero, when thy uieasengers proclaim The blcseod gospel of thy .Son, Still by the power of his great name, Be mighty :jigu8 and wonders done.

"When ehildroo'a voices raise the song, Hosannal to their heavenly King, Let heaven with earth the straiu prolong, Hosanna! let the angels sing.

Soiiuoii, by Rev. Ezekiel Russell, D.D., East Randolph ; aiitliom ; dedicatory prayer, by Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintreo ; aiilheiu ; clohiii^ prayer, by Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Brairitree ; antlieiu ; benediction.

Since the above dedication the society has increased rapidly. rei|uiring more pew aecomiuodations, and the few publie-spiritx'd individuals of the church, of which there is no lack in Cumpello, contributed enough to add to the length on the west end of the building, in which w;is placed the organ, in tlie rear of the pulpit. A new pulpit and furnishings were introduced, together will) utlier impruveiuents inside, such as frescoing the walls and ceiling, piping the house for gaslights, etc., rendering the house more attractive and rooiuy than it Was originally. The grounds around the building have been newly graded, a new fence surrounding the lot, which has granite curbstones and concrete walks. In fine, the ehureli and society has been pro.sperous, and are in good standing, financially and otherwise, in the denomination to which they belong.

Mod Erato Us List Of Society Officers For The Year 1384

LIST OF SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1384. Rev. Joh.n T. Blades, pastor; KUniuiid B. Fanning, Edwin Keith, Jo.shua Reed, pari.-ih committee ; Myron L. Keith, clerk ; S. Fraiikiiu Packard, treasurer and Collector; Preston B. Keith, superintendent of Sunday-school ; Alvin Howe, sexton.

South Congregational Churcli (Campello). - The society having been duly organized, and a liouae of worship erected, it was thought host to form a new church among themselves. For this purpose the following persons made application to be dismissed from the First Church, with suitable testimonials, to be formed ioto another church, and to use a similar creed as the one which they leave: Sylvanus French, Mercy E. Keith, Abigail Keith, Olive Jackson, Martha Keith, Charles Keith, Meliitabel Keith, Ziba Keith, Polly Keilh, Mary Keith, Sylvia Howard, Huldah Howard, Keziali Ilaywaid, Charles Williams, Zilpha Hatch, Josiah \V. Kingman, Joanna Packard, Robert Packard, Sarah Packard, Mary Packard, Josiah Dunbar, Sybil Dunbar, Anna Dunbar. This request was granted. A council was next called, for the purpose of organization, which met at the house of Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 1837, at one o'clock p.m., at which time and place it took the name of the " South Congregational Church," of North Bridgewater.

" Wo solemnly profess our unfeigned belief of the Holy Sci ipturos of the Old and New Testaiiients, as given by divine inspiration ; our acceptance of all the doctrines contained in lliem, and our submission to the whole will of God, therein revealed. Particularly, we profess to believe that the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, is the one li\ iiig and true God; that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, essentially equal with the Father, and the only Saviour of nu-n ; that tho Holy Ghost is also God, and that he is the only S.tnctilier of those who believe in Christ to the salvatiou of their souls.

" We believe that, in consequence of the fall of man from his primitive state of innocence, all the huumn race, while unregcneratc, urc destitute of holiness, and therefore that a renovation of heart, during the present life, through saiictilicatiuu of the Spirit of God, is necessary to lit mankind fur union and communioQ with the visible Church of Christ on earth, and for admittance into the kingdom of heaven.

*' We believe that, in order to etfcet our delivcriinco from tho bondage of corruption and from the curse of tho law, under which we all have fallen by transgression, the Eternal Word, who in the beginning was with God, and was God, was made flesh, iiad ilwelt uuioo*; men od earth, uniting with hit) divinity the whule iiuinuii nuturu (yet without ain) in ttie por:iuu uf tlio Lord Jeau> Christ. Thiit this uiysterious and adorublu personage, having magaihed and liunuied the divine law by his doctrine and example, at length died the cross, the just tor the unjust, tliat bu might bring us to God, and ttiat it is through the etlicaey of his propitiatory sacrifice atone bis people obtuiu the divine favor and blessing.

"We believe that, having thus laid down bis life, be took it again, being deelarcii the Son of God with power by the rcsurreetiou from the dead, and that he is now at the right band of the Father, a prince and a Saviour, bestowing repentance and remission uf sins, through the agency of the Holy Spirit attending tlio ministry of his word, on those whom the Father biitli given him, in the everlasting covenant of redemption, as a seed to serve liiiu.

*' Wii believe that, whosoever will may come and partake the blessings of this great salvation, as they are freely and sincerely oflered in tbo Gospel, yet that none of our apostate raeo are, of themselves, disposed to forsalie sin and devote themselves to Qod, iu heart anil life, so thiLt it rests with him, in the exercise of bis sovereign wisdom and goodness, to have mercy on whom be will have mercy; making bis Gospel eQ'ectuul to their conviction and conversion, by tiie attendant energy of his Holy Spirit.

** We believe that none who are thus made partakers of the heavenly calling shall be finally deprived of tbo grace which wafi given them in Christ Jesus before the world began, but that they sliall all be kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation.

'* We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ shall appear again at the last day to judge the quick and dead; that he will then receive to uiansious of eternal rest all who have truly believed and obeyed bis Gospel, and sentence to everlasting destruction from bis presence, and from the glory of bis power, all who have dieil, or who shall then be found living in impenitence and unbelief.

"Humbly hoping that these truths have come, not only to our understanding but to our hearts, ' in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance,* and that we have been enabled to receive them witii that faith which purities the heart and works by love, and in the exercise of that repentance which is unto life. We do now solemnly avouch the Lord Jehovah to be our God, Jesus Christ, the Sou of God, to be our Redeemer, uud tbe Holy Spirit to be our Sanctitier.

" Deiiending on divine grace for spiritual strength and comfort, we take the word of God lis our only rule of faith and practice, avowing it to be our supreme desire and solemn determination to seek his glory and his favor in obedience to all bis holy will. Accordingly, we engage to unite in maintaining and attending on the ministry of his word and ordinances, as he shall give us ability and opportunity, to be thereby edified in our holy faith. We submit ourselves, individually, to the brotherly watch and discipline of tbe community which we hereby form, and mutually engage to watch over, to exhort, tu assist, comfort, and admouiah each other in brotherly love, as our relation and eircuiiistances may require."

The auxt thiog doue, after the formucioo of the churcli, was to find a mao to preuuh to tlicni. After heariu^ mauy caudidates, at a meeting held Jan. 9, 1837, the church and society " voted to j^ive Rev. Thomas Kidder, of Waterbury, Vt., a call to settle with them in tlie ministry, and to give him a salary

Ministry op Rev. John Dwiqut. - Rev. John Dwight, of Medway, Mass., was then invited to become their pastor by a vote passed March 7, 1S37, to whom the society offered six hundred dolhirs as a yearly .salary. This was accepted, and Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., Ziba Keith, Deacon Jacob Fullur, and Bela Keith, Esq., were chosen a committee to make arrangements for his installation. The day being fixed for the ordination, a council was called, who met at the house of Josiah W. Kiiigmun, Esq., consisting of the following persons, April \'l, 1837, namely: Rev. Jacob Ide, of West Medway, Mass. ; Rev. Joseph Bennett, of Woburn ; Rev. Paul Couch, of North Biidgewater ; Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton ; Rev. Bualis Sanford, of Eu.st Bridgewater ; Rev. James W. Ward, of Abiii;;ton ; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintrce ; Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, of Randolph ; Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater; Rev. Calvin E. Park, of Stoughton ; and Rev. John Dwight was duly ordained as their pastor.

Rev. John Dwight was born in Shirley, Mass., Jan. 2, 1810 ; fitted for college at Woburn Academy; taught school in Woburn two terms; graduated at Amherst College in 1835; studied theology with Rev. Jacob Ide, D D., of West Medway, Mass. ; licensed to preach by the Mendon Association in the early part of 1837 ; received a call to settle over the South Church in Campello, Mass., in 1837 ; was ordained April VI, 1837; dismissed in March, 1839; installed over the Second Church in Plymouth, Mass., July 18, 1841 ; dismissed iu March, 1846; installed pastor of the church in North Wrentham, Mass., June 23, 1853; dismissed April 1, 185G. He married Saiuli Ann Hastings, of Boston, April 14, 1837, and has six children, all of whom reside at Ma.ssacliusetts.

Agreeable to letters missive from the South Church in North Bridgewater (Campello), au ecclesiastical council was held at the house of Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., on Wednesday, the second day of January, 183&, for the purpose of considering the request of Mr. Dwight for a dissolution of the pastoral relations between the church and people. The churches composing thia council were aa follows :

" unaniuiouBly, That under the exii^tin^ circuiiistiinccs they deem it expedient that the pastoral relation between Mr. John DiTight and the South Church in North Bridgewater be dissolved.

Voted, " unanimously, that this council give the Rev. John Dwight a full and cordial recommendation to the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ as a pious, able, and devoted embassador of our Lord and Saviour.

Voted, "That the council deeply regret the practice frequent at the present day of the dissolution of the pastoral relations on trivial grounds as exceedingly injurious to the interests of the pastor and church, and the cause of Zion, and do, therefore, record their decided and unanimous disapprobation of the practice,

"The council tender to the Rev. John Dwight their cordial sympathies, now vacating this portion of his M^ister's vineyard, and pray that he may soon be stationed on some part of the walls of Zion, and where ho may meet with distinguished success, employ his time and talents in advancing the host interests of the church of God.

"They would also tender their cordial sympathies to this Church and Society, now left as sheep without a shepherd, and devoutly pray that the great Head of the church may continue to prosper and bless them and soon send them an under-shep hej'd, who may break to them the bread of life.

Ministry op Rev. Daniel Huntington. - Various preachers were heard from that time until November, when, at a meeting of the society, held Nov. 19, 1839, it was " voted to unite with the church in giving Rev. Daniel Huntington, of New Loudon, Conn., a call to become their pastor." Josiah W. Kingman, Charles Keith, and Deacon Sylvanus French were chosen a committee to confer with Rev. Mr. Huntington, and offer him six hundred dollars salary, which offer being accepted, a council, consisting of Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintrce; Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater ; Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton ; Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, of Randolph ; Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree ; Rev. Baalis Sanford, of East Bridgewater; Rev. Paul

Couch, of North Bridgewater, was called fur the purpose of installing him as their pastor, Jan. 1, 1840. He continued to preach to this people till May, 1851, when Mr. Huntington, thinking the time had come for him to relinquish his labors, " that some one might fill his place whose influence might the more effectually call forth its resources, and more ei|ualize the pecuniary liabilities," asked that a council be called to consider the question of his dismission, wliicli was granted. A meeting of the church and society was held, and a strong opposition to his dismission being manifested, the council unanimously declared themselves " happy to find, in the light of all the documents before them, and the verbal assurances given them by the pastor on the one hand, and the committee of the church and society on the other, that there is no suflBcient ground for such action a.s is indicated, by the letter missive, in the- existing circumstances of the parties concerned;" and Mr. Huntington finally withdrew his resignation, and continued to supply the pulpit as before u.',til the regular yearly meeting, April 18, 1853, when he was requested to resign his position. He therefore tendered his resignation to the church at a meeting held iMay 2, 1853, and asked for a council to be convened foi' the purpose of his dismission. The following persons composed the council, viz. :

This council met at nine o'clock am. May 11, 1853, when the relation between pa.^tor and people was dissolved. Alter due deliberation the cuuneil came to the following result :

" Doubtless sufficient reasons may exist for the dissolution of the pastoral relation, independently of Providential calls to stations of increajied responsibility, and i>f the suiiiinuns to give account of one's stewardship ut the tribunal of God. The failure of health, the loss of intellectual vigor or moral character on the part of the pastor; the unfriendliness of intluential individuals, the e.\hausted resources of church and congregation, or tlic long and total suspension of divine intlucnces, ruay indicate the expediency, not to say the nooessity, of terminating tliu connec- tion between the pastur and his flock. Even in ciiaes like these, it is more th;iu probable thut, had patience its perfect work, and were a more liuuible reliunee on liod uiaiiitainetl, the j)leaof expediency or necessity wouM be nullified by the onward progress of time. But in the case before the council to-day, neither failure of health, loss of intellectual vi^or nor moral character, - neither individual unfriendliness, exhausted resources, nor want of success in the ministry, is or can be urj^ed as the ground cither of the tender or accei>tance of the pastor's resignation; his health never was better: his character, in whatever aspect viewed, bus never stood higher, nor has he an acknowledged cneuiy within the church or outside of it, and the congregation has been growing in wealth ever since he cniue to it, while the church has doubled it^ numbers; he loves his people wai-ioly, and with one consent they profess to reciprocate bis love. Sucli ia the testimony, both of those who wish the pastoral relation dissolved, and those who deprecate tlie means; and yet, at their mutual request, this council is assembled to 'advise and assist' in the questiCin of his dismission.

"After previous advice, kindly given and received two years ago, but now overlooked, and witliout any important change in tile cireuiiistunces of the paities, nothing remains to the council but, agreeably to the earnest request of the pastor and the corresponding action of the church without the assignment of any satisfactory reasons on the part of the church, to declare the pastoral relation hitherto subsisting between Uev. D. Huntington and r he South Church in North Bridgewuter to be dissolved by their mutual agreement. While making this declaration, the council feel bound, by regard to the honor of tho ministry and the sacredness of truth, to affirm of the pastor, in accordance with the statements m.ade to them, that for no fault of bis own is this dissolution accomplished. That having been long tried and well known to all Ibe jiostors and churches of the region round about, as a luan of unblemished character, u Christian of deep experience, a minister of uncommon talent, fidelity, and atfectionatcness, and a model of meekness, self-deniul, and devotedncss to the interests of Zion, ho possesses our entire confidence and warmest love; and he is hereby most cordially and unreservedly commended to tho fraternal regards of all ministers and uburchcs among whom his future lot shall be cast, aa well as to the safe conduct of ' lliiu who dwelt in the busb,' and led his people of old into the promised land.

-* And most cordially do the council sympathize with those specially atUictcd by tho bereaving event of tliis day. Most deeply do they lament existing trials, whether real or imaginary; and most attectionately advise to a more patient waiting on Ood in the future, and a firmer reliance on his almighty arm in support of the ministry of his appointment. And if he shall give you another pastor hereafter, as we fervently hope and pray, may be be equally a man of Qud's own heart as the man you lose to-day, and a man whose instructions shall be as pure, whoae life shall be as exemplary, whose spirit shall be as aflfectioniite, whose tiilelity shall be as clear to all men, and whose success shall be far more abundant in eradicating the love of money, which is the root of all ovil, in winning souls to Christ and filling heaven with hallelujahs to the Lamb that was slain ; and for this, may your faith and love grow exceedingly, and your labors abound more and more, till you shall be called to join tho general assembly and church of tbc first-born, whose names are written in heaven.

Jedediah, and grandson of Gen. Jabez Huntington, of Norwich, Conn., both of whom were generals in the army of the Revolution (1775), also brother of the late Rev. Jo.shua Huntington, of the Old South Church, Boston. He was born at Norwich, Conn., Oct. 17, 1788; graduated at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., in 1807 ; studied theology ; and was first ordained at North Bridgewater, Oct. 28, 1812, where he remained as pastor of the First Congregational Church until prostrating disease compelled him to retire from that field of labor, greatly to hi-t own grief and that of a devoted church and society, in March, 1833, being dismissed by council March 27, 1833. In May following, he removed his family to New London. After a brief respite from pastoral labors, he gained sufficient strength to gratify his fine literary taste in the instruction of successive classes of young ladies in the higher branches of an educational course while a resident of New London, the city of his birth and death. In this employment, combined with occasional preaching as returning health permitted, seven years passed away usefully and pleasantly. At the end of this period his heart yearned for a return to the labors of his love ; and receiving an earnest call from a portion of his original church and congregation to take charge of them iu the Lord, he cheerfully consented to the arrangement, and was received not only by them, but by the original church, and all the churches and pastors who had known his going out and coming in in former years with open arms. His installation took place Jan. 1, 1840, where he continued to labor for thirteen years as a gospel preaclier, winning souls to Christ, and making glad the hearts of all by his tender love and faithfulness. At the end of that period he tendered his resignation. May 2, 1853, which was accepted, and he was permitted to retire to the home of his youth, and pass the evening of his days amid the scenes of his earliest a.spirations. From that day, for about six years, till near the time of his departure, he continued to preach the gospel " in season and out of season" as " the open door was set before him," all the while setting his house in order. At the moment when his Master called him he was diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, preaching his last scrinun to the mission church at Mohegan, just four weeks before the messenger of death met him.

The physical sufferings of his last days were very great, owing to the complicated diseases which, with fierce strength, assailed his delicate frame, but his patience and faith failed not, - no coniplaining or murmuring word fell from his lips, - his mind was clear and unclouded to the last. To the affectionate daughter who waa tryiug to arrange the pillows for his aching head he said, " Let me go, for the day breaketh," and to another, wiio asked if he would not lie down, he answered, " Lay uie down in Jesus' arms: 'other refuge have I none.'" To a brotiier according to the flesh, who said to him, '- I hope you can say, with the apostle, ' I know in wiiom I have believed,' " he replied, after a moment's pause, " I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day." Thus closed a life eminently devoted in its progress to tlie happiness of his family and friends, to the honor of his Redeemer, and the salvation of men, in peace, and the joyful hope of a glorious immortality. Mr. Huntington was a man of refined sensibilities, generous sympathies, unfeigned humility, and extreme modesty (that imposed a restraint on the putting forth of his native genius), of pleasant aspect, voice, and manner, of genial humor, and gifted with good judgment. He .sought to make home agreeable to children and guests ; as a man and compauiou, affable, courteous, and true ; a zealous defender of the faith, a clear, logical, earnest minister of the New Testament. As a pastor he had few equals, being eminently kind, sympathizing, prudent, and studious. As a husband, father, brother, son, he was affectionate and faithful, and greatly beloved in his domestic and social relations, - distinguished above most others in consolation to the afflicted and bereaved. His preaching was such as might convince any one of his sincerity and belief in those truths which he professed to believe. He sought not for abstruse matters, hard to be understood, neither did he aim at beauty of style nor pomp of display, either in language or person, but was simple, earnest, .scriptural, practical. Many must have felt, upon learning of his death, that they had lost a friend. All who knew him will acknowledge that a good man has gone. Thus has ended the life of one who, when he first entered the ministry, declared his intention to continue in thai profession, God permitting, to his death, which took place at New London, Conn., May 21, 1858.

Publications of Rev. Daniel Huntington : Sermon at the Funeral of Alpheus Packard, delivered in the North Meetiug-Hou.se in Bridgewater May 12, 1812.

Discourse delivered in the North iMeeting-House in Bridgewater (now Brockton), Dec. 22, 1820. Being the Second Centennial Anniversary of the Landing

A Poem on the Pleasures and Advantages of True Religion, delivered before the United Brothers' Society in Brown University on their Anniversary, Aug.

3I1NISTRY OF Rev. David Temple Packard. - Rev. David Temple Packard, a native of the town, and who had just completed his theological course of study, was the first minister settled in the new house. He was invited to supply them during the building of the new church by a vote passed April 18, 1854. This he continued to do in Salisbury Hall till the new vestry was finished, when services were laid there on the Sabbath, and Ma}' 22, 1854, the society " voted to give Rev. David Temple Packard a call to settle with them in the ministry, and oiler him SdO Dollars as his Salary." This call he accepted, and he was ordained as their pastor Thursday, Sept. 21, 1854.

The council organized by the choice of Rev. Dr. Ricliard S. Storrs, D.D., moderator, and Rev. W. C. Dickin.-^on as scribe. The services on that occasion were as follows :

1, reading of the Scriptures and invocation, by Rev. Abel K. Packard, of Yarmouth, Mass. ; 2, introductory prayer, by Rev. S. L. Rockwood, of Hanson ; 3, sermon, by Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; 4, ordaining prayer, by Rev. Jonas Perkins, of Braintree; 5, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Jacob M. Manning, of Medford, Mass ; 6, charge to the pastor, by Rev. Paul Couch, of the First Church in Bridgewater ; 7, address to the People, by Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., of Eaaton ; 8, concluding prayer, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater ; 9, benediction, by the pastor.

*' Come as a shepherd : guard and lieep This fold from bell and earlh and sin; Nourisli the lambs, and feed the sheep ; The wounded heal, the lost brio;; in.

"Come aa a watch mao : take thy staud Upon thy tower amidst the sky ; Aud wheu the sword comes on Lho land, Call us to ligbt, or warn to Uy.

Mr. Packard continued to preach to this jieople with ability, earnestness, and eminent success, having large audiences, till Sept. 25, 185G, when he tendered his resignation. A council was called at his rcf|UL-.-t, which was held Oct. 1, 185G, and the relation butiveeu pastor and people was dissolved, very much to the regret of the community.

" Voted, That the Pastoral relation hitherto subsisting so happily between the Kov. David T. Packard and this church aud jjeoplu be and is hereby dissolved.

-' The Council cannot withhold the expression of their deep regret that a connection formed some two years since, under circuiiiatances so auspicious both for pastor and people, sealed by lho effusioDs of the Spirit, and coutiiiued to the prc-ent hour strengthened and cemenlod by mutual att'cctiun iiiiJ ustecm, should be so soon sundered.

" iJeeming themselves incompetent to decide upon the validity, of the reasons assigned, and avoiding the assumption of that responsibility, they still, in view of all the circumstances of the case, feel constrained to acquiesce in this result.

"The impaired health of the Pastor's faiiiily, they trust, will soon be restored, and his usefulness continued in some other sphere. And they therefore commend him to the churches of Christ as an able, faithful, beloved, and without a blemish in his christian or ministerial repululion. They also coniiiieud the church and the people for the alfection and kindness they have shown to their pastor, and commit them in their dis^ippointment and destitution to the care of the Great Shepherd.

Bridgewater, Miiss., Aug. 24, 1824 ; received a common-school education in his native town ; fitted lor college under the tutorship of Rev. Paul Couch, at tlie Adelphian Academy, North Bridjiewater, and Phillips Academy, Aiidover, Jlass. ; graduated at Amherst College, August, 1850 ; taught high school at East Braiiitree, Mass., one year; entered Bangor Theological Seminary, October, 1851, and graduated Aug. oO, 1854. After receiving two other calls, he accepted the call of the South Church, where he was ordained Sept. 21, 1854; dismissed Oct. 1, 1850; from thence he removed to the West, preaching at Rock Island, III., and Davenport, Iowa; returned to Massachusetts in 1858, and in June of that year commenced preaching for the First Congregational Society in Somerville, Mass. ; installed as pastor of that church and society Sept. 21, 1860; afterwards settled in Brighton, Mass., and Stockton, Cal., where he died from the effects of an accident. Mr. Packard married Abbie C. Mayhew, of Chesterfield, Me., July 24, 1855. Children, Abbie Elizabeth, March 8, 1857 ; Chester Mayhew, Sept, 2, 1860 ; died Aug. 26, 1862.

Publications of Rev. D. Temple Packard : Sermon preached at Somerville, Massachusetts, on the national fast, entitled '' The Dawn of the Morning," Dec. 28, 1862 ; published by Rand & Avery.

The society were without a pastor from Oct. 1, 1856, to Feb. 3, 1858, during which time various preachers were heard, and March 23, 1857, Rev. Samuel Fiske was invited to become their pastor, but declined. Again, July 13, 1857, an invitation was extended to Rev. C. D. Lothrop to settle witli them as their gospel minister, nothing further having been done about this call.

Ministry op Rev. Charles W. Wood. - On the 9th day of December, 1857, Rev. Charles W. Wood, of Ashby, Mass., was invited to become their spiritual leader and pastor. This invitation was accepted, and on the 3d of February, 1858, Mr. Wood was duly installed as pastor by a council called for that purpose. Jan. 11, 1858, Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., Barnabas H. Gray, and Russell Alden, were chosen a committee of arrangements in relation to the installation of Mr. Wood.

Pursuant to letters missive from the South Congregational Church in North Bridgewater, an ecclesiastical council convened in the vestry of said church Feb. 3, 1858, consisting of the i'ullowiug members:

After the usual examination of the candidate, the following services were arranged, viz : Invocation and reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Frederick R. .\bbe, of Abington ; prayer, by Rev. Henry L. Edwards, of South Abington ; sermon, by Professor Plielps, of Andover Theological Seminary ; installing prayer, by Rev. P. B. Wilcox ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. Charles L. Mills, of the Porter Church, North Bridgewater; right hand of fellowship, by Ruv. Isaiah C. Thacher, of Middleboro' ; address to the people, by Rev. Horace D. Walker, of Abington. The day was exceedingly pleasant, and the exercises of a very pleasing kind. The sernuin was an clo([uent production, and the choir performed their part in an admirable manner.

Mr. Wood was a successful preacher and pastor of this church for fourteen years, till May 'J, 1872, at which time he tendered his resignation, and asked for a council to dismiss him from his pastoral charge.

Pursuant to letters missive from the South Congregationalist Church of Campello, an ecclesiastical council was convened in the vestry of said church on Wednesday, at two o'clock p.m., June 5, 1872, which was organized by the choice of Rev. II. D. Walker, moderator ; and Rev. J. C. Larraboe, scribe. The following persons comprised the council :

"The council, having: libtened to tlio case ae presented tc) them, are C'<nitraincd to advi:ie the dissolution of the pastorale of Rev. Charles W. Wood over the church and society in Campello. They arrive at this conclusion most rcluctautly, for thus is severed a connection that has liad upon it the smile of the Great Spirit of the church for fourteen years, and one that has retained in the circle of churches a minister of Christ, uhose character uud ability made his presence and ministration a most welcome benediction.

" Rarely does any man live so long in any region and autong any people, giving less occasion to gainsayers, and so universally and deeply respected and beloved. We do most cordially and fully commend him to the churches of Christ as an able and faithful minister of the gospel, wise to win souls, as a man and citizen in all the relations of life, of great wisdom and ability, who>e kindness of Iteurt and rectitude of conduct have been a perpetual testimony for his master.

Rev. Charles W. Wood was the son of WilkeiS Wood ; married, first, Eliza Ann, daujrhter of llev. Jonathan Bigelow, of Rochester, September, 1841 ; second, Mrs. Catherine S. Leuiist, daughter of Jonathan Clark, of Gilraanton, N. H. He had four children, - Charles H. W,, Edward Clark, Emily Catherine, and Caroline Melville.

Mr. Wood remained with this people fourteen years, havini; been dismissed at his request June 5, 1872, and removed to Scotland, Bridf^ewater. He was born in Middleboro', Mass., June 30, 1814 ; fitted for colle;_'e at Plainfield Academy, Connecticut, and Pierce Academy, Middleboro', Mass. ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1834 ; graduated at Aiidover Theological Seminary in 1838; ordained at Ashby, Mass., October, 1839 ; at Campello, February, 1858; at Scotland, Bridgewater, where he now resides.

MiNiaTiiY OF Rev. Levehett S. Woodwouth. - On the 19th day of January, 1874, it was " voted, That this church extend to Mr. Leverett S. Woodworth a call to become our p:istor," which was accepted, and S. F. Packard, B. H. Gray, and Preston B. Keith were chosen a committee to make arrangements lor the installation. The following persons were members of the council :

The council met agreeably to notice at 1 .30 o'clock P.M., Oct. 29, 1874, and organized by the choice of Rev. Thomas Wilson, moderator, and Rev. J. C. Larrabee, scribe.

1, voluntary; 2, reading the minutes of council; 3, invocation, by Rev. A. S. Hudson; 4, reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. H. D. Walker; 5, anthem; 6, sermon, by J. G. Vose, D.D. ; 7, ordaining prayer, by Rev. H. A. Stevens; 8, hymn; 9, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. R. G. S. McNeille; 10, chaige to the pastor, by Rev. Charles W. Wood ; 11, anthem ;

Mr. Woodworth continued to preach to this church until Nov. 11, 1879, at which time lie resigned, and a council was called to advise in the matter of his dismission. Deacon George Sawyer, N. H. Washburn, and George E. Keith were chosen a committee of arrangements.

" Voted HHanimouHti/, That the action of the church and Parish be accepted and sanctioned, and that we declare the pastoral relations between the Roy. L. S. Woodworth and this church and Parish terminated.

"In reaching Ibis conclusion wo deeply regret the circumstances that have led Brother Woodworth to be willing ti> leave this lield where for live years he bos labored as a fairhful, zealous and cllicient minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Wu express our hearty regrets at his departure from our uiidst, and commend him most earnestly to the confidence and felloushii* of the brethren among whom his lot is cast. Wishing him great prosperity in his new held, and praying that the gixat Head of the Cburch to over keep him and his family UDtler bis loving care. We extend our warme:jt sympuCbie^ to the church thus bereft of an earnest and faithful pastor. Wishing likewise the gracious guidance of the Chief Shepherd as they shall seek another to till his place.

Ministry of Rev. Joun T. Blades. - The uext pastor settled was Rev. John T. Blades, of Saco, Me., who wa.>i invited by vote of tlie ohuroli ou July 19, 1880. This call was accepted Aug. 18, 1880. Jo=iah W. Kingiuau, K^q., N. H. VVashburii, and Deacon S. Franklin Packard were cho.seii a committee of the church to make arrangements for the installation. On the 14th of September, 1880, a council was called at two o'clock P.M., composed of the followiua; members :

After a hearing before the council, and an examination of the doings by church and society and of the candidate, everything having been found satisfactory, it was voted " that the couticil proceed to the services of installation in the evening of that day," which were in the following order:

1, voluntary on organ ; 2, reading of the minutes of the council ; 3, unthcm, - " How Beautiful Upon the Mountains," etc. ; 4, invocation and reading of the Scriptures; 5, sermon, by Rev. A. IL Curwin ; 6, 7, installing prayer, by Rev. Charles W. Wood ; 8, response ; 9, charge to the pastor, by Rev. E. N. Packard ; 10, right hand of fellowship, by Rev. H. L. Kelsey; 11, hymn; 12, address, by Rev. E. S. Atwood; 13, prayer; 14, anthem; 15, benediction.