Worcester County, Massachusetts - X Xvi, 1889

Church History

The religious history of this town is coeval with its civil. When the Governor, Council and Assembly of the province confirmed the purchase and made a grant of the land to the proprietors in J704, it was upon the condition " that they settle a town of thirty families and a minister upon said lands within .seven years after the end of the present war with the Indians."

At the first town-meeting, held at a private dwelling, December 2, 1718, a prominent object of the meeting was to provide for the establishment of the Gospel ministry. Measures were taken in March following to erect a house of worship, which was completed in the course of the year.

In the fall of the year 1720, a number of the christian inhabitants of the township of Sutton, embodied into a church state, under the directioTi of Rev. Mr. Swift, of Vramingham, and the Rev. Mr. Breck. of Marlboro ; at which time (after the Publick services of a Day of Fasting and prayer, in which the Reverend minipters mentioned assisted), the following per-

The above is the only record of the organization of the First Congregational Church in this town, and it is found in the handwritinoj of the Rev. David Hall, the second pastor. The records of the church for the first eight years of its existence are lost, having been carried away by the first pastor.

The church was organized upon the Congregational platform of the simplest and most rigid character, and has ever maintained the principles of such organization. Tradition says it was owing to a difference upon the matter of church government with the first pjiator that led to his dismission. Subsequently an effort was made to introduce the eldership into the church, according to the Cambridge platform, but the proposition was unanimously rejected.

On the 0th day of November, 1720, the Rev. John McKinstry was ordained pastor over them as a Congregational Church, they calling him thereto, and calling in the help of sister churches.-

The ministry of Mr. McKinstry continued about eight years, when, from difficulties arising as stated above, he was dismissed, and was subsequently settled in Ellington, Connecticut, where he died.

Mr. McKinstry was dismissed September 2, 1728, and on the 30th day of the same month the church solemnly renewed their covenant and subscribed their names to the same. The following is a record of the transaction :

Sept. 30th, 172S. The Biethreu of the Church here renewed their solemn covenant with God and one with another and subscribed thereto as following :

T. W'e, whose names are hereunto subscribed, Promise this day to renew our Solemn Covenant engagements to serve the Lord God Almighty with his grace assisting us ; apprehending ourselves called of God intu the church state ol the gospel, do first of all confess ourselves to be unworthy to be so highly favored of the Lord, and admire that free and rich grace of his which triumphed over so great nnwurthiness, and with a Humble reliance on the aids of liis grace therein i)romiseil for the ni. that, in a sense of their inability to do a'l^' good thing, do humbly wail on him for all - we now thankfully lay hold on his covenant and would choose the things that plejise him.

2ndly. We declare our serious belief of the christian Religion as contained in (he sacred Scriptures, and with such a view thereof as the confession of faith in our churches has exhibited. Heartily resolving to conform our lives unto the Kales of that Holy Religion as long as we live in the world.

;jrdly. We give up ourselves unte the Lord Jehovah, who is the Fathei (he Son, and the Holy Spirit, and avouch him this Day to be our God, our Father, our Saviour, and our Leader, and receive him as our Portion forever.

4thly. We give up ourselves \into the Blessed Jesus, who is the Lord Jehovah, and adhere to him as the Head of his People in the Covenant of Grace, and rely upon him as our Priest, and our Prophet, and oui- King to bring us unto Eternal Blessedness.

iithly. We acknowledge our Everlasting and Indispensible obligations to glorify our God in all the Duties of a Godly, and a Sober, and a Righteous life ; and very particularly in the Uutieeof achurch State and a body of People associated for an obedience to Him in all the ordinances of the

Cthly. "We desire and intend, and (with Dependence on his pi-omit-ed and powerful grace) we engage to walk together as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ iu the faith and order of the Gospel, as far as we shall have the same revealed unto us - conscienciously attending the Pnblick worship of God, the Sacraments of his New Testament, the Discipline of his Kingdom, and all Ills Holy institutions in Coiiuuunion with one auoth,er, and watchfully avoiding sinful stumbling-blocks and contention as becomes a people whom the Lord has bound up together in the bundle of Life - at the same time we do also present our offspring with us unt<» the Lord, proposing with his Help to do our parts in the methods of a Reh'gious Education that they may be the Lord's. And all this we do, flying to the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, and praying that the glorious Lord, who is the Great Shepherd, would prepare and strengthen vis for every good work to do his will, working in ns that which is well pleasing in his eight, to whom be glory for ever and over. Amen."

After this transaction, which took place the same mouth, Mr. McKinstry was dismissed ; we have the following interesting record, showing with what zeal the infant church, after a severe trial, put itself in readiness for the work of maintaining the covenant which they had so solemnly renewed:

At a meeting October 4th it was "agreed upon and voted to observe the 23d of the Instant October jis a day of Humiliation - and the Rev. Mr, Parknian and the Rev. Mr. Troop to preach on said day if the Town acquiest therein," and then the meeting was dissolved.

Early in November following Mr. David Hall was invited to i)reach to the people in this town. He supplied the pulpit several months, to the great acceptance of the people, and in March, 1720, received a unanimous call to settle with them in the ministry and become their pastor, the church and town concurring in the call.

This invitation was laid before Mr. Hall, and on July 24, 1729, his acceptance of the same was laid before the church, at a meeting called to consider the same.

To the Chh. A Christian Inhabitants of the Town of Sutton. The In_ vitation which you gave me to settle with you in the work of ye ministry^ March ye 26th, has been with me as a matter of serious advice and Re, ligious Consideration and I have also thought upon the Inconragment which you coujoyned therewith and would manifest a sense of gratitude to you for your Respect and good will discovered in both. The value of a liundred pounds which you offer me iti work and materials for my Inconragment in settling with you, I Return you my heafty Thanks and shall be willing to manifest a cordial acceptance of it provided I am ordained among you. As for the hundred acres of Land you Proposed to Lay out to the ministry and as such promised to give me a Lease or deed of it to be ye Sole Propriety of me and my heires after me : T would with respect Thereto take notice of your good will therein manifest towards me, but must be excused from accepting of it under such a proposal. But if I may have a cleare and secure Title to it from ye Proprietors of ye undevided lands in Sutton and not as included in ye four hundred acres of miniBterial Land (as there is a fair Prospect that I may) it not being as yet laid out to tlie ministry, upon this prOTieo I will thanltfully accept it. and the Same shall discharge you from your obligati<ius in Reference thereto. Lastly as to the Sallery you have offered me I observe with a suitable Resentment yt you have made provision yt it shall be honourable & as you have made a honourable Pursuance thereof for the present Considering your abilities and niy present necescities in voting a hundred pounds sallery in money, equivalent to silver at sixteen shillings an ounce, which is the standing value of money, wherein yon have agreed that I shall receive my yearly sallery according to which standard I do accept of an Hundred pounds a year at present, and doubt not and e.xpect that as my necessities sliall require, you will continue to make Good your obligation as God shall bless yon, that my necessities and charges if they should increase may nevertheless be honourably supplied, and with these provisos, I do now accept of your call, which, if you will pleiu^e to receive and record in confirmation of and compliance with what amendments I have made, and prineyouiselves a willing and Honourable People unto me, I shall acctuint that necessity is laid upon me as at this day, and, according to help from Christ, will endeavour to labor with and for you in the gospel.

After this answer was read to the church, " it was put to vote to see whether the church would accept of the said answer, provided Mr. David Hall would be ordained according to the church platform, i.e., in the Congregational way ; and the vole passed in the affirmative."

In compliance with the Terms of the church with respect to Governing the same I shall as far as I am concerned therein endeavour to conform to the platform drawn up by the Synod of ovir churches of New England in every article so far as it may he tliought in reason to be consistent with the interest and peace of the church provided it be agreeable to the great rule of the gospel. David Hall.

This extreme jealousy for their liberty and rights as a Congregational Church arose in part, if not wholly, from the controversy with Rev. Mr. Mc- Kinslry, their first minister. The answer of the candidate exhibits a degree of caution, even while assenting really to the proposition of the church, worthy of all praise. He would consult their interest, while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel in all matters of church government and discipline.

October 1.5th, 172il. The Rev. Mr. David Hall was ordained to the Pastoral office in Sutton. The Rev. IMr. Troop, of Woodstock, began with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Williams preached the sermon from 1st 1'hess. .") : 12-13, The Rev. Mr. Swift, of Frainingliani, gave the solemn charge. The Rev. Mr. (Auiiiibell, of O.'if.ird, gave tlie Righl-liand of fellowship.

The young pastor thus ordained to the work of the ministry in this town commenced his labors with considerable zeal, and prosecuted them faithfully for a period of nearly sixty years.

The records of the church during his administration furnish little more than a few hints concerning its history except as to its discipline, which seems to have been faithfully and kindly administered, contributing largely to its almost uniform prosperity. At times the pastor and people passed through great trials, and at others great peace and prosperity attended the preaching of the Word and administration of the ordinances. One fruitful source of trouble was the admission of persons to the ordinance of baptism, but not to full communion in the church. This is called in the records of the church the covenant of baptism, but is known in history as the "half-way covenant."

The first entry is made May 10, 1730, when "Joseph, John, James and Elizabeth, children of Joseph Sibley, owned the covenant and were ba])tized." It would seem from this and other entries that .some took this step for themselves, while others owned the covenant and had their children baptized. The last entry is made October 28, 1781, when Nathaniel Cheney and Mary Cheney, his wife, owned the covenant and had their children baptized.

Out of this unscriptural measure grew up many things to trouble the church. It led, in large part, to the separation of a portion of the members, both from the public worship and ordinances of the church. With these separating brethren and sisters the pastor and church had long labor and severe trials, in all which they seem to have been actuated by the gentleness and Ibrbearance of Christ.

All those who occasioned the trouble finally returned to the church and were restored to its fellowship. Another subject that at times was a source of trouble was sacred music. At first, and probably for a long time, the singing was congregational, led by one who was called the precentor or chorister. The hymn or psalm was lined by one appointed for that purpose. The tunes were few and simple, and were not sung by rule, as it was called, for this gave great oftence to some. It seemed to them less devotional if there were any rule or order about it. The objection to singing by rule seems to have led to the resignation of the choristers at a certain time.

April 10th. The Church and Pastor being notified assembled upon th;it occasion - a letter was read from the Choristers befcU'O dejiuteil - .lohn Woodbury and John Hall giving up that service. After some discoui-so the church voted : choristers, the church and parish in meeting assembled requested by vote David Town and John Harbacli " to be helpful in that service, and that they don't set the tune called the 34th Psalm tune which so many have been ofTended at."

But the trouble was not yet at an end, for in May following, 17S0, at a church meeting, "after a long discourse on the affair of singing, voted to choose a committee of three brethren to consider what tunes were proper to be sung and coniine the Choristers not to exceed, and see if they could get one to set the tune, and the church by vote chose Deacon Putnam, Bartholomew Town and Caleb Chase, and afterwards- Nehemiah Putnam, to act in the affair and make report to the church at their next meeting - and then the church meeting was adjourned to the first Monday in June ne.xt at 4 o'clock, by vote of the church- June 5th, 17S0. The church met on adjournment and after long reasoning the church voted the followiiiii tunes be sung in our Publick assembly - Buckland tune, Bangor, Barley, Canterbury, Funeral Thought, London New, Little Marlborough, New York, Plymouth, Portsmouth, fiOth Psalm, Rentham, lOOtb Psalm Tune old, Quincy, Amherst, St. Martyns Standish, Southwell, Windsor, Brookfield, Colchester new, 113th or Proper Tune, Trinity,. Aurora. No objection being made against them."

This measureof the church did not, however, satisfy all the members, for in Januai'y, 1781, after two meetings of the church called to treat with two of tht brethren who had ab-sented themselves from publii worship and ordinances, it is recorded that the " matter of great uneasiness expressed by both was respecting the singing of new tunes at which they were offended." It is also stated that this expression of their uneasiness was accompanied by some " unbecomini; reflections."

At what time the change was made from congregational singing to singing solely by a choir no mention is made, but it must have been about this time, and this increased the trouble. Tradition states that on the Sabbath when this took place, Dea. Tarrant Putnam, whose office it was to line the hymn, began a^ usual to discharge his duty, but after reading the first two lines, the singers took the matter into their own hands, and proceeded without pausing for the re mainder; the good deacon, however, kept on, and lined the hymn as usual, both reader and singers reaching the end of the hymn about the same time, though not in exact harmony. The congregation were in great commotion, and the pastor rising to explain that he had no hand in the matter, was saluted by one of the offended brethren with the declaration: "David Hall, you lie!" then turning to his wife, seizing her hand, he said, " Sally, it is time to go." They left the house of worship and never entered it again. This trial in relation to sacred music, involved both church and parish.

Religion was in a low and languishing condition, and wicked men abounded. There were about eighty families in the town and not far from four hundred inhabitants. The profaneness and other vicious practices of the people seemed to have greatly distressed the pastor, both before and after his ordination. He says in his half-century sermon : " I can never forget my vehement struggles at the throne of grace just before I was here ordained a pastor, lest I should fail of success among this people." Immediately after his settlement religion was greatly revived. In a communication published in " Prince's Christian History," giving an account of the work of God among his people in 1741-42, he says: "There was, soon after my settling here by the favor of God, some considerable abatement of that too common profaneness and other vicious practices visible among us, and within the space of two years we had a very large addition to the church, more than doubling the number of communicants." In five years' time eighty-one persons were added to the church, the most of them on profession of faith.

In the years 1741-42 there was enjoyed a season of great religious prosperity. The labors of the pastor were abundant and successful. It was a season of great religious excitement throughout New England. This powerful and wonderful work of God in this town continued for some months, with various degrees of power. It seemed to be free in a great measure from those excesses that were witnessed in some other places. Dr. Hall set himself resolutely against these, and discountenanced all extravagances; though some over-zealous brethren (as he calls them) gave him considerable trouble.

By this religious interest the whole face of the community was changed. The additions to the church during this period were ninety -eight by profession and forty by letter.

During the first fifteen years of Dr. Hall's ministry, two hundred and sixty-one persons were added to the church - one hundred and eighty-one by profession and eighty by letter. These additions, considering the small number of inhabitants, show that the people had been greatly prospered in spiritual things. There were at times, during the ministry of this faithful pastor, seasons of revived religious interest, and others of great trial from laxness and indifference. Dr. Hall continued to labor and feed the tiocK over which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer, until the time of his departure drew near. He closed his labors in the pulpit but a short time before he was called to a higher and purer service in the sanctuary above. He died May 8, 1789, aged eighty-four years, having preached the Gospel to this town more than sixty years. He came to his grave " in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season."

The successor of Dr. Hall in the ministry of the first church in Sutton was Rev. Edmund Mills, who was a native ofKent, Conn. He preached his first sermon on Sabbath, October 25, 1789, about six months from the date of Dr. Hall's decease. " The next spring he received an invitation from the church and people to settle with them in the evangelical ministry, which invitation he accepted and was ordained pastor of the First Congregational church and congregation in Sutton on the 22d day of June 1790," a little more than a year after the decease of Dr. Hall. In May, 1790, immediately preceding the ordination of Mr. ^lills, the following important articles or by-laws were adopted :

Ist. Wp iue fully of thf> opinion that the Sacrament of t!ie Lord's Supper is designed particularly for the real friends of Christ or those savingly converted, and that of cnnsequeuce we ought to proceed in admitting members on the ground that they are such.

1. For the satisfaction of the church in regard to the qnalitications of persons to he admitted, we think it most wise fur the church and person nr persons to he admitted, to meet in some convenient place for mutual conference.

That a strict regard to discipline is an indispensable duty and necessary for the happiness and prosperity of the church, and that the outlines of it are contained in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.

In "April, 1811, the church being regularly convened, proceeded to the consideration and adoption of the following confession of faith, unanimously : "

1 . W'p believi; there is one tiod sulwisting in three persons, whose ajipellatioDR in Scripttire are Father, Son and Holy Ghost, who are the panif in essence and equal in every divine perfection.

2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were written by men divinely inspired, and contain all the truths necessary to he known in order to salvation.

A. We believe that God liath a perfect knowledge of all his works, of the final issue of every event and of the endless condition of every intelligent creature, consequently a concerted plan relative to creation, providence and redeiuption from eternity.

4. We believe that God created man in his own image, holy or upright, and constituted him in regard to the moral state of his posterity their public head and representative.

5. We believe that, consequent upon man's fall and apostacy from God, human creatures come into existence with hearts deceitful above all things and in a state of entire moral depravity.

fi. We believe that for the purpose of carrying forward the great wurk of man's redemption, the Ijord Jesus Christ hath suffered and died in their room and stead, and iu this way wrought out a complete atonement, tasted death for every man, magnified the divine law and became its end to every one who believeth iu him.

T. We believe that divine and saving grace correspondent to the immutable and eterual design of God, and in a sovereign way and manner, will be so far displayed in the recovery and salvation of the hell deserving, and particularly in the millennial state of the world, as shall be on the whole most promotive of his glory and the happiness of the intelligent universe.

8. We believe that in order for the impenitent to become the subjects of right affections of heart, and interested by faith in the atonement of Christ, they must be renewed in the temper of their minds by the irresistible and gracious influences of the Holy Spirit.

9. We believe that a dutiful celebration of the Lord's supper requires a sincere and cordialfriendship to Christ, and that a profession of this friendship ought to be required of all those who are received to communion.

III. We believe that sprinkling is the proper mode, and infants and children of believing parents proper subjects of Christian baptism. 11. We believe that God hath mercifully engaged to keep all who are

12. We believe that God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, when he will admit the godly to everlasting happiness and doom the wickeil to everlasting sorrow.

Though there was some increase of religious interest in the year 1800, and a few were added to the church, yet the number of members in the church was reduced by death and dismis.sion nearly one-half in twenty years. In 1810 there were but fifty-five members. During this year and the following religion was greatly revived, aud the interest prevailed generally through the town. A universal seriousness pervaded the face of society. All minds were more or less affected by religious truth. Si.xty-seven were added to the church as fruits of this revival, the majority of whom were heads of families. The number of members in the church was increased from fifty-five to one hundred and twenty-five. Again, in 1820, there was another season of special religious interest that greatly strengthened the church. Between forty and fifty were added to its membership.

The venerable pastor continued to preach with his usual ability and acceptance till seized with disease a short time before his death. A few weeks before the close of his earthly pilgrimage he preached his last sermon with unusual animation and solemnity. He calmly anticipated his approaching dissolution, and cheerfully committed his spirit into the hands of his Redeemer November 7, 1825, aged seventy-three years, having sustained the pastoral ofiice thirtyfive years and five months. Dr. Hall and Mr. Mills served this people in the ministry ninety-six years.

Mr. Mills was an uncommon man. His erect and commanding person, the dignity and urbanity of his manner, and his great sensibility and kindness of heart fitted him in an admirable degree to gain the respect and good will of all who knew him. These traits of character, as much as his original and interesting manner of unfolding and presenting truth, deeply seated him in the affections of his people. He was a man universally respected and admired.

The successor of Mr. ]\Ii!ls was the Rev. .John Maltby. He was born in Northford, Conn., graduated at Yale College in 1822, received his theological education at Andover, and was ordained "June 28, 1826 - a little more than seven months from the decease of Mr. Mills.

The year 1828 was characterized by a serious calamity to the church and society - their house of worship, erected in 1751, and endeared to them by many precious associations, was consumed by fire in November. Measures were immediately adopted for the erection of another ; and in fourteen montlis the beautiful and commodious house of worship that now adorns the centre of the town was completed and dedicated to the worship of the one only living and true God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Soon after this there seemed an evident increase of piety in the church ; and the way was evidently preparing for the rich shower of divine grace which watered this part of llie Lord's vineyard not long after. In 1830 there was a season of considerable interest, which continued for a short time, and about twenty were added to the church on profession of faith. The summer following. Christians were more than usually awake, and many began to feel that the set time to favor Zion had indeed come.

There were added to the church as fruits of the revival more than one hundred individuals, increasing the church to two hundred and thirty-one members; of the number added, thirty-six were heads of families - twenty of these were husbands and wives jointly. The voice of prayer was henceforth heard in many habitations where before God had not been called upon.

The church continued to enjoy an unusual degree of prosperity during the remainder of Rev. Mr. Maltby's ministry. Mr. Maltby closed his short but successful ministry with the church in June, 1S34, for the purpose of taking the oversight of the Hammond Street Church, in Bangor, Me., where he was permitted to reap the fruits of his labor. His dismission was caused by no dissatisfaction on the part of the people, or their pastor ; but by the pro.spect of greater usefulness in the field to which he was invited. Mr. Maltby continued in the minii-try in Sutton eight years.

The next pastor was Rev. Hiram A. Tracy, a native of Lisbon, Conn., who obtained his classical educa tion at Plainfield Academy, while engaged as a teacher in the same. His theological education was olitained at Andover. He was invited to supply the pulpit while yet a student at Andover, and came directly from the seminary to Sutton, preaching here for the first time on the second Sabbath in September, 1834. In October following, he received a call to become the pastor of the church. Having accepted this invitation, he was ordained pastor January 1, 1835, - a little more than five months from the dismission of his predecessor.

During the first five years of Mr. Tracy's ministry only eighteen persons united with the church on profession of faith. In the autumn of 1839 this church, in view of the low state of piety in the community, was impressed with the importance of earnestly seeking the Lord by repentance and prayer. As fruits of the revival which followed, forty-eight individuals were added to the church, increasing its membership to two hundred and sixty-one, the largest number that has been connected with it at any one time.

The church continued to enjoy prosperity and peace during the remaining ten years of Mr. Tracy's ministry. There were occasional additions to the church during this period, but no seasons of general interest like that in 1840.

In August, 1842, the church, upon the recommendation of a committee, voted unanimously to dispense with the use of alcoholic wine in the administration of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. This vote has been adhered to from that time to this.

November 24, 1850, Mr. Tracy resigned the past(jral office to accept the appointment of district secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in the district of Cincinnati, which embraced Southern Ohio, Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois. A council convened December 11, 1850, dissolved the relation which had continued with great harmony for sixteen years. The number of members in the church at the close of his ministry was two hundred and five.

After several attemjits to unite in calling a pastor, the church and society agreed upon Rev. George Lyman, of Easthampton, and to him an invitation was extended to become their pastor and teacher. This invitation was given to Mr. Lyman September 26, 1851, and accepted October 18, 1851. He was ordained November 12th following, Rev. R. S. Stone, of Easthampton, preaching the sermon ; Rev. J. H. Bisbee, of Worthington, giving the charge, and Rev. L. F. Clark, of Whilinsville, the right-hand of fellowship. The number of members in the church at the ordination of Mr. Lyman was one hundred and ninety-three.

There were occasional conversions and additions to the church. In October, 1858, nine persons were admitted to membership, indicating a previous state of revived religious feeling in the church and congregation. Again, in 1863, the church was enlarged by the addition in May of nineteen on profession of faith, and in November following thirteen were added.

The ministry of Rev. Mr. Lyman was characterized by continuous interest and frequent conversions and additions to the church of those who were its strength, so that this ministry was a fruitful one, and the church was strengthened. The average of conversions was greater than any preceding pastorate, excepting the ministry of Rev. John Maltby.

Mr. Lyman resigned June 30, 1867, to take effect the 12th of November following, the anniversary of his ordination and settlement as pastor of the church. A council was called which met October 15th, and sanctioned the action of pastor and church, and Mr. Lyman retired from his labors here November 12, 1867.

After considerable delay and several attempts to unite upon a pastor, the church and society gave a call to the Rev. F. E. Fellows, who had been previously pastor of the Congregational Church in Bridgeton, Maine. This invitation was accepted July 4, 1800, and Mr. Fellows was installed by council (October 26th following. Mr. Fellows' ministry was a short one. He labored among this people a little more than eighteen months, but during this period there was a of religious interest, bringing into the church,

In December, 1870, Mr. Fellows resigned, and closed his labors as pastor of the church on the second iSabbath of January, 1871. The following Sabbath the ' l)ulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Tracy, who had returned from Ohio on account of the health of his family.

( )n Monday, at the annual meeting of the society, he was invited to be the acting pastor tor one year, which invitation he accepted, thus renewing his labors in the field of his tirst settlement, after a lapse of twenty years. From this time on, during a period of four years and nine months, the church, under the labors of Mr. Tracy, performed for the greater part of the time through severe infirmities, enjoyed an uiuisual degree of prosperity.

Pearly in September, 1875, Jlr. Tracy gave notice that he must close his labors after the second Sabbath in October. In the mean time, upon his recommendation, Rev. William A. Benedict, of Plainfield, Conn., was engaged to supply the pulpit for six months, and commenced his labors on Sabbath, October 16th, following Mr. Tracy's retirement. There was almost immediately a revived state of religious feeling, and during the winter many souls were converted. In January Mr. Benedict received an invitation from the church and society to become their pastor, which invitation he accepted, and was installed by council February 1(3, 1876.

Rev. Mr. Benedict closed his pastorate, and Rev. Philander Thurston was invited to supply as pastor and teacher, and is at the present time acceptably laboring in this ancient church, whose history we have followed from the date of the earliest settlement of the town of Sutton.

First Baptist Church (West Sutton). - The first Baptist Church in this town was organized September 16, 1735. It was the fourth oldest church of the denomination in Massachusetts. Backus, the Baptist historian, says, in regard to the founding of this first Baptist Church at Sutton, that a Mr. James Bound, a sensible Baptist, who had immigrated from I'jiigland and located in Salem Village, and had, with others become imbued with Baptist principles, removed and began a Baptist Society in Sutton.

In 1737 Benjamin Marsh and Thomas Green were ordained its joint pastors the same year. Thomas Green became pastor of a Baptist Cluirch in Leicester. Eider Marsh was the jjastor till his death. He died in 1775, and the church was disbanded l)eeause "rent with dissensions." In 1785 another church was organized, which continues its existence to the present day.

The several pastors have been: Ebenezer Samson, 1788-94; William Batcheller, 171)4-99; Samuel Waters, 1799-1825. Next Rev. Moses Harrington, three years ; Rev. John Walker, six years; Rev.

Charles H. Peabody, three years ; Rev. Otis Converse, two years ; Rev. Samuel Richards, one year ; Rev. George Deland, three years ; Rev. Job Boomer, three years ; Rev. G. W. Benton, one year ; Rev. J. Thayer, two years; Rev. S. O. Lovell, four years. From 1856 to 1863 the church was, for most of the time, without a pastor. 1863, Rev. C. S. Baker, one year ; 1864, Rev. J. Barber, one year ; 1865, Rev. G. Stone, one year; 1869, Rev. A. E. Batelle, one year; 1870-71, church supplied, two years; 1873, Rev. C. F. Myers, three years; 1876, Rev. E. J. Stevens, one and one-half years ; 1877, Rev. Joel P. Chapin, three years; 1880, Rev. Charles Xewhall, four years; 1885, Rev. Albert Green, three years. Rev. Benj. Tuck, the present pastor, began his labors Sept. 2, 1888.

It is satisfactory to know that since 1735 the town of Sutton has had a Baptist Church, the oldest and for two years the only one in all this part of the State, and that its days are yet full of life, and vigor, and good works.

Second Baptist Church (South Sutton). - The Second Baptist Church was organized Oct. 9, 1792. In 1804 the society began the building of a meetinghouse, which was tinished and dedicated July 2, 1805. In 1809 Rev. Nathan Leonard became pastor for one year. From that time Elder Wm. Batcheller was its pastor until Nov., 1816. Following was the ministry of Rev. Job C. Boomer, from 1819 to 1841. The church was repaired and rededicated Oct. 9, 1845. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Elder William Batcheller, 1792 ; Brother Nathan Leonard, 18(t9, ordained; Elder William Batcheller, 1810; Brother Job B. Boomer, 1819, ordained ; Brother Austin Bobbins, 1841; Elder U. Underwood, 1842; Elder Nelson B. Jones, 1845 ; Brother Joseph Thayer, Oct., 1847, ordained; Brother J. B. Boomer, 1849; Brother R. G. Lamb, 1852; Brother Charles A. Snow, 1853 ; Rev. Abial Fisher, D.D., 1855 ; Brother Justus Aldrich, 1858; Rev. J. B. Boomer, 1859 ; Rev. Joseph P. Burbank, 1862 ; Rev. N. J. Pinkham, 1869 ; Rev. J. P. Burbank, 1870 ; Rev. Philip Berry, 1873 ; Rev. J. P. Burbank, 1875, to the present time.

The Free- Will Baptist Church. - This church was organized November 1, 1834, under the labors of Rev. Willard Fuller, with a membership of eleven - five brethren and six sisters.

The church had but one minister, Rev. Mr. Fuller. It was his request that after his death the meetinghouse should be sold, and the proceeds given to the Free- Will Baptist Home Missionary Society, which was done. He died December 8, 1875.

It is fitting in this connection to say of him, that in the public and private relations of life, he eminently illustrated the graces of the Christian.

Univeesalist Society. - This society was formed during the summer of 1840. In March, 1841, Rev. Alvin Abbott was engaged to preach one-half the time and the meetings were held in the hall at West Sutton. Mr. Abbott continued to preach for two years. After he left the society weakened and the last meeting of which there is any record is April 5, 1847.

Baptist Church in Manchaug. - This church was organized May 18, 1842, with thirty members, and was named "The Manchaug Baptist Church." A few of the original members still survive and bear an honorable record.

Its house of worship is situated in the manufacturing village of the same name, and as most of its resident membership and of the congregation are employes and operatives in the mills, the Manchaug company have ever borne a noble and principal part in supporting the pastors. The following is a list of pastors, with their terms of service, as nearly as can be readily attained by the records: Rev. W. H. Dalrymple, one year and two months; Rev. N. B. Jones, one year and four months; Rev. George Daland, one year and six months; Rev. Abial Fisher, four years; Rev. N. Chapman, two years; Rev. J. S. Harradon, six years and nine months; Rev. N. J. Piukham, one year and seven months; Rev. Addison Browne, seven months; Rev. D. A. Dearborn, four years; Rev. C. L. Thompson, four years and five months.

Rev. J. C. Boomer is the present incumbent, a worthy man and a good pastor; holding the love and respect of the church, the parish and the community.

The Third Baptist Church. - This church seeoas to have had its origin in an association of a few persons who had been connected with the Baptist Church in Thompson, Connecticut. Difficulties arose in this church, which led, in 1797, to a separation, the one part adhering to the elder John Martin, and the other to Deacon Parsons Crosby, who was ordained their elder.

This church seems not to have entirely separated from dilBcuIties, and, after a troublous life, the records are lost, and it is supposed that at about this time it ceased to exist.

St. John's Church (Wilkinsonville). - This society was incorporated March 10, 1827, under the name and title of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church. The present house was built in the year 1828. The cornerstone was laid June 24, 1828.

The first rector was the Rev. Daniel Le Baron Goodwin, who commenced his services July 17, 1825, and closed in April, 1854 ; length of service, nearly twenty-nine years.

His successor was Rev. Benjamin H. Chase, whose service commenced in April, 1854, and closed in April, 1858. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. Decatur Spalter, whose term of service commenced in June, 1858, and closed in December, 1859. He was succeeded by the Rev. William George Hawkins, who commenced his services in April, 1860, and closed in

April, 1862. He was succeeded by Rev. George Sturges Paine, whose term of service commenced in September, 1862, and closed in September, 1863; who was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel S. Spear, whose term of service commenced in January, 1864, and closed in January, 1867 ; who was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas L. Randolph, whose term of service commenced in January, 1867, and closed in December, 1870. He was succeeded by the Rev. Henry A. Metcalf, who commenced his services in June, 1871, and closed in June, 1874. He was succeeded by the Rev. James S. Ellis, who commenced his services July 5, 1874, and remained in charge until 1882, when he resigned, and the Rev. John Gregson became his successor, and is the present rector. Mr. Gregson adds to his energy and zeal in church work an active interest in the advancement of every educational and moral interest, and his true, earnest work as chairman of the School Board is appreciated by all his townsmen.

United Presbyterian Church (Wilkinsonville). - The Associate Church, to which the Sutton United Presbyterian congregation first belonged, was originally a secesfion from the church or kirk of Scotland in the year 1733, ancl was known as the Seceders' Church. The original founders of the Sutton United Presbyterian congregation were families from the province of Ulster, Londonderry County, Ireland ; and were from their earliest associations trained up in the Pre.sbyterian faith, and when here, longed for the church of their choice, in which their children could be taught the Shorter Catechism, and otherwise instructed in the distinctive principles of that faith which they had carried with them from their homeland beyond the seas.

The first settled minister was the Rev. James Williamson, who was installed February, 1856, and continued in his pastorate nearly eight years. Mr. William.son was a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, and was educated in the Glasgow College, and also studied theology under the celebrated Doctors McCrie and Paxton, of Edinburgh, in connection with the original Seceder Church.

The second pastor, the Rev. P. Y. Smith, was ordained and installed February 28, 1866. Mr. Smith was educated in the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and studied Hebrew and theology in the city of New York, and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Second Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church, New York City, September 15, 1863. He died July 21, 1885. Mr. Smith was a man of large views, a constant student and deeply interested in education.

Methohlst Epi.scopal Church. - During the autumn and winterof 1852, Rev. Mr. Jones, of East Douglas, was invited by some resident members of Methodist churches residing in the centre of the town to hold occasional meetings in Washington Hall, and the next spring they felt justified in petitioning the New England Conference, at its annual meeting in April, 1853, to send them a preacher. The petition was favorably entertained, and the Rev. John W. Lee stationed here. Washington Hall was procured, and he entered at once upon his labors, with a congregation not large, but constantly increasing.

In 1854 Mr. Lee was returned to this charge ; the church prospered. A house was built, the cornerstone laid July 4, 1854, completed March, 1855, dedicated 2'2d day of same month. Mr. Lee's labors closed April 8th. He was followed by Rev. J. H. Taylor, for one year. In 1856 Rev. Rodney Gage was stationed for two years; 1858, by Rev. N. S. Spaulding; 1859, Rev. William A. Clapp; 1860, Rev. J. J. Woodbury; 1861, Rev. C. W. Mackreading, Jr. ; 1862-63, by Rev. S. O. Brown, and in 1864 the church property was given into the hands of its creditors, and the church became extinct.