Records of the Society
First Baptist Church
Lowell, Mass
1826 Ð 1848
Civil and religious liberty are rights which distinguish our happy country; and while they are inseparably connected, they mutually conspire to increase the happiness of mankind. Influenced by this opinion, and wishing to enjoy, cherish, defend, and perpetuate such inestimable blessings, we, whose names are hereunto subscribed, hereby agree to form ourselves into a religious society, by the name of the first Baptist Society in East Chelmsford.
East Chelmsford, Jan. 25, 1826
William D. Mason Silas Dean
Artemas Young Alvah Mansur
Samuel C. Oliver Elisha Davis
Joseph Anthony Cyrus Chambers
Cyrus Spalding Ransom Reed
William Wyman Elisha Hathaway
Loring French John R. Ludd
William P. Badger Benjamin French
Theodore Carlisle Asa B. Perkins
Samuel Slure William J. Hawes
Henry Goodnow John Mead
Jonathan Priest [illegible] Spaulding
N.S. Ramsay John Underwoode
John Houghton Thomas Sprague
William B. Jones Moses Hale
Joseph Butterfield Johnson Davis
[illegible] Hull Charles Luther
Thomas Mayo Temple Parker
Nathan Wheeler James Wright
James D. Mason Ephraim Osgood
Jonas Kendall Brice Shepherd
[illegible] Derby Joseph R. Coburn
William Burns John Hunt
Henry S. Smith
Ephraim Andrews Samuel T. Snelps
David Woodbury James Mitchell
Dawes Melvin William J. Hawes
Jefferson Bancroft Otis Tufts
Timothy Bailey
J.L. Haines Jesse Moors
James Chamberlin Daniel Fox - Andover
Caleb M. Marvel William Oliver
George Robinson John Nichols
John Tripp Nathaniel Foster
Nathan Oliver William Wentworth
Daniel Balch Eliphalet M. Gates
George Puffer James H. Shepard
Lewis Fiske Jonathan Sanborn
J.C. Morrill George Wright
Levi Carter William Carter
Daniel Bowen Jonathan P. Hoit
Abel Rugg Charles Carter
Samuel Taylor Jr. John Buntt
Thomas Newell Paul Hills
Melton Moor William Caldwell ap. 2, 1827
Russell Robinson Sullivan [illegible] ap. 2, 1827
Eleazar Davis Oliver R. Green
Jonathan Perkins John Chase
Stephen Brown Ebenezer Ellis
J.G. Kittredge Jonas Randall
H.J. Baxter Alfred Bolton
Stephen Whipple
To Nathaniel Wright Esq., one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the county of Middlesex,
We, the subscribers, members of the first Baptist Society in East Chelmsford, hereby request you to issue a warrant for the calling of a meeting of the members of said society to be holden at the Schoolhouse of the M.M. Company on Wednesday the first day of Feb. next at eight oÕclock in the afternoon to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator.
2nd To choose such officers as parishes are authorized by law to choose in the month of March and April annually.
3rd To agree upon the mode of notifying all future meetings of said society.
Dated at Chelmsford the thirtieth day of January A.D. 1826. Signed by Th. Newell, Nathan Oliver, Cyrus Spalding, William P. Badger, C.M. Marvel, Jonas Kendall, Nathan Wheeler Jr., Geo. Robinson, John Tripp, and Daniel Balch.
Middlesex SS.
To William D. Mason, one of the members of the first Baptist Society in East Chelmsford,
You are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify the members of the First Baptist Society in East Chelmsford qualified to vote in town affairs to meet at the time and place and for the purpose mentioned in the foregoing application.
Given under my hand and seal this thirtieth day of January A.D. 1826.
Signed, Nathaniel Wright, J. Peace
Middlesex SS. February 1, 1826
In pursuance of the foregoing warrant, to me directed, I have notified the members of the First Baptist Society in East Chelmsford to meet at the time and place mentioned in the foregoing application and for the purposes therein expressed.
A true copy. Signed, William D. Mason
East Chelmsford Feb. 1, 1826
The first Baptist Society in East Chelmsford met agreeably to the foregoing warrant and notification and
1st Chose Daniel Balch, moderator.
2nd Chose J.C. Morrill, clerk, who was sworn into office by the mod.
3rd Voted to choose five assessors.
4th Chose Artemas Young, Nathan Oliver, Daniel Balch, Abel Rugg, and Stephen Brown, assessors.
5th Chose Lewis Fisk, collector.
6th Chose W.D. Mason, treasurer.
7th Voted that all future meetings of this society shall be called by the assessors on the written application of any ten qualified voters, which application shall specify the purpose or purposes for which said meeting is required. And a written notice as above signed by the clerk per order of assessors posted on the door or some conspicuous place in the entry of the meeting house in which this society shall worship at least ten days previous to the day of said meeting shall be the legal mode of notifying said future meetings.
8th That the assessors be, and they are hereby constituted, an executive committee to transact all the minor business of this society.
9th Voted that the assessors be authorized to publish in the Phenix the establishment of this society so that others may know the fact and have the privilege of becoming members before the first of March next.
10th Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Aug. 30, 1826
Pursuant to a warrant from the assessors, agreeably to the bylaws, the society met at the meeting house and
1st Chose Daniel Balch, moderator.
2nd Voted to ballot for the call of Rev. John Cookson by yea and nay.
3rd Voted (30 to 3) that this society give Rev. John Cookson a call to become their minister.
4th Voted to dispense with 3rd article.
5th Voted to choose a committee to consult with a committee from the church to give a formal call to Rev. John Cookson.
6th Chose D. Balch, A. Young, and C. Spalding.
7th Voted to change the name of this society to the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
8th Voted that in case of the absence of the clerk, the assessors shall have a right to call any future meeting of this society.
Adj. [illegible]
Monday, April 9, 1827
Agreeable to a warrant from the assessors the society met at the meeting house at 6 oÕclock p.m. and the meeting having then adjourned to Tuesday 17th at 6 oÕclock p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, 1827
The Society met at 7 oÕclock and
1st Chose Nathan Oliver, moderator.
2nd Voted that the officers of this society shall be chosen by nomination and hand vote.
3rd Chose Benj. Mather, clerk.
4th Voted and chose Capt. A. Young, Nathan Oliver, and Daniel Balch, assessors.
5th Voted and chose Lewis Fisk, collector and treasurer.
6th Voted to adjourn.
J.C. Morrill, clerk for this meeting, Mr. Mather being absent.
August 17, 1827
At a meeting of the First Baptist Society agreeable to a warrant from the assessors August 17, 1827 to act on the request of the Rev. John Cookson, relative to his request to be discharged from further ministerial duties in said society, Henry Batchelder, Esq. was moderator.
A motion was made that Mr. CooksonÕs request be granted.
Yeas 24, nays 23.
Voted to choose a committee of three to join with a committee from the church to report to the Rev. John Cookson the proceeding of this meeting Ð Stephen Brown, James Wight, Levi Gurney, committee.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Benj. Mather, clerk
November 12, 1827
Agreeable to a warrant from the assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell the Society met at the meeting house the 12 of November at 8 oÕclock p.m.
1st N.S. Ramsay was chosen clerk protem.
2nd Henry Batchelder was chosen chairman.
3rd Voted to see if the parish would unite in inviting the Rev. N.W. Williams to become their pastor. Ballot 9 yeas, 10 nays.
4th Voted to chose a committee of three from the society to wait on N.W. Williams Ð Henry Batchelder, W. Shepard, and M.G. Brackett, committee.
5th Voted that a committee of two be chosen from the society to join a committee from the church to supply the desk Ð Levi Gurney and Henry Batchelder, committee.
6th Voted that this meeting be dissolved.
N.S. Ramsay, clerk protem.
Nov. 12, 1827
April 12, 1828
In pursuance to a warrant from the assessors the society met at 6 oÕclock in the meeting house.
1st Chose Nathan Oliver moderator.
2nd Chose J.C. Morrill clerk.
3rd Voted unanimously by ballot that the society do give Rev. Enoch M. Freeman a call to become their minister.
4th Chose Levi Gurney, James Wright, and Ephraim Osgood a committee to join a like committee from the church for the purpose of presenting said call to Rev. E.M. Freeman.
5th Chose J.G. Wood, Mr. Alvah Mansur, and Mr. Joseph Parker assessors for the year ensuing.
Bylaws
6th Resolved that in all future meetings of this society all male persons of sixteen years of age and over, usually worshipping in this house, and whose names are for the time being inserted in the societyÕs book as members shall be considered legal voters.
7th Voted that the society will order a collection from the congregation quarterly for the support of the singing.
8th Dissolved the meeting.
Below are the additional names of the members of said society Ð
William Graves Isaac Osgood
Richard L. Hastings Goodwin Wood
James S. Bradburn John H. Batchelder
Willard Brown Joseph S. Stiles
Joseph Parker Elisha Davis
John Jewitt David G. Hood
John Mulliken Jonathan Cram
William H. Sheefe Samuel Howard
Seth Hatch
Artemas Hodgeman Joseph H. Bryant
William C. Martain Parker Flanders
Daniel S. Rice
Abun White Edmund Cummings
Samuel D. Prescott Benjamin Watson
Amos Wetherbee Ebenezer T. Elliot
Josiah F. Nelson George Choate
J.M. Marston Luther Emerson
John Russ Benjamin P. Brown
? Vining J.A. Brabrook
Henry Batchelder Samuel Dearborn
Samuel Weston John H. Chase
Caleb Crosby Columbus Greene
Levi W. Page John W. Graves
Joseph Whitteman Timothy Gray
Augustus Butterfield Jonas Reed, Jr.
Moody Mansur Joseph S. Stiles
John Levi John O. Livingston
Silas Dean Eldridge Livingston
[illegible] Charles Knapp
William C. Gray Graham Sitton
Warren S. Thomas William H. Goding
James Wilson Edward Beals
Joseph S. Getchell James Mitchell
J.W. Graves Stephen Mansur
John S. Jaques William Goding
Timothy Gray Jr. Justin Cochran
Isaac Austin James A. Lawrence
John G. Moore Abel Leonard
Theodore Morse Troi Bishee
George Webster Samuel G. Cressy
Thomas J. Caldwell Zenas Herrick
Edwin B. Merrill George W. Walker
Benjamin Floyd Richard Tipp
William Mead John G. Wood
Joseph Bright John Shed
Stephen Puffer Benjamin N. Stuart
Jefferson [illegible] James N. Pinkham
Phanuel Flanders Asa Fairbanks
A.D. Dearborn James G. Morrison
Asa Farr William H. Morse
Joseph Tapley Richard Dennis
A.W. Whittredge William [illegible]
S.D. Leavitt John C. Dow
Hiram A. Cole
1834
To Nathaniel Wright Esq., one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the county of Middlesex,
We, the subscribers and members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell, there being no assessors of said Society, hereby apply to you to issue a warrant for the calling of a meeting of the members of the said society to be holden at the vestry of the meeting house now occupied by said society in Church Street in said Lowell on Wednesday, the fifth day of November next, at seven oÕclock in the afternoon to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator.
2nd To choose all such officers as parishes are authorized by law to choose in the months of March and April annually.
3rd To agree upon the mode of notifying all future meetings of said society.
Signed by the following members Ð
Joseph Parker W. Graves
John W. Graves Ransom Reed
Jonathan M. Marston Alvah Mansur
Joel Sanders Moody Mansur
Jefferson Bancroft Samuel Houraide
Middlesex SS.
To Alvah Mansur, one of the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in town affairs to meet at the vestry of the meeting house now occupied by said society, in Church Street in said Lowell, on Wednesday, the fifth day of November next, at seven oÕclock in the afternoon to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator.
2nd To choose all such officers as parishes are by law authorized to choose in the months of March and April annually.
3rd To agree upon the manner of notifying all future meetings of said Society.
Given under my hand and seal, this twenty second day of October A.D. 1834,
Nathaniel Wright
Justice of the Peace
Wednesday, November 5, 1834
At a meeting held by members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell at their meeting house in Church Street in said Lowell agreeable to the foregoing warrant,
Nathaniel Wright present,
Chose Alvah Mansur clerk.
Middlesex SS. November 5, 1834
Then personally appeared Alvah Mansur and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell until another person shall be chosen and sworn in his stead.
Nathaniel Wright
Justice of the Peace
Chose Spaulding Esq. moderator.
Chose R.L. Hastings collector and treasurer.
Chose Stephen Mansur, Jefferson Bancroft, John W. Graves, Elisha Davis, Jonathan M. Marston assessors.
Voted that the mode of notifying all future meetings shall be conformable to all bylaws.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy. Alvah Mansur, clerk
The following notice was posted to notify of foregoing meeting.
Notice
As hereby given by virtue of a warrant duly issued to the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell to meet at the vestry of the meeting house now occupied by said society in Church Street in said Lowell on Wednesday the fifth day of November next at seven oÕclock in the afternoon then and there to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator.
2nd To choose all such officers as parishes are by law authorized to choose in the months of March and April annually.
3rd To agree upon the mode of notifying all future meetings of said society.
Lowell, October 22, 1834
Alvah Mansur, a member of said society
Notice
This is to notify and warn all the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell who are legal voters to meet at their vestry on Church Street on the 22nd inst. at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m. to choose such parish officers as the law directs for the year ensuing and to act on any other business which may come before them per order of the assessors.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, April 11, 1835
Lowell, April 22, 1835
At a meeting held agreeable to the above notice at the society vestry
1st Chose Horatio C. Merriam moderator.
2nd Chose Alvah Mansur clerk.
Lowell, April 22, 1835
Middlesex SS.
Then personally appeared Alvah Mansur and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell until another person shall be chosen to serve in his stead.
Horatio C. Merriam, moderator
3rd Chose R.L. Hastings collector and treasurer.
4th Chose Henry Batchelder, Jefferson Bancroft, Ransom Reed, James Bradburn, Timothy Robinson assessors.
5th Voted that in future all annual meetings shall be called by the clerk in the months of March or April and for a special meeting an application of three members who are legal voters to the clerk shall be necessary, anything voted heretofore to the contrary notwithstanding.
Chose Joseph Parker, Amos Weatherbee, Isaac Osgood to keep order in the gallery during the seasons of public worship.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy. Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, January 4, 1836
To Alvah Mansur, clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby requested to notify and warn a meeting of the First Baptist Society in Lowell for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of giving the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton, who is now preaching with us, a call to become our pastor, or to act thereon as they may think proper, and to act on any other business which may come before them.
Jefferson Bancroft
Timothy S. Robinson
George W. Gilman
Joseph Parker
A true copy Alvah Mansur, clerk
Notice
This is to notify and warn all the male members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell who are legal voters to meet on the floor of their meeting house on Church Street on Saturday the 16th inst. at 7 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of giving the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton, who is now preaching with us, a call to become our pastor, or to act thereon as they may think proper, and to transact any other business which may come before them.
Lowell, January 5, 1836
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Saturday, January 16, 1836
At a meeting of the First Baptist Society in Lowell held the 16th day of January 1836 at their meeting house in Lowell agreeable to notice, Stephen Mansur, moderator.
Voted to give the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton a call to become their pastor.
Yeas twenty-one 21
Blank one 1
Nays not one
Voted to choose a committee of three to wait on the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton and to inform him of the doings of the meeting and to present him with a copy of said meeting.
Chose Doctor William Graves, Jefferson Bancroft, Richard L. Hastings a committee.
Voted to instruct the committee to inform the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton that the proprietors of this house voted at their last annual meeting eight hundred dollars for the support of the pulpit in their meeting house.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy Alvah Mansur, clerk
The following notice was posted on the doors of the meeting house.
Notice
This is to notify and warn all the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell who are legal voters to meet in their meeting house on Church Street in said Lowell on the 25th inst. at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of choosing such parish officers as the law directs for the year ensuing and to act on any other business which may come before them.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, April 13, 1836
April 25, 1836
At a meeting held this 25th day of April 1836 agreeable to the foregoing notice,
Voted and chose Doctor William Graves moderator.
Chose Alvah Mansur clerk.
Chose Jefferson Bancroft collector and treasurer.
Chose Henry Batchelder, Jefferson Bancroft, Ransom Reed, James Bradburn, Timothy S. Robinson assessors.
Chose Joseph Parker, Amos Weatherbee, Isaac Osgood, Silas Dean, Joseph Bryant to keep order in galleries during divine service.
Chose Isaac Osgood, Stephen Mansur, James Bradburn a committee to raise funds for the benefit of the singing.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy Alvah Mansur, clerk
Application for a meeting
To the assessors and clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell, Mass,
You are hereby requested to call a meeting of the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell agreeable to the laws of this Commonwealth on Thursday evening December 29th inst. at 8 oÕclock at their meeting house on Church Street in said Lowell, to act the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To see if the members of said society are satisfied with Rev. Joseph W. Eaton as pastor.
3rd To see whether the society will request Rev. Joseph W. Eaton to dissolve his connection with them as pastor, and to act on such other business as may come legally before them.
Lowell, December 19, 1836
The foregoing application was signed by the following members.
Josiah F. Webson Willard Brown
Samuel Weston Samuel C. Oliver
David Hood Benjamin Watson
W. Graves Joseph P. Stiles
Jonas Reed, Jr. Ebenezer T. Elliot
Benjamin T. Brown Joseph H. Bryant
J.A. Brabrook Samuel Dearborn
John Mulliken John O. Livingston
Hiram Watson Eldridge Livingston
Charles Knapp Abraham Titlon
Columbus Green J.W. Graves
A true copy Alvah Mansur, clerk
December 19, 1836
To Alvah Mansur, clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
Sir, you are directed to call a meeting of the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell agreeable to the written application.
Timothy Robinson, James Bradburn, Ransom Reed, assessors.
Notice
This is to notify and warn all the members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell who are legal voters to meet in their meeting house on Church Street in said Lowell on Thursday evening, December 29th at 8 oÕclock p.m. to take into consideration and act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To see if the members of said society are satisfied with the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton as their pastor.
3rd To see whether the society will vote to request the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton to dissolve his connection with them as pastor and to act on such other business as may legally come before them.
Lowell, December 19, 1836
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Thursday, December 29, 1836
At a meeting held agreeable to the foregoing notice
Voted and chose Willard Brown moderator.
Voted that the second article of the warrant be acted on by yea and nays.
Voted and cast 24 nays and 1 yea.
Voted to request the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton to dissolve his connection with them as pastor.
Voted that the clerk and moderator be a committee to inform the Rev. Joseph W. Eaton of the doings of this meeting.
Voted to choose a committee of three to meet the council.
Chose Col. Batchelder, James S. Bradburn, Columbus Green a committee.
Voted to adjourn to January 7th 1837 at 6 oÕclock p.m. at this place.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
January 7, 1837
The society met agreeable to the above adjournment.
Voted to choose a committee of five to supply the desk.
Chose Doctor J.W. Graves, Benjamin P. Brown, Ransom Reed, Willard Brown, Deacon Brown a committee.
Voted to add two to the committee for raising funds for the benefit of the singing.
Chose B.P. Brown, David G. Hood.
Voted that the singing committee be a committee to procure a chorister and to compensate him.
Voted the singing committee wait upon T.S. Robinson and present him the thanks of the society for his past services.
Voted that Dea. Stephen Brown be a committee to inform the church that the society has chosen a committee of 5 to act in concert with a committee from the church for the purpose of supplying the desk.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, January 1, 1837
To Alvah Mansur, clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
Sir, agreeable to the statute of this Commonwealth, I hereby notify you that from and after this date I shall not consider myself a member of the First Baptist Society and therefore request that my name be stricken from the roll of the members.
Respectfully, Timothy S. Robinson
To the assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby requested to direct the clerk of this society to call a meeting of the society on Thursday evening, March 23rd 1837, agreeably to the laws of the Commonwealth, to see if the society will vote to request the Rev. Joel S. Bacon to become their pastor or act in relation thereto.
Lowell, March 13, 1837
Samuel C. Oliver
William Graves
R.L. Hastings
John W. Graves
Isaac Osgood
Edmund Cummings
Stephen Brown
To the clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby directed to notify and warn the members of the First Baptist Society to assemble in their vestry on Thursday evening, March 23rd 1837, then and there to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator of said meeting.
2nd To see if the society will vote to invite the Rev. Joel S. Bacon to become their pastor or act anything thereon.
Given under our hands at Lowell this thirteenth day of March A.D. 1837,
James S. Bradburn
Ransom Reed
Assessors of First Baptist Society Lowell
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on Thursday, the 23rd of March, at 7 oÕclock p.m. to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator of said meeting.
2nd To choose the officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To see if the society will vote to invite the Rev. Joel S. Bacon to become their pastor or act anything thereon.
By order of the assessors of said society,
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, March 14, 1837
Thursday, March 23, 1837
Agreeably to the foregoing warrant the First Baptist Society of Lowell met and
1st Chose Dr. William Graves moderator.
2nd Chose Benjamin P. Brown clerk, who was sworn into office by the moderator.
3rd Chose Jefferson Bancroft collector and treasurer.
4th Chose Col. Henry Batchelder, Doctor J.W. Graves, James S. Bradburn, Ransom Reed, Dea. Timothy Gray assessors, who were sworn into office by the clerk.
5th Voted to decide the third article by yeas and nays.
6th Voted to invite the Rev. Joel S. Bacon to become their pastor, 40 votes in the affirmative.
7th Voted to choose a committee of three persons to wait on the Rev. Joel S. Bacon and inform him of the proceedings of the society and request his answer.
8th Chose Doctor William Graves, Benjamin P. Brown, Willard Brown said committee.
9th Voted that the clerk inform the Rev. Joel S. Bacon so far as relates to him of the proceedings of this meeting.
10th Voted that the society offer the Rev. Joel S. Bacon the sum of one thousand dollars per year for his services as pastor.
11th Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy Benjamin P. Brown, clerk
Lowell, March 23, 1837
To the assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby requested to direct the clerk of the society to call a meeting of said society at 8 oÕclock on Thursday evening, the 5th day of October next, agreeable to the laws of the Commonwealth, to see if the society will vote to request the Rev. Joseph Ballard to become their pastor or act in relation thereto, and attend to such other business as may come before this meeting.
Lowell, September 26, 1837
R.L. Hastings
Benjamin P. Brown
Edmund Cummings
Hiram Watson
Silas Dean
William B. Oliver
Goodwin Wood
Ransom Reed
Willard Brown
A true copy Benjamin P. Brown, clerk
Lowell, September 26, 1837
To the clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
Please to notify a meeting of said society agreeable to the written petition.
James S. Bradburn
Ransom Reed
Isaac Osgood
Assessors
Attest a true copy Benjamin P. Brown, clerk
Thursday, October 5, 1837
Agreeable to notice the society met and
Chose Dea. Stephen Brown moderator.
Voted to act on the first article.
Voted to adjourn the meeting to Monday evening, 9th inst. at 8 oÕclock.
Monday, October 9, 1837
The society met agreeable to the above adjournment and chose Alvah Mansur clerk protem.
Voted to consider the 2nd article and to decide it by yeas and nays and the votes stood thus viz. 36 votes in favor of giving the Rev. Joseph Ballard a call to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church and Society in Lowell and one blank.
Voted to offer the Rev. Joseph Ballard the sum of one thousand dollars for his services as pastor.
Voted to choose a committee of three to inform the Rev. Joseph Ballard of the proceedings of this meeting.
Voted that Joseph Parker, Ransom Reed, Luther Emerson comprise said committee.
Voted to choose a committee of three to settle with Mrs. Freeman the demand which she says is due the Rev. E.W. Freeman for his services as pastor for the year 1834. Voted that Dea. Mead, Doctor J.W. Graves, and Mr. Isaac Osgood be said committee.
Voted to adjourn the meeting to Monday evening, 23rd October instant at 8 oÕclock.
Monday evening, October 23, 1837
The society met agreeable to adjournment and voted to adjourn to Monday evening, November 4th at the same time and place.
Monday evening, November 4, 1837
Agreeable to adjournment the society met and chose Dea. Mead moderator pro tem.
Voted to accept the Rev. Joseph BallardÕs proposals.
Voted that Dea. Mead be a committee to consult the trustees of the meeting house about the propriety of altering back the pulpit to its former height.
Voted that this meeting stand adjourned to Monday evening, 20th Nov. instant at 8 oÕclock.
Monday evening, November 20, 1837
Agreeable to adjournment, the society met and chose Dea. Mead moderator.
Voted to add Dea. Mead to the committee on singing.
Voted to choose a committee of three persons to confer with the church and with them make arrangements for the installation of the Rev. Joseph Ballard.
Voted that Dr. J.W. Graves, Alvah Mansur, Ransom Reed be said committee.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Attest a true record Benjamin P. Brown, society clerk
To the clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
You are hereby directed to notify and warn the members of the First Baptist Society to assemble in their vestry at 8 oÕclock on Thursday evening, 22nd day of March instant, for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose the officers for the year ensuing.
3rd And to transact all other business that may then and there legally come before them.
Ransom Reed
Timothy Gray
James S. Bradburn
Assessors of the First
Baptist Society in Lowell
Attest a true copy B.P. Brown, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified by law to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on the evening of Thursday 22nd of March instant at 8 oÕclock for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may then and there legally come before them.
By order of the assessors,
Benjamin P. Brown, society clerk
Lowell, March 7, 1838
Thursday evening, March 22, 1838
Agreeable to notice the society met and chose Dea. Timothy Gray moderator.
Chose Benjamin P. Brown clerk, who was sworn into office by the moderator.
Chose Jefferson Bancroft collector and treasurer.
Chose Dr. J.W. Graves, J.S. Bradburn, Ransom Reed, Dea. Timothy Gray, Benjamin Watson assessors.
Watson, Gray, and Bradburn were sworn into office by the clerk.
Chose Joseph Parker, Amos Weatherbee, Joseph Bryant, and Isaac Osgood tithing men.
Chose Ransom Reed, Dea. William Mead, Benjamin P. Brown, J.S. Bradburn, Isaac Osgood to take care of the singing.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Attest a true copy Benjamin P. Brown, society clerk
Lowell, March 22, 1838
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified by law to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on Thursday evening, 28th of March inst. at 7 oÕclock for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may then and there legally come before them.
By order of the assessors,
Benjamin Brown, society clerk
Lowell, March 12, 1839
A true copy by Alvah Mansur
Thursday evening, March 28, 1839
At a meeting of the First Baptist Society in Lowell held this 28th day of March 1839 agreeable to the foregoing notice and voted by ballot
Chose Col. Henry Batchelder moderator.
Chose Alvah Mansur clerk.
March 30, 1840
Then the above named Alvah Mansur personally appeared and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the aforesaid society.
Before me,
Samuel Williams
Justice of the Peace
Chose Asa Farr collector and treasurer.
Chose Deacon Timothy Gray, Ransom Reed, Benjamin Watson, John Mulliken, Joseph Tapley assessors.
Chose Joseph Parker, Amos Weatherbee, Joseph Bayington, Isaac Osgood tithing men.
Voted to choose a committee of three whose duty shall be to provide an organist, corrister, and sexton for the ensuing year and to take the general superintendence of the singing and meeting house.
Chose Dea. William Mead, Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson a committee.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, March 28, 1839
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified by law to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their committee room on Friday, 10th of April, at 7 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may legally come before them.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Lowell, March 30, 1840
Friday evening, April 10, 1840
Met agreeable to the foregoing notice and held their meeting this 10th day of April 1840 in the committee room of the First Baptist Society meeting house in Lowell.
Voted by ballot and chose Joseph Tapley moderator.
Chose Alvah Mansur clerk.
Middlesex SS. April 10, 1840
Then the above named Alvah Mansur personally appeared and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the aforesaid society.
Before me,
John W. Graves
Jus. Peace
Chose Asa Farr treasurer and collector.
Voted to choose the assessors by hand vote.
Chose Joseph Tapley, Isaac Osgood, Edward Beals, J.W. Graves assessors.
Chose Joseph Parker, Isaac Osgood, Joseph Bryant, Goodwin Wood to keep order during the time of service, or in other words tithing men.
Chose William Mead, Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson a committee for the purpose of providing organist, chorister, and sexton.
Voted to accept the report of the treasurer.
Voted that the treasurer be authorized to circulate a subscription paper for the purpose of raising funds to pay organist, chorister, and sexton.
Voted to dissolve the foregoing meeting.
Alvah Mansur, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified by law to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in the meeting house on Thursday, the 8th day of April, at 12 oÕclock at noon for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern the meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may legally come before them.
Joseph Tapley
John W. Graves
Isaac Osgood
Assessors
Lowell, March 30, 1841
Thursday noon, April 8, 1841
Met agreeable to the foregoing notice and held their meeting this 8th day April 1841 in the committee room of the First Baptist Society meeting house in Lowell.
Voted by ballot and chose Stephen Mansur moderator.
Chose Benjamin Watson clerk.
Middlesex, Mass. April 8, 1841
Then the above named Benjamin Watson personally appeared and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the aforesaid society before me.
Chose Asa Farr treasurer and collector.
Voted to choose the assessors by ballot.
Chose Joseph Tapley, Isaac Osgood, William Mead, Benjamin Watson assessors.
Chose Isaac Osgood, Joseph Bryant, Goodwin Wood, John Shed tithing men.
Chose Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson, William Goding committee for playing the organ.
Voted to accept the report of the treasurer.
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on Tuesday, the 19th day of April, at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may legally come before them.
Lowell, April 5, 1842
Tuesday evening, April 19, 1842
Met agreeable to the foregoing notice and held their meeting this 19 April 1842 in committee room of the First Baptist Society meeting house in Lowell.
Voted by ballot and chose Stephen Mansur moderator.
Chose Benjamin Watson clerk, he made oath before the moderator.
Chose Asa Farr treasurer and collector.
Voted to choose assessors by ballot.
Joseph Tapley, William Mead, Isaac Osgood, Benjamin Watson assessors.
Voted to accept the treasurerÕs report.
Chose Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson, William Goding committee for playing the organ.
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in the vestry on Tuesday, the 18th April, at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of voting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all business that may legally come before them.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Lowell, April 18, 1843
Tuesday evening, April 18, 1843
Met agreeable to the foregoing notice and held the meeting this 18th day of April in their vestry room of the First Baptist Society meeting house in Lowell.
Voted by ballot and chose Joseph Tapley moderator.
Chose Benjamin Watson clerk.
Middlesex SS. April 18, 1843
Then the above named B. Watson personally appeared and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of clerk of the aforesaid society before me.
Chose Asa Farr treasurer and collector.
Voted to choose the assessors by ballot.
Chose Joseph Tapley, Isaac Osgood, William Mead, Benjamin Watson assessors.
Chose Isaac Osgood, Joseph Bryant, Goodwin Wood, John Mead tithing men.
Chose Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson, William Goding committee of singing.
Voted to accept the report of the treasurer.
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on Thursday, the 4th of April at 3 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of voting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose the officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To transact all other business that may legally come before them.
4th To see if the church and society will hire the meeting house and if so make arrangements with the proprietors.
Lowell, March 23, 1844
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Thursday, April 4, 1844
1st Whole number votes was 27 for moderator, Stephen Mansur had 25 and was chosen.
2nd Voted and chose Benjamin Watson clerk, then he appeared and made oath before the moderator.
3rd Voted to choose three as committee to select five names as assessors. Richard Dennis, William Goding, James Lawrence was the committee.
4th They reported William Mead, Richard Dennis, Jonas Read, A.W. Whittredge, Benjamin Watson assessors.
5th Chose Stephen Mansur treasurer and collector.
Isaac Osgood, Samuel B. Abbott, John Shead, George W. Wurkez, Phanuel Flanders tithing men.
Stephen Mansur, Luther Emerson, William Goding committee of singing.
Voted to instruct the assessors to hire the meeting house of the proprietors for three hundred dollars per year to be paid quarterly by the treasurer.
Voted to appropriate nine hundred dollars to supply the desk.
Voted to appropriate seventy-five dollars for the organist.
Voted to pay the sexton fifty-two dollars for his services per year.
Voted to pay the collector fifty dollars.
Voted this meeting be dissolved.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Lowell, April 4, 1844
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS. Lowell April 17th A.D. 1844
Personally appeared Stephen Mansur of Lowell and made oath that he would faithfully perform the duties of the office of collector and treasurer of the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
Before me,
Joel Adams, Just. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS. May 27, 1844
Personally appeared Benjamin Watson, William Mead, Alfred W. Whittredge, and Richard Dennis and made oath that they would faithfully perform the duties of assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell, during their continuance in office.
Before me,
John W. Graves, Jus. Peace
Names Names
Paul Perkins Benjamin E. Atwood
Thomas Stanton Jonathan Barnard
Joseph Sufkin Warren Damon
Hiram Hanson Hiram Watson
John Salter Walter Abbot
Henry Cochran Joel Saunders, Jr.
Jesse Moore David Witham
Leonard Thorning Lucius B. Noose
Oliver Richardson William Spencer
John Jewitt Samuel Osgood
[illegible] Benjamin Snow, Jr.
Asahel B. Wright Alexander Snow
Alanson Folsom Daniel Livingston
Calvin [illegible] Eldridge Livingston
Daniel Hurd N.B. Merrill
Daniel Wood Henry Poor
R.D. Shaw Henry C. Austin
J. McGregary J.L. Hale
Samuel Coburn Jr. Alexander Delano
A.W. Parker Samuel B. Dean
Nathaniel Fisher Ivory Edwards
J.F. Monahan Joseph W. Tapley
Sylvester Woodward Daniel C. Eddy
Charles H. Lawrence Luther J. Phelps
Samuel B. Abbot Thomas Stanton
John Dexter James T. Turk
Richard B. Foss George W. Upton
Alpheus D. Rugg Samuel C. Pratt
William Bunker
David G. Smith
John Whitney
Ambrose D. Hayward
Bunham Patch
Alonzo Shute
William W. Sherman
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in the vestry on Thursday the third day of April at 3 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose the officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To see if the society will reengage the present pastor for the year ensuing.
4th To see if the society will hire the meeting house of the proprietors and to transact all other business that may come before them.
Lowell, March 24, 1845
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Thursday, April 3, 1845
Whole number votes 65 for moderator, Stephen Mansur had 55 and was chosen.
Whole number votes 65 for clerk, Benjamin Watson 62 and was chosen.
Voted to choose a committee of three to nominate five persons for assessors and they brought in the following names Ð William Mead, Richard Dennis, Paul Perkins, A.W. Parker assessors and was voted in.
Chose Stephen Mansur treasurer and collector.
Chose William Mead, Jonas Read, Hiram A. Cole committee on singing.
Chose the following for tithing men Ð John Shead, Isaac Osgood, Samuel B. Abbott, John Salter, Richard Tripp.
Chose Joseph Tapley and Joseph A. Brabrook [illegible].
Voted to instruct the assessors to hire the meeting house for three hundred dollars of the proprietors for the year ensuing.
Voted to give the Rev. Joseph Ballard nine hundred dollars for the year ensuing.
Voted one hundred dollars for the organist.
Voted one hundred dollars for the chorister.
Voted fifty dollars for sexton.
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Lowell, April 3, 1845
Benjamin Watson, clerk
To the clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
We, the undersigned, respectfully solicit a warrant issued calling a meeting of said society as soon as may be in accordance with the bylaws of said society for the purpose herein mentioned.
First, to choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
Secondly, to see if said society will unite with the church in inviting Daniel C. Eddy to become pastor of said church and society.
Thirdly, to act on any other business which may come before said meeting.
Signed,
William Mead
Joseph Tapley
Luther Emerson
Asa Farr
Benjamin Watson
Lowell, January 3, 1846
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in the vestry on Saturday, the 17th day of January, at 7 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To see if said society will unite with the church in inviting Daniel C. Eddy to become pastor of said church and society.
3rd To act on any other business which may come before said meeting.
Lowell, January 3, 1846
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Saturday evening, January 17, 1846
The members of the First Baptist Society of Lowell met according to notice and chose Hiram A. Cole moderator of said meeting.
2nd Voted to invite D.C. Eddy to become pastor of said society and church by yea and nay, yeas 30, nays 7, whole number of votes 37.
3rd Voted that in case said society becomes dissatisfied with, and wishes to dissolve their connection with said Eddy, they shall give him three months notice and in case said Eddy wishes to dissolve his connection with said society he shall give the same notice.
4th Voted to choose a committee of three to unite with the church in making preparations for the ordination.
5th Chose as said committee the following persons viz. J.W. Graves, H. Hauson, J. Pinkham.
6th Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Bro. Watson,
Dear sir,
I have received through you the statement of votes of the society in which they unite with the church in giving me an invitation to become your pastor.
I have also received your second note in relation to the mode of dissolving the connection. I have already written a letter to the church and society which will be read [illegible] at the church meeting and from the pulpit on the coming Sabbath. I reply to your call in the affirmative but wish you to consider the documents which I sent to the church and society as my answer, which it may be well to record upon the books of both church and society.
Yours truly,
Daniel C. Eddy
Salem, Mass.
January 20, 1846
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell are hereby notified that their annual meeting will be holden in the vestry on Thursday, April 2, 1846 at 2 oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose the officers for the year ensuing.
3rd To ascertain if the society will raise funds for repairing the meeting house.
4th To transact all other business which may legally come before them. I
Lowell, March 20, 1846
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Thursday, April 2, 1846
The members of the First Baptist Society met according to notice and chose William Goding as moderator of said meeting also
Benjamin Watson clerk
William Mead
Richard Dennis
Paul Perkins
Hiram Watson
A.W. Parker assessors
Stephen Mansur collector and treasurer
William Mead
Luther Emerson
H.A. Cole singing committee
Phanuel Flanders
Charles Lawrence
Joseph Blanchard
Richard Tripp
Isaac Osgood
S.B. Abbott tithing men
Joseph A. Brabrook
Joseph Tapley auditing committee
Voted to accept the account of the auditing committee of last year.
Voted to hire the meeting house at a rent of three hundred dollars per year.
Voted to pass the third article of the warrant until some future meeting.
Voted to appropriate nine hundred dollars for the salary of the pastor for the ensuing year.
Voted one hundred dollars for organist.
Voted one hundred dollars for leader.
Voted fifty-two dollars for sexton.
Voted fifty dollars for collector and treasurer.
Benjamin Watson was sworn in as clerk by the moderator.
Voted the clerk notify.
Voted to adjourn to Thursday, April 9th, 7 ½ oÕclock p.m.
Lowell, April 2, 1846
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society are hereby notified that their annual meeting will be holden in the vestry on Thursday, April 22, 1847 at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m. for the purpose of acting upon the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To choose their officers for the ensuing year.
3rd To see if the society will hire or buy the meeting house of said proprietors.
4th To transact all other business which may legally come before them.
Lowell, April 15, 1847
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Thursday evening, April 22, 1847
Met agreeable to notice and chose J.A. Brabrook moderator and Benjamin Watson clerk, sworn in by the moderator.
A.W. Parker
J.W. Graves ins. Daniel Hurd (declined J.W. Graves)
Benjamin Stuart assessors
R. Dennis ins. Paul Perkins (declined R. Dennis)
Chose S. Mansur collector and treasurer.
Bunham Patch
J.W. Graves
Samuel Pratt committee on singing
Hiram A. Cole
James Pinkham
Joseph Blanchard
Samuel Cressy
Samuel Coburn Jr. tithing men
Chose Joseph Tapley
Asa Farr auditing committee
Voted to appropriate one thousand dollars for the support of the desk.
Voted to appropriate two hundred and fifty dollars for the singing and organist.
Voted fifty-two dollars for the sexton.
Voted to hire the meeting house for three hundred dollars per year.
Voted to adjourn to Tuesday, 7 ½ oÕclock p.m.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, April 27, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and voted to accept the treasurerÕs report.
Voted, to choose a committee of five to investigate the subject of repairing or buying of said house.
Samuel C. Pratt
Daniel Hurd
Joseph Sufkin
Hiram Watson
Jonas Read
Voted to adjourn for one week.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, May 4, 1847
Voted to accept the report of said committee.
Voted to accept the proposition of the proprietors to purchase the house for two thousand dollars.
Voted that the same committee be re-chosen.
Voted to adjourn for one week.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, May 11, 1847
Met agreeable to the adjournment.
Voted to accept the report of said committee.
Voted a committee of five to negotiate with the proprietors.
Samuel C. Pratt
Daniel Hurd
Joseph Sufkin
W.W. Sherman
Jonas Reed
Voted to adjourn for one week.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, May 18, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and voted to adjourn for two weeks.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, June 1, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and chose Richard Dennis chairman pro-tem.
Voted to adjourn for two weeks.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, June 15, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and heard the report of the committee.
Voted to accept the same.
Voted to choose a committee of three.
S.C. Pratt
D. Hurd
J.W. Graves
Voted to adjourn for two weeks.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, June 29, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and voted to adjourn to the last Tuesday in July.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Tuesday evening, July 27, 1847
Met agreeable to adjournment and heard the report of the committee.
Voted to accept the report of said committee.
Voted to choose a committee of three to see what repairs were necessary.
Benjamin Watson
Joseph Sufkin
S. Mansur
Voted to dissolve this meeting.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Middlesex SS. August 11, 1847
Then personally appeared Stephen Mansur and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duties of treasurer and collector of the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
Before me,
John W. Graves, Jus. Peace
Middlesex SS. August 17, 1847
Then personally appeared Richard Dennis, Benjamin Stuart, and Amasa W. Parker and made oath that they would faithfully discharge the duties of assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
Before me,
John W. Graves, Jus. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex SS.
To Benjamin Watson of Lowell in said county, clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
We, subscribers, being legal voters and members of said society, request you to call a meeting of said society for the purpose of ascertaining whether the society will purchase of the proprietors of the First Baptist Meeting House in Lowell their meeting house and its [illegible], whether said society will authorize any person or persons to borrow money for their use and upon their credit and to mortgage said meeting house and its [illegible], as security for said loan or for the whole or part of the purchase money thereof, and whether said society will alter its bylaws or make any new bylaws or regulations as to membership in said society.
Lowell, August 4, 1847
J.A. Brabrook
Asa Farr
Stephen Mansur
John W. Graves
William Mead
Richard Dennis
Daniel Hurd
John Whitney
Joseph Tapley
John Salter
Notice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex SS.
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in parish affairs are notified to meet in the vestry of said society on Monday the sixteenth day of August instant at seven and a half of the clock in the afternoon to act upon the following articles.
1st To choose a moderator to preside at the meeting.
2nd To ascertain whether the society will purchase of the proprietors of the First Baptist Meeting House in Lowell, their meeting house and its [illegible] and to take such [illegible] as they may find expedient.
3rd To ascertain whether the society will authorize any person or persons to borrow money for their use and upon their credit and to mortgage said meeting house as security for said loan or for the whole or part of the purchase money and repairs of said house.
4th To ascertain whether the society will alter any of its bylaws or make any new bylaws or regulations on the subject of membership in said society.
5th To act on such other business as may come before them.
Lowell, August 5, 1847
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Monday evening, August 16, 1847
Met agreeable to notice and chose J.A. Brabrook moderator.
Voted that the society authorize the assessors to purchase of the proprietors their meeting house for two thousand dollars.
Voted that the assessors be and they are hereby authorized to borrow for and on account of the First Baptist Society in Lowell a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars to be expended in purchasing the meeting house and land (now occupied by said society) and making repairs thereon, or assuming the debts of the proprietors, and they are hereby authorized to sign for and in behalf of said society, any note or notes and mortgage which may be necessary to secure the payment of said to any persons who shall loan the money aforesaid or become surety for the payment of said loan.
Voted to choose two assessors to fill the vacancies of Perkins and Hurd who resigned.
Chose Doctor J.W. Graves and Richard Dennis assessors.
Voted to choose a committee of five.
Benjamin Watson
Joseph Sufkin
Stephen Mansur
Caleb Crosby
Richard Dennis committee of repairs
Voted that the committee shall not exceed fifteen hundred dollars on repairs and that the committee draw on the treasurer for money to pay the same.
Voted this meeting adjourn to the 31st day of August at 7 ½ oÕclock p.m.
Benjamin Watson, clerk
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified that their annual meeting will be holden in the vestry April 6th at 2 oÕclock p.m. to act on the following business.
1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2nd To hear the report of the treasurer.
3rd To choose the officers for the ensuing year.
4th To see if the society will make any repairs or alterations on the meeting house and if so whether they will authorize the trustees or assessors to borrow money on the credit of the society and secure the same by mortgaging the meeting house or otherwise.
5th To act on all other business that may legally come before them.
Lowell, March 25, 1848
Per order, Benjamin Watson, clerk
April 6, 1848
The members of the First Baptist Society met agreeably to notice and elected J.A. Brabrook moderator and Samuel C. Pratt clerk, who was duly sworn in by the moderator.
Heard the treasurerÕs report which was accepted.
Elected Stephen Mansur collector and treasurer for the year ensuing.
Elected Richard Dennis
J.W. Graves
William Mead assessors
Asa Farr
Amasa W. Parker
A. Delano committee on singing
H.A. Cole
P. Flanders
Richards tithing men
J. Tapley
A. Farr auditors
Voted that the financial year close the last of December instead of March as heretofore, and that the auditing committee make up their report to that time.
Voted to appropriate one thousand dollars for the supply of the desk the ensuing year, two hundred dollars for singing, playing the organ, and blowing the same, and fifty-two dollars for sexton.
Voted that the amount paid for singing more than the appropriation during the last year be paid from the income of the house during the last year.
Voted to pay J.A. Brabrook from the income of the house the present year forty-six dollars, it being money which he advanced for the society in the year 1845.
Voted to appropriate forty dollars towards warming and lighting the house the ensuing year, and that the balance of income of the house be appropriated towards liquidating the debt of the society.
Voted that the assessors be and they are hereby authorized to borrow for, and on account of, the First Baptist Society in Lowell a sum not exceeding four thousand dollars to be expended in repairing the meeting house and paying the debts which the society now owe, and the treasurer is hereby authorized to sign for, and in behalf of, said society any note or notes and mortgages which may be necessary to secure the payment of such sum or sums as the assessors may hire for said society, to any person or persons who shall loan the money or become surety for the payment of the same.
Voted that B. Watson, J. Sufkin, S. Mansur, Caleb Crosby, and Richard Dennis be a committee on repairs and that they be requested to report at a future meeting what repairs it is necessary to make and what would be the probable expense.
Voted that the assessors report at the next meeting of the society as to the success in borrowing money for the society.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Samuel C. Pratt, clerk
Middlesex SS. April 8, 1848
Then personally appeared Richard Dennis, J.W. Graves, and William Mead and made oath that they would faithfully discharge the duties of assessors of the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
Before me,
Stephen Mansur, Jus. Peace
Middlesex SS. April 8, 1848
Then personally appeared Stephen Mansur and made oath that he would faithfully discharge the duty of treasurer of the First Baptist Society in Lowell.
Before me,
John W. Graves, Jus. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS.
To Samuel C. Pratt of Lowell in said county, clerk of the First Baptist Society in Lowell,
We, subscribers, being legal voters and members of said society request you to call a meeting of said society for the purpose of voting upon the following articles viz.
That every male person of twenty-one years of age and upwards who shall have worshipped with the First Baptist Society in Lowell during the six months next preceding the time when he claims to exercise the right of membership and who shall have paid a tax for a pew or seat in the church for the next preceding six months and who shall have subscribed his name to the bylaws of the society shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership. And the resolve on the subject of membership passed on April 12, 1828 to all other bylaws inconsistent with the above regulation are hereby repealed.
Asa Farr
Luther Emerson
J.A. Brabrook
Joseph Tapley
Daniel C. Eddy
Stephen Mansur
Benjamin Watson
William Mead
A.W. Parker
John W. Graves
Lowell, April 7, 1848
Notice
The members of the First Baptist Society in Lowell qualified to vote in society affairs are hereby notified to meet in their vestry on Tuesday evening, April 18th at half past seven oÕclock to act on the following articles viz.
1st To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
2nd To see if the society will alter or amend their bylaws.
3rd To act on any other business that may legally come before them.
Lowell, April 8, 1848
Per order, Samuel C. Pratt, clerk
Tuesday evening, April 18, 1848
The First Baptist Society met agreeably to notice and elected J.A. Brabrook moderator.
Voted to adopt the report of the committee on the bylaws presented at a previous meeting as follows viz.
Bylaws
Every male person of twenty-one years of age and upwards who shall have worshipped with the First Baptist Society in Lowell during the six months next preceding the time when he claims to exercise the rights of membership and who shall have paid a tax for a pew or seat in the church of said society for said next preceding six months and who shall have subscribed his name to the bylaws of the society shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership. And the resolve on the subject of membership passed on April 12, 1828 and all other bylaws inconsistent with the above regulation are hereby repealed.
Voted that the Rev. Mr. Eddy has the thanks of this society for his efforts in raising a subscription for the purpose of repairing the meeting house.
Voted that the committee on repairs be authorized to procure such plans, specifications, and estimates, as they may think necessary for the repairs of the house.
Voted to adjourn to April 25th in this place at half past seven oÕclock p.m.
Samuel C. Pratt, clerk
April 25, 1848
The society met agreeably to adjournment, prayer by Rev. Mr. Eddy.
The committee on repairs reported plans, specifications, and estimates as prepared by J.H. Rand for the alteration and repairs of the meeting house.
Voted to accept the report of the committee.
Voted that the committee on repairs be authorized to go on and repair the house adhering as nearly as practicable to the plans and specifications above referred to as soon as the sum of three thousand shall be secured on the subscription book.
Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Samuel C. Pratt, clerk
October 11, 1848
At a meeting of the assessors held this day, it was voted that the treasurer be authorized to get an additional insurance on the meeting house of two thousand dollars at such office as he, with the chairman of the assessors, shall select, for the term of five years and he is hereby authorized to pay such money and give such note in behalf of the society as may be necessary for that purpose.
Samuel C. Pratt, clerk
A piece of paper that seems to serve as a bookmark reads:
Lowell, April 26th 1828
Lowell Baptist Church
To Thomas Billings
1 Record Book 4 quins $2.00
Delivered Mr. Sheppard paid