East Chelmsford January 1, 1826

            At the p.m. service in the schoolhouse, all Brethren and Sisters, members of Baptist churches in good standing were invited to meet on the evening of the 7^th instant. At the house of Br. Nathan Oliver’s to take into consideration the propriety of forming a church in this place.

 

January 7, 1826

Met agreeably to notice. Present Brethren N. Oliver, W.D. Mason, A. Rugg, C. Oliver, G. Puffer and J.C. Morrill and seventeen Sisters.

Br. Jackson of Charlestown prayed and remarked on the importance of church government and fellowship.

Appointed Brethren Smith, N. Oliver and Morrill to prepare Articles of Faith.

Voted that the Brethren and Sisters should send to the churches to which they severally belong, to obtain letters of recommendation and dismission to the church which may be formed in this place.

Adjourned, to meet on the evening of 15^th instant at Br. Mason’s house to relate what God hath done for our souls.

Br. Mason gave thanks.

 

January 15, 1826

Met according to adjournment. Br. E. B. Smith prayed. Heard the relation of Brethren Morrill, Rugg, N. Oliver and Puffer and Sister Fisk, Oliver, Morrill, Mason, ?, Sibley and Taylor. We thought it good to be there. Adjourned to meet at Br. Morrill’s 21^st instant.

Br. N. Oliver gave thanks.

 

January 21, 1826

Met according to adjournment. Br. Rugg prayed. Heard Br. Mason and Sister Moore, Hachet, Rice, C. Write, Blake, M. Spalding, Abbot, Ruggand Lavina Price, account the goodness of God to them in redeeming them from sin.

A happy union of feelings pervaded the room and our hearts burned within us. Adjourned. Br. Mason gave thanks.

 

Monday evening January 23, 1826

The Brethren, being notified, met at Br. Morrill’s house and after prayers-

1. Chose Br. N. Oliver Mod. and J. C. Morrill Clerke

2. Chose Brethren E. B. Smith, N. Oliver and Morrill a committee to prepare letters missive to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Baptist Churches in Boston, the Baptist Churches in Newton, Salem, Lynn, Charlestown, Cambridgeport, Methuen, South Reading, Chelmsford, and Malden, requesting them to send their Pastors and each a delegate to set in council on the 2^nd Wednesday in February next, at 10 o’clock A.M. to consider the expediency of constituting a Baptist Church of Christ in this place.

3. Voted that Br. Sharp of Boston be requested to preach on the occasion and in case of his failure that Brethren Davis of South Reading be requested to preach.

4. Voted that Father Grafton be requested to express the Fellowship of the Churches.

5. Voted that the clerke be instructed hereby to record the doings of the former meetings of the Brethren and Sisters (in reference to forming a church) in a page preceeding the doings of this meeting.

6. Voted to adjourn, to meet in this place on the evening of 28^th instant.

 

Copy of the Letter to the Churches

To the Baptist Church of Christ in Newton,

Beloved Brethren, It hath pleased the Great Head of the Church incline the hearts of a number of the Brethren and Sisters in this place to appreciate for the purpose of worshipping god according to the dictates of their consciences; and the letter to promote unity of spirit the band of Christian Fellowship a growth in grace and the cause of this Redeemer among men, they have thought it good to be constituted a church in the order of the Gospel. Therefore you are requested to send your Pastor and a Delegate to sit in council with Brethren from the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd churches in Boston, the churches in Newton, Salem, Lynn, Cambridgeport, Methuen, Charlestown, Chelmsford, South Reading and Malden on the 2^nd Wednesday in February next at 10 o’clock A.M. for the purposes of thus constituting said church if found expedient.

East Chelmsford         January 24, 1826

In behalf of the Brethren,

E. B. Smith, J.C. Morrill, N. Oliver

Brethren prayed for us.

 

February 5, 1826

Met at Br. Morrill’s house in the evening. Br. Parkhurst prayed and remarked on the nature of a church.

Chose Brethren Oliver, Mason and Rugg a committee to represent the proposed church before the council to be convened on Wednesday next to constitute said church.

Adjourned to meet at Br. Oliver’s house Monday evening 6 o’clock.

 

February 6,1826

Met according to adjournment. Br. Smith prayed and read the scriptures. Voted and appointed Br. Morrill to receive in behalf of the Brethren the fellowships of the church.

Heard Sister Ester Oliver’s relation.

The committee appointed to prepare Articles of Faith and Practice reported. They were read and duly examined.

Voted unanimously to except and approve the Declaration of Faith and Covenant prepared by our committee appointed for this purpose, each member giving verbal assent.

 

February 8, 1826

Agreeably to the Letters Missive of 24^th January last, an Ecclesiastical Council assembled at the Merrimac Hotel, at 10 o’clock A.M. composed of the following ministers and brethren Viz.

First Baptist Church in Boston, Rev. F. Wayland- P

Second Baptist Church in Boston, Rev. J.D. Knowls- P

                                                Br. Ezra Chamberlain- D

Third Baptist Church in Boston, Br. Ensign Lincoln-D

                                                Dea. Ward Jackson- D

First Baptist Church in Salem, Rev. Lucius Bolles D.D.- P

                                                Br. Jona M. Farnum- D

First Baptist Church in Methuen, C.O. Kimball- P

                                                Br. Eben Whittier- D

P stands for Pastor and D for Delegate.

Baptist Church in Cambridgeport, Dea. E. Cory- D

Baptist Church in Chelmsford, Rev. John Parkhurst- P

                                                Dea. E. Hutchins- D

Baptist Church in So. Reading, Rev. J. F. Davis- P

                                                Dea. Jacob Eaton- D

Baptist Church in Malden, Rev. John Cookson- P

                                                Br. Oliver- D

Chose L. Bolles D.D. as Moderator.

Chose C.O. Kimbal as Scribe.

Voted that Rev. S. S. Mallory and Brethren Samuel Adams and Samuel Wiley, being present, take and deliberate with the council.

Br. Ensign Lincoln prayed.

Read letters from various Baptist churches recommending and dismissing the following Brethren and Sisters to be united into a distinct and regular Baptist church. ? Cyrus Oliver, Jonathan C. Morrill, W.D. Mason, Nathan Oliver, George Puffer, Matilda Oliver, Lydia Price, Lucy Bowen, Eliza Spalding, Susan Mores, Sally Morrill, Sarah Hackett, Sally Taylor, Mary Ann Wright, Priscilla Caroline Wright, Mary Spalding, Mary Abbott, Bridget W. Scales, Sally Rugg, Betsy Reed, Laura Keyes, Lavina Rice, Esther Oliver, Mary Ann Mason, Mary Ann Willonby, Mary Sibley, Margery ?, and Abi Spalding.

Heard a statement of the proceedings of the above Brethren and Sisters in reference to their becoming a distinct Baptist Church, the articles of faith and practice which have been adopted by them, and the covenant to which they have subscribed.

The council being satisfied with the moral character and Christian experience the views of doctrine discipline and practice and circumstances and proceedings, the Articles and Covenant of the above named brethren and sisters.

Voted unanimously that this Ecclesiastical Council proceed to acknowledge them as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ in full fellowship with us.

Voted that the Rev. John Parkhurst be requested to offer up the introductory prayer.

Voted that Rev. Gustaves F. Davis preach the sermon

Voted that Rev. Lucius Bolles D.D. present the right hand of fellowship.

Voted that C.O. Kimball make the concluding prayer.

Voted to adjourn to the place of public worship.

Rev. John Cookson closed with prayer.

Proceeded to the place of public worship where the above services were performed before a large solemn and attentive audience, Text, ps. 60,22 “A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation”

In behalf of the council,

Lucius Bolles (Mod). and C.O. Kimball (Scribe)

East Chelmsford February 8, 1826

 

February 28, 1826

The church met agreeably to previous appointment at the house of J.C. Morrill, at 6 o’clock P.M.

Chose Rev. Br. Davis as Moderator who read the scriptures and prayed.

Heard the relation of Lenvis Fisk, Sally Reed, Betsy Elliot and Mary Prescot, after which they proposed to unite with this church and retired.

Voted unanimously that they all be admitted to the fellowship and communion of this church after they shall have been baptized.

Read Br. Abel Rugg’s letter and accepted him into fellowship. After prayers adjourned.

 

Sabbath February 28, 1826

This day of half past 12 o’clock the ordinance of Baptism was administered by our Rev. Br. G. F. Davis to the candidates which were examined last evening. ? Lenvis Fisk, Sally Reed (wife of Orin Reed), Betsy Elliot and Nancy Prescot.

At the close of the P.M. services the above baptized persons together with Br. Abel Rugg were rec,d into the fellowship by Br. Davis, after which the church communed for the first time.

 

March 20, 1826

The church met agreeably to previous notice at the house of J.C. Morrill at 6 o’clock P.M.

Chose Rev. Br. John Cookson as Moderator who prayed.

Heard Daniel Bowen, Mrs. Wright (wife of James Wright), Polly Maynard, Sophea Rice, Lavina Currier, Harriet Pruth Collins, and Ann Chapin relate what the efficacious grace of God had done for their souls, after which they proposed to unite with this church. Upon which the candidates retired and –

Voted unanimously to except them all to the fellowship of the church after they shall have been baptized.

 

April 7, 1826

Met at the house of J.C. Morrill 7 o’clock P.M.

Rev. Br. Cookson presided and prayed.

Heard the relation of Mary B. Taylor Rebecca Haywood, and Julia Snon and read Sister Fisk’s letter from the church in Northwood N.H.

Voted to receive them into the fellowship of this church when they shall have been baptized.

 

April 9, 1826

Sabbath at noon the ordinance of Baptism was administered by Rev. Br. Cookson to Daniel Bowen, Mary Taylor, Polly Maynard, Sophea Rice, Lavina Currier, Harriet Pruth Collins, Ann Chapin, and Julia Snow.

At the close of the services P.M. the above persons with Sister Fisk were rec,d into fellowship by Br. Cookson in behalf of the church, after which the sacrament of the scripture was attended.

Note- Rebecca Haywood and Mrs. Wright were not of health.

 

May 12, 1826

The church met agreeably to appointment at the house of J.C. Morrill. Rev. Br. Cookson prayed .

Heard Sirrel Cory, Mrs. Brown (wife of George Brown), Clarissa Edwards, Eliza Blake, and Elizabeth Ralph relate what the Lord had done for them, and read a letter from the church in Epsom N.H. communicating Sister Elizabeth Shepherd, who ? dictates who relation were heard proposed to unite with this church whereupon they retired and

Voted that they be admitted to the fellowship of this church after they shall have been baptized.

 

Sabbath May 14, 1826

At 8 o’clock in the morning Sirrel Cory, Mrs. George Brown, Clarissa Edwards, Eliza Blake, Elizabeth Ralph, and Rebecca Haywood embraced the ordinance of baptism by the hand of Rev. Br. Cookson, - And after the close of the P.M. services, they together with Sister Shepherd rec,d the fellowship of the church by Br. Cookson, after which the sacrament of the supper was administered.

 

May 16, 1826

The church met according to previous appointment at the house of Br. W. D. Mason. Prayer by Br. Rugg.

Chose J. C. Morrill as a Deacon of this church.

Chose Br. Daniel Bowen as a Deacon of this church, both of whom decline excepting the appointment for the present.

Voted that the sacrament of the Lord’s supper shall be held on the first sabbath of every month, in future.

Voted that all future church meetings shall be attended exclusively by members of this church, excepting such meetings as are appointed for the admission of members when members of sister churches may be admitted to a seat with us. After a prayer by Rev. Br. Cookson adjourned.

 

June 2, 1826

The church met by previous appointment at the house of J.C. Morrill and after prayer by Brother Everett of Attleboro proceeding

To hear the relation of B.N.L. Ramsey, Tibbetts, Ann Adams, and Susan Taylor, and read a letter from the church in Sullivan, recommending Bethiak Boynton all of when offered themselves for admission to this church.

Voted to receive Ramsey, Tibbetts, and Susan Taylor to the fellowship of this church after they have embraced of the ordinance of Baptism.

Voted that Sister B. Boynton be rec’d into the fellowship of this church.

Voted that Ann Adams’ admission be postponed (the church not obtaining the requisite fellowship) Adjourned.

 

June 4, 1826

Sabbath morning 8 o’clock. B.N.L. Ramsey, Tibbett and Susan Taylor were baptized by the hand of Rev. Br. Cookson. After the P.M. services, Ramsey, Tibbetts and Sister Boynton were presented with the fellowship of this church and the sacrament of the supper was administered. Susan Taylor was detained by ill health.

 

June 23, 1826

The church met by the usual mode of appointment and after prayers by Rev. Br. Cookson proceeded to hear the relation of Silas Dean Daniel Stitson, Miriam Smith, and Clarissa Snow upon which they retired.

Voted that they may be rec,d to the fellowship of this church after they shall have been baptized.

J.C. Morrill declined to except the office of Deacon, to which he was chosen 16^th May, whereupon,

Voted that the church will proceed to the choice of another in order to fill the vacancy by ballot.

Chose W. D. Mason, Deacon.

Note this meeting was at J. C. Morrill’s. Prayer. Adjourned.

 

June 30, 1826

Friday. Met at the house of J. C. Morrill and after prayer

Heard Rebecca Bailey relate what the Lord had done for her soul, and as usual, that is after she had, with other members of other Baptist churches withdrawn to another room.

Voted to receive her to the fellowship of the church after she has been baptized.

Br. Daniel Bowen this evening accepted the office of Deacon.

Sister Clarissa Edwards being about to leave town and wishing a letter it was voted that she have a recommendation from this church.

Prayer by Br. Cookson, adjourned.

 

July 2, 1826

Sabbath morning. The ordinance of Baptism was administered by Br. Cookson to Br. S. Dean, D. Stitson, Sister Miriam Smith, Rebecca Bailey and Clarissa Snow.

After the P.M. services, Sister Ruth Wood of Tewksbury presented a letter from the church in Beverly upon which she was welcomed to the fellowship of the church.

The fellowship was then presented by the hand of Br. Cookson to Sisters R. Wood and Susan Taylor, Brethren Silas Dean and D. Stitson, and Sisters M. Smith, R. Bailey, and Clarissa Snow. Sacrament administered.

 

July 15, 1826

Saturday evening the church met by request at the house of Br. Rugg and after prayer by Cookson.

Br. Mason declined excepting the office of Deacon.

Attended prayer and adjourned.

 

August 6, 1826

Friday the church met at the house of J.C. Morrill the clerke being absent. Rev. Br. Cookson has given the following return of persons admitted to the fellowship of this church after embracing the ordinance of Baptism. Viz. Elizabeth Vickery, Sally Keyes, Hannah Burns, and Almira Hardy who on the Sunday following were baptized and rec,d to the said fellowship and with the church partook the sacrament.

 

August 18, 1826

The church met according to appointment at the house of J. C. Morrill and after prayer.

Voted that the church will now proceed to express this approbation or disapprobation of Br. Cookson as Pastor over the church, by ballot.

Voted (by the Brethren) six yeas and three nays, that the church will proceed to give Rev. J. Cookson a call to become our Pastor.

Adjourned.

 

August 25, 1826

The church met at the house of J. C. Morrill and after prayer by Brother Cookson, heard the relation of Nathaniel Foster, John Nichols, Alecta Wetherby, Hannah Howe, Rox’a Fallansbee, Sarah Hunt, Paulina Jones, Mary Prescott, Harriet Tileston, and Maria Pilsbury, after which they retired and

Voted that the above named persons be admitted to the fellowship of this church after having submitted to the ordinance of Baptism.

Adjourned.

 

September 1, 1826

The church heard a letter rec,d from Newburyport recommending Elizabeth Sarjent and also heard her relation. Also heard William Wentworth’s relation after which they retired and the church

Voted to receive Elizabeth Sarjent into the fellowship of this church after she shall have been rec’d by Baptism.

Voted that Brethren Bowen and Rugg be a committee to join a committee from the Society to give Rev. John Cookson a call to the Pastoral care of the church.

Adjourned.

 

September 3, 1826

Sabbath, at 8 o’clock A.M. Nathaniel Foster, John Nichols, William Wentworth, Rox’a Fallansbee, Alecta Wetherby, Sarah Hunt, Paulina Jones, Mary Prescott, Harriet Tileston, and Maria Pilsbury embraced the ordinance of Baptism by Br. Cookson, Miss Howe being prevented by sickness, afternoon these rec’d the fellowship of the church together with Elizabeth Sarjent and church united in communion at the Lord’s table.

 

September 12, 1826

The church met at the house of J. C. Morrill, when Rev. John Cookson gave his answer to a call he rec’d from the church and society, excepting the same.

Voted that this church present a petition to the next Baptist Association to be connected therewith.

Voted that Rev. Br. Cooskon be requested to write above petition

Voted and chose Dea. Bowen a delegate to accompany Br. Cookson to the Association.

Voted to send two dollars for minutes. Adjourned.

 

September 29, 1826

Rev. Br. Cookson handed to the clerke the following return of a meeting of the church on the day of above date, the clerke being sick and absent.

Heard Br. Chase, Sister England, and Br. Perkins relate their religious experience.

The church then voted that the above named persons be rec,d into their fellowship after being submitted to the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned.

 

October 1, 1826

On Lord’s day, Br. Chase, Br. Perkins, Sisters Howe and England were baptized and rec,d into the church by Br. Cookson.

 

October 13, 1826

The church met at the schoolhouse and after prayer heard James Mitchell’s letter of recommendation who

requested admission, whereupon it was voted to receive him into the fellowship of the church upon said recommendation.

Voted the new meeting house shall be dedicated on the 15^th day of November next, and Rev. Br. Cookson be installed the same day.

Voted that the following churches shall be invited to send their pastors and delegates to form an Ecclesiastical Council on the occasion. Viz. Newton, Cambridgeport, 3^rd in Boston, Charlestown, Lynn, 1^st in Salem, Chelmsford, and Methuen and that they be requested to meet at the house of Capt. Young on said 15^th of November at 10 o’clock A.M.

Voted as the pleasure of the church that Father Grafton preach on the occasion and in case of his failure Rev. Professor Chase be requested. That Rev. Mr. Nelson of Lynn make the first prayer – that Rev. Mr. Jackson of Charlestown read select portions of scripture. That Rev. Mr. Jacobs of Cambridgeport offer the dedicating prayer. Rev. Dr. Bolles give the charge, Rev. Mr. Parkhurst give the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. Mr. Kimball offer concluding prayer and Rev. Mr. Sharp of Boston be requested in the evening to preach a sermon.

Voted that Dea. Bowen and Br. Rugg be appointed to unite with the committee from the society to sit with the council on the day of the installation.

Voted and chose Brethren Fisk, Rugg, and Bowen a committee to make provision for the council on said day

Chose Rev. Br. Cookson and Br. Nathan Oliver, to attend the convention at Danvers (for the purpose of dividing the Association) with discretionary powers. Adjourned.

 

October 20, 1826

The church met by adjournment at the schoolhouse and

Voted to give Sister Sally Keyes at her request a letter of dismission and recommendation to the Baptist Church in Chelmsford. Adjourned.

 

October 27, 1826

The church met at Br. Mason’s and heard Benjamin Bowers Hills relate the exercise of his mind and

Voted to receive him to the fellowship of the church when he shall have submitted to the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned.

 

November 3, 1826

The church met at the schoolhouse and heard a letter from the church in Malden dismissing and recommending Rev. Br. Cookson and his wife and Br. William Oliver to this church whereupon, Voted to receive them on said recommendation. Heard Hannah Simonds relate what the Lord had done for her soul and, Voted to receive her to fellowship of the church after she has embraced the ordinance of Baptism. Resolved that. Whereas Dea. Elijah Cory of [blank] has generously presented to us an elegant service of plate for the communion of the supper. The thanks of this church shall be presented to him by the clerke. Resolved- also that the gratitude of this church shall be expressed to Gen. S. Leach for gift of the stove in the First B. M. house in this town in which we worship. Adjourned

 

November 5, 1826

The ordinance of baptism was administered to Bowers Hills and Hannah Simonds, and they together with Br. William Oliver, Br. James Mitchel and Sister Cookson were rec,d into fellowship. Adjourned.

 

November 12, 1826

After Divine service, Rev. Mr. Cookson requested the male members of the church to stop. At which meeting

Voted that the “votes” between the 1^st and 2^nd votes of the doings of 18^th August last, be erased from the records.

Voted that the doings of church meeting of July 15^th, 1826, excepting 3^rd vote, shall be erased from the records                       Adjourned

 

December 1, 1826

The church met at the house of Br. Masons.

J.C. Morrill resigned the office of clerke in this church

Voted to except of his resignation upon his request.

Appointed J.C. Morrill clerke pro. tem. for this meeting.

Heard a letter from the Baptist Church in Middleton, Connecticut, recommending Mr. Jacob Palmer to the church in Boston.

Voted to receive him into this church.

Voted that Dea. Bowen be authorized to provide a table linnen, and etc. to complete the communion furniture the expense of which shall be defrayed by collections taken in the church from time to time for this specific purpose.

Voted that J.C. Morrill act with Br. Bowen in providing the above furniture. Adjourned.

 

December 7, 1826

The church met at Br. Masons’ and heard Br. Asa Belknap and Sisters Whipple and Wood relate their religious experience.

Voted to receive the above named persons into their fellowship after having submitted to the ordinance of baptism.

Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

December 10, 1826

Lords day, Br. Asa Belknap and Sister Hannah Whipple were baptized by Br. John Cookson.

 

January 4, 1827

The church met at the house of Br. W.D. Masons.

Voted that Br. Silas Dean should be clerke for the First Baptist Church in Lowell.

Voted that Br. Cyrus Oliver and Sister Matilda Oliver receive letters from this church to the Baptist Church in Charlestown.

Attest S. Dean Clerke.

 

February 1, 1827

The church met according to appointment.

Read a letter from the Baptist Church in Newton dismissing and recommending Sister Laura Peak and Prudence Barker to the Baptist Church in Lowell. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the fellowship of this church

Heard Sister Dealia Whitcher, and Ann Spencer and Mary Sterns relate their religious experience after which voted that they be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having submitted to the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned

 

March 1, 1827

Heard Sophronia Bartlett and Sister Loiza Bailey relate their religious experience.

Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having submitted to ordinance of baptism. Adjourned.

 

March 4, 1827

Lords day, Sister Sophronia Bartlett and Loiza Bailey were baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church by Br. Cookson. Prayer by Br. J. Parkhurst.

 

March 16, 1827

Church meeting, held at Dea. Bowen’s for the purpose

of settling the difficulties with Br. Morrill. Voted that none but the Brethren should vote in any case of importance by Br. Morrill’s request.

Voted to adjourn the meeting until Wednesday evening the 22^nd day of March. Prayer by Br. C.O. Kimball.

S. Dean Chh. Clerke

 

March 23, 1827

Sister Rebecca Haywood departed this life in full confidence of enjoying a glorious immortality, she was the first member of this church who has died since its organization.

 

March 28, 1827

At a special church meeting held and appointed for the purpose of giving an opportunity for certain members to state their grievances to the same. After much conversation a committee of nine consisting of the following brethren in connection with their pastor were appointed to see if they could divise means to effect a reconciliation and to report at an adjourned meeting to be holden the 30^th instant. Viz. Dea. Bowen, J.C. Morrill, N. Oliver, A. Rugg, Fisk, W.D. Mason, S. Dean, Cory and Mitchel.

 

March 30, 1827

At the adjourned church meeting, appointed for the purpose of hearing the report of the committee appointed 28^th instant. Heard from Dea. Bowen the chairman of the said committee the following report. Viz. That your committee can recommend to you no other mode of proceeding than that you strictly adhere to the regulations of the gospel and walk together as becomes the humble followers of Christ.

On the motion of Br. Wentworth this report was accepted.

Br. J.C. Morrill and Sisters Sarah Morrill and Sally Hackett requested that they might be dismissed by letter from this to the First Baptist Church in Chelmsford by vote of the church their request was granted.

Br. S. Cory and Sister Mary Abbott presented a similar request, but their walk not having been as becomes the gospel, their request for the present was rejected by a vote of the church. The meeting then dissolved.

 

November 15, 1826

Installation of the Rev. John Cookson.

An Ecclesiastical Council assembled in Lowell on Wednesday, at ten o’clock at the house of Capt. Artimas Young by letter missive from the Baptist Church in said town to install the Rev. John Cookson their Pastor if thought expedient.

Brethren present from the following churches viz.

Baptist Church in Newton- Joseph Grafton

Baptist Church in Methuen- Rev. C.O. Kimball

3^rd Baptist Church in Boston- Rev. D. Sharp, Br. Simon Webster, Dea. Theodore Hendall

1^st Baptist Church in Salem- Rev. Rufus Babcock

Baptist Church in Cambridge- Rev. Bela Jacobs, Dea. Benjamin Blanchard, Dea.

            Levi Farwell, Br. J.M. Farnum

Baptist Church in Chelmsford- Rev. John Parkhurst

Baptist Church in Lowell- Dea. Dan Bowen, Dea. John Dawes, Br. Abel Rugg

Committee of the Baptist Society in Lowell- Daniel Balch, Artimas Young, Aaron

            Spaulding

Chose Father Grafton as moderator

Chose C.O. Kimball as secretary

Prayer by Rev. D. Sharpe

Voted that Br. Charles Simonds take a seat with us

Heard the invitation from the church and society to the Rev. John Cookson and his answer, which being found correct proceeded to hear his Christian experience and call to the ministry and his view of Doctrine, Discipline, and Practice, all of which being satifactory.

Voted, unanimously to install him as pastor.

Voted that Rev. D. Sharp introduce the service by reading the Scripture and prayer.

Rev. Joseph Grafton preached the sermon.

Rev. Br. Jacobs offered up the dedicatory prayer, it being the opening of a new meeting house.

Rev. Br. Babcock delivered the charge. Rev. John Parkhurst presented the right hand of fellowship and Rev. C.O. Kimball offered up the closing prayer and Rev. John Cookson pronounced the Benediction. Adjourned. To the meeting house where the above services were performed in the presence of a numerous and attentive assembly. Adjourned. Sine. div.

Joseph Grafton, moderator

Charles O. Kimball, scribe

 

March 22, 1827

Church met at the house of Br. Bowen’s

Introductory prayer by Rev. J. Parkhurst

Chose Br. C.O. Kimball as moderator. Business for the purpose of settling the difficulties existing between the church and Br. J.C. Morrill.

The charges were accordingly read before the church, as follows. 1^st Br. J.C. Morrill circulated the report that Br. J. Cookson preached other people’s sermons and that he derived his information from good authority. 2^nd Charge Br. Morrill promised that if the church voted to settle Br. Cookson he would be still and would not be on the contrary side, but that he would do all in his power to promote the union and welfare of the church, instead of which he has disturbed the peace of the church and misrepresented its actual situation publicly telling that the congregation was fast diminishing, that the pews would not let that the church was loosing ground and all because Mr. Cookson was here, and in addition to this, he has repeatedly and publicly spoken very disrespectfully of Br. Cookson calling in question his piety and other ways publicly injuring his character especially by insinuating that he knew other bad things against Br. Cookson’s character which he is under obligations not to reveal. All this has been done with the practice of promoting the good of the church. 3^rd Charge, inconsequence of there and other things. Br. Morrill was requested to come before the church and acknowledge he had done wrong, which he did to the satisfaction of the brethren and promised to bury every former difficulty in eternal oblivion and begin to provoke one another to love and good works, which promise he has violated by pursuing his former coarse, in addition to which he has left our meeting, and countenance others of our church members in doing the same, he has also absented himself from communing with his brethren, and continues to blow up the flames of opposition not hesitating to state that it is his wish to keep it a flaming and stated that he should not attend our meetings again while Mr. Cookson preached here. 4^th Charge, he has stated more than once that he believed that a particular sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Leverett in our meeting house was preached on account of what had been told Mr. Leverett by Mr. Cookson, ? even that Mr. Cookson dictated it. 5^th Charge in addition to these things the church has reason to believe that he has varied from the truth in some instances. We will state also that these charges have not been brought against Br. Morrill without frequently conversing with him and admonishing and warning him and pointing out to him their tendency by one or two of the brethren.

Voted that Br. Morrill be rec’d on condition that he confess his wrong in violation to Br. Cookson and in leaving the meetings of the church and promise to walk with us in future. Br. J.C. Morrill accordingly made acknowledgement to satisfaction of the brethren.

Closing prayer by Br. C.O. Kimball

S. Dean Church Clerke

 

March 29, 1827

Church met agreeable to appointment. Heard Mary Robbins, Lauranne Robbins, Phebe Berry, Eliza Hildreth, Harriet Hildreth, Elenor Richey, and Maryann Fisher relate their religious experience after which the church.

Voted that the two Miss Robbins wait one month before they are rec’d.

Voted that Miss Berry, Eliza Hildreth, Harriet Hildreth, Elenor Richey, and Maryann Fisher be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having rec’d that ordinance of Baptism. Meeting dissolved.

 

April 1, 1827

Lords day. Sisters Berry, Hildreth, Richey, Hildreth, Fisher, and Palmer (formerly Miss Mead) were baptized and rec’d the fellowship of the church, by the hand of Br. Cookson.

S.D. Church Clerke

 

April 13, 1827

The church met according to appointment and heard Brethren Stephen Whipple, Warren Hale and Sisters Mary Gleson and Laura Hardy relate their religious experience after which the church.

Voted that they and Mary and Laurann Robbins (who had before related their experience) be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after receiving the ordinance of baptism. Meeting dissolved.

 

April 15, 1827

Lords day. The above persons were baptized and rec’d into the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. John Cookson.

 

April 22, 1827

Lords day. By request of Br. Sirrel Cory, the church voted to grant him a letter dismissing him from this church and recommending him to the Second Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

May 2, 1827

The church met according to appointment.

1. Heard Shepherd Everett, Daniel Lovejoy, Nathaniel Manning, Ruth Pettengill, Eliza Crowell, [blank] Milton, Lucins Balcom, Rebecca Simpson, Sally Reed, and [blank] Kimball relate their religious experience.

2. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

 

 

May 6, 1827

Lords day. The above named persons were baptized and rec’d into the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. John Cookson. Silas Dean, church clerke.

At the same time read a letter frm the Baptist Church in Westminster and Rockingham dismissing and recommending Br. Samuel S. Richardson to the fellowship of this church and was accordingly rec’d.

Also by request of Br. Wm. Oliver a letter of dismission and recommendation was granted to him from this church to the First Baptist Church in Malden.

 

May 14, 1827

            At a special meeting of the church

1. Voted that the fellowship of this church be and hereby is withdrawn from Nathaniel Foster for disorderly and unmoral conduct.

2. Voted that Mary Spaulding be dismissed from this and recommended to the First Baptist Church in Chelmsford. Adjourned

 

May 26, 1827

            At a church meeting held agreeable to appointment.

1. Voted that if Br. Sirnel Cory does not return the letter dismissing him to the 2nd Baptist Church in Providence before or on the 31st inst. that the said church and the church in Chelmsford be informed by letter of the circumstances under which he obtained said letter and of his refusal to return it. Adjourned

 

May 31, 1827

The church met according to appointment and heard Catherine Dean, Loiza Bean, [blank] Mann, Margret J. Francis, Mary Procter, and Rachel Wright, relate their religious experience.

1. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having rec’d the ordinance of baptism. Adjourned

 

June 17, 1827

Lords day. By request of Sister Mary J. Sibley the church voted to grant her a letter of dismission from this church to the Baptist Church in Newton.

 

June 22, 1827

Church met according to appointment. Brethren Abel Rugg and Wm. D. Mason were chosen deacons of the First Baptist Church in Lowell. Adj.

 

June 28, 1827

Church met according to appointment. Heard Timothy Bailey, Joshua Pressey, Thomas Spofford, and Isabel Hildreth, Emaline Saunders, Clarissa Crocken, Elizabeth Bradbury, relate their religious experience.

1. Voted that they be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having rec’d the ordinance of baptism.

2. Read a letter from the Baptist Church in containing a dismission and recommendation of Ebenezer Ellis and Martha Ellis to this church therefore Voted that they be rec’d into the fellowship of this church.

3. Voted in compliance with the request of Sister Maryann Sternes that she have a dismission and recommendation from this church to the Baptist Church in Dover N.H.

4. Voted that Sister Maryann Kidder (formerly Wright) have a letter of dismission and recommendation from this church to the Baptist Church in Chelmsford. Adjourned

 

July 1, 1827

Sabbath morning. Heard Perkins relate his religious experience having been formerly baptized by the methodist.

1. Voted that he be rec’d into the fellowship of this church. Brethren Bailey, Percy, and Spofford, Sisters Hildreth, Saunders, Crocker, and Bradbury were baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. J. Cookson.

2. Read a letter from the Baptist Church in Southbridge dismissing and recommending Sister Rebecca Angel to the fellowship of this church.

3. Voted that she be rec’d to the fellowship of this church, which she rec’d by the hand of Br. J. Cookson.                                               S.D. C.C.

 

July 6, 1827

            This day Br. Abel Rugg excepted of the office of Deacon of this church to which he had previously been elected.                                             Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

July 17, 1827

Sabbath. Catherine Dean, Loiza Bean, [blank] Mann, Margret J. Francis, Mary Procter, and Rachel Wright were baptized and rec’d into the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. J. Cookson.

 

July 25, 1827

At a meeting of the church held at Dea. Daniel Bowen's house

1. Voted that there be a committee chosen consisting of two for the purpose of visiting Lavina Currier and Harriet Fileston in consequence of their having left our church in order to gain all necessary information concerning them.

2. Voted that Br. Abel Rugg and Br. Fisk be a committee for the aforesaid purpose.

            3. Voted that Br. Sirrel Cory have a letter of dismission and recommendation to the Church in Chelmsford.

4. Voted that Sister Abby Spaulding have a letter of dismission from this and a recommendation to the Church in Chelmsford.

 

August 2, 1827

At a meeting of the church held according to appointment

1. Heard Susan L. Cady relate her religious experience.

            2. Voted that Susan L. Cady be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after having rec’d the ordinance of baptism.

            3. Voted that Br. Daniel Stetson have a letter of dismission from this and a recommendation to the First Baptist Church in Charlestown.

4. Voted that Sister Ruth Pettingal have a letter of dismission from this and a recommendation to the First Baptist Church in Methuen.

            5. Heard the report of the committee appointed to visit Lavina Currier and Harriet Fileston.

            6. Voted that Lavina Currier and Harriet Fileston be struck from the records as members of this church they having joined another denomination.

 

August 5, 1827

Lords day. Susan L. Cady was baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. J. Cookson. Read a letter recommending Lucy Hildreth. Voted that she be rec’d to the fellowship of this church.                                    S. Dean C.C.

 

Rev. John Cookson's Letter

Lowell August 5, 1827

To the members of the first Baptist Church and Society in Lowell, Dear Friends, I hereby ask of you a dimission from the office I sustain as Pastor of said church and society. Were it not for this circumstance I should deem it unnecessary to state that I have an attachment to you which I hope will never be lessened while we live and be heightened when we arrive at that place where parting will be no more.

I am led to make this request because of the dissatisfaction which to a certain degree exists in the church. Therefore I believe it will be for my own happiness to remove from this place. To this request I hope you will attend as soon as convenient. Yours affectionately, John Cookson

 

August 13, 1827

At a special meeting of the first Baptist Church in Lowell, for the purpose of acting on the request of Br. John Cookson, to be dismissed from being pastor of said church.

1. Made choice of Dea. Daniel Bowen for moderator.

2. Voted unanimously to comply with Br. John Cookson's request to dismiss him from being any longer our pastor

3. Voted to choose a committee of three to communicate to Br. Cookson and to the society the request of the meeting.

4. Made choice of Dea. Daniel Bowen, Br. Nathan Oliver, and Dea. Abel Rugg for our committee.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

August 19, 1827

By request of Sister Loiza Peak the church voted to grant her request of a letter of dismission and recommendation from this, to the second Baptist Church in Boston.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

August 26, 1827

By request of Sister Ann Spencer the church voted to grant her request of a letter of dismission and recommendation to the first Baptist Church in Methuen.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

August 30, 1827

At a meeting of the church in the Baptist meeting house

            1. Voted to choose a committee of three to supply the pulpit. Made choice of Dea. Daniel Bowen, Br. Nathan Oliver, and Dea. Abel Rugg.

 

September 2, 1827

After taking into consideration, the church thought it proper to omit the ordinance of communion on account of some unpleasant feelings.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

September 7, 1827

By request of Margret Francis the church voted to grant her a letter dismissing her from this and recommending her to the Baptist Church in Salisbury.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

September 8, 1827

At a meeting of the church held in the Baptist meeting house

1. Voted to choose three delegates. Made choice of Dea. Daniel Bowen, Dea. Abel Rugg, and Br. John Chase.

Voted to send three dollars for the minutes.

Requested the clerke write a letter to present to the association.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

September 16, 1827

1. The letter that was prepared to send into the association was read before the church and accepted.

2. Br. John Chase declined serving as delegate.

3. Made choice of Br. Nathan Oliver.                                     Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

October 4, 1827

At a meeting of the church held at the schoolhouse near J.C. Morrill's on Thursday evening.

1. Heard Sister Lavina Cushman relate her religious experience.

            2. Voted that she be rec’d to the fellowship of this church, after she has rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

3. Voted to postpone the communion one week.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

October 12, 1827

At a meeting of the first Baptist Church in Lowell held at the schoolhouse, after prayers by Rev. Br. N.W. Williams, Appointed N.W. Williams moderator and J.C. Morrill clerke pro. tem                                                         

1.Whereas Sisters Harriet Hildreth and Elizabeth Ralph have requested to be dismissed and recommended to the Methodist Church in this town it was voted to choose Rev. N.W. Williams, Dea. Bowen and Dea. Rugg a committee to confer with said sisters and report the next meeting of the church.

2. After remarks by the Moderator, voted that in our opinion it is expedient and desirable that the Boston Association be divided.

3. Voted that it is also expedient and desirable that this church be a member of the proposed new association.

            4. Chose Rev. N.W. Williams, Dea. Bowen, and Dea. Rugg delegates to meet those from others (recommended by the Boston association at their late session to form a new association) at Salem on the 3rd Wednesday in October inst. At 10 o'clock A.M. to confer on the subject.

5. Remarks by Rev. Br. Moderator on Sabbath Schools Bible classes and the Lords Supper. Adjourned.

                                                                                    J.C. Morrill Chh. Clerke Pro. Tem

 

October 14, 1827

Sister Lavina Cushman was baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church. Likewise Br. Ebenezer Ellis received the fellowship of this church by the hand of Rev. Br. N.W. Williams.                                                                                 Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

October 24, 1827

At a meeting of the church, and after prayers- voted to choose a committee of two to settle the church affairs with Dea. Daniel Bowen.

Made choice of Brs. John Chase and Silas Dean for this committee. Adjourned.

 

October 28, 1827

1. It was laid before the church to see if they would proceed to give Br. Williams a call to be their Pastor. Voted to proceed.

2. The church voted unanimously to give Br. Williams a call to become their Pastor.

            3. Voted to chose a committee of three to make known the doings of the church to Br. Williams and likewise to the society and to request the society to comply with their doings.

4. Made choice of Brethren Dea. Daniel Bowen, Br. Nathan Oliver, and Dea. Abel Rugg.

Closed the meeting.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

November 9, 1827

At a meeting of the church in the schoolhouse near J.C. Morrill's After prayer,

1. Heard Sister Jane Moore relate her religious experience.   

            2. Voted that she be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after she has rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

Closed by prayer.

 

November 11, 1827

            1. Sister Jane Moore was baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. Williams.

            2. Sister Loiza Allen rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. Williams on the virtue of a letter from the Baptist Church in Princeton and Leominster.

3. Voted to grant a letter to Br. John Nicols dismissing him from this and recommending him to any church of the same faith and order wherever his lot may be cast.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

November 18, 1827

            1. Lords day. After services heard the report of Br. Williams that he deemed it expedient under existing circumstances still to continue with his people in Concord N.H.

2. Voted to add another to the committee chosen to supply the pulpit.

Made choice of Br. Wm. D. Mason.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

December 3, 1827

By request of Sister Hannah Burns the church voted to grant her a letter recommending her to occasional communion with any sister church wherever her lot may be cast.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh Clerke

 

December 8, 1827

At a meeting of the church at the schoolhouse heard Brethren Samuel C. Oliver and Elisha Hathua and Sisters Elizabeth Pebody and Lydia Lee relate their religious experience. Voted to receive Br. Samuel C. Oliver and Sisters Elizabeth Pebody and Lydia Lee after they have received the ordinance of Baptism. Closed with prayer.

 

December 9, 1827

Lords day. Brethren Samuel C. Oliver and Elisha Hathua and Sisters Elizabeth Pebody and Lydia Lee were baptized and Br. Samuel C. Oliver and Sisters Pebody and Lee rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. G. F. Davis.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

January 11, 1828

At a meeting of the church at the usual place Heard Sister Lydia Vose relate her religious experience. Voted that she be rec’d after she has rec’d the ordinance of Baptism to the fellowship of this church.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

February 2, 1828

The church met at the schoolhouse Br. T.H. Driver presided. Heard the relation of Naomi Clarke, Sophia Williams and Abigail Seaver, the church voted to receive the two former into fellowship after they shall have been baptized. Miss Seaver being a member of the Pedo Baptist Church in this town was advised to obtain the letter from that church which they have engaged to give her before her dismission to this church which course she approved.

                                                                        J.C. Morrill Chh. Clerke, pro. tem

 

Feb. 8, 1828

The church met in the schoolhouse, after prayer by Br. Freeman, the following persons came forward and declared what the Lord had done for their souls. Brethren Moses Tewksbury, Samuel Pillsbury, and Sisters Adelide Cross, Ann Cushing, and Miss Adams. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the fellowship of this church after they shall have been baptized. Adjourned to meet in the meeting house.

 

Feb.9, 1828

The church met according to adjournment.

Br. Freeman prayed after which Miss Kimball, Miss Lucinda Miller, Marriah Spaulding related the dealings of God to their souls. Br. Freeman read a letter from the Rev. Mr. Beckwith recommending Adelide Cross and Abigail Seavers to the fellowship of this church, after which the church voted that the above named persons be rec’d to the fellowship of this church after they shall have been baptized. On a motion of Br. Mason it was voted that 4 Brethren should be raised for the purpose of investigating the moral character of all persons who may in future offer themselves to the church. Voted that Brethren Freeman, Mason, Puffer, and Fisk be the committee.

 

Feb. 10, 1828

Sabbath. Brethren Moses Tewksbury, Samuel Pillsbury, and Sisters Adelide Cross, Ann Cushing, Miss Adams, Miss Kimball, Naomi Clarke, Sophia Williams, Abigail Seaver, Lydia Vose and Miss Cole were baptized and rec’d the fellowship of this church by the hand of Br. Freeman.

Note: Miss Cole related her religious experience the 11th of January and the church voted to receive her when she should have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

By request of Dea. Daniel Bowen and Sister Lucy Bowen the church voted to grant them a letter of dismission and recommendation to the First Baptist Church in Buffalo. By request of Sister Susanah L. Cady the church voted to grant her a letter of dismission and recommendation. After which the church voted to raise a committee of three to examine into the doings of Sister Mary Puffer. Made choice of Br. Lewis Fisk, Dea. W.D. Mason, and Dea. Abel Rugg.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

Feb. 23, 1828

The church met agreeable to appointment at Br. Mason's house. After prayer by Br. Ellis proceeded to act upon the Rev. Mr. Beckwith's communication from the Congregationalist Church inviting the Baptist Church to unite with them in prayer for the effusion of the Holy Spirit on this place. Whereupon it was unanimously resolved that feeling with the Congregationalist Church the need of Divine influence upon ourselves and others around us; we unite with said church at a throne of grace in supplicating this blessing.

We suggest to the Congregational Church the propriety of holding said consent in seprate places unless they give satisfactory reasons to the contrary.

The committee to whom was committed the case of Sister Puffer reported that they had attended to the duty assigned them and that in their opinion, Sister Puffer should be deprived of communion with the church for a season. Voted to accept the report of said committee.

The case of Br. Cookson was named by Dea. Abel Rugg, he stated the unchristian conduct of Br. Cookson previous to his leaving dismission from his pastorial connection with the church. Voted a committee should be chosen for the purpose of sending a writen communication to Br. Cookson stating the grievances of the church respecting his unchristian conduct. Voted that Brethren Mason, Fisk, Ellis, S. Oliver, and Rugg be that committee. Voted to desolve the meeting.

                                                                                    Br. Caswell Clerke pro tem

 

Feb. 29, 1828

            1. The church met according to appointment and heard the relations of Miss Dolly Churchill, Miss Juliania Oliver, Miss Sally Pinson, Miss Jemima Nichols, Miss Harriet Buzzell, Miss Sophroma Atwood, Miss Rebecca Carlton, Miss Eliza Goodhue, Miss ? Clarke, Miss Naomi Spafford.

            2. Voted to receive the above named persons into fellowship of this church after

having been rec’d the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

March 2, 1828

Lord's day. Sisters Churchill, Oliver, Pinson, Nichols, Buzzell, Atwood, Carlton, Goodhue, and Clarke were baptized and rec’d into the fellowship of the church, by the hand of Br. Freeman.

 

March 7, 1828

The church met according to agreement.

1. Heard the religious experience of Miss Sarah Sanborn, aged 13, Miss Martha Worcester, aged 12 years, Miss Lavinia W. Dunn, Miss Mary M. Bryant, Miss Eliza Dival, Roxalana Whulon,

2. The church voted to receive the above named persons into their fellowship after they shall have been baptized. Adjourned.

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

March 9, 1828

Lords day. Sisters Sanborn, Worcester, Dunn, Bryant, Dival, and Whulon were baptized and rec’d into church fellowship by the hand of Br. Freeman.

 

March 15, 1828

The church met previous to appointment.

1. Heard Miss. Ann Shattuck, Mrs. Phebe Hunt, Miss Jane Snell, Miss Eliza Atherton, Miss Rahamah Felch, and Miss Jane Hildreth, aged 12 year, relate what God had done for their souls.

2. Voted to receive the above named persons on receiving the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned

                                                                                                Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

March 21, 1828

The church met according to appointment.

1. Heard Captain Stephen Brown and Emily North relate their religious experience.

2. Voted to receive the above named persons when they shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

 

March 23, 1828

Lords day. Sisters Ann Shattuck, Phebe Hunt, Jane Snell, Eliza Atherton, Rahamah Felch, and Jane Hildreth were baptized and rec’d into church fellowship by the hand of Br. C. W. Freeman.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

April 4, 1828

The church met agreeable to appointment at the schoolhouse

1. Heard Mr. Brice Shepherd, Mr. Solomon Hunt, Mrs. North, Mrs. Martha Piper, Miss Bell, Miss Wetherbe, Miss French, Miss Fanny Gray, Miss Howard, Miss Davis, relate their religious experience.

2. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d into the church when they shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned.

 

April 6, 1828

Lords day. Br. Stephen Brown, Brice Shepherd, Solomon Hunt, Sisters Ms. North, Emily North, Martha Piper, Miss Bell, Miss Wetherbe, Mrs. French, Fanny Gray, Mrs. Howard, Hannah Davis, were baptized and rec’d into the fellowship of the church by the hand of Br. E. W. Freeman.

Note- Also on the 24th Feb. were baptized and rec’d the fellowship of the church, the following persons viz. Miss Maffet, Miss Nancy Morse, Miss Susan Miller, Mr. Nathaniel March, Miss Kimball, Miss Proctor by the hand of Br. E.W. Freeman.

                                                                                    Silas Dean Chh. Clerke

 

April 10, 1828

The church met in the schoolhouse after prayers it was

1. Voted that Brice Shepherd be clerke of the First Baptist Church in Lowell.

2. Voted unanimously to give Rev. E.W. Freeman a call to become pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lowell.

3. Voted to choose a committee of three, as a joint committee with the society's committee to wait upon the Rev. E.W. Freeman.

4. Voted that the clerke address a line to the Rev. E.W. Freeman, the doings of this church. Adjourned

Church committee: Stephen Brown, Moses M. Tewksbury, and Dea. Abel Rugg

                                                                                                Br. Shepherd Chh. Clerke

 

April 11, 1828

The church met according to appointment.

1. Heard Mrs. Sally Tewksbury, Miss Jenett Kimball, Miss Mehittable Garland, relate what God had done for their souls.

2. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d after they have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

 

April 18, 1828

The church met in the meeting house after prayer

1. Heard Mr. Levi Fisk, Miss Lucy Pinson, Miss Catherine Smith, Miss Abigail Philbrick, Miss Martha Simpson relate the dealings of God with their souls.

2. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d after they shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned

 

April 25, 1828

The church met as usual by appointment.

1. Heard Mr. Stephen Puffer, Mrs. Eliza Puffer, Miss Clarrissa Marble, Mrs. Rhoda Jones, Miss Caroline Forran, and Miss Triphena Whitcher relate their religious experience.

2. Voted that the above named persons be rec’d after they shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned.

                                                                                                B. Shepherd Chh. Clerke

 

April 27, 1828

Sabbath. Brethren Levi Fisk and Stephen Puffer, Sisters Sally Tewksbury, Jenett Kimball, Mehittable Garland, Catherine Smith, Martha Simpson, Eliza Puffer, Clarrissa Marble, Rhoda Jones, Caroline Forran, and Triphena Whitcher, receive the ordinance of Baptism and the fellowship of the church by the hand of Br. Freeman.

 

May 10, 1828

Church met in the schoolhouse after prayer.

1. Proceeded to examine the case of Sister Puffer

2. Chose Br. Nathaniel Oliver Moderator it was then stated that Sister Puffer had not walked as becomes a number of a Christian church. 1st charge in not telling the truth, 2nd charge in taking things which were not her own and many other things which she acknowledged to.

3. Voted to dismiss her from the church as a member

4. Voted that the same committee that formerly visited her be the same to inform her of her dismission.

 

May 16, 1828

Church met as usual by appointment.

1. Heard Miss Eunice Robbins and Miss Meriah Colborn relate what God had done for their souls.

2. Voted to receive the above named persons to the fellowship of this church after they have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism.

 

May 23, 1828

Church met according to appointment after prayer

1. Mr. Nathaniel Baily, Miss Eliza Fuller, and Miss Abigail Young, relate before the church the dealings of God with them.

2. Voted to receive, to the fellowship of this church, the above named persons after receiving the ordinance of Baptism.    Adjourned

 

 

May 29, 1828

Church met as usual after prayer by E.W. Freeman.

1. Heard Mr. Hubbard Baily relate the dealings of God with his soul.

2. Voted that he be rec’d to the fellowship of this church after he shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism. Adjourned

 

            May 30, 1828

Church met according to notice. Br. Freeman prayed.

1. Voted that an ecclesiastical council be convened at the house of Br. J.C. Morrill's at 10 o'clock A.M. on the first Wednesday in June.

2. Voted to send to the following churches viz. 4th Church in Boston, Baptist Church in South Reading, Baptist Church in Methuen, Baptist Church in Chelmsford and Baptist Church in Dearfield.

3. Voted that Br. E.W. Freeman invite Rev. Mr. Edson, Rev. Mr. Merrill and Rev. Mr. Beckwith to attend the installation. Adjourned.

            Also heard Dr. Parker relate his Christian experience, voted that he be rec’d to the fellowship of this church after he shall have rec’d the ordinance of Baptism

 

June 1, 1828

            Lords day. The ordinance of baptism was administered to Eunice Robbins, Meriah Colborn, Abigail C. Philbrick, Eliza Fuller, Abigail K. Young, Hubbard Baily and Dr. Parker, and rec’d the fellowship of the church by the hand of Br. E.W. Freeman.

 

June 4, 1828

Installation of the Rev. Enoch W. Freeman

Rev. E.W. Freeman having rec’d from the church and society an unanimous invitation to become their pastor, and having accepted the invitation, a council was convened for the purpose of publicly recognizing him as pastor of the First Baptist Society.

An ecclesiastical council assembled at the house of Jona C. Morrill ? in Lowell, on Wednesday June 4th (1828) at 10 o'clock by letters missive from the first Baptist Church in said town to install Rev. E.W. Freeman as their pastor. Present on the occasion,

From the Baptist Church in Chelmsford, Rev. J. Parkhurst, pastor and Dea. J. Dowse, delegate

From the Baptist Church in South Reading, Rev. G. F. Davis, pastor and Dea. D. Smith, del.

From the Baptist Church in Methuen, Br. C. F. Kimball, pastor and Br. J.W. Carlton, del.

From the Baptist Church in Federal St. Boston, Rev. Edward Malcom, pastor

From the Baptist Church in Dearfield, NH, Rev. J. Barnaby, pastor and Dea. A. Prescott, del.

From Baptist Church and Society Lowell, Stephen Brown, Levi Gurrey, ? Osgood, Abel Rugg, Moses Tuxbury, James Wright, Jona C. Morrill, ? William D. Mason, committee. 1st chose Rev. J. Parkhurst moderator. 2nd Br. C. O. Kimball scribe. 3rd Rev. G.F. Davis made a prayer. 4th Rev. B. Pease, Rev. B. Dean and Brs. Caswell and Hill were invited to a seat. 5th the invitation of the church and society to Rev. E.W. Freeman to become their pastor, and his answer were read. 6th Rev. E.W. Freeman related his Christian experience, call to the ministry, views of doctrines, discipline and practice, and exhibited his credentials as licensed and ordained minister; all of which being satisfactory 7th voted, unanimously, to proceed to his installation. 8th voted the Rev. B. Pease read select portions of Scriptures and offer the introductory prayer, Rev. H. Malcom preach the sermon, Rev. J. Barnaby offer the consecrating prayer, Rev. G.F. Davis give the charge, Br. C.O. Kimball present the hand of fellowship, Rev. J. Parkhurst address the church and society, and Rev. B. Dean make the concluding prayer. 9th prayer by the moderator. 10th the above service commenced at the meetinghouse at half past 2 o'clock P.M. and were appropriately and solemnly performed, before a numerous and attentive assembly. May God bless the union of the interesting church and people with their pastor, in the salvation of multitudes. In behalf of the ecclesiastical council,

                                                                                    John Parkhurst moderator

                                                                                    C.O. Kimball scribe

 

Friday Evening Oct. 24, 1828

The church met in the vestry. After prayer, heard Mrs. Flanders relate what God had done for her soul. Also Ms. Emma Darling and Ms. Harriet Sampson relate the exercises of their minds. Voted that Mr. Williams be rec’d to the fellowship of this church, together with Ms. Sampson and Ms. Darling, after they shall have rec’d the ordinance of baptism.

                                                            Ms. Sarah Shepherd rec’d above.

Voted that Nancy Richardson be dismissed to the first church in Haverhill.

 

Saturday Oct. 25, 1828

The church being assembled, voted that Br. Abel Rugg be a church treasurer. Voted to raise the following committee:

Prudential Committee:

            Br. Tuxbury

            Br. Oliver

            Br. Shepherd

            Br. Morrill

            Br. Wentworth

Voted that Br. Warren Hale be excluded from the church, if he do appear at the next church meeting.

Voted that Br. Manning be under censure and that he be removed from communion, and that the church write him to that effect, when it is asertained where he is.

Voted that the prudential committee be installed to examine all accounts, and adjust the same, and lay them before the church.

 

Saturday Eve. Nov. 1, 1828

Eliza Thompson presented a letter from the Baptist Church in Dunstable (Mass.), recommending and dismissing her to this church which was accepted.

 

Friday Evening Oct. 31, 1828

Church met in the vestry, after prayer by Br. Rugg, proceeded to ? the case of Br. Hale not meeting with the church. At a meeting of the church, Oct. 25, it was voted that he be excluded, for not appearing at the request of the church, therefore, he is excluded from the church, he not having conducted as becomes a member of a Christian church.

 

Lord's day Nov. 2, 1828

The ordinance of Baptism was administered by Rev. Mr. Freeman and the fellowship of the church presented to Sisters Darling, Harriet Sampson, Eliza Thompson, Lydia Reed, Sally Danforth, Sally Eaton, Miss Hunt, and Daniel D. Williams.

 

Friday Evening Nov. 22, 1828

Church met in the vestry, after prayer by Rev. Mr. Freeman.

 

Friday Evening Dec. 5, 1828

Church met in the vestry. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Freeman. After which, Sisters Olive Mann and Elizabeth Kimball related what God had done for their souls.

Voted that Sisters Olive Mann and Elizabeth Kimball be rec’d to the fellowship of the church, after they shall have been baptized.

Voted that Sister Susan Baldwin be rec’d to the fellowship of the church, after she has been baptized. The church heard her relate her experience on the evening of Nov. 23^rd.

 

Lord's day, Dec. 8, 1828

Sisters Olive Mann, Elizabeth Kimball, and Susan Baldwin were baptized and rec’d to the fellowship of the church by the hand of Rev. Mr. Freeman.

 

Friday Eve. Dec. 12, 1828

Church met in the vestry as usual. Voted that the prudential committee be authorized to settle the accounts which have been laid before them. Viz. the accounts with Br. Mason, Br. Brown, and Br. Wentworth.

 

 

 

Saturday Evening Dec. 20, 1828

Church met in the vestry for the purpose of hearing religious experiences. Heard chaze of Mary Webster and Abigail Martin. Voted that Mary Webster be rec’d when she shall have rec,’d the ordinance of baptism. Voted that Abigail Martin be rec’d to the fellowship of the church, she having been previously baptized by the Methodists.

 

Saturday Evening January 17, 1829

Church met in the vestry. After prayer by Rev. Mr. Freeman, proceeded to hear the experience of Ms. Jane N. Morse, who spoke of the healings of God with her soul. Voted that she be rec’d to the fellowship of the church, when she shall have rec’d the ordinance of baptism. Voted that Dea. Mason and Dea. Rugg be requested to visit Harriet Hildreth and ascertain whether she can be rec’d, and report their proceedings at the next meeting of the church.

 

Saturday Evening Jan. 24, 1829

Church met according to appointment. Proceeded to hear the religious experience of the following persons. Viz. Rebecca Johnson, Hannah Davis, Affa Pattingale, Betsy Webster and Lydia Woodbury. Voted that the church rec’d the above persons to their fellowship when they shall have been baptized.

 

Friday Eve. Jan. 29, 1829

Church met in the vestry. After prayer the following persons related the exercises of their minds. Viz. Br. Williams S. Churchill Abigial Ober, Lucy Cole, Lavinia Tenney, Mary Martin, and Hepsubah Burke. Voted that the church receive the above persons to their fellowship, when they shall have rec’d the ordinance of baptism. Voted, to exclude Sister Harriet Hildreth from the fellowship of this church.

 

Saturday, Jan. 31, 1829

Church met in the vestry. Heard A? Hawkins relate what God had done for her soul. Voted that A? Hawkins be rec’d to the fellowship of the church, after having rec’d the ordinance of baptism.

 

Lords day February 1, 1829

The ordinance of baptism was administered to the following persons. Viz. Mary Webster, Jane N. Morse, Rebecca P. Johnson, Hannah Davis, Betsy Webster, Lydia Woodbury, Abigail Ober, Lucy Cole, Lavinia Tenney, Mary Marston, Hepsubah Burke, and A? Hawkins, who rec’d the right hand of fellowship...Abigail Morton (having been baptized by the Methodists) and Williams L. Church (having been previously baptized) were rec’d to the fellowship of the church.

 

February 7, 1829

Church met in the vestry according to appointment. Meeting opened by prayer by Dea. Mason, Mr. Isaac Osgood gave a relation of his Christian experience, and signified his desire to become a member of this church.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. Stetson to the First Baptist Church in Boston.

 

Lords day eve. Feb. 8, 1829

The church being assembled. Voted that this unite agreably to invitation, with the Merrimack Quarterly Meeting. Voted to send as delegates to this meeting, with our pastor, Br. Mason, Mr. Tuxbury, and Elisha [blank]. This meeting is to be at Haverhill next Wednesday.

 

Lowell Feb. 27, 1829

The church met in the vestry according to appointment Br. Whipple opened the meeting by prayer. Mrs. Mary Taxley, Miss Lovey Woodman, Miss Hannah Hunt, Mary Jane Mansfield, Miss Lucy Shatten, Miss Lency Gibbs, and Miss Mariah Morse relate the exercises of their minds.

 

 

Lowell Feb. 28, 1829

The church met in the vestry, the meeting having been opened by prayer, the brethren and sisters proceeded to speak of the exercises of their minds. Voted to receive by baptism the following persons. Viz. Mr. Isaac Osgood, Mrs. Mary Taxley, Miss Lovey Woodman, Miss Hannah Hunt, Miss Mary Jane Mansfield (Miss Mansfield was not baptized), Miss Lucy Shatten, Miss Lency Gibbs, and Miss Mariah Morse

 

Lowell Saturday Eve. March 7, 1829

The church met and Br. Freeman opened the meeting by prayer. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Trask and Miss Lavinia Fisher. Voted to receive Miss Trask and Miss Fisher by baptism.

 

Lowell March 21, 1829

The church met according to appointment. Prayer by the pastor, remarks were then made on the necessity of divine influence, by Rev. Mr. Freeman and Rev. C.O. Kimball. Voted unanimously to exclude from this church, Miss Nancy French. The reasons for this exclusion were: 1^st Open and wanton violation of the Sabbath. 2^nd The choice of unprincipled persons for her associates, and the ungodly, for her companions. 3^rd Her attending a ball on Friday Eve.

 

Lowell March 27, 1829

At a church meeting in the vestry, Rev. Mr. Mason prayed and made some remarks on the causes of declension in religious feelings.

Voted to give Sister Ann Burtin a letter of dismission and recommendation to the church in Bos.

Voted to raise a standing committee of seven whose duty it shall be to visit, to endeavor as far as possible to reclaim, any members of this church who may be in a state of religious declension, or who may have become negligent of religious duties. The following brethren compose that committee.

            Dea. Abel Rugg

            Dea. William Mason

            J.C. Morrill

            S. Brown

            Mr. M. Tuxbury

            E. Hathaway

            S. Whipple

(closed the meeting)

 

April 4, 1829 – Monthly meeting

Church met as usual. Prayer by the pastor. The sisters proceeded to the exercises of their minds.

Voted to receive Br. Joseph Taxley, as a member of this church, he having presented a letter of dismission from a sister church in Lynn. Voted to receive Br. Dwight Wheelock and Sister Matilda Wheelock from the Church in [blank] Mass. by letter. Voted to receive Sister Susan Dyer from the Church in [blank] by letter. Took up the subject of Br. Hathaway as to his impressions about preaching. Voted that the brethren do not get satisfactory evidence that he is called to this work.

Note-The brethren unanimously expressed their approbation of Br. Hathaway's general ? and their wish that he might still continue as usual to improve his gift in the church.

 

Lords day April 5, 1829

The church, and a vast concourse of speakers, having repaired to the water side, our pastor administered the ordinance of baptism to Mrs. Mary Taxley, Mrs. Rhoda Dodge, Miss Hannah Hunt, Miss Mariah Morse, Miss Lavinia Fisher, and Miss Nancy Trask. The above sisters together with Br. Joseph Taxley, Dwight Wheelock and Sister Matilda Wheelock and Sister Susan Dyer rec’d the right hand of fellowship, by our pastor.

 

Saturday April 18, 1829

At a church meeting in the vestry. Voted to receive Mrs. Trull as a member of this church.

 

Saturday May 23, 1829

The church met. Prayer by the pastor. Heard the experience of Miss Eliza Jones, Miss Abigail Jones, and Miss Mary Stafford. Voted to receive them by baptism.

 

Lords day May 24, 1829

The church assembled at the waterside. The ordinance of baptism was administered by our pastor to the following persons. Viz. Br. Isaac Osgood, Sisters Almira Jones, Abigail Jones, Lucy Shatten, Lovey Woodman, Gibbs, and Mary Stafford. These persons together with Sister Sarah Trull rec’d the right hand of fellowship by the pastor at the close of the afternoon services. A letter from the baptist brethren in [blank] was read, requesting a delegation, to aid in forming a church in that place. Voted that our pastor with Dea. A. Rugg and Br. Chase compose that delegation.

 

Lowell May 25, 1829

Church met for the transaction of business. Prayer by the pastor. After several remarks on the subject of the fund, Dea. Wm. D. Mason made the following offer to the church. That he would for five hundred dollars, relinquish all his claims on the church, and make over to them thirteen shares in the first Baptist meeting house. Voted to accept the offer.

 

June 5, 1829

The church met, and heard the following persons relate their experiences. Miss Lucy Hunt, Lucy Stanley, and Miss Woodbridge. Voted to receive Miss Hunt, Miss Stanley, and Miss Woodbridge by baptism. Voted to exclude Miss Eliza Crowell from this church. Her conduct has been irregular and immoral.

 

Saturday June 6, 1829

Preparatory conference, a comfortable season. Voted to receive as members of this church, D.L.B. Cole and his wife.

 

 

Lords day June 7, 1829

Baptized and gave the right hand of fellowship to Miss Lucy Hunt, Lucy Stanley, and Miss Woodbridge, also gave the right hand of fellowship to D.L. B. Cole and his wife.

 

Saturday June 19, 1829

            Church met as usual. Heard the following persons relate in a very interesting manner their Christian experience.

            Miss Susana Conner

            Lois W. Davis

            Mellissa M. Davis

            Miss Wilson

            Harriet Whithead

            Paulena Richardson

Voted to receive them by baptism.

 

June 25, 1829

Church met as usual. Heard the experience of the following persons.

            Sarah P. Harden

            Cyrus Chambers

            Mrs. Weatherbee

            Lilpha Maynard

            Sarah Longley

Voted to receive them by baptism.

 

Friday July 3, 1829

Church met. Heard the experience of the following persons.

            Miss Selina Bailey

            Miss Hunt

            Miss Sally Eaton

            Miss Elizabeth Maynard

            Miss Sarah Persons

Voted to receive them by baptism.

 

Lords day July 5, 1829

Church repaired to the waterside, where, by our pastor the following persons were baptized.

            Miss Harriet Whithead

            Miss Susan Conner

            Miss Lois W. Davis

            Miss Mellissa M. Davis

            Miss Elizabeth Wilson

            Miss Palina Richardson

            Miss Sarah Longley

            Mrs. Weatherbee

            Miss Lilpha Maynard

            Miss Hunt

            Miss Sarah Hardy

            Miss Philinda Persons

These persons at the close of the P.M. service rec’d by the hand of our pastor the right hand of fellowship, and also the hand of fellowship was on the same occasion presented to Miss Elizabeth Maynard, read by letter from the Baptist Church in Keene N. Hampshire.

 

July 10, 1829 Friday Evening

Church met. Prayer by the pastor.

Voted to receive Br. Joel Williams and his wife Fivette Williams to this church.

 

July 17, 1829 Friday Evening

Church met and heard the religious experience of Miss Bryant. Voted to receive her by baptism.

 

July 24, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Voted to receive Miss Susan Wilkins by baptism, she having at this meeting satisfactorily related her Christian experience.

 

July 31, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted to receive Miss Huldah Page and Miss Eliza Hodgman, they having given a satisfactory relation of their Christian experience at this meeting. Voted to receive Barnard Stratton by letter from the baptist church in New Ipswich N.H., also Miss Rachel Lund from the baptist church in Roxbury, and Miss Cynthia Puffer from the baptist church in Harvard.

 

August 2, 1829 Lords day

The ordinance of baptism was administered by the pastor to

            Cyrus Chambers

            Miss Salina Bailey

            Miss Eliza Hodgman

            Miss Bryant

            Miss Sally Eaton

            Miss Susan Wilkins

These persons, together with Mr. Joel Williams from Mountholly Church, Mrs. Fivette Williams from Peterborough Church, Miss Cynthia Puffer from Harvard Church rec’d the right hand of fellowship by the pastor, and Miss Rachel Lund, pleasant and delightful, from the baptist church in Roxbury M.S.

 

August 7, 1829 Friday Evening, the pastor absent

The church met, spent the time in Devotional Exercise.

 

August 14, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, the pastor absent, time spent in religious devotion.

 

August 21, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Miss Lucinda Miller related her religious experience. Voted to receive her when she shall have received the ordinance of baptism.

 

August 28, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry.

Remarks were made by the pastor on the symptoms of religious decline, no religious experiences were related this evening.

 

September 4, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Miss Irene Tinny and Miss Mary A. Harrington related their experience and were received as candidates for baptism.

 

September 5, 1829 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference in the vestry, the church heard Mr. Jason Phelps relate his religious experience, and was received as a candidate for baptism.

 

September 6, 1829 Lords day

At noon a large concourse of people met at the waterside where by our pastor the ordinance of baptism was very solemnly administered to the following persons.

            Mr. Jason Phelps

            Miss Lucinda Miller

            Miss Irene Tinney

            Miss Mary A. Harrington

At the close of the P.M. service, the above named persons received by the pastor the right hand of fellowship.

 

September 11, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Prayer by the pastor, proceeded to

1) Hear the religious experience of Miss Eliza Hay

2) Heard the report of the committee respecting Br. Bradley Parker. The report is in substance, that the doctor is inclining towards infidel sentiments, that he refuses to come back and make confession to the church of his falts, whereupon it was

3)Voted that he be excluded from the church.

 

September 18, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Prayer by the pastor.

1^st. Heard the report of the committee respecting Miss Harriet Buzzell and Miss Awrela Weatherbee, the report was in substance respecting Miss H. Buzzell, was that having long absented herself from meetings and having manifested an unchristian life, she utterly refuses to be seen by the pastor or to listen to the admonition of the church. Whereupon it was voted to exclude her from the church.

Report concerning A. Weatherbee was that she refuses to walk with the church. Voted that she be excluded. Chose the following brethren with the pastor as a delegation to sit in council to be held at the Rocks Village Haverhill, J.C. Morrill, Moses M. Tuxberry, Stephen Brown.

 

September 21, 1829 Saturday Evening

The church met, no one offers to relate an experience. The Rev. Moses Cheney was present, and gave a discourse from the words, let me not be ashamed of my hope.

 

October 2, 1829 Friday Evening

1) The church met in the vestry as usual, and heard Miss Adaline Whithead and Miss Ruth Bancroft, each relate their Christian experience.

2) Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism, also Miss Eliza Hay as a candidate for baptism,

3) Having learned by Br. Mason that the church might obtain the Merrimack Comp. school house in which to hold meetings evenings and on Lords days if necessary, for thirty six dollars a year

4) Voted that it is expedient to obtain said house.

5) Voted to refer the manner of raising the thirty six dollars for the M. Comp. school house, to the prudential committee. Adjourned.

 

October 3, 1829 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference, after the services of the conference was through, Br. J.C. Morrill related to the church, his trials of mind on the subject of the sacred ministry, therefore it was concluded that the church call upon him soon, to improve his gift.

 

October 4, 1829 Lords day

At noon the society assembled at the waterside and the following persons were baptized by the pastor

            Miss Eliza Hay

            Miss Adeline Whithead

            Miss Ruth Bancroft

These together with brother Stratton who was received by latter, rec'd the right hand of fellowship.

 

October 9, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer by the pastor.

Br. J.C. Morrill came forward and addressed the people from these words I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 3 Chapt. 14 verse

The pastor read a letter from the baptist church in Dunbarton, N.H. requesting a delegation to attend the Ordination of Br. Isaac Wenscott.

Whereupon, voted that as our pastor is chosen to go to the state convention which is on the same day we cannot comply with the request.

Voted to dismiss and recommend E.W. Fuller to the baptist church in Nottingham West.

 

October 16, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, spent the time in prayer and exortation.

 

October 23 Friday Evening

The church met, address by the pastor.

 

October 30, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the religious experience of Miss Eliza Pratt.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

November 6, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met. Address by the pastor.

Adjourned.

 

November 13, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the Christian experience and trials on the subject of baptism of Miss Dolly W. Smith being a member of a congregational church in Newmarket. Voted to receive her by baptism, adjourned.

 

November 20, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, heard an address by Rev. Mr. Barnaby, adjourned.

 

November 27, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, address by the pastor on the duty of the church to do something to promote the reformation, O Lord receive thy work. Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Matilda Burnham to the church in Newbedford.

 

December 4, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the following persons relate their Christian experience,

            Miss Adelina Holland

            Miss Betsy Crosby

            Miss Harriet Gould

            Miss Nancy Pierce

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Note- Miss Holland was a member of the congregational church in Sudbury by which church she was dismissed and recommended to us.

 

 

 

December 5, 1829 Saturday Evening

The church met in the vestry and heard Miss Olive Shaw relate her Christian experience. Voted to receive her by baptism.

 

December 6, 1829 Lords day

At noon the church together with a large concourse of spectators repaird to the waterside where the following persons were buried by baptism by our pastor

            Miss Dolly M. Smith

            Miss Adelina Holland

            Miss Betsy Crosby

            Miss Eliza Pratt

            Miss Huldah Page

            Miss Harriet Gould

            Miss Olive Shaw

            Miss Nancy Pierce

The above named persons at the close of the P.M. service received the right hand of fellowship by our pastor, at the close of the communion season Lords Day Dec. 6, 1829 the church voted unanimously to give Br. J.C. Morrill a licence to preach the everlasting gospel.

 

December 11, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry as usual, pastor not present, the time spent in prayer and exortation.

 

December 18, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, opened meeting by prayer, heard Miss Nancy Hamond relate her Christian experience.

1) Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism

2) Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. Ouerer and Sister Eliza Spaulding to the church in Ludlow.

 

December 25, 1829 Friday Evening

The church met, pastor absent, time spent in prayer and exortation, adjourned.

 

January 1, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met as usual in the vestry.

1) Heard the following persons relate their Christian experience,

            John Pilsbury

            Miss Perthena Genness

            Miss Eliza Hill

            Miss Mary Dixon

            Mrs. Smith

2) Voted to receive these persons by baptism

3) Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Somersworth, Br. Thomas J. Baker and Sister Ann Baker

4) Voted to receive from the baptist church in Milford by letter, Sister Ruth Tailor.

 

January 3, 1830 Lords Day

Repaird to the waterside, baptized the following persons,

            John Pilsbury

            Miss Perthena Genness

            Miss Eliza Hill

            Mrs. Smith

            Miss Mary Dixon

            Miss Nancy Hammond

These persons at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship together with

            Br. Thomas J. Baker

            Sister Ann Baker

            Sister Ruth Tailor

 

January 8, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual, time spent in prayer and Christian devotion.

 

January 15, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, in prayer and exortation was the time spent, adjourned.

 

January 22, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the Christian experience of Miss Loisa Dixon.

 

January 29, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual, time spent in prayer and exortation.

 

February 5, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of E.L. Magoon and Miss Louezar Rollins.

1) Voted to receive Br. Harry Budlong from the church in Methuen.

2) Voted to choose a committee to examine persons previous to their coming before the church to relate their experience consisting of the following persons,

            E.W. Freeman

            Deacon A. Rugg

            Br. M.M. Tuxbury

            Dea. William D. Mason

            Br. S.L. Oliver

 

February 12, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, after prayer by the pastor, the church voted to receive as candidates for baptism the following persons

            Br. Elias L. Magoon

            Sister Loiza Dickson

            Sister Louezar Rollins

 

February 19, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard the following persons relate their Christian experience

            Mr. William C. Gray

            Miss Mary Wiggins

            Miss Sarah Trowbridge

2) Voted to receive them for baptism

3) Heard a letter from the baptist church in Dunstable, N.H. requesting a delegation on the 25^th instance to consult with them on the expediency of settling Orooming M. Lheit as their pastor, our pastor being previously engaged on that day it was voted to send as delegates Br. A. Rugg and B. M.M. Tuxbury.

 

February 26, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, the pastor absent at Charlestown.

 

March 5, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard Miss Clarrisa Russ relate her Christian experience. Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

2) Voted to receive Br. John Chase and Sister Martha Chase by letter from Lynn Church.

3) Voted to exclude Jane Hildreth from this church for the neglect of duty and immoral conduct such as lightness attending Balls

4) Voted to set aside from our fellowship Emma Darling till we can investigate the charges alleged against her.

Exortation and prayer by the pastor, adjourned.

 

March 6, 1830 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference in the vestry, enjoyed a very comfortable meeting.

 

March 7, 1830 Lords Day

This day a numerous concourse of people repaird to the waterside where by the pastor the following persons were buried by baptism. Viz.

            Mr. Elias L. Magoon ordained

            Mr. William C. Gray excluded

            Miss Clarrisa Russ

            Miss Mary Wiggins

            Miss Sarah Trobridge

            Miss Louezar Rollins

These persons at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship together with

            Br. John Chase

            Sister Martha Chase and

            Br. Harry Budlong

 

 

March 12, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, remarks by the pastor on Christian activity, the meeting was interesting.

 

March 19, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Nancy Dutton. Exortation by the pastor, adjourned.

 

March 26, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual, the pastor absent, spent the time in prayer and exortation.

 

April 2, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the religious experience of

            Miss Jane Russell

            Miss Lydia Bickford

            Miss Esther E. Shepherd

Exhortation by Br. Nelson

 

April 3, 1830 Saturday Evening

Preparatory conference deferred on account of the absence of the pastor.

 

April 9, 1830 Friday Evening

Church met.

1) Heard the following persons relate their experience

            Miss Nancy Seaver

            Miss Jane Seaver

            Miss Sarah O'Brien

            Miss Sarah Smith

2) Voted to receive the following persons as candidates for baptism

            Miss Nancy Dutton

            Miss Sarah Bickford

            Miss Esther E. Shepherd

            Miss Nancy Russell

            Miss Nancy Seaver

            Miss Sarah O'Brien

            Miss Sarah Smith

3) Voted to receive Miss Jane Seaver by letter from the baptist church in [blank]

4) Voted to receive from the baptist church in Woburn

Br. William C. Martin, by letter, also Sister Susan R. Martin his wife

5) Voted to receive from the baptist church in Woolwich

Sister Nancy Baker by letter

6) Voted to dismiss to the church in Buffalo, N.Y.

Sister Susan Andrews

7) Voted to dismiss to the church in Haverhill

Sister Nancy Hammond

8) Voted to dismiss to the church in [blank]

Sister Bridget W. Sargent.

Adjourned

 

April 11, 1830 Lords Day

At noon, repaird to the place where is much water and there the following persons were buried in baptism

            Miss Nancy Seaver

            Miss Sarah Smith

            Miss Sarah O'Brien

            Miss Nancy Dutton

            Miss Sarah Bickford

            Miss Esther E. Shepherd

            Miss Nancy Russell

These persons at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship together with

            William C. Martin

            Susan R. Martin, and

            Nancy Baker

 

April 16, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard the religious experience of Betsy Gove

2) Voted to dismiss to the baptist church in New Boston

Miss Almira Willoughby

 

April 23, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the religious experience of

            Miss Almira Haskell and

            Miss Bisson

 

April 30, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry and attended to the following things

1) Read a letter from the First Congregational Church in this town dismissing and recommending to us Mr. Herman Abbott,

2) Heard Herman Abbott's religious experience

3) Heard Miss Sarah Gilson, Miss Mary Pierce, Miss Mary Stewart, and Miss Eliza Stewart relate their experience

4) Voted to receive these persons together with

Miss Betsy Gove and Almira Haskell as candidates for baptism

 

May 2, 1830 Lords Day

Repaird to the waterside, at noon, where by the pastor, the following persons were baptized

            Mr. Herman Abbott

            Miss Sarah Gilson

            Miss Mary Pierce

            Miss Mary Stewart

            Miss Eliza Stewart

            Miss Betsy Gove

            Miss Almira Haskell

At the close of the afternoon service, the above named persons received the right hand of fellowship

 

May 7, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard the religious experience of Miss Allice Lund and Miss Trean Mixer

2) Voted that Dea. William D. Mason and Br. Moses M. Tuxbury go as delegates with our pastor to the quarterly meeting at Haverhill on the 12^th instant.

 

May 14, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Miss Mary Crosby and Miss Nancy Stone related their Christian experience.

 

May 16, 1830 Lords Day

Voted to dismiss Sister Nancy Dutton to the church in Jeffrey, N.H.

 

May 21, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Joanna Davis.

 

May 28, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Elizabeth Smith

            Miss Sarah McAllister, and

            Miss Mariah Wiley

2) Voted to receive as candidates for baptism the following persons, viz.

Miss Allis Lund from the congregational church in Hollis, N.H.

            Miss Nancy Stone

            Miss Mary Crosby

            Miss Joanna Davis

            Miss Sarah McAllister

            Miss Elizabeth Smith

            Miss Mariah Willey

3) Voted to receive by letter Miss Eliza Barrett from the church in Windsor (west parish) V.T. Also voted to receive

Miss Moria Chamberlain

Miss Lucy Brown and

Miss Fanny Davis by letter from the baptist church in Newton, M.S.

 

June 4, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and the following persons related their Christian experience and

the church voted to receive them as candidates for baptism,

            Miss Belinda Heart

            Miss Eunice Geyla

            Miss Sarah Felch

            Miss Mary Martin

            Miss Clementina Averill

            Miss Susan Blanchard

            Miss Mary Lyman

2) Read a letter from the church in Nottingham West, N.H. requesting the pastor and 1 or more brethren to sit in council to settle some difficulties respecting their pastor the Rev. Benjamin Deane, council to meet 16^th instant at 1 o'clock P.M.

3) Chose the following brethren to accompany our pastor

Dea. Abel Rugg

Br. M.M. Tuxbury

Br. Asa Gram

 

June 5, 1830 Saturday Evening

The church met and voted to receive by letter from the third church in Boston Mrs. Mary B. Smith with her daughters Mary and Margret Smith.

 

June 6, 1830 Lords Day

The church met as many spectators as could be expected on account of the rain, repaired to the waterside where the ordinance of baptism was administered to the following persons,

            Miss Mary Jane Mansfield

            Miss Loiza Dickson

            Miss Mary Lyman

            Miss Susan Blanchard

            Miss Clementina Averill

            Miss Mary Martin

            Miss Sarah Felch

            Miss Eunice Geyla

            Miss Belinda Hart

            Miss Allice Lund

            Miss Mary Crosby

            Miss Joanna Davis

            Elizabeth Smith

            Miss Mariah Wiley

At the close of the afternoon service the above named persons received the right hand of fellowship together with the following persons which were receivedd by letter

            Mrs. Mary B. Smith from the third church in Boston

            Miss Mary Smith from the third church in Boston

            Miss Margret Smith from the third church in Boston

            Miss Sarah McAllister- who had previously been baptized but had not joined any             ch

            Miss Eliza Barrett from the church in Windsor, Vermont

            Miss Lucy Brown from the church in Newton, M.S.

            Miss Moria Chamberlain from the church in Newton, M.S.

            Miss Fanny Davis from the church in Newton, M.S.

 

June 11, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the religious experience of

Mrs. Persia Bodwell and

Miss Emily Farnum

 

June 14, 1830 Monday Evening

The church met for secular business.

A statement was made respecting our debt by which it appeared that only about one hundred and twenty dollars is now due from the church to Dea. William D. Mason.

1) Voted to take immediate measures for the raising of the sum by subscription,

2) by reason of the fact that our meeting house is now fill’d to overflowing so that many are desireous to obtain seats who cannot, the subject of enlarging our present house or of building a new one was clearly discussed, it was then voted the question whither we will enlarge our meetinghouse or take the first step towards building a new one, be referd to a committee, chose for this committee Dea. William D. Mason, Dea Abel Rugg, Moses M. Tuxbury, John Chase, Br. L.B. Cole, Stephen Brown, Isaac Osgood.

 

June 18, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1) Heard the religious experience of

            Miss Triphosa Caldwell

            Mis Sophia Johnson

            Miss Angila Wright

2) Voted to receive these persons together with

            Mrs. Persia Bodwell

            Miss Emily Farnhum

As candidates for baptism and voted to dismiss Miss Rebecca Johnson to the baptist church in Salsbury, N.H.

 

June 25, Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Rhoda Richardson and Belinda Baldwin

Miss Anne Simonds

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism

2) Read a letter from the baptist church in Weston, requesting a delegation to attend the installation of Rev’d. T.L. Ropes as their pastor on Wednesday the last day of June 9 o'clock A.M. whereupon,

Voted that Br. John Chase accompany our pastor.

 

July 2, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met heard the relation of

            Miss Fanny Wise

            Miss Jane Smith

Miss Mercy Underwood (Miss Underwood is a member of the Presbyterian church in Dracut. Voted to receive these persons as candidates for baptism.

Voted to receive to this church by letter Br. Moody Mansur from the church in Ludlow, remarks by the pastor on church building.

 

 

 

July 4, 1830 Lords Day

Repaird to the waterside and after prayers were offered by Rev. Mr. Clark from Saco (Main) the pastor buried in baptism the following persons ,

            Mrs. Persia Bodwell

            Miss Emily Farnum

            Miss Triphosia Caldwell

            Miss Sophia Johnson

            Miss Angela Wright

            Miss Rhoda Richardson

            Miss Fanny Wise

            Miss Jane Smith

            Miss Mercy Underwood

These persons together with Br. Moody Mansur at the close of the P.M. services received the right hand of fellowship.

 

July 9, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry and heard Capt. Samuel Weston relate his religious experience. Voted to receive him as a candidate for baptism.

 

July 16, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Remarks by the pastor on a prayerful frame of mind. Adjourned.

 

July 23, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Remarks by the pastor on Watchfullness.

Voted to receive Br. E.M. Cressy from the church in Hopkinton, N.H.

 

July 30, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Pastor absent on a visit to Maine.

 

August 6, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met, Pastor not present.

 

August 13, 1830

The church met at the vestry. Pastor absent.

 

August 20, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry. Pastor present. 1^st heard Miss Pamela Elsworth, Miss Hannah Knowlton, Miss Phebe Palmer, and Mr. George Hale relate their Christian experience.

2) Voted to receive by letter from the 2^nd baptist church in Boston, Miss Abigail Blood and Miss Rebecca Adams as members of this church.

3) Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Dunstable, N.H., Mrs. Mary Hale to membership with this church.

4) Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Clarmount, N.H., Miss Irene Tinney.

5) Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Jaffrey, N.H., Miss Susan Blanchard.

 

August 21, 1830 Saturday Evening

The male members of the church met for special buisness. 1^st meeting opened by prayer.

2) A statement was made by the pastor of the business of the meeting. Viz. to devise means for the purpose of investigating the reports which are in circulation which reports are exceedingly unfavorable to the moral character of Br. L.B. Cole. The pastor stated the importance of laying aside all prejudice and prepossesion and of endeavouring to come at truth.

3) Voted to raise a committee of seven to investigate the subject and to bring forward such evidence before the church touching the case as they may deem proper, the following committee were chosen

            Dea. A. Rugg, Br. J. Cram

            Br. M.M. Tuxberry, Br. John Chase

            Br. J.C. Morrill, Br. S.C. Oliver

            Br. Lewis Fisk, Br. Joel Williams was

Added by vote to take the place of Br. J.C. Morrill should he be absent.

4) Voted the committee notify the church when they are prepared to lay the matter before them.

 

August 27, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Mr. Ichabod March

            Mrs. Elizabeth March

            Miss Malind More

            Miss Lucia Allard

2) Voted to receive as candidates for baptism

            Mr. George Hale

            Miss Pamela Elsworth

            Miss Hannah Knowlton

            Miss Phebe Palmer

            Mr. Ichabod March

            Mrs. Elizabeth March

            Miss Malind More

            Miss Lucia Allard

3) Voted to dismiss and recommend to the Federal Street baptist church in Boston, M.S.

Br. Dwight Wheelock and

Sister Eliza S. Wheelock his wife

4) Voted that

Br. L. Fisk

Br. J. Cram

Br. S.C. Oliver be a committee to attend to the case of Phebe Berry and report at our next meeting. Adjourned.

 

August 30, 1830 Monday Evening

At a special meeting of the church which was called to hear a communication from Br. L.B. Cole he came forward and after asserting his innocence of the charges which have been allegd against him, he said he should, in concequence of the stories currant, of public opinion, which is against him, and in concequence of prejudices, which he thinks are against him in the church, entirely withdrew from the church he stated also that he was willing to have a trial, but that for the same reasons which induced him to withdraw from the church he should wish if there shall be a trial it be referd to a council, called from out of town. He also asked the prayers of the church for himself and his afflicted family. The church then

Voted that Br. L.B. Cole be suspended from the church for an indefinate time.

Voted that Br. L.B. Cole be informed by the pastor that he may have the privilege of nominating a committee of five members of this church to manage the trial before a council which may be called from of town

Voted that the committee of seven which were chosen on the twenty first be requested to report at the next meeting for buisness.

Voted to adjourn to Tuesday evening next.

 

September 3, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of

            Mrs. Jane B. Osgood

            Miss Mary Longley and

            Miss Sally B. Pearsons

Voted to receive them to the church by baptism.

Voted also to receive, Miss Lucy Woodcock by letter to this church from the baptist church in Winthrop, M.E.

 

September 4,1830 Saturday Evening

The church met in the vestry for preparatory conference. Heard the religious experience of Miss Prudence Fisher and

Miss Cynthia Fisher

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

September 5, 1830 Lords Day

To the church in this place, this has been an interesting day, at noon a large concourse of people repaird to our place of baptism, the day was delightful, after singing and prayers an address to the candidates was made by the pastor. The following persons were baptized

            Mr. George Hale

            Mr. Ichabod March

            Mrs. Elizabeth March

            Miss Phebe Palmer

            Miss Pamela Elsworth

            Miss Hannah Knowlton

            Miss Malinda More

            Miss Lucia Allard

            Miss Phebe Hart

            Mrs. Jane B. Osgood

            Miss Sally B. Pearsons

            Miss Prudence Fisher

            Miss Cynthia Fisher

These persons at the close of the P.M. service received the right hand of fellowship to gather with the following persons from other sister churches,

            Mr. E.W. Cressey from the baptist church in Hopkinton, N.H.

            Miss Abigail Blood from Boston

            Miss Rebecca Adams

            Mrs. Mary Hale from Dunstable, N.H.

            Miss Lucy Woodcock from Winthrop, M.E.

            Miss Mary Longley was also received to this church having been formally baptized but having never been received into any church.

 

September 10, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Voted to dismiss Miss Fanny Shepherd to the baptist church in Weston, V.T.

 

September 12, 1830 Lord's Day

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Adalaide Cross to the baptist church in Newburyport.

 

September 17, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted that Br. J.C. Morrill prepare a letter to send to the association

Voted that Br. William D. Mason

Br. J.C. Morrill and

Br. S.C. Oliver

Be a delegation to acompany our pastor to the association

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sisters Maria Nichols and Eleanor Bates to the Berah baptist church in New York City under the care of the Rev. L. Dunbar.

Heard the report of the committee respecting Phebe Berry which in substance was that her conduct has been immoral to such degree that it is their opinion she ought to be excluded. Voted to exclude her from the church.

 

September 24, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. 1^st remarks by the pastor on the importance of doing all we can for the continuance of the reformation. 2) received a letter from a number of the members of the 1^st baptist church in Haverhill requesting a delegation to sit in council for the purpose of settling difficulties between them and their pastor the Rev. Mr. Kely. 3) Voted to comply with the request and chose to acompany the pastor Br. Moses M. Tuxberry.

 

October 1, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the religious experience of

            Mrs. Hill

            Miss Ursula Rollins

            Miss Hannah Gould and

            Miss Polly Bishop

1^st Voted to receive Mrs. Hill,

            Miss Ursula Rollins

            Miss Hannah Gould

As candidates for baptism,

2) Voted to receive Br. William Marshall and his wife Sister Marshall by letter from the baptist church in Mason, N.H. as members of this church....also Miss Millisant Rugg from the baptist church in Harvard.

3) Voted to exclude Miss Elizabeth Wilson for immoral conduct.

 

October 2, 1830 Saturday Evening

The church met and heard Mr. Simpson and his wife relate their Christian experience. Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

October 3, 1830 Lords Day

Repaird to the waterside the following persons were baptized and at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship to the church

            Mr. Jonathan Simpson

            Mrs. Simpson (note Mrs. Simspon deceased 1833)

            Mr. Samuel Weston

            Miss Hannah Gould

            Mrs. Hill

            Miss Ursula Rollins

            Mr. William Marshall and his wife from the church in Mason

            Miss Rugg from the church in Harvard

 

October 8, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the religious experience of Mrs. Maguire and Miss Judith Paine. Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

October 10, 1830 Lords Day

At the close of the afternoon service the church paused, and Voted to dismiss and recommend our Br. J.C. Morrill, Sister Sarah Morrill and Sister Sarah Hachett to the baptist church in Waterville, Maine.

 

October 13, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Address by Mr. Tingley and the Pastor. Adjourned.

 

October 22, 1830

The church met and heard the experience of Miss Susanna Sawyer who is a member of a Presbeterian church in Boston, M.S.

Miss Sarah Sprague and

Miss Ester Shephard these three persons Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

October 29, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. The pastor absent.

 

November 5, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Glover.

1^st Heard the religious experience of Mr. Tulson

2) Voted to dismiss and recommend to the church under the Rev. J. Gowin's charge in Worcester, Miss Hannah Simonds.

3) Chose a committee of three to attend to the case of Br. J. Wilson. Viz.

Deacon A. Rugg

Br. Joseph Tapley

Br. Isaac Osgood

 

November 7, 1830 Lords Day

Repaird to the waterside where by the Pastor the following persons were baptised

            Mrs. Sarah W. Maguire

            Miss Sally Sprague

            Miss Judith Payne

            Miss Nancy Stone

            Miss Ester Shephard

At the close of the afternoon service the above named persons received the right hand of fellowship.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Nelson, Mrs. Bethiah Felt.

 

November 12, 1830 Friday evening

The church met. Exortation by the pastor.

 

November 19, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. The pastor absent.

 

November 26, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1^st Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Ann C. Litchfield to the baptist church in Scituate.

2) Voted to exclude Mary Smith for immoral conduct.

 

December 3, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met.

1^st Voted to receive Sister Irene Russel and Malinda Russel, by the letter from the baptist church in Peterborough, N.H.

2) Voted to receive from the church in Windsor West Parish, V.T. by letter... Sister Persis Blanchard

3) Chose A. Rugg and Br. Joseph Tapley, a committee to attend to the transferring of certain shares we first bought the meetinghouse in Lowell from sundry persons into the possession of the church the church being entitled to such shares by purchase and donation.

 

December 10, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church under the pastoral care of Rev. T.P. Ropes in Weston, our Sister Lavinia W. Dunn.

 

December 18, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry.

Miss. L. Douglas and Miss Harriet Mudget relate their Christian experience.

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to receive Miss Ann Stafford by letter from the church in Haverhill.

 

December 24, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Helena Dodge.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Newton, Br. Amos Hyde.

Voted to receive from the baptist church in Guilford, V.T., by letter, Miss E? Tessenden.

 

December 31, 1830 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of

Miss Lock

Miss Sarah Kendrick

Miss Abigail Parker

Voted to receive them above named persons as candidates for baptism.

 

January 1, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary Cudworth.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

January 2, 1831 Lords Day

The church met in the morning. Heard the experience of Miss Hartwell.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism. At noon, the church and a numerous concourse of spectators repaird to the waterside where prayer was wont to be made and there the following persons were buried in baptism by the pastor.

Miss Helena Dodge

Miss Sarah Kendrick

Miss Mary Cudworth

Miss Harriet Hartwell

Miss Abigail Parker

Miss Harriet Mudget

Miss Cynthia Lock

The above named persons at the close of the afternoon service received by our pastor the right hand of fellowship together with

Miss Susan Blanchard from Windsor, V.T.

Miss Persis Blanchard from Windsor, V.T.

Mr. Amos Hyde from Newton, M.S.

Miss Electa Tessenden from Guilford

Miss Irene Russel and

Miss Malinda Russel from Peterborough, N.H.

Miss Ann Stafford from Haverhill, Mass.

 

The season was one of delightful interest to the pastor although he had been very ill for a number of weeks, yet he received no injury administering the ordinance of baptism.

 

January 7, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met.

1^st Remarks by the pastor.

2) Heard and accepted the Treasurer report.

3) Chose Dea. Abel Rugg treasurer for the ensuing year.

 

January 14, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Chose Dea. A. Rugg and Br. William D. Mason trustees for the church to receive for the church shares in the meetinghouse.

 

January 21, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Hunton. Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

January 28, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Rev. Mr. Going agent for the convention gave an adress and took a Subscription.

 

February 4, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, time spent in conference.

 

February 11, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, time spent in prayer and exortation.

 

February 18, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, remarks by the pastor. Adjourned.

 

February 25, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of

Mrs. Puffer

Miss Hilliard

Miss Clark

 

 

March 4, 1831 Friday Eveing

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Nancy Wilson.

 

March 11, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, Brother Evans Present, Miss Eunice Austin related her Christian experience. Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism also

Miss [blank] Hilliard

Mrs. Abigail Puffer

Miss Elmira Kimball

Miss Nancy Wilson

 

March 18, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry. Heard the following persons relate their experience

Miss Roxanna Wright

Miss Mary Ann Austin

Miss Electa Fowler

Voted to invite the minestery in this region to come here and attend a four days meeting the third week in April next.

 

March 25, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the experience of Miss Esther Fay.

1^st Voted to receive

Miss Esther Fay

Miss Mary H. Austin

Miss Roxanna Wright

Miss Electa Fowler

2) Voted to exclude Mrs. Elisabeth [blank].

 

April 1, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of

Miss Eliza Clarke

Miss Lois Dodge

Miss Sarah Hood

Miss Marietta Welman

Voted to receive as candidates for baptism

Miss Eliza Clark

Miss Lois Dodge

Miss Sarah Hood

Miss Marietta Welman

 

April 2, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met. Heard the experience of Miss Julia Dearborn. Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

 

 

April 3, 1831 Lords Day

This day the church with a large concourse of people repaird to the place of much water where the ordinance of baptism was administered to the following persons who also received the right hand of fellowship at the close of the afternoon service

Miss Eliza Clark

Miss Lois Dodge

Miss Sarah Hood

Miss Esther Fay

Miss Mary Ann Austin

Miss Roxanna Wright

Miss Eunice Austin

Miss Electa Fowler

Miss [blank] Hilliard

Mrs. Abigail Puffer

Miss Elmira Kimball

Miss Nancy Wilson

Mrs. Parmelia Douglas

Miss Julia Dearborn

Also received by letter from the church in South Reading Miss Nancy Hunt.

 

This was with us a most solemn day, one which we shall long remember it is hoped with gratitude and praise to God.

 

April 8, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, time spent in prayer and exortation.

 

April 15, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, the pastor absent.

 

April 22, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met.

 

April 29, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer and address by the pastor.

 

May 6, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, the pastor absent. Heard the religious experience of Miss Everlina Whitney.

 

May 12, 1831 Thursday

This day a committee of this church chosen to investigate the charges alleged against Br. L. B. Cole of having illicit intercourse with Mrs. Fowler,

Dea. A. Rugg

Br. Fisk....Br. Fisk was not present

Br. Joseph Tapley

Br. Glover and

Br. Amos Hyde together with twenty five of the elderly Brethren and Sisters of the church selected for the purpose, met to hear the report of said committee, present also at the request of Br. Cole, and at the permission of the church, the Rev. S. Kenny and Rev. A. Sanderson.

After hearing the report of the committee and investigating the case so far as circumstances would allow the Rev. gentlemen above named gave to the brethren and sisters present the following communication. Viz.

The ministering brethren invited by Br. Cole to meet the first baptist church in Lowell to hear a case investigated pending between him and sd. church, and being requested to advise with the church, thinks that the case is very important, and, do not feel that they have had sufficient time and opportunity to arrive to a decided course, but would recommend one of the following plans

1^st that the church act as they think the case demands or

2) that they invite a council of ministering brethren to advise with them.

 

May 12, 1831 Amasa Sanderson

                                    Chairman

Whereupon after solemn and prayerful deliberation it was unanimously

Voted by the brethren and sisters present that in view of all the circumstances and in the light of the evidence in the case we view it for the glory of God and the good of this church that we advise the church to withdraw fellowship from Br. L.B. Cole.

 

May 13, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the Christian experience of

Miss Loisa Farnum

Miss Nancy Young

Miss Miltiah Chamberlain

Miss Phebe Mackintire

Mr. Asa Cram

2) Voted to receive them and Miss Evelina Whitney as candidates for baptism.

3) Voted to accept the advice of the committee respecting Br. L.B. Cole, and that of course he be excluded from this church.

 

May 16, 1831 Monday

At a special meeting of the church for the purpose of taking into consideration means for the formation of a new baptist church in Lowell on account of our increased numbers, it was after some deliberation

1^st Voted that a committee be chosen to receive the names of all such as are willing to unite to form a new church

2) Voted the committee consist of three persons

Br. John Chase

Br. Lewis Fisk

Br. Stephen Whipple

3) Voted to dismiss Br. [illegible] Shepard and his wife and commend them to the baptist church in New Bedford, M.S.

 

May 15, 1831 Lords Day

The church being together, after service in the afternoon,

Voted to dismiss Sister Lydia Vose to the baptist church in Harvard under the charge of Rev. A. Sampson.

 

May 20, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual. Voted to dismiss and recommend our Sister Sarah Trobridge to the baptist church in N.H.

 

May 27, 1831 Friday Evening

Th church met and heard the Christian experience of the following persons. Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Miss Rhoda Baldwin

Miss Betsy Hutchinson

Miss Emerline Herbert

Miss Mary Pierce

Miss Julia Huntoon

Miss Mary Hutchins

 

June 3, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met in the meetinghouse and heard the religious experience of

Miss Anne Haynes

Miss Elizabeth J. Cockran

Miss Mary Ann Whittimore

Miss Mary Grimshaw

Voted to receive from the baptist church in Princeton by letter Miss Betsy Osborn.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the church in Lynn, M.S. Sister A.C. Martin.

 

June 4, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Sarah Brown. Voted to receive as candidates for baptism the following persons

Miss Ann Haynes

Miss Elizabeth J. Cockran

Miss Mary Ann Whittemore

Miss Mary Grimshaw

 

Note Lords May 29, 1831 A portion of the church and congregation met for the first time at the town hall. Revd E.W. Freeman preach’d in the forenoon from psalms (22: 9^th. Mr. Carr from Newton Theological Institution in the afternoon

 

June 5, 1831 Lords Day

This day the church and a large concourse of people repaird to the waterside at the usual place and the ordinance of baptism was solemnly administered to the following persons

Mr. Asa Cram

Mrs. Mary Grimshaw

Miss Marietta Welman

Miss Mary Ann Whittemore

Miss Elizabeth J. Cockran

Miss Mary Hutchings

Miss Mary Pierce

Miss Emerline Herbert

Miss Betsy Hutchinson

Miss Rhoda Baldwin

Miss Evelina Whitney

Miss Phebe Mackintire

Miss Miltiah Chamberlain

Miss Naomi Young

Miss Loisa Farnum

Miss Ann Haynes

Miss Julia Huntoon

Miss Abigail Huntoon

The above persons received the right hand of fellowship by the hand of Revd. E.W. Freeman the pastor, after the afternoon service.

 

June 10, 1831 Friday Evening

The pastor absent, the church met spent the time in prayer and exortation.

 

June 17, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of

Miss Mary Prichard

Miss Mahala Russell and

Miss Elmira Wiggins

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

June 24, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met. The pastor absent.

 

July 1, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of

Miss Nancy Warner

Miss Charlott Butler and

Miss Roxelana Freeman

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

 

July 2, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

Miss Betsy Merriam and

Miss Lucy Burns

Voted to receive from the 2nd church in Boston, M.S. by letter Miss Simons. Voted to receive the above named 2 persons as candidates for baptism.

 

July 3, 1831 Lords Day

The church and a large concourse of people repaird to the waterside and witnessed the ordinance of baptism to the following persons

Miss Lucy Burns

Miss Betsy Merriam

Miss Nancy Warner

Miss Mahala Russell

Miss Elmira Wiggins and

Miss Charlott Butler

The above persons together with Miss M. Simons from the 2nd church in Boston were received by the Pastor, who in behalf of the church presented them with the right hand of fellowship. Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Waterton, Sister Permilia Phelps.

 

July 4, 1831 Monday

The church met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon with sundry members of the congregation, the Revd. Mr. Freeman preach’d a sermon on the importance of having nothing to do with ardent spirit- the members of the congregation having retir’d and the church being by themselves it was voted 1^st that Mrs. Lot for intemperance be excluded from this church (unanimously)

2) It was voted that it is expedient to take measures to ascertain how many of this church are prepard to take a stand both against using ardent spirit and against dealing in it as an article of traffic.

3) voted to raise a committee for the purpose of carying the vote into resolution, chose for the committee

Deacon W.D. Mason

Dea. A. Rugg

Br. John Chase

Br. Stephen Whipple

Br. John Cram

Br. Stephen Brown

4) Voted that Br. Mason, Rugg, and S. Carleton, be a committee to visit Br. B.R. Hill and try to reclaim him from unholy course of intemperance.

 

July 8, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in an address by the Pastor.

 

July 15, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Mr. Thompson and his wife and Miss Weston

Voted that the same committee who were appointed to visit Br. Hill should also visit Sister Rugg who is in a state of intemperance

Voted to dismiss Sister Sally Eaton to the baptist Church in Hopkinton

 

July 16, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met voted to receive Mr. Thompson, his wife Sister Thompson

Note: Mrs Thompson had been baptized Miss Weston as candidates, for baptism

Voted that the committee appointed to visit Br. Hill be instructed also to visit Sister Mellissent Rugg.

 

July 17, 1831 Lord’s Day

Repaired to the waterside where by the Pastor the ordinance of baptism was administered to

Mr. [blank] Thompson

Miss Roxelana Freeman and

Miss [blank] Weston

The above persons together with Mrs. Thompson and Miss Permila Phelps from the baptist Church in Watertown received the right hand of fellowship.

 

July 22, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met, The Pastor absent

The time was spent in an address by Br. Jennings, and exhortations by the brethren

 

July 29, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met time employed in prayer and exhortation by the brethren

 

August 5, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Betsey Holman and Miss Mary Judkins

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sisters

Sally North

Emily North and.

Mary Warner to the baptist Church in Methuen, prayer and exhortation followed.

 

August 12, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in prayer and exhortation.

 

August 19, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met the Pastor present having just returned from Maine gave an account of his journey, and announced the death of the Rev.d George Leonard late Pastor of the baptist church in Portland Maine.

Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Boston Sister Sally Stephens.

3) Heard the Christian experience of Miss Sarah Woodward and Miss Emily Farwell.

 

 

August 26, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual, heard Miss Sarah Hill,relate her Christian experience.

Voted to receive as candidates for baptism the following persons

Miss Emily Farwell

Miss Sarah Woodward

Miss Mary Judkins

 

August 30, 1831 Tuesday Evening

The church met at a special meeting to take the requisite steps for the formation of a new church.

2) The Pastor proceeded to state the obvious indications of divine providence, that another church should be formed

The following brethren and sisters then signified their willingness to become united in the formation of another church.

William D. Mason                  Nancy True

John Chase                              Ann Chapin

Amos Hyde                            Marietta E. Welmar

David D. Thompson               Elizabeth J. Cochran

Mary Ann Mason                  Lucinda Howard

Julia A. Lewis                         Sally Cole

Sarah Danforth                        Sarah Blake

Betsy Chase                            Mary Pierce

Paulina Jones                          Soprona Bartlett

Sarah Hilliard                          Mary Jane Woodbridge

Caroline M. Farrer                  Louisa Hardy

Elmira Jones                            Elizabeth Kimball

Dolly Churchill                       Cynthia Puffer

Mary Martin                          Margaret Mann

            Eliza Hay                                Susan Baldwin

            Betsey H. Webster                 Polly Thompson

            Abigail Olev                            Sarah Sandbourn

            Almira Kimball                       Eliza Clark

            Emily Herbert

 

A committee was then chosen to receive the names of any other persons who wished to unite with the above named brethren and sisters in the 2nd church.

            The committee consisted of the following persons

            Revd E. W. Freeman

          Dea. W. D. Mason

            John Jennings

            Amos Hyde

            William C. Gray

            E.L. Magoon.

 

September 2, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Rebecca Hayward

            Miss Sophiah Gage

            Miss Caroline Stearns

            Miss Saphrona Whitman

Voted to receive them and Miss Sarah Hill as candidates for baptism.

Voted to suspend from our communion the following persons

            Miss S. Tailor

            Miss Susan Miller

            Miss [blank] Haynes

            Miss Mellissent Rugg

Also voted that a meeting be held for their coming forward to make confession of which they are to be notified.

Voted to dismiss Sister Sally B. Bartlett (formerly S.B. Pearson) to the baptist church in Hopkinton N.H.

 

September 4, 1831 Lords Day

A large concourse of people having repaired to the waterside the ordinance of baptism was administered to the following persons

            Miss Rebecca Hayward

            Miss Sarah Hill

            Miss Mary Prichard

            Miss Emily Farwell

            Miss Mary Judkins

These persons received the right hand of fellowship at the close of the P.M. service together with Miss Sally Stearns from the 2^nd baptist church in Boston and Miss Betsey Osborn from the baptist church in Princeton M.S.

 

September 9, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry the time principally spent in prayer.

Voted to dismiss all those brethren and sisters in this church who are in good and regular standing who may be dispersed to unite in the formation of a second baptist church in this town.

 

September 10, 1831 Saturday Evening

A number of the Brethren and Sisters of this church met at the town hall and our Pastor Revd E. W. Freeman being present to assist the brethren they formed themselves into a church by the name of the 2^nd Baptist Church in Lowell.

They adopted as their articles of faith and covenant of the 1^st Baptist Church in Lowell.

The following are the persons who have united in the formation of the 2^nd Baptist Church.

            Deacon W.D. Mason                          Emily Herbert

            John Chase                                          Nancy True

            Amos Hyde                                        Ann Chapin

            David D. Thompson                           Eliza Clark

            Mary Ann Mann                                Marietta E. Wellmar

            Betsey Chase                                      Elizabeth J. Cochran

            Sarah Danforth                                    Lucinda Howard

            Julia A. Lewis                                     Sally Cole

            Paulina Jones                                      Sarah Blake

            Sarah Hilliard                                      Mary Pierce

            Caroline M Farrer                               Sophrona Bartlett

            Elmira Jones                                        Mary Jane Woodbridge

            Dolly Churchill                                   Louisa Hardy

            Mary Martin                                      Elizabeth Kimball

            Eliza Hay                                            Cynthia Puffer

            Betsey H. Webster                             Margaret Mann

            Abigail Olev                                        Susan Baldwin

            Almira Kimball                                   Polly Thompson

            Sarah Sandbourn

 

September 11, 1831 Lords Day

The church stopped after service for the purpose of choosing a deacon to supply the place of Dea. W.D. Mason who has become a member and deacon of the 2^nd Baptist Church

1)    Voted that we proceed to the choice of a deacon by the brethren and the Sistery being called upon to signify by rising ballotings, their approbation

2)    Voted, that if Deacon Rugg and Tuxbury are willing to receive ordination as Deacons and if the council which has been called to recognize the 2^nd Church shall think it expedient they shall by said council be ordained on Tuesday next at the town Hall.

 

September, 13, 1831 Tuesday Evening

Deacon Abel Rugg and Moses M. Tuxbury were ordained as Deacons of the 1^st baptist church in Lowell, together with Dea. W.D. Mason and Samuel Oliver as deacons of the 2^nd baptist church.

The ceremony of ordination was performed by the same council that convened at the town hall for the purpose of recognizing the 2^nd baptist church in this town.

The Ministry present were,

            Revd. B.L. Wade from Woburn M.S.

            Revd. C.O. Kimball from Metheun M.S.

            Revd. John Parkhurst from Chelmsford M.S.

            Revd. Silas Kenny from Littleton M.S.

            Revd. L. Everett from Milford N.H.

The Revd. B.L. Wade gave to the deacons the charge and right hand of fellowship, the Revd. S. Kenny made the ordaining prayer.

 

September 16, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in prayer and exortation.

 

September 23, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met 1^st voted that Deacon A. Rugg, Dea. Moses M. Tuxbury and M.C Gray accompany our Pastor to the association of Haverhill next Wednesday and Thursday.

2)    Voted to accept the letter proposed by the Pastor to send to the association that the association be held in this town next year.

3)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. John Kendrick to the baptist church in Vandawn in New York City under charge of Revd. D. Dunbar.

 

September 30, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Mr. York and Miss Susan Dean

1)    Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

2)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Brother Nathan Oliver and his wife to the baptist church about to be formed in Augusta, Maine.

3)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Lucy Stratton to the baptist church in North Reading.

 

October 1, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met heard the experience of Br. Joseph A. Brabrook.

 

October 2, 1831 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside at noon and baptized the following persons

            Mr. Jacob York

            Mr. Joseph A. Brabrook

            Miss Susan Dean

            Miss Sophia Gage

            Miss Sarah Woodward

At the close of the P.M. service by the Pastor, the right hand of fellowship was presented to them this day.

Voted to dismiss Sister Mary Wentworth to the baptist church in Providence, R.I.

 

October 7, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Fanny Huse.

Read a letter of dismission and recommendation of Miss Harriet W. Tuck from Dorchester M.S. to this church.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the 2^nd baptist church in this town our beloved Sisters

            Elizabeth Procter

            Joanne Davis

            Lydia Bickford

            Mary Grimshaw and

            Mary Lyman

Voted that Dea. Moses M. Tuxbury Deacon Abel Rugg and Br. Joseph Tapley be a standing committee on cases of declension in the church.

 

October 14, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met prayer and exhortation by Br. Fitz.

 

October 21, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary A. Haskell.

Voted to receive her and Miss Fanny Huse as candidates for baptism.

 

October 28, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Ester Fisk

            Miss Julia Chamberlain

            Miss Dorothy Abbott and

            Miss Caroline Wilder

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism also Miss Harriett Tuck by letter.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Mary Dixon to the baptist church in Cambridge and Miss Nancy Russell to the church in Grafton N.H.

 

November 4, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Rebecca Fowler

            Miss Charlotte Belknop

            Miss Lydia Ellis

            Miss Lydia Palmer

            Miss Sarah Fellows

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

November 6, 1831 Lord’s Day

This day a large number of persons repaired to the waterside where by the Revd. E.W. Freeman baptized the following persons to be connected with the church

            Miss Fanny Huse

            Miss Julia Chamberlain

            Miss Rebecca Fowler

            Miss Charlotte Belknop

            Miss Lydia Ellis

            Miss Lydia Palmer

            Miss Sarah Fellows

These persons together with Mrs. Ester Fisk from the Methodist church and Miss Harriett W. Tuck from the baptist church in Dorchester received the right hand of fellowship by the Pastor N.B.

Miss Wilder and Miss Mansfield were baptized to unite with the 2^nd baptist church in this town.

 

November 11, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of

            Mr. Benjamin Floyd

            Mr. Isaac B. Lovejoy

            Miss Ruth Webster

            Miss Hannah Floyd

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

November 18, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the experience of Miss A. Clark.

 

November 25, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Ann Prichard .

Voted to receive her and Miss A. Clark as candidates for baptism.

Heard the report of the committee respecting Br. Gray and Wentworth, voted the committee do what they can next week to reclaim them and report next Friday evening.

 

December 2, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

John Henry Bachelder

Federick Tuxberry

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to baptist church in Minot, Maine Sister Roxalana Freeman and Sister Lucy to the baptist church in New London, New Hampshire.

 

December 3, 1831 Saturday Evening

The church met heard Mr. Oliver Fisk, Miss Sarah Mason, and Miss Louisa Foss, relate their Christian experience. Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

December 4, 1831 Lord’s Day

A snow storm this day but yet the church and a number of persons repaired to the waterside when baptism was administered by our Pastor to the following persons

            Miss Sarah Mason

            Miss Ann Prichard

            Miss Louisa Foss

            Miss Ruth Webster

            Miss A. Clark

            Miss Doratha Abbot

            Master Frederick Tuxberry

            Master John Henry Bachelder

            Mr. Oliver Fisk

            Mr. Benjamin Floyd

            Mr. Isaac B. Lovejoy for the 2^nd baptist church

All those persons except Mr. Lovejoy who is to join the 2^nd baptist church received the right hand of fellowship also Miss Harriett was received by letter from the baptist church in Westmoreland, N.H. after the close of the afternoon service.

 

December 9, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met the Pastor absent.

 

December 16, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Abigail Bicknell. Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

December 23, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met

1)    Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in east Haverhill Brother John Chase and his wife Sister Chase.

2)    Voted to dismiss to the baptist church in Chelmsford Br. George Puffer.

3)    Voted to dismiss to the baptist church in Rutland, VT Sister S.M.D. Cole.

 

December 30, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met the Pastor absent, Br. J.C. Morrill and Br. Cutting present. Voted to dismiss to the baptist church in Deerfield, N.H. Sister Lydia Palmer. Voted that Deacon M.M. Tuxberry and Br. Joseph Tapley be a committee to settle with our church Treasurer.

 

January 6, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Harriett Dunlap and Miss Sarah Galiss.

1)    Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

2)    Voted to exclude from this church for neglect of duty and for a course of irreligious life Miss Mehittable Garland and Miss Elmira Haskell.

3)    Voted to receive from the 2^nd baptist church in Boston by letter Sister Abigail Randall.

 

January 13, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Hannah Hardy and Miss [blank] Hardy.

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

January 20, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Mr. Thomas W. Temple

            Miss Sarah Smith

            Miss Merriam Eaton and

            Miss Nancy Harding

Voted to exclude Miss Nancy French and Miss Susan Miller from this church for neglect of duty and for a course of irreligious conduct.

Voted to accept the offer of Deacon Abel Rugg to take his two shares at twenty five dollars pr share he agrees to give the amount to the 2^nd baptist church.

 

January 27, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Rosina Lock

            Miss Mary Robbins

            Miss Sarah B. Shephard

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism, also

            Mr. Thomas W. Temple

            Miss Sarah Smith

            Miss Merriam Eaton and

            Miss Nancy Harding

 

February 3, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, the Pastor absent.

 

February 10, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, Pastor absent, on account of sickness.

Voted to receive by letter to our fellowship Miss Dorcas Morse from the church in New Ipswich, N.H.

Having received a letter from the Revd. A. Merriam of his having administered the ordinance of baptism to the above named Sister.

 

February 17, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met address by the pastor on the importance of the members of the church cooperating with Ministers.

Voted to restore Mrs. Mary Puffer to our fellowship, to dismiss and recommend her to the baptist church in Chelmsford.

Heard the Christian experience of Mr. Charles.

Voted to receive him.

The committee repaired to the adjoining room to attend to the case of Br. W.C. Gray and W. Wentworth, reported that they said they are both of them censurable and that they be required to make confession to the church and to become united to each other.

Accepted the report.

 

February 19, 1832 Lords Day

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in N.H. Brother Nathan Bailey.

 

February 24, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, exhortation by the Pastor.

 

March 2, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted to receive by letter Sister Betsey Small from the baptist church in Hamlin Gore.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the 2^nd baptist church in this town, Brother Joel S. York.

 

March 9, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard Miss Prescott relate her Christian experience.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

March 11, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside when before a great concourse of people the Revd. Mr. Freeman baptized ten persons belonging to the 2^nd society in this town, and the following as members of the first baptist church

            Miss Abigail Bicknell

            Miss Harriett Dunlap

            Miss Sarah Corlis

            Miss Sarah Smith

            Miss Merriam Eaton

            Miss Nancy Harding

            Miss Rosina Lock

            Miss Mary Robbins

            Miss Sarah Shephard

 

March 16, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, Remarks by the Pastor on baptizing.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Brother Owen Spawlding and his wife Sister Spawlding to the baptist church in Ludlow, Vermont.

 

March 23, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met. The Pastor absent.

Heard the Christian experience of Miss Elizabeth Wood.

 

March 25, 1832 Lords Day

The church being together voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Brattleton, Vermont Sister Electa Tessenden.

 

March 30, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of the following persons

            Mr. George Brown

            Miss Mary Marshall

            Miss Mehitable Gay

            Miss [blank] Ingram

            Miss Harriett Thayre

            Miss Lois Tucker

Voted also to receive Col. Henry Bachelder and his wife Sister Abigail Bachelder from the baptist church in Beverly and Miss Lydia Eaton from the baptist church in Milford, N. Hampshire.

 

March 31, 1832 Saturday Evening

The church met, heard the Christian experience of E. Wood.

Voted to receive him as a candidate for baptism.

Voted to dismiss and recommend A. Belknop to the baptist church in N. York.

 

April 1, 1832 Lords Day

A large concourse of people being assembled at the waterside the ordinance of baptism was administered by our pastor to the following persons

            Mr. George Brown

            Mr. Thomas M. Temple

            Mr. Ebinezer Wood

            Miss Elizabeth Wood

            Miss Mary Ann Marshall

            Miss Louisa Tucker and

            Miss Ingram

The above named persons together with Col. H. Bachelder and wife Sister Abigail Bachelder from Beverly Church and Sister Lydia Eaton from Milford Church received the right hand of fellowship after the afternoon service by our Pastor.

Note: four persons were baptized on the same occasion to join the 2^nd baptist church in this town.

 

April 6, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in prayer and exhortation.

 

April 13, 1832 Friday

There being a protracted meeting the church did not meet Thursday, public worship sermon by Rev. Br. Briggs.

 

April 20, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Mr. Lamon Dale and Miss Augusta Mansur, voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to receive from the baptist church in Ludlow, VT by letter Sister Lydia Patterson, also Sister Ann P. Roberts from the baptist church in Canton M.S.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Buffalo N. York, Sister Paulina Richardson.

Note: Mr. L. Dale was received as a candidate for baptism from the congregational church in Hollis, N. Hampshire.

April 27, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met an address by D.D. Pratt upon the means and importance of a growth in grace, prayers.

 

May 4, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met an address by Br. D.D. Pratt, from these words fight the good fight of faith, prayers.

 

May 11, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Mr. Isaac Williams and Mr. James Maynard.

Voted to receive Mrs. Martha Gray by letter from the baptist church in Newton and Sister Eliza Johnson from the baptist church in Mason, N. Hampshire.

 

May 12, 1832 Saturday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Mr. George H. Griffin and Miss Tuck.

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

May 13, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside and administered the ordinance of baptism in the apostolic mode to

            Mr. George H. Griffin

            Miss Augusta Mansur

            Mr. Isaac Williams

            Mr. James Maynard and

            Miss Tuck

These persons together with the three who were received by letter at the close of the P.M. service received by our Pastor the right hand of fellowship.

 

May 18, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Joel Stone

            Mr. Zenas Doane

            Miss Jane McFarland

            Miss Rebecca Rollins

            Miss Charlott Currier

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Susan Dyar to a baptist church in Boston.

 

May 25, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Lydia D. Webber

            Miss Elizabeth Hoyet

            Miss Margaret Stearns

            Miss Sarah Chase

            Miss Sarah A. Smith

Voted to receive the above as candidates for baptism.

 

June 1, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

Miss Rachel Hart

            Miss Ann How

            Miss Sarah Pearson and

            Miss Martha Bickford

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to exclude Sister Fay and Elizabeth Bradbury for neglect of duty.

 

June 3, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside and baptized the following persons

            Mr. Joel Stone

            Mr. Zenas Doane

            Miss Roxa Prescott

            Miss Lydia D. Webber

            Miss Jane McFarland

            Miss Rebecca Rollins

            Miss Charlotte Currier

            Miss Margaret Stearns

            Miss Sarah Chase

            Miss Sarah A. Smith

            Miss Rachel Hart

            Miss Ann How

            Miss Sarah Pearsons

            Miss Martha Bickford

These persons received the right hand of fellowship at the close of the P.M. service, by our Pastor.

This has been a glorious day, Praised be the Lord.

 

 

June 4, 1832 Monday Evening

The church met for monthly concert of prayer.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Betsey [blank] to the baptist church in [blank].

 

June 8, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Mary Goodale and

            Miss Sarah Goodale

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

June 15, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, address by the Pastor.

 

June 22, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Sally Butterfield.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

Voted to dismiss to the 2^nd church in this town Sister Julia Gibbs, Sister Keyes, Sister Fanny Wise and Sister Rollins.

 

June 29, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Hannah Marshall

            Miss Sarah [blank] and

            Miss [blank] Woodward

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Percis Blanchard to the baptist church in Windsor, Vermont.

Heard a letter from the 2^nd baptist church in this town inviting us to send a delegation to sit in council in publicly recognizing the Revd. Mr. Barnaby to become the Pastor of the 2^nd church Chose with our Pastor Deacons Rugg, Tuxberry, and Brethren Mead and Bachelder, heard read letters to the Pastor and to the church from Revd. C.P. Grovesnor of the baptist education Association requesting that the Pastor be released to go as agent to the west in the service of said association, consultation of the letter deferred.

 

July 1, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside at noon and baptized

            Mr. Lamon Dale

            Miss Mary Goodell

            Miss Sarah Goodell

            Miss Hannah Marshall

            Miss Sally Butterfield and

            Miss Sarah Woodard

Gave to these the right hand of fellowship also to Miss Sarah Worthen and Miss Ruth Belnap.

 

July 6, 1832 Friday Evening

The church did not meet on account of a protracted meeting at the town hall.

 

July 13, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in prayer and exhortation.

 

July 20, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, the Revd. Mr. Freeman having received a request to relinquish his Pastoral charge and the church to give him up as an agent to go to the west, and as a committee having been appointed to take the subject into consideration report that the church do not feel it duty to relinquish Mr. Freeman accepted the report.

Received Br. William Mead by letter from the baptist church in Newton

Heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Lydia Sympson

            Miss Rebecca Conant and

            Miss Martha Everton

Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. T.J. Baker and his wife Sister Baker to the 2^nd baptist church in this town.

 

July 27, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, the Pastor absent, heard the Christian experience of Mrs. Deane.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

 

August 3, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the Christian experience of

            Mr. H. North

            Miss Sarah Ann Graves

            Miss [blank] Ripley and

            Miss Hannah [blank]

All of them were received as candidates for baptism.

Miss Mary Wyatt was received by letter from the baptist church in Newburyport, Miss Jackson and Miss Eliza Page from the baptist church in East Haverhill, Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Sarah Woodard to the baptist church in this town.

 

August 5, 1832 Lords Day

This day has been baptized by Revd. E.W. Freeman as members of this church the following persons

            Mr. H. North

            Miss Sarah Ann Graves (deceased April 5, 1833)

            Miss Lydia Sympson

            Miss Rebecca Conant

            Miss Martha Everton

            Miss Charlotte Leonard

            Miss ?Ripley

            Mrs. Deane and

            Miss Hannah

Who together with Mr. William Mead, Miss Mary Wyatt, Miss Clarisa Jackson, and Miss Eliza Page were received as members of the church by the reception of the right hand of fellowship by our Pastor, E.W. Freeman.

 

August 10, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met time spent in exhortation and prayer.

 

August 17, 1831 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in {blank} Sister Lydia Woodbury and Sister Hephsebah.

 

August 24, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met.

Heard the Christian experience of William Henry Sheafe.

Voted to receive him as a candidate for baptism.

 

August 31, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted to dismiss and recommend to the 2^nd church in this town Sister Abigail Randall and Sister Sarah Maffit.

 

 

September 7, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met.

Voted to dismiss to the 2^nd church in this town Sister Nancy [blank].

 

September 14, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, spent time in prayer and exhortation.

 

September 21, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met.

Heard the Christian experience of Miss Betsey Johnson.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

2) Chose Deacon M.M. Tuxberry, Br. Samuel Weston and Br. Joseph Tapley delegates to the association.

 

September 28, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, dismissed Sister Rebecca Adams to the baptist church in New Bedford, M.S. and Sister Melinda Pearsons to the baptist church in Woburn, M.S.

 

October 5, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, the Pastor absent.

George H. Griffin and Augustine H. Mauseen were baptized and received the fellowship of this church.

 

October 7, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside and administered the ordinance of baptism to William Henry Sheafe and Miss Betsey Johnson, who with Miss [blank] Pierce and Miss [blank] Joy received the right hand of fellowship at the close of the P.M. service.

 

October 12, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met spent the time in prayer and exhortation.

 

October 19, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met exhortation and prayer, adjourned.

 

October 26, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, heard the Christian experience of Miss Eliza Farrar.

 

November 2, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, Pastor absent.

 

November 9, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met heard the Christian experience of Miss Agnes Hutchins.

Voted to receive her and Miss Eliza Farrar as candidates for baptism,

also voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Newton Miss Nancy M. Mead and Miss Eliza Weston from the baptist church in Petersborough, Mr. David G. [blank] from the church in Milford.

Voted to dismiss to the 2^nd baptist church in this town Sister Sarah R. Smith.

Voted in request from Salem to send our Pastor and Br. Henry Bachelder to sit in council to take into consideration the importance of forming a baptist church.

 

November 16, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual time spent in prayer and exhortation.

 

November 23, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met voted to comply with the request of the brethren in Groton to send a delegation to organize them as a church or a branch church,

The Pastor, Deacon Moses M. Tuxberry and Br. Joseph Tapley the delegation,

Voted to receive Sister Betsey Woodward as a member of this church by letter from the baptist church in Sutton, M.S.

 

November 30, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met, voted to dismiss Sister Abigail Hartwell to the 2^nd baptist church in this town, voted to dismiss Sister Irene Pearsons to the baptist church in Woburn, M.S.

 

December 2, 1832 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside and baptized Miss Eliza Farrar and Miss Agnes Hutchins who at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship together with Sister Betsey Woodward, Br. David [blank], Mrs. Eliza Weston, and Mrs. Nancy M. Mead.

 

December 7, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual.

According to request chose Br. Weston to accompany our Pastor as a delegate to attend the ordination of Br. [blank] at Harvard.

 

December 14, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met voted to dismiss to the 2^nd baptist church in this town Sister Ann Stafford.

 

December 21, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary Sumner recently a member of the Methodist church, heard the experience of Miss Mary Bailey

voted to receive them both. [in the margin Miss Mary Sumner deceased March 13, 1833]

 

December 28, 1832 Friday Evening

The church met and heard the Christian experience of Miss Hannah Mudget.

 

January 4, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met

1)    Voted to receive Sister Jane Horn and Sister Hannah Jeffords from the church in Sommersworth, New Hampshire.

2)    Voted to choose Br. Stephen Carleton church Treasurer and Br. William Mead church Clerk.

 

January 11, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer by the Pastor after which an address from 8^th Psalm by the Pastor.

Remarks were then made by Br. J.C. Morril from Waterville on the importance of the church improving their religious privilege.

2) Heard a letter read from Dunstable, N.H. requesting a delegation on the 23^rd of this month to sit in council to dedicate their new meetinghouse, also to ordain Br. D.D. Pratt as their Pastor, voted to comply with the request and send Pastor and delegates

3) Heard a communication from the 2^nd church in this town soliciting the assistance of this church for the erection of their meetinghouse whereupon it was unanimously voted that we exert ourselves to take shares and also to appropriate a certain part of our monthly collections for the purchasing of shares in said m.house and the same to be the property of this church, voted to acquaint them the 2^nd church of our feelings towards them by letter.

At the close of the meeting it was voted that Br. Joseph Tapley take care of the vestry for the year ensuing for the sum of thirteen dollars.

 

January 18, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer and an address by the Pastor from Colossians, 2^nd Chapt, 6 Verse.

2) Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Betsey Osborn to the baptist church in Fitchburg.

 

January 25, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met. Prayer by Deacon Moses M. Tuxberry. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Eliza Carr. Voted to receive her as candidate for baptism, remarks by our Pastor from Colossians, 3^rd Chapter, prayer by the Pastor, adjourned.

 

February 1, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, prayer and an address by Br. J.C. Morril, from Waterville M.E.

Voted to receive by letter from the baptist church in Athol, M.S. Sister Elizabeth Maynard.

Exortation and prayer by our Pastor. Adjourned.

 

February 2, 1833 Saturday Evening

The church met in the vestry for preparatory conference, heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary Wright, voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism, the remaining time of the meeting spent in prayer for a revival of religion, in the church, and among those who know not the Saivour.

 

February 3, 1833 Lords Day

The ordinance of baptism was not administered this day, no person at the communion season was welcomed by the hand of fellowship to this church.

 

February 8, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual. Present our Pastor and Br. J.C. Morrill from Waterville, M.E.

1)    Heard the Christian experience of Mr. Edmund Cummings, voted to receive him as a candidate for baptism. Prayer by Br. Morrill (adjourned).

 

February 15, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual.

1)    Heard the Christian experience of Master Alonzo Parker.

2)    Voted to receive him as a candidate for baptism.

The remaining time of the meeting spent in prayer and exortation by the brethren, adjourned.

 

February 22, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, prayer by our Pastor.

1)    Heard the Christian experience of Mr. [blank] Merril

Exortation by our Pastor, adjourned.

 

March 1, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, the inclemency of the weather occasioned but very few of the members to be present, the Pastor absent on account of ill health, time spent in prayer and exortation by the brethren.

 

March 2, 1833 Saturday Evening

The church met in the vestry for preparatory conference, our Pastor absent in concequence of indisposition.

Prayer by one of the brethren, relation of past and present religious exercises of the members present was heard, prayer was offered, the meeting closed.

 

March 8, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, the Pastor absent.

Revd. James Barnaby present, and officiated by request of our Pastor, prayer and an address by Revd. Br. Barnaby after which the following particulars were acted upon by the church

1)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Fanny Davis to the 2^nd baptist church in this town.

2)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Chase formerly Sister Briggs to the 1^st baptist church in Brookfield, Maine.

3)    Heard read a letter from the baptist church in Milford, N.H. recommending to our church fellowship Sister Olive Whitney, Voted to receive her to membership with us.

4)    Voted that a committee of three persons visit to consult Br. Hill before we exclude him from the church, committee chosen Br. Henry Bachelder

Br. Zenas Doane

Br. William Meads

Requested to report their proceedings next church meeting.

 

March 15, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual.

Prayer and reading of the Scriptures by our Pastor Matthew’s Gospel 5^th Chapter,

after which the church voted to receive by letter to the fellowship of this church Mrs.

Mary Morse from the 2^nd baptist church in Haverhill, M.S. (Adjourned).

 

March 22, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry.

Prayer, reading of the Scriptures and exortation by our Pastor, after which the

church voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Sally Tailor to the 1^st baptist church

in Providence, R.I. (Adjourned)

 

March 29, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry and heard the Christian experience of

Mrs. Esther T. Lange

Miss Mary Jane Robinson and

Miss Nancy W. Watson

1)    Voted to receive the above named persons as candidates for baptism, also voted to receive Mr. [blank] Merril by baptism.

2)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Jane N. Morse to the 1^st baptist church of Christ in Haverhill, M.S.

 

April 5, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual and heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Mary T Watson.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism.

Voted to receive Br. Samuel B. Prescott from the church in [blank].

 

April 7, 1833 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside, a large number of people and by our Pastor were the following persons baptized

            Mr. Edmond Cummings

            Mr. [blank] Merrill

            Miss Nancy W. Watson

            Miss Mary T. Watson

            Miss Eliza Carr

            Miss Mary Jane Robinson

            Miss Mary Wright

            Miss Mary Bailey

            Master Alonzo Parker

            Miss Esther Lang

Who together with Miss Elizabeth Maynard from the baptist church in Athol, M.S. and Miss Olive Whitney from the baptist church in Milford, N.H. rec’d the right hand of fellowship by our Pastor at the close of the P.M. service

 

April 12, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer by our Pastor, after which heard the Christian experience of

            Miss Delia Parker

            Miss Millisant Richardson and

           Miss Miranda Pond

Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

Adjourned.

 

April 19, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry, prayer by our Pastor.

1)    Heard the Christian experience of

Miss Jane Fletcher

Miss Mary Foss and

Miss Orissa Eaton

2) Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

3) Voted to dismiss and recommend to the baptist church in Beverly, M.S. Sister Olive Elliott, formerly Olive Mann.

4) Heard some remarks from Br. Hill, referred him to the committee for further investigation of his case, adjourned.

 

April 26, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry as usual, present Revd. Mr. Howard from Windsor V.T. also Revd Mr. Pratt from Nashua N.H., remarks and an address by Revd. Mr. Howard from 10 Romans, closing prayer by Br. Pratt.

Voted to receive from the 1^st baptist church in Andover Br. James D. Cowden and Sister Cowdon his wife by letter to fellowship with us. Remarks by our Pastor on the importance of a suitable state of feeling by the church, on the subject of the protracted meeting soon to be observed. (Adjourned)

 

May 3, 1833 Friday Evening

The church did not meet to transact business it being a time of protracted meetings.

 

May 10, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met in the vestry. The Pastor led in prayer.

1)    Heard the Christian experience of

Miss Mary Johnson

Miss Abigail Mulfikin and

Miss Annis Wheeler

2)    Voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

3)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. William L. Churchill to the 2^nd baptist church of Christ in this town.

4)    Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Mary B. Martin to the baptist church in Exeter, N.H.

 

 

May 11, 1833 Saturday Evening

The church met in the vestry for preparatory conference.

 

May 10, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met. Prayer by the Pastor.

Heard the experience of Miss Mary Johnson.

 

May 17, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met. Heard the experience of

Miss Sophronia Heald

Miss Nancy Frost

Miss Matilda Kimball

Miss Hannah Emerson

1)    Voted to receive these persons as candidates for baptism, also Miss Sarah Malone by letter.

June 1833

Voted to receive John Mulliken who was afterwards baptized by Br. Freeman. Also Miss Mary B. Frost also ? Puffer by letter. Melissant Richardson by baptism. Hannah Emerson, Mary Hall, Abigail Mulliken, Delia G. Parker.

 

June 14, 1833 Friday Evening

The church met, prayer by the Pastor, the 13^th chapter of Zechariah was read, remarks upon it were made by the Pastor – exhortations by Rev. Brother Goodinow and others. The Pastor read a communication from Mr. George Brown, it being his answer to the church respecting his accepting the office of Deacon – he declined on account of his own view of incompetency whereupon it was voted

1st that he be requested to take the subject under futher consideration.

Voted 2^nd to dismiss Sister Martha Worcester to the First Baptist Church in Andover.

Voted 3^rd to receive Sister Lavinia Stephens from Baptist church in Woburn.

4^th voted Brother Mead having requested to be released from the office of Clerk of this church its was voted that his request be granted.

5^th Chose Brother Samuel Weston clerk of this church.

6^th Chose Brothers Tapley, Tuxberry, and Brown a committee to see to the cleaning of the house.

7^th Voted that the lamp hanging around the gallery be paid for from the church treasury.

 

June 21, 1833 Friday

Church meeting. Prayer by the Pastor. The following persons came forward and related their Christian experiences Elizabeth Gibson and Seth Hatch.

Voted to receive them, the 12^th Chapter of 1^st Corinthians was then read and remarks made. Brother Abel Rugg closed the meeting by prayer.

 

June 28, 1833 Friday

Church meeting. Pastor absent. Prayer by Deacon M. Tuxberry and remarks made by him, and others. Prayer by Brother Nathaniel Cavis.

 

July 5, 1833 Friday

Church meeting. Prayer by the Pastor after which Miss Sarah Bolles and Mrs. Lydia Parker and Miss Mary Johnson related their Christian experience and were received. Likewise received Br. Nathaniel Cavis and his wife from the Baptist church in Borne and Br. Asa Farr and wife from the Baptist church in Harvard, Mass. Prayer by Revd. J.C. Mansile? from Waterville, Me.

 

July 6, 1833 Saturday Evening

Church conference, Miss Esther Harding related her Christian experience and was received.

Voted to dismiss Brother Mansile and recommend him to the Baptist church in Andover.

 

July 7, 1833 Lords Day

Repaired to the waterside, a numerous and solemn assembly present witnessed the administration of Baptism, by the Rev. E.W. Freeman to the following persons –

            Mr. Seth Hatch

            Miss Esther Harding

            Miss Elizabeth Gibson

            Miss Sarah Bolles

            Miss Lydia Parker

            Miss Mary Johnson

            Miss Mary Davis

At the close of the afternoon services these persons rec’d the hand of fellowship together with,

            Mr. Asa Farr and Mrs. Maria Farr from Baptist church in Harvard, Mass

            Mr. Nathaniel Cavis and Mrs. Cavis from Baptist Chruch in Borne, N.H.

            Miss Lavinia Stevens from Baptist church in Woburn.

 

July 12, 1833 Friday

Church met, and heard the Christian experience of Arethusa Bowen.

Voted to receive her; rec’d Brother Drury Mackus from the Baptist church is Marshfield Vermont.

Voted to dismiss Sally Turner and Lucy Pencin.

Voted to dismiss Sister Sarah Carey and recommend her to the Baptist church in Salisbury, N.H.

 

July 19, 1833 Friday

Chruch met in the vestry. Prayer by the Pastor with appropriate remarks on the duty of confessing the Saviour before men. No one related their Christian experience, Rev. J.C. Morrile read the 3rd Chapter of Malachi and made some explanatory remarks relating to the purification of the church of Christ, concluding prayer by Rev J.C. Morrile.

 

July 24, 1833 Tuesday Evening

Church met in the vestry to devise means to support the Lowell Evangelist and relieve our Pastor from the burden of the editorial office which he has so long gratuitously sustained. A large number of the church present unanimously voted to support it by each individual making himself responsible for the payment of from one to five copies.

 

July 26, 1833 Friday

Church met and heard Mr. Leonard Whitney related his Christian experience, voted to receive him.

 

August 2, 1833 Friday Evening

Church met in the vestry. Prayer by the Pastor.

Heard the Christian experience of David Hardy, Eliza Russ and Mary Warner

Voted to receive them, concluding prayer by the Pastor.

 

August 3, 1833 Saturday Evening

Church met in the vestry, a good number present; assembled preparatory to communion, many of the brethren and sisters spoke of their spiritual experiences, a good season.

 

August 4, 1833 Lord’s Day

A large concourse of people assembled at the waterside and witnessed the baptism of Leonard Whitney, Arethusa Bowen, Eliza Russ and Mary Warren all of which, at the close of the afternoon service received the hand of the fellowship together with brother Drury Mackus.

 

Friday Evening August 9, 1833

Church assembled in the vestry. Pastor absent. Prayers and exhortations by the brethren.

 

Friday Evening August 16, 1833

Church met in the vestry as usual.

 

Friday Evening August 23, 1833

Church met in the vestry as usual.

 

Friday Evening August 30, 1833

Church met in the vestry as usual and heard Jefferson Farmer and Mary Farmer relate their religious services, voted to receive them.

 

September 6, 1833 Friday Evening

Chruch met in the vestry as usual.

 

September 13, 1833 Friday Evening

Church met in the vestry as usual.

 

September 20, 1833 Friday

Church met, Revd. James H. Wilcox prayed and made some very appropriate and impressive remarks on the 10^th Chapter of John. Received Sister Melinda Gibbs from the Baptist Chruch in Graftonbury, Vt.

Chose Brother J.H. Wilcox, Br. M.M. Tuxbury and Br. Joseph Tapley Delegates to attend the Association.

 

September 27, 1833 Friday Evening

Church meeting, Brother Wilcox read the 42nd Psalm, prayed and exhorted, several brethren addressed the people, closing prayer by Bro. Wilcox.

 

October 4, 1833 Friday Evening

The church being together in the vestry Bro. Wilcox read a portion of scripture and made some remarks on the duty of prayer. Heard Miss Maria Dean relate her Christian experience, voted to dismiss Bro. James Cowden and his wife to unite with the second Baptist Church in Lowell. Closing prayer by Br. M.M. Tuxbury.

 

October 11, 1833 Friday

Church meeting, no business before the church this evening.

An interesting meeting on acct. of the return of our beloved Pastor from a visit to his native state who gave us a brief history condition of the Baptist churches in the state of Maine. Brother Wilcox closed by prayer.

 

October 12, 1833 Saturday Evening

Church conference. Brother Wilcox in his usual solemn and impressive manner addressed the church and warned them against the sin of unbelief. A number of the Brethren and Sisters related the dealings of God with them the past month.

 

October 13, 1833 Lords Day

Repaired to the place of much water and witnessed the administration of Baptism by our Pastor to the following persons

            Jefferson Farmer and

            Mary Farmer his wife

            David Hardy

            Maria Deau

At the close of the afternoon service these persons rec’d the hand of fellowship together with Mr. Benjamin C. Hildreth from the Baptist Church in Hopkinton and Miss Melinda Gibbs from Graftsbury N.H.

 

October 18, 1833 Friday Evening

Church together in the vestry. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary Ann Butterfield. Voted to receive her as a candidate for Baptism.

Voted to withdraw the hand of fellowship from Mr. Benjamin B. Hill for the intemperate use of ardent spirit. Close by prayer.

 

October 25, 1833 Friday

No church meeting on account of Temperance meeting at the first Baptist meeting house.

 

 

 

November 1, 1833 Friday

Church meeting as usual, prayer, reading of scripture and exhortation by the Pastor. Received by vote of the church, Miss Susan B. Elliott from the Baptist Church in Beverly.

 

November 2, 1833 Saturday Evening

Church conference. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Harriet McLaughlin, received her as a candidate for Baptism.

 

November 3, 1833 Lord’s Day

The following persons were baptized by the Pastor – Miss Mary Ann Butterfield and

                                                                                    Miss Harriet McLaughlin

In the afternoon these persons rec’d the hand of fellowship as also did Mrs. Lucretia Atherton from Baptist Church Harvard and Miss Susan B. Elliott from Baptist Church in Beverly.

 

November 8, 1833 Friday

Church meeting. The Pastor prayed, read 13th chapter of Hebrews, explained, closed by prayer. No business before the Church.

 

November 15, 1833 Friday

Church meeting, no business.

 

November 22, 1833 Friday

Church meeting in the Vestry.

 

November 29, 1833 Friday

Church assembled as usual, no business.

 

December 1, 1833 Lords Day

Communion season. Rec’d by recommendation letter Miss [blank] from the Baptist Church in [blank].

 

December 6, 1833 Friday

The members of the church met in the Vestry.

 

December 13, 1833 Friday

Church met in the Vestry and heard the religious experience of Miss Eliza Calis.

Voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism. Chose Br. Batchelder and Br. Cramer as a committee to visit Br. Ramsay. Chose Br. Tuxberry to look after the delinquent in the Church. Voted to dismiss Br. William Marshall and his wife and recommend them to the Baptist Church in Fitchburg Mass.

 

December 20, 1833 Friday

Church met. Prayer by the Pastor, remarks by the same.

Heard the following report by the committee on the case of Br. Ramsay

“Your committee chosen by the church Friday evening last for the purpose of visiting Br. Ramsay and inquiring after the state of his mind at the present time and also to inquire of him relating to certain reports that have been in circulation for this number of months past touching his Christian character -

Report that we visited Br. Ramsay on Saturday night last, also had another interview with him on Monday Evening. Found him perfectly free to converse and perfectly sensible of his [backslidden] state said he had neglected prayer for those two years past, and at present dares not attempt to lift up his voice in prayer to God, fearing his God may strike him out of existence, says his life has rather been a burden to him than otherwise, relation to his swearing as has been reported he says it has not been the case, relation to his making too free use of ardent spirit as has been reported he acknowledges has been the case, but for then two months has not made use of any and feels perfectly sensible of the wit and to conclude we cannot but hope that the time has been when he has loved that [career] which he has professed and that his present state of feeling calls loudly for the prayers and sympathies of his brethren and sisters” Signed,

                                                                                    Henry Batchelder

Jonathan Cramer Committee

 

Also heard the following report by the committee on the case of Br. W.C. Gray -

“We the subscribers having been appointed as a committee by the first Baptist Church in Lowell to investigate and settle if possible the difficulty existing between Br. Joseph Tapley and Br. W.C. Gray as [ ] to report as follows

We went into a thorough investigation of the difficulty between them as the nature of the case would admit of. The result was that we saw no cause of complaint against Mr. Tapley, on the other hand it appeared that Mr. Tapley had made statement to Mr. Gray and that Mr. Gray in answering gave Mr. Tapley the lye when it was proved that Mr. Tapley was correct in his statement. Mr. Gray in other respects [ ] Mr. Tapley by making use of language unbecoming a Christian walk and conversation. We stated to Mr. Gray that if he wished to retain his present standing in the church it would be proper for him to make suitable acknowledgement to Mr. Tapley, Mr. Gray declined making any concessions to Mr. Tapley on an consideration whatever.

                                                The above is submitted by Geo. Brown

                                                                                    Nath. Cavis

Whereupon it was voted that we withdraw our fellowship from Mr. W.C. Gray.

2)    Voted to accept the report concerning B.N.J. Ramsay and that the committee has longer time to labor with him.

3)    Voted to dismiss Sister Melinda Gibbs to the Baptist Church in Nashua N.H.

 

December 27, 1833 Friday

Church met. Pastor absent on account of ill health.

Voted to receive Sister Irene Kimball from the Baptist church in Bluehill Maine.

 

January 3, 1834 Friday evening

Church in the Vestry. Prayer, reading of the scriptures and remarks made by the Pastor.

Heard the following report concerning Br. N. J. Ramsay -

Your committee has again visited our Br. Ramsay and feeling a

consciousness of having done our duty to him as a brother of the same church with us.

Report that we find Br. Ramsay to remain in much the same state that he was when we first conversed with him and notwithstanding we find it hard parting with our Brethren under such circumstances, yet believing the comm.. of God suffers on his account would recommend that he be excluded from the priviledges of this church and that the Clerk notify him of the same as soon as he may find it convenient signed,

                                                                                    Henry Batchelder                                                                                                                    Jon Cramer Committee

Whereupon it was voted to withdraw the hand of fellowship from Mr. Ramsay.

Voted to receive Sister Lucretia Burrows from the Baptist Church in Peterboro N.H. and Sister Susan E. Parker from the Baptist Church in Blue Hill Me. as members of this church.

Voted to dismiss Br. Drury Mackus and recommend him to the Baptist Church in Nashua N.H.

Chose Br. Nath. Cavis church Treasurer for the ensuing year.

Chose Brethren Joseph Tapley and Nath. Cavis to examine the Treasurer’s account for the past year.

Chose Brethren Moses M. Tuxbury, Joseph Tapley and Nathaniel Cavis as a committee to engage some person to light the vestry the ensuing year.

 

January 4, 1834 Saturday Evening

Church met in the vestry preparatory conference to communion, full meeting, many of them addressed the meeting, an interesting season.

 

 

January 5, 1834 Lord’s Day

The comfortable sacrament of the supper of our blessed Lord was administered.

 

January 10, 1834 Friday

Church met in Vestry. Prayer, reading of scriptures and remarks by the Pastor.

Heard Miss Mary Bragg relate her spiritual experience, voted to defer receiving her until the church could gain further evidence of her piety.

 

January 17, 1834 Friday

Church in vestry, no business brought before them.

 

January 24, 1834 Friday

Church meeting as usual, no business.

 

January 31, 1834 Friday

Church meeting. Prayer by Br. Caland of Peterborough N.H., reading of scriptures by the Pastor followed by remarks from him and also from Br. Caland.

Chose Brs. Batchelder, Doane and Cramer a committee to collect money to purchase a set of communion service for the second Baptist Church. Concluding prayer by the Pastor.

 

February 1, 1834 Saturday evening

Church met for religious conference preparatory to communion.

 

February 2, 1834 Lords Day

The sacrament of the Lord’s supper was administered.

Voted to dismiss Miss Eliza Barrett and recommend her to any church of the same faith where she may in the providence of God be called to reside.

Voted to receive Sister Puffer from the Baptist church in Framingham, Mass.

 

February 7, 1834 Friday

Church meeting, Prayer by the Pastor followed by reading the 15^th Chapter of 1^st Corinthians and remarks from the 58^th verse.

 

February 14, 1834 Friday

Church together in the vestry. Pastor absent, time spent in prayer and exhortation by the brethren.

 

February 21, 1834 Friday

Church meeting as usual. After prayer and singing the Pastor gave a very interesting account of his tour through several towns in the state for the two preceeding weeks and of their present religious appearances and prospects and particularly of Newburyport which is now enjoying a very remarkable season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. After the concluding prayer, voted to dismiss and recommend to sister churches the following persons –

Mrs. Louis W. Hardy to Church in Nashua, N.H.

Mrs. Melissa M. Hardy

Mr. Ichabod March to Church in Boston under the

Mrs. Elizabeth March Pastoral care of Rev. Baron Stoiv

Miss Mary Prichard

Miss Ann Prichard to Church in Newburyport

Miss Eliza Russ to Church in Lynn N.H.

 

Heard a letter read from first Baptist Church in Milford N.H. requesting our Pastor and delegates to attend the ordination of Mr. Mark Carpenter. Voted to comply with the request, chose Brothers Brown, Tuxbury, Cramer and Weston as delegates. Heard the report of the auditing committee, voted to accept the report.

 

February 28, 1834 Friday

Church again in the vestry. Prayer by the Pastor, remarks also by him on the necessity of the Church exercising a greater degree of Faith. Heard the relation of the religious experience of Mrs. Mary H. Ingalls and also of Miss Mary Ann Califf, received them as candidates for baptism, with Miss Mary Bragg whose case had been deferred. Concluding prayer by Br. Dalaud of Peterborough N.H.

 

March 1, 1834 Saturday

Church conference before communion.

 

 

March 2, 1834 Lords Day

Communion season, no baptism on account of the unfavorable state of the weather.

 

March 7, 1834 Friday

Church together, Prayer by the Pastor. Heard a communication from the second Baptist Church requesting this church to form with them a Union Prayer Meeting to continue one week, voted to comply with their request. Heard a letter read from the Baptist church in Somersworth N.H. requesting our Pastor and delegates to attend an installation and four days meeting, also a communication from Dover N.H. inviting our Pastor to visit the brethren in that place and assist in the labors of a protracted meeting,

Whereupon it was voted that considering the distance, the bad state of the traveling, and the present need of the Pastor’s labors at home that we do not think it expedient to comply with the request.

 

March 14, 1834 Friday

Sister Susan Parker being sick and having previously been received by letter from the Baptist Church in Bluehill, Maine and being desirous to receive the fellowship of this church, our Pastor accordingly gave her the right hand of fellowship in behalf of the church. She died on Lord’s day March 16^th 1834.

 

March 14, 1834 Friday

Church meeting in the Vestry, Prayer, reading of scripture and exhortation by the Pastor. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Ann Trask, received her as a candidate for baptism.

 

 

March 21, 1832 Friday evening

Prayer meeting in the meetinghouse, at the close of which the congregation having retired and the church being together, it was voted to receive to our fellowship, Br. Joseph L. Getchell and Sister Temperance Getchell from the Baptist church in Wells, Maine; also heard the reading of a letter from Br. T.O. Roper, Lexington, in behalf of the Baptists in that place requesting the presence and assistance of our Pastor and delegates to dedicate their house and constitute a church on the 2^nd of April, whereupon it was voted that we comply with their request and Br. M.M. Tuxbury was accordingly chosen to attend our Pastor.

 

March 23, 1834 Lords day

Repaired to the place of much water where the following persons were baptized

                                                Mrs. Mary H. Ingalls

                                                Miss Eliza Cales

                                                Miss Mary Jane Cales

At the close of the service in the afternoon the Pastor presented those persons the right hand of the fellowship together with

                                                Mr. Joseph L. Getchell

                                                Mrs. Temperance Getchell

                                                Miss Irene Kimball

 

March 28 and April 4, 1834 Friday

No church meeting on account of the continuance of the protracted prayer meeting.

 

April 5, 1834 Saturday evening

Church conference. The Brethren related the exercises of their minds as it regarded their spiritual frame and feelings the past month. Heard Miss Deborah Piper relate her Christian experience, voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism, voted to receive Mr. John Russ and Mrs. Esther Russ his wife from the Baptist church in Sharon Vermont.

 

April 6, 1834 Lords day

Received the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper whereby we renewed covenant with our heavenly Father and with each other.

 

April 11, 1834 Friday

Church meeting, Prayer by Br. Barnaby, no business before the church this evening. Br. Barnaby laid before us the situation of the proprietors of the second Baptist meeting house, requesting us to aid them in defraying the expenses of building their house.

 

April 18, 1834 Friday

Church meeting. Heard the Christian experience of Mrs. White, voted to receive her as a candidate for baptism. Received also the following persons by letter, Mr. Ebenezer Day from church in Rockingham Vt, Mr. Jacob Palmer and Mrs. Hannah Palmer from church in Brentwood, Mrs. Jemima Butterfield from church in Cavendish Vt, Miss Susan C. Weld from church in Middleboro Mass.

 

April 25, 1834 Friday

Church meeting in the Vestry, the Pastor prayed. Rev James Barnaby made some remarks on the duty of prayer. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Almira Cochran, received her for baptism.

 

May 2, 1834 Friday

Church meeting, after prayer by the Pastor and singing, heard the Christian experience of the following persons

                                    Miss Betsey Tessenden

                                    Miss Assinath Simonds

                                    Miss Mary Ann Heath                       Received them for baptism

                                    Miss Lucy Cilly

                                    Mr. Alvin White

                                    Mr. Sidney S. Russell

Received by letter Miss Selina Blanchard from Baptist church in Rockingham Vt, dismissed Miss Prudence Barker to baptist church in Watertown Mass.

 

 

 

 

May 3, 1834 Saturday

Church conference in the Vestry. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Mary Ann Russell, voted to receive her as candidate for baptism; voted to receive Mrs. Cara from baptist church in Chester.

 

May 4, 1834 Lords day

Repaired to the waterside where the following persons were baptized by the Pastor

                        Mrs. White

                        Miss Almira Cochran

                        Miss Betsey Tessendon

                        Miss Assinath Simonds

                        Miss Mary Ann Heath

                        Mr. Alvin White

                        Miss Mary Ann Russell

The hand of fellowship was given to those persons at the close of the service in the afternoon and also to those who had previously been received by letter from other churches namely,

                        Mr. John Russ and                 from Sharon Vt.

                        Mrs. Esther Russ

                        Mr. Ebenezer Day                from church in Rockingham Vt

                        Mrs. Salina Blanchard

                        Mr. Jacob Palmer                    from church in Brentwood

                        Mrs. Hannah Palmer

                        Mrs. Jemima Butterfield         from church in Cavendish Vt.

                        Miss Susan C. Wild                from church in Middleborough Mass

 

May 9, 1934 Friday

Church Meeting, no business before the church. An interesting discourse by the Pastor from 2^nd chapter of 1^st Peter 2^nd and 3^rd verses.

 

May 16, 1834 Friday

Church meeting. Miss Mary D. Foss dismissed and recommended to any church of the same faith. Voted to recommend Br. Timothy Bailey to the patronage of the Education Society.

 

May 23, 1834 Friday

Church Meeting. Prayer, reading of scripture and explanation by the Pastor. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Martha Foster and Elizabeth Tuck, received them. Chose a committee to ascertain the amount of debt due from the First Baptist Church, consisting of four, namely Joseph Tapley, Zenas Doane, Samuel Weston, and J.A. Brabrook. Received Miss Hannah Griffin from church in Methuen.

 

May 30, 1834 Friday Evening

Church Meeting, Prayer by the Pastor as usual, followed by reading of Scripture and remarks thereon. Voted to receive Mr. Levi Page, Miss Jane Kimball and Miss Abigail Wyman from Baptist church in Concord N.H. and Miss Susan Ames and Miss Margaret Ames from Baptist church in Washington N.H. Heard the report of the committee which was chosen to ascertain the amount of the church debt, voted to accept it.

 

The committee appointed to ascertain the demands against the First Baptist Church in this place met this evening and found the amount to be two hundred eighty one dollars and ten cts. Your committee recommend that every male member pay the sum of two dollars & every female one dollar, and if the sum can be obtained there will be a deduction of sixty three dollars and ten cents.

                                                            Joseph Tapley

                                                            Zenas Doane                           Committee

                                                            Samuel Weston

                                                            J.A. Brabook

 

May 31, 1834 Saturday

Church conference. Heard the Christian experience of Miss Emeline Parker and Miss Martha Lund, voted to receive them as candidates for baptism.

 

June 1, 1834 Lords day

At the close of the morning service a large concourse of people assembled at the waterside and saw the ordinance of baptism administered to the following persons

                        Miss Martha Foster

                        Miss Martha Lund

                        Miss Elizabeth Tuck

                        Miss Emeline Parker

                        Miss Lucy Cilly

In the afternoon those persons received the hand of fellowship in behalf of the church from our beloved Pastor, together with the following persons which were received by letter –

            Mr. Levi Page

            Miss Abigail Wyman from Baptist Church in

            Miss Jane Kimball Concord N.H.

            Miss Hannah Griffin from Bt. Ch in Methuen

            Miss Margaret Ames from Bt. Ch in

            Miss Susan Ames Washington N.H.

                       

June 6, 1834 Friday

Church Meeting, no one came before the church this evening. Voted to dismiss Mr. Samuel Pilsbury to the Baptist Church in Saco, Me, Miss Julia Huntson to first Baptist Church in Boston, Miss Cynthia Locke to any Baptist Church where she may reside.

 

June 13, 1834 Friday Evening

The church met in the Vestry, time spent in prayer and exhortation by the Pastor.

 

June 20, 1834 Friday Evening

The church met. The Pastor read the 40^th chapter of Isaiah and made some remarks very interesting and appropriate to the present situation of the church.

 

June 27, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met. The pastor read and explained a part of the 2^nd chapter of Acts. Mr. Magoon also exhorted. The church then voted to receive Brother George W. Holbrook from the Baptist Church in West Windsor N.H. and Br. Joshua Merrill from the Baptist Church in Newton.

Voted to dismiss Sister [illegible] Moore and brother Zenas Doane and his wife Rebecca Doane to the 2^nd Bap Ch in Lowell.

 

July 4, 1834 Friday

Church Meeting. Pastor absent, no business brought before the church

 

July 5, 1834 Saturday evening

Church conference. Prayer by the Pastor. Heard the experiences of Mr. Richard Hall, Mrs. Harriet H. Barry, Miss Clarissa M. Wyman and Almira T. Small. Voted to receive Miss Emily Baker from Baptist Church in Tyngsboro, Miss Lorinda Clark from Baptist Church in Barre, N.Y,. Miss Loucetta Burrows B. Church in Peterborough N.H,. Mr. George W. Holbrook from B. Church in West Windsor, Joshua Merrill from B. Church in Newton Mass. Voted to dismiss Br. Thomas W. Pressey and his wife to 2^nd B. Church in Lowell.

 

July 6, 1834 Lords Day

A large concourse of people assembled at the river side and saw the following persons baptized by our Pastor –

            Mr. Richard Hall

            Mrs. Harriet H. Barry

            Miss Clarissa M Wyman

            Miss Almira T. Small also Galpal Maynard

Also received by letter the following persons

            Mr. George W. Holbrook from B. Church in Windsor

            Mr. Joshua Merrill from B. Church in Newton, Mass

            Miss Loucetta Burrows from B. Church in Peterboro, N.H.

            Miss Lorinda Clark from B. Church in Barre, N.Y.

            Miss Emily Baker from B. Church in Tyngsboro Mass.

 

July 11, 1834 Friday evening

The Church met. The Pastor prayed and read a portion of scripture. After some remarks by the Pastor the case of Br. Zenas Doane and his wife being dismissed to the 2^nd Baptist Church in this town was brought up. They were asked if they had ever designed to state or insinuate aught against the moral and Christian character of our Pastor, they answered that they had not. They were then asked if they felt to be in fellowship with the church and all its members. They answered in the affirmative,

Whereupon it was again voted that a letter of dismission be granted to Zenas and Rebecca Doane to unite with the 2^nd Baptist Church in this town.

Note – After the vote was taken last Friday eve to dismiss Brother and Sister Doane it was mentioned by several that they were not in fellowship with the Church. It was therefore thought desirable that before a letter of dismission was granted they should in Church meeting express their feelings especially respecting the Pastor, and the letter was given with the definite understanding that they had not any design to impeach his moral or Christian character and that they never have had any such design.

 

July 18, 1834 Friday

Church met. Brother and Sister Doane came forward with a request to have the vote by which they were dismissed recalled, subject deferred till the next meeting.

 

July 25, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met. Voted to dismiss Miss [blank].

The following communication was laid before the church and unanimously adopted –

A number of the brethren at the suggestion of the Pastor of this church had an interview with him and Brother and Sister Doane. After hearing the statements of the parties on both sides and after having proposed all the questions that were deemed necessary the brethren came unanimously to the following conclusion, that there is no good reason why the parties should continue at varience with each other, that they should strive to live in peace and union, and that Brother and Sister Doane should return and walk in fellowship with the church. To this the parties agreed. The brethren who investigated the subject beg leave to recommend most earnestly to the church to break off entirely from all conversation on the subjects which have been attended with so much unpleasantness and to strive in every possible way to promote the things which make for peace and whereby one may edify another. Signed

                                                                        Isaac Osgood

                                                                        Asa Farr

                                                                        Joseph Tapley

                                                                        Samuel Weston

                                                                        John Mulliken

August 1, 1834 Friday

Church met. The Pastor after opening the meeting by prayer read and explained upon the 2^nd chapter of James. Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Louisa Farnum to the Baptist Church in Dublin N.H.

 

August 2, 1834 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference.

 

August 3, 1834 Lords Day

Communion Season

 

August 8, 1834 Friday

Church met. Voted to dismiss Miss Mary Calis to the Baptist Church in Salsbury N.H. Likewise voted to accept the report of the Committee who were appointed to visit Miss Hannah Griffin.

 

 

 

August 15, 1834 Friday Evening

The church met. Miss Lydia Norton related her Christian experience and was received as a candidate for baptism. A letter was read by the Pastor from the Baptist church in Andover requesting a delegation to attend the Dedication of their Meeting house and the Installation of their Pastor on the 28. Chose our Pastor and Br. Henry Batchelder.

 

August 22, 1834 Friday Evening

The Church met. Voted to dismiss Br. J.G. Pillsbury and his wife Elizabeth Pillsbury (Smith) to the Baptist Church in N. York and also Mrs. Sarah Dresser (McAllister) to Baptist Church in Antrim, N.H.

 

August 29, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met in the Vestry, Pastor absent, no business before the Church.

 

September 5, 1834 Friday Evening

The Church again met and after prayer and reading of scripture as usual by the Pastor, Mr. Norman Fuller and Miss Adaline McCrillis were examined and received as candidates for baptism. Chose Br. H. Bachelder, Stephen Brown, and J.A. Brabrook a Committee to settle the difficulty which exists between Mary Taylor and Sarah Blake.

 

September 6, 1834 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference in the Vestry.

 

September 7, 1834 Lords Day

The following persons were baptized

            Mr. Norman Fuller

            Miss Adaline McCrillis

            Miss Lydia Norton

The above persons at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship.

 

September 10, 1834 Wednesday

A special meeting of the male members of the church was held and after having some statements from our Pastor,

Voted to invite a Council to meet at Mr. Joseph Tapleys on the 15^th at 10 oclock A.M. Voted to write to the following churches – 2^nd and 3^rd in Boston, Charleston, Cambridge Port, East Cambridge, Chelmsford, Methuen, Newburyport, 2^nd Lowell and 2^nd Salem.

Voted that the same committee who have investigated the matter be a committee to attend the council in behalf of the church.

 

September 12, 1834 Friday

Church met, Pastor prayed, read and commented upon the 5^th Chapter of Galations.

Voted to dismiss Sisters Salina Blanchard and Harriet H. Barry to join any church of the same faith and order where in the providence of God their lot may be cast.

The Pastor read a letter from the Baptist Church in Newburyport requesting a delegation to attend a council to ordain Brother William G. Crocker as an Evangelist,

Voted to comply with the request.

Chose Brethren Isaac Osgood and Henry Bachelder to attend with our Pastor, also the same brethren were chosen to attend the association.

Voted to request our Pastor to write the letter to the Association.

Heard the report of the committee to settle the difficulty between Sisters Blake and Taylor, the difficulty settled,

Voted to accept the report.

 

September 19, 1834 Friday

Church met, Prayer and reading a part of the last chapter of James by the Pastor.

Heard the religious experience of Mr. Theodore Morse and Miss Caroline Simonds.

As the Brethren who were chosen delegates to attend the ordination and association at Newburyport having stated that they could not go, chose brethren Tuxbury and Farmer as delegates.

Voted to appropriate the money collected at the Missionary monthly concert as follows $25 to Newton, $25 to Domestic Missions and the remainder to Foreign Missions.

 

September 21, 1834 Lords day

At the close of the afternoon service the following was read to the congregation, prefaced by a statement of faith relating to the case –

                                                                        Lowell, Sept. 16, 1834

At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Council called by the First Baptist Church in Lowell, held at the house of Mr. Joseph Tapley Sept 15 and 16, the following resolutions were passed -

Resolved that the Council have attended to the report that have been circulated implicating the character of the Rev. E.W. Freeman and that so far as they have had an opportunity of examining them, in their opinion they have not been sustained.

Resolved that a copy of the foregoing resolution signed by the Chairman and Secretaries be forwarded to the First Baptist Church in Lowell and a copy to the Rev. Mr. Freeman.

                                                                       Cyrus Pritt Grosvenor

                                                                        Jonathan Aldrich } Secretaries

                                                                        John W. Valentine}                

September 26, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met in the Vestry as usual. After Prayer the Pastor gave some account of the Salem Association held at Newburyport the two preceeding days.

 

September 27, 1834 Saturday Evening

Church conference preparatory to communion.

 

September 28, 1834 Lords day

The sacrament of the Lords supper was administered.

 

 

 

October 3, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met, our Pastor prayed, read and made some remarks on the 2^nd Chapter 2^nd Cor. Dea. M.M. Tuxbury then stated that he and his wife and son Frederick wished a letter of dismission to the 2^nd Baptist Church in this town. He accompanied the request with some remarks in which he disclaimed having any unkind feelings or any want of fellowship for the church, its Pastor, or any of its members. After some remarks by the Pastor it was voted to grant the request.

 

October 10, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met. Voted to dismiss Br. Stephen Carlton and his wife Ellen Carlton and Sister Lucinda Carlton to the 2^nd Church in this town, likewise voted to dismiss Sister Hannah Marshall to any Church of the same faith where she may reside. Received by letter Sister Hannah Arbuckle from Baptist Church in Beverly, and also Sister Dolly Merrill from Baptist Church in Canaan N.H.

 

October 17, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met, the Pastor read the 3^rd chapter of 1^st of Timothy, and in his remarks, spoke very feelingly and much to the edification of this church, on the duties of Ministers, Deacons, and private members of churches.

Voted to receive Sister Sarah E. Wetherbee from B. Ch in Nashua.

Heard a request from Baptist church in Haverhill to send a delegation to sit in council, voted to comply with their request.

Chose Br. J.A. Brabrook to accompany our Pastor.

Voted to chose two deacons next Lords day afternoon. Chose Brethren Bachelder, Brown, and Weston a nominating Committee.

 

October 19, 1834 Lords Day

After solemn prayer by the Pastor, the church proceeded to make choice of deacons according to vote taken at the preceeding church meeting and Brother Henry Bachelder and Brother Samuel Weston were therefore chosen to serve the church in that capacity.

 

October 24, 1834 Friday Evening

Church Meeting. A good number of the church present, after prayer and singing the Pastor read the 3^rd Chapter of James and in his usual instructive manner made some remarks on the evils of slander, tattling, and backlisting and exhorted the church to beware of those things and shun them as injurious to the cause of God and their own souls.

 

 

October 31, 1834 Friday

Church meeting, the Pastor prayed and read the 99^th Psalm and made some very weighty and important remarks on the necessity of those professing godliness being more holy in heart and life. After prayer by Rev. Mr. Hall,

Voted to dismiss Br. Oliver Fisk to the 2^nd Baptist church in this town, dismissed Sister Margret S. Loring to the 3^rd Baptist church in Boston.

Chose Br. Stephen Brown deacon of this church, Br. S. Weston having declined serving in that capacity.

Chose Brethren Brown, Cram, and Brabrook a committee to report on the case of Br. Charles Eastman of whom there was an unfavorable account.

 

November 1, 1834 Saturday Evening

The church met for preparatory conference.

 

November 2, 1834 Lords day

Communion season

 

November 7, 1834 Friday Evening

The church met at the vestry, prayer by Rev. Mr. Hall, also reading and explaining a portion of scripture. After which heard the report of the committee on the case of Br. Eastman, voted to accept it. Concluding prayer by the Pastor.

 

November 14, 1834 Friday Evening

Church meeting as usual, no business before the Church.

 

November 21, 1834 Friday Evening

After reading a portion of scripture by our Pastor prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Bruce; after which voted to request persons dismissed from other churches to relate their Christian experience previous to uniting with us. Received Sister Octavia Soale from Baptist Church in Freeport, Me,. heard the experience of Mr. Bryant, dismissed Sister Elizabeth Maynard to the 1^st Baptist Church in Boston, voted to dismiss to the 2^nd Bap Ch in this town Br. Geo Brown, Br. Joseph Tapley and his wife, Br Z Doane and his wife, Br. A Farr and his wife and Deborah Kimball.

 

Nobember 28, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met, prayer by the Pastor.

Heard the Christian experience of Mr. Columbus Green, Miss Nancy Clark, Miss Louisa Low, and Miss Emily Day.

Dismissed and recommended Br. Herman Abbot to the Baptist Church in Nashua.

 

December 5, 1834 Friday Evening

Services commenced with prayer by the Pastor of the Church. After which the following persons Miss Elizabeth Quinn, Miss Lydia Kimball, Miss Mary Barker, Miss Sabrina Walker, Miss Hannah Freeman, Miss Edna Farr, from Baptist Church in Boston Mr. B.L. Hastings. Voted to receive the above persons as members of the church except Mr. Hastings whose letter has not as yet arrived. Voted also to receive Mr. Goodwin Wood and Mrs. Sarah Wood from the Baptist Church in Princeton Mass.

Voted to receive Miss Martha D. Webber from the Baptist church in Groton N.H. Voted also to receive Mr. Columbus Green, Miss Emily Day and Miss Low who related their experience last week, Mr. Joseph Bryant and Miss Simonds had been received before.

Voted that Br. Sam Weston be directed to see that the shares in our meetinghouse that belong to the church be regularly made over to the church and recorded.

 

December 7, 1834 Lords Day

This day the church and a large concourse of spectators repaired to the place of much water where after singing praise and offering solemn prayer, our Pastor administered the ordinance of Baptism to the following persons, who went forward with joy in the way of their Savior’s commands

            Mr. Joseph Bryant

            Mr. Columbus Green

            Miss Elizabeth Quinn

            Miss Lydia Kimball

            Miss Mary Barker

            Miss Sabrina Walker

            Miss Emily Day

Those persons received by the hand of the Pastor at the close of the afternoon service the right hand of fellowship, also the following persons –

            Mr. George S. Messenger from the 2^nd Baptist Church in Lowell

            Mrs. Sylvia Messenger

            Mrs. Hannah Freeman, by relation of experience she having been baptized

            Mrs. Dolly Merrill from Canaan N.H.

            Miss Octavia Soule from North Yarmouth Me.

            Mr. Goodwin Wood from Princeton Mass

            Mr. Lyman Clisby from Grafton Mass

            Miss Sarah E. Wetherbee from Nashua N.H.

            Miss Hannah Arbuckle from Beverly Mass

            Miss Edna Farr from Charles 1^st Boston

            Miss Martha D. Webber from Groton N.H.

            Miss Louisa Low by relation of experience being previously baptized

 

December 12, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met, prayer by the Pastor, heard the experience of the following persons

            Miss Mary D. Thomas

            Miss Lydia Cory from Baptist Church in Loudon N.H.

            Mrs. Lydia Poor from Billerica Mass

            Miss Rebecca Brigham from Barnet Vt.

Voted to receive Mrs. Poor, Miss Brigham and Miss Cory by letters which were read.

Voted to choose a committee of eight for the purpose of superintending the preparation of female candidates for baptism, they are the following –

            Mrs. Hannah Freeman

            Mrs. Eliza Weston

            Mrs. Jane B. Osgood

            Miss Nancy Trask

            Miss Lucy Stanley

            Miss Esther Shepherd

            Miss Edna Farr

            Miss Zylpha Maynard

Voted to choose a committee to furnish our Pastor with a statement of facts as to our financial affairs to be laid before the proprietors of the meetinghouse whom he may see for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements as to the shares in said house.

 

 

The following persons are the committee

            Samuel Weston

            Henry Bachelder

            J.A. Brabook

            Stephen Brown

 

December 19, 1834 Friday Evening

Church met. Scriptures read and prayers by the Pastor.

The following persons related their Christian experience

Mr. Lewis C. Simonds, Miss Mary J. Gardner, Miss Fanny Plummer, Miss Eliza Thurston. Voted to receive Mary D. Thomas as a candidate for baptism. Voted to receive Br. R.L. Hastings and his wife Louise Hastings from Baptist Church in Newton Mass. Voted also to receive Miss Mary D. Thomas.

 

December 26, 1834 Friday Evening

Annual meeting of the church, Pastor prayed.

Heard the following persons relate their experiences,

            Mr. Joseph Whittemore – letter from Fall River

            Mrs. Anstress Whittemore

            Miss Eliza Manning, letter from 2^nd church Salem

            Miss Eliza Russell, letter from Baptist church in Witton, N.H.

            Miss Mary Jane Lovrein

            Miss Elizabeth Stanley

Voted to receive all the above named persons whose letters were read Br. Joseph Whittemore, Mrs. Anstress Whittemore, and Sisters Manning and Russell.

Voted to receive Mr. Lewis C. Simonds

                        Miss Mary J. Gardner

                        Miss Miss Fanny Plummer

                        Miss Eliza Thurston

Br. Henry Bachelder who had been chosen Deacon by the church came forward and made some feeling and affectionate remarks, and stated to the church that he could not feel it to be his duty to accept the office. He manifested a feeling of perfect kindness and affection towards the Pastor and the church, asserting that the strong stand which he had taken in favor of our Pastor during the late troubles, he still felt justified in, his mind and feelings now being just the same they ever have been. Br. Weston the Clerk of the church stated that he felt it his duty to ask of the church to excuse him from serving as clerk another year, and he nominated as his successor Br. Henry Bachelder, he was accordingly chosen. Br. J.A. Brabrook was chosen Treasurer for the ensuing year. Brethren George S. Messenger, Stephen Brown and Samuel Weston were chosen a committee to audit the Treasurers account and report the second Friday eve in January next. The following persons were chosen a committee to ascertain the names and residence of all the members in town who worship with us and report to the church next Friday eve, Asa Cram, Br. Bradburn, Isaac Osgood, Samuel Weston, Levi Page, Mary Ellis, Clarissa Wyman, Nancy Watson, Sarah Shepherd, Mary Taylor, Eliza M. Russell, Charlotte Currier, Delia Whitten.

 

January 2, 1835 Friday Evening

The Church met, prayer by the Pastor.

Heard experiences by the following persons

            Mrs. Sarah Sallaway from B Church in Methuen

            Mrs. Asenith Shed from B. Church in Billerica

            Miss Martha Holden from B. Church in Billerica

            Mrs. Eunice Braybrook from B. Church in Mason Village

            Mrs. Mary Holbrook from B. Church in Windsor Vermont

Also experiences were related by the following candidate for baptism

            Miss Merriam Donall

            Mrs. Levina Stafford

            Miss Caroline Marble

Voted to receive the above named persons to membership in the church, also Miss Mary Jane Lovening and Miss Elizabeth Standley who related their experiences at the last meeting.

Voted to receive Miss Susan Dennison from the Baptist Church in Freeport Maine.

A letter was then read from the Baptist Church in Billerica requesting the Pastor and one Delegate to sit with them in Council for the purpose of Ordaining Br. Z W Sargent as their Pastor,

Voted to grant their request.

Voted Br. Henry Batchelder to accompany the Pastor as Delegate.

It having been stated by the Pastor that Br Samuel Weston might be disposed to consider it his duty to accept the office of Deacon of the Church provided it should still be the wish of the Church which was unanimously by a vote,

Voted that Deacons Brown and Weston be a Committee to examine the claims of M M Tuxbury upon the Church Treasurer, also the claims of the Second Baptist Church in this town upon the same.

 

January 4, 1835 Lords Day

The Church and a large number of spectators assembled at the Waterside at noon when the Ordinance of Baptism was administered by our Pastor to the following persons

            Mr. Lewis C. Simonds

            Miss Mary D. Thomas

            Miss Mary Z Gandnin

            Miss Fanny Plummer

            Miss Mary Jane Lovening

            Miss Elizabeth Standley

            Mrs Merriam Donall

            Mrs Levina Stafford

            Miss Caroline Marble

The above named persons together with the following at the close of the afternoon service received the right hand of fellowship by the Pastor

            Miss Susan Dennison             Mr. Joseph Whitamore

            Mrs Mary Holbrook              Mrs. Anstress Whitamore

            Mrs Eunice H. Braybrook      Mr Richard L Hastings

            Miss Martha Holden              Mrs Louisa Hastings

            Mrs. Asenith Shed                  Mrs Eliza Thuston his wife

            Mrs Sarah Sallaway                Miss Rebekah Brigham

            Miss Eliza M Russell             Mrs Lydia Poor

            Miss Eliza Maminy                Miss Lydia Cony

 

January 14, 1835 Wednesday

Our Pastor and Br. Henry Batchelder as delegate attended the Ordination of J.M Sargent over the first Church in Billerica.

 

January 16, 1835 Friday evening

Church met at Vestry, prayer by Pastor, read 16 Chapt, remarks by Pastor.

Committee report on M. M. Tuxbury claims read and accepted.

Treasurers report for 1834 read and accepted.

Report of committee on Treasurers accounts read and accepted.

Voted to choose a committee of three to employ some person or persons to take care of the Meeting House and Vestry and blow the organ.

Voted for that committee J. A. Brabrook, Sam Weston, Isaac Osgood.

 

January 23, 1835 Friday evening

Church met at Vestry,

Prayer by Pastor.

Heard the experience of Mr. Solon Stephens.

Mr. Hall read Psalm 51 and made some remarks, also some remarks by Pastor.

Heard and accepted the Report of the committee chosen to agree with some person to take care of the meeting house for the year ensuing which report was that the lowest bidder should have it which was Br. David G. Hood, price $48 per year [last line illegible].

 

January 30, 1835 Friday Evening

Prayer by the Pastor.

Voted to receive Solon Stephens.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Julius Chamberlain to the Baptist Church in Saco Maine.

Voted to dismiss and recommend Br. Joel Williams and his wife Finetta to the Baptist Church in Mount Holly Vt.

Voted to choose the following persons a committee to make such arrangements respecting the stock in the Meeting house as they may deem proper for the good of the church -

            R. L. Hastings

            Sam Weston

            E. W. Freeman Church Society

            Alva Mansur

            J. M. Manstan

 

February 6, 1835 Friday Evening

Prayer by Pastor

Heard the experience of Samuel C. Oliver

Voted to receive Brother Oliver and his wife Julia Oliver

 

February 13, 1835 Friday Evening

Church met at Vestry, prayer by Pastor

Heard the experience of Edward A. Webb

Heard the experience of Mrs. Mary Corry and Miss Lucy Bean

A few remarks by Pastor exhorting the church to faithfulness

Voted to receive Br. Joseph Taneman from church at Newton

 

February 20, 1835 Friday Eve

At a church Meeting, prayer by Pastor

Heard the experience of Mary E. French

Our Pastor read the 58 Chapt of Isaish and made some remarks setting forth the importance piety and benevolence bring invariably connected the one being a duty we owe to god, the other to one another

Voted to receive Edward A Webb

Voted to receive Miss Lucy Bean

 

February 27, 1835 Friday evening

At a Church meeting

Prayer by Pastor – Miss Sarah Blake related her Christian experience. Pastor read and made some appropriate remarks upon the 17 Chapt of St John. He then read the result of council in Boston of Oct 13th 1834 which was held at the call of a part of the committee of the council which was held in Lowell on the 15^th and 16 of Sept 1834. He made a few remarks on the subject after which it was

Voted unanimously that the church feel fully satisfied with the course which their Pastor the Rev E W Freeman has taken in relation to the difficulties in which he has been involved and with the manner in which he has at this and before made known, the result of the council which was held in October last it having been before presented in substance though not precisely in form, Our Pastor has acted in this thing advisedly and to the entire satisfaction of the Church.

Voted that Deacons Brown, Weston and Oliver be a committee to prepare such regulations for the adoption of the church as may tend to correct any wrong importations which are or may be brought our Pastor or the Church touching these matters.

Vote these measures are adopted not on account of any difficulty in the church or society but on account of interference from abroad.

 

 

 

March 6, 1835 Friday evening

At a Church meeting

Pastor absent, Dea Brown prayed, Dea Weston read 13 Chapt of John

Evening spent in prayer and exhortations by the Brethren, no business

 

March 13 1835 Friday evening

At a Church meeting

Br. Batchelder prayed

Brother Hall read a chapter in Collosians

Pastor sick and absent

Voted to dismiss Sister Lydia French to the Baptist Church in Amherst NH

Voted to receive Miss Sarah Blake if there shall be no objections before the next Baptizing

 

March 20, 1835 Friday evening

At a Church meeting

Prayer by Pastor

Heard the Christian experience of Ursula Hildreth and Sarah Bodwell

Voted to take a collection the first Friday evening in April to raise funds sufficient to square up all demands against the church to the first of April

 

March 27, 1835 Friday evening

At a church meeting

Br. Osgood prayed

Heard the religious experience of Eliza Abbott and Jane Googins

Voted to receive Ursula Hildreth and Sarah Bodwell

Voted to dismiss and recommend Br David G. Hood and his wife Mary Ann Hood to the Baptist Church in Milford NH

 

April 3, 1835 Friday

At a church meeting

Prayer by Pastor

Voted to receive Eliza Abbott and Jane Googins

                                                                                    Henry Batchelder Clk

 

April 10, 1835 Friday

At a church meeting, Pastor prayed, heard the religious experience of Sarah J Russell and Harriett Lufkin and voted to receive them, also voted to receive Ruth Green from first Baptist church in Beverly

Voted that our Pastor nominate a committee to make all necessary arrangements for a place of worship while our Meeting House is undergoing some repairs

Voted for that Committee Deacons Brown and Weston, Isaac Osgood, JA Brabrook and Brother Mullican

                                                                                    H Batchelder Ch Clerk

 

 

April 12, 1835 Sabbath noon

Repaired to the water side when seven received Baptism by our Pastor at which place a grate concourse of spectators were assembled the following and the names of the persons baptized Edward Adolphus Webb, Mary E French, Ursula Hildreth, Sarah Bodwell, Eliza Abbott, Jane Googins, Harriott Lovekin who received the right hand of fellowship on the afternoon of the same day, also the following persons who were received by letter Samuel C Oliver from 2^nd Church in Lowell, Lucy Bean, Sarah Russell, Ruth Green from Bap church in Beverly

Voted to receive Sister Francis Joseph from 2^nd church in Lowell

 

April 17, 1835 Friday

Church met, Prayer by Pastor

Heard the experience of Sister Flanders and Mary Ann Hill

Voted to our Pastor as a part of his salary for the past year all the moneys that may be received as dividends on shares belonging to the Church

 

April 24, 1835 Friday

Church held a spiritual meeting in the Vestry and chose a standing Com.

Voted for that Com Deacons Brown and Weston, RL Hastings, SC Oliver and Isaac Osgood whose duty it shall be to attend to all such business as usually devolve on such committees

Voted that the standing committee appoint two of their number to visit Deacon Mason respecting the transfer of shares formerly belonging to him in the first Baptist Meeting House

 

April 25, 1835 Saturday

At a church meeting Pastor prayed and read a passage of scripture and made some appropriate remarks on the importance of perservering prayer

Voted to receive Sister Almira Flanders and Mary Ann Hill

 

May 1, 1835 Friday Evening

Church met in Vestry

Pastor prayed, then theard the experience of Mary Wright

Voted to defer acting on her case for one month and request the standing Com. to make such inquiries respecting her case as they may think proper

Heard the request of Jonathan Cram and six others

Voted that the standing Com be requested to take into consideration the request of Br J. Cram and others and report at some future meeting

 

May 8, 1835 Friday

Church met at the Vestry, Pastor absent on a journey to the Eastern County, Prayers and exhortations by the Brethren

Voted to hear the report of the Com. on the petition of Br Jonathan Cram and six other Brethren, the report was then read and accepted

Voted to choose a Com of five to meet with the standing Com for the purpose of drafting some regulation such as they might think proper to be adopted by the church at some future meeting

Voted for that Com Henry Batchelder, JA Brabrook, Moody Mansur, Levi Page, Br Bradborn

Voted to take up a collection at the next church meeting the money to be paid into the Treasurer for the purposes of defraying the expenses of our Pastor while in the employ of the Church as agent to purchase shares in the first Baptist Meeeting House

 

May 15, 1835 Friday

Pastor absent on a journey, Prayer and exhortation by Mr Payson, no business

 

May 22, 1835 Friday evening

Pastor absent, Prayer and exhortation by Brethren, no business

 

May 29, 1835 Friday Evening

Church Meeting, Pastor absent, Prayer and exhortation by brethren, no business

 

June 5, 1835 Friday evening

Church met at Vestry, Prayer and exhortation by brethren, no business

 

June 7, 1835 Sabbath day

Pastor returned from a journey East to visit his friends, took the long farewell of his father who died May 12^th 1835

 

June 12, 1835 Friday evening

At church meeting Pastor Prayed

Heard the report of the Com chosen to wait on Brethren Tapley, Doane, Farr, Brown and Carlton

Voted to accept their Report

Voted to dismiss Sabrina R Fessenden formerly Sabrina R Hunt to the Baptist church in Westminster Mass, her letter forwarded by Pastor

Voted to dismiss and recommend Sister Susan R Hoyt formerly Susan R Connen to the Baptist church in South Boston, letter forwarded by Clerk

Instead of hearing the report as above stated three Brethren were chosen a Com to wait on the above named Brethren

Brethren RL Hastings, I Brown, J Mullican

 

June 14, 1835 Sabbath afternoon

Heard the report of the above named committee and accepted the same

Voted that the same brethren Hastings, Brown and Mullican be a committee to make a written communication such as the church shall approve to Brethren Cram, Tapley, Doane, Brown, Farr and Carlton

 

June 19, 1835 Friday evening

At church meeting Br Batchelder prayed, some remarks by Pastor

Voted that the Com Br Page and Mullican who were chosen last Friday to make some inquiries respecting Mary Wright have one such more allowed them before reporting

Voted to receive Ann [blank] who related her experience last Friday evening as a member of this church after she is Baptized

Voted to adopt the communication presented the Church by a Committee chosen by the Church to draft the same as a communication from the Church to Br Jonathan Cram and through him to certain other Brethren as named in the records of June 14 1835

 

June 26, 1835 Friday Evening

At Church Meeting Pastor prayed, Heard the religious experience of Miss Merriam Pease and Miss Eunice Wetham after which a communication from Brothers Tapley, Brown, Farr and Doan was read

Chose Brethren Bradburn, Brown and Mullican a committee to visit the above named Brethren and hear their aggreviances and report to the church at some future meeting whether in their opinion it will be proper for them to have the privilege of relating their aggreviances to the church as they requested in their communication

Chose Brethren Weston and Brabrook and Osgood a committee to agree with some person to take care of the vestry

 

June 28, 1835 Sabbath afternoon

At a church meeting heard the report of the committee chosen to visit Brother Tapley and others

Voted to accept their Report which was in favour of their having a hearing before the church as they requested

Voted that the church hold a special meeting on Wednesday evening next for the purposes of hearing those Brethren

Voted Br Bradburn, Brown and Mullican be a com to notify Brethren Tapley, Brown, Farr, Doan and Carlton in writing of the meeting appointed to hear their aggreviances

Voted the members of the church present be requested to give notice of the spiritual meeting on Wednesday evening next to all members who have not been notified that they may have an opportunity to hear what their Brethren have to say respecting the council pursued by our Pastor touching his moral or Christian character

 

July 1, 1835 Wednesday

At a special meeting of the Church held in the vestry July 1^st 1835 to hear the aggreviances of Brethren Joseph Tapley, Asa Farr, Zenas Doane, Stephen Carlton and George Brown, Pastor Prayed

Chose Deacon Samuel Weston Moderator

Voted that no Brother shall interfere while the above named Brethren are relating their difficulties except by the parties concerned and then only for the purposes of explaining

Brother Tapley commenced his relation of difficulties which occupied the whole evening when the meeting was adjourned to the next evening at ¼ before 8 oclock

 

July 2, 1835 Thursday

Agreeable to adjournment the church met in the vestry, Prayor by Pastor

 

 

When Brethren Zenas Doane, Asa Farr, and George Brown related to the Church their difficulties who were questioned and an explanation given by our Pastor as in the case of Br Tapley

Voted that we do not consider our Pastor the Revd EW Freeman under the Censure of the Church for any cause whatever

Voted to adjourn this meeting till tomorrow evening at ¼ before 8 oclock

 

July 3, 1835 Friday

Agreeable to adjournment the Church met in the Vestry, Prayer by Pastor

Chose Br Stephen Brown Moderator

Br Carlton then related his difficulties before the Church, questions were asked and explanations given our Pastor as in the other cases, our Pastor then addressed those disaffected Brethren and the Church touching existing difficulties in a very kind and affectionate manner in which the importance of Christian charity and forgiving spirit and reconciliable state of feeling amongst Christians especially those of the same church that the adversary of souls may not get the advantage and that the cause of Christ which has long bled in this place may soon ware a different aspect and the Zion of our God once more rise and shine, our Pastor with the Brethren who had related their difficulties then retired and after discussing the subject in the church generally

Voted there be a committee chosen to take into consideration the difficulties of those Brethren and related by them before Church and to draft such resolutions as they may think proper to be adopted by the church at some future meeting

Voted that the Committee consist of the following Brethren

                                                Henry Batchelder

                                                Samuel C Oliver

                                                George S Messenger

                                                Samuel Weston

                                                Levi W. Page

                                                Stephen Brown

                                                Jonathan Cram

                                                Moody Mansur

                                                James S. Bradburn

Voted that this meeting stand adjourned to Friday evening July 10^th 1835 at ¼ before 8 oclock when the Committee are requested to present their resolutions for the adoption of this Church

 

July 10, 1835 Friday

Agreeable to adjournment the church met in the Vestry, Prayer by Pastor

Heard the experience of Lucinda Kimball

Heard the report of Com on Sister Elizabeth Quinn which was that she aught to be excluded

Voted to accept their Report

Voted that our Pastor with the disaffected Brethren be requested to retire for thirty minutes for the purposes of bringing about reconciliation if possible and that the Church spend the same time in prayer

Voted that the Report of the Committee be read

Voted to accept their report except the two last resolutions which were not acted upon

Voted a committee of five brethren to meet in the gallery of the meetinghouse our disaffected brethren and bring about a reconciliation between them and our Pastor if possible

Voted for that Committee Brethren James S Bradburn, Henry Batchelder, Columbus Green, Ebenn Wood, Stephen Ruffan

Voted to choose a committee of three to visit our Sister Stephens

Voted for that Committee Brethren Henry Batchelder, Stephen Brown and Samuel C Oliver

Voted to adjourn this meeting to Tuesday evening next at ¼ before 8 oclock

Members dismissed

 

July 14, 1835 Tuesday

Agreeable to adjournment the Church met in the Vestry, Prayer by Pastor

Heard the Report of the Committee chosen at the last meeting to meet Joseph Tapley and other disaffected Brethren and after due deliberation voted to accept said report, the meeting very solemn

 

July 17, 1835 Friday

At a regular Church meeting Pastor Prayed

Voted that at church meetings for the future when there is no business to be attended to our Brethren be requested to relate their Christian experience

 

 

 

July 24, 1835 Friday

At a regular church meeting Prayer by Paster, no business, our Pastor related his Christian experience

 

July 31, 1835 Friday

Church met, Prayer by Pastor, no business

 

August 7, 1835 Friday

At a regular church meeting Pastor Prayed, then some remarks from Brethren Magoon and Mainard in connection with their Christian experience

Voted to dismiss Levina Stafford and Emily Farnham to unite with some other church of the same faith and order wherever in the providence of God their lot may fall being about to leave town and their future place of residence uncertain, Letters by Pastor, no other business

Voted to receive Miss Nancy Reed by baptism

 

August 14, 1835 Friday

At a regular church meeting heard the experience of Br Ivory Edwards from Sedgewich Maine and Sister Sarah Ann Batchelder from Sanborntown NH whose letters of dismission and recommendation were previously read

Voted to receive Br Edwards and Sister Batchelder, Notice by Clerk

Voted to defer the report of Committtee till next Friday evening

Voted that our Pastor be requested to forward to Sister Melinda Moore ten dollars of the funds of the Church she being sick and in all probability near her end

Voted that a subscription be taken to refund to the church the above named sum of ten dollars

Voted that the expenses of our Pastor while obtaining the Shares in the Meeting house be paid out of the church Treasurer

Voted that Brethren S Brown and Weston and J Bradburn be a committee to wait on Br George Brown to bring about reconciliation if possible

 

August 21, 1835 Friday

At Church meeting Pastor Prayed

1^st Heard the Christian experience of Miss Dubinia Blanchard

2^nd Voted to dismiss Mrs Sarah Jane Gage formerly Russell to the Baptist Church in Washington NH

3^rd Heard the Report of standing committee on the case of Mrs Rebeccah Haywood which recommended that in consequence of her guilty of gross immorality she be excluded from the church

4^th Voted to except the report of committee on the case of Mrs Haywood

5^th Heard the Report of the standing committee on the case of Br Jonathan Cram which recommends that in consequence of his unchristian conduct he should be excluded from the church unless he shall be induced to repent and return to the church

6^th Voted to accept the above report

Voted that the standing committee labour still longer with Br Cram and bring him back to duty if possible

7^th Heard the Report of committee on the case of Mr George Brown, Mr Brown being present made some objections to the Report, the committee then had leave to withdraw their Report, the committee were then discharged

8^th Voted Brethren Floyd Muluan and Green be a committee to attend further to Mr. G Browns case

 

August 28, 1835

Church met in vestry, Pastor Prayed

Heard the Report of standing committee on Br George Browns case and Voted to accept the same

 

September 1, 1835 Tuesday

At a special Meeting of the church Pastor Prayed

The standing committee then read their report on Br Jon Crams case which report was accepted

Voted that we as a church hereby withdraw the hand of fellowship from Mr Jon Cram

 

September 4, 1835 Friday evening

At Church Meeting, Pastor prayed then heard the Christian experience of Theodore Morse, Fanny Wyman, and Sarah Freeman, also Br Andrew Dader and his Wife Sarah M Dader related their Christian experience, the later came from the Nashua Church by letter

Voted that the above Brethren and Sisters be received, also Miss Dulcina Blanchard

 

September 6, 1835 Sabbath morning

Heard the experience of Miss Mary Hamblet by a committee who were united in the opinion that her religious experience is satisfactory and recommend that she receive the ordinance of Baptism today

 

September 6, 1835 Sabbath noon

The congregation assembled at the water side and the ordinance of Baptism was administered be our Pastor to the following persons Theodore Morse, Sarah Freeman, Fanny Wyman, Dulcina Blanchard and Mary Hamblet who after the afternoon service at the communion received the hand of fellowship

 

September 11, 1835 Friday evening

At Church Meeting, Pastor Prayed

Brother S Brown and Br Baley related their Christian experience after which the request of Joseph Tapley and three others dated Sept 8 1835 was read. Then the report of standing Com was read and the following Resolution as presented by said committee was adopted by the Church

Resolved that the subject of the Request of Joseph Tapley and others dated Sept 8 1835 be and the same is by the passing of this resolution indefinitely postponed

                                                In behalf of the committee

                                                                                    RL Hastings Clerk

                                                                                                of said Com

Then Read the Report of Com on case of Sister Stephens

Voted to accept said Report

 

September 18, 1835 Friday

At Church meeting, Br Procter from Vermont prayed

Heard the Christian experience of Mary J Thomas and Timothy Gray

Chose for Delegates to the association of Brethren Samuel C Oliver, Deacon Stephen Brown and Joseph A Brabrook

Chose our Pastor to write the letter to the association

Voted to appropriate two dollars for Minutes

Some remarks by our Pastor, also by Br Procter

This evening the last church meeting attended by our Pastor

 

September 20, 1835 Sabbath day

Our Pastor the Revd Enoch Freeman preached from the following words in the forenoon in apparently good health ~ It is not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord. At the intermission he was taken vomiting but came to the Meeting House in the afternoon, read a hymn, made a short praye,r named another hymn and wished it sung without reading. And unable to perform the remaining services of the afternoon, he gave the notices for the services of the association which was to meet in the first Baptist meetinghouse the same week. Then dismissed the congregation for the last time. He continued vomiting at intervals until near his death. He departed this life on the morning of the 22 of Sept 1835 at about 5 oclock in the Triumphs of faith having a wife and a beloved Church and congregation to mourn his loss. Our Brother was a beloved and faithful Pastor a man possessed of undoubted piety and esteemed as a man and Christian by all who knew him, While sick he was blessed with his reason, bore his sickness with patience, was perfectly resigned to the lords will respecting him, and his last words and dying message to his people was as follows, Tell my people to be Humble, Faithful, Zealous and United in Love. The hymn read by our Pastor at the commencement of the afternoon service was as follows

            Let every mortal ear attend

            And every heart rejoice,

            The trumpet of the Gospel Sounds

            With an inviting voice.

The Ministerial Conference was held at the house of the deceased by his request, it being previously appointed to be held there on Tuesday, the day he died.

On Wednesday the services of the association Com, the season was unusually solemn

On Thursday the deceased was carried to the meeting house, Sermon by the Revnd Barnon Stoiv of Boston, he having been invited by our Pastor a few days previous to preach at the same hour in the same desk, the congregation was very large, the services very solemn after which his remains was conveyed to the old burying ground followed by a very large procession

 

September 25, 1835 Friday

Church meet. in the vestry

Prayer and some remarks by Br Holroyd of Danvers, no business

                                                                                    Henry Batchelder Clerk